Hammers in Germany - Tuesday
WHUFC.com
West Ham United were working hard as they prepare for Wednesday's game with
Rot Weiss Erfurt
24.07.2012
West Ham United continued their pre-season schedule with yet another
hard-working session in Dresden on Tuesday. With the hot sun beaming down,
the players cycled from their hotel to the nearby training ground after
breakfast to take part in a strenuous work-out before completing their
morning's work with a competitive and lively practice game. After lunch and
a rest, it will be more of the same this evening when manager Sam Allardyce
and assistant manager Neil McDonald put the players through a second session
ahead of the tour's opening match with Rot Weiss Erfurt on Wednesday. While
the strikers took the limelight on Monday, it was the turn of the defenders,
including Winston Reid and George McCartney, to take the praise of the
manager during the intense session. George Moncur, who spoke to West Ham TV
earlier on Tuesday, and the other younger members of the squad look likely
to get a run-out on Wednesday so were working hard to catch the eye of the
coaching staff. The training session also attracted some local fans and a
German TV crew, who got the chance to speak to Ricardo Vaz Te about the
game.
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Macca's media day
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald has sat down with a German TV company to talk about West Ham's
United's pre-season tour
24.07.2012
West Ham United's arrival in Dresden has caused quite a stir amongst the
locals as they bid to find out more about their high-profile visitors. After
a police escort from Dresden International Airport to the team hotel in the
German city, assistant manager Neil McDonald sat down with local television
company MDR TV to talk about the Hammers' hopes for their six-day trip. West
Ham will train hard in Germany before facing Rot Weiss Erfurt on Wednesday
evening, Dynamo Dresden in front of a sellout 33,000 crowd on Friday and
Energie Cottbus on Sunday afterrnoon.
Neil, why did you decide to come to Dresden?
NM - "We've tried different countries like Austria and Switzerland. We were
invited to come and play three games in Germany. I came across last month
and the
hotel and facilities are first class so it's nice to be here and we look
forward to the three games."
What do you know about Dresden?
NM - "The club has a long tradition and are an eastern German team in years
gone by and they have played Liverpool and Manchester City in recent times.
They've got a lot of history and are on the up and they have a fantastic
stadium and we're looking forward to playing in front of a big crowd."
Tell us something about West Ham United?
NM - "We've got a tradition of producing our homegrown exciting players
through the youth system and we're hoping that it may continue. We had three
players play last year and we're hoping to have a few more in the ranks this
season and it's great for the supporters to see local players playing in
their team."
Are you excited to be playing in front of such a big crowd in pre-season?
NM - "As a coach, it is exciting to prepare a game in front of 33,000 and
I'm sure a few of the young boys haven't played in front of that amount of
fans before.
We've had a good pre-season and the young lads are progressing well. We've
got a few weeks left and we're happy with how things have gone so far."
What are the main differences between English and German football?
NM - "German football comes across as a very technical game. The English
game is the same but played at a higher tempo so we'll see who comes out on
top."
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Maynard making waves
WHUFC.com
Nicky Maynard is scoring goals and relishing his new role in the West Ham
United lineup
24.07.2012
Nicky Maynard has vowed to keep working hard after another impressive
performance saw him play a pivotal role in the West Ham United's 2-1 win at
Colchester United on Saturday. The forward opened the scoring with a superb
volley - his second pre-season goal after netting a header at Southend
United - before winning a penalty that Mark Noble calmly dispatched for the
eventual winner. Usually a centre forward, Maynard was deployed on the right
side of a front three, and despite it not being his natural position he
insists he's happy to play wherever he is needed. "I've been playing wider
than I usually do," he confirmed to West Ham TV. "The gaffer has said it's
more than likely we will be playing this formation so it's good for me to
get used to the role. "That doesn't mean I won't get chance to play through
the middle, but it's another position for me to learn."
And the 25-year-old, who has jetted off with his team-mates for a week-long
tour to eastern Germany, believes his hard work and willingness is already
reapingrewards as he continues to develop a better understanding of the
players around him. "It's good for me to get used to playing in that area,
it will help me get on the same wavelength as the midfield. We showed it on
Saturday. Me and Mark (Noble) linked well on a few occasions, particularly
for the penalty."
The former Bristol City forward also took a moment to reflect on his goal,
admitting he had learnt from previous situations in which he failed to find
the target.
"We played Cardiff away [in March] and I had a similar chance but I blazed
it over, so I just concentrated on keeping it low and luckily it's bounced
up and hit the back of the net. "It's nice to get another goal and hopefully
I'll be able to get a few more before the season starts."
The club completed the signing of Mali international forward Modibo Maiga
last week, but Maynard refused to believe new signings will bring anything
but positives to the team. "If we play the formation we did today throughout
the season and we've only got three strikers then it's not going to get the
best out of us. "More competition is healthy for the squad, it means it's up
to you to stake a claim and take the chance when you get it. It's great for
the team."
Maynard also paid tribute to the club's decision to begin their pre-season
schedule a week earlier than usual, giving players the opportunity to
steadily build up their fitness ahead of the start of the Barclays Premier
League season on 18 August. "It's a longer pre-season than many teams but we
haven't come in and been expected to be ready. "We've gradually been able to
build out fitness and the lads are really enjoying it and looking forward to
the opener against Aston Villa."
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White is claret and blue
WHUFC.com
Team GB striker and Hammers fan Ellen White is looking forward to London
2012
24.07.2012
She might regularly pull on the red and white of Arsenal, but Team GB
women's striker Ellen White is claret and blue through and through. The
23-year-old is one of six Arsenal Ladies players included in Hope Powell's
squad for the London 2012 Olympic Games - as well as being a lifelong West
Ham United supporter. Aylesbury-born White came through the ranks at Arsenal
before re-joining the club following spells at Chelsea and Leeds Carnegie.
Since her return, she has established herself as the Gunners' first-choice
No9, scoring seven goals in 16 appearances so far during the current FA
Women's Super League season. At international level, White represented
England at age-group level and has now earned 29 senior caps, scoring nine
goals. Team GB drew 0-0 with Sweden in their final warm-up match last Friday
evening and will start their Olympic campaign by taking on New Zealand in
Cardiff on Wednesday. The Ladies will return to the Millennium Stadium to
tackle Cameroon on Saturday 28 July before facing Brazil at Wembley on
Tuesday 31 July.
White spoke to whufc.com ahead to discuss her hopes ahead of London 2012.
Ellen, you were born in Buckinghamshire and have played for Chelsea and
Arsenal, so how did it come to pass that you are a West Ham United fan?
EW - "I know it doesn't make a lot of sense, but my Dad has supported West
Ham since he was young, so me and my brother have taken it on. We try to get
to as many games as possible during the season, which is not as hard as you
might think with the Women's Super League matches being played on Sundays."
Who were your Hammers heroes growing up?
EW - "I used to love Paolo Di Canio, he was awesome. Julian Dicks was also a
bit of a hero of mine with the way he got stuck in, while players like Frank
Lampard were also in my era when I was growing up. At the moment, Ricardo
Vaz Te played really well last season and I like watching Carlton Cole. I'm
also really glad that
James Tomkins is in the men's squad for London 2012."
With 12 nations taking part and England reaching the FIFA Women's World Cup
quarter-finals in 2011, you must have realistic hopes of winning a medal at
London 2012?
EW - "I think we have got a great chance. Our group is pretty tough but we
have got a good team. Our coach keeps saying we need to get out of our group
and try to finish top if we can to give us an easier quarter-final. To be
honest, there is no point in going to the Olympics and not wanting to win
it. It's something completely different and a Team GB will probably never
happen again so all the girls are really excited. We don't want to look too
far forward but we have got to aim for the medals."
As you say, a Team GB is something unique. How have things gone since the
squad met up?
EW - "I think we have got a fantastic squad. We got together on Sunday and
have been gelling really well. Five of the girls are my team-mates at
Arsenal, so I know them really well. It's been a once-in-a-lifetime
experience because I'm going to be playing alongside girls who normally play
for Scotland and Northern Ireland. We have got a great team spirit and
everyone is getting on really well, which can only be a good thing."
I know it's a cliche, but the Olympics and the new Super League can only
help the women's game to grow, can't it?
EW - "Definitely. Having clubs like Arsenal and West Ham supporting their
Ladies' teams can only help them by providing them with backing and
increasing their profiles. The Super League is on a summer break at the
moment and we're unbeaten and eight points clear at the top, so things have
been going well. The World Cup and the Olympics are massive sporting events
and they get great coverage these days, to the women's game is going to
continue to grow."
Finally, when West Ham play Arsenal in the Barclays Premier League this
season, who will you be cheering for?
EW - "I'm a 100 per cent a West Ham fan! I know I play for Arsenal but my
loyalties will always lie with West Ham so I want them to win every time
they play."
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Ravel returns
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 24th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
Ravel Morrison has returned from West Ham United's pre-season tour of
Germany - just 48 hours after the squad left the UK. The 19-year-old
midfielder, who joined West Ham from Manchester United during the last
transfer window confirmed tonight that he had flown home without kicking a
ball in anger. Morrison, who featured in Friday night's 4-1 friendly defeat
at Grays Athletic and was an unused sub at Colchester the following day
insisted however that there was nothing sinister about his early return.
After rumours began to circulate earlier this evennig speculating about the
reasons for his return to England, Morrison insisted that he had left West
Ham's base due to ill health. Speaking via Twitter, he said: "I have not
been sent home, I'm just really Ill. Thanks for everyone that's said get
well soon."
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Not Even a Good Twitter Rumour to Report
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
* Ravel Morrison has flown home from the pre season tour of East Germany.
Apparently with Sam's permission. Hmmm.
* Former West Ham defender Kenny Brown has been appointed assistant manager
at Barnet. His teammate from the early 1990s, Mark Robson, is manager.
* Barnet's West Ham connection has been further strengthened by the signing
of former Hammers youth team member Anthony Edgar from Yeovil.
* Demba Ba is said to be the target of a bid by Russian side Rubin Kazan.
No, me neither.
* WBA's Swedish defender Jonas Olsson has said he would relish the chance to
play in London. Go figure.
* Joey Barton is on Sam Allardyce's shopping list.
* Not really. Just wanted to get you going.
* And that's what I am reduced to tonight. Nothing else happening.
* Still, we can look forward to tomorrow night's friendly at Rot Weiss
Essen. Jawohl, mein Lieber.
* Er, goodnight.
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Callin' Collins
The Sun
Published: Today at 00:02
WEST HAM want James Collins back — for £2million. The defender, 28, joined
the Hammers from Cardiff in 2005 before signing for Aston Villa.
Villa boss Paul Lambert is set to let Collins go if he can find a
replacement.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, July 25
Tuesday, July 24
Daily WHUFC News - 24th July 2012
Hammers sign Spiegel
WHUFC.com
Switzerland U20 goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel has agreed a three-year deal with
West Ham United
23.07.2012
West Ham United are delighted to confirm the signing of promising young
goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel from Grasshopper Club Zurich for an undisclosed
fee. Spiegel, a Switzerland Under-20 international, has signed a contract
until 2015 with an option for a further year and will arrive at Chadwell
Heath this week. The 19-year-old has represented his country at U17, U18,
U19 and U20 level and is regarded as one of his country's outstanding
prospects. The 6'3 tall goalkeeper's most-recent international appearance
saw him keep a clean sheet in a 1-0 U20 friendly victory in Portugal in
April 2012 - his second cap at that age-group level. Previously, he made
four appearances for Switzerland's U19s and travelled to the FIFA U17 World
Cup finals in Nigeria in 2009. Despite his tender years, Spiegel has already
amassed a decent amount of first-team experience at club level, appearing 17
times for SC Bruhl SG in the Swiss Challenge League - the second highest
tier in his homeland - last season. The previous two campaigns saw Spiegel
play a combined 41 games for Grasshopper Club's second team in the 1.Liga -
the third tier of Swiss football. The teenager is expected to provide
support and cover for senior goalkeepers and fellow summer recruits Jussi
Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson as Sam Allardyce shapes up his squad for
the new Barclays Premier League season.
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Touch down in Germany
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is hoping for a memorable week as West Ham United arrived in
Germany on Monday
23.07.2012
Sam Allardyce is looking forward to an exciting week ahead after West Ham
United landed in Germany on Monday afternoon. Big Sam, the rest of the
coaching staff and the first-team squad touched down slightly later than
planned in Dresden at the start of a six day tour that will include three
matches and intense training sessions in the sunshine. The Hammers will kick
off their trip with a friendly game against Rot Weiss Erfurt on Wednesday
evening before games against Dynamo Dresden on Friday and Energie Cottbus on
Sunday. "We know we are in for a series of tough games and have already had
some difficult games against teams from the lower leagues in England this
pre-season," Allardyce said. "We will not be taking any of the games
lightly."
Kevin Nolan was a welcome sight as the team assembled at the airport early
on Monday morning after he was forced off early in the first half of 2-1
victory against Colchester United on Saturday. After initial tests on the
West Ham United captain's foot showed promising news, he has travelled with
the team to Germany with further results expected later in the week. Nolan
was joined by the full complement of first-team players with only James
Tomkins and Mohamed Diame missing due to their Olympic football commitments.
Modibo Maiga is expected to join up with the squad later in the week after
signing on Thursday as the Hammers gear up for games in front of sell-out
crowds with hundreds of Hammers fans expected to turn out alongside the
large home support.
"We are all really looking forward to the games and the huge number of
spectators coming is exciting. We have brought a very strong squad with us
to Germany, with a few youngsters coming in to aid their development as
well. "I am hoping the fans will see some strong performances and hopefully
there will be some exciting games for everyone to watch."
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Kenzer revels in Torch Relay
WHUFC.com
Kenzer Lee has told of his pride at carrying the Olympic Torch through the
streets of his native east London
23.07.2012
Kenzer Lee has hailed carrying the Olympic Torch as one of the best
experiences of his life. The West Ham United first-year professional became
one of the 8,000 lucky runners to take part in the Torch Relay when he ran
along Dagenham Heathway on Sunday afternoon. After passing the Torch on to
the next runner, the Beckton-born centre-back caught up with young reporter
and Hammers supporter Willis Jamieson to talk about his big moment and his
hopes of breaking into Sam Allardyce's first-team squad this season.
How did it feel carrying the Olympic Torch?
KL: It was a great experience, unbelievable the amount of people that turned
up to line the route. There was a great atmosphere. When I got dropped off
by the Torchbearers coach to my waiting spot, my family were there to get
photos of me, then loads of others were crowding round to have their photos
taken, it was an amazing experience.
How did you get chosen?
KL: My sister put my name forward first of all, which was accepted. Then I
had to write an application about myself and it went through a number of
other stages and eventually I was told I was successful. I was an Olympic
Torchbearer!
You said that scoring the winner for West Ham United against Wolverhampton
Wanderers in last season's FA Youth Cup was the best feeling ever - how does
this compare?
KL: To be fair I think the Torch Relay just edged it. Carrying the Olympic
Torch is something I will never experience again, and an experience I'll
always treasure. Hopefully I will end up scoring lots of times for West Ham,
but that can never be repeated.
What are you looking forward to most about the Olympics?
KL: The track events interest me the most, the 100m and 200m competitions
are always good and I'm really looking forward to watching Usain Bolt
perform.
If we can find out about more about you now, tell us about your life before
West Ham United?
KL: I was quite late getting into football. I only really started playing at
the age of ten. I played Sunday league football for Royal Falcons in Beckton
for a year and then I got scouted by West Ham while playing for my school
team. I was playing in the year above and with that team we won the National
Cup which is when I was noticed by the West Ham scout.
You were also scouted by Tottenham Hotspur and Millwall, so how did it make
you feel having so many clubs wanting you?
KL: Well, I was quite young and of course it was exciting, but being young
my Dad was making the decisions and as soon as West Ham showed interest I
wasn't going to go anywhere else. I didn't know the scout was watching so
after the game he spoke to my Dad. On the way home Dad told me West Ham
wanted me to go over there - it felt really good!
Which player do you most liken yourself to?
KL: I don't know really, I suppose I'd like to think someone like [Chelsea
and England centre-back] Gary Cahill.
Since Sam Allardyce has been at the club it seems the Academy players mix a
lot more with the first team. How has that been for you?
KL: It's a great experience to play in front of him. We all try our best to
impress him, you have to treat each training session as if it's your last
especially if he is watching as we all want to impress him.
Which other young players do you think might make a good impression on him
and make a step up to the first team?
KL: Well Rob Hall and Dan Potts are both quality and we've already seen them
a bit last season, but I think we'll see more of them this time round. A few
others have the chance of making an impression - Matthias Fanimo, Blair
Turgott and Leo Chambers are all excellent players… and you never know,
hopefully myself.
Do you think you're in with a chance of making your first-team debut this
season?
Yes, why not? I just need to make sure I perform in training, perform when
the right people are watching me and if I do get the chance, maybe in the
Carling Cup, then I need to take my chance. I'd love to get a run in the
first team, maybe the Carling Cup is the most likely first of all. I might
end up going on loan, but I am working at getting into the first team as
soon as I can really.
*Follow Willis Jamieson on twitter @WillisJamieson
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West Ham sign a third 'keeper
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 23rd July 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have moved to snap up a third goalkeeper within the space of
just six months. 19-year-old Raphael Spiegel, a Swiss youth international
has signed a three-year contract with the Hammers, joining Jussi
Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson - who both signed permanent deals earlier
in pre-season - at the club.
Effectively replacing the outgoing Marek Stech - who has joined Yeovil Town
- and Peter Kurucz, who has been on trial with Crystal Palace, Spiegal has
moved to London from Grasshoppers for an undisclosed fee. Despite his tender
years the youngster has already made 58 first team appearances in
Switzerland's second and third tier for the Zurich club's reserve team and
SC Bruhl.
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Trio keen on Barca gem
Club hierarchy to discuss Deulofeu's future
By Francisco Acedo & Graeme Bailey. Last Updated: July 23, 2012 2:59pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands that Liverpool, West Ham United and Queens Park
Rangers have all expressed an interest in Barcelona starlet Gerard Deulofeu.
The 19-year-old is regarded as one of the top prospects within the club's
youth system and has a contract to 2014. However, the young winger is
believed to want to play first-team football next year having spent the last
few seasons with Barca's B side. He is due to return to training this week
having helped Spain's Under-19 side to their second successive European
crown.
Contact
And, with Barca ready to open talks with him about his future, a host of
clubs have now made contact, including Liverpool, West Ham and QPR. Barca
are not believed to be considering a sale, but are looking at whether to
loan him or promote him to the first team. New first team coach Tito
Vilanova and sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta are due to meet this week
to discuss Deulofeu's future. Sources close to the player have indicated in
the local press he would prefer to stay in his native Catalunya. Deulofeu
made his senior debut for Barca last term, featuring twice under Pep
Guardiola.
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Hammers sign Swiss keeper
Spiegel to provide cover for Jaaskelainen and Henderson
Last Updated: July 23, 2012 1:00pm
SSN
West Ham United have improved their goalkeeping options by signing Swiss
youngster Raphael Spiegel from Grasshoppers for an undisclosed fee. Spiegel
has agreed a three-year contract with the Premier League club, with the
option of a further year, and is due to link up with the Hammers later this
week. The Switzerland Under 20 international has represented his country at
various youth levels and is regarded as one of their leading prospects. He
has previously featured for Grasshoppers' second team in the third tier of
Swiss football and last season had a loan spell with second division club SC
Bruhl SG. The 19-year-old will provide cover in Sam Allardyce's squad for
senior keepers Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson. Jaaskelainen joined
West Ham on a free transfer from Bolton Wanderers earlier in the summer,
while Henderson finalised a permanent move after finishing last season on
loan from Portsmouth.
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Leeds Try to Nick Maynard & Other Stories
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
So Leeds have put in a bid for Nicky Maynard. Cheeky buggers. It has been
rejected but I'd imagine they will persist. We haven't really seen enough of
Maynard yet to judge whether he will cut it in the Premier League, but
unless they are offering silly money (unlikely) I can't really see any
justification for considering getting rid of him. Same with Sam Baldock. The
only thing that would change my mind on that is if we brought in three
strikers of obviously superior quality.
Jermaine Defoe, eh? Last time I speculated on his return I was almost hung,
drawn and quartered. This time, I suspect more of you would agree with me
that we ought to jump at getting him back. Rumour is, however, that he is
not keen to move back to East London and may be looking to head west to
Queen's Park Rangers. That way lies madness, but it's a path quite a few
players are taking at the moment. He's 29 now, but would still command a fee
of £5 million I imagine. Jordan Rhodes or Jermaine Defoe. Hmmm. Difficult
one.
Robert Snodgrass, the Leeds winger, is the subject of a bid by Norwich City.
He is someone who we have been rumoured to be interested in, but then again,
we're supposedly also after a Barcelona winger on loan, as well as a Spanish
defender and striker.
And today we signed a young Swiss goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel from
Grasshoppers Zurich. He's 19 and has represented his country at very level
apart from the senior side. That makes 3 new goalkeepers and means it is
unlikely we'll be signing an established keeper like Paul Robinson. I assume
that means Stephen Henderson is seen as the Number One. Or not.
The first team has departed for a three match tour of Germany today. The
Hammers' first match is a friendly against Rot Weiss Erfurt on Wednesday
evening before games against Dynamo Dresden on Friday and finally, Energie
Cottbus on Sunday.
PS I'm very proud of that headline!
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Welcome, young Grasshopper: West Ham sign teenage keeper Raphael Spiegel
from Swiss side
The Mirror
West Ham have signed teenage goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel from Swiss side
Grasshoppers for an undisclosed fee, the newly-promoted Barclays Premier
League side have announced. The 19-year-old, who is a Switzerland Under-20
international, has penned a three-year contract until 2015 with an option
for a further year and will arrive at the club this week. The 6ft 3in
custodian made 17 appearances for Swiss second tier side SC Bruhl SG last
season, having played 41 games in the previous two campaigns for
Grasshoppers' second team in the third tier. Spiegel is expected to provide
back-up to senior goalkeepers Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson, who
both joined the Hammers this summer following the club's promotion from the
npower Championship. West Ham have also brought in defender George
McCartney, midfielder Mohamed Diame and forward Modibo Maiga as manager Sam
Allardyce shapes his squad for the new campaign.
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Will the real Barry Hearn stand up – and go away
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 23rd July 2012
By: Mr Preview Percy
The recent bout of sunshine has brought Preview Percy out of his close
season hibernation and he's fed up with the moveable feast that is Barry
Hearn...
Let me get a couple of things out of the way first. The Olympic Stadium – I
haven't a clue whether we should move there or not. This is simply because
for all the statements that come from the club which tell us all wonderful
it will all be when we get there, nobody is allowed to say how such Nirvana
is to be achieved due to "confidentiality". Fair enough but until I have
enough information on which to base an opinion I'll hang on until forming
one.
Secondly, I have no axe to grind with Leyton Orient fans per se – to be
honest I struggle to reach mild indifference as far as they're concerned.
No, it's Barry Hearn who gets on my nerves.
Hearn is a man of principle, it has to be said. The trouble is that he seems
to have more than most in that department – and they tend to change pretty
frequently. Throughout the whole Olympic process, at various times he has
been in favour of taking it over for his club, in favour of Spurs taking it
over, then nobody taking it over.
Until recently the place was said to be "totally unfit" for football before
the most recent change of mind saw Hearn revert back to his opening position
of wanting to move in, apparently totally oblivious to the irony of his club
making a move into another borough. Presumably his gracious invitation to
the club already located in the borough in question to share the place is
designed to disguise that particular logical inconsistency.
Hearn's latest pronouncement does rather plumb new depths though:
"I had a Martin Luther King moment. I had a dream. We are a community club
and we tick a lot of boxes. We are debt-free and have a sensible business
plan. I looked at the Olympic Stadium and said 'why not?'. If our dream is
shared by those people that are in charge of the Olympic facilities, who's
to say what can be achieved? Is it about money legacy, or the real ethos of
the Olympic Games, which is the community aspect?"
Now I realise that the world of sports promotion is prone to hyperbole and
that those involved are not exactly backward in blowing their own trumpets.
However to compare oneself to a Nobel Peace Prize winner who spent his life
– and indeed lost it - campaigning against injustice when your contribution
to the world in which we live includes 'Snooker Loopy' is a bit crass, to
say the least.
Still, he's doing it all for the "community" which must make it alright
surely? Well pardon me for being suspicious, but whenever I hear someone
wealthy use the word "community" my sensors start to twitch. You see, all
too often that word is used to cover a multitude of sins.
You know the sort of thing: "Yes, we're building the nuclear waste plant two
feet from your baby's window but the risk of polonium poisoning is minuscule
when you consider the wider benefits to the community" (translation – yes
it'll be full of radioactive waste but the council is getting shedloads of
money for allowing them to build it there).
Now I'll admit I'm one of life's more cynical coves so I took a step back
from it all thinking "maybe it's just me". However I'm not alone in holding
this opinion. My ally is a surprising one (or, more accurately if you've
been paying attention thus far, a totally unsurprising one). Speaking a few
years back guess who said:
"At the end of the day if someone is misguided enough to think I'm going to
risk my personal fortune for a football club then they should be in a funny
farm. I'm going to put enough in to keep it going and hopefully to have some
fun myself. It's quite selfish. I'm doing this for Barry Hearn. I'm not
doing it for the fans. The number of chairmen who say 'I'm doing it for the
community' - to be honest that's a load of b******s. I'm doing this for me
and I think that's the fans' best hope. I'm never going to fall out of love
with me."
For all Hearn's blustering about the effect of West Ham United moving a few
hundred yards closer to Brisbane Road (and if I were an Orient fan I'd feel
a bit insulted at the suggestion that I wouldn't already be able to find my
way the extra 0.9 miles to the Boleyn if I wanted to) the suggestion has to
be that Hearn's interest in the whole affair is governed more by the
sentiments expressed in his 2006 interview than his 2012 pronouncement -
especially given the fact that it's a matter of record that Hearn would be
the major beneficiary of any sale of Brisbane Road.
If Leyton Orient do go out of business after any move that we make it won't
be our fault – though we'll make a damn good diversionary scapegoat. Hearn
constantly states that their current attendances do not make the club a
viable prospect but conveniently omits the fact that we're on their doorstep
already.
He's fond of quoting the old "Tesco moving next door to the corner shop"
analogy. However given we moved into the Boleyn well before they nicked
Brisbane Road, perhaps a better comparison would be the grumpy old sod who
moves next door to Tesco, opens up a crap corner shop that nobody uses then
complains when they move to the house on the other side.
I have a dream, my a*se...
So do us some favours Barry.
1) If you must open your mouth on subjects other than the dodgy pub games
you make a living from, try and be consistent. Look up on the web to see
what your position was last week - it'll save everyone time in the long run;
2) Stop pretending that your position is prompted by altruistic motives.
Everyone knows they're not, you know that everyone knows that they're not
and it's an insult to everyone's intelligence to suggest otherwise;
3) If you do have to make public pronouncements, pick someone more suitable
to compare yourself to than someone who died defending human rights. And
finally;
4) If you want to curry favour with the public why not locate and destroy
every copy of 'Snooker Loopy' ever pressed. It won't put you in Martin
Luther King's league but it'll make the community a better place – which is
all you are after, isn't it..?
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Arsenal's Park and West Ham striker Piquionne wanted by Saudi club Al Halil
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 23:01, 23 July 2012 | UPDATED: 23:01, 23 July 2012
Daily MAil
Al Halil are keen on Arsenal striker Park Chu-young, 27, and West Ham
striker Frederic Piquionne, 33. The Saudi club, who have also made an offer
for Manchester City's Kolo Toure, want to take Piquionne on a free transfer
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Switzerland U20 goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel has agreed a three-year deal with
West Ham United
23.07.2012
West Ham United are delighted to confirm the signing of promising young
goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel from Grasshopper Club Zurich for an undisclosed
fee. Spiegel, a Switzerland Under-20 international, has signed a contract
until 2015 with an option for a further year and will arrive at Chadwell
Heath this week. The 19-year-old has represented his country at U17, U18,
U19 and U20 level and is regarded as one of his country's outstanding
prospects. The 6'3 tall goalkeeper's most-recent international appearance
saw him keep a clean sheet in a 1-0 U20 friendly victory in Portugal in
April 2012 - his second cap at that age-group level. Previously, he made
four appearances for Switzerland's U19s and travelled to the FIFA U17 World
Cup finals in Nigeria in 2009. Despite his tender years, Spiegel has already
amassed a decent amount of first-team experience at club level, appearing 17
times for SC Bruhl SG in the Swiss Challenge League - the second highest
tier in his homeland - last season. The previous two campaigns saw Spiegel
play a combined 41 games for Grasshopper Club's second team in the 1.Liga -
the third tier of Swiss football. The teenager is expected to provide
support and cover for senior goalkeepers and fellow summer recruits Jussi
Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson as Sam Allardyce shapes up his squad for
the new Barclays Premier League season.
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Touch down in Germany
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is hoping for a memorable week as West Ham United arrived in
Germany on Monday
23.07.2012
Sam Allardyce is looking forward to an exciting week ahead after West Ham
United landed in Germany on Monday afternoon. Big Sam, the rest of the
coaching staff and the first-team squad touched down slightly later than
planned in Dresden at the start of a six day tour that will include three
matches and intense training sessions in the sunshine. The Hammers will kick
off their trip with a friendly game against Rot Weiss Erfurt on Wednesday
evening before games against Dynamo Dresden on Friday and Energie Cottbus on
Sunday. "We know we are in for a series of tough games and have already had
some difficult games against teams from the lower leagues in England this
pre-season," Allardyce said. "We will not be taking any of the games
lightly."
Kevin Nolan was a welcome sight as the team assembled at the airport early
on Monday morning after he was forced off early in the first half of 2-1
victory against Colchester United on Saturday. After initial tests on the
West Ham United captain's foot showed promising news, he has travelled with
the team to Germany with further results expected later in the week. Nolan
was joined by the full complement of first-team players with only James
Tomkins and Mohamed Diame missing due to their Olympic football commitments.
Modibo Maiga is expected to join up with the squad later in the week after
signing on Thursday as the Hammers gear up for games in front of sell-out
crowds with hundreds of Hammers fans expected to turn out alongside the
large home support.
"We are all really looking forward to the games and the huge number of
spectators coming is exciting. We have brought a very strong squad with us
to Germany, with a few youngsters coming in to aid their development as
well. "I am hoping the fans will see some strong performances and hopefully
there will be some exciting games for everyone to watch."
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Kenzer revels in Torch Relay
WHUFC.com
Kenzer Lee has told of his pride at carrying the Olympic Torch through the
streets of his native east London
23.07.2012
Kenzer Lee has hailed carrying the Olympic Torch as one of the best
experiences of his life. The West Ham United first-year professional became
one of the 8,000 lucky runners to take part in the Torch Relay when he ran
along Dagenham Heathway on Sunday afternoon. After passing the Torch on to
the next runner, the Beckton-born centre-back caught up with young reporter
and Hammers supporter Willis Jamieson to talk about his big moment and his
hopes of breaking into Sam Allardyce's first-team squad this season.
How did it feel carrying the Olympic Torch?
KL: It was a great experience, unbelievable the amount of people that turned
up to line the route. There was a great atmosphere. When I got dropped off
by the Torchbearers coach to my waiting spot, my family were there to get
photos of me, then loads of others were crowding round to have their photos
taken, it was an amazing experience.
How did you get chosen?
KL: My sister put my name forward first of all, which was accepted. Then I
had to write an application about myself and it went through a number of
other stages and eventually I was told I was successful. I was an Olympic
Torchbearer!
You said that scoring the winner for West Ham United against Wolverhampton
Wanderers in last season's FA Youth Cup was the best feeling ever - how does
this compare?
KL: To be fair I think the Torch Relay just edged it. Carrying the Olympic
Torch is something I will never experience again, and an experience I'll
always treasure. Hopefully I will end up scoring lots of times for West Ham,
but that can never be repeated.
What are you looking forward to most about the Olympics?
KL: The track events interest me the most, the 100m and 200m competitions
are always good and I'm really looking forward to watching Usain Bolt
perform.
If we can find out about more about you now, tell us about your life before
West Ham United?
KL: I was quite late getting into football. I only really started playing at
the age of ten. I played Sunday league football for Royal Falcons in Beckton
for a year and then I got scouted by West Ham while playing for my school
team. I was playing in the year above and with that team we won the National
Cup which is when I was noticed by the West Ham scout.
You were also scouted by Tottenham Hotspur and Millwall, so how did it make
you feel having so many clubs wanting you?
KL: Well, I was quite young and of course it was exciting, but being young
my Dad was making the decisions and as soon as West Ham showed interest I
wasn't going to go anywhere else. I didn't know the scout was watching so
after the game he spoke to my Dad. On the way home Dad told me West Ham
wanted me to go over there - it felt really good!
Which player do you most liken yourself to?
KL: I don't know really, I suppose I'd like to think someone like [Chelsea
and England centre-back] Gary Cahill.
Since Sam Allardyce has been at the club it seems the Academy players mix a
lot more with the first team. How has that been for you?
KL: It's a great experience to play in front of him. We all try our best to
impress him, you have to treat each training session as if it's your last
especially if he is watching as we all want to impress him.
Which other young players do you think might make a good impression on him
and make a step up to the first team?
KL: Well Rob Hall and Dan Potts are both quality and we've already seen them
a bit last season, but I think we'll see more of them this time round. A few
others have the chance of making an impression - Matthias Fanimo, Blair
Turgott and Leo Chambers are all excellent players… and you never know,
hopefully myself.
Do you think you're in with a chance of making your first-team debut this
season?
Yes, why not? I just need to make sure I perform in training, perform when
the right people are watching me and if I do get the chance, maybe in the
Carling Cup, then I need to take my chance. I'd love to get a run in the
first team, maybe the Carling Cup is the most likely first of all. I might
end up going on loan, but I am working at getting into the first team as
soon as I can really.
*Follow Willis Jamieson on twitter @WillisJamieson
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West Ham sign a third 'keeper
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 23rd July 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have moved to snap up a third goalkeeper within the space of
just six months. 19-year-old Raphael Spiegel, a Swiss youth international
has signed a three-year contract with the Hammers, joining Jussi
Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson - who both signed permanent deals earlier
in pre-season - at the club.
Effectively replacing the outgoing Marek Stech - who has joined Yeovil Town
- and Peter Kurucz, who has been on trial with Crystal Palace, Spiegal has
moved to London from Grasshoppers for an undisclosed fee. Despite his tender
years the youngster has already made 58 first team appearances in
Switzerland's second and third tier for the Zurich club's reserve team and
SC Bruhl.
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Trio keen on Barca gem
Club hierarchy to discuss Deulofeu's future
By Francisco Acedo & Graeme Bailey. Last Updated: July 23, 2012 2:59pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands that Liverpool, West Ham United and Queens Park
Rangers have all expressed an interest in Barcelona starlet Gerard Deulofeu.
The 19-year-old is regarded as one of the top prospects within the club's
youth system and has a contract to 2014. However, the young winger is
believed to want to play first-team football next year having spent the last
few seasons with Barca's B side. He is due to return to training this week
having helped Spain's Under-19 side to their second successive European
crown.
Contact
And, with Barca ready to open talks with him about his future, a host of
clubs have now made contact, including Liverpool, West Ham and QPR. Barca
are not believed to be considering a sale, but are looking at whether to
loan him or promote him to the first team. New first team coach Tito
Vilanova and sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta are due to meet this week
to discuss Deulofeu's future. Sources close to the player have indicated in
the local press he would prefer to stay in his native Catalunya. Deulofeu
made his senior debut for Barca last term, featuring twice under Pep
Guardiola.
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Hammers sign Swiss keeper
Spiegel to provide cover for Jaaskelainen and Henderson
Last Updated: July 23, 2012 1:00pm
SSN
West Ham United have improved their goalkeeping options by signing Swiss
youngster Raphael Spiegel from Grasshoppers for an undisclosed fee. Spiegel
has agreed a three-year contract with the Premier League club, with the
option of a further year, and is due to link up with the Hammers later this
week. The Switzerland Under 20 international has represented his country at
various youth levels and is regarded as one of their leading prospects. He
has previously featured for Grasshoppers' second team in the third tier of
Swiss football and last season had a loan spell with second division club SC
Bruhl SG. The 19-year-old will provide cover in Sam Allardyce's squad for
senior keepers Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson. Jaaskelainen joined
West Ham on a free transfer from Bolton Wanderers earlier in the summer,
while Henderson finalised a permanent move after finishing last season on
loan from Portsmouth.
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Leeds Try to Nick Maynard & Other Stories
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
So Leeds have put in a bid for Nicky Maynard. Cheeky buggers. It has been
rejected but I'd imagine they will persist. We haven't really seen enough of
Maynard yet to judge whether he will cut it in the Premier League, but
unless they are offering silly money (unlikely) I can't really see any
justification for considering getting rid of him. Same with Sam Baldock. The
only thing that would change my mind on that is if we brought in three
strikers of obviously superior quality.
Jermaine Defoe, eh? Last time I speculated on his return I was almost hung,
drawn and quartered. This time, I suspect more of you would agree with me
that we ought to jump at getting him back. Rumour is, however, that he is
not keen to move back to East London and may be looking to head west to
Queen's Park Rangers. That way lies madness, but it's a path quite a few
players are taking at the moment. He's 29 now, but would still command a fee
of £5 million I imagine. Jordan Rhodes or Jermaine Defoe. Hmmm. Difficult
one.
Robert Snodgrass, the Leeds winger, is the subject of a bid by Norwich City.
He is someone who we have been rumoured to be interested in, but then again,
we're supposedly also after a Barcelona winger on loan, as well as a Spanish
defender and striker.
And today we signed a young Swiss goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel from
Grasshoppers Zurich. He's 19 and has represented his country at very level
apart from the senior side. That makes 3 new goalkeepers and means it is
unlikely we'll be signing an established keeper like Paul Robinson. I assume
that means Stephen Henderson is seen as the Number One. Or not.
The first team has departed for a three match tour of Germany today. The
Hammers' first match is a friendly against Rot Weiss Erfurt on Wednesday
evening before games against Dynamo Dresden on Friday and finally, Energie
Cottbus on Sunday.
PS I'm very proud of that headline!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Welcome, young Grasshopper: West Ham sign teenage keeper Raphael Spiegel
from Swiss side
The Mirror
West Ham have signed teenage goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel from Swiss side
Grasshoppers for an undisclosed fee, the newly-promoted Barclays Premier
League side have announced. The 19-year-old, who is a Switzerland Under-20
international, has penned a three-year contract until 2015 with an option
for a further year and will arrive at the club this week. The 6ft 3in
custodian made 17 appearances for Swiss second tier side SC Bruhl SG last
season, having played 41 games in the previous two campaigns for
Grasshoppers' second team in the third tier. Spiegel is expected to provide
back-up to senior goalkeepers Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson, who
both joined the Hammers this summer following the club's promotion from the
npower Championship. West Ham have also brought in defender George
McCartney, midfielder Mohamed Diame and forward Modibo Maiga as manager Sam
Allardyce shapes his squad for the new campaign.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Will the real Barry Hearn stand up – and go away
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 23rd July 2012
By: Mr Preview Percy
The recent bout of sunshine has brought Preview Percy out of his close
season hibernation and he's fed up with the moveable feast that is Barry
Hearn...
Let me get a couple of things out of the way first. The Olympic Stadium – I
haven't a clue whether we should move there or not. This is simply because
for all the statements that come from the club which tell us all wonderful
it will all be when we get there, nobody is allowed to say how such Nirvana
is to be achieved due to "confidentiality". Fair enough but until I have
enough information on which to base an opinion I'll hang on until forming
one.
Secondly, I have no axe to grind with Leyton Orient fans per se – to be
honest I struggle to reach mild indifference as far as they're concerned.
No, it's Barry Hearn who gets on my nerves.
Hearn is a man of principle, it has to be said. The trouble is that he seems
to have more than most in that department – and they tend to change pretty
frequently. Throughout the whole Olympic process, at various times he has
been in favour of taking it over for his club, in favour of Spurs taking it
over, then nobody taking it over.
Until recently the place was said to be "totally unfit" for football before
the most recent change of mind saw Hearn revert back to his opening position
of wanting to move in, apparently totally oblivious to the irony of his club
making a move into another borough. Presumably his gracious invitation to
the club already located in the borough in question to share the place is
designed to disguise that particular logical inconsistency.
Hearn's latest pronouncement does rather plumb new depths though:
"I had a Martin Luther King moment. I had a dream. We are a community club
and we tick a lot of boxes. We are debt-free and have a sensible business
plan. I looked at the Olympic Stadium and said 'why not?'. If our dream is
shared by those people that are in charge of the Olympic facilities, who's
to say what can be achieved? Is it about money legacy, or the real ethos of
the Olympic Games, which is the community aspect?"
Now I realise that the world of sports promotion is prone to hyperbole and
that those involved are not exactly backward in blowing their own trumpets.
However to compare oneself to a Nobel Peace Prize winner who spent his life
– and indeed lost it - campaigning against injustice when your contribution
to the world in which we live includes 'Snooker Loopy' is a bit crass, to
say the least.
Still, he's doing it all for the "community" which must make it alright
surely? Well pardon me for being suspicious, but whenever I hear someone
wealthy use the word "community" my sensors start to twitch. You see, all
too often that word is used to cover a multitude of sins.
You know the sort of thing: "Yes, we're building the nuclear waste plant two
feet from your baby's window but the risk of polonium poisoning is minuscule
when you consider the wider benefits to the community" (translation – yes
it'll be full of radioactive waste but the council is getting shedloads of
money for allowing them to build it there).
Now I'll admit I'm one of life's more cynical coves so I took a step back
from it all thinking "maybe it's just me". However I'm not alone in holding
this opinion. My ally is a surprising one (or, more accurately if you've
been paying attention thus far, a totally unsurprising one). Speaking a few
years back guess who said:
"At the end of the day if someone is misguided enough to think I'm going to
risk my personal fortune for a football club then they should be in a funny
farm. I'm going to put enough in to keep it going and hopefully to have some
fun myself. It's quite selfish. I'm doing this for Barry Hearn. I'm not
doing it for the fans. The number of chairmen who say 'I'm doing it for the
community' - to be honest that's a load of b******s. I'm doing this for me
and I think that's the fans' best hope. I'm never going to fall out of love
with me."
For all Hearn's blustering about the effect of West Ham United moving a few
hundred yards closer to Brisbane Road (and if I were an Orient fan I'd feel
a bit insulted at the suggestion that I wouldn't already be able to find my
way the extra 0.9 miles to the Boleyn if I wanted to) the suggestion has to
be that Hearn's interest in the whole affair is governed more by the
sentiments expressed in his 2006 interview than his 2012 pronouncement -
especially given the fact that it's a matter of record that Hearn would be
the major beneficiary of any sale of Brisbane Road.
If Leyton Orient do go out of business after any move that we make it won't
be our fault – though we'll make a damn good diversionary scapegoat. Hearn
constantly states that their current attendances do not make the club a
viable prospect but conveniently omits the fact that we're on their doorstep
already.
He's fond of quoting the old "Tesco moving next door to the corner shop"
analogy. However given we moved into the Boleyn well before they nicked
Brisbane Road, perhaps a better comparison would be the grumpy old sod who
moves next door to Tesco, opens up a crap corner shop that nobody uses then
complains when they move to the house on the other side.
I have a dream, my a*se...
So do us some favours Barry.
1) If you must open your mouth on subjects other than the dodgy pub games
you make a living from, try and be consistent. Look up on the web to see
what your position was last week - it'll save everyone time in the long run;
2) Stop pretending that your position is prompted by altruistic motives.
Everyone knows they're not, you know that everyone knows that they're not
and it's an insult to everyone's intelligence to suggest otherwise;
3) If you do have to make public pronouncements, pick someone more suitable
to compare yourself to than someone who died defending human rights. And
finally;
4) If you want to curry favour with the public why not locate and destroy
every copy of 'Snooker Loopy' ever pressed. It won't put you in Martin
Luther King's league but it'll make the community a better place – which is
all you are after, isn't it..?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal's Park and West Ham striker Piquionne wanted by Saudi club Al Halil
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 23:01, 23 July 2012 | UPDATED: 23:01, 23 July 2012
Daily MAil
Al Halil are keen on Arsenal striker Park Chu-young, 27, and West Ham
striker Frederic Piquionne, 33. The Saudi club, who have also made an offer
for Manchester City's Kolo Toure, want to take Piquionne on a free transfer
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, July 23
Daily WHUFC News - 23rd July 2012
Cole happy with Colchester win
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole was glad to see West Ham United get back to winning ways at
Colchester United
21.07.2012
Carlton Cole is pleased to see everyone putting in the hard work during
pre-season as West Ham United get ready for the new Barclays Premier League
campaign ahead. The Hammers ran out 2-1 winners against Colchester United on
Saturday thanks to Nicky Maynard's opener and Mark Noble scoring from the
penalty spot. Cole was involved in the build-up to Maynard's goal and he
explained afterwards that he is happy with how the Hammers' attacking play
is coming together at this early stage of the season. "It was nice to see us
do that link-up early in the pre-season," Cole said. "This is what we need -
to be a tight unit as early as possible and I think that will see us
confident for the start of the season. "We have players who are not yet fit,
those who are away on Olympic duty and hopefully new players to come in, so
by the time they are here, they can all gel in nicely. "It was a tough game
but that is what you want. It was a good game and a nice new stadium to play
in. There was a good atmosphere and they had lots of fans but once again we
also had terrific support from our fans. It was good to see and meet them."
The only negative of the game was captain Kevin Nolan going off in the first
half with a toe injury, but that enabled young defender Dan Potts to make
his return to the side after missing Tuesday's friendly at Oxford United
with a head injury picked up at Southend United last weekend. The results of
Nolan's scan on Saturday night are still being prepared but Cole is wishing
his skipper well. "Hopefully Kev will be ok, if not for the very next game
but after that. He is a strong lad, so hopefully he will be ok."
With the new 2012/13 season now just under four weeks away, thoughts are
already turning to the first game at home to Aston Villa with the manager
and Joint-Chairmen working hard to bring in new additions to the squad
before then. For Cole, who scored West Ham's opener in the Hammers' Play-Off
final victory against Blackpool, goals and targets for the season ahead are
being discussed. But for now, it is all about getting fit and getting
through the rest of pre-season. "People are talking about the new season -
we have Premier League players and you have to be ambitious. But to get to
mid-table in our first season back and then look to progress from there is
what you would be looking at. "You want to replicate the likes of Norwich
and Swansea, who did well, and when you look, at Queens Park Rangers
surviving, all the newly promoted teams stayed up. We are looking to try and
do the same. "The gaffer [Sam Allardyce] and the club are working hard to
bring new players in. The manager knows how he wants to improve us before
the start of the season and I am sure he will do that."
Cole and his fellow senior pros have been joined on the pitch in pre-season
by a few of the Hammers up-and-coming Academy stars. With their promotion to
first-team duties, Cole is now viewed as one of the senior members of the
squad - a role he is relishing.. "Yeah, I am one of the older - slightly
older - players now. We have a few young boys in and around the squad and
all I can do is to help and guide them with my experience like I was given.
I missed a couple of games early on and had to do a bit of catch-up, but now
feeling good and I'm looking forward to the next few games."
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Dev Squad return to winning ways
WHUFC.com
Ian Hendon hailed his young side after they recorded a 2-1 pre-season
victory at Thurrock on Saturday
21.07.2012
Ian Hendon has hailed the application of his West Ham United Development
Squad as they bounced back to winning ways with a 2-1 pre-season victory at
Thurrock.
Less than 24 hours after being defeated 4-1 at Grays Athletic, leaving their
coach feeling disappointed, the players showed greater resolve,
determination and talent to overcome their Ryman League Premier Division
opponents. Republic of Ireland youth international Kieran Sadlier (pictured)
was the star of the show, scoring twice, while Declan Hunt and Frazer Shaw
were among those who also garnered praise from Hendon. "We were a lot better
than we were on Friday night," said the coach. "Thurrock only managed to
score with a wonder-strike from outside the box that wrong-footed our
goalkeeper, but other than that I was pleased. "Kieran has scored two goals
and we were a lot more competitive than we were on Friday at Grays. I think
the lads who played or watched that game realised what is expected of them.
"They are good footballers but they have got to work hard and graft and earn
the right to play. If they do that, then they can show their talent because
we have got good players. "I was pleased to get a reaction from them because
I don't want to have to blow my top at them every time we play because then
it won't have any effect. "Playing at Grays as they opened their new stadium
- the stadium where the fans had come out to see us and where we will play
our home games this season - I think the occasion got to some of them.
"Hopefully now they have got that out of their systems and we will see more
of what we saw on Saturday at Thurrock during the season to come. "It wasn't
the prettiest of games at Thurrock but it was a tough test and we came
through it."
Aside from Sadlier, Hendon had warm words for Hunt, who has recently
returned to action after missing the whole of last season through injury,
and full-back Shaw.
"Declan was making his second start back after year out and he did well in
the middle of midfield. He came through an hour as planned looking nice and
strong. Frazer did well at left-back, too." The Development Squad continue
their busy pre-season schedule with a trip to Blue Square Bet Premier side
Dartford, and Hendon is challenging his players to rise to the challenge
again. "They are a Conference side so we will have to step it up a bit. If
we match their work-rate and battle then we will be fine."
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Cole - Hammers can survive
Striker says top flight new boys can emulate other newly promoted clubs
Last Updated: July 22, 2012 8:40pm
SSN
West Ham striker Carlton Cole is confident his newly promoted Hammers side
can survive in the Premier League. Cole scored the opener in the
Championship play-off final against Blackpool at Wembley to help clinch
promotion for the East London outfit at the first time of asking. The
England international says West Ham's primary goal for the forthcoming
season will be survival and believes his side can draw inspiration from
other promoted teams who have gone on to cement their top flight status in
recent campaigns.
Survival aim
"You want to replicate the likes of Norwich and Swansea, who did well, and
when you look at Queens Park Rangers surviving, all the newly promoted sides
stayed up," Cole said. "We are trying to do the same. "But to get mid-table
in our first season back and then look to progress from there is what you
are looking at." West Ham kick-off their Premier League term against Aston
Villa on Saturday 18 August.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers still looking at duo
Kazim-Richards and Mohsni set to go on trip to Germany
Last Updated: July 22, 2012 12:53pm
SSN
West Ham United are hoping to take former Sheffield United forward Colin
Kazim-Richards and Southend United defender Bilel Mohsni on the club's
pre-season trip to Germany. Kazim-Richards, who is currently on the books of
Galatasaray after a loan spell at Olympiakos last season, and Mohsni have
been training with the Hammers for the last few days. Turkey international
Kazim-Richards played the first half of the 2-1 friendly win over Colchester
United on Saturday, while the versatile Mohsni appeared in the second
period. The pair will be given another opportunity to impress after
assistant manager Neil McDonald confirmed the players are set to travel to
Germany.
Boost
"Colin did all right," McDonald told the club's official website. "He's been
training with us for a few days and he's going to come with us to Germany,
so we'll have a good look at him there. "Our first impressions are that he's
not too bad. "Bilel has been in for a couple of days as well and I think
he's going to come to Germany as well. "We're having a good look at players
to try to complement the squad and boost it up, so we will see how that
goes." The Hammers are scheduled to play Rot-Weiss Erfurt, Dynamo Dresden
and Energie Cottbus during next week's trip to Germany.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Does Mo Diame Afford Us Different Options in Midfield?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
In signing Mo Diame, we have acquired a good quality defensive midfielder. A
player that can shield the defence and give our forwards the added assurance
of solid covering play. Does that mean that we can push the likes of Noble
and Nolan in to more advanced positions or contemplate the introduction of
Jack Collison and Ravel Morrison? What do you think could be some of the
diferent midfield options that Sam Allardyce might be able to expore this
season? Do the likes of Gary O'Neill and Joey O'Brien have a 'work horse
role' to play this season, especially away from home? Could a player like
George Moncur force his way in to first team contention before the end of
the campaign?
Up front, there is speculation that Allardyce might bid for Jermaine Defoe.
Putting aside old anatagonisms, is not Defoe the type of proven PL goal
scorer that we need? It would also open up the prospect of a very
interesting front three, revolving principally around the selection of Vaz
Te, Defoe, Cole and Maiga. Indeed, might Allardyce finally have the
pre-requisite players to implement a successful 4-3-3 formation. Or are
there still concerns that we do not have enough width? Vaz Te and Maiga can
both play in wide positions, but do we need to recruit at least one
conventional wide player? If it is a matter of resources, we already have
players that can play wide-left, so should we prioritise a wide right player
or, preferably, a player like Man City's Adam Johnston that can operate on
either flank?
In defence, where do we need to strengthen? Could we not afford to go with
McCartney, Potts or Taylor at left-back? Is the priority a good right-back
and at least one centre-back to add cover and crucial competition for
places? Might Jordan Spence not contribute to our improved defensive
solidarity by finally 'stepping up to the plate,' in first team terms, and
providing increased options at both right-back and centre half?
Finally, are we happy with the replacements for Robert Green? Can we go into
the new season with Stephen Henderson and Jussi or should we consider
recruiting a third keeper as extra assurance? If so, which keeper should we
target?
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Southend United's Bilel Mohsni to stay with West Ham United for tour of
Germany
Echo
11:56pm Sunday 22nd July 2012 in Sport By Chris Phillips
BILEL Mohsni will stay with West Ham United for their tour of Germany, which
starts on Monday. The Frenchman, who is with the Hammers on trial from
Southend United, has already played for Sam Allardyce's side against both
Grays Athletic and Colchester United. And he is now relishing the prospect
of spending another week with the Premier League newcomers. "I've been
enjoying the trial and I've learnt a lot here already so I'm very pleased to
be staying here for longer now," said Mohsni. "It's been good to play and
train with their first team players and I think it's definitely helping me
to become a better player. "Hopefully I can keep on improving and can do
enough to get a move to West Ham because being in the biggest league would
be fantastic for me."
Mohsni played the full game for a young Hammers side at Grays Athletic on
Friday night and endured a mixed evening at the heart of the back four. The
Frenchman put the home-side ahead with an inadvertent own goal but, despite
also scoring for West Ham late on, he could not stop his team suffering a
4-1 defeat. However, a far stronger Hammers side were more successful at
Colchester the following day as they recorded a 2-1 triumph at the Community
Stadium. Mohsni played the final 30 minutes in attack and lashed a couple of
long range shots over the target in the closing stages. But he now hopes to
make even more of an impression in Germany as West Ham play three times in
quick succession. The Hammers face FC Rot-Weib Erfurt on Wednesday, Dynamo
Dresden on Friday and FC Energie Cottbus on Sunday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 'eye Spurs' Jermain Defoe after Andy Carroll miss'
Metro.co.uk
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has reportedly turned his attention to Spurs'
Jermain Defoe, after accepting he will not be able to sign Liverpool's Andy
Carroll.
Allardyce is determined to bring in an experienced Premier League striker
before the transfer window closes and had hoped to take advantage of the
uncertainty surrounding Carroll's future at Anfield to sign him on loan.
Liverpool have made it clear they are only prepared to consider a permanent
move for the ex-Newcastle forward, and he is well out of the Hammers' price
range.
Allardyce now plans to speak to Tottenham about Defoe's availability,
reports the Daily Star Sunday. The 29-year-old started just 11 Premier
League games under Harry Redknapp last season and is not certain to be in
Andre Villas-Boas' plans this term. He is understood to be considering his
options and a return to Upton Park, where he spent five years early in his
career, may be an attractive prospect. Should Defoe end up back at West Ham,
he will link up with Mali international Modibo Maiga, who joined the Hammers
from Sochaux last week.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham well fancied to stay up despite defensive question marks
Ladbrokes.co.uk
Despite accumulating fewer points than Reading and Southampton in the
Championship last season and showing less ambition in the transfer market,
West Ham are rated less likely to be relegated on their Premier League
return than both. In fact, there are five teams considered to be in greater
danger of the drop than the 9/4-rated Irons, including a Swansea side (9/5)
who finished 11th in 2011/12 and have already made three fairly high-profile
signings this summer.
West Ham have added five players in this window but two were already at the
club on loan and the others are replacing those released, so they currently
have a thinner squad than the one that wasn't entirely convincing in gaining
promotion. And it isn't like everyone arriving has been an obvious
improvement on those that previously played in their positions. Mohamed
Diame seems an upgrade on Papa Bouba Diop and new forward Modibo Maiga will
need to flop spectacularly to fail to outshine John Carew, but losing star
man Robert Green for 37-year-old Bolton reserve Jussi Jaaskelainen is a
worry.
Also concerning is the lack of numbers at the back, which was an issue last
term yet feels even more troubling following the departure of Abdoulaye Faye
and James Tomkin's call-up to the Great Britain Olympic football team. The
result is that Winston Reid is the only first-team centre back at their
disposal at present, and ideally two alternatives need to be recruited
before the start of the campaign. There is still plenty of time to get more
bodies on board, however the problem is that West Ham's most appetising run
of games comes in the first few weeks, so they need to be at full strength
to fully capitalise on those opportunities. Fail to make the most of it and
they could find themselves in a similar situation to Aston Villa, who drew a
lot of winnable early matches a year ago and were ultimately sentenced to a
season-long struggle.
It is mildly ironic therefore that Villa are West Ham's visitors on the
opening day, in an encounter that Sam Allardyce's side are rated 6/5
favourites to win.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole was glad to see West Ham United get back to winning ways at
Colchester United
21.07.2012
Carlton Cole is pleased to see everyone putting in the hard work during
pre-season as West Ham United get ready for the new Barclays Premier League
campaign ahead. The Hammers ran out 2-1 winners against Colchester United on
Saturday thanks to Nicky Maynard's opener and Mark Noble scoring from the
penalty spot. Cole was involved in the build-up to Maynard's goal and he
explained afterwards that he is happy with how the Hammers' attacking play
is coming together at this early stage of the season. "It was nice to see us
do that link-up early in the pre-season," Cole said. "This is what we need -
to be a tight unit as early as possible and I think that will see us
confident for the start of the season. "We have players who are not yet fit,
those who are away on Olympic duty and hopefully new players to come in, so
by the time they are here, they can all gel in nicely. "It was a tough game
but that is what you want. It was a good game and a nice new stadium to play
in. There was a good atmosphere and they had lots of fans but once again we
also had terrific support from our fans. It was good to see and meet them."
The only negative of the game was captain Kevin Nolan going off in the first
half with a toe injury, but that enabled young defender Dan Potts to make
his return to the side after missing Tuesday's friendly at Oxford United
with a head injury picked up at Southend United last weekend. The results of
Nolan's scan on Saturday night are still being prepared but Cole is wishing
his skipper well. "Hopefully Kev will be ok, if not for the very next game
but after that. He is a strong lad, so hopefully he will be ok."
With the new 2012/13 season now just under four weeks away, thoughts are
already turning to the first game at home to Aston Villa with the manager
and Joint-Chairmen working hard to bring in new additions to the squad
before then. For Cole, who scored West Ham's opener in the Hammers' Play-Off
final victory against Blackpool, goals and targets for the season ahead are
being discussed. But for now, it is all about getting fit and getting
through the rest of pre-season. "People are talking about the new season -
we have Premier League players and you have to be ambitious. But to get to
mid-table in our first season back and then look to progress from there is
what you would be looking at. "You want to replicate the likes of Norwich
and Swansea, who did well, and when you look, at Queens Park Rangers
surviving, all the newly promoted teams stayed up. We are looking to try and
do the same. "The gaffer [Sam Allardyce] and the club are working hard to
bring new players in. The manager knows how he wants to improve us before
the start of the season and I am sure he will do that."
Cole and his fellow senior pros have been joined on the pitch in pre-season
by a few of the Hammers up-and-coming Academy stars. With their promotion to
first-team duties, Cole is now viewed as one of the senior members of the
squad - a role he is relishing.. "Yeah, I am one of the older - slightly
older - players now. We have a few young boys in and around the squad and
all I can do is to help and guide them with my experience like I was given.
I missed a couple of games early on and had to do a bit of catch-up, but now
feeling good and I'm looking forward to the next few games."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dev Squad return to winning ways
WHUFC.com
Ian Hendon hailed his young side after they recorded a 2-1 pre-season
victory at Thurrock on Saturday
21.07.2012
Ian Hendon has hailed the application of his West Ham United Development
Squad as they bounced back to winning ways with a 2-1 pre-season victory at
Thurrock.
Less than 24 hours after being defeated 4-1 at Grays Athletic, leaving their
coach feeling disappointed, the players showed greater resolve,
determination and talent to overcome their Ryman League Premier Division
opponents. Republic of Ireland youth international Kieran Sadlier (pictured)
was the star of the show, scoring twice, while Declan Hunt and Frazer Shaw
were among those who also garnered praise from Hendon. "We were a lot better
than we were on Friday night," said the coach. "Thurrock only managed to
score with a wonder-strike from outside the box that wrong-footed our
goalkeeper, but other than that I was pleased. "Kieran has scored two goals
and we were a lot more competitive than we were on Friday at Grays. I think
the lads who played or watched that game realised what is expected of them.
"They are good footballers but they have got to work hard and graft and earn
the right to play. If they do that, then they can show their talent because
we have got good players. "I was pleased to get a reaction from them because
I don't want to have to blow my top at them every time we play because then
it won't have any effect. "Playing at Grays as they opened their new stadium
- the stadium where the fans had come out to see us and where we will play
our home games this season - I think the occasion got to some of them.
"Hopefully now they have got that out of their systems and we will see more
of what we saw on Saturday at Thurrock during the season to come. "It wasn't
the prettiest of games at Thurrock but it was a tough test and we came
through it."
Aside from Sadlier, Hendon had warm words for Hunt, who has recently
returned to action after missing the whole of last season through injury,
and full-back Shaw.
"Declan was making his second start back after year out and he did well in
the middle of midfield. He came through an hour as planned looking nice and
strong. Frazer did well at left-back, too." The Development Squad continue
their busy pre-season schedule with a trip to Blue Square Bet Premier side
Dartford, and Hendon is challenging his players to rise to the challenge
again. "They are a Conference side so we will have to step it up a bit. If
we match their work-rate and battle then we will be fine."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cole - Hammers can survive
Striker says top flight new boys can emulate other newly promoted clubs
Last Updated: July 22, 2012 8:40pm
SSN
West Ham striker Carlton Cole is confident his newly promoted Hammers side
can survive in the Premier League. Cole scored the opener in the
Championship play-off final against Blackpool at Wembley to help clinch
promotion for the East London outfit at the first time of asking. The
England international says West Ham's primary goal for the forthcoming
season will be survival and believes his side can draw inspiration from
other promoted teams who have gone on to cement their top flight status in
recent campaigns.
Survival aim
"You want to replicate the likes of Norwich and Swansea, who did well, and
when you look at Queens Park Rangers surviving, all the newly promoted sides
stayed up," Cole said. "We are trying to do the same. "But to get mid-table
in our first season back and then look to progress from there is what you
are looking at." West Ham kick-off their Premier League term against Aston
Villa on Saturday 18 August.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers still looking at duo
Kazim-Richards and Mohsni set to go on trip to Germany
Last Updated: July 22, 2012 12:53pm
SSN
West Ham United are hoping to take former Sheffield United forward Colin
Kazim-Richards and Southend United defender Bilel Mohsni on the club's
pre-season trip to Germany. Kazim-Richards, who is currently on the books of
Galatasaray after a loan spell at Olympiakos last season, and Mohsni have
been training with the Hammers for the last few days. Turkey international
Kazim-Richards played the first half of the 2-1 friendly win over Colchester
United on Saturday, while the versatile Mohsni appeared in the second
period. The pair will be given another opportunity to impress after
assistant manager Neil McDonald confirmed the players are set to travel to
Germany.
Boost
"Colin did all right," McDonald told the club's official website. "He's been
training with us for a few days and he's going to come with us to Germany,
so we'll have a good look at him there. "Our first impressions are that he's
not too bad. "Bilel has been in for a couple of days as well and I think
he's going to come to Germany as well. "We're having a good look at players
to try to complement the squad and boost it up, so we will see how that
goes." The Hammers are scheduled to play Rot-Weiss Erfurt, Dynamo Dresden
and Energie Cottbus during next week's trip to Germany.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Does Mo Diame Afford Us Different Options in Midfield?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
In signing Mo Diame, we have acquired a good quality defensive midfielder. A
player that can shield the defence and give our forwards the added assurance
of solid covering play. Does that mean that we can push the likes of Noble
and Nolan in to more advanced positions or contemplate the introduction of
Jack Collison and Ravel Morrison? What do you think could be some of the
diferent midfield options that Sam Allardyce might be able to expore this
season? Do the likes of Gary O'Neill and Joey O'Brien have a 'work horse
role' to play this season, especially away from home? Could a player like
George Moncur force his way in to first team contention before the end of
the campaign?
Up front, there is speculation that Allardyce might bid for Jermaine Defoe.
Putting aside old anatagonisms, is not Defoe the type of proven PL goal
scorer that we need? It would also open up the prospect of a very
interesting front three, revolving principally around the selection of Vaz
Te, Defoe, Cole and Maiga. Indeed, might Allardyce finally have the
pre-requisite players to implement a successful 4-3-3 formation. Or are
there still concerns that we do not have enough width? Vaz Te and Maiga can
both play in wide positions, but do we need to recruit at least one
conventional wide player? If it is a matter of resources, we already have
players that can play wide-left, so should we prioritise a wide right player
or, preferably, a player like Man City's Adam Johnston that can operate on
either flank?
In defence, where do we need to strengthen? Could we not afford to go with
McCartney, Potts or Taylor at left-back? Is the priority a good right-back
and at least one centre-back to add cover and crucial competition for
places? Might Jordan Spence not contribute to our improved defensive
solidarity by finally 'stepping up to the plate,' in first team terms, and
providing increased options at both right-back and centre half?
Finally, are we happy with the replacements for Robert Green? Can we go into
the new season with Stephen Henderson and Jussi or should we consider
recruiting a third keeper as extra assurance? If so, which keeper should we
target?
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Southend United's Bilel Mohsni to stay with West Ham United for tour of
Germany
Echo
11:56pm Sunday 22nd July 2012 in Sport By Chris Phillips
BILEL Mohsni will stay with West Ham United for their tour of Germany, which
starts on Monday. The Frenchman, who is with the Hammers on trial from
Southend United, has already played for Sam Allardyce's side against both
Grays Athletic and Colchester United. And he is now relishing the prospect
of spending another week with the Premier League newcomers. "I've been
enjoying the trial and I've learnt a lot here already so I'm very pleased to
be staying here for longer now," said Mohsni. "It's been good to play and
train with their first team players and I think it's definitely helping me
to become a better player. "Hopefully I can keep on improving and can do
enough to get a move to West Ham because being in the biggest league would
be fantastic for me."
Mohsni played the full game for a young Hammers side at Grays Athletic on
Friday night and endured a mixed evening at the heart of the back four. The
Frenchman put the home-side ahead with an inadvertent own goal but, despite
also scoring for West Ham late on, he could not stop his team suffering a
4-1 defeat. However, a far stronger Hammers side were more successful at
Colchester the following day as they recorded a 2-1 triumph at the Community
Stadium. Mohsni played the final 30 minutes in attack and lashed a couple of
long range shots over the target in the closing stages. But he now hopes to
make even more of an impression in Germany as West Ham play three times in
quick succession. The Hammers face FC Rot-Weib Erfurt on Wednesday, Dynamo
Dresden on Friday and FC Energie Cottbus on Sunday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 'eye Spurs' Jermain Defoe after Andy Carroll miss'
Metro.co.uk
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has reportedly turned his attention to Spurs'
Jermain Defoe, after accepting he will not be able to sign Liverpool's Andy
Carroll.
Allardyce is determined to bring in an experienced Premier League striker
before the transfer window closes and had hoped to take advantage of the
uncertainty surrounding Carroll's future at Anfield to sign him on loan.
Liverpool have made it clear they are only prepared to consider a permanent
move for the ex-Newcastle forward, and he is well out of the Hammers' price
range.
Allardyce now plans to speak to Tottenham about Defoe's availability,
reports the Daily Star Sunday. The 29-year-old started just 11 Premier
League games under Harry Redknapp last season and is not certain to be in
Andre Villas-Boas' plans this term. He is understood to be considering his
options and a return to Upton Park, where he spent five years early in his
career, may be an attractive prospect. Should Defoe end up back at West Ham,
he will link up with Mali international Modibo Maiga, who joined the Hammers
from Sochaux last week.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham well fancied to stay up despite defensive question marks
Ladbrokes.co.uk
Despite accumulating fewer points than Reading and Southampton in the
Championship last season and showing less ambition in the transfer market,
West Ham are rated less likely to be relegated on their Premier League
return than both. In fact, there are five teams considered to be in greater
danger of the drop than the 9/4-rated Irons, including a Swansea side (9/5)
who finished 11th in 2011/12 and have already made three fairly high-profile
signings this summer.
West Ham have added five players in this window but two were already at the
club on loan and the others are replacing those released, so they currently
have a thinner squad than the one that wasn't entirely convincing in gaining
promotion. And it isn't like everyone arriving has been an obvious
improvement on those that previously played in their positions. Mohamed
Diame seems an upgrade on Papa Bouba Diop and new forward Modibo Maiga will
need to flop spectacularly to fail to outshine John Carew, but losing star
man Robert Green for 37-year-old Bolton reserve Jussi Jaaskelainen is a
worry.
Also concerning is the lack of numbers at the back, which was an issue last
term yet feels even more troubling following the departure of Abdoulaye Faye
and James Tomkin's call-up to the Great Britain Olympic football team. The
result is that Winston Reid is the only first-team centre back at their
disposal at present, and ideally two alternatives need to be recruited
before the start of the campaign. There is still plenty of time to get more
bodies on board, however the problem is that West Ham's most appetising run
of games comes in the first few weeks, so they need to be at full strength
to fully capitalise on those opportunities. Fail to make the most of it and
they could find themselves in a similar situation to Aston Villa, who drew a
lot of winnable early matches a year ago and were ultimately sentenced to a
season-long struggle.
It is mildly ironic therefore that Villa are West Ham's visitors on the
opening day, in an encounter that Sam Allardyce's side are rated 6/5
favourites to win.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, July 22
Daily WHUFC News - 22nd July 2012
Macca on Colchester victory
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald told West Ham TV he was pleased with the way the Hammers
played in Saturday's success
21.07.2012
Neil McDonald has told West Ham TV he was pleased with the way the Hammers
played in Saturday's 2-1 pre-season victory at Colchester United. The
Hammers defeated their npower League One opponents thanks to first-half
goals from Nicky Maynard and Mark Noble, who converted from the penalty spot
after the lively Maynard had been brought down. Assistant manager McDonald
hailed the nature of the victory while also discussing captain Kevin Nolan's
toe injury and revealing that trialists Colin Kazim-Richards and Bilel
Mohsni will join the squad on their pre-season tour to Germany this week.
Macca, what was your assessment of the performance at Colchester United?
NMc - "I thought the first half was excellent. We really moved the ball well
and created chances. Our first goal was really good - good build-up play, a
good cross, good knock-down and Nicky was in the right place at the right
time to score. We split their defence open a few times and it was
disappointing that Nicky got brought down because I would like to have seen
him in a one-on-one situation as I'm sure he would have slotted it away. It
was a lot better and a lot brighter and sharper.
We still have lots to do but the psychological barrier has been broken
because a lot of them played a full 90 minutes."
What did you make of the performances of the two trialists Colin
Kazim-Richards and Bilel Mohsni?
NMc - "Colin did all right. He's been training with us for a few days and
he's going to come with us to Germany so we'll have a good look at him
there. Our first impressions are that he's not too bad. Bilel has been in
for a couple of days as well and I think he's going to come to Germany as
well. We're having a good look at players to try to complement the squad and
boost it up so we will see how that goes."
Captain Kevin Nolan was forced off after injuring his toe in the first
minute. What is the prognosis?
NMc - "We will assess that over the next 24 hours. It is sore, but we're
hoping that it's just bruising and fingers crossed it's nothing worse than
that. He doesn't come off the pitch lightly so we've got to get it checked
out and we will have more information later on."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Colchester 1-2 West Ham United FT
WHUFc.com
Nicky Maynard and Mark Noble are on target as the Hammers record a deserved
win in north Essex
21.07.2012
Colchester United v West Ham United
Pre-season match
Weston Homes Community Stadium
Saturday 21 July 2012
Kick-off: 3pm
Final score - Colchester United 1-2 West Ham United
91 mins - Colchester win a late corner and the ball drops to Gilbey. He is
leaning back and is slightly off-balance as he shoots and the ball loops
well wide. The referee blows for full-time and that's it. West Ham record a
victory. The Hammers are off to Germany on Monday for three further
pre-season games. We'll have highlights and reaction from those three
matches, and today's game, on whufc.com and West Ham TV shortly.
88 mins - Oh! So close to an equaliser as Wright's low shot hits the outside
of the post after the substitute had run inside Reid and shot with his right
foot.
87 mins - Heath lets fly from 25 yards but his shot goes well wide.
84 mins - OK, as we enter the final stages it has been an improved West Ham
display. They have attacked with purpose and, one moment aside, defended
strongly and in an assured manner. Just as importantly, a number of senior
players have got a full 90 minutes under their belts.
82 mins - West Ham love an overlap at the moment. Taylor gets down the right
and holds up before dragging the ball behind him for Spence, who wins a
corner. Taylor himself takes and Cousins makes another assured catch. He's
had a good game, has the Colchester goalkeeper.
81 mins - Okounghae is replaced by Aldred.
80 mins - Close again. Taylor overlaps Maynard and tries to chip the cross
to the far post, but Cousins makes the catch.
78 mins - Nice from Potts, who races around Vaz Te before nutmegging Wright
as he makes his way into the box. Unfortunately, his low cross hits a pair
of legs and Colchester survive. Moments later, Mohsni helps on the ball
first-time for O'Neil, but the No32's touch lets him down as he tries to
beat the last defender.
76 mins - Demel is replaced by Jordan Spence.
75 mins - Mohsni raises some cheers with a pass to Potts with the old one
foot behind the other pass. I can't really explain it any better than that.
West Ham win a corner, but it's cleared.
74 mins - The crowd here today is 7,985, with 2,960 of them in the West Ham
end.
71 mins - The changes have not actually altered the game too much.
Colchester are pushing for an equaliser, but West Ham's back four is
standing firm. The Hammers are still carrying a decent threat too. Taylor
pokes the pass through for Maynard but it's just too strong. Maynard gets a
toe to the ball, but Cousins blocks before grabbing it at the second
attempt.
67 mins - Three more changes from the hosts with Wilson, Wordsworth and
Sears replaced by White, Rose and Gilbey.
67 mins - Kieran Sadlier has put the Development Squad back in front with
his second goal of the game. Back here, Demel just overruns the ball after a
marauding run down the right. His cross comes over and Mohsni slams the shot
over the bar.
65 mins - Half-chance for Mohsni as the cross comes over to the far post
from O'Neil following a good run from Taylor. The substitute rises but his
header is too strong and flies back across the face of goal and out for a
goal kick.
64 mins - Slight controversy as Sears goes down as he tries to go past Demel
inside the penalty area. Nothing given by the referee and the follow-up shot
flies over.
62 mins - We're going to see Mohsni in a few moments. He scored at both ends
for the Development Squad last night and will wear the No10 shirt this
afternoon. He is on now for Carlton Cole.
60 mins - Colchester force three corners in quick succession. The third is
caught well by Jaaskelainen.
59 mins - Four changes from Colchester. Bean, O'Toole, Morrison and Eastman
are off, with Bond, Izzet, Heath and Wright coming on.
58 mins - I understand there is a lot of speculation about Kevin Nolan. We
will get an update from the medical staff after the game and post it on
whufc.com as soon as anything is confirmed. I can tell you that he is
sitting on the bench watching the game with his team-mates.
54 mins - Strong play from Cole to win a corner. Taylor will whip it in
left-footed. He does, but Cousins is there to make the catch. Colchester
break but Potts defends well against Henderson. The left-back is looking
good in pre-season.
52 mins - Potts fouls Morrison. The free-kick is taken by Wordsworth, but
it's too close to Jaaskelainen and the Finn catches high above his head.
50 mins - Henderson and Wilson create some space down the Colchester right
before the full-back crosses deep. Morrison rises and heads the ball into
the back of Demel, but he'd already been whistled for a push on the Ivorian.
48 mins - There was a PA announcement just before the half-time break ended
telling people to move their cards from the services on the other side of
the A12. Presumably, Kazim-Richards and Duguid had both parked there...
46 mins - Noble lofts the free-kick over and Reid's header loops and just
clears Cousins and the crossbar. The No12 for Colchester is Henderson, who
is listed as No16 on the teamsheet.
Both teams have brought on a substitute apiece. For West Ham, Vaz Te is on
for Kazim-Richards. For Colchester, Duguid has gone off with the No12 coming
on.
Half-time score - Colchester United 1-2 West Ham United
46 mins - That's half-time. Well, Colchester started the brighter before
Maynard scored slightly against the run of play. West Ham took control and
doubled their lead through Noble's penalty. The home side did not give up
the battle, however, and were rewarded with Wordsworth's goal, which will
make things interesting after the break. However, we can expect to see
plenty of changes from both managers. We will also try to get an upate on
Nolan's injury, but it may well be too early to get a full diagnosis.
44 mins - Nice, patient build up from the men in claret and blue involving
no fewer than six players. Maynard tries to prod the ball through to Cole,
but his run is bent the other way and the chance is lost.
43 mins - Half-time is approaching and Big Sam will want this side to
reassert their dominance. Colchester are pushing at present looking for an
equaliser.
39 mins - GOAL! Colchester have a goal back through Wordsworth. The initial
break looked to have been snuffed out by Reid's tackle, but the ball was
worked back to O'Toole, whose low cross was controlled and finished low past
Jaaskelainen by the No22.
36 mins - Time for a drink as Demel has the physio on, but his trot along
the touchline is more successful than Nolan's and he'll be back on in a few
seconds.
34 mins - Instant response from Colchester, who force two quick corners. The
second is headed goalwards by Morrison, but Jaaskelainen makes a routine
catch.
32 mins - GOAL! No mistake from Noble, who slams the spot-kick high into the
right of the net as Cousins dives low to his right.
32 mins - Penalty to West Ham! Maynard collects a superb pass over the top
from Noble. He is brought down by a clumsy challenge from O'Toole and when
Cole's follow-up is saved by Cousins, the spot-kick is awarded.
30 mins - I reckon the Colchester manager John Ward might have been
somewhere warm and sunny this summer. He has a lovely sun tan. It's 1-1 down
at Thurrock, where Hassan Ibrahim has equalised for the hosts.
27 mins - A yes Guy Demel! The right-back uses some quick feet to nutmeg
Coker by the touchline. A burst of 'Oooohs' from the fans. You don't
normally see that sort of skill from the Ivorian!
25 mins - Cole flicks on and Kazim-Richards - who has swapped flanks with
Maynard - races on to the ball. He looks up and shoots low towards the far
corner. Cousins goes down and grabs the ball to his chest.
24 mins - Coker is forced to defend this time, but he stands strong and
tackles Kazim-Richards after initially losing out to Maynard. Meanwhile, an
ice cream seller is doing the rounds in front of me. I am tempted by a
raspberry ripple, but need to remember I am at work!
23 mins - Coker again, but this time the diagonal pass forces him off
balance and his cross is sliced behind for a goal kick. Demel is being
pulled inside by Sears' movement and it's giving the left-back space to run
into.
22 mins - The U's come forward for the first time since falling behind and
it's left-back Coker again providing the width. He crosses dangerously at
head height and McCartney makes a brave clearing ahead in front of Morrison.
Good defending.
20 mins - Cole forces Wilson to pass back to Cousins. His clearance goes
straight to O'Neil, but his long-range effort flies well wide of the
right-hand post. Colchester are all of a sudden unable to maintain any sort
of possession. They do say that goals change games...
19 mins - Kazim-Richards has the ball in the net with a cheeky backheel but
unfortunately he is offside from Cole's low shot. The Turkey international
had created the chance for Cole himself by controlling inside the penalty
area and laying off to the No9. West Ham looking far more comfortable now.
16 mins - GOAL! Maynard! Reid steps in with a strong challenge in midfield
and brings the ball forward before finding O'Neil in acres of space wide on
the right. O'Neil gallops forward before clipping a cross to the far post.
Cole rises above two defenders and heads down. Maynard shapes his body
superbly to fire a right-foot side volley past Cousins. That's Maynard's
second goal of the pre-season.
15 mins - The Development Squad are 1-0 up at Thurrock. Kieran Sadlier has
scored down at Ship Lane.
13 mins - You can see Sears is keen to impress this afternoon as he is
putting himself about all over the park. However, his team-mates are also
looking positive. Colchester have made a good opening. They play some nice
football on what looks to be a very good playing surface here in north
Essex.
10 mins - Taylor tries to play in Maynard, but his through ball is cut out.
Sears leads the counter-attack before the cross comes over for Wordsworth,
but his header loops harmlessly high and wide.
7 mins - There is a bit of a hush that has fallen over the stadium since
Nolan's departure. I'm sure a lot of the fans here today would love to have
see him in action, but it was the sensible move if he was feeling any
discomfort. The suggestion is that he had his foot trodden on. A couple of
diagonal balls are aimed at Kazim-Richards. The third is knocked down and
passed by Cole to Potts, but his shot is charged down.
5 mins - Colchester win a corner as the ball is headed behind from Coker's
cross. West Ham clear before right-back Wilson crosses behind for a goal
kick. Potts is on to replace Nolan.
4 mins No, he's going to have to come off. Meanwhile, Jaaskelainen makes a
save to push away a shot from distance. It'll be Dan Potts who comes on for
the captain. Taylor will go into midfield.
3 mins - Nolan has his right boot back on and is now having a quick drink. I
think he's going to come back on shortly.
2 mins - Kevin Nolan is over here speaking to the physio. It appears that
he's knocked his right foot somehow, maybe trying to challenge Sears during
that first-minute attack.
1 min - Colchester make a bright start, knocking the ball around patiently
before Bean finds Sears. He crosses from the right channel and Reid heads
clear.
3.07pm - Freddie Sears gets a good cheer from both sets of fans when his
name is read out. The Colchester No11 will have his own personal point to
prove this afternoon. Sears himself will kick-off with Clinton Morrison...
3.05pm - 'Right here, right now' has now finished and, just in time, the two
team emerge from the tunnel. I have no idea what the wait was all about, but
both sets of players receive a big round of applause as they stroll on to
the playing surface.
3.03pm - Still no players... This Fatboy Slim song will have finished before
they arrive on the pitch at this rate!
3.02pm - Erm, well the teams haven't emerged after all. The PA announcer
built it all up about three minutes ago, but so far nobody has come out of
the tunnel apart from the substitutes...
2.59pm - Here come the teams to some very grand-sounding music! There is a
decent crowd inside the stadium and I can report that at least half of them
are wearing claret and blue.
2.57pm - OK, the photographers are gathered at the mouth of the tunnel and
it will not be long before the two teams emerge. I'm told this is a near
first-choice Colchester team, so it'll be a good test for the Hammers. Big
Sam will have demanded an improvement after Tuesday's defeat at Oxford
United. It might be pre-season, but the manager will want a better
performance and result.
2.50pm - The Development Squad are also in action this afternoon at
Thurrock, where Ian Hendon is fielding a young side containing a number of
trialists. We will keep you updated of events at Ship Lane as best we can!
2.40pm - Most of you will know who Colin Kazim Richards is, but to refresh
your memories... The attacking midfielder and winger was born in Leytonstone
and turns
26 next month. After spells with Bury, Brighton and Hove Albion and
Sheffield United, he moved to Turkish football with Fenerbahce. From there,
he was loaned to French side Toulouse before joining Galatasaray in 2011. He
enjoyed a spell on loan at Greek champions Olympiacos last season. The son
of a Turkish-Cypriot mother, he has 35 caps for Turkey, scoring twice.
2.30pm - As a certain singer once sang, here come the Hammers! The West Ham
squad trot out on to the pitch for their warm-up. Colchester's players have
been out there for a while already and are currently doing some running up
and down the far touchline.
2.15pm - News from up the A12 in Ipswich where West Ham's Under-18s played
their first pre-season match. Nana Boakye-Yiadom was on target for the
Hammers, netting the equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Playford Road. We'll have a
full report and reaction on whufc.com soon.
2pm - We have the team news! For West Ham, trialist Colin Kazim Richards is
starting as one of the front three, while Bilel Mohsni is among the
substitutes. Freddie Sears starts for Colchester.
Colchester United: Cousins, Okounghae, Bean, Eastman, Coker, Wilson,
Wordsworth, Duguid, O'Toole, Morrison, Sears
Subs: Pentney, Aldred, Rose, Heath, Izzet, Bond, Henderson, White, Gilbey,
Wright
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, McCartney, Taylor, Noble,
O'Neil, Nolan, Kazim Richards, Maynard, Cole
Subs: Larkins, Driver, Mohsni, Hall, Vaz Te, Moncur, Nasha, Morrison,
Spence, Potts
Good afternoon and welcome to the smart and modern Weston Homes Community
Stadium for today's pre-season match between West Ham United and npower
League One side Colchester United.
Today, Sam Allardyce's side are playing their fifth pre-season fixture and
the manager will be hoping for a better performance than the one he saw at
Oxford United on Tuesday, when West Ham were beaten 1-0. To aid his cause,
Big Sam has named a strong squad for the trip to north Essex, with trialist
and Turkey international Colin Kazim Richards set to appear for the first
time in a claret and blue shirt.
However, the U's have invested heavily in their squad over the summer
months, bringing in Freddie Sears from West Ham,. Republic of Ireland
international forward Clinton Morrison from Sheffield Wednesday and Jamaican
Marcus Bean from Brentford. At the same time, John Ward's side have also let
a number of players leave, including highly rated goalkeeper Ben Williams
who has moved to Scottish Premier League club Hibernian.
A crowd of around 7,000 is expected for this afternoon's game between two
teams who have never met in a competitive fixture. However, they did meet on
no fewer than three times at Development Squad level last season.
The team news will be confirmed at around 2pm.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s open with Ipswich draw
WHUFC.com
Nana Boakye-Yiadom scores as the U18s open their pre-season with a deserved
draw at Ipswich Town
21.07.2012
Ipswich Town U18s 1 - 1 West Ham United U18s
West Ham United Under-18s got their pre-season schedule off to a good start
as they travelled up the A12 and gained a deserved draw with Ipswich Town.
Due to players having commitments at a number of other first-team and
Development Squad games this weekend, Tony Carr and Nick Haycock had a
younger than usual squad to choose from.
Before the game, Academy Director Carr had said that he believed this would
be good experience and a good test for the young Hammers side and that is
what it proved to be. A strong defensive performance in the first half was
turned into a more attacking display after West Ham had made ten changes at
half-time.
The first half saw very few chances made, with the best falling to the home
side. Schoolboy Jamie Harney and Australian trialist David Stokoe helped the
Hammers to see out the first 45 minutes without conceding, with the help of
a couple of excellent near-post saves from goalkeeper Sam Baxter. The best
of the West Ham chances were created down on the left wing between new
signing Nathan Mavila and Moses Makasi, who linked well together throughout
the first half.
West Ham's ten changes at half-time led to more in terms of attacking threat
with schoolboy Kyle Niley and first-year scholar Taylor Tombides - brother
of striker Dylan - linking up well on the right and creating chances on a
number of occasions.
However, the home side would strike first. After a Baxter clearance was
blocked by Jack Marriott, all he needed to do was slot the ball into the
bottom corner, which he did with ease.
Not long afterwards, Tombides made a great run down the right wing and then
managed to get a low cross into the box, only for Nana Boakye-Yiadom to see
his shot was blocked. More good work from Tombides then saw a ball cut back
to Kieran Bywater (pictured) on the edge of the box, but the resulting shot
went a few inches wide.
As the game was drawing to a close the continued West Ham pressure finally
paid off after an underweight backpass allowed Boakye-Yiadom to cut in and
round the goalkeeper before side-footing into an empty net. With just
seconds on the clock the best move of the game once again saw Tombides and
Niley combining brilliantly, Niley's overlap saw him collect a clever
through ball from Tombides and fire his shot against the post as the game
ended all-square.
Afterwards, Carr was happy with his team's display in their opening
pre-season game. "We would have been pleased with the performance even
without the equaliser, but it is always nice to come away with a result," he
said. "This was our first game of pre-season after three weeks of training
and it was good to give everyone playing time. Now we need to look ahead to
more games to get match fit for the start of the new season. "There were a
number of younger players in the squad and they were the ones that really
stood out for me. In the second half Grady in the centre of midfield and
Kyle Niley at right-back both impressed."
West Ham United first-half XI: Baxter, Makasi, Stokoe, Harney, Alexander,
Kofi, Carter, Cullen, Mavila, Gogo, E.Lee
West Ham United second-half XI: Baxter, Burke, Girdlestone, Manny, Niley,
Marlow, Bywater, Grady, Luretta, T.Tombides, Yiadom)
*This report was written by eleven-year-old schoolboy Willis Jamieson, who
has ambitions of becoming a sports journalist when he is a bit older. You
can follow Willis on twitter @WillisJamieson
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Torchbearer Kenzer
WHUFC.com
First-year professional Kenzer Lee will carry the Olympic Torch through
London on Sunday
21.07.2012
Kenzer Lee will be at the centre of the nation's attention when he carries
the Olympic Torch through London on Sunday. The West Ham United first-year
professional will run with the flame through his home Borough of Barking and
Dagenham after being selected as one of the 8,000 official Torchbearers,
joining the likes of Olympic greats Sir Steve Redgrave and Denise Lewis. The
18-year-old was selected to take part in the 8,000-mile, 70-day long relay
for his impressive achievements on and off the football pitch. After
captaining Kingsford Community School to Newham Cup success and skippering
the Newham and Essex schools representative sides, the Beckton-born
youngster was snapped up by the Hammers as a schoolboy. The centre-back was
a regular for the Under-18s last season, scoring a dramatic winner in an FA
Youth Cup third-round victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers, and made more than
ten Development Squad appearances. Lee, who signed his first professional
contract in the summer and appeared in the first-team pre-season match at
Boreham Wood earlier this month, is also a regular visitor to his old
school, where he mentors young pupils. "In my application to be a
Torchbearer, I just explained what I have achieved so far and that I want to
show to others, especially those from under-privileged backgrounds, that if
you work for something and have determination and enthusiasm that you can
get to be what you want. "I applied but I didn't really expect to be picked,
but then I found out the good news that I had been chosen. "I am really
excited about it. My family and friends will be watching and I think you get
to keep a replica of the torch after carrying it. It will be a great
experience and something to remember for the rest of my life!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Colchester Utd 1 West Ham Utd 2
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 21st July 2012
By: Staff Writer
Goals from Nicky Maynard and Mark Noble helped the Hammers to a narrow
victory over League One side Colchester United at the Weston Homes Community
Stadium this afternoon. However Sam Allardyce's side were left clinging on
at the end as the home side were the width of a post away from snatching a
dramatic equaliser. Having taken the lead after 16 minutes when Nicky
Maynard fired home from close range following good work from Gary O'Neil and
Carlton Cole, the Hammers looked a good bet for a second win in eight days
following the 3-0 victory at Southend last weekend. And when Mark Noble
doubled their lead from the penalty spot on the half-hour mark after
goalscorer Maynard was felled by a clumsy challenge from the U's O'Toole it
looked as if a repeat of that emphatic win at Roots Hall could be on the
cards. But having pulled a goal back before the break through Wordsworth the
home side, playing in front of a healthy crowd of just under 8,000, came
close on several occasions to equalising in the second half - and none more
so than when Wright's effort rebounded off the woodwork with just 90 seconds
of normal time remaining.
Colchester, featuring former Hammer Freddie Sears who recently signed a
three-year deal with the Essex club were up against several new faces in
claret and blue.
Bilal Mohsni, who played a full 90 minutes at Grays Athletic last night came
on as a second half substitute whilst Colin Kazim-Richards, who has been on
trial at Chadwell Heath recently also featured. There was also some worrying
news for manager Allardyce when club captain Kevin Nolan limped off after
just four minutes having taken a knock inside the opening minute of the
game.
Today's Results
Colchester Utd 1-2 West Ham Utd
West Ham Utd: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, McCartney, Taylor, Noble, O'Neil,
Nolan, Kazim Richards, Maynard, Cole.
Subs: Larkins, Driver, Mohsni, Hall, Vaz Te, Moncur, Nasha, Morrison,
Spence, Potts.
Colchester Utd: Cousins, Okounghae, Bean, Eastman, Coker, Wilson,
Wordsworth, Duguid, O'Toole, Morrison, Sears.
Subs: Pentney, Aldred, Rose, Heath, Izzet, Bond, Henderson, White, Gilbey,
Wright.
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Olsson keen on London move
KUMb.com
Filed: Saturday, 21st July 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Bromwich Albion's Player of the year Jonas Olsson has admitted that he
would like the opportunity to play in London. The 29-year-old Swedish
defender, who is entering the final year of his contract at the Hawthorns
has been linked with a move to West Ham for some weeks. And speaking in an
interview with aftonbladet.se today, Olsson hinted that he could be on the
verge of making the switch to the Boleyn Ground. Although he refused to
comment when asked whether West Ham was his most likely destination - "I don
not comment on specific clubs", he said - Olsson revealed that a move to the
capital could be on the cards. "There are three factors that come into play
when I choose a club," he said. "They are sporting, social and economic.
London is a city I like a lot, and one day I hope to play for a London club.
"Plus, I'm very happy with living in England and playing in the Premier
League."
Olsson, who featured for his country in the recent European Championship has
been at West Brom since 2008 when he moved to England from Eredivisie side
NEC Nijmegan for an intial £800,000. Three years ago he faced disciplinary
charges after a reckless challenge on former Hammers goalkeeper Rob Green
left the number one comatose. Olsson reportedly elbowed the England stopper
during a set-piece.
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Hammers too strong for U's
Last updated: 21st July 2012
SSN
First-half goals from Nicky Maynard and Mark Noble saw West Ham to a 2-1
pre-season victory at Colchester on Saturday. Maynard broke up play in
midfield in the 16th minute before latching on to Carlton Cole's knockdown
to finish the move. The former Bristol City forward caused problems once
more when John-Joe O'Toole brought him down in the area for Mark Noble to
convert after the half hour. Anthony Wordsworth converted O'Toole's low
cross to give the U's hope before half-time, but they could not extend the
Premier League new boys any further.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Win 1-2, but Nolan injured!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham secured a narrow win over Colchester Utd in today's pre-season
friendly. The Hammers won via a Nicky Maynard strike and a Mark Noble penaly
in the first half. Colchester pulled one back just before half-time through
Anthony Wordsworth and then came within the width of the goal post of
grabbing an equaliser in the final minutes.
Kazim-Richards featured for the Hammers and actually got the ball in the
back of the net at one point, only for the effot to be ruled off-side. Neil
McDonald, is quoted on the club's offical website, stating that Colin
Kazim-Richards 'did alright' and 'our first impression is that he is not too
bad.' Well, one would have thought a newly promoted PL club would be looking
for more than that from a new potential recruit? Fellow trialist Bilel
Mohsni, after his 'eventful' 90 minutes against Grays on Friday evening, got
in some more match time as a 2nd half substitute.
McDonald has confirmed that both trialists will be included in the squad for
the forthcoming pre-season trip to Germany.
It was another solid 90 minutes. West Ham played their best football in the
first 45 minutes, with some neat approach play.They were less impressive in
the 2nd half and ended up just about holding on for the win. However, the
worrying thing was that skipper Kevin Nolan picked up a toe injury. Nolan
was forced to leave the field after 3 minutes, after picking up the knock in
an early challenge on former Hammers team mate, Freddie Sears. Lets hope
that it is just bruising and nothing more serious than that.
The West Ham line up was:
Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, McCartney, Taylor, Noble, O'Neil, Nolan, Kazim
Richards, Maynard, Cole.
Subs: Larkins, Driver, Mohsni, Hall, Vaz Te, Moncur, Nasha, Morrison,
Spence, Potts.
Elsewhere, confusion seems to reign cncerning the potential move for
Douglas. The player has now been quoted as stating that he wishes to stay
with Twente FC, whilst his current club do not appear to be very certain
about the player's intentions. The result is that potential suitors, such as
Newcastle Utd, Fulham and ourselves are awaiting some clarity about the
player's situation and availability. One potential target that does appear
increasingly certain about his intentions, is Jonas Olsson. Olsson seems to
be militating towards a move from WBA and has spoken positively about a move
to a London club, although he would be drawn on which one!
The Daily Star have run a story that West Ham are being cagey about entering
in to negotiations with Mark Noble on a contract extension. Apparently the
player is keen to commit long-term to the club, but the club are delaying
until after the start of the new season. The article states that Mark Noble
is in the final year of his current contract. I find it hard to believe that
they would allow one of their major assets to get in to a potential Bosman
situation. After all, any one of a number of PL clubs would snap up Noble on
a Bosman deal. It is a dangerous tactic and one that could blow up in the
club's face if Noble ends up walking away for nothing. Alternatively, the
story could be totally inaccurate. We shall see?
The same source has also suggested that Sam Allardyce could make a bid to
sign Jermaine Defoe from Spurs, despite the recent signing of Mali
international striker, Maiga. Defoe is definitely a proven PL goal scorer,
although there is still some residual bitterness from Hammers fan at the way
in which the player conducted himself after the club's relegation in
2002-03. How likely is a move for Defoe? Can the fans forgive and forget and
welcome the former Academy product back in to the West Ham fold? The article
suggests that Defoe is keen to leave Spurs but stay in London.
Realistically, that means West Ham or QPR. I think it would be a very
positive signing, it would really increase competition and put pressure on
the likes of Vaz Te and Maiga to perform.
Finally, messrs Gold and Sullivan are currently engaged on their trip to
Spain to pursue interest in a target or three out there. It makes perfect
sense, as there are some decent players to be had in Spain, at reasonable
fees. So good luck to them. Who are the club's Spanish targets? That is a
matter of conjecture! Hopefully, all will be revealed before too long.
SJ Chandos.
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Toe much pain: Kevin Nolan forced off in West Ham friendly win at Colchester
The Mirror
Tom Dulat
West Ham captain Kevin Nolan is a pre-season injury scare for West Ham. The
midfielder was forced off just five minutes into the 2-1 win over
Colchester with a damaged toe. He sustained the injury in a clash with
former Hammers' striker Freddie Sears. Nolan received intensive treatment on
the touchline but was unable to go on. "It is very sore and we can only hope
it is just bruising and nothing is broken," said West Ham assistant manager
Neil McDonald. Nolan will have a scan today and Sam Allardyce is hoping his
influential skipper will be fit for the tour of Germany and start of their
Premier League campaign next month. West Ham took the lead in the 15th
minute when Nicky Maynard drove home after Carlton Cole had knocked the ball
down from a Gary O'Neil cross. On the half-hour, Maynard accelerated through
the Colchester defence and was brought down by Magnus Okuonghae. Mark Noble
converted the penalty and West Ham were in total command. But just before
half-time, Colchester were handed a life-line when O'Neil gave the ball away
and Anthony Wordsworth shot past Jussi Jaaskelainen. Allardyce is hoping
triallists Kazim Richards and Bilel Mohsni will be able to join the squad in
Germany.
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Fulham and West Ham United join the race to sign highly rated defender
Footylatest.com
Fulham and West Ham United have reportedly joined the race to sign Newcastle
United target Douglas, but the player himself has claimed that he knows
nothing about a possible move away from FC Twente this summer. The
Brazilian-born player joined Twente in 2007, and has since built his
reputation as one of the best defenders in the Eredivisie. His consistent
displays at the heart of the Tukkers' defence has earned him a host of
admirers, with Newcastle widely tipped to be the favourites to capture his
signature this signature this summer. Douglas however told journalists
during an interview that he knew nothing about a bid for him from Newcastle,
and insisted that he wanted to stay on at the Dutch club. "I and my agent
know nothing of a bid from Newcastle," said Douglas. "I want to stay at
Twente this season." Those statements have confused Twente chairman Joop
Munsterman, who said: "It's unclear precisely what Newcastle and Douglas
want. One week he calls me and tells me he wants to leave and the next week
he calls me and tells me he wants to stay." Fulham manager Martin Jol, a
former Twente player, is also keen on the £3 million-rated defender, while
newly-promoted West Ham United are also monitoring the player's situation.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM CAGEY ON MARK NOBLE CONTRACT
Daily Star
22nd July 2012 By Daily Star Reporter
WEST Ham are playing hardball with inspirational midfield star Mark Noble,
25, over his new contract. Noble has just one season left on his current
deal and is eager to sign a long-term extension to the club he has served
for his entire career. He has been a key player in their return to the top
flight, taking over the leader's role after Scott Parker moved to Spurs.
Hammers are delaying any more talks until the season is well under way as
they put the pressure on one of their stars. A club insider said: "The
signing of Mohamed Diame from Wigan is going to increase the competition in
midfield. Let's see how Noble reacts to that. That will be pivotal in
whether he gets a new deal or not."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
JERMAINE DEFOE'S OUT TO EARN WEST HAM TRANSFER
Daily Star
22nd July 2012 By Tony Stenson
JERMAIN DEFOE is in line for a return to West Ham. The Tottenham striker is
fast becoming the hottest property of the summer – with a host of Premier
League clubs keen to sign him. Defoe rarely featured in the closing months
of Harry Redknapp's reign. And new Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas hasn't
given the forward any assurances over his future.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is on the lookout for extra firepower, despite
the £7million signing of Modibo Maiga, 24, from French club Sochaux last
week. Allardyce has taken a gamble on the 6ft 1in Mali international, who
saw a January move to Newcastle fall through when a medical showed up a knee
problem. Maiga also has a reputation for being a maverick, and fell out
with Sochaux fans after going AWOL last season. Defoe, 29, is high on
Allardyce's shopping list – and has a proven record as a Premier League
goalscorer. The striker spent five years with the Hammers before moving to
Spurs in 2004. He is understood to be keen to stay in London, which would
give the Hammers an edge in any talks. And Allardyce is looking at the
England forward as his hopes of bringing in Andy Carroll from Liverpool
fade.
Allardyce has been frustrated in his attempts to make new signings. Having
recruited keepers Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson, he has only
added George McCartney and Mohamed Diame so far this summer. Meanwhile, the
Hammers are ready to sue Brescia to get money they believe they are owed for
Alessandro Diamanti. The Irons claim they have not been paid money they were
due after selling the midfielder for £2m two years ago. Diamanti – signed
from Livorno for £6m in 2009 – was allowed to go home to Italy after just
one season, having failed to settle in London. He then moved on to Bologna
earlier this summer following Brescia's relegation to Serie B. West Ham are
unhappy because they asked for Diamanti's registration by the Italian
Football Federation to be suspended in July last year. The club acted
because they had not been paid a due instalment of their transfer fee by
Brescia. West Ham co-owner David Gold said: "We sold Diamanti to Brescia
because he was desperate to return to Italy. He was then sold to Bologna. We
are suing Brescia for the money."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham suffer Nolan injury blow after skipper limps off in friendly
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 19:19, 21 July 2012 | UPDATED: 19:21, 21 July 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham have dismissed fears Kevin Nolan suffered a broken ankle in
Saturday's pre-season friendly at Colchester United. The Hammers skipper was
left in agony off following a challenge on Us striker Freddie Sears after
just three minutes. Nolan had to helped off for treatment to a foot injury
before returning to watch the rest of the game from the sidelines. A West
Ham official later confirmed that Nolan had suffered a toe injury. The
visitors opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Gary O'Neil crossed from
the byline and Nicky Maynard headed home at the far post. Trialist and
former Sheffield United and Galatasaray striker Colin Kazim-Richards had an
effort disallowed for offside before West Ham doubled their lead from the
penalty spot just after the half-hour mark. Mark Noble sent Mark Cousins the
wrong way after Maynard had been clumsily brought down by Magnus Okuonghae.
Colchester pulled a goal back five minutes later when they pounced on
O'Neil's careless pass and John-Joe O'Toole crossed for an unmarked Anthony
Wordsworth to convert from close range. The second-half was a far more
subdued affair as the home side made 10 changes and West Ham held on for a
2-1 victory.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald told West Ham TV he was pleased with the way the Hammers
played in Saturday's success
21.07.2012
Neil McDonald has told West Ham TV he was pleased with the way the Hammers
played in Saturday's 2-1 pre-season victory at Colchester United. The
Hammers defeated their npower League One opponents thanks to first-half
goals from Nicky Maynard and Mark Noble, who converted from the penalty spot
after the lively Maynard had been brought down. Assistant manager McDonald
hailed the nature of the victory while also discussing captain Kevin Nolan's
toe injury and revealing that trialists Colin Kazim-Richards and Bilel
Mohsni will join the squad on their pre-season tour to Germany this week.
Macca, what was your assessment of the performance at Colchester United?
NMc - "I thought the first half was excellent. We really moved the ball well
and created chances. Our first goal was really good - good build-up play, a
good cross, good knock-down and Nicky was in the right place at the right
time to score. We split their defence open a few times and it was
disappointing that Nicky got brought down because I would like to have seen
him in a one-on-one situation as I'm sure he would have slotted it away. It
was a lot better and a lot brighter and sharper.
We still have lots to do but the psychological barrier has been broken
because a lot of them played a full 90 minutes."
What did you make of the performances of the two trialists Colin
Kazim-Richards and Bilel Mohsni?
NMc - "Colin did all right. He's been training with us for a few days and
he's going to come with us to Germany so we'll have a good look at him
there. Our first impressions are that he's not too bad. Bilel has been in
for a couple of days as well and I think he's going to come to Germany as
well. We're having a good look at players to try to complement the squad and
boost it up so we will see how that goes."
Captain Kevin Nolan was forced off after injuring his toe in the first
minute. What is the prognosis?
NMc - "We will assess that over the next 24 hours. It is sore, but we're
hoping that it's just bruising and fingers crossed it's nothing worse than
that. He doesn't come off the pitch lightly so we've got to get it checked
out and we will have more information later on."
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Colchester 1-2 West Ham United FT
WHUFc.com
Nicky Maynard and Mark Noble are on target as the Hammers record a deserved
win in north Essex
21.07.2012
Colchester United v West Ham United
Pre-season match
Weston Homes Community Stadium
Saturday 21 July 2012
Kick-off: 3pm
Final score - Colchester United 1-2 West Ham United
91 mins - Colchester win a late corner and the ball drops to Gilbey. He is
leaning back and is slightly off-balance as he shoots and the ball loops
well wide. The referee blows for full-time and that's it. West Ham record a
victory. The Hammers are off to Germany on Monday for three further
pre-season games. We'll have highlights and reaction from those three
matches, and today's game, on whufc.com and West Ham TV shortly.
88 mins - Oh! So close to an equaliser as Wright's low shot hits the outside
of the post after the substitute had run inside Reid and shot with his right
foot.
87 mins - Heath lets fly from 25 yards but his shot goes well wide.
84 mins - OK, as we enter the final stages it has been an improved West Ham
display. They have attacked with purpose and, one moment aside, defended
strongly and in an assured manner. Just as importantly, a number of senior
players have got a full 90 minutes under their belts.
82 mins - West Ham love an overlap at the moment. Taylor gets down the right
and holds up before dragging the ball behind him for Spence, who wins a
corner. Taylor himself takes and Cousins makes another assured catch. He's
had a good game, has the Colchester goalkeeper.
81 mins - Okounghae is replaced by Aldred.
80 mins - Close again. Taylor overlaps Maynard and tries to chip the cross
to the far post, but Cousins makes the catch.
78 mins - Nice from Potts, who races around Vaz Te before nutmegging Wright
as he makes his way into the box. Unfortunately, his low cross hits a pair
of legs and Colchester survive. Moments later, Mohsni helps on the ball
first-time for O'Neil, but the No32's touch lets him down as he tries to
beat the last defender.
76 mins - Demel is replaced by Jordan Spence.
75 mins - Mohsni raises some cheers with a pass to Potts with the old one
foot behind the other pass. I can't really explain it any better than that.
West Ham win a corner, but it's cleared.
74 mins - The crowd here today is 7,985, with 2,960 of them in the West Ham
end.
71 mins - The changes have not actually altered the game too much.
Colchester are pushing for an equaliser, but West Ham's back four is
standing firm. The Hammers are still carrying a decent threat too. Taylor
pokes the pass through for Maynard but it's just too strong. Maynard gets a
toe to the ball, but Cousins blocks before grabbing it at the second
attempt.
67 mins - Three more changes from the hosts with Wilson, Wordsworth and
Sears replaced by White, Rose and Gilbey.
67 mins - Kieran Sadlier has put the Development Squad back in front with
his second goal of the game. Back here, Demel just overruns the ball after a
marauding run down the right. His cross comes over and Mohsni slams the shot
over the bar.
65 mins - Half-chance for Mohsni as the cross comes over to the far post
from O'Neil following a good run from Taylor. The substitute rises but his
header is too strong and flies back across the face of goal and out for a
goal kick.
64 mins - Slight controversy as Sears goes down as he tries to go past Demel
inside the penalty area. Nothing given by the referee and the follow-up shot
flies over.
62 mins - We're going to see Mohsni in a few moments. He scored at both ends
for the Development Squad last night and will wear the No10 shirt this
afternoon. He is on now for Carlton Cole.
60 mins - Colchester force three corners in quick succession. The third is
caught well by Jaaskelainen.
59 mins - Four changes from Colchester. Bean, O'Toole, Morrison and Eastman
are off, with Bond, Izzet, Heath and Wright coming on.
58 mins - I understand there is a lot of speculation about Kevin Nolan. We
will get an update from the medical staff after the game and post it on
whufc.com as soon as anything is confirmed. I can tell you that he is
sitting on the bench watching the game with his team-mates.
54 mins - Strong play from Cole to win a corner. Taylor will whip it in
left-footed. He does, but Cousins is there to make the catch. Colchester
break but Potts defends well against Henderson. The left-back is looking
good in pre-season.
52 mins - Potts fouls Morrison. The free-kick is taken by Wordsworth, but
it's too close to Jaaskelainen and the Finn catches high above his head.
50 mins - Henderson and Wilson create some space down the Colchester right
before the full-back crosses deep. Morrison rises and heads the ball into
the back of Demel, but he'd already been whistled for a push on the Ivorian.
48 mins - There was a PA announcement just before the half-time break ended
telling people to move their cards from the services on the other side of
the A12. Presumably, Kazim-Richards and Duguid had both parked there...
46 mins - Noble lofts the free-kick over and Reid's header loops and just
clears Cousins and the crossbar. The No12 for Colchester is Henderson, who
is listed as No16 on the teamsheet.
Both teams have brought on a substitute apiece. For West Ham, Vaz Te is on
for Kazim-Richards. For Colchester, Duguid has gone off with the No12 coming
on.
Half-time score - Colchester United 1-2 West Ham United
46 mins - That's half-time. Well, Colchester started the brighter before
Maynard scored slightly against the run of play. West Ham took control and
doubled their lead through Noble's penalty. The home side did not give up
the battle, however, and were rewarded with Wordsworth's goal, which will
make things interesting after the break. However, we can expect to see
plenty of changes from both managers. We will also try to get an upate on
Nolan's injury, but it may well be too early to get a full diagnosis.
44 mins - Nice, patient build up from the men in claret and blue involving
no fewer than six players. Maynard tries to prod the ball through to Cole,
but his run is bent the other way and the chance is lost.
43 mins - Half-time is approaching and Big Sam will want this side to
reassert their dominance. Colchester are pushing at present looking for an
equaliser.
39 mins - GOAL! Colchester have a goal back through Wordsworth. The initial
break looked to have been snuffed out by Reid's tackle, but the ball was
worked back to O'Toole, whose low cross was controlled and finished low past
Jaaskelainen by the No22.
36 mins - Time for a drink as Demel has the physio on, but his trot along
the touchline is more successful than Nolan's and he'll be back on in a few
seconds.
34 mins - Instant response from Colchester, who force two quick corners. The
second is headed goalwards by Morrison, but Jaaskelainen makes a routine
catch.
32 mins - GOAL! No mistake from Noble, who slams the spot-kick high into the
right of the net as Cousins dives low to his right.
32 mins - Penalty to West Ham! Maynard collects a superb pass over the top
from Noble. He is brought down by a clumsy challenge from O'Toole and when
Cole's follow-up is saved by Cousins, the spot-kick is awarded.
30 mins - I reckon the Colchester manager John Ward might have been
somewhere warm and sunny this summer. He has a lovely sun tan. It's 1-1 down
at Thurrock, where Hassan Ibrahim has equalised for the hosts.
27 mins - A yes Guy Demel! The right-back uses some quick feet to nutmeg
Coker by the touchline. A burst of 'Oooohs' from the fans. You don't
normally see that sort of skill from the Ivorian!
25 mins - Cole flicks on and Kazim-Richards - who has swapped flanks with
Maynard - races on to the ball. He looks up and shoots low towards the far
corner. Cousins goes down and grabs the ball to his chest.
24 mins - Coker is forced to defend this time, but he stands strong and
tackles Kazim-Richards after initially losing out to Maynard. Meanwhile, an
ice cream seller is doing the rounds in front of me. I am tempted by a
raspberry ripple, but need to remember I am at work!
23 mins - Coker again, but this time the diagonal pass forces him off
balance and his cross is sliced behind for a goal kick. Demel is being
pulled inside by Sears' movement and it's giving the left-back space to run
into.
22 mins - The U's come forward for the first time since falling behind and
it's left-back Coker again providing the width. He crosses dangerously at
head height and McCartney makes a brave clearing ahead in front of Morrison.
Good defending.
20 mins - Cole forces Wilson to pass back to Cousins. His clearance goes
straight to O'Neil, but his long-range effort flies well wide of the
right-hand post. Colchester are all of a sudden unable to maintain any sort
of possession. They do say that goals change games...
19 mins - Kazim-Richards has the ball in the net with a cheeky backheel but
unfortunately he is offside from Cole's low shot. The Turkey international
had created the chance for Cole himself by controlling inside the penalty
area and laying off to the No9. West Ham looking far more comfortable now.
16 mins - GOAL! Maynard! Reid steps in with a strong challenge in midfield
and brings the ball forward before finding O'Neil in acres of space wide on
the right. O'Neil gallops forward before clipping a cross to the far post.
Cole rises above two defenders and heads down. Maynard shapes his body
superbly to fire a right-foot side volley past Cousins. That's Maynard's
second goal of the pre-season.
15 mins - The Development Squad are 1-0 up at Thurrock. Kieran Sadlier has
scored down at Ship Lane.
13 mins - You can see Sears is keen to impress this afternoon as he is
putting himself about all over the park. However, his team-mates are also
looking positive. Colchester have made a good opening. They play some nice
football on what looks to be a very good playing surface here in north
Essex.
10 mins - Taylor tries to play in Maynard, but his through ball is cut out.
Sears leads the counter-attack before the cross comes over for Wordsworth,
but his header loops harmlessly high and wide.
7 mins - There is a bit of a hush that has fallen over the stadium since
Nolan's departure. I'm sure a lot of the fans here today would love to have
see him in action, but it was the sensible move if he was feeling any
discomfort. The suggestion is that he had his foot trodden on. A couple of
diagonal balls are aimed at Kazim-Richards. The third is knocked down and
passed by Cole to Potts, but his shot is charged down.
5 mins - Colchester win a corner as the ball is headed behind from Coker's
cross. West Ham clear before right-back Wilson crosses behind for a goal
kick. Potts is on to replace Nolan.
4 mins No, he's going to have to come off. Meanwhile, Jaaskelainen makes a
save to push away a shot from distance. It'll be Dan Potts who comes on for
the captain. Taylor will go into midfield.
3 mins - Nolan has his right boot back on and is now having a quick drink. I
think he's going to come back on shortly.
2 mins - Kevin Nolan is over here speaking to the physio. It appears that
he's knocked his right foot somehow, maybe trying to challenge Sears during
that first-minute attack.
1 min - Colchester make a bright start, knocking the ball around patiently
before Bean finds Sears. He crosses from the right channel and Reid heads
clear.
3.07pm - Freddie Sears gets a good cheer from both sets of fans when his
name is read out. The Colchester No11 will have his own personal point to
prove this afternoon. Sears himself will kick-off with Clinton Morrison...
3.05pm - 'Right here, right now' has now finished and, just in time, the two
team emerge from the tunnel. I have no idea what the wait was all about, but
both sets of players receive a big round of applause as they stroll on to
the playing surface.
3.03pm - Still no players... This Fatboy Slim song will have finished before
they arrive on the pitch at this rate!
3.02pm - Erm, well the teams haven't emerged after all. The PA announcer
built it all up about three minutes ago, but so far nobody has come out of
the tunnel apart from the substitutes...
2.59pm - Here come the teams to some very grand-sounding music! There is a
decent crowd inside the stadium and I can report that at least half of them
are wearing claret and blue.
2.57pm - OK, the photographers are gathered at the mouth of the tunnel and
it will not be long before the two teams emerge. I'm told this is a near
first-choice Colchester team, so it'll be a good test for the Hammers. Big
Sam will have demanded an improvement after Tuesday's defeat at Oxford
United. It might be pre-season, but the manager will want a better
performance and result.
2.50pm - The Development Squad are also in action this afternoon at
Thurrock, where Ian Hendon is fielding a young side containing a number of
trialists. We will keep you updated of events at Ship Lane as best we can!
2.40pm - Most of you will know who Colin Kazim Richards is, but to refresh
your memories... The attacking midfielder and winger was born in Leytonstone
and turns
26 next month. After spells with Bury, Brighton and Hove Albion and
Sheffield United, he moved to Turkish football with Fenerbahce. From there,
he was loaned to French side Toulouse before joining Galatasaray in 2011. He
enjoyed a spell on loan at Greek champions Olympiacos last season. The son
of a Turkish-Cypriot mother, he has 35 caps for Turkey, scoring twice.
2.30pm - As a certain singer once sang, here come the Hammers! The West Ham
squad trot out on to the pitch for their warm-up. Colchester's players have
been out there for a while already and are currently doing some running up
and down the far touchline.
2.15pm - News from up the A12 in Ipswich where West Ham's Under-18s played
their first pre-season match. Nana Boakye-Yiadom was on target for the
Hammers, netting the equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Playford Road. We'll have a
full report and reaction on whufc.com soon.
2pm - We have the team news! For West Ham, trialist Colin Kazim Richards is
starting as one of the front three, while Bilel Mohsni is among the
substitutes. Freddie Sears starts for Colchester.
Colchester United: Cousins, Okounghae, Bean, Eastman, Coker, Wilson,
Wordsworth, Duguid, O'Toole, Morrison, Sears
Subs: Pentney, Aldred, Rose, Heath, Izzet, Bond, Henderson, White, Gilbey,
Wright
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, McCartney, Taylor, Noble,
O'Neil, Nolan, Kazim Richards, Maynard, Cole
Subs: Larkins, Driver, Mohsni, Hall, Vaz Te, Moncur, Nasha, Morrison,
Spence, Potts
Good afternoon and welcome to the smart and modern Weston Homes Community
Stadium for today's pre-season match between West Ham United and npower
League One side Colchester United.
Today, Sam Allardyce's side are playing their fifth pre-season fixture and
the manager will be hoping for a better performance than the one he saw at
Oxford United on Tuesday, when West Ham were beaten 1-0. To aid his cause,
Big Sam has named a strong squad for the trip to north Essex, with trialist
and Turkey international Colin Kazim Richards set to appear for the first
time in a claret and blue shirt.
However, the U's have invested heavily in their squad over the summer
months, bringing in Freddie Sears from West Ham,. Republic of Ireland
international forward Clinton Morrison from Sheffield Wednesday and Jamaican
Marcus Bean from Brentford. At the same time, John Ward's side have also let
a number of players leave, including highly rated goalkeeper Ben Williams
who has moved to Scottish Premier League club Hibernian.
A crowd of around 7,000 is expected for this afternoon's game between two
teams who have never met in a competitive fixture. However, they did meet on
no fewer than three times at Development Squad level last season.
The team news will be confirmed at around 2pm.
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U18s open with Ipswich draw
WHUFC.com
Nana Boakye-Yiadom scores as the U18s open their pre-season with a deserved
draw at Ipswich Town
21.07.2012
Ipswich Town U18s 1 - 1 West Ham United U18s
West Ham United Under-18s got their pre-season schedule off to a good start
as they travelled up the A12 and gained a deserved draw with Ipswich Town.
Due to players having commitments at a number of other first-team and
Development Squad games this weekend, Tony Carr and Nick Haycock had a
younger than usual squad to choose from.
Before the game, Academy Director Carr had said that he believed this would
be good experience and a good test for the young Hammers side and that is
what it proved to be. A strong defensive performance in the first half was
turned into a more attacking display after West Ham had made ten changes at
half-time.
The first half saw very few chances made, with the best falling to the home
side. Schoolboy Jamie Harney and Australian trialist David Stokoe helped the
Hammers to see out the first 45 minutes without conceding, with the help of
a couple of excellent near-post saves from goalkeeper Sam Baxter. The best
of the West Ham chances were created down on the left wing between new
signing Nathan Mavila and Moses Makasi, who linked well together throughout
the first half.
West Ham's ten changes at half-time led to more in terms of attacking threat
with schoolboy Kyle Niley and first-year scholar Taylor Tombides - brother
of striker Dylan - linking up well on the right and creating chances on a
number of occasions.
However, the home side would strike first. After a Baxter clearance was
blocked by Jack Marriott, all he needed to do was slot the ball into the
bottom corner, which he did with ease.
Not long afterwards, Tombides made a great run down the right wing and then
managed to get a low cross into the box, only for Nana Boakye-Yiadom to see
his shot was blocked. More good work from Tombides then saw a ball cut back
to Kieran Bywater (pictured) on the edge of the box, but the resulting shot
went a few inches wide.
As the game was drawing to a close the continued West Ham pressure finally
paid off after an underweight backpass allowed Boakye-Yiadom to cut in and
round the goalkeeper before side-footing into an empty net. With just
seconds on the clock the best move of the game once again saw Tombides and
Niley combining brilliantly, Niley's overlap saw him collect a clever
through ball from Tombides and fire his shot against the post as the game
ended all-square.
Afterwards, Carr was happy with his team's display in their opening
pre-season game. "We would have been pleased with the performance even
without the equaliser, but it is always nice to come away with a result," he
said. "This was our first game of pre-season after three weeks of training
and it was good to give everyone playing time. Now we need to look ahead to
more games to get match fit for the start of the new season. "There were a
number of younger players in the squad and they were the ones that really
stood out for me. In the second half Grady in the centre of midfield and
Kyle Niley at right-back both impressed."
West Ham United first-half XI: Baxter, Makasi, Stokoe, Harney, Alexander,
Kofi, Carter, Cullen, Mavila, Gogo, E.Lee
West Ham United second-half XI: Baxter, Burke, Girdlestone, Manny, Niley,
Marlow, Bywater, Grady, Luretta, T.Tombides, Yiadom)
*This report was written by eleven-year-old schoolboy Willis Jamieson, who
has ambitions of becoming a sports journalist when he is a bit older. You
can follow Willis on twitter @WillisJamieson
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Torchbearer Kenzer
WHUFC.com
First-year professional Kenzer Lee will carry the Olympic Torch through
London on Sunday
21.07.2012
Kenzer Lee will be at the centre of the nation's attention when he carries
the Olympic Torch through London on Sunday. The West Ham United first-year
professional will run with the flame through his home Borough of Barking and
Dagenham after being selected as one of the 8,000 official Torchbearers,
joining the likes of Olympic greats Sir Steve Redgrave and Denise Lewis. The
18-year-old was selected to take part in the 8,000-mile, 70-day long relay
for his impressive achievements on and off the football pitch. After
captaining Kingsford Community School to Newham Cup success and skippering
the Newham and Essex schools representative sides, the Beckton-born
youngster was snapped up by the Hammers as a schoolboy. The centre-back was
a regular for the Under-18s last season, scoring a dramatic winner in an FA
Youth Cup third-round victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers, and made more than
ten Development Squad appearances. Lee, who signed his first professional
contract in the summer and appeared in the first-team pre-season match at
Boreham Wood earlier this month, is also a regular visitor to his old
school, where he mentors young pupils. "In my application to be a
Torchbearer, I just explained what I have achieved so far and that I want to
show to others, especially those from under-privileged backgrounds, that if
you work for something and have determination and enthusiasm that you can
get to be what you want. "I applied but I didn't really expect to be picked,
but then I found out the good news that I had been chosen. "I am really
excited about it. My family and friends will be watching and I think you get
to keep a replica of the torch after carrying it. It will be a great
experience and something to remember for the rest of my life!"
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Colchester Utd 1 West Ham Utd 2
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 21st July 2012
By: Staff Writer
Goals from Nicky Maynard and Mark Noble helped the Hammers to a narrow
victory over League One side Colchester United at the Weston Homes Community
Stadium this afternoon. However Sam Allardyce's side were left clinging on
at the end as the home side were the width of a post away from snatching a
dramatic equaliser. Having taken the lead after 16 minutes when Nicky
Maynard fired home from close range following good work from Gary O'Neil and
Carlton Cole, the Hammers looked a good bet for a second win in eight days
following the 3-0 victory at Southend last weekend. And when Mark Noble
doubled their lead from the penalty spot on the half-hour mark after
goalscorer Maynard was felled by a clumsy challenge from the U's O'Toole it
looked as if a repeat of that emphatic win at Roots Hall could be on the
cards. But having pulled a goal back before the break through Wordsworth the
home side, playing in front of a healthy crowd of just under 8,000, came
close on several occasions to equalising in the second half - and none more
so than when Wright's effort rebounded off the woodwork with just 90 seconds
of normal time remaining.
Colchester, featuring former Hammer Freddie Sears who recently signed a
three-year deal with the Essex club were up against several new faces in
claret and blue.
Bilal Mohsni, who played a full 90 minutes at Grays Athletic last night came
on as a second half substitute whilst Colin Kazim-Richards, who has been on
trial at Chadwell Heath recently also featured. There was also some worrying
news for manager Allardyce when club captain Kevin Nolan limped off after
just four minutes having taken a knock inside the opening minute of the
game.
Today's Results
Colchester Utd 1-2 West Ham Utd
West Ham Utd: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, McCartney, Taylor, Noble, O'Neil,
Nolan, Kazim Richards, Maynard, Cole.
Subs: Larkins, Driver, Mohsni, Hall, Vaz Te, Moncur, Nasha, Morrison,
Spence, Potts.
Colchester Utd: Cousins, Okounghae, Bean, Eastman, Coker, Wilson,
Wordsworth, Duguid, O'Toole, Morrison, Sears.
Subs: Pentney, Aldred, Rose, Heath, Izzet, Bond, Henderson, White, Gilbey,
Wright.
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Olsson keen on London move
KUMb.com
Filed: Saturday, 21st July 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Bromwich Albion's Player of the year Jonas Olsson has admitted that he
would like the opportunity to play in London. The 29-year-old Swedish
defender, who is entering the final year of his contract at the Hawthorns
has been linked with a move to West Ham for some weeks. And speaking in an
interview with aftonbladet.se today, Olsson hinted that he could be on the
verge of making the switch to the Boleyn Ground. Although he refused to
comment when asked whether West Ham was his most likely destination - "I don
not comment on specific clubs", he said - Olsson revealed that a move to the
capital could be on the cards. "There are three factors that come into play
when I choose a club," he said. "They are sporting, social and economic.
London is a city I like a lot, and one day I hope to play for a London club.
"Plus, I'm very happy with living in England and playing in the Premier
League."
Olsson, who featured for his country in the recent European Championship has
been at West Brom since 2008 when he moved to England from Eredivisie side
NEC Nijmegan for an intial £800,000. Three years ago he faced disciplinary
charges after a reckless challenge on former Hammers goalkeeper Rob Green
left the number one comatose. Olsson reportedly elbowed the England stopper
during a set-piece.
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Hammers too strong for U's
Last updated: 21st July 2012
SSN
First-half goals from Nicky Maynard and Mark Noble saw West Ham to a 2-1
pre-season victory at Colchester on Saturday. Maynard broke up play in
midfield in the 16th minute before latching on to Carlton Cole's knockdown
to finish the move. The former Bristol City forward caused problems once
more when John-Joe O'Toole brought him down in the area for Mark Noble to
convert after the half hour. Anthony Wordsworth converted O'Toole's low
cross to give the U's hope before half-time, but they could not extend the
Premier League new boys any further.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Win 1-2, but Nolan injured!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham secured a narrow win over Colchester Utd in today's pre-season
friendly. The Hammers won via a Nicky Maynard strike and a Mark Noble penaly
in the first half. Colchester pulled one back just before half-time through
Anthony Wordsworth and then came within the width of the goal post of
grabbing an equaliser in the final minutes.
Kazim-Richards featured for the Hammers and actually got the ball in the
back of the net at one point, only for the effot to be ruled off-side. Neil
McDonald, is quoted on the club's offical website, stating that Colin
Kazim-Richards 'did alright' and 'our first impression is that he is not too
bad.' Well, one would have thought a newly promoted PL club would be looking
for more than that from a new potential recruit? Fellow trialist Bilel
Mohsni, after his 'eventful' 90 minutes against Grays on Friday evening, got
in some more match time as a 2nd half substitute.
McDonald has confirmed that both trialists will be included in the squad for
the forthcoming pre-season trip to Germany.
It was another solid 90 minutes. West Ham played their best football in the
first 45 minutes, with some neat approach play.They were less impressive in
the 2nd half and ended up just about holding on for the win. However, the
worrying thing was that skipper Kevin Nolan picked up a toe injury. Nolan
was forced to leave the field after 3 minutes, after picking up the knock in
an early challenge on former Hammers team mate, Freddie Sears. Lets hope
that it is just bruising and nothing more serious than that.
The West Ham line up was:
Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, McCartney, Taylor, Noble, O'Neil, Nolan, Kazim
Richards, Maynard, Cole.
Subs: Larkins, Driver, Mohsni, Hall, Vaz Te, Moncur, Nasha, Morrison,
Spence, Potts.
Elsewhere, confusion seems to reign cncerning the potential move for
Douglas. The player has now been quoted as stating that he wishes to stay
with Twente FC, whilst his current club do not appear to be very certain
about the player's intentions. The result is that potential suitors, such as
Newcastle Utd, Fulham and ourselves are awaiting some clarity about the
player's situation and availability. One potential target that does appear
increasingly certain about his intentions, is Jonas Olsson. Olsson seems to
be militating towards a move from WBA and has spoken positively about a move
to a London club, although he would be drawn on which one!
The Daily Star have run a story that West Ham are being cagey about entering
in to negotiations with Mark Noble on a contract extension. Apparently the
player is keen to commit long-term to the club, but the club are delaying
until after the start of the new season. The article states that Mark Noble
is in the final year of his current contract. I find it hard to believe that
they would allow one of their major assets to get in to a potential Bosman
situation. After all, any one of a number of PL clubs would snap up Noble on
a Bosman deal. It is a dangerous tactic and one that could blow up in the
club's face if Noble ends up walking away for nothing. Alternatively, the
story could be totally inaccurate. We shall see?
The same source has also suggested that Sam Allardyce could make a bid to
sign Jermaine Defoe from Spurs, despite the recent signing of Mali
international striker, Maiga. Defoe is definitely a proven PL goal scorer,
although there is still some residual bitterness from Hammers fan at the way
in which the player conducted himself after the club's relegation in
2002-03. How likely is a move for Defoe? Can the fans forgive and forget and
welcome the former Academy product back in to the West Ham fold? The article
suggests that Defoe is keen to leave Spurs but stay in London.
Realistically, that means West Ham or QPR. I think it would be a very
positive signing, it would really increase competition and put pressure on
the likes of Vaz Te and Maiga to perform.
Finally, messrs Gold and Sullivan are currently engaged on their trip to
Spain to pursue interest in a target or three out there. It makes perfect
sense, as there are some decent players to be had in Spain, at reasonable
fees. So good luck to them. Who are the club's Spanish targets? That is a
matter of conjecture! Hopefully, all will be revealed before too long.
SJ Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Toe much pain: Kevin Nolan forced off in West Ham friendly win at Colchester
The Mirror
Tom Dulat
West Ham captain Kevin Nolan is a pre-season injury scare for West Ham. The
midfielder was forced off just five minutes into the 2-1 win over
Colchester with a damaged toe. He sustained the injury in a clash with
former Hammers' striker Freddie Sears. Nolan received intensive treatment on
the touchline but was unable to go on. "It is very sore and we can only hope
it is just bruising and nothing is broken," said West Ham assistant manager
Neil McDonald. Nolan will have a scan today and Sam Allardyce is hoping his
influential skipper will be fit for the tour of Germany and start of their
Premier League campaign next month. West Ham took the lead in the 15th
minute when Nicky Maynard drove home after Carlton Cole had knocked the ball
down from a Gary O'Neil cross. On the half-hour, Maynard accelerated through
the Colchester defence and was brought down by Magnus Okuonghae. Mark Noble
converted the penalty and West Ham were in total command. But just before
half-time, Colchester were handed a life-line when O'Neil gave the ball away
and Anthony Wordsworth shot past Jussi Jaaskelainen. Allardyce is hoping
triallists Kazim Richards and Bilel Mohsni will be able to join the squad in
Germany.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fulham and West Ham United join the race to sign highly rated defender
Footylatest.com
Fulham and West Ham United have reportedly joined the race to sign Newcastle
United target Douglas, but the player himself has claimed that he knows
nothing about a possible move away from FC Twente this summer. The
Brazilian-born player joined Twente in 2007, and has since built his
reputation as one of the best defenders in the Eredivisie. His consistent
displays at the heart of the Tukkers' defence has earned him a host of
admirers, with Newcastle widely tipped to be the favourites to capture his
signature this signature this summer. Douglas however told journalists
during an interview that he knew nothing about a bid for him from Newcastle,
and insisted that he wanted to stay on at the Dutch club. "I and my agent
know nothing of a bid from Newcastle," said Douglas. "I want to stay at
Twente this season." Those statements have confused Twente chairman Joop
Munsterman, who said: "It's unclear precisely what Newcastle and Douglas
want. One week he calls me and tells me he wants to leave and the next week
he calls me and tells me he wants to stay." Fulham manager Martin Jol, a
former Twente player, is also keen on the £3 million-rated defender, while
newly-promoted West Ham United are also monitoring the player's situation.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM CAGEY ON MARK NOBLE CONTRACT
Daily Star
22nd July 2012 By Daily Star Reporter
WEST Ham are playing hardball with inspirational midfield star Mark Noble,
25, over his new contract. Noble has just one season left on his current
deal and is eager to sign a long-term extension to the club he has served
for his entire career. He has been a key player in their return to the top
flight, taking over the leader's role after Scott Parker moved to Spurs.
Hammers are delaying any more talks until the season is well under way as
they put the pressure on one of their stars. A club insider said: "The
signing of Mohamed Diame from Wigan is going to increase the competition in
midfield. Let's see how Noble reacts to that. That will be pivotal in
whether he gets a new deal or not."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
JERMAINE DEFOE'S OUT TO EARN WEST HAM TRANSFER
Daily Star
22nd July 2012 By Tony Stenson
JERMAIN DEFOE is in line for a return to West Ham. The Tottenham striker is
fast becoming the hottest property of the summer – with a host of Premier
League clubs keen to sign him. Defoe rarely featured in the closing months
of Harry Redknapp's reign. And new Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas hasn't
given the forward any assurances over his future.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is on the lookout for extra firepower, despite
the £7million signing of Modibo Maiga, 24, from French club Sochaux last
week. Allardyce has taken a gamble on the 6ft 1in Mali international, who
saw a January move to Newcastle fall through when a medical showed up a knee
problem. Maiga also has a reputation for being a maverick, and fell out
with Sochaux fans after going AWOL last season. Defoe, 29, is high on
Allardyce's shopping list – and has a proven record as a Premier League
goalscorer. The striker spent five years with the Hammers before moving to
Spurs in 2004. He is understood to be keen to stay in London, which would
give the Hammers an edge in any talks. And Allardyce is looking at the
England forward as his hopes of bringing in Andy Carroll from Liverpool
fade.
Allardyce has been frustrated in his attempts to make new signings. Having
recruited keepers Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson, he has only
added George McCartney and Mohamed Diame so far this summer. Meanwhile, the
Hammers are ready to sue Brescia to get money they believe they are owed for
Alessandro Diamanti. The Irons claim they have not been paid money they were
due after selling the midfielder for £2m two years ago. Diamanti – signed
from Livorno for £6m in 2009 – was allowed to go home to Italy after just
one season, having failed to settle in London. He then moved on to Bologna
earlier this summer following Brescia's relegation to Serie B. West Ham are
unhappy because they asked for Diamanti's registration by the Italian
Football Federation to be suspended in July last year. The club acted
because they had not been paid a due instalment of their transfer fee by
Brescia. West Ham co-owner David Gold said: "We sold Diamanti to Brescia
because he was desperate to return to Italy. He was then sold to Bologna. We
are suing Brescia for the money."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham suffer Nolan injury blow after skipper limps off in friendly
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 19:19, 21 July 2012 | UPDATED: 19:21, 21 July 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham have dismissed fears Kevin Nolan suffered a broken ankle in
Saturday's pre-season friendly at Colchester United. The Hammers skipper was
left in agony off following a challenge on Us striker Freddie Sears after
just three minutes. Nolan had to helped off for treatment to a foot injury
before returning to watch the rest of the game from the sidelines. A West
Ham official later confirmed that Nolan had suffered a toe injury. The
visitors opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Gary O'Neil crossed from
the byline and Nicky Maynard headed home at the far post. Trialist and
former Sheffield United and Galatasaray striker Colin Kazim-Richards had an
effort disallowed for offside before West Ham doubled their lead from the
penalty spot just after the half-hour mark. Mark Noble sent Mark Cousins the
wrong way after Maynard had been clumsily brought down by Magnus Okuonghae.
Colchester pulled a goal back five minutes later when they pounced on
O'Neil's careless pass and John-Joe O'Toole crossed for an unmarked Anthony
Wordsworth to convert from close range. The second-half was a far more
subdued affair as the home side made 10 changes and West Ham held on for a
2-1 victory.
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