Big Sam on: Fulham
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce spoke to the press ahead of West Ham United's trip to Craven Cottage
29.01.2013
Sam Allardyce is pleased to have added to his defensive options ahead of Wednesday's Barclays Premier League meeting with London rivals Fulham.
The Hammers completed the loan signing of Wolfsburg defender Emanuel Pogatetz on Monday and Big Sam says the ex-Middlesbrough man could be in line for a quick debut at Craven Cottage. He also revealed that Andy Carroll is in contention after taking part in training this week.
Sam, could you talk us through the team news for Wednesday night?
SA: "We've signed Emanuel Pogatetz on loan from Wolfsburg and I'm pleased to have him, because we've had defensive problems - particularly as the loss of James Collins and George McCartney [to injury] leaves us short at the moment. He's an experienced defender, both in Germany and of course at Middlesbrough. It gives us a bit more opportunity in defensive terms where we are short on players at this moment in time. "We're still waiting on Andy Carroll, whether we think it's right to add him to the squad because he's only had two days training with us, in terms of joining in with the players having not played for a number of weeks. We don't know whether that'll be too risky and we'll make the choice later on Tuesday. The rest of the squad stays the same. It's quite good at the moment, and it's quite strong, and we have to play to our best to start getting some points on the board. "The biggest message is to play better than we have been away from home. We haven't been able to secure a clean sheet for an awful long time. That and the shortage of goals particularly away from home - we've got to improve all of that. "We've got the players available, we know what the players are capable of. They've proven that they can perform and they've got to get to that level of performance again. It's two massive games in terms of Wednesday and Saturday coming up. It's two massive efforts from the players [we need] to establish their position in the Barclays Premier League, and to secure the points in both the games. I'm not saying win both, we'd love to win both, but certainly to come out the back of the next two games undefeated. As always you're trying to win a football match when you start and if we can do that then that would be great. Put points on the board in both games - that's the important thing for us."
You've signed Emanuel Pogatetz. Is there a chance that he could make his debut?
SA: "He comes straight into the squad. He's said he's fully fit and ready to go. He's had a winter break as they do in Germany but he's been training every day and has been available every day for Wolfsburg. He's said he's ready to go straight in and of course he does have some experience in the Premier League. Hopefully that'll stand him in good stead when we need him."
How important are the next two games?
SA: "I think that Fulham are in a similar situation to ourselves where performances have been pretty good but results have not followed that. It's all about winning football matches and putting points on the board. We've both failed to do that, so it's a massive game from our point of view. It's a team that are below us at the moment and you don't want teams below you to catch you up and get nearer to you. "Then it's Swansea at home and we've played so well at home all season. Our performances at home have been outstanding, but recently it's been performances but not the results we should have gained. That's been hugely disappointing - too many draws have turned to losses and too many supposed wins we've ended up with draws, particularly the last one against QPR. It was a massive blow to have played that well - in my opinion the best game we've played here this season, from start to finish we battered them - and not win. That's the problem we've got, when we're so dominant we've got to win."
Harry Redknapp was quoted as describing the transfer window as 'gang warfare' between agents. What do you think?
SA: "I wouldn't use the terminology gang warfare, but I would agree that the volatility that the January market causes means that you're looking at a group of people, licenced agents, who have one month to make money, and then they don't make money any more until the end of the season. That will bring a huge and volatile market to the forefront where they will try to outdo each other and do whatever it takes to get a deal on the table for them to be the ones who benefit financially. "That's where the problem lies when it comes to who is looking after what and who represents what player. It's hugely difficult to work all that out in the first place and, yes, it causes a massive panic in and around this time of the year. Then the speculation that goes with it in the media, which is probably fuelled mostly by agents telling you that this player is going to go there, and this player might go here and so on and so forth. It's a hugely stressful window as ever and we'll all be glad when it's over."
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The Big Interview - Emanuel Pogatetz
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's new No18 Emanuel Pogatetz is delighted to be back in English football
29.01.2013
He may have been playing in Germany for the past two-and-a-half years, but many English football fans will instantly recall Emanuel Pogatetz. The tall, strong Austria international defender enjoyed five seasons with Middlesbrough between 2005 and 2010, helping Boro to reach the UEFA Cup final and earning a reputation for being a whole-hearted player willing to put his body on the line for the cause. West Ham United's new No18, who has joined the club on loan from Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg, is planning to endear himself to Hammers fans with more of the same following his arrival in east London. The 31-year-old could make his debut in the Barclays Premier League fixture at Fulham on Wednesday evening and he has told whufc.com he cannot wait to start his second spell on these shores.
What is it like to come back to England with West Ham?
EP: "I am really happy to be back in England, because the English football is enjoyable and is the football I have enjoyed the most and suits me the most."
What it is about English football you like the most?
EP: "It is a fast game and that suits the way I like to play. I just try to play my best and think I can play my best football here. I also enjoyed my time in the Bundesliga, of course. I think I adapted quite quickly to that but the game I want to play again is the English Premier League. I am really happy to be back here."
What did Sam Allardyce and your new team-mates say when you met them? You already know Gary O'Neil from your time with him at Middlesbrough, of course!
EP: "Yes, I met the manager and we had a chat. He is a very experienced manager who I am looking forward to working with and working under. I had a chat with Gary. I saw him at lunch and it was good to see him again after three years. Kevin Nolan also made a point of coming up to me as captain, to say hello and welcome - it was nice of him to do that, he spoke a few words to me."
You are versatile and able to play at either centre-back or left-back, but what do you see as your best position?
EP: "Definitely at the back, a centre0half. That is why Sam Allardyce has brought me in. I can also play as a left-back if I am needed there, but think I am best as a centre-half. I think that is the main position he [Sam] has brought me in for]."
Are you fit to play immediately?
EP: "I feel I am ready to go. I am looking to play games and train with the lads. I think I am OK but it is up to the gaffer when he wants to play me. But I am ready to train and then I can see if the manager thinks I am ready. I am fit and will try to make a good impression in the training session and then hopefully I can be ready for when the manager and team needs me."
Do you have any good memories of playing against West Ham, here, during the time you have played in England?
EP: "Yes, it is quite a few years ago but what I can remember is the supporters are very passionate here and I also remember coming in on the coach, seeing the area here, it was already packed with supporters making their way to the game. So straight away, when you see all of that, you think it is going to be a tough match here not only against the team but with the fans, who will be passionate. That is what I can remember. I am looking forward to playing in front of such an atmosphere, but for the West Ham fans this time. In front of such passionate supporters who give you the extra push, drive and boost you need to play your best."
You have been out of the country for a while, but have you watched the Premier League and seen what has been going on?
EP: "Yes, of course. I have been watching it in between playing. I have stayed in contact with a few of the lads I knew at Middlesbrough. I know what is going on and know what to expect in this league. I am looking forward to and am ready for that."
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Fulham v West Ham
BBC.co.uk
29 January 2013
Last updated at 12:43
By Steve Wilson
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Craven Cottage Date: Wednesday, 30 January
TEAM NEWS
Fulham could give a debut to Emmanuel Frimpong, who has joined on loan from Arsenal for the rest of the season. Kieran Richardson is expected to return after missing Saturday's defeat at Manchester United with a calf strain.
West Ham welcome back Arsenal loanee Marouane Chamakh, who was ineligible to face his parent club in the Hammers' last match. Andy Carroll could return from a knee problem and new signing Emanuel Pogatetz has been named in the squad.
MATCH PREVIEW
The FA Cup bared its giant-killing teeth last weekend, going some way to restoring the reputation of a competition tarnished by too many boring all-Premier League encounters between not quite full-strength sides playing not quite fully committed football in front of nowhere near full houses. Thank goodness for Millwall, MK Dons, Luton, Brentford, Leeds and Oldham. That's a sentiment which might be echoed at the FA, though the marketing types at their Wembley HQ may well hope the minnows are long gone before the final - Oldham against Millwall wouldn't sell in Dubai.
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Mark Lawrenson
Football Analyst
"West Ham will revert to a system that makes them difficult to beat but Martin Jol's Fulham side have bigger problems. They have been poor for a long time and are dropping into the category of 'easy to beat'." I have vague memories of Kevin Keegan in the 1974 FA Cup final (and David Coleman's commentary line "Newcastle were undressed!"), but West Ham against Fulham in 1975 was the first final I really watched properly. Fulham were the minnows, a second-tier team captained by former England skipper Alan Mullery. Another former England captain was the story though; Bobby Moore was playing in the white of Fulham against the claret and blue of his beloved West Ham. It was Bobby's last game at Wembley but there was to be no fairytale, with West Ham winning 2-0. But there was a famous photo - Moore and Mullery arm in arm, sweaty and smiling as West Ham celebrated with the cup in the far distance. They might have lost the game, but both those ageing warriors knew that such days would not come round for them again. Can it really be nearly 40 years ago? Both clubs fell to Manchester United in this season's FA Cup, and I doubt that this league meeting of west and east London will still be talked about in four decades time, but I suppose you never know. Neither team are exactly flying right now; in their last 10 league and cup matches Fulham have just two wins and West Ham only one. Neither can yet afford to be impervious to the scramble for points involving those below them, so a victory for either would be warmly welcomed.
There, did it - a Fulham preview without mentioning Dimitar Berbatov… Doh!
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Fulham have only won two of their 17 Premier League meetings with West Ham (W2, D5, L10).
The Hammers have won six of their eight Premier League games away to Fulham (W6, D1, L1).
Fulham
Fulham are the only team yet to win a Premier League London derby this season (D2, L3).
Martin Jol's men have won two of their last 15 league games (W2, D6, L7).
They have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last nine league matches.
West Ham United
The Hammers have claimed eight points from the last 33 available, and have lost five of their previous six away league games (D1, L5).
Sam Allardyce's men have scored six away league goals this season, fewer than any other Premier League side. Stoke (eight) are the only other side not yet in double figures.
They have only kept one clean sheet in their last 12 league games.
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West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says Mohamed Diame might leave
BBC.co.uk
Sam Allardyce has suggested there remains a possibility Mohamed Diame will leave the club before Thursday's transfer deadline. The 25-year-old midfielder has been linked with a move away but said last week that he was keen to stay. The West Ham boss said: "There are certain situations where, yes, we might lose the player. I hope we don't. "It can change between now and 11pm on Thursday, in the flick of a text, or an e-mail, or a phone call." Diame joined the Irons from Wigan last summer, and has made 18 appearances in the Premier League for the club. He continues to be linked with a move despite his statement that he is "very happy at the club". Allardyce admits he is as confused as anyone about the situation. "My understanding is that it is total confusion," said Allardyce ahead of Wednesday's match with Fulham. "I am sat there listening to what is going on [in the media], but deep down inside behind the scenes I speak to the chairman and where we are at the moment we are relatively comfortable regarding Mo Diame. "However, whatever Diame says to me today might change in an hour's time - if Manchester United ring up in one hour's time, he's not going to want to stay is he? "If the situation develops accordingly there is going to be the chance we lose him. We are trying to keep him. "It is hugely stressful window as ever and we will all be glad when it's over."
Allardyce also revealed that the club had missed out on signing left-back Stephen Warnock from Aston Villa. He said: "Stephen we thought was a goer yesterday, but we had another club in the Championship [reported to be Leeds] make him a longer-term offer, which he has accepted. "Ours was more a short-term offer with a view to a further and longer deal, but at the end of the day he chose the more secure one. "That was a lot of hard work which went to waste yet again. You constantly waste your time because 99% of the time you don't get what you want."
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Mo says no but will he go?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 29th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
David Gold has revealed that the club's revised contract offer to Mo Diame has been withdrawn. The Senegalese international had been offered a 20 per cent wage increase that would have boosted his weekly wage from £40,000 to £50,000 - on condition that the existing minimum fee release clause be removed.
However Diame, who has been linked with a string of clubs since the transfer window opened at the beginning of the month as a result of the £3.5million buyout clause, has failed to put pen to paper. West Ham United's co-chairman told sportsdirectnews.com: "There has been no inquiry from anywhere. That's not to say there won't be but it would have been fair to have expected something by now if there was anything happening. "Never rule anything out and it is possible to do a deal in 24 hours but in the meantime all new contract talks have ended and the offer withdrawn."
Diame, who is set to start for West Ham against Fulham at Craven Cottage tomorrow night now faces the choice of remaining at West Ham for the foreseeable future or negotiating a move away from the club prior to Thursday night's 11pm transfer deadline.
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Allardyce admits defeat in left-back chase
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 29th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has resigned himself to losing out on Aston Villa's Stephen Warnock. The 31-year-old defender looked set to join West Ham having agreed terms at the weekend but has instead opted to hold discussions with Championship club Leeds United. Speaking this morning, Allardyce admitted that the chances of signing Warnock now looked bleak. "The player was on his way down but it appears he received a phone call from a Championship club who made him a better, long-term offer," he told reporters. Allardyce could now return to first choice target Martin Olsson, Blacburn Rovers' Swedish left back for whom United are understood to have already lodged three bids - the latest of which was reported to be worth in the region of £5million including add-ons. However the French media are suggesting that Big Sam has turned his attention to Valencia's Aly Cissokho, with a late bid for the 25-year-old being mooted. Cissokho, who is of Senegalese descent and has made one appearance for France, moved to Spain last summer in a €5 million deal.
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Allardyce admits he could lose Mo Diame
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 29th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham midfielder Mo Diame could be making his final appearance for the club at Fulham tomorrow night. With less than 72 hours of the transfer window remaining, Diame remains at West Ham despite being linked with a string of clubs since the window opened on January 1st. And despite none of those clubs coming forward to make an official approach for the 25-year-old midfielder, Hammers boss Sam Allardyce still refuses to rule out movement - despite admitting to being utterly confused by the situation. Speaking to the press this morning ahead of tomorrow night's trip to Craven Cottage, Allardyce said: "I'm listening to what's going on but behind the scenes I've spoken to the chairman and, at the moment, we're relatively comfortable regarding Mo Diame. "[But] whatever he says to me today might change in an hour's time. If Manchester United ring up, he's not going to want to stay, is he? So it doesn't matter what he's saying now. It could change between now and 11 o'clock Thursday night in the flick of a text, or an email, or a phone call. "There are certain situations where, yes, we might lose the player. I hope we don't. But if the situation develops accordingly, there's going to be the chance we lose him. We're trying to keep him."
Diame, who is available for a paltry £3.5m having insisted on a minimum fee release clause being inserted in the contract he signed with West Ham last summer, is also understood to have snubbed a new contract offer from West Ham.
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Fulham prepare to face West Ham at Craven Cottage
Last Updated: January 29, 2013 6:50pm
SSN
Fulham have the chance to overtake their visitors when they host West Ham at Craven Cottage on Wednesday. Neither team have won in the Premier League since New Year's Day with Martin Jol's side on a run of four without a win in front of their own fans. A London derby against the Hammers could be the motivation they need to kick-start their campaign and pick up that first home win since the December triumph over Newcastle. Coincidentally, Sam Allardyce's side have fond memories of the Magpies too -their November trip to Tyneside is the last time the Irons picked up three points on the road. The West Ham boss is known for targeting specific fixtures and it seems likely that an away day at the Cottage would be the sort of evening he will expect his players to end that poor run. Bolstered by a host of January arrivals, both sides will go into this clash with cause for optimism but for the losers there is still the risk of being lured into a surprise relegation battle.
Fulham
Last 6
4-1
2-0
1-2
1-1
1-1
1-2
Emmanuel Frimpong is in line to make his Fulham debut after joining on loan from Arsenal on Friday. Fellow midfielder Simon Davies is also available for selection having returned to training after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Kieran Richardson (calf), Mahamadou Diarra (knee) and Kerim Frei (pelvis) are all absent for the visit of the Hammers.
West Ham
Last 6
5-1
1-1
1-0
3-0
2-2
2-1
West Ham striker Andy Carroll could finally return to the squad after recovering from a knee problem. The on-loan Liverpool forward has been missing since November but could make the bench at Craven Cottage. New arrival Emanuel Pogatetz will go straight into the squad but George McCartney (knee), James Collins (hamstring) and Dan Potts (concussion) are all missing.
Opta Facts:
Fulham have won just two of their previous 17 Premier League matches against West Ham (W2 D5 L10), with one of those victories being in their first ever PL meeting.
Carlton Cole has scored in each of his last five Premier League starts against Fulham, netting six goals in total.
No goalkeeper has been forced into making more saves than Jussi Jaaskelainen (91).
Dimitar Berbatov netted five goals in his first seven Premier League appearances for Fulham (goal every 117 mins), but has scored only two in his subsequent 12 PL games (goal every 540 mins).
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West Ham's Mohamed Diame could leave, says Sam Allardyce
Last Updated: January 29, 2013 3:02pm
SSN
The future of Mohamed Diame at West Ham United remains unclear after manager Sam Allardyce confessed there is 'total confusion' regarding the midfielder.
Arsenal and Aston Villa are both interested in the 25-year-old Senegal international, who was only signed last summer but has a £3.5million release clause in his contract at Upton Park. There has yet to be a bid for Diame, according to Allardyce, but that situation is subject to change ahead of Thursday's transfer deadline. "My understanding is that it's total confusion," said Allardyce in the build-up to Wednesday's Premier League London derby at Fulham. "I'm as confused as anyone by what's happening. "I'm sat there listening to what's going on but, deep down inside, behind the scenes, I speak to the chairman and, where we are at the moment, we're relatively comfortable regarding Mo Diame." But Allardyce added: "Whatever he says to me today might change in an hour's time. Whatever he says now, if Manchester Unitedring up in one hour's time, he's not going to want to stay, is he? "So it doesn't matter what he's saying now. It could change between now and 11 o'clock Thursday night in the flick of a text, or an email, or a phone call. "There are certain situations where, yes, we might lose the player. I hope we don't. But if the situation develops accordingly, there's going to be the chance we lose him. We're trying to keep him." Carlton Cole is another player who Allardyce does not expect to leave West Ham but there has been interest from Turkish club Kasimpasa. The striker has just six months left on his contract and could be behind loan signings Andy Carroll and Marouane Chamakh in Allardyce's plans.
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West Ham manager Sam Allardyce expects Mohamed Diame passion at Fulham
Last Updated: January 29, 2013 11:39pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce expects Mohamed Diame to be fully committed if he plays against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night. The 25-year-old midfielder only joined the Hammers last summer from Wigan, but he has a £3.5million release clause in his contract and has been linked with a move to Arsenal. Diame insisted last week that he was "happy" at Upton Park but the speculation over his future continues and Allardyce admits the situation amounts to "total confusion".
But he said: "Diame is a professional. He is paid to play for West Ham United. I expect everyone to put the shirt on and play with a passion, with the ability and desire that they have got. "He has had a long spell off with a hamstring injury and is only finding his feet again. My plan is that I am playing him because I hope and I believe he is going to be here after Thursday."
West Ham have recorded just one Premier League win in the last eight, and were thumped 5-1 at Arsenal last time. Allardyce added: "We aren't comfortable by any stretch of the imagination, based on recent results. "It is not good enough and the players' responsibility is to get more points on the board, starting Wednesday, to produce a result from the game and see if we can move on from there."
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Transfer News: West Ham considering January bid for Razvan Rat
By Pete O'Rourke. Last Updated: January 29, 2013 11:06pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands West Ham are eyeing a move for Shakhtar Donetsk left-back Razvan Rat. Rat is out of contract in the summer and with the 31-year-old unlikely to agree a new deal at Shakhtar, the Ukrainian club are keen to secure a fee in January. The Hammers have already brought in Emmanuel Pogatetz on loan until the end of the season and the Austrian is capable of operating at left-back. But Sam Allardyce could still be forced into a cut-price offer with several other Premier League clubs tracking the player this week. The Romania international has vast experience having won league titles in his homeland as well as with Shakhtar and was part of the team that won the UEFA Cup in 2009.
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Big Sam's SOS for Carroll
By ANDREW DILLON
Last Updated: 30th January 2013
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE is ready to risk Andy Carroll tonight in a desperate bid to stay out of the relegation battle. On-loan striker Carroll has not played for two months because of a knee injury but West Ham's freefall down the table calls for desperate measures. The match at Fulham is a must-win for both teams with the Hammers just two points above the Cottagers and eight points clear of the drop zone. Boss Allardyce said: "Andy is fit in that he has cleared from the injury and he is in training. "But we will have to assess whether he is going to be in the squad at such an early stage. "He has had no competitive football and only two days' training with the squad. "We aren't comfortable by any stretch of the imagination — our recent results suggest we are anything but comfortable. "We have played seven games and taken five points. It's not enough, and the players' responsibility is to get more points on the board." Carroll has yet to ignite in his £92,000-a-week spell at West Ham. He has scored only once — a consolation effort in a 3-1 defeat at Tottenham. But even a limping Carroll warming the bench would lift the fans and boost West Ham's attack.
WEST HAM (likely): Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, Tomkins, Pogatetz, Nolan, Noble, Diame, Vaz Te, J Cole, C Cole.
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Come in Andy! Off-form West Ham set to throw Carroll into 'doom derby'
The Mirror
29 Jan 2013 22:30
By Mike Walters
Twitchy Sam Allardyce is ready to gamble on Andy Carroll against Fulham in a desperate bid to pull West Ham out of their nosedive. Hammers boss Allardyce has presided over a wretched run of just five points from a possible 24, culminating in a 7am inquest with his squad just hours after last week's 5-1 drubbing at Arsenal. Big Sam has also missed out on transfer target Stephen Warnock, after the former England defender snubbed the Hammers to join Championship mid-table side Leeds. And Allardyce faces a battle to keep dynamic midfielder Mohamed Diame beyond Thursday night's transfer deadline, with Arsenal ready to spring the £3.5million release clause in his contract. Carroll, who has been out since November 28 with a knee injury, is likely to be on the bench at Craven Cottage on Wednesday in what has becomes a doom derby, where the losers will be sucked into the relegation dogfight.
The £35m England centre-forward, who is on a season-long loan from Liverpool, terrorised Fulham when he made his Hammers debut in the reverse fixture at Upton Park. Allardyce said: "Andy is fit, in terms of being injury-free, and he is training with the first team players again. "We have to assess whether to put him straight in the side at such an early stage having had no competitive football for two months and only two days' training with the squad. "But we aren't comfortable, in terms of where we are in the table, by any stretch of the imagination - our recent results would suggest we are anything but comfortable.
"We have taken only five points from our last seven games, which is not good enough, and the players' responsibility to get more points on the board, starting at Fulham. "Generally, we have always had a good reaction after losing a game - I just hope it is the same at Craven Cottage and the players reach the level we know they can."
Allardyce admitted he could lose Senegal international Diame, saying: "It's total confusion. I hope we don't, but we might lose him. "It's the worst month of the year because of the volatility of the market and speculation on a daily basis about what is happening to your players. "For those of us teetering on the brink of the relegation zone, it creates a wave of emotion that is very difficult to deal with. "Diame is a professional, he's paid to play for West Ham United and I expect everyone to put the shirt on and play with passion, ability and desire. "He has had a long spell off with a hamstring injury and is only finding his feet again. My plan is that I'm playing him because I hope and believe he's going to be here after Thursday. "I've re-sold the club to him a million times already, but at the end of the day it will be money talking - and when money talks in football, there's no stopping it. "People (agents) are trying to earn their living in one month because it's the only month they have a chance to earn it."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, January 30
Tuesday, January 29
Daily WHUFC News - 29th January 2013
The Big Interview - Wellington Paulista
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's new Brazilian forward on Barcelona, Ramires and his
respect for English football
28.01.2013
Wellington Paulista may not be a well-known name to most English football
supporters, but he is soon hoping to change that soon. The 29-year-old
joined West Ham United on loan until the end of the season from Brazilian
Serie A club Cruzeiro on Friday, having enjoyed a prolific 2012 that saw him
net 28 goals in 40 appearances. The forward, who becomes just the second
Brazilian to sign for the Hammers after compatriot Araujo Ilan in 2010, told
whufc.com and West Ham TV that he is hoping to make a big impact in a claret
and blue shirt and could appear for the Development Squad in Monday's
Development Squad game with Arsenal.
Wellington Paulista, welcome to West Ham United! What are your emotions on
joining the Hammers?
WP - "Thank you. I am really happy to be here at West Ham United. Everyone
has been very kind to me since I have been at the club this week. I think I
can do my best here and I am coming to England to prove to everyone that I
am one of the best strikers in Brazil and to get better and better."
Supporters will have seen your goals on YouTube, but what other qualities
will you bring to West Ham United?
WP - "I am strong, I am a fighter and I can score with both feet. I run a
lot on the pitch and I can play as either as first or second striker."
You have played at the very highest level in Brazil, including the final of
the Copa Libertadores in 2009, so will you feel pressure in the Barclays
Premier League?
WP - "The pressure will not be a problem for me because I am used to it from
my time in Brazil, where the fans were really addicted to the club. The
manager also put pressure on the players too, so it will be the same playing
here. What I am interested in is the passion of the supporters for their
team, the way they keep going with the club and the way they make the
players perform better."
You scored on your debut for Alaves against Barcelona in the Camp Nou in
January 2007, so can you rise to any challenge?
WP - "It is a pity that we lost that game because it was my first match for
Alaves against Barcelona in the Camp Nou. As soon as I scored that goal I
thought 'I am a star' because it was my first goal in my first game in
Europe. I was really young and had come from a really small team in Brazil
so that goal was so important for my whole career."
A lot of Brazilians are playing in the Barclays Premier League - do you know
any of them and do you hope to emulate their success?
WP - "I know Ramires very well. We are very good friends because we played
together for Cruzeiro. I also talked to some of the others. The best thing
for me is to adapt to England, to the language and to the style of play of
West Ham. I want to get to know my team-mates better and be adapted within
three months."
What do you know about West Ham United?
WP - "I didn't know much because the highlights of the Premier League have
not been shown on Brazilian television for very many years. I have been
working on my form and my fitness, but I also want to learn about the
history of the club and the old players and coaches and everybody."
Do you feel ready to play immediately?
WP - "I have not played since the Brazilian Premier League finished at the
start of December and I had been on holiday for three weeks. I am prepared
to do all the training as best as I can so I will be available for selection
by the coach as soon as possible. I also know that I need to be stronger as
the game here is based more on strength than it is in Brazil, but I will be
ready."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers loan Pogatetz
WHUFC.com
Emanuel Pogatetz has joined West Ham United on loan until the end of the
season
28.01.2013
West Ham United are pleased to announce the signing of Austria international
defender Emanuel Pogatetz on loan until the end of the 2012/13 season.
Pogatetz, who joins the Hammers from German Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg,
has been capped more than 50 times and is able to play at either centre-back
or left-back. The powerful 30-year-old also has extensive experience of the
English Premier League, having spent five seasons with Middlesbrough between
2005 and 2010. After two-and-a-half seasons in Germany with Hannover 96 and
Wolfsburg, the Graz-born player is delighted to be returning to this
country.
"I feel very good to be here and I am very excited about playing for West
Ham," he told whufc.com. "I am looking forward to the opportunity to play
for the club and help it get good results. I will be doing my best to play
well and hope I can play a part in the club achieving the targets for this
season. "First of all when I heard that West Ham wanted me, I thought it was
a club I wanted to play for because they are a very traditional club, with
passionate supporters. Secondly, it was good for to have the opportunity to
come back and play in England. This is the football I want to play and I
have missed playing here, I want to show what I am still capable of after
five years playing in Middlesbrough."
Born in Austria's second-largest city in January 1983, Pogatetz won the
Austrian Cup with FC Karnten in his first season as a professional in
2000/01, earning a move to German club and then-UEFA Champions League
regulars Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Pogatetz spent four seasons with Leverkusen,
during which time he was loaned to Swiss side FC Aarau, his hometown club
Grazer AK and Russian Premier League outfit Spartak Moscow, where he played
alongside future West Ham midfielder Radoslav Kovac and partnered future
Manchester United star Nemanja Vidic in defence. The versatile defender
moved to the Premier League in June 2005, when one-time England manager
Steve McClaren spent £1.8m to take him from Leverkusen to Middlesbrough.
Pogatetz made 158 appearances in five seasons at the Riverside Stadium,
helping Middlesbrough to reach the UEFA Cup final in his first season on
Teesside, only to miss the 4-0 defeat by Sevilla after fracturing his eye
socket in a quarter-final victory over FC Basel.
During the 2007/08 season, Pogatetz was appointed Middlesbrough captain.
Playing alongside future Hammers Gary O'Neil and Mido and ex-West Ham
striker Jeremie Aliadiere, the Austrian helped Boro to maintain their place
in the Premier League. Middlesbrough were relegated in 2009, but Pogatetz
stayed loyal to the club as they started life in the Championship. However,
a recurrence of his fractured cheekbone restricted his first-team
appearances. The player was snapped up by Hannover in June 2010, helping the
club to reach the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals in 2011/12 and totalling
72 appearances over two seasons. Bundesliga rivals Wolfsburg liked what they
saw and moved for Pogatetz last summer.
The 6'3 tall defender has also been a regular for Austria at senior level
since making his debut in a friendly with neighbours Germany in Leverkusen
in May 2002. Since then, Pogatetz has become an influential figure for his
national side, starting all three group-stage games when Austria hosted the
UEFA European Championship finals in 2008. The defender has netted twice in
his 52 international appearances - in a UEFA European Championship qualifier
against Netherlands in September 2003 and in a friendly draw in Italy in
August 2008.
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Haycock revels in Arsenal win
WHUFc.com
Nick Haycock heaped praise on his young guns after West Ham United's 2-0 win
at Arsenal
28.01.2013
Nick Haycock was delighted with a job well done as West Ham United's
Development Squad kicked-off their Barclays U21 Premier League Elite Group
Stage campaign with an impressive 2-0 win at Arsenal's London Colney
training ground. January recruit Wellington Paulista marked his first
appearance in claret and blue with a well-taken header, before Matthias
Fanimo doubled the visitors' advantage with just half-an-hour gone. The
Hammers were pressed into defensive duties after the interval, but having
weathered the Arsenal storm, were ultimately good value for a third
successive win over the Gunners at this level.
"It was a very satisfying performance," confirmed Haycock, speaking to West
Ham TV. "Before the game we said, in every development game you're looking
for a performance first, and nine times out of ten, if you get a performance
you get the win. And that was the case on Monday. "I thought in the first
half we were the better team. I was slightly disappointed that we didn't
come in with more goals. I thought we created some good opportunities and we
imposed our game on Arsenal. "They're always going to the pass ball well.
They've got an abundance of talent right through the youth teams into the
development side and then the first team. And obviously we had a lot of boys
there making their debuts at U21 level [in Amos Nasha, Sean Maguire and
substitute Kieran Bywater].
"We slightly changed the system from the success we had in the first part of
the season, just because of the personnel we had. Namely Elliot Lee had to
play out wide and I thought he did a terrific job and worked hard for the
team. All in it was a pleasing day at the office."
As well as two good goals, Haycock revelled in his side's excellent
rearguard display, as Arsenal struggled to fashion many chances of note.
"The defending, the blocking, tracking runs and keeping it tight on the edge
of the box was fantastic," added Haycock. "They didn't get in too many times
and when they did there were blocks on the line and a couple of good saves
from Raphael Spiegel. "But what we've got to work on is to make sure that
when we win it, we don't give it away as quickly as we did at times. Because
when we kept the ball we looked like we could go and score another at the
other end as well. All being said, second half, yes they had the lion's
share of possession but we still missed two good chances. Sometimes it goes
like that but the discipline of the side, the work rate and the quality at
times was there for everyone to see."
Haycock, overseeing only his second game in charge of the U21s, also
reserved special praise for Paulista, who worked tirelessly as he led the
line for the inexperienced Hammers. "He's a good lad first and foremost.
I've picked that up in training. He wants to do extra, he wants to work, he
wants to get fit, he's hungry. I thought he showed that in his performance
today. You sometimes get players who are used to playing at a higher level
in their own minds, and they come down to this level and don't put the
performance in, but I couldn't question Wellington. "I have to add I thought
Jordan Spence was immaculate at the back as well. The first team players in
Jordan, Wellington and Rafa, all had good games, and it gave the younger
ones a little bit of experience around them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Emanuel Pogatetz: West Ham sign Wolfsburg defender on loan
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have signed former Middlesbrough defender Emanuel Pogatetz on loan
until the end of the season. The Austria international, who made 158
appearances for Boro in a five-year spell, joins from German Bundesliga side
Wolfsburg. "I feel very good to be here and I am very excited about playing
for West Ham," said the 30-year-old. Pogatetz had spells with AK Graz, Bayer
Leverkusen and FC Aarau before joining Middlesbrough in 2005. He was part of
the side that reached the Uefa Cup final in 2006, although he missed out on
the final through injury. The Austrian headed back to Germany in 2010 with
Hannover before signing for Wolfsburg last summer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'Mad Dog' completes West Ham transfer
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
Emanuel Pogatetz has completed his loan move to West Ham United. We revealed
yesterday how West Ham were on the verge of tying up a deal for the
30-year-old Austrian international, who currently features for Wolfsburg in
the German Bendesliga. And the Club have just confirmed the deal which sees
the former Middlesbrough central defender arrive in London on a six-month
loan deal. Speaking to whufc.com, Pogatetz - who, like former Hammer Martin
Allen is affectionately known as 'Mad Dog' - said: "I feel very good to be
here and I am very excited about playing for West Ham. "I am looking
forward to the opportunity to play for the club and help it get good
results. I will be doing my best to play well and hope I can play a part in
the club achieving the targets for this season. "First of all when I heard
that West Ham wanted me, I thought it was a club I wanted to play for
because they are a very traditional club, with passionate supporters.
Secondly, it was good for to have the opportunity to come back and play in
England. "This is the football I want to play and I have missed playing
here, I want to show what I am still capable of after five years playing in
Middlesbrough."
Pogatetz is likely to be straight into the squad to face Fulham at Craven
Cottage on Wednesday evening.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wellington grabs first West Ham goal
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
New signing Wellington Paulista scored his first goal since joining West Ham
in a under 21s fixture against Arsenal this afternoon. The 29-year-old
on-loan Brazilian - featuring as one of the permitted over-age players -
grabbed the opening goal for West Ham in today's Elite Group encounter at
London Colney, which United won 2-0. Paulista, who played for an hour before
being replaced by fellow newcomer Sean Maguire, rose highest to meet George
Moncur's near-post corner to hear West Ham ahead on the 20-minute mark. It
was a lead that Nick Haycock's young Hammers doubled ten minutes later as
Matthias Fanimo's attempted cross somehow found its way into the back of the
net. The win gave the under 21s a perfect start to their Elite Group
campaign in what should have been their second outing, with last week's
planned fixture against Manchester United cancelled as a result of the snow.
West Ham Utd: Spiegel, Driver, Shaw, Nasha, Spence, Ruddock, Moncur,
Lletget, Fanimo, Lee, Paulista.
Subs: Larkins, Onariase, Miles, Bywater, Maguire.
Arsenal: Martinez, Angha, Miquel, Yennaris, Boateng, Hajrovic, Eisfeld,
Aneke, Ansah, Henderson, Neita.
Subs: Rees, Charles-Cook, Wynter, Bihmoutine.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
January transfer madness
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th January 2013
By: Matthew Kemp
So the transfer window circus continued on Thursday 24th January as Mo Diame
confirms that he wants to stay at West Ham and Arsene Wenger echoes Big
Sam's comments from the previous evening that they have not made an official
approach for the midfielder.
Lo and behold, the Daily Mail follow up on Friday, revealing that Tottenham
Hotspur are now the latest club to be interested in the Senegal
international. Albeit they have Dembele and Parker already competing for
this position!
In between these stories, we discover that Alou Diarra says his move to West
Ham was a waste of time (L'Equipe - lost in translation?) and Guy Demel and
Joey O'Brien have signed new contracts.
Focusing the attention on players coming in, it has become evident that
there isn't much money to be spent, as players joining have been Joe Cole
(free - albeit his salary will make him one of the higher earners within the
club), Wellington Paulista (loan signing), Marouane Chamakh and Emanuel
Pogatetz (also on loan).
Big Sam, has already declared his frustration at being unsuccessful in
finding a defender or two to help solve injuries and lack of numbers. The
issue being that his prime focus is to try and get players in on loan.
Chelsea have reportedly said no to a short term loan for left back Ryan
Betrand, and Blackburn have rebuffed up to three offers for Swedish
international Martin Olsson.
Of the four trialists we had earlier on in the season, Mikael Silvestre is
in the process of joining Dodsal FC in the Indian league, John Mensah has
joined Rennes in France (a powerhouse defender who I was surprised we didn't
sign?), Anthony Vanden Borre is club-less and Michael Lamey has joined RKC
Waalwijk.
It was clear earlier in the season that we needed more defenders, any of the
forementioned players were free agents, yet for what ever reason they
weren't up to standard in the clubs eyes to challenge for a first team
place.
To balance this out though, we must recognise that the club are in debt, and
Gold & Sullivan have parted with a considerable amount of money to keep the
club going, and did spend big in the summer. Modibo Maiga joined from
Sochaux, and Britain's most expensive footballer Andy Carroll signed for a
one year loan , on a reported £100k weekly salary.
Matt Jarvis became the club's record signing from Wolves. Razak Boukari, a
Togo international who was close to signing if we didn't land Jarvis,
ironically joined Wolves for £3m and has been hampered by injury since
September (Kieron Dyer, anyone?). Offloading Yossi Benayoun back to Chelsea
in early January helped release wages to fund Joe Cole's arrival.
Sam Allardyce has a lot of options now in midfield and up front - and
considering he only ever plays one striker, means at least five strikers
will be getting splinters from the woodwork on the bench. It is in defence
where we have issues.
West Ham have been linked with thousands of players, as agents wheel and
deal, using the media to heighten the transfer frenzy. So in order to blend
in with the other tabloids, here are my predictions:-
It has become clear that as the deadline approaches, some clubs will more
willing to do business. I suspect, West Ham will sign Martin Olsson on
deadline day from Blackburn, yet don't be surprised if Henri Bedimo flies in
from France as a Plan B. The Cameroon international could be available for
around £4m.
I think Diarra will be sold to either Rennes, Espanyol, or Mallorca which
will help fund the Olsson deal. Modibo Maiga may also leave, with a number
of French clubs allegedly interested, and you never know, the French team up
North, Newcastle!?! Lastly, Stephen Henderson - to be loaned out to a
Championship club.
So ironically, it may be that we are net receivers in terms of transfer fees
in January - watch this space!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Transfer news: Emanuel Pogatetz makes return to England on loan with West
Ham
Last Updated: January 28, 2013 9:19pm
SSN
Austria defender Emanuel Pogatetz has joined West Ham on loan from Wolfsburg
for the remainder of the season. Pogatetz, who can play at left-back or in
the centre of defence, has more than 50 caps for his country and experience
of the Premier League from five seasons with Middlesbrough. The powerful
30-year-old had been playing in Germany for the last two-and-a-half years
but is delighted to be returning to England. "I feel very good to be here
and I am very excited about playing for West Ham," he told the club's
official website. "I am looking forward to the opportunity to play for the
club and help it get good results. I will be doing my best to play well and
hope I can play a part in the club achieving the targets for this season.
"First of all when I heard that West Ham wanted me, I thought it was a club
I wanted to play for because they are a very traditional club, with
passionate supporters. "Secondly, it was good for to have the opportunity to
come back and play in England. This is the football I want to play and I
have missed playing here, I want to show what I am still capable of after
five years playing in Middlesbrough."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mad Dog 2 Signs, as Wellington gets off the Mark!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Ex-Middlesboro central defender, Emanuel Pogatetz, has completed a six month
loan move from German club Wolfsburg. The tough tackling central defender
has expressed his pleasure in signing for a 'traditional club' like West Ham
and returning to the English PL. Nicknamed 'Mad Dog.' like Martin Allen in a
previous era, he is a good solid defensive signing, who will give 100% to
the cause. He goes straight in to the first team squad for Wednesday
evening's important away fixture at Fulham.
The rumour is that Villa left-back, Stephen Warnock, will follow Pogatetz in
to the club. Some fans are distinctly underwhelmed by the prospect of
signing Warnock, their rationale being that if he cannot get in to a
struggling Villa side, why is he an appropriate signing for West Ham? But he
is an experienced performer, who will undoubtedly do a solid job. The
question is whether we will also sign a second left-back in this window. In
a recent interview, Sam Allardyce seemed to indicate that he needed two left
full-backs to provide adequate cover in that position. Perhaps if this is
the case, then the other signing will offer a bit more pace down the left
flank. Might we yet see a deadline day deal for Martin Olsson or Henri
Bedimo?
Who knows what is happening with the Diame situation. Hopefully nothing and
he will remain a Hammers player, at least until the end of the season.
However, no doubt the club have lined up a replacement as a contingency
measure. In that context, there were some intriguing reports today that West
Ham are lining up a bid for Marseilles midfielder, Charles Kabore. Kabore is
currently out of the Marseilles first team and a c.£2.5m bid could be enough
to secure his services. Yet another story has us competing with Reading FC
for the signature of another Marseilles midfielder, Morgan Amalfitano. Of
course, Kabore or Amalfiano could arrive regardless of Diame's fate in the
transfer window. It could be that a new signing comes in to replace a
discontented Alou Diarra, who is wanted by Espanyol and Mallorca amongst
others. Losing Diarra would be a shame in many respects, particularly with
regard to his ability to shield the centre of our defence and slot in to a
three at the back, giving the full-backs the extra assurance to attack down
the flanks.
Congratulations to the U-21s for defeating their Arsenal counter-parts 2-0
in this afternoon's Elite Group match at Colney Hatch. The match was also
notable for seeing Wellington Paulista score his first goal in a Hammers
shirt. He started as one of the two permitted over-age players and scored
with a near post header from a George Moncur corner. It was a well taken
goal and it bodes well for Paulista's first team debut, which will hopefully
happen sooner rather than later. Perhaps he might even be named on the bench
for the Fulham match. I hope so, as I am looking forward to seeing what
Paulista can offer the first team, hopefully goals and a few of them!
Finally, we need to do ourselves a favour and bounce back with a win at
Fulham on Wednesday evening. It is not beyond the team, as long as we can
play a consistent 90 minutes of good football. Our cause should be assisted
by the return of Andy Carroll, who is likely to be named on the bench. A
draw is a likely result, although I am hoping that we can sneak a 1-0 or 2-1
victory on the night. COYI !
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Book Review: West Ham - The Inside Story by Tony Cottee
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
I think if any West Ham fan were asked to compile a list of their Top 5
greatest ever West Ham strikers, Tony Cottee would more than likely feature
alongside Geoff Hurst, Syd Puddefoot, Vic Watson and Iain Dowie. OK, maybe
not Iain Dowie.
When I saw that Cottee had written a new book I assumed it was merely an
update of his autobiography published back in 1995. So I bought it anyway
even though I only expected a couple of new chapters to bring his life up to
date. Boy was I wrong. It's a whole new book, covering the last 18 years of
his life. It covers the fag end of his playing career in Malaysia, Leicester
and Norwich before moving on to his ill fated six months as player/manager
at Barnet. He writes movingly about the difficult transition from top class
player to journeyman pro winding down his career, and the awful realisation
that through little fault of his own, his managerial reign at Barnet would
prove to be the first and last time he had the chance to manage a football
club.
This is not a particularly polished book. It's published very cheaply on
very shiny paper with far too many photos mixed into the text. It's not
edited that well either, but somehow none of this matters because it's so
authentic. Cottee isn't a bad writer and can certainly hold the readers
attention and he comes into his own when he starts discussing what turns out
to be the main theme of the book – how we tried to buy West Ham and install
himself as chairman. I reckon I know quite a bit about the recent history of
West Ham, but I hadn't realised how close Cottee came to achieving his goal,
and as he relates, had West Ham not not been promoted in the playoff final
of 2005, it's likely that the name above the Chairman's office at Upton park
would be Cottee not Gold or Sullivan.
Cottee hated what he saw happening to the club he supported as a boy. He
felt Terry Brown the then chairman, was resting on his laurels and fat
salary (£492,000 if you please). The club wasn't operating as it should
commercially, the wrong managers were being appointed and they were buying
the wrong players. So Cottee set out to do something about it. He tells the
tale in exhaustive detail, naming names and shaming those who he sees as
guilty parties. For a footballer with no background in finance to get so
close to successfully buying West Ham tells you something about his gutsy
determination. Despite Terry Brown constantly shifting the goalposts – and
price – Cottee persevered and whenever his bid suffered a setback, he
bounced back. But the one thing he seems to have lacked was perhaps the most
important thing – a sense of media nouse. Cottee went through the whole
episode operating by the maxim 'least said, soonest mended'. He didn't go
public with his bid and as a consequence was outmanouvred not just by rival
bids but also by Terry Brown's media operation, which sought to do him down
at every opportunity. Had Cottee gone public at the right time and solicited
the support of West Ham fans I suspect his bid would have been unstoppable.
Instead, he was shafted not just by Terry Brown, but by the Icelanders.
The Icelanders? I hear you chorusing. Yes, because the main point of this
book is to show us, the loyal West Ham fans, that it was Cottee who actually
gave them the idea of buying the club in the first place. They had agreed to
put up money to back Cottee's bid, but over time, they sought to edge him
out of the equation. Once they realised that Terry Brown wouldn't do
business with Cottee he was well and truly shafted. Was he naive? Probably.
Did he trust one or two people – like Keith Mills from Seymour Pierce – too
much? Absolutely.
I'm not going to go into any more detail because I don't want to ruin the
book for those who haven't read it yet, but suffice to say after reading it
you will change your opinion of quite a few people at the heart of the club
over those years.
One question he didn't really answer, though, is why didn't he try to buy
the club again in 2010, or at least attempt to become part of the
Gold/Sullivan bid? He clearly enjoyed good relations with them both.
Perhaps I will ask David Sullivan in our next interview. Or perhaps I should
interview Cottee himself. Now there's a thought.
Anyway, do buy Tony's book. It's published in paperback at £14.99. The
Newham Bookshop have signed copies available, which you could buy before the
next home game
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's new Brazilian forward on Barcelona, Ramires and his
respect for English football
28.01.2013
Wellington Paulista may not be a well-known name to most English football
supporters, but he is soon hoping to change that soon. The 29-year-old
joined West Ham United on loan until the end of the season from Brazilian
Serie A club Cruzeiro on Friday, having enjoyed a prolific 2012 that saw him
net 28 goals in 40 appearances. The forward, who becomes just the second
Brazilian to sign for the Hammers after compatriot Araujo Ilan in 2010, told
whufc.com and West Ham TV that he is hoping to make a big impact in a claret
and blue shirt and could appear for the Development Squad in Monday's
Development Squad game with Arsenal.
Wellington Paulista, welcome to West Ham United! What are your emotions on
joining the Hammers?
WP - "Thank you. I am really happy to be here at West Ham United. Everyone
has been very kind to me since I have been at the club this week. I think I
can do my best here and I am coming to England to prove to everyone that I
am one of the best strikers in Brazil and to get better and better."
Supporters will have seen your goals on YouTube, but what other qualities
will you bring to West Ham United?
WP - "I am strong, I am a fighter and I can score with both feet. I run a
lot on the pitch and I can play as either as first or second striker."
You have played at the very highest level in Brazil, including the final of
the Copa Libertadores in 2009, so will you feel pressure in the Barclays
Premier League?
WP - "The pressure will not be a problem for me because I am used to it from
my time in Brazil, where the fans were really addicted to the club. The
manager also put pressure on the players too, so it will be the same playing
here. What I am interested in is the passion of the supporters for their
team, the way they keep going with the club and the way they make the
players perform better."
You scored on your debut for Alaves against Barcelona in the Camp Nou in
January 2007, so can you rise to any challenge?
WP - "It is a pity that we lost that game because it was my first match for
Alaves against Barcelona in the Camp Nou. As soon as I scored that goal I
thought 'I am a star' because it was my first goal in my first game in
Europe. I was really young and had come from a really small team in Brazil
so that goal was so important for my whole career."
A lot of Brazilians are playing in the Barclays Premier League - do you know
any of them and do you hope to emulate their success?
WP - "I know Ramires very well. We are very good friends because we played
together for Cruzeiro. I also talked to some of the others. The best thing
for me is to adapt to England, to the language and to the style of play of
West Ham. I want to get to know my team-mates better and be adapted within
three months."
What do you know about West Ham United?
WP - "I didn't know much because the highlights of the Premier League have
not been shown on Brazilian television for very many years. I have been
working on my form and my fitness, but I also want to learn about the
history of the club and the old players and coaches and everybody."
Do you feel ready to play immediately?
WP - "I have not played since the Brazilian Premier League finished at the
start of December and I had been on holiday for three weeks. I am prepared
to do all the training as best as I can so I will be available for selection
by the coach as soon as possible. I also know that I need to be stronger as
the game here is based more on strength than it is in Brazil, but I will be
ready."
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Hammers loan Pogatetz
WHUFC.com
Emanuel Pogatetz has joined West Ham United on loan until the end of the
season
28.01.2013
West Ham United are pleased to announce the signing of Austria international
defender Emanuel Pogatetz on loan until the end of the 2012/13 season.
Pogatetz, who joins the Hammers from German Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg,
has been capped more than 50 times and is able to play at either centre-back
or left-back. The powerful 30-year-old also has extensive experience of the
English Premier League, having spent five seasons with Middlesbrough between
2005 and 2010. After two-and-a-half seasons in Germany with Hannover 96 and
Wolfsburg, the Graz-born player is delighted to be returning to this
country.
"I feel very good to be here and I am very excited about playing for West
Ham," he told whufc.com. "I am looking forward to the opportunity to play
for the club and help it get good results. I will be doing my best to play
well and hope I can play a part in the club achieving the targets for this
season. "First of all when I heard that West Ham wanted me, I thought it was
a club I wanted to play for because they are a very traditional club, with
passionate supporters. Secondly, it was good for to have the opportunity to
come back and play in England. This is the football I want to play and I
have missed playing here, I want to show what I am still capable of after
five years playing in Middlesbrough."
Born in Austria's second-largest city in January 1983, Pogatetz won the
Austrian Cup with FC Karnten in his first season as a professional in
2000/01, earning a move to German club and then-UEFA Champions League
regulars Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Pogatetz spent four seasons with Leverkusen,
during which time he was loaned to Swiss side FC Aarau, his hometown club
Grazer AK and Russian Premier League outfit Spartak Moscow, where he played
alongside future West Ham midfielder Radoslav Kovac and partnered future
Manchester United star Nemanja Vidic in defence. The versatile defender
moved to the Premier League in June 2005, when one-time England manager
Steve McClaren spent £1.8m to take him from Leverkusen to Middlesbrough.
Pogatetz made 158 appearances in five seasons at the Riverside Stadium,
helping Middlesbrough to reach the UEFA Cup final in his first season on
Teesside, only to miss the 4-0 defeat by Sevilla after fracturing his eye
socket in a quarter-final victory over FC Basel.
During the 2007/08 season, Pogatetz was appointed Middlesbrough captain.
Playing alongside future Hammers Gary O'Neil and Mido and ex-West Ham
striker Jeremie Aliadiere, the Austrian helped Boro to maintain their place
in the Premier League. Middlesbrough were relegated in 2009, but Pogatetz
stayed loyal to the club as they started life in the Championship. However,
a recurrence of his fractured cheekbone restricted his first-team
appearances. The player was snapped up by Hannover in June 2010, helping the
club to reach the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals in 2011/12 and totalling
72 appearances over two seasons. Bundesliga rivals Wolfsburg liked what they
saw and moved for Pogatetz last summer.
The 6'3 tall defender has also been a regular for Austria at senior level
since making his debut in a friendly with neighbours Germany in Leverkusen
in May 2002. Since then, Pogatetz has become an influential figure for his
national side, starting all three group-stage games when Austria hosted the
UEFA European Championship finals in 2008. The defender has netted twice in
his 52 international appearances - in a UEFA European Championship qualifier
against Netherlands in September 2003 and in a friendly draw in Italy in
August 2008.
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Haycock revels in Arsenal win
WHUFc.com
Nick Haycock heaped praise on his young guns after West Ham United's 2-0 win
at Arsenal
28.01.2013
Nick Haycock was delighted with a job well done as West Ham United's
Development Squad kicked-off their Barclays U21 Premier League Elite Group
Stage campaign with an impressive 2-0 win at Arsenal's London Colney
training ground. January recruit Wellington Paulista marked his first
appearance in claret and blue with a well-taken header, before Matthias
Fanimo doubled the visitors' advantage with just half-an-hour gone. The
Hammers were pressed into defensive duties after the interval, but having
weathered the Arsenal storm, were ultimately good value for a third
successive win over the Gunners at this level.
"It was a very satisfying performance," confirmed Haycock, speaking to West
Ham TV. "Before the game we said, in every development game you're looking
for a performance first, and nine times out of ten, if you get a performance
you get the win. And that was the case on Monday. "I thought in the first
half we were the better team. I was slightly disappointed that we didn't
come in with more goals. I thought we created some good opportunities and we
imposed our game on Arsenal. "They're always going to the pass ball well.
They've got an abundance of talent right through the youth teams into the
development side and then the first team. And obviously we had a lot of boys
there making their debuts at U21 level [in Amos Nasha, Sean Maguire and
substitute Kieran Bywater].
"We slightly changed the system from the success we had in the first part of
the season, just because of the personnel we had. Namely Elliot Lee had to
play out wide and I thought he did a terrific job and worked hard for the
team. All in it was a pleasing day at the office."
As well as two good goals, Haycock revelled in his side's excellent
rearguard display, as Arsenal struggled to fashion many chances of note.
"The defending, the blocking, tracking runs and keeping it tight on the edge
of the box was fantastic," added Haycock. "They didn't get in too many times
and when they did there were blocks on the line and a couple of good saves
from Raphael Spiegel. "But what we've got to work on is to make sure that
when we win it, we don't give it away as quickly as we did at times. Because
when we kept the ball we looked like we could go and score another at the
other end as well. All being said, second half, yes they had the lion's
share of possession but we still missed two good chances. Sometimes it goes
like that but the discipline of the side, the work rate and the quality at
times was there for everyone to see."
Haycock, overseeing only his second game in charge of the U21s, also
reserved special praise for Paulista, who worked tirelessly as he led the
line for the inexperienced Hammers. "He's a good lad first and foremost.
I've picked that up in training. He wants to do extra, he wants to work, he
wants to get fit, he's hungry. I thought he showed that in his performance
today. You sometimes get players who are used to playing at a higher level
in their own minds, and they come down to this level and don't put the
performance in, but I couldn't question Wellington. "I have to add I thought
Jordan Spence was immaculate at the back as well. The first team players in
Jordan, Wellington and Rafa, all had good games, and it gave the younger
ones a little bit of experience around them."
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Emanuel Pogatetz: West Ham sign Wolfsburg defender on loan
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have signed former Middlesbrough defender Emanuel Pogatetz on loan
until the end of the season. The Austria international, who made 158
appearances for Boro in a five-year spell, joins from German Bundesliga side
Wolfsburg. "I feel very good to be here and I am very excited about playing
for West Ham," said the 30-year-old. Pogatetz had spells with AK Graz, Bayer
Leverkusen and FC Aarau before joining Middlesbrough in 2005. He was part of
the side that reached the Uefa Cup final in 2006, although he missed out on
the final through injury. The Austrian headed back to Germany in 2010 with
Hannover before signing for Wolfsburg last summer.
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'Mad Dog' completes West Ham transfer
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
Emanuel Pogatetz has completed his loan move to West Ham United. We revealed
yesterday how West Ham were on the verge of tying up a deal for the
30-year-old Austrian international, who currently features for Wolfsburg in
the German Bendesliga. And the Club have just confirmed the deal which sees
the former Middlesbrough central defender arrive in London on a six-month
loan deal. Speaking to whufc.com, Pogatetz - who, like former Hammer Martin
Allen is affectionately known as 'Mad Dog' - said: "I feel very good to be
here and I am very excited about playing for West Ham. "I am looking
forward to the opportunity to play for the club and help it get good
results. I will be doing my best to play well and hope I can play a part in
the club achieving the targets for this season. "First of all when I heard
that West Ham wanted me, I thought it was a club I wanted to play for
because they are a very traditional club, with passionate supporters.
Secondly, it was good for to have the opportunity to come back and play in
England. "This is the football I want to play and I have missed playing
here, I want to show what I am still capable of after five years playing in
Middlesbrough."
Pogatetz is likely to be straight into the squad to face Fulham at Craven
Cottage on Wednesday evening.
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Wellington grabs first West Ham goal
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
New signing Wellington Paulista scored his first goal since joining West Ham
in a under 21s fixture against Arsenal this afternoon. The 29-year-old
on-loan Brazilian - featuring as one of the permitted over-age players -
grabbed the opening goal for West Ham in today's Elite Group encounter at
London Colney, which United won 2-0. Paulista, who played for an hour before
being replaced by fellow newcomer Sean Maguire, rose highest to meet George
Moncur's near-post corner to hear West Ham ahead on the 20-minute mark. It
was a lead that Nick Haycock's young Hammers doubled ten minutes later as
Matthias Fanimo's attempted cross somehow found its way into the back of the
net. The win gave the under 21s a perfect start to their Elite Group
campaign in what should have been their second outing, with last week's
planned fixture against Manchester United cancelled as a result of the snow.
West Ham Utd: Spiegel, Driver, Shaw, Nasha, Spence, Ruddock, Moncur,
Lletget, Fanimo, Lee, Paulista.
Subs: Larkins, Onariase, Miles, Bywater, Maguire.
Arsenal: Martinez, Angha, Miquel, Yennaris, Boateng, Hajrovic, Eisfeld,
Aneke, Ansah, Henderson, Neita.
Subs: Rees, Charles-Cook, Wynter, Bihmoutine.
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January transfer madness
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th January 2013
By: Matthew Kemp
So the transfer window circus continued on Thursday 24th January as Mo Diame
confirms that he wants to stay at West Ham and Arsene Wenger echoes Big
Sam's comments from the previous evening that they have not made an official
approach for the midfielder.
Lo and behold, the Daily Mail follow up on Friday, revealing that Tottenham
Hotspur are now the latest club to be interested in the Senegal
international. Albeit they have Dembele and Parker already competing for
this position!
In between these stories, we discover that Alou Diarra says his move to West
Ham was a waste of time (L'Equipe - lost in translation?) and Guy Demel and
Joey O'Brien have signed new contracts.
Focusing the attention on players coming in, it has become evident that
there isn't much money to be spent, as players joining have been Joe Cole
(free - albeit his salary will make him one of the higher earners within the
club), Wellington Paulista (loan signing), Marouane Chamakh and Emanuel
Pogatetz (also on loan).
Big Sam, has already declared his frustration at being unsuccessful in
finding a defender or two to help solve injuries and lack of numbers. The
issue being that his prime focus is to try and get players in on loan.
Chelsea have reportedly said no to a short term loan for left back Ryan
Betrand, and Blackburn have rebuffed up to three offers for Swedish
international Martin Olsson.
Of the four trialists we had earlier on in the season, Mikael Silvestre is
in the process of joining Dodsal FC in the Indian league, John Mensah has
joined Rennes in France (a powerhouse defender who I was surprised we didn't
sign?), Anthony Vanden Borre is club-less and Michael Lamey has joined RKC
Waalwijk.
It was clear earlier in the season that we needed more defenders, any of the
forementioned players were free agents, yet for what ever reason they
weren't up to standard in the clubs eyes to challenge for a first team
place.
To balance this out though, we must recognise that the club are in debt, and
Gold & Sullivan have parted with a considerable amount of money to keep the
club going, and did spend big in the summer. Modibo Maiga joined from
Sochaux, and Britain's most expensive footballer Andy Carroll signed for a
one year loan , on a reported £100k weekly salary.
Matt Jarvis became the club's record signing from Wolves. Razak Boukari, a
Togo international who was close to signing if we didn't land Jarvis,
ironically joined Wolves for £3m and has been hampered by injury since
September (Kieron Dyer, anyone?). Offloading Yossi Benayoun back to Chelsea
in early January helped release wages to fund Joe Cole's arrival.
Sam Allardyce has a lot of options now in midfield and up front - and
considering he only ever plays one striker, means at least five strikers
will be getting splinters from the woodwork on the bench. It is in defence
where we have issues.
West Ham have been linked with thousands of players, as agents wheel and
deal, using the media to heighten the transfer frenzy. So in order to blend
in with the other tabloids, here are my predictions:-
It has become clear that as the deadline approaches, some clubs will more
willing to do business. I suspect, West Ham will sign Martin Olsson on
deadline day from Blackburn, yet don't be surprised if Henri Bedimo flies in
from France as a Plan B. The Cameroon international could be available for
around £4m.
I think Diarra will be sold to either Rennes, Espanyol, or Mallorca which
will help fund the Olsson deal. Modibo Maiga may also leave, with a number
of French clubs allegedly interested, and you never know, the French team up
North, Newcastle!?! Lastly, Stephen Henderson - to be loaned out to a
Championship club.
So ironically, it may be that we are net receivers in terms of transfer fees
in January - watch this space!
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Transfer news: Emanuel Pogatetz makes return to England on loan with West
Ham
Last Updated: January 28, 2013 9:19pm
SSN
Austria defender Emanuel Pogatetz has joined West Ham on loan from Wolfsburg
for the remainder of the season. Pogatetz, who can play at left-back or in
the centre of defence, has more than 50 caps for his country and experience
of the Premier League from five seasons with Middlesbrough. The powerful
30-year-old had been playing in Germany for the last two-and-a-half years
but is delighted to be returning to England. "I feel very good to be here
and I am very excited about playing for West Ham," he told the club's
official website. "I am looking forward to the opportunity to play for the
club and help it get good results. I will be doing my best to play well and
hope I can play a part in the club achieving the targets for this season.
"First of all when I heard that West Ham wanted me, I thought it was a club
I wanted to play for because they are a very traditional club, with
passionate supporters. "Secondly, it was good for to have the opportunity to
come back and play in England. This is the football I want to play and I
have missed playing here, I want to show what I am still capable of after
five years playing in Middlesbrough."
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Mad Dog 2 Signs, as Wellington gets off the Mark!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Ex-Middlesboro central defender, Emanuel Pogatetz, has completed a six month
loan move from German club Wolfsburg. The tough tackling central defender
has expressed his pleasure in signing for a 'traditional club' like West Ham
and returning to the English PL. Nicknamed 'Mad Dog.' like Martin Allen in a
previous era, he is a good solid defensive signing, who will give 100% to
the cause. He goes straight in to the first team squad for Wednesday
evening's important away fixture at Fulham.
The rumour is that Villa left-back, Stephen Warnock, will follow Pogatetz in
to the club. Some fans are distinctly underwhelmed by the prospect of
signing Warnock, their rationale being that if he cannot get in to a
struggling Villa side, why is he an appropriate signing for West Ham? But he
is an experienced performer, who will undoubtedly do a solid job. The
question is whether we will also sign a second left-back in this window. In
a recent interview, Sam Allardyce seemed to indicate that he needed two left
full-backs to provide adequate cover in that position. Perhaps if this is
the case, then the other signing will offer a bit more pace down the left
flank. Might we yet see a deadline day deal for Martin Olsson or Henri
Bedimo?
Who knows what is happening with the Diame situation. Hopefully nothing and
he will remain a Hammers player, at least until the end of the season.
However, no doubt the club have lined up a replacement as a contingency
measure. In that context, there were some intriguing reports today that West
Ham are lining up a bid for Marseilles midfielder, Charles Kabore. Kabore is
currently out of the Marseilles first team and a c.£2.5m bid could be enough
to secure his services. Yet another story has us competing with Reading FC
for the signature of another Marseilles midfielder, Morgan Amalfitano. Of
course, Kabore or Amalfiano could arrive regardless of Diame's fate in the
transfer window. It could be that a new signing comes in to replace a
discontented Alou Diarra, who is wanted by Espanyol and Mallorca amongst
others. Losing Diarra would be a shame in many respects, particularly with
regard to his ability to shield the centre of our defence and slot in to a
three at the back, giving the full-backs the extra assurance to attack down
the flanks.
Congratulations to the U-21s for defeating their Arsenal counter-parts 2-0
in this afternoon's Elite Group match at Colney Hatch. The match was also
notable for seeing Wellington Paulista score his first goal in a Hammers
shirt. He started as one of the two permitted over-age players and scored
with a near post header from a George Moncur corner. It was a well taken
goal and it bodes well for Paulista's first team debut, which will hopefully
happen sooner rather than later. Perhaps he might even be named on the bench
for the Fulham match. I hope so, as I am looking forward to seeing what
Paulista can offer the first team, hopefully goals and a few of them!
Finally, we need to do ourselves a favour and bounce back with a win at
Fulham on Wednesday evening. It is not beyond the team, as long as we can
play a consistent 90 minutes of good football. Our cause should be assisted
by the return of Andy Carroll, who is likely to be named on the bench. A
draw is a likely result, although I am hoping that we can sneak a 1-0 or 2-1
victory on the night. COYI !
SJ. Chandos.
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Book Review: West Ham - The Inside Story by Tony Cottee
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
I think if any West Ham fan were asked to compile a list of their Top 5
greatest ever West Ham strikers, Tony Cottee would more than likely feature
alongside Geoff Hurst, Syd Puddefoot, Vic Watson and Iain Dowie. OK, maybe
not Iain Dowie.
When I saw that Cottee had written a new book I assumed it was merely an
update of his autobiography published back in 1995. So I bought it anyway
even though I only expected a couple of new chapters to bring his life up to
date. Boy was I wrong. It's a whole new book, covering the last 18 years of
his life. It covers the fag end of his playing career in Malaysia, Leicester
and Norwich before moving on to his ill fated six months as player/manager
at Barnet. He writes movingly about the difficult transition from top class
player to journeyman pro winding down his career, and the awful realisation
that through little fault of his own, his managerial reign at Barnet would
prove to be the first and last time he had the chance to manage a football
club.
This is not a particularly polished book. It's published very cheaply on
very shiny paper with far too many photos mixed into the text. It's not
edited that well either, but somehow none of this matters because it's so
authentic. Cottee isn't a bad writer and can certainly hold the readers
attention and he comes into his own when he starts discussing what turns out
to be the main theme of the book – how we tried to buy West Ham and install
himself as chairman. I reckon I know quite a bit about the recent history of
West Ham, but I hadn't realised how close Cottee came to achieving his goal,
and as he relates, had West Ham not not been promoted in the playoff final
of 2005, it's likely that the name above the Chairman's office at Upton park
would be Cottee not Gold or Sullivan.
Cottee hated what he saw happening to the club he supported as a boy. He
felt Terry Brown the then chairman, was resting on his laurels and fat
salary (£492,000 if you please). The club wasn't operating as it should
commercially, the wrong managers were being appointed and they were buying
the wrong players. So Cottee set out to do something about it. He tells the
tale in exhaustive detail, naming names and shaming those who he sees as
guilty parties. For a footballer with no background in finance to get so
close to successfully buying West Ham tells you something about his gutsy
determination. Despite Terry Brown constantly shifting the goalposts – and
price – Cottee persevered and whenever his bid suffered a setback, he
bounced back. But the one thing he seems to have lacked was perhaps the most
important thing – a sense of media nouse. Cottee went through the whole
episode operating by the maxim 'least said, soonest mended'. He didn't go
public with his bid and as a consequence was outmanouvred not just by rival
bids but also by Terry Brown's media operation, which sought to do him down
at every opportunity. Had Cottee gone public at the right time and solicited
the support of West Ham fans I suspect his bid would have been unstoppable.
Instead, he was shafted not just by Terry Brown, but by the Icelanders.
The Icelanders? I hear you chorusing. Yes, because the main point of this
book is to show us, the loyal West Ham fans, that it was Cottee who actually
gave them the idea of buying the club in the first place. They had agreed to
put up money to back Cottee's bid, but over time, they sought to edge him
out of the equation. Once they realised that Terry Brown wouldn't do
business with Cottee he was well and truly shafted. Was he naive? Probably.
Did he trust one or two people – like Keith Mills from Seymour Pierce – too
much? Absolutely.
I'm not going to go into any more detail because I don't want to ruin the
book for those who haven't read it yet, but suffice to say after reading it
you will change your opinion of quite a few people at the heart of the club
over those years.
One question he didn't really answer, though, is why didn't he try to buy
the club again in 2010, or at least attempt to become part of the
Gold/Sullivan bid? He clearly enjoyed good relations with them both.
Perhaps I will ask David Sullivan in our next interview. Or perhaps I should
interview Cottee himself. Now there's a thought.
Anyway, do buy Tony's book. It's published in paperback at £14.99. The
Newham Bookshop have signed copies available, which you could buy before the
next home game
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, January 28
Daily WHUFC News - 28th January 2013
Deano back at the Boleyn
WHUFC.com
Dean Ashton speaks exclusively to West Ham TV, on only his second return to
the Boleyn Ground
27.01.2013
Former West Ham United striker Dean Ashton was back at the Boleyn Ground, as
he joined up with BBC's Football Focus team prior to the 1-1 draw with
Queens Park Rangers. Ashton, who made 56 appearances for the Hammers between
2006 and 2008, gave an exclusive interview to West Ham TV, upon only his
second return to the club since his retirement due to an ankle injury in
2009. It proved a poignant afternoon for the hugely popular figure, whose
goals so nearly fired the Hammers to FA Cup triumph in 2006. "It's nice to
come back, it's always a special place for me," he told West Ham TV. "The
crowd have been fantastic to me, when I was playing and also since I
finished. That's great for me and it makes me feel good, obviously."
After hearing his name ring around the Boleyn Ground during a half-time
interview, Ashton was reminded of exactly what he's missing. "That's what
you miss from when you're playing - playing in front of all the fans and
getting their reactions when you score and when you play well." For
exclusive access to the interview, in which Ashton discusses West Ham's
prospects in the Barclays Premier League, as well as his own future in the
game, login or subscribe to West Ham TV using the link below. We've also got
behind the scenes footage of Football Focus at the Boleyn Ground, including
a chat with legendary broadcaster John Motson.
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Vaz Te's boots raise 1,700 pounds!
WHUFC.com
Ricardo Vaz Te's Championship Play-Off final boots have raised welcome cash
for the Bobby Moore Fund
19.01.2013
A West Ham United supporter has raised £1,700 for the Bobby Moore Fund for
Cancer Research UK by winning an auction to sign a unique piece of Hammers
memorabilia. Ricardo Vaz Te kindly donated the purple and orange size 9 1/2
Adidas Adizero TRX boots he was wearing when he fired West Ham back into the
Barclays Premier League at Wembley in May 2012. The Hammers No12 scored a
dramatic late winner to clinch a thrilling 2-1 npower Championship Play-Off
final victory over Blackpool - and now one lucky fan has won the chance to
own the boots that scored that historic goal by successfully bidding £1,700
in an online auction! A total of 57 bids were made for the historic boots,
which also scored West Ham's Goal of the Season against Brighton and Hove
Albion in April 2012. "I wore these boots all last season, so they scored
more than 20 goals and are very special to me," said Vaz Te before the
auction began. "Believe it or not, a friend of mine bought me the boots from
a sports shop because I did not have an endorsement deal at the start of
last season, so they really are my lucky boots! "However, I know the Bobby
Moore Fund is a very important cause and does a lot of fantastic work, so I
felt it was right that I put the boots up for auction to raise as much money
as possible for the charity. "So many people's lives are touched by cancer,
so any work that is done to try to find ways to prevent and cure it is
extremely valuable, so whatever money we can raise by selling the boots will
be put to good use in this area."
The £1,700 raised will go to the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research, with
the club targeting to raise £50,000 for the charity founded in memory of the
late, great West Ham and England captain this season. So far, thanks to a
personal donation of £10,000 from Joint-Chairman David Sullivan and
significant contributions from the club's Principal Partner SBOBET and
manager Sam Allardyce, the club has raised more than £20,000 towards this
total. Two home fixtures have also been designated as Bobby Moore Fund
Awareness Matches - the Barclays Premier League visits of Tottenham Hotspur
and Manchester United on 25 February and 9 March 2013 respectively. The
Spurs fixture will mark 20 years since Moore's tragic and untimely passing
and the club is planning a fitting tribute to the great defender, including
a special 100-page commemorative Official Programme.
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West Ham poised for double swoop
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 27th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are on the verge of signing fomer Middlesbrough defender
Emanuel Pogatetz on loan for the rest of the season. The Austrian
international, now 30, will join the Irons for the remainder of the 2012/13
campaign with view to a permanent contract according to reports. German
media have revealed that Pogatetz, who played at the Riverside between 2005
and 2010 has travelled to London in order to rubber-stamp his move to east
London. Currently with Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg, Pogatetz - also known as
'Mad Dog' - has also been linked with Aston Villa and Fulham in recent days
although according to reports from Germany has opted to join Sam Allardyce's
squad instead.
The Hammers boss is also hoping to clinch a second signing with the capture
of Stephen Warnock from Aston Villa. The 31-year-old former England
international has fallen out of favour at Villa Park and looks set to join
Pogatetz at the Boleyn Ground on a free transfer imminently. West Ham, who
placed a third bid for Blackburn left-back Martin Olsson on Friday have
turned to Warnock having become increasingly disillusioned with their search
for a replacement for George McCartney, who is sidelined for several weeks.
The former Liverpool and Blackburn player is said to be earning in the
region of £40,000 per week at Villa, but is yet to make a single appearance
for the relegation-threatened club this season. He spent the first half of
the campaign on loan with Bolton in the Championship.
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Kevin Nolan reveals West Ham were called to 7am meeting after Arsenal loss
Last Updated: January 26, 2013 12:30pm
SSN
West Ham captain Kevin Nolan has revealed manager Sam Allardyce called a 7am
meeting the morning after the 5-1 loss at Arsenal in order to put the defeat
behind them. Allardyce's side conceded four goals in 10 minutes as the
Gunners ran riot in the second half to extend the Hammers' winless run to
five matches.
"It was totally unacceptable for us with the standards we have set
ourselves," Nolan told the club's official website. "The gaffer wasn't happy
and rightly so - so he asked for us to come in at 7am the next morning on
the Thursday. "There were no complaints from any of us - we all need a kick
up the backside every now and then and we take it all on board. "The gaffer
and all of us wanted to put this result and what happened to bed straight
away, and it was good that we came in early and got into looking at what
went wrong together as a group."
Midfielder Mohamed Diame, who joined West Ham last summer from Wigan but has
been linked with a move away from the club this transfer window, was late
for the meeting. Nolan added: "We all had to wait for him before we could
start and when he arrived, we all gave him stick for not only being late and
keeping us all waiting, but we said we thought he had left us without saying
goodbye." West Ham's next game is away at Fulham in the Premier League on
Wednesday 30 January.
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Turkish side Kasimpasa have made an enquiry for West Ham striker Carlton
Cole
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
January 26, 2013 1:28pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands Turkish side Kasimpasa have made an enquiry for West
Ham striker Carlton Cole. Cole's future at West Ham has been the subject of
speculation this month with his contract due to expire at the end of the
season. The forward is yet to be offered a new deal by the Premier League
club and they could try to sell him now rather than risk losing him for
nothing in the summer. West Ham have brought in two strikers on loan this
month in Marouane Chamakh and Wellington Paulista, and with Andy Carroll set
to return from injury, Cole could find himself pushed well down the pecking
order at Upton Park.
The news has alerted a number of teams at home and abroad to his possible
availability before the close of the transfer window. Kasimpasa have
expressed an interest and they are thought to be locked in talks with the
Hammers in trying to agree a fee for the former Chelsea man. West Ham are
thought to be willing to sell for a fee in the region of £3million and
Kasimpasa's Turkish rivals Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are believed to be
keeping a watching brief on the situation. A number of Premier League clubs
are also keeping tabs on Cole and could move for him before the transfer
window slams shut next Thursday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal have snubbed enquiries from several sides to take Carl Jenkinson on
loan
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
January 26, 2013 1:27pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands Arsenal have rejected enquiries from several Premier
League clubs to take Carl Jenkinson on loan. The likes of Stoke, West Ham,
Wigan and Southampton are all thought to have asked about the availability
of the right-back on loan for the rest of the season. However, Arsenal boss
Arsene Wenger has rebuffed the offers for Jenkinson as he feels he could be
needed for the remainder of the campaign. Jenkinson started the season as
first-choice due to an injury to Bacary Sagna and he impressed for the
Gunners which resulted in him winning a call-up to the England squad. The
former Charlton man is highly-regarded at Emirates Stadium and he was
rewarded with a new deal before Christmas.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Now it is Stephen Warnock in the Frame, as Diame's Unnamed Friends Inform us
that ...... !
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
After being linked with Martin Olsson (Blackburn Rovers), Emilio Izaguirre
(Celic) and Henri Bedimo (Montpellier), it is now being reported that West
Ham may be considering bringing in Stephen Warnock (Villa) on a free
transfer move. Apparently, the club are meeting with Warnock on Sunday to
negotiate a deal. There is also interest from Championship clubs, but West
Ham are in pole position to land the player.
It is more than possible that we could see two left-backs join the club in
this window, as Sam Allardyce has previously stated that he needs a couple
of acquisitions to provide adequate cover in that position, while, there are
also rumours that West Ham, along with Stoke City, could be interested in
taking Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson on loan. I am not sure about this. After
all, Jenkinson is a right-back and with Demel, O'Brien and Spence covering
that position, it is not so much of a priority.
Elsewhere, Mirror Sport are really pushing the boat out on the Diame to
Arsenal story. They have given it a new focus by quoting some unnamed
'friends' of Diame, who have confirmed that Diame would love to join Arsenal
in this transfer window. And based upon that, the Mirror feels confident in
stating that Diame wants to join Arsenal! He may well want to sign for
Arsenal - no doubt many players would, but whether he gets the chance is
another matter. In addition, they have linked the story to the disciplinary
action (1 week's wages) allegedly taken due to Diame arriving late at the
training ground for the 7am Arsenal post-mortem. And to round it all off
nicely, it is also authoritatively stated in the article that Sam Allardyce
has given up all hope of retaining Diame's services. How do they know what
Allardyce is thinking? Perhaps they have had a discreet word with one of Sam
Allardyce's best pals on the quiet!
This Mo Diame release clause issue has been an annoying distraction. I for
one will be glad when it is over one way or the other. Hopefully, Diame's
public statement about wanting to stay at the club best reflects the
player's intentions. We will see, come the 1 February 2013, what exactly is
the factual wheat amidst the speculative chaff. If I was in Diame's position
I would stay with West Ham until the summer and review my options then. He
is playing regularly at West Ham and an equally good second half of the
season can only improve his prospects and future options. But Diame may well
not see it like that, so lets see what transpires.
And finally, it appears that our Republic of Ireland international keeper,
Stephen Henderson, has returned to the club. He was on the bench against
Arsenal and it will be interesting to see whether Henderson goes back on
loan to Ipswich Town or spends the remainder of the season at West Ham. It
may be that the club decide to stick with Jussi, Henderson and Spiegel, this
season, and focuses their attention upon strengthening in other, more
pressing areas. While, we can also confirm that any interest that West Ham
had in Nicolas Anelka is over, at least for the time being. Anelka has just
signed a six month contract with Serie A leaders Juventus, with the option
of a further one season contract if the move proves succesfull.
I am not sure if that is good or bad news from our perspective. Still, never
mind, we still have Wellington Paulista waiting in the wings. Could Paulista
be a Hammers cult hero in the making? I do not know, but he does appear to
be a bit of a character and someone who gives 100% on the pitch, both
characteristics that endear players to the Hammers faithful. We shall see.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fine idea: Mohamed Diame up for Arsenal move as he lands in West Ham's
dog-house
The Mirror
26 Jan 2013 23:00
EXCLUSIVE by Dean Jones & Steve Bates
Mohamed Diame has told pals he would love to join Arsenal this week, writes
the Sunday People. The 25-year-old West Ham midfielder has been fined a
week's wages by boss Sam Allardyce for turning up late for a team meeting on
Thursday. Every other player was on time for the 7am session to watch a
rerun of Hammers' horror show in the 5-1 defeat to Arsenal. Allardyce seems
to have given up the fight to keep his star man, with Arsenal set to trigger
a £3.5million release clause. Spurs could also make a late bid, but West Ham
will want to bring in a replacement before Diame – signed from Wigan last
June – goes anywhere.
Hooray Henri: Hammers eye Montpellier star
EXCLUSIVE by Alan Nixon
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is making a £2million bid for Montpellier's
Cameroon left-back Henri Bedimo, writes the Sunday People. Allardyce wants
to make Henri a Hammer before the deadline and his agents have opened talks
with the French club's president. Bedimo, 28, wants to move to the Premier
League while he is still at the peak of his powers, especially after seeing
Montpellier's better players leave the club so soon after winning the French
title.
Big Sam wants to recruit a new left-back after failing to land Sweden star
Martin Olsson from Blackburn, with the Hammers bidding a similar sum for the
24-year-old. Bedimo may cost more than Allardyce wants to pay, but sources
close to the deal are optimistic that it can be rushed through.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cash out: Aston Villa loaning big-money flops Alan Hutton and Stephen
Warnock
The Mirror
27 Jan 2013 22:30
Aston Villa have agreed to ship out flops Alan Hutton to Real Mallorca and
Stephen Warnock to West Ham. The pair of big-earning Villa full-backs were
made to train with the kids when boss Paul Lambert took over last summer.
Hutton and Warnock were then bombed out on loan to Nottingham Forest and
Bolton respectively. Despite returning to Villa, the club are now sending
right-back Hutton, 28, to Real Mallorca and left-back Warnock, 31, to West
Ham this week.
Their exits will ease Villa's wage bill as both collect over £40,000 a week.
But Lambert's youthful first team is struggling and there have been calls to
recall the duo to use their experience.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Dean Ashton speaks exclusively to West Ham TV, on only his second return to
the Boleyn Ground
27.01.2013
Former West Ham United striker Dean Ashton was back at the Boleyn Ground, as
he joined up with BBC's Football Focus team prior to the 1-1 draw with
Queens Park Rangers. Ashton, who made 56 appearances for the Hammers between
2006 and 2008, gave an exclusive interview to West Ham TV, upon only his
second return to the club since his retirement due to an ankle injury in
2009. It proved a poignant afternoon for the hugely popular figure, whose
goals so nearly fired the Hammers to FA Cup triumph in 2006. "It's nice to
come back, it's always a special place for me," he told West Ham TV. "The
crowd have been fantastic to me, when I was playing and also since I
finished. That's great for me and it makes me feel good, obviously."
After hearing his name ring around the Boleyn Ground during a half-time
interview, Ashton was reminded of exactly what he's missing. "That's what
you miss from when you're playing - playing in front of all the fans and
getting their reactions when you score and when you play well." For
exclusive access to the interview, in which Ashton discusses West Ham's
prospects in the Barclays Premier League, as well as his own future in the
game, login or subscribe to West Ham TV using the link below. We've also got
behind the scenes footage of Football Focus at the Boleyn Ground, including
a chat with legendary broadcaster John Motson.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vaz Te's boots raise 1,700 pounds!
WHUFC.com
Ricardo Vaz Te's Championship Play-Off final boots have raised welcome cash
for the Bobby Moore Fund
19.01.2013
A West Ham United supporter has raised £1,700 for the Bobby Moore Fund for
Cancer Research UK by winning an auction to sign a unique piece of Hammers
memorabilia. Ricardo Vaz Te kindly donated the purple and orange size 9 1/2
Adidas Adizero TRX boots he was wearing when he fired West Ham back into the
Barclays Premier League at Wembley in May 2012. The Hammers No12 scored a
dramatic late winner to clinch a thrilling 2-1 npower Championship Play-Off
final victory over Blackpool - and now one lucky fan has won the chance to
own the boots that scored that historic goal by successfully bidding £1,700
in an online auction! A total of 57 bids were made for the historic boots,
which also scored West Ham's Goal of the Season against Brighton and Hove
Albion in April 2012. "I wore these boots all last season, so they scored
more than 20 goals and are very special to me," said Vaz Te before the
auction began. "Believe it or not, a friend of mine bought me the boots from
a sports shop because I did not have an endorsement deal at the start of
last season, so they really are my lucky boots! "However, I know the Bobby
Moore Fund is a very important cause and does a lot of fantastic work, so I
felt it was right that I put the boots up for auction to raise as much money
as possible for the charity. "So many people's lives are touched by cancer,
so any work that is done to try to find ways to prevent and cure it is
extremely valuable, so whatever money we can raise by selling the boots will
be put to good use in this area."
The £1,700 raised will go to the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research, with
the club targeting to raise £50,000 for the charity founded in memory of the
late, great West Ham and England captain this season. So far, thanks to a
personal donation of £10,000 from Joint-Chairman David Sullivan and
significant contributions from the club's Principal Partner SBOBET and
manager Sam Allardyce, the club has raised more than £20,000 towards this
total. Two home fixtures have also been designated as Bobby Moore Fund
Awareness Matches - the Barclays Premier League visits of Tottenham Hotspur
and Manchester United on 25 February and 9 March 2013 respectively. The
Spurs fixture will mark 20 years since Moore's tragic and untimely passing
and the club is planning a fitting tribute to the great defender, including
a special 100-page commemorative Official Programme.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham poised for double swoop
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 27th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are on the verge of signing fomer Middlesbrough defender
Emanuel Pogatetz on loan for the rest of the season. The Austrian
international, now 30, will join the Irons for the remainder of the 2012/13
campaign with view to a permanent contract according to reports. German
media have revealed that Pogatetz, who played at the Riverside between 2005
and 2010 has travelled to London in order to rubber-stamp his move to east
London. Currently with Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg, Pogatetz - also known as
'Mad Dog' - has also been linked with Aston Villa and Fulham in recent days
although according to reports from Germany has opted to join Sam Allardyce's
squad instead.
The Hammers boss is also hoping to clinch a second signing with the capture
of Stephen Warnock from Aston Villa. The 31-year-old former England
international has fallen out of favour at Villa Park and looks set to join
Pogatetz at the Boleyn Ground on a free transfer imminently. West Ham, who
placed a third bid for Blackburn left-back Martin Olsson on Friday have
turned to Warnock having become increasingly disillusioned with their search
for a replacement for George McCartney, who is sidelined for several weeks.
The former Liverpool and Blackburn player is said to be earning in the
region of £40,000 per week at Villa, but is yet to make a single appearance
for the relegation-threatened club this season. He spent the first half of
the campaign on loan with Bolton in the Championship.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kevin Nolan reveals West Ham were called to 7am meeting after Arsenal loss
Last Updated: January 26, 2013 12:30pm
SSN
West Ham captain Kevin Nolan has revealed manager Sam Allardyce called a 7am
meeting the morning after the 5-1 loss at Arsenal in order to put the defeat
behind them. Allardyce's side conceded four goals in 10 minutes as the
Gunners ran riot in the second half to extend the Hammers' winless run to
five matches.
"It was totally unacceptable for us with the standards we have set
ourselves," Nolan told the club's official website. "The gaffer wasn't happy
and rightly so - so he asked for us to come in at 7am the next morning on
the Thursday. "There were no complaints from any of us - we all need a kick
up the backside every now and then and we take it all on board. "The gaffer
and all of us wanted to put this result and what happened to bed straight
away, and it was good that we came in early and got into looking at what
went wrong together as a group."
Midfielder Mohamed Diame, who joined West Ham last summer from Wigan but has
been linked with a move away from the club this transfer window, was late
for the meeting. Nolan added: "We all had to wait for him before we could
start and when he arrived, we all gave him stick for not only being late and
keeping us all waiting, but we said we thought he had left us without saying
goodbye." West Ham's next game is away at Fulham in the Premier League on
Wednesday 30 January.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Turkish side Kasimpasa have made an enquiry for West Ham striker Carlton
Cole
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
January 26, 2013 1:28pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands Turkish side Kasimpasa have made an enquiry for West
Ham striker Carlton Cole. Cole's future at West Ham has been the subject of
speculation this month with his contract due to expire at the end of the
season. The forward is yet to be offered a new deal by the Premier League
club and they could try to sell him now rather than risk losing him for
nothing in the summer. West Ham have brought in two strikers on loan this
month in Marouane Chamakh and Wellington Paulista, and with Andy Carroll set
to return from injury, Cole could find himself pushed well down the pecking
order at Upton Park.
The news has alerted a number of teams at home and abroad to his possible
availability before the close of the transfer window. Kasimpasa have
expressed an interest and they are thought to be locked in talks with the
Hammers in trying to agree a fee for the former Chelsea man. West Ham are
thought to be willing to sell for a fee in the region of £3million and
Kasimpasa's Turkish rivals Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are believed to be
keeping a watching brief on the situation. A number of Premier League clubs
are also keeping tabs on Cole and could move for him before the transfer
window slams shut next Thursday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal have snubbed enquiries from several sides to take Carl Jenkinson on
loan
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
January 26, 2013 1:27pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands Arsenal have rejected enquiries from several Premier
League clubs to take Carl Jenkinson on loan. The likes of Stoke, West Ham,
Wigan and Southampton are all thought to have asked about the availability
of the right-back on loan for the rest of the season. However, Arsenal boss
Arsene Wenger has rebuffed the offers for Jenkinson as he feels he could be
needed for the remainder of the campaign. Jenkinson started the season as
first-choice due to an injury to Bacary Sagna and he impressed for the
Gunners which resulted in him winning a call-up to the England squad. The
former Charlton man is highly-regarded at Emirates Stadium and he was
rewarded with a new deal before Christmas.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Now it is Stephen Warnock in the Frame, as Diame's Unnamed Friends Inform us
that ...... !
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
After being linked with Martin Olsson (Blackburn Rovers), Emilio Izaguirre
(Celic) and Henri Bedimo (Montpellier), it is now being reported that West
Ham may be considering bringing in Stephen Warnock (Villa) on a free
transfer move. Apparently, the club are meeting with Warnock on Sunday to
negotiate a deal. There is also interest from Championship clubs, but West
Ham are in pole position to land the player.
It is more than possible that we could see two left-backs join the club in
this window, as Sam Allardyce has previously stated that he needs a couple
of acquisitions to provide adequate cover in that position, while, there are
also rumours that West Ham, along with Stoke City, could be interested in
taking Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson on loan. I am not sure about this. After
all, Jenkinson is a right-back and with Demel, O'Brien and Spence covering
that position, it is not so much of a priority.
Elsewhere, Mirror Sport are really pushing the boat out on the Diame to
Arsenal story. They have given it a new focus by quoting some unnamed
'friends' of Diame, who have confirmed that Diame would love to join Arsenal
in this transfer window. And based upon that, the Mirror feels confident in
stating that Diame wants to join Arsenal! He may well want to sign for
Arsenal - no doubt many players would, but whether he gets the chance is
another matter. In addition, they have linked the story to the disciplinary
action (1 week's wages) allegedly taken due to Diame arriving late at the
training ground for the 7am Arsenal post-mortem. And to round it all off
nicely, it is also authoritatively stated in the article that Sam Allardyce
has given up all hope of retaining Diame's services. How do they know what
Allardyce is thinking? Perhaps they have had a discreet word with one of Sam
Allardyce's best pals on the quiet!
This Mo Diame release clause issue has been an annoying distraction. I for
one will be glad when it is over one way or the other. Hopefully, Diame's
public statement about wanting to stay at the club best reflects the
player's intentions. We will see, come the 1 February 2013, what exactly is
the factual wheat amidst the speculative chaff. If I was in Diame's position
I would stay with West Ham until the summer and review my options then. He
is playing regularly at West Ham and an equally good second half of the
season can only improve his prospects and future options. But Diame may well
not see it like that, so lets see what transpires.
And finally, it appears that our Republic of Ireland international keeper,
Stephen Henderson, has returned to the club. He was on the bench against
Arsenal and it will be interesting to see whether Henderson goes back on
loan to Ipswich Town or spends the remainder of the season at West Ham. It
may be that the club decide to stick with Jussi, Henderson and Spiegel, this
season, and focuses their attention upon strengthening in other, more
pressing areas. While, we can also confirm that any interest that West Ham
had in Nicolas Anelka is over, at least for the time being. Anelka has just
signed a six month contract with Serie A leaders Juventus, with the option
of a further one season contract if the move proves succesfull.
I am not sure if that is good or bad news from our perspective. Still, never
mind, we still have Wellington Paulista waiting in the wings. Could Paulista
be a Hammers cult hero in the making? I do not know, but he does appear to
be a bit of a character and someone who gives 100% on the pitch, both
characteristics that endear players to the Hammers faithful. We shall see.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fine idea: Mohamed Diame up for Arsenal move as he lands in West Ham's
dog-house
The Mirror
26 Jan 2013 23:00
EXCLUSIVE by Dean Jones & Steve Bates
Mohamed Diame has told pals he would love to join Arsenal this week, writes
the Sunday People. The 25-year-old West Ham midfielder has been fined a
week's wages by boss Sam Allardyce for turning up late for a team meeting on
Thursday. Every other player was on time for the 7am session to watch a
rerun of Hammers' horror show in the 5-1 defeat to Arsenal. Allardyce seems
to have given up the fight to keep his star man, with Arsenal set to trigger
a £3.5million release clause. Spurs could also make a late bid, but West Ham
will want to bring in a replacement before Diame – signed from Wigan last
June – goes anywhere.
Hooray Henri: Hammers eye Montpellier star
EXCLUSIVE by Alan Nixon
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is making a £2million bid for Montpellier's
Cameroon left-back Henri Bedimo, writes the Sunday People. Allardyce wants
to make Henri a Hammer before the deadline and his agents have opened talks
with the French club's president. Bedimo, 28, wants to move to the Premier
League while he is still at the peak of his powers, especially after seeing
Montpellier's better players leave the club so soon after winning the French
title.
Big Sam wants to recruit a new left-back after failing to land Sweden star
Martin Olsson from Blackburn, with the Hammers bidding a similar sum for the
24-year-old. Bedimo may cost more than Allardyce wants to pay, but sources
close to the deal are optimistic that it can be rushed through.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cash out: Aston Villa loaning big-money flops Alan Hutton and Stephen
Warnock
The Mirror
27 Jan 2013 22:30
Aston Villa have agreed to ship out flops Alan Hutton to Real Mallorca and
Stephen Warnock to West Ham. The pair of big-earning Villa full-backs were
made to train with the kids when boss Paul Lambert took over last summer.
Hutton and Warnock were then bombed out on loan to Nottingham Forest and
Bolton respectively. Despite returning to Villa, the club are now sending
right-back Hutton, 28, to Real Mallorca and left-back Warnock, 31, to West
Ham this week.
Their exits will ease Villa's wage bill as both collect over £40,000 a week.
But Lambert's youthful first team is struggling and there have been calls to
recall the duo to use their experience.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, January 26
Daily WHUFC News - 26th January 2013
Captain's Blog
WHUFC.com
West Ham United skipper Kevin Nolan reveals that the manager demanded an
early start to put things right
25.01.2013
Hello to everyone.
First of all, I would like to say what great news it is that Pottsy is all
OK following what happened to him at Arsenal on Wednesday. We were all
concerned and were kept informed during the night as to how he was doing. We
all sent him messages and it was great to get his text back to say he was OK
early the next morning. I am sure you will all join me in wishing him well
in his recovery and Pottsy, we are all looking forward to seeing you back
around the place soon!
It goes without saying that we were all really upset and disappointed with
the result at the Emirates.
The fact was that, before those 12 minutes or so at the start of the second
half, we were doing really well and then we were hit with the four goals.
It was totally unacceptable for us with the standards we have set ourselves
and I want, on behalf of all the lads, to apologise to our fans and want
them to know that we will be looking to put things right again.
The gaffer wasn't happy and rightly so - so he asked for us to come in at
7am the next morning on the Thursday. I think he would have had us in later
on Wednesday night if he could, but he told us to be in at this time the
next day at the training ground and there were no complaints from any of us
- we all need a kick up the backside every now and then and we take it all
on board.
The gaffer and all of us wanted to put this result and what happened to bed
straight away and it was good that we came in early and got into looking at
what went wrong together as a group. It is one of the best things about the
group of players we have here, that we are strong as a unit together whether
things are going right or wrong. We have some strong characters in the group
and we all went through everything together - we listened to what the gaffer
had to say, then we all discussed it all as a group.
Having played under the gaffer for some time and having known him now for
several years, I have had a few 7am meetings to attend following a bad
result! There has always been a positive response afterwards. He let us know
how he felt. He wants us to be getting the right results and performances
that he and the coaches prepare us to achieve before every game and so do
we. So we have all taken it on board and on the chin. The outcome is that we
are looking forward to putting it right against Fulham next week. We have no
match this weekend but will be in over the weekend to train and are already
preparing for the Fulham game.
It has been the same since I got here, that we stick together no matter
what. We knew that, this season, we would hit a sticky patch and what gets
us through is sticking together and putting it right together. That is what
we will continue to do. I know that all of you, our fans, get disappointed
and upset when things go wrong and we don't get the right result. We do as
well. We know how much it all means and all we ask is that you stick with us
as we look to make things right. I say every week how fantastic our support
is and there is no better feeling than hearing all of you backing us. When
you have just had a bad result and are looking to put it right, there is
nothing better than having all of you cheering us on.
I would like to finish on a slightly more light-hearted note. Mo Diame was a
bit late for the 7am meeting that the gaffer called, which does happen with
players from time to time! We all had to wait for him before we could start
and when he arrived, we all gave him stick for not only being late and
keeping us all waiting, but we said we thought he had left us without saying
goodbye! As everyone knows, there is a lot of speculation in the media about
Mo, so we thought we would give him more stick about that! To be fair to
him, he took all the banter really well and joined in as part of the group
as we discussed everything from the match and looked ahead.
We are now focusing on next Wednesday's match at Fulham and are determined
to get the result for you - a result that sees us pick up important points
to help us finish the season as high as we can, taking another step further
to where this club should be.
Come on you Irons!
Kevin Nolan
Captain
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mac making progress
WHUFC.com
George McCartney has stepped up his rehabilitation after a period
recuperating in his home city
26.01.2013
A welcome face was back around West Ham United's training ground this week
in the shape of George McCartney. The Northern Irish defender has been out
of action since mid-December after picking up a knee ligament injury in
training. McCartney underwent surgery on his meniscal and lateral ligaments
and is now recovering well. As part of his treatment to recover from the
injury, McCartney went back home to his native Belfast for a short period
but is now back at Chadwell Heath and is making good progress with the
support of the club's medical team, "It has been five weeks now since I got
injured," confirmed the left-back. "After undergoing surgery, I had some of
that time back home in Northern Ireland receiving treatment there. "I saw
the surgeon on Wednesday and he was happy with how it is going, so that was
great news for me. He said he was pleased with the progress, so it is a big
boost. "Now that I am back here and everyone is happy with how I am doing.
Hopefully that means I can press on a bit further with the work I am doing
in the next few weeks."
McCartney - last season's Player's Player of the Year - returned to Hammers
on a permanent basis, last summer after being on loan from Sunderland during
the previous campaign. He played his part in helping West Ham get promoted
to the Barclays Premier League at the first time of asking last season and
was a regular in Sam Allardyce's side until he suffered the knee injury last
month. The popular No3 confessed it has been hard watching rather than
playing. "I am not a good watcher, so it has been hard watching from the
sidelines. You just want to be out there doing your bit for the team. But I
am happy to be back around everyone and just want to push on now more to get
back from the injury."
While he will not be able to contribute immediately, McCartney has backed
his team-mates to turn around their recent run of indifferent results and
make a closing push for the top half of the Barclays Premier League table.
"We have had up and down results of late, but the belief is there and we are
capable of doing what we need to do - to be safe and then look to still push
on and finish as high as we can. "We had a great start which has seen us in
good stead and now we have to look to do more of the same to finish the
season in the same way."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Have the Hammers Targeted Emilio Izaguirre?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
There are reports this morning that West Ham's search for defensive
reinforcements has now switched to Celtic's Honduran left-back, Emilio
Izaguirre. It is thought that West Ham have proposed an initial loan
agreement, with the option of a £4m permanent switch in the summer. The
major complication is Celtic's continued involvement in this season's
Champions League competition and a forthcoming tie against Serie A leaders,
Juventus. Would Celtic allow any of their best players leave whilst still in
Champions League contention?
On the plus side, the former SPL player of the year has experienced
something of a dip in form this season and it could be that he is now ready
for a new challenge. Certainly, Izaguirre is known to fancy testing himself
in the EPL. The key issue remains whether Celtic will resist any moves that
potentially weaken their squad in January and if, they are open to a deal,
they are will accept initial loan move?
West Ham are obviously lining up a number of options at left-back.
Accordingly, there were reports yesterday that West Ham have had a
£1.75million bid rejected for Montpellier defender Henri Bedimo. It will
interesting to see whether West Ham go back with an improved bid? While
there has been no apparent progress in the move for Blackburn Rover's Martin
Olsson. There has also been no recent news on the move for Rovers keeper,
Paul Robinson, nor the recruitment of extra cover at centre-back. The latter
becoming all the more urgent with the recent injury to Winston Reid.
There are, however. new reports that West Ham are on the verge of accepting
a £2.5m bid for Carlton Cole from Turkish side, Kasimpasa. Who knows if
there is any truth in this rumour? However, what we do know is that Carlton
Cole is currently in the final year of his contract and there has been no
indication that the club are about to offer a new deal. If this is the case,
then this would seem an appropriate juncture to accept an offer for the
player, before he becomes a free agent in the summer. Whether Carlton Cole
will be open to moving to the Turkish League is another matter. Based on
previous behaviour, he is likely to resist the move and stay at the club,
either in the hope of securing a new deal or, alternatively, running down
his contract and negotiating a lucrative Bosman move.
Finally, it appears that Sam Allardyce laid down the law after the very
disappointing 5-1 defeat to Arsenal. He allegedly ordered the first team
squad to report for training at 7am on the Thursday morning to watch the
performance, run through the match performance statistics and give them a
collective dressing down. This was followed by a 9am training session.
Hopefully, the desire to avoid further 7am briefing/training sessions will
provide a massive extra incentive for an improved display against Fulham
next week!
All in all, it is probably just as well that the club have a break this
Saturday, for the 4th Round of the FA Cup. It will give Allardyce and his
coaches extra time to regroup and put extra work in with the players on the
training ground; as well as giving players like Andy Carroll a few extra
days to prepare for a potential return from injury. It would certainly be
good to see Carroll play some part in the Fulham match, next Wednesday.
We need a positive reponse against Fulham to stop the rot and get the club's
season back on track. On the whole, this squad have responded positively to
the prior set backs this season. And it is important that is the case, once
again, next Wednesday at Fulham and also at home to Swansea, the following
Saturday.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Turks dig Cole: West Ham close to agreeing fee for Carlton with Istanbul's
Kasimpasa
The Mirror
25 Jan 2013 22:30
John Powell
West Ham are close to agreeing a £2.5million fee with Turkish club Kasimpasa
for Carlton Cole. The 29-year-old striker, whose contract expires in the
summer, has slipped down the pecking order at Upton Park this month,
following the arrivals of loanees Wellington Paulista and Marouane Chamakh
from Cruzeiro and Arsenal respectively. Also, England striker Andy Carroll,
who's been borrowed from Liverpool for the season, is also set to return to
the squad soon following an injury lay-off. The Hammers have not offered
Cole a new deal following the breakdown of talks at the start at the season.
Ambitious Kasimpasa were promoted to the Turkish top flight at the end of
last season. The Istanbul side boast former Manchester City keeper Andreas
Isaakson in their squad.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United skipper Kevin Nolan reveals that the manager demanded an
early start to put things right
25.01.2013
Hello to everyone.
First of all, I would like to say what great news it is that Pottsy is all
OK following what happened to him at Arsenal on Wednesday. We were all
concerned and were kept informed during the night as to how he was doing. We
all sent him messages and it was great to get his text back to say he was OK
early the next morning. I am sure you will all join me in wishing him well
in his recovery and Pottsy, we are all looking forward to seeing you back
around the place soon!
It goes without saying that we were all really upset and disappointed with
the result at the Emirates.
The fact was that, before those 12 minutes or so at the start of the second
half, we were doing really well and then we were hit with the four goals.
It was totally unacceptable for us with the standards we have set ourselves
and I want, on behalf of all the lads, to apologise to our fans and want
them to know that we will be looking to put things right again.
The gaffer wasn't happy and rightly so - so he asked for us to come in at
7am the next morning on the Thursday. I think he would have had us in later
on Wednesday night if he could, but he told us to be in at this time the
next day at the training ground and there were no complaints from any of us
- we all need a kick up the backside every now and then and we take it all
on board.
The gaffer and all of us wanted to put this result and what happened to bed
straight away and it was good that we came in early and got into looking at
what went wrong together as a group. It is one of the best things about the
group of players we have here, that we are strong as a unit together whether
things are going right or wrong. We have some strong characters in the group
and we all went through everything together - we listened to what the gaffer
had to say, then we all discussed it all as a group.
Having played under the gaffer for some time and having known him now for
several years, I have had a few 7am meetings to attend following a bad
result! There has always been a positive response afterwards. He let us know
how he felt. He wants us to be getting the right results and performances
that he and the coaches prepare us to achieve before every game and so do
we. So we have all taken it on board and on the chin. The outcome is that we
are looking forward to putting it right against Fulham next week. We have no
match this weekend but will be in over the weekend to train and are already
preparing for the Fulham game.
It has been the same since I got here, that we stick together no matter
what. We knew that, this season, we would hit a sticky patch and what gets
us through is sticking together and putting it right together. That is what
we will continue to do. I know that all of you, our fans, get disappointed
and upset when things go wrong and we don't get the right result. We do as
well. We know how much it all means and all we ask is that you stick with us
as we look to make things right. I say every week how fantastic our support
is and there is no better feeling than hearing all of you backing us. When
you have just had a bad result and are looking to put it right, there is
nothing better than having all of you cheering us on.
I would like to finish on a slightly more light-hearted note. Mo Diame was a
bit late for the 7am meeting that the gaffer called, which does happen with
players from time to time! We all had to wait for him before we could start
and when he arrived, we all gave him stick for not only being late and
keeping us all waiting, but we said we thought he had left us without saying
goodbye! As everyone knows, there is a lot of speculation in the media about
Mo, so we thought we would give him more stick about that! To be fair to
him, he took all the banter really well and joined in as part of the group
as we discussed everything from the match and looked ahead.
We are now focusing on next Wednesday's match at Fulham and are determined
to get the result for you - a result that sees us pick up important points
to help us finish the season as high as we can, taking another step further
to where this club should be.
Come on you Irons!
Kevin Nolan
Captain
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mac making progress
WHUFC.com
George McCartney has stepped up his rehabilitation after a period
recuperating in his home city
26.01.2013
A welcome face was back around West Ham United's training ground this week
in the shape of George McCartney. The Northern Irish defender has been out
of action since mid-December after picking up a knee ligament injury in
training. McCartney underwent surgery on his meniscal and lateral ligaments
and is now recovering well. As part of his treatment to recover from the
injury, McCartney went back home to his native Belfast for a short period
but is now back at Chadwell Heath and is making good progress with the
support of the club's medical team, "It has been five weeks now since I got
injured," confirmed the left-back. "After undergoing surgery, I had some of
that time back home in Northern Ireland receiving treatment there. "I saw
the surgeon on Wednesday and he was happy with how it is going, so that was
great news for me. He said he was pleased with the progress, so it is a big
boost. "Now that I am back here and everyone is happy with how I am doing.
Hopefully that means I can press on a bit further with the work I am doing
in the next few weeks."
McCartney - last season's Player's Player of the Year - returned to Hammers
on a permanent basis, last summer after being on loan from Sunderland during
the previous campaign. He played his part in helping West Ham get promoted
to the Barclays Premier League at the first time of asking last season and
was a regular in Sam Allardyce's side until he suffered the knee injury last
month. The popular No3 confessed it has been hard watching rather than
playing. "I am not a good watcher, so it has been hard watching from the
sidelines. You just want to be out there doing your bit for the team. But I
am happy to be back around everyone and just want to push on now more to get
back from the injury."
While he will not be able to contribute immediately, McCartney has backed
his team-mates to turn around their recent run of indifferent results and
make a closing push for the top half of the Barclays Premier League table.
"We have had up and down results of late, but the belief is there and we are
capable of doing what we need to do - to be safe and then look to still push
on and finish as high as we can. "We had a great start which has seen us in
good stead and now we have to look to do more of the same to finish the
season in the same way."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Have the Hammers Targeted Emilio Izaguirre?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
There are reports this morning that West Ham's search for defensive
reinforcements has now switched to Celtic's Honduran left-back, Emilio
Izaguirre. It is thought that West Ham have proposed an initial loan
agreement, with the option of a £4m permanent switch in the summer. The
major complication is Celtic's continued involvement in this season's
Champions League competition and a forthcoming tie against Serie A leaders,
Juventus. Would Celtic allow any of their best players leave whilst still in
Champions League contention?
On the plus side, the former SPL player of the year has experienced
something of a dip in form this season and it could be that he is now ready
for a new challenge. Certainly, Izaguirre is known to fancy testing himself
in the EPL. The key issue remains whether Celtic will resist any moves that
potentially weaken their squad in January and if, they are open to a deal,
they are will accept initial loan move?
West Ham are obviously lining up a number of options at left-back.
Accordingly, there were reports yesterday that West Ham have had a
£1.75million bid rejected for Montpellier defender Henri Bedimo. It will
interesting to see whether West Ham go back with an improved bid? While
there has been no apparent progress in the move for Blackburn Rover's Martin
Olsson. There has also been no recent news on the move for Rovers keeper,
Paul Robinson, nor the recruitment of extra cover at centre-back. The latter
becoming all the more urgent with the recent injury to Winston Reid.
There are, however. new reports that West Ham are on the verge of accepting
a £2.5m bid for Carlton Cole from Turkish side, Kasimpasa. Who knows if
there is any truth in this rumour? However, what we do know is that Carlton
Cole is currently in the final year of his contract and there has been no
indication that the club are about to offer a new deal. If this is the case,
then this would seem an appropriate juncture to accept an offer for the
player, before he becomes a free agent in the summer. Whether Carlton Cole
will be open to moving to the Turkish League is another matter. Based on
previous behaviour, he is likely to resist the move and stay at the club,
either in the hope of securing a new deal or, alternatively, running down
his contract and negotiating a lucrative Bosman move.
Finally, it appears that Sam Allardyce laid down the law after the very
disappointing 5-1 defeat to Arsenal. He allegedly ordered the first team
squad to report for training at 7am on the Thursday morning to watch the
performance, run through the match performance statistics and give them a
collective dressing down. This was followed by a 9am training session.
Hopefully, the desire to avoid further 7am briefing/training sessions will
provide a massive extra incentive for an improved display against Fulham
next week!
All in all, it is probably just as well that the club have a break this
Saturday, for the 4th Round of the FA Cup. It will give Allardyce and his
coaches extra time to regroup and put extra work in with the players on the
training ground; as well as giving players like Andy Carroll a few extra
days to prepare for a potential return from injury. It would certainly be
good to see Carroll play some part in the Fulham match, next Wednesday.
We need a positive reponse against Fulham to stop the rot and get the club's
season back on track. On the whole, this squad have responded positively to
the prior set backs this season. And it is important that is the case, once
again, next Wednesday at Fulham and also at home to Swansea, the following
Saturday.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Turks dig Cole: West Ham close to agreeing fee for Carlton with Istanbul's
Kasimpasa
The Mirror
25 Jan 2013 22:30
John Powell
West Ham are close to agreeing a £2.5million fee with Turkish club Kasimpasa
for Carlton Cole. The 29-year-old striker, whose contract expires in the
summer, has slipped down the pecking order at Upton Park this month,
following the arrivals of loanees Wellington Paulista and Marouane Chamakh
from Cruzeiro and Arsenal respectively. Also, England striker Andy Carroll,
who's been borrowed from Liverpool for the season, is also set to return to
the squad soon following an injury lay-off. The Hammers have not offered
Cole a new deal following the breakdown of talks at the start at the season.
Ambitious Kasimpasa were promoted to the Turkish top flight at the end of
last season. The Istanbul side boast former Manchester City keeper Andreas
Isaakson in their squad.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, January 25
Daily WHUFC News - 25th January 2013
Potts heads home
WHUFC.com
Dan Potts has been discharged from hospital after being hurt at Arsenal on
Wednesday evening
24.01.2013
West Ham United can confirm that Dan Potts has now left hospital and will
spending the next few days resting. Potts was taken to hospital by ambulance
after being hurt after falling heavily following an accidential aerial
collision with Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna during Wednesday's 5-1
Barclays Premier League defeat at the Emirates Stadium.
The Hammers left-back was attended to immediately by the club's medical
staff and on-site pitch rescue team before being secured and stretchered to
a waiting ambulance. The 18-year-old spent Wednesday evening in hospital and
underwent further scans and tests which came back positively onThursday.
The young defender has personally thanked fans and everyone who has sent in
messages of support, saying: "A big thank you to everyone for their support
and messages. Hopefully I am looking to feeling better over the next few
days."
There will be a period of rest for Potts before he is allowed to start light
work back in the gym. Potts has enjoyed a fine 18 months with the club since
making his senior debut against Barnsley in December 2011 at the age of 17.
The former youth-team captain has totalled ten first-team appearances, been
on loan at Colchester United and made his debut for England at Under-19
level. The club would also like to thank the London Ambulance Service, the
on-site pitch rescue team and everyone at Arsenal who helped in making sure
Potts was taken to hospital as quickly as possible.
Further updates will be published on whufc.com and on twitter
@whufc_official as and when it is appropriate.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diame sets it straight
WHUFC.com
Momo Diame has stated his desire to stay at West Ham United
24.01.2013
Momo Diame has sought to clarify his position with West Ham United following
a recent report in the media. The Senegal international joined the club last
summer and has played a key part in the Hammers' solid start to life back in
the Barclays Premier League. The energetic midfielder, who returned from
nearly seven weeks out with a hamstring injury in last week's FA Cup game at
Manchester United, confirmed he would like to stay with the club.
"I know there are people out there saying things about me but I have spoken
with the manager and told him that I want to stay here," Diame said. "I know
the club want to keep me too so I will continue to give my best for them. I
knew when I signed that West Ham were going to make their mark on the
Premier League. Since I came here I am enjoying every game I play on the
pitch. I think I made a good choice because I'm very happy at this club."
Speaking after Wednesday night's game with Arsenal, West Ham United manager
Sam Allardyce also reaffirmed that Wednesday's press report was both
misleading and unsettling. "I don't think there's anything in the story,"
Allardyce said. "For me, it's just about agents being disruptive. Mo Diame
has not been to me and said he is unhappy in any way. "We've had no bids
from any of the clubs that have been rumoured in the report. He's our player
and hopefully come 1 February he will still be our player. "Players become
unhappy by rumours that are spread. In the build-up to the transfer window,
I spoke about the one thing that can upset your players is speculation that
people want them. They think it could be the club talking about them in the
press but it isn't. All I can say is that there have been no bids from clubs
that I've seen in the press like Arsenal or Tottenham for Mo Diame."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'We have got to pick ourselves up'
WHUFC.com
West Ham United No10 Jack Collison says the players are determined to bounce
back from defeat at Arsenal
24.01.2013
Jack Collison admitted Wednesday's 5-1 Barclays Premier League defeat at
Arsenal had taken the shine off his first goal in eight months. The No10
fired West Ham United into a first-half lead at the Emirates Stadium,
scoring the Hammers' first away goal since 25 November and his first since
bagging a brace in the npower Championship Play-Off semi-final first-leg
victory at Cardiff City last May. Since then, Collison has endured a
difficult period managing a long-standing knee problem that ruled him out of
action from the Play-Off final until mid-December. Therefore, scoring at the
stadium where he made his West Ham debut on New Year's Day 2008 should have
been a cause for joy. Unfortunately, Lukas Podolski's equaliser and four
goals in ten minutes just after half-time put paid to Collison's hopes of
celebrating a welcome victory in north London. "It was very disappointing,
especially after we had applied ourselves so well in the first half," the
Wales international told West Ham TV. "It was ten minutes of madness that
has cost us and obviously, against a team like Arsenal, you are going to get
punished because they have got quality throughout. "It's disappointing but
we will pick ourselves up and go again at Fulham. "The gaffer drummed into
us all week that if we were organised, we would get our chances, which we
did. As I said, it was just a disappointing ten minutes and against a team
like Arsenal you are going to get punished, which we did. "At the end of the
day, that was not good enough from us. We know that. As a whole team,
collectively and as individuals, we know we have got to defend better.
Especially away from home, we have got to pick ourselves up."
While it was a night to for almost everyone of a claret and blue persuasion
- not least the 2,800 vociferous travelling fans who made the trip to the
Emirates - Collison was naturally pleased to have broken his duck for the
season. On scoring with a rasping left-foot half-volley, the 24-year-old ran
to the away bench, where he embraced the club's head of sports science and
sports medicine Andy Rolls. "It's been a long hard road and it was nice to
get the goal, but obviously it is disappointing that it meant nothing at the
end of the day. The loss and the manner in which we lost have taken the
shine off what could have been a great night. "Rollsy knows me inside out
now. He has been working with me for three years now and I've seen a bit
more of him than I would have liked! Not just him but the whole medical team
have been fantastic with me and got me back playing again, so I wanted to
share it with them because it meant a lot and it's nice to repay them."
With a free weekend ahead after being knocked out of the FA Cup, West Ham
will spend their time on the training pitch putting right what went horribly
wrong at Arsenal. The Hammers have a full week to prepare for next
Wednesday's trip to Fulham - the club they would have hosted if they had
reached the FA Cup fourth round - and Collison insisted he and his
team-mates would be looking for an improvement in both performance and
result at Craven Cottage. "You can look at it both ways. We'll go away now
and we've got a good chance to get some solid training in and work on the
areas we've got to improve on. We'll be raring to go at Fulham so we'll look
forward to that one."
One player who will not be involved at Fulham is left-back Dan Potts, who
was stretchered off after suffering concussion at Arsenal. The teenager
spent Wednesday night in hospital and is likely to be out of action for a
few weeks, at least. Fellow Academy graduate Collison said the players
naturally wish the No33 a quick return. "Our thoughts are with Pottsy. He
has been magnificent over the last few weeks and it's great to see him get
his chance at somewhere like Arsenal. For someone so young, it's
disappointing, so our thoughts are with him and we wish him a speedy
recovery."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mohamed Diame 'very happy' at West Ham despite Arsenal link
BBC.co.uk
West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame says he wants to stay at the club despite
being linked with a move elsewhere. Arsenal are among the clubs reported to
be interested in signing the 24-year-old Senegal international. But he
said: "I know there are people out there saying things about me but I have
spoken with the manager and told him I want to stay here. "I know the club
want to keep me too so I will continue to give my best for them. I'm very
happy at this club."
Mohamed Diame's career
West Ham 2012-present (19 games, two goals)
Wigan 2009-2012 (103 games, seven goals)
Rayo Vallecano 2008-2009
Linares 2007-2009
Lens 2003-2007
Clairefontaine academy 2000-2003
Diame arrived in England when Wigan signed him from Rayo Vallecano on a
three-year deal in 2009. He scored seven goals in 103 games before joining
West Ham last summer on a three-year contract that reportedly includes a
£3.5m buyout clause. "I knew when I signed that West Ham were going to make
their mark on the Premier League," Diame said of the Hammers, who were
promoted from the Championship via the play-offs last season. "Since I came
here I am enjoying every game I play on the pitch."
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce added: "Mo Diame has not been to me and said he
is unhappy in any way. "We've had no bids from any of the clubs that have
been rumoured in the papers. He's our player and hopefully come 1 February
he will still be our player. "Players become unhappy by rumours that are
spread. In the build-up to the transfer window, I spoke about the one thing
that can upset your players is speculation that people want them. "They
think it could be the club talking about them in the press but it isn't. All
I can say is that there have been no bids from clubs that I've seen in the
press like Arsenal or Tottenham for Mo Diame."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Dan Potts out of hospital after "positive" tests
BBC.co.uk
West Ham defender Dan Potts has left hospital and returned home to rest
after suffering suspected concussion in Wednesday's 5-1 defeat by Arsenal.
Potts, 18, spent the night under observation after appearing to suffer a
clash of heads and falling to the ground before being carried off. A
statement on the West Ham website said tests carried out on the teenager had
"come back positive". "I am looking to be feeling better over the next few
days," said Potts. "A big thank you to everyone for their support and
messages." Potts replaced midfielder Jack Collison in the 62nd minute and 10
minutes later he appeared to clash heads with Arsenal's Bacary Sagna before
landing awkwardly.
He was treated on the pitch for around 10 minutes before being taken from
the field on a stretcher, in a neck brace, receiving gas and covered in an
emergency blanket. "There will be a period of rest for Potts before he is
allowed to start light work back in the gym," added the West Ham statement.
"The club would also like to thank the London Ambulance Service, the on-site
pitch rescue team and everyone at Arsenal who helped in making sure Potts
was taken to hospital as quickly as possible. "The 18-year-old spent
Wednesday evening in hospital and underwent further scans and tests which
came back positively on Thursday."
Manager Sam Allardyce had expressed his concern over Potts' injury after the
games. "The clash of heads initially knocked him out and he hit the floor as
a dead weight and I think that is what the problem was," added the fromer
Newcastle, Blackburn and Bolton boss. "He hadn't spoken when he came off the
field. He spoke about some things that they asked him on the pitch but they
were not the correct answers so that is how we knew he was concussed. He was
communicating but was obviously confused. "Hopefully it is just concussion.
Because he lost consciousness it is a minimum of two weeks, I think, before
he can play again."
Potts came through West Ham's youth system before making his senior debut in
December 2011 - a 1-0 victory against Barnsley. Earlier this season he had a
spell on loan at Colchester, playing five games for the League One club.
Potts is the son of former West Ham defender Steve, who made almost 400
appearances for the club between 1985 and 2002.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diame denies departure rumours
KUMb.com
Filed: Thursday, 24th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
Mo Diame had denied reports that he wants to leave West Ham United. The
Daily Mail claimed earlier this week that the 25-year-old midfielder wanted
to activate the £3.5million minimum fee release clause in his current
contract in order to leave east London. However Diame, speaking via the
club's website, refuted the newspaper's claims by insisting that he has no
intention of leaving West Ham during the current transfer window. "I know
there are people out there saying things about me but I have spoken with the
manager and told him that I want to stay here," he said. "I know the club
want to keep me too so I will continue to give my best for them. "I knew
when I signed that West Ham were going to make their mark on the Premier
League. Since I came here I am enjoying every game I play on the pitch. I
think I made a good choice because I'm very happy at this club."
Diame - who was a second half substitute in last night's 5-1 thrashing at
Arsenal, one of the clubs said to be interested in acquiring his services -
is currently considering a new contract offer from West Ham that would take
his weekly wage from £40k to £50k. And Sam Allardyce, who is determined to
keep possibly his best signing of pre-season, believes that agent
interference is the root cause of this week's 'disruptive' stories. "I don't
think there's anything in the story," he said. "Mo has not been to me and
said he is unhappy in any way. We've had no bids from any clubs, he's our
player and hopefully come February 1st he will still be our player."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame claims he is fully committed to club
Last Updated: January 24, 2013 1:15pm
SSN
Mohamed Diame has sought to bring an end to speculation surrounding his
future by committing himself to West Ham United. The combative midfielder
only moved to Upton Park last summer, with the Hammers snapping him up as a
free agent when his contract with Wigan came to an end. That deal looks like
being one of the bargains of the season, with Diame having starred for Sam
Allardyce's side after settling quickly in the capital. Once the transfer
window swung open, it was suggested that he could be targeted by Arsenal,
with there said to be a clause in his contract which could be triggered at
any time. Diame has, however, attempted to shrug off the constant rumours by
insisting that he has never expressed a desire to move on. He told West
Ham's official website: "I know there are people out there saying things
about me but I have spoken with the manager and told him that I want to stay
here. "I know the club want to keep me too so I will continue to give my
best for them. "I knew when I signed that West Ham were going to make their
mark on the Premier League. Since I came here I am enjoying every game I
play on the pitch. "I think I made a good choice because I'm very happy at
this club."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Young West Ham defender Dan Potts has been cleared to return home from
hospital
Last Updated: January 24, 2013 7:45pm
SSN
West Ham have announced that defender Dan Potts has left hospital after
suffering a head injury during the defeat at Arsenal on Wednesday. The
18-year-old left-back was briefly knocked out when he collided with Bacary
Sagna and he was attended to on the field for 10 minutes before being
stretchered off. Potts spent the night in hospital before undergoing a
series of scans and tests, which thankfully did not reveal any serious
problems. A statement on the West Ham statement read: "We can confirm that
Dan Potts has now left hospital and will be spending the next few days
resting. "The young defender said: "A big thank you to everyone for their
support and messages. Hopefully I am looking forward to feeling better over
the next few days."
"There will be a period of rest for Potts before he is allowed to start
light work back in the gym. "West Ham would like to thank the London
Ambulance Service, the on-site pitch rescue team and everyone at Arsenal who
helped in making sure Potts was taken to hospital as quickly as possible."
The promising youngster has been making rapid progress through the ranks at
West Ham and the former youth team captain has now made 10 first team
appearances, having been given a debut against Barnsley in December 2011. He
has also spent time on loan at Colchester and been capped by England at U19
level.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diame is going nowhere
The Sun
Picture: RICHARD PELHAM
Published: 6 hrs ago
MOHAMED DIAME insists he has no desire to walk away from West Ham. Diame,
25, was rumoured to be unhappy with life in East London despite only joining
the Hammers from Wigan last summer. But the midfielder, who has a
£3.5million release clause in his contract, has moved to put an end to the
speculation. He said: "I know there are people out there saying things about
me, but I have spoken with the manager and told him that I want to stay
here. "I know the club want to keep me too, so I will continue to give my
best for them. "I knew when I signed that West Ham were going to make their
mark on the Premier League.
"Since I came here I am enjoying every game I play on the pitch. I think I
made a good choice because I am very happy at this club."
Speaking after last night's 5-1 drubbing at Arsenal, West Ham boss Sam
Allardyce reiterated his desire to keep Diame. He said: "For me, it's just
about agents being disruptive. Diame has not been to me and said he is
unhappy in any way. "We have had no bids from any of the clubs that have
been rumoured in the papers. "He is our player and hopefully come February 1
he will still be our player. "Players become unhappy by rumours that are
spread. In the build-up to the transfer window, I spoke about the one thing
that can upset your players is speculation that people want them. "They
think it could be the club talking about them in the Press, but it isn't.
"All I can say is that there have been no bids from clubs."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Iron will: Arsenal target Mohamed Diame insists he is 'very happy' to stay
at West Ham
The Mirror
24 Jan 2013 14:35
Scott Heavey
West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame has played down speculation linking him
with a January move by claiming he is 'very happy' at Upton Park. The
25-year-old is believed to have a £3.5million get out clause in his
contract, which has alerted several Premier League clubs. Arsenal have been
repeatedly linked with the tough tackling midfielder, who returned from
injury to come on during last night's 5-1 defeat to the Gunners. However,
the Senegal player insists he is focused on West Ham. Speaking to the club's
official website, www.whufc.com, Diame said: "I know there are people out
there saying things about me, but I have spoken with the manager and told
him that I want to stay here. "I know the club want to keep me too, so I
will continue to give my best for them. "I knew when I signed that West Ham
were going to make their mark on the Premier League. "Since I came here I am
enjoying every game I play on the pitch. I think I made a good choice
because I am very happy at this club."
West Ham insist no formal bid has been lodged for Diame, and they would not
welcome one. Speaking after last night's match, Irons boss Sam Allardyce
said: "For me, it's just about agents being disruptive. Mo Diame has not
been to me and said he is unhappy in any way. "We have had no bids from any
of the clubs that have been rumoured in the papers. "He is our player and
hopefully come 1 February he will still be our player. "Players become
unhappy by rumours that are spread. In the build-up to the transfer window,
I spoke about the one thing that can upset your players is speculation that
people want them. They think it could be the club talking about them in the
press but it isn't. "All I can say is that there have been no bids from
clubs that I've seen in the press like Arsenal or Tottenham for Mo Diame."
* WEST HAM defender Daniel Potts has been released from hospital following
the head injury he suffered at Arsenal. The teenager suffered concussion
following a heavy fall after an aerial collision with Bacary Sagna. Potts
underwent further scans and tests on Thursday, which came back positively.
He will now have a period of rest before being allowed to resume light
training in the gym. The 18-year-old has expressed his gratitude for the
messages of support he has received, including one from FIFA president Sepp
Blatter, who tweeted: "Best wishes & quick recovery to @DanPotts03.
Concussion in football is a big issue that FIFA is taking very seriously."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diame Staying, as West Ham Face a Dual Challenge!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
The club website has posted an article in which Mo Diame denies recent
rumours and confirms that he is happy at West Ham and wishes to stay. Yet,
this is still not enough to discourage continued speculation in the press.
The latest is that Spurs are looking to lodge a £3.5m bid to activate the
release clause and begin negotiations with the Senegalese international.
This folows on from the numerous reports this week that Arsenal are in hot
pursuit of Diame.
All we can do is take Mo Diame's statement at face value and hope that he is
still a West Ham player come 1 February 2013. Of course, what would settle
the matter is if Diame signed the new, improved contract on offer. However,
maybe Diame's intention is to continue at the cub for the remainder of the
season and review his options in the summer. If so, it is unlikey he would
sign the new contract and would continue on his existing deal, £3.5m release
clause and all. Of course, we would all like to see Diame sign the new
contract, and settle his medium-long-term future, but the immediate priority
is that he stays until the summer. Hopefully, a new deal can be negotiated
at that conjecture, but the fact is that it is far preferable to secure a
replacement in the summer, rather now in the January window and in the midst
of a mid-season dip in results.
I could not attend the match at the Emirates due to other commitments.
However, I certainly satisfied with the state affairs at half-time. The
exclusion of Joe Cole, Mo Diame and Matt Jarvis from the starting line up
certainly caused me some pre-match concern, but the fact that we had been
competitive seemed to justify the decision. However, we were then just blown
away by 10 minutes of devastating football that ripped our defence apart and
saw us conceed 4 goals in quick fire succession. And a solid inital
performance degenerated in to a 5-1 trashing!
It was hugely disappointing, although defeat at the Emirates was not exactly
unexpected. It was that encouraging first 45 minutes that unoubtedly raised
our hopes and ambitions, only to then have them cruelly dashed in such a
manner. Still, the game is in the record books now and the squad need to
pick themselves up and put in a good 90 minute performance at Fulham. There
is widespread talk of a gradual slide in to a difficult second half of the
season. I can well understand such fears, but it is up to the manager and
squad to re-group and elevate the threat.
To do that, we need to take a minimum of 4 points from the Fulham and
Swansea matches. I know that many fans will not fancy us to do that in the
aftermath of the heavy Emirates defeat. But he point is that the squad need
to bounce back like they have hitherto done after most prior defeats this
season. We have a decent record at Craven Cottage and it looks like a match
where we could get a result. The match might see Andy Carroll figure from
bench and, hopefully, the trio of Joe Cole, Mo Diame and Matt Jarvis will
start. Swansea is going to be a tough home fixture, but if we can play with
the intensity and commitment shown against QPR, then we can make home
advantage tell.
One of the most worrying aspects of the Arsenal defeat was the injuries to
Potts and Reid. It could mean that we are now seriously depleted in defence
and the necessity for defensive reinforcements has grown acute.
Unfortunately, there appears to be a lack of transfer funds for permanent
signings. consequently, we are looking for loans deals and other clubs,
certainly in England, currently appear unwilling to to strike deals on that
basis. The latest report is that Chelsea have rejected two alleged
approaches to take promising left-back, Ryan Bertrand on loan for the
remainder of the season.
It has also been reported, once again, that Blackburn Rovers have told Paul
Robinson that he is surplus to requirements and can leave. So, that is one
potential deal that could materialise in this window. The move for Martin
Olsson appears to be stalled on Rovers' valuation of the player. Recent
reports have suggested that Harry Redknapp is now interested and could
submit a c.£4m bid for Olsson's services. Whether Olsson fancies a move to
QPR and another probable relegation is questionable?
West Ham face a dual challenge at this key juncture in the season. They must
regroup and ensure that they break the 30 point mark as soon as possible. At
th same time,they also need to pull some 'transfer rabbits' out of the hat
before the forthcoming 31st January 2013 deadline. No doubt the club are
busy on both the training ground and the telephone/fax machine striving to
achieve both!
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dan says ta to fans
The Sun
Last Updated: 25th January 2013
DAN POTTS thanked well-wishers last night on his release from hospital after
a head-injury scare. West Ham defender Potts, 18, was knocked out cold
following an accidental clash with Arsenal's Bacary Sagna in the 5-1 defeat
at the Emirates on Wednesday. He spent the night in hospital being treated
for concussion and underwent further tests yesterday. The England Under-19
full-back, son of former Hammers star Steve, will now rest before resuming
light training in the gym. Potts said: "A big thank you to everyone for
their support and messages. "Hopefully I am looking to feeling better over
the next few days."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Dan Potts has been discharged from hospital after being hurt at Arsenal on
Wednesday evening
24.01.2013
West Ham United can confirm that Dan Potts has now left hospital and will
spending the next few days resting. Potts was taken to hospital by ambulance
after being hurt after falling heavily following an accidential aerial
collision with Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna during Wednesday's 5-1
Barclays Premier League defeat at the Emirates Stadium.
The Hammers left-back was attended to immediately by the club's medical
staff and on-site pitch rescue team before being secured and stretchered to
a waiting ambulance. The 18-year-old spent Wednesday evening in hospital and
underwent further scans and tests which came back positively onThursday.
The young defender has personally thanked fans and everyone who has sent in
messages of support, saying: "A big thank you to everyone for their support
and messages. Hopefully I am looking to feeling better over the next few
days."
There will be a period of rest for Potts before he is allowed to start light
work back in the gym. Potts has enjoyed a fine 18 months with the club since
making his senior debut against Barnsley in December 2011 at the age of 17.
The former youth-team captain has totalled ten first-team appearances, been
on loan at Colchester United and made his debut for England at Under-19
level. The club would also like to thank the London Ambulance Service, the
on-site pitch rescue team and everyone at Arsenal who helped in making sure
Potts was taken to hospital as quickly as possible.
Further updates will be published on whufc.com and on twitter
@whufc_official as and when it is appropriate.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diame sets it straight
WHUFC.com
Momo Diame has stated his desire to stay at West Ham United
24.01.2013
Momo Diame has sought to clarify his position with West Ham United following
a recent report in the media. The Senegal international joined the club last
summer and has played a key part in the Hammers' solid start to life back in
the Barclays Premier League. The energetic midfielder, who returned from
nearly seven weeks out with a hamstring injury in last week's FA Cup game at
Manchester United, confirmed he would like to stay with the club.
"I know there are people out there saying things about me but I have spoken
with the manager and told him that I want to stay here," Diame said. "I know
the club want to keep me too so I will continue to give my best for them. I
knew when I signed that West Ham were going to make their mark on the
Premier League. Since I came here I am enjoying every game I play on the
pitch. I think I made a good choice because I'm very happy at this club."
Speaking after Wednesday night's game with Arsenal, West Ham United manager
Sam Allardyce also reaffirmed that Wednesday's press report was both
misleading and unsettling. "I don't think there's anything in the story,"
Allardyce said. "For me, it's just about agents being disruptive. Mo Diame
has not been to me and said he is unhappy in any way. "We've had no bids
from any of the clubs that have been rumoured in the report. He's our player
and hopefully come 1 February he will still be our player. "Players become
unhappy by rumours that are spread. In the build-up to the transfer window,
I spoke about the one thing that can upset your players is speculation that
people want them. They think it could be the club talking about them in the
press but it isn't. All I can say is that there have been no bids from clubs
that I've seen in the press like Arsenal or Tottenham for Mo Diame."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'We have got to pick ourselves up'
WHUFC.com
West Ham United No10 Jack Collison says the players are determined to bounce
back from defeat at Arsenal
24.01.2013
Jack Collison admitted Wednesday's 5-1 Barclays Premier League defeat at
Arsenal had taken the shine off his first goal in eight months. The No10
fired West Ham United into a first-half lead at the Emirates Stadium,
scoring the Hammers' first away goal since 25 November and his first since
bagging a brace in the npower Championship Play-Off semi-final first-leg
victory at Cardiff City last May. Since then, Collison has endured a
difficult period managing a long-standing knee problem that ruled him out of
action from the Play-Off final until mid-December. Therefore, scoring at the
stadium where he made his West Ham debut on New Year's Day 2008 should have
been a cause for joy. Unfortunately, Lukas Podolski's equaliser and four
goals in ten minutes just after half-time put paid to Collison's hopes of
celebrating a welcome victory in north London. "It was very disappointing,
especially after we had applied ourselves so well in the first half," the
Wales international told West Ham TV. "It was ten minutes of madness that
has cost us and obviously, against a team like Arsenal, you are going to get
punished because they have got quality throughout. "It's disappointing but
we will pick ourselves up and go again at Fulham. "The gaffer drummed into
us all week that if we were organised, we would get our chances, which we
did. As I said, it was just a disappointing ten minutes and against a team
like Arsenal you are going to get punished, which we did. "At the end of the
day, that was not good enough from us. We know that. As a whole team,
collectively and as individuals, we know we have got to defend better.
Especially away from home, we have got to pick ourselves up."
While it was a night to for almost everyone of a claret and blue persuasion
- not least the 2,800 vociferous travelling fans who made the trip to the
Emirates - Collison was naturally pleased to have broken his duck for the
season. On scoring with a rasping left-foot half-volley, the 24-year-old ran
to the away bench, where he embraced the club's head of sports science and
sports medicine Andy Rolls. "It's been a long hard road and it was nice to
get the goal, but obviously it is disappointing that it meant nothing at the
end of the day. The loss and the manner in which we lost have taken the
shine off what could have been a great night. "Rollsy knows me inside out
now. He has been working with me for three years now and I've seen a bit
more of him than I would have liked! Not just him but the whole medical team
have been fantastic with me and got me back playing again, so I wanted to
share it with them because it meant a lot and it's nice to repay them."
With a free weekend ahead after being knocked out of the FA Cup, West Ham
will spend their time on the training pitch putting right what went horribly
wrong at Arsenal. The Hammers have a full week to prepare for next
Wednesday's trip to Fulham - the club they would have hosted if they had
reached the FA Cup fourth round - and Collison insisted he and his
team-mates would be looking for an improvement in both performance and
result at Craven Cottage. "You can look at it both ways. We'll go away now
and we've got a good chance to get some solid training in and work on the
areas we've got to improve on. We'll be raring to go at Fulham so we'll look
forward to that one."
One player who will not be involved at Fulham is left-back Dan Potts, who
was stretchered off after suffering concussion at Arsenal. The teenager
spent Wednesday night in hospital and is likely to be out of action for a
few weeks, at least. Fellow Academy graduate Collison said the players
naturally wish the No33 a quick return. "Our thoughts are with Pottsy. He
has been magnificent over the last few weeks and it's great to see him get
his chance at somewhere like Arsenal. For someone so young, it's
disappointing, so our thoughts are with him and we wish him a speedy
recovery."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mohamed Diame 'very happy' at West Ham despite Arsenal link
BBC.co.uk
West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame says he wants to stay at the club despite
being linked with a move elsewhere. Arsenal are among the clubs reported to
be interested in signing the 24-year-old Senegal international. But he
said: "I know there are people out there saying things about me but I have
spoken with the manager and told him I want to stay here. "I know the club
want to keep me too so I will continue to give my best for them. I'm very
happy at this club."
Mohamed Diame's career
West Ham 2012-present (19 games, two goals)
Wigan 2009-2012 (103 games, seven goals)
Rayo Vallecano 2008-2009
Linares 2007-2009
Lens 2003-2007
Clairefontaine academy 2000-2003
Diame arrived in England when Wigan signed him from Rayo Vallecano on a
three-year deal in 2009. He scored seven goals in 103 games before joining
West Ham last summer on a three-year contract that reportedly includes a
£3.5m buyout clause. "I knew when I signed that West Ham were going to make
their mark on the Premier League," Diame said of the Hammers, who were
promoted from the Championship via the play-offs last season. "Since I came
here I am enjoying every game I play on the pitch."
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce added: "Mo Diame has not been to me and said he
is unhappy in any way. "We've had no bids from any of the clubs that have
been rumoured in the papers. He's our player and hopefully come 1 February
he will still be our player. "Players become unhappy by rumours that are
spread. In the build-up to the transfer window, I spoke about the one thing
that can upset your players is speculation that people want them. "They
think it could be the club talking about them in the press but it isn't. All
I can say is that there have been no bids from clubs that I've seen in the
press like Arsenal or Tottenham for Mo Diame."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Dan Potts out of hospital after "positive" tests
BBC.co.uk
West Ham defender Dan Potts has left hospital and returned home to rest
after suffering suspected concussion in Wednesday's 5-1 defeat by Arsenal.
Potts, 18, spent the night under observation after appearing to suffer a
clash of heads and falling to the ground before being carried off. A
statement on the West Ham website said tests carried out on the teenager had
"come back positive". "I am looking to be feeling better over the next few
days," said Potts. "A big thank you to everyone for their support and
messages." Potts replaced midfielder Jack Collison in the 62nd minute and 10
minutes later he appeared to clash heads with Arsenal's Bacary Sagna before
landing awkwardly.
He was treated on the pitch for around 10 minutes before being taken from
the field on a stretcher, in a neck brace, receiving gas and covered in an
emergency blanket. "There will be a period of rest for Potts before he is
allowed to start light work back in the gym," added the West Ham statement.
"The club would also like to thank the London Ambulance Service, the on-site
pitch rescue team and everyone at Arsenal who helped in making sure Potts
was taken to hospital as quickly as possible. "The 18-year-old spent
Wednesday evening in hospital and underwent further scans and tests which
came back positively on Thursday."
Manager Sam Allardyce had expressed his concern over Potts' injury after the
games. "The clash of heads initially knocked him out and he hit the floor as
a dead weight and I think that is what the problem was," added the fromer
Newcastle, Blackburn and Bolton boss. "He hadn't spoken when he came off the
field. He spoke about some things that they asked him on the pitch but they
were not the correct answers so that is how we knew he was concussed. He was
communicating but was obviously confused. "Hopefully it is just concussion.
Because he lost consciousness it is a minimum of two weeks, I think, before
he can play again."
Potts came through West Ham's youth system before making his senior debut in
December 2011 - a 1-0 victory against Barnsley. Earlier this season he had a
spell on loan at Colchester, playing five games for the League One club.
Potts is the son of former West Ham defender Steve, who made almost 400
appearances for the club between 1985 and 2002.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diame denies departure rumours
KUMb.com
Filed: Thursday, 24th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
Mo Diame had denied reports that he wants to leave West Ham United. The
Daily Mail claimed earlier this week that the 25-year-old midfielder wanted
to activate the £3.5million minimum fee release clause in his current
contract in order to leave east London. However Diame, speaking via the
club's website, refuted the newspaper's claims by insisting that he has no
intention of leaving West Ham during the current transfer window. "I know
there are people out there saying things about me but I have spoken with the
manager and told him that I want to stay here," he said. "I know the club
want to keep me too so I will continue to give my best for them. "I knew
when I signed that West Ham were going to make their mark on the Premier
League. Since I came here I am enjoying every game I play on the pitch. I
think I made a good choice because I'm very happy at this club."
Diame - who was a second half substitute in last night's 5-1 thrashing at
Arsenal, one of the clubs said to be interested in acquiring his services -
is currently considering a new contract offer from West Ham that would take
his weekly wage from £40k to £50k. And Sam Allardyce, who is determined to
keep possibly his best signing of pre-season, believes that agent
interference is the root cause of this week's 'disruptive' stories. "I don't
think there's anything in the story," he said. "Mo has not been to me and
said he is unhappy in any way. We've had no bids from any clubs, he's our
player and hopefully come February 1st he will still be our player."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame claims he is fully committed to club
Last Updated: January 24, 2013 1:15pm
SSN
Mohamed Diame has sought to bring an end to speculation surrounding his
future by committing himself to West Ham United. The combative midfielder
only moved to Upton Park last summer, with the Hammers snapping him up as a
free agent when his contract with Wigan came to an end. That deal looks like
being one of the bargains of the season, with Diame having starred for Sam
Allardyce's side after settling quickly in the capital. Once the transfer
window swung open, it was suggested that he could be targeted by Arsenal,
with there said to be a clause in his contract which could be triggered at
any time. Diame has, however, attempted to shrug off the constant rumours by
insisting that he has never expressed a desire to move on. He told West
Ham's official website: "I know there are people out there saying things
about me but I have spoken with the manager and told him that I want to stay
here. "I know the club want to keep me too so I will continue to give my
best for them. "I knew when I signed that West Ham were going to make their
mark on the Premier League. Since I came here I am enjoying every game I
play on the pitch. "I think I made a good choice because I'm very happy at
this club."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Young West Ham defender Dan Potts has been cleared to return home from
hospital
Last Updated: January 24, 2013 7:45pm
SSN
West Ham have announced that defender Dan Potts has left hospital after
suffering a head injury during the defeat at Arsenal on Wednesday. The
18-year-old left-back was briefly knocked out when he collided with Bacary
Sagna and he was attended to on the field for 10 minutes before being
stretchered off. Potts spent the night in hospital before undergoing a
series of scans and tests, which thankfully did not reveal any serious
problems. A statement on the West Ham statement read: "We can confirm that
Dan Potts has now left hospital and will be spending the next few days
resting. "The young defender said: "A big thank you to everyone for their
support and messages. Hopefully I am looking forward to feeling better over
the next few days."
"There will be a period of rest for Potts before he is allowed to start
light work back in the gym. "West Ham would like to thank the London
Ambulance Service, the on-site pitch rescue team and everyone at Arsenal who
helped in making sure Potts was taken to hospital as quickly as possible."
The promising youngster has been making rapid progress through the ranks at
West Ham and the former youth team captain has now made 10 first team
appearances, having been given a debut against Barnsley in December 2011. He
has also spent time on loan at Colchester and been capped by England at U19
level.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diame is going nowhere
The Sun
Picture: RICHARD PELHAM
Published: 6 hrs ago
MOHAMED DIAME insists he has no desire to walk away from West Ham. Diame,
25, was rumoured to be unhappy with life in East London despite only joining
the Hammers from Wigan last summer. But the midfielder, who has a
£3.5million release clause in his contract, has moved to put an end to the
speculation. He said: "I know there are people out there saying things about
me, but I have spoken with the manager and told him that I want to stay
here. "I know the club want to keep me too, so I will continue to give my
best for them. "I knew when I signed that West Ham were going to make their
mark on the Premier League.
"Since I came here I am enjoying every game I play on the pitch. I think I
made a good choice because I am very happy at this club."
Speaking after last night's 5-1 drubbing at Arsenal, West Ham boss Sam
Allardyce reiterated his desire to keep Diame. He said: "For me, it's just
about agents being disruptive. Diame has not been to me and said he is
unhappy in any way. "We have had no bids from any of the clubs that have
been rumoured in the papers. "He is our player and hopefully come February 1
he will still be our player. "Players become unhappy by rumours that are
spread. In the build-up to the transfer window, I spoke about the one thing
that can upset your players is speculation that people want them. "They
think it could be the club talking about them in the Press, but it isn't.
"All I can say is that there have been no bids from clubs."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Iron will: Arsenal target Mohamed Diame insists he is 'very happy' to stay
at West Ham
The Mirror
24 Jan 2013 14:35
Scott Heavey
West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame has played down speculation linking him
with a January move by claiming he is 'very happy' at Upton Park. The
25-year-old is believed to have a £3.5million get out clause in his
contract, which has alerted several Premier League clubs. Arsenal have been
repeatedly linked with the tough tackling midfielder, who returned from
injury to come on during last night's 5-1 defeat to the Gunners. However,
the Senegal player insists he is focused on West Ham. Speaking to the club's
official website, www.whufc.com, Diame said: "I know there are people out
there saying things about me, but I have spoken with the manager and told
him that I want to stay here. "I know the club want to keep me too, so I
will continue to give my best for them. "I knew when I signed that West Ham
were going to make their mark on the Premier League. "Since I came here I am
enjoying every game I play on the pitch. I think I made a good choice
because I am very happy at this club."
West Ham insist no formal bid has been lodged for Diame, and they would not
welcome one. Speaking after last night's match, Irons boss Sam Allardyce
said: "For me, it's just about agents being disruptive. Mo Diame has not
been to me and said he is unhappy in any way. "We have had no bids from any
of the clubs that have been rumoured in the papers. "He is our player and
hopefully come 1 February he will still be our player. "Players become
unhappy by rumours that are spread. In the build-up to the transfer window,
I spoke about the one thing that can upset your players is speculation that
people want them. They think it could be the club talking about them in the
press but it isn't. "All I can say is that there have been no bids from
clubs that I've seen in the press like Arsenal or Tottenham for Mo Diame."
* WEST HAM defender Daniel Potts has been released from hospital following
the head injury he suffered at Arsenal. The teenager suffered concussion
following a heavy fall after an aerial collision with Bacary Sagna. Potts
underwent further scans and tests on Thursday, which came back positively.
He will now have a period of rest before being allowed to resume light
training in the gym. The 18-year-old has expressed his gratitude for the
messages of support he has received, including one from FIFA president Sepp
Blatter, who tweeted: "Best wishes & quick recovery to @DanPotts03.
Concussion in football is a big issue that FIFA is taking very seriously."
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Diame Staying, as West Ham Face a Dual Challenge!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
The club website has posted an article in which Mo Diame denies recent
rumours and confirms that he is happy at West Ham and wishes to stay. Yet,
this is still not enough to discourage continued speculation in the press.
The latest is that Spurs are looking to lodge a £3.5m bid to activate the
release clause and begin negotiations with the Senegalese international.
This folows on from the numerous reports this week that Arsenal are in hot
pursuit of Diame.
All we can do is take Mo Diame's statement at face value and hope that he is
still a West Ham player come 1 February 2013. Of course, what would settle
the matter is if Diame signed the new, improved contract on offer. However,
maybe Diame's intention is to continue at the cub for the remainder of the
season and review his options in the summer. If so, it is unlikey he would
sign the new contract and would continue on his existing deal, £3.5m release
clause and all. Of course, we would all like to see Diame sign the new
contract, and settle his medium-long-term future, but the immediate priority
is that he stays until the summer. Hopefully, a new deal can be negotiated
at that conjecture, but the fact is that it is far preferable to secure a
replacement in the summer, rather now in the January window and in the midst
of a mid-season dip in results.
I could not attend the match at the Emirates due to other commitments.
However, I certainly satisfied with the state affairs at half-time. The
exclusion of Joe Cole, Mo Diame and Matt Jarvis from the starting line up
certainly caused me some pre-match concern, but the fact that we had been
competitive seemed to justify the decision. However, we were then just blown
away by 10 minutes of devastating football that ripped our defence apart and
saw us conceed 4 goals in quick fire succession. And a solid inital
performance degenerated in to a 5-1 trashing!
It was hugely disappointing, although defeat at the Emirates was not exactly
unexpected. It was that encouraging first 45 minutes that unoubtedly raised
our hopes and ambitions, only to then have them cruelly dashed in such a
manner. Still, the game is in the record books now and the squad need to
pick themselves up and put in a good 90 minute performance at Fulham. There
is widespread talk of a gradual slide in to a difficult second half of the
season. I can well understand such fears, but it is up to the manager and
squad to re-group and elevate the threat.
To do that, we need to take a minimum of 4 points from the Fulham and
Swansea matches. I know that many fans will not fancy us to do that in the
aftermath of the heavy Emirates defeat. But he point is that the squad need
to bounce back like they have hitherto done after most prior defeats this
season. We have a decent record at Craven Cottage and it looks like a match
where we could get a result. The match might see Andy Carroll figure from
bench and, hopefully, the trio of Joe Cole, Mo Diame and Matt Jarvis will
start. Swansea is going to be a tough home fixture, but if we can play with
the intensity and commitment shown against QPR, then we can make home
advantage tell.
One of the most worrying aspects of the Arsenal defeat was the injuries to
Potts and Reid. It could mean that we are now seriously depleted in defence
and the necessity for defensive reinforcements has grown acute.
Unfortunately, there appears to be a lack of transfer funds for permanent
signings. consequently, we are looking for loans deals and other clubs,
certainly in England, currently appear unwilling to to strike deals on that
basis. The latest report is that Chelsea have rejected two alleged
approaches to take promising left-back, Ryan Bertrand on loan for the
remainder of the season.
It has also been reported, once again, that Blackburn Rovers have told Paul
Robinson that he is surplus to requirements and can leave. So, that is one
potential deal that could materialise in this window. The move for Martin
Olsson appears to be stalled on Rovers' valuation of the player. Recent
reports have suggested that Harry Redknapp is now interested and could
submit a c.£4m bid for Olsson's services. Whether Olsson fancies a move to
QPR and another probable relegation is questionable?
West Ham face a dual challenge at this key juncture in the season. They must
regroup and ensure that they break the 30 point mark as soon as possible. At
th same time,they also need to pull some 'transfer rabbits' out of the hat
before the forthcoming 31st January 2013 deadline. No doubt the club are
busy on both the training ground and the telephone/fax machine striving to
achieve both!
SJ. Chandos.
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Dan says ta to fans
The Sun
Last Updated: 25th January 2013
DAN POTTS thanked well-wishers last night on his release from hospital after
a head-injury scare. West Ham defender Potts, 18, was knocked out cold
following an accidental clash with Arsenal's Bacary Sagna in the 5-1 defeat
at the Emirates on Wednesday. He spent the night in hospital being treated
for concussion and underwent further tests yesterday. The England Under-19
full-back, son of former Hammers star Steve, will now rest before resuming
light training in the gym. Potts said: "A big thank you to everyone for
their support and messages. "Hopefully I am looking to feeling better over
the next few days."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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