Big Sam exclusive - Part 2
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce pays tribute to his backroom staff in the second part of an exclusive West Ham TV interview
11.06.2013
Sam Allardyce has paid tribute to his backroom staff in the second part of his exclusive West Ham TV interview. The Hammers manager has heaped praise on assistant Neil McDonald, first-team coach Ian Hendon, goalkeeper coach Martyn Margetson and Development Squad manager Nick Haycock after a successful 2012/13 season. McDonald and Margetson have worked closely with Big Sam since arriving at the Club alongside the manager in June 2011, while Hendon was promoted to his current role after leading the Development Squad to the Barclays U21 Premier League Group 1 title before Christmas. Former U18s coach Haycock took Hendon's old role in December and quickly settled into the job. Big Sam spoke glowingly of his backroom team and is looking forward to working with his colleagues again in 2013/14.
Gaffer, your backroom staff play a big role in the day-to-day running of the Club on the football side. Can you talk about how they assist you as manager of West Ham United?
SA - "Yes, there is a huge backroom staff, of course. The ones who are closest to me are the ones who I brought in to work with me and those who I have promoted up from the Academy to work with me. "That is firstly Neil McDonald and Martyn Margetson and I have decided, because of how well he has worked as first-team coach, to promote Ian Hendon on a permanent basis from Under-21 Development coach to first-team coach. Our Under-18s within the Academy, Nick Haycock, took over the Under-21 job when Ian moved up and Nick has done a fantastic job. "Nick can continue the very close links between the Academy, the Under-21s and the first team squad and I feel that link is a vital stage for the development of young players at the West Ham Academy, to try and push them as quick as we possibly can into the first-team squad and ultimately into the first team."
Presumably the demands on a Premier League manager these days mean you have to rely on trusted staff like your assistant and backroom staff to take training sessions and complete numerous other tasks?
SA - "Without a doubt, and there are other areas too. There is a whole field of people who are monitoring and taking data and results. We employ sports science and strength and conditioning coaches, as well as medical staff and interns from university who come in on a day-to-day basis to analyse the data we collect. "That is a hugely important thing for me going forward, to give me a full picture of every player and what they can achieve and can be expected to deliver. It allows me to make greater demands on a player knowing I have the data to fall back on and that is hugely important. "The analysis department calculate all the things that a player does in a game of football and they link with sports science and medical staff, as well as me as the manager and Lee Richardson, who has integrated really well as our sports psychologist. "I feel we've grown the whole package really well and we're even better and stronger off the field. I feel this helps the players to perform better on a matchday and to a more consistent level."
At what point in pre-season do you map out your planning and objectives for the new season?
SA - "In terms of mapping out, we have done that until the start of the season on 17 August. That's all mapped out apart from one more game we have to arrange. "I think the most important link we've got in the near future is between me, my head of recruitment Martyn Glover and Joint-Chairman David Sullivan. Certainly David and Martyn's work is greater than mine at this moment in time because they are constantly negotiating, seeing where players are available and whether they will come, asking what level of financial involvement is there, what is the player looking for, does the player want to come to England or fancy West Ham and what the agent's, player's and other club's demands are. "Martyn and David are doing a huge amount of work at this moment in time, which I'm linked into on a daily basis to ultimately make positive decisions to hopefully get new and better players than we have already got."
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Euro heartbreak for Hammers duo
WHUFC.com
Kieran Sadlier and Sean Maguire's Ireland U19 side were knocked out of the European Championships on Tuesday
11.06.2013
Young West Ham United pair Kieran Sadlier and Sean Maguire suffered UEFA U19 Championship heartbreak on Tuesday after the Republic of Ireland's 0-0 draw with Serbia meant they missed out on a place in this summer's finals. Following 2-2 draws with Switzerland and Slovakia in the previous two Elite Round fixtures, Ireland needed to beat hosts Serbia and hope for a Switzerland defeat to book their place in Lithuania. Switzerland were defeated by Slovakia, but Ireland could not find the goal they needed and Serbia progress from a tight group Two, They headed a clutch of three teams on four points, while Ireland were a solitary point further back on three. Sadlier started the match in Jakovo, Serbia, with Maguire replacing his Hammers teammate as a 76th minute substitute.
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Moncur targets first-team breakthrough
WHUFC.com
George Moncur is determined to keep progressing after a productive season at West Ham United
11.06.2013
The 2012/13 season has been another memorable one for West Ham United midfielder George Moncur. The 19-year-old marked 2011/12 by making his Football League debut at League Two club AFC Wimbledon. This term, while he has opted not to repeat that loan experience, Moncur has made his mark regularly for the Hammers' Development Squad in the Barclays U21 Premier League. Moncur made a team high 27 appearances - all starts - as West Ham wrapped up the Group 1 title before Christmas. Since the New Year, he has played a central role as Nick Haycock's squad launched an ultimately unsuccessful bid to win the Elite Group and qualify for the Play-Offs. Any disappointment was short-lived, however, as the teenager was picked as the Club's Young Hammer of the Year by Academy Director Tony Carr MBE, collecting the trophy from Scan Print's financial director Paul Yelland. "Obviously I'm really pleased to have won this award and I want to thank all the coaches who have nominated me for this," said a beaming Moncur. "I'm over the moon with it. "It's been a really good year for both me and the team. We progressed from the first stage of the Under-21 Premier League and if a few more results had gone our way, I think we could have gone all the way to the final. "It was lovely to win the title before Christmas."
Moncur was quick to praise the impact on his career made by the Club's backroom staff - in particular sports scientist Greg De Carnys, strength and conditioning coach Dan Bernadin and intern Adam Crossley. "To be fair, I have to give credit to all of the coaches because I think they have really developed me this year. I feel much stronger and quicker and I have got to give faith to Greg and Dan in the gym and to Adam with the heart-rate monitors and everything - all the people work hard behind the scenes for the Club and I really appreciate it."
It would be fair to say that Moncur is one of the biggest and loudest characters at the Club, both in terms of his personality and his dress sense. However, while his infectious sense of humour and bright clothing catch the eye, they mask what is a hard-working and committed young professional footballer who steers clears of the vices that affect so many people of a similar age. "I like to have a bit of banter, which is all part and parcel of the game, but I'm not one to mess about. My one aim in life is to be a professional footballer and, doing the stuff I am doing at the minute, hopefully I can carry that on and progress further and further to the first team. "If I keep working hard, maybe one day I can win the senior Hammer of the Year award. I have just got to keep going and going and see what I can do."
As a central midfield player, Moncur often lays on opportunities for his team-mates, none more so than striker Elliot Lee. Lee, who is in the year-group below the Young Hammer of the Year, scooped the Academy Player of the Year award for 2012/13 - an honour Moncur believes Lee richly deserved. "I love Elliot as a lad and he is one of my best pals at the Club. He is also a very good player. I rate him very highly and he is a pleasure to play alongside."
The two sons of former West Ham midfielders - John Moncur and Rob Lee respectively - both have the attitude and the talent to follow in their fathers' footsteps. Having made his debut in the Capital One Cup second-round win over Crewe Alexandra in August 2012, Moncur junior is determined to do just that.
"Obviously my Dad played at the Club and everybody rated him and loved him, so for me it's an honour to have the family name and follow my Dad through."
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Massimo attack
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th June 2013
By: Staff Writer
Milan legend Massimo Ambrosini is on his way to West Ham, according to agent Moreno Roggi. The 36-year-old ended a 17-year association with Milan recently after it was confirmed that the former Italian international would not be extending his contract. And recent speculation linking him with a move to east London looks to have some foundation after Roggi told calciomercato.it that his agent looks set to move to England. "Obviously Massimo wants to continue playing. There are some negotiations in place and we are evaluating every type of proposal," said Roggi. "His preference would be overseas clubs, but if an offer did come in from an Italian side, we would not ignore it completely." Roggi also revealed that talks with LA Galaxy came to nothing - leaving the Hammers with a clear run. "At this moment we are in talks with West Ham, but we have ruled out a move to Major League Soccer," he confirmed.
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Andy Carroll is West Ham's top target
Last Updated: June 11, 2013 8:45am
SSN
Sam Allardyce admits that wrapping up a permanent deal for Andy Carroll remains West Ham United's 'first priority'. The England international spent the 2012/13 campaign on loan at Upton Park from Liverpool. He endured his fair share of injury troubles, but ended the season fully fit and firing on all cylinders.
Allardyce has regularly expressed a desire to retain Carroll's services, but has also aired concerns regarding the costs involved - with a sizeable fee and a hefty salary required to land the striker. He is, however, prepared to keep pushing the issue as the Hammers start piecing together their summer recruitment plans.
Allardyce said: "Our first priority is signing Andy Carroll, if we can. "We have nearly finished our planning for pre-season and the players have all had their training programmes given to them so when they come back on 1st July they are ready to go. "Then it's about the recruitment of the other players who we want as quickly as possible. That will be the most difficult part of the summer."
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Cole could Bag reunion
West Brom deal in the offing for ex-Hammer
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: 11th June 2013
CARLTON COLE is being lined up for a reunion with mentor Steve Clarke at West Brom. The Baggies boss is keen on the former West Ham striker, who has been released on a free transfer. But he faces competition from Scottish side Celtic. Clarke is credited with turning around Cole's career when he teamed up with Gianfranco Zola to manage at Upton Park. The pair also know each other well from their time together at Chelsea. Clarke needs a new striker as he must hand back loan star Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea — although any new man will have his work cut out to replace his 17 Premier League goals. Cole, 29, scored only twice for West Ham last season but was sidelined for much of the campaign by the arrival of Andy Carroll. He scored 15 times the year before to help fire the Hammers to promotion from the Championship. Cole earned around £40,000 a week at West Ham and could pick up a small pay rise by joining Albion because no transfer fee would be involved.
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I haven't got Around to deciding my future
Published: 11th June 2013
The Sun
AROUNA KONE insists he is yet to decide on his future despite major interest from Liverpool and Everton. The Ivory Coast star wowed the Wigan crowd in his debut season, scoring 11 goals in the Premier League. But despite winning the FA Cup, the Latics were relegated and a host of top-flight clubs are ready to activate the striker's £6.5million release clause. Toffees new boss Roberto Martinez is leading the chase, with Liverpool and West Ham also keen on the hitman's services. Kone, 29, said: "I have a contract until 2015 with Wigan and I settled very well there. "It is a brilliant community football club. The chairman is fantastic. "Yes, I want to be playing in the Premier League but it also depends on Wigan because I have a contract with them. "Everton? Just because the gaffer is in charge makes the link stronger but, to be honest, I don't know what will happen. After the international games I will know more."
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ANDY CARROLL READY TO SAY 'YES' TO WEST HAM
Daily Star
12th June 2013 By Adrian Kajumba
ANDY CARROLL is finally ready to say 'yes' to West Ham. The Hammers agreed a £15.5m fee with Liverpool for the England striker almost a month ago. Carroll, 24, has yet to agree personal terms with West Ham and has been mulling over the move since. But Starsport understands the hitman has told friends he is on the verge of signing a six-year deal. Carroll was hoping for a pay rise to £100,000 a week to join the Hammers permanently, after his season-long loan spell last term. West Ham matched Carroll's £80,000-a-week Liverpool wages last season but were reluctant to stump up another £20,000. But his revelation suggests a compromise is close to being reached.Carroll is on holiday and will meet his agent next week when he returns to thrash out his future.
Capturing the towering hitman will be a massive boost to Upton Park boss Sam Allardyce. The England striker is his No.1 summer target. He wants Carroll to be the first statement signing in his bid to build a team fit for the Olympic Stadium, which will become West Ham's new home from 2016.
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West Ham hope to strike deal for Milan veteran midfielder Ambrosini
By DAVID KENT
PUBLISHED: 22:38, 11 June 2013 | UPDATED: 23:14, 11 June 2013
Daily Mail
West Ham are hopeful of concluding a deal for former AC Milan midfielder Massimo Ambrosini. The 36-year-old held talks last month but continued to weigh up other options while the final few days of his contract ran down at the San Siro. Now it seems the player has decided to prolong his top level career, rather than move to the MLS. Speaking on Tuesday, his agent Moreno Roggi said: 'Obviously Massimo wants to continue playing. There are some negotiations in place and we are evaluating every type of proposal. 'His preference would be overseas clubs, but if an offer did come in from an Italian side, we would not ignore it completely. 'At this moment we are in talks with West Ham, while we have already ruled out Major League Soccer.'
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West Ham United's Brady unveils plans for "world-class football watching experience" at Olympic Stadium
InsideTheGames.biz
Tuesday, 11 June 2013
By Emily Goddard
June 11 - West Ham United chair Karren Brady has revealed detailed architectural plans for the Premier League club's new home at the London Olympic Stadium following the conversion of the ground to "a world class experience for watching football". In a video on a new microsite launched to keep the club's fans abreast of developments, the first lady of football talked through the particulars of the £190 million ($286 million/€222 million) transformation with post-conversion technical illustrations of the site that hosted the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The south east side of the stadium will feature a club shop and club ticket office - both will be open all year round, which will be completely dedicated to West Ham and run by the team's staff, while a community pitch will be situated in the foreground of the Stadium for the club's community projects. Brady confirmed that the ground will have multiple entry points around the stadium, with turnstiles, making it very different from how it operated during the Olympics where visitors were swiped in at the approach of the stadium.
The roof, which has already been unveiled as 84 metres in size, dips in slightly and is the largest spanning tensile roof in the world. It will cover every seat in the ground, including all those that are retractable, and aside from the weatherproofing benefits, Brady said that it also helps to ensure a lively atmosphere in the venue. "When you're inside, some of the visuals that we've seen from places across the world where they use this type of roof, you really get a sense of how intimate and enclosed it makes the entire stadium," she said. The southern approach of the Olympic Stadium is where fans have said they would like to see the champions' statue relocated Speaking about the southern approach of the venue, which is where many people have said they would like to see the champions' statue featuring Bobby Moore, Martin Peters and Sir Geoff Hurst - three West Ham players who played in England's 1966 World Cup winning side - relocated, she explained that this is when you "start to get an idea of the real size and scale of the Stadium".
The automated seating system, which uses drive motors to move all four sides of the bowl, will either bring the seats forward and closer to the pitch in football mode or further back when in athletics mode to allow for the running track. "The seating distances compare more than favourably with the top stadia around the world including Wembley and the recently build Emirates Stadium," Brady said. "I can promise you that no seat will be further away than that offered at Wembley Stadium."
She also revealed plans for a bridge between the upper and lower stands on the east side of the stadium to create a kop style stand. "Because it was really important to us to create the kop style stand the east stand will have a bridge installed that will connect the two stands together to create one major stand," Brady added. She confirmed that two of the stands will be named after club legends Moore and Sir Trevor Brooking, and while the details will be finalised after a consultation with the fans, the club suggests that these will be situated behind each of the goals like at the Boleyn Ground. Meanwhile, Brady said there would be 995 toilets and twice as many catering units as there are at the current ground, which will be located within the stadium as opposed to kiosks outside as with the Olympics, with the aim being to cut halftime food and drink queues. How the converted Olympic Stadium will look in athletics mode with the running track The vice-chair finished by moving to reassure West Ham fans that the team's matches would take precedence over other events, but said that the commercial opportunities must be realised in order to develop a "world-class team". "When I came to West Ham in January 2010 and embarked on a journey for the Olympic Stadium for West Ham I had two things in mind," Brady explained. "One was that it absolutely had to be a world-class football stadium and secondly that our fixtures will always have priority over anything and everything else that happened in that Stadium.
"I hope in terms of the first thing, by looking at the visuals and understanding what this conversion means post Olympics, you get a real belief that when I said you could trust us that we would deliver a world class stadium, where the seats were close to the pitch, where there was a roof that covered those seats, that would provide us with an opportunity to be in one of the best stadia in the world. "I think and hope now that you could see that you could trust us and you knew you could trust us."
She did admit, however, that there have been obstacles to overcome in getting to this point. Karren Brady says she wants the Olympic Stadium for West Ham, but she also wants the fans to want it too "It's not been easy in the past three years trying to get that but I am proud and pleased to say that myself and my team have worked very hard for you to get you this kind of stadium," Brady told the fans. "There's lots of fantastic stadia in the UK but there's only one Olympic Stadium and that gives us a fantastic real chance to grow our business commercially. "And why would we do that? "We would do that so we can provide on the pitch the best team possible for our manager to go out there and win things for all of us. "That's our ambition, a world-class stadium with a world class team. "And through the commercial opportunities afforded to us by going to the Olympic Stadium, that money can be driven from the commercial revenue and it can be invested in the team so the team and the stadium are a powerful mix of the best that football has to offer in the United Kingdom. "This is a journey we have to go on together. "I want the stadium for West Ham, but I want you to want it too. "Therefore, your opinion is important, your belief and trust in us as people and as a board is incredibly important to us. "And if we can go on this journey together. "If we can deliver the Stadium and you're behind us I know it can be a tremendous success."
West Ham is expected to take up their tenancy of the stadium for the start of the 2016-2017 football season.
Contact the writer of this story at emily.goddard@insidethegames.biz
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, June 12
Tuesday, June 11
Daily WHUFC News - 11th June 2013
Olympic Stadium microsite launched
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have launched a new microsite dedicated to the Club's move
to Olympic Stadium
10.06.2013
West Ham United have launched a new microsite dedicated to the Club's
historic move to the London 2012 Olympic Stadium. With the Hammers set to
move to Stratford in summer 2016, the Club is acutely aware that supporters
will want to be kept fully updated and informed. Now, fans can find all the
information you need in one place on the microsite, which can be found at
www.olympicstadium.whufc.com "This new microsite will become the ultimate
portal for all you need to know about the iconic Olympic Stadium, its
revolutionary transformation and our forthcoming move," confirmed
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady. "You can find out about the plans to convert the
setting for the unforgettable London 2012 Olympic Games into a world-class
UEFA Category 4 football stadium, see artist's impressions and information
on the venue's stunning design, as well as answers to your most pressing
questions. "You can read about the construction of retractable seating,
bringing you close to the action and ensuring an electric atmosphere under
the largest-spanning tensile roof in the world - another new feature of our
new home. "We promise to keep you updated throughout our journey to
Stratford and we encourage your feedback through our on-going consultation
process. My Board and I will regularly be contributing to the Blog to share
with you the hard work going on behind the scenes to realise our Olympic
Stadium dream."
In addition to the new microsite, a video presentation by the Vice-Chairman
talking fans through the detailed architectural designs for the Olympic
Stadium has been watched by tens of thousands of supporters. "As
anticipation builds ahead of the first game at the start of the 2016/17
season, the site will bring you the latest images in progress. We are of
course also looking forward to sharing more detailed ticket and hospitality
information with you on the site in the near future. "If anyone you know
would like to keep up to date with the Stadium move, encourage them to sign
up to our email updates here."
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Memorial Grounds
WHUFC.com
Club historian John Helliar takes a trip back in time to West Ham United's
old home at the Memorial Grounds
10.06.2013
West Ham United may have moved out of their original Memorial Grounds home
110 years ago, but there are closer links between the Hammers' past and its
future than you may think. The Hammers played at the stadium under their
original guise, Thames Ironworks FC, and in the early days following their
re-formation as West Ham United in 1900. The Memorial Grounds, located
adjacent to West Ham Underground station and just over a mile from the
Olympic Stadium, played host to a number of sports alongside football and
proved to be a central venue for leisure in the local community. With the
Hammers now planning a momentous move to the Olympic Park, bringing them
closer to their old home, your Official Programme paid a visit to the
Memorial Grounds - now a multi-purpose recreation ground - with Club
historian John Helliar.
Helliar takes up the story…
"When the Thames Ironworks Football Club first started, they played at
another ground called Hermit Road, then in 1897, Arnold Hills [owner of
Thames Ironworks and Shipbuilding Co. Ltd] announced that he had bought a
large piece of land and that he was going to build a multi-purpose sports
centre at the Memorial Grounds. "It was called the Memorial Grounds because
it was opened in 1897, which was 60 years after Queen Victoria's ascent to
the throne and, as a tribute to her, he gave it that name. "It was actually
built in six months, opened in June and something like 8,000 people came
along to the opening.
"The ground, it was said, could take 100,000 spectators - it had a banked
cycle track, which was one of the best in the London area, and the ground
was believed to be fit to host an FA Cup final, although it never did. "The
football pitch sat in the middle of the cycle track, and there were other
things here like tennis courts, cricket pitches and a swimming pool. Of
course there was a stand and administrative offices too, so it was quite a
fantastic centre for sport in east London. "When West Ham United were formed
in 1900, Arnold Hills continued to support the new football club, not only
with money and kit, but he allowed them to use the Memorial Grounds at a
nominal rent as well. "On 1 September 1900, they played their first match
here in the Southern League, and they were fortunate enough to win that by
seven goals to nil, and their famous Scottish inside-right Billy Grassam
scored four of those goals. "It was still used by the community in general
after West Ham left here in 1903. For many years, up to and after the Second
World War, many schools held their sports days and events like that here."
The land still fulfils that purpose to this very day and Helliar believes
Hills would be proud. He added: "It is still used by the community for sport
today - and that is one of the things that Arnold Hills wanted to do when he
started up all the different clubs and societies at the Thames Ironworks. He
wanted to give something to his employees that they could use during their
spare time, and of course sport and other leisure activities were something
he was very keen on to give back to the community. "It's really turning full
circle, because when you think about the number of sports that took place on
this ground, but also from the legacy of the Olympic Stadium, it's not just
West Ham and football in the Park. It's really Arnold Hills' idea of a
multi-purpose venue in the community.
"It's also a funny enough fact, that West Ham, by moving to the Olympic
Stadium in Stratford will be nearer to their original home than they are on
Green Street and the Boleyn Ground. We are moving back towards our original
birthplace."
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Hammers praised for Kickz finals
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Community Sports Trust was praised after hosting the Kickz
National Cup Finals
10.06.2013
West Ham United Community Sports Trust proudly represented the club by
hosting the Kickz Cup National Finals. The Hammers played host to 32 teams
from 22 different Premier League and Football League clubs over the weekend,
with West Ham's Girls winning their event and the hosts' Under-14 Boys
finishing a creditable third. With Trust leaders, trainees, apprentices and
volunteers staffing the events on Friday and Saturday, West Ham's
contribution was roundly praised by the Premier League and Metropolitan
Police, who jointly launched the Kickz social inclusion scheme back in 2006.
Head of Premier League Charitable Fund, Monica Golding explained how Kickz
football projects play a huge role in local communities across the country.
"Kickz started with just three clubs on a pilot scheme and now it is had
grown with 46 clubs involved," she said. "The Premier League funds the
programme along with the Metropolitan Police. "You can't underestimate the
power of the Premier League badge and a club badge like that of West Ham. It
engages people, especially the young. We go into parts of the community
where some others don't go because of the power football has. If West Ham go
into an area and ask a young person to get involved in an activity like
Kickz, then there is a greater possibility that young person will get
involved and go on to achieve something. "I think working with and in the
local community, is very important for the clubs and I do think part of the
reason why West Ham was given the Olympic Stadium was because of the work it
already does in the community and what it wants to continue doing."
Metropolitan Police Chief Inspector Steve Banks added: "Football can do a
lot more to grab the attention of youngsters than the police can, so working
together in a project like Kickz means we can both do good work in the
community and give youngsters that chance to do something positive that they
might not otherwise get the opportunity to do."
Following Friday's success with the Girls, the Under-14 Boys had a tough act
to follow when they took to the Boleyn Ground pitch on Saturday morning.
After losing their opening two matches, the Hammers youngsters showed
commendable spirit to finish third of the eight teams involved, Newcastle
United won the U14 tournament.
West Ham's Kickz co-ordinator George Chukwuma said: "We had started off
losing the first two games and that can dent the confidence a bit, but the
boys stuck at it and we then drew a game before finishing strongly with four
wins. "We wanted to win the tournament, of course, but we did well and I
think the boys can only learn from this incredible experience they have had.
Playing on the pitch at the Boleyn Ground, up against some very good teams
at a high level, they will come away with all of that experience to help
them go further in their sport and what they want to achieve in the future."
For the boys it was an exciting moment to experience playing on the hallowed
turf at the Boleyn Ground. Malachi Napa and Joel Brown clearly enjoyed the
tournament, saying it was "exciting to be able to play on the pitch where
the professional players compete and we are all aspiring to be as good as
that when we are older. We were pleased to end the tournament with the four
wins."
As well as youngsters taking part on the pitch, there were an army of staff
from the Trust's social inclusion project playing a role in ensuring the
finals ran smoothly. From ball boys to mentors and coaches, the claret and
blue of the West Ham Community Sports Trust could be seen all around the
ground.
Launched in 2006 by the Premier League and the Metropolitan Police, Kickz
has the aim of using football to bring communities together and encourage
young people. It has since expanded nationwide to include more than 100
projects run by more than 40 Premier League and Football League clubs. More
than 45,000 youngsters take part in Kickz projects every year, earning
thousands of educational qualifications and life skills.
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Joint-Chairman set for Ideas Olympiad
WHUFC.com
Joint-Chairman David Gold will host a special event as part of Newham's
Ideas Olympiad
10.06.2013
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Gold will be taking part in the London
Borough of Newham Ideas Olympiad series. The Ideas Olympiad, held a year on
from Newham's hosting of the 2012 Olympic Games, features a free series of
events bringing interesting speakers to the borough to talk to residents
about their ideas and visions. A Conversation with David Gold will take
place on Tuesday 18 June at Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, Stratford.
There, Mr Gold will talk about his journey from growing up in east London to
returning to his roots at the helm of West Ham and overcoming poverty and
setbacks along the way to become one of Britain's most successful
businessmen. The Joint-Chairman will also talk about West Ham's close
relationship with the local community and the Club's role in fulfilling east
London's Olympic legacy. It will be followed by questions from the audience.
Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Entry is only permitted with a ticket.
To book tickets and for more information, click here.
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Big Sam exclusive - Part One
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce looks back on a successful season and explains how he is
filling his summer
10.06.2013
Sam Allardyce enjoyed a superb second season in charge at West Ham United.
The manager built on the promotion he achieved in 2011/12 by guiding the
Hammers to the calm waters of tenth place on their return to the Barclays
Premier League. Having put together a strong squad and laid foundations for
the future, Big Sam was rewarded with a new contract in May 2012. In the
first part of an exclusive interview with West Ham TV, the manager told of
his delight at the Club's achievements over the past two years and revealed
his main priorities for the summer.
Sam, can you please start by summing up your feelings about the 2012/13
season?
SA - "It's been fantastic from start to finish. It's been a hugely enjoyable
season for everybody. We have had our down moments, like every club would
have in the Barclays Premier League at some point, but those down moments
have been few and far between. "The overall performances and results have
delighted everybody at West Ham United and especially at the Boleyn Ground.
We have provided entertainment value and nine wins and six draws. Only four
defeats says volumes for the part everybody has played this season. It's not
just me, the backroom staff and the owners getting together and putting the
squad together and the players on the field, but the fact that virtually
every single home game was a sell out. "The backing of the fans behind the
players and the performances of the players have made it a very enjoyable
season for everybody. Away from home, of course we'd have liked to have done
better, but it's always better to perform in front of your own fans to send
them home happy. It was a massively enjoyable season for everybody."
So, is the aim in 2013/14 to better what you achieved in 2012/13?
SA - "Yes, that's our minimum ask now, whereas tenth-place was our maximum
ask last year. It's not just me demanding that but the supporters will be
demanding it as well. They will be saying 'You finished tenth in your first
year, so surely you can finish higher'. "It does depend on what players we
bring in and their quality, and on how much we spend. Unfortunately, for the
first time ever, there is a restriction on that [spending] throughout the
football in this country [with UEFA's new Financial Fair Play rules]. It
will be difficult to deal with but we'll have to get through it and see how
it works. "Hopefully, at the start of the season we will have a stronger
squad in terms of strength in depth and talent then we had at the start of
last season."
What are your main priorities at this time of the off-season?
SA - "At this moment in time, our first priority is signing Andy Carroll, if
we can. We have nearly finished our planning for pre-season and the players
have all had their programmes given to them to take away to start training
while they are relaxing at home or on their holidays. They are asked to do
some active work while they are away so, when they come back on 1 July, they
are ready to go and we won't have too many tight muscles. We want them to be
able to cope with the demands we put on them from the very beginning. "Then,
it's about the recruitment of the other players who we want as quickly as we
possibly can. That will be the most difficult part of this summer."
While the players will be working during their summer break, presumably the
same will be true for yourself as you try to recruit new players?
SA - "The work never really stops over the summer, but I can do it from
where the sun is shining because of the communication levels you can achieve
today with the technology. Via Skype or phone or email or conference call,
it is pretty easy to keep in touch with everybody and we can all link-up
together if need be. "If there is an imminent signing, then I'll be straight
back to meet and greet the player and shake hands when he's signed the
contract and to welcome him to West Ham United."
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The Big Interview - Lee Bowyer
WHUFC.com
Lifelong West Ham United fan and former midfielder Lee Bowyer recently
returned to the Boleyn Ground
10.06.2013
For a lifelong West Ham United supporter, Lee Bowyer did not do his
favourite club many favours during a successful playing career! The
midfielder enjoyed 14 victories in his 21 senior appearances against the
Hammers for Leeds United, Newcastle United, Birmingham City and Ipswich
Town, scoring seven goals in the process. Now 36, Bowyer took the 2012/13
season out to concentrate on studying for his coaching badges, but the
Canning Town-born player was back at the Boleyn Ground recently to take part
in a charity match. West Ham TV caught up with the former England
international.
Welcome back Lee! Last time we saw you at the Boleyn Ground, you scored a
last-minute winner for Ipswich Town in the Championship in September 2011.
What have you been up to since then?
LB - "I have just had a nice rest really, spending time with my family and
trying other sports that I'm interested in. I have had a nice year out. I
still feel I can do a job for someone and, while I still feel like that, I
won't retire. If nothing comes this year, then that will tell me that
nothing is going to happen. I did have a couple of clubs interested in me
last year, but it just didn't feel right to go and do that, so I'll see what
options I have this year and go from there."
You had two spells with West Ham. You were relegated at the end of an
injury-affected six-month stay in 2003, but enjoyed more success during your
second time here between 2006 and 2009. How do you remember your spells with
the Hammers?
LB - "I have fond memories of my time with West Ham. Obviously, the first
time around I came to the club injured and they knew I was injured, but I
couldn't really help. That was the only reason why I came [to help]. I could
have gone somewhere else, but I followed my heart and I tried but I just
couldn't do it with my dodgy ankle that I had. The second time round was all
right. I was here for three years and I enjoyed it. I scored a few goals and
it was something I always wanted to do as a kid. It's my club and I can say
I have played and scored for the club that I love."
During your second spell, you played in a talented midfield containing the
likes of Mark Noble, Matty Etherington, Yossi Benayoun and Nobby Solano.
That must have been enjoyable to be part of?
LB - "It was good, yes. By the end, there were quite a few players who had
come from Newcastle like I did, so there were some good players to go
alongside those who were already here. We had Carlos Tevez and Javier
Mascherano, so we had some good players and some good times."
You hit the heights of the top of the Premier League and UEFA Champions
League semi-finals with Leeds United and had success with Newcastle United.
Although we didn't hit the same heights at West Ham, presumably the 2006/07
'Great Escape' was a fantastic time to be at a club?
LB - "Yes it was, because everybody had written us off. Obviously, Tevez
turned it on towards the end of the season and thankfully we stayed up that
year. It was like winning something to have been written off like we were
and then end up staying up."
The alarm bells didn't ring as loudly for West Ham in 2012/13, when the team
comfortably steered clear of the relegation battle. What did you make of the
present-day Hammers?
LB - "I thought we did well. Like I said in a Programme interview I did
towards the end of the season, as long as Sam [Allardyce] is here then we
won't get relegated. He knows this league inside out and, whatever side he
has had, [he has thrived], even at Bolton. This squad is a lot stronger than
the one he had in his Bolton days. Hopefully Andy Carroll might be coming,
so if that comes off it will be a great bit of business. I think the Club is
stable now and the owners have come in and done a good job there too."
Looking forward, the Club will move to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford in
2016. As a lifelong supporter, what are your thoughts on the matter?
LB - "I can understand what some fans are saying because the tradition is at
the Boleyn Ground and it is an intimidating place to come and play as an
away player. It's never nice! With being at the Olympic Stadium, it will be
a completely different atmosphere but hopefully it will work for us. I think
the crowd will get behind the team and we'll go from there. It's going to
change, but maybe it is time to move. Clubs do move grounds. Manchester City
have gone into a bigger ground and they're filling it. Financially, it's
good for the Club in that way. The more fans you there, the more noise they
make and the more intimidating it is for the other team. It also spurs you
on as a home player. At Leeds, the European nights we had were magical and
the crowd made a difference. Hopefully, it'll work the same here."
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Andy Carroll remains my priority - Allardyce
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th June 2013
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has revealed that signing Andy Carroll is still his main
target this summer. The 24-year-old striker spent the entire 2012/13 season
on loan at the Boleyn Ground, scoring seven goals in 24 appearances. Just
last month, his parent club Liverpool accepted a £15million offer from West
Ham to make the deal permanent. However Carroll, who has been on holiday
since the end of the season is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal -
despite Allardyce insisting that capturing the player remains his number one
priority. Speaking in an interview with whufc.com (the full version of which
may be found at www.whufc.com/big-sam-exclusive-part-one), Allardyce
replied: "At this moment in time, our first priority is signing Andy
Carroll, if we can. "Then, it's about the recruitment of the other players
who we want as quickly as we possibly can. That will be the most difficult
part of this summer. "The work never really stops over the summer, but I can
do it from where the sun is shining because of technology. It's pretty easy
to keep in touch with everybody and we can all link-up together if need be.
"If there is an imminent signing then I'll be straight back to meet and
greet the player and shake hands when he's signed the contract - and to
welcome him to West Ham United."
Allardyce has made two new additions to his squad since the end of the
2012/13 campaign, signing experienced full back Razvan Rat and former Betis
goalkeeper Adrian.
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Is Sam's way the right way?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th June 2013
By: Matthew O'Greel
It's hard to deny that Sam Allardyce has produced fantastic results since
succeeding Avram Grant as the 14th full-time manager of West Ham United.
Taking over the club following its potentially disastrous relegation from
the Premier League, Allardyce produced promotion within just 12 months -
then proceeded to secure a top-half finish in the club's first season back
in the Premier League.
Taking all of those things into account, it's fair to say that Allardyce has
added around £100million to the club's coffers in just two years' time - so
it was no wonder that Messrs Gold & Sullivan couldn't wait to offer him a
new deal, which he has since signed.
However his unique approach to the game - heavily influenced by the
'Moneyball' system as developed by Billy Beane of the Oakland Athletics
baseball team - has been far from universally welcomed by Hammers fans.
Whilst Allardyce now has the backing of the vast majority of supporters,
there remain many who grudgingly accept his modus operandi due to the
(relative) success it has brought. However statistical analysis suggests
that Allardyce may not yet be getting the most out of the players at his
disposal.
West Ham United's haul of 46 points from 38 games last season included 12
wins, of which only three were away from home. Much of this was blamed upon
the team's apparent willingness to sit back and soak up pressure, instead of
playing a little more adventurously.
Statistics certainly back this up. Only six clubs saw less of the ball away
from home last season than West Ham, who scored 44.3 per cent (League
champions Manchester United topped the table with 56.5 per cent).
However Allardyce's team were equally poor when in possession of the
football, scoring a pass success rate of just 73.9 per cent on their travels
- higher than that of Stoke and Reading - but not so bad in the air where
the Hammers won an average of 20.3 aerial challenges per game, a figure
bettered only by Tony Pulis' Stoke City.
Despite winning 50 per cent of their home league fixtures, West Ham proved
almost as poor statistically at the Boleyn. United's possession rate of 43.2
per cent was lower than their score away from home (44.3 per cent) and lower
than every other club bar relegated Reading.
Once again, West Ham proved profligate in possession, with just 74.5 per
cent of passes finding their target (Norwich, Reading and Stoke were the
only teams with worse records at their respective home grounds). But once
again West Ham's success in aerial duels (21.9 per home game) was only
bettered by the Potters.
Having performed so poorly in possession and with the ball at their feet
(United's 25 goals from open play in 2012/13 was the PL's sixth lowest
tally) it is evident than West Ham replied heavily upon other methods by
which to hit the target last season.
Set pieces proved hugely important, with United's 12 goal tally being the
eighth highest total in the division during 2012/13 - the remainder of goals
coming from counter attacks (two), penalties (four) and own goals (another
two).
So from the figures above we can gradually see a picture forming, in which
West Ham clearly forsook possession in order to get the ball into the danger
area - the opposition's penalty box - at the earlist possible opportunity.
This is borne out by statistics that show West Ham leading a table for shots
from inside the central third of the penalty area. 51 per cent of all West
Ham's efforts on goal last season came from within this tiny, yet vitally
important area of the field.
A further 17 per cent of West Ham's shots came from the other areas of the
penalty box (the left and right side) with just 32 per cent from outside the
18-yard area - the lowest in the division by some considerable margin
(interestingly perhaps, Man Utd were second lowest with just 34 per cent).
But it is within the penalty box - the very area that Allardyce appears to
have asked his players to target - that West Ham produced the poorest
results, with just 31 per cent of shots hitting the target. Once again this
is the league's lowest figure (the average was 38 per cent).
With this in mind, it's quite clear to see why Carlton Cole was allowed to
leave on a free transfer - and why Modibo Maiga's future remains uncertain.
Although specific figures were unavailable at the time of writing, Allardyce
clearly believes that Andy Carroll + AN Other are clearly a far more potent
option inside the danger area.
Here's a list of stats used for the above article...
2012/13 Premier League Possession Table (Home)
18. Norwich City 43.9%
19. West Ham Utd 43.2%
20. Reading 40.8%
2012/13 Premier League Pass Success Rate Table (Home)
16. Queens Park Rangers 76.6%
17. West Ham Utd 74.5%
18. Norwich City 73.8%
2012/13 Premier League Aerial Duel Success Rate Table (Home)
1. Stoke City 31.1
2. West Ham Utd 21.9
3. Everton 19.7
2012/13 Premier League Possession Table (Away)
13. West Bromwich Albion 44.6%
14. West Ham Utd 44.3%
15. Aston Villa 44.0%
2012/13 Premier League Pass Success Rate Table (Away)
17. Norwich City 74.1%
18. West Ham Utd 73.9%
15. Stoke City 71.8%
2012/13 Premier League Aerial Duel Success Rate Table (Away)
1. Stoke City 26.7
2. West Ham Utd 20.3
3. Aston Villa 19.1
Total Shots Inside Centre of Penalty Area
1. West Ham Utd 51%
2. Stoke City 46%
3. Reading/Manchester United 46%
Total Shots Inside Centre of Penalty Area on Target
15. Swansea/Everton/Aston Villa 36%
18. Liverpool/Queens Park Rangers 34%
20. West Ham Utd 31%
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Diame keen to extend West Ham stay
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th June 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Mo Diame says he is looking forward to a second campaign
at the club. Diame, who joined the Irons a year ago on a free transfer from
relegated Wigan Athletic has constantly been linked with a move away from
east London. However nothing could be further from the truth according to
the player himself, who told reporters at the weekend that he was committed
to remaining at West Ham. Speaking after Senegal's 1-1 draw with Angola in a
Group J World Cup qualifier on Saturday night, Diame - who celebrates his
26th birthday later this week - said: "I've settled really well [in London]
and I'm pleased with how the season went. "I played an important part in
the setup and have faith that we can finish even higher [next season]. I
understand that my performances have been inconsistent; that's what I need
to work on in the future."
Much of the confusion over Diame's future has arisen over a minimum fee
release clause that he and agent Willie Mackay insisted on including in his
original contract. Attempts by West Ham to persuade him to sign a new deal
have thus far proved fruitless, although David Gold, speaking via his
Twitter account recently hinted that a new deal may be on the cards. "I am
hopefully Diame will be with us next season," he said. "I expect us to come
to an agreement that will keep Mohamed at the club."
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Mixed messages from West Ham over Andy Carroll's proposed permanent transfer
10 Jun 2013 22:30
The Mirror
Andy Carroll has been told to forget about the £100,000-a-week he wants out
of West Ham - despite Sam Allardyce's desperation to sign him. The England
striker representatives made the eye-watering six-figure demand - the
requested salary would represent a £20,000-a-week pay-rise for Carroll -
last week.
But Hammers are adamant they cannot afford that, despite their willingness
to complete a £15.5million deal with Liverpool for the Geordie after his
successful season on loan at Upton Park. It comes as Allardyce confirmed
that Carroll - still yet to confirm he wants to remain in London - is the
club's no.1 target.
Big Sam said of the striker, who joined from hometown club Newcastle for
£35m in 2011: "At this moment in time, our first priority is signing Andy
Carroll, if we can. "We have nearly finished our planning for pre-season and
the players have all had their programmes given to them to take away to
start training while they are relaxing at home or on their holidays. "They
are asked to do some active work while they are away so, when they come back
on 1 July, they are ready to go and we won't have too many tight muscles.
"We want them to be able to cope with the demands we put on them from the
very beginning.
"Then, it's about the recruitment of the other players who we want as
quickly as we possibly can. That will be the most difficult part of this
summer."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have launched a new microsite dedicated to the Club's move
to Olympic Stadium
10.06.2013
West Ham United have launched a new microsite dedicated to the Club's
historic move to the London 2012 Olympic Stadium. With the Hammers set to
move to Stratford in summer 2016, the Club is acutely aware that supporters
will want to be kept fully updated and informed. Now, fans can find all the
information you need in one place on the microsite, which can be found at
www.olympicstadium.whufc.com "This new microsite will become the ultimate
portal for all you need to know about the iconic Olympic Stadium, its
revolutionary transformation and our forthcoming move," confirmed
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady. "You can find out about the plans to convert the
setting for the unforgettable London 2012 Olympic Games into a world-class
UEFA Category 4 football stadium, see artist's impressions and information
on the venue's stunning design, as well as answers to your most pressing
questions. "You can read about the construction of retractable seating,
bringing you close to the action and ensuring an electric atmosphere under
the largest-spanning tensile roof in the world - another new feature of our
new home. "We promise to keep you updated throughout our journey to
Stratford and we encourage your feedback through our on-going consultation
process. My Board and I will regularly be contributing to the Blog to share
with you the hard work going on behind the scenes to realise our Olympic
Stadium dream."
In addition to the new microsite, a video presentation by the Vice-Chairman
talking fans through the detailed architectural designs for the Olympic
Stadium has been watched by tens of thousands of supporters. "As
anticipation builds ahead of the first game at the start of the 2016/17
season, the site will bring you the latest images in progress. We are of
course also looking forward to sharing more detailed ticket and hospitality
information with you on the site in the near future. "If anyone you know
would like to keep up to date with the Stadium move, encourage them to sign
up to our email updates here."
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Memorial Grounds
WHUFC.com
Club historian John Helliar takes a trip back in time to West Ham United's
old home at the Memorial Grounds
10.06.2013
West Ham United may have moved out of their original Memorial Grounds home
110 years ago, but there are closer links between the Hammers' past and its
future than you may think. The Hammers played at the stadium under their
original guise, Thames Ironworks FC, and in the early days following their
re-formation as West Ham United in 1900. The Memorial Grounds, located
adjacent to West Ham Underground station and just over a mile from the
Olympic Stadium, played host to a number of sports alongside football and
proved to be a central venue for leisure in the local community. With the
Hammers now planning a momentous move to the Olympic Park, bringing them
closer to their old home, your Official Programme paid a visit to the
Memorial Grounds - now a multi-purpose recreation ground - with Club
historian John Helliar.
Helliar takes up the story…
"When the Thames Ironworks Football Club first started, they played at
another ground called Hermit Road, then in 1897, Arnold Hills [owner of
Thames Ironworks and Shipbuilding Co. Ltd] announced that he had bought a
large piece of land and that he was going to build a multi-purpose sports
centre at the Memorial Grounds. "It was called the Memorial Grounds because
it was opened in 1897, which was 60 years after Queen Victoria's ascent to
the throne and, as a tribute to her, he gave it that name. "It was actually
built in six months, opened in June and something like 8,000 people came
along to the opening.
"The ground, it was said, could take 100,000 spectators - it had a banked
cycle track, which was one of the best in the London area, and the ground
was believed to be fit to host an FA Cup final, although it never did. "The
football pitch sat in the middle of the cycle track, and there were other
things here like tennis courts, cricket pitches and a swimming pool. Of
course there was a stand and administrative offices too, so it was quite a
fantastic centre for sport in east London. "When West Ham United were formed
in 1900, Arnold Hills continued to support the new football club, not only
with money and kit, but he allowed them to use the Memorial Grounds at a
nominal rent as well. "On 1 September 1900, they played their first match
here in the Southern League, and they were fortunate enough to win that by
seven goals to nil, and their famous Scottish inside-right Billy Grassam
scored four of those goals. "It was still used by the community in general
after West Ham left here in 1903. For many years, up to and after the Second
World War, many schools held their sports days and events like that here."
The land still fulfils that purpose to this very day and Helliar believes
Hills would be proud. He added: "It is still used by the community for sport
today - and that is one of the things that Arnold Hills wanted to do when he
started up all the different clubs and societies at the Thames Ironworks. He
wanted to give something to his employees that they could use during their
spare time, and of course sport and other leisure activities were something
he was very keen on to give back to the community. "It's really turning full
circle, because when you think about the number of sports that took place on
this ground, but also from the legacy of the Olympic Stadium, it's not just
West Ham and football in the Park. It's really Arnold Hills' idea of a
multi-purpose venue in the community.
"It's also a funny enough fact, that West Ham, by moving to the Olympic
Stadium in Stratford will be nearer to their original home than they are on
Green Street and the Boleyn Ground. We are moving back towards our original
birthplace."
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Hammers praised for Kickz finals
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Community Sports Trust was praised after hosting the Kickz
National Cup Finals
10.06.2013
West Ham United Community Sports Trust proudly represented the club by
hosting the Kickz Cup National Finals. The Hammers played host to 32 teams
from 22 different Premier League and Football League clubs over the weekend,
with West Ham's Girls winning their event and the hosts' Under-14 Boys
finishing a creditable third. With Trust leaders, trainees, apprentices and
volunteers staffing the events on Friday and Saturday, West Ham's
contribution was roundly praised by the Premier League and Metropolitan
Police, who jointly launched the Kickz social inclusion scheme back in 2006.
Head of Premier League Charitable Fund, Monica Golding explained how Kickz
football projects play a huge role in local communities across the country.
"Kickz started with just three clubs on a pilot scheme and now it is had
grown with 46 clubs involved," she said. "The Premier League funds the
programme along with the Metropolitan Police. "You can't underestimate the
power of the Premier League badge and a club badge like that of West Ham. It
engages people, especially the young. We go into parts of the community
where some others don't go because of the power football has. If West Ham go
into an area and ask a young person to get involved in an activity like
Kickz, then there is a greater possibility that young person will get
involved and go on to achieve something. "I think working with and in the
local community, is very important for the clubs and I do think part of the
reason why West Ham was given the Olympic Stadium was because of the work it
already does in the community and what it wants to continue doing."
Metropolitan Police Chief Inspector Steve Banks added: "Football can do a
lot more to grab the attention of youngsters than the police can, so working
together in a project like Kickz means we can both do good work in the
community and give youngsters that chance to do something positive that they
might not otherwise get the opportunity to do."
Following Friday's success with the Girls, the Under-14 Boys had a tough act
to follow when they took to the Boleyn Ground pitch on Saturday morning.
After losing their opening two matches, the Hammers youngsters showed
commendable spirit to finish third of the eight teams involved, Newcastle
United won the U14 tournament.
West Ham's Kickz co-ordinator George Chukwuma said: "We had started off
losing the first two games and that can dent the confidence a bit, but the
boys stuck at it and we then drew a game before finishing strongly with four
wins. "We wanted to win the tournament, of course, but we did well and I
think the boys can only learn from this incredible experience they have had.
Playing on the pitch at the Boleyn Ground, up against some very good teams
at a high level, they will come away with all of that experience to help
them go further in their sport and what they want to achieve in the future."
For the boys it was an exciting moment to experience playing on the hallowed
turf at the Boleyn Ground. Malachi Napa and Joel Brown clearly enjoyed the
tournament, saying it was "exciting to be able to play on the pitch where
the professional players compete and we are all aspiring to be as good as
that when we are older. We were pleased to end the tournament with the four
wins."
As well as youngsters taking part on the pitch, there were an army of staff
from the Trust's social inclusion project playing a role in ensuring the
finals ran smoothly. From ball boys to mentors and coaches, the claret and
blue of the West Ham Community Sports Trust could be seen all around the
ground.
Launched in 2006 by the Premier League and the Metropolitan Police, Kickz
has the aim of using football to bring communities together and encourage
young people. It has since expanded nationwide to include more than 100
projects run by more than 40 Premier League and Football League clubs. More
than 45,000 youngsters take part in Kickz projects every year, earning
thousands of educational qualifications and life skills.
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Joint-Chairman set for Ideas Olympiad
WHUFC.com
Joint-Chairman David Gold will host a special event as part of Newham's
Ideas Olympiad
10.06.2013
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Gold will be taking part in the London
Borough of Newham Ideas Olympiad series. The Ideas Olympiad, held a year on
from Newham's hosting of the 2012 Olympic Games, features a free series of
events bringing interesting speakers to the borough to talk to residents
about their ideas and visions. A Conversation with David Gold will take
place on Tuesday 18 June at Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, Stratford.
There, Mr Gold will talk about his journey from growing up in east London to
returning to his roots at the helm of West Ham and overcoming poverty and
setbacks along the way to become one of Britain's most successful
businessmen. The Joint-Chairman will also talk about West Ham's close
relationship with the local community and the Club's role in fulfilling east
London's Olympic legacy. It will be followed by questions from the audience.
Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Entry is only permitted with a ticket.
To book tickets and for more information, click here.
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Big Sam exclusive - Part One
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce looks back on a successful season and explains how he is
filling his summer
10.06.2013
Sam Allardyce enjoyed a superb second season in charge at West Ham United.
The manager built on the promotion he achieved in 2011/12 by guiding the
Hammers to the calm waters of tenth place on their return to the Barclays
Premier League. Having put together a strong squad and laid foundations for
the future, Big Sam was rewarded with a new contract in May 2012. In the
first part of an exclusive interview with West Ham TV, the manager told of
his delight at the Club's achievements over the past two years and revealed
his main priorities for the summer.
Sam, can you please start by summing up your feelings about the 2012/13
season?
SA - "It's been fantastic from start to finish. It's been a hugely enjoyable
season for everybody. We have had our down moments, like every club would
have in the Barclays Premier League at some point, but those down moments
have been few and far between. "The overall performances and results have
delighted everybody at West Ham United and especially at the Boleyn Ground.
We have provided entertainment value and nine wins and six draws. Only four
defeats says volumes for the part everybody has played this season. It's not
just me, the backroom staff and the owners getting together and putting the
squad together and the players on the field, but the fact that virtually
every single home game was a sell out. "The backing of the fans behind the
players and the performances of the players have made it a very enjoyable
season for everybody. Away from home, of course we'd have liked to have done
better, but it's always better to perform in front of your own fans to send
them home happy. It was a massively enjoyable season for everybody."
So, is the aim in 2013/14 to better what you achieved in 2012/13?
SA - "Yes, that's our minimum ask now, whereas tenth-place was our maximum
ask last year. It's not just me demanding that but the supporters will be
demanding it as well. They will be saying 'You finished tenth in your first
year, so surely you can finish higher'. "It does depend on what players we
bring in and their quality, and on how much we spend. Unfortunately, for the
first time ever, there is a restriction on that [spending] throughout the
football in this country [with UEFA's new Financial Fair Play rules]. It
will be difficult to deal with but we'll have to get through it and see how
it works. "Hopefully, at the start of the season we will have a stronger
squad in terms of strength in depth and talent then we had at the start of
last season."
What are your main priorities at this time of the off-season?
SA - "At this moment in time, our first priority is signing Andy Carroll, if
we can. We have nearly finished our planning for pre-season and the players
have all had their programmes given to them to take away to start training
while they are relaxing at home or on their holidays. They are asked to do
some active work while they are away so, when they come back on 1 July, they
are ready to go and we won't have too many tight muscles. We want them to be
able to cope with the demands we put on them from the very beginning. "Then,
it's about the recruitment of the other players who we want as quickly as we
possibly can. That will be the most difficult part of this summer."
While the players will be working during their summer break, presumably the
same will be true for yourself as you try to recruit new players?
SA - "The work never really stops over the summer, but I can do it from
where the sun is shining because of the communication levels you can achieve
today with the technology. Via Skype or phone or email or conference call,
it is pretty easy to keep in touch with everybody and we can all link-up
together if need be. "If there is an imminent signing, then I'll be straight
back to meet and greet the player and shake hands when he's signed the
contract and to welcome him to West Ham United."
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The Big Interview - Lee Bowyer
WHUFC.com
Lifelong West Ham United fan and former midfielder Lee Bowyer recently
returned to the Boleyn Ground
10.06.2013
For a lifelong West Ham United supporter, Lee Bowyer did not do his
favourite club many favours during a successful playing career! The
midfielder enjoyed 14 victories in his 21 senior appearances against the
Hammers for Leeds United, Newcastle United, Birmingham City and Ipswich
Town, scoring seven goals in the process. Now 36, Bowyer took the 2012/13
season out to concentrate on studying for his coaching badges, but the
Canning Town-born player was back at the Boleyn Ground recently to take part
in a charity match. West Ham TV caught up with the former England
international.
Welcome back Lee! Last time we saw you at the Boleyn Ground, you scored a
last-minute winner for Ipswich Town in the Championship in September 2011.
What have you been up to since then?
LB - "I have just had a nice rest really, spending time with my family and
trying other sports that I'm interested in. I have had a nice year out. I
still feel I can do a job for someone and, while I still feel like that, I
won't retire. If nothing comes this year, then that will tell me that
nothing is going to happen. I did have a couple of clubs interested in me
last year, but it just didn't feel right to go and do that, so I'll see what
options I have this year and go from there."
You had two spells with West Ham. You were relegated at the end of an
injury-affected six-month stay in 2003, but enjoyed more success during your
second time here between 2006 and 2009. How do you remember your spells with
the Hammers?
LB - "I have fond memories of my time with West Ham. Obviously, the first
time around I came to the club injured and they knew I was injured, but I
couldn't really help. That was the only reason why I came [to help]. I could
have gone somewhere else, but I followed my heart and I tried but I just
couldn't do it with my dodgy ankle that I had. The second time round was all
right. I was here for three years and I enjoyed it. I scored a few goals and
it was something I always wanted to do as a kid. It's my club and I can say
I have played and scored for the club that I love."
During your second spell, you played in a talented midfield containing the
likes of Mark Noble, Matty Etherington, Yossi Benayoun and Nobby Solano.
That must have been enjoyable to be part of?
LB - "It was good, yes. By the end, there were quite a few players who had
come from Newcastle like I did, so there were some good players to go
alongside those who were already here. We had Carlos Tevez and Javier
Mascherano, so we had some good players and some good times."
You hit the heights of the top of the Premier League and UEFA Champions
League semi-finals with Leeds United and had success with Newcastle United.
Although we didn't hit the same heights at West Ham, presumably the 2006/07
'Great Escape' was a fantastic time to be at a club?
LB - "Yes it was, because everybody had written us off. Obviously, Tevez
turned it on towards the end of the season and thankfully we stayed up that
year. It was like winning something to have been written off like we were
and then end up staying up."
The alarm bells didn't ring as loudly for West Ham in 2012/13, when the team
comfortably steered clear of the relegation battle. What did you make of the
present-day Hammers?
LB - "I thought we did well. Like I said in a Programme interview I did
towards the end of the season, as long as Sam [Allardyce] is here then we
won't get relegated. He knows this league inside out and, whatever side he
has had, [he has thrived], even at Bolton. This squad is a lot stronger than
the one he had in his Bolton days. Hopefully Andy Carroll might be coming,
so if that comes off it will be a great bit of business. I think the Club is
stable now and the owners have come in and done a good job there too."
Looking forward, the Club will move to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford in
2016. As a lifelong supporter, what are your thoughts on the matter?
LB - "I can understand what some fans are saying because the tradition is at
the Boleyn Ground and it is an intimidating place to come and play as an
away player. It's never nice! With being at the Olympic Stadium, it will be
a completely different atmosphere but hopefully it will work for us. I think
the crowd will get behind the team and we'll go from there. It's going to
change, but maybe it is time to move. Clubs do move grounds. Manchester City
have gone into a bigger ground and they're filling it. Financially, it's
good for the Club in that way. The more fans you there, the more noise they
make and the more intimidating it is for the other team. It also spurs you
on as a home player. At Leeds, the European nights we had were magical and
the crowd made a difference. Hopefully, it'll work the same here."
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Andy Carroll remains my priority - Allardyce
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th June 2013
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has revealed that signing Andy Carroll is still his main
target this summer. The 24-year-old striker spent the entire 2012/13 season
on loan at the Boleyn Ground, scoring seven goals in 24 appearances. Just
last month, his parent club Liverpool accepted a £15million offer from West
Ham to make the deal permanent. However Carroll, who has been on holiday
since the end of the season is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal -
despite Allardyce insisting that capturing the player remains his number one
priority. Speaking in an interview with whufc.com (the full version of which
may be found at www.whufc.com/big-sam-exclusive-part-one), Allardyce
replied: "At this moment in time, our first priority is signing Andy
Carroll, if we can. "Then, it's about the recruitment of the other players
who we want as quickly as we possibly can. That will be the most difficult
part of this summer. "The work never really stops over the summer, but I can
do it from where the sun is shining because of technology. It's pretty easy
to keep in touch with everybody and we can all link-up together if need be.
"If there is an imminent signing then I'll be straight back to meet and
greet the player and shake hands when he's signed the contract - and to
welcome him to West Ham United."
Allardyce has made two new additions to his squad since the end of the
2012/13 campaign, signing experienced full back Razvan Rat and former Betis
goalkeeper Adrian.
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Is Sam's way the right way?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th June 2013
By: Matthew O'Greel
It's hard to deny that Sam Allardyce has produced fantastic results since
succeeding Avram Grant as the 14th full-time manager of West Ham United.
Taking over the club following its potentially disastrous relegation from
the Premier League, Allardyce produced promotion within just 12 months -
then proceeded to secure a top-half finish in the club's first season back
in the Premier League.
Taking all of those things into account, it's fair to say that Allardyce has
added around £100million to the club's coffers in just two years' time - so
it was no wonder that Messrs Gold & Sullivan couldn't wait to offer him a
new deal, which he has since signed.
However his unique approach to the game - heavily influenced by the
'Moneyball' system as developed by Billy Beane of the Oakland Athletics
baseball team - has been far from universally welcomed by Hammers fans.
Whilst Allardyce now has the backing of the vast majority of supporters,
there remain many who grudgingly accept his modus operandi due to the
(relative) success it has brought. However statistical analysis suggests
that Allardyce may not yet be getting the most out of the players at his
disposal.
West Ham United's haul of 46 points from 38 games last season included 12
wins, of which only three were away from home. Much of this was blamed upon
the team's apparent willingness to sit back and soak up pressure, instead of
playing a little more adventurously.
Statistics certainly back this up. Only six clubs saw less of the ball away
from home last season than West Ham, who scored 44.3 per cent (League
champions Manchester United topped the table with 56.5 per cent).
However Allardyce's team were equally poor when in possession of the
football, scoring a pass success rate of just 73.9 per cent on their travels
- higher than that of Stoke and Reading - but not so bad in the air where
the Hammers won an average of 20.3 aerial challenges per game, a figure
bettered only by Tony Pulis' Stoke City.
Despite winning 50 per cent of their home league fixtures, West Ham proved
almost as poor statistically at the Boleyn. United's possession rate of 43.2
per cent was lower than their score away from home (44.3 per cent) and lower
than every other club bar relegated Reading.
Once again, West Ham proved profligate in possession, with just 74.5 per
cent of passes finding their target (Norwich, Reading and Stoke were the
only teams with worse records at their respective home grounds). But once
again West Ham's success in aerial duels (21.9 per home game) was only
bettered by the Potters.
Having performed so poorly in possession and with the ball at their feet
(United's 25 goals from open play in 2012/13 was the PL's sixth lowest
tally) it is evident than West Ham replied heavily upon other methods by
which to hit the target last season.
Set pieces proved hugely important, with United's 12 goal tally being the
eighth highest total in the division during 2012/13 - the remainder of goals
coming from counter attacks (two), penalties (four) and own goals (another
two).
So from the figures above we can gradually see a picture forming, in which
West Ham clearly forsook possession in order to get the ball into the danger
area - the opposition's penalty box - at the earlist possible opportunity.
This is borne out by statistics that show West Ham leading a table for shots
from inside the central third of the penalty area. 51 per cent of all West
Ham's efforts on goal last season came from within this tiny, yet vitally
important area of the field.
A further 17 per cent of West Ham's shots came from the other areas of the
penalty box (the left and right side) with just 32 per cent from outside the
18-yard area - the lowest in the division by some considerable margin
(interestingly perhaps, Man Utd were second lowest with just 34 per cent).
But it is within the penalty box - the very area that Allardyce appears to
have asked his players to target - that West Ham produced the poorest
results, with just 31 per cent of shots hitting the target. Once again this
is the league's lowest figure (the average was 38 per cent).
With this in mind, it's quite clear to see why Carlton Cole was allowed to
leave on a free transfer - and why Modibo Maiga's future remains uncertain.
Although specific figures were unavailable at the time of writing, Allardyce
clearly believes that Andy Carroll + AN Other are clearly a far more potent
option inside the danger area.
Here's a list of stats used for the above article...
2012/13 Premier League Possession Table (Home)
18. Norwich City 43.9%
19. West Ham Utd 43.2%
20. Reading 40.8%
2012/13 Premier League Pass Success Rate Table (Home)
16. Queens Park Rangers 76.6%
17. West Ham Utd 74.5%
18. Norwich City 73.8%
2012/13 Premier League Aerial Duel Success Rate Table (Home)
1. Stoke City 31.1
2. West Ham Utd 21.9
3. Everton 19.7
2012/13 Premier League Possession Table (Away)
13. West Bromwich Albion 44.6%
14. West Ham Utd 44.3%
15. Aston Villa 44.0%
2012/13 Premier League Pass Success Rate Table (Away)
17. Norwich City 74.1%
18. West Ham Utd 73.9%
15. Stoke City 71.8%
2012/13 Premier League Aerial Duel Success Rate Table (Away)
1. Stoke City 26.7
2. West Ham Utd 20.3
3. Aston Villa 19.1
Total Shots Inside Centre of Penalty Area
1. West Ham Utd 51%
2. Stoke City 46%
3. Reading/Manchester United 46%
Total Shots Inside Centre of Penalty Area on Target
15. Swansea/Everton/Aston Villa 36%
18. Liverpool/Queens Park Rangers 34%
20. West Ham Utd 31%
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Diame keen to extend West Ham stay
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th June 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Mo Diame says he is looking forward to a second campaign
at the club. Diame, who joined the Irons a year ago on a free transfer from
relegated Wigan Athletic has constantly been linked with a move away from
east London. However nothing could be further from the truth according to
the player himself, who told reporters at the weekend that he was committed
to remaining at West Ham. Speaking after Senegal's 1-1 draw with Angola in a
Group J World Cup qualifier on Saturday night, Diame - who celebrates his
26th birthday later this week - said: "I've settled really well [in London]
and I'm pleased with how the season went. "I played an important part in
the setup and have faith that we can finish even higher [next season]. I
understand that my performances have been inconsistent; that's what I need
to work on in the future."
Much of the confusion over Diame's future has arisen over a minimum fee
release clause that he and agent Willie Mackay insisted on including in his
original contract. Attempts by West Ham to persuade him to sign a new deal
have thus far proved fruitless, although David Gold, speaking via his
Twitter account recently hinted that a new deal may be on the cards. "I am
hopefully Diame will be with us next season," he said. "I expect us to come
to an agreement that will keep Mohamed at the club."
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Mixed messages from West Ham over Andy Carroll's proposed permanent transfer
10 Jun 2013 22:30
The Mirror
Andy Carroll has been told to forget about the £100,000-a-week he wants out
of West Ham - despite Sam Allardyce's desperation to sign him. The England
striker representatives made the eye-watering six-figure demand - the
requested salary would represent a £20,000-a-week pay-rise for Carroll -
last week.
But Hammers are adamant they cannot afford that, despite their willingness
to complete a £15.5million deal with Liverpool for the Geordie after his
successful season on loan at Upton Park. It comes as Allardyce confirmed
that Carroll - still yet to confirm he wants to remain in London - is the
club's no.1 target.
Big Sam said of the striker, who joined from hometown club Newcastle for
£35m in 2011: "At this moment in time, our first priority is signing Andy
Carroll, if we can. "We have nearly finished our planning for pre-season and
the players have all had their programmes given to them to take away to
start training while they are relaxing at home or on their holidays. "They
are asked to do some active work while they are away so, when they come back
on 1 July, they are ready to go and we won't have too many tight muscles.
"We want them to be able to cope with the demands we put on them from the
very beginning.
"Then, it's about the recruitment of the other players who we want as
quickly as we possibly can. That will be the most difficult part of this
summer."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, June 10
Daily WHUFC News - 10th June 2013
West-minster Ham United
WHUFC.com
Poplar and Limehouse MP Jim Fitzpatrick is one of a host of Hammers to be
found in Parliament
09.06.2013
Glasgow-born Poplar and Limehouse MP Jim Fitzpatrick adopted West Ham United
40 years ago. One of a host of Hammers to be found in Parliament,
Fitzpatrick was initially elected as MP for the since abolished constituency
of Poplar and Canning Town in 1997. The Labour Party member has held a
number of political offices since his arrival in Westminster, serving as
Minister for London under Prime Minister Tony Blair and later as
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport and Minister of State
for Farming and the Environment under Gordon Brown. In the first of an
occasional series of interviews with Westminster-based Hammers, the
61-year-old discusses his love for the Club. "I came to London in 1973 and
one of the first things I did as a Londoner was go around the football clubs
- I went to Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal, but the place I felt most
comfortable was at Upton Park, even though I was living in south west
London. "I've been going to the Boleyn Ground for 40 years now. I joined
London Fire Brigade in 1974 and was a firefighter for 23 years and got
elected to Parliament in 1997, so I've been here for 16 years now. "It was a
transition. Through being a firefighter, I got involved with the Fire
Brigades Union and through the Union I got involved with the Labour Party.
Over the course of 23 years I moved from putting out fires to political
firefighting, but it's less dramatic than it sounds. "I played for the
Parliamentary football team at Wembley, Celtic, Newcastle and at Old
Trafford, as well as at the Boleyn Ground three times! As a West Ham
supporter, it was dream stuff, raising money for charities. "Apart from
scoring at both ends at Upton Park, my biggest achievements in Parliament
have been representing Poplar and Limehouse - it used to be Poplar and
Canning Town, which included the area where Thames Ironworks used to be -
which contains the Canary Wharf business district, as well as communities
with lots of unemployment, large chunks of poverty, and people striving to
make their way in the world. "It's hugely exciting, because the area has
changed so much over the last 30 years, as anybody living in the East End
has seen. To be part of that is really rewarding. "I've got 75,000
constituents and I get a couple of hundred emails every day asking to
support certain causes, just as I'm sure Sam Allardyce gets emails and
letters telling him to pick certain players. It's impossible to satisfy
everybody, so all you can do is give it your best shot, work as hard as you
can and my experience is that people are very forgiving and generous as long
as you've tried your best. "As for my own personal ambitions, there are
policies that I would like to see followed. River crossings are a big issue
for east London and would help all those Hammers in north Kent to get to
matches more easily. "East London has been the engine for this great capital
city and that will continue, so things like the Jubilee line, the extension
of the Docklands Light Railway and Crossrail coming in are positives. "We're
going to keep this capital city going and West Ham is very much a big part
of that.
"I've always been a supporter of the Olympic bid and West Ham being the main
tenants of the Stadium after the Games. From a fan point of view, we all
know how difficult it is to get in and out of the Boleyn Ground. "I was
lucky enough to go to the Olympic Games last year it was easy for 80,000
people to get in and out - five Tube lines, Docklands Light Railway, City
Airport and soon the Eurostar stopping at Stratford. For accessibility, it's
going to be so much better. "It's got to be good for Stratford, for the Club
and for us who go to watch matches. "I've been to so many great games myself
but, as every West Ham fan knows, it's been a rollercoaster! Some of those
great games will be ones we've lost, like one I remember when we were 3-0 up
against Wimbledon and lost 4-3. "I remember the FA Cup finals in 1975 and
1980. In 1975, I was serving in Battersea fire station on Cup final day and
managed to get my seat in front of the TV. On my watch there was a guy
called Bob Barrett, whose brother Les was playing outside left for Fulham
that day. "I was in south west London with my West Ham rosette, scarf and
socks on and, just before kick-off, they jumped on me and threw my stuff out
of the window! I went down to get it and they locked me out of the TV room,
so I missed the first half and Alan Taylor's first goal. "Those cup
victories were great but we want to do even better. We want to be up there
challenging for Europe and I think the Olympic Stadium gives us the platform
to get the revenue and support to move the Club on to a new phase."
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Hammers Girls win Kickz National Cup
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Girls won the Kickz National Cup in style at the Boleyn
Ground
09.06.2013
West Ham United Girls won the 2013 Kickz National Cup on a memorable evening
at the Boleyn Ground. The Hammers won six and drew one of their seven
matches to finish top of the eight-team group ahead of runners-up and
pre-tournament favourites Newcastle United. The Kickz National Cup
celebrates the work of Kickz, a Premier League Creating Chances social
inclusion project involving more than 40 Premier League and Football League
clubs across England.
Launched in 2006 by the Premier League and the Metropolitan Police, Kickz
has the aim of using football to bring communities together and engage with
young people. It has since expanded nationwide to include more than 100
projects run by more than 40 Premier League and Football League clubs.
Coached by West Ham United Community Sports Trust Kickz co-ordinator George
Chukwuma, the winning Girls squad of captain Megan Burrows, Katie Bottom,
Sophie Reed, Tayla Everett, Chana Martins, Holly Flynn and Sally Duggan were
in top form all night, scoring 22 goals and conceding just three. Burrows
and Bottom - who also plays for West Ham United Ladies - were the stars of
the show, linking up superbly in attack to leave their opponents chasing
shadows. Bottom scored eight times, while Burrows scored five goals. Martins
also added a fantastic hat-trick in a 7-0 win over Barnet. Indeed, only a
late Newcastle equaliser prevented the Hammers from enjoying a perfect night
on home turf. Reed scored the only goal from the penalty spot in an opening
1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers before a Bottom brace and one from
Burrows saw off Fair Play trophy winners Millwall 3-1. Burrows and Bottom
scored again in a 2-1 win over Everton and Bottom's goal looked to have also
overcome an impressive Newcastle team, only for the Magpies to snatch a late
leveller following a defensive error.
Chelsea were defeated 6-0 thanks to a Bottom hat-trick before Martins'
treble saw West Ham comfortably brush aside the challenge of Barnet. Results
elsewhere left the Hammers knowing they needed to beat Brighton to make sure
of the title and, following a nervous start, Burrows and Bottom combined
again to score a goal apiece in a 2-0 win. The victory sparked celebrations
among the players, coaching staff, family, friends and Trust volunteers,
apprentices and trainees who supported the evening as administrators,
stewards and ball boys. All in all, it was a fantastic Friday evening for
the West Ham United Community Sports Trust. The Hammers' Under-14 Boys
competed in their own tournament at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday, alongside
the Under-16 and Under-18 National Cup finals.
More than 45,000 youngsters take part in Kickz projects every year, earning
thousands of educational qualifications and valuable lifeskills. Each week,
players take part in two nights of football (coaching and competition) and a
third 'flexible' session focusing on anything from other sports to music or
developmental activities such as drug awareness, healthy eating,
volunteering, career development and anti-weapons workshops. One of the
main aims of Kickz is to encourage volunteering and create routes into
education, training and employment. More than 4,200 young people have
volunteered at projects, with more than1,000 football-specific
qualifications achieved in the process. Nearly 400 people have gone on to
gain employment with clubs, including a number at West Ham. Two of the
Hammers' young volunteers, Philip Brown and Jeremiah Kamanzi, were honoured
at the 2013 Kickz Awards in April.
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Foreign flutters - or keeping a domestic disposition?
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 9th June 2013
By: Jason Eves
Our forays into the transfer market have proven to be a 'lucky dip' in
recent seasons, whilst the majority of clubs have instead opted against
paying a premium for domestic-based talent in the hopes of unearthing a
foreign gem.
This gamble has paid off for various clubs, such as Swansea - who bagged
Spanish striker Michu for as little as £2million - and Aston Villa, who paid
around £7million for their Premier League lifesaver Christian Benteke.
In Aston Villa's case this was an exceptional bit of business compared to
when they paid almost treble that price for England international Darren
Bent, who has now been frozen out at Villa Park and replaced by the
up-and-coming Belgian.
West Ham United, on the other hand, have rarely been applauded for their
foreign flings in the transfer market. This remains the case with the only
stand-out signing from abroad in recent years being New Zealand
international Winston Reid. Carlos Tevez, signed for a single season in
2006/07 should also be noted, but a player of his pedigree was always going
to shine through.
The latest striker to be brought in from abroad was Malian international
Modibo Maiga who was signed from FC Sochaux. Maiga failed to impress last
season, with his meagre return on West Ham's £5million investment being four
goals from 19 appearances (though it can be noted 15 of these came from the
bench.)
It should always be noted that foreign signings rarely hit the ground
running (especially in our case!), with Winston being a prime example of
this. With the summer break working wonders for him, so judgement is
reserved on Modibo who can hopefully find his shooting boots after some time
off.
West Ham United's website currently has no information on their scouting
department, which is a bit worrying to say the least. My impression is that
if it wasn't for his World Cup outings, what were the odds of us signing
Winston Reid on the back of his performances for Danish side FC Midtylland?
Slim to none I reckon. (If anyone can shed anymore light on our scouting
squad please let me know, because as far as I know I don't completely trust
Football Manager for our staff listing)
I fear as though we may have become too old-fashioned in our approach for
signings; it's a safe bet to pluck for domestic-based talent. But this
usually comes with the sticking point of bloated wages and transfer fees,
Premier League clubs don't usually want to sell to a rival team and that
usually drives up the price (to the sound of £50million for Fernando
Torres).
As much as I love Big Sam at the helm, we need to adopt a new transfer
policy. With the impending Financial Fair Play rules set to impact the
Premier League this season, we may be hard-pressed to continue to be
committed to signing British-based talents.
Though this formula has worked wonders for us, solidifying our Premier
League status was always a major factor and his signing of experienced
players was the catalyst for this. But with the inclusion of the
less-than-impressive debut campaigns for Maiga, Diarra and, to a lesser
extent, the loan signings of Emmanuel Pogatetz and Wellington Paulista, this
may have put Sam and, more so, the Davids off putting their hands in their
pockets for overseas talent.
Although, with recent transfer news, I could be soon eating my own words ie.
the recent signings of Romanian captain Razvan Rat and goalkeeper Adrian (I
look forward to hearing 'Get your Rat out for the lads' chants around the
Boleyn). On top of this suspected bids for Spanish International Alvaro
Negredo, have left me hoping we will embark upon bringing a more cultured
way of football to the East End.
I'm certain we will give 100 per cent effort in trying to sign Andy Carroll
- and don't get me wrong, it would be a fantastic signing but also one that
would majorly impact upon our transfer kitty. So here's hoping we can
recruit a Michu of our own and not a Savio, so to speak.
And with some Premier League teams again hiring a Director of Football to
assist in transfer dealings, would it be crazy for us to adopt that sort of
approach? I can't help but feel that if Sam gets to choose his man to help
secure transfers, it could alleviate some pressure and allow him to get on
with what he does best, which is managing a football club.
Of course, this all depends upon Allardyce getting the final say before the
player puts pen to paper. I remember all too well when we last had a
Director of Football (Gianluca Nani, now at Watford, hired under the
Icelandic regime to assist our then manager Gianfranco Zola). That
relationship with the Boleyn faithful soon soured.
But needless to say, we cannot refrain from embracing the future just
because it hasn't worked out in the past. This figurehead signing has
benefitted various European clubs and is slowly becoming commonplace in the
Premier League. It might just be a sign of the times.
Finally, please take a moment to remember the Boleyn Ground's much-loved,
former favourite Benni McCarthy whose ankles, it transpires, could no longer
support his huge frame - a situation that subsequently led to the South
African announcing his retirement.
We'll never forget your efforts in claret and blue Benni, which were spent
not fighting for our survival - but fighting to avoid shopping at Jackamo...
*Jason Eves may also be found on Twitter at twitter.com/jason_eves.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Poplar and Limehouse MP Jim Fitzpatrick is one of a host of Hammers to be
found in Parliament
09.06.2013
Glasgow-born Poplar and Limehouse MP Jim Fitzpatrick adopted West Ham United
40 years ago. One of a host of Hammers to be found in Parliament,
Fitzpatrick was initially elected as MP for the since abolished constituency
of Poplar and Canning Town in 1997. The Labour Party member has held a
number of political offices since his arrival in Westminster, serving as
Minister for London under Prime Minister Tony Blair and later as
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport and Minister of State
for Farming and the Environment under Gordon Brown. In the first of an
occasional series of interviews with Westminster-based Hammers, the
61-year-old discusses his love for the Club. "I came to London in 1973 and
one of the first things I did as a Londoner was go around the football clubs
- I went to Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal, but the place I felt most
comfortable was at Upton Park, even though I was living in south west
London. "I've been going to the Boleyn Ground for 40 years now. I joined
London Fire Brigade in 1974 and was a firefighter for 23 years and got
elected to Parliament in 1997, so I've been here for 16 years now. "It was a
transition. Through being a firefighter, I got involved with the Fire
Brigades Union and through the Union I got involved with the Labour Party.
Over the course of 23 years I moved from putting out fires to political
firefighting, but it's less dramatic than it sounds. "I played for the
Parliamentary football team at Wembley, Celtic, Newcastle and at Old
Trafford, as well as at the Boleyn Ground three times! As a West Ham
supporter, it was dream stuff, raising money for charities. "Apart from
scoring at both ends at Upton Park, my biggest achievements in Parliament
have been representing Poplar and Limehouse - it used to be Poplar and
Canning Town, which included the area where Thames Ironworks used to be -
which contains the Canary Wharf business district, as well as communities
with lots of unemployment, large chunks of poverty, and people striving to
make their way in the world. "It's hugely exciting, because the area has
changed so much over the last 30 years, as anybody living in the East End
has seen. To be part of that is really rewarding. "I've got 75,000
constituents and I get a couple of hundred emails every day asking to
support certain causes, just as I'm sure Sam Allardyce gets emails and
letters telling him to pick certain players. It's impossible to satisfy
everybody, so all you can do is give it your best shot, work as hard as you
can and my experience is that people are very forgiving and generous as long
as you've tried your best. "As for my own personal ambitions, there are
policies that I would like to see followed. River crossings are a big issue
for east London and would help all those Hammers in north Kent to get to
matches more easily. "East London has been the engine for this great capital
city and that will continue, so things like the Jubilee line, the extension
of the Docklands Light Railway and Crossrail coming in are positives. "We're
going to keep this capital city going and West Ham is very much a big part
of that.
"I've always been a supporter of the Olympic bid and West Ham being the main
tenants of the Stadium after the Games. From a fan point of view, we all
know how difficult it is to get in and out of the Boleyn Ground. "I was
lucky enough to go to the Olympic Games last year it was easy for 80,000
people to get in and out - five Tube lines, Docklands Light Railway, City
Airport and soon the Eurostar stopping at Stratford. For accessibility, it's
going to be so much better. "It's got to be good for Stratford, for the Club
and for us who go to watch matches. "I've been to so many great games myself
but, as every West Ham fan knows, it's been a rollercoaster! Some of those
great games will be ones we've lost, like one I remember when we were 3-0 up
against Wimbledon and lost 4-3. "I remember the FA Cup finals in 1975 and
1980. In 1975, I was serving in Battersea fire station on Cup final day and
managed to get my seat in front of the TV. On my watch there was a guy
called Bob Barrett, whose brother Les was playing outside left for Fulham
that day. "I was in south west London with my West Ham rosette, scarf and
socks on and, just before kick-off, they jumped on me and threw my stuff out
of the window! I went down to get it and they locked me out of the TV room,
so I missed the first half and Alan Taylor's first goal. "Those cup
victories were great but we want to do even better. We want to be up there
challenging for Europe and I think the Olympic Stadium gives us the platform
to get the revenue and support to move the Club on to a new phase."
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Hammers Girls win Kickz National Cup
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Girls won the Kickz National Cup in style at the Boleyn
Ground
09.06.2013
West Ham United Girls won the 2013 Kickz National Cup on a memorable evening
at the Boleyn Ground. The Hammers won six and drew one of their seven
matches to finish top of the eight-team group ahead of runners-up and
pre-tournament favourites Newcastle United. The Kickz National Cup
celebrates the work of Kickz, a Premier League Creating Chances social
inclusion project involving more than 40 Premier League and Football League
clubs across England.
Launched in 2006 by the Premier League and the Metropolitan Police, Kickz
has the aim of using football to bring communities together and engage with
young people. It has since expanded nationwide to include more than 100
projects run by more than 40 Premier League and Football League clubs.
Coached by West Ham United Community Sports Trust Kickz co-ordinator George
Chukwuma, the winning Girls squad of captain Megan Burrows, Katie Bottom,
Sophie Reed, Tayla Everett, Chana Martins, Holly Flynn and Sally Duggan were
in top form all night, scoring 22 goals and conceding just three. Burrows
and Bottom - who also plays for West Ham United Ladies - were the stars of
the show, linking up superbly in attack to leave their opponents chasing
shadows. Bottom scored eight times, while Burrows scored five goals. Martins
also added a fantastic hat-trick in a 7-0 win over Barnet. Indeed, only a
late Newcastle equaliser prevented the Hammers from enjoying a perfect night
on home turf. Reed scored the only goal from the penalty spot in an opening
1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers before a Bottom brace and one from
Burrows saw off Fair Play trophy winners Millwall 3-1. Burrows and Bottom
scored again in a 2-1 win over Everton and Bottom's goal looked to have also
overcome an impressive Newcastle team, only for the Magpies to snatch a late
leveller following a defensive error.
Chelsea were defeated 6-0 thanks to a Bottom hat-trick before Martins'
treble saw West Ham comfortably brush aside the challenge of Barnet. Results
elsewhere left the Hammers knowing they needed to beat Brighton to make sure
of the title and, following a nervous start, Burrows and Bottom combined
again to score a goal apiece in a 2-0 win. The victory sparked celebrations
among the players, coaching staff, family, friends and Trust volunteers,
apprentices and trainees who supported the evening as administrators,
stewards and ball boys. All in all, it was a fantastic Friday evening for
the West Ham United Community Sports Trust. The Hammers' Under-14 Boys
competed in their own tournament at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday, alongside
the Under-16 and Under-18 National Cup finals.
More than 45,000 youngsters take part in Kickz projects every year, earning
thousands of educational qualifications and valuable lifeskills. Each week,
players take part in two nights of football (coaching and competition) and a
third 'flexible' session focusing on anything from other sports to music or
developmental activities such as drug awareness, healthy eating,
volunteering, career development and anti-weapons workshops. One of the
main aims of Kickz is to encourage volunteering and create routes into
education, training and employment. More than 4,200 young people have
volunteered at projects, with more than1,000 football-specific
qualifications achieved in the process. Nearly 400 people have gone on to
gain employment with clubs, including a number at West Ham. Two of the
Hammers' young volunteers, Philip Brown and Jeremiah Kamanzi, were honoured
at the 2013 Kickz Awards in April.
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Foreign flutters - or keeping a domestic disposition?
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 9th June 2013
By: Jason Eves
Our forays into the transfer market have proven to be a 'lucky dip' in
recent seasons, whilst the majority of clubs have instead opted against
paying a premium for domestic-based talent in the hopes of unearthing a
foreign gem.
This gamble has paid off for various clubs, such as Swansea - who bagged
Spanish striker Michu for as little as £2million - and Aston Villa, who paid
around £7million for their Premier League lifesaver Christian Benteke.
In Aston Villa's case this was an exceptional bit of business compared to
when they paid almost treble that price for England international Darren
Bent, who has now been frozen out at Villa Park and replaced by the
up-and-coming Belgian.
West Ham United, on the other hand, have rarely been applauded for their
foreign flings in the transfer market. This remains the case with the only
stand-out signing from abroad in recent years being New Zealand
international Winston Reid. Carlos Tevez, signed for a single season in
2006/07 should also be noted, but a player of his pedigree was always going
to shine through.
The latest striker to be brought in from abroad was Malian international
Modibo Maiga who was signed from FC Sochaux. Maiga failed to impress last
season, with his meagre return on West Ham's £5million investment being four
goals from 19 appearances (though it can be noted 15 of these came from the
bench.)
It should always be noted that foreign signings rarely hit the ground
running (especially in our case!), with Winston being a prime example of
this. With the summer break working wonders for him, so judgement is
reserved on Modibo who can hopefully find his shooting boots after some time
off.
West Ham United's website currently has no information on their scouting
department, which is a bit worrying to say the least. My impression is that
if it wasn't for his World Cup outings, what were the odds of us signing
Winston Reid on the back of his performances for Danish side FC Midtylland?
Slim to none I reckon. (If anyone can shed anymore light on our scouting
squad please let me know, because as far as I know I don't completely trust
Football Manager for our staff listing)
I fear as though we may have become too old-fashioned in our approach for
signings; it's a safe bet to pluck for domestic-based talent. But this
usually comes with the sticking point of bloated wages and transfer fees,
Premier League clubs don't usually want to sell to a rival team and that
usually drives up the price (to the sound of £50million for Fernando
Torres).
As much as I love Big Sam at the helm, we need to adopt a new transfer
policy. With the impending Financial Fair Play rules set to impact the
Premier League this season, we may be hard-pressed to continue to be
committed to signing British-based talents.
Though this formula has worked wonders for us, solidifying our Premier
League status was always a major factor and his signing of experienced
players was the catalyst for this. But with the inclusion of the
less-than-impressive debut campaigns for Maiga, Diarra and, to a lesser
extent, the loan signings of Emmanuel Pogatetz and Wellington Paulista, this
may have put Sam and, more so, the Davids off putting their hands in their
pockets for overseas talent.
Although, with recent transfer news, I could be soon eating my own words ie.
the recent signings of Romanian captain Razvan Rat and goalkeeper Adrian (I
look forward to hearing 'Get your Rat out for the lads' chants around the
Boleyn). On top of this suspected bids for Spanish International Alvaro
Negredo, have left me hoping we will embark upon bringing a more cultured
way of football to the East End.
I'm certain we will give 100 per cent effort in trying to sign Andy Carroll
- and don't get me wrong, it would be a fantastic signing but also one that
would majorly impact upon our transfer kitty. So here's hoping we can
recruit a Michu of our own and not a Savio, so to speak.
And with some Premier League teams again hiring a Director of Football to
assist in transfer dealings, would it be crazy for us to adopt that sort of
approach? I can't help but feel that if Sam gets to choose his man to help
secure transfers, it could alleviate some pressure and allow him to get on
with what he does best, which is managing a football club.
Of course, this all depends upon Allardyce getting the final say before the
player puts pen to paper. I remember all too well when we last had a
Director of Football (Gianluca Nani, now at Watford, hired under the
Icelandic regime to assist our then manager Gianfranco Zola). That
relationship with the Boleyn faithful soon soured.
But needless to say, we cannot refrain from embracing the future just
because it hasn't worked out in the past. This figurehead signing has
benefitted various European clubs and is slowly becoming commonplace in the
Premier League. It might just be a sign of the times.
Finally, please take a moment to remember the Boleyn Ground's much-loved,
former favourite Benni McCarthy whose ankles, it transpires, could no longer
support his huge frame - a situation that subsequently led to the South
African announcing his retirement.
We'll never forget your efforts in claret and blue Benni, which were spent
not fighting for our survival - but fighting to avoid shopping at Jackamo...
*Jason Eves may also be found on Twitter at twitter.com/jason_eves.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, June 9
Daily WHUFC News - 9th June 2013
That Was The Season That Was 2012/13 - Part One
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 8th June 2013
By: Gordon Thrower
It's that time of year again when we send Gordon Thrower down to the basement to trawl his way through the archives of the season just finished. In this, the first part of his review, he looks at the pre-season months of June and July 2012. Euro2012, pre season tours and transfer speculation are the order of the day. Anyone who enjoys the music of England Supporters Band might care to skip part one and wait for part two though.....
June
As we start our review, it's worth taking a brief stock take of where we were as June opened. The play-off trophy was safely stored in the cabinet. The club had attempted to go back on a promise to give a 20% discount to long-term season ticket holders but quietly changed their minds when it transpired that they were on somewhat dubious ground legally speaking and five out of contract players were on their toes as Carew, Bouba Diop, Faye, Lee (O), and the on loan Henri Lansbury all left the club.
First through the in door is, technically speaking, 'keeper Stephen Henderson who spent the last two months on loan from Pompey.
All the real fun and games though is to be found north of the border as Rangers' financial meltdown continues. It is finally agreed that there will be a new company as HMRC pursue the club on two separate fronts (I actually understand the technicalities of both tax cases but trust me they would bore the pants off you. They bore the pants off me and I'm a tax professional). The decision means that Rangers' league position next season will depend on the wishes of the other clubs in the Scottish League system. Manic laughter is heard coming from the corridors of Celtic Park.
On the sporting front the few hours that pass for close season these days are occupied by Euro 2012 and both Olympics and Paralympics. And, of course, all the transfer speculation, which sees us, as a newly-promoted team, linked with every player going. And most of those who aren't.
Rob Green seems set on one last payday. QPR, whose millions mean that they are happy to meet his wage demands, lead the chase for the 'keeper's signature whilst he is away on England duty. Green's departure seems to be confirmed by the arrival of Jussi Jaaskaleinen (henceforth to be known in these parts as JJ), who agrees to sign on 1 July on the expiry of his contract with relegated Bolton Wanderers. As part of the 'keeper merry-go-round 19 year old Sam Cowler leaves the club for Barnet, where he spent some time on loan the previous season.
Euro 2012 gets under way and the Irish are soon up against it against Croatia, eventually going down 3-1. Still they've only got Spain and Italy to beat to qualify for the quarters.
England battle to a 1-1 draw against France in their opening match. Lescott opens the scoring. A Frenchman equalises for France.
The big story of the match has the Ukrainian security forces showing a surprisingly sensitive streak, proving their love of music by confiscating the England Supporters' Band's instruments. A ludicrous press release is put out by the pie manufacturers who sponsor the "band" bemoaning the confiscation. The sponsor's true motives are clear, however, as cynics like myself note that the pie manufacturers manage to mention the name of the pie manufacturers no fewer than four times in the first 35 words of the release.
All hopes that the security forces might crush the instruments and deposit the resulting mangled cube of metal into the most radioactive part of Chernobyl shouting "if you want them go get them" are dashed as the instruments are returned to the "band" in pristine condition.
Niclas Bendtner scores a brace for Denmark and cheekily lowers his shorts to reveal a pair of underpants bearing the name of a well-known bookies. The well-known bookies just happens not to be one of UEFA's own "strategic partners" for Euro2012. Worse still the undies are bright green. UEFA's disciplinary hit squad go into full and fearless action and fine Bendtner €100,000. While they're at it the same people fine the Croatian FA €80,000 over racist chanting. Glad to see that the authorities are taking the evil of players sponsored undies so seriously.
In the aftermath of "y-frontgate" UEFA receives dozens of letters pointing out that the sponsors of the England Supporters Band are also most emphatically NOT one of their strategic partners and suggesting similar sanctions. UEFA, however, refuse to act other than to tell me that unless I stop writing to them they'll call the police.
On the box, without a car window to speak through, Harry Redknapp seems ill at ease as a Euro 2012 pundit. He denies that he's about to leave Spurs, saying that he has plans to sit down and talk with Daniel Levy "when the time is right". A few days later Harry Redknapp sits down and talks with Daniel Levy and leaves Spurs. Back on familiar territory speaking through a car window, Redknapp claims that he'd have been on his way whether or not they'd qualified for the So-called Champions League. Redknapp's discomfort is complete when he is handed a P45 and told "it's a tax form". Meanwhile Spurs players are found checking their contracts to see whether their bonuses depended on finishing 4th or on So-called Champions League qualification with the canny Spurs management having noted the subtle but important difference.
Having earlier messed up on a potential payday by messing Liverpool about, the scrupulously honest and in no way shape or form "dodgy" Dave Whelan starts to hawk Roberto Martinez about again in a none-too-subtle manner. "I would not stand in his way if Spurs asked to talk with him" says Dave. Martinez maintains a dignified silence despite his Chairman's apparent keenness to cash in. Spurs, for their part, carry on looking in the direction of that bloke who managed Chelsea for a few minutes last season.
On the transfer speculation front we are linked with West Brom's Jonas Olsson and ex-Real Madrid favourite Guti, who was last seen not plying his trade in Turkey. Speculation also links us with a move for Palace's Wilfried Zaha, with Sam Baldock possibly going the other way in part-exchange. Both Palace and the Baggies deny any thoughts of a move, though Glaziers' boss Dougie Friedman admits he'd be interested in Baldock if he were to come on the market.
Back in (what used to be part of) the USSR and Poland, Euro 2012 moves on as, in the Group of Debt, Ireland get a 4-0 tonking from Spain. Ireland are so outclassed that even Fernando Torres is able to help himself to a brace. The gulf in playing strength is emphasised as the Irish bring on Stoke's Jon Walters as a sub, just before Cesc Fabregas comes on for the Spanish.
The England Supporters' Band's sponsors negotiate with the security services and ensure that there is no confiscation of instruments for the Sweden match. Unfortunately. Somewhere in between the 14th rendition of "God Save the Queen" and fifteenth of "The Great Escape" England take a 1-0 lead through Andy Carroll and look comfortable at the interval. The second half is a bit daft as Carroll undoes his good work by giving away a free-kick from which Mellberg (assisted by Glen Johnson's attempted clearance) equalises. Four England markers are caught not marking as Mellberg makes it 2-1 to the Swedes as tabloid writers start to dust off those turnip headlines. Sub Walcott equalises with a shot that appears to deceive the 'keeper by not swerving all over the place and Walcott is also on hand to set up a brilliant/lucky/both brilliant & lucky back-heel from Welbeck to seal the points for England and send the Swedes packing.
Had I bothered to listen to the press conference that the England Supporters' Band's sponsors probably held, they'd have told us how the win had been down to the band's renditions of "God Save The Queen", "England 'Til I Die", "Rule Britannia" and "the Great Escape". However, if there was a press conference I didn't tune in. The band doesn't seem to bother so why should I?
Back home the latest round of tv rights negotiations are concluded with Sky and BT shelling out a reported £3bn for the privilege of ruining supporters travel plans' from 2013/14 onwards. For a while I have a vision of clubs using the extra dosh to reduce silly amounts of debt and cut ticket prices for spectators. However, I then wake up and realise that it'll just mean hyperinflated salaries paid to players as usual. The prospect of having Maureen Lipman doing the half-time summaries does not improve the mood ("the boy's got an 'ology in finishing").
Out come the fixtures and we're at home to Villa on the opening day. Or night. Or following day. Or following Monday. In Scotland the basket case that is Rangers is currently going through liquidation with the new company that is taking over far from certain that it will be allowed back into the SPL. The Scottish fixtures are released with Rangers' place being listed as "Club 12" which is either the football team equivalent of "A N Other" or the Scots have allowed a team from a Glasgow nightclub to enter. Either way Celtic fans cover themselves by getting T-shirts printed bearing the slogan "we only hate Club 12".
Back in the Euros, the Group of Debt comes to its conclusion with Italians muttering darkly about the potential for a spot of match fixing in the Spain v Croatia match, from which a 2-2 draw will eliminate them. Funny how the Italians seem to be able to work out all the potential fixes in their heads. Years of practice I suppose.
In the end Spain win 1-0 and the Italians send the Irish home pointless with a 2-0 win to qualify for the quarter finals. Italy's second comes from Man City nut-job Balotelli who volleys home a Diamanti corner. That's the Diamanti who we flogged to Brescia a while back by the way. Any time you'd like to send the money over Brescia feel free.
Unlike the Spain/Italy group, where a certain combination of results would have left the final positions being decided by the reading of tea leaves or something, England's group is relatively straightforward and a draw will be enough to see us through. Ukraine dominate possession but we take the lead early in the second half when a poor cross from Gerrard is mis-hit by a defender and dropped by a 'keeper for Rooney to nod home from about two inches. Commentators immediately pronounce Gerrard's cross as "world class". ITV's Jamie Carragher proves he's as poor a pundit as he is a player by gazing lovingly at the replays of Gerrard's "masterstroke".
Ukraine appear to equalise later on when Hart can only partly save a shot which John Terry clears from a few feet over the line. The extra official behind the line refuses to break with tradition by actually doing anything about it. Carragher claims that the ball stayed out thanks to the "warmth of Stevie G's wonderfulness, or something". Others point out a marginal offside in the build-up that wasn't given. In the end France's 2-0 defeat to Sweden renders the whole debate academic and England top the group.
Predictably, post-match sees a renewed clamour for the introduction of technology for such occasions. An England supporter said: "we can put men on the moon and clone sheep so surely it should be possible to come up with something to nullify the racket of that bloody band?"
Back on the transfer radar and Wigan midfielder Mohamad Diame agrees to sign for the club on expiry of his contract at the end of July. Diame comes in as a free agent on a three-year deal. No transfer fee there Dave – any luck flogging Martinez yet?
Rob Green's future is decided as QPR are confirmed as his next club. He'll get a round of applause from me anyway when he returns to the Boleyn – and I suspect I won't be alone.
News round-ups and the Sun proves once more that it's ahead of the pack when it comes to serious investigative journalism by uncovering the brand of hair-gel worn by Wayne Rooney during the Ukraine match. If you're that interested go away and look it up. Actually if you're that interested just go away.
More daftness as a primary school in Hull bans pupils from playing football in break time during Euro 2012 on the grounds that the kids are "putting in dangerous tackles and fighting in school. Stoke City immediately dispatch their chief scout to have a look.
We pull Italy in the quarter finals of the Euros and, to be frank, they murder us 0-0. ITV's desperate attempts to have Steven Gerrard canonised plumb new depths as the midfielder is left chasing shadows for the whole match. The real nadir is reached as an Italian pulls a shot wide when it would have been easier to score. "Gerrard just did enough there" comments a hopeful commentator, though the replay shows that Gerrard isn't even in the picture as the hapless Italian panics with only Joe Hart to beat.
England go out in traditional style in a penalty shootout, something that now happens so often whoever missed for England (no, I can't remember either) doesn't even get a pizza advert in consolation.
Serial irritant Barry Hearn is at it again. Hearn is irritating is because, unlike the England Supporters Bloody Band, you never know what tune he will be playing, even though the chorus will, you suspect, see Barry Hearn personally earn a lot of money. Not wanting West Ham United on his doorstep, despite the fact that we've been there for years anyway, Hearn's latest melody sees him deciding that he will, graciously, allow us to share the Olympic Stadium with them should we be awarded it. "Gosh. Thanks Barry. Mind if we get back to you on that one" says nobody at all. Meanwhile, in similar vein, I'd be willing to share the proceeds of any multi-rollover lotto jackpots should any of you win one.
Spurs are always good for a laugh as the club shop slashes the price of Champions League commemorative mugs, their value being somewhat limited by the fact that Chelsea's win in the other match that took place 19 May meant that Spurs would have to make do with the Happy Shopper Europa League. Three mugs for £2 is the offer, or perhaps a description of their fanbase.
Over at Wigan, Dave Whelan continues to hear the happy sound of cash registers chiming and reminds all and sundry to the effect that he still wouldn't stand in Roberto Martinez's way if a bigger club were to come in for him. Say, Spurs, for example. The powers that be at White Hart Lane cop a deaf 'un to Whelan and finally appoint Anders Villas Boas to the role, marking a return to London for football's least convincing set of facial hair.
July
The month opens with the conclusion of Euro 2012. The Spanish add the European title to their World Cup win with a comprehensive 4-0 defeat of England's conquerors Italy.
Mo Diame's signing is confirmed, as Dave Whelan is seen crying his eyes out on the realisation that it's a free transfer. Our Staff Writer greets the Senegal international in time-honoured kumb-punning style thusly: "Your In Diame Now". He doesn't get out much.
Another 'keeper departs. Marek Stech is off to scrumpy country where he'll sign for Yeovil. Saddest goodbye, perhaps, is the departure of Freddie Sears to Colchester. An early career that seemed to promise so much sadly petered out at the Boleyn. A loan deal to a Palace side managed by Neil "Colin" Warnock seemed to ruin him. That's something else to dislike the gormless hypocrite for, then.
Rumours start to appear that we are in for Andy Carroll on a possible loan deal as Brendan Rodgers makes it clear that he doesn't fancy the player. We all rack our heads trying to work out the last time that we were linked with a £35m player. The rumours are given a boost by the presence of Carroll's mate Kevin Nolan at the Boleyn, and the fact that Nolan, Allardyce and James Tomkins are all represented by controversial agent Mark Curtis.
Rookie striker Christian Montano rejects a new deal and states that he is looking for a new deal abroad. Or Oldham as it transpires. Geography not Montano's strong suit then.
As one moves out another comes in. Modibo Maiga arrives on a deal worth a potential £7m from Sochaux, which, unlike Oldham, is proper abroad. France I think you'll find. One of those places anyway. "I hope that this is the start of a beautiful friendship" the former Casablanca striker ought to have said. But didn't.
A West Ham side takes home either the first trophy of the season or the last one of the previous year depending on which way you look at it. The Supporters Veterans XI come away with the team of the tournament trophy at the annual Worldnet tournament. Despite going out in the first knockout stage the organisers are impressed by the team's sporting spirit and by the team motto of "we're only here because Dignitas was shut". Which basically means we (yes I was there) were too old and slow to kick anyone.
John Terry is acquitted of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand in the magistrates court as it becomes clear that the evidence against him is not strong enough to give a "beyond reasonable doubt" verdict. With the court case done the FA's own proceedings commence with a "balance of probability" test determining Terry's guilt or otherwise.
Real Mallorca centre-back Ivan Ramis, who I'm sure was the chap with glasses in Ghostbusters, you know, the one that wasn't Bill Murray or Dan Ackroyd, is linked with a move to the Boleyn. For a while anyway.
Guti turns up at the Austrian training camp where we're spending pre-season but ends up not signing. Eventually he opts for retirement, just to be on the safe side should Spurs make an offer.
Meanwhile official bids for Andy Carroll seem to be getting nowhere. Maybe Brendan Rodgers is too busy getting into the age-old Liverpool tradition of illegal transfer dealings as Fulham make official complaints about the less than subtle tapping up of Clint Dempsey.
James Tomkins joins up with the GB Olympic team as the games open up the road. Speaking as one who usually hates sporting ceremonies I am impressed by the Danny Boyle-produced event which, apart from being surprisingly entertaining also contains decent slabs of music and, the crowning moment, Bubbles. The England Supporters Band are, thankfully, nowhere to be seen, or , more accurately, are thankfully nowhere to be heard. The games themselves go marvellously well despite all the gloom and doom merchants and the host nation perks up the country no end with a bumper hall of medals.
The team includes three trialists on a trip to Germany where Rot Weiss Efurt fail to put in sufficient, er, efurt, as we beat them 3-0. Colin Kazim-Richards, Bilel Moshni and Dutchman Michael Lamy all spend some time on the pitch but we don't end up signing any of them, none of which stops our Staff Writer sticking up a headline entitled "Taking The Michael".
The tour continues with a 3-0 defeat by Dinamo Dresden and a 2-2 draw with Energie Cottbus. The fact that the Cottbus side are called "Energie" is the only fact that anyone knows about the town of Cottbus. One wonders if the Cottbus equivalent of Sheffield United is called "Lethargy" Cottbus?
Don't worry - the season finally gets to start in part two.....
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The Case For Signing Darren Bent
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
Regardless of whether we end up signing Andy Carroll (and his delay in giving an answer is beginning to feel downright rude) there is little doubt that we will be signing at least two or even three new strikers over the summer. I trust we will keep Rob Hall and use him from the bench, but he seems to be happier playing on the wing rather than through the middle.
Darren Bent is a striker I have always rated. He scores goals wherever he goes, and that's what we need next season. He turned us down once before, which is a black mark against him, but we shouldn't be so petty as to let that stand in the way of someone who could play for us or four seasons and score 60 or 70 goals.
He's had a torrid time at Villa under Paul Lambert and clearly wants to get away. I reckon Sam could get the best out of him. And he's a complete player - can score with both feet and his head. Look at his record- 362 apperances, 150 goals - that's 1 goal per 2.41 games. When did we last have a striker who was that prolific? He's also capable of playing in a 4-5-1 formation as well as a 4-4-2. He can also play on the wing if he has to.
I reckon Villa would sell him for £6-8 million. Whaddaya reckon? Worth a punt?
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West Ham join the chase for Wigan's Arouna Kone as part of squad re-moulding
8 Jun 2013 23:00
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce is ready to do battle for Arouna Kone's signature with the forward's old boss Roberto Martinez, writes the Sunday People's Tom Hopkinson .
Kone is one of several Wigan players tipped to follow Martinez to Goodison Park after the Spaniard joined Everton last week. However, West Ham gaffer Allardyce is also keen to snap him up, and will urge co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold to rival any Everton offer as he re-moulds his squad ahead of the new campaign. The Ivory Coast international was one of the few shining lights at the DW Stadium last season. Although Wigan were relegated from the Premier League his form did not go unnoticed as he scored 11 goals for Martinez's doomed side. Kone joined the Latics from La Liga side Sevilla in a £2.7million, three-year deal last summer after spending a season on loan at Levante.
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West Ham Swoop for Liverpool Striker Andy Carroll In Balance Reveals Chairman David Gold
Insidefutbol.com
Saturday, 8th June, 2013
West Ham United chairman David Gold has revealed that the odds of the club signing Andy Carroll on a permanent basis from Liverpool have shrunk, with the move now being in the balance. The Hammers have been pushing to take Carroll on a permanent basis from the Reds after the England striker spent last season on loan at Upton Park. Gold had insisted that the odds were in West Ham's favour over keeping the former Newcastle man, rating it at 60/40. However, Gold has now reduced that, explaining that the odds are now firmly 50/50. Responding to a fan question via his Twitter account, when asked what odds he would give the move happening now, he replied "50/50". Carroll managed 26 appearances for West Ham in the Premier League last season, scoring seven goals in the process. His campaign was disrupted by injury, but the striker showed manager Sam Allardyce enough to warrant an effort being made to keep him at the club.
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Lukaku staying with Chelsea
Football365
Romelu Lukaku will play his football at Chelsea next season after holding productive talks with Jose Mourinho. The 20-year-old scored 17 Premier League goals while on loan at West Brom last term and previously said he would like to stay at The Hawthorns for another year. But a conversation with Mourinho has convinced the Belgium striker he can compete for a place with the likes of Fernando Torres and Demba Ba and still fulfil his dream of going to next summer's World Cup finals. "I always said my ambition was to play for Chelsea," said Lukaku, who cost £18m when he arrived from Anderlecht in August 2011. "Now I will go back to Stamford Bridge and try and play even more games than I did at West Brom. If I can score a few early on, it can turn into a really good season for me. "I have had a good conversation with Jose Mourinho, and I know it's up to me to show I'm worth a place. "It is the World Cup next year, and I need to be playing. But if I don't get in the Chelsea team often enough, then I won't deserve to be in the national squad. "I am not afraid of that. I am determined to succeed with Chelsea next season. I want to prove myself. "People will compare me with Didier Drogba, and he was always my hero. But I am my own man, and I want to be known for what I do."
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West Ham turn sights on Wilfried Bony after fearing snub from Andy Carroll
Telegraph.co.uk
By Jason Burt10:00PM BST 08 Jun 2013
West Ham are considering a £12 million bid for Vitesse Arnhem striker Wilfried Bony after growing less confident of signing England striker Andy Carroll. The London club have agreed a £15.5 million fee with Liverpool for Carroll, who spent last season on loan at Upton Park. But the player is understood to be unsure as to whether to make the deal permanent, even though he has been informed by Liverpool that he has no future under manager Brendan Rodgers. Carroll is on holiday in the United States, but is due to return soon. West Ham manager Sam Allardyce had hoped to hear from Carroll last week but now fears that he will not be joining them, even though it is unlikely he will receive a better offer elsewhere. Newcastle United, Carroll's former club, remain interested but will not pay anywhere near the valuation Liverpool have placed on the 24-year-old, even though it is almost £20 million less than he was sold for in January 2011.
West Ham, who failed with a bid for Sevilla's Alvaro Negredo last week, have already held talks with Bony's representatives about a possible move, although they are not the only Premier League club interested in the prolific 24-year-old Ivory Coast international, who was the Eredivisie's top-scorer last season with 31 goals. Stoke City had been thought to be favourites to sign Bony. The departure of Tony Pulis as manager may have changed their plans, although his replacement, Mark Hughes, is in the market for a striker.
If West Ham fail to secure Bony, they have also given consideration to making bids for either Stuttgart's Martin Harnik, an Austrian international who can play on the wing, and Eintracht Frankfurt's Algerian international Karim Matmour. Harnik, 25, has three years left on his deal and West Ham considered making a move for him last January. Matmour, whose contract expires this month, with an option to extend, has already claimed to have received three offers, including at least one from the Premier League. Fulham have previously been linked to the 27-year-old. West Ham are also weighing up a move for former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou, who left Stamford Bridge when his contract expired last summer. The Ivory Coast international is keen to return to England after just a season in France with Lille. Greek side Olympiakos are interested in signing him.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 8th June 2013
By: Gordon Thrower
It's that time of year again when we send Gordon Thrower down to the basement to trawl his way through the archives of the season just finished. In this, the first part of his review, he looks at the pre-season months of June and July 2012. Euro2012, pre season tours and transfer speculation are the order of the day. Anyone who enjoys the music of England Supporters Band might care to skip part one and wait for part two though.....
June
As we start our review, it's worth taking a brief stock take of where we were as June opened. The play-off trophy was safely stored in the cabinet. The club had attempted to go back on a promise to give a 20% discount to long-term season ticket holders but quietly changed their minds when it transpired that they were on somewhat dubious ground legally speaking and five out of contract players were on their toes as Carew, Bouba Diop, Faye, Lee (O), and the on loan Henri Lansbury all left the club.
First through the in door is, technically speaking, 'keeper Stephen Henderson who spent the last two months on loan from Pompey.
All the real fun and games though is to be found north of the border as Rangers' financial meltdown continues. It is finally agreed that there will be a new company as HMRC pursue the club on two separate fronts (I actually understand the technicalities of both tax cases but trust me they would bore the pants off you. They bore the pants off me and I'm a tax professional). The decision means that Rangers' league position next season will depend on the wishes of the other clubs in the Scottish League system. Manic laughter is heard coming from the corridors of Celtic Park.
On the sporting front the few hours that pass for close season these days are occupied by Euro 2012 and both Olympics and Paralympics. And, of course, all the transfer speculation, which sees us, as a newly-promoted team, linked with every player going. And most of those who aren't.
Rob Green seems set on one last payday. QPR, whose millions mean that they are happy to meet his wage demands, lead the chase for the 'keeper's signature whilst he is away on England duty. Green's departure seems to be confirmed by the arrival of Jussi Jaaskaleinen (henceforth to be known in these parts as JJ), who agrees to sign on 1 July on the expiry of his contract with relegated Bolton Wanderers. As part of the 'keeper merry-go-round 19 year old Sam Cowler leaves the club for Barnet, where he spent some time on loan the previous season.
Euro 2012 gets under way and the Irish are soon up against it against Croatia, eventually going down 3-1. Still they've only got Spain and Italy to beat to qualify for the quarters.
England battle to a 1-1 draw against France in their opening match. Lescott opens the scoring. A Frenchman equalises for France.
The big story of the match has the Ukrainian security forces showing a surprisingly sensitive streak, proving their love of music by confiscating the England Supporters' Band's instruments. A ludicrous press release is put out by the pie manufacturers who sponsor the "band" bemoaning the confiscation. The sponsor's true motives are clear, however, as cynics like myself note that the pie manufacturers manage to mention the name of the pie manufacturers no fewer than four times in the first 35 words of the release.
All hopes that the security forces might crush the instruments and deposit the resulting mangled cube of metal into the most radioactive part of Chernobyl shouting "if you want them go get them" are dashed as the instruments are returned to the "band" in pristine condition.
Niclas Bendtner scores a brace for Denmark and cheekily lowers his shorts to reveal a pair of underpants bearing the name of a well-known bookies. The well-known bookies just happens not to be one of UEFA's own "strategic partners" for Euro2012. Worse still the undies are bright green. UEFA's disciplinary hit squad go into full and fearless action and fine Bendtner €100,000. While they're at it the same people fine the Croatian FA €80,000 over racist chanting. Glad to see that the authorities are taking the evil of players sponsored undies so seriously.
In the aftermath of "y-frontgate" UEFA receives dozens of letters pointing out that the sponsors of the England Supporters Band are also most emphatically NOT one of their strategic partners and suggesting similar sanctions. UEFA, however, refuse to act other than to tell me that unless I stop writing to them they'll call the police.
On the box, without a car window to speak through, Harry Redknapp seems ill at ease as a Euro 2012 pundit. He denies that he's about to leave Spurs, saying that he has plans to sit down and talk with Daniel Levy "when the time is right". A few days later Harry Redknapp sits down and talks with Daniel Levy and leaves Spurs. Back on familiar territory speaking through a car window, Redknapp claims that he'd have been on his way whether or not they'd qualified for the So-called Champions League. Redknapp's discomfort is complete when he is handed a P45 and told "it's a tax form". Meanwhile Spurs players are found checking their contracts to see whether their bonuses depended on finishing 4th or on So-called Champions League qualification with the canny Spurs management having noted the subtle but important difference.
Having earlier messed up on a potential payday by messing Liverpool about, the scrupulously honest and in no way shape or form "dodgy" Dave Whelan starts to hawk Roberto Martinez about again in a none-too-subtle manner. "I would not stand in his way if Spurs asked to talk with him" says Dave. Martinez maintains a dignified silence despite his Chairman's apparent keenness to cash in. Spurs, for their part, carry on looking in the direction of that bloke who managed Chelsea for a few minutes last season.
On the transfer speculation front we are linked with West Brom's Jonas Olsson and ex-Real Madrid favourite Guti, who was last seen not plying his trade in Turkey. Speculation also links us with a move for Palace's Wilfried Zaha, with Sam Baldock possibly going the other way in part-exchange. Both Palace and the Baggies deny any thoughts of a move, though Glaziers' boss Dougie Friedman admits he'd be interested in Baldock if he were to come on the market.
Back in (what used to be part of) the USSR and Poland, Euro 2012 moves on as, in the Group of Debt, Ireland get a 4-0 tonking from Spain. Ireland are so outclassed that even Fernando Torres is able to help himself to a brace. The gulf in playing strength is emphasised as the Irish bring on Stoke's Jon Walters as a sub, just before Cesc Fabregas comes on for the Spanish.
The England Supporters' Band's sponsors negotiate with the security services and ensure that there is no confiscation of instruments for the Sweden match. Unfortunately. Somewhere in between the 14th rendition of "God Save the Queen" and fifteenth of "The Great Escape" England take a 1-0 lead through Andy Carroll and look comfortable at the interval. The second half is a bit daft as Carroll undoes his good work by giving away a free-kick from which Mellberg (assisted by Glen Johnson's attempted clearance) equalises. Four England markers are caught not marking as Mellberg makes it 2-1 to the Swedes as tabloid writers start to dust off those turnip headlines. Sub Walcott equalises with a shot that appears to deceive the 'keeper by not swerving all over the place and Walcott is also on hand to set up a brilliant/lucky/both brilliant & lucky back-heel from Welbeck to seal the points for England and send the Swedes packing.
Had I bothered to listen to the press conference that the England Supporters' Band's sponsors probably held, they'd have told us how the win had been down to the band's renditions of "God Save The Queen", "England 'Til I Die", "Rule Britannia" and "the Great Escape". However, if there was a press conference I didn't tune in. The band doesn't seem to bother so why should I?
Back home the latest round of tv rights negotiations are concluded with Sky and BT shelling out a reported £3bn for the privilege of ruining supporters travel plans' from 2013/14 onwards. For a while I have a vision of clubs using the extra dosh to reduce silly amounts of debt and cut ticket prices for spectators. However, I then wake up and realise that it'll just mean hyperinflated salaries paid to players as usual. The prospect of having Maureen Lipman doing the half-time summaries does not improve the mood ("the boy's got an 'ology in finishing").
Out come the fixtures and we're at home to Villa on the opening day. Or night. Or following day. Or following Monday. In Scotland the basket case that is Rangers is currently going through liquidation with the new company that is taking over far from certain that it will be allowed back into the SPL. The Scottish fixtures are released with Rangers' place being listed as "Club 12" which is either the football team equivalent of "A N Other" or the Scots have allowed a team from a Glasgow nightclub to enter. Either way Celtic fans cover themselves by getting T-shirts printed bearing the slogan "we only hate Club 12".
Back in the Euros, the Group of Debt comes to its conclusion with Italians muttering darkly about the potential for a spot of match fixing in the Spain v Croatia match, from which a 2-2 draw will eliminate them. Funny how the Italians seem to be able to work out all the potential fixes in their heads. Years of practice I suppose.
In the end Spain win 1-0 and the Italians send the Irish home pointless with a 2-0 win to qualify for the quarter finals. Italy's second comes from Man City nut-job Balotelli who volleys home a Diamanti corner. That's the Diamanti who we flogged to Brescia a while back by the way. Any time you'd like to send the money over Brescia feel free.
Unlike the Spain/Italy group, where a certain combination of results would have left the final positions being decided by the reading of tea leaves or something, England's group is relatively straightforward and a draw will be enough to see us through. Ukraine dominate possession but we take the lead early in the second half when a poor cross from Gerrard is mis-hit by a defender and dropped by a 'keeper for Rooney to nod home from about two inches. Commentators immediately pronounce Gerrard's cross as "world class". ITV's Jamie Carragher proves he's as poor a pundit as he is a player by gazing lovingly at the replays of Gerrard's "masterstroke".
Ukraine appear to equalise later on when Hart can only partly save a shot which John Terry clears from a few feet over the line. The extra official behind the line refuses to break with tradition by actually doing anything about it. Carragher claims that the ball stayed out thanks to the "warmth of Stevie G's wonderfulness, or something". Others point out a marginal offside in the build-up that wasn't given. In the end France's 2-0 defeat to Sweden renders the whole debate academic and England top the group.
Predictably, post-match sees a renewed clamour for the introduction of technology for such occasions. An England supporter said: "we can put men on the moon and clone sheep so surely it should be possible to come up with something to nullify the racket of that bloody band?"
Back on the transfer radar and Wigan midfielder Mohamad Diame agrees to sign for the club on expiry of his contract at the end of July. Diame comes in as a free agent on a three-year deal. No transfer fee there Dave – any luck flogging Martinez yet?
Rob Green's future is decided as QPR are confirmed as his next club. He'll get a round of applause from me anyway when he returns to the Boleyn – and I suspect I won't be alone.
News round-ups and the Sun proves once more that it's ahead of the pack when it comes to serious investigative journalism by uncovering the brand of hair-gel worn by Wayne Rooney during the Ukraine match. If you're that interested go away and look it up. Actually if you're that interested just go away.
More daftness as a primary school in Hull bans pupils from playing football in break time during Euro 2012 on the grounds that the kids are "putting in dangerous tackles and fighting in school. Stoke City immediately dispatch their chief scout to have a look.
We pull Italy in the quarter finals of the Euros and, to be frank, they murder us 0-0. ITV's desperate attempts to have Steven Gerrard canonised plumb new depths as the midfielder is left chasing shadows for the whole match. The real nadir is reached as an Italian pulls a shot wide when it would have been easier to score. "Gerrard just did enough there" comments a hopeful commentator, though the replay shows that Gerrard isn't even in the picture as the hapless Italian panics with only Joe Hart to beat.
England go out in traditional style in a penalty shootout, something that now happens so often whoever missed for England (no, I can't remember either) doesn't even get a pizza advert in consolation.
Serial irritant Barry Hearn is at it again. Hearn is irritating is because, unlike the England Supporters Bloody Band, you never know what tune he will be playing, even though the chorus will, you suspect, see Barry Hearn personally earn a lot of money. Not wanting West Ham United on his doorstep, despite the fact that we've been there for years anyway, Hearn's latest melody sees him deciding that he will, graciously, allow us to share the Olympic Stadium with them should we be awarded it. "Gosh. Thanks Barry. Mind if we get back to you on that one" says nobody at all. Meanwhile, in similar vein, I'd be willing to share the proceeds of any multi-rollover lotto jackpots should any of you win one.
Spurs are always good for a laugh as the club shop slashes the price of Champions League commemorative mugs, their value being somewhat limited by the fact that Chelsea's win in the other match that took place 19 May meant that Spurs would have to make do with the Happy Shopper Europa League. Three mugs for £2 is the offer, or perhaps a description of their fanbase.
Over at Wigan, Dave Whelan continues to hear the happy sound of cash registers chiming and reminds all and sundry to the effect that he still wouldn't stand in Roberto Martinez's way if a bigger club were to come in for him. Say, Spurs, for example. The powers that be at White Hart Lane cop a deaf 'un to Whelan and finally appoint Anders Villas Boas to the role, marking a return to London for football's least convincing set of facial hair.
July
The month opens with the conclusion of Euro 2012. The Spanish add the European title to their World Cup win with a comprehensive 4-0 defeat of England's conquerors Italy.
Mo Diame's signing is confirmed, as Dave Whelan is seen crying his eyes out on the realisation that it's a free transfer. Our Staff Writer greets the Senegal international in time-honoured kumb-punning style thusly: "Your In Diame Now". He doesn't get out much.
Another 'keeper departs. Marek Stech is off to scrumpy country where he'll sign for Yeovil. Saddest goodbye, perhaps, is the departure of Freddie Sears to Colchester. An early career that seemed to promise so much sadly petered out at the Boleyn. A loan deal to a Palace side managed by Neil "Colin" Warnock seemed to ruin him. That's something else to dislike the gormless hypocrite for, then.
Rumours start to appear that we are in for Andy Carroll on a possible loan deal as Brendan Rodgers makes it clear that he doesn't fancy the player. We all rack our heads trying to work out the last time that we were linked with a £35m player. The rumours are given a boost by the presence of Carroll's mate Kevin Nolan at the Boleyn, and the fact that Nolan, Allardyce and James Tomkins are all represented by controversial agent Mark Curtis.
Rookie striker Christian Montano rejects a new deal and states that he is looking for a new deal abroad. Or Oldham as it transpires. Geography not Montano's strong suit then.
As one moves out another comes in. Modibo Maiga arrives on a deal worth a potential £7m from Sochaux, which, unlike Oldham, is proper abroad. France I think you'll find. One of those places anyway. "I hope that this is the start of a beautiful friendship" the former Casablanca striker ought to have said. But didn't.
A West Ham side takes home either the first trophy of the season or the last one of the previous year depending on which way you look at it. The Supporters Veterans XI come away with the team of the tournament trophy at the annual Worldnet tournament. Despite going out in the first knockout stage the organisers are impressed by the team's sporting spirit and by the team motto of "we're only here because Dignitas was shut". Which basically means we (yes I was there) were too old and slow to kick anyone.
John Terry is acquitted of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand in the magistrates court as it becomes clear that the evidence against him is not strong enough to give a "beyond reasonable doubt" verdict. With the court case done the FA's own proceedings commence with a "balance of probability" test determining Terry's guilt or otherwise.
Real Mallorca centre-back Ivan Ramis, who I'm sure was the chap with glasses in Ghostbusters, you know, the one that wasn't Bill Murray or Dan Ackroyd, is linked with a move to the Boleyn. For a while anyway.
Guti turns up at the Austrian training camp where we're spending pre-season but ends up not signing. Eventually he opts for retirement, just to be on the safe side should Spurs make an offer.
Meanwhile official bids for Andy Carroll seem to be getting nowhere. Maybe Brendan Rodgers is too busy getting into the age-old Liverpool tradition of illegal transfer dealings as Fulham make official complaints about the less than subtle tapping up of Clint Dempsey.
James Tomkins joins up with the GB Olympic team as the games open up the road. Speaking as one who usually hates sporting ceremonies I am impressed by the Danny Boyle-produced event which, apart from being surprisingly entertaining also contains decent slabs of music and, the crowning moment, Bubbles. The England Supporters Band are, thankfully, nowhere to be seen, or , more accurately, are thankfully nowhere to be heard. The games themselves go marvellously well despite all the gloom and doom merchants and the host nation perks up the country no end with a bumper hall of medals.
The team includes three trialists on a trip to Germany where Rot Weiss Efurt fail to put in sufficient, er, efurt, as we beat them 3-0. Colin Kazim-Richards, Bilel Moshni and Dutchman Michael Lamy all spend some time on the pitch but we don't end up signing any of them, none of which stops our Staff Writer sticking up a headline entitled "Taking The Michael".
The tour continues with a 3-0 defeat by Dinamo Dresden and a 2-2 draw with Energie Cottbus. The fact that the Cottbus side are called "Energie" is the only fact that anyone knows about the town of Cottbus. One wonders if the Cottbus equivalent of Sheffield United is called "Lethargy" Cottbus?
Don't worry - the season finally gets to start in part two.....
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The Case For Signing Darren Bent
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
Regardless of whether we end up signing Andy Carroll (and his delay in giving an answer is beginning to feel downright rude) there is little doubt that we will be signing at least two or even three new strikers over the summer. I trust we will keep Rob Hall and use him from the bench, but he seems to be happier playing on the wing rather than through the middle.
Darren Bent is a striker I have always rated. He scores goals wherever he goes, and that's what we need next season. He turned us down once before, which is a black mark against him, but we shouldn't be so petty as to let that stand in the way of someone who could play for us or four seasons and score 60 or 70 goals.
He's had a torrid time at Villa under Paul Lambert and clearly wants to get away. I reckon Sam could get the best out of him. And he's a complete player - can score with both feet and his head. Look at his record- 362 apperances, 150 goals - that's 1 goal per 2.41 games. When did we last have a striker who was that prolific? He's also capable of playing in a 4-5-1 formation as well as a 4-4-2. He can also play on the wing if he has to.
I reckon Villa would sell him for £6-8 million. Whaddaya reckon? Worth a punt?
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West Ham join the chase for Wigan's Arouna Kone as part of squad re-moulding
8 Jun 2013 23:00
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce is ready to do battle for Arouna Kone's signature with the forward's old boss Roberto Martinez, writes the Sunday People's Tom Hopkinson .
Kone is one of several Wigan players tipped to follow Martinez to Goodison Park after the Spaniard joined Everton last week. However, West Ham gaffer Allardyce is also keen to snap him up, and will urge co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold to rival any Everton offer as he re-moulds his squad ahead of the new campaign. The Ivory Coast international was one of the few shining lights at the DW Stadium last season. Although Wigan were relegated from the Premier League his form did not go unnoticed as he scored 11 goals for Martinez's doomed side. Kone joined the Latics from La Liga side Sevilla in a £2.7million, three-year deal last summer after spending a season on loan at Levante.
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West Ham Swoop for Liverpool Striker Andy Carroll In Balance Reveals Chairman David Gold
Insidefutbol.com
Saturday, 8th June, 2013
West Ham United chairman David Gold has revealed that the odds of the club signing Andy Carroll on a permanent basis from Liverpool have shrunk, with the move now being in the balance. The Hammers have been pushing to take Carroll on a permanent basis from the Reds after the England striker spent last season on loan at Upton Park. Gold had insisted that the odds were in West Ham's favour over keeping the former Newcastle man, rating it at 60/40. However, Gold has now reduced that, explaining that the odds are now firmly 50/50. Responding to a fan question via his Twitter account, when asked what odds he would give the move happening now, he replied "50/50". Carroll managed 26 appearances for West Ham in the Premier League last season, scoring seven goals in the process. His campaign was disrupted by injury, but the striker showed manager Sam Allardyce enough to warrant an effort being made to keep him at the club.
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Lukaku staying with Chelsea
Football365
Romelu Lukaku will play his football at Chelsea next season after holding productive talks with Jose Mourinho. The 20-year-old scored 17 Premier League goals while on loan at West Brom last term and previously said he would like to stay at The Hawthorns for another year. But a conversation with Mourinho has convinced the Belgium striker he can compete for a place with the likes of Fernando Torres and Demba Ba and still fulfil his dream of going to next summer's World Cup finals. "I always said my ambition was to play for Chelsea," said Lukaku, who cost £18m when he arrived from Anderlecht in August 2011. "Now I will go back to Stamford Bridge and try and play even more games than I did at West Brom. If I can score a few early on, it can turn into a really good season for me. "I have had a good conversation with Jose Mourinho, and I know it's up to me to show I'm worth a place. "It is the World Cup next year, and I need to be playing. But if I don't get in the Chelsea team often enough, then I won't deserve to be in the national squad. "I am not afraid of that. I am determined to succeed with Chelsea next season. I want to prove myself. "People will compare me with Didier Drogba, and he was always my hero. But I am my own man, and I want to be known for what I do."
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West Ham turn sights on Wilfried Bony after fearing snub from Andy Carroll
Telegraph.co.uk
By Jason Burt10:00PM BST 08 Jun 2013
West Ham are considering a £12 million bid for Vitesse Arnhem striker Wilfried Bony after growing less confident of signing England striker Andy Carroll. The London club have agreed a £15.5 million fee with Liverpool for Carroll, who spent last season on loan at Upton Park. But the player is understood to be unsure as to whether to make the deal permanent, even though he has been informed by Liverpool that he has no future under manager Brendan Rodgers. Carroll is on holiday in the United States, but is due to return soon. West Ham manager Sam Allardyce had hoped to hear from Carroll last week but now fears that he will not be joining them, even though it is unlikely he will receive a better offer elsewhere. Newcastle United, Carroll's former club, remain interested but will not pay anywhere near the valuation Liverpool have placed on the 24-year-old, even though it is almost £20 million less than he was sold for in January 2011.
West Ham, who failed with a bid for Sevilla's Alvaro Negredo last week, have already held talks with Bony's representatives about a possible move, although they are not the only Premier League club interested in the prolific 24-year-old Ivory Coast international, who was the Eredivisie's top-scorer last season with 31 goals. Stoke City had been thought to be favourites to sign Bony. The departure of Tony Pulis as manager may have changed their plans, although his replacement, Mark Hughes, is in the market for a striker.
If West Ham fail to secure Bony, they have also given consideration to making bids for either Stuttgart's Martin Harnik, an Austrian international who can play on the wing, and Eintracht Frankfurt's Algerian international Karim Matmour. Harnik, 25, has three years left on his deal and West Ham considered making a move for him last January. Matmour, whose contract expires this month, with an option to extend, has already claimed to have received three offers, including at least one from the Premier League. Fulham have previously been linked to the 27-year-old. West Ham are also weighing up a move for former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou, who left Stamford Bridge when his contract expired last summer. The Ivory Coast international is keen to return to England after just a season in France with Lille. Greek side Olympiakos are interested in signing him.
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