SC Braga 1-0 West Ham United FT
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's second and final fixture at the Guadiana Tournament ends
in a narrow defeat
06.08.2013
SC BRAGA v WEST HAM UNITED
TORNEIO DO GUADIANA
ESTÁDIO MUNICIPAL DE PORTIMÃO
TUESDAY 6 AUGUST 2013
KICK-OFF: 9.15PM
WEST HAM TV I iPHONE APP I TWITTER I FACEBOOK I PODCAST I YOUTUBE
Final score - SC Braga 1-0 West Ham United
Unfortunately, the laptop crashed during the shootout! Profuse apologies for
this, but the shootout finished 3-3 after Mohamed Diame saw his penalty
saved low down by Eduardo. Apologies for the inconvenience caused.
West Ham United 3-3 SC Braga - And the shootout finishes all-square as
Adrian is sent the wrong way from the spot by Edinho and Braga draw level
with the final kick.
West Ham United 3-2 SC Braga - Diame's weak penalty is saved low down to his
left by Eduardo.
West Ham United 3-2 SC Braga - The Braga player Agra steps up scores
emphatically, high into the net.
West Ham United 3-1 SC Braga - Potts hits his penalty well, but Eduardo
guesses right and saves diving to his right.
West Ham United 3-1 SC Braga - Alan uses the shuffle run-up too before
sending Adrian the wrong way.
West Ham United 3-0 SC Braga - Collison smashes the ball high into the net.
Again, Eduardo guesses wrong. This is a rout!
West Ham United 2-0 SC Braga - Adrian makes another fine save, refusing to
be put off by Vinicius' strange run-up. West Ham in control.
West Ham United 2-0 SC Braga - Ricardo Vaz Te slams it low and down the
middle and Eduardo obligingly dives out of the way. Very kind of him.
West Ham United 1-0 SC Braga - Adrian springs to his left and pushes Santos'
penalty away. Great save from the Spaniard.
West Ham United 1-0 SC Braga - Kevin Nolan sends Eduardo the wrong way and
drives the ball low into the net.
95 mins - That's it. Braga have won. Now we'll win the penalties. Mark my
words.
93 mins - I don't think we're going to see a 1999 Champions League
final-style comeback, unfortunately. Eduardo collects Nolan's flick-on. Time
is almost up.
90 mins - West Ham win a free-kick for offside. Adrian launches it long,
Collins wins it but not before being whistled for a push. We're going to
have FOUR added minutes. Come on West Ham! You can still save this and bring
the trophy home.
87 mins - Nolan brings down Alan late and gets a yellow card. Free-kick to
Braga about 30 yards out in a central position. Agra has a go, but curls
over the top in his luminous boots.
87 mins - At least we should have some shots on target during the penalty
shootout that will follow the final whistle. You would hope so, anyway!
85 mins - Edinho is on for Yazalde for the final few minutes.
83 mins - It's just not really happened for West Ham tonight, for whatever
reason. Before we get too downbeat, though, let's remember that we played
last night too, whereas Braga were sitting comfortably in their armchairs.
We are also resting a host of regulars tonight, including Jaaskelainen,
Reid, Jarvis, Cole and Noble.
81 mins - The ball drops to Vaz Te from a defensive header about 20 yards
out. Vaz has a go on the volley, but it's not his best effort and the ball
bobbles away and thuds into the advertising board.
80 mins - Morrison runs at the Braga defence after a decent pass from
Morrison. Collison will take the free-kick from the left corner of the box
but it's clipped and is a routine catch for Eduardo.
76 mins - Ruddock is shown the yellow card after clipping Rafa as the
midfielder runs past him. Rafa is immediately replaced by Salvador Agra.
West Ham bring on Potts for Rat.
71 mins - Diame spots Eduardo just off his line, but he doesn't get enough
on his effort from near halfway and the goalkeeper catches with ease.
Moments later, Ruddock's hurried clearances almost leads to an opening for
Braga, but the Hammers survive.
70 mins - Better football as Collins sweeps a diagonal out to Rat on the
left. He plays a one-two with Nolan and the skipper goes again, gets to the
byline and clips the ball back towards Vaz Te and Morrison inside the box,
but Eduardo collects above his head.
68 mins - Defensive midfielder Mauro has a speculative go on the volley from
30 yards. Adrian flies to his left to push the ball away. The Spaniard is up
quickly and collects the rolling ball near the byline. Good save from the
new goalkeeper.
65 mins - Silva is replaced, with the ponytailed Alan coming on in his
place.
63 mins - Goal! Vinicius finds Silva, who plays the ball into Yazalde on the
edge of the penalty area. Yazalde turns and has a shot from inside the box.
It's low and Adrian pushes it out with his right hand. Rafa reacts quickest
and fires the ball into the net from about 12 yards. Braga lead.
62 mins - Tomkins is replaced by Pelly Ruddock and Kevin Nolan is on for
Taylor. Can the skipper nick a winner for his side?
58 mins - If West Ham can score, we might be denied the opportunity of
watching another surreal penalty shootout as the Hammers will have won the
tournament. Last night, we finished 4-4 on spot-kicks with Sporting, which
was a bit weird.
55 mins - Collison is lucky not to be booked as his touch allows Silva to
regain possession. Collison pulls the midfielder back by the arm. Free-kick,
but no card shown.
52 mins - No11 Silva has a shot from 30 yards and he's hurt himself as he
lets fly. He rolls around on the turf and needs the physio on. He kicked
Diarra after shooting. Adrian gathered the shot anyway.
50 mins - Nothing has happened in the opening five minutes of the second
period. On the plus side, I've worked out the Braga substitutions. Eduardo
has replaced Cristiano in goal, Vinicius is on for Coelho at centre-back,
while Hebert has made way for Florent at left-back. In midfield, Barbosa is
off and Pedro is on.
46 mins - We're back underway here in Portimao.
Morrison is on at half-time for Maiga. Vaz Te will play through the middle.
Braga have made a host of changes. Eduardo is on in goal and I'll get the
other changes for you as soon as I've worked them out.
Half-time score - SC Braga 0-0 West Ham United
After you've put the kettle on, why not watch a few of our free West Ham TV
YouTube videos? Or how about the extended highlights and post-match reaction
to last night's win over Sporting Clube de Portugal on West Ham TV? Both are
accessible by clicking on the links above.
47 mins - It's half-time, thankfully. I'm sure the second half will be
better. It has to be.
45 mins - Into the final minute of the opening half and I must confess I
won't be sad to see half-time arrive. This hasn't been a classic by any
means. However, I'm sure Saturday's visit of Pacos de Ferreira will be, and
you can get tickets now by clicking here.
43 mins - Will we have the breakthrough before half-time? Braga win a corner
off Collison, but Barbosa balloons it miles over everyone and the ball curls
out for a goal kick. Diamanti!
40 mins - Vaz Te crosses and the ball is sliced out as far as Taylor. His
touch is a bit loose and the ball finds Rat, whose initial shot is blocked
and second effort loops miles over the top.
39 mins - Braga arguably should lead. Carlos leads the charge down the
middle and there is no midfielder to slow him down. He draws the defenders
out slightly before feeding left to Barbosa in space. The No10 crosses low
first-time for Carlos again, but he cannot keep his side-foot effort down
and it flies narrowly over the crossbar.
38 mins - West Ham have had some better possession in recent moments. First,
Maiga turns sharply and nearly plays in Collison, but the ball is just under
hit. Then, Diarra wins a corner as he leaps for a header, but the flag kick
comes to nothing.
33 mins - Barbosa is getting plenty of practice at his Diamanti impressions.
He gets another now as Diarra commits a foul. No, it's Coelho who is going
to blast it... He does, low and through the wall. Adrian dives but the ball
beats both him and the post by about a yard. Close call. Goal kick, but I
think that took a slight deflection off a heel and should have been a
corner.
30 mins - Braga win a corner. Barbosa takes and Collins heads powerfully
clear at the near post. Vaz Te leads the charge and tries to play a
long-distance one-two with Collison, but the return is too strong and the
Archbishops regain possession.
27 mins - Captain Coelho obviously fancies himself from long-range as he has
another go from about 35 yards. He catches it fairly well, but again the
ball bounces harmlessly wide of Adrian's goal. The Spaniard has had very
little to do so far.
24 mins - Another smashed left-foot free-kick from Barbosa comes to nothing.
He looks nothing like the Italian, but Barbosa's style of delivery reminds
me of Alessandro Diamanti!
23 mins - Braga are utilising a fluid 4-2-3-1 formation. Baiano, Coelho,
Santos and Hebert are the back four, with Carlos and Mauro sitting deep.
Rafa, Silva and Barbosa are interchanging behind central forward Yazalde.
21 mins - Demel pulls back striker Yazalde. It's not his first offence and
the referee Fernando Santos shows the right-back the yellow card. We saw a
few yellows last night... Diarra heads Barbosa's free-kick away for a throw.
18 mins - The action continues as Collison collects a loose clearance, cuts
inside and slices his shot well wide under pressure from Baiano.
17 mins - A first shot in anger from the Hammers. Diame prods the ball
through for Maiga down the right channel. He runs to the box, checks and
sees his cross blocked and fall back to Diame. He takes a touch and rifles
well over from 25 yards. Seconds later, Barbosa has a snap-shot that bounces
a few yards wide.
14 mins - More work for Adrian as Carlos beats Taylor in midfield and shoots
low with his right-foot after running at Tomkins. The shot has no venom in
it and Adrian can make the easy save low down in front of him.
12 mins - Some action for Adrian as Barbosa whips in a free-kick from the
right after Rat had committed a foul. Adrian parries and Collins scrambles
the ball behind for a corner. It's taken short and then back to Barbosa,
whose left-foot whipped delivery is cleared by Vaz Te at the near post.
11 mins - You can view an exclusive gallery of images from tonight's game in
Portimao on our official Facebook page.
10 mins - West Ham are harrying their opponents well and not allowing Braga
to settle into any sort of rhythm.
7 mins - Diarra uses his strength to win the ball back and then clears it
straight into the Braga dugout. That doesn't go down well with the
Archbishops' coaching staff. Moments later, Diarra is penalised for a foul
and gets a talking to from the referee. The free-kick is taken short by
Barbosa to Silva and his cross is shinned behind for a corner by Taylor.
Adrian punches Barbosa's corner upfield and Demel is fouled on the edge of
the box. Free-kick to the Hammers.
6 mins - It's been a bitty start to the game. Neither team has taken control
of proceedings. Tactically, it's Demel, Collins, Tomkins and Rat across the
back, Diarra holding with Diame to his right and Taylor to his left. Up
front, Vaz Te is wide right, Collison wide left and Maiga through the
middle.
3 mins - Demel commits a foul about 30 yards out and skipper Coelho fancies
belting this from about 30 yards-plus. He does, trying a Ronaldo-style
toe-punt, but the ball actually hits his own team-mate Barbosa on the edge
of the box. Hmmm...
9.14pm - A minute or so early, West Ham kick-off. After a half-full stadium
last night, there are just a few hundred supporters here in Portimao
tonight. I might venture that there are more West Ham fans here than
supporters of Braga!
9.10pm - The teams are with us. James Collins is captaining the Hammers
tonight. Nuno Andre Coelho is wearing the armband for Braga. West Ham will
kick-off...
9pm - We've got a few free videos for you to watch on the official West Ham
TV YouTube channel. We've got a game of two-touch on the pitch here in
Portimao, plus footage of the starting XI warming-up and Adrian being put
through his paces by goalkeeper coach Martyn Margetson. Meanwhile, we also
have the SC Braga team news...
SC Braga: Cristiano, Coelho, Luiz Carlos, Helder Barbosa, Luis Silva,
Baiano, Rafa, Yazalde, Santos, Mauro, Hebert
Subs: Eduardo, Joao Pedro, Florent, Vinicius, Agra, Alan, Edinho
8.10pm - We've got the West Ham team news for you now:
West Ham United: Adrian, Demel, Rat, Collins, Tomkins, Diarra, Diame,
Taylor, Vaz Te, Collison, Maiga
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Potts, O'Brien, Reid, Ruddock, Lletget, Noble, Nolan,
Morrison, Jarvis, Cole, Lee
Good evening and welcome back to Portimao for tonight's Guadiana Tournament
fixture between West Ham United and SC Braga.
The Hammers will win the three-team pre-season competition if they overcome
the team which finished fourth in the Portuguese Primeira Division last
season, having already overcome Sporting Clube de Portugal 3-2 at the same
venue on Monday.
Diego Capel fired Sporting in front from the penalty spot before a Kevin
Nolan goal and two from Ravel Morrison put West Ham in control. The Hammers
were made to sweat late on when William Carvalho touched home a free-kick,
but Sam Allardyce's side held on to secure a deserved triumph. Should they
win tonight, the Hammers will take the trophy home with them to England in
the morning!
However, it will be no easy task against the UEFA Europa League qualifiers,
who have recently appointed Jesualdo Ferreira as manager for the second
time. The 67-year-old has managed more than a dozen sides during a long and
illustrious career, winning three Portuguese titles during a four-year spell
in charge at FC Porto. He previously managed Braga between 2003 and 2006.
Tonight, Sam Allardyce fields a different-looking team to the one which
overcame Sporting, with the likes of Adrian, James Collins, Mohamed Diame
and Jack Collison all expected to be involved after being rested on Monday
night.
Braga finished fourth in the Primeira Liga last term, qualifying for the
UEFA Europa League Play-Off round. The Archbishops will be facing the
Hammers for the second pre-season in succession, having held Sam Allardyce's
side to a 1-1 draw at the Estadio AXA in August 2012, when Winston Reid
scored a late equaliser. However, Braga have a much-changed squad to the one
which held the Hammers a year ago, with a host of new signings hoping to
make their mark this evening.
Braga have been very active in the transfer market in recent months,
bringing in a host of new players to complement an already strong squad.
Goalkeeper Cassio has come in from Pacos de Ferreira, as have striker Edinho
from Malaga, Vitor Bastos from Vitoria de Guimaraes, Welthon from Gremio,
Joaozinho from Beira-Mar, Salvador Agra from Real Betis Balompie, Nigerian
Chidi Osuchukwu from Dolphins, Vinicius from Maritimo, Rafa from Feirense,
Serbian Aleksandar Miljkovic from Partizan and Eduardo from Genoa. Former
Newcastle United midfielder Hugo Viana has departed for Al Ahli in Dubai.
Vinicius was among the scorers as Braga fought back from a 2-0 deficit to
draw 2-2 at home to West Ham's Barclays Premier League rivals Norwich City
last Friday evening.
A penalty shoot-out will be held after the final whistle, which will be used
to decide the final tournament positions in the event that teams have level
points, goal difference and goals. West Ham and Sporting drew 4-4 in their
shootout on Monday, with the goals being added to teams' totals if they end
the competition tied.
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Nobby proud of Sporting victory
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan was pleased to see the Hammers triumph in testing conditions on
Monday evening
06.08.2013
Captain Kevin Nolan was proud to see his West Ham United triumph in testing
conditions in their 3-2 Guadiana Tournament win over Sporting Clube de
Portugal on Monday evening. The Hammers came from behind to beat the
Portuguese side, despite conceding from a hotly-disputed penalty and a
debateable free-kick and having five players booked during a fiery encounter
in Portimao. Nolan got the ball rolling for West Ham, levelling matters on
58 minutes after Diego Capel had put Sporting in front on the stroke of
half-time. Ravel Morrison then scored twice before a late William Carvalho
effort set up a nervous finish, but the Hammers held on. "It's always tough
because you always seem to be playing against the referee as well as the
other team, but I think the lads showed discipline," the skipper told West
Ham TV. "Although we had five booked, they were very harsh and they could
easily have had five booked too. "That was disappointing, but it shows you
how far we've come. We've got a lot of quality in this squad and, when it's
not going right for us, we still manage to stay in there. I don't think it
was a penalty and we can argue about [the free-kick for] the second goal
too. "We scored three good goals. Ravel scoring two was massive for us
because he's been fantastic through the pre-season. It was nice to get on
the scoresheet myself and to keep banging them in and we're in good form.
"At the end of the day, this is all about making sure we're ready on 17
August because we've got to make sure we get everything right - the fitness
and mentally, set pieces and everything - for that game. Hopefully we're
getting close to doing that. We're only eleven days off and we're looking
forward to it."
Nolan was clearly frustrated by a succession of decisions made by the
referee, who showed six yellow cards - five to West Ham players - and
awarded 41 free-kicks for fouls during what was a competitive pre-season
fixture. The skipper said the experience of playing in adversity would
benefit the squad ahead of the Barclays Premier League kick-off at home to
Cardiff City on Saturday 17 August. "You always know when you come to
another country and play in Europe that you're not going to get everything
your own way. You've got to get your mentality right and maintain your
composure under pressure. "I think we got in at half-time and didn't say
'This was wrong and that was wrong'. We got on with it and we really did
deserve the win. We were delighted to keep our winning streak going but the
main thing was about the lads getting 75 or 90 minutes again and building
up, because we have to hit the ground running on 17 August.
"We know Cardiff is not going to be an easy game. It's their first game in
the Premier League so they're going to be up for it. It's going to be really
tough. We were there last year and we enjoyed a good start and we want to do
that again."
Nolan closed by praising fellow goalscorer Morrison, but the captain added
that the young midfielder must retain his current focus if he is to make the
most of his considerable talent. The skipper said the former Manchester
United youngster had benefitted from a loan spell at Birmingham City and had
returned to pre-season training with a more mature attitude and approach to
his football and his life in general. "The lad has got ability. It was all
the off-field stuff and his mental attitude to the game and I think he has
come back [with a renewed approach]. Speaking to Lee Clark when I've had the
chance to, he said he really worked hard with him and towards the end of
last season he really had him on board and that's what you have got to have
with Rav. "Last year, he started off like that but he let himself down off
the field with not turning in and things like that. I'm not pulling him out
because he is a lovely kid and we want him to do well and that's why we've
worked so hard. Hopefully now he's seen the benefit of being around us all
the time and going out on loan and seeing what it's all about. "Hopefully
now this will be the start of what is going to be a fantastic career for
him, because as you can see he has great ability and can score goals too.
I'm going to help him as much as I can this season, talking to him on the
pitch and off the pitch. If he can get it all right, he'll be a top player
for years to come."
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SC Braga 1-0 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 7th August 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's desperate lack of firepower was all too evident on a night when a
second half effort from Rafa was enough to secure victory for Braga.
Hopes were high for Sam Allardyce's side ahead of this evening's Torneio do
Guadiana clash, following last night's encouraging display against Sporting
Lisbon. However the Irons - featuring Modibo Maiga in the pivotal striker's
role - were a shadow of the team that had begun the tournament in such
style.
United barely managed to fashion a goalscoring opportunity of note on a
night when all of last season's concerns about performances away from the
Boleyn resurfaced.
And whilst Andy Carroll's current stand-in can at least point to the lack of
service provided in his defence, pre-season has done little to disprove the
theory that suggests the Ivorian simply isn't suited to the role Allardyce
and his coaching team want him to play.
The search for another attacking player continues in earnest, with Allardyce
set to meet the Board again tomorrow upon his return from Portugal to
discuss their next move. In the meantime, West Ham without Carroll is not a
prospect to relish - especially with the start of the new season less than a
fortnight away.
On the night, Allardyce opted to make nine changes from yesterday's starting
XI - Maiga and James Tomkins the only survivors from the 3-2 win against
Sporting. From the start, West Ham struggled to retain possession although
Jack Collison, Razvan Rat and Mo Diame all had sight of goal in the opening
half.
Still, the better chances of the first half came at the other end of the
field where recent arrival Adrian was deputising for Jussi Jaaskelainen. The
Spaniard didn't get off to the best start when he was fortunate to escape
punishment having allowed an early shot to spill from his hands.
But there was little he could do when a James Collins error allowed Barbosa
to shoot from distance; fortunately for the Hammers, it went the wrong (or
should that be right?) side of the post.
Coelho had Adrian stretching when his 26th minute effort flashed narrowly
wide of the post - and seven minutes later, a Santos free kick from the
perimeter of the penalty area beat both goalkeeper and post - albeit by a
matter of inches. However Braga's best chance of the half was to come six
minutes ahead of the interval, when Carlos spurned a golden chance to break
the deadlock.
Allowed to burst through the centre, Carlos laid the ball out wide to
Barbosa whose return pass was perfectly placed for the Brazilian.
Fortunately for West Ham, his effort flew high over the bar before removing
an empty seat from its fixings - possibly the highlight of the first half.
Yet West Ham's good fortune was to run out with just over an hour on the
clock, when Braga finally took the lead. Youngster Pelly Ruddock, only on
the pitch for a matter of seconds having replaced James Tomkins lost his man
and the ensuing shot was parried by goalkeeper Adrian, directly into the
path of Rafa who drove it back into an empty net.
Thereafter West Ham struggled to make any impact in the final third of the
field and Jack Collison's poorly struck, off-target 80th minute effort was
United's only shot on goal as Allardyce's impotent charges limped to defeat
in their final pre-season fixture away from the Boleyn Ground.
* West Ham's tournament briefly looked like ending on a high - of sorts -
when the penalty shootout that followed the game (don't ask) saw United race
into a 3-0 lead. However misses from Dan Potts and Mo Diame - one of the
worst penalties you may ever see - allowed Braga to 'draw' (don't ask) the
shootout 3-3.
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Equal opportunities boss criticises Sullivan tweet
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 6th August 2013
By: Staff Writer
A Belgian equal opportunities officer has described a tweet posted on Jack
Sullivan's Twitter account as "incitement to discrimination".
Patrick Charlier, who according to Belgian-based broadcaster RTBF is the
Deputy Director of the Centre for Equal Opportunities spoke out after the
Twitter account attributed to Jack Sullivan posted a message regarding the
potential purchase of Gent's 26-year-old forward Ilombe Pele Mboyo.
The tweet, posted last Sunday evening, asked whether the club should
consider signing a player who, ten years previously, had been convicted of
rape. Many fans were subsequently critical of the decision to allow a
message of that nature to be published on an account belonging to a minor.
A later tweet from the same source revealed that West Ham fans had voted
almost unanimously against signing the player, adding that as a result the
club would not be pursuing the transfer.
Charlier however was more concerned with the potential for prejudice. "You
could consider this a form of incitement to discrimination," he told RTBF.
"This [tweet] is not from the person who is hiring. The manager makes that
decision, but it will push people to make a decision."
Further, the RTBF editorial criticised the English media who, they argued,
were "not really willing to give a second chance to those who have already
paid their debt to society."
They tried to make me go to West Ham...
... but the fans said, "No, no, no."
El Hadji Diouf (2011)
Sam Allardyce ruled out signing the Sengalese spitter two months into the
2011/12 season after Hammers fans reacted furiously to the news that the
club were considering signing a player who spat at them whilst a Liverpool
player in 2002. Diouf ended up joining Doncaster, who were relegated at the
end of the season.
Ben Thatcher (2008)
The former Millwall and Tottenham full-back spent a week on trial with the
Hammers during the 2008/09 pre-season, much to the annoyance of fans
disgusted that the club should offer an opportunity to a player with such a
chequered history. His two brief cameos were met by a chorus of boos and he
evetually signed for ipswich Town instead.
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Allardyce: Carroll to miss start of season
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 6th August 2013
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has admitted that Andy Carroll is unlikely to be fit in time
for the 2013/14 Premier League curtain-raiser against Cardiff next weekend.
Allardyce, who is currently preparing his squad for tonight's Guadiana
Tournament clash with SC Braga revealed that despite having returned to
training, the club record signing is unlikely to be ready for the Bluebirds'
visit on 17th August. "Andy is making good progress and doing some running,"
said Big Sam. "We'll look at things over the next week but, considering
where he is in his preparation, I would've thought that realistically we're
looking at the match following the international break, which is Southampton
away on 15th September."
Carroll, speaking at the weekend was however slightly more optimistic about
his chances of making a full recovery ahead of schedule. "I've been away to
Germany with the lads and keeping myself as fit as I can with the work I can
still do," he said. "It's been tough but I've been working hard to be back
for the start of the season." "I'm dying to get back kicking a ball again. I
can't wait because the last time I kicked a ball was in the final game of
last season. Everyone is buzzing and in great form and great spirits,
looking forward to the start of the season."
Although Allardyce remains in the market for a right-sided forward who can
also deputise in the centre of attack, West Ham may be forced to look within
their current squad for a temporary replacement should Carroll fail to
return in time for the start of the new season. The most logical - and
perhaps only - choice to replace the £15million man is Modibo Maiga, who
featured in that role last night as West Ham beat Sporting 3-2. The Ivorian
grabbed an assist when setting up Kevin Nolan's opener to add to his brace
against Eintracht Braunschweig two weekends previously.
The games Andy Carroll could miss
18th August: Cardiff City (h)
24th August: Newcastle Utd (a)
27th/28th August: Capital One Cup, 2nd Round
31st August: Stoke City (h)
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Kalou happy to stay in France
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 6th August 2013
By: Staff Writer
Salomon Kalou has given the broadest hint yet that he is happy to remain
with his current Club, despite being courted by West Ham United. The Ivorian
forward is one of several forwards on Sam Allardyce's hit list, as the
Hammers boss desperately seeks to add another attacking player to his roster
ahead of the Premier League kick off two weeks from now. However the former
Chelsea man - who has also been striongly linked with West Brom - has
indicated that he would be happy to stay with current club Lille for the
raminder of his contract, which expires in two years time. Speaking to
French daily Voix Du Nord (Voice of the North), Kalou admitted that he was
content in France and looking forward to working with new head coach Rene
Girard, who replaced the outgoing Rudi Garcia (now at Roma) last month. "He
is a coach who can make progress," said Kalou. "In these circumstances I do
not see why I need to go elsewhere."
Allardyce has been frustrated several times already this summer in his
attempts to sign a forward to complement record signing Andy Carroll.
Wilfried Bony rejected West Ham in favour of a first team place at Swansea,
whilst deals for players such as Gerard Deulofeu, Oscar Trejo and Loic Remy
have also fallen through.
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West Ham suffer defeat by Braga after Rafa's goal in Algarve
Last Updated: August 6, 2013 11:37pm
SSN
West Ham United suffered a 1-0 defeat by Braga in the Premier League club's
penultimate pre-season friendly. Midfielder Rafa scored the only goal of the
game in the 63rd minute to upset Sam Allardyce's side in the Guadiana
Tournament in the Algarve. Following Monday's win against Sporting, West Ham
could have won the three-team tournament but it was not to be for the
Londoners on their second game in as many days. West Ham could not find
their best form and it possibly showed that they were resting regulars such
as Jussi Jaaskelainen, Winston Reid, Matt Jarvis, Joe Cole and Mark Noble as
substitutes. And Portugal Under 21 international Rafa ultimately won the
game shortly after the hour when reacting quickly when West Ham goalkeeper
Adrian could only palm Yazalde's shot. West Ham next face Portuguese side
Pacos de Ferreira in a friendly on Saturday before the following weekend's
Premier League season opener against Cardiff City at Upton Park.
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Kevin Nolan backs bad boy Ravel Morrison
KEVIN NOLAN claims Ravel Morrison is a reformed character as the West Ham
bad-boy bids to rebuild his turbulent career.
Daily Star
By Darren Witcoop/Published 7th August 2013
Winger Morrison - once regarded as one of English football's hottest
properties - has been plagued by disciplinary problems and off-the-pitch
issues. The troubled 20-year-old was booted out of Manchester United last
year and looked set to be ditched by West Ham this summer. But Morrison's
rehabilitation began after finally knuckling down towards the end of a
season-long loan spell at Championship side Birmingham last term. Now
Hammers skipper Nolan is ready to continue playing father figure to keep the
starlet on the straight and narrow. Nolan said: "He has grown up and I think
he has come back with a renewed approach. I am going to help him as much as
I can by talking to him on and off the pitch. Board "Last year he started
like that, but it was all the off-field stuff and his mental attitude to the
game. He let himself down with not turning up and things like that. "But
speaking to (manager) Lee Clark at Birmingham, he said he really worked hard
on him and towards the end had him on board. That's what you got to have
with Rav. "If he can get it all right, he will be a top player for years to
come."
Upton Park boss Sam Allardyce had run out of patience with Morrison before
offering his £1.4m signing one final chance to win him over during
pre-season.
And Morrison, who scored twice in Monday's 3-2 friendly win over Sporting
Lisbon, has delivered with some eye-catching displays. The wideman has now
put himself in the frame for the Premier League opener against Cardiff on
August 17. Nolan, 31, added: "Hopefully he's seen the benefit of being
around us all the time and going on loan and seeing what it's about. "The
lad has got great ability and can score goals, too. This could be the start
of a fantastic career for him."
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One in and three out at QPR, as West Ham target Zapata now on Redknapp's
radar
By SIMON JONES
PUBLISHED: 22:28, 6 August 2013 | UPDATED: 22:28, 6 August 2013
Daily Mail
QPR have made a £3.3million offer for Estudiantes striker Duvan Zapata.
West Ham pulled out of a deal last month fearing they would not get a work
permit for the 22-year-old. However, QPR hope to appeal on grounds of
'special talent' for the Colombia Under 20 international. Meanwhile,
goalkeeper Julio Cesar is continuing talks with Fiorentina while Park Ji
Sung has completed his loan to PSV Eindhoven. Thos deals will be followed
by midfielder Adel Taarabt who has passed a medical at Fulham ahead of a
season loan. Martin Jol's Cottagers remain keen on Aston Villa striker
Darren Bent and Sunderland's Lee Cattermole but may face competition on both
from Hull.
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Neil McDonald impressed by West Ham starlet Ravel Morrison
TalkSport
By Anton Stanley | Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Ravel Morrison is finally beginning to show his potential at West Ham,
according to assistant manager Neil McDonald. The former Manchester United
youngster, 20, initially struggled to settle in east London following his
move south. A spell on loan with Birmingham City last season appears to have
focused the highly-rated youngster who once interested Barcelona. An
impressive pre-season has followed, which includes two goals against
Sporting Lisbon and a string of excellent displays. And McDonald believes he
can finally flourish at Upton Park under Sam Allardyce. "He's settled in and
he's come back a different player," he told Drive Time. "I think it's done
him the world of good going to Birmingham to play some games. "He can
certainly do a really good job in midfield. He's got the ability. You don't
play for Manchester United if you're not a good player. "He came as a young
kid from Man United thinking that he could walk straight into the first team
and sometimes that doesn't happen. "But he's gone away and used that
experience and he's impressed us like everybody else has in the squad in
pre-season. As each game goes along he's looking good, as are the rest of
them. "He hadn't played games on a regular basis in the first team so it was
good for him to go to Birmingham and train all week knowing that he had a
chance of playing. "He's used that to his advantage and hopefully it's to
our advantage as well."
But McDonald believes the players should be given time to progress before
hailing him as a future international star. He added: "England are crying
out for good players and he is a good player but we don't want to put too
much pressure on him. He's still only a young kid, isn't he. He's still
trying to learn his trade.
"He's got a lot of good players around him and if we can make him flourish
that's absolutely brilliant. We look forward to how he's going to progress
over the season."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, August 7
Tuesday, August 6
Daily WHUFC News - 6th August 2013 II
Sporting 2-3 West Ham United FT
WHUFC.com
Ravel Morrison scores twice and Kevin Nolan once in the Hammers' victory at the Guadiana Tournament
05.08.2013
SPORTING CLUBE DE PORTUGAL v WEST HAM UNITED
TORNEIO DO GUADIANA
ESTÁDIO MUNICIPAL DE PORTIMÃO
MONDAY 5 AUGUST 2013
KICK-OFF: 9.15PM
Final score - Sporting Clube de Portugal 2-3 West Ham United
Penalty shootout
The penalty shootout held to decide final placings if the teams finish level on points, goals and goal difference has finished...level! Madness. I have no idea what the point of that shootout was but it's all over. West Ham have won the match 3-2 and drawn the shootout 4-4. An entertaining and satisfying evening for the Hammers. Don't forget, we'll be back here in Portimao in about 21 hours to do it all again when we take on SC Braga. Join us then! Also, if you want to watch us in action against Pacos de Ferreira at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday, you can get tickets now!
Sporting Clube de Portugal 4-4 West Ham United - It's all level again as Cole sends the goalkeeper the wrong way. And to complete a ridiculous evening, that's it!!
Sporting Clube de Portugal 4-3 West Ham United - Brilliant! Rojo does a Chris Waddle and smashes his penalty over the top. Joe Cole to level things up...
Sporting Clube de Portugal 4-3 West Ham United - He does. Jarvis slots the ball into the bottom left-hand corner. Rojo...
Sporting Clube de Portugal 4-2 West Ham United - Mauricio puts the penalty to Jaaskelainen's left again! Again, the Finn cannot reach it. Jarvis must score...
Sporting Clube de Portugal 3-2 West Ham United - Elliot Lee sends Boeck the wrong way. West Ham still in this...
Sporting Clube de Portugal 3-1 West Ham United - Advantage Sporting in the strangest penalty shootout in history as Chaby smashes his spot-kick high into the net.
Sporting Clube de Portugal 2-1 West Ham United - Morrison sees his penalty straight down the middle saved by the legs of Boeck.
Sporting Clube de Portugal 2-1 West Ham United - Eduardo puts the ball in the same place! Jaaskelainen again goes the right way but cannot get there.
Sporting Clube de Portugal 1-1 West Ham United - Noble runs up and slides the ball low into the same bottom corner as Carvalho. That hit the side netting. Great penalty. Eduardo next for Sporting.
Sporting Clube de Portugal 1-0 West Ham United - Carvalho puts the ball past Jaaskelainen's dive into the bottom left-hand corner. Noble...
OK, don't go anywhere as we now have the penalty shootout! Carvalho is going to take the first one for Sporting...
Lee Richardson: "That was a really pleasing performance. The manager, the coaching staff and the players will all be really happy. The only slight disappointment in the second half was conceding from the free-kick. However, it looked a very harsh decision to give a foul against Joe Cole. Saying that, you still have to defend the set piece. Probably the most pleasing thing of all for everyone would be seeing Ravel Morrison showing his potential."
93 mins - Into the final minute and Sporting have won a throw deep in West Ham territory. Centre-back Rojo dances into the box and the crowd rises, but his cut-back falls to a claret and blue shirt and West Ham survive. Another cross comes over a few seconds later and Reid heads out. Carvalho delivers again and Rat hacks upfield. The final whistle is blown and West Ham have won!
91 mins - We're into three minutes of added time. The Sporting fans don't like it. There's a shock. Don't forget we're going to have a penalty shootout after the game, too!
90 mins - Cole deflects a Fabiano cross behind for a corner. It is the little man Jarvis who is there at the near post to head clear. Well done Jarvo!
88 mins - Montero throws himself to the turf as a high ball forward comes towards the West Ham box. Reid did nothing wrong and thankfully the referee agrees.
86 mins - Mr Martins obviously likes his paperwork as he books Jaaskelainen for time-wasting as he prepares to take a free-kick. The Sporting fans boo and whistle every decision made against their team. It's been a really competitive game, this. Will there be any more late drama?
84 mins - Goal! Maybe it isn't over? Joe Cole is penalised for a foul wide on the right and the free-kick is curled over by Eduardo. No14 William Carvalho gets the slightest of touches and the ball bounces past a helpless Jaaskelainen and into the net.
80 mins - Sporting bring on Magrao for Silva in midfield.
79 mins - GOAL! West Ham have surely won this now and it's Morrison again! Lee Richardson taps me on the leg and says 'Right on cue!' and he's entitled to. Rat's initialy shot is charged down but Lletget retains possession and he finds Cole in space on the left. The England man spins and curls a superb cross that finds Morrison completely unmarked six yards out. He jumps and glances the header into the net, giving the goalkeeper no chance.
Lee Richardson: "We have completely dominated the second half. We have bossed the possession and have nullified them completely as an attacking force. Their only chance came from a foul on Mark Noble and we have created several really good chances and scored two good goals. There have been a lot of positives for Ravel Morrison tonight. He has worked extremely hard for the team and has come up with a moment of quality which is great to see. Youngsters Ruddock, Lee and Lletget are now getting a chance to impress as well. Pelly has settled in quickly into the back four and we're defending well as a team as well."
76 mins - West Ham slowing the game down with Nolan being replaced by Lletget in midfield. Nolan gets some whistles on his way off. I bet he doesn't care a jot.
75 mins - Cisse is on for the final 15 minutes for Carrillo. Seconds later, O'Brien sees yellow for a foul.
72 mins - West Ham are controlling the game here. Meanwhile, you can watch the Hammers take to the pitch and warm-up in Portimao ahead of tonight's game on the Official West Ham TV YouTube channel.
67 mins - Changes for both sides as Eduardo replaces Martins in the Sporting midfield and Pelly Ruddock is on for Tomkins at the back for West Ham.
66 mins - It's a corner for West Ham as a cross from the left flicks off the head of a Sporting defender, but Noble's kick is cleared.
64 mins - Big chance for West Ham as Nolan wins the ball back and finds Cole. He looks up and wants to find his captain in the middle, but the No26 over-hits the pass. Cole is frustrated and waves his arms to show it. He has more quality than that.
60 mins - Before the re-start, Elliot Lee is on for Maiga up front. Big chance for the teenager. The crowd have been stunned by that two-goal salvo from the Hammers. Well, not all of them because the drummer is still drumming away to my right.
59 mins - GOAL! West Ham lead! It's a cracking goal, too. Rat feeds a superb pass inside for Morrison, who takes a touch and opens up his body before slamming a low shot into the bottom right-hand corner from all of 25 yards. Great strike from the youngster.
58 mins - GOAL! Rat's ball down the left is chased by Jarvis and he wins a throw off Marcel. Rat jogs forward and hurls the throw into the penalty area, where Maiga flicks it on with his head and Nolan ghosts in to tap home from six yards. Classic Nolan and West Ham are deservedly level.
56 mins - Noble is caught in possession just outside the box by Carrillo. The winger gets into the box and beats a defender with a neat drop of the shoulder. He shoots left-footed from no farther than 12 yards. Jaaskelainen makes a fine save with his left leg and Reid helps the ball around the post with his out-stretched left foot. A big let-off. Noble felt he was fouled and castigates the referee. The corner is cleared.
Lee Richardson: "The manager was keen for the players to focus on their football in his half-time team talk. There was a disappointment in the dressing room for two reasons - first, it wasn't handball and second that the penalty award came in the third minute of two minutes of added time. There is a feeling that the players and fans of Sporting are not being particularly sporting!"
51 mins - Rat lifts a free-kick into the box from halfway but it's an easy catch for Boeck. This is an even game now. West Ham definitely held the upper hand early on, but the Portuguese have got their noses in front and are holding their own. Morrison commits another foul and No5 Rojo rolls around for a while before recovering to take the free-kick. Nolan gives the centre-back a piece of his mind.
48 mins - The game is showing no signs of losing its edge as Morrison slides in and catches Martins with a late challenge. Referee Ricardo Martins plays on. Morrison is perhaps a bit lucky not to get a caution when the game is eventually stopped.
46 mins - West Ham win a corner within 45 seconds of the re-start but it comes to nothing.
Half-time score - Sporting Clube de Portugal 1-0 West Ham United
Taylor is being replaced by Rat at half-time. Sporting make two changes, with No43 Chaby on for Capel and No14 Carvalho on for Rinaudo. Both are straight swaps for the Portuguese side.
I've just seen a slow motion replay of the penalty decision and it appears that the ball hit Matt Taylor's chest and not his arm. Let's hope West Ham can take their frustration out on Sporting in terms of goals during the second half.
49 mins - Goal! Spain winger Capel steps up and strokes the penalty to Jaaskelainen's right. The goalkeeper goes the other way and Sporting lead. I have a feeling Big Sam is not going to be too happy about what has happened over the last couple of minutes. Capel celebrates as if Sporting have won the UEFA Champions League and the fans behind the goal rush to the front of the stand. The advertising board cannot hold them and there is a bit of an issue as a few fall over. Thankfully, it looks as if everyone has got away unhurt. West Ham kick-off and that's half-time. That was an eventful half of football, I must say.
48 mins - We're 30 seconds over the two minutes and Sporting have a penalty! Taylor is the man penalised for handball, but it looks a bit harsh. The ball bounced up as O'Brien challenged Montero inside the box. Capel...
45 mins - We'll have two added minutes. As we go into added time, the 24th foul of the game sees Nolan brought down.
44 mins - Capel is down on the turf again after being caught by Taylor. A yellow card for the West Ham left-back - the fourth of the game and a third for a Hammers player. Reid and Maiga have also been booked. Moments later, Montero has a shot from 25 yards and Jaaskelainen saves it. The Finn spills the low shot initially, but he's quick to pounce on the ball as it squirms a yard or two clear of him.
43 mins - Sporting have their best spell so far, working the ball from left to right before Fabiano plays a one-two and bursts on to the ball. He gets there and cuts the ball back from the byline, but Cole has tracked back and slides in to concede the corner. The flag kick comes to nothing.
38 mins - Rinaudo has a go from about 30 yards, but it's a daisy-cutter that misses the target by at least ten yards. Jaaskelainen watches it go by.
Lee Richardson: "The game has settled down a little bit. Both teams were guilty of one or two rash challenges. It often happens in so-called friendlies, but both teams need to focus on playing their football and not trying to outdo each other with who has been the biggest victim. The players have been complaining to the referee, but they are settling down a bit now. We've had 17 free-kicks already, according to our performance analyst Jamie Osman."
36 mins - Big Sam is out and patrolling the edge of his technical area. He is not happy about something or other.
34 mins - The West Ham physio is on for the first time, as is the club doctor, as Reid needs some treatment after being caught while winning a header inside the Sporting penalty area. It's a chance for the other players to have a welcome drink of water.
31 mins - It's been a niggly sort of game with quite a few free-kicks. Now, it's boiled over. First, Capel and Noble came together and the Sporting player went down and stayed there for a while holding his knee. Then, on the far side, Maiga is fouled with a knee in the back by No5 Rojo. Something then happens and Maiga springs to his feet to remonstrate with the Argentine. After some handbags involving at least a dozen players, the referee books Rojo and Maiga.
30 mins - It's been a very good half-hour from the Hammers, who have come within a lick of paint of taking the lead. Sporting are having no sustained periods of possession at all.
27 mins - Another free-kick to West Ham. This time it's Jarvis who is shoved to the ground by Marcal just to the left of the penalty area. Noble or Jarvis to take... Noble clips the ball into Nolan at the near post, but the skipper scuffs his volley and Boeck gathers easily.
25 mins - You can view an exclusive gallery of images from Portimao now on our Official Facebook page. It's a colourful occasion down here on the Algarve, where the Sporting fans have tried to turn the stadium into a green and white home from home complete with flags and drums.
23 mins - Carrillo threatens to get in down the left after O'Brien is caught slightly out of position after winning the initial header. Morrison tracks back 50 yards and puts the Peru winger under sufficient pressure that he can only cross the ball high and behind for a goal kick.
Lee Richardson: "We will be reasonably pleased with how we've gone so far. Sporting are a good side and have ability in possession. We have had the best of the game so far and have looked defensively solid, as we always do. We have created the best chances and most of the game is being played in Sporting's half. We are nullifying them. They are playing with one player, Martins, off the main striker and we've restricted them to counter attacks, really."
16 mins - Sporting have been stirred to life by that escape as a dangerous cross from right-back Marcel is cleared only as far as Martins. He lays off for Rinaudo, whose first-time effort from 25 yards hits Nolan and spins away for a throw.
13 mins - So close! A Tomkins free-kick causes havoc as Reid nods it down again. The ball looks to have evaded everybody as it bounces across the penalty area but Morrison reacts quickest and shoots. The shot is blocked but the ball rolls only as far as Cole, who spins and thumps his effort against the post! The ball falls out to Nolan, who cannot control his first-time effort from about eight yards and it just clears the crossbar.
11 mins - Noble is fouled wide on the right. He swings in the free-kick towards Tomkins but the ball bounces away on the near side. Jarvis cannot control and it's a goal kick. West Ham probably on top now in terms of territory.
9 mins - Good strength and tenacity by Maiga to battle for the high ball and then again when it bounces up outside the D. He shapes to shoot and is brought down by Sporting captain Rinaudo. Chance for West Ham from a free-kick right on the edge of the D. Noble, Morrison and Cole stand over the ball. Noble lays it off for Cole, who slams the shot into the wall.
Lee Richardson: "Both teams have started quite scrappily, trying to keep possession. They are cancelling each other out as they are both playing with 4-3-3 formations. The pitch also isn't of the best quality and consequently both sets of players are making errors with their passing."
6 mins - Best move so far from the Hammers as Maiga and Nolan swap passes before the Malian tries to play in his captain. Nolan doesn't have the pace to beat Welder Marcel, however, and the No2 clears. Seconds later, Reid catches Andre Martins on halfway and the No8 goes down theatrically. It's enough to earn Reid an early booking.
5 mins - Capel is left holding his face as Taylor mis-times his jump for a header. No harm done and the Spaniard is soon back to full working order.
3 mins - Tomkins is fouled on halfway and he takes the free-kick himself. The No5 picks out his fellow centre-back Reid on the edge of the box. He nods the ball inside towards Nolan, but the defender is there to volley clear.
61 secs - Sporting have the first chance as a loose clearance from Jaaskelainen falls to Carrillo. He cuts in from the left and rifles a 25-yarder that skims the bar on the way over the top. Some gasps from the sizeable crowd inside the stadium.
9.15pm - Sporting get us underway.
9.13pm - Here come the two teams, accompanied by a bit of 'We Will Rock You' by Queen.
9.10pm - I'm joined in the Press Box tonight by West Ham's club psychologist and former Blackburn Rovers and Aberdeen midfielder Lee Richardson. Lee also managed Chesterfield, so he'll be able to provide us with some professional insight.
9.05pm - Jack Collison, Alou Diarra and Ricardo Vaz Te aresitting out the game tonight. They will be available for tomorrow evening's meeting with SC Braga, however.
9pm - Apologies for the lack of updates over the last hour. I have been running around taking photographs and sorting out wifi access and the like! It's all go. Anyway, the sun has now set here in Portimao and we're only 15 minutes away from kick-off. To start with, here is the team news:
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, O'Brien, Taylor, Tomkins, Reid, Noble, Morrison, Nolan, Cole, Jarvis, Maiga
Subs: Adrian, Potts, Rat, Demel, Ruddock, Collins, Diame, Lletget, Lee
Sporting: Boeck, Marcal, Mauricio, Rojo, Martins, Capel, Fabiano, Montero, Carrillo, Rinaudo, Silva
Subs: Rui Patricio, Jefferson, Magrao, Carvalho, Eduardo, Semedo, Soares, Chaby, Cisse
Good evening and welcome to the warm and sunny Algarve for tonight's pre-season Guadiana Tournament opener between West Ham United and Sporting Clube de Portugal - the club better known in England as Sporting Lisbon.
The Hammers arrived in Portugal on Sunday afternoon and the players held a light training session at the team base in Lagos on Monday morning before getting some welcome rest ahead of tonight's game.
The three-team pre-season Guadiana Tournament is being held at the Estádio Municipal de Portimão, a few miles east of Lagos. The competition also features SC Braga, who West Ham will tackle at the same venue on Tuesday evening, with kick-off again at 9.15pm.
It promises to be a late night, whatever happens, as a penalty shootout will be held following the final whistle to determine final group placings in the event of teams finishing level on points, goal difference and goals. The Hammers chose not to practice their spot-kicks after training this morning, so I'm afraid I don't know who will be stepping up to have a go from 12 yards later on!
Tonight's opponents are 18-times Portuguese champions but the men in green and white hoops have fallen on lean times in recent years, having not won the Primeira Division since the 2001/02 season. Sporting finished seventh in the Primeira Liga last season.
Managed by Leonardo Jardim, the club from the capital will be hoping to bounce back this term. Among the star names in Jardim's squad are Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio, Argentina defender Marcos Rojo, Spain winger Diego Capel and Peru forward Andre Carrillo.
Team news-wise, West Ham manager Sam Allardyce will be without centre forward Andy Carroll (heel) and George McCartney (knee), who have remained at Chadwell Heath for treatment. Jack Collison and Alou Diarra will sit out tonight as they are both expected to be involved from the start against Braga on Tuesday.
Sporting have been very active in the transfer market this summer, signing Brazilian trio left-back Jefferson from Estoril, right-back Weldinho from Palmeiras and centre-back Mauricio from Sport Recife, Colombia forward Fredy Montero from Seattle Sounders and Guinea striker Salim Cissé from Academica de Coimbra.
West Ham will be meeting Sporting for the second time in their history, having previously welcomed the 18-times Portuguese champions to the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday 7 May 1996 for a match to celebrate the Hammers' centenary.
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Macca hails Sporting success
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald hailed the 3-2 Guadiana Tournament win over Sporting Clube de Portugal as a 'brilliant exercise'
06.08.2013
Neil McDonald hailed West Ham United's action-packed 3-2 Guadiana Tournament victory over Sporting Clube de Portugal as a 'brilliant exercise'. The Hammers assistant manager witnessed a thrilling game that saw his side battle back from a goal down to lead 3-1 before resisting a late comeback from the 18-times Portuguese champions in Portimao on Monday. After a first half largely dominated by the English side, Sporting took the lead in the third minute of added time through a disputed Diego Capel penalty given for an alleged handball against Matt Taylor. West Ham used the perceived injustice to launch a second half onslaught. Kevin Nolan levelled with a tap-in from Modibo Maiga's flick-on after 58 minutes before Ravel Morrison put West Ham in front with a precise finish within 60 seconds. Morrison appeared to make the game safe when he headed in Joe Cole's cross on 79 minutes, only for William Carvalho's 84th-minute goal to set up a nervous ending. Following a surreal post-match penalty shootout held to decide final finishing positions in the event of teams ending level, which ended 4-4, McDonald spoke to West Ham TV.
"It was a brilliant exercise," said Sam Allardyce's No2. "There was a lot of physicality and we were playing against a referee who wasn't really giving much in our favour. "The boys held strong and stuck together and we played with a fantastic tempo, which I thought was really, really good. We scored some good goals. "We still need to work on not conceding because we didn't want to concede two goals, but all in all it was an absolutely brilliant run out. We're happy because that was the best tempo we've played with all pre-season and we're all really pleased with the game."
Like Big Sam had done before kick-off, McDonald hailed his players for their ability to play their football, despite five of them being booked by the referee and the hostile atmosphere created by the vocal Sporting fans. "It was the highest tempo we've played at in pre-season, which was great. We have got two weeks to go until Cardiff and that was the perfect workout. "Everybody has almost come through 90 minutes and we made some changes with Tuesday's game in mind because we must be strong against Braga because they are a Champions League team. We're looking forward to that game. "We're really, really pleased with everybody's performance and it gives us good heart with two games to go until we start the Barclays Premier League season. "We've played Sporting before [during our time at Bolton] and they really get stuck in and are really physical and also try to play some good football, but we held strong. "I think they probably had only one shot from distance in the first half and then the penalty, which I don't think it was. It was rather harsh and the referee has probably given an easy one there to get everybody on his side. "We stayed strong, as I said, and kept playing the way we try to play and to get it down and keep the ball and we scored some really good goals. "As I keep repeating, the tempo of everything that we did was the best it has been in pre-season so that holds us in good stead with the Braga game on Tuesday and leading on to the Cardiff game on 17 August."
McDonald closed by speaking positively about the impact made by young midfielder Morrison following his return from a successful loan spell at Championship side Birmingham City last season. The former Manchester United youngster got his career back on track under the guidance of Blues manager Lee Clark and the Hammers assistant is now hoping he will continue to make progress in a West Ham shirt. "He has certainly grown up a touch. With all due respect, when he first came from Manchester United he thought he was the top kid and he was going to walk straight into our team and it certainly doesn't work like that.
"We sent him away to get the experience at Birmingham and he's certainly come back and he's used that experience. "He had some experience around him as well [in midfield] with Kevin Nolan and Mark Noble pulling and pushing him, as you'd expect. If we can get him on the ball in the final third then he can produce and he's produced two goals on Monday. "He missed his penalty at the end but that's good experience for him. He's come back in good shape, just like the rest of them."
*Tickets for Tuesday's Guadiana Tournament meeting with Portuguese Primeira Division side SC Braga will be available on the night from the Estádio Municipal de Portimão, priced at €12.50. West Ham United fans are urged to sit in the East Stand.
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Sporting Lisbon 2-3 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 5th August 2013
By: Staff Writer
A second half brace from Ravel Morrison helped West Ham to a morale-boosting victory against one of Portugal's 'big three'. Sporting - who along with Benfica and Porto complete the triumvirate of Portugal's domestic giants - were considered favourites to win the Torneio do Guadiana going into the competition.
However the tables were well and truly turned as the Sportinguistas were well beaten by a West Ham team consisting of a mix of first team and fringe players, on a night to remember for the small group of travelling Hammers fans who were able to make the trip to the Algarve.
Having started strongly, West Ham went agonisingly close to opening the scoring when Joe Cole's 13th minute effort cannoned back off the inside of the far post. Kevin Nolan was left with egg on his face when he failed to convert the rebound; an open goal which he put clean over the bar.
Tempers flared on the half-hour mark when a poor challenge on West Ham striker Modibo Maiga sparked a free-for-all after the United striker reacted angrily to what was just the latest of a string of poor challenges on him. The resulting melee saw both Maiga and his nemesis booked, presumably for sparking the incident.
Despite their first half dominance, West Ham were to go into the break a goal behind after Sporting scored from the penalty spot in first half injury time. Matt Taylor was justifiably angry at being penalised for handling a ball that was struck at him from point blank range; his protests in vain, Spanish forward Capel stepped up to send Jussi Jaaskelainen the wrong way.
With Taylor replaced by Razvan Rat at the break, West Ham continued to look the stronger side and got their reward 12 minutes after the restart. Sporting were caught flat-footed as a quick throw was nodded into the six-yard box by Maiga, where Nolan was waiting to pounce in typical fashion.
Still reeling from conceding the equaliser, Sporting found themselves a goal behind just 60 seconds later when a bursting run from midfield by the impressive Ravel Morrison culminated in the teenager firing across goal into the bottom left-hand corner to put West Ham 2-1 ahead.
The game should have been put to bed with just over ten minutes of normal time remaining when Man of the Match Morrison grabbed his second goal of the evening. Joe Cole, who was also excellent throughout curled in a cross from the left touchline which an unmarked Morrison guided into the bottom corner of the net.
However Sporting ensured that the audience - both in the stadium and around the globe via the internet - were kept on tenterhooks until the final whistle when Eduardo's 84th-minute free kick appeared to miss everyone before finding the back of the net.
William Carvalho may have got the slightest of nicks but either way, it was poor defending from West Ham (even if the free kick that led to the goal should never have been awarded against Joe Cole, whose shoulder to shoulder challenge was within the laws of the game).
A frantic few minutes of injury time followed before the final whistle confirmed what was a very impressive win for an experimental United side. Sam Allardyce will no doubt be delighted at what he saw - and, in particularly, the performance of Ravel Morrison who continues to impress in pre-season.
* A post-match penalty shootout to decide tournament placings in the event of a tie ended in a fairly unique 4-4 draw. Mark Noble, Elliot Lee, Matt Jarvis and Joe Cole converted their spot kicks whilst Ravel Morrison was the only Hammer to miss.
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West Ham abandon transfer interest in striker Ilombe Mboyo as rape conviction sparks fan protests
5 Aug 2013 22:31
The Mirror
West Ham chairman David Sullivan has confirmed the club have scrapped a move for a striker once jailed for his part in a gang-rape. The Hammers had considered signing Belgium international Ilombe Mboyo, 26. The Gent marksman hit 20 goals last season and would have played on the right side of attack, a position West Ham have been trying to fill for several weeks. Angry fans have bombarded social media demanding the club abandon the bid, however, after it emerged Mboyo served three years of an eight-year sentence for his part in the gang-rape of a 14-year-old when he was just 16. Sullivan confirmed to Mirror Sport that the Hammers have considered the feelings of the club's fans and pulled the plug. The Upton Park supremo insisted the club's response to the backlash is similar to the one that saw them shelve plans to sign bad-boy El Hadji Diouf two years ago. Sullivan said: "I couldn't go against the supporters. We wanted their opinions and they seem to have said no. "We didn't sign El Hadji Diouf when the supporters indicated he'd not be acceptable to the club. We will not proceed on this occasion either."
Mboyo, who was a Norwich target in last season's winter window, was described by Manchester City as 'a rare pearl' after he came through Anderlecht's academy. During the striker's time in jail, he enrolled in a rehabilitation scheme called Football In Prison and trained with Belgian club Charleroi. A move there was confirmed after his release and he continued his career with moved to Kortrijk and Gent. Only last October, Mboyo replaced Aston Villa's Christian Benteke in Belgium's 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Scotland. Fan revulsion at his inclusion at the time, however, was such that the Belgium FA were forced to defend themselves against widespread criticism. Belgian FA president Francois De Keersmaeker said: "Once someone's time in the cells ends, they don't necessarily have to be lost to society. "It's too easy to stigmatise. Mboyo could be an example for young people who go down the wrong path."
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West Ham Beat Sporting Lisbon in Preseason Thriller, See Ravel Morrison Goals
BY KARL MATCHETT (WORLD FOOTBALL STAFF WRITER) ON AUGUST 5, 2013
Bleacherreport.com
West Ham United picked up an impressive win in Portugal as they defeated Sporting Lisbon in their latest preseason friendly. The Hammers won the match 3-2 after a good showing from troubled youngster Ravel Morrison, before a quirky finish saw a penalty shootout end in a 4-4 draw. Diego Capel scored a first-half penalty to put the Portuguese team ahead, but West Ham turned the match around with two goals in two minutes just before the hour mark. First it was Kevin Nolan who ghosted into the six-yard box to tap home after a long throw-in, before Morrison scored his first of the night and the best goal of the game, firing home from 20 yards. Razvan Rat, a new left-back signing from Shakhtar Donetsk, was instrumental in both goals and he had a hand in the third too, combining with Joe Cole, who crossed for Morrison to head home his second and put West Ham up 3-1.
William Carvalho got a slight flick on a free kick with just a few minutes left on the clock to pull one back for the hosts, but West Ham hung on to record a fine victory. Following an intensive preseason programme, this was West Ham's eighth friendly of the summer and their seventh victory, with only a defeat to German side FSV Mainz spoiling Sam Allardyce and his side's run of form. This game against Sporting was part of the Toerneio do Guardiana, with the Hammers due to face Sporting Braga 24 hours after this match in the second fixture. The 3-2 win after 90 minutes wasn't the only action though; a penalty shootout was held at the end of the game, supposedly to aid determining the competition winners if teams finished level on points, goals and goal difference—but the shootout itself ended in a draw!
Ravel Morrison scored twice during the match, but the former Manchester United youngster couldn't make it a hat-trick of successful finishes as he saw his spot-kick saved. Mark Noble, Elliot Lee, Matt Jarvis and Joe Cole scored the other penalties. West Ham finished last season in 10th place in the Premier League and will hope to build on that during the coming campaign, though the only significant outlay thus far in the transfer market has been to make permanent the loan of Andy Carroll. Left-back Rat, however, showed that there is plenty of value for Allardyce to pick up on free transfers too, and his performance will have given more positives to his boss.
West Ham play Premier League newcomers Cardiff City on the opening day of the new season.
See the goals here : http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1728270-west-ham-beat-sporting-lisbon-in-preseason-thriller-see-ravel-morrison-goals?
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Ravel Morrison scores twice and Kevin Nolan once in the Hammers' victory at the Guadiana Tournament
05.08.2013
SPORTING CLUBE DE PORTUGAL v WEST HAM UNITED
TORNEIO DO GUADIANA
ESTÁDIO MUNICIPAL DE PORTIMÃO
MONDAY 5 AUGUST 2013
KICK-OFF: 9.15PM
Final score - Sporting Clube de Portugal 2-3 West Ham United
Penalty shootout
The penalty shootout held to decide final placings if the teams finish level on points, goals and goal difference has finished...level! Madness. I have no idea what the point of that shootout was but it's all over. West Ham have won the match 3-2 and drawn the shootout 4-4. An entertaining and satisfying evening for the Hammers. Don't forget, we'll be back here in Portimao in about 21 hours to do it all again when we take on SC Braga. Join us then! Also, if you want to watch us in action against Pacos de Ferreira at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday, you can get tickets now!
Sporting Clube de Portugal 4-4 West Ham United - It's all level again as Cole sends the goalkeeper the wrong way. And to complete a ridiculous evening, that's it!!
Sporting Clube de Portugal 4-3 West Ham United - Brilliant! Rojo does a Chris Waddle and smashes his penalty over the top. Joe Cole to level things up...
Sporting Clube de Portugal 4-3 West Ham United - He does. Jarvis slots the ball into the bottom left-hand corner. Rojo...
Sporting Clube de Portugal 4-2 West Ham United - Mauricio puts the penalty to Jaaskelainen's left again! Again, the Finn cannot reach it. Jarvis must score...
Sporting Clube de Portugal 3-2 West Ham United - Elliot Lee sends Boeck the wrong way. West Ham still in this...
Sporting Clube de Portugal 3-1 West Ham United - Advantage Sporting in the strangest penalty shootout in history as Chaby smashes his spot-kick high into the net.
Sporting Clube de Portugal 2-1 West Ham United - Morrison sees his penalty straight down the middle saved by the legs of Boeck.
Sporting Clube de Portugal 2-1 West Ham United - Eduardo puts the ball in the same place! Jaaskelainen again goes the right way but cannot get there.
Sporting Clube de Portugal 1-1 West Ham United - Noble runs up and slides the ball low into the same bottom corner as Carvalho. That hit the side netting. Great penalty. Eduardo next for Sporting.
Sporting Clube de Portugal 1-0 West Ham United - Carvalho puts the ball past Jaaskelainen's dive into the bottom left-hand corner. Noble...
OK, don't go anywhere as we now have the penalty shootout! Carvalho is going to take the first one for Sporting...
Lee Richardson: "That was a really pleasing performance. The manager, the coaching staff and the players will all be really happy. The only slight disappointment in the second half was conceding from the free-kick. However, it looked a very harsh decision to give a foul against Joe Cole. Saying that, you still have to defend the set piece. Probably the most pleasing thing of all for everyone would be seeing Ravel Morrison showing his potential."
93 mins - Into the final minute and Sporting have won a throw deep in West Ham territory. Centre-back Rojo dances into the box and the crowd rises, but his cut-back falls to a claret and blue shirt and West Ham survive. Another cross comes over a few seconds later and Reid heads out. Carvalho delivers again and Rat hacks upfield. The final whistle is blown and West Ham have won!
91 mins - We're into three minutes of added time. The Sporting fans don't like it. There's a shock. Don't forget we're going to have a penalty shootout after the game, too!
90 mins - Cole deflects a Fabiano cross behind for a corner. It is the little man Jarvis who is there at the near post to head clear. Well done Jarvo!
88 mins - Montero throws himself to the turf as a high ball forward comes towards the West Ham box. Reid did nothing wrong and thankfully the referee agrees.
86 mins - Mr Martins obviously likes his paperwork as he books Jaaskelainen for time-wasting as he prepares to take a free-kick. The Sporting fans boo and whistle every decision made against their team. It's been a really competitive game, this. Will there be any more late drama?
84 mins - Goal! Maybe it isn't over? Joe Cole is penalised for a foul wide on the right and the free-kick is curled over by Eduardo. No14 William Carvalho gets the slightest of touches and the ball bounces past a helpless Jaaskelainen and into the net.
80 mins - Sporting bring on Magrao for Silva in midfield.
79 mins - GOAL! West Ham have surely won this now and it's Morrison again! Lee Richardson taps me on the leg and says 'Right on cue!' and he's entitled to. Rat's initialy shot is charged down but Lletget retains possession and he finds Cole in space on the left. The England man spins and curls a superb cross that finds Morrison completely unmarked six yards out. He jumps and glances the header into the net, giving the goalkeeper no chance.
Lee Richardson: "We have completely dominated the second half. We have bossed the possession and have nullified them completely as an attacking force. Their only chance came from a foul on Mark Noble and we have created several really good chances and scored two good goals. There have been a lot of positives for Ravel Morrison tonight. He has worked extremely hard for the team and has come up with a moment of quality which is great to see. Youngsters Ruddock, Lee and Lletget are now getting a chance to impress as well. Pelly has settled in quickly into the back four and we're defending well as a team as well."
76 mins - West Ham slowing the game down with Nolan being replaced by Lletget in midfield. Nolan gets some whistles on his way off. I bet he doesn't care a jot.
75 mins - Cisse is on for the final 15 minutes for Carrillo. Seconds later, O'Brien sees yellow for a foul.
72 mins - West Ham are controlling the game here. Meanwhile, you can watch the Hammers take to the pitch and warm-up in Portimao ahead of tonight's game on the Official West Ham TV YouTube channel.
67 mins - Changes for both sides as Eduardo replaces Martins in the Sporting midfield and Pelly Ruddock is on for Tomkins at the back for West Ham.
66 mins - It's a corner for West Ham as a cross from the left flicks off the head of a Sporting defender, but Noble's kick is cleared.
64 mins - Big chance for West Ham as Nolan wins the ball back and finds Cole. He looks up and wants to find his captain in the middle, but the No26 over-hits the pass. Cole is frustrated and waves his arms to show it. He has more quality than that.
60 mins - Before the re-start, Elliot Lee is on for Maiga up front. Big chance for the teenager. The crowd have been stunned by that two-goal salvo from the Hammers. Well, not all of them because the drummer is still drumming away to my right.
59 mins - GOAL! West Ham lead! It's a cracking goal, too. Rat feeds a superb pass inside for Morrison, who takes a touch and opens up his body before slamming a low shot into the bottom right-hand corner from all of 25 yards. Great strike from the youngster.
58 mins - GOAL! Rat's ball down the left is chased by Jarvis and he wins a throw off Marcel. Rat jogs forward and hurls the throw into the penalty area, where Maiga flicks it on with his head and Nolan ghosts in to tap home from six yards. Classic Nolan and West Ham are deservedly level.
56 mins - Noble is caught in possession just outside the box by Carrillo. The winger gets into the box and beats a defender with a neat drop of the shoulder. He shoots left-footed from no farther than 12 yards. Jaaskelainen makes a fine save with his left leg and Reid helps the ball around the post with his out-stretched left foot. A big let-off. Noble felt he was fouled and castigates the referee. The corner is cleared.
Lee Richardson: "The manager was keen for the players to focus on their football in his half-time team talk. There was a disappointment in the dressing room for two reasons - first, it wasn't handball and second that the penalty award came in the third minute of two minutes of added time. There is a feeling that the players and fans of Sporting are not being particularly sporting!"
51 mins - Rat lifts a free-kick into the box from halfway but it's an easy catch for Boeck. This is an even game now. West Ham definitely held the upper hand early on, but the Portuguese have got their noses in front and are holding their own. Morrison commits another foul and No5 Rojo rolls around for a while before recovering to take the free-kick. Nolan gives the centre-back a piece of his mind.
48 mins - The game is showing no signs of losing its edge as Morrison slides in and catches Martins with a late challenge. Referee Ricardo Martins plays on. Morrison is perhaps a bit lucky not to get a caution when the game is eventually stopped.
46 mins - West Ham win a corner within 45 seconds of the re-start but it comes to nothing.
Half-time score - Sporting Clube de Portugal 1-0 West Ham United
Taylor is being replaced by Rat at half-time. Sporting make two changes, with No43 Chaby on for Capel and No14 Carvalho on for Rinaudo. Both are straight swaps for the Portuguese side.
I've just seen a slow motion replay of the penalty decision and it appears that the ball hit Matt Taylor's chest and not his arm. Let's hope West Ham can take their frustration out on Sporting in terms of goals during the second half.
49 mins - Goal! Spain winger Capel steps up and strokes the penalty to Jaaskelainen's right. The goalkeeper goes the other way and Sporting lead. I have a feeling Big Sam is not going to be too happy about what has happened over the last couple of minutes. Capel celebrates as if Sporting have won the UEFA Champions League and the fans behind the goal rush to the front of the stand. The advertising board cannot hold them and there is a bit of an issue as a few fall over. Thankfully, it looks as if everyone has got away unhurt. West Ham kick-off and that's half-time. That was an eventful half of football, I must say.
48 mins - We're 30 seconds over the two minutes and Sporting have a penalty! Taylor is the man penalised for handball, but it looks a bit harsh. The ball bounced up as O'Brien challenged Montero inside the box. Capel...
45 mins - We'll have two added minutes. As we go into added time, the 24th foul of the game sees Nolan brought down.
44 mins - Capel is down on the turf again after being caught by Taylor. A yellow card for the West Ham left-back - the fourth of the game and a third for a Hammers player. Reid and Maiga have also been booked. Moments later, Montero has a shot from 25 yards and Jaaskelainen saves it. The Finn spills the low shot initially, but he's quick to pounce on the ball as it squirms a yard or two clear of him.
43 mins - Sporting have their best spell so far, working the ball from left to right before Fabiano plays a one-two and bursts on to the ball. He gets there and cuts the ball back from the byline, but Cole has tracked back and slides in to concede the corner. The flag kick comes to nothing.
38 mins - Rinaudo has a go from about 30 yards, but it's a daisy-cutter that misses the target by at least ten yards. Jaaskelainen watches it go by.
Lee Richardson: "The game has settled down a little bit. Both teams were guilty of one or two rash challenges. It often happens in so-called friendlies, but both teams need to focus on playing their football and not trying to outdo each other with who has been the biggest victim. The players have been complaining to the referee, but they are settling down a bit now. We've had 17 free-kicks already, according to our performance analyst Jamie Osman."
36 mins - Big Sam is out and patrolling the edge of his technical area. He is not happy about something or other.
34 mins - The West Ham physio is on for the first time, as is the club doctor, as Reid needs some treatment after being caught while winning a header inside the Sporting penalty area. It's a chance for the other players to have a welcome drink of water.
31 mins - It's been a niggly sort of game with quite a few free-kicks. Now, it's boiled over. First, Capel and Noble came together and the Sporting player went down and stayed there for a while holding his knee. Then, on the far side, Maiga is fouled with a knee in the back by No5 Rojo. Something then happens and Maiga springs to his feet to remonstrate with the Argentine. After some handbags involving at least a dozen players, the referee books Rojo and Maiga.
30 mins - It's been a very good half-hour from the Hammers, who have come within a lick of paint of taking the lead. Sporting are having no sustained periods of possession at all.
27 mins - Another free-kick to West Ham. This time it's Jarvis who is shoved to the ground by Marcal just to the left of the penalty area. Noble or Jarvis to take... Noble clips the ball into Nolan at the near post, but the skipper scuffs his volley and Boeck gathers easily.
25 mins - You can view an exclusive gallery of images from Portimao now on our Official Facebook page. It's a colourful occasion down here on the Algarve, where the Sporting fans have tried to turn the stadium into a green and white home from home complete with flags and drums.
23 mins - Carrillo threatens to get in down the left after O'Brien is caught slightly out of position after winning the initial header. Morrison tracks back 50 yards and puts the Peru winger under sufficient pressure that he can only cross the ball high and behind for a goal kick.
Lee Richardson: "We will be reasonably pleased with how we've gone so far. Sporting are a good side and have ability in possession. We have had the best of the game so far and have looked defensively solid, as we always do. We have created the best chances and most of the game is being played in Sporting's half. We are nullifying them. They are playing with one player, Martins, off the main striker and we've restricted them to counter attacks, really."
16 mins - Sporting have been stirred to life by that escape as a dangerous cross from right-back Marcel is cleared only as far as Martins. He lays off for Rinaudo, whose first-time effort from 25 yards hits Nolan and spins away for a throw.
13 mins - So close! A Tomkins free-kick causes havoc as Reid nods it down again. The ball looks to have evaded everybody as it bounces across the penalty area but Morrison reacts quickest and shoots. The shot is blocked but the ball rolls only as far as Cole, who spins and thumps his effort against the post! The ball falls out to Nolan, who cannot control his first-time effort from about eight yards and it just clears the crossbar.
11 mins - Noble is fouled wide on the right. He swings in the free-kick towards Tomkins but the ball bounces away on the near side. Jarvis cannot control and it's a goal kick. West Ham probably on top now in terms of territory.
9 mins - Good strength and tenacity by Maiga to battle for the high ball and then again when it bounces up outside the D. He shapes to shoot and is brought down by Sporting captain Rinaudo. Chance for West Ham from a free-kick right on the edge of the D. Noble, Morrison and Cole stand over the ball. Noble lays it off for Cole, who slams the shot into the wall.
Lee Richardson: "Both teams have started quite scrappily, trying to keep possession. They are cancelling each other out as they are both playing with 4-3-3 formations. The pitch also isn't of the best quality and consequently both sets of players are making errors with their passing."
6 mins - Best move so far from the Hammers as Maiga and Nolan swap passes before the Malian tries to play in his captain. Nolan doesn't have the pace to beat Welder Marcel, however, and the No2 clears. Seconds later, Reid catches Andre Martins on halfway and the No8 goes down theatrically. It's enough to earn Reid an early booking.
5 mins - Capel is left holding his face as Taylor mis-times his jump for a header. No harm done and the Spaniard is soon back to full working order.
3 mins - Tomkins is fouled on halfway and he takes the free-kick himself. The No5 picks out his fellow centre-back Reid on the edge of the box. He nods the ball inside towards Nolan, but the defender is there to volley clear.
61 secs - Sporting have the first chance as a loose clearance from Jaaskelainen falls to Carrillo. He cuts in from the left and rifles a 25-yarder that skims the bar on the way over the top. Some gasps from the sizeable crowd inside the stadium.
9.15pm - Sporting get us underway.
9.13pm - Here come the two teams, accompanied by a bit of 'We Will Rock You' by Queen.
9.10pm - I'm joined in the Press Box tonight by West Ham's club psychologist and former Blackburn Rovers and Aberdeen midfielder Lee Richardson. Lee also managed Chesterfield, so he'll be able to provide us with some professional insight.
9.05pm - Jack Collison, Alou Diarra and Ricardo Vaz Te aresitting out the game tonight. They will be available for tomorrow evening's meeting with SC Braga, however.
9pm - Apologies for the lack of updates over the last hour. I have been running around taking photographs and sorting out wifi access and the like! It's all go. Anyway, the sun has now set here in Portimao and we're only 15 minutes away from kick-off. To start with, here is the team news:
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, O'Brien, Taylor, Tomkins, Reid, Noble, Morrison, Nolan, Cole, Jarvis, Maiga
Subs: Adrian, Potts, Rat, Demel, Ruddock, Collins, Diame, Lletget, Lee
Sporting: Boeck, Marcal, Mauricio, Rojo, Martins, Capel, Fabiano, Montero, Carrillo, Rinaudo, Silva
Subs: Rui Patricio, Jefferson, Magrao, Carvalho, Eduardo, Semedo, Soares, Chaby, Cisse
Good evening and welcome to the warm and sunny Algarve for tonight's pre-season Guadiana Tournament opener between West Ham United and Sporting Clube de Portugal - the club better known in England as Sporting Lisbon.
The Hammers arrived in Portugal on Sunday afternoon and the players held a light training session at the team base in Lagos on Monday morning before getting some welcome rest ahead of tonight's game.
The three-team pre-season Guadiana Tournament is being held at the Estádio Municipal de Portimão, a few miles east of Lagos. The competition also features SC Braga, who West Ham will tackle at the same venue on Tuesday evening, with kick-off again at 9.15pm.
It promises to be a late night, whatever happens, as a penalty shootout will be held following the final whistle to determine final group placings in the event of teams finishing level on points, goal difference and goals. The Hammers chose not to practice their spot-kicks after training this morning, so I'm afraid I don't know who will be stepping up to have a go from 12 yards later on!
Tonight's opponents are 18-times Portuguese champions but the men in green and white hoops have fallen on lean times in recent years, having not won the Primeira Division since the 2001/02 season. Sporting finished seventh in the Primeira Liga last season.
Managed by Leonardo Jardim, the club from the capital will be hoping to bounce back this term. Among the star names in Jardim's squad are Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio, Argentina defender Marcos Rojo, Spain winger Diego Capel and Peru forward Andre Carrillo.
Team news-wise, West Ham manager Sam Allardyce will be without centre forward Andy Carroll (heel) and George McCartney (knee), who have remained at Chadwell Heath for treatment. Jack Collison and Alou Diarra will sit out tonight as they are both expected to be involved from the start against Braga on Tuesday.
Sporting have been very active in the transfer market this summer, signing Brazilian trio left-back Jefferson from Estoril, right-back Weldinho from Palmeiras and centre-back Mauricio from Sport Recife, Colombia forward Fredy Montero from Seattle Sounders and Guinea striker Salim Cissé from Academica de Coimbra.
West Ham will be meeting Sporting for the second time in their history, having previously welcomed the 18-times Portuguese champions to the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday 7 May 1996 for a match to celebrate the Hammers' centenary.
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Macca hails Sporting success
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald hailed the 3-2 Guadiana Tournament win over Sporting Clube de Portugal as a 'brilliant exercise'
06.08.2013
Neil McDonald hailed West Ham United's action-packed 3-2 Guadiana Tournament victory over Sporting Clube de Portugal as a 'brilliant exercise'. The Hammers assistant manager witnessed a thrilling game that saw his side battle back from a goal down to lead 3-1 before resisting a late comeback from the 18-times Portuguese champions in Portimao on Monday. After a first half largely dominated by the English side, Sporting took the lead in the third minute of added time through a disputed Diego Capel penalty given for an alleged handball against Matt Taylor. West Ham used the perceived injustice to launch a second half onslaught. Kevin Nolan levelled with a tap-in from Modibo Maiga's flick-on after 58 minutes before Ravel Morrison put West Ham in front with a precise finish within 60 seconds. Morrison appeared to make the game safe when he headed in Joe Cole's cross on 79 minutes, only for William Carvalho's 84th-minute goal to set up a nervous ending. Following a surreal post-match penalty shootout held to decide final finishing positions in the event of teams ending level, which ended 4-4, McDonald spoke to West Ham TV.
"It was a brilliant exercise," said Sam Allardyce's No2. "There was a lot of physicality and we were playing against a referee who wasn't really giving much in our favour. "The boys held strong and stuck together and we played with a fantastic tempo, which I thought was really, really good. We scored some good goals. "We still need to work on not conceding because we didn't want to concede two goals, but all in all it was an absolutely brilliant run out. We're happy because that was the best tempo we've played with all pre-season and we're all really pleased with the game."
Like Big Sam had done before kick-off, McDonald hailed his players for their ability to play their football, despite five of them being booked by the referee and the hostile atmosphere created by the vocal Sporting fans. "It was the highest tempo we've played at in pre-season, which was great. We have got two weeks to go until Cardiff and that was the perfect workout. "Everybody has almost come through 90 minutes and we made some changes with Tuesday's game in mind because we must be strong against Braga because they are a Champions League team. We're looking forward to that game. "We're really, really pleased with everybody's performance and it gives us good heart with two games to go until we start the Barclays Premier League season. "We've played Sporting before [during our time at Bolton] and they really get stuck in and are really physical and also try to play some good football, but we held strong. "I think they probably had only one shot from distance in the first half and then the penalty, which I don't think it was. It was rather harsh and the referee has probably given an easy one there to get everybody on his side. "We stayed strong, as I said, and kept playing the way we try to play and to get it down and keep the ball and we scored some really good goals. "As I keep repeating, the tempo of everything that we did was the best it has been in pre-season so that holds us in good stead with the Braga game on Tuesday and leading on to the Cardiff game on 17 August."
McDonald closed by speaking positively about the impact made by young midfielder Morrison following his return from a successful loan spell at Championship side Birmingham City last season. The former Manchester United youngster got his career back on track under the guidance of Blues manager Lee Clark and the Hammers assistant is now hoping he will continue to make progress in a West Ham shirt. "He has certainly grown up a touch. With all due respect, when he first came from Manchester United he thought he was the top kid and he was going to walk straight into our team and it certainly doesn't work like that.
"We sent him away to get the experience at Birmingham and he's certainly come back and he's used that experience. "He had some experience around him as well [in midfield] with Kevin Nolan and Mark Noble pulling and pushing him, as you'd expect. If we can get him on the ball in the final third then he can produce and he's produced two goals on Monday. "He missed his penalty at the end but that's good experience for him. He's come back in good shape, just like the rest of them."
*Tickets for Tuesday's Guadiana Tournament meeting with Portuguese Primeira Division side SC Braga will be available on the night from the Estádio Municipal de Portimão, priced at €12.50. West Ham United fans are urged to sit in the East Stand.
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Sporting Lisbon 2-3 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 5th August 2013
By: Staff Writer
A second half brace from Ravel Morrison helped West Ham to a morale-boosting victory against one of Portugal's 'big three'. Sporting - who along with Benfica and Porto complete the triumvirate of Portugal's domestic giants - were considered favourites to win the Torneio do Guadiana going into the competition.
However the tables were well and truly turned as the Sportinguistas were well beaten by a West Ham team consisting of a mix of first team and fringe players, on a night to remember for the small group of travelling Hammers fans who were able to make the trip to the Algarve.
Having started strongly, West Ham went agonisingly close to opening the scoring when Joe Cole's 13th minute effort cannoned back off the inside of the far post. Kevin Nolan was left with egg on his face when he failed to convert the rebound; an open goal which he put clean over the bar.
Tempers flared on the half-hour mark when a poor challenge on West Ham striker Modibo Maiga sparked a free-for-all after the United striker reacted angrily to what was just the latest of a string of poor challenges on him. The resulting melee saw both Maiga and his nemesis booked, presumably for sparking the incident.
Despite their first half dominance, West Ham were to go into the break a goal behind after Sporting scored from the penalty spot in first half injury time. Matt Taylor was justifiably angry at being penalised for handling a ball that was struck at him from point blank range; his protests in vain, Spanish forward Capel stepped up to send Jussi Jaaskelainen the wrong way.
With Taylor replaced by Razvan Rat at the break, West Ham continued to look the stronger side and got their reward 12 minutes after the restart. Sporting were caught flat-footed as a quick throw was nodded into the six-yard box by Maiga, where Nolan was waiting to pounce in typical fashion.
Still reeling from conceding the equaliser, Sporting found themselves a goal behind just 60 seconds later when a bursting run from midfield by the impressive Ravel Morrison culminated in the teenager firing across goal into the bottom left-hand corner to put West Ham 2-1 ahead.
The game should have been put to bed with just over ten minutes of normal time remaining when Man of the Match Morrison grabbed his second goal of the evening. Joe Cole, who was also excellent throughout curled in a cross from the left touchline which an unmarked Morrison guided into the bottom corner of the net.
However Sporting ensured that the audience - both in the stadium and around the globe via the internet - were kept on tenterhooks until the final whistle when Eduardo's 84th-minute free kick appeared to miss everyone before finding the back of the net.
William Carvalho may have got the slightest of nicks but either way, it was poor defending from West Ham (even if the free kick that led to the goal should never have been awarded against Joe Cole, whose shoulder to shoulder challenge was within the laws of the game).
A frantic few minutes of injury time followed before the final whistle confirmed what was a very impressive win for an experimental United side. Sam Allardyce will no doubt be delighted at what he saw - and, in particularly, the performance of Ravel Morrison who continues to impress in pre-season.
* A post-match penalty shootout to decide tournament placings in the event of a tie ended in a fairly unique 4-4 draw. Mark Noble, Elliot Lee, Matt Jarvis and Joe Cole converted their spot kicks whilst Ravel Morrison was the only Hammer to miss.
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West Ham abandon transfer interest in striker Ilombe Mboyo as rape conviction sparks fan protests
5 Aug 2013 22:31
The Mirror
West Ham chairman David Sullivan has confirmed the club have scrapped a move for a striker once jailed for his part in a gang-rape. The Hammers had considered signing Belgium international Ilombe Mboyo, 26. The Gent marksman hit 20 goals last season and would have played on the right side of attack, a position West Ham have been trying to fill for several weeks. Angry fans have bombarded social media demanding the club abandon the bid, however, after it emerged Mboyo served three years of an eight-year sentence for his part in the gang-rape of a 14-year-old when he was just 16. Sullivan confirmed to Mirror Sport that the Hammers have considered the feelings of the club's fans and pulled the plug. The Upton Park supremo insisted the club's response to the backlash is similar to the one that saw them shelve plans to sign bad-boy El Hadji Diouf two years ago. Sullivan said: "I couldn't go against the supporters. We wanted their opinions and they seem to have said no. "We didn't sign El Hadji Diouf when the supporters indicated he'd not be acceptable to the club. We will not proceed on this occasion either."
Mboyo, who was a Norwich target in last season's winter window, was described by Manchester City as 'a rare pearl' after he came through Anderlecht's academy. During the striker's time in jail, he enrolled in a rehabilitation scheme called Football In Prison and trained with Belgian club Charleroi. A move there was confirmed after his release and he continued his career with moved to Kortrijk and Gent. Only last October, Mboyo replaced Aston Villa's Christian Benteke in Belgium's 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Scotland. Fan revulsion at his inclusion at the time, however, was such that the Belgium FA were forced to defend themselves against widespread criticism. Belgian FA president Francois De Keersmaeker said: "Once someone's time in the cells ends, they don't necessarily have to be lost to society. "It's too easy to stigmatise. Mboyo could be an example for young people who go down the wrong path."
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West Ham Beat Sporting Lisbon in Preseason Thriller, See Ravel Morrison Goals
BY KARL MATCHETT (WORLD FOOTBALL STAFF WRITER) ON AUGUST 5, 2013
Bleacherreport.com
West Ham United picked up an impressive win in Portugal as they defeated Sporting Lisbon in their latest preseason friendly. The Hammers won the match 3-2 after a good showing from troubled youngster Ravel Morrison, before a quirky finish saw a penalty shootout end in a 4-4 draw. Diego Capel scored a first-half penalty to put the Portuguese team ahead, but West Ham turned the match around with two goals in two minutes just before the hour mark. First it was Kevin Nolan who ghosted into the six-yard box to tap home after a long throw-in, before Morrison scored his first of the night and the best goal of the game, firing home from 20 yards. Razvan Rat, a new left-back signing from Shakhtar Donetsk, was instrumental in both goals and he had a hand in the third too, combining with Joe Cole, who crossed for Morrison to head home his second and put West Ham up 3-1.
William Carvalho got a slight flick on a free kick with just a few minutes left on the clock to pull one back for the hosts, but West Ham hung on to record a fine victory. Following an intensive preseason programme, this was West Ham's eighth friendly of the summer and their seventh victory, with only a defeat to German side FSV Mainz spoiling Sam Allardyce and his side's run of form. This game against Sporting was part of the Toerneio do Guardiana, with the Hammers due to face Sporting Braga 24 hours after this match in the second fixture. The 3-2 win after 90 minutes wasn't the only action though; a penalty shootout was held at the end of the game, supposedly to aid determining the competition winners if teams finished level on points, goals and goal difference—but the shootout itself ended in a draw!
Ravel Morrison scored twice during the match, but the former Manchester United youngster couldn't make it a hat-trick of successful finishes as he saw his spot-kick saved. Mark Noble, Elliot Lee, Matt Jarvis and Joe Cole scored the other penalties. West Ham finished last season in 10th place in the Premier League and will hope to build on that during the coming campaign, though the only significant outlay thus far in the transfer market has been to make permanent the loan of Andy Carroll. Left-back Rat, however, showed that there is plenty of value for Allardyce to pick up on free transfers too, and his performance will have given more positives to his boss.
West Ham play Premier League newcomers Cardiff City on the opening day of the new season.
See the goals here : http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1728270-west-ham-beat-sporting-lisbon-in-preseason-thriller-see-ravel-morrison-goals?
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Daily WHUFC News - 6th August 2013
Young Hammers enjoy successful Eurofoot
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Under-18s made the final of the Yale Eurofoot Tournament in Belgium
05.08.2013
West Ham United enjoyed a successful Eurofoot Tournament in Belgium over the weekend, reaching the final of the 12-team tournament but coming up just short against Danish club Nordsjaelland to claim second place. The annual pre-season tournament for under-19 teams brought together sides from Belgium, England, the Netherlands, France and Denmark for three days of competition. West Ham's youngsters faced five 50-minute games in the group stage, and won four of them - seeing off Club Brugge, AA Gent, Anderlecht and KV Oostende, before suffering their only first phase defeat to FC Utrecht. They topped the group with 12 points, Anderlecht finishing two points further back to book the second semi-final place. Sunday morning brought a semi-final meeting with Tottenham Hotspur, and after a 1-1 draw secured thanks to Nathan Mavila's second goal of the tournament, the Hammers prevailed 5-4 on penalties. The other semi-final also went down to a shootout, as Nordsjaelland got the better of Anderlecht 4-3 following a 0-0 stalemate. However, the Hammers could not carry their form into the final game and were edged out 1-0 by the Danes. The tournament also brought individual honours for the Hammers' Moses Makasi, who picked up the Player of the Tournament prize
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The Big Interview: Modibo Maiga
WHUFC.com
Modibo Maiga is determined to score goals for West Ham United and plenty of them
05.08.2013
West Ham United marksman Modibo Maiga has had as good a pre-season as just about anyone in claret and blue, with minutes under his belt and two goals to boot. It certainly bodes well for the Mali-born forward, who has his sights firmly set on a prolific second season for the Hammers. In his pursuit of those goals, the 25-year-old is prepared to put in the hard yards, vowing to work, work, and work some more to establish himself in the Barclays Premier League.
There are only two weeks until the start of the season, how do you assess your pre-season?
MM: "It [pre-season] has been pretty good. It's all preparation, so you have to prepare well in order to start well. That's why we build on core fitness until now. We've had a very good pre-season so far and we plan to continue to get ready right until the end."
Two goals, plenty of minutes, you must be full of confidence…
MM: "Of course, [goals and minutes] bring back the confidence. It brings back sharpness as well. Particularly, if you're a forward, you've got to score, however they come. So the goals really please me. They're a small bonus, even if they are just pre-season games. "We're always going to continue to prepare well, but the most important preparation is not just goals. We have to get back our rhythm, work hard and improve physically. That's the main objective."
Two slightly strange goals, wouldn't you say?
MM: "Yes, but I see it as a small reward [for the hard work]. It does me good as well."
A few days in Portugal now and the hard work continues…
MM: "That's for sure, the hard work continues. We're ready to work hard and that offsets the attacking work. Everyone knows that's the way it has to be, you've got to put a lot in. We've got this final stint in Portugal. We've got good professionals. We work, we're attentive and it's really going to help for the start of the season."
You're up against two top teams in Sporting Lisbon and Braga…
MM: "I think it's good, because until now, even in Germany, we've played against good teams. It's really good, it's good for the team. Because it enables us to measure our progress against good teams like that. It's a lot better [this way]. It's another great opportunity for us to get back into the swing of things.
You played against Braga last season, so you know them a bit…
MM: Well of course, we know them. Anyhow, it's not a pressured game. Last year, it was our first experience [of them], so we know, a little bit, what to expect. Even if the main aim is to improve physically.
What are your ambitions for this season?
MM: My ambition this year is to simply score a lot of goals. Play well and score a lot of goals. I want to be useful for the team. That's my ambition, but particularly to work, work and work some more.
Do you set yourself targets?
MM: "For me my target is to do more than last season. That's my aim and that has always been my aim. Always look to the future, rather than questioning yourself. Score lots of goals!"
We all remember your spectacular goal against Southampton, one of your best, perhaps?
MM: "Yes, but there aren't many to choose from at West Ham! But it's not one of the best in my career, I have scored better. For sure, it was pretty good. I always have that in my locker, it's part of my quality. And I hope to score even better goals for the Club."
The goal against Chelsea might have been simpler but it was obviously hugely important…
MM: "Very, very important, that's clear. Particularly to win against Chelsea. That gives it an extra edge, it was against Chelsea, that's normal. It was like a little present, a present from the sky. Everyone was so relieved. But I hope I'll have the chance to score a lot against Chelsea and others."
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Big Sam up for Portuguese tests
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is looking forward to seeing his West Ham United team in action at the Guadiana Tournament
05.08.2013
West Ham United have arrived in Portugal and manager Sam Allardyce is looking forward to see how his players shape up in the pre-season Guadiana Tournament. Big Sam's side take on Portuguese Primeira Division sides Sporting Clube de Portugal and SC Braga in Portimao on Monday and Tuesday evening respectively, with the manager expecting two stern examinations of his team's credentials. The Hammers landed in Faro on Sunday afternoon before boarding a coach for a 90-minute transfer to the team hotel. After a team meeting and a good night's sleep, the squad headed the short distance to the Municipal de Lagos stadium for a training session ahead of the 9.15pm kick-off. Tickets for the East Stand at the Estádio Municipal de Portimão will be on sale tonight, priced €12.50. West Ham were only confirmed as participants in the Guadiana Tournament last week, but the manager said he was delighted to take up the opportunity of facing two top-class sides in testing conditions. "The quality of the two games are what drew us to this late venue," the manager told West Ham TV. "They are two Champions League-quality teams in Sporting Lisbon and Braga. We played Braga last year at their own ground and we're playing them again in a mini tournament here in Portimao. "It's going to be a big test for the players, because not only is the quality of the opposition top-class, but also the heat and some of the lads having to cope with two games in two days. Some of them will play 90 minutes and some will play more over the next two days, so that will test their fitness. "We then have the game on 10 August at the Boleyn Ground and an unfortunate week of international friendly matches again, which takes a number of players away from us in a very important week. Every team has to suffer the same and it's not ideal preparation, but that's ahead. We're focusing at this moment on facing two outstanding teams and seeing what level we're at at this stage of the pre-season."
West Ham have been back in pre-season training for five weeks now and Big Sam said the emphasis of his preparations had now moved from the physical to the mental side of the game. The manager said the three remaining pre-season fixtures - the third at home to UEFA Champions League qualifiers Pacos de Ferreira on Saturday 10 August - would tell him whether or not his players are fully prepared for the 2013/14 Barclays Premier League season. "The physical side has been more than accomplished by now. I'm looking at the mental toughness and agility of the players. The fact of the matter is that when players go away for six weeks at the end of the season, their sub-conscious switches off and they relax. "Then, when they come back they have forgotten what the basics are and what is needed to be successful in a professional football team that plays in the Barclays Premier League. I've been talking about the mental side of these pre-season games since the start of our trip to Germany. "The trip to Germany was about fitness, training every day and feeling fatigue in your bodies and still playing. Now it's about switching on mentally and making the right decisions, playing your position as you should play it and making fewer mistakes than the opposition, because mistakes get punished at this level. It's often the opposition's outstanding talent, but their ability to punish your mistakes. "We want to see all their mental agility come into play over the next two days. Last year, when we were focused and drilled and we understood what our strengths and weaknesses were as a team, that's why we finished tenth. Hopefully we'll get back to that level by the time we've finished against Pacos de Ferreira on the 10 August."
While his focus is on tonight's Guadiana Tournament opener against Sporting Clube de Portugal, Big Sam has been on his mobile phone regularly discussing potential signings with the Board and head of player recruitment Martyn Glover. The manager revealed that the Hammers' attempts to supplement the squad had so far been unsuccessful due to a variety of reasons. "We've been hugely frustrated in our quest over the last three weeks or so, that any of the particular targets who we'd approached [haven't signed]. Whether it's been the player, the club or interference from another club 75 or 80 per cent through the deal attracting him to them rather than us, it has unfortunately left us with a blank space. "All we can keep doing is trying to find another player who wants to come to West Ham United who is better than what we have already got. That is the key point - better than we already have. We can't settle for a player to make the squad up or for a player who may play a bit-part. "This player has to be a top player, as far as I'm concerned, to make an impact. We have the same team as last season apart from the introduction of Adrian in goal and Razvan Rat at left-back, and we've lost more players than we've brought in, which is a slight concern to me. "We do have these funds available and we particularly felt last week that it was going to be two players coming in, but unfortunately both fell by the wayside. The deals are not totally dead, but they've not been clinched either, which has left me, the Chairmen and Martyn [Glover, head of player recruitment] extremely frustrated."
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Allardyce unfazed as kick off draws closer
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 5th August 2013
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has admitted that he is frustrated at West Ham's lack of movement in the transfer market. Since making his most recent capture - that of Romania full back Razvan Rat on a free transfer a month ago - Allardyce has been thwarted in his attempts to sign the likes of Salomon Kalou, Loic Remy, Duvan Zapata and Zdravko Kuzmanovic. However the 58-year-old Hammers boss confirmed that funds are available for the right player - and insists that he is not panicking, despite West Ham's season opener against Cardiff being less than a fortnight away. "We've been hugely frustrated in our quest over the last three weeks or so," Allardyce told whufc.com. "Whether it's been the player, the club or interference from another club attracting him to them rather than us, it has unfortunately left us with a blank space. "All we can keep doing is try to find another player who wants to come to West Ham United and who is better than what we have already got. That is the key point - better than we already have."
Allardyce has signed three first team squad players already this summer, with Andy Carroll, Adrian and Rat arriving since the end of the 21012/13 campaign. However he has also lost players such as Gary O'Neil and Carlton Cole, who are yet to be adequately replaced. That failure to introduce replacements of sufficient quality has however given fringe first team players such as Modibo Maiga and Ravel Morrison the opportunity to shine in pre-season, with both used heavily so far.
And whilst Allardyce believes that he is short of at least one top quality player who could slip straight into the first team - almost certainly on the right side of the forward line - he insists that he won't be making any compromises. "We can't settle for a player to make the squad up or for a player who may play a bit-part. This player has to be a top player, as far as I'm concerned, to make an impact," he added. "We've lost more players than we've brought in, which is a slight concern to me. "We do have funds available and we felt last week that two players were coming in, but unfortunately both fell by the wayside. The deals are not totally dead, but they've not been clinched either which has left me, the Chairmen and Martyn [Glover] extremely frustrated."
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West Ham's Andy Carroll desperate to make Premier League season opener
Last Updated: August 5, 2013 10:17am
SSN
Andy Carroll is working hard to be available for the start of West Ham United's Premier League campaign against Cardiff City. Carroll suffered a heel injury at the end of last season and manager Sam Allardyce has previously admitted he is unlikely to be fit for the clash with Cardiff on 17 August. However, Carroll is doing everything he can to return ahead of schedule and is desperate to take his place in the squad at the earliest possible opportunity. "I've been working hard," he said in the Daily Star. "I've been away to Germany with the lads and keeping myself as fit as I can with the work I can still do with my heel still being sore. "It's been tough but I've been working hard to be back for the start of the season."
Carroll made his move to Upton Park permanent this summer after spending last season on loan at the club from Liverpool, and he is itching to get back in action. He said: "I'm dying to get back kicking a ball again. I can't wait because the last time I kicked a ball was in the final game of last season. "Everyone is buzzing about and have come back in great form and great spirits, looking forward to the start of the season. "They have been working hard over the summer and can't wait for the beginning. "It is always important to get a win in the first game of the season. "Cardiff have just come up so will want to show what they are all about. We need to understand that and get a win under our belts."
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West Ham shelve bid for convicted rapist Mboyo after fans' backlash on Twitter
By LAURIE WHITWELL
PUBLISHED: 10:53, 5 August 2013 | UPDATED: 13:10, 5 August 2013
Daily Mail
West Ham appear set to pull the plug on a potential bid for controversial striker Ilombe Mboyo. The club have been considering an approach to sign the Belgium centre forward, who scored 20 goals for Gent last season, but his past as a convicted rapist has received criticism from fans. Mboyo served three years of an eight-year sentence for his part in the gang rape of a 14-year-old when he was 16. No deal: West Ham have stepped back from a bid for Gent striker Ilombe Mboyo, who was spent three years in prison for the gang rape of a 14-year-old girl when he was 16 . Now 26, the £5million-rated forward was being seen at West Ham as an alternative to Andy Carroll up front. But club officials were said to be split over the moral dilemma of purchasing a player with such a dark history and initial supporter backlash will be taken on board. Mboyo began his career at Anderlecht's academy alongside Vincent Kompany, who described the player at a 'rare pearl'. He moved to Club Brugge and in 2004 was convicted of participating in the rape of the under-age girl while a member of a Brussels street gang. Once inside he engaged in a rehabilitation programme called Football in Prison and on his release joined Charleroi, before going on to Gent in 2011. Last October, Mboyo came on for Christian Benteke in Belgium's 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Scotland but the country had to defend his selection.
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West Ham fans' anger over Sullivan jr 'rape' Tweet
West Ham United's co-owner David Sullivan is under intense pressure to intervene in the Twitter activities of his 13-year-old son Jack
by Hugh Southon
5th August 2013 10:02am BST
Exclusive
SportsDirect.com
West Ham United's co-owner David Sullivan is under intense pressure to intervene in the Twitter activities of his 13-year-old son Jack. The teenager has been at the centre of various storms in the past but his latest outburst has brought a horrified response from many of the club's fans. The teenager tweeted that the club were allegedly interested in Ilombe Mboyo of Gent who went to prison as a 16-year-old for his part in a gang rape of a 14-year-old child. Many fans were disturbed that 13-year-old Sullivan should pose the question: "How would you feel if we signed Mboyo of Gent? Terrible crime when he was 16, can he ever be forgiven? What do you think?"
Sullivan jr has regularly leaked club dealings on his account - on one occasion making it clear he was unhappy with Arsenal's Maroune Chamakh on loan from Arsenal and on another claiming the club would get better as a result of former midfielder Gary O'Neill deciding to leave. Many fans feel the club is showing itself as unprofessional by allowing this to continue although others have defended him in the past. However, his latest outburst met with almost universal twitter condemnation from the fans becoming increasingly indignant. Said one in a tweet to co-owner David Gold: "Wow!! Jack's tweet asking for fans opinion on a new signing. Disgrace!! DG this lad needs to be stopped, we are becoming a joke. And another - again directed at Gold said: "Have a bloody word - this kid is embarrassing us now! Bloody had enough!"
The increasingly angry barrage included such comments as: "If DS has knowledge it's irresponsible and let's face it who else would allow their 13-year-old to influence a multi-million business. "That account is now an open sore and has to be controlled if not shut down. Is anyone really surprised? This is David Sullivan. Highly controversial character! He won't change. "It could only be one account. Enough is enough. The club need to shut the account down." Many claimed Sullivan sr was behind the tweet and said: "If he wants to give us news he should make his own account not send a 13 year old to ask about rape!"
Another alleged: "It's DS using his own son as a front the club can disown when it hits the fan."
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West Ham transfer news: Club has Diame plan
Everton boss Roberto Martinez is believed to still be weighing up a bid for West Ham midfielder Mohamad Diame
SportsDirect.com
by Hugh Southon5th August 2013 1:25pm BST
Exclusive
Everton boss Roberto Martinez is believed to still be weighing up a bid for West Ham United midfielder Mohamed Diame. The Londoners insist there have been no enquiries for any of their players but after the intense speculation in January are bracing themselves for an approach. But the Hammers insist that should there be a hint of interest they are ready to sit down and renegotiate terms with the player. Sources on Merseyside have told SportsDirect News that Martinez is weighing up a £3.5 million move for the player - sufficient to trigger the release clause. However, West Ham are understood to have made it clear to the player and his agent Willie McKay in January they are ready to discuss new terms should they receive a firm inquiry. The player is currently on £40,000 a week and the Hammers would go close to £50,000 to retain the player so long as the release clause is removed. An Upton Park source said: "We are aware of the speculation but there has been no inquiry for him. Should there be we have our plans in place."
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West Ham 'Pull Out' Of Signing Rapist
Fan reaction to potential bid for Gent's Ilombe Mboyo overwhelmingly bad
Written by Jermaine Haughton
05/08/2013 05:02 PM
VoiceOnline.com
WEST HAM United have reportedly pulled out of a potential bid to sign a convicted rapist, following outrage from the club's fans. Gent striker Ilombe Mboyo was a passive member of a gang rape of a 14-year-old girl when he was 16 and subsequently spent three years of an eight-year sentence in prison. It is believed that West Ham were considering approaching Gent over a possible bid for the Belgian forward, who scored 20 goals last season, but a fans backlash put an end to the Hammers interest in Mboyo. Co-owner David Sullivan's son, Jack, took to Twitter to gauge followers' opinions about the 26-year-old and his past crime.
Sullivan tweeted: "How would you feel if we signed Mboyo of Gent? Terrible crime when he was 16, can he ever be forgiven? What do you think?" After an overwhelmingly negative response, Sullivan junior tweeted: "I'm sure we won't sign him. We respect your views." After his 2004 conviction, Mboyo was involved in the Football In Prison rehabilitation programme. Following a spell at Charleroi in 2008, Mboyo joined Gent in 2011 and has won two caps for Belgium.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Under-18s made the final of the Yale Eurofoot Tournament in Belgium
05.08.2013
West Ham United enjoyed a successful Eurofoot Tournament in Belgium over the weekend, reaching the final of the 12-team tournament but coming up just short against Danish club Nordsjaelland to claim second place. The annual pre-season tournament for under-19 teams brought together sides from Belgium, England, the Netherlands, France and Denmark for three days of competition. West Ham's youngsters faced five 50-minute games in the group stage, and won four of them - seeing off Club Brugge, AA Gent, Anderlecht and KV Oostende, before suffering their only first phase defeat to FC Utrecht. They topped the group with 12 points, Anderlecht finishing two points further back to book the second semi-final place. Sunday morning brought a semi-final meeting with Tottenham Hotspur, and after a 1-1 draw secured thanks to Nathan Mavila's second goal of the tournament, the Hammers prevailed 5-4 on penalties. The other semi-final also went down to a shootout, as Nordsjaelland got the better of Anderlecht 4-3 following a 0-0 stalemate. However, the Hammers could not carry their form into the final game and were edged out 1-0 by the Danes. The tournament also brought individual honours for the Hammers' Moses Makasi, who picked up the Player of the Tournament prize
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The Big Interview: Modibo Maiga
WHUFC.com
Modibo Maiga is determined to score goals for West Ham United and plenty of them
05.08.2013
West Ham United marksman Modibo Maiga has had as good a pre-season as just about anyone in claret and blue, with minutes under his belt and two goals to boot. It certainly bodes well for the Mali-born forward, who has his sights firmly set on a prolific second season for the Hammers. In his pursuit of those goals, the 25-year-old is prepared to put in the hard yards, vowing to work, work, and work some more to establish himself in the Barclays Premier League.
There are only two weeks until the start of the season, how do you assess your pre-season?
MM: "It [pre-season] has been pretty good. It's all preparation, so you have to prepare well in order to start well. That's why we build on core fitness until now. We've had a very good pre-season so far and we plan to continue to get ready right until the end."
Two goals, plenty of minutes, you must be full of confidence…
MM: "Of course, [goals and minutes] bring back the confidence. It brings back sharpness as well. Particularly, if you're a forward, you've got to score, however they come. So the goals really please me. They're a small bonus, even if they are just pre-season games. "We're always going to continue to prepare well, but the most important preparation is not just goals. We have to get back our rhythm, work hard and improve physically. That's the main objective."
Two slightly strange goals, wouldn't you say?
MM: "Yes, but I see it as a small reward [for the hard work]. It does me good as well."
A few days in Portugal now and the hard work continues…
MM: "That's for sure, the hard work continues. We're ready to work hard and that offsets the attacking work. Everyone knows that's the way it has to be, you've got to put a lot in. We've got this final stint in Portugal. We've got good professionals. We work, we're attentive and it's really going to help for the start of the season."
You're up against two top teams in Sporting Lisbon and Braga…
MM: "I think it's good, because until now, even in Germany, we've played against good teams. It's really good, it's good for the team. Because it enables us to measure our progress against good teams like that. It's a lot better [this way]. It's another great opportunity for us to get back into the swing of things.
You played against Braga last season, so you know them a bit…
MM: Well of course, we know them. Anyhow, it's not a pressured game. Last year, it was our first experience [of them], so we know, a little bit, what to expect. Even if the main aim is to improve physically.
What are your ambitions for this season?
MM: My ambition this year is to simply score a lot of goals. Play well and score a lot of goals. I want to be useful for the team. That's my ambition, but particularly to work, work and work some more.
Do you set yourself targets?
MM: "For me my target is to do more than last season. That's my aim and that has always been my aim. Always look to the future, rather than questioning yourself. Score lots of goals!"
We all remember your spectacular goal against Southampton, one of your best, perhaps?
MM: "Yes, but there aren't many to choose from at West Ham! But it's not one of the best in my career, I have scored better. For sure, it was pretty good. I always have that in my locker, it's part of my quality. And I hope to score even better goals for the Club."
The goal against Chelsea might have been simpler but it was obviously hugely important…
MM: "Very, very important, that's clear. Particularly to win against Chelsea. That gives it an extra edge, it was against Chelsea, that's normal. It was like a little present, a present from the sky. Everyone was so relieved. But I hope I'll have the chance to score a lot against Chelsea and others."
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Big Sam up for Portuguese tests
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is looking forward to seeing his West Ham United team in action at the Guadiana Tournament
05.08.2013
West Ham United have arrived in Portugal and manager Sam Allardyce is looking forward to see how his players shape up in the pre-season Guadiana Tournament. Big Sam's side take on Portuguese Primeira Division sides Sporting Clube de Portugal and SC Braga in Portimao on Monday and Tuesday evening respectively, with the manager expecting two stern examinations of his team's credentials. The Hammers landed in Faro on Sunday afternoon before boarding a coach for a 90-minute transfer to the team hotel. After a team meeting and a good night's sleep, the squad headed the short distance to the Municipal de Lagos stadium for a training session ahead of the 9.15pm kick-off. Tickets for the East Stand at the Estádio Municipal de Portimão will be on sale tonight, priced €12.50. West Ham were only confirmed as participants in the Guadiana Tournament last week, but the manager said he was delighted to take up the opportunity of facing two top-class sides in testing conditions. "The quality of the two games are what drew us to this late venue," the manager told West Ham TV. "They are two Champions League-quality teams in Sporting Lisbon and Braga. We played Braga last year at their own ground and we're playing them again in a mini tournament here in Portimao. "It's going to be a big test for the players, because not only is the quality of the opposition top-class, but also the heat and some of the lads having to cope with two games in two days. Some of them will play 90 minutes and some will play more over the next two days, so that will test their fitness. "We then have the game on 10 August at the Boleyn Ground and an unfortunate week of international friendly matches again, which takes a number of players away from us in a very important week. Every team has to suffer the same and it's not ideal preparation, but that's ahead. We're focusing at this moment on facing two outstanding teams and seeing what level we're at at this stage of the pre-season."
West Ham have been back in pre-season training for five weeks now and Big Sam said the emphasis of his preparations had now moved from the physical to the mental side of the game. The manager said the three remaining pre-season fixtures - the third at home to UEFA Champions League qualifiers Pacos de Ferreira on Saturday 10 August - would tell him whether or not his players are fully prepared for the 2013/14 Barclays Premier League season. "The physical side has been more than accomplished by now. I'm looking at the mental toughness and agility of the players. The fact of the matter is that when players go away for six weeks at the end of the season, their sub-conscious switches off and they relax. "Then, when they come back they have forgotten what the basics are and what is needed to be successful in a professional football team that plays in the Barclays Premier League. I've been talking about the mental side of these pre-season games since the start of our trip to Germany. "The trip to Germany was about fitness, training every day and feeling fatigue in your bodies and still playing. Now it's about switching on mentally and making the right decisions, playing your position as you should play it and making fewer mistakes than the opposition, because mistakes get punished at this level. It's often the opposition's outstanding talent, but their ability to punish your mistakes. "We want to see all their mental agility come into play over the next two days. Last year, when we were focused and drilled and we understood what our strengths and weaknesses were as a team, that's why we finished tenth. Hopefully we'll get back to that level by the time we've finished against Pacos de Ferreira on the 10 August."
While his focus is on tonight's Guadiana Tournament opener against Sporting Clube de Portugal, Big Sam has been on his mobile phone regularly discussing potential signings with the Board and head of player recruitment Martyn Glover. The manager revealed that the Hammers' attempts to supplement the squad had so far been unsuccessful due to a variety of reasons. "We've been hugely frustrated in our quest over the last three weeks or so, that any of the particular targets who we'd approached [haven't signed]. Whether it's been the player, the club or interference from another club 75 or 80 per cent through the deal attracting him to them rather than us, it has unfortunately left us with a blank space. "All we can keep doing is trying to find another player who wants to come to West Ham United who is better than what we have already got. That is the key point - better than we already have. We can't settle for a player to make the squad up or for a player who may play a bit-part. "This player has to be a top player, as far as I'm concerned, to make an impact. We have the same team as last season apart from the introduction of Adrian in goal and Razvan Rat at left-back, and we've lost more players than we've brought in, which is a slight concern to me. "We do have these funds available and we particularly felt last week that it was going to be two players coming in, but unfortunately both fell by the wayside. The deals are not totally dead, but they've not been clinched either, which has left me, the Chairmen and Martyn [Glover, head of player recruitment] extremely frustrated."
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Allardyce unfazed as kick off draws closer
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 5th August 2013
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has admitted that he is frustrated at West Ham's lack of movement in the transfer market. Since making his most recent capture - that of Romania full back Razvan Rat on a free transfer a month ago - Allardyce has been thwarted in his attempts to sign the likes of Salomon Kalou, Loic Remy, Duvan Zapata and Zdravko Kuzmanovic. However the 58-year-old Hammers boss confirmed that funds are available for the right player - and insists that he is not panicking, despite West Ham's season opener against Cardiff being less than a fortnight away. "We've been hugely frustrated in our quest over the last three weeks or so," Allardyce told whufc.com. "Whether it's been the player, the club or interference from another club attracting him to them rather than us, it has unfortunately left us with a blank space. "All we can keep doing is try to find another player who wants to come to West Ham United and who is better than what we have already got. That is the key point - better than we already have."
Allardyce has signed three first team squad players already this summer, with Andy Carroll, Adrian and Rat arriving since the end of the 21012/13 campaign. However he has also lost players such as Gary O'Neil and Carlton Cole, who are yet to be adequately replaced. That failure to introduce replacements of sufficient quality has however given fringe first team players such as Modibo Maiga and Ravel Morrison the opportunity to shine in pre-season, with both used heavily so far.
And whilst Allardyce believes that he is short of at least one top quality player who could slip straight into the first team - almost certainly on the right side of the forward line - he insists that he won't be making any compromises. "We can't settle for a player to make the squad up or for a player who may play a bit-part. This player has to be a top player, as far as I'm concerned, to make an impact," he added. "We've lost more players than we've brought in, which is a slight concern to me. "We do have funds available and we felt last week that two players were coming in, but unfortunately both fell by the wayside. The deals are not totally dead, but they've not been clinched either which has left me, the Chairmen and Martyn [Glover] extremely frustrated."
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West Ham's Andy Carroll desperate to make Premier League season opener
Last Updated: August 5, 2013 10:17am
SSN
Andy Carroll is working hard to be available for the start of West Ham United's Premier League campaign against Cardiff City. Carroll suffered a heel injury at the end of last season and manager Sam Allardyce has previously admitted he is unlikely to be fit for the clash with Cardiff on 17 August. However, Carroll is doing everything he can to return ahead of schedule and is desperate to take his place in the squad at the earliest possible opportunity. "I've been working hard," he said in the Daily Star. "I've been away to Germany with the lads and keeping myself as fit as I can with the work I can still do with my heel still being sore. "It's been tough but I've been working hard to be back for the start of the season."
Carroll made his move to Upton Park permanent this summer after spending last season on loan at the club from Liverpool, and he is itching to get back in action. He said: "I'm dying to get back kicking a ball again. I can't wait because the last time I kicked a ball was in the final game of last season. "Everyone is buzzing about and have come back in great form and great spirits, looking forward to the start of the season. "They have been working hard over the summer and can't wait for the beginning. "It is always important to get a win in the first game of the season. "Cardiff have just come up so will want to show what they are all about. We need to understand that and get a win under our belts."
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West Ham shelve bid for convicted rapist Mboyo after fans' backlash on Twitter
By LAURIE WHITWELL
PUBLISHED: 10:53, 5 August 2013 | UPDATED: 13:10, 5 August 2013
Daily Mail
West Ham appear set to pull the plug on a potential bid for controversial striker Ilombe Mboyo. The club have been considering an approach to sign the Belgium centre forward, who scored 20 goals for Gent last season, but his past as a convicted rapist has received criticism from fans. Mboyo served three years of an eight-year sentence for his part in the gang rape of a 14-year-old when he was 16. No deal: West Ham have stepped back from a bid for Gent striker Ilombe Mboyo, who was spent three years in prison for the gang rape of a 14-year-old girl when he was 16 . Now 26, the £5million-rated forward was being seen at West Ham as an alternative to Andy Carroll up front. But club officials were said to be split over the moral dilemma of purchasing a player with such a dark history and initial supporter backlash will be taken on board. Mboyo began his career at Anderlecht's academy alongside Vincent Kompany, who described the player at a 'rare pearl'. He moved to Club Brugge and in 2004 was convicted of participating in the rape of the under-age girl while a member of a Brussels street gang. Once inside he engaged in a rehabilitation programme called Football in Prison and on his release joined Charleroi, before going on to Gent in 2011. Last October, Mboyo came on for Christian Benteke in Belgium's 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Scotland but the country had to defend his selection.
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West Ham fans' anger over Sullivan jr 'rape' Tweet
West Ham United's co-owner David Sullivan is under intense pressure to intervene in the Twitter activities of his 13-year-old son Jack
by Hugh Southon
5th August 2013 10:02am BST
Exclusive
SportsDirect.com
West Ham United's co-owner David Sullivan is under intense pressure to intervene in the Twitter activities of his 13-year-old son Jack. The teenager has been at the centre of various storms in the past but his latest outburst has brought a horrified response from many of the club's fans. The teenager tweeted that the club were allegedly interested in Ilombe Mboyo of Gent who went to prison as a 16-year-old for his part in a gang rape of a 14-year-old child. Many fans were disturbed that 13-year-old Sullivan should pose the question: "How would you feel if we signed Mboyo of Gent? Terrible crime when he was 16, can he ever be forgiven? What do you think?"
Sullivan jr has regularly leaked club dealings on his account - on one occasion making it clear he was unhappy with Arsenal's Maroune Chamakh on loan from Arsenal and on another claiming the club would get better as a result of former midfielder Gary O'Neill deciding to leave. Many fans feel the club is showing itself as unprofessional by allowing this to continue although others have defended him in the past. However, his latest outburst met with almost universal twitter condemnation from the fans becoming increasingly indignant. Said one in a tweet to co-owner David Gold: "Wow!! Jack's tweet asking for fans opinion on a new signing. Disgrace!! DG this lad needs to be stopped, we are becoming a joke. And another - again directed at Gold said: "Have a bloody word - this kid is embarrassing us now! Bloody had enough!"
The increasingly angry barrage included such comments as: "If DS has knowledge it's irresponsible and let's face it who else would allow their 13-year-old to influence a multi-million business. "That account is now an open sore and has to be controlled if not shut down. Is anyone really surprised? This is David Sullivan. Highly controversial character! He won't change. "It could only be one account. Enough is enough. The club need to shut the account down." Many claimed Sullivan sr was behind the tweet and said: "If he wants to give us news he should make his own account not send a 13 year old to ask about rape!"
Another alleged: "It's DS using his own son as a front the club can disown when it hits the fan."
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West Ham transfer news: Club has Diame plan
Everton boss Roberto Martinez is believed to still be weighing up a bid for West Ham midfielder Mohamad Diame
SportsDirect.com
by Hugh Southon5th August 2013 1:25pm BST
Exclusive
Everton boss Roberto Martinez is believed to still be weighing up a bid for West Ham United midfielder Mohamed Diame. The Londoners insist there have been no enquiries for any of their players but after the intense speculation in January are bracing themselves for an approach. But the Hammers insist that should there be a hint of interest they are ready to sit down and renegotiate terms with the player. Sources on Merseyside have told SportsDirect News that Martinez is weighing up a £3.5 million move for the player - sufficient to trigger the release clause. However, West Ham are understood to have made it clear to the player and his agent Willie McKay in January they are ready to discuss new terms should they receive a firm inquiry. The player is currently on £40,000 a week and the Hammers would go close to £50,000 to retain the player so long as the release clause is removed. An Upton Park source said: "We are aware of the speculation but there has been no inquiry for him. Should there be we have our plans in place."
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West Ham 'Pull Out' Of Signing Rapist
Fan reaction to potential bid for Gent's Ilombe Mboyo overwhelmingly bad
Written by Jermaine Haughton
05/08/2013 05:02 PM
VoiceOnline.com
WEST HAM United have reportedly pulled out of a potential bid to sign a convicted rapist, following outrage from the club's fans. Gent striker Ilombe Mboyo was a passive member of a gang rape of a 14-year-old girl when he was 16 and subsequently spent three years of an eight-year sentence in prison. It is believed that West Ham were considering approaching Gent over a possible bid for the Belgian forward, who scored 20 goals last season, but a fans backlash put an end to the Hammers interest in Mboyo. Co-owner David Sullivan's son, Jack, took to Twitter to gauge followers' opinions about the 26-year-old and his past crime.
Sullivan tweeted: "How would you feel if we signed Mboyo of Gent? Terrible crime when he was 16, can he ever be forgiven? What do you think?" After an overwhelmingly negative response, Sullivan junior tweeted: "I'm sure we won't sign him. We respect your views." After his 2004 conviction, Mboyo was involved in the Football In Prison rehabilitation programme. Following a spell at Charleroi in 2008, Mboyo joined Gent in 2011 and has won two caps for Belgium.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, August 5
Daily WHUFC News - 5th August 2013
Sporting Clube de Portugal preview
WHUFC.com
All the essential background ahead of West Ham United's opening Torneio do Guadiana fixture
04.08.2013
SPORTING CLUBE DE PORTUGAL v WEST HAM UNITED
TORNEIO DO GUADIANA
ESTÁDIO MUNICIPAL DE PORTIMÃO
MONDAY 5 AUGUST 2013
KICK-OFF: 9.15PM
iPHONE APP I TWITTER I FACEBOOK I PODCAST
Introduction
• West Ham United continue their pre-season schedule at the Torneio do Guadiana in Portugal. The three-team pre-season competition will be held at the Estádio Municipal de Portimão in the Algarve, with the Hammers taking on Sporting Clube de Portugal and SC Braga.
• The Hammers will take on Sporting Clube de Portugal on Monday 5 August and SC Braga on Tuesday 6 August, with both matches kicking-off at 9.15pm local time.
Sporting will take on Braga on Wednesday 7 August.
• Sporting finished seventh in the Primeira Liga last season. Managed by Leonardo Jardim, the club from the capital will be hoping to bounce back this term. Among the star names in Jardim's squad are Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio, Argentina defender Marcos Rojo, Spain winger Diego Capel and Peru forward Andre Carrillo.
• Braga finished fourth in the Primeira Liga last term, qualifying for the UEFA Europa League Play-Off round. The Archbishops will be facing the Hammers for the second pre-season in succession, having held Sam Allardyce's side to a 1-1 draw at the Estadio AXA in August 2012, when Winston Reid scored a late equaliser.
• A penalty shoot-out will be held after the final whistle, which will be used to decide the final tournament positions in the event that teams have level points, goal difference and goals.
Team News
West Ham United
• Sam Allardyce has brought a strong and large squad to Portugal, with the Hammers facing two matches in the space of a little more than 24 hours. However, centre forward Andy Carroll (heel) and George McCartney (knee) remain sidelined.
Sporting Clube de Portugal
• Sporting have been very active in the transfer market this summer, signing Brazilian trio left-back Jefferson from Estoril, right-back Weldinho from Palmeiras and centre-back Mauricio from Sport Recife, Colombia forward Fredy Montero from Seattle Sounders and Guinea striker Salim Cissé from Academica de Coimbra.
• The Portuguese club also sold Dutch striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel to Norwich City, Portugal right-back Miguel Lopes to Olympique Lyonnais, Switzerland midfielder Gelson Fernandes to Freiburg and midfielders Stijn Schaars and Santiago Arias to PSV.
Background
• West Ham United will be meeting Sporting Clube de Portugal for the second time in their history, having previously welcomed the 18-times Portuguese champions to the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday 7 May 1996 for a match to celebrate the Hammers' centenary.
• Perhaps the most eye-catching name on West Ham United's teamsheet was that of Dani Da Cruz Carvalho, known simply as Dani. Dani had joined in January 1996 on loan from Sporting Lisbon, scoring the winner at Tottenham Hotspur on just his second appearance and netting twice in nine appearances in total.
• Sporting Clube de Portugal had finished third in the Portuguese league and spoilt West Ham's night in the shape of a 4-1 victory for the visitors. Julian Dicks netted the hosts' consolation goal.
Last Time Out
Saturday 27 July 2013
Pre-Season Match
Eintracht Braunschweig 0-3 West Ham United
West Ham United: Adrian, O'Brien (Morrison 75), Collins (Tomkins 60), Reid (Ruddock 72), Rat (Demel 75); Noble, Collison (Jarvis 60), Diame (Nolan 46), Vaz Te (Lee 75), Maiga (Taylor 60), Cole
Subs not used: Jaaskelainen, Potts, Lletget, Diarra, Whitehead
Goals: Maiga 22, 44, Diame 42
Thursday 1 August 2013
Pre-Season Match
Nacional 0-1 Sporting Clube de Portugal
Sporting Clube de Portugal: Rui Patrício (Marcelo 46), Cédric (Eric Dier 81), Maurício (Jefferson 46), Eric Dier (Mauricio 81), Evaldo (Rinaudo 46), William Carvalho (Marcos Rojo 46), Adrien, André Martins (Labyad 86), Carrillo (Diego Capel 78), Montero (Cristian Ponde 78), Filipe Chaby (Wilson Eduardo 46)
Goal: Montero 8
Previous meeting
Tuesday 7 May 1996
Pre-Season Match
West Ham United 1-4 Sporting Clube de Portugal
West Ham United: Miklosko (Mautone), Breacker, Dicks, Potts, Martin, Dowie (Cottee), Dani, Boli, Williamson (Hodges), Lampard (Omoyinmi), Bilic (Hughes)
Goal: Dicks
All-time meetings
The clubs have never met in competitive football, but Sporting Clube de Portugal hold the all-time advantage from the one non-competitive meeting between the two - a 4-1 victory at the Boleyn Ground in May 1996 which marked West Ham United's centenary.
15 May 1996 - West Ham United 1-4 Sporting Clube de Portugal
v Sporting Clube de Portugal (all competitions) W 0 D 0 L 1
Ten-year records
West Ham United
2012/13 Premier League 10th
2011/12 Championship 3rd (86 points - promoted via Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (relegated to Championship)
2009/10 Premier League 17th
2008/09 Premier League 9th
2007/08 Premier League 10th
2006/07 Premier League 15th
2005/06 Premier League 9th
2004/05 Championship 6th (promoted to Premier League via Play-Offs)
2003/04 Division One 4th
Sporting Clube de Portugal
2012/13 Primeira Liga 7th
2011/12 Primeira Liga 4th
2010/11 Primeira Liga 3rd
2009/10 Primeira Liga 4th
2008/09 Primeira Liga 2nd
2007/08 Primeira Liga 2nd
2006/07 Primeira Liga 2nd
2005/06 Primeira Liga 2nd
2004/05 Primeira Liga 3rd
2003/04 Primeira Liga 3rd
General Information
• West Ham United supporters can watch the match from the East Stand, with tickets costing €12.50 each. Hammers fans can buy their tickets in person from the Ticket Office at the Estádio Municipal de Portimão on matchday. Tickets for this match are available online here.
• The weather forecast for Portimão on Monday is for a sunny day with maximum daytime temperature of 29C (85F). However, it will have cooled down somewhat by kick-off.
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Taylor made for Portugal trip
WHUFC.com
Matt Taylor is looking forward to facing Sporting Clube de Portugal again on Monday evening
04.08.2013
Matt Taylor has an unfinished score to settle with Sporting Clube de Portugal when West Ham United take on the Portuguese Primeira Division side in the Torneio do Guadiana on Monday evening. Taylor was part of the Bolton Wanderers squad edged out 2-1 on aggregate at the UEFA Cup last-16 stage back in March 2008. Having drawn 1-1 at the Reebok Staduim, a Trotters side without the rested Taylor, Kevin Nolan and Jussi Jaaskelainen were beaten 1-0 in the return leg in Lisbon, despite the presence of a young Joey O'Brien and Ricardo Vaz Te. Five-and-a-half years later, the quintet will get the chance to take on their conquerors again in a pre-season fixture at the Estádio Municipal de Portimão on the Algarve. On Tuesday evening, West Ham will face SC Braga a year after drawing 1-1 with the same opposition in a warm-up match. "We got ever so close to reaching the quarter-finals and we probably should have done," he recalled. "Looking back, we probably should have fielded a different team over in Portugal, but we didn't and we went out. "I played in the home game and we drew one-all. We then went over there and lost one-nil. It was still a great time for me personally, to play in the UEFA Cup. "It'll be good to play against Sporting again and the two games out there will be a good test for us. We have played against some of the best opposition in Germany, and we know how their game is going at the moment, and going to Portugal will be a difficult for us as well. "We went out to Braga last year and came away with a clean bill of health and a draw, so I'm sure these will be a good couple of games for us."
Taylor is looking forward to West Ham's third and final pre-season trip following excursions to the Republic of Ireland and Germany but, like his team-mates, he is now counting down the days until the start of the 2013/14 Barclays Premier League campaign on 17 August. "It's a difficult question to answer because it is great having time away to concentrate on your football, but it's also time away from your family. For the ones of us who have kids, they are off school and it would be nice to spend time with them. "Personally, I quite like going away because it helps me to concentrate on my fitness and getting myself in tip-top condition for the season. This one is only a short trip, so I'm sure we'll enjoy it."
Pre-season training camps help players to both get fit and bond with their colleagues - something the Hammers squad did by fishing during their recent trip to Germany. A keen angler, Taylor was impressed by his team-mates' efforts. "We had a good time fishing over there in Germany. The third place we went to was fantastic because the facilities were great and the food was brilliant and in our downtime we had a chance to do some fishing in the river next to the hotel.
"It wasn't my type of fishing because I don't enjoy catching pike and those sorts of fish, but the lads had a great time. We got a few good-sized fish, as well. Patience was the key and I was impressed with the lads. "It was really good craic and it was nice to spend some time with the lads fishing."
Tickets for the pre-season Torneio do Guadiana will be available on matchdays at the Estádio Municipal de Portimão, with the meeting with Sporting Clube de Portugal kicking-off at 9.15pm on Monday 5 August and the fixture with SC Braga starting exactly 24 hours later.
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Jack Sullivan at the centre of new Twitter storm
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 4th August 2013
By: Staff Writer
Fresh controversy over the Twitter account belonging to teenager Jack Sullivan erupted tonight.
Hammers fans posting across the web on forums such as KUMB.com tonight almost universally condemned a message posted on the Twitter feed attributed to the son of co-owner David Sullivan regarding Gent striker Ilombe Mboyo.
The Buffalos current captain was one of several teenagers convicted of gang rape in his native Belgium a decade ago when he was just 16. The victim was a 14-year-old schoolgirl.
Sullivan - or (hopefully) someone else with access to his social network account - posed the question: "How would you feel if we signed Mboyo of Gent? Terrible crime when he was 16, can he ever be forgiven? What do you think?"
Whilst some believed the tweet related to the potential signing of Queens Park Rangers' Loic Remy, who is himself set to appear in court on a similar charge later this year, others took it more literally believing that fans were being canvassed over the possibility of signing the 26-year-old.
However almost all were in agreement that raising the subject of violent sexual crime on a Twitter account belonging to a 13-year-old schoolboy was an appalling error of judgment.
Whilst KUMB member badgers1 insisted that "his [Jack Sullivan's] Twitter account always was an accident waiting to happen", fellow member Aztec Hammer maintained that what was originally a good way to communicate with the fans had been soured.
"I enjoyed the tweets early on when they were simple and letting us know what was going on," he said, before admitting: "but now it's getting silly."
Meanwhile DaveWHU1964 was rather more scathing of those who sanctioned the posting of the message on young Jack's account.
"There are so many issues regarding this, but one I haven't seen mentioned is the dubiousness of getting a 13-year-old child to conduct a poll about accepting a man who raped a child," he argued.
"I don't think things can get too much more messed up than that. There are those out there who genuinely do not seem to realise the difference between right and wrong - and we've seen a sick and surreal example of that tonight."
The tweet was also condemned by journalist Hugh Southon, who raged: "This has gone too far. Total embarrassment. How many deals are being screwed up by that account? Forget ITK stuff. Just wrong!"
Sullivan's original message was followed up an hour later by a second tweet regarding the Gent striker. "99 per cent of you have said no to Mboyo," it read. "I'll pass it onto my Dad. I'm sure we won't sign him. We respect your views."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
All the essential background ahead of West Ham United's opening Torneio do Guadiana fixture
04.08.2013
SPORTING CLUBE DE PORTUGAL v WEST HAM UNITED
TORNEIO DO GUADIANA
ESTÁDIO MUNICIPAL DE PORTIMÃO
MONDAY 5 AUGUST 2013
KICK-OFF: 9.15PM
iPHONE APP I TWITTER I FACEBOOK I PODCAST
Introduction
• West Ham United continue their pre-season schedule at the Torneio do Guadiana in Portugal. The three-team pre-season competition will be held at the Estádio Municipal de Portimão in the Algarve, with the Hammers taking on Sporting Clube de Portugal and SC Braga.
• The Hammers will take on Sporting Clube de Portugal on Monday 5 August and SC Braga on Tuesday 6 August, with both matches kicking-off at 9.15pm local time.
Sporting will take on Braga on Wednesday 7 August.
• Sporting finished seventh in the Primeira Liga last season. Managed by Leonardo Jardim, the club from the capital will be hoping to bounce back this term. Among the star names in Jardim's squad are Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio, Argentina defender Marcos Rojo, Spain winger Diego Capel and Peru forward Andre Carrillo.
• Braga finished fourth in the Primeira Liga last term, qualifying for the UEFA Europa League Play-Off round. The Archbishops will be facing the Hammers for the second pre-season in succession, having held Sam Allardyce's side to a 1-1 draw at the Estadio AXA in August 2012, when Winston Reid scored a late equaliser.
• A penalty shoot-out will be held after the final whistle, which will be used to decide the final tournament positions in the event that teams have level points, goal difference and goals.
Team News
West Ham United
• Sam Allardyce has brought a strong and large squad to Portugal, with the Hammers facing two matches in the space of a little more than 24 hours. However, centre forward Andy Carroll (heel) and George McCartney (knee) remain sidelined.
Sporting Clube de Portugal
• Sporting have been very active in the transfer market this summer, signing Brazilian trio left-back Jefferson from Estoril, right-back Weldinho from Palmeiras and centre-back Mauricio from Sport Recife, Colombia forward Fredy Montero from Seattle Sounders and Guinea striker Salim Cissé from Academica de Coimbra.
• The Portuguese club also sold Dutch striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel to Norwich City, Portugal right-back Miguel Lopes to Olympique Lyonnais, Switzerland midfielder Gelson Fernandes to Freiburg and midfielders Stijn Schaars and Santiago Arias to PSV.
Background
• West Ham United will be meeting Sporting Clube de Portugal for the second time in their history, having previously welcomed the 18-times Portuguese champions to the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday 7 May 1996 for a match to celebrate the Hammers' centenary.
• Perhaps the most eye-catching name on West Ham United's teamsheet was that of Dani Da Cruz Carvalho, known simply as Dani. Dani had joined in January 1996 on loan from Sporting Lisbon, scoring the winner at Tottenham Hotspur on just his second appearance and netting twice in nine appearances in total.
• Sporting Clube de Portugal had finished third in the Portuguese league and spoilt West Ham's night in the shape of a 4-1 victory for the visitors. Julian Dicks netted the hosts' consolation goal.
Last Time Out
Saturday 27 July 2013
Pre-Season Match
Eintracht Braunschweig 0-3 West Ham United
West Ham United: Adrian, O'Brien (Morrison 75), Collins (Tomkins 60), Reid (Ruddock 72), Rat (Demel 75); Noble, Collison (Jarvis 60), Diame (Nolan 46), Vaz Te (Lee 75), Maiga (Taylor 60), Cole
Subs not used: Jaaskelainen, Potts, Lletget, Diarra, Whitehead
Goals: Maiga 22, 44, Diame 42
Thursday 1 August 2013
Pre-Season Match
Nacional 0-1 Sporting Clube de Portugal
Sporting Clube de Portugal: Rui Patrício (Marcelo 46), Cédric (Eric Dier 81), Maurício (Jefferson 46), Eric Dier (Mauricio 81), Evaldo (Rinaudo 46), William Carvalho (Marcos Rojo 46), Adrien, André Martins (Labyad 86), Carrillo (Diego Capel 78), Montero (Cristian Ponde 78), Filipe Chaby (Wilson Eduardo 46)
Goal: Montero 8
Previous meeting
Tuesday 7 May 1996
Pre-Season Match
West Ham United 1-4 Sporting Clube de Portugal
West Ham United: Miklosko (Mautone), Breacker, Dicks, Potts, Martin, Dowie (Cottee), Dani, Boli, Williamson (Hodges), Lampard (Omoyinmi), Bilic (Hughes)
Goal: Dicks
All-time meetings
The clubs have never met in competitive football, but Sporting Clube de Portugal hold the all-time advantage from the one non-competitive meeting between the two - a 4-1 victory at the Boleyn Ground in May 1996 which marked West Ham United's centenary.
15 May 1996 - West Ham United 1-4 Sporting Clube de Portugal
v Sporting Clube de Portugal (all competitions) W 0 D 0 L 1
Ten-year records
West Ham United
2012/13 Premier League 10th
2011/12 Championship 3rd (86 points - promoted via Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (relegated to Championship)
2009/10 Premier League 17th
2008/09 Premier League 9th
2007/08 Premier League 10th
2006/07 Premier League 15th
2005/06 Premier League 9th
2004/05 Championship 6th (promoted to Premier League via Play-Offs)
2003/04 Division One 4th
Sporting Clube de Portugal
2012/13 Primeira Liga 7th
2011/12 Primeira Liga 4th
2010/11 Primeira Liga 3rd
2009/10 Primeira Liga 4th
2008/09 Primeira Liga 2nd
2007/08 Primeira Liga 2nd
2006/07 Primeira Liga 2nd
2005/06 Primeira Liga 2nd
2004/05 Primeira Liga 3rd
2003/04 Primeira Liga 3rd
General Information
• West Ham United supporters can watch the match from the East Stand, with tickets costing €12.50 each. Hammers fans can buy their tickets in person from the Ticket Office at the Estádio Municipal de Portimão on matchday. Tickets for this match are available online here.
• The weather forecast for Portimão on Monday is for a sunny day with maximum daytime temperature of 29C (85F). However, it will have cooled down somewhat by kick-off.
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Taylor made for Portugal trip
WHUFC.com
Matt Taylor is looking forward to facing Sporting Clube de Portugal again on Monday evening
04.08.2013
Matt Taylor has an unfinished score to settle with Sporting Clube de Portugal when West Ham United take on the Portuguese Primeira Division side in the Torneio do Guadiana on Monday evening. Taylor was part of the Bolton Wanderers squad edged out 2-1 on aggregate at the UEFA Cup last-16 stage back in March 2008. Having drawn 1-1 at the Reebok Staduim, a Trotters side without the rested Taylor, Kevin Nolan and Jussi Jaaskelainen were beaten 1-0 in the return leg in Lisbon, despite the presence of a young Joey O'Brien and Ricardo Vaz Te. Five-and-a-half years later, the quintet will get the chance to take on their conquerors again in a pre-season fixture at the Estádio Municipal de Portimão on the Algarve. On Tuesday evening, West Ham will face SC Braga a year after drawing 1-1 with the same opposition in a warm-up match. "We got ever so close to reaching the quarter-finals and we probably should have done," he recalled. "Looking back, we probably should have fielded a different team over in Portugal, but we didn't and we went out. "I played in the home game and we drew one-all. We then went over there and lost one-nil. It was still a great time for me personally, to play in the UEFA Cup. "It'll be good to play against Sporting again and the two games out there will be a good test for us. We have played against some of the best opposition in Germany, and we know how their game is going at the moment, and going to Portugal will be a difficult for us as well. "We went out to Braga last year and came away with a clean bill of health and a draw, so I'm sure these will be a good couple of games for us."
Taylor is looking forward to West Ham's third and final pre-season trip following excursions to the Republic of Ireland and Germany but, like his team-mates, he is now counting down the days until the start of the 2013/14 Barclays Premier League campaign on 17 August. "It's a difficult question to answer because it is great having time away to concentrate on your football, but it's also time away from your family. For the ones of us who have kids, they are off school and it would be nice to spend time with them. "Personally, I quite like going away because it helps me to concentrate on my fitness and getting myself in tip-top condition for the season. This one is only a short trip, so I'm sure we'll enjoy it."
Pre-season training camps help players to both get fit and bond with their colleagues - something the Hammers squad did by fishing during their recent trip to Germany. A keen angler, Taylor was impressed by his team-mates' efforts. "We had a good time fishing over there in Germany. The third place we went to was fantastic because the facilities were great and the food was brilliant and in our downtime we had a chance to do some fishing in the river next to the hotel.
"It wasn't my type of fishing because I don't enjoy catching pike and those sorts of fish, but the lads had a great time. We got a few good-sized fish, as well. Patience was the key and I was impressed with the lads. "It was really good craic and it was nice to spend some time with the lads fishing."
Tickets for the pre-season Torneio do Guadiana will be available on matchdays at the Estádio Municipal de Portimão, with the meeting with Sporting Clube de Portugal kicking-off at 9.15pm on Monday 5 August and the fixture with SC Braga starting exactly 24 hours later.
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Jack Sullivan at the centre of new Twitter storm
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 4th August 2013
By: Staff Writer
Fresh controversy over the Twitter account belonging to teenager Jack Sullivan erupted tonight.
Hammers fans posting across the web on forums such as KUMB.com tonight almost universally condemned a message posted on the Twitter feed attributed to the son of co-owner David Sullivan regarding Gent striker Ilombe Mboyo.
The Buffalos current captain was one of several teenagers convicted of gang rape in his native Belgium a decade ago when he was just 16. The victim was a 14-year-old schoolgirl.
Sullivan - or (hopefully) someone else with access to his social network account - posed the question: "How would you feel if we signed Mboyo of Gent? Terrible crime when he was 16, can he ever be forgiven? What do you think?"
Whilst some believed the tweet related to the potential signing of Queens Park Rangers' Loic Remy, who is himself set to appear in court on a similar charge later this year, others took it more literally believing that fans were being canvassed over the possibility of signing the 26-year-old.
However almost all were in agreement that raising the subject of violent sexual crime on a Twitter account belonging to a 13-year-old schoolboy was an appalling error of judgment.
Whilst KUMB member badgers1 insisted that "his [Jack Sullivan's] Twitter account always was an accident waiting to happen", fellow member Aztec Hammer maintained that what was originally a good way to communicate with the fans had been soured.
"I enjoyed the tweets early on when they were simple and letting us know what was going on," he said, before admitting: "but now it's getting silly."
Meanwhile DaveWHU1964 was rather more scathing of those who sanctioned the posting of the message on young Jack's account.
"There are so many issues regarding this, but one I haven't seen mentioned is the dubiousness of getting a 13-year-old child to conduct a poll about accepting a man who raped a child," he argued.
"I don't think things can get too much more messed up than that. There are those out there who genuinely do not seem to realise the difference between right and wrong - and we've seen a sick and surreal example of that tonight."
The tweet was also condemned by journalist Hugh Southon, who raged: "This has gone too far. Total embarrassment. How many deals are being screwed up by that account? Forget ITK stuff. Just wrong!"
Sullivan's original message was followed up an hour later by a second tweet regarding the Gent striker. "99 per cent of you have said no to Mboyo," it read. "I'll pass it onto my Dad. I'm sure we won't sign him. We respect your views."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, August 4
Daily WHUFC News - 4th August 2013
Carroll targeting Cardiff return
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll is determined to be fit for West Ham United's opening Barclays
Premier League fixture
03.08.2013
Andy Carroll has set his sights on running out at the Boleyn Ground on the
opening day of the 2013/14 Barclays Premier League season. The West Ham
United and England forward, who made his move from Liverpool permanent this
summer for a club-record fee, has been sidelined since the final day of last
season with a heel injury. However, the new No9 has told West Ham TV that
his rehabilitation has been going well and he is still hopeful of featuring
against Cardiff City on Saturday 17 August. "I've been working hard. I've
been away to Germany with the lads and keeping myself as fit as I can with
the work I can do with my heel still being sore," said Carroll. "It's been
tough but I've been working hard to be back for the beginning of the season.
"I'm doing a lot of cardiovascular work to keep my fitness up without
stressing my heel, which means going on the rowing machine and on the bike
and doing all the things I don't like, really! I've been working hard,
hopefully I'll be back for the start of the season. "I couldn't think of
anything worse than being injured during pre-season. It's painful to watch
everyone else going out and having a laugh and me just doing one-on-one
physio work in the gym. It's a nightmare but I've just got to get myself fit
and ready. I don't like it in the gym, so it makes me push myself that bit
harder. I'm dying to get back and kicking a ball again. I can't wait because
the last time I kicked a ball was in the final game of last season."
While the home pre-season meeting with UEFA Champions League qualifiers
Pacos de Ferreira may come too soon for the Gateshead-born forward, Carroll
has urged his team-mates to set a marker down by getting the better of their
Portuguese visitors - for both themselves and the supporters. "I think the
lads have done great in their pre-season games and obviously they'll want to
do well in the first game back here at the Boleyn Ground. The fans will be
dying to get the season started as well, so it'll be good."
A week later, West Ham tackle newly-promoted Cardiff in east London. Like
the Hammers did a year ago, Carroll believes the Bluebirds will want to make
a strong start to life in the Barclays Premier League. Whether or not the
No9 is available, Sam Allardyce's side will start the game as favourites,
but Carroll says West Ham should take nothing for granted against the
reigning Championship winners. "It's always important to get a win in the
first game of the season. Obviously they have just come up so it'll be
tough. They have just been promoted and will want to show what they are all
about. We need to understand that and get a win under our belts. "I think
everyone is buzzing about and has come back in great form and great spirits.
Everyone is looking forward to the start of the season. They have been
working hard over the summer and cannot wait for the beginning."
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Haycock: There's still work to do
WHUFC.com
Under-21s coach Nick Haycock urged his players to produce even more after
Saturday's win at Hornchurch
03.08.2013
Development Squad boss Nick Haycock strives for the very best and while his
West Ham United side put four past AFC Hornchurch on Saturday, he insists
there remains plenty of room for improvement. Having twice fallen behind at
the Hornchurch Stadium, goals from the returning Dylan Tombides, Blair
Turgott, George Moncur and Paul McCallum eventually saw the Hammers to a
comfortable 4-2 success. Victory, however, was the very least that Haycock
expected, with a greater emphasis on the manner in which his young charges
went about their business. He told West Ham TV: "For the boys, it's almost
a no-win situation because we're expected to win the game, regardless of
what side we put. There were no first-team players obviously, but we put out
a healthy squad.
"We try to get the ball down and play. They've kept the grass long for their
first game of the season and we didn't really play with the tempo that we
did against Southend the other night. I warned the boys before the game. I
explained you've got to make this a game that's played at a tempo, so that
you take your higher fitness and technical levels to a place where you're
producing chance after chance. "I think the disappointment was that the two
goals we conceded were sloppy. All pre-season we've played some good stuff.
You can see the type of football that we try to play and we've created
chances, but equally we've given some sloppy goals away. That's why they're
in the Development Squad, because they're developing players. There are
still some youngsters in there and there were some pleasing performances as
well."
None more so than that of Tombides, who marked his first start in some two
years with an expertly-taken goal. Though the Australian has had to contend
with testicular cancer over the past couple of years, he needed just 12
minutes to get his name on the score-sheet here.
Haycock continued: "It's great to have Dylan back in the fold and I think
he's a talent. A great kid and he's a good addition to the Club never mind
the group."
Tombides' header was the first of the Hammers' four goals on the day, as the
hosts struggled to contain the visitors' attacking flair. Having failed to
find the back of the net at Southend, the goals came as some relief to the
men in claret and blue, though Haycock thought it should have been more
emphatic.
"We could have scored more than four goals, there are no two ways about it.
We can't afford not to convert chances. As you go up the levels you don't
get as many chances and equally, if you make silly mistakes you get
punished. I know it's a cliché in football, but it's the truth. The higher
you go, you play against better quality players and they pounce on your
mistakes. Even at the level here, it happened. It's a case of getting back
on the training field and making sure they try to right the wrongs."
But no matter of the outcome on Saturday, Haycock was rightly thrilled to be
able to bring a West Ham XI to the Ryman Premier side, fully aware of the
value of such an occasion. "We're doing our bit for our local neighbours,
it's a terrific club and it always has been. It's always a pleasure to come
over here and help out a local club. There were a lot of West Ham fans in
the Hornchurch crowd as well!"
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Have We Really Improved? We Need At Least Three More Players, Not One
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
The new signings have certainly come to a shuddering halt. After the initial
burst at the end of the season it does seem very strange that the squad
hasn't been added to or that no one has been sold. Indeed, it is very much
as you were. At the start of every new season you like to think you have a
side which is a distinct improvement on the side which finished the previous
one. Well, can we really say that? Razvan Rat is an accomplished left back
and will bring some stability to that position but the jury is certainly out
on whether Dan Whitehead and Adrian will be able to make a first team
breakthrough. Yes, we have spent £15 million on Andy Carroll, but we had him
before. With the departures of four strikers (Chamakh, Cole, Hall and
Paulista) I can't see how Sam Allardyce can be satisfied with one more
signing. With Gary O'Neil gone we are a midfielder down, although you could
argue we had an embarrassment of riches in that department, but don't we
also need a further central defender? I suppose Diarra, with his new
positive attitude, could be treated as a new signing and could play in
midfield or central defence, but I'd like to think we will make an effort to
persuade Scott Parker to return and be realistic about his wages.
Maiga looks to have decided, like Diarra, that he wants to be positive and
it was good to see him among the goals in Germany. But surely we need to buy
another Andy Carroll type forward and also a smaller, trickier goalscorer
who can play in the centre and on the right. I am none to impressed by the
prospect of the Werder Bremen forward Marco Arnautovic. He has a very
troubled disciplinary record and has scored 14 in 70 games for Bremen. Why
would we want a player with that kind of record? I would be excited by the
prospect of Kalou, or even Remy, but I wonder whether we ought not to be
looking at bringing back another player from ten years ago, Jermain Defoe. I
know, I know, the circumstances of his departure weren't great, but he's a
proven goalscorer. He's only 30 and wouldn't cost the earth. Just a thought.
Just finally, I was sorry to see Kieron Dyer announce his retirement. He has
only played 25 matches in the last six years and has been so unlucky with
his injury record. On his day he was one of the best players in the country,
but sadly we never saw the best of him at Upton Park. Indeed, we hardly saw
him at all.
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U18s through to Eurofoot semi-finals
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are through to the last-four at the pre-season Eurofoot
Tournament in Belgium
03.08.2013
West Ham United have made a superb start at the pre-season Eurofoot
Tournament in Belgium, winning four of their five Group A fixtures to reach
the semi-finals. The Under-18s won their opening three Group A matches
without conceding a single goal, scoring eight goals themselves in the
process. A 2-1 win over KV Oostende meant defeat by the same scoreline by FC
Utrecht could not stop the Hammers finish top of their group. The Hammers
opened the competition in Oostduinkerke on Friday afternoon with a 1-0
victory over Club Brugge, with new signing Jordan Brown scoring the only
goal of the game. Later the same day, Rob Girdlestone, Marcio Martins, and
trialist Carlos Gonzalez-Cabrera were on target in a 3-0 win over a second
Belgian side, AA Gent. Saturday morning saw Steve Potts' youngsters take to
the pitch for a third time, but Belgian giants Anderlecht proved to be no
match for West Ham as Brown, Nathan Mavila and schoolboys Decarrey Sheriff
and Fatia Adebayo on target in a 4-0 success. West Ham completed their slate
of Group A fixtures by beating a fourth Belgian side, KV Oostende, 2-1 with
goals from Jamie Harney and Djair Parfitt-Williams. Sheriff scored in a 2-1
defeat by Dutch side FC Utrecht on Saturday evening, but a haul of 12 points
could not stop the Hammers from winning Group A. Having finished in the top
two, the Hammers will meet local rivals and Group B runners-up Tottenham
Hotspur in the semi-finals at 11am on Sunday local time, with the final to
follow at 4.30pm.
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West Ham Hope to Sign Werder Bremen Forward
by Michael Oliver August 3rd, 2013
CuaghtOffside.com
West Ham are interested in a deal to sign Werder Bremen forward Marko
Arnautovic this summer, according to the Daily Mail. The versatile attacker
has been made available for transfer this summer, as Hammers manager Sam
Allardyce eyes a cut-price deal this window. Without a reliable striking
partner for Andy Carroll at the club, the talented Austrian attacker is seen
as a must-sign target with only a month to go in the transfer window.
The Bundesliga club also reportedly have offers from Spain for the 24-year
old, but Arnautovic is keen on a transfer to the London club to experience
Premier League football. Having failed in bids to sign highly rated
Colombian youngster Duvan Zapata and Lille forward Salomon Kalou, Allardyce
sees Arnautovic as a slightly cheaper attacking option that is more
versatile.
Able to play on either wing, as well as down the middle, Arnautovic would be
an ideal addition to remove the goalscoring burden from Carroll's shoulders.
Along with Modibo Maiga, who has impressed the Hammers coaches this
pre-season, the Irons would have assembled a talented striking group capable
of firing in the goals to keep them up.
Arnautovic will likely operate in a wide-right role, as Andy Carroll will
play down the middle. Allardyce is keen to bring in one more forward this
summer, but has been unlucky in his pursuit of Spartak Moscow striker
Emmanuel Emenike and West Brom forward Peter Odemwingie, but the London club
are yet to reach an agreement with either club for their transfers.
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West Ham chase player who Mourinho said has the attitude ''of a child''
HITC Sport
by Mathew Nash
West Ham United have been linked with a move for plenty of strikers in
recent days - as Sam Allardyce hunts for a perfect partner to play alongside
Andy Carroll. David Sullivan, the clubs co-owner has admitted that the team
will be looking to bring in a striker with pace to play off the front-man -
but it seems the player will also be someone who can play out wide. That can
be safely assumed by the clubs decision not to pursue a deal for Salamon
Kalou - after the former Chelsea player could not be given assurances over
playing down the middle. Therefore the link with Marko Arnautovic makes
sense. A quick forward with the ability to play out wide he is also
available for transfer. Werder Bremen are willing to entertain the idea of
selling the Austrian this summer. Most Bundesliga sides are in a current
position of financial power. However not every team is in such an excellent
financial position. Werder are one such team who need to raise some funds.
Arnautovic is one of the clubs best assets at this current moment in time so
moving him on is a priority. However West Ham appear to have competition on
the horizon. It is reported in Bild that Real Sociedad and Valencia are
ready to make a move for the player this summer. But is he the sort of
player either side should be going for this summer. The former Inter Milan
striker has something of a reputation as a bad boy. Jose Mourinho once
stated that Arnautovic ''is a fantastic person but has the attitude of a
child.'' While at Inter Milan he was best pals with none other than Mario
Balotelli - the two raising hell wherever they went no doubt. But West Ham
should be perfect for him. Sam Allardyce has something of a knack for
getting the best out of, let's say, difficult characters. Nicolas Anelka,
Kevin Nolan, Youri Djorkaeff - there is a trend. If anyone is going to get
the best out of him then Big Sam might just be the man.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll is determined to be fit for West Ham United's opening Barclays
Premier League fixture
03.08.2013
Andy Carroll has set his sights on running out at the Boleyn Ground on the
opening day of the 2013/14 Barclays Premier League season. The West Ham
United and England forward, who made his move from Liverpool permanent this
summer for a club-record fee, has been sidelined since the final day of last
season with a heel injury. However, the new No9 has told West Ham TV that
his rehabilitation has been going well and he is still hopeful of featuring
against Cardiff City on Saturday 17 August. "I've been working hard. I've
been away to Germany with the lads and keeping myself as fit as I can with
the work I can do with my heel still being sore," said Carroll. "It's been
tough but I've been working hard to be back for the beginning of the season.
"I'm doing a lot of cardiovascular work to keep my fitness up without
stressing my heel, which means going on the rowing machine and on the bike
and doing all the things I don't like, really! I've been working hard,
hopefully I'll be back for the start of the season. "I couldn't think of
anything worse than being injured during pre-season. It's painful to watch
everyone else going out and having a laugh and me just doing one-on-one
physio work in the gym. It's a nightmare but I've just got to get myself fit
and ready. I don't like it in the gym, so it makes me push myself that bit
harder. I'm dying to get back and kicking a ball again. I can't wait because
the last time I kicked a ball was in the final game of last season."
While the home pre-season meeting with UEFA Champions League qualifiers
Pacos de Ferreira may come too soon for the Gateshead-born forward, Carroll
has urged his team-mates to set a marker down by getting the better of their
Portuguese visitors - for both themselves and the supporters. "I think the
lads have done great in their pre-season games and obviously they'll want to
do well in the first game back here at the Boleyn Ground. The fans will be
dying to get the season started as well, so it'll be good."
A week later, West Ham tackle newly-promoted Cardiff in east London. Like
the Hammers did a year ago, Carroll believes the Bluebirds will want to make
a strong start to life in the Barclays Premier League. Whether or not the
No9 is available, Sam Allardyce's side will start the game as favourites,
but Carroll says West Ham should take nothing for granted against the
reigning Championship winners. "It's always important to get a win in the
first game of the season. Obviously they have just come up so it'll be
tough. They have just been promoted and will want to show what they are all
about. We need to understand that and get a win under our belts. "I think
everyone is buzzing about and has come back in great form and great spirits.
Everyone is looking forward to the start of the season. They have been
working hard over the summer and cannot wait for the beginning."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Haycock: There's still work to do
WHUFC.com
Under-21s coach Nick Haycock urged his players to produce even more after
Saturday's win at Hornchurch
03.08.2013
Development Squad boss Nick Haycock strives for the very best and while his
West Ham United side put four past AFC Hornchurch on Saturday, he insists
there remains plenty of room for improvement. Having twice fallen behind at
the Hornchurch Stadium, goals from the returning Dylan Tombides, Blair
Turgott, George Moncur and Paul McCallum eventually saw the Hammers to a
comfortable 4-2 success. Victory, however, was the very least that Haycock
expected, with a greater emphasis on the manner in which his young charges
went about their business. He told West Ham TV: "For the boys, it's almost
a no-win situation because we're expected to win the game, regardless of
what side we put. There were no first-team players obviously, but we put out
a healthy squad.
"We try to get the ball down and play. They've kept the grass long for their
first game of the season and we didn't really play with the tempo that we
did against Southend the other night. I warned the boys before the game. I
explained you've got to make this a game that's played at a tempo, so that
you take your higher fitness and technical levels to a place where you're
producing chance after chance. "I think the disappointment was that the two
goals we conceded were sloppy. All pre-season we've played some good stuff.
You can see the type of football that we try to play and we've created
chances, but equally we've given some sloppy goals away. That's why they're
in the Development Squad, because they're developing players. There are
still some youngsters in there and there were some pleasing performances as
well."
None more so than that of Tombides, who marked his first start in some two
years with an expertly-taken goal. Though the Australian has had to contend
with testicular cancer over the past couple of years, he needed just 12
minutes to get his name on the score-sheet here.
Haycock continued: "It's great to have Dylan back in the fold and I think
he's a talent. A great kid and he's a good addition to the Club never mind
the group."
Tombides' header was the first of the Hammers' four goals on the day, as the
hosts struggled to contain the visitors' attacking flair. Having failed to
find the back of the net at Southend, the goals came as some relief to the
men in claret and blue, though Haycock thought it should have been more
emphatic.
"We could have scored more than four goals, there are no two ways about it.
We can't afford not to convert chances. As you go up the levels you don't
get as many chances and equally, if you make silly mistakes you get
punished. I know it's a cliché in football, but it's the truth. The higher
you go, you play against better quality players and they pounce on your
mistakes. Even at the level here, it happened. It's a case of getting back
on the training field and making sure they try to right the wrongs."
But no matter of the outcome on Saturday, Haycock was rightly thrilled to be
able to bring a West Ham XI to the Ryman Premier side, fully aware of the
value of such an occasion. "We're doing our bit for our local neighbours,
it's a terrific club and it always has been. It's always a pleasure to come
over here and help out a local club. There were a lot of West Ham fans in
the Hornchurch crowd as well!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Have We Really Improved? We Need At Least Three More Players, Not One
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
The new signings have certainly come to a shuddering halt. After the initial
burst at the end of the season it does seem very strange that the squad
hasn't been added to or that no one has been sold. Indeed, it is very much
as you were. At the start of every new season you like to think you have a
side which is a distinct improvement on the side which finished the previous
one. Well, can we really say that? Razvan Rat is an accomplished left back
and will bring some stability to that position but the jury is certainly out
on whether Dan Whitehead and Adrian will be able to make a first team
breakthrough. Yes, we have spent £15 million on Andy Carroll, but we had him
before. With the departures of four strikers (Chamakh, Cole, Hall and
Paulista) I can't see how Sam Allardyce can be satisfied with one more
signing. With Gary O'Neil gone we are a midfielder down, although you could
argue we had an embarrassment of riches in that department, but don't we
also need a further central defender? I suppose Diarra, with his new
positive attitude, could be treated as a new signing and could play in
midfield or central defence, but I'd like to think we will make an effort to
persuade Scott Parker to return and be realistic about his wages.
Maiga looks to have decided, like Diarra, that he wants to be positive and
it was good to see him among the goals in Germany. But surely we need to buy
another Andy Carroll type forward and also a smaller, trickier goalscorer
who can play in the centre and on the right. I am none to impressed by the
prospect of the Werder Bremen forward Marco Arnautovic. He has a very
troubled disciplinary record and has scored 14 in 70 games for Bremen. Why
would we want a player with that kind of record? I would be excited by the
prospect of Kalou, or even Remy, but I wonder whether we ought not to be
looking at bringing back another player from ten years ago, Jermain Defoe. I
know, I know, the circumstances of his departure weren't great, but he's a
proven goalscorer. He's only 30 and wouldn't cost the earth. Just a thought.
Just finally, I was sorry to see Kieron Dyer announce his retirement. He has
only played 25 matches in the last six years and has been so unlucky with
his injury record. On his day he was one of the best players in the country,
but sadly we never saw the best of him at Upton Park. Indeed, we hardly saw
him at all.
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U18s through to Eurofoot semi-finals
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are through to the last-four at the pre-season Eurofoot
Tournament in Belgium
03.08.2013
West Ham United have made a superb start at the pre-season Eurofoot
Tournament in Belgium, winning four of their five Group A fixtures to reach
the semi-finals. The Under-18s won their opening three Group A matches
without conceding a single goal, scoring eight goals themselves in the
process. A 2-1 win over KV Oostende meant defeat by the same scoreline by FC
Utrecht could not stop the Hammers finish top of their group. The Hammers
opened the competition in Oostduinkerke on Friday afternoon with a 1-0
victory over Club Brugge, with new signing Jordan Brown scoring the only
goal of the game. Later the same day, Rob Girdlestone, Marcio Martins, and
trialist Carlos Gonzalez-Cabrera were on target in a 3-0 win over a second
Belgian side, AA Gent. Saturday morning saw Steve Potts' youngsters take to
the pitch for a third time, but Belgian giants Anderlecht proved to be no
match for West Ham as Brown, Nathan Mavila and schoolboys Decarrey Sheriff
and Fatia Adebayo on target in a 4-0 success. West Ham completed their slate
of Group A fixtures by beating a fourth Belgian side, KV Oostende, 2-1 with
goals from Jamie Harney and Djair Parfitt-Williams. Sheriff scored in a 2-1
defeat by Dutch side FC Utrecht on Saturday evening, but a haul of 12 points
could not stop the Hammers from winning Group A. Having finished in the top
two, the Hammers will meet local rivals and Group B runners-up Tottenham
Hotspur in the semi-finals at 11am on Sunday local time, with the final to
follow at 4.30pm.
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West Ham Hope to Sign Werder Bremen Forward
by Michael Oliver August 3rd, 2013
CuaghtOffside.com
West Ham are interested in a deal to sign Werder Bremen forward Marko
Arnautovic this summer, according to the Daily Mail. The versatile attacker
has been made available for transfer this summer, as Hammers manager Sam
Allardyce eyes a cut-price deal this window. Without a reliable striking
partner for Andy Carroll at the club, the talented Austrian attacker is seen
as a must-sign target with only a month to go in the transfer window.
The Bundesliga club also reportedly have offers from Spain for the 24-year
old, but Arnautovic is keen on a transfer to the London club to experience
Premier League football. Having failed in bids to sign highly rated
Colombian youngster Duvan Zapata and Lille forward Salomon Kalou, Allardyce
sees Arnautovic as a slightly cheaper attacking option that is more
versatile.
Able to play on either wing, as well as down the middle, Arnautovic would be
an ideal addition to remove the goalscoring burden from Carroll's shoulders.
Along with Modibo Maiga, who has impressed the Hammers coaches this
pre-season, the Irons would have assembled a talented striking group capable
of firing in the goals to keep them up.
Arnautovic will likely operate in a wide-right role, as Andy Carroll will
play down the middle. Allardyce is keen to bring in one more forward this
summer, but has been unlucky in his pursuit of Spartak Moscow striker
Emmanuel Emenike and West Brom forward Peter Odemwingie, but the London club
are yet to reach an agreement with either club for their transfers.
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West Ham chase player who Mourinho said has the attitude ''of a child''
HITC Sport
by Mathew Nash
West Ham United have been linked with a move for plenty of strikers in
recent days - as Sam Allardyce hunts for a perfect partner to play alongside
Andy Carroll. David Sullivan, the clubs co-owner has admitted that the team
will be looking to bring in a striker with pace to play off the front-man -
but it seems the player will also be someone who can play out wide. That can
be safely assumed by the clubs decision not to pursue a deal for Salamon
Kalou - after the former Chelsea player could not be given assurances over
playing down the middle. Therefore the link with Marko Arnautovic makes
sense. A quick forward with the ability to play out wide he is also
available for transfer. Werder Bremen are willing to entertain the idea of
selling the Austrian this summer. Most Bundesliga sides are in a current
position of financial power. However not every team is in such an excellent
financial position. Werder are one such team who need to raise some funds.
Arnautovic is one of the clubs best assets at this current moment in time so
moving him on is a priority. However West Ham appear to have competition on
the horizon. It is reported in Bild that Real Sociedad and Valencia are
ready to make a move for the player this summer. But is he the sort of
player either side should be going for this summer. The former Inter Milan
striker has something of a reputation as a bad boy. Jose Mourinho once
stated that Arnautovic ''is a fantastic person but has the attitude of a
child.'' While at Inter Milan he was best pals with none other than Mario
Balotelli - the two raising hell wherever they went no doubt. But West Ham
should be perfect for him. Sam Allardyce has something of a knack for
getting the best out of, let's say, difficult characters. Nicolas Anelka,
Kevin Nolan, Youri Djorkaeff - there is a trend. If anyone is going to get
the best out of him then Big Sam might just be the man.
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