Kiwi youngsters welcome Reid return
WHUFC.com
Pupils at Winston Reid's former primary school cannot wait to welcome him back home to New Zealand
01.07.2014
The return of Winston Reid to New Zealand with West Ham United this summer will inspire youngsters at his old primary school. Reid attended Milford School in the Auckland suburb of North Shore from the ages of five and ten before emigrating to Denmark, playing his first organised football for the school and local club junior Takapuna AFC. The school's current teacher-in-charge of football - or soccer, as it is more commonly known in New Zealand - Martin Dijkgraaf said Milford's pupils are excited about the return of their famous alumnus. "The children are extremely excited as Winston is a great player and a role model, demonstrating that New Zealanders can make it in overseas professional football," explained Dijkgraaf. "Since [former Blackburn Rovers and Tottenham Hotspur defender] Ryan Nelsen left the Premier League, Winston is now the only Kiwi playing at that level, and West Ham are a very well-known club so it is very exciting that they are coming all the way to New Zealand to play."
While rugby, cricket and netball remain New Zealand's most-popular sports, Dijkgraaf said the achievements of Reid and his compatriots in reaching the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa - where they drew with Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay before being eliminated as the tournament's only unbeaten team - had led to a big increase in interest in football. Many have followed in the footsteps of Reid by turning out for Takapuna AFC and another local club, Forrest Hill AFC, and dream of emulating the Hammers defender.
"Kiwi kids love their sport and after Winston and the All Whites played at the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa there was an increase in the number of kids playing football," Dijkgraaf confirmed. "Here at Milford School we have a huge number of children who are members of various local clubs. "Lots of them hope to go along to Eden Park to watch Winston in action against Wellington Phoenix, so it is best they do all their chores at home in the next little while! "One of the kids is lucky enough - or is it that his father is such a fanatic? - that he is also travelling down to Wellington to see the Hammers play against Sydney FC too!"
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Legends return home
WHUFC.com
Alan Taylor and Phil Parkes led tours of the Boleyn Ground for supporters recently
01.07.2014
West Ham United legends Alan Taylor and Phil Parkes returned to the Boleyn Ground over the summer to lead a series of stadium tours for supporters.
The two ex-Hammers, who have well over 400 league appearances for the Club between them, took supporters behind the scenes to show them everything from the dressing rooms to the Chairman's suite. Showing fans around their old home comes as a great thrill for the duo, who were delighted to share their experiences. "Phil and I have taken these tours for quite a while now - over the last nine months we've done nine tours," two-goal 1975 FA Cup final hero Taylor explained. "They seem to be going down very well with supporters. They enjoy themselves, we certainly enjoy it too and it's very popular. "The fans love coming down to the pitchside, being in the dug out, the players' entrance and, most of all, the dressing rooms."
Parkes, who cost the Hammers a then-world record fee for a goalkeeper when he signed from QPR in 1979, echoed those thoughts. He added: "I think it's great, it's a privilege for us. We love doing it, we really do. Everyone who comes here wants to see behind the scenes, because normally they haven't got a clue what goes on. "Something like eleven-hundred people are working behind the scenes on a matchday. It's quite hard to comprehend that when you sit in the stand, watch the game and go home after stopping for a pint. "I think they are all quite fascinated by all of that."
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Leyton Orient drops objection to use of Olympic stadium
BBC.co.uk
Leyton Orient Football Club has settled a dispute with the Premier League over its decision to allow West Ham to occupy the Olympic Stadium. West Ham was declared as the anchor tenant for the stadium in March 2013 and will pay £2m a year in rent. Leyton Orient had feared West Ham's tenancy would affect the number of fans attending its own matches nearby. It says it has now reached a "confidential agreement" in its dispute. In September, Leyton Orient's written application for judicial review into tenancy of the stadium was rejected. West Ham is expected to move into it from August 2016.
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Who said there's no such thing as a free lunch?
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 1st July 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United FC are looking for a number of supporters able to attend a Kiwi-themed BBQ in central London next Wednesday as part of the build-up to the Club's impending tour of New Zealand. The Club are looking for supporters planning to travel to New Zealand this summer who would be willing to pop along for a couple of hours on Wednesday, 9th July and be interviewed by a NZ television film crew for their version of The One Show. The interviews would cover the fans' support for West Ham United and their excitement at following the Hammers to the other side of the world, as well as their views on the football side of the Club. West Ham will also ask supporters to pose for a few publicity shots for use on whufc.com, the Club's social media platforms and by Wellington Phoenix. In return, all supporters participating in the event will receive a 2014/15 away shirt and a good feed of New Zealand meat and wine/beer at the BBQ!
Anyone interested in participating should contact Rob Pritchard at programme@westhamunited.co.uk for further details.
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That Was The Season That Was 2013-14 - Part Four
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 1st July 2014
By: Gordon Thrower
After a less than wonderful start to 2014, things needed to improve and fast. Gordon Thrower's look back at 2013/14 continues as he picks off another couple of months starting with February 2014. Howard Webb might want to give this one a miss....
February 2014
With the January window having closed it emerges Razvan Rat, has been released from his contract "by mutual consent". Nobody ever did get round to calling him Roland, mainly as a result of his making so few appearances. Also out of the door is out of favour Modibo Maiga. He heads west to QPR in the hope that a spell in the Championship might do something for what appears to be a somewhat fragile confidence.
After what was by any reasonable standard a miserable January, the point gained at Chelsea at the end of the month appears to have galvanised the team who return to winning ways with a 2-0 win over Swansea. A first half brace from Nolan gives us the three points.
The match is hugely controversial as Howard Webb hits a new low. Carroll tangles with Chico Flores, accidentally brushing the cheating Spaniard's ponytail as his arm comes around. Flores clutches his face as if shot. Webb dismisses Carroll. On video review it transpires that the one piece of violent conduct in the whole affair is Flores' elbow to Carroll's chest and that Webb is actually looking the other way as it occurs. Despite this, Webb refuses to change his mind when shown the video. Carroll gets a three match ban. Webb, whose dishonesty in the whole affair should have seen him face some sort of disciplinary action, takes his bent grin off to the World Cup instead.
One would have hoped that Webb's main employers might have had something to say about their employee. Unfortunately, as the Hillsborough affair has shown, altering the facts to save your own backside seems to be pretty endemic amongst the South Yorkshire Police Force
Whether or not connected with the dishonesty of his players, Michael Laudrup barely survives the weekend as manager of Swansea, his dismissal being the second of the season to occur just after playing us. Laudrup's departure comes amid rumours of the manager's lack of interest in little things like actually taking training, midweek breaks to Paris apparently being the norm.
Ooop north things at Leeds become so farcial that those who remember them kicking, bribing and cheating their way to league titles in the 1970's temporarily stop laughing at Spurs for a while to enjoy a loud guffaw at the expense of the denizens of Elland Road.
The story goes something like this: Italian Massimo Cellino takes over the club from owners GFH. Cellino sacks incumbent manager Brian McDermott. A person or persons unknown then makes changes to the Leeds team on the Friday before they go out and bet local rivals Huddersfield 5-1 on the Saturday. GFH then point out that Cellino doesn't actually own the club yet and therefore doesn't have the power to sack McDermott. McDermott is duly reinstated, though nobody thinks to tell him, the news arriving via his i-Pad. Meanwhile, the lawyer who sacked McDermott on behalf of Cellino is escorted from the ground by a big bloke acting on behalf of GFH. McDermott turns up to take training to find a mystery Italian player warming up in training. Asked by the press who the player is McDermott responds "no idea". Cellino promptly fails the Football League's fit and proper test, which is a a pretty good trick given the credentials of some of those who have managed to pass the test in the past. More to come on this one we reckon.
Of course when it comes to stuff to laugh at, Joe Kinnear is ever one to be outdone. Seven months and not a penny spent sees the SJP faithful chanting "where's your signings Joe Kinnear." Sadly before he can claim to have signed Messi and Ronaldo in response, Kinnear resigns pausing only to add a Newcastle Champion League win onto the bottom of his already somewhat factually-challenged CV. Meanwhile, the resulting grin on Alan Pardew's face makes him look smugger than ever, something previously thought to have been impossible by most scientist, or at least most of those who deal in smugology.
As if to rally against the sheer injustice of the whole Carroll affair, we make it three clean sheets in a row with a 2-0 win over Villa at Villa Park. Nolan continues his rehabilitation with another brace.
Surely we couldn't make it three in a row for the first time since black & white telly (no I couldn't be bothered to look it up either but it probably wasn't that long ago I suppose. The amazing run continues as two late goals from Collins and Diame send Norwich home pointless. Adrian is the MOTM after a string of saves earlier on keeps us in the game. Canaries boss Chris Hughton bemoans his luck. Again.
Outside of football, as if organised religions don't do enough to make themselves look daft, The General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowment in the UAE announces a Fatwa. The subject of this interpretation of Islamic law is not, as you might think, some hapless cartoonist or the entire population of the USA. No, the ruling is aimed at anyone who might be considering going to live on Mars. Apparently the one way nature of such a trip would be tantamount to suicide which, of course is a no-no in many religions. Thanks guys that's match my mind up for me.
The Ravel Morrison mystery continues. Having been missing with a groin injury that has seen coaching staff raising sceptical eyebrows-a-plenty, the player is loaned out to QPR, which is fast becoming the Boleyn Ground's equivalent of the naughty step.
Winning? It's getting boring now as the streak continues with the side coming from behind to dispatch Southampton 3-1. Jarvis, Carlton Cole and a resurgent Nolan are on the scoresheet in a month that waves two fingers at Howard Webb.
The guys who run the kumb.com podcast to honour the anniversary of the passing of Bobby Moore. It's a marvellous piece of work featuring a whole host of the great and good of football and Harry Redknapp. If you haven't heard it yet I'm sure the link is available somewhere on the site. Meanwhile I'd like to apologise to the guys on behalf of everyone who approached me to tell me what a good job I'd done (I did apportion the credit to where it was due).
The four wins in a row see us end the month in tenth place, easing the worries of relegation that some of you may have been having up to this point. At the top Chelsea lead though Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool, who seem to be trying to become the first team to win the Premier League based purely on their ability to dive, are all breathing down the Pensioners' necks.
March 2014
Having won 4 in a row in February, the marvellous run comes at an end up at Goodison Park. Lukaku is the difference between the sides again with a late winner. The match sees the return of Andy Carroll from his disgraceful suspension. Replacing Carlton Cole on 28 minutes, the record signing ends up with a broken finger for his troubles.
Newcastle beat Hull 4-1 at the KC Stadium in a match memorable for an altercation between Alan Pardew and City's David Meyler. The Newcastle boss headbutts the defender. And we thought Kinnear was the mad one. The butt earns Pardew a seven match ban, the first three of which are a stadium ban. An FA fine of £60,000 is added to a club one of £100,000. Have to wait a few more weeks to upgrade that Ferrari then Alan.
Man City pick up the League Cup, though they don't have it all their own way as Sunderland go into the interval 1-0 up. Three unanswered second half goals give the Citizens the trophy prompting us to muse how different things might have been had we been able to field a proper first XI in the semi-final. Not much probably.
We then go down 3-1 at Stoke. Carroll's 5th minute opener is cancelled out by Odemwingie before referee Pawson inexplicably allows Stoke defender Muniesa to get away with a penalty so blatant that had a human being been refereeing the match (rather than the cloned Rileybots that are employed these days) he'd have died of shame. Stoke go on to net two more times to give them a flattering win.
Former Olympic triple jump champion Jonathan Edwards, who famously wouldn't compete on Sundays due to his religious beliefs, announces that he no longer believes in God. Whilst the athlete doesn't go into too much detail, we wonder if, like us he wonders about a supreme deity who, would, if he existed, surely have hit Howard Webb with a plague of boils or something by now.
Another West Ham tradition is maintained as it is revealed that Boriello, who has made just two sub appearances since arriving on loan, joins the long list of signings who get injured never to be seen again.
FIFA announce that from June 1 any player displaying a message on his undershirt would receive an automatic yellow card for the offence. The decision takes the relevant committee so long to come to, that they run out of time to take steps to ensure that referees enact the laws already there to punish players for diving. Similarly all the stuff about preventing corruption within FIFA gets put off until after brown envelope season has closed.
Jack Collison looks to be on his way out as he signs for Wigan on loan to the end of the season. I'd check that contract Jack if Whelan has signed it.
After a longer than usual delay in announcing the award, the powers that be finally run out of excuses not to give Sam Allardyce February's manager of the month thingy. Joe Kinnear scoffs dismissively claiming to have won dozens of the titles.The fact that they used to give out those massive bottles of scotch for the award could explain a lot.
"Madder than a whole box of Kinnears" defender Toms Repka admits to have given away a penalty in a Czech league match in 2012 in order to get back at his old club. The resulting goal helps Liberec win 4-0 with them eventually going on to win the league by two points over Repka's old club Sparta Prague. "I wasn't thinking straight" Repka points out helpfully in his autobiography which, totally coincidentally, is out at the time.
The good people at Birdseye announce the retirement of Captain Birdseye from our tv screens,. "Our decision is designed to breathe new life into the brand and is in no way connected with Operation Yewtree" claims a spokesman.
We go down to Man Utd 2-0 at home. The opening goal has the tv pundits going into fawning overdrive as Rooney volleys in from near the halfway line having shoved Tomkins out of the way. Let's just ignore the laws of the game shall we then for the sake of something to talk about? Manchester United boss Moyes breaks years of tradition by doing us the courtesy of actually turning up at a press conference.
We return to winning ways as Hull are beaten 2-1. Hull 'keeper McGregor knocks himself out colliding with Mo Diame. Having given away the penalty McGregor recovers enough to leave the field only to see Mike "Look At Me" Dean show him the red card. Noble puts the spot kick away. Jelavic equalises in the second half before Chester diverts Demel's cross into his own net. The team's performance is poor enough to have sections of the crowd booing, with Allardyce, perhaps unwisely, cupping his ear to supporters in response. Earlier in the match the centre-half curse strikes again as James Collins limps off after only nine minutes. Roger Johnson, who earlier describes himself as a "season-ticket holder" in the Soccer AM crossbar challenge thing, comes on and inspires one of the wittier chants of the season, suggesting that "he's off to Brazil".
West Brom sack Nicolas Anelka for "gross misconduct" hours after the player announces that he's torn up his contract anyway. An Albion spokesman says that his "resignation" doesn't count as he only announced it on twitter which makes the club's sacking the decision that counts, an announcement that in no way reeks of sour grapes at all.
So a mixed month comes to an end in 12th spot with Man City and the Liverpool diving academy fighting over top spot. We look safe enough to me, though with a tough run-in and not many points separating the occupants of the lower half of the table a few more wins in the next month or so wouldn't go amiss. Meanwhile the relationship between the manager and fans is balanced on a knife-edge. Best not get relegated then.....
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The peril of signing World Cup stars
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 28th June 2014
By: Paul Turner
When a major international tournament is receiving wall-to-wall television, internet and print press coverage, the eyes of football fans descend upon players you may have heard of, signed on football manager, or just plain don't know.
The spotlight becomes focused on those teams who have qualified and those players that perform well over the length of the tournament. Individual games are debated at length at work, in the pub or on internet forums. "Player X would do well for us"; "that player Y, the club should sign him". If the club signed everyone who had a half decent game we would have hundreds of players on the books.
Scouting and evaluating players in the modern game has moved on from the days of Wally St. Pier watching schoolboy county matches and West Ham United taking young professionals on as part of the ground staff. Now there is so much technical data that can be acquired; a player's reaction times, sprint bursts, passing method as well as judging a player's aptitude to go with the physical ability.
This information can be entered into databases and programmes, analysed by sports scientists into all manner of different outputs or conclusions depending on what the manager is looking for.
The players under Sam have spoken before about how information pertaining to matches and training ground performance has been provided to take away and digest in their own time, to try and make the player aware of their own statistics or those of the team in general and to build a better understanding of team mates' abilities.
How a footballer takes on board such information is up to the player. But this kind of statistical analysis of a footballer's abilities goes beyond the headline statistics of goals and assists.
With the World Cup now having reached the knockout stages, I wondered about the players so far that have shown promise or have impressed and how West Ham United have fared before with World Cup players. The club's signing of players from World Cup exploits in the months preceding the tournament has only been a recent phenomenum.
According to worldfootball.net,West Ham have signed nine players who have represented their country at a World Cup Finals. Javier Margas, in 1998, appears to be the first player we signed on this basis. There's also been Gary Breen in 2002, John Pa(i)ntsil, Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano (although the two Argentinians were obviously at WHU for other purposes) in 2006 and Victor Obinna, Pablo Barrera, Winston Reid and to a lesser extent Lars Jacobsen in 2010.
In recent years and decades (and in particular under Harry Redknapp) there has been a high turnover of players at West Ham United, yet there seems to be more consideration when it comes to players who have performed at World Cups. A number of factors could come into this thinking. Is the player a flash-in-the-pan? Are the (willingly or reluctantly) selling club asking for a king's ransom based on World Cup performances? Is the signature of a player just for marketing purposes and to catch interest from fans for commercial motives?
As an example, when West Ham announced the signing of Winston Reid in 2010, the first article on the club website announcing the signature featured phrases like 'joining the club was a "dream move" for the player' and 'Reid "caught the eye" and has "ability to perform at the very highest level"'.
Back in August 2010 that kind of statement from West Ham United regarding a player who the majority of fans would have only seen playing three times before - if they caught all of New Zealand's World Cup matches - breeds an air of expectation that the club have a real starlet on their hands.
The best way to describe Winston's first season at the club is 'difficult', although having a proper manager to work under in Sam Allardyce, Reid has flourished into the player we all know today. To ask the question, though: did we sign Winston because of the opportunity it offered after the publicity New Zealand achieved in 2010, or was it because he had been carefully scouted and processed by the new staff at the Boleyn Ground under Avram Grant who had only themselves been at the club for a matter of weeks after Franco Zola had left?
Once being given the time and space to develop in the English game (in the season spent in the Championship) Reid's signing proved a shrewd one for the club - although it was a gamble that nearly didn't pay off. Necessity, due to players having to be offloaded after relegation rather that a conscious decision to further Reid's development was the main reason Winston started the Championship season. He's never looked back.
The less said about some of his Gary Breen's performances in claret and blue the better, but to have signed the former Coventry defender off the back of a good showing for the Republic of Ireland at the 2002 World Cup seemed like a good deal at the time.
As for John Pantsil, Barrera, Jacobson and Margas? These players came to West Ham with established reputations as solid players, wouldn't let you down when coming into the team and "could do a job". In what seems to be a fashion only WHU have mastered, for different reasons none of those deals worked out for player or club.
This is not to say that any player signed as the result of a strong showing at this World Cup or future tournaments are doomed to failure in East London, but when it comes to evaluating potential signings the club seem to look more at the known metrics that can be recorded and evaluated rather then the player's potential to shine on the international stage.
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Enner Valencia and Islam Slimani top West Ham hit list
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 1st July 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are likely to move for Algerian international Islam Slimani - if a move to sign Ecuador international Enner Valencia fails to bear fruit.
Slimani, who has been linked with West Ham since the end of the last transfer window is understood to be the club's second choice behind Valencia, who like Slimani has won plenty of approval for his performances in Brazil 2014. Sporting are reported to have slapped an €8million price tag on the 26-year-old Algerian who the Hammers had hoped to land on loan back in January.
We reported yesterday how West Ham had made enquiries into the availability of Valencia, CF Pachua's 24-year-old centre forward who scored three goals in the World Cup Finals despite his country failing to qualify for the knockout stage.
* Bayern Munich's Italian defender Diego Contento is reported to have been the subject of an enquiry by West Ham. Considered surplus to requirements having failed to nail down a first team spot under Pep Guardiola, the 24-year-old has also been linked with West Bromwich Albion.
* Ravel Morrison is due to return to West Ham this Thursday when the first team squad reconvene for pre-season. The attacking midfielder, on loan at Queens Park Rangers since January has signalled his desire to win his place back in Sam Allardyce's first XI despite rumoured interest from a number of parties, including Harry Redknapp's Rangers.
* West Ham are rumoured to be one of a number of clubs taking a close look at Dynamo Kiev's Andriy Yarmolenko - however with a rumoured transfer fee of £12-15million (Daily Star) United's chances of landing a player also sought by Liverpool and Chelsea, both of whom can offer Champions League football, appear slim at best.
* Italian sources (Il Giallo Rosso) are running with a story suggesting Milan's Antonio Nocerino may be set to return to the Boleyn Ground on a permanent basis, despite previous reports claiming that he was about to complete a (permanent) move to Torino. KUMB suspects this may be someone taking what is known as a flyer, given Noce's frosty demeanour when leaving the BG for the final time back in May.
* Les Bleus midfielder Mathieu Valbuena, a regular in the French World Cup squad that reached the quarter finals courtesy of a 2-0 win over Nigeria on Monday is being linked with an £8million move to east London (Mail). Currently with Ligue 1 side Marseille, Valbuena has also been linked with Arsenal (quelle surprise) and Liverpool in recent weeks after his agent revealed that he would consider a move to the Premier League.
* Even more spurious than the Nocerino link is a rumour emanating from Portuguese media claiming that West Ham are showing an interest in signing Sporting's Argentine defender Marcos Rojo. The 24-year-old has featured regularly for his country at the World Cup Finals and is valued at the £20million mark. Russian side Zenit previously failed with a £15million bid for the 6'1½" centre half.
* It's debatable whether West Ham were ever seriously interested but Belgian striker Divock Origi is on the verge of completing a move to Liverpool. At just 19 the Lille forward is poised to make a £10million move to Anfield, apparently snubbing the likes of West Ham and Tottenham.
* Jefferson Montero, whom it was recently claimed was on the verge of signing for West Ham has spoken of his desire to try his luck in Europe. "It's certain that I'll leave the league," said the Mexican-based Ecuadorian international. "I already have an offer and I can tell you that it won't be Mexico; it will be Europe and I hope it works out."
* Five years after making a €5million bid, Italian sources insist West Ham are taking a second look at Napoli's Macedonian international Goran Pandev. The 30-year-old striker has also been linked with Tottenham and Monaco. Franco Zola was thought to be close to landing the player in 2009 but missed out.
* West Ham's ongoing link with Leeds striker Ross McCormack finally looks close to reaching its inevitable conclusion with the news that recently-relegated Fulham have offered £7million for the Scottish international. Leeds are said to be holding out for £10million, for a player who at 28 has never played in the Premier League. West Ham are unlikely to challenge the Cottagers.
* A number of Twitter feeds are linking West Ham with a move for the US World Cup star Omar Gonzalez - although claims that the story originated in the Telegraph appear to be wide of the mark.
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Orient and Hearn reach OS 'settlement'
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 1st July 2014
By: Staff Writer
Leyton Orient's legal bid to overturn West Ham's tenure of the Olympic Stadium is over after they reached a settlement with the Premier League. The League One club, who narrowly missed out on promotion to the Championship last season have fought to prevent West Ham from being awarded use of the £500million arena for more than three years. However the Premier League confirmed in a statement this morning that the two parties had reached a settlement - not necessarily a financial inducement, although that is how many commentators have perceived it - thus ending Orient's battle. "The Premier League and Leyton Orient FC are pleased to announce that they have reached settlement of a dispute regarding the future use of the Olympic Stadium on terms which are confidential," read a statement on the Premier League's website this lunchtime (Tuesday). "Leyton Orient confirms, however, that it no longer disputes the validity of the Premier League's decision to allow West Ham United to occupy the Stadium."
When questioned about the decision via Twitter, O's supremo Barry Hearn replied: "No point carrying on now we have permission to talk to new operators re a deal if we want to."
Hearn's comment relates to the revelation last December that Orient are free to consult with the stadium operators with view to using the venue for matches of their own. One person not convinced that the settlement was based on financial terms was Times' sports writer James Masters. "It's my understanding that Orient withdrew their case against West Ham United moving to the Olympic Stadium following advice from lawyers and to save on legal fees." he said. "I also understand that Orient DID NOT receive any financial compensation in settlement with Premier League."
West Ham are due to move into the 54,000-capacity stadium in time for the beginning of the 2016/17 season, two years from now.
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Time for a changing of the guard?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 30th June 2014
By: Sean McGuire
In a recent poll asking Hammers fans to vote for who they would like to see as the Irons' captain next season, current incumbent Kevin Nolan received only about eight per cent of the vote compared to (first place) Mark Noble who received around 79 per cent of the vote.
So why the swing against Nolan? To answer that, I need to consider the attributes that make a good captain. I have always subscribed to the opinion that, whatever the sport, you should pick your first choice team and then from that select the player best suited to be captain. Sometimes it feels like a captain is selected at the start of the season and then their place in the team is unimpeachable because of their captaincy status.
Therefore the first thing to consider is would Nolan be a consistent first XI player next season based on merit alone? He was our top goal scorer this season with seven goals, however over half of those came in two exceptional games in early February (Swansea at home and Villa away) where he scored back to back braces.
Outside of those two games Nolan was a very different animal this season; after scoring in the opener the first half of his season was very quiet and uninspiring.
Of course I'm not suggesting that our top goal scorer shouldn't start next season or that he wouldn't be my first choice attacking midfielder, but as his 32nd birthday approaches and after a disappointing season his place would certainly be under threat from Mo Diame, Mauro Zarate and Ravel Morrison.
Diame was a consistent attacking threat (albeit nowhere near captain potential after his recent media outbursts and top six delusions). Zarate starting would place Nolan under threat as given the promised two strikers up front the central attacking midfielder slot is the most likely to be sacrificed. I know I have a tendency to over-rate Morrison but even his biggest critics would probably agree that if we keep him we should start playing him.
This is a contrast to the ever-present Noble who received the Hammer of the Year and KUMB.com Player of the Year awards for his consistently high-quality performances in the deep midfield. He made 107 tackles and 70 interceptions this season helping to keep our defence tight. I cannot see him losing his place at holding midfield to anyone in the current squad or anyone we have been linked with although I would love to see him and Cheikhou Kouyate playing alongside each other as a defensive midfield pairing. We would be impenetrable.
Next to consider when selecting a captain is whether or not they set a good example. WHUFC has a proud tradition of bringing up youth talent so to my mind a captain that sets these youngsters a good example is imperative.
On December 7th we were losing 3-1 at Anfield when at a throw in, our captain Nolan approached Henderson whose back was turned to receive the ball and stamped on his calf. He received a straight red card and a three-match ban for this violent outburst making it the fifth December in a row he had received a suspension (perhaps he just enjoys Christmas at home with his kids). On his second match back from suspension he kicked Fulham's Amorebiata while off the ball, earning a second straight red for violence.
Nolan simply isn't a good example as far as discipline goes, in stark contrast to Noble. While I would argue that due to their different roles in the midfield Noble should pick up more cards than Nolan, they both got seven yellows last season and Noble's only red couldn't have been more different to Nolan's two straight red for violence. It was for a second bookable offence at Everton and most agree on replay that he shouldn't have been booked and that he got the ball.
Finally, and to my mind most importantly, a captain should be an inspirational figure, a man with the determination to rally a team and boost morale when the opposition are leading. Given that Nolan's two violent outbursts last season came when we were losing and possibly out of that frustration I do not think that he has the level head to be the type of captain I am describing.
Again a contrast to Noble, the tireless worker who has run further than any other West Ham player this year and who is in possession of a level head. I think he has exactly the qualities to inspire a team and turn games around. It is time to pass the captaincy torch onto another and the current vice captain, longest serving player and last season's Hammer of the Year also known as "Mr West Ham" is the obvious replacement.
Sadly, I cannot see this being a move that will happen. Sam Allardyce is hugely loyal to Nolan, which is understandable as Nolan has played under Allardyce at two different teams in a relationship going back to 1999 (involving 390 appearances and 74 goals for Nolan). However, hopefully Allardyce will see the need for change as I think for the reasons listed above the change could give the team a boost.
Also, Noble deserves it - and I imagine he is the type of player that would care about becoming captain.
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WHO WILL BE THE NEXT SOUTH AMERICAN HAMMER?
By Sean Whetstone 1 Jul 2014 at 17:24
West Ham Til I Die
Over the last three days we have been running a series on the 15 South American players to have signed for West Ham and how they fared in the east end of London.
Today we look at who could be the 16th South American player to sign for West Ham with seven South Americans recently linked to us in recent weeks.
Emanuel Insua
It is claimed West Ham United are in talks over a possible deal for Boca Juniors defender Emanuel Insua.The 23-year-old left-back, the younger brother of ex-Liverpool defender Emiliano, has discussed terms with a four year deal proposed.Argentine sources say the Hammers have bid for the defender, Boca are reportedly open to offers for Insua and are prepared to listen to what West Ham have to say after previously turning down a bid from Torino. West Ham are known to be interested but he is just one of many left backs we are interested in at the moment.
Eder Balanta
According to the Sunday People West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is chasing Colombian World Cup star Eder Balanta, Hammers have sent top spies to Brazil to check out the 21-year-old defender ahead of a possible £6million bid. Balanta, who plays in Argentina for River Plate, is tipped to make a move to Europe after the tournament.
Balanta made his debut for Colombia as recently as March and has only a handful of international caps so is still operating largely under the radar of Premier League clubs.
But West Ham have been on his trail for some time and will try to do a deal once the South Americans are out of the World Cup. However, River Plate vice-president Matias Patanian has denied there has been an offer from West Ham United for the defender. iver Plate vice-president Patanian told Radio La Red: "For the moment we only know, in an official way, that Juventus are making a big effort for Balanta.Asked about West Ham, he replied: "No, we have heard what an English newspaper is saying about West Ham."If the amount of money that the newspaper mentions is true and we receive an offer like that, then River could sit down and start negotiations as it would be close to the amount the club expects for transferring Balanta."If the money that is being mentioned in the English media is that, then we will have to listen to them when we receive an official offer.Of course we would want to sell our players to the team that gets closest to our value."
Gonzalo Bergessio
Sam Allardyce could make a move for another Argentine striker according to reports on an Italian website.Tutto Mercato Web claims West Ham are interested in Catania's 29-year-old forward The frontman Gonzalo Bergessio., who has two goals in three appearances for the Argentine national team, netted ten times in 28 starts for Catania in Serie A last season. Bergessio made his Argentina international debut on 15th October 2008, playing the second half of a 0–1 loss in Chile, in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He scored his first two international goals on 20th May of the following year, in a 3–1 win over Panama. On 30th October 2013, Bergessio suffered a broken fibula as a result of a late tackle by Giorgio Chiellini in Catania's 0–4 loss at Juventus FC. He has made 96 appearances for Catania scoring 30 goals.
Ezequiel Ponce
West Ham have been linked with the South American teen sensation Ezequiel Ponce.The Newell's Old Boys 17 year old billed as the most exciting prospect in Argentinian football is also the subject of an Argentine investment group financial move with the businessmen wanting to purchase 50 per cent of the player's rights.
The story first broke in the Argentinian media where West Ham was named as a likely destination. It is claimed the club want £5 million plus a 50% sell on fee when/if he becomes a world superstar.Whether he becomes the next Messi remains to be seen but £5m from our limited transfer budget seems a gamble too far for West Ham.
Jefferson Montero
According to the Guardian West Ham are close to signing Jefferson Montero by triggering the Ecuadorian's £3m release clause that would take him from a Mexican club, Morelia, to the Boleyn Ground.The 23-year-old Montero will earn £30,000 a-week in what should be a four-year contract, having impressed the West Ham manager, Sam Allardyce, who hopes the winger can help provide the service to the club's record signing, Andy Carroll, next season.Montero, who has played for Ecuador more than 25 times, impressed in the 1-1 draw with Argentina in a World Cup qualifier in Quito early this month when a number of scouts from English clubs were present.
Marcos Rojo
A newspaper report in Portugal claims West Ham are interested in signing Argentine defender Marcos Rojo.The 24-year-old, who plays for Sporting Lisbon could move to West Ham but the 20 million euros price tag is likely finish off any real interest. The report says Russian outfit Zenit St Petersburg failed with a 15 million euro bid in January, and Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal are also interested in Rojo, He can play in central defence and at left-back.Rojo scored for Argentina in their 3-2 win over Nigeria in the World Cup and is expected to start in his country's last 16 match against Switerland today.
Enner Valencia
West Ham are interested in Ecuador striker Enner Valencia, according to Dean Jones in the Sunday People.The forward has made a big impression at the World Cup with three goals in the group stages Valencia just 25, currently plays for Mexican side Pachuca and scored 18 goals for them before heading to the Brazil finals.
Everton are also believed to be monitoring him.
And finally the one who got away ……
Neymar
David Sullivan has admitted that West Ham made a bid for Brazilian World Cup superstar Neymar four years ago during the summer of 2010! The Joint Chairman confirmed the had made a bid worth around £16m for the then 18 year wonder kid. Santos rejected it insisting they would not deal at less than the than the player's £28.4m release clause.Any deal would of been complicated by Santos owning just 60 per cent of Neymar's rights and needing the agreement of an investment group should they accept anything less than the buyout clause. The bid from West Ham alerted Chelsea who made their own offer in August 2010 but were also turned down after Pele persuaded Neymar to stay in Brazil.
Neymar was born on the February 5 which is the same as the Joint Chairman Sullivan and former South American Hammers legend Carlos Tevez
In 2012 during an interview with Iain Dale David Sullivan had said:
"I believe in coincidence. Get this. Carlos Tévez. Born, 5 February. Cristiano Ronaldo. Born 5 February. Neymar. Born 5 February. All born on the same day as me. Jordan Rhodes, also born 5 February. And you know what, this other player that we didn't sign, also born 5 February.When I saw the Huddersfield guy was the same date as me and the same date as those players, I thought it was written in the stars. Just incredible. An incredible coincidence, isn't it?"
The other player he refers to is believed to have been Billy Sharp.
What other players were born on 5th February?
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THE FOLLY OF LAST SEASON'S TRANSFER STRATEGY!
By S J Chandos 1 Jul 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
Watching the World Cup Finals and, in particular, the performances of Algerian striker, Islam Slimani, one is reminded of the club's transfer folly last season. The club invested c.£15m in Andy Carroll, a decision that may yet be vindicated in the medium/long-term, if not currently, in the shorter-term. However, if the club had at the time decided to invest its transfer funds elsewhere, it is sobering to reflect on the fact we could have likely secured both Wilfred Bony (£8m) and Slimani (£6m) for a combined fee of £14m! I am not so sure about their wage demands, but surely we could have got both players for not much more than the c.£70,000 per week that Carroll is allegedly paid. No wonder the board have decided to be more 'hands on' with our transfer dealings this summer! And, no doubt, the addition of a Head of Recruitment will ensure that there is less chance of a repeat of the Bony and Slimani episodes in future.
A Bony-Slimani strike force would certainly have guaranteed goals. The partnership would have had everything, power, pace, technique, intelligent play off the ball and (last but certainly not least) a clinical cutting edge in front of goal. Unfortunately, we lost our opportunity to sign Bony and, his goal scoring record at Swansea last season, probably now renders him unaffordable at £19m. In Slimani's case, it could be that we will come to regret not closing a deal for him in January. It is probable that £6m would have secured him before this World Cup, but will Sporting Lisbon now increase the asking price in the aftermath of his World Cup exploits? I would be very surprised if they did not. So, one must ask, why the club did not follow through on the deal in the last winter transfer window? Its probable that indecision/vacilliation has put the player beyond our reach, especially now other PL and European clubs have been alerted to his ability. Still, you never know, West Ham, may still be able to strike a deal for Slimani. He certainly looks like a striker who could improve us and increase our options up front. Both as competition to Carroll and a striker that can play alongside him.
Talking of Carroll, it will interesting to see if Teddy Sheringham will be able to help him work on key aspects of his game. In particular, his link up play and running off the ball. If West Ham are to adopt a more attractive playing style next season, it stands to reason that Carroll is going to have to contribute more to build up play and be better prepared to convert chances on the ground. Of course, Carroll's ariel ability is a great strength, which we must continue to exploit. However, as a matter of playing policy, the intelligent ball in to the near and far post should replace the aimless punt up field. Caroll needs to adapt his play and show that he is a better all-round technical player than many suppose. He has the potential to do it and, with Sheringham's coaching, he could come on leaps and bounds next season. The big variable factor is whether Carroll can stay fit and available for selection. Some feel that he may be injury prone and next season will probably prove or disprove that proposition.
Fans often express the view that the squad currently lacks a midfield play-maker, someone to orchastrate play in the final third and pick out the killer balls. In that case, they will be pleased to note that we have been linked with a classy player of just that type. Sportsmail are reporting that West Ham are considering bidding for French midfielder, Mathieu Valbuena. He is currently on World Cup duty with the French national squad and normally turns out for Marseille. The speculation is that a c.£6-7m bid will accepted by Marseille and the player is known to be keen on a move to the Premier League. We should monitor this potential deal, because it could prove another significant one, certainly in terms of our commitment to improve our playing style. Who knows, if true, then perhaps we can even offload Diarra and/or Maiga to Marseille as part of the deal?
Finally, it has been reported today that both Fulham and Norwich City have submitted £10m bids for Leeds Utd's Ross McCormack. That is a big fee for a Championship striker, albeit one that scored 28 goals last season. As we know, West Ham have a long running interest in the player and contemplated a £5m punt last January. But is he really worth an inflated £10m fee? Can McCormack reasonably be expected to perform as well in the PL? I can see why he would be seen as a good signing for clubs seeking an immediate return to the PL after relegation, even at £10m, because he virtually guarantees 20 plus goals in the 2nd tier. But has that level of bid effectively priced McCormack out of an immediate PL move?
SJ. Chandos.
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Nice starlet Timothee Kolodziejczak set to become West Ham's third summer signing
Tuesday 1 Jul 2014 8:55 pm
Metro.co.uk
Having already recruited Velez Sarsfield striker Mauro Zarate and Anderlecht anchor man Chiekhou Kouyate, Sam Allardyce appears to be closing in on his third signing of the summer, highly-rated Nice defender Timothee Kolodziejczak (that's just 'Kolo' to you and me).
The Daily Star reports the Hammers look set to sign the former France U-20 starlet for £4million, with the player due in London to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical with the club. The 22-year old left-back had been previously linked to a number of Premier League outfits, most notably QPR and Southampton, who saw the youngster as an ideal replacement for the recently departed Luke Shaw.
Kolodziejczak is due in East London this week to hold talks with the Hammers and undergo a medical ahead of his move, and is expected to put pen to paper on a four-year deal.
As outlined in a previous post, the Irons needed to start filling in holes in the wide areas of the pitch, especially at full-back, and it appears the club are doing just that. 'Kolo' wasn't the only player West Ham identified as a potential signing at left-back, with at one time or another, Norwich's Martin Olsson and Boca Juniors' Emanuel Insua were both tipped to sign at Upton Park.
In addition, reports in Portugal suggest that the Hammers are looking at signing impressive Argentine defender Marcos Rojo. The 24-year old, who can play left-back and at the heart of the defense, was subject of an enquiry from the Hammers, but they were quoted a fee of £16m if they wish to sign the player, who is also a target for Premier League rivals Liverpool.
The impending arrival of 'Kolo' would see the Hammers' summer spending reach double digits, with a total outlay of approximately £11.5m, but it's evident that Allardyce is not content with the group of players he currently has at his disposal, and is eager to bring in several more faces in the coming weeks and months.
Having said goodbye to George McCartney, Jack Collison, Joe Cole and Jordan Spence this summer, the current squad is looking thin in a number of areas, and as expectation mounts on more arrivals, Allardyce and co. are wasting no time in recruiting players for the 2014/15 season.
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Daily WHUFC News - 1st July 2014
Kev's looking forward to first day derby
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan says the visit of Tottenham Hotspur is the perfect way to begin the new campaign
30.06.2014
The countdown to the new 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season begins in earnest this week with the players' return to pre-season training and West Ham United skipper Kevin Nolan cannot wait for the action to commence, Nolan will begin his fourth season as a Hammer looking to improve on last term's 13th place finish and he need not look far for inspiration on the opening day. West Ham take on Tottenham Hotspur and after three derby victories over the north Londoners last term, Nolan has his eyes on more capital gains when the pair lock horns once more on 16 August. He explained: "The fixtures are out for the new season and they don't come much bigger for us than a London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. "These matches against Spurs are ones I know many of our fans look out for first and so to get them on the first day and at home will have everyone excited I am sure, I know all the lads are looking forward to this game. "We did very well against them last season with three deserved victories and we will of course want that to continue, but we also know that they will be tough opposition with their players wanting to impress their new manager and everything, so we will need to be on our toes from the very start."
West Ham's summer transfer business to date has seen them bring in Argentine striker Mauro Zarate and Senegalese midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate. Nolan is delighted to welcome them both to the squad and is looking forward to seeing more new additions this pre-season. He added: "The Gaffer and the Board are working hard to bring in additions to strengthen our squad and I would like to welcome both Mauro Zarate and Cheikhou Kouyate to our Club. I know there is and will be continuing work to bring in more to add to what we have here in the squad already and enable us to start as strongly as possible. "There is always a little buzz when the fixtures come out and our thoughts turn to returning and getting started again, meeting up for pre-season and our fans looking to get their tickets and seeing where and when we play each team. "We are looking forward to playing Spurs in front of a packed Boleyn Ground for the first match back and will be doing all we can to make sure we kick-off the season in the way we want to, with a good result."
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West Ham to start pre-season in France
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 30th June 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are off to France next week for the first stage of pre-season. Sam Allardyce is preparing to take his squad - including new signings Cheikhou Kouyate and Mauro Zarate - to Southern France for some warm weather pre-season training, as has been customary since Allardyce arrived at West Ham in 2011. Although no matches are planned presently United are set to spend six days at the unnamed training camp before returning to England for the first friendly of pre-season against League Two side Stevenage FC at Broadhall Way.
Last July the Hammers kicked off pre-season with several days in Ireland where they faced Cork City, winning 6-2 courtesy of goals from Alou Diarra, Joe Cole, Ravel Morrison, Mark Noble, Matt Taylor and Paul McCallum. 12 months earlier and it was to Austria that Neil McDonald (sans Allardyce, who remained in the UK to take care of transfer business) took the troops for the first leg of pre-season, when Austria Wien were the opponents; West Ham going down 3-1 on that occasion, with Sam Baldock grabbing United's consolation.
And in Big Sam's first pre-season back in 2011, the Hammers travelled to Switzerland where they faced Young Boys (losing 1-2) and FC Basel (also 1-2, thanks to a last-minute winner for the hosts).
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O, Valencia!
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 30th June 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have made enquiries into the availability CF Pachua's Ecuadorian international of Enner Valencia.
The 24-year-old - a centre forward by trade who can also operate in an advanced position on either flank - scored three goals in the World Cup Finals despite his country failing to qualify for the knockout stage of the tournament having finished third behind France and Switzerland.
* West Ham are still in talks over a move for Nice's Timothy 'Kolo' Kolodziejczak. The two clubs are said to have reached an agreement over transfer terms (according to L'Equipe) although the player himself is yet to agree to the move. Southampton - and to a lesser degree, QPR - have also been linked with the 22-year-old full back.
* Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins says that he has not received any enquiries about Spanish striker Michu, who has been heavily linked with a move to both West Ham and Serie A side Napoli in recent days. New Swansea boss Garry Monk is set for talks with the striker when he returns for pre-season training this week. "If the reports are right, there seems to be a lot of interest in Michu," Jenkins told the SWEP. "From the club's point of view, I can tell you that we have not received any enquiries."
* Blackburn are keen on West Ham reserve goalkeeper Stephen Henderson. The Irish goalkeeper, who has made just two League Cup appearances for the Hammers since moiving from Portsmouth two years ago is currently third-choice behind Adrian and Jussi Jaaskelainen.
* Former target Marcos Alonso looks set to complete a move to Sunderland after West Ham's interest in the Fiorentina full back waned.The 23-year-old was heavily linked with a move to the Boleyn earlier this month but West Ham are thought to have moved onto other, more desirable targets.
* Likewise, Gareth Barry is poised to sign a three-year contract with Everton after West Ham pulled out of the race to sign the former Manchester City star. Barry's wage demands of £70,000-per-week were considered unreasonable.
* Norwich full back Martin Olsson, heavily linked with a move to the Boleyn Ground in recent weeks is said to be interesting West Bromwich Albion. The 26-year-old moved to Norwich from Blackburn last year and proved an instant hit at Carrow Road despite the Canaries being relegated from the Premier League last season.
* Colombian defender Pablo Armero, who spent the latter half of last season on loan at the Boleyn Ground is set to join Udinese with whom he began his pro career. The fee for the Napoli full back is said to be around €3million.
* Roger Johnson, spurned by West Ham with whom he was hoping to land a permanent contract, is interesting Championship side Sheffield Wednesday. Johnson is reported to have been told by Wolves boss Kenny Jackettt that he is free to leave the club after refusing to return for pre-season, as revealed here on KUMB last week.
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20 countries grab tour TV rights
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 30th June 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's involvement in this summer's Football United tour has resulted in more than 20 countries purchasing the rights to broadcast the matches live next month. West Ham will face Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC in the four-team tournament, which also includes fellow Premier League side Newcastle United. And the good news for Hammers fans is that both games will be broadcast live in a number of countries across the globe. "The global TV demand for the Football United Tour has reinforced the breadth and scale of West Ham's international fan base," said the club's Managing Director Angus Kinnear. "We are delighted that the passion for the competition is being shared so widely and know it will be an excellent showcase to attract new supporters and partners who are excited by the unique trajectory West Ham are following. "The games also represent a great opportunity for our new signings to give a taste of the impact they will make on the Premier League in the coming season."
David Dome, General Manager of Wellington Phoenix added: "There has been a lot of interest in how the A-League's Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC will fare against the Premier League's West Ham and Newcastle United in a part of the world primarily known for its natural beauty and rugby! "It's a fantastic opportunity to showcase the Wellington Phoenix, the cities and the country to many millions of people from around the world."
Countries to have purchased TV rights for the tournament include Australia, Canada, China, France, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Malaysia, Portugal, South Africa, Thailand and the UK. West Ham's two matches will be broadcast here in the UK by BT Sports, as revealed here on KUMB last week.
* It has been revealed that Wellington City Council had to fork out $750,000 to ensure the Football United tour took place there instead of rivals Auckland.
"We considered the double-header as the most attractive proposition in terms of return on any investment - and ticket sales to date tend to back this up", said City council spokesman Richard MacLean.
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Devo excited by West Ham clash
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 30th June 2014
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammers winger Alan Devonshire says he is looking forward to facing West Ham when his Braintree team host the Irons at the end of next month in a pre-season friendly. Nick Haycock's Development Squad will make the trip up the A12 on July 29th to face Devonshire's non-league team in one of their final pre-season tests at the Amlin Stadium. And Devonshire admitted he is delighted to be able to welcome the Hammers to his club. "We have some great games on our pre-season list to give us a real challenge. We are really looking forward to hosting teams like Norwich and West Ham," he told the Chronicle. "I am delighted that we have been able to get those names for matches."
Devonshire, 58, who was the star guest on a recent KUMB Podcast (which you may listen to here) has been in charge at the Amlin Stadium since 2011. The Iron narrowly missed out on the Skrill Premier play-offs last season, finishing sixth in the table just three points adrift of the play-offs.
Development squad pre-season fixtures
Sat, 12th July: AFC Hornchurch (Little Heath, 11.00am)
Tues, 15th July: Havant and Waterlooville (West Leigh Park, 7.45pm)
Sat, 19th July: Shakhtar Donetsk (Abbey Stadium, Cambridge United FC, 2.00pm)
Sun, 20th July: Espanyol (Abbey Stadium, Cambridge United FC, 2.00pm)
Thu, 24th-Sun 27th July: Ruhr Cup - opposition to be confirmed (Ruhr Cup, Dortmund, tbc)
Tue, 29th July: Braintree Town (Amlin Stadium, 7.45pm)
Tue, 5th Aug: Woking (Kingfield Stadium, 7.45pm)
Fri, 8th Aug: Aston Villa (Little Heath, 12.00pm)
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Kevin Nolan expecting further additions at West Ham
Last Updated: 30/06/14 1:55pm
SSN
Kevin Nolan has been impressed by West Ham United's transfer business, but expects further additions to be made this summer. Sam Allardyce has moved quickly to address important areas in his squad, with proven goalscorer Mauro Zarate and combative midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate drafted in. Both men are expected to become influential figures at Upton Park, with fresh faces a necessity in the current window following a difficult 2013/14 campaign. Club captain Nolan is convinced that the new recruits will provide value for money, but is also aware that Allardyce and the West Ham board are 'working hard' behind the scenes to ensure that there are more exciting arrivals to follow. "I know there is and will be continuing work to bring in more to add to what we have here in the squad already and enable us to start as strongly as possible." He told the club's official website: "The gaffer and the board are working hard to bring in additions to strengthen our squad and I would like to welcome both Mauro Zarate and Cheikhou Kouyate to our club. "I know there is and will be continuing work to bring in more to add to what we have here in the squad already and enable us to start as strongly as possible."
Nolan is confident West Ham will be ready to hit the ground running in 2014/15, with a derby tussle against Tottenham Hotspur first up at Upton Park. He added: "The fixtures are out for the new season and they don't come much bigger for us than a London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. "These matches against Spurs are ones I know many of our fans look out for first and so to get them on the first day and at home will have everyone excited I am sure, I know all the lads are looking forward to this game. "We did very well against them last season with three deserved victories and we will of course want that to continue, but we also know that they will be tough opposition with their players wanting to impress their new manager and everything, so we will need to be on our toes from the very start."
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SOUTH AMERICAN HAMMERS PART THREE
By Sean Whetstone 30 Jun 2014 at 08:34
West Ham Till I Die
In the first two parts of this South American series I covered the period 1998 to early 2010 with Javier Margas, Maurico Taricco, Lionel Scaloni,Carlos Tevez, Javier Mascherano, Nolberto Solano, Walter Lopez, Luis Jimenez, Guillermo Franco and Ilan. The last five players bring us in the modern era.
The eleventh player never made an appearance for the first team despite joining West Ham as an under 12 player. He was born in Cali, Colombia, but moved to London as a child and holds nationality of both Colombia and the UK. He was named West Ham Academy Player of the Year for the 2008/09 season and signed his first professional contract in 2010. He was a regular in the Development squad scoring many goals in the U21 Premier League, he also spent time on loan at Football League clubs Notts County, Swindon Town, Dagenham and Redbridge and Oxford United. On 17th August 2012 it was announced that Montaño had signed a two-year contract with Oldham Athletic, with the option of a third year for an undisclosed fee. On 16th December 2013 it was announced that Montaño had been sacked on the grounds of gross misconduct relating to alleged match fixing. Montaño was aslo charged with the rape of a woman in Romford, London. He appeared in court in March 2014.
The twelfth South American was Brian Montenegro who began his career at Paraguayan club Tacuary where where he made 51 appearances and scored seven goals before joining Maldonado. He joined West Ham on 29th August 2011 on a season-long loan contract saying, "I am very excited to come here and play in England, especially for a club like West Ham. I am hoping to get a chance to show the fans what I can do." Montenegro's only game came on 8th January 2012 in a 1–0 FA Cup third round away defeat to Sheffield Wednesday. At the end of the season, a new contract was not agreed and he returned to Paraguay. The 21 year old now plays for Paraguayan football club Rubio Ñu in the Paraguayan Primera División.
The unlucky thirteenth South American was Brazilian Wellington Paulista. Born in São Paulo, he started as a youth team player with Juventus-SP. On 11th January 2013 he signed a six month loan deal with West Ham United with an option of a further three years, Paulista said about his move "I think I can do my best here and I am coming to England to prove to everyone that I am one of the best strikers in Brazil and to get better and better" Paulista was a named substitute for two games for West Ham, against Southampton and Reading, but left the club without having made a first team appearance but made several appearances for the U21 team and scoring goals . In 2014 Paulista signed for Brazilian club Sport Club Internacional where he has made 8 appearances scoring 7 goals. His team's home stadium is being used for the 2014 World Cup, known as "Gigante da Beira-Rio" (or "Riverside Giant"), with a capacity of 56,000. It was used for 5 matches in the group stage and will be used for the Germany v Algeria match in the last 16.
The fourteenth South American is one of the current stars of the World Cup, Mr Pablo Armero, The left back joined Napoli during the 2013 summer transfer window for a reported €4 million.On 31st January 2014, Armero completed his loan move to West Ham United until the end of the season with an option to buy. He played five league games for West Ham before his loan ended. Early indications were good with both the player and manager suggesting he could stay.Speaking in the West Ham matchday programme, Armero said: "The truth is I feel very happy here in England and at West Ham. I am getting more opportunities and more games so it's going much better now.I'd be happy to stay as I like the football here – it's quick, it's lively, it's physical and for a fast player like me it's great.Above all I want to keep on showing I am a good player and that the coach can depend on me either as a left back or as a winger.As for the future I don't know whether I will stay here in England but we will have to see. I want to do a good job, help my team-mates out and I am grateful to West Ham for the opportunity they have given me." Armero scored for Colombia in the group stage and setup a second goal against Uruguay to help his team through to the quarter finals.
The fifteenth South American is of course Argentine Mauro Zarate who is yet to kick a ball for West Ham who signed earlier this month.
The former Lazio striker was previously loaned by the chairman while at Birmingham. He joined us on a free transfer from Argentine club Velez Sarsfield after he bought himself out his contract. He was sold to Lazio in 2009 for 20 million euros with a buy out clause of 60 million euros. Zárate caused controversy in 2010 when he was photographed apparently giving a fascist salute while watching Lazio lose to Bari among a group of fans, though his spokesman claimed afterwards that the player "did not realise the significance of his gesture" and did not know who Hitler or Mussolini were. Last year Mauro Zarate slammed Lazio president Claudio Lotito after only getting five starts saying "Why have I come home? I needed to feel important, to feel liked – the last days were very hard for me. In November, I had been training for the last time with the team and already I felt no confidence. I had not played a single minute in 15 games.I watched a game and then I went to the bathroom to cry, it's terrible when they don't let you do what you want.The blame is on Lotito and a few players, in addition to the coach, it is them who make the decisions.The president failed to meet agreements and did want to pay me. He didn't want me in his team but would not let me leave either. Lotito hurts the club and devalues the objectives of Lazio."
Mauro who turned 27 in March scored 19 goals in 29 league games during his second spell at Velez Sarsfield. Lets hope he is a South American Hammer to remember for the right reasons.
Many theories have been given why we target South American players, some libellous conspiracy theories can not be mentioned here but I believe the real reason is they are cheap. Your limited transfer budget goes a lot further in South American but you have to take a gamble whether you end up with the next Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero, Luis Suarez, David Luiz, Pablo Zabaleta or Oscar just another Javier Margas.
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West Ham interested in signing France World Cup 2014 star Mathieu Valbuena
West Ham are exploring at possibly signing Marseille's Mathieu Valbuena
Midfielder Valbuena is currently at the World Cup for France
29-year-old is available for £8million and is keen on a Premier League move
By SIMON JONES
PUBLISHED: 22:26, 30 June 2014 | UPDATED: 22:40, 30 June 2014
Daily Mail
West Ham are exploring the possibility of signing France midfielder Mathieu Valbuena. The classy Marseille playmaker is available for £8million with the 29-year-old keen on a move to the Premier League. Valbuena is a regular in his national team and started in Les Bleus 2-0 last 16 victory against Nigeria on Monday. He has been linked with both Arsenal and Liverpool, La Liga side Valencia, as well as Italian outfits Fiorentina and Napoli. Last week his agent revealed that Valbuena is considering leaving Marseille after the World Cup with France's concludes. 'He has a contract with Marseille and they are not a small club, they are a big club in France.' Jean-Pierre Bernes told French radio station Europe 1. 'But it is true that given his performances, and if there is the opportunity with a club, it is something we will examine and Marseille as well. 'Nothing is set, there is no destination fixed, there are contact with certain clubs in different European leagues.' During his eight years at the south of France outfit, Valbuena has scored 38 goals in 332 appearances where he has won the 2009/10 Ligue 1 title as well as three Coupe de la Ligues.
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Sullivan talks with 'Kolo' later this week
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 30, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have set up their first round of talks with Nice left back Timothée Kolodziejczak who will arrive for talks with David Sullivan in London this week.
ClaretndHugh has discovered exclusively that the player is an identical situation to that faced by newly signed midfielder/defender Cheikhou Kouyate at the same stage of his negotiations. A source told us:"Timothee is desperately keen to join the club but despite reports in Europe to the contrary, we still haven't agreed a fee. "We've been very encouraged by the player's attitude as it's clear he wants to play for us and he will be arriving in London this week for talks with the co-chairman. "However, the club doesn't feel under pressure at this stage as it had several other options although Kolodziejczak is a player they'd like to get. "He's been on the radar for some time and our negotiators will be hoping to tie things up quickly."
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Neymar: The 'Hammer' who got away!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 30, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Sullivan has admitted making a bid for Brazilian World Cup superstar Neymar was at the centre of a major bid by West Ham United four years ago!
It was an entirely serious move by the West Ham who tried to grab the player as an 18 year old. David Sullivan confirmed this morning to ClaretandHugh that he had made a bid worth around £16m for the then 18 year wonder kid Reports had emerged over the weekend claiming that the Irons had made a bold bid and Sullivan told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "Yes, that's true – we did." Santos rejected it insisting they would not deal at less than the than the player's £28.4m release clause. The bid from West Ham alerted Chelsea who made their own offer in August 2010 but were also turned down after Pele persuaded Neymar to stay in Brazil. Neymar was born on the February 5 which is the same as the Joint Chairman Sullivan, Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo. In 2012 during an interview with Hammers www.westhamtilidie.com owner Iain Dale Sullivan had said: I believe in coincidence. Get this. Carlos Tévez. Born, 5 February. Cristiano Ronaldo. Born 5 February. Neymar. Born 5 February. All born on the same day as me. Jordan Rhodes, also born 5 February. And you know what, this other player that we didn't sign, also born 5 February. When I saw the Huddersfield guy was the same date as me and the same date as those players, I thought it was written in the stars. Just incredible. An incredible coincidence, isn't it?" The other player he refers to is believed to have been Billy Sharp. We just need to be on the lookout this transfer window for the next superstar born on 5th Feb.
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WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan says the visit of Tottenham Hotspur is the perfect way to begin the new campaign
30.06.2014
The countdown to the new 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season begins in earnest this week with the players' return to pre-season training and West Ham United skipper Kevin Nolan cannot wait for the action to commence, Nolan will begin his fourth season as a Hammer looking to improve on last term's 13th place finish and he need not look far for inspiration on the opening day. West Ham take on Tottenham Hotspur and after three derby victories over the north Londoners last term, Nolan has his eyes on more capital gains when the pair lock horns once more on 16 August. He explained: "The fixtures are out for the new season and they don't come much bigger for us than a London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. "These matches against Spurs are ones I know many of our fans look out for first and so to get them on the first day and at home will have everyone excited I am sure, I know all the lads are looking forward to this game. "We did very well against them last season with three deserved victories and we will of course want that to continue, but we also know that they will be tough opposition with their players wanting to impress their new manager and everything, so we will need to be on our toes from the very start."
West Ham's summer transfer business to date has seen them bring in Argentine striker Mauro Zarate and Senegalese midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate. Nolan is delighted to welcome them both to the squad and is looking forward to seeing more new additions this pre-season. He added: "The Gaffer and the Board are working hard to bring in additions to strengthen our squad and I would like to welcome both Mauro Zarate and Cheikhou Kouyate to our Club. I know there is and will be continuing work to bring in more to add to what we have here in the squad already and enable us to start as strongly as possible. "There is always a little buzz when the fixtures come out and our thoughts turn to returning and getting started again, meeting up for pre-season and our fans looking to get their tickets and seeing where and when we play each team. "We are looking forward to playing Spurs in front of a packed Boleyn Ground for the first match back and will be doing all we can to make sure we kick-off the season in the way we want to, with a good result."
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West Ham to start pre-season in France
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 30th June 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are off to France next week for the first stage of pre-season. Sam Allardyce is preparing to take his squad - including new signings Cheikhou Kouyate and Mauro Zarate - to Southern France for some warm weather pre-season training, as has been customary since Allardyce arrived at West Ham in 2011. Although no matches are planned presently United are set to spend six days at the unnamed training camp before returning to England for the first friendly of pre-season against League Two side Stevenage FC at Broadhall Way.
Last July the Hammers kicked off pre-season with several days in Ireland where they faced Cork City, winning 6-2 courtesy of goals from Alou Diarra, Joe Cole, Ravel Morrison, Mark Noble, Matt Taylor and Paul McCallum. 12 months earlier and it was to Austria that Neil McDonald (sans Allardyce, who remained in the UK to take care of transfer business) took the troops for the first leg of pre-season, when Austria Wien were the opponents; West Ham going down 3-1 on that occasion, with Sam Baldock grabbing United's consolation.
And in Big Sam's first pre-season back in 2011, the Hammers travelled to Switzerland where they faced Young Boys (losing 1-2) and FC Basel (also 1-2, thanks to a last-minute winner for the hosts).
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O, Valencia!
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 30th June 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have made enquiries into the availability CF Pachua's Ecuadorian international of Enner Valencia.
The 24-year-old - a centre forward by trade who can also operate in an advanced position on either flank - scored three goals in the World Cup Finals despite his country failing to qualify for the knockout stage of the tournament having finished third behind France and Switzerland.
* West Ham are still in talks over a move for Nice's Timothy 'Kolo' Kolodziejczak. The two clubs are said to have reached an agreement over transfer terms (according to L'Equipe) although the player himself is yet to agree to the move. Southampton - and to a lesser degree, QPR - have also been linked with the 22-year-old full back.
* Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins says that he has not received any enquiries about Spanish striker Michu, who has been heavily linked with a move to both West Ham and Serie A side Napoli in recent days. New Swansea boss Garry Monk is set for talks with the striker when he returns for pre-season training this week. "If the reports are right, there seems to be a lot of interest in Michu," Jenkins told the SWEP. "From the club's point of view, I can tell you that we have not received any enquiries."
* Blackburn are keen on West Ham reserve goalkeeper Stephen Henderson. The Irish goalkeeper, who has made just two League Cup appearances for the Hammers since moiving from Portsmouth two years ago is currently third-choice behind Adrian and Jussi Jaaskelainen.
* Former target Marcos Alonso looks set to complete a move to Sunderland after West Ham's interest in the Fiorentina full back waned.The 23-year-old was heavily linked with a move to the Boleyn earlier this month but West Ham are thought to have moved onto other, more desirable targets.
* Likewise, Gareth Barry is poised to sign a three-year contract with Everton after West Ham pulled out of the race to sign the former Manchester City star. Barry's wage demands of £70,000-per-week were considered unreasonable.
* Norwich full back Martin Olsson, heavily linked with a move to the Boleyn Ground in recent weeks is said to be interesting West Bromwich Albion. The 26-year-old moved to Norwich from Blackburn last year and proved an instant hit at Carrow Road despite the Canaries being relegated from the Premier League last season.
* Colombian defender Pablo Armero, who spent the latter half of last season on loan at the Boleyn Ground is set to join Udinese with whom he began his pro career. The fee for the Napoli full back is said to be around €3million.
* Roger Johnson, spurned by West Ham with whom he was hoping to land a permanent contract, is interesting Championship side Sheffield Wednesday. Johnson is reported to have been told by Wolves boss Kenny Jackettt that he is free to leave the club after refusing to return for pre-season, as revealed here on KUMB last week.
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20 countries grab tour TV rights
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 30th June 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's involvement in this summer's Football United tour has resulted in more than 20 countries purchasing the rights to broadcast the matches live next month. West Ham will face Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC in the four-team tournament, which also includes fellow Premier League side Newcastle United. And the good news for Hammers fans is that both games will be broadcast live in a number of countries across the globe. "The global TV demand for the Football United Tour has reinforced the breadth and scale of West Ham's international fan base," said the club's Managing Director Angus Kinnear. "We are delighted that the passion for the competition is being shared so widely and know it will be an excellent showcase to attract new supporters and partners who are excited by the unique trajectory West Ham are following. "The games also represent a great opportunity for our new signings to give a taste of the impact they will make on the Premier League in the coming season."
David Dome, General Manager of Wellington Phoenix added: "There has been a lot of interest in how the A-League's Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC will fare against the Premier League's West Ham and Newcastle United in a part of the world primarily known for its natural beauty and rugby! "It's a fantastic opportunity to showcase the Wellington Phoenix, the cities and the country to many millions of people from around the world."
Countries to have purchased TV rights for the tournament include Australia, Canada, China, France, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Malaysia, Portugal, South Africa, Thailand and the UK. West Ham's two matches will be broadcast here in the UK by BT Sports, as revealed here on KUMB last week.
* It has been revealed that Wellington City Council had to fork out $750,000 to ensure the Football United tour took place there instead of rivals Auckland.
"We considered the double-header as the most attractive proposition in terms of return on any investment - and ticket sales to date tend to back this up", said City council spokesman Richard MacLean.
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Devo excited by West Ham clash
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 30th June 2014
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammers winger Alan Devonshire says he is looking forward to facing West Ham when his Braintree team host the Irons at the end of next month in a pre-season friendly. Nick Haycock's Development Squad will make the trip up the A12 on July 29th to face Devonshire's non-league team in one of their final pre-season tests at the Amlin Stadium. And Devonshire admitted he is delighted to be able to welcome the Hammers to his club. "We have some great games on our pre-season list to give us a real challenge. We are really looking forward to hosting teams like Norwich and West Ham," he told the Chronicle. "I am delighted that we have been able to get those names for matches."
Devonshire, 58, who was the star guest on a recent KUMB Podcast (which you may listen to here) has been in charge at the Amlin Stadium since 2011. The Iron narrowly missed out on the Skrill Premier play-offs last season, finishing sixth in the table just three points adrift of the play-offs.
Development squad pre-season fixtures
Sat, 12th July: AFC Hornchurch (Little Heath, 11.00am)
Tues, 15th July: Havant and Waterlooville (West Leigh Park, 7.45pm)
Sat, 19th July: Shakhtar Donetsk (Abbey Stadium, Cambridge United FC, 2.00pm)
Sun, 20th July: Espanyol (Abbey Stadium, Cambridge United FC, 2.00pm)
Thu, 24th-Sun 27th July: Ruhr Cup - opposition to be confirmed (Ruhr Cup, Dortmund, tbc)
Tue, 29th July: Braintree Town (Amlin Stadium, 7.45pm)
Tue, 5th Aug: Woking (Kingfield Stadium, 7.45pm)
Fri, 8th Aug: Aston Villa (Little Heath, 12.00pm)
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Kevin Nolan expecting further additions at West Ham
Last Updated: 30/06/14 1:55pm
SSN
Kevin Nolan has been impressed by West Ham United's transfer business, but expects further additions to be made this summer. Sam Allardyce has moved quickly to address important areas in his squad, with proven goalscorer Mauro Zarate and combative midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate drafted in. Both men are expected to become influential figures at Upton Park, with fresh faces a necessity in the current window following a difficult 2013/14 campaign. Club captain Nolan is convinced that the new recruits will provide value for money, but is also aware that Allardyce and the West Ham board are 'working hard' behind the scenes to ensure that there are more exciting arrivals to follow. "I know there is and will be continuing work to bring in more to add to what we have here in the squad already and enable us to start as strongly as possible." He told the club's official website: "The gaffer and the board are working hard to bring in additions to strengthen our squad and I would like to welcome both Mauro Zarate and Cheikhou Kouyate to our club. "I know there is and will be continuing work to bring in more to add to what we have here in the squad already and enable us to start as strongly as possible."
Nolan is confident West Ham will be ready to hit the ground running in 2014/15, with a derby tussle against Tottenham Hotspur first up at Upton Park. He added: "The fixtures are out for the new season and they don't come much bigger for us than a London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. "These matches against Spurs are ones I know many of our fans look out for first and so to get them on the first day and at home will have everyone excited I am sure, I know all the lads are looking forward to this game. "We did very well against them last season with three deserved victories and we will of course want that to continue, but we also know that they will be tough opposition with their players wanting to impress their new manager and everything, so we will need to be on our toes from the very start."
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SOUTH AMERICAN HAMMERS PART THREE
By Sean Whetstone 30 Jun 2014 at 08:34
West Ham Till I Die
In the first two parts of this South American series I covered the period 1998 to early 2010 with Javier Margas, Maurico Taricco, Lionel Scaloni,Carlos Tevez, Javier Mascherano, Nolberto Solano, Walter Lopez, Luis Jimenez, Guillermo Franco and Ilan. The last five players bring us in the modern era.
The eleventh player never made an appearance for the first team despite joining West Ham as an under 12 player. He was born in Cali, Colombia, but moved to London as a child and holds nationality of both Colombia and the UK. He was named West Ham Academy Player of the Year for the 2008/09 season and signed his first professional contract in 2010. He was a regular in the Development squad scoring many goals in the U21 Premier League, he also spent time on loan at Football League clubs Notts County, Swindon Town, Dagenham and Redbridge and Oxford United. On 17th August 2012 it was announced that Montaño had signed a two-year contract with Oldham Athletic, with the option of a third year for an undisclosed fee. On 16th December 2013 it was announced that Montaño had been sacked on the grounds of gross misconduct relating to alleged match fixing. Montaño was aslo charged with the rape of a woman in Romford, London. He appeared in court in March 2014.
The twelfth South American was Brian Montenegro who began his career at Paraguayan club Tacuary where where he made 51 appearances and scored seven goals before joining Maldonado. He joined West Ham on 29th August 2011 on a season-long loan contract saying, "I am very excited to come here and play in England, especially for a club like West Ham. I am hoping to get a chance to show the fans what I can do." Montenegro's only game came on 8th January 2012 in a 1–0 FA Cup third round away defeat to Sheffield Wednesday. At the end of the season, a new contract was not agreed and he returned to Paraguay. The 21 year old now plays for Paraguayan football club Rubio Ñu in the Paraguayan Primera División.
The unlucky thirteenth South American was Brazilian Wellington Paulista. Born in São Paulo, he started as a youth team player with Juventus-SP. On 11th January 2013 he signed a six month loan deal with West Ham United with an option of a further three years, Paulista said about his move "I think I can do my best here and I am coming to England to prove to everyone that I am one of the best strikers in Brazil and to get better and better" Paulista was a named substitute for two games for West Ham, against Southampton and Reading, but left the club without having made a first team appearance but made several appearances for the U21 team and scoring goals . In 2014 Paulista signed for Brazilian club Sport Club Internacional where he has made 8 appearances scoring 7 goals. His team's home stadium is being used for the 2014 World Cup, known as "Gigante da Beira-Rio" (or "Riverside Giant"), with a capacity of 56,000. It was used for 5 matches in the group stage and will be used for the Germany v Algeria match in the last 16.
The fourteenth South American is one of the current stars of the World Cup, Mr Pablo Armero, The left back joined Napoli during the 2013 summer transfer window for a reported €4 million.On 31st January 2014, Armero completed his loan move to West Ham United until the end of the season with an option to buy. He played five league games for West Ham before his loan ended. Early indications were good with both the player and manager suggesting he could stay.Speaking in the West Ham matchday programme, Armero said: "The truth is I feel very happy here in England and at West Ham. I am getting more opportunities and more games so it's going much better now.I'd be happy to stay as I like the football here – it's quick, it's lively, it's physical and for a fast player like me it's great.Above all I want to keep on showing I am a good player and that the coach can depend on me either as a left back or as a winger.As for the future I don't know whether I will stay here in England but we will have to see. I want to do a good job, help my team-mates out and I am grateful to West Ham for the opportunity they have given me." Armero scored for Colombia in the group stage and setup a second goal against Uruguay to help his team through to the quarter finals.
The fifteenth South American is of course Argentine Mauro Zarate who is yet to kick a ball for West Ham who signed earlier this month.
The former Lazio striker was previously loaned by the chairman while at Birmingham. He joined us on a free transfer from Argentine club Velez Sarsfield after he bought himself out his contract. He was sold to Lazio in 2009 for 20 million euros with a buy out clause of 60 million euros. Zárate caused controversy in 2010 when he was photographed apparently giving a fascist salute while watching Lazio lose to Bari among a group of fans, though his spokesman claimed afterwards that the player "did not realise the significance of his gesture" and did not know who Hitler or Mussolini were. Last year Mauro Zarate slammed Lazio president Claudio Lotito after only getting five starts saying "Why have I come home? I needed to feel important, to feel liked – the last days were very hard for me. In November, I had been training for the last time with the team and already I felt no confidence. I had not played a single minute in 15 games.I watched a game and then I went to the bathroom to cry, it's terrible when they don't let you do what you want.The blame is on Lotito and a few players, in addition to the coach, it is them who make the decisions.The president failed to meet agreements and did want to pay me. He didn't want me in his team but would not let me leave either. Lotito hurts the club and devalues the objectives of Lazio."
Mauro who turned 27 in March scored 19 goals in 29 league games during his second spell at Velez Sarsfield. Lets hope he is a South American Hammer to remember for the right reasons.
Many theories have been given why we target South American players, some libellous conspiracy theories can not be mentioned here but I believe the real reason is they are cheap. Your limited transfer budget goes a lot further in South American but you have to take a gamble whether you end up with the next Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero, Luis Suarez, David Luiz, Pablo Zabaleta or Oscar just another Javier Margas.
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West Ham interested in signing France World Cup 2014 star Mathieu Valbuena
West Ham are exploring at possibly signing Marseille's Mathieu Valbuena
Midfielder Valbuena is currently at the World Cup for France
29-year-old is available for £8million and is keen on a Premier League move
By SIMON JONES
PUBLISHED: 22:26, 30 June 2014 | UPDATED: 22:40, 30 June 2014
Daily Mail
West Ham are exploring the possibility of signing France midfielder Mathieu Valbuena. The classy Marseille playmaker is available for £8million with the 29-year-old keen on a move to the Premier League. Valbuena is a regular in his national team and started in Les Bleus 2-0 last 16 victory against Nigeria on Monday. He has been linked with both Arsenal and Liverpool, La Liga side Valencia, as well as Italian outfits Fiorentina and Napoli. Last week his agent revealed that Valbuena is considering leaving Marseille after the World Cup with France's concludes. 'He has a contract with Marseille and they are not a small club, they are a big club in France.' Jean-Pierre Bernes told French radio station Europe 1. 'But it is true that given his performances, and if there is the opportunity with a club, it is something we will examine and Marseille as well. 'Nothing is set, there is no destination fixed, there are contact with certain clubs in different European leagues.' During his eight years at the south of France outfit, Valbuena has scored 38 goals in 332 appearances where he has won the 2009/10 Ligue 1 title as well as three Coupe de la Ligues.
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Sullivan talks with 'Kolo' later this week
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 30, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have set up their first round of talks with Nice left back Timothée Kolodziejczak who will arrive for talks with David Sullivan in London this week.
ClaretndHugh has discovered exclusively that the player is an identical situation to that faced by newly signed midfielder/defender Cheikhou Kouyate at the same stage of his negotiations. A source told us:"Timothee is desperately keen to join the club but despite reports in Europe to the contrary, we still haven't agreed a fee. "We've been very encouraged by the player's attitude as it's clear he wants to play for us and he will be arriving in London this week for talks with the co-chairman. "However, the club doesn't feel under pressure at this stage as it had several other options although Kolodziejczak is a player they'd like to get. "He's been on the radar for some time and our negotiators will be hoping to tie things up quickly."
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Neymar: The 'Hammer' who got away!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 30, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Sullivan has admitted making a bid for Brazilian World Cup superstar Neymar was at the centre of a major bid by West Ham United four years ago!
It was an entirely serious move by the West Ham who tried to grab the player as an 18 year old. David Sullivan confirmed this morning to ClaretandHugh that he had made a bid worth around £16m for the then 18 year wonder kid Reports had emerged over the weekend claiming that the Irons had made a bold bid and Sullivan told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "Yes, that's true – we did." Santos rejected it insisting they would not deal at less than the than the player's £28.4m release clause. The bid from West Ham alerted Chelsea who made their own offer in August 2010 but were also turned down after Pele persuaded Neymar to stay in Brazil. Neymar was born on the February 5 which is the same as the Joint Chairman Sullivan, Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo. In 2012 during an interview with Hammers www.westhamtilidie.com owner Iain Dale Sullivan had said: I believe in coincidence. Get this. Carlos Tévez. Born, 5 February. Cristiano Ronaldo. Born 5 February. Neymar. Born 5 February. All born on the same day as me. Jordan Rhodes, also born 5 February. And you know what, this other player that we didn't sign, also born 5 February. When I saw the Huddersfield guy was the same date as me and the same date as those players, I thought it was written in the stars. Just incredible. An incredible coincidence, isn't it?" The other player he refers to is believed to have been Billy Sharp. We just need to be on the lookout this transfer window for the next superstar born on 5th Feb.
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Monday, June 30
Daily WHUFC News - 30th June 2014
SOUTH AMERICAN HAMMERS PART TWO
By Sean Whetstone 29 Jun 2014 at 09:18
West Ham Till I Die
In part one I covered Javier Margas, Maurico Taricco, Lionel Scaloni, Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano
The sixth South American Hammer was Peru's Nolberto Solano who signed a one-year contract with West Ham United in August 2007 after previously playing for Newcastle and Aston Villa. He made his debut for West Ham in October 2007, coming on as a second half substitute in the 3–1 home win against Sunderland, and was instrumental in West Ham's second goal, his shot being deflected into the Sunderland goal by goalkeeper, Craig Gordon. His first goal for West Ham was a free-kick and the fifth goal in West Ham's 5–0 away win against Derby County on 10 November 2007. In the last game of the season on 11 May 2008 Solano scored his second free-kick goal, against Aston Villa, the match ended 2–2. He was released by West Ham when his contract expired at the end of the 2007–08 season having scored four goals in 23 appearances. Solano took the first step into coaching as the part-time first-team coach of Newcastle Benfield in 2012.In June 2012, he was confirmed as manager of Peruvian Primera División club Universitario de Deportes although he was released by the club in December 2012. He is currently the head coach of Canadian semi-professional team Internacional de Toronto, from League1 Ontario.
Uruguay left-back Walter Lopez became the seventh South American to pull on a Hammers shirt on 5th September 2008. He was described by Kevin Keen (caretaker manager at the time) as "an attacking full-back" and "another West Ham type player" referring to his fluent attacking style of play reminiscent of former West Ham players. He made his debut for West Ham United in a League Cup third round tie away defeat at Watford on 23 September 2008. He made his Premier League debut as a late substitute in West Ham's 1–0 win over Manchester City on 1 March 2009.However, López failed to cement a place in the first team due to the presence of Congolese international Hérita Ilunga and was subsequently released by West Ham at the end of the 2008–09 season. He returned to Uruguay and signed for Primera División side Cerro. Age 28 now he is still playing football for Italian club US Lecce in the Lega Pro Prima Divisione.
Chile midfielder Luis Jimenez was the eighth South American to sign for West Ham, Jiménez signed for West Ham United on 23rd June 2009. Although a work permit had been granted a couple of weeks before, the deal was only announced after personal terms were agreed. West Ham signed Jiménez for a one year loan initially, with an option to purchase at the end of the loan period.He made his full debut for West Ham in their 2–0 away win against Wolves on 15 August 2009. He scored his only goal for West Ham, a penalty and West Ham's fifth, in a 5–3 home win against Burnley on 28 November 2009. He made 11 appearances with that that one goal from a penalty. He left West Ham when his loan completed. Now age 30 he plays for Al-Ahli Dubai. He had a successful first season, scoring 13 goals and featuring in most of it. In the 2012-2013 season, he won the Presidents Cup with Al Ahli. He has made 68 appearances for Al-Ahli in the Middle East scoring 33 goals.
In September 2009 Guillermo Franco became the ninth South American born player to sign for the Hammers. He signed for West Ham United on a one-year contract, Franco was born in Corrientes, the capital city of the Corrientes Province in Argentina. Franco began his footballing career with Argentine Primera División side San Lorenzo, playing with the team from 1996 to 2002 mainly as a right winger. He moved to Mexico in 2002 and became a Mexican citizen in 2004. In September 2009, it was disclosed that due to West Ham's perilous financial situation following former chairman Björgólfur Guðmundsson's financial collapse, West Ham's CEO Scott Duxbury, and their Sporting and Football Technical Director Gianluca Nani, had part financed the Franco deal from their own salaries. Franco made his debut for West Ham on 17th October 2009 in a 2–1 away defeat to Stoke City. He scored his first goal for the team on 31 October 2009 to put them 1–0 up against Sunderland away from home, in a game that finished 2–2. On 24th April 2010, Franco assisted Scott Parker, who scored for the winner in a 3–2 victory against Wigan Athletic; a win which would see them safe from relegation. In May 2010, despite his wish to stay at the club at which he made 23 appearances and scored 5 goals, it was announced that West Ham had released Franco. In September 2012 Franco signed with Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire On 21st January 2013 the club announced Franco's contract option was not picked up for the new season and he announced his retirement from football 8 days later.
West Ham United's tenth South American was Brazilian forward Ilan, who signed 1st February 2010, West Ham United confirmed the signing of Brazilian forward Ilan on a six-month contract. He was available on a free transfer after leaving French club AS Saint-Etienne in January. He made his debut for West Ham on 6 February in 2–1 away defeat against Burnley. He replaced Mark Noble in the 77th minute and scored three minutes later. In March 2010 the press speculated that Ilan had openly criticised manager Gianfranco Zola; a claim later refuted by the player and the club. After nine games without scoring for West Ham United, Ilan scored his second goal on the 87th minute against Everton to make it 2-2 all on 4 April 2010. The following week, Ilan scored the only goal in the game in a 1-0 win over Sunderland. After the impressive performances against Everton and Sunderland, Ilan hoped to win a long-term deal at West Ham 14 days later, Ilan scored the opener at 31 minutes in a 3-2 win over Wigan on 24 April 2010.
On 2 June 2010 West Ham announced that they would be releasing Ilan as his was surplus to requirements. He made 11 appearances and scored 4 goals. Now age 33 he currently plays football for Ligue 1 club Bastia after a two years where he scored 3 goals from 23 appearances last season.
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West Ham target Enner Valencia to spark new era of attacking football at Upton Park
Jun 28, 2014 23:00 By Dean Jones
The Mirror
West Ham are interested in Ecuador striker Enner Valencia, writes Dean Jones for the Sunday People. The forward has made a big impression at the World Cup with three goals in the group stages and Sam Allardyce is understood to be looking into his availability. Valencia, 25, currently plays for Mexican side Pachuca and scored 18 goals for them before heading to the Brazil finals. The Hammers are making a vow to provide more attacking football at Upton Park next season after Allardyce came under fire from fans for their dull approach last term. Valencia would certainly fit the bill in terms of adding a new edge - but Newcastle and Everton are also believed to be monitoring him.
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West Ham agree deal with Argentine left-back
GiveMeSport
West Ham are in talks with Boca Juniors over the possible signing of Emanuel Insua, according to the Daily Mirror. The left-back has already agreed personal terms with the club, but West Ham and Boca Juniors have yet to agree on a price for the player. However, the club are certain the deal will be wrapped up within the next few days. Despite playing in defence, Insua managed to provide six assists at Boca last term, in 25 appearances. Insua would be the second Argentine to join West Ham this summer, with a deal to bring in CA Velez's star striker, Mauro Zarate, already agreed. The Hammers have also confirmed a £7million deal to bring in powerful defender, Cheikhou Kouyate, from Anderlecht. West Ham have been busy so far during this transfer window – which doesn't officially open until July 1 – and club manager, Sam Allardyce, has admitted that he is looking to add an additional five players to his squad, on top of the two that he has already agreed to sign. West Ham were thought to be chasing £1.5million-rated Fiorentina left back, Marcos Alonso, who spent last season on loan at Sunderland, but his parent club are now thought to want to hold on to their player, forcing the Hammers to look elsewhere. However, Nice left-back, Timothee Kolodziejczak, was also linked with a move to Upton Park, in a £3million deal. However, Allardyce has admitted that "We've made many bids and there are many negotiations ongoing." With a number of new faces set to join, Allardyce will be keen to wrap up his transfer activity early, to ensure the team have time to gel ahead of next season's Premier League campaign.
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West Ham agree fee with Kolodziejczak
Get French Football News exclusively understands that West Ham United have agreed a fee with Nice's full back Timothee Kolodziejczak. The fee is €4 million plus €2 million in bonuses. We also understand that West Ham are in contract talks with the player as we speak, and hope to complete the deal as soon as possible. After interest from the likes of QPR and Southampton, it looks like West Ham will have their man.
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Positive Winston words bring hope!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 29, 2014 in Whispers
By CandH Editor
Hugh Southon
It was extremely encouraging to hear Winston Reid having a word of praise for Sam Allardyce earlier today. With so much speculation surrounding the central defender's future no news is usually good news – so it's great to find the exception may be disproving the rule. Football breeds more rumours than any other sport and sorting fact from fiction is usually a pretty tough call.
In Wiston's case I've heard:
1/ He's desperate to play top six football;
2/ He's had a fall-out with the manager;
3/ that his advisers are demanding £75,000 a week wage;
4/ that he was unhappy playing second fiddle for a period when he returned from injury last season;
5/ and that he will never fully get over the ankle problem he suffered in training.
The only one I believe is Number Three – that his advisory team are looking for the earth. Talking to the official site, the Kiwi made it clear he and the boss had a great relationship and anyone who is remotely cynical about that should ask one question: "Why mention it at all?" The other four points are to some extent or other are inter-related because like most players he wants to play at the highest level. However, that surely wont to happen until the player proves his fitness and if he's going to leave at all, therefore, I reckon it will be unlikely to occur until January the earliest. However, if any other than a top six club comes in, he's not going to get the sort of wages he's after from anywhere else as the Hammers wage structure is on a level with most others. The 'playing second fiddle' argument is false because although every pro want's first team football, they all want and need competition. So finally it's great news that the player should say unbidden: ""The manager has been great. "He puts faith in me when he picks me to play, tells me to go out there to do my best and do what I can do best for the team. So that is good for me." I believe there's far more going in favour of the player signing a new deal than not and there was some of you thinking I could never be postive :-)
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THE FINAL WORD: Ravel shirt mystery solved
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 29, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The Chelsea top worn by Ravel Morrison and pictured first on his Instagram account before emerging on Twitter yesterday was a 2013/2014 away shirt given to him by former Hammer Frank Lampard. Lampard wore it at the Boleyn ground on 23rd November 2013 when scoring two of the goals in a 3-0 Hammers defeat. Ravel is known to be a fan of Frank Lampard and made sure he and the former hammers midfielder swapped shirts after the match. Most fans would have framed it of course to keep it safe but Ravel of course is a little different. Manchester United sources claim that he once turned up to training in a Manchester City shirt" for a joke." I don't think we can read too much in to this, he is neither a Chelsea fan or likely to join Chelsea. Why Ravel would want to be seen in it during the transfer window in the shirt and allow it to emrge on Instagram and Twitter is only a question he can answer.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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By Sean Whetstone 29 Jun 2014 at 09:18
West Ham Till I Die
In part one I covered Javier Margas, Maurico Taricco, Lionel Scaloni, Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano
The sixth South American Hammer was Peru's Nolberto Solano who signed a one-year contract with West Ham United in August 2007 after previously playing for Newcastle and Aston Villa. He made his debut for West Ham in October 2007, coming on as a second half substitute in the 3–1 home win against Sunderland, and was instrumental in West Ham's second goal, his shot being deflected into the Sunderland goal by goalkeeper, Craig Gordon. His first goal for West Ham was a free-kick and the fifth goal in West Ham's 5–0 away win against Derby County on 10 November 2007. In the last game of the season on 11 May 2008 Solano scored his second free-kick goal, against Aston Villa, the match ended 2–2. He was released by West Ham when his contract expired at the end of the 2007–08 season having scored four goals in 23 appearances. Solano took the first step into coaching as the part-time first-team coach of Newcastle Benfield in 2012.In June 2012, he was confirmed as manager of Peruvian Primera División club Universitario de Deportes although he was released by the club in December 2012. He is currently the head coach of Canadian semi-professional team Internacional de Toronto, from League1 Ontario.
Uruguay left-back Walter Lopez became the seventh South American to pull on a Hammers shirt on 5th September 2008. He was described by Kevin Keen (caretaker manager at the time) as "an attacking full-back" and "another West Ham type player" referring to his fluent attacking style of play reminiscent of former West Ham players. He made his debut for West Ham United in a League Cup third round tie away defeat at Watford on 23 September 2008. He made his Premier League debut as a late substitute in West Ham's 1–0 win over Manchester City on 1 March 2009.However, López failed to cement a place in the first team due to the presence of Congolese international Hérita Ilunga and was subsequently released by West Ham at the end of the 2008–09 season. He returned to Uruguay and signed for Primera División side Cerro. Age 28 now he is still playing football for Italian club US Lecce in the Lega Pro Prima Divisione.
Chile midfielder Luis Jimenez was the eighth South American to sign for West Ham, Jiménez signed for West Ham United on 23rd June 2009. Although a work permit had been granted a couple of weeks before, the deal was only announced after personal terms were agreed. West Ham signed Jiménez for a one year loan initially, with an option to purchase at the end of the loan period.He made his full debut for West Ham in their 2–0 away win against Wolves on 15 August 2009. He scored his only goal for West Ham, a penalty and West Ham's fifth, in a 5–3 home win against Burnley on 28 November 2009. He made 11 appearances with that that one goal from a penalty. He left West Ham when his loan completed. Now age 30 he plays for Al-Ahli Dubai. He had a successful first season, scoring 13 goals and featuring in most of it. In the 2012-2013 season, he won the Presidents Cup with Al Ahli. He has made 68 appearances for Al-Ahli in the Middle East scoring 33 goals.
In September 2009 Guillermo Franco became the ninth South American born player to sign for the Hammers. He signed for West Ham United on a one-year contract, Franco was born in Corrientes, the capital city of the Corrientes Province in Argentina. Franco began his footballing career with Argentine Primera División side San Lorenzo, playing with the team from 1996 to 2002 mainly as a right winger. He moved to Mexico in 2002 and became a Mexican citizen in 2004. In September 2009, it was disclosed that due to West Ham's perilous financial situation following former chairman Björgólfur Guðmundsson's financial collapse, West Ham's CEO Scott Duxbury, and their Sporting and Football Technical Director Gianluca Nani, had part financed the Franco deal from their own salaries. Franco made his debut for West Ham on 17th October 2009 in a 2–1 away defeat to Stoke City. He scored his first goal for the team on 31 October 2009 to put them 1–0 up against Sunderland away from home, in a game that finished 2–2. On 24th April 2010, Franco assisted Scott Parker, who scored for the winner in a 3–2 victory against Wigan Athletic; a win which would see them safe from relegation. In May 2010, despite his wish to stay at the club at which he made 23 appearances and scored 5 goals, it was announced that West Ham had released Franco. In September 2012 Franco signed with Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire On 21st January 2013 the club announced Franco's contract option was not picked up for the new season and he announced his retirement from football 8 days later.
West Ham United's tenth South American was Brazilian forward Ilan, who signed 1st February 2010, West Ham United confirmed the signing of Brazilian forward Ilan on a six-month contract. He was available on a free transfer after leaving French club AS Saint-Etienne in January. He made his debut for West Ham on 6 February in 2–1 away defeat against Burnley. He replaced Mark Noble in the 77th minute and scored three minutes later. In March 2010 the press speculated that Ilan had openly criticised manager Gianfranco Zola; a claim later refuted by the player and the club. After nine games without scoring for West Ham United, Ilan scored his second goal on the 87th minute against Everton to make it 2-2 all on 4 April 2010. The following week, Ilan scored the only goal in the game in a 1-0 win over Sunderland. After the impressive performances against Everton and Sunderland, Ilan hoped to win a long-term deal at West Ham 14 days later, Ilan scored the opener at 31 minutes in a 3-2 win over Wigan on 24 April 2010.
On 2 June 2010 West Ham announced that they would be releasing Ilan as his was surplus to requirements. He made 11 appearances and scored 4 goals. Now age 33 he currently plays football for Ligue 1 club Bastia after a two years where he scored 3 goals from 23 appearances last season.
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West Ham target Enner Valencia to spark new era of attacking football at Upton Park
Jun 28, 2014 23:00 By Dean Jones
The Mirror
West Ham are interested in Ecuador striker Enner Valencia, writes Dean Jones for the Sunday People. The forward has made a big impression at the World Cup with three goals in the group stages and Sam Allardyce is understood to be looking into his availability. Valencia, 25, currently plays for Mexican side Pachuca and scored 18 goals for them before heading to the Brazil finals. The Hammers are making a vow to provide more attacking football at Upton Park next season after Allardyce came under fire from fans for their dull approach last term. Valencia would certainly fit the bill in terms of adding a new edge - but Newcastle and Everton are also believed to be monitoring him.
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West Ham agree deal with Argentine left-back
GiveMeSport
West Ham are in talks with Boca Juniors over the possible signing of Emanuel Insua, according to the Daily Mirror. The left-back has already agreed personal terms with the club, but West Ham and Boca Juniors have yet to agree on a price for the player. However, the club are certain the deal will be wrapped up within the next few days. Despite playing in defence, Insua managed to provide six assists at Boca last term, in 25 appearances. Insua would be the second Argentine to join West Ham this summer, with a deal to bring in CA Velez's star striker, Mauro Zarate, already agreed. The Hammers have also confirmed a £7million deal to bring in powerful defender, Cheikhou Kouyate, from Anderlecht. West Ham have been busy so far during this transfer window – which doesn't officially open until July 1 – and club manager, Sam Allardyce, has admitted that he is looking to add an additional five players to his squad, on top of the two that he has already agreed to sign. West Ham were thought to be chasing £1.5million-rated Fiorentina left back, Marcos Alonso, who spent last season on loan at Sunderland, but his parent club are now thought to want to hold on to their player, forcing the Hammers to look elsewhere. However, Nice left-back, Timothee Kolodziejczak, was also linked with a move to Upton Park, in a £3million deal. However, Allardyce has admitted that "We've made many bids and there are many negotiations ongoing." With a number of new faces set to join, Allardyce will be keen to wrap up his transfer activity early, to ensure the team have time to gel ahead of next season's Premier League campaign.
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West Ham agree fee with Kolodziejczak
Get French Football News exclusively understands that West Ham United have agreed a fee with Nice's full back Timothee Kolodziejczak. The fee is €4 million plus €2 million in bonuses. We also understand that West Ham are in contract talks with the player as we speak, and hope to complete the deal as soon as possible. After interest from the likes of QPR and Southampton, it looks like West Ham will have their man.
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Positive Winston words bring hope!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 29, 2014 in Whispers
By CandH Editor
Hugh Southon
It was extremely encouraging to hear Winston Reid having a word of praise for Sam Allardyce earlier today. With so much speculation surrounding the central defender's future no news is usually good news – so it's great to find the exception may be disproving the rule. Football breeds more rumours than any other sport and sorting fact from fiction is usually a pretty tough call.
In Wiston's case I've heard:
1/ He's desperate to play top six football;
2/ He's had a fall-out with the manager;
3/ that his advisers are demanding £75,000 a week wage;
4/ that he was unhappy playing second fiddle for a period when he returned from injury last season;
5/ and that he will never fully get over the ankle problem he suffered in training.
The only one I believe is Number Three – that his advisory team are looking for the earth. Talking to the official site, the Kiwi made it clear he and the boss had a great relationship and anyone who is remotely cynical about that should ask one question: "Why mention it at all?" The other four points are to some extent or other are inter-related because like most players he wants to play at the highest level. However, that surely wont to happen until the player proves his fitness and if he's going to leave at all, therefore, I reckon it will be unlikely to occur until January the earliest. However, if any other than a top six club comes in, he's not going to get the sort of wages he's after from anywhere else as the Hammers wage structure is on a level with most others. The 'playing second fiddle' argument is false because although every pro want's first team football, they all want and need competition. So finally it's great news that the player should say unbidden: ""The manager has been great. "He puts faith in me when he picks me to play, tells me to go out there to do my best and do what I can do best for the team. So that is good for me." I believe there's far more going in favour of the player signing a new deal than not and there was some of you thinking I could never be postive :-)
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THE FINAL WORD: Ravel shirt mystery solved
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 29, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The Chelsea top worn by Ravel Morrison and pictured first on his Instagram account before emerging on Twitter yesterday was a 2013/2014 away shirt given to him by former Hammer Frank Lampard. Lampard wore it at the Boleyn ground on 23rd November 2013 when scoring two of the goals in a 3-0 Hammers defeat. Ravel is known to be a fan of Frank Lampard and made sure he and the former hammers midfielder swapped shirts after the match. Most fans would have framed it of course to keep it safe but Ravel of course is a little different. Manchester United sources claim that he once turned up to training in a Manchester City shirt" for a joke." I don't think we can read too much in to this, he is neither a Chelsea fan or likely to join Chelsea. Why Ravel would want to be seen in it during the transfer window in the shirt and allow it to emrge on Instagram and Twitter is only a question he can answer.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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Sunday, June 29
Daily WHUFC News - 29th June 2014
Reid targets further improvement
WHUFC.com
West Ham United defender Winston Reid is eyeing up success in the 2014/15 campaign
29.06.2014
As West Ham United's players prepare to return to pre-season training next week, defender Winston Reid is targeting further improvement at his end of the pitch in 2014/15. The Hammers' defensive solidity was the backbone of their 13th place finish last term as they kept 14 clean sheets, and Reid would love to better that tally in the year ahead. He knows success at the other end is key too, with the No2 believing that progression is within the Londoners' grasp.
Reid said: "We already have a good backbone of defensive qualities in our squad - I that was proved with the 14 clean sheets we achieved last season and to add more in the attacking sense on top of that, can only be a good thing for the whole team. "It is just as important though we keep up the standards we have set for ourselves in defence and make sure when we do go on the attack, that we don't let ourselves be open at the back, but hopefully combine both. Arsenal, Manchester City, Southampton and Tottenham were the only other teams that kept more clean sheets than us last season, nobody can say they are just set up defensively. "The Gaffer and the owners have working hard to secure new additions to our squad, including in attack, and these will add to what we have here already and help us to push on next season to finish higher up in the Barclays Premier League and we look forward to that. "The manager has been great. He puts faith in me when he picks me to play, tells me to go out there to do my best and do what I can do best for the team. So that is good for me."
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Hammers receive diplomatic approval
WHUFC.com
High Commissioner of New Zealand to the UK Sir Lockwood Smith has welcomed West Ham United's visit
27.06.2014
High Commissioner of New Zealand to the United Kingdom Sir Lockwood Smith has welcomed West Ham United's Carlsberg Football United Tour to his homeland. Sir Lockwood, who took up his diplomatic post in London in 2013 following a long and illustrious political career, said his fellow countrymen and women would enjoy the visit of the Hammers - and Newcastle United - this summer. West Ham and Newcastle each take on A-League sides Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC, with fixtures taking place across New Zealand's North and South Island. The Hammers face the Phoenix at Eden Park in Auckland on 23 July before tackling Sydney FC as part of a double-header at the Westpac Stadium in the capital city Wellington on Saturday 26 July. With Newcastle also taking on the Phoenix at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on South Island on 22 July, Sir Lockwood said football fans throughout the country would delight in the opportunity to catch the two Barclays Premier League teams in action. However, he expects his fellow New Zealanders to take the side of Wellington and Sydney when the Hammers take to the pitch against the A-League pair in July. "It's fantastic to see two Premier League teams, West Ham United and Newcastle United, planning to visit New Zealand in July," said Sir Lockwood, who served as Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives between 2008 and 2013 and as a Member of Parliament for 29 years. "Sport is one of those things that ties New Zealand and the UK closely together. The rivalries between our two countries are well entrenched in sports like rugby, cricket and netball and it's great to see this visit bringing a focus on football, or as we Kiwis say, 'soccer', too. "New Zealanders are passionate about sport and I'm sure they'll turn out in huge numbers for the opportunity to see teams of this calibre play on home soil, though you probably won't see too many Kiwis blowing bubbles!"
Football United Tour
Wellington Phoenix v West Ham United
Wednesday 23 July 2014, 7.30pm (local time)
Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand
Sydney FC v West Ham United
Saturday 26 July 2014, 2pm (local time)
Westpac Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand
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On this day - 29 June
WHUFC.com
Bobby Moore scored one of only two goals for England on this date in 1966
29.06.2014
Anniversary
Norway 1-6 England
29 June 1966
International friendly
Ullevaal Stadium, Oslo
Bobby Moore scored his second and final goal for England on 29 June 1966, on the occasion of his 39th cap in a 6-1 friendly win over Norway in Oslo. Moore, who had opened his account for his country in a 1-1 draw with Poland at Goodison Park in January of the same year, aided England's FIFA World Cup preparations by scoring with a spectacular 25-yard at the Ullevaal Stadium. According to The Times' match report, captain Moore's international future had been 'in the balance' before the game but the No6 put any doubts to bed with a dominant performance alongside central defensive partner Ron Flowers.
It was a future Hammer who stole the show, however, as striker Jimmy Greaves bagged a first-half hat-trick and four goals in total to put England into a commanding 5-1 lead by half-time. Earlier, Harald Sunde had given the Norwegians a shock fourth-minute lead. Moore scored England's fourth goal on 40 minutes, adding to a 24th-minute goal from Manchester United winger John Connolly. A month later, of course, Moore would lift the Jules Rimet Trophy following England's 4-2 FIFA World Cup final win over West Germany at Wembley.
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SOUTH AMERICAN HAMMERS: PART ONE
By Sean Whetstone 28 Jun 2014 at 09:19
West Ham Till I Die
The South American connection with West Ham is a recent phenomenon in the history of West Ham with the first South American only joining us in 1998. When Mauro Zarate joined us recently he became the 15th South American to sign for us. Over three parts I will look back at the success of our South American experiment and what the future holds next season with three more South Americans linked with us in recent weeks.
Chile defender Javier Margas became the first South American import after he signed for the Hammers after impressing for Chile at the France 1998 World Cup, Margas signed from Colo Colo to plug a hole in the centre of defence left by the departing David Unsworth. Javier made just three appearances in his first season. A 0-0 draw against Coventry, coupled with defeats against Wimbledon and Leeds. Added to that, Margas' appearances were limited due to going AWOL. Javier was homesick and went missing. With nobody knowing his whereabouts for approximately five weeks he was eventually tracked back to his homeland of Chile.
Our second South American joined six years later in 2004 but fared no better, Argentine defender Maurico Taricco joined on a free transfer from Spurs but made just one appearance against Millwall in November 2004 two days after signing. He lasted just 27 minutes before he torn his hamstring and was replaced by Anton Ferdinand in a game we eventually lost one nil to our fierce rivals. Later that month he offered to have his contract with the club cancelled, which West Ham accepted, marking Taricco's retirement from professional football. At the time Hammers Manager Alan Pardew commented that it was one of the most honest things he had ever known a footballer to do. He is now assistant manager of Sunderland after doing the same job for Brighton and Hove Ablion.
The third South American hammer was Argentine full back Lionel Scaloni who signed on the 31st Januray 2006. Scaloni joined West Ham United on loan on the final day of the transfer window, in an attempt to heighten his options to attend the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Germany. He took the No. 2 shirt from the departed Tomáš Repka, and made his league debut for the Hammers against Sunderland. He managed just 13 appearances including the FA cup final. Some fans blame him for the loss of the cup final.
During the final West Ham sportingly put the ball out to allow the injured Liverpool forward Cissé to be treated, and, in accordance with accepted protocol Liverpool's throw-in returned the ball to West Ham deep in their defensive end. In a moment which haunts Hammers fans, the Argentinian right back, punted an aimless looking ball into midfield instead of Row Z. Steven Gerrard went on to score and the rest as they say is history.
Possibly one of the most high profile South America signing, the most successful and yet the most disastrous were our fourth and fifth South American signings.
When Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano both 22 at the time joined West Ham from Brazilian side Corinthians none of us could believe it. We appeared to have beaten Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United to the pair's signature and it was a sign West Ham were going places.
Mascherano rarely featured in the team, despite their struggles, prompting rumours about financial clauses related to the amount of time he was actually played. In October 2006, the Argentina national coach at the time, Alfio Basile, declared that he hoped Mascherano would leave West Ham "as soon as possible"
In 2007, Liverpool requested clearance from FIFA to take Mascherano on loan from West Ham. FIFA's rules state that no player can play for more than two different clubs between 1 July and 30 June the following year as Mascherano had already played for both Corinthians and West Ham during this time.
FIFA approved the deal on 31 January 2007.However, however when Liverpool submitted his registration details before the midnight transfer deadline, the Premier League did not immediately announce whether it would allow Mascherano to play for Liverpool, saying that it wanted to "take time to satisfy itself with the proposed arrangements". In a further development, it was announced in March 2006 that the Premier League were charging West Ham with breaking rule B13, concerning acting in good faith, and rule U18, which concerns the influence of third-party ownership. On 27 April the Premier League issued West Ham a world-record fine of £5.5 million. Mascherano made just five appearances for West Ham scoring no goals.
Carlos Tevez is our most successful South American import but the player would eventually cost us tens of millions in fines and court cases.
On 5th July, it was reported that Tevez had agreed to join Manchester United in a deal worth £20 million, which was subject to an appeal from West Ham; West Ham said in turn that they would block any transfer unless they received a majority of the transfer fee. The next day, West Ham released a statement that Tevez was under contract until June 2010, in addition to denying having held negotiations with any other club. Joorabchian contradicted the claim by saying that West Ham had indeed given permission to United to engage in talks.
Manchester United and West Ham sought FIFA's assistance to rule on Tevez's ownership, but on 24th July, FIFA suggested that the case be referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Joorabchian intervened by issuing West Ham with a High Court writ to compel West Ham to release the registration of Carlos Tévez in accordance with contracts entered into between the parties.However, the case never made it to court as the Premier League approved an agreement between West Ham and MSI, in which MSI would pay £2 million to West Ham, who in turn released Tevez from his contract.
West Ham and Sheffield United finally reached an out of court settlement with West Ham agreeing to pay Sheffield United £20m over 5 years in compensation.
In the next two parts I move on to the post Tevez era to cover nine more South American players to have worn the West Ham shirt with varying success.
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Arsenal, Liverpool and West Ham target Michu PASSES Napoli medical
www.express.co.uk
LIVERPOOL, Arsenal and West Ham all look set to miss out on Swansea striker Michu after the Spaniard passed a medical with Napoli.
By: Ben JeffersonPublished: Sat, June 28, 2014
Michu looks set for a move to Serie A. Reports in Spain suggest that Napoli are still negotiating a fee with the Welsh club with Atletico Madrid also interested.
Michu was a revelation for Swansea two seasons ago, leading to Liverpool and Arsenal both expressing an interest in the forward. But he endured an injury hit campaign last term and failed to hit top form. West Ham were thought to be keen to take the player to east London this summer, but it seems that Michu's injury problems haven't dissuaded Rafa Benitez from making a move.
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Ravel in Chelsea top claims
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 28, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Ravel Morrison is at the centre of a mini Twitter controversy this afternoon (Sat) when a picture of him wearing what appeared to be a Chelsea leisure top emerged on the social network. It had first been allegedly posted on the midfielder's Instagram account amid claims he's been given it by former Hammer Frank Lampard. Some fans recalled the Paul Ince controversy of years ago when the Irons midfielder posed in a Manchester United shirt ahead of his move to the club. One said: OH. MY. GOD Ravel Morrison is wearing a casual Chelsea top in a picture. Sell him immediately. Another declared: "What the hell is ravel Morrison doing wearing a Chelsea shirt." However another said: "I don't think he'd be stupid enough to wear a Chelsea top and post it on instagram" and another concluded firmly "Ravel Morrison is not wearing a Chelsea training top in the picture."
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Irons unfazed by Ravel Chelsea top pic
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 28, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham tonight brushed off suggestions that Ravel Morrison was guilty of any serious misdemeanor after posting a picture of himself on Instagram apparently in a Chelsea leisure top. The pictures didn't take long to appear on Twitter and caused a mini furore among his followers. Some claimed it wasn't a Chelsea top whilst others claimed he should leave the club now after recalling Paul Ince's decision to be pictured in a manchester United short whilst still a Hammer in the late 80s..
However, "given Ravel's track record," sources inside the club remained entirely relaxed about the incident. Once well placed source told ClaretandHugh: "We've seen the pictures, nothing is really a surprise as far as Ravel is concerned – he's just a young boy really."
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Hammers to 'pass' on £5 million teen sensation
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 28, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are set to 'pass ' on the chance of signing South American teen sensation Ezequiel Ponce. The Newell's Old Boys 17 year old – billed as the most exciting prospect in Argentian football – is the subject of an Argy investment group finacial move with the businessmen wanting to purchase 50 per cent of the player's rights. And West Ham have confirmed to ClaretandHugh that the player – nicknamed 'Tank' – has been offered to them. The story first broke in the Argentinian media – where Upton Park was named as a likely destination – and has been repeated across the internet by various sources. However exclusive ClaretandHugh inquiries have revealed the deal is unlikely to happen despite the fact the Irons being strongly attracted to it. A highly placed Upton Park source said: "We are told he's the best young player in South America but the club want £5 million plus a 50 per cent sell on fee when he becomes a world superstar.
"He's already made around 25 first team starts at 17 years old but we don't have the cash to pay £5 million for a future star. We have limited funds which we have to use on this season's campaign. "But we would love to do it although it's a huge gamble for a 17 year old and with a 50 per cent sell on clause it's almost like paying £10 million for the lad."
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WHUFC.com
West Ham United defender Winston Reid is eyeing up success in the 2014/15 campaign
29.06.2014
As West Ham United's players prepare to return to pre-season training next week, defender Winston Reid is targeting further improvement at his end of the pitch in 2014/15. The Hammers' defensive solidity was the backbone of their 13th place finish last term as they kept 14 clean sheets, and Reid would love to better that tally in the year ahead. He knows success at the other end is key too, with the No2 believing that progression is within the Londoners' grasp.
Reid said: "We already have a good backbone of defensive qualities in our squad - I that was proved with the 14 clean sheets we achieved last season and to add more in the attacking sense on top of that, can only be a good thing for the whole team. "It is just as important though we keep up the standards we have set for ourselves in defence and make sure when we do go on the attack, that we don't let ourselves be open at the back, but hopefully combine both. Arsenal, Manchester City, Southampton and Tottenham were the only other teams that kept more clean sheets than us last season, nobody can say they are just set up defensively. "The Gaffer and the owners have working hard to secure new additions to our squad, including in attack, and these will add to what we have here already and help us to push on next season to finish higher up in the Barclays Premier League and we look forward to that. "The manager has been great. He puts faith in me when he picks me to play, tells me to go out there to do my best and do what I can do best for the team. So that is good for me."
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Hammers receive diplomatic approval
WHUFC.com
High Commissioner of New Zealand to the UK Sir Lockwood Smith has welcomed West Ham United's visit
27.06.2014
High Commissioner of New Zealand to the United Kingdom Sir Lockwood Smith has welcomed West Ham United's Carlsberg Football United Tour to his homeland. Sir Lockwood, who took up his diplomatic post in London in 2013 following a long and illustrious political career, said his fellow countrymen and women would enjoy the visit of the Hammers - and Newcastle United - this summer. West Ham and Newcastle each take on A-League sides Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC, with fixtures taking place across New Zealand's North and South Island. The Hammers face the Phoenix at Eden Park in Auckland on 23 July before tackling Sydney FC as part of a double-header at the Westpac Stadium in the capital city Wellington on Saturday 26 July. With Newcastle also taking on the Phoenix at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on South Island on 22 July, Sir Lockwood said football fans throughout the country would delight in the opportunity to catch the two Barclays Premier League teams in action. However, he expects his fellow New Zealanders to take the side of Wellington and Sydney when the Hammers take to the pitch against the A-League pair in July. "It's fantastic to see two Premier League teams, West Ham United and Newcastle United, planning to visit New Zealand in July," said Sir Lockwood, who served as Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives between 2008 and 2013 and as a Member of Parliament for 29 years. "Sport is one of those things that ties New Zealand and the UK closely together. The rivalries between our two countries are well entrenched in sports like rugby, cricket and netball and it's great to see this visit bringing a focus on football, or as we Kiwis say, 'soccer', too. "New Zealanders are passionate about sport and I'm sure they'll turn out in huge numbers for the opportunity to see teams of this calibre play on home soil, though you probably won't see too many Kiwis blowing bubbles!"
Football United Tour
Wellington Phoenix v West Ham United
Wednesday 23 July 2014, 7.30pm (local time)
Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand
Sydney FC v West Ham United
Saturday 26 July 2014, 2pm (local time)
Westpac Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand
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On this day - 29 June
WHUFC.com
Bobby Moore scored one of only two goals for England on this date in 1966
29.06.2014
Anniversary
Norway 1-6 England
29 June 1966
International friendly
Ullevaal Stadium, Oslo
Bobby Moore scored his second and final goal for England on 29 June 1966, on the occasion of his 39th cap in a 6-1 friendly win over Norway in Oslo. Moore, who had opened his account for his country in a 1-1 draw with Poland at Goodison Park in January of the same year, aided England's FIFA World Cup preparations by scoring with a spectacular 25-yard at the Ullevaal Stadium. According to The Times' match report, captain Moore's international future had been 'in the balance' before the game but the No6 put any doubts to bed with a dominant performance alongside central defensive partner Ron Flowers.
It was a future Hammer who stole the show, however, as striker Jimmy Greaves bagged a first-half hat-trick and four goals in total to put England into a commanding 5-1 lead by half-time. Earlier, Harald Sunde had given the Norwegians a shock fourth-minute lead. Moore scored England's fourth goal on 40 minutes, adding to a 24th-minute goal from Manchester United winger John Connolly. A month later, of course, Moore would lift the Jules Rimet Trophy following England's 4-2 FIFA World Cup final win over West Germany at Wembley.
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SOUTH AMERICAN HAMMERS: PART ONE
By Sean Whetstone 28 Jun 2014 at 09:19
West Ham Till I Die
The South American connection with West Ham is a recent phenomenon in the history of West Ham with the first South American only joining us in 1998. When Mauro Zarate joined us recently he became the 15th South American to sign for us. Over three parts I will look back at the success of our South American experiment and what the future holds next season with three more South Americans linked with us in recent weeks.
Chile defender Javier Margas became the first South American import after he signed for the Hammers after impressing for Chile at the France 1998 World Cup, Margas signed from Colo Colo to plug a hole in the centre of defence left by the departing David Unsworth. Javier made just three appearances in his first season. A 0-0 draw against Coventry, coupled with defeats against Wimbledon and Leeds. Added to that, Margas' appearances were limited due to going AWOL. Javier was homesick and went missing. With nobody knowing his whereabouts for approximately five weeks he was eventually tracked back to his homeland of Chile.
Our second South American joined six years later in 2004 but fared no better, Argentine defender Maurico Taricco joined on a free transfer from Spurs but made just one appearance against Millwall in November 2004 two days after signing. He lasted just 27 minutes before he torn his hamstring and was replaced by Anton Ferdinand in a game we eventually lost one nil to our fierce rivals. Later that month he offered to have his contract with the club cancelled, which West Ham accepted, marking Taricco's retirement from professional football. At the time Hammers Manager Alan Pardew commented that it was one of the most honest things he had ever known a footballer to do. He is now assistant manager of Sunderland after doing the same job for Brighton and Hove Ablion.
The third South American hammer was Argentine full back Lionel Scaloni who signed on the 31st Januray 2006. Scaloni joined West Ham United on loan on the final day of the transfer window, in an attempt to heighten his options to attend the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Germany. He took the No. 2 shirt from the departed Tomáš Repka, and made his league debut for the Hammers against Sunderland. He managed just 13 appearances including the FA cup final. Some fans blame him for the loss of the cup final.
During the final West Ham sportingly put the ball out to allow the injured Liverpool forward Cissé to be treated, and, in accordance with accepted protocol Liverpool's throw-in returned the ball to West Ham deep in their defensive end. In a moment which haunts Hammers fans, the Argentinian right back, punted an aimless looking ball into midfield instead of Row Z. Steven Gerrard went on to score and the rest as they say is history.
Possibly one of the most high profile South America signing, the most successful and yet the most disastrous were our fourth and fifth South American signings.
When Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano both 22 at the time joined West Ham from Brazilian side Corinthians none of us could believe it. We appeared to have beaten Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United to the pair's signature and it was a sign West Ham were going places.
Mascherano rarely featured in the team, despite their struggles, prompting rumours about financial clauses related to the amount of time he was actually played. In October 2006, the Argentina national coach at the time, Alfio Basile, declared that he hoped Mascherano would leave West Ham "as soon as possible"
In 2007, Liverpool requested clearance from FIFA to take Mascherano on loan from West Ham. FIFA's rules state that no player can play for more than two different clubs between 1 July and 30 June the following year as Mascherano had already played for both Corinthians and West Ham during this time.
FIFA approved the deal on 31 January 2007.However, however when Liverpool submitted his registration details before the midnight transfer deadline, the Premier League did not immediately announce whether it would allow Mascherano to play for Liverpool, saying that it wanted to "take time to satisfy itself with the proposed arrangements". In a further development, it was announced in March 2006 that the Premier League were charging West Ham with breaking rule B13, concerning acting in good faith, and rule U18, which concerns the influence of third-party ownership. On 27 April the Premier League issued West Ham a world-record fine of £5.5 million. Mascherano made just five appearances for West Ham scoring no goals.
Carlos Tevez is our most successful South American import but the player would eventually cost us tens of millions in fines and court cases.
On 5th July, it was reported that Tevez had agreed to join Manchester United in a deal worth £20 million, which was subject to an appeal from West Ham; West Ham said in turn that they would block any transfer unless they received a majority of the transfer fee. The next day, West Ham released a statement that Tevez was under contract until June 2010, in addition to denying having held negotiations with any other club. Joorabchian contradicted the claim by saying that West Ham had indeed given permission to United to engage in talks.
Manchester United and West Ham sought FIFA's assistance to rule on Tevez's ownership, but on 24th July, FIFA suggested that the case be referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Joorabchian intervened by issuing West Ham with a High Court writ to compel West Ham to release the registration of Carlos Tévez in accordance with contracts entered into between the parties.However, the case never made it to court as the Premier League approved an agreement between West Ham and MSI, in which MSI would pay £2 million to West Ham, who in turn released Tevez from his contract.
West Ham and Sheffield United finally reached an out of court settlement with West Ham agreeing to pay Sheffield United £20m over 5 years in compensation.
In the next two parts I move on to the post Tevez era to cover nine more South American players to have worn the West Ham shirt with varying success.
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Arsenal, Liverpool and West Ham target Michu PASSES Napoli medical
www.express.co.uk
LIVERPOOL, Arsenal and West Ham all look set to miss out on Swansea striker Michu after the Spaniard passed a medical with Napoli.
By: Ben JeffersonPublished: Sat, June 28, 2014
Michu looks set for a move to Serie A. Reports in Spain suggest that Napoli are still negotiating a fee with the Welsh club with Atletico Madrid also interested.
Michu was a revelation for Swansea two seasons ago, leading to Liverpool and Arsenal both expressing an interest in the forward. But he endured an injury hit campaign last term and failed to hit top form. West Ham were thought to be keen to take the player to east London this summer, but it seems that Michu's injury problems haven't dissuaded Rafa Benitez from making a move.
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Ravel in Chelsea top claims
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 28, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Ravel Morrison is at the centre of a mini Twitter controversy this afternoon (Sat) when a picture of him wearing what appeared to be a Chelsea leisure top emerged on the social network. It had first been allegedly posted on the midfielder's Instagram account amid claims he's been given it by former Hammer Frank Lampard. Some fans recalled the Paul Ince controversy of years ago when the Irons midfielder posed in a Manchester United shirt ahead of his move to the club. One said: OH. MY. GOD Ravel Morrison is wearing a casual Chelsea top in a picture. Sell him immediately. Another declared: "What the hell is ravel Morrison doing wearing a Chelsea shirt." However another said: "I don't think he'd be stupid enough to wear a Chelsea top and post it on instagram" and another concluded firmly "Ravel Morrison is not wearing a Chelsea training top in the picture."
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Irons unfazed by Ravel Chelsea top pic
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 28, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham tonight brushed off suggestions that Ravel Morrison was guilty of any serious misdemeanor after posting a picture of himself on Instagram apparently in a Chelsea leisure top. The pictures didn't take long to appear on Twitter and caused a mini furore among his followers. Some claimed it wasn't a Chelsea top whilst others claimed he should leave the club now after recalling Paul Ince's decision to be pictured in a manchester United short whilst still a Hammer in the late 80s..
However, "given Ravel's track record," sources inside the club remained entirely relaxed about the incident. Once well placed source told ClaretandHugh: "We've seen the pictures, nothing is really a surprise as far as Ravel is concerned – he's just a young boy really."
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Hammers to 'pass' on £5 million teen sensation
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 28, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are set to 'pass ' on the chance of signing South American teen sensation Ezequiel Ponce. The Newell's Old Boys 17 year old – billed as the most exciting prospect in Argentian football – is the subject of an Argy investment group finacial move with the businessmen wanting to purchase 50 per cent of the player's rights. And West Ham have confirmed to ClaretandHugh that the player – nicknamed 'Tank' – has been offered to them. The story first broke in the Argentinian media – where Upton Park was named as a likely destination – and has been repeated across the internet by various sources. However exclusive ClaretandHugh inquiries have revealed the deal is unlikely to happen despite the fact the Irons being strongly attracted to it. A highly placed Upton Park source said: "We are told he's the best young player in South America but the club want £5 million plus a 50 per cent sell on fee when he becomes a world superstar.
"He's already made around 25 first team starts at 17 years old but we don't have the cash to pay £5 million for a future star. We have limited funds which we have to use on this season's campaign. "But we would love to do it although it's a huge gamble for a 17 year old and with a 50 per cent sell on clause it's almost like paying £10 million for the lad."
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Saturday, June 28
Daily WHUFC News - 28th June 2014
On this day - 28 June
WHUFC.com
Two former West Ham United players were born on this date in years gone by
28.06.2014
Anniversary (1)
Arthur Banner
Born: 28 June 1918, Sheffield, Yorkshire, England
Clubs: Doncaster Rovers, West Ham United, Leyton Orient, Sittingbourne
A strong Yorkshire-born full-back, Arthur Banner (pictured) started his
career with Doncaster Rovers before joining West Ham United in 1938.
However, the outbreak of World War Two restricted him to just one Division
Two appearance prior to hostilities breaking out - a 2-0 win at Southampton
on 22 April 1939.
Banner played 14 times for the Hammers during the war, spending much of his
time serving in the Essex Regiment and the Royal Artillery and rising to the
rank of sergeant. After returning to Division Two duty in the third match of
the 1946/47 season at home to Leicester City, Banner would go on to make a
total of 27 senior appearances for the Hammers before departing for Leyton
Orient in 1948. He later became player-manager of Sittingbourne and coached
Ilford to the FA Amateur Cup final in 1958. Banner passed away in Thorpe
Bay, Essex, at the age of 61 in April 1980.
Anniversary (2)
Stan Johns
Born: 28 June 1924, Liverpool, England
Clubs: South Liverpool, West Ham United
Signed on 17 August 1950, 26-year-old forward Stan Johns had attracted the
attention of Merseyside giants Liverpool and Everton before opting to join
West Ham United. The striker made a fine start to his Hammers career,
scoring on his debut in a 2-1 Division Two defeat by Cardiff City at Ninian
Park on 4 September 1950. Johns found the net on his second appearance, too,
in a 3-1 defeat at Blackburn Rovers five days later. That would be as good
as it got, however, as Johns would fail to score in four subsequent matches.
Very little is known about where Johns played after West am, but he passed
away in 1985.
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West Ham on the Ponce?
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 27th June 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are being linked with a move for Newell's Old Boys teenage striker
Ezequiel Ponce. It has been claimed by Argentine sources that the
17-year-old - nicknamed 'Tank' - is the target of a local investment group
who are seeking to purchase 50 per cent of the player's rights. Further, it
is reported that the group intend to 'park' Ponce at West Ham - an almost
identical situation that led to a world record fine for the club in 2008
after they were found to have flouted league rules regarding third-party
influence with regard to the Tevez & Mascherano transfers. Argentinian daily
La Capita wrote: "There is an intention to pay around $4million dollars for
fifty per cent of the [player's] rights. In addition, a club in England was
also mentioned as a destination: West Ham United."
Born in 1997, Ponce made his first team debut for Newell's at the age of 16
making him the youngest player ever to feature in the Argentinian top
flight. He made 20 appearances in total for the Old Boys last season,
scoring four goals.
And in other transfer news...
* Further to our story yesterday about West Ham's apparent interest in
Emanuel Insua, the M*rror claim today that West Ham have made a £5million
bid for the uncapped full back. Insua, the brother of former Liverpool
defender Emiliano currently plies his trade with Boca Juniors in the
Argentine Primera División. Boca President Daniel Angelici said: "The West
Ham proposal is very good for the player and the club, so it becomes
difficult to keep him."
* West Ham are once again being linked with a move for former Chelsea star
Salomon Kalou. Currently playing in Ligue 1 (and the World Cup Finals),
Kalou is also said to be interesting Roma, Arsenal and Turkish side Besiktas
but will be seeking a similar wage to that the 28-year-old currently earns
at Lille.
* Bosnian defender Muhamed Besic is being linked with a move to the Premier
League with West Ham said to be one of those interested. The 21-year-old,
who featured in all three of his country's World Cup FInals group matches
currently plays for Hungarian side Ferencvaros; Cardiff City are also
reported to be monitoring the situation.
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HAMMERS ADD SIXTH LEFT BACK TO THE LIST
By Sean Whetstone 27 Jun 2014 at 12:02
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham United are in talks with yet another left back over a possible
transfer.
The Boca Juniors defender Emanuel Insua is the sixth left back target in our
sights as we make the position a priority to fill during the summer. The
23-year-old South American left-back is the younger brother of former
Liverpool defender Emiliano Insua, West Ham also have interest in Nice's
Timothee Kolodziejczak, Fiorentina's Marcos Alonso, Lorient's Raphael
Guerreiro, Milan's Urby Emanuelson and Norwich City's Martin Olssen.
Emanuel came through the Boca Juniors youth academy before breaking into the
first team in 2012 whom he has made 26 senior appearances scoring one goal.
Boca Juniors play in the Argentine Primera División.During the 2012/13
season, he was sent out on loan to Godoy Cruz Antonio Tomba for whom he made
33 appearances scoring one goal.
The deal is not as close as some tabloids are suggesting as the search for
the left back goes on while talks are ongoing.
Meanwhile talks are also ongoing with Prince Oniangue for a possible £2
million move to West Ham for the Reims defensive midfielder. I did an
article about him a couple of weeks ago when we were first linked
www.westhamtillidie.com/posts/2014/06/12/transfer-target-by-royal-appointmen
t
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West Ham close to transfer of Emanuel Insua from Boca Juniors
Jun 26, 2014 23:14 By Ed Malyon
Left-back set to be Hammers' third signing of the summer after Zarate and
Kouyate is Liverpool old boy Emiliano's younger brother
The Mirror
West Ham United are in talks to sign Boca Juniors defender Emanuel Insua on
a four-year deal. The 23-year-old left-back has agreed personal terms with
the Hammers, and provided the two clubs can reach a final agreement on the
fee and a payment schedule, the East Londoners could confirm the deal within
the next few days. Insua, the younger brother of Liverpool flop Emiliano,
would become the second Argentine signed by the Irons' boss Sam Allardyce
this summer after the arrival of Velez Sarsfield forward Mauro Zarate.
Allardyce is under pressure to improve the playing style at Upton Park after
a disappointing campaign. The Hammers have also signed Senegalese midfielder
Cheikhou Kouyate for a fee in the region of £7million.
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Alonso may be reason for Henry's gardening leave
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 27, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Marcos Alonso looks booked for a move to Sunderland and thus the Black Cats
decision to put the Irons recruitment head in waiting, Tony Henry, on
'gardening leave' becomes clear! Stadium of Light boss Gus Poyet has been
reported in Spanish sports paper Marca as saying: "I'm there with
'Marquitos' Alonso, I already had him for six months. We are doing
everything possible so that Fiorentina give him to us." Quite clearly,
Sunderland's departed chief scout Henry would have been heavily involved in
attempting to make the deal, and others, happen and it's entirely possible
he was working on the deal before we made our job offer to him. Having
resigned from Sunderland, had he arrived at Upton Park, he would have been
totally aware of every spit and cough involved in the Alonso deal, price,
personal terms – the lot! He would also have known that Modibo Diakite made
nine appearances for Fiorentina during a loan spell last season. Sunderland
are now expected to make a cash plus player offer for Alonso in the coming
days with Diakite going the other way – more details of which Henry would
almost certainly have had in his possession. 'Gardening leave ' is an option
used by companies to ensure departing employees can't used confidential
information – it's more than likely it has cost us the services of a very
good left back!
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West Ham target Portugal Under-21 starlet
By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) | Friday, June 27, 2014
West Ham could switch their attentions to Lorient full-back Raphael
Guerreiro if a deal to sign Boca Juniors defender Emanuel Insua fails to
materialise.
Sam Allardyce is keen to sign another left back after he allowed George
McCartney and Pablo Armero to leave the east London club during the summer.
The West Ham boss has been strongly linked with a move for Argentine
defender Insua and reports suggested that a move could be finalised in the
next 24 hours. But the club are keeping their options open and have also
been linked with a move for Guerreiro who was one of the star performers for
Lorient in the French League last season. Liverpool were also targeting the
Portugal Under-21 international who is rated one of the best young defenders
in France.
Allardyce has stated this week that he hopes to sign five more players
before the end of August and would ideally like to sign another left back
before the team return for the start of pre-season training next week.
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Hammers press on with talks
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 27, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are still talking to Reims midfielder Prince Oniangue but continue
to insist they will take their time coming to a decision on the £2 million
midfielder.
The player has been a possible target for some weeks but is seen as one with
"raw talent" who would be a "big gamble." And that may not be the ideal
scenario as the club continue the hunt for a couple of strikers and left
back. ClaretandHugh was told: "The player is talking to the co chairman but
no hasty decisions will be made." With the club having sufficient finds to
cover four more players, theclub remains ultra careful after the likes of
Modibo Maiga and Alou Diarra, fail and simply refuse to take expensive
risks. A source said: "The player definitely has talent but no deal will be
done unless the club can get real value for money. "Nothing has changed.
It's all about doing a deal cheap enough to perhaps take the gamble."
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Hammers react to defender rumours
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 27, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have today dismissed reports that Boca Juniors left back Emanuel
Insua is about to join the club. Reports have broken over the last 48 hours
that the club are close to signing the 23 year old. But sources inside the
Boleyn told ClaretandHugh that whilst there has been some interest, the
player is not a major target. And he repeated that talks were continuing
with four other left backs as the club look to solve their problem position.
ClaretandHugh understands these to be Lorient's Raphael Guerreiro, Milan's
Urby Emanuelson and Norwich City's Martin Olssen along with prime target
Nice's Timothee Kolodziejczak.
The Insua story first broke with some media reports claiming that we were
looking to acquire all economic rights to the player and that Boca had made
him a counter offer as a result. But our source said: "There is some
interest but we have a lot of negotiations going on in that position."
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Michu? It should have been Hammer Bony
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 27, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Try as I may to shake the feeling, I'm still haunted by last summer and
particularly Wilfried Bony. This mood has fallen with the speculation that
there have been talks between ourselves and Swansea City over Michu – who on
last season's form and injury problems looks a risk too far. Bony, wasn't,
and has gone on to prove, that he was possibly the buy of last summer and a
player on whom we had closed a deal at around £8 million He now has a £19
million buy-out clause in his contract and if we are to believe recent
reports, virtually every top club is looking at him with bidding likely to
start at around £22 million. In his first City season he managed 16 goals in
34 games which compares with two from 16 for Andy Carroll who cost twice as
much as the Ivory Coast hitman.
It would be very easy to start a blast against those involved in deciding
that the deal shouldn't have be done but we've been there a million times
and a new rant is pointless. It would also be unfair to Carroll who is now
best judged at the end of this season. However, and although it's easy to be
wise after event, to me, Bony at around £8 million was an absolute 'steal' –
a deal that should have been done pronto. It's not giving very much away to
explain that there are many inside the club who feel the same way and that
this was just one reason why the board are now taking a much closer
involvement in the transfer market. Sam Allardyce made it clear at the
beginning of the summer that he wanted two more strikers in the squad – one
has arrived in Mauro Zarate, the second is still being hunted. And it's fair
to say that if we fail to find another who can score goals at Premier League
level it will be entirely justifiable to question our scouting abilities in
this area of operation. Having failed miserably with Modibo Maiga, failed to
clinch a deal for Bony, and seen AC struggle with injury there's enormous
pressure on the manager to identify the right front man. The board will know
too that they need to close the right deal at the right price. A goalscorer
who can cover for, or play with Andy Carroll, will undoubtedly be the key
signing of the summer – such a shame it wasn't Wilfried Bony!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham hold talks with Boca Juniors left-back Emanuel Insua... and stay
keen on Timothee Kolodziejczak and Marcos Alonso
West Ham looking to bring 23-year-old Emanuel Insua to Upton Park on
four-year deal ahead of next Premier League season
By SIMON JONES
PUBLISHED: 02:08, 27 June 2014 | UPDATED: 02:08, 27 June 2014
Daily Mail
West Ham United are in talks over a possible deal for Boca Juniors defender
Emanuel Insua. The 23-year-old left-back, the younger brother of
ex-Liverpool defender Emiliano, has discussed terms with a four year deal
proposed. West Ham also have interest in Nice left-back Timothee
Kolodziejczak and Fiorentina's Marcos Alonso. Alonso is no stranger to the
Premier League, having spent time on loan at the Stadium of Light with
Sunderland last year. The 23-year-old may be keen on the move instead of
returning to Italian outfit Fiorentina, who are yet to put their faith in
the left-back in Serie A. It is understood Insua has agreed personal terms
with the Hammers. It now boils down to whether the two clubs can reach an
agreement over the next few days. He would become Sam Allardyce's second
Argentinian signing of the summer after Velez Sarsfield forward Mauro Zarate
arrived. Allardyce, under the gun to up the style of play at West Ham, is
trying to do just that and brought Senegalese midfielder Chiekhou Kouyate to
Upton Park for £7million in a bid to add flair to his squad.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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WHUFC.com
Two former West Ham United players were born on this date in years gone by
28.06.2014
Anniversary (1)
Arthur Banner
Born: 28 June 1918, Sheffield, Yorkshire, England
Clubs: Doncaster Rovers, West Ham United, Leyton Orient, Sittingbourne
A strong Yorkshire-born full-back, Arthur Banner (pictured) started his
career with Doncaster Rovers before joining West Ham United in 1938.
However, the outbreak of World War Two restricted him to just one Division
Two appearance prior to hostilities breaking out - a 2-0 win at Southampton
on 22 April 1939.
Banner played 14 times for the Hammers during the war, spending much of his
time serving in the Essex Regiment and the Royal Artillery and rising to the
rank of sergeant. After returning to Division Two duty in the third match of
the 1946/47 season at home to Leicester City, Banner would go on to make a
total of 27 senior appearances for the Hammers before departing for Leyton
Orient in 1948. He later became player-manager of Sittingbourne and coached
Ilford to the FA Amateur Cup final in 1958. Banner passed away in Thorpe
Bay, Essex, at the age of 61 in April 1980.
Anniversary (2)
Stan Johns
Born: 28 June 1924, Liverpool, England
Clubs: South Liverpool, West Ham United
Signed on 17 August 1950, 26-year-old forward Stan Johns had attracted the
attention of Merseyside giants Liverpool and Everton before opting to join
West Ham United. The striker made a fine start to his Hammers career,
scoring on his debut in a 2-1 Division Two defeat by Cardiff City at Ninian
Park on 4 September 1950. Johns found the net on his second appearance, too,
in a 3-1 defeat at Blackburn Rovers five days later. That would be as good
as it got, however, as Johns would fail to score in four subsequent matches.
Very little is known about where Johns played after West am, but he passed
away in 1985.
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West Ham on the Ponce?
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 27th June 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are being linked with a move for Newell's Old Boys teenage striker
Ezequiel Ponce. It has been claimed by Argentine sources that the
17-year-old - nicknamed 'Tank' - is the target of a local investment group
who are seeking to purchase 50 per cent of the player's rights. Further, it
is reported that the group intend to 'park' Ponce at West Ham - an almost
identical situation that led to a world record fine for the club in 2008
after they were found to have flouted league rules regarding third-party
influence with regard to the Tevez & Mascherano transfers. Argentinian daily
La Capita wrote: "There is an intention to pay around $4million dollars for
fifty per cent of the [player's] rights. In addition, a club in England was
also mentioned as a destination: West Ham United."
Born in 1997, Ponce made his first team debut for Newell's at the age of 16
making him the youngest player ever to feature in the Argentinian top
flight. He made 20 appearances in total for the Old Boys last season,
scoring four goals.
And in other transfer news...
* Further to our story yesterday about West Ham's apparent interest in
Emanuel Insua, the M*rror claim today that West Ham have made a £5million
bid for the uncapped full back. Insua, the brother of former Liverpool
defender Emiliano currently plies his trade with Boca Juniors in the
Argentine Primera División. Boca President Daniel Angelici said: "The West
Ham proposal is very good for the player and the club, so it becomes
difficult to keep him."
* West Ham are once again being linked with a move for former Chelsea star
Salomon Kalou. Currently playing in Ligue 1 (and the World Cup Finals),
Kalou is also said to be interesting Roma, Arsenal and Turkish side Besiktas
but will be seeking a similar wage to that the 28-year-old currently earns
at Lille.
* Bosnian defender Muhamed Besic is being linked with a move to the Premier
League with West Ham said to be one of those interested. The 21-year-old,
who featured in all three of his country's World Cup FInals group matches
currently plays for Hungarian side Ferencvaros; Cardiff City are also
reported to be monitoring the situation.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
HAMMERS ADD SIXTH LEFT BACK TO THE LIST
By Sean Whetstone 27 Jun 2014 at 12:02
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham United are in talks with yet another left back over a possible
transfer.
The Boca Juniors defender Emanuel Insua is the sixth left back target in our
sights as we make the position a priority to fill during the summer. The
23-year-old South American left-back is the younger brother of former
Liverpool defender Emiliano Insua, West Ham also have interest in Nice's
Timothee Kolodziejczak, Fiorentina's Marcos Alonso, Lorient's Raphael
Guerreiro, Milan's Urby Emanuelson and Norwich City's Martin Olssen.
Emanuel came through the Boca Juniors youth academy before breaking into the
first team in 2012 whom he has made 26 senior appearances scoring one goal.
Boca Juniors play in the Argentine Primera División.During the 2012/13
season, he was sent out on loan to Godoy Cruz Antonio Tomba for whom he made
33 appearances scoring one goal.
The deal is not as close as some tabloids are suggesting as the search for
the left back goes on while talks are ongoing.
Meanwhile talks are also ongoing with Prince Oniangue for a possible £2
million move to West Ham for the Reims defensive midfielder. I did an
article about him a couple of weeks ago when we were first linked
www.westhamtillidie.com/posts/2014/06/12/transfer-target-by-royal-appointmen
t
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham close to transfer of Emanuel Insua from Boca Juniors
Jun 26, 2014 23:14 By Ed Malyon
Left-back set to be Hammers' third signing of the summer after Zarate and
Kouyate is Liverpool old boy Emiliano's younger brother
The Mirror
West Ham United are in talks to sign Boca Juniors defender Emanuel Insua on
a four-year deal. The 23-year-old left-back has agreed personal terms with
the Hammers, and provided the two clubs can reach a final agreement on the
fee and a payment schedule, the East Londoners could confirm the deal within
the next few days. Insua, the younger brother of Liverpool flop Emiliano,
would become the second Argentine signed by the Irons' boss Sam Allardyce
this summer after the arrival of Velez Sarsfield forward Mauro Zarate.
Allardyce is under pressure to improve the playing style at Upton Park after
a disappointing campaign. The Hammers have also signed Senegalese midfielder
Cheikhou Kouyate for a fee in the region of £7million.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Alonso may be reason for Henry's gardening leave
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 27, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Marcos Alonso looks booked for a move to Sunderland and thus the Black Cats
decision to put the Irons recruitment head in waiting, Tony Henry, on
'gardening leave' becomes clear! Stadium of Light boss Gus Poyet has been
reported in Spanish sports paper Marca as saying: "I'm there with
'Marquitos' Alonso, I already had him for six months. We are doing
everything possible so that Fiorentina give him to us." Quite clearly,
Sunderland's departed chief scout Henry would have been heavily involved in
attempting to make the deal, and others, happen and it's entirely possible
he was working on the deal before we made our job offer to him. Having
resigned from Sunderland, had he arrived at Upton Park, he would have been
totally aware of every spit and cough involved in the Alonso deal, price,
personal terms – the lot! He would also have known that Modibo Diakite made
nine appearances for Fiorentina during a loan spell last season. Sunderland
are now expected to make a cash plus player offer for Alonso in the coming
days with Diakite going the other way – more details of which Henry would
almost certainly have had in his possession. 'Gardening leave ' is an option
used by companies to ensure departing employees can't used confidential
information – it's more than likely it has cost us the services of a very
good left back!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham target Portugal Under-21 starlet
By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) | Friday, June 27, 2014
West Ham could switch their attentions to Lorient full-back Raphael
Guerreiro if a deal to sign Boca Juniors defender Emanuel Insua fails to
materialise.
Sam Allardyce is keen to sign another left back after he allowed George
McCartney and Pablo Armero to leave the east London club during the summer.
The West Ham boss has been strongly linked with a move for Argentine
defender Insua and reports suggested that a move could be finalised in the
next 24 hours. But the club are keeping their options open and have also
been linked with a move for Guerreiro who was one of the star performers for
Lorient in the French League last season. Liverpool were also targeting the
Portugal Under-21 international who is rated one of the best young defenders
in France.
Allardyce has stated this week that he hopes to sign five more players
before the end of August and would ideally like to sign another left back
before the team return for the start of pre-season training next week.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers press on with talks
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 27, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are still talking to Reims midfielder Prince Oniangue but continue
to insist they will take their time coming to a decision on the £2 million
midfielder.
The player has been a possible target for some weeks but is seen as one with
"raw talent" who would be a "big gamble." And that may not be the ideal
scenario as the club continue the hunt for a couple of strikers and left
back. ClaretandHugh was told: "The player is talking to the co chairman but
no hasty decisions will be made." With the club having sufficient finds to
cover four more players, theclub remains ultra careful after the likes of
Modibo Maiga and Alou Diarra, fail and simply refuse to take expensive
risks. A source said: "The player definitely has talent but no deal will be
done unless the club can get real value for money. "Nothing has changed.
It's all about doing a deal cheap enough to perhaps take the gamble."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers react to defender rumours
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 27, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have today dismissed reports that Boca Juniors left back Emanuel
Insua is about to join the club. Reports have broken over the last 48 hours
that the club are close to signing the 23 year old. But sources inside the
Boleyn told ClaretandHugh that whilst there has been some interest, the
player is not a major target. And he repeated that talks were continuing
with four other left backs as the club look to solve their problem position.
ClaretandHugh understands these to be Lorient's Raphael Guerreiro, Milan's
Urby Emanuelson and Norwich City's Martin Olssen along with prime target
Nice's Timothee Kolodziejczak.
The Insua story first broke with some media reports claiming that we were
looking to acquire all economic rights to the player and that Boca had made
him a counter offer as a result. But our source said: "There is some
interest but we have a lot of negotiations going on in that position."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Michu? It should have been Hammer Bony
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 27, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Try as I may to shake the feeling, I'm still haunted by last summer and
particularly Wilfried Bony. This mood has fallen with the speculation that
there have been talks between ourselves and Swansea City over Michu – who on
last season's form and injury problems looks a risk too far. Bony, wasn't,
and has gone on to prove, that he was possibly the buy of last summer and a
player on whom we had closed a deal at around £8 million He now has a £19
million buy-out clause in his contract and if we are to believe recent
reports, virtually every top club is looking at him with bidding likely to
start at around £22 million. In his first City season he managed 16 goals in
34 games which compares with two from 16 for Andy Carroll who cost twice as
much as the Ivory Coast hitman.
It would be very easy to start a blast against those involved in deciding
that the deal shouldn't have be done but we've been there a million times
and a new rant is pointless. It would also be unfair to Carroll who is now
best judged at the end of this season. However, and although it's easy to be
wise after event, to me, Bony at around £8 million was an absolute 'steal' –
a deal that should have been done pronto. It's not giving very much away to
explain that there are many inside the club who feel the same way and that
this was just one reason why the board are now taking a much closer
involvement in the transfer market. Sam Allardyce made it clear at the
beginning of the summer that he wanted two more strikers in the squad – one
has arrived in Mauro Zarate, the second is still being hunted. And it's fair
to say that if we fail to find another who can score goals at Premier League
level it will be entirely justifiable to question our scouting abilities in
this area of operation. Having failed miserably with Modibo Maiga, failed to
clinch a deal for Bony, and seen AC struggle with injury there's enormous
pressure on the manager to identify the right front man. The board will know
too that they need to close the right deal at the right price. A goalscorer
who can cover for, or play with Andy Carroll, will undoubtedly be the key
signing of the summer – such a shame it wasn't Wilfried Bony!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham hold talks with Boca Juniors left-back Emanuel Insua... and stay
keen on Timothee Kolodziejczak and Marcos Alonso
West Ham looking to bring 23-year-old Emanuel Insua to Upton Park on
four-year deal ahead of next Premier League season
By SIMON JONES
PUBLISHED: 02:08, 27 June 2014 | UPDATED: 02:08, 27 June 2014
Daily Mail
West Ham United are in talks over a possible deal for Boca Juniors defender
Emanuel Insua. The 23-year-old left-back, the younger brother of
ex-Liverpool defender Emiliano, has discussed terms with a four year deal
proposed. West Ham also have interest in Nice left-back Timothee
Kolodziejczak and Fiorentina's Marcos Alonso. Alonso is no stranger to the
Premier League, having spent time on loan at the Stadium of Light with
Sunderland last year. The 23-year-old may be keen on the move instead of
returning to Italian outfit Fiorentina, who are yet to put their faith in
the left-back in Serie A. It is understood Insua has agreed personal terms
with the Hammers. It now boils down to whether the two clubs can reach an
agreement over the next few days. He would become Sam Allardyce's second
Argentinian signing of the summer after Velez Sarsfield forward Mauro Zarate
arrived. Allardyce, under the gun to up the style of play at West Ham, is
trying to do just that and brought Senegalese midfielder Chiekhou Kouyate to
Upton Park for £7million in a bid to add flair to his squad.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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