Mediawatch - 21 July
WHUFC.com
Catch up with the latest West Ham United reports in the news here
21.07.2014
Today's transfer speculation in the media concerns a player who has just
left the Hammers, with Sky Sports reporting that Charlton Athletic are
leading the chase for Stephen Henderson, after the goalkeeper called time on
his West Ham career by mutual agreement on Friday.
The Express again links West Ham with Croatian defender Ivan Strinic, with
the report claiming that a deal will be done within 48 hours after terms
were agreed with his current club Dnipro in Ukraine.
In the same paper, this report iooks at how the Hammers could buck the trend
and make football more affordable for families when they move to the Olympic
Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mail reports that West Ham are fighting hard to keep
youngster Reece Oxford at the Club, in the face of interest from Manchester
United.
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Reid's breakfast TV date
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid dropped in for a breakfast TV appointment on Monday morning
21.07.2014
Winston Reid carried on the feelgood theme to West Ham United's Football
United tour of New Zealand by dropping in for a for a chat on the country's
most popular breakfast programme on Monday. The All Whites captain had an
early start to get to the studios ahead of his 8.15am appearance (9.15pm
Sunday in the UK) on the One News Breakfast sofa. Reid was in a bright and
cheery mood, however, as he explained how excited the squad were to be
visiting his homeland. "If you told me four years ago that this tour would
be happening I probably wouldn't have believed you but things have panned
out pretty well with my team and we're enjoying ourselves here," said the
No2. "For me personally, coning home and seeing my family is good, but we're
in the middle of pre-season so we need to put some hard work into it. It's
also good for New Zealand as a country to be able to come out and see two
quality games. "My team-mates are enjoying it. It's a different culture and
everyone in New Zealand has been friendly and welcoming. We have to put the
hard yards in and we have to do our work down here but we've got time
outside the pitch to enjoy ourselves."
Reid's ankle injury last season not only meant he missed vital games for his
Club but also the opportunity to help his country make it to the 2014 FIFA
World Cup finals in Brazil. The All Whites lost a two-legged Play-Off with
Mexico 9-3 on aggregate last November and the Hammers' No2 is determined to
get over that disappointment by helping his country qualify for Russia 2018.
"The most frustrating part about watching the World Cup over the summer was
thinking back to when I was injured in November and I couldn't be a part of
that. But I watched the World Cup as a fan and I loved every moment. "We
will be looking to qualify for that World Cup in 2018 but we've got a lot of
hard work ahead of us."
The central defender capped off a busy morning by inviting children from his
old school to join in a special coaching session after training. A group of
youngsters from Milford School had a great kickabout on the pitch at the
North Harbour Stadium, and Reid said it was important to offer something in
return for the hospitality the squad have been afforded thus far. "It's
about reaching out to the public and trying to give something back to the
kids and trying to encourage them."
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Hammers launch goalkeeper bid
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 21st July 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are keen on signing Southend United's highly-rated young
goalkeeper Daniel Bentley. Basildon-born Bentley is considered to be one of
the hottest prospects in the lower leagues and KUMB has learned that West
Ham have approached the Shrimpers with view to signing the 21-year-old
goalkeeper on a permanent basis. The 6ft 4in stopper has been strongly
linked with Leeds United in recent months but West Ham are understood to
have made contact over the weekend, having parted company with previous
third-choice 'keeper Stephen Henderson who signed a three-year contract with
Charlton Athletic earlier today. Bentley made his first team debut for
Southend in 2011 but had to wait until the following season before becoming
a first team regular. Last season he made 53 appearances for the Blues,
keeping an impressive 19 clean sheets.
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Gold: the spending's (nearly) over
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 21st July 2014
By: Staff Writer
Co-owner David Gold has told supporters that West Ham are unlikely to spend
any more money on transfer fees this summer. Gold, quizzed by supporters on
Twitter this morning over the potential for further arrivals at the club
admitted that he and co-owner David Sullivan were unlikely to sanction any
more moves for players commanding a transfer fee before the end of the
summer transfer window. However that doesn't mean that fans should expect no
more new faces, with Gold informing one fan this morning that any new
signings are likely to be "loans or loans with a view to buy."
The 77-year-old Chairman also revealed that the club are expecting a final
decision regarding the work permit application for £12million forward Enner
Valencia "within the next 10 days".
West Ham have committed to circa £23million in transfer fees this summer,
with Aaron Cresswell (£4m), Cheikhou Kouyate (£7m) and Enner Valencia (£12m)
all requiring sizeable investment. Gold is currently in New Zealand with the
first team squad, who are preparing for their first fixture of the Football
United tour, which takes place against Wellington Phoenix this Wednesday.
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Reid wants a good start
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 21st July 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham arrived in New Zealand over the weekend in preparation for the
Football United tour, in which Sam Allardyce's side will face Wellington
Phoenix and Sydney FC later this week. And naturally perhaps, New Zealander
Reid is the man everyone wants to speak to (despite he and his family having
left the country when he was just 10 years old). This morning the central
defender appeared on the country's One News breakfast show to speak about
the tour, which also involves fellow Premier League side Newcastle United.
"First and foremost we are in pre-season and we have to put the high yards
in and we have to do our work down here," he said. "But we've got time
outside the pitch to enjoy ourselves as well. "They [the players] are
enjoying themselves. It's a different culture and everyone in New Zealanad
has been friendly and welcoming."
With view to the forthcoming 2014/15 Premier League campaign, he added: "We
finished 13th last season and tenth the year before than, so we want to
improve on that. But, the league is tough there. We'll try and get off to a
good start and see how it goes. However One News anchor Rawdon Christie
failed to ask Reid the one question most Hammers wanted answered - that
being, "will you sign a new contract at West Ham?" West Ham face Wellington
Phoenix on Wednesday in their first fixture of the Football United tour.
Full details of how you may watch the match live will follow on KUMB soon.
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New deal for Hendo
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 21st July 2014
By: Staff Writer
Stephen Henderson has signed for Charlton Athletic after being released by
West Ham. The 26-year-old goalkeeper has signed a three year contract with
the Addicks - just 72 hours after West Ham confirmed that he was being
released, after the two parties reached a mutual agreement over the
termination of his contract. "I'm very excited and can't wait to get
started," Henderson told Charlton's website. "I'm delighted to get it done.
It was a pretty sharp move and I'm very happy to be here." The Hammers
confirmed Henderson's departure on Friday with a brief statement, which read
simply: "West Ham United can confirm that the Club and Stephen Henderson
have reached a mutual agreement to terminate the goalkeeper's contract and
registration with immediate effect." Henderson becomes the Championship
club's eighth signing of pre-season - one of which was another former
Hammer, 32-year-old Israeli defender Tal Ben Haim. He made just two starts
for West Ham in his two years at the club. Fellow Championship clubs
Blackburn Rovers and Ipswich Town were also reported to be interested in
signing the Dublin-born stopper.
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West Ham's Andy Carroll tipped to come good by David Sullivan
Last Updated: 21/07/14 10:12am
SSN
West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan says he is glad that Andy Carroll
has not been playing for England this summer as it means he will be in
better shape to show his true form this season. Carroll was sidelined with
an injury for the first half of last term and did not return to action until
January. He played well at times for West Ham after his comeback but managed
just two goals in 16 appearances and Sullivan thinks he can have few
complaints about being left out of Roy Hodgson's World Cup squad. Sullivan
reckons it will be a different story this season, though, and has backed
Carroll to make a big impact in the Premier League if he can stay fit. "Andy
will come good. He didn't have a pre-season last year," Sullivan told the
Daily Mirror. "He never really got his act together because of that and I
think you'll see a much better player next season. "It was a fair decision
to leave Carroll out of the England squad based on what he did last season.
"He didn't do enough when he came back. There were a few games he was
devastating in. Against Swansea he set up both of Kevin Nolan's goals. But
he knows he didn't do enough to play for England. "And I'm glad he is not
playing for England. I don't want him arriving three weeks late because he
has been in Rio all summer. But his time will come."
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NEW ZEALAND REPORT: A GOOD DAY SPOILT BY RAIN
By Iain Dale 21 Jul 2014 at 12:45
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Kiwi Hammer
Today was my first experience of a West Ham training session and apart from
Auckland's fickle weather that completely ruined it for my girls, it was a
"good watch". Overcast and cold, the players emerged from the tunnel adormed
with beanies and as much clothing as movement would allow. Winston was one
of the few to show any skin at all ….. a couple of inches between the bottom
of his shorts and top of his socks ….. think being a Kiwi he felt obliged!
A light jog, some stretches and then a decent warmup and, well, that was
Andy Carroll's day done! No sign of injury but clearly no intention of
training either!
The players then split into groups at either end of the pitch, the first
running a drill with 5 attacking players working against the centre backs
(Ginge & Winston) and a keeper the other 6 attacking players against a
keeper, back 4 and a holding midfielder. The players rotated between the 2
different drills. Looked to be a pretty decent tempo and both very much
looking to utilise wide players delivering from wide positions. The new boys
were tidy on the ball and appeared eager to impress.
Training finished with a full field 11 v 11 ….. Adrian, Reid, Ginge
Cresswell, an academy player at right back, Nobes, Diame, Kouyate, Jarvis,
Zarate in the middle Cole up front making up one team. No goals were scored,
nor many shots on target but controversially (I kid you not) Big Sam awared
a penalty against Ginge which Adrian saved brilliantly to his left off Vaz
Te. Fair to say Ginge was furious and Nobes and Reid very vocal in their
disagreement with Sam's call!
All was being overseen by Mr Gold who sat with the fans in the stands and
was very approachable. Sadly the "occasion" was ruined by heavy rain. A
deluge 15 minutes from the end of training meant the players understandably
didnt hang around after, rushing to the changing rooms to get dry and warm
and then after a few had returned another heavy shower sent them packing and
onto the bus back to the Hotel. Very disappointing for the many kids that
were there but equally understandable so no complaints.
So somewhat bizarrely the two photos I got of the girls were with Sam and
David Gold ….. at least they knew who both were. I dare say they would have
been the only children there that did. A number of the players did return
and have a kick around in some children's games …. But due to the rain there
was no chance for photos or autographs.
Training again tomorrow …. can't sneak the girls off school again but will
head along myself and see if the drills and combinations change.
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ANDY CARROLL IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE
By Sean Whetstone 21 Jul 2014 at 08:37
West Ham Till I Die
The ridiculous story in the Sunday People that Newcastle are preparing a bid
for Andy Carroll doesn't make sense on so many levels. It started as a
rumour on social media with an alleged text from a Newcastle lawyer
displayed on twitter talking about £10.5m bid. This seems to have been
exaggerated by the time it made the tabloid press.
These are my reasons why Andy Carroll is going nowhere!
1) Mike Ashley has set a wage cap of £60,000 per week so I would surprised
if they are prepared to break this salary cap or Andy to take a drop in
wages.
2) Newcastle have spent the majority of their transfer budget this summer so
I can't see Mike Ashley funding another £15m plus.
3) Andy Carroll has just bought a new house in Chigwell with his Essex
girlfriend Billi Mucklow.
4) He wouldn't want to leave his best mate Kevin Nolan behind unless he came
back to Newcastle too.
5) The deal won't happen until Mark Curtis wants it to happen.
6) The board have no intention of selling him, especially on the cheap as
Newcastle would want.
David Gold was asked by a Newcastle fan in New Zealand over the weekend
about the rumour and whether we would sell Carroll. Gold laughed and
answered: "£100m wouldn't be enough!"
Love him or loathe him Andy Carroll is here to stay for now.
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DG: "We're not done yet"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 21, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold insists that the Hammers aren't yet finished in the transfer
market as the club continues with one of its busiest summers of recent
years. DG and co owner David Sullivan have said since the start of the
summer that the plan this year is to put the pressure on all positions. And
he told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "Nothing has changed – everybody is
working very hard to bring in more players. "The main objective was always
another striker and we have pushed the boat out for Enner Valencia so there
can be no complaints on that score. "The other three signings have also been
very good but we would hope that more are on the way. "The plan this summer
was always to carry as many positions as possible but we have also managed a
marquee signing along the way so no complaints so far." Indeed not, for a
ClaretandHugh exclsuive poll last week showed that over 90 per cent of those
who voted are more than content with what they have seen." Gold said that
with the main signings on board the remainder would be loans and cheaper
options – as revealed by ClaretandHugh.
Currently on tour with the Hammers squad in New Zealand Gold has been
tweeting regularly but added in an exclusive interview with us said: "I
believe we have had a very good summer window. "We are starting to see a
squad develop with real depth but there's still a way to go. We aren't done
yet!" The work permit hearing for Valencia will be held when the squad
return from New Zealand with Sam Allardyce pleadting the club's case.
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Carroll trains …for just five minutes!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 21, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The absence of our record signing and top earner Andy Carroll from the first
two pre-season friendlies has not gone unnoticed by Hammers fans. Although
the the 25 year striker took part in the training camp at Evian, rumours
persist about his general fitness levels and a possible return of an
injury. West Ham's official twitter has made a point to publish photos of
Andy Carroll together with his mate Kevin Nolan boarding the flight at
Heathrow airport last Thursday suggesting he will take part in the pre
season friendlies in New Zealand. However, Hammers fans out in New Zealand
have raised alarm bells by saying Andy Carroll could manage just five
minutes of training at the open training session today at North Harbour
Stadium, Auckland before returning down the tunnel.
If his lack of fitness and/or injury is true lets hope he gets fit very soon
in the run up to the start of our season to repay some of the £15m record
transfer fee and £4m in wages he has earned since becoming a permanent West
Ham player. At 2 goals from 15 appearances last season that is £9.5m per
goal so far or £1.2m per appearance.
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Will West Ham's new £12m signing make or break Andy Carroll?
Vincent Ralph
HITC
Following West Ham United's £12million move for Ecuador striker Enner
Valencia, the name of Andy Carroll was consistently mentioned when
discussing the new arrival. Some said the Hammers' latest transfer would be
the wake-up call Carroll needed to show what he can do consistently at the
club. While others said Valencia's presence meant the former Newcastle
United man was surplus to requirements. Indeed, the Magpies were even linked
with a move to bring Carroll back to St James' Park; something that has
since been dismissed by the Chronicle, which claimed the player is settled
in London. If that is indeed the case, will Valencia's arrival prompt the
England international into action, or see him used more as an impact
substitute come the new campaign? Carroll himself has said that he wants to
use this summer to ensure his woes of last season are not repeated. "It's a
very important pre-season for me after I had a very bad season last year
with injuries," he said. "It's important I stay fit and do everything right
with the medical staff." But even when fit, he has still fallen short of the
performances he showed to great effect at Newcastle. SEE ALSO: 41 goals, 23
assists, one title: What West Ham bought for £12m With just nine goals in 40
appearances for West Ham, it is no surprise some fans are questioning just
how much he will be used now Valencia has arrived; especially when you
consider the Ecuador international scored 18 times in just 23 appearances
for Pachuca last season. So what is it to be? Will Carroll and Valencia
ultimately form an effective partnership for the Hammers, or will the former
be relegated to a bit-part role at best come August?
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Croatia defender Ivan Strinic 'set for West Ham United medical' after
agreeing personal terms
Monday 21 Jul 2014 3:59 pm
Metro.co.uk
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is looking to continue his summer spending with
the signing of Croatian international defender Ivan Strinic from Dnipro
Dnipropetrovsk, according to reports from Croatia. Strinic will be the
Hammers' sixth summer signing, alongside Mauro Zarate, Cheikhou Kouyate,
Aaron Cresswell, Diego Poyet and Enner Valencia (pending a successful work
permit hearing), and will compete with Aaron Cresswell for the left-back
spot in the starting line up. The online edition of Croatian newspaper
Vecernji List are claiming that the 27-year-old defender expected in London
to undergo a medical with West Ham, having already agreed personal terms,
with the £4m signing to be announced in the next 48 hours. Capped 32 times
by his national side, Strinic brings experience on both the European and
International stage with Dnipro and Croatia respectively, which will not
only give the recently signed Cresswell some stiff competition, but also
give him some tutelage at the position. Sky Sports had claimed several days
ago that West Ham's pursuit of Strinic was getting ever closer, and it now
seems the Croat will be the latest addition at Upton Park. Should this deal
fall through, and you never know with West Ham, other targets have been
reportedly lined up for a similar fee. The Daily Star are reporting that
Malaga left-back Vitorino Antunes is also on the Hammers' radar, with a loan
move for the Portuguese defender being considered with a view to a £4m
permanent transfer next summer.
Depth has been the buzzword for West Ham's summer thus far. With a host of
squad players such as Jack Collison, Joe Cole, George McCartney and Alou
Diarra as well as the trio of Serie A loanees – Pablo Armero, Antonio
Nocerino and Marco Borriello all departing the club this summer, West Ham
are in need of depth across the board. Having made a big splash this summer
on marquee signings Valencia and Kouyate, the ideal way to fill out the rest
of the squad is through low-cost deals or loan signings, stop gaps until the
next window when funding is there. With Allardyce still looking for a
winger, central midfielder, left-back and left-sided centre back this
summer, it's logical to believe that a number of these positions will be
filled by loan signings. One of them loan signings could well be Inter Milan
midfielder Saphir Taider. The 22-year old Algerian is looking to leave Italy
to play in the Premier League, and it's believed that talks over a
season-long loan move are at an advanced stage. The Hammers have also been
linked with loan swoops for Manchester United duo Wilfried Zaha and Ashley
Young, although, Premier League loan restrictions mean they can only sign
one of these wingers on loan.
With the bulk of our spending done for the window, expect a flurry of loan
signings to end the summer on a high.
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Manchester United Target West Ham Teenage Wonderkid Reece Oxford
Lewis Dean By Lewis Dean
July 21, 2014 14:09 BST
IBTimes.co.uk
Manchester United have entered the race to sign West Ham wonderkid Reece
Oxford as the Hammers look to tie down the prospect to a long-term deal.
West Ham want 15-year-old Oxford to commit his long-term future to the east
London club and could promote him from the youth ranks to keep the defender
happy while staving off interest from United, Chelsea and Arsenal. United
are thought to be leading the chase to capture Oxford should he decide to
leave Upton Park but the England Under-16 international is expected to be
offered the privilege of training with the club's first-team more regularly,
Co-owner David Sullivan has spoken of the club's desire to keep Oxford on
its books and condemned England's top teams for continually poaching the
lesser clubs' best talent, reported the Daily Mail. "It almost makes you
give up on having an academy if they can come in and nick your best
15-year-old. What's the point?," Sullivan said.
Oxford recently featured in a West Ham development squad's 0-0 draw with
Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk and is expected to feature again when
the side plays semi-pro outfit Sutton United.
'Next Bale'
The news of United's pursuit of Oxford comes as the Old Trafford club gives
a trial to 16-year-old wideman Oscar Borg, touted as the 'next Gareth Bale'.
United would have to part with £220,000 for the teenager, who the Express
reports is nicknamed "Gareth" by West Ham coaches for his similar style of
play to the Real Madrid star. United's interest could push West Ham into
signing the teenager on a contract to avoid him leaving the club for free.
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Monday, July 21
Daily WHUFC News - 21st July 2014 ( Missed this today )
West Ham look to buck trend as Bayern chief slams Premier League ticket prices
Daily Express
WEST HAM have hinted they could buck the trend set by the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool and offer season tickets for as little as £100 when they move to the Olympic Stadium.
By: Ben Jefferson
Published: Sun, July 20, 2014
Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness today accused Premier League clubs of 'milking their fans like cows' by demanding exorbitant amounts for season tickets.
Explaining the move to keep season tickets prices down, Hoeness reportedly said: "We could charge more than €130 (£104). Let's say we charged €380 (£300). We'd get €2.5m (£2m) more in income, but what's €2.5m to us? "In a transfer discussion you argue about the sum for five minutes. But the difference between €130 and €380 is huge for the fans. "We do not think fans are like cows, who you milk. Football has got to be for everybody."That's the biggest difference between us and England."
Arsenal's cheapest season ticket for the upcoming season costs £985 (with the most expensive at £1,955), Liverpool's cost £710 and Chelsea's cost £595.
But Jack Sullivan - son of West Ham co-owner David Sullivan - has hinted that West Ham hope to offer substantially cheaper season tickets when they move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016.
Retweeting Hoeness' comments, Sullivan said: "That's the hope at the OS [Olympic Stadium] give family's affordable football. Cheap ST [season tickets]."
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Daily Express
WEST HAM have hinted they could buck the trend set by the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool and offer season tickets for as little as £100 when they move to the Olympic Stadium.
By: Ben Jefferson
Published: Sun, July 20, 2014
Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness today accused Premier League clubs of 'milking their fans like cows' by demanding exorbitant amounts for season tickets.
Explaining the move to keep season tickets prices down, Hoeness reportedly said: "We could charge more than €130 (£104). Let's say we charged €380 (£300). We'd get €2.5m (£2m) more in income, but what's €2.5m to us? "In a transfer discussion you argue about the sum for five minutes. But the difference between €130 and €380 is huge for the fans. "We do not think fans are like cows, who you milk. Football has got to be for everybody."That's the biggest difference between us and England."
Arsenal's cheapest season ticket for the upcoming season costs £985 (with the most expensive at £1,955), Liverpool's cost £710 and Chelsea's cost £595.
But Jack Sullivan - son of West Ham co-owner David Sullivan - has hinted that West Ham hope to offer substantially cheaper season tickets when they move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016.
Retweeting Hoeness' comments, Sullivan said: "That's the hope at the OS [Olympic Stadium] give family's affordable football. Cheap ST [season tickets]."
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Daily WHUFC News - 21st July 2014
Sadlier grateful for European challenges
WHUFC.com
Kieran Sadlier says facing top-class continental opposition this weekend can
only be of benefit
20.07.2014
Kieran Sadlier is looking for more of the same from the Development Squad
when they tackle their second game in 24 hours against Espanyol on Sunday
afternoon. Following Saturday's 0-0 draw with Shakhtar Donetsk to open the
Absolute Sports Travel Cup at Cambridge United's R Costings Abbey Stadium,
Sadlier hopes to end on a high against the Spanish side. All that was
missing from the Shakhtar contest was a Hammers goal, with Sadlier's shot
against the crossbar the closest that either team came, and the 19-year-old
is happy with how his pre-season is going so far. "I think everyone played
well on Saturday," he said. "I think the game was there to win, but in
pre-season it's not really about winning, it's about getting your fitness up
and getting [closer to][ how we want to play in the season. "The performance
was very good from every single player. The game was quite even and it was
similar to a U21 league match - they were a good team of a similar age to
us. We had some good chances and I think overall everyone got what they
wanted out of the game. "When I hit the bar I saw the keeper off his line
before I brought it down, so I thought I'd have a go and it was a bit
unlucky. I thought it hit the bar and went in, but it stayed out."
With Espanyol next up, Sadlier is looking forward to getting more minutes on
the pitch against a quality side. He added: "On Sunday, I think the ones who
played the last half hour will start, so it'll be the reverse of today's
team and we'll all get another good run out - hopefully we can get some
goals because that'll be good for our confidence."
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Hammers put four past Espanyol
WHUFc.com
Elliot Lee struck twice as the Development Squad saw off Espanyol 4-2 at the
R Costings Abbey Stadium
20.07.2014
Development Squad 4-2 RCD Espanyol
Absolute Sports Travel Cup
The Development Squad put four past their RCD Espanyol counterparts at
Cambridge United on Sunday, as the Hammers completed their involvement in
the Absolute Sports Travel Cup with a flourish. Following Saturday's
goalless draw against Shakhtar Donetsk, there was no shortage of goalmouth
action this time round. Paul McCallum's first-half spot-kick cancelled out
Ivan Sales' opener for the Spaniards, before Elliot Lee finished off a fine
team move to fire Nick Haycock's men in front. Once Jose Antonio Raillo had
levelled matters with another excellent strike, it was one way traffic, as
Lee nodded home his second and Josh Cullen got in on the act with a fourth.
West Ham were good value for the victory and had gone close to breaking the
deadlock in the 15th minute. Centre-half Emmanuel Onariase nodded Nathan
Mavila's free-kick back across the six-yard box, where Jamie Harney's
point-blank header was smothered by Nestor Diaz. The opener came with 27
minutes gone and, arguably, against the run of play. Pol Mikel Lirola was
afforded too much space on the right and duly picked out Sales, whose
side-footed effort bobbled into the far corner.
The Hammers, however, were only behind for a matter of seconds. Djair
Parfitt-Williams slid a neat ball into the feet of McCallum, who, with his
back to goal, was rashly upended. Referee Darren Deadman pointed to the spot
and McCallum converted in style, slotting home to the keeper's right.
Espanyol, meanwhile, might have retaken the lead in the half's final
seconds, but Tim Brown dove to his right to claw away substitute Julian
Luque's free-kick. The Spaniards had the first sight of goal after the break
too, as Luque's near-post corner fell at the feet of Hector Rodriguez, but
he blazed over the bar. Then, as they did on Saturday, West Ham shuffled the
entire pack on the hour, with Saturday's starters all joining the fray. And
it had the desired effect, with the Hammers netting three times in the
following 12 minutes. Lee, fresh from a late double at Havant and
Waterlooville, began the goal flurry, collecting from Sebastian Lletget
before unleashing a delightful curler into the far corner. As West Ham had
done earlier in the piece, Espanyol responded in kind, squaring things up
with 66 minutes gone. The ball was teed up for Raillo on the edge of the
box, who clinically slammed beyond Brown. But back came West Ham, through
that man Lee again. After Sam Westley's diving header at the back post had
thudded off the bar, the prolific Lee reacted first to nod home the rebound.
And the goals kept on coming, as Cullen seized on a loose ball to see a
looping header drift beyond Diaz and nestle nicely in the opposite corner.
West Ham's fourth rounded off an excellent afternoon for Haycock's charges,
who return to action at Sutton United on Wednesday evening.
West Ham United: Brown (Boness 71), Knoyle (Westley 60), Mavila ( Page 60),
Onariase (Burke 60), Harney (Oxford 60), Makasi (Cullen (60), Nasha (Bywater
60), Trialist (Lletget 60), Parfitt-Williams (Sadlier 60), Amoo (Gordon 35),
(Turgott 60), (Pike 74), McCallum (Lee 60).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Warm welcome for the Hammers
WHUFc.com
West Ham United's first training session in New Zealand attracted a huge
turnout on Sunday
20.07.2014
West Ham United's first Open Training session in New Zealand proved a huge
success as fans flocked to North Harbour Stadium. Supporters from all over
the world - including the Auckland-based great, great, great grandson of the
Club's founder Arnold Hills - watched the Hammers be put through their paces
before taking the opportunity to meet their heroes. While the squad went
through a series of drills, the fans showed their support by cheering loudly
and singing a stirring rendition of 'Bubbles', which was greatly appreciated
by Joint-Chairman David Gold, manager Sam Allardyce and his staff and
players. For many of the several hundred in attendance, the Open Training
session represented a unique opportunity to see a Barclays Premier League in
the flesh, while for others it formed the first part of their
once-in-a-lifetime trip to the other side of the world. Kiwi Gerald Smith
may have lived in New Zealand for his entire life, but his family history
records that he is the great, great, great grandson of the founder of the
Thames Ironworks and Shipbuilding Company and its football team, Arnold
Hills.
"I've lived in New Zealand all my life but my parents are English and on my
mother's side, she was a Warner and one of my cousins was a director of West
Ham United until the 2000s," said Smith, who was joined at North Harbour by
wife Tresna, son Timothy and daughter Lucy. "My mother's mother was a Hills
and her grandfather was Arnold Hills, the founder of the Club and also the
founder of the Thames Ironworks. I'm definitely a fan because of my family
links, but Wednesday [versus Wellington Phoenix in Auckland] will be the
first time I've actually been to a West Ham game. "When we won the FA Cup in
1980, my cousins sent me postcards and scarves, so this is really just
re-establishing my association with the Club. The associations I've heard of
him through the family are strong. My grandmother was a vegetarian and
that's because he was a vegetarian, too. "I've visited my family in London a
few times, but I've never actually been to the West Ham stadium, so we'll
definitely all come over soon to watch a game."
Following the successful session, the squad happily signed autographs and
posed for photographs, while six players - Adrian, James Tomkins, Guy Demel,
Mo Diame, Mauro Zarate and Cheikhou Kouyate - remained on the pitch to take
part in a community football session with local youngsters. The community
session was organised by the Wellington Phoenix in partnership with their
sponsors Huawei, the Chinese networking and telecommunications company.
Huawei's director of public affairs Andrew Bowater said everyone connected
with the company in New Zealand had been looking forward to West Ham's
visit. "We've got our partnership with the Wellington Phoenix here in New
Zealand and, as part of that, we like to get our community involvement
going," he explained. "So, as soon as we heard West Ham were coming down, we
were keen to build on that connection through the games with Premier League
clubs which are going on here. "As much as possible, we try to link the
Phoenix with their fans, so the community programme is very important to us.
We want to bring fans closer to the game. "One thing about New Zealand is
that people generally think of rugby, but football is the sport most kids
play at weekends. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the
excitement around seeing the kids playing football with Premier League
players is great for us. New Zealand has strong connections with West Ham
and those will only go stronger through events like this one."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Charlton lead race for West Ham goalkeeper Stephen Henderson
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo | Last Updated: 20/07/14
10:13am
SSN
Sky Sports understands Charlton are closing in on the signing of West Ham
goalkeeper Stephen Henderson. The likes of Blackburn Rovers and Ipswich Town
have been linked with moves for Henderson, but Charlton are now believed to
be leading the race for the Irishman. Highly-rated Henderson has found
himself down the pecking order at West Ham, with Spanish keeper Adrian and
Jussi Jaaskelainen ahead of him in Sam Allardyce's plans. Henderson, who has
made just two appearances for West Ham, has impressed during loan stints at
Ipswich and Bournemouth during the past two seasons. Charlton are in the
market for a new keeper after seeing Ben Hamer leave for Leicester and
Henderson is thought to have emerged as their top target. Should Charlton
land Henderson his arrival will come as a boost to new boss Bob Peeters as
he continues his plans ahead of the new season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
REID COY OVER WEST HAM FUTURE
By Sean Whetstone 20 Jul 2014 at 12:30
West Ham Till I Die
After nearly 32 hours of Travelling from London Heathrow to Auckland New
Zealand via Dubai and Sydney the last thing you probably what to do is
attend a press conference, but that was the fate for Sam Allardyce, Kevin
Nolan and Winston Reid on Saturday afternoon. When Reid was asked whether it
was good to be back home he answered: "The weather's a bit crap". When asked
if he has signed a new contract he looked uncomfortable,looked away and
muttered, "No, not yet" I am no body language expert but it was really a
question he didn't want asked and didn't want to answer. Sam Allardyce had
no such issues explaining why he wants to keep Reid. "Today there's pretty
much a shortage of anybody who plays in a central defensive role that
actually commits to the defensive part of his game first," Joint Chairman
David Gold added: "Sure he'd like to play for Barcelona and so would all the
rest of the footballers in the world, or Manchester United, but we're very
hopeful that Winston Reid will be a West Ham player for years to come," Reid
is thought to have been offered a £60,000 per week deal to sign a new 5 year
contract. It is understand he has until he returns back to the UK to make up
his mind.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham chief glad Andy Carroll was not in England's World Cup squad this
summer
Jul 20, 2014 22:00 By Darren Lewis
David Sullivan expecting a big season from the fit-again striker who will
have a full pre-season rather than turning up late after international duty
The Mirror
West Ham supremo David Sullivan is pleased their striker Andy Carroll was
left out of England's World Cup squad this summer. The Hammers'
joint-chairman has also tipped the 25-year-old - signed for £15.5million
from Liverpool last summer - to "get his act together" next season. Carroll
had to wait until January of this year to make his first appearance of the
2013-14 season because of a lengthy injury. He went on to help West Ham save
themselves from relegation.
But with just two goals in 16 appearances, Carroll was not selected by Roy
Hodgson for the Three Lions' ill-fated trip to Brazil. Sullivan, however,
believes the hitman's best is yet to come. He is convinced that, with a full
pre-season - including the squad's current trip to New Zealand - under his
belt, Carroll will prove his doubters wrong. He said: "I still think Andy
Carroll will come good. He didn't have a pre-season last year. He never
really got his act together because of that and I think you'll see a much
better player next season. It was a fair decision [leaving Carroll out of
the England squad] based on what he did last season. He didn't do enough
when he came back. "There were a few games he was devastating in - against
Swansea he set up both of Kevin Nolan's goals - but he knows he didn't do
enough to play for England. "And I'm glad he is not playing for England. I
don't want him arriving three weeks late because he has been in Rio all
summer, particularly on the fringes of the squad not playing or not doing
hard training. "I'm pleased he wasn't with England this summer. His time
will come."
Meanwhile, the Hammers have offered exciting young defender Reece Oxford
their biggest deal for any player under 20 in a bid to keep him. Manchester
United are circling for the 15-year-old centre-back, who has been likened to
Rio Ferdinand. Talks have already been opened with Oxford's representatives
as West Ham bid to convince the 6ft 3in starlet his future lies at Upton
Park. Earlier this month, Sullivan hit out at the rules that allow big clubs
to poach the Hammers youngsters for minimal compensation. Arsenal raided
Upton Park recently to poach 16-year-old Ben Sheaf - regarded as one of the
best young midfielders in the country. Sullivan told Mirrorsport: "It almost
makes you give up on having an academy if they can come in and nick your
best 15-year-old. What's the point?"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham hoping to keep 15-year-old Reece Oxford as Manchester United show
interest
Oxford has played for the West Ham u-18 side
Arsenal and Chelsea also interested in the defender
Hammers may fast-track the youngster to keep him happy
By JOHN DRAYTON
PUBLISHED: 16:50, 20 July 2014 | UPDATED: 16:50, 20 July 2014
Daily Mail
West Ham are stepping up their attempts to secure the long-term future of
wonderkid Reece Oxford as Manchester United launch a bid to sign the
youngster.
The Hammers are desperate to keep hold of the 15-year-old from the clutches
of the Premier League's elite. West Ham will open talks with Oxford's
representatives over an improved deal at Upton Park, which could see the
defender fast-tracked into the senior set-up. But Oxford has serious options
to choose from, with United the latest club to show a firm interest in the
teenager. Arsenal and Chelsea are also keen on the youngster, but United are
thought to be leading the race for Oxford should he decide to quite the
Hammers. Speaking earlier this month co-owner David Sullivan spoke of the
club's intention to keep Oxford and blasted England's top sides for
continually poaching the lesser clubs' best talent. 'It almost makes you
give up on having an academy if they can come in and nick your best
15-year-old. What's the point?,' Sullivan said. The England Under-16
international has already trained with the club's first team and can expect
more senior opportunities at Upton Park next season. Despite being 15, he
has already turned out for West Ham's Under-18s side, as well as their U15s
and U16s.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers harden AC stance with Newcastle
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 20, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have sent a 'hands off' message to Newcastle over a possible Andy
Carroll bid. Earlier today sources inside Upton Park responded to a national
newspaper story that the the north-eastern club were considering making a
£15 million bid by saying there had been no enquiries for the Geordie
striker.A source told ClaretandHugh there had been no bid and that this is
a story which keeps repeating itself anyway. However, the Irons' position
has hardened during the day and we have learned since that no bid will be
considered for the No 9. We were told by a highly placed source: "It's
almost a given they would want him cheaply. But the truth is that Andy
Carroll is not for sale at any price' and there is no point in Newcastle or
any other club trying!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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WHUFC.com
Kieran Sadlier says facing top-class continental opposition this weekend can
only be of benefit
20.07.2014
Kieran Sadlier is looking for more of the same from the Development Squad
when they tackle their second game in 24 hours against Espanyol on Sunday
afternoon. Following Saturday's 0-0 draw with Shakhtar Donetsk to open the
Absolute Sports Travel Cup at Cambridge United's R Costings Abbey Stadium,
Sadlier hopes to end on a high against the Spanish side. All that was
missing from the Shakhtar contest was a Hammers goal, with Sadlier's shot
against the crossbar the closest that either team came, and the 19-year-old
is happy with how his pre-season is going so far. "I think everyone played
well on Saturday," he said. "I think the game was there to win, but in
pre-season it's not really about winning, it's about getting your fitness up
and getting [closer to][ how we want to play in the season. "The performance
was very good from every single player. The game was quite even and it was
similar to a U21 league match - they were a good team of a similar age to
us. We had some good chances and I think overall everyone got what they
wanted out of the game. "When I hit the bar I saw the keeper off his line
before I brought it down, so I thought I'd have a go and it was a bit
unlucky. I thought it hit the bar and went in, but it stayed out."
With Espanyol next up, Sadlier is looking forward to getting more minutes on
the pitch against a quality side. He added: "On Sunday, I think the ones who
played the last half hour will start, so it'll be the reverse of today's
team and we'll all get another good run out - hopefully we can get some
goals because that'll be good for our confidence."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers put four past Espanyol
WHUFc.com
Elliot Lee struck twice as the Development Squad saw off Espanyol 4-2 at the
R Costings Abbey Stadium
20.07.2014
Development Squad 4-2 RCD Espanyol
Absolute Sports Travel Cup
The Development Squad put four past their RCD Espanyol counterparts at
Cambridge United on Sunday, as the Hammers completed their involvement in
the Absolute Sports Travel Cup with a flourish. Following Saturday's
goalless draw against Shakhtar Donetsk, there was no shortage of goalmouth
action this time round. Paul McCallum's first-half spot-kick cancelled out
Ivan Sales' opener for the Spaniards, before Elliot Lee finished off a fine
team move to fire Nick Haycock's men in front. Once Jose Antonio Raillo had
levelled matters with another excellent strike, it was one way traffic, as
Lee nodded home his second and Josh Cullen got in on the act with a fourth.
West Ham were good value for the victory and had gone close to breaking the
deadlock in the 15th minute. Centre-half Emmanuel Onariase nodded Nathan
Mavila's free-kick back across the six-yard box, where Jamie Harney's
point-blank header was smothered by Nestor Diaz. The opener came with 27
minutes gone and, arguably, against the run of play. Pol Mikel Lirola was
afforded too much space on the right and duly picked out Sales, whose
side-footed effort bobbled into the far corner.
The Hammers, however, were only behind for a matter of seconds. Djair
Parfitt-Williams slid a neat ball into the feet of McCallum, who, with his
back to goal, was rashly upended. Referee Darren Deadman pointed to the spot
and McCallum converted in style, slotting home to the keeper's right.
Espanyol, meanwhile, might have retaken the lead in the half's final
seconds, but Tim Brown dove to his right to claw away substitute Julian
Luque's free-kick. The Spaniards had the first sight of goal after the break
too, as Luque's near-post corner fell at the feet of Hector Rodriguez, but
he blazed over the bar. Then, as they did on Saturday, West Ham shuffled the
entire pack on the hour, with Saturday's starters all joining the fray. And
it had the desired effect, with the Hammers netting three times in the
following 12 minutes. Lee, fresh from a late double at Havant and
Waterlooville, began the goal flurry, collecting from Sebastian Lletget
before unleashing a delightful curler into the far corner. As West Ham had
done earlier in the piece, Espanyol responded in kind, squaring things up
with 66 minutes gone. The ball was teed up for Raillo on the edge of the
box, who clinically slammed beyond Brown. But back came West Ham, through
that man Lee again. After Sam Westley's diving header at the back post had
thudded off the bar, the prolific Lee reacted first to nod home the rebound.
And the goals kept on coming, as Cullen seized on a loose ball to see a
looping header drift beyond Diaz and nestle nicely in the opposite corner.
West Ham's fourth rounded off an excellent afternoon for Haycock's charges,
who return to action at Sutton United on Wednesday evening.
West Ham United: Brown (Boness 71), Knoyle (Westley 60), Mavila ( Page 60),
Onariase (Burke 60), Harney (Oxford 60), Makasi (Cullen (60), Nasha (Bywater
60), Trialist (Lletget 60), Parfitt-Williams (Sadlier 60), Amoo (Gordon 35),
(Turgott 60), (Pike 74), McCallum (Lee 60).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Warm welcome for the Hammers
WHUFc.com
West Ham United's first training session in New Zealand attracted a huge
turnout on Sunday
20.07.2014
West Ham United's first Open Training session in New Zealand proved a huge
success as fans flocked to North Harbour Stadium. Supporters from all over
the world - including the Auckland-based great, great, great grandson of the
Club's founder Arnold Hills - watched the Hammers be put through their paces
before taking the opportunity to meet their heroes. While the squad went
through a series of drills, the fans showed their support by cheering loudly
and singing a stirring rendition of 'Bubbles', which was greatly appreciated
by Joint-Chairman David Gold, manager Sam Allardyce and his staff and
players. For many of the several hundred in attendance, the Open Training
session represented a unique opportunity to see a Barclays Premier League in
the flesh, while for others it formed the first part of their
once-in-a-lifetime trip to the other side of the world. Kiwi Gerald Smith
may have lived in New Zealand for his entire life, but his family history
records that he is the great, great, great grandson of the founder of the
Thames Ironworks and Shipbuilding Company and its football team, Arnold
Hills.
"I've lived in New Zealand all my life but my parents are English and on my
mother's side, she was a Warner and one of my cousins was a director of West
Ham United until the 2000s," said Smith, who was joined at North Harbour by
wife Tresna, son Timothy and daughter Lucy. "My mother's mother was a Hills
and her grandfather was Arnold Hills, the founder of the Club and also the
founder of the Thames Ironworks. I'm definitely a fan because of my family
links, but Wednesday [versus Wellington Phoenix in Auckland] will be the
first time I've actually been to a West Ham game. "When we won the FA Cup in
1980, my cousins sent me postcards and scarves, so this is really just
re-establishing my association with the Club. The associations I've heard of
him through the family are strong. My grandmother was a vegetarian and
that's because he was a vegetarian, too. "I've visited my family in London a
few times, but I've never actually been to the West Ham stadium, so we'll
definitely all come over soon to watch a game."
Following the successful session, the squad happily signed autographs and
posed for photographs, while six players - Adrian, James Tomkins, Guy Demel,
Mo Diame, Mauro Zarate and Cheikhou Kouyate - remained on the pitch to take
part in a community football session with local youngsters. The community
session was organised by the Wellington Phoenix in partnership with their
sponsors Huawei, the Chinese networking and telecommunications company.
Huawei's director of public affairs Andrew Bowater said everyone connected
with the company in New Zealand had been looking forward to West Ham's
visit. "We've got our partnership with the Wellington Phoenix here in New
Zealand and, as part of that, we like to get our community involvement
going," he explained. "So, as soon as we heard West Ham were coming down, we
were keen to build on that connection through the games with Premier League
clubs which are going on here. "As much as possible, we try to link the
Phoenix with their fans, so the community programme is very important to us.
We want to bring fans closer to the game. "One thing about New Zealand is
that people generally think of rugby, but football is the sport most kids
play at weekends. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the
excitement around seeing the kids playing football with Premier League
players is great for us. New Zealand has strong connections with West Ham
and those will only go stronger through events like this one."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Charlton lead race for West Ham goalkeeper Stephen Henderson
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo | Last Updated: 20/07/14
10:13am
SSN
Sky Sports understands Charlton are closing in on the signing of West Ham
goalkeeper Stephen Henderson. The likes of Blackburn Rovers and Ipswich Town
have been linked with moves for Henderson, but Charlton are now believed to
be leading the race for the Irishman. Highly-rated Henderson has found
himself down the pecking order at West Ham, with Spanish keeper Adrian and
Jussi Jaaskelainen ahead of him in Sam Allardyce's plans. Henderson, who has
made just two appearances for West Ham, has impressed during loan stints at
Ipswich and Bournemouth during the past two seasons. Charlton are in the
market for a new keeper after seeing Ben Hamer leave for Leicester and
Henderson is thought to have emerged as their top target. Should Charlton
land Henderson his arrival will come as a boost to new boss Bob Peeters as
he continues his plans ahead of the new season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
REID COY OVER WEST HAM FUTURE
By Sean Whetstone 20 Jul 2014 at 12:30
West Ham Till I Die
After nearly 32 hours of Travelling from London Heathrow to Auckland New
Zealand via Dubai and Sydney the last thing you probably what to do is
attend a press conference, but that was the fate for Sam Allardyce, Kevin
Nolan and Winston Reid on Saturday afternoon. When Reid was asked whether it
was good to be back home he answered: "The weather's a bit crap". When asked
if he has signed a new contract he looked uncomfortable,looked away and
muttered, "No, not yet" I am no body language expert but it was really a
question he didn't want asked and didn't want to answer. Sam Allardyce had
no such issues explaining why he wants to keep Reid. "Today there's pretty
much a shortage of anybody who plays in a central defensive role that
actually commits to the defensive part of his game first," Joint Chairman
David Gold added: "Sure he'd like to play for Barcelona and so would all the
rest of the footballers in the world, or Manchester United, but we're very
hopeful that Winston Reid will be a West Ham player for years to come," Reid
is thought to have been offered a £60,000 per week deal to sign a new 5 year
contract. It is understand he has until he returns back to the UK to make up
his mind.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham chief glad Andy Carroll was not in England's World Cup squad this
summer
Jul 20, 2014 22:00 By Darren Lewis
David Sullivan expecting a big season from the fit-again striker who will
have a full pre-season rather than turning up late after international duty
The Mirror
West Ham supremo David Sullivan is pleased their striker Andy Carroll was
left out of England's World Cup squad this summer. The Hammers'
joint-chairman has also tipped the 25-year-old - signed for £15.5million
from Liverpool last summer - to "get his act together" next season. Carroll
had to wait until January of this year to make his first appearance of the
2013-14 season because of a lengthy injury. He went on to help West Ham save
themselves from relegation.
But with just two goals in 16 appearances, Carroll was not selected by Roy
Hodgson for the Three Lions' ill-fated trip to Brazil. Sullivan, however,
believes the hitman's best is yet to come. He is convinced that, with a full
pre-season - including the squad's current trip to New Zealand - under his
belt, Carroll will prove his doubters wrong. He said: "I still think Andy
Carroll will come good. He didn't have a pre-season last year. He never
really got his act together because of that and I think you'll see a much
better player next season. It was a fair decision [leaving Carroll out of
the England squad] based on what he did last season. He didn't do enough
when he came back. "There were a few games he was devastating in - against
Swansea he set up both of Kevin Nolan's goals - but he knows he didn't do
enough to play for England. "And I'm glad he is not playing for England. I
don't want him arriving three weeks late because he has been in Rio all
summer, particularly on the fringes of the squad not playing or not doing
hard training. "I'm pleased he wasn't with England this summer. His time
will come."
Meanwhile, the Hammers have offered exciting young defender Reece Oxford
their biggest deal for any player under 20 in a bid to keep him. Manchester
United are circling for the 15-year-old centre-back, who has been likened to
Rio Ferdinand. Talks have already been opened with Oxford's representatives
as West Ham bid to convince the 6ft 3in starlet his future lies at Upton
Park. Earlier this month, Sullivan hit out at the rules that allow big clubs
to poach the Hammers youngsters for minimal compensation. Arsenal raided
Upton Park recently to poach 16-year-old Ben Sheaf - regarded as one of the
best young midfielders in the country. Sullivan told Mirrorsport: "It almost
makes you give up on having an academy if they can come in and nick your
best 15-year-old. What's the point?"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham hoping to keep 15-year-old Reece Oxford as Manchester United show
interest
Oxford has played for the West Ham u-18 side
Arsenal and Chelsea also interested in the defender
Hammers may fast-track the youngster to keep him happy
By JOHN DRAYTON
PUBLISHED: 16:50, 20 July 2014 | UPDATED: 16:50, 20 July 2014
Daily Mail
West Ham are stepping up their attempts to secure the long-term future of
wonderkid Reece Oxford as Manchester United launch a bid to sign the
youngster.
The Hammers are desperate to keep hold of the 15-year-old from the clutches
of the Premier League's elite. West Ham will open talks with Oxford's
representatives over an improved deal at Upton Park, which could see the
defender fast-tracked into the senior set-up. But Oxford has serious options
to choose from, with United the latest club to show a firm interest in the
teenager. Arsenal and Chelsea are also keen on the youngster, but United are
thought to be leading the race for Oxford should he decide to quite the
Hammers. Speaking earlier this month co-owner David Sullivan spoke of the
club's intention to keep Oxford and blasted England's top sides for
continually poaching the lesser clubs' best talent. 'It almost makes you
give up on having an academy if they can come in and nick your best
15-year-old. What's the point?,' Sullivan said. The England Under-16
international has already trained with the club's first team and can expect
more senior opportunities at Upton Park next season. Despite being 15, he
has already turned out for West Ham's Under-18s side, as well as their U15s
and U16s.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers harden AC stance with Newcastle
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 20, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have sent a 'hands off' message to Newcastle over a possible Andy
Carroll bid. Earlier today sources inside Upton Park responded to a national
newspaper story that the the north-eastern club were considering making a
£15 million bid by saying there had been no enquiries for the Geordie
striker.A source told ClaretandHugh there had been no bid and that this is
a story which keeps repeating itself anyway. However, the Irons' position
has hardened during the day and we have learned since that no bid will be
considered for the No 9. We were told by a highly placed source: "It's
almost a given they would want him cheaply. But the truth is that Andy
Carroll is not for sale at any price' and there is no point in Newcastle or
any other club trying!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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Sunday, July 20
Daily WHUFC News - 20th July 2014
On this day - 20 July
WHUFC.com
A key moment from the West Ham United archives on this day in history
20.07.2014
A 23-year-old Costa Rican by the name of Paulo Wanchope signed for West Ham
United on this day 15 years ago. The languid 6'4 forward sealed a £3.5
million switch from Derby County, making an almost instant impact with his
new employers. He netted twice in the Hammers' victorious Intertoto Cup
campaign, including a crucial third goal in the decisive 3-1 win at Metz.
Unpredictable at times, Wanchope enjoyed a fine first season alongside Paolo
Di Canio at the Boleyn Ground, bagging 15 goals in all competitions. He
started all but five of the Club's Premier League outings that term, as
Harry Redknapp's men ended the campaign in ninth - a third successive
top-ten finish. In spite of that highly respectable return, Wanchope was
subsequently sold to newly-promoted Manchester City, with Frederic Kanoute
and Davor Suker the replacement firepower. The prolific Costa Rica
international spent four seasons with the Citizens, scoring some 27 league
goals along the way. Meanwhile, Wanchope remains the second highest scorer
in his country's history, with 45 goals and 73 caps.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fit pair will boost Hammers
WHUFC.com
A fit Andy Carroll and Winston Reid are set to boost West Ham United hugely
during the 2014/15 season
20.07.2014
Manager Sam Allardyce and captain Kevin Nolan say a fit Winston Reid and
Andy Carroll will boost West Ham United hugely this season. Centre-back Reid
missed a large portion of the 2013/14 campaign through a high ankle sprain,
restricting the New Zealand captain to just 15 Barclays Premier League
appearances and leaving a gaping hole in the Hammers' squad. This year, the
No2 has joined the squad on the Football United Tour of New Zealand and Big
Sam believes the pair will contribute greatly to the 2014/15 campaign.
"First and foremost his defensive qualities are what Winston are about,"
said the manager. "Today there is a shortage of players who play in central
defence who put their defensive duties first. "That's the key element as if
you are central defender in our league, you combat some of the best strikers
in the world when you play in the Premier League. You've got to be sharp and
alert to read danger. "He has improved an incredible around since I arrived
at the Club to be a very consistent, powerful and important player for us.
He did get injured quite a bit last year but our whole defensive unit was
fantastic. It was a team effort though but we got 14 clean sheets last year,
which is the hub of building a successful season but also getting the other
right is what were after next season. "Winston has been a key part of us
sustaining our place in the Premier League and hopefully getting better as
well."
At the same time, skipper Kevin Nolan believes Andy Carroll is set to play a
massive role after recovering from the plantar fasciitis that kept him to
just 22 league appearances last term. Nolan says West Ham's offensive
talisman will improve the side's attacking threat in terms of scoring and
creating goals. "We'll have the Big Man available for the whole of the
season and I think that will be a big thing for us," said the No4. "Last
season, we had injuries and it made it very difficult for me, from a
personal point of view, to build up a relationship with just one striker.
There was a lot of chopping and changing to do because of the state of the
injuries we had to put up with last year. "I'm really confident that, if we
can stay away from injuries and keep Andy fit, as well as introducing the
signings we have brought in, that this year is going to be a very good one
for us. I've seen Mauro Zarate and he's a fantastic player who I can really
feed off and who can also score goals. "I'm just touching wood that we don't
lose Andy and Winston for the amount of time that we did last season. If we
don't, I'm sure we'll do really well and have a productive season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'We're all really looking forward to it'
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce and his players say West Ham United are relishing their
ten-day Football United Tour
19.07.2014
West Ham United are relishing their Football United Tour of New Zealand, say
manager Sam Allardyce and his players. Big Sam sat down alongside captain
Kevin Nolan, New Zealand national team skipper Winston Reid and Andy Carroll
to address the Kiwi and international media on the squad's arrival on the
other side of the world. There, all four spoke glowingly of the unique
welcome they received from Maori group Haka International and their
enthusiasm ahead of fixtures with A-League sides Wellington Phoenix (Eden
Park, Auckland, 23 July, 7.30pm) and Sydney FC (Westpac Stadium, Wellington,
26 July, 2pm). "It's fantastic for us to travel and experience this part of
the world," Big Sam confirmed. "We're all really looking forward to it and
our pre-season is going to be enhanced not just by us taking a tour but also
from a cultural point of view. "We're all very much looking forward to
seeing the sights of New Zealand, as well as playing football here and
promoting West Ham and the Barclays Premier League worldwide. "I've heard so
much about New Zealand from Winston and from [former All White defender]
Ryan Nelsen, a former player and captain of mine at Blackburn Rovers, and it
has a lot to live up to, such was the level of their praise. They said that
once I'd visited, I'd want to come back again and again, so hopefully I'll
be making more trips in the future. "Our welcome was fantastic. It's a
tradition for New Zealand and we've all seen the Haka before, but we'd not
seen the whole thing and had it explained to us as it was. It was very
interesting and a great welcome from our point of view."
"We'd planned to visit this area of the world if someone was willing to put
a package together. It wasn't just about coming this far - we needed to make
sure it's set up and controlled and organised properly. We spent a lot of
time in negotiation over travel, where we're staying and where we're going
to play and is that the right place for us to go to make sure we were in the
right place for our preparation for pre-season as well as promoting the Club
and the Premier League here. "The organisation and communication with all
parties has been very good and hopefully it'll run as smoothly as I think it
will."
The manager said West Ham's visit would offer football fans from across the
Oceania region an unique opportunity to see a Barclays Premier League team
first-hand for the first time. At the same time, the tour will represent a
chance to test the squad against two sides from the ever-improving A-League
in Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix, with tens of thousands of fans set to
turn out for both matches. "For us, it's about being out there with the
public and the people from New Zealand who support the Barclays Premier
League, who can now come and see a team live for probably the first time in
their lives," he added. "It's about us growing the brand by being here in
the flesh in New Zealand and spending a lot of time with the fans. We've
scheduled a lot of community events, photo and signing sessions and it's
important to show that side of things when you come out to a place like
this."
All Whites skipper Reid echoed the manager's sentiments, but was not
impressed by the grey skies and single-figure temperatures that greeted the
Hammers in the depths of the New Zealand winter. "It's good to be home but
the weather is a bit rubbish!" he joked. "For me, it was nice to see that
welcome because I've been used to them my whole life. "For the guys, it was
a diffferent experience but one they will have cherished and will remember
for the rest of their lives."
From a football side of things, Reid, Nolan and Carroll believe the Football
United Tour will help the Hammers to prepare for the 2014/15 Barclays
Premier League season. All three, like their manager, are desperate for the
squad to avoid picking up troublesome injuries during their stay in New
Zealand. For Reid and Carroll, the challenge of staying fit is one they are
relishing after a 2013/14 season ruined by ankle and foot problems
respectively. "I was out for four months and I came back into the team but
it was a little hard to get going again but I got there in the end," said
Reid. "It will be nice to get another full pre-season under my belt. I'm
just looking forward to a pre-season with no injures."
"Obviously we've added a few attacking players to the ranks and we'll have
the Big Man available for the start of the season, which is a bonus," added
Nolan. "Last season was very difficult with the injuries we had and the
chopping and changing we had to do. "I'm really confident that, this year,
if we can keep Andy fit and with the signings we've made, is going to be a
very good one for us."
Carroll is equally determined to stay fit and show everyone exactly what he
can do in a West Ham shirt. "It's a very important pre-season for me after I
had a very bad season last year with injuries. It's important I stay fit and
do everything right with the medical staff."
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Haycock pleased with progress
WHUFC.com
Development Squad coach Nick Haycock was happy with his team's performance
agaisnt Shakhtar
19.07.2014
Development Squad coach Nick Haycock is happy with the progress his team is
making in pre-season. The Under-21s followed up two positive results against
senior non-league teams by taking on their Shakhtar Donetsk counterparts in
the Absolute Sports Travel Cup on Saturday and emerging with a 0-0 draw.
The Hammers could well have been victorious, with a Kieran Sadlier
thunderbolt striking the crossbar before half time, but Haycock was more
focused on the strong level of performance against a team further along the
pre-season timeline. "It was a good game," he said. "They called us when I
was on holiday and straight away we made every effort to make sure we were
part of this tournament. "We came up to Cambridge for a game last year and
they looked after us well. It's a fantastic football club and the
organisation today has been fantastic and playing against foreign
competition bodes well for us because we're in the European competition this
year. "I was delighted with the performance because Shakhtar are only a week
away from the start of their season, so in terms of fitness levels they're
probably two or three weeks ahead of where we are. "We might have been a bit
more heavy-legged than them and the tempo of our game wouldn't be quite what
it is when we start the season, but I think you saw a good shape, a
determination to press the ball where we could, and playing foreign
opposition asks different things of you tactically. We had to change a
couple of things at half time to make sure we got better pressure on the
ball and the lads who played 60 minutes saw the game out to that stage well.
"The team that came on for the last 30 minutes, it's always difficult and we
couldn't get that continuity into our game, but that's no disgrace to them.
"Tomorrow [when they face Espanyol] it'll be the reverse, so the lads who
came on for the last 30 minutes will probably start tomorrow."
Away from events at Cambridge United's R Costings Abbey Stadium, several
members of Haycock's squad have been involved in the first team's pre-season
matches this summer, and the coach says it is up to them to continue along
their curve of progression. He added: "I'm delighted for them. I was at
Stevenage and I was at Ipswich, and it's always proud for the whole Academy
to see the players in the first team. "We know we've got good players and if
they get opportunities they've got to take them and keep knocking on the
manager's door. "That's the message throughout the whole season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dev Squad held by Shakhtar
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Absolute Sports Travel Cup campaign started with a 0-0
draw against Shakhtar Donetsk
19.07.2014
Shakhtar Donetsk 0-0 Development Squad
Absolute Sports Travel Cup
The Development Squad opened the Absolute Sports Travel Cup at Cambridge
United with a 0-0 draw against Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk on Saturday.
West Ham created the better chances on a sultry afternoon at the R Costings
Abbey Stadium, but were unable to find a route to goal. Kieran Sadlier came
closest of all with a thunderous shot which cannoned off the crossbar, while
Shakhtar's best opportunity fell to sub Artem Gabelock, who was denied by
Danny Boness from the edge of the box. The Hammers had the first opportunity
of the game as Seb Lletget knocked the ball past his man before passing into
Elliot Lee, who moved onto his right foot before shooting into keeper Yevgen
Grytsenko's hands. Shakhtar responded with an early chance of their own when
they won a corner down the left and Rotislav Rusin was able to control at
the far post before firing in a shot which teammate Nikita Bezugliy
deflected wide. With seven minutes on the clock Blair Turgott profited from
a loose Shakhtar pass to pick up possession in midfield and drive towards
goal, but his right-footed effort from 20 yards flew straight into
Grytsenko's grasp.
After Lee sent another sbot down the goalkeeper's throat, Tim Brown was
tested for the first time when Valery Hryshyn's curling effort needed to be
pushed off its goalward track, West Ham continued to probe and they were so
unlucky not to open the scoring on 36 minutes when Sadlier fired a dipping
shot from 25 yards which had Grytsenko beaten all ends up, but came crashing
down off the crossbar and away to safety. The Hammers started the second
period on the front foot too, and were a foot or so away from taking the
lead nine minutes after the restart when Turgott passed square to Lletget,
who controlled with his first touch and shot goalward with his second, with
the ball passing just the wrong side of the post. On the hour, Turgott
wriggled out of a couple of challenges down the right and crossed to the far
post, but half-time sub Alex Pike's effort was deflected behind for a
corner. With 62 minutes played, a further nine substitutes joined Pike in
the Hammers' side as Nick Haycock gave pitch time to nearly every member of
his squad. 12 minutes from time, sub keeper Danny Boness was extended by
Artem Gabelock's scorcher from the edge of the box, but he was equal to the
test. That prompted Shakhtar's most threatening spell of the game, but the
Hammers saw it out as neither team were able to make a breakthrough. The
Hammers take on Espanyol to close their Absolute Sports Travel Cup campaign
on Sunday, with kick-off at Cambridge United again at 2pm.
West Ham United: T.Brown (Boness 77); Westley (Knoyle 62), Burke (Harney
62), Oxford (Onariase 62), Page (Mavila 62); Bywater (Nasha 62), Cullen
(Makasi 62); Turgott (Gordon 62), Lletget (Parfitt-Williams 62), Sadlier
(Pike 46 (Amoo 77)); Lee (McCallum 62)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers arrive in New Zealand
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have touched down in New Zealand for the first day of the
Club's Football United Tour
19.07.2014
West Ham United have touched down in New Zealand ahead of the Club's
nine-day Football United Tour. The Hammers squad completed their 31-hour,
11,400-mile journey from London to Auckland via stops in Dubai and Sydney on
Saturday afternoon. On their arrival at the team hotel, the group received a
pōwhiri - traditional Māori ceremony of welcome that began with a wero -
challenge - from Haka International that was followed by dancing and
singing. Following the pōwhiri, the Hammers received a welcome from Nikki
Kaye - MP for Auckland Central and a Cabinet Minister in the New Zealand
Government.
Following a press conference attended by Sam Allardyce, New Zealand All
Whites captain Winston Reid, Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll, the day of
acclimatisation continued with a walk around central Auckland, which ended
with the players marvelling at daredevils bungee jumping off the top of the
Sky Tower - New Zealand's tallest building.
Big Sam has brought a strong 24-man party to the other side of the world,
Reid, Carroll, Nolan, Hammer of the Year Mark Noble and summer signings
Cheikhou Kouyate, Mauro Zarate, Aaron Cresswell and Diego Poyet.
Joint-Chairman David Gold has also made the trip and was an interested
observer at the press conference. He will join thousands of Hammers fans
from across the globe at fixtures with Wellington Phoenix in Auckland on 23
July and Sydney FC in Wellington three days later.
The Football United Tour is one of the biggest soccer events ever held in
New Zealand, marking the first time in 29 years that an English top-flight
team has visited the country. With fellow Barclays Premier League club
Newcastle United also involved, four matches will be held at venues across
North and South Island, capturing the imagination of supporters from across
the region and beyond. West Ham will kick-off the tour with an Open Training
session at North Harbour Stadium on Sunday morning, with fans invited to
come along to watch the players in action. Further Open Training sessions
will be held at North Harbour on Monday, Eden Park on Tuesday and at Westpac
Stadium in Wellington on Friday.
Aside from the football, the squad will be taking part in a full programme
of community, fan engagement and corporate events in both cities. Among
them, the Hammers will be welcoming youngsters from Reid's old primary
school to train with them, visiting the UK High Commission and meeting a
variety of supporters' and other local groups. In their down time, the
players are also expected to scale New Zealand's highest building -
Auckland's Sky Tower - and visit the Weta Workshop, where the award-winning
special effects for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films were created.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A moment of clarity
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 18th July 2014
By: David Hautzig
I've heard the term "a moment of clarity" used many times in various
scenarios. Since my brain tends to gravitate towards the less intellectual
side of things, I couldn't help but remember that amazing scene in Pulp
Fiction where Jules tells Vincent that he is leaving the life of crime that
they are both immersed in.
Jules says he had "what alcoholics refer to as a Moment Of Clarity" right
after a bunch of bullets whizz by their ears and Vincent subsequently blows
Marvin's face off with a shotgun in the back of their car. I wanted to find
a more clinical definition of the phrase, and this is what I've found.
"A moment of clarity is when you suddenly get a deep understanding of some
truth that's been out of reach for you".
Deserved or not, The David's have a reputation among many West Ham United
supporters of being not exactly the most ambitious owners in terms of buying
players. They point to their history of being relegated four times, three
times with Birmingham City and once with us. They claim that our board make
derisory bids, knowing they will be rejected, just so they can claim to have
tried. And to get us linked with tons of players to help drive ticket sales.
One particularly vocal, and sometimes vulgar, guy on Twitter goes on
endlessly about that fact. Any time we are linked with a decent player he
will scream that it will never happen, that all we will ever get are "loans,
freebies, and cheap foreign imports". But in the past few days, even THAT
guy has been offering praise to his sworn lifelong enemies. I wondered if
his account had been hacked I was so shocked.
I'm not saying that I believe they do all of the squirmy things described
above. I have no idea. But by the same token, I can't say that they don't
manipulate the media and the fans to accomplish certain goals. Nothing in
big money business surprises me anymore.
But look at our window so far. All five players are of sufficient quality or
value that the minute their names came up alongside ours, none of you can
tell me that you were not only concerned something would go wrong, you
expected it to. But each one have come over the line.
Mauro Zarate
When he signed, I immediately called an Argentine friend of mine. He was
pretty clear. We got a very good player, he told me. I wrote about it
elsewhere if you want to have a look.
Cheikhou Kouyate
It took about five seconds after the first round of rumours that people took
to Twitter saying they would be over the moon if we pulled that off. In many
cases it was followed by a second Tweet saying they were sure it would never
happen, it was a season ticket ploy, yada yada yada.
Aaron Cresswell
A slight exception here, only because his name came up so quickly we didn't
have time to become anxious. That's probably one of the reasons some
supporters have taken to Twitter recently to criticise the move because it
scuppered a deal for another highly rated back from Nice with a painfully
difficult name to spell. But I'm pretty sure if we had been linked with the
left back named to The Championship Top 11 for a few weeks, doom and gloom
would have reared its regularly scheduled head.
Having never watched either player, I'd go for a top defender from a league
where tough defense and physical play is the standard over a top defender
from a league not exactly known for its defensive play. Oh, and Cresswell
was a lot less expensive than that Kolo guy.
Diego Poyet
I can only judge by the people criticising the kid for coming to us when
other "bigger" teams were interested in him that this is a good deal for us.
Enner Valencia
Our latest arrival. Usually when a player bursts on the scene during the
World Cup like Valencia has it's the teams that print their own currency
that take the high priced risk. 18 goals in 23 games for Pachuca, three
goals at The World Cup. OK, Harry. Come and get him. Or will Everton kidnap
him? Maybe a club in Spain?
So why the shift in the paradigm?
I'm thinking fear ignited our board's Moment Of Clarity. As terrified as we
all were at times last season of being relegated, you have to believe they
were absolutely soiling themselves from terror. The Olympic Stadium, Andy
Carroll's contract, the new television deal. Not to mention the extremely
competitive nature of The Championship threatening to grab hold of us and
not let go for a very long time.
Somewhere, somehow, they realized they had to alter their plans and their
way of thinking. The rewards were too great, the risks too dire. By adding a
little more creativity to their transfer window approach, along with a
little more money, they could make their lives a lot easier.
And anybody still against the Olympic Stadium move, ask yourself this
question. Do you think the owners used the Olympic Stadium as a selling tool
to convince these players to choose West Ham? Of course they did. Would they
have been able to sell West Ham as a team with a brighter future than
present if we were staying at Upton Park? I seriously doubt it.
Obviously the ultimate judgment on these moves will come on the pitch. For
all I know these guys could be sequels to the Maiga and Diarra horror
movies. But to my way of thinking, there would have been little to no chance
to see this play out if David Sullivan and David Gold hadn't taken a long
hard look at themselves and decided these old dogs need to learn some new
tricks.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham are relishing their Football United Tour of New Zealand, says Sam
Allardyce
By Emma Webb | Last Updated: 19/07/14 3:17pm
SSN
West Ham United are relishing their Football United Tour of New Zealand,
says manager Sam Allardyce. Allardyce, speaking alongside captain Kevin
Nolan, Andy Carroll and Winston Reid, praised the traditional welcome from
their hosts and spoke of their enthusiasm for their upcoming fixtures
against Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC. "It's fantastic for us to travel
and experience this part of the world," he told the club's official website.
"We're all really looking forward to it and our pre-season is going to be
enhanced not just by us taking a tour but also from a cultural point of
view. "Our welcome was fantastic. It's a tradition for New Zealand and we've
all seen the Haka before, but we'd not seen the whole thing and had it
explained to us as it was. It was very interesting and a great welcome from
our point of view. "We're all very much looking forward to seeing the sights
of New Zealand, as well as playing football here and promoting West Ham and
the Barclays Premier League worldwide."
West Ham's 2013/14 campaign suffered under the strain of repeated injuries,
and Allardyce is desperate for the team to remain fit through the tour and
be ready for Tottenham on August 16. For Reid and Carroll, the challenge of
staying fit is one they are relishing after a 2013/14 season ruined by ankle
and foot problems respectively. "I was out for four months and I came back
into the team but it was a little hard to get going again but I got there in
the end," said Reid.
"It will be nice to get another full pre-season under my belt. I'm just
looking forward to a pre-season with no injures."
Carroll is equally determined to stay fit and show everyone exactly what he
can do in a West Ham shirt. "It's a very important pre-season for me after I
had a very bad season last year with injuries. It's important I stay fit and
do everything right with the medical staff." West Ham face A-League sides
Wellington Phoenix at Eden Park, Auckland on 23 July and Sydney FC at
Westpac Stadium, Wellington on 26 July.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
IS A SHOCK £15M BID FOR ANDY CARROLL ON ITS WAY?
By S J Chandos 20 Jul 2014 at 08:00
West Ham till I Die
The Sports pages of the Sunday Mirror have an article claiming that
Newcastle Utd are preparing a shock £15m bid for Andy Carroll. Of course,
Newcastle Utd have lost out twice to the Hammers recently where Carroll is
concerned, in terms of the orginal loan deal that brought him to the club in
2012-13 and the £15m permanent deal struck last summer. As we know,
Carroll's 2013-14 season was severely disrupted by injury and this
ultimately resulted in him missing out on inclusion in the England Squad for
the 2014 World Cup Finals. There has already been recent speculation in
social media that Carroll reported back for club pre-season training,
allegedly, not in the very best of physical conditions. That has not been
confirmed and the club have since claimed that Carroll is being nursed in
early pre-season as a result of a minor injury.
if this story of an impending Toon bid prove to be true, should the club
take the £15m and re-invested it in another striker minus Carroll's
fustrating injury record? Or alternatively, should the club keep faith with
Carroll's ability and accordingly reject any bid received? It begs the key
question, can Carroll stay fit and recapture the form that made him such a
prospect as a youngster at Newcastle Utd? Or should West Ham grab the £15m
fee and just draw a line under the episode? One probable obstacle to a deal
being struck could be Sam Allardyce, who places great store in Carroll and
sees him as central to his plans. it is unlikley that he will willingly
endorse a move. Another is whether Newcastle Utd will be able to match
Carroll's alleged current c.£100,000 plus a week wages? We shall have to
wait and see what (if anything) transpires on this one?
Elsewhere, it is also being reported that West Ham are lining up a double
loan swoop for 22 year old, Inter-Milan, Algerian International midfielder,
Saphir Taider and Malaga's Portuguese full-back Vitorino Antunes, 27. If
successful, both loan deals will be for the duration of next season and
include an option to buy the players next summer. There are also strong
rumours that West Ham are interested in taking Wilfred Zaha and/or Ashley
Young on loan from Man Utd. A lot will depend upon the new managerial regime
at Old Trafford and whether they are identified as surplus to requirements
next season?
As well as Taider, we are also being linked with another Inter-Milan
midfielder, Esteban Cambiasso. There is conjecture that Sam Allardyce is
trying to clinch the Bosman signing of Cambiasso with 'the financial carrot'
of an attractive £50,000 a week, two year deal. However, there is
competition for the 34 year old veteran's signature, in the form of Aston
Villa and Valencia. Cambiasso is a former Argentine international and a
defensive midfielder, with a good range of passing ability. If we were to
sign him then that would be a clear indicatior, following the signing of
Kouyate and Poyet, that a 4-2-1-3 formation that is going to figure
prominently in our tactics next season. This deal could also be seen as an
alternative move to sign an experienced 'older head' in midfield, in the
aftermath of our abortive Bosman bid for Gareth Barry.
Finally, Stephen Henderson has now left the club (by mutual consent) and
Raphael Speigel has gone out on loan to Crawley Town. That would seem to
indicate that another keeper could very well be signed. Additionally, there
are widespread reports linking us with either a c.£5m bid, or a season long
loan, for Arsenal's promising young right-back, Carl Jenkinson. Again, this
might suggest that an exit could very well be on the cards for Guy Demel,
with either Hamburg or Leicester City being his destination in a possible
£1m deal?
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST
By Sean Whetstone 19 Jul 2014 at 18:10
West Ham till I Die
West Ham made an official statement to confirm out of favor goalie Stephen
Henderson has been released
In a short statement WHUFC.com said:
"West Ham United can confirm that the Club and Stephen Henderson have
reached a mutual agreement to terminate the goalkeeper's contract and
registration with immediate effect. Henderson joined the Hammers from
Portsmouth, initially on loan, in March 2012, but was restricted to two
League Cup appearances during his time at the Club and his release means he
is now free to pursue opportunities elsewhere.West Ham United would like to
thank Stephen for his efforts at the Club and wish him well for his future
career."
In March 2012, Henderson West Ham United on an emergency loan from
Portsmouth until the end of the season. He was unused substitute for the
2012 Football League Championship play-off Final, a result that ensured West
Ham made an immediate return to the Premier League.In May 2012, Henderson
joined West Ham permanently on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
He made his first team debut for West Ham on 28 August 2012 against Crewe
Alexandra in the League Cup. West Ham won the match 2–0. He joined
Championship club Ipswich Town on a three-month loan in October 2012 and
made his debut in a 2–1 defeat at Hull City on 20 October. He made 16
appearances for Ipswich, and re-signed for the club on loan for the rest of
the season on 31 January 2013.He was recalled to West Ham on 21 March 2013.
In October 2013 Henderson signed for Bournemouth on a three-month loan as
cover for the suspended first choice goalkeeper Ryan Allsop and the injured
second choice goalkeeper, Darryl Flahavan. In the second game of his loan
spell, an away game against Nottingham Forest, Henderson dislocated his
shoulder after colliding with Forest's Simon Cox. He returned to West Ham
for treatment for the injury which was expected to keep him out of football
for six months.
Henderson was believed to have earned £20,000 per week at West Ham had a
year remaining on his contract worth £1m. The usual practice to pay up 75%
of that so he may have walked away from a £750,000 golden handshake.
In recent weeks Henderson was linked with Ipswich, Charlton and Brighton and
Hove Albion but it appears his wage demands were too high with West Ham
asked subsidise the majority of wages for season loan. This outcome means a
clean break for the club and player.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
COLLISON TRAINING WITH HARRY
By Sean Whetstone 19 Jul 2014 at 13:22
West Ham Till I Die
QPR manager and former West Ham gaffer Harry Redknapp is having a look at
former Hammer Jack Collison who is training with them. Harry said in a press
conference
"Jack Collison is training with us. He's a smashing boy and I'd love to help
him out. He's a fine player."
The 25-year-old is without a club after leaving West Ham at the end of the
season following nine years in east London. Collison, spent spells on loan
at Bournemouth and Wigan last season and has recently been linked with a
move to Nottingham Forest. Collison made 121 appearances for the Hammers
after progressing through the club's youth system, scoring 14 goals.
Earlier this week the rather shy and modest Jack Collison appeared on BBC
Radio Five LIVE to give a rare 30 minute Interview. I was invited to ask him
some questions at the end of the interview with two other Hammers.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle plot Andy Carroll transfer back home from West Ham in £15million
deal
Jul 19, 2014 23:00 By Alan Oliver
The Mirror
Newcastle want to take Geordie hero Andy Carroll back to Tyneside, writes
Alan Oliver in the Sunday People. The 25-year-old hitman's career has
stalled since he moved from St James' Park to Liverpool for £35million in
January 2011, and a switch to West Ham for £15m has failed to reignite him.
Now Toon boss Alan Pardew believes he can persuade the Londoners to sell
after they snapped up two South American strikers this summer. Pardew is
ready to offer the Londoners their £15m back to bring the England star home
to the north east. And if Pardew gets Carroll he will drop his interest in
Manchester United winger Wilfried Zaha. A Toon source said: "Like all
Geordies, Andy Carroll has never lost his love for Newcastle and we are sure
if West Ham agree to sell we would have no difficulty in persuading him to
come home." The stumbling block is wages. Carroll picked up £120,000 a week
at Anfield and is on similar money at Upton Park – but there is no way the
St James' Park club will pay that kind of salary. But the lure of the
black-and-white shirt is strong and the Toon source added: "Don't forget
Alan Shearer turned down Manchester United to come home to Newcastle."
Carroll has spent much of his time at West Ham on the treatment table and
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce may be happy to sell now he has Ecuador's World
Cup star Enner Valencia and Argentinian front-man Mauro Zarate. With Papiss
Cisse injured, Pardew is desperate to sign another striker to partner new
boy Emmanuel Riviere for champions Manchester City's visit to St James' on
August 17.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons rule out Man City defender
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 19, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham's hunt for a new right back is unlikely to lead them to Manchester
City's Micah Richards . It became clear yesterday (Fri) the club are
looking to add a right back to the squad with Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson a
prime target. At present the Hammers are trying to establish whether the
Gunners are ready to allow the exciting wing-back out on loan or even allow
a permanent move at around £5 million. In commenting on the interest an
Upton Park insider said: "Carl Jenkinson is one we are looking at along with
several others."
Richards had previously been the highest profile name linked with the club
for that position and thus ClaretandHugh inquired directly whether he was
still a target. Our source said: "Micah Richards is a very decent player but
very expensive and also seems to be injury prone. I don't think we'll be
moving in that direction."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Don't judge Reid's reaction after 23 hours in the air
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 19, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Within minutes of posting a video of the Hammers arriving in New Zealand
this morning ClaretandHugh was receiving despondent messages from all over
telling us that Winston Reid looked like a man preparing to leave the club.
Confronted by a local hero, it didn't take the Kiwi media long to start
addressing the issue of an unsigned West Ham contract which ClaretandHugh
understands to be in excess of £60k a week. And we are told it will stand
until he returns from his homeland when the club will want a decision which
is par for the course with our management when negotiating with our top
players. They need a decision from them in order to plot a way forward as,
to quote the oldest cliche in the game, no player is bigger than the club
and to avoid last minute assents should any bids fail to come in.
However, before anybody starts assuming the worst, let's remember just two
things:
O Winston had just disembarked from a a 23 hour flight and clearly wasn't
at his best – who would be?
O and he is known to be one of the most laid back men in the world and not
one who would make bold proclamations on such an issue either way.
Given the size of the offer made to him, it will take a top six club to come
in for him to do better and that hasn't happened yet. At the moment it looks
like a re-run of the Mohamed Diame situation but all should become clear
within the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, it would be unwise to
start making predictions on what might happen based on a brief press
conference at the end of a flight that would leave most of us shattered. The
media reaction was not unexpected but nothing has changed. My view? Unless
an offer comes in I think Winston would do well to accept a blinding deal
for with no interest having emerged this summer or in the past he would be
taking an enormous chance should he decide otherwise..
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold on Carroll fitness
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 19, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold is confident Andy Carroll will play his part during the tour of
New Zealand. Rumours have been surrounding the striker's fitness after he
missed both the team's pre-season friendlies this far this summer. He was
absent for the 2-2 and 0-0 draws at Stevenage Town and Ipswich Town in
midweek before the squad flew out to New Zealand. That was followed by a
Twitter suggestion that the No 9 had reported back unfit and that he would
be put on an intensive training programme. However, Gold made it clear that
the player is expected to be involved in the upcoming games in NZ. He told
ClaretandHugh exclusively: "Andy has a slight niggle which is not uncommon
among players at this time of the year but I am confident he will be
involved."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lee missing from NZ squad
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 19, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Elliot Lee is a notable absentee from the Hammers squad which has flown into
New Zealand for the start of the pre-season tour. A mix of regular first
teamers plus the new signings – along with some promising youngsters have
made the trip.
Lee is the only surprise omission and the full squad is as follows: Kevin
Nolan (captain), Mark Noble (vice captain), Winston Reid, Aaron Cresswell,
James Tomkins, Matt Jarvis, Cheikhou Kouyate, Andy Carroll, Mauro Zarate,
Stewart Downing, Ricardo Vaz Te, Adrian, Joey O'Brien. James Collins, Guy
Demel, Mohamed Diame, Jussi Jaaskalainen Diego Poyet, Carlton Cole, Daniel
Potts, Sam Howes, Daniel Whitehead, Matthias Fanimo and Leo Chambers.
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WHUFC.com
A key moment from the West Ham United archives on this day in history
20.07.2014
A 23-year-old Costa Rican by the name of Paulo Wanchope signed for West Ham
United on this day 15 years ago. The languid 6'4 forward sealed a £3.5
million switch from Derby County, making an almost instant impact with his
new employers. He netted twice in the Hammers' victorious Intertoto Cup
campaign, including a crucial third goal in the decisive 3-1 win at Metz.
Unpredictable at times, Wanchope enjoyed a fine first season alongside Paolo
Di Canio at the Boleyn Ground, bagging 15 goals in all competitions. He
started all but five of the Club's Premier League outings that term, as
Harry Redknapp's men ended the campaign in ninth - a third successive
top-ten finish. In spite of that highly respectable return, Wanchope was
subsequently sold to newly-promoted Manchester City, with Frederic Kanoute
and Davor Suker the replacement firepower. The prolific Costa Rica
international spent four seasons with the Citizens, scoring some 27 league
goals along the way. Meanwhile, Wanchope remains the second highest scorer
in his country's history, with 45 goals and 73 caps.
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Fit pair will boost Hammers
WHUFC.com
A fit Andy Carroll and Winston Reid are set to boost West Ham United hugely
during the 2014/15 season
20.07.2014
Manager Sam Allardyce and captain Kevin Nolan say a fit Winston Reid and
Andy Carroll will boost West Ham United hugely this season. Centre-back Reid
missed a large portion of the 2013/14 campaign through a high ankle sprain,
restricting the New Zealand captain to just 15 Barclays Premier League
appearances and leaving a gaping hole in the Hammers' squad. This year, the
No2 has joined the squad on the Football United Tour of New Zealand and Big
Sam believes the pair will contribute greatly to the 2014/15 campaign.
"First and foremost his defensive qualities are what Winston are about,"
said the manager. "Today there is a shortage of players who play in central
defence who put their defensive duties first. "That's the key element as if
you are central defender in our league, you combat some of the best strikers
in the world when you play in the Premier League. You've got to be sharp and
alert to read danger. "He has improved an incredible around since I arrived
at the Club to be a very consistent, powerful and important player for us.
He did get injured quite a bit last year but our whole defensive unit was
fantastic. It was a team effort though but we got 14 clean sheets last year,
which is the hub of building a successful season but also getting the other
right is what were after next season. "Winston has been a key part of us
sustaining our place in the Premier League and hopefully getting better as
well."
At the same time, skipper Kevin Nolan believes Andy Carroll is set to play a
massive role after recovering from the plantar fasciitis that kept him to
just 22 league appearances last term. Nolan says West Ham's offensive
talisman will improve the side's attacking threat in terms of scoring and
creating goals. "We'll have the Big Man available for the whole of the
season and I think that will be a big thing for us," said the No4. "Last
season, we had injuries and it made it very difficult for me, from a
personal point of view, to build up a relationship with just one striker.
There was a lot of chopping and changing to do because of the state of the
injuries we had to put up with last year. "I'm really confident that, if we
can stay away from injuries and keep Andy fit, as well as introducing the
signings we have brought in, that this year is going to be a very good one
for us. I've seen Mauro Zarate and he's a fantastic player who I can really
feed off and who can also score goals. "I'm just touching wood that we don't
lose Andy and Winston for the amount of time that we did last season. If we
don't, I'm sure we'll do really well and have a productive season."
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'We're all really looking forward to it'
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce and his players say West Ham United are relishing their
ten-day Football United Tour
19.07.2014
West Ham United are relishing their Football United Tour of New Zealand, say
manager Sam Allardyce and his players. Big Sam sat down alongside captain
Kevin Nolan, New Zealand national team skipper Winston Reid and Andy Carroll
to address the Kiwi and international media on the squad's arrival on the
other side of the world. There, all four spoke glowingly of the unique
welcome they received from Maori group Haka International and their
enthusiasm ahead of fixtures with A-League sides Wellington Phoenix (Eden
Park, Auckland, 23 July, 7.30pm) and Sydney FC (Westpac Stadium, Wellington,
26 July, 2pm). "It's fantastic for us to travel and experience this part of
the world," Big Sam confirmed. "We're all really looking forward to it and
our pre-season is going to be enhanced not just by us taking a tour but also
from a cultural point of view. "We're all very much looking forward to
seeing the sights of New Zealand, as well as playing football here and
promoting West Ham and the Barclays Premier League worldwide. "I've heard so
much about New Zealand from Winston and from [former All White defender]
Ryan Nelsen, a former player and captain of mine at Blackburn Rovers, and it
has a lot to live up to, such was the level of their praise. They said that
once I'd visited, I'd want to come back again and again, so hopefully I'll
be making more trips in the future. "Our welcome was fantastic. It's a
tradition for New Zealand and we've all seen the Haka before, but we'd not
seen the whole thing and had it explained to us as it was. It was very
interesting and a great welcome from our point of view."
"We'd planned to visit this area of the world if someone was willing to put
a package together. It wasn't just about coming this far - we needed to make
sure it's set up and controlled and organised properly. We spent a lot of
time in negotiation over travel, where we're staying and where we're going
to play and is that the right place for us to go to make sure we were in the
right place for our preparation for pre-season as well as promoting the Club
and the Premier League here. "The organisation and communication with all
parties has been very good and hopefully it'll run as smoothly as I think it
will."
The manager said West Ham's visit would offer football fans from across the
Oceania region an unique opportunity to see a Barclays Premier League team
first-hand for the first time. At the same time, the tour will represent a
chance to test the squad against two sides from the ever-improving A-League
in Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix, with tens of thousands of fans set to
turn out for both matches. "For us, it's about being out there with the
public and the people from New Zealand who support the Barclays Premier
League, who can now come and see a team live for probably the first time in
their lives," he added. "It's about us growing the brand by being here in
the flesh in New Zealand and spending a lot of time with the fans. We've
scheduled a lot of community events, photo and signing sessions and it's
important to show that side of things when you come out to a place like
this."
All Whites skipper Reid echoed the manager's sentiments, but was not
impressed by the grey skies and single-figure temperatures that greeted the
Hammers in the depths of the New Zealand winter. "It's good to be home but
the weather is a bit rubbish!" he joked. "For me, it was nice to see that
welcome because I've been used to them my whole life. "For the guys, it was
a diffferent experience but one they will have cherished and will remember
for the rest of their lives."
From a football side of things, Reid, Nolan and Carroll believe the Football
United Tour will help the Hammers to prepare for the 2014/15 Barclays
Premier League season. All three, like their manager, are desperate for the
squad to avoid picking up troublesome injuries during their stay in New
Zealand. For Reid and Carroll, the challenge of staying fit is one they are
relishing after a 2013/14 season ruined by ankle and foot problems
respectively. "I was out for four months and I came back into the team but
it was a little hard to get going again but I got there in the end," said
Reid. "It will be nice to get another full pre-season under my belt. I'm
just looking forward to a pre-season with no injures."
"Obviously we've added a few attacking players to the ranks and we'll have
the Big Man available for the start of the season, which is a bonus," added
Nolan. "Last season was very difficult with the injuries we had and the
chopping and changing we had to do. "I'm really confident that, this year,
if we can keep Andy fit and with the signings we've made, is going to be a
very good one for us."
Carroll is equally determined to stay fit and show everyone exactly what he
can do in a West Ham shirt. "It's a very important pre-season for me after I
had a very bad season last year with injuries. It's important I stay fit and
do everything right with the medical staff."
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Haycock pleased with progress
WHUFC.com
Development Squad coach Nick Haycock was happy with his team's performance
agaisnt Shakhtar
19.07.2014
Development Squad coach Nick Haycock is happy with the progress his team is
making in pre-season. The Under-21s followed up two positive results against
senior non-league teams by taking on their Shakhtar Donetsk counterparts in
the Absolute Sports Travel Cup on Saturday and emerging with a 0-0 draw.
The Hammers could well have been victorious, with a Kieran Sadlier
thunderbolt striking the crossbar before half time, but Haycock was more
focused on the strong level of performance against a team further along the
pre-season timeline. "It was a good game," he said. "They called us when I
was on holiday and straight away we made every effort to make sure we were
part of this tournament. "We came up to Cambridge for a game last year and
they looked after us well. It's a fantastic football club and the
organisation today has been fantastic and playing against foreign
competition bodes well for us because we're in the European competition this
year. "I was delighted with the performance because Shakhtar are only a week
away from the start of their season, so in terms of fitness levels they're
probably two or three weeks ahead of where we are. "We might have been a bit
more heavy-legged than them and the tempo of our game wouldn't be quite what
it is when we start the season, but I think you saw a good shape, a
determination to press the ball where we could, and playing foreign
opposition asks different things of you tactically. We had to change a
couple of things at half time to make sure we got better pressure on the
ball and the lads who played 60 minutes saw the game out to that stage well.
"The team that came on for the last 30 minutes, it's always difficult and we
couldn't get that continuity into our game, but that's no disgrace to them.
"Tomorrow [when they face Espanyol] it'll be the reverse, so the lads who
came on for the last 30 minutes will probably start tomorrow."
Away from events at Cambridge United's R Costings Abbey Stadium, several
members of Haycock's squad have been involved in the first team's pre-season
matches this summer, and the coach says it is up to them to continue along
their curve of progression. He added: "I'm delighted for them. I was at
Stevenage and I was at Ipswich, and it's always proud for the whole Academy
to see the players in the first team. "We know we've got good players and if
they get opportunities they've got to take them and keep knocking on the
manager's door. "That's the message throughout the whole season."
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Dev Squad held by Shakhtar
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Absolute Sports Travel Cup campaign started with a 0-0
draw against Shakhtar Donetsk
19.07.2014
Shakhtar Donetsk 0-0 Development Squad
Absolute Sports Travel Cup
The Development Squad opened the Absolute Sports Travel Cup at Cambridge
United with a 0-0 draw against Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk on Saturday.
West Ham created the better chances on a sultry afternoon at the R Costings
Abbey Stadium, but were unable to find a route to goal. Kieran Sadlier came
closest of all with a thunderous shot which cannoned off the crossbar, while
Shakhtar's best opportunity fell to sub Artem Gabelock, who was denied by
Danny Boness from the edge of the box. The Hammers had the first opportunity
of the game as Seb Lletget knocked the ball past his man before passing into
Elliot Lee, who moved onto his right foot before shooting into keeper Yevgen
Grytsenko's hands. Shakhtar responded with an early chance of their own when
they won a corner down the left and Rotislav Rusin was able to control at
the far post before firing in a shot which teammate Nikita Bezugliy
deflected wide. With seven minutes on the clock Blair Turgott profited from
a loose Shakhtar pass to pick up possession in midfield and drive towards
goal, but his right-footed effort from 20 yards flew straight into
Grytsenko's grasp.
After Lee sent another sbot down the goalkeeper's throat, Tim Brown was
tested for the first time when Valery Hryshyn's curling effort needed to be
pushed off its goalward track, West Ham continued to probe and they were so
unlucky not to open the scoring on 36 minutes when Sadlier fired a dipping
shot from 25 yards which had Grytsenko beaten all ends up, but came crashing
down off the crossbar and away to safety. The Hammers started the second
period on the front foot too, and were a foot or so away from taking the
lead nine minutes after the restart when Turgott passed square to Lletget,
who controlled with his first touch and shot goalward with his second, with
the ball passing just the wrong side of the post. On the hour, Turgott
wriggled out of a couple of challenges down the right and crossed to the far
post, but half-time sub Alex Pike's effort was deflected behind for a
corner. With 62 minutes played, a further nine substitutes joined Pike in
the Hammers' side as Nick Haycock gave pitch time to nearly every member of
his squad. 12 minutes from time, sub keeper Danny Boness was extended by
Artem Gabelock's scorcher from the edge of the box, but he was equal to the
test. That prompted Shakhtar's most threatening spell of the game, but the
Hammers saw it out as neither team were able to make a breakthrough. The
Hammers take on Espanyol to close their Absolute Sports Travel Cup campaign
on Sunday, with kick-off at Cambridge United again at 2pm.
West Ham United: T.Brown (Boness 77); Westley (Knoyle 62), Burke (Harney
62), Oxford (Onariase 62), Page (Mavila 62); Bywater (Nasha 62), Cullen
(Makasi 62); Turgott (Gordon 62), Lletget (Parfitt-Williams 62), Sadlier
(Pike 46 (Amoo 77)); Lee (McCallum 62)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers arrive in New Zealand
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have touched down in New Zealand for the first day of the
Club's Football United Tour
19.07.2014
West Ham United have touched down in New Zealand ahead of the Club's
nine-day Football United Tour. The Hammers squad completed their 31-hour,
11,400-mile journey from London to Auckland via stops in Dubai and Sydney on
Saturday afternoon. On their arrival at the team hotel, the group received a
pōwhiri - traditional Māori ceremony of welcome that began with a wero -
challenge - from Haka International that was followed by dancing and
singing. Following the pōwhiri, the Hammers received a welcome from Nikki
Kaye - MP for Auckland Central and a Cabinet Minister in the New Zealand
Government.
Following a press conference attended by Sam Allardyce, New Zealand All
Whites captain Winston Reid, Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll, the day of
acclimatisation continued with a walk around central Auckland, which ended
with the players marvelling at daredevils bungee jumping off the top of the
Sky Tower - New Zealand's tallest building.
Big Sam has brought a strong 24-man party to the other side of the world,
Reid, Carroll, Nolan, Hammer of the Year Mark Noble and summer signings
Cheikhou Kouyate, Mauro Zarate, Aaron Cresswell and Diego Poyet.
Joint-Chairman David Gold has also made the trip and was an interested
observer at the press conference. He will join thousands of Hammers fans
from across the globe at fixtures with Wellington Phoenix in Auckland on 23
July and Sydney FC in Wellington three days later.
The Football United Tour is one of the biggest soccer events ever held in
New Zealand, marking the first time in 29 years that an English top-flight
team has visited the country. With fellow Barclays Premier League club
Newcastle United also involved, four matches will be held at venues across
North and South Island, capturing the imagination of supporters from across
the region and beyond. West Ham will kick-off the tour with an Open Training
session at North Harbour Stadium on Sunday morning, with fans invited to
come along to watch the players in action. Further Open Training sessions
will be held at North Harbour on Monday, Eden Park on Tuesday and at Westpac
Stadium in Wellington on Friday.
Aside from the football, the squad will be taking part in a full programme
of community, fan engagement and corporate events in both cities. Among
them, the Hammers will be welcoming youngsters from Reid's old primary
school to train with them, visiting the UK High Commission and meeting a
variety of supporters' and other local groups. In their down time, the
players are also expected to scale New Zealand's highest building -
Auckland's Sky Tower - and visit the Weta Workshop, where the award-winning
special effects for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films were created.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A moment of clarity
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 18th July 2014
By: David Hautzig
I've heard the term "a moment of clarity" used many times in various
scenarios. Since my brain tends to gravitate towards the less intellectual
side of things, I couldn't help but remember that amazing scene in Pulp
Fiction where Jules tells Vincent that he is leaving the life of crime that
they are both immersed in.
Jules says he had "what alcoholics refer to as a Moment Of Clarity" right
after a bunch of bullets whizz by their ears and Vincent subsequently blows
Marvin's face off with a shotgun in the back of their car. I wanted to find
a more clinical definition of the phrase, and this is what I've found.
"A moment of clarity is when you suddenly get a deep understanding of some
truth that's been out of reach for you".
Deserved or not, The David's have a reputation among many West Ham United
supporters of being not exactly the most ambitious owners in terms of buying
players. They point to their history of being relegated four times, three
times with Birmingham City and once with us. They claim that our board make
derisory bids, knowing they will be rejected, just so they can claim to have
tried. And to get us linked with tons of players to help drive ticket sales.
One particularly vocal, and sometimes vulgar, guy on Twitter goes on
endlessly about that fact. Any time we are linked with a decent player he
will scream that it will never happen, that all we will ever get are "loans,
freebies, and cheap foreign imports". But in the past few days, even THAT
guy has been offering praise to his sworn lifelong enemies. I wondered if
his account had been hacked I was so shocked.
I'm not saying that I believe they do all of the squirmy things described
above. I have no idea. But by the same token, I can't say that they don't
manipulate the media and the fans to accomplish certain goals. Nothing in
big money business surprises me anymore.
But look at our window so far. All five players are of sufficient quality or
value that the minute their names came up alongside ours, none of you can
tell me that you were not only concerned something would go wrong, you
expected it to. But each one have come over the line.
Mauro Zarate
When he signed, I immediately called an Argentine friend of mine. He was
pretty clear. We got a very good player, he told me. I wrote about it
elsewhere if you want to have a look.
Cheikhou Kouyate
It took about five seconds after the first round of rumours that people took
to Twitter saying they would be over the moon if we pulled that off. In many
cases it was followed by a second Tweet saying they were sure it would never
happen, it was a season ticket ploy, yada yada yada.
Aaron Cresswell
A slight exception here, only because his name came up so quickly we didn't
have time to become anxious. That's probably one of the reasons some
supporters have taken to Twitter recently to criticise the move because it
scuppered a deal for another highly rated back from Nice with a painfully
difficult name to spell. But I'm pretty sure if we had been linked with the
left back named to The Championship Top 11 for a few weeks, doom and gloom
would have reared its regularly scheduled head.
Having never watched either player, I'd go for a top defender from a league
where tough defense and physical play is the standard over a top defender
from a league not exactly known for its defensive play. Oh, and Cresswell
was a lot less expensive than that Kolo guy.
Diego Poyet
I can only judge by the people criticising the kid for coming to us when
other "bigger" teams were interested in him that this is a good deal for us.
Enner Valencia
Our latest arrival. Usually when a player bursts on the scene during the
World Cup like Valencia has it's the teams that print their own currency
that take the high priced risk. 18 goals in 23 games for Pachuca, three
goals at The World Cup. OK, Harry. Come and get him. Or will Everton kidnap
him? Maybe a club in Spain?
So why the shift in the paradigm?
I'm thinking fear ignited our board's Moment Of Clarity. As terrified as we
all were at times last season of being relegated, you have to believe they
were absolutely soiling themselves from terror. The Olympic Stadium, Andy
Carroll's contract, the new television deal. Not to mention the extremely
competitive nature of The Championship threatening to grab hold of us and
not let go for a very long time.
Somewhere, somehow, they realized they had to alter their plans and their
way of thinking. The rewards were too great, the risks too dire. By adding a
little more creativity to their transfer window approach, along with a
little more money, they could make their lives a lot easier.
And anybody still against the Olympic Stadium move, ask yourself this
question. Do you think the owners used the Olympic Stadium as a selling tool
to convince these players to choose West Ham? Of course they did. Would they
have been able to sell West Ham as a team with a brighter future than
present if we were staying at Upton Park? I seriously doubt it.
Obviously the ultimate judgment on these moves will come on the pitch. For
all I know these guys could be sequels to the Maiga and Diarra horror
movies. But to my way of thinking, there would have been little to no chance
to see this play out if David Sullivan and David Gold hadn't taken a long
hard look at themselves and decided these old dogs need to learn some new
tricks.
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West Ham are relishing their Football United Tour of New Zealand, says Sam
Allardyce
By Emma Webb | Last Updated: 19/07/14 3:17pm
SSN
West Ham United are relishing their Football United Tour of New Zealand,
says manager Sam Allardyce. Allardyce, speaking alongside captain Kevin
Nolan, Andy Carroll and Winston Reid, praised the traditional welcome from
their hosts and spoke of their enthusiasm for their upcoming fixtures
against Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC. "It's fantastic for us to travel
and experience this part of the world," he told the club's official website.
"We're all really looking forward to it and our pre-season is going to be
enhanced not just by us taking a tour but also from a cultural point of
view. "Our welcome was fantastic. It's a tradition for New Zealand and we've
all seen the Haka before, but we'd not seen the whole thing and had it
explained to us as it was. It was very interesting and a great welcome from
our point of view. "We're all very much looking forward to seeing the sights
of New Zealand, as well as playing football here and promoting West Ham and
the Barclays Premier League worldwide."
West Ham's 2013/14 campaign suffered under the strain of repeated injuries,
and Allardyce is desperate for the team to remain fit through the tour and
be ready for Tottenham on August 16. For Reid and Carroll, the challenge of
staying fit is one they are relishing after a 2013/14 season ruined by ankle
and foot problems respectively. "I was out for four months and I came back
into the team but it was a little hard to get going again but I got there in
the end," said Reid.
"It will be nice to get another full pre-season under my belt. I'm just
looking forward to a pre-season with no injures."
Carroll is equally determined to stay fit and show everyone exactly what he
can do in a West Ham shirt. "It's a very important pre-season for me after I
had a very bad season last year with injuries. It's important I stay fit and
do everything right with the medical staff." West Ham face A-League sides
Wellington Phoenix at Eden Park, Auckland on 23 July and Sydney FC at
Westpac Stadium, Wellington on 26 July.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
IS A SHOCK £15M BID FOR ANDY CARROLL ON ITS WAY?
By S J Chandos 20 Jul 2014 at 08:00
West Ham till I Die
The Sports pages of the Sunday Mirror have an article claiming that
Newcastle Utd are preparing a shock £15m bid for Andy Carroll. Of course,
Newcastle Utd have lost out twice to the Hammers recently where Carroll is
concerned, in terms of the orginal loan deal that brought him to the club in
2012-13 and the £15m permanent deal struck last summer. As we know,
Carroll's 2013-14 season was severely disrupted by injury and this
ultimately resulted in him missing out on inclusion in the England Squad for
the 2014 World Cup Finals. There has already been recent speculation in
social media that Carroll reported back for club pre-season training,
allegedly, not in the very best of physical conditions. That has not been
confirmed and the club have since claimed that Carroll is being nursed in
early pre-season as a result of a minor injury.
if this story of an impending Toon bid prove to be true, should the club
take the £15m and re-invested it in another striker minus Carroll's
fustrating injury record? Or alternatively, should the club keep faith with
Carroll's ability and accordingly reject any bid received? It begs the key
question, can Carroll stay fit and recapture the form that made him such a
prospect as a youngster at Newcastle Utd? Or should West Ham grab the £15m
fee and just draw a line under the episode? One probable obstacle to a deal
being struck could be Sam Allardyce, who places great store in Carroll and
sees him as central to his plans. it is unlikley that he will willingly
endorse a move. Another is whether Newcastle Utd will be able to match
Carroll's alleged current c.£100,000 plus a week wages? We shall have to
wait and see what (if anything) transpires on this one?
Elsewhere, it is also being reported that West Ham are lining up a double
loan swoop for 22 year old, Inter-Milan, Algerian International midfielder,
Saphir Taider and Malaga's Portuguese full-back Vitorino Antunes, 27. If
successful, both loan deals will be for the duration of next season and
include an option to buy the players next summer. There are also strong
rumours that West Ham are interested in taking Wilfred Zaha and/or Ashley
Young on loan from Man Utd. A lot will depend upon the new managerial regime
at Old Trafford and whether they are identified as surplus to requirements
next season?
As well as Taider, we are also being linked with another Inter-Milan
midfielder, Esteban Cambiasso. There is conjecture that Sam Allardyce is
trying to clinch the Bosman signing of Cambiasso with 'the financial carrot'
of an attractive £50,000 a week, two year deal. However, there is
competition for the 34 year old veteran's signature, in the form of Aston
Villa and Valencia. Cambiasso is a former Argentine international and a
defensive midfielder, with a good range of passing ability. If we were to
sign him then that would be a clear indicatior, following the signing of
Kouyate and Poyet, that a 4-2-1-3 formation that is going to figure
prominently in our tactics next season. This deal could also be seen as an
alternative move to sign an experienced 'older head' in midfield, in the
aftermath of our abortive Bosman bid for Gareth Barry.
Finally, Stephen Henderson has now left the club (by mutual consent) and
Raphael Speigel has gone out on loan to Crawley Town. That would seem to
indicate that another keeper could very well be signed. Additionally, there
are widespread reports linking us with either a c.£5m bid, or a season long
loan, for Arsenal's promising young right-back, Carl Jenkinson. Again, this
might suggest that an exit could very well be on the cards for Guy Demel,
with either Hamburg or Leicester City being his destination in a possible
£1m deal?
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST
By Sean Whetstone 19 Jul 2014 at 18:10
West Ham till I Die
West Ham made an official statement to confirm out of favor goalie Stephen
Henderson has been released
In a short statement WHUFC.com said:
"West Ham United can confirm that the Club and Stephen Henderson have
reached a mutual agreement to terminate the goalkeeper's contract and
registration with immediate effect. Henderson joined the Hammers from
Portsmouth, initially on loan, in March 2012, but was restricted to two
League Cup appearances during his time at the Club and his release means he
is now free to pursue opportunities elsewhere.West Ham United would like to
thank Stephen for his efforts at the Club and wish him well for his future
career."
In March 2012, Henderson West Ham United on an emergency loan from
Portsmouth until the end of the season. He was unused substitute for the
2012 Football League Championship play-off Final, a result that ensured West
Ham made an immediate return to the Premier League.In May 2012, Henderson
joined West Ham permanently on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
He made his first team debut for West Ham on 28 August 2012 against Crewe
Alexandra in the League Cup. West Ham won the match 2–0. He joined
Championship club Ipswich Town on a three-month loan in October 2012 and
made his debut in a 2–1 defeat at Hull City on 20 October. He made 16
appearances for Ipswich, and re-signed for the club on loan for the rest of
the season on 31 January 2013.He was recalled to West Ham on 21 March 2013.
In October 2013 Henderson signed for Bournemouth on a three-month loan as
cover for the suspended first choice goalkeeper Ryan Allsop and the injured
second choice goalkeeper, Darryl Flahavan. In the second game of his loan
spell, an away game against Nottingham Forest, Henderson dislocated his
shoulder after colliding with Forest's Simon Cox. He returned to West Ham
for treatment for the injury which was expected to keep him out of football
for six months.
Henderson was believed to have earned £20,000 per week at West Ham had a
year remaining on his contract worth £1m. The usual practice to pay up 75%
of that so he may have walked away from a £750,000 golden handshake.
In recent weeks Henderson was linked with Ipswich, Charlton and Brighton and
Hove Albion but it appears his wage demands were too high with West Ham
asked subsidise the majority of wages for season loan. This outcome means a
clean break for the club and player.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
COLLISON TRAINING WITH HARRY
By Sean Whetstone 19 Jul 2014 at 13:22
West Ham Till I Die
QPR manager and former West Ham gaffer Harry Redknapp is having a look at
former Hammer Jack Collison who is training with them. Harry said in a press
conference
"Jack Collison is training with us. He's a smashing boy and I'd love to help
him out. He's a fine player."
The 25-year-old is without a club after leaving West Ham at the end of the
season following nine years in east London. Collison, spent spells on loan
at Bournemouth and Wigan last season and has recently been linked with a
move to Nottingham Forest. Collison made 121 appearances for the Hammers
after progressing through the club's youth system, scoring 14 goals.
Earlier this week the rather shy and modest Jack Collison appeared on BBC
Radio Five LIVE to give a rare 30 minute Interview. I was invited to ask him
some questions at the end of the interview with two other Hammers.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle plot Andy Carroll transfer back home from West Ham in £15million
deal
Jul 19, 2014 23:00 By Alan Oliver
The Mirror
Newcastle want to take Geordie hero Andy Carroll back to Tyneside, writes
Alan Oliver in the Sunday People. The 25-year-old hitman's career has
stalled since he moved from St James' Park to Liverpool for £35million in
January 2011, and a switch to West Ham for £15m has failed to reignite him.
Now Toon boss Alan Pardew believes he can persuade the Londoners to sell
after they snapped up two South American strikers this summer. Pardew is
ready to offer the Londoners their £15m back to bring the England star home
to the north east. And if Pardew gets Carroll he will drop his interest in
Manchester United winger Wilfried Zaha. A Toon source said: "Like all
Geordies, Andy Carroll has never lost his love for Newcastle and we are sure
if West Ham agree to sell we would have no difficulty in persuading him to
come home." The stumbling block is wages. Carroll picked up £120,000 a week
at Anfield and is on similar money at Upton Park – but there is no way the
St James' Park club will pay that kind of salary. But the lure of the
black-and-white shirt is strong and the Toon source added: "Don't forget
Alan Shearer turned down Manchester United to come home to Newcastle."
Carroll has spent much of his time at West Ham on the treatment table and
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce may be happy to sell now he has Ecuador's World
Cup star Enner Valencia and Argentinian front-man Mauro Zarate. With Papiss
Cisse injured, Pardew is desperate to sign another striker to partner new
boy Emmanuel Riviere for champions Manchester City's visit to St James' on
August 17.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons rule out Man City defender
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 19, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham's hunt for a new right back is unlikely to lead them to Manchester
City's Micah Richards . It became clear yesterday (Fri) the club are
looking to add a right back to the squad with Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson a
prime target. At present the Hammers are trying to establish whether the
Gunners are ready to allow the exciting wing-back out on loan or even allow
a permanent move at around £5 million. In commenting on the interest an
Upton Park insider said: "Carl Jenkinson is one we are looking at along with
several others."
Richards had previously been the highest profile name linked with the club
for that position and thus ClaretandHugh inquired directly whether he was
still a target. Our source said: "Micah Richards is a very decent player but
very expensive and also seems to be injury prone. I don't think we'll be
moving in that direction."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Don't judge Reid's reaction after 23 hours in the air
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 19, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Within minutes of posting a video of the Hammers arriving in New Zealand
this morning ClaretandHugh was receiving despondent messages from all over
telling us that Winston Reid looked like a man preparing to leave the club.
Confronted by a local hero, it didn't take the Kiwi media long to start
addressing the issue of an unsigned West Ham contract which ClaretandHugh
understands to be in excess of £60k a week. And we are told it will stand
until he returns from his homeland when the club will want a decision which
is par for the course with our management when negotiating with our top
players. They need a decision from them in order to plot a way forward as,
to quote the oldest cliche in the game, no player is bigger than the club
and to avoid last minute assents should any bids fail to come in.
However, before anybody starts assuming the worst, let's remember just two
things:
O Winston had just disembarked from a a 23 hour flight and clearly wasn't
at his best – who would be?
O and he is known to be one of the most laid back men in the world and not
one who would make bold proclamations on such an issue either way.
Given the size of the offer made to him, it will take a top six club to come
in for him to do better and that hasn't happened yet. At the moment it looks
like a re-run of the Mohamed Diame situation but all should become clear
within the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, it would be unwise to
start making predictions on what might happen based on a brief press
conference at the end of a flight that would leave most of us shattered. The
media reaction was not unexpected but nothing has changed. My view? Unless
an offer comes in I think Winston would do well to accept a blinding deal
for with no interest having emerged this summer or in the past he would be
taking an enormous chance should he decide otherwise..
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold on Carroll fitness
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 19, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold is confident Andy Carroll will play his part during the tour of
New Zealand. Rumours have been surrounding the striker's fitness after he
missed both the team's pre-season friendlies this far this summer. He was
absent for the 2-2 and 0-0 draws at Stevenage Town and Ipswich Town in
midweek before the squad flew out to New Zealand. That was followed by a
Twitter suggestion that the No 9 had reported back unfit and that he would
be put on an intensive training programme. However, Gold made it clear that
the player is expected to be involved in the upcoming games in NZ. He told
ClaretandHugh exclusively: "Andy has a slight niggle which is not uncommon
among players at this time of the year but I am confident he will be
involved."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lee missing from NZ squad
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 19, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Elliot Lee is a notable absentee from the Hammers squad which has flown into
New Zealand for the start of the pre-season tour. A mix of regular first
teamers plus the new signings – along with some promising youngsters have
made the trip.
Lee is the only surprise omission and the full squad is as follows: Kevin
Nolan (captain), Mark Noble (vice captain), Winston Reid, Aaron Cresswell,
James Tomkins, Matt Jarvis, Cheikhou Kouyate, Andy Carroll, Mauro Zarate,
Stewart Downing, Ricardo Vaz Te, Adrian, Joey O'Brien. James Collins, Guy
Demel, Mohamed Diame, Jussi Jaaskalainen Diego Poyet, Carlton Cole, Daniel
Potts, Sam Howes, Daniel Whitehead, Matthias Fanimo and Leo Chambers.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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Saturday, July 19
Daily WHUFC News - 19th July 2014
Westley keen to hit the ground running
WHUFC.com
Terry Westley is determined to provide a steady flow of homegrown talent in
his new role
18.07.2014
Incoming West Ham United Academy Manager and Head of Coaching & Player
Development Terry Westley is determined to provide first team manager Sam
Allardyce with a steady flow of homegrown talent. The Hammers boast a proud
tradition of nurturing young players through from the youth teams to top
flight and international football, with current first teamers Mark Noble and
James Tomkins taking their place on the long list of Academy graduates
alongside the likes of Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters, Billy Bonds,
Trevor Brooking, Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole and Frank Lampard. Westley, who has
played his part in identifying and developing future internationals himself
in similar roles at Ipswich Town, Derby County, Birmingham City and Luton
Town, cannot wait to get down to work at the Boleyn Ground and write another
illustrious chapter in the Academy's history. He explained: "West Ham is a
Club steeped in history with a great tradition for producing their own
players. I've had three tremendous years working for the Premier League, and
in club football before that, but the chance to join a Club with this
history and tradition, helping to bring players through to the first team,
was too big an opportunity to turn down. "To get back on the grass, work
with the young players and with the senior staff, and continue the great
work that Tony Carr has been doing turned my head. I worked with the
Chairmen and Karren Brady at Birmingham City and they've made me very
welcome. I can't wait to get started and start trying to help "I look at my
own career as a coach, and when I was at Ipswich and we had young players
like George Burley, John Wark, Eric Gates, Alan Brazil, Terry Butcher and
Russell Osman playing in the team. It made big news for the supporters -
they can recognise, and identify with, a homegrown player in the team. "This
Club can hold its own with most other clubs with the amount of players
they've brought through to play full international football. I want to try
to help and continue that path, and make it stronger."
While Westley plans to hit the ground running, he will have expert advice to
call upon if needed in the shape of former Academy Manager Tony Carr MBE,
who was recently appointed ambassador for the club after 40 years working in
various coaching roles at the Club. Westley is clearly thrilled to have
someone of Carr's experience to turn to as he looks to help bridge the gap
between the Under-18's and first team. He continued: "The reason I'm here is
to bring players through to the first team squad. I'm delighted that Tony
has stayed because none of this could have happened without that being
sorted out first. He's been an absolute gent since I've arrived, supported
me and told me the good bits and not so good bits and we'll work together to
take the Club forward. "That's the big challenge now, I believe that at 17
and 18 you can still get people in the team. They clearly have to be good
enough and they clearly have to be worked from a young age and we will do
our damndest to make it work."
"I will oversee all age groups from U21 downwards, trying to ensure the
player has all the right tools to transition from Academy to First Team. The
work they do and the development programme they have is crucial, as the
stats prove that players are now in the system for longer before they make
their debut. It's not a case of getting your washbag at 2 o'clock and going
home, there have to be plans in place for the players to continue to
develop, whether that's on loan or in the U21s league. "I've been very
impressed with their application and there are some very talented young
players here. That stands out very quickly, and it's important that we show
those players a pathway, a development plan and we prepare them for first
team football. "This place wants to see some homegrown players in the first
team, just as I do."
Of his own career to date, Westley certainly possesses an impressive
pedigree, with numerous players emerging from his tutelage to shine at the
highest level. He was also taught about the traditions of West Ham while
working with another Hammers legend in former manager John Lyall. He
explained: "I started at Ipswich with John Lyall. I come from a very good
school of John Lyall, Bobby Robson, Charlie Woods, Cyril Lea, Bobby Ferguson
- coaching staff at Ipswich who made a real impression on me with high
standards and great work ethic. "I saw some very good players at Ipswich in
my time there, Richard Wright, James Scowcroft, Titus Bramble, John Wark,
George Burley, Eric Gates, that type. "That gave me a good start and then I
had the opportunity to move to Luton with David Pleat where we had to
produce players to keep the club afloat. "John Hartson, Paul Telfer and
Matthew Upson all came through the system in that time and we sold around
£15m worth of players in the space of five years. "I then worked for Alan
Curbishley at Charlton, with players like Paul Konchesky and Scott Parker,
who both played for their country. At Derby, Tom Huddlestone, Giles Barnes,
Lee Camp and Lee Holmes were players who are still playing League football
now and again one or two of them have gone on to play international
football. "Finally at Birmingham, the current crop of Jordon Mutch, Nathan
Redmond and Jack Butland have all gone on to become Premier League
footballers. I want to help, carry on the great work that's been done here,
and will make every effort to bring the manager some players."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Seb set for continental tests
WHUFC.com
Sebastian Lletget and the Development Squad take on Shakhtar Donetsk and
Espayol this weekend
18.07.2014
Sebastian Lletget is looking forward to testing himself against European
opposition this weekend as the Development Squad head to Cambridge for the
Absolute Sports Travel Cup. The tournament features hosts Cambridge United,
the Hammers, Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk and Spanish outfit Espanyol.
West Ham are due to face Shakhtar on Saturday and Espanyol the following
day, with both matches kicking-off at 2pm, and Lletget is ready for the next
phase of his pre-season. He explained: "We've got Shakhtar Donetsk and
Espanyol over the weekend - I want to perform well in those games and
continue to perform in every game I get to play in. "It'll be a good
tournament against some good sides. There'll be a lot of youngsters, so I'll
be one of the more experienced players in our team and hopefully we'll do
well."
Lletget was given a 45-minute runout for the first team on Wednesday against
Ipswich Town, and after making his debut in last season's FA Cup clash at
Nottingham Forest, he relished another chance to play on that stage. He
said: "It's amazing to play with the first team and every time I do, it's a
great experience. I really enjoy playing in front of a crowd and the fans
were fantastic coming out to support us at Ipswich on Wednesday. "It's a
dream come true whenever I get the opportunity and hopefully I can keep
impressing the manager. "Pre-season has been good, the programme has been
spot on and everyone has enjoyed it. It's been tough, but that's how you get
better. "I'm taking it day-by-day this year, taking every training session
as it comes. It's taken me a while to really push on, and I'm aware of that,
but I think everything is for a reason and I feel more than ready now. "I'm
so happy for the other youngsters who had the chance on Wednesday - they
work hard, they are a good group of guys and I hope everything continues to
go well for them."
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Raphael Spiegel: Crawley sign West Ham keeper on loan
BBC.co.uk
League One side Crawley Town have signed West Ham goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel
on a one-month loan deal. The 21-year-old Switzerland Under-21 international
joined the Hammers in 2012 but is yet to make his debut. "He is a commanding
presence in the penalty area and a good shot-stopper," Reds boss John
Gregory said. "He's learning his trade at West Ham and this is an
opportunity for him to gain more experience and for us to have a look at
him." Spiegel began his career at Grasshopper Club Zurich, featuring 41
times for their second team and had loan spells at FC Wil 1900 and SC Bruhl
SG. He joined West Ham on a three-year deal in summer 2012 and has featured
regularly for their under-21 side over the last two seasons. Spiegel joins
Crawley until 16 August and is eligible for their first three games of the
season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spiegel moves on loan
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 18th July 2014
By: Staff Writer
Crawley Town have signed West Ham United's fourth-choice goalkeeper Raphael
Spiegel on a short-term loan. The League One club confirmed this morning
that the 21-year-old - who is currently behind Adrian, Jussi Jaaskelainen
and Stephen Henderson in the pecking order at West Ham - will move to
Broadfield Stadium until 16 August. That means Spiegel will also be
available for the Red Devils' opening three matches of the 2014/15 campaign;
Barnsley (away), Ipswich (home, Capital One Cup) and Swindon at home. Town
manager John Gregory told Crawley's website: "We have had excellent reports
about Raphael. He is 6'5" tall, a commanding presence in the penalty area
and a good shot-stopper. "He's learning his trade at West Ham and this is an
opportunity for him to gain more experience and for us to have a look at
him, initially for the next month." Spiegel is set to make his debut this
weekend when Crawley face Championship side Fulham in a friendly at the
Broadfield Stadium.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Friday's transfer update
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 18th July 2014
By: Staff Writer
The Mail are linking West Ham with an audacious double swoop for Manchester
United pair Ashley Young and Wilfried Zaha. According to writer Simon Jones,
Sam Allardyce is mulling over offering both a season-long loan spell at the
Boleyn. The future of both players is considered uncertain following the
departure of former manager David Moyes.
* Stephen Henderson is a transfer target for Championship side Brighton &
Hove Albion, reports the local Argus. Only last week it looked as if Ipswich
were in pole position to land the 26-year-old goalkeeper but the Seagulls
are now considering a move following the departure of former number one
Tomasz Kuszczak, who was released on a free transfer recently.
* West Ham are once again considering a move for Arsenal full back Carl
Jenkinson, according to various sources. The 22-year-old is likely to be
surplus to requirements at the Emirates next season due to the arrival of
Mathieu Debuchy from Newcastle this week and West Ham will try to land the
England under 21 either on loan or for a nominal fee.
* Former Hammer Herita Ilunga is poised to seal a move to French side US
Créteil-Lusitanos. Les Béliers currently play in Ligue 2 of the French
pyramid; Ilunga, now 32, will sign a two-year deal with the club after
completing a medical today [Friday].
* Back to the Mail and Mr Jones reports that West Ham have offered to take
Boca Juniors left-back Emanuel Insua on loan for the season. The 23-year-old
defender was previously reported to have been the subject of a £5million bid
by West Ham (Daily Mirror, 27th June) but is now apparently only considered
worth a short-term contract.
* Algerian international midfielder Saphir Taïder is reported to have been
the subject of an undisclosed bid by West Ham. Taider, 22, who currently
plies his trade in Serie A with Inter has three years of his current
contract remaining but is considered excess to requirements at San Siro
following the recent capture of of French midfielder Yann M'villa on loan
from Rubin Kazan.
* There's no new 'news' on the situation with Ivan Strinic, who just 24
hours ago was being cited as Sam Allardyce's potential sixth-signing of
pre-season. The 26-year-old left back is entering the final year of his
contract at Ukrainian Premier League club Dnipro and a number of sources
have claimed West Ham are poised to sign the defender for a cut-price fee.
Confirmed Transfers
Mauro Zarate: Velez to West Ham Utd (nominal)
Cheikhou Kouyate: Anderlecht to West Ham Utd (£7m)
Aaron Cresswell: Ipswich Town to West Ham Utd (£4m)
Diego Poyet: Charlton Athletic to West Ham Utd (nominal)
Enner Valencia: CF Pachua to West Ham Utd (£12m)
Matt Taylor: West Ham Utd to Burnley (free transfer)
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Redknapp praises 'smashing' Jack
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 18th July 2014
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Jack Collison is hoping to land a contract with Premier League
newcomers Queens Park Rangers. Collison, who penned a 2,800-word letter to
West Ham's supporters upon leaving the club back in May is currently
training with Rangers, who were promoted back to the Premier League thanks
to Bobby Zamora's play-off winner against Derby. Despite having been
strongly linked with the likes of Nottingham Forest and Leeds in recent
weeks, the Welsh international is hoping to remain in the top flight with
Rangers currently in pole position. Speaking at a press conference this
morning, Rangers manager Harry Redknapp said: "This season is about
establishing ourselves in the Premier League. We won't spend fortunes. We'll
invest wisely in the squad. "We need to bring in five or six [players]. We
need to improve the squad in terms of quality and numbers. Jack Collison is
training with us. He's a smashing boy and I'd love to help him out. He's a
fine player."
Redknapp has already signed one former Hammer this transfer window,
following the recent arrival of Rio Ferdinand on a free transfer. "Rio's
wage demands were low," added Redknapp. "He just wanted to come. It was
easy."
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Dnipro reject West Ham's bid for Ukraine star Yevhen Konoplyanka
By Lyall Thomas | Follow me on Twitter: @LyallThomas | Last Updated:
18/07/14 7:16pm
SSN
Dnipro have rejected West Ham's offer of £9.5million for winger Yevhen
Konoplyanka, according to Sky sources. The 24-year-old Ukraine international
has been the subject of interest from a host of Premier League clubs over
the past year. Konoplyanka is thought to have a £12m buy-out clause in his
contract and it is likely the Hammers will need to meet that clause in order
to progress with the transfer. And Sky sources understand they could face
competition from at least one other Premier League club. Konoplyanka was
close to a switch to Liverpool in the January transfer window, only for the
deal to break down on deadline day.
Tottenham have also previously expressed interest in the player but it is
understood that neither they nor Liverpool have followed up their initial
contact in recent weeks. West Ham owners David Sullivan and David Gold have
been active so far in the transfer market after setting manager Sam
Allardyce a target of a top-10 finish in the Premier League. They have
signed Ecuador's World Cup star Enner Valencia, forward Mauro Zarate,
midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate, defender Aaron Cresswell and promising
youngster Diego Poyet. But Konoplyanka, with 28 goals in over 100
appearances for Dnipro and eight international goals for Ukraine, would
mark a real coup for the club.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE OUTBOUND BUNCH
By Sean Whetstone 19 Jul 2014 at 08:37
West Ham Till I Die
While most of the talk this transfer has been about the five inbound players
a small number of players are due to go out on loan or be sold.
West Ham officially confirmed on Friday that 21 year old Swiss goalkeeper
Raphael Spiegel has joined Crawley Town on a month's loan from our Academy.
Another outbound keeper confirmed on Friday was Stephen Henderson after
being linked Charlton and Brighton and Hove Albion in the week his contract
was terminated by mutual consent in a pay off believed to be worth between
£500,000 and £700,000.
Rumours persist about Newcastle preparing a £10.5m bid for Andy Carroll to
test our resolve to keep him. West Ham insist they have received no official
inquires for him and referred us to Newcastle when we asked.
Carlton Cole is wanted by Fulham for free but the club say they rejected the
advance and claim he is very much part of their plans.
West Ham also claim they rejected advances from West Bromwich Albion to take
Stewart Downing on loan for the season asking why would we?
The club are actively trying to find a club in France to loan Maiga to for
the season and have accepted they may need to subsidize his £30,000 per week
wages to make that happen.
One tabloid insists that Guy Demel is a prime target for newly promoted
Leicester City while other reports suggest he is keen to return to his old
club Hamburg.
Alou Diarra received a £1.25m pay off to terminate his contract earlier this
month.
These are on top of Jack Collison, George McCartney, Matthew Taylor and Joe
Cole who were released at the end of their contracts, Loanees Marco
Borriello, Antonio Nocerino, Pablo Armero and Roger Johnson were also not
offered new deals when it became apparent they were not in Allardyce's
long-term thinking.
Joe Cole has joined Aston Villa while Matt Taylor joined Burnley. Jack
Collison is training with QPR with a view to join them.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WHAT IS WRONG WITH ANDY CARROLL?
By Sean Whetstone 18 Jul 2014 at 08:57
West Ham Till I Die
The absence of our record signing and highest earner Andy Carroll from the
first two pre season friendlies has been a frequent talking point on social
media networks. Although the the 25 year striker reported back for training
at Chadwell Health and flew to Evian, France with the squad he has been
absent for both pre season games. Rumours suggest he had a small niggle and
they were not risking him, this seemed sensible and a credible reason for
his absence. We were assured he would be flying to New Zealand though.
WHTID Author EXWHUEmployee believes his absence is for a totally different
reason suggesting ''Andy Carroll had reported back quite unfit and has been
given an intensive programme to improve fitness and will feature in NZ as
well."
West Ham's official twitter made a point to publish a photo of Andy Carroll
together with his mate Kevin Nolan at Heathrow airport on Thursday night
ready to catch a 23 hour Air Qantas flight to New Zealand. If his lack of
fitness is true lets hope he gets fit soon to repay some of the £15m record
transfer fee and £4m in wages he has earned since becoming a permanent West
Ham player. At 2 goals from 15 appearances last season that is £9.5m per
goal so far or £1.2m per appearance.
In other news new signing Mauro Zarate lasted just 31 minutes on Wednesday
night against Ipswich. Assistant manager Macca suggested he was not yet
match fit saying "He's a little bit behind in training with the little aches
and pains he's had, and we've had to be careful, so it's good for him to
come into a competitive game." This is a guy who played a full season in
Argentina. Again, at a reported £40k per week, let's hope he will earn his
way,
I am just hoping Enner Valencia can hit the ground running since he has just
returned from the World Cup. At least he must be match fit.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson a transfer target for West Ham as Gunners sign
Mathieu Debuchy
Jul 17, 2014 21:50 By John Cross
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce is trying to sign Arsenal full-back Carl Jenkinson. Jenkinson
has been pushed down the Gunners' pecking order, following the £11million
signing of Mathieu Debuchy from Newcastle on Thursday. West Ham boss
Allardyce is keen on either a permanent or a one-year loan deal for England
international Jenkinson. Swansea have also made an approach for the
22-year-old, but Allardyce believes the Hammers can offer Jenkinson a
regular place at right-back and a chance to further his career by playing in
the Premier League every week. The Upton Park club's first-choice right-back
last season, Guy Demel, may also be moving on, with promoted Leicester one
of the clubs interested in signing him.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham eye loan moves for Manchester United outcasts Wilfried Zaha and
Ashley Young
Express.co.ul
WEST HAM are looking to take advantage of Louis Van Gaal's overhaul at
Manchester United by making a move for Wilfried Zaha and Ashley Young.
By: Ben JeffersonPublished: Fri, July 18, 2014
While Van Gaal insists he may take up to four weeks to assess his squad it
is thought that Zaha and Young will be made available by United before the
start of next season. And that has seen Sam Allardyce express an interest in
taking the pair on loan. Zaha - Sir Alex Ferguson's last signing as United
boss - struggled at Old Trafford after making a £15m move from Crystal
Palace and was loaned out to Cardiff in January. But Allardyce seems ready
to gamble that the 21-year-old can rediscover his form back in London and
get a promising career back on track. Young is another player who has found
it difficult to make an impression at United in recent times. The winger
initially impressed after making the move from Aston Villa in 2011 but has
dropped down the pecking order in recent times and seems unlikely to be part
of Van Gaal's plans moving forward. It now remains to be seen whether United
are amenable to short-term deals for the pair or whether the Red Devils
would prefer to offload the pair permanently to raise funds for further
summer additions.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Why West Ham and Sam Allardyce shouldn't take the risk on Manchester
United's Wilfried Zaha
Saturday 19 Jul 2014 7:33 am
Metro.co.uk
This week, it feels the footballing world has been focusing on Louis van
Gaal, fresh from his heroics of guiding Netherlands to third place at the
World Cup, taking over the reigns at Manchester United.
I've read a lot about his supposed plans, which players he's going to keep
and which players he was going to let go, and one name jumped out to me for
obvious reasons: Wilfried Zaha. It is reported that Van Gaal wants shot of
the man that Sir Alex signed just over 18 months ago for £10 million pounds.
It has since been reported that Sam Allardyce at West Ham is interested in
signing him. Although Cardiff and West Ham fans don't traditionally get
along, I would advise them to stay away from the man who doesn't give two
hoots about the team he's playing for, he only cares about brand Zaha.
Last season, when Cardiff City needed a player who would be selfless for the
team, would give 100 per cent commitment they got a player who would rather
do four step overs, beat a man just to lose the ball to the second defender,
than actually pass to a player in a better position.
But that didn't matter because brand Zaha had another five5 second clip to
add to his highlight reel.
This was a player who would pull out of 75-25 in his favour challenges to
stop from potential injury. The player who literally ripped the shirt of the
team he played for in two when he got substituted and walked down the
tunnel. The player who applauded the fans of his e-team when they were
chanting for him to come home during a relegation crunch match.
Big Sam teams are typically fighters. They are usually a team of players who
will rip, claw, scram anything they can. They will put their bodies on the
line and are not adverse to the 'dark arts of football'.
Zaha would not fit in this team. Yes he is skillful, but if things are not
going his way, he sulks on the pitch. He wouldn't do the hard graft or chase
back. In my opinion, and I'm not sure how many West Ham fans would agree,
but I think Stuart Downing is far better in the role that Zaha would take
up.
The only club I feel that Zaha will ever feel comfortable at, and will
flourish is back home with Crystal Palace, because their fans, rightly or
wrongly, treat him like a god.
In his head, thats the only place that he will be treated like he deservers.
If he doesn't end up going back to Palace, from what I witnessed last
season, he will be another player with all the potential in the world, but a
bad attitude and a wasted career.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
QPR new-boy Rio Ferdinand turned down a move back to West Ham
RIO FERDINAND was so desperate to be reunited with Harry Redknapp at QPR he
snubbed a return to West Ham.
The Star
Ferdinand's first club West Ham and London rivals Tottenham were two of the
sides he rejected to join newly-promoted Rangers. Free agent Ferdinand, 35,
took a massive pay cut to sign a £40,000-a-week one-year Rangers deal. And
Redknapp insists ex-England skipper Ferdinand is a man with a point to prove
after being released by Manchester United. Redknapp, who gave centre-half
Ferdinand his senior debut at West Ham, said: "He didn't need convincing -
he wanted to come to QPR. "He spoke to two top London clubs, but he wanted
to come here and to play. "He could have gone elsewhere and maybe not
played at times but he wants to play football. He's like a little boy. "He's
been saying 'I've not been sleeping I've been so excited about coming to
play'. "He could have gone to Dubai or Qatar and earned a fortune. "His wage
demands were so incredibly low in my opinion. It was an easy deal to do. "He
was fit all last season, but David Moyes came in and wanted to change the
team around.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons react on Jenkinson
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 18, 2014 in Whispers
Calret & Hugh
West Ham United have confirmed an interest in Arsenal right back Carl
Jenkinson. National newspaper reports emerged this morning linking Sam
Allardyce with the player who is very much on the fringes at the Emirates.
The reports added that Guy Demel was a target for newly promoted Leicester
City and that Jenkinson was very much a target. ClaretandHugh has learned
since that the Hammers do have an interest in the player but haven't yet
established whether the Gunners are prepared to let the defender leave the
club. We were told: "If Arsenal are ready to let him leave on a loan or
permanently we would be interested. He's one of several we are looking at."
Jenkinson is rated at around £5 million.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jack Collison training with QPR in bid to earn contract following his
release from West Ham United
Collison is without a club following his release from the Hammers
He spent nine years at the east London side before departing this summer
The 25-year-old is training with the newly-promoted west London side in a
bid to impress R's boss Harry Redknapp
By SEAN GALLAGHER
PUBLISHED: 15:46, 18 July 2014 | UPDATED: 16:10, 18 July 2014
Daily Mail
Jack Collison is training at QPR in a bid to earn a permanent contract with
Harry Redknapp's side. The 25-year-old was released by West Ham in the
summer after nine years at the club following prolonged spells on the
sidelines through injury. Stretch out: Collison and Ferdinand speak with
each other during the training session on Friday morning The Welsh
international will therefore be hoping this is the fresh start he needs to
reignite his career. Collison - who spent time on loan at both Bournemouth
and Wigan last season - has been linked with a move to various Championship
clubs this summer, but Redknapp has now given him the chance to stake a
claim for a move to a Premier League side. After making his way through the
West Ham youth system, Collison would go on to make 121 appearances for the
Irons scoring 14 goals in the process. Elsewhere, Rangers striker Charlie
Austin has quashed speculation linking him with a move away from Loftus Road
by declaring he is happy at the club. Midfielder Samba Diakite is also close
to resolving his future as he looks set to join Saudi Arabian club
Al-Ittihad on a season-long loan.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Morrison still waiting for new Irons offer
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 18, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The midfielder – currently recovering from surgery on a persistent groin
injury – is now into the last year on his present contract. And
ClaretandHugh learned exclusively today that the club has still not spoken
to the player of his agent about a new one. However, we have also been told
that manager Sam Allardyce was keen for him to get the operation out of the
way in order for him to be challenging for a first team spot this season.
Morrison's agent Nick Rubery talking to ClaretandHugh this morning (Fri)
revealed: "There have been no talks about a new deal. "Ravel is determined
only to get over the operation as quickly as possible and get back on the
pitch. "His whole focus is on performing for West Ham this season – that's
been the situation since the season ended. He wants a big year." Rubery
indicated he was ready to enter talks with the Hammers board whenever they
are ready and at some stage that will happen. However we learned from a club
insider: "The club has three options – offer a contract, let this one run
down or see if any bids are made. "There's no new offer on the table at this
stage and the club will monitor everything surrounding the player carefully
and see how things play out over the forthcoming weeks before deciding where
they are going with it."
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WHUFC.com
Terry Westley is determined to provide a steady flow of homegrown talent in
his new role
18.07.2014
Incoming West Ham United Academy Manager and Head of Coaching & Player
Development Terry Westley is determined to provide first team manager Sam
Allardyce with a steady flow of homegrown talent. The Hammers boast a proud
tradition of nurturing young players through from the youth teams to top
flight and international football, with current first teamers Mark Noble and
James Tomkins taking their place on the long list of Academy graduates
alongside the likes of Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters, Billy Bonds,
Trevor Brooking, Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole and Frank Lampard. Westley, who has
played his part in identifying and developing future internationals himself
in similar roles at Ipswich Town, Derby County, Birmingham City and Luton
Town, cannot wait to get down to work at the Boleyn Ground and write another
illustrious chapter in the Academy's history. He explained: "West Ham is a
Club steeped in history with a great tradition for producing their own
players. I've had three tremendous years working for the Premier League, and
in club football before that, but the chance to join a Club with this
history and tradition, helping to bring players through to the first team,
was too big an opportunity to turn down. "To get back on the grass, work
with the young players and with the senior staff, and continue the great
work that Tony Carr has been doing turned my head. I worked with the
Chairmen and Karren Brady at Birmingham City and they've made me very
welcome. I can't wait to get started and start trying to help "I look at my
own career as a coach, and when I was at Ipswich and we had young players
like George Burley, John Wark, Eric Gates, Alan Brazil, Terry Butcher and
Russell Osman playing in the team. It made big news for the supporters -
they can recognise, and identify with, a homegrown player in the team. "This
Club can hold its own with most other clubs with the amount of players
they've brought through to play full international football. I want to try
to help and continue that path, and make it stronger."
While Westley plans to hit the ground running, he will have expert advice to
call upon if needed in the shape of former Academy Manager Tony Carr MBE,
who was recently appointed ambassador for the club after 40 years working in
various coaching roles at the Club. Westley is clearly thrilled to have
someone of Carr's experience to turn to as he looks to help bridge the gap
between the Under-18's and first team. He continued: "The reason I'm here is
to bring players through to the first team squad. I'm delighted that Tony
has stayed because none of this could have happened without that being
sorted out first. He's been an absolute gent since I've arrived, supported
me and told me the good bits and not so good bits and we'll work together to
take the Club forward. "That's the big challenge now, I believe that at 17
and 18 you can still get people in the team. They clearly have to be good
enough and they clearly have to be worked from a young age and we will do
our damndest to make it work."
"I will oversee all age groups from U21 downwards, trying to ensure the
player has all the right tools to transition from Academy to First Team. The
work they do and the development programme they have is crucial, as the
stats prove that players are now in the system for longer before they make
their debut. It's not a case of getting your washbag at 2 o'clock and going
home, there have to be plans in place for the players to continue to
develop, whether that's on loan or in the U21s league. "I've been very
impressed with their application and there are some very talented young
players here. That stands out very quickly, and it's important that we show
those players a pathway, a development plan and we prepare them for first
team football. "This place wants to see some homegrown players in the first
team, just as I do."
Of his own career to date, Westley certainly possesses an impressive
pedigree, with numerous players emerging from his tutelage to shine at the
highest level. He was also taught about the traditions of West Ham while
working with another Hammers legend in former manager John Lyall. He
explained: "I started at Ipswich with John Lyall. I come from a very good
school of John Lyall, Bobby Robson, Charlie Woods, Cyril Lea, Bobby Ferguson
- coaching staff at Ipswich who made a real impression on me with high
standards and great work ethic. "I saw some very good players at Ipswich in
my time there, Richard Wright, James Scowcroft, Titus Bramble, John Wark,
George Burley, Eric Gates, that type. "That gave me a good start and then I
had the opportunity to move to Luton with David Pleat where we had to
produce players to keep the club afloat. "John Hartson, Paul Telfer and
Matthew Upson all came through the system in that time and we sold around
£15m worth of players in the space of five years. "I then worked for Alan
Curbishley at Charlton, with players like Paul Konchesky and Scott Parker,
who both played for their country. At Derby, Tom Huddlestone, Giles Barnes,
Lee Camp and Lee Holmes were players who are still playing League football
now and again one or two of them have gone on to play international
football. "Finally at Birmingham, the current crop of Jordon Mutch, Nathan
Redmond and Jack Butland have all gone on to become Premier League
footballers. I want to help, carry on the great work that's been done here,
and will make every effort to bring the manager some players."
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Seb set for continental tests
WHUFC.com
Sebastian Lletget and the Development Squad take on Shakhtar Donetsk and
Espayol this weekend
18.07.2014
Sebastian Lletget is looking forward to testing himself against European
opposition this weekend as the Development Squad head to Cambridge for the
Absolute Sports Travel Cup. The tournament features hosts Cambridge United,
the Hammers, Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk and Spanish outfit Espanyol.
West Ham are due to face Shakhtar on Saturday and Espanyol the following
day, with both matches kicking-off at 2pm, and Lletget is ready for the next
phase of his pre-season. He explained: "We've got Shakhtar Donetsk and
Espanyol over the weekend - I want to perform well in those games and
continue to perform in every game I get to play in. "It'll be a good
tournament against some good sides. There'll be a lot of youngsters, so I'll
be one of the more experienced players in our team and hopefully we'll do
well."
Lletget was given a 45-minute runout for the first team on Wednesday against
Ipswich Town, and after making his debut in last season's FA Cup clash at
Nottingham Forest, he relished another chance to play on that stage. He
said: "It's amazing to play with the first team and every time I do, it's a
great experience. I really enjoy playing in front of a crowd and the fans
were fantastic coming out to support us at Ipswich on Wednesday. "It's a
dream come true whenever I get the opportunity and hopefully I can keep
impressing the manager. "Pre-season has been good, the programme has been
spot on and everyone has enjoyed it. It's been tough, but that's how you get
better. "I'm taking it day-by-day this year, taking every training session
as it comes. It's taken me a while to really push on, and I'm aware of that,
but I think everything is for a reason and I feel more than ready now. "I'm
so happy for the other youngsters who had the chance on Wednesday - they
work hard, they are a good group of guys and I hope everything continues to
go well for them."
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Raphael Spiegel: Crawley sign West Ham keeper on loan
BBC.co.uk
League One side Crawley Town have signed West Ham goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel
on a one-month loan deal. The 21-year-old Switzerland Under-21 international
joined the Hammers in 2012 but is yet to make his debut. "He is a commanding
presence in the penalty area and a good shot-stopper," Reds boss John
Gregory said. "He's learning his trade at West Ham and this is an
opportunity for him to gain more experience and for us to have a look at
him." Spiegel began his career at Grasshopper Club Zurich, featuring 41
times for their second team and had loan spells at FC Wil 1900 and SC Bruhl
SG. He joined West Ham on a three-year deal in summer 2012 and has featured
regularly for their under-21 side over the last two seasons. Spiegel joins
Crawley until 16 August and is eligible for their first three games of the
season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spiegel moves on loan
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 18th July 2014
By: Staff Writer
Crawley Town have signed West Ham United's fourth-choice goalkeeper Raphael
Spiegel on a short-term loan. The League One club confirmed this morning
that the 21-year-old - who is currently behind Adrian, Jussi Jaaskelainen
and Stephen Henderson in the pecking order at West Ham - will move to
Broadfield Stadium until 16 August. That means Spiegel will also be
available for the Red Devils' opening three matches of the 2014/15 campaign;
Barnsley (away), Ipswich (home, Capital One Cup) and Swindon at home. Town
manager John Gregory told Crawley's website: "We have had excellent reports
about Raphael. He is 6'5" tall, a commanding presence in the penalty area
and a good shot-stopper. "He's learning his trade at West Ham and this is an
opportunity for him to gain more experience and for us to have a look at
him, initially for the next month." Spiegel is set to make his debut this
weekend when Crawley face Championship side Fulham in a friendly at the
Broadfield Stadium.
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Friday's transfer update
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 18th July 2014
By: Staff Writer
The Mail are linking West Ham with an audacious double swoop for Manchester
United pair Ashley Young and Wilfried Zaha. According to writer Simon Jones,
Sam Allardyce is mulling over offering both a season-long loan spell at the
Boleyn. The future of both players is considered uncertain following the
departure of former manager David Moyes.
* Stephen Henderson is a transfer target for Championship side Brighton &
Hove Albion, reports the local Argus. Only last week it looked as if Ipswich
were in pole position to land the 26-year-old goalkeeper but the Seagulls
are now considering a move following the departure of former number one
Tomasz Kuszczak, who was released on a free transfer recently.
* West Ham are once again considering a move for Arsenal full back Carl
Jenkinson, according to various sources. The 22-year-old is likely to be
surplus to requirements at the Emirates next season due to the arrival of
Mathieu Debuchy from Newcastle this week and West Ham will try to land the
England under 21 either on loan or for a nominal fee.
* Former Hammer Herita Ilunga is poised to seal a move to French side US
Créteil-Lusitanos. Les Béliers currently play in Ligue 2 of the French
pyramid; Ilunga, now 32, will sign a two-year deal with the club after
completing a medical today [Friday].
* Back to the Mail and Mr Jones reports that West Ham have offered to take
Boca Juniors left-back Emanuel Insua on loan for the season. The 23-year-old
defender was previously reported to have been the subject of a £5million bid
by West Ham (Daily Mirror, 27th June) but is now apparently only considered
worth a short-term contract.
* Algerian international midfielder Saphir Taïder is reported to have been
the subject of an undisclosed bid by West Ham. Taider, 22, who currently
plies his trade in Serie A with Inter has three years of his current
contract remaining but is considered excess to requirements at San Siro
following the recent capture of of French midfielder Yann M'villa on loan
from Rubin Kazan.
* There's no new 'news' on the situation with Ivan Strinic, who just 24
hours ago was being cited as Sam Allardyce's potential sixth-signing of
pre-season. The 26-year-old left back is entering the final year of his
contract at Ukrainian Premier League club Dnipro and a number of sources
have claimed West Ham are poised to sign the defender for a cut-price fee.
Confirmed Transfers
Mauro Zarate: Velez to West Ham Utd (nominal)
Cheikhou Kouyate: Anderlecht to West Ham Utd (£7m)
Aaron Cresswell: Ipswich Town to West Ham Utd (£4m)
Diego Poyet: Charlton Athletic to West Ham Utd (nominal)
Enner Valencia: CF Pachua to West Ham Utd (£12m)
Matt Taylor: West Ham Utd to Burnley (free transfer)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Redknapp praises 'smashing' Jack
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 18th July 2014
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Jack Collison is hoping to land a contract with Premier League
newcomers Queens Park Rangers. Collison, who penned a 2,800-word letter to
West Ham's supporters upon leaving the club back in May is currently
training with Rangers, who were promoted back to the Premier League thanks
to Bobby Zamora's play-off winner against Derby. Despite having been
strongly linked with the likes of Nottingham Forest and Leeds in recent
weeks, the Welsh international is hoping to remain in the top flight with
Rangers currently in pole position. Speaking at a press conference this
morning, Rangers manager Harry Redknapp said: "This season is about
establishing ourselves in the Premier League. We won't spend fortunes. We'll
invest wisely in the squad. "We need to bring in five or six [players]. We
need to improve the squad in terms of quality and numbers. Jack Collison is
training with us. He's a smashing boy and I'd love to help him out. He's a
fine player."
Redknapp has already signed one former Hammer this transfer window,
following the recent arrival of Rio Ferdinand on a free transfer. "Rio's
wage demands were low," added Redknapp. "He just wanted to come. It was
easy."
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Dnipro reject West Ham's bid for Ukraine star Yevhen Konoplyanka
By Lyall Thomas | Follow me on Twitter: @LyallThomas | Last Updated:
18/07/14 7:16pm
SSN
Dnipro have rejected West Ham's offer of £9.5million for winger Yevhen
Konoplyanka, according to Sky sources. The 24-year-old Ukraine international
has been the subject of interest from a host of Premier League clubs over
the past year. Konoplyanka is thought to have a £12m buy-out clause in his
contract and it is likely the Hammers will need to meet that clause in order
to progress with the transfer. And Sky sources understand they could face
competition from at least one other Premier League club. Konoplyanka was
close to a switch to Liverpool in the January transfer window, only for the
deal to break down on deadline day.
Tottenham have also previously expressed interest in the player but it is
understood that neither they nor Liverpool have followed up their initial
contact in recent weeks. West Ham owners David Sullivan and David Gold have
been active so far in the transfer market after setting manager Sam
Allardyce a target of a top-10 finish in the Premier League. They have
signed Ecuador's World Cup star Enner Valencia, forward Mauro Zarate,
midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate, defender Aaron Cresswell and promising
youngster Diego Poyet. But Konoplyanka, with 28 goals in over 100
appearances for Dnipro and eight international goals for Ukraine, would
mark a real coup for the club.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE OUTBOUND BUNCH
By Sean Whetstone 19 Jul 2014 at 08:37
West Ham Till I Die
While most of the talk this transfer has been about the five inbound players
a small number of players are due to go out on loan or be sold.
West Ham officially confirmed on Friday that 21 year old Swiss goalkeeper
Raphael Spiegel has joined Crawley Town on a month's loan from our Academy.
Another outbound keeper confirmed on Friday was Stephen Henderson after
being linked Charlton and Brighton and Hove Albion in the week his contract
was terminated by mutual consent in a pay off believed to be worth between
£500,000 and £700,000.
Rumours persist about Newcastle preparing a £10.5m bid for Andy Carroll to
test our resolve to keep him. West Ham insist they have received no official
inquires for him and referred us to Newcastle when we asked.
Carlton Cole is wanted by Fulham for free but the club say they rejected the
advance and claim he is very much part of their plans.
West Ham also claim they rejected advances from West Bromwich Albion to take
Stewart Downing on loan for the season asking why would we?
The club are actively trying to find a club in France to loan Maiga to for
the season and have accepted they may need to subsidize his £30,000 per week
wages to make that happen.
One tabloid insists that Guy Demel is a prime target for newly promoted
Leicester City while other reports suggest he is keen to return to his old
club Hamburg.
Alou Diarra received a £1.25m pay off to terminate his contract earlier this
month.
These are on top of Jack Collison, George McCartney, Matthew Taylor and Joe
Cole who were released at the end of their contracts, Loanees Marco
Borriello, Antonio Nocerino, Pablo Armero and Roger Johnson were also not
offered new deals when it became apparent they were not in Allardyce's
long-term thinking.
Joe Cole has joined Aston Villa while Matt Taylor joined Burnley. Jack
Collison is training with QPR with a view to join them.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WHAT IS WRONG WITH ANDY CARROLL?
By Sean Whetstone 18 Jul 2014 at 08:57
West Ham Till I Die
The absence of our record signing and highest earner Andy Carroll from the
first two pre season friendlies has been a frequent talking point on social
media networks. Although the the 25 year striker reported back for training
at Chadwell Health and flew to Evian, France with the squad he has been
absent for both pre season games. Rumours suggest he had a small niggle and
they were not risking him, this seemed sensible and a credible reason for
his absence. We were assured he would be flying to New Zealand though.
WHTID Author EXWHUEmployee believes his absence is for a totally different
reason suggesting ''Andy Carroll had reported back quite unfit and has been
given an intensive programme to improve fitness and will feature in NZ as
well."
West Ham's official twitter made a point to publish a photo of Andy Carroll
together with his mate Kevin Nolan at Heathrow airport on Thursday night
ready to catch a 23 hour Air Qantas flight to New Zealand. If his lack of
fitness is true lets hope he gets fit soon to repay some of the £15m record
transfer fee and £4m in wages he has earned since becoming a permanent West
Ham player. At 2 goals from 15 appearances last season that is £9.5m per
goal so far or £1.2m per appearance.
In other news new signing Mauro Zarate lasted just 31 minutes on Wednesday
night against Ipswich. Assistant manager Macca suggested he was not yet
match fit saying "He's a little bit behind in training with the little aches
and pains he's had, and we've had to be careful, so it's good for him to
come into a competitive game." This is a guy who played a full season in
Argentina. Again, at a reported £40k per week, let's hope he will earn his
way,
I am just hoping Enner Valencia can hit the ground running since he has just
returned from the World Cup. At least he must be match fit.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson a transfer target for West Ham as Gunners sign
Mathieu Debuchy
Jul 17, 2014 21:50 By John Cross
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce is trying to sign Arsenal full-back Carl Jenkinson. Jenkinson
has been pushed down the Gunners' pecking order, following the £11million
signing of Mathieu Debuchy from Newcastle on Thursday. West Ham boss
Allardyce is keen on either a permanent or a one-year loan deal for England
international Jenkinson. Swansea have also made an approach for the
22-year-old, but Allardyce believes the Hammers can offer Jenkinson a
regular place at right-back and a chance to further his career by playing in
the Premier League every week. The Upton Park club's first-choice right-back
last season, Guy Demel, may also be moving on, with promoted Leicester one
of the clubs interested in signing him.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham eye loan moves for Manchester United outcasts Wilfried Zaha and
Ashley Young
Express.co.ul
WEST HAM are looking to take advantage of Louis Van Gaal's overhaul at
Manchester United by making a move for Wilfried Zaha and Ashley Young.
By: Ben JeffersonPublished: Fri, July 18, 2014
While Van Gaal insists he may take up to four weeks to assess his squad it
is thought that Zaha and Young will be made available by United before the
start of next season. And that has seen Sam Allardyce express an interest in
taking the pair on loan. Zaha - Sir Alex Ferguson's last signing as United
boss - struggled at Old Trafford after making a £15m move from Crystal
Palace and was loaned out to Cardiff in January. But Allardyce seems ready
to gamble that the 21-year-old can rediscover his form back in London and
get a promising career back on track. Young is another player who has found
it difficult to make an impression at United in recent times. The winger
initially impressed after making the move from Aston Villa in 2011 but has
dropped down the pecking order in recent times and seems unlikely to be part
of Van Gaal's plans moving forward. It now remains to be seen whether United
are amenable to short-term deals for the pair or whether the Red Devils
would prefer to offload the pair permanently to raise funds for further
summer additions.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Why West Ham and Sam Allardyce shouldn't take the risk on Manchester
United's Wilfried Zaha
Saturday 19 Jul 2014 7:33 am
Metro.co.uk
This week, it feels the footballing world has been focusing on Louis van
Gaal, fresh from his heroics of guiding Netherlands to third place at the
World Cup, taking over the reigns at Manchester United.
I've read a lot about his supposed plans, which players he's going to keep
and which players he was going to let go, and one name jumped out to me for
obvious reasons: Wilfried Zaha. It is reported that Van Gaal wants shot of
the man that Sir Alex signed just over 18 months ago for £10 million pounds.
It has since been reported that Sam Allardyce at West Ham is interested in
signing him. Although Cardiff and West Ham fans don't traditionally get
along, I would advise them to stay away from the man who doesn't give two
hoots about the team he's playing for, he only cares about brand Zaha.
Last season, when Cardiff City needed a player who would be selfless for the
team, would give 100 per cent commitment they got a player who would rather
do four step overs, beat a man just to lose the ball to the second defender,
than actually pass to a player in a better position.
But that didn't matter because brand Zaha had another five5 second clip to
add to his highlight reel.
This was a player who would pull out of 75-25 in his favour challenges to
stop from potential injury. The player who literally ripped the shirt of the
team he played for in two when he got substituted and walked down the
tunnel. The player who applauded the fans of his e-team when they were
chanting for him to come home during a relegation crunch match.
Big Sam teams are typically fighters. They are usually a team of players who
will rip, claw, scram anything they can. They will put their bodies on the
line and are not adverse to the 'dark arts of football'.
Zaha would not fit in this team. Yes he is skillful, but if things are not
going his way, he sulks on the pitch. He wouldn't do the hard graft or chase
back. In my opinion, and I'm not sure how many West Ham fans would agree,
but I think Stuart Downing is far better in the role that Zaha would take
up.
The only club I feel that Zaha will ever feel comfortable at, and will
flourish is back home with Crystal Palace, because their fans, rightly or
wrongly, treat him like a god.
In his head, thats the only place that he will be treated like he deservers.
If he doesn't end up going back to Palace, from what I witnessed last
season, he will be another player with all the potential in the world, but a
bad attitude and a wasted career.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
QPR new-boy Rio Ferdinand turned down a move back to West Ham
RIO FERDINAND was so desperate to be reunited with Harry Redknapp at QPR he
snubbed a return to West Ham.
The Star
Ferdinand's first club West Ham and London rivals Tottenham were two of the
sides he rejected to join newly-promoted Rangers. Free agent Ferdinand, 35,
took a massive pay cut to sign a £40,000-a-week one-year Rangers deal. And
Redknapp insists ex-England skipper Ferdinand is a man with a point to prove
after being released by Manchester United. Redknapp, who gave centre-half
Ferdinand his senior debut at West Ham, said: "He didn't need convincing -
he wanted to come to QPR. "He spoke to two top London clubs, but he wanted
to come here and to play. "He could have gone elsewhere and maybe not
played at times but he wants to play football. He's like a little boy. "He's
been saying 'I've not been sleeping I've been so excited about coming to
play'. "He could have gone to Dubai or Qatar and earned a fortune. "His wage
demands were so incredibly low in my opinion. It was an easy deal to do. "He
was fit all last season, but David Moyes came in and wanted to change the
team around.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons react on Jenkinson
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 18, 2014 in Whispers
Calret & Hugh
West Ham United have confirmed an interest in Arsenal right back Carl
Jenkinson. National newspaper reports emerged this morning linking Sam
Allardyce with the player who is very much on the fringes at the Emirates.
The reports added that Guy Demel was a target for newly promoted Leicester
City and that Jenkinson was very much a target. ClaretandHugh has learned
since that the Hammers do have an interest in the player but haven't yet
established whether the Gunners are prepared to let the defender leave the
club. We were told: "If Arsenal are ready to let him leave on a loan or
permanently we would be interested. He's one of several we are looking at."
Jenkinson is rated at around £5 million.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jack Collison training with QPR in bid to earn contract following his
release from West Ham United
Collison is without a club following his release from the Hammers
He spent nine years at the east London side before departing this summer
The 25-year-old is training with the newly-promoted west London side in a
bid to impress R's boss Harry Redknapp
By SEAN GALLAGHER
PUBLISHED: 15:46, 18 July 2014 | UPDATED: 16:10, 18 July 2014
Daily Mail
Jack Collison is training at QPR in a bid to earn a permanent contract with
Harry Redknapp's side. The 25-year-old was released by West Ham in the
summer after nine years at the club following prolonged spells on the
sidelines through injury. Stretch out: Collison and Ferdinand speak with
each other during the training session on Friday morning The Welsh
international will therefore be hoping this is the fresh start he needs to
reignite his career. Collison - who spent time on loan at both Bournemouth
and Wigan last season - has been linked with a move to various Championship
clubs this summer, but Redknapp has now given him the chance to stake a
claim for a move to a Premier League side. After making his way through the
West Ham youth system, Collison would go on to make 121 appearances for the
Irons scoring 14 goals in the process. Elsewhere, Rangers striker Charlie
Austin has quashed speculation linking him with a move away from Loftus Road
by declaring he is happy at the club. Midfielder Samba Diakite is also close
to resolving his future as he looks set to join Saudi Arabian club
Al-Ittihad on a season-long loan.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Morrison still waiting for new Irons offer
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 18, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The midfielder – currently recovering from surgery on a persistent groin
injury – is now into the last year on his present contract. And
ClaretandHugh learned exclusively today that the club has still not spoken
to the player of his agent about a new one. However, we have also been told
that manager Sam Allardyce was keen for him to get the operation out of the
way in order for him to be challenging for a first team spot this season.
Morrison's agent Nick Rubery talking to ClaretandHugh this morning (Fri)
revealed: "There have been no talks about a new deal. "Ravel is determined
only to get over the operation as quickly as possible and get back on the
pitch. "His whole focus is on performing for West Ham this season – that's
been the situation since the season ended. He wants a big year." Rubery
indicated he was ready to enter talks with the Hammers board whenever they
are ready and at some stage that will happen. However we learned from a club
insider: "The club has three options – offer a contract, let this one run
down or see if any bids are made. "There's no new offer on the table at this
stage and the club will monitor everything surrounding the player carefully
and see how things play out over the forthcoming weeks before deciding where
they are going with it."
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