Match Preview - Wellington Phoenix
WHUFC.com
Team news, ticket and travel details and much more ahead of West Ham United's historic visit to Eden Park
22.07.2014
WELLINGTON PHOENIX v WEST HAM UNITED
FOOTBALL UNITED TOUR
EDEN PARK, AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
WEDNESDAY 23JULY 2014
KICK-OFF: 7.37PM NZ TIME
In brief
West Ham United play their first-ever match in New Zealand as part of the 2014 Football United Tour, taking on A-League side Wellington Phoenix at the 50,000-capacity Eden Park in Auckland.
The tournament also features Newcastle United, who beat Sydney FC 4-0 in the opening match in Dunedin, on New Zealand's South Island, on Tuesday evening.
The Hammers have drawn their opening two pre-season matches 2-2 at Stevenage and 0-0 at Ipswich Town, but will be hopeful of scoring a first victory when they take on the Phoenix on Wednesday.
Thousands of supporters from across New Zealand, Australia and further afield have descended on New Zealand's biggest city for what promises to be a unique occasion in Kiwi football history.
Before the big match kicks-off at 7.37pm local time, a curtain-raiser fixture will be played featuring some of New Zealand's best-known celebrities and sports stars. This kicks-off at 6pm.
A moment's silence will be held before kick-off in the main match in memory of John Alder and Liam Sweeney, the two Newcastle fans who were tragically killed en route to New Zealand, when a Malaysian Airlines flight was shot down over Ukraine last week.
The match will be screened live on television in New Zealand on pay-per-view by Sky Sport, in the UK by BT Sport and in more than 20 other countries around the world.
Who are they?
Founded in March 2007 following the dissolution of the New Zealand Knights, Wellington Phoenix entered the A-League later the same year, becoming the first expansion club in the league's history.
The name for the new club was picked from a shortlist of six, picked from 250 names suggested by the public, and represents the 'fresh start' for football made in the city with the club's birth.
In 2009/10, under the guidance of future New Zealand manager Ricki Herbert, Wellington Phoenix became the first ever New Zealand side to reach the A-League play-offs, defeating Perth Glory and Newcastle Jets to reach the Preliminary final, where they were beaten by Sydney FC. The Nix, as they are nicknamed, reached the play-offs again in 2011 and 2012.
In September 2011, the Phoenix was taken over by Welnix, a consortium of some of Wellington's most successful and influential businessmen. With business acumen and professional intergrity unparallelled in New Zealand business, this consortium has secured the future of the Phoenix for many years to come.
Scottish head coach Ernie Merrick has overseen a major turnover in players since his appointment in more than a dozen new faces since his appointment in May 2013. A two-time A-League champion with Melbourne Victory, Merrick will hope to see the Phoenix rise from a ninth-place finish in 2013/14.
As New Zealand's sole A-League representative, the Phoenix are an important and integral part of the country's sporting landscape, enjoying passionate support at home and abroad. With a strong suite of corporate sponsors, a passionate supporter base and the support of the Wellington community in general, the Wellington Phoenix's future looks bright.
Team news
West Ham will field the vast majority of their 24-man squad at Eden Park. However, Andy Carroll will miss the game with an ankle injury. For an update on this, click here.
One to watch
Wellington Phoenix
Australia international midfielder and winger Nathan Burns joined Wellington Phoenix from Korean club Incheon United in June 2014. Capped seven times by his country, Burns attended the Australian Institute of Sport as a youngster before turning out for Parramatta Eagles and A-League club Adelaide United.
In 2008, Burns moved to European football by joining Greek Super League side AEK Athens. He spent three and a half years in Greece, being loaned to Kerkyra in 2009/10, and totalled 70 appearances and ten goals for the two clubs.
After 18 months with Incheon, the 26-year-old returned to his homeland with Newcastle Jets on loan, scoring twice in 12 A-League appearances in 2013/14. At international level, Burns also helped Australia to runners-up spot at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup.
West Ham United
West Ham United fans could see Mauro Zarate make his second appearance in a Hammers shirt, with the exciting Argentine having made his debut as a substitute at Ipswich Town last time out.
Technically excellent, blessed with a low centre of gravity and superb finishing skills, Zarate has the talent and game to play in any of the attacking positions - either 'in the hole', out wide or as a central striker.
Zarate has looked sharp in training in New Zealand and could be handed a start in Andy Carroll's absence at Eden Park.
Tickets
Tickets are still available for what promises to be a unique occasion at New Zealand's largest stadium - Eden Park.
To purchases your tickets now, click here.
Travel
By public transport: For full information about how to get to Eden Park by public transport, click here.
By car: For full information about the road closures and parking restrictions around Eden Park, click here.
Where to go for a pre-match drink/meal
West Ham United fans are set to take over many of the bars in Auckland city centre, with supporters' groups attending from all over New Zealand, Australia and beyond.
The Australian supporters' clubs will be at O'Hagan's Irish Pub in the city's Viaduct Harbour district from 4pm.
Weather
The forecast is for a cool evening, with the small possibility of some showers and a maximum temperature of 10C (50F).
Last meeting
West Ham United have never met Wellington Phoenix previously.
Old boys
No player has every turned out for West Ham United and Wellington Phoenix.
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New Zealand update
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll will be rested for both games on the Football United tour in New Zealand
22.07.2014
Andy Carroll will miss both games on the Football United tour of New Zealand as a precautionary measure after developing a sore left ankle during training.
After assessment by the Club's medical experts, it was decided to let the England international rest for both remaining games and receive intensive treatment to ensure he is fit for the start of the season. It should be clear that the affected area is not in any way associated with the previous injury he successfully overcame towards the end of last season. West Ham United kick off their Football United tour against Wellington Phoenix in Auckland on Wednesday evening before facing Sydney FC in Wellington on Saturday.
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Phoenix rise to Hammers challenge
WHUFc.com
Wellington Phoenix head coach Ernie Merrick says the A-League club cannot wait to face West Ham United
21.07.2014
West Ham United's Football United Tour is a big deal to Wellington Phoenix. The visit of the Hammers, Newcastle United and Sydney FC to New Zealand was the brainchild of the A-League club, who will face Sam Allardyce's side at Eden Park in Auckland on Wednesday evening. While both clubs are still in pre-season, Phoenix head coach Ernie Merrick says the Football United Tour has caught the imagination of his players, staff and the general public alike. "I'm looking forward to it, the players are certainly looking forward to it and it has created a huge buzz around the whole of New Zealand," said Merrick, who visited Chadwell Heath earlier this year. It's great to see so many fans come out to see us. "This has never been done before in Australia and New Zealand, having two English Premier League sides visiting the country at the same time. This is first-class and we'll be making the most of it and hopefully we can put on a show for the fans. "First and foremost this is about our preparation in pre-season. In the A-League the pre-season is a prolonged period, so we really need to utilise the time well and play games regionally and against Australian sides. To play two Premier League sides is a huge boost for us and it will give our boys a chance to play against the players they have only seen on television."
Merrick said the Football United Tour, which is being broadcast in more than 20 countries worldwide, would offer the opportunity for his players to catch the attention of European clubs. "This is going to be broadcast on television, so it will be seen in Europe as well and I have no doubt that some of our young players will want to be spotted. I don't think it's a bad thing for them to have that ambition and we have some technically very good youngsters here.
"It will be very competitive. There is no doubt that Kiwi boys are very competitive, but they'll want to play good football too. This isn't about rough and tough or about defending - it's about trying to play a style that entertains the fans. "The result is important, but performance is very important for us at this stage as well."
Ticket sales for Wednesday's fixture and Saturday's double-header at Westpac Stadium in Wellington, where West Ham will face Sydney FC and the Phoenix will host Newcastle, have been very strong. A 20,000-strong crowd is expected at Eden Park, while a sell-out 34,500 will attend at Westpac - outstanding figures in a country more commonly associated with rugby union. "Ticket sales have been terrific, thanks in part to the promotion done by West Ham and Newcastle and the fact they have brought all their players," Merrick confirmed. "On the back of the World Cup, this really promotes the game in our country."
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Claret and Blues
WHUFC.com
All Blacks great Sir John Kirwan spent time with West Ham United during their tour to New Zealand
22.07.2014
West Ham United visited one of world sport's great venues on Tuesday, where they were welcomed by one of New Zealand's legendary sporting heroes.
Sir John Kirwan played 63 Test matches for the All Blacks rugby union team between 1984 and 1994, scoring 35 tries and winning the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987. The former winger spent eleven years playing for his home city of Auckland, while also turning out for Italian club Treviso during the European season. It was while living in Italy that he developed a love of football, supporting Juventus and studying the nuances of the beautiful game. Now a successful coach who has led both Italy and Japan to Rugby World Cups, the 49-year-old is now head coach of the Super Rugby team Auckland Blues. On Tuesday, he - was a very interested spectator - along with Blues players Angus Ta'avao, Jamison Gibson-Park and James Parsons - as West Ham trained at the home of the Blues, Auckland's iconic Eden Park. The Hammers taken on A-League side Wellington Phoenix at the 50,000-seater stadium on Wednesday evening at 7.30pm.
Sir John welcomed the Hammers to a stadium where he enjoyed a near-perfect playing record before spending an extended period in discussion with Hammers manager Sam Allardyce. "For me, Eden Park is a very special place," Sir John confirmed. "I didn't lose here for four years and didn't lose here playing for the All Blacks for about eight years and only lost two games in total, so it's a very special ground for me and I feel really at home here.
"It's a great honour for me to have such a prestigious football team here and I hope you enjoy the moment of what, for me, is a very special place. The honour is ours that you are here. "I'm a big soccer fan. I lived in Italy for 12 years and I like to study the game, so I'm a really passionate fan. I follow Juventus and my son plays soccer and wants to be a professional soccer player. He loves his soccer and I watch him play and am passionate about it. "It's also good for me to study. Big Sam, who I have seen from a distance for many years, was absolutely outstanding for me. As a manager myself, I got the chance to talk to him about some of the finer points on how to manage sides at that level."
Sir John believes that rugby union, which was an amatuer sport just 20 years ago, is now catching up with football - and in some areas has overtaken it - when it comes to many technical, physical, mental and commercial aspects of the game. "I think it's fair to say that rugby is heading towards soccer as far as income and the pressures on us as coaches and managers, so I was very privileged that I spent half an hour chatting to Sam. "I think all sports can learn from each other and many of the things I was talking about with Sam were mainly around management of players - physical, mental, game-stress and implementation of gameplan under pressure. There are a whole lot of different things, but they all come back to the individual athlete."
While New Zealand is undoubtedly rugby country, Sir John was quick to make the comparison of the Kiwis' love of the All Blacks and West Ham fans' loyal support of their own team. "For us, rugby is a bit like football is for you guys - a religion. I sum it up by saying that when my team loses - the biggest team with the biggest stadium in New Zealand - and I ring my mother up, who is 86, she will tell me what went wrong and ask me about selection, the scrum and the lineout. "That makes this country very unique and it's a bit like football in the UK. There are a lot of people who know about the game. We're passionate about it, we've got a winning culture and that comes with expectation and lots of passion, which is why we do it."
While Sir John had few peers as a rugby player, his talent on the football pitch is less well known. However, fans watching Wednesday's Football United Tour fixture between West Ham and Wellington will be able to catch him in action in a pre-match curtain-raiser game at Eden Park, which kicks-off at 6pm local time. "I've got a special pair of boots which make me go fast!" he joked. "I'm actually going to be playing as a defender, so if anybody tries to go past me there could be some contact! "I've heard the English game is much more physical than our game, so I was very interested to look at the Phoenix and your athletes, but I wouldn't be looking at the pre-game curtain-raiser for any tips! "I'm excited to be playing, I'm honoured that you guys are here and I think it's a fantastic thing for sport in general. I'll be out there having a kick-around, but I'll be watching the main game afterwards with a lot of interest."
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Lee loving pre-season purple patch
WHUFC.com
Elliot Lee is thrilled to be back scoring after injury brought a premature end to his involvement last term
22.07.2014
Elliot Lee is fit and firing again. West Ham United's teenage frontman missed the back end of last term with an ankle injury but is quickly making up for lost time. The 19-year-old has already netted four times for the Development Squad in pre-season and could hardly have wished for a better return to action.
"Pre-season's got off to a good start, I'm really pleased with how it's gone," Lee told West Ham TV. "With my injury last season, I really wanted to get my fitness and sharpness back as soon as I could. I think you can see that it's coming now and the goals are just an added bonus. It's brilliant to get them. "As a striker that's all you want to do, you want to score goals! I know throughout the season there will be blips when I don't score and I've just got to keep my confidence up. But at the minute, it's going really well for me. Hopefully I can just carry on scoring more."
Following a match-winning double at Havant and Waterlooville on Tuesday evening, Lee was at it again on Sunday, netting twice in quick succession to help down RCD Espanyol. If his first was a thing of beauty, nestling perfectly in the far corner, the second was more of a poacher's goal, but both welcome in his bid to wrestle his way back into senior reckoning. He continued: "I think it was a great team goal," he confirmed. "I owe all credit to my team-mates. We've popped it about down the left-hand side. It's a great ball from Kieran [Sadlier] to Sebby [Sebastian Lletget], it's a great set from Sebby to me and I've just put it in the corner, so it's a great goal all round if you ask me. "It [the second] is just being in the right place at the right time. Sam [Westley] has headed it against the bar and luckily it's come straight to me and I've just been able to put it in the goal. "I'm happy with my performances so far. I hope to carry on scoring goals, playing well and if I catch the gaffer's eye, then hopefully I can go and put in performances for the first team. But we'll have to see about that."
Aside from his own form, Lee is encouraged by how the Development Squad is shaping up this term, particularly with a new raft of youngsters ready to stake their claim. He continued: "I think we've had a great start to pre-season. All the lads are gelling again, we're all looking forward to the new season and hopefully we can do really well. We've got all the youngsters coming through. We push the youngsters on and they push us on, so there's no difference really. They've stepped up very well and they don't look out of place at all."
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West Ham striker Andy Carroll has picked up an ankle injury
Last Updated: 22/07/14 11:14pm
SSN
Andy Carroll is to miss both of West Ham United's friendly contests in New Zealand after picking up an ankle problem. The 25-year-old had been hoping to enjoy an injury-free pre-season, allowing him to start the 2014/15 campaign at peak fitness. Having spent much of last season on the treatment table as he nursed his way back from a serious heel complaint, the last thing he wanted was to suffer a fresh setback. West Ham hope the problem is not too serious and plan to rest Carroll as a precaution. They remain confident that the England international will be ready for the start of the new Premier League season and that there will be no repeat of the concerns from 12 months ago. A statement posted on the club's official website read: "After assessment by the Club's medical experts, it was decided to let the England international rest for both remaining games and receive intensive treatment to ensure he is fit for the start of the season. "It should be clear that the affected area is not in any way associated with the previous injury he successfully overcame towards the end of last season."
West Ham are due to face Wellington Phoenix in Auckland on Wednesday morning before travelling to Wellington to play Sydney FC on Saturday.
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GUEST POST: DAY TWO IN NEW ZEALAND
By Iain Dale 22 Jul 2014 at 08:37
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Kiwi Hammer
I will cut to the chase ….. Andy Carroll did not train and was not at the ground. A "reliable source" tells me he was doing a gym session and they were hoping he would play tomorrow but would make no further comment other than that ……. like the seasoned journo i have become (ha ha ha ha ) i cannot divulge that source!
But the weather was better and the stadium far more befitting of the mighty West Ham Utd (1895) and much to my delight i managed to get the following players to sign my daughter's West Ham tops, and for that I will be forever grateful …… Kevin Nolan, Winston Reid, Ginge Collins, Mohammed Diame ….. and my personal favourite ……. Carlton Cole.
You will also be delighted to know that one of the drills focussed on SHOOTING !!
The guys spilt into 3 groups. Poyet, Vaz Te, Diame, Jarvis, Reid & Potts Nolan, Ginge. Tomkins, Zarate, Kouyate Noble, Downing, Cresswell, Demel, Cole
Obviously there were also the Academy boys who I'm less familiar with. One end was a 6 v 6 "game" in one third of the pitch, the other end the ball movement and shooting drill alternating sides of the pitch. At both ends the keepers were wholly involved. The groups rotated between attacking the goal in the 6 v 6, defending the goal in the 6 v 6 and the shooting drill.
Apart from a brief shower the weather held. David Gold mixed and mingled and talked of the possibility of additional loan players to add to the squad …. gee he's a patient man!!
I'm a 48 year man yet felt like a school boy today. I cant wait for tomorrow. You should all be very proud of your team, they are all doing you and the club proud over here.
I can see an upsurge in the support for West Ham United from down under.
Interestingly ….. someone (i assume authorised) was also selling West Ham gear as you came through the gate …… probably too many kids and not enough Dads to be successful, but interesting nonetheless. Tomorrow night could be a bumper night for sales.
The groundsman tells me they are hoping for 20,000 tomorrow night, anything above 10 realistically will be a great result (funny, he was also getting grumpy with the goalkeepers chewing up the grass and the work he was going to have to do to get it shipshape by kick off).
Come on you Irons
UPDATE: I've just read that 17,000 tickets have been pre-sold.
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West Ham's young wing wizard Oscar Borg, on trial at Manchester United, to start for Red Devils' Under 18 side
Borg, on trial at Manchester United, to start for Red Devils' Under 18 side
The West Ham youngster has been dubbed as the 'next Gareth Bale'
Southampton are also interested in 16-year-old wing-back
By ADAM CRAFTON
PUBLISHED: 19:23, 22 July 2014 | UPDATED: 19:23, 22 July 2014
Daily Mail
Oscar Borg, the 16-year-old West Ham winger compared to Gareth Bale and on trial at Manchester United, is set to start for the Red Devils' under-18 team against Trafford on Monday night. The youngster, currently trying to impress at Old Trafford, has also attracted interest from Southampton, according to the Daily Express. Nicknamed 'Gareth' by the West Ham coaching set-up for a similar style of play to the Welsh wizard, Borg looks to have a bright future. Should Borg impress, he will cost United around £220,000 but as he is not signed on as a scholar at West Ham he is free to move. The east Londoners have also offered another rising star, Reece Oxford, a new and much improved deal to stay following interest from United, Arsenal and Chelsea. Oxford is a 15-year-old defender who has already played for West Ham's Under 18 side. The deal is believed to be the biggest the club have ever offered to a player under 20. Speaking earlier this month Hammers 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. Meanwhile Ogo Obi, a trialist from Watford, will also play some part for United's young side.
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West Ham will regret sticking with Sam Allardyce
by Daryl Hardy
GiveMesport.com
Ahead of the new Premier League season West Ham have been busy in the transfer market as they look to improve on a stuttering campaign last term, however their decision to stick with Sam Allardyce as manager could prove to be their downfall. The Hammers finished 13th last season reaching the benchmark points tally of 40 which is often enough to ensure a team of their Premier League safety. However the 2013-14 season was not like many others with the bottom half of the table in a relegation dogfight for the majority of it.
Deserves recognition
Just seven points separated the relegated Norwich in 18th and West Ham. Allardyce deserves credit for getting his side out of the scrap and clearing them to safety, which he has previously stated was his objective for the season. Although if the club want to progress and ensure they are not involved in a similar situation in the future, then it is perhaps not wise to stick with the man that put them there in the first place.
In need of a new style
Allardyce teams are fighters, scrappers and give everything they've got to the cause which is a credit to the man as it has got them this far. But in my opinion his style does not suit the West Ham philosophy of free-flowing, attacking football, breeding youngsters through the academy and generating excitement among fans with their often unpredictable but enjoyable performances. Nowadays under Allardyce they are the complete opposite. They have become so predictable that teams know how to deal with them and have wisened up to the 59-year-old manager's tricks. He plays direct, percentage football that isn't very reliable or pretty to watch. The fact that his sides are usually defensively sound and well organised is his saving grace, but is that enough in the modern era of football that is all about goals and excitement?
Calls for sacking
There were vociferous calls from sections of the club's support for his dismissal last season despite the side reaching the Capital One Cup semi-final and securing league safety. The board at the club have been insistent on improvements being made to the team's style of play to provide "more entertainment" in future while also demanding a top-half finish. But having watched many Allardyce sides in the past he is not one to change – his Bolton, Blackburn and Newcastle team's all provided similar displays and outcomes.
In my view it would be a surprise if Big Sam is still at the helm this time next year as his new season objectives appear rather ambitious and I don't believe he is the man to take them forward, but if his new signings deliver then there is no reason why he can't steer them clear of relegation once again.
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Up to 950 homes to be build at the Boleyn Ground
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 22, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
A scoping planning application has been submitted to Newham council on behalf of the applicant Galliard Homes for the redevelopment of the Boleyn Ground. The proposed application is for demolition of the existing buildings on site and the development of a residential-led mixed used scheme compromising of up to approximately 950 residential units in a number of buildings ranging in height from 3-16 storeys. Also proposed is approximately 950sqm of non-residential floor space which predominantly comprises of small-scale commercial and community uses and public and private open spaces and landscaping.
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Arsenal chasing West Ham starlet
By Essex Chronicle | Posted: July 22, 2014
ARSENAL have joined the chase for West Ham youngster Reece Oxford. The teenager has impressed for the Hammers youth team and is now on the radar for several Premier League Clubs. The Gunners will have to fend off interest from Manchester United and Chelsea if they are to secure the defender's signature. However, Sam Allardyce is hoping to keep hold of Oxford, as the club try to pin him down to a long-term deal.
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Andy Carroll will play one half tomorrow
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 22, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The Brisbane & Sydney Hammers from Australia are in New Zealand to watch the Football United tour and earlier today Claret and Hugh caught up with Brisbane Hammers chairman Dave Rhodes to give us an update of today's open training session. "David Gold said Andy Carroll had a slight knock and would play a half tomorrow. He didn't train today. There wasn't a whole lot to report from the training. They were kicking the ball about doing a bit of sprints etc. everybody was there except Carroll from what I could see. Kevin Nolan came over for a chat with the Brisbane Hammers and he was good as gold. The West Ham media team took our banner to the dressing room and got it signed by all the West Ham lads. None of the other players came over to us which was a bit disappointing but David Gold came over for a good chat, what a lovely bloke he is. We were interviewed by West ham TV first then New Zealand TV Channel One News which you can see below. COYI"
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Enner Valencia to miss Wellington Phoenix clash as club plays down Ivan Strinic links
Evening Standard
KEN DYER
Published: 22 July 2014 Updated: 11:38, 22 July 2014
West Ham's new £12 million signing Enner Valencia will be missing from Sam Allardyce's team when they meet Wellington Phoenix tomorrow in the first of two pre‑season tour matches in New Zealand. The 24-year-old, who scored all of Ecuador's three goals in the World Cup finals, has signed a five-year deal for the Upton Park club but is still waiting for a work permit.
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Hammers hit Arsenal "wall"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 22, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are still chasing Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson but talks are currently deadlocked! The Hammers are keen to grab the right back either permanently or on loan but the Gunners are playing hardball. And until the north Londoners complete their own business it is unlikely the Hammers will be able to move forward. Jenkinson would have a £5 million price tag on his head were he be allowed to move on from the Emirates and it would be a deal the Irons would find hard to resist. The alternative of course would be a loan with an option to buy at the end of the season. However, at the moment Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is unwilling to move the process on as he chases his own targets. A senior Hammers source told ClaretandHugh: "Nothing has changed at the moment but that's not to say it's dead. Anything can happen in this game!"
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AC fitness: The big question
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 22, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Andy Carroll's state of health continues to monopolise pre season as more reports flow in on the issue from New Zealand. ClaretandHugh carried a story yesterday which claimed the Geordie had done just five minutes on the training pitch. Very quickly a source close to the club, and with the squad in New Zealand, claimed there was no injury, that he trained fully on Sunday and was on an exercise bike in the tunnel on Monday during the training session. He added he will play in both games in New Zealand, that he was a bit behind the other squad members in terms of fitness and had his own programme. The first game comes against Wellington Phoenix tomorrow morning and the second against Sydney FC on Saturday. How much that will tell us about his state of fitness is debatable given these are, after all, friendlies. But the big question that hasn't been answered after originally being raised on Twitter by a usually reliable resource, is WHY the player is behind the others in training. Unless there has been an injury problem – and there didn't appear to be as he enjoyed the summer break amid the usual accompanying glare of publicity – it begs a few questions. I have little doubt that the No 9 will be up to speed by the time the Spurs match comes around but given his history with injuries, the club should not be surprised that questions are being asked by the fans. Andy Carroll's fitness is a major and central issue at West Ham United and hopefully at some stage we will be told why he has been on his own programme.
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Tuesday, July 22
Daily WHUFC News - 22nd July 2014
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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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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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
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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.
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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?"
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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!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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)
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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..
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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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'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."
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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..
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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."
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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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