Nobes psyched for Sampdoria
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble cannot wait to get back out on the Boleyn Ground turf on Saturday
04.08.2014
Mark Noble is looking forward to testing himself against more top European
opposition when Sampdoria visit the Boleyn Ground on Saturday for the
inaugural Marathonbet Cup. Noble captained West Ham United for Sunday's
conclusion to the Schalke Cup, which saw them come off second best against
Spanish side Malaga following an impressive penalty shoot-out win against
the tournament hosts the day before. With the squad now back in the UK,
Noble's thoughts have quickly turned to the Hammers' final pre-season
friendly against the Italian outfit, which will offer Sam Allardyce a last
chance to test his squad before the season opener against Tottenham Hotspur
in two weeks' time. "It'll be nice to get back out at the Boleyn Ground
against a top European side," Noble said. "It's our last game before the
start of the season and it'll be nice to get back there playing in front of
your own fans. "With so many players coming in and some of the injuries
we've got it'll be interesting to see what starting XI the gaffer will go
with. We've got less than two weeks now to knuckle down and to become a
proper team and hopefully we can get another couple of signings in to
improve the squad and the team."
Malaga's victory meant the Spanish side won the four-team tournament that
also featured fellow Barclays Premier League side Newcastle United. The
Hammers had been in with a chance of winning the trophy following Saturday's
7-6 shoot-out win, but despite not bringing the silverware home, the Hammer
of the Year saw the trip to Germany as a worthwhile exercise. "In Germany
the level was a lot higher and the teams were a lot better and we coped well
in spells. We played Malaga and they had all the ball, but it was a good
work out for the boys. We know the way the Spanish play; you expect that.
"It's hard as I've been through pre-seasons before and we've battered every
team we've come across but then we've lost the first three games of the
season. "So I think in pre-season it's all about fitness, getting to a level
where you want to be at to play in the Premier League. Hopefully we can get
off to a good start as we got 14 points from our first eight games two
seasons ago. We just need to get points on the board early doors and make
life easy for ourselves."
Noble and the rest of the West Ham first-team squad will have a chance to
meet Enner Valencia at training this week after the Ecuador World Cup star
flew into London on Friday night. Noble admits he cannot wait to see what
the Club's second most expensive signing ever can add to the squad as Sam
Allardyce looks to shake up his attacking options. "No pressure on him but
we need him at the moment as we're bit light in that area. We just need our
squad back together for the start of the season. "Hopefully we can entertain
the fans and put on a good show in our home games and then go away and be
solid away from home. We've finished tenth and 13th so the aim will be to
finish better than that this time around."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mediawatch - 4 August
WHUFC.com
A round-up of West Ham United in the news today
04.08.2014
The Sun (£) reports that the Hammers are weighing up a move for Sunderland
striker Connor Wickham, as their search for a striker continues. This line
is also carried in the Daily Telegraph.
Another transfer story in Monday's press concerns Manchester United winger
Wilfried Zaha, with the Daily Mail reporting that West Ham would like to
take him on loan.
The Mirror has coverage of the hamstring injury suffered by Carl Jenkinson
in Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Malaga.
That same game, in which two goals from the Spanish side in as many first
half minutes gave Malaga the victory, is covered by match reports in the
Mail and The Sun (£).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ladies add five new players
WHUFC.com
Julian Dicks' West Ham United Ladies have been busy bolstering their ranks
in recent weeks
04.08.2014
West Ham United Ladies' new manager Julian Dicks has strengthened his squad
with five new additions already this summer. The Hammers have recruited some
new talent in goalkeeper Nikita Runnacles and striker Emma Sherwood from
Millwall, defender Ruby Baxter from Bristol Academy, midfielder Vicky
Kinsman from Barking Ladies and attacker Alma Donohoe from KIKK United. The
new girls have all got down to work with their new club and are relishing
the 2014/15 FA Women's Premier League Southern Division season. "The
decision to leave Millwall was never going to be an easy one," admitted
Runnacles. "I wish them all the best for the rest of their season, but the
move to West Ham made sense in so many ways. "Since joining the club, I feel
that I've been given great support and the training that I need. "It's been
intense and I'm sure that will carry on throughout the season but, with the
group of girls and staff we have here, I'm sure it will result in a positive
future at the club!"
Also joining from Millwall is striker Sherwood, who said the presence of
Dicks in the dugout was a big factor in her swapping south London for east
London.
"It was an easy decision to join West Ham from Millwall after meeting the
girls and Julian," revealed Sherwood. "The girls have got so much banter and
it already feels like I'm part of the family here. "Julian is a great
manager and is an absolute pleasure to play for. He manages to get the best
out of us and everyone has great respect for him and the ambition that he
has with the Ladies squad. "I'm looking forward to the season ahead and know
that we can challenge for silverware this season."
Two of the Hammers' new additions are returning to West Ham Ladies after
several years away from the club. One of those is midfielder Kinsman, who
has featured for Barking Ladies since leaving the Hammers ten years ago. "I
couldn't be prouder putting on a West Ham shirt than I am right now,"
confirmed Kinsman. "Ten years ago, I played for West Ham but decided to
leave to have a few years out. I'm finally back where I belong and I can't
wait to get stuck in and win some trophies with the girls!"
The other returning Hammer is defender Baxter, who featured for West Ham
Ladies at Under-12 level at the same time as playing for Leyton Orient,
before The FA introduced a 'one club rule', where Orient's Centre of
Excellence status was enough to persuade her away from the Hammers. Now back
in the Claret and Blue shirt, Baxter couldn't be happier. "Since leaving
Bristol Academy and returning home, it feels so good to be back wearing the
West Ham shirt and playing for the club that has and will always be closest
to my heart," said Baxter. "I feel privileged to have been selected for the
upcoming season with Julian and the girls. "I am extremely excited for the
season to commence and am relishing the thought of success in the league and
other competitions this year."
The final addition to the Ladies squad is striker, former Cambridge
University Women's Football captain and Harvard Business School graduate
Donohoe, who has joined the Hammers from Mile End-based KIKK United. "I'm
very excited about joining West Ham Ladies," said Donohoe (pictured with
manager Julian Dicks). "I think it will be a great challenge and I am
prepared to work hard for the team and the manager. I'm hoping to have a
good season and see the team finish in the top half of the table."
The Ladies, who finished second from bottom in the Southern Division last
season before appointing Dicks as manager this summer, continued their
pre-season with a 3-2 defeat at C&K Basildon on Sunday. Vicki Bruce and
Vicki King twice put the Hammers in front in the first half, only for the
home side to level the match at 2-2 by half-time. A winning goal ten minutes
after the break condemned Dicks to his first defeat as Ladies manager. West
Ham will kick-off their 2014/15 Southern Division season by travelling to
Uxbridge FC to take on Queens Park Rangers on Sunday 24 August at 2pm.
Dicks' first home league game in charge will be against Tottenham Hotspur at
Aveley FC at 7.45pm on Thursday 4 September.
Ladies: Runnacles, Baxter, King, Powels, Bottom, Morgan, Little, Hinton,
Donohoe, Sherwood, Bruce
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U19s show strongly at Eurofoot
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Academy side finished sixth at the Yale Eurofoot
Tournament
04.08.2014
West Ham United's Academy side performed strongly in Belgium over the
weekend to take sixth place in the annual Yale Eurofoot Tournament. The
tournament features U19 sides from across Europe, with the likes of
Anderlecht, Standard Liege, Utrecht and Tottenham Hotspur also in
attendance.
West Ham began superbly on Thursday, winning their opening two group games
against Belgian opposition. Jerry Amoo (pictured) and Jordan Brown were on
target to down Anderlecht 2-0, and the pair were on the scoresheet again,
alongside Djair Parfitt-Williams, to secure a 3-1 victory over Oostende,
which meant the Hammers had a perfect six points from six at the end of day
one. Friday gave the Hammers a three-game schedule, and the winning habit
was maintained as Standard Liege were on the wrong end of a 3-2 scoreline
first up - with Amoo taking his tournament tally to four. A 1-1 draw against
Danish outfit Nordsjaelland continued the unbeaten run, although a 2-0
defeat to eventual tournament winners Paranaense, of Brazil, meant the
Hammers had to settle for third in the group, missing out to Nordsjaelland
for a semi-final spot on goal difference. Third meant a play-off for fifth
place against Club Brugge on Sunday, and the Belgians prevailed to take the
honours with a 2-0 scoreline. Paranaense saw off Genk 1-0 in the final to
lift the trophy
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Ravel Morrison released on bail over assault
BBC.co.uk
West Ham footballer Ravel Morrison has been released on bail after three
days in custody on charges of assaulting his ex-girlfriend and her mother.
Mr Morrison faces two charges of common assault after an alleged incident
involving Reah Mansoor, 19, and Parveen Mansoor, 39, on 27 July. He was
remanded in custody on Thursday, but his bail was approved at a Manchester
Crown Court hearing earlier. The 21-year-old from Urmston is next due before
magistrates on Thursday. After starting his career with Manchester United's
youth teams, he was sold to West Ham in January 2012. The midfielder, who
has also played on loan for QPR and Birmingham City, has four England
Under-21 caps.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam on the move
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 4th August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Former West Ham Academy goalkeeper Sam Cowler has joined Vanarama Conference
side Barnet. 21-year-old Cowler spent three years at the club without making
a single first team appearance, although he was an unused substitute for the
2-1 defeat against Aldershot in the 2011/12 Carling Cup. Upon leaving West
Ham, Cowler joined Barnet but found his opportunities limited due to the
steady form of regular number one Graham Stack. A year ago this month he
moved to Bishop's Stortford before another former Hammer, Martin 'Mad Dog'
Allen, took him back to the Bees, as confirmed by the player himself this
afternoon. Cowler was part of the same youth team that included the likes of
Danny Potts, Seb Lletget and Matthias Fanimo, all of whom represented the
club in Germany last weekend. He was also in the same squad as Dylan
Tombides, who sadly passed away earlier this year.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ravel Morrison released on bail
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 4th August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Ravel Morrison has been released from custody three days before he is due in
court to answer an assault charge. Judge Michael Henshall this morning
agreed to release the West Ham midfielder on bail, four days after he was
remanded in custody after allegedly assaulting his former girlfriend and her
mother, reports the Manchester Evening News. Morrison, who wasn't appear in
court this morning for the bail application hearing will appear at
Manchester magistrates court this coming Thursday (August 7) after being
arrested in the early hours of last Sunday morning. He stands accused of
assaulting former girlfriend Reah Mansoor, 19, and her mother Parveen
Mansoor, 39.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Ravel Morrison granted bail after spending weekend in custody
Last Updated: 04/08/14 12:35pm
SSN
West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison has been freed after a judge granted him
bail following a private court hearing. The 21-year-old was in custody and
not present at Manchester Crown Court to hear the bail application made by
his lawyers. Morrison is accused of two counts of common assault on his
ex-girlfriend Reah Mansoor, 19 and her mother Parveen Mansoor, 39, in the
early hours of last Sunday morning. He was refused bail by District Judge
James Prowse at his first court appearance at Manchester Magistrates' Court
on Thursday and spent the weekend in custody. Judge Michael Henshall granted
Morrison bail on Monday, but his conditions were not given by the court
following a request from the press. Morrison was sold by Manchester United
to West Ham for a fee of £650,000 in January 2012, but has since spent loan
spells at Birmingham and QPR. He is next due to appear at Manchester
Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham wait on Carl Jenkinson injury news
Last Updated: 04/08/14 3:11pm
SSN
Carl Jenkinson is set to miss the start of the new Premier League season
with West Ham after picking up an injury in Sunday's friendly against
Malaga.
Jenkinson, who has signed for the Hammers on a season-long loan from
Arsenal, injured a hamstring in the 2-0 defeat and will have a scan to
determine the extent of the damage. West Ham midfielder Mark Noble told Sky
Sports News: "Hopefully it is not too bad because we need players like that
fit for the start of the season. New signing Carl Jenkinson suffered a
hamstring injury but Mark Noble says it isn't serious. Noble is however,
concerned about Andy Carroll's injury. "It was a precaution to take him off
and we have two more games before we start the season with a tough one
against Tottenham." With first-choice right-back Guy Demel also injured,
manager Sam Allardyce will be hoping that Jenkinson's injury does not prove
to be too serious. The defeat to Malaga was West Ham's third loss in four
pre-season games and they are next in action against Sampdoria at Upton Park
on Saturday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BIG SAM: STICK OR TWIST?
By Iain Dale 4 Aug 2014 at 17:43
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by David Cutting
I've been watching West Ham for 37 years, since I was 7 years old (North
Bank Bar standing on a milk crate). My old man used to play for West Ham
Boys and played semi-pro for Barking, Leytonstone, etc. To be honest I never
rated myself much as a player, let's say a mediocre at best right-back. The
old man was a bit tasty, playing centre forward for Barking (when they were
decent). But I have spent a lot of my time around senior football since the
age of 8. The old man started Eldon Black Lion many years ago, based out of
The Black Lion PH (West Ham Boxing Club) in Plaistow. He was Aveley FC's
Coach when they played Oxford City and I got to meet Bobby Moore and Harry.
I'll be honest, I remember meeting BM6 but I couldn't remember meeting Aitch
until I heard some Radio 5 Live broadcast about it last year. Enough Already
– name-dropping or just real life football related experience?
I listen to the reported 80% or so wanting Sam out every week and I
understand it, I get it, I want it (sort of) – from a 'fan' point of view,
from an 'entertainment' point of view, from a 'this is how football should
be played' point of view. If I was ever good enough to play for Big Sam, I'm
sure I would be the first player out the door – "Don't pass it around the
edge of the penalty box, just get rid of it" – I assure you, I have
absolutely no reason to like him or admire him. I'm bored and uninspired
too!
Yet, West Ham United have probably the 2 most important years of their
modern history ahead of them. This isn't a time for looking good (my own
personal football philosophy goes flying out the window). So yeah come on,
let's kick Big Sam out. It'll make us all feel much better about ourselves.
I'm sure we will all celebrate, but maybe only temporarily?
When push comes to shove, look at our squad: Adrian, Jussi, Jenkinson,
O'Brien, Tomkins, Reid, Cresswell, Noble, Kouyate, Diame, Nolan, Jarvis,
Downing, Zarate, Valencia, Carroll – Zaha (wildcard?)
Personally, I think that's good enough to be where we need to be next year.
No Drama (Hopefully). No Crisis (Hopefully). No Sackings (TBC) End of
Contract (Hopefully) and then 'at last' time to move on and grow OUR beloved
Football Club.
Oh yeah, and a whole 12 months to find a top manager to take us to the next
level
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WHAT HAS KEVIN NOLAN EVER DONE FOR US?
By Iain Dale 4 Aug 2014 at 12:39
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Appy Ammer
This has been hammered home so many times but the facts are, Kevin Nolan
will probably start the season, so rather than whine about it, I wanted to
talk about the things Kevin brings to the club.
There are things off the pitch that clearly Nolan deals in, from what I can
gather he handles club fines (Discipline?) and helps with the integration of
new players he takes under his wing. And he is the player others go to if
they want to talk to Sam, so away from the pitch he has a big influence and
is very important, arguably as a captain one of the better ones we have had
for a while. (I would argue the last captain we had who was as good was
maybe Steve Lomas)
But, therein lies a bit of a dilemma. If Sam drops Nolan, which many have
argued he should, myself included, then how does that effect the dressing
room? To some extent Sam's inability (whatever the reason) of not wanting to
get his hands dirty with the squad has created his own problems.
Nolan, as captain and everything else he brings to the squad makes him also
undroppable, but is he the same player as he was when he joined us? I would
argue he isn't, and no matter how good a captain off the pitch he doesn't do
enough on it. But again, does he have too much power with the other lads?
If so, what do you do with him? We all know he will not be dropped and we
also know he is an excellent captain, so how do you deal with it? Nolan in a
new position? Maybe due to lack of pace push him as a virtual out and out
striker, alongside Carroll/Cole, relieving him of all defensive duties? Or
drop him deeper, maybe as an anchor and allow Noble/Koyate more chances to
get forward.
All I know is he will almost certainly play (unless he gets red carded for
Christmas! Not that I'm cynical!) and his current abilities do not allow him
to play the way he wants to or Sam wants him to.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
IS CONNOR WICKHAM REALLY THE ANSWER TO OUR STRIKER PROBLEMS?
By Iain Dale 4 Aug 2014 at 08:48
West Ham Till I DIe
The Telegraph suggest that West Ham are looking to Sunderland's Connor
Wickham to plug our attacking hole. Really? It is said he would be an ideal
replacement for Andy Carroll. Well, he's 6' foot three and doesn't score
many goals, but that has to be where the similarities end.
Wickham looked the business when he left Ipswich for Sunderland, but since
going to the North East he hasn't exactly set the world alight with his
exploits. Now admittedly he is only 21 years old and maybe he would fulfill
his promise if he moved to Upton Park, but if you look at his record so far
it isn't exactly stellar, although admittedly he came good towards the end
of last season and scored five goals in the run-in, which contributed hugely
to Sunderland staying up. But whatever his merits he is not the 15-20 goal a
season striker we so desperately need. At Ipswich he scored 13 in 65 and at
Sunderland he's only got 6 in 40. Overall, including loan spells and cup
games he has scored 33 goals in 143 games. Carlton Cole is more prolific.
It seems from the pre-season games so far that Sam Allardyce has barely
modified his style of play and that he will continue to play one up front.
Quite why the club has bought Zarate is anyone's guess as he certainly can't
play in that position, and I doubt whether Valencia would fancy it either.
Only at West Ham, eh?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former United footballer Ravel Morrison jogs away from prison after being
bailed on assault charges
Aug 04, 2014 19:23 By Paul Britton
This is the moment former Manchester United footballer Ravel Morrison,
charged with two assaults, was released on bail from Strangeways prison
Manchester Evening News
This is the moment former Manchester United footballer Ravel Morrison,
charged with two assaults, was released on bail from Strangeways prison.
The 21-year-old was freed from HMP Manchester seven hours after a judge had
granted a bail application after a hearing at Manchester Crown Court.
Morrison, had been remanded in custody last month after he was charged with
two counts of common assault. The charges relate to his ex-girlfriend Reah
Mansoor, 19, and her mother, 39-year-old Parveen Mansoor. Midfielder
Morrison, who moved to West Ham United from Manchester United in 2012, was
arrested on Sunday July 27 after police were called to an address in Peel
Green, Salford, in the early hours. It followed reports that a 19-year-old
woman had been assaulted outside a nightclub in Manchester city centre and
at an address on Alexandra Road in Peel Green. A 39-year-old woman also
claimed she had been attacked there. Morrison, who spent the end of last
season on loan at QPR, was remanded in custody by a district judge at
Manchester magistrates court during an initial hearing last month. No pleas
have been entered.
A bail application hearing was heard in private before judge Michael
Henshall at Manchester Crown Court. Morrison, of Welwyn Close, Urmston,
wasn't produced from custody to attend but bail was granted in his absence
at the end of the 15-minute hearing. No conditions of bail were revealed.
His mother turned up outside Strangeways in mid-afternoon but Morrison was
not released until about 5.30pm. Wearing a white t-shirt, cream jogging
pants and grey shell-toed trainers, Morrison was not met by anyone. He ran
off down Bury New Road towards the city centre. He is due to appear at
Manchester magistrates court again on Thursday. West Ham United have refused
to comment.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers hope Rav can train after getting bail
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 4, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are hoping they can get Ravel Morrison back into training following
him receiving bail this morning! The 21 year old midfielder clearly remains
part of the club's plans despite being remanded in custody by a district
judge at Manchester magistrates court during an initial hearing last month.
He was charged with two counts of common assault but today at a private
hearing before judge Michael Henshall at Manchester Crown Court, the 21 year
old was granted bail.
He wasn't produced from custody but was bail granted ahead of an appearance
before magistrates again on Thursday. A highly placed Hammers source told
Claretandhugh exclsuively: "Hopefully he can now get back and start
training. Maybe things are turning our way."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EXCLUSIVE: Sullivan hopes Rav's back asap
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 4, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Sullivan has told Ravel Morrison he's looking forward to seeing him
back in training as quickly as possible. Sullivan was relieved to see the
player's bail application succeed in private chambers this morning and made
it clear there's still a place for the player at Upton Park. Speaking
exclusively to ClaretandHugh, the co-chairman said: ""I hope Ravel gets back
into training as soon as possible and concentrates on his football. Sullivan
had made it clear ahead of the incident last week that the board were keen
to offer the midfielder a new deal. And manager Sam Allardyce has since said
that if the player can get the discipline side of his game correct then he
is in his plans. The 21 year old will appear before magistrates in
Manchester on Thursday after being charged with two counts of common
assault. The charges relate to his ex-girlfriend Reah Mansoor, 19, and her
mother, 39-year-old Parveen Mansoor. No pleas have been entered.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE ALLARDYCE SITUATION NEEDS SORTING & SORTING NOW
By Iain Dale 4 Aug 2014 at 21:41
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Heedsy
On the face of it, it doesn't seem to make any sense as to why we still have
Allardyce as our manager. I have no "well placed sources" to let me know
what is really going on at Upton Park but wonder whether it panned out
something like this.
Allardyce has served us not too badly up to recent times ( in spite of his
style not being liked by many fans). Last season was pretty shocking but in
spite of everything we survived. Then the fans found their voice and the
board new something must be done. It would not be unreasonable to assume
they looked at alternative managers and indicated they would prefer a home
based one? With Moyes probably proving too expensive and not many other
worthy prospects around (McKay etc) unless they wanted to take a real chance
on ex spud Hoddle or someone from a lower division, they were faced with
buying someone out of their contract. Together with Allardyce's payout that
could amount to significant dosh. So perhaps that did not look the best
business decision. Particularly if they could just get Allardyce to change
things a bit to appease the fans. Paying out possibly £6-£8 million for a
management change now against hanging in for one more year is a tough call
on shareholder funds.
Taking the transfer chequebook away from Allardyce was a must and new young
talented players would be put at his disposal.
I am sure the Board didn't say that Allardyce would play more attractive
attacking football this year and not expect to see some change. They know
the fans are not fools and have a voice.
So I can only assume Allardyce has agreed to the changes but had no
intention of following them through. It seems hard to believe that a
professional manager in the Premier League in this day and age would
actively go against his employers wishes and force them to back down or sack
him , but what other scenario can you come up with based on pre-season?
The soap opera that is now being played out in public does the club no good
at all. But I feel sure this was not the Board's original intention.
Nevertheless it needs sorting now. Surely the Board must call on Allardyce
to either do what he agreed to do or sack him.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Peter Crouch not for sale as Stoke City boss Mark Hughes fends off West Ham
interest
Aug 04, 2014 22:30 By Alan Nixon
The Potters boss is determined to stand by the big target man despite
signing Mame Biram Diouf and with Hammers' Sam Allardyce on the prowl
The Mirror
Mark Hughes has put a 'hands off' notice on Stoke City striker Peter Crouch
– as West Ham look at an emergency deal. Hughes is determined to stand by
the big target man despite signing Mame Biram Diouf and with Hammers' Sam
Allardyce on the prowl. The Potters chief said: "Crouchie has been linked
with moves since I have come to the club. "I take it all with a pinch of
salt. "Peter was great for me last year and he is a player we want to keep.
"We have got good options and we want to keep it that way. "It's a long
tough season and you need good quality players over the place."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Miserable Andy Carroll hits rock bottom following latest injury and abuse
from West Ham fans
Aug 04, 2014 22:30 By Simon Bird
The Gerodie is struggling to deal with being out of action for the first
four months of the season and has sunk to a new low, according to manager
Sam Allardyce
The Mirror
Three years ago he was riding high having completed a £35million dream
transfer from Newcastle to Liverpool, a record for a British player. Now,
Andy Carroll has hit rock bottom, sidelined yet again from the latest in his
catalogue of injuries and facing abuse from West Ham fans. The Geordie is
struggling to deal with being out of action for the first four months of
the season and has sunk to a new low, according to Hammers manager Sam
Allardyce. Carroll is a week into his rehabilitation after surgery in the
United States to fix damaged ankle ligaments, his fourth bad injury since
joining the Londoners. And it has left the former England forward "miserable
and upset". He has made only 16 appearances for West Ham since signing for
£15m a year ago following a previous loan spell at the club. And Allardyce
has revealed the torment and frustration his target man is feeling. To make
matters worse, some Hammers fans have turned on Carroll. He has had messages
on social media telling him he is a "permanent crock with an average
record". Others simply advised him to "retire", and one critic wrote: "Fed
up this bloke has taken no care of himself".
Another responded to a picture of Carroll after his surgery with the
message: "They should put you down". The 25-year-old is adamant he will
bounce back from the abuse, but it has added to his distress because he
desperate to be a hit at Upton Park. And he still yearns for a return to the
England set-up, with the injuries also having wrecked his chances of going
to the World Cup in Brazil this summer. Allardyce said: "He is pretty
miserable. He is not very happy with life at the moment because it's a
massive blow to him again. "We just have to pick his spirits up. "Hopefully
when the boot comes off and the specialist gives him the OK to start working
again he will feel a lot happier with himself. "But he is certainly very
upset and very miserable at this moment in time."
Question marks remain over Carroll's fragile body and his ability to
recapture the threat that saw Liverpool pay Newcastle £35m in January 2011
for a player who once fell off a bar stool and pulled a thigh muscle. As a
youngster at Newcastle he became the marauding, near unplayable pivot of the
attack until manager Alan Pardew decided to cash in and move to a different
style of football at St James' Park. His value plunged at Liverpool even
though he made 52 appearances for club and country in the 2011-12 season,
scoring 10 goals. A year on loan with the Hammers ended with seven goals in
24 games, a decent return amid the injuries. He was sidelined for a month
with a hamstring problem in September 2012 and two months from December with
a twisted knee. In May last year he was crocked for seven months with a
complicated heel problem that meant he did not play again until January
this year. To need and operation and be ruled out for the start of this
campaign has been a bitter blow. Carroll is getting support from his
team-mates. James Collins knows exactly what he is going through as he was
also forced to spend a lengthy period out of the side through injury last
year. The Wales defender managed to make a full recovery, and has no doubts
that Carroll can do the same as he has the right people to help him come
back quickly. Collins said: "It is devastating for him, I had a similar
situation last year and it is tough for him. "Injuries happen and he has had
two bad ones early in his career. "He is a good character and has got good
people around him. "I am sure he will be back as quick as he can."
Despite his past reputation of liking a party, Carroll is a charming
character who is anxious to do well. At the end of last season he was
encouraged to see that the likes of Rickie Lambert were in the Three Lions
squad and has not given up hope of adding to his nine caps. He enjoys his
gym work and physical training, and will look at everything possible
strengthen his big frame. Carroll used the word "devastated" to describe
his feelings when the extent of his latest injury was revealed on the
club's tour of New Zealand.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pressure building on 'Untouchable' Nolan
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 4, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Kevin Nolan's role in the West Ham United team is coming under more and more
pressure from inside the club. Big questions are being asked by powerful
insiders as to why the highly skilled Mauro Zarate was deployed as a lone
front man Sunday. And they are convinced he will be given little chance of
competing for the Nolan position – which looks his natural role..
The manager is facing a backlash should he ignore the Argentine with
ClaretandHugh sources saying: "He and the other players were brought in to
put the pressure on places. "Nolan appears to have become a Sam Allardyce
'Untouchable.' Zarate is a natural replacement for Nolan and that's what
should happen.
"In the Schalke game Nolan's biggest contribution was talking to the
referee. "Everybody felt so sorry for Mauro being used as a lone striker.
"It's so hard for a player who does what he does to play in that position
if we hump the ball. "Given the opportunity, Mauro can become a real star
and pressure is building to ensure that he gets his chances in the Nolan
role. The captain has to be treated in exactly the same way as every other
player – if he is off form he should be dropped. Simple"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
Tuesday, August 5
Monday, August 4
Daily WHUFC News - Morrison
Ravel Morrison released on bail
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 4th August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Ravel Morrison has been released from custody three days before he is due in
court to answer an assault charge. Judge Michael Henshall this morning
agreed to release the West Ham midfielder on bail, four days after he was
remanded in custody after allegedly assaulting his former girlfriend and her
mother, reports the Manchester Evening News. Morrison, who wasn't appear in
court this morning for the bail application hearing will appear at
Manchester magistrates court this coming Thursday (August 7) after being
arrested in the early hours of last Sunday morning. He stands accused of
assaulting former girlfriend Reah Mansoor, 19, and her mother Parveen
Mansoor, 39.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Ravel Morrison granted bail after spending weekend in custody
Last Updated: 04/08/14 12:35pm
SSN
West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison has been freed after a judge granted him
bail following a private court hearing. The 21-year-old was in custody and
not present at Manchester Crown Court to hear the bail application made by
his lawyers. Morrison is accused of two counts of common assault on his
ex-girlfriend Reah Mansoor, 19 and her mother Parveen Mansoor, 39, in the
early hours of last Sunday morning. He was refused bail by District Judge
James Prowse at his first court appearance at Manchester Magistrates' Court
on Thursday and spent the weekend in custody. Judge Michael Henshall granted
Morrison bail on Monday, but his conditions were not given by the court
following a request from the press. Morrison was sold by Manchester United
to West Ham for a fee of £650,000 in January 2012, but has since spent loan
spells at Birmingham and QPR. He is next due to appear at Manchester
Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Ravel Morrison released on bail over assault
BBC.co.uk
West Ham footballer Ravel Morrison has been released on bail after three
days in custody on charges of assaulting his ex-girlfriend and her mother.
Mr Morrison faces two charges of common assault after an alleged incident
involving Reah Mansoor, 19, and Parveen Mansoor, 39, on 27 July. He was
remanded in custody on Thursday, but his bail was approved at a Manchester
Crown Court hearing earlier. The 21-year-old from Urmston is next due before
magistrates on Thursday. After starting his career with Manchester United's
youth teams, he was sold to West Ham in January 2012.
The midfielder, who has also played on loan for QPR and Birmingham City, has
four England Under-21 caps.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 4th August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Ravel Morrison has been released from custody three days before he is due in
court to answer an assault charge. Judge Michael Henshall this morning
agreed to release the West Ham midfielder on bail, four days after he was
remanded in custody after allegedly assaulting his former girlfriend and her
mother, reports the Manchester Evening News. Morrison, who wasn't appear in
court this morning for the bail application hearing will appear at
Manchester magistrates court this coming Thursday (August 7) after being
arrested in the early hours of last Sunday morning. He stands accused of
assaulting former girlfriend Reah Mansoor, 19, and her mother Parveen
Mansoor, 39.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Ravel Morrison granted bail after spending weekend in custody
Last Updated: 04/08/14 12:35pm
SSN
West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison has been freed after a judge granted him
bail following a private court hearing. The 21-year-old was in custody and
not present at Manchester Crown Court to hear the bail application made by
his lawyers. Morrison is accused of two counts of common assault on his
ex-girlfriend Reah Mansoor, 19 and her mother Parveen Mansoor, 39, in the
early hours of last Sunday morning. He was refused bail by District Judge
James Prowse at his first court appearance at Manchester Magistrates' Court
on Thursday and spent the weekend in custody. Judge Michael Henshall granted
Morrison bail on Monday, but his conditions were not given by the court
following a request from the press. Morrison was sold by Manchester United
to West Ham for a fee of £650,000 in January 2012, but has since spent loan
spells at Birmingham and QPR. He is next due to appear at Manchester
Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Ravel Morrison released on bail over assault
BBC.co.uk
West Ham footballer Ravel Morrison has been released on bail after three
days in custody on charges of assaulting his ex-girlfriend and her mother.
Mr Morrison faces two charges of common assault after an alleged incident
involving Reah Mansoor, 19, and Parveen Mansoor, 39, on 27 July. He was
remanded in custody on Thursday, but his bail was approved at a Manchester
Crown Court hearing earlier. The 21-year-old from Urmston is next due before
magistrates on Thursday. After starting his career with Manchester United's
youth teams, he was sold to West Ham in January 2012.
The midfielder, who has also played on loan for QPR and Birmingham City, has
four England Under-21 caps.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
Daily WHUFC News - 4th August 2014
Potts glad for Schalke Cup experience
WHUFC.com
Dan Potts wants to push for more first team opportunities after his Schalke
Cup experience
03.08.2014
Dan Potts is determined to build on the experience of turning out in both
Schalke Cup games this weekend. Potts played the full 90 minutes as West Ham
prevailed 7-6 on penalties against Schalke 04, confidently burying his spot
kick following a 0-0 draw with last season's third placed Bundesliga
finishers. He was then a late substitute as the Hammers were defeated 2-0 by
Malaga on Sunday and having signed a new contract this summer, he wants to
be involved more regularly for the first team with run outs like this
weekend's only whetting his appetite for futher experiences. He explained:
"It was a good workout overall and good on Saturday to keep a clean sheet as
part of the back four. "Personally, I thought the whole team defended well
against Schalke. All the lads put in a great shift and we were happy to win
it on penalties in the end. "I was pleased with my contribution, to keep a
clean sheet as part of a back four is always good. I loved every minute of
it, coming here to play big teams like Schalke and Malaga. These are the
sort of games you want to be involved in and I enjoyed it. "Pre-season is a
good time to show what you're about and put your stamp on it. I'm pleased
that I've been given the opportunities here and last week in New Zealand. "I
just want to push on really, I want to be involved in more games like this."
Potts netted from the spot to keep his side on course for the victory
against Schalke and he revealed that he had no qualms over stepping up to
the plate.
He continued: "You always have a little muck-around after training and you
always grab a ball, have a keeper in goal and take a pen. "You try and
approach it in the same way and luckily on Saturday it came off. I'm
confident in my ability from the spot and I'll happily take penalties if I'm
asked to."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Schalke 04 Cup: West Ham beaten 2-0 by Malaga
BBc.co.uk
West Ham were beaten 2-0 by Malaga as the Spanish La Liga side won the
Schalke 04 Cup in Gelsenkirchen. Argentinean striker Ezequiel Rescaldani put
Malaga ahead after 22 minutes after the Hammers' new defender Aaron
Cresswell failed to clear. On-loan Liverpool striker Luis Alberto then
doubled Malaga's lead two minutes later with an easy finish past Adrian.
Adrian also saved an Alberto penalty after the Spaniard was fouled by
on-loan Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson. West Ham had few goal-scoring
opportunities in the match, with Matt Jarvis wasting a golden chance when
through on goal on 86 minutes. The Hammers had won their other match in the
tournament by beating hosts Schalke 04 on penalties. Malaga win the cup
after beating Newcastle United 3-1 in their other match while Newcastle
faced Schalke in the final match of the cup later on Sunday.
West Ham United : Adrian, Jenkinson, Reid, Burke, Cresswell, Noble (c),
Whitehead, Diame, Jarvis, Vaz Te, Zarate
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Kouyate, Lletget, Downing, Cullen, Lee, Nasha, Poyet,
Potts, Fanimo
Malaga CF : Kameni, Perez, Angeleri, Rescaldini, Samuel Sanchez, Juanmi (c),
Rosales, Sergio Sanchez, Boka, Alberto, Recio
Subs: Ochoa, Gamez, Weligton, Antunes, Camacho, Santa Cruz, Duda, Darder,
Horta, Castillejo, Juanpi, Cousillas
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Malaga 2-0 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 3rd August 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's final away appearance of pre-season ended disappointingly as Sam
Allardyce's team were well beaten by Spanish side Malaga in Gelsenkirchen.
Having emerged victorious from the clash with hosts Schalke - albeit via a
penalty shootout - in yesterday's opening match of the two-day tournament,
hopes were high for a good performance today against a Malaga side who
opened their Schalke Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Newcastle United. Yet
despite ultimately going down to two first half goals conceded within three
minutes of each other, West Ham could have lost by a far greater margin such
was Malaga's dominance during the closing stages. And prior to that late,
Spanish onslaught West Ham's goalkeeper - the Spaniard Adrian - had already
saved a penalty, long before being forced to withstand a series of close
range shots as the game began to bear more resemblance to a kick-around in
the park than one featuring two professional outfits. Largely responsible
for that was the sheer number of inexperienced players West Ham were
fielding by the final whistle; Amos Nasha, Danny Potts, Reece Burke, Danny
Whitehead and Josh Cullen formed half of a team that was left chasing
shadows in the closing stages.
Therefore it was something of a minor miracle that Adrian managed to refrain
from conceding further, but a string of saves - combined with some dreadful
finishing by Malaga - ensured the losing margin remained at just two. West
Ham had managed just one shot on target against Schalke 24 hours earlier -
penalties excepted - and today they failed to create any whatsoever. Mauro
Zarate looked competely lost leading the line and received barely any
service, whilst youngster Whitehead - playing behind the Argentinian -
failed to make an impact. Even when Matt Jarvis managed to break through in
the closing stages a heavy touch cost him the chance to shoot. It was that
sort of day for West Ham and one in which further criticism was aimed at
manager Sam Allardyce by his detractors.
The goals that won the game for Malaga came midway through the first half
and within the space of just three minutes. Having ignored earlier warnings,
West Ham allowed Ezequiel Rescaldani to fire into Adrian's bottom right hand
corner with the (makeshift) defence stretched. Still reeling from that
strike, the Hammers fell further behind two minutes later when Luis Alberto
finished a flowing move with a curling effort. When the same player was
felled by new signing Carl Jenkinson in the box two minutes later, West Ham
had their goalkeeper to thank for saving the day - although Alberto's spot
kick was poorly struck.
As if defeat wasn't bad enough in itself, there was further bad news for Sam
Allardyce as debutant Jenkinson was forced off with what appeared to be a
hamstring strain with an hour played. There is no news as yet to confirm the
extent of the injury. Next up for West Ham is the final game of pre-season
at home to Sampdoria next weeked. Can West Ham finally get their first win
(in normal time) of pre-season?
West Ham Utd: Adrian, Jenkinson, Reid, Burke, Cresswell, Noble (c),
Whitehead, Diame, Jarvis, Vaz Te, Zarate.
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Kouyate, Lletget, Downing, Cullen, Lee, Nasha, Poyet,
Potts, Fanimo.
Malaga CF: Kameni, Perez, Angeleri, Rescaldini, Samuel Sanchez, Juanmi (c),
Rosales, Sergio Sanchez, Boka, Alberto, Recio.
Subs: Ochoa, Gamez, Weligton, Antunes, Camcho, Santa Cruz, Duda, Darder,
Horta, Castillejo, Juanpi, Cousillas.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Malaga beat West Ham 2-0 in the Schalke Cup after Ezequiel Rescaldini and
Luis Alberto goals
Last Updated: 03/08/14 5:28pm
SSN
West Ham United conceded twice midway through the first half to go down 2-0
to Malaga in the Schalke Cup. Sam Allardyce's side had beaten hosts Schalke
on penalties on Saturday following a 0-0 draw, but struggled to contain a
fluid Malaga side. The Spanish club took the lead on 22 minutes when summer
signing Aaron Cresswell failed to clear Arthur Boka's through ball and
Ezequiel Rescaldini finished past Adrian. Just two minutes later, Malaga
increased their lead when Juanmi laid the ball across goal for Luis Alberto,
who is on loan from Liverpool, to score. Alberto should have scored his
second of the game on the half-hour mark when he was fouled in the box by
Carl Jenkinson, but his penalty was saved by Adrian. West Ham struggled to
create any clear-cut chances and Alberto had a second goal ruled out early
in the second half for offside. Adrian then made another smart save from
Rescaldini before former Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz missed a
golden chance to score on 79 minutes after West Ham's keeper had spilled a
shot. West Ham face Sampdoria at home next Saturday in their final friendly
before starting the new Premier League season against Tottenham Hotspur at
Upton Park on August 16.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Samuel Eto'o move played down by West Ham boss Sam Allardyce
Last Updated: 03/08/14 1:13pm
SSN
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce wants to sign one more striker before
the transfer window closes and is looking for a younger option to Samuel
Eto'o. Allardyce has already added Enner Valencia and Mauro Zarate to his
squad this summer, but has lost Andy Carroll for around four months due to
injury.
He has been linked with moves for Stoke City striker Peter Crouch and former
Barcelona forward Eto'o, who is available on a free transfer after leaving
Chelsea. However, while Allardyce is not ruling out a possible deal for
Eto'o, his priority is to bring a younger striker to Upton Park. "There has
been a lot of talk about Samuel Eto'o," said Allardyce after Saturday's
penalty shoot-out win over Schalke. "From our point of view the chairman was
perhaps looking at a younger player. "Samuel is still available and we have
decided he should be considered at some stage if we're not successful (in
signing a younger player).
"I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Certainly while we've been here the
chairman has made enquiries, whether they can be finalised I won't know
until I get back. Everyone is working hard to bring in a new face to give us
the opportunity to score the goals with the chances we're creating."
Meanwhile, Allardyce confirmed that recent signing Valencia is unlikely to
be fit for the start of the Premier League season after playing for Ecuador
at the World Cup. He added: "We've got Enner Valencia but obviously we need
to do three weeks' work with him before we consider him for the first team
so we've got other players we hope will be successful on the front line in
that time."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM'S SHOCKER OF A PRE-SEASON CONTINUES
By Iain Dale 3 Aug 2014 at 16:22
West Ham Till I Die
Malaga 2 West Ham 0
So we are two weeks away from the season opener against Spurs and still West
Ham haven't chalked up a victory. To be honest we haven't ever looked like
doing so. No passion, no real passing and no attacking guile. In all
honesty, nothing has changed since last season so far as I can see. OK,
maybe it is too early to be so negative, but I am sure I am not alone in
wondering what is in store for us.
The troubling thing about the last twenty four hours is that we were pretty
shocking in defence, biteless in midfield and totally toothless up front. In
this game we didn't have a single shot on target. Zarate got no service
whatsoever. We finished the game with eight kids on the pitch. Why?
In all honesty we were lucky to only lose 2-0 today. It could have been at
least five.
And in true West Ham tradition, one of our new signings picked up an injury.
Carl Jenkinson limped off after 62 minutes and will no doubt be a doubt for
the Spurs game.
Oh, and by the way, where was Demel? Is he injured, or already on his way
back to Hamburg?
Depressed. Very.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SUNDAY ROUND-UP
By Iain Dale 3 Aug 2014 at 00:03
West Ham Till I Die
The Sunday papers look to be full of the same old shite. The Sunday Mirror
takes the biscuit with this completely fictitious story which reckons David
Moyes is the leading candidate to succeed Sam Allardyce. What a load of old
kack. At the end of last season when it looked like Sam was under the skids
I was told by someone who ought to know that his representatives were
telling West Ham that Moyes would cost £5 million a year. If there had been
any interest (and there hadn't) that certainly put paid to it.
Karren Brady is about to be elevated to the Tory benches in the House of
Lords. I guess congratulations are in order, but how on earth she will find
the time to acively take part in House of Lords business is something only
she can know.
According to the Daily Mail Enner Valencia will not be fit for the start of
the season. Quite how he has become so unfit since the World Cup is anyone's
guess, but it seems typical for our club that we will start the season yet
again without a leading striker.
In the same story Allardyce says that West Ham are looking to buy a younger
striker than Samuel Eto. I think the reason we're not buying Eto is more to
do with his wage demands, which are said to be in excess of £100k a week. He
ought to know that we only pay that to strikers with long term injuries!
Several papers reckon we're about to sign Peter Crouch from Stoke. In his
day, he was a great player, but now? If we sign him I think we can kiss
goodbye to any hope of playing with two up front.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Moyes in West Ham frame if Sam Allardyce gets sacked by the Hammers
Aug 02, 2014 22:30 By Steve Stammers
Big Sam have been at loggerheads with the board since last season and the
ex-Manchester United boss would be a frontrunner if they make a change
The Mirror
David Moyes has emerged as a surprise contender to take over at West Ham if
Sam Allardyce is axed. And Big Sam has admitted – while on the pre-season
tour of New Zealand – that adjusting to the all-new official West Ham
philosophy of expansive football is causing problems. There were no goals
to suggest otherwise in Saturday's 0-0 friendly draw at Schalke – until the
Hammers edged the penalty shootout 7-6 thanks to two key saves by Jussi
Jaaskelainen.
The board and Allardyce have been at loggerheads since the end of last
season and the club took the unusual step of insisting that the team would
play a more expansive style. And then came last week's embarrassing spat
over midfielder Ravel Morrison. Allardyce suggested the England Under-21
midfielder would not figure in his plans, while co-owner David Sullivan
said the opposite, and declared he wanted to talk about a new deal for the
player. Within 48 hours West Ham were left reeling by the news that Morrison
has been remanded in custody in Manchester until Thursday, charged with
assault. The Hammers face a tough first six weeks of the new season with
games against Tottenham, Liverpool and Man United. But if they decide on a
change of manager, Scot Moyes sacked by United in April, is a frontrunner.
Allardyce's attacking woes have not been helped by yet another long-term
injury to Andy Carroll. But he will only turn to former Barcelona and
Chelsea star Samuel Eto'o if he is unsuccessful in a striker chase that
includes Stoke's Peter Crouch and free agent Hugo Almeida. Speaking about
the prospect of signing Eto'o, Allardyce said: "The chairman was looking at
a younger player but Samuel is still available and we have decided it should
be considered if we are not successful. "Enner Valencia joined us yesterday
but he needs three weeks work before we consider him for the first team."
After a miserable time in New Zealand, which included defeats by Wellington
Phoenix and Sydney FC, Allardyce was smiling again after the win over
Schalke although his problems were exposed as West Ham struggled in the
final third, while Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Marvin Friedrich struck the
woodwork for Schalke. He said: "Our game was very good in terms of the
physicality and technical ability of Schalke which took us to a level we
haven't reached before in pre-season. But we need to improve our finishing."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carl Jenkinson set to miss start of the new season after hamstring injury in
West Ham defeat
Aug 03, 2014 18:41 By Marc Isaacs
The Mirror
West Ham have suffered another major injury blow after new signing Carl
Jenkinson picked up a hamstring strain and looks set to miss the start of
the new season. Jenkinson was making his first appearance for the club
following his season-long loan move to Upton Park from Arsenal and was
hoping to make a big impact for the east London club. But the 22-year-old
picked up the injury on the hour mark during the 2-0 defeat against Malaga
in the Schalke Cup in Germany on Sunday. The talented full-back had to leave
the pitch immediately and there are fears he could miss the big kick-off
against Tottenham in two-weeks time. The news could not have come at a worse
time for manager Sam Allardyce who is already missing club record signing
Andy Carroll for four months with a serious ankle injury while fellow right
back Guy Demel is also sidelined with a hamstring problem and didn't travel
to Germany. Summer arrival Enner Valencia has only just met up with the club
following his performances for Ecuardor at the World Cup during the summer
and will need at least three weeks before he is considered for first-team
duty. West Ham midfielder Mark Noble says the team are crying out for
Valencia to make his debut and ease the goalscoring problems which are
affecting the club at the moment. Noble said: "Obviously no pressure on him
but we need him at the moment. We need another striker and we are light on
players at the minute. Jenko has gone down with a slight hamstring. "Guy
Demel is not here and big AC (is missing). We just need out squad back
together and raring to go for the start of the season. "I don't even think
(the manager) knows his best eleven at the minute with players getting
injured and players who are not quite fit yet. Hopefully we can get another
couple of signings in who can improve the squad and we can enjoy the
season."
Allardyce faced more unrest from the travelling West Ham supporters
following their failure to hit the target once again and the lack of goals
must be a major concern as they prepare for the start of the new campaign.
Malaga cruised to victory and first half goals from Ezequiel Resccaldani and
Luis Alberto helped them win the Schalke Cup.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wilfried Zaha a target for West Ham as Sam Allardyce looks to boost
attacking options
Daily Mail
By SIMON JONES
PUBLISHED: 22:21, 3 August 2014 | UPDATED: 22:21, 3 August 2014
West Ham are keen to take Wilfried Zaha if Manchester United agree to let
the 21-year-old leave. Zaha's future at United is in doubt after new
manager Louis van Gaal said he only sees the England international as a
striker in his new 3-5-2 formation. With Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney,
Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck already established at Old Trafford, Van
Gaal may allow Zaha to leave. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is open to either
a loan move or a permanent deal, with much depending on how much United ask
for. West Ham have been linked with Samuel Eto'o but Allardyce is keen to
push for Zaha as he searches for younger strikers to boost his options.
Crystal Palace - who Zaha played for before signing for United for
£15million - are also monitoring the situation. Zaha impressed in United's
pre-season win over Inter Milan but was less effective in the victory over
Real Madrid on Saturday. Zaha fell out of favour last season under David
Moyes and spent the second of the season on loan at Cardiff. Allardyce has
also made enquiries about HNK Rijeka striker Andrej Kramaric, 23, who scored
21 goals in 23 games for the Croatian side last season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Beer thrown over Big Sam
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 3, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The relationship between the Hammers fans and manager Sam Allardyce has
plunged to new depths after he was covered with a pint of beer after he is
alleged to have laughed at fans who called for him to play more attacking
football following the latest pre season defeat this afternoon. According to
an eye witness Willis Jamieson who watched the match which he described as
boring, the incident occurred post match as the manager and players walked
to their waiting coaches. Willis explained Big Sam was walking out alone at
the time when he was covered by the pint of beer kicked from a over head
ledge above with roughly 20 West Ham supporters above him. "He just carried
on walking but it did stop his laughing" said Willis.
It is understood the board told Allardyce he needs to improve his
relationship with the fans this season following a revolt at the end of last
season, this has all the marks of further deterioration. While throwing a
pint of beer is extreme way to make a point the alleged laughing at fans
lobbying Sam to play more attractive football was bound to antagonise them.
One bright spark on social media whipped Big Sam should "Respect the PINT!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce: The fans were right all along
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 3, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Are we currently seeing Sam Allardyce's revenge on the board after they
dared to question his methods in the summer…or is he as poor a manager as
many believe? Personally I reckon it's a bit of both! It must be clear now
even to the most pro-Allardyce supporter that the man is not going to change
his ways an inch. And the latest victim of his game-playing is poor Mauro
Zarate who this afternoon was made to look a mug in the match against Malaga
by being played in a role which is simply not his game. For the Argentine to
have been seen to any effect he would have needed players to link with him
but neither of our wingers are assigned to do that. Nor do we have
midfielders cute enough to string through nice balls to feet – thus giving
the player a chance of impressing.
Given that Allardyce knows exactly how the Carlton Cole/Kevin Nolan works –
or more to the point, doesn't work, why wasn't Zarate played in
yesterday's game. He may not have had the ball played to him in a preferred
manner but he would certainly perhaps have had the chance of profiting from
a few Cole knockdowns. Now, however, we shall never know because as sure as
God made little apples Allardyce won't do it in the League campaign.
Sam Allardyce doesn't really approve of skilful players. At heart he's a
stats man who looks at stamina, strength, speed levels and all the rest of
it. It is impossible to quantify skill so those possessing it in spades
don't really get a sniff in Sam's world. That we haven't seen him make the
slightest attempt to adapt to a new attacking style doesn't surprise me one
little bit although like most others I have spent the summer praying I had
it all wrong. There's been no sign of attacking coach Teddy Sheringham and
indeed barely a word from him anywhere since his appointment was made.
There's nothing worse than seeing yourself become the victim of a giant con
but on all available evidence since pre-season started that's what's
happened.
I believe the owners and the fans have all been taking in by Allardyce's
apparent acceptance of the conditions placed upon him. Silly them …silly us!
I don't believe there will be a pre-season sacking although for me, instead
of spending another couple of million on a player that money would be much
better used as Allardyce's pay-off. My view is that if things go as they
appear they might he'll be gone by the end of September. The fans were
right all along – the bloke should have been fired at the end of last
season. On the strength of all we've seen so far we are in a bigger mess now
than we were then.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lee on Irons display: "You do have to worry"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 3, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
I was accused yesterday of writing too soon after the West Ham v Schalke
match and that I should think about things a little more before delivering
what the critic described as "knee jerk articles." Well, I took that advice
so after a couple of hours let me give you my thoughts on the latest West
Ham debacle – awful, thoroughly awful. But don't take it from me, hear the
thoughts of an ex manager (which the complainant said he would listen to )
and a former player. It's hard not to agree with every word from them and to
add that the man we should feel most sorry for in the clash against Malaga
is Mauro Zarate. If ever a guy was set up to fail by his manager it was the
Argentinian who was asked to play as the lone striker, a role to which he
is entirely ill-quipped.
TV pundits Steve Clarke and Rob Lee were clearly careful in their public
appraisal of West Ham's performance but nonetheless virtually everything
they had to say was damning! The former West Brom manager is unfailingly
polite and a guy whose press conference track record demonstrates that he
rarely says anything which could be described as controversial. So when he
claims that Malaga could have had five or six – "that it could have been
quite a nasty scoreline" you take him a little more seriously than you
would, if he were let's say Paul Merson. He claimed that Malaga were quite
happy to break their system from a defensive formation when without the
ball, to one that was fluid and interchangeable when going forward. The
point of him saying this couldn't have been lost on the dullest of watchers
– West Ham don't, they are rigid and formulaic in all circumstances.
Lee, meanwhile, explained that even when the Hammers were two behind there
seemed little urgency in trying to get the goals back. He said: "In the
Premier League you have to do that so you do have to worry. "When they go
behind there is just no Plan B. In the Premier League they will have to
chase the game – there just didn't seen any urgency."
I'll leave it there except to say preciely what I said at the end of the
piece it was claimed I wrote when my knees were twitching after the Schalke
game.
Something needs to change and we all know what that something is!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Clarke: Zarate has little chance in this set-up
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 3, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Former West Brom boss Steve Clarke – appearing as a pundit on the
Irons/Malaga match this afternoon – appeared to nail the team's attacking
problems this afternoon Discussing Mauro Zarate's performance during the
first 45 minutes against Malaga which sees us 2-0 behind, he made it clear
the Argentine had no chance of creating an impressi0n. He said: "The policy
seems to be to have one up and two wingers but they never come inside and
link with him. "Zarate is surrounded by big defenders and for him to make an
impact there have to be players linking with him."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
WHUFC.com
Dan Potts wants to push for more first team opportunities after his Schalke
Cup experience
03.08.2014
Dan Potts is determined to build on the experience of turning out in both
Schalke Cup games this weekend. Potts played the full 90 minutes as West Ham
prevailed 7-6 on penalties against Schalke 04, confidently burying his spot
kick following a 0-0 draw with last season's third placed Bundesliga
finishers. He was then a late substitute as the Hammers were defeated 2-0 by
Malaga on Sunday and having signed a new contract this summer, he wants to
be involved more regularly for the first team with run outs like this
weekend's only whetting his appetite for futher experiences. He explained:
"It was a good workout overall and good on Saturday to keep a clean sheet as
part of the back four. "Personally, I thought the whole team defended well
against Schalke. All the lads put in a great shift and we were happy to win
it on penalties in the end. "I was pleased with my contribution, to keep a
clean sheet as part of a back four is always good. I loved every minute of
it, coming here to play big teams like Schalke and Malaga. These are the
sort of games you want to be involved in and I enjoyed it. "Pre-season is a
good time to show what you're about and put your stamp on it. I'm pleased
that I've been given the opportunities here and last week in New Zealand. "I
just want to push on really, I want to be involved in more games like this."
Potts netted from the spot to keep his side on course for the victory
against Schalke and he revealed that he had no qualms over stepping up to
the plate.
He continued: "You always have a little muck-around after training and you
always grab a ball, have a keeper in goal and take a pen. "You try and
approach it in the same way and luckily on Saturday it came off. I'm
confident in my ability from the spot and I'll happily take penalties if I'm
asked to."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Schalke 04 Cup: West Ham beaten 2-0 by Malaga
BBc.co.uk
West Ham were beaten 2-0 by Malaga as the Spanish La Liga side won the
Schalke 04 Cup in Gelsenkirchen. Argentinean striker Ezequiel Rescaldani put
Malaga ahead after 22 minutes after the Hammers' new defender Aaron
Cresswell failed to clear. On-loan Liverpool striker Luis Alberto then
doubled Malaga's lead two minutes later with an easy finish past Adrian.
Adrian also saved an Alberto penalty after the Spaniard was fouled by
on-loan Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson. West Ham had few goal-scoring
opportunities in the match, with Matt Jarvis wasting a golden chance when
through on goal on 86 minutes. The Hammers had won their other match in the
tournament by beating hosts Schalke 04 on penalties. Malaga win the cup
after beating Newcastle United 3-1 in their other match while Newcastle
faced Schalke in the final match of the cup later on Sunday.
West Ham United : Adrian, Jenkinson, Reid, Burke, Cresswell, Noble (c),
Whitehead, Diame, Jarvis, Vaz Te, Zarate
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Kouyate, Lletget, Downing, Cullen, Lee, Nasha, Poyet,
Potts, Fanimo
Malaga CF : Kameni, Perez, Angeleri, Rescaldini, Samuel Sanchez, Juanmi (c),
Rosales, Sergio Sanchez, Boka, Alberto, Recio
Subs: Ochoa, Gamez, Weligton, Antunes, Camacho, Santa Cruz, Duda, Darder,
Horta, Castillejo, Juanpi, Cousillas
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Malaga 2-0 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 3rd August 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's final away appearance of pre-season ended disappointingly as Sam
Allardyce's team were well beaten by Spanish side Malaga in Gelsenkirchen.
Having emerged victorious from the clash with hosts Schalke - albeit via a
penalty shootout - in yesterday's opening match of the two-day tournament,
hopes were high for a good performance today against a Malaga side who
opened their Schalke Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Newcastle United. Yet
despite ultimately going down to two first half goals conceded within three
minutes of each other, West Ham could have lost by a far greater margin such
was Malaga's dominance during the closing stages. And prior to that late,
Spanish onslaught West Ham's goalkeeper - the Spaniard Adrian - had already
saved a penalty, long before being forced to withstand a series of close
range shots as the game began to bear more resemblance to a kick-around in
the park than one featuring two professional outfits. Largely responsible
for that was the sheer number of inexperienced players West Ham were
fielding by the final whistle; Amos Nasha, Danny Potts, Reece Burke, Danny
Whitehead and Josh Cullen formed half of a team that was left chasing
shadows in the closing stages.
Therefore it was something of a minor miracle that Adrian managed to refrain
from conceding further, but a string of saves - combined with some dreadful
finishing by Malaga - ensured the losing margin remained at just two. West
Ham had managed just one shot on target against Schalke 24 hours earlier -
penalties excepted - and today they failed to create any whatsoever. Mauro
Zarate looked competely lost leading the line and received barely any
service, whilst youngster Whitehead - playing behind the Argentinian -
failed to make an impact. Even when Matt Jarvis managed to break through in
the closing stages a heavy touch cost him the chance to shoot. It was that
sort of day for West Ham and one in which further criticism was aimed at
manager Sam Allardyce by his detractors.
The goals that won the game for Malaga came midway through the first half
and within the space of just three minutes. Having ignored earlier warnings,
West Ham allowed Ezequiel Rescaldani to fire into Adrian's bottom right hand
corner with the (makeshift) defence stretched. Still reeling from that
strike, the Hammers fell further behind two minutes later when Luis Alberto
finished a flowing move with a curling effort. When the same player was
felled by new signing Carl Jenkinson in the box two minutes later, West Ham
had their goalkeeper to thank for saving the day - although Alberto's spot
kick was poorly struck.
As if defeat wasn't bad enough in itself, there was further bad news for Sam
Allardyce as debutant Jenkinson was forced off with what appeared to be a
hamstring strain with an hour played. There is no news as yet to confirm the
extent of the injury. Next up for West Ham is the final game of pre-season
at home to Sampdoria next weeked. Can West Ham finally get their first win
(in normal time) of pre-season?
West Ham Utd: Adrian, Jenkinson, Reid, Burke, Cresswell, Noble (c),
Whitehead, Diame, Jarvis, Vaz Te, Zarate.
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Kouyate, Lletget, Downing, Cullen, Lee, Nasha, Poyet,
Potts, Fanimo.
Malaga CF: Kameni, Perez, Angeleri, Rescaldini, Samuel Sanchez, Juanmi (c),
Rosales, Sergio Sanchez, Boka, Alberto, Recio.
Subs: Ochoa, Gamez, Weligton, Antunes, Camcho, Santa Cruz, Duda, Darder,
Horta, Castillejo, Juanpi, Cousillas.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Malaga beat West Ham 2-0 in the Schalke Cup after Ezequiel Rescaldini and
Luis Alberto goals
Last Updated: 03/08/14 5:28pm
SSN
West Ham United conceded twice midway through the first half to go down 2-0
to Malaga in the Schalke Cup. Sam Allardyce's side had beaten hosts Schalke
on penalties on Saturday following a 0-0 draw, but struggled to contain a
fluid Malaga side. The Spanish club took the lead on 22 minutes when summer
signing Aaron Cresswell failed to clear Arthur Boka's through ball and
Ezequiel Rescaldini finished past Adrian. Just two minutes later, Malaga
increased their lead when Juanmi laid the ball across goal for Luis Alberto,
who is on loan from Liverpool, to score. Alberto should have scored his
second of the game on the half-hour mark when he was fouled in the box by
Carl Jenkinson, but his penalty was saved by Adrian. West Ham struggled to
create any clear-cut chances and Alberto had a second goal ruled out early
in the second half for offside. Adrian then made another smart save from
Rescaldini before former Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz missed a
golden chance to score on 79 minutes after West Ham's keeper had spilled a
shot. West Ham face Sampdoria at home next Saturday in their final friendly
before starting the new Premier League season against Tottenham Hotspur at
Upton Park on August 16.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Samuel Eto'o move played down by West Ham boss Sam Allardyce
Last Updated: 03/08/14 1:13pm
SSN
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce wants to sign one more striker before
the transfer window closes and is looking for a younger option to Samuel
Eto'o. Allardyce has already added Enner Valencia and Mauro Zarate to his
squad this summer, but has lost Andy Carroll for around four months due to
injury.
He has been linked with moves for Stoke City striker Peter Crouch and former
Barcelona forward Eto'o, who is available on a free transfer after leaving
Chelsea. However, while Allardyce is not ruling out a possible deal for
Eto'o, his priority is to bring a younger striker to Upton Park. "There has
been a lot of talk about Samuel Eto'o," said Allardyce after Saturday's
penalty shoot-out win over Schalke. "From our point of view the chairman was
perhaps looking at a younger player. "Samuel is still available and we have
decided he should be considered at some stage if we're not successful (in
signing a younger player).
"I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Certainly while we've been here the
chairman has made enquiries, whether they can be finalised I won't know
until I get back. Everyone is working hard to bring in a new face to give us
the opportunity to score the goals with the chances we're creating."
Meanwhile, Allardyce confirmed that recent signing Valencia is unlikely to
be fit for the start of the Premier League season after playing for Ecuador
at the World Cup. He added: "We've got Enner Valencia but obviously we need
to do three weeks' work with him before we consider him for the first team
so we've got other players we hope will be successful on the front line in
that time."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM'S SHOCKER OF A PRE-SEASON CONTINUES
By Iain Dale 3 Aug 2014 at 16:22
West Ham Till I Die
Malaga 2 West Ham 0
So we are two weeks away from the season opener against Spurs and still West
Ham haven't chalked up a victory. To be honest we haven't ever looked like
doing so. No passion, no real passing and no attacking guile. In all
honesty, nothing has changed since last season so far as I can see. OK,
maybe it is too early to be so negative, but I am sure I am not alone in
wondering what is in store for us.
The troubling thing about the last twenty four hours is that we were pretty
shocking in defence, biteless in midfield and totally toothless up front. In
this game we didn't have a single shot on target. Zarate got no service
whatsoever. We finished the game with eight kids on the pitch. Why?
In all honesty we were lucky to only lose 2-0 today. It could have been at
least five.
And in true West Ham tradition, one of our new signings picked up an injury.
Carl Jenkinson limped off after 62 minutes and will no doubt be a doubt for
the Spurs game.
Oh, and by the way, where was Demel? Is he injured, or already on his way
back to Hamburg?
Depressed. Very.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SUNDAY ROUND-UP
By Iain Dale 3 Aug 2014 at 00:03
West Ham Till I Die
The Sunday papers look to be full of the same old shite. The Sunday Mirror
takes the biscuit with this completely fictitious story which reckons David
Moyes is the leading candidate to succeed Sam Allardyce. What a load of old
kack. At the end of last season when it looked like Sam was under the skids
I was told by someone who ought to know that his representatives were
telling West Ham that Moyes would cost £5 million a year. If there had been
any interest (and there hadn't) that certainly put paid to it.
Karren Brady is about to be elevated to the Tory benches in the House of
Lords. I guess congratulations are in order, but how on earth she will find
the time to acively take part in House of Lords business is something only
she can know.
According to the Daily Mail Enner Valencia will not be fit for the start of
the season. Quite how he has become so unfit since the World Cup is anyone's
guess, but it seems typical for our club that we will start the season yet
again without a leading striker.
In the same story Allardyce says that West Ham are looking to buy a younger
striker than Samuel Eto. I think the reason we're not buying Eto is more to
do with his wage demands, which are said to be in excess of £100k a week. He
ought to know that we only pay that to strikers with long term injuries!
Several papers reckon we're about to sign Peter Crouch from Stoke. In his
day, he was a great player, but now? If we sign him I think we can kiss
goodbye to any hope of playing with two up front.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Moyes in West Ham frame if Sam Allardyce gets sacked by the Hammers
Aug 02, 2014 22:30 By Steve Stammers
Big Sam have been at loggerheads with the board since last season and the
ex-Manchester United boss would be a frontrunner if they make a change
The Mirror
David Moyes has emerged as a surprise contender to take over at West Ham if
Sam Allardyce is axed. And Big Sam has admitted – while on the pre-season
tour of New Zealand – that adjusting to the all-new official West Ham
philosophy of expansive football is causing problems. There were no goals
to suggest otherwise in Saturday's 0-0 friendly draw at Schalke – until the
Hammers edged the penalty shootout 7-6 thanks to two key saves by Jussi
Jaaskelainen.
The board and Allardyce have been at loggerheads since the end of last
season and the club took the unusual step of insisting that the team would
play a more expansive style. And then came last week's embarrassing spat
over midfielder Ravel Morrison. Allardyce suggested the England Under-21
midfielder would not figure in his plans, while co-owner David Sullivan
said the opposite, and declared he wanted to talk about a new deal for the
player. Within 48 hours West Ham were left reeling by the news that Morrison
has been remanded in custody in Manchester until Thursday, charged with
assault. The Hammers face a tough first six weeks of the new season with
games against Tottenham, Liverpool and Man United. But if they decide on a
change of manager, Scot Moyes sacked by United in April, is a frontrunner.
Allardyce's attacking woes have not been helped by yet another long-term
injury to Andy Carroll. But he will only turn to former Barcelona and
Chelsea star Samuel Eto'o if he is unsuccessful in a striker chase that
includes Stoke's Peter Crouch and free agent Hugo Almeida. Speaking about
the prospect of signing Eto'o, Allardyce said: "The chairman was looking at
a younger player but Samuel is still available and we have decided it should
be considered if we are not successful. "Enner Valencia joined us yesterday
but he needs three weeks work before we consider him for the first team."
After a miserable time in New Zealand, which included defeats by Wellington
Phoenix and Sydney FC, Allardyce was smiling again after the win over
Schalke although his problems were exposed as West Ham struggled in the
final third, while Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Marvin Friedrich struck the
woodwork for Schalke. He said: "Our game was very good in terms of the
physicality and technical ability of Schalke which took us to a level we
haven't reached before in pre-season. But we need to improve our finishing."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carl Jenkinson set to miss start of the new season after hamstring injury in
West Ham defeat
Aug 03, 2014 18:41 By Marc Isaacs
The Mirror
West Ham have suffered another major injury blow after new signing Carl
Jenkinson picked up a hamstring strain and looks set to miss the start of
the new season. Jenkinson was making his first appearance for the club
following his season-long loan move to Upton Park from Arsenal and was
hoping to make a big impact for the east London club. But the 22-year-old
picked up the injury on the hour mark during the 2-0 defeat against Malaga
in the Schalke Cup in Germany on Sunday. The talented full-back had to leave
the pitch immediately and there are fears he could miss the big kick-off
against Tottenham in two-weeks time. The news could not have come at a worse
time for manager Sam Allardyce who is already missing club record signing
Andy Carroll for four months with a serious ankle injury while fellow right
back Guy Demel is also sidelined with a hamstring problem and didn't travel
to Germany. Summer arrival Enner Valencia has only just met up with the club
following his performances for Ecuardor at the World Cup during the summer
and will need at least three weeks before he is considered for first-team
duty. West Ham midfielder Mark Noble says the team are crying out for
Valencia to make his debut and ease the goalscoring problems which are
affecting the club at the moment. Noble said: "Obviously no pressure on him
but we need him at the moment. We need another striker and we are light on
players at the minute. Jenko has gone down with a slight hamstring. "Guy
Demel is not here and big AC (is missing). We just need out squad back
together and raring to go for the start of the season. "I don't even think
(the manager) knows his best eleven at the minute with players getting
injured and players who are not quite fit yet. Hopefully we can get another
couple of signings in who can improve the squad and we can enjoy the
season."
Allardyce faced more unrest from the travelling West Ham supporters
following their failure to hit the target once again and the lack of goals
must be a major concern as they prepare for the start of the new campaign.
Malaga cruised to victory and first half goals from Ezequiel Resccaldani and
Luis Alberto helped them win the Schalke Cup.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wilfried Zaha a target for West Ham as Sam Allardyce looks to boost
attacking options
Daily Mail
By SIMON JONES
PUBLISHED: 22:21, 3 August 2014 | UPDATED: 22:21, 3 August 2014
West Ham are keen to take Wilfried Zaha if Manchester United agree to let
the 21-year-old leave. Zaha's future at United is in doubt after new
manager Louis van Gaal said he only sees the England international as a
striker in his new 3-5-2 formation. With Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney,
Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck already established at Old Trafford, Van
Gaal may allow Zaha to leave. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is open to either
a loan move or a permanent deal, with much depending on how much United ask
for. West Ham have been linked with Samuel Eto'o but Allardyce is keen to
push for Zaha as he searches for younger strikers to boost his options.
Crystal Palace - who Zaha played for before signing for United for
£15million - are also monitoring the situation. Zaha impressed in United's
pre-season win over Inter Milan but was less effective in the victory over
Real Madrid on Saturday. Zaha fell out of favour last season under David
Moyes and spent the second of the season on loan at Cardiff. Allardyce has
also made enquiries about HNK Rijeka striker Andrej Kramaric, 23, who scored
21 goals in 23 games for the Croatian side last season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Beer thrown over Big Sam
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 3, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The relationship between the Hammers fans and manager Sam Allardyce has
plunged to new depths after he was covered with a pint of beer after he is
alleged to have laughed at fans who called for him to play more attacking
football following the latest pre season defeat this afternoon. According to
an eye witness Willis Jamieson who watched the match which he described as
boring, the incident occurred post match as the manager and players walked
to their waiting coaches. Willis explained Big Sam was walking out alone at
the time when he was covered by the pint of beer kicked from a over head
ledge above with roughly 20 West Ham supporters above him. "He just carried
on walking but it did stop his laughing" said Willis.
It is understood the board told Allardyce he needs to improve his
relationship with the fans this season following a revolt at the end of last
season, this has all the marks of further deterioration. While throwing a
pint of beer is extreme way to make a point the alleged laughing at fans
lobbying Sam to play more attractive football was bound to antagonise them.
One bright spark on social media whipped Big Sam should "Respect the PINT!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce: The fans were right all along
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 3, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Are we currently seeing Sam Allardyce's revenge on the board after they
dared to question his methods in the summer…or is he as poor a manager as
many believe? Personally I reckon it's a bit of both! It must be clear now
even to the most pro-Allardyce supporter that the man is not going to change
his ways an inch. And the latest victim of his game-playing is poor Mauro
Zarate who this afternoon was made to look a mug in the match against Malaga
by being played in a role which is simply not his game. For the Argentine to
have been seen to any effect he would have needed players to link with him
but neither of our wingers are assigned to do that. Nor do we have
midfielders cute enough to string through nice balls to feet – thus giving
the player a chance of impressing.
Given that Allardyce knows exactly how the Carlton Cole/Kevin Nolan works –
or more to the point, doesn't work, why wasn't Zarate played in
yesterday's game. He may not have had the ball played to him in a preferred
manner but he would certainly perhaps have had the chance of profiting from
a few Cole knockdowns. Now, however, we shall never know because as sure as
God made little apples Allardyce won't do it in the League campaign.
Sam Allardyce doesn't really approve of skilful players. At heart he's a
stats man who looks at stamina, strength, speed levels and all the rest of
it. It is impossible to quantify skill so those possessing it in spades
don't really get a sniff in Sam's world. That we haven't seen him make the
slightest attempt to adapt to a new attacking style doesn't surprise me one
little bit although like most others I have spent the summer praying I had
it all wrong. There's been no sign of attacking coach Teddy Sheringham and
indeed barely a word from him anywhere since his appointment was made.
There's nothing worse than seeing yourself become the victim of a giant con
but on all available evidence since pre-season started that's what's
happened.
I believe the owners and the fans have all been taking in by Allardyce's
apparent acceptance of the conditions placed upon him. Silly them …silly us!
I don't believe there will be a pre-season sacking although for me, instead
of spending another couple of million on a player that money would be much
better used as Allardyce's pay-off. My view is that if things go as they
appear they might he'll be gone by the end of September. The fans were
right all along – the bloke should have been fired at the end of last
season. On the strength of all we've seen so far we are in a bigger mess now
than we were then.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lee on Irons display: "You do have to worry"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 3, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
I was accused yesterday of writing too soon after the West Ham v Schalke
match and that I should think about things a little more before delivering
what the critic described as "knee jerk articles." Well, I took that advice
so after a couple of hours let me give you my thoughts on the latest West
Ham debacle – awful, thoroughly awful. But don't take it from me, hear the
thoughts of an ex manager (which the complainant said he would listen to )
and a former player. It's hard not to agree with every word from them and to
add that the man we should feel most sorry for in the clash against Malaga
is Mauro Zarate. If ever a guy was set up to fail by his manager it was the
Argentinian who was asked to play as the lone striker, a role to which he
is entirely ill-quipped.
TV pundits Steve Clarke and Rob Lee were clearly careful in their public
appraisal of West Ham's performance but nonetheless virtually everything
they had to say was damning! The former West Brom manager is unfailingly
polite and a guy whose press conference track record demonstrates that he
rarely says anything which could be described as controversial. So when he
claims that Malaga could have had five or six – "that it could have been
quite a nasty scoreline" you take him a little more seriously than you
would, if he were let's say Paul Merson. He claimed that Malaga were quite
happy to break their system from a defensive formation when without the
ball, to one that was fluid and interchangeable when going forward. The
point of him saying this couldn't have been lost on the dullest of watchers
– West Ham don't, they are rigid and formulaic in all circumstances.
Lee, meanwhile, explained that even when the Hammers were two behind there
seemed little urgency in trying to get the goals back. He said: "In the
Premier League you have to do that so you do have to worry. "When they go
behind there is just no Plan B. In the Premier League they will have to
chase the game – there just didn't seen any urgency."
I'll leave it there except to say preciely what I said at the end of the
piece it was claimed I wrote when my knees were twitching after the Schalke
game.
Something needs to change and we all know what that something is!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Clarke: Zarate has little chance in this set-up
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 3, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Former West Brom boss Steve Clarke – appearing as a pundit on the
Irons/Malaga match this afternoon – appeared to nail the team's attacking
problems this afternoon Discussing Mauro Zarate's performance during the
first 45 minutes against Malaga which sees us 2-0 behind, he made it clear
the Argentine had no chance of creating an impressi0n. He said: "The policy
seems to be to have one up and two wingers but they never come inside and
link with him. "Zarate is surrounded by big defenders and for him to make an
impact there have to be players linking with him."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
Sunday, August 3
Daily WHUFC News - 3rd August 2014
Match Preview - Malaga CF
WHUFC.com
Get prepared for Sunday's Schalke 04 Cup fixture with our in-depth preview of the big game in Germany
02.08.2014
MALAGA CF v WEST HAM UNITED
SCHALKE 04 CUP
VELTINS-ARENA, GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY
SUNDAY 3 AUGUST 2014
KICK-OFF: 3.30PM CEST (2.30PM BST)
Twitter logo Facebook logo Instagram logo YouTube logo
In brief
West Ham United play their penultimate pre-season match on Sunday in the Schalke 04 Cup, a four-team tournament involving the Hammers, German Bundesliga hosts FC Schalke 04, Spanish Primera Division side Malaga and Barclays Premier League rivalsNewcastle United. West Ham will not play the Magpies, but face two continental tests in as many days as they aim for some summer silverware.
Having drawn their opening pre-season matches at Stevenage (2-2) and Ipswich Town (0-0), West Ham suffered two losses during the Football United Tour of New Zealand, as they came up short against Wellington Phoenix (1-2) and Sydney FC (1-3).
So, with another week of training at Chadwell Heath under their belts, the Londoners will be hoping for more productive results in western Germany this weekend.
Malaga will present West Ham with their second and final test at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen. The Anchovies finished eleventh in La Liga last season, having reached the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals in 2012/13.
The Schalke Cup will be covered live and exclusively on Quest TV this weekend. Quest is a free to air channel and can be found on: Freeview 37 (+138) Sky 167 (+1 195) and Virgin Media 172 (+1 173).
Who are they?
Malaga CF was formed in 1904 and has played 33 seasons in Spain's top flight.
Arguably the Anchovies' best period has been since the turn of the 21st century, winning the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2002 - the club's first major trophy.
A favourite of the many British expatriates living on the Costa del Sol on Spain's southern coast, Malaga reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League in 2003 and the last-eight of the UEFA Champions League two years ago.
In between, Malaga were relegated to the Segunda Division in 2006, spending two years in the second tier before gaining promotion in 2008.
The last few seasons have been something of a rollercoaster for Malaga, with UEFA Champions League qualification and success followed by financial issues and an exodus of big-name players and manager Manuel Pellegrini to Manchester City leading to a downturn in fortunes last term.
That said, Malaga retain a talented and cosmopolitan squad and the club's fans - Spanish and English - will hope for an upturn in fortunes in 2014/15.
Team news
The Hammers will field most of their squad across the two matches of the Schalke Cup, and new loan arrival Carl Jenkinson could be involved after completing his move from Arsenal on Thursday. However, Andy Carroll is absent after undergoing surgery on an ankle injury.
Cheikh Kouyate took a bang to his leg in a challenge in New Zealand, while James Tomkins (groin), Guy Demel (groin) and Leo Chambers (hamstring) will also hope to be fit to take on Los Boquerones.
One to watch
Malaga CF
Guillermo Ochoa became arguably the world's best-known goalkeeper when his heroics helped Mexico to reach the Round of 16 at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Capped more than 60 times by his country, Ochoa has spent the past three seasons in French football with Corsican side Ajaccio.
Blessed with quick reactions, amazing agility and an outrageous hairstyle, the 29-year-old former America star will hope to make his mark in the Primera Division after completing his move to Malaga on Friday.
West Ham United
With six new players arriving at the Boleyn Ground this summer, the existing squad members have been somewhat overlooked in recent weeks.
However, recent birthday boy Stewart Downing has started the pre-season in superb form and will hope to celebrate turning 30 by producing an outstanding second season in a West Ham shirt.
The England winger scored at Stevenage and came within inches of doing so again against Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand. With pace, two good feet and pedigree at the highest level, the stage is set for Downing to steal the show in 2014/15.
Tickets
Tickets are still available for the Schalke Cup and can be purchased on Sunday at the Veltins-Arena from "cash box WEST" at €32 Adults and €10 Under-12s. These tickets cover both matches played on that day.
Travel
For supporters in possession of a match ticket, these tickets also act as a VRR-Kombiticket ticket.
This entitles supporters to travel, free of charge on the day in question, to and from the Veltins-Arena using the Regional Transport Networks Rhine-Ruhr (VRR) until closing time of the services.
This applies to all of the VRR transport and commuter trains of Deutsche Bahn in 2nd class (but not ICE, IC, EC and IR).
If travelling by car, directions to the Veltins-Arena can be found here.
Weather
The forecast for Sunday in Gelsenkirchen is for a cloudy day and maximum daytime temperatures of 23C (74F). However, the Veltins-Arena has a roof and, if this is closed, the weather and outside temperature will be irrelevant!
Last meeting
West Ham United have never met Malaga CF previously.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spot-on Jussi inspires Hammers
WHUFC.com
Jussi Jaaskelainen saved two penalties as West Ham United defeated Schalke 04 in Germany
02.08.2014
Jussi Jaaskelainen was the hero as West Ham United began their Schalke 04 Cup challenge with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over the hosts. The veteran Finnish goalkeeper made two spectacular saves from Felipe Santana and Axel Borgmann to inspire the Hammers to a 7-6 shootout success, after the game had finished goalless at the Veltins-Arena. Jaaskelainen had been called into action before his spot-kick heroics, saving with his body from Eric Choupo-Moting early on and showing his usual reliable handling on a number of other occasions. "The main is that we needed to take our penalties and we did that, which gave me the opportunity to save their kicks," said the stopper, with trademark modesty. "We had eight penalties and we only missed one, while I think you should always save one out of three as a goalkeeper, so it was all right. "I did read what they were going to do a little bit. They were young boys coming up to take them and I was lucky enough to go the right way for both of them."
Jaaskelainen signed a new one-year contract earlier this summer and it is clear that he will compete fiercely with Adrian for a place in Sam Allardyce's starting XI this term. With displays like the one he put in at the Veltins-Arena, the 39-year-old will definitely give Big Sam food for thought when it comes to picking his team to face Tottenham Hotspur on 16 August. "That's the way I always see things in pre-season," he confirmed. "This is my 17th pre-season over here in England and I always think we all start in the same boat and will be trying to impress the manager. "The most important thing is to get yourself fit and be ready for the start of the season. "It's still pre-season and personally it was good for me to get a second 90 minutes under my belt after I played against Wellington Phoenix. "In New Zealand, we did some good work and saw lots of fans over there, but the travelling was a little bit tough so this week it was good to have a full week of training, have a couple of games here and go on from there. "The boys looked much more solid than we did in New Zealand, but when you're playing against teams like Schalke that has to be the case. You have to be more solid at the back. "We created a couple of half-chances, but obviously we want to create a few more chances. At the end of the day, we got the clean sheet and we didn't pick up any more injuries, so that was good."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The kids are alright for Big Sam
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce was pleased with a win and an impressive showing from his West Ham United youngsters
02.08.2014
Sam Allardyce was happy with a good afternoon's work as West Ham United registered their first pre-season victory with a dramatic penalty shoot-out win against Schalke 04 on Saturday afternoon. After the game had failed to deliver a goal over 90 minutes, the shoot-out matched the biblical weather outside by raining goals, with two Jussi Jaaskelainen saves proving decisive as the Hammers ran out 7-6 winners. A maiden pre-season win coupled with five Under-21s gaining valuable first-team experience - Diego Poyet, Elliot Lee and Dan Potts all netted in the shoot-out - saw the West Ham United manager conclude that the game was a perfect preparatory exercise. "The game was very good from our point of view in terms of the physicality and the technical ability of Schalke, which took us to a level we haven't reached before in pre-season," Big Sam said. "We were a bit unfortunate to win it on penalties as the woodwork stopped Schalke scoring a couple of times during the match. "But from our point of view it was a very good exercise, not only from the senior point of view but also as we played five Under-21 players and that experience has been massive for them in terms of the demands of first-team football."
Although Jaaskelainen's matchwinning save sent the near 1500 Hammers fans inside the Veltins Arena into wild celebrations, Big Sam was keen not to put too much emphasis on results at this stage of the season. Instead, he was keen to place the focus on fitness and familiarity, with the Barclays Premier League opener against Tottenham Hotspur now just two weeks away. "I don't really worry about winning games in pre-season," he explained. "It's a means to get the players to match fitness and results are not the important thing. It's about steering clear of injuries and building up that sharpness and the team getting to know each other. "We've obviously got quite a few new players that have arrived and young players that have integrated into this pre-season, which is great for everybody. It is always nice to win a game of football of course!"
Earlier on Saturday afternoon, the manager had exclusively told whufc.com of his desire to sign another striker as what would be his seventh summer signing. After a series of names were thrown at him during the post-match press conference, he was keeping his cards close to his chest, but he did admit the Joint-Chairmen had been working hard back in the UK to secure one of his top targets. "I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Certainly while we've been here the Chairman has made enquiries, whether they can be finalised I won't know until I get back. Everyone is working hard to bring in a new face to give us the opportunity to score the goals with the chances we're creating. "We've got Enner Valencia but obviously we need to do three weeks work with him before we consider him for the first team so we've got other players we hope will be successful on the front line in that time."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam targets striker signing
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce wants to sign one more forward as he prepares West Ham United for the Schalke 04 Cup
02.08.2014
Sam Allardyce is targeting one final summer signing as he prepares his West Ham United squad for the Schalke 04 Cup in Germany. The Hammers have already brought in six new faces this summer - full-backs Carl Jenkinson and Aaron Cresswell, midfielders Cheikh Kouyate and Diego Poyet and forwards Enner Valencia and Mauro Zarate - but Big Sam revealed the recruitment is not yet over. With Andy Carroll sidelined for the foreseeable future, a new centre forward is on the agenda. "I think from a defensive point of view, we've finally finished our recruitment for this season," the manager explained. "I think we now have Joey O'Brien and Aaron who can both play at left-back. Joey has filled in at left-back several times and he does just as good a job there as he does at right-back. "That means that Carl can come in and compete with Guy Demel, so we're comfortable in the right-back position now. "Of course we hope our central defensive threesome of Ginge, James Tomkins and Winston Reid stays fit all season, and we've got two good goalkeepers so we're defensively fine.
"Midfield, moving forward we have brought in Cheikh and he'll have to integrate to the Premier League, which is not easy when you first arrive here, so we have to keep an eye on that. "Diego has settled into the first-team squad quite well. I'm not saying he is going to play 20 or 30 games, but hopefully he'll play some part this year in the Premier League. "Then of course Enner has got into the country [England] and has brought his partner with him. That process of giving him a pre-season starts now. "Mauro has fitted in reasonably well, but he's had a little injury and has had slight issues with his match-fitness, but he's here. "We still have one more to go in the recruitment process and I've been speaking to the Joint-Chairmen this week. Hopefully that player will bring something in terms of our capability of scoring more goals - not creating, because we've always been able to create."
West Ham will hope to record their first victory of the pre-season when they take on hosts Schalke 04 at the Veltins-Arena on Saturday. The home side finished third in the Bundesliga last term and have a star-studded squad, and Big Sam is looking forward to seeing how his players fare against their illustrious opponents. The four-team tournament will also see the Hammers tackle Spanish Primera Liga side Malaga CF on Sunday, with Newcastle United being the other team involved in the competition. "Two games in two days means we will field two completely different teams in the hope that the players will complete 90 minutes," the manager revealed. "This will the first time they have done that in pre-season and, with the weather being as hot as it is, that'll be really tough and take them to the edge of their fitness, and that's exactly what we want at this time of year. "We are over the jet lag of New Zealand. There are no excuses there and I don't want to hear any excuses from anybody that it was that trip which caused this. That's all rubbish. "The negativity has left us and it's about being positive and getting the right edge to be ready for 16 August and this is the right tournament to do that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Schalke 04 Cup: Newcastle lose to Malaga, West Ham beat hosts
BBC.co.uk
Newcastle United were beaten 3-1 by Malaga in their opening game in the Schalke 04 Cup in Gelsenkirchen. Sergi Darder scored from long range and teenager Samu Castillejo added two more as the Spaniards went 3-0 up before half-time in Germany. Midfielder Gabriel Obertan pulled one back on the hour mark, but Newcastle could not find any further goals. Alan Pardew's side face tournament hosts Schalke, who lost a penalty shootout against West Ham, on Sunday.
Newcastle United: Elliot, Yanga-Mbiwa (Satka 84), Taylor, Coloccini (c) (Williamson 74), Haidara (Dummett 67), Abeid (Vuckic 74), Colback (Anita 67), Sissoko (Obertan 46), Armstrong (Gouffran 46), Cabella (Aarons 46), Perez (Riviere 46).
Malaga: Kameni, Gamez, Wellington, Sanchez (Angeleri 73), Antunes, Darder (Juanami 73), Camacho, Horta (Perez 86), Duda (c) (Sanchez 86), Castillejo (Juanpi 54), Santa Cruz (Alberto 73).
Schalke 0-0 (6-7 penalties) West Ham United
West Ham United goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen saved two penalties as the Hammers secured a 7-6 shootout victory over Schalke at the Veltins Arena.
Sam Allardyce's side held on for a 0-0 draw over 90 minutes of their opening game in the Schalke 04 Cup as the German hosts twice struck the woodwork.
Jaaskelainen, 39, first denied centre-back Felipe Santana and then saved left-back Axel Borgmann's spot-kick to hand his team victory.
The Hammers can secure the pre-season cup with victory against Malaga on Sunday.
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, O'Brien, Tomkins (Reid 46), Collins, Potts, Nolan, Kouyate (Diame 54), Poyet, Fanimo (Lletget 54), Cole, Downing.
Schalke 04: Giefer, Freidrich, Kolasinac (Avdijaj 62), Boateng, Hoger, Choupo-Moting (Aogo 62), Fuchs, Barnetta (Meyer 46), Multhaup, Matip (Santana 46), Neustadter.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce confirms Samuel Eto'o interest
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 2nd August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce tonight admitted that veteran Cameroon international Samuel Eto'o is on the list of potential replacements for the stricken Andy Carroll. The Hammers boss, addressing the media after West Ham's 7-6 penalty shootout win over the hosts in the Schalke Cup earlier today, revealed that despite initial opposition from the board Eto'o was very much in his - and the club's - sights. With the start of the Premier League just two weeks away, West Ham are desperately in need of a goalscorer having lost Carroll until November. And according to Allardyce, the former Barcelona forward may well be the solution.
"Up to now our Chairman was perhaps looking at a younger player," he said. "No disrespect to Samuel, but I think he preferred that we find a younger player to play in the Premier League if we possibly can. "But, Samuel is still available and we have decided that he should be considered at some stage." Allardyce also revealed that enquiries into the availability of Arsenal's Joel Campbell had proved fruitless, and that Enner Valencia is unlikely to be ready in time to start the season-opener against Tottenham.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce on... Schalke 04
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 2nd August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce was a happy man after his side secured a win via the penalty spot. Read his post-match press conference thoughts in full exclusively here on KUMB...
[Allardyce introduced by the Schalke's media officer]
We're delighted we got an invite to the tournament today. We know how great the facilities are and we've been well looked after in Germany particularly over the last few seasons I've been at West Ham.
The game today was very good from our point of view in terms of the physicality and the technical ability we've shown which took us to a level we haven't reached before in our pre-season.
We're a little fortunate perhaps that we won it on penalties as the woodwork stopped Schalke from scoring, but from our point of view it was a very good exercise.
Not only for the senior professionals, but we played five under 21 players at some stage today and that experience has been massive for them as we try to help their development into the first team. It's been a very good evening for us all round.
How relieved are you to get your first victory in pre-season?
Ha! I don't need victories in pre-season to be honest with you. It's a means to an end to get the players match fit and results are not the only important thing, it's also about steering clear of injuries, building up match fitness and the team getting to know each other.
We've got quite a few new players who have arrived and a few young players who have integrated into pre-season, which is of great benefit to everybody. It's always nice to win a game of football; even though it was on penalties, it'll still go down as a win.
We saw you quoted this morning saying you'd like to bring another striker in. Do you hope that'll happen before the start of the season?
Yes, I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Certainly whilst I've been here we've made enquiries through the Chairman. Whether those enquiries can be finalised by next week I'm not so sure, [at least] until I get back on Monday.
Everyone's trying extremely hard to secure another front man for us and to give us the opportunity to score the goals with the chances we're creating. We've now got Enner Valencia who joined us yesterday but he'll need to do at least three weeks' work before be considered him for the first team.
Does Samuel Eto'o interest you?
There's been a lot of talk about Samuel Eto'o, of course. From our point of view, up to now our Chairman was perhaps looking at a younger player. No disrespect to Samuel, but I think he preferred that we find a younger player to play in the Premier League if we possibly can. But, Samuel is still available and we have decided that he should be considered at some stage.
Joel Campbell's name has been mentioned, is he interesting you?
We've already got Carl Jenkinson so Joel Campbell wouldn't be allowed on loan - and they Arsenal] won't sell him.
How is Andy Carroll since he had his surgery last week?
He's pretty miserable, he's not very happy with life at the moment because it's a massive blow to him again. We'll just have to pick his spirits up and hopefully when the boot comes off and the specialist gives him the ok to start working again he'll feel a lot happier with himself, but he's certainly very upset and very miserable at this moment in time.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Schalke 0-0 West Ham Utd (West Ham win 7-6 on pens)
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 2nd August 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham held hosts Schalke to a goalless draw at the Veltins-Arena this afternoon before winning a dramatic penalty shootout. A dull and often dreary encounter was briefly lit up by the spot kicks, which Nolan, Neustadt, Collins and Meyer all scored before Ricardo Vaz Te pulled his shot wide of the post. Papadopoulos put Schalke 3-2 up before Elliot Lee made it 3-3. Santana missed the opportunity to give his side the lead again when Jaaskelainen pulled off a good save to his left and Diego Poyet passed his shot in the corner to restore United's advantage. Aogo sent the shootout into sudden death despite West Ham's goalkeeper guessing correctly, then Joey O'Brien and Itter both netted to make it 5-5. Danny Potts scored West Ham's sixth penalty, as did Sobottka for the hosts.
Seb Lletget placed his spot kick well - necessarily, due to Giefer diving the right way - to make it 7-6 and Jaaskelainen made his second save of the afternoon to win the shootout for the Hammers. That brief spell of excitement followed a fairly uneventful match that rarely managed to excite the healthy contingent of travelling Hammers fans nor the Schalke supporters who had trickled into the Veltins-Arena to watch their own team. West Ham failed to mange a single effort on target during the game, although without Mauro Zarate (sub), Enner Valencia (unfit) and Andy Carroll (injured) the Schalke goal was never likely to be under heavy bombardment.
For their part the Germans managed to rattle Jussi Jaaskelainen's woodwork twice; firstly when Choupo-Moting's 23rd minute effort rebounded off the post and then after the break when Friedrich took a swing at a loose ball in the area, only to see his shot crash back off the crossbar. West Ham now face Malaga tomorrow knowing that should they beat the Spanish side, they will bring the Schalke Cup home with them. The other team in the competition, Newcastle United, lost 3-1 to the La Liga club in today's early game.
Schalke 0-0 West Ham Utd
West Ham Utd: Jaaskelainen, O'Brien, Tomkins, Collins, Potts, Nolan, Kouyate, Poyet, Fanimo, C.Cole, Downing.
Subs: Reid, Cresswell, Jarvis, Lletget, Zarate, Vaz Te, Adrian, Cullen, Lee, Noble, Jenkinson, Nasha, Diame, Whitehead, Burke.
Schalke 04: Giefer, Freidrich, Kolasinac, Boateng, Hoger, Choupo-Moting, Fuchs, Barnetta, Multhaup, Matip, Neustadter.
Subs: Fahrmann, Santana, Mayer, Papadopoulos, Aogo, Borgmann, Avdijaj, Sobottka, Itter.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham beat Schalke 7-6 on penalties after 0-0 draw
Last Updated: 02/08/14 8:50pm
SSN
West Ham began their Schalke Cup campaign with a 7-6 penalty shoot-out win over the hosts after a 0-0 draw in normal time at the Veltins Arena. Jussi Jaaskelainen was the match-winner for West Ham, saving penalties from Felipe Santana and Axel Borgmann in the shoot-out after earlier producing a fine stop to deny Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting with his legs early on in normal time. Choupo-Moting also fired against the base of the post in the first half before Marvin Friedrich hit the crossbar in the second period as the Premier League side rode their luck. Carlton Cole had their best chance to win it but instead it was left to Kevin Nolan, James Collins, Elliot Lee, Diego Poyet, Andy O'Brien, Dan Potts and Sebastian Lletget to do the business from 12 yards. The Hammers face Malaga on Sunday, while Schalke take on Newcastle. Summer signings Carl Jenkinson and Aaron Cresswell will play against the Spanish side having been rested for this game, along with Adrian, Winston Reid, Mark Noble and Matt Jarvis.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle United and West Ham fans arrested after fighting breaks out in Germany
Aug 02, 2014 14:45 By Kate Proctor
Police say more than 20 people were detained after clashes before the pre-season Schalke Cup
The Mirror
Newcastle United and West Ham fans have been arrested in Germany after violent clashes. Police in Dusseldorf made 21 arrests last night after fighting broke out between fans from both clubs, the Newcastle Chronicle reports. The two teams are in the German city for a pre-season friendly tournament, the Schalke Cup, which is held in Gelsenkirchen - 40 minutes from Dusseldorf. This afternoon the Magpies take on the Spanish La Liga club Malaga while West Ham play Schalke 04. A spokesman for the Polizeipräsidium Düsseldorf - the city's police - said fighting broke out between both sets of fans yesterday afternoon after they had gathered in the 'old town' area. He said: "There were 300 English fans in the city centre. The fans from both clubs met and first of all they had some beers on their own, and when they met the other club there has been some verbal arguments. After that they had a psychical fight. "We put 100 policemen in the city centre so that things would calm down and it calmed down very fast but we made 21 short term arrests."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Man United's Wilfried Zaha a transfer target for 3 clubs but wants to prove himself at Reds
Aug 02, 2014 13:33 By Ed Malyon
Winger signed by Ferguson and loaned out by Moyes wants to impress Louis van Gaal after hearing it from the horse's mouth the Dutchman likes him
The Mirror
Wilfried Zaha is wanted by three Premier League clubs. The winger has found it difficult to settle since his £15million move to Manchester United from Crystal Palace last year. Zaha, who signed a five-and-a-half year contract at the Old Trafford giants, struggled under former United boss David Moyes and was then loaned out to Cardiff in January. Now, Louis van Gaal is manager of United, but that hasn't stopped Zaha receiving admiring offers. Crystal Palace, QPR and West Ham are all believed to have offered deals with a salary of £30,000 a week. However, Dutch boss Van Gaal is keen on the 21-year-old England winger and told him so on the club's pre-season tour to America - despite the fact that Zaha was the only first-team squad member not to turn up for an 'optional' training day. He was made to do a double warm-down in the searing heat of Denver, Colorado although he did not play a single minute of United's friendly with AS Roma. But Zaha said: "Louis van Gaal has let me know that he believes in me. I can't tell what's going to happen with the club in the future. "But we have a great manager and I'm sure he will change things here."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Apprentice star Karren Brady to become Tory peer
The West Ham United vice-chairman will become a member of the House of Lords, having previously turned down running as a Tory MP in 2015
The Telegraph
By Melanie Hall4:41PM BST 02 Aug 2014
The Apprentice star Karren Brady will be made a Tory peer in the latest round of appointments to the House of Lords, it has emerged. David Cameron is to hand a peerage as early as next week to the West Ham United boss and millionaire businesswoman, who last year ruled out becoming an MP or possible successor to Boris Johnson as Mayor of London in what was seen as a blow to the Conservatives. There is also speculation that former Marks & Spencer boss Sir Stuart Rose will receive a peerage in the latest wave of Conservative appointments that could revive controversy about the propriety of handing membership of the House of Lords to prominent party supporters and donors. The appointments of Miss Brady and Sir Stuart would bring two of Britain's most high-profile business people into the upper house, which comes at a time when the main parties are fighting to secure prominent support from business leaders in the run-up to next year's General Election. Both Sir Stuart and Miss Brady have appeared at Conservative annual conferences in recent years, and the West Ham United vice-chairman has also taken on a role as small business adviser to the Government. Miss Brady effectively ruled out a future in elected public life last December when she said: "I'm not going to become an MP and I'm not going to be London Mayor. I have no political ambitions." It had emerged that Miss Brady had declined offers of six safe Conservative seats to fight at the next election in 2015. Sir Stuart, who has taken on a series of roles since leaving M&S, including the chairmanship of online grocer Ocado, has also been advising the Government on NHS reform. There will be around 20 new peers appointed, with the majority selected by Mr Cameron and Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat leader. New members of the Lords are subjected to a strict vetting process, and the new arrivals will increase membership of the Lords to more than 850.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons win on pens but it's terrible to watch
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 2, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham won 7-6 on pens
It's as awful to watch this year as it was last and of course there was no sign of Teddy Sheringham inside the stadium or of a new attacking policy. Ok we won the penalty shoot-out but that was as good as it got during this 90 minutes plus. On the basis of this performance and those in New Zealand, the idea that West Ham United are to become an attacking free flowing team is just some absurd fantasy. That we went through another 90 minutes without showing any ambition to get forward via anyone other that Stewart Downing – and then not very effectively – says it all. This season is going to be much like the last – a test of resolve on behalf of the supporters loyalty who will rely on their lifelong love of this club rather than anything provided under the management of Sam Allardyce. The bare match facts are that Schalke had the majority of possession, twice hit the woodwork and we played the same old one-up which AGAIN didn't work . Ball playing Mauro Zarate didn't get a sniff as Allardyce picked a team which looked set up to get a draw and had little attacking intent. It was poor, very poor. Something needs to change and I think most of us know what ! And please Allardyce don't mention the words "clean sheet."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dicks disappointed at one-up again
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 2, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Match pundits Julian Dicks and Rob Lee were happy to see a solid defensive display from the team but can see few signs of a new attacking policy going forward. Julian said: "It was solid and disciplined and I was happy with that but what disappoints me is that it's one up again. Carlton Cole had to fight for every ball and you do need midfielders to get alongside and go beyond. We had Tony Cottee and he was only 5ft 4in! "You don't need to be a big man to hold tie ball up. TC could do it. I hope Sam Allardyce plays two up in pre-season. That's what these games are for. You have to try it." And Lee said: "Defensively it was good but I can't see any signs of the new attacking policy we have been hearing about."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
WHUFC.com
Get prepared for Sunday's Schalke 04 Cup fixture with our in-depth preview of the big game in Germany
02.08.2014
MALAGA CF v WEST HAM UNITED
SCHALKE 04 CUP
VELTINS-ARENA, GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY
SUNDAY 3 AUGUST 2014
KICK-OFF: 3.30PM CEST (2.30PM BST)
Twitter logo Facebook logo Instagram logo YouTube logo
In brief
West Ham United play their penultimate pre-season match on Sunday in the Schalke 04 Cup, a four-team tournament involving the Hammers, German Bundesliga hosts FC Schalke 04, Spanish Primera Division side Malaga and Barclays Premier League rivalsNewcastle United. West Ham will not play the Magpies, but face two continental tests in as many days as they aim for some summer silverware.
Having drawn their opening pre-season matches at Stevenage (2-2) and Ipswich Town (0-0), West Ham suffered two losses during the Football United Tour of New Zealand, as they came up short against Wellington Phoenix (1-2) and Sydney FC (1-3).
So, with another week of training at Chadwell Heath under their belts, the Londoners will be hoping for more productive results in western Germany this weekend.
Malaga will present West Ham with their second and final test at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen. The Anchovies finished eleventh in La Liga last season, having reached the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals in 2012/13.
The Schalke Cup will be covered live and exclusively on Quest TV this weekend. Quest is a free to air channel and can be found on: Freeview 37 (+138) Sky 167 (+1 195) and Virgin Media 172 (+1 173).
Who are they?
Malaga CF was formed in 1904 and has played 33 seasons in Spain's top flight.
Arguably the Anchovies' best period has been since the turn of the 21st century, winning the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2002 - the club's first major trophy.
A favourite of the many British expatriates living on the Costa del Sol on Spain's southern coast, Malaga reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League in 2003 and the last-eight of the UEFA Champions League two years ago.
In between, Malaga were relegated to the Segunda Division in 2006, spending two years in the second tier before gaining promotion in 2008.
The last few seasons have been something of a rollercoaster for Malaga, with UEFA Champions League qualification and success followed by financial issues and an exodus of big-name players and manager Manuel Pellegrini to Manchester City leading to a downturn in fortunes last term.
That said, Malaga retain a talented and cosmopolitan squad and the club's fans - Spanish and English - will hope for an upturn in fortunes in 2014/15.
Team news
The Hammers will field most of their squad across the two matches of the Schalke Cup, and new loan arrival Carl Jenkinson could be involved after completing his move from Arsenal on Thursday. However, Andy Carroll is absent after undergoing surgery on an ankle injury.
Cheikh Kouyate took a bang to his leg in a challenge in New Zealand, while James Tomkins (groin), Guy Demel (groin) and Leo Chambers (hamstring) will also hope to be fit to take on Los Boquerones.
One to watch
Malaga CF
Guillermo Ochoa became arguably the world's best-known goalkeeper when his heroics helped Mexico to reach the Round of 16 at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Capped more than 60 times by his country, Ochoa has spent the past three seasons in French football with Corsican side Ajaccio.
Blessed with quick reactions, amazing agility and an outrageous hairstyle, the 29-year-old former America star will hope to make his mark in the Primera Division after completing his move to Malaga on Friday.
West Ham United
With six new players arriving at the Boleyn Ground this summer, the existing squad members have been somewhat overlooked in recent weeks.
However, recent birthday boy Stewart Downing has started the pre-season in superb form and will hope to celebrate turning 30 by producing an outstanding second season in a West Ham shirt.
The England winger scored at Stevenage and came within inches of doing so again against Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand. With pace, two good feet and pedigree at the highest level, the stage is set for Downing to steal the show in 2014/15.
Tickets
Tickets are still available for the Schalke Cup and can be purchased on Sunday at the Veltins-Arena from "cash box WEST" at €32 Adults and €10 Under-12s. These tickets cover both matches played on that day.
Travel
For supporters in possession of a match ticket, these tickets also act as a VRR-Kombiticket ticket.
This entitles supporters to travel, free of charge on the day in question, to and from the Veltins-Arena using the Regional Transport Networks Rhine-Ruhr (VRR) until closing time of the services.
This applies to all of the VRR transport and commuter trains of Deutsche Bahn in 2nd class (but not ICE, IC, EC and IR).
If travelling by car, directions to the Veltins-Arena can be found here.
Weather
The forecast for Sunday in Gelsenkirchen is for a cloudy day and maximum daytime temperatures of 23C (74F). However, the Veltins-Arena has a roof and, if this is closed, the weather and outside temperature will be irrelevant!
Last meeting
West Ham United have never met Malaga CF previously.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spot-on Jussi inspires Hammers
WHUFC.com
Jussi Jaaskelainen saved two penalties as West Ham United defeated Schalke 04 in Germany
02.08.2014
Jussi Jaaskelainen was the hero as West Ham United began their Schalke 04 Cup challenge with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over the hosts. The veteran Finnish goalkeeper made two spectacular saves from Felipe Santana and Axel Borgmann to inspire the Hammers to a 7-6 shootout success, after the game had finished goalless at the Veltins-Arena. Jaaskelainen had been called into action before his spot-kick heroics, saving with his body from Eric Choupo-Moting early on and showing his usual reliable handling on a number of other occasions. "The main is that we needed to take our penalties and we did that, which gave me the opportunity to save their kicks," said the stopper, with trademark modesty. "We had eight penalties and we only missed one, while I think you should always save one out of three as a goalkeeper, so it was all right. "I did read what they were going to do a little bit. They were young boys coming up to take them and I was lucky enough to go the right way for both of them."
Jaaskelainen signed a new one-year contract earlier this summer and it is clear that he will compete fiercely with Adrian for a place in Sam Allardyce's starting XI this term. With displays like the one he put in at the Veltins-Arena, the 39-year-old will definitely give Big Sam food for thought when it comes to picking his team to face Tottenham Hotspur on 16 August. "That's the way I always see things in pre-season," he confirmed. "This is my 17th pre-season over here in England and I always think we all start in the same boat and will be trying to impress the manager. "The most important thing is to get yourself fit and be ready for the start of the season. "It's still pre-season and personally it was good for me to get a second 90 minutes under my belt after I played against Wellington Phoenix. "In New Zealand, we did some good work and saw lots of fans over there, but the travelling was a little bit tough so this week it was good to have a full week of training, have a couple of games here and go on from there. "The boys looked much more solid than we did in New Zealand, but when you're playing against teams like Schalke that has to be the case. You have to be more solid at the back. "We created a couple of half-chances, but obviously we want to create a few more chances. At the end of the day, we got the clean sheet and we didn't pick up any more injuries, so that was good."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The kids are alright for Big Sam
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce was pleased with a win and an impressive showing from his West Ham United youngsters
02.08.2014
Sam Allardyce was happy with a good afternoon's work as West Ham United registered their first pre-season victory with a dramatic penalty shoot-out win against Schalke 04 on Saturday afternoon. After the game had failed to deliver a goal over 90 minutes, the shoot-out matched the biblical weather outside by raining goals, with two Jussi Jaaskelainen saves proving decisive as the Hammers ran out 7-6 winners. A maiden pre-season win coupled with five Under-21s gaining valuable first-team experience - Diego Poyet, Elliot Lee and Dan Potts all netted in the shoot-out - saw the West Ham United manager conclude that the game was a perfect preparatory exercise. "The game was very good from our point of view in terms of the physicality and the technical ability of Schalke, which took us to a level we haven't reached before in pre-season," Big Sam said. "We were a bit unfortunate to win it on penalties as the woodwork stopped Schalke scoring a couple of times during the match. "But from our point of view it was a very good exercise, not only from the senior point of view but also as we played five Under-21 players and that experience has been massive for them in terms of the demands of first-team football."
Although Jaaskelainen's matchwinning save sent the near 1500 Hammers fans inside the Veltins Arena into wild celebrations, Big Sam was keen not to put too much emphasis on results at this stage of the season. Instead, he was keen to place the focus on fitness and familiarity, with the Barclays Premier League opener against Tottenham Hotspur now just two weeks away. "I don't really worry about winning games in pre-season," he explained. "It's a means to get the players to match fitness and results are not the important thing. It's about steering clear of injuries and building up that sharpness and the team getting to know each other. "We've obviously got quite a few new players that have arrived and young players that have integrated into this pre-season, which is great for everybody. It is always nice to win a game of football of course!"
Earlier on Saturday afternoon, the manager had exclusively told whufc.com of his desire to sign another striker as what would be his seventh summer signing. After a series of names were thrown at him during the post-match press conference, he was keeping his cards close to his chest, but he did admit the Joint-Chairmen had been working hard back in the UK to secure one of his top targets. "I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Certainly while we've been here the Chairman has made enquiries, whether they can be finalised I won't know until I get back. Everyone is working hard to bring in a new face to give us the opportunity to score the goals with the chances we're creating. "We've got Enner Valencia but obviously we need to do three weeks work with him before we consider him for the first team so we've got other players we hope will be successful on the front line in that time."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam targets striker signing
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce wants to sign one more forward as he prepares West Ham United for the Schalke 04 Cup
02.08.2014
Sam Allardyce is targeting one final summer signing as he prepares his West Ham United squad for the Schalke 04 Cup in Germany. The Hammers have already brought in six new faces this summer - full-backs Carl Jenkinson and Aaron Cresswell, midfielders Cheikh Kouyate and Diego Poyet and forwards Enner Valencia and Mauro Zarate - but Big Sam revealed the recruitment is not yet over. With Andy Carroll sidelined for the foreseeable future, a new centre forward is on the agenda. "I think from a defensive point of view, we've finally finished our recruitment for this season," the manager explained. "I think we now have Joey O'Brien and Aaron who can both play at left-back. Joey has filled in at left-back several times and he does just as good a job there as he does at right-back. "That means that Carl can come in and compete with Guy Demel, so we're comfortable in the right-back position now. "Of course we hope our central defensive threesome of Ginge, James Tomkins and Winston Reid stays fit all season, and we've got two good goalkeepers so we're defensively fine.
"Midfield, moving forward we have brought in Cheikh and he'll have to integrate to the Premier League, which is not easy when you first arrive here, so we have to keep an eye on that. "Diego has settled into the first-team squad quite well. I'm not saying he is going to play 20 or 30 games, but hopefully he'll play some part this year in the Premier League. "Then of course Enner has got into the country [England] and has brought his partner with him. That process of giving him a pre-season starts now. "Mauro has fitted in reasonably well, but he's had a little injury and has had slight issues with his match-fitness, but he's here. "We still have one more to go in the recruitment process and I've been speaking to the Joint-Chairmen this week. Hopefully that player will bring something in terms of our capability of scoring more goals - not creating, because we've always been able to create."
West Ham will hope to record their first victory of the pre-season when they take on hosts Schalke 04 at the Veltins-Arena on Saturday. The home side finished third in the Bundesliga last term and have a star-studded squad, and Big Sam is looking forward to seeing how his players fare against their illustrious opponents. The four-team tournament will also see the Hammers tackle Spanish Primera Liga side Malaga CF on Sunday, with Newcastle United being the other team involved in the competition. "Two games in two days means we will field two completely different teams in the hope that the players will complete 90 minutes," the manager revealed. "This will the first time they have done that in pre-season and, with the weather being as hot as it is, that'll be really tough and take them to the edge of their fitness, and that's exactly what we want at this time of year. "We are over the jet lag of New Zealand. There are no excuses there and I don't want to hear any excuses from anybody that it was that trip which caused this. That's all rubbish. "The negativity has left us and it's about being positive and getting the right edge to be ready for 16 August and this is the right tournament to do that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Schalke 04 Cup: Newcastle lose to Malaga, West Ham beat hosts
BBC.co.uk
Newcastle United were beaten 3-1 by Malaga in their opening game in the Schalke 04 Cup in Gelsenkirchen. Sergi Darder scored from long range and teenager Samu Castillejo added two more as the Spaniards went 3-0 up before half-time in Germany. Midfielder Gabriel Obertan pulled one back on the hour mark, but Newcastle could not find any further goals. Alan Pardew's side face tournament hosts Schalke, who lost a penalty shootout against West Ham, on Sunday.
Newcastle United: Elliot, Yanga-Mbiwa (Satka 84), Taylor, Coloccini (c) (Williamson 74), Haidara (Dummett 67), Abeid (Vuckic 74), Colback (Anita 67), Sissoko (Obertan 46), Armstrong (Gouffran 46), Cabella (Aarons 46), Perez (Riviere 46).
Malaga: Kameni, Gamez, Wellington, Sanchez (Angeleri 73), Antunes, Darder (Juanami 73), Camacho, Horta (Perez 86), Duda (c) (Sanchez 86), Castillejo (Juanpi 54), Santa Cruz (Alberto 73).
Schalke 0-0 (6-7 penalties) West Ham United
West Ham United goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen saved two penalties as the Hammers secured a 7-6 shootout victory over Schalke at the Veltins Arena.
Sam Allardyce's side held on for a 0-0 draw over 90 minutes of their opening game in the Schalke 04 Cup as the German hosts twice struck the woodwork.
Jaaskelainen, 39, first denied centre-back Felipe Santana and then saved left-back Axel Borgmann's spot-kick to hand his team victory.
The Hammers can secure the pre-season cup with victory against Malaga on Sunday.
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, O'Brien, Tomkins (Reid 46), Collins, Potts, Nolan, Kouyate (Diame 54), Poyet, Fanimo (Lletget 54), Cole, Downing.
Schalke 04: Giefer, Freidrich, Kolasinac (Avdijaj 62), Boateng, Hoger, Choupo-Moting (Aogo 62), Fuchs, Barnetta (Meyer 46), Multhaup, Matip (Santana 46), Neustadter.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce confirms Samuel Eto'o interest
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 2nd August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce tonight admitted that veteran Cameroon international Samuel Eto'o is on the list of potential replacements for the stricken Andy Carroll. The Hammers boss, addressing the media after West Ham's 7-6 penalty shootout win over the hosts in the Schalke Cup earlier today, revealed that despite initial opposition from the board Eto'o was very much in his - and the club's - sights. With the start of the Premier League just two weeks away, West Ham are desperately in need of a goalscorer having lost Carroll until November. And according to Allardyce, the former Barcelona forward may well be the solution.
"Up to now our Chairman was perhaps looking at a younger player," he said. "No disrespect to Samuel, but I think he preferred that we find a younger player to play in the Premier League if we possibly can. "But, Samuel is still available and we have decided that he should be considered at some stage." Allardyce also revealed that enquiries into the availability of Arsenal's Joel Campbell had proved fruitless, and that Enner Valencia is unlikely to be ready in time to start the season-opener against Tottenham.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce on... Schalke 04
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 2nd August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce was a happy man after his side secured a win via the penalty spot. Read his post-match press conference thoughts in full exclusively here on KUMB...
[Allardyce introduced by the Schalke's media officer]
We're delighted we got an invite to the tournament today. We know how great the facilities are and we've been well looked after in Germany particularly over the last few seasons I've been at West Ham.
The game today was very good from our point of view in terms of the physicality and the technical ability we've shown which took us to a level we haven't reached before in our pre-season.
We're a little fortunate perhaps that we won it on penalties as the woodwork stopped Schalke from scoring, but from our point of view it was a very good exercise.
Not only for the senior professionals, but we played five under 21 players at some stage today and that experience has been massive for them as we try to help their development into the first team. It's been a very good evening for us all round.
How relieved are you to get your first victory in pre-season?
Ha! I don't need victories in pre-season to be honest with you. It's a means to an end to get the players match fit and results are not the only important thing, it's also about steering clear of injuries, building up match fitness and the team getting to know each other.
We've got quite a few new players who have arrived and a few young players who have integrated into pre-season, which is of great benefit to everybody. It's always nice to win a game of football; even though it was on penalties, it'll still go down as a win.
We saw you quoted this morning saying you'd like to bring another striker in. Do you hope that'll happen before the start of the season?
Yes, I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Certainly whilst I've been here we've made enquiries through the Chairman. Whether those enquiries can be finalised by next week I'm not so sure, [at least] until I get back on Monday.
Everyone's trying extremely hard to secure another front man for us and to give us the opportunity to score the goals with the chances we're creating. We've now got Enner Valencia who joined us yesterday but he'll need to do at least three weeks' work before be considered him for the first team.
Does Samuel Eto'o interest you?
There's been a lot of talk about Samuel Eto'o, of course. From our point of view, up to now our Chairman was perhaps looking at a younger player. No disrespect to Samuel, but I think he preferred that we find a younger player to play in the Premier League if we possibly can. But, Samuel is still available and we have decided that he should be considered at some stage.
Joel Campbell's name has been mentioned, is he interesting you?
We've already got Carl Jenkinson so Joel Campbell wouldn't be allowed on loan - and they Arsenal] won't sell him.
How is Andy Carroll since he had his surgery last week?
He's pretty miserable, he's not very happy with life at the moment because it's a massive blow to him again. We'll just have to pick his spirits up and hopefully when the boot comes off and the specialist gives him the ok to start working again he'll feel a lot happier with himself, but he's certainly very upset and very miserable at this moment in time.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Schalke 0-0 West Ham Utd (West Ham win 7-6 on pens)
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 2nd August 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham held hosts Schalke to a goalless draw at the Veltins-Arena this afternoon before winning a dramatic penalty shootout. A dull and often dreary encounter was briefly lit up by the spot kicks, which Nolan, Neustadt, Collins and Meyer all scored before Ricardo Vaz Te pulled his shot wide of the post. Papadopoulos put Schalke 3-2 up before Elliot Lee made it 3-3. Santana missed the opportunity to give his side the lead again when Jaaskelainen pulled off a good save to his left and Diego Poyet passed his shot in the corner to restore United's advantage. Aogo sent the shootout into sudden death despite West Ham's goalkeeper guessing correctly, then Joey O'Brien and Itter both netted to make it 5-5. Danny Potts scored West Ham's sixth penalty, as did Sobottka for the hosts.
Seb Lletget placed his spot kick well - necessarily, due to Giefer diving the right way - to make it 7-6 and Jaaskelainen made his second save of the afternoon to win the shootout for the Hammers. That brief spell of excitement followed a fairly uneventful match that rarely managed to excite the healthy contingent of travelling Hammers fans nor the Schalke supporters who had trickled into the Veltins-Arena to watch their own team. West Ham failed to mange a single effort on target during the game, although without Mauro Zarate (sub), Enner Valencia (unfit) and Andy Carroll (injured) the Schalke goal was never likely to be under heavy bombardment.
For their part the Germans managed to rattle Jussi Jaaskelainen's woodwork twice; firstly when Choupo-Moting's 23rd minute effort rebounded off the post and then after the break when Friedrich took a swing at a loose ball in the area, only to see his shot crash back off the crossbar. West Ham now face Malaga tomorrow knowing that should they beat the Spanish side, they will bring the Schalke Cup home with them. The other team in the competition, Newcastle United, lost 3-1 to the La Liga club in today's early game.
Schalke 0-0 West Ham Utd
West Ham Utd: Jaaskelainen, O'Brien, Tomkins, Collins, Potts, Nolan, Kouyate, Poyet, Fanimo, C.Cole, Downing.
Subs: Reid, Cresswell, Jarvis, Lletget, Zarate, Vaz Te, Adrian, Cullen, Lee, Noble, Jenkinson, Nasha, Diame, Whitehead, Burke.
Schalke 04: Giefer, Freidrich, Kolasinac, Boateng, Hoger, Choupo-Moting, Fuchs, Barnetta, Multhaup, Matip, Neustadter.
Subs: Fahrmann, Santana, Mayer, Papadopoulos, Aogo, Borgmann, Avdijaj, Sobottka, Itter.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham beat Schalke 7-6 on penalties after 0-0 draw
Last Updated: 02/08/14 8:50pm
SSN
West Ham began their Schalke Cup campaign with a 7-6 penalty shoot-out win over the hosts after a 0-0 draw in normal time at the Veltins Arena. Jussi Jaaskelainen was the match-winner for West Ham, saving penalties from Felipe Santana and Axel Borgmann in the shoot-out after earlier producing a fine stop to deny Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting with his legs early on in normal time. Choupo-Moting also fired against the base of the post in the first half before Marvin Friedrich hit the crossbar in the second period as the Premier League side rode their luck. Carlton Cole had their best chance to win it but instead it was left to Kevin Nolan, James Collins, Elliot Lee, Diego Poyet, Andy O'Brien, Dan Potts and Sebastian Lletget to do the business from 12 yards. The Hammers face Malaga on Sunday, while Schalke take on Newcastle. Summer signings Carl Jenkinson and Aaron Cresswell will play against the Spanish side having been rested for this game, along with Adrian, Winston Reid, Mark Noble and Matt Jarvis.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle United and West Ham fans arrested after fighting breaks out in Germany
Aug 02, 2014 14:45 By Kate Proctor
Police say more than 20 people were detained after clashes before the pre-season Schalke Cup
The Mirror
Newcastle United and West Ham fans have been arrested in Germany after violent clashes. Police in Dusseldorf made 21 arrests last night after fighting broke out between fans from both clubs, the Newcastle Chronicle reports. The two teams are in the German city for a pre-season friendly tournament, the Schalke Cup, which is held in Gelsenkirchen - 40 minutes from Dusseldorf. This afternoon the Magpies take on the Spanish La Liga club Malaga while West Ham play Schalke 04. A spokesman for the Polizeipräsidium Düsseldorf - the city's police - said fighting broke out between both sets of fans yesterday afternoon after they had gathered in the 'old town' area. He said: "There were 300 English fans in the city centre. The fans from both clubs met and first of all they had some beers on their own, and when they met the other club there has been some verbal arguments. After that they had a psychical fight. "We put 100 policemen in the city centre so that things would calm down and it calmed down very fast but we made 21 short term arrests."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Man United's Wilfried Zaha a transfer target for 3 clubs but wants to prove himself at Reds
Aug 02, 2014 13:33 By Ed Malyon
Winger signed by Ferguson and loaned out by Moyes wants to impress Louis van Gaal after hearing it from the horse's mouth the Dutchman likes him
The Mirror
Wilfried Zaha is wanted by three Premier League clubs. The winger has found it difficult to settle since his £15million move to Manchester United from Crystal Palace last year. Zaha, who signed a five-and-a-half year contract at the Old Trafford giants, struggled under former United boss David Moyes and was then loaned out to Cardiff in January. Now, Louis van Gaal is manager of United, but that hasn't stopped Zaha receiving admiring offers. Crystal Palace, QPR and West Ham are all believed to have offered deals with a salary of £30,000 a week. However, Dutch boss Van Gaal is keen on the 21-year-old England winger and told him so on the club's pre-season tour to America - despite the fact that Zaha was the only first-team squad member not to turn up for an 'optional' training day. He was made to do a double warm-down in the searing heat of Denver, Colorado although he did not play a single minute of United's friendly with AS Roma. But Zaha said: "Louis van Gaal has let me know that he believes in me. I can't tell what's going to happen with the club in the future. "But we have a great manager and I'm sure he will change things here."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Apprentice star Karren Brady to become Tory peer
The West Ham United vice-chairman will become a member of the House of Lords, having previously turned down running as a Tory MP in 2015
The Telegraph
By Melanie Hall4:41PM BST 02 Aug 2014
The Apprentice star Karren Brady will be made a Tory peer in the latest round of appointments to the House of Lords, it has emerged. David Cameron is to hand a peerage as early as next week to the West Ham United boss and millionaire businesswoman, who last year ruled out becoming an MP or possible successor to Boris Johnson as Mayor of London in what was seen as a blow to the Conservatives. There is also speculation that former Marks & Spencer boss Sir Stuart Rose will receive a peerage in the latest wave of Conservative appointments that could revive controversy about the propriety of handing membership of the House of Lords to prominent party supporters and donors. The appointments of Miss Brady and Sir Stuart would bring two of Britain's most high-profile business people into the upper house, which comes at a time when the main parties are fighting to secure prominent support from business leaders in the run-up to next year's General Election. Both Sir Stuart and Miss Brady have appeared at Conservative annual conferences in recent years, and the West Ham United vice-chairman has also taken on a role as small business adviser to the Government. Miss Brady effectively ruled out a future in elected public life last December when she said: "I'm not going to become an MP and I'm not going to be London Mayor. I have no political ambitions." It had emerged that Miss Brady had declined offers of six safe Conservative seats to fight at the next election in 2015. Sir Stuart, who has taken on a series of roles since leaving M&S, including the chairmanship of online grocer Ocado, has also been advising the Government on NHS reform. There will be around 20 new peers appointed, with the majority selected by Mr Cameron and Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat leader. New members of the Lords are subjected to a strict vetting process, and the new arrivals will increase membership of the Lords to more than 850.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons win on pens but it's terrible to watch
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 2, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham won 7-6 on pens
It's as awful to watch this year as it was last and of course there was no sign of Teddy Sheringham inside the stadium or of a new attacking policy. Ok we won the penalty shoot-out but that was as good as it got during this 90 minutes plus. On the basis of this performance and those in New Zealand, the idea that West Ham United are to become an attacking free flowing team is just some absurd fantasy. That we went through another 90 minutes without showing any ambition to get forward via anyone other that Stewart Downing – and then not very effectively – says it all. This season is going to be much like the last – a test of resolve on behalf of the supporters loyalty who will rely on their lifelong love of this club rather than anything provided under the management of Sam Allardyce. The bare match facts are that Schalke had the majority of possession, twice hit the woodwork and we played the same old one-up which AGAIN didn't work . Ball playing Mauro Zarate didn't get a sniff as Allardyce picked a team which looked set up to get a draw and had little attacking intent. It was poor, very poor. Something needs to change and I think most of us know what ! And please Allardyce don't mention the words "clean sheet."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dicks disappointed at one-up again
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 2, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Match pundits Julian Dicks and Rob Lee were happy to see a solid defensive display from the team but can see few signs of a new attacking policy going forward. Julian said: "It was solid and disciplined and I was happy with that but what disappoints me is that it's one up again. Carlton Cole had to fight for every ball and you do need midfielders to get alongside and go beyond. We had Tony Cottee and he was only 5ft 4in! "You don't need to be a big man to hold tie ball up. TC could do it. I hope Sam Allardyce plays two up in pre-season. That's what these games are for. You have to try it." And Lee said: "Defensively it was good but I can't see any signs of the new attacking policy we have been hearing about."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
Saturday, August 2
Daily WHUFC News - 2nd August 2014
Schalke 04 match preview
WHUFC.com
All the essential pre-match info ahead of Saturday's game against Schalke 04
01.08.2014
SCHALKE 04 v WEST HAM UNITED
SCHALKE CUP
VELTINS-ARENA, GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY
SATURDAY 2 AUGUST 2014
KICK-OFF: 5.45PM CEST (4.45PM BST)
In brief
West Ham United resume their pre-season campaign this weekend by participating in the Schalke Cup, a four team tournament involving the Hammers, Schalke 04, Malaga and Newcastle United. West Ham will not play the Magpies, but face two continental tests in as many days as they aim for some summer silverware.
Having drawn their opening pre-season matches at Stevenage (2-2) and Ipswich Town (0-0), West Ham suffered two losses during the Football United tour of New Zealand, as they came up short against Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC.
So, with another week of training at Chadwell Heath under their belts, the Londoners will be hoping for more productive results in western Germany this weekend.
First up is a real test with hosts Schalke lying in wait on Saturday. Die Konigsblauen finished third in the Bundesliga last term to qualify for the UEFA Champions
League
The Schalke Cup will be covered live and exclusively on Quest TV this weekend. Quest is a free to air channel and can be found on: Freeview 37 (+138) Sky 167 (+1 195) and Virgin Media 172 (+1 173).
Who are they?
Founded in 1904, Schalke has long been one of Germany's most popular football teams, even though major successes have been rare since the club's heyday of the 1930s and 1940s.
They have won seven German championships, five DFB-Pokals (German Cups), one DFL-Supercup and one UEFA Cup, while their third-place finish last term saw them qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
Since 2001, they have played at the Veltins-Arena, a 61,973 capacity stadium with a retractable roof and retractable pitch, which hosted five 2006 FIFA World Cup matches.
The club holds a long-standing rivalry with Ruhr neighbours Borussia Dortmund and matches between the two are referred to as the Revierderby.
They last won the Bundesliga in 1958, but were German Cup winners three years ago.
Team news
The Hammers will field most of their squad across the two matches of the Schalke Cup, and new loan arrival Carl Jenkinson could be involved after completing his move from Arsenal on Thursday. However, Andy Carroll is absent after undergoing surgery on an ankle injury.
One to watch
Schalke 04
Schalke skipper Benedikt Howedes will be full of confidence having lifted the World Cup with Germany this summer.
The defender, who operates mostly at centre back, but also featured at left back in Brazil, came through the ranks at Schalke and has been a mainstay in recent seasons.
With 166 league appearances under his belt for the club, the 26-year-old has won a DFB-Pokal and DFL-Supercup during his time at Veltins-Arena, and also has 28 German caps to his name.
West Ham United
Carl Jenkinson could make his Hammers bow at the Schalke Cup this weekend. The 22-year-old full back has made the move to east London on loan from Arsenal, looking to build on the progress he has made in recent years at the Emirates Stadium.
Already capped by England, he has made 28 Premier League appearances in the last two seasons and will hope to add to that tally significantly at the Boleyn Ground.
He scored his first senior goal on the final day of last season, in a 2-0 win for Arsenal over Norwich City.
Tickets
Tickets are still available for both days of the Schalke Cup and can be purchased on each matchday at the Veltins-Arena from "cash box WEST" at €32 Adults and €10 Under-12s. These tickets cover both matches played on that day.
Travel
For supporters in possession of a match ticket, these tickets also act as a VRR-Kombiticket ticket.
This entitles supporters to travel, free of charge on the day in question, to and from the Veltins-Arena using the Regional Transport Networks Rhine-Ruhr (VRR) until closing time of the services.
This applies to all of the VRR transport and commuter trains of Deutsche Bahn in 2nd class (but not ICE, IC, EC and IR).
If travelling by car, directions to the Veltins-Arena can be found here.
Weather
Saturday is set to be a warm day, with temperatures reaching 28C. However, there could be thunderstorms around kick-off time.
Last meeting
West Ham United have never met Schalke 04 previously.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jenko - 'I can get going straight away'
WHUFC.com
Carl Jenkinson is fit and hopes to feature in the Schalke 04 Cup for West Ham United
01.08.2014
Carl Jenkinson is fit and ready to make his first appearance for West Ham United. The England international right-back, who arrived on loan from Arsenal on Thursday evening, started both of the Gunners' pre-season matches at Borehamwood and New York Red Bulls prior to his loan switch to east London. The 22-year-old trained with his new Hammers team-mates for the first time on Friday morning before the squad flew to Germany for this weekend's Schalke 04 Cup in Gelsenkirchen. Jenkinson would love to make his first appearance in Claret and Blue when they take on the host club at the Veltins-Arena on Saturday and Malaga CF on Sunday. "I'm coming into a new club and first and foremost I want to make a good impression on the Gaffer, the players and everyone at the club," he said. "I've played in two friendlies with Arsenal and I've got a few games to go to play my football before the season starts. "The first thing you want to do when you come into a club is to play and express yourself. We've got a game on Saturday, so hopefully I can get going straight away."
The youngster has spent the past three seasons honing his game as an attacking full-back under the guidance of Arsene Wenger. He is keen to put everything he has learnt there to good use for his new club. Having netted his maiden senior goal for Arsenal against Norwich City in their final Barclays Premier League game of last season, Jenkinson is also eager to find the net again in West Ham colours. "I spoke to the Gaffer about how he sees me playing in this team and that was important for me because I want to be able to express myself and get up and down," he explained. "I've learnt to play how Arsenal play over the last three years and I am a very attacking full-back. I like to get up and down and I know I'm going to have the opportunity to do that here as well. "Fingers crossed I'll get a few more goals this season, too. "Hopefully I can play my game here. It's a great opportunity and I just want to come here, improve the team, express myself and play football. I've missed that at some stages over the last three years where I haven't played as regularly as I'd have liked. "Hopefully it'll be a great year for me and it's one I'm really looking forward to." Looking forward to the opening Barclays Premier League fixture of the season on 16 August and a smile appeared on Jenkinson's face when the opposition was mentioned. A childhood Arsenal fan born in Essex, the defender is acutely aware of the importance of facing Tottenham Hotspur! "It's a fantastic opener. I looked at the fixtures and I thought 'It doesn't get much better than that'.
"Last season, West Ham had a fantastic record against them and I'm here and we have them again in a fantastic first game of the season, so hopefully we can continue that run from where it left off last season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mediawatch - 1 August
WHUFc.com
Our daily look at West Ham United in the news
01.08.2014
Carl Jenkinson's arrival on loan from Arsenal is top of the Hammers news agenda on Friday morning, with reports in the Guardian, Independent, Mirror and Mail.
Also in the Daily Mail, Samuel Eto'o is reportedly in talks with the Hammers over a move to the Boleyn Ground.
The Times (£) carries the same story, but also suggests that West Ham are chasing Stoke City's Peter Crouch.
Meanwhile, The Sun (£) carries a lighthearted feature on some of the more alternative items available from Barclays Premier League club shops.
[PeterR] and of course NONE of the papers had ANY stories about a certain WHU player remanded in custody!!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers offered Guidetti
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 1st August 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are one of a number of clubs to have been offered Manchester City striker John Guidetti on loan. The 22-year-old Swedish international is surplus to requirements at the City of Manchester stadium and currently looking for a new club, having returned from an unsuccessful six-month loan spell at Stoke at the end of last season. Several Premier League clubs have been approached with view to taking Guidetti, who has been with City since he was 16 despite never featuring for the first team.
* West Ham's interest in Samuel Eto'o is unlikely to go any further after the striker demanded £85,000 per-week plus bonuses, according to sources.
The two parties have held preliminary discussions with view to a move but talks are understood to have stalled due to the veteran striker's personal demands. The Cameroon international is available on a free transfer having been released by Chelsea last season.
* Shakhtar Donetsk's Facundo Ferreyra - one of many South Americans desperate to leave east Europe due to the ongoing troubles - has joined Newcastle United on a season-long loan with view to a future £6.5million deal.
West Ham were one of several parties interested in taking the 23-year-old Argentine striker, who is one of six Shakhtar players that have refused to return to the club for pre-season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jenkinson makes six
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 1st August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Carl Jenkinson has joined West Ham United on loan for the duration of the 2014/15 season, it has been confirmed. The Arsenal and England full back became Sam Allardyce's sixth signing of pre-season when he completed the switch from north to east London on Thursday evening. West Ham United have already committed to circa £23million in transfer fees this summer, with Aaron Cresswell (£4m), Cheikhou Kouyate (£7m) and Enner Valencia (£12m) necessitating sizeable investment (should all clauses and add-ons in their contracts be triggered). In addition Mauro Zarate (free, Velez), Diego Poyet (nominal fee, Brighton) and now Jenkinson (loan, Arsenal) have boosted Sam Allardyce's options ahead of the 2014/15 Premier League campaign, that kicks off little more than two weeks from now.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham back out of Samuel Eto'o deal after striker's £120,000 wage demands
Aug 01, 2014 14:03 By Darren Lewis
The east Londoners are looking to bring two strikers into the club ahead of this month's transfer deadline first choice Andy Carroll sidelined
The Mirror
Samuel Eto'o has priced himself out of a move to West Ham. The 33-year-old former Chelsea striker, now a free agent, had asked for a salary of £120,000-a-week to go to Upton Park - a wage that the Hammers do not regard as value for money. West Ham have now targeted Arsenal's Joel Campbell or another free agent, 30-year-old Portugal international Hugo Almeida. The east Londoners are looking to bring two strikers into the club ahead of this month's transfer deadline - one of them a replacement for the injured Andy Carroll. But there are also concerns over Eto'o's physical condition and his motivation having left Stamford Bridge at the end of last season. There is a feeling at Upton Park that in his current condition Eto'o would not be ready for the start of the new Premier League season. Although Eto'o scored 12 times in 35 appearances last season, all of those goals came came at Stamford Bridge.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Valencia misses German tour
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 1, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
New Hammers signing Enner Valencia has missed out on the pre-season friendly tour of Germany. According to Chairman's son Jack Sullivan the Ecuadorian striker only arrives back in England this evening and will instead concentrate on his training as he has not trained for four weeks. Valencia took part in the World Cup in Brazil scoring three goals for Ecuador with his last competitive match on the 25th June. Rumours of a slight ankle injury have not been confirmed but hopefully he will be fully match fit by the 16th August to face Spurs is selected.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pachuca retain 30% of Enner Valencia
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 1, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Mexican side Pachuca retain 30% of West Ham signing Enner Valencia in the form of a sell on clause it has been confirmed. Vice-president of Pachuca, Andres Fassi say the club retain 30% of his rights saying " It was a good deal for Enner, for Pachuca and for West Ham. We have faith in what he can achieve and that is why we retained 30 percent of his services."
When the deal was first discussed the Mexican side stated, through their chairman Jesus Martinez they wished to keep hold of some of Valencia's economic rights saying "We are seeking the possibility that is convenient for him and the club and that he is sold for the price that we like. We want to keep a percentage of the player in case he is sold in the future to another big team in Europe."
Valencia is expected to join the first team squad out in Germany this weekend.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers update Ronaldinho
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 1, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are unlikely to move for golden oldie Ronaldinho. The 34 year old Brazilian has been heavily linked with the Hammers over recent days despite Jack Sullivan appearing to quash the speculation. Having left Brazilian outfit Atletic Mineiro, various media outlets have suggested the player could be on his way to Upton Park or Queens Park Rangers. Sullivan jnr claimed it would be a big ask for him to make his debut in the Premier league four years into his 30s.
But a well placed source told ClaretandHugh: "We have certainly considered him. He's great on the ball but we also have to look at what he does off it! He makes some sense but it's not one to get too over excited about"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Eto'o Hammers update
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 1, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Reports that Samuel Eto'o could be on his way to West Ham United remain a fair way wide of the mark. Eto'o has been seriously considered by the club but there is no way they can fit his massive demands into their pay policy. And there is a serious worry about his precise age given the demands that have been put on the table during talks. The player wants between £85k-£100k and that is far too rich for the Irons blood given all the circumstances. A very well placed Hammers source told Claretandhugh exclusively: "The club have certainly looked at Eto'o but he wants massive money – from £85k upwards. "If he was talking £40k a week and £40k a start the club may be thinking seriously but at the moment there's no sign of a deal."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former Hammer to join Hamburg
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 1, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Former HammerValon Behrami is on the verge of joining Hamburg after Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis confirmed the Serie A club had granted the player's wish for a transfer. Behrami now 29, is already in Germany, where he was due to undergo a medical. He made 21 appearances for Napoli last season, struggling to force his way into manager's Rafael Benitez's plans.
Rumours persist that Guy Demel could join Behrami at his old club after Carl Jenkinson signed on loan yesterday and is likely to be first choice right back. Reports in Germany earlier this Summer suggested Guy Demel is contemplating a return to his former club Hamburg. Demel flew back to watch Hamburg earlier this year and is reported to have said: " I would be happy to help HSV !" The report suggested he would even accept a reduction in current salary to rejoin Hamburg.
Demel made 199 appearances for Hamburg between 2005-2011 before joining West Ham on a free transfer for an initial two year contract. In 2013 Demel re-signed a new two year contract with would keep him at West Ham until 2015. He has made 65 appearances for the hammers so far.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Peter Crouch is shock new West Ham target as Samuel Eto'o deal collapses
WEST HAM are set to turn to Peter Crouch to solve their striker problems after Samuel Eto'o priced himself out of a move to Upton Park.
Daily Star
Sam Allardyce is on the hunt for a hit-man to replace Andy Carroll up front after the Geordie big-man was ruled out for four months with ankle ligament damage. And they don't come much bigger than Stoke striker Peter Crouch who looks to be surplus to requirements at the Britannia. But Allardyce has only turned his attention to the well-travelled forward after giving up on Eto'o, with the veteran superstar's £100,000-a-week wage demands proving a bridge too far. Crouch has spoken of his desire to stay and fight for his place at Stoke despite the arrivals of front men Mame Diouf and Bojan this summer. And with Potters boss Mark Hughes ready to listen to offers in the region of £1m for the former England international, West Ham looks likely to be the 33-year-old's best chance of regular action this season. "Valencia is set to take his bow in a West Ham shirt in next Saturday's friendly at home to Sampdoria" Another name being circulated is Portuguese striker Hugo Almeida who is available on a free after leaving Turkish side Besiktas. The Hammers are set to hand Carl Jenkinson some playing time in today's friendly away to Schalke following the defender's season-long loan switch from Arsenal. But Hammers fans will have to wait until their team return from the two-match tournament in Germany, which also features Newcastle and Malaga, to see new striker Enner Valencia in action. The Ecuador international has some paperwork loose ends to tie-up although he has already been granted a work permit. Valencia is set to take his bow in a West Ham shirt in next Saturday's friendly at home to Sampdoria.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Shameful scenes from Germany
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 1, 2014 in Whispers
Clarey & Hugh
According to supporters out in Germany there has been fighting between West Ham United and Newcastle United fans this evening in the German city of Dusseldorf. One Newcastle fan on social media said both sets of fans had been drinking happily together all afternoon until drink got the better of a small section of fans. Another eye witness said German riot police were called in to break up the scuffles between the two sets of fans. The West Ham squad flew out today for the Schalke Cup being played against Schalke 04, Malaga and Newcastle United. The news brings shame on both Newcastle United & West Ham United fans most of which just want to follow their team. The trouble mirrors similar scenes last July when West ham fans were filmed throwing bottles in Germany in a pre-season tour before German riot police was called in.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham legend calls on club to back Allardyce or sack him
By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) | Friday, August 1, 2014
Tony Gale believes West Ham are facing a 'shaky time ahead' of them and that the club needs to either back boss Sam Allardyce or sack him. In a sensational interview with talkSPORT last week, co-chairman David Sullivan revealed they were at odds with the manager, particularly over whether controversial midfielder Ravel Morrison deserved a new contract. The Hammers chief also hinted the board had more of a say in transfers this summer than Allardyce and that they want to see an improvement in playing style this season. And West Ham legend Gale told Sam Matterface on Kick Off: "They look like they are forcing Sam's hand. When you appoint someone you either sack him or you back him. "You don't start saying things in public, saying you're going to do this and you want him to do this or he's not signed this player but we want this player to sign. It's all to the detriment of the cause for me. "We're going into the start of the season with a little bit of a shaky time ahead. If they want Sam they have got to back him. If they don't want him, they've got to sack him – simple as that.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
WHUFC.com
All the essential pre-match info ahead of Saturday's game against Schalke 04
01.08.2014
SCHALKE 04 v WEST HAM UNITED
SCHALKE CUP
VELTINS-ARENA, GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY
SATURDAY 2 AUGUST 2014
KICK-OFF: 5.45PM CEST (4.45PM BST)
In brief
West Ham United resume their pre-season campaign this weekend by participating in the Schalke Cup, a four team tournament involving the Hammers, Schalke 04, Malaga and Newcastle United. West Ham will not play the Magpies, but face two continental tests in as many days as they aim for some summer silverware.
Having drawn their opening pre-season matches at Stevenage (2-2) and Ipswich Town (0-0), West Ham suffered two losses during the Football United tour of New Zealand, as they came up short against Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC.
So, with another week of training at Chadwell Heath under their belts, the Londoners will be hoping for more productive results in western Germany this weekend.
First up is a real test with hosts Schalke lying in wait on Saturday. Die Konigsblauen finished third in the Bundesliga last term to qualify for the UEFA Champions
League
The Schalke Cup will be covered live and exclusively on Quest TV this weekend. Quest is a free to air channel and can be found on: Freeview 37 (+138) Sky 167 (+1 195) and Virgin Media 172 (+1 173).
Who are they?
Founded in 1904, Schalke has long been one of Germany's most popular football teams, even though major successes have been rare since the club's heyday of the 1930s and 1940s.
They have won seven German championships, five DFB-Pokals (German Cups), one DFL-Supercup and one UEFA Cup, while their third-place finish last term saw them qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
Since 2001, they have played at the Veltins-Arena, a 61,973 capacity stadium with a retractable roof and retractable pitch, which hosted five 2006 FIFA World Cup matches.
The club holds a long-standing rivalry with Ruhr neighbours Borussia Dortmund and matches between the two are referred to as the Revierderby.
They last won the Bundesliga in 1958, but were German Cup winners three years ago.
Team news
The Hammers will field most of their squad across the two matches of the Schalke Cup, and new loan arrival Carl Jenkinson could be involved after completing his move from Arsenal on Thursday. However, Andy Carroll is absent after undergoing surgery on an ankle injury.
One to watch
Schalke 04
Schalke skipper Benedikt Howedes will be full of confidence having lifted the World Cup with Germany this summer.
The defender, who operates mostly at centre back, but also featured at left back in Brazil, came through the ranks at Schalke and has been a mainstay in recent seasons.
With 166 league appearances under his belt for the club, the 26-year-old has won a DFB-Pokal and DFL-Supercup during his time at Veltins-Arena, and also has 28 German caps to his name.
West Ham United
Carl Jenkinson could make his Hammers bow at the Schalke Cup this weekend. The 22-year-old full back has made the move to east London on loan from Arsenal, looking to build on the progress he has made in recent years at the Emirates Stadium.
Already capped by England, he has made 28 Premier League appearances in the last two seasons and will hope to add to that tally significantly at the Boleyn Ground.
He scored his first senior goal on the final day of last season, in a 2-0 win for Arsenal over Norwich City.
Tickets
Tickets are still available for both days of the Schalke Cup and can be purchased on each matchday at the Veltins-Arena from "cash box WEST" at €32 Adults and €10 Under-12s. These tickets cover both matches played on that day.
Travel
For supporters in possession of a match ticket, these tickets also act as a VRR-Kombiticket ticket.
This entitles supporters to travel, free of charge on the day in question, to and from the Veltins-Arena using the Regional Transport Networks Rhine-Ruhr (VRR) until closing time of the services.
This applies to all of the VRR transport and commuter trains of Deutsche Bahn in 2nd class (but not ICE, IC, EC and IR).
If travelling by car, directions to the Veltins-Arena can be found here.
Weather
Saturday is set to be a warm day, with temperatures reaching 28C. However, there could be thunderstorms around kick-off time.
Last meeting
West Ham United have never met Schalke 04 previously.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jenko - 'I can get going straight away'
WHUFC.com
Carl Jenkinson is fit and hopes to feature in the Schalke 04 Cup for West Ham United
01.08.2014
Carl Jenkinson is fit and ready to make his first appearance for West Ham United. The England international right-back, who arrived on loan from Arsenal on Thursday evening, started both of the Gunners' pre-season matches at Borehamwood and New York Red Bulls prior to his loan switch to east London. The 22-year-old trained with his new Hammers team-mates for the first time on Friday morning before the squad flew to Germany for this weekend's Schalke 04 Cup in Gelsenkirchen. Jenkinson would love to make his first appearance in Claret and Blue when they take on the host club at the Veltins-Arena on Saturday and Malaga CF on Sunday. "I'm coming into a new club and first and foremost I want to make a good impression on the Gaffer, the players and everyone at the club," he said. "I've played in two friendlies with Arsenal and I've got a few games to go to play my football before the season starts. "The first thing you want to do when you come into a club is to play and express yourself. We've got a game on Saturday, so hopefully I can get going straight away."
The youngster has spent the past three seasons honing his game as an attacking full-back under the guidance of Arsene Wenger. He is keen to put everything he has learnt there to good use for his new club. Having netted his maiden senior goal for Arsenal against Norwich City in their final Barclays Premier League game of last season, Jenkinson is also eager to find the net again in West Ham colours. "I spoke to the Gaffer about how he sees me playing in this team and that was important for me because I want to be able to express myself and get up and down," he explained. "I've learnt to play how Arsenal play over the last three years and I am a very attacking full-back. I like to get up and down and I know I'm going to have the opportunity to do that here as well. "Fingers crossed I'll get a few more goals this season, too. "Hopefully I can play my game here. It's a great opportunity and I just want to come here, improve the team, express myself and play football. I've missed that at some stages over the last three years where I haven't played as regularly as I'd have liked. "Hopefully it'll be a great year for me and it's one I'm really looking forward to." Looking forward to the opening Barclays Premier League fixture of the season on 16 August and a smile appeared on Jenkinson's face when the opposition was mentioned. A childhood Arsenal fan born in Essex, the defender is acutely aware of the importance of facing Tottenham Hotspur! "It's a fantastic opener. I looked at the fixtures and I thought 'It doesn't get much better than that'.
"Last season, West Ham had a fantastic record against them and I'm here and we have them again in a fantastic first game of the season, so hopefully we can continue that run from where it left off last season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mediawatch - 1 August
WHUFc.com
Our daily look at West Ham United in the news
01.08.2014
Carl Jenkinson's arrival on loan from Arsenal is top of the Hammers news agenda on Friday morning, with reports in the Guardian, Independent, Mirror and Mail.
Also in the Daily Mail, Samuel Eto'o is reportedly in talks with the Hammers over a move to the Boleyn Ground.
The Times (£) carries the same story, but also suggests that West Ham are chasing Stoke City's Peter Crouch.
Meanwhile, The Sun (£) carries a lighthearted feature on some of the more alternative items available from Barclays Premier League club shops.
[PeterR] and of course NONE of the papers had ANY stories about a certain WHU player remanded in custody!!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers offered Guidetti
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 1st August 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are one of a number of clubs to have been offered Manchester City striker John Guidetti on loan. The 22-year-old Swedish international is surplus to requirements at the City of Manchester stadium and currently looking for a new club, having returned from an unsuccessful six-month loan spell at Stoke at the end of last season. Several Premier League clubs have been approached with view to taking Guidetti, who has been with City since he was 16 despite never featuring for the first team.
* West Ham's interest in Samuel Eto'o is unlikely to go any further after the striker demanded £85,000 per-week plus bonuses, according to sources.
The two parties have held preliminary discussions with view to a move but talks are understood to have stalled due to the veteran striker's personal demands. The Cameroon international is available on a free transfer having been released by Chelsea last season.
* Shakhtar Donetsk's Facundo Ferreyra - one of many South Americans desperate to leave east Europe due to the ongoing troubles - has joined Newcastle United on a season-long loan with view to a future £6.5million deal.
West Ham were one of several parties interested in taking the 23-year-old Argentine striker, who is one of six Shakhtar players that have refused to return to the club for pre-season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jenkinson makes six
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 1st August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Carl Jenkinson has joined West Ham United on loan for the duration of the 2014/15 season, it has been confirmed. The Arsenal and England full back became Sam Allardyce's sixth signing of pre-season when he completed the switch from north to east London on Thursday evening. West Ham United have already committed to circa £23million in transfer fees this summer, with Aaron Cresswell (£4m), Cheikhou Kouyate (£7m) and Enner Valencia (£12m) necessitating sizeable investment (should all clauses and add-ons in their contracts be triggered). In addition Mauro Zarate (free, Velez), Diego Poyet (nominal fee, Brighton) and now Jenkinson (loan, Arsenal) have boosted Sam Allardyce's options ahead of the 2014/15 Premier League campaign, that kicks off little more than two weeks from now.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham back out of Samuel Eto'o deal after striker's £120,000 wage demands
Aug 01, 2014 14:03 By Darren Lewis
The east Londoners are looking to bring two strikers into the club ahead of this month's transfer deadline first choice Andy Carroll sidelined
The Mirror
Samuel Eto'o has priced himself out of a move to West Ham. The 33-year-old former Chelsea striker, now a free agent, had asked for a salary of £120,000-a-week to go to Upton Park - a wage that the Hammers do not regard as value for money. West Ham have now targeted Arsenal's Joel Campbell or another free agent, 30-year-old Portugal international Hugo Almeida. The east Londoners are looking to bring two strikers into the club ahead of this month's transfer deadline - one of them a replacement for the injured Andy Carroll. But there are also concerns over Eto'o's physical condition and his motivation having left Stamford Bridge at the end of last season. There is a feeling at Upton Park that in his current condition Eto'o would not be ready for the start of the new Premier League season. Although Eto'o scored 12 times in 35 appearances last season, all of those goals came came at Stamford Bridge.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Valencia misses German tour
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 1, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
New Hammers signing Enner Valencia has missed out on the pre-season friendly tour of Germany. According to Chairman's son Jack Sullivan the Ecuadorian striker only arrives back in England this evening and will instead concentrate on his training as he has not trained for four weeks. Valencia took part in the World Cup in Brazil scoring three goals for Ecuador with his last competitive match on the 25th June. Rumours of a slight ankle injury have not been confirmed but hopefully he will be fully match fit by the 16th August to face Spurs is selected.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pachuca retain 30% of Enner Valencia
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 1, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Mexican side Pachuca retain 30% of West Ham signing Enner Valencia in the form of a sell on clause it has been confirmed. Vice-president of Pachuca, Andres Fassi say the club retain 30% of his rights saying " It was a good deal for Enner, for Pachuca and for West Ham. We have faith in what he can achieve and that is why we retained 30 percent of his services."
When the deal was first discussed the Mexican side stated, through their chairman Jesus Martinez they wished to keep hold of some of Valencia's economic rights saying "We are seeking the possibility that is convenient for him and the club and that he is sold for the price that we like. We want to keep a percentage of the player in case he is sold in the future to another big team in Europe."
Valencia is expected to join the first team squad out in Germany this weekend.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers update Ronaldinho
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 1, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are unlikely to move for golden oldie Ronaldinho. The 34 year old Brazilian has been heavily linked with the Hammers over recent days despite Jack Sullivan appearing to quash the speculation. Having left Brazilian outfit Atletic Mineiro, various media outlets have suggested the player could be on his way to Upton Park or Queens Park Rangers. Sullivan jnr claimed it would be a big ask for him to make his debut in the Premier league four years into his 30s.
But a well placed source told ClaretandHugh: "We have certainly considered him. He's great on the ball but we also have to look at what he does off it! He makes some sense but it's not one to get too over excited about"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Eto'o Hammers update
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 1, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Reports that Samuel Eto'o could be on his way to West Ham United remain a fair way wide of the mark. Eto'o has been seriously considered by the club but there is no way they can fit his massive demands into their pay policy. And there is a serious worry about his precise age given the demands that have been put on the table during talks. The player wants between £85k-£100k and that is far too rich for the Irons blood given all the circumstances. A very well placed Hammers source told Claretandhugh exclusively: "The club have certainly looked at Eto'o but he wants massive money – from £85k upwards. "If he was talking £40k a week and £40k a start the club may be thinking seriously but at the moment there's no sign of a deal."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former Hammer to join Hamburg
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 1, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Former HammerValon Behrami is on the verge of joining Hamburg after Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis confirmed the Serie A club had granted the player's wish for a transfer. Behrami now 29, is already in Germany, where he was due to undergo a medical. He made 21 appearances for Napoli last season, struggling to force his way into manager's Rafael Benitez's plans.
Rumours persist that Guy Demel could join Behrami at his old club after Carl Jenkinson signed on loan yesterday and is likely to be first choice right back. Reports in Germany earlier this Summer suggested Guy Demel is contemplating a return to his former club Hamburg. Demel flew back to watch Hamburg earlier this year and is reported to have said: " I would be happy to help HSV !" The report suggested he would even accept a reduction in current salary to rejoin Hamburg.
Demel made 199 appearances for Hamburg between 2005-2011 before joining West Ham on a free transfer for an initial two year contract. In 2013 Demel re-signed a new two year contract with would keep him at West Ham until 2015. He has made 65 appearances for the hammers so far.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Peter Crouch is shock new West Ham target as Samuel Eto'o deal collapses
WEST HAM are set to turn to Peter Crouch to solve their striker problems after Samuel Eto'o priced himself out of a move to Upton Park.
Daily Star
Sam Allardyce is on the hunt for a hit-man to replace Andy Carroll up front after the Geordie big-man was ruled out for four months with ankle ligament damage. And they don't come much bigger than Stoke striker Peter Crouch who looks to be surplus to requirements at the Britannia. But Allardyce has only turned his attention to the well-travelled forward after giving up on Eto'o, with the veteran superstar's £100,000-a-week wage demands proving a bridge too far. Crouch has spoken of his desire to stay and fight for his place at Stoke despite the arrivals of front men Mame Diouf and Bojan this summer. And with Potters boss Mark Hughes ready to listen to offers in the region of £1m for the former England international, West Ham looks likely to be the 33-year-old's best chance of regular action this season. "Valencia is set to take his bow in a West Ham shirt in next Saturday's friendly at home to Sampdoria" Another name being circulated is Portuguese striker Hugo Almeida who is available on a free after leaving Turkish side Besiktas. The Hammers are set to hand Carl Jenkinson some playing time in today's friendly away to Schalke following the defender's season-long loan switch from Arsenal. But Hammers fans will have to wait until their team return from the two-match tournament in Germany, which also features Newcastle and Malaga, to see new striker Enner Valencia in action. The Ecuador international has some paperwork loose ends to tie-up although he has already been granted a work permit. Valencia is set to take his bow in a West Ham shirt in next Saturday's friendly at home to Sampdoria.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Shameful scenes from Germany
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 1, 2014 in Whispers
Clarey & Hugh
According to supporters out in Germany there has been fighting between West Ham United and Newcastle United fans this evening in the German city of Dusseldorf. One Newcastle fan on social media said both sets of fans had been drinking happily together all afternoon until drink got the better of a small section of fans. Another eye witness said German riot police were called in to break up the scuffles between the two sets of fans. The West Ham squad flew out today for the Schalke Cup being played against Schalke 04, Malaga and Newcastle United. The news brings shame on both Newcastle United & West Ham United fans most of which just want to follow their team. The trouble mirrors similar scenes last July when West ham fans were filmed throwing bottles in Germany in a pre-season tour before German riot police was called in.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham legend calls on club to back Allardyce or sack him
By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) | Friday, August 1, 2014
Tony Gale believes West Ham are facing a 'shaky time ahead' of them and that the club needs to either back boss Sam Allardyce or sack him. In a sensational interview with talkSPORT last week, co-chairman David Sullivan revealed they were at odds with the manager, particularly over whether controversial midfielder Ravel Morrison deserved a new contract. The Hammers chief also hinted the board had more of a say in transfers this summer than Allardyce and that they want to see an improvement in playing style this season. And West Ham legend Gale told Sam Matterface on Kick Off: "They look like they are forcing Sam's hand. When you appoint someone you either sack him or you back him. "You don't start saying things in public, saying you're going to do this and you want him to do this or he's not signed this player but we want this player to sign. It's all to the detriment of the cause for me. "We're going into the start of the season with a little bit of a shaky time ahead. If they want Sam they have got to back him. If they don't want him, they've got to sack him – simple as that.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
