Defender signs new deal
WHUFC.com
Young defender Josh Pask has signed a new three-year contract
The centre-back has captained the Development Squad twice this pre-season
The youngster says it is a great time to be involved with West Ham United
West Ham United are delighted to announce that highly-rated defender Josh Pask has signed a new three-year deal with the Club. The 18-year-old signed his first professional deal with the Hammers in 2014, but has now signed an extension which will keep him at the Club until 2019. The centre-back was injured for a large period of last season but has started this campaign well, captaining the Development Squad in two of their pre-season fixtures. Upon penning his new deal, Pask – who has been with the Club since he was nine – revealed his delight at extending his stay with the Hammers. He said: "I'm very, very happy. The last couple of years at West Ham have been really good for me. I've been here a long time, so the majority of my life has been about West Ham. "I'm really enjoying it, so I'm delighted to sign a new contract. West Ham are certainly looking upwards so I can't wait to get started this season and hopefully I can progress as the season goes on."
As the Hammers move into their new London Stadium home this season, Pask admitted it is a great time to be associated with the Club. "This Stadium looks amazing," he continued. "We did well last season to finish seventh in the Premier League and I'm looking forward to hopefully getting out on this pitch soon. "This season, the main ambition for me is definitely to be involved with the first team in some capacity – that always has to be the aim. To get out on loan would be great too, as would a lot of appearances for the Development Squad. "West Ham are always bringing players through the Academy, so of course that's good. They've done it in the past and they are continuing to do so, so it's a good place to be as a young player at the moment."
The defender, who describes himself as "a technical player who likes to drive forward from defence" also explained how important the West Ham manager is for the young players at the Club. "Slaven Bilic is a really great manager. He's playing a lot of young players at the moment which is why West Ham is such a great place to be at the moment."
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The Big Interview - Adrian
WHUFC.com
Adrian has enjoyed many memorable performances for West Ham during his career in east London but he is now bracing himself for one of his best moments as the Club prepare to play the historic first game at the new Stadium.
After months of preparation, the countdown is finally over and the Hammers will play their first match in the UEFA Europa League as they look to overcome a 2-1 deficit from the first leg against Slovenian side NK Domzale.
Adrian showed his quality once again when he made a superb double save at the end of the game to keep the scoreline at 2-1 and now hopes to get the job finished and qualify for the Europa League Play-Offs....
Despite the defeat in Slovenia last week, how impressed you were with the superb double save you made at the end of the game to keep the scoreline at 2-1?
Adrian: "I impressed myself with the double save and it was very good. It was a great moment as if they had made it 3-1 it would have been very difficult for us in the second leg at home. "At 2-1 we have a good chance if we start well and score early. I think we will then have a very good chance of getting through "I would probably put that up with two of the best saves I have ever made. My job as a keeper is to help the team and I managed to do that. "Sometimes the keeper does not have much action during the game but you have to be ready for the last minute as the game is still being played and that was a good moment to make a double save and keep the scoreline at 2-1."
How important could that double save prove to be in potentially helping you reach the next stage of the competition?
Adrian: "We are still in the tie and one more goal would have made a massive difference. To keep it at 2-1 was so important for us, even though it was still not a great result. "We tried to win the game and every player was disappointed with the performance as we didn't play as well as we did last season. "But we have a great chance in the second leg on a new pitch at our new Stadium. We will have a big crowd and it is a massive game for us. It is a great chance for us to win in front of our own fans and keep up the confidence."
You know one of the NK Domzale players very well having played alongside Alvaro Brachi at Real Betis. You will obviously want to earn the bragging rights over him?
Adrian: "Brachi played with me at Real Betis throughout the Academy until we got to the U21's. He is a great guy. "I lost contact with him a little bit when he went to play in Greece and that is the way it works in football. "He was very happy to beat us last week, but it is our job to win the second leg and I am sorry for him but we want to reach the next round."
How excited are the players at the prospect of playing the first ever game at the new Stadium on what is going to be a historic night for West Ham United?
Adrian: "I think everyone is excited to play this first game. We all want to play in the Europa League next season and we want to show our fans that we still have a strong squad like we did last season. "We have some injured players but we still have enough strength in the squad to play at our maximum level."
You went to visit the new Stadium last season. Can you quite believe that you will be playing there on Thursday night?
Adrian: "It is a massive stadium and it will be great to play there with the atmosphere inside the stadium and all the fans who will be attending. "We have new changing rooms, the pitch, the crowd, all the new facilities that the fans can enjoy and the new store. It is an exciting moment for everyone at the Club."
You have played in front of 35,000 fans at Upton Park. How much are you now looking forward to performing in front of 60,000 every home game at the new Stadium?
Adrian: "It is much better for us as players as we will have double the number of fans getting behind us and we will feel that on the pitch. "We have great fans and I know they will create a great atmosphere inside the new Stadium."
This is going to be a big few days for the Club with the first game and then the big pre-season friendly against Juventus where we will also see the official opening ceremony. How much are the players looking forward to the next two games?
Adrian: "We have two big games coming up, but we have to focus first on the Europa League tie as we want to reach the next round. "After that hopefully we will be in the next round and we can then look forward to another big game against Juventus. "They are a top team and this is another good chance for us to show our level."
Finally, how pleased are you that Darren Randolph has pledged his long-term future to the Club after agreeing a new four-year deal.
Adrian: "I am very happy with the news. Darren is a great keeper and everyone asks me about the competition for the goalkeepers. "I think this is the best thing because it makes us want to give 120 per cent every day in training and in the games because you want to keep your position in the team. "It is a great thing for us and also for the team. I am happy for Darren as he did very well with Ireland during the Euro Finals and he deserves his new contract."
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New Stadium progress report
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's spectacular marquee signage is being lifted into place at London Stadium.
The massive West Ham lettering will sit on the compression truss above the East Stand of the Hammers' new home, greeting supporters as they approach the iconic venue.
The Club's claret signage measures 45 metres wide and three metres high and will be fixed in instalments, 24.5 metres above the ground.
Elsewhere, West Ham crests, colours and branding continue to pop up all over London Stadium, as the countdown to kick-off on Thursday evening continues.
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Get set for Thursday's match
WHUFC.com
With the inaugural fixture under the lights at London Stadium on Thursday fast approaching, supporters are advised to take a look at the information presented in our online welcome pack.
The pack gives you information on getting to the Stadium and Stadium features.
Download your welcome pack here
Season Ticket Holders are reminded that, if you are attending either the UEFA Europa League qualifier on Thursday or the Juventus clash on Sunday, to make sure you arrive in plenty of time to familiarise yourselves with your new surroundings and begin to formulate your new matchday routine.
Turnstiles will open two hours before kick-off so that you can make use of our fantastic new concourses, which possess twice as many food and drink stands as you were used to at the Boleyn Ground.
With great introductory deals available across these new stands for the first hour of turnstiles opening there's every reason to arrive early!*
The stunning new Stadium Store will be also be open up until kick-off and will re-open after the final whistle, enabling you to get your hands on the new 2016/17 home kit ahead of its first outing in our new Stadium.
Season Ticket Holders' Welcome Packs containing their access cards are being sent out in batches and will land well in advance of our first home Premier League game against AFC Bournemouth on Sunday 21 August.
*Please note that due to UEFA regulations, alcohol will not be sold in concourse bars at Thursday's game.
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The Insider
WHUFC.com
With the first game set to be played at the new Stadium on Thursday night, excitement is growing among West Ham United fans as they prepare to see the team play the first game at their magnificent new home.
Speculation continues to mount over which new players will be brought into the squad before the transfer window closes at the end of August.
I can reveal that another new signing is set to be announced in the near future as a deal has been agreed with Argentine forward Jonathan Calleri.
The talented striker needs to obtain a work permit which should take a few days, but my sources have told me that this will not be possible until Argentina are out of the Olympics.
There could be even more movement in the striking department as I have been told that the Club have bid £20million for a French striker.
I have been told that the other Club concerned are considering the bid and the Hammers are now waiting to discover if the move can be finalised.
It is my understanding that they are trying to find a replacement in a crazy market of activity this summer so that could hold up any possible move.
Reports throughout the summer have linked West Ham with a move for AC Milan forward Carlos Bacca.
I have been told there is still a small chance that Bacca will agree to join the Hammers as a deal has been agreed with the Italian giants, but the Columbian international is still undecided over whether he wants a move to the UK.
The search for a left back continues after Aaron Cresswell was ruled out for up to four months with a knee ligament injury.
My sources have told me that we have had two bids turned down for two left backs, but the search goes on.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United
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THE CASE FOR CALM: THE WEST HAM TRANSFER WINDOW SO FAR.
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 1 AUGUST 2016 AT 10:06PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
This is written by Joe Doran
As we enter August, we are little over a month away from the Sky Sports circus that is the closing of the transfer window. As is often the case within the West Ham supporter community, certain elements have begun to express a level of dissatisfaction and even vitriolic rage towards the owners with regards to our transfer dealings.
Two months in, after the arrivals of Sofiane Feghouli, Gokhan Tore and Havard Nordtveit, plus the departure of club stalwart James Tomkins, the club finds itself roughly seven million pounds in the black. This business has, rather strangely, attracted a lot of negative attention from people within the community, for both 'not spending enough' and not 'bringing in the calibre of players promised'. However, I would like to put it to these elements of the support that now is not the time for panic.
My first point of reference for this argument would be the wider transfer market, as it has been clear to see for a long time now, the Premier League clubs are operating in an inflated market, which seems to have no middle ground between deals that are 'bargains' and those which are 'overpriced'. Manchester United are currently in the process of purchasing Paul Pogba for over £100million, Liverpool have paid approximately £30million for Sadio Mane, and Bournemouth have paid £15million for Jordon Ibe. These, I think we can all agree, are a step up in prices from a few years ago, when deals such as £35million for our own Andy Carroll were considered extortionate – a price that would be considered about right nowadays, given his status at the time. Meanwhile, deals like the one we have completed for Feghouli, go through on a free. This is not the same market in which we have seen success in the past, and it feels as though the kind of deals involving quality players for minimal outlay, such as that of Kouyate arriving for a now-paltry £8million, or Cresswell for a mere £4million, might become something of a rarity.
In this scenario, the club have two options; One is to pay 'whatever it takes' now, and risk spending all available funds on a 'marquee' signing now, when a better deal may arise later in the window. Or alternatively, hold our nerve, and continue to look for the best deals we can. There is always more movement later in the window, and it is for this reason that I gold the view that the cries of "pay whatever it takes!' to get the calibre of player we expect are premature.
In addition to this lack of market value, is the relative inactivity of those teams around us, which seems to suggest that the problems West Ham are facing are not ours alone. Everton have signed only veteran keeper Stekelenburg, Southampton have signed Hojberg and Redmond, but lost Manè and Pelle, Stoke have signed a wildcard in Sobhi, and admittedly a solid player in Allen, whilst Liverpool pay large fees for players unproven at the very highest level. Looking further up the table, Manchester United and City continue to pay extortionate fees, Chelsea have found signings hard but managed to capture Kante for a large sum and Arsenal struggle yet again to land a striker. Spurs, arguably, have done well with Vincent Janssen, but he too remains unproven. Clearly then, many Premier League teams are struggling to land their men, possibly due to the large sums available to all of them meaning that the clubs in foreign markets feel able to ask for me. This is why I reject the idea that Gold and Sullivan's media talk has been the main factor behind us having to pay more – Every Premier League team is having to, and none of them are finding any sort of success that we are not.
It is worth celebrating then, that despite this inflated market, that the deals we have secured all represent really fantastic business for the club. It is refreshing, in my view, to see first team quality players come in for free, and also to see more deals like those for Gokhan Tore, and potentially Jonathan Calleri, done on a loan-to-buy basis that represents low risk for the club – Anyone else glad we didn't fork out £15m for Alex Song and £12m for Victor Moses based on reputation? These deals the club have made could well be worth their weight in gold, and yet the logic of some fans is that we should be concerned at the lack of money spent. Honestly, you can't help but wonder if some segments of the fan base would be happy for us to land another Matt Jarvis or Savio Nsereko, as long as that 'Spent' column looks full.
Finally, the 'marquee signing'. The now-infamous promise of the owners to bring us in a new frontman to finally convert all those chances created by Payet and Co. This has been the most frustrating saga in my time as a fan, both because a player hasn't yet been signed, but also because of the level of moaning that has come from the fans as a result. Yes, we need a new striker. Yes, the sooner the better, but nobody can accuse the owners of not trying nor being ambitious. Though in this period of the season, the kudos comes from big names, what really matters is that we get someone who scores when the season kicks off. I think "Marquee" is an unfortunate term, and one the owners are trying valiantly to live up to, but to judge them solely on their ability to bag a big name signing would be extraordinarily narrow minded, when what matters is how many goals whoever they bring in gets by next May. It's also worth reminding ourselves, again, that spending unnecessarily large sums now could price us out of other big moves later in the window.
I would hope, then, that my fellow West Ham fans would calm down for the time being. We must understand that the club finds itself in an exceptionally strong financial position, the owners have identified the problem areas, and will do all that they can to bring in what we need. Keep calm and carry on, as they say.
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IF I OWNED WEST HAM-EXCLUSIVE ITK COLUMN
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 1 AUGUST 2016 AT 9:38PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
This is not written by ExWHUEmployee but by our regular alternative ITK "If I owned West Ham". The information may be the same sometimes as Ex's column but you know that it is genuine if this is the case. His sources have been verified and you cannot really get more reliable than them!
Hello again, since my last column a lot has happened but sadly not much in the striker department. As always with West Ham, injuries have hurt us. Cresswell is a massive blow and someone I never expected to get injured as he's only missed two games for us in the last two years. This was devastating news for the club.
We did get news of Lanzini's and Tore's injures both of which are not as bad as we feared! Which is a huge positive, personally I think Lanzini is almost as valuable as Payet and is a massive asset to the club! He's so young and so skillful, he was almost over shadowed by Payet this year but I'm sure in years to come he will get his credit.
Due to the injures we need to bring in a left back (which we always needed to) and two strikers! With Sakho looking on his way out, I would like to say getting £16m for him is excellent business from the board. For me he gets injured way too much and lacks that killer instinct infront of goal. So really well played by the board there. Others would say we need to bring in a right back however I really do believe in giving Byram a chance there! I watched him a bit at Leeds and also the games he played with us and thought he did well. Very similar to Cresswell, a little raw but with good potential! Like almost every West Ham fan I do feel that Antonio is not a right back and was at fault for both goals on Thursday! Again I attended this match, sadly I wish I didn't. I do think he could be okay back up! Therefore for me the players we need to sign are a left back and two forwards.
At left back I've seen lots of people talking on Twitter about big names players however I think it's important we know we are bringing in a back up player! As I can't see someone like Cresswell being happy to sit on the bench when he is back. Therefore I don't think Gibbs is an option, as both will want first team football. I think Robertson from Hull would be very good and he is only 22 however only for the right price, the club will not pay over a certain amount Eg not more then £8m. He would be fantastic back up and could be in the first team in the future. I have a feeling we will go for someone like Olsson. Again, he would not be a bad player with lots of BPL experience and I can't see him minding being on the bench (as he was for Norwich) which again for me is a plus.
As always our striker situation is all over the press and social media! Ayew has come to light in more recent days, and a £20m bid has been placed if we listen to Sky Sports. Someone he is someone who I like but he is a gamble! He played 8 games last year up front but to be fair to him he got 6 goals and 2 assists when he played there! Which is an amazing return. I'm not saying he will keep that up however it is a good sign. Calleri is another one that looks like it's getting closer by the day, again a player that is very highly rated! Everyone I speak to that watches football in South America loves him. So he maybe one to watch, so fingers crossed.
If I was the board I would give Bacca another go and get rid of Enner. Then I believe that strike force would be unreal! Bacca must be running out of clubs and Milan may just force him out. I'm a bit gutted we didn't show more interested in Ben Yedder however I can understand the reasons why as he's not the strongest player in the world! I always believe a goalscorer is a goalscorer however.
I think if we get theses players we will be very strong next year. We have good depth as well. I'm also looking forward to my first game in our new home! The pictures that I've seen make it look amazing. Fingers crossed we can beat NK Domzili, they looked very good last Thursday COYI
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Striker confirms West Ham switch
KUMB,com
Filed: Tuesday, 2nd August 2016
By: Staff Writer
Jonathan Calleri has revealed he is set to join West Ham imminently. The 22-year-old Argentine forward, who spent last season on loan at Sai Paolo in Brazil confirmed his move to England last night in a brief interview with ESPN. "The transfer to West Ham is already completed," he said. "I hope I can adapt as soon as possible to the Premier League."
Currently registered to Deportivo Maldonado, who purchased the player's rights earlier this year, Calleri is scheduled to represent his country at the Rio Olympics. Like former Hammer Carlos Tevez, the Buenos Aires-born goalscorer also featured for Boca Juniors who he joined from All Boys, his first professional club.
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Milan make Bacca ultimatum
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 2nd August 2016
By: Staff Writer
Milan remain keen to sell Carlos Bacca to West Ham - even though the player is yet to agree personal terms. According to fresh reports emanating from Italy today, Milan have told Bacca that they want his future decided by this weekend. The Serie A side are desperate to bolster their squad ahead of the new season but are unable to move in the market until they sell Bacca, for whom West Ham have had an offer worth circa £30million accepted. The Colombian international is not averse to moving to the Premier League but has thus far rejected all of United's offers. However West Ham - who remain the only club to have had an offer accepted by Milan for the 29-year-old goalscorer, despite interest from elsewhere - believe they are in pole position still. Despite Milan's desire to sell Bacca, AC coach Vincenzo Montella said yesterday that he is looking forward to working with the player upon his return from the club's current US tour. "I decided not to bring him on the tour with us because he had a long journey and it didn't make sense to come here to the USA only to play few minutes," he told Milan's website. "I like strong players, and Bacca is a strong player. I'm counting on having him in top condition."
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Olsson agent slams City
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 2nd August 2016
By: Staff Writer
The agent of Norwich defender and West Ham transfer target Martin Olsson says his client hopes to join a new club before the start of the new season. Hasan Cetinkaya, who represents the Swedish international told the Football Channel that he expects Olsson to leave Norwich before the start of the Premier League season. And he also criticised the Canaries, who appear unwilling to sell, despite having received what Cetinkaya believes are satisfactory offers for Olsson.
"They have received multiple bids, both from clubs in the Premier League and abroad," he said. "There are clubs who have placed good bids, especially considering that Martin only has a year left on his contract - but Norwich are trying to stop a transfer. "We had an agreement [with one club] on a sum – now Norwich want even more. Martin has been loyal to Norwich and it is not acceptable that they do this. "Martin is very clear that he does not want to play in the Championship. He would particularly like to play in the Premier League as he is not a Championship player. We are optimistic."
West Ham, who lost regular left back Aaron Cresswell for up to four months last week are seeking a temporary replacement to cover the defender's absence.
West Ham, whose transfer record for a defender stands at £8.5million (paid to Juventus for Angelo Ogbonna last summer) are seeking a cheap option as cover for Cresswell, rather than spend a more substantial fee on outstanding talent such as FC Copenhagen's Ludwig Augustinsson.
* In other transfer news today, West Ham continue to be linked with a move for Mario Gomez. Fiorentina are keen to offload the 31-year-old German international who spent last season on loan at Besiktas.
* Palermo left back Achraf Lazaar - who can also play on the wing - is the latest player to be linked as a possible replacement for Aaron Cresswell. Now 24, the Moroccan international has spent the last 13 years in Italy and the last two years at Palermo in Serie B and, more recently, Serie A.
* Charlie Taylor has handed in a transfer request at Leeds United, only to be told by the club's owner Massimo Cellino that "we are not going to let him go". The highly-rated left back is one of several players being considered by West Ham as a Cresswell replacement.
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Jonathan Calleri heading for West Ham despite Barcelona and Inter Milan interest
11:43, 2 AUG 2016 UPDATED 11:44, 2 AUG 2016
BY JACOB MURTAGH
The Argentine striker has confirmed he will sign for the Hammers, subject to a work permit
The Mirror
West Ham are closing in on the signing of Deportivo Maldonado striker Jonathan Calleri. The Hammers have been chasing the 22-year-old goalgetter since January, but it is understood a deal has now been struck. Calleri is currently training with the Argentina squad ahead of the Rio Olympics, but has told TV in his homeland he is on his way to the Olympic Stadium. However, his move to the Premier League is still subject to a work permit. Calleri's passport issues prevented him joining Slaven Bilic 's side during the previous transfer window. But it is believes those problems are close to being ironed out, and the Hammers have fended off interest from Barcelona and Inter Milan for his services. Calleri spent the past six months on loan at Sao Paulo, smashing 12 goals in 17 games for the Brazilian outfit.
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Norwich City defender Martin Olsson is desperate for Premier League move amid West Ham interest
12:55 02 August 2016 Mark Armstrong
edp24.co.uk
Martin Olsson is desperate to leave Norwich City and join a Premier League club, according to the player's agent. Hasan Cetinkaya claims the Canaries have reneged on an agreement to sell the defender should City receive a certain fee and also confirmed "multiple bids" have been rejected this summer. West Ham had a bid in excess of £3m rejected according to Cetinkaya, who pointed out the fact his client could leave on a free next summer when he will be out of contract with City. "It is true that they (Norwich) received multiple bids, both from other clubs abroad and also in the Premier League," Cetinkaya told the Football Channel. "There are clubs who have put very well (good) bids (in), especially considering that it's only a year left on the contract. Norwich tries to stop the transfer, it is the fourth time now. "We had an agreement on a sum – now Norwich want even more. It does not work quite so in football. Martin has been loyal to Norwich. It is not acceptable that they do (reject bids)."
With doubts over Robbie Brady's Norwich future, City can ill-afford to lose another left-sided player just days before the start of the Championship season. However, Cetinkaya says Olsson is determined to leave. "The danger for them (Norwich) is that Martin can write in a "pre-contract" in a few months. Then they don't get a dime. We would prefer that he leave now and get well paid. "Martin is very clear that he does not want to play in the Championship and he wants to take the next step. He would particularly like to play in the Premier League, when he was so good in the Championship too. Martin is not a Championship player. But we do not give up. We are optimistic."
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Diafra Sakho to West Brom: Striker agrees personal terms with club
12:56, 2 AUG 2016 UPDATED 13:03, 2 AUG 2016
BY PAUL SUART
The Baggies are confident Diafra Sakho will be an Albion player within the next 24 hours
Birmingham Mail
Diafra Sakho's proposed transfer to West Bromwich Albion has moved closer after the West Ham striker agreed personal terms. The clubs have settled on a fee, believed to be £16 million, and the player now appears to have sanctioned a move to the Midlands. The Baggies are confident of completing their second signing of the summer, following the arrival last month of Matt Phillips, within the next 24 hours. A deal could even be confirmed tonight, provided Sakho passes a medical without any setbacks. Albion would be in a position to hold the examination with director of performance Dr Mark Gillett expected back from Devon, following last night's 2-1 defeat to Torquay United, this afternoon. Sakho made a blistering start to life in England, scoring in seven of his first eight games following his move from French side Metz in the summer of 2014. The Senegalese striker also raced out of the traps last term, scoring five goals in his first nine matches. But Sakho failed to hold down a place in the starting line-up. The 26-year-old has grown impatient at a lack of opportunities under Slaven Bilic and handed in a transfer request earlier this summer to force through an exit. Sakho's arrival would take West Brom's compliment of strikers to four alongside, Salomon Rondon, Rickie Lambert and Saido Berahino. But Berahino is finally expected to depart, after months of speculation, with Crystal Palace and Stoke City engaged in a bidding war. What is the likelihood of Albion's youngsters leaving on loan? Once the Sakho deal is over the line, the Birmingham Mail understands Albion will quickly turn their attention to Leeds United's Charlie Taylor. The path appears clear for Taylor to move on after refusing a new deal and reportedly handing in a transfer request. Leeds are now resigned to losing the Fans' Player of the Year, but will not entertain bids below £5 million for the Championship star. The Baggies are happy to offer that sum and could be willing to go higher if it guarantees the signature of Taylor, the Club's top target at left-back.
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My move to West Ham is complete, claims striker Calleri
Date published: Tuesday 2nd August 2016 1:18
TeamTalk
Argentine striker Jonathan Calleri says he's 'fulfilling a dream' by moving to Europe after claiming a deal to see him sign for West Ham has been finalised. The Argentine striker, 22, is set to arrive at the Olympic Stadium on a season-long loan, though the club will still target additional striking reinforcements, with the likes of Carlos Bacca and Mario Gomez also linked with moves to the club. Calleri, who spent last season on loan from Deportivo Maldonado at Brazilian side Sao Paulo, averages a goal every 180 minutes in all competitions and was awarded with a place in his country's Olympic squad last month. He told ESPN: "My move to West Ham is complete. I always wanted to play in Europe."
West Ham have found their summer hunt for a striker to be a frustrating one, with the likes of Michy Batshuayi and Carlos Tevez turning down moves to Slaven Bilic's side. The Hammers still await a response from AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca, the subject of a £26million bid, and have submitted a £20m bid to Swansea for Andre Ayew. Calleri's arrival may open the door for Diafra Sakho to leave the Olympic Stadium. West Brom have made an offer worth up to £16m for the Senegal striker, who was told he would not be able to depart until a replacement had been found.
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West Ham London Stadium debut is SOLD OUT
By Essex Chronicle | Posted: August 02, 2016
By Sam Inkersole sam.inkersole@KRNmedia.co.uk
It's officially a sell-out. West Ham's debut at the London Stadium on Thursday is officially a 54,000 sell out at the London Stadium. Hammers fans have been quick to snap up tickets for the Europa League third qualifying round second tie against NK Domzale on Thursday and the last 500 were picked up throughout this morning by supporters wanting to be part of history for the club. The Club announced this week that the relocatable seating on all four sides of London Stadium is now in place, which means the Hammers' iconic new home will be operating in full football mode for both the Domzale game and the Betway Cup friendly against Juventus on Sunday. It's all part of getting ready for the London Stadium's Premier League bow on Sunday, August 21, against Bournemouth when the former Olympic Stadium will be opened at its full 60,000 capacity for the first time as a football venue. There are still tickets available for the Juve friendly but not many, so be quick. They are available through the offical West Ham wesbite.
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GOMEZ'S DESIRE TO MOVE SUITS STRIKER-LITE WEST HAM PERFECTLY
Mario Gomez sees his future away from Turkey and Italy
news.ladbrokes.com
West Ham are still searching for a few players to make certain the high standards they set themselves last season are at least maintained, if not improved upon in new surroundings.
Manager Slaven Bilic has raised the bar of expectation surrounding the Olympic Stadium's first tenants and a few big names, such as Valencia winger Sofiane Feghouli, have already joined the Hammers this summer. One player who doesn't look up for the new Irons' chapter is Diafra Sakho. Widespread reports put the French striker on the verge of a £15m to West Brom, leaving Bilic an obvious void in his squad. That striker-shaped hole could well be filled with Mario Gomez. The 31-year-old is the property of Italian side Fiorentina, but after a hugely successful loan spell at Besiktas last season, it was assumed the German frontman would extend his stay. Gomez netted 26 times in 33 Super Lig appearances as Besiktas went on to win the Turkish title, however, a military coup d'état in the country this summer has reportedly left Gomez looking for alternative options. With staying as a Viola player also thought to be off the table for Gomez, there seems a clear situation for the Hammers to exploit. Some rumours say Bilic is sanctioning a £7m bid for the German international's services, who scored twice in as many games at Euro 2016 before his tournament was cruelly curtailed by injury. Gomez is a centre-forward with serious pedigree, especially from his time in the Bundesliga. After leading the line so successfully for Stuttgart, scoring 87 times in 156 appearances and helping secure the 2006/07 title on the way, Bayern Munich swooped. Two more Bundesligas, a Champions League crown and 113 more goals followed for FC Hollywood in four seasons prior to his Serie A switch.
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London Stadium could inpsire next West Ham generation
By Essex Chronicle | Posted: August 02, 2016
By by Luke Mannion
After a triumphant farewell to the Boleyn Ground at the end of last season, West Ham will now adapt to life at their new home, London Stadium, writes Luke Mannion. A venue with a maximum attendance of 60,000; the third highest of all Premier League clubs. With Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City all about to increase their capacities, this move comes at the right time for the Hammers. Although there was something typically British about seeing Andy Carroll score a thumping header in front of the Bobby Moore Stand, West Ham's new home modernises the club and they may attract more top European players – if they can continue to impress on the pitch.
West Ham's match attendances will increase by around 25,000, which should mean more noise from the home fans as well as a lot more bubbles. The only obstacle facing the supporters is the distance separating them from the action – a factor which might take some getting used to. Naming rights on stadiums are as common as a Payet screamer these days, but it seems the Olympic Stadium will be named after something other than an airline. Indian company, Mahindra Tech have made the biggest steps to having their name in lights, contrary to online speculation that Tesco are the highest bidders.
West Ham will pay £2.5m for 25 home games this season, with additional matches costing £100,000 – which is almost half of City's rent to play at the City of Manchester Stadium. The East London side will also pay another fee depending on their success this season. Qualifying for the Europa League would mean they have to pay an extra £100,000, but a top four finish would cost them £250,000.
However, earlier this year it was revealed that West Ham will only contribute £15m to the conversion of the stadium. This sparked heavy amounts of criticism from other football clubs, supporters' trusts and the Taxpayer's Alliance – all of which accused the Hammers of benefiting from taxpayer's money. When the floodlights of the Boleyn Ground were switched off for the final time, West Ham were saying goodbye to their historic ground as well as the moments that shaped their club. Now, the stage is set; it is now down to West Ham's current squad to inspire the next generation of talent.
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West Ham make contact with Palermo, deal for left back Achraf Lazaar targeted
HITC
Olly Dawes
West Ham are reportedly keen on Palermo star Achraf Lazaar. According to Sky Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio, West Ham United have turned their attention to Palermo's Achraf Lazaar as they continue to hunt for a new left back. Manager Slaven Bilic learned last week that first-choice left back Aaron Cresswell will be out for up to four months having suffered knee ligament damage – and with Stephen Hendrie sent out on loan to Blackburn Rovers, Bilic has no recognised cover at left back. Right back Sam Byram filled in there against Domzale on Thursday, but a natural left back is needed, and a host of players are being linked with that role ahead of the start of the Premier League season. Now, Sky Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio has thrown another name into the mix, reporting that Palermo's Achraf Lazaar is a new target for the Hammers. Lazaar, 24, has been a regular for Serie A side Palermo since signing from Varese in 2014, and has spent most of his time at left wing back or left back, offering a strong attacking threat – just as Cresswell has for West Ham.
A Morocco international with 16 caps to his name, Lazaar made 30 appearances for Palermo last season, and his performances for the Italians appear to have attracted West Ham's interest. Di Marzio claims that West Ham have a strong interest in signing Lazaar, and have made contact with Palermo over a possible deal. Lazaar may not be a big-name signing, but West Ham don't need a big-name signing in this situation. Cresswell should be back by the start of 2017, so West Ham simply need to bring in somebody who can cover until then, and then offer competition for Cresswell after that – and Lazaar could be just the man, if reports are to be believed.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, August 3
Tuesday, August 2
Daily WHUFC News - 2nd August 2016
West Ham United statement
WHUFC.com
The points raised in this morning's City AM article are irrelevant as the
Club is categorically not for sale and the Joint-Chairmen have made clear
they have no plans to sell the Club.
The Concession Agreement, where they affirm that commitment, is in the
public domain and speaks for itself.
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Commemorative Thames Ironworks Kit unveiled
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Commemorative 2016/17 Thames Ironworks Kit goes on sale
today ahead of its debut at Sunday's Betway Cup game against Juventus. The
Commemorative Kit echoes the very first to be worn by Thames Ironworks FC –
the Hammers' forerunners – and will mark the official opening of the Club's
new home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Featuring a navy blue design with Union Jack detailing, the Kit represents
the Iron Men who founded the Club and is now available to purchase at
officialwesthamstore.com
You can now get fully kitted out for the 2016/17 season, with the full set
of Umbro Home, Away and Commemorative Kits now available online and in
store.
Ahead of a momentous week for the Club, in which they will play their first
games at their new home, make sure you mark the occasion with the new Kit.
Our new Stadium Store has all three Kits and the full range of Umbro
training wear alongside Hammers gifts, souvenirs, leisurewear and more.
Click here for full details of how to get to the new Stadium Store.
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Fletcher - It is one of the best Stadiums I have ever seen
WHUFC.com
Fletcher set to make first appearance at the new Stadium
The talented forward has already scored two goals during pre-season
Fletcher predicts big things for West Ham next season
Ashley Fletcher cannot wait to play his first game at West Ham United's new
home and believes it is one of the best stadiums he has ever seen. Fletcher
is no stranger to playing at a big venue, having come through the ranks at
Old Trafford and has played in a 60,000 arena. The talented forward was
given a behind-the-scenes tour of the Hammers' new home following his move
last month and was taken aback by the size of the new Stadium. Fletcher is
set to make his first appearance in east London when West Ham face NK
Domzale in the UEFA Europa League Third Qualifying Round Second Leg on
Thursday night and will be looking to reverse a 2-1 deficit as they look to
reach the next stage of the competition.
Fletcher said: "The stadium is looking great and I cannot wait to play the
first game here. I am looking forward to seeing it filled with West Ham
fans. "I have obviously seen a lot of pictures of the new Stadium but you
don't appreciate how big it actually is until you come here and I think it
is one of the best stadiums I have ever seen. "Looking at the seats and the
scoreboard it gives a real modern vibe and I cannot wait to play my first
game here. "This really shows the level that West Ham want to be aspiring to
and was one of the main reasons I joined the Club."
Fletcher has wasted no time settling into his new surroundings and
immediately showed his quality when he got on the scoresheet against FC
Slovacko and Karlsruher on the pre-season tour to Austria. He added: "I have
really enjoyed my time at the Club so far and have already made some really
good friends. I feel I am really settling in well. "When I first signed I
trained alongside Gokhan Tore as the rest of the players were finishing
their pre-season tour to America and I spoke to him about his time in
Turkey. "It is nice to have someone else who is new to the set-up but I have
settled in really well. "I can see there is a huge team-spirit here and this
is a family club so I am really enjoying my time here."
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Five Talking Points - Thames Ironworks Commemorative Kit
WHUFC.com
We take a look at the similarities between the West Ham United we know today
and Thames Ironworks FC following the release of the Club's new
Commemorative kit…
Silverware
Thames Ironworks secured silverware in their all-blue kit during their first
season of existence, as they lifted the West Ham Charity Cup in 1895/96.
Barking Woodville were the side who were beaten, however it took three
attempts after two previous draws.
And the Hammers will be looking to emulate their forefathers and win their
own silverware in the commemorative kit this week as they take on Juventus
in Sunday's Betway Cup tie at the new Stadium on Queen Elizabeth Olympic
Park.
The Old Lady have plenty of silverware in the trophy cabinet themselves, and
won the league and cup double in Italy last season.
The Hammers will want to bounce back after last season's disappointment in
the competition, in which they lost 2-1 to German side Werder Bremen at the
Boleyn Ground.
Success
In their blue strip, Thames Ironworks enjoyed major success as a football
club, and West Ham United will hope their upcoming season will see similar
triumphs at their new home.
In the side's first ever season back in 1985/86, as well as winning the
previously mentioned West Ham Charity Cup, the team were victorious in 30 of
their 46 matches that campaign.
After last season's achievements, which saw the Hammers finish seventh in
the Premier League – their best final league placing for 14 years – the Club
and Slaven Bilic's side will be keen to continue their success on the
football pitch.
New multi-sports arena
As West Ham United move into their new London Stadium this season, it almost
mirrors the switch made by Thames Ironworks back in 1897, as they moved into
a new venue themselves – the Memorial Grounds in West Ham.
Of course, wearing their all-blue strip, Thames Ironworks began to play
their football in the Memorial Grounds – a facility that could house more
than 100,000 spectators – that summer.
Like the Hammers' new home, the Memorial Grounds was a multi-sports arena
which played host to many other events. A banked cycle track surrounded the
pitch, and, like the Club's new Stadium, was home to athletics as well.
Tennis courts, cricket pitches and outdoor swimming pools were also on the
Grounds and 119 years later, many of the same activities and sports take
place on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Kits
The Thames Ironworks' kit featured the Union Jack badge from 1986/87
onwards, as does the Hammers' new commemorative strip.
Founder of the side Arnold Hills had many passions, with patriotism being
among them. The addition of the flag signalled this, and the red streaks
throughout the strip is also reflected in Umbro's new release.
The kit also features a classic buttoned collar, and the crossed hammers
logo is proudly displayed on the neck of the shirt.
Ambitious owners
Arnold Hills established Thames Ironworks FC back in the 19th century and
the local businessman clearly wanted the best for local people. As a keen
promoter of healthy living and exercise, Hills was keen for his workers to
become involved in communal activities.
The current West Ham owners want and advocate affordable football for all
the Club's supporters and those who have secured tickets for the Club's
Betway Cup fixture against Juventus will be the first to experience that at
the new Stadium on Sunday.
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EXWHUEMPLOYEE COLUMN: EXCLUSIVE TRANSFER UPDATE
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 31 JULY 2016 AT 10:48PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
So it has been a while since I have written one of these so there is quite a
lot to cover.
Forward Situation: There has been a lot of panic around us signing forwards
and yes we have missed out on some of our targets but there is still no need
to panic.
Calleri:
We should have Calleri officially confirmed as our player in the near future
(I know I have said this for a while now). There has been a hold up
finalising the deal because of his Olympic commitments so he hasn't been
able to come over and have a medical done but the club are still confident
he will become a West Ham player soon. The original hold up was that he had
to get an Italian passport so he didn't require a work permit, this has now
been resolved. It will be a loan deal with a given a date to be reviewed
by, to decide whether it will then be turned into a permanent deal. A very
similar situation to that of Lanzini.
Ayew:
We have made serious enquires about the Swansea forward and submitted an
offer which we believe matches their demands. The problem with the deal is
that Swansea are seriously lacking in the forward department themselves and
want to complete a deal before they sell him, a little similar to the
situation that we were in. Their fans are becoming restless as well so they
are trying to manage the situation carefully before openly accepting our
bid. Claims that Swansea know nothing about our interest and intentions are
just not true and you only have to read our Chairman's comments about the
bid submitted for an international forward in the Premier League to work out
that it is him. People have questioned why we will now be able to afford
his wages when we couldn't last year when we could have signed him on a
free. The bottom line is we are happy to pay more now because he has proven
himself in the Premier League. He will not be an out and out forward but
will get games there if needed. The club see him as a similar player/role
to Valencia, can play up top but more likely to be used as an attacking
winger. We hope to conclude the deal in the next week assuming Swansea
start to play ball.
Marquee signing:
I am not sure where this rumour that we were announcing a marquee signing
this evening has came from or that I will say anything different
tonight-someone has misquoted me somewhere. This is the situation; despite
the large fee for Ayew he would not be the marquee forward. It is fair to
say that Bacca has still not turned down the club and his options appear to
be limited elsewhere. He may be "forced" into the move because Milan need
to sell him to buy other players and he doesn't have a great deal of
options. If he then decides still not to join us I can see us making a move
for Benteke of Liverpool. He has still yet to join another club and like
Bacca, he is keeping his options open. David Gold is a big fan. The Bacca
situation is an interesting one but he really is the club's first choice and
until he says an outright no we will keep hoping.
Sakho to Leave:
WBA have always been the front runners for Sakho and appear to have
submitted a bid of around £10m plus clauses which will take the deal up to
around £16m, which really is a decent amount for someone who has caused a
fair share of problems in recent months. The main concern is whether he
will pass his medical or not, the club hope that he will but there are
concerns about his back especially. Berahino has been talked about as being
part of the deal but the club are worried that with his attitude they could
be taking a big risk and prefer Ayew for the role. The other potential
problem with the deal is that Sakho may see himself as "better than WBA" and
like Bacca try and hold out for another club. Liverpool did at one stage
show an interest, plus a number of French and German teams and he may wish
to keep his options open. The handy thing about him handing in a transfer
request is that he has now stopped himself being owed any loyalty payments.
Left Back Signing:
We have a number of targets for the left back role. The main criteria that
the board wish to have is someone who has played in the Premier League and
is experienced. This rules out the Manchester United youngsters who have
been linked and foreign based players with no Premier League experience.
Gibbs on loan was a possibility but it appears Arsenal do not want to
sanction this as they have their own concerns in defence. We have
approached Robertson of Hull but our initial offer was rejected and we do
not want to spend over £10m on the player. We also bid £8m for Norwich's
Brady but were told that Norwich want £12m for him and that this is not what
we would be prepared to pay. Whilst we were there with Norwich we also
enquired about Olsson and were greeted with a more realistic option. He
hasn't been getting in their team because of Brady and therefore his
valuation is a lot lower. This is again someone who we have approached in
the past and were very close to signing him before we signed Cresswell. For
me Robertson is first choice and if that fails Olsson will be an alternative
option.
Randolph New Deal:
The club moved quickly this week after offers were submitted for our second
choice keeper. Randolph was becoming aware that other clubs were interested
so we tied him down to a long term deal and have promised him opportunities
to make the goalkeeper position his own this season. These will come
notably in the cup competitions and if he proves himself again he could
challenge to start in the league. I believe this is healthy for the club.
Third Shirt:
The new shirt is due to release in the next few days (some say tomorrow) and
will be very much based on our first ever kit with modern changes to it. It
looks really nice and is arguably the best one out of the lot.
Payet:
He is excited to be returning to the club's training on Monday and there is
no intention to hand in a transfer request. The club have said they will do
all they can to hold onto him and this is still the case. I do not believe
he can play on Thursday as he wasn't registered for the first leg but he
should play some part in the Juventus game.
The West Ham Way Update:
We will have our first live radio show will air this Wednesday at 7pm. We
have no special guests this week as we intend to chat about a range of
things instead. The show has been top in a number of charts now and we
really our grateful for your support. We have an extra special show planned
for transfer deadline day with more information to follow.
Evan, Baz and George will be launching West Ham Way Tv at Thursday's game so
please come and chat to them. Our August fanzine is being created now so
don't forget to order. We are also looking for more advertisers for the
site so please get in touch. After this I will do a Q and A session on our
forum at 11 to clear up any questions you still have after this.
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30 days to find five players
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 1st August 2016
By: bubbles1966
The question is this: want do we want to achieve this year? I think the
realistic objective must remain a top eight finish, minimum, and Europe one
way or another - via a Cup win, or through finishing top six in the Premier
League. Here's last year's baseline, showing West Ham's points handicap and
net spend in the summer transfer window to date:
Premier League positions, 2015/16 season
1. Leicester City: -19 (-£6m)
2. Arsenal: -9 (+£44m)
3. Tottenham: -8 (+£31m)
4. Manchester City: -4 (+£29m)
5. Manchester Utd: -4 (+£68m)
6. Southampton: -1 (-£4m)
7. West Ham Utd: (+£5m)
8. Liverpool: +2 (+£31m)
9. Stoke City: +11 (+£17m)
10. Chelsea: +12 (+£47m)
11. Everton: +15 (+£800k)
I've left last season's bottom half out, although there's always a chance
that a Sunderland or a Palace might have a good season. The change of
manager at Everton should be worth at least ten points to them, too. Last
season's interlopers have spent nothing net, while all the Sky clubs have
been splashing the cash trying to impress their new managers.
Meanwhile names like Victor Wanyama, Georginio Wijnaldum, Joe Allen and
Sadio Mane - who have gone for over £85million between them - have been
routinely dismissed as "rubbish" by Hammers fans posting on the KUMB Forum.
Our Budget
I believe a net spend of £30m-£50m - the TV money and nothing else - will go
a very long way, especially if it's topped up with money from the sale of
players like Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho and James Tomkins.
The new Premier League season kicks off in twelve days' time and we still
require the following:
* A better centre forward than Sakho to compete with Andy Carroll as the
line leader;
* A better wide striker than Valencia to compete with Michail Antonio;
* A top quality right back
* A back up/challenger to Cresswell at left back
* A replacement fourth centre back, now that Tomkins has gone.
You've got to fancy that the odd loan will fill one or two of those
defensive positions. In fact, I'm surprised we haven't been linked with
Croatian international Ivan Strinic at Napoli yet. So far we've replaced
frees and loans with frees and loans from elsewhere - for Song, Moses,
Emenike and O'Brien, see Nordtveit, Tore, Feghouli and (the impending)
Calleri. The real problem for Slaven Bilic is that the balance is wrong,
largely due to the belief that Antonio is a capable right back. As a result,
we've left ourselves light at the back. I'm guessing that no one expected
James Collins to be playing in the semi finals of Euro 2016 in early July
either!
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Norwich reject West Ham bid for Martin Olsson - Sky sources
By Paul Vinnell
Last Updated: 01/08/16 12:35pm
SSN
Norwich City have rejected a £3m bid from West Ham for defender Martin
Olsson, according to Sky sources. The London club have been one of the more
active Premier League sides in the transfer market this summer and have made
five signings so far. They have also been frustrated in a number of
attempted moves, however, and Norwich's refusal to sell at the price West
Ham are offering is another setback. They were also thwarted in their
attempt to sign Hull and Scotland full-back Andrew Robertson for £7m on
Friday when that bid was dismissed. Olsson joined Norwich three years ago
from Blackburn for a fee in the region of £2.5m after spending six years at
Ewood Park. The 28-year-old - capped 38 times - played every minute of
Sweden's three matches at Euro 2016 as they went out in the group stages.
Olsson made 27 appearances for Norwich last season but could not help them
avoid relegation to the Championship and he has one year left on his current
deal at Carrow Road.
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IS MESSI AND AGUERO'S ARGENTINE PROVIDER ABOUT TO JOIN WEST HAM?
Ladbrokes.co.uk
August 2016 marks a decade since the stunning arrival of Argentine greats
Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano at Upton Park. So it seems fitting that
one of today's most exciting stars for La Albiceleste looks likely to join
West Ham United in the coming weeks. His name? Roberto Pereyra.
The 25-year-old spent the last two seasons at Juventus, the first of which
included an impressive six-goal haul and a Champions League final
appearance.
But the most recent campaign saw the former River Plate man struggle for
game-time in Italy, despite taking his number of Argentina caps into double
figures during the campaign.
Still, after five impressive years in Serie A with Udinese and currently I
Bianconeri, there's little doubt about the midfielder's creativity,
work-rate, and physical strength.
And those qualities would make him an especially good fit for West Ham,
whose displays last season combined flair and physicality to impressive
effect.
With Transfermarkt.co.uk estimating the player's value at £13.6m, down over
£800k since last summer, now could be the time for Slaven Bilic to swoop,
especially with a sizeable sum about to be freed up by the sale of Diafra
Sakho to West Brom.
Chances are the Argentine would also settle in well at the Irons' new
Olympic Stadium home, with fellow River Plate teammate Manuel Lanzini
already a regular for the east London outfit.
West Ham begin the Premier League campaign with a trip to Chelsea, where
it's 19/4 the visitors take all three points.
In the longer term, Bilic will be looking to build on the recent
seventh-placed finish with a top-six spot (11/4) or even a place in the top
four at 8/1.
Bringing in the man chosen to provide chances for Sergio Aguero, Lionel
Messi and Gonzalo Higuain at international level would be quite a boost to
their chances, and could see those odds of Premier League progression
tumble.
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Swansea target Fernando Llorente as replacement for West Ham-bound Andre
Ayew
The Telegraph
1 AUGUST 2016 • 3:02PM
Swansea City are trying to agree a wage package with the former Spain
international Fernando Llorente before they permit Andre Ayew to leave for
West Ham in a £20 million deal.
The sticking point with signing the Seville striker are his wages, believed
to be around £5 million annually. The transfer fee is likely to be small,
around £5 million, but would require the club to commit to at least two
years for Llorente, which he has on his current lucrative deal in Seville.
His agent, and brother, Chus Llorente said on Monday that the player was
still committed to staying at Seville, who will play in the Champions League
next season. The 31-year-old is part of another Swansea overhaul of their
striking options with Bafetimbi Gomis having already left on loan to
Marseille. Ayew was signed on a free transfer last summer, although there
were considerable agent fees and terms to be met. He scored 12 goals last
season and the plan was always that he would move on for the right price.
The club have traded players astutely since their Premier League promotion
in 2011, moving on Wilfried Bony, Joe Allen, Jonjo Shelvey and Scott
Sinclair for considerable profits. Francesco Guidolin will have a very
different side next season with captain Ashley Williams also likely to leave
for Everton, who have a strong interest in the centre-back - contracted to
Swansea for another two years. West Ham's offer for Ayew is in response to
the departure of Diafra Sakho to West Bromwich Albion. He is expected to
leave for a fee of around £16 million, a record for West Brom.
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West Ham transfer news: Hammers consider Mario Gomez move as they await a
response from Swansea to £20m Andre Ayew bid
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
West Ham await a response from Swansea to their £20million bid for Andre
Ayew, who is seen as a replacement for Diafra Sakho, a target for West Brom.
A bid of £15m, rising by £5m with add-ons, has been lodged but the Welsh
club want to sign a replacement before they let Ayew go. West Brom have bid
£10m, rising to £16m for Sakho which would be acceptable to West Ham, who
signed the Senegal striker for £4.5m in August 2014. West Ham's search for
a marquee striker signing, meanwhile, goes on. AC Milan's Colombian star
Carlos Bacca is their preferred choice but the player is keen on a move to
Napoli. The door may be closing on that possibility though, as Napoli move
to sign Mauro Icardi from Inter. The German international is at Fiorentina
but the Serie A club are eager to offload him because of his salary — around
£4.5m a year — and are prepared to listen to offers of £7m for the
31-year-old striker.
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West Ham United unveil one-off £90 kit for their friendly against
Juventus... and it's not even their first game at the Olympic Stadium
West Ham play Domzale in Olympic Stadium opener on Thursday
Irons then face Juventus in a home pre-season match on Sunday
The club are releasing a one-off strip for game against Italians
Dark blue Thames Ironworks-inspired kit will cost fans £90
By JOHN DOWNES FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 10:31, 1 August 2016 | UPDATED: 10:59, 1 August 2016
West Ham United have unveiled a one-off £90 kit for their friendly against
Juventus... and it's not even their first game at the Olympic Stadium. The
Hammers have collaborated with official kit supplier Umbro, and principal
sponsor Betway, to create a special, limited edition all-dark blue kit to
kick off the club's journey at their new abode. But the price, combined
with the fact that the kit will be retired after the pre-season match - West
Ham's second game at the Olympic Stadium - is sure to rile footballing
purists. Following their 2-1 away defeat to Domzale in their Europa League
third qualifying round first leg tie at Stadion Stozice last Thursday, West
Ham host the Slovenians in the return fixture in Stratford this Thursday.
The club - famed for their claret and blue home strip - will then wear the
one-off kit during their Betway Cup clash against the Old Lady on Sunday.
The unique design is said to be inspired by the all-blue Thames Ironworks
kit worn in the 1890s.
Thames Ironworks, who would later become West Ham United, were founded by
Arnold Hills and the move from the Boleyn Ground to Olympic Stadium is seen
as a continuation of his vision. The east Londoners' sponsors have released
a YouTube video to give their supporters a first glimpse of the new design,
which features a highlights reel including club legends Bobby Moore and
Paolo Di Canio. The video, narrated with the story of Hills, Thames
Ironworks and West Ham's journey, ends with captain Mark Noble unveiling the
shirt alongside striker Andy Carroll and left back Aaron Cresswell.
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West Ham transfer news: Arsenal reject Hammers loan move for Kieran Gibbs
EXCLUSIVE
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
West Ham have had a loan bid for Kieran Gibbs rejected by Arsenal as they
search for an experienced left-back to replace the injured Aaron Cresswell.
The Hammers have also lodged a bid of up to £20million with Swansea for
their striker Andre Ayew as they look to beef up their squad before the new
Premier League season. Cresswell will be out for up to four months after
injuring his knee in a pre-season match in Austria and manager Slaven Bilic
is anxious to bring in a replacement. Gibbs, who lost his place in Arsenal's
first team to Nacho Monreal last season, was a prime target but West Ham's
north London rivals have turned down their first bid.
The Hammers may look elsewhere, with Norwich City's 28-year-old Sweden
international Martin Olsson on their radar. Olsson lost a regular place in
the Norwich team last season to Republic of Ireland international Robbie
Brady, another player who has interested West Ham, and the relegated club
are open to a deal for a player in the final year of his contract.
Two other options are Hull's Scotland international Andrew Robertson, 22,
and 22-year-old Sweden defender Ludwig Augustinsson, who plays for Danish
club FC Copenhagen.
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Revealed: How West Ham owners are free to cash in on Olympic Stadium deal
CITYAM
Frank Dalleres and Oliver Gill
West Ham United's complex deal for the Olympic Stadium, the full details of
which are laid bare for the first time today, could make the football club's
wealthy owners even richer than previously thought – at the expense of the
taxpayer.
As the Hammers prepare to play their first match at the largely
public-funded £700m venue this week, new analysis by City A.M. has revealed
the extent to which billionaire David Sullivan and co-owner David Gold, who
is worth an estimated £350m, are free to cash in on the deal.
Legacy chiefs, who negotiated the contract with West Ham, were sufficiently
concerned that Sullivan and Gold might make a quick fortune by selling up
soon after relocating to the iconic stadium that their lease contains
provision to recoup a percentage of any sale price to the public purse.
But closer examination of the contract, which was the subject of a legal
fight over attempts to suppress it, reveals that provision to be weaker than
first reported – because debts can be offset against any sale. This means
that Sullivan and Gold could bank a profit of around £31m without paying
back a penny.
West Ham say 67-year-old Sullivan and 79-year-old Gold have no plans to
sell, but their resolve could be tested as the club becomes more valuable
than ever – thanks to their gleaming new home in a coveted location – and as
foreign investors increasingly circle England's top clubs.
The east London team's 99-year lease to be the main users of the
60,000-seater stadium for just £2.5m a year – a shade over the average
top-flight player's salary – plus a one-off payment of £15m has been
described as "winning the lottery" by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
It could represent a personal windfall for their owners too, despite a
clause requiring shareholders to repay a percentage to the public purse.
That clause takes effect if the club is sold in a deal valuing it at £125m
or more during the next 10 years.
The threshold would likely be met, with West Ham valued at around £200m last
year. That figure looks conservative now, due to the stadium move and a new
era of stable profitability among Premier League sides boosting their values
across the division.
Crucially, however, West Ham's contract with E20 Stadium LLP, a partnership
between the London Legacy Development Corporation and Newham Council, states
that the club's debt – much of which is owed to the owners – is offset
against the value of any sale.
And with debt of £91m in the most recent accounts, it effectively means the
sale price would need to be far higher to trigger a taxpayer return.
The precise sums fluctuate depending on the club's debt and when any
hypothetical sale takes place, but are indicative of the owners' strong
position. Sullivan and Gold are also entitled to receive interest on their
shareholder loans at a rate of between six and seven per cent, which is
either paid in cash or added to the outstanding debt.
If it took place now, even a £215m sale would fail to earn the taxpayer a
penny, based on the club's most up-to-date available financial information.
Sullivan and Gold, meanwhile, would stand to pocket at least £165m – a
profit of around £31m on their investment – in that scenario.
A sale at a higher price would see some money trickle back to the public
purse, but only a fraction of the take secured by long-time business
associates Sullivan and Gold, who own 86.2 per cent of shares between them.
A £250m sale would bank the pair £193m – a profit of at least £59m. By
contrast, just £2.8m would return to the taxpayer. That is around one per
cent of the £272m cost of converting the Olympic Stadium into a
football-ready, 60,000-seat arena following London 2012.
Were Sullivan and Gold to sell in a £300m deal, they would take £231m,
representing a £97m profit. Less than £9m – £1.5m short of what the Hammers
paid for star player Dimitri Payet last summer – would flow back to the
taxpayer. From a £350m sale, Sullivan and Gold would take £265m – a profit
of £131m – while the public purse would receive £19m.
A spokesperson for West Ham told City A.M.: "This is a moot point because
the chairmen have no intention of selling."
The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) declined to comment.
Sullivan reiterated in December that he and Gold were not looking to sell,
although he conceded that they might be tempted if a wealthy individual made
them a huge offer.
"We have zero desire to sell the club unless the king of Saudi Arabia or the
Sultan of Brunei come along. We're not going to sell to an American or
Chinese consortium," he told Sky Sports.
"We might sell a minority shareholding to clear our debts, but in all
probability our kids will take over from us. We love West Ham; we're not
going anywhere."
Gold has argued that West Ham's use of the stadium, which begins on Thursday
when they play Slovenian side NK Domzale in a Europa League qualifying
match, will prevent it from becoming a white elephant.
Full details of West Ham's contract for the stadium were only published in
April after the LLDC accepted defeat in its legal fight with a football
supporters' coalition to keep some of the details secret.
How it works: West Ham's Olympic Stadium contract
West Ham's 99-year lease for the Olympic Stadium contains a clause
stipulating that a percentage of the proceeds of any sale of the club should
go back to the public purse.
In simplified terms, it means that any sale that values the club at £125m or
more triggers a repayment of somewhere between 7.5 per cent and 30 per cent,
with more punitive rates the higher the price tag and if the deal takes
place before summer 2021. A sale after that would not trigger a repayment.
However, the percentage is applied not to the value of the deal but to an
"adjusted consideration", offset against the club's debt. This means that if
there are substantial debts to pay off first, the sale value would need to
significantly exceed £125m before the repayment clause was activated and the
taxpayer saw any return.
The club's debt, owed in the main to David Sullivan and David Gold, stood at
£91m when accounts were filed in November. Using that figure, if West Ham
were sold today it would take an offer of more than £215m before any
repayment was triggered.
The owners: David Sullivan
The club's largest shareholder, with 51.1 per cent, made his first million
in pornography, co-founded the Sunday Sport with David Gold and now boasts a
£1bn fortune. The son of an RAF serviceman is originally from Cardiff but
moved to London aged 12 and gained a degree in economics from Queen Mary
University. Before buying their boyhood club, he and Gold owned Birmingham
City for 26 years. His investment company Conegate owns prime London
property and his motto, according to a 2009 interview, is: "What's in it for
me?"
The owners: David Gold
East-Ender Gold, who owns 35.1 per cent, has been in business with Sullivan
for 30 years, at Sport Newspapers and Birmingham City before they took
stakes in their beloved West Ham in 2010. He grew up yards from the club's
Upton Park stadium – their home until this summer's move – and played for
their youth team. Like Sullivan, early ventures included an adult magazine
business; now Gold Group International owns the Ann Summers and Knickerbox
chains, run by his daughters Jacqueline and Vanessa, and he is worth an
estimated £350m.
Manchester City and the rising value of English clubs
Inheriting a state-funded venue on the cheap can help to transform a
football club, as Manchester City have found.
They moved into the City of Manchester Stadium in 2003 on a 250-year lease
in exchange for a £20m one-off fee, the keys to their former ground and
annual rent of around £4m.
A shiny new home made City more attractive to investors, and they were sold
to former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra four years later. Just 12 months
on he sold to Sheikh Mansour of Abu Dhabi, whose vast wealth has turned the
club into one of the richest in the world.
It's not only their new home that could make West Ham a takeover target.
Soaring revenue from TV contracts has spawned a new era of profitability for
Premier League teams, and that has rekindled the interest of investors.
Manchester City, Crystal Palace, Swansea and Everton have all seen full or
partial buyouts in the last year alone, and analysts predict demand for
English clubs will continue to grow.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
The points raised in this morning's City AM article are irrelevant as the
Club is categorically not for sale and the Joint-Chairmen have made clear
they have no plans to sell the Club.
The Concession Agreement, where they affirm that commitment, is in the
public domain and speaks for itself.
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Commemorative Thames Ironworks Kit unveiled
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Commemorative 2016/17 Thames Ironworks Kit goes on sale
today ahead of its debut at Sunday's Betway Cup game against Juventus. The
Commemorative Kit echoes the very first to be worn by Thames Ironworks FC –
the Hammers' forerunners – and will mark the official opening of the Club's
new home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Featuring a navy blue design with Union Jack detailing, the Kit represents
the Iron Men who founded the Club and is now available to purchase at
officialwesthamstore.com
You can now get fully kitted out for the 2016/17 season, with the full set
of Umbro Home, Away and Commemorative Kits now available online and in
store.
Ahead of a momentous week for the Club, in which they will play their first
games at their new home, make sure you mark the occasion with the new Kit.
Our new Stadium Store has all three Kits and the full range of Umbro
training wear alongside Hammers gifts, souvenirs, leisurewear and more.
Click here for full details of how to get to the new Stadium Store.
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Fletcher - It is one of the best Stadiums I have ever seen
WHUFC.com
Fletcher set to make first appearance at the new Stadium
The talented forward has already scored two goals during pre-season
Fletcher predicts big things for West Ham next season
Ashley Fletcher cannot wait to play his first game at West Ham United's new
home and believes it is one of the best stadiums he has ever seen. Fletcher
is no stranger to playing at a big venue, having come through the ranks at
Old Trafford and has played in a 60,000 arena. The talented forward was
given a behind-the-scenes tour of the Hammers' new home following his move
last month and was taken aback by the size of the new Stadium. Fletcher is
set to make his first appearance in east London when West Ham face NK
Domzale in the UEFA Europa League Third Qualifying Round Second Leg on
Thursday night and will be looking to reverse a 2-1 deficit as they look to
reach the next stage of the competition.
Fletcher said: "The stadium is looking great and I cannot wait to play the
first game here. I am looking forward to seeing it filled with West Ham
fans. "I have obviously seen a lot of pictures of the new Stadium but you
don't appreciate how big it actually is until you come here and I think it
is one of the best stadiums I have ever seen. "Looking at the seats and the
scoreboard it gives a real modern vibe and I cannot wait to play my first
game here. "This really shows the level that West Ham want to be aspiring to
and was one of the main reasons I joined the Club."
Fletcher has wasted no time settling into his new surroundings and
immediately showed his quality when he got on the scoresheet against FC
Slovacko and Karlsruher on the pre-season tour to Austria. He added: "I have
really enjoyed my time at the Club so far and have already made some really
good friends. I feel I am really settling in well. "When I first signed I
trained alongside Gokhan Tore as the rest of the players were finishing
their pre-season tour to America and I spoke to him about his time in
Turkey. "It is nice to have someone else who is new to the set-up but I have
settled in really well. "I can see there is a huge team-spirit here and this
is a family club so I am really enjoying my time here."
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Five Talking Points - Thames Ironworks Commemorative Kit
WHUFC.com
We take a look at the similarities between the West Ham United we know today
and Thames Ironworks FC following the release of the Club's new
Commemorative kit…
Silverware
Thames Ironworks secured silverware in their all-blue kit during their first
season of existence, as they lifted the West Ham Charity Cup in 1895/96.
Barking Woodville were the side who were beaten, however it took three
attempts after two previous draws.
And the Hammers will be looking to emulate their forefathers and win their
own silverware in the commemorative kit this week as they take on Juventus
in Sunday's Betway Cup tie at the new Stadium on Queen Elizabeth Olympic
Park.
The Old Lady have plenty of silverware in the trophy cabinet themselves, and
won the league and cup double in Italy last season.
The Hammers will want to bounce back after last season's disappointment in
the competition, in which they lost 2-1 to German side Werder Bremen at the
Boleyn Ground.
Success
In their blue strip, Thames Ironworks enjoyed major success as a football
club, and West Ham United will hope their upcoming season will see similar
triumphs at their new home.
In the side's first ever season back in 1985/86, as well as winning the
previously mentioned West Ham Charity Cup, the team were victorious in 30 of
their 46 matches that campaign.
After last season's achievements, which saw the Hammers finish seventh in
the Premier League – their best final league placing for 14 years – the Club
and Slaven Bilic's side will be keen to continue their success on the
football pitch.
New multi-sports arena
As West Ham United move into their new London Stadium this season, it almost
mirrors the switch made by Thames Ironworks back in 1897, as they moved into
a new venue themselves – the Memorial Grounds in West Ham.
Of course, wearing their all-blue strip, Thames Ironworks began to play
their football in the Memorial Grounds – a facility that could house more
than 100,000 spectators – that summer.
Like the Hammers' new home, the Memorial Grounds was a multi-sports arena
which played host to many other events. A banked cycle track surrounded the
pitch, and, like the Club's new Stadium, was home to athletics as well.
Tennis courts, cricket pitches and outdoor swimming pools were also on the
Grounds and 119 years later, many of the same activities and sports take
place on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Kits
The Thames Ironworks' kit featured the Union Jack badge from 1986/87
onwards, as does the Hammers' new commemorative strip.
Founder of the side Arnold Hills had many passions, with patriotism being
among them. The addition of the flag signalled this, and the red streaks
throughout the strip is also reflected in Umbro's new release.
The kit also features a classic buttoned collar, and the crossed hammers
logo is proudly displayed on the neck of the shirt.
Ambitious owners
Arnold Hills established Thames Ironworks FC back in the 19th century and
the local businessman clearly wanted the best for local people. As a keen
promoter of healthy living and exercise, Hills was keen for his workers to
become involved in communal activities.
The current West Ham owners want and advocate affordable football for all
the Club's supporters and those who have secured tickets for the Club's
Betway Cup fixture against Juventus will be the first to experience that at
the new Stadium on Sunday.
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EXWHUEMPLOYEE COLUMN: EXCLUSIVE TRANSFER UPDATE
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 31 JULY 2016 AT 10:48PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
So it has been a while since I have written one of these so there is quite a
lot to cover.
Forward Situation: There has been a lot of panic around us signing forwards
and yes we have missed out on some of our targets but there is still no need
to panic.
Calleri:
We should have Calleri officially confirmed as our player in the near future
(I know I have said this for a while now). There has been a hold up
finalising the deal because of his Olympic commitments so he hasn't been
able to come over and have a medical done but the club are still confident
he will become a West Ham player soon. The original hold up was that he had
to get an Italian passport so he didn't require a work permit, this has now
been resolved. It will be a loan deal with a given a date to be reviewed
by, to decide whether it will then be turned into a permanent deal. A very
similar situation to that of Lanzini.
Ayew:
We have made serious enquires about the Swansea forward and submitted an
offer which we believe matches their demands. The problem with the deal is
that Swansea are seriously lacking in the forward department themselves and
want to complete a deal before they sell him, a little similar to the
situation that we were in. Their fans are becoming restless as well so they
are trying to manage the situation carefully before openly accepting our
bid. Claims that Swansea know nothing about our interest and intentions are
just not true and you only have to read our Chairman's comments about the
bid submitted for an international forward in the Premier League to work out
that it is him. People have questioned why we will now be able to afford
his wages when we couldn't last year when we could have signed him on a
free. The bottom line is we are happy to pay more now because he has proven
himself in the Premier League. He will not be an out and out forward but
will get games there if needed. The club see him as a similar player/role
to Valencia, can play up top but more likely to be used as an attacking
winger. We hope to conclude the deal in the next week assuming Swansea
start to play ball.
Marquee signing:
I am not sure where this rumour that we were announcing a marquee signing
this evening has came from or that I will say anything different
tonight-someone has misquoted me somewhere. This is the situation; despite
the large fee for Ayew he would not be the marquee forward. It is fair to
say that Bacca has still not turned down the club and his options appear to
be limited elsewhere. He may be "forced" into the move because Milan need
to sell him to buy other players and he doesn't have a great deal of
options. If he then decides still not to join us I can see us making a move
for Benteke of Liverpool. He has still yet to join another club and like
Bacca, he is keeping his options open. David Gold is a big fan. The Bacca
situation is an interesting one but he really is the club's first choice and
until he says an outright no we will keep hoping.
Sakho to Leave:
WBA have always been the front runners for Sakho and appear to have
submitted a bid of around £10m plus clauses which will take the deal up to
around £16m, which really is a decent amount for someone who has caused a
fair share of problems in recent months. The main concern is whether he
will pass his medical or not, the club hope that he will but there are
concerns about his back especially. Berahino has been talked about as being
part of the deal but the club are worried that with his attitude they could
be taking a big risk and prefer Ayew for the role. The other potential
problem with the deal is that Sakho may see himself as "better than WBA" and
like Bacca try and hold out for another club. Liverpool did at one stage
show an interest, plus a number of French and German teams and he may wish
to keep his options open. The handy thing about him handing in a transfer
request is that he has now stopped himself being owed any loyalty payments.
Left Back Signing:
We have a number of targets for the left back role. The main criteria that
the board wish to have is someone who has played in the Premier League and
is experienced. This rules out the Manchester United youngsters who have
been linked and foreign based players with no Premier League experience.
Gibbs on loan was a possibility but it appears Arsenal do not want to
sanction this as they have their own concerns in defence. We have
approached Robertson of Hull but our initial offer was rejected and we do
not want to spend over £10m on the player. We also bid £8m for Norwich's
Brady but were told that Norwich want £12m for him and that this is not what
we would be prepared to pay. Whilst we were there with Norwich we also
enquired about Olsson and were greeted with a more realistic option. He
hasn't been getting in their team because of Brady and therefore his
valuation is a lot lower. This is again someone who we have approached in
the past and were very close to signing him before we signed Cresswell. For
me Robertson is first choice and if that fails Olsson will be an alternative
option.
Randolph New Deal:
The club moved quickly this week after offers were submitted for our second
choice keeper. Randolph was becoming aware that other clubs were interested
so we tied him down to a long term deal and have promised him opportunities
to make the goalkeeper position his own this season. These will come
notably in the cup competitions and if he proves himself again he could
challenge to start in the league. I believe this is healthy for the club.
Third Shirt:
The new shirt is due to release in the next few days (some say tomorrow) and
will be very much based on our first ever kit with modern changes to it. It
looks really nice and is arguably the best one out of the lot.
Payet:
He is excited to be returning to the club's training on Monday and there is
no intention to hand in a transfer request. The club have said they will do
all they can to hold onto him and this is still the case. I do not believe
he can play on Thursday as he wasn't registered for the first leg but he
should play some part in the Juventus game.
The West Ham Way Update:
We will have our first live radio show will air this Wednesday at 7pm. We
have no special guests this week as we intend to chat about a range of
things instead. The show has been top in a number of charts now and we
really our grateful for your support. We have an extra special show planned
for transfer deadline day with more information to follow.
Evan, Baz and George will be launching West Ham Way Tv at Thursday's game so
please come and chat to them. Our August fanzine is being created now so
don't forget to order. We are also looking for more advertisers for the
site so please get in touch. After this I will do a Q and A session on our
forum at 11 to clear up any questions you still have after this.
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30 days to find five players
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 1st August 2016
By: bubbles1966
The question is this: want do we want to achieve this year? I think the
realistic objective must remain a top eight finish, minimum, and Europe one
way or another - via a Cup win, or through finishing top six in the Premier
League. Here's last year's baseline, showing West Ham's points handicap and
net spend in the summer transfer window to date:
Premier League positions, 2015/16 season
1. Leicester City: -19 (-£6m)
2. Arsenal: -9 (+£44m)
3. Tottenham: -8 (+£31m)
4. Manchester City: -4 (+£29m)
5. Manchester Utd: -4 (+£68m)
6. Southampton: -1 (-£4m)
7. West Ham Utd: (+£5m)
8. Liverpool: +2 (+£31m)
9. Stoke City: +11 (+£17m)
10. Chelsea: +12 (+£47m)
11. Everton: +15 (+£800k)
I've left last season's bottom half out, although there's always a chance
that a Sunderland or a Palace might have a good season. The change of
manager at Everton should be worth at least ten points to them, too. Last
season's interlopers have spent nothing net, while all the Sky clubs have
been splashing the cash trying to impress their new managers.
Meanwhile names like Victor Wanyama, Georginio Wijnaldum, Joe Allen and
Sadio Mane - who have gone for over £85million between them - have been
routinely dismissed as "rubbish" by Hammers fans posting on the KUMB Forum.
Our Budget
I believe a net spend of £30m-£50m - the TV money and nothing else - will go
a very long way, especially if it's topped up with money from the sale of
players like Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho and James Tomkins.
The new Premier League season kicks off in twelve days' time and we still
require the following:
* A better centre forward than Sakho to compete with Andy Carroll as the
line leader;
* A better wide striker than Valencia to compete with Michail Antonio;
* A top quality right back
* A back up/challenger to Cresswell at left back
* A replacement fourth centre back, now that Tomkins has gone.
You've got to fancy that the odd loan will fill one or two of those
defensive positions. In fact, I'm surprised we haven't been linked with
Croatian international Ivan Strinic at Napoli yet. So far we've replaced
frees and loans with frees and loans from elsewhere - for Song, Moses,
Emenike and O'Brien, see Nordtveit, Tore, Feghouli and (the impending)
Calleri. The real problem for Slaven Bilic is that the balance is wrong,
largely due to the belief that Antonio is a capable right back. As a result,
we've left ourselves light at the back. I'm guessing that no one expected
James Collins to be playing in the semi finals of Euro 2016 in early July
either!
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Norwich reject West Ham bid for Martin Olsson - Sky sources
By Paul Vinnell
Last Updated: 01/08/16 12:35pm
SSN
Norwich City have rejected a £3m bid from West Ham for defender Martin
Olsson, according to Sky sources. The London club have been one of the more
active Premier League sides in the transfer market this summer and have made
five signings so far. They have also been frustrated in a number of
attempted moves, however, and Norwich's refusal to sell at the price West
Ham are offering is another setback. They were also thwarted in their
attempt to sign Hull and Scotland full-back Andrew Robertson for £7m on
Friday when that bid was dismissed. Olsson joined Norwich three years ago
from Blackburn for a fee in the region of £2.5m after spending six years at
Ewood Park. The 28-year-old - capped 38 times - played every minute of
Sweden's three matches at Euro 2016 as they went out in the group stages.
Olsson made 27 appearances for Norwich last season but could not help them
avoid relegation to the Championship and he has one year left on his current
deal at Carrow Road.
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IS MESSI AND AGUERO'S ARGENTINE PROVIDER ABOUT TO JOIN WEST HAM?
Ladbrokes.co.uk
August 2016 marks a decade since the stunning arrival of Argentine greats
Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano at Upton Park. So it seems fitting that
one of today's most exciting stars for La Albiceleste looks likely to join
West Ham United in the coming weeks. His name? Roberto Pereyra.
The 25-year-old spent the last two seasons at Juventus, the first of which
included an impressive six-goal haul and a Champions League final
appearance.
But the most recent campaign saw the former River Plate man struggle for
game-time in Italy, despite taking his number of Argentina caps into double
figures during the campaign.
Still, after five impressive years in Serie A with Udinese and currently I
Bianconeri, there's little doubt about the midfielder's creativity,
work-rate, and physical strength.
And those qualities would make him an especially good fit for West Ham,
whose displays last season combined flair and physicality to impressive
effect.
With Transfermarkt.co.uk estimating the player's value at £13.6m, down over
£800k since last summer, now could be the time for Slaven Bilic to swoop,
especially with a sizeable sum about to be freed up by the sale of Diafra
Sakho to West Brom.
Chances are the Argentine would also settle in well at the Irons' new
Olympic Stadium home, with fellow River Plate teammate Manuel Lanzini
already a regular for the east London outfit.
West Ham begin the Premier League campaign with a trip to Chelsea, where
it's 19/4 the visitors take all three points.
In the longer term, Bilic will be looking to build on the recent
seventh-placed finish with a top-six spot (11/4) or even a place in the top
four at 8/1.
Bringing in the man chosen to provide chances for Sergio Aguero, Lionel
Messi and Gonzalo Higuain at international level would be quite a boost to
their chances, and could see those odds of Premier League progression
tumble.
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Swansea target Fernando Llorente as replacement for West Ham-bound Andre
Ayew
The Telegraph
1 AUGUST 2016 • 3:02PM
Swansea City are trying to agree a wage package with the former Spain
international Fernando Llorente before they permit Andre Ayew to leave for
West Ham in a £20 million deal.
The sticking point with signing the Seville striker are his wages, believed
to be around £5 million annually. The transfer fee is likely to be small,
around £5 million, but would require the club to commit to at least two
years for Llorente, which he has on his current lucrative deal in Seville.
His agent, and brother, Chus Llorente said on Monday that the player was
still committed to staying at Seville, who will play in the Champions League
next season. The 31-year-old is part of another Swansea overhaul of their
striking options with Bafetimbi Gomis having already left on loan to
Marseille. Ayew was signed on a free transfer last summer, although there
were considerable agent fees and terms to be met. He scored 12 goals last
season and the plan was always that he would move on for the right price.
The club have traded players astutely since their Premier League promotion
in 2011, moving on Wilfried Bony, Joe Allen, Jonjo Shelvey and Scott
Sinclair for considerable profits. Francesco Guidolin will have a very
different side next season with captain Ashley Williams also likely to leave
for Everton, who have a strong interest in the centre-back - contracted to
Swansea for another two years. West Ham's offer for Ayew is in response to
the departure of Diafra Sakho to West Bromwich Albion. He is expected to
leave for a fee of around £16 million, a record for West Brom.
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West Ham transfer news: Hammers consider Mario Gomez move as they await a
response from Swansea to £20m Andre Ayew bid
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
West Ham await a response from Swansea to their £20million bid for Andre
Ayew, who is seen as a replacement for Diafra Sakho, a target for West Brom.
A bid of £15m, rising by £5m with add-ons, has been lodged but the Welsh
club want to sign a replacement before they let Ayew go. West Brom have bid
£10m, rising to £16m for Sakho which would be acceptable to West Ham, who
signed the Senegal striker for £4.5m in August 2014. West Ham's search for
a marquee striker signing, meanwhile, goes on. AC Milan's Colombian star
Carlos Bacca is their preferred choice but the player is keen on a move to
Napoli. The door may be closing on that possibility though, as Napoli move
to sign Mauro Icardi from Inter. The German international is at Fiorentina
but the Serie A club are eager to offload him because of his salary — around
£4.5m a year — and are prepared to listen to offers of £7m for the
31-year-old striker.
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West Ham United unveil one-off £90 kit for their friendly against
Juventus... and it's not even their first game at the Olympic Stadium
West Ham play Domzale in Olympic Stadium opener on Thursday
Irons then face Juventus in a home pre-season match on Sunday
The club are releasing a one-off strip for game against Italians
Dark blue Thames Ironworks-inspired kit will cost fans £90
By JOHN DOWNES FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 10:31, 1 August 2016 | UPDATED: 10:59, 1 August 2016
West Ham United have unveiled a one-off £90 kit for their friendly against
Juventus... and it's not even their first game at the Olympic Stadium. The
Hammers have collaborated with official kit supplier Umbro, and principal
sponsor Betway, to create a special, limited edition all-dark blue kit to
kick off the club's journey at their new abode. But the price, combined
with the fact that the kit will be retired after the pre-season match - West
Ham's second game at the Olympic Stadium - is sure to rile footballing
purists. Following their 2-1 away defeat to Domzale in their Europa League
third qualifying round first leg tie at Stadion Stozice last Thursday, West
Ham host the Slovenians in the return fixture in Stratford this Thursday.
The club - famed for their claret and blue home strip - will then wear the
one-off kit during their Betway Cup clash against the Old Lady on Sunday.
The unique design is said to be inspired by the all-blue Thames Ironworks
kit worn in the 1890s.
Thames Ironworks, who would later become West Ham United, were founded by
Arnold Hills and the move from the Boleyn Ground to Olympic Stadium is seen
as a continuation of his vision. The east Londoners' sponsors have released
a YouTube video to give their supporters a first glimpse of the new design,
which features a highlights reel including club legends Bobby Moore and
Paolo Di Canio. The video, narrated with the story of Hills, Thames
Ironworks and West Ham's journey, ends with captain Mark Noble unveiling the
shirt alongside striker Andy Carroll and left back Aaron Cresswell.
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West Ham transfer news: Arsenal reject Hammers loan move for Kieran Gibbs
EXCLUSIVE
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
West Ham have had a loan bid for Kieran Gibbs rejected by Arsenal as they
search for an experienced left-back to replace the injured Aaron Cresswell.
The Hammers have also lodged a bid of up to £20million with Swansea for
their striker Andre Ayew as they look to beef up their squad before the new
Premier League season. Cresswell will be out for up to four months after
injuring his knee in a pre-season match in Austria and manager Slaven Bilic
is anxious to bring in a replacement. Gibbs, who lost his place in Arsenal's
first team to Nacho Monreal last season, was a prime target but West Ham's
north London rivals have turned down their first bid.
The Hammers may look elsewhere, with Norwich City's 28-year-old Sweden
international Martin Olsson on their radar. Olsson lost a regular place in
the Norwich team last season to Republic of Ireland international Robbie
Brady, another player who has interested West Ham, and the relegated club
are open to a deal for a player in the final year of his contract.
Two other options are Hull's Scotland international Andrew Robertson, 22,
and 22-year-old Sweden defender Ludwig Augustinsson, who plays for Danish
club FC Copenhagen.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Revealed: How West Ham owners are free to cash in on Olympic Stadium deal
CITYAM
Frank Dalleres and Oliver Gill
West Ham United's complex deal for the Olympic Stadium, the full details of
which are laid bare for the first time today, could make the football club's
wealthy owners even richer than previously thought – at the expense of the
taxpayer.
As the Hammers prepare to play their first match at the largely
public-funded £700m venue this week, new analysis by City A.M. has revealed
the extent to which billionaire David Sullivan and co-owner David Gold, who
is worth an estimated £350m, are free to cash in on the deal.
Legacy chiefs, who negotiated the contract with West Ham, were sufficiently
concerned that Sullivan and Gold might make a quick fortune by selling up
soon after relocating to the iconic stadium that their lease contains
provision to recoup a percentage of any sale price to the public purse.
But closer examination of the contract, which was the subject of a legal
fight over attempts to suppress it, reveals that provision to be weaker than
first reported – because debts can be offset against any sale. This means
that Sullivan and Gold could bank a profit of around £31m without paying
back a penny.
West Ham say 67-year-old Sullivan and 79-year-old Gold have no plans to
sell, but their resolve could be tested as the club becomes more valuable
than ever – thanks to their gleaming new home in a coveted location – and as
foreign investors increasingly circle England's top clubs.
The east London team's 99-year lease to be the main users of the
60,000-seater stadium for just £2.5m a year – a shade over the average
top-flight player's salary – plus a one-off payment of £15m has been
described as "winning the lottery" by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
It could represent a personal windfall for their owners too, despite a
clause requiring shareholders to repay a percentage to the public purse.
That clause takes effect if the club is sold in a deal valuing it at £125m
or more during the next 10 years.
The threshold would likely be met, with West Ham valued at around £200m last
year. That figure looks conservative now, due to the stadium move and a new
era of stable profitability among Premier League sides boosting their values
across the division.
Crucially, however, West Ham's contract with E20 Stadium LLP, a partnership
between the London Legacy Development Corporation and Newham Council, states
that the club's debt – much of which is owed to the owners – is offset
against the value of any sale.
And with debt of £91m in the most recent accounts, it effectively means the
sale price would need to be far higher to trigger a taxpayer return.
The precise sums fluctuate depending on the club's debt and when any
hypothetical sale takes place, but are indicative of the owners' strong
position. Sullivan and Gold are also entitled to receive interest on their
shareholder loans at a rate of between six and seven per cent, which is
either paid in cash or added to the outstanding debt.
If it took place now, even a £215m sale would fail to earn the taxpayer a
penny, based on the club's most up-to-date available financial information.
Sullivan and Gold, meanwhile, would stand to pocket at least £165m – a
profit of around £31m on their investment – in that scenario.
A sale at a higher price would see some money trickle back to the public
purse, but only a fraction of the take secured by long-time business
associates Sullivan and Gold, who own 86.2 per cent of shares between them.
A £250m sale would bank the pair £193m – a profit of at least £59m. By
contrast, just £2.8m would return to the taxpayer. That is around one per
cent of the £272m cost of converting the Olympic Stadium into a
football-ready, 60,000-seat arena following London 2012.
Were Sullivan and Gold to sell in a £300m deal, they would take £231m,
representing a £97m profit. Less than £9m – £1.5m short of what the Hammers
paid for star player Dimitri Payet last summer – would flow back to the
taxpayer. From a £350m sale, Sullivan and Gold would take £265m – a profit
of £131m – while the public purse would receive £19m.
A spokesperson for West Ham told City A.M.: "This is a moot point because
the chairmen have no intention of selling."
The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) declined to comment.
Sullivan reiterated in December that he and Gold were not looking to sell,
although he conceded that they might be tempted if a wealthy individual made
them a huge offer.
"We have zero desire to sell the club unless the king of Saudi Arabia or the
Sultan of Brunei come along. We're not going to sell to an American or
Chinese consortium," he told Sky Sports.
"We might sell a minority shareholding to clear our debts, but in all
probability our kids will take over from us. We love West Ham; we're not
going anywhere."
Gold has argued that West Ham's use of the stadium, which begins on Thursday
when they play Slovenian side NK Domzale in a Europa League qualifying
match, will prevent it from becoming a white elephant.
Full details of West Ham's contract for the stadium were only published in
April after the LLDC accepted defeat in its legal fight with a football
supporters' coalition to keep some of the details secret.
How it works: West Ham's Olympic Stadium contract
West Ham's 99-year lease for the Olympic Stadium contains a clause
stipulating that a percentage of the proceeds of any sale of the club should
go back to the public purse.
In simplified terms, it means that any sale that values the club at £125m or
more triggers a repayment of somewhere between 7.5 per cent and 30 per cent,
with more punitive rates the higher the price tag and if the deal takes
place before summer 2021. A sale after that would not trigger a repayment.
However, the percentage is applied not to the value of the deal but to an
"adjusted consideration", offset against the club's debt. This means that if
there are substantial debts to pay off first, the sale value would need to
significantly exceed £125m before the repayment clause was activated and the
taxpayer saw any return.
The club's debt, owed in the main to David Sullivan and David Gold, stood at
£91m when accounts were filed in November. Using that figure, if West Ham
were sold today it would take an offer of more than £215m before any
repayment was triggered.
The owners: David Sullivan
The club's largest shareholder, with 51.1 per cent, made his first million
in pornography, co-founded the Sunday Sport with David Gold and now boasts a
£1bn fortune. The son of an RAF serviceman is originally from Cardiff but
moved to London aged 12 and gained a degree in economics from Queen Mary
University. Before buying their boyhood club, he and Gold owned Birmingham
City for 26 years. His investment company Conegate owns prime London
property and his motto, according to a 2009 interview, is: "What's in it for
me?"
The owners: David Gold
East-Ender Gold, who owns 35.1 per cent, has been in business with Sullivan
for 30 years, at Sport Newspapers and Birmingham City before they took
stakes in their beloved West Ham in 2010. He grew up yards from the club's
Upton Park stadium – their home until this summer's move – and played for
their youth team. Like Sullivan, early ventures included an adult magazine
business; now Gold Group International owns the Ann Summers and Knickerbox
chains, run by his daughters Jacqueline and Vanessa, and he is worth an
estimated £350m.
Manchester City and the rising value of English clubs
Inheriting a state-funded venue on the cheap can help to transform a
football club, as Manchester City have found.
They moved into the City of Manchester Stadium in 2003 on a 250-year lease
in exchange for a £20m one-off fee, the keys to their former ground and
annual rent of around £4m.
A shiny new home made City more attractive to investors, and they were sold
to former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra four years later. Just 12 months
on he sold to Sheikh Mansour of Abu Dhabi, whose vast wealth has turned the
club into one of the richest in the world.
It's not only their new home that could make West Ham a takeover target.
Soaring revenue from TV contracts has spawned a new era of profitability for
Premier League teams, and that has rekindled the interest of investors.
Manchester City, Crystal Palace, Swansea and Everton have all seen full or
partial buyouts in the last year alone, and analysts predict demand for
English clubs will continue to grow.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, August 1
Daily WHUFC News - 1st August 2016
New deal for Darren
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce that Darren Randolph has signed a
new four-year contact with the Club. The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper
continued his superb 2016 by putting pen to paper at the Hammers' new Rush
Green training base on Sunday. After impressing for both Club and country,
the 29-year-old is happy to have secured his long-term future as Slaven
Bilic's side prepare to move into their 60,000-capacity Stadium on Queen
Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Buy Darren Randolph's 2016/17 Goalkeeper Kit now! "I've had a good first
year at West Ham and this is another positive thing to happen to me at the
end of a good first season and a good summer with Ireland," he told
whufc.com. "It has gone better than I could have ever expected at West Ham
since I joined last summer, playing as many games as I did and then starting
for Ireland in the Play-off and at Euro 2016. "Signing a new contract means
I want to stay here for a long time and be part of what is going on with the
Club, moving into a new Stadium and a new Training Ground – it's all very
positive and exciting."
Randolph is one of two top-class goalkeepers vying for the starting spot in
Bilic's team, along with Spaniard Adrian. The pair worked superbly together
under goalkeeper coach Chris Woods last season and the Bray-born stopper is
looking forward to competing with Adrian for a place in the team again this
term.
"I spoke to the manager and I know we both have the opportunity to work
towards that No1 position, which was part of the reason I was happy to sign
a new contract," Randolph revealed. "It is good to know I have the
manager's backing and it certainly helps my confidence to know he believes
in what I can do."
Randolph returned to training and pre-season duty after a short post-Euro
2016 break, having excelled during Ireland's run to the Round of 16. With
West Ham taking on NK Domzale in a must-win UEFA Europa League third
qualifying round second leg on Thursday and Juventus visiting in the Betway
Cup on Sunday, the agile stopper is set to make his London Stadium bow this
week. "Everyone wants to get back on the pitch as soon as possible and put
things right after what happened in Slovenia," he conceded. "We all want to
get the win we need to get through and we have the chance to do that on
Thursday night. Then we have Juventus on Sunday, so hopefully I'll get to
pull on the gloves and play my part at our new home."
After a summer on the road in France, Austria and Slovenia, Randolph and his
teammates – who also visited the United States – have started life at the
Club's smart new training centre in Rush Green. "It's very nice," Randolph
revealed. "Coming into the building for the first time since all the work
has been done, it's much bigger than the one at Chadwell Heath and is a
nice, positive environment in which to work. "While travelling is enjoyable,
it is good to be back into the routine and training every day in familiar
surroundings. Rush Green has a nice feel to it. "We are back to normality,
if you like, and with all the same faces around it feels like we have never
been away!"
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Westley - It was a step too far
WHUFC.com
Terry Westley felt the test VVV-Venlo provided on Saturday was a step too
far for his young Hammers
The Academy boss was speaking after a 6-1 defeat in the Netherlands
Marcus Browne's performance was highlighted as a positive to come from the
game
Academy manager Terry Westley admitted his side's clash against Dutch outfit
VVV-Venlo was a step too far for a number of the young players.
The Development Squad took on Venlo at their Seacon Stadion – De Koel on
Saturday but were comfortably beaten 6-1 by the second division team who put
out their strongest XI.
The Hammers fielded a number of 15, 16 and 17-year-olds in the fixture which
marked the end of their pre-season trip to the Netherlands.
And Westley felt West Ham's partner club provided the squad with an
extremely tough test.
He said: "They are a good side, which I knew because I've seen them play
maybe six times. I knew the quality they have got and they'll challenge for
promotion this year. It was a step too far for some of our younger ones, and
it was men against boys at times.
"We have also been training very hard, which made the game difficult. Their
season starts next week, so they've eased down before the game. The manager
went full-blooded and fielded a very strong side.
"There are some real lessons to be learnt and the boys have to come and dust
themselves down and be ready to get back to training on Tuesday."
A number of players arrived in Holland on the morning of the match having
left first team duty with Slaven Bilic's squad, with goalscorer Toni
Martinez included.
Westley pinpointed some positives that came from the match from his point of
view.
"As long as the boys – and the staff – learn from this match, in the long
run it can only do us good," he continued. "I talk about personality and did
they show any personality? I have to say, Marcus Browne who came out with us
here for the game, came through the game with flying colours. He was
aggressive with and without the ball.
"Too many of the younger boys didn't change their expression on the pitch,
and when you're going under, you need to do something about it. Marcus did
that, and maybe the two goalkeepers as well.
"If any centre-forward scores 20 plus goals a season, that is fantastic so
it was pleasing to see Toni Martinez get on the scoresheet. It wasn't an
easy game, especially for the boys who arrived on the morning of the game,
and Toni was one of those.
"If you're playing and scoring, people will talk about you. Toni looks like
a finisher and that is his game. He has power in and around the box. If he
sees the goal, he has a shot."
The link between the Hammers and VVV-Venlo will continue to see young
players head to Holland on loan, as defender Sam Westley did last season,
and the boss wished his opponents well for the campaign ahead.
"I hope that Venlo go into their season with lots of confidence – they
should do! – so we have helped them in one way. It just shows you, if you
want to come on loan here to help Venlo, you have to be a good player. You
can see the quality they have."
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Randolph signs four-year contract
KUMb.com
Filed: Sunday, 31st July 2016
By: Staff Writer
Irish international Darren Randolph has signed a four-year contract with
West Ham, tying him to the club until 2020. The 28-year-old, who enjoyed an
excellent Euro 16 campaign signed for West Ham on a free transfer from
Birmingham last summer as replacement for the outgoing Jussi Jaaskelainen.
"I want to stay here for a long time and be part of what is going on with
the club," Randolph told whufc.com. "It's all very positive and exciting. "I
spoke to the manager and I know I have the opportunity to work towards that
number one position, which was part of the reason I was happy to sign a new
contract. "It is good to know I have the manager's backing and it certainly
helps my confidence to know he believes in what I can do." Since joining the
club as deputy to Adrian, the softly-spoken stopper has made 26 appearances
for West Ham - inlcuing a run in last season's FA Cup, for which he was
Slaven Bilic's first choice.
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Sakho close to Albion move
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 31st July 2016
By: Staff Writer
Diafra Sakho is on the verge of joining West Bromwich Albion - in a deal
worth up to £16million. The out-of-favour Sengalese international is poised
to join Albion after the two clubs finally agreed a deal on Friday,
according to a KUMB source. Sakho, 26, is expected to cost the Baggies
around £10million up front with a host of clauses attached - taking the
potential final fee to circa £16million, within £2.5million of West Ham's
transfer record. With the deal for Sakho close to completion, West Ham are
expected to confirm a deal for Argentine striker Johnathan Calleri (see
below) on a season-long loan. The 22-year-old striker spent the latter half
of last season on loan at Sao Paolo but is set to move to London after
accepting an offer from West Ham to move to the Premier League.
Meanwhile the club hope to push through a deal for Swansea striker Andre
Ayew - who has been the subject of a £20million bid by the Hammers,
according to reports from elsewhere this lunchtime - whilst Milan's Carlos
Bacca is still contemplating a move to east London.
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Saido Berahino set to leave West Brom after Diafra Sakho agrees to join
John Percy
31 JULY 2016 • 6:58PM
The Telegraph
West Bromwich Albion are ready to offload Saido Berahino after agreeing a
£15million deal with West Ham for Diafra Sakho. Berahino will be cleared to
complete a move away from the Hawthorns as Tony Pulis closes in on a club
record deal for Sakho, the Senegal international. Stoke and Crystal Palace
have both made offers worth around £20million for Berahino and his unhappy
12 months is coming to an end, with a move likely this week. The most
expensive football transfers of all timePlay! 00:36 Sakho is expected to
officially sign for West Brom in the next 48 hours and the deal will beat
the club's previous record of £12million for Salomon Rondon. West Brom have
also stepped up their interest in Leicester defender Jeffrey Schlupp and
tabled an improved offer of £10million. Leicester rejected an opening bid
earlier this month but Pulis has returned with another proposal after
identifying Schlupp as the man to solve his problematic left-back position.
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West Ham transfer round-up; Baggies bid for Sakho; Real Madrid player
linked; interest in Manchester United left-back
HITC
Antony Martin
A select round-up of the latest West Ham United news...
West Bromwich Albion have a agreed a fee of £16 million with West Ham United
for the services of Diafra Sakho, according to Sky Sports. The 26-year-old
has been heavily linked with an exit all summer after falling down the
pecking order at the club. Meanwhile, The Daily Mirror claim that the
Hammers have been alerted to the availability of Real Madrid stricker Jese,
with the Spaniard being touted around Europe for a fee in the region of £18
million.
Slaven Bilic could turn to Manchester United's Cameron Borthwick-Jackson in
a bid to solve his left-back crisis, according to The Sun. The newspaper
claim that the Hammers are interested in a loan deal for the 19-year-old.
While The Mirror claim that another left-back is on his way to West Ham -
Swedish star Ludwig Augustinsson in a deal worth around £5 million.
Darren Randolph has today signed a new four-year deal that will keep him at
the club until the summer of 2020, as confirmed on the club's official
website.
And finally, with speculation surrounding the Hammers' interest in Swansea
City forward Andre Ayew continuing to mount, French media outlet L'Equipe
are reporting today that the club have made an official bid of £20.25
million for the Ghanaian and are waiting to hear back from the Welsh club.
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Sell-out West Ham crowd can help mark first game at Olympic Stadium with
Europa League comeback, says Sam Byram
SAM LONG
Evening Standard
West Ham's fans can help to inspire a Europa League turnaround during the
club's first ever game at the Olympic Stadium, according to Sam Byram.
Slaven Bilic's side suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Slovenian minnows
NK Domzale last week, which has left the Premier League club's hopes of
progressing to the group stages in jeopardy. The Hammers are expected to be
without several key men - including Dimitri Payet - but will have to rise to
the occasion on their debut at their new home if they are to avoid missing
out on European football for the second season in a row. And Byram believes
the home crowd, which is set to stand at 54,000, could have a big part to
play as he and his teammates attempt to overturn a one-goal deficit.
Obviously we are disappointed to lose the first [leg] but we are going to be
going into the new stadium," he told the Mirror. "With the crowd behind us
it will help us. "We will have another week's training and a lot of things
to work on but we will be going into the match full of energy and we are
really looking forward to it."
It has been suggested NK Domzale could be overawed by the occasion on
Thursday night but Byram is wary of Luka Elsner's side, who caused the
Hammers plenty of problems in the first leg. "I'm not too sure if playing
there will take them by surprise," said the 22-year-old. "They are
professional sports people and I'm sure some of them have played in higher
leagues and I think they will be relishing the challenge but so are we."
Byram is predominantly right sided but was fielded at left back in the first
leg after Aaron Cresswell was ruled out up to six months with a knee injury.
And the former Leeds United full back could be asked to do so again this
week with Bilic short of options until a replacement for Cresswell can be
found.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce that Darren Randolph has signed a
new four-year contact with the Club. The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper
continued his superb 2016 by putting pen to paper at the Hammers' new Rush
Green training base on Sunday. After impressing for both Club and country,
the 29-year-old is happy to have secured his long-term future as Slaven
Bilic's side prepare to move into their 60,000-capacity Stadium on Queen
Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Buy Darren Randolph's 2016/17 Goalkeeper Kit now! "I've had a good first
year at West Ham and this is another positive thing to happen to me at the
end of a good first season and a good summer with Ireland," he told
whufc.com. "It has gone better than I could have ever expected at West Ham
since I joined last summer, playing as many games as I did and then starting
for Ireland in the Play-off and at Euro 2016. "Signing a new contract means
I want to stay here for a long time and be part of what is going on with the
Club, moving into a new Stadium and a new Training Ground – it's all very
positive and exciting."
Randolph is one of two top-class goalkeepers vying for the starting spot in
Bilic's team, along with Spaniard Adrian. The pair worked superbly together
under goalkeeper coach Chris Woods last season and the Bray-born stopper is
looking forward to competing with Adrian for a place in the team again this
term.
"I spoke to the manager and I know we both have the opportunity to work
towards that No1 position, which was part of the reason I was happy to sign
a new contract," Randolph revealed. "It is good to know I have the
manager's backing and it certainly helps my confidence to know he believes
in what I can do."
Randolph returned to training and pre-season duty after a short post-Euro
2016 break, having excelled during Ireland's run to the Round of 16. With
West Ham taking on NK Domzale in a must-win UEFA Europa League third
qualifying round second leg on Thursday and Juventus visiting in the Betway
Cup on Sunday, the agile stopper is set to make his London Stadium bow this
week. "Everyone wants to get back on the pitch as soon as possible and put
things right after what happened in Slovenia," he conceded. "We all want to
get the win we need to get through and we have the chance to do that on
Thursday night. Then we have Juventus on Sunday, so hopefully I'll get to
pull on the gloves and play my part at our new home."
After a summer on the road in France, Austria and Slovenia, Randolph and his
teammates – who also visited the United States – have started life at the
Club's smart new training centre in Rush Green. "It's very nice," Randolph
revealed. "Coming into the building for the first time since all the work
has been done, it's much bigger than the one at Chadwell Heath and is a
nice, positive environment in which to work. "While travelling is enjoyable,
it is good to be back into the routine and training every day in familiar
surroundings. Rush Green has a nice feel to it. "We are back to normality,
if you like, and with all the same faces around it feels like we have never
been away!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Westley - It was a step too far
WHUFC.com
Terry Westley felt the test VVV-Venlo provided on Saturday was a step too
far for his young Hammers
The Academy boss was speaking after a 6-1 defeat in the Netherlands
Marcus Browne's performance was highlighted as a positive to come from the
game
Academy manager Terry Westley admitted his side's clash against Dutch outfit
VVV-Venlo was a step too far for a number of the young players.
The Development Squad took on Venlo at their Seacon Stadion – De Koel on
Saturday but were comfortably beaten 6-1 by the second division team who put
out their strongest XI.
The Hammers fielded a number of 15, 16 and 17-year-olds in the fixture which
marked the end of their pre-season trip to the Netherlands.
And Westley felt West Ham's partner club provided the squad with an
extremely tough test.
He said: "They are a good side, which I knew because I've seen them play
maybe six times. I knew the quality they have got and they'll challenge for
promotion this year. It was a step too far for some of our younger ones, and
it was men against boys at times.
"We have also been training very hard, which made the game difficult. Their
season starts next week, so they've eased down before the game. The manager
went full-blooded and fielded a very strong side.
"There are some real lessons to be learnt and the boys have to come and dust
themselves down and be ready to get back to training on Tuesday."
A number of players arrived in Holland on the morning of the match having
left first team duty with Slaven Bilic's squad, with goalscorer Toni
Martinez included.
Westley pinpointed some positives that came from the match from his point of
view.
"As long as the boys – and the staff – learn from this match, in the long
run it can only do us good," he continued. "I talk about personality and did
they show any personality? I have to say, Marcus Browne who came out with us
here for the game, came through the game with flying colours. He was
aggressive with and without the ball.
"Too many of the younger boys didn't change their expression on the pitch,
and when you're going under, you need to do something about it. Marcus did
that, and maybe the two goalkeepers as well.
"If any centre-forward scores 20 plus goals a season, that is fantastic so
it was pleasing to see Toni Martinez get on the scoresheet. It wasn't an
easy game, especially for the boys who arrived on the morning of the game,
and Toni was one of those.
"If you're playing and scoring, people will talk about you. Toni looks like
a finisher and that is his game. He has power in and around the box. If he
sees the goal, he has a shot."
The link between the Hammers and VVV-Venlo will continue to see young
players head to Holland on loan, as defender Sam Westley did last season,
and the boss wished his opponents well for the campaign ahead.
"I hope that Venlo go into their season with lots of confidence – they
should do! – so we have helped them in one way. It just shows you, if you
want to come on loan here to help Venlo, you have to be a good player. You
can see the quality they have."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Randolph signs four-year contract
KUMb.com
Filed: Sunday, 31st July 2016
By: Staff Writer
Irish international Darren Randolph has signed a four-year contract with
West Ham, tying him to the club until 2020. The 28-year-old, who enjoyed an
excellent Euro 16 campaign signed for West Ham on a free transfer from
Birmingham last summer as replacement for the outgoing Jussi Jaaskelainen.
"I want to stay here for a long time and be part of what is going on with
the club," Randolph told whufc.com. "It's all very positive and exciting. "I
spoke to the manager and I know I have the opportunity to work towards that
number one position, which was part of the reason I was happy to sign a new
contract. "It is good to know I have the manager's backing and it certainly
helps my confidence to know he believes in what I can do." Since joining the
club as deputy to Adrian, the softly-spoken stopper has made 26 appearances
for West Ham - inlcuing a run in last season's FA Cup, for which he was
Slaven Bilic's first choice.
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Sakho close to Albion move
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 31st July 2016
By: Staff Writer
Diafra Sakho is on the verge of joining West Bromwich Albion - in a deal
worth up to £16million. The out-of-favour Sengalese international is poised
to join Albion after the two clubs finally agreed a deal on Friday,
according to a KUMB source. Sakho, 26, is expected to cost the Baggies
around £10million up front with a host of clauses attached - taking the
potential final fee to circa £16million, within £2.5million of West Ham's
transfer record. With the deal for Sakho close to completion, West Ham are
expected to confirm a deal for Argentine striker Johnathan Calleri (see
below) on a season-long loan. The 22-year-old striker spent the latter half
of last season on loan at Sao Paolo but is set to move to London after
accepting an offer from West Ham to move to the Premier League.
Meanwhile the club hope to push through a deal for Swansea striker Andre
Ayew - who has been the subject of a £20million bid by the Hammers,
according to reports from elsewhere this lunchtime - whilst Milan's Carlos
Bacca is still contemplating a move to east London.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Saido Berahino set to leave West Brom after Diafra Sakho agrees to join
John Percy
31 JULY 2016 • 6:58PM
The Telegraph
West Bromwich Albion are ready to offload Saido Berahino after agreeing a
£15million deal with West Ham for Diafra Sakho. Berahino will be cleared to
complete a move away from the Hawthorns as Tony Pulis closes in on a club
record deal for Sakho, the Senegal international. Stoke and Crystal Palace
have both made offers worth around £20million for Berahino and his unhappy
12 months is coming to an end, with a move likely this week. The most
expensive football transfers of all timePlay! 00:36 Sakho is expected to
officially sign for West Brom in the next 48 hours and the deal will beat
the club's previous record of £12million for Salomon Rondon. West Brom have
also stepped up their interest in Leicester defender Jeffrey Schlupp and
tabled an improved offer of £10million. Leicester rejected an opening bid
earlier this month but Pulis has returned with another proposal after
identifying Schlupp as the man to solve his problematic left-back position.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham transfer round-up; Baggies bid for Sakho; Real Madrid player
linked; interest in Manchester United left-back
HITC
Antony Martin
A select round-up of the latest West Ham United news...
West Bromwich Albion have a agreed a fee of £16 million with West Ham United
for the services of Diafra Sakho, according to Sky Sports. The 26-year-old
has been heavily linked with an exit all summer after falling down the
pecking order at the club. Meanwhile, The Daily Mirror claim that the
Hammers have been alerted to the availability of Real Madrid stricker Jese,
with the Spaniard being touted around Europe for a fee in the region of £18
million.
Slaven Bilic could turn to Manchester United's Cameron Borthwick-Jackson in
a bid to solve his left-back crisis, according to The Sun. The newspaper
claim that the Hammers are interested in a loan deal for the 19-year-old.
While The Mirror claim that another left-back is on his way to West Ham -
Swedish star Ludwig Augustinsson in a deal worth around £5 million.
Darren Randolph has today signed a new four-year deal that will keep him at
the club until the summer of 2020, as confirmed on the club's official
website.
And finally, with speculation surrounding the Hammers' interest in Swansea
City forward Andre Ayew continuing to mount, French media outlet L'Equipe
are reporting today that the club have made an official bid of £20.25
million for the Ghanaian and are waiting to hear back from the Welsh club.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sell-out West Ham crowd can help mark first game at Olympic Stadium with
Europa League comeback, says Sam Byram
SAM LONG
Evening Standard
West Ham's fans can help to inspire a Europa League turnaround during the
club's first ever game at the Olympic Stadium, according to Sam Byram.
Slaven Bilic's side suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Slovenian minnows
NK Domzale last week, which has left the Premier League club's hopes of
progressing to the group stages in jeopardy. The Hammers are expected to be
without several key men - including Dimitri Payet - but will have to rise to
the occasion on their debut at their new home if they are to avoid missing
out on European football for the second season in a row. And Byram believes
the home crowd, which is set to stand at 54,000, could have a big part to
play as he and his teammates attempt to overturn a one-goal deficit.
Obviously we are disappointed to lose the first [leg] but we are going to be
going into the new stadium," he told the Mirror. "With the crowd behind us
it will help us. "We will have another week's training and a lot of things
to work on but we will be going into the match full of energy and we are
really looking forward to it."
It has been suggested NK Domzale could be overawed by the occasion on
Thursday night but Byram is wary of Luka Elsner's side, who caused the
Hammers plenty of problems in the first leg. "I'm not too sure if playing
there will take them by surprise," said the 22-year-old. "They are
professional sports people and I'm sure some of them have played in higher
leagues and I think they will be relishing the challenge but so are we."
Byram is predominantly right sided but was fielded at left back in the first
leg after Aaron Cresswell was ruled out up to six months with a knee injury.
And the former Leeds United full back could be asked to do so again this
week with Bilic short of options until a replacement for Cresswell can be
found.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, July 31
Daily WHUFC News - 31st July 2016
From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com
The Joint-Chairman on the new Stadium, UEFA Europa League, injuries and
transfers...
It is an extremely busy time for everyone at West Ham United and I can
assure you that we are all working as hard as possible to ensure a
successful future for our Football Club. We are now less than a week away
from our historic first-ever home match at our new Stadium on Queen
Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Hundreds of people have been putting in long days and nights to ensure the
Stadium is ready for our opening fixture against NK Domzale in the UEFA
Europa League, working 24-hours-a-day. There has been so much going on at
the Stadium these past few weeks, with the major work being to move the
relocatable seating into place so that our Season Ticket Holders can sit in
their regular Premier League seats for next Thursday's game. This has been a
major engineering project, but one we are confident will be completed to
everyone's satisfaction.
My Vice-Chairman Karren Brady welcomed VIP guests to the Stadium earlier
this week, including the family and friends of the late, great Bobby Moore,
former players and jounalists. They were given a tour of Club London and
also able to view the inside of the Stadium bowl from the Upper Tier of the
East Stand. The feedback I have received has been overwhelmingly positive,
with some being close to tears when they saw the scale of our new home.
Of course, if we are going to continue to grow our already enormous fanbase,
we need to play entertaining, winning football. On Thursday, we lost 2-1 to
Domzale in our UEFA Europa League third qualifying round first leg tie in
Slovenia, which we all admit was not good enough. I was certainly scratching
my head to explain why we couldn't hit our usual high levels of performance,
and I am sure Slaven and his coaching staff were too. We know we have to do
better next week – and we will. Tickets for the second leg are selling well,
with Season Ticket Holders and Claret Members taking us close to a sell out,
so I would urge you all to purchase your seat as soon as possible to ensure
you do not miss out on this unique occasion.
Any remaining tickets will go on General Sale on Saturday morning and are
expected to go quickly Thursday's performance and the injuries suffered by
Aaron Cresswell, Manuel Lanzini and Gokhan Tore have only increased our
eagerness to get deals done. There has been some good news with Manu, who we
hope will only miss three Premier League fixtures. We are very close to
bringing in a very promising striker who has scored goals regularly in his
career in competitive leagues. He will need time to settle, like every new
player, but we are confident he will add a lot to the squad.
We are also talking to another Premier League club about a top-class
international forward, but the discussions over financial terms still have
some way to go.
With Aaron unfortunately out for a few weeks, we have lodged bids in for a
left-back, one of which was an £8m bid which was turned down on Thursday. We
will now decide whether or not we increase that bid.
Watch this space.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stadium in full football mode for Europa League
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to confirm that the relocatable seating on all
four sides of London Stadium is now in place, which means the Hammers'
iconic new home will be operating in full football mode for both the UEFA
Europa League and the Betway Cup.
The Club have been working tirelessly with Stadium owners E20 Stadium LLP to
ensure that Season Ticket Holders have access to their chosen seasonal seat.
And thanks to the success of the accelerated process to move the relocatable
seats, every single seat in the lower tier will now be in use from day one,
with a maximum Stadium capacity of 54,000 for these first two fixtures.
This is the final step for the ramp up to the Stadium opening at its full
60,000 capacity for the eagerly-awaited opening Premier League fixture
against AFC Bournemouth on Sunday 21 August.
As a result of a great deal of hard work on our part and that of our
partners E20 Stadium LLP, Season Ticket Holders in Blocks 145-155 of the new
Bobby Moore Stand are now able to secure their seat for the return leg
against NK Domzale on Thursday 4 August via www.eticketing.co.uk/whufc or
over the telephone on 0871 529 1966*
Their priority window will run until 5pm on Saturday 30 July.
In the meantime, all remaining tickets elsewhere in the ground are to go on
General Sale from 9am Saturday 30 July.
Supporters are reminded that the return leg will not be televised in the UK
and so the only way to witness the Hammers' landmark curtain raiser at
London Stadium is by securing your seat here.
As for the Betway Cup showdown against Italian champions Juventus,
supporters will be pleased to learn that a number of additional tickets in
the lower tier have now been made available.
The prestigious fixture on Sunday 7 August, which will include the Stadium's
official opening ceremony, had been sold out for some months, but supporters
now have one final chance to get their hand on a ticket for the Hammers'
marquee friendly.
Juventus tickets are on General Sale from www.eticketing.co.uk/whufc or over
the telephone on 0871 529 1966*
*Calls are charged at 13p/min plus your phone provider's access charge.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Three Hammers, Three Lions, One World Cup
WHUFC.com
Saturday 30 July is a date that will forever be part of England – and West
Ham United – folklore.
That day, three Hammers inspired the Three Lions to their greatest-ever
triumph, a triumph that has never been repeated – FIFA World Cup glory.
Inspirational captain Bobby Moore was the man who lifted the Jules Rimet
Trophy at Wembley Stadium that sunny afternoon 50 years ago, while hat-trick
hero Geoff Hurst and goalscorer Martin Peters were the men whose goals
helped England to win it.
More than 96,000 supporters inside the ground, and millions more watching
and listening across the country, enjoyed the finest day in England's
football history thanks to three humble young graduates of the Academy of
Football.
Moore was the boy from Barking who grew up to be his country's greatest
defender and captain; Hurst was the converted midfielder who Ron Greenwood
had turned into a prolific centre forward; Peters was the multi-talented
player who could line up anywhere and was considered ten years ahead of his
time.
Together, the trio took what they had learned on the lush green grass of
Chadwell Heath in Claret and Blue into the bright white of England on the
biggest day of their lives.
Moore's free-kick was headed in by Hurst to level after Helmut Haller's
opener before Peters put England on the cusp of winning the cup in normal
time with his 78th-minute shot.
Wolfgang Weber equalised with a minute to go, but England would not be
denied as Hurst scored twice – the first a disputed effort that bounced down
off the underside of the crossbar, and the second an emphatic last-gasp
finish while fans spilled onto the pitch.
Five decades on, England have yet to repeat the triumph, and here West Ham's
two surviving World Cup winners share their memories of a truly
unforgettable afternoon.
The hat-trick hero
Sir Geoff Hurst scored after 18, 101 and 120 minutes to complete the first –
and only – FIFA World Cup final treble…
"Scoring three goals and losing would have meant absolutely nothing to me.
I think my first was the most important goal and I've always said that. My
celebration was a combination of 'I'm here, I'm ready, I'm myself now and
I've justified my place. That stupid 'knees in the air' thing I did was an
expression of 'I'm really here'.
"The disputed goal, from a technical point of view, was a good goal. To get
the power on it, I had to lean back and I'm almost sitting on my bum to get
the power. The ball bounced behind the goalkeeper Tilkowski, so I had the
worst view in the stadium.
"The Swiss referee then consulted the Russian linesman and they couldn't
speak a common language. God knows what they were talking about!
"We were then hanging on 3-2 with seconds to go and the last cross of the
afternoon was put in by Willi Schulz on the right wing and the ball was
going to bounce in a very dangerous position. Who was there who has great
technique and reading of the game ability? Bobby Moore, of course.
"What does he do? He chests the ball down in the middle of the penalty area
in a World Cup final. His centre-half partner Jackie Charlton of Leeds would
have dealt with this in a slightly different way and he was heard to shout
across to Mooro: 'Robert, will you please kick the ball out of the ground!'.
"What Bobby was also good at was hitting the front player. Overath was going
to catch me because he didn't have the ball and I did, but then there was a
call from the other side of the pitch [from Alan Ball] of 'Hursty, give me
the ball' and that call disturbed the German defence.
"It could have gone beyond the bar and into the stand, into the crowd, and
by the time the ball boy had got the ball back to Tilkowski and he had hit
it upfield, the game would have been over.
"My feeling was one of relief and then 'Did the last goal count?' so I went
back out on the pitch in my suit and looked at the scoreboard and it said
'4-2' and I realised that it had counted."
The man of the moment
Plaistow-born Martin Peters MBE had only made his England debut in May 1966
and now the Hammers midfielder was a national hero…
"It's so difficult to explain how I felt, but I can tell you how the goal
came about. There were 12 minutes to go and Alan Ball had won a corner on
the right.
"The little guy went out to take the corner and he hit it to the far post. I
had a position on the near post where Alf Ramsey got me to stay.
"It actually went right over the far post and out of the box and Geoff Hurst
got onto the ball and maybe he should have passed but he shot. It was a
rubbish shot to be honest with you and it hit the full-back called Hoettges
on the leg and circled across the edge of the box.
"I had pulled out from my position on the near post to the edge of the box
and, as it came, I thought 'Oh God, it's coming to me, keep your knee over
the ball, like Ron Greenwood had told you at West Ham, and make sure it
doesn't go over the bar.
"As I hit it, the goalkeeper went one way and the full-back Schnellinger
went the other and it went down the middle and hit the back of the net.
"I was up and running and everyone was jumping all over me. Even now when I
talk about it, it gives me a thrill to think about scoring in the World Cup
final."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dev Squad beaten by strong Dutch outfit
WHUFC.com
The Development Squad faced a strong VVV-Venlo side on Saturday and were
beaten 6-1.
The Hammers equalised early in the second half through Toni Martinez after
they had fallen behind inside ten minutes, but the remaining action in the
second period was dominated by the hosts.
Substitutions were made and as the game lost its flow, Venlo capitalised on
some lapses in concentration to comfortably see out the game.
In a tight first half, it was the hosts who drew blood first, though the
Hammers had come close through Marcus Browne.
A long through ball from the back was collected in the right channel, and a
pinpoint cross allowed Torino Hunte to tap in.
And Nathan Trott was to thank midway through the first period as he flung
down to his right to superbly deny what looked a certain goal from a
six-yard header.
In the second half, Browne was again involved in the Irons' good play as he
drew a foul 20 yards from goal. Toni Martinez – who had just joined the
squad for the clash – took responsibility and fired low into the bottom left
corner to level the scores.
But soon, the Eerste Divisie team took control and put themselves beyond
reach of Terry Westley's young side – which contained a number of 15 and
16-year-olds.
Nathan Trott made good saves in the build up to Venlo's second and third
goals but could not deny the rebounds which were put away.
Vito van Crooij pounced to grab Venlo's second, while Tim Receveur was there
to find the back of the net soon after.
With half an hour remaining, Venlo scored with the model counter attacking
goal. Snatching the ball back from West Ham – who were themselves looking to
get back in the game – the Dutch side attacked fast and van Crooij was there
to finish an excellent move.
Receveur slid in at the back post to fire past Trott for the fifth, before
Hunte got himself on the scoresheet again, nodding over the line after Venlo
had previously struck the crossbar.
The two simple finishes completed the scoring at the Seacon Stadion – De
Koel to hand Venlo the victory against their partner club.
VVV-Venlo Squad: Maarten de Fockert, Moreno Rutten, Jerold Promes, Roel
Janssen, Danny Post, Vito van Crooij, Clint Leemans, Ralf Seuntjens,
Johnatan Opoku, Nils Roseler, Torino Hunte, Delano van Crooij, Leandro
Resida, Tim Receveur, Tristan Dekker, Roy Oomen, Lugman Bezzat, Roy Gielen
Dev Squad: Nathan Trott (Sam Howes 65), Sam Westley (Matt Carter 52), Josh
Pask, Tunji Akinola, Mason Barrett (Kristjian Belic 70), Diego Poyet (Janaai
Gordon 65), Moses Makasi (Noha Sylvestre 52), Dan Kemp (Jahmal Hector-Ingram
46), Marcus Browne (Conor Coventry 80), Grady Diangana (Joe Powell 61), Toni
Martinez (Alfie Lewis 71)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham make enquiry for Swansea's Andre Ayew - Sky sources
Hammers also closing in on Argentine forward Jonathan Calleri
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 29/07/16 5:27pm
West Ham have enquired into the availability of Swansea forward Andre Ayew,
according to Sky sources. The Hammers are yet to lodge an official bid for
the 26-year-old, who is understood to be valued by Swansea at £20m. Ayew
attracted interest from West Ham last summer, but joined the Swans on a free
transfer and went on to score 12 goals during his debut season in the
Premier League. The Ghana international, who is contracted to Swansea until
2019, is currently one of only two senior forwards at the club following the
departure of Bafetimbi Gomis to Marseille on a season-long loan. Swansea
hope to sign two strikers before the close of the summer transfer window and
it is understood they will not entertain the possibility of selling Ayew
until they have acquired attacking reinforcements.
Slaven Bilic is worried his West Ham squad is not big enough for the rigours
of the upcoming season… Meanwhile, Sky sources also understand West Ham are
closing in on the loan signing of Argentine forward Jonathan Calleri from
Boca Juniors. A deal for the 22-year-old is nearing completion, but an
announcement is not imminent. Calleri spent last season on loan at Brazilian
club Sao Paolo and scored 16 goals in 31 appearances.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hull turn down West Ham's £7m transfer bid for Andrew Robertson
By Keith Downie, Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 29/07/16 5:52pm
SSN
West Ham have had a £7m bid turned down by Hull City for Scotland left-back
Andrew Robertson, according to Sky sources.
The Hammers have been forced into the left-back market after Aaron Cresswell
was injured for up to four months with knee ligament damage on Monday.
Creswell missed just one Premier League game over the past two seasons but
was left writhing in agony in the closing stages of Saturday's pre-season
win over German side Karlsruher in Austria.
Robertson, 22, was instrumental in Hull's promotion campaign to the Premier
League last term, making 52 appearances in all competitions and scoring four
goals.
He signed for Hull from Dundee United for £2.8m in 2014 and has gone on to
play 77 times for the Tigers. Glasgow-born Robertson also has 10 caps for
Scotland.
West Ham have been plagued with injury problems already in pre-season, with
Manuel Lanzini suffering a knee injury with Argentina ahead of the Olympic
Games in Rio.
Summer signing Gokhan Tore also needs a scan on his own knee problem after
being hurt in training on Monday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham don't need to sell Dimitri Payet claims club legend Tony Cottee
22:30, 30 JUL 2016
BY STEVE STAMMERS
Under the regime of David Gold, David Sullivan and Karren Brady, West Ham
have been transformed and, for Cottee, that means the end of the "selling
club" reputation
The Mirror
Tony Cottee was a high-profile member of the famed production line of
home-grown talent at West Ham . But he left no doubt about the direction
his career would have taken, had the club enjoyed in 1988 the status it does
now. "Quite simply, I would never have left," he said. "Simple as that."
Under the regime of David Gold, David Sullivan and Karren Brady, West Ham
have been transformed and, for Cottee, that means the end of the "selling
club" reputation. "That is what West Ham have been in the past," said
Cottee, a prolific goalscorer in two spells at West Ham. "But those days are
gone. Long gone." "The days when the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole,
Frank Lampard and Glenn Johnson and Jermain Defoe HAD to be sold are long
gone."
Cottee is hugely optimistic about the future now the club have relocated to
the Olympic Stadium, with its 55,000 capacity. "It is fantastic," said
Cottee. "It is real progress and it is a huge step forward for the club.
"With all the money that is in football now, West Ham can pay top wages and
the players can play in a marvellous arena. "Why would the likes of Dimitri
Payet want to leave? "The squad is strong and were close to qualifying for
the Champions League last season. There is no reason to leave an environment
like this. West Ham don't have to sell any more – and that is why I can see
someone like Mark Noble staying here for the rest of his career."
That was once an ambition of Cottee's. He saw great prospects ahead, back in
1986 when the club finished third in the old First Division. "That was a
great side," recalled Cottee. "I thought it was the ideal chance to push on
and win the title in the future, but it never happened." "I had the chance
to join either Everton or Arsenal – both teams who push for the title on an
annual basis. "I had also just got into the England set-up and you heard the
Manchester United, Liverpool and Everton players talking about
championships. "I wanted to taste that and, to be fair, John Lyall, the
manager at the time, understood. "But if John had been able to work with the
finances now and send his team out to that stadium, West Ham would have had
more success – and I would never have left."
Cottee is a season-ticket holder at the newly-renamed London Stadium. "It is
a club now ready to compete with the best, not only in London – but also the
rest of the country."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
est Ham closing on £5million signing of Sweden left-back Ludwig Augustinsson
22:30, 30 JUL 2016
BY FOOTBALL SPY
Aaron Cresswell has been sidelined for around four months and West Ham have
stepped up their efforts to get the deal for Augustinsson done
The Mirror
West Ham are closing in on £5million Sweden left-back Ludwig Augustinsson.
Hammers boss Slaven Bilic was ready to move for the FC Copenhagen defender
before Aaron Cresswell 's injury. The plan was to take him to the London
Stadium as back-up to one of the most consistent left-backs in the top
flight. But Cresswell has been sidelined for around four months after
suffering knee ligament damage and West Ham have stepped up their efforts to
get the deal for Augustinsson done. The 22-year-old started his career at
IFK Gothenburg, featuring 29 times before his switch to FC Copenhagen 18
months ago.
Augustinsson has been a regular for the Danish giants, with his exploits
catching the eye of the Hammers.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
The Joint-Chairman on the new Stadium, UEFA Europa League, injuries and
transfers...
It is an extremely busy time for everyone at West Ham United and I can
assure you that we are all working as hard as possible to ensure a
successful future for our Football Club. We are now less than a week away
from our historic first-ever home match at our new Stadium on Queen
Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Hundreds of people have been putting in long days and nights to ensure the
Stadium is ready for our opening fixture against NK Domzale in the UEFA
Europa League, working 24-hours-a-day. There has been so much going on at
the Stadium these past few weeks, with the major work being to move the
relocatable seating into place so that our Season Ticket Holders can sit in
their regular Premier League seats for next Thursday's game. This has been a
major engineering project, but one we are confident will be completed to
everyone's satisfaction.
My Vice-Chairman Karren Brady welcomed VIP guests to the Stadium earlier
this week, including the family and friends of the late, great Bobby Moore,
former players and jounalists. They were given a tour of Club London and
also able to view the inside of the Stadium bowl from the Upper Tier of the
East Stand. The feedback I have received has been overwhelmingly positive,
with some being close to tears when they saw the scale of our new home.
Of course, if we are going to continue to grow our already enormous fanbase,
we need to play entertaining, winning football. On Thursday, we lost 2-1 to
Domzale in our UEFA Europa League third qualifying round first leg tie in
Slovenia, which we all admit was not good enough. I was certainly scratching
my head to explain why we couldn't hit our usual high levels of performance,
and I am sure Slaven and his coaching staff were too. We know we have to do
better next week – and we will. Tickets for the second leg are selling well,
with Season Ticket Holders and Claret Members taking us close to a sell out,
so I would urge you all to purchase your seat as soon as possible to ensure
you do not miss out on this unique occasion.
Any remaining tickets will go on General Sale on Saturday morning and are
expected to go quickly Thursday's performance and the injuries suffered by
Aaron Cresswell, Manuel Lanzini and Gokhan Tore have only increased our
eagerness to get deals done. There has been some good news with Manu, who we
hope will only miss three Premier League fixtures. We are very close to
bringing in a very promising striker who has scored goals regularly in his
career in competitive leagues. He will need time to settle, like every new
player, but we are confident he will add a lot to the squad.
We are also talking to another Premier League club about a top-class
international forward, but the discussions over financial terms still have
some way to go.
With Aaron unfortunately out for a few weeks, we have lodged bids in for a
left-back, one of which was an £8m bid which was turned down on Thursday. We
will now decide whether or not we increase that bid.
Watch this space.
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Stadium in full football mode for Europa League
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to confirm that the relocatable seating on all
four sides of London Stadium is now in place, which means the Hammers'
iconic new home will be operating in full football mode for both the UEFA
Europa League and the Betway Cup.
The Club have been working tirelessly with Stadium owners E20 Stadium LLP to
ensure that Season Ticket Holders have access to their chosen seasonal seat.
And thanks to the success of the accelerated process to move the relocatable
seats, every single seat in the lower tier will now be in use from day one,
with a maximum Stadium capacity of 54,000 for these first two fixtures.
This is the final step for the ramp up to the Stadium opening at its full
60,000 capacity for the eagerly-awaited opening Premier League fixture
against AFC Bournemouth on Sunday 21 August.
As a result of a great deal of hard work on our part and that of our
partners E20 Stadium LLP, Season Ticket Holders in Blocks 145-155 of the new
Bobby Moore Stand are now able to secure their seat for the return leg
against NK Domzale on Thursday 4 August via www.eticketing.co.uk/whufc or
over the telephone on 0871 529 1966*
Their priority window will run until 5pm on Saturday 30 July.
In the meantime, all remaining tickets elsewhere in the ground are to go on
General Sale from 9am Saturday 30 July.
Supporters are reminded that the return leg will not be televised in the UK
and so the only way to witness the Hammers' landmark curtain raiser at
London Stadium is by securing your seat here.
As for the Betway Cup showdown against Italian champions Juventus,
supporters will be pleased to learn that a number of additional tickets in
the lower tier have now been made available.
The prestigious fixture on Sunday 7 August, which will include the Stadium's
official opening ceremony, had been sold out for some months, but supporters
now have one final chance to get their hand on a ticket for the Hammers'
marquee friendly.
Juventus tickets are on General Sale from www.eticketing.co.uk/whufc or over
the telephone on 0871 529 1966*
*Calls are charged at 13p/min plus your phone provider's access charge.
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Three Hammers, Three Lions, One World Cup
WHUFC.com
Saturday 30 July is a date that will forever be part of England – and West
Ham United – folklore.
That day, three Hammers inspired the Three Lions to their greatest-ever
triumph, a triumph that has never been repeated – FIFA World Cup glory.
Inspirational captain Bobby Moore was the man who lifted the Jules Rimet
Trophy at Wembley Stadium that sunny afternoon 50 years ago, while hat-trick
hero Geoff Hurst and goalscorer Martin Peters were the men whose goals
helped England to win it.
More than 96,000 supporters inside the ground, and millions more watching
and listening across the country, enjoyed the finest day in England's
football history thanks to three humble young graduates of the Academy of
Football.
Moore was the boy from Barking who grew up to be his country's greatest
defender and captain; Hurst was the converted midfielder who Ron Greenwood
had turned into a prolific centre forward; Peters was the multi-talented
player who could line up anywhere and was considered ten years ahead of his
time.
Together, the trio took what they had learned on the lush green grass of
Chadwell Heath in Claret and Blue into the bright white of England on the
biggest day of their lives.
Moore's free-kick was headed in by Hurst to level after Helmut Haller's
opener before Peters put England on the cusp of winning the cup in normal
time with his 78th-minute shot.
Wolfgang Weber equalised with a minute to go, but England would not be
denied as Hurst scored twice – the first a disputed effort that bounced down
off the underside of the crossbar, and the second an emphatic last-gasp
finish while fans spilled onto the pitch.
Five decades on, England have yet to repeat the triumph, and here West Ham's
two surviving World Cup winners share their memories of a truly
unforgettable afternoon.
The hat-trick hero
Sir Geoff Hurst scored after 18, 101 and 120 minutes to complete the first –
and only – FIFA World Cup final treble…
"Scoring three goals and losing would have meant absolutely nothing to me.
I think my first was the most important goal and I've always said that. My
celebration was a combination of 'I'm here, I'm ready, I'm myself now and
I've justified my place. That stupid 'knees in the air' thing I did was an
expression of 'I'm really here'.
"The disputed goal, from a technical point of view, was a good goal. To get
the power on it, I had to lean back and I'm almost sitting on my bum to get
the power. The ball bounced behind the goalkeeper Tilkowski, so I had the
worst view in the stadium.
"The Swiss referee then consulted the Russian linesman and they couldn't
speak a common language. God knows what they were talking about!
"We were then hanging on 3-2 with seconds to go and the last cross of the
afternoon was put in by Willi Schulz on the right wing and the ball was
going to bounce in a very dangerous position. Who was there who has great
technique and reading of the game ability? Bobby Moore, of course.
"What does he do? He chests the ball down in the middle of the penalty area
in a World Cup final. His centre-half partner Jackie Charlton of Leeds would
have dealt with this in a slightly different way and he was heard to shout
across to Mooro: 'Robert, will you please kick the ball out of the ground!'.
"What Bobby was also good at was hitting the front player. Overath was going
to catch me because he didn't have the ball and I did, but then there was a
call from the other side of the pitch [from Alan Ball] of 'Hursty, give me
the ball' and that call disturbed the German defence.
"It could have gone beyond the bar and into the stand, into the crowd, and
by the time the ball boy had got the ball back to Tilkowski and he had hit
it upfield, the game would have been over.
"My feeling was one of relief and then 'Did the last goal count?' so I went
back out on the pitch in my suit and looked at the scoreboard and it said
'4-2' and I realised that it had counted."
The man of the moment
Plaistow-born Martin Peters MBE had only made his England debut in May 1966
and now the Hammers midfielder was a national hero…
"It's so difficult to explain how I felt, but I can tell you how the goal
came about. There were 12 minutes to go and Alan Ball had won a corner on
the right.
"The little guy went out to take the corner and he hit it to the far post. I
had a position on the near post where Alf Ramsey got me to stay.
"It actually went right over the far post and out of the box and Geoff Hurst
got onto the ball and maybe he should have passed but he shot. It was a
rubbish shot to be honest with you and it hit the full-back called Hoettges
on the leg and circled across the edge of the box.
"I had pulled out from my position on the near post to the edge of the box
and, as it came, I thought 'Oh God, it's coming to me, keep your knee over
the ball, like Ron Greenwood had told you at West Ham, and make sure it
doesn't go over the bar.
"As I hit it, the goalkeeper went one way and the full-back Schnellinger
went the other and it went down the middle and hit the back of the net.
"I was up and running and everyone was jumping all over me. Even now when I
talk about it, it gives me a thrill to think about scoring in the World Cup
final."
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Dev Squad beaten by strong Dutch outfit
WHUFC.com
The Development Squad faced a strong VVV-Venlo side on Saturday and were
beaten 6-1.
The Hammers equalised early in the second half through Toni Martinez after
they had fallen behind inside ten minutes, but the remaining action in the
second period was dominated by the hosts.
Substitutions were made and as the game lost its flow, Venlo capitalised on
some lapses in concentration to comfortably see out the game.
In a tight first half, it was the hosts who drew blood first, though the
Hammers had come close through Marcus Browne.
A long through ball from the back was collected in the right channel, and a
pinpoint cross allowed Torino Hunte to tap in.
And Nathan Trott was to thank midway through the first period as he flung
down to his right to superbly deny what looked a certain goal from a
six-yard header.
In the second half, Browne was again involved in the Irons' good play as he
drew a foul 20 yards from goal. Toni Martinez – who had just joined the
squad for the clash – took responsibility and fired low into the bottom left
corner to level the scores.
But soon, the Eerste Divisie team took control and put themselves beyond
reach of Terry Westley's young side – which contained a number of 15 and
16-year-olds.
Nathan Trott made good saves in the build up to Venlo's second and third
goals but could not deny the rebounds which were put away.
Vito van Crooij pounced to grab Venlo's second, while Tim Receveur was there
to find the back of the net soon after.
With half an hour remaining, Venlo scored with the model counter attacking
goal. Snatching the ball back from West Ham – who were themselves looking to
get back in the game – the Dutch side attacked fast and van Crooij was there
to finish an excellent move.
Receveur slid in at the back post to fire past Trott for the fifth, before
Hunte got himself on the scoresheet again, nodding over the line after Venlo
had previously struck the crossbar.
The two simple finishes completed the scoring at the Seacon Stadion – De
Koel to hand Venlo the victory against their partner club.
VVV-Venlo Squad: Maarten de Fockert, Moreno Rutten, Jerold Promes, Roel
Janssen, Danny Post, Vito van Crooij, Clint Leemans, Ralf Seuntjens,
Johnatan Opoku, Nils Roseler, Torino Hunte, Delano van Crooij, Leandro
Resida, Tim Receveur, Tristan Dekker, Roy Oomen, Lugman Bezzat, Roy Gielen
Dev Squad: Nathan Trott (Sam Howes 65), Sam Westley (Matt Carter 52), Josh
Pask, Tunji Akinola, Mason Barrett (Kristjian Belic 70), Diego Poyet (Janaai
Gordon 65), Moses Makasi (Noha Sylvestre 52), Dan Kemp (Jahmal Hector-Ingram
46), Marcus Browne (Conor Coventry 80), Grady Diangana (Joe Powell 61), Toni
Martinez (Alfie Lewis 71)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham make enquiry for Swansea's Andre Ayew - Sky sources
Hammers also closing in on Argentine forward Jonathan Calleri
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 29/07/16 5:27pm
West Ham have enquired into the availability of Swansea forward Andre Ayew,
according to Sky sources. The Hammers are yet to lodge an official bid for
the 26-year-old, who is understood to be valued by Swansea at £20m. Ayew
attracted interest from West Ham last summer, but joined the Swans on a free
transfer and went on to score 12 goals during his debut season in the
Premier League. The Ghana international, who is contracted to Swansea until
2019, is currently one of only two senior forwards at the club following the
departure of Bafetimbi Gomis to Marseille on a season-long loan. Swansea
hope to sign two strikers before the close of the summer transfer window and
it is understood they will not entertain the possibility of selling Ayew
until they have acquired attacking reinforcements.
Slaven Bilic is worried his West Ham squad is not big enough for the rigours
of the upcoming season… Meanwhile, Sky sources also understand West Ham are
closing in on the loan signing of Argentine forward Jonathan Calleri from
Boca Juniors. A deal for the 22-year-old is nearing completion, but an
announcement is not imminent. Calleri spent last season on loan at Brazilian
club Sao Paolo and scored 16 goals in 31 appearances.
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Hull turn down West Ham's £7m transfer bid for Andrew Robertson
By Keith Downie, Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 29/07/16 5:52pm
SSN
West Ham have had a £7m bid turned down by Hull City for Scotland left-back
Andrew Robertson, according to Sky sources.
The Hammers have been forced into the left-back market after Aaron Cresswell
was injured for up to four months with knee ligament damage on Monday.
Creswell missed just one Premier League game over the past two seasons but
was left writhing in agony in the closing stages of Saturday's pre-season
win over German side Karlsruher in Austria.
Robertson, 22, was instrumental in Hull's promotion campaign to the Premier
League last term, making 52 appearances in all competitions and scoring four
goals.
He signed for Hull from Dundee United for £2.8m in 2014 and has gone on to
play 77 times for the Tigers. Glasgow-born Robertson also has 10 caps for
Scotland.
West Ham have been plagued with injury problems already in pre-season, with
Manuel Lanzini suffering a knee injury with Argentina ahead of the Olympic
Games in Rio.
Summer signing Gokhan Tore also needs a scan on his own knee problem after
being hurt in training on Monday.
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West Ham don't need to sell Dimitri Payet claims club legend Tony Cottee
22:30, 30 JUL 2016
BY STEVE STAMMERS
Under the regime of David Gold, David Sullivan and Karren Brady, West Ham
have been transformed and, for Cottee, that means the end of the "selling
club" reputation
The Mirror
Tony Cottee was a high-profile member of the famed production line of
home-grown talent at West Ham . But he left no doubt about the direction
his career would have taken, had the club enjoyed in 1988 the status it does
now. "Quite simply, I would never have left," he said. "Simple as that."
Under the regime of David Gold, David Sullivan and Karren Brady, West Ham
have been transformed and, for Cottee, that means the end of the "selling
club" reputation. "That is what West Ham have been in the past," said
Cottee, a prolific goalscorer in two spells at West Ham. "But those days are
gone. Long gone." "The days when the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole,
Frank Lampard and Glenn Johnson and Jermain Defoe HAD to be sold are long
gone."
Cottee is hugely optimistic about the future now the club have relocated to
the Olympic Stadium, with its 55,000 capacity. "It is fantastic," said
Cottee. "It is real progress and it is a huge step forward for the club.
"With all the money that is in football now, West Ham can pay top wages and
the players can play in a marvellous arena. "Why would the likes of Dimitri
Payet want to leave? "The squad is strong and were close to qualifying for
the Champions League last season. There is no reason to leave an environment
like this. West Ham don't have to sell any more – and that is why I can see
someone like Mark Noble staying here for the rest of his career."
That was once an ambition of Cottee's. He saw great prospects ahead, back in
1986 when the club finished third in the old First Division. "That was a
great side," recalled Cottee. "I thought it was the ideal chance to push on
and win the title in the future, but it never happened." "I had the chance
to join either Everton or Arsenal – both teams who push for the title on an
annual basis. "I had also just got into the England set-up and you heard the
Manchester United, Liverpool and Everton players talking about
championships. "I wanted to taste that and, to be fair, John Lyall, the
manager at the time, understood. "But if John had been able to work with the
finances now and send his team out to that stadium, West Ham would have had
more success – and I would never have left."
Cottee is a season-ticket holder at the newly-renamed London Stadium. "It is
a club now ready to compete with the best, not only in London – but also the
rest of the country."
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est Ham closing on £5million signing of Sweden left-back Ludwig Augustinsson
22:30, 30 JUL 2016
BY FOOTBALL SPY
Aaron Cresswell has been sidelined for around four months and West Ham have
stepped up their efforts to get the deal for Augustinsson done
The Mirror
West Ham are closing in on £5million Sweden left-back Ludwig Augustinsson.
Hammers boss Slaven Bilic was ready to move for the FC Copenhagen defender
before Aaron Cresswell 's injury. The plan was to take him to the London
Stadium as back-up to one of the most consistent left-backs in the top
flight. But Cresswell has been sidelined for around four months after
suffering knee ligament damage and West Ham have stepped up their efforts to
get the deal for Augustinsson done. The 22-year-old started his career at
IFK Gothenburg, featuring 29 times before his switch to FC Copenhagen 18
months ago.
Augustinsson has been a regular for the Danish giants, with his exploits
catching the eye of the Hammers.
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