Daily WHUFC News - 8th September 2010

Jacobsen and Ben Haim play
WHUFC.com
The club's two newest defensive recruits were both on international duty and
neither conceded
07.09.2010

Lars Jacobsen and Tal Ben Haim will have given Avram Grant plenty to think
about for Saturday's visit of Chelsea with both defenders getting a
much-needed 90 minutes in the latest round of UEFA Euro 2012 qualifiers.
Denmark right-back Jacobsen helped his country to a 1-0 home win against
Iceland in Copenhagen, although they had to wait until an added-time goal
from Thomas Kahlenberg. In Georgia, Also on Tuesday night, Ben Haim helped
his side keep a clean sheet with Israel's goalless draw in Georgia. It was
his second full game in five days after a 3-1 home win against Malta last
Friday. Elsewhere, Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole were not used by England
in their 3-1 win in Switzerland, who were themselves without Valon Behrami
because he is focused on club duty. Pablo Barrera could play his second game
in quick succession for Mexico overnight as they take on Colombia in a
friendly in Monterrey.

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Boffin eager to shine
WHUFC.com
The club's new goalkeeping recruit is happy to finally be a West Ham United
player
07.09.2010

Ruud Boffin is ready to take the next step in his career and prove himself
at West Ham United. The 22-year-old Belgian has received promising notices
as an emerging shot-stopper in Dutch football, spending the latter part of
last season at Eredivisie outfit VVV-Venlo on loan from MVV Maastricht. He
headed to Chadwell Heath for a short trial earlier this summer - including a
reserve-team run-out - and was subsequently signed on a two-year contract on
deadline day. "I am very happy to be here," said the club's towering new
No31, who was impressive in the 1-0 reserve friendly win against Leicester
City on Tuesday. "It is a great opportunity for me to come and play here. "I
had been training here before at Chadwell Heath. I was here for four days
and I had a game. Things then happened very quickly on the day I signed and
we had just two and a half hours for the paperwork. I had to wait until the
last day but it all happened."

Boffin will provide competition for Robert Green and Marek Stech, and is
hoping to settle quickly in order to give himself the best chance to make an
impact. "For me it is no problem to move to London. It is a great city and
also my wife and my six-week-old boy are going to come here and live with
me. I am in a hotel now so it is not so good for them but we will all
settle quickly." "I like the atmosphere here and it is a very nice group. I
will learn a lot from playing with Robert and under [goalkeeping coach]
David Coles. It is going to be a big challenge for me but I am ready."

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Frank downs Foxes
WHUFC.com
Frank Nouble's first-minute goal saw West Ham United reserves win at
Leicester City on Tuesday
07.09.2010

Frank Nouble struck after just 20 seconds to secure West Ham United reserves
a hard-fought friendly victory at Leicester City on Tuesday. Latecomers to
the Foxes' Belvoir Drive training ground would have missed all the action as
Nouble started and finished a move to score the only goal of the game in the
very first minute. A Leicester midfielder slipped, allowing the England
Under-19 forward to pick up possession midway inside the home half. Nouble
then swapped passes with strike partner Freddie Sears before sending an
unstoppable shot into the roof of the net from 12 yards. With new signing
Ruud Boffin in goal and first-team squad members Radoslav Kovac and Junior
Stanislas in midfield, the Hammers were handed a stern test by their hosts -
managed by former West Ham full-back Chris Powell. Boffin was regularly
called into action in the early stages, racing from his goal on a number of
occasions to make catches or to kick or punch the ball clear of his penalty
area. The tall Belgian also showed assured handling when one well-struck
bouncing shot was struck towards his goal from 25 yards. When Boffin was
beaten, left-back Jordan Brown was in the right place to block following a
superb left-wing cross from Leicester's left winger. In the centre, captain
Jordan Spence and Sergio Sanchez worked hard to repel the home side. West
Ham gradually worked their way back into things and enjoyed a strong 15
minutes as half-time approached, with Olly Lee seeing one effort blocked
following a swift counter-attack involving the lightning-quick Sears.

Into the second half and Alex Dyer's side began to take control of
proceedings, with both Sears and Ahmed Abdulla going close, but it was not
long before Leicester came on strongly again in an attempt to salvage
something from the game. Boffin was again heavily involved as the half wore
on, making one fine save to deny Leicester's No9 from point-blank range. The
former PSV Eindhoven man also showed his aerial prowess to deal with a
succession of crosses and corners into his box, as well as a defensive
header from Sanchez. Leicester's best chance also fell to the No9 with 17
minutes remaining. The striker looked odds-on to equalise when he burst
between Sanchez and captain Spence, only to poke his shot past the
goalkeeper and on to the base of the post.
Boffin made a last-minute save to keep out a deflected low shot from a Foxes
substitute before punching the resulting corner confidently clear to
complete an encouraging full debut for the club. Dyer's reserves will begin
their Barclays Premier Reserve League campaign with a trip to Everton on
Tuesday 14 September.

West Ham United reserves: Boffin, Modelski, Spence, Sanchez, Brown, Kovac,
Abdulla (Montano 67, Moncur 69), Lee, Stanislas, Nouble, Sears
Unused subs: Cowler, Craig, Lletget

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Jacobsen aims to prove fitness
New defender looks for West Ham boost while on international duty
By Ben Collins Last updated: 7th September 2010
SSN

Lars Jacobsen is hoping to put himself in contention for a West Ham debut
when he features for Denmark on Tuesday night. The Danes kick off their Euro
2012 qualifying campaign at home to Iceland, with Jacobsenset to make only
his second appearance of the season having played in just a Carling Cup game
so far for Blackburn. The 30-year-old defender fell down the pecking order
at Ewood Park but is now looking to make a fresh start having secured a
deadline-day move to West Ham and hopes to make his Hammers bow at home to
Chelsea on Saturday. "We are playing at home against Iceland and most people
expect us to win, we expect that ourselves," Jacobsen told West Ham's
official website. "It is important to get off to a good start. We really
want to put three points on the board, it is very important for us. "I have
only played one Carling Cup match since the season started and was on the
bench for the Premier League matches. "It is a good opportunity to get a
full 90 minutes to help me for what I need to do with West Ham."

Jacobsen joined Blackburn on a free transfer from Everton last summer and
became frustrated with their direct style. While the full-back accepts some
teams have to play to their strengths to survive in England's top flight, he
feels West Ham will be better suited to his game after joining them on a
free transfer. "That was what I was used to, keeping the ball on the ground
and playing out from the back," he said. "Of course, you cannot be naïve,
especially in the Premier League and there are many different styles. "The
way West Ham play is how I want to play and get the most out of my ability."

Jacobsen played in his native Denmark and Germany before joining Everton in
2008 and then Blackburn last summer. Despite making just 18 Premier League
appearances in two years, he wanted to stay in England and is relishing the
chance to play at Upton Park. "I am delighted to have signed and looking
forward to play for West Ham," he said. "It is a bonus as well to get the
opportunity to live in such a great city as London. "West Ham excited me. My
first priority was to stay in England. I am happy here and so are my family.
I could have gone to another country but I preferred to stay in the Premier
League and West Ham have given me that opportunity. It would be nice to stay
here a long time."

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Petrovic backing Hammers
Assistant boss believes Upton Park outfit have the quality to stay up
Last updated: 7th September 2010
SSN

Zeljko Petrovic has backed West Ham to survive the dreaded drop this season.
The Hammers assistant manager believes the club must aim to make steady
progress under new boss Avram Grant. Petrovic, who joined the club just
before the new season feels, the Upton Park hierarchy must not panic with
the team's current run of poor form. The 44-year-old is in no doubt that the
quality at the club will eventually shine through under the guidance of
Grant. However, Petrovic says the current management must ensure the club's
survival before they can contemplate thinking about building for the future.
"We have a good team, we have a good squad and they are good professionals,"
Petrovic said. "They have a fantastic attitude but it is important for us
all to believe. "This club needs to survive one year and then from next year
make a step forward. This is what I hear from Avram and he is right. "I am
very happy and proud to be here at West Ham. It is a big name in Europe with
a fantastic academy. "It is a very famous club. It is very easy to be a
coach or manager here because everyone here helps you for success and for
the club. "You can be the best coach in the world but when the kit men, or
the kitchen staff are not together to form one team you don't have success.
"Everybody here and at the stadium is together at West Ham. We have to all
help the manager to achieve his targets."

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Hammers get Green for Go
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: Today

ROBERT GREEN handed West Ham a boost as he returned to training yesterday
after a groin op. And Hammers owners David Gold and David Sullivan are to
put their faith in the former England No 1 by offering him a new deal.
Green, 30, should be fit for Saturday's clash at home to leaders Chelsea
after having minor surgery last week to repair a niggling injury. He has
more than two years left on his contract, worth £35,000 a week. And Sullivan
said: "We want to sit down with him in the summer and talk to him about
extending it even further as a sign of our commitment to him." Hammers
new-boy Thomas Hitzlsperger is out of the Chelsea clash after failing to
recover from his thigh injury.

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Player Of The Month - August
Vinny - Mon Sep 6 2010
West Ham Online

PLAYER OF THE MONTH - AUGUST

Kieron Dyer 51%
Mark Noble 25%
Pablo Barerra 14%
Scott Parker 7%

Games In August

Aston Villa (a)
Bolton Wanderers (h)
Oxford United (h)
Manchester United (a)

It has been a dismal start to the season with few postives taken from any of
the four games during August. There has been one glimmer of hope and that
has been the form and fitness of Kieron Dyer. That's right, I said fitness,
meaning that the injury prone Dyer is currently not injured and showing us
slowly but surely what he can do. He started two of the four games with
those two coming in the Premiership. This is the first time he has started
two games in a row during his time at club. He may be 31 years old but his
pace is certainly not gone and what we have seen so far is him regaining his
form which can only be a positive thing for the club. We all know that when
Dyer is fit he is a starter and although he may have been signed to play in
a more central role his use on the wing with his ability to beat players is
going to be important this season. He has hit the post both of the games he
has played in. The first was against Bolton when a great through ball from
Scott Parker saw Dyer burst into the area but he was denied by the woodwork
just as he was at Old Trafford when his shot hit the same post and went
wide. Goals from midfield is something we need this season given our lack of
firepower so hopefully it will be Dyer who will weigh in with a few as he
has done throughout his career. If Dyer can keep fit and continue his way
back to form he will be a key player in our fight for survial. In second
place was Mark Noble who has performed well and started every game scoring a
goal from the penalty spot against Bolton and putting in a dominating
display against Oxford. New signing Pablo Barrera has also impressed and was
in third place.

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West Ham new boy didn't enjoy Blackburn style of football
07.09.10 | Ian Ferris
07.09.10 | tribalfootball.com

Lars Jacobsen fell down the pecking order at Blackburn Rovers but is now
looking to make a fresh start having secured a deadline-day move to West Ham
and hopes to make his Hammers bow at home to Chelsea on Saturday. The 30
year old joined Blackburn on a free transfer from Everton last summer and
became frustrated with their direct style. While the full-back accepts some
teams have to play to their strengths to survive in England's top flight, he
feels West Ham will be better suited to his game after joining them on a
free transfer. "That was what I was used to, keeping the ball on the ground
and playing out from the back," he told the club's official website. "Of
course, you cannot be naïve, especially in the Premier League and there are
many different styles.
"The way West Ham play is how I want to play and get the most out of my
ability."

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Chelsea confident Lampard and Terry will be right for West Ham
08.09.10 | Andrew Slevison
08.09.10 | tribalfootball.com

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is confident that two of his key players
will be available to take on West Ham United this weekend. Midfielder Frank
Lampard and defender John Terry both missed England's Euro2012 qualifier
with Switzerland on Tuesday due to injury but Ancelotti expects them to be
able to take their place at Upton Park as the Blues try to maintain their
perfect Premier League record so far this term. "Lampard had (hernia)
surgery on Tuesday and I think that he will start to train this week," he
said. "I don't know when but we will see how he trains and we will take a
decision for the game against West Ham. "Terry didn't have surgery but he
used the last week to improve his hamstring. "He will start to train with
the squad this week, maybe Tuesday, and I think he will be able to play
against West Ham."

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Petrovic: No doubting West Ham unity
08.09.10 | tribalfootball.com

Zeljko Petrovic is delighted to be with West Ham United this season.
Petrovic quietly slipped in at Upton Park as manager Avram Grant's new No2
over the summer. "We have a good team, we have a good squad and they are
good professionals," he told whufc.com. "They have a fantastic attitude but
it is important for us all to believe. This club needs to survive one year
and then from next year make a step forward. This is what I hear from Avram
and he is right. "You can be the best coach in the world but when the kit
men, or the kitchen staff are not together to form one team you don't have
success. Everybody here and at the stadium is together at West Ham. We have
to all help the manager to achieve his targets. I am here in my role to
support the manager to achieve this."

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West Ham's Reid to play in NZ friendlies
08.09.10 | Andrew Slevison
08.09.10 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United defender Winston Reid will play for New Zealand in two
friendlies next month according to New Zealand Football chief Michael
Glading.
The All Whites meet Honduras in Auckland on October 9 and then Paraguay
three days later in Wellington and Glading has confirmed Reid would be in
town for the matches despite reports suggesting otherwise. "Absolutely,
Winston has been cleared by his club and is coming," Glading said. "It has
been more speculation than facts, and the facts are he has been cleared by
his club and he is keen to come. Again, that is exactly as we expected it to
be played out."
NZ skipper Ryan Nelsen, who doubles as captain of West Ham's English Premier
League rivals Blackburn Rovers, has already stated his intent to play in the
double-header.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 7th September 2010

Squad focused on Chelsea
WHUFC.com
Chadwell Heath promises to be a busy place this week as preparations are
made for Chelsea
04.09.2010

Avram Grant has been putting his players through their paces again at the
start of a busy week that will culminate in Saturday's showdown with
Chelsea.
Nearly all the squad were reporting back to Chadwell Heath early this week,
including new signings Victor Obinna and Ruud Boffin, who have been handed
the No33 and No31 shirts respectively. Those players missing included fellow
new recruit Lars Jacobsen, who has been given No37, Matthew Upson, Pablo
Barrera and Carlton Cole, with international commitments still to fulfil.
Robert Green was among those in action again, having had a successful minor
procedure last week that caused him to miss a few days. Winston Reid and
Valon Behrami also appear to be over respective issues while Thomas
Hitzlsperger has stepped up his comeback from a thigh problem and is doing
running drills. Head of Sports Science and Sports Medicine Andy Rolls has
updated whufc.com on the general squad situation in terms of fitness for the
four long-term injuries - namely Jack Collison, Zavon Hines, Peter Kurucz
and Anthony Edgar. "Jack is working hard and progressing well in building up
the muscle bulk in his knee very well," he said. "He is doing long hours in
the gym and, even if it is sometimes a bit laborious, he is approaching his
rehabilitation very positively. "Zavon is doing strength work as he recovers
from his knee injury and is also progressing well. "Peter has undergone
anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery, spending a night in
hospital. It went very well. Peter is now regaining full strength and
movement and has begun light strengthening exercises. He will be assessed by
his surgeon again in six weeks.
"Unfortunately, Anthony Edgar sustained a serious knee injury in a
reserve-team friendly at Queens Park Rangers on 24 August. Anthony underwent
surgery earlier this week."

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Moncur moving up
WHUFC.com
Academy midfielder George Moncur has signed his first professional contract
with West Ham United
06.09.2010

George Moncur has moved a step closer to following in his famous father's
footsteps by signing his first professional contract with West Ham United.
The all-action midfielder and son of former Hammers star John Moncur has
been rewarded for his promise, commitment and ability with a three-year
deal.
The younger Moncur, who only turned 17 in August, has made rapid strides in
the past year, establishing himself as a regular in Academy Director Tony
Carr's Under-18 side and forcing his way into Alex Dyer's reserve team.

While his first professional contract has put a huge smile on Moncur's face,
the teenager knows neither his Dad nor his coaches will let him rest on his
laurels. "I am very pleased. I've started off the season well and I'll try
and carry that on now I've got my contract," he told whufc.com "I found out
a couple of weeks ago when Alex Dyer had a word with me after training. I
told my Dad and he was really happy and told me to work hard and keep doing
well.
"It helps so much to have a Dad who has been through the same experiences
himself. He tells me lots and I've just got to take it all on board and
listen to what he says."

Moncur has made rapid progress through the Academy ranks since moving to
Little Heath from London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the age of 13. A big
fan of Arsenal and Spain star Cesc Fabregas, the youngster is a
multi-talented midfield player blessed with good vision, a fine passing
range and an eye for goal.
While he is blessed with a wide variety of attributes, Moncur himself
recognises the need to knuckle down and make the most of his ability.
"I've got to just keep working hard. I want to be a regular in the reserve
team this season and keep progressing. I love it at West Ham and I just want
to keep doing well for the club." "I'm just grateful that Tony and Alex have
had the confidence in me and recognised my ability. Now it's up to me to
repay them."

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Dyer takes August prize
WHUFC.com
The SBOBET player of the month for August was overwhelmingly won by
midfielder Kieron Dyer
06.09.2010

Kieron Dyer has been voted the SBOBET player of the month for August. The
midfielder was the overwhelming winner with 42 per cent of the vote, beating
Scott Parker into second place with 24 per cent. Mark Noble was third on 18
per cent. It is the first time Dyer has claimed the monthly prize, which was
last won by Manuel da Costa for his performances in May at the end of last
season. Dyer was the overwhelming choice after his startling return to form
and fitness, and has been unlucky not to score in his last two league
run-outs against Bolton Wanderers and Manchester United. The No7 has been
quick to thank the medical staff who have helped him return to action, but
was also eager to acknowledge the strong support he has received from the
Hammers faithful in the early matches this season. "We were losing 2-0 to
Bolton when I came off and they gave me a standing ovation and that meant a
lot to me," he said. "Again, even though we were losing 3-0 they were
out-singing the Man United fans and pretending to celebrate a goal being
scored. That's just how they are - they are a different gear and my message
to them is 'We will start winning eventually and we'll get up that league
table'."

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International loss for Ilunga
WHUFC.com
Hammers left-back Herita Ilunga's hopes of reaching the 2012 Africa Cup of
Nations have been dented
06.09.2010

Herita Ilunga's DR Congo began their 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations quest
with a disappointing home defeat by Senegal on Sunday. The Leopards lost 4-2
in Kinshasha, but were actually 3-0 down by the 19th minute with Mame Nianga
and Senegalese captain Mahamdou Niang scoring twice. Pataou Kabangu reduced
the deficit just before half-time but Niang completed his hat-trick after
the break before Kabangu struck a late consolation second. It was a
difficult day for the Congolese, under new coach Robert Nourazert, in a
match played in temperatures approaching 40 degree heat. Group E favourites
Cameroon had won 3-1 against Mauritius the day before, meaning Ilunga's side
face a difficult battle to keep pace with their more illustrious rivals. DR
Congo are next in action next month when they travel to Yaounde to face
Cameroon.

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Lars looking forward
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will feel the benefit should Lars Jacobsen get off to a
winning UEFA Euro 2012 start
07.09.2010

Lars Jacobsen will be back in action for Denmark tonight to kick-start their
UEFA Euro 2012 campaign but will be eager to return to club duties as a new
Hammer. The deadline-day signing from Blackburn Rovers is fully focused on
the task at hand, namely a home match with Iceland that will set the tone
for hopes of making it to another major finals. Jacobsen was part of a
Danish side that played three games at the 2010 FIFA World Cup but failed as
a squad, like many, to meet expectation. "We are playing at home against
Iceland and most people expect us to win, we expect that ourselves,"
Jacobson told whufc.com. "It is important to get off to a good start. We
really want to put three points on the board, it is very important for us."

Jacobsen was keen to stress that a good showing was also "important for me"
before Saturday's date with Chelsea, adding: "I have only played one Carling
Cup match since the season started and was on the bench for the Premier
League matches. It is a good opportunity to get a full 90 minutes to help me
for what I need to do with West Ham."

The right-back became available in the last fortnight of the transfer
window, with Rovers clearly over-stocked in that position and the Danish
defender eager to start afresh. He said swapping Blackburn for the Boleyn
would give him the opportunity to return to playing the sort of "passing
football that suits me really well".

He explained that the direct style employed at Ewood was effective but not
always conducive to the way he had been schooled at the all-conquering FC
Copenhagen back home and in Europe, as well as in dozens of matches for the
national team. "That was what I was used to, keeping the ball on the ground
and playing out from the back. Of course you cannot be naïve, especially in
the Premier League and there are many different styles. The way West Ham
play is how I want to play and get the most out of my ability."

Of the frenetic activity a week ago that led to this new outlook, he
admitted it had "been a bit weird" signing in such whirlwind fashion and
then immediately going on international duty. He is not complaining, though,
as he is thinking long-term for his wife and young son and is eager for the
chance to truly settle at a club in England "I had been aware of the
interest for a couple of weeks, but it all came down to the last day [of the
transfer window]. I am just happy and delighted to have signed and looking
forward to play for West Ham. It is a bonus as well to get the opportunity
to live in such a great city as London
"West Ham excited me. My first priority was to stay in England. I am happy
here and so are my family. I could have gone to another country but I
preferred to stay in the Premier League and West Ham have given me that
opportunity. It would be nice to be here a long time."

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Petrovic first on WHUTV
WHUFC.com
The assistant manager remains in upbeat mood in the first few months of his
time at West Ham United
07.09.2010

Zeljko Petrovic has given his first interview to WHUTV and spoken about his
happiness and pride at being at West Ham United. The assistant manager
joined the club just before the new season with the aim of supporting Avram
Grant and his coaching staff with his considerable experience on and off the
pitch. The 44-year-old describes "football as my life" and is in no doubt
that there is quality in the ranks at Chadwell Heath. "We have a good team,
we have a good squad and they are good professionals," he said. "They have a
fantastic attitude but it is important for us all to believe. This club
needs to survive one year and then from next year make a step forward. This
is what I hear from Avram and he is right."

Petrovic also said luck had not been on the team's side in the opening
fixtures but reiterated that belief was necessary to turn the corner. He had
no doubt that better times would be around the corner for a club that has
long loomed large in his consciousness. "I am very happy and proud to be
here at West Ham. It is a big name in Europe with a fantastic Academy. It is
very famous club. It is very easy to be a coach or manager here because
everyone here helps you for success and for the club. "You can be the best
coach in the world but when the kit men, or the kitchen staff are not
together to form one team you don't have success. Everybody here and at the
stadium is together at West Ham. We have to all help the manager to achieve
his targets. I am here in my role to support the manager to achieve this."

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Moncur inks Hammers deal
Youngster follows in his father's footsteps
Last updated: 6th September 2010
SSN

West Ham youngster George Moncur has signed his first professional contract
with the club. Mocur follows in the footsteps of his father, former Hammers
star John Moncur, by signing a deal with West Ham and the 17-year-old has
been rewarded for his displays for the under 18s and Alex Dyer's reserve
team with a two-year deal. The teenager was delighted to win a professional
contract and he admits he has learned a lot from his father. "I found out a
couple of weeks ago when Alex Dyer had a word with me after training,"
Moncur told the club's official website. "I told my Dad and he was really
happy and told me to work hard and keep doing well. "It helps so much to
have a dad who has been through the same experiences himself. He tells me
lots and I've just got to take it all on board and listen to what he says."

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Behrami committed to Hammers
Swiss ace wanted move for personal reasons
Last updated: 6th September 2010
SSN

Valon Behrami insists he remains committed to the club despite seeing a move
to Italy fall through. The Swiss ace was strongly linked with a switch to
Italy during the transfer window, but any move failed to materialise.
Behrami admits he only wanted to leave Upton Park because of personal
problems, but has now vowed to give his all for the club with the transfer
window now being closed. "I want to try to help everyone here, the people
who have helped me with a difficult moment [in my life]. Now we as a team
are in a difficult moment and first two years at West Ham. And they will
also do that for the third year," Behrami told the club's official website.
"They know I try to give 100 per cent, sometimes it was good, sometimes not
- but if we are all together I feel we can do something good this year. I
give everything. "I feel that the fans understand my situation and they will
help me like they did in my "The club knows I had a personal private problem
in my life. I tried to go back to Italy to solve this problem. We didn't
find the right solution and I am happy to stay here."

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Jack hits the road to recovery
Author: Jonny Abrams
Posted on:06 September 2010 - 16:16
Sport.co.uk

West Ham United starlet Jack Collison hopes to be back in first team
contention at Upton Park by the beginning of 2011, asserting strongly that
he cannot wait to make his Irons return. Appearing as a guest on Sky Sports
programme Soccer AM, the 22 year-old Wales midfielder talked optimistically
about his recovery from a long-standing knee problem, as well as what he's
been up to during his protracted absence from the Hammers squad. Collison,
who also spoke of his disappointment at the firing of Gianfranco Zola at the
end of last summer, hasn't appeared in a West Ham jersey since February and
his return to the fold would represent a major boost for Avram Grant's
struggling side. He said: "I'm hoping to be back around Christmas time. I
had an operation about four months ago to stabilise my kneecap and to have a
bit of a tidy up. "I did it properly at Wigan , tried to play on and had a
little trouble with it, and eventually it came to this. "But fingers
crossed, it's gone really well so far. I should be back around Christmas and
I'm looking forward to getting back into the action. "It was nice to get it
sorted out - now I'm confident on it and rehab has gone really well. I just
can't wait to get back out on the pitch. "Luckily my mum looked after me. I
moved back in with her, which was nice. I managed to get quite good at FIFA
and watched a lot of DVDs! "I just tried to get through it as quick as I
could, to be honest. Obviously [I've been out for] a long time but I want to
come back and play. "I had a little bit of work on the cartilage and, in one
of the knee operations, they stabbed little holes in it and made a new scar
- so it was quite complicated stuff. "But the machine [I was using]
smoothes out the scar and makes it alright."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM'S TRANSFER POLICY CONTINUES TO BEMUSE
Date: 6th September 2010 at 4:45 pm | Written by Jack Howlett
Football Fancast

When a player leaves a football club the views of fans are inevitably
polarised. For some he had more to offer while others will point to possible
replacements or the financial benefits. This scenario occurred at the tail
end of the transfer window at Upton Park when both Alessandro Diamanti and
Fabio Daprela were sold to Serie A yoyo team, Brescia. The inconsistent
Italian drew differing opinions from the supporters but the transfer of a
young, promising defender who had impressed in a handful of appearances was
met with utter bemusement. For the east London club this is far from a new
problem as former players seemingly go from strength to strength.

Signed from Zurich based Grasshoppers last summer for £1 million, the
Hammers sold Daprela last week for an undisclosed fee. The Swiss player who
had a spell at Juventus as a youngster was highly rated. At just 19-years
old the left-back was more authoritative when deputising for the injured
Herita Ilunga than Jonathan Spector. He made his senior debut in the FA Cup
third round tie against Arsenal earlier this year, giving an assured
performance which showed his defensive and attacking capabilities. He
impressed once more against Arsenal in the league, relishing the physical
side of the contest and rampaging down the left flank.

Diamanti was another of last summer's recruits, having been plucked newly
promoted Serie A side Livorno. The brazen forward asserted his influence
over penalties and all set pieces without hesitation. In doing so he
illustrated his technical skill and from open play he was highly exciting to
watch. In an arduous season that excitement did at times turn to
exasperation when his tricks and long range efforts brought no reward. Yet
for his inconsistency, he was hugely popular in some quarters and could
undoubtedly change the course of a game with a piece of unexpected
ingenuity. To the dismay of many, the club's second highest scorer of last
season was sold at a loss of £4 million.

West Ham have had a reputation as a selling club in recent times but there
was an inescapability about the eventual departures of exceptional talents
such as Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick. Barring Craig
Bellamy's switch to Manchester City, the club has not faced that concerted
pressure to sell in the past few years. But players have consistently been
sold at the wrong time. Paul Konchesky, now of Liverpool, was a reliable
full-back who practised the basics. Defensive duties were paramount but his
powerful left foot could have a telling impact, especially when he scored
against his new employers in the 2006 FA Cup final. A disagreement with Alan
Curbishley meant he was forced out in the summer of 2007.

Konchesky prospered at Craven Cottage where he was joined the following year
by Bobby Zamora. Having been deemed surplus to requirements, it would now be
challenging to find a fan who would not welcome him back to the Boleyn. Few
supporters would have expected to see Konchesky, Zamora and John Pantsil in
European action within a couple of years. Matthew Etherington is yet another
who left the club despite having a huge amount to offer. Signed in January
2009 for £2 million he was in imperious form for Stoke last season.
Invariably their man of the match, he showed energy, excellent wing play and
varied his delivery into the box.

The list arguably continues as the club has even missed previous captain
Lucas Neill who had leadership qualities and an aggressive, combative streak
to his game. The club's insistence on holding on to its core of Robert
Green, Matthew Upson, Scott Parker and Carlton Cole has been to the
detriment of their transfer policy. Parker may rightly be considered
untouchable but the relentless focus on this England quartet has distracted
from arguments about the overall strength and balance of the team. The
departure of Diamanti and Daprela may be evidence of this but with six new
arrivals, it is time for the club to demonstrate that the balance of the
squad has been addressed.

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Like father like son! George Moncur signs first professional contract with
West Ham
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 9:43 PM on 6th September 2010
Daily Mail

West Ham starlet George Moncur has signed his first professional contract
with the club. Moncur follows in the footsteps of his father John, by
signing a deal with West Ham and the 17-year-old has been given a two-year
deal. Midfielder Moncur told his club's official website: 'I found out a
couple of weeks ago when Alex Dyer had a word with me after training. 'I
told my dad and he was really happy and told me to work hard and keep doing
well. 'It helps so much to have a dad who has been through the same
experiences himself. He tells me lots and I've just got to take it all on
board and listen to what he says.'
Avram Grant's West Ham have had a terrible start to the season, and next
face the daunting task of taking on leaders Chelsea this weekend. Crewe and
Chelsea have agreed to extend the loan of goalkeeper Rhys Taylor until the
end of the season. The 20-year-old joined the League Two club on an initial
two-month deal as cover for Steve Phillips, who is recovering from shoulder
surgery. That deal was due to expire on Wednesday. Coventry City are set to
wrap up deals for Marlon King, 30, and Bolton's Danny Ward this week.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
AVRAM GRANT MAY MISS WEST HAM CRUNCH MATCH FOR YOM KIPPUR
The Star
7th September 2010 By James Masters

AVRAM GRANT may miss the game which could decide his West Ham future because
of a religious festival. Grant faces having to choose between sitting in the
dug-out for the club's vital clash with Stoke a week on Saturday or
observing the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur. The Hammers boss is a devout
follower of the religion and would be required to observe a strict 25-hour
fast from working, eating and even drinking water. But this year that would
mean him missing the game at the Britannia Stadium – a match which the
Hammers may need to win to keep Grant in the Upton Park hot seat. The
55-year-old has watched his new side lose all three of their league games
and faces former club Chelsea at Upton Park this weekend.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 6th September 2010

Barrera plays in Mexico loss
WHUFC.com
Hammers forward Pablo Barrera was part of a strong English-based attack as
Mexico lost a friendly
05.09.2010

Pablo Barrera played for 75 minutes as Mexico lost 2-1 at home to Ecuador in
an international friendly played in Guadalajara on Saturday night. The
Hammers forward was named in a strong starting lineup that also boasted
Fulham's Carlos Salcido, Manchester United's Javier Hernandez, Tottenham
Hotspur's Giovani dos Santos and Arsenal's Carlos Vela. Ecuador proved too
strong though and won through Cristian Benitez's double in the first and
58th minutes.

Mexico's consolation came via a Luis Checa own goal five minutes before
half-time but the North Americans were unable to find an equaliser against
their visitors from South America. Barrera could be back in action on
Tuesday when Mexico welcome Colombia to Monterrey on Tuesday.
Before then, Herita Ilunga's DR Congo will play host to Senegal in the
country's opening 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations Group E qualifier in
Lumbumbashi on Sunday. DR Congo will also face Cameroon and Mauritius in
qualifying.

England pair Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole will travel to Switzerland for
the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifier in Basel on Tuesday night. Neither featured in
the 18-man matchday squad when the Three Lions defeated Bulgaria 4-0 at
Wembley on Friday night. Valon Behrami is not with the Swiss as he focuses
on a club playing return.

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Showdown for young duo
WHUFC.com
Two of the club's brightest prospects are due to meet in a major UEFA U21
Euro qualifier on Tuesday
05.09.2010

Hammers youngsters Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson and Marek Stech could go head to
head on Tuesday in a decisive UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifier.
The Group 5 match in Jablonec nad Nisou on Tuesday will see Iceland bidding
to reach the finals for the first time. Coached by centre-back Eyjolfsson's
father Eyjolfur Sverrisson, Iceland could clinch at least a play-off place
by beating the table-topping Czechs.

To do so, they may have to find their way past goalkeeper Marek Stech, who
was on the bench for the Czechs in their 1-1 draw against Germany in Mlada
Boleslav on Friday. That point left thems three points clear of Iceland
before the final fixture. Both Hammers are 20 and a firm fixture in Alex
Dyer's improving reserves.

The ten UEFA group winners and four runners-up with the best record against
the teams first, third, fourth and fifth in their sections advance to the
play-offs in October. The final tournament will be played between 11 and 25
June in Denmark next summer.

England - who have previously used James Tomkins, Junior Stanislas, Zavon
Hines and Freddie Sears in this qualifying campaign, have to beat Lithuania
on Tuesday to make sure of second spot in Group 9 and then hope they make
the play-offs as one of that quartet of best runners-up.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slangwhanger Sulli slams slackers
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 5th September 2010
By: Staff Writer

David Sullivan has accused some of West Ham's 'foreign legion' of failing to
give 100 per cent.

Sullivan, who has sanctioned the signing of eleven players - all foreign -
since he arrived at West Ham along with co-Chairman David Gold in January,
hit out at the un-named squad members in the wake of West Ham's awful start
to the 2010/11 campaign.

"We've got a few foreign players who wanted to leave but we didn't receive
any offers," he told the News of the World. "I think they couldn't be
bothered but now the deadline has passed they realise the only way out is to
play for the club and to play well and I think they will make a
contribution. They realise now that they are here until at least January so
they will get their heads down and work for the benefit of the club. They
had their heads in the air before that."

Sullivan - whose comments will almost certainly do little to galvanise a
squad already suffering from a woeful lack of confidence, as outlined
recently by Avram Grant, who confessed it would take considerable time to
rebuild prior to Sullivan's latest outburst - did however admit that he
expects the club's fortunes to change once their difficult run of opening
games are concluded - and once all of Grant's eight summer signings become
available.

"You can't judge a team after three games. It's very premature," he
insisted. "When you're building something it takes time and there have been
changes at all levels. The team that started against Manchester United was
the same team from last season because virtually all the new signings were
injured. You will find over the next few weeks that it won't be the team of
last season - but if players are performing well they will retain their
place. It's the manager's decision.

"Out of our new signings Victor Obinna didn't have international clearance,
Thomas Hitzlsperger and Winston Reid were injured, Tal Ben Haim was not
fully fit and Pablo Barrera was knackered after playing two full games in
the week after the World Cup. Now with our new players getting back and the
others back playing, you will see us get better game by game.

"The next three games are very, very tough. Chelsea at home, Stoke - who are
particularly good on their own ground - and Tottenham at home. Then the
season really starts with the Fulham game on October 2nd. But I hope to
surprise a few people against Chelsea, Stoke or Tottenham."

Despite the poor start - which also included a 1-0 win courtesy of Scott
Parker's injury time-winner against an Oxford side who were playing
non-league football last season - Sullivan maintained that new manager Avram
Grant continues to enjoy his full support, despite spurious claims to the
contrary in some media sources.

"The Bolton game was a major disappointment but it's early days. These
things happen," he added. "I haven't relayed any messages to Avram at all, I
just expect a gradual improvement in form; it's not all doom and gloom. He
inherited a very imbalanced squad. Over the next year he'll turn things
round. Results will gradually come. Avram is very, very confident about the
future.

"He'd love to have £30m-£40m to spend but what manager wouldn't? I've got
every confidence in the manager and every confidence in the team."

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Sullivan - No Grant pressure
West Ham chief insists manager's job is safe
Last updated: 5th September 2010
SSN

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan insists Avram Grant is not under pressure
after just three games of the season. Some reports have claimed that
Sullivan and his co-owner David Gold, were considering Grant's position -
despite only appointing him in the summer. Grant succeeded Gianfranco Zola
in the summer, but he has endured a poor start with West Ham losing their
opening three games. But Sullivan says, Grant is not under any pressure from
him and that he has had to cope with a tough start. "I haven't relayed any
messages to Avram at all. I just expect a gradual improvement in form. It's
not all doom and gloom," he told the News of the World. "You can't judge a
team after three games. It's very premature. When you're building something
it takes time and there have been changes at all levels. "The next three
games are very, very tough. Chelsea at home, Stoke who are particularly good
on their own ground and Tottenham at home. "Three tough games and then the
season really starts with the Fulham game on October 2. But I hope to
surprise a few people against Chelsea, Stoke or Tottenham. "The Bolton game
was a major disappointment but it's early days. "There was a stage last
season where we lost six games in a row, these things happen. "He inherited
a very imbalanced squad. Over the next year he'll turn things round. Results
will gradually come. Avram is very, very confident about the future. "He'd
love to have £30m-£40m to spend but what manager wouldn't? "I've got every
confidence in the manager and every confidence in the team."

Foreign blast

Sullivan did, though, take a swipe at some of his squad, claiming some of
the 'foreign players' were not performing their best. "We've got a few
foreign players who wanted to leave but we didn't receive any offers," he
continued. "I think they couldn't be bothered but now the deadline has
passed they realise the only way out is to play for the club and to play
well and I think they will make a contribution. "They realise now that they
are here until at least January so they will get their heads down and work
for the benefit of the club. They had their heads in the air before that.
"The team that started against Man United was the same team from last season
because virtually all the new signings were injured. "You will find over the
next few weeks that it won't be the team of last season - but if players are
performing well they will retain their place. It's the manager's decision.
"Out of our new signings Victor Obinna didn't have international clearance,
Thomas Hitzlsperger was injured, Winston Reid has a torn muscle in his
buttocks, Tal Ben Haim was not fully fit and Pablo Barrera was knackered
after playing two full games in the week after the World Cup. Now with our
new players getting back and the others back playing, you will see us get
better game by game."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sullivan gives his backing to Grant
Harry Harris
September 5, 2010
ESPN

West Ham United's co-owner David Sullivan has informed ESPNsoccernet that
Sunday newspaper speculation that Avram Grant has only three games left to
save his job are false. Bottom-of-the-table Hammers face the daunting
prospect of games against Chelsea, Stoke and Tottenham, and it is being
suggested that Grant will become the first Premier League boss to be axed if
all three games are lost. However Sullivan tells ESPNsoccernet that it is
wide of the mark to suggest that Grant only has three games left, or that
his managerial reign at Upton Park is already under review after the opening
three games, which have left West Ham without a point. The Hammers board
appreciate that the opening sequence of fixtures have been unkind to Grant's
new managerial job and that the next three games are among the most daunting
of the seasons, and that their team would be lucky to get a point, with
anything else as massive bonus. For the corresponding six games this season,
West Ham only got two points from the same games in 2009-10.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hero – The Bobby Moore Story,' and Other Less Uplifting Matters!
West Ham Till I Die

It is not easy being a Hammers fan these days, so it is always nice to take
a short break, from the troubled 'here and now,' and head off on a welcome
trip down memory lane. One such opportunity is afforded to those that have
access to Sky Any Time. Up until Tuesday, 7 September, they are screening a
2002 ESPN Classic documentary entitled, 'Hero – The Bobby Moore Story,'
which is uplifting and compelling TV for all Hammers fans.

The programme documents Bobby's family background in Barking; his rise to
prominence for West Ham and England; his successful cancer treatment in the
1960s; his greatest club and international triumphs between 1964-66; the
victorious 1966 World Cup campaign; the defence of the trophy in 1970
(including the Bogota bracelet incident and that classic match with
Brazil); the sale to Fulham and 1975 FA Cup Final; the years of exclusion
from top club management and being largely ignored by the FA; and his
tragic, premature death in 1993.

The programme has some great clips of Bobby in action for West Ham and
England (at the old Upton Park and Wembley) that shows not only his
imperious defending and the odd goal or two scored, but also the on-pitch
presence, dignity and keen sense of humour of the man.

It includes interviews with Pele, George Best, Bobby Charlton, Malcolm
Allison, Noel Cantwell, Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters, Jimmy Greaves, Jackie
Charlton, Harry Redknapp, Terry Venables, Alan Ball, Alan Mullery, Mike
Summerbee and Jonathan Pearce. They hail Bobby Moore's greatness as a
defender and captain and confirm that his leadership was crucial in 1966 in
capturing the ultimate prize in world football. But they also talk of
Bobby's likeable personality and genuine, down to earth, modesty. His
personality is further explored in some very emotional, and heart felt,
interviews with his family and close friends like Jimmy Tarbuck.

It is a fine tribute to West Ham and England's greatest ever player and
captain. It must be good because it almost made me forget West Ham's
current troubles, if only for 60 minutes or so! You may already have seen
it, but check it out again, if you get a chance.

Now from the sublime to the ridiculous, some tabloids yesterday reported
that Avram Grant has just three matches to save his job! I do not believe
that things are at that stage, just yet. Grant is the appointment of the
new owners and they are likely to continue supporting him in the short term.
However, if we are still struggling in late November-early December, then I
have no doubt that the issue of a managerial change will then move up the
agenda.

David Sullivan was also reported yesterday as stating that certain of the
club's overseas players wanted a move from West Ham in the summer, but
acceptable offers were not forthcoming! He alleged that this had resulted
in those players showing an alleged lack of application and effort so far
this season. He correctly suggests that those players need to accept their
situation and play themselves in to a move in January! Ok, fair enough, but
what I do not understand is why a public statement needs to be made on this
matter. Surely it is best dealt with internally, by the manager and his
staff, in liaison with the board? I sincerely hope that this is not the
first of a new series of high profile and controversial public comments from
the board?

Finally, there were also reports that West Ham's proposed move for free
agent, Jeremie Aliadiere broke down because the player suffered a knee
injury in a trial match for the club. Apparently, West Ham have accepted
their responsibility for his medical expenses, but have denied that a deal
had been concluded. Much as I am very sorry for the player, being injured
and out of contract, the fact is that it is fortunate for the club that it
happened before he signed a contract, rather than afterwards. The last
thing we want is to pay the wages of another player with a long-term injury.
Tough, but true!

SJ. Chandos.

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Blues expect Lampard to return against Hammers
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on:05 September 2010 - 01:10 PM
Sport.co.uk

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti expects Frank Lampard to be fit for their next
Premier League game against West Ham United. The midfielder was forced to
miss England's Euro 2012 double-header against Bulgaria and Switzerland
following hernia surgery. Lampard was substituted during the 2-0 victory
over Stoke City on August 28 after reporting discomfort. The Chelsea medical
staff decided to send the 32-year-old for surgery during the two-week
international break and Lampard is now expected to be fit for their next
match on September 11. "For sure, Frank will be fit for the West Ham game,"
confirmed Ancelotti.
However, the Blues boss has denied suggestions that it was always their plan
to send Lampard for surgery during an international break. The Stamford
Bridge club have been accused of undermining England's Euro 2012 qualifying
bid. "No, we didn't decide at the start of the season to do this now,"
Ancelotti told the Daily Star Sunday. "After the Stoke game, Frank was in a
lot of pain. "So he decided, after talking to the club doctor, to resolve
and remove the problem immediately."

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Aliadiere reveals why West Ham deal fell through
05.09.10 | tribalfootball.com

Jeremie Aliadiere has revealed how a move to West Ham United fell through.
West Ham were keen on signing Aliadiere a month ago, but wanted ­evidence of
his fitness. So he was invited to play for the reserves against Crystal
Palace on a Monday night, but five minutes in, Aliadiere felt a searing pain
in his knee. "I had damaged my cruciate knee ligaments," he recalled. And
that meant the end of any ­possible revival of his career at Upton Park,
leaving Aliadiere clubless. He said: "There was a misunderstanding about the
deal. I was led to believe it had been agreed, but West Ham said it hadn't.
"I asked the PFA to help and they said that all the club were obliged to pay
was my medical expenses which they have."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collison: Grant a positive influence around West Ham
05.09.10 | tribalfootball.com

Jack Collison says Avram Grant is a positive influence at West Ham United.
The Wales midfielder hopes to be back in action for West Ham over Christmas.
On Grant, Collison told Soccer AM: "The new manager seems good. He's quite
friendly and comes over and says 'Hello'. At the moment I'm in getting
physio every day and it's nice being in and around the boys and being in the
mix. "I think they've all reacted really well to him. He's obviously
bringing in his own ideas and it's up to us to start picking up a few points
I think. "Obviously it's not a great start to the season and nobody wants to
start like that, but the new manager has come in and he's got his own ideas
of how he wants to play and maybe it's going to take a little while to
adapt. "It's only early doors and we've got a nice easy one next week
against Chelsea so hopefully we'll pick up some points there."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham youngster Sebastian Lletget pledges international future to USA
05.09.10 | tribalfootball.com

New West Ham United signing Sebastian Lletget has pledged his international
future to the USA. The teenage midfielder turned pro with West Ham last
week. Lletget told whufc.com: "The American style of play is very different
than the style of play in any other country. Spain, for example, is known
for the technical side, whereas Americans are known for their athleticism.
"For me, though, my favourite player was the US midfielder Claudio Reyna,
because he brought a different style to the game and I can relate to that.
"With my Italian heritage, Giuseppe Rossi is the player I look up to most
because he has come from a similar background to me, and is also a
similar-type player. It's my aim to make a name for myself like he has. "My
heart is in America, though, so if the chance ever arose to play for the
United States, I'd love that."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 5th September 2010

Jack on track
WHUFC.com
Jack Collison is hoping to return to first-team action in time for the busy
festive season
04.09.2010

Jack Collison is targeting a happy Christmas as he continues his comeback
from a serious knee injury. West Ham United's talented midfielder has been
working hard after undergoing surgery in April, recently returning to
Chadwell Heath to take part in daily physiotherapy and rehabilitation
sessions. Speaking on Sky Sports' Soccer AM, the new No10 said he was aiming
to be back in first-team action in time for the busy festive season. "I'm
hoping to be back around Christmas time. I had an operation about four or
four-and-a-half months ago just to stabilise my kneecap and have a bit of a
tidy-up. "I knew it had been coming a little while. I'm not sure if you
remember but at Wigan I did it properly there, tried to play on and had a
little bit of trouble with it and eventually it's come to this. "Fingers
crossed, it's all gone really well so far and I should be back around
Christmas and I'm looking forward to getting back into the action. "It's
nice to get it sorted out. Now I'm confident in it and I can't wait to get
back out on the pitch."

Collison, who made 22 Barclays Premier League last season, scoring twice,
also described the painstaking treatment he underwent to build-up the
strength in his knee, including sitting on a continuous passive motion
machine for eight hours a day. "It was good fun! The first 12 weeks were a
bit boring but thankfully my Mum looks after me. I've moved back in with
her, which is nice. "Basically I had to move back home and laid down flat
and it moved my leg up and down for me. It was pretty lazy, but I managed to
get quite good at FIFA and watched quite a lot of DVDs! "I just tried to get
through it as quick as I can. Obviously it was a long time but I want to
come back. "I had a little bit of work on the cartilage and in one of the
operations they stabbed little holes in it and made a new scar. It's quite
complicated stuff, but the machine just smoothes out the scar and makes it
all right."

Moving on to football matters, Collison spoke positively when asked about
manager Avram Grant, suggesting that it will not be long before the Hammers
starting winning matches for their new boss. "The new manager seems good.
He's quite friendly and comes over and says 'Hello'. At the moment I'm in
getting physio every day and it's nice being in and around the boys and
being in the mix. "I think they've all reacted really well to him. He's
obviously bringing in his own ideas and it's up to us to start picking up a
few points I think. "Obviously it's not a great start to the season and
nobody wants to start like that, but the new manager has come in and he's
got his own ideas of how he wants to play and maybe it's going to take a
little while to adapt. "It's only early doors and we've got a nice easy one
next week against Chelsea so hopefully we'll pick up some points there."

While he is targeting a Christmas comeback in claret and blue, Collison also
has one eye on Wales' 2012 UEFA European Championship qualifying Group F
clash with England on 26 March next year. Born in Watford, the 21-year-old
qualified for Wales through his grandfather, scoring on his Under-21 debut
in a 4-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in November 2007. Since making his
full debut against Iceland in May 2008, he has amassed seven senior caps.
"To be honest, at the time I wasn't really concentrating on international
football. I was trying to break into the West Ham first team and Brian Flynn
from the Wales Under-21s came down and asked if I wanted to go and play for
them and obviously I jumped at the opportunity and I've really enjoyed my
time. "I had a really good time with the Under-21s, but unfortunately it
seems every time I go away with the seniors I pick up an injury or
something, so I'm hoping to get my leg sorted and be back in time for the
England game in March."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collison laments Zola departure
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 4th September 2010
By: Staff Writer

Young Hammers midfielder Jack Collison has admitted that he was disappointed
with the decision to fire Gianfranco Zola at the end of last season. The
22-year-old Welsh international, talking on Soccer AM this morning revealed
that he was sad to see the back of the Italian, who was fired by Karren
Brady following the culmination of the 2009/10 campaign. "He was the one who
gave me my big chance and I feel like I owe him a lot," said Collison. "He
took an interest in a lot of the young lads and for me it was great learning
off someone like him because he wasn't a bad player, was he? "He could still
play; he joined in during training and some of the stuff he would do was
pretty unbelievable. The first day in training we were playing two touch; he
got the ball, flicked it round the corner and dinked Rob Green. Everyone
just stood there and was like' whoa, what have we got here?'!

"He was really good. After training sometimes he'd take the boys for a
one-to-one session which was nice to see from a manager, you don't always
get that. He took a real interest. He let all the boys go out there and
express themselves, which was nice. It's just a shame what happened."

Collison - who last featured for the first team in February - recently
underwent an operation to solve a long-standing knee problem, from which he
expects to return at the beginning of 2011. "I'm hoping to be back around
Christmas time," he confirmed. "I had an operation about four months ago to
stabalise my knee cap and to have a bit of a tidy up. "I done it properly at
Wigan , tried to play on and had a little trouble with it - and eventually
it came to this. But fingers crossed, it's gone really well so far. I should
be back around Christmas and I'm looking forward to getting back into the
action. "It was nice to get it sorted out, now I'm confident on it and rehab
has gone really well. I just can't wait to get back out on the pitch.
Luckily my mum looked after me - I moved back in with her, which was nice; I
managed to get quite good at FIFA and watched a lot of DVDs! I just tried to
get through it as quick as I can to be honest. Obviously [I've been out] a
long time but I want to come back and play. "I had a little bit of work on
the cartilege and in one of the knee operations they stabbed little holes in
it and made a new scar, so it was quite complicated stuff. But the machine
[I was using] smooths out the scar and makes it alright."

And with regards to the club's poor start to the 2010/11 campaign - and
Zola's replacement, Avram Grant - he said: "The new manager seems good, he's
quite friendly, he comes over and says 'hello'. At the moment I'm in getting
physio every day so it's nice to be in and around the boys, to be in the
mix. But I think they've all reacted really well to him. Obviously he's
bringing in his own ideas and it's up to us now to start picking up a few
points. "Obviously it's not a great start to the season, no-one wants to
start like that. But the new manager's got his own ideas, the way he wants
to play and maybe it's going to take a little while to adapt. But it's only
early days - and we've got a nice easy one next week against Chelsea, so
hopefully we'll start picking up points there!"

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lletget signs Hammers deal
Midfielder hoping to make impact at Upton Park
Last updated: 4th September 2010
SSN

Sebastian Lletget has celebrated his 18th birthday by putting pen to paper
on a professional contract with West Ham. Lletget was spotted by Hammers
scouts in California at the age of 13 and has trained on and off with the
Premier League club for the past four-and-a-half years. The attacking
midfielder is thrilled to have earned a deal at Upton Park and is now
looking forward to the next stage of his development. Reflecting on his
breakthrough moment as a youngster, Lletget told West Ham's official
website: "I started playing at a club back in San Francisco called Sporting
as Sporting Lisbon had brought their Academy over to the United States.
"It's a very competitive club, so that was my best chance of ever being seen
by a European club. "One day, I went to training as always and one of my
coaches, Carlos Brasil, had a friend called Mike Leigh who was a scout for
West Ham. "I played a game against an older team and did really well in
front of him. He said 'OK' and invited me over to England. "I came over when
I was 13 and trained with the youth team because the Under 16s were not in.
I had a great training session so they asked me to play that afternoon and I
scored a goal with my first touch. "After that game, I've been visiting and
training with the club ever since. I have now signed my professional
contract."

Lletget hopes to make an impact at West Ham but recognises that he will have
to stay patient before he breaks into Avram Grant's first-team plans. "In
the upcoming season, I really want to get established and comfortable and
play for the reserves, then maybe I'll get spotted by the manager," said
Lletget, who has Italian heritage but would like to play for the USA at
international level. "Now I have signed I don't want to rush things and put
extra pressure on myself," he said. "I'm just going to take it
step-by-step, day-by-day."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Roma still tracking Behrami
West Ham player remains on Italian club's radar
Last updated: 4th September 2010
SSN

Roma president Rosella Sensi has refused to rule out a swoop for Valon
Behrmai at later date after missing out on the West Ham player this summer.
The versatile Switzerland international was heavily linked with a move away
from Upton Park during the transfer window and Roma were one of several
interested clubs. A switch did not materialise but the Giallorossi later
admitted they had made a late attempt to prise Behrami away from the
Hammers.
Behrami has also admitted he is disappointed to be staying in London, but it
now seems Roma could renew their pursuit at some point in the future.
Sensini remains an admirer of the 25-year-old, who spent time in the Italian
capital with Roma's rivals Lazio before joining West Ham. "Behrami is an
important player," Sensi told Centrosuonosport. "We did want him but
unfortunately the deal could not be sealed. We had to keep our balance." He
added: "I don't know whether we will sign him or not, but never say never."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collison owes a lot to Zola
Hammers midfielder grateful to former Hammers boss
Last updated: 4th September 2010
SSN

West Ham United midfielder Jack Collison has admitted it was a 'shame' to
see Gianfraco Zola sacked at the end of last season. The Italian coach was
axed after the club struggled for form during the 2009/10 term and flirted
with relegation as a result. Collison is grateful for Zola's tutorship
during his time in charge of Upton Park, conceding he was disappointed to
see him leave. "He was the one who gave me my big chance and I feel like I
owe him a lot," said Collison on Soccer AM. "He took an interest in a lot of
the young lads and for me it was great learning off someone like him because
he wasn't a bad player, was he? "He could still play. He joined in during
training and some of the stuff he would do was pretty unbelievable. The
first day in training we were playing two touch; he got the ball, flicked
it round the corner and dinked Rob Green. Everyone just stood there and was
like 'whoa, what have we got here?' "He was really good. After training
sometimes he'd take the boys for a one-to-one session which was nice to see
from a manager, you don't always get that.
"He took a real interest. He let all the boys go out there and express
themselves, which was nice. It's just a shame what happened."
Collison - who last featured for the first team in February - recently
underwent an operation to solve a long-standing knee problem, from which he
expects to return at the beginning of 2011. "I'm hoping to be back around
Christmas time," he confirmed. "I had an operation about four months ago to
stabilise my knee cap and to have a bit of a tidy up."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SULLIVAN BLASTS HAMMERS LAYABOUTS
News Of The World
By Greg Gobere, 04/09/2010

DAVID SULLIVAN has blasted a section of West Ham's 'lazy' foreign stars for
their woeful start to the season. But the Hammers co-owner warned the
players who "couldn't be bothered" they have no choice but to give 100
percent now that the transfer window is shut for six months. So far, the
pointless Hammers have shipped nine goals in defeats to Aston Villa, Bolton
and Manchester United. And while Sullivan cited injury to new recruits as a
contributing factor to his side's alarming start, he was adamant that some
of the foreign contingent containing Radoslav Kovac, Julien Faubert, Herita
Ilunga, Luis Boa Morte and Jonathan Spector have not been pulling their
weight. Valon Behrami has also spoken of his disappointment at seeing a
move to Roma break down.
Sullivan refused to name names but French midfielder Faubert and full-back
Ilunga are the only players from that group boss Avram Grant has used in all
three defeats. Sullivan said: "We've got a few foreign players who wanted to
leave but we didn't receive any offers. "I think they couldn't be bothered
but now the deadline has passed they realise the only way out is to play for
the club and to play well and I think they will make a contribution. "They
realise now that they are here until at least January so they will get their
heads down and work for the benefit of the club. They had their heads in the
air before that. "The team that started against Man United was the same team
from last season because virtually all the new signings were injured. "You
will find over the next few weeks that it won't be the team of last season -
but if players are performing well they will retain their place. It's the
manager's decision. "Out of our new signings Victor Obinna didn't have
international clearance, Thomas Hitzlsperger was injured, Winston Reid has a
torn muscle in his buttocks, Tal Ben Haim was not fully fit and Pablo
Barrera was knackered after playing two full games in the week after the
World Cup. "Now with our new players getting back and the others back
playing, you will see us get better game by game."
Sullivan is so confident of Grant's team eventually finding their feet, he
confessed he is happy to virtually write off another THREE league games
before he considers the season to have truly begun. By then it will be
October and the Hammers could have played a month and a half of the league.
But Sullivan said: "You can't judge a team after three games. It's very
premature. When you're building something it takes time and there have been
changes at all levels.
"The next three games are very, very tough. Chelsea at home, Stoke who are
particularly good on their own ground and Tottenham at home. "Three tough
games and then the season really starts with the Fulham game on October 2.
But I hope to surprise a few people against Chelsea, Stoke or Tottenham.
"The Bolton game was a major disappointment but it's early days. "There was
a stage last season where we lost six games in a row, these things happen. I
haven't relayed any messages to Avram at all, I just expect a gradual
improvement in form. It's not all doom and gloom. "He inherited a very
imbalanced squad. Over the next year he'll turn things round. Results will
gradually come. Avram is very, very confident about the future. "He'd love
to have £30m-£40m to spend but what manager wouldn't? "I've got every
confidence in the manager and every confidence in the team."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
GRANT JOB ON THE LINE
News Of The World
By Neil Ashton

AVRAM GRANT is fighting to save his job after just three Premier League
games in charge of West Ham. Incredibly the former Chelsea and Portsmouth
chief is under intense pressure from co-owners David Gold and David
Sullivan. West Ham are bottom of the Premier League without a point and are
facing a daunting set of fixtures in September. They face Chelsea at Upton
Park this weekend and then travel to Stoke and host Tottenham in their next
three games. The Hammers board are expecting an immediate improvement and
are preparing to review Grant's position if they remain bottom of the table.

Sullivan was furious with his team's lack of commitment during the 3-1
defeat against Bolton at Upton Park in August. He is well are of supporter
unrest and is willing to make a swift change in management if results do not
improve. Expectations of a mid-table finish have already been adjusted and
the owners will now be satisfied if they escape relegation. Grant did not
play any of the club's new signings in the 3-0 surrender at Manchester
United last weekend. Pablo Barrera, Frederic Piquionne and Benni McCarthy,
who was on loan at the Hammers last season, were all on the bench.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
PARKER SET TO SIGN NEW DEAL
News Of The World
By Marc Isaacs, 04/09/2010

SCOTT PARKER is finally set to agree a new five-year contract with West Ham
in the next few days. Parker, 29, was strongly linked with a £7m move to
Tottenham during the summer, but the club turned down an offer from the
north London club and were adamant he was staying at Upton Park. Tottenham
were accused by West Ham of trying to unsettle the player, but Harry
Redknapp hit back saying the east London club made it public that they had
made an offer. Parker was offered a new five-year deal, but hesitated in
putting pen-to-paper and West Ham feared he could depart before the transfer
window closed. But the window closed without West Ham having to sell any of
their key players and Parker is now expected to pledge his long-term future
to the club.

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Aliadiere salutes Middlesbrough after injury nightmare
Published 23:00 04/09/10 By Steve Stammers
The Mirror

As cruel twists of football fate go, it ranks up there with the worst. West
Ham were keen on signing Jeremie Aliadiere a month ago, but wanted evidence
of his fitness. So he was invited to play for the reserves against Crystal
Palace on a Monday night, but five minutes in, Aliadiere felt a searing pain
in his knee.
"I had damaged my cruciate knee ligaments," he recalled. And that meant the
end of any possible revival of his career at Upton Park, leaving Aliadiare
clubless. He said: "There was a misunderstanding about the deal. I was led
to believe it had been agreed, but West Ham said it hadn't. "I asked the PFA
to help and they said that all the club were obliged to pay was my medical
expenses which they have."
Former club Boro stepped in when they heard what had happened. "They have
been brilliant," said Aliadiere who starts his rehabilitation up at Teesside
this week. "Gordon Strachan offered me the use of all their facilities.
Hopefully I can be running again in six weeks and fit again in four months."
"I can't wait to be playing again," he said. "This has all been so
frustrating. "Money is not the priority but I do want to be earning again.
No-one is paying me at the moment. I'm not on the street – but it is my
profession and I want to be out there."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Grant has THREE games to save his job - Exclusive
Published 23:00 04/09/10 By Paul Smith
The Mirror

Avram Grant has just three more League games to save his job at West Ham.
The Hammers are pointless and bottom of the Premier League after their
opening three matches of the new campaign. It has led to growing unrest
among supporters who are fast running out of patience with Grant, who was
appointed on a four year contract in June. Co-owners David Sullivan and
David Gold are also targets for the fans' fury. The West Ham fans' internet
message boards are laden with criticism and furious fans are bombarding
radio stations. Grant, who resigned from relegated Portsmouth at the end of
last season, has become agitated by West Ham's failure to sign key players.
As the transfer window closed last week he claimed the Hammers' financial
position put paid to several proposed deals at the last minute. After
inheriting a spendthrift club following the days of Icelandic ownership, the
Gold-Sullivan hierarchy have insisted on bringing a hard-headed business
approach. But it's likely to be the Israeli coach's head on the block if the
club fail to get points and goals in their next three fixtures. And even
though his contract runs to 2014, there is a specified pay-off within the
deal. The next visitors to Upton Park are free-scoring Premier League
leaders Chelsea, followed by a tough trip to Stoke.They then face Sunderland
in the Carling Cup before the visit of Tottenham on September 25. Grant
needs to show the team he's putting together can climb the table. It was
claimed the 55-year-old's arrival would bring stability and progress. After
deciding the gamble on the inexperienced Gianfranco Zola had backfired, the
Hammers expected Grant to be a safe pair of experienced hands. The fact that
he guided crisis club Pompey to the FA Cup Final last May certainly worked
in his favour as a miracle worker on a tight budget. But the Hammers have
found the net just once this season and during their last away game at
Manchester United Grant did not select a single one of the club's six summer
signings in his starting line-up. Co-owner Gold has claimed the club
expected to secure a mid-table position this season. Avoiding relegation may
become their prime target.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 4th September 2010

Happy birthday for Lletget
WHUFC.com
US-born playmaker Sebastian Lletget has signed his first professional
contract with West Ham United
03.09.2010

When young players sign their first professional contracts, it is often said
they have come a long way. That is certainly true in the case of Sebastian
Lletget, who celebrated his 18th birthday by formally joining West Ham
United on Friday. A talented attacking midfielder with eye-catching ball
skills, Lletget was first spotted by the Hammers playing for Santa Clara
Sporting SC - Sporting Clube de Portugal's US academy based near the city of
San Jose, California - at the age of 13. Following a successful trial,
Lletget has been training with West Ham on and off for the past
four-and-a-half years. "I started playing at a club back in San Francisco
called Sporting as Sporting Lisbon had brought their academy over to the
United States," the US U17 international explained. "It's a very competitive
club, so that was my best chance of ever being seen by a European scout.
"One day, I went to training as always and one of my coaches, Carlos Brasil,
had a friend called Mike Leigh who was a scout for West Ham. I played a game
against an older team and did really well in front of him. "He said 'OK' and
invited me over to England. I came over when I was 13 and trained with the
youth team because the Under-16s were not in. I had a great training session
so they asked me to play that afternoon and I scored a goal with my first
touch! "After that game, I've been visiting and training with the club ever
since. I have now signed my professional contract."

While Santa Clara Sporting SC has sent players to professional clubs in
Portugal, Lletget is the first to join an English side. While he may be
5,400 miles from home, but the young playmaker has not forgotten his
American roots, and he aims to follow in the footsteps of his two heroes -
former Manchester City midfielder and US captain Claudio Reyna and current
Villarreal CF and Italy striker Giuseppe Rossi. "The American style of play
is very different than the style of play in any other country. Spain, for
example, is known for the technical side, whereas Americans are known for
their athleticism. "For me, though, my favourite player was the US
midfielder Claudio Reyna, because he brought a different style to the game
and I can relate to that. "With my Italian heritage, Giuseppe Rossi is the
player I look up to most because he has come from a similar background to
me, and is also a similar-type player. It's my aim to make a name for myself
like he has. "My heart is in America, though, so if the chance ever arose to
play for the United States, I'd love that."

Nearly five years after he first trained with the Hammers, Lletget was
joined by father Francisco, mother Sara Murruni and sisters Valeria and
Vanessa as he signed his first contract at the Boleyn Ground. While the
coaching staff and his fellow players have been impressed by Lletget's
talents, the need for international clearance has precluded the youngster
from performing in front of the club's supporters. "I am an attacking
midfielder who plays in the hole. I love to play football and I think I have
good vision, good ball control and I like to pass the ball. I think those
are my strongest suits. I like to express myself.
"In the upcoming season, I really want to get established and comfortable
and play for the reserves then maybe I'll get spotted by the manager. Now I
have signed, I don't want to rush things and put extra pressure on myself.
I'm just going to take it step-by-step, day-by-day."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sunderland cup date set
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Carling Cup third-round tie at Sunderland will take place
on Tuesday 21 September
03.09.2010

West Ham United's Carling Cup third-round visit to Sunderland will take
place on Tuesday 21 September, kick-off 7.45pm. Tickets for the Hammers'
trip to the Stadium of Light are priced at just £10 for Adults and £5 for
Over-65s and Under-16s. West Ham's allocation of 2,200 tickets is on sale to
season ticket holders with Academy members able to purchase theirs from 9am
on Monday 13 September. Any remaining tickets will go on general sale from
9am on Tuesday 14 September. Eight wheelchair bays and five ambulant or
visually impaired tickets are also on sale, priced at £10 for Adults and £5
for Over-65s and Under-16s, including a carer.

Coach travel will depart the Boleyn Ground at 10.30am, priced at £31 Adults
and £29 Concessions for season ticket holders and Academy members or £35
Adults and £31 Over-65s and Under-16s for non-members. The Hammers won
through to face their Barclays Premier League rivals with a 1-0 defeat of
League Two new boys Oxford United at the Boleyn Ground, while Sunderland
defeated League One side Colchester United 2-0 on Wearside. Since then, the
Black Cats have splashed out £13m on Ghana's FIFA World Cup striker Asamoah
Gyan from French club Stade Rennais. West Ham and Sunderland have met twice
before in the League Cup, coming through on both occasions. Alvin Martin and
David Cross scored in a 2-1 fourth-round replay victory at the Boleyn Ground
in November 1979 following a 1-1 draw at Roker Park. The two sides met in
the second round in 1988/89, with the Hammers winning 5-1 on aggregate.

West Ham reached this stage of the competition last season before being
knocked out by the same scoreline over 120 minutes away to Bolton Wanderers.
The 2010/11 final will be held at Wembley Stadium on 27 February 2011. The
Hammers have reached the League Cup final twice in their history, losing out
on both occasions. West Bromwich Albion ran out 5-3 aggregate winners in
1965/66, while Liverpool earned a 2-1 replay victory at Villa Park in
1980/81 after the initial game at finished 1-1 at Wembley. Sunderland
reached the League Cup final in 1984/85, losing 1-0 to Norwich City at
Wembley.

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Behrami to 'give everything'
WHUFC.com
On his way back from injury and going nowhere, Valon Behrami is ready to
give everything this sason
03.09.2010

Valon Behrami has pledged to show West Ham United fans that he is fully
committed to the cause after a difficult summer. The Switzerland midfielder
was linked with a move back to Italy, with his young family based in Rome.
However, a deal did not materialise ahead of the transfer window closing
this week and Behrami is only thinking now of succeeding in his third season
in London. The 25-year-old especially wants to repay the supporters who have
appreciated his whole-hearted approach since he first signed from S.S. Lazio
two years ago. "After the transfer window was closed," he said. "Everything
was OK for me. I am concentrating 100 per cent to give this club good
results. There is nothing more in my head. "In the last three weeks, the
manager and the chairman have both helped me a lot because they understood
the situation. Of course in football, there is the business side as well. We
didn't find the right solution for the club and for me. "I now just want to
try to help everyone here, the people who have helped me with a difficult
moment [in my life]. Now we as a team are in a difficult moment and I give
everything. "I feel that the fans understand my situation and they will help
me like they did in my first two years at West Ham. And they will also do
that for the third year. They know I try to give 100 per cent, sometimes it
was good, sometimes not - but if we are all together I feel we can do
something good this year."

Behrami was particularly eager to recognise that the supporters had stood by
him during a hugely difficult time when recovering from a serious knee
injury suffered in March 2009. "This club has given me a lot of things and
helped me when I was injured. I never want it to look like I want to leave
because it is difficult. The club knows I had a personal private problem in
my life. I tried to go back to Italy to solve this problem. We didn't find
the right solution and I am happy to stay here. "I never tried to move to
any other club in England or Germany or wherever. I am here and I will give
100 per cent for this club and the supporters."

Behrami's situation has been complicated by ongoing injury niggles -
especially last season - but he has worked extremely hard in recent weeks
with the club's medical staff to make a playing return. He has not gone on
international duty in a bid to get back and help the club's cause - perhaps
even starting with Chelsea on Saturday week. "It is good for me to stay here
and work hard. The big thing was we worked on in this last month was about
my problems of last season. Sometimes I was in, sometimes out and I want to
forget. I don't want that to happen again. I just want to play and that is
why it was good this last month to work hard. I feel good and ready for the
new season. "After my bad injury, I didn't feel like before. This was very
frustrating. Now after this month I am happy about my condition and waiting
to start my season. "We are in a situation which is difficult we know but it
is just the fourth game in the season. Still a lot of games to play. We have
to play but not worry about the situation. "We have to play to give
everything. We have nothing to lose against Chelsea. Sometimes when we have
this kind of game, this team reacts very well. Especially when we play at
our home our fans help us and they expect us to give everything."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Ball and Parky
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 3rd September 2010
By: Staff Writer

News of some important up-and-coming events in the Bobby Moore Fund for
Cancer Research's calendar...

Bobby Moore Fund Sports Ball
Date: 25th September 2010
Venue: Hurlingham Club
Tickets: See below.

Join us for the Bobby Moore Fund Sports Ball on the 25th September 2010 at
The Hurlingham Club, Fulham.

Join Stephanie Moore MBE and celebrities from the world of sport and
entertainment at the annual Bobby Moore Fund Sports Ball which will be held
on a late summer's evening at the prestigious Hurlingham Club in London.
Television presenter Gaby Roslin and comedian and actor Omid Djalili will be
our celebrity MCs for the evening's entertainment, which includes:

• Champagne reception
• Exclusive entertainment including music and dance
• A gourmet 3 course dinner with wine
• The opportunity to win some fabulous prizes
• An exciting money-can't-buy auction

The fundraising total for last year's event was over £154,000 – a fantastic
success – and this year we hope to raise even more.

We have five tables left, each costing £1,750 for ten people, and one great
Champion sponsor package left at £,5,000, this includes branding
opportunities and a prime-positioned table for ten with complimentary
champagne.

To book your tickets or for further information about sponsorship, please
call Louise Knapton on 0207 438 5210 or email her at
louise.knapton@cancer.org.uk. We look forward to welcoming you to the event!

Parky; The One Man Show
Date: 1 November 2010
Venue: Cadogan Hall
Tickets: £50, £45, £40, VIP ticket: £100 (VIP post-concert reception with
Sir Michael and stars).

Fresh from a sell out tour of Australia and New Zealand, Parky; The One Man
Show is a personal insight into Sir Michael Parkinson CBE's fifty-year
broadcasting career. Taking place at Cadogan Hall in Sloane Square on the
1st November, this event will look back on his legendary career. Parky has
interviewed more than 3,000 of the world's most famous people. Now, the
renowned broadcaster will share his greatest moments, live on stage,
supported by clip highlights from his career including long lost footage.

The Bobby Moore Fund is delighted that Sir Michael Parkinson CBE has chosen
to stage a special one-off production of the show in London this year in aid
of the Fund. For anyone who read and enjoyed 'Parky', Sir Michael's
autobiography of 2008, you should expect the same humour, warmth and
inimitable knack for story-telling.

"I am delighted to be supporting the Bobby Moore Fund through this
performance. I knew Bobby well and his tragic death from bowel cancer at
such a young age was a great loss to us all. The money raised from the One
Man Show will help tackle this terrible disease so please show your
support," said Sir Michael Parkinson.

Tickets are now on sale and available from Cadogan Hall. To book online
please visit www.cadoganhall.com or call the Cadogan box office, Monday to
Saturday from 10am to 8pm on 020 7730 4500.

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London footballers club together to run 10k
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 3rd September 2010
By: Staff Writer

The Hammers are challenging men and women in London to help tackle cancer by
entering Cancer Research UK's Run 10k. Players from West Ham United are
urging men and women to enter into the team spirit by signing up for the
charity event, which takes place at Victoria Park on October 17th. Every two
minutes someone is diagnosed with cancer in the UK and around 27,000 people
in London are told they have the disease every year. A spokesperson for
West Ham United said: "We hope that we can help to get the ball rolling by
encouraging men and women in London to enter Cancer Research UK's Run 10k.
We want everyone to pull together as a team and help raise money for Cancer
Research UK's life-saving research."

Cancer survival rates have doubled since the 1970s and Cancer Research UK's
work has been at the heart of that progress. Thousands of mums, dads,
brothers, sisters, sons and daughters across London are alive today because
of this research. Kirsty Wilde, London Events Manager for Cancer Research
UK, said: "We hope hundreds of people will feel inspired by the Hammers to
enter Run 10k in London. It's a great opportunity to have fun, get fit and
raise money to beat cancer. We are encouraging men and women of all running
abilities to take part. Although the distance might sound like a challenge,
lots of people can achieve it with a little bit of training."

She continued: "By taking part in Run 10k, and supporting Cancer Research
UK's crucial work, people in London could make a big difference to cancer
patients here on their doorstep. So our message to local people is: raise
it, run it, beat it!"

Cancer Research UK's Run 10k, supported by Tesco, is a series of 20
fundraising events which will take place throughout the UK this autumn.
Cancer Research UK is hoping that 50,000 men and women will come together to
raise over £5 million to help fund the charity's life saving work. Run 10k
will take place in Victoria Park for the second time on Sunday, October
17th. Last year, nearly 3,000 men and women took part and helped raise
around £240,000. In 2010, Cancer Research UK is encouraging over 4,000
participants to enter and hit a fundraising target of £326,250. Everyone
has a different reason for entering Run 10k. Many are new to running and are
trying to get fit whilst others take part to beat their personal best time.
Some use the event as a focus while they are coping with cancer treatment or
coming to terms with the loss of a loved one. Whatever the reason, everyone
crosses the finish line with a huge sense of achievement knowing how far
they have gone to help beat cancer. "Despite improvements in treatment,
cancer causes one in four of all deaths in the UK," Added Wilde. "We want to
change that. Cancer Research UK aims to save many more lives over the next
ten years. That's why we are asking men and women in London to Run 10k, to
raise money for vital research and help beat cancer."

Cancer Research UK spent nearly £154 million last year in London on some of
the UK's leading scientific and clinical research. London is the home to one
of the new Cancer Research UK Centres, which will draw together world class
research and areas of medical expertise to provide the best possible results
for cancer patients nationwide.

The UCL (University College London) Cancer Research UK Centre will help set
the pace for national and international progress in research into the
biology and treatment of blood cancers, sarcomas, brain cancer, ovarian
cancer, head and neck cancer and lung cancer. To enter Cancer Research UK's
Run 10k visit www.run10k.org. For further information about Cancer Research
UK's work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 020 7121
6699 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org.

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Sullivan's loan moan
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 3rd September 2010
By: Staff Writer

David Sullivan has called for a review of the loan system in the wake of the
closure of the summer transfer window. West Ham United's co-Chairman hit out
at rules that state Premier League clubs may loan a maximum of two players
domestically - although there is no limit to the number of foreign players
who can join on loan. "It is possible that we might need to discuss ways of
changing the loan system. It is madness the English clubs are penalised,
compared to foreign clubs, when you can only loan two players even from
Championship or Premier League clubs," he told Soccernet. "You are free to
loan as many as you want from foreign clubs and it doesn't make sense. This
is something that I have put forward but I don't think many, if any of the
clubs, have voted for it. Maybe the times have now changed sufficiently for
clubs to re-think it. "Of course most players won't stand for it, so this
has to be universal, so they cannot play one club off against another. Their
only redress if they don't like it, is to go abroad or not come to the
Premier League."

Sullivan admitted that whilst not in favour of placing an upper limit on
wages he was keen to see legislation introduced that would protect clubs
from financial difficulty in the event of relegation from the Premier
League. "Its a free market, so I don't advocate a salary cap of any
description, and clubs will get round any formula you might bring in as a
percentage of turn over and so on," he added. "But relegation carries such a
heavy financial liability for any Premier League club, that something
drastic needs to be done to ensure the clubs survival if they go down, and
halving players wages is something that we all need to look at again.

West Ham chose to sign just one domestic-based player on loan during the
summer - Tal Ben Haim from relegated Portsmouth - despite having agreed a
fee for a second, striker Felipe Caicedo of Manchester City. The 21-year-old
instead joined newly-promoted Levante (of La Liga) on transfer deadline day.

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Vagient Valon rues missed opportunity
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 3rd September 2010
By: Staff Writer

Valon Behrami has revealed his disappointment after his proposed transfer
window move to Roma fell through. The Albanian-born Swiss international was
one of a number of players with whom the club were prepared to do business
during the summer as Avram grant sought to make sweeping changes to his
squad. However a proposed to Roma - which had been mooted since the
beginning of the summer - failed to materialise, much to the chagrin of the
25-year-old midfielder who has been absent thus far this seaon with a
mystery injury. "I am disappointed the deal failed to go through - that is
for certain, " he said. ""Avram Grant gave me his permission to speak with
Roma. But he also said he needs me, with West Ham bottom of the table.
"[Still], I'm sure I'll still get to play for them [Roma]."

Behrami was signed from Lazio during Alan Curbishley's tenure in a £5million
deal two summers ago, since when his agent has been constantly hawking him
around to interested parites - mainly in Italy. Following an excellent start
to his Hammers career Behrami - who remains contracted to West Ham for
another three years - suffered an horrendous cruciate injury during the 1-0
win over Manchester City in March 2009 which kept him out of action for a
further six months. However his form since has been patchy at best, and it
was rumoured that his absence from this season's opening four games was due
more to a lack of willingness to play than injury, which was the official
line.

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Behrami laments Hammers stay
Swiss player unsettled by failed Roma deal
Last updated: 3rd September 2010
SSN

West Ham winger Valon Behrami admits he is disappointed to still be at Upton
Park this season. The Switzerland international, who joined the Hammers two
years ago from Italian club Lazio, held talks with Roma during the transfer
window. However, the Serie A outfit were unable to sell players to raise
their funds, and the proposed move for 25-year-old Behrami fell through. The
Hammers have endured a disappointing start to their Premier League campaign
and are currently sitting at the bottom of the table following three defeats
from their opening three games. And while admitting his frustration over the
collapsed Roma switch, Behrami expects to be part of manager Avram Grant's
plans this term. "I am disappointed the deal failed to go through - that is
for certain," said Behrami in The Sun. "Avram Grant gave me his permission
to speak with Roma. "But he also said he needs me, with West Ham bottom of
the table. I'm sure I'll still get to play for them."

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Karren Brady's Football Diary
The Sun
KARREN BRADY - First lady of football
Saturday, August 28

BEFORE our game at United, I go to Kutchenhaus in Manchester, a trendy new
kitchen store with the kids - football isn't all glamour, I'd like you to
know - when I bump into one of my favourite players, Fabrice Muamba. Once of
Blues but now a Bolton star, Fab tells them: "You're mum was good to me",
which, I have to admit, wasn't always true of all players all the time. Well
this is obviously the kitchen shop to be seen at. Stephen Ireland was there
the day before, Man U beat us 3-0 and my daughter, who knows nothing about
football says: "They're not bad, mum. I think they'll have a good season."
Yes. they probably will! We do, though, have another ref who appears to be
under Fergie's spell. It's hard even winning a goal kick.

Fergie Blair tip
Sunday, August 29

BROWSING a pre-publication copy of Tony Blair's memoir, I see even ex-PMs
love to name-drop. Who? Why Sir Alex Ferguson, of course. Blair says he
asked Sir Alex what he would do if his best player (Gordon Brown, in this
case) won't do what you want him to? Bin him, Fergie replies, possibly
thinking of Paul McGrath and Jaap Stam. Blair didn't take his advice but
wishes, I suspect, he had. Good riddance to Javier Mascherano. If it's true
he refused to play for Liverpool there's nothing between him and the
Pakistani cricketers who were also revealed today as allegedly cheating the
people who pay to watch them.

Scott free plea
Monday, August 30

THE madhouse is up and running for 36 hours as clubs bid to beat the
fast-looming transfer deadline. The trade being done is generally small
change and often controlled by the banks, who see themselves ahead of the
fans in the people-to-please league. We're chasing a right-back - a
tantalising process similar to a house-buying chain in that when one deal
crashes, the dominoes behind all fall down. One of the principles I have to
keep in mind is not selling Scott Parker followed by another that stresses
we hold on to Carlton Cole if humanly possible.

These are in-a-state agents
Tuesday, August 31

CALLS from agents, chairmen, managers, banks. Never have so many achieved so
little for so much. There must be a better way. I give up on a deal for a
major Premier League player. "It's too late," I tell his agent, "the
deadline's 6pm." "6pm? I thought it was midnight." And, I ask you, who says
agents are thick?

Olymping into the season
Wednesday, September 1

OFF to the Olympic Stadium with bank representatives. I spend more time with
bankers than my husband but neither of us will regret it if West Ham move in
after the Games. Then the League tell us we must register two injured
players under the 25-player rule. This is ridiculous. Man City leave out fit
players, we register the injured.

Brand new addition's in for a Hammering
Thursday, September 2

IT may be she wants publicity for her new album but US singer Katy Perry is
said to be telling boyfriend Russell Brand - not the most obvious candidate
for obedience - that if they have a son he will not be named after a Hammer.
Shame on you Katy, we've had a fine bunch of names here. May I offer Billy
Ronnie Johnny Harry Teddy Brand. At least he won't be Ricky van Wolfswinkel,
who Newcastle were said to be chasing. A whole new meaning to 'keeping the
wolf from the door'.

Cap it off time
Friday, September 3

MY Premier League director friend tells me that if England get less than
three points in the upcoming two European Championship qualifiers, it will
be arrivederci Fabio Capello. One thing, I suggest, that might save him is a
lack of a ready-made successor. As ever, in their eagerness to be seen to be
ahead of the game, the FA have committed themselves to an English manager
when Capello goes in two years' time. What - shock, cor blimey Guv - if
England were to win their first European title in 2012? Would Capello still
be ordered to pack his Prada bags and head back to his palazzo? Something
similar happened to Bobby Robson who, having been told he would be surplus
to requirements after the 1990 World Cup, led England to the semi-finals
where they lost on penalties. How we'd have loved him to stay. His
replacement was the best English candidate at the time and was soon and
properly transmuted by The Sun into a Turnip. More than this, is there an
Englishman handy who isn't Steve McClaren? I don't think the powers-that-be
could live with Harry Redknapp which leaves... (you fill in the name and
good luck!)

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West Ham not laughing at 'jokers' Roma
Published 16:35 03/09/10 By EuroSpy
The Mirror

Valon Behrami has been left 'disappointed' that he could not complete a
transfer deadline day move to Roma. The Swiss international was given
permission to speak to the Serie A giants by West Ham, but the two clubs
failed to reach an agreement over the price, with Roma believed to have
favoured a loan arrangement while the Hammers were holding out for a fee.
Behrami said: "(Avram) Grant gave me permission to talk to Roma, and I'm
very disappointed that the deal did not have a good outcome. "The idea of
Roma taking me on loan was considered a joke."

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Thomas Hitzlsperger, Valon Behrami and Carlton Cole
West Ham Till I Die

Talking of variables that need to go our way, there is bad news on one of
the factors that I flagged up. It has been reported that Thomas
Hitzlsperger could be out injured for a further two to three weeks. That is
disappointing, become it had been assumed that he would be involved in some
form (if only on the bench) in the forthcoming match against Chelski.

Lets hope that the report is wrong or, alternatively, that his injury
problem does not drag on too far in to the season. I have seen Hitzlsperger
play in pre-season and there is no doubt that he brings an authority to the
midfield. Mark Noble, in particular, combines very well with him and they,
along with the admirable Scott Parker, can form a very effective midfield
unit.

However, that news does makes me glad that Valon Behrami's proposed move to
Roma did not go through. If it had, Kovac would have been the virtually the
sole cover for Parker and Noble. Instead, we now have another option in
Behrami. Also, after selling Diamanti and Daprela for relatively low fees,
I am glad that we stuck by our guns in our valuation of Behrami. I get the
impression that Roma were 'trying it on' with their loan request, and
subsequent transfer bids, and it did not work to their advantage! To sell a
player like Valon Behrami for £2-3m is not good business.

I must admit that Behrami is a player that I like. I value his all action,
industrious approach and commitment He is 'Mr perpetual motion' on a
football pitch, the engine never stops running. Unfortunately, last season
he never seemed to get back to the same levels, after returning from the
unfortunate knee and ankle injuries picked up against Man City in the final
match of 2008-09. He then proceeded to compound a largely indifferent
season at club level, with a pretty disastrous World Cup campaign. I
really empathised with him over that harsh sending off in the WC Finals.

Still, new season, new start! It is always very difficult when a player's
family is unsettled, but he has no option but to accept that he is going
nowhere, at least until January, and respond positively. He needs to play
well, if only to put himself in the shop window for a move back to Serie A
in the winter transfer window. One hopes that he will settle down and get
back to the level of performance that he attained in his first season at
Upton Park. He has all the tools to play in a defensive midfield role and,
if match fit, he should be given a start against Chelski. Arguably, his
display in the corresponding home fixture last season was his stand out
performance of 2009-10.

It was certainly interesting the way that the media spun his comments about
staying. Whilst some led with a negative line about him being suprised at
still being at West Ham, others emphasised his positive commitment to play
well and do a good job for the team. My view is that while he remains a
West Ham player he should get the full support and encouragement of the
supporters. But in return he needs to show his commitment to the cause and
put in some good displays.

Finally, it was good to see younger players like Cahill, Johnson and Young
get their opportunities for England against Bulgaria. The enforced absence
of some of the 'fixtures' in the international side has obviously freed
things up and pointed the way forward. It must be frustrating for Carlton
Cole, though, to be in yet another England squad and not figure in the final
selection. It is difficult with Rooney ahead of him, but all he can do is
play well for West Ham and hope that he eventually gets his chance.

SJ. Chandos.

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No Leeds deal for ex-West Ham defender Davenport
03.09.10 | tribalfootball.com

Leeds United have decided against offering triallist Calum Davenport a
contract. Davenport, 27, has been out of the game since a violent family
dispute, which ended with him being stabbed in the legs, almost wrecked his
career. He was released by West Ham United last season.

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West Ham youngster Moncur reveals tips from Dad
03.09.10 | tribalfootball.com

George Moncur is delighted with his progress at West Ham United. The son of
former Hammers and Tottenham midfielder John Moncur, George is a regular
with the U18s and has tasted reserve-team action. "I have enjoyed [the
summer]," Moncur told WHUTV about his fast-track progress. "It has been
really good. I have liked stepping up and trying to cement my place in the
reserves. "I believe in my ability and if I carry on doing the good things I
should step up but we will see how it goes. My dad tells all the time to
keep working hard, keep doing the good things, and keeping the ball."

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