WHUFC.com
All the early team news and background for Sunday's FA Cup tie at home to
Nottm Forest
29.01.2011
WEST HAM UNITED v NOTTINGHAM FOREST
FA CUP FOURTH ROUND
SUNDAY 30 JANUARY 2011
KICK-OFF: 2PM
• West Ham United welcome Nottingham Forest looking to make up for the
disappointment of last Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final defeat at
Birmingham City. This weekend's meeting has evoked memories of the 1991 FA
Cup semi-final when Forest were 4-0 winners against the ten-man Hammers at
Villa Park.
• Avram Grant guided Portsmouth to last year's final, aided by Paul Groves
and David Coles. Frederic Piquionne was part of the Pompey team.
• The Hammers reached this stage by virtue of a 3-0 home win against
Barnsley in the third round.
• Forest are fifth in the nPower Championship and pushing hard for promotion
back to the top flight. The former European champions were relegated back in
1999/00 and fell into the third tier before returning to the Championship
for the 2008/09 season.
• Billy Davies' side are flying and have won seven and drawn one of their
last eight matches in all competitions, and only lost once in 13 games. They
have won their last three matches on the road.
• Forest progressed to this stage with a 2-1 away win against Preston North
End in the third round.
• New Hammers signing Gary O'Neil is cup-tied but Wayne Bridge and Demba Ba
are both eligible. However, it remains to be seen if the latter will be
match-fit enough to play after his arrival on Friday.
• Tickets are pay on the day. Click here for more information.
• This is the 112th meeting of the clubs, with both teams having won 43
fixtures.
• There have been four previous head to head clashes in the FA Cup, with the
Hammers winning three of those ties. The only reverse was the most notable -
the 4-0 defeat in the 1991 semi-finals.
Last time out
Wednesday 26 January 2011
Carling Cup semi-final second leg
Birmingham City 3-1 West Ham United aet (Birmingham win 4-3 on aggregate)
West Ham: Green, Upson, Spector ( McCarthy 89), Bridge, Faubert, Tomkins,
Parker, Noble, Boa Morte (O'Neil 83), Cole, Hines (Dyer 71)
Subs not used: Boffin, Gabbidon, Reid, Sears
Goal: Cole
Tuesday 25 January 2011
nPower Championship
Nottingham Forest 1-0 Bristol City
Nottm Forest: Camp, Morgan, Chambers, Lynch, Gunter, Cohen, McGugan, Moussi,
Tyson (McCleary 66), Tudgay (Adebola 78), Earnshaw (McGoldrick 87)
Subs not used: Smith, McKenna, Moloney, Majewski
Goal: Chambers
Previous meeting
The last meetings between the clubs came in the Championship in 2004/05 -
with both teams winning the home match.
The most recent of those games was a 3-2 home win at the Boleyn Ground on 26
December 2004. West Ham raced into a two-goal lead courtesy of Matthew
Etherington and Teddy Sheringham. David Johnson scored twice in three
minutes to level midway through the second half, only for Sheringham to
score a dramatic late winner in the 89th minute.
West Ham: Bywater, Repka, Ferdinand (Mullins 71), Mackay, Powell, Chadwick
(Williams 77), Lomas, Reo-Coker, Etherington, Sheringham, Harewood
Subs not used: Burch, Rebrov, Zamora
Nottm Forest: Gerrard, Morgan, Rogers, Dawson, Impey (Commons 62), Thompson
(Westcarr 84), Bopp, Robertson, Derry, Johnson, Harris
Subs not used: Doyle, Doig, Perch
Background
• West Ham last played at Wembley 30 years ago in the 1981 League Cup final.
They were eleven minutes from a return last Wednesday before Birmingham
levelled the Carling Cup semi-final and went on to win 4-3 on aggregate
after extra time.
• West Ham have won the FA Cup three times in their history - in 1964, 1975
and 1980 and finished as runners-up twice - in 1923 and 2006.
• Beaten finalists by Liverpool on penalties in 2006 in Cardiff, the Hammers
have not lost to a lower league team since a defeat by Tranmere Rovers in
the 1999/00 FA Cup third round.
• The 2006 runners-up are chasing a place in the last 16 for the second time
since losing on penalties to Liverpool at the Millennium Stadium five years
ago.
• The FA Cup was the only major trophy to elude former Forest manager Brian
Clough. The club have lifted the famous trophy twice - in 1898 and 1959.
They were losing finalists to Tottenham Hotspur in 1991, after beating the
Hammers in the semi-finals.
• The last time Forest reached the fifth round was in 2005.
Team news
• Thomas Hitzlsperger and Manuel da Costa have returned to training after
overcoming thigh and ankle injuries respectively. Jack Collison (knee) is
also doing well but is a bit further behind on the comeback trail.
Goalkeeper Peter Kurucz (knee) is not expected to play at all this season.
• Junior Stanislas is still recovering from surgery on an abdominal hernia a
fortnight ago.
• All other members of the squad are fit and training. Victor Obinna and
Frederic Piquionne are both back after suspension.
• Forest are focusing on their league promotion push and may rotate. Among
those who could be involved are Paul McKenna, David McGoldrick, Kelvin
Wilson, Radoslaw Majewski and Dele Adebola.
• It remains to be seen if former Hammers Academy product Chris Cohen will
feature against his former club as the left-footed midfielder is crucial to
their promotion hopes.
Referee
• Saturday's referee is Michael Oliver, who took charge of the 2-2 draw at
Birmingham City on 6 November 2010 in the Barclays Premier League.
• He has not refereed a West Ham cup fixture since the 3-0 win against
Barnsley in the FA Cup third round on 3 January 2009. Herita Ilunga, Mark
Noble and Carlton Cole were all on target.
• Oliver's only Forest match this season was their 1-0 defeat at Leicester
City on 29 November 2010 - coincidentally the last time they were beaten.
Old boys
• Chris Cohen has shone for Forest in their promotion push. He made 20
appearances for the Hammers after progressing through the youth ranks
alongside Mark Noble. He moved on to Yeovil for the 2005/06 season before
signing for Forest in summer 2007. He has already made more than 150
appearances for the Tricky Trees.
• Among the players who have represented both clubs are Jim Barrett, Horace
Biggin, Franz Carr, Gary Charles, Charlie Craig, Colin Foster, Marlon
Harewood, Andy Melville, Ian Moore, Adam Nowland, Stuart Pearce, Teddy
Sheringham, Fred Wallbanks.
General information
• For ticket information, click here. For details on getting to the Boleyn
Ground, click here. The Hammers are next in action on Wednesday when they
travel to Blackpool for a vital Barclays Premier League encounter.
Weather
• The forecast is for a chilly afternoon in east London, with temperatures
peaking at round the 7C mark.
Travel information
• Fans should note there are no District line trains running this Sunday
between Earl's Court and Dagenham East, meaning Upton Park will be closed.
There is no service at all on the Hammersmith and City line. Replacement bus
services are in operation. The Central line and Jubilee line - which both
call at Stratford - are both operating normally.
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Groves on Friday
WHUFC.com
Paul Groves spoke to the media ahead of Sunday's FA Cup fourth round visit
of Nottingham Forest
28.01.2011
Senior Coach Paul Groves has spoken to the media ahead of Sunday's FA Cup
fourth-round visit of Nottingham Forest to the Boleyn Ground. Groves
discussed the signing of Demba Ba, making more potential signings and the
importance of returning to winning ways following Wednesday's Carling Cup
semi-final exit at Birmingham City. The coach also talked about his work
alongside manager Avram Grant, with the other coaches Wally Downes, Kevin
Keen and David Coles.
Groves on Demba Ba...
"From a football point of view, he has proved himself in a top league. He's
a handful and scores goals so, for us, he'll be a good addition. "The proof
is that he has played the games prior to coming here. Obviously they have
had a little bit of a break so he needs a bit of work in terms of
conditioning and making sure he's in good shape. "I think you have to take
into consideration the amount of time that Demba Ba has not played for. He's
had nearly a five-week break in Germany. It's good time for him to recover
but he is coming into a tough league. "We obviously need to use him, but we
need to have him in a good condition as well. "I wouldn't say he puts
pressure on the other strikers but I'd say competition, which is healthy. I
think we need that. It's an area where it needs to be healthy at any
football club and certainly, for us, it's a positive."
Groves on recent improved form...
"The players have responded fantastically well. Obviously it was a different
team against Arsenal and a tough game against a quality side. We have played
two fixtures against good sides away from home. We've put in good
performances, created chances and scored goals, so it's very positive. "I
think the spirit has always been good and over a period of time it has grown
as well and you can see that from some of the performances that have been
given. Hopefully that's something that will continue to improve. "There are
a lot of teams involved in it [the relegation battle] at the moment so it's
important to go into the latter part of the season in good spirits and off
the back of some good performances and one or two good results."
Groves on the coaching staff's support for Avram Grant...
"It's difficult and you try to support him in any way that you can. He's
somebody that takes things on his shoulders and tries to deal with them the
best he can. He tries to conduct himself without too many highs and too many
lows and keep things on an even keel. I think that has come across at times.
"You don't get performances like they've given and we've obviously supported
him on a day to day basis and tried to support him in any way or shape that
we can to get up the league and improve the position that we're in. "I think
the manager has his own manner in which he conducts himself on and off the
pitch with regards to the highs and lows. That's how he conducts himself.
"The coaching staff around him fill in different areas and that's the
strength of the group."
Groves on the FA Cup...
"It's very important for us to go out and win any game but obviously the
importance and status of the Premier League will take precedence. As a
football club, we will obviously go out there and try and win the game.
"When it comes to team selection, it is down to the manager and how we
select will probably be dictated by what is coming up in terms of fixtures,
but we certainly want to win this fixture. "I think all Premier League games
are going to be massive for us so the next one is vital, but you never get
too far ahead of yourselves in terms of preparation and thinking beyond
that. "The most important thing for us at the moment is to progress through
to the next round of the FA Cup, but that's not to say that the Premier
League isn't the most vital area that we'll be focusing on."
Groves on potential transfer targets...
"I think we are obviously interested in a number of other players but
whether those deals materialise only time will tell. It's only good practice
to try to keep those names under the hat and only announce them once they've
signed. "When you look at the general make-up of the squad there are areas
high up the pitch - OK we've bought Demba Ba and have Carlton, Zavon and
Freddie but we could possibly do with another one. I think it's good to have
options in those forward areas so that the competition is healthy. "It works
in wide areas as well where perhaps someone can produce something out of
nothing. The performances have been good, but on occasion we could have done
with somebody who could have gone by somebody and created something out of
nothing. Maybe on the odd occasion we could have done with that as well."
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Chris Cohen relishing Forest FA Cup tie at West Ham
BBC.co.uk
Nottingham Forest midfielder Chris Cohen has more reason than most Forest
fans and players to look forward to Sunday's FA Cup tie against West Ham.
Cohen came through the ranks at Upton Park, was a Hammers fan growing up and
they remain a club close to his heart. Cohen, 23, told BBC Radio Nottingham:
"My step dad's been going for 40 years and will be sitting in his normal
seat. "He said he'll be a Forest fan for one day and hopefully he won't get
in any trouble if we score and he celebrates."
Cohen added: "It's nice for all my family. I've never been back there and I
think we have a real good chance of winning it. We want to keep our
fantastic form. "I used to go most weeks to home games from the age of nine
and 10. They were my team growing up and going back will be a nice little
treat for me. Under Harry Redknapp was my first real memories and I got to
see a lot of good players. "I only played about 25 games coming off the
bench [22 games in total - fours starts] but I was there for about 10 years,
so it will be nice to see some of the people and coaches who are still
there."
And although the Hammers have had a turbulent season at the wrong end of the
Premier League, fuelling constant speculation about the future of manager
Avram Grant, Cohen is confident they will avoid relegation. "I know they are
at the bottom at the moment and the fans expect a lot more but I think they
will get out of trouble. They have bought a couple of good players in and I
think they will be fine. It's just a shame that the off-field stuff has
taken over the on-field stuff. "You look at the league tables and we're four
places behind them, or whatever it is. I know we are in the lower division
but there is definitely a chance. "We seem to be playing well away from
home. Since the turn of the year we have really turned it on and we seem to
be playing better away than we have been at home."
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West Ham will 'go extra mile' to sign Robbie Keane
BBC.co.uk
West Ham chairman David Gold has vowed the club "will leave no stone
unturned" in their efforts to sign Tottenham striker Robbie Keane in
January. The Hammers, bottom of the Premier League, signed forward Demba Ba
from Hoffenheim on Friday but want Keane as well as they attempt to beat the
drop.
"He is clearly available and quality players rarely are," said Gold. "Our
people will go the extra mile to try to bring in players that otherwise you
wouldn't get if you didn't pursue."
West Ham have already added three new recruits in the January transfer
window, with Ba following the arrival of Wayne Bridge on loan from
Manchester City and Gary O'Neil joining from Middlesbrough. The Hammers do
not want to stop there and Keane is one of their leading targets - and it
appears they will work right up until the transfer deadline to get their
man. Gold added: "Robbie Keane is a player we greatly admire. We see him as
a potential acquisition.
"We are looking at all players that are available from top-quality clubs.
"David Sullivan [West Ham's co-chairman] was up until the early hours of the
morning still pursuing targets that we have. "It will probably go right to
the wire."
Gold, who confirmed West Ham's hopes of signing Joe Cole on loan from
Liverpool had ended, added that no key players will be sold this month.
"Nobody can leave. You can see our situation. We would fight off any club
pursuing our players," said Gold, referring to reports that centre-back
Matthew Upson is a target for his former club Arsenal. "The next 14 games
will be as important a 14 games as there have been in the history of the
football club."
West Ham's plight has not been helped by intense speculation that manager
Avram Grant was on the verge on being sacked, with Martin O'Neill lined up
to replace him. But Gold insisted: "I can tell you now that we have a board
that is fully behind Avram. "We have a major board meeting every two or
three months and Avram's name did not come up in the meeting. I think that
speaks volumes. He's our man. "Avram is working as hard as you could
possibly ask. He knows the requirement. His job is to keep West Ham in the
Premier League. That is what his whole life and endeavours will be focused
on achieving."
After Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round tie against Nottingham Forest, West Ham
face vital league games against Blackpool, Birmingham and West Brom.
Grant will, at least, have new signing Ba to call on for extra firepower as
he aims to steer his side to safety. The Senegal striker failed a medical at
Stoke earlier this month but he came through extensive checks on a knee
problem to sign for the Hammers until 2014. He could make his debut against
Forest, although he is short of match fitness because the German league has
been on a winter break. "It was a long story but now I'm happy because it
had a really good end and I am glad to be here," said Ba. "I'm going to give
everything to West Ham United. I'm definitely excited to be playing in the
Premier League.
"I like to be on the pitch playing good passes with the other guys and
running with the ball, rather than playing in a direct style, so I should be
able to fit in well at West Ham."
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West Ham v Nott'm Forest
BBC.co.uk
FA Cup fourth round
Venue: Upton Park Date: Sunday, 30 January Kick-off: 1400 GMT
Coverage: Live on BBC 5 live sports extra, BBC Sport website, BBC local
radio, Final Score
TEAM NEWS
Strikers Victor Obinna and Frederic Piquionne return from suspension for
West Ham, but Gary O'Neil is cup-tied. New signing Demba Ba is eligible and
in the squad but is short on match fitness following the Bundesliga winter
break.
Forest boss Billy Davies has hinted at changes ahead of his side's push for
promotion, with several fringe players expected to be given an opportunity.
Paul McKenna, David McGoldrick, Kelvin Wilson, Radoslaw Majewski and Dele
Adebola could all feature.
BIG-MATCH FACTS
The tie in context
• Nottingham Forest are one of two Championship clubs attempting to oust
Premier League opposition in the fourth round.
Gulf in class
• West Ham are only five places higher than Forest in the league standings,
going into the weekend.
Head-to-head
• These clubs have met 112 times competitively, and each has won 43, with 26
drawn.
• They last clashed in the Championship in 2004/05, when both fixtures were
won by the club playing at home.
FA Cup records and best performances
• This is the fifth time they have met in the FA Cup.
• The Hammers have progressed in three of the previous four occasions,
including the most recent in the third round in 2003.
• Forest's only success was 4-0 in the 1991 semi-finals.
The clubs
WEST HAM UNITED
Current form
• Were 30 minutes away from winning a place in the Carling Cup final at
Wembley on Wednesday, when Birmingham fought back to steel the glory.
• Won only four times in the Premier League this season, and two points from
safety at bottom of the table.
FA Cup form
• It is 31 years since Trevor Brooking's famous header that won the cup for
West Ham for the third time in their history.
• The 2006 runners-up are chasing a place in the last 16 for the second time
since losing on penalties to Liverpool at the Millennium Stadium five years
ago.
• Sheffield United were the last second tier club to oust them. West Ham
were in the same division at the time of the fourth round replay in February
2005 which was resolved by a penalty shoot-out.
• Not been dismissed by a club in a division lower than themselves since
Tranmere (second tier) in the third round in December 1999.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Current form
• Won their last five in league and cup.
• The promotion-chasing East Midland club have won seven and drawn one of
the last eight in all competitions since losing at Leicester on 29 November;
their only defeat in 13 outings.
• Won all three away games, since that reverse at the Walkers Stadium.
FA Cup form
• Last qualified for the last 16 in 2005.
• The 1898 and 1959 winners, have reached the quarter-finals twice since
losing-finalists in 1991.
• The 2-1 win at Preston in the third round was only their second victory in
seven FA Cup matches.
Replay date
Saturday, 19 February 2011 (Kick off: 1500 GMT)
Match officials
Referee: Michael Oliver (Northumberland)
Assistant referees: Darren England and Lee Collins
Fourth official: James Linington
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Gray and Keys are 'prats', says Brady
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 29th January 2011
By: Staff Writer
It's been a week of tit for tat in the Andy Gray and Richard Keys sexism
scandal. Since the dimwitted duo's off-air comments regarding linesman Sian
Massey and Hammers vice chair Brady were revealed to the world last weekend,
all hell has broken loose. Having been informed of the story by a friend,
Brady reacted to the scandal on Sunday evening by telling the BBC that Keys'
comment had made her 'blood boil'.
Anxious to save his own bacon, Keys effectively signed his death warrant
with a cringeworthy interview aired by Talksport the next day (Monday)
during which he revealed that he had called Brady to apologise, but failed
to get through - before accusing her of being delighted at the outbreak of
the scandal as it took the media attention away from West Ham's plight.
Brady retorted 24 hours later by quipping that 'perhaps Richard thought I
was too busy making the tea and washing up to take his call' before stating
that the furore was of little significance to her, despite being named
directly by Keys - since when the anchorman tabled his resignation from the
Premier League's chosen partners, which followed Gray's sacking last Monday.
Looking back on a interesting week in her newspaper column today, Brady
said: "At worst, their conclusion that women weren't capable of
understanding the offside law was a level of sexism more suitable to a 1930s
golf club than a popular entertainment.
"The pair were also a little insulting about me, but on any scale of sexism
their comment is 1/10 for being prats rather than 10/10 for the sheer
bigotry aimed at Ms Massey. Keys says he tried to get in touch with me to
say sorry and while I accept those apologies, I certainly don't feel at
fault for not speaking to him. "It might have been slyly amusing to them -
but to many women it was insulting."
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Brady: delay 'disappointing'
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 29th January 2011
By: Staff Writer
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady has described the OPLC's decision to
delay the decision on the Olympic Stadium as 'disappointing'. Brady,
speaking via her weekly column in the Sun insisted that West Ham - along
with its bidding partners - should get the nod on the Olympic Stadium,
despite the decision to name the preferred bidder being delayed until as
late as March. And she also criticised 'short sighted' Orient chief Barry
Hearn, who this week panned both bids on the table despite having previously
refused to allow his club to be considered as potential post-2012 tenants.
"Barry Hearn is blazing on about delaying the redevelopment of the site
until, reading between the lines, he gets a subsidy/hand-out or a new
stadium himself," said Brady. "Interestingly he mentioned to me he'd like
the hockey stadium, which is even closer to the Olympic Stadium than his own
currently is.
"But the bottom line is that here in east London sense must prevail, after
all we haven't paid massive sums in taxes just to see the whole building
cast to the wrecking ball. "Yesterday we were told that the Olympic Park
Legacy Committee were delaying their stadium decision, disappointing in the
light of all the work everyone has done. But so long as West Ham, athletics
and our community win our case, I am not too concerned."
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Keane offer accepted
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 28th January 2011
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are set for discussions with Robbie Keane regarding a loan
switch to the Boleyn Ground. Following weeks of wrangling, it is understood
that Tottenham finally accepted West Ham's offer for the Irish international
last night. 30-year-old Keane will cost the Irons a £1million loan fee,
wages of £65,000 per week and a permanent transfer fee of some £5million
should West Ham retain their Premier League status following the culmination
of the current season.
Tottenham dropped their initial demand that United signed Keane at the end
of the current season regardless of thier final league position after West
Ham's negotiating party made it clear they they would not consider such a
deal. David Gold, talking about potential arrivals today said: "All players
that are available from top-quality clubs, we are looking at those players -
and Robbie Keane is a player we greatly admire. He is clearly available and
quality players rarely are. We see him as potential acquisition."
However Keane's potential arrival could signal the end for one of the club's
current strikers. With Victor Obinna, Carlton Cole, Benni McCarthy, Demba
Ba, Freddie Sears, Frank Nouble and Zavon Hines also vying for a first team
spot it has been suggested that at least one of them will be on their way
before the transfer window closes.
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West Ham v Nott'm Forest preview
Last updated: 28th January 2011
SSN
Team news ahead of Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round clash between West Ham and
Nottingham Forest at Upton Park (2pm). West Ham will have strikers Victor
Obinna and Frederic Piquionne back from suspension. New striker Demba Ba,
who has signed from Hoffenheim, is eligible to play but he is short on match
fitness following the Bundesliga winter break. Fellow new recruit Gary
O'Neil is cup-tied following his move from Middlesbrough but full-back Lars
Jacobsen is available to manager Avram Grant.
Forest boss Billy Davies will make changes as he is keen to give some
players match action ahead of the Championship promotion challenge that lies
ahead.
"I am going to try and get some minutes into legs this weekend," Davies told
the club's official website. "Players like Paul McKenna and David McGoldrick
will come into contention, to mention just two names. There will be one or
two others as well."
Defenders Brendan Moloney and Kelvin Wilson, midfielder Radoslaw Majewski
and forwards Dele Adebola and Garath McCleary will also come into the
reckoning for recalls. Davies added: "We will pick a side that will be
strong and one that we want to do well, but knowing that we are picking
players to get some match time into them for the tough period ahead. "We
want to continue doing well as winning football matches is a very good habit
to get into."
West Ham (from): Green, Boffin, Faubert, Jacobsen, Bridge, Tomkins, Reid,
Gabbidon, Upson, Spector, Hines, Parker, Noble, Kovac, Boa Morte, Ba, Cole,
McCarthy, Sears, Nouble.
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Gold - No Hammers exits
And West Ham co-owner backs Grant in relegation scrap
Last updated: 29th January 2011
SSN
David Gold insists West Ham will not sell any players this month and has
backed Avram Grant to lead the club to safety. The Hammers' co-owner was
responding to suggestions that Scott Parker and Matthew Upson could be set
to leave Upton Park in the January transfer window, with Tottenham and
Arsenal respectively reported to be interested. Gold believes the East
London outfit are heading into most important period in their 116-year
history and believes that stability is essential as they battle to preserve
their Premier League status. West Ham are currently propping up the Premier
League table, a position they have occupied for much of the season, and have
14 games left to clamber out of the bottom three.
Endeavours
Beating the drop is essential for Grant and his side given the club's debts
and their plans to move into the Olympic Stadium. "The next 14 games will be
as important a 14 games as there have been in the history of the football
club," Gold said. "Avram's job is to keep West Ham in the Premier League.
That is what his whole life and endeavours will be focused on achieving.
"Nobody can leave. You can see our situation. We would fight off any club
pursuing our players."
Mischief making
Gold insisted he never considered sacking Grant, whose position as manager
has been under intense scrutiny since Christmas, with widespread reports
suggesting Martin O'Neill had been lined up as his replacement. "There are
people out there who are mischief making and that is all very sad. I can
tell you now that we have a board that is fully behind Avram," Gold said.
"There was all that furore over Avram when we had that board meeting. I can
promise you, Avram's name did not even come up in the board room. "We have a
major board meeting every two or three months and Avram's name did not come
up in the meeting. I think that speaks volumes. He's our man"
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Hammers keep up Keane pursuit
Gold leaving no stone unturned in quest for more signings
Last updated: 29th January 2011
SSN
West Ham United chairman David Gold has confirmed the club are still trying
to sign Tottenham Hotspur forward Robbie Keane before the close of the
transfer window. The Premier League strugglers snapped up Demba Ba from
Hoffenheim on Friday, but remain keen to add further firepower before
Monday's deadline. Keane has been linked with a move to Upton Park after
failing to make a significant impression in Spurs' plans this season.
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is prepared to let the Republic of Ireland
international leave permanently, although a proposed switch to Birmingham
City earlier this month only generated confusion. However, Keane could be
offered a way out of White Hart Lane before the window shuts after Gold
stressed West Ham are frantically trying to add to their squad.
Quality
"Robbie Keane is a player we greatly admire. He is clearly available and
quality players rarely are," said Gold. "We see him as a potential
acquisition. We are looking at all players that are available from
top-quality clubs. "David Sullivan (West Ham's co-chairman) was up until the
early hours of the morning still pursuing targets that we have. It will
probably go right to the wire. "We like to think we don't leave a stone
unturned. Our people will go the extra mile to do whatever it takes to try
to bring in players that otherwise you wouldn't get if you didn't pursue."
Redknapp, meanwhile, remains open-minded about Keane's future and is not in
a hurry to push the 30-year-old out of the exit door. "I'm not in a
desperate rush to get rid of Robbie Keane, I like Robbie Keane, I think he's
a good player," said Redknapp. "If he stays he will make the 25-man squad.
There's no way I would leave him out of the squad. I've got too much respect
for Robbie Keane as a player and as a person."
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Hammers made Pratley enquiry
Rodgers does not want to sell midfielder before window closes
Last updated: 28th January 2011
SSN
Swansea City manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed the club received an
enquiry from West Ham United for Darren Pratley. The midfielder was linked
with a move to Upton Park earlier in the week as Hammers boss Avram Grant
sought to reinforce his squad. Grant had been keen to sign a new midfielder
in January after missing out on a deal for Steve Sidwell at the start of the
transfer window. Pratley's long-term future at Swansea is uncertain as the
25-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and Rodgers revealed
West Ham did make an approach. However, the Hammers opted against pursuing
their interest in Pratley and ultimately brought in Gary O'Neil from
Swansea's Championship rivals Middlesbrough. "Avram Grant asked the question
about Darren and I was straight to the point," said Rodgers in the Evening
Post. "I said he is not a player we want to sell, but if you want to buy him
you'll have to be ready to make a big bid for him. "We didn't receive a bid
and they signed Gary O'Neil instead."
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Hammers end Cole chase
But Gold has 'other irons in the fire' ahead of deadline day
Last updated: 28th January 2011
SSN
West Ham co-owner David Gold believes an attempt to bring Joe Cole back to
Upton Park has 'run its course'. The club's manager, Avram Grant, admitted
last week that he would welcome a reunion with the Liverpool playmaker, who
he worked with at former club Chelsea. It has also been reported that Cole
would be interested in a return to West Ham, where he began his career,
having struggled since a Bosman move to Anfield in June. But ahead of
Sunday's FA Cup tie with Nottingham Forest, Gold does not think that it will
be possible to agree a deal for the 29-year-old. Gold told Sky Sports News
regarding interest in Cole: "We don't leave any stone unturned. But I would
discount that now. I think that has run its course."
West Ham completed the drawn-out signing of Senegal international Demba Ba
from Hoffenheim on Friday to add to the January arrivals of Gary O'Neil and
loanee Wayne Bridge. However, amid reported interest in Brazil international
Ewerthon, Gold has not ruled out further signings before Monday's transfer
deadline. He said: "We still have one or two other irons in the fire."
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Hammers chase another striker
Groves feels strugglers need more firepower after Ba signing
Last updated: 28th January 2011
SSN
West Ham United still hope to sign another striker before the close of the
transfer window following the completion of the deal for Demba Ba. Senegal
international Ba finalised a permanent move to the Hammers from Hoffenheim
on Friday and is available for Sunday's FA Cup tie against Nottingham
Forest.
Ba will join the likes of Carlton Cole and Frederic Piquionne in vying for a
place up front after becoming West Ham's third signing in January. However,
with the club battling to avoid relegation from the Premier League, coach
Paul Groves has revealed there could be another new arrival at Upton Park
before Monday's 11pm deadline.
Options
"We have to look at the general make-up of our squad and there are areas
high up the pitch (we are looking at)," said Groves, with West Ham
continually linked with a move for Tottenham's out-of-favour forward Robbie
Keane. "We have brought in Demba Ba. We have Carlton Cole, Zavon Hines and
Frederic Piquionne. We could possibly do with another one. "It is always
good to have options in those forward areas, where people could perhaps
produce something out of nothing. "That is nice for any football club to
have and maybe on the odd occasion we could have done with that." Ba, who
was born in Paris, has won eight caps for Senegal and he scored 40 goals in
103 appearances for Bundesliga side Hoffenheim. Groves added: "He has proved
himself in a top league. He is a handful, he scores goals and for us he is a
good addition."
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We're Keane on new strike duo
The Sun
By CARL LONG
Published: Today
WEST HAM last night confirmed they want Robbie Keane to form a strike
partnership with new signing Demba Ba. Keane has been lined up for a
permanent deal from Tottenham - but it will be a loan until the rock-bottom
Hammers avoid relegation from the Premier League. Ba's arrival on a 3½-year
deal from German side Hoffenheim was confirmed yesterday. Hammers
co-chairman David Gold said: "All players that are available from
top-quality clubs, we are looking at and Robbie Keane is a player we greatly
admire. "He is clearly available and quality players rarely are. We see him
as a potential acquisition."
The fee for Ba, 25, will depend on how many appearances he makes after
concerns over his knee. West Ham entertain Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup
tomorrow and visiting defender Chris Cohen, a former Hammer, said: "My dream
scenario is to knock them out - but then West Ham stay up."
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Hammers hunt more firepower
The Sun
Published: 28 Jan 2011
WEST HAM are still in the market for another striker despite nabbing Demba
Ba from Hoffenheim. Ba is the Hammers' third signing of the transfer window,
following Wayne Bridge's arrival on loan from Manchester City and Gary
O'Neil's move from Middlesbrough. But with West Ham sitting at the foot of
the Premier League, boss Avram Grant is looking to bring in more firepower
with Tottenham striker Robbie Keane among his targets. Hammers coach Paul
Groves said: "We have to look at the general make-up of our squad and there
are areas high up the pitch we are looking at. "We have brought in Demba Ba.
We have Carlton Cole, Zavon Hines and Frederic Piquionne. We could possibly
do with another one. "It is always good to have options in those forward
areas, where people could perhaps produce something out of nothing. "That is
nice for any football club to have any maybe on the odd occasion we could
have done with that."
Grant added: "Demba has proved himself in a top league. He is a handful, he
scores goals and for us he is a good addition.'' Ba is eligible to play
against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup on Sunday, although he is short of
match fitness because the German league has been on a winter break.
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Hammer Gabbidon close to Cardiff homecoming
Published 23:00 28/01/11 By Football Spy
The Mirror
Cardiff are close to a deal to bring Wales and West Ham star Danny Gabbidon
home. The versatile defender has fallen out of favour at Upton Park since
the 5-0 thrashing at Newcastle on January 5 and has lost his place to Wayne
Bridge, on loan from Manchester City. He is out of contract this summer
after failing to agree a new contract with Avram Grant's strugglers. That
has opened the door for Cardiff boss Dave Jones to snap up the 37-times
capped player – who spent the five years to 2005 with the Bluebirds – in a
£250,000 deal. Jones said: "I'm still looking to bring in two more players."
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Spurs ready to offer Keane plus £8m for Parker
Published 23:00 28/01/11 By John Cross
The Mirror
Harry Redknapp has made a dramatic bid for Scott Parker – and is ready to
throw Robbie Keane into the £8million deal. Tottenham boss Redknapp is
desperate to bring in long-term target Parker and has left it late to test
West Ham's resolve to keep their midfield kingpin. And that could mean Spurs
finally agree to let Republic of Ireland striker Keane go to West Ham - even
if it means on loan. Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has refused to entertain
West Ham's bid to sign Keane on loan as he wants a permanent deal to get his
£65,000-a-week contract off their wage bill. West Ham want to take Keane on
loan with a view to a permanent deal - so they can opt out of signing him if
they get relegated. But Tottenham may now be prepared to back down on Keane
and let him go to Upton Park - as long as they will entertain an offer for
Parker. Tottenham are also willing to throw Jamie O'Hara into the mix but
would only want to make up a £2m difference on Parker which leaves the clubs
well apart on valuations.
West Ham and Spurs have been frosty well before Redknapp's failed attempts
to get Parker last summer and previously fell out over Craig Bellamy before
he went to Manchester City rather than White Hart Lane. Parker, 30, signed a
new five-year deal at Upton Park last summer but it is believed he would be
interested in Tottenham as Redknapp looks to strengthen his midfield.
Redknapp would also see Keane's departure as an opportunity to shake up his
strikers and has already made enquiries for Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano,
Roma's Mirko Vucinic and Villarreal's ex-Manchester United forward Giuseppe
Rossi. West Ham have also strengthened their strike force by signing Demba
Ba from Hoffenheim on a four-year contract. But West Ham have covered
themselves on Senegal striker Ba - who failed a medical at Stoke - and there
are get-out clauses should they get relegated.
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West Ham want ANOTHER new striker
Published 16:54 28/01/11 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
West Ham are still in the market for another striker, despite today
completing the signing of Senegal international Demba Ba from Hoffenheim.
Ba, who failed a medical at Stoke earlier this month, has agreed a deal
until 2014 with the struggling Hammers after coming through extensive checks
on a knee problem. West Ham had initially been lining up a loan move for the
25-year-old. The transfer fee is undisclosed but is heavily dependant on
appearances.
Ba is West Ham's third signing of the transfer window, following Wayne
Bridge's arrival on loan from Manchester City and the capture of Gary O'Neil
from Middlesbrough. With West Ham bottom of the Barclays Premier League,
manager Avram Grant is looking to bring in yet more firepower, with
Tottenham striker Robbie Keane among his targets. "We have to look at the
general make-up of our squad and there are areas high up the pitch (we are
looking at)," said Hammers coach Paul Groves. "We have brought in Demba Ba.
We have Carlton Cole, Zavon Hines and Frederic Piquionne. We could possibly
do with another one. "It is always good to have options in those forward
areas, where people could perhaps produce something out of nothing. "That is
nice for any football club to have any maybe on the odd occasion we could
have done with that."
Paris-born Ba has won eight caps for Senegal and scored 40 goals in 103
appearances for Bundesliga side Hoffenheim. "He has proved himself in a top
league. He is a handful, he scores goals and for us he is a good addition,"
said Groves. Ba is eligible to play against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup
on Sunday, although he is short of match fitness because the German league
has been on a winter break. There is no time for Ba to adapt to the rigours
of the Premier League, but he is confident of fitting in quickly at Upton
Park. "It was a long story, but now I'm happy because it had a really good
end and I am glad to be here," said Ba. "I'm going to give everything to
West Ham United. I'm definitely excited to be playing in the Premier League.
"I like playing football. I like to be on the pitch, playing good passes
with the other guys and running with the ball, rather than playing in a
direct style, so I should be able to fit in well at West Ham."
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Fulham fighting to keep Gera
Published 18:15 28/01/11 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
Fulham manager Mark Hughes has revealed he is desperate to keep unsettled
Zoltan Gera at the club. Blackpool and West Ham are among a string of clubs
pursuing the Hungarian forward, who would be happy to leave Fulham during
the transfer window because he has failed to nail down a place in the
starting line-up. The 31-year-old's contract expires at the end of the
season, but there is an option of a further year based on appearances and
Hughes is eager to retain him. "I've spoken to Zoltan and I don't want him
to go. He's a great player. I like him as a player and I like him as a
person," he said. "He's indicated he feels he needs to move. I don't agree
with him, I want him to stay. "I've spoken to him about the option we have
about games played and said we would take that forward and exercise that
option now anyway because we want him to stay. We need more discussion."
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England skipper Ferdinand and athletics' golden girl Ennis back West Ham bid
for Olympic stadium
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER Last updated at 1:16 AM on 29th January 2011
Daily Mail
England skipper Rio Ferdinand and world heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis
today backed West Ham's bid to take over the Olympic Stadium. Ferdinand and
Ennis were joined by Ade Adepitan, the wheelchair basketball player who was
one of the ambassadors of London's 2012 bid, in insisting the stadium must
be retained with a running track. Tottenham are bidding against West Ham to
take over the venue but Spurs' plan would see it demolished and rebuilt
without a track. Ennis said: 'I think it would be such a shame if we lost
it. I just hope the right decision is made and Britain still has that track.
'It's our Olympic Stadium and I'd love to see it used as an athletics
stadium in years to come - it would be strange if it was just a football
ground.'
Manchester United defender Ferdinand, who began his career at West Ham, also
backed the Hammers' plan. He said: 'Arsenal have done it with Highbury,
leaving their old ground and going to the Emirates, and it hasn't altered
their success or what they're trying to do. 'If that could be the same for
West Ham then it would be great. It's down to the powers that be at the club
and there's so many things that will determine whether they go there but if
it's good for the club then great.' The issue of playing football inside a
running track has been the main bone of contention in the debate over the
future tenants but former player Paolo Di Canio claimed that should not
weigh against the Hammers. He said: 'Having played at the Stadio Olimpico
in Rome for Lazio which also has a running track, the atmosphere has always
been fantastic. I am certain the passion of the West Ham supporters will
create just as much of an amazing atmosphere at the Olympic Stadium in
Stratford as they do at Upton Park.' Adepitan was among the London 2012
delegation in Singapore in 2005 that promised there would be an athletics
legacy in the stadium after the Games, and he said that pledge should be
honoured. He said: 'It is a fantastic stadium the way they have set it out,
the seats are so close to the action. The atmosphere will be amazing [for
football] but I still hope that we can follow the Olympic ethos and give
respect to the Olympic and Paralympic sports.'
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Hammer time for Robbie Keane as Tottenham striker nears switch to West Ham
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 1:48 AM on 29th January 2011
Daily Mail
West Ham hope to finalise a deal for Tottenham striker Robbie Keane this
weekend. The sticking point is Tottenham's insistence that a guaranteed fee
should be paid even if West Ham get relegated. Harry Redknapp had hoped to
bring in a striker to replace Keane but a deal for Atletico Madrid's Diego
Forlan is proving too expensive. West Ham co-chairman David Gold said: 'All
players that are available from top-quality clubs, we are looking at those
players and Robbie Keane is a player we greatly admire. He is clearly
available and quality players rarely are. We see him as potential
acquisition.'
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It's top secret: Jack Collison
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER Last updated at 10:56 PM on 28th January 2011
Daily Mail
Who is your Sporting hero?
Probably Muhammad Ali. I like everything about him, especially his
cockiness. He knew he was the best and wasn't afraid to say it.
What would you be if you weren't a sportsman?
I would probably be at university, as most of my friends are. They seem to
be having a good time so I'd probably have a crack at that. After that, who
knows?
Which other sportsman would you like to be?
It would have to be Usain Bolt . It would be pretty great to be the fastest
man in the world - even just for one day.
Career highlight?
Scoring my first West Ham goal against Everton. It was a great feeling -
even though we ended up losing the game.
... and the worst moment?
Getting injured at Wigan last year. I dislocated my knee and that was awful.
If your house was burning down, what one possession would you save?
My Frank Lampard shirt. It's signed by him, too.
What's the best advice you've been given?
It came from my dad, who just said to always work hard and try my best.
Favourite karaoke song?
Angels by Robbie Williams. I'm shocking but I get right into it and shut my
eyes when it gets to the high bits.
Three most-listened to songs on your ipod?
Ordinary People by John Legend, Kanye West's All Falls Down and I Get Lonely
by Drake.
Last film you saw?
The Other Guys with Will Farrell. I thought it was hilarious, laughing the
whole way through.
Last book you read?
Lance Armstrong's It's Not About The Bike. It was really inspirational
considering what I've been going through with my injury.
Favourite Pre-match meal?
The standard chicken and pasta. Lots of pasta. It gets a little bit boring
but it's got to be done.
Can you cook? Best dish?
I'm a pretty rubbish cook but I can knock up a half-decent stir fry or some
fajitas if I try hard.
Your Favourite holiday destination?
Dubai. I went there last year. It's got good weather, the sea and shopping
malls. It's a pretty unbelievable place.
In a film of your life, who would play you?
Owen Wilson. I think he's quite funny and my mates think he looks a bit like
me. I hope I've got as good a sense of humour as him but I'm not sure!
What's the most expensive thing you've ever bought ?
I like to try to save my money. I did buy myself a nice watch but I'm a bit
tight.
Tell us a secret...
James Tomkins and I egged a car belonging to a youth team player recently.
We did it properly all over the outside. He has no idea it was us.
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Hammers legend Tony Gale still can't forgive Keith Hackett over infamous red
card
By LAURA WILLIAMSON Last updated at 1:06 PM on 29th January 2011
Daily Mail
When West Ham United and Nottingham Forest meet tomorrow, it will be 20
years since an FA Cup semi-final between the sides caused a heap of
controversy. Laura Williamson reports on the day Forest ran out 4-0 winners
at Villa Park but the game hinged on the sending-off of Tony Gale by referee
Keith Hackett for a 'professional foul' on Gary Crosby. Up to that point,
West Ham, of the old Second Division, had been the better team. But Forest,
driven on by Roy Keane, scored four times in the second half to seal a trip
to Wembley to face Tottenham, although Forest lost and Brian Clough never
did win the FA Cup. So contentious was Hackett's decision that it came to
define both his career and Gale's.
Tony Gale (West Ham centre half)
'I still watch the video now and again and can't believe the sending- off.
It was the only time I was sent off in my career. I was booked seven times
in 700 games, so it wasn't as if I was a dirty player. 'There were only 22
minutes gone and we were up against it after that. I just sat in the
dressing room until the lads came in at half-time, sitting there having a
little tear. 'I walked out with the subs and the manager for the start of
the second half to sit on the bench. I think someone from the FA said: "He
can't come down here". But (manager) Billy Bonds said: "He is. He's sitting
with me". 'The best thing was the response of the fans. They didn't stop
singing for the rest of the game. 'I've never forgiven him (Hackett). I
still think he was trying to prove a point with the new rule that had just
come out; so he was the first to do it. He wasn't very apologetic about it.
He was very officious. 'I think they realised it was a bad decision. He
never refereed at Upton Park again. But he did one game we played at Ewood
Park. 'He tried to speak to me during the game. He said, "No hard feelings,
big man". You can't print what I said back to him.' Tony Gale is now a Sky
Sports football expert
Mark Crossley (Forest goalkeeper)
'The atmosphere was unbelievable. The West Ham fans were in the Holte End.
'They just kept singing. I'm thinking, "Jesus, they have really made a day
out of this!" I remember standing in goal feeling a bit lonely. We were all
over them. I think I made one save. 'Gary Charles played at right back. We
were on £5,000 a man to get to the final and, when we were 4-0 up, we were
signalling 'five' to each other. 'Everything changed when Tony was sent off.
I had a similar one in the Cup final. It was just after they had brought in
the professional foul and, as soon as I brought down (Gary) Lineker for the
penalty, I thought I would be walking, like Gale. But I stayed on - and
saved the penalty. 'It was made clear to us after the game (about it being
Clough's last chance to lift the FA Cup). We wanted to win it for him.'
Crossley's autobiography, Big Norm, is out on September 1
Martin Allen (West Ham midfielder)
'It wa s such a hot day and great atmosphere, such a big occasion. But I
don't think there was one person in Villa Park who expected Keith Hackett to
pull out a red card. 'With the extra man - and the way Forest passed the
ball around - it was so hard for us. They used to just keep the ball and
pass it. We were exhausted. 'A couple of years ago managers were invited to
a meeting of the Referees' Association before the season. The first person
introduced was Hackett. It was the first time I had seen him since he ruined
my FA Cup final dream. 'I remember the cup and saucer I was holding shaking.
The coffee spilt over my trousers. I was getting a lecture from Keith
Hackett! I never heard a word of it.'All I could do was imagine him holding
up that red card.' Martin Allen is now managing director of Pro FC, who give
players the chance of a trial with a pro club
Ian Woan (Forest winger)
'Tony Gale was the most unfortunate man ever. It was never a sending off. He
was just a victim of the new rule. 'It changed the game completely,
especially in the second half. 'We know he (Clough, below) was coming to the
end as a manager after a fantastic career. That was the biggest
disappointment, that we didn't go on and win it for him. 'What was that
about a £5,000 bonus? I don't remember that. He (Crossley) didn't share that
out.'
Ian Woan is now first-team coach at Portsmouth
Keith Hackett (Referee)
'My decision dramatically affected the game and ruined a lot of people's day
out. It was a tight one, tighter still today. 'The thing that nobody knew
was that, the Thursday prior to the match, referees were told at a meeting
the law had not been applied properly. We were told a simple foul was all
that was necessary for a sending-off. 'Gale was sent off for a foul that
would not have got a yellow card a week before. 'It's all people ever talk
to Gale about. That goes for me, too.'
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O'Hara on verge of Wolves loan deal
TalksPort
By Michael Wade
Saturday, January 29
Wolves are edging closer to completing a loan deal for Jamie O'Hara. After
failing in their bid to complete a loan for Tottenham defender Jonathan
Woodgate earlier in the week Mick Mccarthy has gone back for his team-mate.
The midfielder has not featured in Spurs first team plans this season after
recovering from a serious back injury and has been expected to make a loan
move to continue his recovery, with West Ham and Queens Park Rangers also
showing an interest. Neil Warnock watched as O'Hara took part in a friendly
against QPR earlier this month, while Avram Grant knows the 24-year-old from
his time at Portsmouth last season. But developments now indicate Wolves are
in the driving seat with a deal expected to be completed within the next 24
hours.
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West Ham United co-owner David Gold insists club never considered sacking
manager Avram Grant
By Julian Bennetts 11:00PM GMT 28 Jan 2011
David Gold has insisted West Ham never considered sacking Avram Grant as
manager this month. The Israeli's future was the subject of intense
speculation two weeks ago, with reports suggesting that Martin O'Neill had
been lined up to replace him. But the former Aston Villa manager reportedly
turned West Ham down, shortly before the club released a statement backing
Grant on Jan 18. And Gold, the club's joint owner, is adamant that he was
never in any doubt that West Ham had the right man in charge, despite being
bottom of the table for most of the season. He even claims Grant's position
was not discussed at a board meeting shortly before the rumours about
O'Neill's impending appointment began. "We have a major board meeting every
two or three months and Avram's name did not come up in that meeting, and I
think that speaks volumes. He is our man.
"Will Avram be manager for the rest of the season? That is his job. Avram's
job is to keep West Ham in the Premier League. That is what his whole life
and endeavours will be focused on achieving." Gold admits that the club
still hope to bring in Tottenham striker Robbie Keane before the 11pm
transfer deadline on Monday. He dismissed rumours, though, that Scott Parker
would head the other way in a swap deal, insisting that no players will
leave West Ham. He added: "Is Robbie Keane a possible signing? Yes. All
players that are available from top-quality clubs, we are looking at those
players, and Robbie Keane is a player we greatly admire. He is clearly
available and quality players rarely are. We see him as a potential
acquisition. "But nobody can leave. I'm careful when I say 'never' but we
would fight off any club pursuing our players." New signing Demba Ba will
miss West Ham's FA Cup game against Nottingham Forest on Sunday because he
is not fully fit. But Frederic Piquionne and Victor Obinna return from
suspension.
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