Barrera targets Gold Cup glory
WHUFC.com
Pablo Barrera has told West Ham TV of his aim to end a frustrating season
with international success
01.06.2011
Pablo Barrera is planning to put a frustrating season behind him by
inspiring Mexico to CONCACAF Gold Cup glory. The West Ham United No12 began
the campaign in good form, helping the Hammers to reach the Carling Cup
semi-finals with a series of impressive displays, only to fall out of favour
in the New Year. Barrera made just four first-team appearances in 2011 as
the management chose to utilise other options in the club's ultimately
unsuccessful battle against relegation. For Mexico, however, Barrera remains
an important figure and the lightning-quick winger is eager to make his mark
for El Tri at the Gold Cup, which is taking place in the United States
between 5-25 June. The 23-year-old has been capped more than 30 times and is
expected to be one of the first names on Jose Manuel de la Torre's teamsheet
when Mexico open their Gold Cup challenge against El Salvador in Arlington,
Texas, on 5 June. "Regarding this season, it was hard for me not to play,"
Barrera told West Ham TV. "It was not what I was expecting but when these
things happen, you just need to keep working. "Now I am going to Mexico for
the Gold Cup and I am just focused on winning my place in the national team.
I hope to be involved and play regularly."
While 2010/11 proved to be a stop-start campaign for Barrera, the
Tlalnepantla-born player still enjoyed a number of memorable moments in a
claret and blue shirt.
"I enjoyed the game against Manchester United. There's not much you can't
say about them. They have great players with a lot of talent. One of my
colleagues from the national team, Chicharito [Javier Hernandez], plays
there and for him the season was positive."
Before the Gold Cup begins, Mexico face New Zealand in Denver, Colorado, on
Thursday 2 June, pitting Barrera against West Ham team-mate Winston Reid.
The winger believes the match against their fellow 2010 FIFA World Cup
finalists will prove the perfect dress rehearsal for a Gold Cup competition
that also sees Mexico face Cuba and Costa Rica at the group-stage. "I am
looking forward to playing against Winston. He is a team-mate and a very
good player so I am looking forward to it. Moreover it's a game for the
national team. You need to be at your best if you want to be in the squad
for the Gold Cup. "We have talented players with Mexico. Our team is one
that is improving so we just need to prove that on the pitch now. "We need
to do things right as we did in the last tournament. We want to keep the
title. It's a tough tournament but we just need to work hard."
While the Gold Cup, which also includes Jonathan Spector's United States,
will be a tough nut to crack for Barrera, the same could not be said of a
recent English test he took at the Boleyn Ground. While Spanish remains
Barrera's language of choice, the player knows his ability to speak the
lingo and communicate with his team-mates will stand him in good stead come
the start of pre-season training. "Yes, I have passed my English test. It
was a bit difficult but during the last two weeks I have tried to practice
more with my team-mates. This was actually really useful. I am really happy
to have passed it!"
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West Ham's David Gold baffled by reported bid for club
BBC.co.uk
Page last updated at 16:34 GMT, Wednesday, 1 June 2011 17:34 UK
West Ham co-owner David Gold says he is baffled by reports F1 Team Lotus
boss Tony Fernandes wants to buy the club - but is interested in talking to
him. Fernandes, a rival bidder when Gold and David Sullivan bought the club,
used his Twitter feed to reveal his offer. "For all you West Ham fans an
offer has gone to the present owners of West Ham. Let's see if they accept,"
he tweeted. "It's absolute news to me, I certainly haven't heard any
information regarding this - it's interesting," said Gold. Co-owner David
Sullivan was, however, more dismissive, telling Sky Sports News: "We've
received no offer from Tony Fernandes. We think any serious bidder would
make it in private."
Gold said that he echoed Sullivan's comments and that it was "inconceivable
someone would start negotiations this way" but he was open to the idea of
the Malaysian airline millionaire joining the club as an investor. "We're
interested in finances coming into the club, we welcome that," said Gold. "I
certainly would be very happy to sit down with Tony with a view to him
joining the board and bringing in desperately needed finance."
Fernandes is a life-long West Ham fan but had previously been linked with
investing in Norwich, near where his F1 team are based. But two days ago he
tweeted: "Can I just say to all. Norwich doesn't need me and they doing
great. Not interested in buying them or any other club. Only West Ham if
deal makes sense."
Meanwhile, newly appointed West Ham manager Sam Allardyce hopes that any
change of ownership does not impact on him, as it has done in the past. "My
information, having spoken to David Sullivan, was that he did not want to
sell West Ham football club, because it is his club," Allardyce told Sky
Sports News. "It is the club he has always supported. "That was one of the
reasons why I took the job, because I didn't want any fractions in terms of
change of ownership. "My reputation has already suffered wrongly by new
ownerships at Newcastle and Blackburn dispensing of my services when there
was no real credibility in that other than the fact that they were new
owners and didn't want me. "It wasn't down to results, it wasn't down to the
way I have performed as a manager, so, if that's the case and that
materialises then obviously I am surprised at that."
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McAvennie on Big Sam
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st June 2011
By: Staff Writer
Frank McAvennie has told KUMB.com that he fully supports the appointment of
Sam Allardyce as the new manager of West Ham United. The legendary Irons
striker, who played for West Ham in two spells between 1985 and 1992 is back
in football working in an advisory role to young players. Having met
Allardyce through his work on many occasions - not to mention countless
social functions and events - McAvennie is convinced that West Ham finally
have the right man for the job. "I think it's a great appointment,"
McAvennie told KUMB.com. "He's someone I know, he's someone that as a player
I could play for; he could inspire me. He's good with his staff. has
experience, knowledge of the game and I was delighted when I heard. "I think
he'll be a great success. He's a Premier League manager, he's took a chance
coming down and I think we've got the best deal here. It means when he takes
us back up - which I believe he will - we don't have to change managers
again because he's been there and done it."
The 51-year-old ex-striker also dismissed concerns regarding Allardyce's
purported insistence on playing exclusively direct football but recognised
that some fans still need to be convinced - something that McAvennie views
as Allardyce's biggest challenge. "Winning the fans. Getting the fans
onside," he confirmed. "Once he does that he won't have any trouble. He's a
great lad, he's good to be around and I'm happy he's here. "I think he'll
bring his own kind of players in. People say to me 'oh he plays the long
ball game and doesn't play football the way it should be played'. These fans
are obviously older fans because West Ham haven't been playing football like
that since the early '90s. "I just want to see West Ham winnning again. I've
seen him at Blackburn and at Newcastle; it didn't happen at Newcastle; that
was a big club but this is a massive club too."
McAvennie also insisted that Allardyce was not the kind of man to shy away
from confrontation - a charge that has been levelled at some of his
predecessors in recent years. "He's got broad shoulders," McAvennie
continued. "He'll come in here on Monday and he'll hit the ground running
because he's a football man. You know, he'll go and have a beer with the
punters. He'll not hide. "So don't be surprised if he walks in the
supporters club and gets you a beer. He'll probably get you to buy it,
but..!"
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Sam and Daves in the dark
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st June 2011
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold have both claimed
to be unaware of any bid for the club by entrepreneur Tony Fernandes.
Fernandes claimed earlier this afternoon via his Twitter account that he had
made a concrete offer of investment - without confirming whether it was for
the remaining shares controlled by Icelandic bankers Straumur, or the entire
club. However Sky News blogger Mark Kleinman claimed tonight that Fernandes
was indeed seeking to take full control, having enlisted the service of
former Manchester United and Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon to assist
him. Gold and Sullivan both insisted this afternoon that neither of them had
been in contact with Fernandes, whom they beat in the race to win control of
West Ham United back in January 2010.
Gold stated that "it's absolute news to me", adding "I certainly haven't
heard any information regarding this - it's interesting". Meanwhile Sullivan
brushed off Fernandes' claims, stating that "we've received no offer from
Tony" adding, without a hint of irony, "we think any serious bidder would
make it in private".
News of Fernandes' 'bid' has also reached new Hammers boss Sam Allardyce,
who admitted to being concerned at the news. "My information, having spoken
to David Sullivan, was that he did not want to sell West Ham football club,
because it is his club," he told Sky Sports News. "It is the club he has
always supported. That was one of the reasons why I took the job, because I
didn't want any fractions in terms of change of ownership. My reputation has
already suffered wrongly by new ownerships at Newcastle and Blackburn
dispensing of my services when there was no real credibility in that other
than the fact that they were new owners and didn't want me. "It wasn't down
to results, it wasn't down to the way I have performed as a manager, so, if
that's the case and that materialises then obviously I am surprised at
that."
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Fernandes back in
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st June 2011
By: Staff Writer
Entreprenuer Tony Fernandes has revealed that he has made an offer to invest
in West Ham United. The CEO of Air Aisa was first linked with a move for
West Ham in December 2009 when the club was initially up for sale. However
he was beaten to the finish line by Davids Sullivan & Gold, who paid a
puported £50million for a half share of the club. Last month, following
United's relegation from the Premier League the Malaysian businessman hinted
that he was about to make a new offer for the club - although that also
failed to materialise. Today Fernandes claimed that he had made an
undisclosed financial offer to the club's current owners, although he
refrained from stating whether it was for a part share or full control.
Speaking via his account on Twitter this afternoon, Fernandes wrote: "For
all you West Ham fans an offer has gone to the present owners of West Ham.
Let's see if they accept." When pushed to confirm the basis of his offer, he
replied: "Won't be any more statements on West Ham. Keeping fans informed.
Now we have to just respect the process. "If something happens it happens.
If it goes quiet it goes quiet."
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Allardyce: the first interview
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st June 2011
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has given his first major interview since being appointed as
the new manager of West Ham United. 56-year-old Allardyce, speaking in
conversation with TalkSport revealed that he had signed a two year contract
- and can't wait to get started in his new role...
Why join West Ham?
The size of the club. It's a big job to be done but one that excites me a
great deal because [of] the status and the history of the club. It's
magnificent, and it's probably one of the biggest clubs I've had to manage.
Newcastle was perhaps slightly bigger with its fan base but West Ham? Great
potential, a great opportunity to really further my career and do my very
best in the first year to get them back in the Premier League. Then the
ultimate move to the Olympic Stadium, which is a very exciting prospect
indeed.
Potential player sales
That's probably going to be the case, for financial reasons. There's a
dramatic loss of revenue, even with good parachute payments. It's still a
massive loss and you have to adjust like every club has to adjust when
they've fallen out of the Premier League. But for me, whatever happens with
some of the good players there'll still be the basis of a very good squad
and there's some very good young players at West Ham to enable us to rebuild
very quickly. The transition needs to be a quick as possible and how big
that transition will be we don't know yet, until probably closer to the
start of the season. But one would hope it happens quickly if it has to
happen so we can rebuild the focus of the football club, West Ham and the
players that are there to get out of the division.
Potential signings
Like every manager whether you're new or established, what can you find for
the football club to make it better than it already is? We'll all be hunting
around for players in this small period of a window that's open until the
end of August. It always makes it a very frantic time and for me of course
it makes it even more so when you're finding out about everything else.
You're finding out about the players you've still got, the staff that are
still there and you're trying to put your ideas into place as quickly as
possible and make that transition as smooth as possible to get a team
playing as a team.
Often, with such a big transition you could end up with a team that plays as
individuals, not as a team. That's the dangerous point, the early part of
the season because everybody expects that from the 6th August we're going to
go out and start winning immediately. We hope we can do that, we'll do our
very best but sometimes it might take a little longer depending upon how
late the ins and outs come.
Who has the final say re:new signings?
It's me and David Sullivan. He's very knowledgeable in the football world
and has done [this] for a number of years at Birmingham. My discussions and
recommendations go to him and we'll try our best to secure the player. But
I'll have the final say, it's not a football club I think that drops a
player on your door that you don't know about, I don't think that's going to
be the case at all.
Scott Parker
Can we keep him? I don't really know yet, we'll have to see. But at the
moment it looks - from a distance - like that would be very difficult. I
haven't spoken to Scott about that. At the moment, as far as speaking to
chairman David Sullivan there's no indication of any bids for Scott Parker
yet so that 'll happen over the next few weeks one way or the other. But
their promise to me is they're backing us as best they possibly can but
supporting me from a footballing point of view and a financial point of view
to help us get back into that Premier League.
The Championship
It's a 46 game season and there's a much greater demand physically and
mentally because of the extra games. You've got to plan for Saturday/Tuesday
throughout the season rather than Saturday to Saturday as you do in the
Premier League. The focus of training, recovery, nutrition, strength,
conditioning, psychology is all very important.
Training
I break the season up into four [sections]. The excitement of the start of
the new season when everybody's raring to go and then the winter months kick
in. Then Christmas, when the training programme changes somewhat and then
there's the big push at the end where you relinquish the physical aspects
and focus more on the organisation and the mental [side] more to get the
ultimate push.
A big one always today for eveybody is how you can prevent injuries, how you
can have fewer injuries than anybody else. I'm a great believer that the
greatest opportunity to win football matches is when you have your best
players available more than the opposition teams, as that'll give you more
chance to win.
Tactics
That boring long-ball tag that's been following me for many years? It's
always going to crop up for me now. But if people cast their minds back to
the sort of teams I've managed it's a bit of a nonsense - but I can't
relinquish that tag. But I'm well aware of it.
The history of West Ham and the type of football they play; have they really
played that type of football recently, one has to ask one self?
Realistically, they haven't really as they've just been relegated. But for
me it's always remebering the history of the football club, the way they
need to play and that will be very much in the forefront of my mind. Of
course that has to be a winning style of football, I've always said I always
play winning football and my last ten years in the Premier League has proven
that.
Backroom staff
I've already started with Neil McDonald as I did at Blackburn. The rest of
the staff at West Ham for me is about working with them, them working with
me and we'll see how that develops. I had a very good team I built at Bolton
but they moved on to better things when I went to Newcastle and now are all
established in the Premier League. So from my point of view it's not about
taking lots of staff that I know with me but finding new members of staff
that can live up to my expectations. I like the areas and the departments to
have a highly-qualified member that runs that department and for us all to
pull together for the one goal - to get the players on the field to play the
best they possibly can.
The Olympic Stadium
That's why I'm taking it, I wouldn't take it under any other circumstances.
I've got to get in and get the job done. I've got a two-year contract so
I've got two years to do it. But my ambition is to do it in year one; with
the experience I've got, my relationship with the players and the support
from my chairmen hopefully we'll achieve that in the first year.
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Fernandes claims Hammers offer
Formula One chief makes bid to buy West Ham
By Pete O'Rourke- Follow me on Twitter @skysportspeteo. Last
Updated: June 1, 2011 10:18pm
SSN
Team Lotus Formula One boss Tony Fernandes claims he has made an offer to
buy West Ham United. The 47-year-old Hammers-supporting entrepreneur missed
out on buying West Ham last year to current co-owners David Sullivan and
David Gold. Fernandes also rejected the opportunity to form a partnership
with Sullivan and Gold as they sought investors. Fernandes admitted in the
wake of their relegation from the Premier League that he would get involved
in the club if fans wanted him to and now he has tabled an offer to gain
control at Upton Park. The Air Asia tycoon posted on Twitter: "For all you
west ham fans an offer has gone to the present owners of west ham. Let's see
if they accept." West Ham's relegation could see the club's debts soar past
the £100million mark, but it remains to be seen if Gold or Sullivan will
decide to sell to Fernandes.
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Gold would welcome investment
Co-owner open to possibility of Fernandes joining Hammers board
By Peter Fraser - Follow me on Twitter @SkySportsPeteF. Last
Updated: June 1, 2011 10:15pm
SSN
West Ham co-owner David Gold is unaware of an official offer for the club
from Tony Fernandes, but would be prepared to discuss the prospect of the
Formula One boss joining the Upton Park board. Air Asia and Team Lotus
leader Fernandes confirmed on his Twitter account on Wednesday afternoon
that he has made an offer for the recently-relegated Hammers. But this was
quickly dismissed as a publicity stunt by Gold's fellow co-owner, David
Sullivan, just hours after they had appointed Sam Allardyce as West Ham's
new manager. When speaking live to Sky Sports News, Gold was equally
surprised by the claims of Fernandes, but did not rule out the possibility
of talks regarding possible investment from the lifelong Hammers fan. When
informed of Fernandes' Twitter claim, Gold said: "That is news to me. I
certainly haven't heard any information regarding this. It is interesting."
Asked about the possibility of investment in West Ham, Gold said: "We are
interested in finances coming into the football club. We welcome that.
Bizarre
"I certainly would be very happy to sit down with Tony with a view of him
joining the board and brining in desperately needed finances." But Gold
finds it bizarre that Fernandes has announced a supposed offer via Twitter
and not through official channels. "I can't disagree with David Sullivan's
comments," said Gold. "You would think that if someone was going to buy a
football club they would approach the incumbent owners and sit down
privately and discuss a way to go forward. "I find it quite bizarre that
anybody makes an offer for any business via Twitter. "But, you just don't
know. Let's hope that it is serious because I am sure that David Sullivan
would agree with me that we would welcome another investor."
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Big Sam doesn't want change
New Hammers boss does not think Sullivan wants to sell
Last Updated: June 1, 2011 10:23pm
SSN
New West Ham manager Sam Allardyce hopes that a change of club ownership
does not cost him his job for a third time in his career. The former
Newcastle and Blackburn boss was sacked at St James' Park and Ewood Park
after the takeovers of Mike Ashley and the Venky's Group, respectively. And
there has been speculation that Allardyce's position could again come under
threat following the interest of Air Asia and Team Lotus boss Tony Fernandes
in West Ham. Hammers co-owner David Sullivan has dismissed Fernandes' claim
that he has bid for the ownership of the club and, regardless of the rumour
mill, Allardyce would not expect any offer to be accepted. Allardyce, who
was speaking live to Sky Sports News when Fernandes made his claim of an
offer, said: "My information, having spoken to David Sullivan, was that he
did not want to sell West Ham football club, because it is his club. It is
the club he has always supported.
Big Sam's back
"That was one of the reasons why I took the job, because I didn't want any
fractions in terms of change of ownership. "My reputation has already
suffered wrongly by new ownerships at Newcastle and Blackburn dispensing of
my services when there was no real credibility in that other than the fact
that they were new owners and didn't want me. "It wasn't down to results, it
wasn't down to the way I have performed as a manager, so, if that's the case
and that materialises then obviously I am surprised at that."
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The Tony Fernandes Bid and Could El Hadji Diouf be the First Acquisition?
June 2nd, 2011 - 2:05 am by S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
The unveiling of Sam Allardyce as West Ham's new manager was slightly
overshadowed, yesterday, by Tony Fernandes' much publicised comment on
twitter that he had submitted a bid to buy-in to the club. Well actually,
it was not clear in the reports whether it was a bid to buy the club
outright or purchase a stake.? Initially Sullivan and Gold denied receiving
the bid, but it was apparently later reported by sources that the co-owners
had subsequently received and rejected a offer of some sort (presumably from
Tony Fernandes?).
One had to feel sorry for Sam Allardyce, as SSN broke the news of the
alleged Fernandes bid during a live interview about his appointment as the
14th full-time Hammers manager. Particularly, in view of the fact that he
has twice previously fallen foul of new owners at both Newcastle Utd and
Blackburn Rovers. Allardyce made it clear that one of the selling points of
his move to Upton Park was the fact that the ownership situation was stable
and that Gold and Sullivan were committed to retaining control of the club.
Our new manager probably does not have too much cause for concern. It is
fairly certain that there will not be a buy-out unless there is an offer,
out of left field, from a Chelski or Man City type billionaire benefactor.
Sullivan was reportedly critical of the business practice of revealing a
bid/offer to invest via twitter, but David Gold in a subsequent SSN
interview left the door open to Fernandes investing in the remaining 38% of
the club's shares. One can only speculate on where this will go now, if
anywhere at all? Will Fernandes abandon his interest in the face of the
apparent initial rebuff or will he open up a further round of negotiations?
We shall see soon enough.
There has been much speculation about possible outgoing transfers, but there
is a press report this morning that the first incoming player could be
Allardyce's former striker, at both Bolton and Blackburn, El Hadji Diouf.
Diouf has just completed a successful loan period at SLP Champions, Glasgow
Rangers and they are reportedly interested in making the move permanent.
Yet, El Hadji Diouf is a player that Sam Allardyce knows well and trusts.
As such, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that he could bid to
take him to West Ham.
A lot obviously depends upon whether Diouf is prepared to play in the
Championship next season, rather than continue his successful stint in the
SPL? Of course it could also be a case of a tabloid football journalist
putting 2 + 2 together and = 5? Just because Diouf played for Sam Allardyce
at Bolton and Blackburn does not necessarily mean that he is a target at
West Ham! Certainly, El Hadji Diouf is a player that is not exactly popular
with West Ham fans. Their antipathy originating in an alleged incident that
occurred some years ago, during a Liverpool vs West Ham fixture at Anfield.
However, lets not 'jump the gun' and rush to condemn and adopt entrenched
positions. Lets see, first of all, whether the story has any substance.
There are bound be some former players that Allardyce would like to take to
West Ham. It remains to be seen whether El Hadji Diouf is one of them?
Sam Allardyce has wisely given us assurances about our playing style, and
his intention to place the Academy youngsters at the centre of his plans,
next season. So lets be supportive and see what transpires in the summer,
through pre-season and up to the Christmas/New Year period. A barn storming
season, gaining automatic promotion to the PL (with committed, cohesive team
performances, plenty of goals and some flair) will be worth some patience on
our part. If the club is not where we would want it to be, after an
acceptable period of time, then no doubt we fans will exercise our right to
be critical.
In short, lets give the guy a fair chance in the job! Who knows, we may be
pleasantly surprised. Afterall, this appointment at West Ham is the perfect
opportunity for Allardyce to disprove the 'long ball' tag once and for all.
If he still harbours ambitions of eventually managing England then he must
prove that he can coach a team that plays in an entertaining, passing style.
Go on 'Big Sam' bring your well known positives to the table (i.e.
organisation, motivation, resilience, a winning mentality and a high tech
approach) and then confound your critics with the style of your team!
SJ. Chandos.
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Mystery surrounds West Ham bid
By JIM MUNRO
Published: 01 Jun 2011
The Sun
WEST HAM owners David Sullivan and David Gold have reacted with surprise to
news of a bid for the London club from Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes.
Fernandes, the group CEO of Air Asia, is a West Ham fan and posted on his
Twitter account: "For all you west ham fans an offer has gone to the present
owners of west ham. Let's see if they accept." But Sullivan said soon after:
"We've had no offer. "Any serious bidder would not make an offer by
Twitter."
Fernandes, who is also Team Lotus F1 boss, was a rival to Sullivan when the
club was put up for sale in January 2009 but his offer never materialised.
When the club's relegation to the Championship was confirmed earlier this
month by a 3-2 defeat at Wigan, he tweeted: "Gutted to see west ham
relegated. How do u go from 2-0 to lose 3-2. "If the fans want me to get
involved I will. It's a great club and we fans have suffered to long."
Other comments made via his Twitter account suggested he would be looking to
help the club by making an investment rather than launching an overall
takeover bid, but his vague tweet has left Sullivan and Gold guessing over
his intentions. Gold said: "We're interested in finances coming in to the
club, we would welcome it and I would be happy to sit down with Tony with a
view to him joining the board and bringing in desperately-needed finances.
"But you would think that to buy a football club you would approach the
incumbent owners. "I find it quite bizarre that anybody makes any offer for
a business via Twitter "Let's hope it's serious as we would welcome another
investor. "It's inconceivable that somebody could begin negotiations this
way. But you never know."
New manager Sam Allardyce also expressed surprise at the development, on the
day the club confirmed he was to be Avram Grant's successor. "I'm bemused by
the statement," said Allardyce, "but my information, having spoken to David
Sullivan, was that he was not wanting to sell West Ham because it's his
club, it's the club he has always supported. "That was one of the reasons
why I took the job because I didn't want any fractions in terms of change of
ownerships because my reputation has already suffered, wrongly so, by new
ownerships at Newcastle and Blackburn, disposing of my services when there
was no real credibility in that other than the fact that they were new
owners and they didn't want me. "It wasn't down to results, it wasn't down
to how I'd performed as a manager. "If that's the case [Fernandes making an
offer] and that materialised, then I'm surprised at that. "It's a dangerous
thing, Twitter!"
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Big Sam losing out in Ba brawl
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: Today
The Sun
EVERTON are shock favourites to snap up West Ham star Demba Ba. New Hammers
boss Sam Allardyce is fighting a losing battle to hold on to the Senegalese
striker, despite offering him a £15,000-a-week pay rise. Ba, 26, has a
get-out clause because of relegation, which allows him to escape the
remaining three years of his current £35,000-a- week contract. Sunderland
have also been chasing the club's most sought-after player and it is causing
bad blood. West Ham are furious at the pursuit of their star and have
already reported the Wearsiders to the Premier League over claims of an
illegal approach. Everton finished seventh last season but boss David Moyes
is keen to add more firepower to his team. The Toffees' strike-force
currently consists of injury-prone veteran Louis Saha and Jermaine Beckford,
who made only a late impact in his first season as a Premier League player.
Ba's escape clause would also enable him to leave Upton Park for next to
nothing and West Ham suspect he is being lured away. The Hammers signed Ba
from German side Hoffenheim in January for a deposit of just £500,000 and he
repaid them by scoring seven goals in 11 games. The rest of the £6m fee is
based on appearances, because of uncertainties about a knee injury.
Allardyce was installed as the club's new boss on Tuesday and made it his
priority to try to keep Ba on the books, even though it means playing
Championship football for at least one season. Meanwhile Everton have tied
down exciting academy product Tyias Browning to a two-year-professional
deal. The right-back turned 17 on Monday and was swiftly offered the
contract after breaking into Alan Stubbs' reserve team last summer. The
teenager joined the club as a 10-year-old and has risen through the ranks to
follow in the footsteps of fellow former schoolboy star Jack Rodwell by
turning professional.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam blasts long-ball tag
By MIKE McGRATH
Published: Today
The Sun
NEW Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has blasted back at the supporters who fear
he will bring boring football to Upton Park. Big Sam, 56, has vowed to get
West Ham back to the Premier League and will do so with his 'winning' style.
He will start his search for players when he returns home from holiday and
also insisted he will have the final say on transfers. The fans have grown
accustomed to attractive football, while Allardyce was branded a long-ball
manager at both Bolton and Blackburn. But he said: "That has been a long,
boring tag that has been with me for many years. It's always going to crop
up unfortunately, but if people cast their minds back to my teams it is a
nonsense. "I'm well aware of the history of West Ham and the type of
football they played. Have they played that type of football recently?
Realistically they haven't because they have just been relegated. "It has to
be a winning-style of football. I've always said I play a winning-style of
football and my last 10 years in the Premier League has proved that."
Allardyce admitted inspirational midfielder Scott Parker and the club's
other England players are likely to leave. But he insists the decision on
who to bring in will be down to him - not co-owners David Gold and David
Sullivan. Former boss Gianfranco Zola accused both of interfering by bidding
for players behind his back. But Allardyce added: "It's me and David
Sullivan. He is very knowledgeable in the football world and has been for a
number of years from Birmingham to West Ham.
"Our discussions and my recommendations will go to him and then we try our
best to secure the player. I'll have the final say. "It is not a football
club that drops a player on your door you don't know about. I don't think
that will be the case at all."
Allardyce wants transfers sorted out quickly but Parker, 30, said: "It's all
still early days, we've been relegated two weeks ago and everything is still
new and fresh.
"We'll see what happens. Everyone aims to play in the best league and the
Premier League is the best league. "We'll see how the next couple of months
pan out."
Spanish club Espanyol are leading the chase to sign Mexican misfit Pablo
Barrera. Barrera, 23, had a miserable first season in England after his
£4million move to Upton Park last summer. He failed to make an impact and
struggled to win a place on the subs bench in the second half of the season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mac: West Ham will be Champion
Published: Today
The Sun
WEST HAM legend Frank McAvennie believes Sam Allardyce will bring ... wait
for it ... Champions League football to Upton Park. The Scot, who scored 49
goals for the Londoners between 1989 and 1992, astonishingly claimed Big Sam
can totally transform the club's fortunes. McAvennie said: "Harry Redknapp
went to Tottenham a couple of years ago and suddenly they were in the
Champions League. I don't see why the same cannot happen to West Ham. "They
have definitely got the right man. My biggest gripe is why we failed to get
him in January when we were still in the Premier League. But I have no
doubts he will bring us straight back up."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Harry Redknapp: Big Sam's perfect
HARRY REDKNAPP - Columnist
Email the author
Published: Today
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE may not be the manager some West Ham fans want but he's the
man the club needs. Many argue he won't fancy playing the particular brand
of football down at the so-called Academy club. Well I'm fed up hearing
about this Academy cobblers. The reputation that West Ham have that they
will only accept stylish footballers, neat passing and pretty patterns goes
back to the days of Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters. But let's be
honest, West Ham haven't had that calibre of player for years. They are put
on some sort of pedestal. And while I admire the principles and the
philosophy, in practice it hasn't exactly worked out.
If it had they wouldn't have gone down. We got lucky with a group of five or
six when I was boss there with Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole, Frank Lampard,
Michael Carrick, Jermain Defoe, who have all gone on to play for England.
But that was the first bunch in about 12 years. Before that it was Paul Ince
and Tony Cottee. They were 30 when Rio and the others emerged into the team.
So let's be honest about it when we discuss the 'academy' of Upton Park.
If you have the quality of players to play like Barcelona then by all means
go for it. I love watching football like that just like everyone else. But
if West Ham want to recreate this academy then they're going to have to go
out and buy Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi. Sam Allardyce is the
perfect choice for the job, he is ideal.
He'll get the players that stay at Upton Park fit, organised and determined
to win - something that's been lacking for a year or two. He's also a clever
man. He pioneered the use of hi-tech methods to measure performance,
strength and fitness to get the best out of his players. Technology doesn't
make players better - just like eating pasta doesn't make a player pass the
ball any better. But tools like this can get the very best out of what you
have at your disposal and that is Sam's strength. He will be able to play
whatever type of football the particular match and opposition demands. He
has got this reputation as a sort of hardnut northerner but he is extremely
intelligent.
If Sam thinks he can shape a team which can pass the other team off the park
he'll do it. If not he'll do what he has to to win the match. The purists
might not like the idea but he has got the perfect credentials to get West
Ham out of the Championship. Do you really think people at all levels of
involvement at the club will put up with nice, losing football any more?
How many times will the chairmen over there say 'oh, we lost 4-0 but didn't
we pass it nicely'. No chance. Sam's his own man. He won't stand any
interference in his job. He's not going to let his team pass it about nicely
across the middle of the pitch then watch the other teams kick the ball into
the West Ham goal. Too many people have too much of a say at that place and
it will stop now Sam's in there. He's not the type to go along with that for
six months then get the sack. No way. He is a strong character and that's
what the club needs and it's what the team needs to build a team capable of
getting them back into the Premier League. I honestly admire the sentiments
at West Ham, but that's all it's been for a long time now even though the
fans do believe in playing football the correct way. But when we had the
likes of Cole and Ferdinand it was a huge stroke of luck that they came our
way.
Frank Lampard came because his dad was West Ham through and through, Rio
Ferdinand was a late starter in football at 14 and came to our knowledge
through a schoolteacher over in South London. We nicked Jermain Defoe from
Charlton through one of our coaches and Joe had been with us for a while but
was wanted by every top club in the land. He was happy at West Ham and the
club was lucky to have him. After they left we had a bit of fun with Paolo
Di Canio but it's hardly been a production line of silky-footed footballers
has it? Times are changing at West Ham but there's not going to be some
massive change of direction from playing like Brazil to booting it up in the
air. I bet there aren't many West Ham fans who enjoyed many matches last
season. I bet they'll be a lot happier once their favourite team becomes a
lot harder to beat. I firmly believe now that Sam Allardyce is in charge
West Ham will be promoted next season back to the Premier League.
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You're job's safe, Sam – after 1 day!
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: Today
The Sun
DAVID SULLIVAN dismissed last night's takeover bid for West Ham as
'ridiculous' and told new boss Sam Allardyce: You're safe. Big Sam's first
day in the job was overshadowed by a bizarre buyout attempt from Hammers fan
and tycoon Tony Fernandes via Twitter. A 'silly' offer believed to be around
£50million was eventually made to vice-chair Karren Brady on holiday in the
Maldives - but was immediately rubbished as just a publicity stunt.
Allardyce's last two jobs at Blackburn and Newcastle ended soon after
takeovers. Chairman Sullivan said: "The whole thing is nonsense. I can
assure Sam he has an unbreakable two-year contract and he is the perfect man
for the job. "I can only think the motivation for this 'takeover' bid is PR.
If there was a genuine Russian billionaire out there willing to pump 100s of
billions of pounds into West Ham then we'd step aside for the good of the
club. "If there's a Roman Abramovich or Sheik Mansour Mark II out there,
then fine. But when someone offers to buy your club for buttons and does it
via Twitter it is most unhelpful at a time when we are trying to rebuild
West Ham. "This club is priceless to us but we would certainly welcome extra
investment on the board of directors. "But it's ridiculous to try to do
business via Twitter."
Air Asia founder Fernandes - also the boss of F1 racers Team Lotus - held
discussions with West Ham last year prior to Sullivan and business partner
David Gold's £50m takeover in January. Fernandes is ready to give them back
what they paid out 16 months ago. Last night he posted on Twitter: "For all
you West Ham fans an offer has gone to the present owners. Let's see if they
accept."
Sullivan hit back: "It's a joke, but not a funny one. We're talking about a
business and a football club supported by thousands of people. "Maybe
tomorrow we'll put in a bid for Air Asia on Twitter and see what reaction
that gets." Allardyce has agreed a £1.5m-a-year contract with the same again
in bonuses should he get the Hammers promoted at the first attempt next
season. Big Sam said: "I'm bemused but, having spoken to David Sullivan, I
understand he doesn't want to sell West Ham because it's his club, it's the
club he has always supported."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Why West Ham fans should forget the long-ball stereotype and welcome Super
Sam the saviour
By Martin Lipton in Laptop with Martin Lipton
Published 11:21 01/06/11
The Mirror
They haven't got too many right at Upton Park over the past few months.
Indeed, while they have become increasingly angry at the allegations, there
have been plenty of good reasons for accusing David Sullivan, David Gold and
Karren Brady of presiding over the worst-run club in the country. But
although many West Ham fans are already up in arms over the appointment of
Sam Allardyce as Avram Grant's successor, I'm going to say something Gold,
Brady and Sullivan will not expect: Well done. I can understand why some
Hammers fans are concerned at the appointment, but that is because they
don't really know Allardyce.
It is far to easy to characterise him as a long-ball merchant, a believer in
direct football rather than the passing game beloved of Boleyn Ground
regulars. Except that West Ham haven't really played that sort of football
for a long time. And Allardyce has never been that sort of manager. Yes, his
Bolton team were physical. But who wouldn't be if they had Kevin Davies at
the head of affairs?
Don't you think that if West Ham had deployed Davies, rather than Carlton
Cole, as centre-forward they might still be in the Premier League rather
than starting next season in the Championship? And do you really believe
Blackburn would have needed to secure their safety on the very last day of
the season had Allardyce not been sacked by the chicken farmers mid-way
through the campaign?
But the truth about Allardyce is very different from the easy caricature.
There is nobody, not even Arsene Wenger, who more readily adopted scientific
analysis, a futuristic approach, an openness to new thinking. It is no
surprise, then, that Allardyce has the hump when he is accused of being a
neanderthal. Maybe it comes down to no more than image. Allardyce was a
raw-boned centre-half as a player and looked to build that physical strength
into his teams. But it was no surprise that Newcastle were relegated in the
season they sacked Allardyce because the Toon Army were baying for a
different type of football, looking for a Messiah. Instead, as Allardyce
left the scene, those fans were left with a mess and the drop.
Allardyce has been bruised by recent events, no question. His dream of
becoming England manager does seem dead and buried - although things can
always change in football (except, of course, at FIFA). But given that a
large number of West Ham fans - and not just of the Alf Garnett vintage -
still happily tell you that West Ham won the World Cup in 1966, he has maybe
got the nearest equivalent to the Wembley brief. Not that Gold, Sullivan and
Brady are typical blazers and the biggest interest from outside will be in
how Allardyce deals with his newest paymasters. He will not accept any
interference, which means the board may need to realise it is better to stay
silent and be thought idiots than continually speak and remove all remaining
doubt.
Allardyce, sensibly, showed an awareness of the concerns of the supporters
in his first words after the announcement of his arrival. "I wouldn't have
taken this job if I didn't think we could bounce straight back into the
Premier League," he said. "More than that, I wouldn't have contemplated the
job if I didn't think there was the opportunity to build something
substantial at West Ham. "I know there will be West Ham fans asking whether
I'm going to abandon the style of play that's been the club's heritage over
the years. All I'll say is it will be a tale of home and away. At Upton Park
we'll try to play the kind of game the fans want."
The right things to say and while they may not ease the doubters, the proof
of the pudding can only be in the eating, starting in August. That will not
be easy. Financial realities mean the squad is likely to be radically
changed, many of the better players leaving, putting the onus on Allardyce
to buy well and coach even better. But that is what he is good at. Ask
Bolton fans, if nobody else. And before the West Ham supporters, back in
mythologising mode, start saying they are a far, far bigger, better club
than Bolton, look at the records. Bolton have won the FA Cup four times,
including the famous White Horse final of 1923 against... West Ham. The
Hammers have just three major trophies to their name. So much for history.
It is about the future now.
Under Allardyce, West Ham's just got a whole lot brighter. As long as he is
allowed to do the job on his terms.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce reveals his cunning plan: TWO West Hams
Published 23:01 01/06/11 By John Cross
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has promised to stick with West Ham's footballing principles –
but only at Upton Park. The former Bolton and Blackburn boss has warned he
will make the Hammers play ugly away from home to ensure they go straight
back into the Premier League. Big Sam, who has signed a two-year contract,
admits he is acutely aware of West Ham's traditions, their famed Academy and
the fears among supporters he will turn them into a long-ball outfit. But
Allardyce says if West Ham want to be successful following relegation from
the Premier League then they will have to become tougher and harder to beat,
and that means playing two styles. "I know there will be fans asking whether
I'm going to abandon the style of play that's been the club's heritage over
the years," he said. "All I'll say is it will be a tale of home and away.
"At Upton Park, we'll attempt to play the kind of passing game the fans
want. We will aim to continue in the same way on our travels, but we'll also
be tough, hard to beat and utterly resilient. "There is a core of very
talented young players at the club who've come up through the youth system,
have West Ham in their blood and who I know I can build a successful team
around. That's what I'm looking forward to, managing a club that wins more
games than it loses and competing at the top of the table. "We need to
create a winning mentality and give the fans a team they can be proud to
watch."
Allardyce, who was sacked by Blackburn in December, says he is in for the
long haul at West Ham – even if his first job may be to sell Rob Green, Matt
Upson, Scott Parker and Carlton Cole. He added: "I can't wait to begin
pre-season training as I am determined to get this club back where it
belongs. "I wouldn't have taken this job if I didn't think we could bounce
straight back into the Premier League. More than that, I wouldn't have
contemplated the job if I didn't think there was the opportunity to build
something substantial." West Ham legend Julian Dicks also welcomed the
appointment of Allardyce. He said: "Allardyce will give them a kick up the
backside. There were a lot of underachievers at the club last season and Sam
won't put up with that. "The teams he's been involved with work hard and
fight for everything.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham defender fancies move to Denmark
Published 23:00 01/06/11 By Football Spy
The Mirror
FC Copenhagen are leading the chase to sign West Ham defender Lars Jacobsen.
The Danish international looks certain to leave the east London club
following their relegation to the Championship. Jacobsen, 31, was a
first-team regular at Upton Park following his move from Blackburn last
summer but now seems set to make a return to his homeland, and FC Copenhagen
are hoping to win the race for his signature. "I am considering returning
home to Denmark. That is a possibility," he said.
"That is not to say that this will happen. I keep all doors open. "[A return
to Copenhagen] could be really fun and it could really tempt you. It feels
like it is at the top level."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
It was do or Dai for me against Wales - Parker
Published 23:00 01/06/11 By John Cross
The Mirror
Scott Parker had told how he believed he had just one match to save his
England place. The West Ham midfielder has endured a turbulent international
career and was terrified it might be about to end ahead of the Euro 2012
qualifier against Wales in March. Parker, who put in a man of the match
performance in Cardiff, said: "If I didn't perform in that game I possibly
would not have pulled on an England shirt again. "In football, opportunities
come along and you have to grab them. That was certainly an opportunity
which I had to take. "My mentality is that I will always try and work hard
and force my way in."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Revealed! How Allardyce laid down the law to West Ham chiefs
Published 23:00 01/06/11 By John Cross - EXCLUSIVE
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has already laid down his ground rules for the club's owners
after taking charge at West Ham. The former Newcastle, Bolton and Blackburn
boss wants total control over transfer policy at Upton Park after signing a
two-year deal worth £3million, with a £1m promotion bonus. Allardyce has
demanded that co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren
Brady do not talk about team or management issues in public. That is one of
the golden rules he forced the board to agree to after he succeeded former
West Ham boss Avram Grant, who had been undermined by their criticisms.
Hardman Allardyce insisted his management cannot be questioned publicly or
players talked about without his permission. That comes on top of his desire
to sign players of his choosing as he accepts there will be a clear-out at
Upton Park.
Rob Green is set to join Aston Villa - as first revealed by MirrorFootball
in February -Matt Upson is poised to go on a free transfer and Demba Ba and
Carlton Cole are also likely to go this summer. Agent Barry Silkman insists
that he has not done all of West Ham's deals but Allardyce says that he
wants to bring in his own ideas and transfers. Allardyce, who has also
brought in former Blackburn assistant Neil McDonald after Wally Downes and
Steve Lomas left West Ham's backroom staff, admits there will be big-name
departures. "That's probably going to be the case for financial reasons," he
said. "When a club is relegated, it's a massive loss of revenue and you have
to adjust. But for me, whatever happens, the basis is there of a very good
squad and some good young players." On the future of England midfielder
Scott Parker, he added: "I don't know yet, we'll have to wait and see. "From
a distance it looks very difficult, but there is no indication of any bids
for Scott yet."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Scott Parker enjoying life in England's last chance saloon
Parker poised to make second starting appearance for England
England's last 2012 qualifier was 'a chance I had to take'
Dominic Fifield
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 1 June 2011 19.19 BST
Scott Parker has admitted his recall for England's Euro 2012 qualifier
against Wales in March had effectively been a last chance to make an
impression at the highest level. The West Ham United player will gain his
sixth cap against Switzerland on Saturday in a three-man midfield, most
likely flanked by Frank Lampard and Jack Wilshere, with his reputation
enhanced this season despite his club's relegation to the Championship. The
30-year-old's inclusion at the Millennium Stadium had been his first start
since the autumn of 2006, with his first four caps accrued under different
England managers.
"That particular game against Wales was a massive chance for me," said
Parker. "If I hadn't performed in that game, I possibly would not have
pulled on an England shirt again. That is how I felt. In football,
especially at international level, opportunities come along and you have to
grab them. That was certainly an opportunity for me which I had to take. My
England career had been very up and down – I had been involved in some
squads, and not in others, so it had been very patchy.
"But I do feel that, over the last few months, I have gained confidence. I
feel a bit more part of it and that is pleasing. My aim now is to be there
come this time next year. I know there is a long way to go and things can
change. I need to keep performing because there are so many players behind
me, for club and country, who are willing to take my place. But I know if I
maintain my form and focus, good things will come of it. That is what I have
to do. If I can help in any way, that is what I will try and do."
Parker appears to be Capello's first-choice defensive midfielder in his
recently adopted 4-3-3 system, with the manager's central options arguably
limited by the continued absence of Steven Gerrard through injury. Michael
Carrick, who had been recalled for the first time since last summer's World
Cup finals, has withdrawn from the squad for the game against Switzerland
after sustaining a hip injury in Manchester United's defeat by Barcelona in
the Champions League final last Saturday, though Capello has opted against
calling up a replacement.
There is relief to be had for Capello that Parker, who is expected to leave
Upton Park this summer, has recovered from the achilles injury that denied
him the chance to play a significant part in West Ham's run-in. "I am fine
now," Parker said. "I had a little issue with my achilles that just needed a
rest. Obviously, in the situation we were in at the club, it was hard to get
that rest because I was trying to help us stay in the Premier League.
"The last couple of games I was on the bench because I felt, match
fitness-wise, I was putting myself at risk really. There were parts of my
body that weren't conditioned well enough. Once we got relegated I didn't
think I should push anything. I didn't want to snap a hamstring because I
had not played for a little bit. But I have been doing work in the gym over
the last couple of weeks so I am feeling much stronger. Now my focus is on
England and getting out there and trying to put in a performance. First and
foremost I want to start. I will go from there."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Scott Parker hints at West Ham exit to stay in Fabio Capello's England plans
Metro.co.uk
Scott Parker has suggested his departure from West Ham is inevitable, after
vowing to stay in Fabio Capello's England plans for Euro 2012. When Parker
missed out on last year's World Cup finals, he never thought he would play
for England again. Now he is determined a place at Euro 2012 will not pass
him by. Not only was he dumped from Fabio Capello's squad for South Africa,
he was axed without getting a single minute in the friendlies against Mexico
and Japan to press his claims.
It would have been easy for Parker to throw in the international towel there
and then. Pride meant he did not, however, even if deep down he felt his
England chances were slim. It took a succession of injuries prior to the
February friendly in Denmark for Capello to even pick Parker in a squad,
despite the midfielder's superb form for relegated West Ham.
Half a game in Copenhagen was all it took; the England camp suddenly
realising they had the defensive midfielder Capello had tried to convince
everyone Jack Wilshere could be. Parker then started his first game in
four-and-a-half years when the Three Lions beat Wales in March and, given
how well the new three-man midfield worked on that occasion, it would be a
major shock if Capello did not stick with it for Saturday's crucial
qualifier against Switzerland at Wembley. Parker has confirmed he is eager
to keep the shirt. 'My aim is to be there this time next year,' he said.
'There is a long way to go and things can change but, if I can help in any
way, that is what I'll try to do. 'I never felt like quitting England. It
was quite difficult not to be selected for the World Cup. After that I
thought my chances would have been limited. 'But the Wales game was a
massive chance for me. I felt if I didn't perform in that game I would not
have pulled on an England shirt again. 'In football, especially at
international level, when opportunities come along you have to grab them.'
New West Ham boss Sam Allardyce would doubtless like to build a team round
the Lambeth-born player. But Parker said: 'Not many players get picked [for
England] from the Championship, that's just the way it is. 'It is too early
to say exactly what is going to happen to me on a personal level. I am sure
we will see over the next couple of months. 'There is speculation but it is
easy for me to block it out.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce begins life as West Ham United manager as club reject takeover
offer
Telegraph.co.uk
10:03PM BST 01 Jun 20112
Sam Allardyce's first day as West Ham United manager was overshadowed by the
announcement on Twitter by Malaysian millionaire Tony Fernandes that he had
made an offer for the club. After changes of ownership had effectively cost
him jobs at Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United, Allardyce admitted that
he was "bemused" by yesterday's development and said that a major factor in
him joining West Ham United was the commitment of co-owner David Sullivan.
Fernandes had been a rival bidder when Sullivan and David Gold took control
of the club in January 2010 and, while the two West Ham owners would welcome
extra investment, yesterday's offer was quickly rejected. A terse statement
was then released. "He [Fernandes] has announced this on Twitter and people
can draw their own conclusions as to the seriousness of it from that," said
Sullivan. "We are not looking to sell the club but, as we have always said,
we would love co-investors to join us in the rebuilding of West Ham United.
"In the event that a serious investor came forward as was the case with
Chelsea and Manchester City, we would naturally consider it for the good of
the club — but this is certainly not the case in this instance.
This kind of approach is very unhelpful it distracts from our main focus
which is promotion." Gold also described the Twitter announcement as
"bizarre" and said that it was "inconceivable" for negotiations to begin in
that way. Fernandes, who is the chief executive of Air Asia and the team
principal of the Lotus Formula One team, has previously indicated that he
would want outright control of West Ham. Just hours after Allardyce was
confirmed as the new manager at the Championship club, on a two-year
contract, Fernandes wrote on his Twitter feed: "For all you West Ham fans an
offer has gone to the present owners of West Ham. Let's see if they accept."
He then added another message: "Won't be any more statements on west ham.
Keeping fans informed. Now we have to just respect the process. If something
happens it happens. If it goes quiet it goes quiet."
Allardyce stressed yesterday that he wanted a stable ownership situation. "I
didn't want any fractions in terms of change of ownerships because my
reputation has already suffered, wrongly so, by new ownerships at Newcastle
and Blackburn, disposing of my services when there was no real credibility
in that other than the fact that they were new owners and they didn't want
me," he said. Gold and Sullivan currently own 62 per cent of West Ham, but
have a three-year option to buy the remaining stake from Straumur, the bank
which inherited the club following the collapse of the business empire of
former owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson.
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