Hammers to host Zaragoza
WHUFC.com
Spanish club Real Zaragoza will visit the Boleyn for the prestigious pre-season fixture on 30 July
17.06.2011
Former UEFA Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup winners Real Zaragoza will provide the opposition for this summer's annual prestige pre-season showpiece match.
The La Liga side will visit the Boleyn Ground at 3pm on Saturday 30 July, evoking memories of West Ham United's dramatic victory over the Aragonese in the 1964/65 European Cup Winners' Cup semi-finals. The six-times Spanish Cup winners enjoyed an encouraging 2010/11 campaign, finishing 13th in just their second season back in the top flight, and are historically the ninth most successful Spanish club of all-time. Managed by former Mexico midfielder and manager Javier Aguirre, Zaragoza possess an experienced squad that includes Uruguay defender Carlos Diogo, Argentina midfielder Leonardo Ponzio and Nigeria forward Ikechukwu Uche. English football fans, meanwhile, will recognise Czech Republic midfielder Jiri Jarosik from spells at Chelsea and Birmingham City, and Paraguay centre-back Paulo de Silva from an 18-month stay at Sunderland. The visit of Zaragoza will mark the fourth time the two clubs have met and the first since West Ham travelled to La Romareda for a pre-season friendly in 1973 which ended in a 4-1 defeat for the Hammers. It was the aforementioned European Cup Winners' Cup semi-final that will conjure fonder memories for West Ham supporters, though. Taking on a potent Zaragoza attack nicknamed 'Los Cinquos Magnificos' - 'The Magnificent Five' - West Ham raced into a two-goal lead in the first leg at the Boleyn Ground through goals from Brian Dear and Johnny Byrne. Zaragoza hit back, meaning the Hammers had a slender 2-1 lead to take to Spain. The second leg started badly as Zaragoza went ahead on the night and ahead in the tie on away goals, only for Johnny Sissons to score an all-important equaliser and send West Ham through to the final, 3-2 on aggregate. At Wembley, of course, West Ham defeated TSV 1860 Munich 2-0 to lift the trophy.
Ticket news for what promises to be an exciting and colourful afternoon at the Boleyn Ground will be announced soon via whufc.com and the club's official twitter feed
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McDonald excited to be here
WHUFC.com
New assistant manager Neil McDonald cannot wait to start work at West Ham United
17.06.2011
Neil McDonald has spoken of his excitement of taking on the challenge of becoming West Ham United's new assistant manager. The former Newcastle United and Everton full-back has been named as Sam Allardyce's No2, reforming the same management team that enjoyed success at Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers.
McDonald, who also enjoyed a season in charge of Carlisle United in 2006/07, told West Ham TV how he and Allardyce would leave no stone unturned in their quest to lead the Hammers back to the Premier League. "Sam asked me to come with him and it took me about two or three seconds to decide that I would," said the 45-year-old. "It's a fantastic, huge football club that needs to be in the Premier League and that's what we're here for - to get back up as soon as we can, in that first season if possible. "We're really looking forward to the season. It's going to be a long season with lots of games compared to the Premier League, but we'll have the players prepared and ready to win as many games as possible and get into a position to get back into the Premier League."
Wallsend-born McDonald visited the Boleyn Ground and Chadwell Heath this week, while he also revealed how he has been in contact with the club's coaching and medical staff ahead of the start of pre-season training on 1 July. "It's definitely great to come down and have a look and get my bearings. I've had a look at the ground and the training ground to see what's there and make preparations for pre-season. "I've been on the phone all the time to the majority of the staff to see where they are at and who they are and to introduce myself, so it's been all go. "That's just the start before coming down on 1 July and it'll be all systems go straight from there."
McDonald was eager to point out that relegation is now a thing of the past, and how the disappointment of the drop must be replaced with the positive attitude required to mount a promotion charge. "We have to look to the future, which is the Championship, and we've got to be as positive as we can. "We've got to set targets as high as we possibly can and reach them as soon as we possibly can, so everything will be well organised and up and running by 1 July when all the players are back. "It'll be good to get to know all the players, to see which ones we can shout at, which ones we can put our arms around and which ones we can have quiet conversations with. To find the dynamics of the team over the six weeks before the start of the season will be very interesting. "We've got lots to look forward to and lots to get stuck into as well."
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Bolton's Ricardo Gardner turns down West Ham offer
Page last updated at 12:30 GMT, Friday, 17 June 2011 13:30 UK
BBC.co.uk
Bolton midfielder Ricardo Gardner has rejected a move to West Ham in favour of staying at the Reebok Stadium. The 32-year-old turned down the chance to work with former boss Sam Allardyce, and is considering a short-term deal offered to him by Wanderers. "It was very tempting for Ricardo to go and play for Sam," Gardner's agent Phil Graham told The Bolton News. "But he didn't want to relocate. He loves the club and the town, and wants to see his career out at Bolton." The Jamaican has been with Bolton since 1998, but appeared on the Premier League's list of released players published on Thursday as his contract with the Trotters had expired.
Gardner would have become West Ham's second signing in the space of 24 hours after their capture of former Newcastle captain Kevin Nolan on a five-year deal on Thursday. West Ham's two summer signings thus far, Nolan and Senegal centre-back Abdoulaye Faye, were both former team-mates of Gardner at Bolton. Sam Allardyce managed all three players during his seven year spell as manager of the Trotters.
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Kevin Nolan signing 'shows West Ham mean business'
Page last updated at 11:34 GMT, Friday, 17 June 2011 12:34 UK
BBC.co.uk
By Phil McNulty, chief football writer
West Ham United co-owner David Gold has labelled the signing of Kevin Nolan as "the coup of the transfer window" - but admits the odds are firmly stacked against England midfield man Scott Parker staying at Upton Park. Former Newcastle United captain Nolan, 28, rejoined his former boss Sam Allardyce on Thursday after signing a five-year contract in a £5m switch from Tyneside. And Gold, who expects further high-profile signings this summer, told BBC Sport: "With the appointment of Sam and now the signing of Kevin Nolan we have put a stake in the sand and shown our commitment to the fans. "It shows we mean business at West Ham United.
"Kevin Nolan has put a real statement of faith in the club and our new manager and we have made a statement to our supporters that we intend to get straight back up into the Premier League. We think this signing is the coup of the transfer window."
The future of Parker will be on the agenda when Allardyce returns from holiday to officially take charge on Monday with Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp hoping to lure him to White Hart Lane. Gold said: "I've not given up hope but I am also a realist and he is an England international. Not many of those play in the Championship. There will be conversations and it is a matter that is now in the hands of Sam and Scotty. "If I'm being honest as a fan I would say it is 50-50 he will stay but as a realistic chairman of the football club I would say it is 80-20 against Scott staying, at best."
England goalkeeper Robert Green is also likely to follow Parker out of the door - but Gold believes the club has been rejuvenated swiftly by the arrival of Allardyce and his swoop for Nolan. He said: "We were thrilled and relieved when we were finally able to name Sam as our manager. We have appointed a Premier League manager and now we have signed a top class, proven Premier League player in Kevin Nolan. "Kevin Nolan hasn't come to Upton Park to play in the Championship, he has come to help take West Ham back up into the Premier League. "Talk is easy but you have got to back it up with action and we have done that. We have done this in a few short weeks and many clubs haven't done any business yet - and I'm confident we will pull off one or two more surprises before the window closes."
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Newcastle boss Pardew reveals delay to Demba Ba deal
Page last updated at 12:50 GMT, Friday, 17 June 2011 13:50 UK
BBC.co.uk
Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has revealed the club are still some distance away from completing a deal for West Ham striker Demba Ba. The Senegal man, who failed a medical at Stoke in January, has visited Tyneside for talks and a medical. "There is an issue about his medical, and there has been in the past," Pardew told BBC Newcastle. "We've got to overcome those things, but hopefully he can join the club. I think he'll be a big success." Pardew added: "He's a player that has a natural eye for a goal, my connections at West Ham are very good and I know everything about him. "I'm pretty relaxed that he can be a success at Newcastle if we can get him but it's a big if at the moment because there are some big hurdles to get across."
The 26-year-old former Hoffenheim forward is understood to have a release clause in the three-year contract he signed with West Ham in January. Ba scored seven goals in 13 appearances for the Hammers in the 2010/2011 season, but could not prevent their relegation from the Premier League. If the deal goes through, he will become the first high-profile name to leave West Ham following their drop down to the Championship. Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is known to be in the market for at least one striker following Andy Carroll's £35m move to Liverpool in January. Ba's potential transfer comes as Newcastle captain Kevin Nolan heads in the opposite direction, signing a five-year deal with the Hammers. His departure is a blow for Pardew, who was keen to retain the services of Nolan, Joey Barton and Jose Enrique, three of his highest earners. However, Nolan rejected the terms of an extension, Barton has not been offered a new deal and Enrique is yet to respond to Newcastle's contract proposal. "The problem we have got is that Jose won't commit to us, although we've offered him a fantastic contract," Pardew continued. "With only a year left, we are vulnerable and we have to have some cover should the worst case scenario happen. "Hopefully it won't happen and I'm still hopeful that Enrique, who was a big player for us last year, will stay and we're still working hard on that."
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That was the season that was: part III
Filed: Friday, 17th June 2011
By: Gordon Thrower
Gordon Thrower's just been carried away kicking and screaming in the general direction of the Priory clinic. Before he departed he left us this, the final part of his review of the season. Those of a nervous disposition are probably supporting the wrong club...
March 2011
The month opens with another of those involved in the Olympic Stadium process ratifying the decision to let us take the place over in a few years' time when the last of the egg & spoon races is done. Mayor Of London Boris Johnson, whose previous involvement in the beautiful game consisted of upending a German with a horror tackle in a charity match, is the latest to rubber-stamp the decision commenting that the move will provide a "a fantastic multi-use venue at the heart of the community." as well as being "one in the eye for all those oiks from North London" (probably).
"Take that you bounder"
The team warms up for the FA Cup trip to Stoke with a comprehensive 3-0 home win against the Potters, goals from Ba, Da Costa and a netbuster from Der Hammer giving us all three points. The win gets us out of the bottom three and gets David Gold out of hospital following his recent illness.
Another invalid on the move is someone called Kieron Dyer who is loaned out to Ipswich Town for a month. "The change of scenery will do me good" claims Dyer, though surely one treatment room looks much like another?
Having been outplayed at football Stoke decide to abandon all pretence at playing the game. A combination of thuggery, diving and one of the most appalling refereeing performances ever seen from an official not called Dean sees the home side prevail 2-1 in the Cup quarter final. Stoke's two goals come from illegal blocks which they later admit they spend time working on in training. However it's Avram Grant that gets hit with a misconduct charge when he agrees that the actions of referee Mike Jones might have had an influence on proceedings. Jones spends the whole of the second half awarding dubious decision after dubious decision to the home side, culminating in the awarding of a free kick against James Tomkins when thug Robert Huth hauls him to the ground in the box late on. Few are upset when Stoke eventually get their comeuppance in the final. Anti football at its worst.
Talking of disgraceful referees, Mike Dean he makes himself the centre of attention at White Hart Lane by making Gareth Bale change his white undershorts (which are a different colour from the black bits of his kit shorts) for a pair of black undershorts (which turn out to be a different colour from the white bits of his kit shorts). Say what you like about Dean but he certainly knows how to stamp out on the major issues that threaten this fine game of ours. Except, of course, for those that actually matter. In the match itself Rob Green plays an absolute blinder as the home side are held to a creditable 0-0 draw. So long and thanks for the four points then.
Put out by their failure to beat Robert Green, Spurs call for a judicial review of the match claiming that the 'keeper was "trying too hard" and that the change in Bale's undershorts had a material effect on the result of the match. I think there was some stuff in there as well about the Olympic Stadium but I was too busy yawning to notice.
April 2011
The month opens with a report that the Boleyn Pub is to be moved brick by brick to the Olympic site. Spurs call for a judicial review on the grounds that it ought to be moved brick by brick to Crystal Palace instead before anyone realises that it's an April Fool's joke. It is of course the Duke Of Edinburgh that is to be moved brick by brick.
Another poor refereeing performance hands Man Utd a 4-2 win at the Boleyn. We go into the interval 2-0 up courtesy of two Noble penalties. The second half is a different story as ref Lee Mason takes over. Vidic is lucky to be on the pitch after committing a string of yellow and (at least one straight red) card offences. A Rooney hat-trick courtesy of a free-kick awarded following a dive and a penalty for a ball hit at Upson from behind from two feet. Hernandez adds a fourth whilst ref Lee Mason takes home the match ball. Rooney says something very rude into a camera after one of his goals but Mason is more restrained in his celebrations.
Avram Grant is given a two match ban from the touchline for querying the performance of ref Mike Jones in the Stoke match. Meanwhile Jones escapes punishment for a 90 minutes that was at best incompetent and at worst dishonest. (FA please note: I pay for my season ticket so you can't ban me from the touchline).
Charges against Hammers' fan Robert Mortimer for violent disorder at the infamous 2009 Millwall League Cup match are dropped as it transpires that footage of the terrifying assault perpetrated by the back of his head on an innocent Metropolitan Police truncheon might just clear him of any wrongdoing. Mortimer was unavailable for comment though his comedy sidekick Vic Reeves was heard to say "Strange – I thought he was a Boro' fan". The Met refuse to comment as to why they have taken 18 months to reach a decision that should have taken 18 seconds to make, but they do announce that they expect some arrests in relation to the Great Train Robbery any day now. Possibly.
Grant sits out the second match of his touchline ban at the Reebok as we indulge in our traditional capitulation to Bolton. 3-0 this time as a performance as woeful as any this season leaves us back in 18th place.
Having failed to secure a place in the 25 man squad and having failed to find another club, an era ends as Benni McCarthy leaves the club "by mutual consent". Shares in Greggs plummet as McCarthy leaves the country. One of McCarthy's unworn playing shirts ends up being sold to the Olympic Authority who confirm that they intend to stick a pole in the top of it and use it as a venue for the equestrian events. Spurs and Leyton Orient begin judicial review proceedings into the deal, Spurs suggesting that the shirt could be used as an annexe to the Boleyn pub at Crystal Palace whilst Barry Hearn turns down the chance to use it as a new stadium on the grounds of size: "we'd never fill that".
The FA take time out from what I can only assume is a thorough and complete investigation of why refereeing standards are so poor in this country (clue for you guys: Mike Riley) to spend some time reading players' "Twitter" accounts. A Carlton Cole "joke" about the Ghanaian supporters at the international at Wembley being targeted by immigration officials results in an improper conduct charge. The resulting fine of £20,000 is made up of two elements: £10,000 for the poor quality of the "joke" and £10,000 for wearing undershorts of the wrong colour whilst making the tweet.
Back on the pitch we throw away yet another lead (stop me if you've heard this one before) as we go down 2-1 at home to Villa. A promising start as Keane gives us the lead which once more is thrown away as Bent and a late late winner from Agbonlahor leave us in Mark Knopfler territory. Worse still, a late tackle from ex-Hammer Nigel Reo-Coker leaves Gary O'Neil with a serious – and possibly career threatening – injury as the player is stretchered off.
Buoyed by their success with Carlton Cole in banishing poor quality humour from the internet (Ha! - it's not working here is it!) The FA go on to fine Danny Gabbidon for having a pop back at supporters on his twitter account after criticism following the Villa game. The £6,000 fine might have been greater but nobody could ascertain what colour undershorts the player was wearing at the time. Gabbidon goes on to close down his twitter account which will probably result in the FA fining him for "not having a twitter account" if they ever find out about it.
Manuel Da Costa appears before the beak on charges of common and sexual assault. The player admits the common assault charge but the sexual assault charge is slated for trial in September.
Happier news from the world of journalism as the assorted hacks of the Football Writers' Association sober up long enough to vote Scott Parker as "Footballer Of The Year", the first Hammer to take the award since Bobby Moore in 1963/64. The unusual award (the hacks are usually too blinkered to vote for anyone outside the top 4) is met with almost universal approval from those within the game though a judicial review from Spurs cannot be far away.
We travel – many of us by boat – to Chelsea where some of the home crowd are actually paid to wave flags when they are told to. Fernando Torres capitalises on a slippery pitch to score his only goal thus far for the Pensioners who take the three points in a very flattering 3-0 win. Tellingly, more people in the home crowd recognise Torres than recognise their all time top scorer Bobby Tambling. Meanwhile thousands of Hammers clean up at the bookies having stuck money on Torres breaking his duck for the easiest win most will get out of Ladbrokes if they live to be 100.
The owners have been quiet for a bit and, prompted by our concern over their (relative) silence, Sullivan decides to go for one of his motivational speeches designed to raise morale, lift spirits and boost our chances of staying up. "We've got a 75% chance of going down" he announces. And there was us thinking our season had been saved back in November when we beat Wigan.
May 2011
The month starts with another away defeat as we go down 2-1 at Man City. De Jong and Jacobsen (og) put us on the path to a walloping before City take their foot off the pedal. Ba pulls one back but, despite a spirited performance we return pointless.
Attempts to discover from the board what our percentage chances are of staying up after the final whistle at Eastlands are thwarted by the fact that none of them have actually attended the match. The table laden with sandwiches provided by City remains untouched. Gold has a note from his appropriate adult pointing out that he's been a bit poorly lately. Brady cites a clash with her daughter's birthday party as the reason for her absence whilst Sullivan simply admits that he couldn't be bothered watching that load of rubbish what with the away performances having been so bad this season. As the week progresses Brady has a Wildean riposte for those who have criticised her absence. "Bog Off" she says. Meanwhile ex-Hammer Benni McCarthy phones City boss Mancini: "It's ok I'm not after a game," he says, "I was just wondering whether you'd thrown those sandwiches away yet."
As usual we boss the first half of the latest "must win" match against Blackburn only to find ourselves one down at the interval to a goal from (also as usual) Jason Roberts. Der Hammer salvages a second half point for us whilst Keane does the same for Blackburn by missing the latest in a number of sitters from the edge of the six yard box. Wolves' win the following day against West Brom just about confirms relegation though technically there are a number of scenarios that could see us safe in one of the tightest ends to a season at the bottom end for some time. Some of which involve neither judicial review nor an investigation into players' undershorts.
Alas relegation is finally confirmed the following week as (yet again stop me if you've heard this one before etc etc..) we throw away a two goal lead, this time at Wigan. Ba's brace gives the 4,500 travelling support some hope before N'Zogbia (2) and Sammon finally confirm both the drop and bottom place. An aerial banner bearing the slogan "Avram Grant Millwall legend" surprisingly turns out to have been paid for by Millwall supporters rather than West Ham fans. Hundreds of Millwall supporters laugh when they have it read to them. More laugh once it is explained to them. Meanwhile Grant barely makes it off the pitch before being handed his P45, a document which, on closer inspection appears to have the word "January" scribbled out and replaced by the word "May".
The Wigan match is followed by the club's "Gala" end of season dinner, a glittering affair in the West End that we couldn't afford to go to, what with server hosting fees being what they are. The event is marred by the antics of a drunken fan who confronts Dember Ba over the team's performances. A minor altercation takes place that, by the time it gets onto the internet, has become a major diplomatic incident involving tanks, fighter planes and the intervention of the United Nations before it gets resolved. When the dust has settled it appears that, contrary to rumour, Ba has not refused to sign his name on the grounds that he is too tired, amusing though the concept is of a two letter signature being too much for a professional footballer to manage without an attack of the vapours.
Kevin Keen takes over for the final match of the season at home to Sunderland, an exercise in pointlessness rivalling that of handing a Spurs fan a book with no pictures in. The crowd vote with their feet with many providing notes from their appropriate adults or citing daughters' birthday parties as excuses for their failure to attend. Many just use the Sullivan excuse of having had enough before staying away from a turgid 3-0 defeat. Scotty Parker is presented with the Hammer of The year award for the third year running, emulating the achievement of Sir Trev all those years ago.
Also relegated with us are Blackpool, who'll be missed in the Premiership, and Birmingham, who won't. QPR and Norwich are the automatic replacements, QPR surviving an enquiry into the fielding of a player with problems regarding third-party ownership. The disciplinary hearing hears that it is "not possible for a single player to influence a club's league position". Letters sent to Sheffield United C/O The Championship asking for our money back are returned unopened marked "Gone away try League 1". They are joined by Swansea who beat Reading in a thrilling play-off final notable for the fact that the Reading chairman seems to have mislaid his hairpiece since we last saw him.
Also at Wembley, Barcelona just fail to emulate the mighty Irons, only beating Man Utd 3-1 in the Champions League final. They are impressive enough though as Ferguson's moaners are given a footballing lesson. The word "superinjunction" is on everyones' lips in the run up to the match as a Man Utd player is revealed to have slept with someone else I also couldn't give a monkeys' about.
Post-season
The next few weeks are spent in looking for a new boss. Hats are thrown into the ring by the likes of Tony Carr MBE and Kevin Keen. Martin O'Neill becomes strongly tipped for the post but reportedly decides against coming for the second time in six months.
Sullivan announces that the new boss is someone who will meet with "universal approval" from supporters before announcing that Sam Allardyce is to be the 14th manager of the club. Obviously a definition of the word "universal" of which I'd been previously unaware. Or "approval". It's fair to say fans are divided on the appointment – many having memories of the "anti-football" played by the likes of Blackburn and Bolton during his tenure there. Others will suggest that it's that sort of game that will be required to get us back up.
Having sorted out the managerial position we look at the playing personnel. Upson's contract isn't going to be renewed whilst it seems likely that Ba, Parker, Green and possibly Hitzlsperger will all be on the move. Hines refuses a new contract, whilst the treatment room seems set to say a tearful goodbye to Kieron Dyer, whose departure is likely to lead to redundancy for a possible 200 East End physiotherapists all of whom have made a lucrative living from treating the luckless midfielder. Some clubs are eyeing up Carlton Cole whose BAFTA for the best series of Comedy goals in a season puts him firmly in line for the remake of "Escape To Victory" that some idiot is no doubt considering as we speak.
On the "players in" side of the equation excitement levels are raised to fever pitch as the announcement of Abdoulaye Faye's arrival is made. In the Faye household anyway. Meanwhile things are made a little more interesting by the possibly mis-heard news that one of the Nolan sisters is having a medical at the Boleyn, though she's probably in a different room to the one that Shaun Wright-Phillips has allegedly been in for the last ten years or so, thus preventing the need for another superinjunction.
The question of the club's ownership is raised once more as Air Asia/Team Lotus boss Tony Fernandes makes a "substantial/derisory" (take your pick) bid for the club by way of twitter. Full details of the bid are not released but SuGo dismiss it as "two bob". The prospect of an airline boss owning the club raises hopes of cut price season tickets. A leaked pricing structure promising £50 season tickets looks promising until it transpires that there'll be an extra £200 payable to actually enter the ground. Plus another £200 if you want to do so on matchday. A further £200 will be due if you want to see the pitch whilst surcharges and other taxes will add a further ton. Still those over-sized Toblerones will make a change from the half-time KitKats.
So, on the whole we're back where we were when I started writing all this. A pre-season tour up an alp somewhere is in prospect, possibly involving another match to be watched by a goat. A new manager is in tow and there's lots of speculation as to who's going to be in the team next season. Clouds have silver linings and there are a number of good looking away trips to savour – though many of those will, sadly, involve trips to clubs that play music after goals, a crime which I believe is still punishable by death in certain more enlightened countries.
Whatever happens you can bet it won't be dull and that this time next year I'll be locked away in the KUMB towers' broom cupboard having to relive the last 12 months once more. Enjoy your break!
Can I come out now please?
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Bye bye Badman
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 17th June 2011
By: Staff Writer
Demba Ba is in Newcastle discussing terms over a permanent move. The Senegalese striker is set to move to the north east having rejected West Ham's double-your-money offer, which would have seen him earn £50,000 per week in the Championship. Having travelled to Newcastle yesterday, the 26-year-old looks set to put pen to paper on a deal sometime this weekend - barring any last-minute mishaps. Ba joined West Ham in January, just days after he failed a medical with Stoke City due to serious concerns over the condition of his knees. Stoke had already agreed to pay Ba's former club Hoffenheim £7million for the player. However West Ham, who are understood to have paid a nominal fee in order to bring Ba to the UK are unlikely to receive anything after the player activated a 'get out clause' in his contract that allowed him to talk to other clubs in the event of West Ham being relegated from the Premier League.
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Bibishambles
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 17th June 2011
By: Staff Writer
Ricardo Gardner has failed a medical, ending his hopes of joining West Ham. The Jamaican full-back - nicknamed 'Bibi' by his older brother - was set to be unveiled by the club with Kevin Nolan yesterday in a dual signing. However that plan was scrapped after the 32-year-old, who suffered a major knee injury last season failed the club's tests.
On Wednesday, West Ham released a statement confirming that 'the club hope to announce two new signings within the next 24 hours', adding that 'both prospective arrivals are proven Premier League players and will add greatly to new manager Sam Allardyce's first-team squad'. However those plans are now in tatters, with Allardyce back to the drawing board in search of a capable left back. Herita Ilunga, who failed to make the club's 25-man Premier League squad last January is currently the only experienced full back at the club, with Wayne Bridge having returned to Manchester City following a relatively disappointing loan spell.
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Gardner snubbed Irons, says agent
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 17th June 2011
By: Staff Writer
Ricardo Gardner's agent has denied that his client failed a medical at West Ham. The Jamaican full-back had looked set to join West Ham on a two-year deal and team up with former team mates Kevin Nolan and Abdoulaye Faye once again. However his move was cancelled after it was revelaed West Ham were far from certain that Gardner's dodgy knee, which kept him out of acton for much of last season, could cope with the pressures of an arduous 46-game Championship season. But not so according to agent Phil Graham, who claimed today that it was Gardner who rejected the move - for family reasons. "It was very tempting for Ricardo to go and play for Sam, as a former manager, and one he enjoyed a lot of success with," Graham told the Bolton News. "But he didn't particularly want to relocate, and his family certainly didn't want to relocate. "He loves the club and the town and wants to see his career out at Bolton - and more importantly, in the Premier League." Gardner - who is said to have likewise rejected overtures from Norwich City and an unnamed team in the MLS - is now set to sign a one-year contract with Bolton on reduced terms.
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Gold on Parker
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 17th June 2011
By: Staff Writer
David Gold says that it is not a certainly that Scott Parker will be leaving West Ham this summer. Parker, who was the subject of a £4million bid from Tottenham yesterday has made no secret of the fact that he would like to play in the Premier League next season, despite having signed a five-year contract at West Ham just nine months ago. However with only Tottenham having thus far made a bid - and a derisory one at that - the midfielder's chances of escaping West Ham and the Championship appear rather less nailed-on than they did a month ago, following Parker's Football Writer's award. Gold, speaking to SSN this morning said: "It is a difficult situation. Sam Allardyce is still to speak to Scott we haven't given up on the possibility of keeping him. "This will be an issue for Sam when he is back in the office on Monday. That is when the hard works starts."
Gold's comments were in stark contrast to those he made at the beginning of May when he intimated that all of the club's England internationals would be sold in the event of relegation. "It's unrealistic to ask an England player to come down and play in the Championship because it impacts on his career," he told the BBC. "We've got to be realistic; it really is just not fair to ask a player to stay."
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Big Sam faces Cardiff
Life back in the Championship for Hammers begins at home
Last Updated: June 17, 2011 10:45am
SSN
West Ham are facing up to life back in the Championship and new manager Sam Allardyce will start his tenure at home to Cardiff on 6th August. The Hammers will be keen to bounce back at the first attempt and Cardiff have been in the promotion mix themselves in recent seasons so there should be a full house at Upton Park for what is likely to be a lively start to the campaign. Allardyce will then take his men to Doncaster and Watford after the opener, before Leeds come calling on 20th August. There is not much love lost between West Ham and Millwall fans and the Hammers will travel to the Den to face their local rivals on 17th September, before hosting the return match on 4th February. Hammers fans can also look forward to a pair of local derbies against Crystal Palace and they will head to Selhurst Park on 1st October before playing host to the Eagles on 25th February. Over Christmas, West Ham will visit Birmingham on Boxing Day and Derby on New Year's Eve, and they will finish the season at home to Hull on 28th April. Click here for a full rundown of West Ham's fixtures for the 2011/12 season
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Championship fixtures: West Ham to start against Cardiff
BBC.co.uk
Page last updated at 08:00 GMT, Friday, 17 June 2011 09:00 UK
West Ham will begin life back in the Championship with a tough-looking home fixture against last season's play-off semi-finalists Cardiff. Blackpool will travel to Hull while Birmingham, the third club to be relegated from the Premier League, start their campaign at Derby. Steve McClaren's first game in charge of Nottingham Forest will be a home encounter against Barnsley. Promoted Brighton will open their new stadium against Doncaster.
Opening Championship fixtures
Saturday, 6 August
Brighton v Doncaster
Bristol City v Ipswich
Burnley v Watford
Coventry v Leicester
Derby v Birmingham
Hull v Blackpool
Middlesbrough v Portsmouth
Nottm Forest v Barnsley
Peterborough v Crystal Palace
Reading v Millwall
Southampton v Leeds
West Ham v Cardiff
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Gold hopeful over Parker
West Ham co-owner also hails new signing Nolan
By James Dall - Follow me on Twitter @James_Dall. Last Updated: June 17, 2011 11:01am
SSN
West Ham United co-owner David Gold has insisted the club have not given up hope of keeping Scott Parker. England international Parker is expected to leave the Hammers this summer following their relegation to the Championship. A host of Premier League sides have been linked with a swoop for Parker, but Gold is hopeful new boss Sam Allardyce could convince him to stay. He told Sky Sports News: "That is a difficult situation. Sam Allardyce is still to speak to Scott Parker, we haven't given up on the possibility of keeping him. "This will be an issue for Sam when he is back in the office on Monday. That is when the hard works starts."
Quality player
Gold also hailed the recent acquisition of Kevin Nolan from Newcastle United, expressing his belief that the midfielder will prove a fine signing. "He is a quality player. I think the relationship between him and Sam is important and I think he is captain material," said Gold. "It is a real coup for West Ham. He is the type of player we can build the squad around." Nolan arrives at Upton Park having managed an impressive return of 29 league goals in 85 matches for Newcastle.
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Gardner turns down Hammers
Bolton full-back decides to stay in Premier League
Last Updated: June 17, 2011 11:15am
SSN
Ricardo Gardner has decided to remain at Bolton after rejecting the chance to move to West Ham on a free transfer, according to the player's representative. Gardner had appeared set to make the switch to Upton Park, where he would have been reunited with former Trotters boss Sam Allardyce. His agent, Phil Graham, admits he did consider joining the Hammers but ultimately felt that he would be better off staying in the Premier League with Bolton. The 32-year-old appeared on the Premier League's list of released players published on Thursday as his contract at the Reebok Stadium had expired.
Tempting
But the Jamaican is now expected to agree a short-term deal offered to him by Wanderers. "It was very tempting for Ricardo to go and play for Sam, as a former manager, and one he enjoyed a lot of success with," Graham told the Bolton News. "But he didn't particularly want to relocate, and his family certainly didn't want to relocate. "He loves the club and the town, and wants to see his career out at Bolton, and more importantly in the Premier League."
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Gold welcomes Cardiff test
West Ham co-owner looking forward to Bluebirds litmus test
By James Dall - Follow me on Twitter @James_Dall. Last Updated: June 17, 2011 10:45am
SSN
West Ham United co-owner David Gold is happy to have been drawn against Cardiff City for their first Championship fixture of the 2011/12 campaign. The Bluebirds reached the play-offs last season, and Gold is relishing the chance to see how the Hammers fare against the Welsh club on 6th August. Gold feels the match will be a decent litmus test of whether Sam Allardyce's team are ready to make a swift return to the top flight. He told Sky Sports News: "We have got a fantastic challenge ahead of us to get out of this division and back into the Premier League. "I am actually quite pleased that we have Cardiff as our first game. They were one of the big sides in the division last year. "We will get a good idea of how we are going to do for the rest of the season. I am glad to have avoided the promoted clubs. "We know the season is going to be tough. But we feel we will be well equipped."
McLeish
Gold was also quizzed on Aston Villa's decision to appoint Alex McLeish as manager, the Scot having worked under Gold at Birmingham. "I guess we are all surprised, but in football nothing should surprise us," said Gold. "What I can say is that of all the managers I have worked with over the years the best manager I have worked with has been Alex McLeish. "But we didn't consider him for the West Ham job as we felt we couldn't go back. "I think it would have been really insensitive for us to have pursued him whilst he was Birmingham manager."
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Early Fixtures Benefit Hammers
June 17th, 2011 - 10:05 am by Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
Next season's fixtures have been published this morning. The full list is on the club website. Copyight rules mean I can't publish the full list here. Looking at the August fixtures you'd have to hope that we'd be top or thereabouts by the end of the month. We play Cardiff aand Leeds, at home and Watford, Nottingham Forest and Doncaster away. In September we have Portsmouth, Peterborough and Ipswich at home and, er, Millwall away. That's a fixture I shall certainly be staying away from.
We've also got Aldershot in the League Cup first round in the week after our first home match against Cardiff. I seem to remember we once had a dodgy FA Cup game against them some years ago. Or maybe my memory is playing tricks.
Slightly disappointing that the Boxing Day fixture is Birmingham away. We finish the season (remarkably early on 28 April) with a home match against Hull City.
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Hammers still hope to keep Parker
Published: Today
The Sun
WEST HAM will make one last ditch bid to keep Scott Parker at the club. The Hammers look certain to lose the services of the £10million-rated star, who was their one bright light in a season that ended in relegation last term. Arsenal and Tottenham have both been linked with a move for the 30-year-old England international. But new West Ham boss Sam Allardyce will make one final effort to convince Parker to lead the club back into the Premier League. Hammers co-owner David Gold said: "Until Sam gets back and speaks to him we haven't given up on the possibility that we can keep Scott Parker. "That will be an issue for Sam. He will be back in the office on Monday and I guess that's when the hard work starts."
If Parker does move on, Allardyce has a ready-made replacement in midfield in the shape of Kevin Nolan. The 28-year-old has dropped down a division to link up with his old Bolton boss after leaving Newcastle in a £3.5m switch. And Gold feels his club have pulled off a major coup in landing a player who scored 12 top-flight goals last term. Gold said: "He is a quality, quality player. "The relationship between him and Sam is very important. He's captaincy material, he's got that determination, will and desire to win which Sam has and the owners have. "I know the fans are delighted, it's an absolute coup for West Ham. "If we were still in the Premier League you would expect West Ham to be pursuing a player of his quality so to be in the Championship and persuade a great player to come to us...this is the player we can build our squad around — an iconic player."
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Ricardo snubs Hammers
Published: Today
The Sun
BOLTON midfielder Ricardo Gardner has turned down the chance to join West Ham on a free transfer. The 32-year-old's deal with Wanderers has expired and he was tempted by the thought of a reunion with old boss Sam Allardyce at Upton Park. But the Jamaican has decided to stick with the Trotters and is currently considering their offer of a new, short-term contract. Gardner's representative Phil Graham said: "It was very tempting for Ricardo to go and play for Sam, as a former manager, and one he enjoyed a lot of success with. "But he didn't particularly want to relocate, and his family certainly didn't want to relocate. "He loves the club and the town, and wants to see his career out at Bolton, and more importantly in the Premier League." Meanwhile, one player on the verge of leaving is keeper Ali Al Habsi. It is understood Wigan are close to matching Bolton's valuation in order to sign the Oman international permanently.
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Campbell: Newcastle selling captain Nolan is just 'strange'
Published 12:49 17/06/11 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
Former Newcastle defender Sol Campbell has expressed his surprise at the club's decision to sell skipper Kevin Nolan. The 28-year-old midfielder joined West Ham on a five-year deal yesterday after rejecting the offer of a contract extension at St James' Park. Kevin Nolan praises Big Sam and 'massive' new club plus aims dig at Newcastle Asked for his reaction, Campbell told Sky Sports News: "Surprised? Yes, because Nobby is a very popular player up there and has done fantastically for the team, especially when they dropped down, coming up and then securing Premier League status the following year. "He's the captain as well, so he is the figurehead at Newcastle, so it was a bit strange for him. "I looked at the situation and it does look a little bit strange, but the business up there is slightly different."
Campbell himself will be a free agent at the end of the month after the option of a second year at St James' was not taken up. The 36-year-old, who was signed by former boss Chris Hughton last summer, made just eight appearances. Asked about his departure from Tyneside, Campbell said: "No comment. The fans are great. It's a fantastic club, it's a massive club and success has definitely eluded them for a long time. "But they keep faith and they are great fans up there. The support around the north-east is second to none up and down the country. "It would be nice for them to win something, really." Campbell signalled his intention to undergo pre-season training with a London club with a view to putting himself in the shop window ahead of the new campaign.
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Hammers still clinging on to Parker hope
Published 10:35 17/06/11 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
West Ham have not abandoned all hope of keeping star midfielder Scott Parker. The Hammers' player of the year is widely expected to move back to the Premier League this summer after the club were relegated, with Tottenham his likely destination. But new manager Sam Allardyce will return from holiday next week and one of his first tasks will be to speak to Parker and find out what the future holds for the 30-year-old England international. "Until Sam gets back and speaks to him we haven't given up on the possibility that we can keep Scott Parker," co-chairman David Gold told Sky Sports News. "That will be an issue for Sam. He will be back in the office on Monday and I guess that's when the hard work starts." If Parker does move on, Allardyce has a ready-made replacement in midfield in the shape of Kevin Nolan. The 28-year-old has dropped down a division to link up with his old Bolton boss after leaving Newcastle for a fee of around £4million. And Gold feels his club have pulled off a major coup in landing a player who scored 12 top-flight goals last term. "He is a quality, quality player," added Gold. "The relationship between him and Sam is very important. He's captaincy material, he's got that determination, will and desire to win which Sam has and the owners have. "I know the fans are delighted, it's an absolute coup for West Ham. "If we were still in the Premier League you would expect West Ham to be pursuing a player of his quality so to be in the Championship and persuade a great player to come to us...this is the player we can build our squad around, an iconic player."
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Hands off, Tottenham! Hammers hopeful of retaining midfield maestro Parker
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 12:08 PM on 17th June 2011
Daily Mail
West Ham have not abandoned all hope of keeping star midfielder Scott Parker. The Hammers' player of the year is widely expected to move back to the Premier League this summer after the club were relegated, with Tottenham his likely destination. But new manager Sam Allardyce will return from holiday next week and one of his first tasks will be to speak to Parker and find out what the future holds for the 30-year-old England international. 'Until Sam gets back and speaks to him we haven't given up on the possibility that we can keep Scott Parker,' co-chairman David Gold said. 'That will be an issue for Sam. He will be back in the office on Monday and I guess that's when the hard work starts.' If Parker does move on, Allardyce has a ready-made replacement in midfield in the shape of Kevin Nolan. The 28-year-old has dropped down a division to link up with his old Bolton boss after leaving Newcastle for a fee of around £4million. And Gold feels his club have pulled off a major coup in landing a player who scored 12 top-flight goals last term. 'He is a quality, quality player,' added Gold. 'The relationship between him and Sam is very important. He's captaincy material, he's got that determination, will and desire to win which Sam has and the owners have. 'I know the fans are delighted, it's an absolute coup for West Ham. 'If we were still in the Premier League you would expect West Ham to be pursuing a player of his quality so to be in the Championship and persuade a great player to come to us...this is the player we can build our squad around, an iconic player.'
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Scott Parker could still stay at West Ham
Ken Dyer
17 Jun 2011
Evening Standard
West Ham have not abandoned all hope of keeping star midfielder Scott Parker. The Hammers' player of the year is widely expected to move back to the Premier League this summer after the club were relegated, with Tottenham his most likely destination. But new manager Sam Allardyce will return from holiday next week and one of his first tasks will be to speak to Parker and find out what the future holds for the England international. "Until Sam gets back and speaks to him, we haven't given up on the possibility that we can keep Scott Parker," co-chairman David Gold told Sky Sports News. "That will be an issue for Sam. "He will be back in the office on Monday and I guess that's when the hard work starts."
If Parker does move on, Allardyce has a ready-made replacement in midfield in Kevin Nolan. The 28-year-old has dropped down a division to link up with his old Bolton boss after leaving Newcastle for a fee of around £4million. And Gold feels his club have pulled off a major coup in landing a player who scored 12 goals last term. "He is a quality player," added Gold. The relationship between him and Sam is important. He's captaincy material, he's got that determination, will and desire to win which Sam and the owners have."
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Hagland's transfer latest: 17th June
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 17th June 2011
By: Matthew Hagland
Matthew Hagland takes us through all the big transfer news of the week...
West Ham United
Kevin Nolan has completed his move to the east end, signing a five-year deal. It is widely felt that Nolan should be handed the captain's armband. His reaction to the question of 'would you like to captain West Ham'? "Definitely. I'd never shy away from wearing the captain's armband." The signing has been seen as a major turning point in West Ham's fortunes.
Abdoulaye Faye has likewise completed a deal to take him to Upton Park; he will link up with his new team mates on June 30th. The powerful centre back was a huge success at Stoke and many Potters fans have shown their disappointment at the club's failure to keep hold of him.
Ricardo Gardner was set to sign a two-year deal with the Hammers after rejecting a new contract offer from Bolton, although we now understand he has failed a medical. The 32-year-old left back would have filled the void left by Wayne Bridge whose loan spell has ended. Herita Ilunga has failed to show the form the Congolese full back enjoyed in his first season.
Yakubu (Aiyegbeni, to give him his full name) is yet again being linked with a move to West Ham after a deal collapsed between the Nigerian striker and Leicester City. There is a possibility for West Ham to move for the Everton player if the terms were right. With Demba Ba expected to leave this summer, and with a proven scoring record, it could be an ideal move.
Demba Ba, as mentioned above is set to go the other way with Alan Pardew keen to take the hit-man to St James Park. With Ba's lack of enthusiasm to stay at the club that gave him his chance in England, there is nothing that can be done due to the free transfer clause in his contract which has been activated by the player.
A reported £4million pound bid from Tottenham for Scott Parker has been turned down by West Ham, being nowhere near the reported asking price of £12million. It is expected that Spurs will return with an improved offer.
Victor Obinna is ready to make a switch to Turkish giants Galatasaray according to a source close to the player. The same source has said he is to reject moves to Napoli and Stoke. An on/off season for West Ham - that followed similar form during his time at Inter Milan - has led to Obinna being handed a free transfer.
Championship Latest
Alex McLeish has dealt a huge blow to Birmingham's promotion chances after leaving to join hated neighbours Aston Villa. With key players also set to leave - and the best managers already at clubs - it's hard to see the Blues getting promoted next season.
Robert Earnshaw is a transfer target for Crystal Palace after being released from Nottingham Forest on Monday. The Welsh international rumoured to be interesting numerous clubs.
Birmingham City have confirm the signing of former Dundee United player Morgaro Gomis after he rejected an improved contract offer from the SPL club.
Watford have announced that they have given permission for Cardiff City to talk to manager Malky MacKay, the former West Ham centre half.
Ipswich want to sign 29 year-old Preston striker Nathan Ellington to partner Michael Chopra for their promotion push next season.
Transfers from the rest of the footballing world
Liverpool are targeting Santi Cazorla from Villarreal after the Spanish side have made him available for €20million.
After reported talks with Manchester United stalled, Samir Nasri is set to play out the rest of his contract with Arsenal.
The Gunners are set to pay £15million to Bolton for defender Gary Cahill after not-so-secret talks.
Samuel Eto'o has said he wants to leave the San Siro for a move to England so he can prove himself in the Premier League; Chelsea are leading the race for the Cameroon veteran.
Chelsea are set to make an improved offer for Luka Modric after they had a £22million pound bid turned down by Tottenham. Harry Redknapp branded the bid 'ridiculous' - 24 hours before bidding £4million for Scott Parker...
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Cardiff City face tough West Ham trip on opening day of Championship
Walesonline.co.uk
Jun 17 2011
CARDIFF CITY will take on relegated West Ham on the opening day of next season's Championship. The Bluebirds travel to Upton Park on August 6 to face Sam Allardyce's (pictured) side, followed by home matches against Bristol City and Brighton. If Watford boss Malky Mackay becomes Cardiff manager, as is expected later today, he will face a Boxing Day trip to his former club, with the Bluebirds' New Years Eve fixture away to Nottingham Forest. Cardiff's run-in sees them take on Leeds United at the Cardiff City Stadium on April 21, before a final fixture away at Crystal Palace on April 28.
West Ham owner David Gold said he's pleased to welcome the Bluebirds first up, claiming: "We have to face the fact that we are in the Championship now." "We have a fantastic challenge ahead and I'm quite pleased at having Cardiff. They were one of the big sides last year and we'll get a good idea of how we're going to do from that game."
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