Chairman comes to Fry's aid
WHUFC.com
Joint-Chairman David Gold was quick to come to close friend Barry Fry's aid
when he fell ill
24.06.2012
Larger- than- life Barry Fry has West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Gold
to thank for making a speedy recovery from serious illness. Fry was taken
very ill whilst attending the Football League Chairmen's' Conference in
Portugal with a serious kidney infection. So alarmed was Gillingham chairman
Paul Scally for the Peterborough United Director of Football that he
contacted their mutual friend Gold asking for help. And the the
Joint-Chairman did not hesitate in rushing his private jet out to Faro
Airport where Fry was airlifted home and taken straight to hospital.
Fry said: "I will be forever grateful to David. It was a tremendous thing to
do. I thought I was going to die and needed help fast and he was there for
me. I worked as DG's manager at Birmingham City and know him to be a
wonderfully kind-hearted man but that was a magnificent gesture. "I was in
an awful lot of trouble with what was a severe and painful kidney infection
and he was there for me."
Mr Gold added: "Barry is a very good friend of mine and I was pleased I was
in a position to help. My jet was airborne within minutes of getting the
call. "I have been in the same position - feeling ill abroad and the only
place you want to be is back home fast. I was just glad I could help and
delighted he's now made a full recovery. He's promised to buy me dinner but
then again he's been promising to do that for years!."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wynning formula
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid was happy to host some fellow Kiwis at the Boleyn Ground
24.06.2012
New Zealand football legend Wynton Rufer was a welcome guest of fellow Kiwi
Winston Reid at the npower Championship visit of Brighton & Hove Albion last
season.
Rufer, who was voted Oceania Footballer of the Century and enjoyed a
successful playing career in Germany, Japan, Switzerland and his homeland,
was a pioneer of New Zealand football when he signed for Norwich City in
1981. Unfortunately, the teenager did not receive a work permit to move to
England, opting instead to join Swiss club FC Zurich in May 1982.
Later the same year, the striker appeared for the All Whites at the FIFA
World Cup in Spain, appearing in group-stage defeats by Scotland, the Soviet
Union and Brazil. After seven seasons in Switzerland, where he scored a
total of 87 goals for Zurich, FC Aarau and Grasshopper-Club Zurich, Rufer
joined German Bundesliga high-fliers SV Werder Bremen in the summer of 1989.
The forward proved a hit at Werder, forging a potent partnership with Klaus
Allofs as the club won the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1992. The following
season, 1992/93, he finished joint-top scorer in the UEFA Champions League
and helped Werder to the league title. After a short but successful spell in
Japan with JEF United Ichihara in 1995 and 1996, Rufer returned to Germany
with Kaiserslautern before finishing his career in his homeland with Central
United and North Shore United and Australian National Soccer League club
Kingz. The former Werder Bremen striker came along to the 6-0 win over the
Seagulls complete with a group of talented players from the Wynton Rufer
Soccer School of Excellence. The school has been running for more than 15
years in New Zealand, with bases in Auckland, Wellington, Hawkes Bay,
Christchurch and Dunedin offering coaching for youngsters aged five to 17.
Rufer also has contacts at Academies in Germany and Japan.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
What We Can Expect From Mohammed Diame?
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
Martin Tarbuck edits the excellent Wigan Athletic fansite, the Mudhutter and
he has written a very interesting piece on what West Ham can expect from our
new midfield signing, Mohammed Diame. Clearly Wigan fans would have liked to
keep him.
When Mo joined it's fair to say, he didn't exactly set the place alight. A
£3m joint signing in the summer of 2009 from Rayo Vallecano along with
centre half Antonio Amaya, an absolute rock of a man, rugged, handsome,
sturdy but with the ability to turn into a gibbering wreck when put under
moderate pressure by the likes of Lee Hughes and Johan Elmander. Diame
though looked the real deal and soon enough he was. We nearly didn't sign
him at all due to a heart scare, which is supposedly still around in that he
has an irregular heart beat but the more games he played for us, the more
ludicrous it became to believe that this midfield powerhouse could possibly
have a dicky ticker.
Whereas Amaya barely made a handful of appearances leading us to conclude he
had just been signed as a friend to keep Momo company, Diame was always in
the team under Martinez and his performances broadly reflected the direction
of Wigan Athletic as a whole. In the first year when we suffered many large
reversals, Diame was symbolic of those games: a shoulder shrugging, lost
sheep with bags of ability but no heart (no pun intended), one of many
foreign mercenaries to wear the shirt of Wigan Athletic at a time when we
seemed to be destined for the drop.
Yet in many ways, Diame was a pioneer of the resurgence at the business end
of the season. Capable of matching the best in the game. A rangy, box to box
midfielder with energy, drive, sublime ball skills and passing range, long
legs perfect for taking the ball off his more illustrious opposite numbers
and driving goalwards. Of course, forming an opinion off youtube is
dangerous but what's not to like about this?
Apart from the music. The one weakness has always been his shooting and
indeed a year or two ago at a fans' forum, a fan asked Martinez whether it
would be possible for Momo to stay behind for a bit of extra shooting
practice to up his goal tally. "The problem there is, if Momo gets ten goals
a season, then he's off." Therein lies the quandary of modern football, we
nurture our players, accept their flaws and watch then develop and then get
forced to flog them because they are commanding bigger wages.
The strange thing in Diame's case is that he hasn't actually featured much
since Christmas. Essentially he was a pivotal part of the team that amassed
a whopping 15 points in 23 games until the end of January but barely
featured in a team that went on to get 28 points from the remaining 15
beating Liverpool, United, Arsenal and Newcastle in the process. This is
merely a crumb of comfort from a Wigan fans' perspective in the future and
not intended to ignore Diame's undoubted talent.
His contribution to the run in was to come off the bench and miss a pair of
sitters against Norwich and West Brom which cost us four points when we
really looked doomed. It may just be that Roberto knew both Hugo and Momo
were leaving and chose to use them sparingly whilst thinking of next
season's continuity. They could have both been flogged in January with this
in mind but that would have been akin to waving the white flag at the time
with Latics rooted in the relegation zone. As it happens, players like
McArthur and Maloney came to the fore and Momo struggled to get back in the
team, understandably as they were playing out of their skins.
This is not to detract from a fantastic player who will be sorely missed by
most Wigan Athletic fans, many of whom are asking why West Ham? I think we
know the answer to the question and it comes in paper and shiny gold form.
Again, we know our place, we know Wigan Athletic are a small club and West
Ham won the World Cup and are a far bigger and more illustrious club than
our own, but is this a step up? How will West Ham's aspirations and likely
achievements differ from Wigan Athletic's? Why join a newly promoted club
and leave an established Premier League club of eight years?
Apart from the music. The one weakness has always been his shooting and
indeed a year or two ago at a fans' forum, a fan asked Martinez whether it
would be possible for Momo to stay behind for a bit of extra shooting
practice to up his goal tally. "The problem there is, if Momo gets ten goals
a season, then he's off."
Therein lies the quandary of modern football, we nurture our players, accept
their flaws and watch then develop and then get forced to flog them because
they are commanding bigger wages.
The strange thing in Diame's case is that he hasn't actually featured much
since Christmas. Essentially he was a pivotal part of the team that amassed
a whopping 15 points in 23 games until the end of January but barely
featured in a team that went on to get 28 points from the remaining 15
beating Liverpool, United, Arsenal and Newcastle in the process. This is
merely a crumb of comfort from a Wigan fans' perspective in the future and
not intended to ignore Diame's undoubted talent.
His contribution to the run in was to come off the bench and miss a pair of
sitters against Norwich and West Brom which cost us four points when we
really looked doomed. It may just be that Roberto knew both Hugo and Momo
were leaving and chose to use them sparingly whilst thinking of next
season's continuity. They could have both been flogged in January with this
in mind but that would have been akin to waving the white flag at the time
with Latics rooted in the relegation zone. As it happens, players like
McArthur and Maloney came to the fore and Momo struggled to get back in the
team, understandably as they were playing out of their skins.
This is not to detract from a fantastic player who will be sorely missed by
most Wigan Athletic fans, many of whom are asking why West Ham? I think we
know the answer to the question and it comes in paper and shiny gold form.
Again, we know our place, we know Wigan Athletic are a small club and West
Ham won the World Cup and are a far bigger and more illustrious club than
our own, but is this a step up? How will West Ham's aspirations and likely
achievements differ from Wigan Athletic's? Why join a newly promoted club
and leave an established Premier League club of eight years?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gary gets his Irons out
The Sun
By DAVID READING
Last Updated: 25th June 2012
WEST HAM ace Gary O'Neil is getting his Irons out as he eyes a place in
golf's Open Championship. The Hammers midfielder tees up in a qualifying
event today in a bid to make the field at Royal Lytham & St Annes next
month. And although he is unlikely to leave Rory McIlroy quaking in his
spikes, O'Neil is dreaming of turning professional when his football days
are over. He said: "I am realistic enough to know I need to improve a lot
but if I could be a pro golfer when my football career ends it would
definitely be something I would look to do. "But my problem at the moment is
consistency. My bad shots can go 50 yards off line and that will cost you
two shots straightaway. "I don't think there is anything major that needs
changing, it's just about having the time to be able to practise." O'Neil,
29, is battling 118 golfers in a regional qualifer at The London Golf Club.
But the scratch golfer has an advantage over most of the field as he is a
member at the Kent layout. He said: "It's my home course so hopefully I'll
feel quite comfortable. "I know the course well but it is only 18 holes so
you need to have a good day — but you never know."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, June 25
Sunday, June 24
Daily WHUFC News - 24th June 2012
'We've got to get off to a flying start'
WHUFC.com
Big Sam is hoping West Ham United can start off strongly on their return to
the Premier League
23.06.2012
Sam Allardyce is determined to see West Ham United make an instant impact
when they kick-off their return to the Barclays Premier League on 18 August.
The Hammers face Aston Villa at the Boleyn Ground in what will be the
reverse of the first game of the Premier League season two years ago. Avram
Grant's side went down 3-0 that day at Villa Park before going on to lose
their first four Premier League games and Big Sam has told West Ham TV that
his new-look West Ham side cannot afford a similar start. "The first nine
games up to Manchester City are ones we must try to achieve as many points
as we can. It will be hugely difficult but not as difficult as what
follows," he told West Ham TV. "We get through October and then November and
December are the toughest months of the season, not only because of the
fixtures but the number of games we have to play. "We've got to get off to
get off to a flying start and achieve as many points as we can in the first
nine or ten games. The fixtures are difficult though; nothing is going to be
easy at all."
Although the games will be harder and West Ham may struggle to match last
season's record-breaking 14 away wins, Big Sam believes the increase in
quality of opposition is a small price to pay for a return to what he calls
the 'most important league in the world'. He said: "I'd had the experience
of the Championship but it's not like the Premier League and the pressures
that it brings are huge. The expectation is fantastic and everyone concerned
has a much higher status in this industry.
"If you're a part of it you should feel pride and you should be ready to
work that little bit harder for the end goal and the end goal is to finish
as high up in the Premier League as we possibly can."
The Premier League fixtures were confirmed last Monday, just under a month
since West Ham's season-defining victory at Wembley. Due to the Hammers'
extended season, the players will return for pre-season training next Sunday
just six weeks and one day after securing their return to England's top tier
and for their manager, the hard work is already well underway to make sure
they stay there. "Everyone will have a long-lasting memory of their
experience at Wembley. It will last many years and the ultimate goal was
achieved with great professionalism and great style in the end. "Now we've
reflected on that, now we've relaxed and enjoyed ourselves it's time to
start focusing on the most important league in the world and build and
sustain a team that is capable of staying in that division."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce targets fast start
Hammers boss sees November and December as hardest months
Last Updated: June 23, 2012 4:12pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce has challenged his West Ham side to get into a good position
in the first nine games of the season because he expects November and
December to be a particularly tough period. The Hammers lost their opening
four matches two years ago and never recovered as they suffered relegation
to the Championship. Having bounced back up at the first attempt, Allardyce
knows his men cannot afford a similar start and he is looking to pick up
three points at home to Aston Villa on the opening weekend of the season.
The manager is then targeting a strong run before the end of October, as
they face Manchester City in their 19th game and have a number of other
tough fixtures in the run-up to Christmas. "The first nine games up to
Manchester City are ones we must try to achieve as many points as we can. It
will be hugely difficult but not as difficult as what follows," he told the
club's official website. "We get through October and then November and
December are the toughest months of the season, not only because of the
fixtures but the number of games we have to play. "We've got to get off to
get off to a flying start and achieve as many points as we can in the first
nine or 10 games. The fixtures are difficult though; nothing is going to be
easy at all."
Higher status
Allardyce is excited about being back in the Premier League and looking
forward to testing his team against the finest in the country. He said: "I'd
had the experience of the Championship but it's not like the Premier League
and the pressures that it brings are huge. The expectation is fantastic and
everyone concerned has a much higher status in this industry. "If you're a
part of it you should feel pride and you should be ready to work that little
bit harder for the end goal and the end goal is to finish as high up in the
Premier League as we possibly can."
West Ham's players will return for pre-season training next weekend and
Allardyce is ready for the hard work to begin. He said: "Now we've relaxed
and enjoyed ourselves it's time to start focusing on the most important
league in the world and build and sustain a team that is capable of staying
in that division."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers eye Fraizer
The Sun
Published: 23rd June 2012
WEST HAM plan to swoop for Sunderland striker Fraizer Campbell. Hammers will
offer Black Cats £2million.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Big Sam is hoping West Ham United can start off strongly on their return to
the Premier League
23.06.2012
Sam Allardyce is determined to see West Ham United make an instant impact
when they kick-off their return to the Barclays Premier League on 18 August.
The Hammers face Aston Villa at the Boleyn Ground in what will be the
reverse of the first game of the Premier League season two years ago. Avram
Grant's side went down 3-0 that day at Villa Park before going on to lose
their first four Premier League games and Big Sam has told West Ham TV that
his new-look West Ham side cannot afford a similar start. "The first nine
games up to Manchester City are ones we must try to achieve as many points
as we can. It will be hugely difficult but not as difficult as what
follows," he told West Ham TV. "We get through October and then November and
December are the toughest months of the season, not only because of the
fixtures but the number of games we have to play. "We've got to get off to
get off to a flying start and achieve as many points as we can in the first
nine or ten games. The fixtures are difficult though; nothing is going to be
easy at all."
Although the games will be harder and West Ham may struggle to match last
season's record-breaking 14 away wins, Big Sam believes the increase in
quality of opposition is a small price to pay for a return to what he calls
the 'most important league in the world'. He said: "I'd had the experience
of the Championship but it's not like the Premier League and the pressures
that it brings are huge. The expectation is fantastic and everyone concerned
has a much higher status in this industry.
"If you're a part of it you should feel pride and you should be ready to
work that little bit harder for the end goal and the end goal is to finish
as high up in the Premier League as we possibly can."
The Premier League fixtures were confirmed last Monday, just under a month
since West Ham's season-defining victory at Wembley. Due to the Hammers'
extended season, the players will return for pre-season training next Sunday
just six weeks and one day after securing their return to England's top tier
and for their manager, the hard work is already well underway to make sure
they stay there. "Everyone will have a long-lasting memory of their
experience at Wembley. It will last many years and the ultimate goal was
achieved with great professionalism and great style in the end. "Now we've
reflected on that, now we've relaxed and enjoyed ourselves it's time to
start focusing on the most important league in the world and build and
sustain a team that is capable of staying in that division."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce targets fast start
Hammers boss sees November and December as hardest months
Last Updated: June 23, 2012 4:12pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce has challenged his West Ham side to get into a good position
in the first nine games of the season because he expects November and
December to be a particularly tough period. The Hammers lost their opening
four matches two years ago and never recovered as they suffered relegation
to the Championship. Having bounced back up at the first attempt, Allardyce
knows his men cannot afford a similar start and he is looking to pick up
three points at home to Aston Villa on the opening weekend of the season.
The manager is then targeting a strong run before the end of October, as
they face Manchester City in their 19th game and have a number of other
tough fixtures in the run-up to Christmas. "The first nine games up to
Manchester City are ones we must try to achieve as many points as we can. It
will be hugely difficult but not as difficult as what follows," he told the
club's official website. "We get through October and then November and
December are the toughest months of the season, not only because of the
fixtures but the number of games we have to play. "We've got to get off to
get off to a flying start and achieve as many points as we can in the first
nine or 10 games. The fixtures are difficult though; nothing is going to be
easy at all."
Higher status
Allardyce is excited about being back in the Premier League and looking
forward to testing his team against the finest in the country. He said: "I'd
had the experience of the Championship but it's not like the Premier League
and the pressures that it brings are huge. The expectation is fantastic and
everyone concerned has a much higher status in this industry. "If you're a
part of it you should feel pride and you should be ready to work that little
bit harder for the end goal and the end goal is to finish as high up in the
Premier League as we possibly can."
West Ham's players will return for pre-season training next weekend and
Allardyce is ready for the hard work to begin. He said: "Now we've relaxed
and enjoyed ourselves it's time to start focusing on the most important
league in the world and build and sustain a team that is capable of staying
in that division."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers eye Fraizer
The Sun
Published: 23rd June 2012
WEST HAM plan to swoop for Sunderland striker Fraizer Campbell. Hammers will
offer Black Cats £2million.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, June 23
Daily WHUFC News - 23rd June 2012
Gary's golfing target
WHUFC.com
Gary O'Neil will be joining dozens of hopefuls at the 2012 Open Championship
Regional Qualifying
22.06.2012
While most of his West Ham United team-mates are sunning themselves on
beaches, Gary O'Neil has been continuing in his personal quest for golfing
greatness.
A scratch handicapper, the midfielder took part as an amateur in two events
on the PGA EuroPro Tour - the second tier of professional golf in Europe -
at the Your Golf Travel Classic at Bovey Castle in Dartmoor and the Ulster
Bank Open at Galgorm Castle in Ballymena, Northern Ireland
However, the likes of Luke Donald and Rory McIlroy are unlikely to be
quaking in their boots just yet as the No32 finished 28 over par at Bovey
Castle and ten over par at Galgorm Castle. Undeterred by his debut results,
the 28-year-old has been working on a new swing while on holiday in Dubai
and is gearing up for The Open Championship Regional Qualifying at The
London Club - his home course - in Kent on 25 June. There, O'Neil will join
dozens of other hopefuls battling to qualify for the 2012 tournament at
Royal Lytham and St Annes. Having previously tried unsuccessfully to qualify
in 2010, O'Neil is hoping his experience of playing in two professional
competitions will stand him in good stead second time around. "I've loved
playing golf since I first took it up," O'Neil to EuroProTour.com "I am
realistic enough to know I need to improve a lot but if I could be a pro
golfer when my football career ends it would definitely be something I would
look to do. "Bovey Castle was my first ever professional golf event. It was
nice of the EuroPro Tour to invite me to come see what it is all about and
it was a good experience. "I play off scratch at the London Club in Kent but
it is a bit different playing there on a Sunday morning with friends than it
is playing on the EuroPro with the professional lads who are on tour doing
it week-in, week-out. "I found it difficult at Bovey but I tried to enjoy it
anyway. It was tough going and it was quite nerve-racking as well. I was
hoping to get a few weeks of practise in before I came but with West Ham
being in the play-offs I didn't have the chance. "I love my golf and I know
some of the EuroPro Tour players. I was invited to come and play a couple of
weeks and see what it is all about. It's something that, if I can get good
enough at, I'd be interested in doing once I get to 35 and stop playing
football. It's a chance to see what it was all about and how my swing would
stand up under pressure. Unfortunately it wasn't great at Bovey!
"Galgorm was slightly better; I did quite well in my first round and proved
to myself that I can shoot a half-decent score even though I didn't play
great golf. I need to do more practise; the pro golfers are fantastic and
are working on their game day in, day out. I didn't expect to go and do
anything special, it was just for the experience and I really enjoyed it. "I
think my perception of how good the pro lads are was fairly accurate. I have
played with a few of them socially before and I knew they were good. I knew
I needed to improve to reach their level and that remains the same. I don't
think there is anything major that needs changing, it's just about having
the time to be able to practise. "A few of the guys said how good my short
game is but my problem at the moment is consistency. My bad shots seem to be
a lot worse than the bad ones the pro lads are hitting. I hit a couple of
loose ones with my driver at Galgorm which were 40 or 50 yards off line and
that will cost you two shots straight away. For the pro lads their bad shots
are sneaking into the rough and that is about as bad is it gets. I need to
repeatedly hit the ball and try and find some more consistency. "Playing in
my first professional golf tournaments has been similar to my football
debut. I don't get that nervous anymore ahead of football matches but when I
think back to how nervous I was for my debut and for my second game it's
probably quite similar to how nervous I was at Bovey Castle and at Galgorm.
"I'll be playing in the British Open qualifying at the end of June. I did it
two years ago and hopefully playing on the EuroPro will stand me in good
stead. I found that more nerve-wracking than Open qualifying was two years
ago, and that will be at my home course as well, so hopefully I'll feel
quite comfortable for that. I know the course well but it is only 18 holes
so you need to have a good day, but you never know. "I love playing golf and
I am really grateful to the guys at the EuroPro Tour for inviting me to play
these two events and if they invite me next summer I'd like to get a couple
in, and then you may see me full time in about seven years!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wolverhampton Wanderers sign West Ham's Frank Nouble
BBC.co.uk
Wolves have signed striker Frank Nouble on a free transfer following his
release last month by West Ham United. The 20-year-old, who has been with
the Hammers since 2009, has signed a two-year contract at Molineux. "He
should be a useful acquisition. It is a good opportunity for him to come to
a stable club and work hard," said manager Stale Solbakken. "We think he
has qualities that we can develop and, with his physical strength and power,
I feel that he can help us." Nouble began his career as a youth team player
at Chelsea before moving on to Upton Park.
NOUBLE'S LOAN SPELLS
2009-10 season: West Bromwich Albion, Swindon
2010-11: Swansea, Barnsley, Charlton
2011-12: Gillingham, Barnsley
He made his West Ham debut against Wolves at the start of the 2009-10 season
but only made 12 further appearances, going out on loan on seven occasions.
"I think all of my loan moves have been about me being eager to play and not
wanting to rest on my laurels," he told the Wolves website. "Hopefully I
can find a home here and, with the players that we've got, I'm sure I can
learn a lot."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
One out
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 22nd June 2012
By: Staff Writer
Wolverhampton Wanderers have confirmed the signing of striker Frank Nouble
on a two-year contract. Lewisham born Nouble, who arrived at West Ham from
Chelsea three years ago next month has joined the Championship club on a
free transfer having agreed to mutually terminate his five-year contract two
years early.
New Wolves boss Stale Solbakken told wolves.co.uk: "Frank is a player that
our scouts have been watching. We think he has qualities that we can develop
and with his physical strength and power I feel that he can help us. "He
should be a useful acquisition to the squad and it is a good opportunity for
him to come to a stable club and work hard. I think this is a win-win
situation for both the club and the player; he is a young guy and he can add
to his potential every week."
The 20-year-old, whose capture was considered to be a major coup for West
Ham back in 2009 made just six starts for the club in his three years whilst
spending time on loan at no less than SEVEN lower league clubs - West Brom,
Swindon, Swansea, Barsnley, Charlton, Gillingham and most recently,
Barnsley. His only goal in claret and blue came on the final day of 2011 in
a 2-1 defeat at Derby County.
Nouble on West Ham, 2009
"I am really looking forward to showing what I can do. West Ham are renowned
for bringing through young players and hopefully I can be in the next batch.
I rejected Chelsea and obviously I thank them for what they have done for
me, but I am just happy that a club like West Ham came in for me."
Chelsea Fans on Nouble, 2009
"Gutted to see him go and I have no doubt we will see him doing very good
things in the future..." "West Ham have done to us what we have been doing
to them for years. This kid is a player who has the ability to become a
quality Premiership player." "Power, pace, finishing; all this and he's only
17/18 years of age. I read somewhere he covers 100m in 10.5 secs - and he is
built like a bull. Can only imagine how great he would be at 22-23 and
further..."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers target Gamberini
Italy international on West Ham's wish list
By Simone Bargellini. Last Updated: June 22, 2012 11:23am
SSN
The agent of Fiorentina centre-half Alessandro Gamberini claims Premier
League new boys West Ham United have expressed an interest in his client.
The Hammers are looking to bolster their ranks ahead of a season back in the
big time, with it their intention to consolidate among English football's
elite. Fresh faces will aid them in that quest, and defensive reinforcements
are considered to be key, and Italy international Gamberini has been
identified as a possible transfer target. They would face competition for
his signature were Fiorentina to open transfer talks, but the 30-year-old's
representative claims matters may not get that far.
Approaches
"Alessandro has another year on his contract at Fiorentina and his priority
remains the Viola shirt," Francesco Romano told Julie Italia. "We'll talk
with the club and evaluate what to do, because there have been plenty of
approaches. "Napoli? At the moment I haven't heard anything from them. "I
have been contacted directly by two foreign sides - West Ham United and
Bayer Leverkusen have asked about the player. "But Alessandro is a
Fiorentina player and I have said that they must speak with the club."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Transfer Announcements Soon?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
According to various Twitter sources, West Ham are on the verge of clinching
some exciting transfer deals. Firstly, they claim that a West Ham bid for
Grant Holt has been accepted, the player has agreed terms and the deal
should be confirmed before Saturday. Secondly, we are allegedly on the verge
of agreeing a season long loan deal for Inter-Milan forward Luc Castaignos,
with a view to a permanent move next summer, and a permanent £7m deal for
Juventus winger Elias. Take or leave these twitter sources as you think fit,
but lets hope that they are right this time!
Elsewhere, we are also being linked with a £4m move for Evian's pacy forward
Yannick Sagbo. We shall have to see whether that one has any validity? But
it has gone very quiet on the proposed deal for Wilfred Zaha. It wil be
great pity if the deal does not happen, as Zaha is a player of enormous
potential.
So, if the twitter speculation is correct, we can look forward to the
unveiling of a trio of new forwards next week! And then David Sullivan can
start turning his attention to transfer moves to reinforce the defence.
There George McCartney, Scott Dann and Jonas Olsson are likely to be among
his prime transfer targets.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Merseysiders ready to Cast their net
The Sun
Published: 22nd June 2012
LIVERPOOL and Everton are both eyeing Dutch youngster Luc Castaignos. NEW
Liverpool boss wants the 21-year-old Parma striker to join his Anfield
revolution
The striker, 19, is valued at £4.5million by his club Inter Milan. But the
Merseyside clubs will sound out the possibility of taking him on loan. West
Ham and Newcastle are also keen.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
DJ ready to clear his decks
The Sun
Published: 22nd June 2012
DJ CAMPBELL could be on his way out of QPR - less than 12 months after
signing. The £1.2million striker, 30, is seeking showdown talks with boss
Mark Hughes.
But Rangers could sell for £700,000, with West Ham and Reading interested.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers still in McCartney hunt
Northern Exho
8:00am Saturday 23rd June 2012 in Sport By Paul Fraser, Chief Football
Writer
SUNDERLAND are hopeful George McCartney will still head back to West Ham
United on a full-time basis. The Black Cats are in the market for a new
left-back this summer and are more than happy for McCartney to move on with
12 months remaining on his contract. There were fears on Wearside that the
Hammers' interest in spending £1.2m on another left-back would harm
Sunderland's chances of having the Northern Irishman's weekly wage off the
pay-roll. West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has looked at paying a seven-figure
sum for Dijon's Samuel Souprayen. However, that would not affect Allardyce's
desire to take McCartney back to Upton Park and talks at finalising a deal
with Sunderland are expected to take place soon. The 31-year-old was a key
part of West Ham's rise back to the Premier League last season, when his
season-long loan ended in a Wembley Championship play-off final win over
Blackpool. He was voted the players' player of the year and Allardyce is
keen to have him back, provided he can avoid paying too much for him.
But Sunderland, who re-signed him from West Ham in 2008, are happy for him
to leave the Stadium of Light before the start of the new season to free up
some of the club's wage budget. If McCartney does depart then manager Martin
O'Neill will only have Kieran Richardson as a recognised left-back - and
even he prefers to play in midfield. Richardson, with just 12 months
remaining on his contract, could also be sold if a suitable offer arrives,
which is why O'Neill is so keen to strengthen his defensive ranks this
summer. He had considered a move for released Aston Villa defender Carlos
Cuellar, while trying to lure Chelsea's promising full-back Ryan Bertrand on
loan remains an option. But O'Neill, who took Wayne Bridge on loan for the
second half of last season, will not rush in to anything and hopes to have
formed a squad capable of making further progress under him next season
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham join Atletico Madrid in £4m chase for defender Alvaro
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 23:03, 22 June 2012 | UPDATED: 23:03, 22 June 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham have made a £4million move for Racing Santander centre back Alvaro.
The 22-year-old is rated as one of the best up-and-coming defenders in Spain
and manager Sam Allardyce has been alerted by his Spanish scouts after
Atletico Madrid posted their interest. Allardyce also made an enquiry for
Fiorentina defender Alessandro Gamberini, 30.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Aston Villa: West Ham release John Carew
Jun 22 2012Add a comment Recommend (17)
Birmingham Mail
Former Aston Villa striker John Carew has been released by West Ham United.
The newly-promoted Premier League club have decided to let Carew go when his
contracts expire next month.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Elazığspor close in on former West Ham right back Julien Faubert
2012-06-22 03:28:36
Elazığspor have been closely linked with former West Ham right-back Julien
Faubert. The French International is expected to arrive in Turkey on Monday
to complete the final stages of negotiations. The 28-year-old fullback was
released by West Ham following the end of his contract. The Hammers signed
Faubert from Bordeaux in 2007 for £6.1 million on a five-year contract.
Faubert made 121 appearances for West Ham and secured a brief spell on loan
with Real Madrid in 2009. Elazığspor marked their return to the top-flight
after an eight year absence following their promotion from the Bank Asya
league. The Gakgoşlar are managed by Bülent Uygun, one of the 93 suspects in
the ongoing match-fixing case. Uygun was jailed and held in custody five
months last year for his alleged involvement in the manipulation of a
Turkish Super League game when he was the Eskişehirspor coach. The
Professional Football Discipline Committee found Uygun not guilty of
involvement in match fixing. However, the report is independent of the
ongoing match fixing trial.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Gary O'Neil will be joining dozens of hopefuls at the 2012 Open Championship
Regional Qualifying
22.06.2012
While most of his West Ham United team-mates are sunning themselves on
beaches, Gary O'Neil has been continuing in his personal quest for golfing
greatness.
A scratch handicapper, the midfielder took part as an amateur in two events
on the PGA EuroPro Tour - the second tier of professional golf in Europe -
at the Your Golf Travel Classic at Bovey Castle in Dartmoor and the Ulster
Bank Open at Galgorm Castle in Ballymena, Northern Ireland
However, the likes of Luke Donald and Rory McIlroy are unlikely to be
quaking in their boots just yet as the No32 finished 28 over par at Bovey
Castle and ten over par at Galgorm Castle. Undeterred by his debut results,
the 28-year-old has been working on a new swing while on holiday in Dubai
and is gearing up for The Open Championship Regional Qualifying at The
London Club - his home course - in Kent on 25 June. There, O'Neil will join
dozens of other hopefuls battling to qualify for the 2012 tournament at
Royal Lytham and St Annes. Having previously tried unsuccessfully to qualify
in 2010, O'Neil is hoping his experience of playing in two professional
competitions will stand him in good stead second time around. "I've loved
playing golf since I first took it up," O'Neil to EuroProTour.com "I am
realistic enough to know I need to improve a lot but if I could be a pro
golfer when my football career ends it would definitely be something I would
look to do. "Bovey Castle was my first ever professional golf event. It was
nice of the EuroPro Tour to invite me to come see what it is all about and
it was a good experience. "I play off scratch at the London Club in Kent but
it is a bit different playing there on a Sunday morning with friends than it
is playing on the EuroPro with the professional lads who are on tour doing
it week-in, week-out. "I found it difficult at Bovey but I tried to enjoy it
anyway. It was tough going and it was quite nerve-racking as well. I was
hoping to get a few weeks of practise in before I came but with West Ham
being in the play-offs I didn't have the chance. "I love my golf and I know
some of the EuroPro Tour players. I was invited to come and play a couple of
weeks and see what it is all about. It's something that, if I can get good
enough at, I'd be interested in doing once I get to 35 and stop playing
football. It's a chance to see what it was all about and how my swing would
stand up under pressure. Unfortunately it wasn't great at Bovey!
"Galgorm was slightly better; I did quite well in my first round and proved
to myself that I can shoot a half-decent score even though I didn't play
great golf. I need to do more practise; the pro golfers are fantastic and
are working on their game day in, day out. I didn't expect to go and do
anything special, it was just for the experience and I really enjoyed it. "I
think my perception of how good the pro lads are was fairly accurate. I have
played with a few of them socially before and I knew they were good. I knew
I needed to improve to reach their level and that remains the same. I don't
think there is anything major that needs changing, it's just about having
the time to be able to practise. "A few of the guys said how good my short
game is but my problem at the moment is consistency. My bad shots seem to be
a lot worse than the bad ones the pro lads are hitting. I hit a couple of
loose ones with my driver at Galgorm which were 40 or 50 yards off line and
that will cost you two shots straight away. For the pro lads their bad shots
are sneaking into the rough and that is about as bad is it gets. I need to
repeatedly hit the ball and try and find some more consistency. "Playing in
my first professional golf tournaments has been similar to my football
debut. I don't get that nervous anymore ahead of football matches but when I
think back to how nervous I was for my debut and for my second game it's
probably quite similar to how nervous I was at Bovey Castle and at Galgorm.
"I'll be playing in the British Open qualifying at the end of June. I did it
two years ago and hopefully playing on the EuroPro will stand me in good
stead. I found that more nerve-wracking than Open qualifying was two years
ago, and that will be at my home course as well, so hopefully I'll feel
quite comfortable for that. I know the course well but it is only 18 holes
so you need to have a good day, but you never know. "I love playing golf and
I am really grateful to the guys at the EuroPro Tour for inviting me to play
these two events and if they invite me next summer I'd like to get a couple
in, and then you may see me full time in about seven years!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wolverhampton Wanderers sign West Ham's Frank Nouble
BBC.co.uk
Wolves have signed striker Frank Nouble on a free transfer following his
release last month by West Ham United. The 20-year-old, who has been with
the Hammers since 2009, has signed a two-year contract at Molineux. "He
should be a useful acquisition. It is a good opportunity for him to come to
a stable club and work hard," said manager Stale Solbakken. "We think he
has qualities that we can develop and, with his physical strength and power,
I feel that he can help us." Nouble began his career as a youth team player
at Chelsea before moving on to Upton Park.
NOUBLE'S LOAN SPELLS
2009-10 season: West Bromwich Albion, Swindon
2010-11: Swansea, Barnsley, Charlton
2011-12: Gillingham, Barnsley
He made his West Ham debut against Wolves at the start of the 2009-10 season
but only made 12 further appearances, going out on loan on seven occasions.
"I think all of my loan moves have been about me being eager to play and not
wanting to rest on my laurels," he told the Wolves website. "Hopefully I
can find a home here and, with the players that we've got, I'm sure I can
learn a lot."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
One out
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 22nd June 2012
By: Staff Writer
Wolverhampton Wanderers have confirmed the signing of striker Frank Nouble
on a two-year contract. Lewisham born Nouble, who arrived at West Ham from
Chelsea three years ago next month has joined the Championship club on a
free transfer having agreed to mutually terminate his five-year contract two
years early.
New Wolves boss Stale Solbakken told wolves.co.uk: "Frank is a player that
our scouts have been watching. We think he has qualities that we can develop
and with his physical strength and power I feel that he can help us. "He
should be a useful acquisition to the squad and it is a good opportunity for
him to come to a stable club and work hard. I think this is a win-win
situation for both the club and the player; he is a young guy and he can add
to his potential every week."
The 20-year-old, whose capture was considered to be a major coup for West
Ham back in 2009 made just six starts for the club in his three years whilst
spending time on loan at no less than SEVEN lower league clubs - West Brom,
Swindon, Swansea, Barsnley, Charlton, Gillingham and most recently,
Barnsley. His only goal in claret and blue came on the final day of 2011 in
a 2-1 defeat at Derby County.
Nouble on West Ham, 2009
"I am really looking forward to showing what I can do. West Ham are renowned
for bringing through young players and hopefully I can be in the next batch.
I rejected Chelsea and obviously I thank them for what they have done for
me, but I am just happy that a club like West Ham came in for me."
Chelsea Fans on Nouble, 2009
"Gutted to see him go and I have no doubt we will see him doing very good
things in the future..." "West Ham have done to us what we have been doing
to them for years. This kid is a player who has the ability to become a
quality Premiership player." "Power, pace, finishing; all this and he's only
17/18 years of age. I read somewhere he covers 100m in 10.5 secs - and he is
built like a bull. Can only imagine how great he would be at 22-23 and
further..."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers target Gamberini
Italy international on West Ham's wish list
By Simone Bargellini. Last Updated: June 22, 2012 11:23am
SSN
The agent of Fiorentina centre-half Alessandro Gamberini claims Premier
League new boys West Ham United have expressed an interest in his client.
The Hammers are looking to bolster their ranks ahead of a season back in the
big time, with it their intention to consolidate among English football's
elite. Fresh faces will aid them in that quest, and defensive reinforcements
are considered to be key, and Italy international Gamberini has been
identified as a possible transfer target. They would face competition for
his signature were Fiorentina to open transfer talks, but the 30-year-old's
representative claims matters may not get that far.
Approaches
"Alessandro has another year on his contract at Fiorentina and his priority
remains the Viola shirt," Francesco Romano told Julie Italia. "We'll talk
with the club and evaluate what to do, because there have been plenty of
approaches. "Napoli? At the moment I haven't heard anything from them. "I
have been contacted directly by two foreign sides - West Ham United and
Bayer Leverkusen have asked about the player. "But Alessandro is a
Fiorentina player and I have said that they must speak with the club."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Transfer Announcements Soon?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
According to various Twitter sources, West Ham are on the verge of clinching
some exciting transfer deals. Firstly, they claim that a West Ham bid for
Grant Holt has been accepted, the player has agreed terms and the deal
should be confirmed before Saturday. Secondly, we are allegedly on the verge
of agreeing a season long loan deal for Inter-Milan forward Luc Castaignos,
with a view to a permanent move next summer, and a permanent £7m deal for
Juventus winger Elias. Take or leave these twitter sources as you think fit,
but lets hope that they are right this time!
Elsewhere, we are also being linked with a £4m move for Evian's pacy forward
Yannick Sagbo. We shall have to see whether that one has any validity? But
it has gone very quiet on the proposed deal for Wilfred Zaha. It wil be
great pity if the deal does not happen, as Zaha is a player of enormous
potential.
So, if the twitter speculation is correct, we can look forward to the
unveiling of a trio of new forwards next week! And then David Sullivan can
start turning his attention to transfer moves to reinforce the defence.
There George McCartney, Scott Dann and Jonas Olsson are likely to be among
his prime transfer targets.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Merseysiders ready to Cast their net
The Sun
Published: 22nd June 2012
LIVERPOOL and Everton are both eyeing Dutch youngster Luc Castaignos. NEW
Liverpool boss wants the 21-year-old Parma striker to join his Anfield
revolution
The striker, 19, is valued at £4.5million by his club Inter Milan. But the
Merseyside clubs will sound out the possibility of taking him on loan. West
Ham and Newcastle are also keen.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
DJ ready to clear his decks
The Sun
Published: 22nd June 2012
DJ CAMPBELL could be on his way out of QPR - less than 12 months after
signing. The £1.2million striker, 30, is seeking showdown talks with boss
Mark Hughes.
But Rangers could sell for £700,000, with West Ham and Reading interested.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers still in McCartney hunt
Northern Exho
8:00am Saturday 23rd June 2012 in Sport By Paul Fraser, Chief Football
Writer
SUNDERLAND are hopeful George McCartney will still head back to West Ham
United on a full-time basis. The Black Cats are in the market for a new
left-back this summer and are more than happy for McCartney to move on with
12 months remaining on his contract. There were fears on Wearside that the
Hammers' interest in spending £1.2m on another left-back would harm
Sunderland's chances of having the Northern Irishman's weekly wage off the
pay-roll. West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has looked at paying a seven-figure
sum for Dijon's Samuel Souprayen. However, that would not affect Allardyce's
desire to take McCartney back to Upton Park and talks at finalising a deal
with Sunderland are expected to take place soon. The 31-year-old was a key
part of West Ham's rise back to the Premier League last season, when his
season-long loan ended in a Wembley Championship play-off final win over
Blackpool. He was voted the players' player of the year and Allardyce is
keen to have him back, provided he can avoid paying too much for him.
But Sunderland, who re-signed him from West Ham in 2008, are happy for him
to leave the Stadium of Light before the start of the new season to free up
some of the club's wage budget. If McCartney does depart then manager Martin
O'Neill will only have Kieran Richardson as a recognised left-back - and
even he prefers to play in midfield. Richardson, with just 12 months
remaining on his contract, could also be sold if a suitable offer arrives,
which is why O'Neill is so keen to strengthen his defensive ranks this
summer. He had considered a move for released Aston Villa defender Carlos
Cuellar, while trying to lure Chelsea's promising full-back Ryan Bertrand on
loan remains an option. But O'Neill, who took Wayne Bridge on loan for the
second half of last season, will not rush in to anything and hopes to have
formed a squad capable of making further progress under him next season
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham join Atletico Madrid in £4m chase for defender Alvaro
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 23:03, 22 June 2012 | UPDATED: 23:03, 22 June 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham have made a £4million move for Racing Santander centre back Alvaro.
The 22-year-old is rated as one of the best up-and-coming defenders in Spain
and manager Sam Allardyce has been alerted by his Spanish scouts after
Atletico Madrid posted their interest. Allardyce also made an enquiry for
Fiorentina defender Alessandro Gamberini, 30.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Aston Villa: West Ham release John Carew
Jun 22 2012Add a comment Recommend (17)
Birmingham Mail
Former Aston Villa striker John Carew has been released by West Ham United.
The newly-promoted Premier League club have decided to let Carew go when his
contracts expire next month.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Elazığspor close in on former West Ham right back Julien Faubert
2012-06-22 03:28:36
Elazığspor have been closely linked with former West Ham right-back Julien
Faubert. The French International is expected to arrive in Turkey on Monday
to complete the final stages of negotiations. The 28-year-old fullback was
released by West Ham following the end of his contract. The Hammers signed
Faubert from Bordeaux in 2007 for £6.1 million on a five-year contract.
Faubert made 121 appearances for West Ham and secured a brief spell on loan
with Real Madrid in 2009. Elazığspor marked their return to the top-flight
after an eight year absence following their promotion from the Bank Asya
league. The Gakgoşlar are managed by Bülent Uygun, one of the 93 suspects in
the ongoing match-fixing case. Uygun was jailed and held in custody five
months last year for his alleged involvement in the manipulation of a
Turkish Super League game when he was the Eskişehirspor coach. The
Professional Football Discipline Committee found Uygun not guilty of
involvement in match fixing. However, the report is independent of the
ongoing match fixing trial.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, June 22
Daily WHUFC News - 22nd June 2012
Big Sam and Momo on West Ham TV
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce has completed a superb week for West Ham United TV subscribers
21.06.2012
If you're missing watching West Ham United in action then West Ham TV is where you need to head. The club's very own web TV channel has had an incredibly busy week catching up with all of the people that matter to ensure Hammers fans all over the world are kept entertained during the summer break. First up this week was a two-part exclusive with Joint-Chairman David Gold, where he explained the pride he will feel at watching his boyhood club re-enter the Barclays Premier League once more. Gold also spoke about which areas the Hammers will be looking to strengthen this summer. Then Academy Director Tony Carr sat down to look back on another successful season for the Under-18s, while revealing his 'Ones to watch' this coming season and why he can see Danny Potts and Robert Hall making a first-team impact this season.
West Ham United's third summer signing Mohamed Diame was next to talk to the West Ham TV cameras about how much he's looking forward to life in east London and why West Ham United belong in the Premier League. He said: "They came up this year as we know last year they weren't in the league. We've got to try to do our best and show everybody that we can show everybody that we are in the Premier League."
Finally, to cap off West Ham TV's big week, manager Sam Allardyce dropped in to update fans on how preparations are coming along for the club's return to the Premier League and why he still feels pride at his side's victory at Wembley last month.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green thanks fans
WHUFC.com
Robert Green has paid tribute to the West Ham United fans after agreeing a deal with QPR
21.06.2012
Robert Green has thanked the West Ham United fans for their incredible support during his time at the club after agreeing a deal to sign for Queens Park Rangers.
The England keeper is set to embark on the next stage of his career in west London after six years with the Hammers. But before he leaves when his contract runs out on 30 June, he was keen to acknowledge the support he has received from the Hammers fans and staff during his time at the Boleyn Ground. "I would like to convey my thanks, especially to the fans, for the six years I spent at West Ham. The relationship I had with the West Ham fans was special and will be remembered with great fondness not only by myself but also by my family. "I must also say a thank-you to the manager, the players and all the staff for everything while I was at the club."
Green who made 241 appearances in the claret and blue in all competitions, also wished everyone at the club well on their return to the Premier League. "I would like to wish the manager, the lads and of course the fans, all the best for the upcoming season and beyond."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Robert Green to join QPR from West Ham on free transfer
BBC.co.uk
Robert Green will join Queens Park Rangers when his West Ham contract expires at the end of this month. The 32-year-old goalkeeper, who is currently with the England squad at Euro 2012, will sign a two-year deal. QPR boss Mark Hughes said: "He's got all the characteristics of a top keeper and he'll be a huge addition for us."
Robert Green made the same number of appearances in his six years with West Ham United (241) as he did during a decade at Norwich City (1996-2006) "It's an exciting period for everybody connected to QPR and I can't wait to get started," added Green, who spent six years at Upton Park. "I'm excited about the challenge ahead and hugely encouraged by the direction in which the owners and Mark Hughes are looking to take the club."
The 6ft 3in keeper, who has won 12 senior caps, started his career at Norwich before joining West Ham in 2006 for £2m where he went on to make more than 200 appearances. His last game for the East London side shirt was at Wembley in May, when West Ham beat Blackpool 2-1 in the Championship play-off final. The Hammers were keen to retain Green, with joint-chairman David Gold writing on Twitter last month: "Robert Green is a free agent, he has chosen to move on.
"Nobody wants Rob to leave but nothing is forever, he must do what's best for him and we must do what's best for us."
After making his international debut against Colombia in 2005, Green was out of the England side until 2009 when he played a role in the successful qualification campaign for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Green became the first goalkeeper to be sent off for England when he was dismissed for a professional foul during England's final 2010 World Cup qualifier against Ukraine in October 2009 He retained his place in Fabio Capello's squad for the tournament and was picked to face the United States in England's opening group game. But that match will forever be remembered for Green allowing Clint Dempsey's 25-yard shot to squirm under his body and roll over the line in a 1-1 draw. Green has since recovered, and remains in the England squad as back-up to Manchester City's Joe Hart. He made his last international appearance against Norway in one of England's Euro 2012 warm-up games.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green's tribute
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st June 2012
By: Staff Writer
Robert Green has paid tribute to the West Ham fans after it was confirmed that he would be leaving the club after six years' service. The England number two, who enjoyed a special relationship with the Boleyn faithful since succeeding Shaka Hislop also added his best wishes to his former team mates as they prepare to face a first season back in the Premier League. "I would like to convey my thanks, especially to the fans, for the six years I spent at West Ham," Green told whufc.com.
"The relationship I had with the West Ham fans was special and will be remembered with great fondness not only by myself but also by my family. "I must also say a thank-you to the manager, the players and all the staff for everything while I was at the club. "I would like to wish the manager, the lads and of course the fans, all the best for the upcoming season and beyond."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam going double Dutch?
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st June 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are still hoping to take young Dutch striker Luc Castaignos on loan for the season, according to reports emanating from Italy today. Respected journalist Gianluca Di Marzio revealed earlier today today that United are closing in on a deal to take the 19-year-old Internazionale striker on loan for the season with view to a permanent contract at the end of that commitment - a figure reported to be in the region of €8million. And according to Di Marzio, Sam Allardyce is hoping to make it a double-whammy by also landing Juve's Eljero Elia on similar terms. Allardyce, who was spotted in Italy last week - as previously reported here on KUMB - is hoping to sign several new players in addition to the three already captured on a permanent basis since the end of last season - Stephen Henderson, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Momo Diame.
With transfer fees unlikely to spent on anyone but established Premier League players - such as Norwich striker Grant Holt for whom a new bid is reported elsewhere to have been made - United will look to take as many players as possible on a loan basis in order to minimise the financial burden this term. Both Castaignos and Elia landed big money moves to Italy in 2011 - striker Castaignos moving from Feyenood for €3million and his fellow countryman from Hamburg for €9million. Neither have been in the first team picture for their club sides in recent months.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
More signings to come
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st June 2012
By: Staff Writer
Karren Brady has admitted that West Ham hope to sign several more players ahead of the start of the 2012/13 Premier League campaign. United's vice-chairm, speaking on Sky Sports News today confirmed that the board were hoping to sign 'a few' players to add to the trio already bagged - goalkeepers Stephen Henderson and Jussi Jaaskelainen plus midfielder Momo Diame. "We hope to bring in a few more significant signings to improve our team and increase our chances of remaining in the Premier League and really 'have a go'," Brady said. "We want to compete and make a contribution to this league. West Ham are a great club who deserve to play in the greatest league in the world. Sam [Allardyce] has made a very strategic plan; we have a comprehensive list of players we hope to bring in and we are working to do that."
Despite reports that the Hammers had made an improved bid for Norwich striker Grant Holt - a figure some sources have claimed equates to £5.5million - Brady stopped short of naming any specific targets. "It's not appropriate to comment on other people's players," she added. "We prefer to do our business face to face with the chairmen of other clubs, and that's what we'll do."
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Green joins QPR
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st June 2012
By: Staff Writer
Robert Green has left West Ham after six years at the club, it has been confirmed. The England international, who is currently on duty for his country at the European Championships has signed a permanent contract with fellow Premier League side Queens Park Rangers, according to reports emanating from West London this morning. A delighted Rangers boss Mark Hughes, speaking this morning said: "It was important we brought another quality keeper into the group."
Green, who was signed by Alan Pardew from Norwich for just £2million in 2006 has been a virtual ever-present for the Hammers in the last six years. However his refusal to sign a new contract despite being offered a healthy incentive to do so - reported to be double that of his existing salary - meant that he was always likely to leave on a free transfer this summer. The 32-year-old's departure means that Stephen Henderson and new signing Jussi Jasskelainen will now do battle for the vacant number one shirt. KUMB.com would like to wish Rob the very best of luck with his new career.
Robert Green: KUMB Awards
As voted for by the readers of KUMB.com.
Player of the Year: 2007/08
Player of the Year (Runner Up): 2006/07, 2010/11
Player of the Year (Third Place): 2009/10, 2008/09
Best Signing (Third Place): 2006/07
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Brady - Hammers have hit list
West Ham vice-chairman tells fans to expect more arrivals
By Rebecca Stephenson. Last Updated: June 21, 2012 3:15pm
SSN
Karren Brady says West Ham are working through a 'comprehensive list' as they look to build a squad to compete in the Premier League. The Hammers secured promotion through the play-offs after beating Blackpool 2-1 at Wembley in May and have already completed the signing of Mohamed Diame from Wigan and former Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen. The vice-chairman is excited to have overseen the club's return to the top flight and says their aims go beyond simply staying there. She told Sky Sports News: "We hope to bring in a few more significant signings to improve our team and increase our chances of remaining in the Premier League and really 'have a go'.
Compete
"We want to compete and really make a contribution to this league. West Ham are a great club who deserve to play in the greatest league in the world. "Sam has made a very strategic plan. We have a comprehensive list of players we hope to bring in and we are working to do that." But Brady refused to comment on reports that Grant Holt is at the top of that list. She continued: "It's not appropriate to comment on other people's players. "We prefer to do our business face to face with the chairmen of other clubs, and that's what we'll do."
Dream
West Ham are also hopeful of taking over the Olympic Stadium, and Brady says the club are committed to preserving the venue's legacy. The former Birmingham City chairman added: "We still have a dream. The Olympic Stadium has been built. Someone has to use it, and provide the jobs. "Its legacy needs to be preserved. It needs someone to come into that community, ensure supporters come in and use the park, and do that on a global stage -that's what the Premier League provides.
"We're very hopeful and we're working very hard to get it."
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Green agrees QPR move
England goalkeeper handed two-year deal at Loftus Road
Last Updated: June 21, 2012 10:21am
SSN
England goalkeeper Rob Green has agreed a two-year deal with Queens Park Rangers after electing to leave West Ham. Green, who is currently on international duty at Euro 2012 where he is providing back-up to No.1 Joe Hart, will become an Rs player on 1st July when his contract with the Hammers expires. The 32-year-old joined West Ham in a £2million move from Norwich in August 2006 and made over 200 appearances during his time at Upton Park. QPR boss Mark Hughes is looking to reshape his squad to establish them in the Premier League after last season's relegation battle and sees Green as an important addition to his party. It was important we brought another quality keeper into the group," Hughes told the club's official website.
Vast experience
"Rob is obviously someone with vast experience at international and Premier League level and his pedigree speaks for itself. "He's got all the characteristics of a top keeper and he'll be a huge addition for us who will stimulate the goalkeeping group, which can only be good for the squad as a whole." Green added: "I'm delighted to be here. I'm excited about the challenge ahead and hugely encouraged by the direction in which the owners and Mark Hughes are looking to take the club. "It's an exciting period for everybody connected to QPR and I can't wait to get started." Green's arrival could see Paddy Kenny heading out of the Loftus Road exit door, with Leeds manager Neil Warnock linked with a move for the experienced shot-stopper.
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Transfer Announcements Soon?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
According to various Twitter sources, West Ham are on the verge of clinching some exciting transfer deals. Firstly, they claim that a West Ham bid for Grant Holt has been accepted, the player has agreed terms and the deal should be confirmed before Saturday. Secondly, we are allegedly on the verge of agreeing a season long loan deal for Inter-Milan forward Luc Castaignos, with a view to a permanent move next summer, and a permanent £7m deal for Juventus winger Elias. Take or leave these twitter sources as you think fit, but lets hope that they are right this time!
Elsewhere, we are also being linked with a £4m move for Evian's pacy forward Yannick Sagbo. We shall have to see whether that one has any validity? But it has gone very quiet on the proposed deal for Wilfred Zaha. It wil be great pity if the deal does not happen, as Zaha is a player of enormous potential.
So, if the twitter speculation is correct, we can look forward to the unveiling of a trio of new forwards next week! And then David Sullivan can start turning his attention to transfer moves to reinforce the defence. There George McCartney, Scott Dann and Jonas Olsson are likely to be among his prime transfer targets.
SJ. Chandos.
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West Ham pick up pursuit of Evian's Sagbo as Allardyce bids to bolster his attack
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 22:45, 21 June 2012 | UPDATED: 22:45, 21 June 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham are back on the trail of £4million-rated Evian striker Yannick Sagbo. The pacy 24-year-old was a target in January and scored 12 goals last season in a struggling side. Boss Sam Allardyce has made offers for Norwich's Grant Holt and enquired about Inter Milan's Luc Castaignos on loan.
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Wigan Athletic midfielder Diame delighted with West Ham United deal
by Rob MacDonald. Published Thu 21 Jun 2012 16:30, Last updated: 2012-06-21
Click Lancashire
West Ham United midfielder Mohamed Diame has revealed he is happy with his move from Wigan Athletic. Diame has agreed a three-year deal with the Hammers, which will be rubber-stamped on 1 July. The 25-year-old told his new club's official website: "I'm very happy and very excited to have joined the club and I'm looking forward to the start of the season. "I know the fans here get behind the team all the time and I'm looking forward to showing everybody what I can do on the pitch."
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Former Spurs and West Ham striker Mido closes in on Barnsley switch
21 June 2012
Egypt international Mido is on the verge of completing a move to Barnsley from Zamalek. The well-travelled former Tottenham and West Ham striker is on the verge of ending a third spell with his boyhood club, where he has fallen out of favour following a wage dispute. It is understood that the 29-year-old is undergoing a medical at Oakwell this afternoon, with Barnsley hopeful of confirming their second signing of a productive week later today. Former Chelsea youngster Jacob Mellis, who was infamously released by the UEFA Champions League winners after letting off a smoke grenade at their Cobham training ground in March, joined Keith Hill's men on a two-year deal on Tuesday, while today winger Jim O'Brien signed a contract extension of the same length. Mido counts Ajax, Roma and Marseille among his former clubs but has been dogged by fitness issues over recent seasons and last played for his country in 2009. During his last spell in England with Middlesbrough he spent time on loan with Wigan and West Ham.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce has completed a superb week for West Ham United TV subscribers
21.06.2012
If you're missing watching West Ham United in action then West Ham TV is where you need to head. The club's very own web TV channel has had an incredibly busy week catching up with all of the people that matter to ensure Hammers fans all over the world are kept entertained during the summer break. First up this week was a two-part exclusive with Joint-Chairman David Gold, where he explained the pride he will feel at watching his boyhood club re-enter the Barclays Premier League once more. Gold also spoke about which areas the Hammers will be looking to strengthen this summer. Then Academy Director Tony Carr sat down to look back on another successful season for the Under-18s, while revealing his 'Ones to watch' this coming season and why he can see Danny Potts and Robert Hall making a first-team impact this season.
West Ham United's third summer signing Mohamed Diame was next to talk to the West Ham TV cameras about how much he's looking forward to life in east London and why West Ham United belong in the Premier League. He said: "They came up this year as we know last year they weren't in the league. We've got to try to do our best and show everybody that we can show everybody that we are in the Premier League."
Finally, to cap off West Ham TV's big week, manager Sam Allardyce dropped in to update fans on how preparations are coming along for the club's return to the Premier League and why he still feels pride at his side's victory at Wembley last month.
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Green thanks fans
WHUFC.com
Robert Green has paid tribute to the West Ham United fans after agreeing a deal with QPR
21.06.2012
Robert Green has thanked the West Ham United fans for their incredible support during his time at the club after agreeing a deal to sign for Queens Park Rangers.
The England keeper is set to embark on the next stage of his career in west London after six years with the Hammers. But before he leaves when his contract runs out on 30 June, he was keen to acknowledge the support he has received from the Hammers fans and staff during his time at the Boleyn Ground. "I would like to convey my thanks, especially to the fans, for the six years I spent at West Ham. The relationship I had with the West Ham fans was special and will be remembered with great fondness not only by myself but also by my family. "I must also say a thank-you to the manager, the players and all the staff for everything while I was at the club."
Green who made 241 appearances in the claret and blue in all competitions, also wished everyone at the club well on their return to the Premier League. "I would like to wish the manager, the lads and of course the fans, all the best for the upcoming season and beyond."
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Robert Green to join QPR from West Ham on free transfer
BBC.co.uk
Robert Green will join Queens Park Rangers when his West Ham contract expires at the end of this month. The 32-year-old goalkeeper, who is currently with the England squad at Euro 2012, will sign a two-year deal. QPR boss Mark Hughes said: "He's got all the characteristics of a top keeper and he'll be a huge addition for us."
Robert Green made the same number of appearances in his six years with West Ham United (241) as he did during a decade at Norwich City (1996-2006) "It's an exciting period for everybody connected to QPR and I can't wait to get started," added Green, who spent six years at Upton Park. "I'm excited about the challenge ahead and hugely encouraged by the direction in which the owners and Mark Hughes are looking to take the club."
The 6ft 3in keeper, who has won 12 senior caps, started his career at Norwich before joining West Ham in 2006 for £2m where he went on to make more than 200 appearances. His last game for the East London side shirt was at Wembley in May, when West Ham beat Blackpool 2-1 in the Championship play-off final. The Hammers were keen to retain Green, with joint-chairman David Gold writing on Twitter last month: "Robert Green is a free agent, he has chosen to move on.
"Nobody wants Rob to leave but nothing is forever, he must do what's best for him and we must do what's best for us."
After making his international debut against Colombia in 2005, Green was out of the England side until 2009 when he played a role in the successful qualification campaign for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Green became the first goalkeeper to be sent off for England when he was dismissed for a professional foul during England's final 2010 World Cup qualifier against Ukraine in October 2009 He retained his place in Fabio Capello's squad for the tournament and was picked to face the United States in England's opening group game. But that match will forever be remembered for Green allowing Clint Dempsey's 25-yard shot to squirm under his body and roll over the line in a 1-1 draw. Green has since recovered, and remains in the England squad as back-up to Manchester City's Joe Hart. He made his last international appearance against Norway in one of England's Euro 2012 warm-up games.
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Green's tribute
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st June 2012
By: Staff Writer
Robert Green has paid tribute to the West Ham fans after it was confirmed that he would be leaving the club after six years' service. The England number two, who enjoyed a special relationship with the Boleyn faithful since succeeding Shaka Hislop also added his best wishes to his former team mates as they prepare to face a first season back in the Premier League. "I would like to convey my thanks, especially to the fans, for the six years I spent at West Ham," Green told whufc.com.
"The relationship I had with the West Ham fans was special and will be remembered with great fondness not only by myself but also by my family. "I must also say a thank-you to the manager, the players and all the staff for everything while I was at the club. "I would like to wish the manager, the lads and of course the fans, all the best for the upcoming season and beyond."
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Big Sam going double Dutch?
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st June 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are still hoping to take young Dutch striker Luc Castaignos on loan for the season, according to reports emanating from Italy today. Respected journalist Gianluca Di Marzio revealed earlier today today that United are closing in on a deal to take the 19-year-old Internazionale striker on loan for the season with view to a permanent contract at the end of that commitment - a figure reported to be in the region of €8million. And according to Di Marzio, Sam Allardyce is hoping to make it a double-whammy by also landing Juve's Eljero Elia on similar terms. Allardyce, who was spotted in Italy last week - as previously reported here on KUMB - is hoping to sign several new players in addition to the three already captured on a permanent basis since the end of last season - Stephen Henderson, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Momo Diame.
With transfer fees unlikely to spent on anyone but established Premier League players - such as Norwich striker Grant Holt for whom a new bid is reported elsewhere to have been made - United will look to take as many players as possible on a loan basis in order to minimise the financial burden this term. Both Castaignos and Elia landed big money moves to Italy in 2011 - striker Castaignos moving from Feyenood for €3million and his fellow countryman from Hamburg for €9million. Neither have been in the first team picture for their club sides in recent months.
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More signings to come
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st June 2012
By: Staff Writer
Karren Brady has admitted that West Ham hope to sign several more players ahead of the start of the 2012/13 Premier League campaign. United's vice-chairm, speaking on Sky Sports News today confirmed that the board were hoping to sign 'a few' players to add to the trio already bagged - goalkeepers Stephen Henderson and Jussi Jaaskelainen plus midfielder Momo Diame. "We hope to bring in a few more significant signings to improve our team and increase our chances of remaining in the Premier League and really 'have a go'," Brady said. "We want to compete and make a contribution to this league. West Ham are a great club who deserve to play in the greatest league in the world. Sam [Allardyce] has made a very strategic plan; we have a comprehensive list of players we hope to bring in and we are working to do that."
Despite reports that the Hammers had made an improved bid for Norwich striker Grant Holt - a figure some sources have claimed equates to £5.5million - Brady stopped short of naming any specific targets. "It's not appropriate to comment on other people's players," she added. "We prefer to do our business face to face with the chairmen of other clubs, and that's what we'll do."
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Green joins QPR
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st June 2012
By: Staff Writer
Robert Green has left West Ham after six years at the club, it has been confirmed. The England international, who is currently on duty for his country at the European Championships has signed a permanent contract with fellow Premier League side Queens Park Rangers, according to reports emanating from West London this morning. A delighted Rangers boss Mark Hughes, speaking this morning said: "It was important we brought another quality keeper into the group."
Green, who was signed by Alan Pardew from Norwich for just £2million in 2006 has been a virtual ever-present for the Hammers in the last six years. However his refusal to sign a new contract despite being offered a healthy incentive to do so - reported to be double that of his existing salary - meant that he was always likely to leave on a free transfer this summer. The 32-year-old's departure means that Stephen Henderson and new signing Jussi Jasskelainen will now do battle for the vacant number one shirt. KUMB.com would like to wish Rob the very best of luck with his new career.
Robert Green: KUMB Awards
As voted for by the readers of KUMB.com.
Player of the Year: 2007/08
Player of the Year (Runner Up): 2006/07, 2010/11
Player of the Year (Third Place): 2009/10, 2008/09
Best Signing (Third Place): 2006/07
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Brady - Hammers have hit list
West Ham vice-chairman tells fans to expect more arrivals
By Rebecca Stephenson. Last Updated: June 21, 2012 3:15pm
SSN
Karren Brady says West Ham are working through a 'comprehensive list' as they look to build a squad to compete in the Premier League. The Hammers secured promotion through the play-offs after beating Blackpool 2-1 at Wembley in May and have already completed the signing of Mohamed Diame from Wigan and former Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen. The vice-chairman is excited to have overseen the club's return to the top flight and says their aims go beyond simply staying there. She told Sky Sports News: "We hope to bring in a few more significant signings to improve our team and increase our chances of remaining in the Premier League and really 'have a go'.
Compete
"We want to compete and really make a contribution to this league. West Ham are a great club who deserve to play in the greatest league in the world. "Sam has made a very strategic plan. We have a comprehensive list of players we hope to bring in and we are working to do that." But Brady refused to comment on reports that Grant Holt is at the top of that list. She continued: "It's not appropriate to comment on other people's players. "We prefer to do our business face to face with the chairmen of other clubs, and that's what we'll do."
Dream
West Ham are also hopeful of taking over the Olympic Stadium, and Brady says the club are committed to preserving the venue's legacy. The former Birmingham City chairman added: "We still have a dream. The Olympic Stadium has been built. Someone has to use it, and provide the jobs. "Its legacy needs to be preserved. It needs someone to come into that community, ensure supporters come in and use the park, and do that on a global stage -that's what the Premier League provides.
"We're very hopeful and we're working very hard to get it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green agrees QPR move
England goalkeeper handed two-year deal at Loftus Road
Last Updated: June 21, 2012 10:21am
SSN
England goalkeeper Rob Green has agreed a two-year deal with Queens Park Rangers after electing to leave West Ham. Green, who is currently on international duty at Euro 2012 where he is providing back-up to No.1 Joe Hart, will become an Rs player on 1st July when his contract with the Hammers expires. The 32-year-old joined West Ham in a £2million move from Norwich in August 2006 and made over 200 appearances during his time at Upton Park. QPR boss Mark Hughes is looking to reshape his squad to establish them in the Premier League after last season's relegation battle and sees Green as an important addition to his party. It was important we brought another quality keeper into the group," Hughes told the club's official website.
Vast experience
"Rob is obviously someone with vast experience at international and Premier League level and his pedigree speaks for itself. "He's got all the characteristics of a top keeper and he'll be a huge addition for us who will stimulate the goalkeeping group, which can only be good for the squad as a whole." Green added: "I'm delighted to be here. I'm excited about the challenge ahead and hugely encouraged by the direction in which the owners and Mark Hughes are looking to take the club. "It's an exciting period for everybody connected to QPR and I can't wait to get started." Green's arrival could see Paddy Kenny heading out of the Loftus Road exit door, with Leeds manager Neil Warnock linked with a move for the experienced shot-stopper.
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Transfer Announcements Soon?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
According to various Twitter sources, West Ham are on the verge of clinching some exciting transfer deals. Firstly, they claim that a West Ham bid for Grant Holt has been accepted, the player has agreed terms and the deal should be confirmed before Saturday. Secondly, we are allegedly on the verge of agreeing a season long loan deal for Inter-Milan forward Luc Castaignos, with a view to a permanent move next summer, and a permanent £7m deal for Juventus winger Elias. Take or leave these twitter sources as you think fit, but lets hope that they are right this time!
Elsewhere, we are also being linked with a £4m move for Evian's pacy forward Yannick Sagbo. We shall have to see whether that one has any validity? But it has gone very quiet on the proposed deal for Wilfred Zaha. It wil be great pity if the deal does not happen, as Zaha is a player of enormous potential.
So, if the twitter speculation is correct, we can look forward to the unveiling of a trio of new forwards next week! And then David Sullivan can start turning his attention to transfer moves to reinforce the defence. There George McCartney, Scott Dann and Jonas Olsson are likely to be among his prime transfer targets.
SJ. Chandos.
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West Ham pick up pursuit of Evian's Sagbo as Allardyce bids to bolster his attack
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 22:45, 21 June 2012 | UPDATED: 22:45, 21 June 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham are back on the trail of £4million-rated Evian striker Yannick Sagbo. The pacy 24-year-old was a target in January and scored 12 goals last season in a struggling side. Boss Sam Allardyce has made offers for Norwich's Grant Holt and enquired about Inter Milan's Luc Castaignos on loan.
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Wigan Athletic midfielder Diame delighted with West Ham United deal
by Rob MacDonald. Published Thu 21 Jun 2012 16:30, Last updated: 2012-06-21
Click Lancashire
West Ham United midfielder Mohamed Diame has revealed he is happy with his move from Wigan Athletic. Diame has agreed a three-year deal with the Hammers, which will be rubber-stamped on 1 July. The 25-year-old told his new club's official website: "I'm very happy and very excited to have joined the club and I'm looking forward to the start of the season. "I know the fans here get behind the team all the time and I'm looking forward to showing everybody what I can do on the pitch."
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Former Spurs and West Ham striker Mido closes in on Barnsley switch
21 June 2012
Egypt international Mido is on the verge of completing a move to Barnsley from Zamalek. The well-travelled former Tottenham and West Ham striker is on the verge of ending a third spell with his boyhood club, where he has fallen out of favour following a wage dispute. It is understood that the 29-year-old is undergoing a medical at Oakwell this afternoon, with Barnsley hopeful of confirming their second signing of a productive week later today. Former Chelsea youngster Jacob Mellis, who was infamously released by the UEFA Champions League winners after letting off a smoke grenade at their Cobham training ground in March, joined Keith Hill's men on a two-year deal on Tuesday, while today winger Jim O'Brien signed a contract extension of the same length. Mido counts Ajax, Roma and Marseille among his former clubs but has been dogged by fitness issues over recent seasons and last played for his country in 2009. During his last spell in England with Middlesbrough he spent time on loan with Wigan and West Ham.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, June 21
Daily WHUFC News - 21st June 2012
Diame deal agreed
WHUFC.com
Mohamed Diame has agreed terms on a deal to join West Ham United
20.06.2012
West Ham United are delighted to confirm that the club have reached an agreement to sign Senegal international midfielder Mohamed Diame. Diame has agreed terms on a three-year contract and will become a West Ham United player on 1 July after his contract with Wigan Athletic expires. The 25-year-old dynamic midfielder is highly-rated and was being pursued by a number of clubs in the Premier League and abroad. He decided to move to the Boleyn Ground though after meeting manager Sam Allardyce in London this week.
Diame will meet up with his new team-mates at Chadwell Heath on 1 July for the Hammers' first day of pre-season training before flying out on the club's trip to Austria the following day. The 6'1" midfielder will compete with the likes of Kevin Nolan, Gary O'Neil, Jack Collison and reigning Hammer of the Year Mark Noble for a spot in Allardyce's midfield.
Diame began his career with Racing Club de Lens in France, before moving to CD Linares and then Rayo Vallenco in Spain. His big move to the Premier League followed in 2009 and he made an immediate impression with a strong performance on his debut against Manchester United just hours after signing. Diame, who becomes West Ham's third summer signing after Stephen Henderson and Jussi Jaaskelainen, is eagerly anticipating the new challenge awaiting him in east London. He said: "I'm very happy and very excited to have joined the club and I'm looking forward to the start of the season. "I know the fans here get behind the team all the time and I'm looking forward to showing everybody what I can do on the pitch."
Allardyce was understandably pleased to have secured a deal to bring Diame to the Boleyn Ground. He said: "His potential is really good and he's ready to go and compete in the first team straight away as he's had three years in the Premier League already. He's 25 and can only get better and I hope he can go on to prove that to me and all of the West Ham United fans. He will be a very exciting addition to the squad."
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Hall called
BBC.co.uk
Robert Hall has been named in the England Under-19 squad for the European Championships
20.06.2012
Robert Hall has been named in the England squad for this summer's UEFA European U19 Championship Finals in Estonia Manager Noel Blake has called the forward into his 18-man squad for the tournament, which kicks off on 3 July in Talinn. Hall had another strong season with the Hammers last season - making his first-team debut and going on to collect the much-coveted Doris Bell Award for being the stand-out player in the Academy side. The Young Lions secured their place in the last eight of the competition following their success in the Elite Qualifying Round in May. England have been drawn out in Group B, alongside Croatia, Serbia and France. The top two teams from each group will go through to the semi-final, while teams that finish third will join the top two in qualifying for and the 2013 U20 World Cup.
The squad will meet up in England on Monday 25 June before flying to Estonia the following weekend ahead of the opening game with Croatia on Tuesday 3 July.
Squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (Manchester United), Connor Ripley (Middlesbrough).
Defenders: Eric Dier (Sporting Lisbon), Luke Garbutt (Everton), Michael Keane (Manchester United), Jack Robinson (Liverpool), Tom Thorpe (Manchester United).
Midfielders: Conor Coady (Liverpool), Ross Barkley (Everton), Nathaniel Chalobah (Chelsea), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), John Lundstram (Everton), Nathan Redmond (Birmingham City), George Thorne (West Bromwich Albion).
Forwards: Benik Afobe (Arsenal), Saido Berahino (West Bromwich Albion), Robert Hall (West Ham United), Hallam Hope (Everton).
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Mohamed Diame to join West Ham from Wigan on a three-year deal
BBC.co.uk
Midfielder Mohamed Diame has turned down a new contract offer from Wigan to join West Ham on a three-year deal. The 25-year-old Senegal international will sign for the Hammers on 1 July when his deal at Wigan expires. Diame is West Ham's third signing since returning to the Premier League, following keepers Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson to Upton Park. He said: "I am very excited to have joined the club. I am looking forward to showing what I can do on the pitch." West Ham manager Sam Allardyce said: "His potential is really good and he is ready to go and compete in the first team straight away because he's had three years in the Premier League already."
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You're in Diame now
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 20th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have confirmed the arrival of former Wigan midfielder Momo Diame on a free transfer. The Senegalese international has put pen to paper on a three-year contract and will officially become a Hammer on 1st July. Diame told whufc.com: " "I'm very happy and very excited to have joined the club and I'm looking forward to the start of the season. I know the fans here get behind the team all the time and I'm looking forward to showing everybody what I can do on the pitch."
Meanwhile West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce added: "He's 25 and can only get better and I hope he can go on to prove that to me and all of the West Ham United fans. He will be a very exciting addition to the squad."
Diame, who had been interesting Liverpool, Manchester United and Everton amongst others prior to agreeing to move to east London first moved to England from Spanish club Reyo in August 2009 in a cash-plus-player swap ( €3.8 million plus defender Antonio Amaya). At the time he was said to have been watched by the likes of Real Madrid and Arsenal having ressurrected his career in Spain. Diame becomes Sam Allardyce's third signing of the summer following the permanent signing of goalkeepers Stephen Henderson and Jussi Jaaskelainen.
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No Olympics for me
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 20th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
Winston Reid has rejected the chance to feature for New Zealand at this summer's Olympic Games in order to concentrate on preparing for the forthcoming Premier League campaign. Reid was set to be one of three overage players named in the Kiwis' Olympic Squad that heads for London next month. However the 23-year-old has rejected the opportunity in order to ensure he has the best possible chance of featuring for the Hammers when the season kicks off at home to Aston Villa in August. Replying to suggestions that Sam Allardyce had told he that he could not be involved, Reid told RadioSport: "It was my decision and I felt what I was doing was the right decision. "I'm not saying I didn't want to go to the Olympics or play for New Zealand, because I would have loved to, but I've got other commitments right now and in the long run that will hopefully benefit myself and New Zealand as well. "It would be different if I'd been at the club for six or seven years and I'd been playing regularly then maybe I could have done it, but I needed to work hard this pre-season and make sure the spot's mine at West Ham. "Of course I'd love to be at the Olympics, but I'll hopefully get the opportunity to take part in one later on in my career."
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Hammers strike Diame deal
Allardyce believes midfielder can 'only get better'
Last Updated: June 20, 2012 4:05pm
SSN
Mohamed Diame will become a West Ham United player on 1st July after agreeing a three-year contract at Upton Park. The Senegal midfielder will move as a free agent at the beginning of next month when his deal ends with Wigan Athletic, who will be the newly-promoted Hammers' Premier League rivals. Diame had been linked with a number of top-flight clubs and held talks with Liverpool before the sacking of Kenny Dalglish. But West Ham boss Sam Allardyce won the race and Diame will be the third new face to arrive this summer after Stephen Hendersonand Jussi Jaaskelainen."I'm very happy and very excited to have joined the club and I'm looking forward to the start of the season" The 25-year-old told his new club's official website: "I'm very happy and very excited to have joined the club and I'm looking forward to the start of the season. "I know the fans here get behind the team all the time and I'm looking forward to showing everybody what I can do on the pitch."
Potential
Diame will compete with the likes of Kevin Nolan, Gary O'Neil,Jack Collison and Mark Noble for a place in the heart of Championship play-off winners West Ham's midfield. Allardyce will have to decide who will be his first-choice selections but he has no doubt his latest acquisition will prove a great signing. The West Ham boss said: "His potential is really good and he's ready to go and compete in the first team straight away, as he's had three years in the Premier League already. "He's 25 and can only get better and I hope he can go on to prove that to me and all of the West Ham United fans. He will be a very exciting addition to the squad."
West Ham co-chairman David Gold also confirmed the deal on his personal Twitter account on Wednesday lunchtime. "I am pleased to announce that we have just signed the Wigan midfielder 25 year old Mohamed Diame on a 3 yr contract," said Gold.
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Castaignos to leave Inter
Dutch striker doubts return to Feyenoord on loan
Last Updated: June 20, 2012 1:00pm
SSN
Luc Castaignos has confirmed he will be leaving Inter Milan over the summer and has targeted a move to a 'big club'. The Netherlands Under 21 international only joined Inter from Feyenoord 12 months ago, but he struggled for playing time in Serie A last season. He has recently been linked with Liverpool and West Ham United, and the 19-year-old is expecting to join a club outside of Italy. "Inter want to loan me to an Italian club or sell me," Castaignos said to Sky Italia. "I told them that I don't want to play anywhere else in Italy but at Inter.
Disappointed
"I came to Italy to wear the Nerazzurri colours and not play for any other club. Now I must go and Inter will help me find a club. "I am saddened, I cannot deny it, I am disappointed not to have shown my worth, but this is football. "It's a decision taken by the club and by me. Now I want to join a big club." Feyenoord had expressed an interest in taking the striker on loan next season, but Castaignos admits a return to De Kuip is unlikely. He added: "If I could change anything, then I would decide to go out on loan abroad, but this will not happen. "Feyenoord? I'm disappointed that it is not possible for me to play there next season."
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Palace - No Zaha approach
Parish hopes to clear up rumours of interest from West Ham
Last Updated: June 20, 2012 11:12am
SSN
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has dismissed reports that West Ham United have made an approach for teenage winger Wilfried Zaha. The highly-rated Zaha only signed a new five-year contract at Palace last December, but has persistently been linked with a move to the Premier League. Following West Ham's promotion back to the top flight, speculation has claimed that Sam Allardyce wants to add the 19-year-old to his squad. However, Parish has moved to clear up any uncertainty over Zaha's future by confirming that there has been no contact with the Hammers. He wrote on Twitter: "We haven't had any contact from West Ham actually ever about anything. Hope that clears things up."Zaha is one of the hottest properties outside the top flight, scoring nine goals last term on his way to being named the Championship's young player of the year.
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Should We Bid £5.5m for Grant Holt?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
So, it has been confirmed today that Mo Diame has signed for the club. And the general opinion amongst supporters seems to be that he is a very good signing, who will strengthen our squad in a key position.
Hot on the heels of the Diame signing, the transfer focus has now shifted to an alleged increased bid for Norwich City Striker, Grant Holt. The figure being quoted in the press is an improved bid of £5.5m. If true, that is a substantial fee for a 31 year old striker, with little or no resale value. Although, maybe the club's rationale is that Holt is the striker to keep us in the PL nexr season, and that on its own is well worth the outlay?
With the Yakubu deal looking increasingly unlikely, is Holt the best striking option available to us? Or should we be looking elsewhere in our efforts to improve our fire power next season? At the end of the day, and all things considered, is it a good prospective investment to bid an alleged £5.5m for Holt's service?
SJ. Chandos.
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You're in Diame now! West Ham beat Liverpool to signing of midfielder Mohamed
The Mirror
West Ham have confirmed a deal to sign Senegal midfielder Mohamed Diame on a free transfer from Wigan. The 25-year-old has agreed a three-year deal at Upton Park and will make the move on July 1 after the expiry of his Wigan contract. "I'm very happy and very excited to have joined the club and I'm looking forward to the start of the season," Diame told the club's website. "I know the fans here get behind the team all the time and I'm looking forward to showing everybody what I can do on the pitch."
Diame will meet his new team-mates on the first day of pre-season training on July 1 before flying out with the team to Austria. He is the third new signing of the summer for the newly-promoted Hammers, joining Stephen Henderson and Jussi Jaaskelainen in Sam Allardyce's squad. Allardyce said: "His potential is really good and he's ready to go and compete in the first team straight away as he's had three years in the Premier League already. "He's 25 and can only get better and I hope he can go on to prove that to me and all of the West Ham United fans. He will be a very exciting addition to the squad."
Diame joined Wigan in 2009 from Spanish club Rayo Vallecano, having previously played for Lens and Linares.
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I want to face and beat Parker, roars former Hammer Diamanti ahead of quarter-final clash
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 17:57, 20 June 2012 | UPDATED: 17:57, 20 June 2012
Daily Mail
Italy midfielder Alessandro Diamanti is relishing the chance to face former club-mate Scott Parker in Sunday's Euro 2012 quarter-final meeting against England in Kiev. Diamanti played alongside Parker at West Ham during the 2009/10 campaign and is hoping to put one over his old colleague. 'I would really like to face and beat Parker, who was a team-mate of mine at West Ham,' Diamanti said in Wednesday's press conference. 'Parker is a top player, a great rival, but since I left (West Ham), I haven't spoken to him.' Diamanti, who scored seven goals in 30 league appearances for Serie A side Bologna last season, is confident about his side's chances heading into this weekend's match but, although he feels Italy are superior to England, he is taking nothing for granted. The Azzurri finished second in their pool behind holders Spain, while England topped Group D. 'Perhaps in terms of the things that surround football like stadiums, fans' behaviour, they (English) are 30 years ahead of us, but when it comes to the pitch, we are much stronger and play a more beautiful football,' Diamanti said.
'However, even if history says that we are much stronger than them, it doesn't count for anything in these types of games. 'I have only watched England's game against Ukraine and they are strong side, with great champions. 'It's going to be a big battle, we respect them but we have no fear.' Diamanti is hoping he will get the chance to feature in the quarter-final having made his debut in a major international competition in Monday's 2-0 triumph over the Republic of Ireland. 'I was very excited to make my debut against Ireland,' the 29-year-old said. 'Now I have a chance to play in a game that only a couple of years ago I could only dream of playing on the PlayStation. 'I never gave up hope and I've worked hard for it. 'I will do everything that I can to help my team progress to the next round' Even without playing, Diamanti is enjoying the adventure in Poland and Ukraine and says training alongside veteran playmaker Andrea Pirlo is a privilege. 'I'm having a lot of fun and it's great to play alongside Pirlo,' he said. 'The past couple of days have reconfirmed to me that Pirlo is the strongest player in the world.'
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Hammers sign Diame with a new striker set to follow
London24
Kirk Blows
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
4:55 PM
Mohamed Diame says he is "happy and excited" after becoming West Ham's third permanent new signing of the summer. The defensive central midfielder, 25, has signed a three-year contract at Upton Park and will officially become a Hammer when his current deal with Wigan Athletic expires on July 1. The Senegal international is a free agent after spending three years with the Latics, for whom he made 103 league and cup appearances. And he is looking forward to playing his part as West Ham seek to consolidate their place back in the Premier League. Diame said: "I'm very happy and very excited to have joined the club and I'm looking forward to the start of the season. "I know the fans here get behind the team all the time and I'm looking forward to showing everybody what I can do on the pitch."
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce was pleased to have secured Diame's signature after being linked with the player for several weeks. "His potential is really good and he is ready to compete in the first team straight away as he has had three years in the Premier League already," he said. "He is 25 and can only get better – and I hope he can go on to prove that to me and all of the West Ham United fans. "He will be a very exciting addition to the squad."
Sunderland and Aston Villa had also been linked with the player, who joined Wigan from Spanish outfit Rayo Vallecano for a fee of £3.6million in 2009. Diame joins goalkeepers Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson as West Ham's new signings following the club's return to the top flight via the play-offs. West Ham are also hoping to bolster their attack with the signing of a new striker next week. The Hammers have been linked with several hitmen in recent weeks, including Grant Holt of Norwich City and Real Madrid's Spain under-21 international Joselu. Reports suggest that West Ham have made an increased £5.5m bid for Holt, who scored 17 goals as the Canaries enjoyed a comfortable first season back in the Premier League. The 31-year-old wants to quit the East Anglia club, but Norwich rejected the striker's initial transfer request in May. Joselu, 22 – full name Jose Luis Sanmartin Mato – was born in Germany, but after spending time with Celta Vigo has been playing for Madrid's B team Castilla. Allardyce has been in Italy, where it was claimed he was seen speaking to Juventus director Fabio Paratici. One of his targets was believed to be Dutch winger Eljero Elia, 25, who made a £7m move from Hamburg to Juve last summer, but made only four appearances and recently submitted a transfer request. Allardyce has also been linked with another Dutchman in the shape of Luc Castaignos, a 19-year-old striker who spent last season with Inter Milan after two years at Feyenoord. Sweden defender Jonas Olsson is another potential target, but new West Bromwich Albion boss Steve Clarke is reluctant to let him go.
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Wigan Athletic's Mohamed Diamé joins newly promoted West Ham
Midfielder signs three-year contract
Sam Allardyce has made three summer signings
Press Association
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 20 June 2012 13.28 BST
West Ham have confirmed a deal to sign the Senegal midfielder Mohamed Diamé on a free transfer from Wigan Athletic. Diamé has agreed a three-year deal at Upton Park and will make the move on 1 July after the expiry of his Wigan contract. "I'm very happy and very excited to have joined the club and I'm looking forward to the start of the season," Diamé told the club's website. "I know the fans here get behind the team all the time and I'm looking forward to showing everybody what I can do on the pitch."
Diamé will meet his new team-mates on the first day of pre-season training before flying out with the team to Austria. He is the third new signing of the summer for the newly-promoted Hammers, joining Stephen Henderson and Jussi Jaaskelainen in Sam Allardyce's squad. Allardyce said: "His potential is really good and he's ready to go and compete in the first team straight away as he's had three years in the Premier League already. "He's 25 and can only get better and I hope he can go on to prove that to me and all of the West Ham United fans. He will be a very exciting addition to the squad."
Diamé joined Wigan in 2009 from Spanish club Rayo Vallecano, having previously played for Lens and Linares.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Mohamed Diame has agreed terms on a deal to join West Ham United
20.06.2012
West Ham United are delighted to confirm that the club have reached an agreement to sign Senegal international midfielder Mohamed Diame. Diame has agreed terms on a three-year contract and will become a West Ham United player on 1 July after his contract with Wigan Athletic expires. The 25-year-old dynamic midfielder is highly-rated and was being pursued by a number of clubs in the Premier League and abroad. He decided to move to the Boleyn Ground though after meeting manager Sam Allardyce in London this week.
Diame will meet up with his new team-mates at Chadwell Heath on 1 July for the Hammers' first day of pre-season training before flying out on the club's trip to Austria the following day. The 6'1" midfielder will compete with the likes of Kevin Nolan, Gary O'Neil, Jack Collison and reigning Hammer of the Year Mark Noble for a spot in Allardyce's midfield.
Diame began his career with Racing Club de Lens in France, before moving to CD Linares and then Rayo Vallenco in Spain. His big move to the Premier League followed in 2009 and he made an immediate impression with a strong performance on his debut against Manchester United just hours after signing. Diame, who becomes West Ham's third summer signing after Stephen Henderson and Jussi Jaaskelainen, is eagerly anticipating the new challenge awaiting him in east London. He said: "I'm very happy and very excited to have joined the club and I'm looking forward to the start of the season. "I know the fans here get behind the team all the time and I'm looking forward to showing everybody what I can do on the pitch."
Allardyce was understandably pleased to have secured a deal to bring Diame to the Boleyn Ground. He said: "His potential is really good and he's ready to go and compete in the first team straight away as he's had three years in the Premier League already. He's 25 and can only get better and I hope he can go on to prove that to me and all of the West Ham United fans. He will be a very exciting addition to the squad."
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Hall called
BBC.co.uk
Robert Hall has been named in the England Under-19 squad for the European Championships
20.06.2012
Robert Hall has been named in the England squad for this summer's UEFA European U19 Championship Finals in Estonia Manager Noel Blake has called the forward into his 18-man squad for the tournament, which kicks off on 3 July in Talinn. Hall had another strong season with the Hammers last season - making his first-team debut and going on to collect the much-coveted Doris Bell Award for being the stand-out player in the Academy side. The Young Lions secured their place in the last eight of the competition following their success in the Elite Qualifying Round in May. England have been drawn out in Group B, alongside Croatia, Serbia and France. The top two teams from each group will go through to the semi-final, while teams that finish third will join the top two in qualifying for and the 2013 U20 World Cup.
The squad will meet up in England on Monday 25 June before flying to Estonia the following weekend ahead of the opening game with Croatia on Tuesday 3 July.
Squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (Manchester United), Connor Ripley (Middlesbrough).
Defenders: Eric Dier (Sporting Lisbon), Luke Garbutt (Everton), Michael Keane (Manchester United), Jack Robinson (Liverpool), Tom Thorpe (Manchester United).
Midfielders: Conor Coady (Liverpool), Ross Barkley (Everton), Nathaniel Chalobah (Chelsea), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), John Lundstram (Everton), Nathan Redmond (Birmingham City), George Thorne (West Bromwich Albion).
Forwards: Benik Afobe (Arsenal), Saido Berahino (West Bromwich Albion), Robert Hall (West Ham United), Hallam Hope (Everton).
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Mohamed Diame to join West Ham from Wigan on a three-year deal
BBC.co.uk
Midfielder Mohamed Diame has turned down a new contract offer from Wigan to join West Ham on a three-year deal. The 25-year-old Senegal international will sign for the Hammers on 1 July when his deal at Wigan expires. Diame is West Ham's third signing since returning to the Premier League, following keepers Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson to Upton Park. He said: "I am very excited to have joined the club. I am looking forward to showing what I can do on the pitch." West Ham manager Sam Allardyce said: "His potential is really good and he is ready to go and compete in the first team straight away because he's had three years in the Premier League already."
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You're in Diame now
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 20th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have confirmed the arrival of former Wigan midfielder Momo Diame on a free transfer. The Senegalese international has put pen to paper on a three-year contract and will officially become a Hammer on 1st July. Diame told whufc.com: " "I'm very happy and very excited to have joined the club and I'm looking forward to the start of the season. I know the fans here get behind the team all the time and I'm looking forward to showing everybody what I can do on the pitch."
Meanwhile West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce added: "He's 25 and can only get better and I hope he can go on to prove that to me and all of the West Ham United fans. He will be a very exciting addition to the squad."
Diame, who had been interesting Liverpool, Manchester United and Everton amongst others prior to agreeing to move to east London first moved to England from Spanish club Reyo in August 2009 in a cash-plus-player swap ( €3.8 million plus defender Antonio Amaya). At the time he was said to have been watched by the likes of Real Madrid and Arsenal having ressurrected his career in Spain. Diame becomes Sam Allardyce's third signing of the summer following the permanent signing of goalkeepers Stephen Henderson and Jussi Jaaskelainen.
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No Olympics for me
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 20th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
Winston Reid has rejected the chance to feature for New Zealand at this summer's Olympic Games in order to concentrate on preparing for the forthcoming Premier League campaign. Reid was set to be one of three overage players named in the Kiwis' Olympic Squad that heads for London next month. However the 23-year-old has rejected the opportunity in order to ensure he has the best possible chance of featuring for the Hammers when the season kicks off at home to Aston Villa in August. Replying to suggestions that Sam Allardyce had told he that he could not be involved, Reid told RadioSport: "It was my decision and I felt what I was doing was the right decision. "I'm not saying I didn't want to go to the Olympics or play for New Zealand, because I would have loved to, but I've got other commitments right now and in the long run that will hopefully benefit myself and New Zealand as well. "It would be different if I'd been at the club for six or seven years and I'd been playing regularly then maybe I could have done it, but I needed to work hard this pre-season and make sure the spot's mine at West Ham. "Of course I'd love to be at the Olympics, but I'll hopefully get the opportunity to take part in one later on in my career."
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Hammers strike Diame deal
Allardyce believes midfielder can 'only get better'
Last Updated: June 20, 2012 4:05pm
SSN
Mohamed Diame will become a West Ham United player on 1st July after agreeing a three-year contract at Upton Park. The Senegal midfielder will move as a free agent at the beginning of next month when his deal ends with Wigan Athletic, who will be the newly-promoted Hammers' Premier League rivals. Diame had been linked with a number of top-flight clubs and held talks with Liverpool before the sacking of Kenny Dalglish. But West Ham boss Sam Allardyce won the race and Diame will be the third new face to arrive this summer after Stephen Hendersonand Jussi Jaaskelainen."I'm very happy and very excited to have joined the club and I'm looking forward to the start of the season" The 25-year-old told his new club's official website: "I'm very happy and very excited to have joined the club and I'm looking forward to the start of the season. "I know the fans here get behind the team all the time and I'm looking forward to showing everybody what I can do on the pitch."
Potential
Diame will compete with the likes of Kevin Nolan, Gary O'Neil,Jack Collison and Mark Noble for a place in the heart of Championship play-off winners West Ham's midfield. Allardyce will have to decide who will be his first-choice selections but he has no doubt his latest acquisition will prove a great signing. The West Ham boss said: "His potential is really good and he's ready to go and compete in the first team straight away, as he's had three years in the Premier League already. "He's 25 and can only get better and I hope he can go on to prove that to me and all of the West Ham United fans. He will be a very exciting addition to the squad."
West Ham co-chairman David Gold also confirmed the deal on his personal Twitter account on Wednesday lunchtime. "I am pleased to announce that we have just signed the Wigan midfielder 25 year old Mohamed Diame on a 3 yr contract," said Gold.
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Castaignos to leave Inter
Dutch striker doubts return to Feyenoord on loan
Last Updated: June 20, 2012 1:00pm
SSN
Luc Castaignos has confirmed he will be leaving Inter Milan over the summer and has targeted a move to a 'big club'. The Netherlands Under 21 international only joined Inter from Feyenoord 12 months ago, but he struggled for playing time in Serie A last season. He has recently been linked with Liverpool and West Ham United, and the 19-year-old is expecting to join a club outside of Italy. "Inter want to loan me to an Italian club or sell me," Castaignos said to Sky Italia. "I told them that I don't want to play anywhere else in Italy but at Inter.
Disappointed
"I came to Italy to wear the Nerazzurri colours and not play for any other club. Now I must go and Inter will help me find a club. "I am saddened, I cannot deny it, I am disappointed not to have shown my worth, but this is football. "It's a decision taken by the club and by me. Now I want to join a big club." Feyenoord had expressed an interest in taking the striker on loan next season, but Castaignos admits a return to De Kuip is unlikely. He added: "If I could change anything, then I would decide to go out on loan abroad, but this will not happen. "Feyenoord? I'm disappointed that it is not possible for me to play there next season."
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Palace - No Zaha approach
Parish hopes to clear up rumours of interest from West Ham
Last Updated: June 20, 2012 11:12am
SSN
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has dismissed reports that West Ham United have made an approach for teenage winger Wilfried Zaha. The highly-rated Zaha only signed a new five-year contract at Palace last December, but has persistently been linked with a move to the Premier League. Following West Ham's promotion back to the top flight, speculation has claimed that Sam Allardyce wants to add the 19-year-old to his squad. However, Parish has moved to clear up any uncertainty over Zaha's future by confirming that there has been no contact with the Hammers. He wrote on Twitter: "We haven't had any contact from West Ham actually ever about anything. Hope that clears things up."Zaha is one of the hottest properties outside the top flight, scoring nine goals last term on his way to being named the Championship's young player of the year.
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Should We Bid £5.5m for Grant Holt?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
So, it has been confirmed today that Mo Diame has signed for the club. And the general opinion amongst supporters seems to be that he is a very good signing, who will strengthen our squad in a key position.
Hot on the heels of the Diame signing, the transfer focus has now shifted to an alleged increased bid for Norwich City Striker, Grant Holt. The figure being quoted in the press is an improved bid of £5.5m. If true, that is a substantial fee for a 31 year old striker, with little or no resale value. Although, maybe the club's rationale is that Holt is the striker to keep us in the PL nexr season, and that on its own is well worth the outlay?
With the Yakubu deal looking increasingly unlikely, is Holt the best striking option available to us? Or should we be looking elsewhere in our efforts to improve our fire power next season? At the end of the day, and all things considered, is it a good prospective investment to bid an alleged £5.5m for Holt's service?
SJ. Chandos.
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You're in Diame now! West Ham beat Liverpool to signing of midfielder Mohamed
The Mirror
West Ham have confirmed a deal to sign Senegal midfielder Mohamed Diame on a free transfer from Wigan. The 25-year-old has agreed a three-year deal at Upton Park and will make the move on July 1 after the expiry of his Wigan contract. "I'm very happy and very excited to have joined the club and I'm looking forward to the start of the season," Diame told the club's website. "I know the fans here get behind the team all the time and I'm looking forward to showing everybody what I can do on the pitch."
Diame will meet his new team-mates on the first day of pre-season training on July 1 before flying out with the team to Austria. He is the third new signing of the summer for the newly-promoted Hammers, joining Stephen Henderson and Jussi Jaaskelainen in Sam Allardyce's squad. Allardyce said: "His potential is really good and he's ready to go and compete in the first team straight away as he's had three years in the Premier League already. "He's 25 and can only get better and I hope he can go on to prove that to me and all of the West Ham United fans. He will be a very exciting addition to the squad."
Diame joined Wigan in 2009 from Spanish club Rayo Vallecano, having previously played for Lens and Linares.
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I want to face and beat Parker, roars former Hammer Diamanti ahead of quarter-final clash
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 17:57, 20 June 2012 | UPDATED: 17:57, 20 June 2012
Daily Mail
Italy midfielder Alessandro Diamanti is relishing the chance to face former club-mate Scott Parker in Sunday's Euro 2012 quarter-final meeting against England in Kiev. Diamanti played alongside Parker at West Ham during the 2009/10 campaign and is hoping to put one over his old colleague. 'I would really like to face and beat Parker, who was a team-mate of mine at West Ham,' Diamanti said in Wednesday's press conference. 'Parker is a top player, a great rival, but since I left (West Ham), I haven't spoken to him.' Diamanti, who scored seven goals in 30 league appearances for Serie A side Bologna last season, is confident about his side's chances heading into this weekend's match but, although he feels Italy are superior to England, he is taking nothing for granted. The Azzurri finished second in their pool behind holders Spain, while England topped Group D. 'Perhaps in terms of the things that surround football like stadiums, fans' behaviour, they (English) are 30 years ahead of us, but when it comes to the pitch, we are much stronger and play a more beautiful football,' Diamanti said.
'However, even if history says that we are much stronger than them, it doesn't count for anything in these types of games. 'I have only watched England's game against Ukraine and they are strong side, with great champions. 'It's going to be a big battle, we respect them but we have no fear.' Diamanti is hoping he will get the chance to feature in the quarter-final having made his debut in a major international competition in Monday's 2-0 triumph over the Republic of Ireland. 'I was very excited to make my debut against Ireland,' the 29-year-old said. 'Now I have a chance to play in a game that only a couple of years ago I could only dream of playing on the PlayStation. 'I never gave up hope and I've worked hard for it. 'I will do everything that I can to help my team progress to the next round' Even without playing, Diamanti is enjoying the adventure in Poland and Ukraine and says training alongside veteran playmaker Andrea Pirlo is a privilege. 'I'm having a lot of fun and it's great to play alongside Pirlo,' he said. 'The past couple of days have reconfirmed to me that Pirlo is the strongest player in the world.'
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Hammers sign Diame with a new striker set to follow
London24
Kirk Blows
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
4:55 PM
Mohamed Diame says he is "happy and excited" after becoming West Ham's third permanent new signing of the summer. The defensive central midfielder, 25, has signed a three-year contract at Upton Park and will officially become a Hammer when his current deal with Wigan Athletic expires on July 1. The Senegal international is a free agent after spending three years with the Latics, for whom he made 103 league and cup appearances. And he is looking forward to playing his part as West Ham seek to consolidate their place back in the Premier League. Diame said: "I'm very happy and very excited to have joined the club and I'm looking forward to the start of the season. "I know the fans here get behind the team all the time and I'm looking forward to showing everybody what I can do on the pitch."
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce was pleased to have secured Diame's signature after being linked with the player for several weeks. "His potential is really good and he is ready to compete in the first team straight away as he has had three years in the Premier League already," he said. "He is 25 and can only get better – and I hope he can go on to prove that to me and all of the West Ham United fans. "He will be a very exciting addition to the squad."
Sunderland and Aston Villa had also been linked with the player, who joined Wigan from Spanish outfit Rayo Vallecano for a fee of £3.6million in 2009. Diame joins goalkeepers Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson as West Ham's new signings following the club's return to the top flight via the play-offs. West Ham are also hoping to bolster their attack with the signing of a new striker next week. The Hammers have been linked with several hitmen in recent weeks, including Grant Holt of Norwich City and Real Madrid's Spain under-21 international Joselu. Reports suggest that West Ham have made an increased £5.5m bid for Holt, who scored 17 goals as the Canaries enjoyed a comfortable first season back in the Premier League. The 31-year-old wants to quit the East Anglia club, but Norwich rejected the striker's initial transfer request in May. Joselu, 22 – full name Jose Luis Sanmartin Mato – was born in Germany, but after spending time with Celta Vigo has been playing for Madrid's B team Castilla. Allardyce has been in Italy, where it was claimed he was seen speaking to Juventus director Fabio Paratici. One of his targets was believed to be Dutch winger Eljero Elia, 25, who made a £7m move from Hamburg to Juve last summer, but made only four appearances and recently submitted a transfer request. Allardyce has also been linked with another Dutchman in the shape of Luc Castaignos, a 19-year-old striker who spent last season with Inter Milan after two years at Feyenoord. Sweden defender Jonas Olsson is another potential target, but new West Bromwich Albion boss Steve Clarke is reluctant to let him go.
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Wigan Athletic's Mohamed Diamé joins newly promoted West Ham
Midfielder signs three-year contract
Sam Allardyce has made three summer signings
Press Association
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 20 June 2012 13.28 BST
West Ham have confirmed a deal to sign the Senegal midfielder Mohamed Diamé on a free transfer from Wigan Athletic. Diamé has agreed a three-year deal at Upton Park and will make the move on 1 July after the expiry of his Wigan contract. "I'm very happy and very excited to have joined the club and I'm looking forward to the start of the season," Diamé told the club's website. "I know the fans here get behind the team all the time and I'm looking forward to showing everybody what I can do on the pitch."
Diamé will meet his new team-mates on the first day of pre-season training before flying out with the team to Austria. He is the third new signing of the summer for the newly-promoted Hammers, joining Stephen Henderson and Jussi Jaaskelainen in Sam Allardyce's squad. Allardyce said: "His potential is really good and he's ready to go and compete in the first team straight away as he's had three years in the Premier League already. "He's 25 and can only get better and I hope he can go on to prove that to me and all of the West Ham United fans. He will be a very exciting addition to the squad."
Diamé joined Wigan in 2009 from Spanish club Rayo Vallecano, having previously played for Lens and Linares.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, June 20
Daily WHUFC News - 20th June 2012
'I can't wait to get started'
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan cannot wait for the new season to start after West Ham United's
fixtures were released
19.06.2012
West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan is looking forward to the start of the
new season and is relishing a home start. The Hammers face Aston Villa at
the Boleyn Ground on 18 August and the skipper is delighted to be in front
of the home fans as the club start life again as a Premier League outfit. He
said: "It is a home game to get us started, which is great for us. Aston
Villa are a very good side and have a new manager so their players will be
looking to impress, but we will be aiming to kick-off the new campaign in a
positive way on our own ground and look to try and win the game if we can
and get ourselves off the mark. "There can be some strange results early in
the season as all the teams look to settle into their routines, but if we
can make a solid start, then that will be good for us. Nothing is sorted
early in the season, but if we can start as well as we can do, then we give
ourselves something to build on."
After kicking-off at home, West Ham travel to Swansea City for the first
away fixture on 25 August, before coming back home again to face London
neighbours Fulham on 1 September. Sunderland are the next visitors to east
London before the end of that month (22 September), following a trip to
Norwich shortly before (15 September). Nolan scored his first goal in
Hammers colours in last season's first away fixture in the npower
Championship against Doncaster Rovers - the first of 13 goals notched up by
the attacking midfielder last season as he helped lead the team to
promotion. The 29-year-old is in no doubt that the West Ham fans will be
behind their team in their usual passionate fashion once more. "I am sure
all our fans can't wait for the season to begin and to know we are back in
the Premier League only makes it more exciting. It makes it real again to
see the games and when they are. I am sure our fans will do their best to
help us do what we can to get off to a good start. "I know I am looking
forward to the new season as I am sure the other lads are - after getting
promoted and everything calming down, people go away for a bit of a break.
But seeing the fixtures come out, it brings the new season to everyone's
attention again and I for one can't wait to get started."
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Nothing doing on Olsson or Zaha, say clubs
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 19th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
Both West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace have refuted claims that
players of theirs have been the subject of attention from West Ham United.
Within the last few hours, both Albion sporting and technical director Dan
Ashworth and Palace co-chairman Steve Parish have spoken our to deny that
the Hammers have contacted either club with regards to central defender
Jonas Olsson or winger Wilfried Zaha.
Baggies director Ashworth, whose Swedish defender Olsson has been linked
with both West Ham and Tottenham within the past few days told the BBC: "We
certainly haven't heard anything from anyone.
"Jonas is still under contract here, he's an important player and an
important part of our future."
Meanwhile Parish, who has been in charge at Selhurst Park since his CPFC2010
consortium wrestled control of the club from its previous owners two years
ago said via Twitter: "We haven't had any contact from West Ham actually
ever about anything.
"Hope that clears things up. Smokescreen?"
Elsewhere today there is very little transfer news with regards to West Ham,
so much so that the dailies continue to focus on the 'Rob Green to QPR'
story as they scramble to fill their column inches.
Green, who is currently deputising for Joe Hart at the European
Championships is now only 48 hours away from signing for the Rs according to
one particular tabloid - which unless someone can see into the future and
predict a defeat for England against Ukraine tonight, is rather unlikely to
happen given that he shall still be in Eastern Europe.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Clarke wants to keep Olsson
West Brom under no pressure to sell West Ham target
Last Updated: June 19, 2012 12:53pm
SSN
New West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Clarke is hoping to keep hold of
Jonas Olsson after the defender was targeted by West Ham United. Olsson only
has one year remaining on his contract at The Hawthorns and the Sweden
international will not make a decision on his future until after Euro 2012.
The centre-half is wanted by promoted West Ham, and has also been linked
with a string of clubs, but Clarke is keen to hang on to the 28-year-old.
"Yes," said Clarke when asked at his unveiling if he wanted to keep Olsson.
"Ideally for me I want to keep all the contracted players and I'd like to
bring in another two or three players that can help me.
"Jonas is a key player for the team and the club, and I will do what I can
to keep him here."
Important
The Baggies' sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth also insisted that
there is no pressure to sell Olsson, who joined the club from NEC Nijmegen
four years ago. Ashworth said: "He is one of our most important players and
we would like to keep him like we did last year with Youssouf Mulumbu and
Peter Odemwingie last year. "We're trying to build a squad not sell our best
players. "There wasn't a huge outlay on the transfer so we don't need to
make a huge amount of money back if he decided to run the contract down. "We
would have to weigh it up and consider whether there is a transfer offer
that meets the value of either getting a replacement or losing Jonas for the
season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A Day of Pouring Cold Water on Hot Transfer Rumours!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Yesterday saw a lot of cold water poured on some of the hottest West Ham
transfer rumours. Firstly, it emerged that Yakubu might not be headed down
Upton Park way, but rather off to the far more lucrative Chinese League.
Then, WBA publicly denied that Jonas Olsson was leaving the club for West
Ham or anywhere else. And finally, the Crystal Palace Chairman maintained
that there had not been any contact with West Ham over a possible deal for
Wilfred Zaha! So, what do we make of these very public denials? Is it just
the selling clubs 'playing games' ahead of a deal, perhaps with a view to
drumming alternative interest and a possible auction to drive up the
transfer fee? Or do our transfer targets, in reality, lie elsewhere?
On the plus side, reports continue to insist that Mo Diame will sign for the
club in the next few days.
Elsewhere, congratulations to Hodgson and England on topping their Euro 2012
group and reaching the quarter-finals. Hodgson is a vastly experienced
manager, who knows how to organise a side and get the maximum out of his
players. He has got them in to a system that they clearly understand and
feel comfortable with and it is starting to show. It was not a great
performance against the Ukraine, but (a bit like West Ham in the play-off
Final) Hodgson's England Team dug in, fought and emerged as winners. Lets
hope that they gel further as a team in advance of the quarter-final match
with Italy.
Italy will be a challenge, but not as great a one as the Spanish. England
are now at the business end of Euro 2012 and Italy, Germany and Spain
probably stand between us and the title. It will be tough, but all you can
ask is that England play with the organisation and skill to restore some
pride after the World Cup debacle in South Africa. Even if we do not win,
hopefully this competition will see the Three Lions finally turn the corner
to better times.
SJ.Chandos.
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Big Sam ups Holt offer
The Sun
Published: Today at 01:04
WEST HAM last night increased their bid for Grant Holt to £5.5million in an
attempt to test Norwich's resolve. Big Sam's got a Gut feelingNorwich
Russell up a new dealNew boss Chris won't Grant exit The Hammers' initial
offer of £3m was turned down. Boss Sam Allardyce wants Holt, who scored 17
goals last season, to beef up his forward line following promotion to the
Premier League. The deal starts at £3.5m but goes up by £2m on appearances.
City have already turned down a transfer request made by Holt at the end of
the season.
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Royals Maig up to nab Mali hotshot
The Sun
Published: Today at 01:04
READING plan to battle West Ham for Sochaux striker The French club have
rejected a £4million Hammers bid and now Royals officials are set to move
for the 24-year-old Mali ace.
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Winston Reid turns down Olympic Games spot
Last updated 11:41 20/06/2012
Stuff.co.nz
All Whites' defender Winston Reid has chosen club over country, turning down
the chance to represent New Zealand at the London Olympics. Reid was set to
be named as one of three over-age players - along with Ryan Nelsen and Shane
Smeltz - in the New Zealand under-23 team to take part in the Games. Instead
he will turn his focus to cementing his spot in the first team of his
newly-promoted English Premier club West Ham United. West Ham are set to
embark on three-game preseason tour of Europe at the same time as the
Olympic tournament. Reid told Radiosport he, not West Ham manager Sam
Allardyce, had made the decision to withdraw from selection. "At the end of
the day it was my decision and I felt what I was doing was the right
decision." "I'm not saying I didn't want to go to the Olympics or play for
New Zealand, because I would have loved to, but I've got other commitments
right now and in the long run that will hopefully benefit myself and New
Zealand as well," he said. Reid joined West Ham from Danish club FC
Midtjylland at the end of 2010/11 season. He made four starts that season as
the club were relegated from the Premier League to The Championship. He
cemented a starting spot last season as West Ham climbed back into the top
flight and is determined to be regular feature in the Premier League this
season. "It would be different if I'd been at the club for six or seven
years and I'd been playing regularly then maybe I could have done it, but I
needed to work hard this pre-season and make sure the spot's mine at West
Ham," he said. Reid said he had discussed the dilemma with All Whites'
captain and fellow Premier League defender Nelsen. "I've text Nelly (Nelsen)
a couple of times in the past weeks, you could say that maybe I'm in the
same circumstances as he was a couple of years back. Of course I'd love to
be at the Olympics, but I'll hopefully get the opportunity to take part in
one later on in my career."
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West Ham United close in on former Wigan midfielder
Guardian Series
5:40pm Tuesday 19th June 2012 in News
West Ham United are believed to be on the verge of signing former Wigan
midfielder Mohamed Diame. The 25-year-old, whose contract expired at the end
of last season, is close to agreeing a deal to move to Upton Park. The
Senegalese midfielder is one of Sam Allardyce's top targets and would be a
powerful addition to the newly-promoted side's squad.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan cannot wait for the new season to start after West Ham United's
fixtures were released
19.06.2012
West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan is looking forward to the start of the
new season and is relishing a home start. The Hammers face Aston Villa at
the Boleyn Ground on 18 August and the skipper is delighted to be in front
of the home fans as the club start life again as a Premier League outfit. He
said: "It is a home game to get us started, which is great for us. Aston
Villa are a very good side and have a new manager so their players will be
looking to impress, but we will be aiming to kick-off the new campaign in a
positive way on our own ground and look to try and win the game if we can
and get ourselves off the mark. "There can be some strange results early in
the season as all the teams look to settle into their routines, but if we
can make a solid start, then that will be good for us. Nothing is sorted
early in the season, but if we can start as well as we can do, then we give
ourselves something to build on."
After kicking-off at home, West Ham travel to Swansea City for the first
away fixture on 25 August, before coming back home again to face London
neighbours Fulham on 1 September. Sunderland are the next visitors to east
London before the end of that month (22 September), following a trip to
Norwich shortly before (15 September). Nolan scored his first goal in
Hammers colours in last season's first away fixture in the npower
Championship against Doncaster Rovers - the first of 13 goals notched up by
the attacking midfielder last season as he helped lead the team to
promotion. The 29-year-old is in no doubt that the West Ham fans will be
behind their team in their usual passionate fashion once more. "I am sure
all our fans can't wait for the season to begin and to know we are back in
the Premier League only makes it more exciting. It makes it real again to
see the games and when they are. I am sure our fans will do their best to
help us do what we can to get off to a good start. "I know I am looking
forward to the new season as I am sure the other lads are - after getting
promoted and everything calming down, people go away for a bit of a break.
But seeing the fixtures come out, it brings the new season to everyone's
attention again and I for one can't wait to get started."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nothing doing on Olsson or Zaha, say clubs
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 19th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
Both West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace have refuted claims that
players of theirs have been the subject of attention from West Ham United.
Within the last few hours, both Albion sporting and technical director Dan
Ashworth and Palace co-chairman Steve Parish have spoken our to deny that
the Hammers have contacted either club with regards to central defender
Jonas Olsson or winger Wilfried Zaha.
Baggies director Ashworth, whose Swedish defender Olsson has been linked
with both West Ham and Tottenham within the past few days told the BBC: "We
certainly haven't heard anything from anyone.
"Jonas is still under contract here, he's an important player and an
important part of our future."
Meanwhile Parish, who has been in charge at Selhurst Park since his CPFC2010
consortium wrestled control of the club from its previous owners two years
ago said via Twitter: "We haven't had any contact from West Ham actually
ever about anything.
"Hope that clears things up. Smokescreen?"
Elsewhere today there is very little transfer news with regards to West Ham,
so much so that the dailies continue to focus on the 'Rob Green to QPR'
story as they scramble to fill their column inches.
Green, who is currently deputising for Joe Hart at the European
Championships is now only 48 hours away from signing for the Rs according to
one particular tabloid - which unless someone can see into the future and
predict a defeat for England against Ukraine tonight, is rather unlikely to
happen given that he shall still be in Eastern Europe.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Clarke wants to keep Olsson
West Brom under no pressure to sell West Ham target
Last Updated: June 19, 2012 12:53pm
SSN
New West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Clarke is hoping to keep hold of
Jonas Olsson after the defender was targeted by West Ham United. Olsson only
has one year remaining on his contract at The Hawthorns and the Sweden
international will not make a decision on his future until after Euro 2012.
The centre-half is wanted by promoted West Ham, and has also been linked
with a string of clubs, but Clarke is keen to hang on to the 28-year-old.
"Yes," said Clarke when asked at his unveiling if he wanted to keep Olsson.
"Ideally for me I want to keep all the contracted players and I'd like to
bring in another two or three players that can help me.
"Jonas is a key player for the team and the club, and I will do what I can
to keep him here."
Important
The Baggies' sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth also insisted that
there is no pressure to sell Olsson, who joined the club from NEC Nijmegen
four years ago. Ashworth said: "He is one of our most important players and
we would like to keep him like we did last year with Youssouf Mulumbu and
Peter Odemwingie last year. "We're trying to build a squad not sell our best
players. "There wasn't a huge outlay on the transfer so we don't need to
make a huge amount of money back if he decided to run the contract down. "We
would have to weigh it up and consider whether there is a transfer offer
that meets the value of either getting a replacement or losing Jonas for the
season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A Day of Pouring Cold Water on Hot Transfer Rumours!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Yesterday saw a lot of cold water poured on some of the hottest West Ham
transfer rumours. Firstly, it emerged that Yakubu might not be headed down
Upton Park way, but rather off to the far more lucrative Chinese League.
Then, WBA publicly denied that Jonas Olsson was leaving the club for West
Ham or anywhere else. And finally, the Crystal Palace Chairman maintained
that there had not been any contact with West Ham over a possible deal for
Wilfred Zaha! So, what do we make of these very public denials? Is it just
the selling clubs 'playing games' ahead of a deal, perhaps with a view to
drumming alternative interest and a possible auction to drive up the
transfer fee? Or do our transfer targets, in reality, lie elsewhere?
On the plus side, reports continue to insist that Mo Diame will sign for the
club in the next few days.
Elsewhere, congratulations to Hodgson and England on topping their Euro 2012
group and reaching the quarter-finals. Hodgson is a vastly experienced
manager, who knows how to organise a side and get the maximum out of his
players. He has got them in to a system that they clearly understand and
feel comfortable with and it is starting to show. It was not a great
performance against the Ukraine, but (a bit like West Ham in the play-off
Final) Hodgson's England Team dug in, fought and emerged as winners. Lets
hope that they gel further as a team in advance of the quarter-final match
with Italy.
Italy will be a challenge, but not as great a one as the Spanish. England
are now at the business end of Euro 2012 and Italy, Germany and Spain
probably stand between us and the title. It will be tough, but all you can
ask is that England play with the organisation and skill to restore some
pride after the World Cup debacle in South Africa. Even if we do not win,
hopefully this competition will see the Three Lions finally turn the corner
to better times.
SJ.Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam ups Holt offer
The Sun
Published: Today at 01:04
WEST HAM last night increased their bid for Grant Holt to £5.5million in an
attempt to test Norwich's resolve. Big Sam's got a Gut feelingNorwich
Russell up a new dealNew boss Chris won't Grant exit The Hammers' initial
offer of £3m was turned down. Boss Sam Allardyce wants Holt, who scored 17
goals last season, to beef up his forward line following promotion to the
Premier League. The deal starts at £3.5m but goes up by £2m on appearances.
City have already turned down a transfer request made by Holt at the end of
the season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Royals Maig up to nab Mali hotshot
The Sun
Published: Today at 01:04
READING plan to battle West Ham for Sochaux striker The French club have
rejected a £4million Hammers bid and now Royals officials are set to move
for the 24-year-old Mali ace.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Winston Reid turns down Olympic Games spot
Last updated 11:41 20/06/2012
Stuff.co.nz
All Whites' defender Winston Reid has chosen club over country, turning down
the chance to represent New Zealand at the London Olympics. Reid was set to
be named as one of three over-age players - along with Ryan Nelsen and Shane
Smeltz - in the New Zealand under-23 team to take part in the Games. Instead
he will turn his focus to cementing his spot in the first team of his
newly-promoted English Premier club West Ham United. West Ham are set to
embark on three-game preseason tour of Europe at the same time as the
Olympic tournament. Reid told Radiosport he, not West Ham manager Sam
Allardyce, had made the decision to withdraw from selection. "At the end of
the day it was my decision and I felt what I was doing was the right
decision." "I'm not saying I didn't want to go to the Olympics or play for
New Zealand, because I would have loved to, but I've got other commitments
right now and in the long run that will hopefully benefit myself and New
Zealand as well," he said. Reid joined West Ham from Danish club FC
Midtjylland at the end of 2010/11 season. He made four starts that season as
the club were relegated from the Premier League to The Championship. He
cemented a starting spot last season as West Ham climbed back into the top
flight and is determined to be regular feature in the Premier League this
season. "It would be different if I'd been at the club for six or seven
years and I'd been playing regularly then maybe I could have done it, but I
needed to work hard this pre-season and make sure the spot's mine at West
Ham," he said. Reid said he had discussed the dilemma with All Whites'
captain and fellow Premier League defender Nelsen. "I've text Nelly (Nelsen)
a couple of times in the past weeks, you could say that maybe I'm in the
same circumstances as he was a couple of years back. Of course I'd love to
be at the Olympics, but I'll hopefully get the opportunity to take part in
one later on in my career."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United close in on former Wigan midfielder
Guardian Series
5:40pm Tuesday 19th June 2012 in News
West Ham United are believed to be on the verge of signing former Wigan
midfielder Mohamed Diame. The 25-year-old, whose contract expired at the end
of last season, is close to agreeing a deal to move to Upton Park. The
Senegalese midfielder is one of Sam Allardyce's top targets and would be a
powerful addition to the newly-promoted side's squad.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, June 19
Daily WHUFC News - 19th June 2012
A Golden opportunity
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 18th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
David Gold declared himself delighted after the 2012/13 fixture list threw
up a comparitively favourable opening to the forthcoming campaign. West Ham
are not scheduled to face any club that finished in the top six of last
season's Premier League until match seven of the campaign when they host
Arsenal - whilst they face all three newly-promoted clubs from last season
in September. And that news was greeted with enthusiasm from co-chairman
Gold, who told Sky Sports: "I think it's important to get off to a good
start. I think the season before last we got off to a tough start in the
first four game because we were playing big clubs. "But home to Aston Villa
and away to Swansea? They're winnable games, or they're games that you can
expect to get something from. So we're very excited about it. "We're back in
the Premier League, every game is against a club with history. Whether we
are playing super clubs or teams that have come up with us like Reading or
Southampton, I could make a case that they are all exciting."
In addition to the the August fixtures mentioned by Gold, West Ham face
Fulham (h), Norwich (a), Sunderland (h) and QPR (a) before meeting Arsneal
at the Boleyn Ground on 6th October.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sullivan: signings imminent
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 18th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
David Sullivan has revealed that West Ham are hoping to make at least one
new signing this week. United's co-chairman has been busy chasing a series
of targets during the past few weeks since the club's return to the Premier
League was confirmed by defeating Blackpool 2-1 in the play-off Final at
Wembley last month.
And having already confirmed the arrivals of Stephen Henderson and Jussi
Jaaskelainen on permanent contracts, Sullivan hopes to make his third
capture within the next few days - with another to follow shortly after. "We
expect to sign a player this week and next," Sullivan is reported to have
told the Evening Standard. "I can't say any more at the moment though."
Names in the hat include Wigan's Momo Diame, West Bromwich Albion's Jonas
Olssen and free agent and former Real Madrid star Guti. * Young Hammers fan
Jonjo Heuerman, who has been fundraising for the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer
Research UK since 2010 has revealed that David Sullivan has sent him a
cheque for £5,000. Heuerman told KUMB.com that Sullivan's unexpected
gesture, received last week, had boosted his fund to an incredible £76,000.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold eyeing Villa revenge
Hammers to meet Villans on opening day
Last Updated: June 18, 2012 12:21pm
SSN
West Ham United co-chairman David Gold admits he is hoping for revenge
against Aston Villa after they were paired together on the opening day of
the Premier League season. The Hammers are back in the top flight after just
one year in the Championship and once again begin their campaign against
Villa, the team they played on the opening day of the season two years ago.
Back then Avram Grant's side were thrashed 3-0 at Villa Park, with the
season ultimately ending in the heartbreak of relegation. Gold admits he is
keen to see his side gain revenge on the Midlanders when they arrive at
Upton Park on August 18. "It's going to be extremely exciting; we're back in
the Premier League," Gold told Sky Sports News. "It's Aston Villa first, I'm
pleased about that for a number of reasons, one being the last time we
played them on the first game of the season two years ago they beat us 3-0
at Aston Villa, so I'm looking forward to them coming here and hopefully we
can reverse the score.
Good start
"I think it is important to get off to a good start; the season before last
in the Premier League I think we lost our first four games because we were
playing big clubs.
"But at home to Aston Villa and away at Swansea, they are winnable games or
games you can expect to get something from so we are very excited about it."
When quizzed on the rest of West Ham's fixtures, Gold admitted he sees every
game as a highlight, such is the prestige of playing in England's top
division. "I think the Spurs game at home will be exciting, Arsenal at home
too, Manchester United, Manchester City, I could go on and on," he added.
"We're back in the Premier League, every game is a club with history,
whether it is one we are seeking revenge as we are against Aston Villa or
that it is just a great club coming to Upton Park. "Whether we are playing
super clubs or teams that have come up with us like Reading or Southampton,
I could make a case that they are all exciting.
Premier League
"This is the Premier League, the most exciting league the world has ever
known, I really don't mind who we play." Gold also revealed that the club's
finances have recovered significantly since he and co-chairman David
Sullivan bought the club from Icelandic group CB Holding in 2010. The
previous ownership had laden the club with significant debts and a
spiralling wage bill which Gold admits had pushed the club perilously close
to administration. However, the 75-year-old is much more optimistic about
the club's future, saying: "The club gets stronger with every passing day,
when we first arrived it was scary times, the club was close to
administration. We are clawing our way from that from those issues, we are
getting stronger financially. "The morale is high and the future is bright."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
McDonald eyes strong start
No.2 hopes Hammers can take advantage against Villa and Swans
Last Updated: June 18, 2012 3:21pm
SSN
West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald is hoping the club can take
advantage of Aston Villa and Swansea sides still adjusting to their new
managers when their Premier League campaign gets under way. The Hammers, who
won promotion back to the top-flight last season, will host Villa in their
curtain-raiser on August 18th in what will be Paul Lambert's first
competitive game in charge. The East Londoners then travel to the Liberty
Stadium to face the Swans the following weekend, with Michael Laudrup having
recently succeeded Brendan Rodgers at the helm. McDonald feels Lambert and
Laudrup will still be trying to put their mark on their new teams, which
could benefit Sam Allardyce's side, and is also glad the club will open
their campaign at Upton Park. He told West Ham's official website: "It's
brilliant to have a home game first as when you get promoted you're always
looking for a home fixture first. "Villa have got a new manager so hopefully
they may still be trying to work out what he wants and that will be the same
perhaps for Swansea in our second game. "The managers may still be trying to
bed in and get their ideas across to the players and which way they want to
play and what system they want to play. "We've got to try and take advantage
of that if we possibly can. It's still a difficult start but we're happy
we've avoided one of the top four."
Tough
McDonald is hoping the Hammers can make a strong start to prepare them for
testing fixtures against potential title contenders over November and
December.
"It will be a tough start without a shadow of a doubt but it's a good
start," he added. "Looking to November and December when we play the likes
of Manchester City, Manchester United,Spurs, Chelsea and Liverpool it will
be very tough so I think we need a good start and hopefully the first six
games will give us a chance to get some points on the board."
The assistant boss feels Monday's release of the fixtures will have whetted
the appetite of the Hammers players ahead of pre-season. "We've only had a
short-ish break but I imagine the lads will have seen the fixtures and
they'll be ready and raring to go on 1st July," he said. "We'll have plenty
of time for preparation and plenty of time to get the boys fit for the game.
We're really looking forward to getting started now."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold reveals transfer ambition
Co-chairman admits Hammers are keen to strengthen
Last Updated: June 18, 2012 12:50pm
SSN
West Ham co-chairman David Gold has revealed the club hope to sign up to
four players during the summer transfer window. The Hammers are back in the
Premier League after just one season in the Championship thanks to their 2-1
play-off win over Blackpool at Wembley last month. The summer re-building
has already begun, with Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen agreeding a
move to east London in July. A number of other players have been linked with
a switch to Upon Park, including former Real Madrid midfielder Guti, who is
available on a free transfer after being released by Turkish club Besiktas.
Gold refused to be drawn on any individual targets but did admit the club
intend to be busy right up until the deadline at the end of August. "We're
connected with about 20 players," Gold told Sky Sports News.
New season
"What we hope to do is to maybe bring in two, three or maybe four players by
the close of the window as we start off in the new season." Gold also
revealed that the Hammers did everything they could to try and persuade
goalkeeper Robert Green to stay at the club. The England international
rejected the offer of a new deal and will leave when his contract expires at
the end of the month. "We did our very best and we're very sad that we have
lost Robert, "added Gold. "We wish him well, and wherever he goes I'm sure
he will be a great servant to that club."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Are Four Signings Going to Be Enough?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Club Co-Chairman, David Gold, has been interviewed on SSN regarding the
club's summer transfer plans. In the interview, Gold states that the club
are aiming to bring in two, three or maybe four new signings before the
close of the transfer window at the end of August. Presumably, that number
excludes our first two signings, Jussi and Henderson? I sincerely hope so
anyway.
So, if we take David Gold's comments at face value, are four new signings
going to be enough to redress the lack in our current squad and add the
necessary depth in strength for the coming PL campaign? Over to you!
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 18th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
David Gold declared himself delighted after the 2012/13 fixture list threw
up a comparitively favourable opening to the forthcoming campaign. West Ham
are not scheduled to face any club that finished in the top six of last
season's Premier League until match seven of the campaign when they host
Arsenal - whilst they face all three newly-promoted clubs from last season
in September. And that news was greeted with enthusiasm from co-chairman
Gold, who told Sky Sports: "I think it's important to get off to a good
start. I think the season before last we got off to a tough start in the
first four game because we were playing big clubs. "But home to Aston Villa
and away to Swansea? They're winnable games, or they're games that you can
expect to get something from. So we're very excited about it. "We're back in
the Premier League, every game is against a club with history. Whether we
are playing super clubs or teams that have come up with us like Reading or
Southampton, I could make a case that they are all exciting."
In addition to the the August fixtures mentioned by Gold, West Ham face
Fulham (h), Norwich (a), Sunderland (h) and QPR (a) before meeting Arsneal
at the Boleyn Ground on 6th October.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sullivan: signings imminent
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 18th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
David Sullivan has revealed that West Ham are hoping to make at least one
new signing this week. United's co-chairman has been busy chasing a series
of targets during the past few weeks since the club's return to the Premier
League was confirmed by defeating Blackpool 2-1 in the play-off Final at
Wembley last month.
And having already confirmed the arrivals of Stephen Henderson and Jussi
Jaaskelainen on permanent contracts, Sullivan hopes to make his third
capture within the next few days - with another to follow shortly after. "We
expect to sign a player this week and next," Sullivan is reported to have
told the Evening Standard. "I can't say any more at the moment though."
Names in the hat include Wigan's Momo Diame, West Bromwich Albion's Jonas
Olssen and free agent and former Real Madrid star Guti. * Young Hammers fan
Jonjo Heuerman, who has been fundraising for the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer
Research UK since 2010 has revealed that David Sullivan has sent him a
cheque for £5,000. Heuerman told KUMB.com that Sullivan's unexpected
gesture, received last week, had boosted his fund to an incredible £76,000.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold eyeing Villa revenge
Hammers to meet Villans on opening day
Last Updated: June 18, 2012 12:21pm
SSN
West Ham United co-chairman David Gold admits he is hoping for revenge
against Aston Villa after they were paired together on the opening day of
the Premier League season. The Hammers are back in the top flight after just
one year in the Championship and once again begin their campaign against
Villa, the team they played on the opening day of the season two years ago.
Back then Avram Grant's side were thrashed 3-0 at Villa Park, with the
season ultimately ending in the heartbreak of relegation. Gold admits he is
keen to see his side gain revenge on the Midlanders when they arrive at
Upton Park on August 18. "It's going to be extremely exciting; we're back in
the Premier League," Gold told Sky Sports News. "It's Aston Villa first, I'm
pleased about that for a number of reasons, one being the last time we
played them on the first game of the season two years ago they beat us 3-0
at Aston Villa, so I'm looking forward to them coming here and hopefully we
can reverse the score.
Good start
"I think it is important to get off to a good start; the season before last
in the Premier League I think we lost our first four games because we were
playing big clubs.
"But at home to Aston Villa and away at Swansea, they are winnable games or
games you can expect to get something from so we are very excited about it."
When quizzed on the rest of West Ham's fixtures, Gold admitted he sees every
game as a highlight, such is the prestige of playing in England's top
division. "I think the Spurs game at home will be exciting, Arsenal at home
too, Manchester United, Manchester City, I could go on and on," he added.
"We're back in the Premier League, every game is a club with history,
whether it is one we are seeking revenge as we are against Aston Villa or
that it is just a great club coming to Upton Park. "Whether we are playing
super clubs or teams that have come up with us like Reading or Southampton,
I could make a case that they are all exciting.
Premier League
"This is the Premier League, the most exciting league the world has ever
known, I really don't mind who we play." Gold also revealed that the club's
finances have recovered significantly since he and co-chairman David
Sullivan bought the club from Icelandic group CB Holding in 2010. The
previous ownership had laden the club with significant debts and a
spiralling wage bill which Gold admits had pushed the club perilously close
to administration. However, the 75-year-old is much more optimistic about
the club's future, saying: "The club gets stronger with every passing day,
when we first arrived it was scary times, the club was close to
administration. We are clawing our way from that from those issues, we are
getting stronger financially. "The morale is high and the future is bright."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
McDonald eyes strong start
No.2 hopes Hammers can take advantage against Villa and Swans
Last Updated: June 18, 2012 3:21pm
SSN
West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald is hoping the club can take
advantage of Aston Villa and Swansea sides still adjusting to their new
managers when their Premier League campaign gets under way. The Hammers, who
won promotion back to the top-flight last season, will host Villa in their
curtain-raiser on August 18th in what will be Paul Lambert's first
competitive game in charge. The East Londoners then travel to the Liberty
Stadium to face the Swans the following weekend, with Michael Laudrup having
recently succeeded Brendan Rodgers at the helm. McDonald feels Lambert and
Laudrup will still be trying to put their mark on their new teams, which
could benefit Sam Allardyce's side, and is also glad the club will open
their campaign at Upton Park. He told West Ham's official website: "It's
brilliant to have a home game first as when you get promoted you're always
looking for a home fixture first. "Villa have got a new manager so hopefully
they may still be trying to work out what he wants and that will be the same
perhaps for Swansea in our second game. "The managers may still be trying to
bed in and get their ideas across to the players and which way they want to
play and what system they want to play. "We've got to try and take advantage
of that if we possibly can. It's still a difficult start but we're happy
we've avoided one of the top four."
Tough
McDonald is hoping the Hammers can make a strong start to prepare them for
testing fixtures against potential title contenders over November and
December.
"It will be a tough start without a shadow of a doubt but it's a good
start," he added. "Looking to November and December when we play the likes
of Manchester City, Manchester United,Spurs, Chelsea and Liverpool it will
be very tough so I think we need a good start and hopefully the first six
games will give us a chance to get some points on the board."
The assistant boss feels Monday's release of the fixtures will have whetted
the appetite of the Hammers players ahead of pre-season. "We've only had a
short-ish break but I imagine the lads will have seen the fixtures and
they'll be ready and raring to go on 1st July," he said. "We'll have plenty
of time for preparation and plenty of time to get the boys fit for the game.
We're really looking forward to getting started now."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold reveals transfer ambition
Co-chairman admits Hammers are keen to strengthen
Last Updated: June 18, 2012 12:50pm
SSN
West Ham co-chairman David Gold has revealed the club hope to sign up to
four players during the summer transfer window. The Hammers are back in the
Premier League after just one season in the Championship thanks to their 2-1
play-off win over Blackpool at Wembley last month. The summer re-building
has already begun, with Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen agreeding a
move to east London in July. A number of other players have been linked with
a switch to Upon Park, including former Real Madrid midfielder Guti, who is
available on a free transfer after being released by Turkish club Besiktas.
Gold refused to be drawn on any individual targets but did admit the club
intend to be busy right up until the deadline at the end of August. "We're
connected with about 20 players," Gold told Sky Sports News.
New season
"What we hope to do is to maybe bring in two, three or maybe four players by
the close of the window as we start off in the new season." Gold also
revealed that the Hammers did everything they could to try and persuade
goalkeeper Robert Green to stay at the club. The England international
rejected the offer of a new deal and will leave when his contract expires at
the end of the month. "We did our very best and we're very sad that we have
lost Robert, "added Gold. "We wish him well, and wherever he goes I'm sure
he will be a great servant to that club."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Are Four Signings Going to Be Enough?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Club Co-Chairman, David Gold, has been interviewed on SSN regarding the
club's summer transfer plans. In the interview, Gold states that the club
are aiming to bring in two, three or maybe four new signings before the
close of the transfer window at the end of August. Presumably, that number
excludes our first two signings, Jussi and Henderson? I sincerely hope so
anyway.
So, if we take David Gold's comments at face value, are four new signings
going to be enough to redress the lack in our current squad and add the
necessary depth in strength for the coming PL campaign? Over to you!
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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