Health checks for Hammers
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's players have undergone a series of tests to make sure they
are in tip-top condition
19.07.2012
West Ham United's players and staff have undergone a series of tests to make
sure they are in the best possible condition ahead of the 2012/13 Barclays
Premier League season. The Hammers' Chadwell Heath training ground was
visited by a range of healthcare professionals on Thursday, including staff
from the Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) heart screening charity, an
optician and a podiatrist. Manager Sam Allardyce, who underwent heart
surgery after being diagnosed with a blocked artery in 2009, was among those
to undergo a electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess the electrical activity of
his heart. "To be honest, I am an expert on this and have had more tests
than most of the lads due to the blockage I had in my artery a few years
ago," said Big Sam. "I think that, as always in life, prevention is much
better than cure and having the lads go through this screening is a good
thing. "While it can't cover everything and never will, it helps us to see
if everybody is as fit as they think they are. It is a fantastic operation
run by experts carrying out ECGs and echocardiograms (ECHO), while we have
the optician and podiatrist working next door. "It gives us a good look at
the lads' condition and if we find anything we can quickly deal with it, but
I'm sure everybody will be clear."
Big Sam, who is well-known for his meticulous approach to every fact of
football management, said heart screening was a vital part of ensuring
players are fit and healthy before they take to the pitch. "The amount of
punishment the players go through in terms of physical activity means they
max their heart-rate on quite a few occasions so it's very important to
check there are no defects there if you are taking it to that extreme on a
regular basis. "This screening is obviously very, very important in finding
any deficiencies in any of the players."
The CRY team was headed by Professor Sanjay Sharma, a Professor of Inherited
Cardiovascular Conditions and Sports Cardiology at St George's Hospital in
London.
Professor Sharma explained the process and reason for screening players and
revealed that his team had visited many of the country's other leading
clubs, including Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. "We test several
football clubs and it's a pleasure to be involved at West Ham," he said. "We
are screening the players for conditions that may predispose to sudden death
during sport. "I'm pleased to report that these events happen very rarely,
but having seen the very public cardiac arrest of Fabrice Muamba, there is a
heightened awareness of this problem. "Most of the conditions that cause
problems in young athletes usually affect the electricity and muscle of the
heart. Unfortunately, about about 80 per cent have no warning symptoms of
the condition. "The process has seen the players fill out health
questionnaires asking specifically about cardiac symptoms and about any
family history of cardiac disease, because most of the conditions that cause
death are hereditary. "We then did an ECG to look for electrical faults and
a cardiac ultrasound to look for any structural abnormalities. Together,
these tests will excluse an abnormality in 80 per cent of cases."
Club doctor Richard Weiler said the tests carried out this week were all of
great importance. "There are lots of different forms of screening that we do
to make sure that the players are fit and healthy for the season and that
everything is working properly," said Dr Weiler. "Primarily its around
reducing risk and treating anything that needs treating so that they are in
peak physical condition when the season starts. "There have been a lot of
tests this week. We were visited by an anti-doping expert who warned the
players on what they can and cannot take because the rules are very strict.
"We also did blood screening as well as functional, fitness and
musculo-skeletal screening and got them all to see the dentist, optician and
podiatrist to make sure their tools of the trade are in perfect working
condition. "There are not too many parts of them that escape a thorough
check!"
Striker Carlton Cole was among those to have his heart screened at Chadwell
Heath on Friday. "It is really important that this screening is carried
out," said the No9. "As footballers, the fitness of our bodies is something
we know has to be right to be able to do what we do, but I think everyone,
not just athletes, should have this sort of screening and for it to be
available to all. "When the screening is being done, you are a bit nervous!
You look at the reaction of the person doing the test, so if they nod and
smile then you know you are OK for now! But in all seriousness, it is very
important and I think the case of Fabrice Muamba highlighted how important
it is to have checks as often as you can as you just never know." "The
people who came here today were very good with us and they are a charitable
organisation and they are doing important work, so hopefully we can help
them by raising awareness."
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Tomkins starts for Team GB
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins started for Team GB as they went down 2-0 to Brazil on Friday
night
20.07.2012
James Tomkins started for Team GB as they lost 2-0 to Brazil in their first
warm-up game before the 2012 Olympic Games. Tomkins was selected in central
defence in a team that also featured Ryan Giggs and former Hammer Craig
Bellamy as they came up against some of the best players on the planet. The
class of the visitors told in the opening half as goals from Sandro and
Neymar saw them go in two goals to the good at Middlesbrough's Riverside
Stadium. Tomkins was one of four players to make way at the break as Stuart
Pearce sought to give his squad players a run out. The home side continued
to push but the tournament favourites stood firm. Team GB have twice won the
Gold medal, at the first-ever Olympic football tournament in London in 1908
and again in Stockholm in 1912. However, Team GB have not competed in the
competition since 1960. This summer, Stuart Pearce's side will kick-off
their bid for Gold when they face Mohamed Diame's Senegal in Group A at Old
Trafford on 26 July. Team GB will travel to Wembley to take on United Arab
Emirates on 29 July before completing the group stage with a fixture with
Uruguay at the Millennium Stadium on 1 August. Sixteen teams will compete in
the Olympic football tournament, with the Gold medal match taking place at
Wembley on 11 August.
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Grays 4-1 Development Squad FT
WHUFC.com
All the action as it happened as Ian Hendon's Development Squad lost out to
Grays Athletic at Rush Green
20.07.2012
Grays Athletic v West Ham United
Pre-season match
Rush Green Stadium
Friday 20 July 2012
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Full time
89 mins - Surely this will be the final change for the Hammers as Pope makes
way Ryan Palmer.
88 mins - Larkins, who has hardly touched the ball this half, just manages
to get his hand to the feet of Sweeney to claw the ball away. Good work from
the Hammers No1.
87 mins - Another change as Ryan Kirby leaves the field for Dave East.
85 mins - Alex Cruickshank comes on for Carlos as we enter the final five
minutes. Will the Hammers grab the second they have threatened
82 mins - The Hammers are still trying here but it is not their night.
Wearen is pulled up for his second strong tackle in as many minutes and the
referee asks him to calm it down a bit.
78 mins - Although they are well down on the score front, West Ham have kept
on working hard. Wearen has just missed a great chance to grab the Hammers'
second as he puts a good chance wide from six yards.
75 mins - The Hammers have the ball in the net but are denied a second goal
by the assistant's flag on the far side. Hedon makes another change as
Piquionne is replaced by Kieran Sadlier.
72 mins - Another change for the hosts as Jake Hall makes way for Brian
Moses.
68 mins - You get the feeling this is not going to be Rob Hall's night as he
once again fires in a decent effort that Johnson gets down well to palm
away. Johnson used to be on the Hammers' books before arriving at the Blues
this season.
65 mins - GOAL! The Hammers hit back as Bilal Moshni scrambles in a corner
after Johnson cannot collect the ball cleanly. Can the Hammers come back?
64 mins - Double change for Grays as Marshall and Lalit make way for Ryan
Maxwell and Tyrone Scarlett.
63 mins - Hall comes close with a curling effort from 25 yards that just
flies past the far post. That is pr
61 mins - GOAL! Grays make it 4-0 as Craig Pope pops up to glance in Carlos'
corner. I think that could be it for the Hammers now.
57 mins - Johnson has been superb for Grays tonight and he comes out quickly
to smother the ball at the fee of Moncur, who looked certain to score.
Moments later, Hall comes within a lick of paint of grabbing one back as his
powerful drive from the angle bounces back off Johnson's near post.
56 mins - In better new, James Tomkins has started for Team GB against
Brazil, although the latest score is 2-0 to the visitors.
52 mins - Ruddock makes way for Amos Nasha as Hendon makes his second
change.
51 mins - If West Ham do go down here tonight as it looks like they might
they will not have to wait long with three games tomorrow. The first team
will be playing away at Colchester, the Development Squad will be facing
Thurrock and the U18s will start their pre-season with a trip to Ipswich
Town.
52 mins - Grays make the first change of the second half as lee Flynn makes
way for Joe Sweeney.
48 mins - Piquionne heads the flag-kick over as the Hammers look to get back
into the game.
47 mins - Well the floodlights at the new stadium are working well as the
pitch seems to be a lot darker than the first half. Morrison tries to light
it up with a strong burst forward but is stopped only by a last-ditch
tackle.
46 mins - West Ham get us underway in the second half.
Half-time
43 mins - It's a long way back for the Development Squad now and I imagine
Hendon is looking forward to getting his players back in the dressing room
to prepare them for a second-half fightback.
40 mins - GOAL! But maybe I spoke too soon as Grays make it 3-0. Larkins
comes for a cross from the left but does not make a clean connection and
Carlos is left with the simple task of heading into an empty net, despite
Wearen's best efforts to get to the ball on the line.
40 mins - Good spell this for the Hammers as Moncur's shot forces Johnson
into another save.
39 mins - Anyway, back to the football and West Ham have won another corner
as they look to get back into the game. Ruddock's shot deflects over the bar
but Rob Hall's corner is gathered by Johnson.
38 mins - And apologies to you for the slight break in updates there as we
were suffering slight technical problems.
33 mins - I owe an apology to Fanimo as I'm hearing that Grays' first goal
actually came off Moshni before it went in the net. The Hammers make an
early change as Driver makes way for Leo Chambers
32 mins - Moshni wins another header by the halfway line. The central
defender, currently on trial from Southend, has shown he has a lot of power
in the air.
28 mins - GOAL! Lee Flynn takes it and smashes the ball into the bottom
corner. It was a great free-kick and the Hammers have a big job on their
hands now.
27 mins - Free-kick to Grays just outside the Hammers' area after George
Moncur was pulled up for a handball.
26 mins - Ravel Morrison and Piquionne combine well down the right and the
latter forces a corner off a Grays defender. Hall takes it from the right
and Moshni's header is palmed away by Johnson.
24 mins - Well played Ruddock. Grays were on the attack again but the former
Boreham Wood midfielder took control of the situation and carried the ball
calmly out of the area.
22 mins - Grays come forward once more and Luke Marshall is able to control
the ball in the area. Wearern and Moshni both manage to get enough of a
challenge in to put the midfielder off and his shot goes harmlessly wide.
19 mins - Free-kick to Grays just inside the West Ham half. From it, they
build up an attack down the right but a well-timed sliding challenge from
Hammers captain Wearen stops the attack dead.
17 mins - Seb Lletget fires in a shot from 20 yards but it is an easy one
for Johnson to gather down low.
15 mins - It's a bit stop start here at Rush Green with a few niggly little
fouls creeping in. Joao Carlos has looked like a threat down the left for
Grays but Ruddock does well to ensure the winger does not get his cross in
by seeing the ball out. Good defending.
9 mins - The Hammers nearly hit back straight away as a long ball from the
back finds Piquionne, he beats the 'keeper to the ball but his touch isn't
strong enough and Grays are able to clear off the line
7 mins - GOAL! Grays take the lead as Jake West runs down the right before
crossing at the near post. It's a bit of a scramble and the ball ends up in
the back of the net. It looks like the final touch may have been from a West
Ham player, possibly Matthias Fanimo
4 mins - So close! Hall's free-kick is right in the corner but Lamar Johnson
in the Grays' goal is equal to it and pushes it round the post. From the
resulting corner Eoin Wearen heads just wide.
3 mins - Free-kick to West Ham right on the edge of the Grays' area after
Piquionne is felled. It looks like it will be Hall to take it.
2 mins - It's a smashing night here in Essex and the sun has finally
appeared. Grays have enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges but the
ball is behind for a goal-kick to West Ham.
1 min - Grays get us underway and will be attacking Jake Larkins' goal away
to my left in the first half.
7.45pm - Joint-Chairman David Sullivan have just cut the ribbon to open the
new ground and we're about to get going.
7.40pm - Good evening and welcome to Rush Green for the opening of the new
stadium that will be home to tonight's two teams this season. West Ham
United Development Squad manager Ian Hendon has picked a young side with
just three players included boasting competitive first-team experience -
Ravel Morrison, Rob Hall and Freddie Piquionne.
The two teams line up as follows:
West Ham United: Larkins, Driver, Fanimo, Moncur, Moshni, Wearen, Ruddock,
Lletget, Piquionne, Morrison, Hall
Subs: Guzman, Nasha, Turgott, Vose, Sadlier, Shaw, Hunt, Powell, Chambers
Grays Athletic: Johnson, Pope, Baker, Kirby, Flynn, Marshall, Lalite,
Marshall, Lalite, Bunce, Hall, Carlos, West
Subs: Kamarusi, Stanley, Palmer, Maxwell, Bunn, Sweeney, East, Moses,
Scarlett, Cruickshank
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U18s to start pre-season schedule
WHUFc.com
West Ham United's youth team head to Ipswich Town for their first match of
2012/13 on Saturday
20.07.2012
West Ham United Under-18s begin their 2012/13 pre-season schedule with a
trip to Ipswich Town on Saturday. The Hammers, who have taken on no fewer
than 13 new first-year scholars, enjoyed a decent 2011/12 campaign that saw
them reach the FA Youth Cup fifth round and finish fifth in FA Premier
Academy League Group A. Among the intake are summer arrivals Nathan Mavila
and Gines Guzman Rosique, who have joined the club from Wycombe Wanderers
and Murcia respectively. The pair will join the likes of Amos Nasha and
Kieran Bywater, who have both featured for the first team in recent weeks,
in the squad. Academy Director Tony Carr said he was looking forward to the
start of a new campaign, beginning with this weekend's journey up the A12.
"The first two weeks of pre-season have been about conditioning and building
up fitness and we go to into our first game away to Ipswich on Saturday. "We
have a squad of about 18 players and hopefully all of them will get on to
the pitch and get some minutes under their belts. "It's about preparing and
getting some match practice at this stage and we have matches at Norwich
next Wednesday and Everton the following Saturday. We also go to Manchester
City in a few weeks' time to break things up a bit, because we always play
the south east-based clubs on a regular basis every season so we thought
we'd go further north to give them a different experience. "We are also
taking a squad to a tournament in Belgium in early August, which will be
another good experience for them."
Carr revealed that the club had taken on a larger than normal number of
first-year scholars for a variety of reasons, most notably the high level of
talent within the year-group and the fact that the Development Squad will
compete in the new Professional Development League in 2012/13. "It is quite
a large number but we felt it was a good year group and we need a squad.
With the Development Squad playing in their own league, we didn't want to be
too stretched for numbers and didn't want to play too young a team too early
in what is quite a physically demanding Under-18 league. "We do feel that
there is some good talent there as two or three of them showed in the
first-team game at Southend last weekend. Although it was only a little
taster, they showed they weren't overawed by that and showed good
potential."
The Academy Director is also excited about the two new arrivals. "Nathan has
come in from Wycombe. We've been looking at him for quite a while and I was
pleased we could come to an agreement with Wycombe to bring him to West Ham.
"We've also brought a boy in from Spain who is a young goalkeeper who our
goalkeeper coach Jerome John has been following for a number of months and
felt was definitely worth taking. "Hopefully both of them can continue to
improve and mature for the future."
Ultimately, while league and cup success would be welcome, Carr insists that
producing players for the first team is the Academy's overriding aim and
role.
Having seen four graduates make their debuts last season, he is hoping to
see more make the step up to Sam Allardyce's squad this term.
"It's our goal to produce players who can thrive at that level and it is a
massive challenge for them to step up to the plate and show that they are
capable of playing in the first team in the Premier League."
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Hull City sign former West Ham defender Abdoulaye Faye
BBC.co.uk
Hull City have signed veteran Senegalese defender Abdoulaye Faye on a
one-year deal. The 34-year-old played 29 times in the Championship for West
Ham last term but was released by the Hammers at the end of the season. He
has Premier League experience with Bolton, Newcastle and Stoke. Tigers boss
Steve Bruce said: "He brings experience and if you look at our squad we
don't have a lot of that at the moment."
Faye added: "I am very happy to be here and to have signed for Hull City. It
is a fresh challenge for me and one that I am greatly looking forward to. "I
spent time watching Hull last season and they played very well. We have
plenty of talented young players in the squad and I think I can complement
them with my experience.
"Experience can count for a lot in football. I have played for several years
in the Premiership, with last year being my first in the Championship. "I
think that in some ways the Championship is even tougher as it is played at
such a frantic pace, and is very physical. "Steve Bruce is a great manager
with a fantastic record and, when he spoke to me about his ambitions for the
club, it was easy for me to make up my mind."
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Grays Ath 4 West Ham Utd XI 1
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 20th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
Triallist Bilal Mohsni scored a goal at each of the pitch tonight as Ian
Hendon's young West Ham side suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Ryman
League side Grays Athletic. The French defender, who is currently contracted
to Southend United played a full 90 minutes as the Hammers were well beaten
- despite controlling the majority of the game. The home side took the lead
after just seven minutes when the unfortunate Mohsni got the final touch in
a goalmouth scramble. It was a lead that they doubled on 28 minutes when Lee
Flynn's 20-yard free kick somehow found its way through a five-man wall.
Despite having enjoyed the lions' share of possession in the first half,
West Ham - for whom an extremely disappointing Freddie Piquionne started -
found themselves 3-0 behind shortly before the break when Jake Larkins made
a hash of a cross allowing Athletic's Carlos to bundle the ball into an
empty net. And it was 4-0 to the home side, playing their first game at
their new temporary home which they will share with West Ham's reserve team
next season, on the hour mark when Craig Pope scored with a close-range
header.
Mohsni made amends for his earlier error when he grabbed a consolation goal
for Ian Hendon's team with 25 minutes to go when he was first to react to a
loose ball in the six-uard box following a corner, stabbing the ball over
the line. And although West Ham had another effort ruled out for offside
adding to an earlier reffort from Rob Hall that shook the woodwork, they
were unable to reduce the deficit further. Also in action for a full 90
minutes was Ravel Morrison, who showed glimpses of his undoubted talent -
but also his temperamental side when he was warned by the referee having
raised his hands to an opponent.
* You may see a selection of pictures from tonight's game on the KUMB forum.
West Ham United: Larkins, Driver, Fanimo, Moncur, Moshni, Wearen, Ruddock,
Lletget, Piquionne, Morrison, Hall.
Subs: Guzman, Nasha, Turgott, Vose, Sadlier, Shaw, Hunt, Powell, Chambers.
Grays Athletic: Johnson, Pope, Baker, Kirby, Flynn, Marshall, Lalite,
Marshall, Lalite, Bunce, Hall, Carlos, West.
Subs: Kamarusi, Stanley, Palmer, Maxwell, Bunn, Sweeney, East, Moses,
Scarlett, Cruickshank.
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We dig Doug
The Sun
Published: 20th July 2012
FULHAM and West Ham have joined Newcastle in the £3.5m fight for FC Twente's
Douglas. All three clubs have tabled bids for the 24-year-old Brazilian
defender.
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Southend United's Bilel Mohsni scores at both ends for West Ham United in
trial game against Grays Athletic
Echo News
11:18pm Friday 20th July 2012 in Sport By Chris Phillips
BILEL Mohsni scored at both ends during an eventful trial game for West Ham
United at Grays Athletic tonight. Mohsni, who was granted permission from
Southend United to play for the Hammers, inadvertently put the home-side
ahead with an own goal inside the opening five minutes. And, despite netting
for his own team in the closing stages, the Frenchman was a frustrated
figure at the final whistle following a 4-1 defeat. "I'm disappointed
because I scored the own goal and that set Grays on their way to win the
game," said Mohsni, 24. "I was caught between their two strikers and had to
make a tackle but, in doing so, the ball hit my shin and went in to the
goal. "That frustrated me and by the time I scored at the other end it was
too late."
Following Mohsni's own goal, Lee Flynn, Joao Carlos and Craig Pope were all
on target for Grays. And the defender is now not sure if he will figure
again for West Ham at Colchester United tomorrow afternoon. "I don't know if
I will play there or not," said Mohsni, who played the whole match against
Grays at centre-back.
"I will definitely travel to the game and the manager has said I might be
involved. "However, he wants to give his first team players a good run out
and, if I do play, it might only be for 15 minutes." Mohsni's trial with
West Ham will end after the clash at the Community Stadium but he has yet to
discover if he will be kept on.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, July 21
Friday, July 20
Daily WHUFC News - 20th July 2012
Tonks ready for Samba test
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins and his Team GB team-mates will face the mighty Brazil on
Friday
19.07.2012
James Tomkins and his Team GB team-mates will step up their preparations for
the London 2012 Olympic Games when they face Brazil at Middlesbrough on
Friday evening. The West Ham United defender and his colleagues will take on
the South Americans in their one and only warm-up fixture at the Riverside
Stadium in a game that will be screened live on BBC1 (7.45pm kick-off).
Tomkins will have a tough assignment against the Bazilians, who have
included AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato, FC Porto frontman Hulk and Santos
pair Neymar and Ganso in their squad. Naturally, the Hammers No5 cannot wait
to test himself against some of the finest attackers in world football. "You
know what to expect when it comes to Brazil," Tomkins told TheFA.com as Team
GB prepared for the Olympics at their training camp in southern Spain
earlier this week. "The will be technically very good and we'll have periods
of the game where we might not have too much of the ball, so we'll have to
be very disciplined as a team. "I've watched Brazil so many times over the
years and you know they bring up the young lads the exact same way. I'm
looking forward to it as an experience of another country I've not played
before and hopefully I can be part of the match."
The match at Middlebrough's Riverside Stadium on Friday is part of an
historic double-header match as Team GB Women's face Sweden earlier that
afternoon.
Tomkins, who was part of the West Ham team that won 2-0 at Middlesbrough in
the npower Championship in November 2011, is looking forward to returning to
Teesside. "It's a big pitch and physically demanding, but it's about what we
can get out of the game to help us in the tournament. Results come later on,
I'm sure this is going to be a great occasion, and it would be great to get
the confidence going early on."
Team GB have twice won the Gold medal, at the first-ever Olympic football
tournament in London in 1908 and again in Stockholm in 1912. However, Team
GB have not competed in the competition since 1960. This summer, Stuart
Pearce's side will kick-off their bid for Gold when they face Mohamed
Diame's Senegal in Group A at Old Trafford on 26 July. Team GB will travel
to Wembley to take on United Arab Emirates on 29 July before completing the
group stage with a fixture with Uruguay at the Millennium Stadium on 1
August. Sixteen teams will compete in the Olympic football tournament, with
the Gold medal match taking place at Wembley on 11 August.
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Duo join Douglas bidding
Fulham and West Ham lodge bids for Newcastle target
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey. Last Updated: July
19, 2012 12:42pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands that Fulham and West Ham United have both made offers
for FC Twente defender Douglas. Sky Sports revealed earlier this week that
Newcastle United had firmed up their interest in the Brazilian-born Douglas
by lodging a bid. But the Magpies have rival interest from the Premier
League and we can confirm both Fulham and West Ham have tabled offers.
Douglas, 24, will gain Dutch nationality next month which means he will be
able to play in the Premier League without any need for a work permit. He
has been linked with clubs in Italy and Germany, but it is believed he would
relish the prospect of playing in England.
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Hammers Bid to Sign Douglas!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham have made an offer for FC Twente centre-back, Douglas, following
the Dutch club's rejection of Newcastle Utd's £3m bid last week. The Geordie
interest in the player has been known for some time, although they appear to
have taken an inordinate amount of time to follow up on it. It seems that
the rejection of their offer has now sparked West Ham in to submitting an
alternative bid. However, West Ham are not alone in their interest,
apparently Fulham are also keen to acquire the defender..
Although Brasilian by birth, Douglas will gain Dutch nationality next month,
allowing him to play in the Premier League without a work permit. So, that
would be one very large obstacle to a deal out of the way.
It seems that the story about West Ham's interest in Southend Utd utility
man, Bilel Mohsni is perfectly true. The Frenchman, who has been training
with the Hammers since Wednesday, is to be included in West Ham Development
Squad for the pre-season friendly against Grays Athletic on Friday night.
For those that wish to attend, the match will be played at the Rush Green
Stadium, with a 7.45pm kick off. While the first team squad head off to
Colchester on Saturday for their next schedued pre-season fixture..
Regardless of his sharpness in pre-season, the strong rumours persist that
Sam Baldock is due to exit he club this summer, whether on a season long
loan or a permanent deal. Possible suitors include Crystal Palace, Bristol
City and Ipswich Town. Personally, I would like to see Baldock given his
chance at PL level, but failing that, loan him out to a decent Championship
side like Paul Jewell's and monitor developments. if, as alleged in some
quarters, it is a case of Sam Allardyce wanting to move the player on, then
a permanent exit is probable. It would be a very disappointing and premature
end to Baldock's time with the club, but at the end of the day, Allardyce is
paid to make these decisions! And he will be criticised if he gets it wrong.
Although previously lamented exits by the likes of Stanislas and Hines have
not exactly come back to haunt him, so perhaps we should just trust his
judgement?
Finally, it seems that some supporters are playing a guessing game of 'who
are the two defenders.' Twitter sources have stated that deals for two
defenders are at an advanced stage. If true, who are they, Simpson, Ba,
Olsson, Dann? As always, we must wait to see?
SJ. Chandos.
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Torr war
The Sun
Published: Today at 00:39
WEST HAM, QPR and Blackburn are in a fight to sign £2million-rated Getafe
star Miguel Torres. The former Spain Under-21 right-back, 26, said: "English
football is a paradise for any player. I believe my sporting future will be
there."
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TRANSFER RUMOUR: Paul Jewell reignites interest in West Ham's Sam Baldock
EADT.co.uk
By Dave Gooderham
Thursday, July 19, 2012
10:42 PM
IPSWICH Town have enquired about the possibility of taking West Ham striker
Sam Baldock on a season-long loan, with a view to a permanent deal next
year.
And we understand the forward is keen to join Paul Jewell's side rather than
sit on the sidelines as Hammers boss Sam Allardyce looking elsewhere for
firepower.
Baldock was first mentioned in connection with the Blues in May – even
before West Ham gained promotion via the play-offs. Since then, the striker
has actually impressed in pre-season, scoring in three consecutive
friendlies. But his chances of being a Premier League success at Upton Park
were hit this week when the Hammers signed Mali international frontman
Modibo Maiga for £5 million. Baldock might sit tight for a while – with
fellow striker Ricardo Vaz Te demanding a hike in wages after shooting the
Hammers into the Premier League. But Jewell is monitoring the situation
surrounding the 23-year-old very closely and is ready to pounce with
divisional rivals Charlton also showing interest. Speaking after tonight's
1-1 draw with Den Bosch, Jewell admitted he was looking for a big targetman
– but this might not stop him adding former MK Dons striker Baldock as well.
The Blues boss admitted he was hopeful of making a fourth summer signing
sooner rather than later saying he had "a few things going on". He revealed:
"We need a big centre forward, a bit of physicality." Regarding another
striking target, Steve Davies from Derby, Jewell added: "We have not made a
bid, but I spoke to Nigel Clough on Wednesday to say we do have other
targets. "We are hopeful of getting one in particular very quickly."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Southend United's Bilel Mohsni set to play for West Ham's development squad
against Grays Athletic
Echo News
5:21pm Thursday 19th July 2012 in Sport By Chris Phillips
BILEL Mohsni is set to play West Ham United's development squad in a
pre-season friendly against Grays Athletic on Friday night. The Frenchman,
who still has a year left on his contract at Southend United, has been
training with the Hammers since Wednesday. The match will be played at the
Rush Green Stadium and kicks off at 7.45pm. It remains to be seen if the
24-year-old will also line up for West Ham United when they head to
Colchester on Saturday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Revealed: The Truth about West Ham United new boy Modibo Maiga!
Posted on July 19, 2012 Claus
Footballrascal.com
It is not often West Ham sign a player that leave fans scratching their
heads thinking 'who?' or 'never eard of him'…my mistake, it is pretty common
practice at Upton Park (Marco Boogers anyone?). The arrival of Sam Allardyce
will do little to help this, there are generally only three types of players
that 'Big Sam' signs: Veteran's, former players or complete unknowns and for
many Hammers fans the clubs new gun, Modibo Maiga, fits in to the latter
category. But the big man from Bamako may have more in common with West Ham
than you would think.
Modibo Maiga arrives at Upton Park to become the second Mali international
to grace the hallowed turf, that's if you count Freddie Kanoute as he hadn't
defected from France whilst he was still at West Ham. It is no surprise that
the Hammers new boy is being compared to his Malian predecessor for obvious
reasons, but these two have more than their nationality in common. Maiga is
a forward that has some similar characteristics to Kanoute; they are both
skillful and strong with the ball at their feet, they hold the ball up well,
win headers and are both composed in front of goal, but the majority of
Maiga's attributes are more reminiscent of another former West Ham striker…
Demba Ba was supposed to be joined at Newcastle by Modibo Maiga during last
summer's transfer window and Maiga even went on strike to force a move. The
striker was then supposed to be joining Newcastle again last January before
Papiss Cisse arrived. The reason Maiga didn't sign wasn't down to his bad
attitude, no no no, it was down to the fact his knee failed a medical in a
very Demba Ba/Stoke-esq kind of way. The other theory I have is that they
made up an excuse because Maiga was too similar to Ba.
Both Ba and Maiga often find themselves in wide area's which would leave no
one through the middle, so technically it would have been difficult for them
to play them together. It is not just positionally where they are similar,
they score the same kind of goals; powerful headers, good finishes, whilst
neither one particularly likes defending. So far we have established that
Modibo Maiga is a cross between Freddie Kanoute and Demba Ba – doesn't sound
too bad? Well not all stories have a happy ending because there is another
current West Ham player that Maiga has something in common with…
The bad news is it is Carlton Cole. Firstly the good news, they are
different types of player and the bottom line is that Maiga doesn't look too
bad and is a far cry from Carlton Cole in terms of style and talent. But if
we compare the two's headline career stats, things are a little too similar:
Carlton Cole – total games: 298 – total goals 73 – goal to game ratio: 0.24
Modibo Maiga – total games: 149 – total goals 39 – goal to game ratio: 0.26
We also need to bare in mind that Maiga was playing in a league which is of
a lower standard, but over his career he has only produced a record similar
to that of Carlton Cole when it comes to goal return. His best season was in
2010/11 with Sochaux where he managed 15 goals in a very creative side where
he was supported by some classy midfielders and a good partner in attack, if
he is to get a similar return he will need similar service at West Ham.
It is not just all about goals, it is about what he contributes to the team,
so lets look at assists and we will use Carlton Cole again as the benchmark.
Carlton Cole has played 298 games and has 28 career assists – that a ratio
of 0.09 or one assist every 10 games. Maiga has played 149 games and has 14
assists, which also gives him an assist ratio 0f 0.09. The good news is
Maiga does have other actual playing stats that do go in his favour such as
his shooting accuracy which was the second best in France's Ligue 1 last
season and he was the third best striker in Ligue 1 at converting his
chances.
Like any foreign import that comes in to the Premier League, you don't know
what you are going to get. Maiga is only 24 and there is no doubt the man
has potential and his pace and power should suit the Premier League. If West
Ham surround him with the right type of creative players, and if he fits in
to a system that allows him the freedom to roam across the front line, he
should do well at Upton Park – besides he is hardly a gamble in today's
market considering he reportedly cost under £5m. The jury is out on Maiga,
but a couple of pre-season goals and a few will be putting him in their
Dream Team…he has everything going for him and the potential, it is up to
him if he realises it.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hearn dreams of Olympic ground-share with West Ham
Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
July 19, 2012«
ESPN
Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn has told ESPN that he wants the League
One club to share the Olympic Stadium with West Ham after this summer's
Games in London. Hearn has previously spoken out against the Hammers'
attempts to move into the ground in Stratford as he believes it would lead
to the demise of Orient, whose main fanbase and Matchroom Stadium are
located close by. However, the sports promoter is now ready to accept a
compromise - suggesting that Orient could be joint-tenants with West Ham.
Ground sharing is rare in English football with Fulham the last top-flight
club to do so when they moved into QPR's Loftus Road while Craven Cottage
was redeveloped between 2002 and 2004. Hearn believes, though, that AC Milan
and Inter Milan at the San Siro, and Roma and Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico,
provide examples of it working successfully. "We have submitted plans for us
to take occupancy of the Olympic Stadium and work our fixtures around any
other tenants, and I would share the stadium with West Ham in a heartbeat,"
Hearn told ESPN. "My Martin Luther King moment is that I, too, have a dream,
and rather than West Ham put us out of business it is to let us have the
Olympic Stadium. The real legacy, the real intention of a legacy is to allow
the east end clubs to prosper. "If AC Milan and Inter Milan can share the
San Siro, I cannot see the problem of ground sharing in this country. Our
plan is to have a football-friendly, vibrant stadium. The legacy for this
stadium is better suited to that idea, surely? "If they give it to West Ham
alone, it would put us out of business. If we can have the stadium, it can
help us invest in the team and aim to become a Championship side "We are the
Cinderella club of the east end, but it is time for us to go to the ball."
It has also been claimed that Leyton Orient were preparing to be a part of a
bid from Formula One, who are reportedly considering holding a Grand Prix
around the Olympic Park. However, Hearn dismissed the idea, adding: "I am
sure [F1 chief executive] Bernie [Ecclestone] has a clever scheme but F1
cars whizzing around and inside the stadium, I don't think so. Cars going
through the Olympic Park, again I doubt it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Abdoulaye Faye gives Hull City deal the thumbs up as Steve Bruce targets up
to four more signings
Thursday, July 19, 2012Hull Daily Mail
HULL City are close to tying up a deal to land Abdoulaye Faye after the
defender yesterday gave the thumbs up to join Steve Bruce's side. The
34-year-old free agent had been mulling over a contract offer from the
Tigers following talks with Bruce on Tuesday. Abdoulaye Faye blocks Matty
Fryatt during West Ham's 2-0 win at the KC Stadium last year. A one-year
deal was thought to have been tabled and after positive further dialogue in
the last 24 hours, it appears Faye is keen on becoming the latest addition
to City's quickening recruitment drive. The former Bolton, Newcastle, Stoke
and West Ham defender, who has racked up over 200 appearances since his
arrival in English football seven years ago, has received offers from
overseas and from a rival club in the Championship. However, with Bruce
persuading Faye he can be part of another push for the Premier League, the
former Senegal international has leaned towards the KC Stadium. Providing
any late hitches can be avoided, the capture of Faye should come as another
step forward for Bruce.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins and his Team GB team-mates will face the mighty Brazil on
Friday
19.07.2012
James Tomkins and his Team GB team-mates will step up their preparations for
the London 2012 Olympic Games when they face Brazil at Middlesbrough on
Friday evening. The West Ham United defender and his colleagues will take on
the South Americans in their one and only warm-up fixture at the Riverside
Stadium in a game that will be screened live on BBC1 (7.45pm kick-off).
Tomkins will have a tough assignment against the Bazilians, who have
included AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato, FC Porto frontman Hulk and Santos
pair Neymar and Ganso in their squad. Naturally, the Hammers No5 cannot wait
to test himself against some of the finest attackers in world football. "You
know what to expect when it comes to Brazil," Tomkins told TheFA.com as Team
GB prepared for the Olympics at their training camp in southern Spain
earlier this week. "The will be technically very good and we'll have periods
of the game where we might not have too much of the ball, so we'll have to
be very disciplined as a team. "I've watched Brazil so many times over the
years and you know they bring up the young lads the exact same way. I'm
looking forward to it as an experience of another country I've not played
before and hopefully I can be part of the match."
The match at Middlebrough's Riverside Stadium on Friday is part of an
historic double-header match as Team GB Women's face Sweden earlier that
afternoon.
Tomkins, who was part of the West Ham team that won 2-0 at Middlesbrough in
the npower Championship in November 2011, is looking forward to returning to
Teesside. "It's a big pitch and physically demanding, but it's about what we
can get out of the game to help us in the tournament. Results come later on,
I'm sure this is going to be a great occasion, and it would be great to get
the confidence going early on."
Team GB have twice won the Gold medal, at the first-ever Olympic football
tournament in London in 1908 and again in Stockholm in 1912. However, Team
GB have not competed in the competition since 1960. This summer, Stuart
Pearce's side will kick-off their bid for Gold when they face Mohamed
Diame's Senegal in Group A at Old Trafford on 26 July. Team GB will travel
to Wembley to take on United Arab Emirates on 29 July before completing the
group stage with a fixture with Uruguay at the Millennium Stadium on 1
August. Sixteen teams will compete in the Olympic football tournament, with
the Gold medal match taking place at Wembley on 11 August.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Duo join Douglas bidding
Fulham and West Ham lodge bids for Newcastle target
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey. Last Updated: July
19, 2012 12:42pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands that Fulham and West Ham United have both made offers
for FC Twente defender Douglas. Sky Sports revealed earlier this week that
Newcastle United had firmed up their interest in the Brazilian-born Douglas
by lodging a bid. But the Magpies have rival interest from the Premier
League and we can confirm both Fulham and West Ham have tabled offers.
Douglas, 24, will gain Dutch nationality next month which means he will be
able to play in the Premier League without any need for a work permit. He
has been linked with clubs in Italy and Germany, but it is believed he would
relish the prospect of playing in England.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers Bid to Sign Douglas!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham have made an offer for FC Twente centre-back, Douglas, following
the Dutch club's rejection of Newcastle Utd's £3m bid last week. The Geordie
interest in the player has been known for some time, although they appear to
have taken an inordinate amount of time to follow up on it. It seems that
the rejection of their offer has now sparked West Ham in to submitting an
alternative bid. However, West Ham are not alone in their interest,
apparently Fulham are also keen to acquire the defender..
Although Brasilian by birth, Douglas will gain Dutch nationality next month,
allowing him to play in the Premier League without a work permit. So, that
would be one very large obstacle to a deal out of the way.
It seems that the story about West Ham's interest in Southend Utd utility
man, Bilel Mohsni is perfectly true. The Frenchman, who has been training
with the Hammers since Wednesday, is to be included in West Ham Development
Squad for the pre-season friendly against Grays Athletic on Friday night.
For those that wish to attend, the match will be played at the Rush Green
Stadium, with a 7.45pm kick off. While the first team squad head off to
Colchester on Saturday for their next schedued pre-season fixture..
Regardless of his sharpness in pre-season, the strong rumours persist that
Sam Baldock is due to exit he club this summer, whether on a season long
loan or a permanent deal. Possible suitors include Crystal Palace, Bristol
City and Ipswich Town. Personally, I would like to see Baldock given his
chance at PL level, but failing that, loan him out to a decent Championship
side like Paul Jewell's and monitor developments. if, as alleged in some
quarters, it is a case of Sam Allardyce wanting to move the player on, then
a permanent exit is probable. It would be a very disappointing and premature
end to Baldock's time with the club, but at the end of the day, Allardyce is
paid to make these decisions! And he will be criticised if he gets it wrong.
Although previously lamented exits by the likes of Stanislas and Hines have
not exactly come back to haunt him, so perhaps we should just trust his
judgement?
Finally, it seems that some supporters are playing a guessing game of 'who
are the two defenders.' Twitter sources have stated that deals for two
defenders are at an advanced stage. If true, who are they, Simpson, Ba,
Olsson, Dann? As always, we must wait to see?
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Torr war
The Sun
Published: Today at 00:39
WEST HAM, QPR and Blackburn are in a fight to sign £2million-rated Getafe
star Miguel Torres. The former Spain Under-21 right-back, 26, said: "English
football is a paradise for any player. I believe my sporting future will be
there."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
TRANSFER RUMOUR: Paul Jewell reignites interest in West Ham's Sam Baldock
EADT.co.uk
By Dave Gooderham
Thursday, July 19, 2012
10:42 PM
IPSWICH Town have enquired about the possibility of taking West Ham striker
Sam Baldock on a season-long loan, with a view to a permanent deal next
year.
And we understand the forward is keen to join Paul Jewell's side rather than
sit on the sidelines as Hammers boss Sam Allardyce looking elsewhere for
firepower.
Baldock was first mentioned in connection with the Blues in May – even
before West Ham gained promotion via the play-offs. Since then, the striker
has actually impressed in pre-season, scoring in three consecutive
friendlies. But his chances of being a Premier League success at Upton Park
were hit this week when the Hammers signed Mali international frontman
Modibo Maiga for £5 million. Baldock might sit tight for a while – with
fellow striker Ricardo Vaz Te demanding a hike in wages after shooting the
Hammers into the Premier League. But Jewell is monitoring the situation
surrounding the 23-year-old very closely and is ready to pounce with
divisional rivals Charlton also showing interest. Speaking after tonight's
1-1 draw with Den Bosch, Jewell admitted he was looking for a big targetman
– but this might not stop him adding former MK Dons striker Baldock as well.
The Blues boss admitted he was hopeful of making a fourth summer signing
sooner rather than later saying he had "a few things going on". He revealed:
"We need a big centre forward, a bit of physicality." Regarding another
striking target, Steve Davies from Derby, Jewell added: "We have not made a
bid, but I spoke to Nigel Clough on Wednesday to say we do have other
targets. "We are hopeful of getting one in particular very quickly."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Southend United's Bilel Mohsni set to play for West Ham's development squad
against Grays Athletic
Echo News
5:21pm Thursday 19th July 2012 in Sport By Chris Phillips
BILEL Mohsni is set to play West Ham United's development squad in a
pre-season friendly against Grays Athletic on Friday night. The Frenchman,
who still has a year left on his contract at Southend United, has been
training with the Hammers since Wednesday. The match will be played at the
Rush Green Stadium and kicks off at 7.45pm. It remains to be seen if the
24-year-old will also line up for West Ham United when they head to
Colchester on Saturday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Revealed: The Truth about West Ham United new boy Modibo Maiga!
Posted on July 19, 2012 Claus
Footballrascal.com
It is not often West Ham sign a player that leave fans scratching their
heads thinking 'who?' or 'never eard of him'…my mistake, it is pretty common
practice at Upton Park (Marco Boogers anyone?). The arrival of Sam Allardyce
will do little to help this, there are generally only three types of players
that 'Big Sam' signs: Veteran's, former players or complete unknowns and for
many Hammers fans the clubs new gun, Modibo Maiga, fits in to the latter
category. But the big man from Bamako may have more in common with West Ham
than you would think.
Modibo Maiga arrives at Upton Park to become the second Mali international
to grace the hallowed turf, that's if you count Freddie Kanoute as he hadn't
defected from France whilst he was still at West Ham. It is no surprise that
the Hammers new boy is being compared to his Malian predecessor for obvious
reasons, but these two have more than their nationality in common. Maiga is
a forward that has some similar characteristics to Kanoute; they are both
skillful and strong with the ball at their feet, they hold the ball up well,
win headers and are both composed in front of goal, but the majority of
Maiga's attributes are more reminiscent of another former West Ham striker…
Demba Ba was supposed to be joined at Newcastle by Modibo Maiga during last
summer's transfer window and Maiga even went on strike to force a move. The
striker was then supposed to be joining Newcastle again last January before
Papiss Cisse arrived. The reason Maiga didn't sign wasn't down to his bad
attitude, no no no, it was down to the fact his knee failed a medical in a
very Demba Ba/Stoke-esq kind of way. The other theory I have is that they
made up an excuse because Maiga was too similar to Ba.
Both Ba and Maiga often find themselves in wide area's which would leave no
one through the middle, so technically it would have been difficult for them
to play them together. It is not just positionally where they are similar,
they score the same kind of goals; powerful headers, good finishes, whilst
neither one particularly likes defending. So far we have established that
Modibo Maiga is a cross between Freddie Kanoute and Demba Ba – doesn't sound
too bad? Well not all stories have a happy ending because there is another
current West Ham player that Maiga has something in common with…
The bad news is it is Carlton Cole. Firstly the good news, they are
different types of player and the bottom line is that Maiga doesn't look too
bad and is a far cry from Carlton Cole in terms of style and talent. But if
we compare the two's headline career stats, things are a little too similar:
Carlton Cole – total games: 298 – total goals 73 – goal to game ratio: 0.24
Modibo Maiga – total games: 149 – total goals 39 – goal to game ratio: 0.26
We also need to bare in mind that Maiga was playing in a league which is of
a lower standard, but over his career he has only produced a record similar
to that of Carlton Cole when it comes to goal return. His best season was in
2010/11 with Sochaux where he managed 15 goals in a very creative side where
he was supported by some classy midfielders and a good partner in attack, if
he is to get a similar return he will need similar service at West Ham.
It is not just all about goals, it is about what he contributes to the team,
so lets look at assists and we will use Carlton Cole again as the benchmark.
Carlton Cole has played 298 games and has 28 career assists – that a ratio
of 0.09 or one assist every 10 games. Maiga has played 149 games and has 14
assists, which also gives him an assist ratio 0f 0.09. The good news is
Maiga does have other actual playing stats that do go in his favour such as
his shooting accuracy which was the second best in France's Ligue 1 last
season and he was the third best striker in Ligue 1 at converting his
chances.
Like any foreign import that comes in to the Premier League, you don't know
what you are going to get. Maiga is only 24 and there is no doubt the man
has potential and his pace and power should suit the Premier League. If West
Ham surround him with the right type of creative players, and if he fits in
to a system that allows him the freedom to roam across the front line, he
should do well at Upton Park – besides he is hardly a gamble in today's
market considering he reportedly cost under £5m. The jury is out on Maiga,
but a couple of pre-season goals and a few will be putting him in their
Dream Team…he has everything going for him and the potential, it is up to
him if he realises it.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hearn dreams of Olympic ground-share with West Ham
Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
July 19, 2012«
ESPN
Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn has told ESPN that he wants the League
One club to share the Olympic Stadium with West Ham after this summer's
Games in London. Hearn has previously spoken out against the Hammers'
attempts to move into the ground in Stratford as he believes it would lead
to the demise of Orient, whose main fanbase and Matchroom Stadium are
located close by. However, the sports promoter is now ready to accept a
compromise - suggesting that Orient could be joint-tenants with West Ham.
Ground sharing is rare in English football with Fulham the last top-flight
club to do so when they moved into QPR's Loftus Road while Craven Cottage
was redeveloped between 2002 and 2004. Hearn believes, though, that AC Milan
and Inter Milan at the San Siro, and Roma and Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico,
provide examples of it working successfully. "We have submitted plans for us
to take occupancy of the Olympic Stadium and work our fixtures around any
other tenants, and I would share the stadium with West Ham in a heartbeat,"
Hearn told ESPN. "My Martin Luther King moment is that I, too, have a dream,
and rather than West Ham put us out of business it is to let us have the
Olympic Stadium. The real legacy, the real intention of a legacy is to allow
the east end clubs to prosper. "If AC Milan and Inter Milan can share the
San Siro, I cannot see the problem of ground sharing in this country. Our
plan is to have a football-friendly, vibrant stadium. The legacy for this
stadium is better suited to that idea, surely? "If they give it to West Ham
alone, it would put us out of business. If we can have the stadium, it can
help us invest in the team and aim to become a Championship side "We are the
Cinderella club of the east end, but it is time for us to go to the ball."
It has also been claimed that Leyton Orient were preparing to be a part of a
bid from Formula One, who are reportedly considering holding a Grand Prix
around the Olympic Park. However, Hearn dismissed the idea, adding: "I am
sure [F1 chief executive] Bernie [Ecclestone] has a clever scheme but F1
cars whizzing around and inside the stadium, I don't think so. Cars going
through the Olympic Park, again I doubt it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Abdoulaye Faye gives Hull City deal the thumbs up as Steve Bruce targets up
to four more signings
Thursday, July 19, 2012Hull Daily Mail
HULL City are close to tying up a deal to land Abdoulaye Faye after the
defender yesterday gave the thumbs up to join Steve Bruce's side. The
34-year-old free agent had been mulling over a contract offer from the
Tigers following talks with Bruce on Tuesday. Abdoulaye Faye blocks Matty
Fryatt during West Ham's 2-0 win at the KC Stadium last year. A one-year
deal was thought to have been tabled and after positive further dialogue in
the last 24 hours, it appears Faye is keen on becoming the latest addition
to City's quickening recruitment drive. The former Bolton, Newcastle, Stoke
and West Ham defender, who has racked up over 200 appearances since his
arrival in English football seven years ago, has received offers from
overseas and from a rival club in the Championship. However, with Bruce
persuading Faye he can be part of another push for the Premier League, the
former Senegal international has leaned towards the KC Stadium. Providing
any late hitches can be avoided, the capture of Faye should come as another
step forward for Bruce.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, July 19
Daily WHUFC News - 19th July 2012
Hammers move for Maiga
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have completed the signing of Mali international forward
Modibo Maiga
18.07.2012
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Mali international
forward Modibo Maiga. The 24-year-old has linked up with the Hammers from
French side FC Sochaux-Montbeliard for an undisclosed fee, signing on a
four-year contract with an option for a further two years. Maiga, who can
play as a centre forward or on the wing, has scored 24 league goals in the
last two seasons to become one of the hottest properties in Ligue 1. The
player, who becomes West Ham's fifth summer arrival following Mohamed Diame,
George McCartney, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson, told whufc.com
of his pleasure at completing his move to the Boleyn Ground. "I am really
happy and excited about joining West Ham United," said Maiga. "I know West
Ham are a big club in England and I'm really looking forward to representing
them. They have huge tradition and it is like joining part of a family and
that is one of the main reasons I wanted to come here. "I know some of the
big names that have played for the club in the past and I am proud to be
part of a new team back in the Premier League."
Born in the Malian capital Bamako, Maiga began his career with Stade Malien
in his homeland at the age of 15 in 2003, but his undoubted talent and
potential saw him snapped up by leading Moroccan club Raja Casablanca the
following year. After winning the Moroccan League and Arab Champions League,
Maiga joined French Ligue 1 side Le Mans UC72 in 2007, where he played
alongside Arsenal forward Gervinho and Sunderland attacking midfielder
Stephane Sessegnon. The African netted 15 goals in 88 league appearances for
Le Mans before moving to Sochaux, where he quickly struck up a potent
partnership with Nigerian Ideye Brown.
Maiga netted 16 goals in his first season with Les Lionceaux, helping the
club to finish fifth in Ligue 1 and qualify for the UEFA Europa League. Last
term, the forward scored nine times in 23 league appearances as Sochaux
finished 14th, while he also made his debut in European competition. At
international level, Maiga featured regularly for Mali at age-group level,
appearing against England in the UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup Under-18 tournament
in Egypt in 2003. At senior level, he has scored five goals in 31
appearances and appeared at the 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. However, he
contracted malaria while participating in the competition and was thus
hospitalized and had to miss the 1-0 semi-final defeat by Cote d'Ivoire.
Maiga becomes the second Malian to represent West Ham, following fellow
forward Frederic Kanoute. Now 34 and still playing in China, Kanoute scored
33 goals in 92 appearances for the Hammers between March 2000 and May 2003.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Macca planning to pick up pace
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald is looking for the Hammers squad to continue to improve their
fitness in the coming weeks
18.07.2012
West Ham United assistant manager Neil McDonald drew on the positives after
a trip to the Kassam Stadium ended in a 1-0 defeat by Oxford United on
Tuesday night. After a 3-0 win over Southend United on Saturday, the Hammers
were hoping to continue their winning streak, but despite their dominance
they were unable to convert any of their chances. The only goal of the match
came in the 36th minute, when George McCartney's clearing header was met by
Deane Smalley, who fired home superbly into the top corner of the net. The
strike is sure to live long in the memory of the Oxford No10 and was worthy
of winning any game. Speaking to West Ham TV after the game, Macca said he
was pleased with the side's effort although he admits they just lacked a
killer instinct in front of goal. "It was a hard-fought game and Oxford
played a really good tempo," he said. "It was a good test and they scored a
great goal in the top corner. We made a few changes and for the young lads
to come on and press and make a couple of chances was great. "We're happy
everyone got through 60 minutes, which we thought they would, and it's
another step forward to making sure we're ready for our opening game against
Aston Villa. "We're just trying to get the players though and get them up 70
or 80 minutes next. Oxford provided a stern test and they were on their game
and caused us a few problems that we thought they would. We'll be working
hard to iron out those problems to make sure we're right physically and
mentally for the first game."
Rob Hall, who enjoyed two successful loan spells at Oxford last season, also
featured for the Hammers as a second-half substitute and came close to
grabbing an equaliser when he hit the outside of the post. "Rob looked very
sharp indeed. He's been away with England Under-19s and has had a couple of
cameo appearances for us. We know we've still got a bit to do individually
as well as a team and we'll be doing that on the training pitch over the
next few weeks."
Stephen Henderson made a welcome return from a thigh strain between the
posts. Macca was happy to see the Ireland stopper back in action as the
competition with Jussi Jaaskelainen for the No1 jersey hots up. "He looked
very sharp and was only beaten by a fantastic shot. He's not had too much to
do but he's been very comfortable. He's a good kicker of the ball so it was
an impressive 90 minutes from him." The second-half changes handed a host of
Academy products another chance of pre-season first-team football. The likes
of George Moncur, Blair Turgott and Eoin Wearen all looked at home in the
Hammers new away kit and Macca explained how the experience will do them
well in the long-term. "It's great they got some game time. They
complemented the team and we tried to stick them in with some older pros as
well so they didn't get overrun. A couple of them have played in some games
and it's a great experience for them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'We're getting fitter'
WHUFC.com
George McCartney believes the Hammers are building up well for the new
season
17.07.2012
George McCartney believes West Ham United are on track to be ready for the
start of the Barclays Premier League season. The Hammers were beaten 1-0 in
their latest pre-season fixture at npower League Two club Oxford United on
Tuesday evening, but the experienced left-back knows fitness is more
important than results at this stage. Oxford's players were clearly eager to
impress against their higher-ranked visitors and, during the first half
especially, the home side snapped into tackles all over the pitch. West
Ham's players did not back down from the challenge, making for a competitive
opening 45 minutes. For McCartney and his team-mates, it was simply a case
of ensuring they got a good workout against the U's and came home from the
Kassam Stadium unscathed and ready for the more important league battles
ahead. "I think we're training well and with each match we're getting fitter
and are gradually upping the game time and get ourselves prepared for the
start of the season," he confirmed. "It was a competitive game. Especially
in the first half, a few players were going a bit strong in the tackles and
things got a bit heated but thankfully nobody has got injured. "We've got
some more fitness work and sharpness out of the game and the passing and
movement and everything else will improve over the next three or four weeks.
Obviously we wanted to win the game, but the main thing was getting more
fitness. "For us, I think it's about getting as much hard work and fitness
out of it as we can, but for them it's a big game and they want to prove
themselves and test themselves. "No matter what team you play against, you
always want to do well and I think especially in the first half they were
biting into the tackles. "Games like this, their players want to prove
themselves, but from our point of view we want to come through without
getting injured and having improved our fitness. Saying that, football is a
competitive game and Tuesday was a tough one and we can move on and forward
to Colchester United on Saturday."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham sign Mali striker Modibo Maiga on four-year deal
By Frank Keogh
BBC Sport
West Ham have signed Mali striker Modibo Maiga from French club Sochaux on a
four-year deal for a fee of about £4.7m. The 24-year-old, who can play
centre forward or on the wing, has a contract option for a further two
years. "I know West Ham are a big club in England and I'm really looking
forward to representing them," he said. Maiga scored 24 goals in 52 games
for Sochaux after joining from Le Mans in July 2010.
"I am really happy and excited about joining West Ham United. They have huge
tradition and it is like joining part of a family and that is one of the
main reasons I wanted to come here," he added. "I know some of the big names
that have played for the club in the past and I am proud to be part of a new
team back in the Premier League."
Maiga went on strike during the 2011 summer transfer window as he tried to
secure a move to Newcastle, but eventually failed a medical at the Magpies
in January because of a problem with one of his knees. Maiga becomes the
second Malian to represent West Ham, after fellow forward Frederic Kanoute.
Now 34 and still playing in China, Kanoute scored 33 goals in 92 matches for
the Hammers between March 2000 and May 2003. He is the fifth summer signing
at Upton Park following goalkeepers Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen
Henderson, defender George McCartney and midfielder Mohamed Diame. West Ham
were promoted back to the Premiership after beating Blackpool in the
Championship play-off final to return to the top flight after a year's
absence.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce files writ against Steve Kean and Blackburn
BBC.co.uk
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is taking legal action against former club
Blackburn and successor Steve Kean. Full details of the High Court case have
not been made public. Allardyce reportedly instructed solicitors after a
video clip was published on the internet in May which allegedly showed Kean
criticising him. A spokesman for Allardyce said: "He has issued legal
proceedings against Steve Kean and Blackburn Rovers but is unable to comment
further at this time." No-one from Blackburn was available for comment. The
case was filed at the High Court in London on 12 July. Kean, who replaced
Allardyce as Blackburn boss in December 2010, has stayed on at Ewood Park
despite the club's relegation from the Premier League last season and calls
from many supporters for him to be sacked. In the video, Kean appears to
make unguarded remarks about Allardyce to supporters in a bar during the
club's pre-season tour of Hong Kong in 2011.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Sues
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 18th July 2012
By: Staff Writer No.2
It is being reported this evening that Sam Allardyce is to take legal action
against former club Blackburn Rovers and their manager Steve Kean. Although
full details of the case have not been made public, the action is believed
to centre around critical remarks made by Kean to supporters in a bar during
a tour to Hong Kong last year. The comments later turned up on the internet
having been filmed on a supporter's mobile 'phone. According to the BBC a
spokesman for Allardyce confirmed that proceedings were commenced on 12 July
and that there would be "no further comment at this time".
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Talking 'bout Maiga
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 18th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have completed the signing of Malian international striker Modibo
Maiga. As exclusively revealed here on KUMB earlier in the week, Maiga
arrived in London on Monday afternoon ahead of a medical. With that
successfully concluded yesterday, the former Sochaux forward completed his
contractual obligations earlier today and becomes West Ham's fifth signing
of pre-season. The 24-year-old, who is understood to have cost an initial
£5million told whufc.com: "I am really happy and excited about joining West
Ham United. "I know West Ham are a big club in England and I'm really
looking forward to representing them. They have huge tradition and it is
like joining part of a family and that is one of the main reasons I wanted
to come here. "I know some of the big names that have played for the club in
the past and I am proud to be part of a new team back in the Premier
League."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mohsni on down
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 18th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
Southend United's Bilel Mohsni could make his first appearance in a West Ham
shirt at Colchester this weekend. The 24-year-old central defender has
revealed that he is currently on trial with the Hammers - and he is in line
to make an appearance at the Weston Homes Stadium this weekend when Sam
Allardyce's side take on the Essex side in their latest pre-season friendly.
Speaking via his Facebook page last night, the Shrimpers defender - who can
also play up front - said: "I am leaving the club; I dont know where I will
sign and I only discovered that West Ham were taking me on trial a couple of
days ago. "I want to play at a higher level but I will never forget the
Blues, Southend United. Thanks to the fans for the support, the Chairman and
[manager] Paul Sturrock and the squad I played with. "I have some very good
memories and wish you all the best for the new season. I hope to see
Southend United in the Premier League [one day]."
Mohsni became a cult figure at Southend after joining them two years ago
having snubbed the chance to remain in France. A controversial figure, he
has been sent off three times in the last two years, twice travelled home
alone from away games having fell out with his fellow employees whilst
making a number of appearances in the local press for his off-field antics.
Speaking to the local press back in May, he said: "I can understand people
thinking I'm mad and crazy because I sometimes look back at videos of myself
in games and think the same. But I'm not crazy, I'm just me. "I just hate
losing and react badly to it. I think my temper has improved and I have
tried hard to not lose my cool. I have to say I find it harder to do that
when I'm playing as a striker - and I think maybe it's a good idea if I
don't play there again because that's when I get most annoyed."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham bid 'one of four'
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 18th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United FC's bid for the Olympic Stadium is one of four currently
under consideration, it has been revealed. West Ham, the UCFB College of
Football Business, Formula 1 and Leyton Orient are the four parties who are
challenging to take the reigns of the stadium post-games. However Orient's
plans - tabled by Chairman Barry Hearn - would involve a ground share with
West Ham, something that has already been rejected by West Ham co-chairman
David Gold.
"There is no point dwelling on the design of the stadium and the faults of
the stadium," Hearn told the BBC. "We have to get on with it, we have to
make a fist of it and we have to make sure the Government and the people of
this country get maximum value for the investment that has gone into the
Olympic Stadium.
"Our idea does that and I think it forms part of a legacy that people in
this country can be proud of. Bearing in mind this is the only time in our
lifetime that we are ever going to hold the Olympic Games, we need to get
something out of it. "A mixture of usages and a mixture of opportunity
within the Olympic Stadium will give us the feeling that we have spent our
money wisely and that is really what we are trying to achieve. All sides
have to exercise common sense and move forward. I think we have created a
very interesting scheme that can do just that."
Gold responded to a question of the possibility of teaming up with Hearn's
club via his Twitter account by stating: "Absolutely not."
On your marks: the four contestents
West Ham United: Plan to turn the stadium into a 60,000-capacity venue for
football. Temporary seating, a new roof and various other amendments to the
existing site are planned as part of a redevelopment scheme.
Leyton Orient: Plan to allow West Ham to ground share with them should they
win approved status. West Ham Chairman David Gold has already said the club
wouldn't be interested in such a proposal.
UCFB College of Football Business: A partnership between Bucks New
University and UCFB offer degree courses, short courses, lecture series,
workshops and executive education in the practical setting of a football
business. Little is known about their plans for the stadium.
Formula 1: Plan to turn the stadium - and local area surrounding it - into a
Formula 1 track had been tabled by Intelligent Transport Services in
conjunction with F1.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
No Hammers move for Mangane
Senegal star joins Al-Hilal instead after negotiations fall through
By Giscard Gourizro. Last Updated: July 18, 2012 4:30pm
SSN
Rennes defender Kader Mangane has revealed his disappointment that a move to
West Ham fell through as he heads for Saudi Arabia instead. The 29-year-old
Senegal international had held talks with newly-promoted West Ham about a
proposed switch to the Premier League. But his agent's demands are reported
to have been the stumbling block for the Hammers. Mangane has now signed a
deal to join Al-Hilal but the former Neuchatel Xamax centre-back is still
frustrated that his transfer to London did not come off. "I am disappointed
not to join West Ham," he told Sky Sports. "I really thought the deal would
happen until the last minute.
"It is unfortunate for me but you never know and my ambition is to play in
the Premier League."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Maiga makes Hammers move
Malian striker signs four-year contract at Upton Park
Last Updated: July 18, 2012 4:59pm
SSN
West Ham United have announced that highly-rated striker Modibo Maiga has
joined the club on a four-year contract from French outfit Sochaux. The
24-year-old joins the Hammers for an undisclosed fee in a deal which
includes the option for two further years in London should he impress. Maiga
was expected to be on the move this summer, and was strongly linked with a
switch to England. Newcastle United came close to securing his services in
2011, but missed out and left the door open for the Hammers to make their
move 12 months on. The Mali international becomes Sam Allardyce's fifth
signing of a busy transfer window, as West Ham ready themselves for a return
to the top-flight.
Tradition
Maiga joins Mohamed Diame, George McCartney, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen
Henderson in making a move to Upton Park. "I am really happy and excited
about joining West Ham United," Maiga told the club's official website. "I
know West Ham are a big club in England and I'm really looking forward to
representing them.
"They have huge tradition and it is like joining part of a family, and that
is one of the main reasons that I wanted to come here. "I know some of the
big names that have played for the club in the past and I am proud to be
part of a new team back in the Premier League."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mohsni explains Southend snub
Last Updated: July 18, 2012 12:25pm
SSN
Bilel Mohsni has explained the reasons behind his desire to leave Southend
as he looks set for a trial with Premier League club West Ham. Shrimpers
boss Paul Sturrock revealed on Tuesday that the 24-year-old wanted a move
away from the League Two outfit and Mohsni has underlined his determination
to secure a transfer. "I think that after two years with Southend it is time
for me to move on because I want to play at another level," he told the
Echo. "I'm nearly 25 now so I'm not young anymore and I want to try and play
as high up as I can. I could only have another three or four years in the
game and I want to do the best that I can during the time. "If I was 18 then
I would definitely stay at Southend and play more matches to get experience.
However, I want to move on and I now have a chance to earn a transfer to the
biggest league with West Ham, which hopefully I can make the most of."
The defender-come-forward has had an eventful time at Roots Hall, impressing
with his performances while causing controversy with his conduct at times.
He failed to report for pre-season training in July and it appears as though
he has made his last appearance for Southend.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam sues Kean
The Sun
By JON WEST
Published: 18th July 2012
SAM ALLARDYCE is launching a bitter court battle against Steve Kean as
football heads for the dock again. Days after John Terry was cleared of
racially abusing Anton Ferdinand, West Ham boss Allardyce has accused
Blackburn chief Kean of slander in a High Court writ. Big Sam's case follows
a foul-mouthed, off-field tirade by his former No 2 Kean that was captured
on camera by Rovers fans and posted on the internet. Terry's case laid bare
the abuse dished out amongst players — now the hatred between some managers
will be exposed. In the video, Kean questions ex-Rovers boss Allardyce's
integrity and also claims the credit for discovering Phil Jones, now at
Manchester United. Asked about his relationship with Allardyce since
replacing him at Ewood Park in December 2010, Kean is allegedly heard
saying: "I haven't spoken to him. He mullered me so I said f*** him. "I
worked my b***s off for him and then he had a go at me so f*** him."
Allardyce has instructed his solicitors to sue both Kean and Blackburn — who
sacked him. A spokesman for the Hammers chief said: "He has issued legal
proceedings but is unable to comment further." The footage was taken in a
bar on the club's trip to Hong Kong last summer. Kean also claimed in the
video that Rovers would be in the Prem's top half and win the Carling Cup.
But the reality was they were relegated with Allardyce's side replacing them
in the top flight.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Into the Valley? West Ham striker pondering Charlton switch
The Mirror
Julian Finney
Charlton are keen on landing West Ham striker Sam Baldock to beef up their
Championship challenge. The ambitious League One winners are already
targeting a possible return to the Premier League under Chris Powell and
believe the 23-year-old Baldock could be the answer in a potential
£1.5million deal. Charlton's south London neighbours Crystal Palace are also
keen on Baldock, who scored 43 goals in 82 appearances for MK Dons before
his move to Upton Park last summer.
The striker scored six in as many games at the start of last season under
Sam Allardyce but after injury he lost his place following the arrivals of
Ricardo Vaz Te and Nicky Maynard. While Baldock wants to stay in the East
End and prove his quality he is understood to be keen for more first team
football and if he is surplus to requirements at Upton Park would consider a
change of scenery. The prospect of The Valley, where there is a renewed
sense of optimism under former Chalrton and England left-back Powell, would
appear the best fit if a formal bid is made and accepted by Allardyce.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce takes legal action against Steve Kean and Blackburn
'He has issued legal proceedings,' says spokesperson
Allardyce acts in response to internet video clip earlier in year
Guardian staff
The Guardian, Thursday 19 July 2012
The West Ham manager, Sam Allardyce, was replaced by Steve Kean when he was
sacked by Blackburn in 2010. Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty Images
Sam Allardyce is taking legal action against his former club Blackburn
Rovers and the man who replaced him at Ewood Park, Steve Kean. Allardyce is
reported to have acted after a video clip was published on the internet
earlier this year which allegedly showed Kean criticising him.
A spokesman for Allardyce told the BBC: "He has issued legal proceedings
against Steve Kean and Blackburn Rovers but is unable to comment further."
West Ham have completed the signing of Modibo Maïga from Sochaux on a
four-year deal.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have completed the signing of Mali international forward
Modibo Maiga
18.07.2012
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Mali international
forward Modibo Maiga. The 24-year-old has linked up with the Hammers from
French side FC Sochaux-Montbeliard for an undisclosed fee, signing on a
four-year contract with an option for a further two years. Maiga, who can
play as a centre forward or on the wing, has scored 24 league goals in the
last two seasons to become one of the hottest properties in Ligue 1. The
player, who becomes West Ham's fifth summer arrival following Mohamed Diame,
George McCartney, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson, told whufc.com
of his pleasure at completing his move to the Boleyn Ground. "I am really
happy and excited about joining West Ham United," said Maiga. "I know West
Ham are a big club in England and I'm really looking forward to representing
them. They have huge tradition and it is like joining part of a family and
that is one of the main reasons I wanted to come here. "I know some of the
big names that have played for the club in the past and I am proud to be
part of a new team back in the Premier League."
Born in the Malian capital Bamako, Maiga began his career with Stade Malien
in his homeland at the age of 15 in 2003, but his undoubted talent and
potential saw him snapped up by leading Moroccan club Raja Casablanca the
following year. After winning the Moroccan League and Arab Champions League,
Maiga joined French Ligue 1 side Le Mans UC72 in 2007, where he played
alongside Arsenal forward Gervinho and Sunderland attacking midfielder
Stephane Sessegnon. The African netted 15 goals in 88 league appearances for
Le Mans before moving to Sochaux, where he quickly struck up a potent
partnership with Nigerian Ideye Brown.
Maiga netted 16 goals in his first season with Les Lionceaux, helping the
club to finish fifth in Ligue 1 and qualify for the UEFA Europa League. Last
term, the forward scored nine times in 23 league appearances as Sochaux
finished 14th, while he also made his debut in European competition. At
international level, Maiga featured regularly for Mali at age-group level,
appearing against England in the UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup Under-18 tournament
in Egypt in 2003. At senior level, he has scored five goals in 31
appearances and appeared at the 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. However, he
contracted malaria while participating in the competition and was thus
hospitalized and had to miss the 1-0 semi-final defeat by Cote d'Ivoire.
Maiga becomes the second Malian to represent West Ham, following fellow
forward Frederic Kanoute. Now 34 and still playing in China, Kanoute scored
33 goals in 92 appearances for the Hammers between March 2000 and May 2003.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Macca planning to pick up pace
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald is looking for the Hammers squad to continue to improve their
fitness in the coming weeks
18.07.2012
West Ham United assistant manager Neil McDonald drew on the positives after
a trip to the Kassam Stadium ended in a 1-0 defeat by Oxford United on
Tuesday night. After a 3-0 win over Southend United on Saturday, the Hammers
were hoping to continue their winning streak, but despite their dominance
they were unable to convert any of their chances. The only goal of the match
came in the 36th minute, when George McCartney's clearing header was met by
Deane Smalley, who fired home superbly into the top corner of the net. The
strike is sure to live long in the memory of the Oxford No10 and was worthy
of winning any game. Speaking to West Ham TV after the game, Macca said he
was pleased with the side's effort although he admits they just lacked a
killer instinct in front of goal. "It was a hard-fought game and Oxford
played a really good tempo," he said. "It was a good test and they scored a
great goal in the top corner. We made a few changes and for the young lads
to come on and press and make a couple of chances was great. "We're happy
everyone got through 60 minutes, which we thought they would, and it's
another step forward to making sure we're ready for our opening game against
Aston Villa. "We're just trying to get the players though and get them up 70
or 80 minutes next. Oxford provided a stern test and they were on their game
and caused us a few problems that we thought they would. We'll be working
hard to iron out those problems to make sure we're right physically and
mentally for the first game."
Rob Hall, who enjoyed two successful loan spells at Oxford last season, also
featured for the Hammers as a second-half substitute and came close to
grabbing an equaliser when he hit the outside of the post. "Rob looked very
sharp indeed. He's been away with England Under-19s and has had a couple of
cameo appearances for us. We know we've still got a bit to do individually
as well as a team and we'll be doing that on the training pitch over the
next few weeks."
Stephen Henderson made a welcome return from a thigh strain between the
posts. Macca was happy to see the Ireland stopper back in action as the
competition with Jussi Jaaskelainen for the No1 jersey hots up. "He looked
very sharp and was only beaten by a fantastic shot. He's not had too much to
do but he's been very comfortable. He's a good kicker of the ball so it was
an impressive 90 minutes from him." The second-half changes handed a host of
Academy products another chance of pre-season first-team football. The likes
of George Moncur, Blair Turgott and Eoin Wearen all looked at home in the
Hammers new away kit and Macca explained how the experience will do them
well in the long-term. "It's great they got some game time. They
complemented the team and we tried to stick them in with some older pros as
well so they didn't get overrun. A couple of them have played in some games
and it's a great experience for them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'We're getting fitter'
WHUFC.com
George McCartney believes the Hammers are building up well for the new
season
17.07.2012
George McCartney believes West Ham United are on track to be ready for the
start of the Barclays Premier League season. The Hammers were beaten 1-0 in
their latest pre-season fixture at npower League Two club Oxford United on
Tuesday evening, but the experienced left-back knows fitness is more
important than results at this stage. Oxford's players were clearly eager to
impress against their higher-ranked visitors and, during the first half
especially, the home side snapped into tackles all over the pitch. West
Ham's players did not back down from the challenge, making for a competitive
opening 45 minutes. For McCartney and his team-mates, it was simply a case
of ensuring they got a good workout against the U's and came home from the
Kassam Stadium unscathed and ready for the more important league battles
ahead. "I think we're training well and with each match we're getting fitter
and are gradually upping the game time and get ourselves prepared for the
start of the season," he confirmed. "It was a competitive game. Especially
in the first half, a few players were going a bit strong in the tackles and
things got a bit heated but thankfully nobody has got injured. "We've got
some more fitness work and sharpness out of the game and the passing and
movement and everything else will improve over the next three or four weeks.
Obviously we wanted to win the game, but the main thing was getting more
fitness. "For us, I think it's about getting as much hard work and fitness
out of it as we can, but for them it's a big game and they want to prove
themselves and test themselves. "No matter what team you play against, you
always want to do well and I think especially in the first half they were
biting into the tackles. "Games like this, their players want to prove
themselves, but from our point of view we want to come through without
getting injured and having improved our fitness. Saying that, football is a
competitive game and Tuesday was a tough one and we can move on and forward
to Colchester United on Saturday."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham sign Mali striker Modibo Maiga on four-year deal
By Frank Keogh
BBC Sport
West Ham have signed Mali striker Modibo Maiga from French club Sochaux on a
four-year deal for a fee of about £4.7m. The 24-year-old, who can play
centre forward or on the wing, has a contract option for a further two
years. "I know West Ham are a big club in England and I'm really looking
forward to representing them," he said. Maiga scored 24 goals in 52 games
for Sochaux after joining from Le Mans in July 2010.
"I am really happy and excited about joining West Ham United. They have huge
tradition and it is like joining part of a family and that is one of the
main reasons I wanted to come here," he added. "I know some of the big names
that have played for the club in the past and I am proud to be part of a new
team back in the Premier League."
Maiga went on strike during the 2011 summer transfer window as he tried to
secure a move to Newcastle, but eventually failed a medical at the Magpies
in January because of a problem with one of his knees. Maiga becomes the
second Malian to represent West Ham, after fellow forward Frederic Kanoute.
Now 34 and still playing in China, Kanoute scored 33 goals in 92 matches for
the Hammers between March 2000 and May 2003. He is the fifth summer signing
at Upton Park following goalkeepers Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen
Henderson, defender George McCartney and midfielder Mohamed Diame. West Ham
were promoted back to the Premiership after beating Blackpool in the
Championship play-off final to return to the top flight after a year's
absence.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce files writ against Steve Kean and Blackburn
BBC.co.uk
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is taking legal action against former club
Blackburn and successor Steve Kean. Full details of the High Court case have
not been made public. Allardyce reportedly instructed solicitors after a
video clip was published on the internet in May which allegedly showed Kean
criticising him. A spokesman for Allardyce said: "He has issued legal
proceedings against Steve Kean and Blackburn Rovers but is unable to comment
further at this time." No-one from Blackburn was available for comment. The
case was filed at the High Court in London on 12 July. Kean, who replaced
Allardyce as Blackburn boss in December 2010, has stayed on at Ewood Park
despite the club's relegation from the Premier League last season and calls
from many supporters for him to be sacked. In the video, Kean appears to
make unguarded remarks about Allardyce to supporters in a bar during the
club's pre-season tour of Hong Kong in 2011.
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Sam Sues
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 18th July 2012
By: Staff Writer No.2
It is being reported this evening that Sam Allardyce is to take legal action
against former club Blackburn Rovers and their manager Steve Kean. Although
full details of the case have not been made public, the action is believed
to centre around critical remarks made by Kean to supporters in a bar during
a tour to Hong Kong last year. The comments later turned up on the internet
having been filmed on a supporter's mobile 'phone. According to the BBC a
spokesman for Allardyce confirmed that proceedings were commenced on 12 July
and that there would be "no further comment at this time".
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Talking 'bout Maiga
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 18th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have completed the signing of Malian international striker Modibo
Maiga. As exclusively revealed here on KUMB earlier in the week, Maiga
arrived in London on Monday afternoon ahead of a medical. With that
successfully concluded yesterday, the former Sochaux forward completed his
contractual obligations earlier today and becomes West Ham's fifth signing
of pre-season. The 24-year-old, who is understood to have cost an initial
£5million told whufc.com: "I am really happy and excited about joining West
Ham United. "I know West Ham are a big club in England and I'm really
looking forward to representing them. They have huge tradition and it is
like joining part of a family and that is one of the main reasons I wanted
to come here. "I know some of the big names that have played for the club in
the past and I am proud to be part of a new team back in the Premier
League."
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Mohsni on down
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 18th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
Southend United's Bilel Mohsni could make his first appearance in a West Ham
shirt at Colchester this weekend. The 24-year-old central defender has
revealed that he is currently on trial with the Hammers - and he is in line
to make an appearance at the Weston Homes Stadium this weekend when Sam
Allardyce's side take on the Essex side in their latest pre-season friendly.
Speaking via his Facebook page last night, the Shrimpers defender - who can
also play up front - said: "I am leaving the club; I dont know where I will
sign and I only discovered that West Ham were taking me on trial a couple of
days ago. "I want to play at a higher level but I will never forget the
Blues, Southend United. Thanks to the fans for the support, the Chairman and
[manager] Paul Sturrock and the squad I played with. "I have some very good
memories and wish you all the best for the new season. I hope to see
Southend United in the Premier League [one day]."
Mohsni became a cult figure at Southend after joining them two years ago
having snubbed the chance to remain in France. A controversial figure, he
has been sent off three times in the last two years, twice travelled home
alone from away games having fell out with his fellow employees whilst
making a number of appearances in the local press for his off-field antics.
Speaking to the local press back in May, he said: "I can understand people
thinking I'm mad and crazy because I sometimes look back at videos of myself
in games and think the same. But I'm not crazy, I'm just me. "I just hate
losing and react badly to it. I think my temper has improved and I have
tried hard to not lose my cool. I have to say I find it harder to do that
when I'm playing as a striker - and I think maybe it's a good idea if I
don't play there again because that's when I get most annoyed."
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West Ham bid 'one of four'
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 18th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United FC's bid for the Olympic Stadium is one of four currently
under consideration, it has been revealed. West Ham, the UCFB College of
Football Business, Formula 1 and Leyton Orient are the four parties who are
challenging to take the reigns of the stadium post-games. However Orient's
plans - tabled by Chairman Barry Hearn - would involve a ground share with
West Ham, something that has already been rejected by West Ham co-chairman
David Gold.
"There is no point dwelling on the design of the stadium and the faults of
the stadium," Hearn told the BBC. "We have to get on with it, we have to
make a fist of it and we have to make sure the Government and the people of
this country get maximum value for the investment that has gone into the
Olympic Stadium.
"Our idea does that and I think it forms part of a legacy that people in
this country can be proud of. Bearing in mind this is the only time in our
lifetime that we are ever going to hold the Olympic Games, we need to get
something out of it. "A mixture of usages and a mixture of opportunity
within the Olympic Stadium will give us the feeling that we have spent our
money wisely and that is really what we are trying to achieve. All sides
have to exercise common sense and move forward. I think we have created a
very interesting scheme that can do just that."
Gold responded to a question of the possibility of teaming up with Hearn's
club via his Twitter account by stating: "Absolutely not."
On your marks: the four contestents
West Ham United: Plan to turn the stadium into a 60,000-capacity venue for
football. Temporary seating, a new roof and various other amendments to the
existing site are planned as part of a redevelopment scheme.
Leyton Orient: Plan to allow West Ham to ground share with them should they
win approved status. West Ham Chairman David Gold has already said the club
wouldn't be interested in such a proposal.
UCFB College of Football Business: A partnership between Bucks New
University and UCFB offer degree courses, short courses, lecture series,
workshops and executive education in the practical setting of a football
business. Little is known about their plans for the stadium.
Formula 1: Plan to turn the stadium - and local area surrounding it - into a
Formula 1 track had been tabled by Intelligent Transport Services in
conjunction with F1.
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No Hammers move for Mangane
Senegal star joins Al-Hilal instead after negotiations fall through
By Giscard Gourizro. Last Updated: July 18, 2012 4:30pm
SSN
Rennes defender Kader Mangane has revealed his disappointment that a move to
West Ham fell through as he heads for Saudi Arabia instead. The 29-year-old
Senegal international had held talks with newly-promoted West Ham about a
proposed switch to the Premier League. But his agent's demands are reported
to have been the stumbling block for the Hammers. Mangane has now signed a
deal to join Al-Hilal but the former Neuchatel Xamax centre-back is still
frustrated that his transfer to London did not come off. "I am disappointed
not to join West Ham," he told Sky Sports. "I really thought the deal would
happen until the last minute.
"It is unfortunate for me but you never know and my ambition is to play in
the Premier League."
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Maiga makes Hammers move
Malian striker signs four-year contract at Upton Park
Last Updated: July 18, 2012 4:59pm
SSN
West Ham United have announced that highly-rated striker Modibo Maiga has
joined the club on a four-year contract from French outfit Sochaux. The
24-year-old joins the Hammers for an undisclosed fee in a deal which
includes the option for two further years in London should he impress. Maiga
was expected to be on the move this summer, and was strongly linked with a
switch to England. Newcastle United came close to securing his services in
2011, but missed out and left the door open for the Hammers to make their
move 12 months on. The Mali international becomes Sam Allardyce's fifth
signing of a busy transfer window, as West Ham ready themselves for a return
to the top-flight.
Tradition
Maiga joins Mohamed Diame, George McCartney, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen
Henderson in making a move to Upton Park. "I am really happy and excited
about joining West Ham United," Maiga told the club's official website. "I
know West Ham are a big club in England and I'm really looking forward to
representing them.
"They have huge tradition and it is like joining part of a family, and that
is one of the main reasons that I wanted to come here. "I know some of the
big names that have played for the club in the past and I am proud to be
part of a new team back in the Premier League."
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Mohsni explains Southend snub
Last Updated: July 18, 2012 12:25pm
SSN
Bilel Mohsni has explained the reasons behind his desire to leave Southend
as he looks set for a trial with Premier League club West Ham. Shrimpers
boss Paul Sturrock revealed on Tuesday that the 24-year-old wanted a move
away from the League Two outfit and Mohsni has underlined his determination
to secure a transfer. "I think that after two years with Southend it is time
for me to move on because I want to play at another level," he told the
Echo. "I'm nearly 25 now so I'm not young anymore and I want to try and play
as high up as I can. I could only have another three or four years in the
game and I want to do the best that I can during the time. "If I was 18 then
I would definitely stay at Southend and play more matches to get experience.
However, I want to move on and I now have a chance to earn a transfer to the
biggest league with West Ham, which hopefully I can make the most of."
The defender-come-forward has had an eventful time at Roots Hall, impressing
with his performances while causing controversy with his conduct at times.
He failed to report for pre-season training in July and it appears as though
he has made his last appearance for Southend.
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Sam sues Kean
The Sun
By JON WEST
Published: 18th July 2012
SAM ALLARDYCE is launching a bitter court battle against Steve Kean as
football heads for the dock again. Days after John Terry was cleared of
racially abusing Anton Ferdinand, West Ham boss Allardyce has accused
Blackburn chief Kean of slander in a High Court writ. Big Sam's case follows
a foul-mouthed, off-field tirade by his former No 2 Kean that was captured
on camera by Rovers fans and posted on the internet. Terry's case laid bare
the abuse dished out amongst players — now the hatred between some managers
will be exposed. In the video, Kean questions ex-Rovers boss Allardyce's
integrity and also claims the credit for discovering Phil Jones, now at
Manchester United. Asked about his relationship with Allardyce since
replacing him at Ewood Park in December 2010, Kean is allegedly heard
saying: "I haven't spoken to him. He mullered me so I said f*** him. "I
worked my b***s off for him and then he had a go at me so f*** him."
Allardyce has instructed his solicitors to sue both Kean and Blackburn — who
sacked him. A spokesman for the Hammers chief said: "He has issued legal
proceedings but is unable to comment further." The footage was taken in a
bar on the club's trip to Hong Kong last summer. Kean also claimed in the
video that Rovers would be in the Prem's top half and win the Carling Cup.
But the reality was they were relegated with Allardyce's side replacing them
in the top flight.
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Into the Valley? West Ham striker pondering Charlton switch
The Mirror
Julian Finney
Charlton are keen on landing West Ham striker Sam Baldock to beef up their
Championship challenge. The ambitious League One winners are already
targeting a possible return to the Premier League under Chris Powell and
believe the 23-year-old Baldock could be the answer in a potential
£1.5million deal. Charlton's south London neighbours Crystal Palace are also
keen on Baldock, who scored 43 goals in 82 appearances for MK Dons before
his move to Upton Park last summer.
The striker scored six in as many games at the start of last season under
Sam Allardyce but after injury he lost his place following the arrivals of
Ricardo Vaz Te and Nicky Maynard. While Baldock wants to stay in the East
End and prove his quality he is understood to be keen for more first team
football and if he is surplus to requirements at Upton Park would consider a
change of scenery. The prospect of The Valley, where there is a renewed
sense of optimism under former Chalrton and England left-back Powell, would
appear the best fit if a formal bid is made and accepted by Allardyce.
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Sam Allardyce takes legal action against Steve Kean and Blackburn
'He has issued legal proceedings,' says spokesperson
Allardyce acts in response to internet video clip earlier in year
Guardian staff
The Guardian, Thursday 19 July 2012
The West Ham manager, Sam Allardyce, was replaced by Steve Kean when he was
sacked by Blackburn in 2010. Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty Images
Sam Allardyce is taking legal action against his former club Blackburn
Rovers and the man who replaced him at Ewood Park, Steve Kean. Allardyce is
reported to have acted after a video clip was published on the internet
earlier this year which allegedly showed Kean criticising him.
A spokesman for Allardyce told the BBC: "He has issued legal proceedings
against Steve Kean and Blackburn Rovers but is unable to comment further."
West Ham have completed the signing of Modibo Maïga from Sochaux on a
four-year deal.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, July 18
Daily WHUFC News - New Signing
Hammers move for Maiga
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have completed the signing of Mali international forward
Modibo Maiga
18.07.2012
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Mali international
forward Modibo Maiga. The 24-year-old has linked up with the Hammers from
French side FC Sochaux-Montbeliard for an undisclosed fee, signing on a
four-year contract with an option for a further two years. Maiga, who can
play as a centre forward or on the wing, has scored 24 league goals in the
last two seasons to become one of the hottest properties in Ligue 1. The
player, who becomes West Ham's fifth summer arrival following Mohamed Diame,
George McCartney, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson, told whufc.com
of his pleasure at completing his move to the Boleyn Ground. "I am really
happy and excited about joining West Ham United," said Maiga. "I know West
Ham are a big club in England and I'm really looking forward to representing
them. They have huge tradition and it is like joining part of a family and
that is one of the main reasons I wanted to come here. "I know some of the
big names that have played for the club in the past and I am proud to be
part of a new team back in the Premier League."
Born in the Malian capital Bamako, Maiga began his career with Stade Malien
in his homeland at the age of 15 in 2003, but his undoubted talent and
potential saw him snapped up by leading Moroccan club Raja Casablanca the
following year. After winning the Moroccan League and Arab Champions League,
Maiga joined French Ligue 1 side Le Mans UC72 in 2007, where he played
alongside Arsenal forward Gervinho and Sunderland attacking midfielder
Stephane Sessegnon. The African netted 15 goals in 88 league appearances for
Le Mans before moving to Sochaux, where he quickly struck up a potent
partnership with Nigerian Ideye Brown. Maiga netted 16 goals in his first
season with Les Lionceaux, helping the club to finish fifth in Ligue 1 and
qualify for the UEFA Europa League. Last term, the forward scored nine times
in 23 league appearances as Sochaux finished 14th, while he also made his
debut in European competition. At international level, Maiga featured
regularly for Mali at age-group level, appearing against England in the
UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup Under-18 tournament in Egypt in 2003. At senior level,
he has scored five goals in 31 appearances and appeared at the 2012 CAF
Africa Cup of Nations. However, he contracted malaria while participating in
the competition and was thus hospitalized and had to miss the 1-0 semi-final
defeat by Cote d'Ivoire. Maiga becomes the second Malian to represent West
Ham, following fellow forward Frederic Kanoute. Now 34 and still playing in
China, Kanoute scored 33 goals in 92 appearances for the Hammers between
March 2000 and May 2003.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have completed the signing of Mali international forward
Modibo Maiga
18.07.2012
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Mali international
forward Modibo Maiga. The 24-year-old has linked up with the Hammers from
French side FC Sochaux-Montbeliard for an undisclosed fee, signing on a
four-year contract with an option for a further two years. Maiga, who can
play as a centre forward or on the wing, has scored 24 league goals in the
last two seasons to become one of the hottest properties in Ligue 1. The
player, who becomes West Ham's fifth summer arrival following Mohamed Diame,
George McCartney, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson, told whufc.com
of his pleasure at completing his move to the Boleyn Ground. "I am really
happy and excited about joining West Ham United," said Maiga. "I know West
Ham are a big club in England and I'm really looking forward to representing
them. They have huge tradition and it is like joining part of a family and
that is one of the main reasons I wanted to come here. "I know some of the
big names that have played for the club in the past and I am proud to be
part of a new team back in the Premier League."
Born in the Malian capital Bamako, Maiga began his career with Stade Malien
in his homeland at the age of 15 in 2003, but his undoubted talent and
potential saw him snapped up by leading Moroccan club Raja Casablanca the
following year. After winning the Moroccan League and Arab Champions League,
Maiga joined French Ligue 1 side Le Mans UC72 in 2007, where he played
alongside Arsenal forward Gervinho and Sunderland attacking midfielder
Stephane Sessegnon. The African netted 15 goals in 88 league appearances for
Le Mans before moving to Sochaux, where he quickly struck up a potent
partnership with Nigerian Ideye Brown. Maiga netted 16 goals in his first
season with Les Lionceaux, helping the club to finish fifth in Ligue 1 and
qualify for the UEFA Europa League. Last term, the forward scored nine times
in 23 league appearances as Sochaux finished 14th, while he also made his
debut in European competition. At international level, Maiga featured
regularly for Mali at age-group level, appearing against England in the
UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup Under-18 tournament in Egypt in 2003. At senior level,
he has scored five goals in 31 appearances and appeared at the 2012 CAF
Africa Cup of Nations. However, he contracted malaria while participating in
the competition and was thus hospitalized and had to miss the 1-0 semi-final
defeat by Cote d'Ivoire. Maiga becomes the second Malian to represent West
Ham, following fellow forward Frederic Kanoute. Now 34 and still playing in
China, Kanoute scored 33 goals in 92 appearances for the Hammers between
March 2000 and May 2003.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Daily WHUFC News - 18th July 2012
Oxford United 1-0 West Ham United FT
WHUFC.com
Deane Smalley's goal sends the Hammers to a narrow defeat at the Kassam
Stadium
17.07.2012
Oxford United v West Ham United
Pre-season match
Kassam Stadium
Tuesday 17 July 2012
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Final score - Oxford United 1-0 West Ham United
92 mins - Clarke clears upfield and the final whistle is blown.
91 mins - Last chance. Maynard is fouled. Hall wants to take the free-kick,
but seniority rules and Taylor will have it. Third-time lucky? No. He
smashes the ball wide and high and into the stand.
89 mins - Well, with a few minutes to go, let's sum up. West Ham created a
host of half-chances throughout the game, but could not fashion a real
clear-cut opening aside from Nolan's low cross that Vaz Te poked over the
top. On the plus side, it's been a competitive game and will have helped
boost fitness levels. The goal from Oxford was a special finish. Meanwhile,
the home fans are forecasting a difficult season ahead for their guests in
song. Let's hope they are very wrong.
87 mins - A decent film must just have finished. The cinema car park is full
of people returning to their cars. Either that, or it was a rubbish film and
everyone has decided to leave early.
85 mins - Oxford are still on the offensive and looking for a second goal,
but Craddock's shot is wayward this time. It flies well wide and out for a
goal kick.
81 mins - Henderson gets a bit lucky. He calls to make the clearance, then
mis-controls outside his box. He slips a bit but just about manages to make
a challenge on Constable. Spence gets back and ensures no further damage is
done.
80 mins - Boateng now shoves Taylor over on the left edge of the Oxford box.
Free-kick. Hall to take. Hall whips it over and Turgott heads goalwards.
Clarke tips over but the referee gives a goal kick. The home fans actually
cheered their goalkeeper for making the fingertip stop.
78 mins - Embarrassing. Boateng gets down the right and latches on to a
pass. He tries to take on Taylor before throwing himself to the ground
inside the box. It's a clear dive, and Mr Scott goes over to tell the
right-back to sort himself out.
77 mins - I know it's nearly over, but positionally, Nasha is at right-back
with Spence, Wearen and Taylor alongside him. Turgott, Moncur, Ruddock and
Porritt are across the midfield, with Hall supporting Maynard. Porritt has a
go with a side volley, but the ball loops into the hands of Clarke.
76 mins - Turgott is fouled about 30 yards out and Taylor can have another
go. It's almost exactly the same spot he fired over from about 25 minutes
ago. This time his low shot hits the wall and spins through to Clarke.
74 mins - Hall again, swapping passes twice with Turgott wide on the right
before getting to the byline and crossing high. Porritt gets there first,
but his header lacks direction and flies wide of the far post. Hall is in
the mood!
71 mins - Well, well, well. Porritt collects a deep cross and races forward
to halfway before picking out Hall with a pinpoint 40-yard pass. Hall
controls instantly and gets to within 22 yards before driving a low shot
with his weaker right foot that hits the base of the far post before
spinning away for a goal kick. The home fans cheer his name again.
70 mins - Oxford win a corner, but Henderson is there to make the catch when
the cross comes in at the second attempt. West Ham try to break, but Moncur
isn't as quick as the ball and Clarke catches inside his box.
68 mins - West Ham's youngsters will need to do something their senior
colleagues could not if the Hammers are to avoid defeat here. Hall is doing
his best as he picks out the run of Turgott. The winger crosses first-time
and low but Maynard isn't quite far enough forward to finish. Good move,
though.
66 mins - Rigg looks to get in on to a pass and he is bearing down on
Henderson. Fair play to Taylor who races back and makes an inch-perfect
sliding challenge inside the penalty area. No foul and Henderson can clear.
61 mins - Seven changes from West Ham. Noble, Morrison, Nolan, Reid, O'Neil,
Demel and Vaz Te go off. Moncur, Porritt, Ruddock, Turgotg, Wearen, Nasha
and Rob Hall come on. The Oxford fans welcome the latter with a chorus of
'Robbie, Robbie Hall'. He is a hero in these parts!
59 mins - A period of West Ham possession comes to nothing as Maynard tries
to spin on the edge of the D. Oxford try to break forward but Spence is
there to clear for a throw. From it, the U's build again before centre
midfielder Forster-Caskey launches a shot into the car park.
57 mins - Craddock cuts in from the Oxford left and shoots powerfully.
Henderson gets his body behind the ball and clutches it to his chest. Secure
goalkeeping.
55 mins - Nolan scoops the ball out to O'Neil, who cushions it back to
Demel. He crosses on the diagonal towards Nolan, but it's too high and the
ball bounces away for a goal kick. The second half hasn't really got going
as yet, and we're expecting a few West Ham changes soon...
51 mins - Morrison collects a pass in a central position 30 yards out. He
looks up, takes a touch but drags his low shot well wide of the left-hand
post. Today's attendance is 4,780, with 1,101 of them from West Ham.
50 mins - West Ham have a free-kick about 30 yards out and Taylor is all
over it. Meanwhile, Oxford have changed all ten outfield players. The back
four is now Boateng, Raynes, Tafazoli and Capaldi, the midfield is Smith,
Harris, Craddock and Forster-Caskey and Constable is partnering Rigg up
front. Taylor curls the free-kick a yard over the top.
48 mins - Oxford have made a load of changes. Constable, Forster-Caskey,
Raynes and Tafazoli are among those who have come on, but I've no idea who
has gone off as yet. I'll try to find out!
46 mins - Two changes at the break for West Ham. Maynard and Oxford-born
Taylor on for Cole and McCartney. Taylor is involved straight away, crossing
dangerously and forcing a corner. Noble takes but it's cleared.
Half-time score - Oxford United 1-0 West Ham United
There are 22 players warming up on the pitch at present, including eleven
West Ham players. I'm not sure all of them will come on at half-time, but I
expect to see one or two start the second half.
Meanwhile, Oxford's Under-6 side are getting a proper ovation as they do a
lap of honour! The West Ham fans give them a loud cheer as they jog past.
Under-6s are small!
47 mins - That's half-time. Oxford lead. Join us again in a little under 15
minutes for the second half.
45 mins - We're going to have one added minute. Big Sam is out in his
technical area. I would think he will demand an improvement at half-time.
He'll certainly want his players to be more clinical.
41 mins - Cole lays the ball off from O'Neil's long pass to Morrison. He
comes forward and does a step-over before trying to play in Cole, but the
pass is behind the striker. It's been a case of 'so near yet so far' for
West Ham - they've had the ball in plenty of encouraging positions without
exploiting one as yet.
39 mins - West Ham attack and McCartney's cross is only cleared as far as
O'Neil. He lofts the ball back in from the right edge of the penalty area.
Vaz Te rises and goes to ground. He wants a penalty, but Mr Scott is again
unmoved. Goal kick.
36 mins - GOAL! We have a goal and it's a great finish from Smalley. The
cross comes over from the left and McCartney wins the header above Pittman,
but the ball drops to the No10, who rockets the half-volley past Henderson
from the angle. It might only be a pre-season game, but Big Sam will want a
response from his players immediately.
36 mins - Morrison is seeing plenty of the ball for West Ham. The fans
didn't see much of him last season following his arrival from Manchester
United, but the youngster clearly has talent.
34 mins - The Oxford fans want a penalty as McAllister tries to cut between
O'Neil and Spence and goes down. Mr Scott waves the appeals away.
32 mins - The corner is cleared but West Ham have it back. Morrison shows
some neat footwork before Noble's pass is handled by Batt. Free-kick wide on
the left. It's taken short to Nolan, who holds off his man inside the box
and drills the cross over. Vaz Te is there, but the pace on the ball makes
it a bit more difficult and the No12's first-time shot flies high and wide.
30 mins - Another ball in the car park as O'Neil wins it back in midfield
and finds Cole. He waits for the overlap of Vaz Te, who shoots left-footed
and sees his effort deflected over the fence by Evans for a corner.
28 mins - Back to the football and Demel skips past his man on the right
touchline. The cross takes a nick of the head of Evans and is a bit awkward
for Morrison. He controls on his chest and pokes the ball forward for Nolan,
but it's difficult for the skipper and Clarke is there to collect.
27 mins - Mr Scott has a chat with Chapman and Noble, but no cards are
shown. He then has a chat with captains Nolan and Wright. Presumably, his
message was something along the lines of 'This is a pre-season match and I
don't want loads of paperwork to do!'.
24 mins - Erm, it has all got a bit tasty here. Noble goes in hard but fair
on Pittman and the Oxford players react angrily. One, Adam Chapman, charges
at Noble and there is a coming together. This leads to some handbags
involving at least 16 players, but it is all over as quickly as it started.
Now the officials are having a chat...
22 mins - Another half-chance. Nolan finds the overlapping McCartney and he
stands the cross up on the edge of the six-yard box. Clarke comes to claim,
but he drops the ball. Oxford try to break from the clearance, but Reid gets
in a strong sliding challenge. That gets the players going and the action
only ends when Morrison is brought down by Potter. Noble doesn't like the
challenge. Nor does the referee as Mr Scott talks to the former Havant and
Waterlooville man.
20 mins - West Ham come close twice. First, Vaz Te beats two men before
trying to trick his way past Wright inside the box, but he's challenged.
Then, Nolan crosses towards Cole and Evans clears at the near post.
16 mins - The corner nearly leads to a goal...for Oxford! O'Neil collects
the short corner and his cross is headed clear powerfully. Spence is
favourite to get there, but Pittman beats him to the ball and is in on goal.
He elects to shoot from the edge of the D, but he leans back and the ball
flies too high. Relief for Spence.
14 mins - Golden opportunity for the first goal as Demel plays a superb
one-two with Nolan and gets to the byline and beats his man. Cole is
unmarked for the pull-back six yards from goal, but Demel picks the wrong
option and the ball goes behind for a corner. The flag-kick is cleared. West
Ham come again and Morrison and Nolan force another corner.
12 mins - The West Ham fans on the far side sing Carlton Cole's name as West
Ham come forward once more. Vaz Te does well to shake off McGinty but his
cross is just a little too strong for Morrison. McCartney crosses from the
nearside but Cole is beaten to the ball.
8 mins - This is a decent game so far. The Oxford fans give it a bit of
noise after their team attack again and a couple of strong challenges go in.
Batt crosses and Pittman challenges. Spence heads the ball backwards and
Henderson is out again quickly to catch ahead of Smalley.
6 mins - West Ham break quickly and Morrison finds Vaz Te in space. He cuts
inside from the left and shoots from 25 yards. It's too high and clears the
crossbar, fence and three rows of cars before nestling next to a tree.
5 mins - West Ham look to be in total control until Morrison gives the ball
away in midfield. Oxford break and a low cross threatens until McCartney
puts the ball out for a corner. Heslop's corner is headed up into the air
before Pittman's header is held by Henderson
4 mins - A momentary scare as Smalley brings down Reid and the Kiwi clutches
his ankle. It's nothing to worry about though, as Reid is quickly back up.
2 mins - Oxford come forward but Reid makes the headed clearance. The
Hammers then win a free-kick as Demel is fouled. All very low-key so far.
7.49pm - West Ham kick-off shooting from right to left. Tonight, it means
the Hammers are shooting towards an end with no stand. Any wayward shots
could threaten aerials and wing mirrors in the cinema car park behind the
goal!
7.47pm - Rob Hall's name gets a loud cheer from the home fans. The Hammers
youngster really caught the eye of U's supporters during two loan spells
here last season, when he scored six goals in 14 games.
7.45pm - Here come the two teams, led by Kevin Nolan and Jake Wright. West
Ham are in their all Navy away kit. Oxford are in all yellow. The conditions
are better than they were at Southend on Saturday! The pitch here looks in
decent nick. A sizeable travelling contingent from east London are sat
directly opposite me.
7.44pm - It looks like kick-off might also be slightly delayed as there is
no sign of the Oxford team, while West Ham have now gone back to their
dressing room...
7.40pm - Due to West Ham's slightly delayed arrival, the Hammers are out
warming up and will stay out on the pitch for kick-off.
7.35pm - For those wondering who 'Porritt' is on the teamsheet, he is Nathan
Porritt. Now 22, the former England Under-18 international midfielder is now
unattached after a spell in Belgian football.
7.15pm - So, Big Sam has named a very strong team tonight, with Carlton Cole
returning to action for the first time since the opening pre-season game at
FK Austria Wien. The same can be said of goalkeeper Stephen Henderson, who
has recovered from a slight thigh injury. On the bench, the Development
Squad have returned from Moscow and the likes of Jake Larkins, Eoin Wearen,
Pelly Ruddock, George Moncur, Blair Turgott and Seb Lletget are available
tonight.
7.10pm - OK, sorry for the delay but the team coach was slightly held up on
the road to the Kassam Stadium. The team news is in -
Oxford United: Clarke, Batt, McGinty, Wright, Chapman, Heslop, Smalley,
Pittman, Potter, McAllister, Evans
Subs: Crocombe, Raynes, Constable, Rigg, Boateng, Capaldi, Forster-Caskey,
Tafazoli, Harris, Smith, Craddock, Long, Lynn
West Ham United: Henderson, Demel, Spence, Reid, McCartney, Noble, Nolan,
O'Neil, Morrison, Cole, Vaz Te
Subs: Larkins, Wearen, Maynard, Porritt, Hall, Taylor, Ruddock, Moncur,
Turgott, Nasha, Lletget
Good evening and welcome to the Kassam Stadium for West Ham United's fourth
pre-season fixture against npower League Two side Oxford United.
The Hammers won their first pre-season match on Saturday, producing a decent
all-round performance to win 3-0 at Southend United, with Nicky Maynard,
Jordan Spence and Sam Baldock on target.
Baldock's goal was his third in three appearances so far in 2012/13 and the
former MK Dons man will be eager to find the net again and continue his hot
start to the new Barclays Premier League campaign.
There are a number of links between the two clubs - West Ham forward Rob
Hall spent two spells on loan with the U's last season, while Oxford coach
Andy Melville was part of the Hammers squad which gained promotion to the
Premier League via the Play-Offs in 2005. Meanwhile, West Ham midfielder
Matt Taylor was born and raised in Oxford.
Squad-wise, Sam Allardyce has chosen a group mixing first-team regulars and
young professionals. The likes of Kevin Nolan, Mark Noble and Ricardo Vaz Te
are joined in the squad by Development Squad players Eoin Wearen, Callum
Driver, Pelly Ruddock, George Moncur, Jake Larkins, Blair Turgott and
Sebastian Lletget.
Summer signing Stephen Henderson returns from a minor thigh injury and could
start in goal after missing the trips to Boreham Wood and Southend, while
Guy Demel could make his first pre-season start.
Tuesday's fixture will be the first meeting between West Ham and Oxford
since 24 August, when Scott Parker's late goal saw the Hammers beat the U's
1-0 in the League Cup second round at the Boleyn Ground.
The Hammers will be making their first-ever visit to the Kassam Stadium.
West Ham United: Henderson, Demel (Nasha 61), Spence, Reid (Wearen 61),
McCartney (Taylor 46), Noble (Moncur 61), Nolan (Ruddock 61), O'Neil
(Porritt 61), Morrison (Turgott 61), Cole (Maynard 46), Vaz Te (Hall 61)
Subs: Larkins, Lletget
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diame happy with start
WHUFC.com
Momo Diame has enjoyed his first few weeks as a West Ham United player
16.07.2012
Mohamed Diame believes he has already settled in east London despite only
being at West Ham United for a few weeks. The 25-year-old got his first
taste of life as a Hammer during the club's training camp in Austria,
playing the full 90 minutes in the 3-1 defeat to FK Austria Wien. The
midfielder will have to wait before pulling on the claret and blue shirt
again though, as he jetted off straight away to join up with the Senegal
squad for the 2012 Olympic Games. Speaking to whufc.com, the Senegal
international praised his new team-mates and colleagues for giving him the
perfect welcome. "It was great to meet up with the rest of the team and to
start pre-season training. Everybody has been very welcoming to me, the
other players and all the staff. It made me feel good and it was nice to
start getting settled," he said. "The week we had in Austria was very good -
it was very hot and we worked hard - it was nice to get started. "I think
everyone was happy with the work we did and there is also a great spirit in
the team, as I said, it made feel very welcome."
Diame, who became Sam Allardyce's third summer signing, now hopes he can
build on his Hammers' debut, believing that the Olympics will provide the
perfect platform ahead of the new domestic season. "We had a good week and
now we have to keep working hard towards the new season - I will be with
Senegal now for the rest of pre-season but I am looking to come back and
help play my part on the training pitch and for the team when the new season
begins."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
London 2012: F1 track plan among Olympic Stadium bids
BBC.co.uk
A scheme to turn the Olympic Stadium into part of a Formula 1 track after
the London 2012 Games is one of four now under official consideration.
Football clubs West Ham and Leyton Orient are bidding to be tenants, as is
the UCFB College of Football Business. An original deal for West Ham to
lease the £486m stadium was scrapped last year amid legal wrangling. The
London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) said bids will be assessed
before any negotiations begin. Plans for a grand prix circuit were tabled by
Intelligent Transport Services, in conjunction with F1. The proposal would
reportedly allow another British round of the world championship in and
around the stadium in East London. UCFB, which offers degrees in football
business, is based at Burnley FC's Turf Moor ground and is an affiliate of
Bucks New University. It is understood Orient's proposal is based on a
ground share with West Ham, although the Premier League club has previously
insisted it is not considering that arrangement.
OLYMPIC STADIUM TIMELINE
12 July, 2012: Extended deadline for bidders to submit proposals
27 July-12 August: Olympic Games take place
29 August-9 September: Paralympics take place
October: Decision expected on succesful bidders
2014: Stadium reopens with new tenants
F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone said last month that he had been consulted by the
Intelligent Transport Services company about plans to use the stadium for a
race.
Ecclestone told the Daily Telegraph: "This is a firm that happened to be
bidding for use of the stadium, not to own it. They came up with a scheme
whereby Formula 1 would race around the stadium, inside it, outside it. They
wanted to make sure I would be interested." He has separately said that
plans for a race on a 3.15 mile (5.1 km) London circuit taking in sights
including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Trafalgar Square were "no joke".
Orient chairman Barry Hearn refused to comment on a possible ground share,
but told BBC Sport he hoped the League One club's bid could succeed. "There
is no point dwelling on the design of the stadium and the faults of the
stadium," he said. "We have to get on with it, we have to make a fist of it
and we have to make sure the Government and the people of this country get
maximum value for the investment that has gone into the Olympic Stadium.
"Our idea does that and I think it forms part of a legacy that people in
this country can be proud of. Bearing in mind this is the only time in our
lifetime that we are ever going to hold the Olympic Games, we need to get
something out of it. "A mixture of usages and a mixture of opportunity
within the Olympic Stadium will give us the feeling that we have spent our
money wisely and that is really what we are trying to achieve. All sides
have to exercise common sense and move forward. I think we have created a
very interesting scheme that can do just that."
Essex County Cricket Club has dropped plans for tenancy at the stadium after
its partner, the University of London, pulled out of the process. It has
already been announced the 80,000-capacity Olympic Stadium will be reduced
after the Games to a 60,000 venue, which retains a running track, and will
host the 2017 World Athletics Championships. The LLDC says it is possible
more than one bidder could be successful, with a decision expected in the
autumn.
Meanwhile, preferred bidder status has been granted to iCITY for the Olympic
press and broadcast centres. It wants to them into a design, technology and
research base that might create more than 4,000 jobs. The scheme includes a
conference centre, pedestrian square, cafes, restaurants and bars.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham seek deal for Mali striker Modibo Maiga
BBC.co.uk
By Frank Keogh
BBC Sport
West Ham are hoping to complete the signing of Mali striker Modibo Maiga
from French club Sochaux for a reported fee of £4.5m. The 25-year-old is
understood to be in England for a medical ahead of his proposed transfer.
Maiga went on strike during the 2011 summer transfer window as he tried to
secure a move to Newcastle. He eventually failed a medical at the Magpies
in January due to a knee problem. Maiga has scored 24 goals in 52 games for
Sochaux since signing from Le Mans in July 2010.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tomkins thanks fans
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 17th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
James Tomkins has thanked the readers of KUMB.com for naming him as their
2011/12 Player of the Season. The 23-year-old central defender, who narrowly
pipped midfielder Mark Noble to the award said: "I was delighted to be
chosen as player of the year by everyone at KUMB. "Any award and support
from our fans is great and very important to all of us as players, as it
comes from our supporters who watch us week in week out. "I will always say
it is a team effort and last season was no different, everyone worked hard
to get the team back up in the Premier League and it was fantastic we
achieved that. "Our aim was to do that for our fans first and foremost, to
say thanks for the incredible support you all give us. "I have been here
since I was a young boy and came through the Academy, so I know a lot of our
fans have followed my career as I have made it through to the first team.
"I have always appreciated the support, people coming up to me and wishing
me well and wishing me success in the team and it is nice to know that
everyone is looking out for you. "It is great to have won this award and I
hope to repay this great support by playing my part in the team this season
as we look forward to being back in the Premier League once again. Thank you
again for everyone at KUMB for voting for me."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mohsni set for Hammers
West Ham are Premier League club
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey. Last Updated: July
17, 2012 2:59pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands that the Premier League club ready to take Southend
ace Bilel Mohsni on trial is West Ham United. The 24-year-old defender, who
can also play as a striker, has been linked with a host of clubs over the
past 12 months. Stoke City and Blackpool have both seen offers rejected by
Southend, but now they have confirmed that they have agreed to let him train
with an unnamed club. Sky Sports can confirm that the team in question is
West Ham, and he is due to link up with them this week. Mohsni has just a
year left on his current deal, after Southend took up the 12-month option
they had on him at the end of last season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam rules out Carroll & Berba
West Ham boss insists strike duo will not be heading to Upton Park
By Rob Parrish - Follow me on Twitter @skysportsrobp. Last Updated: July
17, 2012 8:26pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce has admitted West Ham have given up on their hopes of signing
Andy Carroll and rejected reports of an interest in Dimitar Berbatov. Sky
Sports revealed earlier on Tuesday that England international Carroll has
been told that he does not figure in Brendan Rodgers' immediate plans, but
is reluctant to leave on a permanent basis. The £35million striker has been
targeted by former club Newcastle, who have seen an initial loan bid
rejected by the Reds and are considering whether to return with an improved
offer. The Hammers have also been linked with the 23-year-old and while
Allardyce admitted that discussions had taken place with the Reds, they
proved fruitless and the Upton Park boss is now moving on to other targets.
Nothing progressing
He told Sky Sports News HD: "I think that we're not in a situation where we
can secure a deal with Andy or Liverpool at the moment. "We talked to them,
we had some negotiation. But at the moment there is nothing progressing
forward on Andy coming to West Ham. "Andy is yet to make his mind up where
his future lies and the negotiation with Liverpool hasn't been a situation
where we've been able to agree. "We'll just leave it as it is and move on
with other players, as we have been doing on a daily basis through the
summer."
Pure speculation
Another striker to be linked with a switch to East London is Manchester
United forward Dimitar Berbatov, with the Bulgarian widely expected to leave
Old Trafford this summer. But Allardyce has flatly rejected suggestions that
the languid forward, who has been tipped for a move to Serie A, could be on
his radar. The West Ham boss added: "That's pure speculation in the media. I
haven't had any contact with Sir Alex. "There was a statement from Dimitar
saying he's available for £5million. Everybody knows we're looking for a
striker so they say we're in for him, but I've not had any conversations
with Sir Alex."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers close on Maiga
Allardyce confirms deal for Mali striker is in pipeline
Last Updated: July 17, 2012 9:08pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce has confirmed that West Ham are hoping to complete the signing
of Mali striker Modibo Maiga from Sochaux. Sky Sports understands that the
25-year-old is undergoing a medical with the East London club ahead of a
proposed £4.5million move from Ligue 1. Maiga was linked with a move to
Newcastle last summer and a proposed move to St James' Park in the January
transfer window fell through. The Mali international joined Sochaux from Le
Mans in July 2010 and has since scored 24 goals in 52 games for the French
side. Allardyce admitted that a deal to bring in Maiga was in the pipeline
but insisted there were still some details to be finalised before he puts
pen to paper. The Hammers boss told Sky Sports News HD: "At the moment that
is progressing. That is going forward as we speak but is a little way off
being clinched."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Split decision: West Ham and Leyton Orient could SHARE Olympic Stadium
The Mirror
A ground share between West Ham and Leyton Orient is one of four proposals
now being considered for the Olympic Stadium. There are bids from West Ham,
Leyton Orient, the UCFB College of Football Business, and a plan to turn the
Olympic Stadium into part of a Formula 1 track, tabled by Intelligent
Transport Services, in conjunction with F1. Last year West Ham were in pole
position with a solo deal to lease the £486m stadium, but that was scrapped
amid legal wrangling. It is understood that it is Leyton Orient's proposal
which offers a ground share with West Ham, although the Premier League club
have previously rejected any such share. Orient chairman Barry Hearn refused
to comment on whether his proposal contained a possible ground share with
West Ham, but told BBC Sport he was hopeful of success. "There is no point
dwelling on the design of the stadium and the faults of the stadium," he
said. "We have to get on with it, we have to make a fist of it and we have
to make sure the Government and the people of this country get maximum value
for the investment that has gone into the Olympic Stadium.
"Our idea does that and I think it forms part of a legacy that people in
this country can be proud of. Bearing in mind this is the only time in our
lifetime that we are ever going to hold the Olympic Games, we need to get
something out of it.
"A mixture of usages and a mixture of opportunity within the Olympic Stadium
will give us the feeling that we have spent our money wisely and that is
really what we are trying to achieve. All sides have to exercise common
sense and move forward. I think we have created a very interesting scheme
that can do just that." It has already been announced that the
80,000-capacity Stadium will be reduced after the Games to 60,000.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham weigh up bid for ex-Chelsea wide man
By Jamie Sanderson | Tuesday, July 17, 2012
TalkSPort
West Ham are weighing up a move for out-of-favour Hamburg winger Gökhan
Töre. Töre has been told he is free to quit the Bundesliga outfit this
summer, despite a number of impressive displays, after falling out with new
manager Thorsten Fink. The quicksilver winger, who moved to Hamburg from
Chelsea just 12 months ago, turned out 22 times in the league last term, but
he has been omitted from Fink's first-team plans ahead of the new season.
Russian outfit Spartak Moscow have been strongly linked with a move, but it
appears the 20-year-old is keen to return to the Premier League, where his
agent has offered his services to newly-promoted West Ham. Töre would bring
an injection of pace, power and genuine width to the Hammers line-up, and
while boss Sam Allardyce is keen, he has requested a trial run out first,
something Hamburg have rejected. The news of Töre's switch away will be good
news for Chelsea, who will earn 50% of the fee Hamburg receive, after
including a hefty sell-on clause in the deal to sell him to Germany.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham in race for Olympic Stadium
Reuters - Today, 15:03
442.com
A bid linked to motor-racing group Formula One and football club West Ham
United are among four parties competing to take over the Olympic stadium
after the London Games, the London Legacy Development Corporation said on
Tuesday. The LLDC said it was assessing proposals from the two, as well as
from Leyton Orient Football Club and the UCFB College of Football Business,
without saying when a decision was due. Formula One supremo Bernie
Ecclestone told Reuters he was not directly involved in the motor-racing bid
which LLDC said was made in association with a company called Intelligent
Transport Services. "If they were to get permission to do it [use the
stadium for a Grand Prix], then we would be more than happy to do something
with them. But we have nothing to do with putting in a bid," he said.
The process to select a main tenant for the stadium in east London was
extended eight weeks in May after the LLDC said parties had been discouraged
from bidding because of unresolved issues including stadium-naming rights.
"London is further ahead in planning legacy than any previous host Olympic
city," LLDC chairman Daniel Moylan said. There has been speculation that
Formula One planned to use the stadium and neighbouring land to create a
motor-racing circuit. Some local politicians fear the 80,000-seat venue
could become a white elephant. A previous plan to sell the stadium to West
Ham fell apart in October with the government citing "legal paralysis" after
Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, which had a bid turned down,
challenged the decision. The LLDC also said a bid to turn the 1 million
square foot Olympic media centre into offices, research labs and a data
centre was now the preferred choice. A plan by the so-called iCity
consortium is the favourite after the only other bidder withdrew last week.
The consortium is backed by data centre manager Infinity and property
company Delancey. It plans to create more than 4,000 jobs. The LLDC said it
will name the residential developer selected to build the first
neighbourhood of housing on the park next week.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
And Another Two Bite the Dust, But the Maiga Deal Seems Somewhat More
Promising!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Well, so two more bits of transfer speculation bite the dust. Apparently Sam
Allardyce has confirmed that the Andy Carroll deal is not going to happen.
While he has also poured some very cold water on the rumour that we were
ever interested in Berbetov. Neither development is much of a surprise in
all honesty. Therefore, barring a dramatic changed state of affairs, the
improbablity is not a possibility, and the 10% 'long shot' is not going to
come off. While, the Berbetov speculation appears to a case of the media
doing their standard trick of making 2 (west Ham need a striker) + 2
(Berbetov is available) = 5 (West Ham want Berbetov).
Elsewhere, things look somewhat more promising on the Maiga deal.
Negotiations appear to be at a fairly advanced stage, but Allardyce has
stressed that there are stiill some issues to be ironed out before the deal
can be completed. Hopefully, those 'issues' relate to personal terms, rather
than medical complications. We will just have to wait and see? Maybe Maiga
will prove to be an absolute gem, emerging out of 'left field' to barnstorm
his way in to the Hammers Hall of Fame! Goodness, how we could do with a
McAvennie or Devonshire scenerio of a 'low expection' signing turning out to
be absolute gold. Unfortunately those kind of deals are all too rare,
especially these days. Although the Vaz Te deal had a touch of that about it
last season. Similarly, Vaz Te bursting on to the PL scene, with a glut of
goals, would also be most welcome event. At a push, I might even settle for
him being a one season sensation, with 20 plus PL goals leading to a £10m
summer move to Porto!
Yesterday, amidst the inertia of the current transfer window, my mind
wanderered back to the pre-season of 1985-86. Now, everyone celebrates the
exploits of the Boys of 86, but the general apprehension that preceeded that
season is seldom recalled . West Ham had bumped around the bottom half of
the old First Division table in 1984-85, but we managed to pull clear of
relegation trouble with a bit to spare. But it was a decidedly underwhelming
season. The prevalent view was that we needed to 'buy big' to avoid a repeat
in the following campaign. Yet, instead of households names, our 'trophy'
signings were a winger from Oldham and an attacking midfielder from St
Mirren. Few had heard of them and many fans were left fearing the worst.
Yet, McAvennie and Ward slotted in beautifully and the rest of the team
gelled around them. And the rest as they say is history! I am not saying
that it will happen again, but it is still a comforting recollection. Oh,
yeah and they did not win a game in the 1985-86 pre-season, to boot!
(Tallking of which, we apparently lost 1-0 to Oxford Utd yesterday evening
in our latest pre-season friendly).
Finally, forget about Carroll and Berbetov. West Ham are said to be
interested in Southend Utd utility man, Bilel Mohsni. Mohsni appears to be a
Derek Johnstone type of player (hands up those who remembers him?) who can
operate as both a defender and a striker. Is it just another baseless
rumour, who can possibly say at present?
Anyway, keep the faith! If ever I needed to adhere to my favourite Gramscian
dictum 'Pessimism of intellect, optimism of the will' it is probably now.
And, of course, It is easy to forget that things could be a lot worse. If
those three early Blackpool sitters in the play-off Final had gone in, we
would now be faced with another tough season in the championship, having to
cope with dire consequences of 'financial fair play.' There, that's cheered
you up hasn't it. COYI!
SJ. Chandos.
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West Ham and Formula One lead grid in race for Olympic Stadium
Other bidders are UCFB College and Leyton Orient
West Ham remain favourites to move into stadium
Owen Gibson
The Guardian, Wednesday 18 July 2012
The London Legacy Development Corporation has named four bidders in the
bidding process for the £428m stadium. Photograph: Paul Gilham/Getty Images
West Ham United remain favourites to move into the Olympic stadium after the
Games after the club were named as one of four final bidders , while
ambitious plans to stage a Formula One race in the Park also remain on the
shortlist.
Following a board meeting, the London Legacy Development Corporation named
the four bidders that remain in the protracted bidding process for the £428m
stadium. Bernie Ecclestone has given his backing to the bid to use the
stadium as part of a Formula One track, a separate scheme from recently
floated plans to stage a race in central London, but he is not directly
involved.
"If they were to get permission to do it, then we would be more than happy
to do something with them. But we have nothing to do with putting in a bid,"
he said of the bid, submitted by a company called Intelligent Transport
Services.
The other two bidders are the UCFB College of Football Business and Leyton
Orient. The east end club, which along with Tottenham Hostpur and an
anonymous complainant to the European Union derailed an earlier attempt to
award the stadium to West Ham, did not put its name forward under the
initial bidding process. But when the deadline was extended by the LLDC,
partly because bidders had been discouraged by unresolved issues around
naming rights, the chairman, Barry Hearn, changed his mind and submitted a
bid.
West Ham remain favourites to move in, but have said they will only do so on
their terms. The vice chair, Karren Brady, wants to ensure the club and
their supporters feel as though they have ownership of the ground during the
football season and can benefit from sponsorship and commercial
opportunities as the main tenants.
The club will also have to invest in adding a roof and hospitality boxes and
want to investigate the possibility of installing retractable seating for
the running track.
UK Athletics is already guaranteed use of the stadium, which will host the
2017 world athletics championships. Newham Council, which will put £40m into
the project, will also be guaranteed a certain number of days access for
community use. The four bids will be now be evaluated before negotiations
begin, with the aim of coming to a decision by October. "London is further
ahead in planning legacy than any previous host Olympic city. Despite our
success this is no time to rest on our laurels. We have planned a superb
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and we are working to ensure we achieve the
right long-term future for all our permanent venues," said LLDC chairman
Daniel Moylan, who recently replaced Margaret Ford.
The LLDC has also made the iCity consortium the preferred bidder for the
cavernous international broadcast centre and main press centre on the site.
It will now enter into exclusive negotiations over its plans to house a data
centre, hi-tech start ups, post production companies and educational
establishments on the site.
The company will have to sign up to promises to deliver 3,800 jobs on the
site. It has said it could increase employment on the site and in the
surrounding area by up to 6,000.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Deane Smalley's goal sends the Hammers to a narrow defeat at the Kassam
Stadium
17.07.2012
Oxford United v West Ham United
Pre-season match
Kassam Stadium
Tuesday 17 July 2012
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Final score - Oxford United 1-0 West Ham United
92 mins - Clarke clears upfield and the final whistle is blown.
91 mins - Last chance. Maynard is fouled. Hall wants to take the free-kick,
but seniority rules and Taylor will have it. Third-time lucky? No. He
smashes the ball wide and high and into the stand.
89 mins - Well, with a few minutes to go, let's sum up. West Ham created a
host of half-chances throughout the game, but could not fashion a real
clear-cut opening aside from Nolan's low cross that Vaz Te poked over the
top. On the plus side, it's been a competitive game and will have helped
boost fitness levels. The goal from Oxford was a special finish. Meanwhile,
the home fans are forecasting a difficult season ahead for their guests in
song. Let's hope they are very wrong.
87 mins - A decent film must just have finished. The cinema car park is full
of people returning to their cars. Either that, or it was a rubbish film and
everyone has decided to leave early.
85 mins - Oxford are still on the offensive and looking for a second goal,
but Craddock's shot is wayward this time. It flies well wide and out for a
goal kick.
81 mins - Henderson gets a bit lucky. He calls to make the clearance, then
mis-controls outside his box. He slips a bit but just about manages to make
a challenge on Constable. Spence gets back and ensures no further damage is
done.
80 mins - Boateng now shoves Taylor over on the left edge of the Oxford box.
Free-kick. Hall to take. Hall whips it over and Turgott heads goalwards.
Clarke tips over but the referee gives a goal kick. The home fans actually
cheered their goalkeeper for making the fingertip stop.
78 mins - Embarrassing. Boateng gets down the right and latches on to a
pass. He tries to take on Taylor before throwing himself to the ground
inside the box. It's a clear dive, and Mr Scott goes over to tell the
right-back to sort himself out.
77 mins - I know it's nearly over, but positionally, Nasha is at right-back
with Spence, Wearen and Taylor alongside him. Turgott, Moncur, Ruddock and
Porritt are across the midfield, with Hall supporting Maynard. Porritt has a
go with a side volley, but the ball loops into the hands of Clarke.
76 mins - Turgott is fouled about 30 yards out and Taylor can have another
go. It's almost exactly the same spot he fired over from about 25 minutes
ago. This time his low shot hits the wall and spins through to Clarke.
74 mins - Hall again, swapping passes twice with Turgott wide on the right
before getting to the byline and crossing high. Porritt gets there first,
but his header lacks direction and flies wide of the far post. Hall is in
the mood!
71 mins - Well, well, well. Porritt collects a deep cross and races forward
to halfway before picking out Hall with a pinpoint 40-yard pass. Hall
controls instantly and gets to within 22 yards before driving a low shot
with his weaker right foot that hits the base of the far post before
spinning away for a goal kick. The home fans cheer his name again.
70 mins - Oxford win a corner, but Henderson is there to make the catch when
the cross comes in at the second attempt. West Ham try to break, but Moncur
isn't as quick as the ball and Clarke catches inside his box.
68 mins - West Ham's youngsters will need to do something their senior
colleagues could not if the Hammers are to avoid defeat here. Hall is doing
his best as he picks out the run of Turgott. The winger crosses first-time
and low but Maynard isn't quite far enough forward to finish. Good move,
though.
66 mins - Rigg looks to get in on to a pass and he is bearing down on
Henderson. Fair play to Taylor who races back and makes an inch-perfect
sliding challenge inside the penalty area. No foul and Henderson can clear.
61 mins - Seven changes from West Ham. Noble, Morrison, Nolan, Reid, O'Neil,
Demel and Vaz Te go off. Moncur, Porritt, Ruddock, Turgotg, Wearen, Nasha
and Rob Hall come on. The Oxford fans welcome the latter with a chorus of
'Robbie, Robbie Hall'. He is a hero in these parts!
59 mins - A period of West Ham possession comes to nothing as Maynard tries
to spin on the edge of the D. Oxford try to break forward but Spence is
there to clear for a throw. From it, the U's build again before centre
midfielder Forster-Caskey launches a shot into the car park.
57 mins - Craddock cuts in from the Oxford left and shoots powerfully.
Henderson gets his body behind the ball and clutches it to his chest. Secure
goalkeeping.
55 mins - Nolan scoops the ball out to O'Neil, who cushions it back to
Demel. He crosses on the diagonal towards Nolan, but it's too high and the
ball bounces away for a goal kick. The second half hasn't really got going
as yet, and we're expecting a few West Ham changes soon...
51 mins - Morrison collects a pass in a central position 30 yards out. He
looks up, takes a touch but drags his low shot well wide of the left-hand
post. Today's attendance is 4,780, with 1,101 of them from West Ham.
50 mins - West Ham have a free-kick about 30 yards out and Taylor is all
over it. Meanwhile, Oxford have changed all ten outfield players. The back
four is now Boateng, Raynes, Tafazoli and Capaldi, the midfield is Smith,
Harris, Craddock and Forster-Caskey and Constable is partnering Rigg up
front. Taylor curls the free-kick a yard over the top.
48 mins - Oxford have made a load of changes. Constable, Forster-Caskey,
Raynes and Tafazoli are among those who have come on, but I've no idea who
has gone off as yet. I'll try to find out!
46 mins - Two changes at the break for West Ham. Maynard and Oxford-born
Taylor on for Cole and McCartney. Taylor is involved straight away, crossing
dangerously and forcing a corner. Noble takes but it's cleared.
Half-time score - Oxford United 1-0 West Ham United
There are 22 players warming up on the pitch at present, including eleven
West Ham players. I'm not sure all of them will come on at half-time, but I
expect to see one or two start the second half.
Meanwhile, Oxford's Under-6 side are getting a proper ovation as they do a
lap of honour! The West Ham fans give them a loud cheer as they jog past.
Under-6s are small!
47 mins - That's half-time. Oxford lead. Join us again in a little under 15
minutes for the second half.
45 mins - We're going to have one added minute. Big Sam is out in his
technical area. I would think he will demand an improvement at half-time.
He'll certainly want his players to be more clinical.
41 mins - Cole lays the ball off from O'Neil's long pass to Morrison. He
comes forward and does a step-over before trying to play in Cole, but the
pass is behind the striker. It's been a case of 'so near yet so far' for
West Ham - they've had the ball in plenty of encouraging positions without
exploiting one as yet.
39 mins - West Ham attack and McCartney's cross is only cleared as far as
O'Neil. He lofts the ball back in from the right edge of the penalty area.
Vaz Te rises and goes to ground. He wants a penalty, but Mr Scott is again
unmoved. Goal kick.
36 mins - GOAL! We have a goal and it's a great finish from Smalley. The
cross comes over from the left and McCartney wins the header above Pittman,
but the ball drops to the No10, who rockets the half-volley past Henderson
from the angle. It might only be a pre-season game, but Big Sam will want a
response from his players immediately.
36 mins - Morrison is seeing plenty of the ball for West Ham. The fans
didn't see much of him last season following his arrival from Manchester
United, but the youngster clearly has talent.
34 mins - The Oxford fans want a penalty as McAllister tries to cut between
O'Neil and Spence and goes down. Mr Scott waves the appeals away.
32 mins - The corner is cleared but West Ham have it back. Morrison shows
some neat footwork before Noble's pass is handled by Batt. Free-kick wide on
the left. It's taken short to Nolan, who holds off his man inside the box
and drills the cross over. Vaz Te is there, but the pace on the ball makes
it a bit more difficult and the No12's first-time shot flies high and wide.
30 mins - Another ball in the car park as O'Neil wins it back in midfield
and finds Cole. He waits for the overlap of Vaz Te, who shoots left-footed
and sees his effort deflected over the fence by Evans for a corner.
28 mins - Back to the football and Demel skips past his man on the right
touchline. The cross takes a nick of the head of Evans and is a bit awkward
for Morrison. He controls on his chest and pokes the ball forward for Nolan,
but it's difficult for the skipper and Clarke is there to collect.
27 mins - Mr Scott has a chat with Chapman and Noble, but no cards are
shown. He then has a chat with captains Nolan and Wright. Presumably, his
message was something along the lines of 'This is a pre-season match and I
don't want loads of paperwork to do!'.
24 mins - Erm, it has all got a bit tasty here. Noble goes in hard but fair
on Pittman and the Oxford players react angrily. One, Adam Chapman, charges
at Noble and there is a coming together. This leads to some handbags
involving at least 16 players, but it is all over as quickly as it started.
Now the officials are having a chat...
22 mins - Another half-chance. Nolan finds the overlapping McCartney and he
stands the cross up on the edge of the six-yard box. Clarke comes to claim,
but he drops the ball. Oxford try to break from the clearance, but Reid gets
in a strong sliding challenge. That gets the players going and the action
only ends when Morrison is brought down by Potter. Noble doesn't like the
challenge. Nor does the referee as Mr Scott talks to the former Havant and
Waterlooville man.
20 mins - West Ham come close twice. First, Vaz Te beats two men before
trying to trick his way past Wright inside the box, but he's challenged.
Then, Nolan crosses towards Cole and Evans clears at the near post.
16 mins - The corner nearly leads to a goal...for Oxford! O'Neil collects
the short corner and his cross is headed clear powerfully. Spence is
favourite to get there, but Pittman beats him to the ball and is in on goal.
He elects to shoot from the edge of the D, but he leans back and the ball
flies too high. Relief for Spence.
14 mins - Golden opportunity for the first goal as Demel plays a superb
one-two with Nolan and gets to the byline and beats his man. Cole is
unmarked for the pull-back six yards from goal, but Demel picks the wrong
option and the ball goes behind for a corner. The flag-kick is cleared. West
Ham come again and Morrison and Nolan force another corner.
12 mins - The West Ham fans on the far side sing Carlton Cole's name as West
Ham come forward once more. Vaz Te does well to shake off McGinty but his
cross is just a little too strong for Morrison. McCartney crosses from the
nearside but Cole is beaten to the ball.
8 mins - This is a decent game so far. The Oxford fans give it a bit of
noise after their team attack again and a couple of strong challenges go in.
Batt crosses and Pittman challenges. Spence heads the ball backwards and
Henderson is out again quickly to catch ahead of Smalley.
6 mins - West Ham break quickly and Morrison finds Vaz Te in space. He cuts
inside from the left and shoots from 25 yards. It's too high and clears the
crossbar, fence and three rows of cars before nestling next to a tree.
5 mins - West Ham look to be in total control until Morrison gives the ball
away in midfield. Oxford break and a low cross threatens until McCartney
puts the ball out for a corner. Heslop's corner is headed up into the air
before Pittman's header is held by Henderson
4 mins - A momentary scare as Smalley brings down Reid and the Kiwi clutches
his ankle. It's nothing to worry about though, as Reid is quickly back up.
2 mins - Oxford come forward but Reid makes the headed clearance. The
Hammers then win a free-kick as Demel is fouled. All very low-key so far.
7.49pm - West Ham kick-off shooting from right to left. Tonight, it means
the Hammers are shooting towards an end with no stand. Any wayward shots
could threaten aerials and wing mirrors in the cinema car park behind the
goal!
7.47pm - Rob Hall's name gets a loud cheer from the home fans. The Hammers
youngster really caught the eye of U's supporters during two loan spells
here last season, when he scored six goals in 14 games.
7.45pm - Here come the two teams, led by Kevin Nolan and Jake Wright. West
Ham are in their all Navy away kit. Oxford are in all yellow. The conditions
are better than they were at Southend on Saturday! The pitch here looks in
decent nick. A sizeable travelling contingent from east London are sat
directly opposite me.
7.44pm - It looks like kick-off might also be slightly delayed as there is
no sign of the Oxford team, while West Ham have now gone back to their
dressing room...
7.40pm - Due to West Ham's slightly delayed arrival, the Hammers are out
warming up and will stay out on the pitch for kick-off.
7.35pm - For those wondering who 'Porritt' is on the teamsheet, he is Nathan
Porritt. Now 22, the former England Under-18 international midfielder is now
unattached after a spell in Belgian football.
7.15pm - So, Big Sam has named a very strong team tonight, with Carlton Cole
returning to action for the first time since the opening pre-season game at
FK Austria Wien. The same can be said of goalkeeper Stephen Henderson, who
has recovered from a slight thigh injury. On the bench, the Development
Squad have returned from Moscow and the likes of Jake Larkins, Eoin Wearen,
Pelly Ruddock, George Moncur, Blair Turgott and Seb Lletget are available
tonight.
7.10pm - OK, sorry for the delay but the team coach was slightly held up on
the road to the Kassam Stadium. The team news is in -
Oxford United: Clarke, Batt, McGinty, Wright, Chapman, Heslop, Smalley,
Pittman, Potter, McAllister, Evans
Subs: Crocombe, Raynes, Constable, Rigg, Boateng, Capaldi, Forster-Caskey,
Tafazoli, Harris, Smith, Craddock, Long, Lynn
West Ham United: Henderson, Demel, Spence, Reid, McCartney, Noble, Nolan,
O'Neil, Morrison, Cole, Vaz Te
Subs: Larkins, Wearen, Maynard, Porritt, Hall, Taylor, Ruddock, Moncur,
Turgott, Nasha, Lletget
Good evening and welcome to the Kassam Stadium for West Ham United's fourth
pre-season fixture against npower League Two side Oxford United.
The Hammers won their first pre-season match on Saturday, producing a decent
all-round performance to win 3-0 at Southend United, with Nicky Maynard,
Jordan Spence and Sam Baldock on target.
Baldock's goal was his third in three appearances so far in 2012/13 and the
former MK Dons man will be eager to find the net again and continue his hot
start to the new Barclays Premier League campaign.
There are a number of links between the two clubs - West Ham forward Rob
Hall spent two spells on loan with the U's last season, while Oxford coach
Andy Melville was part of the Hammers squad which gained promotion to the
Premier League via the Play-Offs in 2005. Meanwhile, West Ham midfielder
Matt Taylor was born and raised in Oxford.
Squad-wise, Sam Allardyce has chosen a group mixing first-team regulars and
young professionals. The likes of Kevin Nolan, Mark Noble and Ricardo Vaz Te
are joined in the squad by Development Squad players Eoin Wearen, Callum
Driver, Pelly Ruddock, George Moncur, Jake Larkins, Blair Turgott and
Sebastian Lletget.
Summer signing Stephen Henderson returns from a minor thigh injury and could
start in goal after missing the trips to Boreham Wood and Southend, while
Guy Demel could make his first pre-season start.
Tuesday's fixture will be the first meeting between West Ham and Oxford
since 24 August, when Scott Parker's late goal saw the Hammers beat the U's
1-0 in the League Cup second round at the Boleyn Ground.
The Hammers will be making their first-ever visit to the Kassam Stadium.
West Ham United: Henderson, Demel (Nasha 61), Spence, Reid (Wearen 61),
McCartney (Taylor 46), Noble (Moncur 61), Nolan (Ruddock 61), O'Neil
(Porritt 61), Morrison (Turgott 61), Cole (Maynard 46), Vaz Te (Hall 61)
Subs: Larkins, Lletget
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diame happy with start
WHUFC.com
Momo Diame has enjoyed his first few weeks as a West Ham United player
16.07.2012
Mohamed Diame believes he has already settled in east London despite only
being at West Ham United for a few weeks. The 25-year-old got his first
taste of life as a Hammer during the club's training camp in Austria,
playing the full 90 minutes in the 3-1 defeat to FK Austria Wien. The
midfielder will have to wait before pulling on the claret and blue shirt
again though, as he jetted off straight away to join up with the Senegal
squad for the 2012 Olympic Games. Speaking to whufc.com, the Senegal
international praised his new team-mates and colleagues for giving him the
perfect welcome. "It was great to meet up with the rest of the team and to
start pre-season training. Everybody has been very welcoming to me, the
other players and all the staff. It made me feel good and it was nice to
start getting settled," he said. "The week we had in Austria was very good -
it was very hot and we worked hard - it was nice to get started. "I think
everyone was happy with the work we did and there is also a great spirit in
the team, as I said, it made feel very welcome."
Diame, who became Sam Allardyce's third summer signing, now hopes he can
build on his Hammers' debut, believing that the Olympics will provide the
perfect platform ahead of the new domestic season. "We had a good week and
now we have to keep working hard towards the new season - I will be with
Senegal now for the rest of pre-season but I am looking to come back and
help play my part on the training pitch and for the team when the new season
begins."
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London 2012: F1 track plan among Olympic Stadium bids
BBC.co.uk
A scheme to turn the Olympic Stadium into part of a Formula 1 track after
the London 2012 Games is one of four now under official consideration.
Football clubs West Ham and Leyton Orient are bidding to be tenants, as is
the UCFB College of Football Business. An original deal for West Ham to
lease the £486m stadium was scrapped last year amid legal wrangling. The
London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) said bids will be assessed
before any negotiations begin. Plans for a grand prix circuit were tabled by
Intelligent Transport Services, in conjunction with F1. The proposal would
reportedly allow another British round of the world championship in and
around the stadium in East London. UCFB, which offers degrees in football
business, is based at Burnley FC's Turf Moor ground and is an affiliate of
Bucks New University. It is understood Orient's proposal is based on a
ground share with West Ham, although the Premier League club has previously
insisted it is not considering that arrangement.
OLYMPIC STADIUM TIMELINE
12 July, 2012: Extended deadline for bidders to submit proposals
27 July-12 August: Olympic Games take place
29 August-9 September: Paralympics take place
October: Decision expected on succesful bidders
2014: Stadium reopens with new tenants
F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone said last month that he had been consulted by the
Intelligent Transport Services company about plans to use the stadium for a
race.
Ecclestone told the Daily Telegraph: "This is a firm that happened to be
bidding for use of the stadium, not to own it. They came up with a scheme
whereby Formula 1 would race around the stadium, inside it, outside it. They
wanted to make sure I would be interested." He has separately said that
plans for a race on a 3.15 mile (5.1 km) London circuit taking in sights
including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Trafalgar Square were "no joke".
Orient chairman Barry Hearn refused to comment on a possible ground share,
but told BBC Sport he hoped the League One club's bid could succeed. "There
is no point dwelling on the design of the stadium and the faults of the
stadium," he said. "We have to get on with it, we have to make a fist of it
and we have to make sure the Government and the people of this country get
maximum value for the investment that has gone into the Olympic Stadium.
"Our idea does that and I think it forms part of a legacy that people in
this country can be proud of. Bearing in mind this is the only time in our
lifetime that we are ever going to hold the Olympic Games, we need to get
something out of it. "A mixture of usages and a mixture of opportunity
within the Olympic Stadium will give us the feeling that we have spent our
money wisely and that is really what we are trying to achieve. All sides
have to exercise common sense and move forward. I think we have created a
very interesting scheme that can do just that."
Essex County Cricket Club has dropped plans for tenancy at the stadium after
its partner, the University of London, pulled out of the process. It has
already been announced the 80,000-capacity Olympic Stadium will be reduced
after the Games to a 60,000 venue, which retains a running track, and will
host the 2017 World Athletics Championships. The LLDC says it is possible
more than one bidder could be successful, with a decision expected in the
autumn.
Meanwhile, preferred bidder status has been granted to iCITY for the Olympic
press and broadcast centres. It wants to them into a design, technology and
research base that might create more than 4,000 jobs. The scheme includes a
conference centre, pedestrian square, cafes, restaurants and bars.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham seek deal for Mali striker Modibo Maiga
BBC.co.uk
By Frank Keogh
BBC Sport
West Ham are hoping to complete the signing of Mali striker Modibo Maiga
from French club Sochaux for a reported fee of £4.5m. The 25-year-old is
understood to be in England for a medical ahead of his proposed transfer.
Maiga went on strike during the 2011 summer transfer window as he tried to
secure a move to Newcastle. He eventually failed a medical at the Magpies
in January due to a knee problem. Maiga has scored 24 goals in 52 games for
Sochaux since signing from Le Mans in July 2010.
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Tomkins thanks fans
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 17th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
James Tomkins has thanked the readers of KUMB.com for naming him as their
2011/12 Player of the Season. The 23-year-old central defender, who narrowly
pipped midfielder Mark Noble to the award said: "I was delighted to be
chosen as player of the year by everyone at KUMB. "Any award and support
from our fans is great and very important to all of us as players, as it
comes from our supporters who watch us week in week out. "I will always say
it is a team effort and last season was no different, everyone worked hard
to get the team back up in the Premier League and it was fantastic we
achieved that. "Our aim was to do that for our fans first and foremost, to
say thanks for the incredible support you all give us. "I have been here
since I was a young boy and came through the Academy, so I know a lot of our
fans have followed my career as I have made it through to the first team.
"I have always appreciated the support, people coming up to me and wishing
me well and wishing me success in the team and it is nice to know that
everyone is looking out for you. "It is great to have won this award and I
hope to repay this great support by playing my part in the team this season
as we look forward to being back in the Premier League once again. Thank you
again for everyone at KUMB for voting for me."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mohsni set for Hammers
West Ham are Premier League club
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey. Last Updated: July
17, 2012 2:59pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands that the Premier League club ready to take Southend
ace Bilel Mohsni on trial is West Ham United. The 24-year-old defender, who
can also play as a striker, has been linked with a host of clubs over the
past 12 months. Stoke City and Blackpool have both seen offers rejected by
Southend, but now they have confirmed that they have agreed to let him train
with an unnamed club. Sky Sports can confirm that the team in question is
West Ham, and he is due to link up with them this week. Mohsni has just a
year left on his current deal, after Southend took up the 12-month option
they had on him at the end of last season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam rules out Carroll & Berba
West Ham boss insists strike duo will not be heading to Upton Park
By Rob Parrish - Follow me on Twitter @skysportsrobp. Last Updated: July
17, 2012 8:26pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce has admitted West Ham have given up on their hopes of signing
Andy Carroll and rejected reports of an interest in Dimitar Berbatov. Sky
Sports revealed earlier on Tuesday that England international Carroll has
been told that he does not figure in Brendan Rodgers' immediate plans, but
is reluctant to leave on a permanent basis. The £35million striker has been
targeted by former club Newcastle, who have seen an initial loan bid
rejected by the Reds and are considering whether to return with an improved
offer. The Hammers have also been linked with the 23-year-old and while
Allardyce admitted that discussions had taken place with the Reds, they
proved fruitless and the Upton Park boss is now moving on to other targets.
Nothing progressing
He told Sky Sports News HD: "I think that we're not in a situation where we
can secure a deal with Andy or Liverpool at the moment. "We talked to them,
we had some negotiation. But at the moment there is nothing progressing
forward on Andy coming to West Ham. "Andy is yet to make his mind up where
his future lies and the negotiation with Liverpool hasn't been a situation
where we've been able to agree. "We'll just leave it as it is and move on
with other players, as we have been doing on a daily basis through the
summer."
Pure speculation
Another striker to be linked with a switch to East London is Manchester
United forward Dimitar Berbatov, with the Bulgarian widely expected to leave
Old Trafford this summer. But Allardyce has flatly rejected suggestions that
the languid forward, who has been tipped for a move to Serie A, could be on
his radar. The West Ham boss added: "That's pure speculation in the media. I
haven't had any contact with Sir Alex. "There was a statement from Dimitar
saying he's available for £5million. Everybody knows we're looking for a
striker so they say we're in for him, but I've not had any conversations
with Sir Alex."
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Hammers close on Maiga
Allardyce confirms deal for Mali striker is in pipeline
Last Updated: July 17, 2012 9:08pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce has confirmed that West Ham are hoping to complete the signing
of Mali striker Modibo Maiga from Sochaux. Sky Sports understands that the
25-year-old is undergoing a medical with the East London club ahead of a
proposed £4.5million move from Ligue 1. Maiga was linked with a move to
Newcastle last summer and a proposed move to St James' Park in the January
transfer window fell through. The Mali international joined Sochaux from Le
Mans in July 2010 and has since scored 24 goals in 52 games for the French
side. Allardyce admitted that a deal to bring in Maiga was in the pipeline
but insisted there were still some details to be finalised before he puts
pen to paper. The Hammers boss told Sky Sports News HD: "At the moment that
is progressing. That is going forward as we speak but is a little way off
being clinched."
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Split decision: West Ham and Leyton Orient could SHARE Olympic Stadium
The Mirror
A ground share between West Ham and Leyton Orient is one of four proposals
now being considered for the Olympic Stadium. There are bids from West Ham,
Leyton Orient, the UCFB College of Football Business, and a plan to turn the
Olympic Stadium into part of a Formula 1 track, tabled by Intelligent
Transport Services, in conjunction with F1. Last year West Ham were in pole
position with a solo deal to lease the £486m stadium, but that was scrapped
amid legal wrangling. It is understood that it is Leyton Orient's proposal
which offers a ground share with West Ham, although the Premier League club
have previously rejected any such share. Orient chairman Barry Hearn refused
to comment on whether his proposal contained a possible ground share with
West Ham, but told BBC Sport he was hopeful of success. "There is no point
dwelling on the design of the stadium and the faults of the stadium," he
said. "We have to get on with it, we have to make a fist of it and we have
to make sure the Government and the people of this country get maximum value
for the investment that has gone into the Olympic Stadium.
"Our idea does that and I think it forms part of a legacy that people in
this country can be proud of. Bearing in mind this is the only time in our
lifetime that we are ever going to hold the Olympic Games, we need to get
something out of it.
"A mixture of usages and a mixture of opportunity within the Olympic Stadium
will give us the feeling that we have spent our money wisely and that is
really what we are trying to achieve. All sides have to exercise common
sense and move forward. I think we have created a very interesting scheme
that can do just that." It has already been announced that the
80,000-capacity Stadium will be reduced after the Games to 60,000.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham weigh up bid for ex-Chelsea wide man
By Jamie Sanderson | Tuesday, July 17, 2012
TalkSPort
West Ham are weighing up a move for out-of-favour Hamburg winger Gökhan
Töre. Töre has been told he is free to quit the Bundesliga outfit this
summer, despite a number of impressive displays, after falling out with new
manager Thorsten Fink. The quicksilver winger, who moved to Hamburg from
Chelsea just 12 months ago, turned out 22 times in the league last term, but
he has been omitted from Fink's first-team plans ahead of the new season.
Russian outfit Spartak Moscow have been strongly linked with a move, but it
appears the 20-year-old is keen to return to the Premier League, where his
agent has offered his services to newly-promoted West Ham. Töre would bring
an injection of pace, power and genuine width to the Hammers line-up, and
while boss Sam Allardyce is keen, he has requested a trial run out first,
something Hamburg have rejected. The news of Töre's switch away will be good
news for Chelsea, who will earn 50% of the fee Hamburg receive, after
including a hefty sell-on clause in the deal to sell him to Germany.
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West Ham in race for Olympic Stadium
Reuters - Today, 15:03
442.com
A bid linked to motor-racing group Formula One and football club West Ham
United are among four parties competing to take over the Olympic stadium
after the London Games, the London Legacy Development Corporation said on
Tuesday. The LLDC said it was assessing proposals from the two, as well as
from Leyton Orient Football Club and the UCFB College of Football Business,
without saying when a decision was due. Formula One supremo Bernie
Ecclestone told Reuters he was not directly involved in the motor-racing bid
which LLDC said was made in association with a company called Intelligent
Transport Services. "If they were to get permission to do it [use the
stadium for a Grand Prix], then we would be more than happy to do something
with them. But we have nothing to do with putting in a bid," he said.
The process to select a main tenant for the stadium in east London was
extended eight weeks in May after the LLDC said parties had been discouraged
from bidding because of unresolved issues including stadium-naming rights.
"London is further ahead in planning legacy than any previous host Olympic
city," LLDC chairman Daniel Moylan said. There has been speculation that
Formula One planned to use the stadium and neighbouring land to create a
motor-racing circuit. Some local politicians fear the 80,000-seat venue
could become a white elephant. A previous plan to sell the stadium to West
Ham fell apart in October with the government citing "legal paralysis" after
Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, which had a bid turned down,
challenged the decision. The LLDC also said a bid to turn the 1 million
square foot Olympic media centre into offices, research labs and a data
centre was now the preferred choice. A plan by the so-called iCity
consortium is the favourite after the only other bidder withdrew last week.
The consortium is backed by data centre manager Infinity and property
company Delancey. It plans to create more than 4,000 jobs. The LLDC said it
will name the residential developer selected to build the first
neighbourhood of housing on the park next week.
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And Another Two Bite the Dust, But the Maiga Deal Seems Somewhat More
Promising!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Well, so two more bits of transfer speculation bite the dust. Apparently Sam
Allardyce has confirmed that the Andy Carroll deal is not going to happen.
While he has also poured some very cold water on the rumour that we were
ever interested in Berbetov. Neither development is much of a surprise in
all honesty. Therefore, barring a dramatic changed state of affairs, the
improbablity is not a possibility, and the 10% 'long shot' is not going to
come off. While, the Berbetov speculation appears to a case of the media
doing their standard trick of making 2 (west Ham need a striker) + 2
(Berbetov is available) = 5 (West Ham want Berbetov).
Elsewhere, things look somewhat more promising on the Maiga deal.
Negotiations appear to be at a fairly advanced stage, but Allardyce has
stressed that there are stiill some issues to be ironed out before the deal
can be completed. Hopefully, those 'issues' relate to personal terms, rather
than medical complications. We will just have to wait and see? Maybe Maiga
will prove to be an absolute gem, emerging out of 'left field' to barnstorm
his way in to the Hammers Hall of Fame! Goodness, how we could do with a
McAvennie or Devonshire scenerio of a 'low expection' signing turning out to
be absolute gold. Unfortunately those kind of deals are all too rare,
especially these days. Although the Vaz Te deal had a touch of that about it
last season. Similarly, Vaz Te bursting on to the PL scene, with a glut of
goals, would also be most welcome event. At a push, I might even settle for
him being a one season sensation, with 20 plus PL goals leading to a £10m
summer move to Porto!
Yesterday, amidst the inertia of the current transfer window, my mind
wanderered back to the pre-season of 1985-86. Now, everyone celebrates the
exploits of the Boys of 86, but the general apprehension that preceeded that
season is seldom recalled . West Ham had bumped around the bottom half of
the old First Division table in 1984-85, but we managed to pull clear of
relegation trouble with a bit to spare. But it was a decidedly underwhelming
season. The prevalent view was that we needed to 'buy big' to avoid a repeat
in the following campaign. Yet, instead of households names, our 'trophy'
signings were a winger from Oldham and an attacking midfielder from St
Mirren. Few had heard of them and many fans were left fearing the worst.
Yet, McAvennie and Ward slotted in beautifully and the rest of the team
gelled around them. And the rest as they say is history! I am not saying
that it will happen again, but it is still a comforting recollection. Oh,
yeah and they did not win a game in the 1985-86 pre-season, to boot!
(Tallking of which, we apparently lost 1-0 to Oxford Utd yesterday evening
in our latest pre-season friendly).
Finally, forget about Carroll and Berbetov. West Ham are said to be
interested in Southend Utd utility man, Bilel Mohsni. Mohsni appears to be a
Derek Johnstone type of player (hands up those who remembers him?) who can
operate as both a defender and a striker. Is it just another baseless
rumour, who can possibly say at present?
Anyway, keep the faith! If ever I needed to adhere to my favourite Gramscian
dictum 'Pessimism of intellect, optimism of the will' it is probably now.
And, of course, It is easy to forget that things could be a lot worse. If
those three early Blackpool sitters in the play-off Final had gone in, we
would now be faced with another tough season in the championship, having to
cope with dire consequences of 'financial fair play.' There, that's cheered
you up hasn't it. COYI!
SJ. Chandos.
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West Ham and Formula One lead grid in race for Olympic Stadium
Other bidders are UCFB College and Leyton Orient
West Ham remain favourites to move into stadium
Owen Gibson
The Guardian, Wednesday 18 July 2012
The London Legacy Development Corporation has named four bidders in the
bidding process for the £428m stadium. Photograph: Paul Gilham/Getty Images
West Ham United remain favourites to move into the Olympic stadium after the
Games after the club were named as one of four final bidders , while
ambitious plans to stage a Formula One race in the Park also remain on the
shortlist.
Following a board meeting, the London Legacy Development Corporation named
the four bidders that remain in the protracted bidding process for the £428m
stadium. Bernie Ecclestone has given his backing to the bid to use the
stadium as part of a Formula One track, a separate scheme from recently
floated plans to stage a race in central London, but he is not directly
involved.
"If they were to get permission to do it, then we would be more than happy
to do something with them. But we have nothing to do with putting in a bid,"
he said of the bid, submitted by a company called Intelligent Transport
Services.
The other two bidders are the UCFB College of Football Business and Leyton
Orient. The east end club, which along with Tottenham Hostpur and an
anonymous complainant to the European Union derailed an earlier attempt to
award the stadium to West Ham, did not put its name forward under the
initial bidding process. But when the deadline was extended by the LLDC,
partly because bidders had been discouraged by unresolved issues around
naming rights, the chairman, Barry Hearn, changed his mind and submitted a
bid.
West Ham remain favourites to move in, but have said they will only do so on
their terms. The vice chair, Karren Brady, wants to ensure the club and
their supporters feel as though they have ownership of the ground during the
football season and can benefit from sponsorship and commercial
opportunities as the main tenants.
The club will also have to invest in adding a roof and hospitality boxes and
want to investigate the possibility of installing retractable seating for
the running track.
UK Athletics is already guaranteed use of the stadium, which will host the
2017 world athletics championships. Newham Council, which will put £40m into
the project, will also be guaranteed a certain number of days access for
community use. The four bids will be now be evaluated before negotiations
begin, with the aim of coming to a decision by October. "London is further
ahead in planning legacy than any previous host Olympic city. Despite our
success this is no time to rest on our laurels. We have planned a superb
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and we are working to ensure we achieve the
right long-term future for all our permanent venues," said LLDC chairman
Daniel Moylan, who recently replaced Margaret Ford.
The LLDC has also made the iCity consortium the preferred bidder for the
cavernous international broadcast centre and main press centre on the site.
It will now enter into exclusive negotiations over its plans to house a data
centre, hi-tech start ups, post production companies and educational
establishments on the site.
The company will have to sign up to promises to deliver 3,800 jobs on the
site. It has said it could increase employment on the site and in the
surrounding area by up to 6,000.
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