Academy granted Category One status
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have been awarded Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP)
Category One status
28.07.2012
West Ham United are delighted to announce that the club has been awarded
Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) Category One status. The Hammers have
been placed in the highest tier of Academies in English football following a
successful audit by independent assessors earlier this year. Proposed by the
Premier League, the EPPP is a new system aimed at improving all areas of
youth football provision, including coaching, education, child welfare and
medical care, with the aim of giving young players a greater opportunity to
be coached and developed into homegrown stars of the future. Vice-Chairman
Karren Brady and Academy Director Tony Carr MBE spearheaded West Ham's EPPP
strategy, with the Board investing more than £1m in helping the Academy of
Football to gain Category One status. The process of gaining Category One
status has seen a huge amount of hard work done by the Vice-Chairman, Carr
and his staff.
The Academy has grown with the addition of a significant number of full and
part-time coaching and medical staff. The facilities used by the Academy
have also been improved, with a stadium pitch and three training pitches
developed at Rush Green and the installation of a new gymnasium and
classrooms at both Little Heath and Rush Green.
Off the pitch, the club has forged a full-time partnership with Sir Paul
Grant, the headteacher at the Robert Clack School of Science in Dagenham,
whose superb team of teachers will look after all the Academy's educational
needs. These needs include full-time education provision for young
footballers in years ten and eleven, and hybrid provision for teenagers who
visit the Academy on day-release programmes during the school year. West Ham
United Joint-Chairman David Gold said: "We are pleased that the independent
auditors have seen fit to award West Ham United the top-rated Category One
Academy status. "Having played for the Academy as a youngster and then
followed West Ham United for my whole life I know only too well how
important it is to the club. So from the moment the new EPPP system was
confirmed, it was our Board's absolute priority to make sure our Academy
maintained its world-renowned reputation as one of the best in the business.
"The Board were quick to provide Tony Carr and his team with the appropriate
funding for the additional resource and facilities they required. I would
like to thank Tony and his team of staff, who all worked hard to ensure we
achieved our collective aim. "We will not be resting on our laurels now
though, as we will be continuing to invest and grow our Academy even
further."
Academy Director Tony Carr said: "I'm absolutely thrilled that we have been
awarded Category One status for the 2012/13 season, which is a culmination
of months of hard work by a huge team of people. I would to thank all of my
staff at the Academy who have put in countless late nights to make sure we
achieved the top standing. "I must also pay tribute to the Board, who have
demonstrated their unwavering commitment to West Ham United's Academy by
providing the necessary funding for the upgrades to our facilities and staff
at Chadwell Heath and Little Heath. "This award will ensure the steady
stream of talent we have coming through from our Academy will continue and
we can go on to produce more and more world-class players for West Ham
United."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United statement
WHUFC.com
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady has spoken about the club's pride at hearing
'Bubbles' played in Stratford
28.07.2012
Karren Brady said: "We are delighted and honoured that the organisers of the
2012 London Olympics saw fit to include the West Ham United anthem 'Bubbles'
in the fantastic opening ceremony we witnessed on Friday night. We feel It
is testament to our standing in the community of the east end of London and
we are grateful that this has been recognised by Artistic Director Danny
Boyle and his team. "As I said earlier this week in my open letter to
Londoners, West Ham United is determined to ensure the legacy the Olympics
brings will live on in east London long after the last javelin has been
thrown and the final starting gun has been fired.
"We look forward to sharing more of our vision to help shape the future of
east London over the next few weeks and months."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, July 28
Daily WHUFC News - 28th July 2012
Welling test up next for Dev Squad
WHUFC.com
Ian Hendon's youngsters make the short trip to Park View Road for their next
pre-season fixture
27.07.2012
West Ham United's Development Squad will be making the short trip to Blue
Square Bet South club Welling United on Saturday as they continue their
pre-season preparations. Ian Hendon's squad will be hoping to bounce back to
victory at Park View Road following a 3-0 defeat at Blue Square Bet Premier
side Dartford on Tuesday. The Development Squad's pre-season fortunes have
been mixed with strong wins against Beskitas and Thurrock being countered by
defeats by Grays Athletic and Dynamo Moscow. However positives have
continued to emerge throughout, not least the performances of Republic of
Ireland youth international Kieran Sadlier, who scored two both goals as his
side beat Thurrock 2-1 on Saturday, and a number of other scholars and young
professionals. Hendon and his players will be hoping that victory against
the Ryman League side will be the first of many at the Rush Green Stadium,
which will stage the Development Squad's home Professional Development
League fixtures during the 2012/13 season. Welling will represent a tough
test for the Hammers, and the Blue Square South outfit impressed in their
last performance beating a Millwall XI 3-0. Managed by 32-year-old Jamie
Day, the Wings finished third in their league last season and were denied
promotion by a Play-Off final defeat to local rivals Dartford. That win
extended Welling's pre-season winning streak to four, and Welling have not
lost since their opening pre-season fixture that ended in a 4-0 defeat to
Charlton Athletic. Since then, Kent League Premier Division teams Cray
Valley (6-0) and VCD Athletic (3-0) and Ryman League Division One South side
Faversham Town (4-1) have all been brushed aside by the Wings. The home
side's main goal threat may come from striker Jon Main, who previously
enjoyed prolific spells with Tonbridge Angels and AFC Wimbledon. Following
Saturday's trip to Park View Road, the squad will finish their pre-season
with three away trips to npower Football League opposition in the shape of
AFC Wimbledon, Northampton Town and Dagenham and Redbridge. Tickets will be
available on the day for the 3pm kick-off, priced at £12 for Adults and £7
for Concessions.
*West Ham United's Under-18s continued their pre-season schedule with a trip
to Merseyside to face Everton on Saturday, with kick-off at 3pm.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dresden defeated
WHUFC.com
West Ham United overcame the might of East German giants Dynamo Dresden in
August 1986
26.07.2012
After finishing third in the Division One table in 1985/86, West Ham United
should have been packing their suitcases the following season for European
football.
Instead, due to the UEFA ban on English clubs competing in continental
competition following the Heysel Stadium disaster at the 1985 European Cup
final between Liverpool and Italian side Juventus, the Hammers missed out on
their chance to test themselves against Europe's elite for the first time in
six seasons. John Lyall's side did not go completely without facing foreign
opposition, however, taking part in the FC Groningen Tournament in
Netherlands in the lead-up to the 1986/87 campaign. There, the Hammers took
on East German side Dynamo Dresden in the semi-finals.
Dresden - who West Ham take on in Germany tonight at 7.30pm UK time live on
West Ham TV - had won six East German league titles, six East German Cups
and would go on to reach the UEFA Cup semi-finals in 1988/89. West Ham
travelled to Groningen by plane and coach, landing at Amsterdam's Schipol
Airport on Thursday 7 August 1986 before completing their journey to the
northern Dutch town with a 100-mile drive. The following day, the Hammers
took on Dynamo at Groningen's Oosterpark Stadion, but not before goalkeeper
Phil Parkes had been presented with a bouquet of flowers by the opposition
to mark his 36th birthday!
Whil Dresden may not have won a trophy or even qualified for European
football themselves in 1985/86, the East Germans still possessed plenty of
quality and senior internationals in their ranks, including long-serving
midfielder Andreas Trautmann and future stars of the unified Germany side in
sweeper Matthias Sammer and striker Ulf Kirsten.
Trautmann, who had played for East Germany at the 1980 Olympic Games in
Moscow, winning a silver medal, had been a first-team player for Dynamo
since 1977. In that period, he had won a league title and three East German
Cups, and would go on to collect two more league winner's medals in 1989 and
1990. Sammer and Kirsten were younger than their illustrious team-mate, but
their potential had already been noted on both sides of the Iron Curtain.
After making his debut in 1985, Dresden-born Sammer spent five years with
Dynamo before moving to VfB Stuttgart following the reunification of Germany
in 1990. Amazingly, he won the East German title with Dynamo before lifting
the unified Bundesliga title with both VfB Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund.
Capped 23 times by East Germany - scoring the country's last-ever
international goal - and 51 times by Germany, Sammer's crowning moment came
in 1997, when he helped Dortmund to win the UEFA Champions League. Voted
European Footballer of the Year for 1996, the 43-year-old is now technical
director of the German Football Association.
Short and stocky, Kirsten made his Dynamo debut in 1983, going on to score
57 goals in 154 matches for the club. Later, during 13 seasons with Bayer
Leverkusen, he finished as the Bundesliga's top scorer on three occasions. A
regular for both East Germany and later the unified side, the Riesa-born
forward earned 100 caps in total, scoring 35 times and appearing at two FIFA
World Cup finals and UEFA Euro 2000 at the age of 34.
Back in August 1986, Sammer was 18 and Kirsten 20, while Trautmann was the
club's undoubted star. West Ham's own young gun, Tony Cottee, had just
turned 21 and celebrated his birthday by firing the Hammers into an early
lead from close-range after 14 minutes. It took just four minutes for
Trautmann to show just why he was so highly rated as he took control of the
ball before ruining Parkes' birthday by slamming an unstoppable 30-yard
strike into the top corner. The scoring was completed before half-time by
Cottee's regular partner in crime, Frank McAvennie. The striker's fellow
Scot Ray Stewart created the winning goal, with the right-back's free-kick
punched into his path, allowing him to sweep the ball into the net from 12
yards.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United in Germany: Friday
WHUFC.com
West Ham United geared up for Friday's big match with a morning training
session
27.07.2012
West Ham United's players were put through their paces ahead of tonight's
game against Dynamo Dresden. Looking to follow up the good performance and
3-0 victory over Rot-Weiss Erfurt earlier this week, the Hammers were
working hard as they look to Friday evening's match, which is expected to be
played in front of an estimated 30,000 crowd, including a strong core of
West Ham fans. Once again the players were involved in an intense session of
work before stretching and cycling back to the hotel. Ricardo Vaz Te was
lively following his brace of goals on Wednesday and captain Kevin Nolan was
once again back on the training pitches. There were a few faces watching the
Hammers training today, including youngsters from the Dresden Summer Soccer
School and a few autograph hunters, who the West Ham players were happy to
meet and oblige with signatures. Manager Sam Allardyce kept a close eye on
proceedings and is expected to field a strong line-up with a few changes
from Wednesday's match against Rot-Weiss Erfurt.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Momo's hot
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 27th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
It was a good start to the Olympics for West Ham new boy Mohamed Diame as he
captained his country to a 1-1 draw aganst hosts Great Britain at Old
Trafford.
The 25-year-old midfielder, who signed a three-year deal with the Hammers
last month had an excellent game in the heart of the African nation's
midfield as they frustrated Stuart Pearce's side by snatching a draw in the
opening game of Group A. Great Britain, managed by former Hammer Pearce took
the lead when another ex-Hammer, Craig Bellamy, struck after 20 minutes to
open the scoring. 33-year-old Bellamy, who was a constant threat throughout
was then denied a blatant penalty midway through the second half when he was
chopped in half by Saliou Ciss. And with just nine minutes of normal time
remaining, Pearce's team were denied all three points when Moussa Konate
struck on the counter to earn a share of the spoils for an extremely
physical Senegal side. A disappointed Neil Taylor, who played alongside
Bellamy criticised the match officials after the game. "I've never seen
refereeing like it," he said. "In the Premier League we're looking at at
least four players sent off."
West Ham United's only member of the GB squad, James Tomkins, was an unused
substitute having been dropped in favour of Tottenham's Steven Caulker.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll bid goes in
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 27th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are reported to have offered Liverpool £2million to take
striker Andy Carroll on loan for the forthcoming season. The 23-year-old
looks set to leave Anfield with former club Newcastle also said to be
interested. However the Magpies are only interested in taking the player
back to the North East on a permanent basis and their valuation of Carroll
is said to fall some way short of Liverpool's.
All of which means that West Ham are currently in the driving seat, with
United having offered an initial £2million for the 2012/13 campaign with a
rumoured fee of £17million to follow in 12 month's time - on the basis that
the club wish to sign the England international on a permanent contract and
that Carroll agrees to move to London.
A message posted on the Twitter account attributed to Jack Sullivan - the
son of co-owner David Sullivan - on Thursday claimed that, "Dad is working
on the biggest signing in the history of the club - twice as big as anything
as the club have done before!"
Sullivan and fellow co-owner David Gold - who have spent the last few days
in Spain meeting business associates - are yet to make a significant
investment into Sam Allardyce's playing squad despite claiming at the start
of the summer that around £20million would be spent on boosting it prior to
the beginning of the forthcoming Premier League season.
The cost of recent signings such as Jussi Jaaskelainen, Momo Diame and
Malian international striker Modibo Maiga have thus far been offset by a
string of departures with the likes of Robert Green, Pablo Barrera and
Julien Faubert - all players on Premier League salaries - having left the
Boleyn since the end of last season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers offer £17m for Carroll
Allardyce prepared to shatter club's record transfer fee
Last Updated: July 27, 2012 4:56pm
SSN
Sky Sports sources understand West Ham United have made a £17million bid to
sign Liverpool striker Andy Carroll. The Premier League new-boys have
ambitiously offered to pay an initial £2m loan fee before making a permanent
deal next summer. Liverpool are thought to be willing to listen to offers
for the permanent sale of Carroll, who they signed from Newcastle in a
record £35m deal under Kenny Dalglish in January 2011. Brendan Rodgers has
succeeded Dalglish this summer and is ready to sell in order to raise money
for new signings, including his £15m-rated former Swansea colleague Joe
Allen. Carroll has endured a difficult time at Anfield since becoming the
most expensive British footballer in history and he now appears to be
surplus to requirements.
Raise funds
Sam Allardyce's West Ham failed in an original approach to sign the England
international solely on loan earlier this summer but have returned with a
permanent option. Liverpool want closer to £20m as they aim to recoup as
much as possible on Carroll and his wages, which are reportedly close to
£80,000-a-week, but the fee would represent a record deal for West Ham. The
most the Upton Park club, who won last season's Championship play-offs, have
paid for a player in the past has been £9m for Savio Nsereko in January
2009. And West Ham co-owner David Sullivan's son, Jack Sullivan, has added
to the rumours by saying on Twitter: "Dad is working on the biggest signing
in the history of the club - twice as big as anything the club have done
before!" West Ham are also reportedly hoping the friendship between former
Newcastle team-mates Kevin Nolan, now West Ham captain, and Carroll can help
influence any potential move.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Can Be At the Centre of a Sporting Powerhouse at Stratford - A
Personal Point of View!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
No one could fail to be impressed with last night's Olympic opening
ceremony. It was a powerful and intelligent visual representation of British
history and culture. The land enclosure and industrialisation images were
fanastically well communicated. It was probably a challenge to fit
everything of historical significance in to the allocated time and there
were no doubt political constraints to negotiate. Otherwise the fight of
social justice by the British trade union and labour movement would have
been referenced and there would have been some narrative about our colonial
and imperialist past (although perhaps that is represented in part by the SS
Windrush), but it would be churlish to criticise it too much on those
grounds. You can disagree with the priorities and what was excluded, but
ultimately you must respect the choices made and the quality of the final
product.
I warmly welcomed the references to our armed forces and the NHS. The
ceremony rightly honoured and celebrated both, but the irony is probably not
lost on those of us who know that those same vital British institutions are
currently at severe risk. This should serve as a wake up call to all British
citizens to defend them before they are fatally undermined by the,
ideologically driven, austerity zealots presently in government. Similarly,
the images relating to British children's literature were also inspired and
the art and stage craft most impressive. I also liked the commemoration of
all those fellow citizens who did not live to see the games, that really
struck a strong emotional cord with me.The section dedicated to the 'social
media generation' was very original and interesting. And of course it
provided the vehicle for the inclusion of our sacred 'Bubbles' anthem. That
was a real honour, accorded in a venue that will hopefully become our future
home. It also allowed us to celebrate the brilliance and power of the
British music industry and our mighty contributions to film, theatre and
popular culture.
The entry of the national teams was enjoyable. It showcased the diversity
and commonality that both differentiate and unite the human family. Yes, we
may have diverse skin colours , but these are a product of the pre-historic
migrations of homo sapiens from Africa and their physical evolution in order
to adapt to and survive diferent climatic conditions. We may have different
cultures, but these are largely social constructs. Ultimately, DNA science
teaches us that we are all brothers and sisters, under the skin, and that
there is really only one race on this planet, which is the Human Race! One
of the beauties of the Olympic philosophy and movement, Is the way that it
includes and unites humanity in healthy, sporting competition and the
aspiration for excellence.
The entry of the British team was a highlight on a night of many wonderful
highlights.The pride in and support for Team GB was clearly demonstrated and
it may be crucial in powering us to a record medal haul. How can the Team
fail to be inspired by that level of passionate support? The lighting of the
Olympic flame was beautifully done. The symbolism of illustrious British
past gold medalists nominating and handing over the lighting of the torch to
the next generation had a poetic quality. The actual mechanics of lighting
the flame was pure technical genius. Hard evidence that Britain's reputation
for technical innovaton and invention has not been lost, it has just become
somewhat obscured in recent decades. We need to recover it, because a high
tech, R&D economy is the pathway back to socio-economic salvation for this
country. We need to recapture the spirit and brilliance of Brunel and create
more Rolls Royces and high tech & cutting edge enterprises. We also need a
government that can support and facilitate it via economic stimulas,
promotion of enterprise and the use of the state and the public sector to
create a strong, innovative, just and socially responsible economy.
So take a deserved bow Mr Danny Boyle, one of our own, you did your country
proud. Now the games begin and we can all look forward to magic sporting
moments and a truly great 30th Olympiad. Britain deserves this honour. A war
wrecked and impoverished Britain did the Olympic movement a great service
when the Atlee Government took the decision to pick up the torch in 1948. It
was Europe's turn to host the event, but who could take on the event in the
grim early post-war period. As in 1939-40, Britain stepped up to the plate
and saved the day with an 'austerity' games that effectively re-established
the post-war Olympic movement. The 2005 IOC decision to award London the
games effectively repaid that historic debt in full. Yes, London was
ultimately successful because we submitted the best bid, but the romantic in
me likes to think that repaying the historic debt of 1948 could also have
been a subliminal factor.
And East London deserves it as well. The Olympics has transformed Stratford
and will leave a fanastic legacy of sporting and community
facilities/activity. Indeed, it will be instrumental in boosting employment,
business and community facilities in the area. Moreover, it has the
potential to transform East London in to a national sporting powerhouse.The
facilities are there to encourage sporting endeavour and excellence in
future generations. East London has always produced great sporting heroes
and these top class facilities can take that tradition to a whole new level.
And at the very centre of it can be a new and dynamic West Ham Utd FC,
anchoring the Olympic Park. As Karren Brady recently stated, the Olympic
legacy is key and West Ham Utd FC are key to the delivery of the legacy. In
turn, the OS is the means by which this great club of ours can progress to
become a future major player in the PL and a consistent challenger for
domestic and European honours.
We fans should always honour our past (as represented by Upton Park), but
now focus upon obtaining a better future. That means embracing the OS move
and its possibilities. I understand fears about the distance from the pitch.
And I am not asking for unquestioning support, it is only right that we push
for early access to the post-Olympic redevelopment plans and scrutiny of
their potential to create the best possble football environment for us the
fans. There are technical possibilities that can ameliorate and even
overcome the 'distance effect' created by the running track. And we must
push for concrete commitments that those possibilities will be pursued,
including retractable seating, giant screens in the stadium and any other
innovations that can assist. In return for this commitment to embrace
change, the fans should demand that the board recognise us as powerful
stakeholders who must be actively consulted and involved in decisions on the
future of the club. The fans fora should be given teeth and we should be
granted the right to a non-executive position on the board. That position
being elected by the fans themselves, who should form a new powerful
supporters association or trust. The board proably will not want it, but we
should lobby and collectively insist upon our voice being heard at the
highest levels of the club.
David Dein, the former Arsenal Vice-Chairman, was once reported as stating
that the prospect of West Ham installed in the OS made him nervous, And for
good reason, the OS can deliver the increased revenues, and the greater
status, to allow us to gate crash the top table of the PL. It is time to let
go of the emotional attachment to Upton Park in favour of brave new chapters
in the history of this famous club. What's the real choice, accept the
fetters upon progress inherent at Upton Park or go for the very real
possiilities at the heart of a, comunity based, sporting powerhouse at
Stratford. I know which option I favour and it is not Upton Park.
I hopeful that the opening ceremony will shift the balance of West Ham fan
opinion towards the OS. Why? Because it was far easier to discount the OS
when it was a large empty structure. But now it is a living, breathing
sports venue. We have seen the venue staging a major event and it has
brought the possibilities to life. That affect will only be reinforced over
the coming weeks. That is powerful, influential and not so easy to dismiss
or distort.
As stated in the title, this is very much a personal point of view. I know
that many fans will passionately disagree with me. That's fine in my book,
because very soon a decision is going to made on the occupancy of the OS
and, if West Ham are successful, the move from Upton Park could become a
stark reality. As such, fans need a definitive debate about a decision that
could easily be the most crucial in our club's famous history.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
His Name Is Rio... Should We Bid For Him?
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
I've always been of the opinion that one day Rio Ferdinand would come back
to Upton Park to finish his career. That moment should be now. What better
defensive partner for James Tomkins could there be? We know Rio still feels
a great affection for the club from his frequent visits and comments on
Twitter. If he feels he is not going to be a regular first choice at
Manchester United, perhaps he'd consider a return to his London roots.
I doubt whether at the age of 33 he would cost an arm and a leg either. Does
anyone know what his contractual situation is? How long has he got to run on
his existing contract?
For a 33 year old he has played comparatively few games - 460 in the league
and only 270 during his decade at Manchester United/ In the last four
seasons he has played 24, 13, 19 and 30 league games. Yes, he is prone to
the odd injury, but he could have five or six good years left in him.
The return of Rio. Discuss.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam's £5m Ram raid
Published: 27th July 2012
The Sun
WEST HAM want to land Real Mallorca's Ivan Ramis for £5million. Wigan had
been hopeful of capturing the Spanish defender, 27, after tabling a £4m bid
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ram raid: West Ham set to hijack Wigan's move for Real Mallorca defender
Ivan Ramis
The Mirror
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is poised to nick Real Mallorca centre-back Ivan
Ramis from under Wigan's noses. Wigan boss Roberto Martinez was hopeful of
landing the 27-year-old (above) after tabling a £4m bid but Hammers have
come in at the last minute. Ramis has now made it clear he does not want to
go to Wigan and said: "I have played my last match for Mallorca because
there is a new and very interesting offer for me. "Wigan is not the best
proposition for me."
Ramis's agent Magico Diaz is now expected to try and thrash out a deal with
West Ham who have made a better offer with more cash up and front and the
Mallorca defender is hoping to fly to London on Monday for a medical.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham deal for £18m Andy Carroll is '50-50'
West Ham United
Ken Dyer
Evening Standard
27 July 2012
West Ham believe their chances of signing Andy Carroll have risen
significantly. The club have been on alert since it emerged that Liverpool
manager Brendan Rodgers is prepared to allow the England striker to leave.
Earlier this month, a club insider put West Ham's chances of a deal at about
10 per cent but today the same source said it's about "50-50". Liverpool
want at least £20million for Carroll and West Ham are the only club to have
come near that. They are prepared to take him on loan for a season and pay
his £80,000-a-week wages before buying him for around £18m.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FC Dresden 3 West Ham United 0 – a positive post.
Claret & Bluies.com
It was 'only' a pre-season friendly.
Our boys got 90 minutes under their belts with no injuries sustained.
We learned that it isn't worth signing Moshni
The transfer window is still open.
Well, that's me about done. Any of you watch the full 90 minutes? Thoughts?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dynamo Dresden 3-0 West Ham: Hammers fall to friendly defeat against strong
German outfit
Sam Allardyce's men endured a three-goal thumping at the hands of the 2.
Bundesliga side, despite the east London outfit fielding a strong XI
Goal.com
By Sion Cleaver
West Ham continued their pre-season tour of Germany with a 3-0 defeat to
second division side Dynamo Dresden on Friday night. A Robert Kock volley
put the hosts in front early on with Hasan Pepic doubling Dresden's lead
just after the break and Cuneyt Koz sealing the deal two minutes from time.
Sam Allardyce started with a strong Hammers squad for the friendly, but
their opponents looked to be the better team early on. Dresden broke the
deadlock after 20 minutes - Kock took a confident run before hitting a
masterful volley into the West Ham net, leaving Jussi Jaaskelainen with no
chance. The Hammers failed to put together a response to being a goal down,
with the majority of play favouring the Germans. The home side emerged after
the break in confident fashion by doubling their lead over a muted West Ham.
A combination of defensive errors and an obvious communication breakdown
gifted Pepic a run on goal, leaving the net unguarded with Jaaskelainen
nowhere to be seen. The striker slotted the ball into the net with ease.
West Ham replied to Dresden's second goal with a surprising amount of
attacking prowess. A terrific Carlton Cole pass found the run of Matty
Taylor, who whipped a cracking low cross to Ricardo vaz Te, but the
striker's shot fell directly at the 'keeper. Possession soon fell back into
Dresden's hands, however, with Idir Ouali turning Guy Demel at the back
before forcing an important save from Jaaskelainen in the Hammers goal.
Dresden guaranteed themselves the win with just two minutes left when Koz
found himself unmarked from a corner before planting a thunderous low header
in at the near post. West Ham must now look onwards and upwards, starting
with another friendly clash on Sunday against Energie Cottbus.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Everton and West Ham miss out on Inter Milan star
By talkSPORT | Friday, July 27, 2012
FC Twente have completed the signing of Everton and West Ham target Luc
Castaignos on a four-year deal. The completion of the £4.7m move ends months
of speculation over the 19-year-old's future. Castaignos, who failed to
establish himself at the San Siro after arriving from Feyenoord last summer,
was heavily linked with moves to Everton and West Ham, as well as Liverpool.
The Premier League sides were given fresh hope earlier this week after
Twente chairman Joop Munsterman revealed his side were struggling to agree a
fee with Inter, but negotiations were successfully concluded earlier today.
Castaignos is now eligible to compete in Twente's upcoming UEFA Europa
League campaign after sealing his move before the necessary deadline.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Ian Hendon's youngsters make the short trip to Park View Road for their next
pre-season fixture
27.07.2012
West Ham United's Development Squad will be making the short trip to Blue
Square Bet South club Welling United on Saturday as they continue their
pre-season preparations. Ian Hendon's squad will be hoping to bounce back to
victory at Park View Road following a 3-0 defeat at Blue Square Bet Premier
side Dartford on Tuesday. The Development Squad's pre-season fortunes have
been mixed with strong wins against Beskitas and Thurrock being countered by
defeats by Grays Athletic and Dynamo Moscow. However positives have
continued to emerge throughout, not least the performances of Republic of
Ireland youth international Kieran Sadlier, who scored two both goals as his
side beat Thurrock 2-1 on Saturday, and a number of other scholars and young
professionals. Hendon and his players will be hoping that victory against
the Ryman League side will be the first of many at the Rush Green Stadium,
which will stage the Development Squad's home Professional Development
League fixtures during the 2012/13 season. Welling will represent a tough
test for the Hammers, and the Blue Square South outfit impressed in their
last performance beating a Millwall XI 3-0. Managed by 32-year-old Jamie
Day, the Wings finished third in their league last season and were denied
promotion by a Play-Off final defeat to local rivals Dartford. That win
extended Welling's pre-season winning streak to four, and Welling have not
lost since their opening pre-season fixture that ended in a 4-0 defeat to
Charlton Athletic. Since then, Kent League Premier Division teams Cray
Valley (6-0) and VCD Athletic (3-0) and Ryman League Division One South side
Faversham Town (4-1) have all been brushed aside by the Wings. The home
side's main goal threat may come from striker Jon Main, who previously
enjoyed prolific spells with Tonbridge Angels and AFC Wimbledon. Following
Saturday's trip to Park View Road, the squad will finish their pre-season
with three away trips to npower Football League opposition in the shape of
AFC Wimbledon, Northampton Town and Dagenham and Redbridge. Tickets will be
available on the day for the 3pm kick-off, priced at £12 for Adults and £7
for Concessions.
*West Ham United's Under-18s continued their pre-season schedule with a trip
to Merseyside to face Everton on Saturday, with kick-off at 3pm.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dresden defeated
WHUFC.com
West Ham United overcame the might of East German giants Dynamo Dresden in
August 1986
26.07.2012
After finishing third in the Division One table in 1985/86, West Ham United
should have been packing their suitcases the following season for European
football.
Instead, due to the UEFA ban on English clubs competing in continental
competition following the Heysel Stadium disaster at the 1985 European Cup
final between Liverpool and Italian side Juventus, the Hammers missed out on
their chance to test themselves against Europe's elite for the first time in
six seasons. John Lyall's side did not go completely without facing foreign
opposition, however, taking part in the FC Groningen Tournament in
Netherlands in the lead-up to the 1986/87 campaign. There, the Hammers took
on East German side Dynamo Dresden in the semi-finals.
Dresden - who West Ham take on in Germany tonight at 7.30pm UK time live on
West Ham TV - had won six East German league titles, six East German Cups
and would go on to reach the UEFA Cup semi-finals in 1988/89. West Ham
travelled to Groningen by plane and coach, landing at Amsterdam's Schipol
Airport on Thursday 7 August 1986 before completing their journey to the
northern Dutch town with a 100-mile drive. The following day, the Hammers
took on Dynamo at Groningen's Oosterpark Stadion, but not before goalkeeper
Phil Parkes had been presented with a bouquet of flowers by the opposition
to mark his 36th birthday!
Whil Dresden may not have won a trophy or even qualified for European
football themselves in 1985/86, the East Germans still possessed plenty of
quality and senior internationals in their ranks, including long-serving
midfielder Andreas Trautmann and future stars of the unified Germany side in
sweeper Matthias Sammer and striker Ulf Kirsten.
Trautmann, who had played for East Germany at the 1980 Olympic Games in
Moscow, winning a silver medal, had been a first-team player for Dynamo
since 1977. In that period, he had won a league title and three East German
Cups, and would go on to collect two more league winner's medals in 1989 and
1990. Sammer and Kirsten were younger than their illustrious team-mate, but
their potential had already been noted on both sides of the Iron Curtain.
After making his debut in 1985, Dresden-born Sammer spent five years with
Dynamo before moving to VfB Stuttgart following the reunification of Germany
in 1990. Amazingly, he won the East German title with Dynamo before lifting
the unified Bundesliga title with both VfB Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund.
Capped 23 times by East Germany - scoring the country's last-ever
international goal - and 51 times by Germany, Sammer's crowning moment came
in 1997, when he helped Dortmund to win the UEFA Champions League. Voted
European Footballer of the Year for 1996, the 43-year-old is now technical
director of the German Football Association.
Short and stocky, Kirsten made his Dynamo debut in 1983, going on to score
57 goals in 154 matches for the club. Later, during 13 seasons with Bayer
Leverkusen, he finished as the Bundesliga's top scorer on three occasions. A
regular for both East Germany and later the unified side, the Riesa-born
forward earned 100 caps in total, scoring 35 times and appearing at two FIFA
World Cup finals and UEFA Euro 2000 at the age of 34.
Back in August 1986, Sammer was 18 and Kirsten 20, while Trautmann was the
club's undoubted star. West Ham's own young gun, Tony Cottee, had just
turned 21 and celebrated his birthday by firing the Hammers into an early
lead from close-range after 14 minutes. It took just four minutes for
Trautmann to show just why he was so highly rated as he took control of the
ball before ruining Parkes' birthday by slamming an unstoppable 30-yard
strike into the top corner. The scoring was completed before half-time by
Cottee's regular partner in crime, Frank McAvennie. The striker's fellow
Scot Ray Stewart created the winning goal, with the right-back's free-kick
punched into his path, allowing him to sweep the ball into the net from 12
yards.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United in Germany: Friday
WHUFC.com
West Ham United geared up for Friday's big match with a morning training
session
27.07.2012
West Ham United's players were put through their paces ahead of tonight's
game against Dynamo Dresden. Looking to follow up the good performance and
3-0 victory over Rot-Weiss Erfurt earlier this week, the Hammers were
working hard as they look to Friday evening's match, which is expected to be
played in front of an estimated 30,000 crowd, including a strong core of
West Ham fans. Once again the players were involved in an intense session of
work before stretching and cycling back to the hotel. Ricardo Vaz Te was
lively following his brace of goals on Wednesday and captain Kevin Nolan was
once again back on the training pitches. There were a few faces watching the
Hammers training today, including youngsters from the Dresden Summer Soccer
School and a few autograph hunters, who the West Ham players were happy to
meet and oblige with signatures. Manager Sam Allardyce kept a close eye on
proceedings and is expected to field a strong line-up with a few changes
from Wednesday's match against Rot-Weiss Erfurt.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Momo's hot
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 27th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
It was a good start to the Olympics for West Ham new boy Mohamed Diame as he
captained his country to a 1-1 draw aganst hosts Great Britain at Old
Trafford.
The 25-year-old midfielder, who signed a three-year deal with the Hammers
last month had an excellent game in the heart of the African nation's
midfield as they frustrated Stuart Pearce's side by snatching a draw in the
opening game of Group A. Great Britain, managed by former Hammer Pearce took
the lead when another ex-Hammer, Craig Bellamy, struck after 20 minutes to
open the scoring. 33-year-old Bellamy, who was a constant threat throughout
was then denied a blatant penalty midway through the second half when he was
chopped in half by Saliou Ciss. And with just nine minutes of normal time
remaining, Pearce's team were denied all three points when Moussa Konate
struck on the counter to earn a share of the spoils for an extremely
physical Senegal side. A disappointed Neil Taylor, who played alongside
Bellamy criticised the match officials after the game. "I've never seen
refereeing like it," he said. "In the Premier League we're looking at at
least four players sent off."
West Ham United's only member of the GB squad, James Tomkins, was an unused
substitute having been dropped in favour of Tottenham's Steven Caulker.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll bid goes in
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 27th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are reported to have offered Liverpool £2million to take
striker Andy Carroll on loan for the forthcoming season. The 23-year-old
looks set to leave Anfield with former club Newcastle also said to be
interested. However the Magpies are only interested in taking the player
back to the North East on a permanent basis and their valuation of Carroll
is said to fall some way short of Liverpool's.
All of which means that West Ham are currently in the driving seat, with
United having offered an initial £2million for the 2012/13 campaign with a
rumoured fee of £17million to follow in 12 month's time - on the basis that
the club wish to sign the England international on a permanent contract and
that Carroll agrees to move to London.
A message posted on the Twitter account attributed to Jack Sullivan - the
son of co-owner David Sullivan - on Thursday claimed that, "Dad is working
on the biggest signing in the history of the club - twice as big as anything
as the club have done before!"
Sullivan and fellow co-owner David Gold - who have spent the last few days
in Spain meeting business associates - are yet to make a significant
investment into Sam Allardyce's playing squad despite claiming at the start
of the summer that around £20million would be spent on boosting it prior to
the beginning of the forthcoming Premier League season.
The cost of recent signings such as Jussi Jaaskelainen, Momo Diame and
Malian international striker Modibo Maiga have thus far been offset by a
string of departures with the likes of Robert Green, Pablo Barrera and
Julien Faubert - all players on Premier League salaries - having left the
Boleyn since the end of last season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers offer £17m for Carroll
Allardyce prepared to shatter club's record transfer fee
Last Updated: July 27, 2012 4:56pm
SSN
Sky Sports sources understand West Ham United have made a £17million bid to
sign Liverpool striker Andy Carroll. The Premier League new-boys have
ambitiously offered to pay an initial £2m loan fee before making a permanent
deal next summer. Liverpool are thought to be willing to listen to offers
for the permanent sale of Carroll, who they signed from Newcastle in a
record £35m deal under Kenny Dalglish in January 2011. Brendan Rodgers has
succeeded Dalglish this summer and is ready to sell in order to raise money
for new signings, including his £15m-rated former Swansea colleague Joe
Allen. Carroll has endured a difficult time at Anfield since becoming the
most expensive British footballer in history and he now appears to be
surplus to requirements.
Raise funds
Sam Allardyce's West Ham failed in an original approach to sign the England
international solely on loan earlier this summer but have returned with a
permanent option. Liverpool want closer to £20m as they aim to recoup as
much as possible on Carroll and his wages, which are reportedly close to
£80,000-a-week, but the fee would represent a record deal for West Ham. The
most the Upton Park club, who won last season's Championship play-offs, have
paid for a player in the past has been £9m for Savio Nsereko in January
2009. And West Ham co-owner David Sullivan's son, Jack Sullivan, has added
to the rumours by saying on Twitter: "Dad is working on the biggest signing
in the history of the club - twice as big as anything the club have done
before!" West Ham are also reportedly hoping the friendship between former
Newcastle team-mates Kevin Nolan, now West Ham captain, and Carroll can help
influence any potential move.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Can Be At the Centre of a Sporting Powerhouse at Stratford - A
Personal Point of View!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
No one could fail to be impressed with last night's Olympic opening
ceremony. It was a powerful and intelligent visual representation of British
history and culture. The land enclosure and industrialisation images were
fanastically well communicated. It was probably a challenge to fit
everything of historical significance in to the allocated time and there
were no doubt political constraints to negotiate. Otherwise the fight of
social justice by the British trade union and labour movement would have
been referenced and there would have been some narrative about our colonial
and imperialist past (although perhaps that is represented in part by the SS
Windrush), but it would be churlish to criticise it too much on those
grounds. You can disagree with the priorities and what was excluded, but
ultimately you must respect the choices made and the quality of the final
product.
I warmly welcomed the references to our armed forces and the NHS. The
ceremony rightly honoured and celebrated both, but the irony is probably not
lost on those of us who know that those same vital British institutions are
currently at severe risk. This should serve as a wake up call to all British
citizens to defend them before they are fatally undermined by the,
ideologically driven, austerity zealots presently in government. Similarly,
the images relating to British children's literature were also inspired and
the art and stage craft most impressive. I also liked the commemoration of
all those fellow citizens who did not live to see the games, that really
struck a strong emotional cord with me.The section dedicated to the 'social
media generation' was very original and interesting. And of course it
provided the vehicle for the inclusion of our sacred 'Bubbles' anthem. That
was a real honour, accorded in a venue that will hopefully become our future
home. It also allowed us to celebrate the brilliance and power of the
British music industry and our mighty contributions to film, theatre and
popular culture.
The entry of the national teams was enjoyable. It showcased the diversity
and commonality that both differentiate and unite the human family. Yes, we
may have diverse skin colours , but these are a product of the pre-historic
migrations of homo sapiens from Africa and their physical evolution in order
to adapt to and survive diferent climatic conditions. We may have different
cultures, but these are largely social constructs. Ultimately, DNA science
teaches us that we are all brothers and sisters, under the skin, and that
there is really only one race on this planet, which is the Human Race! One
of the beauties of the Olympic philosophy and movement, Is the way that it
includes and unites humanity in healthy, sporting competition and the
aspiration for excellence.
The entry of the British team was a highlight on a night of many wonderful
highlights.The pride in and support for Team GB was clearly demonstrated and
it may be crucial in powering us to a record medal haul. How can the Team
fail to be inspired by that level of passionate support? The lighting of the
Olympic flame was beautifully done. The symbolism of illustrious British
past gold medalists nominating and handing over the lighting of the torch to
the next generation had a poetic quality. The actual mechanics of lighting
the flame was pure technical genius. Hard evidence that Britain's reputation
for technical innovaton and invention has not been lost, it has just become
somewhat obscured in recent decades. We need to recover it, because a high
tech, R&D economy is the pathway back to socio-economic salvation for this
country. We need to recapture the spirit and brilliance of Brunel and create
more Rolls Royces and high tech & cutting edge enterprises. We also need a
government that can support and facilitate it via economic stimulas,
promotion of enterprise and the use of the state and the public sector to
create a strong, innovative, just and socially responsible economy.
So take a deserved bow Mr Danny Boyle, one of our own, you did your country
proud. Now the games begin and we can all look forward to magic sporting
moments and a truly great 30th Olympiad. Britain deserves this honour. A war
wrecked and impoverished Britain did the Olympic movement a great service
when the Atlee Government took the decision to pick up the torch in 1948. It
was Europe's turn to host the event, but who could take on the event in the
grim early post-war period. As in 1939-40, Britain stepped up to the plate
and saved the day with an 'austerity' games that effectively re-established
the post-war Olympic movement. The 2005 IOC decision to award London the
games effectively repaid that historic debt in full. Yes, London was
ultimately successful because we submitted the best bid, but the romantic in
me likes to think that repaying the historic debt of 1948 could also have
been a subliminal factor.
And East London deserves it as well. The Olympics has transformed Stratford
and will leave a fanastic legacy of sporting and community
facilities/activity. Indeed, it will be instrumental in boosting employment,
business and community facilities in the area. Moreover, it has the
potential to transform East London in to a national sporting powerhouse.The
facilities are there to encourage sporting endeavour and excellence in
future generations. East London has always produced great sporting heroes
and these top class facilities can take that tradition to a whole new level.
And at the very centre of it can be a new and dynamic West Ham Utd FC,
anchoring the Olympic Park. As Karren Brady recently stated, the Olympic
legacy is key and West Ham Utd FC are key to the delivery of the legacy. In
turn, the OS is the means by which this great club of ours can progress to
become a future major player in the PL and a consistent challenger for
domestic and European honours.
We fans should always honour our past (as represented by Upton Park), but
now focus upon obtaining a better future. That means embracing the OS move
and its possibilities. I understand fears about the distance from the pitch.
And I am not asking for unquestioning support, it is only right that we push
for early access to the post-Olympic redevelopment plans and scrutiny of
their potential to create the best possble football environment for us the
fans. There are technical possibilities that can ameliorate and even
overcome the 'distance effect' created by the running track. And we must
push for concrete commitments that those possibilities will be pursued,
including retractable seating, giant screens in the stadium and any other
innovations that can assist. In return for this commitment to embrace
change, the fans should demand that the board recognise us as powerful
stakeholders who must be actively consulted and involved in decisions on the
future of the club. The fans fora should be given teeth and we should be
granted the right to a non-executive position on the board. That position
being elected by the fans themselves, who should form a new powerful
supporters association or trust. The board proably will not want it, but we
should lobby and collectively insist upon our voice being heard at the
highest levels of the club.
David Dein, the former Arsenal Vice-Chairman, was once reported as stating
that the prospect of West Ham installed in the OS made him nervous, And for
good reason, the OS can deliver the increased revenues, and the greater
status, to allow us to gate crash the top table of the PL. It is time to let
go of the emotional attachment to Upton Park in favour of brave new chapters
in the history of this famous club. What's the real choice, accept the
fetters upon progress inherent at Upton Park or go for the very real
possiilities at the heart of a, comunity based, sporting powerhouse at
Stratford. I know which option I favour and it is not Upton Park.
I hopeful that the opening ceremony will shift the balance of West Ham fan
opinion towards the OS. Why? Because it was far easier to discount the OS
when it was a large empty structure. But now it is a living, breathing
sports venue. We have seen the venue staging a major event and it has
brought the possibilities to life. That affect will only be reinforced over
the coming weeks. That is powerful, influential and not so easy to dismiss
or distort.
As stated in the title, this is very much a personal point of view. I know
that many fans will passionately disagree with me. That's fine in my book,
because very soon a decision is going to made on the occupancy of the OS
and, if West Ham are successful, the move from Upton Park could become a
stark reality. As such, fans need a definitive debate about a decision that
could easily be the most crucial in our club's famous history.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
His Name Is Rio... Should We Bid For Him?
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
I've always been of the opinion that one day Rio Ferdinand would come back
to Upton Park to finish his career. That moment should be now. What better
defensive partner for James Tomkins could there be? We know Rio still feels
a great affection for the club from his frequent visits and comments on
Twitter. If he feels he is not going to be a regular first choice at
Manchester United, perhaps he'd consider a return to his London roots.
I doubt whether at the age of 33 he would cost an arm and a leg either. Does
anyone know what his contractual situation is? How long has he got to run on
his existing contract?
For a 33 year old he has played comparatively few games - 460 in the league
and only 270 during his decade at Manchester United/ In the last four
seasons he has played 24, 13, 19 and 30 league games. Yes, he is prone to
the odd injury, but he could have five or six good years left in him.
The return of Rio. Discuss.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam's £5m Ram raid
Published: 27th July 2012
The Sun
WEST HAM want to land Real Mallorca's Ivan Ramis for £5million. Wigan had
been hopeful of capturing the Spanish defender, 27, after tabling a £4m bid
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ram raid: West Ham set to hijack Wigan's move for Real Mallorca defender
Ivan Ramis
The Mirror
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is poised to nick Real Mallorca centre-back Ivan
Ramis from under Wigan's noses. Wigan boss Roberto Martinez was hopeful of
landing the 27-year-old (above) after tabling a £4m bid but Hammers have
come in at the last minute. Ramis has now made it clear he does not want to
go to Wigan and said: "I have played my last match for Mallorca because
there is a new and very interesting offer for me. "Wigan is not the best
proposition for me."
Ramis's agent Magico Diaz is now expected to try and thrash out a deal with
West Ham who have made a better offer with more cash up and front and the
Mallorca defender is hoping to fly to London on Monday for a medical.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham deal for £18m Andy Carroll is '50-50'
West Ham United
Ken Dyer
Evening Standard
27 July 2012
West Ham believe their chances of signing Andy Carroll have risen
significantly. The club have been on alert since it emerged that Liverpool
manager Brendan Rodgers is prepared to allow the England striker to leave.
Earlier this month, a club insider put West Ham's chances of a deal at about
10 per cent but today the same source said it's about "50-50". Liverpool
want at least £20million for Carroll and West Ham are the only club to have
come near that. They are prepared to take him on loan for a season and pay
his £80,000-a-week wages before buying him for around £18m.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FC Dresden 3 West Ham United 0 – a positive post.
Claret & Bluies.com
It was 'only' a pre-season friendly.
Our boys got 90 minutes under their belts with no injuries sustained.
We learned that it isn't worth signing Moshni
The transfer window is still open.
Well, that's me about done. Any of you watch the full 90 minutes? Thoughts?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dynamo Dresden 3-0 West Ham: Hammers fall to friendly defeat against strong
German outfit
Sam Allardyce's men endured a three-goal thumping at the hands of the 2.
Bundesliga side, despite the east London outfit fielding a strong XI
Goal.com
By Sion Cleaver
West Ham continued their pre-season tour of Germany with a 3-0 defeat to
second division side Dynamo Dresden on Friday night. A Robert Kock volley
put the hosts in front early on with Hasan Pepic doubling Dresden's lead
just after the break and Cuneyt Koz sealing the deal two minutes from time.
Sam Allardyce started with a strong Hammers squad for the friendly, but
their opponents looked to be the better team early on. Dresden broke the
deadlock after 20 minutes - Kock took a confident run before hitting a
masterful volley into the West Ham net, leaving Jussi Jaaskelainen with no
chance. The Hammers failed to put together a response to being a goal down,
with the majority of play favouring the Germans. The home side emerged after
the break in confident fashion by doubling their lead over a muted West Ham.
A combination of defensive errors and an obvious communication breakdown
gifted Pepic a run on goal, leaving the net unguarded with Jaaskelainen
nowhere to be seen. The striker slotted the ball into the net with ease.
West Ham replied to Dresden's second goal with a surprising amount of
attacking prowess. A terrific Carlton Cole pass found the run of Matty
Taylor, who whipped a cracking low cross to Ricardo vaz Te, but the
striker's shot fell directly at the 'keeper. Possession soon fell back into
Dresden's hands, however, with Idir Ouali turning Guy Demel at the back
before forcing an important save from Jaaskelainen in the Hammers goal.
Dresden guaranteed themselves the win with just two minutes left when Koz
found himself unmarked from a corner before planting a thunderous low header
in at the near post. West Ham must now look onwards and upwards, starting
with another friendly clash on Sunday against Energie Cottbus.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Everton and West Ham miss out on Inter Milan star
By talkSPORT | Friday, July 27, 2012
FC Twente have completed the signing of Everton and West Ham target Luc
Castaignos on a four-year deal. The completion of the £4.7m move ends months
of speculation over the 19-year-old's future. Castaignos, who failed to
establish himself at the San Siro after arriving from Feyenoord last summer,
was heavily linked with moves to Everton and West Ham, as well as Liverpool.
The Premier League sides were given fresh hope earlier this week after
Twente chairman Joop Munsterman revealed his side were struggling to agree a
fee with Inter, but negotiations were successfully concluded earlier today.
Castaignos is now eligible to compete in Twente's upcoming UEFA Europa
League campaign after sealing his move before the necessary deadline.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, July 27
Daily WHUFC News - 27th July 2012
An open letter from Karren Brady
WHUFC.com
The Vice-Chairman has written to Londoners ahead of the start of the 2012
Olympic Games
25.07.2012
Dear Londoners,
In just two days' time our fantastic City will embark on what I am certain
will be the most successful Olympic and Paralympic Games to date. The Games
will see a record 205 countries and 14,700 athletes participating in 46
Olympic and Paralympic sports across 34 venues. 2012 will also see the start
of the tangible realisation of the promises made by Lord Coe on behalf of us
all in 2005 Singapore and what they mean for future generations. As I watch
Danny Boyle's opening ceremony on Friday, I'll be proud to be British and,
as a born-and-bred Londoner, I'll be proud of our city. But most of all,
I'll be proud for east London, because I know what 2012 and its legacy means
for this area and the wonderful, eclectic people that I have come to know
and feel so passionate about.
Our Joint-Chairmen, David Sullivan and David Gold, both originated from the
area and often used to tell me of the pull of the East End and its people. I
could not ever fully comprehend just how special the area was until they
achieved their lifelong ambition of running West Ham United - their boyhood
club - and put me at the helm in January 2010.
Since then it is no secret that I have spent two and a half years dedicated
to a project that would see West Ham United occupy the Olympic Stadium and
make it our home post-Games. As has been well documented, the first process
collapsed under threat of legal challenge, but our beliefs remain unchanged.
We have never lost sight of our vision to play our part, along with the
Stadium's major stakeholders, to ensuring that the Stadium grows into a
multi-use destination that serves east London and of which the whole nation
can be proud.
For my Board and I, shaping legacy success has been the key factor in
continuing to pursue our interest despite the many twists and turns. Nobody
is better placed to deliver the legacy for London than West Ham United - we
have been delivering legacies for London since our formation as Thames
Ironworks FC back in 1895. Indeed, this is an intrinsic part of our brand
identity - 'Moore than a Football Club - Since 1895 rooted in London,
working with and for the community'.
It is anticipated that during the 2012 Games over 1 million people will
visit the Olympic Stadium but the showcase must not stop here. Our proposal
would ensure a vibrant, busy Stadium immediately upon the opening of the
Park in 2014. We would seek to act as the catalyst to galvanise the park. We
want to embrace our supporters and the wider community of east London from
the outset and really take them with us. We are proud that of the 850,000
West Ham United supporters regularly communicating with us, over 500,000 of
them are from east London and the surrounding area. This is our community
and it is a community we work hard to serve.
The award-winning West Ham United Community Sports Trust has been delivering
services in east London and Essex since the early 1990s - specifically
targeting some of the most deprived boroughs in the country. Our locally
mentored coaches already teach 17 of the 26 Olympic sports. A move to the
Olympic Stadium would enable us to expand on the established links and
award-winning programmes already in place at an exponential rate.
We estimate that we would bring well over 1 million people a year to the
park. Prosperity would be provided through the offer of a near 100 year
sustainable partnership that would ensure a return on the public investment
that has ALREADY been committed. West Ham United already has an established
workforce from the local boroughs but we would look to substantially add to
this offering in the region of 700 additional full and part time positions.
In addition to what we bring to Stratford, our proposal if implemented will
deliver the much needed regeneration of Upton Park, in line with the needs
of its existing community.
As a businesswoman the commercial benefits of our proposed addition to the
Olympic Park do not escape me. Bringing Premier League football to the park
would offer untold exposure to all of us. The Premier league is watched in
over 650 million homes in 212 territories by a TV audience of 4.7bn billion
people, meaning West Ham United would bring continued global interest to the
Park and surrounding area.
Our vision is not solely held by us however. We have had plenty of support
along the way as we look to stand up for the promises made for London back
in 2005. Indeed, Lord Coe himself said when we first began our journey in
2010 that our bid 'lives with the commitment we made back in Singapore'.
We remain well supported by our friends and partners in the athletics
community. Ed Warner, Chairman of UK Athletics commented recently: "We have
long been enthused by what a club of West Ham's stature and local heritage
can bring to this multi-purpose venue, and in particular by your own team's
plans to be part of a vibrant future for the Stadium and the Olympic Park.
This is why we endorse your bid."
We have also received backing from community leaders, business leaders,
representatives of the arts community and key figures from within football.
I am excited at the prospect of being able to at last communicate the full
extent of our proposals to our patient and loyal supporters. What I am able
to say though, is that if we were to be fortunate enough to be granted the
chance to do so, West Ham United would provide a world-class stadium that
would be their home, showcasing first-class facilities and offering
affordable, accessible , elite football as well as huge opportunities for
growth both on and off the pitch. Put simply, we believe it is the best move
for our fans and the best chance for us to grow as a club. But our vision
for the Stadium has always focused beyond what it can do for us and more on
what we can do for it. The 2012 Games will inspire a generation. Those
moments which capture what can be achieved when you really set out to
achieve your goals must not be lost. The Stadium should remain the Olympic
Park's jewel in the crown watched by the world.
Friday's spectacular event performed to a capacity crowd will mark the start
of what promises to be a momentous event that the whole world will be
watching. But the showcase must not stop there. We know that using the
Stadium as our home will bring with it huge responsibility but we will take
on with pride the mantle of what that means in terms of giving something
back to our community and playing our part in delivering the promises made
in 2005.
I hope Londoners will wish to get behind us when it is time to pass the
baton and let legacy live on, but for now enjoy playing your part in this
spectacular piece of history.
Thank-you all and best wishes,
Karren Brady
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Skipper Diame leads Senegal to draw
WHUFC.com
Mohamed Diame captained Senegal to a 1-1 draw with Team GB at London 2012
26.07.2012
West Ham United midfielder Mohamed Diame had the honour of captaining
Senegal in their opening London 2012 Olympic Games match against hosts Great
Britain.
Diame wore the armband as the African nation came from a goal down to secure
a 1-1 draw with Team GB at Old Trafford in Manchester. Former Hammers
striker Craig Bellamy put Team GB - coached by another ex-West Ham player in
Stuart Pearce - ahead before half-time with a bouncing volley. Bellamy could
later have been awarded a penalty when he appeared to be fouled inside the
Senegal box, but no spot-kick was given. However, just when it looked like
Pearce, Bellamy and unused substitute James Tomkins would have a victory to
celebrate, Moussa Konate popped up with an 82nd-minute equaliser. Earlier in
the day, Uruguay came from behind to beat United Arab Emirates 2-1 in the
other Group A fixture, while Spain were upset 1-0 by Japan in Group D and
Brazil held on to beat Egypt 3-2 in Group C.
Team GB return to action on Sunday, when they face United Arab Emirates at
Wembley at 8pm, whiile Diame's Senegal take on Uruguay earlier the same day
at the Home of Football.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hendo happy with first clean sheet
WHUFC.com
Stephen Henderson was pleased with his first shutout as a West Ham United
goalkeeper
26.07.2012
Stephen Henderson was quietly satisfied with a solid night's work as some
smart goalkeeping helped him earn his first clean sheet in a West Ham United
shirt. The Hammers were under the cosh for much of the first half of their
3-0 win against FC Rot-Weiss Erfurt on Wednesday night and the former
Republic of Ireland Under-21 international needed to be on his toes to make
sure they went in at the break on level terms. The second half was a
different story, though, as West Ham came out all guns blazing and three
quickfire goals - two from Ricardo Vaz Te - went unanswered. "I'm very happy
to keep a clean sheet and that we've won the game," Henderson told West Ham
TV. "It's another game under my belt. Bearing in mind we had a different
team out there tonight, to grab a 3-0 result is very good indeed."
The pick of Henderson's saves was a stunning stop to keep out a low
free-kick from Patrick Gobel in the 28th minute. The rest of the No13's
night included some brave goalkeeping to twice narrowly beat strikers to the
ball, in addition to the routine catches and saves. "I was happy as it was
only my second game for the club. I was disappointed not to keep a clean
sheet and win the game at Oxford. It's my third game in four months and I'm
really enjoying being back."
Henderson is all too aware of the healthy competition that currently exists
for a place between the posts at the Boleyn Ground following Robert Green's
departure. Jussi Jaaskelainen joined Henderson on the list of permanent
arrivals last month and despite the fact they will be competing for the same
spot next season, the pair have struck up a strong friendship. "I feel like
I've developed and I feel myself getting fitter and fitter. I'm working well
with the goalkeeper coach Marge [Martyn Margetson] and I'm hoping to get a
chance to show the fans what I'm about. "Me and Jussi are room-mates and
very close. He's a great goalkeeper who's played over 500 games in the
Premier League so it's great to have him around."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carr happy with Norwich win
WHUFC.com
Tony Carr hailed the Under-18s for securing a deserved 1-0 pre-season
victory at Norwich City
26.07.2012
Academy Director Tony Carr praised on West Ham United's Under-18s after they
secured a 1-0 pre-season win at Norwich City. The Hammers have a number of
regulars currently away with the Development Squad and first team, so Carr
was impressed at both the performance and result achieved in sweltering
temperatures by a relatively inexperienced side. First-year scholar Taylor
Tombides got the goal that made the difference, with goalkeeper Sam Baxter
also catching the eye between the sticks by making a string of good saves to
keep the Canaries at bay. "The boys coped very well considering it was 30
degrees and midday," said Carr. "For me we were the better side especially
in the first half when we created a lot of opportunities. "They came back
into it during the second period, but Sam Baxter did well by making a few
good saves. Overall, we edged it and deserved the win."
Pre-season is often a time for experimentation and Carr did just that, while
expressing his satisfaction as he and Under-18s coach Nick Haycock continue
to build for the FA Premier Academy League season. "All in all it was a very
good workout and that's exactly what pre-season is about. The lads' fitness
levels are continuing to improve and they did well in the heat, which also
meant we made a lot of changes, but you expect that during this part of the
season."
A few months on from seeing Dan Potts and Rob Hall make their senior debuts,
the ultimate goal for Carr would be to see yet another youth-team player
break into the first team, but he refused to name any names. "My hope is
that a player or players can break into the first team by the end of the
season, but I don't want to name anyone and add more pressure. It would be
great to see them not only get some game time, but be provided with the
opportunity to prove themselves and develop their skills to the next level."
Carr also took a moment to ponder what he would consider a successful season
for the U18s, setting his sights on the FA Youth Cup. "Last season we we're
incredibly unlucky in the FA Youth Cup, losing on penalties to the eventual
winners Chelsea in the fifth round. Success would be winning it, and that's
what we aim to do every year. However it is also important that the players
perform well individually and within the team. "If we play extremely well
and compete only to lose on penalties then we won't have too many
complaints."
The Academy team face Everton on Saturday before wrapping up their
pre-season preparations in Belgium, where Carr will be hoping to add the
finishing touches before their opening league game next month.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll: West Ham second choice
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 26th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
A spokesman for Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has revealed that West Ham
would be second in line to sign Andy Carroll should he be given a choice
over which club to join. Gateshead-born Carroll, who moved to Merseyside in
January 2011 for a record-breaking £35million looks set to leave the club
before the close of the current transfer window with new Anfield boss
Brendan Rodgers having hinted that he doesn't see the 23-year-old as part of
his long-term plans. However West Ham - who continue to pursue the former
Newcastle player - would be behind his former club in terms of where the
player would like to spend the 2012/13 campaign. "Andy is aware of West
Ham's interest," the unnamed 'friend' told chroniclelive.co.uk. "He's still
massive mates with Kevin Nolan and he respects his opinion from a football
point of view. "But his first choice if he did leave Liverpool would, of
course, be Newcastle. If they can't come up with the right bid, though, and
he is going to be sitting on the bench at Liverpool, then he has to
seriously consider West Ham."
Back in 2010, when both players mentioned by the source were employed by
Newcastle, Carroll temporarily moved in with Nolan and his family after
being bailed following an assault charge. Speaking at the time, West Ham's
current captain said: "Andy is a great lad to be around. He's always happy
and smiling. He's had his fair share of trouble but didn't we all when we
were that young?" Since then, the two have remained great friends.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'Bubbles' to feature in opening ceremony
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 26th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's anthem 'I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles' will be featuring in
the Olympic Games' opening ceremony when it takes place tomorrow night. An
insider who has been part of the preparation and rehearsals for the opening
ceremony has told KUMB that West Ham feature in a 20-second slot during
which 'Bubbles' will be blasted across the stadium's sound system. As well
as the small section highlighting West Ham's place in the local community,
there will be several other segements featuring the East End of London and
its diverse population. The ceremony, which is being directed by Danny Boyle
(Slumdog Millionaire, Trainspotting) and is said to be costing around
£27million to stage on its own will be watched by around a billion people
around the world tuning in on TV. Yet bizarrely the stadium itself is
unlikely to be sold out, with plenty of the more expensive and overpriced
£2,012 and £1,600-priced tickets still up for grabs.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nolan Encourages Carroll to Join West Ham
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
Well, no one has identified who this £18 million player is yet. Rumours have
been swirling about the identity and even Carlos Tevez is now being
mentioned. I haven't got much time, so here's a few things for you all to
get your teeth into.
* According to the Newcastle Mad website, a source close to Andy Carroll has
said: "Andy is aware of West Ham's interest. He's still massive mates with
Kevin Nolan and he respects his opinion from a football point of view. His
first choice if he did leave Liverpool would, of course, be Newcastle. If
they can't come up with the right bid, though, and he is going to be sitting
on the bench at Liverpool, then he has to seriously consider West Ham." Not
sure Mrs Nolan would welcome the move, but there you go.
* A good 3-0 victory last night over Rot Weiss Essen, with Ricardo Vaz Te
scoring a superb goal and also a simple tap in.
* Danny Collins has joined Nottingham Forest on a three year deal.
* Bristol City are reported to have made a £1.5 million bid for Sam Baldock.
According to Vital Football, Baldock wants to move to Charlton. And the
Pope's an Anglican.
* The on-off sage of a move for Inter striker Luc Castaignos may be back on
after a proposed deal with Dutch side Twente seems to have hit the rocks.
* 'I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles' will feature in the Olympic opening ceremony
tomorrow night. Sung by Karren Brady. That was a joke.
* There are some rumours doing the rounds that James Collins may be set for
an Upton Park return. At the weekend he was supposed to be heading for
Sunderland. Poor chap.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dan King's Sport Uncovered
The Sun
By DAN KING, Sport Uncovered
Published: Today at 00:15
WEST HAM are leading calls for the Premier League to bring in their own
Financial Fair Play rules. Clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal, who
make profits and are unlikely to fall foul of UEFA regulations anyway, are
in favour. But Manchester City, Chelsea, Fulham and others are opposed to
any attempt to tell their billionaire owners how to spend their money.
Hammers co-owner David Gold sees FFP as a way of stemming losses at the club
while keeping it competitive, especially if the revenue-boosting move to the
Olympic Stadium goes through as planned. The issue was raised at the meeting
of all 20 clubs earlier in the summer and the executive team were told to
come back with some ideas. But it is unlikely the proposals will feature
break-even targets like UEFA's rules or ways of curbing wages. Measures may
include compelling clubs to pay half of transfer fees up front, and half the
following year — rather than in the long, drawn-out instalments which helped
destroy Portsmouth — and ring-fencing a chunk of TV money for youth and/or
ground development.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cockney Carroll: West Ham make record-breaking £17m move for Reds striker
Andy
The Mirror
West Ham have made a stunning £17million bid to sign Andy Carroll. The
Hammers last night refused to comment on their record-breaking move for the
Liverpool striker for whom they had an initial loan move turned down earlier
this month. But the new offer from the east Londoners – currently on tour in
Germany – is a
one-year loan with a whopping £17m due to the Reds next summer. Carroll is
on tour with Liverpool in America but he now knows he is surplus to
requirements at Anfield following public confirmation from new manager
Brendan Rodgers. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is hoping Carroll's friendship
with former Magpie Kevin Nolan can swing the deal and send the England
striker to London rather than the north east. And Carroll could also be
swayed by the fact that Allardyce's direct playing style would be right up
his street on a team where he would find regular first-team football.
The lure of Newcastle – and the Magpies superior financial firepower – will
give West Ham serious competition for his signature. But the east Londoners
are refusing to give up on Carroll and are willing to shatter their record
£9m outlay on striker Savio Nsereko three years ago. It is still likely to
be rejected by Liverpool, however, with the Reds adamant they are not
interested in offers below £20million for the striker they signed for £35m
last year. In addition Carroll, 23, is believed to favour a move to
Newcastle who themselves had a £13million bid for him turned down last week
- as reported by Mirror Sport. Newcastle boss Alan Pardew warned Liverpool
yesterday that they would have to take a loss on Carroll. But the Reds are
digging their heels in as they try to claw back as much as they can for the
marksman.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham increase their efforts to sign Liverpool's Andy Carroll
West Ham offer £2m to take Carroll on loan from Liverpool
A further £16m would be added on to make the deal permanent
Ian McCourt
guardian.co.uk, Thursday 26 July 2012 23.09 BST
Andy Carroll cost Liverpool £35m 18 months ago but could soon be on his way
to West Ham United. Photograph: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
West Ham have increased their efforts to sign Andy Carroll by offering to
take the Liverpool striker on loan for an initial fee of £2m with £16m added
on top of that to make the move permanent provided the Hammers avoid
relegation from the Premier League next season.
However, neither Liverpool nor Carroll are keen on such a deal. The
Merseyside club are holding out for £20m and would prefer not to loan out
the forward, who cost the club £35m from Newcastle 18 months ago. Carroll
would like to stay at the club and fight for his place but if he is to be
sold, it is thought he favours a move back to the north east rather than
London.
Newcastle had a loan bid for the 23-year-old rejected earlier this month
while Fulham are also thought to be interested in ending Carroll's stay on
Merseyside.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool likely to reject West Ham's £17m bid for outcast Carroll
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 22:58, 26 July 2012 | UPDATED: 22:58, 26 July 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham have made an official bid for Liverpool striker Andy Carroll, but
the Anfield club are expected to reject it. The proposal is to take the
England forward on loan with a view to a permanent £17million deal, an offer
exclusively revealed by Sportsmail last month. West Ham have bought Modibo
Maiga from Sochaux but want a marquee signing to herald their return to the
Premier League. Carroll, though, is reluctant to move. He wants to speak to
manager Brendan Rodgers about fighting for his place but the Liverpool boss
will tell him he will struggle to feature in his team. Newcastle would be
Carroll's preferred option if he had to go but their outline proposal is
short of West Ham's £17m and Liverpool want a £20m deal for a player they
paid £35m for in 2011.
Liverpool were linked yesterday with Athletic Bilbao defender Fernando
Amorebieta, 27, as concerns grow that Martin Skrtel will leave. West Ham
continue to look for players on a limited budget and are competing with
Wigan for Real Mallorca defender Ivan Ramis. Wigan have bid around £4m.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sunderland, Stoke and West Ham on alert after Blackburn defender Olsson
demands move
By ASHLEY GRAY
PUBLISHED: 19:45, 26 July 2012 | UPDATED: 20:43, 26 July 2012
Daily Maiil
Blackburn's Martin Olsson has handed in a transfer request and 'will not
play in the Championship', says his agent. Stoke, Sunderland, Southampton
and West Ham have all been linked with the Sweden left back, but Olsson has
been frustrated by his failure to secure a move away from Ewood Park.
Chelsea even considered a move to make him Ashley Cole's understudy after
Rovers' relegation from the Barclays Premier League last season, but the
Lancashire club have resisted rivals looking for a bargain. It has been
claimed that Blackburn have so far rejected a £1.5million formal offer for
the 24-year-old and instead want nearer £4m. His agent Martin Dahlin said:
'It is true that Martin has submitted a transfer request. Of course, he
would not play in the Championship.' Olsson, who can also play on the left
wing, has three years left on his Blackburn contract.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
The Vice-Chairman has written to Londoners ahead of the start of the 2012
Olympic Games
25.07.2012
Dear Londoners,
In just two days' time our fantastic City will embark on what I am certain
will be the most successful Olympic and Paralympic Games to date. The Games
will see a record 205 countries and 14,700 athletes participating in 46
Olympic and Paralympic sports across 34 venues. 2012 will also see the start
of the tangible realisation of the promises made by Lord Coe on behalf of us
all in 2005 Singapore and what they mean for future generations. As I watch
Danny Boyle's opening ceremony on Friday, I'll be proud to be British and,
as a born-and-bred Londoner, I'll be proud of our city. But most of all,
I'll be proud for east London, because I know what 2012 and its legacy means
for this area and the wonderful, eclectic people that I have come to know
and feel so passionate about.
Our Joint-Chairmen, David Sullivan and David Gold, both originated from the
area and often used to tell me of the pull of the East End and its people. I
could not ever fully comprehend just how special the area was until they
achieved their lifelong ambition of running West Ham United - their boyhood
club - and put me at the helm in January 2010.
Since then it is no secret that I have spent two and a half years dedicated
to a project that would see West Ham United occupy the Olympic Stadium and
make it our home post-Games. As has been well documented, the first process
collapsed under threat of legal challenge, but our beliefs remain unchanged.
We have never lost sight of our vision to play our part, along with the
Stadium's major stakeholders, to ensuring that the Stadium grows into a
multi-use destination that serves east London and of which the whole nation
can be proud.
For my Board and I, shaping legacy success has been the key factor in
continuing to pursue our interest despite the many twists and turns. Nobody
is better placed to deliver the legacy for London than West Ham United - we
have been delivering legacies for London since our formation as Thames
Ironworks FC back in 1895. Indeed, this is an intrinsic part of our brand
identity - 'Moore than a Football Club - Since 1895 rooted in London,
working with and for the community'.
It is anticipated that during the 2012 Games over 1 million people will
visit the Olympic Stadium but the showcase must not stop here. Our proposal
would ensure a vibrant, busy Stadium immediately upon the opening of the
Park in 2014. We would seek to act as the catalyst to galvanise the park. We
want to embrace our supporters and the wider community of east London from
the outset and really take them with us. We are proud that of the 850,000
West Ham United supporters regularly communicating with us, over 500,000 of
them are from east London and the surrounding area. This is our community
and it is a community we work hard to serve.
The award-winning West Ham United Community Sports Trust has been delivering
services in east London and Essex since the early 1990s - specifically
targeting some of the most deprived boroughs in the country. Our locally
mentored coaches already teach 17 of the 26 Olympic sports. A move to the
Olympic Stadium would enable us to expand on the established links and
award-winning programmes already in place at an exponential rate.
We estimate that we would bring well over 1 million people a year to the
park. Prosperity would be provided through the offer of a near 100 year
sustainable partnership that would ensure a return on the public investment
that has ALREADY been committed. West Ham United already has an established
workforce from the local boroughs but we would look to substantially add to
this offering in the region of 700 additional full and part time positions.
In addition to what we bring to Stratford, our proposal if implemented will
deliver the much needed regeneration of Upton Park, in line with the needs
of its existing community.
As a businesswoman the commercial benefits of our proposed addition to the
Olympic Park do not escape me. Bringing Premier League football to the park
would offer untold exposure to all of us. The Premier league is watched in
over 650 million homes in 212 territories by a TV audience of 4.7bn billion
people, meaning West Ham United would bring continued global interest to the
Park and surrounding area.
Our vision is not solely held by us however. We have had plenty of support
along the way as we look to stand up for the promises made for London back
in 2005. Indeed, Lord Coe himself said when we first began our journey in
2010 that our bid 'lives with the commitment we made back in Singapore'.
We remain well supported by our friends and partners in the athletics
community. Ed Warner, Chairman of UK Athletics commented recently: "We have
long been enthused by what a club of West Ham's stature and local heritage
can bring to this multi-purpose venue, and in particular by your own team's
plans to be part of a vibrant future for the Stadium and the Olympic Park.
This is why we endorse your bid."
We have also received backing from community leaders, business leaders,
representatives of the arts community and key figures from within football.
I am excited at the prospect of being able to at last communicate the full
extent of our proposals to our patient and loyal supporters. What I am able
to say though, is that if we were to be fortunate enough to be granted the
chance to do so, West Ham United would provide a world-class stadium that
would be their home, showcasing first-class facilities and offering
affordable, accessible , elite football as well as huge opportunities for
growth both on and off the pitch. Put simply, we believe it is the best move
for our fans and the best chance for us to grow as a club. But our vision
for the Stadium has always focused beyond what it can do for us and more on
what we can do for it. The 2012 Games will inspire a generation. Those
moments which capture what can be achieved when you really set out to
achieve your goals must not be lost. The Stadium should remain the Olympic
Park's jewel in the crown watched by the world.
Friday's spectacular event performed to a capacity crowd will mark the start
of what promises to be a momentous event that the whole world will be
watching. But the showcase must not stop there. We know that using the
Stadium as our home will bring with it huge responsibility but we will take
on with pride the mantle of what that means in terms of giving something
back to our community and playing our part in delivering the promises made
in 2005.
I hope Londoners will wish to get behind us when it is time to pass the
baton and let legacy live on, but for now enjoy playing your part in this
spectacular piece of history.
Thank-you all and best wishes,
Karren Brady
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Skipper Diame leads Senegal to draw
WHUFC.com
Mohamed Diame captained Senegal to a 1-1 draw with Team GB at London 2012
26.07.2012
West Ham United midfielder Mohamed Diame had the honour of captaining
Senegal in their opening London 2012 Olympic Games match against hosts Great
Britain.
Diame wore the armband as the African nation came from a goal down to secure
a 1-1 draw with Team GB at Old Trafford in Manchester. Former Hammers
striker Craig Bellamy put Team GB - coached by another ex-West Ham player in
Stuart Pearce - ahead before half-time with a bouncing volley. Bellamy could
later have been awarded a penalty when he appeared to be fouled inside the
Senegal box, but no spot-kick was given. However, just when it looked like
Pearce, Bellamy and unused substitute James Tomkins would have a victory to
celebrate, Moussa Konate popped up with an 82nd-minute equaliser. Earlier in
the day, Uruguay came from behind to beat United Arab Emirates 2-1 in the
other Group A fixture, while Spain were upset 1-0 by Japan in Group D and
Brazil held on to beat Egypt 3-2 in Group C.
Team GB return to action on Sunday, when they face United Arab Emirates at
Wembley at 8pm, whiile Diame's Senegal take on Uruguay earlier the same day
at the Home of Football.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hendo happy with first clean sheet
WHUFC.com
Stephen Henderson was pleased with his first shutout as a West Ham United
goalkeeper
26.07.2012
Stephen Henderson was quietly satisfied with a solid night's work as some
smart goalkeeping helped him earn his first clean sheet in a West Ham United
shirt. The Hammers were under the cosh for much of the first half of their
3-0 win against FC Rot-Weiss Erfurt on Wednesday night and the former
Republic of Ireland Under-21 international needed to be on his toes to make
sure they went in at the break on level terms. The second half was a
different story, though, as West Ham came out all guns blazing and three
quickfire goals - two from Ricardo Vaz Te - went unanswered. "I'm very happy
to keep a clean sheet and that we've won the game," Henderson told West Ham
TV. "It's another game under my belt. Bearing in mind we had a different
team out there tonight, to grab a 3-0 result is very good indeed."
The pick of Henderson's saves was a stunning stop to keep out a low
free-kick from Patrick Gobel in the 28th minute. The rest of the No13's
night included some brave goalkeeping to twice narrowly beat strikers to the
ball, in addition to the routine catches and saves. "I was happy as it was
only my second game for the club. I was disappointed not to keep a clean
sheet and win the game at Oxford. It's my third game in four months and I'm
really enjoying being back."
Henderson is all too aware of the healthy competition that currently exists
for a place between the posts at the Boleyn Ground following Robert Green's
departure. Jussi Jaaskelainen joined Henderson on the list of permanent
arrivals last month and despite the fact they will be competing for the same
spot next season, the pair have struck up a strong friendship. "I feel like
I've developed and I feel myself getting fitter and fitter. I'm working well
with the goalkeeper coach Marge [Martyn Margetson] and I'm hoping to get a
chance to show the fans what I'm about. "Me and Jussi are room-mates and
very close. He's a great goalkeeper who's played over 500 games in the
Premier League so it's great to have him around."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carr happy with Norwich win
WHUFC.com
Tony Carr hailed the Under-18s for securing a deserved 1-0 pre-season
victory at Norwich City
26.07.2012
Academy Director Tony Carr praised on West Ham United's Under-18s after they
secured a 1-0 pre-season win at Norwich City. The Hammers have a number of
regulars currently away with the Development Squad and first team, so Carr
was impressed at both the performance and result achieved in sweltering
temperatures by a relatively inexperienced side. First-year scholar Taylor
Tombides got the goal that made the difference, with goalkeeper Sam Baxter
also catching the eye between the sticks by making a string of good saves to
keep the Canaries at bay. "The boys coped very well considering it was 30
degrees and midday," said Carr. "For me we were the better side especially
in the first half when we created a lot of opportunities. "They came back
into it during the second period, but Sam Baxter did well by making a few
good saves. Overall, we edged it and deserved the win."
Pre-season is often a time for experimentation and Carr did just that, while
expressing his satisfaction as he and Under-18s coach Nick Haycock continue
to build for the FA Premier Academy League season. "All in all it was a very
good workout and that's exactly what pre-season is about. The lads' fitness
levels are continuing to improve and they did well in the heat, which also
meant we made a lot of changes, but you expect that during this part of the
season."
A few months on from seeing Dan Potts and Rob Hall make their senior debuts,
the ultimate goal for Carr would be to see yet another youth-team player
break into the first team, but he refused to name any names. "My hope is
that a player or players can break into the first team by the end of the
season, but I don't want to name anyone and add more pressure. It would be
great to see them not only get some game time, but be provided with the
opportunity to prove themselves and develop their skills to the next level."
Carr also took a moment to ponder what he would consider a successful season
for the U18s, setting his sights on the FA Youth Cup. "Last season we we're
incredibly unlucky in the FA Youth Cup, losing on penalties to the eventual
winners Chelsea in the fifth round. Success would be winning it, and that's
what we aim to do every year. However it is also important that the players
perform well individually and within the team. "If we play extremely well
and compete only to lose on penalties then we won't have too many
complaints."
The Academy team face Everton on Saturday before wrapping up their
pre-season preparations in Belgium, where Carr will be hoping to add the
finishing touches before their opening league game next month.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll: West Ham second choice
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 26th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
A spokesman for Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has revealed that West Ham
would be second in line to sign Andy Carroll should he be given a choice
over which club to join. Gateshead-born Carroll, who moved to Merseyside in
January 2011 for a record-breaking £35million looks set to leave the club
before the close of the current transfer window with new Anfield boss
Brendan Rodgers having hinted that he doesn't see the 23-year-old as part of
his long-term plans. However West Ham - who continue to pursue the former
Newcastle player - would be behind his former club in terms of where the
player would like to spend the 2012/13 campaign. "Andy is aware of West
Ham's interest," the unnamed 'friend' told chroniclelive.co.uk. "He's still
massive mates with Kevin Nolan and he respects his opinion from a football
point of view. "But his first choice if he did leave Liverpool would, of
course, be Newcastle. If they can't come up with the right bid, though, and
he is going to be sitting on the bench at Liverpool, then he has to
seriously consider West Ham."
Back in 2010, when both players mentioned by the source were employed by
Newcastle, Carroll temporarily moved in with Nolan and his family after
being bailed following an assault charge. Speaking at the time, West Ham's
current captain said: "Andy is a great lad to be around. He's always happy
and smiling. He's had his fair share of trouble but didn't we all when we
were that young?" Since then, the two have remained great friends.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'Bubbles' to feature in opening ceremony
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 26th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's anthem 'I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles' will be featuring in
the Olympic Games' opening ceremony when it takes place tomorrow night. An
insider who has been part of the preparation and rehearsals for the opening
ceremony has told KUMB that West Ham feature in a 20-second slot during
which 'Bubbles' will be blasted across the stadium's sound system. As well
as the small section highlighting West Ham's place in the local community,
there will be several other segements featuring the East End of London and
its diverse population. The ceremony, which is being directed by Danny Boyle
(Slumdog Millionaire, Trainspotting) and is said to be costing around
£27million to stage on its own will be watched by around a billion people
around the world tuning in on TV. Yet bizarrely the stadium itself is
unlikely to be sold out, with plenty of the more expensive and overpriced
£2,012 and £1,600-priced tickets still up for grabs.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nolan Encourages Carroll to Join West Ham
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
Well, no one has identified who this £18 million player is yet. Rumours have
been swirling about the identity and even Carlos Tevez is now being
mentioned. I haven't got much time, so here's a few things for you all to
get your teeth into.
* According to the Newcastle Mad website, a source close to Andy Carroll has
said: "Andy is aware of West Ham's interest. He's still massive mates with
Kevin Nolan and he respects his opinion from a football point of view. His
first choice if he did leave Liverpool would, of course, be Newcastle. If
they can't come up with the right bid, though, and he is going to be sitting
on the bench at Liverpool, then he has to seriously consider West Ham." Not
sure Mrs Nolan would welcome the move, but there you go.
* A good 3-0 victory last night over Rot Weiss Essen, with Ricardo Vaz Te
scoring a superb goal and also a simple tap in.
* Danny Collins has joined Nottingham Forest on a three year deal.
* Bristol City are reported to have made a £1.5 million bid for Sam Baldock.
According to Vital Football, Baldock wants to move to Charlton. And the
Pope's an Anglican.
* The on-off sage of a move for Inter striker Luc Castaignos may be back on
after a proposed deal with Dutch side Twente seems to have hit the rocks.
* 'I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles' will feature in the Olympic opening ceremony
tomorrow night. Sung by Karren Brady. That was a joke.
* There are some rumours doing the rounds that James Collins may be set for
an Upton Park return. At the weekend he was supposed to be heading for
Sunderland. Poor chap.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dan King's Sport Uncovered
The Sun
By DAN KING, Sport Uncovered
Published: Today at 00:15
WEST HAM are leading calls for the Premier League to bring in their own
Financial Fair Play rules. Clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal, who
make profits and are unlikely to fall foul of UEFA regulations anyway, are
in favour. But Manchester City, Chelsea, Fulham and others are opposed to
any attempt to tell their billionaire owners how to spend their money.
Hammers co-owner David Gold sees FFP as a way of stemming losses at the club
while keeping it competitive, especially if the revenue-boosting move to the
Olympic Stadium goes through as planned. The issue was raised at the meeting
of all 20 clubs earlier in the summer and the executive team were told to
come back with some ideas. But it is unlikely the proposals will feature
break-even targets like UEFA's rules or ways of curbing wages. Measures may
include compelling clubs to pay half of transfer fees up front, and half the
following year — rather than in the long, drawn-out instalments which helped
destroy Portsmouth — and ring-fencing a chunk of TV money for youth and/or
ground development.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cockney Carroll: West Ham make record-breaking £17m move for Reds striker
Andy
The Mirror
West Ham have made a stunning £17million bid to sign Andy Carroll. The
Hammers last night refused to comment on their record-breaking move for the
Liverpool striker for whom they had an initial loan move turned down earlier
this month. But the new offer from the east Londoners – currently on tour in
Germany – is a
one-year loan with a whopping £17m due to the Reds next summer. Carroll is
on tour with Liverpool in America but he now knows he is surplus to
requirements at Anfield following public confirmation from new manager
Brendan Rodgers. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is hoping Carroll's friendship
with former Magpie Kevin Nolan can swing the deal and send the England
striker to London rather than the north east. And Carroll could also be
swayed by the fact that Allardyce's direct playing style would be right up
his street on a team where he would find regular first-team football.
The lure of Newcastle – and the Magpies superior financial firepower – will
give West Ham serious competition for his signature. But the east Londoners
are refusing to give up on Carroll and are willing to shatter their record
£9m outlay on striker Savio Nsereko three years ago. It is still likely to
be rejected by Liverpool, however, with the Reds adamant they are not
interested in offers below £20million for the striker they signed for £35m
last year. In addition Carroll, 23, is believed to favour a move to
Newcastle who themselves had a £13million bid for him turned down last week
- as reported by Mirror Sport. Newcastle boss Alan Pardew warned Liverpool
yesterday that they would have to take a loss on Carroll. But the Reds are
digging their heels in as they try to claw back as much as they can for the
marksman.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham increase their efforts to sign Liverpool's Andy Carroll
West Ham offer £2m to take Carroll on loan from Liverpool
A further £16m would be added on to make the deal permanent
Ian McCourt
guardian.co.uk, Thursday 26 July 2012 23.09 BST
Andy Carroll cost Liverpool £35m 18 months ago but could soon be on his way
to West Ham United. Photograph: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
West Ham have increased their efforts to sign Andy Carroll by offering to
take the Liverpool striker on loan for an initial fee of £2m with £16m added
on top of that to make the move permanent provided the Hammers avoid
relegation from the Premier League next season.
However, neither Liverpool nor Carroll are keen on such a deal. The
Merseyside club are holding out for £20m and would prefer not to loan out
the forward, who cost the club £35m from Newcastle 18 months ago. Carroll
would like to stay at the club and fight for his place but if he is to be
sold, it is thought he favours a move back to the north east rather than
London.
Newcastle had a loan bid for the 23-year-old rejected earlier this month
while Fulham are also thought to be interested in ending Carroll's stay on
Merseyside.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool likely to reject West Ham's £17m bid for outcast Carroll
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 22:58, 26 July 2012 | UPDATED: 22:58, 26 July 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham have made an official bid for Liverpool striker Andy Carroll, but
the Anfield club are expected to reject it. The proposal is to take the
England forward on loan with a view to a permanent £17million deal, an offer
exclusively revealed by Sportsmail last month. West Ham have bought Modibo
Maiga from Sochaux but want a marquee signing to herald their return to the
Premier League. Carroll, though, is reluctant to move. He wants to speak to
manager Brendan Rodgers about fighting for his place but the Liverpool boss
will tell him he will struggle to feature in his team. Newcastle would be
Carroll's preferred option if he had to go but their outline proposal is
short of West Ham's £17m and Liverpool want a £20m deal for a player they
paid £35m for in 2011.
Liverpool were linked yesterday with Athletic Bilbao defender Fernando
Amorebieta, 27, as concerns grow that Martin Skrtel will leave. West Ham
continue to look for players on a limited budget and are competing with
Wigan for Real Mallorca defender Ivan Ramis. Wigan have bid around £4m.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sunderland, Stoke and West Ham on alert after Blackburn defender Olsson
demands move
By ASHLEY GRAY
PUBLISHED: 19:45, 26 July 2012 | UPDATED: 20:43, 26 July 2012
Daily Maiil
Blackburn's Martin Olsson has handed in a transfer request and 'will not
play in the Championship', says his agent. Stoke, Sunderland, Southampton
and West Ham have all been linked with the Sweden left back, but Olsson has
been frustrated by his failure to secure a move away from Ewood Park.
Chelsea even considered a move to make him Ashley Cole's understudy after
Rovers' relegation from the Barclays Premier League last season, but the
Lancashire club have resisted rivals looking for a bargain. It has been
claimed that Blackburn have so far rejected a £1.5million formal offer for
the 24-year-old and instead want nearer £4m. His agent Martin Dahlin said:
'It is true that Martin has submitted a transfer request. Of course, he
would not play in the Championship.' Olsson, who can also play on the left
wing, has three years left on his Blackburn contract.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, July 26
Daily WHUFC News - 26th July 2012
Rot-Weiss Erfurt 0-3 West Ham United FT
WHUFC.com
All the action from the Steigerwaldstadion as West Ham United started with a
win in Germany
25.07.2012
Rot-Weiss Erfurt v West Ham United
Pre-season match
Steigerwaldstadion
Wednesday 25 July 2012
Kick-off: 7pm
Final score: Rot-Weiss Erfurt 0-3 West Ham United
FULL-TIME - Well that is job done for West Ham United. Another tough workout
and another win. They were not at their best in the first half but more than
made up for it in the second with two brilliant goals to go with their
fortunate opener. Next up is Dynamo Dresden on Friday. whufc.com will bring
you full reaction to this game later.
90 mins - The free-kick is strong but Henderson is more than a match for it
as he gets down low to gather the ball cleanly. He has been impressive
tonight.
89 mins - Potts goes into the book for a strong tackle and Erfurt have one
last chance to get a goal back with a free-kick down the right.
84 mins - We have 6,750 fans here tonight and I think it's fair to say
they've enjoyed themselves regardless of the score. There was a nice moment
earlier when the home fans clapped Vaz Te's two goals, which shows how good
they were.
78 mins - Maynard makes way to Matt Taylor. His pass was brilliant for Vaz
Te's second so not a bad way to sign off the night.
77 mins - GOAL! Well, Ricardo Vaz Te take a bow. And he actually does in
front of the Hammers fans to celebrate. Maynard plays a perfect through-ball
and Vaz Te beats the offside trap to be left one-on-one with Philipp in the
Erfurt goal. Sadly for the substitute 'keeper a simple step over or three
leaves him on his behind and Vaz Te has the simple task of rolling the ball
into an empty net. Brilliant stuff.
76 mins - Another corner to Erfurt to be taken by Marco Engelhardt on the
right. Henderson, once again, is on hand to punch the ball away. He has had
a solid night tonight, which I'm sure will please Big Sam as he looks to
decide who will start in goal for the Hammers' first game at home to Aston
Villa.
73 mins - Great defending from Driver there as he makes up a lot of ground
to challenge Niklas Odenwald just as midfielder looks set to be first to
Marius Stranl's cross.
68 mins - The home side are getting right behind their team again now and
are desperate to see them score. The nearly did then as Potts heads off the
line but referee Sebastain Schmickartz had already blown for a foul.
63 mins - GOAL! Brilliant goal from West Ham United. A slick move down the
left sees Vaz Te backheel the ball into the path of Turgott. He bursts away
from his marker before reaching the penalty area. He then crosses the ball
with flicked pass where Vaz Te is on hand to smash it into the bottom
corner. Not a bad introduction from the Play-Off final matchwinner.
61 mins - Ricardo Vaz Te is next to come on as Sam Baldock leaves the field.
The forward has been unwell in the past week so that might well have
something to do with his early departure.
59 mins - But the hosts have certainly not given up yet and Henderson has to
be quick to come off his line to beat Ozturk to the ball after Mohsni just
managed to get enough on the ball to take the sting out of a cross from Igor
Jovanovic.
55 mins - Free-kick down the right after Kazim-Richards was fouled. He took
quite a hit there from a late tackle but has got back to his feet. Rob Hall
takes it and the ball nearly ends up in the back of the net but for a
last-ditch deflection on the line. Much better from West Ham this half.
51 mins - Well that goal has silenced the home fans and it was met by a huge
cheer from the fans in claret and blue on the far side. From where I was
sitting it looked very odd as the defender looked to have a bit of time but
chose to hit the ball first time to give fellow half-time substitute Phillip
Klewin no chance in goal.
47 mins - GOAL! And West Ham United take the lead. Kazim-Richards breaks
down the right and fires in a testing cross that substitute Phil Ofosu-Ayeh
smashes into his own net with his first touch! Great start to the second
half from the Hammers.
46 mins - And West Ham get us going in the second period and will be
attacking the goal to our left. The Hammers have made two changes at the
break with Callum Driver coming on for Lemey and Sam Baldock replacing
O'Brien. Mohsni has moved to central defence with Driver slotting in at
right-back.
HALF TIME - And the referee brings the first half to a close. It is likely
the Hammers will make a couple of changes after the break but I expect Big
Sam will be telling his players to keep up the hard work in the heat. Just
as soon as the players go down the tunnel, those not starting tonight head
out to the pitch to warm up.
45 mins - The Hammers stopper goes one better there as he pulls off a fine
stop low down to his right from another shot by Ozturk. The resulting corner
is cleared by Lamey at the near post.
43 mins - A rasping shot from Gobel nearly catches Henderson as he does not
quite take it cleanly. He does well to go in bravely and smother the ball as
Ozturk tries to put in the rebound.
39 mins - We are coming up to half time and the Hammers are yet to really
test Rickert. Macca has just come to the touchline to tell his team to keep
their tempo up. Let's see if they can respond in the five minutes or so we
have left.
36 mins - Well I've just heard my first rendition of 'Bubbles' from the
Hammers fans in the sunshine on the far side. They are doing well to make
themselves heard as the German fans are making plenty of noise.
32 mins - Wally Downes was mistakenly named on the teamsheet as the Hammers'
'Trainer' but he seems to have taken to his new role well! The first-team
coach is out of the edge of the technical area barking out instructions to
the side.
28 mins - Lamey fouls Gobel on the edge of the box and the home side have a
free-kick. Gobel himself takes it and Henderson is forced into a low save
down to his left. Good stop from the summer signing.
26 mins - Another chance for the hosts as Gobel breaks clear of the Hammers
back line. He is closed down well by Lamey but still manages to get a shot
in, which Henderson gets down to gather comfortably.
24 mins - While we have a quick break in play, I'll tell you a little bit
more about West Ham TV's coverage of Friday's game in Dresden. If you listen
to Talksport, you will probably have heard of Ian 'The Moose' Abrahams, who
will be offering his commentary to the game. West Ham TV costs from just
£4.49 a month - for more information, click here.
21 mins - Just to give you a bit more information on how Big Sam has set his
team up tonight, in front of Henderson is former Holland Under-21
international Lamey on the right, with O'Brien and Spence in the middle with
Potts on the left. Rob Hall and George Moncur are just in front of Mohsni,
with Maynard down the left, Turgott on the right and Kazim-Richards through
the middle.
18 mins - Aykut Ozturk is next to go close as he forces Stephen Henderson
into his first save. The Erfurt No10 was at an angle on the left but still
forced the Hammers No13 into a low save. West Ham need to pick the pace up
here.
16 mins - The home side have an even better chance after that. After the
initial corner is cleared the ball is played back in from the right and
Drexler has plenty of time to turn and shoot from eight yards out.
Thankfully, his shot goes over the bar.
15 mins - Best chance of the game so far as Drexler gets down the left
again. His cross is good but nobody is there to meet it. Potts is on hand to
meet it at the far post and Erfurt have their second corner.
11 mins - Potts takes it but the ball is straight through to Marcus Rickert
in the Erfurt goal. I'm sure Sam Allardyce and Neil McDonald will be
looking for better than that as the game goes on.
10 mins - The game hasn't really got going yet, with the ball being given
away quite cheaply by both sides. West Ham have a chance here, though, with
a free-kick just inside the Erfurt half.
5 mins - I nearly just jumped out of my seat as the guy in front of us
pulled out what looks like five air horns tied together and gave it an
almighty blast. Another one then goes off behind us - we may have to get
used to that!
4 min - West Ham haven't really settled yet but Stephen Henderson has the
ball and finds Potts on the left. He knocks it back and the Hammers hold on
to the ball.
1 min - The home side get us underway and go straight on the attack. A cross
fromt the left is cleared well by Danny Potts but Erfurt come straight back
and force a corner. Some loose marking affords Dominick Drexler the chance
to get a header at goal but is goes high and wide.
6.59pm - I would say West Ham have around 300 fans in the stand on the far
side away to our left. That is a decent turnout for a midweek game in
Germay. More still are expected for Friday's big game with Dynamo Dresden.
Don't worry if you can't make the game as West Ham TV will have a live
broadcast.
6.58pm - And here come the teams. No 'Bubbles', but a thumping techno track
almost makes up for it. Almost.
6.56pm - Joey O'Brien will be captain tonight on his first game of the
pre-season and will lead the Hammers out. We've already heard 'Bubbles' once
over the PA system - will we get another rendition before kick-off?
6.55pm - Well you can tell we're getting closer to kick-off as the pace of
the music has picked up and the German fans are on their feet clapping
along. We expect to see the teams in about five or six minutes.
6.50pm - As you will see below, the three players on trial are Bilel Mohsni,
Dutch defender Michael Lamey and Colin Kazim-Richards. It is expected that
West Ham will line up in the standard 4-3-3 formation with Nicky Maynard,
Kazim Richards and Blair Turgott leading the line. Mohsni will play the
holding midfield role.
Rot-Weiss Erfurt: Rickert, Rauw, Jovanovic, Ozturk, Mohwald, Drexler,
Schiller, Pfingsten-Reddig, Czichos, Strangl, Gobel
Subs: Klewin, Oumari, Kind, Ofosu-Ayeh, Odenwald, Engelhardt, Bertram
West Ham United: Henderson, Lamey, O'Brien, Spence, Potts, Mohsni, Moncur,
Hall, Turgott, Maynard, Kazim-Richards
Subs: Jaaskelainen, McCartney, Drvier, Demel, O'Neil, Noble, Taylor, Vaz Te,
Baldock
6.45pm - Kick-off will be in 15 minutes and we have finally got the team
news. West Ham United have named a young side with three players on trial
starting for the visitors.
6.40pm - Good evening and welcome to Germany! Tonight's fixture sees West
Ham United kick-off their German tour with a game against German
3.Football-Liga side Rot-Weiss Erfurt. It is a stunning evening here in east
Germany and I'm told we're expecting a crowd of nearly 10,000 fans here.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers in Germany - Wednesday
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are gearing up for their first match in Germany on Wednesday
evening
25.07.2012
West Ham United's players were out on the training pitches early on
Wednesday morning ahead of their pre-season meeting with Rot-Weiss Erfurt.
The team went through drills and a practice match before enjoying a gentle
cycle back to the hotel to rest ahead of travelling to the game. A welcome
sight back on the training pitches was that of club captain Kevin Nolan, who
did a number of light stretches and core work in the hot sun with the club's
medical staff. The skipper suffered a toe injury in Saturday's friendly game
against Colchester United and will continue to be assessed as the week goes
on. The Rot-Weiss Erfurt fixture is the first of three matches the Hammers
will play during their week-long stay in Germany and manager Sam Allardyce
will blend a mix of youth and experience for the club's first ever meeting
with their hosts. Live text updates will appear on whufc.com from 7pm. For
Winston Reid, the games cannot come soon enough after three days of tough
training since landing on Monday. "This is what we are here for - to play
matches," Reid told West Ham TV. "It is always the highlight of the week
when you are training as that is what you are gearing towards. "This game
against Rot-Weiss Erfurt is the first of what will be three tough games, but
that is what you want - tough challenges - and to get through them, so we
are all looking forward to that."
Despite his young age, Reid has a wealth of international experience with
New Zealand under his belt and has represented his country all over the
world. Earlier this month, of course, he lined up for West Ham in Austria.
"It is enjoyable to go to other countries and play a variety of teams," he
confirmed. "It is good to get away, train in a different place and then play
- I know the boys certainly welcome that."
Reid and the squad are aware that there will be some fantastic travelling
support at the games in Germany, with the pinnacle set to be the 30,000-plus
home and away fans set to attend Friday's big match at Dynamo Dresden. "We
have great support and they follow us wherever we go and it is fantastic for
us to play in front of that support, especially with the extra efforts they
make in pre-season. We appreciate that and hope they get as much out of it
all as we do."
On what was one of the hottest days of the year so far in Dresden on
Wednesday, cold drinks were a welcome sight for the players as they made
their way off the training pitch. "It was extra hot today, I had trouble in
catching my breath a few times. But it went OK and when you compare to a
couple of weeks ago our fitness is getting better and we are going in the
right direction. "There is good banter amongst everyone; I think the first
thing was to enjoy training in the sun after the last few weeks back in
England in the rain! But it has been good and worthwhile."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
George going great guns
WHUFC.com
George Moncur has told West Ham TV he wants to make an impression on
pre-season tour in Germany
24.07.2012
George Moncur is aiming to the next step towards making his West Ham United
debut after joining the first-team squad on their pre-season tour in
Germany. Still only 18, the midfielder established himself in the
Development Squad last season before embarking on a successful loan spell
with npower League Two side AFC Wimbledon. There, Moncur made his Football
League debut and scored twice in 20 league appearances. The teenager's
progress was rewarded with a seat on the plane to Germany, where Moncur will
hope to make his mark in pre-season matches against Rot Weiss Erfurt, Dynamo
Dresden and Energie Cottbus. "We've had to work quite hard in training on
Monday night and Tuesday but we've got a game on Wednesday, so hopefully we
can win that," he told West Ham TV. "Hopefully I'll get some part in the
games and show the manager what I can do and hopefully I can stamp my mark
on them. "All the lads have done well. They have worked so it's gone really
well so far so hopefully when the game comes around I will play. My aim is
to work hard, train well and take those habits onto the pitch and see what
happens. "All the senior lads are quality and are quick to tell you if you
are doing something wrong, which helps me a lot."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Darts too strong for Dev Squad
WHUFC.com
The Development Squad were beaten 3-0 at Blue Square Bet Premier side
Dartford on Tuesday evening
25.07.2012
A young West Ham United Development Squad missing a number of regulars were
beaten 3-0 at Blue Square Bet Premier side Dartford on Tuesday evening. With
Rob Hall, George Moncur, Pelly Ruddock and Blair Turgott training with the
first-team squad in Germany, Ian Hendon fielded a starting XI that included
debutant goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel (pictured), scholars Leo Chambers and
Frazer Shaw and trialist centre-back Jordan Tunnicliffe. Dartford took
advantage by scoring twice within the opening 12 minutes, but the young
Hammers continued to give their all and could easily have snatched a
positive result had they converted the numerous chances they created. With
that in mind, Hendon was positive despite the defeat, saying: "Obviously I'm
disappointed we haven't won the game but we had spells after they had gone
2-0 up where we created five or six chances and, with the rub of the green,
we could have been back in the game. "It is still pre-season and so it was a
good workout, with players getting 90 minutes under their belts. "We go to
Welling on Saturday, who are in the Blue Square Bet South, and I'll
hopefully be getting a few players back. Whoever plays, though, it will give
the players experience and help the lads to learn and develop by playing
against more experienced opposition."
On a balmy evening at Dartford's Princes Park, West Ham started slowly and
fell behind within two minutes when Ryan Hayes converted from ten yards
after Spiegel had made a good initial save. After a difficult opening ten
minutes, West Ham were just gaining a foothold when Dartford snatched a
second goal to the delight of many of the 1,524 fans inside the stadium.
After Spiegel had tipped over a long-range effort, the resulting corner was
headed back across the six-yard box and Jacob Erskine stabbed home from
close-range. The second Dartford goal shook West Ham into a response and a
tactical change that saw Matthias Fanimo move to left-back and Dominic Vose
go out to the left of midfield saw the Hammers have significant success down
that flank. West Ham were growing in stature and Kieran Sadlier had a
rasping shot saved low down to his right by Dartford goalkeeper Louis Wells.
Minutes later, the ball again broke to Sadlier inside the penalty area but
his shot was saved by Wells for a second time. The closing 20 minutes of the
first half saw West Ham have numerous efforts on goal - in particular when a
well-worked corner was driven across the penalty area and Sadlier shot
narrowly wide. The chances showed that the West Ham youngsters were a match
for their more experienced opponents, although Dartford were still a
menacing threat going forward with a free kick narrowly curling wide late in
the opening half. The frantic, fast-paced nature of the first half was never
likely to last, considering the heat the opening 45 minutes was played and
the numerous changes made by both managers throughout the second half. The
greater experience and physical presence of Dartford saw them take gradual
control of the second half, although West Ham were not afraid of getting
stuck in and did not give the Dartford players an easy ride. Two crunching
tackles saw Declan Hunt and Chambers both booked, while a brilliant block by
captain Eoin Wearen after Danny Harris had rounded Spiegel showed that West
Ham had not given up. The award to Dartford of a 74th-minute penalty was to
extinguish to any of those hopes, however, when Harris cut in from the left
and Wearen was adjudged to have fouled the left-winger. Spiegel guessed
correctly but his dive was not enough as the Dartford substitute Lee Noble
powered the ball into the bottom right-hand corner. The goal ended hopes of
salvaging a result from the game but West Ham continued to look for a
consolation but it was not too be their night.
The Development Squad return to action at Welling United's Park View Road on
Saturday, with kick-off at 3pm.
Dartford: Wells (Sutton 81), Burns (Sawyer 81), Green, Bonner (Sinclair 46),
Arber (Muggeridge 69), Wallis (Noble 46), Hayes (Collier 46), Simmonds (Daly
46), Erskine (Rodgers 46), Bradbrook (Champion 46), Harris
West Ham United XI: Spiegel, Chambers (Nasha 78), Shaw, Hunt (Bywater 78),
Tunnicliffe, Wearen (Seidu 78), Powell, Fanimo, Piquionne (E.Lee 46),
Sadlier, Vose (Gogo 78)
Unused subs: Larkins, Schiavi
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rot-Weiß Erfurt 0 West Ham Utd 3
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 25th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
A brace from Ricardo Vaz Te helped West Ham to a win in the opening game of
their German tour. Rot-Weiß Erfurt, who play in the third tier of their
domestic league had the better of the first half here in the
Steigerwaldstadion but were blown away by Sam Allardyce's side in the second
period, during which all three golas were scored. The goal that started the
rout has more than a touch of good fortune about it however as Colin
Kazim-Richards' low cross from the right, just two minutes after the
restart, was diverted into his own net by substitute Phil Ofosu-Ayeh.
West Ham's second - and Vaz Te's first - saw the Hammers produce their best
passage of play during the game. A one-two between the Portuguese forward
and teenage striker Robert Hall ended when the former Bolton man fire the
ball into the bottom corner of the net with some aplomb. And it was game
over with 12 minutes of normal time remaining when West Ham's play-off Final
here added his second of the night after rounding sub goalkeeper Philipp
having beaten Erfurt's offside trap; Nicky Maynard providing the killer
pass. United featured all three triallists with the squad at present with
Bilel Mohsni and Dutch defender Michael Lamey joining Kazim-Richards in the
starting line-up. All three are expected to feature once again on Friday
evening when Allardyce's side face Dynamo Dresden.
West Ham Utd: Henderson, Lamey, O'Brien, Spence, Potts, Mohsni, Moncur,
Hall, Turgott, Maynard, Kazim-Richards.
Subs: Jaaskelainen, McCartney, Drvier, Demel, O'Neil, Noble, Taylor, Vaz Te,
Baldock.
Goals: Ofosu-Ayeh (og 47), Vaz Te (63, 78).
Rot-Weiß Erfurt: Rickert, Rauw, Jovanovic, Ozturk, Mohwald, Drexler,
Schiller, Pfingsten-Reddig, Czichos, Strangl, Gobel.
Subs: Klewin, Oumari, Kind, Ofosu-Ayeh, Odenwald, Engelhardt, Bertram.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Taking the Michael
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 25th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are set to field at least three triallists when they face Rot-Weiß
Erfurt in tonight's pre-season friendly. Bilel Mohsni, Colin Kazim-Richards
and Dutch defender Michael Lamey are all in the squad to face the 3 Liga
outfit at the Steigerwaldstadion this evening on the first leg of United's
second pre-season European venture. Mohsni, who has already featured for
West Ham at Grays and Colchester and Kazim-Richards, who also featured at
the Weston Homes Community Stadium last weekend will be joined by former PSV
Eindhoven and Arminia Bielefeld centre half Lamey. The 32-year-old, who
played for Polish side Wisła Kraków last season has never featured for the
Dutch national side but won four under-21 caps over a decade ago. Tonight's
opponents are a relatively new football club having been formed from the
amalgamation of two former East German clubs, SC Turbine Erfurt and BSG
Optima Erfurt in 1966. However their roots as a sports club can be traced
back to the end of the 1800s. Rot-Weiß Erfurt's home ground, the
Steigerwaldstadion - which comes complete with a running track - was built
in 1931 and has a capacity of just under 20,000. A healthy contingent of
travelling Hammers are expected to attend this evening's fixture.
West Ham Utd: Henderson, Laney, O'Brien, Spence, Potts, Moshni, Moncur,
Hall, Turgott, Maynard, Kazim-Richards.
Subs: Jaaskelainen, McCartney, Drvier, Demel, O'Neil, Noble, Taylor, Vaz Te,
Baldock
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Veterans take trophy
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 25th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
The West Ham iFC Veterans team have been voted 'Team Of The Tournament' at
the iFA WorldNet 2012 Football Tournament. The tournament is contested by
supporters' teams from the UK and Europe each year and this is the first
time that Hammers supporters have entered a team into the 'Big Tam Bowl'
veterans' competition. The team had never played together as veterans before
and contained a number of players coming out of retirement especially for
the occasion, including 'keeper Trevor Garrard who had flown back from
Thailand to play in the tournament. The non-regular nature of the side
showed in the opening match as the Ageing Irons went down 4-0 to a
well-organised Airdrie. Manager Gary Davidson at least had the consolation
of the miniature bottle of Scotch presented to him by Airdrie after the
match.
The vets saved their best of the tournament for the second match which
resulted in a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Leeds Lards – who had the
advantage of playing on home turf. Both teams had their chances before
Nathan Stafford headed a late winner. Nathan – the team's under-age
representative - was also on target in the next match, a friendly against
Grimsby Town which finished 1-1.
The final group match saw the veterans go down 3-0 to the Watford Gitwizards
who were chasing a large win to improve their goal difference in an effort
to secure a more favourable draw for Sunday's knockout stages.
After a quiet Saturday night in with a mug of cocoa (we understand that this
may not actually be true – Ed) the Hammervets reconvened at the ungodly hour
of 9am on Sunday morning for the knockout stages but were no match for the
much younger legs of Everton, the Toffeemen running in five without reply.
Everton eventually went on to lose to AFC Halifax Town in the final.
However, the Vets' efforts did not go unrewarded. The sporting manner in
which the olduns conducted themselves resulted in the team picking up the
'Team Of The Tournament' award. The award is voted for by the competing
teams and is awarded to the team that is deemed to have "epitomised the
spirit of Internet Football on and off the pitch and played in a fair and
sporting manner". A fitting tribute to Manager Davidson's organisation of
the team over what was a fine weekend.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Warnock - No Maynard offer
Whites boss plays down striker rumours
Last Updated: July 25, 2012 12:02pm
SSN
Neil Warnock insists Leeds United have made no approach for Nicky Maynard,
but admits the striker is of the calibre he is looking to bring in. Maynard
is currently on the books of West Ham United, with a £2million deal having
taken him to Upton Park from Bristol City in January. He was part of a squad
which secured promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs last season,
but found opportunities to impress difficult to come by. Maynard was
restricted to just nine starts during the closing stages of the 2012/13
campaign. With the Hammers having further bolstered their attacking options
during the summer transfer window, it has been suggested that they may be
willing to part with Maynard.
Availability
A move to Elland Road has been mooted, but Leeds boss Warnock claims no
offer has been tabled for the 25-year-old. "We've mentioned probably 30
people like that and I've not made contact with the club myself," he told
the Yorkshire Post. "But I'm not saying he hasn't been mentioned because
there are 20 or 30 players we've asked about, talking to Premier League
managers and staff. "We've not even considered making an offer for him.
We've just been asking people what the availability of that type of player
is."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kon men: West Ham eye up striker aiming to spoil Team GB's Olympic party
The Mirror
West Ham will have their spies out at Team GB's Olympic opener - to study
Senegal star Moussa Konate. The striker, who plays for Israeli side, Maccabi
Tel Aviv is already a full international at the tender age of 19. Fulham
have also been tracking Konate, who is seen as the biggest threat to Stuart
Pearce's side at Old Trafford in Thursday night's group-stage clash. Senegal
did not select more senior stars such as Newcastle strike pair Papiss Cisse
and Demba Ba for their London 2012 squad.
West Ham have been linked with more high-profile strikers Dimitar Berbatov
of Manchester United and Andy Carroll of Liverpool this summer. They have
also already bought Sochaux and Mali hitman Modibo Maiga as they prepare for
their first season back in the Premier League after a year in the
Championship.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
We would provide the legacy: Brady believes West Ham are best option for
Olympic Stadium
The Mirror
West Ham remain the best option to honour an Olympic legacy and become
tenants of the Stratford stadium according to club vice-chairman Karren
Brady. The newly-promoted Premier League side were chosen ahead of Tottenham
by the Olympic Park Legacy Company to take over the ground when it becomes
available in 2014. However a High Court judge over-turned the ruling and a
loan-finance deal between the club and Newham Council subsequently
collapsed. Yet Brady has reiterated her stance the Olympic Stadium would
only flourish with the Hammers presence. She said: "Shaping legacy success
has been the key factor in continuing to pursue our interest despite the
many twists and turns. "Nobody is better placed to deliver the legacy for
London than West Ham United. "Our proposal would ensure a vibrant, busy
stadium immediately upon the opening of the venue in 2014. "Our vision is
not solely held by us. We have had plenty of support along the way as we
look to stand up for the promises made for London back in 2005. "Indeed,
Lord Coe said when we first began our journey in 2010 that our bid 'lives
with the commitment we made back in Singapore'. "If we were to be fortunate
enough to be granted the chance to do so, West Ham United would provide a
world-class stadium that would be their home. "Put simply, we believe it is
the best move for our fans and the best chance for us to grow as a club." A
decision on the identity of the residents is expected to be made in October.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Southend United's Bilel Mohsni plays full game for West Ham in 3-0 win over
Rot-Weiss Erfurt
Echo News
8:05pm Wednesday 25th July 2012 in Blues By Chris Phillips
BILEL Mohsni played the full 90 minutes for West Ham United tonight as they
beat Rot-Weiss Erfurt 3-0. In the first match of their tour of Germany,
Mohsni - who is on trial from Southend United - started in a holding
midfield role before switching to centre-back for the second half. Ricardo
Vaz Te bagged a brace while Phil Ofosu-Ayeh was also on target. West Ham are
next in action on Friday when they take on Dynamo Dresden.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
All the action from the Steigerwaldstadion as West Ham United started with a
win in Germany
25.07.2012
Rot-Weiss Erfurt v West Ham United
Pre-season match
Steigerwaldstadion
Wednesday 25 July 2012
Kick-off: 7pm
Final score: Rot-Weiss Erfurt 0-3 West Ham United
FULL-TIME - Well that is job done for West Ham United. Another tough workout
and another win. They were not at their best in the first half but more than
made up for it in the second with two brilliant goals to go with their
fortunate opener. Next up is Dynamo Dresden on Friday. whufc.com will bring
you full reaction to this game later.
90 mins - The free-kick is strong but Henderson is more than a match for it
as he gets down low to gather the ball cleanly. He has been impressive
tonight.
89 mins - Potts goes into the book for a strong tackle and Erfurt have one
last chance to get a goal back with a free-kick down the right.
84 mins - We have 6,750 fans here tonight and I think it's fair to say
they've enjoyed themselves regardless of the score. There was a nice moment
earlier when the home fans clapped Vaz Te's two goals, which shows how good
they were.
78 mins - Maynard makes way to Matt Taylor. His pass was brilliant for Vaz
Te's second so not a bad way to sign off the night.
77 mins - GOAL! Well, Ricardo Vaz Te take a bow. And he actually does in
front of the Hammers fans to celebrate. Maynard plays a perfect through-ball
and Vaz Te beats the offside trap to be left one-on-one with Philipp in the
Erfurt goal. Sadly for the substitute 'keeper a simple step over or three
leaves him on his behind and Vaz Te has the simple task of rolling the ball
into an empty net. Brilliant stuff.
76 mins - Another corner to Erfurt to be taken by Marco Engelhardt on the
right. Henderson, once again, is on hand to punch the ball away. He has had
a solid night tonight, which I'm sure will please Big Sam as he looks to
decide who will start in goal for the Hammers' first game at home to Aston
Villa.
73 mins - Great defending from Driver there as he makes up a lot of ground
to challenge Niklas Odenwald just as midfielder looks set to be first to
Marius Stranl's cross.
68 mins - The home side are getting right behind their team again now and
are desperate to see them score. The nearly did then as Potts heads off the
line but referee Sebastain Schmickartz had already blown for a foul.
63 mins - GOAL! Brilliant goal from West Ham United. A slick move down the
left sees Vaz Te backheel the ball into the path of Turgott. He bursts away
from his marker before reaching the penalty area. He then crosses the ball
with flicked pass where Vaz Te is on hand to smash it into the bottom
corner. Not a bad introduction from the Play-Off final matchwinner.
61 mins - Ricardo Vaz Te is next to come on as Sam Baldock leaves the field.
The forward has been unwell in the past week so that might well have
something to do with his early departure.
59 mins - But the hosts have certainly not given up yet and Henderson has to
be quick to come off his line to beat Ozturk to the ball after Mohsni just
managed to get enough on the ball to take the sting out of a cross from Igor
Jovanovic.
55 mins - Free-kick down the right after Kazim-Richards was fouled. He took
quite a hit there from a late tackle but has got back to his feet. Rob Hall
takes it and the ball nearly ends up in the back of the net but for a
last-ditch deflection on the line. Much better from West Ham this half.
51 mins - Well that goal has silenced the home fans and it was met by a huge
cheer from the fans in claret and blue on the far side. From where I was
sitting it looked very odd as the defender looked to have a bit of time but
chose to hit the ball first time to give fellow half-time substitute Phillip
Klewin no chance in goal.
47 mins - GOAL! And West Ham United take the lead. Kazim-Richards breaks
down the right and fires in a testing cross that substitute Phil Ofosu-Ayeh
smashes into his own net with his first touch! Great start to the second
half from the Hammers.
46 mins - And West Ham get us going in the second period and will be
attacking the goal to our left. The Hammers have made two changes at the
break with Callum Driver coming on for Lemey and Sam Baldock replacing
O'Brien. Mohsni has moved to central defence with Driver slotting in at
right-back.
HALF TIME - And the referee brings the first half to a close. It is likely
the Hammers will make a couple of changes after the break but I expect Big
Sam will be telling his players to keep up the hard work in the heat. Just
as soon as the players go down the tunnel, those not starting tonight head
out to the pitch to warm up.
45 mins - The Hammers stopper goes one better there as he pulls off a fine
stop low down to his right from another shot by Ozturk. The resulting corner
is cleared by Lamey at the near post.
43 mins - A rasping shot from Gobel nearly catches Henderson as he does not
quite take it cleanly. He does well to go in bravely and smother the ball as
Ozturk tries to put in the rebound.
39 mins - We are coming up to half time and the Hammers are yet to really
test Rickert. Macca has just come to the touchline to tell his team to keep
their tempo up. Let's see if they can respond in the five minutes or so we
have left.
36 mins - Well I've just heard my first rendition of 'Bubbles' from the
Hammers fans in the sunshine on the far side. They are doing well to make
themselves heard as the German fans are making plenty of noise.
32 mins - Wally Downes was mistakenly named on the teamsheet as the Hammers'
'Trainer' but he seems to have taken to his new role well! The first-team
coach is out of the edge of the technical area barking out instructions to
the side.
28 mins - Lamey fouls Gobel on the edge of the box and the home side have a
free-kick. Gobel himself takes it and Henderson is forced into a low save
down to his left. Good stop from the summer signing.
26 mins - Another chance for the hosts as Gobel breaks clear of the Hammers
back line. He is closed down well by Lamey but still manages to get a shot
in, which Henderson gets down to gather comfortably.
24 mins - While we have a quick break in play, I'll tell you a little bit
more about West Ham TV's coverage of Friday's game in Dresden. If you listen
to Talksport, you will probably have heard of Ian 'The Moose' Abrahams, who
will be offering his commentary to the game. West Ham TV costs from just
£4.49 a month - for more information, click here.
21 mins - Just to give you a bit more information on how Big Sam has set his
team up tonight, in front of Henderson is former Holland Under-21
international Lamey on the right, with O'Brien and Spence in the middle with
Potts on the left. Rob Hall and George Moncur are just in front of Mohsni,
with Maynard down the left, Turgott on the right and Kazim-Richards through
the middle.
18 mins - Aykut Ozturk is next to go close as he forces Stephen Henderson
into his first save. The Erfurt No10 was at an angle on the left but still
forced the Hammers No13 into a low save. West Ham need to pick the pace up
here.
16 mins - The home side have an even better chance after that. After the
initial corner is cleared the ball is played back in from the right and
Drexler has plenty of time to turn and shoot from eight yards out.
Thankfully, his shot goes over the bar.
15 mins - Best chance of the game so far as Drexler gets down the left
again. His cross is good but nobody is there to meet it. Potts is on hand to
meet it at the far post and Erfurt have their second corner.
11 mins - Potts takes it but the ball is straight through to Marcus Rickert
in the Erfurt goal. I'm sure Sam Allardyce and Neil McDonald will be
looking for better than that as the game goes on.
10 mins - The game hasn't really got going yet, with the ball being given
away quite cheaply by both sides. West Ham have a chance here, though, with
a free-kick just inside the Erfurt half.
5 mins - I nearly just jumped out of my seat as the guy in front of us
pulled out what looks like five air horns tied together and gave it an
almighty blast. Another one then goes off behind us - we may have to get
used to that!
4 min - West Ham haven't really settled yet but Stephen Henderson has the
ball and finds Potts on the left. He knocks it back and the Hammers hold on
to the ball.
1 min - The home side get us underway and go straight on the attack. A cross
fromt the left is cleared well by Danny Potts but Erfurt come straight back
and force a corner. Some loose marking affords Dominick Drexler the chance
to get a header at goal but is goes high and wide.
6.59pm - I would say West Ham have around 300 fans in the stand on the far
side away to our left. That is a decent turnout for a midweek game in
Germay. More still are expected for Friday's big game with Dynamo Dresden.
Don't worry if you can't make the game as West Ham TV will have a live
broadcast.
6.58pm - And here come the teams. No 'Bubbles', but a thumping techno track
almost makes up for it. Almost.
6.56pm - Joey O'Brien will be captain tonight on his first game of the
pre-season and will lead the Hammers out. We've already heard 'Bubbles' once
over the PA system - will we get another rendition before kick-off?
6.55pm - Well you can tell we're getting closer to kick-off as the pace of
the music has picked up and the German fans are on their feet clapping
along. We expect to see the teams in about five or six minutes.
6.50pm - As you will see below, the three players on trial are Bilel Mohsni,
Dutch defender Michael Lamey and Colin Kazim-Richards. It is expected that
West Ham will line up in the standard 4-3-3 formation with Nicky Maynard,
Kazim Richards and Blair Turgott leading the line. Mohsni will play the
holding midfield role.
Rot-Weiss Erfurt: Rickert, Rauw, Jovanovic, Ozturk, Mohwald, Drexler,
Schiller, Pfingsten-Reddig, Czichos, Strangl, Gobel
Subs: Klewin, Oumari, Kind, Ofosu-Ayeh, Odenwald, Engelhardt, Bertram
West Ham United: Henderson, Lamey, O'Brien, Spence, Potts, Mohsni, Moncur,
Hall, Turgott, Maynard, Kazim-Richards
Subs: Jaaskelainen, McCartney, Drvier, Demel, O'Neil, Noble, Taylor, Vaz Te,
Baldock
6.45pm - Kick-off will be in 15 minutes and we have finally got the team
news. West Ham United have named a young side with three players on trial
starting for the visitors.
6.40pm - Good evening and welcome to Germany! Tonight's fixture sees West
Ham United kick-off their German tour with a game against German
3.Football-Liga side Rot-Weiss Erfurt. It is a stunning evening here in east
Germany and I'm told we're expecting a crowd of nearly 10,000 fans here.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers in Germany - Wednesday
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are gearing up for their first match in Germany on Wednesday
evening
25.07.2012
West Ham United's players were out on the training pitches early on
Wednesday morning ahead of their pre-season meeting with Rot-Weiss Erfurt.
The team went through drills and a practice match before enjoying a gentle
cycle back to the hotel to rest ahead of travelling to the game. A welcome
sight back on the training pitches was that of club captain Kevin Nolan, who
did a number of light stretches and core work in the hot sun with the club's
medical staff. The skipper suffered a toe injury in Saturday's friendly game
against Colchester United and will continue to be assessed as the week goes
on. The Rot-Weiss Erfurt fixture is the first of three matches the Hammers
will play during their week-long stay in Germany and manager Sam Allardyce
will blend a mix of youth and experience for the club's first ever meeting
with their hosts. Live text updates will appear on whufc.com from 7pm. For
Winston Reid, the games cannot come soon enough after three days of tough
training since landing on Monday. "This is what we are here for - to play
matches," Reid told West Ham TV. "It is always the highlight of the week
when you are training as that is what you are gearing towards. "This game
against Rot-Weiss Erfurt is the first of what will be three tough games, but
that is what you want - tough challenges - and to get through them, so we
are all looking forward to that."
Despite his young age, Reid has a wealth of international experience with
New Zealand under his belt and has represented his country all over the
world. Earlier this month, of course, he lined up for West Ham in Austria.
"It is enjoyable to go to other countries and play a variety of teams," he
confirmed. "It is good to get away, train in a different place and then play
- I know the boys certainly welcome that."
Reid and the squad are aware that there will be some fantastic travelling
support at the games in Germany, with the pinnacle set to be the 30,000-plus
home and away fans set to attend Friday's big match at Dynamo Dresden. "We
have great support and they follow us wherever we go and it is fantastic for
us to play in front of that support, especially with the extra efforts they
make in pre-season. We appreciate that and hope they get as much out of it
all as we do."
On what was one of the hottest days of the year so far in Dresden on
Wednesday, cold drinks were a welcome sight for the players as they made
their way off the training pitch. "It was extra hot today, I had trouble in
catching my breath a few times. But it went OK and when you compare to a
couple of weeks ago our fitness is getting better and we are going in the
right direction. "There is good banter amongst everyone; I think the first
thing was to enjoy training in the sun after the last few weeks back in
England in the rain! But it has been good and worthwhile."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
George going great guns
WHUFC.com
George Moncur has told West Ham TV he wants to make an impression on
pre-season tour in Germany
24.07.2012
George Moncur is aiming to the next step towards making his West Ham United
debut after joining the first-team squad on their pre-season tour in
Germany. Still only 18, the midfielder established himself in the
Development Squad last season before embarking on a successful loan spell
with npower League Two side AFC Wimbledon. There, Moncur made his Football
League debut and scored twice in 20 league appearances. The teenager's
progress was rewarded with a seat on the plane to Germany, where Moncur will
hope to make his mark in pre-season matches against Rot Weiss Erfurt, Dynamo
Dresden and Energie Cottbus. "We've had to work quite hard in training on
Monday night and Tuesday but we've got a game on Wednesday, so hopefully we
can win that," he told West Ham TV. "Hopefully I'll get some part in the
games and show the manager what I can do and hopefully I can stamp my mark
on them. "All the lads have done well. They have worked so it's gone really
well so far so hopefully when the game comes around I will play. My aim is
to work hard, train well and take those habits onto the pitch and see what
happens. "All the senior lads are quality and are quick to tell you if you
are doing something wrong, which helps me a lot."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Darts too strong for Dev Squad
WHUFC.com
The Development Squad were beaten 3-0 at Blue Square Bet Premier side
Dartford on Tuesday evening
25.07.2012
A young West Ham United Development Squad missing a number of regulars were
beaten 3-0 at Blue Square Bet Premier side Dartford on Tuesday evening. With
Rob Hall, George Moncur, Pelly Ruddock and Blair Turgott training with the
first-team squad in Germany, Ian Hendon fielded a starting XI that included
debutant goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel (pictured), scholars Leo Chambers and
Frazer Shaw and trialist centre-back Jordan Tunnicliffe. Dartford took
advantage by scoring twice within the opening 12 minutes, but the young
Hammers continued to give their all and could easily have snatched a
positive result had they converted the numerous chances they created. With
that in mind, Hendon was positive despite the defeat, saying: "Obviously I'm
disappointed we haven't won the game but we had spells after they had gone
2-0 up where we created five or six chances and, with the rub of the green,
we could have been back in the game. "It is still pre-season and so it was a
good workout, with players getting 90 minutes under their belts. "We go to
Welling on Saturday, who are in the Blue Square Bet South, and I'll
hopefully be getting a few players back. Whoever plays, though, it will give
the players experience and help the lads to learn and develop by playing
against more experienced opposition."
On a balmy evening at Dartford's Princes Park, West Ham started slowly and
fell behind within two minutes when Ryan Hayes converted from ten yards
after Spiegel had made a good initial save. After a difficult opening ten
minutes, West Ham were just gaining a foothold when Dartford snatched a
second goal to the delight of many of the 1,524 fans inside the stadium.
After Spiegel had tipped over a long-range effort, the resulting corner was
headed back across the six-yard box and Jacob Erskine stabbed home from
close-range. The second Dartford goal shook West Ham into a response and a
tactical change that saw Matthias Fanimo move to left-back and Dominic Vose
go out to the left of midfield saw the Hammers have significant success down
that flank. West Ham were growing in stature and Kieran Sadlier had a
rasping shot saved low down to his right by Dartford goalkeeper Louis Wells.
Minutes later, the ball again broke to Sadlier inside the penalty area but
his shot was saved by Wells for a second time. The closing 20 minutes of the
first half saw West Ham have numerous efforts on goal - in particular when a
well-worked corner was driven across the penalty area and Sadlier shot
narrowly wide. The chances showed that the West Ham youngsters were a match
for their more experienced opponents, although Dartford were still a
menacing threat going forward with a free kick narrowly curling wide late in
the opening half. The frantic, fast-paced nature of the first half was never
likely to last, considering the heat the opening 45 minutes was played and
the numerous changes made by both managers throughout the second half. The
greater experience and physical presence of Dartford saw them take gradual
control of the second half, although West Ham were not afraid of getting
stuck in and did not give the Dartford players an easy ride. Two crunching
tackles saw Declan Hunt and Chambers both booked, while a brilliant block by
captain Eoin Wearen after Danny Harris had rounded Spiegel showed that West
Ham had not given up. The award to Dartford of a 74th-minute penalty was to
extinguish to any of those hopes, however, when Harris cut in from the left
and Wearen was adjudged to have fouled the left-winger. Spiegel guessed
correctly but his dive was not enough as the Dartford substitute Lee Noble
powered the ball into the bottom right-hand corner. The goal ended hopes of
salvaging a result from the game but West Ham continued to look for a
consolation but it was not too be their night.
The Development Squad return to action at Welling United's Park View Road on
Saturday, with kick-off at 3pm.
Dartford: Wells (Sutton 81), Burns (Sawyer 81), Green, Bonner (Sinclair 46),
Arber (Muggeridge 69), Wallis (Noble 46), Hayes (Collier 46), Simmonds (Daly
46), Erskine (Rodgers 46), Bradbrook (Champion 46), Harris
West Ham United XI: Spiegel, Chambers (Nasha 78), Shaw, Hunt (Bywater 78),
Tunnicliffe, Wearen (Seidu 78), Powell, Fanimo, Piquionne (E.Lee 46),
Sadlier, Vose (Gogo 78)
Unused subs: Larkins, Schiavi
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rot-Weiß Erfurt 0 West Ham Utd 3
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 25th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
A brace from Ricardo Vaz Te helped West Ham to a win in the opening game of
their German tour. Rot-Weiß Erfurt, who play in the third tier of their
domestic league had the better of the first half here in the
Steigerwaldstadion but were blown away by Sam Allardyce's side in the second
period, during which all three golas were scored. The goal that started the
rout has more than a touch of good fortune about it however as Colin
Kazim-Richards' low cross from the right, just two minutes after the
restart, was diverted into his own net by substitute Phil Ofosu-Ayeh.
West Ham's second - and Vaz Te's first - saw the Hammers produce their best
passage of play during the game. A one-two between the Portuguese forward
and teenage striker Robert Hall ended when the former Bolton man fire the
ball into the bottom corner of the net with some aplomb. And it was game
over with 12 minutes of normal time remaining when West Ham's play-off Final
here added his second of the night after rounding sub goalkeeper Philipp
having beaten Erfurt's offside trap; Nicky Maynard providing the killer
pass. United featured all three triallists with the squad at present with
Bilel Mohsni and Dutch defender Michael Lamey joining Kazim-Richards in the
starting line-up. All three are expected to feature once again on Friday
evening when Allardyce's side face Dynamo Dresden.
West Ham Utd: Henderson, Lamey, O'Brien, Spence, Potts, Mohsni, Moncur,
Hall, Turgott, Maynard, Kazim-Richards.
Subs: Jaaskelainen, McCartney, Drvier, Demel, O'Neil, Noble, Taylor, Vaz Te,
Baldock.
Goals: Ofosu-Ayeh (og 47), Vaz Te (63, 78).
Rot-Weiß Erfurt: Rickert, Rauw, Jovanovic, Ozturk, Mohwald, Drexler,
Schiller, Pfingsten-Reddig, Czichos, Strangl, Gobel.
Subs: Klewin, Oumari, Kind, Ofosu-Ayeh, Odenwald, Engelhardt, Bertram.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Taking the Michael
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 25th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are set to field at least three triallists when they face Rot-Weiß
Erfurt in tonight's pre-season friendly. Bilel Mohsni, Colin Kazim-Richards
and Dutch defender Michael Lamey are all in the squad to face the 3 Liga
outfit at the Steigerwaldstadion this evening on the first leg of United's
second pre-season European venture. Mohsni, who has already featured for
West Ham at Grays and Colchester and Kazim-Richards, who also featured at
the Weston Homes Community Stadium last weekend will be joined by former PSV
Eindhoven and Arminia Bielefeld centre half Lamey. The 32-year-old, who
played for Polish side Wisła Kraków last season has never featured for the
Dutch national side but won four under-21 caps over a decade ago. Tonight's
opponents are a relatively new football club having been formed from the
amalgamation of two former East German clubs, SC Turbine Erfurt and BSG
Optima Erfurt in 1966. However their roots as a sports club can be traced
back to the end of the 1800s. Rot-Weiß Erfurt's home ground, the
Steigerwaldstadion - which comes complete with a running track - was built
in 1931 and has a capacity of just under 20,000. A healthy contingent of
travelling Hammers are expected to attend this evening's fixture.
West Ham Utd: Henderson, Laney, O'Brien, Spence, Potts, Moshni, Moncur,
Hall, Turgott, Maynard, Kazim-Richards.
Subs: Jaaskelainen, McCartney, Drvier, Demel, O'Neil, Noble, Taylor, Vaz Te,
Baldock
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Veterans take trophy
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 25th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
The West Ham iFC Veterans team have been voted 'Team Of The Tournament' at
the iFA WorldNet 2012 Football Tournament. The tournament is contested by
supporters' teams from the UK and Europe each year and this is the first
time that Hammers supporters have entered a team into the 'Big Tam Bowl'
veterans' competition. The team had never played together as veterans before
and contained a number of players coming out of retirement especially for
the occasion, including 'keeper Trevor Garrard who had flown back from
Thailand to play in the tournament. The non-regular nature of the side
showed in the opening match as the Ageing Irons went down 4-0 to a
well-organised Airdrie. Manager Gary Davidson at least had the consolation
of the miniature bottle of Scotch presented to him by Airdrie after the
match.
The vets saved their best of the tournament for the second match which
resulted in a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Leeds Lards – who had the
advantage of playing on home turf. Both teams had their chances before
Nathan Stafford headed a late winner. Nathan – the team's under-age
representative - was also on target in the next match, a friendly against
Grimsby Town which finished 1-1.
The final group match saw the veterans go down 3-0 to the Watford Gitwizards
who were chasing a large win to improve their goal difference in an effort
to secure a more favourable draw for Sunday's knockout stages.
After a quiet Saturday night in with a mug of cocoa (we understand that this
may not actually be true – Ed) the Hammervets reconvened at the ungodly hour
of 9am on Sunday morning for the knockout stages but were no match for the
much younger legs of Everton, the Toffeemen running in five without reply.
Everton eventually went on to lose to AFC Halifax Town in the final.
However, the Vets' efforts did not go unrewarded. The sporting manner in
which the olduns conducted themselves resulted in the team picking up the
'Team Of The Tournament' award. The award is voted for by the competing
teams and is awarded to the team that is deemed to have "epitomised the
spirit of Internet Football on and off the pitch and played in a fair and
sporting manner". A fitting tribute to Manager Davidson's organisation of
the team over what was a fine weekend.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Warnock - No Maynard offer
Whites boss plays down striker rumours
Last Updated: July 25, 2012 12:02pm
SSN
Neil Warnock insists Leeds United have made no approach for Nicky Maynard,
but admits the striker is of the calibre he is looking to bring in. Maynard
is currently on the books of West Ham United, with a £2million deal having
taken him to Upton Park from Bristol City in January. He was part of a squad
which secured promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs last season,
but found opportunities to impress difficult to come by. Maynard was
restricted to just nine starts during the closing stages of the 2012/13
campaign. With the Hammers having further bolstered their attacking options
during the summer transfer window, it has been suggested that they may be
willing to part with Maynard.
Availability
A move to Elland Road has been mooted, but Leeds boss Warnock claims no
offer has been tabled for the 25-year-old. "We've mentioned probably 30
people like that and I've not made contact with the club myself," he told
the Yorkshire Post. "But I'm not saying he hasn't been mentioned because
there are 20 or 30 players we've asked about, talking to Premier League
managers and staff. "We've not even considered making an offer for him.
We've just been asking people what the availability of that type of player
is."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kon men: West Ham eye up striker aiming to spoil Team GB's Olympic party
The Mirror
West Ham will have their spies out at Team GB's Olympic opener - to study
Senegal star Moussa Konate. The striker, who plays for Israeli side, Maccabi
Tel Aviv is already a full international at the tender age of 19. Fulham
have also been tracking Konate, who is seen as the biggest threat to Stuart
Pearce's side at Old Trafford in Thursday night's group-stage clash. Senegal
did not select more senior stars such as Newcastle strike pair Papiss Cisse
and Demba Ba for their London 2012 squad.
West Ham have been linked with more high-profile strikers Dimitar Berbatov
of Manchester United and Andy Carroll of Liverpool this summer. They have
also already bought Sochaux and Mali hitman Modibo Maiga as they prepare for
their first season back in the Premier League after a year in the
Championship.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
We would provide the legacy: Brady believes West Ham are best option for
Olympic Stadium
The Mirror
West Ham remain the best option to honour an Olympic legacy and become
tenants of the Stratford stadium according to club vice-chairman Karren
Brady. The newly-promoted Premier League side were chosen ahead of Tottenham
by the Olympic Park Legacy Company to take over the ground when it becomes
available in 2014. However a High Court judge over-turned the ruling and a
loan-finance deal between the club and Newham Council subsequently
collapsed. Yet Brady has reiterated her stance the Olympic Stadium would
only flourish with the Hammers presence. She said: "Shaping legacy success
has been the key factor in continuing to pursue our interest despite the
many twists and turns. "Nobody is better placed to deliver the legacy for
London than West Ham United. "Our proposal would ensure a vibrant, busy
stadium immediately upon the opening of the venue in 2014. "Our vision is
not solely held by us. We have had plenty of support along the way as we
look to stand up for the promises made for London back in 2005. "Indeed,
Lord Coe said when we first began our journey in 2010 that our bid 'lives
with the commitment we made back in Singapore'. "If we were to be fortunate
enough to be granted the chance to do so, West Ham United would provide a
world-class stadium that would be their home. "Put simply, we believe it is
the best move for our fans and the best chance for us to grow as a club." A
decision on the identity of the residents is expected to be made in October.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Southend United's Bilel Mohsni plays full game for West Ham in 3-0 win over
Rot-Weiss Erfurt
Echo News
8:05pm Wednesday 25th July 2012 in Blues By Chris Phillips
BILEL Mohsni played the full 90 minutes for West Ham United tonight as they
beat Rot-Weiss Erfurt 3-0. In the first match of their tour of Germany,
Mohsni - who is on trial from Southend United - started in a holding
midfield role before switching to centre-back for the second half. Ricardo
Vaz Te bagged a brace while Phil Ofosu-Ayeh was also on target. West Ham are
next in action on Friday when they take on Dynamo Dresden.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, July 25
Daily WHUFC News - 25th July 2012
Hammers in Germany - Tuesday
WHUFC.com
West Ham United were working hard as they prepare for Wednesday's game with
Rot Weiss Erfurt
24.07.2012
West Ham United continued their pre-season schedule with yet another
hard-working session in Dresden on Tuesday. With the hot sun beaming down,
the players cycled from their hotel to the nearby training ground after
breakfast to take part in a strenuous work-out before completing their
morning's work with a competitive and lively practice game. After lunch and
a rest, it will be more of the same this evening when manager Sam Allardyce
and assistant manager Neil McDonald put the players through a second session
ahead of the tour's opening match with Rot Weiss Erfurt on Wednesday. While
the strikers took the limelight on Monday, it was the turn of the defenders,
including Winston Reid and George McCartney, to take the praise of the
manager during the intense session. George Moncur, who spoke to West Ham TV
earlier on Tuesday, and the other younger members of the squad look likely
to get a run-out on Wednesday so were working hard to catch the eye of the
coaching staff. The training session also attracted some local fans and a
German TV crew, who got the chance to speak to Ricardo Vaz Te about the
game.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Macca's media day
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald has sat down with a German TV company to talk about West Ham's
United's pre-season tour
24.07.2012
West Ham United's arrival in Dresden has caused quite a stir amongst the
locals as they bid to find out more about their high-profile visitors. After
a police escort from Dresden International Airport to the team hotel in the
German city, assistant manager Neil McDonald sat down with local television
company MDR TV to talk about the Hammers' hopes for their six-day trip. West
Ham will train hard in Germany before facing Rot Weiss Erfurt on Wednesday
evening, Dynamo Dresden in front of a sellout 33,000 crowd on Friday and
Energie Cottbus on Sunday afterrnoon.
Neil, why did you decide to come to Dresden?
NM - "We've tried different countries like Austria and Switzerland. We were
invited to come and play three games in Germany. I came across last month
and the
hotel and facilities are first class so it's nice to be here and we look
forward to the three games."
What do you know about Dresden?
NM - "The club has a long tradition and are an eastern German team in years
gone by and they have played Liverpool and Manchester City in recent times.
They've got a lot of history and are on the up and they have a fantastic
stadium and we're looking forward to playing in front of a big crowd."
Tell us something about West Ham United?
NM - "We've got a tradition of producing our homegrown exciting players
through the youth system and we're hoping that it may continue. We had three
players play last year and we're hoping to have a few more in the ranks this
season and it's great for the supporters to see local players playing in
their team."
Are you excited to be playing in front of such a big crowd in pre-season?
NM - "As a coach, it is exciting to prepare a game in front of 33,000 and
I'm sure a few of the young boys haven't played in front of that amount of
fans before.
We've had a good pre-season and the young lads are progressing well. We've
got a few weeks left and we're happy with how things have gone so far."
What are the main differences between English and German football?
NM - "German football comes across as a very technical game. The English
game is the same but played at a higher tempo so we'll see who comes out on
top."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Maynard making waves
WHUFC.com
Nicky Maynard is scoring goals and relishing his new role in the West Ham
United lineup
24.07.2012
Nicky Maynard has vowed to keep working hard after another impressive
performance saw him play a pivotal role in the West Ham United's 2-1 win at
Colchester United on Saturday. The forward opened the scoring with a superb
volley - his second pre-season goal after netting a header at Southend
United - before winning a penalty that Mark Noble calmly dispatched for the
eventual winner. Usually a centre forward, Maynard was deployed on the right
side of a front three, and despite it not being his natural position he
insists he's happy to play wherever he is needed. "I've been playing wider
than I usually do," he confirmed to West Ham TV. "The gaffer has said it's
more than likely we will be playing this formation so it's good for me to
get used to the role. "That doesn't mean I won't get chance to play through
the middle, but it's another position for me to learn."
And the 25-year-old, who has jetted off with his team-mates for a week-long
tour to eastern Germany, believes his hard work and willingness is already
reapingrewards as he continues to develop a better understanding of the
players around him. "It's good for me to get used to playing in that area,
it will help me get on the same wavelength as the midfield. We showed it on
Saturday. Me and Mark (Noble) linked well on a few occasions, particularly
for the penalty."
The former Bristol City forward also took a moment to reflect on his goal,
admitting he had learnt from previous situations in which he failed to find
the target.
"We played Cardiff away [in March] and I had a similar chance but I blazed
it over, so I just concentrated on keeping it low and luckily it's bounced
up and hit the back of the net. "It's nice to get another goal and hopefully
I'll be able to get a few more before the season starts."
The club completed the signing of Mali international forward Modibo Maiga
last week, but Maynard refused to believe new signings will bring anything
but positives to the team. "If we play the formation we did today throughout
the season and we've only got three strikers then it's not going to get the
best out of us. "More competition is healthy for the squad, it means it's up
to you to stake a claim and take the chance when you get it. It's great for
the team."
Maynard also paid tribute to the club's decision to begin their pre-season
schedule a week earlier than usual, giving players the opportunity to
steadily build up their fitness ahead of the start of the Barclays Premier
League season on 18 August. "It's a longer pre-season than many teams but we
haven't come in and been expected to be ready. "We've gradually been able to
build out fitness and the lads are really enjoying it and looking forward to
the opener against Aston Villa."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
White is claret and blue
WHUFC.com
Team GB striker and Hammers fan Ellen White is looking forward to London
2012
24.07.2012
She might regularly pull on the red and white of Arsenal, but Team GB
women's striker Ellen White is claret and blue through and through. The
23-year-old is one of six Arsenal Ladies players included in Hope Powell's
squad for the London 2012 Olympic Games - as well as being a lifelong West
Ham United supporter. Aylesbury-born White came through the ranks at Arsenal
before re-joining the club following spells at Chelsea and Leeds Carnegie.
Since her return, she has established herself as the Gunners' first-choice
No9, scoring seven goals in 16 appearances so far during the current FA
Women's Super League season. At international level, White represented
England at age-group level and has now earned 29 senior caps, scoring nine
goals. Team GB drew 0-0 with Sweden in their final warm-up match last Friday
evening and will start their Olympic campaign by taking on New Zealand in
Cardiff on Wednesday. The Ladies will return to the Millennium Stadium to
tackle Cameroon on Saturday 28 July before facing Brazil at Wembley on
Tuesday 31 July.
White spoke to whufc.com ahead to discuss her hopes ahead of London 2012.
Ellen, you were born in Buckinghamshire and have played for Chelsea and
Arsenal, so how did it come to pass that you are a West Ham United fan?
EW - "I know it doesn't make a lot of sense, but my Dad has supported West
Ham since he was young, so me and my brother have taken it on. We try to get
to as many games as possible during the season, which is not as hard as you
might think with the Women's Super League matches being played on Sundays."
Who were your Hammers heroes growing up?
EW - "I used to love Paolo Di Canio, he was awesome. Julian Dicks was also a
bit of a hero of mine with the way he got stuck in, while players like Frank
Lampard were also in my era when I was growing up. At the moment, Ricardo
Vaz Te played really well last season and I like watching Carlton Cole. I'm
also really glad that
James Tomkins is in the men's squad for London 2012."
With 12 nations taking part and England reaching the FIFA Women's World Cup
quarter-finals in 2011, you must have realistic hopes of winning a medal at
London 2012?
EW - "I think we have got a great chance. Our group is pretty tough but we
have got a good team. Our coach keeps saying we need to get out of our group
and try to finish top if we can to give us an easier quarter-final. To be
honest, there is no point in going to the Olympics and not wanting to win
it. It's something completely different and a Team GB will probably never
happen again so all the girls are really excited. We don't want to look too
far forward but we have got to aim for the medals."
As you say, a Team GB is something unique. How have things gone since the
squad met up?
EW - "I think we have got a fantastic squad. We got together on Sunday and
have been gelling really well. Five of the girls are my team-mates at
Arsenal, so I know them really well. It's been a once-in-a-lifetime
experience because I'm going to be playing alongside girls who normally play
for Scotland and Northern Ireland. We have got a great team spirit and
everyone is getting on really well, which can only be a good thing."
I know it's a cliche, but the Olympics and the new Super League can only
help the women's game to grow, can't it?
EW - "Definitely. Having clubs like Arsenal and West Ham supporting their
Ladies' teams can only help them by providing them with backing and
increasing their profiles. The Super League is on a summer break at the
moment and we're unbeaten and eight points clear at the top, so things have
been going well. The World Cup and the Olympics are massive sporting events
and they get great coverage these days, to the women's game is going to
continue to grow."
Finally, when West Ham play Arsenal in the Barclays Premier League this
season, who will you be cheering for?
EW - "I'm a 100 per cent a West Ham fan! I know I play for Arsenal but my
loyalties will always lie with West Ham so I want them to win every time
they play."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ravel returns
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 24th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
Ravel Morrison has returned from West Ham United's pre-season tour of
Germany - just 48 hours after the squad left the UK. The 19-year-old
midfielder, who joined West Ham from Manchester United during the last
transfer window confirmed tonight that he had flown home without kicking a
ball in anger. Morrison, who featured in Friday night's 4-1 friendly defeat
at Grays Athletic and was an unused sub at Colchester the following day
insisted however that there was nothing sinister about his early return.
After rumours began to circulate earlier this evennig speculating about the
reasons for his return to England, Morrison insisted that he had left West
Ham's base due to ill health. Speaking via Twitter, he said: "I have not
been sent home, I'm just really Ill. Thanks for everyone that's said get
well soon."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Not Even a Good Twitter Rumour to Report
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
* Ravel Morrison has flown home from the pre season tour of East Germany.
Apparently with Sam's permission. Hmmm.
* Former West Ham defender Kenny Brown has been appointed assistant manager
at Barnet. His teammate from the early 1990s, Mark Robson, is manager.
* Barnet's West Ham connection has been further strengthened by the signing
of former Hammers youth team member Anthony Edgar from Yeovil.
* Demba Ba is said to be the target of a bid by Russian side Rubin Kazan.
No, me neither.
* WBA's Swedish defender Jonas Olsson has said he would relish the chance to
play in London. Go figure.
* Joey Barton is on Sam Allardyce's shopping list.
* Not really. Just wanted to get you going.
* And that's what I am reduced to tonight. Nothing else happening.
* Still, we can look forward to tomorrow night's friendly at Rot Weiss
Essen. Jawohl, mein Lieber.
* Er, goodnight.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Callin' Collins
The Sun
Published: Today at 00:02
WEST HAM want James Collins back — for £2million. The defender, 28, joined
the Hammers from Cardiff in 2005 before signing for Aston Villa.
Villa boss Paul Lambert is set to let Collins go if he can find a
replacement.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United were working hard as they prepare for Wednesday's game with
Rot Weiss Erfurt
24.07.2012
West Ham United continued their pre-season schedule with yet another
hard-working session in Dresden on Tuesday. With the hot sun beaming down,
the players cycled from their hotel to the nearby training ground after
breakfast to take part in a strenuous work-out before completing their
morning's work with a competitive and lively practice game. After lunch and
a rest, it will be more of the same this evening when manager Sam Allardyce
and assistant manager Neil McDonald put the players through a second session
ahead of the tour's opening match with Rot Weiss Erfurt on Wednesday. While
the strikers took the limelight on Monday, it was the turn of the defenders,
including Winston Reid and George McCartney, to take the praise of the
manager during the intense session. George Moncur, who spoke to West Ham TV
earlier on Tuesday, and the other younger members of the squad look likely
to get a run-out on Wednesday so were working hard to catch the eye of the
coaching staff. The training session also attracted some local fans and a
German TV crew, who got the chance to speak to Ricardo Vaz Te about the
game.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Macca's media day
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald has sat down with a German TV company to talk about West Ham's
United's pre-season tour
24.07.2012
West Ham United's arrival in Dresden has caused quite a stir amongst the
locals as they bid to find out more about their high-profile visitors. After
a police escort from Dresden International Airport to the team hotel in the
German city, assistant manager Neil McDonald sat down with local television
company MDR TV to talk about the Hammers' hopes for their six-day trip. West
Ham will train hard in Germany before facing Rot Weiss Erfurt on Wednesday
evening, Dynamo Dresden in front of a sellout 33,000 crowd on Friday and
Energie Cottbus on Sunday afterrnoon.
Neil, why did you decide to come to Dresden?
NM - "We've tried different countries like Austria and Switzerland. We were
invited to come and play three games in Germany. I came across last month
and the
hotel and facilities are first class so it's nice to be here and we look
forward to the three games."
What do you know about Dresden?
NM - "The club has a long tradition and are an eastern German team in years
gone by and they have played Liverpool and Manchester City in recent times.
They've got a lot of history and are on the up and they have a fantastic
stadium and we're looking forward to playing in front of a big crowd."
Tell us something about West Ham United?
NM - "We've got a tradition of producing our homegrown exciting players
through the youth system and we're hoping that it may continue. We had three
players play last year and we're hoping to have a few more in the ranks this
season and it's great for the supporters to see local players playing in
their team."
Are you excited to be playing in front of such a big crowd in pre-season?
NM - "As a coach, it is exciting to prepare a game in front of 33,000 and
I'm sure a few of the young boys haven't played in front of that amount of
fans before.
We've had a good pre-season and the young lads are progressing well. We've
got a few weeks left and we're happy with how things have gone so far."
What are the main differences between English and German football?
NM - "German football comes across as a very technical game. The English
game is the same but played at a higher tempo so we'll see who comes out on
top."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Maynard making waves
WHUFC.com
Nicky Maynard is scoring goals and relishing his new role in the West Ham
United lineup
24.07.2012
Nicky Maynard has vowed to keep working hard after another impressive
performance saw him play a pivotal role in the West Ham United's 2-1 win at
Colchester United on Saturday. The forward opened the scoring with a superb
volley - his second pre-season goal after netting a header at Southend
United - before winning a penalty that Mark Noble calmly dispatched for the
eventual winner. Usually a centre forward, Maynard was deployed on the right
side of a front three, and despite it not being his natural position he
insists he's happy to play wherever he is needed. "I've been playing wider
than I usually do," he confirmed to West Ham TV. "The gaffer has said it's
more than likely we will be playing this formation so it's good for me to
get used to the role. "That doesn't mean I won't get chance to play through
the middle, but it's another position for me to learn."
And the 25-year-old, who has jetted off with his team-mates for a week-long
tour to eastern Germany, believes his hard work and willingness is already
reapingrewards as he continues to develop a better understanding of the
players around him. "It's good for me to get used to playing in that area,
it will help me get on the same wavelength as the midfield. We showed it on
Saturday. Me and Mark (Noble) linked well on a few occasions, particularly
for the penalty."
The former Bristol City forward also took a moment to reflect on his goal,
admitting he had learnt from previous situations in which he failed to find
the target.
"We played Cardiff away [in March] and I had a similar chance but I blazed
it over, so I just concentrated on keeping it low and luckily it's bounced
up and hit the back of the net. "It's nice to get another goal and hopefully
I'll be able to get a few more before the season starts."
The club completed the signing of Mali international forward Modibo Maiga
last week, but Maynard refused to believe new signings will bring anything
but positives to the team. "If we play the formation we did today throughout
the season and we've only got three strikers then it's not going to get the
best out of us. "More competition is healthy for the squad, it means it's up
to you to stake a claim and take the chance when you get it. It's great for
the team."
Maynard also paid tribute to the club's decision to begin their pre-season
schedule a week earlier than usual, giving players the opportunity to
steadily build up their fitness ahead of the start of the Barclays Premier
League season on 18 August. "It's a longer pre-season than many teams but we
haven't come in and been expected to be ready. "We've gradually been able to
build out fitness and the lads are really enjoying it and looking forward to
the opener against Aston Villa."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
White is claret and blue
WHUFC.com
Team GB striker and Hammers fan Ellen White is looking forward to London
2012
24.07.2012
She might regularly pull on the red and white of Arsenal, but Team GB
women's striker Ellen White is claret and blue through and through. The
23-year-old is one of six Arsenal Ladies players included in Hope Powell's
squad for the London 2012 Olympic Games - as well as being a lifelong West
Ham United supporter. Aylesbury-born White came through the ranks at Arsenal
before re-joining the club following spells at Chelsea and Leeds Carnegie.
Since her return, she has established herself as the Gunners' first-choice
No9, scoring seven goals in 16 appearances so far during the current FA
Women's Super League season. At international level, White represented
England at age-group level and has now earned 29 senior caps, scoring nine
goals. Team GB drew 0-0 with Sweden in their final warm-up match last Friday
evening and will start their Olympic campaign by taking on New Zealand in
Cardiff on Wednesday. The Ladies will return to the Millennium Stadium to
tackle Cameroon on Saturday 28 July before facing Brazil at Wembley on
Tuesday 31 July.
White spoke to whufc.com ahead to discuss her hopes ahead of London 2012.
Ellen, you were born in Buckinghamshire and have played for Chelsea and
Arsenal, so how did it come to pass that you are a West Ham United fan?
EW - "I know it doesn't make a lot of sense, but my Dad has supported West
Ham since he was young, so me and my brother have taken it on. We try to get
to as many games as possible during the season, which is not as hard as you
might think with the Women's Super League matches being played on Sundays."
Who were your Hammers heroes growing up?
EW - "I used to love Paolo Di Canio, he was awesome. Julian Dicks was also a
bit of a hero of mine with the way he got stuck in, while players like Frank
Lampard were also in my era when I was growing up. At the moment, Ricardo
Vaz Te played really well last season and I like watching Carlton Cole. I'm
also really glad that
James Tomkins is in the men's squad for London 2012."
With 12 nations taking part and England reaching the FIFA Women's World Cup
quarter-finals in 2011, you must have realistic hopes of winning a medal at
London 2012?
EW - "I think we have got a great chance. Our group is pretty tough but we
have got a good team. Our coach keeps saying we need to get out of our group
and try to finish top if we can to give us an easier quarter-final. To be
honest, there is no point in going to the Olympics and not wanting to win
it. It's something completely different and a Team GB will probably never
happen again so all the girls are really excited. We don't want to look too
far forward but we have got to aim for the medals."
As you say, a Team GB is something unique. How have things gone since the
squad met up?
EW - "I think we have got a fantastic squad. We got together on Sunday and
have been gelling really well. Five of the girls are my team-mates at
Arsenal, so I know them really well. It's been a once-in-a-lifetime
experience because I'm going to be playing alongside girls who normally play
for Scotland and Northern Ireland. We have got a great team spirit and
everyone is getting on really well, which can only be a good thing."
I know it's a cliche, but the Olympics and the new Super League can only
help the women's game to grow, can't it?
EW - "Definitely. Having clubs like Arsenal and West Ham supporting their
Ladies' teams can only help them by providing them with backing and
increasing their profiles. The Super League is on a summer break at the
moment and we're unbeaten and eight points clear at the top, so things have
been going well. The World Cup and the Olympics are massive sporting events
and they get great coverage these days, to the women's game is going to
continue to grow."
Finally, when West Ham play Arsenal in the Barclays Premier League this
season, who will you be cheering for?
EW - "I'm a 100 per cent a West Ham fan! I know I play for Arsenal but my
loyalties will always lie with West Ham so I want them to win every time
they play."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ravel returns
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 24th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
Ravel Morrison has returned from West Ham United's pre-season tour of
Germany - just 48 hours after the squad left the UK. The 19-year-old
midfielder, who joined West Ham from Manchester United during the last
transfer window confirmed tonight that he had flown home without kicking a
ball in anger. Morrison, who featured in Friday night's 4-1 friendly defeat
at Grays Athletic and was an unused sub at Colchester the following day
insisted however that there was nothing sinister about his early return.
After rumours began to circulate earlier this evennig speculating about the
reasons for his return to England, Morrison insisted that he had left West
Ham's base due to ill health. Speaking via Twitter, he said: "I have not
been sent home, I'm just really Ill. Thanks for everyone that's said get
well soon."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Not Even a Good Twitter Rumour to Report
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
* Ravel Morrison has flown home from the pre season tour of East Germany.
Apparently with Sam's permission. Hmmm.
* Former West Ham defender Kenny Brown has been appointed assistant manager
at Barnet. His teammate from the early 1990s, Mark Robson, is manager.
* Barnet's West Ham connection has been further strengthened by the signing
of former Hammers youth team member Anthony Edgar from Yeovil.
* Demba Ba is said to be the target of a bid by Russian side Rubin Kazan.
No, me neither.
* WBA's Swedish defender Jonas Olsson has said he would relish the chance to
play in London. Go figure.
* Joey Barton is on Sam Allardyce's shopping list.
* Not really. Just wanted to get you going.
* And that's what I am reduced to tonight. Nothing else happening.
* Still, we can look forward to tomorrow night's friendly at Rot Weiss
Essen. Jawohl, mein Lieber.
* Er, goodnight.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Callin' Collins
The Sun
Published: Today at 00:02
WEST HAM want James Collins back — for £2million. The defender, 28, joined
the Hammers from Cardiff in 2005 before signing for Aston Villa.
Villa boss Paul Lambert is set to let Collins go if he can find a
replacement.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
