Daily WHUFC News

Sunday, July 29

Daily WHUFC News - 29th July 2012

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."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jussi staying positive
WHUFC.com
Jussi Jaaskelainen is feeling the benefit of a tough week of training and matches in Germany
28.07.2012

Despite losing by three goals to nil, West Ham United goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen said there were still a lot of positives to take from the friendly defeat to Dynamo Dresden on Friday. While the Hammers stopper was not able to keep a clean sheet, he still had an impressive evening with some important saves including one from Dresden's Idir Quali late in the second half. but in addition to a promising solo night for the Finland international, there were other positives to take on a general note, with more match action for players returning from injury including club captain Kevin Nolan and defender Joey O'Brien. "Yes, it was disappointing to lose and to concede the goals that we did," he said. "But having said that, it was good to play here in front of a big crowd and there was a good atmosphere for a pre-season friendly. It was very good to play in front of such a crowd for a game like this."

The Finnish stopper was the chosen request of German television media to give his views on the game afterwards and to speak about the Hammers' week in Germany. Despite playing over 500 games for Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League at some of the best stadiums in the world, Jaaskelainen was still in awe of the vocal home support. "We are enjoying it here in Germany and have been working all week and while the results do not matter so much, we still want to win. We will continue to work hard on our fitness, on our game."

The Hammers face Energie Cottbus on Sunday in the final match of three-game German tour. Jaaskelainen feels that the game will provide another chance for the player's fitness to improve and to work on playing together before the new campaign begins on 18 August. "We have another friendly game here before we leave for home again.so that will be another good workout for us and we are looking forward to that."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Taylor targets winning end
WHUFC.com
Matt Taylor is looking for a West Ham win when they face FC Energie Cottbus on Sunday afternoon
28.07.2012

Matt Taylor is hoping West Ham United can sign off their German tour with a win against FC Energie Cottbus. The Hammers were well beaten by a lively Dynamo Dresden side in Friday night's fixture after they impressed with a 3-0 win in their opening game against Rot-Weiss Erfurt. The 3-0 defeat in front of a full Glucksgas Stadion on Friday has left Taylor hoping for a winning performance at the Stadion der Freundschaft asWest Ham wrap up their tour on Sunday. "It was important in the run up to the start of the season that we play games like that. There were 30,000 fans in there so we knew it was going to be a wonderful atmosphere. It was a chance for the guys to play a tough game against some good opposition. "Now we go on to Sunday for what promises to be another tough game against quality opposition."

Regardless of Sunday's result, one thing for certain is that Taylor and his team-mates have enjoyed their time in Dresden and the superb hospitality they have been afforded by their hosts. "The town is beautiful and on Thursday we had an afternoon to ourselves. We went for a bike ride on Thursday morning and it was beautiful and some of the scenery was fantastic. That's as much of the city as we've seen as we're been working so hard. "

Upon the Hammers return to the UK, there will be under three weeks to go until the big Barclays Premier League kick-off against Aston Villa. Taylor knows that the step-up from npower Championship football last season will be tough, but is confident the Hammers can emulate the likes of Swansea City and Norwich City, who both caught the eye after being promoted to the top tier last season. "It's difficult to say what position we will finish in the league. What we want first and foremost is stability in the Premier League. It's going to be a difficult season for us and I would be foolish to sit here and state we're going to finish 8th or 9th because anything can happen in football. "What I do know is that the manager will assemble a squad that is good enough to compete week-in, week out. We've seen in the previous season from the teams that have just been promoted have given a great account of themselves. We want to try and emulate that."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dev Squad defeated at Welling United
WHUFC.com
Ian Hendon's side dominated their latest pre-season fixture, only to be undone by a set-play goal
29.07.2012

Ian Hendon was pleased with the performance of his youthful Development Squad, despite their 1-0 defeat at Blue Square Bet South side Welling United on Saturday.
The Hammers dominated large parts of the game but were undone in the 58th minute when Danny McGuire headed home from Jack Obersteller's corner. Speaking post-match, Hendon felt that while the scoreline was not what he had hoped for, positives could be drawn with the players' fitness levels continuing to improve ahead of the Professional Development League campaign. "Our main aim in pre-season is to get the players prepared, and that's what games today are all about," said Hendon. "We have had a good workout today, and a lot of the lads have got another 90 minutes under their belt."

Hendon was also without a number of his regular players, but praised the impact of the youngsters who took their places. "We're missing a number of players, but the ones that came in can hold their heads high. They've had a go and, to be fair, we were playing without a recognised striker. "Leo Chambers played very well, with Frazer Shaw and Kieren Sadlier also featuring upfront, so we essentially had 16 and 17-year-olds playing against men which was always going to be tough."

With players such as Rob Hall and Blair Turgott linking up with the first team, Hendon was also able to field a number of trialists and scholars, revealing he will make an imminent decision on where their futures lay. "It will be good to get the squad gathered next week as five of them have been away with the first team. "That's obviously where I want them to be, but if they're not I want to get my squad back together to prepare for our upcoming league campaign. "We've got another good look at the trialists so decisions will be made on what I've seen today."

Hendon did however voice his displeasure at the way in which his side conceded, stating that despite their age, his players need to obtain a higher level of focus.
"We have to be disappointed with the goal we conceded because that's two games on the spin now we've conceded from a set play. "We were in the ascendancy and then were suddenly hit by a sucker punch. That said, we could and perhaps should have prevented the corner, and from it we have to do better. "The lads have to start sensing danger a little bit quicker, making sure they organise themselves and don't allow the free header like they did today."

The Development Squad round off their pre-season with three away games against npower League Two opposition in AFC Wimbledon, Northampton Town and Dagenham and Redbridge. And Hendon admitted that his side will need to step it up when they face a higher caliber of opposition. "We've got three very difficult games coming now. I watched a lot of League Two games last year and we're going to be playing against teams that are very well organised and have experienced professionals within. "Going into the latter stages of pre-season it becomes more about the performance than fitness, so we need to make sure we get ourselves together and up our game."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s edged out at Everton
WHUFC.com
Nick Haycock's team were narrowly beaten 1-0 at Everton in their third pre-season fixture on Saturday afternoon
28.07.2012

West Ham United Under-18s were edged out 1-0 at Everton in their latest pre-season fixture on Saturday. Nick Haycock's squad were up early for the journey to Merseyside, but shrugged off any travel weariness to produce a determined and decent display against the Toffees, only to lose out to a late goal. With many scholars involved in the Development Squad fixture at Welling United, Haycock took a 22-strong squad that contained only three second-year scholars and no fewer than 19 first-year scholars, schoolboys and trialists. With those circumstances in mind, the Under-18s coach was proud of his players' performance at Everton's Finch Farm training ground. "We lost 1-0 in what was a very tight game of football with very few chances," said Haycock, who picked out Josh Cullen and Kieran Bywater for special praise. "It was a great workout in terms of fitness and defensive shape. "We took a young squad with only three Under-18 players and a mixture of first years and Under-16 and Under-15 players! Certain boys needed a certain amount of minutes and came through with no injuries. We made eleven changes with 60 minutes gone to ensure all 22 players had a game, which is when we conceded. "We have worked hard for three weeks on the shape and fitness of the team and during the next three weeks we will be stepping up the preparation. The boys will be working on their speed and ability to open up teams up with their attacking play."

After three domestic pre-season matches, Haycock takes his team to the continent on Thursday for what promises to be a competitive tournament. "We go to Belgium on Thursday to play in the Eurofoot Under-19 Tournament, which is a 12-team competition where we are split into two groups of six. We play Cercle Brugge, FC Nordsjaeland AA Gent , SC Anderlecht and Hadjuk Split. "The games are played in two 25-minute halves with a squad of 18 players. All the boys will be rotated again, ensuring all get the minutes they need. If we qualify in the top two we play in a semi-final against first or second in the other group. We aim to try and win the tournament but, more importantly, we are to establish our patterns of play and enjoy giving the boys experience of travelling away from home, playing against foreign opposition using different styles and systems and getting away from the training ground to break the pre-season up! "On our return we have a team-building day with the Royal Marines to demonstrate to the boys what an elite environment is, followed by an away game at Manchester City on Saturday 11 August."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dynamo Dresden 3-0 West Ham United FT
All the action as it happened as West Ham United lose out to Dynamo Dresden
WHUFC.com
28.07.2012

Rot-Weiss Erfurt v West Ham United
Pre-season match
Glucksgas Stadion
Friday 27 July 2012
Kick-off: 8.30pm

Final score: Dynamo Dresden 3-0 West Ham United

Full time - And that is it.The referee blows the whistle right on 90 minutes and the Hammers suffer defeat in Dresden. That was a tough evening for the Hammers but the tough workout will set them in good stead for the slighty cooler climates of east London. West Ham are next in action on Sunday when they face Energie Cottbus.
88 mins - So close! Maiga could have marked his debut with a fine header then. O'Neil ran down the right and crossed the ball in but the Mali International could not keep his header down.
83 mins - GOAL! Dresden make it 3-0 as Cuneyt Koz is totally unmarked from a corner and is able to plant a low header in at the near post and park Noble's feet.
77 mins - The Hammers have definitely been better this half and have kept working hard on a really hot night out there. Even though it has now gone 10 it must still be 25 degrees in the City. I'm hot just from typing these notes so I do not want to think how tough it is for the players.
74 mins - Another great save by Jaaskelainen as he comes out to make himself big as Ouali bursts into the box again and fires in a shot with his left foot.
72 mins - And here comes Maiga from the touchline so we will be seeing him for the first time tonight. He comes on for Cole.
66 mins - The Hammers look like Modibo Maiga is warming up on the far side. Could he be brought on for his Hammers debut tonight?
63 mins - Good goalkeeping from Jaaskelainen there as he dives wide to his right to keep out a curling shot from Ouali. The No7 had turned Demel and was through on goal and that could prove to be an important save as I think it would have been all over at 3-0.
62 mins - Another great chance for the Hammers as Cole feeds Taylor. He plays a low cross in from the left behind the defender to Vaz Te but his shot is saved by the 'keeper. The flag is also raised for offside so it would not have counted anyway.
60 mins - Better from West Ham now as O'Neil feeds Vaz Te. His whipped cross is good but Cole cannot quite get enough on it to get it goalwards.
57 mins - Taylor so nearly pulls one back as his driven shot from all of 30 yards clips the top of the crossbar before going out. Great strike by the No14.
56mins - Big Sam makes his second change as Nicky Maynard comes on for Nolan. That should give the Hammers a bit more clout going forward.
51 mins - GOAL! The home side make it 2-0 as Hasan Pepic doubles their lead. After a bit of confusion at the back between Reid, Mohsni and Jaaskelainen, the ball breaks to Pepic and he has the simple task of prodding into an empty net.
49 mins - Straight up the other end and half-time sub Idir Ouali nearly finds the bottom left-hand corner of the Hammers' net but thankfully it flies safely wide.
48 mins - West Ham win a free-kick after Vaz Te is felled. Taylor takes it but it's too close to Kirsten, who comes out and gathers cleanly.
46 mins - The Hammers get us underway for the second half. One change made by Big Sam at half time sees Bilal Mohsni come on for O'Brien, who has looked solid in the centre of defence in the past 120 minute in Germany.

45 mins - Half-time. Well that was an entertaining first half with chances at both ends but is Dresden who have taken their chance. I'm sure Big Sam will have something to say in the dressing room at half time so I can see West Ham getting back into this in the second period.
43 mins - I was going to earlier but I did not get a chance but we should pay credit to the 200 or so West Ham fans who have the trip to Dresden. With the combination of this game, some fine German beer and lovely sunshine it could be quite a weekend for the away fans.
42 mins - Better from West Ham there. They strung about 10 passes together there but once again the final ball is lacking and Nolan this time gives it away.
40 mins - It looks like Neil McDonald is not happy with what he is seeing so he comes up to the edge of his technical area to bellow some instructions at Matt Taylor.
37 mins - Good chance there for Mickael Pote as Trojan's cross-shot finds the No10 three yards out but he cannot quite steer his header under the crossbar.
36 mins - Good goalkeeping from Jaaskelainen then as he comes out to claim a cross with real bravery.
33 mins - Matt Taylor and Koch have had a little coming together and the referee has to step in to keep the peace. The Hammers break up the other end of the pitch but McCartney's cross cannot pick out a claret and blue shirt.
30 min - The home side are come forward once more but Vujadin Savic's cross is far too strong. Meanwhile, behind the goal at the other end, the Dresden fans are all still singing like mad. Considering this is a friendly you have to say the home support has been superb thus far.
23 min - The Hammers have had some good chances up until then but sadly they could not convert them. Cole and Vaz Te have both not put good chances away. Cole headed over while Vaz Te's shot was tipped over by Kirsten.
21 min - Well all I can say is sorry. We have had some technical troubles over here in Germany but I'm glad to say we're back online. The bad news is Dresden have just taken the lead. Robert Koch has just volleyed in a sweet strike that left Jaaskelainen with no chance.

7pm - Good evening and welcome to the impressive surroundings of the Glucksgas Stadion for West Ham United's second game of their pre-season tour of Germany.

We have the West Ham United team and, as expected, Sam Allardyce has named a strong starting XI with ten changes from the 3-0 win against Rot-Weiss Erfurt on Wednesday. Jussi Jaaskelainen returns in goal with Guy Demel at right back, Winston Reid partnering Joey O'Brien, the sole survivor from the previous game, in the middle with George McCartney at left-back. The three in midfield are Mark Noble, Kevin Nolan and Gary O'Neil with Ricardo Vaz Te, Matt Taylor and Carlton Cole up front.

West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Demel, O'Brien, Reid, McCartney, Noble, O'Neil, Nolan, Vaz Te, Taylor, Cole
Subs: Henderson, Driver, Spence, Potts, Lamey, Mohsni, Moncur, Kazim-Richards, Hall, Turgott, Maynard, Baldock, Maiga

Dynamo Dresden: Kirsten, Savic, Gueye, Bregerie, Trojan, Fort, Pote, Losilla, Papadopoulos, Koch, Schuppan
Subs: Fromlowitz, Jungwirth, Ouali, Pepic, Koz, Subasic, Thoelke, Solga, Franke, Leistner, Fiel

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham agree fee to sign Ivan Ramis from Real Mallorca
BBC.co.uk

West Ham have reached an agreement for the transfer of Real Mallorca defender Ivan Ramis to Upton Park. According to the Spanish club, the 27-year-old can have a medical with West Ham although no fee has been mentioned. A statement on Real Mallorca's official website read: "Mallorca and West Ham have reached an agreement for the transfer of Ivan Ramis. "The defender has the permission of the club to have a medical with what will be his new team." Ramis had been linked with a number of English clubs but West Ham look set to win the race for his signature. The Spanish side also confirmed in their statement that they will "achieve the economic objective for which they have been working for over recent weeks."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ramis is a Hammer
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 28th July 2012
By: Staff Writer

Real Mallorca centre half Ivan Ramis is on his way to England to undergo a medical ahead of a move to West Ham United. The Spanish club confirmed this evening that the two clubs have agreed a deal for the 27-year-old said to be worth €6million (Approximately £4.7million). A statement released on rcdmallorca.es tonight read: "RCD Mallorca and West Ham have reached an agreement for the transfer of Ivan Ramis. The defender has the permission of the Club to pass the medical examination with his new team. "Ramis is seeking a new challenge in the Premier League. After eight years in the first team at RCD Mallorca and two more in the reserves, has become one of the most important players in the team. "All club employees and fans wish the best luck to Ivan as he begins this latest stage of his career."

Ramis, who has represented his country at under 19, under 21 and under 23 level without ever winning a full cap was a product of the Mallorca youth system and has spent his entire professional career at the Iberostar Stadium. He was hotly tipped to be set to join Wigan Athletic last week but West Ham are understood to have jumped in to sign the player as the Latics dallied. Previously linked with both Sunderland and Aston Villa, Ramis also rejected a move to Everton two years ago after a deal had been agreed between the Toffees and his former club.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dynamo Dresden 3 West Ham Utd 0
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 27th July 2012
By: Staff Writer

The frailty of West Ham's squad was exposed for all to see here in the Glücksgas Stadium as Sam Allardyce's side were well beaten. Goals from Koch, Pepic and Koz condemned United to a third defeat of pre-season following the reversals against Austria Wien and Oxford United. Missing players such as James Tomkins, Momo Diame and Jack Collison, West Ham's defensive weaknesses were creully exposed by the home side who were up against a central defensive pairing of Winston Reid and Joey O'Brien. It took just over a quarter-of-an-hour for Dresden to break the deadlock when Robert Koch, left criminally unmarked by Matt Taylor, volleyed home from close range. And although West Ham - who had missed two great chances prior to the first goal being scored - held on until the break a second goal was always on the cards. Just six minutes after the restart it arrived through Hasan Pepic who had a simple task of converting from inside the six-yard box as confusion reigned amongst the Hammers' defence; triallist Bilel Mohsni, introduced at half time for O'Brien being caught at sixes and sevens.

Shortly after Modibo Maiga had been introduced for his first appearance in a claret and blue shirt - and following a delightful Matt Taylor effort that hit the crossbar - the Germans made it 3-0 when Cuneyt Koz took advantage of some more dreadful marking to convert a corner from virtually under the crossbar. And that was how it stayed until the end, giving manager Allardyce plenty of food for thought as he weighs up his options ahead of the new Premier League camapign which begins in less than a month's time.

West Ham Utd: Jaaskelainen, Demel, O'Brien, Reid, McCartney, Noble, O'Neil, Nolan, Vaz Te, Taylor, Cole.
Subs: Henderson, Driver, Spence, Potts, Lamey, Mohsni, Moncur, Kazim-Richards, Hall, Turgott, Maynard, Baldock, Maiga.

Dynamo Dresden: Kirsten, Savic, Gueye, Bregerie, Trojan, Fort, Pote, Losilla, Papadopoulos, Koch, Schuppan.
Subs: Fromlowitz, Jungwirth, Ouali, Pepic, Koz, Subasic, Thoelke, Solga, Franke, Leistner, Fiel

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
TC 'thrilled'
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 28th July 2012
By: Staff Writer

Tony Carr has thanked the board for their support in West Ham's bid to achieve Elite Player Performance Plan category one status. As revealed exclusively here on KUMB.com last month, West Ham United have been placed in the highest Academy category - meaning that Carr and his team at Chadwell Heath can continue their stirling work. "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," Carr told whufc.com. "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."

David Gold, whose financial backing was instrumental in the club gaining Category One status added: "We are pleased that the independent auditors have seen fit to award West Ham United the top-rated status. I know only too well how important it is to the club. "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. 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."

The Premier League-driven scheme, which begins this coming season introduces a four-tier system which, critics argue, will increase the power of the country's elite clubs by ensuring that Football League clubs receive just a fraction of the fees they can currently command for promising youngsters. Category One clubs such as West Ham - aka 'Super Academies' - will be able to offer young players vastly suprior training programs whereas those clubs at the bottom of the scale - Category Four Academies - will only be able to take on players released by other teams.

Meanwhile selling clubs will now only receive between £12,500 and £40,000 for ever year a player has trained with them between the ages of 12 and 16 - whilst the existing '90-minute rule' - a rule that states a player must live within an hour-and-a-half of the club with whom he trains - will also be abolished.

The EPPP was ratified - reluctantly - by the 72 Football League clubs in October 2011 after the Premier League threatened to withhold a £5million annual youth development payment should its plans be rejected.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rodgers offers Carroll hope
Liverpool youngsters please their manager with improved displays
Last Updated: July 28, 2012 10:44pm
SSN

Brendan Rodgers has played down talk of Andy Carroll leaving Liverpool and says he has no knowledge of any bids for the player. The striker has been heavily tipped to leave Anfield this summer and has been the subject of reported interest from West Ham United. Sky Sports revealed on Friday the Hammers had offered to take the former Newcastle striker on a season-long loan with a view to a £17million switch. However, Rodgers appears to have given the £35m man some hope
"Not that I am aware of," Rodgers told Liverpool's official website when asked if there had been any offers for Carroll after using the England international as a substitute in Saturday's pre-season friendly against Tottenham in the USA.

Written

"Obviously, I'll know more when we get back. There has been a lot written about Andy, but you saw today he's happy to be here and he's worked very well since he's been here. "The reality is he's still a Liverpool player, he can fit into how I want to play, and he's happy here. "I'm certainly not wishing to push him out of the door." Liverpool completed their tour of America with a goalless draw against Tottenham. The tour has given new Anfield chief Rodgers an opportunity to see some of the younger players in his first-team squad, such as Raheem Sterling, Jonjo Shelvey, Adam Morgan, Peter Gulacsi, Jack Robinson and Dani Pacheco.

Talent

And he has been impressed with their performances, as he said: "I have been really, really pleased with them. "That was one of the key things today - the development of the youngsters and how they've taken on the concept. "If you look at Raheem Sterling over the last two weeks, he came as a young boy, 17 years old, and he only knew how to beat a defender - but if you look at today's game, he understood when to press and when to be inside. "He was playing against an experienced player in Sebastien Bassong and he actually gave him a hard time. "That's brilliant for me because it shows he's taken it on board. He's thinking about the game. If he does that, and you add that to his talent, he's going to be a very, very good player for the future."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers medical for Ramis
Allardyce wins race for Mallorca defender
Last Updated: July 28, 2012 10:47pm
SSN

West Ham United appear to have won the race to sign Real Mallorca defender Ivan Ramis after agreeing a deal with the Spanish club. The 27-year-old is heading to Upton Park for a medical after Mallorca announced they had agreed terms over his transfer. Ramis had been linked with a number of clubs in England, and it looks likely that Premier League newcomers West Ham are poised to beat off the competition. A statement on Mallorca's official website read: "Mallorca and West Ham have reached an agreement for the transfer of Ivan Ramis. "The Mallorcan defender has the permission of the club to have a medical with what will be his new team." Wigan Athletic, Everton, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Celtic had all been linked with Ramis. If the move is finalised, Ramis would become West Ham's sixth signing of an already busy summer for manager Sam Allardyce.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Confirmation - Ivan Ramis to Sign for The Hammers!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die

Real Mallorca have confirmed that centre back Ivan Ramis is due to arrive in London soon to undergo a medical ahead of a move to the Hammers. The Spanish club this evening confirmed on their club website that a deal has been agreed for the 27-year-old worth approximately £4.7million. A statement released on their website this evening states:

'RCD Mallorca and West Ham have reached an agreement for the transfer of Ivan Ramis. The defender has the permission of the Club to pass the medical examination with his new team. Ramis is seeking a new challenge in the Premier League. After eight years in the first team at RCD Mallorca and two more in the reserves, has become one of the most important players in the team. All club employees and fans wish the best luck to Ivan as he begins this latest stage of his career.'

Ramis came through the Real Mallorca youth system and has spent his entire career to date with the club. Ramis previously rejected a move to Wigan and two seasons ago also declined a possible move to Everton. He has also been capped by Spain at every level up to U-23s, but he has not yet won a full cap for his country.

Centre-back reinforcements for Tomkins and Reid at long last it would seem! What's next, a right-back perhaps?

SJ.Chandos.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spanish steal: Real Mallorca defender Ivan Ramis joins West Ham over Wigan
The Mirror

Real Mallorca have announced they have reached an agreement with West Ham for the transfer of defender Ivan Ramis to the Premier League newcomers. The 27-year-old Ramis had been linked with a number of English clubs but West Ham look poised to make him their latest summer signing. A statement on www.rcdmallorca.es read: "Mallorca and West Ham have reached an agreement for the transfer of Ivan Ramis. The Mallorcan defender has the permission of the club to have a medical with what will be his new team." Mallorca did not mention any fee for Ramis but said they will "achieve the economic objective for which they have been working for over recent weeks." Mallorca-born Ramis came up through the youth ranks at his local club and, aside from a spell on loan at Real Valladolid in 2005/06, has spent the last eight seasons with the senior team. Ramis announced earlier this month his desire to join a Premier League team and he has received support from Mallorca in his bid to move to England. The Spanish club added in their statement: "From the board led by Jaume Cladera and Lorenzo Serra Ferrer, the coaching staff directed by Joaquin Caparros, all his team-mates in the changing room, employees of the club and everyone associated with Real Mallorca want to wish Ivan the best of luck in this new stage of his career that he will begin."

If Ramis completes his move to West Ham he will join a host of new faces at Upton Park this summer, with manager Sam Allardyce having already brought in goalkeepers Jussi Jaaskelainen, Stephen Henderson and Raphael Spiegel, midfielder Mohamed Diame and forward Modibo Maiga.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM LEAD CHASE FOR WOLVES WINGER MATT JARVIS
Express.co.uk
Sunday July 29,2012
By Daily Express Reporter

WEST HAM lead the chase for Wolves winger Matt Jarvis but the £10m price tag is a stumbling block.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
GOLD-EN FUTURE FOR HAMMERS
Daily Star
29th July 2012 By Harry Pratt

DAVID GOLD has revealed his vision for West Ham – to turn them into a 'top-four' Premier League powerhouse. Do not worry – the Hammers joint-owner has not gone completely bonkers. He insists there is no mad rush for Sam Allardyce's newly-promoted side to scale such lofty heights. Gold is happy to set his sights a little lower by targeting top-flight consolidation – and a domestic cup triumph . Having steered the club back into the big time via the League One Play Off Final, Gold and fellow West Ham supremo David Sullivan are ready for part two of their master plan. Gold, 75, in charge at Upton Park since January 2010, said: "I would like to establish West Ham as a major force in the Premier League. "What level that takes us to only time will tell. Does it take us all the way into the top six or the top four? We will have to see. But that is my ambition. "Right now, I am realistic enough to know we need to stabilise the football club, bring back the pride – which I think is coming – and to ensure it is sound and strong in the Premier League. "And – on a personal level – I'd like to win the FA Cup. In fact, either of the domestic cups would be a success."

If those dreams are to come to fruition, Gold knows the club's controversial bid to uproot from Upton Park and re-locate at the Olympic Stadium is essential. He said: "I don't want to leave the ground. As a fan, my history, my life, it all started around the Boleyn. "But this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which we must explore to the end – and wait for the outcome of the process. I am told that should be in September. Then all of us fans and all the principals at the club must decide where we go from there. Sometimes you have to be brave in life and grasp the nettle."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mourinho opens the door for West Ham target to leave Real Madrid
By talkSPORT | Saturday, July 28, 2012

Jose Mourinho has left the door open for Kaka to leave Real Madrid after refusing to give the Brazilian playmaker any assurances about his future. Kaka has been linked with a shock move to Premier League new boys West Ham as they ambitiously prepare to return to the top-flight of English football with moves for big-name stars including Andy Carroll and Luc Castaignos. And Mourinho has admitted it is possible the 30-year-old former AC Milan star could depart the Bernabeu this summer, giving Sam Allardyce hope of completing a shock move. "I don't know what will happen with his future and neither does he, but between us there are no doubts because he knows what I think and the market is open until August 31," Mourinho told Marca. "Anything can happen. He could be a Real Madrid player next season and if he stays I would be delighted because we have a great relationship and he offers us things."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Saturday, July 28

Daily WHUFC News - II 28th July 2012

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

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

Sunday, July 29

Daily WHUFC News - 29th July 2012

Saturday, July 28

Daily WHUFC News - II 28th July 2012

Daily WHUFC News - 28th July 2012

Friday, July 27

Daily WHUFC News - 27th July 2012

Total Pageviews

About Me

Digest Archive

Sunday, July 29

Daily WHUFC News - 29th July 2012

Saturday, July 28

Daily WHUFC News - II 28th July 2012

Daily WHUFC News - 28th July 2012

Friday, July 27

Daily WHUFC News - 27th July 2012

Total Pageviews

Subscribe To

About Me

Digest Archive