Ipswich Town 3-1 West Ham United FT
WHUFC.com
The Hammers suffer a pre-season defeat by Paul Jewell's men at Portman Road
04.08.2012
Ipswich Town v West Ham United
Pre-season match
Portman Road
Saturday 4 August 2012
Kick-off: 3pm
Final score - Ipswich Town 3-1 West Ham United
92 mins - Loach stands firm to stop West Ham halving the deficit. Maynard streaks forward before releasing Vaz Te with a through ball, but the goalkeeper dives to his left to push the ball away. Corner. It comes to nothing and moments later the final whistle is blown. We'll have highlights and reaction from today's game on West Ham TV soon.
90 mins - Into the final minute and a Noble free-kick comes to nothing inside the box. It's going to be a defeat for Big Sam's men, but they have improved after the break. They will need to eradicate the individual mistakes when the Barclays Premier League season starts, though. We're going to have two added minutes.
88 mins - Noble's delivery is low and cleared at the near post. Ipswich break after a Fanimo mis-kick but thankfully Henderson is there to gather the cross when it comes over.
87 mins - West Ham have a corner now. Taylor drives it across but it's too high for Collins to direct his header goalwards. Collins does win a throw, though, and from it Vaz Te wins a free-kick. Noble takes and Carson heads behind for a corner.
85 mins - Collins gives the ball away and then is beaten by the pass to Carson. The No7 shoots and the ball takes a deflection as it flashes past the upright. Before the corner, Whight replaces Cresswell. The ball comes over and breaks to Kourouma, who leans back and shoots too high.
83 mins - GOAL! Moncur slides but fails to keep control of the ball. Instead, Scotland takes possession and runs towards the box before cutting onto his right foot and curling the shot past Noble and Henderson and into the far corner. Great strike.
82 mins - Taylor has the chance. Demel lifts a cross to the far post and Loach doesn't come. Taylor rises and heads back across the face of goal and behind. So close!
81 mins - Into the final ten minutes and both young substitutes have been involved. Can they help West Ham to secure a second two-goal comeback in the space of a week?
79 mins - West Ham replace Jaaskelainen with Henderson in goal, while Murray comes on for Hyam for the home side.
78 mins - It's 4-2 to the Development Squad now! Blair Turgott has scored. That is some scoreline for the youngsters against the AFC Wimbledon first team.
77 mins - That's O'Neil's last contribution as he is replaced by George Moncur, an England Under-19 midfielder. Moments later, Noble lifts a cross over and Collins heads well wide.
76 mins - West Ham have a decent chance to draw level. Vaz Te collects and runs at the Ipswich back four before squaring for O'Neil. Unfortunately, the midfielder does not quite connect and shoots straight at Loach. The away fans are making a bit more noise as their team tries to get back in it.
74 mins - Cole is replaced by Fanimo before the game restarts. The No23 is an England Under-18 international winger with a sweet left foot.
73 mins - GOAL! Almost out of nowhere West Ham are right back in it. Taylor has the ball 25 yards out and is given time and space to pick his spot. A swing of the trusty left boot and the ball bounces in off the base of the right-hand post! Pinpoint finish from the No14.
71 mins - Ipswich replace Luongo with Kourouma. The little Italian gets an ovation from the Ipswich fans. He did play well today. The crowd today is 7,682 with more than 2,000 of them from West Ham.
69 mins - Collins rakes the ball out 50 yards wide left for O'Brien, who heads on for Vaz Te. He has Cole and Maynard running into the box, but slices his left-foot cross behind the goal and it bounces into the stand.
67 mins - O'Neil runs forward but his pass finds Cole offside inside the penalty area. The break in play sees Emmanuel-Thomas replaced by Byron Lawrence.
66 mins - Amazing news from Kingsmeadow where the Development Squad are now 3-2 up! I am told Piquionne may have scored a hat-trick, but that is not confirmed.
64 mins - Scotland barrels forward through the midfield before laying the ball wide right for Carson. He cuts inside on to his left foot and shoots, but drags the effort wide of the near post. Jaaskelainen had it covered.
61 mins - Changes from both managers. Edwards and Smith are replaced by Ainsley and Delaney for Ipswich, while Maynard is on for Maiga for the Hammers.
59 mins - An update from the Development Squad where Luke Moore had put AFC Wimbledon 2-0 up before half-time. However, Frederic Piquionne has pulled a goal back.
56 mins - Maiga and Cole combine before Taylor crosses low, but Smith clears. West Ham come again and Taylor cushions the pass down to Vaz Te. He loses his man and shoots hard and low. Loach dives to his left and makes the save before plunging on to the ball before it can get too far away from him.
55 mins - Ipswich attack through substitutes Scotland and Stevenson before the latter shoots from 22 yards - too high.
53 mins - Maiga loses the ball to Hyam before winning it back and being felled by the Ipswich No6. There have been glimpses from the Mali man and he will get better as he spends more time getting to know his new team-mates.
52 mins - Demel initially does well before passing straight to Edwards. He comes forward before shooting from 25 yards, but it is too high.
48 mins - Ipswich are first to show again as Cresswell overlaps and slams a cross in low to the near post. Collins stretches out his right leg to concede the corner. Emmanuel-Thomas tries to dribble into the box but Maiga slows him down and the Hammers clear.
46 mins - The home side get the second half underway. West Ham look like they are now employing a 4-3-3 formation, with Maiga and Vaz Te either side of Cole.
Ipswich are making some changes - Jason Scotland and Ryan Stevenson are on for Chopra and Martin. O'Brien on for Potts for West Ham.
Judging by the rigorous warm-up he is undertaking at the moment, I think Joey O'Brien could be on after the break. He is already stripped down to his match kit.
46 mins - Half-time. West Ham will have to improve after the break if they are to avoid defeat here. Two set-plays led to two Ipswich goals and the hosts have been the better team. I know it's a cliche, but it's only pre-season!
45 mins - Another decent passing move from the home side ends with Martin making room for a shot on his left foot, but Collins is out quickly to charge it down. Ipswich have certainly moved the ball well through the midfield. They have been fluent at times.
44 mins - On the plus side, an Ipswich staff member has just brought a kettle and some mugs up the steps to the Press Box. A half-time cuppa will help!
41 mins - Vaz Te and Taylor have swapped wings. Cole has the ball in the midfield, turns and looks up and then lifts a pass through to Loach.
39 mins - The wonders of social media tell me that the Development Squad are trailing 1-0 at AFC Wimbledon through Luke Moore's goal. Emmanuel Thomas has another go here and again the shot is deflected wide. Cole heads the corner clear at the near post.
36 mins - Reid has a few words to say to Martin after a coming together near the byline. The referee has a chat with both players, but takes no further action. Reid was trying to hold off the Ipswich midfielder and took exception to the robust nature of Martin's challenge.
34 mins - A few moments of calm as both teams struggle to maintain possession. Just to remind you that the Development Squad are also in action this afternoon at AFC Wimbledon. We'll have a report from that fixture later today.
31 mins - Taylor wins the ball back inside the Ipswich half and it breaks to Maiga. He pushes the ball in front of him and then shoots from 25 yards, but it flies well over the top.
30 mins - Ipswich have a corner as Edwards' low shot takes a deflection off Taylor. Martin deilvers and Jaaskelainen makes the catch high above his head.
28 mins - Ipswich shout for another penalty but this time Potts gets his body in the way and shields the ball from Chopra. Good defending from the 18-year-old. West Ham then go up the other end and Loach's clearance is headed into the centre by Taylor, but Cole cannot benefit.
26 mins - This time Smith challenges Cole in the air and the foul is given. The initial free-kick is cleared to Noble, whose follow-up header is also hacked away. West Ham are having a spell of pressure, however.
24 mins - Some patient build-up from West Ham ends with Noble clipping a cross towards Cole. He flicks-on for Maiga, but the assistant referee flags for a foul by Cole on Smith.
23 mins - Hmmm... Emmanuel-Thomas jinks past Collins and has a sight of goal from 18 yards. He sidefoots low and the ball just dribbles past the right-hand post. That could have been 3-0 with a slightly better aim from the former Arsenal youngster.
21 mins - West Ham try to break down their right through Demel and Vaz Te, but Cresswell gets a toe in to prevent the Ivorian's pass sending the No12 away. West Ham do win a throw, but they can do nothing with it.
19 mins - GOAL! Not a great start. Martin curls the free-kick over to the far post and Chambers is unmarked. He cranes his neck and sends the header back past Jaaskelainen and into the corner of the net. West Ham will need to stop conceding set pieces in and around their box.
18 mins - Ipswich have another chance to put a ball into the box as Potts clips the heels of Martin. Free-kick three yards outside the penalty area.
17 mins - The Hammers try to respond and win a free-kick down their left. Taylor and Potts work a crossing chance, but again it's too close to Loach and the goalkeeper makes a smart catch low down.
15 mins - GOAL! Emmanuel-Thomas runs at Taylor before passing square to Martin inside the penalty area. O'Neil brings him down with a clumsy challenge and referee Pat Miller blows his whistle and points to the spot. Chopra strolls up and sends Jaaskelainen the wrong way. Ipswich lead.
14 mins - Vaz Te seeks out Taylor with a raking 40-yard pass. The No14 controls and then tries to find Cole in the middle, but his cross bounces too close to Loach, who collects. It's been an open game so far.
11 mins - Cole wins a flick-on to himself before finding Maiga. He gets past Edwards and crosses low, but Chambers clears for a throw. From it, Cole finds Potts, who wins a corner as his cross flicks off Edwards. It comes to nothing initially as Noble's cross is headed clear. Maiga keeps the ball alive and Taylor finds Potts in space. He crosses high towards Maiga, but Smith glances the ball away.
10 mins - Vaz Te shows no ill-effects as he pushes the ball into space behind Cresswell and races forward. Carson tracks his run and makes the sliding challenge to concede a throw. West Ham try to force an opening, but concede a free-kick for a foul instead...
9 mins - Vaz Te is felled inside the centre circle. He has the physio on for a while but is back on again after some treatment.
8 mins - Close again. Emmanuel-Thomas runs at Potts before clipping the pass back to the supporting Edwards. The Trinidad and Tobago man again crosses low and Chopra dummies. The ball hits Collins before the Welshman boots the ball clear.
7 mins - Ipswich come again and this time Collins' tackle is ill-timed. Free-kick. Emmanuel-Thomas fancies this one from just over 25 yards. He steps up and curls his shot a few yards over the top. West Ham have not settled yet.
6 mins - James Collins is back! Ginge wins a header but nods it straight to Luongo. The home fans encourage the Tottenham loanee to shoot. He does, but Collins makes a thunderous block to clear.
4 mins - Ipswich having the majority of possession so far and they work an opening well down their right. Full-back Edwards is a former winger and shows his quality by whipping in a low cross that Chopra meets at the near post. He shoots first-time and the ball flies wide. Decent chance.
2 mins - Maiga is up front with Cole. Vaz Te is playing wide right in a 4-4-2 formation. Taylor is on the left. The rest are set out as you would expect. Reid is playing on the left of the two centre-backs.
3.02pm - O'Neil and Vaz Te get the game underway. The ball goes back to Potts, whose clearance is helped back into the West Ham half by Chopra. Reid heads out for a throw. Low-key start!
3pm - There is a decent crowd inside Portman Road for today's game and they are making some noise as the team lineups are read out. I'm afraid the low stand roof in front of me means I can't see how many West Ham supporters are here!
2.58pm - Here they come. West Ham are in claret and blue shirts, sky blue shorts and claret socks and are captained this afternoon by Mark Noble. Noble is sporting lime green boots, while Gary O'Neil has yellow footwear on. Very flash, but perhaps not as flash as Matt Taylor and Ricardo Vaz Te's PINK boots!
2.55pm - OK, the sun is out after a recent cloudburst and the two teams should be with us soon. I'm looking forward to seeing Maiga in action this afternoon, and of course to seeing the Reid/Collins combination at the heart of the back four. Big Sam will want West Ham to put on a show today, with just a fortnight to go until the big kick-off.
2.50pm - OK, we have the Ipswich lineup and substitutes...
Ipswich Town: Loach, Edwards, Cresswell, Chambers, Smith, Hyam, Carson, Luongo, Emmanuel-Thomas, Martin, Chopra
Subs: Lee-Barrett, Murray, Ainsley, Delaney, Kourouma, Lawrence, Whight
2.15pm - Just to clarify, Kevin Nolan is missing today as he continues his treatment for a minor toe injury, while George McCartney has a slight back problem. Jack Collison is back in full training, but this game has come just too soon for him. James Tomkins and Mohamed Diame are both on Olympic Games duty.
1.55pm - OK, we have the West Ham team news. Modibo Maiga starts, as does James Collins, while there are places on the bench for George Moncur, Sebastian Lletget and Matthias Fanimo. Raphael Spiegel has travelled with the squad for experience, but Stephen Henderson is the substitute goalkeeper.
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, Collins, Potts, O'Neil, Noble, Taylor, Vaz Te, Maiga, Cole
Subs: Henderson, O'Brien, Moncur, Lletget, Fanimo, Maynard
Good afternoon and welcome to Suffolk for today's pre-season match between npower Championship side Ipswich Town and West Ham United.
The Hammers have ventured up the A12 for their penultimate pre-season fixture ahead of the new Barclays Premier League season, which begins with the visit of Aston Villa to the Boleyn Ground on Saturday 18 August. Don't forget that tickets are selling fast for the season opener - to make sure of your seat, buy a Season Ticket or match ticket today!
Manager Sam Allardyce and his players will be determined to get one over the Tractor Boys after suffering home and away defeats by Paul Jewell's team last season - including a shock 5-1 reverse here at Portman Road in January.
Big Sam has a squad combining youth and experience at his disposal, with new signings Modibo Maiga and Raphael Spiegel hoping to make their maiden first-team appearances on UK soil. The manager has also included young professionals Dan Potts, George Moncur and Sebastian Lletget in his squad in the absence of the injured George McCartney and Kevin Nolan and Jack Collison, who has only recently returned to full training.
For the hosts, former West Ham Academy player Jimmy Bullard needs no introduction to Hammers fans, while Ipswich will also have new signings Scott Loach and Luke Chambers on duty.Chambers, you might remember, scored an own-goal for West Ham in their 4-1 win at Nottingham Forest last August!
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Difficult day for Demel
WHUFC.com
Guy Demel knows there is hard work to be done after a disappointing pre-season defeat at Ipswich Town
04.08.2012
Guy Demel admitted West Ham United did not perform well enough in Saturday's 3-1 pre-season defeat at Ipswich Town. Employing an experimental 4-4-2 formation, the Hammers started slowly at Portman Road and found themselves two goals down to the npower Championship side within the opening 20 minutes. The first was a Michael Chopra penalty, while the second saw an unmarked Luke Chambers head in Lee Martin's free-kick. West Ham did improve after half-time and Matt Taylor halved the deficit, but Ipswich added a late third when Jason Scotland took advantage of another mistake to fire into the far corner. Demel, who completed a full 90 minutes at right-back, conceded that the Hammers had not deserved anything from the game. However, he told West Ham TV that he is confident the squad will have ironed out any deficiencies come the big Barclays Premier League kick-off against Aston Villa on 18 August. "I think we took the game seriously but we didn't play well early in the game and we conceded two goals," said the Ivorian. "After that, it was difficult for us to come back because Ipswich played with confidence. It was hard for us to get the ball and to play our football. "There are a lot of things we can learn from this game. They were bad things for us, but even if it wasn't nice and we weren't happy with the result, it was better that it happened now because we can work hard over the next two weeks to prepare for the Premier League."
The players will be back on the training pitch at Chadwell Heath on Sunday morning before flying to Portugal early next week for their final pre-season fixture. West Ham take on UEFA Champions League qualifiers SC Braga in Portugal on Friday night and Demel believes the match will be vital in shaping the team's preparations for the season ahead. In short, the No20 said they could not afford to repeate the mistakes made against Ipswich against opposition as good as Braga. "I think this will be most important game of our pre-season because it is the last game. We have played some good and bad games in pre-season, but in this one there will be no excuse because it is the last one before we play Aston Villa in the Premier League. "We must be at 100 per cent physically and mentally. This game will give us more information about how well we are and where we will be at the start of the season."
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Dev Squad too strong for Dons
WHUFC.com
The development squad were impressive winners on Saturday against AFC Wimbledon
04.08.2012
The Development Squad completed a sensational comeback against AFC Wimbledon by coming from 2-0 down to win 4-2 on Saturday afternoon. Freddie Piquionne led the charge - scoring a nine minute hat-trick at the beginning of the second half after a frustrating opening period. Speaking after the game, development squad manager Ian Hendon praised his side for their response after a disappointing start. "We started a little slow and found ourselves two goals down, but after that we responded well and created a host of good opportunities. "We came out second half and took our chances, playing a lot better especially at the back so I'm really pleased with the turnaround."
Hendon stated last week that he wanted to see his side to show more creativity and they did just that with Rob Hall and Blair Turgott both impressing after a spell away with the first team in Germany last week. "I got a lot of the lads back this week who have been away in Germany like Blair and Rob, we also had Jordan Spence in the side today and players like that only add to the strength to my squad. "That showed today playing against a very good team in AFC Wimbledon and getting a few of the older lads back definitely helps," said Hendon. "Last week we had first and second year scholars, we were still quite young today but the lads did very well."
Turgott got the Hammers' final goal, rounding off an exceptionally hard working performance, by holding off left-back Warren Cummings before firing the ball past Steve Collins in the home side's goal. Another player who stood out for the Hammers was keeper Jake Larkin who made a string of impressive stops, much to the delight of his manager. "Jake did exceptionally well today, he made some very good saves in the first half when we were very much up against it. "His distribution up to the front men was also very good as was his kicking; I'm very pleased for him."
Hendon also praised first year scholar Courtney Homan who put in a solid defensive display. "Whilst we're talking about defence I want to mention Courtney who came in as a first year scholar and played extremely well." Freddie Piquionne put in a man of the match performance, and Hendon is hopeful the Frenchman can now kick on as the season unfolds. "Freddie has shown his quality today and I think he would be the first to admit that he hasn't done that enough in recent games, unluckily for Wimbledon they've caught him on a good day."
The development squad will participate in the Barclays Under-21 Premier League this season with a trip to Reading first on the agenda. Hendon is confident that his pre-season preparations will ensure the side are ready to hit the ground running. "Pre-season is all about being fit, ready and motivated for the start of the season and we showed signs today that everything is starting to come together. "I had around eight or nine of my players out on loan at once last year and that won't happen this year. "Some players will leave and they need to in order to gain valuable experience but they will also gain that here now we have fixtures of our own."
Next up for Hendon and his side is a trip to Northampton on Tuesday night before rounding off their pre-season schedule against Dagenham and Redbridge. The development squad will then kick off their league campaign against Reading on the 17 August, which is followed by a trip to Everton and round two of the Capital One Cup.
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Mohsni deal in the balance
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 4th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
Southend United are still considering a bid from West Ham for central defender Bilel Mohsni. The Hammers submitted an offer - thought to be in the region of £150,000 - for the 25-year-old Frenchman earlier today and initial reports suggested that it had been rejected by the League Two club. But according to local press, those reports were premature with Southend still considering West Ham's offer for a player who has just twelve months left on his current contract and who has already signalled a desire to try his luck elsewhere. An unnamed spokesperson for the Shrimpers told the Echo today: "The offer is still being discussed by the football club," adding that "it hasn't been accepted or rejected at this stage."
Meanwhile the player himself added: "At this moment I don't know what is happening, but I think I should find out more over the weekend." The defender, who can also play in attack made his debut in claret and blue at Grays last month before featuring for West Ham at Colchester and then in United's recent tour of Germany.
Speaking last month about his future away from Southend, he said: "I am leaving the club. I don't know where I will sign but I want to play at a higher level."
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Oh no, Momo
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 4th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's new signing Momo Diame could miss the start of the Premier League season after limping off during Senegal's Olympic Games quarter-final defeat against Mexico. The Senegalese captain appeared to suffer a hamstring strain late on in the second half of the match, which the Mexicans eventually won 4-2 after extra time. Having gone in for a challenge close to the half way line, the 25-year-old immediately pulled up sharply clutching his thigh. And just a few minutes later Diame was replaced by Serigne Mbodji as he trudged forlornly down the Wembley tunnel. Diame, who signed for West Ham in June on a free transfer having decided to leave Wigan at the end of last season cpatained his country during all three of their group games at the competition, which saw the Senegalese accrue five points with two draws and a win. Diame's new team mate James Tomkins is in the Great Britain squad which faces Korea in the last Olympic Games quarter final fixture later this evening.
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Ipswich Town 3 West Ham Utd 1
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 4th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham suffered a second successive defeat at Portman Road in 2012 as Sam Allardyce's side were well-beaten by the Championship side. Back in January, West Ham suffered their heaviest defeat of the 2011/12 season when going down 5-1 to the Tractor Boys. And there was further disappointment for Allardyce and his players as they went down 3-1 to a lively Town side in Suffolk this afternoon. Whilst Kevin Nolan and George McCartney, both nursing minor injuries missed today's game - not to mention the absence of Olympians James Tomkins and Momo Diame - there was a welcome recall for James Collins, making his first appearance for the Hammers since returning to the club from Aston Villa.
However the central defender's homecoming was abruptly spoilt with just quarter-of-an-hour on the clock when Michael Chopra put the home side one-up from the penalty spot after Gary O'Neil was adjudged to have felled Lee Martin inside the penalty box. Still shellshocked from going a goal behind, Allardyce's side found themselves two down just four minutes later when Chambers' looping header dropped into the corner of Jussi Jaaskelainen's net. And it was nearly 3-0 just after the restart when Jay Emmanuel-Thomas took advantage of West Ham's defenders backing off to fire an effort inches wide of the post.
With new signing Modibo Maiga, making his first appearance for West Ham on English soil looking lively, West Ham began to get back into the game. However the yw were unable to reduce the deficit before the break and went into half-time two behind. That's how it stayed until 17 minutes from the end of normal time when Matt Taylor scored from long-range to bring West Ham to within a goal of their hosts. However the game was won for Ipswich with just seven minutes remaining when Jason Scotland made it 3-1 from the edge of the box with a curlign effort that left sub 'keeper Stephen Henderson no chance.
The defeat was West Ham's fourth reversal of pre-season following defeats at Austria Wien, Oxford United an Dynamo Dresden. And although pre-season should never be used as a barometer of form for the ensuing league campaign, there may well be some concerns inside the camp tonight at the nature of the defeat - and West Ham's apparent defensive weaknesses.
West Ham Utd: Jaaskelainen (Henderson 79), Reid, Collins, Demel, Potts (O'Brien 46), O'Neil, Noble, Taylor, Vaz Te, Maiga (Maynard 59), Cole.
Subs not used: Moncur, Lletget, Fanimo.
Ipswich Town: Loach, Edwards (Ainsley 61), Chambers, Smith (Delaney 61), Cresswell, Carson, Hyam (Murray 79), Luongo (Kourouma 71), Emmanuel-Thomas (Lawrence 67), Martin (Stevenson 46), Chopra (Scotland 46).
Subs not used: Lee-Barrett, Whight.
Attendance: 7,682 (2,075 away fans)
Pre-Season 2012/13: First team Squad Results
August
Braga v West Ham Utd
Ipswich Town 3-1 West Ham Utd
July
Energie Cottbus 2-2 West Ham Utd
Dynamo Dresden 3-0 West Ham Utd
Rot-Weiß Erfurt 0-3 West Ham Utd
Colchester Utd 1-2 West Ham Utd
Oxford Utd 1-0 West Ham Utd
Southend Utd 0-3 West Ham Utd
Boreham Wood 1-1 West Ham Utd
Austria Wien 3-1 West Ham Utd
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Tractor Boys beat Hammers
Last updated: 4th August 2012
SSN
West Ham suffered a 3-1 defeat at Ipswich Town in their pre-season friendly at Portman Road on Saturday. West Ham, who before Saturday's match at Ipswich had already lost three pre-season friendlies, fell behind after 15 minutes when Michael Chopra netted from the spot. Summer signing from Nottingham Forest Luke Chambers put the hosts two goals up four minutes later with a header. Matt Taylor pulled one back for the visitors after 73 minutes with a long range effort, but Jason Scotland sealed a 3-1 win for the Suffolk side seven minutes from time.
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Hammers' Mohsni bid rejected
Southend snub bid for Frenchman
Last Updated: August 4, 2012 1:01pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands West Ham have had a bid rejected by Southend for Bilel Mohsni. Mohsni has been on trial at West Ham during pre-season as Hammers boss Sam Allardyce casts an eye over the 24-year-old. The defender, who can also play as a striker, has impressed at Roots Hall over the last couple of seasons. Mohsni is thought to have caught the eye in pre-season training and West Ham have tabled an offer in the region of £150,000 for the Frenchman. However, Southend have rejected West Ham's initial offer for Mohsni as they battle to keep hold of the versatile performer. Mohsni has just a year left on his current deal, after Southend took up the 12-month option they had on him at the end of last season.
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Saturday Talking Points
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
* Sam Allardyce is concerned about James Tomkins' match fitness if Stuart Pearce doesn't play him in Olympic matches.
* Crewe, Doncaster and MK Dons are said to want to take Freddie Piquionne on a season long loan. At £38k a week?
* The Salomon Rondon rumours gather pace.He's a Venezuelan striker with Malaga, who has scored 25 in 67 games.
* Similarly, West Ham are said to be scouting Senegal strike Moussa Konate.
* Freddie Sears scored twice for Colchester last night in a 2-2 draw with Derby.
* West Ham play Ipswich at Portman Road in a friendly. Ipswich manager Paul Jewell has told his time "It's time to get nasty". Nice.
* It looks certain that Sam Baldock is off to Bristol City for £500k less than we paid for him last summer. Madness.
* Joey O'Brien has been called up to the Irish national squad for their friendly against Serbia on 15 August.
In July this site had 67,713 absolute unique visitors, 226,157 visitors and 329,629 pageviews. Thanks to all of you who visit to regularly. The number of comments is increasing massively. We're nearly ready to reinstate nested comments. In other news, I'll be interviewing a star West Ham player for the site soon - most probably Carlton Cole. More on that in a few days time.I've also asked to do a feature interview with Karren Brady once the Olympic Stadium bid decision is made. And finally, in a few hours time I am off to the Olympic Stadium to watch the evening's athletics. I can't wait to see what it's like. I'll report back tomorrow. UPDATE: According to Sky Sports Southend have rejected a £150,000 bid for Bilel Mohsni, who has been on trial with the Hammers for the last few weeks. He can play in defence or as
a striker.
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Sag in the bag for Hammers
Published: Today at 01:25
The Sun
WEST HAM lead the race for Evian ace Yannick Sagbo, 24. The frontman said: "I had approaches from Fulham, Wolfsburg and Marseille. "If I must choose it is West Ham."
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KEVIN NOLAN: WE CAN BE TOP-SIX IF MY PAL ANDY CARROLL SIGNS FOR SAM ALLARDYCE
The Daily Star
5th August 2012 By Steve Morgan
WEST HAM skipper Kevin Nolan has told pal Andy Carroll: 'Sign up and turn us into a top-six club'. Nolan reckons the Liverpool striker could be the catalyst for the team to shock the Premier League's big guns. Nolan and manager Sam Allardyce feel that the winning mentality gained in their Championship Play-Off Final promotion will stay with them in the top flight. Outspoken Sam was delighted stars like Carlton Cole stayed to help get the the club back up to the top flight in one season – but admitted it was their fault they had dropped out of the Premier League. Big Sam also feels the way he was treated at Newcastle and Bolton has damaged his reputation as a manager. Nolan said: "I would be delighted if Andy would come and join us here. "I am not too sure whether Brendan Rodgers will let him leave but there is lots of speculation – there always is surrounding Andy. "If there is a chance, we would be in the reckoning for him because he is such a quality player."
Nolan – Sam's former leader at Bolton – reckons his wily boss may shock the league. "I think everyone who has worked with Sam can honestly say he gives you everything he has got and gives you every little bit of detail to make sure you do well. "He is not given the praise for what he has done at clubs he has been at, or complimented for what he has done."
And Big Sam feels that Nolan's year scrapping in the Championship alongside other players like Cole and Mark Noble will have made them all stronger characters.
He said: "Kevin always gets the dressing room pulling in the right direction. "He boosts team spirit, commitment and every year goals have been consistently been part of his game – that is his main asset." Allardyce reckons that his team has the right attitude on and off the pitch with mental strength being a key component of their return. "Losing only eight out of the 49 games and only one in 2012 is why I came to West Ham – to win football matches," he added. "We did the ultimate which was get back into the Premier League the first time around. "I turned it round under very difficult circumstances. "To do that in a ten-month period and win promotion the way we did in the play-offs – that feeling of winning the final at Wembley – was far greater than the feeling if you get automatic promotion."
Sam was delighted Cole and Nolan stayed on reduced wages. He said: "From the financial aspect it was a massive commitment by him and quite a few players like that. "We were very disappointed but at the end of the day they were responsible partly for the club getting relegated in the first place. "Then to accept that responsibility and want to fight to get the club back up is not seen very often today, so they should take credit for that."
Sam is keen to prove himself a top manager again following the sack at Newcastle and Blackburn. He feels it was executives, not performances, which cost him his jobs, and "damaged" his legacy. He said: "It is damaged because someone has sacked you whether you deserved it or not. So that is where I think it damages my reputation, even though it was new owners who sacked me twice, once at Newcastle after six months because I wasn't their man and once at Blackburn when Venky's came in – because again I was not their man. "They have the right to choose whoever they choose, no matter how good or bad you do. "When they don't want you, you've to accept that."
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NEWCASTLE BATTLE WITH WEST HAM TO SIGN SENEGAL SCORING SENSATION MOUSSA KONATE
The Daily STar
5th August 2012 By Clive Hetherington
NEWCASTLE are battling with West Ham in the race to sign Senegal scoring sensation Moussa Konate. Toon boss Alan Pardew is anxious to boost his firepower after failing with an initial bid to take Liverpool striker Andy Carroll back to Tyneside on loan. Pardew, who has seen frontmen Leon Best and Peter Lovenkrands leave this summer, knows the chance to link up with compatriots Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse would appeal to Konate. The Maccabi Tel Aviv star, 19, caught the eye of scouts with four Olympic group-stage goals for Senegal, including the late equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Team GB at Old Trafford. He also scored the goal that rescued a 1-1 draw against the United Arab Emirates. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce, who also wants England international Carroll, has already lodged a £1.5million offer for Konate. And Premier League champions Manchester City, along with Fulham, have been credited with an interest. Pardew is also demanding "more magic'' from his enigmatic star Hatem Ben Arfa. The controversial French playmaker, 25, produced flashes of genius as Newcastle qualified for the Europa League last season.
But Pardew wants greater consistency from Ben Arfa, who hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons this summer. He was warned about his future conduct by the French Football Federation after an alleged bust-up with former France coach Laurent Blanc at the European Championships. And Ben Arfa's father, Kamel, was reportedly involved in a public clash with his agent, Michel Ouazine, outside the disciplinary hearing. Pardew described Ben Arfa's goal in January's FA Cup Third-Round win over Blackburn on Tyneside as "technically the greatest I've ever seen''. He also scored a wonder goal at home to Bolton and Pardew said: "A lot of my players would tell you Hatem has talent they can only dream of. "He just has to bring it to the table. There were games last season where he did – but there were a lot of games where he didn't. "He has to get consistency in his game. It's about how many times he can bring that magic to the pitch. He needs to improve on that."
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West Ham suffer defeat at Ipswich
London24
Dave Evans, West Ham Correspondent
Saturday, August 4, 2012
5:18 PM
Results don't mean much at this stage of pre-season, but West Ham boss Sam Allardyce may well have been a little perturbed by the manner of this defeat at Portman Road this afternoon. While the Hammers were marching back into the Premier League last term, they did lose twice to Ipswich, including an embarrassing 5-1 loss here in January. It was more of the same in this match as the Tractor Boys dominated for long periods and thoroughly deserved their victory against an under-par Hammers side which included James Collins making his first appearance since his signing from Aston Villa this week. Hammers adopted a 4-4-2 formation with new boy Modibo Maiga playing up front alongside Carlton Cole, with Ricardo Vaz Te on the right and Matt Taylor on the left. But it did not seem to be an effective plan as Ipswich took full advantage of the extra room in the middle of the park to take control. It was certainly Ipswich who started the brighter and in the fourth minute they went close to taking the lead when Michael Chopra met a low cross from the right, only to shoot inches wide. On 15 minutes they did get in front. Just as West Ham had begun to take some semblance of control, Ipswich went up the other end where Gary O'Neil upended the tricky Lee Martin for an obvious penalty. Chopra stepped up and made no mistake from the spot, sending Jussi Jaaskelainen the wrong way. Four minutes later it was 2-0 as West Ham conceded a free kick on the right hand side. Martin stroked the ball into the box and Luke Chambers was there to head the ball back into the far corner.
It could have been three on 22 minutes when Jay-Emmanuel Thomas cut inside as West Ham failed to close him down, only for his scuffed shot to slip inches wide with Jaaskelainen struggling to reach it. Mali international striker Maiga attempted to haul the Hammers back into the game with an ambitious shot on 31 minutes, but his effort, though powerful, flew high and wide of Scott Loach's goal as the Hammers failed to make an impression in a very disappointing first half.
Manager Sam Allardyce opted to change the formation for the second half with Maiga switching to the left side in a 4-3-3 formation and it seemed to have the desired effect as West Ham got back into the game. Vaz Te forced a decent save from Loach on 57 minutes with a shot from the edge of the box, while Taylor began to cause problems with his deliveries from the left hand side. West Ham continued to press in the second half and they were rewarded on 73 minutes. Nicky Maynard played in Taylor on the edge of the box and he swung a left-foot shot which hit the post and flew into the net to make it 2-1. Taylor came close again 10 minutes later when he met Guy Demel's cross with a header that went across the goal and slipped inches wide. But on 83 minutes, Ipswich secured their deserved victory when Jason Scotland stormed forward before curling a shot from outside the box into the far corner. Maynard almost set-up Vaz Te for a consolation in injury time, only for Loach to save his shot, but it was already too late for the Hammers who have just one more friendly before they kick-off their Premier League campaign against Aston Villa at Upton Park on August 18.
West Ham: Jaaskelainen (Henderson 79), Demel, Potts (O'Brien h/t), Collins, Reid, O'Neil (Moncur 77), Noble, Taylor, Vaz Te, Maiga (Maynard 62), Cole (Fanimo 74). Sub not used: Lletget,
Attendance: 7,682
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Piquionne blasts 10-minute hat-trick as West Ham XI stun AFC Wimbledon
London Echo
by Tom Moore, at the Cherry Red Records Stadium
Saturday, August 4, 2012
4:50 PM
Pre-Season Friendly: AFC Wimbledon 2 West Ham United 4
West Ham striker Freddie Piquionne scored a 10 minute hat-trick to inspire a wonderful comeback against AFC Wimbledon. The Frenchman danced through the Dons defence for his first then scored his second from the spot. His third was the best of the lot as he fired an unstoppable long-range shot past Dons goalkeeper Steve Collis. The south-west Londoners had taken a two goal lead going into half-time with AFC Wimbledon made the better start and Hammers goalkeeper Jake Larkins had to be alert straight away, making two quick saves. The east Londoners started to gain a foothold in the game and Louis Harris had to be alert to stop Rob Hall's cross. Luke Moore gave the Dons the lead with a powerful shot that Larkins couldn't do anything about. The Hammers looked to come back into the game with Bilel Moshni forcing Collis into an excellent save. Freddie Piquionne then forced the Dons stopper into another good save. Brendan Kiernan then stung the palms of Larkins with a free kick that looked destined for the bottom corner. AFC Wimbledon made it 2-0 with 10 minutes of the first half remaining The two Moores combined and Luke was the goalscorer, lifting it over Larkins. Whatever Ian Hendon said at half time worked as came from two goals down to lead 3-2 within 10 minutes after the restart, with Piquionne dancing through the Dons defenders and firing home at the near post for their first. The Hammers were then awarded a 52nd minute penalty for holding in the box and Piquionne sent Collis the wrong way. Hall then should have given the Irons the lead when he went clean through but could only fire high and wide.
Piquionne then gave West Ham the lead, completing his hat-trick in less than 10 minutes, with a cracking finish from the edge of the area, leaving Collis no chance.
AFC Wimbledon looked to equalise but with the match entering the final 10 minutes, the Hammers had their fourth. Blair Turgottt tricked his way through the Dons defence and fired a low shot past Seb Brown. Piquionne was withdrawn with 10 minutes remaining and was replaced by Dylan Tombides. The final few minutes saw players from both sides go down with knocks and it was the Hammers that emerged victorious when the final whistle blew.
AFC Wimbledon: Collis (Brown 67), Osano (Fenlon 30), Cummings, Harris, Balkestein (Mitchel-King 45), MacDonald, Long, L. Moore (Midson 60), Strutton (Merrifield 60), Kiernan (Bor 89), S. Moore (Sweeney 90).
West Ham: Larkins, Spence, Homans, Powell, Mohsni, Wearen, Turgott, Vose (Miles 82), Puquionne (Tombides 82), McCallum (Makasi 89), Hall (Onariase 89).
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, August 5
Saturday, August 4
Daily WHUFC News - 4th August 2012
Big Sam targeting Ipswich victory
WHUFC.com
Big Sam is looking for a positive performance and result at Portman Road on
Saturday
03.08.2012
Sam Allardyce is looking forward to banishing some bad memories when West
Ham United travel to Ipswich Town on Saturday. The Tractor Boys were one of
only two teams to beat the Hammers home and away in the npower Championship
last season and Big Sam is eager to get one back over old adversary Paul
Jewell at Portman Road. The trip to Suffolk could see Modibo Maiga make his
first appearance on British soil, while James Collins has also been included
in the squad after rejoining the Hammers from Aston Villa. A third new name
in Big Sam's squad is teenage goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel, who will travel as
back-up to Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson for valuable first-team
experience. With just two more pre-season fixtures to play between now and
the big Barclays Premier League kick-off at home to Aston Villa - the other
being at SC Braga on Friday 10 August - the manager is getting closer to
knowing who his starting XI will be on Saturday 18 August. "It's not about
revenge but it's about us getting to our level now," he told West Ham TV.
"It's about making sure we give 100 per cent effort for the maximum amount
of time in the game and hopefully the lads will be able to do that for the
whole 90 minutes. "I'm expecting them to be able to reach as near to peak
fitness as they can possibly get at this stage and then it's a small top-up
before the start of the season. As I've said before, we've got to hit the
ground running and be at 100 per cent and that will give us an opportunity
to get off to a good start in the Barclays Premier League. "The level of
fitness will be all-important, as will the team shape and how the team plays
which will be very important as well. We need to make sure we win the game
and do the right things to win the game - in possession to try and score a
goal and out of possession to work very, very to stop the opposition from
scoring. "If we come away with a win and a clean sheet it means we're
starting to get things right and anything less than that will mean there is
plenty of work to be done."
One player who Big Sam is looking forward to seeing in a West Ham shirt is
Collins, who arrived from Aston Villa in midweek. "Every signing is a worry
for a manager, but there is little to worry about from James's career with
West Ham and Aston Villa and I think his experience of the Premier League is
very important.
"He is only 28 and is in the prime of his career and he was desperate to
come back. That, for me, was another sign and we want to see his solid,
committed defensive performances that the fans know from when he was here
before and him notch a few goals at the other end off set plays. "He's
exactly what you need in the Premier League - an aggressive, good central
defender - and I'm looking forward to working with him."
However, the manager will have to make do without Olympians James Tomkins
and Mohamed Diame as well as the injured Kevin Nolan (toe) and George
McCartney (sciatic nerve), while Jack Collison has recently returned to full
training. "Jack is still not with us as he's still recovering from the end
of last season," Big Sam confirmed. "Unfortunately it's taken a lot longer
than we thought it would and he's only just started training again. "Momo
and James are away on international duty at the Olympics. Momo is doing
fantastically well and I watched him play for Senegal against UAE at
Coventry on Wednesday and he looked a very good player. James is not playing
for Team GB very much - he's only started one game so far - which is a big
concern to me because he won't come back match-fit, which is what we
expected him to do. "It'll be interesting to see the other guys and how good
they are. Hopefully they'll do the good things and beat Ipswich."
*Tickets for Saturday's 3pm kick-off are still available and will also be on
sale on the day from the Cobbold Stand Ticket Office at Portman Road, priced
at £15 for Adults, £10 for Over-65s and Under-20s and £3 for Under-16s. For
full details, click here.
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Join the Supporter Advisory Board!
WHUFC.com
You can shape the future of West Ham United by setting the agenda for the
things that matter most
03.08.2012
If you want to help to shape the future of your Football Club, then there is
no better way than to join the West Ham United Supporter Advisory Board
(SAB). In line with the club's policy of listening to those who matter most,
the SAB was originally set-up last season to give fans the opportunity to
have their say on the Hammers.
Launched in May 2011, the SAB gives supporters a meangingful voice on the
following topics, plus much, much more:
· Retail - kit design and merchandise
· Marketing - branding and emails
· Media - online and publications
· Ticketing - season tickets and membership
· Matchday experience - everything related to the big game
SAB members will also have the opportunity to meet the people that make the
big decisions at the club, including Board members and first-team management
and players.
It is your West Ham United. You set the agenda for the things that matter
most to you. The existing SAB members will continue their important role
during the 2012/13 season, but the club is eager to open the opportunity up
to new members to ensure a fully representative cross-section of the
supporter base. The club would welcome those who have plenty to say. All
input is welcome, providing it is constructive and aimed at improving the
lot of all Hammers fans. Applications from all walks of life, whatever the
gender or age, are wanted, including international members. The only two
criteria is that you must support the club and must have a relationship with
the club, whether that be a Season Ticket holder or Academy member. Key
personnel from the club will be made available to address all areas covered
by the SAB. Those interested in joining the SAB must potentially be
available to attend quarterly meetings and be regularly contactable via
email/phone. The selection process will take into account each individual's
application and the overall balance of the Board. To get involved, fans must
be nominated by five others who are not related and also have a Season
Ticket or Academy membership.
This is a genuine opportunity for fans to influence the key decisions that
will shape the future of West Ham United.
Anyone interested should download an application form here and send it in by
Friday 17 August 2012 . Completed forms should be posted to Esha Chopra,
West Ham United, Boleyn Ground, Green Street, London, E13 9AZ.
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Dev Squad ready for Dons
WHUFC.com
Ian Hendon's Development Squad look to bounce back at to winning ways at AFC
Wimbledon
02.08.2012
Ian Hendon's Development Squad travel to AFC Wimbledon on Saturday as they
continue to build for the upcoming Barclays Under-21 Premier League season.
Last weekend saw Hendon's side defeated 1-0 at Welling United, but the coach
is eager and confident that his players will bounce back to winning ways
against their npower League Two opponents. Hendon will have a strong squad
at his disposal, with the likes of Jordan Spence, Rob Hall and Blair Turgott
all set to feature at Kingsmeadow. "It will be a good game against a good
team," said Hendon. "They did very well in League Two last year, especially
considering it was their first year in the division. "I saw a lot of them
last year as they had George (Moncur) on loan, they are a good, solid side
and it will be the toughest game we have faced."
Turgott and Hall both linked up with the first team during their pre-season
tour of Germany, and Hendon believes their promotion will provide the whole
team with an incentive to do likewise during the upcoming season. "It
provides a massive boost, not just to the players who travelled but also to
those who didn't as ultimately it's where they all want to be. "It gives
them a great experience in being around professionals and learning from them
in terms of how they train and play the game."
Hendon was without a recognised striker during last weekend's defeat at
Welling, but the likes of Hall, Paul McCallum and Frederic Piquionne should
provide more firepower this time around. "Last week was difficult as we were
without a recognised forward, but we're in better shape this weekend. It's a
great pitch at Wimbledon and hopefully we will be able to pick up a more
positive result than in previous weeks to match our overall performances."
In the light of the recent defeats at Dartford and Welling, Hendon is
demanding defensive improvements against the Dons, who could feature
one-time West Ham centre-back Callum McNaughton. "Last week we were too
casual defensively, but we've been working hard this week to make sure it
doesn't happen again. "We've looked over some video footage to see where we
need to improve, and have put the hours and effort in at the training ground
so I'm sure we will see an improvement."
The trip to AFC Wimbledon will be preceded by a testimonial match for Dons
first-team coach Simon Bassey at 12.45pm featuring a host of Wimbledon
legends. Tickets are priced at £12 for Adults, £8 for Concessions and £4 for
Under-16s and can purchased on the day at Kingsmeadow.
Following Saturday's fixture, the Development Squad will travel to
Northampton Town on Tuesday evening (7.45pm kick-off) before completing
their pre-season schedule at Dagenham and Redbridge on Saturday 11 August
(3pm kick-off). Hendon's squad open their Barclays Under-21 Premier League
campaign at home to Reading at Rush Green Stadium on Friday 17 August at
7pm.
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Mixed start for U18s
WHUFC.com
Nick Haycock's youth team won one and lost one on the opening day of a
tournament in Belgium
03.08.2012
West Ham United Under-18s recorded a victory and a defeat on the opening day
of the Yale Eurofoot Tournoi in Belgium. The three-day competition has
attracted a host of top clubs from across Europe and beyond, with Tottenham
Hotspur, Belgian giants Anderlecht and Club Brugge and Croatian side Hajduk
Split among those taking part. West Ham were drawn in Group A alongside AA
Gent, Cercle Brugge, Anderlecht, Hajduk Split and Danish club Nordsjaelland
at the tournament, which is taking place in Oostduinkerke. On Friday, Nick
Haycock's side began their challenge with a 2-0 win over Cercle Brugge, with
Elliot Lee and Jamie Harney scoring the goals. However, the Hammers' second
fixture saw them slip to defeat by an identical scoreline to Nordsjaelland.
"We played well in both matches and, on another day, could have recorded two
victories but overall I was very pleased with the way we started the
tournament," confirmed Haycock. "Against Cercle Brugge we fully deserved our
victory. Elliot scored the first goal by intercepting a pass and lashing a
shot into the bottom corner before Jamie volleyed in from a superb
in-swinging corner from Nathan Mavila. "Elliot and Leo Chambers were the
pick of our players, while there was also a good commanding performance from
our goalkeeper Sam Baxter. Sam didn't have much to do, but he kicked well
from the back and put in a good, solid display. "In our second game, we lost
2-0 against a Danish team who were a lot older and stronger than us - most
of their players were U19s whereas most of ours are U17s with a smattering
of U18s. They won the physical battle, but they certainly didn't outplay us.
"We played well enough to win but a couple of defensive mistakes cost us.
Again, Leo and Elliot were our standout players, while first-year scholar
Ben Marlow did well in the centre of the midfield."
Haycock said the trip would help him and the coaching staff assess the
youngsters' professionalism on and off the pitch. "It is a lovely set-up
here and the hotel is superb. The boys are in good spirits and they could
easily have come away with two wins from the opening day of the tournament.
We play Gent, Anderlecht and Hajduk Split on Saturday to see which knockout
section we go into on Sunday. "The good thing for me is that we get to see
how the boys prepare and how they recover from playing matches, as well as
the way they get over making mistakes that they have made. "We see how
professional they are 24-hours-a-day which is something that is vitally
important if they are going to take the next step towards first-team
football."
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Robins close on Baldock
McInnes hopes to seal striker deal
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
August 3, 2012 11:32am
SSN
Sky Sports understands Bristol City are closing in on a deal for West Ham
striker Sam Baldock. City are thought to have agreed a fee with West Ham for
the 23-year-old and are hoping to persuade him to move to Ashton Gate. A
number of other clubs, including Charlton, are believed to be keeping tabs
on Baldock's situation, but Bristol City are in pole position to land the
former MK Dons hit-man. Baldock, who joined West Ham last summer, scored
five goals in his first nine games for the Hammers, but saw his first-team
opportunities dry up in the second half of the season. West Ham are prepared
to offload Baldock with Hammers boss Sam Allardyce having a wealth of
options in attack. Robins boss Derek McInnes has made Baldock his top target
as he looks to bring in a new striker ahead of the new season and is hopeful
of tying up a deal for the talented forward.
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Jussi Seems Set To Be The No 1 Goalkeeper
By Iain Dale
West Hma Till I Die
There's a six minute video interview with Sam Allardyce and Kevin Nolan on
the Premier League website. It seems clear from this that Jussi will be the
Number One goalkeeper. By all accounts neither he nor Stephen Henderson have
looked that impressive so far. Are we really to put a trust in a goalkeeper
who only played 18 times last season and couldn't maintain his place in a
relegated side? Don't get me wrong, Jussi has been a fantastic goalkeeper
for Bolton down the years, but his best days are way behind him. West Ham
(Allen McKnight excepted) have invariably had a fantastic goalkeeper between
the sticks. And we will need one next season. Are we really confident we
have one?
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Big Sam in James Games pain
Published: Today at 00:15
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE is getting frustrated at James Tomkins' lack of Olympics
action. West Ham centre-back Tomkins started just one of Team GB's group
games, the 3-1 victory over UAE. He is set to be on the bench again for
today's quarter-final with South Korea. Hammers boss Allardyce said: "James
isn't playing very much which is a big concern as we expected him to come
back to us match-fit."
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My Club: Kriss Akabusi
The Sun
EXCLUSIVE By TOM BARCLAY
Published: Today at 00:15
IF Andy Carroll does not want to sign West Ham, then West Ham don't want
Andy Carroll. That's according to British athletics legend and diehard Irons
fans Kriss Akabusi, who feels the massive money Sam Allardyce is willing to
pay for the Geordie striker could be better spent elsewhere. SunSport caught
up with the former 400m runner for an exclusive chat on his beloved club,
from his thoughts on the move to Olympic Stadium to sneaking into Upton Park
as a youngster.
TB: Why are you a West Ham fan?
KA: When I was a little boy in 1969, I was on holiday and I went into this
caravan which was decorated in claret and blue. One of the pictures I saw on
the wall was of Clive Best, who was a black player who played for West Ham.
People might not be able to believe it today but back then there were very
few black players in the First Division. So straight away I changed my
allegiance from Liverpool – who I only picked because they were top of the
league – and became West Ham United from then on.
What are your memories from your first game?
I can't because what we used to be able to do is go to Upton Park, wait for
about 20 minutes after kick-off and then sneak in. I can't even remember my
first official game! I didn't start paying to go to games until I joined the
army.
Who was your all-time favourite player?
Billy Bonds. He rolled down his socks, literally, and bossed the midfield.
He was an aggressive, all-action player who didn't score many goals, but he
had that no-nonsense, East End style. He put in crunching tackles and was
our Norman Hunter, our Billy Bremner. He epitomised the East End of London –
'Roll your sleeves up, son, let's get on with it'.
Do you get down to Upton Park much these days?
I'm a season-ticket holder – I do pay for my ticket now!
Are you excited about the move to the Olympic Stadium?
It's definite progress. When West Ham first started, they played in the park
and it was all pies and mash, then walk back home in 1895. Then they moved
to what people call Upton Park – the Boleyn Ground – and there the progress
has continued.
But I was at the Olympic Stadium for the opening ceremony at London 2012 and
I saw how intimate that stadium can be. With retractable seating, reduced
numbers and a raising of the pitch, that is going to be a magnificent
stadium. In 10-15 years, no one will be talking about Upton Park. It will be
a privilege to call it home.
Will West Ham be able to fill it out though?
They will because we will become the West Ham of 1986. We'll be a top-tier
side. Slowly but surely we'll build towards it. We're a stone's throw away
from Canary Wharf – when we move to the Olympic Stadium we'll be the natural
club for all the banking money. It won't be overnight, but in that setting,
we'll grow, for sure.
The Hammers are back in the top flight now. What are your targets for this
season?
Staying up, of course. I don't want to be biting my nails on the last day of
the season wondering if we'll be going down or not. We need to aim for 40
points past February.
West Ham will have to get used to the long-ball game that Sam Allardyce
prefers, and if it keeps us up, I won't be complaining.
Would you be satisfied with that style of football in the long term?
Sam does say he can be flexible and that he has plans A, B and C. If we can
become like the Bolton of old that was a top 10 team for two or three years,
eventually we will get better players and a better system.
You have faith in Allardyce then?
I do. We'll get there in the end. One thing you do know is that in 10-15
years, Sam Allardyce will not be at West Ham – but I'm a Hammer for life.
Sam has a job to do and eventually someone else will come in to replace him.
Managers come and go but the team will always be there.
Alan Pardew had a wonderful season with Newcastle last year. Do you have any
regrets that he left West Ham?
Pardew plays a gutsy type of football. When he was with us, he got the
players stoked up and we had a terrific cup run. But he can get found out as
well. So it wouldn't surprise me if Newcastle struggle this season but then
it wouldn't surprise me if they finish in the top three!
One former Toon player that you are in the market for is Andy Carroll. What
are your thoughts on the Liverpool striker?
If he doesn't want to come to us, I don't want him either. He's not good
enough to worry about. I can understand Carroll in Sam's team – he would be
the big bustling forward that provides the knock-downs for the likes of Sam
Baldock, Ricardo Vaz Te and Kevin Nolan. But I can think of a lot of better
players for £80,000 a week.
I'm worried about paying someone that kind of money who doesn't want to be
there. It could unsettle the side with people like Mark Noble and James
Tomkins, who are great workhorses, thinking, 'How can this kid be on twice
as much as I am?'
Where would you like to add to the squad this summer?
What West Ham really miss is the guy who scores 20 goals a year. Carlton
Cole has lovely feet but you need someone who is going to score a goal every
other game.
If it were me, I would go and get Kenwyne Jones for a couple of million and
pay him £30,000 a week to play in the Kevin Davies role. Then you spend
£50,000 a week on someone who will bag you 15-20 goals – someone like
Jermain Defoe. Love him or loathe him, that boy is greedy and will score
goals. For the money you're paying for Carroll, you could get Jones and
Defoe. The other strikers would chip in and it would be, 'Well done West
Ham, you're safe by February'.
Did you ever fancy yourself as a footballer?
What school boy doesn't?
Which modern-day player was your style most like?
I wanted to be a striker when I was younger but really my style suited a
full-back, so someone like Ashley Cole.
If I were advising the young Akabusi, I would have told him to forget about
playing centre-forward and focus on full-back. I had a great engine, could
use both feet, cross a ball and wasn't scared of a tackle.
If you were the West Ham chairman, what would you do?
I would bring in Jones and Defoe, then work really hard at getting Joe Cole
back. I would say to him, 'You're not a striker, son, you're my midfield
wizard – you're going to play central midfield and you're going to create
the ammunition'.
I would have an upfront, diplomatic conversation with Allardyce and tell him
that I wasn't sure he was the man for us in the long term, but he is the man
for now. I would tell him that he will be paid well to make West Ham a top
third side, like an Everton. Eventually, I might look elsewhere to get where
I want to go, unless he could prove that he deserves to stay.
I would have an honest conversation with the fans and tell them I'm in it
for the legacy, not the money, so get behind me.
One thing I wouldn't do, which our chairmen have a habit of doing, is
interfere with the manager. I would not come down and talk to the players
and would not make ridiculous statements to the Press on what we're going to
achieve. You have to let people do their jobs.
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TEAM NEWS: West Ham expected to parade new signings at both ends of Portman
Road against Ipswich Town
The GreenUn
By Dave Gooderham
Friday, August 3, 2012
3:41 PM
Ipswich v West Ham: Big-money signings Modibo Maiga and James Collins are
expected to make their West Ham debuts on home soil when the Premier League
newcomers meet Ipswich Town in the Blues' showcase summer friendly. While an
ambitious loan move for England striker Andy Carroll has currently stalled,
Mali international Maiga, a £4.7 million signing from Sochaux, is expected
to lead the line. At the back for the Hammers, Collins could be in the heart
of the defence just days after completing his return to Upton Park on a £2.5
million move from Aston Villa. Fellow new signing Jussi Jaaskelainen, a free
transfer from Bolton Wanderers in place of Rob Green, and Stephen Henderson
wiil vie for the goalkeeper's jersey.
West Ham, who beat Colchester United 2-1 at the end of last month, could
start with a 4-3-3 formation with Nicky Maynard impressing lately in an
unfamiliar wide role. One striker who might miss out on the trip is Sam
Baldock with rumours abound that the Ipswich target is close to agreeing a
£1.5 million switch to divisional rivals Bristol City. Hammers boss Sam
Allardyce will have to make do without Olympic duo James Tomkins and Mohamed
Diame as well as the injured Kevin Nolan (toe) and George McCartney (sciatic
nerve), while Jack Collison has recently returned to full training.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Big Sam is looking for a positive performance and result at Portman Road on
Saturday
03.08.2012
Sam Allardyce is looking forward to banishing some bad memories when West
Ham United travel to Ipswich Town on Saturday. The Tractor Boys were one of
only two teams to beat the Hammers home and away in the npower Championship
last season and Big Sam is eager to get one back over old adversary Paul
Jewell at Portman Road. The trip to Suffolk could see Modibo Maiga make his
first appearance on British soil, while James Collins has also been included
in the squad after rejoining the Hammers from Aston Villa. A third new name
in Big Sam's squad is teenage goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel, who will travel as
back-up to Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson for valuable first-team
experience. With just two more pre-season fixtures to play between now and
the big Barclays Premier League kick-off at home to Aston Villa - the other
being at SC Braga on Friday 10 August - the manager is getting closer to
knowing who his starting XI will be on Saturday 18 August. "It's not about
revenge but it's about us getting to our level now," he told West Ham TV.
"It's about making sure we give 100 per cent effort for the maximum amount
of time in the game and hopefully the lads will be able to do that for the
whole 90 minutes. "I'm expecting them to be able to reach as near to peak
fitness as they can possibly get at this stage and then it's a small top-up
before the start of the season. As I've said before, we've got to hit the
ground running and be at 100 per cent and that will give us an opportunity
to get off to a good start in the Barclays Premier League. "The level of
fitness will be all-important, as will the team shape and how the team plays
which will be very important as well. We need to make sure we win the game
and do the right things to win the game - in possession to try and score a
goal and out of possession to work very, very to stop the opposition from
scoring. "If we come away with a win and a clean sheet it means we're
starting to get things right and anything less than that will mean there is
plenty of work to be done."
One player who Big Sam is looking forward to seeing in a West Ham shirt is
Collins, who arrived from Aston Villa in midweek. "Every signing is a worry
for a manager, but there is little to worry about from James's career with
West Ham and Aston Villa and I think his experience of the Premier League is
very important.
"He is only 28 and is in the prime of his career and he was desperate to
come back. That, for me, was another sign and we want to see his solid,
committed defensive performances that the fans know from when he was here
before and him notch a few goals at the other end off set plays. "He's
exactly what you need in the Premier League - an aggressive, good central
defender - and I'm looking forward to working with him."
However, the manager will have to make do without Olympians James Tomkins
and Mohamed Diame as well as the injured Kevin Nolan (toe) and George
McCartney (sciatic nerve), while Jack Collison has recently returned to full
training. "Jack is still not with us as he's still recovering from the end
of last season," Big Sam confirmed. "Unfortunately it's taken a lot longer
than we thought it would and he's only just started training again. "Momo
and James are away on international duty at the Olympics. Momo is doing
fantastically well and I watched him play for Senegal against UAE at
Coventry on Wednesday and he looked a very good player. James is not playing
for Team GB very much - he's only started one game so far - which is a big
concern to me because he won't come back match-fit, which is what we
expected him to do. "It'll be interesting to see the other guys and how good
they are. Hopefully they'll do the good things and beat Ipswich."
*Tickets for Saturday's 3pm kick-off are still available and will also be on
sale on the day from the Cobbold Stand Ticket Office at Portman Road, priced
at £15 for Adults, £10 for Over-65s and Under-20s and £3 for Under-16s. For
full details, click here.
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Join the Supporter Advisory Board!
WHUFC.com
You can shape the future of West Ham United by setting the agenda for the
things that matter most
03.08.2012
If you want to help to shape the future of your Football Club, then there is
no better way than to join the West Ham United Supporter Advisory Board
(SAB). In line with the club's policy of listening to those who matter most,
the SAB was originally set-up last season to give fans the opportunity to
have their say on the Hammers.
Launched in May 2011, the SAB gives supporters a meangingful voice on the
following topics, plus much, much more:
· Retail - kit design and merchandise
· Marketing - branding and emails
· Media - online and publications
· Ticketing - season tickets and membership
· Matchday experience - everything related to the big game
SAB members will also have the opportunity to meet the people that make the
big decisions at the club, including Board members and first-team management
and players.
It is your West Ham United. You set the agenda for the things that matter
most to you. The existing SAB members will continue their important role
during the 2012/13 season, but the club is eager to open the opportunity up
to new members to ensure a fully representative cross-section of the
supporter base. The club would welcome those who have plenty to say. All
input is welcome, providing it is constructive and aimed at improving the
lot of all Hammers fans. Applications from all walks of life, whatever the
gender or age, are wanted, including international members. The only two
criteria is that you must support the club and must have a relationship with
the club, whether that be a Season Ticket holder or Academy member. Key
personnel from the club will be made available to address all areas covered
by the SAB. Those interested in joining the SAB must potentially be
available to attend quarterly meetings and be regularly contactable via
email/phone. The selection process will take into account each individual's
application and the overall balance of the Board. To get involved, fans must
be nominated by five others who are not related and also have a Season
Ticket or Academy membership.
This is a genuine opportunity for fans to influence the key decisions that
will shape the future of West Ham United.
Anyone interested should download an application form here and send it in by
Friday 17 August 2012 . Completed forms should be posted to Esha Chopra,
West Ham United, Boleyn Ground, Green Street, London, E13 9AZ.
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Dev Squad ready for Dons
WHUFC.com
Ian Hendon's Development Squad look to bounce back at to winning ways at AFC
Wimbledon
02.08.2012
Ian Hendon's Development Squad travel to AFC Wimbledon on Saturday as they
continue to build for the upcoming Barclays Under-21 Premier League season.
Last weekend saw Hendon's side defeated 1-0 at Welling United, but the coach
is eager and confident that his players will bounce back to winning ways
against their npower League Two opponents. Hendon will have a strong squad
at his disposal, with the likes of Jordan Spence, Rob Hall and Blair Turgott
all set to feature at Kingsmeadow. "It will be a good game against a good
team," said Hendon. "They did very well in League Two last year, especially
considering it was their first year in the division. "I saw a lot of them
last year as they had George (Moncur) on loan, they are a good, solid side
and it will be the toughest game we have faced."
Turgott and Hall both linked up with the first team during their pre-season
tour of Germany, and Hendon believes their promotion will provide the whole
team with an incentive to do likewise during the upcoming season. "It
provides a massive boost, not just to the players who travelled but also to
those who didn't as ultimately it's where they all want to be. "It gives
them a great experience in being around professionals and learning from them
in terms of how they train and play the game."
Hendon was without a recognised striker during last weekend's defeat at
Welling, but the likes of Hall, Paul McCallum and Frederic Piquionne should
provide more firepower this time around. "Last week was difficult as we were
without a recognised forward, but we're in better shape this weekend. It's a
great pitch at Wimbledon and hopefully we will be able to pick up a more
positive result than in previous weeks to match our overall performances."
In the light of the recent defeats at Dartford and Welling, Hendon is
demanding defensive improvements against the Dons, who could feature
one-time West Ham centre-back Callum McNaughton. "Last week we were too
casual defensively, but we've been working hard this week to make sure it
doesn't happen again. "We've looked over some video footage to see where we
need to improve, and have put the hours and effort in at the training ground
so I'm sure we will see an improvement."
The trip to AFC Wimbledon will be preceded by a testimonial match for Dons
first-team coach Simon Bassey at 12.45pm featuring a host of Wimbledon
legends. Tickets are priced at £12 for Adults, £8 for Concessions and £4 for
Under-16s and can purchased on the day at Kingsmeadow.
Following Saturday's fixture, the Development Squad will travel to
Northampton Town on Tuesday evening (7.45pm kick-off) before completing
their pre-season schedule at Dagenham and Redbridge on Saturday 11 August
(3pm kick-off). Hendon's squad open their Barclays Under-21 Premier League
campaign at home to Reading at Rush Green Stadium on Friday 17 August at
7pm.
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Mixed start for U18s
WHUFC.com
Nick Haycock's youth team won one and lost one on the opening day of a
tournament in Belgium
03.08.2012
West Ham United Under-18s recorded a victory and a defeat on the opening day
of the Yale Eurofoot Tournoi in Belgium. The three-day competition has
attracted a host of top clubs from across Europe and beyond, with Tottenham
Hotspur, Belgian giants Anderlecht and Club Brugge and Croatian side Hajduk
Split among those taking part. West Ham were drawn in Group A alongside AA
Gent, Cercle Brugge, Anderlecht, Hajduk Split and Danish club Nordsjaelland
at the tournament, which is taking place in Oostduinkerke. On Friday, Nick
Haycock's side began their challenge with a 2-0 win over Cercle Brugge, with
Elliot Lee and Jamie Harney scoring the goals. However, the Hammers' second
fixture saw them slip to defeat by an identical scoreline to Nordsjaelland.
"We played well in both matches and, on another day, could have recorded two
victories but overall I was very pleased with the way we started the
tournament," confirmed Haycock. "Against Cercle Brugge we fully deserved our
victory. Elliot scored the first goal by intercepting a pass and lashing a
shot into the bottom corner before Jamie volleyed in from a superb
in-swinging corner from Nathan Mavila. "Elliot and Leo Chambers were the
pick of our players, while there was also a good commanding performance from
our goalkeeper Sam Baxter. Sam didn't have much to do, but he kicked well
from the back and put in a good, solid display. "In our second game, we lost
2-0 against a Danish team who were a lot older and stronger than us - most
of their players were U19s whereas most of ours are U17s with a smattering
of U18s. They won the physical battle, but they certainly didn't outplay us.
"We played well enough to win but a couple of defensive mistakes cost us.
Again, Leo and Elliot were our standout players, while first-year scholar
Ben Marlow did well in the centre of the midfield."
Haycock said the trip would help him and the coaching staff assess the
youngsters' professionalism on and off the pitch. "It is a lovely set-up
here and the hotel is superb. The boys are in good spirits and they could
easily have come away with two wins from the opening day of the tournament.
We play Gent, Anderlecht and Hajduk Split on Saturday to see which knockout
section we go into on Sunday. "The good thing for me is that we get to see
how the boys prepare and how they recover from playing matches, as well as
the way they get over making mistakes that they have made. "We see how
professional they are 24-hours-a-day which is something that is vitally
important if they are going to take the next step towards first-team
football."
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Robins close on Baldock
McInnes hopes to seal striker deal
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
August 3, 2012 11:32am
SSN
Sky Sports understands Bristol City are closing in on a deal for West Ham
striker Sam Baldock. City are thought to have agreed a fee with West Ham for
the 23-year-old and are hoping to persuade him to move to Ashton Gate. A
number of other clubs, including Charlton, are believed to be keeping tabs
on Baldock's situation, but Bristol City are in pole position to land the
former MK Dons hit-man. Baldock, who joined West Ham last summer, scored
five goals in his first nine games for the Hammers, but saw his first-team
opportunities dry up in the second half of the season. West Ham are prepared
to offload Baldock with Hammers boss Sam Allardyce having a wealth of
options in attack. Robins boss Derek McInnes has made Baldock his top target
as he looks to bring in a new striker ahead of the new season and is hopeful
of tying up a deal for the talented forward.
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Jussi Seems Set To Be The No 1 Goalkeeper
By Iain Dale
West Hma Till I Die
There's a six minute video interview with Sam Allardyce and Kevin Nolan on
the Premier League website. It seems clear from this that Jussi will be the
Number One goalkeeper. By all accounts neither he nor Stephen Henderson have
looked that impressive so far. Are we really to put a trust in a goalkeeper
who only played 18 times last season and couldn't maintain his place in a
relegated side? Don't get me wrong, Jussi has been a fantastic goalkeeper
for Bolton down the years, but his best days are way behind him. West Ham
(Allen McKnight excepted) have invariably had a fantastic goalkeeper between
the sticks. And we will need one next season. Are we really confident we
have one?
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Big Sam in James Games pain
Published: Today at 00:15
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE is getting frustrated at James Tomkins' lack of Olympics
action. West Ham centre-back Tomkins started just one of Team GB's group
games, the 3-1 victory over UAE. He is set to be on the bench again for
today's quarter-final with South Korea. Hammers boss Allardyce said: "James
isn't playing very much which is a big concern as we expected him to come
back to us match-fit."
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My Club: Kriss Akabusi
The Sun
EXCLUSIVE By TOM BARCLAY
Published: Today at 00:15
IF Andy Carroll does not want to sign West Ham, then West Ham don't want
Andy Carroll. That's according to British athletics legend and diehard Irons
fans Kriss Akabusi, who feels the massive money Sam Allardyce is willing to
pay for the Geordie striker could be better spent elsewhere. SunSport caught
up with the former 400m runner for an exclusive chat on his beloved club,
from his thoughts on the move to Olympic Stadium to sneaking into Upton Park
as a youngster.
TB: Why are you a West Ham fan?
KA: When I was a little boy in 1969, I was on holiday and I went into this
caravan which was decorated in claret and blue. One of the pictures I saw on
the wall was of Clive Best, who was a black player who played for West Ham.
People might not be able to believe it today but back then there were very
few black players in the First Division. So straight away I changed my
allegiance from Liverpool – who I only picked because they were top of the
league – and became West Ham United from then on.
What are your memories from your first game?
I can't because what we used to be able to do is go to Upton Park, wait for
about 20 minutes after kick-off and then sneak in. I can't even remember my
first official game! I didn't start paying to go to games until I joined the
army.
Who was your all-time favourite player?
Billy Bonds. He rolled down his socks, literally, and bossed the midfield.
He was an aggressive, all-action player who didn't score many goals, but he
had that no-nonsense, East End style. He put in crunching tackles and was
our Norman Hunter, our Billy Bremner. He epitomised the East End of London –
'Roll your sleeves up, son, let's get on with it'.
Do you get down to Upton Park much these days?
I'm a season-ticket holder – I do pay for my ticket now!
Are you excited about the move to the Olympic Stadium?
It's definite progress. When West Ham first started, they played in the park
and it was all pies and mash, then walk back home in 1895. Then they moved
to what people call Upton Park – the Boleyn Ground – and there the progress
has continued.
But I was at the Olympic Stadium for the opening ceremony at London 2012 and
I saw how intimate that stadium can be. With retractable seating, reduced
numbers and a raising of the pitch, that is going to be a magnificent
stadium. In 10-15 years, no one will be talking about Upton Park. It will be
a privilege to call it home.
Will West Ham be able to fill it out though?
They will because we will become the West Ham of 1986. We'll be a top-tier
side. Slowly but surely we'll build towards it. We're a stone's throw away
from Canary Wharf – when we move to the Olympic Stadium we'll be the natural
club for all the banking money. It won't be overnight, but in that setting,
we'll grow, for sure.
The Hammers are back in the top flight now. What are your targets for this
season?
Staying up, of course. I don't want to be biting my nails on the last day of
the season wondering if we'll be going down or not. We need to aim for 40
points past February.
West Ham will have to get used to the long-ball game that Sam Allardyce
prefers, and if it keeps us up, I won't be complaining.
Would you be satisfied with that style of football in the long term?
Sam does say he can be flexible and that he has plans A, B and C. If we can
become like the Bolton of old that was a top 10 team for two or three years,
eventually we will get better players and a better system.
You have faith in Allardyce then?
I do. We'll get there in the end. One thing you do know is that in 10-15
years, Sam Allardyce will not be at West Ham – but I'm a Hammer for life.
Sam has a job to do and eventually someone else will come in to replace him.
Managers come and go but the team will always be there.
Alan Pardew had a wonderful season with Newcastle last year. Do you have any
regrets that he left West Ham?
Pardew plays a gutsy type of football. When he was with us, he got the
players stoked up and we had a terrific cup run. But he can get found out as
well. So it wouldn't surprise me if Newcastle struggle this season but then
it wouldn't surprise me if they finish in the top three!
One former Toon player that you are in the market for is Andy Carroll. What
are your thoughts on the Liverpool striker?
If he doesn't want to come to us, I don't want him either. He's not good
enough to worry about. I can understand Carroll in Sam's team – he would be
the big bustling forward that provides the knock-downs for the likes of Sam
Baldock, Ricardo Vaz Te and Kevin Nolan. But I can think of a lot of better
players for £80,000 a week.
I'm worried about paying someone that kind of money who doesn't want to be
there. It could unsettle the side with people like Mark Noble and James
Tomkins, who are great workhorses, thinking, 'How can this kid be on twice
as much as I am?'
Where would you like to add to the squad this summer?
What West Ham really miss is the guy who scores 20 goals a year. Carlton
Cole has lovely feet but you need someone who is going to score a goal every
other game.
If it were me, I would go and get Kenwyne Jones for a couple of million and
pay him £30,000 a week to play in the Kevin Davies role. Then you spend
£50,000 a week on someone who will bag you 15-20 goals – someone like
Jermain Defoe. Love him or loathe him, that boy is greedy and will score
goals. For the money you're paying for Carroll, you could get Jones and
Defoe. The other strikers would chip in and it would be, 'Well done West
Ham, you're safe by February'.
Did you ever fancy yourself as a footballer?
What school boy doesn't?
Which modern-day player was your style most like?
I wanted to be a striker when I was younger but really my style suited a
full-back, so someone like Ashley Cole.
If I were advising the young Akabusi, I would have told him to forget about
playing centre-forward and focus on full-back. I had a great engine, could
use both feet, cross a ball and wasn't scared of a tackle.
If you were the West Ham chairman, what would you do?
I would bring in Jones and Defoe, then work really hard at getting Joe Cole
back. I would say to him, 'You're not a striker, son, you're my midfield
wizard – you're going to play central midfield and you're going to create
the ammunition'.
I would have an upfront, diplomatic conversation with Allardyce and tell him
that I wasn't sure he was the man for us in the long term, but he is the man
for now. I would tell him that he will be paid well to make West Ham a top
third side, like an Everton. Eventually, I might look elsewhere to get where
I want to go, unless he could prove that he deserves to stay.
I would have an honest conversation with the fans and tell them I'm in it
for the legacy, not the money, so get behind me.
One thing I wouldn't do, which our chairmen have a habit of doing, is
interfere with the manager. I would not come down and talk to the players
and would not make ridiculous statements to the Press on what we're going to
achieve. You have to let people do their jobs.
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TEAM NEWS: West Ham expected to parade new signings at both ends of Portman
Road against Ipswich Town
The GreenUn
By Dave Gooderham
Friday, August 3, 2012
3:41 PM
Ipswich v West Ham: Big-money signings Modibo Maiga and James Collins are
expected to make their West Ham debuts on home soil when the Premier League
newcomers meet Ipswich Town in the Blues' showcase summer friendly. While an
ambitious loan move for England striker Andy Carroll has currently stalled,
Mali international Maiga, a £4.7 million signing from Sochaux, is expected
to lead the line. At the back for the Hammers, Collins could be in the heart
of the defence just days after completing his return to Upton Park on a £2.5
million move from Aston Villa. Fellow new signing Jussi Jaaskelainen, a free
transfer from Bolton Wanderers in place of Rob Green, and Stephen Henderson
wiil vie for the goalkeeper's jersey.
West Ham, who beat Colchester United 2-1 at the end of last month, could
start with a 4-3-3 formation with Nicky Maynard impressing lately in an
unfamiliar wide role. One striker who might miss out on the trip is Sam
Baldock with rumours abound that the Ipswich target is close to agreeing a
£1.5 million switch to divisional rivals Bristol City. Hammers boss Sam
Allardyce will have to make do without Olympic duo James Tomkins and Mohamed
Diame as well as the injured Kevin Nolan (toe) and George McCartney (sciatic
nerve), while Jack Collison has recently returned to full training.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, August 3
Daily WHUFC News - 3rd August 2012
Joint-Chairman champions new vision
WHUFC.com
Joint Chairman David Sullivan was delighted to open the new Rush Green
Stadium
01.08.2012
West Ham United Football Club have continued to demonstrate their ethos of
"Moore than a Football Club" by lending their Rush Green training facilities
to Grays Athletic. The new facilities were opened by Joint-Chairman David
Sullivan at the development squad's game with Grays earlier this month.
Sullivan revealed that the generous offer was part of West Ham United's
drive to help out other local clubs. "West Ham United like to help other
clubs, that's why we played Colchester United and other local clubs in
pre-season, and will visit even more next year. "We really want to help
local clubs and help football in the community because that's what West Ham
United is all about."
The new season will see Grays share the Rush Green pitch with the
development squad and Sullivan hopes this will help entice more people into
watching the Hammers' second string. "I wanted to come down here to see the
facilities and what is happening here, I have to say they're doing a
wonderful job. "Our reserves will be playing here next season so for anybody
wishing to watch them it will be an easier trip than Bishops Stortford,"
said Sullivan. "We're now located in our heartland of Romford and it's a
lovely little place."
The Joint-Chairman also revealed his hope that Rush Green will continue to
be developed and ultimately end up being the Hammers new training ground,
whilst also paying tribute to a phenomenal turn out. "Hopefully this could
become our new training ground one day. "It's lovely to see so many people
here in such a positive, friendly atmosphere. There must be close to 1000
people here."
The club had given Grays Athletic permission to use the pitch for 18 months,
and Sullivan hopes the two clubs can work together to continue its
development.
"Grays didn't have a home and we weren't doing anything with the ground so
we've let them have it for 18 months, rent free. "We like to help out lesser
clubs and this is why we're 'Moore than a Football Club'. It's around 34
acres and there are some lovely pitches here, so as I mentioned this will
hopefully become our new training facility."
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Duo through to last eight
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins and Mohamed Diame are both still on track for Olympic glory
02.08.2012
James Tomkins and Momo Diame have both made it through to the Olympic
quarter-finals as Team GB and Senegal finished first and second in Group A
respectively.
Tomkins was an unused substitute at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium as Team GB
beat two-times Olympic gold medallists Uruguay 1-0. A goal from Daniel
Sturridge just before half time was enough to make sure Stuart Pearce's side
survived the group stages undefeated and will go into their quarter final
with South Korea on Saturday high in confidence. Diame captained Senegal as
they drew 1-1 with already-eliminated UAE at the City of Coventry Stadium.
UAE had taken a surprise lead through Ismaeil Matar before Moussa Konate
scored his fourth goal in three games to ensure his side progressed to the
last eight. Team GB will now face South Korea in Cardiff at 7.30pm on
Saturday, while Senegal will face Mexico at 2.30pm on the same day.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers eye Silva lining
Allardyce targets move for Portuguese midfielder
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
August 2, 2012 4:11pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands West Ham are hoping to beat Blackburn to the signing
of Sporting Lisbon midfielder Adrien Silva. Blackburn have been leading the
chase for Silva as they look to add to their Portuguese contingent at Ewood
Park. However, West Ham have now entered the chase for the 23-year-old with
Sam Allardyce hoping to beat his old club to Silva's signature. Silva spent
last season on loan at Academica and impressed during his time at the club.
Sporting are thought to be open to offers for Silva and West Ham are ready
to offer the midfielder a move to England. West Ham officials are thought to
have travelled to Portugal to try and thrash out a deal to bring Silva to
Upton Park.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham target Malaga striker
By talkSPORT | Thursday, August 2, 2012
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is set to take advantage of Spanish club
Malaga's financial meltdown by launching a move for highly-rated striker
Salomon Rondon.
Allardyce is on the hunt for a new striker this summer as he looks to
bolster his attack ahead of West Ham's return to the Premier League. The
Hammers have tried to lure unsettled Liverpool striker Andy Carroll to Upton
Park, but that move looks set to fail, with the 23-year-old only willing to
entertain the idea of a return to Newcastle United. Allardyce could now set
his sights on Rondon, who is up for sale along with the rest of the Malaga
squad. And Allardyce will be boosted by the fact the Venezuela international
has already admitted his desire to test himself in England - as reported by
talkSPORT earlier this summer when he said "I'm attracted to the Premier
League, the league is pretty interesting." However, Chelsea, Tottenham and
Arsenal have all tracked Rondon's availability over the past few months,
meaning West Ham will have to act fast if they are to sign the talented
22-year-old.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hines handed Swindon chance
By talkSPORT | Thursday, August 2, 2012
Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio has given former West Ham striker Zavon Hines
the chance to resurrect his career after handing him a trial at the County
Ground.
Hines was released by Burnley earlier this summer, less than a year after
joining the Lancashire club. The nippy forward first appeared for West Ham
against Macclesfield in August 2008, marking his debut with a goal, before
sporadically featuring for the Hammers over the course of the next few
seasons. However, injuries hampered his time at Upton Park, and he was sold
to Burnley for £250,000 last summer. The 23-year-old disappointed at Turf
Moor, failing to score in 16 outings, and he was sent out on loan to
Bournemouth, where he managed one goal in eight appearances. And following
his exit from Burnley, Hines has pitched up at Swindon, where he hopes to
persuade former West Ham favourite Di Canio to hand him a full-time deal.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carlton Cole has a Key Role to Play Next Season!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Amid all the speculaton linking us to a multiplicity of different strikers,
there has been an unconfirmed report that West Ham have received some
tentative enquiries about Carlton Cole's availability. Now opinions on Cole
tend to divide Hammers supporters, some value him and others tend to see him
as an 'under-achiever.' and point to his playing inconsistency and failure
to score enough goals in the top tier.
I can understand the frustrations of fans, because some times you watch Cole
play and he looks truly outstanding. He is skillful on the ball, leads the
line very well, terrorises centre-backs with his physicality and has scored
some top class goals. Yet, on other occasions, Cole looks ineffectual and an
imitation of his former self. Perhaps it is just a case of playing
inconsistency or maybe its a matter of self-confidence? Certainly, there is
a view that Cole is a confidence player and that he needs a manager who will
support, encourage and motivate him. In GF. Zola he had such a manager and
it is no coincidence that Cole came on leaps and bounds under his guidance
and instruction.
Basically, we need a strong squad, with sufficient strength in depth, to
thrive in the PL. It obviously means adding quality to key positions, but it
also requires us to build upon the core of the squad last season, utilising
the understanding, team spirit and togetherness that they developed during
the promotion campaign. We have brought in Maiga and other forwards may well
follow, but arguably we still need Carlton Cole's ability, commitment and
passion for this club. I am personally opposed to his sale and would argue
that he has an important role to play in this crucial first season back in
the PL. He might not start every match and he may impact upon some from the
bench, but a self-confident, focused and on-form Cole will give us
additional options up front. So, if the reports are true, lets reject those
tentative approaches from other clubs and let Cole know that he is valued
and has an important part to play next season.
Indeed, the West Ham management must go out of our way to encourage and
motivate Carlton Cole to get the best out of him. Because a motivated and
self-confident Cole will pay dividends for this club. Fans have been divided
in their opinion of the player, but regardless of this, most fans are united
in their admiration for Cole's loyalty and commitment to the cause last
season. Whilst the Hitzlsperger's, Ba's and Parker's jumped ship after
relegation, Cole took a 50% pay cut, dug in and fought for the cause. And no
one personified West Ham's will to win the play-off final more than Carlton
Cole, especially with that well executed goal and his determination to win
the ball and set up Vaz Te for the winner.
I am not saying that he deserves to stay at the club because of last
season's admirable conduct and heroics, no I am saying that he should stay
because he has more to contribute next season.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Now or never: West Ham warn Carroll they won't be kept hanging on
The Mirror
West Ham have told Andy Carroll it's make your mind up time over his
proposed switch to Upton Park. New Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is
trying to offload the £35million target-man as he sets about changing the
Reds' style of play. England international Carroll only managed four league
goals last season, and now Rodgers wants to loan the 23-year-old to the
Hammers for the coming season, with a view to a permanent £17m transfer next
summer. But even though he'd be Hammers' best-paid player on £100k-a-week,
Carroll would rather return to his native Newcastle, who he left in January
2011, if he has to leave Liverpool. Unlike West Ham, Newcastle can offer
Carroll Europa League football in the coming campaign after coming fifth
last season. However, Toon owner Mike Ashley is driving a hard bargain.
Meanwhile, Hammers' co-owner David Sullivan is pushing Carroll for a firm
decision after tabling a more lucrative offer than the Geordies' one.
Sullivan is prepared to move on to new targets if Carroll rejects them,
rather than being strung along by the striker for weeks. Carroll did not
travel with his Liverpool team-mates to Belarus for the first leg of their
Europa League qualifier against FC Gomel.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Joint Chairman David Sullivan was delighted to open the new Rush Green
Stadium
01.08.2012
West Ham United Football Club have continued to demonstrate their ethos of
"Moore than a Football Club" by lending their Rush Green training facilities
to Grays Athletic. The new facilities were opened by Joint-Chairman David
Sullivan at the development squad's game with Grays earlier this month.
Sullivan revealed that the generous offer was part of West Ham United's
drive to help out other local clubs. "West Ham United like to help other
clubs, that's why we played Colchester United and other local clubs in
pre-season, and will visit even more next year. "We really want to help
local clubs and help football in the community because that's what West Ham
United is all about."
The new season will see Grays share the Rush Green pitch with the
development squad and Sullivan hopes this will help entice more people into
watching the Hammers' second string. "I wanted to come down here to see the
facilities and what is happening here, I have to say they're doing a
wonderful job. "Our reserves will be playing here next season so for anybody
wishing to watch them it will be an easier trip than Bishops Stortford,"
said Sullivan. "We're now located in our heartland of Romford and it's a
lovely little place."
The Joint-Chairman also revealed his hope that Rush Green will continue to
be developed and ultimately end up being the Hammers new training ground,
whilst also paying tribute to a phenomenal turn out. "Hopefully this could
become our new training ground one day. "It's lovely to see so many people
here in such a positive, friendly atmosphere. There must be close to 1000
people here."
The club had given Grays Athletic permission to use the pitch for 18 months,
and Sullivan hopes the two clubs can work together to continue its
development.
"Grays didn't have a home and we weren't doing anything with the ground so
we've let them have it for 18 months, rent free. "We like to help out lesser
clubs and this is why we're 'Moore than a Football Club'. It's around 34
acres and there are some lovely pitches here, so as I mentioned this will
hopefully become our new training facility."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Duo through to last eight
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins and Mohamed Diame are both still on track for Olympic glory
02.08.2012
James Tomkins and Momo Diame have both made it through to the Olympic
quarter-finals as Team GB and Senegal finished first and second in Group A
respectively.
Tomkins was an unused substitute at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium as Team GB
beat two-times Olympic gold medallists Uruguay 1-0. A goal from Daniel
Sturridge just before half time was enough to make sure Stuart Pearce's side
survived the group stages undefeated and will go into their quarter final
with South Korea on Saturday high in confidence. Diame captained Senegal as
they drew 1-1 with already-eliminated UAE at the City of Coventry Stadium.
UAE had taken a surprise lead through Ismaeil Matar before Moussa Konate
scored his fourth goal in three games to ensure his side progressed to the
last eight. Team GB will now face South Korea in Cardiff at 7.30pm on
Saturday, while Senegal will face Mexico at 2.30pm on the same day.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers eye Silva lining
Allardyce targets move for Portuguese midfielder
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
August 2, 2012 4:11pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands West Ham are hoping to beat Blackburn to the signing
of Sporting Lisbon midfielder Adrien Silva. Blackburn have been leading the
chase for Silva as they look to add to their Portuguese contingent at Ewood
Park. However, West Ham have now entered the chase for the 23-year-old with
Sam Allardyce hoping to beat his old club to Silva's signature. Silva spent
last season on loan at Academica and impressed during his time at the club.
Sporting are thought to be open to offers for Silva and West Ham are ready
to offer the midfielder a move to England. West Ham officials are thought to
have travelled to Portugal to try and thrash out a deal to bring Silva to
Upton Park.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham target Malaga striker
By talkSPORT | Thursday, August 2, 2012
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is set to take advantage of Spanish club
Malaga's financial meltdown by launching a move for highly-rated striker
Salomon Rondon.
Allardyce is on the hunt for a new striker this summer as he looks to
bolster his attack ahead of West Ham's return to the Premier League. The
Hammers have tried to lure unsettled Liverpool striker Andy Carroll to Upton
Park, but that move looks set to fail, with the 23-year-old only willing to
entertain the idea of a return to Newcastle United. Allardyce could now set
his sights on Rondon, who is up for sale along with the rest of the Malaga
squad. And Allardyce will be boosted by the fact the Venezuela international
has already admitted his desire to test himself in England - as reported by
talkSPORT earlier this summer when he said "I'm attracted to the Premier
League, the league is pretty interesting." However, Chelsea, Tottenham and
Arsenal have all tracked Rondon's availability over the past few months,
meaning West Ham will have to act fast if they are to sign the talented
22-year-old.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hines handed Swindon chance
By talkSPORT | Thursday, August 2, 2012
Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio has given former West Ham striker Zavon Hines
the chance to resurrect his career after handing him a trial at the County
Ground.
Hines was released by Burnley earlier this summer, less than a year after
joining the Lancashire club. The nippy forward first appeared for West Ham
against Macclesfield in August 2008, marking his debut with a goal, before
sporadically featuring for the Hammers over the course of the next few
seasons. However, injuries hampered his time at Upton Park, and he was sold
to Burnley for £250,000 last summer. The 23-year-old disappointed at Turf
Moor, failing to score in 16 outings, and he was sent out on loan to
Bournemouth, where he managed one goal in eight appearances. And following
his exit from Burnley, Hines has pitched up at Swindon, where he hopes to
persuade former West Ham favourite Di Canio to hand him a full-time deal.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carlton Cole has a Key Role to Play Next Season!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Amid all the speculaton linking us to a multiplicity of different strikers,
there has been an unconfirmed report that West Ham have received some
tentative enquiries about Carlton Cole's availability. Now opinions on Cole
tend to divide Hammers supporters, some value him and others tend to see him
as an 'under-achiever.' and point to his playing inconsistency and failure
to score enough goals in the top tier.
I can understand the frustrations of fans, because some times you watch Cole
play and he looks truly outstanding. He is skillful on the ball, leads the
line very well, terrorises centre-backs with his physicality and has scored
some top class goals. Yet, on other occasions, Cole looks ineffectual and an
imitation of his former self. Perhaps it is just a case of playing
inconsistency or maybe its a matter of self-confidence? Certainly, there is
a view that Cole is a confidence player and that he needs a manager who will
support, encourage and motivate him. In GF. Zola he had such a manager and
it is no coincidence that Cole came on leaps and bounds under his guidance
and instruction.
Basically, we need a strong squad, with sufficient strength in depth, to
thrive in the PL. It obviously means adding quality to key positions, but it
also requires us to build upon the core of the squad last season, utilising
the understanding, team spirit and togetherness that they developed during
the promotion campaign. We have brought in Maiga and other forwards may well
follow, but arguably we still need Carlton Cole's ability, commitment and
passion for this club. I am personally opposed to his sale and would argue
that he has an important role to play in this crucial first season back in
the PL. He might not start every match and he may impact upon some from the
bench, but a self-confident, focused and on-form Cole will give us
additional options up front. So, if the reports are true, lets reject those
tentative approaches from other clubs and let Cole know that he is valued
and has an important part to play next season.
Indeed, the West Ham management must go out of our way to encourage and
motivate Carlton Cole to get the best out of him. Because a motivated and
self-confident Cole will pay dividends for this club. Fans have been divided
in their opinion of the player, but regardless of this, most fans are united
in their admiration for Cole's loyalty and commitment to the cause last
season. Whilst the Hitzlsperger's, Ba's and Parker's jumped ship after
relegation, Cole took a 50% pay cut, dug in and fought for the cause. And no
one personified West Ham's will to win the play-off final more than Carlton
Cole, especially with that well executed goal and his determination to win
the ball and set up Vaz Te for the winner.
I am not saying that he deserves to stay at the club because of last
season's admirable conduct and heroics, no I am saying that he should stay
because he has more to contribute next season.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Now or never: West Ham warn Carroll they won't be kept hanging on
The Mirror
West Ham have told Andy Carroll it's make your mind up time over his
proposed switch to Upton Park. New Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is
trying to offload the £35million target-man as he sets about changing the
Reds' style of play. England international Carroll only managed four league
goals last season, and now Rodgers wants to loan the 23-year-old to the
Hammers for the coming season, with a view to a permanent £17m transfer next
summer. But even though he'd be Hammers' best-paid player on £100k-a-week,
Carroll would rather return to his native Newcastle, who he left in January
2011, if he has to leave Liverpool. Unlike West Ham, Newcastle can offer
Carroll Europa League football in the coming campaign after coming fifth
last season. However, Toon owner Mike Ashley is driving a hard bargain.
Meanwhile, Hammers' co-owner David Sullivan is pushing Carroll for a firm
decision after tabling a more lucrative offer than the Geordies' one.
Sullivan is prepared to move on to new targets if Carroll rejects them,
rather than being strung along by the striker for weeks. Carroll did not
travel with his Liverpool team-mates to Belarus for the first leg of their
Europa League qualifier against FC Gomel.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, August 2
Daily WHUFC News - 2nd August 2012
Hammers return for 'Ginge'
WHUFC.com
Wales centre-back James Collins has re-joined West Ham United on a four-year contract
31.07.2012
West Ham United are delighted to announce the return to the club of Wales defender James Collins. Collins has signed a four-year contract after re-joining the Hammers from Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee, three years after leaving the Boleyn Ground for Villa Park. Capped 39 times by his country, the popular centre-back was part of the West Ham side that completed a great escape from Premier League relegation in 2007, impressing the Boleyn Ground faithful with his power and commitment. Collins, who will challenge Hammer of the Year runner-up James Tomkins and New Zealand international Winston Reid for a place in Sam Allardyce's starting XI, said he was happy to be back in east London. "It's great to be back," 'Ginge' told West Ham TV. "Obviously having been here before and coming back and seeing some of the same old faces is great. "As soon as I knew the interest was there from West Ham I couldn't wait to get down and sign. I had a great affinity with the club and the fans when I was here the first time and I enjoyed my time here so much last time that it wasn't a hard decision to make, to be honest. "I think everyone knew that I didn't really want to leave when I did [in 2009] because I was enjoying my time here so much. I've come back and I'm a much better player this time around so I can't wait to get cracking and show the fans that I am a better player and can put in the performances on the pitch. "I've got so many good memories - getting into the FA Cup final in my first season and finishing so high [ninth] in the league and then the way we escaped relegation that year was one of my fondest memories in football. Hopefully I won't have too many more memories like that! "I just cannot wait to get back and show the fans what a better player I am now."
Now 28, Newport-born Collins began his career with Cardiff CIty, helping the Bluebirds to win promotion to the Championship in 2003 before being voted Welsh Young Player of the Year two years later. In July 2005, Collins and Cardiff team-mate Danny Gabbidon swapped the Welsh capital for the English one by joining West Ham for a combined £3.5m. The pair played a role as the newly-promoted Hammers finished ninth in the Premier League and reached the FA Cup final in 2005/06.
The following season, 2006/07, saw Collins break into the first team on a regular basis and show his outstanding talents as West Ham won seven of their final nine Premier League matches to stay up on the final day of the campaign. Collins suffered an unfortunate knee ligament injury in January 2008, but returned to action a year later before proving his fitness.
Aston Villa took the centre-back to the Midlands in September 2009 and Collins quickly forged a solid partnership with Republic of Ireland stalwart Richard Dunne at Villa Park. Over three seasons, the Welshman totalled 109 appearances and six goals for the Villans, including a start in the 2010 League Cup final defeat by Manchester United. At international level, Collins made his debut for the senior Wales side against Norway in 2004 and has since gone on to score twice in 39 appearances. He was an ever-present during Wales' 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign and has captained his country.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pair face Olympic deciders
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins and Mohamed Diame go for a place in the London 2012 quarter-finals on Wednesday
01.08.2012
West Ham United's London 2012 Olympic representatives will both play for a place in the quarter-finals on Wednesday evening. James Tomkins and Mohamed Diame go into the final round of Group A fixtures knowing positive results will take them through to the last eight. Tomkins' Team GB know a draw with Uruguay will be enough, while Diame's Senegal need to better Uruguay's result in their final game against United Arab Emirates to definitely make it through. Senegal would also reach the quarter-finals should they and Uruguay both be victorious, but that combination of results would put Team GB out of the tournament. Team GB and Senegal drew 1-1 in their opening match - a game that saw Diame captain his country but Tomkins left on the substitutes bench. Tomkins was called into the starting XI by coach Stuart Pearce for the second round of fixtures and was rewarded as Team GB beat United Arab Emirates 3-1. Diame kept his place, meanwhile, as Senegal defeated Uruguay 2-0.
Both final-round fixtures kick-off at 7.45pm, with Team GB facing Uruguay at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and Senegal taking on United Arab Emirates at the City of Coventry Stadium. Mexico or South Korea, who play their final Group B matches against Switzerland and Gabon respectively on Wednesday afternoon, are likely to form the opposition should Team GB and Senegal advance. Brazil, Belarus, Japan and Honduras look most likely to be the four other nations to qualify for the quarter-finals.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
McCartney in confident mood
WHUFC.com
George McCartney is aiming for a 'good, solid season' back in the Barclays Premier League
01.08.2012
George McCartney believes West Ham United can survive in the Barclays Premier League, revealing that top-flight consolidation will provide a perfect platform for a very bright future. McCartney re-joined the Hammers on a permanent basis on 1 July after spending last season's promotion-winning campaign with the club on loan from Sunderland. The 31-year-old is under no illusions about the difficulty of the upcoming season or the enormity of the task, but believes hard work and commitment will see the club surpass all expectations. "It will be a tough campaign as there are no easy games," said McCartney. "At times we will have to grind out results, but the lads and all the staff will work through it to make sure that happens." "This season is all about consolidating Premier League football. We aim to have a good, solid season. If we do that, we will have already started building towards a successful future."
McCartney also revealed the positive change in atmosphere at the club over the past year, admitting last summer was a difficult time for the club. "It's a big difference to last year, the club had just been relegated and a new manager had just been installed. "The club did well to bring in some key players, and I'm sure the manager will be looking to do the same this summer."
Sunday saw the club's pre-season tour of Germany come to a close, and McCartney believes the importance of foreign training camps cannot be underestimated.
"As you get older pre-season is a lot harder on your body, especially your legs, that's why it's good to come to training camps like we have had in Austria and Germany as it definitely helps. "We had three games in six days so it's nice to come away and train in the warm weather. We have also had a few hours to ourselves which helps team bonding, and all the lads have been working hard both on and off the pitch."
Next up for Sam Allardyce's squad is a trip to Portman Road to face Ipswich Town on Saturday afternoon, and McCartney believes his side will put in their best performance yet against a team at a similar stage in their preparations. "We played teams last week that are starting their seasons very soon and we still have a few weeks to go to reach our optimum fitness and mental levels. "I'm sure the manager will be looking to field the strongest team he can in the final couple of pre-season games. "The Aston Villa game is still a few weeks away so have a little more time to get ourselves focussed, and hopefully sign a few more players to ensure we are fully prepared."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collins happy to be back
WHUFC.com
James Collins could not hide his delight at pulling on a West Ham United shirt again
01.08.2012
For James Collins, returning to West Ham United feels like coming home. The Wales defender, who has joined the Hammers on a four-year contract from Aston Villa, became a Hammers hero during a four-year spell at the club between 2005 and 2009. Now he is back at the Boleyn Ground, the 28-year-old has told West Ham TV of his delight at returning to east London and his high hopes of impressing on the club's return to the Barclays Premier League.
Welcome back Ginge! How does it feel to be a West Ham United player again?
JC - "It's great to be back. Obviously having been here before and coming back and seeing some of the same old faces is great. As soon as I knew the interest was there from West Ham I couldn't wait to get down and sign. I had a great affinity with the club and the fans when I was here the first time and I enjoyed my time here so much last time that it wasn't a hard decision to make, to be honest.
So, is it a bit of a case of unfinished business?
JC - "I think everyone knew that I didn't really want to leave when I did [in 2009] because I was enjoying my time here so much. I've come back and I'm a much better player this time around so I can't wait to get cracking and show the fans that I am a better player and can put in the performances on the pitch."
You must have great memories, particularly from getting to the 2006 FA Cup final and the 2007 Great Escape? What were your highlights first-time around?
JC - "I've got so many good memories - getting into the FA Cup final in my first season and finishing so high [ninth] in the league and then the way we escaped relegation that year was one of my fondest memories in football. Hopefully I won't have too many more memories like that! I just cannot wait to get back and show the fans what a better player I am now."
You have a great affinity with the supporters and also know a fair number of players from your first spell - Mark Noble, George McCartney, Cole, James Tomkins - and our Welsh contingent of Jack Collison, Martyn Margetson and sports therapist Taka Yamamoto! So, will it be easier to fit in among so many familiar faces?
JC - "It's easy to come back and fit back in. Even walking around the place today it was like I have never been away. The boys being here will help massively and I should slip back in nice and easily."
What do you think we can achieve on our return to the Barclays Premier League?
JC - "I think we can have a great season with the players we have signed in the off-season, and I'm sure the Board are trying to bring in a few more new faces as well, and the players already here who did so well in the Championship last year. I don't think we should have been down there and I think it was a bit of a false position for the club, so we're looking to get off to a good start and then anything is possible."
The club looks to be heading in the right direction under Sam Allardyce. Was the manager's presence a factor in your return?
JC - "My game is based on giving 100 per cent and even if I'm not doing so well in a game I'll always stick my head in and give 100 per cent. That's the way I've been playing since I was a kid and that's what the fans can expect from me. Hopefully I can bring a bit more to the team than what we have already got. I can see the improvements they have made around the training ground and around the stadium. The thing about West Ham is that it's a real family club and it's like I've never been away. Everyone is so friendly that it makes it a lot easier to perform on the pitch and hopefully we can do that this season."
James Tomkins and WInston Reid both did very well last season at centre-back. Are you expecting to have to fight for your place after a few seasons as a regular starter for West Ham and Aston Villa?
JC - "The two boys who are here at the minute have got the shirt and did very well last season. I watched West Ham last season and saw that they did very well so obviously it's going to be tough to get into the team in the first place. I'm going to train hard and hopefully I can get a place in the team."
Finally, a look at the fixture list and we have a games you must be looking forward to in our opening Premier League matches - Aston Villa at home!
JC - "It's crazy! When I was at Villa I obviously knew we were playing West Ham first game and I was looking forward to it so much. Now, it's even more so the other way because I'll be playing for West Ham and hopefully I can give the team an insight into how they're going to play."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
James Collins joins West Ham from Aston Villa for £2.5m
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have sealed the £2.5m signing of James Collins from Aston Villa. The 28-year-old defender, who left West Ham for Villa in September 2009, passed a medical on Tuesday and becomes Sam Allardyce's seventh summer signing. Collins could have left Villa Park on a free transfer next summer, but manager Paul Lambert has opted to cash in now. "As soon as I knew the interest was there from West Ham, I couldn't wait to get down and sign," said Collins. "It's great to be back." He added: "I had a great affinity with the club and the fans when I was here the first time and I enjoyed my time here so much last time that it wasn't a hard decision to make, to be honest. "I've come back and I'm a much better player this time around, so I can't wait to get cracking and show the fans that I am a better player and can put in the performances on the pitch."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Konate: I need your lovin'
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 2nd August 2012
By: Staff Writer
Pape Moussa Konaté, Senegal's leading goalscorer at the Olympic Games has told West Ham to "show how much they love me". The 19-year-old striker, who has taken the Games' football competition by storm having scored four goals in the three group games thus far, has been linked with a move to London within the past few days. And according to the Maccabi Tel Aviv forward, it's a potential move that interests him greatly. Speaking after Senegal's 1-1 draw with the United Arab Emirates tonight that sent his country through to the next round the competition, Konaté said: "I hope I can move to the Premier League; hopefully I will get the chance. I hope my agent can fix something for me. "There is talk of interest from West Ham and that would make me very happy, but that they must do more. West Ham have to show how much they love me."
Also linked with a move to east London overnight are Sporting Lisbon midfielder Adrien Silva, a 23-year-old central midfielder and 26-year-old Colombian midfielder Carlos Sanchez, who goes by the nickname 'La Roca' (The Rock). Meanwhile the French media are once again linking the Hammers with long-term target Yannick Sagbo, who reportedly told reporters: "If I move to England it would be to West Ham; I like the English game, the full stadiums and the attacking play."
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JC: the second coming
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st August 2012
By: Staff Writer
Central defender James Collins has completed his return to West Ham United. The Welsh interntional defender, who celebrates his 29th birthday later this month has signed a four-year contract with West Ham having spent the last three seasons at Aston Villa. Collins, who is thought to have cost around £2million - double the £1million fee West Ham originally paid Cardiff City back in 2005 but less than half the £5million figure Aston Villa paid United four years later - averaged just over 36 games per season during his stint in the Midlands. That is considerably more than the 16 games per year he averaged during his previous four-year spell at the Boleyn Ground which was beset by a succession of injuries - including a cruciate knee injury that kept him out of action for six months. Speaking to West Ham TV about his return to east London, Collins revealed that he was disappointed to have been sold in the first place. "I didn't really want to leave when I did because I was enjoying my time here so much," he said. "I've got so many good memories; getting into the FA Cup final in my first season and finishing so high in the league. And the way we escaped relegation that year was one of my fondest memories in football. "I'm a much better player this time around and I can't wait to get cracking and show the fans that I can put in the performances on the pitch."
The flame-haired defender was first signed by Alan Pardew in a double-swoop on Cardiff along with fellow Welsh international Danny Gabbidon in the summer of 2005 following West Ham's return to the Premiership.
However he was sold to ease the club's financial worries in August 2009.
James Collins: Stat Zone
West Ham United
2005/06: Pld 19, Bkd 1, Gls 2.
2006/07: Pld 17, Bkd 4, Gls 0.
2007/08: Pld 5, Bkd 0, Gls 0.
2008/09: Pld 21, Bkd 4, Gls 0.
2009/10: Pld 3, Bkd 1, Gls 0.
Aston Villa
2009/10: Pld 37, Bkd 6, Gls 2.
2010/11: Pld 37, Bkd 7, Gls 3.
2011/12: Pld 34, Bkd 7, Gls 1.
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Collins makes Hammers return
Defender determined to make an important contribution
Last Updated: August 1, 2012 11:08am
SSN
West Ham have completed a deal to bring James Collins back to the club from Aston Villa on a four-year contract. The Hammers agreed a fee with Villa earlier in the week and Sky Sports revealed on Tuesday that Collins had travelled to London to undergo a medical. It has now been confirmed that Collins has returned to Upton Park, having spent four years with the club earlier in his career before moving to Villa in 2009. Sam Allardyce has been looking to bolster his defence since winning promotion back to the Premier League and Collins will now face the challenge of trying to establish himself as a regular member of the starting XI. The Wales international, 28, is thrilled to have joined the Hammers once again and hopes to make an important contribution over the next few years. "It's great to be back," he told the club's official website. "Obviously having been here before and coming back and seeing some of the same old faces is great.
Affinity
"As soon as I knew the interest was there from West Ham I couldn't wait to get down and sign. I had a great affinity with the club and the fans when I was here the first time and I enjoyed my time here so much last time that it wasn't a hard decision to make, to be honest. "I think everyone knew that I didn't really want to leave when I did [in 2009] because I was enjoying my time here so much. "I've come back and I'm a much better player this time around so I can't wait to get cracking and show the fans that I am a better player and can put in the performances on the pitch. "I've got so many good memories - getting into the FA Cup final in my first season and finishing so high [ninth] in the league and then the way we escaped relegation that year was one of my fondest memories in football. Hopefully I won't have too many more memories like that! "I just cannot wait to get back and show the fans what a better player I am now."
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No Ramis, No Problem!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
It has been confirmed today that Ivan Ramis has completed a remarkable 'about-face-turn' and signed for Wigan. You will recall that Ramis originally rejected a deal to join Wigan because 'the deal was not right for him.' Besides which, he had also received an 'interesting offer' from another PL club. That club was West Ham Utd FC and we quickly agreed a fee with Real Mallorca, terms with the player and all that remained was the formality of a medical in London. Ramis duly passed the medical, eliminating the final obsacle to the move, and all that was required was his signature on the contract. At that juncture, things suddenly changed!
It would appear that Wigan persuaded Ramis that their club was a better destination for him. How did they do it? By using their Spanish manager, Martinez, to personally intervene to influence the player.. From today's comments by Dave Whelan, it would appear that they played on his lack of English language skills and the fact that Ramis would feel more at home with the Spanish speakers at Wigan. Least ways, that is my take on why Ramis so suddenly embraced a deal with a club, that 2 or 3 days earlier, had not been 'right for him.'
It all seems very strange, but we must remember that Ramis has hitherto been a 'one club man' at Real Mallorca. And he had previously pulled the plug, at the last moment, on deals to move to Everton and Celtic. Presumably, on both occassions he got cold feet at the last minute and clung to the familiar! Against that background, is his sudden change of heart really that surprising? Probably not. However, in basing his decision on the need to have Spanish speakers around him, lets hope that he also did his homework on Wigan. Or, on second thoughts, perhaps not! Whatever, we do not need a player who could potentially fails to settle and then demands an early move back to Spain; those type of complications we can do without.
And the club have moved quickly to secure an alternative target in the form of Villa's James Collins. He is a decent centre-half and will increase our options and provide experienced cover for Tomkins and Reid. Collins' form dipped at Villa last season and he was probably ready for a move away from the claret and blue side of Birmingham. He now needs to train hard, apply himself and regain both his fitness and form. He is on familiar ground, at West Ham, and he should do well playing under Sam Allardyce. So, lets hope it proves to be an inspired signing. Or at the very least a decent signing who does a solid job!
So, as far as I am concerned it is a case of no Ramis, no problem. We now have a replacement who is experienced in the PL and familiar with the club. Those are significant added bonuses. Now, who is next up to sign for the mighty Hammers?
SJ. Chandos.
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Collins: It's great to be back
Published: Today at 11:01
The Sun
JAMES COLLINS has completed his £2.5million move from Aston Villa to West Ham. The former Hammers defender returns to Upton Park on a four-year deal after leaving for Villa Park in 2009. Collins, 28, said: "It's great to be back. Having been here before and coming back and seeing some of the same old faces is great.
"As soon as I knew the interest was there from West Ham I couldn't wait to get down and sign. "I had a great affinity with the club and the fans when I was here the first time and I enjoyed my time here so much last time that it wasn't a hard decision to make, to be honest. I think everyone knew that I didn't really want to leave because I was enjoying my time here so much. "I've come back and I'm a much better player this time around so I can't wait to get cracking and show the fans that I am a better player and can put in the performances on the pitch."
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The rest is history: Carroll's omission from Europa squad shows move is on
The Mirror
The official story is that the West Ham and Newcastle target has a groin problem but Rodgers is scared he'll suffer an injury that will put kibosh on £20m sale
Brendan Rodgers has brought the curtain down on Andy Carroll's Liverpool career by scratching the striker from the squad that has travelled to Belarus for their Europa League qualifier. New Anfield boss Rodgers finally showed his hand on Wednesday, with the striker's omission from the trip into the unknown to face FC Gomel signaling that a deal to end his disappointing 18 months on Merseyside is imminent. Carroll was originally named as a member of the squad and was slated to travel, but sources within the club have suggested Rodgers did not want to expose him to the risk of injury with a deal now firmly on the cards. The official explanation as the squad touched down following their five-hour flight into eastern Europe was that the striker had felt a twinge in his groin. But the reality for Carroll is that his Liverpool career is over, leaving West Ham and Newcastle to fight for his signature. It was originally planned that the big Geordie would take part in the game, because Europa League preliminary round rules mean he wouldn't be cup tied for any other club playing in the competition proper.
However, Rodgers is keen to avoid an injury severe enough to scupper a deal he is keen to see go through. The Nothern Irishman wants to sell Carroll to raise funds for new signings, and he will do so if any club matches his valuation of around £20million. West Ham have come closest to that figure with a package that would see the 23-year-old move to east London following an initial 12-month loan spell. While Carroll has made his preference for a return to former side Newcastle clear, they have yet to get close to Liverpool's valuation and the Reds will push through an agreement with the Hammers unless that changes. While figures at St James' Park have been bullish in their assertion the player will only move to them, the reality is that Carroll shares an agent with West Ham boss Sam Allardyce and his mentor is the London club's skipper Kevin Nolan, who he played alongside at Newcastle.
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Big Sam in bid to beat old club Blackburn to Sporting ace Silva by launching £1m raid
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 1 August 2012 | UPDATED: 22:30, 1 August 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham have launched a bid to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Adrien Silva. The 23-year-old has been a target for Blackburn, who were desperate to persuade him to join their Portuguese contingent. However, Sam Allardyce has moved to beat his former club with a £1million offer. Silva is a box to box style player who impressed on loan at Academica last season. Meanwhile, West Ham target Sebastian Boenisch has held talks with Wolves.
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Mourinho hopeful of keeping Brazilian star at Real Madrid
By talkSPORT | Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Jose Mourinho has revealed he expects Kaka to be a Real Madrid player next season. Mourinho had previously admitted he was unsure if the Brazilian, who has only played a bit part role under him, would be at the club next season. And Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Manchester City and West Ham were all reportedly keen on signing the former AC Milan star. But their hopes of landing him appear to be at an end after Mourinho claimed he will 'probably' remain with Madrid. "While Kaka is a Real Madrid player, and he will probably be a Real Madrid player next season too, then he'll continue training with the rest of the squad and travelling with us," Mourinho said. "In any case, it has been good for me to work with him up until now."
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Ramis signs for Wigan
August 1, 2012
By Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
ESPN
Wigan have clinched the signing of Real Mallorca centre-half Ivan Ramis for €5.5 million. Ramis, who has played almost 200 games for Mallorca and Valladolid, had been linked with a host of clubs including Everton, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Celtic, while he had also agreed in principle on a move to West Ham. However, chairman Dave Whelan told ESPN: "He has passed his medical and it is being concluded. It's down to the influence of Roberto [Martinez] because the player doesn't speak English and didn't want to go to West Ham who had agreed a deal. "But Roberto asked me to go out to Mallorca where I met their chairman and with the club in receivership; they accepted my offer and then I went to see the player." Ramis is Wigan's first major signing of the summer and Whelan added that they are looking at other targets before the window slams shut.
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PR or purpose? What are West Ham up to?
Thepremierleagueowl.com
A Columnist
Kaka, Andy Carroll and Carlos Tevez are the latest Upton Park transfer targets. Brave stuff for a West Ham team that's only just been promoted. You have to wonder, though, whether co-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan are being sincere. So far this summer West Ham have purchased Mo Diame, James Collins, George McCartney and Modibo Maiga; not exactly world beaters. So what's going on? Are the international strikers being used to boost season ticket purchases or are the co-chairmen showing serious intent to challenge for a Europa League spot? For proof, one has to analyse the 16 years they spent at Birmingham. Of the five largest transfer fees paid by the Midlands club, four came in that era. As promising as that sounds, they weren't in the Kaka league. David Dunn cost £5.5m from Blackburn, Roger Johnson £5m from Cardiff, James McFadden £4.75m from Everton and Clinton Morrison £4.25 from Crystal Palace.
Moreover, the Sullivan and Gold aegis saw players sold for higher values. Jermaine Pennant fetched £6.7m from Liverpool, Matthew Upson £6m from West Ham and Emile Heskey £5.5m from Wigan – thus implying that Birmingham were a selling club. So, now that the pair is in charge at Upton Park, has anything changed?
The short answer is yes. West Ham are on the verge of winning the Olympic Stadium. The best stadium in the capital of capitals should be more than enough to lure players and fans alike in an ever-more virtuous spiral. David Sullivan, the former owner of the Daily Sport, is shrewd enough to realise that. Worth in excess of £500m, he'll have recognised that players with the reputation of Kaka, Carroll and Tevez are needed to bridge the attendance gap from the current 35,000 to the new 80,000.
Assuming players of that stature join and have a positive effect on performances, they will in effect pay for themselves in the long run. Such an eventuality would never be possible if West Ham stayed at Upton Park. Although up to 90% of supporters want this according to Kumb.com, such motives are short sighted – putting the club's history ahead of its future is folly of the basest kind.
The simple truth is that the Cockney boys' dreams are dependent on West Ham winning first place in the race for the Olympic Stadium. From that, we may see the same spread of international talent that we're currently witnessing at the Olympics.
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On his way to West Ham? Rodgers leaves Carroll at home as Reds embark on Europe
By DOMINIC KING
PUBLISHED: 15:07, 1 August 2012 | UPDATED: 20:13, 1 August 2012
Daily Mail
Andy Carroll's future has been cast into further doubt after he was left out of Liverpool's Europa League squad for Thursday night's game in Belarus. The England striker, who is wanted by West Ham and former club Newcastle, was expected to be involved in the first leg of the third qualifying round against FC Gomel but he has stayed on Merseyside. Officially his absence was put down to a slight groin strain but, reading between the lines, it would appear that no chances are being taken with his fitness because he could soon leave. West Ham remain desperate to land Carroll, 23, but his preference would be for a return to the North East with Newcastle, who are also in this season's Europa League. Had Carroll played in Belarus, he would not have been cup-tied because UEFA rules allow players to represent one club in a qualifying round and another in the group stages. Thursday night's game will barely register in Liverpool's illustrious European history but there will be added significance for Jamie Carragher, poised to make his 700th club appearance, and Brendan Rodgers. After three friendlies in North America, new manager Rodgers will finally take charge in a competitive game and, as someone who grew up supporting Liverpool, he says it will be the ultimate honour. 'Maybe over the history of the club this will not be one of the most glamorous games but, for me, it will mean everything,' said Rodgers. Rodgers insists there is plenty going on behind the scenes to bring in some more fresh faces. He told the club website: 'There's a lot of great work going on, obviously with the board and Ian Ayre in particular doing a lot of work behind the scenes. I've got regular contact going with our American owners and, in particular, Mike Gordon from Fenway Sports Group.
'Obviously when it's a club like Liverpool prices are always increased and so on, but I always felt it was important by the beginning of the season we could have the squad we want - and certainly by the end of the transfer window I would hope that will be the case. 'There is lots of speculation. I've seen hundreds of names linked with Liverpool and there's very few of them that were even close to coming here or we have even looked at. 'Unfortunately for the supporters they've got to read it and put up with it. But the message is there is a lot of work going on, on a number of deals and hopefully we can get those completed by the end of August.'
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Wales centre-back James Collins has re-joined West Ham United on a four-year contract
31.07.2012
West Ham United are delighted to announce the return to the club of Wales defender James Collins. Collins has signed a four-year contract after re-joining the Hammers from Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee, three years after leaving the Boleyn Ground for Villa Park. Capped 39 times by his country, the popular centre-back was part of the West Ham side that completed a great escape from Premier League relegation in 2007, impressing the Boleyn Ground faithful with his power and commitment. Collins, who will challenge Hammer of the Year runner-up James Tomkins and New Zealand international Winston Reid for a place in Sam Allardyce's starting XI, said he was happy to be back in east London. "It's great to be back," 'Ginge' told West Ham TV. "Obviously having been here before and coming back and seeing some of the same old faces is great. "As soon as I knew the interest was there from West Ham I couldn't wait to get down and sign. I had a great affinity with the club and the fans when I was here the first time and I enjoyed my time here so much last time that it wasn't a hard decision to make, to be honest. "I think everyone knew that I didn't really want to leave when I did [in 2009] because I was enjoying my time here so much. I've come back and I'm a much better player this time around so I can't wait to get cracking and show the fans that I am a better player and can put in the performances on the pitch. "I've got so many good memories - getting into the FA Cup final in my first season and finishing so high [ninth] in the league and then the way we escaped relegation that year was one of my fondest memories in football. Hopefully I won't have too many more memories like that! "I just cannot wait to get back and show the fans what a better player I am now."
Now 28, Newport-born Collins began his career with Cardiff CIty, helping the Bluebirds to win promotion to the Championship in 2003 before being voted Welsh Young Player of the Year two years later. In July 2005, Collins and Cardiff team-mate Danny Gabbidon swapped the Welsh capital for the English one by joining West Ham for a combined £3.5m. The pair played a role as the newly-promoted Hammers finished ninth in the Premier League and reached the FA Cup final in 2005/06.
The following season, 2006/07, saw Collins break into the first team on a regular basis and show his outstanding talents as West Ham won seven of their final nine Premier League matches to stay up on the final day of the campaign. Collins suffered an unfortunate knee ligament injury in January 2008, but returned to action a year later before proving his fitness.
Aston Villa took the centre-back to the Midlands in September 2009 and Collins quickly forged a solid partnership with Republic of Ireland stalwart Richard Dunne at Villa Park. Over three seasons, the Welshman totalled 109 appearances and six goals for the Villans, including a start in the 2010 League Cup final defeat by Manchester United. At international level, Collins made his debut for the senior Wales side against Norway in 2004 and has since gone on to score twice in 39 appearances. He was an ever-present during Wales' 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign and has captained his country.
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Pair face Olympic deciders
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins and Mohamed Diame go for a place in the London 2012 quarter-finals on Wednesday
01.08.2012
West Ham United's London 2012 Olympic representatives will both play for a place in the quarter-finals on Wednesday evening. James Tomkins and Mohamed Diame go into the final round of Group A fixtures knowing positive results will take them through to the last eight. Tomkins' Team GB know a draw with Uruguay will be enough, while Diame's Senegal need to better Uruguay's result in their final game against United Arab Emirates to definitely make it through. Senegal would also reach the quarter-finals should they and Uruguay both be victorious, but that combination of results would put Team GB out of the tournament. Team GB and Senegal drew 1-1 in their opening match - a game that saw Diame captain his country but Tomkins left on the substitutes bench. Tomkins was called into the starting XI by coach Stuart Pearce for the second round of fixtures and was rewarded as Team GB beat United Arab Emirates 3-1. Diame kept his place, meanwhile, as Senegal defeated Uruguay 2-0.
Both final-round fixtures kick-off at 7.45pm, with Team GB facing Uruguay at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and Senegal taking on United Arab Emirates at the City of Coventry Stadium. Mexico or South Korea, who play their final Group B matches against Switzerland and Gabon respectively on Wednesday afternoon, are likely to form the opposition should Team GB and Senegal advance. Brazil, Belarus, Japan and Honduras look most likely to be the four other nations to qualify for the quarter-finals.
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McCartney in confident mood
WHUFC.com
George McCartney is aiming for a 'good, solid season' back in the Barclays Premier League
01.08.2012
George McCartney believes West Ham United can survive in the Barclays Premier League, revealing that top-flight consolidation will provide a perfect platform for a very bright future. McCartney re-joined the Hammers on a permanent basis on 1 July after spending last season's promotion-winning campaign with the club on loan from Sunderland. The 31-year-old is under no illusions about the difficulty of the upcoming season or the enormity of the task, but believes hard work and commitment will see the club surpass all expectations. "It will be a tough campaign as there are no easy games," said McCartney. "At times we will have to grind out results, but the lads and all the staff will work through it to make sure that happens." "This season is all about consolidating Premier League football. We aim to have a good, solid season. If we do that, we will have already started building towards a successful future."
McCartney also revealed the positive change in atmosphere at the club over the past year, admitting last summer was a difficult time for the club. "It's a big difference to last year, the club had just been relegated and a new manager had just been installed. "The club did well to bring in some key players, and I'm sure the manager will be looking to do the same this summer."
Sunday saw the club's pre-season tour of Germany come to a close, and McCartney believes the importance of foreign training camps cannot be underestimated.
"As you get older pre-season is a lot harder on your body, especially your legs, that's why it's good to come to training camps like we have had in Austria and Germany as it definitely helps. "We had three games in six days so it's nice to come away and train in the warm weather. We have also had a few hours to ourselves which helps team bonding, and all the lads have been working hard both on and off the pitch."
Next up for Sam Allardyce's squad is a trip to Portman Road to face Ipswich Town on Saturday afternoon, and McCartney believes his side will put in their best performance yet against a team at a similar stage in their preparations. "We played teams last week that are starting their seasons very soon and we still have a few weeks to go to reach our optimum fitness and mental levels. "I'm sure the manager will be looking to field the strongest team he can in the final couple of pre-season games. "The Aston Villa game is still a few weeks away so have a little more time to get ourselves focussed, and hopefully sign a few more players to ensure we are fully prepared."
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Collins happy to be back
WHUFC.com
James Collins could not hide his delight at pulling on a West Ham United shirt again
01.08.2012
For James Collins, returning to West Ham United feels like coming home. The Wales defender, who has joined the Hammers on a four-year contract from Aston Villa, became a Hammers hero during a four-year spell at the club between 2005 and 2009. Now he is back at the Boleyn Ground, the 28-year-old has told West Ham TV of his delight at returning to east London and his high hopes of impressing on the club's return to the Barclays Premier League.
Welcome back Ginge! How does it feel to be a West Ham United player again?
JC - "It's great to be back. Obviously having been here before and coming back and seeing some of the same old faces is great. As soon as I knew the interest was there from West Ham I couldn't wait to get down and sign. I had a great affinity with the club and the fans when I was here the first time and I enjoyed my time here so much last time that it wasn't a hard decision to make, to be honest.
So, is it a bit of a case of unfinished business?
JC - "I think everyone knew that I didn't really want to leave when I did [in 2009] because I was enjoying my time here so much. I've come back and I'm a much better player this time around so I can't wait to get cracking and show the fans that I am a better player and can put in the performances on the pitch."
You must have great memories, particularly from getting to the 2006 FA Cup final and the 2007 Great Escape? What were your highlights first-time around?
JC - "I've got so many good memories - getting into the FA Cup final in my first season and finishing so high [ninth] in the league and then the way we escaped relegation that year was one of my fondest memories in football. Hopefully I won't have too many more memories like that! I just cannot wait to get back and show the fans what a better player I am now."
You have a great affinity with the supporters and also know a fair number of players from your first spell - Mark Noble, George McCartney, Cole, James Tomkins - and our Welsh contingent of Jack Collison, Martyn Margetson and sports therapist Taka Yamamoto! So, will it be easier to fit in among so many familiar faces?
JC - "It's easy to come back and fit back in. Even walking around the place today it was like I have never been away. The boys being here will help massively and I should slip back in nice and easily."
What do you think we can achieve on our return to the Barclays Premier League?
JC - "I think we can have a great season with the players we have signed in the off-season, and I'm sure the Board are trying to bring in a few more new faces as well, and the players already here who did so well in the Championship last year. I don't think we should have been down there and I think it was a bit of a false position for the club, so we're looking to get off to a good start and then anything is possible."
The club looks to be heading in the right direction under Sam Allardyce. Was the manager's presence a factor in your return?
JC - "My game is based on giving 100 per cent and even if I'm not doing so well in a game I'll always stick my head in and give 100 per cent. That's the way I've been playing since I was a kid and that's what the fans can expect from me. Hopefully I can bring a bit more to the team than what we have already got. I can see the improvements they have made around the training ground and around the stadium. The thing about West Ham is that it's a real family club and it's like I've never been away. Everyone is so friendly that it makes it a lot easier to perform on the pitch and hopefully we can do that this season."
James Tomkins and WInston Reid both did very well last season at centre-back. Are you expecting to have to fight for your place after a few seasons as a regular starter for West Ham and Aston Villa?
JC - "The two boys who are here at the minute have got the shirt and did very well last season. I watched West Ham last season and saw that they did very well so obviously it's going to be tough to get into the team in the first place. I'm going to train hard and hopefully I can get a place in the team."
Finally, a look at the fixture list and we have a games you must be looking forward to in our opening Premier League matches - Aston Villa at home!
JC - "It's crazy! When I was at Villa I obviously knew we were playing West Ham first game and I was looking forward to it so much. Now, it's even more so the other way because I'll be playing for West Ham and hopefully I can give the team an insight into how they're going to play."
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James Collins joins West Ham from Aston Villa for £2.5m
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have sealed the £2.5m signing of James Collins from Aston Villa. The 28-year-old defender, who left West Ham for Villa in September 2009, passed a medical on Tuesday and becomes Sam Allardyce's seventh summer signing. Collins could have left Villa Park on a free transfer next summer, but manager Paul Lambert has opted to cash in now. "As soon as I knew the interest was there from West Ham, I couldn't wait to get down and sign," said Collins. "It's great to be back." He added: "I had a great affinity with the club and the fans when I was here the first time and I enjoyed my time here so much last time that it wasn't a hard decision to make, to be honest. "I've come back and I'm a much better player this time around, so I can't wait to get cracking and show the fans that I am a better player and can put in the performances on the pitch."
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Konate: I need your lovin'
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 2nd August 2012
By: Staff Writer
Pape Moussa Konaté, Senegal's leading goalscorer at the Olympic Games has told West Ham to "show how much they love me". The 19-year-old striker, who has taken the Games' football competition by storm having scored four goals in the three group games thus far, has been linked with a move to London within the past few days. And according to the Maccabi Tel Aviv forward, it's a potential move that interests him greatly. Speaking after Senegal's 1-1 draw with the United Arab Emirates tonight that sent his country through to the next round the competition, Konaté said: "I hope I can move to the Premier League; hopefully I will get the chance. I hope my agent can fix something for me. "There is talk of interest from West Ham and that would make me very happy, but that they must do more. West Ham have to show how much they love me."
Also linked with a move to east London overnight are Sporting Lisbon midfielder Adrien Silva, a 23-year-old central midfielder and 26-year-old Colombian midfielder Carlos Sanchez, who goes by the nickname 'La Roca' (The Rock). Meanwhile the French media are once again linking the Hammers with long-term target Yannick Sagbo, who reportedly told reporters: "If I move to England it would be to West Ham; I like the English game, the full stadiums and the attacking play."
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JC: the second coming
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st August 2012
By: Staff Writer
Central defender James Collins has completed his return to West Ham United. The Welsh interntional defender, who celebrates his 29th birthday later this month has signed a four-year contract with West Ham having spent the last three seasons at Aston Villa. Collins, who is thought to have cost around £2million - double the £1million fee West Ham originally paid Cardiff City back in 2005 but less than half the £5million figure Aston Villa paid United four years later - averaged just over 36 games per season during his stint in the Midlands. That is considerably more than the 16 games per year he averaged during his previous four-year spell at the Boleyn Ground which was beset by a succession of injuries - including a cruciate knee injury that kept him out of action for six months. Speaking to West Ham TV about his return to east London, Collins revealed that he was disappointed to have been sold in the first place. "I didn't really want to leave when I did because I was enjoying my time here so much," he said. "I've got so many good memories; getting into the FA Cup final in my first season and finishing so high in the league. And the way we escaped relegation that year was one of my fondest memories in football. "I'm a much better player this time around and I can't wait to get cracking and show the fans that I can put in the performances on the pitch."
The flame-haired defender was first signed by Alan Pardew in a double-swoop on Cardiff along with fellow Welsh international Danny Gabbidon in the summer of 2005 following West Ham's return to the Premiership.
However he was sold to ease the club's financial worries in August 2009.
James Collins: Stat Zone
West Ham United
2005/06: Pld 19, Bkd 1, Gls 2.
2006/07: Pld 17, Bkd 4, Gls 0.
2007/08: Pld 5, Bkd 0, Gls 0.
2008/09: Pld 21, Bkd 4, Gls 0.
2009/10: Pld 3, Bkd 1, Gls 0.
Aston Villa
2009/10: Pld 37, Bkd 6, Gls 2.
2010/11: Pld 37, Bkd 7, Gls 3.
2011/12: Pld 34, Bkd 7, Gls 1.
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Collins makes Hammers return
Defender determined to make an important contribution
Last Updated: August 1, 2012 11:08am
SSN
West Ham have completed a deal to bring James Collins back to the club from Aston Villa on a four-year contract. The Hammers agreed a fee with Villa earlier in the week and Sky Sports revealed on Tuesday that Collins had travelled to London to undergo a medical. It has now been confirmed that Collins has returned to Upton Park, having spent four years with the club earlier in his career before moving to Villa in 2009. Sam Allardyce has been looking to bolster his defence since winning promotion back to the Premier League and Collins will now face the challenge of trying to establish himself as a regular member of the starting XI. The Wales international, 28, is thrilled to have joined the Hammers once again and hopes to make an important contribution over the next few years. "It's great to be back," he told the club's official website. "Obviously having been here before and coming back and seeing some of the same old faces is great.
Affinity
"As soon as I knew the interest was there from West Ham I couldn't wait to get down and sign. I had a great affinity with the club and the fans when I was here the first time and I enjoyed my time here so much last time that it wasn't a hard decision to make, to be honest. "I think everyone knew that I didn't really want to leave when I did [in 2009] because I was enjoying my time here so much. "I've come back and I'm a much better player this time around so I can't wait to get cracking and show the fans that I am a better player and can put in the performances on the pitch. "I've got so many good memories - getting into the FA Cup final in my first season and finishing so high [ninth] in the league and then the way we escaped relegation that year was one of my fondest memories in football. Hopefully I won't have too many more memories like that! "I just cannot wait to get back and show the fans what a better player I am now."
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No Ramis, No Problem!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
It has been confirmed today that Ivan Ramis has completed a remarkable 'about-face-turn' and signed for Wigan. You will recall that Ramis originally rejected a deal to join Wigan because 'the deal was not right for him.' Besides which, he had also received an 'interesting offer' from another PL club. That club was West Ham Utd FC and we quickly agreed a fee with Real Mallorca, terms with the player and all that remained was the formality of a medical in London. Ramis duly passed the medical, eliminating the final obsacle to the move, and all that was required was his signature on the contract. At that juncture, things suddenly changed!
It would appear that Wigan persuaded Ramis that their club was a better destination for him. How did they do it? By using their Spanish manager, Martinez, to personally intervene to influence the player.. From today's comments by Dave Whelan, it would appear that they played on his lack of English language skills and the fact that Ramis would feel more at home with the Spanish speakers at Wigan. Least ways, that is my take on why Ramis so suddenly embraced a deal with a club, that 2 or 3 days earlier, had not been 'right for him.'
It all seems very strange, but we must remember that Ramis has hitherto been a 'one club man' at Real Mallorca. And he had previously pulled the plug, at the last moment, on deals to move to Everton and Celtic. Presumably, on both occassions he got cold feet at the last minute and clung to the familiar! Against that background, is his sudden change of heart really that surprising? Probably not. However, in basing his decision on the need to have Spanish speakers around him, lets hope that he also did his homework on Wigan. Or, on second thoughts, perhaps not! Whatever, we do not need a player who could potentially fails to settle and then demands an early move back to Spain; those type of complications we can do without.
And the club have moved quickly to secure an alternative target in the form of Villa's James Collins. He is a decent centre-half and will increase our options and provide experienced cover for Tomkins and Reid. Collins' form dipped at Villa last season and he was probably ready for a move away from the claret and blue side of Birmingham. He now needs to train hard, apply himself and regain both his fitness and form. He is on familiar ground, at West Ham, and he should do well playing under Sam Allardyce. So, lets hope it proves to be an inspired signing. Or at the very least a decent signing who does a solid job!
So, as far as I am concerned it is a case of no Ramis, no problem. We now have a replacement who is experienced in the PL and familiar with the club. Those are significant added bonuses. Now, who is next up to sign for the mighty Hammers?
SJ. Chandos.
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Collins: It's great to be back
Published: Today at 11:01
The Sun
JAMES COLLINS has completed his £2.5million move from Aston Villa to West Ham. The former Hammers defender returns to Upton Park on a four-year deal after leaving for Villa Park in 2009. Collins, 28, said: "It's great to be back. Having been here before and coming back and seeing some of the same old faces is great.
"As soon as I knew the interest was there from West Ham I couldn't wait to get down and sign. "I had a great affinity with the club and the fans when I was here the first time and I enjoyed my time here so much last time that it wasn't a hard decision to make, to be honest. I think everyone knew that I didn't really want to leave because I was enjoying my time here so much. "I've come back and I'm a much better player this time around so I can't wait to get cracking and show the fans that I am a better player and can put in the performances on the pitch."
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The rest is history: Carroll's omission from Europa squad shows move is on
The Mirror
The official story is that the West Ham and Newcastle target has a groin problem but Rodgers is scared he'll suffer an injury that will put kibosh on £20m sale
Brendan Rodgers has brought the curtain down on Andy Carroll's Liverpool career by scratching the striker from the squad that has travelled to Belarus for their Europa League qualifier. New Anfield boss Rodgers finally showed his hand on Wednesday, with the striker's omission from the trip into the unknown to face FC Gomel signaling that a deal to end his disappointing 18 months on Merseyside is imminent. Carroll was originally named as a member of the squad and was slated to travel, but sources within the club have suggested Rodgers did not want to expose him to the risk of injury with a deal now firmly on the cards. The official explanation as the squad touched down following their five-hour flight into eastern Europe was that the striker had felt a twinge in his groin. But the reality for Carroll is that his Liverpool career is over, leaving West Ham and Newcastle to fight for his signature. It was originally planned that the big Geordie would take part in the game, because Europa League preliminary round rules mean he wouldn't be cup tied for any other club playing in the competition proper.
However, Rodgers is keen to avoid an injury severe enough to scupper a deal he is keen to see go through. The Nothern Irishman wants to sell Carroll to raise funds for new signings, and he will do so if any club matches his valuation of around £20million. West Ham have come closest to that figure with a package that would see the 23-year-old move to east London following an initial 12-month loan spell. While Carroll has made his preference for a return to former side Newcastle clear, they have yet to get close to Liverpool's valuation and the Reds will push through an agreement with the Hammers unless that changes. While figures at St James' Park have been bullish in their assertion the player will only move to them, the reality is that Carroll shares an agent with West Ham boss Sam Allardyce and his mentor is the London club's skipper Kevin Nolan, who he played alongside at Newcastle.
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Big Sam in bid to beat old club Blackburn to Sporting ace Silva by launching £1m raid
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 1 August 2012 | UPDATED: 22:30, 1 August 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham have launched a bid to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Adrien Silva. The 23-year-old has been a target for Blackburn, who were desperate to persuade him to join their Portuguese contingent. However, Sam Allardyce has moved to beat his former club with a £1million offer. Silva is a box to box style player who impressed on loan at Academica last season. Meanwhile, West Ham target Sebastian Boenisch has held talks with Wolves.
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Mourinho hopeful of keeping Brazilian star at Real Madrid
By talkSPORT | Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Jose Mourinho has revealed he expects Kaka to be a Real Madrid player next season. Mourinho had previously admitted he was unsure if the Brazilian, who has only played a bit part role under him, would be at the club next season. And Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Manchester City and West Ham were all reportedly keen on signing the former AC Milan star. But their hopes of landing him appear to be at an end after Mourinho claimed he will 'probably' remain with Madrid. "While Kaka is a Real Madrid player, and he will probably be a Real Madrid player next season too, then he'll continue training with the rest of the squad and travelling with us," Mourinho said. "In any case, it has been good for me to work with him up until now."
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Ramis signs for Wigan
August 1, 2012
By Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
ESPN
Wigan have clinched the signing of Real Mallorca centre-half Ivan Ramis for €5.5 million. Ramis, who has played almost 200 games for Mallorca and Valladolid, had been linked with a host of clubs including Everton, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Celtic, while he had also agreed in principle on a move to West Ham. However, chairman Dave Whelan told ESPN: "He has passed his medical and it is being concluded. It's down to the influence of Roberto [Martinez] because the player doesn't speak English and didn't want to go to West Ham who had agreed a deal. "But Roberto asked me to go out to Mallorca where I met their chairman and with the club in receivership; they accepted my offer and then I went to see the player." Ramis is Wigan's first major signing of the summer and Whelan added that they are looking at other targets before the window slams shut.
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PR or purpose? What are West Ham up to?
Thepremierleagueowl.com
A Columnist
Kaka, Andy Carroll and Carlos Tevez are the latest Upton Park transfer targets. Brave stuff for a West Ham team that's only just been promoted. You have to wonder, though, whether co-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan are being sincere. So far this summer West Ham have purchased Mo Diame, James Collins, George McCartney and Modibo Maiga; not exactly world beaters. So what's going on? Are the international strikers being used to boost season ticket purchases or are the co-chairmen showing serious intent to challenge for a Europa League spot? For proof, one has to analyse the 16 years they spent at Birmingham. Of the five largest transfer fees paid by the Midlands club, four came in that era. As promising as that sounds, they weren't in the Kaka league. David Dunn cost £5.5m from Blackburn, Roger Johnson £5m from Cardiff, James McFadden £4.75m from Everton and Clinton Morrison £4.25 from Crystal Palace.
Moreover, the Sullivan and Gold aegis saw players sold for higher values. Jermaine Pennant fetched £6.7m from Liverpool, Matthew Upson £6m from West Ham and Emile Heskey £5.5m from Wigan – thus implying that Birmingham were a selling club. So, now that the pair is in charge at Upton Park, has anything changed?
The short answer is yes. West Ham are on the verge of winning the Olympic Stadium. The best stadium in the capital of capitals should be more than enough to lure players and fans alike in an ever-more virtuous spiral. David Sullivan, the former owner of the Daily Sport, is shrewd enough to realise that. Worth in excess of £500m, he'll have recognised that players with the reputation of Kaka, Carroll and Tevez are needed to bridge the attendance gap from the current 35,000 to the new 80,000.
Assuming players of that stature join and have a positive effect on performances, they will in effect pay for themselves in the long run. Such an eventuality would never be possible if West Ham stayed at Upton Park. Although up to 90% of supporters want this according to Kumb.com, such motives are short sighted – putting the club's history ahead of its future is folly of the basest kind.
The simple truth is that the Cockney boys' dreams are dependent on West Ham winning first place in the race for the Olympic Stadium. From that, we may see the same spread of international talent that we're currently witnessing at the Olympics.
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On his way to West Ham? Rodgers leaves Carroll at home as Reds embark on Europe
By DOMINIC KING
PUBLISHED: 15:07, 1 August 2012 | UPDATED: 20:13, 1 August 2012
Daily Mail
Andy Carroll's future has been cast into further doubt after he was left out of Liverpool's Europa League squad for Thursday night's game in Belarus. The England striker, who is wanted by West Ham and former club Newcastle, was expected to be involved in the first leg of the third qualifying round against FC Gomel but he has stayed on Merseyside. Officially his absence was put down to a slight groin strain but, reading between the lines, it would appear that no chances are being taken with his fitness because he could soon leave. West Ham remain desperate to land Carroll, 23, but his preference would be for a return to the North East with Newcastle, who are also in this season's Europa League. Had Carroll played in Belarus, he would not have been cup-tied because UEFA rules allow players to represent one club in a qualifying round and another in the group stages. Thursday night's game will barely register in Liverpool's illustrious European history but there will be added significance for Jamie Carragher, poised to make his 700th club appearance, and Brendan Rodgers. After three friendlies in North America, new manager Rodgers will finally take charge in a competitive game and, as someone who grew up supporting Liverpool, he says it will be the ultimate honour. 'Maybe over the history of the club this will not be one of the most glamorous games but, for me, it will mean everything,' said Rodgers. Rodgers insists there is plenty going on behind the scenes to bring in some more fresh faces. He told the club website: 'There's a lot of great work going on, obviously with the board and Ian Ayre in particular doing a lot of work behind the scenes. I've got regular contact going with our American owners and, in particular, Mike Gordon from Fenway Sports Group.
'Obviously when it's a club like Liverpool prices are always increased and so on, but I always felt it was important by the beginning of the season we could have the squad we want - and certainly by the end of the transfer window I would hope that will be the case. 'There is lots of speculation. I've seen hundreds of names linked with Liverpool and there's very few of them that were even close to coming here or we have even looked at. 'Unfortunately for the supporters they've got to read it and put up with it. But the message is there is a lot of work going on, on a number of deals and hopefully we can get those completed by the end of August.'
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