Hammers planning for legacy
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are working hard to keep up the feelgood factor of the
Olympics going
11.08.2012
The West Ham United Community Sports Trust is aiming to carry on the legacy
left by the might of the 2012 London Olympic Games by welcoming youngsters
back to their after-school activity clubs once the new term starts again. As
debates about sport in schools and local communities go on, the club's
Community Sports Trust will once again provide a number of different
sporting and educational activities for youngsters aged five to 14 years.
When the school summer holidays end and winter starts to make an appearance,
there will be still be lots of ways children from across east London and
Essex can stay active inside and outdoors. An array of sports, from football
to tennis and handball to volleyball will be on offer, with trained coaches
leading the sessions. All are designed to offer enjoyment and encourage new
skills, while at the same time introducing youngsters to sports they may not
have tried before.
Mick King, West Ham United Community Sports Trust Chief Executive, said:
"West Ham United is taking a lead in providing high quality after-school
coaching in a range of Olympic-inspired sports. We are providing
opportunities for young people to channel their enthusiasm to participate in
new sports and achieve their personal best."
The after-school activity clubs are just one part of a wide ranging
partnership the club has with organisations and schools throughout the local
community.
For further information on West Ham United Community Sports Trust, the
after-school clubs and more, call 020 7473 7720 or e-mail
community@westhamunited.co.uk
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Reid ready for Villa re-run
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid is looking forward to Saturday's season opener against Aston
Villa for many reasons
12.08.2012
Winston Reid cannot wait for the new Barclays Premier League season to start
for a variety of reasons. West Ham United's No2 ended last term in the form
of his life as the Hammers gained promotion back to the top-flight. On
Friday, he capped a solid defensive performance by scoring a last-gasp
equaliser at SC Braga. Now, Reid is looking forward to the season opener
against Aston Villa and banishing the memory of his West Ham debut against
the same opposition exactly two years ago. That afternoon, West Ham conceded
two first-half goals on their way to a 3-0 defeat and the New Zealand
defender was substituted at half-time.
Fresh from his goal in Portugal, Reid is convinced things will be different
this time around.
"I thought we put in a good performance against Braga," he said. "After last
week's game at Ipswich where we didn't perform so well the boys were
determined to put a good shift in and I thought we thoroughly deserved our
draw at the end there. We even had a good chance to win it. "Of course we
don't like to lose like we did at Ipswich. We're professional footballers
and we're paid to win football games and that's what we want to do. Nobody
enjoyed what happened there and we were determined to put things right
against a better team than Ipswich [in Braga]."
Just as he did against Nottingham Forest, Millwall and Leicester City last
season, Reid was on hand to score with his feet at the Estadio Municipal,
poking home after James Tomkins had headed down Matt Taylor's corner. The
centre-back revealed he was only in position inside the six-yard box because
captain Kevin Nolan was not on the pitch as he continues his recovery from a
toe injury. "With the goal I just happened to be in the right place. Tonks
has done really well like he normally does and luckily enough I had taken
Kev's spot in front of the goalkeeper and I put it in. "I'm sure if I try to
stand there when he is back in the team he'll push me out of the way!"
Whether or not he is inside the six-yard box against Aston Villa on
Saturday, Reid is determined to do everything he can to erase the memory of
his debut back in August 2010. "My debut didn't go too well, and I'd prefer
to start the season in a positive fashion this time, of course. The guys
will be determined to get off to a good start with three points and we're at
home, so we'll be looking to win and make sure things are different this
time around."
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Villa set for sell out
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's first game back in the Premier League is set to sell out
before Saturday
12.08.2012
There are now fewer than 2,000 tickets remaining for West Ham United's first
game back in the Barclays Premier League against Aston Villa and with
tickets selling fast the game is set to sell out this week The Hammers
kick-off their Premier League campaign when they host the Villains at 3pm on
Saturday 18 August and fans have been rushing to make sure they are there.
Alou Diarra, Jussi Jaaskelainen, Modibo Maiga and Momo Diarra are set to
make their first home appearances in claret and blue, while James Collins
will line up against his former club.
West Ham United's last game against Aston Villa came in the 2010/11 season
and ended in a 2-1 defeat, but the Hammers have lost just twice in ten
against their visitors as they look to continue the form that saw them
promoted back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Tickets start at just £39 for Adults and £21 for concessions. To make sure
of your seat, click here to buy your tickets today.
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Hammers duo out for Wales
Lynch & Earnshaw earn call-ups
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
August 12, 2012 4:54pm
SSN
West Ham duo James Collins and Jack Collison have pulled out of the Wales
squad to face Bosnia-Herzegovina. Collins, who rejoined West Ham in the
summer from Aston Villa,has withdrawn from Wednesday's friendly with a groin
injury. West Ham midfielder Collison has been forced out with a knee
problem. Wales boss Chris Coleman has called up Huddersfield defender Joel
Lynch and Cardiff striker Robert Earnshaw as replacements in his squad. Team
GB quartet Craig Bellamy, Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen and Neil Taylor are all
included in the squad. Wednesday's game is Coleman's final chance to prepare
his squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.
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In Allardyce We Trust?
Alex V 4:04 Sat Aug 11
West Ham Online
Here's a few opinions on the new season - I am happy for you to agree or
disagree with them below. Cards on the table, I'm not a massive fan of
having Big Sam as manager, and I don't really like the rat-race of Summer
signings that we seem to enter into each season, and I would prefer us to be
developing and promoting from within the academy and trying to improve on
that basis. But given that we are where we are, doing what we're doing,
here's some thoughts that came into my head when I sat down today.
The players and squad are currently moulded in the image of Sam Allardyce, a
man without the merest shred of humility, a man clearly incredibly
frustrated that his career hasn't advanced to the very top levels in World
football. But I find that I actually like that side of the manager. His
bizarre outburst at the fans last season very similar to Reo-Coker's
infamous cupped ear, but hasn't a perennial West Ham problem in the past
been it's over-politeness? I'm not sure these are qualities that Moore or
Brooking would idolise, but I like the fact that Sam accepts no other
authority than himself, that his managerial style seems mostly self-taught,
invented by Sam for Sam - rude, forthright and (hopefully) formidable. I
doubt Sam will be at West Ham for long, but who really cares - here's an old
stager in management, motivated and wise, who knows how to get the job done.
If we stay up this season it is because of Allardyce.
Yes the football can be terrible, absolutely grotesque. Some of the least
entertaining football I've ever seen was witnessed last season. But who
cares right now, in the afterglow of promotion? Nobody. But the issue won't
go away, and I'm absolutely certain I wasn't the only one sitting in the
stands last season wondering why I go to watch such rubbish. As soon as
we're safe the issue will be the style of winning, but if we look in danger
it'll be open season on Sam's negative tactics. And yes, they are negative
and ugly. Sam, of course, has his way, and in a sense cannot win, and will
eventually tire of the fight I think.
If the squad came into the Summer weak, it was only because of the
short-term approach to get us promoted. Veterans like Faye, Bouba Diop and
Carew brought in for one season, used, discarded. Borderline Premiership
players like O'Brien, McCartney, Noble and Taylor, useful in the
championship but with little prospect of shocking anyone with their progress
now. I don't think there was a lot of long-term planning involved in last
season, and it left us weak on personnel on promotion, but who can really
argue with it now - it got us where most of us want to be. Obviously if we
now get relegated one of the reasons will be a lack of proper long term
squad planning and development, but let's keep that point in a sealed
envelope ready to be brought out later if we go down.
So there was a lot of pressure on this Summer's transfer business -
thankfully if the aim is survival alone this is a considered, intelligent
overhaul of the squad. Worried about Reid in the Premiership? - here's
Collins to add experience and threat from Sam's set-pieces. Worried about
the loss of Rob Green? - we have an old head and a young buck to fight for
the place. Worried about a flimsy uncreative midfield? Here's Diame. And
Diarra - a player with every bit the formidable CV to match Scott Parker's,
indeed they fought in midfield for major nations in Euro 2012.
The only area of the squad that has failed to noticably change so far is
maybe up front, where Cole remains the probable first choice for yet another
year. Carlton, approaching legend status now at the club, seems to see off
every challenge to his position, and once again proved himself the MVP
during our promotion charge through the play-offs. Like many fans, I
slightly crave a world without the one-dimensional football that Cole seems
to feed on, but it's hardly Cole's fault that the many alternatives have
never staked a proper claim to depose him. Maybe Maiga or A N Other will do
it, but I doubt it.
What I like, looking at our squad, is the number of goal threats on paper.
Cole will no doubt hit double figures yet again this season, though he's
unlikely to build on that threat. Vaz Te an incredible scoring record last
season, he will be hungry to push on. Nolan, one of the best scorers from
midfield you could really hope for at our level. A number of fringe palyers
who could provide a threat - Maynard, Maiga and even Collison who played a
very attacking role in the play-offs.
For me Collison is still the dark horse in the squad, the major untapped
potential. Every time he touches the ball I see quality, with his assured
touch, and just that bit of guile and unpredictability that can unlock
defences. The problem being that at times last season you couldn't tell he
was on the pitch (the other problem is injury of course). But that is an
issue for the coaches, physios and the player to work out - how do we get
Collison on and around the ball in the areas we want to see him? Maybe it
will be the right flank again, and that certainly gives him the freedom to
move about and get involved. It just seems an odd fit for a player who just
seems ideally suited to the centre.
What I like most looking at the club, is that this is an outfit that will at
least have to find new reasons to get relegated. There's no reason to
consider our manager a chump. We're not going to get dominated physically
with this bunch of players. We're not going to roll over - the steely
determination was the best feature of our promotion season. We're also not
going to have to hit our A-game to get results, because we were a disjointed
mess at times last season and still picked up points.
Will we survive? Will we do better than survive? Does Big Sam's blueprint
still work? All options other than World-domination are open to us right
now. And I think the players will know that. It is, as always, a great
opportunity to do something good on the field, and for us to enjoy watching
it.
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Were You Watching FIFA?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
At the close of the excellent London 2012, English football fans can only
wonder whether the oligarchs of FIFA watched the Olympics from their deluxe
ivory towers in Switzerland? Did they see the excellent organisation, the
developed infrastructure, the top quality, state of the art, facilities and
the passion of a historic sporting nation acting as hosts of the biggest and
most complex international sporting occasions of them all? Did they heed the
International Olympic Committee's (IOC) generous praise of the event and
Britain's far sighted emphasis upon legacy and sustainability. And did they
note the universal plaudits for the sporting and intensely passionate
atmosphere generated?
I wonder if for one isolated moment the FIFA oligarchy reflected on 'what
might have been' if the power brokers had awarded the 2018 World Cup
Competition logically to the best bid submitted, the one that had
everything, England's? Might they have wondered what a truly great World Cup
England would have delivered? Indeed, the whole London 2012 experience must
surely underline the fact that the decision to award the 2018 competition to
a vastly inferior Russian bid was a mistake of the first order, which has
denied world Football of a truly unique event.
Of course, knowing the insular arrogance of FIFA, they will not feel it
necessary to engage in a single moment of thoughtful reflection.They will
just reaffirm and defend their original error, born of ....... well you make
your mind up on that one! And of course, FIFA will never be the losers (on
any level), no the losers are England, robbed by a unfair selection process,
English fans, robbed of a long overdue 2nd home World Cup, and world
football itself, robbed of a World Cup that would have been truly
outstanding. Russia 2018 is the wrong choice for a number of well documented
reasons. As for the hosts of 2022, well that decision is not just wrong, it
is totally mystifying? No doubt FIFA are banking on a success in Brazil in
2014 and they may well get it. But what will follow it in 2018, with the
geographically vast, administratively shambolic and somewhat authoritarian
Russia as hosts?
The whole debacle around the 2018 decision just reinforces the need for the
reform of FIFA to create a transparent, fair and accountable body, much in
the same way that the IOC reformed itself in the past.
SJ. Chandos.
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Steve Bacon Book Out This Week
By Iain Dale About 11 hours ago 0 comments
West Ham Till I Die
He has never scored a goal, lifted a trophy, worn the captain's armband or
even played for the club – but the man is considered a genuine Hammers
legend. Indeed, as the fans have repeatedly chanted for the last three
decades, "There's only one Stevie Bacon." As West Ham United's popular
official photographer for more than 30 years, Steve Bacon has become a cult
hero at Upton Park – to the extent that he has appeared on Sky's Soccer AM,
starred in a comical YouTube clip, been parodied in a fanzine comic strip
and even had a burger named after him.
From his privileged position, Steve has enjoyed unlimited access behind the
scenes – forming part of the club's backroom team and travelling with the
squad – and established close relationships with many of the club's managers
and players, allowing him to reflect on an undulating period of Hammers
history from a unique perspective. John Lyall, Lou Macari, Billy Bonds,
Harry Redknapp, Glenn Roeder, Alan Pardew, Alan Curbishley, Gianfranco Zola
and Avram Grant have all worked under the focus of Bacon's candid camera,
while Trevor Brooking, Tony Cottee, Frank McAvennie, Julian Dicks, Rio
Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Paolo Di Canio and Scott Parker are just a few of
the star players who have embraced him into their fold. The result is that
Steve has a thrilling story to tell. Packed with terrific tales, amusing
anecdotes and controversial characters, plus a foreword by Hammers hero, SIR
TREVOR BROOKING, There's Only One Stevie Bacon offers an intriguing insight
into life at the Boleyn Ground and one that no West Ham United fan will want
to miss.
It's published this week, and Steve will be doing some booksignings over the
next few weeks. Here are details of the first two...
Saturday 18 August, Newham Bookshop, Barking Road, 12-2pm (I will be with
him and signing my books too!)
Saturday 25 August, Waterstone's, Romford, 12-1pm
You can order the book from my company Biteback Publishing for £11.99 (RRP
£15.99) HERE and the book will be sent to you on the day you order.
Or you can also order the book from Amazon, who are charging £13.59 .
There will be a eBook version of the book in a week or two's time.
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Jarvis Stale-mate
Published: Today at 00:15
The Sun
WOLVES have told West Ham to stump up £10million for Matt Jarvis. They
rejected a £9million bid for the winger as it worked out at £6m, plus
add-ons. Wolves boss Stale Solbakken said: "We want the money. "We can't
wait two years for West Ham."
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WHAT WILL ALOU DIARRA BRING TO US?
Posted on Sunday, 12th August 2012 by Bud Hedges
Forever West Ham
West Ham United have announced that they have completed the signing of
French international midfielder Alou Diarra. Strong comparisons link Diarra
with Arsenal legend and current Football Development Executive at Manchester
City, Patrick Vieira. He has played in Germany and France, with Lyon,
Bordeux and Bayern Munich, also seven years ago, he has a spell with
Liverpool, without appearing for the Reds.
Diarra's qualities that he brought to the French team during Euro 2012, were
one of the few highlights during the tournament for the national side. He
was causing problems for opposition by the way that he controlled the flow
and tempo of the game and was stopping the midfield on the opposing team
playing through to the strikers.
On arrival, Alou Diarra told the club website, "I am very happy to be here
at West Ham – everything is signed now which is good and I am excited to be
here at this club and to be playing for them in the Premier League. I know a
lot about West Ham as a club and when I knew they were interested in signing
me, I was very happy and knew it would be a good choice for me."
"The club has just been promoted and I am looking forward to a good
challenge with the team ahead. I see this as my chance in the Premier League
to do well with West Ham. I hope that my experience can help and the fans
will see me give my all in the matches."
This signing may be a crucial one for us; Diarra will act as one of the many
leaders that we are going to need for our next season. Diarra will give the
midfield bags of experience and power, if we have two defensive midfielders
in front of the defence with Mohamed Diame and Diarra, it could be like
knocking down a wall to get through the midfielders. Diarra is a very good
signing because he can double up as a centre back as well as his natural
role in the midfield. The role of Diame and Diarra could be a vital
partnership because you can have one of the pair holding back whilst the
other one moves forward to back up the attack and give the attackers an
extra outlet to use.
Though forget the role that he can play in attacks, the signing of Diarra is
important because he will add experience that we need this year. The
leadership qualities he holds can give a boost to consolidating our place in
the league.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, August 13
Sunday, August 12
Daily WHUFC News - 12th August 2012
West Ham United statement
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have issued a statement relating to agents' fees
10.08.2012
West Ham United would like to clarify the club's position on agents' fees after stories in the media on Friday. Following the club's relegation to the npower Championship at the end of the 2010/11season, the Board decided on a clear strategy to attack the new season with ambitious and exciting singings capable of firing West Ham United back to the Barclays Premier League at the first attempt. The Board and manager Sam Allardyce quickly set about recruiting high-quality Premier League players, who possessed the quality to return the club to the top tier of English football and then stay on once they were promoted. The likes of captain Kevin Nolan, signed for an undisclosed transfer fee, Matt Taylor, Joey O'Brien and George McCartney were all recruited from the top division to aid the promotion push. The associated costs of recruiting Premier League players does mean that occasionally agents' fees do have to be paid out, although West Ham continue to campaign for a cap on such payments.
Although the club will always strive to keep these fees to a minimum, the reality is that agents are a part of the modern game and when high-quality signings are made, such costs have to be factored into the deal. The fees that West Ham United committed to pay last season would not stand out at a Premier League side, which was how the club viewed itself last season.
Attacking the Championship with high-profile signings was an ambitious strategy, but ultimately it was one that proved correct with the Hammers securing promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
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Four receive international call-ups
WHUFC.com
Four West Ham United players have been called-up by their respective nations
10.08.2012
Four West Ham United players have been called-up by their respective countries for international duty in August. Jack Collison, Joey O'Brien and new signings James Collins and Raphael Spiegel will all be involved for their nations ahead of the new Barclays Premier League season. Collison and Collins have been called-up by Wales manager Chris Coleman for their international friendly meeting with Bosnia-Herzegovina at Parc Y Scarlets in Llanelli on Wednesday 15 August. The fixture will serve as a warm-up for Wales' 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, which begins at home to Belgium and away in Serbia in September.
O'Brien has been recalled to the Ireland squad for the first time in four years. The defender, who has three previous caps, will join up with the squad ahead of their friendly against Serbia in Belgrade on 15 August. O'Brien has not played for Ireland for almost six years so will be looking to catch manager Giovanni Trapattoni's eye ahead of their first FIFA World Cup qualifier with Kazakhstan on 7 September.
Finally, goalkeeper Spiegel will join up with the Switzerland Under-20 squad for a training camp in Magglingen between 13-15 August.
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Hammers swoop for Diarra
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of France midfielder Alou Diarra
10.08.2012
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of France international midfielder Alou Diarra. The 2006 FIFA World Cup runner-up and 2012 UEFA European Championship star has joined the Hammers on a three-year contract from Olympique Marseille for an undisclosed fee. Capped 44 times, the 31-year-old has enjoyed a fine playing career, winning the French title twice, appearing in the UEFA Champions League nearly 30 times and captaining his country. Born in the northern Paris suburb of Villepinte, the 6'3 tall defensive midfielder is known for his outstanding physical attributes and leadership abilities.
Diarra said: "I am very happy to be here at West Ham - everything is signed now which is good and I am excited to be here at this club and to be playing for them in the Premier League. "I know a lot about West Ham as a club and when I knew they were interested in signing me, I was very happy and knew it would be a good choice for me. "We are a Premier League club and I know of players who were here before like Paolo Di Canio and Scott Parker, but of the players now in the team, I know Guy [Demel], Mo [Diame] and of course, Modibo Maiga, who played in the French league last year. "The club has just been promoted and I am looking forward to a good challenge with the team ahead. I see this as my chance in the Premier League to do well with West Ham. I hope that my experience can help and the fans will see me give my all in the matches."
After coming through the ranks at Ligue 2 club CS Louhans-Cuiseaux, Diarra was snapped up by Bayern Munich at the age of 19, spending the next two seasons learning his trade in the German giants' reserve team alongside future internationals Owen Hargreaves, Philipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger. After signing for Liverpool in 2002, Diarra enjoyed successful loan spells with French clubs Le Havre, Bastia and Lens before joining the latter on a permanent basis in 2005. The 2005/06 season proved something of a breakthrough campaign for Diarra, who made ten European appearances as Lens reached the last-32 of the UEFA Cup. That impressive form saw Ligue 1 champions Olympique Lyonnais move to take him to the Stade Gerland in the summer of 2006. Before his move to Lyon, however, Diarra helped France to reach the 2006 FIFA World Cup final. Having made his debut in a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Republic of Ireland in Paris in October 2004, he appeared twice in Germany, including a substitute appearance in the final defeat by Italy. Diarra won the Ligue 1 title with Lyon in 2007, but after making just 15 league appearances, he joined Bordeaux. There, he would make more than 150 appearances over four seasons, winning the title again in 2009 and three other domestic trophies. After captaining France in their group-stage meeting with host nation South Africa at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he joined Marseille a year ago, helping the club to win the French League Cup in April 2012. Diarra appeared at his third major tournament with France, starting all three group matches, including the 1-1 draw with England.
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Dev Squad comeback comes up short
WHUFC.com
Dagenham and Redbridge proved too strong for the Development Squad in a pre-season fixture on Saturday
11.08.2012
A spirited second half fightback wasn't enough for the Development Squad as they lost 6-3 against a strong Dagenham and Redbridge side. The Hammers went behind in the third minute when Jake Larkins was unable to keep out Dwight Gayle's point-blank header, and despite reacting well it was soon two as Gayle caught them on the break and finished well. Ian Hendon's side were to endure more bad luck before the halfway stage as the home side got their third when Gale's tame shot took a wicked deflection rendering Larkins helpless. The tide turned in the second half and the Hammers reduced the deficit after just one minute when Rob Hall was brought down and captain Jordan Spence hammered the spot-kick home. Hall took centre-stage once more just two minutes later, drifting in from the right before bending a delicious ball inside the far post to make it 3-2.
On another day the Hammers would have completed their comeback and gone on to win and they almost equalised when Kenzer Lee's header was somehow tipped over as the away side continued to press. Despite the Hammers' pressure, it was Dagenham's day as they struck twice on the counter-attack in quick succession - the goals coming from Billy Bingham and Jake Reed. Sam Williams added a sixth before Jordan Spence converted from the spot for the second time before Sam Baldock and Frederic Piquionne were denied opportunities to further reduce the deficit.
Hendon accepted that his side should have shown more focus, particularly in the first half, but praised the effort of lone striker Paul McCallum. "It was men against boys today, which is not necessarily a criticism as Dagenham are a very experienced, well-drilled side," said Hendon. "That said, we didn't dominate the midfield like we needed to and support Paul who showed a superb work-rate. He battled well against two big centre-halves and deserves a lot of credit."
Hendon also believes that positives can be taken in defeat. The Development Squad host Reading to begin their Barclays Under-21 Premier League campaign at Rush Green Stadium on Friday at 7pm, and he believes this result could provide the focus they need. "We arrange these games with fitness and preparation being our main focus. Now we need to work hard to improve for Friday. They're all good players, but when it's tough like Saturday and we're up against it they need to show for the ball and want it more. That way we will create more and control the game."
Hendon bemoaned his side's lack of luck as the Daggers scored two goals from cruel deflections either side of the half-time break. "I've seen a lot of positive signs in the past few games that suggest we have turned a corner. We have looked stronger, sharper and fitter. Maybe today is one of those days where things just haven't gone our way. We started the second half very well, got back into it, and then they scored via a deflection for the second time. "We can count ourselves very unlucky."
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Improved performance pleases Big Sam
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce was happy with West Ham United's sharpness as they drew 1-1 with SC Braga
11.08.2012
Sam Allardyce was impressed with the response he witnessed from his West Ham United side during their 1-1 draw with SC Braga. The West Ham United manager saw a close-range Winston Reid effort secure a well-deserved draw on Friday evening as the Hammers wrapped up their pre-season campaign. The home side had taken the lead in the 34th minute when Lima converted a hotly-disputed penalty after James Collins was adjudged to have handballed. "I think it was a very good game to play in," Big Sam told West Ham TV. "Braga as a team will be in or around the top three or four teams in Portugal. They will be playing in Europe so it was a good test for the lads both technically and physically. "It was an unfortunate penalty against us when the ball hit James Collins and then his hand but that is what you get when you're away in Europe sometimes. It was a good performance overall and it was good to see Momo play for us and for Tonks to get a good run out after coming back from the Olympics."
The Hammers' goal was straight from the training ground as Matt Taylor floated a corner into the box, the retuning Olympian James Tomkins nodded it down and Winston Reid was on hand to prod the ball home from three yards out. Although there were perhaps only 200 Hammers fans in the ground, their delight to see an 89th-minute leveller ahead of the start of the Barclays Premier League season was there for all to hear.
George Moncur did have a brilliant chance to win the match right at the death, but, after being put through one-on-one by Mark Noble, his shot into the far corner was brilliantly saved by Quim in the Braga goal. Quim had a busy night and another fine stop from a Modibo Maiga header kept the Champions League qualifiers in the game as the Hammers' pre-season preparations stepped up a couple of notches.
"It was a very sound, solid performance overall and a good end to the game which showed our fitness is coming on, which is what we want. It's nice to see us score from a set play. A Matt Taylor ball in and James Tomkins knocked it down and it was finished by Reidy. "We should have scored a late winner when young George Moncur went through but sadly he didn't put that one in the back of the net. It was a great counter-attack started by Mark Noble but in Moncur on a one-on-one. The lad is hugely is hugely disappointed he's not stuck it away."
Big Sam's thoughts will immediately turn to defeating Aston Villa in the first game of the new Premier League season. There is limited availability on tickets for the game so fans are advised to move quickly. Click here for more information.
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West Ham sign Alou Diarra for £2m from Marseille
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have completed the signing of French midfielder Alou Diarra from Marseille for a fee reported to be £2m. Diarra, 31, signed a three-year deal at Upton Park on Friday after completing his transfer from the French side. The midfielder, who spent three years at Liverpool but did not make a first-team appearance, played all four of France's games at Euro 2012. Diarra said: "I am excited to be here at this club and to be playing for them in the Premier League."
He added: "I know a lot about West Ham as a club. When I knew they were interested in signing me, I was very happy and knew it would be a good choice for me.
"We are a Premier League club and I know of players who were here before like Paolo Di Canio and Scott Parker, but of the players now in the team, I know Guy [Demel], Mo [Diame] and of course, Modibo Maiga, who played in the French league last year."
Diarra, with 44 international caps, has played the majority of his career in France. But his Marseille future was placed in doubt when he reported back from Euro 2012 six days late, an infraction for which he was fined. West Ham have already paid Aston Villa £2.5m for James Collins this summer and brought in Mali striker Maiga, who completed a £4.7m transfer from French club Sochaux last month,- as Sam Allardyce rebuilds his promotion-winning squad.
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Jarvis wants out
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 12th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
Wolverhapton Wanderes manager Stale Solbakken confirmed last night that West Ham transfer target Matt Jarvis had handed in a transfer request. The Championship club claimed earlier in the week that the Hammers has made a £9million bid for the once-capped English international - an offer that was flatly rejected. However the winger signalled his intention to leave Molineux yesterday when he handed in a transfer request - a move confirmed by Solbakken. "He wants to leave but it has to be right for Wolves," said the Norweigan coach. "At the end of the day, I am not making the final decision. We are a little unsettled at the moment and everything is not fine but we have to fight through this."
Jarvis, who moved to Wolves from Gillingham for £600,000 back in 2007 missed Wolves' match with Aldershot yesterday although Solbakken insisted that the 26-year-old was ill. "This is a true story and you can believe it or not," he said, "but he is actually sick. He is a good guy in a stressful situation at the moment."
Jarvis' sole appearance for England thus far came against Ghana in a 2011 friendly.
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SC Braga 1 West Ham Utd 1
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 10th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
Winston Reid's last-gasp equaliser earned West Ham a share of the spoils in their final match of pre-season in Portugal tonight. A goal behind to a first half penalty, the New Zealander struck in the final minute of normal time to earn Sam Allardyce's side a draw which was the very least they deserved for a spirited effort in what proved to be a lively encounter. West Ham featured four of their eight summer signings in tonight's starting XI; Jussi Jaaskelainen, James Collins, Momo Diame and Modibo Maiga all featured in a 4-3-3 formation with Carlton Cole spearheading at attack with Maiga and Ricardo Vaz Te either side.
Meanwhile James Tomkins reverted to the defensive midfield role that he was occasionally employed in during the 2011/12 campaign, with Collins and Reid forming the central defensive unit immediately behind him. After a decent start, in which West Ham arguably produced their best football of pre-season, it was the hosts who took the lead 11 minutes before the break. The returning James Collins appeared to be penalised for hand-ball after Custodio Castro's effort had been saved by Jaaskelainen and Lima - aka Rodrigo Jose Lima dos Santos - sent the Finnish 'keeper the wrong way from 12 yards to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Having re-appeared for the second half with a number of new faces and a new kit (their second strip) Braga threatened to score a second but West Ham stood strong. The home side appeared to have achieved their aim with just five minutes remaining when sub Baiano found the net, however he was adjudged - correctly - to be offside. It was to prove the turning point in the game as just four minutes later West Ham grabbed what had appeared to be an unlikely equaliser. Having forced a corner on the right, substitute Matt Taylor swung in a deep cross which was headed back into the mix by James Tomkins, stationed at the far post.
Winston Reid was first to react and the Kiwi poked the ball over the goal line from three yards out despite the close attention of a number of Braga defenders to level the scores. With Braga pushing on looking to restore their lead, United could have been celebrating an unlikely win had youngster George Moncur looked up and squared the ball when United broke on the counter attack in the second minute of added-on time. With three players completely unmarked, the son of former Hammers midfielder John Moncur opted instead to shoot and his effort was pushed aside by Braga 'keeper Quim.
West Ham Utd: Jaaskelainen, Demel (Potts 79), Reid, Collins (O'Neil 74), O'Brien, Tomkins, Diame (Moncur 84), Noble, Vaz Te, Maiga, Cole (Taylor 71).
Sub not used: Henderson.
SC Braga: Quim, Mossoro, Barbosa, Lima, Elderson, Salino, Vinicius, Custodio, Alan, Douglao, Viana.
Subs: Beto, Nuno Coelho, Amorim, Luis Alberto, Micael, Baiano, Ismaily, Djamal, Carlao.
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Diarra signs three-year deal
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 10th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have completed the signing of French international Alou Diarra. As revealed here on KUMB late on Wednesday evening, the 31-year-old flew into London yesterday in order to undergo a two-part medical which was finally completed earlier this morning. Just a few minutes ago it was confirmed by West Ham United that the former Marseille player has completed his move to the Boleyn Ground, siging a three-year deal with the Hammers. And although the fee is undisclosed, reports suggest that West Ham paid in the region of £2million to sign Diarra from the Ligue 1 outfit.
Speaking via whufc.com, he said: "I am very happy to be here at West Ham. Everything is signed now and I am excited to be playing for them in the Premier League. I know a lot about West Ham as a club and when I knew they were interested in signing me, I was very happy and knew it would be a good choice.
"Of the players in the team, I know Guy [Demel], Mo [Diame] and Modibo Maiga, who played in the French league last year. I am looking forward to a good challenge with the team; I hope that my experience can help and the fans will see me give my all in the matches."
A defensive midfielder who can also be utilised in the centre of defence, Diarra first moved to England 2002 when he was signed by Gerard Houllier, a fellow Frenchman, for Liverpool in 2002 (from Bayern Munich). However he failed to make a single appearance for the Merseyside club and spent the three years contracted to the club on loan at Le Havre, Bastia and Lens - who he eventually joined on a permanent basis in 2005. The 6'3" Frenchman's most successful years followed thereafter as he moved to Lyon in 2006 - where he picked up a league-winners medal - and then on to Bordeaux in 2007 where he spent the next four years. It was during this stage in his career that he captained his country at the 2010 World Cup Finals, in their opening game of the tournament against hosts South Africa. Linked with clubs such as Manchester City in the past, Diarra moved to current club Marseille in July 2011 for €5million. He becomes West Ham's eighth signing of pre-season.
Pre-season signings: the story so far
May
21st: Stephen Henderson (Portsmouth, nominal fee)
June
14th: Jussi Jaaskelainen (Bolton, nominal fee)
20th: Momo Diame (Wigan, free transfer)
July
1st: George McCartney (Sunderland, nominal fee)
18th: Modibo Maiga (Sochaux, £4.5million)
23rd: Raphael Spiegler (Grasshoppers, nominal fee)
August
1st: James Collins (Aston Villa, £2million)
10th: Alou Diarra (Marseille, £2million)
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Jarvis asks for move
Wolves winger hands in transfer request
Last Updated: August 11, 2012 11:54am
SSN
Sky Sports understands that Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Matt Jarvis has handed in a transfer request at Molineux. The 26-year-old has become the second player this week to officially make a request to leave, following on from Sunderland target Steven Fletcher. Jarvis has been the subject of rejected bids from West Ham, whilst Stoke and Fulham have also been linked with his services. Now the Middlesbrough-born winger has made his position clear and he wants to be back in the Premier League next season. Jarvis has one eye on his international prospects, having already gained one England cap last year.
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Diarra happy with Hammers switch
Frenchman looking forward to Premier League challenge
By Subhankar Mondal. Last Updated: August 10, 2012 4:21pm
SSN
French midfielder Alou Diarra is delighted to join West Ham United and is looking forward to playing in the Premier League. The 31-year-old signed for the Hammers from Marseille on Friday on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee. Diarra, a France international, is overjoyed with the move and hopes to make a major impact on West Ham's 2012/13 season. "I am very happy to be here at West Ham - everything is signed now which is good and I am excited to be here at this club and to be playing for them in the Premier League," he told the club's official website. "I know a lot about West Ham as a club and when I knew they were interested in signing me, I was very happy and knew it would be a good choice for me.
Challenge
"We are a Premier League club and I know of players who were here before like Paolo Di Canio and Scott Parker, but of the players now in the team, I know Guy [Demel], Mo [Diame] and of course, Modibo Maiga, who played in the French league last year. "The club has just been promoted and I am looking forward to a good challenge with the team ahead. "I see this as my chance in the Premier League to do well with West Ham. I hope that my experience can help and the fans will see me give my all in the matches."
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The German Ideology - Theses on Sam Allardyce's Football Management
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Sam Allardyce gave an interesting interview to the German media prior to the pre-season match with Dynamo Dresden. In it, Allardyce was asked about the difference between the English Premier League and the German first tier. I will not summarise his comparative analysis, but what was of particular interest was his comments on the complexity of being a coach in the EPL. Sam Allardyce observed that one of the defining features was the multiplicity of different formations employed by clubs and the need to adjust your own formation and tactics accordingly. He suggested that on different weeks you can face formations such as 4-4-2, 4-3-3, 4-5-1 or 4-2-3-1 and made the point that one side has even started playing three defenders at the back.
The reason that I found it interesting is because it exposed the erroneous assumption that Sam Allardyce is structuring his squad to adopt one monocasual formation or style of play. The assumption becoming common coinage is that Allardyce is structuring his squad to just adopt a sole 4-3-3/4-5-1 formation. There have even been Chinese whispers that Allardyce's approach is all about power and direct play and that ball players like Mark Noble will not fit in to it. We also often hear the lament, what is the point of having he likes of Maynard or a potential new signing Matt Jarvis in the squad, because they do not fit in to Allardyce's formation. Underpinning this observation, once again, is the assumption that West Ham will only play one system next season. Another comment sometimes heard is, what is our chosen first team line up? As if it is still the 1970s when teams had a first XI and a reserve team and, to slightly adapt Rudyard Kipling's famous phrase, 'rarely shall the twain meet.'
Modern football is a squad game. Surely, Allardyce's intention is to build a squad with the capacity and ability to play different formations. Arguably, it is wrong to suppose that we will play the same way regardless of the quality of the opposition or tactics/formation that they deploy? Allardyce himself has often stated that there is a prevalent distorted view of what he is all about as a coach. At the core of this view is that he has a one-dimensional tactical approach based upon the infamous 'long ball.' Yet last season I only remember one sustained ariel bombardment and that was the exciting 3-3 home draw with Birmingham City. And in that match he changed tactics, to Plan B, in the second half, precisely because Plan A was not working and we were losing 1-3. Obviously he was right on that occasion because it snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat!
And yes, we are now a physically imposing side and we have worked on our set plays, but what's wrong with that? Surely that is just a way of adding 'another string to our bow' and ensuring that we can score goals and win matches utilising all possible options open to us. After all it was not exactly as if we did not need to improve in those areas. How many times over the decades have West Ham teams been physically intimidated out of matches? How bad have we traditionally been at set pieces over the years (whether taking or defending them!)? Lets see if the old 'pushovers' tag is still applied to us next season under Allardyce. I think a few PL managers next season might be in for a bit of a shock.
The manager wants to play passing football, wherever possible, that is quite clear from his prior comments. But he will either mix it up or play a more direct style if it increases our chances of winning by: dictating play, dominating the opposition and exploiting their defensive weaknesses. The great Ron Greenwood did not have that philosophy, he was a purist, who thought the style of play was just as important as the result. His ideal was to play open, attacking football and always win the right way. But Allardyce is not an exponent of Greenwood's purist ideals, he is arguably a pragmatist and to him the three points is always the 'bottom line.' Hence, his constant emphasis upon 'winning football matches' and the 'West Ham Way' being about doing exactly that. The conflict between manager and the fans lies in the fact that the head of most Hammers supporters would probably accept Allardyce's rationale, but their hearts and the senses lie with the Academy/Greenwood tradition.
I believe that Allardyce's objectives are obviously to improve the quality of the squad, as well as its strength in depth. It also means having different types of players so that he can change tactics to secure results . That should not be an amazing revelation, but the nature of debate amongst fans convinces me that it is a point that still needs to be laboured. At times next season he will play 4-4-2, on others 4-3-3 and others still (especially away from home at places like Emirates and Old Trafford) he might deploy a solid 4-5-1 or 4-4-1-1. And of course he will switch tactics, using the substitutes bench, as necessary. I also believe that it will not be all about negative football and grinding out results next season. Allardyce knows that West Ham fans love to be entertained and he will do his best to satisfy their demands. Fortunately, next season other PL teams will approach matches against us with the objective of winning. There will not be as many packed midfields and attempts to grind out of results as we witnessed last season. This will open up plenty of possibilities for the Hammers to pass the ball, attack and entertain.
I wonder if there is a part of Sam Allardyce that wants to use next season to lay the myth, once and for all, about his so-called long ball tactics? After all, we did play some excellent football on occasions last season, such as the demolition of Notts Forest (away), Brighton (home), Blackpool (away), Barnsley (away) and Cardiff City (home in the 2nd leg play-off semi-final). Although the myth is still often repeated that we only played a direct style last season. Even though the evidence clearly proves otherwise.
The answer to the above question is probably yes, as long as it wins football matches! Because it is Allardyce's apparent pragmatism and desire to win that is ultimately in the driving seat and they will be the final determinant of how we set up and the tactics that we deploy. Surely that is the key to understanding Sam Allardyce's management? Not often repeated cliches about one-dimensional football and long ball tactics!
SJ. Chandos.
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Wolves Reject £9m Hammers Bid for Matt Jarvis!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Well, Wolves must be in a good financial position to be able to reject a £9m package for their winger, Matt Jarvis. Usually relegated teams tend to sacrifice one or two stars to fund the rebuilding of their squad. Last season we lost Scott Parker and Demba Ba in similar circumstances. It can obviously weaken a side in the short-term, but the other side of the coin is that it provides an injection of cash to bring in other players. In our case, we only generated a c.£5m fee for Parker, although both his and Ba's transfers did free up significant money on the wage bill.
Of course, it could be that Wolves are playing a cagey game of rejecting an initial bid, in the anticipation that improved offers ill follow. They may even hope that the final fee will be inflated by an auction with other clubs entering the frame. Alternatively, Wolves might genuinely see Jarvis as crucial to their promotion push this season. A £9m fee if a very good offer and Wolves must have thought twice before rejecting it. Jarvis is a very good winger, but will the Hammers hierarchy be tempted to up their bid to £10m, the valuation that Wolves seem to have put on the player?
Elsewhere, the official site has announced that a new international signing is at an advanced stage and should be announced later this afternoon. The probablity that is going to be French international Alou Diarra. Diarra should be a good and experienced signing, it gives us another defensive midfield option, besides Mo Diame, and extra cover at centre back. It has been a very frustrating summer so far, but you get the sense that Sam Allardyce is slowly assembling the players that he needs for this summer's PL campaign. Yes, there are still notable question marks over certain positions, but the fact is that a lot of business will undoubtedly take place in the period 18-31 August 2012. And it usually takes one or two big deals to set off a chain reaction of other deals.
We may feel certain frustrations at West Ham, but it should also be remembered that the market as a whole has been fairly quiet so far this summer. There will undoubtedly be a flurry of transfer activity before the window closes. It is not ideal to leave it late, but that is the nature of the beast that is the football transfer window.
Anyway, our additions are very important to our chances next season, no doubt about that. But I am also hopeful that we will benefit from the 'Swansea and Norwich effect' next season. That is having a highly motivated core of established players, who impress with their commitment, application and togetherness. Why not, contrary to what some 'doom and gloomers' would have us believe we do have some very good players, other players who are hungry to do well and some very promising youngsters who could positively impact this season. It is a optimistic scenerio, but why write off our chances before we have even kicked off the campaign. Critical anaylsis is right and proper, but striking your colours this early is not only absurd, it is quite frankly defeatist.
Personally, I want to see us sign another right-back, a creative midfielder, a striker and a winger. That's four players as a minimum. There are question marks over our keepers, the left back position and whether we have enough width on both flanks. But I would go with McCartney/Taylor/Potts up to the 31 August 2012 and make an emergency deal for a left-back if there are problems. I think that they will stick with our current keepers and we can only hope that they perform. But you know there comes a point where you have to trust in certain players, use your ability as a coach and make the very best of what you have. I do not know how the remainder of our transfer business will go, but there is bound to be an element of that when the window closes.
It must be quite nerve wrecking for a manager if he has missed certain transfer targets and he starts the season hoping that he has done enough in the transfer market. But that is what they are paid for and they invariably pay 'the price' (if you can call a multi-million pound pay-off that) with the sack if they get it wrong. Somehow, I really do not see Sam Allardyce getting it wrong. His PL track record is a very good indicator of that; as is his proven ability to get the very best out of his players. I know that not all fans are convinced of his syle of football, but it is an asset to have manager of his experience at the helm. Neither Southampton nor Reading have a similar assurance! And that could prove a crucial factor in deciding the outcome of this coming season.
SJ. Chandos.
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We Need More Strength In Depth, Especially In Defence
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
With the start of the season less than a week away, I guess now is as good a time as any to evaluate how the pre-season has gone and where we still need to strengthen the squad over the next week or three. Results wise we haven't exactly pulled up any trees. Indeed, results seem to have got worse, after an encouraging start. But it's not results that count in friendlies, it's performances. I haven't been to any of the games, but from what I have read, we have looked very shaky defensively. And it seems to me that defence is where we really need to strengthen our squad. We seem to have an abundance of midfielders and strikers, with more on the way imminently, but despite the arrival of James Collins, I think we need a top class central defender. Let's go through the squad, position by position...
GOALKEEPER
Jussi Jaaskelainen
Stephen Henderson
Raphael Spiegel
Jack Larkins
All the indications are that Jussi will be Number One. That makes me nervous. No one can tell me this is an advancement on last season when we had an England international goalie. I'd like to see us pick up a proven international goalkeeper, but I just don't see it happening. A good goalkeeper can be worth 10 points a season. A bad one can get you relegated.
CENTRAL DEFENCE
James Tomkins
Winston Reid
James Collins
Three specialist central defenders is not enough. It should be acknowledged that McCartney, Demel and Diarra can all play there if needed, but we certainly need at least one more specialist.
FULL BACKS
George McCartney
Dan Potts
Joey O'Brien
Guy Demel
Jordan Spence
I'm not as worried as some about our lack of depth at left and right back. Matt Taylor plays comfortably at left back too, and James Tomkins can cover right back. I'm not convinced by Demel yet, but O'Brien has never let us down, although he is prone to injury. Faubert was always useful to have as a backup, although he was always better going forward than defending.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD
Alou Diarra
Mark Noble
Jack Collison
Kevin Nolan
Mo Diame
Five into three won't go, so it will be interesting to see who Sam Allardyce picks to play in the centre. This is the one area of the pitch where I feel comfortable with what we have.
WIDE MIDFIELD
Matt Taylor
Gary O'Neil
Ricardo Vaz Te
Rumour is that Matt Jarvis from Wolves is close to signing. He was left out of the Wolves squad today, so draw your own conclusions. But £10 million? I'm not so sure, but it might be tasty with him on one wing and Vaz Te on the other. Maiga can also play wide left. There are also renewed rumours about Yossi Benayoun making a return, now that Ravel Morrison has mysteriously gone out on loan.
STRIKERS
Carlton Cole
Nicky Maynard
Rob Hall
Sam Baldock
Freddie Piquionne
Modibo Maiga
Rob Hall
We can safely assume Piquionne isn't going to play much of a part and it seems that Sam Baldock will soon be on his way. If Wolves have any sense, they will make him part of the Jarvis deal. I'd like to see an out and out goalscorer brought in (which rules out Andy Carroll), but all seems quiet on that front at the moment.
All in all we have a squad of only 21 senior players. We need another four, I reckon. But from the players listed on the club website already, this would be my first choice starting eleven...
Henderson, Tomkins, Collins, McCartney, O'Brien, Noble, Nolan, Diame, Vaz Te, Diarra, Cole
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Hammers seal Alou coup
The Sun
Published: 10th August 2012
WEST HAM have completed the signing of France star Alou Diarra on a three-year contract. The battling midfielder, who starred against England at Euro 2012, has left Marseille for the Premier League new boys in a £2millon deal. Diarra, 31, has 44 caps for France and has previously had a spell in England with Liverpool between 2002-2005, although he failed to make an appearance for the Reds. Diarra said: "I am very happy to be here at West Ham - everything is signed now which is good and I am excited to be here at this club and to be playing for them in the Premier League. "I know a lot about West Ham as a club and when I knew they were interested in signing me, I was very happy and knew it would be a good choice for me. "We are a Premier League club and I know of players who were here before like Paolo Di Canio and Scott Parker. "But of the players now in the team, I know Guy Demel, Mo Diame and of course, Modibo Maiga, who played in the French league last year. "The club has just been promoted and I am looking forward to a good challenge with the team ahead. "I see this as my chance in the Premier League to do well with West Ham. "I hope that my experience can help and the fans will see me give my all in the matches."
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Get me out of here! Matt Jarvis hands in a transfer request to force through West Ham move
The Mirror
Matt Jarvis has handed in a transfer request - to force through his move to West Ham United. Wolves winger Jarvis has made the move after the Championship club knocked back a £9m bid from Sam Allardyce. Jarvis wants to stay in the Premier League and is also wanted by Fulham, who have had a £5m bid rejected. The ambitious Hammers are ready to pay £6m up front with another £3m in add-ons for the England winger. But Wolves are sticking to their £10m valuation of the player they signed for £700,000 from Gillingham. Wolves boss Stale Solbakken confirmed the Hammers offer,saying: "Bids are coming in for Jarvis and so far they have been turned down. "Players have a valuation and that goes for everyone in the whole world. "So far the valuation for Jarvis is bigger than the offers we have received."
Jarvis is the second player in a week to slap in an official transfer request, following the lead of Steven Fletcher, after Wolves rejected a £12m offer from Sunderland for the striker.
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WEST HAM ALERTED TO ADRIEN SILVA AVAILABILITY
Daily Star
12th August 2012 By Daily Star Reporter
WEST Ham have been alerted by the news that contract talks between Sporting Lisbon and midfielder Adrien Silva have collapsed. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has the player, 23, on his radar. Silva's agent Jim Michel Gabriel said: "The player will not extend his contract with Sporting." Sporting will listen to offers of around £2milion, but Allardyce could trim that knowing the player can leave.
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West Ham told to cough up £10m for Jarvis after Wolves turn down lower offer
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 10 August 2012 | UPDATED: 22:30, 10 August 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham will have to offer £10million to land Wolves winger Matt Jarvis. The Hammers' bid of £6m plus £3m in add-ons for Jarvis, 26, was rejected on Friday.
Wolves want the majority of the money paid up-front and it is understood they would accept a restructured offer. Their chief executive Jez Moxey said: 'We have received a bid for Matt Jarvis but, as we have said, no player will leave until our valuation is met.'
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have issued a statement relating to agents' fees
10.08.2012
West Ham United would like to clarify the club's position on agents' fees after stories in the media on Friday. Following the club's relegation to the npower Championship at the end of the 2010/11season, the Board decided on a clear strategy to attack the new season with ambitious and exciting singings capable of firing West Ham United back to the Barclays Premier League at the first attempt. The Board and manager Sam Allardyce quickly set about recruiting high-quality Premier League players, who possessed the quality to return the club to the top tier of English football and then stay on once they were promoted. The likes of captain Kevin Nolan, signed for an undisclosed transfer fee, Matt Taylor, Joey O'Brien and George McCartney were all recruited from the top division to aid the promotion push. The associated costs of recruiting Premier League players does mean that occasionally agents' fees do have to be paid out, although West Ham continue to campaign for a cap on such payments.
Although the club will always strive to keep these fees to a minimum, the reality is that agents are a part of the modern game and when high-quality signings are made, such costs have to be factored into the deal. The fees that West Ham United committed to pay last season would not stand out at a Premier League side, which was how the club viewed itself last season.
Attacking the Championship with high-profile signings was an ambitious strategy, but ultimately it was one that proved correct with the Hammers securing promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
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Four receive international call-ups
WHUFC.com
Four West Ham United players have been called-up by their respective nations
10.08.2012
Four West Ham United players have been called-up by their respective countries for international duty in August. Jack Collison, Joey O'Brien and new signings James Collins and Raphael Spiegel will all be involved for their nations ahead of the new Barclays Premier League season. Collison and Collins have been called-up by Wales manager Chris Coleman for their international friendly meeting with Bosnia-Herzegovina at Parc Y Scarlets in Llanelli on Wednesday 15 August. The fixture will serve as a warm-up for Wales' 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, which begins at home to Belgium and away in Serbia in September.
O'Brien has been recalled to the Ireland squad for the first time in four years. The defender, who has three previous caps, will join up with the squad ahead of their friendly against Serbia in Belgrade on 15 August. O'Brien has not played for Ireland for almost six years so will be looking to catch manager Giovanni Trapattoni's eye ahead of their first FIFA World Cup qualifier with Kazakhstan on 7 September.
Finally, goalkeeper Spiegel will join up with the Switzerland Under-20 squad for a training camp in Magglingen between 13-15 August.
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Hammers swoop for Diarra
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of France midfielder Alou Diarra
10.08.2012
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of France international midfielder Alou Diarra. The 2006 FIFA World Cup runner-up and 2012 UEFA European Championship star has joined the Hammers on a three-year contract from Olympique Marseille for an undisclosed fee. Capped 44 times, the 31-year-old has enjoyed a fine playing career, winning the French title twice, appearing in the UEFA Champions League nearly 30 times and captaining his country. Born in the northern Paris suburb of Villepinte, the 6'3 tall defensive midfielder is known for his outstanding physical attributes and leadership abilities.
Diarra said: "I am very happy to be here at West Ham - everything is signed now which is good and I am excited to be here at this club and to be playing for them in the Premier League. "I know a lot about West Ham as a club and when I knew they were interested in signing me, I was very happy and knew it would be a good choice for me. "We are a Premier League club and I know of players who were here before like Paolo Di Canio and Scott Parker, but of the players now in the team, I know Guy [Demel], Mo [Diame] and of course, Modibo Maiga, who played in the French league last year. "The club has just been promoted and I am looking forward to a good challenge with the team ahead. I see this as my chance in the Premier League to do well with West Ham. I hope that my experience can help and the fans will see me give my all in the matches."
After coming through the ranks at Ligue 2 club CS Louhans-Cuiseaux, Diarra was snapped up by Bayern Munich at the age of 19, spending the next two seasons learning his trade in the German giants' reserve team alongside future internationals Owen Hargreaves, Philipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger. After signing for Liverpool in 2002, Diarra enjoyed successful loan spells with French clubs Le Havre, Bastia and Lens before joining the latter on a permanent basis in 2005. The 2005/06 season proved something of a breakthrough campaign for Diarra, who made ten European appearances as Lens reached the last-32 of the UEFA Cup. That impressive form saw Ligue 1 champions Olympique Lyonnais move to take him to the Stade Gerland in the summer of 2006. Before his move to Lyon, however, Diarra helped France to reach the 2006 FIFA World Cup final. Having made his debut in a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Republic of Ireland in Paris in October 2004, he appeared twice in Germany, including a substitute appearance in the final defeat by Italy. Diarra won the Ligue 1 title with Lyon in 2007, but after making just 15 league appearances, he joined Bordeaux. There, he would make more than 150 appearances over four seasons, winning the title again in 2009 and three other domestic trophies. After captaining France in their group-stage meeting with host nation South Africa at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he joined Marseille a year ago, helping the club to win the French League Cup in April 2012. Diarra appeared at his third major tournament with France, starting all three group matches, including the 1-1 draw with England.
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Dev Squad comeback comes up short
WHUFC.com
Dagenham and Redbridge proved too strong for the Development Squad in a pre-season fixture on Saturday
11.08.2012
A spirited second half fightback wasn't enough for the Development Squad as they lost 6-3 against a strong Dagenham and Redbridge side. The Hammers went behind in the third minute when Jake Larkins was unable to keep out Dwight Gayle's point-blank header, and despite reacting well it was soon two as Gayle caught them on the break and finished well. Ian Hendon's side were to endure more bad luck before the halfway stage as the home side got their third when Gale's tame shot took a wicked deflection rendering Larkins helpless. The tide turned in the second half and the Hammers reduced the deficit after just one minute when Rob Hall was brought down and captain Jordan Spence hammered the spot-kick home. Hall took centre-stage once more just two minutes later, drifting in from the right before bending a delicious ball inside the far post to make it 3-2.
On another day the Hammers would have completed their comeback and gone on to win and they almost equalised when Kenzer Lee's header was somehow tipped over as the away side continued to press. Despite the Hammers' pressure, it was Dagenham's day as they struck twice on the counter-attack in quick succession - the goals coming from Billy Bingham and Jake Reed. Sam Williams added a sixth before Jordan Spence converted from the spot for the second time before Sam Baldock and Frederic Piquionne were denied opportunities to further reduce the deficit.
Hendon accepted that his side should have shown more focus, particularly in the first half, but praised the effort of lone striker Paul McCallum. "It was men against boys today, which is not necessarily a criticism as Dagenham are a very experienced, well-drilled side," said Hendon. "That said, we didn't dominate the midfield like we needed to and support Paul who showed a superb work-rate. He battled well against two big centre-halves and deserves a lot of credit."
Hendon also believes that positives can be taken in defeat. The Development Squad host Reading to begin their Barclays Under-21 Premier League campaign at Rush Green Stadium on Friday at 7pm, and he believes this result could provide the focus they need. "We arrange these games with fitness and preparation being our main focus. Now we need to work hard to improve for Friday. They're all good players, but when it's tough like Saturday and we're up against it they need to show for the ball and want it more. That way we will create more and control the game."
Hendon bemoaned his side's lack of luck as the Daggers scored two goals from cruel deflections either side of the half-time break. "I've seen a lot of positive signs in the past few games that suggest we have turned a corner. We have looked stronger, sharper and fitter. Maybe today is one of those days where things just haven't gone our way. We started the second half very well, got back into it, and then they scored via a deflection for the second time. "We can count ourselves very unlucky."
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Improved performance pleases Big Sam
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce was happy with West Ham United's sharpness as they drew 1-1 with SC Braga
11.08.2012
Sam Allardyce was impressed with the response he witnessed from his West Ham United side during their 1-1 draw with SC Braga. The West Ham United manager saw a close-range Winston Reid effort secure a well-deserved draw on Friday evening as the Hammers wrapped up their pre-season campaign. The home side had taken the lead in the 34th minute when Lima converted a hotly-disputed penalty after James Collins was adjudged to have handballed. "I think it was a very good game to play in," Big Sam told West Ham TV. "Braga as a team will be in or around the top three or four teams in Portugal. They will be playing in Europe so it was a good test for the lads both technically and physically. "It was an unfortunate penalty against us when the ball hit James Collins and then his hand but that is what you get when you're away in Europe sometimes. It was a good performance overall and it was good to see Momo play for us and for Tonks to get a good run out after coming back from the Olympics."
The Hammers' goal was straight from the training ground as Matt Taylor floated a corner into the box, the retuning Olympian James Tomkins nodded it down and Winston Reid was on hand to prod the ball home from three yards out. Although there were perhaps only 200 Hammers fans in the ground, their delight to see an 89th-minute leveller ahead of the start of the Barclays Premier League season was there for all to hear.
George Moncur did have a brilliant chance to win the match right at the death, but, after being put through one-on-one by Mark Noble, his shot into the far corner was brilliantly saved by Quim in the Braga goal. Quim had a busy night and another fine stop from a Modibo Maiga header kept the Champions League qualifiers in the game as the Hammers' pre-season preparations stepped up a couple of notches.
"It was a very sound, solid performance overall and a good end to the game which showed our fitness is coming on, which is what we want. It's nice to see us score from a set play. A Matt Taylor ball in and James Tomkins knocked it down and it was finished by Reidy. "We should have scored a late winner when young George Moncur went through but sadly he didn't put that one in the back of the net. It was a great counter-attack started by Mark Noble but in Moncur on a one-on-one. The lad is hugely is hugely disappointed he's not stuck it away."
Big Sam's thoughts will immediately turn to defeating Aston Villa in the first game of the new Premier League season. There is limited availability on tickets for the game so fans are advised to move quickly. Click here for more information.
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West Ham sign Alou Diarra for £2m from Marseille
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have completed the signing of French midfielder Alou Diarra from Marseille for a fee reported to be £2m. Diarra, 31, signed a three-year deal at Upton Park on Friday after completing his transfer from the French side. The midfielder, who spent three years at Liverpool but did not make a first-team appearance, played all four of France's games at Euro 2012. Diarra said: "I am excited to be here at this club and to be playing for them in the Premier League."
He added: "I know a lot about West Ham as a club. When I knew they were interested in signing me, I was very happy and knew it would be a good choice for me.
"We are a Premier League club and I know of players who were here before like Paolo Di Canio and Scott Parker, but of the players now in the team, I know Guy [Demel], Mo [Diame] and of course, Modibo Maiga, who played in the French league last year."
Diarra, with 44 international caps, has played the majority of his career in France. But his Marseille future was placed in doubt when he reported back from Euro 2012 six days late, an infraction for which he was fined. West Ham have already paid Aston Villa £2.5m for James Collins this summer and brought in Mali striker Maiga, who completed a £4.7m transfer from French club Sochaux last month,- as Sam Allardyce rebuilds his promotion-winning squad.
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Jarvis wants out
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 12th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
Wolverhapton Wanderes manager Stale Solbakken confirmed last night that West Ham transfer target Matt Jarvis had handed in a transfer request. The Championship club claimed earlier in the week that the Hammers has made a £9million bid for the once-capped English international - an offer that was flatly rejected. However the winger signalled his intention to leave Molineux yesterday when he handed in a transfer request - a move confirmed by Solbakken. "He wants to leave but it has to be right for Wolves," said the Norweigan coach. "At the end of the day, I am not making the final decision. We are a little unsettled at the moment and everything is not fine but we have to fight through this."
Jarvis, who moved to Wolves from Gillingham for £600,000 back in 2007 missed Wolves' match with Aldershot yesterday although Solbakken insisted that the 26-year-old was ill. "This is a true story and you can believe it or not," he said, "but he is actually sick. He is a good guy in a stressful situation at the moment."
Jarvis' sole appearance for England thus far came against Ghana in a 2011 friendly.
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SC Braga 1 West Ham Utd 1
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 10th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
Winston Reid's last-gasp equaliser earned West Ham a share of the spoils in their final match of pre-season in Portugal tonight. A goal behind to a first half penalty, the New Zealander struck in the final minute of normal time to earn Sam Allardyce's side a draw which was the very least they deserved for a spirited effort in what proved to be a lively encounter. West Ham featured four of their eight summer signings in tonight's starting XI; Jussi Jaaskelainen, James Collins, Momo Diame and Modibo Maiga all featured in a 4-3-3 formation with Carlton Cole spearheading at attack with Maiga and Ricardo Vaz Te either side.
Meanwhile James Tomkins reverted to the defensive midfield role that he was occasionally employed in during the 2011/12 campaign, with Collins and Reid forming the central defensive unit immediately behind him. After a decent start, in which West Ham arguably produced their best football of pre-season, it was the hosts who took the lead 11 minutes before the break. The returning James Collins appeared to be penalised for hand-ball after Custodio Castro's effort had been saved by Jaaskelainen and Lima - aka Rodrigo Jose Lima dos Santos - sent the Finnish 'keeper the wrong way from 12 yards to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Having re-appeared for the second half with a number of new faces and a new kit (their second strip) Braga threatened to score a second but West Ham stood strong. The home side appeared to have achieved their aim with just five minutes remaining when sub Baiano found the net, however he was adjudged - correctly - to be offside. It was to prove the turning point in the game as just four minutes later West Ham grabbed what had appeared to be an unlikely equaliser. Having forced a corner on the right, substitute Matt Taylor swung in a deep cross which was headed back into the mix by James Tomkins, stationed at the far post.
Winston Reid was first to react and the Kiwi poked the ball over the goal line from three yards out despite the close attention of a number of Braga defenders to level the scores. With Braga pushing on looking to restore their lead, United could have been celebrating an unlikely win had youngster George Moncur looked up and squared the ball when United broke on the counter attack in the second minute of added-on time. With three players completely unmarked, the son of former Hammers midfielder John Moncur opted instead to shoot and his effort was pushed aside by Braga 'keeper Quim.
West Ham Utd: Jaaskelainen, Demel (Potts 79), Reid, Collins (O'Neil 74), O'Brien, Tomkins, Diame (Moncur 84), Noble, Vaz Te, Maiga, Cole (Taylor 71).
Sub not used: Henderson.
SC Braga: Quim, Mossoro, Barbosa, Lima, Elderson, Salino, Vinicius, Custodio, Alan, Douglao, Viana.
Subs: Beto, Nuno Coelho, Amorim, Luis Alberto, Micael, Baiano, Ismaily, Djamal, Carlao.
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Diarra signs three-year deal
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 10th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have completed the signing of French international Alou Diarra. As revealed here on KUMB late on Wednesday evening, the 31-year-old flew into London yesterday in order to undergo a two-part medical which was finally completed earlier this morning. Just a few minutes ago it was confirmed by West Ham United that the former Marseille player has completed his move to the Boleyn Ground, siging a three-year deal with the Hammers. And although the fee is undisclosed, reports suggest that West Ham paid in the region of £2million to sign Diarra from the Ligue 1 outfit.
Speaking via whufc.com, he said: "I am very happy to be here at West Ham. Everything is signed now and I am excited to be playing for them in the Premier League. I know a lot about West Ham as a club and when I knew they were interested in signing me, I was very happy and knew it would be a good choice.
"Of the players in the team, I know Guy [Demel], Mo [Diame] and Modibo Maiga, who played in the French league last year. I am looking forward to a good challenge with the team; I hope that my experience can help and the fans will see me give my all in the matches."
A defensive midfielder who can also be utilised in the centre of defence, Diarra first moved to England 2002 when he was signed by Gerard Houllier, a fellow Frenchman, for Liverpool in 2002 (from Bayern Munich). However he failed to make a single appearance for the Merseyside club and spent the three years contracted to the club on loan at Le Havre, Bastia and Lens - who he eventually joined on a permanent basis in 2005. The 6'3" Frenchman's most successful years followed thereafter as he moved to Lyon in 2006 - where he picked up a league-winners medal - and then on to Bordeaux in 2007 where he spent the next four years. It was during this stage in his career that he captained his country at the 2010 World Cup Finals, in their opening game of the tournament against hosts South Africa. Linked with clubs such as Manchester City in the past, Diarra moved to current club Marseille in July 2011 for €5million. He becomes West Ham's eighth signing of pre-season.
Pre-season signings: the story so far
May
21st: Stephen Henderson (Portsmouth, nominal fee)
June
14th: Jussi Jaaskelainen (Bolton, nominal fee)
20th: Momo Diame (Wigan, free transfer)
July
1st: George McCartney (Sunderland, nominal fee)
18th: Modibo Maiga (Sochaux, £4.5million)
23rd: Raphael Spiegler (Grasshoppers, nominal fee)
August
1st: James Collins (Aston Villa, £2million)
10th: Alou Diarra (Marseille, £2million)
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Jarvis asks for move
Wolves winger hands in transfer request
Last Updated: August 11, 2012 11:54am
SSN
Sky Sports understands that Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Matt Jarvis has handed in a transfer request at Molineux. The 26-year-old has become the second player this week to officially make a request to leave, following on from Sunderland target Steven Fletcher. Jarvis has been the subject of rejected bids from West Ham, whilst Stoke and Fulham have also been linked with his services. Now the Middlesbrough-born winger has made his position clear and he wants to be back in the Premier League next season. Jarvis has one eye on his international prospects, having already gained one England cap last year.
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Diarra happy with Hammers switch
Frenchman looking forward to Premier League challenge
By Subhankar Mondal. Last Updated: August 10, 2012 4:21pm
SSN
French midfielder Alou Diarra is delighted to join West Ham United and is looking forward to playing in the Premier League. The 31-year-old signed for the Hammers from Marseille on Friday on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee. Diarra, a France international, is overjoyed with the move and hopes to make a major impact on West Ham's 2012/13 season. "I am very happy to be here at West Ham - everything is signed now which is good and I am excited to be here at this club and to be playing for them in the Premier League," he told the club's official website. "I know a lot about West Ham as a club and when I knew they were interested in signing me, I was very happy and knew it would be a good choice for me.
Challenge
"We are a Premier League club and I know of players who were here before like Paolo Di Canio and Scott Parker, but of the players now in the team, I know Guy [Demel], Mo [Diame] and of course, Modibo Maiga, who played in the French league last year. "The club has just been promoted and I am looking forward to a good challenge with the team ahead. "I see this as my chance in the Premier League to do well with West Ham. I hope that my experience can help and the fans will see me give my all in the matches."
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The German Ideology - Theses on Sam Allardyce's Football Management
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Sam Allardyce gave an interesting interview to the German media prior to the pre-season match with Dynamo Dresden. In it, Allardyce was asked about the difference between the English Premier League and the German first tier. I will not summarise his comparative analysis, but what was of particular interest was his comments on the complexity of being a coach in the EPL. Sam Allardyce observed that one of the defining features was the multiplicity of different formations employed by clubs and the need to adjust your own formation and tactics accordingly. He suggested that on different weeks you can face formations such as 4-4-2, 4-3-3, 4-5-1 or 4-2-3-1 and made the point that one side has even started playing three defenders at the back.
The reason that I found it interesting is because it exposed the erroneous assumption that Sam Allardyce is structuring his squad to adopt one monocasual formation or style of play. The assumption becoming common coinage is that Allardyce is structuring his squad to just adopt a sole 4-3-3/4-5-1 formation. There have even been Chinese whispers that Allardyce's approach is all about power and direct play and that ball players like Mark Noble will not fit in to it. We also often hear the lament, what is the point of having he likes of Maynard or a potential new signing Matt Jarvis in the squad, because they do not fit in to Allardyce's formation. Underpinning this observation, once again, is the assumption that West Ham will only play one system next season. Another comment sometimes heard is, what is our chosen first team line up? As if it is still the 1970s when teams had a first XI and a reserve team and, to slightly adapt Rudyard Kipling's famous phrase, 'rarely shall the twain meet.'
Modern football is a squad game. Surely, Allardyce's intention is to build a squad with the capacity and ability to play different formations. Arguably, it is wrong to suppose that we will play the same way regardless of the quality of the opposition or tactics/formation that they deploy? Allardyce himself has often stated that there is a prevalent distorted view of what he is all about as a coach. At the core of this view is that he has a one-dimensional tactical approach based upon the infamous 'long ball.' Yet last season I only remember one sustained ariel bombardment and that was the exciting 3-3 home draw with Birmingham City. And in that match he changed tactics, to Plan B, in the second half, precisely because Plan A was not working and we were losing 1-3. Obviously he was right on that occasion because it snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat!
And yes, we are now a physically imposing side and we have worked on our set plays, but what's wrong with that? Surely that is just a way of adding 'another string to our bow' and ensuring that we can score goals and win matches utilising all possible options open to us. After all it was not exactly as if we did not need to improve in those areas. How many times over the decades have West Ham teams been physically intimidated out of matches? How bad have we traditionally been at set pieces over the years (whether taking or defending them!)? Lets see if the old 'pushovers' tag is still applied to us next season under Allardyce. I think a few PL managers next season might be in for a bit of a shock.
The manager wants to play passing football, wherever possible, that is quite clear from his prior comments. But he will either mix it up or play a more direct style if it increases our chances of winning by: dictating play, dominating the opposition and exploiting their defensive weaknesses. The great Ron Greenwood did not have that philosophy, he was a purist, who thought the style of play was just as important as the result. His ideal was to play open, attacking football and always win the right way. But Allardyce is not an exponent of Greenwood's purist ideals, he is arguably a pragmatist and to him the three points is always the 'bottom line.' Hence, his constant emphasis upon 'winning football matches' and the 'West Ham Way' being about doing exactly that. The conflict between manager and the fans lies in the fact that the head of most Hammers supporters would probably accept Allardyce's rationale, but their hearts and the senses lie with the Academy/Greenwood tradition.
I believe that Allardyce's objectives are obviously to improve the quality of the squad, as well as its strength in depth. It also means having different types of players so that he can change tactics to secure results . That should not be an amazing revelation, but the nature of debate amongst fans convinces me that it is a point that still needs to be laboured. At times next season he will play 4-4-2, on others 4-3-3 and others still (especially away from home at places like Emirates and Old Trafford) he might deploy a solid 4-5-1 or 4-4-1-1. And of course he will switch tactics, using the substitutes bench, as necessary. I also believe that it will not be all about negative football and grinding out results next season. Allardyce knows that West Ham fans love to be entertained and he will do his best to satisfy their demands. Fortunately, next season other PL teams will approach matches against us with the objective of winning. There will not be as many packed midfields and attempts to grind out of results as we witnessed last season. This will open up plenty of possibilities for the Hammers to pass the ball, attack and entertain.
I wonder if there is a part of Sam Allardyce that wants to use next season to lay the myth, once and for all, about his so-called long ball tactics? After all, we did play some excellent football on occasions last season, such as the demolition of Notts Forest (away), Brighton (home), Blackpool (away), Barnsley (away) and Cardiff City (home in the 2nd leg play-off semi-final). Although the myth is still often repeated that we only played a direct style last season. Even though the evidence clearly proves otherwise.
The answer to the above question is probably yes, as long as it wins football matches! Because it is Allardyce's apparent pragmatism and desire to win that is ultimately in the driving seat and they will be the final determinant of how we set up and the tactics that we deploy. Surely that is the key to understanding Sam Allardyce's management? Not often repeated cliches about one-dimensional football and long ball tactics!
SJ. Chandos.
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Wolves Reject £9m Hammers Bid for Matt Jarvis!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Well, Wolves must be in a good financial position to be able to reject a £9m package for their winger, Matt Jarvis. Usually relegated teams tend to sacrifice one or two stars to fund the rebuilding of their squad. Last season we lost Scott Parker and Demba Ba in similar circumstances. It can obviously weaken a side in the short-term, but the other side of the coin is that it provides an injection of cash to bring in other players. In our case, we only generated a c.£5m fee for Parker, although both his and Ba's transfers did free up significant money on the wage bill.
Of course, it could be that Wolves are playing a cagey game of rejecting an initial bid, in the anticipation that improved offers ill follow. They may even hope that the final fee will be inflated by an auction with other clubs entering the frame. Alternatively, Wolves might genuinely see Jarvis as crucial to their promotion push this season. A £9m fee if a very good offer and Wolves must have thought twice before rejecting it. Jarvis is a very good winger, but will the Hammers hierarchy be tempted to up their bid to £10m, the valuation that Wolves seem to have put on the player?
Elsewhere, the official site has announced that a new international signing is at an advanced stage and should be announced later this afternoon. The probablity that is going to be French international Alou Diarra. Diarra should be a good and experienced signing, it gives us another defensive midfield option, besides Mo Diame, and extra cover at centre back. It has been a very frustrating summer so far, but you get the sense that Sam Allardyce is slowly assembling the players that he needs for this summer's PL campaign. Yes, there are still notable question marks over certain positions, but the fact is that a lot of business will undoubtedly take place in the period 18-31 August 2012. And it usually takes one or two big deals to set off a chain reaction of other deals.
We may feel certain frustrations at West Ham, but it should also be remembered that the market as a whole has been fairly quiet so far this summer. There will undoubtedly be a flurry of transfer activity before the window closes. It is not ideal to leave it late, but that is the nature of the beast that is the football transfer window.
Anyway, our additions are very important to our chances next season, no doubt about that. But I am also hopeful that we will benefit from the 'Swansea and Norwich effect' next season. That is having a highly motivated core of established players, who impress with their commitment, application and togetherness. Why not, contrary to what some 'doom and gloomers' would have us believe we do have some very good players, other players who are hungry to do well and some very promising youngsters who could positively impact this season. It is a optimistic scenerio, but why write off our chances before we have even kicked off the campaign. Critical anaylsis is right and proper, but striking your colours this early is not only absurd, it is quite frankly defeatist.
Personally, I want to see us sign another right-back, a creative midfielder, a striker and a winger. That's four players as a minimum. There are question marks over our keepers, the left back position and whether we have enough width on both flanks. But I would go with McCartney/Taylor/Potts up to the 31 August 2012 and make an emergency deal for a left-back if there are problems. I think that they will stick with our current keepers and we can only hope that they perform. But you know there comes a point where you have to trust in certain players, use your ability as a coach and make the very best of what you have. I do not know how the remainder of our transfer business will go, but there is bound to be an element of that when the window closes.
It must be quite nerve wrecking for a manager if he has missed certain transfer targets and he starts the season hoping that he has done enough in the transfer market. But that is what they are paid for and they invariably pay 'the price' (if you can call a multi-million pound pay-off that) with the sack if they get it wrong. Somehow, I really do not see Sam Allardyce getting it wrong. His PL track record is a very good indicator of that; as is his proven ability to get the very best out of his players. I know that not all fans are convinced of his syle of football, but it is an asset to have manager of his experience at the helm. Neither Southampton nor Reading have a similar assurance! And that could prove a crucial factor in deciding the outcome of this coming season.
SJ. Chandos.
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We Need More Strength In Depth, Especially In Defence
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
With the start of the season less than a week away, I guess now is as good a time as any to evaluate how the pre-season has gone and where we still need to strengthen the squad over the next week or three. Results wise we haven't exactly pulled up any trees. Indeed, results seem to have got worse, after an encouraging start. But it's not results that count in friendlies, it's performances. I haven't been to any of the games, but from what I have read, we have looked very shaky defensively. And it seems to me that defence is where we really need to strengthen our squad. We seem to have an abundance of midfielders and strikers, with more on the way imminently, but despite the arrival of James Collins, I think we need a top class central defender. Let's go through the squad, position by position...
GOALKEEPER
Jussi Jaaskelainen
Stephen Henderson
Raphael Spiegel
Jack Larkins
All the indications are that Jussi will be Number One. That makes me nervous. No one can tell me this is an advancement on last season when we had an England international goalie. I'd like to see us pick up a proven international goalkeeper, but I just don't see it happening. A good goalkeeper can be worth 10 points a season. A bad one can get you relegated.
CENTRAL DEFENCE
James Tomkins
Winston Reid
James Collins
Three specialist central defenders is not enough. It should be acknowledged that McCartney, Demel and Diarra can all play there if needed, but we certainly need at least one more specialist.
FULL BACKS
George McCartney
Dan Potts
Joey O'Brien
Guy Demel
Jordan Spence
I'm not as worried as some about our lack of depth at left and right back. Matt Taylor plays comfortably at left back too, and James Tomkins can cover right back. I'm not convinced by Demel yet, but O'Brien has never let us down, although he is prone to injury. Faubert was always useful to have as a backup, although he was always better going forward than defending.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD
Alou Diarra
Mark Noble
Jack Collison
Kevin Nolan
Mo Diame
Five into three won't go, so it will be interesting to see who Sam Allardyce picks to play in the centre. This is the one area of the pitch where I feel comfortable with what we have.
WIDE MIDFIELD
Matt Taylor
Gary O'Neil
Ricardo Vaz Te
Rumour is that Matt Jarvis from Wolves is close to signing. He was left out of the Wolves squad today, so draw your own conclusions. But £10 million? I'm not so sure, but it might be tasty with him on one wing and Vaz Te on the other. Maiga can also play wide left. There are also renewed rumours about Yossi Benayoun making a return, now that Ravel Morrison has mysteriously gone out on loan.
STRIKERS
Carlton Cole
Nicky Maynard
Rob Hall
Sam Baldock
Freddie Piquionne
Modibo Maiga
Rob Hall
We can safely assume Piquionne isn't going to play much of a part and it seems that Sam Baldock will soon be on his way. If Wolves have any sense, they will make him part of the Jarvis deal. I'd like to see an out and out goalscorer brought in (which rules out Andy Carroll), but all seems quiet on that front at the moment.
All in all we have a squad of only 21 senior players. We need another four, I reckon. But from the players listed on the club website already, this would be my first choice starting eleven...
Henderson, Tomkins, Collins, McCartney, O'Brien, Noble, Nolan, Diame, Vaz Te, Diarra, Cole
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers seal Alou coup
The Sun
Published: 10th August 2012
WEST HAM have completed the signing of France star Alou Diarra on a three-year contract. The battling midfielder, who starred against England at Euro 2012, has left Marseille for the Premier League new boys in a £2millon deal. Diarra, 31, has 44 caps for France and has previously had a spell in England with Liverpool between 2002-2005, although he failed to make an appearance for the Reds. Diarra said: "I am very happy to be here at West Ham - everything is signed now which is good and I am excited to be here at this club and to be playing for them in the Premier League. "I know a lot about West Ham as a club and when I knew they were interested in signing me, I was very happy and knew it would be a good choice for me. "We are a Premier League club and I know of players who were here before like Paolo Di Canio and Scott Parker. "But of the players now in the team, I know Guy Demel, Mo Diame and of course, Modibo Maiga, who played in the French league last year. "The club has just been promoted and I am looking forward to a good challenge with the team ahead. "I see this as my chance in the Premier League to do well with West Ham. "I hope that my experience can help and the fans will see me give my all in the matches."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Get me out of here! Matt Jarvis hands in a transfer request to force through West Ham move
The Mirror
Matt Jarvis has handed in a transfer request - to force through his move to West Ham United. Wolves winger Jarvis has made the move after the Championship club knocked back a £9m bid from Sam Allardyce. Jarvis wants to stay in the Premier League and is also wanted by Fulham, who have had a £5m bid rejected. The ambitious Hammers are ready to pay £6m up front with another £3m in add-ons for the England winger. But Wolves are sticking to their £10m valuation of the player they signed for £700,000 from Gillingham. Wolves boss Stale Solbakken confirmed the Hammers offer,saying: "Bids are coming in for Jarvis and so far they have been turned down. "Players have a valuation and that goes for everyone in the whole world. "So far the valuation for Jarvis is bigger than the offers we have received."
Jarvis is the second player in a week to slap in an official transfer request, following the lead of Steven Fletcher, after Wolves rejected a £12m offer from Sunderland for the striker.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM ALERTED TO ADRIEN SILVA AVAILABILITY
Daily Star
12th August 2012 By Daily Star Reporter
WEST Ham have been alerted by the news that contract talks between Sporting Lisbon and midfielder Adrien Silva have collapsed. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has the player, 23, on his radar. Silva's agent Jim Michel Gabriel said: "The player will not extend his contract with Sporting." Sporting will listen to offers of around £2milion, but Allardyce could trim that knowing the player can leave.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham told to cough up £10m for Jarvis after Wolves turn down lower offer
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 10 August 2012 | UPDATED: 22:30, 10 August 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham will have to offer £10million to land Wolves winger Matt Jarvis. The Hammers' bid of £6m plus £3m in add-ons for Jarvis, 26, was rejected on Friday.
Wolves want the majority of the money paid up-front and it is understood they would accept a restructured offer. Their chief executive Jez Moxey said: 'We have received a bid for Matt Jarvis but, as we have said, no player will leave until our valuation is met.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, August 10
Daily WHUFC News - 10th August 2012
Hammers primed for Portuguese test
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are ready for their final pre-season match at UEFA Champions
League hopefuls SC Braga
09.08.2012
West Ham United will complete their pre-season schedule with a
glamorous-looking visit to Portuguese side SC Braga on Friday evening.
However, glamour will be the furthest thing from the minds of the Hammers'
players, who only have eyes on putting on a performance against the UEFA
Champions League qualifiers. Assistant manager Neil McDonald said the squad
had been working hard since arriving in north west Portugal on Tuesday
evening and were relishing the test that awaits them at the unique and
stunning Estadio Municipal. With a squad boasting current Portugal
internationals Custodio and Hugo Viana and a host of talented Portuguese and
Brazilian players, Braga will be a force to be reckoned with. West Ham
arrived in Braga on Tuesday evening and have trained for the past two
mornings at the host club's old Primeiro de Maio home - a large open stadium
still used by Braga's junior teams. On Thursday afternoon, the players
enjoyed a core strength exercise session on the hotel lawn before taking a
dip in the swimming pool. Away from the pitch, the squad have also held a
series of meetings to plan for the Barclays Premier League campaign ahead -
starting with the visit of Aston Villa on Saturday 18 August. "Portugal has
been very good," said Macca. "We've been really well looked after again, as
we were in Austria and Germany earlier in pre-season. It's a fantastic hotel
and we're only five minutes away from our training ground at Braga's old
stadium, so there is plenty of history around. "We've done some really good
team and individual work and we'll finish it off with a game on Friday
against a team that is in the Champions League. We're also looking forward
to playing at one of the wonderful new stadia built for the European
Championship finals when they were in Portugal back in 2004. "It will be the
last game to try to sharpen everything up before we move into the final week
of pre-season."
West Ham's most-recent pre-season match saw the Hammers defeated 3-1 at
Ipswich Town - a result and performance that the assistant manager admitted
had not been good enough. Now, with just 90 minutes to put things right in a
match situation ahead of the Barclays Premier League campaign, Macca said
the players have upped their game on the training pitch ahead of Friday's
fixture.
"We've seen a response. They've trained really, really well and they've
taken the constructive criticism on board. We know we have over a week to go
and a lot of the work we have done since the Ipswich game has been a lot
sharper. "We're looking a lot brighter so we'll see how it goes on Friday.
We're looking for a better performance from each and every one of the
individuals involved on Friday, even though the result doesn't really
matter. I'm sure we'll get it."
Big Sam and Macca are known for their meticulous approach to every match and
the season opener is no different, meaning the squad will train at the
Boleyn Ground twice next week to get used to playing at their home stadium
again. Likewise, for new boys Jussi Jaaskelainen, Mohamed Diame, Modibo
Maiga and Raphael Spiegel, the sessions will give them a first feel of what
it is like to be in the home dressing room at the Academy of Football.
"We're going to go to the ground for a couple of days to reacquaint
ourselves with the stadium surroundings and being on the grass. We'll have a
couple of sharp training sessions there and then everybody will be itching
to get the game out of the way because it seems like ages since the fixture
list came out. "The gaffer said today that we're into single figures now -
we've only got nine days to go and we can't wait to get started."
*Assistant manager Neil McDonald will run the second of his new
ProSoccerSessions - coaching sessions for coaches - at the club's Chadwell
Heath training ground on Thursday 16 August. After a successful launch
earlier this month, McDonald who himself holds a UEFA Pro License, will be
hosting the scheme which is aimed at part-time football managers and
coaches. The session will again be run at West Ham's Chadwell Heath training
ground from 6.30pm to 9pm. The only qualification for attending the course
is that you currently manage or coach a recognised football team at any
level or you are a player aspiring to be a coach. McDonald said: "The first
session went really well. I tried to keep it to low numbers and everyone on
the first course has booked in for the next one, so they want to come back
and continue what we have started to work on which is good. We can go over
sessions again and there is a lot of new stuff to look at, but if anyone
else wants to join us on this one, they can. I am really looking forward to
meeting some more new coaches, as the last one was such a success."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tonks raring to go
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins is aiming for a good start to the 2012/13 season after
competing at the Olympics
09.08.2012
James Tomkins has spoken about the pride he felt at representing Team GB at
the Olympics as his focus switches back to West Ham United and the Barclays
Premier League. Tomkins featured in two of Team GB's fixtures - a friendly
against Brazil and a group stage win against UAE - and he feels the
experience will benefit him when the new season kicks-off in just over a
week. Speaking from Portugal ahead of West Ham United's final pre-season
match against Braga on Friday night, the Basildon-born central defender
explained that he is now glad to back training with his club team-mates. "It
is great to be back with the lads," said Tomkins. "It is very nice out here,
we arrived on Tuesday and have already had a couple of good training
sessions. "The weather is also great which helps and it's obviously good to
see everyone again."
Tomkins also insisted that despite spending the majority of pre-season away
from the side he is ready to knuckle down ahead of the Premier League
curtain raiser against Aston Villa on 18 August. "We will have a lot more
training leading up to our final pre-season game with Braga and then the
beginning of the season. We are really looking forward to the match on
Friday. Playing it abroad always adds a nice touch and it will be nice to
see our fans out here in what will no doubt be a large crowd."
Tomkins and Team GB were knocked out at the quarter-final stage at the
Olympics after topping Group A with some impressive results. Now, after
sharing the stage with the likes of Ryan Giggs, Neymar and Luis Suarez, the
23-year-old is only focused on getting off to a flying start with the
Hammers. "I enjoyed being involved with Team GB and the experience of
playing at the Olympics experience was really good. It is a shame we didn't
get further and it finished the way it did, but overall it was very
enjoyable. "For me, I am focusing on the new season ahead with the first
game only round the corner and we're all really looking forward to playing
at home in the Premier League. "We want to make a good start and will be
working hard in training over the next week or so to make sure we ready for
the challenge ahead."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chambers signs new contract
WHUFC.com
17-year-old defender Leo Chambers has signed his first professional contract
with the club
09.08.2012
West Ham United are delighted to announce that England Under-16
international Leo Chambers has signed his first professional contract with
the club. The 17-year-old central defender continued to impress in Tony
Carr's Under-18 side last season and saw success at international level when
he captained his country as they lifted the Victory Shield. The Brixton-born
youngster has made the step up to Ian Hendon's Development Squad in recent
weeks and could be involved when they kick-off their Barclays Under-21
Premier League campaign against Reading on Friday 17 August. "I'm extremely
delighted to sign my first professional contract with West Ham United,"
Chambers said. "I've been working very hard but I believe this is only a
beginning. "I will continue to work hard with the youth team and hopefully
force my way into the Development Squad and the first team."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers strike Diarra deal
Midfielder close to completing Upton Park switch
Last Updated: August 9, 2012 11:18am
SSN
Sky Sports understands that West Ham United have agreed a deal with
Marseille for France international midfielder Alou Diarra. The former
Liverpool enforcer arrived in England on Thursday morning to undergo a
medical and put the finishing touches to a move. It is believed that the
31-year-old will pen a two-year contract with the Hammers. Diarra was
expected to be on the move this summer after struggling to settle at
Marseille.
Future
He only joined the club in 2011, but failed to produce his best at Stade
Velodrome. He did make France's Euro 2012 squad, and started their first
game against England, but much of his focus has been on the future. Diarra
will be hoping that a return to England will help to bring the best out of
him and allow him to prove to those at Anfield that they were wrong to let
him go without making a senior appearance. His career took off after leaving
Anfield, with spells at Lens, Lyon and Bordeaux seeing him pick up two
French titles and two Coupe de la Ligue successes.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moussa Konate - Destination West Ham?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Kumb have reported that Senegalese media sources are stating that Olympic
striking sensation, Moussa Konate, is currently in London negotiating a move
to a PL club. The 19-year-old striker impressed in the Olympic football
competition, scoring five times in his four appearances for Senegal,
including his opener in the 1-1 draw with Great Britain.
The Maccabi Tel Aviv striker recently revealed his interest in a move to
West Ham. He was quoted as stating that: 'There is talk of interest from
West Ham and that would make me very happy' he said, adding 'I hope I can
move to the Premier League.' Certainly, West ham were the first PL club
alerted to Konate's ability and expressed an early interest in signing him.
However, there has since been interest from other clubs.
Consequently, it is as yet not clear just who Konate is currently
negotiating with? West Ham would look to be favourites, but it could be that
QPR or Spurs are involved? So, is Moussa's destination West Ham? I certainly
hope so, as he is exactly the type of young, talented striker that we should
be targeting. He is physically strong, leads the line well and scores goals.
And unlike the likes of Andy Carroll he appears to want to play for the
club; oh, and an added bonus is that he will not cost the club an absolute
fortune!
Some would probably see the signing as a bit of a gamble, but personally I
think he could be an absolute sensation in the PL.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cash back: West Ham top spenders as Football League clubs shell out £22m on
agent fees
The Mirror
West Ham spent more than £4million on agent fees last season - almost a
fifth of the total spend of £21.7million for the Football League clubs. The
figure is up on the previous season (£16,658,976), although clubs engaged in
more player transactions between the period July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012
were down - 3,144 compared to 2,910 the year before. Championship clubs
accounted for £18.7million of this total, with League One and League Two
clubs spending £1.8million and £0.9million respectively. Clubs committed to
pay agents in 702 (22%) of the 3,144 player transactions that took place. In
the previous year it was 570 (20%) of 2,910 transactions. Five clubs
(Hartlepool, Accrington, AFC Wimbledon, Barnet and Crewe) did not spend any
money on agents' fees during 2011/12 while a further 22 clubs spent less
than £25,000.
In announcing the figures Football League chairman Greg Clarke said: "While
£21million is a lot of money leaving the game, it should also be noted that
a considerable amount of this total has been spent by a small number of
clubs. "In fact, almost a fifth of the overall figure was spent by one club
alone. "Where such spending forms part of a sustainable business plan it
shouldn't be of great concern and supporters should be encouraged to see our
clubs committing themselves to the new Financial Fair Play regulations that
will take effect across all three divisions in the new season. "In time,
these rules will require clubs to be more circumspect with regard to their
spending and may help reduce the costs incurred in this area."
Of the £18,704,976 spent on agents' fees by Championship clubs, West Ham
(£4,314,270) accounted for more than a quarter of the spending as they made
a successful return to the Premier League at the first attempt. Championship
title winners Reading (£1,662,163), Leicester (£1,812,371) and Crystal
Palace (£1,170,950) were the only other clubs to spend seven-figure sums on
fees. Those four clubs accounted for almost half (£8,959,754) of the total
spend in the division.
Champions Charlton (£265,170) and runners-up Sheffield Wednesday (£332,620)
were the biggest spenders on agents' fees in League One. Huddersfield
(£213,343), who were also promoted via the play-offs, had the fourth highest
total in the division. Hartlepool did not commit any money in agents' fees
and for the second year running were the only club in League One to do so.
League Two champions Swindon spent £448,506, accounting for 43% of the
£1,036,198 spent on agents' fees for that division. The only other club in
League Two to break into six-figures for fees was Crawley (£136,800), who
were promoted along with the Robins. Crewe managed to go up via the
play-offs without committing any money in agents' fees, while Accrington,
AFC Wimbledon and Barnet joined the Alex in not spending a penny on fees.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are ready for their final pre-season match at UEFA Champions
League hopefuls SC Braga
09.08.2012
West Ham United will complete their pre-season schedule with a
glamorous-looking visit to Portuguese side SC Braga on Friday evening.
However, glamour will be the furthest thing from the minds of the Hammers'
players, who only have eyes on putting on a performance against the UEFA
Champions League qualifiers. Assistant manager Neil McDonald said the squad
had been working hard since arriving in north west Portugal on Tuesday
evening and were relishing the test that awaits them at the unique and
stunning Estadio Municipal. With a squad boasting current Portugal
internationals Custodio and Hugo Viana and a host of talented Portuguese and
Brazilian players, Braga will be a force to be reckoned with. West Ham
arrived in Braga on Tuesday evening and have trained for the past two
mornings at the host club's old Primeiro de Maio home - a large open stadium
still used by Braga's junior teams. On Thursday afternoon, the players
enjoyed a core strength exercise session on the hotel lawn before taking a
dip in the swimming pool. Away from the pitch, the squad have also held a
series of meetings to plan for the Barclays Premier League campaign ahead -
starting with the visit of Aston Villa on Saturday 18 August. "Portugal has
been very good," said Macca. "We've been really well looked after again, as
we were in Austria and Germany earlier in pre-season. It's a fantastic hotel
and we're only five minutes away from our training ground at Braga's old
stadium, so there is plenty of history around. "We've done some really good
team and individual work and we'll finish it off with a game on Friday
against a team that is in the Champions League. We're also looking forward
to playing at one of the wonderful new stadia built for the European
Championship finals when they were in Portugal back in 2004. "It will be the
last game to try to sharpen everything up before we move into the final week
of pre-season."
West Ham's most-recent pre-season match saw the Hammers defeated 3-1 at
Ipswich Town - a result and performance that the assistant manager admitted
had not been good enough. Now, with just 90 minutes to put things right in a
match situation ahead of the Barclays Premier League campaign, Macca said
the players have upped their game on the training pitch ahead of Friday's
fixture.
"We've seen a response. They've trained really, really well and they've
taken the constructive criticism on board. We know we have over a week to go
and a lot of the work we have done since the Ipswich game has been a lot
sharper. "We're looking a lot brighter so we'll see how it goes on Friday.
We're looking for a better performance from each and every one of the
individuals involved on Friday, even though the result doesn't really
matter. I'm sure we'll get it."
Big Sam and Macca are known for their meticulous approach to every match and
the season opener is no different, meaning the squad will train at the
Boleyn Ground twice next week to get used to playing at their home stadium
again. Likewise, for new boys Jussi Jaaskelainen, Mohamed Diame, Modibo
Maiga and Raphael Spiegel, the sessions will give them a first feel of what
it is like to be in the home dressing room at the Academy of Football.
"We're going to go to the ground for a couple of days to reacquaint
ourselves with the stadium surroundings and being on the grass. We'll have a
couple of sharp training sessions there and then everybody will be itching
to get the game out of the way because it seems like ages since the fixture
list came out. "The gaffer said today that we're into single figures now -
we've only got nine days to go and we can't wait to get started."
*Assistant manager Neil McDonald will run the second of his new
ProSoccerSessions - coaching sessions for coaches - at the club's Chadwell
Heath training ground on Thursday 16 August. After a successful launch
earlier this month, McDonald who himself holds a UEFA Pro License, will be
hosting the scheme which is aimed at part-time football managers and
coaches. The session will again be run at West Ham's Chadwell Heath training
ground from 6.30pm to 9pm. The only qualification for attending the course
is that you currently manage or coach a recognised football team at any
level or you are a player aspiring to be a coach. McDonald said: "The first
session went really well. I tried to keep it to low numbers and everyone on
the first course has booked in for the next one, so they want to come back
and continue what we have started to work on which is good. We can go over
sessions again and there is a lot of new stuff to look at, but if anyone
else wants to join us on this one, they can. I am really looking forward to
meeting some more new coaches, as the last one was such a success."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tonks raring to go
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins is aiming for a good start to the 2012/13 season after
competing at the Olympics
09.08.2012
James Tomkins has spoken about the pride he felt at representing Team GB at
the Olympics as his focus switches back to West Ham United and the Barclays
Premier League. Tomkins featured in two of Team GB's fixtures - a friendly
against Brazil and a group stage win against UAE - and he feels the
experience will benefit him when the new season kicks-off in just over a
week. Speaking from Portugal ahead of West Ham United's final pre-season
match against Braga on Friday night, the Basildon-born central defender
explained that he is now glad to back training with his club team-mates. "It
is great to be back with the lads," said Tomkins. "It is very nice out here,
we arrived on Tuesday and have already had a couple of good training
sessions. "The weather is also great which helps and it's obviously good to
see everyone again."
Tomkins also insisted that despite spending the majority of pre-season away
from the side he is ready to knuckle down ahead of the Premier League
curtain raiser against Aston Villa on 18 August. "We will have a lot more
training leading up to our final pre-season game with Braga and then the
beginning of the season. We are really looking forward to the match on
Friday. Playing it abroad always adds a nice touch and it will be nice to
see our fans out here in what will no doubt be a large crowd."
Tomkins and Team GB were knocked out at the quarter-final stage at the
Olympics after topping Group A with some impressive results. Now, after
sharing the stage with the likes of Ryan Giggs, Neymar and Luis Suarez, the
23-year-old is only focused on getting off to a flying start with the
Hammers. "I enjoyed being involved with Team GB and the experience of
playing at the Olympics experience was really good. It is a shame we didn't
get further and it finished the way it did, but overall it was very
enjoyable. "For me, I am focusing on the new season ahead with the first
game only round the corner and we're all really looking forward to playing
at home in the Premier League. "We want to make a good start and will be
working hard in training over the next week or so to make sure we ready for
the challenge ahead."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chambers signs new contract
WHUFC.com
17-year-old defender Leo Chambers has signed his first professional contract
with the club
09.08.2012
West Ham United are delighted to announce that England Under-16
international Leo Chambers has signed his first professional contract with
the club. The 17-year-old central defender continued to impress in Tony
Carr's Under-18 side last season and saw success at international level when
he captained his country as they lifted the Victory Shield. The Brixton-born
youngster has made the step up to Ian Hendon's Development Squad in recent
weeks and could be involved when they kick-off their Barclays Under-21
Premier League campaign against Reading on Friday 17 August. "I'm extremely
delighted to sign my first professional contract with West Ham United,"
Chambers said. "I've been working very hard but I believe this is only a
beginning. "I will continue to work hard with the youth team and hopefully
force my way into the Development Squad and the first team."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers strike Diarra deal
Midfielder close to completing Upton Park switch
Last Updated: August 9, 2012 11:18am
SSN
Sky Sports understands that West Ham United have agreed a deal with
Marseille for France international midfielder Alou Diarra. The former
Liverpool enforcer arrived in England on Thursday morning to undergo a
medical and put the finishing touches to a move. It is believed that the
31-year-old will pen a two-year contract with the Hammers. Diarra was
expected to be on the move this summer after struggling to settle at
Marseille.
Future
He only joined the club in 2011, but failed to produce his best at Stade
Velodrome. He did make France's Euro 2012 squad, and started their first
game against England, but much of his focus has been on the future. Diarra
will be hoping that a return to England will help to bring the best out of
him and allow him to prove to those at Anfield that they were wrong to let
him go without making a senior appearance. His career took off after leaving
Anfield, with spells at Lens, Lyon and Bordeaux seeing him pick up two
French titles and two Coupe de la Ligue successes.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moussa Konate - Destination West Ham?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Kumb have reported that Senegalese media sources are stating that Olympic
striking sensation, Moussa Konate, is currently in London negotiating a move
to a PL club. The 19-year-old striker impressed in the Olympic football
competition, scoring five times in his four appearances for Senegal,
including his opener in the 1-1 draw with Great Britain.
The Maccabi Tel Aviv striker recently revealed his interest in a move to
West Ham. He was quoted as stating that: 'There is talk of interest from
West Ham and that would make me very happy' he said, adding 'I hope I can
move to the Premier League.' Certainly, West ham were the first PL club
alerted to Konate's ability and expressed an early interest in signing him.
However, there has since been interest from other clubs.
Consequently, it is as yet not clear just who Konate is currently
negotiating with? West Ham would look to be favourites, but it could be that
QPR or Spurs are involved? So, is Moussa's destination West Ham? I certainly
hope so, as he is exactly the type of young, talented striker that we should
be targeting. He is physically strong, leads the line well and scores goals.
And unlike the likes of Andy Carroll he appears to want to play for the
club; oh, and an added bonus is that he will not cost the club an absolute
fortune!
Some would probably see the signing as a bit of a gamble, but personally I
think he could be an absolute sensation in the PL.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cash back: West Ham top spenders as Football League clubs shell out £22m on
agent fees
The Mirror
West Ham spent more than £4million on agent fees last season - almost a
fifth of the total spend of £21.7million for the Football League clubs. The
figure is up on the previous season (£16,658,976), although clubs engaged in
more player transactions between the period July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012
were down - 3,144 compared to 2,910 the year before. Championship clubs
accounted for £18.7million of this total, with League One and League Two
clubs spending £1.8million and £0.9million respectively. Clubs committed to
pay agents in 702 (22%) of the 3,144 player transactions that took place. In
the previous year it was 570 (20%) of 2,910 transactions. Five clubs
(Hartlepool, Accrington, AFC Wimbledon, Barnet and Crewe) did not spend any
money on agents' fees during 2011/12 while a further 22 clubs spent less
than £25,000.
In announcing the figures Football League chairman Greg Clarke said: "While
£21million is a lot of money leaving the game, it should also be noted that
a considerable amount of this total has been spent by a small number of
clubs. "In fact, almost a fifth of the overall figure was spent by one club
alone. "Where such spending forms part of a sustainable business plan it
shouldn't be of great concern and supporters should be encouraged to see our
clubs committing themselves to the new Financial Fair Play regulations that
will take effect across all three divisions in the new season. "In time,
these rules will require clubs to be more circumspect with regard to their
spending and may help reduce the costs incurred in this area."
Of the £18,704,976 spent on agents' fees by Championship clubs, West Ham
(£4,314,270) accounted for more than a quarter of the spending as they made
a successful return to the Premier League at the first attempt. Championship
title winners Reading (£1,662,163), Leicester (£1,812,371) and Crystal
Palace (£1,170,950) were the only other clubs to spend seven-figure sums on
fees. Those four clubs accounted for almost half (£8,959,754) of the total
spend in the division.
Champions Charlton (£265,170) and runners-up Sheffield Wednesday (£332,620)
were the biggest spenders on agents' fees in League One. Huddersfield
(£213,343), who were also promoted via the play-offs, had the fourth highest
total in the division. Hartlepool did not commit any money in agents' fees
and for the second year running were the only club in League One to do so.
League Two champions Swindon spent £448,506, accounting for 43% of the
£1,036,198 spent on agents' fees for that division. The only other club in
League Two to break into six-figures for fees was Crawley (£136,800), who
were promoted along with the Robins. Crewe managed to go up via the
play-offs without committing any money in agents' fees, while Accrington,
AFC Wimbledon and Barnet joined the Alex in not spending a penny on fees.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, August 9
Daily WHUFC News - 9th August 2012
Big Sam backs Stratford vision
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce has voiced his support for West Ham United's move to the Olympic Stadium
08.08.2012
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce believes it would be a 'Dream come true' if the Hammers' bid to move into the Olympic Stadium post-2012 is successful.
After watching the exploits of Team GB at the Games, Allardyce believes West Ham United could use their efforts as an inspiration to do bigger and better things on the football pitch should West Ham United be offered the chance to move to Stratford. The future of the Olympic Stadium is expected to be decided later this year, but Big Sam is excited about what the Stadium could provide if the Hammers were to make it their home. "It would be a dream come true and there is nothing I can say more certain than that," said Allardyce. "Everyone who is a part of West Ham United knows how much it would benefit the club if we were offered the chance.
"We've all seen the atmosphere, the surroundings, the walk up and it would take this club to another level if our bid is accepted."
Big Sam is an avid follower of all sport and has been inspired by Team GB's efforts, in particular Bradley Wiggins and Mark Hunter. He paid tribute to Wiggins, whilst stating that his side can learn from the 2012 Tour de France winner's hard work and dedication. "For me, the Bradley Wiggins story is a great one, you can physically see the difference between this Tour de France and the previous one. "It wasn't the gym, extra training and it wasn't physiological, he managed to lose three or four kilos so his body could stand the endurance at a lighter weight on the mountain climbs of the tour. "That takes huge dedication and is the kind of commitment our lads need to show in order to gain that extra advantage."
The club sent Olympic rower and lifelong West Ham United fan Hunter good luck messages ahead of his rowing final on Saturday and Allardyce hopes that Hunter's efforts in securing a silver medal will act as motivation for his players. "I know Mark is competing in the twos but he also rows individually," said Allardyce. "It's to his credit for the way in which he motivates himself to his particular sport. "We come in as a team and that means we can have a lot of fun, his training can be very lonely and pretty boring, but he still motivates himself to achieve his goal. "We have to do the same and make sure we don't become complacent, ensuring we get the maximum out of every training session."
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Alou Alou: Diarra on his way
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are on the verge of signing experienced French international Alou Diarra, according to reports emanating from across the Channel tonight. The 31-year-old was due to arrive in London on Thursday evening, according to trusted French football outlet L'Equipe. The much-travelled Diarra, who currently plays for French Ligue 1 side Olympique de Marseille is said to on his way to the UK in order to complete a medical before finalising a move to West Ham. A defensive midfielder, who can also be utilised in the centre of defence Diarra spent three years as a Liverpool player when he was signed by Gerard Houllier, a fellow Frenchman, in 2002 from Bayern Munich.
However he failed to make a single appearance for the Merseyside club and spent the three years contracted to the club on loan at Le Havre, Bastia and Lens - who he eventually joined on a permanent basis in 2005. The 6'3" Frenchman's most successful years followed thereafter as he moved to Lyon in 2006 - where he picked up a league-winners medal - and then on to Bordeaux in 2007 where he spent the next four years. It was during this stage in his career that he captained his country at the 2010 World Cup Finals, in their opening game of the tournament against hosts South Africa. Linked with clubs such as Manchester City in the past, Diarra moved to current club Marseille in July 2011 for €5million.
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Hurst back stadium move
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
Sir Geoff Hurst has backed West Ham's plans to move to the Olympic Stadium in 2014. With the official decision as to who has won the rights to the Stratford-based arena still some weeks away, the 1966 World Cup hero says that he would be delighted if his former club were given the keys. Speaking via his personal website, Hurst said: "Even now, 55 years after I first pulled on the claret and blue shirt, I remain a committed supporter of West Ham United, the club that has played a significant role in my career and my life. "Like most other West Ham fans I have a special attachment to the old stadium with all its memories of great times playing alongside legendary figures like Bobby Moore, Martin Peters, Johnny Byrne, Billy Bonds and Trevor Brooking. "But I accept that in the modern game the club has to evolve and move with the times if it is to remain competitive at the highest level. "Careful consideration has gone into the proposed move to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford and I feel strongly that the club should, given the opportunity, move into this state-of-the-art facility. "There are so many advantages involved in moving to the Olympic Stadium," he continued. "Better facilities, easy access - and, of course, we would remain in our 'manor' preserving the unique East End identity of the club. I made 500 appearances for West Ham and would have loved the opportunity of playing regularly on such a magnificent stage. "Instead, the current team, newly-promoted to the Premier League, and all those players who follow in the years ahead may now have that chance. The challenge will be for them to fill the stadium with 60,000 cheering West Ham fans. It is an exciting prospect."
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Mohsni in limbo
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 8th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are still hoping to conclude a deal with Southend United for defender Bilel Mohsni. The 25-year-old Frenchman, who has also featured for his current club as a striker was the subject of a bid, reported to be in the region of £150,000, from West Ham last week. And despit some sources claiming that Southend had rejected the offer, it is understood that West Ham's offer remains on the table. Mohsni is the only one of the club's latest batch of triallists that West Ham are interesting in signing on a permanent basis. Dutch defender Michael Lamey, who featured for the Hammers during their recent pre-season tour of Germany was released shortly after. Meanwhile Colin Kazim-Richards, who also represented United in four pre-season fixtures was similarly let go without being offered a permanent contract - despite scoring in the 2-2 draw against Energie Cottbus last week. The former Sheffield United striker, who has spent the last few years of his career playing in Turkey in now hoping to secure a loan move to Championship side Blackburn Rovers, who were relegated from the Premier League last season.
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Konate set for England
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 8th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
Reports from Senegal suggest that Moussa Konate is currently in London negotiating a move to England. The 19-year-old striker has been one of the biggest succeses of the Olympic football tournament, scoring five times in his four appearances during the games - making him the competition's second-highest goalscorer. Just last week, the Maccabi Tel Aviv forward revealed that he would be interested in a move to West Ham after he was linked with the Hammers. "There is talk of interest from West Ham and that would make me very happy," he said, adding ""I hope I can move to the Premier League."
This morning, reports from Senegalese media claimed that Konate was set to achieve his dream move - although his exact destination remains unclear. Speaking via Twitter, a journalist reporting on behalf of the Senegalese Football Federation said: "I can't confirm where yet but London 2012 star Moussa Konate is in the midst of negotiations for a transfer to England."
Senegal, who drew 1-1 with Great Britain - a game in which Konate opened his account for the tournament - were knocked out of the competition by Mexico in the first knockout phase. Further to that goal the young striker scored twice against Uruguay, once against the United Arab Emirates before closing his account with a goal against Mexico.
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Bye bye badman
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 6th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
Ravel Morrison has completed his loan move to Championship side Birmingham City. The 19-year-old midfielder has left West Ham just six months after joining from Manchester United in a cut-price deal - as revealed here on KUMB.com last night. The reasons for Morrison's departure remain shrouded in mystery although a string of unconfirmed rumours point to an altercation with a member of Sam Allardyce's backroom staff. The move was confirmed by the midlands club today; a short statement on bcfc.com reading: "The highly-rated 19-year-old arrives at St. Andrew's from the Barclays Premier League club looking to gain further first-team experience and will bolster Lee Clark's midfield ranks. "Morrison has been given first-team squad number 12 for the 2012/13 campaign."
The former England youth international made just one appearance for West Ham's first team following his move from Manchester, in the 1-1 draw at Leeds where he was an 81st-minute substitute.
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Moussa Konate - Destination West Ham?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Kumb have reported that Senegalese media sources are stating that Olympic striking sensation, Moussa Konate, is currently in London negotiating a move to a PL club. The 19-year-old striker impressed in the Olympic football competition, scoring five times in his four appearances for Senegal, including his opener in the 1-1 draw with Great Britain.
The Maccabi Tel Aviv striker recently revealed his interest in a move to West Ham. He was quoted as stating that: 'There is talk of interest from West Ham and that would make me very happy' he said, adding 'I hope I can move to the Premier League.' Certainly, West ham were the first PL club alerted to Konate's ability and expressed an early interest in signing him. However, there has since been interest from other clubs.
Consequently, it is as yet not clear just who Konate is currently negotiating with? West Ham would look to be favourites, but it could be that QPR or Spurs are involved? So, is Moussa's destination West Ham? I certainly hope so, as he is exactly the type of young, talented striker that we should be targeting. He is physically strong, leads the line well and scores goals. And unlike the likes of Andy Carroll he appears to want to play for the club; oh, and an added bonus is that he will not cost the club an absolute fortune!
Some would probably see the signing as a bit of a gamble, but personally I think he could be an absolute sensation in the PL.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stadium is key to Sam's plans
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: Today at 00:00
The SUn
SAM ALLARDYCE reckons West Ham will become a European football force if they get the keys to the Olympic Stadium. The Hammers expect to finally find out next month whether their bid to lease the acclaimed arena after the Games has been successful. And boss Big Sam said: "Everyone who is a part of West Ham United knows how much it would benefit the club. "It would take this club to another level if our bid is accepted." West Ham plan to honour Team GB rower Mark Hunter, who won silver in the double sculls. The Eastender is a big Hammers fan and will be invited to join the squad for a training session in recognition of his efforts on the water — and to provide Big Sam's players with inspiration. Allardyce said: "It's to his credit the way he motivates himself. "We come in as a team and we can have a lot of fun. His training can be very lonely but he still motivates himself."
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Emmanuel Adebayor an option for ambitious West Ham?
HereIsTheCity.com
by Dan Coombs
@hitcdancoombs
With respective deals for Andy Carroll and with Tottenham Hotspur seemingly falling through, could West Ham and Emmanuel Adebayor solve each others' problems?
Here's one to consider, and it might just work out all round. With Sam Allardyce seemingly giving up on his long winded pursuit of Andy Carroll, it's time he looked at other targets. A fruitless sojourn around Europe has already proved largely unsuccessful for Big Sam, and with the season two weeks away he would be wise to look close to home in the Premier League for an alternative. One of the league's most dangerous, if at times controversial, strikers is available - and that man is Emmanuel Adebayor. He was loaned to Tottenham last season, scoring an impressive 17 league goals in 32 starts. He may have his quirks but there is no denying his quality, and he would be a striker with the ability to turn the Hammers into contenders to even finish in the league's top half. An obvious concern to the chances of this deal is the financial implications, but just because Tottenham are being cautious, it doesn't mean West Ham have to be. Spurs are unlikely to move for the Togo striker until Luka Modric's future is sorted out, and as the days go by, him heading back to the Lane appears ever more unlikely. Manchester City are desperate to get rid of him. It was reported they were asking for a £6 million fee, but as time goes on this figure is only going to creep downwards. The important thing to consider here is the investment David Gold and Sullivan are ready to make for West Ham. They were ready to lay out big to sign Andy Carroll, and bringing in Adebayor would surely not work out more expensive. If West Ham cannot afford to bring in Adebayor permanently, they may wish to consider bringing him in on loan for the season with a view to buy, but stumping up the majority of his wages. This would keep Manchester City happy, and the player, who would not have to take a cut. His contract at City runs until 2014 and he is clearly keen to maximise his money, but a year on, City may be keener to buy him out of it when there is just one year remaining simply to get him off their books, but at present this would be too costly, even for City.
The striker may see West Ham as a step down considering 18 months ago he was playing for Real Madrid, but right now he has to be realistic about his options, and he doesn't have many, save for sitting in City's reserves. If West Ham can come up with the right package, which suits them, Adebayor, and Manchester City, then it is a deal worth pursuing. The Andy Carroll chase showed the club do have funds ready to commit if necessary, and Adebayor would be a further instant improvement to a side which already looks like it has the makings of being very capable this coming season.
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Nolan offers ultimate value to be West Ham's top scorer this season
News.ladbrokes.com
Kevin Nolan is a definite starter and has scored 10+ goals in each of the last three seasons. Considering Kevin Nolan was West Ham's second top scorer in the Championship last season, 10/1 looks massive value that he tops the scoring charts for the Hammers in their first campaign back in the Premier League. Carlton Cole has been West Ham's top scorer in three of the last four seasons and is 6/4 to end the coming campaign with this accolade again. Last season was his best ever goal return of 14 league goals in the Championship, but he has never managed more than ten in a Premier League season. Meanwhile, there is every chance that Cole will not be guaranteed as many starts this season, with West Ham likely to employ a single striker and Modibo Maiga arriving from Sochaux to provide competition. Manager Sam Allardyce arguably had his doubts over Cole at Championship level with 12 of his 43 appearances coming via the bench and he could spend more games there this campaign.
His chase of Andy Carroll was further proof that he is unsure about Cole's capabilities at Premier League level. Maiga's pace and dynamic style should be suited to the Premier League, but he seemed to enjoy greater success in France when in a two-man attack, so his potential may also be stifled if picked as a lone frontman.
Given that he may also need time to settle into England, 5/1 is a fair price that he is West Ham's top scorer. Nolan has no such issues and will be the first name on Allardyce's teamsheet as the Hammers' captain. The midfielder has once again proved his eye for goal by netting 41 league goals in his last three seasons, with his lowest total in a single campaign being 12. Nolan additionally has the advantage of having previously scored goals in the Premier League over countless seasons, which is not something that is true of the majority of the squad. Ricardo Vaz Te had a spell at Bolton, but found first-team opportunities hard to come by, while this is Nicky Maynard's first crack at England's top flight.
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Upton Park to provide West Ham home comforts in coming year
News.ladbrokes.com
With uncertainty still ongoing regarding the future use of the Olympic Stadium, Ladbrokes' 2/5 about West Ham playing all their Premier League home games at Upton Park next season looks a terrific bet. While most still expect the Hammers to eventually be granted permission to call the Olympic Stadium their home, it seems extremely far-fetched to suggest that it could happen as early as this season. Indeed, when initially outlining plans to move into the purpose-built ground, it was said by Hammers chiefs that they could envisage such a scenario 'as early as 2014.' The club's chief executive Karen Brady also told the London Evening Standard as recently as two weeks ago: "Nobody is better placed to deliver the legacy for London than West Ham United. "Our proposal would ensure a vibrant, busy stadium immediately upon the opening of the venue in 2014."
A decision on the future inhabitants of the stadium is expected in October of this year, though despite Brady's comments, it is not necessarily a foregone conclusion that West Ham will be chosen. Tottenham were initially thought to be at the forefront of potential candidates for the stadium, and maintain ambitions of redeveloping the National Sports Centre at Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Leyton Orient also lodged a bid to take over the stadium, and despite having a significantly smaller fan base than their competitors, a ground share with West Ham is not out of the question. Of course, such circumstances would delay the process of the Hammers moving into the stadium yet further. All things considered, it simply doesn't seem plausible for West Ham to complete a move into the Olympic Stadium prior to the end of this season, if they eventually do so at all. Therefore, the 2/5 odds about them hosting each of their home Premier League matches at Upton Park this term look well worth taking advantage of.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce has voiced his support for West Ham United's move to the Olympic Stadium
08.08.2012
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce believes it would be a 'Dream come true' if the Hammers' bid to move into the Olympic Stadium post-2012 is successful.
After watching the exploits of Team GB at the Games, Allardyce believes West Ham United could use their efforts as an inspiration to do bigger and better things on the football pitch should West Ham United be offered the chance to move to Stratford. The future of the Olympic Stadium is expected to be decided later this year, but Big Sam is excited about what the Stadium could provide if the Hammers were to make it their home. "It would be a dream come true and there is nothing I can say more certain than that," said Allardyce. "Everyone who is a part of West Ham United knows how much it would benefit the club if we were offered the chance.
"We've all seen the atmosphere, the surroundings, the walk up and it would take this club to another level if our bid is accepted."
Big Sam is an avid follower of all sport and has been inspired by Team GB's efforts, in particular Bradley Wiggins and Mark Hunter. He paid tribute to Wiggins, whilst stating that his side can learn from the 2012 Tour de France winner's hard work and dedication. "For me, the Bradley Wiggins story is a great one, you can physically see the difference between this Tour de France and the previous one. "It wasn't the gym, extra training and it wasn't physiological, he managed to lose three or four kilos so his body could stand the endurance at a lighter weight on the mountain climbs of the tour. "That takes huge dedication and is the kind of commitment our lads need to show in order to gain that extra advantage."
The club sent Olympic rower and lifelong West Ham United fan Hunter good luck messages ahead of his rowing final on Saturday and Allardyce hopes that Hunter's efforts in securing a silver medal will act as motivation for his players. "I know Mark is competing in the twos but he also rows individually," said Allardyce. "It's to his credit for the way in which he motivates himself to his particular sport. "We come in as a team and that means we can have a lot of fun, his training can be very lonely and pretty boring, but he still motivates himself to achieve his goal. "We have to do the same and make sure we don't become complacent, ensuring we get the maximum out of every training session."
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Alou Alou: Diarra on his way
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are on the verge of signing experienced French international Alou Diarra, according to reports emanating from across the Channel tonight. The 31-year-old was due to arrive in London on Thursday evening, according to trusted French football outlet L'Equipe. The much-travelled Diarra, who currently plays for French Ligue 1 side Olympique de Marseille is said to on his way to the UK in order to complete a medical before finalising a move to West Ham. A defensive midfielder, who can also be utilised in the centre of defence Diarra spent three years as a Liverpool player when he was signed by Gerard Houllier, a fellow Frenchman, in 2002 from Bayern Munich.
However he failed to make a single appearance for the Merseyside club and spent the three years contracted to the club on loan at Le Havre, Bastia and Lens - who he eventually joined on a permanent basis in 2005. The 6'3" Frenchman's most successful years followed thereafter as he moved to Lyon in 2006 - where he picked up a league-winners medal - and then on to Bordeaux in 2007 where he spent the next four years. It was during this stage in his career that he captained his country at the 2010 World Cup Finals, in their opening game of the tournament against hosts South Africa. Linked with clubs such as Manchester City in the past, Diarra moved to current club Marseille in July 2011 for €5million.
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Hurst back stadium move
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
Sir Geoff Hurst has backed West Ham's plans to move to the Olympic Stadium in 2014. With the official decision as to who has won the rights to the Stratford-based arena still some weeks away, the 1966 World Cup hero says that he would be delighted if his former club were given the keys. Speaking via his personal website, Hurst said: "Even now, 55 years after I first pulled on the claret and blue shirt, I remain a committed supporter of West Ham United, the club that has played a significant role in my career and my life. "Like most other West Ham fans I have a special attachment to the old stadium with all its memories of great times playing alongside legendary figures like Bobby Moore, Martin Peters, Johnny Byrne, Billy Bonds and Trevor Brooking. "But I accept that in the modern game the club has to evolve and move with the times if it is to remain competitive at the highest level. "Careful consideration has gone into the proposed move to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford and I feel strongly that the club should, given the opportunity, move into this state-of-the-art facility. "There are so many advantages involved in moving to the Olympic Stadium," he continued. "Better facilities, easy access - and, of course, we would remain in our 'manor' preserving the unique East End identity of the club. I made 500 appearances for West Ham and would have loved the opportunity of playing regularly on such a magnificent stage. "Instead, the current team, newly-promoted to the Premier League, and all those players who follow in the years ahead may now have that chance. The challenge will be for them to fill the stadium with 60,000 cheering West Ham fans. It is an exciting prospect."
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Mohsni in limbo
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 8th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are still hoping to conclude a deal with Southend United for defender Bilel Mohsni. The 25-year-old Frenchman, who has also featured for his current club as a striker was the subject of a bid, reported to be in the region of £150,000, from West Ham last week. And despit some sources claiming that Southend had rejected the offer, it is understood that West Ham's offer remains on the table. Mohsni is the only one of the club's latest batch of triallists that West Ham are interesting in signing on a permanent basis. Dutch defender Michael Lamey, who featured for the Hammers during their recent pre-season tour of Germany was released shortly after. Meanwhile Colin Kazim-Richards, who also represented United in four pre-season fixtures was similarly let go without being offered a permanent contract - despite scoring in the 2-2 draw against Energie Cottbus last week. The former Sheffield United striker, who has spent the last few years of his career playing in Turkey in now hoping to secure a loan move to Championship side Blackburn Rovers, who were relegated from the Premier League last season.
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Konate set for England
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 8th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
Reports from Senegal suggest that Moussa Konate is currently in London negotiating a move to England. The 19-year-old striker has been one of the biggest succeses of the Olympic football tournament, scoring five times in his four appearances during the games - making him the competition's second-highest goalscorer. Just last week, the Maccabi Tel Aviv forward revealed that he would be interested in a move to West Ham after he was linked with the Hammers. "There is talk of interest from West Ham and that would make me very happy," he said, adding ""I hope I can move to the Premier League."
This morning, reports from Senegalese media claimed that Konate was set to achieve his dream move - although his exact destination remains unclear. Speaking via Twitter, a journalist reporting on behalf of the Senegalese Football Federation said: "I can't confirm where yet but London 2012 star Moussa Konate is in the midst of negotiations for a transfer to England."
Senegal, who drew 1-1 with Great Britain - a game in which Konate opened his account for the tournament - were knocked out of the competition by Mexico in the first knockout phase. Further to that goal the young striker scored twice against Uruguay, once against the United Arab Emirates before closing his account with a goal against Mexico.
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Bye bye badman
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 6th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
Ravel Morrison has completed his loan move to Championship side Birmingham City. The 19-year-old midfielder has left West Ham just six months after joining from Manchester United in a cut-price deal - as revealed here on KUMB.com last night. The reasons for Morrison's departure remain shrouded in mystery although a string of unconfirmed rumours point to an altercation with a member of Sam Allardyce's backroom staff. The move was confirmed by the midlands club today; a short statement on bcfc.com reading: "The highly-rated 19-year-old arrives at St. Andrew's from the Barclays Premier League club looking to gain further first-team experience and will bolster Lee Clark's midfield ranks. "Morrison has been given first-team squad number 12 for the 2012/13 campaign."
The former England youth international made just one appearance for West Ham's first team following his move from Manchester, in the 1-1 draw at Leeds where he was an 81st-minute substitute.
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Moussa Konate - Destination West Ham?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Kumb have reported that Senegalese media sources are stating that Olympic striking sensation, Moussa Konate, is currently in London negotiating a move to a PL club. The 19-year-old striker impressed in the Olympic football competition, scoring five times in his four appearances for Senegal, including his opener in the 1-1 draw with Great Britain.
The Maccabi Tel Aviv striker recently revealed his interest in a move to West Ham. He was quoted as stating that: 'There is talk of interest from West Ham and that would make me very happy' he said, adding 'I hope I can move to the Premier League.' Certainly, West ham were the first PL club alerted to Konate's ability and expressed an early interest in signing him. However, there has since been interest from other clubs.
Consequently, it is as yet not clear just who Konate is currently negotiating with? West Ham would look to be favourites, but it could be that QPR or Spurs are involved? So, is Moussa's destination West Ham? I certainly hope so, as he is exactly the type of young, talented striker that we should be targeting. He is physically strong, leads the line well and scores goals. And unlike the likes of Andy Carroll he appears to want to play for the club; oh, and an added bonus is that he will not cost the club an absolute fortune!
Some would probably see the signing as a bit of a gamble, but personally I think he could be an absolute sensation in the PL.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stadium is key to Sam's plans
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: Today at 00:00
The SUn
SAM ALLARDYCE reckons West Ham will become a European football force if they get the keys to the Olympic Stadium. The Hammers expect to finally find out next month whether their bid to lease the acclaimed arena after the Games has been successful. And boss Big Sam said: "Everyone who is a part of West Ham United knows how much it would benefit the club. "It would take this club to another level if our bid is accepted." West Ham plan to honour Team GB rower Mark Hunter, who won silver in the double sculls. The Eastender is a big Hammers fan and will be invited to join the squad for a training session in recognition of his efforts on the water — and to provide Big Sam's players with inspiration. Allardyce said: "It's to his credit the way he motivates himself. "We come in as a team and we can have a lot of fun. His training can be very lonely but he still motivates himself."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Emmanuel Adebayor an option for ambitious West Ham?
HereIsTheCity.com
by Dan Coombs
@hitcdancoombs
With respective deals for Andy Carroll and with Tottenham Hotspur seemingly falling through, could West Ham and Emmanuel Adebayor solve each others' problems?
Here's one to consider, and it might just work out all round. With Sam Allardyce seemingly giving up on his long winded pursuit of Andy Carroll, it's time he looked at other targets. A fruitless sojourn around Europe has already proved largely unsuccessful for Big Sam, and with the season two weeks away he would be wise to look close to home in the Premier League for an alternative. One of the league's most dangerous, if at times controversial, strikers is available - and that man is Emmanuel Adebayor. He was loaned to Tottenham last season, scoring an impressive 17 league goals in 32 starts. He may have his quirks but there is no denying his quality, and he would be a striker with the ability to turn the Hammers into contenders to even finish in the league's top half. An obvious concern to the chances of this deal is the financial implications, but just because Tottenham are being cautious, it doesn't mean West Ham have to be. Spurs are unlikely to move for the Togo striker until Luka Modric's future is sorted out, and as the days go by, him heading back to the Lane appears ever more unlikely. Manchester City are desperate to get rid of him. It was reported they were asking for a £6 million fee, but as time goes on this figure is only going to creep downwards. The important thing to consider here is the investment David Gold and Sullivan are ready to make for West Ham. They were ready to lay out big to sign Andy Carroll, and bringing in Adebayor would surely not work out more expensive. If West Ham cannot afford to bring in Adebayor permanently, they may wish to consider bringing him in on loan for the season with a view to buy, but stumping up the majority of his wages. This would keep Manchester City happy, and the player, who would not have to take a cut. His contract at City runs until 2014 and he is clearly keen to maximise his money, but a year on, City may be keener to buy him out of it when there is just one year remaining simply to get him off their books, but at present this would be too costly, even for City.
The striker may see West Ham as a step down considering 18 months ago he was playing for Real Madrid, but right now he has to be realistic about his options, and he doesn't have many, save for sitting in City's reserves. If West Ham can come up with the right package, which suits them, Adebayor, and Manchester City, then it is a deal worth pursuing. The Andy Carroll chase showed the club do have funds ready to commit if necessary, and Adebayor would be a further instant improvement to a side which already looks like it has the makings of being very capable this coming season.
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Nolan offers ultimate value to be West Ham's top scorer this season
News.ladbrokes.com
Kevin Nolan is a definite starter and has scored 10+ goals in each of the last three seasons. Considering Kevin Nolan was West Ham's second top scorer in the Championship last season, 10/1 looks massive value that he tops the scoring charts for the Hammers in their first campaign back in the Premier League. Carlton Cole has been West Ham's top scorer in three of the last four seasons and is 6/4 to end the coming campaign with this accolade again. Last season was his best ever goal return of 14 league goals in the Championship, but he has never managed more than ten in a Premier League season. Meanwhile, there is every chance that Cole will not be guaranteed as many starts this season, with West Ham likely to employ a single striker and Modibo Maiga arriving from Sochaux to provide competition. Manager Sam Allardyce arguably had his doubts over Cole at Championship level with 12 of his 43 appearances coming via the bench and he could spend more games there this campaign.
His chase of Andy Carroll was further proof that he is unsure about Cole's capabilities at Premier League level. Maiga's pace and dynamic style should be suited to the Premier League, but he seemed to enjoy greater success in France when in a two-man attack, so his potential may also be stifled if picked as a lone frontman.
Given that he may also need time to settle into England, 5/1 is a fair price that he is West Ham's top scorer. Nolan has no such issues and will be the first name on Allardyce's teamsheet as the Hammers' captain. The midfielder has once again proved his eye for goal by netting 41 league goals in his last three seasons, with his lowest total in a single campaign being 12. Nolan additionally has the advantage of having previously scored goals in the Premier League over countless seasons, which is not something that is true of the majority of the squad. Ricardo Vaz Te had a spell at Bolton, but found first-team opportunities hard to come by, while this is Nicky Maynard's first crack at England's top flight.
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Upton Park to provide West Ham home comforts in coming year
News.ladbrokes.com
With uncertainty still ongoing regarding the future use of the Olympic Stadium, Ladbrokes' 2/5 about West Ham playing all their Premier League home games at Upton Park next season looks a terrific bet. While most still expect the Hammers to eventually be granted permission to call the Olympic Stadium their home, it seems extremely far-fetched to suggest that it could happen as early as this season. Indeed, when initially outlining plans to move into the purpose-built ground, it was said by Hammers chiefs that they could envisage such a scenario 'as early as 2014.' The club's chief executive Karen Brady also told the London Evening Standard as recently as two weeks ago: "Nobody is better placed to deliver the legacy for London than West Ham United. "Our proposal would ensure a vibrant, busy stadium immediately upon the opening of the venue in 2014."
A decision on the future inhabitants of the stadium is expected in October of this year, though despite Brady's comments, it is not necessarily a foregone conclusion that West Ham will be chosen. Tottenham were initially thought to be at the forefront of potential candidates for the stadium, and maintain ambitions of redeveloping the National Sports Centre at Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Leyton Orient also lodged a bid to take over the stadium, and despite having a significantly smaller fan base than their competitors, a ground share with West Ham is not out of the question. Of course, such circumstances would delay the process of the Hammers moving into the stadium yet further. All things considered, it simply doesn't seem plausible for West Ham to complete a move into the Olympic Stadium prior to the end of this season, if they eventually do so at all. Therefore, the 2/5 odds about them hosting each of their home Premier League matches at Upton Park this term look well worth taking advantage of.
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