Hammers Bid wins high-profile support
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's plegde for a lasting legacy for east London has received
some famous backing
14.08.2012
West Ham United's Bid to become anchor concessionaire of the Olympic Stadium
has received widespread support from a host of high-profile names who want
to see a lasting legacy delivered to east London. In an open letter to
Londoners, big names from the world of showbusiness, sport, politics,
community and business have lent their backing to West Ham United's pledge
to build on the fantastic platform the Olympic Games have provided to help
'Put east London on the map and keep it there'. The full letter, which fans
will also see in media in the coming week, can be seen below.
Dear Londoners,
We, the under-signed, are delighted to be backing West Ham United's Bid to
occupy the Olympic Stadium post-Games. We are offering our support as
community and business leaders, representatives of the arts and figureheads
from the sporting family. Some of us are also West Ham United supporters but
we all have one thing in common: a passionate interest in East London, its
community and its future direction.
The Games have given a mouth-watering taste of what this amazing venue could
offer to visitors week in week out. But the showcase must not stop there.
West Ham has promised to help deliver the legacy promises made by Lord Coe
in 2005: promises that would directly benefit the people of East London and
the rest of the nation as a whole. This would be done through the creation
of jobs, ensuring the Stadium is regularly used by the local community and
by making elite sport accessible and affordable to all.
Karren Brady on behalf of the club, has told us of their aspirations for the
Stadium and we know first-hand that she and her team have both the passion
and the desire to deliver them.
West Ham's bid, if accepted would turn the stadium into a truly multi-use
destination that serves its community - a world-class centre for athletics,
football and as a cultural and music destination of which the nation can
continue to be proud.
Nobody is better placed to deliver the legacy than West Ham United as they
have been delivering legacies for London since 1895. The club work hard to
serve their community, with over 500,000 of their supporters hailing from
the east end of London and the surrounding areas.
We support West Ham United's bid and hope you will join us by getting behind
the club's efforts to see the legacy promise delivered and help to really
put East London on the map and keep it there.
Email: passthebaton@westhamunited.co.uk
@whufc_official #PASSTHEBATON
Thank-you all and best wishes
James Corden - Actor
Ray Winstone - Actor
Mark Hunter - Olympic medallist
Lyn Brown MP - MP West Ham
Stephen Timms - MP East Ham
Jim Fitzpatrick - MP for Poplar and Limehouse
Ben Shepherd - TV presenter
Sally Gunnell - Olympic medallist
Tony Carr MBE - Academy Director
Kevin Murphy - CEO, Excel London
Kevin Jenkins OBE - Co-founder, Community Links
Perry Fenwick - Actor
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The Big Interview: Momo Diame
WHUFC.com
New arrival Mohamed Diame talks Olympics, pre-season and the Barclays
Premier League
14.08.2012
West Ham United new boy Mohamed Diame has revealed his excitement ahead of
the new Barclays Premier League season. The Senegal international captained
his country in the London 2012 Olympic Games but has now returned and played
his second game for the Hammers in Friday's 1-1 draw with SC Braga in
Portugal. The all-action midfielder produced a fine display at the Estadio
Municipal, producing strong challenges and getting forward regularly to
support his team-mates.
Speaking to whufc.com ahead of the new season, Diame stated his intention to
give his all after an Olympic experience he will never forget.
Facing SC Braga on Friday was your second game for West Ham United. How do
you feel it went?
MD - "We worked hard. We had a good game and I think we played well. The
second half was difficult and but we did what we had to and got the
equaliser and we're ready for the next game against Aston Villa on Saturday
- our first in the Barclays Premier League."
You've been away for the majority of pre-season competing in the Olympics
for Senegal. Is it good to be back now with your new team mates?
MD - "I feel good. I left around a month ago so it's nice to get back. I
think the guys are ready as well and we all feel prepared for the start of
the Barclays Premier League season."
You made it to the quarter-final stage, so did you enjoy the experience or
were you frustrated to miss out on winning an Olympic medal?
MD - "I really enjoyed the experience of competing in the Olympic football.
For me I would just to say thank you to West Ham United for allowing me to
go as it was an experience I will never forget."
Are you excited for the start of the Barclays Premier League season?
MD - "Of course I'm very excited. I'm at a new club in West Ham and I'm
looking forward to the challenge."
Are you excited about playing in front of the West Ham United fans and what
do you know about them already?
MD - "I'm ready for that. I know the fans are behind the team and every time
they are looking for a win, so I will give my best on the pitch to ensure
they go home happy."
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Joey jumping at Ireland return
WHUFC.com
Joey O'Brien is itching to make his first Republic of Ireland appearance
since 2007 on Wednesday evening
14.08.2012
Joey O'Brien has revealed that he never gave up hope of making an
international return as he prepares to make his first Republic of Ireland
appearance since October 2007 on Wednesday evening. The West Ham United
player disappeared into the international wilderness after being withdrawn
at half-time in Ireland's 1-1 EURO 2008 qualifying draw with Cyprus in
Dublin, enduring a two-year injury nightmare. After battling back from
serious knee problems, O'Brien earned a two-year contract with the Hammers
in the summer of 2011 after impressing his former Bolton Wanderers manager
Sam Allardyce. The 26-year-old made 33 appearances last season to prove his
fitness and help West Ham to gain promotion to the Barclays Premier League,
catching the eye of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni in the process.
Now, he has earned an international recall and could make his fourth senior
appearance in Wednesday's friendly with Serbia in Belgrade. The Irish start
their World Cup qualifying campaign in Kazakhstan on 7 September and the
Hammers No17 would love to be involved. "I've done so much rehab in a way
that football is the easy part," he told the Irish Times. "Once I'm on the
pitch, and I'm fit, I believe I'll be playing games and nothing else
matters. "Luckily for me, he (Big Sam) got the West Ham job at the right
time and told me I could go down there to train. I trained down there for
the whole of pre-season to try and earn a contract and thankfully I did."
O'Brien also thanked Big Sam for allowing him to join up with the Ireland
squad just a few days before the big Barclays Premier League kick-off
against Aston Villa at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday. "He knows how
patriotic I am, being an Irish person over here [in England]. He hears me
every day on the training ground. He wasn't going to be able to say
anything. I love playing for my country."
For the Dubliner, pulling on the green shirt of his country again is
something O'Brien has been dreaming of. Speaking to the Irish Sun, he
recalled the memory of being awarded his first Irish cap by the late FAI
coach Noel O'Reilly after making his debut against Sweden in March 2006. The
popular full-back also revealed that his faith had played a big part in his
successful recovery from majory surgery to have a piece of his kneecap
removed in 2008. "I love playing for my country, I've a picture in my flat
of Noel O'Reilly giving me my first cap — God rest him. I knew, and people
that matter to me, they knew what it meant for me to be playing for Ireland.
"I had trust in God that I was going to get back. There were many a prayer
and novena (act of religious devotion) that kept me going. I was always a
religious person. I was brought up in it by my ma and da, going to mass
every week. I think that without it, I would not be back."
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Mickey Thomas condemns Wales injury withdrawals
BBC.co.uk
WALES V BONSIA-HERCEGOVINA - FRIENDLY INTERNATIONAL
Venue: Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli Date: Wednesday, 15 August Kick-off: 19:45
BST
Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Wales & BBC Radio
Cymru. Highlights on BBC One Wales (22:45 BST)
Ex-Wales international Mickey Thomas has criticised West Ham United pair
James Collins and Jack Collison for withdrawing from Wales squad duty.
Defender Collins reported a groin injury and Collison a knee problem ahead
of Wednesday's friendly with Bosnia-Herzegovina in Llanelli. "Two players
withdrew again from the squad... Collins and Collison," Thomas told the
Radio Wales Sport programme. "They both drop out of the squad. Every time
it's the same two players." Wales manager Chris Coleman has called up
Huddersfield's Joel Lynch and Cardiff's Robert Earnshaw to replace the
Hammers pair as he prepares his side for 2014 World Cup qualifiers with
Belgium and Serbia in September.
"It's unfair, because Chris Coleman, it's his first campaign, and he wants
everyone available yet these two players yet again don't make the squad,"
Thomas added.
"If you don't want to play for Wales then why don't you just come out and be
brave enough and say it, because Chris Coleman has to prepare his team for
this massive campaign ahead."
The 23-year-old Collison has suffered a string of knee problems that began
with an initial injury in 2009, which includes the midfielder being
sidelined for 14 months after surgery and only returning to action at the
end of the 2010/11 season. Collins was not selected for the friendly against
Mexico in May and was left out of the match-day 19 against Costa Rica in
February despite having been named in the initial squad for the Gary Speed
Memorial Match. Before the Mexico game, Coleman had said: "James Collins has
lost his place with Ashley Williams really being the mainstay and Darcy
Blake has done well at international level. "They haven't done anything
wrong there. James has had a long hard season, he has had a few niggles. "I
know all about James. I'm not going to learn anything from James." Collins
had withdrawn from the friendly against Norway in November 2011 and was also
injured for the Euro 2012 qualifiers with Switzerland and Bulgaria the
previous month.
The 28-year-old was an unused substitute in the September 2011 defeat to
England and suspended for the previous game against Montenegro. The match
before that had been a friendly against Australia in August and Collins was
again an injury withdrawal before the 2-1 loss in Cardiff, while the
previous Nations Cup tournament also saw the defender absent with a groin
injury. Collins, who has won 39 Wales caps, last played for his country in
March 2011, when England won their Euro 2012 qualifier in Cardiff. Thomas'
fellow former Wales star Ian Walsh agreed that the withdrawals were likely
to hamper Coleman's preparations. "It's a great shame because James Collins
especially he's a very good centre-half, he's had a great move back to West
Ham," Walsh said. "Collison of course at West Ham, we saw West Ham beat
Cardiff City [in the Championship play-offs] and Collison scored two goals
at Cardiff City Stadium. "These players sometimes they do baffle everybody.
"It's going to be tough for Chris Coleman and the boys because it's a
strange time to have a game, when there's been hardly any league matches and
then all of a sudden you're going off to international duty."
Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey and midfielder David Vaughan are also missing
through injury for the Bosnia game at Parc y Scarlets.
Wales squad
Goalkeepers: Jason Brown (Aberdeen), Boaz Myhill (West Bromwich Albion),
Owain Fon Williams (Tranmere Rovers).
Defenders: Darcy Blake (Cardiff City), Chris Gunter (Reading), Adam Matthews
(Celtic), Sam Ricketts (Bolton Wanderers), Neil Taylor (Swansea City),
Ashley Williams (Swansea City), Joel Lynch (Huddersfield Town).
Midfielders: Joe Allen (Liverpool), Andrew Crofts (Brighton & Hove Albion),
David Edwards (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Joe Ledley (Celtic), Aaron Ramsey
(Arsenal), Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur).
Strikers: Craig Bellamy (Cardiff City), Simon Church (Reading), Steve
Morison (Norwich City), Hal Robson-Kanu (Reading), Sam Vokes (Burnley), Rob
Earnshaw (Cardiff City).
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Allardyce viewing long-term stay
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 14th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce has admitted that he would like to remain
in charge of the club beyond his current two-year contract. Allardyce, 57 -
whose current contract expires at the end of the 2012/13 season - revealed
that he would be delighted to remain in charge of the club if and when
United receive the green light to move to the home of the hugely-successful
Olympic Games at Stratford. "I want to take the club into the Olympic
Stadium because I was inspired by it," he told KUMB.com today. "If any fans
had doubts about us moving there they should have been extinguished by the
atmosphere that was created [during the games] and the facility that is
there for this club - and only three miles down the road."
Although the decision over who will be awarded preferred bidder status for
tenancy of the stadium is not expected to be announced for several weeks,
Allardyce was in no doubt that it is a necessary move should West Ham wish
to progress and challenge the nation's most successful clubs. "If this club
wants to be great, it has to go," he insisted. "Unless you redevelop Upton
Park and make it a 60,000 all-seater state-of-the-art stadium. "If you
can't do that, you've got an unbelievable arena [at Stratford] that could
create a cauldron of noise - which is what the West Ham fans do, as they
showed at Wembley [against Blackpool]. "It could be the catalyst for the
next generation, the modern-day history of this football club."
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Coleman defends absent duo
Wales manager says Collison and Collins are not fit to face Bosnia
Last Updated: August 14, 2012 4:23pm
SSN
Chris Coleman has shielded Jack Collison and James Collins from criticism
after the West Ham pair withdrew from the Wales squad. Midfielder Collison
(knee) and defender Collins (groin), a recent signing from Aston Villa, both
pulled out of Wednesday's clash against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Llanelli over
the weekend. Joel Lynch and Robert Earnshaw have been called up as
replacements but former Wales international Mickey Thomas has still labelled
the withdrawals of Collins and Collison as 'unfair' on Coleman ahead of his
first qualifying campaign. Coleman has leapt to the defence of the duo,
though, with Collison having been dogged by knee problems in recent seasons
and Collins having not played for his country since the Euro 2012 qualifying
defeat against England in March 2011. He said: "I have seen Mickey's
comments, he is paid to give his opinion but I don't agree. "Jack Collison
has had a serious knee problem, not for six months or 12 months, but for two
or three years. "He has got through games when maybe he shouldn't have
because he wants to play, and he has even come away with Wales when maybe he
shouldn't have. "But we know Jack very well, he has a lot of desire for
football, he loves to come and play for Wales and we love having him play
for Wales, but physically he cannot do it. "He has not kicked a ball since
the play-off final, where he ran himself into the ground and had a big
impact. He has not done a lot since and he needs a rest. "We left him out of
the Mexico game as he had the play-off final coming up and he had played a
lot of football, I think it was around 30 games for West Ham, and he is
always trying to maintain his knee problem. Now he needs a complete rest.
Responsibility
"I will take some of the responsibility for naming him in the squad and then
getting information on him. "But if he is not right and he cannot play for
West Ham, how can he play for us? "James Collins, we think, has a hernia
problem which may need surgery, he can't play. He limped off in a friendly
in Portugal for West Ham so he can't play. "They are two players who will
always be in my thoughts and be there or thereabouts when I am naming my
squad." Wednesday's fixture is the final chance for Coleman to prepare for
the World Cup qualifiers which begin against Belgium in Cardiff next month.
And the former Fulham boss believes the fixture is the ideal test for his
side before the serious business gets under way. "This is an important game
against a very good team," he said. "People say they have not won for five
games but look at the sides they have lost against. France, Mexico, Brazil,
these are some of the best sides they have been up against. "They are ranked
in the top 30 and it is a good game for us ahead of the Belgium game next
month."
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Is Matt Jarvis Really Worth £9 Million Or More?
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
I'll be honest, until this pre-season, I had never heard of Matt Jarvis. He
was part of a Wolves team that got itself relegated, and relegated with
comparative ease. His teammate Steven Fletcher is said to be worth £12
million and Jarvis himself is rated at more than £10 million by the selling
club. For a winger with a career strike rate of one goal in eight games,
that's going some. But worse than that, statistics show that last season he
created only 4 assists, and 6 the season before. Admittedly, last season he
scored 9 in 39 appearances and it was his best season ever, but £9 million
is still an awful lot. Perhaps we should bear in mind that in Wolves'
promotion season he only scored 3 in 37. If we sign him. we should be very
wary of expecting too much too soon.
If speculation is to be believed, the players wants to move, but Wolves are
holding out for an improved offer from another team. West Ham have told
them, so we are informed, that if they don't accept an improved offer from
the Hammers by the end of the day, then the deal is off. If that happens
attention may well switch to Matt Phillips at Blackpool. He is the subject
of a bid from Southampton, but Ian Holloway has accused the Saints of
tapping up his player. So Blackpool may well look favourably on a bid from
us.
One final point on Matt Jarvis. It was said on the @Agent_WHU account
yesterday that Jarvis owns a house in East Sussex, but West Ham had offered
him a "living allowance" so he could have a flat in the East End. I have no
idea who is behind this Twitter account, but he does seem to have some sort
of inside information. If this is true, you have to ask why a player who
would be on a salary of in excess of £25k a week would need a further living
allowance. It's yet another example of how football finances are totally out
of control and out of kilter with the world the rest of us inhabit. As I
say, it may be fiction and hogwash, but the fact that it is eminently
believable, says it all.
UPDATE 9.27: It seems the Jarvis deal has fallen through tonight. According
to @Agent_WHU Wolves have tried to provoke a bidding war and the board have
told them where they can stick it. So Wolves have turned down bids totalling
£22 million for two players in a relegated team. Idiots.
UPDATE: 23.01 The Daily Mail is reporting that Clint Dempsey has turned down
a move to West Ham.
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Fazi-oh yes
Hammers like look of Federico
Published: 14th August 2012
The Sun
WEST HAM are poised to make a move for Sevilla defender Federico Fazio.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is desperate to bring another central defender,
25, and the Argentine international fits the bill. Allardyce recently signed
James Collins from Aston Villa but he still feels they need more cover at
the back. He said: "We are trying to build a squad in quality terms and
strength in depth."
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Hammer blow: We'd have built a team around Carroll reveals Sullivan
Mirror.co.uk
David Sullivan has revealed the truth about West Ham's £17million bid to
sign Andy Carroll. The Mirror revealed last month that the east Londoners
were prepared to back Sam Allardyce by splashing out a staggering £100,000 a
week to lure Liverpool striker Carroll to Upton Park. Sullivan has confirmed
Big Sam was desperate to build his team for the new season around the
England striker. The West Ham co-owner also admits Big Sam wanted Wolves
winger Matt Jarvis - for whom the Hammers have had a £6million turned down -
to provide the ammunition for Carroll. Sullivan said: "I can only talk about
this because it has been put in the public domain already. "My manager
wanted Andy Carroll, so we backed him. "Andy was the perfect player for him
and the style of football we play. "We play a lot of high balls, a lot of
crosses - quite exciting football, not just humping it but clever crossing -
and Sam wanted Jarvis to supply the crosses because he is a fantastic
crosser. "We had a deal in place with Liverpool to borrow the player which
automatically became a purchase if we stayed up. "We hoped, as he had the
same agent as our manager - a man we had done a lot of business with - and
he was very friendly with Kevin Nolan, our captain, that Andy would want to
come. "But he really wants to stay at Liverpool. He believes that he will
get back into the side by his performances - coming off the bench or for the
reserves. He believes the manager will have to put him back in the side.
"But it's wrong to discuss what is in his mind. Only he knows that." Carroll
has been tipped for a move back to hometown club Newcastle, but Sullivan
said: "We were paying all of his wages and a huge loan fee. Newcastle didn't
even want to pay all of his wages. "This is what we are led to believe. So
Liverpool were not prepared to let him go to Newcastle. But it may all
change. Who knows?"
Sullivan has since snapped up midfielder Alou Diarra for around £3million
and admitted the funds earmarked for Carroll are now being used elsewhere.
He added: "It was a terribly expensive deal with the loan fee and with his
wages, which were enormous - too much for a club like ours. "But, as the
manager really wanted him, we were prepared to pay it. "Then there was a
huge transfer fee which would have blown our budget for several years. "So,
as we buy players, the door shuts."
West Ham new boy Alou Diarra could be one of the buys of the summer, claims
Hammers chief David Sullivan. The 31-year-old defensive midfielder, who has
won the French League with Lyon and Bordeaux and played for France at Euro
2012, penned a three-year deal last week. Signed for Liverpool by Gerard
Houllier, Diarra spent three years at the club from 2002 until 2005 but
never played a senior game - not even in the cups. Sullivan explained: "He
was a boy at Liverpool. A kid. He had not come to his strength and he didnt
play a game for Liverpool. "But he is a supreme professional, and I would be
very surprised if he doesn't turn out to maybe be one of the buys of the
summer."
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Our house: Sullivan says West Ham deserve the Olympic Stadium
Mirror.co.uk
It is a venue that has given us some magnificent sporting memories in just
two weeks. And David Sullivan believes the Olympic Stadium is already more
iconic than the new Wembley. The arena played host to the stellar
achievements of Mo Farah, Jess Ennis, Greg Rutherford and – of course –
Usain Bolt among others. West Ham's co-owner is confident the east Londoners
can continue the feelgood factor by winning the race for the tenancy, set to
be announced in October. Days after Hammers manager Sam Allardyce warned the
stadium would go to rack and ruin if the club doesn't move in, Sullivan
said: "The Olympic Stadium is already more iconic than the new Wembley. With
Wembley you still think of the twin towers – the old Wembley. "The new
Wembley – much better stadium as it is – is not better than the old stadium
in terms of status. There were 80 years of memories with the old stadium.
That is hard to replace. "But the whole country has seen the Olympic Stadium
and shared in some special moments there. "Everyone has their own memory.
For me, I thought Mo Farah's 5,000m win was sensational. That last lap was
absolutely incredible. "But to win three gold medals in an hour as we did
on the first weekend was incredible as well. That's how special the stadium
is already to people. "Imagine how people would be feeling now, after all
that, if it had already been predetermined it had to come down. "When we
play there – if we get lucky enough to be awarded it – I think away teams
will relish going there. "Under the rules I can't discuss our bid. But if we
are accepted as the anchor tenant then the legacy will continue. "I think
you might get 10,000 Wigan fans there – simply because they want to come to
the Olympic Stadium, or whatever it might be called."
The promoted Hammers face Aston Villa at Upton Park in their first Premier
League game of the new season on Saturday. Asked whether the Hammers would
struggle to recreate the atmosphere of the last two weeks, Sullivan said:
"For the big games you would have full houses, and near full houses for all
the other games. It would be wonderful. "The Olympics is something special.
It will be hard to recreate the atmosphere for the 100m final – lets not kid
ourselves. "But believe me when we're playing any of the top six or eight
teams in an important game there will be a wonderful atmosphere, just like
when we played in the play-off final at Wembley. "That atmosphere was
incredible. People have said to me it was the best day of their lives."
There are three other bids being considered by London's Legacy Development
Corporation – the University College of Football Business, which is an
affiliate of Bucks New University, the Intelligent Transport Service, who
want to build a Formula One track, and League One side Leyton Orient.
Sullivan continued: "You want to keep it for this huge iconic stadium that
can be multi-purpose. You'd have lots of different events – pop concerts,
football and athletics. "We believe West Ham will give a greater legacy than
anybody else. "We've a 900,000 email address list of supporters. We can use
all that to help promote the other events at the stadum - to help athletics.
"The World Athletics Championships is going to be in there in 2017 anyway.
"Us moving there will be wonderful for sport, and wonderful for the
country."
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Sam Allardyce: Part One
Filed: Tuesday, 14th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
KUMB.com
Just four days ahead the start of the 2012/13 Premier League campaign, with
West Ham United duly restored to the top flight of English football by
virtue of May's play-off Final win against Blackpool, we sat down with
current Hammers boss Sam Allardyce to look ahead to the new season. Firing
the questions on behalf of KUMB.com was Graeme Howlett...
KUMB: Sam: thanks for taking the time to talk to us. Last season you
achieved your goal at the first ask and it was ultimately a successful
season. What would you consider a success this year?
SA: I think it all depends on how we go in the first eight to ten games. We
have to look at the first group of fixtures and ask: "What can we achieve
from this group of fixtures?" Then at the end of that period I will know
about the strengths and weaknesses of my squad and I will have a better idea
about where we might be capable of finishing.
To try and predict at this stage of the season, being a newly-promoted
side... You think you've got this or you've got that, but until it gets
tested again in the Premier League... I've got a lot of Premier League
players who have played there before but they're all having to test
themselves yet again.
A lot of teams have spent a lot of money and obviously those teams are going
to be very difficult to play against, but we've got to make sure we're ready
to compete against anybody and to try and get a result out of every game
we're going to play. The first few games are critical; we'll see where we go
from there.
KUMB: Talking about those first few games, you might say the fixture list
has been relatively kind to us?
SA: I would agree with you; they are games we've got a chance of getting a
result and a few points out of.
In this league, I always say to the players: "Lads, you're all looking
forward to playing against Manchester United and Chelsea - and we're all
looking forward to playing at Stamford Bridge, Old Trafford and The Emirates
- but at the end of the day we should be looking forward to playing against
the teams we've got a better chance of winning against."
We should all be at our best for those games and if we do that, then we will
be a very strong Premier League outfit. You can play your very best against
Manchester United; Chelsea; Arsenal; Liverpool; Man City - you could play a
really good game - and still come off having lost 2-0, or 3-1.
You know that when you play your very best against somebody around you,
somebody around the same level as you, you're probably going to come out
with a win or at least a draw. That's the most important thing, the
mentality of the players to get the results where we're more capable of
getting [them] and not waiting to produce their best performance against the
top boys.
KUMB: You mentioned going to the Emirates there; I would imagine you're
fairly keen to reacquaint yourself with Mr Wenger and his team again? You
had a few battles with him back in the day when you were at Bolton?
SA: I was with Arsene yesterday, it was very relaxed! We were talking about
the referees in the Premier League and the media rights next season, the
responsibility of the players and the managers. We've a huge responsibility
to keep promoting this fantastic Barclays Premier League which has brought
in millions and millions of pounds.
Overseas rights have been bought by 86 countries as well as our own rights
domestically, so there's a huge demand on us managers and the players. But
with the millions it brings, we have to accept it. So we have to keep
promoting the Barclays Premier League in the right way whilst we have a
responsibility to tell our players to go out there, promote it and
entertain.
Obviously the most important thing for us is winning games of football but
[also] to look after what is a great brand. I think, listening to Arsene
yesterday, it'll be great to be challenging against [someone who has been] a
fantastic coach in this country all these years.
KUMB: Going back to last year, you'd talk frequently about the targets you'd
set the team. You talked about aiming for automatic promotion, you talked
about averaging two points from every game; is that something you'll be
doing again this time?
SA: Yeah. We've done our five phases; we've done what we need to do. The
players are clear that we work in each phase to try and do the best we
possibly can because there's a great tendency in players' minds to start a
season and say: "Oh well, we haven't won but there's 37 games left to go".
That's the most dangerous thing that can happen to one of your players. They
must say from the very start that the first three points are just as
important as the last. If you get that mode of thinking then you've got a
better chance of doing well.
Breaking the season up and saying we're going to be assessing [performances]
at the end of this group of games, we're going to be either praising it,
criticising it or both. We hope it's a massive "well done" but we can
improve on this and we can improve on that.
If it's not so good we've got to say: "Look lads, we've got the next phase
to move into and we must get better immediately". That's the key for me, to
sustain consistency throughout the season.
KUMB: In terms of you personally, when you arrived here last summer you
signed a two-year contract which obviously expires at the end of this
season. How long do you see yourself being at West Ham?
SA: Only as long as I continue to win is the answer to that, in today's
volatile world of football. For me to say anything other than that based on
the statistics would just be irresponsible of me because even if I signed a
five-year contract, if I lost the first ten games [of the season] I'd
probably be getting sacked.
KUMB: How far do you think you can take West Ham United?
SA: Well I want to take them into the Olympic Stadium because I was inspired
by it. I think that if any fans had doubts about us moving there they should
have been extinguished by the atmosphere that was created [during the games]
and the facility that is there for this club - and only three miles down the
road.
KUMB: So you see a move to the Olympic Stadium as key to the club's
progression?
SA: If this club wants to be great, it has to go. Unless you redevelop Upton
Park and make it a 60,000 all-seater state-of-the-art stadium, then fine.
KUMB: Which can't happen...
SA: Which can't happen. So if you can't do that you've got an unbelievable
arena that could create a cauldron of noise - which is what the West Ham
fans do, as they showed at Wembley. It could be the catalyst for the next
generation, the modern-day history of this football club.
KUMB: You were spotted singing 'Bubbles' at Wembley; you picked the words up
pretty quickly?
SA: [laughs] I've heard it that much I can't help it! Every time I ring the
Chairman - which is mostly David Sullivan, not David Gold - generally I have
to wait for him for a short while and on comes "I'm forever blowing
bubbles..." So it does become pretty infectious in the end, you know what I
mean!?
But I understand the culture and the history of this football club and how
much it means [to the fans]. I'm ingrained in it and I want to be successful
not just for myself, but for them too. Every manager does. And every group
of players here wants to be successful - obviously for themselves and their
families, but also for the football club and for the supporters.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dempsey rejects West Ham as Fulham's bid for Dnipro's Boateng falls short
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 22:45, 14 August 2012 | UPDATED: 01:03, 15 August 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham have failed to lure Clint Dempsey, 29, from Fulham, who have had a
bid for Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk's Derek Boateng, 29, rejected. American
international Dempsey is in demand but clubs have yet to come up with the
fee that Fulham believe is suitable for the 29-year-old. He was outstanding
last season but the fact he is training away from the first team reflects a
breakdown in his relationship with the club. His contract has 11 months to
run but Fulham have valued him at £9million. Liverpool have made no secret
of their desire to sign him and would offer players such as Charlie Adam but
the Scot is reluctant to leave Anfield.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham star: I thought Bolton would have given me a chance
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
5:20 PM
London 24
West Ham star Joey O'Brien thought he would have been given the chance by
Bolton and not released. Instead, Sam Allardyce came to the midfielder's
rescue by offering him the chance to train and then helped the Hammers by
lifting them back to the Premier League, at the Trotters' expense. "I
thought at the time when I got released by the manager, I thought I was
going to get kept on at Bolton," O'Brien told The Sun. "I always backed
myself that I was going to be good enough.
"Thankfully the boss at West Ham — whom I owe a lot to in my career anyway —
he gave me the opportunity to go down training when I was released by Bolton
when I had no offers. "But in the Championship, it is physically more
demanding than the Premier League. "I looked at high-intensity stats, the
out-of-possession stats and the physical stats, the physical stats are
higher in the Championship than in the Premier League."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, August 15
Tuesday, August 14
Daily WHUFC News - 14th August 2012
Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is ready to make his final tweaks to the squad this week ahead
of Aston Villa
13.08.2012
The countdown to West Ham United's return to the Barclays Premier League is
nearly over and manager Sam Allardyce for one cannot wait to get started.
After 49 tough npower Championship games last season, culminating in a
superb Play-Off final victory against Blackpool, West Ham will see the fruit
of their labour this Saturday when Aston Villa visit the Boleyn Ground. Big
Sam has the benefit of years of experience in the top tier and knows the
Hammers will need to be at their best as they face some of world's best on a
weekly basis. "I'm always slightly nervous, apprehensive and not too sure
what we're going to be like against Premier League opposition. I think if
we're at our best we can do very well but the bottom line is we've got to be
at our best every game. We cannot afford a dip or a slip up. "In the
Championship last season we could have been at 80% and still won a game.
We'll have to be 100% every game to win in the Premier League but I'm
really, really looking forward to getting started."
With the Boleyn Ground set to be a sell-out for his first game in the
Premier League as Hammers manager, Big Sam cannot wait to hear the roar as
the team head out of the tunnel at 3pm. Confidence among the squad will be
have been boosted by the 1-1 draw with UEFA Champions League qualifiers SC
Braga on Friday evening. "It will be a special moment. Particularly with the
game being at home in the Boleyn Ground, it's important we get off to a
positive start. "The performance against Braga is more like what you want to
achieve going back into the Barclays Premier League. We've got just over a
week to work on the smaller things in terms of how we approach the Villa
game. "We will brush up our tactics both in possession and out of possession
and making sure we're spot on in getting our basics right to get the best
performance and best result we can right at the very start of the season."
With five new signings already confirmed, Big Sam's new-look Premier League
side was further boosted with the arrival of highly-rated France
international Alou Diarra on Friday. The 31-year-old midfielder will join up
with his new team-mates this week and with at least two training sessions
planned for the Boleyn Ground this week, he has plenty of scope to show his
new manager what he can do. "He's a class player with a huge amount of
experience at international and Champions League level and at the top of the
league in France. His game ratio is outstanding and his fitness is looking
good and he flew through the medical. "This lad is available to play every
week. He'll bring an awful lot to our team and we're looking forward to
settling him in and seeing what he can do".
Diarra will complement a midfield already boasting plenty of talent with
Premier League experience through the likes of Kevin Nolan, Mark Noble, Gary
O'Neil, Matt Taylor and fellow new recruit Momo Diame. Diame in particular
caught the eye against Braga on just his second appearance for the club and
Big Sam is excited to see what he can add to his midfield. "He's a talented
player and I think he will grow with us and get better and better with us.
He has that bit of quality you need when you go into the Premier League.His
passing, his closing down and his tackling and getting forward all look very
positive. "Modibo Maiga played wide right and then, moved up front and we
saw a bit of what he's about as a frontman. He received the ball well and
had a good spring in the air."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diarra dreaming of debut
WHUFC.com
New signing Alou Diarra cannot wait to pull on a West Ham United for the
first time
13.08.2012
Alou Diarra is counting down the days until his West Ham United debut. Aston
Villa visit the Boleyn Ground for the Barclays Premier League opener on
Saturday 18 August and Diarra is keen to play in front of the West Ham fans
for the first time. With supporters grabbing Season Tickets and Academy
memberships ahead of the big kick-off, Diarra is keen to reward their
passion by making his mark on his maiden appearance. "I know a lot about the
club, the history but that we have a lot of fans, who have passion for their
club and their football," said the France international. "I hope to show
them I give everything in each game and try to do my best for the team. I am
looking forward to playing for them in the Premier League this season."
For West Ham supporters, Diarra is a versatile player who operates in
defensive midfield areas and with a host of international experience playing
for his country. A double title-winner in his homeland, the 31-year-old
appeared three times for France at EURO 2012. "What can our supporters
expect from me is to work hard and give my all in every game, I like to keep
the ball, press with it and help start the attacks as well looking to help
out defensively. I know the West Ham fans will be happy if they see the team
working hard and trying to win. Sometimes it is more difficult, but you just
have to do your best."
Diarra trained with his new team-mates for the first time on Monday ahead of
the Villa clash and he received a warm welcome from his colleagues, three of
whom he knows well. "I know of Guy Demel, Mo Diame and Modibo Maiga as he
played in the French league last year, so it is nice to see those boys
here.I spoke with the manager and I know what he wants from me and it is all
about doing well for the team."
The player is well aware of the club's rich history and says he is excited
to be at West Ham as they start a fresh journey in the Barclays Premier
League. "I know of the players here before like Paolo Di Canio, Scott Parker
and before that, years ago, Bobby Moore. It is exciting for me to be here
and I am looking forward to the challenge. We know that it will be tough but
the aim is to get into a good position and keep it. "I have experience and I
hope I can help my younger team-mates and everyone around me, so we can
create a good place for the team in the Premier League this year."
Diarra is also looking to complete some unfinished business with regards the
Premier League, as he joined Liverpool as a youngster a decade ago but never
got the opportunity to show what he could do at Anfield. "I am 31 now and
ready to play in the Premier League. It is a chance I want to take well with
West Ham and want to show what I can do and help the team do as well as we
can this season. I am very much looking forward to it and I hope our fans
are too."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
New season, new system?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 13th August 2012
By: Tom Kilbey
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to our latest recruit Tom Kilbey.
Tom opens his KUMB account by looking at Sam Allardyce's current squad and
examining its strengths and weaknesses ahead of this weekend's season-opener
against Aston Villa...
With little over a week to the start of the season, now is the time to start
thinking ahead to the opener against Aston Villa. With the board still
frantically trying to secure the services of new players, our team is
starting to shape up. Let's take a look through our squad, and at a
potential new system for next year.
Goalkeeper
When going through the team, it doesn't take long before there's a debate.
Henderson or Jaaskaleinen? Youth or experience? Through pre-season, Big Sam
has alternated between the two goalkeepers, giving both a chance to impress.
I'd like to see Henderson given a chance since Jussi is definitely not the
keeper he used to be. Only time will tell.
Full Back
Unfortunately, there isn't much of a debate here. I say 'unfortunately'
because I feel that this is perhaps our weakest area. Allardyce's style is
going to be based on a solid defence, and I don't think we have this,
especially at left back.
Demel will start on the right side of defence and although he looked far
from comfortable at times last season, he is highly rated and after a few
games in pre-season he should hopefully step up.
I'd also like Jordan Spence to be given a final chance this season. Despite
not making an impact at Bristol City last season, what I've seen of him
tells me that he is a capable defender and he is reaching the age at which
we need to decide to either give him a run in the side, or let him go.
On the left side of defence our only real option is George McCartney and I
don't think he is of sufficient quality despite having a solid, if not
spectacular spell for us last season.
In the youth ranks we have Danny Potts. I am fully aware he has the
potential to be an excellent player but we are perhaps guilty of over-hyping
our youngsters. After one excellent game last season he had a couple of very
shaky performances; should we believe he can step into the role of a Premier
League player after just three first team appearances?
Centre Back
This is one position where there isn't too much of a debate. Some people are
seeing the signing of James Collins as a step back but I have always rated
him, so consider him as a good signing.
Besides him, we have the ever improving James Tomkins who should build on
his performances last season - plus we also have Winston Reid. I had my
doubts about him for the first year and a bit, but I think life in the
Championship allowed him to come on leaps and bounds and isn't a bad back up
to have.
We could perhaps do with one more centre back, but our new signing Alou
Diarra can play there if needed so we are in fairly good shape here.
Holding Midfield
We seemingly have two defensive midfielders in our team, both of whom are
among the most talented players in the squad. For this reason, I cant help
but thinking we will play with two holding midfielders.
Diarra and Diame in front of the back four would fit an Allardyce-style
defensive tactic and could be effective with the right balance. Of course,
we still have Mark Noble who could play a similar role, although I do fear
for him in a system like this as he could easily find himself shunned from
the first team.
Central Attacking Midfielder
If we did play with two defensive-minded midfielders, we would need to play
with three in front of them whose primary job would be to create and score
goals. In the middle, we would inevitably play Kevin Nolan, although we also
have the option of Jack Collison who only really impressed last season when
playing in a more advanced role.
Wingers
More than anything else, I hope that we play with genuine wingers next
season. Since we lost Matthew Etherington, we have been hugely lacking in
width, making us look bereft of ideas.
In the centre we have absolutely no creativity, making it even more critical
that we get the ball wide. I despise seeing players like Collison play out
wide like he did so often last season. Quite frankly, if we try to fit all
our midfielders into our side, we will not have a chance last season.
Although we would all like to see players like Jack in our side, we have to
realise that we must play players in the correct position so inevitably,
some will have to miss out. I hope we play with Ricardo Vaz Te and Modibo
Maiga, which would give us a genuine forward threat.
It is promising to see that we are pursuing new wingers.With a bid lodged
for Matt Jarvis and reported interest in the exciting Senegalese prospect
Pape Moussa Konaté, hopefully by Saturday we will be in a position where we
can play out-and-out wingers rather than central midfielders playing out of
position.
Strikers
I don't think there's much of a debate up top. Maiga may want to play in a
central role but surely he can be best utilised on the wing, leaving Carlton
Cole with the unenviable responsibility of being our only striker.
I think Maynard will fall short of Premier League quality and with Baldock
being sold, this only leaves us with the single striker. According to
reports, we will only sell Baldock once we get a replacement, which make
sense.
One name being mentioned is that of Louis Saha, which has been greeted with
an avalanche of criticism from many West Ham fans. I would happily have him
on a short term, free transfer. If he can get eight goals for us, and share
the workload of Carlton Cole, and provide competiton for his place, I dont
really see the problem.
People are complaining it's only a short term solution, but surely that's
exactly the point? If he can get us a few critical goals over the next two
years and help us establish ourselves as a Premier League side, I'll be very
happy. This is, of course, providing we sign young talent as well, and if we
can seal the signing of Konaté - and perhaps one other forward player - I'd
be fairly happy with our attacking options.
My system therefore, would look something like this (which could obviously
switched round in terms of personnel):
Henderson/Jaaskelainen
Demel; Tomkins; Collins; New Left Back
Diarra; Diame
Vaz Te; Nolan; Maiga
Cole
Besides this, our only other real option would be to play Diarra at centre
half alongside Tomkins and play a more conventional 4-5-1 with Noble, Diame
and Nolan across the middle. Either system could work, although I'd prefer
to play our most experienced player, with the most pedigree in his best
position which would favour the system I've outlined.
It's interesting to think that Noble will struggle to get in the team this
year with such strength in the middle of the park; I guess this is a sign of
a vast improvement in our midfield. It's just a shame that we have primarily
had success in the transfer window in the position that was already the
strongest.
Hopefully, in the next week or two, we will have similar success in the
positions that still look weak.
*Tom Kilbey may also be found on Twitter at twitter.com/tom29whu.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce in stadium warning
West Ham boss insists stadium must be used by football
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey. Last Updated:
August 13, 2012 10:17am
SSN
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has warned that London needs to make
sure that the Olympic Stadium does not become a 'white elephant'. The
Hammers are one of the bidders to take the tenancy of the Stratford venue,
which hosted the closing ceremony of the London Games on Sunday. But its
future has long been the subject of debate, with the Hammers initially
denied tenancy last October following a legal dispute involving Tottenham
and Leyton Orient. The need to preserve a home for athletics at the stadium
was central to London 2012's legacy aims and they intend on hosting the
World Championship in 2017, but Allardyce insists the stadium and
surrounding park will fall into decline without the regular use provided by
Premier League football.
Crowds
"If they keep it for athletics, the only time it will ever get a big crowd
again after the Olympics is when they hold the World Championships there in
five years' time," he told The Times. "You only have to look around the
world at some of the Olympic Stadiums that have been built. They're white
elephants now. There are weeds growing there. Look at the 'Bird's Nest' in
Beijing. Look at Athens. "The Olympic Park is a fantastic place, but it
can't be left to rack and ruin. If a club with the history and fanbase and
potential of West Ham don't go there, the concern would be that the park is
left empty the vast majority of the time. "I can understand some West Ham
fans feeling that they don't want to leave the history and tradition of
Upton Park, but it's an incredible opportunity for the club to move
forward."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Are the Hammers Targeting Loic Remy?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
There is a rumour this evening that West Ham are enquiring about the
availability of Marseille striker, Loic Remy. There appears to be two
obstacles to a potential move. Firstly, Marseille allegedly want a £18m fee
for the striker. Secondly, although open to a move to the PL, Loic allegedly
wants to move to a club competing in Europe next season. There is little
doubt that Loic Remy would be a great signing. But is he currently within
our reach?
Elsewhere, West Ham are reported to be especially keen to finalise a deal
for Wolves' winger, Matt Jarvis. The two clubs are currently in a stand-off
over West Ham's initial offer of £6m up front and £3m in add ons. Wolves
value Jarvis at £10m and West Ham will probaby need to meet that valuation,
with a deal being struck on the structure of the payments. Will Sam
Allardyce and the Board go the extra mile to land a player that they
obviously covet?
Also, the signs are that Adam Johnston could be out of favour at Man City.
The rumour is that City are preparing a £8m bid for Swansea's Scott Sinclair
and that deal could adversely impact on Johnston's postion in the squad.
Would Johnston not be a good loan option for West Ham, perhaps a one year
loan with a view to a permanent deal? Johnston is a real talent, who seems
to have lost his way at City. Could we help him get back on track? And might
the acquisition of the player give us another attacking option down the
flanks?
Finally, so it's the big kick-off this Saturday and a winning start is
essential. We can only guess what Sam Allardyce's starting line up will be?
But one thing is certain, our success or otherwise in the first two fixtures
wil probably determine the scale of our activities in transfer market in the
run up to the closure of the summer window on 31 August 2012.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is ready to make his final tweaks to the squad this week ahead
of Aston Villa
13.08.2012
The countdown to West Ham United's return to the Barclays Premier League is
nearly over and manager Sam Allardyce for one cannot wait to get started.
After 49 tough npower Championship games last season, culminating in a
superb Play-Off final victory against Blackpool, West Ham will see the fruit
of their labour this Saturday when Aston Villa visit the Boleyn Ground. Big
Sam has the benefit of years of experience in the top tier and knows the
Hammers will need to be at their best as they face some of world's best on a
weekly basis. "I'm always slightly nervous, apprehensive and not too sure
what we're going to be like against Premier League opposition. I think if
we're at our best we can do very well but the bottom line is we've got to be
at our best every game. We cannot afford a dip or a slip up. "In the
Championship last season we could have been at 80% and still won a game.
We'll have to be 100% every game to win in the Premier League but I'm
really, really looking forward to getting started."
With the Boleyn Ground set to be a sell-out for his first game in the
Premier League as Hammers manager, Big Sam cannot wait to hear the roar as
the team head out of the tunnel at 3pm. Confidence among the squad will be
have been boosted by the 1-1 draw with UEFA Champions League qualifiers SC
Braga on Friday evening. "It will be a special moment. Particularly with the
game being at home in the Boleyn Ground, it's important we get off to a
positive start. "The performance against Braga is more like what you want to
achieve going back into the Barclays Premier League. We've got just over a
week to work on the smaller things in terms of how we approach the Villa
game. "We will brush up our tactics both in possession and out of possession
and making sure we're spot on in getting our basics right to get the best
performance and best result we can right at the very start of the season."
With five new signings already confirmed, Big Sam's new-look Premier League
side was further boosted with the arrival of highly-rated France
international Alou Diarra on Friday. The 31-year-old midfielder will join up
with his new team-mates this week and with at least two training sessions
planned for the Boleyn Ground this week, he has plenty of scope to show his
new manager what he can do. "He's a class player with a huge amount of
experience at international and Champions League level and at the top of the
league in France. His game ratio is outstanding and his fitness is looking
good and he flew through the medical. "This lad is available to play every
week. He'll bring an awful lot to our team and we're looking forward to
settling him in and seeing what he can do".
Diarra will complement a midfield already boasting plenty of talent with
Premier League experience through the likes of Kevin Nolan, Mark Noble, Gary
O'Neil, Matt Taylor and fellow new recruit Momo Diame. Diame in particular
caught the eye against Braga on just his second appearance for the club and
Big Sam is excited to see what he can add to his midfield. "He's a talented
player and I think he will grow with us and get better and better with us.
He has that bit of quality you need when you go into the Premier League.His
passing, his closing down and his tackling and getting forward all look very
positive. "Modibo Maiga played wide right and then, moved up front and we
saw a bit of what he's about as a frontman. He received the ball well and
had a good spring in the air."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diarra dreaming of debut
WHUFC.com
New signing Alou Diarra cannot wait to pull on a West Ham United for the
first time
13.08.2012
Alou Diarra is counting down the days until his West Ham United debut. Aston
Villa visit the Boleyn Ground for the Barclays Premier League opener on
Saturday 18 August and Diarra is keen to play in front of the West Ham fans
for the first time. With supporters grabbing Season Tickets and Academy
memberships ahead of the big kick-off, Diarra is keen to reward their
passion by making his mark on his maiden appearance. "I know a lot about the
club, the history but that we have a lot of fans, who have passion for their
club and their football," said the France international. "I hope to show
them I give everything in each game and try to do my best for the team. I am
looking forward to playing for them in the Premier League this season."
For West Ham supporters, Diarra is a versatile player who operates in
defensive midfield areas and with a host of international experience playing
for his country. A double title-winner in his homeland, the 31-year-old
appeared three times for France at EURO 2012. "What can our supporters
expect from me is to work hard and give my all in every game, I like to keep
the ball, press with it and help start the attacks as well looking to help
out defensively. I know the West Ham fans will be happy if they see the team
working hard and trying to win. Sometimes it is more difficult, but you just
have to do your best."
Diarra trained with his new team-mates for the first time on Monday ahead of
the Villa clash and he received a warm welcome from his colleagues, three of
whom he knows well. "I know of Guy Demel, Mo Diame and Modibo Maiga as he
played in the French league last year, so it is nice to see those boys
here.I spoke with the manager and I know what he wants from me and it is all
about doing well for the team."
The player is well aware of the club's rich history and says he is excited
to be at West Ham as they start a fresh journey in the Barclays Premier
League. "I know of the players here before like Paolo Di Canio, Scott Parker
and before that, years ago, Bobby Moore. It is exciting for me to be here
and I am looking forward to the challenge. We know that it will be tough but
the aim is to get into a good position and keep it. "I have experience and I
hope I can help my younger team-mates and everyone around me, so we can
create a good place for the team in the Premier League this year."
Diarra is also looking to complete some unfinished business with regards the
Premier League, as he joined Liverpool as a youngster a decade ago but never
got the opportunity to show what he could do at Anfield. "I am 31 now and
ready to play in the Premier League. It is a chance I want to take well with
West Ham and want to show what I can do and help the team do as well as we
can this season. I am very much looking forward to it and I hope our fans
are too."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
New season, new system?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 13th August 2012
By: Tom Kilbey
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to our latest recruit Tom Kilbey.
Tom opens his KUMB account by looking at Sam Allardyce's current squad and
examining its strengths and weaknesses ahead of this weekend's season-opener
against Aston Villa...
With little over a week to the start of the season, now is the time to start
thinking ahead to the opener against Aston Villa. With the board still
frantically trying to secure the services of new players, our team is
starting to shape up. Let's take a look through our squad, and at a
potential new system for next year.
Goalkeeper
When going through the team, it doesn't take long before there's a debate.
Henderson or Jaaskaleinen? Youth or experience? Through pre-season, Big Sam
has alternated between the two goalkeepers, giving both a chance to impress.
I'd like to see Henderson given a chance since Jussi is definitely not the
keeper he used to be. Only time will tell.
Full Back
Unfortunately, there isn't much of a debate here. I say 'unfortunately'
because I feel that this is perhaps our weakest area. Allardyce's style is
going to be based on a solid defence, and I don't think we have this,
especially at left back.
Demel will start on the right side of defence and although he looked far
from comfortable at times last season, he is highly rated and after a few
games in pre-season he should hopefully step up.
I'd also like Jordan Spence to be given a final chance this season. Despite
not making an impact at Bristol City last season, what I've seen of him
tells me that he is a capable defender and he is reaching the age at which
we need to decide to either give him a run in the side, or let him go.
On the left side of defence our only real option is George McCartney and I
don't think he is of sufficient quality despite having a solid, if not
spectacular spell for us last season.
In the youth ranks we have Danny Potts. I am fully aware he has the
potential to be an excellent player but we are perhaps guilty of over-hyping
our youngsters. After one excellent game last season he had a couple of very
shaky performances; should we believe he can step into the role of a Premier
League player after just three first team appearances?
Centre Back
This is one position where there isn't too much of a debate. Some people are
seeing the signing of James Collins as a step back but I have always rated
him, so consider him as a good signing.
Besides him, we have the ever improving James Tomkins who should build on
his performances last season - plus we also have Winston Reid. I had my
doubts about him for the first year and a bit, but I think life in the
Championship allowed him to come on leaps and bounds and isn't a bad back up
to have.
We could perhaps do with one more centre back, but our new signing Alou
Diarra can play there if needed so we are in fairly good shape here.
Holding Midfield
We seemingly have two defensive midfielders in our team, both of whom are
among the most talented players in the squad. For this reason, I cant help
but thinking we will play with two holding midfielders.
Diarra and Diame in front of the back four would fit an Allardyce-style
defensive tactic and could be effective with the right balance. Of course,
we still have Mark Noble who could play a similar role, although I do fear
for him in a system like this as he could easily find himself shunned from
the first team.
Central Attacking Midfielder
If we did play with two defensive-minded midfielders, we would need to play
with three in front of them whose primary job would be to create and score
goals. In the middle, we would inevitably play Kevin Nolan, although we also
have the option of Jack Collison who only really impressed last season when
playing in a more advanced role.
Wingers
More than anything else, I hope that we play with genuine wingers next
season. Since we lost Matthew Etherington, we have been hugely lacking in
width, making us look bereft of ideas.
In the centre we have absolutely no creativity, making it even more critical
that we get the ball wide. I despise seeing players like Collison play out
wide like he did so often last season. Quite frankly, if we try to fit all
our midfielders into our side, we will not have a chance last season.
Although we would all like to see players like Jack in our side, we have to
realise that we must play players in the correct position so inevitably,
some will have to miss out. I hope we play with Ricardo Vaz Te and Modibo
Maiga, which would give us a genuine forward threat.
It is promising to see that we are pursuing new wingers.With a bid lodged
for Matt Jarvis and reported interest in the exciting Senegalese prospect
Pape Moussa Konaté, hopefully by Saturday we will be in a position where we
can play out-and-out wingers rather than central midfielders playing out of
position.
Strikers
I don't think there's much of a debate up top. Maiga may want to play in a
central role but surely he can be best utilised on the wing, leaving Carlton
Cole with the unenviable responsibility of being our only striker.
I think Maynard will fall short of Premier League quality and with Baldock
being sold, this only leaves us with the single striker. According to
reports, we will only sell Baldock once we get a replacement, which make
sense.
One name being mentioned is that of Louis Saha, which has been greeted with
an avalanche of criticism from many West Ham fans. I would happily have him
on a short term, free transfer. If he can get eight goals for us, and share
the workload of Carlton Cole, and provide competiton for his place, I dont
really see the problem.
People are complaining it's only a short term solution, but surely that's
exactly the point? If he can get us a few critical goals over the next two
years and help us establish ourselves as a Premier League side, I'll be very
happy. This is, of course, providing we sign young talent as well, and if we
can seal the signing of Konaté - and perhaps one other forward player - I'd
be fairly happy with our attacking options.
My system therefore, would look something like this (which could obviously
switched round in terms of personnel):
Henderson/Jaaskelainen
Demel; Tomkins; Collins; New Left Back
Diarra; Diame
Vaz Te; Nolan; Maiga
Cole
Besides this, our only other real option would be to play Diarra at centre
half alongside Tomkins and play a more conventional 4-5-1 with Noble, Diame
and Nolan across the middle. Either system could work, although I'd prefer
to play our most experienced player, with the most pedigree in his best
position which would favour the system I've outlined.
It's interesting to think that Noble will struggle to get in the team this
year with such strength in the middle of the park; I guess this is a sign of
a vast improvement in our midfield. It's just a shame that we have primarily
had success in the transfer window in the position that was already the
strongest.
Hopefully, in the next week or two, we will have similar success in the
positions that still look weak.
*Tom Kilbey may also be found on Twitter at twitter.com/tom29whu.
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Allardyce in stadium warning
West Ham boss insists stadium must be used by football
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey. Last Updated:
August 13, 2012 10:17am
SSN
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has warned that London needs to make
sure that the Olympic Stadium does not become a 'white elephant'. The
Hammers are one of the bidders to take the tenancy of the Stratford venue,
which hosted the closing ceremony of the London Games on Sunday. But its
future has long been the subject of debate, with the Hammers initially
denied tenancy last October following a legal dispute involving Tottenham
and Leyton Orient. The need to preserve a home for athletics at the stadium
was central to London 2012's legacy aims and they intend on hosting the
World Championship in 2017, but Allardyce insists the stadium and
surrounding park will fall into decline without the regular use provided by
Premier League football.
Crowds
"If they keep it for athletics, the only time it will ever get a big crowd
again after the Olympics is when they hold the World Championships there in
five years' time," he told The Times. "You only have to look around the
world at some of the Olympic Stadiums that have been built. They're white
elephants now. There are weeds growing there. Look at the 'Bird's Nest' in
Beijing. Look at Athens. "The Olympic Park is a fantastic place, but it
can't be left to rack and ruin. If a club with the history and fanbase and
potential of West Ham don't go there, the concern would be that the park is
left empty the vast majority of the time. "I can understand some West Ham
fans feeling that they don't want to leave the history and tradition of
Upton Park, but it's an incredible opportunity for the club to move
forward."
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Are the Hammers Targeting Loic Remy?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
There is a rumour this evening that West Ham are enquiring about the
availability of Marseille striker, Loic Remy. There appears to be two
obstacles to a potential move. Firstly, Marseille allegedly want a £18m fee
for the striker. Secondly, although open to a move to the PL, Loic allegedly
wants to move to a club competing in Europe next season. There is little
doubt that Loic Remy would be a great signing. But is he currently within
our reach?
Elsewhere, West Ham are reported to be especially keen to finalise a deal
for Wolves' winger, Matt Jarvis. The two clubs are currently in a stand-off
over West Ham's initial offer of £6m up front and £3m in add ons. Wolves
value Jarvis at £10m and West Ham will probaby need to meet that valuation,
with a deal being struck on the structure of the payments. Will Sam
Allardyce and the Board go the extra mile to land a player that they
obviously covet?
Also, the signs are that Adam Johnston could be out of favour at Man City.
The rumour is that City are preparing a £8m bid for Swansea's Scott Sinclair
and that deal could adversely impact on Johnston's postion in the squad.
Would Johnston not be a good loan option for West Ham, perhaps a one year
loan with a view to a permanent deal? Johnston is a real talent, who seems
to have lost his way at City. Could we help him get back on track? And might
the acquisition of the player give us another attacking option down the
flanks?
Finally, so it's the big kick-off this Saturday and a winning start is
essential. We can only guess what Sam Allardyce's starting line up will be?
But one thing is certain, our success or otherwise in the first two fixtures
wil probably determine the scale of our activities in transfer market in the
run up to the closure of the summer window on 31 August 2012.
SJ. Chandos.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, August 13
Daily WHUFC News - 13th August 2012
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
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
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
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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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