Diame skippers Senegal to win
WHUFC.com
Senegal remain in the hunt for World Cup qualification after beating Liberia
2-0 on Sunday
16.06.2013
West Ham United's Mohamed Diame captained Senegal to a vital 2-0 win over
Liberia in qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup on Sunday. Diame played
the 90 minutes as Senegal claimed the points to remain on top of Group J in
African qualification. Two goals from Newcastle United striker Papiss Cisse
were enough to see off Liberia in Monrovia and keep his country on track for
Brazil. With one game of this group stage remaining, Senegal lead Uganda by
a single point, with a home fixture against their qualification rivals to
come in September. The group winners will then go on to play a two-legged
play-off against one of the other nine group victors in Africa, with the
successful nations in those ties claiming a place in next summer's World Cup
finals.
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Devonshire pleased with progress
WHUFC.com
West Ham United legend Alan Devonshire expects the Club to continue their
improvement next season
16.06.2013
Alan Devonshire is sure the Hammers will continue to progress with manager
Sam Allardyce at the helm. The West Ham United legend was impressed with his
old Club's efforts last season to secure a tenth place finish in the
Barclays Premier League. He is sure they are not finished there, and that
with a couple of additions this summer, could aim even higher in 2013/14. He
told West Ham TV: "I thought we'd do okay last season. We finished tenth,
and hopefully we can build on that next year and in the coming years. "I
think Sam knows he needs three or four players that can improve [the squad].
There are places where we can improve and that's where he'll be looking this
summer. "It's a process now of building ourselves in the Premier League and
improving every year. "There's a real stability around the Club - I don't
think Sam has ever struggled with his teams in the Premier League. He's done
a good job and I'm looking forward to the next couple of years."
Devonshire, who played 448 games for the Club in the 1970s and 80s, is now
manager of Braintree Town, who also enjoyed a successful 2012/13 campaign.
He explained: "We did great. We finished ninth in the Conference and we did
the double over Luton and beat sides at our place when they were top of the
league. "A lot of credit goes to the players for a fantastic year, they've
done ever so well. "Realistically, Braintree's aim is staying in the league
until we get a new ground. That's the ideal situation."
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West Ham close to getting Andy Carroll decision
Last Updated: June 16, 2013 2:02pm
SSN
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has confirmed Andy Carroll is just
days away from giving his answer on a £100,000-a-week permanent move to
Upton Park. Both Allardyce and Carroll are currently abroad on holiday but
the striker is expected to sign a six-year deal worth more than £15m when he
returns. The 24-year-old England international spent last season on loan
with the Hammers from parent club Liverpool, who will not only lose £20m on
the player they bought from Newcastle United in January 2011, but also hand
him a £2m 'golden goodbye' payment because he did not request a transfer.
"We are both out of the country but most of the negotiations are done and
the financial agreement between us and Liverpool is in place," Allardyce
told the Sunday People. "It's about communicating with Andy and his agent
between London, here in Spain where I am and Florida where Andy is. "I've no
real need to speak to him over his decision. I've spoken to him enough times
so he knows what I think and it's up to him. "He's back in the next few days
so we should have a definitive answer by the end of next week."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll's big test
By SHAUN CUSTIS
Last Updated: 17th June 2013
The Sun
ANDY CARROLL is facing the biggest test of his career this week — the West
Ham medical. The England striker is set to make a £16million move from
Liverpool and his £100,000-a-week wages on a six-year contract make the deal
worth around £47m. The Hammers are desperate to land Carroll, 24, but want
to ensure the big Geordie has no long-term medical issues. Carroll has a
worrying injury history — with thigh, hamstring, knee and heel problems — so
he will face the most stringent medical the club has ever performed. A
Hammers source said: "The club really wants Andy but the medical needs to be
a tough one.
"When he joined on loan he only got a relatively quick check-up. This time
it will be different. "This is a huge deal for West Ham and one which
represents a real commitment by the club."
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Three reasons why Demba Ba should return to West Ham United
by Vincent Ralph
@VincentRalph1
Here Is The City
Following reports that West Ham are interested in re-signing the Chelsea
striker, Vincent Ralph suggests three reasons why it would be the right
move. Reports last week suggested West Ham were keen to bring Demba Ba back
to the club, as one half of a new-look strike-force with Andy Carroll.
Around the same time, the Chelsea striker's agent went on record to say Ba
wished to remain at Stamford Bridge, that he was prepared to fight for his
place in a forward-line that may – by the time the season starts – look
markedly different from the one that ended the last campaign. But the
28-year-old could do well to reconsider his options in light of Chelsea's
transfer dealings and Sam Allardyce's apparent interest.
Here are three reasons why:
IOU
It could be argued that footballers don't owe their former clubs anything.
It is after all a job, a business, and players move as regularly as any
other "product". And yet Ba's transfer to Upton Park in 2011 was if not a
leap of faith, certainly a bit of a jump. Following his failed medical at
Stoke City that saw the move collapse, West Ham signed the striker on a
three-year pay-as-you-play deal.
Following their relegation from the Premier League a release-clause saw Ba
move on. But he should remember that the Hammers took a risk when no one
else would.
Even before his move to the Britannia Stadium fell through, he had failed a
previous medical when Hoffenheim tried to sell him to Stuttgart. That West
Ham saw his potential and took a chance should mean something.
Competition for places is about to get a lot harder
With Ba and Fernando Torres Chelsea's only recognised (or in the Spaniard's
case barely-recognised) strikers last season, the Senegal striker got plenty
of game time following his January move from Newcastle. But with the return
of the blossoming Romelu Lukaku, the signing of Andre Schurrle, and the
almost certain arrival of at least one new out-and-out frontman, Ba's record
of just two league goals in 14 appearances for the Blues may grant him a
place on the bench at best.
At West Ham, he would start every game for which he was available. And
should Andy Carroll ultimately arrive in a much-mooted but not yet accepted
£15million deal, he would benefit considerably from the England
international's presence and specific set of skills.
The World Cup
Perhaps it shouldn't be a factor in itself, but how many times have you
heard of players moving in an attempt to secure a place in a World Cup
squad? To be honest, Ba is likely to go to Brazil regardless of the club he
plays for, so important is he to Senegal. But should they qualify, Ba would
be of far more use to them off the back of a prolific season than one spent
predominantly on the bench.
The 28-year-old has shown what he can do when given a run of games, most
emphatically during his outstanding spell at St James' Park.
With the quality of signings linked with West Ham this summer, Ba could
repeat and possibly even exceed those feats.
Given his age, he will want to be playing all the time. And while for now he
may believe he can convince Jose Mourinho to give him a chance, should Hulk
or Edinson Cavani arrive as has been much reported, Ba's time could be just
about up.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, June 17
Sunday, June 16
Daily WHUFC News - 16th June 2013
On this day - 16 June
WHUFC.com
A couple of West Ham United players faced each other on this day 17 years ago
16.06.2013
Anniversary
Croatia 3-0 Denmark
UEFA European Championship Finals Group D
16 June 1996
Two Hammers players came face to face at Euro 96, when Croatia took on Denmark in a Group D fixture at Hillsborough. Danish defender Marc Rieper scored two goals in 42 games for the Hammers in the season preceding the tournament, while fellow defender Slaven Bilic, who joined the Hammers in January of that year from German side Karlsruher, was earning his seventh cap for Croatia. It would be Bilic who would end the match far the happier, as the Croats went on to claim a 3-0 victory which secured their place in the quarter finals with a game to spare and knocked defending champions Denmark out. The game was still finely poised going into the final nine minutes, with Davor Suker's opener the difference at that stage, but a second goal from Zvonimir Boban and Suker's 90th minute breakaway strike gave Croatia a comfortable win. Croatia were defeated 3-0 by Portugal in their final group game, before exiting the tournament at the last-eight stage with a 2-1 loss to eventual winners Germany.
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Trust hails Learning Academy trials
WHUFC.com
The first West Ham United Community Sports Trust Learning Academy trials proved to be a great success
15.06.2013
West Ham United Community Sports Trust social inclusion officer George Chukwuma has hailed the success of the Trust's first-ever Learning Academy trial.
Nearly 50 teenagers turned out to show off their skills in a bid to win a place at the Learning Academy, which will see youngsters educated through sport, learning the transferable skills that are required by athletes. Trust partner Newham College will offer participants the opportunity to choose from a variety of vocational and academic courses, giving talented young sportsmen and women the opportunity to develop their skills and career. Following the first of two trials, Chukwuma said the Trust was delighted with the interest shown in the course by local youngsters. "What is happening is that the Trust has partnered up with Newham College to work on a programme to try to get participants to join our Learning Academy," said Chukwuma. "They will do their education with Newham College and they come to train with us three days a week and also play a game on the Wednesday in the College League. "It's another little scholarship and giving local boys from the area a chance to do what they love doing, which is playing football, but at the same time educating them and giving them more opportunities in life. "They do not have to do a sports course at college. They can pick any course at Newham College, so that will be very good for them."
A second trial will take place on Saturday 22 June between 12pm-3pm at the West Ham United Community Sports Trust, 60A Albatross Close, off Woolwich Manor Way, Beckton, London, E6 5NX. East London-born Chukwuma himself worked his way up through the Trust himself, having started out as a volunteer, and he believes many other local youngsters can follow a similar path by joining the Learning Academy. Chukwuma added that the most-promising youngsters to attend the Learning Academy could even forge themselves careers in the game if they are good enough. "The boys who came to the first trial and who will attend the second have an opportunity, and if there are any good, talented players we can direct them to the right people and get them the right coaching.
"We want to move them all forward and get them opportunities, which is why these types of courses are so good for the local boys from this area. "Those involved in this course get their FA Level 1 coaching badge if they want to take that route into coaching. They also get Community Leadership Levels 1 and 2 and we also give them great experience to go out into the local community to work with clubs and schools. "It will provide them with opportunities and qualifications and experience which will all be good for them."
West Ham United Community Sports Trust is involved in a wide range of programmes across east London and Essex, including the Kickz social inclusion scheme, Health and wellbeing projects, Employability, training, apprenticeships and enterprise schemes, Football development, Multi-sports coaching and participation and the West Ham United Inspire Learning Centre. Equalities, inclusion and cohesion are themes that are common across all programmes that the Trust delivers. Within these there are specific initiatives to promote inclusion and participation in specific areas, such as disability sports, girls' and women's sports, Asians in sport (as part of the PL4Sports Project) and Faith & Football. The importance of the Trust's role will only increase within the context of the club's proposed move to the Olympic Stadium and the need to deliver, long-term, the London 2012 community and sporting legacy.
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The Running Man
WHUFC.com
Matt Jarvis speaks of his promise as a young athlete before football took over
15.06.2013
It may not come as a huge surprise that speedy Hammers winger Matt Jarvis was a talented athlete as a youngster. The former Gillingham and Wolves man competed at county level for Surrey, where he grew up, before full-time football took over for him at the age of 16. He recently told athletics magazine Spikes of his promise as a junior and the West Ham TV cameras were on hand to capture his thoughts. Jarvis said: "I used to swim and do athletics, as well as play football, so I used to do lots of different things. "I don't know why I used to do it, but I used to run the 800m, 1500m and the long-distance cross-country rather than the sprints. "But I used to enjoy it, especially the cross-country. You'd be running up hills and through forests, and it was enjoyable. "My biggest achievement in athletics would be doing a run in Nottingham, which was a European qualifier. I was running a year above my age group, and I was the top Surrey runner, so that was pretty good. "Football was always the priority for me - I'd play a game of football if there was a clash between that and an athletics meeting - and when it went to 16 and leaving school that was when everything else had to take a sidestep. "I do watch athletics on TV now - more the track - I like to keep an eye out and watch."
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Penfold's progress
WHUFC.com
Jamie Penfold will run and cycle 400 miles in aid of the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK
15.06.2013
West Ham United fan Jamie Penfold will honour the memory of Hammers and England legend Bobby Moore OBE when he undertakes an amazing endurance challenge in June. Penfold will run and cycle more than 400 miles from Newcastle United's St James' Park to the Boleyn Ground over six days between 17-22 June to raise money for the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK. The professional photographer will run three marathons over three consecutive days along Hadrian's Wall before cycling from Newcastle to east London via Wembley over the next three days. Penfold, who was picked as a London 2012 Torchbearer in recognition of the fundraising he has done for the charity, is hoping to raise £5,000 for the Bobby Moore Fund. The charity was founded in 1993 following the death of West Ham and England captain Moore from bowel cancer at the age of just 51. Since then, the Fund has raised more than £19m for research into and raising awareness of the disease. "I've been training for a couple of months now," confirmed Penfold. "It will feel such an achievement when I reach London on 22 June, knowing that I've done it in memory of such a great man. "Bobby was cruelly taken from us at the age of 51, 20 years ago this year. He never got the recognition he deserved in life and that is why the Bobby Moore Fund is so important. "Hopefully every pound raised is another step towards finding a cure for this terrible disease."
To follow Penfold's progress between 17-22 June, visit his blog here http://memoriesandemotions.co.uk/
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Andy Carroll transfer decision due this week as striker returns from holiday to answer West Ham's offer
15 Jun 2013 23:01
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce revealed last night that Andy Carroll is just days away from giving his answer on a £100,000-a-week permanent move to West Ham, writes the Sunday People's Steve Bates . Hammers boss Allardyce, currently on holiday at his Spanish villa, expects the on-loan Liverpool striker to rubber-stamp a £15million six-year deal when he returns from his own sunshine break in Florida this week. Speaking from his bolt-hole in Spain, Allardyce confirmed that all the elements of the switch are in place and Carroll's decision is imminent. Big Sam said: "We are both out of the country but most of the negotiations are done and the financial agreement between us and Liverpool is in place. "It's about communicating with Andy and his agent between London, here in Spain where I am and Florida where Andy is. "I've no real need to speak to him over his decision. I've spoken to him enough times so he knows what I think and it's up to him. "He's back in the next few days so we should have a definitive answer by the end of next week."
The Hammers will smash their wage structure to land the 24-year-old, who was signed from Newcastle for £35m by Liverpool. It is also believed the Merseysiders will give Carroll a £2m "golden goodbye" pay-off as he did not ask to leave Anfield.
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West Ham's Gary O'Neil is dealt Hammer blow
Express.co.uk
Published: Sun, June 16, 2013
WEST HAM midfielder Gary O'Neil wants to stay at Upton Park despite being named on the Premier League's free transfer list, which was released on Friday.
The midfielder filled a crucial role for the Hammers last season after a shoulder injury ruled out Mark Noble for a lengthy period. Negotiations have been ongoing between 30-year-old O'Neil and the east London club but there is no sign of a deal being struck.
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Henderson Close to Loan Return
Saturday, 15th Jun 2013 22:30
Twtd.co.uk
TWTD understands that Town are close to completing the re-signing of West Ham keeper Stephen Henderson on a season-loan loan. Henderson spent two spells with the Blues during 2012/13, initially between October and January when he made 16 appearances before returning later that month and playing eight games prior to being recalled by the Hammers after their young keeper Raphael Spiegel suffered a finger injury. With West Ham recently having signed Spanish keeper Adrian on a free transfer from Real Betis as competition for last season's first choice Jussi Jaaskelainen, Henderson's opportunities at Upton Park would be limited during the campaign ahead.
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West Ham United eye Chelsea cast-offs Florent Malouda and Salomon Kalou as they wait on Andy Carroll decision
Telegraph.co.uk
By Jason Burt10:00PM BST 15 Jun 2013
West Ham United are considering rescuing Florent Malouda's Premier League career 10 months after the French international was exiled by Chelsea. The 33-year-old winger is available on a free transfer having been forced to play out the final year of his contract by training with Chelsea's academy players. Malouda was ostracised after refusing to take a pay‑cut to leave Chelsea last summer and has not featured since the Champions League final against Bayern Munich in May 2012. Chelsea tried to force Malouda out and were angry that he would not leave despite offers from other clubs. It had been assumed that Malouda, who spent six years at Chelsea after signing for £13 million from Lyon, would move to Brazil but he has now been offered to West Ham. The London club must now weigh up whether he still has the desire to play in the top flight. Malouda is not the only player with Chelsea links being considered by West Ham. The club have also been offered the chance to sign Salomon Kalou, who left Stamford Bridge last year after his contract expired and moved to the French club Lille.
It is understood, however, that the 27 year-old Ivory Coast international is keen to return to England and would want to join West Ham if an offer is made.
Meanwhile, West Ham are increasingly confident that Andy Carroll might remain at the club. A fee of £15.5 million has been agreed with the striker's club, Liverpool, but Carroll has stalled on finalising the move leading to concerns at West Ham that he might not join them. West Ham are considering other options, including Vitesse Arnhem's £12 million-rated striker Wilfried Bony, but hope when Carroll returns from holiday at the end of next week he will sign for them. West Ham are also monitoring whether Demba Ba might leave Chelsea and would like to sign their former striker on loan.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
A couple of West Ham United players faced each other on this day 17 years ago
16.06.2013
Anniversary
Croatia 3-0 Denmark
UEFA European Championship Finals Group D
16 June 1996
Two Hammers players came face to face at Euro 96, when Croatia took on Denmark in a Group D fixture at Hillsborough. Danish defender Marc Rieper scored two goals in 42 games for the Hammers in the season preceding the tournament, while fellow defender Slaven Bilic, who joined the Hammers in January of that year from German side Karlsruher, was earning his seventh cap for Croatia. It would be Bilic who would end the match far the happier, as the Croats went on to claim a 3-0 victory which secured their place in the quarter finals with a game to spare and knocked defending champions Denmark out. The game was still finely poised going into the final nine minutes, with Davor Suker's opener the difference at that stage, but a second goal from Zvonimir Boban and Suker's 90th minute breakaway strike gave Croatia a comfortable win. Croatia were defeated 3-0 by Portugal in their final group game, before exiting the tournament at the last-eight stage with a 2-1 loss to eventual winners Germany.
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Trust hails Learning Academy trials
WHUFC.com
The first West Ham United Community Sports Trust Learning Academy trials proved to be a great success
15.06.2013
West Ham United Community Sports Trust social inclusion officer George Chukwuma has hailed the success of the Trust's first-ever Learning Academy trial.
Nearly 50 teenagers turned out to show off their skills in a bid to win a place at the Learning Academy, which will see youngsters educated through sport, learning the transferable skills that are required by athletes. Trust partner Newham College will offer participants the opportunity to choose from a variety of vocational and academic courses, giving talented young sportsmen and women the opportunity to develop their skills and career. Following the first of two trials, Chukwuma said the Trust was delighted with the interest shown in the course by local youngsters. "What is happening is that the Trust has partnered up with Newham College to work on a programme to try to get participants to join our Learning Academy," said Chukwuma. "They will do their education with Newham College and they come to train with us three days a week and also play a game on the Wednesday in the College League. "It's another little scholarship and giving local boys from the area a chance to do what they love doing, which is playing football, but at the same time educating them and giving them more opportunities in life. "They do not have to do a sports course at college. They can pick any course at Newham College, so that will be very good for them."
A second trial will take place on Saturday 22 June between 12pm-3pm at the West Ham United Community Sports Trust, 60A Albatross Close, off Woolwich Manor Way, Beckton, London, E6 5NX. East London-born Chukwuma himself worked his way up through the Trust himself, having started out as a volunteer, and he believes many other local youngsters can follow a similar path by joining the Learning Academy. Chukwuma added that the most-promising youngsters to attend the Learning Academy could even forge themselves careers in the game if they are good enough. "The boys who came to the first trial and who will attend the second have an opportunity, and if there are any good, talented players we can direct them to the right people and get them the right coaching.
"We want to move them all forward and get them opportunities, which is why these types of courses are so good for the local boys from this area. "Those involved in this course get their FA Level 1 coaching badge if they want to take that route into coaching. They also get Community Leadership Levels 1 and 2 and we also give them great experience to go out into the local community to work with clubs and schools. "It will provide them with opportunities and qualifications and experience which will all be good for them."
West Ham United Community Sports Trust is involved in a wide range of programmes across east London and Essex, including the Kickz social inclusion scheme, Health and wellbeing projects, Employability, training, apprenticeships and enterprise schemes, Football development, Multi-sports coaching and participation and the West Ham United Inspire Learning Centre. Equalities, inclusion and cohesion are themes that are common across all programmes that the Trust delivers. Within these there are specific initiatives to promote inclusion and participation in specific areas, such as disability sports, girls' and women's sports, Asians in sport (as part of the PL4Sports Project) and Faith & Football. The importance of the Trust's role will only increase within the context of the club's proposed move to the Olympic Stadium and the need to deliver, long-term, the London 2012 community and sporting legacy.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Running Man
WHUFC.com
Matt Jarvis speaks of his promise as a young athlete before football took over
15.06.2013
It may not come as a huge surprise that speedy Hammers winger Matt Jarvis was a talented athlete as a youngster. The former Gillingham and Wolves man competed at county level for Surrey, where he grew up, before full-time football took over for him at the age of 16. He recently told athletics magazine Spikes of his promise as a junior and the West Ham TV cameras were on hand to capture his thoughts. Jarvis said: "I used to swim and do athletics, as well as play football, so I used to do lots of different things. "I don't know why I used to do it, but I used to run the 800m, 1500m and the long-distance cross-country rather than the sprints. "But I used to enjoy it, especially the cross-country. You'd be running up hills and through forests, and it was enjoyable. "My biggest achievement in athletics would be doing a run in Nottingham, which was a European qualifier. I was running a year above my age group, and I was the top Surrey runner, so that was pretty good. "Football was always the priority for me - I'd play a game of football if there was a clash between that and an athletics meeting - and when it went to 16 and leaving school that was when everything else had to take a sidestep. "I do watch athletics on TV now - more the track - I like to keep an eye out and watch."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Penfold's progress
WHUFC.com
Jamie Penfold will run and cycle 400 miles in aid of the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK
15.06.2013
West Ham United fan Jamie Penfold will honour the memory of Hammers and England legend Bobby Moore OBE when he undertakes an amazing endurance challenge in June. Penfold will run and cycle more than 400 miles from Newcastle United's St James' Park to the Boleyn Ground over six days between 17-22 June to raise money for the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK. The professional photographer will run three marathons over three consecutive days along Hadrian's Wall before cycling from Newcastle to east London via Wembley over the next three days. Penfold, who was picked as a London 2012 Torchbearer in recognition of the fundraising he has done for the charity, is hoping to raise £5,000 for the Bobby Moore Fund. The charity was founded in 1993 following the death of West Ham and England captain Moore from bowel cancer at the age of just 51. Since then, the Fund has raised more than £19m for research into and raising awareness of the disease. "I've been training for a couple of months now," confirmed Penfold. "It will feel such an achievement when I reach London on 22 June, knowing that I've done it in memory of such a great man. "Bobby was cruelly taken from us at the age of 51, 20 years ago this year. He never got the recognition he deserved in life and that is why the Bobby Moore Fund is so important. "Hopefully every pound raised is another step towards finding a cure for this terrible disease."
To follow Penfold's progress between 17-22 June, visit his blog here http://memoriesandemotions.co.uk/
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll transfer decision due this week as striker returns from holiday to answer West Ham's offer
15 Jun 2013 23:01
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce revealed last night that Andy Carroll is just days away from giving his answer on a £100,000-a-week permanent move to West Ham, writes the Sunday People's Steve Bates . Hammers boss Allardyce, currently on holiday at his Spanish villa, expects the on-loan Liverpool striker to rubber-stamp a £15million six-year deal when he returns from his own sunshine break in Florida this week. Speaking from his bolt-hole in Spain, Allardyce confirmed that all the elements of the switch are in place and Carroll's decision is imminent. Big Sam said: "We are both out of the country but most of the negotiations are done and the financial agreement between us and Liverpool is in place. "It's about communicating with Andy and his agent between London, here in Spain where I am and Florida where Andy is. "I've no real need to speak to him over his decision. I've spoken to him enough times so he knows what I think and it's up to him. "He's back in the next few days so we should have a definitive answer by the end of next week."
The Hammers will smash their wage structure to land the 24-year-old, who was signed from Newcastle for £35m by Liverpool. It is also believed the Merseysiders will give Carroll a £2m "golden goodbye" pay-off as he did not ask to leave Anfield.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Gary O'Neil is dealt Hammer blow
Express.co.uk
Published: Sun, June 16, 2013
WEST HAM midfielder Gary O'Neil wants to stay at Upton Park despite being named on the Premier League's free transfer list, which was released on Friday.
The midfielder filled a crucial role for the Hammers last season after a shoulder injury ruled out Mark Noble for a lengthy period. Negotiations have been ongoing between 30-year-old O'Neil and the east London club but there is no sign of a deal being struck.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Henderson Close to Loan Return
Saturday, 15th Jun 2013 22:30
Twtd.co.uk
TWTD understands that Town are close to completing the re-signing of West Ham keeper Stephen Henderson on a season-loan loan. Henderson spent two spells with the Blues during 2012/13, initially between October and January when he made 16 appearances before returning later that month and playing eight games prior to being recalled by the Hammers after their young keeper Raphael Spiegel suffered a finger injury. With West Ham recently having signed Spanish keeper Adrian on a free transfer from Real Betis as competition for last season's first choice Jussi Jaaskelainen, Henderson's opportunities at Upton Park would be limited during the campaign ahead.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United eye Chelsea cast-offs Florent Malouda and Salomon Kalou as they wait on Andy Carroll decision
Telegraph.co.uk
By Jason Burt10:00PM BST 15 Jun 2013
West Ham United are considering rescuing Florent Malouda's Premier League career 10 months after the French international was exiled by Chelsea. The 33-year-old winger is available on a free transfer having been forced to play out the final year of his contract by training with Chelsea's academy players. Malouda was ostracised after refusing to take a pay‑cut to leave Chelsea last summer and has not featured since the Champions League final against Bayern Munich in May 2012. Chelsea tried to force Malouda out and were angry that he would not leave despite offers from other clubs. It had been assumed that Malouda, who spent six years at Chelsea after signing for £13 million from Lyon, would move to Brazil but he has now been offered to West Ham. The London club must now weigh up whether he still has the desire to play in the top flight. Malouda is not the only player with Chelsea links being considered by West Ham. The club have also been offered the chance to sign Salomon Kalou, who left Stamford Bridge last year after his contract expired and moved to the French club Lille.
It is understood, however, that the 27 year-old Ivory Coast international is keen to return to England and would want to join West Ham if an offer is made.
Meanwhile, West Ham are increasingly confident that Andy Carroll might remain at the club. A fee of £15.5 million has been agreed with the striker's club, Liverpool, but Carroll has stalled on finalising the move leading to concerns at West Ham that he might not join them. West Ham are considering other options, including Vitesse Arnhem's £12 million-rated striker Wilfried Bony, but hope when Carroll returns from holiday at the end of next week he will sign for them. West Ham are also monitoring whether Demba Ba might leave Chelsea and would like to sign their former striker on loan.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, June 15
Daily WHUFC News - 15th June 2013
MP lauds Club's community work
WHUFC.com
Member of Parliament for East Ham Stephen Timms has praised the Hammers' CST
14.06.2013
Member of Parliament for East Ham Stephen Timms has praised the work of West
Ham United in the local community. The Club's Community Sports Trust
recently announced that Hammers midfielder Joe Cole would become its patron.
Mr Timms visited the Club to watch a film created by local schoolchildren,
which received great acclaim and was nominated for a national award earlier
this year. West Ham TV caught up with the MP, who was delighted to see
first-hand the inspirational effect the Hammers has on the community. He
said: "I came down to see the film called 'Scales', which was a film made
here at West Ham by some of the children from Sandringham, one of our local
Primary Schools. "It was a great project, they had a wonderful time, and the
film was very impressive as well. It was interesting to hear them talking
about all the things they had to do to make the film - acting, they had to
use the camera, voiceovers, animation, post-production editing - it was a
big, big project. "It was a big experience for them and a very good
experience as well. "I think the learning zone has been a real plus for
Newham over the 15 years that it's been open. I've followed its progress
ever since it started, and for a lot of children in the area, coming to West
Ham is a big deal. "It's an exciting place to be, it's an inspiring place to
be. The Inspire Learning Centre does inspire children, particularly those
who might be struggling at school, finding it a bit hard going. "When they
come here they can really pick up the excitement, and it boosts their
aspiration, boosts their achievement in a really important way. I think this
learning zone has been a really important asset for schools in the area for
the last 15 years."
Timms also believes that the Club's move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016 will
drive their community work forward yet further. He added: "It's a great move
for the Club, of course, it's undoubtedly the right decision - that stadium
should be used by West Ham United - and I'm absolutely delighted that the
decision has finally been made. "It will give the Club the potential to have
a bigger impact still in the local community. It's an iconic location, it's
a bigger stadium and there will be a lot of opportunity for the Club to do a
lot of exciting things with the local community, children and older people
as well. "It's the right move for the Club, it's the right move for the
community as well and I'm looking forward to seeing what else is going to
happen for our area once West Ham is installed there from 2016 onwards."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham target Massimo Ambrosini to listen to Fiorentina
By Simone Bargellini & Nadia Carminati.
Last Updated: June 14, 2013 8:33pm
SSN
West Ham United target Massimo Ambrosini has admitted he would be interested
in listening to any offer from Fiorentina. The veteran midfielder is a free
agent after leaving AC Milan and has been linked with a move to the MLS.
West Ham have also been in talks with Ambrosini, according to his agent, but
he has yet to make a decision on his future and could consider staying in
Italy. At a press conference on Friday, the 36-year-old said of the link to
Fiorentina, who will be playing in next season's Europa League: "They are a
great club and are coached by a great coach [Vincenzo Montella] with a
really serious and intriguing project. "If they would call me, I would
gladly hear what they have to offer to me". Ambrosini is adamant, though, he
will not be thinking about retiring after Milan opted not to give him a new
contract. He said: "It is not up to me to say whether the club's decision is
right or wrong. It is not a shocking thing - I am 36.
"I have given so much and AC Milan have the right to make a decision like
that. I might have liked it if they had communicated it differently and
earlier. I know I still want to be a player."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam's Andy fee
West Ham to for out £44MILLION on Carroll
Exclusive
By ANDREW DILLON
Last Updated: 15th June 2013
The Sun
WEST HAM will fork out a whopping £44million to land dream striker Andy
Carroll. The England star is to hold talks over a five-year deal with
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce next week. Big Sam has made Carroll his No 1
priority and his board are backing him to the hilt. Joint-chairman David
Sullivan has now agreed to pay Liverpool a club-record £16m up front with a
further £3m in add-ons to prove his commitment to the player — taking the
deal to £19m. Carroll will also be paid around £100,000 a week to smash the
Hammers' pay barrier as their marquee signing. The five-year deal would
amount to more than £25m in wages for the big Geordie. An insider said:
"Carroll is weighing up the offer. He still fancies a top-five club or a
return to Newcastle, where he has two children. So there is still a battle
to sign him." West Ham are set to move into the 54,000-seater Olympic
Stadium in 2016 and want a team worthy of their new home.
Carroll, 24, is due back from his holiday in America next week and
Sullivan's co-chairman David Gold tweeted: "The chances of Andy Carroll
joining West Ham have risen from 50/50 to 75/25." The striker has been
desperate to prove he can make it at Liverpool following a £35m switch from
Newcastle. But the imminent arrival of Celta Vigo hitman Iago Aspas has made
him realise he has no future under Brendan Rodgers.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Member of Parliament for East Ham Stephen Timms has praised the Hammers' CST
14.06.2013
Member of Parliament for East Ham Stephen Timms has praised the work of West
Ham United in the local community. The Club's Community Sports Trust
recently announced that Hammers midfielder Joe Cole would become its patron.
Mr Timms visited the Club to watch a film created by local schoolchildren,
which received great acclaim and was nominated for a national award earlier
this year. West Ham TV caught up with the MP, who was delighted to see
first-hand the inspirational effect the Hammers has on the community. He
said: "I came down to see the film called 'Scales', which was a film made
here at West Ham by some of the children from Sandringham, one of our local
Primary Schools. "It was a great project, they had a wonderful time, and the
film was very impressive as well. It was interesting to hear them talking
about all the things they had to do to make the film - acting, they had to
use the camera, voiceovers, animation, post-production editing - it was a
big, big project. "It was a big experience for them and a very good
experience as well. "I think the learning zone has been a real plus for
Newham over the 15 years that it's been open. I've followed its progress
ever since it started, and for a lot of children in the area, coming to West
Ham is a big deal. "It's an exciting place to be, it's an inspiring place to
be. The Inspire Learning Centre does inspire children, particularly those
who might be struggling at school, finding it a bit hard going. "When they
come here they can really pick up the excitement, and it boosts their
aspiration, boosts their achievement in a really important way. I think this
learning zone has been a really important asset for schools in the area for
the last 15 years."
Timms also believes that the Club's move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016 will
drive their community work forward yet further. He added: "It's a great move
for the Club, of course, it's undoubtedly the right decision - that stadium
should be used by West Ham United - and I'm absolutely delighted that the
decision has finally been made. "It will give the Club the potential to have
a bigger impact still in the local community. It's an iconic location, it's
a bigger stadium and there will be a lot of opportunity for the Club to do a
lot of exciting things with the local community, children and older people
as well. "It's the right move for the Club, it's the right move for the
community as well and I'm looking forward to seeing what else is going to
happen for our area once West Ham is installed there from 2016 onwards."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham target Massimo Ambrosini to listen to Fiorentina
By Simone Bargellini & Nadia Carminati.
Last Updated: June 14, 2013 8:33pm
SSN
West Ham United target Massimo Ambrosini has admitted he would be interested
in listening to any offer from Fiorentina. The veteran midfielder is a free
agent after leaving AC Milan and has been linked with a move to the MLS.
West Ham have also been in talks with Ambrosini, according to his agent, but
he has yet to make a decision on his future and could consider staying in
Italy. At a press conference on Friday, the 36-year-old said of the link to
Fiorentina, who will be playing in next season's Europa League: "They are a
great club and are coached by a great coach [Vincenzo Montella] with a
really serious and intriguing project. "If they would call me, I would
gladly hear what they have to offer to me". Ambrosini is adamant, though, he
will not be thinking about retiring after Milan opted not to give him a new
contract. He said: "It is not up to me to say whether the club's decision is
right or wrong. It is not a shocking thing - I am 36.
"I have given so much and AC Milan have the right to make a decision like
that. I might have liked it if they had communicated it differently and
earlier. I know I still want to be a player."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam's Andy fee
West Ham to for out £44MILLION on Carroll
Exclusive
By ANDREW DILLON
Last Updated: 15th June 2013
The Sun
WEST HAM will fork out a whopping £44million to land dream striker Andy
Carroll. The England star is to hold talks over a five-year deal with
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce next week. Big Sam has made Carroll his No 1
priority and his board are backing him to the hilt. Joint-chairman David
Sullivan has now agreed to pay Liverpool a club-record £16m up front with a
further £3m in add-ons to prove his commitment to the player — taking the
deal to £19m. Carroll will also be paid around £100,000 a week to smash the
Hammers' pay barrier as their marquee signing. The five-year deal would
amount to more than £25m in wages for the big Geordie. An insider said:
"Carroll is weighing up the offer. He still fancies a top-five club or a
return to Newcastle, where he has two children. So there is still a battle
to sign him." West Ham are set to move into the 54,000-seater Olympic
Stadium in 2016 and want a team worthy of their new home.
Carroll, 24, is due back from his holiday in America next week and
Sullivan's co-chairman David Gold tweeted: "The chances of Andy Carroll
joining West Ham have risen from 50/50 to 75/25." The striker has been
desperate to prove he can make it at Liverpool following a £35m switch from
Newcastle. But the imminent arrival of Celta Vigo hitman Iago Aspas has made
him realise he has no future under Brendan Rodgers.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, June 14
Daily WHUFC News - 14th June 2013
Hammers make most of English talent
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's goals from Englishmen had the most impact in the top
flight last term
13.06.2013
The impact of West Ham United's Englishmen was so great last season that if
goals only scored by home-nation players counted throughout the Barclays
Premier League, Sam Allardyce's men would have come out on top. That is
according to a study by the Daily Mail, who have examined which clubs made
the most use of English talent in 2012/13. It shows that Allardyce's faith
in his English players paid dividends, as they secured a tenth place finish
in their first campaign back in the top division - and that would have been
even higher if the contribution of non-English players in the Premier League
was discounted.
32 of the Hammers' 45 league goals was scored by an English player - with
Kevin Nolan leading the way on ten, followed closely by Andy Carroll on
seven, then Mark Noble on four. Joe Cole, Carlton Cole, Matt Jarvis, James
Tomkins, Matt Taylor and Gary O'Neil also weighed in with goals over the
campaign.
In fact, 12 of the 26 players used by the Hammers in the Barclays Premier
League last season are qualified to play for England, demonstrating that the
east Londoners are giving home-based players a chance to shine. Only
Liverpool and Southampton scored more goals by Englishmen last season, but
the goals they also conceded to home players meant the Hammers would have
emerged on top. Four of the Hammers' 12 English players who featured last
season have been capped by the Three Lions at senior level, with the other
eight all receiving international recognition at age-group level.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Brown signs Hammers scholarship
WHUFC.com
England U16 forward Jordan Brown has signed a scholarship with West Ham
United from 1 July
13.06.2013
West Ham United are happy to confirm the signing of England Under-16
international forward Jordan Brown on a scholarship from 1 July. Brown joins
the Hammers after spending his schoolboy career with Arsenal. The
16-year-old hit the net regularly for the Gunners, forcing his way into the
U18 set-up in 2012/13. Last term, while still a schoolboy, he made ten
Barclays U18 Premier League appearances, scoring once, and turned out once
in the FA Youth Cup.
At international level, Brown scored three goals in seven games for England
U16s since making his debut against Northern Ireland in October 2011. His
two goals in a 4-2 win over Scotland the following month helped England to
win the Victory Shield. "I'm a No9 and my objective in a game is to score
goals," explained Brown, when asked what West Ham fans can expect to see
from him on the pitch. "I want to help the team out and to lead from the
front. I'm quick and strong and I think I can run with the ball as well. I'm
an attacker. "I'd been at Arsenal at eight years and they wanted to keep me,
but I sat down with my parents and my agents and we thought it was a better
decision to come to West Ham. The opportunities are here and I thought, at
Arsenal, maybe I could have faded away because I've seen it happen before.
"I thought, the opportunity was there for me at West Ham and it has the
attributes for me to be what I want to be in football."
Brown already knows a number of his new team-mates, including winger Nathan
Mavila, and lined up against the Hammers in the Barclays U18 Premier League
last season. "It should be easy to settle in as I know some of the lads
already. My plan is to go in hard at the start of pre-season and really just
try to impress people from there. I've obviously got to score goals whenever
I can because I'm a striker, whichever age-group I am put into. Whether it's
Under-18s or Under-21s, I've just got to do my best."
Brown joins nine existing West Ham schoolboys who have signed scholarships
with the Club, eight of whom have already played for the Hammers' U18s.
Goalkeeper Tim Brown, defenders Emanuel Onariase, Reece Burke and Kyle
Knoyle, midfielders Alex Pike and Djair Parfitt-Williams and forwards Jerry
Amoo and Marcio Martins all represented the Hammers in the Barclays U18
Premier League in 2012/13. The other new scholar will be midfielder Kieran
Bailey.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cole proud of community role
WHUFC.com
West Ham United attacker Joe Cole is delighted to lend his support to the
Club's Community Sports Trust
13.06.2013
West Ham United star Joe Cole is thrilled to have been named as patron of
the Club's Community Sports Trust. As patron, Cole will lend his support to
the Trust, helping to raise the profile of its work and fundraising
activities as well as making selected special appearances at associated
events. "It filled me with pride when I was asked by the Club to be the
patron," said Cole. "West Ham play a big role in the community and it's
great to be a position where just your presence can make a difference and
hopefully inspire some of the young people in our local area. "I've been
here a long time and I started my career here. I know all about the area and
what the Club means to the community and I think that's one of the key
reasons I was asked to the patron. It's an important role and something I
take seriously. "I want to be a positive role model for the kids. It's about
being professional, doing your job right and giving the youngsters something
to aspire to. "It's a great feeling when you walk into a room and their
young faces light up. It's a perk of the job being able to take part in
things like this. The football club has a special relationship with the
community and it's the fans that make the club. This is about getting the
next generation involved in football and living in a positive way."
The 31-year-old, who first joined the Hammers as a schoolboy back in 1998,
recalls the Club's work in the community during his youth. "It's a long time
ago since I was here as a youngster but I remember IT courses at the ground,
football courses getting the kids out and about during the holidays and
after school. We've always been a club that have invested time in getting
children off the street and encouraging them to do something positive with
their time."
Since 1990 the Trust has had in excess of 1.5m service users and Cole
believes the Club's move to the Olympic Stadium in time for the 2016/17
season, will see even more young people taking part in the club's vast range
of activities. "Moving to the Olympic Stadium is a massive step forward for
the club and our work within the community will only get bigger and better.
We'll be at the heart of the regeneration of the area and it's going bring
so many new opportunities."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers snatch Arsenal youngster
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 13th June 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have signed England under 16 international Jordan Brown -
from under the noses of rivals Arsenal. Brown, who had been with Arsenal
since the age of eight has signed a scholarship with West Ham after
rejecting an offer from his former club. The 16-year-old was offered a
scholarship by the Gunners last December but opted to move to east London
instead, having become frustrated by the lack of opportunities at his former
club after he fell behind young strikers Chuba Akpom and Austin Lipman in
the pecking order. Having found the back of the net on a regular basis as a
schollboy, Brown broke into the Arsenal under 18 team this season and went
on to make nine appearances, scoring one goal. However he decided to accept
West Ham's offer due to the greater opportunity it brings for first team
football. "I'd been at Arsenal for eight years and they wanted to keep me,
but I sat down with my parents and my agents and we thought it was a better
decision to come to West Ham," he told West Ham's website. "The
opportunities are here and I thought, at Arsenal, maybe I could have faded
away; I've seen it happen before. I thought the opportunity was there for me
at West Ham and it has the attributes for me to be what I want to be in
football."
Not to be confused with the 22-year-old former West Ham Academy scholar of
the same name who now plays for Barnet, Brown's departure from the junior
ranks at Arsenal has not gone down too well with Gunners fans. "That's
shocking; he seemed to score for fun at lower levels," said A86 on
arsenalyouth.wordpress.com - whilst fellow Arsenal fan goonerguru wrote:
"Having seen Brown play a few times, he certainly is a promising talent -
and one that might come to haunt Arsenal in the years to come."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Should our intention be to strengthen?
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 13th June 2013
By: Ryan Wingrave
With big spending expected this summer from West Ham United, who
realistically should we be looking to bring in? Does the squad require a
major overhaul - or does our first season back in the big time show we have
a solid squad which simply requires minor tweaking?
Goalkeepers
A successful season for Jussi Jaaskelainen surely means he will keep the
number 1 - or 22! - jersey that he has earned to see out the last year of
his contract. Adrian is on board too, with also Stephen Henderson and
Raphael Spiegal also in the ranks.
Defence
Flop Emanuel Pogatetz won't have earned himself a deal but the capture of
Razvan Rat from Shaktar Donetsk has brought in cover for the left back slot.
We also have a number of young prospects coming through for cover; Dan
Potts, 21, and Jordan Spence, 23, in particular will be looking for more of
a role in the first team in upcoming years.
Guy Demel and Joey O'Brien - who was this week voted runner-up Most Improved
Player of 2012/13 by KUMB readers - at full back worked well in the
Championship and has worked sufficiently in some Premier League fixtures,
but I strongly believe these are not long-term team players in the position.
With Demel aging and both O'Brien and George McCartney with a history of
injuries, I don't believe they are the kind of players that we need to move
forward to the next level. Danny Simpson, formerly of Newcastle United could
be on the cards as another free agent (following apparent interest in
January and last summer). Could James Tomkins reinvent himself as a full
back after playing second fiddle to the solid duo of Winston Reid and James
Collins in the centre of defence?
Midfield
Alou Diarra seems certain to leave the club and with Gary O'Neil's having
apparently followed suit, it would seem necessary to add some back up to the
midfield. I don't think we seen enough of Diarra before he was shipped out
on loan - and I also think Gary O'Neil should be offered a new deal. I can't
see that we would be paying him a lot and he had a fantastic run of form
towards the end of the season. He filled in perfectly for the absent Mark
Noble and also scored a fantastic goal against West Brom, arguably our goal
of the season.
Matt Taylor seems past his best now but will be kept for reinforcement.
Kevin Nolan - being the club captain and Big Sam's lovechild - seems certain
to keep his place too. Mo Diame's future seems uncertain due to the contract
situation but every Hammer knows he will be an important player to keep. Do
we need to strengthen our midfield further? YES.
Bringing in another flair player like Diame would do us the world of good.
Players with a creative touch are hard to find; sometimes we have played
without him and looked lost as nobody in our team has the same
defensive/attacking capabilities that Mo does. Perhaps looking to tie up his
contract long-term would be our most important deal of the summer. Our
midfield and defence has been a strong highlight of the season and if it
isn't broke, do we need to fix it?
Wingers/Forwards
Joe Cole, Ricardo Vaz Te and Matt Jarvis have shared the wide men roles this
season, mainly in the latter half of the campaign. Vaz-Te can have off days
and occasionally resembles "the spoilt schoolboy who thinks he is better
than everyone else" but he has played an important part in the squad since
joining in January 2012 and deserves his place based on some of his
performances.
His 87th minute, winning goal in the 2012 Play-Off Final was one of our
finest moments of the last 10 years and if we hadn't signed him a few months
earlier, I would have to wonder whether we would have got promoted or not!?
Joe Cole has also provided some good performances since joining but needs a
good pre-season to get fit for the new campaign. Matt Jarvis's pace and
ability to get the ball in the box on a consistent basis surely means he
will keep his place. I'm sure if Andy Carroll signs they will link up so
much more next season in terms of goal attempts and chances.
Young Rob Hall and Ravel Morrison could also supply sufficient cover for
these positions. They both need runs in the first team to develop to Premier
League standard. Both enjoyed successful Championship loan spells with
Birmingham last season, something highlighted by Morrision winning an
impressive 13 Man of the Match awards (at all levels) during his spell at St
Andrew's.
In terms of forwards, club 'legend' Carlton Cole has moved on as expected;
Modibo Maiga is likely to follow, which brings personal disappointment as I
believe he deserves more of a chance in the first team. Marouane Chamakh and
Wellington Paulista have returned to their respective parent clubs with no
further action to be taken from us.
Speculation linking West Ham with Wilfred Bony raises concerns and the
inevitable comparison with Alfonso Alves who also made the switch from
Eredivisie to Premier League when signing for Middlesbrough - who paid
£12million for a handful of goals. Bony has proven himself in the Dutch
League, but the Premier League is a complete different prospect and would
therefore appear to be a risky move.
Many would prefer Carroll - despite the fact that he doesn't scored a
shed-load of goals. Surely there will be more to come; he set up a number of
goals last season and his aerial presence is world class. For the same
money, Carroll would be the safer option - plus he is still only 24 and has
a long career ahead of him.
Rumours linking us with ex-Hammer Demba Ba and Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku as
loan prospects have also arisen recently, but I wouldn't expect too much to
come from either of those.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham want to sign another striker as well as Liverpool's Andy Carroll
confirms Gold
13 Jun 2013 22:30
The Mirror
West Ham's joint-owner David Gold has confirmed the club want to sign a
top-quality strike partner for No.1 target Andy Carroll. The Hammers are
confident of confirming the capture of the Liverpool and England forward
Carroll, who impressed on a season-long loan last season, on a £15.5million
deal next week.
We revealed yesterday that the east Londoners have also made a move for
Chelsea's ex-Irons striker Demba Ba on loan - and reported that successfully
re-signing the 28-year-old would not impact on the east Londoners' bid to
buy Carroll. The Hammers are also keen on a loan move for Manchester United
starlet Wilfried Zaha, who was bought by the Reds in January then loaned
back to Crystal Palace and helped them win promotion to the top flight.
Asked by fans on Twitter to confirm whether it is true the club will bring
in another frontman besides Carroll as part of their summer shopping, Gold
said: "Yes, we will." He added: "We must bring in two quality strikers."
West Ham had been eyeing Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku on loan, after he starred
last season after being borrowed by West Brom, but new Blues boss Jose
Mourinho is understood to want to keep the Belgian in his new-look squad.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's goals from Englishmen had the most impact in the top
flight last term
13.06.2013
The impact of West Ham United's Englishmen was so great last season that if
goals only scored by home-nation players counted throughout the Barclays
Premier League, Sam Allardyce's men would have come out on top. That is
according to a study by the Daily Mail, who have examined which clubs made
the most use of English talent in 2012/13. It shows that Allardyce's faith
in his English players paid dividends, as they secured a tenth place finish
in their first campaign back in the top division - and that would have been
even higher if the contribution of non-English players in the Premier League
was discounted.
32 of the Hammers' 45 league goals was scored by an English player - with
Kevin Nolan leading the way on ten, followed closely by Andy Carroll on
seven, then Mark Noble on four. Joe Cole, Carlton Cole, Matt Jarvis, James
Tomkins, Matt Taylor and Gary O'Neil also weighed in with goals over the
campaign.
In fact, 12 of the 26 players used by the Hammers in the Barclays Premier
League last season are qualified to play for England, demonstrating that the
east Londoners are giving home-based players a chance to shine. Only
Liverpool and Southampton scored more goals by Englishmen last season, but
the goals they also conceded to home players meant the Hammers would have
emerged on top. Four of the Hammers' 12 English players who featured last
season have been capped by the Three Lions at senior level, with the other
eight all receiving international recognition at age-group level.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Brown signs Hammers scholarship
WHUFC.com
England U16 forward Jordan Brown has signed a scholarship with West Ham
United from 1 July
13.06.2013
West Ham United are happy to confirm the signing of England Under-16
international forward Jordan Brown on a scholarship from 1 July. Brown joins
the Hammers after spending his schoolboy career with Arsenal. The
16-year-old hit the net regularly for the Gunners, forcing his way into the
U18 set-up in 2012/13. Last term, while still a schoolboy, he made ten
Barclays U18 Premier League appearances, scoring once, and turned out once
in the FA Youth Cup.
At international level, Brown scored three goals in seven games for England
U16s since making his debut against Northern Ireland in October 2011. His
two goals in a 4-2 win over Scotland the following month helped England to
win the Victory Shield. "I'm a No9 and my objective in a game is to score
goals," explained Brown, when asked what West Ham fans can expect to see
from him on the pitch. "I want to help the team out and to lead from the
front. I'm quick and strong and I think I can run with the ball as well. I'm
an attacker. "I'd been at Arsenal at eight years and they wanted to keep me,
but I sat down with my parents and my agents and we thought it was a better
decision to come to West Ham. The opportunities are here and I thought, at
Arsenal, maybe I could have faded away because I've seen it happen before.
"I thought, the opportunity was there for me at West Ham and it has the
attributes for me to be what I want to be in football."
Brown already knows a number of his new team-mates, including winger Nathan
Mavila, and lined up against the Hammers in the Barclays U18 Premier League
last season. "It should be easy to settle in as I know some of the lads
already. My plan is to go in hard at the start of pre-season and really just
try to impress people from there. I've obviously got to score goals whenever
I can because I'm a striker, whichever age-group I am put into. Whether it's
Under-18s or Under-21s, I've just got to do my best."
Brown joins nine existing West Ham schoolboys who have signed scholarships
with the Club, eight of whom have already played for the Hammers' U18s.
Goalkeeper Tim Brown, defenders Emanuel Onariase, Reece Burke and Kyle
Knoyle, midfielders Alex Pike and Djair Parfitt-Williams and forwards Jerry
Amoo and Marcio Martins all represented the Hammers in the Barclays U18
Premier League in 2012/13. The other new scholar will be midfielder Kieran
Bailey.
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Cole proud of community role
WHUFC.com
West Ham United attacker Joe Cole is delighted to lend his support to the
Club's Community Sports Trust
13.06.2013
West Ham United star Joe Cole is thrilled to have been named as patron of
the Club's Community Sports Trust. As patron, Cole will lend his support to
the Trust, helping to raise the profile of its work and fundraising
activities as well as making selected special appearances at associated
events. "It filled me with pride when I was asked by the Club to be the
patron," said Cole. "West Ham play a big role in the community and it's
great to be a position where just your presence can make a difference and
hopefully inspire some of the young people in our local area. "I've been
here a long time and I started my career here. I know all about the area and
what the Club means to the community and I think that's one of the key
reasons I was asked to the patron. It's an important role and something I
take seriously. "I want to be a positive role model for the kids. It's about
being professional, doing your job right and giving the youngsters something
to aspire to. "It's a great feeling when you walk into a room and their
young faces light up. It's a perk of the job being able to take part in
things like this. The football club has a special relationship with the
community and it's the fans that make the club. This is about getting the
next generation involved in football and living in a positive way."
The 31-year-old, who first joined the Hammers as a schoolboy back in 1998,
recalls the Club's work in the community during his youth. "It's a long time
ago since I was here as a youngster but I remember IT courses at the ground,
football courses getting the kids out and about during the holidays and
after school. We've always been a club that have invested time in getting
children off the street and encouraging them to do something positive with
their time."
Since 1990 the Trust has had in excess of 1.5m service users and Cole
believes the Club's move to the Olympic Stadium in time for the 2016/17
season, will see even more young people taking part in the club's vast range
of activities. "Moving to the Olympic Stadium is a massive step forward for
the club and our work within the community will only get bigger and better.
We'll be at the heart of the regeneration of the area and it's going bring
so many new opportunities."
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Hammers snatch Arsenal youngster
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 13th June 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have signed England under 16 international Jordan Brown -
from under the noses of rivals Arsenal. Brown, who had been with Arsenal
since the age of eight has signed a scholarship with West Ham after
rejecting an offer from his former club. The 16-year-old was offered a
scholarship by the Gunners last December but opted to move to east London
instead, having become frustrated by the lack of opportunities at his former
club after he fell behind young strikers Chuba Akpom and Austin Lipman in
the pecking order. Having found the back of the net on a regular basis as a
schollboy, Brown broke into the Arsenal under 18 team this season and went
on to make nine appearances, scoring one goal. However he decided to accept
West Ham's offer due to the greater opportunity it brings for first team
football. "I'd been at Arsenal for eight years and they wanted to keep me,
but I sat down with my parents and my agents and we thought it was a better
decision to come to West Ham," he told West Ham's website. "The
opportunities are here and I thought, at Arsenal, maybe I could have faded
away; I've seen it happen before. I thought the opportunity was there for me
at West Ham and it has the attributes for me to be what I want to be in
football."
Not to be confused with the 22-year-old former West Ham Academy scholar of
the same name who now plays for Barnet, Brown's departure from the junior
ranks at Arsenal has not gone down too well with Gunners fans. "That's
shocking; he seemed to score for fun at lower levels," said A86 on
arsenalyouth.wordpress.com - whilst fellow Arsenal fan goonerguru wrote:
"Having seen Brown play a few times, he certainly is a promising talent -
and one that might come to haunt Arsenal in the years to come."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Should our intention be to strengthen?
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 13th June 2013
By: Ryan Wingrave
With big spending expected this summer from West Ham United, who
realistically should we be looking to bring in? Does the squad require a
major overhaul - or does our first season back in the big time show we have
a solid squad which simply requires minor tweaking?
Goalkeepers
A successful season for Jussi Jaaskelainen surely means he will keep the
number 1 - or 22! - jersey that he has earned to see out the last year of
his contract. Adrian is on board too, with also Stephen Henderson and
Raphael Spiegal also in the ranks.
Defence
Flop Emanuel Pogatetz won't have earned himself a deal but the capture of
Razvan Rat from Shaktar Donetsk has brought in cover for the left back slot.
We also have a number of young prospects coming through for cover; Dan
Potts, 21, and Jordan Spence, 23, in particular will be looking for more of
a role in the first team in upcoming years.
Guy Demel and Joey O'Brien - who was this week voted runner-up Most Improved
Player of 2012/13 by KUMB readers - at full back worked well in the
Championship and has worked sufficiently in some Premier League fixtures,
but I strongly believe these are not long-term team players in the position.
With Demel aging and both O'Brien and George McCartney with a history of
injuries, I don't believe they are the kind of players that we need to move
forward to the next level. Danny Simpson, formerly of Newcastle United could
be on the cards as another free agent (following apparent interest in
January and last summer). Could James Tomkins reinvent himself as a full
back after playing second fiddle to the solid duo of Winston Reid and James
Collins in the centre of defence?
Midfield
Alou Diarra seems certain to leave the club and with Gary O'Neil's having
apparently followed suit, it would seem necessary to add some back up to the
midfield. I don't think we seen enough of Diarra before he was shipped out
on loan - and I also think Gary O'Neil should be offered a new deal. I can't
see that we would be paying him a lot and he had a fantastic run of form
towards the end of the season. He filled in perfectly for the absent Mark
Noble and also scored a fantastic goal against West Brom, arguably our goal
of the season.
Matt Taylor seems past his best now but will be kept for reinforcement.
Kevin Nolan - being the club captain and Big Sam's lovechild - seems certain
to keep his place too. Mo Diame's future seems uncertain due to the contract
situation but every Hammer knows he will be an important player to keep. Do
we need to strengthen our midfield further? YES.
Bringing in another flair player like Diame would do us the world of good.
Players with a creative touch are hard to find; sometimes we have played
without him and looked lost as nobody in our team has the same
defensive/attacking capabilities that Mo does. Perhaps looking to tie up his
contract long-term would be our most important deal of the summer. Our
midfield and defence has been a strong highlight of the season and if it
isn't broke, do we need to fix it?
Wingers/Forwards
Joe Cole, Ricardo Vaz Te and Matt Jarvis have shared the wide men roles this
season, mainly in the latter half of the campaign. Vaz-Te can have off days
and occasionally resembles "the spoilt schoolboy who thinks he is better
than everyone else" but he has played an important part in the squad since
joining in January 2012 and deserves his place based on some of his
performances.
His 87th minute, winning goal in the 2012 Play-Off Final was one of our
finest moments of the last 10 years and if we hadn't signed him a few months
earlier, I would have to wonder whether we would have got promoted or not!?
Joe Cole has also provided some good performances since joining but needs a
good pre-season to get fit for the new campaign. Matt Jarvis's pace and
ability to get the ball in the box on a consistent basis surely means he
will keep his place. I'm sure if Andy Carroll signs they will link up so
much more next season in terms of goal attempts and chances.
Young Rob Hall and Ravel Morrison could also supply sufficient cover for
these positions. They both need runs in the first team to develop to Premier
League standard. Both enjoyed successful Championship loan spells with
Birmingham last season, something highlighted by Morrision winning an
impressive 13 Man of the Match awards (at all levels) during his spell at St
Andrew's.
In terms of forwards, club 'legend' Carlton Cole has moved on as expected;
Modibo Maiga is likely to follow, which brings personal disappointment as I
believe he deserves more of a chance in the first team. Marouane Chamakh and
Wellington Paulista have returned to their respective parent clubs with no
further action to be taken from us.
Speculation linking West Ham with Wilfred Bony raises concerns and the
inevitable comparison with Alfonso Alves who also made the switch from
Eredivisie to Premier League when signing for Middlesbrough - who paid
£12million for a handful of goals. Bony has proven himself in the Dutch
League, but the Premier League is a complete different prospect and would
therefore appear to be a risky move.
Many would prefer Carroll - despite the fact that he doesn't scored a
shed-load of goals. Surely there will be more to come; he set up a number of
goals last season and his aerial presence is world class. For the same
money, Carroll would be the safer option - plus he is still only 24 and has
a long career ahead of him.
Rumours linking us with ex-Hammer Demba Ba and Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku as
loan prospects have also arisen recently, but I wouldn't expect too much to
come from either of those.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham want to sign another striker as well as Liverpool's Andy Carroll
confirms Gold
13 Jun 2013 22:30
The Mirror
West Ham's joint-owner David Gold has confirmed the club want to sign a
top-quality strike partner for No.1 target Andy Carroll. The Hammers are
confident of confirming the capture of the Liverpool and England forward
Carroll, who impressed on a season-long loan last season, on a £15.5million
deal next week.
We revealed yesterday that the east Londoners have also made a move for
Chelsea's ex-Irons striker Demba Ba on loan - and reported that successfully
re-signing the 28-year-old would not impact on the east Londoners' bid to
buy Carroll. The Hammers are also keen on a loan move for Manchester United
starlet Wilfried Zaha, who was bought by the Reds in January then loaned
back to Crystal Palace and helped them win promotion to the top flight.
Asked by fans on Twitter to confirm whether it is true the club will bring
in another frontman besides Carroll as part of their summer shopping, Gold
said: "Yes, we will." He added: "We must bring in two quality strikers."
West Ham had been eyeing Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku on loan, after he starred
last season after being borrowed by West Brom, but new Blues boss Jose
Mourinho is understood to want to keep the Belgian in his new-look squad.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, June 13
Daily WHUFC News - 13th June 2013
O'Brien relishing Cork return
WHUFC.com
Joey O'Brien cannot wait to head home to Ireland for West Ham United's
opening pre-season fixture
12.06.2013
Joey O'Brien is relishing the opportunity to return to his homeland when
West Ham United go on pre-season tour to the Republic of Ireland. The senior
Ireland international was born and raised in Dublin before moving to England
when he signed for Bolton Wanderers at the age of 16. As he made his name in
this country, O'Brien enjoyed returning home regularly to turn out for his
home nation at age-group level - none more so than when he represented
Ireland U19s against England in a friendly at Cork City's Turners Cross
ground in September 2004. On Sunday 7 July, O'Brien will return to the same
venue when West Ham United take on the League of Ireland Premier Division
side in their first pre-season fixture. The No17 cannot wait to return to
his homeland for what promises to be an entertaining evening in south west
Ireland. "It should be good," enthused the full-back, who played 35 times
for the Hammers last season. "I've never been on a pre-season tour to
Ireland before since I came over to England when I was 16, so it should be
something different from normal when we have been to places that are really,
really hot. I don't think the west coast of Ireland will be really hot!
"We're going to play Cork City while we're over there, so it should be good
to play a League of Ireland team."
It may be nearly nine years ago, but O'Brien can remember Ireland U19s' 2-0
defeat by England clearly. That night, the visitors triumphed through goals
from Middlesbrough midfielder James Morrison and Norwich City's Ryan Jarvis,
but the Hammers defender still recalls the evening fondly. "I have played at
Turners Cross before. I played there for the Republic of Ireland Under-19s
against England, I think it was. The place was absolutely rocking with the
crowd. "I know people from that part of the world and they are a very, very
patriotic bunch and it made for a great night. "I'm sure that game when we
play them in pre-season will also attract a good crowd to Turners Cross."
A 3,500-strong crowd turned out to watch O'Brien and his team-mates in
action in September 2004 and the popular full-back is expecting a similarly
busy evening at Turners Cross come kick-off at 6pm on Sunday 7 July.
"Without a doubt, I'm sure the fans there are looking forward to a Premier
League team coming over and they'll come out and support them. "It's a
lovely pitch there normally and the ground is nice and tight and the crowd
is right on top of you, so hopefully there should be a decent crowd and it
should be a decent game."
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Hammers host successful final
WHUFC.com
Punjab United Wolves won the 2013 SBOBET UK Asian Community Cup final at the
Boleyn Ground
13.06.2013
Punjab United Wolves lifted the 11th annual SBOBET UK Asian Community Cup at
the Boleyn Ground following a thrilling 3-2 victory over Bury Park Saracens
on Wednesday night. Punjab United were twice pegged back after going in
front, but Razwan Akhtar came off the substitutes' bench to notch the winner
and give his side the trophy in front of a crowd which included Member of
Parliament for East Ham Stephen Timms and dignitaries from the Football
Association and Professional Footballers' Association.
It marked the end of a successful journey for the team from Wolverhampton,
who came through the preliminary rounds at the Hammers' Rush Green complex
last month to secure their place in the final against their Luton-based
opponents. The tournament has been backed by SBOBET and supported by The
Canary Wharf Group, as West Ham worked alongside organisers London Tigers to
host the tournament through its preliminary and final stages. It aims to
provide Asian players a chance to play in professional stadiums and be
spotted by scouts, and for matchwinner Akhtar, playing at the Boleyn Ground
was an unforgettable experience. He said: "It's the best feeling ever and
I'm really glad. We did well throughout the rounds and we deserved to come
through to the final and win. "It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to
play at West Ham, and I think it's a great achievement from us. We've got a
big squad, who have been utilised [throughout the competition], they've been
part of it and that's the reason we're here. "Before I got subbed on, I was
doing my prayers saying 'let me get the winner'. If I got three or four
chances I'd have been more than happy and there you have it, we've taken the
trophy."
London Tigers, the tournament organisers, is an innovative, award-winning
organisation which works across London and beyond to provide sporting and
life opportunities for disadvantaged communities. Its chief executive Mesba
Ahmed said: "The SBOBET UK Asian Community Cup is a national event involving
teams from Glasgow to Preston, Wolverhampton, Birmingham and London. "The
prelim of 16 teams whittled it down to the two teams who competed in the
final and it was a dream come true for them to play at West Ham. "Playing
the final in a pro stadium is more important than anything else, because it
allows them to feel like superstars. "Having it in the heart of the Asian
community in east London was a crowd-puller. For some of the people here, it
would have been their first time in a stadium like this. "For West Ham to
provide an opportunity like that, brings the community closer."
Deputy chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association and
former West Ham United winger Bobby Barnes was also delighted to lend his
support to the event. He said: "This is a very important part of the Club's
work in the community. I've been fortunate enough to come to the previous
two finals at Stamford Bridge and Loftus Road, so it was particularly nice
to be at the Boleyn Ground on Wednesday. "Obviously there is a very large
Asian community in the area around the ground and it's positive to see the
Club engaging and putting something into creating some strong links with
that community. "It's great when Premier League clubs throw their doors open
and give people that opportunity to play at the stadium. It's something they
will remember for a very long time."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid crowned KUMB.com Player of the Year
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 12th June 2013
By: Staff Writer
Winston Reid has been voted as West Ham United's Player of the Year in our
annual KUMB.com Readers' Awards poll. The 24-year-old Kiwi - who also took
the Most Improved Player award for the second successive season - strolled
to victory ahead of runner-up James Collins and third-placed Mo Diame,
having taken two of every three votes cast.
Our congratulations also go to Danny Potts, who was voted your Young Player
of the Year - whilst Mo Diame's goal against Manchester United in our 2-2
draw back in April is your Goal of the Season.
To see the results in full, visit the KUMB Awards home page. You may also
listen to the results in the latest KUMB.com podcast.
The eleven category winners were as follows:
KUMB.com Player of the Year: Winston Reid
KUMB.com Young Player of the Year: Danny Potts
Goal of the Season: Mo Diame vs Manchester United
Most Memorable Match: West Ham Utd 3-1 Chelsea
Best Signing: Andy Carroll
Most Improved Player: Winston Reid
Most Missed: Wally Downes
Worst Player of the Year: Emanuel Pogatetz
Worst Signing: Emanuel Pogatetz
Greatest Disappointment: Our away form
Hackett of the Year: Barry Hearn
Notes: Knees Up Mother Brown's annual poll is in its 16th year, having
started back in 1997. Voted for by our army of readers, our 11 categories
cover the very best - and worst! - of West Ham United over the course of the
preceeding 12 months.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll, Ba, Zaha and Ambrosini?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
The Mirror Sport has carried an article claiming that not only West Ham
lining up a swoop for Andy Carroll, but are plotting season long loan deals
for Chelsea's Demba Ba and Manchester Utd's Wilfred Zaha. If true (which is
not beyond doubt considering the source) then Sam Allardyce will significant
goal power and class in the striking positions for next season. So, what are
the chances? Well it seems that Chelsea's new manager likes the look of
Romelu Lakaku and intends to keep him in his squad next season. In addition,
Chelsea are also likely to be submitting bids for Hulk and Cavani. So, there
is the possibility that Ba could end up surplus to requirements. Zaha, at 20
years of age, is one for the future at Old Trafford. It is also possible
that Man Utd might be persuaded to put him out on loan to play regularly in
the Premier League and gain vital experience.
At the same, there has been much speculation about Andy Carroll delaying in
agreeing a deal to join West Ham and even make demands that his weekly wages
be increased from £80,000 to £100,000! The truth is more likely to be that
Carroll's options are extremely limited, even if he was minded to cast
around for an alternative deal. The probability is that Carroll has, indeed,
been on holiday and will sign a six year deal on his return. Signing Carroll
would be a good indication of the ambition and sense of direction that the
club have now acquired. Lets hope that the above interpretation is correct.
Finally, it seems that Gary O'Neill has now left the club on a free
transfer, with the parties unable to agree a new deal. That is a shame, as
O'Neill was a good squad player, who always did an effective job when called
upon to do so. However, there are other players in the squad that I would be
far more loath to lose. There are also rumours this evening that the club
are moving to agree a deal with AC Milan veteran, Massimo Ambrosini. The 36
year old former AC Milan captain's agent has confirmed that there are talks
ongoing with West Ham, although other possible destinations were also
mentioned. Some fans will see this as a bad deal, because of the player's
age. However, this ignores the fact that he also brings extensive top level
experience to the squad. Also, you cannot apply the same standard to all
players. Some players will be over-the-hill at 36 years of age, others will
not. After all, it is often forgotten that Danny Blanchflower was exactly
the same age when he starred in the midfield of the double winning Spurs
team of the early 1960s. And it was ultimately Blanchflower's vision and
passing ability that was decisive, not his pace or lack of it! While our
very own Billy Bonds still had five more years of top level club football in
him at the age of 36 years. I know that super-fit Bonds was the exception,
rather than the rule, but it shows what is possible. Add to that the fact
that Ambrosini will likely play a holding midfield role, where he can sit
and use his experience to shield the back four and influence the play in
front of him. There is also Sam Allardyce's track record at Bolton of
successfully utilising veterans, like Ivan Campo, to good effect. Hopefully,
he will able to do much the same with Ambrosini if a deal is concluded.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham plot Demba Ba's return on loan from Chelsea to link up with Carroll
12 Jun 2013 22:31
The Mirror
West Ham have launched a bid to bring Chelsea's Demba Ba back to Upton Park
on loan. The east Londoners have made their move for the striker because new
Blues manager Jose Mourinho is chasing Napoli goal-machine Edinson Cavani
and will not loan out Romelu Lukaku, impressive in his year at West Brom,
for next season. It is understood the loan move for Ba - bought from
Newcastle for £7million just five months ago - is unconnected with West
Ham's attempts to complete a £15.5m swoop for Liverpool's England hitman
Andy Carroll. A decision from Carroll, still on holiday and mulling over the
move while his representatives discuss terms, is expected next week.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is also targeting an audacious loan swoop for
Manchester United youngster Wilfried Zaha. The 20-year-old former Crystal
Palace winger, just back from playing for England at the Under-21 European
Championship, will join the champions for pre-season after a holiday. West
Ham want to take him on loan once he has had a pre-season with the Reds. If
Hammers succeed in landing all three, it will add a new potency to their
attack as boss Sam Allardyce bids to improve on last season's 10th place
finish. Ba spent his first six months in English football with West Ham in
the 20-11 campaign, following an aborted move to Stoke from Germany's
Hoffenheim. Playing in a side that ended up getting relegated from the
Premier League, Ba emerged as top scorer with seven goals in 12 games to
earned a move to St James' Park. The frontman then made himself the
Geordies' leading scorer, shooting Alan Pardew's side into contention for
the top four. Despite being part of a Chelsea squad that clinched Europa
League football and a place in the top four, Ba did not play as regularly as
he had been at West Ham or Newcastle. The Senegal striker scored just twice
for the Blues in the Premier League, and six times in total. Last month, the
28-year-old claimed to be among the players excited by the return of
Mourinho. But he could now become the first casualty of the Special One's
second coming.
Cavani has appeared to move a step closer to a switch to the Premier League
after seemingly ruling out joining Real Madrid. The 26-year-old, also linked
with Manchester City, said: "I don't know if Spanish football suits me."
The £53m-rated Uruguayan, on international duty at the Confederations Cup,
added: "Football there is wonderful, as everyone knows. You have more
freedom. But I don't know what will happen." A deal for Bayer Leverkusen
forward Andre Schurrle is still being pursued by Chelsea, while Manchester
United's Wayne Rooney and Zenit St Peterburg's Hulk are also on the Stamford
Bridge radar. Meanwhile, Barcelona are hoping to tempt Blues' record signing
Fernando Torres home to Spain.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Joey O'Brien cannot wait to head home to Ireland for West Ham United's
opening pre-season fixture
12.06.2013
Joey O'Brien is relishing the opportunity to return to his homeland when
West Ham United go on pre-season tour to the Republic of Ireland. The senior
Ireland international was born and raised in Dublin before moving to England
when he signed for Bolton Wanderers at the age of 16. As he made his name in
this country, O'Brien enjoyed returning home regularly to turn out for his
home nation at age-group level - none more so than when he represented
Ireland U19s against England in a friendly at Cork City's Turners Cross
ground in September 2004. On Sunday 7 July, O'Brien will return to the same
venue when West Ham United take on the League of Ireland Premier Division
side in their first pre-season fixture. The No17 cannot wait to return to
his homeland for what promises to be an entertaining evening in south west
Ireland. "It should be good," enthused the full-back, who played 35 times
for the Hammers last season. "I've never been on a pre-season tour to
Ireland before since I came over to England when I was 16, so it should be
something different from normal when we have been to places that are really,
really hot. I don't think the west coast of Ireland will be really hot!
"We're going to play Cork City while we're over there, so it should be good
to play a League of Ireland team."
It may be nearly nine years ago, but O'Brien can remember Ireland U19s' 2-0
defeat by England clearly. That night, the visitors triumphed through goals
from Middlesbrough midfielder James Morrison and Norwich City's Ryan Jarvis,
but the Hammers defender still recalls the evening fondly. "I have played at
Turners Cross before. I played there for the Republic of Ireland Under-19s
against England, I think it was. The place was absolutely rocking with the
crowd. "I know people from that part of the world and they are a very, very
patriotic bunch and it made for a great night. "I'm sure that game when we
play them in pre-season will also attract a good crowd to Turners Cross."
A 3,500-strong crowd turned out to watch O'Brien and his team-mates in
action in September 2004 and the popular full-back is expecting a similarly
busy evening at Turners Cross come kick-off at 6pm on Sunday 7 July.
"Without a doubt, I'm sure the fans there are looking forward to a Premier
League team coming over and they'll come out and support them. "It's a
lovely pitch there normally and the ground is nice and tight and the crowd
is right on top of you, so hopefully there should be a decent crowd and it
should be a decent game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers host successful final
WHUFC.com
Punjab United Wolves won the 2013 SBOBET UK Asian Community Cup final at the
Boleyn Ground
13.06.2013
Punjab United Wolves lifted the 11th annual SBOBET UK Asian Community Cup at
the Boleyn Ground following a thrilling 3-2 victory over Bury Park Saracens
on Wednesday night. Punjab United were twice pegged back after going in
front, but Razwan Akhtar came off the substitutes' bench to notch the winner
and give his side the trophy in front of a crowd which included Member of
Parliament for East Ham Stephen Timms and dignitaries from the Football
Association and Professional Footballers' Association.
It marked the end of a successful journey for the team from Wolverhampton,
who came through the preliminary rounds at the Hammers' Rush Green complex
last month to secure their place in the final against their Luton-based
opponents. The tournament has been backed by SBOBET and supported by The
Canary Wharf Group, as West Ham worked alongside organisers London Tigers to
host the tournament through its preliminary and final stages. It aims to
provide Asian players a chance to play in professional stadiums and be
spotted by scouts, and for matchwinner Akhtar, playing at the Boleyn Ground
was an unforgettable experience. He said: "It's the best feeling ever and
I'm really glad. We did well throughout the rounds and we deserved to come
through to the final and win. "It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to
play at West Ham, and I think it's a great achievement from us. We've got a
big squad, who have been utilised [throughout the competition], they've been
part of it and that's the reason we're here. "Before I got subbed on, I was
doing my prayers saying 'let me get the winner'. If I got three or four
chances I'd have been more than happy and there you have it, we've taken the
trophy."
London Tigers, the tournament organisers, is an innovative, award-winning
organisation which works across London and beyond to provide sporting and
life opportunities for disadvantaged communities. Its chief executive Mesba
Ahmed said: "The SBOBET UK Asian Community Cup is a national event involving
teams from Glasgow to Preston, Wolverhampton, Birmingham and London. "The
prelim of 16 teams whittled it down to the two teams who competed in the
final and it was a dream come true for them to play at West Ham. "Playing
the final in a pro stadium is more important than anything else, because it
allows them to feel like superstars. "Having it in the heart of the Asian
community in east London was a crowd-puller. For some of the people here, it
would have been their first time in a stadium like this. "For West Ham to
provide an opportunity like that, brings the community closer."
Deputy chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association and
former West Ham United winger Bobby Barnes was also delighted to lend his
support to the event. He said: "This is a very important part of the Club's
work in the community. I've been fortunate enough to come to the previous
two finals at Stamford Bridge and Loftus Road, so it was particularly nice
to be at the Boleyn Ground on Wednesday. "Obviously there is a very large
Asian community in the area around the ground and it's positive to see the
Club engaging and putting something into creating some strong links with
that community. "It's great when Premier League clubs throw their doors open
and give people that opportunity to play at the stadium. It's something they
will remember for a very long time."
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Reid crowned KUMB.com Player of the Year
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 12th June 2013
By: Staff Writer
Winston Reid has been voted as West Ham United's Player of the Year in our
annual KUMB.com Readers' Awards poll. The 24-year-old Kiwi - who also took
the Most Improved Player award for the second successive season - strolled
to victory ahead of runner-up James Collins and third-placed Mo Diame,
having taken two of every three votes cast.
Our congratulations also go to Danny Potts, who was voted your Young Player
of the Year - whilst Mo Diame's goal against Manchester United in our 2-2
draw back in April is your Goal of the Season.
To see the results in full, visit the KUMB Awards home page. You may also
listen to the results in the latest KUMB.com podcast.
The eleven category winners were as follows:
KUMB.com Player of the Year: Winston Reid
KUMB.com Young Player of the Year: Danny Potts
Goal of the Season: Mo Diame vs Manchester United
Most Memorable Match: West Ham Utd 3-1 Chelsea
Best Signing: Andy Carroll
Most Improved Player: Winston Reid
Most Missed: Wally Downes
Worst Player of the Year: Emanuel Pogatetz
Worst Signing: Emanuel Pogatetz
Greatest Disappointment: Our away form
Hackett of the Year: Barry Hearn
Notes: Knees Up Mother Brown's annual poll is in its 16th year, having
started back in 1997. Voted for by our army of readers, our 11 categories
cover the very best - and worst! - of West Ham United over the course of the
preceeding 12 months.
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Carroll, Ba, Zaha and Ambrosini?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
The Mirror Sport has carried an article claiming that not only West Ham
lining up a swoop for Andy Carroll, but are plotting season long loan deals
for Chelsea's Demba Ba and Manchester Utd's Wilfred Zaha. If true (which is
not beyond doubt considering the source) then Sam Allardyce will significant
goal power and class in the striking positions for next season. So, what are
the chances? Well it seems that Chelsea's new manager likes the look of
Romelu Lakaku and intends to keep him in his squad next season. In addition,
Chelsea are also likely to be submitting bids for Hulk and Cavani. So, there
is the possibility that Ba could end up surplus to requirements. Zaha, at 20
years of age, is one for the future at Old Trafford. It is also possible
that Man Utd might be persuaded to put him out on loan to play regularly in
the Premier League and gain vital experience.
At the same, there has been much speculation about Andy Carroll delaying in
agreeing a deal to join West Ham and even make demands that his weekly wages
be increased from £80,000 to £100,000! The truth is more likely to be that
Carroll's options are extremely limited, even if he was minded to cast
around for an alternative deal. The probability is that Carroll has, indeed,
been on holiday and will sign a six year deal on his return. Signing Carroll
would be a good indication of the ambition and sense of direction that the
club have now acquired. Lets hope that the above interpretation is correct.
Finally, it seems that Gary O'Neill has now left the club on a free
transfer, with the parties unable to agree a new deal. That is a shame, as
O'Neill was a good squad player, who always did an effective job when called
upon to do so. However, there are other players in the squad that I would be
far more loath to lose. There are also rumours this evening that the club
are moving to agree a deal with AC Milan veteran, Massimo Ambrosini. The 36
year old former AC Milan captain's agent has confirmed that there are talks
ongoing with West Ham, although other possible destinations were also
mentioned. Some fans will see this as a bad deal, because of the player's
age. However, this ignores the fact that he also brings extensive top level
experience to the squad. Also, you cannot apply the same standard to all
players. Some players will be over-the-hill at 36 years of age, others will
not. After all, it is often forgotten that Danny Blanchflower was exactly
the same age when he starred in the midfield of the double winning Spurs
team of the early 1960s. And it was ultimately Blanchflower's vision and
passing ability that was decisive, not his pace or lack of it! While our
very own Billy Bonds still had five more years of top level club football in
him at the age of 36 years. I know that super-fit Bonds was the exception,
rather than the rule, but it shows what is possible. Add to that the fact
that Ambrosini will likely play a holding midfield role, where he can sit
and use his experience to shield the back four and influence the play in
front of him. There is also Sam Allardyce's track record at Bolton of
successfully utilising veterans, like Ivan Campo, to good effect. Hopefully,
he will able to do much the same with Ambrosini if a deal is concluded.
SJ. Chandos.
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West Ham plot Demba Ba's return on loan from Chelsea to link up with Carroll
12 Jun 2013 22:31
The Mirror
West Ham have launched a bid to bring Chelsea's Demba Ba back to Upton Park
on loan. The east Londoners have made their move for the striker because new
Blues manager Jose Mourinho is chasing Napoli goal-machine Edinson Cavani
and will not loan out Romelu Lukaku, impressive in his year at West Brom,
for next season. It is understood the loan move for Ba - bought from
Newcastle for £7million just five months ago - is unconnected with West
Ham's attempts to complete a £15.5m swoop for Liverpool's England hitman
Andy Carroll. A decision from Carroll, still on holiday and mulling over the
move while his representatives discuss terms, is expected next week.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is also targeting an audacious loan swoop for
Manchester United youngster Wilfried Zaha. The 20-year-old former Crystal
Palace winger, just back from playing for England at the Under-21 European
Championship, will join the champions for pre-season after a holiday. West
Ham want to take him on loan once he has had a pre-season with the Reds. If
Hammers succeed in landing all three, it will add a new potency to their
attack as boss Sam Allardyce bids to improve on last season's 10th place
finish. Ba spent his first six months in English football with West Ham in
the 20-11 campaign, following an aborted move to Stoke from Germany's
Hoffenheim. Playing in a side that ended up getting relegated from the
Premier League, Ba emerged as top scorer with seven goals in 12 games to
earned a move to St James' Park. The frontman then made himself the
Geordies' leading scorer, shooting Alan Pardew's side into contention for
the top four. Despite being part of a Chelsea squad that clinched Europa
League football and a place in the top four, Ba did not play as regularly as
he had been at West Ham or Newcastle. The Senegal striker scored just twice
for the Blues in the Premier League, and six times in total. Last month, the
28-year-old claimed to be among the players excited by the return of
Mourinho. But he could now become the first casualty of the Special One's
second coming.
Cavani has appeared to move a step closer to a switch to the Premier League
after seemingly ruling out joining Real Madrid. The 26-year-old, also linked
with Manchester City, said: "I don't know if Spanish football suits me."
The £53m-rated Uruguayan, on international duty at the Confederations Cup,
added: "Football there is wonderful, as everyone knows. You have more
freedom. But I don't know what will happen." A deal for Bayer Leverkusen
forward Andre Schurrle is still being pursued by Chelsea, while Manchester
United's Wayne Rooney and Zenit St Peterburg's Hulk are also on the Stamford
Bridge radar. Meanwhile, Barcelona are hoping to tempt Blues' record signing
Fernando Torres home to Spain.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, June 12
Daily WHUFC News - 12th June 2013
Big Sam exclusive - Part 2
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce pays tribute to his backroom staff in the second part of an exclusive West Ham TV interview
11.06.2013
Sam Allardyce has paid tribute to his backroom staff in the second part of his exclusive West Ham TV interview. The Hammers manager has heaped praise on assistant Neil McDonald, first-team coach Ian Hendon, goalkeeper coach Martyn Margetson and Development Squad manager Nick Haycock after a successful 2012/13 season. McDonald and Margetson have worked closely with Big Sam since arriving at the Club alongside the manager in June 2011, while Hendon was promoted to his current role after leading the Development Squad to the Barclays U21 Premier League Group 1 title before Christmas. Former U18s coach Haycock took Hendon's old role in December and quickly settled into the job. Big Sam spoke glowingly of his backroom team and is looking forward to working with his colleagues again in 2013/14.
Gaffer, your backroom staff play a big role in the day-to-day running of the Club on the football side. Can you talk about how they assist you as manager of West Ham United?
SA - "Yes, there is a huge backroom staff, of course. The ones who are closest to me are the ones who I brought in to work with me and those who I have promoted up from the Academy to work with me. "That is firstly Neil McDonald and Martyn Margetson and I have decided, because of how well he has worked as first-team coach, to promote Ian Hendon on a permanent basis from Under-21 Development coach to first-team coach. Our Under-18s within the Academy, Nick Haycock, took over the Under-21 job when Ian moved up and Nick has done a fantastic job. "Nick can continue the very close links between the Academy, the Under-21s and the first team squad and I feel that link is a vital stage for the development of young players at the West Ham Academy, to try and push them as quick as we possibly can into the first-team squad and ultimately into the first team."
Presumably the demands on a Premier League manager these days mean you have to rely on trusted staff like your assistant and backroom staff to take training sessions and complete numerous other tasks?
SA - "Without a doubt, and there are other areas too. There is a whole field of people who are monitoring and taking data and results. We employ sports science and strength and conditioning coaches, as well as medical staff and interns from university who come in on a day-to-day basis to analyse the data we collect. "That is a hugely important thing for me going forward, to give me a full picture of every player and what they can achieve and can be expected to deliver. It allows me to make greater demands on a player knowing I have the data to fall back on and that is hugely important. "The analysis department calculate all the things that a player does in a game of football and they link with sports science and medical staff, as well as me as the manager and Lee Richardson, who has integrated really well as our sports psychologist. "I feel we've grown the whole package really well and we're even better and stronger off the field. I feel this helps the players to perform better on a matchday and to a more consistent level."
At what point in pre-season do you map out your planning and objectives for the new season?
SA - "In terms of mapping out, we have done that until the start of the season on 17 August. That's all mapped out apart from one more game we have to arrange. "I think the most important link we've got in the near future is between me, my head of recruitment Martyn Glover and Joint-Chairman David Sullivan. Certainly David and Martyn's work is greater than mine at this moment in time because they are constantly negotiating, seeing where players are available and whether they will come, asking what level of financial involvement is there, what is the player looking for, does the player want to come to England or fancy West Ham and what the agent's, player's and other club's demands are. "Martyn and David are doing a huge amount of work at this moment in time, which I'm linked into on a daily basis to ultimately make positive decisions to hopefully get new and better players than we have already got."
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Euro heartbreak for Hammers duo
WHUFC.com
Kieran Sadlier and Sean Maguire's Ireland U19 side were knocked out of the European Championships on Tuesday
11.06.2013
Young West Ham United pair Kieran Sadlier and Sean Maguire suffered UEFA U19 Championship heartbreak on Tuesday after the Republic of Ireland's 0-0 draw with Serbia meant they missed out on a place in this summer's finals. Following 2-2 draws with Switzerland and Slovakia in the previous two Elite Round fixtures, Ireland needed to beat hosts Serbia and hope for a Switzerland defeat to book their place in Lithuania. Switzerland were defeated by Slovakia, but Ireland could not find the goal they needed and Serbia progress from a tight group Two, They headed a clutch of three teams on four points, while Ireland were a solitary point further back on three. Sadlier started the match in Jakovo, Serbia, with Maguire replacing his Hammers teammate as a 76th minute substitute.
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Moncur targets first-team breakthrough
WHUFC.com
George Moncur is determined to keep progressing after a productive season at West Ham United
11.06.2013
The 2012/13 season has been another memorable one for West Ham United midfielder George Moncur. The 19-year-old marked 2011/12 by making his Football League debut at League Two club AFC Wimbledon. This term, while he has opted not to repeat that loan experience, Moncur has made his mark regularly for the Hammers' Development Squad in the Barclays U21 Premier League. Moncur made a team high 27 appearances - all starts - as West Ham wrapped up the Group 1 title before Christmas. Since the New Year, he has played a central role as Nick Haycock's squad launched an ultimately unsuccessful bid to win the Elite Group and qualify for the Play-Offs. Any disappointment was short-lived, however, as the teenager was picked as the Club's Young Hammer of the Year by Academy Director Tony Carr MBE, collecting the trophy from Scan Print's financial director Paul Yelland. "Obviously I'm really pleased to have won this award and I want to thank all the coaches who have nominated me for this," said a beaming Moncur. "I'm over the moon with it. "It's been a really good year for both me and the team. We progressed from the first stage of the Under-21 Premier League and if a few more results had gone our way, I think we could have gone all the way to the final. "It was lovely to win the title before Christmas."
Moncur was quick to praise the impact on his career made by the Club's backroom staff - in particular sports scientist Greg De Carnys, strength and conditioning coach Dan Bernadin and intern Adam Crossley. "To be fair, I have to give credit to all of the coaches because I think they have really developed me this year. I feel much stronger and quicker and I have got to give faith to Greg and Dan in the gym and to Adam with the heart-rate monitors and everything - all the people work hard behind the scenes for the Club and I really appreciate it."
It would be fair to say that Moncur is one of the biggest and loudest characters at the Club, both in terms of his personality and his dress sense. However, while his infectious sense of humour and bright clothing catch the eye, they mask what is a hard-working and committed young professional footballer who steers clears of the vices that affect so many people of a similar age. "I like to have a bit of banter, which is all part and parcel of the game, but I'm not one to mess about. My one aim in life is to be a professional footballer and, doing the stuff I am doing at the minute, hopefully I can carry that on and progress further and further to the first team. "If I keep working hard, maybe one day I can win the senior Hammer of the Year award. I have just got to keep going and going and see what I can do."
As a central midfield player, Moncur often lays on opportunities for his team-mates, none more so than striker Elliot Lee. Lee, who is in the year-group below the Young Hammer of the Year, scooped the Academy Player of the Year award for 2012/13 - an honour Moncur believes Lee richly deserved. "I love Elliot as a lad and he is one of my best pals at the Club. He is also a very good player. I rate him very highly and he is a pleasure to play alongside."
The two sons of former West Ham midfielders - John Moncur and Rob Lee respectively - both have the attitude and the talent to follow in their fathers' footsteps. Having made his debut in the Capital One Cup second-round win over Crewe Alexandra in August 2012, Moncur junior is determined to do just that.
"Obviously my Dad played at the Club and everybody rated him and loved him, so for me it's an honour to have the family name and follow my Dad through."
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Massimo attack
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th June 2013
By: Staff Writer
Milan legend Massimo Ambrosini is on his way to West Ham, according to agent Moreno Roggi. The 36-year-old ended a 17-year association with Milan recently after it was confirmed that the former Italian international would not be extending his contract. And recent speculation linking him with a move to east London looks to have some foundation after Roggi told calciomercato.it that his agent looks set to move to England. "Obviously Massimo wants to continue playing. There are some negotiations in place and we are evaluating every type of proposal," said Roggi. "His preference would be overseas clubs, but if an offer did come in from an Italian side, we would not ignore it completely." Roggi also revealed that talks with LA Galaxy came to nothing - leaving the Hammers with a clear run. "At this moment we are in talks with West Ham, but we have ruled out a move to Major League Soccer," he confirmed.
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Andy Carroll is West Ham's top target
Last Updated: June 11, 2013 8:45am
SSN
Sam Allardyce admits that wrapping up a permanent deal for Andy Carroll remains West Ham United's 'first priority'. The England international spent the 2012/13 campaign on loan at Upton Park from Liverpool. He endured his fair share of injury troubles, but ended the season fully fit and firing on all cylinders.
Allardyce has regularly expressed a desire to retain Carroll's services, but has also aired concerns regarding the costs involved - with a sizeable fee and a hefty salary required to land the striker. He is, however, prepared to keep pushing the issue as the Hammers start piecing together their summer recruitment plans.
Allardyce said: "Our first priority is signing Andy Carroll, if we can. "We have nearly finished our planning for pre-season and the players have all had their training programmes given to them so when they come back on 1st July they are ready to go. "Then it's about the recruitment of the other players who we want as quickly as possible. That will be the most difficult part of the summer."
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Cole could Bag reunion
West Brom deal in the offing for ex-Hammer
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: 11th June 2013
CARLTON COLE is being lined up for a reunion with mentor Steve Clarke at West Brom. The Baggies boss is keen on the former West Ham striker, who has been released on a free transfer. But he faces competition from Scottish side Celtic. Clarke is credited with turning around Cole's career when he teamed up with Gianfranco Zola to manage at Upton Park. The pair also know each other well from their time together at Chelsea. Clarke needs a new striker as he must hand back loan star Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea — although any new man will have his work cut out to replace his 17 Premier League goals. Cole, 29, scored only twice for West Ham last season but was sidelined for much of the campaign by the arrival of Andy Carroll. He scored 15 times the year before to help fire the Hammers to promotion from the Championship. Cole earned around £40,000 a week at West Ham and could pick up a small pay rise by joining Albion because no transfer fee would be involved.
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I haven't got Around to deciding my future
Published: 11th June 2013
The Sun
AROUNA KONE insists he is yet to decide on his future despite major interest from Liverpool and Everton. The Ivory Coast star wowed the Wigan crowd in his debut season, scoring 11 goals in the Premier League. But despite winning the FA Cup, the Latics were relegated and a host of top-flight clubs are ready to activate the striker's £6.5million release clause. Toffees new boss Roberto Martinez is leading the chase, with Liverpool and West Ham also keen on the hitman's services. Kone, 29, said: "I have a contract until 2015 with Wigan and I settled very well there. "It is a brilliant community football club. The chairman is fantastic. "Yes, I want to be playing in the Premier League but it also depends on Wigan because I have a contract with them. "Everton? Just because the gaffer is in charge makes the link stronger but, to be honest, I don't know what will happen. After the international games I will know more."
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ANDY CARROLL READY TO SAY 'YES' TO WEST HAM
Daily Star
12th June 2013 By Adrian Kajumba
ANDY CARROLL is finally ready to say 'yes' to West Ham. The Hammers agreed a £15.5m fee with Liverpool for the England striker almost a month ago. Carroll, 24, has yet to agree personal terms with West Ham and has been mulling over the move since. But Starsport understands the hitman has told friends he is on the verge of signing a six-year deal. Carroll was hoping for a pay rise to £100,000 a week to join the Hammers permanently, after his season-long loan spell last term. West Ham matched Carroll's £80,000-a-week Liverpool wages last season but were reluctant to stump up another £20,000. But his revelation suggests a compromise is close to being reached.Carroll is on holiday and will meet his agent next week when he returns to thrash out his future.
Capturing the towering hitman will be a massive boost to Upton Park boss Sam Allardyce. The England striker is his No.1 summer target. He wants Carroll to be the first statement signing in his bid to build a team fit for the Olympic Stadium, which will become West Ham's new home from 2016.
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West Ham hope to strike deal for Milan veteran midfielder Ambrosini
By DAVID KENT
PUBLISHED: 22:38, 11 June 2013 | UPDATED: 23:14, 11 June 2013
Daily Mail
West Ham are hopeful of concluding a deal for former AC Milan midfielder Massimo Ambrosini. The 36-year-old held talks last month but continued to weigh up other options while the final few days of his contract ran down at the San Siro. Now it seems the player has decided to prolong his top level career, rather than move to the MLS. Speaking on Tuesday, his agent Moreno Roggi said: 'Obviously Massimo wants to continue playing. There are some negotiations in place and we are evaluating every type of proposal. 'His preference would be overseas clubs, but if an offer did come in from an Italian side, we would not ignore it completely. 'At this moment we are in talks with West Ham, while we have already ruled out Major League Soccer.'
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West Ham United's Brady unveils plans for "world-class football watching experience" at Olympic Stadium
InsideTheGames.biz
Tuesday, 11 June 2013
By Emily Goddard
June 11 - West Ham United chair Karren Brady has revealed detailed architectural plans for the Premier League club's new home at the London Olympic Stadium following the conversion of the ground to "a world class experience for watching football". In a video on a new microsite launched to keep the club's fans abreast of developments, the first lady of football talked through the particulars of the £190 million ($286 million/€222 million) transformation with post-conversion technical illustrations of the site that hosted the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The south east side of the stadium will feature a club shop and club ticket office - both will be open all year round, which will be completely dedicated to West Ham and run by the team's staff, while a community pitch will be situated in the foreground of the Stadium for the club's community projects. Brady confirmed that the ground will have multiple entry points around the stadium, with turnstiles, making it very different from how it operated during the Olympics where visitors were swiped in at the approach of the stadium.
The roof, which has already been unveiled as 84 metres in size, dips in slightly and is the largest spanning tensile roof in the world. It will cover every seat in the ground, including all those that are retractable, and aside from the weatherproofing benefits, Brady said that it also helps to ensure a lively atmosphere in the venue. "When you're inside, some of the visuals that we've seen from places across the world where they use this type of roof, you really get a sense of how intimate and enclosed it makes the entire stadium," she said. The southern approach of the Olympic Stadium is where fans have said they would like to see the champions' statue relocated Speaking about the southern approach of the venue, which is where many people have said they would like to see the champions' statue featuring Bobby Moore, Martin Peters and Sir Geoff Hurst - three West Ham players who played in England's 1966 World Cup winning side - relocated, she explained that this is when you "start to get an idea of the real size and scale of the Stadium".
The automated seating system, which uses drive motors to move all four sides of the bowl, will either bring the seats forward and closer to the pitch in football mode or further back when in athletics mode to allow for the running track. "The seating distances compare more than favourably with the top stadia around the world including Wembley and the recently build Emirates Stadium," Brady said. "I can promise you that no seat will be further away than that offered at Wembley Stadium."
She also revealed plans for a bridge between the upper and lower stands on the east side of the stadium to create a kop style stand. "Because it was really important to us to create the kop style stand the east stand will have a bridge installed that will connect the two stands together to create one major stand," Brady added. She confirmed that two of the stands will be named after club legends Moore and Sir Trevor Brooking, and while the details will be finalised after a consultation with the fans, the club suggests that these will be situated behind each of the goals like at the Boleyn Ground. Meanwhile, Brady said there would be 995 toilets and twice as many catering units as there are at the current ground, which will be located within the stadium as opposed to kiosks outside as with the Olympics, with the aim being to cut halftime food and drink queues. How the converted Olympic Stadium will look in athletics mode with the running track The vice-chair finished by moving to reassure West Ham fans that the team's matches would take precedence over other events, but said that the commercial opportunities must be realised in order to develop a "world-class team". "When I came to West Ham in January 2010 and embarked on a journey for the Olympic Stadium for West Ham I had two things in mind," Brady explained. "One was that it absolutely had to be a world-class football stadium and secondly that our fixtures will always have priority over anything and everything else that happened in that Stadium.
"I hope in terms of the first thing, by looking at the visuals and understanding what this conversion means post Olympics, you get a real belief that when I said you could trust us that we would deliver a world class stadium, where the seats were close to the pitch, where there was a roof that covered those seats, that would provide us with an opportunity to be in one of the best stadia in the world. "I think and hope now that you could see that you could trust us and you knew you could trust us."
She did admit, however, that there have been obstacles to overcome in getting to this point. Karren Brady says she wants the Olympic Stadium for West Ham, but she also wants the fans to want it too "It's not been easy in the past three years trying to get that but I am proud and pleased to say that myself and my team have worked very hard for you to get you this kind of stadium," Brady told the fans. "There's lots of fantastic stadia in the UK but there's only one Olympic Stadium and that gives us a fantastic real chance to grow our business commercially. "And why would we do that? "We would do that so we can provide on the pitch the best team possible for our manager to go out there and win things for all of us. "That's our ambition, a world-class stadium with a world class team. "And through the commercial opportunities afforded to us by going to the Olympic Stadium, that money can be driven from the commercial revenue and it can be invested in the team so the team and the stadium are a powerful mix of the best that football has to offer in the United Kingdom. "This is a journey we have to go on together. "I want the stadium for West Ham, but I want you to want it too. "Therefore, your opinion is important, your belief and trust in us as people and as a board is incredibly important to us. "And if we can go on this journey together. "If we can deliver the Stadium and you're behind us I know it can be a tremendous success."
West Ham is expected to take up their tenancy of the stadium for the start of the 2016-2017 football season.
Contact the writer of this story at emily.goddard@insidethegames.biz
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce pays tribute to his backroom staff in the second part of an exclusive West Ham TV interview
11.06.2013
Sam Allardyce has paid tribute to his backroom staff in the second part of his exclusive West Ham TV interview. The Hammers manager has heaped praise on assistant Neil McDonald, first-team coach Ian Hendon, goalkeeper coach Martyn Margetson and Development Squad manager Nick Haycock after a successful 2012/13 season. McDonald and Margetson have worked closely with Big Sam since arriving at the Club alongside the manager in June 2011, while Hendon was promoted to his current role after leading the Development Squad to the Barclays U21 Premier League Group 1 title before Christmas. Former U18s coach Haycock took Hendon's old role in December and quickly settled into the job. Big Sam spoke glowingly of his backroom team and is looking forward to working with his colleagues again in 2013/14.
Gaffer, your backroom staff play a big role in the day-to-day running of the Club on the football side. Can you talk about how they assist you as manager of West Ham United?
SA - "Yes, there is a huge backroom staff, of course. The ones who are closest to me are the ones who I brought in to work with me and those who I have promoted up from the Academy to work with me. "That is firstly Neil McDonald and Martyn Margetson and I have decided, because of how well he has worked as first-team coach, to promote Ian Hendon on a permanent basis from Under-21 Development coach to first-team coach. Our Under-18s within the Academy, Nick Haycock, took over the Under-21 job when Ian moved up and Nick has done a fantastic job. "Nick can continue the very close links between the Academy, the Under-21s and the first team squad and I feel that link is a vital stage for the development of young players at the West Ham Academy, to try and push them as quick as we possibly can into the first-team squad and ultimately into the first team."
Presumably the demands on a Premier League manager these days mean you have to rely on trusted staff like your assistant and backroom staff to take training sessions and complete numerous other tasks?
SA - "Without a doubt, and there are other areas too. There is a whole field of people who are monitoring and taking data and results. We employ sports science and strength and conditioning coaches, as well as medical staff and interns from university who come in on a day-to-day basis to analyse the data we collect. "That is a hugely important thing for me going forward, to give me a full picture of every player and what they can achieve and can be expected to deliver. It allows me to make greater demands on a player knowing I have the data to fall back on and that is hugely important. "The analysis department calculate all the things that a player does in a game of football and they link with sports science and medical staff, as well as me as the manager and Lee Richardson, who has integrated really well as our sports psychologist. "I feel we've grown the whole package really well and we're even better and stronger off the field. I feel this helps the players to perform better on a matchday and to a more consistent level."
At what point in pre-season do you map out your planning and objectives for the new season?
SA - "In terms of mapping out, we have done that until the start of the season on 17 August. That's all mapped out apart from one more game we have to arrange. "I think the most important link we've got in the near future is between me, my head of recruitment Martyn Glover and Joint-Chairman David Sullivan. Certainly David and Martyn's work is greater than mine at this moment in time because they are constantly negotiating, seeing where players are available and whether they will come, asking what level of financial involvement is there, what is the player looking for, does the player want to come to England or fancy West Ham and what the agent's, player's and other club's demands are. "Martyn and David are doing a huge amount of work at this moment in time, which I'm linked into on a daily basis to ultimately make positive decisions to hopefully get new and better players than we have already got."
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Euro heartbreak for Hammers duo
WHUFC.com
Kieran Sadlier and Sean Maguire's Ireland U19 side were knocked out of the European Championships on Tuesday
11.06.2013
Young West Ham United pair Kieran Sadlier and Sean Maguire suffered UEFA U19 Championship heartbreak on Tuesday after the Republic of Ireland's 0-0 draw with Serbia meant they missed out on a place in this summer's finals. Following 2-2 draws with Switzerland and Slovakia in the previous two Elite Round fixtures, Ireland needed to beat hosts Serbia and hope for a Switzerland defeat to book their place in Lithuania. Switzerland were defeated by Slovakia, but Ireland could not find the goal they needed and Serbia progress from a tight group Two, They headed a clutch of three teams on four points, while Ireland were a solitary point further back on three. Sadlier started the match in Jakovo, Serbia, with Maguire replacing his Hammers teammate as a 76th minute substitute.
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Moncur targets first-team breakthrough
WHUFC.com
George Moncur is determined to keep progressing after a productive season at West Ham United
11.06.2013
The 2012/13 season has been another memorable one for West Ham United midfielder George Moncur. The 19-year-old marked 2011/12 by making his Football League debut at League Two club AFC Wimbledon. This term, while he has opted not to repeat that loan experience, Moncur has made his mark regularly for the Hammers' Development Squad in the Barclays U21 Premier League. Moncur made a team high 27 appearances - all starts - as West Ham wrapped up the Group 1 title before Christmas. Since the New Year, he has played a central role as Nick Haycock's squad launched an ultimately unsuccessful bid to win the Elite Group and qualify for the Play-Offs. Any disappointment was short-lived, however, as the teenager was picked as the Club's Young Hammer of the Year by Academy Director Tony Carr MBE, collecting the trophy from Scan Print's financial director Paul Yelland. "Obviously I'm really pleased to have won this award and I want to thank all the coaches who have nominated me for this," said a beaming Moncur. "I'm over the moon with it. "It's been a really good year for both me and the team. We progressed from the first stage of the Under-21 Premier League and if a few more results had gone our way, I think we could have gone all the way to the final. "It was lovely to win the title before Christmas."
Moncur was quick to praise the impact on his career made by the Club's backroom staff - in particular sports scientist Greg De Carnys, strength and conditioning coach Dan Bernadin and intern Adam Crossley. "To be fair, I have to give credit to all of the coaches because I think they have really developed me this year. I feel much stronger and quicker and I have got to give faith to Greg and Dan in the gym and to Adam with the heart-rate monitors and everything - all the people work hard behind the scenes for the Club and I really appreciate it."
It would be fair to say that Moncur is one of the biggest and loudest characters at the Club, both in terms of his personality and his dress sense. However, while his infectious sense of humour and bright clothing catch the eye, they mask what is a hard-working and committed young professional footballer who steers clears of the vices that affect so many people of a similar age. "I like to have a bit of banter, which is all part and parcel of the game, but I'm not one to mess about. My one aim in life is to be a professional footballer and, doing the stuff I am doing at the minute, hopefully I can carry that on and progress further and further to the first team. "If I keep working hard, maybe one day I can win the senior Hammer of the Year award. I have just got to keep going and going and see what I can do."
As a central midfield player, Moncur often lays on opportunities for his team-mates, none more so than striker Elliot Lee. Lee, who is in the year-group below the Young Hammer of the Year, scooped the Academy Player of the Year award for 2012/13 - an honour Moncur believes Lee richly deserved. "I love Elliot as a lad and he is one of my best pals at the Club. He is also a very good player. I rate him very highly and he is a pleasure to play alongside."
The two sons of former West Ham midfielders - John Moncur and Rob Lee respectively - both have the attitude and the talent to follow in their fathers' footsteps. Having made his debut in the Capital One Cup second-round win over Crewe Alexandra in August 2012, Moncur junior is determined to do just that.
"Obviously my Dad played at the Club and everybody rated him and loved him, so for me it's an honour to have the family name and follow my Dad through."
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Massimo attack
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th June 2013
By: Staff Writer
Milan legend Massimo Ambrosini is on his way to West Ham, according to agent Moreno Roggi. The 36-year-old ended a 17-year association with Milan recently after it was confirmed that the former Italian international would not be extending his contract. And recent speculation linking him with a move to east London looks to have some foundation after Roggi told calciomercato.it that his agent looks set to move to England. "Obviously Massimo wants to continue playing. There are some negotiations in place and we are evaluating every type of proposal," said Roggi. "His preference would be overseas clubs, but if an offer did come in from an Italian side, we would not ignore it completely." Roggi also revealed that talks with LA Galaxy came to nothing - leaving the Hammers with a clear run. "At this moment we are in talks with West Ham, but we have ruled out a move to Major League Soccer," he confirmed.
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Andy Carroll is West Ham's top target
Last Updated: June 11, 2013 8:45am
SSN
Sam Allardyce admits that wrapping up a permanent deal for Andy Carroll remains West Ham United's 'first priority'. The England international spent the 2012/13 campaign on loan at Upton Park from Liverpool. He endured his fair share of injury troubles, but ended the season fully fit and firing on all cylinders.
Allardyce has regularly expressed a desire to retain Carroll's services, but has also aired concerns regarding the costs involved - with a sizeable fee and a hefty salary required to land the striker. He is, however, prepared to keep pushing the issue as the Hammers start piecing together their summer recruitment plans.
Allardyce said: "Our first priority is signing Andy Carroll, if we can. "We have nearly finished our planning for pre-season and the players have all had their training programmes given to them so when they come back on 1st July they are ready to go. "Then it's about the recruitment of the other players who we want as quickly as possible. That will be the most difficult part of the summer."
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Cole could Bag reunion
West Brom deal in the offing for ex-Hammer
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: 11th June 2013
CARLTON COLE is being lined up for a reunion with mentor Steve Clarke at West Brom. The Baggies boss is keen on the former West Ham striker, who has been released on a free transfer. But he faces competition from Scottish side Celtic. Clarke is credited with turning around Cole's career when he teamed up with Gianfranco Zola to manage at Upton Park. The pair also know each other well from their time together at Chelsea. Clarke needs a new striker as he must hand back loan star Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea — although any new man will have his work cut out to replace his 17 Premier League goals. Cole, 29, scored only twice for West Ham last season but was sidelined for much of the campaign by the arrival of Andy Carroll. He scored 15 times the year before to help fire the Hammers to promotion from the Championship. Cole earned around £40,000 a week at West Ham and could pick up a small pay rise by joining Albion because no transfer fee would be involved.
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I haven't got Around to deciding my future
Published: 11th June 2013
The Sun
AROUNA KONE insists he is yet to decide on his future despite major interest from Liverpool and Everton. The Ivory Coast star wowed the Wigan crowd in his debut season, scoring 11 goals in the Premier League. But despite winning the FA Cup, the Latics were relegated and a host of top-flight clubs are ready to activate the striker's £6.5million release clause. Toffees new boss Roberto Martinez is leading the chase, with Liverpool and West Ham also keen on the hitman's services. Kone, 29, said: "I have a contract until 2015 with Wigan and I settled very well there. "It is a brilliant community football club. The chairman is fantastic. "Yes, I want to be playing in the Premier League but it also depends on Wigan because I have a contract with them. "Everton? Just because the gaffer is in charge makes the link stronger but, to be honest, I don't know what will happen. After the international games I will know more."
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ANDY CARROLL READY TO SAY 'YES' TO WEST HAM
Daily Star
12th June 2013 By Adrian Kajumba
ANDY CARROLL is finally ready to say 'yes' to West Ham. The Hammers agreed a £15.5m fee with Liverpool for the England striker almost a month ago. Carroll, 24, has yet to agree personal terms with West Ham and has been mulling over the move since. But Starsport understands the hitman has told friends he is on the verge of signing a six-year deal. Carroll was hoping for a pay rise to £100,000 a week to join the Hammers permanently, after his season-long loan spell last term. West Ham matched Carroll's £80,000-a-week Liverpool wages last season but were reluctant to stump up another £20,000. But his revelation suggests a compromise is close to being reached.Carroll is on holiday and will meet his agent next week when he returns to thrash out his future.
Capturing the towering hitman will be a massive boost to Upton Park boss Sam Allardyce. The England striker is his No.1 summer target. He wants Carroll to be the first statement signing in his bid to build a team fit for the Olympic Stadium, which will become West Ham's new home from 2016.
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West Ham hope to strike deal for Milan veteran midfielder Ambrosini
By DAVID KENT
PUBLISHED: 22:38, 11 June 2013 | UPDATED: 23:14, 11 June 2013
Daily Mail
West Ham are hopeful of concluding a deal for former AC Milan midfielder Massimo Ambrosini. The 36-year-old held talks last month but continued to weigh up other options while the final few days of his contract ran down at the San Siro. Now it seems the player has decided to prolong his top level career, rather than move to the MLS. Speaking on Tuesday, his agent Moreno Roggi said: 'Obviously Massimo wants to continue playing. There are some negotiations in place and we are evaluating every type of proposal. 'His preference would be overseas clubs, but if an offer did come in from an Italian side, we would not ignore it completely. 'At this moment we are in talks with West Ham, while we have already ruled out Major League Soccer.'
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West Ham United's Brady unveils plans for "world-class football watching experience" at Olympic Stadium
InsideTheGames.biz
Tuesday, 11 June 2013
By Emily Goddard
June 11 - West Ham United chair Karren Brady has revealed detailed architectural plans for the Premier League club's new home at the London Olympic Stadium following the conversion of the ground to "a world class experience for watching football". In a video on a new microsite launched to keep the club's fans abreast of developments, the first lady of football talked through the particulars of the £190 million ($286 million/€222 million) transformation with post-conversion technical illustrations of the site that hosted the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The south east side of the stadium will feature a club shop and club ticket office - both will be open all year round, which will be completely dedicated to West Ham and run by the team's staff, while a community pitch will be situated in the foreground of the Stadium for the club's community projects. Brady confirmed that the ground will have multiple entry points around the stadium, with turnstiles, making it very different from how it operated during the Olympics where visitors were swiped in at the approach of the stadium.
The roof, which has already been unveiled as 84 metres in size, dips in slightly and is the largest spanning tensile roof in the world. It will cover every seat in the ground, including all those that are retractable, and aside from the weatherproofing benefits, Brady said that it also helps to ensure a lively atmosphere in the venue. "When you're inside, some of the visuals that we've seen from places across the world where they use this type of roof, you really get a sense of how intimate and enclosed it makes the entire stadium," she said. The southern approach of the Olympic Stadium is where fans have said they would like to see the champions' statue relocated Speaking about the southern approach of the venue, which is where many people have said they would like to see the champions' statue featuring Bobby Moore, Martin Peters and Sir Geoff Hurst - three West Ham players who played in England's 1966 World Cup winning side - relocated, she explained that this is when you "start to get an idea of the real size and scale of the Stadium".
The automated seating system, which uses drive motors to move all four sides of the bowl, will either bring the seats forward and closer to the pitch in football mode or further back when in athletics mode to allow for the running track. "The seating distances compare more than favourably with the top stadia around the world including Wembley and the recently build Emirates Stadium," Brady said. "I can promise you that no seat will be further away than that offered at Wembley Stadium."
She also revealed plans for a bridge between the upper and lower stands on the east side of the stadium to create a kop style stand. "Because it was really important to us to create the kop style stand the east stand will have a bridge installed that will connect the two stands together to create one major stand," Brady added. She confirmed that two of the stands will be named after club legends Moore and Sir Trevor Brooking, and while the details will be finalised after a consultation with the fans, the club suggests that these will be situated behind each of the goals like at the Boleyn Ground. Meanwhile, Brady said there would be 995 toilets and twice as many catering units as there are at the current ground, which will be located within the stadium as opposed to kiosks outside as with the Olympics, with the aim being to cut halftime food and drink queues. How the converted Olympic Stadium will look in athletics mode with the running track The vice-chair finished by moving to reassure West Ham fans that the team's matches would take precedence over other events, but said that the commercial opportunities must be realised in order to develop a "world-class team". "When I came to West Ham in January 2010 and embarked on a journey for the Olympic Stadium for West Ham I had two things in mind," Brady explained. "One was that it absolutely had to be a world-class football stadium and secondly that our fixtures will always have priority over anything and everything else that happened in that Stadium.
"I hope in terms of the first thing, by looking at the visuals and understanding what this conversion means post Olympics, you get a real belief that when I said you could trust us that we would deliver a world class stadium, where the seats were close to the pitch, where there was a roof that covered those seats, that would provide us with an opportunity to be in one of the best stadia in the world. "I think and hope now that you could see that you could trust us and you knew you could trust us."
She did admit, however, that there have been obstacles to overcome in getting to this point. Karren Brady says she wants the Olympic Stadium for West Ham, but she also wants the fans to want it too "It's not been easy in the past three years trying to get that but I am proud and pleased to say that myself and my team have worked very hard for you to get you this kind of stadium," Brady told the fans. "There's lots of fantastic stadia in the UK but there's only one Olympic Stadium and that gives us a fantastic real chance to grow our business commercially. "And why would we do that? "We would do that so we can provide on the pitch the best team possible for our manager to go out there and win things for all of us. "That's our ambition, a world-class stadium with a world class team. "And through the commercial opportunities afforded to us by going to the Olympic Stadium, that money can be driven from the commercial revenue and it can be invested in the team so the team and the stadium are a powerful mix of the best that football has to offer in the United Kingdom. "This is a journey we have to go on together. "I want the stadium for West Ham, but I want you to want it too. "Therefore, your opinion is important, your belief and trust in us as people and as a board is incredibly important to us. "And if we can go on this journey together. "If we can deliver the Stadium and you're behind us I know it can be a tremendous success."
West Ham is expected to take up their tenancy of the stadium for the start of the 2016-2017 football season.
Contact the writer of this story at emily.goddard@insidethegames.biz
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, June 11
Daily WHUFC News - 11th June 2013
Olympic Stadium microsite launched
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have launched a new microsite dedicated to the Club's move
to Olympic Stadium
10.06.2013
West Ham United have launched a new microsite dedicated to the Club's
historic move to the London 2012 Olympic Stadium. With the Hammers set to
move to Stratford in summer 2016, the Club is acutely aware that supporters
will want to be kept fully updated and informed. Now, fans can find all the
information you need in one place on the microsite, which can be found at
www.olympicstadium.whufc.com "This new microsite will become the ultimate
portal for all you need to know about the iconic Olympic Stadium, its
revolutionary transformation and our forthcoming move," confirmed
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady. "You can find out about the plans to convert the
setting for the unforgettable London 2012 Olympic Games into a world-class
UEFA Category 4 football stadium, see artist's impressions and information
on the venue's stunning design, as well as answers to your most pressing
questions. "You can read about the construction of retractable seating,
bringing you close to the action and ensuring an electric atmosphere under
the largest-spanning tensile roof in the world - another new feature of our
new home. "We promise to keep you updated throughout our journey to
Stratford and we encourage your feedback through our on-going consultation
process. My Board and I will regularly be contributing to the Blog to share
with you the hard work going on behind the scenes to realise our Olympic
Stadium dream."
In addition to the new microsite, a video presentation by the Vice-Chairman
talking fans through the detailed architectural designs for the Olympic
Stadium has been watched by tens of thousands of supporters. "As
anticipation builds ahead of the first game at the start of the 2016/17
season, the site will bring you the latest images in progress. We are of
course also looking forward to sharing more detailed ticket and hospitality
information with you on the site in the near future. "If anyone you know
would like to keep up to date with the Stadium move, encourage them to sign
up to our email updates here."
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Memorial Grounds
WHUFC.com
Club historian John Helliar takes a trip back in time to West Ham United's
old home at the Memorial Grounds
10.06.2013
West Ham United may have moved out of their original Memorial Grounds home
110 years ago, but there are closer links between the Hammers' past and its
future than you may think. The Hammers played at the stadium under their
original guise, Thames Ironworks FC, and in the early days following their
re-formation as West Ham United in 1900. The Memorial Grounds, located
adjacent to West Ham Underground station and just over a mile from the
Olympic Stadium, played host to a number of sports alongside football and
proved to be a central venue for leisure in the local community. With the
Hammers now planning a momentous move to the Olympic Park, bringing them
closer to their old home, your Official Programme paid a visit to the
Memorial Grounds - now a multi-purpose recreation ground - with Club
historian John Helliar.
Helliar takes up the story…
"When the Thames Ironworks Football Club first started, they played at
another ground called Hermit Road, then in 1897, Arnold Hills [owner of
Thames Ironworks and Shipbuilding Co. Ltd] announced that he had bought a
large piece of land and that he was going to build a multi-purpose sports
centre at the Memorial Grounds. "It was called the Memorial Grounds because
it was opened in 1897, which was 60 years after Queen Victoria's ascent to
the throne and, as a tribute to her, he gave it that name. "It was actually
built in six months, opened in June and something like 8,000 people came
along to the opening.
"The ground, it was said, could take 100,000 spectators - it had a banked
cycle track, which was one of the best in the London area, and the ground
was believed to be fit to host an FA Cup final, although it never did. "The
football pitch sat in the middle of the cycle track, and there were other
things here like tennis courts, cricket pitches and a swimming pool. Of
course there was a stand and administrative offices too, so it was quite a
fantastic centre for sport in east London. "When West Ham United were formed
in 1900, Arnold Hills continued to support the new football club, not only
with money and kit, but he allowed them to use the Memorial Grounds at a
nominal rent as well. "On 1 September 1900, they played their first match
here in the Southern League, and they were fortunate enough to win that by
seven goals to nil, and their famous Scottish inside-right Billy Grassam
scored four of those goals. "It was still used by the community in general
after West Ham left here in 1903. For many years, up to and after the Second
World War, many schools held their sports days and events like that here."
The land still fulfils that purpose to this very day and Helliar believes
Hills would be proud. He added: "It is still used by the community for sport
today - and that is one of the things that Arnold Hills wanted to do when he
started up all the different clubs and societies at the Thames Ironworks. He
wanted to give something to his employees that they could use during their
spare time, and of course sport and other leisure activities were something
he was very keen on to give back to the community. "It's really turning full
circle, because when you think about the number of sports that took place on
this ground, but also from the legacy of the Olympic Stadium, it's not just
West Ham and football in the Park. It's really Arnold Hills' idea of a
multi-purpose venue in the community.
"It's also a funny enough fact, that West Ham, by moving to the Olympic
Stadium in Stratford will be nearer to their original home than they are on
Green Street and the Boleyn Ground. We are moving back towards our original
birthplace."
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Hammers praised for Kickz finals
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Community Sports Trust was praised after hosting the Kickz
National Cup Finals
10.06.2013
West Ham United Community Sports Trust proudly represented the club by
hosting the Kickz Cup National Finals. The Hammers played host to 32 teams
from 22 different Premier League and Football League clubs over the weekend,
with West Ham's Girls winning their event and the hosts' Under-14 Boys
finishing a creditable third. With Trust leaders, trainees, apprentices and
volunteers staffing the events on Friday and Saturday, West Ham's
contribution was roundly praised by the Premier League and Metropolitan
Police, who jointly launched the Kickz social inclusion scheme back in 2006.
Head of Premier League Charitable Fund, Monica Golding explained how Kickz
football projects play a huge role in local communities across the country.
"Kickz started with just three clubs on a pilot scheme and now it is had
grown with 46 clubs involved," she said. "The Premier League funds the
programme along with the Metropolitan Police. "You can't underestimate the
power of the Premier League badge and a club badge like that of West Ham. It
engages people, especially the young. We go into parts of the community
where some others don't go because of the power football has. If West Ham go
into an area and ask a young person to get involved in an activity like
Kickz, then there is a greater possibility that young person will get
involved and go on to achieve something. "I think working with and in the
local community, is very important for the clubs and I do think part of the
reason why West Ham was given the Olympic Stadium was because of the work it
already does in the community and what it wants to continue doing."
Metropolitan Police Chief Inspector Steve Banks added: "Football can do a
lot more to grab the attention of youngsters than the police can, so working
together in a project like Kickz means we can both do good work in the
community and give youngsters that chance to do something positive that they
might not otherwise get the opportunity to do."
Following Friday's success with the Girls, the Under-14 Boys had a tough act
to follow when they took to the Boleyn Ground pitch on Saturday morning.
After losing their opening two matches, the Hammers youngsters showed
commendable spirit to finish third of the eight teams involved, Newcastle
United won the U14 tournament.
West Ham's Kickz co-ordinator George Chukwuma said: "We had started off
losing the first two games and that can dent the confidence a bit, but the
boys stuck at it and we then drew a game before finishing strongly with four
wins. "We wanted to win the tournament, of course, but we did well and I
think the boys can only learn from this incredible experience they have had.
Playing on the pitch at the Boleyn Ground, up against some very good teams
at a high level, they will come away with all of that experience to help
them go further in their sport and what they want to achieve in the future."
For the boys it was an exciting moment to experience playing on the hallowed
turf at the Boleyn Ground. Malachi Napa and Joel Brown clearly enjoyed the
tournament, saying it was "exciting to be able to play on the pitch where
the professional players compete and we are all aspiring to be as good as
that when we are older. We were pleased to end the tournament with the four
wins."
As well as youngsters taking part on the pitch, there were an army of staff
from the Trust's social inclusion project playing a role in ensuring the
finals ran smoothly. From ball boys to mentors and coaches, the claret and
blue of the West Ham Community Sports Trust could be seen all around the
ground.
Launched in 2006 by the Premier League and the Metropolitan Police, Kickz
has the aim of using football to bring communities together and encourage
young people. It has since expanded nationwide to include more than 100
projects run by more than 40 Premier League and Football League clubs. More
than 45,000 youngsters take part in Kickz projects every year, earning
thousands of educational qualifications and life skills.
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Joint-Chairman set for Ideas Olympiad
WHUFC.com
Joint-Chairman David Gold will host a special event as part of Newham's
Ideas Olympiad
10.06.2013
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Gold will be taking part in the London
Borough of Newham Ideas Olympiad series. The Ideas Olympiad, held a year on
from Newham's hosting of the 2012 Olympic Games, features a free series of
events bringing interesting speakers to the borough to talk to residents
about their ideas and visions. A Conversation with David Gold will take
place on Tuesday 18 June at Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, Stratford.
There, Mr Gold will talk about his journey from growing up in east London to
returning to his roots at the helm of West Ham and overcoming poverty and
setbacks along the way to become one of Britain's most successful
businessmen. The Joint-Chairman will also talk about West Ham's close
relationship with the local community and the Club's role in fulfilling east
London's Olympic legacy. It will be followed by questions from the audience.
Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Entry is only permitted with a ticket.
To book tickets and for more information, click here.
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Big Sam exclusive - Part One
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce looks back on a successful season and explains how he is
filling his summer
10.06.2013
Sam Allardyce enjoyed a superb second season in charge at West Ham United.
The manager built on the promotion he achieved in 2011/12 by guiding the
Hammers to the calm waters of tenth place on their return to the Barclays
Premier League. Having put together a strong squad and laid foundations for
the future, Big Sam was rewarded with a new contract in May 2012. In the
first part of an exclusive interview with West Ham TV, the manager told of
his delight at the Club's achievements over the past two years and revealed
his main priorities for the summer.
Sam, can you please start by summing up your feelings about the 2012/13
season?
SA - "It's been fantastic from start to finish. It's been a hugely enjoyable
season for everybody. We have had our down moments, like every club would
have in the Barclays Premier League at some point, but those down moments
have been few and far between. "The overall performances and results have
delighted everybody at West Ham United and especially at the Boleyn Ground.
We have provided entertainment value and nine wins and six draws. Only four
defeats says volumes for the part everybody has played this season. It's not
just me, the backroom staff and the owners getting together and putting the
squad together and the players on the field, but the fact that virtually
every single home game was a sell out. "The backing of the fans behind the
players and the performances of the players have made it a very enjoyable
season for everybody. Away from home, of course we'd have liked to have done
better, but it's always better to perform in front of your own fans to send
them home happy. It was a massively enjoyable season for everybody."
So, is the aim in 2013/14 to better what you achieved in 2012/13?
SA - "Yes, that's our minimum ask now, whereas tenth-place was our maximum
ask last year. It's not just me demanding that but the supporters will be
demanding it as well. They will be saying 'You finished tenth in your first
year, so surely you can finish higher'. "It does depend on what players we
bring in and their quality, and on how much we spend. Unfortunately, for the
first time ever, there is a restriction on that [spending] throughout the
football in this country [with UEFA's new Financial Fair Play rules]. It
will be difficult to deal with but we'll have to get through it and see how
it works. "Hopefully, at the start of the season we will have a stronger
squad in terms of strength in depth and talent then we had at the start of
last season."
What are your main priorities at this time of the off-season?
SA - "At this moment in time, our first priority is signing Andy Carroll, if
we can. We have nearly finished our planning for pre-season and the players
have all had their programmes given to them to take away to start training
while they are relaxing at home or on their holidays. They are asked to do
some active work while they are away so, when they come back on 1 July, they
are ready to go and we won't have too many tight muscles. We want them to be
able to cope with the demands we put on them from the very beginning. "Then,
it's about the recruitment of the other players who we want as quickly as we
possibly can. That will be the most difficult part of this summer."
While the players will be working during their summer break, presumably the
same will be true for yourself as you try to recruit new players?
SA - "The work never really stops over the summer, but I can do it from
where the sun is shining because of the communication levels you can achieve
today with the technology. Via Skype or phone or email or conference call,
it is pretty easy to keep in touch with everybody and we can all link-up
together if need be. "If there is an imminent signing, then I'll be straight
back to meet and greet the player and shake hands when he's signed the
contract and to welcome him to West Ham United."
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The Big Interview - Lee Bowyer
WHUFC.com
Lifelong West Ham United fan and former midfielder Lee Bowyer recently
returned to the Boleyn Ground
10.06.2013
For a lifelong West Ham United supporter, Lee Bowyer did not do his
favourite club many favours during a successful playing career! The
midfielder enjoyed 14 victories in his 21 senior appearances against the
Hammers for Leeds United, Newcastle United, Birmingham City and Ipswich
Town, scoring seven goals in the process. Now 36, Bowyer took the 2012/13
season out to concentrate on studying for his coaching badges, but the
Canning Town-born player was back at the Boleyn Ground recently to take part
in a charity match. West Ham TV caught up with the former England
international.
Welcome back Lee! Last time we saw you at the Boleyn Ground, you scored a
last-minute winner for Ipswich Town in the Championship in September 2011.
What have you been up to since then?
LB - "I have just had a nice rest really, spending time with my family and
trying other sports that I'm interested in. I have had a nice year out. I
still feel I can do a job for someone and, while I still feel like that, I
won't retire. If nothing comes this year, then that will tell me that
nothing is going to happen. I did have a couple of clubs interested in me
last year, but it just didn't feel right to go and do that, so I'll see what
options I have this year and go from there."
You had two spells with West Ham. You were relegated at the end of an
injury-affected six-month stay in 2003, but enjoyed more success during your
second time here between 2006 and 2009. How do you remember your spells with
the Hammers?
LB - "I have fond memories of my time with West Ham. Obviously, the first
time around I came to the club injured and they knew I was injured, but I
couldn't really help. That was the only reason why I came [to help]. I could
have gone somewhere else, but I followed my heart and I tried but I just
couldn't do it with my dodgy ankle that I had. The second time round was all
right. I was here for three years and I enjoyed it. I scored a few goals and
it was something I always wanted to do as a kid. It's my club and I can say
I have played and scored for the club that I love."
During your second spell, you played in a talented midfield containing the
likes of Mark Noble, Matty Etherington, Yossi Benayoun and Nobby Solano.
That must have been enjoyable to be part of?
LB - "It was good, yes. By the end, there were quite a few players who had
come from Newcastle like I did, so there were some good players to go
alongside those who were already here. We had Carlos Tevez and Javier
Mascherano, so we had some good players and some good times."
You hit the heights of the top of the Premier League and UEFA Champions
League semi-finals with Leeds United and had success with Newcastle United.
Although we didn't hit the same heights at West Ham, presumably the 2006/07
'Great Escape' was a fantastic time to be at a club?
LB - "Yes it was, because everybody had written us off. Obviously, Tevez
turned it on towards the end of the season and thankfully we stayed up that
year. It was like winning something to have been written off like we were
and then end up staying up."
The alarm bells didn't ring as loudly for West Ham in 2012/13, when the team
comfortably steered clear of the relegation battle. What did you make of the
present-day Hammers?
LB - "I thought we did well. Like I said in a Programme interview I did
towards the end of the season, as long as Sam [Allardyce] is here then we
won't get relegated. He knows this league inside out and, whatever side he
has had, [he has thrived], even at Bolton. This squad is a lot stronger than
the one he had in his Bolton days. Hopefully Andy Carroll might be coming,
so if that comes off it will be a great bit of business. I think the Club is
stable now and the owners have come in and done a good job there too."
Looking forward, the Club will move to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford in
2016. As a lifelong supporter, what are your thoughts on the matter?
LB - "I can understand what some fans are saying because the tradition is at
the Boleyn Ground and it is an intimidating place to come and play as an
away player. It's never nice! With being at the Olympic Stadium, it will be
a completely different atmosphere but hopefully it will work for us. I think
the crowd will get behind the team and we'll go from there. It's going to
change, but maybe it is time to move. Clubs do move grounds. Manchester City
have gone into a bigger ground and they're filling it. Financially, it's
good for the Club in that way. The more fans you there, the more noise they
make and the more intimidating it is for the other team. It also spurs you
on as a home player. At Leeds, the European nights we had were magical and
the crowd made a difference. Hopefully, it'll work the same here."
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Andy Carroll remains my priority - Allardyce
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th June 2013
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has revealed that signing Andy Carroll is still his main
target this summer. The 24-year-old striker spent the entire 2012/13 season
on loan at the Boleyn Ground, scoring seven goals in 24 appearances. Just
last month, his parent club Liverpool accepted a £15million offer from West
Ham to make the deal permanent. However Carroll, who has been on holiday
since the end of the season is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal -
despite Allardyce insisting that capturing the player remains his number one
priority. Speaking in an interview with whufc.com (the full version of which
may be found at www.whufc.com/big-sam-exclusive-part-one), Allardyce
replied: "At this moment in time, our first priority is signing Andy
Carroll, if we can. "Then, it's about the recruitment of the other players
who we want as quickly as we possibly can. That will be the most difficult
part of this summer. "The work never really stops over the summer, but I can
do it from where the sun is shining because of technology. It's pretty easy
to keep in touch with everybody and we can all link-up together if need be.
"If there is an imminent signing then I'll be straight back to meet and
greet the player and shake hands when he's signed the contract - and to
welcome him to West Ham United."
Allardyce has made two new additions to his squad since the end of the
2012/13 campaign, signing experienced full back Razvan Rat and former Betis
goalkeeper Adrian.
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Is Sam's way the right way?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th June 2013
By: Matthew O'Greel
It's hard to deny that Sam Allardyce has produced fantastic results since
succeeding Avram Grant as the 14th full-time manager of West Ham United.
Taking over the club following its potentially disastrous relegation from
the Premier League, Allardyce produced promotion within just 12 months -
then proceeded to secure a top-half finish in the club's first season back
in the Premier League.
Taking all of those things into account, it's fair to say that Allardyce has
added around £100million to the club's coffers in just two years' time - so
it was no wonder that Messrs Gold & Sullivan couldn't wait to offer him a
new deal, which he has since signed.
However his unique approach to the game - heavily influenced by the
'Moneyball' system as developed by Billy Beane of the Oakland Athletics
baseball team - has been far from universally welcomed by Hammers fans.
Whilst Allardyce now has the backing of the vast majority of supporters,
there remain many who grudgingly accept his modus operandi due to the
(relative) success it has brought. However statistical analysis suggests
that Allardyce may not yet be getting the most out of the players at his
disposal.
West Ham United's haul of 46 points from 38 games last season included 12
wins, of which only three were away from home. Much of this was blamed upon
the team's apparent willingness to sit back and soak up pressure, instead of
playing a little more adventurously.
Statistics certainly back this up. Only six clubs saw less of the ball away
from home last season than West Ham, who scored 44.3 per cent (League
champions Manchester United topped the table with 56.5 per cent).
However Allardyce's team were equally poor when in possession of the
football, scoring a pass success rate of just 73.9 per cent on their travels
- higher than that of Stoke and Reading - but not so bad in the air where
the Hammers won an average of 20.3 aerial challenges per game, a figure
bettered only by Tony Pulis' Stoke City.
Despite winning 50 per cent of their home league fixtures, West Ham proved
almost as poor statistically at the Boleyn. United's possession rate of 43.2
per cent was lower than their score away from home (44.3 per cent) and lower
than every other club bar relegated Reading.
Once again, West Ham proved profligate in possession, with just 74.5 per
cent of passes finding their target (Norwich, Reading and Stoke were the
only teams with worse records at their respective home grounds). But once
again West Ham's success in aerial duels (21.9 per home game) was only
bettered by the Potters.
Having performed so poorly in possession and with the ball at their feet
(United's 25 goals from open play in 2012/13 was the PL's sixth lowest
tally) it is evident than West Ham replied heavily upon other methods by
which to hit the target last season.
Set pieces proved hugely important, with United's 12 goal tally being the
eighth highest total in the division during 2012/13 - the remainder of goals
coming from counter attacks (two), penalties (four) and own goals (another
two).
So from the figures above we can gradually see a picture forming, in which
West Ham clearly forsook possession in order to get the ball into the danger
area - the opposition's penalty box - at the earlist possible opportunity.
This is borne out by statistics that show West Ham leading a table for shots
from inside the central third of the penalty area. 51 per cent of all West
Ham's efforts on goal last season came from within this tiny, yet vitally
important area of the field.
A further 17 per cent of West Ham's shots came from the other areas of the
penalty box (the left and right side) with just 32 per cent from outside the
18-yard area - the lowest in the division by some considerable margin
(interestingly perhaps, Man Utd were second lowest with just 34 per cent).
But it is within the penalty box - the very area that Allardyce appears to
have asked his players to target - that West Ham produced the poorest
results, with just 31 per cent of shots hitting the target. Once again this
is the league's lowest figure (the average was 38 per cent).
With this in mind, it's quite clear to see why Carlton Cole was allowed to
leave on a free transfer - and why Modibo Maiga's future remains uncertain.
Although specific figures were unavailable at the time of writing, Allardyce
clearly believes that Andy Carroll + AN Other are clearly a far more potent
option inside the danger area.
Here's a list of stats used for the above article...
2012/13 Premier League Possession Table (Home)
18. Norwich City 43.9%
19. West Ham Utd 43.2%
20. Reading 40.8%
2012/13 Premier League Pass Success Rate Table (Home)
16. Queens Park Rangers 76.6%
17. West Ham Utd 74.5%
18. Norwich City 73.8%
2012/13 Premier League Aerial Duel Success Rate Table (Home)
1. Stoke City 31.1
2. West Ham Utd 21.9
3. Everton 19.7
2012/13 Premier League Possession Table (Away)
13. West Bromwich Albion 44.6%
14. West Ham Utd 44.3%
15. Aston Villa 44.0%
2012/13 Premier League Pass Success Rate Table (Away)
17. Norwich City 74.1%
18. West Ham Utd 73.9%
15. Stoke City 71.8%
2012/13 Premier League Aerial Duel Success Rate Table (Away)
1. Stoke City 26.7
2. West Ham Utd 20.3
3. Aston Villa 19.1
Total Shots Inside Centre of Penalty Area
1. West Ham Utd 51%
2. Stoke City 46%
3. Reading/Manchester United 46%
Total Shots Inside Centre of Penalty Area on Target
15. Swansea/Everton/Aston Villa 36%
18. Liverpool/Queens Park Rangers 34%
20. West Ham Utd 31%
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Diame keen to extend West Ham stay
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th June 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Mo Diame says he is looking forward to a second campaign
at the club. Diame, who joined the Irons a year ago on a free transfer from
relegated Wigan Athletic has constantly been linked with a move away from
east London. However nothing could be further from the truth according to
the player himself, who told reporters at the weekend that he was committed
to remaining at West Ham. Speaking after Senegal's 1-1 draw with Angola in a
Group J World Cup qualifier on Saturday night, Diame - who celebrates his
26th birthday later this week - said: "I've settled really well [in London]
and I'm pleased with how the season went. "I played an important part in
the setup and have faith that we can finish even higher [next season]. I
understand that my performances have been inconsistent; that's what I need
to work on in the future."
Much of the confusion over Diame's future has arisen over a minimum fee
release clause that he and agent Willie Mackay insisted on including in his
original contract. Attempts by West Ham to persuade him to sign a new deal
have thus far proved fruitless, although David Gold, speaking via his
Twitter account recently hinted that a new deal may be on the cards. "I am
hopefully Diame will be with us next season," he said. "I expect us to come
to an agreement that will keep Mohamed at the club."
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Mixed messages from West Ham over Andy Carroll's proposed permanent transfer
10 Jun 2013 22:30
The Mirror
Andy Carroll has been told to forget about the £100,000-a-week he wants out
of West Ham - despite Sam Allardyce's desperation to sign him. The England
striker representatives made the eye-watering six-figure demand - the
requested salary would represent a £20,000-a-week pay-rise for Carroll -
last week.
But Hammers are adamant they cannot afford that, despite their willingness
to complete a £15.5million deal with Liverpool for the Geordie after his
successful season on loan at Upton Park. It comes as Allardyce confirmed
that Carroll - still yet to confirm he wants to remain in London - is the
club's no.1 target.
Big Sam said of the striker, who joined from hometown club Newcastle for
£35m in 2011: "At this moment in time, our first priority is signing Andy
Carroll, if we can. "We have nearly finished our planning for pre-season and
the players have all had their programmes given to them to take away to
start training while they are relaxing at home or on their holidays. "They
are asked to do some active work while they are away so, when they come back
on 1 July, they are ready to go and we won't have too many tight muscles.
"We want them to be able to cope with the demands we put on them from the
very beginning.
"Then, it's about the recruitment of the other players who we want as
quickly as we possibly can. That will be the most difficult part of this
summer."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have launched a new microsite dedicated to the Club's move
to Olympic Stadium
10.06.2013
West Ham United have launched a new microsite dedicated to the Club's
historic move to the London 2012 Olympic Stadium. With the Hammers set to
move to Stratford in summer 2016, the Club is acutely aware that supporters
will want to be kept fully updated and informed. Now, fans can find all the
information you need in one place on the microsite, which can be found at
www.olympicstadium.whufc.com "This new microsite will become the ultimate
portal for all you need to know about the iconic Olympic Stadium, its
revolutionary transformation and our forthcoming move," confirmed
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady. "You can find out about the plans to convert the
setting for the unforgettable London 2012 Olympic Games into a world-class
UEFA Category 4 football stadium, see artist's impressions and information
on the venue's stunning design, as well as answers to your most pressing
questions. "You can read about the construction of retractable seating,
bringing you close to the action and ensuring an electric atmosphere under
the largest-spanning tensile roof in the world - another new feature of our
new home. "We promise to keep you updated throughout our journey to
Stratford and we encourage your feedback through our on-going consultation
process. My Board and I will regularly be contributing to the Blog to share
with you the hard work going on behind the scenes to realise our Olympic
Stadium dream."
In addition to the new microsite, a video presentation by the Vice-Chairman
talking fans through the detailed architectural designs for the Olympic
Stadium has been watched by tens of thousands of supporters. "As
anticipation builds ahead of the first game at the start of the 2016/17
season, the site will bring you the latest images in progress. We are of
course also looking forward to sharing more detailed ticket and hospitality
information with you on the site in the near future. "If anyone you know
would like to keep up to date with the Stadium move, encourage them to sign
up to our email updates here."
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Memorial Grounds
WHUFC.com
Club historian John Helliar takes a trip back in time to West Ham United's
old home at the Memorial Grounds
10.06.2013
West Ham United may have moved out of their original Memorial Grounds home
110 years ago, but there are closer links between the Hammers' past and its
future than you may think. The Hammers played at the stadium under their
original guise, Thames Ironworks FC, and in the early days following their
re-formation as West Ham United in 1900. The Memorial Grounds, located
adjacent to West Ham Underground station and just over a mile from the
Olympic Stadium, played host to a number of sports alongside football and
proved to be a central venue for leisure in the local community. With the
Hammers now planning a momentous move to the Olympic Park, bringing them
closer to their old home, your Official Programme paid a visit to the
Memorial Grounds - now a multi-purpose recreation ground - with Club
historian John Helliar.
Helliar takes up the story…
"When the Thames Ironworks Football Club first started, they played at
another ground called Hermit Road, then in 1897, Arnold Hills [owner of
Thames Ironworks and Shipbuilding Co. Ltd] announced that he had bought a
large piece of land and that he was going to build a multi-purpose sports
centre at the Memorial Grounds. "It was called the Memorial Grounds because
it was opened in 1897, which was 60 years after Queen Victoria's ascent to
the throne and, as a tribute to her, he gave it that name. "It was actually
built in six months, opened in June and something like 8,000 people came
along to the opening.
"The ground, it was said, could take 100,000 spectators - it had a banked
cycle track, which was one of the best in the London area, and the ground
was believed to be fit to host an FA Cup final, although it never did. "The
football pitch sat in the middle of the cycle track, and there were other
things here like tennis courts, cricket pitches and a swimming pool. Of
course there was a stand and administrative offices too, so it was quite a
fantastic centre for sport in east London. "When West Ham United were formed
in 1900, Arnold Hills continued to support the new football club, not only
with money and kit, but he allowed them to use the Memorial Grounds at a
nominal rent as well. "On 1 September 1900, they played their first match
here in the Southern League, and they were fortunate enough to win that by
seven goals to nil, and their famous Scottish inside-right Billy Grassam
scored four of those goals. "It was still used by the community in general
after West Ham left here in 1903. For many years, up to and after the Second
World War, many schools held their sports days and events like that here."
The land still fulfils that purpose to this very day and Helliar believes
Hills would be proud. He added: "It is still used by the community for sport
today - and that is one of the things that Arnold Hills wanted to do when he
started up all the different clubs and societies at the Thames Ironworks. He
wanted to give something to his employees that they could use during their
spare time, and of course sport and other leisure activities were something
he was very keen on to give back to the community. "It's really turning full
circle, because when you think about the number of sports that took place on
this ground, but also from the legacy of the Olympic Stadium, it's not just
West Ham and football in the Park. It's really Arnold Hills' idea of a
multi-purpose venue in the community.
"It's also a funny enough fact, that West Ham, by moving to the Olympic
Stadium in Stratford will be nearer to their original home than they are on
Green Street and the Boleyn Ground. We are moving back towards our original
birthplace."
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Hammers praised for Kickz finals
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Community Sports Trust was praised after hosting the Kickz
National Cup Finals
10.06.2013
West Ham United Community Sports Trust proudly represented the club by
hosting the Kickz Cup National Finals. The Hammers played host to 32 teams
from 22 different Premier League and Football League clubs over the weekend,
with West Ham's Girls winning their event and the hosts' Under-14 Boys
finishing a creditable third. With Trust leaders, trainees, apprentices and
volunteers staffing the events on Friday and Saturday, West Ham's
contribution was roundly praised by the Premier League and Metropolitan
Police, who jointly launched the Kickz social inclusion scheme back in 2006.
Head of Premier League Charitable Fund, Monica Golding explained how Kickz
football projects play a huge role in local communities across the country.
"Kickz started with just three clubs on a pilot scheme and now it is had
grown with 46 clubs involved," she said. "The Premier League funds the
programme along with the Metropolitan Police. "You can't underestimate the
power of the Premier League badge and a club badge like that of West Ham. It
engages people, especially the young. We go into parts of the community
where some others don't go because of the power football has. If West Ham go
into an area and ask a young person to get involved in an activity like
Kickz, then there is a greater possibility that young person will get
involved and go on to achieve something. "I think working with and in the
local community, is very important for the clubs and I do think part of the
reason why West Ham was given the Olympic Stadium was because of the work it
already does in the community and what it wants to continue doing."
Metropolitan Police Chief Inspector Steve Banks added: "Football can do a
lot more to grab the attention of youngsters than the police can, so working
together in a project like Kickz means we can both do good work in the
community and give youngsters that chance to do something positive that they
might not otherwise get the opportunity to do."
Following Friday's success with the Girls, the Under-14 Boys had a tough act
to follow when they took to the Boleyn Ground pitch on Saturday morning.
After losing their opening two matches, the Hammers youngsters showed
commendable spirit to finish third of the eight teams involved, Newcastle
United won the U14 tournament.
West Ham's Kickz co-ordinator George Chukwuma said: "We had started off
losing the first two games and that can dent the confidence a bit, but the
boys stuck at it and we then drew a game before finishing strongly with four
wins. "We wanted to win the tournament, of course, but we did well and I
think the boys can only learn from this incredible experience they have had.
Playing on the pitch at the Boleyn Ground, up against some very good teams
at a high level, they will come away with all of that experience to help
them go further in their sport and what they want to achieve in the future."
For the boys it was an exciting moment to experience playing on the hallowed
turf at the Boleyn Ground. Malachi Napa and Joel Brown clearly enjoyed the
tournament, saying it was "exciting to be able to play on the pitch where
the professional players compete and we are all aspiring to be as good as
that when we are older. We were pleased to end the tournament with the four
wins."
As well as youngsters taking part on the pitch, there were an army of staff
from the Trust's social inclusion project playing a role in ensuring the
finals ran smoothly. From ball boys to mentors and coaches, the claret and
blue of the West Ham Community Sports Trust could be seen all around the
ground.
Launched in 2006 by the Premier League and the Metropolitan Police, Kickz
has the aim of using football to bring communities together and encourage
young people. It has since expanded nationwide to include more than 100
projects run by more than 40 Premier League and Football League clubs. More
than 45,000 youngsters take part in Kickz projects every year, earning
thousands of educational qualifications and life skills.
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Joint-Chairman set for Ideas Olympiad
WHUFC.com
Joint-Chairman David Gold will host a special event as part of Newham's
Ideas Olympiad
10.06.2013
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Gold will be taking part in the London
Borough of Newham Ideas Olympiad series. The Ideas Olympiad, held a year on
from Newham's hosting of the 2012 Olympic Games, features a free series of
events bringing interesting speakers to the borough to talk to residents
about their ideas and visions. A Conversation with David Gold will take
place on Tuesday 18 June at Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, Stratford.
There, Mr Gold will talk about his journey from growing up in east London to
returning to his roots at the helm of West Ham and overcoming poverty and
setbacks along the way to become one of Britain's most successful
businessmen. The Joint-Chairman will also talk about West Ham's close
relationship with the local community and the Club's role in fulfilling east
London's Olympic legacy. It will be followed by questions from the audience.
Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Entry is only permitted with a ticket.
To book tickets and for more information, click here.
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Big Sam exclusive - Part One
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce looks back on a successful season and explains how he is
filling his summer
10.06.2013
Sam Allardyce enjoyed a superb second season in charge at West Ham United.
The manager built on the promotion he achieved in 2011/12 by guiding the
Hammers to the calm waters of tenth place on their return to the Barclays
Premier League. Having put together a strong squad and laid foundations for
the future, Big Sam was rewarded with a new contract in May 2012. In the
first part of an exclusive interview with West Ham TV, the manager told of
his delight at the Club's achievements over the past two years and revealed
his main priorities for the summer.
Sam, can you please start by summing up your feelings about the 2012/13
season?
SA - "It's been fantastic from start to finish. It's been a hugely enjoyable
season for everybody. We have had our down moments, like every club would
have in the Barclays Premier League at some point, but those down moments
have been few and far between. "The overall performances and results have
delighted everybody at West Ham United and especially at the Boleyn Ground.
We have provided entertainment value and nine wins and six draws. Only four
defeats says volumes for the part everybody has played this season. It's not
just me, the backroom staff and the owners getting together and putting the
squad together and the players on the field, but the fact that virtually
every single home game was a sell out. "The backing of the fans behind the
players and the performances of the players have made it a very enjoyable
season for everybody. Away from home, of course we'd have liked to have done
better, but it's always better to perform in front of your own fans to send
them home happy. It was a massively enjoyable season for everybody."
So, is the aim in 2013/14 to better what you achieved in 2012/13?
SA - "Yes, that's our minimum ask now, whereas tenth-place was our maximum
ask last year. It's not just me demanding that but the supporters will be
demanding it as well. They will be saying 'You finished tenth in your first
year, so surely you can finish higher'. "It does depend on what players we
bring in and their quality, and on how much we spend. Unfortunately, for the
first time ever, there is a restriction on that [spending] throughout the
football in this country [with UEFA's new Financial Fair Play rules]. It
will be difficult to deal with but we'll have to get through it and see how
it works. "Hopefully, at the start of the season we will have a stronger
squad in terms of strength in depth and talent then we had at the start of
last season."
What are your main priorities at this time of the off-season?
SA - "At this moment in time, our first priority is signing Andy Carroll, if
we can. We have nearly finished our planning for pre-season and the players
have all had their programmes given to them to take away to start training
while they are relaxing at home or on their holidays. They are asked to do
some active work while they are away so, when they come back on 1 July, they
are ready to go and we won't have too many tight muscles. We want them to be
able to cope with the demands we put on them from the very beginning. "Then,
it's about the recruitment of the other players who we want as quickly as we
possibly can. That will be the most difficult part of this summer."
While the players will be working during their summer break, presumably the
same will be true for yourself as you try to recruit new players?
SA - "The work never really stops over the summer, but I can do it from
where the sun is shining because of the communication levels you can achieve
today with the technology. Via Skype or phone or email or conference call,
it is pretty easy to keep in touch with everybody and we can all link-up
together if need be. "If there is an imminent signing, then I'll be straight
back to meet and greet the player and shake hands when he's signed the
contract and to welcome him to West Ham United."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Big Interview - Lee Bowyer
WHUFC.com
Lifelong West Ham United fan and former midfielder Lee Bowyer recently
returned to the Boleyn Ground
10.06.2013
For a lifelong West Ham United supporter, Lee Bowyer did not do his
favourite club many favours during a successful playing career! The
midfielder enjoyed 14 victories in his 21 senior appearances against the
Hammers for Leeds United, Newcastle United, Birmingham City and Ipswich
Town, scoring seven goals in the process. Now 36, Bowyer took the 2012/13
season out to concentrate on studying for his coaching badges, but the
Canning Town-born player was back at the Boleyn Ground recently to take part
in a charity match. West Ham TV caught up with the former England
international.
Welcome back Lee! Last time we saw you at the Boleyn Ground, you scored a
last-minute winner for Ipswich Town in the Championship in September 2011.
What have you been up to since then?
LB - "I have just had a nice rest really, spending time with my family and
trying other sports that I'm interested in. I have had a nice year out. I
still feel I can do a job for someone and, while I still feel like that, I
won't retire. If nothing comes this year, then that will tell me that
nothing is going to happen. I did have a couple of clubs interested in me
last year, but it just didn't feel right to go and do that, so I'll see what
options I have this year and go from there."
You had two spells with West Ham. You were relegated at the end of an
injury-affected six-month stay in 2003, but enjoyed more success during your
second time here between 2006 and 2009. How do you remember your spells with
the Hammers?
LB - "I have fond memories of my time with West Ham. Obviously, the first
time around I came to the club injured and they knew I was injured, but I
couldn't really help. That was the only reason why I came [to help]. I could
have gone somewhere else, but I followed my heart and I tried but I just
couldn't do it with my dodgy ankle that I had. The second time round was all
right. I was here for three years and I enjoyed it. I scored a few goals and
it was something I always wanted to do as a kid. It's my club and I can say
I have played and scored for the club that I love."
During your second spell, you played in a talented midfield containing the
likes of Mark Noble, Matty Etherington, Yossi Benayoun and Nobby Solano.
That must have been enjoyable to be part of?
LB - "It was good, yes. By the end, there were quite a few players who had
come from Newcastle like I did, so there were some good players to go
alongside those who were already here. We had Carlos Tevez and Javier
Mascherano, so we had some good players and some good times."
You hit the heights of the top of the Premier League and UEFA Champions
League semi-finals with Leeds United and had success with Newcastle United.
Although we didn't hit the same heights at West Ham, presumably the 2006/07
'Great Escape' was a fantastic time to be at a club?
LB - "Yes it was, because everybody had written us off. Obviously, Tevez
turned it on towards the end of the season and thankfully we stayed up that
year. It was like winning something to have been written off like we were
and then end up staying up."
The alarm bells didn't ring as loudly for West Ham in 2012/13, when the team
comfortably steered clear of the relegation battle. What did you make of the
present-day Hammers?
LB - "I thought we did well. Like I said in a Programme interview I did
towards the end of the season, as long as Sam [Allardyce] is here then we
won't get relegated. He knows this league inside out and, whatever side he
has had, [he has thrived], even at Bolton. This squad is a lot stronger than
the one he had in his Bolton days. Hopefully Andy Carroll might be coming,
so if that comes off it will be a great bit of business. I think the Club is
stable now and the owners have come in and done a good job there too."
Looking forward, the Club will move to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford in
2016. As a lifelong supporter, what are your thoughts on the matter?
LB - "I can understand what some fans are saying because the tradition is at
the Boleyn Ground and it is an intimidating place to come and play as an
away player. It's never nice! With being at the Olympic Stadium, it will be
a completely different atmosphere but hopefully it will work for us. I think
the crowd will get behind the team and we'll go from there. It's going to
change, but maybe it is time to move. Clubs do move grounds. Manchester City
have gone into a bigger ground and they're filling it. Financially, it's
good for the Club in that way. The more fans you there, the more noise they
make and the more intimidating it is for the other team. It also spurs you
on as a home player. At Leeds, the European nights we had were magical and
the crowd made a difference. Hopefully, it'll work the same here."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll remains my priority - Allardyce
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th June 2013
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has revealed that signing Andy Carroll is still his main
target this summer. The 24-year-old striker spent the entire 2012/13 season
on loan at the Boleyn Ground, scoring seven goals in 24 appearances. Just
last month, his parent club Liverpool accepted a £15million offer from West
Ham to make the deal permanent. However Carroll, who has been on holiday
since the end of the season is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal -
despite Allardyce insisting that capturing the player remains his number one
priority. Speaking in an interview with whufc.com (the full version of which
may be found at www.whufc.com/big-sam-exclusive-part-one), Allardyce
replied: "At this moment in time, our first priority is signing Andy
Carroll, if we can. "Then, it's about the recruitment of the other players
who we want as quickly as we possibly can. That will be the most difficult
part of this summer. "The work never really stops over the summer, but I can
do it from where the sun is shining because of technology. It's pretty easy
to keep in touch with everybody and we can all link-up together if need be.
"If there is an imminent signing then I'll be straight back to meet and
greet the player and shake hands when he's signed the contract - and to
welcome him to West Ham United."
Allardyce has made two new additions to his squad since the end of the
2012/13 campaign, signing experienced full back Razvan Rat and former Betis
goalkeeper Adrian.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Is Sam's way the right way?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th June 2013
By: Matthew O'Greel
It's hard to deny that Sam Allardyce has produced fantastic results since
succeeding Avram Grant as the 14th full-time manager of West Ham United.
Taking over the club following its potentially disastrous relegation from
the Premier League, Allardyce produced promotion within just 12 months -
then proceeded to secure a top-half finish in the club's first season back
in the Premier League.
Taking all of those things into account, it's fair to say that Allardyce has
added around £100million to the club's coffers in just two years' time - so
it was no wonder that Messrs Gold & Sullivan couldn't wait to offer him a
new deal, which he has since signed.
However his unique approach to the game - heavily influenced by the
'Moneyball' system as developed by Billy Beane of the Oakland Athletics
baseball team - has been far from universally welcomed by Hammers fans.
Whilst Allardyce now has the backing of the vast majority of supporters,
there remain many who grudgingly accept his modus operandi due to the
(relative) success it has brought. However statistical analysis suggests
that Allardyce may not yet be getting the most out of the players at his
disposal.
West Ham United's haul of 46 points from 38 games last season included 12
wins, of which only three were away from home. Much of this was blamed upon
the team's apparent willingness to sit back and soak up pressure, instead of
playing a little more adventurously.
Statistics certainly back this up. Only six clubs saw less of the ball away
from home last season than West Ham, who scored 44.3 per cent (League
champions Manchester United topped the table with 56.5 per cent).
However Allardyce's team were equally poor when in possession of the
football, scoring a pass success rate of just 73.9 per cent on their travels
- higher than that of Stoke and Reading - but not so bad in the air where
the Hammers won an average of 20.3 aerial challenges per game, a figure
bettered only by Tony Pulis' Stoke City.
Despite winning 50 per cent of their home league fixtures, West Ham proved
almost as poor statistically at the Boleyn. United's possession rate of 43.2
per cent was lower than their score away from home (44.3 per cent) and lower
than every other club bar relegated Reading.
Once again, West Ham proved profligate in possession, with just 74.5 per
cent of passes finding their target (Norwich, Reading and Stoke were the
only teams with worse records at their respective home grounds). But once
again West Ham's success in aerial duels (21.9 per home game) was only
bettered by the Potters.
Having performed so poorly in possession and with the ball at their feet
(United's 25 goals from open play in 2012/13 was the PL's sixth lowest
tally) it is evident than West Ham replied heavily upon other methods by
which to hit the target last season.
Set pieces proved hugely important, with United's 12 goal tally being the
eighth highest total in the division during 2012/13 - the remainder of goals
coming from counter attacks (two), penalties (four) and own goals (another
two).
So from the figures above we can gradually see a picture forming, in which
West Ham clearly forsook possession in order to get the ball into the danger
area - the opposition's penalty box - at the earlist possible opportunity.
This is borne out by statistics that show West Ham leading a table for shots
from inside the central third of the penalty area. 51 per cent of all West
Ham's efforts on goal last season came from within this tiny, yet vitally
important area of the field.
A further 17 per cent of West Ham's shots came from the other areas of the
penalty box (the left and right side) with just 32 per cent from outside the
18-yard area - the lowest in the division by some considerable margin
(interestingly perhaps, Man Utd were second lowest with just 34 per cent).
But it is within the penalty box - the very area that Allardyce appears to
have asked his players to target - that West Ham produced the poorest
results, with just 31 per cent of shots hitting the target. Once again this
is the league's lowest figure (the average was 38 per cent).
With this in mind, it's quite clear to see why Carlton Cole was allowed to
leave on a free transfer - and why Modibo Maiga's future remains uncertain.
Although specific figures were unavailable at the time of writing, Allardyce
clearly believes that Andy Carroll + AN Other are clearly a far more potent
option inside the danger area.
Here's a list of stats used for the above article...
2012/13 Premier League Possession Table (Home)
18. Norwich City 43.9%
19. West Ham Utd 43.2%
20. Reading 40.8%
2012/13 Premier League Pass Success Rate Table (Home)
16. Queens Park Rangers 76.6%
17. West Ham Utd 74.5%
18. Norwich City 73.8%
2012/13 Premier League Aerial Duel Success Rate Table (Home)
1. Stoke City 31.1
2. West Ham Utd 21.9
3. Everton 19.7
2012/13 Premier League Possession Table (Away)
13. West Bromwich Albion 44.6%
14. West Ham Utd 44.3%
15. Aston Villa 44.0%
2012/13 Premier League Pass Success Rate Table (Away)
17. Norwich City 74.1%
18. West Ham Utd 73.9%
15. Stoke City 71.8%
2012/13 Premier League Aerial Duel Success Rate Table (Away)
1. Stoke City 26.7
2. West Ham Utd 20.3
3. Aston Villa 19.1
Total Shots Inside Centre of Penalty Area
1. West Ham Utd 51%
2. Stoke City 46%
3. Reading/Manchester United 46%
Total Shots Inside Centre of Penalty Area on Target
15. Swansea/Everton/Aston Villa 36%
18. Liverpool/Queens Park Rangers 34%
20. West Ham Utd 31%
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diame keen to extend West Ham stay
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th June 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Mo Diame says he is looking forward to a second campaign
at the club. Diame, who joined the Irons a year ago on a free transfer from
relegated Wigan Athletic has constantly been linked with a move away from
east London. However nothing could be further from the truth according to
the player himself, who told reporters at the weekend that he was committed
to remaining at West Ham. Speaking after Senegal's 1-1 draw with Angola in a
Group J World Cup qualifier on Saturday night, Diame - who celebrates his
26th birthday later this week - said: "I've settled really well [in London]
and I'm pleased with how the season went. "I played an important part in
the setup and have faith that we can finish even higher [next season]. I
understand that my performances have been inconsistent; that's what I need
to work on in the future."
Much of the confusion over Diame's future has arisen over a minimum fee
release clause that he and agent Willie Mackay insisted on including in his
original contract. Attempts by West Ham to persuade him to sign a new deal
have thus far proved fruitless, although David Gold, speaking via his
Twitter account recently hinted that a new deal may be on the cards. "I am
hopefully Diame will be with us next season," he said. "I expect us to come
to an agreement that will keep Mohamed at the club."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mixed messages from West Ham over Andy Carroll's proposed permanent transfer
10 Jun 2013 22:30
The Mirror
Andy Carroll has been told to forget about the £100,000-a-week he wants out
of West Ham - despite Sam Allardyce's desperation to sign him. The England
striker representatives made the eye-watering six-figure demand - the
requested salary would represent a £20,000-a-week pay-rise for Carroll -
last week.
But Hammers are adamant they cannot afford that, despite their willingness
to complete a £15.5million deal with Liverpool for the Geordie after his
successful season on loan at Upton Park. It comes as Allardyce confirmed
that Carroll - still yet to confirm he wants to remain in London - is the
club's no.1 target.
Big Sam said of the striker, who joined from hometown club Newcastle for
£35m in 2011: "At this moment in time, our first priority is signing Andy
Carroll, if we can. "We have nearly finished our planning for pre-season and
the players have all had their programmes given to them to take away to
start training while they are relaxing at home or on their holidays. "They
are asked to do some active work while they are away so, when they come back
on 1 July, they are ready to go and we won't have too many tight muscles.
"We want them to be able to cope with the demands we put on them from the
very beginning.
"Then, it's about the recruitment of the other players who we want as
quickly as we possibly can. That will be the most difficult part of this
summer."
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