Hammers start with Cardiff at home
WHUFC.com
The fixtures for the 2013/14 Barclays Premier League season have been
released
19.06.2013
West Ham United will kick-off the 2013/14 Barclays Premier League season
with a home fixture against top flight new boys Cardiff City.
Having claimed an excellent tenth position in their first season back in the
Barclays Premier League last term, Sam Allardyce's side will start the new
campaign by facing Malky Mackay's side at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday 17
August. The Hammers' first away game will follow with a trip to Newcastle
United on Saturday 24 August before Stoke City visit east London on Saturday
31 August.
Big Sam's men will wrap up league matters on Sunday 11 May 2014, when they
tackle Manchester City at Etihad Stadium, the first time in seven years the
Hammers will play an away game on the final day.
The Hammers take on reigning Barclays Premier League champions Manchester
United on Saturday 22 March (home) and Saturday 21 December (away), while
they host runners-up Manchester City on Saturday 19 October.
The mouth-watering London derby matches against Tottenham Hotspur will take
place on Saturday 5 October (away) and Saturday 3 May (home), while Jose
Mourinho's Chelsea will form the opposition on Saturday 23 November (home)
and Wednesday 29 January (away).
Premier League new boys Crystal Palace visit the Boleyn Ground on Saturday
19 April, while the Hammers travel to Hull City on Saturday 28 September and
Cardiff City on Saturday 11 January.
The traditional Christmas and New Year fixtures will see the Hammers face
Arsenal at home on Boxing Day and Fulham away on New Year's Day.
West Ham are one of 13 Barclays Premier League clubs who will enter the
Capital One Cup at the second round stage, with ties scheduled to be played
in the week commencing Monday 26 August.
Full list of fixtures (all subject to change)
Sat Aug 17 Cardiff City H
Sat Aug 24 Newcastle United A
Sat Aug 31 Stoke City H
Sat Sep 14 Southampton A
Sat Sep 21 Everton H
Sat Sep 28 Hull City A
Sat Oct 5 Tottenham Hotspur A
Sat Oct 19 Manchester City H
Sat Oct 26 Swansea City A
Sat Nov 2 Aston Villa H
Sat Nov 9 Norwich City A
Sat Nov 23 Chelsea H
Sat Nov 30 Fulham H
Tue Dec 3 Crystal Palace A
Sat Dec 7 Liverpool A
Sat Dec 14 Sunderland H
Sat Dec 21 Manchester United A
Thu Dec 26 Arsenal H
Sat Dec 28 West Bromwich Albion H
Wed Jan 1 Fulham A
Sat Jan 4 F.A. Cup 3
Sat Jan 11 Cardiff City A
Sat Jan 18 Newcastle United H
Sat Jan 25 F.A. Cup 4
Wed Jan 29 Chelsea A
Sat Feb 1 Swansea City H
Sat Feb 8 Aston Villa A
Tue Feb 11 Norwich City H
Sat Feb 15 F.A. Cup 5
Sat Feb 22 Southampton H
Sat Mar 1 Everton A
Sun Mar 2 Capital One Cup Final
Sat Mar 8 Hull City H
Sat Mar 15 Stoke City A
Sat Mar 22 Manchester United H
Sat Mar 29 Sunderland A
Sat Apr 5 Liverpool H
Sat Apr 12 Arsenal A
Sat Apr 19 Crystal Palace H
Sat Apr 26 West Bromwich Albion A
Sat May 3 Tottenham Hotspur H
Sun May 11 Manchester City A
Fixtures are subject to change.
If you cannot wait for the Barclays Premier League season to get under way,
then the Hammers will be playing a host of pre-season matches at home and
abroad. For a full list of the Club's pre-season fixtures, click here.
Hammers mobile text alert subscribers received this news first. Click here
to sign up so you can make sure you stay in touch wherever you are this
summer.
Check back on whufc.com later for all the reaction to the announcement of
the 2013/14 Barclays Premier League fixture list. Please note all fixtures
are subject to change.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, June 19
Daily WHUFC News - 19th June 2013
Lee's delight at award-winning year
WHUFC.com
Elliot Lee has targeted further progress after making his first team bow
last season
18.06.2013
Academy striker Elliot Lee enjoyed a productive 2012/13 campaign, netting 14
goals for the Club's Under-18 and Under-21 sides, as well as making his
first team debut. The 18-year-old's rapid progress was recognised at the
Hammers' end of season awards dinner, when he collected the prestigious
Academy Player of the Year prize. It rounded off a fine season for the
youngster, whose father Rob and brother Oliver also played for the Hammers,
and he is keen to continue along the same upward curve over the coming
years. "I'm delighted with the award, I couldn't be happier," he beamed. "It
caps off a great season, so to pick up the award is brilliant. "I love
scoring goals - I've ended up as the top goalscorer for the Under-21s so
that's great, and winning any award gives you confidence. "I just want to
push on from here and see what I can do in pre-season to impress the first
team. "My mate Moncs [George Moncur] won the Young Hammer of the Year so
hopefully I can take that one off him next year!"
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Liverpool striker Andy Carroll passes West Ham medical
BBC.co.uk
Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has passed his medical at West Ham prior to a
£15m move. The 24-year-old cost Liverpool £35m and has been on loan at West
Ham since 2012, scoring seven times in 24 games. The transfer fee was agreed
in May, but the England international was unsure about a move before a World
Cup year.
Andy Carroll career stats
Newcastle (2006-11): 91 games, 33 goals
Preston (loan Aug 2007-08): 12 games, 1 goal
Liverpool (2011-present): 57 games, 11 goals
West Ham (loan 2012-13): 24 games, 7 goals
England (2010-present): 9 games, 2 goals
"We managed to bring Andy's medical forward and I am delighted to inform you
that he has passed with flying colours," chairman David Gold tweeted.
The examination was expected to be a thorough one, because of the fee
involved and the player's record of injury problems. The former Newcastle
player fell awkwardly in the Hammers' final game of the season, picking up a
heel injury that forced him out of England's two post-season friendlies
against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil. That followed previous problems
with his hamstring and knee, which disrupted much of the first half of his
campaign at Upton Park. Carroll was signed by Kenny Dalglish for Liverpool
on transfer deadline day in January 2011, for what remains a record fee for
a British player. He had impressed by scoring 31 times for his boyhood club
Newcastle United in 81 appearances, but his time at Anfield was short-lived.
Coupled with the arrival of Brendan Rodgers and a new style of play,
Carroll's return of just six goals in 44 league outings for Liverpool saw
him loaned to West Ham in late August 2012.
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Roll out the Carroll
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 18th June 2013
By: Staff Writer
Andy Carroll is set to be confirmed as West Ham United's record signing
after he successfully completed a medical earlier this evening. The
24-year-old striker will cost the Hammers £15.5million plus a further
£2million in add-ons - smashing the club record of £10.75million paid to
Wolves last summer for Matt Jarvis.
The news was confirmed earlier this evening by co-chairman David Gold, who
had Tweeted earlier in the day to reveal that Carroll's medical would take
place on Wednesday morning. However posting an update shortly after 9pm
tonight, Gold said: "We managed to bring Andy's medical forward to this
evening and I am delighted to inform you that he has passed with flying
colours." The capture of the former Liverpool star represents a huge coup
for West Ham. Just two-and-a-half years ago Newcastle sold him to the
Merseyside club for what remains a British record transfer fee of
£35million. And although his salary is expected to cost West Ham somewhere
in the region of £4.5million per year - or £27million over the course of his
six-year contract - most supporters appear to agree that his capture is a
real signal of intent from the club.
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Gold backs Jack
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 18th June 2013
By: Staff Writer
David Gold has been speaking about the club's policy regarding transfer news
- and explaining why the job of announcing new signings has been left to his
partner's son of late. Jack Sullivan - the teenage son of Gold's co-owner
David Sullivan - has become something of an Twitter sensation in recent
months since he began to leak the club's breaking transfer news via the
social network. Earlier today he was the first to reveal that Andy Carroll
had agreed terms with the club on a six-year deal and was undergoing a
medical - making the club's own website, which had previously been charged
with making such announcements (as is customary with other professional
clubs) essentially redundant. The issue was raised tonight during a Q&A
session following a speech Gold had given as part of Newham Council's 'Ideas
Olympiad' at Stratford Circus. Asked by a member of the audience how he felt
about young Jack breaking West Ham transfer news via Twitter, Gold - after a
long pause - replied: "He's 13 years of age and he's in kind of a privileged
situation. "He hears things. His father wouldn't say to him "look, this is
what's happened, go and Tweet it" - he wouldn't do that. Jack happened to be
around the house today, he's picked up something and he can't resist it.
"When he goes to school tomorrow, he'll be like a God; he'll swan around
like the King. So give him some slack, he's a good kid and I like him very
much - although I could whack him when he does this! "What you will hear in
due course are the actual facts, when the [Carroll] deal is done. We're
close, but Jack doesn't care - he'll still be a star when he goes to school
tomorrow and that's the end of the matter. "But he is a good kid."
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That Was The Season That Was 2012/13 - Part Three
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 18th June 2013
By: Gordon Thrower
Christmas - seems so long ago doesn't it? The latest in Gordon Thrower's
review of the 2012/13 season covers November 2012-January 2013. Something
for you to have a look at before you finally get round to taking that awful
pullover your aunt bought you down to the charity shop...
November
Our first match of the month finishes in a 0-0 draw at home to reigning
champions Man City. In fact we have a perfectly good goal notched off by a
linesman as Nolan's fine volley appears to have put us ahead. One of a
number of dubious decisions we endure against the so-called big 4 in the
season.
The skipper is on target the following week as we pick up another away win,
this time up at Newcastle where Nolan is handily placed to divert Joey
O'Brien's wayward effort to give us a 1-0 win that sends us to 6th place for
a bit. Sky diver Felix Baumgartner turns down an invite to the match on the
grounds that the away section at St James Park is far too high for comfort.
"You're not getting me up there" he would have said, we expect, had we
really asked him.
Over the water, alleged Hammer Barack Obama is re-elected as President of
the USA. Barry Hearn considers a judicial review on the grounds that the
traditional inauguration ceremony due to take place in January might affect
Leyton Orient's gate if they happen to be home that weekend.
With a little over a month to go before the transfer window re-opens it
becomes public knowledge that Mo Diame has a release clause in his contract
allowing him to speak to any club willing to pay an alleged £5m. I can't
imagine where the papers got that one from. Why, it's almost as if his agent
had released the news to engineer a money-making move or a new contract or
something.
In legal news three men are sent for trial on fraud charges over the Olympic
Stadium decision, with personal records belonging to Karren Brady and others
having mysteriously ended up in their possession. The accused were employed
by accountancy firm PKF who had been engaged by Spurs as part of the whole
process. Spurs are predictably keen to distance themselves from the whole
affair claiming "We're as shocked as you are. There's no way that this
should have been traceable back to us. Er, this isn't being recorded is it?"
Moe legal news as the Met's finest announce that they are dropping all
enquiries into Chelsea's allegations against Mark Clattenburg. The phrase "I
don't give a monkey's" is supposedly at the centre of all the fuss. Chelsea
chairman Bruce Buck ties himself in all sorts of logical knots trying to
justify the club's defence of John Terry whilst apparently slinging round
official complaints at referees for the same offence. One of the poorer
referees in an already poor bunch, Clattenburg gets away with murder for the
rest of the season on the wave of sympathy gained from the whole affair.
Stoke are the next visitors to the Boleyn and they escape with a point. Joey
O'Brien is the man on target three minutes into the second half equalising
an early Walters effort. As usual, Stoke's goal owes a hellofalot to their
illegal blocking at corners which referees love to ignore. Stoke boss Pulis
continues to boast that he coaches his team to break the laws of the game.
Some might think that such an admission merits a disrepute charge. We could
not possibly comment.
The national side pops over to Sweden to celebrate the Swedish FA's
centenary. Ibrahimovic scores on 20 minutes to give the hosts the lead.
Welbeck and Caulker actually put us 2-1 up at one stage but, ever keen to
behave ourselves as guests at the party, we remember our places. Ibrahimovic
nets a further three, the last of which is a remarkable 30 yard overhead
kick, to give Sweden victory.
Back home Andy Carroll finally nets his first for the club at Spurs but
sadly this turns out to be a late consolation as the home side provides one
of the shocks of the season by winning 3-1. Defoe (2) and Bale are
predictably on the scoresheet for the home side. The match is marred by some
inappropriate chanting that, equally predictably, is pounced on by some
sections of the press as an indication that civilisation as we know it is
about to collapse. The FA announce one of their thorough investigations
which, seven months later, concludes that they will take no further action
against the club.
We go up to Old Trafford and are on the back foot after 31 seconds as Van
Persie opens the scoring. However the home side fail to add to their tally
and are seen desperately time-wasting in the closing stages as they hang on
for a 1-0 win.
Only a few weeks after having gained his chairman's full backing via the
medium of twitter, Mark Hughes is sacked by QPR. "He was utterly utterly the
right man for the job up to a few moments ago when we sacked him" tweets
Tony Fernandes. Probably. The thought that we might have dodged a bullet,
ownership-wise, crosses our minds as Fernandes announces that "the new
utterly utterly right man for the job is Harry Redknapp". "Or his dog Rosie.
I think that's where his pay is going".
Chelsea haven't won a trophy for a few weeks, a state of affairs that
Abrahamovic tries to rectify by sacking Roberto Di Matteo just a few months
into a two-year deal. Accident and emergency rooms in hospitals are on alert
as thousands are admitted with painful side-strains from laughing too much.
Some A&E units even have to close their doors as the follow-up announcement
that Rafa Benitez has been appointed "Interim" manager to replace Di Matteo
hits the airwaves.
In the wake of "Clattenburggate" PGMO announces that the conversations
between their officials are, henceforth, to be recorded to protect their
employees from accusations such as those made by Chelsea. Knowing PGMO as we
do we look forward to the mysterious wiping of tapes whenever one of their
number is found to be out of order. Just about every week then.
As November closes we find ourselves in 10th place with 19 points from 14
matches. Happy with that – only 21 points from that mythical safety point………
December
The run of good month-opening results continues with a cracker as we turn
over Chelsea who arrive with their with their interim manager and their
equally interim supporters at the Boleyn to see us win 3-1. A Mata goal
gives the visitors an interim, sorry, half-time lead. However the
introduction of a clearly up for it Diame in the second half changes things
completely. Cole, Diame himself and a late one from Maiga gives us all three
points as A&E departments implement their "major incident" plans in advance
of a whole nation laughing at Chelsea.
The good news is tempered by the announcement that former academy graduate
Mitchell Cole has passed away at the shockingly young age of 27. Whilst
still with West Ham, Cole had been diagnosed with a heart condition similar
to that which had affected Fabrice Muamba. Despite the condition Cole had
enjoyed a successful career at non-league level before retiring in 2011.
Up in scouseland Brendan Rodgers tries to fit in with the legendary local
sense of humour by announcing that his side will be challenging for the
so-called Champions League places come the end of the season. Honest he
really did say that.
Whilst we're on the subject of daft statements David Ginola claims that
Gareth Bale isn't a diver. Sad to see the former Newcastle winger's brain
start to go at such a young age.
The long-awaited announcement regarding the Olympic stadium is finally made.
The announcement seems to consist of an announcement that there will be an
announcement. Sometime. Soon. Honest. To nobody's surprise Barry Hearn
starts making noises about taking things further when the real announcement
finally comes.
The West Ham players' Christmas do takes place in Dublin and this year's
so-called scandal occurs when a photographer claims to have been flattened
by Andy Carroll, The club makes a statement denying that Carroll had hit
snapper though they admitted that the budding David Bailey had been
"restrained" by the club's security team to protect the injured striker.
Talking of Irish things, we sign a kid called Sean Maguire from Waterford.
It's a bit of a worry for a while as one of my female chums who is an expert
on these things suggests that the player has already been told his career is
over by the medics after a training accident while he was an apprentice at
Walford Town. I calmly explain to her the difference between EastEnders and
real life and ask her to do the washing up before making me a cup of tea. I
spend the next hour removing broken crockery from my hair.
Max Clifford, who was responsible for the horrible image of David Mellor in
a Chelsea kit in our minds, is arrested as part of Operation Yewtree. It
occurs to us that he could do with a hand - if only he knew somebody who
could handle the publicity fallout for him.
Back on the pitch we play Liverpool off the park for much of the match. A
spectacular Glen Johnson effort – what a waste – puts the visitors 1-0
against the run of play before a Gerrard og and a Noble penalty give us the
lead. The turning point is the departure of Mo Diame, who is running the
match, with a torn hamstring. The visitors, whose main tactic seems to be
hoofing the ball for the corners in a rugby style move at every opportunity,
end up taking away an undeserved three points in a 3-2 win, Joe Cole's
uncelebrated effort and a freak own goal from Collins being the difference
between the sides.
The news leaks out that Assistant Manager Wally Downes has left the club "by
mutual consent". I say "leaks", "oozes slowly" would probably be a better
description of the non-announcement. Speculation that the parting of the
ways has resulted from incidents during the Dublin trip abound, with no
confirmation from any source available to confirm or deny the position. The
club's only comment is to the effect that the parting of the ways was
"amicable". Meanwhile Downes himself, normally so voluble on twitter, goes
all quiet. A bit of a mystery then.
In a strange case of "déjà vu" Yossi Benayoun is sent back to Chelsea having
spent (predictably) most of his loan spell in the treatment room with a
series of mystery injuries. A 0-0 draw at the Hawthorns follows, a match
that is as nondescript as the scoreline suggests. Meanwhile a strike by tube
workers results in the announcement that the Boxing Day visit to Arsenal's
library is to be postponed.
Another club official to depart is Finance Director Nick Igoe who had
somehow juggled the finances during one of the most turbulent periods of the
club's history. Not sure what he's up to next but, given the nature of the
job required during his tenure, he'd probably be forgiven for asking for a
six-month stay in The Priory as part of his severance package.
The pre-Christmas visit of Everton is ruined by the antics of so-called
professional referee Anthony Taylor. Carlton Cole gives us the lead before
receiving a ludicrous red card, a decision that turns the game. Everton win
2-1 with goals from Anichebe and Piennar, Taylor's second major brainstorm
in dismissing Everton's Gibson for an identical and equally innocuous
challenge occurring too late to have any effect on the match. Both red cards
are later rescinded though Taylor escapes any sort of punishment, the tapes
of the fourth official shouting "are you SURE about that Anthony?" having
presumably been mysteriously wiped.
There's amusement at a typical Harry Redknapp press conference in which a
question that has all the hallmarks of being planted by one of twitchy's
press mates is asked about the possibility of Joe Cole going to QPR. Our old
boss responds in his usual manner "great player…I gave him his debut you
know…who wouldn't be interested etc ..etc" So far so standard until a journo
forgets himself and asks the sixty-four thousand dollar question: "have you
spoken to Joe?" The question flusters Redknapp "No. Of course not. He's
under contract to Liverpool . I'd need permission. Are you trying to get me
into trouble?" That'll be a "Yes" then Harry.
The year ends in traditional style as muppet club Reading score with
virtually their only attack of the match at the Wiggydome. West Ham dominate
the rest of the match but a dreadful miss from Vaz Te ends all hope of a
point.
The result leaves us at the end of the year in 12th spot with 23 points from
19 matches. Not actually in the scrap for relegation but maybe a little bit
too close to it for total comfort. Still there's a fair way to go yet…….
January 2013
Happy New Year!
34,000+ hungover souls drag their wearies over to the Boleyn (quiet night in
for me actually!) where Norwich are the visitors. First half goals from
Noble (pen) and O'Brien are enough to give us all three points despite a
late Martin consolation. The win sends us up to 11th place and eases the
slight concerns raised at the end of the last bit of this review.
Of course January means that the transfer window has re-opened. The main
concern is the sharks that appear to be circling around the release clause
in Diame's contract. Diame, of course, is out of action after doing his
hamstring in in the Liverpool match. Journalists find the player difficult
to get hold of with the club probably having sent him to the room next to
Nick Igoe's at the Priory to recover somehow mislaying the key in the hope
that he won't pop up on someone else's radar.
Talking of Liverpool, strong rumours start to appear that we are to rescue
Joe Cole from his nightmare spell on Merseyside. The rumours are true and
the player signs for the club where he always did his best work.
Also arriving on loan to the end of the season is Arsenal forward Marouane
Chamakh. Another loan forward on the way in is Brazilian Wellington Paulista
who joins from Cruzeiro until the end of the season with a view to a
permanent deal. Meanwhile Sky Sports are aghast. Three players in at the
Boleyn and it's only 5th January – at this rate there'll be nothing left for
them to go ballistic about at the end of the month when the window closes.
For the second time this season we have a second coming of a JC as Joe Cole
makes his second Hammers' debut in the FA Cup 3rd round tie against Man Utd.
Another cracking match sees us go 1-0 down to a Cleverley effort from close
range. We then take the lead from two virtually identical goals from
JC(Collins) both of which are headed conversions of crosses from JC(Cole).
We hold on to the lead until the dying minutes when Van Persie converts a
long ball (irony alert) from Giggs to take the match to a replay. As usual
Ferguson shows his contempt and arrogance for everything outside Salford by
failing to appear for the standard post-match press conference. His two-bob
club further show their complete lack of class by charging us double for the
replay, having gleefully begged for and accepted cut-price tickets for their
fans for the original match. What a nice club with classy supporters. Not.
The mighty (yeah, right) Liverpool struggle to get past Mansfield in the
cup, until Suarez adds a deliberately handled goal to racism and diving in
his list of crimes against football. Still when you're a struggling two-bob
club I suppose you need all the help you can get to get past teams like
Mansfield.
Sam Allardyce – or possibly charities favoured by him – becomes a wee bit
richer following an apology from Blackburn Rovers over comments made by then
manager Steve Kean in a bar during a pre-season tour. The full apology
reads:
"During the summer of 2011, Mr Steve Kean was this Club's manager and
accompanied the players of Blackburn Rovers on a pre-season tour of the Far
East. Whilst in Hong Kong, Mr Kean was in a bar and falsely alleged that Sam
Allardyce, our previous manager, was sacked by us because he was a crook.
This is completely false and we apologise to Mr Allardyce for the
embarrassment and distress caused to him by Mr Kean."
The apology and settlement are the latest setbacks in a complete nightmare
of a season for Blackburn. Having suffered relegation – the existence of
which apparently came as a surprise to the owners - they manage to get
through no fewer than four managers in the season. The aforementioned Kean
goes in September 2012 (or "forced to resign" as Kean amusingly put it) at a
time when the club is sitting in third place in the Championship. Henning
Berg arrives and lasts until December 2012. Michael Appleton's reign lasts a
mere 67 days but still only manages to be the second shortest reign in the
club's history (Berg having only lasted 57 days). Current incumbent is Gary
Bowyer – though admittedly I haven't been online much this morning and
there's every possibility that they've gone through another four or five
since I started this paragraph.
As well as getting a chunk of compo from his former club, Sam is also linked
with a potential double swoop on Ewood with left back Martin Olsson and
'keeper Paul Robinson both touted for a move to the Boleyn. Our staff writer
earns himself another kicking with the headline "Here's To You Mr Robinson".
In the event neither deal goes through – Rovers appear to reject our bid for
Olsson and, whilst talks with Robinson get much further, the club eventually
decides that the deal isn't right.
With us beginning to be thankful that we're not owned by a bunch of know
nothing chicken farmers we get a bit of a shock as it's announced that David
Gold is in hospital with pneumonia. Thankfully the septuagenarian
co-Chairman makes a full recovery.
Our away form continues to fail to impress as we contrive to lose 3-0 up at
Sunderland. Worse still James Collins tears a calf muscle exposing the lack
of depth within the squad, though the quiet return of Mo Diame to the bench
is welcome (as long as none of the clubs interested in him notices).
We travel up to Old Trafford for the Cup replay where, as usual, the home
side are able to count on more than a little assistance from the match
officials. This time it is unfit chubber Phil Dowd who, faced with identical
penalty appeals, gives one to the home side and denies one to the away side.
Rooney blazes his effort high into the stands. We'd probably have scored
ours. Sam is hauled up before the FA for pointing out that such decisions
are a regular occurrence at Old Trafford as the authorities' contempt for
supporters is reinforced once more. We deserve more than the 1-0 reverse
that we get.
We return to league action at home to QPR where the visitors take the lead
with virtually their only attack of the game, the goal coming through
debutant Loic Remy. Joe Cole equalises with 20 left but despite battering at
the door we fail to covert the point into three. In what is possibly a
unique experience in my lifetime I find myself using the words "Redknapp"
and "honest" in the same sentence as the Rangers boss admits that his side
were fortunate to escape with a point, However, in his post-match press
conference he admits to having had talks with Joe Cole several weeks before
West Ham got involved with a deal. That would be about the time you were
denying speaking to him then Harry – you know, that time when when you
accused the journalist of trying to get you into trouble? Normal service
resumed then.
Southampton sack Nigel Adkins and replace him with Mauricio Pochinetto.
Adkins eventually ends up at Reading – an unlikeable club finally getting
the manager it deserves.
Alou Diarra finds himself in hot water following comments made to French
football magazine L'Equipe. Having arrived on a three year deal then got
injured he's found it difficult to break into the team, a fact that he moans
about to the magazine in abundance.
The postponed trip to the Library finally takes place and we're on the wrong
end of a 5-1 defeat. Collison is on target for us in a match marred by a
head injury to Dan Potts which leaves the youngster with concussion, putting
one in mind of the old quote attributed to John Lambie: "he doesn't know who
he is? Tell him he's Pele and send him back on". Modern medical opinion
being what it is our medical team opt to send him to hospital instead where
the player is treated for concussion.
History is made and the world of football broadcasting is rocked to its feet
as kumb radio is launched. Despite opening with yours truly as a guest, the
podcast survives and goes on to become a regular event in its first season.
Kudos to producer/presenters Chris Scull (he has a BAFTA you know) and James
Longman.
The awayday woes continue as we go down 3-1 at Craven Cottage to an ordinary
Fulham side. Nolan nets our consolation. There are mutterings that our away
form could drag us into the relegation scrap, though the poor, and highly
amusing form of Reading and QPR continues to give us a bit of comfort in
that regard. Still an away win or two wouldn't go amiss…
Transfer deadline day arrives and in comes defensive cover in the form of
Emanual Pogatetz, on loan from Wolfsburg. Alou Diarra is on his bike
(presumably wearing one of those stripey shirts and a beret and carrying a
string of onions) having cheesed off the manager with his attitude. A loan
deal to Rennes is his "reward".
A couple of youngsters (Rinor Nushi and Vit Nemrava) apart that's it as far
as we're concerned for the window.
There is high comedy at Loftus Road. QPR table a bid for West Brom winger
Peter Odemwinge. West Brom reject the bid for the player. Odemwinge gets to
hear about the QPR bid, though obviously this news cannot possibly have been
relayed to him by anyone from QPR, Harry Redknapp for example, as that would
have constituted an illegal approach. Odemwinge somehow gets the impression
that everything will be sorted out between the clubs in the time that it
takes him to drive from the Midlands to West London, and an ambiguous
interview given to Sky (yes through a car window) could be interpreted as
implying that he's spoken to someone at Shepherd's Bush. However, QPR,
realising that they do not have permission to talk to the player, turn off
all the office lights and hide under the furniture pretending to be out when
Odemwinge knocks at the door. Odemwinge returns to Smethwick with his tail
between his legs and picks up over £150,000 in fines for his trouble as the
country looks on in amazement. And laughs.
We end the month in 13th place with 27 points from 24 games. Still not in a
relegation battle but not quite far enough away from one for us to be
totally happy. Another 13 points would be most welcome then. As soon as
possible please………
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Andy Carroll passes West Ham medical ahead of Liverpool exit
Last Updated: June 18, 2013 10:59pm
SSN
Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has passed his medical with West Ham ahead of
his proposed £15million move to Upton Park. The England international spent
last season on loan with the Hammers, where he scored seven goals in 24
games. After revealing earlier in the day that the forward was due to
undergo a medical on Wednesday, Hammers chairman David Gold wrote on his
social media account: "We managed to bring Andy's medical forward to this
evening and I am delighted to inform you that he has passed with flying
colours."
Carroll had been suffering from a heel problem which forced him to miss the
recent England friendlies with Republic of Ireland and Brazil, and there
were fears he could be out of action for up to four months. But West Ham
boss Sam Allardyce revealed at the weekend a deal to bring the player to
east London on a permanent contract was close. And the 24-year-old is
expected to secure a six-year contract, with Liverpool receiving around £15m
for the player. Allardyce had previously expressed concerns about the size
of the financial package involved in bringing in Carroll permanently.
However, he confirmed earlier this month that finalising a move for the
striker is his priority before turning his attention to other transfer
targets. "Our first priority is signing Andy Carroll, if we can," said
Allardyce. "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."
West Ham have already agreed deals to sign Spanish goalkeeper Adrian and
Romania captain Razvan Rat on free transfers.
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Bordeaux's Lamine Sane says it is his 'dream' to play in England
Last Updated: June 18, 2013 6:27pm
SSN
Bordeaux defender Lamine Sane says that it is his 'dream' to play in the
Premier League and test himself against some of the best players in the
world. Sane has been linked with a move to West Ham United, Everton and
Southampton and he hopes a move to England is not that far away. "I am a big
fan of the English league, everyone knows that," Sane told Sky Sports. "It
is a dream to play in England and I want to go there and test myself to the
limit against the likes of Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov
and Fernando Torres."
The Senegal international is reported to have been watched most recently by
West Ham with current club Bordeaux thought to be holding out for a big fee.
Sane added: "I am being linked with some teams but I think there is a
serious one who watched me several times this season. "I hope they conclude
a deal with Bordeaux and that I can play in England."
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Hammers move fast to land Carroll
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: 18th June 2013
WEST HAM have smashed their transfer record to capture Andy Carroll in a
deal worth £55million. Panicking Hammers rushed forward plans to sign the
Liverpool striker to head off a late challenge from his home-town club
Newcastle. Carroll landed at Heathrow from a holiday in Las Vegas at 11am
yesterday and was whisked away to a private hospital in Essex where he
passed a medical. Joint chairman David Gold tweeted: "We managed to bring
Andy's medical forward and I'm delighted he passed with flying colours."
Carroll has agreed a six-year deal with an option for a seventh, worth
£100,000 a week which could see him pocket a staggering £36m. West Ham have
also agreed to pay Liverpool a club-record £16m plus £3m in add-ons. The
Hammers moved fast after concerns that Newcastle director of football Joe
Kinnear was about to hijack the deal. Kinnear stated signing a striker was a
priority and West Ham were aware Carroll was keen to head back to his old
club. The England ace, 24, spent last season on loan at Upton Park but
suffered a heel injury towards the end of the campaign. He had initially
been due to have his medical later this week. But a Hammers insider said:
"The comments from Joe worried us. "Andy had been keen on staying at
Liverpool or going to a top-five club or home to Newcastle, where he has two
kids. So we had to move fast."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool's Andy Carroll flies home from America to complete permanent West
Ham transfer
18 Jun 2013 22:31
The Mirror
Andy Carroll has already texted West Ham players to say that he will be
rejoining them at Upton Park next season. The England striker, a hit on loan
from Liverpool in the last campaign, had a medical on Tuesday night with a
view to completing a £15.5m move - a fee which could rise to £17.5m with
add-ons - to the Hammers on a six-year contract. Co-owner David Gold
tweeted: "We managed to bring Andy's medical forward to this evening and I
am delighted to inform you that he has passed with flying colours." Carroll
could yet be joined at the east Londoners by Chelsea hitman Romelu Lukaku to
form a mouthwatering strike-force. We revealed last month that Irons manager
Sam Allardyce is desperate to pair the two frontmen in a devastating,
new-look attack next season. It has been claimed that new manager Jose
Mourinho will keep Lukaku - who hit 17 goals on loan at West Brom last
season - at Stamford Bridge, but West Ham are refusing to give up. Lukaku's
Blues team-mate, and former Hammer, Demba Ba is also in their sights as a
back-up option. Carroll flew back from holiday in America for his medical
and to seal his £85,000-a-week transfer. He texted pals on Tuesday, saying:
"Looks like you've got me for another six years!"
Carroll's signing is set to draw a line under a nervy 48 hours for the
Hammers, who feared earlier this week that the 24-year-old's former club
Newcastle were ready to hijack the deal and bring him home to Tyneside.
While new Toon director of football Joe Kinnear was being ridiculed over a
radio interview he gave on Monday night, the West Ham board were taking very
seriously claims that the Magpies could look to back the 66-year-old by
re-signing Carroll. They breathed a sigh of relief on Monday afternoon when
it became clear that Newcastle were still unwilling to match the offer from
east London. Carroll's fee will break West Ham's transfer record - set when
they bought Wolves winger Matt Jarvis for £11m last year. It also represents
a huge loss for Liverpool, who paid Newcastle £35m for him in January 2011.
The Reds are moving on from the failed Carroll experiment - he scored only
six league goals for them - and are expected to put his transfer fee towards
buying Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas and Shakhtar Donetsk's goal-scoring
midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan. While Carroll - who scored seven Premier
League goals for West Ham last season - will officially become a Hammers
player, he is not expected to play for them until September as he is still
recovering from a heel injury. Carroll has failed in his bid to convince
Hammers to pay him £100,000-a-week. We revealed two weeks ago that the
England frontman had launched an audacious bid to exploit the London club's
desperation to land him. West Ham have dug their heels in, maintaining they
simply cannot afford such a high wage.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Elliot Lee has targeted further progress after making his first team bow
last season
18.06.2013
Academy striker Elliot Lee enjoyed a productive 2012/13 campaign, netting 14
goals for the Club's Under-18 and Under-21 sides, as well as making his
first team debut. The 18-year-old's rapid progress was recognised at the
Hammers' end of season awards dinner, when he collected the prestigious
Academy Player of the Year prize. It rounded off a fine season for the
youngster, whose father Rob and brother Oliver also played for the Hammers,
and he is keen to continue along the same upward curve over the coming
years. "I'm delighted with the award, I couldn't be happier," he beamed. "It
caps off a great season, so to pick up the award is brilliant. "I love
scoring goals - I've ended up as the top goalscorer for the Under-21s so
that's great, and winning any award gives you confidence. "I just want to
push on from here and see what I can do in pre-season to impress the first
team. "My mate Moncs [George Moncur] won the Young Hammer of the Year so
hopefully I can take that one off him next year!"
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Liverpool striker Andy Carroll passes West Ham medical
BBC.co.uk
Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has passed his medical at West Ham prior to a
£15m move. The 24-year-old cost Liverpool £35m and has been on loan at West
Ham since 2012, scoring seven times in 24 games. The transfer fee was agreed
in May, but the England international was unsure about a move before a World
Cup year.
Andy Carroll career stats
Newcastle (2006-11): 91 games, 33 goals
Preston (loan Aug 2007-08): 12 games, 1 goal
Liverpool (2011-present): 57 games, 11 goals
West Ham (loan 2012-13): 24 games, 7 goals
England (2010-present): 9 games, 2 goals
"We managed to bring Andy's medical forward and I am delighted to inform you
that he has passed with flying colours," chairman David Gold tweeted.
The examination was expected to be a thorough one, because of the fee
involved and the player's record of injury problems. The former Newcastle
player fell awkwardly in the Hammers' final game of the season, picking up a
heel injury that forced him out of England's two post-season friendlies
against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil. That followed previous problems
with his hamstring and knee, which disrupted much of the first half of his
campaign at Upton Park. Carroll was signed by Kenny Dalglish for Liverpool
on transfer deadline day in January 2011, for what remains a record fee for
a British player. He had impressed by scoring 31 times for his boyhood club
Newcastle United in 81 appearances, but his time at Anfield was short-lived.
Coupled with the arrival of Brendan Rodgers and a new style of play,
Carroll's return of just six goals in 44 league outings for Liverpool saw
him loaned to West Ham in late August 2012.
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Roll out the Carroll
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 18th June 2013
By: Staff Writer
Andy Carroll is set to be confirmed as West Ham United's record signing
after he successfully completed a medical earlier this evening. The
24-year-old striker will cost the Hammers £15.5million plus a further
£2million in add-ons - smashing the club record of £10.75million paid to
Wolves last summer for Matt Jarvis.
The news was confirmed earlier this evening by co-chairman David Gold, who
had Tweeted earlier in the day to reveal that Carroll's medical would take
place on Wednesday morning. However posting an update shortly after 9pm
tonight, Gold said: "We managed to bring Andy's medical forward to this
evening and I am delighted to inform you that he has passed with flying
colours." The capture of the former Liverpool star represents a huge coup
for West Ham. Just two-and-a-half years ago Newcastle sold him to the
Merseyside club for what remains a British record transfer fee of
£35million. And although his salary is expected to cost West Ham somewhere
in the region of £4.5million per year - or £27million over the course of his
six-year contract - most supporters appear to agree that his capture is a
real signal of intent from the club.
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Gold backs Jack
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 18th June 2013
By: Staff Writer
David Gold has been speaking about the club's policy regarding transfer news
- and explaining why the job of announcing new signings has been left to his
partner's son of late. Jack Sullivan - the teenage son of Gold's co-owner
David Sullivan - has become something of an Twitter sensation in recent
months since he began to leak the club's breaking transfer news via the
social network. Earlier today he was the first to reveal that Andy Carroll
had agreed terms with the club on a six-year deal and was undergoing a
medical - making the club's own website, which had previously been charged
with making such announcements (as is customary with other professional
clubs) essentially redundant. The issue was raised tonight during a Q&A
session following a speech Gold had given as part of Newham Council's 'Ideas
Olympiad' at Stratford Circus. Asked by a member of the audience how he felt
about young Jack breaking West Ham transfer news via Twitter, Gold - after a
long pause - replied: "He's 13 years of age and he's in kind of a privileged
situation. "He hears things. His father wouldn't say to him "look, this is
what's happened, go and Tweet it" - he wouldn't do that. Jack happened to be
around the house today, he's picked up something and he can't resist it.
"When he goes to school tomorrow, he'll be like a God; he'll swan around
like the King. So give him some slack, he's a good kid and I like him very
much - although I could whack him when he does this! "What you will hear in
due course are the actual facts, when the [Carroll] deal is done. We're
close, but Jack doesn't care - he'll still be a star when he goes to school
tomorrow and that's the end of the matter. "But he is a good kid."
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That Was The Season That Was 2012/13 - Part Three
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 18th June 2013
By: Gordon Thrower
Christmas - seems so long ago doesn't it? The latest in Gordon Thrower's
review of the 2012/13 season covers November 2012-January 2013. Something
for you to have a look at before you finally get round to taking that awful
pullover your aunt bought you down to the charity shop...
November
Our first match of the month finishes in a 0-0 draw at home to reigning
champions Man City. In fact we have a perfectly good goal notched off by a
linesman as Nolan's fine volley appears to have put us ahead. One of a
number of dubious decisions we endure against the so-called big 4 in the
season.
The skipper is on target the following week as we pick up another away win,
this time up at Newcastle where Nolan is handily placed to divert Joey
O'Brien's wayward effort to give us a 1-0 win that sends us to 6th place for
a bit. Sky diver Felix Baumgartner turns down an invite to the match on the
grounds that the away section at St James Park is far too high for comfort.
"You're not getting me up there" he would have said, we expect, had we
really asked him.
Over the water, alleged Hammer Barack Obama is re-elected as President of
the USA. Barry Hearn considers a judicial review on the grounds that the
traditional inauguration ceremony due to take place in January might affect
Leyton Orient's gate if they happen to be home that weekend.
With a little over a month to go before the transfer window re-opens it
becomes public knowledge that Mo Diame has a release clause in his contract
allowing him to speak to any club willing to pay an alleged £5m. I can't
imagine where the papers got that one from. Why, it's almost as if his agent
had released the news to engineer a money-making move or a new contract or
something.
In legal news three men are sent for trial on fraud charges over the Olympic
Stadium decision, with personal records belonging to Karren Brady and others
having mysteriously ended up in their possession. The accused were employed
by accountancy firm PKF who had been engaged by Spurs as part of the whole
process. Spurs are predictably keen to distance themselves from the whole
affair claiming "We're as shocked as you are. There's no way that this
should have been traceable back to us. Er, this isn't being recorded is it?"
Moe legal news as the Met's finest announce that they are dropping all
enquiries into Chelsea's allegations against Mark Clattenburg. The phrase "I
don't give a monkey's" is supposedly at the centre of all the fuss. Chelsea
chairman Bruce Buck ties himself in all sorts of logical knots trying to
justify the club's defence of John Terry whilst apparently slinging round
official complaints at referees for the same offence. One of the poorer
referees in an already poor bunch, Clattenburg gets away with murder for the
rest of the season on the wave of sympathy gained from the whole affair.
Stoke are the next visitors to the Boleyn and they escape with a point. Joey
O'Brien is the man on target three minutes into the second half equalising
an early Walters effort. As usual, Stoke's goal owes a hellofalot to their
illegal blocking at corners which referees love to ignore. Stoke boss Pulis
continues to boast that he coaches his team to break the laws of the game.
Some might think that such an admission merits a disrepute charge. We could
not possibly comment.
The national side pops over to Sweden to celebrate the Swedish FA's
centenary. Ibrahimovic scores on 20 minutes to give the hosts the lead.
Welbeck and Caulker actually put us 2-1 up at one stage but, ever keen to
behave ourselves as guests at the party, we remember our places. Ibrahimovic
nets a further three, the last of which is a remarkable 30 yard overhead
kick, to give Sweden victory.
Back home Andy Carroll finally nets his first for the club at Spurs but
sadly this turns out to be a late consolation as the home side provides one
of the shocks of the season by winning 3-1. Defoe (2) and Bale are
predictably on the scoresheet for the home side. The match is marred by some
inappropriate chanting that, equally predictably, is pounced on by some
sections of the press as an indication that civilisation as we know it is
about to collapse. The FA announce one of their thorough investigations
which, seven months later, concludes that they will take no further action
against the club.
We go up to Old Trafford and are on the back foot after 31 seconds as Van
Persie opens the scoring. However the home side fail to add to their tally
and are seen desperately time-wasting in the closing stages as they hang on
for a 1-0 win.
Only a few weeks after having gained his chairman's full backing via the
medium of twitter, Mark Hughes is sacked by QPR. "He was utterly utterly the
right man for the job up to a few moments ago when we sacked him" tweets
Tony Fernandes. Probably. The thought that we might have dodged a bullet,
ownership-wise, crosses our minds as Fernandes announces that "the new
utterly utterly right man for the job is Harry Redknapp". "Or his dog Rosie.
I think that's where his pay is going".
Chelsea haven't won a trophy for a few weeks, a state of affairs that
Abrahamovic tries to rectify by sacking Roberto Di Matteo just a few months
into a two-year deal. Accident and emergency rooms in hospitals are on alert
as thousands are admitted with painful side-strains from laughing too much.
Some A&E units even have to close their doors as the follow-up announcement
that Rafa Benitez has been appointed "Interim" manager to replace Di Matteo
hits the airwaves.
In the wake of "Clattenburggate" PGMO announces that the conversations
between their officials are, henceforth, to be recorded to protect their
employees from accusations such as those made by Chelsea. Knowing PGMO as we
do we look forward to the mysterious wiping of tapes whenever one of their
number is found to be out of order. Just about every week then.
As November closes we find ourselves in 10th place with 19 points from 14
matches. Happy with that – only 21 points from that mythical safety point………
December
The run of good month-opening results continues with a cracker as we turn
over Chelsea who arrive with their with their interim manager and their
equally interim supporters at the Boleyn to see us win 3-1. A Mata goal
gives the visitors an interim, sorry, half-time lead. However the
introduction of a clearly up for it Diame in the second half changes things
completely. Cole, Diame himself and a late one from Maiga gives us all three
points as A&E departments implement their "major incident" plans in advance
of a whole nation laughing at Chelsea.
The good news is tempered by the announcement that former academy graduate
Mitchell Cole has passed away at the shockingly young age of 27. Whilst
still with West Ham, Cole had been diagnosed with a heart condition similar
to that which had affected Fabrice Muamba. Despite the condition Cole had
enjoyed a successful career at non-league level before retiring in 2011.
Up in scouseland Brendan Rodgers tries to fit in with the legendary local
sense of humour by announcing that his side will be challenging for the
so-called Champions League places come the end of the season. Honest he
really did say that.
Whilst we're on the subject of daft statements David Ginola claims that
Gareth Bale isn't a diver. Sad to see the former Newcastle winger's brain
start to go at such a young age.
The long-awaited announcement regarding the Olympic stadium is finally made.
The announcement seems to consist of an announcement that there will be an
announcement. Sometime. Soon. Honest. To nobody's surprise Barry Hearn
starts making noises about taking things further when the real announcement
finally comes.
The West Ham players' Christmas do takes place in Dublin and this year's
so-called scandal occurs when a photographer claims to have been flattened
by Andy Carroll, The club makes a statement denying that Carroll had hit
snapper though they admitted that the budding David Bailey had been
"restrained" by the club's security team to protect the injured striker.
Talking of Irish things, we sign a kid called Sean Maguire from Waterford.
It's a bit of a worry for a while as one of my female chums who is an expert
on these things suggests that the player has already been told his career is
over by the medics after a training accident while he was an apprentice at
Walford Town. I calmly explain to her the difference between EastEnders and
real life and ask her to do the washing up before making me a cup of tea. I
spend the next hour removing broken crockery from my hair.
Max Clifford, who was responsible for the horrible image of David Mellor in
a Chelsea kit in our minds, is arrested as part of Operation Yewtree. It
occurs to us that he could do with a hand - if only he knew somebody who
could handle the publicity fallout for him.
Back on the pitch we play Liverpool off the park for much of the match. A
spectacular Glen Johnson effort – what a waste – puts the visitors 1-0
against the run of play before a Gerrard og and a Noble penalty give us the
lead. The turning point is the departure of Mo Diame, who is running the
match, with a torn hamstring. The visitors, whose main tactic seems to be
hoofing the ball for the corners in a rugby style move at every opportunity,
end up taking away an undeserved three points in a 3-2 win, Joe Cole's
uncelebrated effort and a freak own goal from Collins being the difference
between the sides.
The news leaks out that Assistant Manager Wally Downes has left the club "by
mutual consent". I say "leaks", "oozes slowly" would probably be a better
description of the non-announcement. Speculation that the parting of the
ways has resulted from incidents during the Dublin trip abound, with no
confirmation from any source available to confirm or deny the position. The
club's only comment is to the effect that the parting of the ways was
"amicable". Meanwhile Downes himself, normally so voluble on twitter, goes
all quiet. A bit of a mystery then.
In a strange case of "déjà vu" Yossi Benayoun is sent back to Chelsea having
spent (predictably) most of his loan spell in the treatment room with a
series of mystery injuries. A 0-0 draw at the Hawthorns follows, a match
that is as nondescript as the scoreline suggests. Meanwhile a strike by tube
workers results in the announcement that the Boxing Day visit to Arsenal's
library is to be postponed.
Another club official to depart is Finance Director Nick Igoe who had
somehow juggled the finances during one of the most turbulent periods of the
club's history. Not sure what he's up to next but, given the nature of the
job required during his tenure, he'd probably be forgiven for asking for a
six-month stay in The Priory as part of his severance package.
The pre-Christmas visit of Everton is ruined by the antics of so-called
professional referee Anthony Taylor. Carlton Cole gives us the lead before
receiving a ludicrous red card, a decision that turns the game. Everton win
2-1 with goals from Anichebe and Piennar, Taylor's second major brainstorm
in dismissing Everton's Gibson for an identical and equally innocuous
challenge occurring too late to have any effect on the match. Both red cards
are later rescinded though Taylor escapes any sort of punishment, the tapes
of the fourth official shouting "are you SURE about that Anthony?" having
presumably been mysteriously wiped.
There's amusement at a typical Harry Redknapp press conference in which a
question that has all the hallmarks of being planted by one of twitchy's
press mates is asked about the possibility of Joe Cole going to QPR. Our old
boss responds in his usual manner "great player…I gave him his debut you
know…who wouldn't be interested etc ..etc" So far so standard until a journo
forgets himself and asks the sixty-four thousand dollar question: "have you
spoken to Joe?" The question flusters Redknapp "No. Of course not. He's
under contract to Liverpool . I'd need permission. Are you trying to get me
into trouble?" That'll be a "Yes" then Harry.
The year ends in traditional style as muppet club Reading score with
virtually their only attack of the match at the Wiggydome. West Ham dominate
the rest of the match but a dreadful miss from Vaz Te ends all hope of a
point.
The result leaves us at the end of the year in 12th spot with 23 points from
19 matches. Not actually in the scrap for relegation but maybe a little bit
too close to it for total comfort. Still there's a fair way to go yet…….
January 2013
Happy New Year!
34,000+ hungover souls drag their wearies over to the Boleyn (quiet night in
for me actually!) where Norwich are the visitors. First half goals from
Noble (pen) and O'Brien are enough to give us all three points despite a
late Martin consolation. The win sends us up to 11th place and eases the
slight concerns raised at the end of the last bit of this review.
Of course January means that the transfer window has re-opened. The main
concern is the sharks that appear to be circling around the release clause
in Diame's contract. Diame, of course, is out of action after doing his
hamstring in in the Liverpool match. Journalists find the player difficult
to get hold of with the club probably having sent him to the room next to
Nick Igoe's at the Priory to recover somehow mislaying the key in the hope
that he won't pop up on someone else's radar.
Talking of Liverpool, strong rumours start to appear that we are to rescue
Joe Cole from his nightmare spell on Merseyside. The rumours are true and
the player signs for the club where he always did his best work.
Also arriving on loan to the end of the season is Arsenal forward Marouane
Chamakh. Another loan forward on the way in is Brazilian Wellington Paulista
who joins from Cruzeiro until the end of the season with a view to a
permanent deal. Meanwhile Sky Sports are aghast. Three players in at the
Boleyn and it's only 5th January – at this rate there'll be nothing left for
them to go ballistic about at the end of the month when the window closes.
For the second time this season we have a second coming of a JC as Joe Cole
makes his second Hammers' debut in the FA Cup 3rd round tie against Man Utd.
Another cracking match sees us go 1-0 down to a Cleverley effort from close
range. We then take the lead from two virtually identical goals from
JC(Collins) both of which are headed conversions of crosses from JC(Cole).
We hold on to the lead until the dying minutes when Van Persie converts a
long ball (irony alert) from Giggs to take the match to a replay. As usual
Ferguson shows his contempt and arrogance for everything outside Salford by
failing to appear for the standard post-match press conference. His two-bob
club further show their complete lack of class by charging us double for the
replay, having gleefully begged for and accepted cut-price tickets for their
fans for the original match. What a nice club with classy supporters. Not.
The mighty (yeah, right) Liverpool struggle to get past Mansfield in the
cup, until Suarez adds a deliberately handled goal to racism and diving in
his list of crimes against football. Still when you're a struggling two-bob
club I suppose you need all the help you can get to get past teams like
Mansfield.
Sam Allardyce – or possibly charities favoured by him – becomes a wee bit
richer following an apology from Blackburn Rovers over comments made by then
manager Steve Kean in a bar during a pre-season tour. The full apology
reads:
"During the summer of 2011, Mr Steve Kean was this Club's manager and
accompanied the players of Blackburn Rovers on a pre-season tour of the Far
East. Whilst in Hong Kong, Mr Kean was in a bar and falsely alleged that Sam
Allardyce, our previous manager, was sacked by us because he was a crook.
This is completely false and we apologise to Mr Allardyce for the
embarrassment and distress caused to him by Mr Kean."
The apology and settlement are the latest setbacks in a complete nightmare
of a season for Blackburn. Having suffered relegation – the existence of
which apparently came as a surprise to the owners - they manage to get
through no fewer than four managers in the season. The aforementioned Kean
goes in September 2012 (or "forced to resign" as Kean amusingly put it) at a
time when the club is sitting in third place in the Championship. Henning
Berg arrives and lasts until December 2012. Michael Appleton's reign lasts a
mere 67 days but still only manages to be the second shortest reign in the
club's history (Berg having only lasted 57 days). Current incumbent is Gary
Bowyer – though admittedly I haven't been online much this morning and
there's every possibility that they've gone through another four or five
since I started this paragraph.
As well as getting a chunk of compo from his former club, Sam is also linked
with a potential double swoop on Ewood with left back Martin Olsson and
'keeper Paul Robinson both touted for a move to the Boleyn. Our staff writer
earns himself another kicking with the headline "Here's To You Mr Robinson".
In the event neither deal goes through – Rovers appear to reject our bid for
Olsson and, whilst talks with Robinson get much further, the club eventually
decides that the deal isn't right.
With us beginning to be thankful that we're not owned by a bunch of know
nothing chicken farmers we get a bit of a shock as it's announced that David
Gold is in hospital with pneumonia. Thankfully the septuagenarian
co-Chairman makes a full recovery.
Our away form continues to fail to impress as we contrive to lose 3-0 up at
Sunderland. Worse still James Collins tears a calf muscle exposing the lack
of depth within the squad, though the quiet return of Mo Diame to the bench
is welcome (as long as none of the clubs interested in him notices).
We travel up to Old Trafford for the Cup replay where, as usual, the home
side are able to count on more than a little assistance from the match
officials. This time it is unfit chubber Phil Dowd who, faced with identical
penalty appeals, gives one to the home side and denies one to the away side.
Rooney blazes his effort high into the stands. We'd probably have scored
ours. Sam is hauled up before the FA for pointing out that such decisions
are a regular occurrence at Old Trafford as the authorities' contempt for
supporters is reinforced once more. We deserve more than the 1-0 reverse
that we get.
We return to league action at home to QPR where the visitors take the lead
with virtually their only attack of the game, the goal coming through
debutant Loic Remy. Joe Cole equalises with 20 left but despite battering at
the door we fail to covert the point into three. In what is possibly a
unique experience in my lifetime I find myself using the words "Redknapp"
and "honest" in the same sentence as the Rangers boss admits that his side
were fortunate to escape with a point, However, in his post-match press
conference he admits to having had talks with Joe Cole several weeks before
West Ham got involved with a deal. That would be about the time you were
denying speaking to him then Harry – you know, that time when when you
accused the journalist of trying to get you into trouble? Normal service
resumed then.
Southampton sack Nigel Adkins and replace him with Mauricio Pochinetto.
Adkins eventually ends up at Reading – an unlikeable club finally getting
the manager it deserves.
Alou Diarra finds himself in hot water following comments made to French
football magazine L'Equipe. Having arrived on a three year deal then got
injured he's found it difficult to break into the team, a fact that he moans
about to the magazine in abundance.
The postponed trip to the Library finally takes place and we're on the wrong
end of a 5-1 defeat. Collison is on target for us in a match marred by a
head injury to Dan Potts which leaves the youngster with concussion, putting
one in mind of the old quote attributed to John Lambie: "he doesn't know who
he is? Tell him he's Pele and send him back on". Modern medical opinion
being what it is our medical team opt to send him to hospital instead where
the player is treated for concussion.
History is made and the world of football broadcasting is rocked to its feet
as kumb radio is launched. Despite opening with yours truly as a guest, the
podcast survives and goes on to become a regular event in its first season.
Kudos to producer/presenters Chris Scull (he has a BAFTA you know) and James
Longman.
The awayday woes continue as we go down 3-1 at Craven Cottage to an ordinary
Fulham side. Nolan nets our consolation. There are mutterings that our away
form could drag us into the relegation scrap, though the poor, and highly
amusing form of Reading and QPR continues to give us a bit of comfort in
that regard. Still an away win or two wouldn't go amiss…
Transfer deadline day arrives and in comes defensive cover in the form of
Emanual Pogatetz, on loan from Wolfsburg. Alou Diarra is on his bike
(presumably wearing one of those stripey shirts and a beret and carrying a
string of onions) having cheesed off the manager with his attitude. A loan
deal to Rennes is his "reward".
A couple of youngsters (Rinor Nushi and Vit Nemrava) apart that's it as far
as we're concerned for the window.
There is high comedy at Loftus Road. QPR table a bid for West Brom winger
Peter Odemwinge. West Brom reject the bid for the player. Odemwinge gets to
hear about the QPR bid, though obviously this news cannot possibly have been
relayed to him by anyone from QPR, Harry Redknapp for example, as that would
have constituted an illegal approach. Odemwinge somehow gets the impression
that everything will be sorted out between the clubs in the time that it
takes him to drive from the Midlands to West London, and an ambiguous
interview given to Sky (yes through a car window) could be interpreted as
implying that he's spoken to someone at Shepherd's Bush. However, QPR,
realising that they do not have permission to talk to the player, turn off
all the office lights and hide under the furniture pretending to be out when
Odemwinge knocks at the door. Odemwinge returns to Smethwick with his tail
between his legs and picks up over £150,000 in fines for his trouble as the
country looks on in amazement. And laughs.
We end the month in 13th place with 27 points from 24 games. Still not in a
relegation battle but not quite far enough away from one for us to be
totally happy. Another 13 points would be most welcome then. As soon as
possible please………
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll passes West Ham medical ahead of Liverpool exit
Last Updated: June 18, 2013 10:59pm
SSN
Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has passed his medical with West Ham ahead of
his proposed £15million move to Upton Park. The England international spent
last season on loan with the Hammers, where he scored seven goals in 24
games. After revealing earlier in the day that the forward was due to
undergo a medical on Wednesday, Hammers chairman David Gold wrote on his
social media account: "We managed to bring Andy's medical forward to this
evening and I am delighted to inform you that he has passed with flying
colours."
Carroll had been suffering from a heel problem which forced him to miss the
recent England friendlies with Republic of Ireland and Brazil, and there
were fears he could be out of action for up to four months. But West Ham
boss Sam Allardyce revealed at the weekend a deal to bring the player to
east London on a permanent contract was close. And the 24-year-old is
expected to secure a six-year contract, with Liverpool receiving around £15m
for the player. Allardyce had previously expressed concerns about the size
of the financial package involved in bringing in Carroll permanently.
However, he confirmed earlier this month that finalising a move for the
striker is his priority before turning his attention to other transfer
targets. "Our first priority is signing Andy Carroll, if we can," said
Allardyce. "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."
West Ham have already agreed deals to sign Spanish goalkeeper Adrian and
Romania captain Razvan Rat on free transfers.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bordeaux's Lamine Sane says it is his 'dream' to play in England
Last Updated: June 18, 2013 6:27pm
SSN
Bordeaux defender Lamine Sane says that it is his 'dream' to play in the
Premier League and test himself against some of the best players in the
world. Sane has been linked with a move to West Ham United, Everton and
Southampton and he hopes a move to England is not that far away. "I am a big
fan of the English league, everyone knows that," Sane told Sky Sports. "It
is a dream to play in England and I want to go there and test myself to the
limit against the likes of Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov
and Fernando Torres."
The Senegal international is reported to have been watched most recently by
West Ham with current club Bordeaux thought to be holding out for a big fee.
Sane added: "I am being linked with some teams but I think there is a
serious one who watched me several times this season. "I hope they conclude
a deal with Bordeaux and that I can play in England."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers move fast to land Carroll
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: 18th June 2013
WEST HAM have smashed their transfer record to capture Andy Carroll in a
deal worth £55million. Panicking Hammers rushed forward plans to sign the
Liverpool striker to head off a late challenge from his home-town club
Newcastle. Carroll landed at Heathrow from a holiday in Las Vegas at 11am
yesterday and was whisked away to a private hospital in Essex where he
passed a medical. Joint chairman David Gold tweeted: "We managed to bring
Andy's medical forward and I'm delighted he passed with flying colours."
Carroll has agreed a six-year deal with an option for a seventh, worth
£100,000 a week which could see him pocket a staggering £36m. West Ham have
also agreed to pay Liverpool a club-record £16m plus £3m in add-ons. The
Hammers moved fast after concerns that Newcastle director of football Joe
Kinnear was about to hijack the deal. Kinnear stated signing a striker was a
priority and West Ham were aware Carroll was keen to head back to his old
club. The England ace, 24, spent last season on loan at Upton Park but
suffered a heel injury towards the end of the campaign. He had initially
been due to have his medical later this week. But a Hammers insider said:
"The comments from Joe worried us. "Andy had been keen on staying at
Liverpool or going to a top-five club or home to Newcastle, where he has two
kids. So we had to move fast."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool's Andy Carroll flies home from America to complete permanent West
Ham transfer
18 Jun 2013 22:31
The Mirror
Andy Carroll has already texted West Ham players to say that he will be
rejoining them at Upton Park next season. The England striker, a hit on loan
from Liverpool in the last campaign, had a medical on Tuesday night with a
view to completing a £15.5m move - a fee which could rise to £17.5m with
add-ons - to the Hammers on a six-year contract. Co-owner David Gold
tweeted: "We managed to bring Andy's medical forward to this evening and I
am delighted to inform you that he has passed with flying colours." Carroll
could yet be joined at the east Londoners by Chelsea hitman Romelu Lukaku to
form a mouthwatering strike-force. We revealed last month that Irons manager
Sam Allardyce is desperate to pair the two frontmen in a devastating,
new-look attack next season. It has been claimed that new manager Jose
Mourinho will keep Lukaku - who hit 17 goals on loan at West Brom last
season - at Stamford Bridge, but West Ham are refusing to give up. Lukaku's
Blues team-mate, and former Hammer, Demba Ba is also in their sights as a
back-up option. Carroll flew back from holiday in America for his medical
and to seal his £85,000-a-week transfer. He texted pals on Tuesday, saying:
"Looks like you've got me for another six years!"
Carroll's signing is set to draw a line under a nervy 48 hours for the
Hammers, who feared earlier this week that the 24-year-old's former club
Newcastle were ready to hijack the deal and bring him home to Tyneside.
While new Toon director of football Joe Kinnear was being ridiculed over a
radio interview he gave on Monday night, the West Ham board were taking very
seriously claims that the Magpies could look to back the 66-year-old by
re-signing Carroll. They breathed a sigh of relief on Monday afternoon when
it became clear that Newcastle were still unwilling to match the offer from
east London. Carroll's fee will break West Ham's transfer record - set when
they bought Wolves winger Matt Jarvis for £11m last year. It also represents
a huge loss for Liverpool, who paid Newcastle £35m for him in January 2011.
The Reds are moving on from the failed Carroll experiment - he scored only
six league goals for them - and are expected to put his transfer fee towards
buying Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas and Shakhtar Donetsk's goal-scoring
midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan. While Carroll - who scored seven Premier
League goals for West Ham last season - will officially become a Hammers
player, he is not expected to play for them until September as he is still
recovering from a heel injury. Carroll has failed in his bid to convince
Hammers to pay him £100,000-a-week. We revealed two weeks ago that the
England frontman had launched an audacious bid to exploit the London club's
desperation to land him. West Ham have dug their heels in, maintaining they
simply cannot afford such a high wage.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, June 18
Daily WHUFC News - 18th June 2013
Potts plays part in warm-up victory
WHUFC.com
West Ham United defender Dan Potts featured as England U20s defeated Uruguay
17.06.2013
Dan Potts made a 45-minute appearance as England's Under-20 side warmed up
for the FIFA U20 World Cup with a 3-0 practice match win over Uruguay on
Sunday. Uruguay and England are both staying in the Turkish resort of
Antalya ahead of the tournament, which begins on Friday, so locked horns as
they fine-tuned their preparations. A goal in each half from Middlesbrough
duo Luke Williams and Adam Reach, plus a late third from Everton striker
Chris Long saw off Uruguay, who qualified by finishing third in this year's
South American Youth Championship. Potts played the second half as manager
Peter Taylor gave all 21 members of his squad a run-out. England's campaign
begins against Iraq on Sunday 23 June in Antalya, with group matches against
Chile and Egypt to follow.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fixtures out on Wednesday
WHUFC.com
Find out who we will be playing when first at whufc.com
17.06.2013
The countdown to the 2013/14 campaign begins in earnest on Wednesday morning
when the fixtures for the new season are released. West Ham will discover
their Barclays Premier League schedule for the new campaign at 9am on 19
June - and Hammers fans will be able to find out the news first on whufc.com
The Barclays Premier League campaign is set to get underway on Saturday
August 17, with promoted clubs Cardiff City, Hull City and Crystal Palace
replacing Wigan Athletic, Reading and Queens Park Rangers in the top flight.
Sam Allardyce's men will again face a host of London derbies throughout the
campaign, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Fulham and Tottenham
Hotspur all providing local opposition. Supporters can now secure their seat
to watch all the action unfold at the Boleyn Ground with Season Tickets on
general sale. Prices start at £640 for adults and £115 for kids, and full
pricing and purchasing information can be found on our dedicated Season
Ticket website at seasontickets.whufc.com
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Question time for Gold
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 17th June 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United co-chairman David Gold is taking part in Newham Council's
Ideas Olympiad this week. The Ideas Olympiad is a free series of events
brought to you by the London Borough of Newham, which will bring high
profile and interesting speakers to the borough between 28th May and 27th
June to talk to residents about their ideas and vision. "A Conversation with
David Gold" takes place on Tuesday, 18th June [tomorrow] at Stratford
Circus, Theatre Square, Stratford, London E15 1BX. Doors open at 6.30pm for
a 7pm start. Free entry is permitted only with a ticket. From beginnings of
extreme poverty and overcoming numerous setbacks along the way, David Gold
is now one of Britain's most successful businessmen. He will talk about his
journey from growing up in the East End to becoming joint chairman of West
Ham United. Gold will also talk about the club's close relationship with
the local community and their role in fulfilling East London's Olympic
legacy. It will be followed by questions from the audience.
To book tickets and for more information go to
www.newham.gov.uk/IdeasOlympiad.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Should We Re-Sign Scott Parker?
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
It appears Scott Parker is surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane and
will be sold over the next few weeks. Sunderland have already expressed an
interest. Scott played 113 times for West Ham between 2007 and 2011, scoring
ten goals. i know everyone was gutted when he left, at the beginning of our
season in the Championship. I guess we all understood why he had to go, but
few of us wished him to leave.
The question is, would we welcome him back and would signing him be good for
the club in general? Well, we know what we would be getting, a committed,
tenacious holding midfield player who gives his all. Would we not rather
sign him than Ambrosini, for example?
He will be 33 in October, though and is prone to niggling little injuries.
But if we could get him for £1-2 million, wouldn't it be worth it? I know
I'd love to see him in claret and blue again.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll poised for £15m West Ham move as Liverpool line up Iago Aspas
and Simon Mignolet
Andy Carroll will undergo a medical at West Ham United on Tuesday as
Liverpool prepare to make a £20 million loss on their club-record signing.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Mark Ogden11:00PM BST 17 Jun 2013
Carroll, a £35 million buy from Newcastle United in January 2011, was due to
fly back from a holiday in the United States on Monday night to complete the
formalities of his £15 million transfer to Upton Park, following a
season-long loan with Sam Allardyce's team last season.
The 24-year-old, who scored seven goals in 24 Premier League appearances for
West Ham during his loan, is understood to have agreed a six-year contract
worth £100,000 a week in order to complete a permanent move to the London
club.
With doubts over Carroll's desire to leave Liverpool in order to return to
West Ham, combined with the issue of a persistent heel injury, the transfer
appeared to be in the balance last month prior to further talks between the
two clubs, which resulted in Liverpool agreeing to suffer a huge financial
loss on the England forward, who remains the most expensive British
footballer of all time following his move from St James' Park 2½ years ago.
With Carroll on the brink of completing his transfer, which was agreed
between the two clubs last month, Liverpool are now ready to make it clear
to Luis Suárez that he will not be allowed to leave Anfield unless he forces
the issue by demanding a move in writing.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United defender Dan Potts featured as England U20s defeated Uruguay
17.06.2013
Dan Potts made a 45-minute appearance as England's Under-20 side warmed up
for the FIFA U20 World Cup with a 3-0 practice match win over Uruguay on
Sunday. Uruguay and England are both staying in the Turkish resort of
Antalya ahead of the tournament, which begins on Friday, so locked horns as
they fine-tuned their preparations. A goal in each half from Middlesbrough
duo Luke Williams and Adam Reach, plus a late third from Everton striker
Chris Long saw off Uruguay, who qualified by finishing third in this year's
South American Youth Championship. Potts played the second half as manager
Peter Taylor gave all 21 members of his squad a run-out. England's campaign
begins against Iraq on Sunday 23 June in Antalya, with group matches against
Chile and Egypt to follow.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fixtures out on Wednesday
WHUFC.com
Find out who we will be playing when first at whufc.com
17.06.2013
The countdown to the 2013/14 campaign begins in earnest on Wednesday morning
when the fixtures for the new season are released. West Ham will discover
their Barclays Premier League schedule for the new campaign at 9am on 19
June - and Hammers fans will be able to find out the news first on whufc.com
The Barclays Premier League campaign is set to get underway on Saturday
August 17, with promoted clubs Cardiff City, Hull City and Crystal Palace
replacing Wigan Athletic, Reading and Queens Park Rangers in the top flight.
Sam Allardyce's men will again face a host of London derbies throughout the
campaign, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Fulham and Tottenham
Hotspur all providing local opposition. Supporters can now secure their seat
to watch all the action unfold at the Boleyn Ground with Season Tickets on
general sale. Prices start at £640 for adults and £115 for kids, and full
pricing and purchasing information can be found on our dedicated Season
Ticket website at seasontickets.whufc.com
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Question time for Gold
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 17th June 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United co-chairman David Gold is taking part in Newham Council's
Ideas Olympiad this week. The Ideas Olympiad is a free series of events
brought to you by the London Borough of Newham, which will bring high
profile and interesting speakers to the borough between 28th May and 27th
June to talk to residents about their ideas and vision. "A Conversation with
David Gold" takes place on Tuesday, 18th June [tomorrow] at Stratford
Circus, Theatre Square, Stratford, London E15 1BX. Doors open at 6.30pm for
a 7pm start. Free entry is permitted only with a ticket. From beginnings of
extreme poverty and overcoming numerous setbacks along the way, David Gold
is now one of Britain's most successful businessmen. He will talk about his
journey from growing up in the East End to becoming joint chairman of West
Ham United. Gold will also talk about the club's close relationship with
the local community and their role in fulfilling East London's Olympic
legacy. It will be followed by questions from the audience.
To book tickets and for more information go to
www.newham.gov.uk/IdeasOlympiad.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Should We Re-Sign Scott Parker?
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
It appears Scott Parker is surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane and
will be sold over the next few weeks. Sunderland have already expressed an
interest. Scott played 113 times for West Ham between 2007 and 2011, scoring
ten goals. i know everyone was gutted when he left, at the beginning of our
season in the Championship. I guess we all understood why he had to go, but
few of us wished him to leave.
The question is, would we welcome him back and would signing him be good for
the club in general? Well, we know what we would be getting, a committed,
tenacious holding midfield player who gives his all. Would we not rather
sign him than Ambrosini, for example?
He will be 33 in October, though and is prone to niggling little injuries.
But if we could get him for £1-2 million, wouldn't it be worth it? I know
I'd love to see him in claret and blue again.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll poised for £15m West Ham move as Liverpool line up Iago Aspas
and Simon Mignolet
Andy Carroll will undergo a medical at West Ham United on Tuesday as
Liverpool prepare to make a £20 million loss on their club-record signing.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Mark Ogden11:00PM BST 17 Jun 2013
Carroll, a £35 million buy from Newcastle United in January 2011, was due to
fly back from a holiday in the United States on Monday night to complete the
formalities of his £15 million transfer to Upton Park, following a
season-long loan with Sam Allardyce's team last season.
The 24-year-old, who scored seven goals in 24 Premier League appearances for
West Ham during his loan, is understood to have agreed a six-year contract
worth £100,000 a week in order to complete a permanent move to the London
club.
With doubts over Carroll's desire to leave Liverpool in order to return to
West Ham, combined with the issue of a persistent heel injury, the transfer
appeared to be in the balance last month prior to further talks between the
two clubs, which resulted in Liverpool agreeing to suffer a huge financial
loss on the England forward, who remains the most expensive British
footballer of all time following his move from St James' Park 2½ years ago.
With Carroll on the brink of completing his transfer, which was agreed
between the two clubs last month, Liverpool are now ready to make it clear
to Luis Suárez that he will not be allowed to leave Anfield unless he forces
the issue by demanding a move in writing.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, June 17
Daily WHUFC News - 17th June 2013
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
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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
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.
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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."
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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.
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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."
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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.
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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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