Macca looks forward to sterner tests
WHUFC.com
West Ham United assistant boss Neil McDonald says pre-season will move up a gear in Germany
18.07.2013
Neil McDonald says West Ham United are ready for the step up in class of opposition when they face FSV Mainz in the first game of their Germany tour on Saturday. Mainz finished 13th in the Bundesliga last term and this coming season will be their fifth in a row at the top level. The Hammers have recorded victories over Cork City, Boreham Wood, AFC Bournemouth and Colchester United so far this summer, and with just over a month until the big kick-off remaining, they face three games in Germany. Assistant boss McDonald was pleased with the first day of the tour, which involved a flight from Heathrow to Frankfurt and a transfer to the first base in Mainz, and is ready to kick-on. "We had a decent enough flight and then just a small journey to the hotel," he said, "We really wanted to get Tuesday's game out of their legs, so the ones who played more than the rest did a bit of a pool warmdown. "The others who didn't play so much went for a walk up and down the hills to stretch their legs off and we'll be nice and fresh for Thursday when we start the football sessions again leading up to the three games we've got, which we're really looking forward to. "The priorities for the trip are to give the players more game time, pushing them up from 60 minutes to 75 to 90 almost, and trying to get everyone through without getting injured. "The competition for places at the moment is very good because almost everybody is fit, which is great, and it's up to everybody to try and impress the manager for who he is going to pick for the first game of the season. "Pre-season is all about the first game. That's Cardiff and that's what we're working to."
The Hammes also played three games in Germany last pre-season, so McDonald is well aware of what to expect in the coming ten days. He continued: "The three games which we've picked in Germany are going to be very difficult. The three we had here last year were very, very good for the team. "We have to work on our shape because they'll be a little fitter than us as their season starts a little earlier. Then when we have the ball we have to keep it a little better, so we're not working too hard when we haven't. "There's lot of things we can work on and hopefully we can do that over the next three games."
The Hammers have been back in training for two-and-a-half weeks now and McDonald has been impressed with the progress. "It's all based around fitness," he explained. "We complement that with the ball - we have to have the base [fitness], which I think they've got and they had when they came back. They worked over the off season, and they've steadily progressed over the two weeks we've been in. "We're happy with where we are so far. We've seen a little bit of progress in every one of the games we've had - we seem to be keeping the ball better, we're certainly creating chances and we've certainly put it in the back of the net. "The three games we're going to play here will be a stiffer test, so that's a test in itself to make sure they're up for it and they're fit enough to get through a game where they'll have to work that bit harder. "We'll keep on working each day to progress the lads, that's on their fitness as well as their football ability, tactically, technically and mentally all together as individuals, as a unit and as a team.
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Nolan eyes German repeat
WHUFC.com
Hammers skipper wants Germany tour to sow the seeds for another good start
18.07.2013
West Ham United's pre-season work continued in earnest on their tour of Germany on Thursday, as the players were put through a double training session ahead of Saturday's meeting with FSV Mainz. Sam Allardyce's squad completed a series of high-intensity football drills in the morning before hitting the gym after lunch as they work towards the big kick-off, now just over a month away. Skipper Kevin Nolan, who came away on a similar tour with the Hammers a year ago, believes this eleven-day spell in Europe will prove equally beneficial. Big Sam's pre-season programme left his team in good shape last term as they claimed 14 points from their opening eight games and Nolan would love a repeat.
First of all Kevin, we seem to have taken the lovely weather along with us from back home...
KN - "It's always nice when you come away and the sun's shining. Don't get me wrong, it does make it a bit harder when you're doing your running and the intensity of training is so high - you sweat a lot! "It's a nice place, I'm glad to be here, and I'm looking forward to the next ten days."
When it is this hot, does it help with the fitness to do the work in these conditions?
KN - "I think it does, but we're pretty used to the work we do year in, year out with warm-weather training."
You were with us last year when we went on a similar trip to Germany. How beneficial was that in ensuring we got off to that good start?
KN - "The most important thing is using the games to improve our fitness levels, and make sure we're hitting the right intensity levels, distance covered, everything like that. "Mainz are a very good side, who finished last season very strongly in the German Bundesliga. It'll be a tough test on Saturday, but one that hopefully we'll get through without any injuries and with the workout that we deserve. "If we can get a win or a good result out of it then that's another bonus. "I think the manager likes a bit of similarity in the things he does. He likes to go to Europe, not to travel too far - we've done Austria, Switzerland, Germany. He knows the facilities are going to be right and everything's spot on for us and we can get our work in. "This is another tick in the right box for him, that we can get away for ten days and he can make sure we're ready and raring to go."
And to come away with the lads, training twice a day and more, does that help to bring the team together too?
KN - "We've got a few new lads and this will help them get to know the boys inside out. We've got a good unit here within the squad anyway, we've worked hard on that since I've come in. "I read somewhere that we had a turnover of 28 players in the first season, but from last year to this there won't be that big a change. We have lost a few, but we've brought in a couple and we're hoping to bring in a few more. "So it's a good squad out here and the banter's flying about. We're looking forward to what hopefully will be a successful trip, improving our fitness levels and staying injury-free."
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West Ham withdraw Zapata offer
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 18th July 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's attempt to sign transfer target Duvan Zapata is in tatters after the Club were told the player would be unlikely to receive a work permit. The 22-year-old was hoping to secure a dream move to England after West Ham agreed a fee with Zapata's current club Estudiantes, thought to be in the region of £5million. However his potential move to the UK is over after West Ham revealed that they had withdrawn from the process. "We have pulled out of the Zapata deal as indications show he won't get a work permit," read a message from the Twitter account registered to Jack Sullivan. "[However] we hope to sign a replacement within 7-10 days." The major stumbling block was that Zapata - who has also interested the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Lyon, and Benfica - is yet to make a single full international appearance for Columbia.
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We need a winger - just not Downing
KUMb.com
Filed: Thursday, 18th July 2013
By: Celia Roche
West Ham need providers if they are to make full use of £15m signing Andy Carroll, but that doesn't mean Liverpool's failed winger Stewart Downing is the answer.
Earlier this week assistant boss Neil McDonald dismissed links between the Hammers and Downing, but we all know that means nothing when it comes to transfer dealings. But even the mere mention of Downing as a potential target has rightly disappointed many Hammers fans, for we know the winger isn't good enough to fulfil the role Sam Allardyce would have him do.
With Carroll in the squad, Allardyce needs midfielders to give the big man service. During his time at Liverpool, Carroll's qualities weren't put to use as Kenny Dalglish asked him to drop deep and retain possession with the midfield before careering forward and latching on to crosses. It visibly exhausted the young forward and was one of the reasons Brendan Rodgers thought him unfit for purpose.
Under Allardyce last season the striker was used as he should be – the target man – and it worked well (when he wasn't injured). His seven goals showed promise and although he didn't get as many games as a £15m striker should, there is hope he will be fit and ready for a new season.
Furthermore, with the World Cup just a year away and England boss Roy Hodgson a keen admirer, Carroll is a good price in the Premier League betting to score goals next season and we must capitalise on his hunger.
Allardyce already has Matt Jarvis, Matt Taylor and Jack Collison to distribute while Joe Cole can pick out a pass; yet what we really need is some with speed and that, apparently, is why we were linked with Downing. Sadly, the former Middlesbrough and Aston Villa man would not be a good fit. In fact, one doubts if he can even hack it at Premier League level any more.
Downing, a bit like Cole, was always seen as this young, promising flanker who would come good in the end and earn as many assists as Beckham once did. He's been lucky to escape the David Bentley exile treatment and only made the England team because he was left footed. Now football has moved away from 4-4-2 his playing style is redundant and even if he should beat a player there is no one in the Liverpool box capable of heading home.
Unlike Cole, Downing doesn't have the skill to outwit a full back and where once his speed was enough to hit the byline he now very rarely even faces the right way. Instead, the majority of his possession play involves passing back to more capable midfielders – Steven Gerrard and Joe Allen – or surrendering the ball.
Granted, Carroll would be a great target for the left-footer's deliveries but sadly they have also dissipated from his game. Last year, from 37 appearances he created just seven goals. In the Premier League, he averaged just 1.3 crosses per game – not good enough for a West Ham side that scored 27 per cent of its goals from set pieces last term.
If Allardyce is to sign a winger he shouldn't look to a failed England international ready for the Championship. We can assume the boss will set out his team in much the same as last, with two core midfielders and three playing off them linking to the lone front man. Jarvis played his part well and so did Ricardo Vaz Te but a bit of competition wouldn't go amiss.
It's unfortunate we didn't go the extra mile for new Swansea signing Wilfried Bony, who at £12m is a bargain for a player with legs and a hunger to improve. Nor were we in the running, it seems, for Norwich's new, exciting acquisition Nathan Redmond. If Allardyce is going to sign a winger, and there is still debate whether or not we actually need another midfielder, then Scott Sinclair should come relatively cheap from Manchester City.
Sinclair has wasted a year of his life at the Etihad – or at least at Man City's training ground – and after just two starts looks destined to leave this summer. Newcastle and Everton are reportedly interested but so should Allardyce be if he wants someone to hit Carroll right on the nose.
It may also be worth ringing David Moyes to see if Ashley Young is available. He is an immensely frustrating player and would maybe take time to settle at Upton Park, but few can doubt his qualities and Moyes may be happy to get rid in order to bring in new recruits.
There are options out there other than Downing if Allardyce is serious about a winger. We've strengthened at the back with Razvan Rat and Adrian arriving and now it's time to sort the middle. Let's just hope the boss doesn't shop at the Anfield fire sale.
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Hammers miss out on Milevsky
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 18th July 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have had a bid for Ukranian forward Artem Milevskiy rejected, according to reports. And the 28-year-old international is now thought to be about to sign for newly-promoted Serie A side Livorno who have already held discussions with the Dynamo Kiev star, says CNN italian sports correspondent Tancredi Palmeri. Milevsky is thought to have agreed a move to Livorno in principal last week, with a season-long loan move mooted. However West Ham are said to have tried to hijack the move, although that attempt now appears to have been futile. Milevsky, who is entering the final year of his contract has spent his entire professional career at the NSC Olimpiyskiy where he is the club's fifth-highest goalscorer of all time. *Elsewhere, West Ham are said to be losing the race to sign Milan midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic. The 25-year-old Serbian international is reported to be close to joining Spanish side Malaga instead.
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West Ham eye Gijon star Oscar Trejo
KUMb.com
Filed: Thursday, 18th July 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are understood to have launched a bid to sign Sporting Gijon's Oscar Trejo. According to sources in France, the Hammers are one of three clubs interesting in landing the services of Trejo, a 25-year-old attacking midfielder. French club Toulouse are reported to have already placed a €2.1million bid for the player, who started his career with Boca Juniors in his homeland before moving to Europe in 2007. Greek side Olympiakos are also thought to be in the running, but they are not thought to be involved in discussions said to be taking place between the player and interested parties later today. Both David Sullivan and David Gold have recently spent time in France and Spain discussing potential acquisitions, although it is unknown as yet which particular players were involved. Trejo, who is yet to be capped by his country, left Argentina in order to join Mallorca six years ago. He was sent out on loan to Elche (2009/10 season) and Rayo Vallecano (2010/11) before permanently signing for Sporting Gijon in 2011.
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Could West Ham Turn to Remy?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
It appears this evening that the proposed move for Duvan Zapata has been abandoned. The obstacles to securing a work permit for the player proved just too great, considering his failure to meet the most basic criteria that he must be an international. He is undoubtedly on the verge of an international breakthrough and should figure for Coloumbia in next year's World Cup. By that time, his value will probably have trebled and then the European 'big guns' will be in for him. Alternatively, perhaps we have saved ourselves another disasterous excursion in to the South American transfer market|? Time will tell? Certainly, if the club were totally convinced of his potential then they could have bought him and loaned him out to another South American club until he met the work permit criteria. That would have been a solution, but it is doubtedful whether West Ham would sanction such a 'round-about' deal and commit £6.5m in anticipation of eventually landing the player. However, one does wonder if the regulations would have been applied so strictly if Man Utd or Chelsea had made the application? Would they have won a concession on the potential/contribution exemption?
It was good to read that David Gold has clarified that West Ham are pursuing two strikers. A centre forward to cover and compete with Andy Carroll and a second striker who can play on the right side of an attacking three. It may very well be speculation, but there are reports emerging that West Ham's attentions have now switched to Loic Remy at QPR. Personally, I would love to see a striker of Remy's ability arrive at the club. If they landed him, I would even settle for a short term deal for someone like Crouch to cover for Carroll. Another tempting possibility is Gary Hooper at Celtic. Apparently, Hooper is stalling on a move to QPR in the hope that a PL club will make a move. He could be a very good alternative purchase. The issue is whether he can make the transition from the SPL to the greater demands of the EPL? I think that he is worth a punt and the PL club that makes that 'leap of faith' could be richly rewarded. Of course, the two deals could be linked, with Hooper's move to QPR opening the way for Remy's exit. As always, it all comes down to if West Ham can afford Remy? If not, then they could do far worse then to just move directly for Gary Hooper from Celtic.
Elsewhere, David Gold has revealed on twitter that he has recently been in Spain with David Sullivan, presumably on transfer business. One can only speculate on who their potential targets might be? But the Spanish market certainly offers excellent value at reasonable prices. There are undoubtedly some further gems like Swansea's Michu to be uncovered. One such potential 'gem' could be Sporting Gijon's Oscar Trejo, who we have been linked with in a c.£2.5m deal. We need to keep a watching brief on that transfer front.
Finally, it appears that regardless of the events of last season, Sam Allardyce has welcomed Alou Diarra back in to the first team fold. it has been suggested that Gary O'Neill's exit has opened up a space for Diarra to capitalise upon. I was ok with O'Neill because I felt that he was a good functional player that performed a specific role well when called upon to do so. However, there is no doubt that Diarra is an improvement on O'Neill and strengthens the overall quality of our midfield. Diarra has figured in all of the pre-season matches so far and has done very well. Lets hope that he makes a major positive impact this season on the pitch and avoids controversy off of it.
The same could be said of Ravel Morrison, who has similiarly figured regularly in pre-season and is performing well. Hopefully, Morrison has matured as a player and an individual at Birmingham City and is now ready to make the transition. Certainly, if Morrison ticks all the pre-season boxes he should be given his first team chance. I would be very disappointed if Sam Allardyce's apparent conservatism, with regard to the youngsters, kicks in again and he returns back on loan to Birmingham City. What will that tell Morrison, and indeed the other youngsters, if that happens after he has made such excellent progress both off and on the pitch last season and accordingly had a good pre-season on his return to the club. It's the old meritocratic argument on selection, if players perform then they need to be rewarded, otherwise what is the point?
SJ. Chandos.
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Sullivan now West Ham's main man
By DAN KING
Published: 6 hrs ago
The Sun
DAVID SULLIVAN is now the main man at West Ham after boosting his stake in the club to more than half. Since their takeover in 2010, Sullivan and co-chairman David Gold had been equal partners. But earlier this month, Sullivan bought a further 25 per cent of WH Holding Limited, the Hammers' parent company, to take him to 55.6 per cent. He snapped up the shares from CB Holding, the firm which once controlled West Ham on behalf of Icelandic banks after owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson went bust. CB now have 10 per cent, with Gold on 30.6 and others, including ex-chairman Terry Brown, holding 3.8 per cent.
His move to become controlling shareholder was part of a deal to restructure £25.5million of the club's bank debts. According to the last published accounts, West Ham owed £10m to ALMC out of a total debt to banks of £30.5m. Hammers midfielder Alou Diarra is set to end his differences with boss Sam Allardyce and could remain at Upton Park next season. The former France captain, 32, failed to make any impact following his move from Marseille last summer. Diarra was angry that he was not a first-team regular and made his feelings known back in January. He was sent out on loan to Rennes but with Gary O'Neil turning down the chance to stay at West Ham, Diarra has been given a fresh chance to stake his claim.
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West Ham bid £1.8m for Sporting Gijon's in-demand midfielder Oscar Trejo
18 Jul 2013 13:31
The Mirror
West Ham have made a £1.8m bid for Sporting Gijon midfielder Oscar Trejo, according to sources in Spain. The East London club are keen to add to their squad ahead of the new season and have offered a cash plus add-ons deal for the 25-year-old Argentinean. Sam Allardyce faces stiff competition to secure this transfer for the Hammers from elsewhere though, with Toulouse also bidding and Olympiakos maintaining a strong interest. Sporting are holding out for at least £2.5m overall but Trejo does favour a move to England. West Ham have been in discussions with Trejo's agent for several days and are keen to finalise the deal by the end of the week. Trejo - a versatile attacking midfielder who can operate from both the right and left as well as up front - is desperate for a way out of Sporting and is owed wages by the club dating back several months.
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West Ham look to QPR's Loic Remy after move for Duvan Zapata is scrapped
The Daily Star
By Nick Lustig /Published 18th July 2013
WEST HAM are tonight stepping up in their efforts to sign QPR's Loic Remy after abandoning their bid for Colombian striker Duvan Zapata. Sam Allardyce is looking to bolster his forward line, with record signing Andy Carroll set to miss the start of the season due to a heel injury. The West Ham manager wanted to bring the £8m Estudiantes striker to east London, however a lack of guarantee over a work permit has seen attempts scrapped. Remy was identified as a back-up if the deal for the 22-year-old fell through and the Hammers are now readying a bid to tempt QPR to sell the Frenchman. The West Ham manager is looking to add to his striking optionsThe West Ham manager is looking to add to his striking options emy scored his first goal for QPR at Upton ParkRemy scored his first goal for QPR at Upton Park "The former Marseille striker impressed Allardyce last season, scoring on his debut against West Ham at Upton Park in 1-1 draw. " The former Marseille striker impressed Allardyce last season, scoring on his debut against West Ham at Upton Park in 1-1 draw. And the 58-year-old hopes he can convince the forward to join, with the club willing to propose an attractive wage package for the French international. Newcastle are still thought to be interested in taking Remy to the north-east, even after being spurned by the same player in the January
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, July 19
Thursday, July 18
Daily WHUFC News - 18th July 2013
Hammers touch down in Germany
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have arrived in Germany for their pre-season tour
17.07.2013
West Ham United have landed in Germany for the beginning of their eleven-day
pre-season tour. Fresh from Tuesday night's 2-1 victory at League One side
Colchester United, Sam Allardyce's men boarded a morning flight from
Heathrow to Frankfurt for the next stage of their pre-season preparations.
The Hammers will first stay in Mainz, where they are due to face Bundesliga
outfit FSV Mainz in a pre-season match on Saturday. That fixture is one of
three to be played on the tour - all against top-flight Bundesliga
opposition. Following the meeting with Mainz on Saturday, the Hammers travel
north to Flensburg, right on the German-Danish border, for a fixture against
Hamburger SV on Tuesday. Following a transfer to central Germany, the tour
concludes with a match against newly-promoted Eintracht Braunschweig on
Saturday 27 July. Shortly after arriving at their Mainz hotel on Wednesday
afternoon, the Hammers squad were put through their paces in a training
session.
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West Ham to decide over Duvan Zapata work-permit appeal
Last Updated: July 17, 2013 9:37am
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is still hoping to sign Duvan Zapata but has
ruled out moves for Graham Dorrans and Stewart Downing. The Hammers boss
wants to bring in Zapata, a 22-year-old Colombian striker with Argentine
outfit Estudiantes, but the move has been held up by work permit issues.
"It's whether we think we can get the work permit through, that's the only
thing," Allardyce told Sky Sports. "Based on the fact that he's not a full
international, we would have to go to a hearing. "We'd have to decide in the
next 24 hours whether - on our part or the player's part - that would be
worth doing."
One player Allardyce was happy to rule out was West Brom's Dorrans, after
being linked with a move for the midfielder earlier this week. "No interest
in Graham Dorrans," added Allardyce, after seeing his side win 2-1 against
Colchester United on Tuesday. "Graham is a midfield player and you can see
how many midfielders we had out there today." Downing is another unlikely to
be signing a deal at Upton Park this summer, according to the Hammers boss.
Allardyce claimed: "I wouldn't have thought that we could afford Stewart,
unfortunately."
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We can't Hammer out Downing deal
Published: 12 hrs ago
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE has ruled out a move for Stewart Downing — because he's too
expensive. The West Ham boss was keen to link up Downing with his old
Liverpool team-mate Andy Carroll, who left Anfield to sign a permanent deal
at Upton Park earlier this summer. But Allardyce has given hope of adding
the England winger to his ranks as he is out of the Hammers' price range. He
said: "I wouldn't have thought that we could afford Stewart, unfortunately."
The former Newcastle manager is hopeful of completing a move for Colombian
striker Duvan Zapata, however. He explained: "It's whether we think we can
get the work permit through, that's the only thing. "Based on the fact that
he's not a full international, we would have to go to a hearing. "We'd have
to decide in the next 24 hours whether — on our part or the player's part —
that would be worth doing." Allardyce has also confirmed the club have no
interest in signing West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans.
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West Ham set to miss out on Inter midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic
Daily Express
Published: Wed, July 17, 2013
WEST HAM look to be disappointed in their pursuit of Inter's Zdravko
Kuzmanovic with Malaga now in pole position to sign the midfielder. The
Hammers had hoped to push ahead with a move for Kuzmanovic after Sam
Allardyce admitted he liked the Serbian international but, according to
reports in Italy, now look set to be trumped by Malaga. When asked about
Kuzmanovic on Saturday, Allardyce said: "He is a player I like, but I know
nothing about it so cannot comment." It was thought that a bid of about £5m
may be enough to bring Kuzmanovic to east London. Cross-city rivals AC Milan
were rumoured to be preparing a player exchange deal that would see Antonio
Nocerino joining Inter with Kuzmanovic heading the other way, and there is
also thought to be interest from a German club following a succesful spell
at Stuttgart prior to joining Inter. However, Malaga, with money in their
budget but a hole in their midfield following the sale sale of Isco to Real
Madrid look set to take the 25-year-old to Spain. Kuzmanovic only moved to
Inter from Stuttgart in January, when Arsenal were reportedly also
interested, but has struggled to establish himself in Milan.
Inter coach Walter Mazzarri was thought to be keen to give Kuzmanovic one
more chance to impress during pre-season but now appears happy to let the
player move on. But it now looks unlikely that the destination will be Upton
Park and Sam Allardyce will have to look elsewhere to bring in
reinforcements.
Speaking after Saturday's 2-0 friendly win at Bournemouth, Allardyce said:
"For the first time in eight years, I have got a good squad together right
at the start of pre-season. "We would like to add to that of course,
although it will only be one or two max. Position wise, we need an attacking
player first and then we will see where we go. "At this moment, it depends
on the player who is available. It needs to be a quality player who brings a
lot to the team for us to go after him."
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Downing declares he's staying at Liverpool after West Ham link goes cold
London 24
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
5:56 PM
Transfer news: Liverpool winger Stewart Downing has declared he is staying
with the club despite being linked with a move to West Ham this summer.
Hammers manager Sam Allardyce yesterday played down talk that such a
transfer might happen. And Downing himself has now stressed his happiness
with how things are going for him at Liverpool. The former Aston Villa man,
who started all but one of the Reds' Premier League matches from December 9
onwards last season, told www.liverpoolfc.com: "I'm here to stay. "I'm
enjoying it - especially last season. I got a good run in the team.
Hopefully that will continue, and I need to work hard. "I want it to
continue. It's why I came here - to play in a successful team. I want that
to continue as long as possible."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have arrived in Germany for their pre-season tour
17.07.2013
West Ham United have landed in Germany for the beginning of their eleven-day
pre-season tour. Fresh from Tuesday night's 2-1 victory at League One side
Colchester United, Sam Allardyce's men boarded a morning flight from
Heathrow to Frankfurt for the next stage of their pre-season preparations.
The Hammers will first stay in Mainz, where they are due to face Bundesliga
outfit FSV Mainz in a pre-season match on Saturday. That fixture is one of
three to be played on the tour - all against top-flight Bundesliga
opposition. Following the meeting with Mainz on Saturday, the Hammers travel
north to Flensburg, right on the German-Danish border, for a fixture against
Hamburger SV on Tuesday. Following a transfer to central Germany, the tour
concludes with a match against newly-promoted Eintracht Braunschweig on
Saturday 27 July. Shortly after arriving at their Mainz hotel on Wednesday
afternoon, the Hammers squad were put through their paces in a training
session.
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West Ham to decide over Duvan Zapata work-permit appeal
Last Updated: July 17, 2013 9:37am
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is still hoping to sign Duvan Zapata but has
ruled out moves for Graham Dorrans and Stewart Downing. The Hammers boss
wants to bring in Zapata, a 22-year-old Colombian striker with Argentine
outfit Estudiantes, but the move has been held up by work permit issues.
"It's whether we think we can get the work permit through, that's the only
thing," Allardyce told Sky Sports. "Based on the fact that he's not a full
international, we would have to go to a hearing. "We'd have to decide in the
next 24 hours whether - on our part or the player's part - that would be
worth doing."
One player Allardyce was happy to rule out was West Brom's Dorrans, after
being linked with a move for the midfielder earlier this week. "No interest
in Graham Dorrans," added Allardyce, after seeing his side win 2-1 against
Colchester United on Tuesday. "Graham is a midfield player and you can see
how many midfielders we had out there today." Downing is another unlikely to
be signing a deal at Upton Park this summer, according to the Hammers boss.
Allardyce claimed: "I wouldn't have thought that we could afford Stewart,
unfortunately."
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We can't Hammer out Downing deal
Published: 12 hrs ago
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE has ruled out a move for Stewart Downing — because he's too
expensive. The West Ham boss was keen to link up Downing with his old
Liverpool team-mate Andy Carroll, who left Anfield to sign a permanent deal
at Upton Park earlier this summer. But Allardyce has given hope of adding
the England winger to his ranks as he is out of the Hammers' price range. He
said: "I wouldn't have thought that we could afford Stewart, unfortunately."
The former Newcastle manager is hopeful of completing a move for Colombian
striker Duvan Zapata, however. He explained: "It's whether we think we can
get the work permit through, that's the only thing. "Based on the fact that
he's not a full international, we would have to go to a hearing. "We'd have
to decide in the next 24 hours whether — on our part or the player's part —
that would be worth doing." Allardyce has also confirmed the club have no
interest in signing West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham set to miss out on Inter midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic
Daily Express
Published: Wed, July 17, 2013
WEST HAM look to be disappointed in their pursuit of Inter's Zdravko
Kuzmanovic with Malaga now in pole position to sign the midfielder. The
Hammers had hoped to push ahead with a move for Kuzmanovic after Sam
Allardyce admitted he liked the Serbian international but, according to
reports in Italy, now look set to be trumped by Malaga. When asked about
Kuzmanovic on Saturday, Allardyce said: "He is a player I like, but I know
nothing about it so cannot comment." It was thought that a bid of about £5m
may be enough to bring Kuzmanovic to east London. Cross-city rivals AC Milan
were rumoured to be preparing a player exchange deal that would see Antonio
Nocerino joining Inter with Kuzmanovic heading the other way, and there is
also thought to be interest from a German club following a succesful spell
at Stuttgart prior to joining Inter. However, Malaga, with money in their
budget but a hole in their midfield following the sale sale of Isco to Real
Madrid look set to take the 25-year-old to Spain. Kuzmanovic only moved to
Inter from Stuttgart in January, when Arsenal were reportedly also
interested, but has struggled to establish himself in Milan.
Inter coach Walter Mazzarri was thought to be keen to give Kuzmanovic one
more chance to impress during pre-season but now appears happy to let the
player move on. But it now looks unlikely that the destination will be Upton
Park and Sam Allardyce will have to look elsewhere to bring in
reinforcements.
Speaking after Saturday's 2-0 friendly win at Bournemouth, Allardyce said:
"For the first time in eight years, I have got a good squad together right
at the start of pre-season. "We would like to add to that of course,
although it will only be one or two max. Position wise, we need an attacking
player first and then we will see where we go. "At this moment, it depends
on the player who is available. It needs to be a quality player who brings a
lot to the team for us to go after him."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Downing declares he's staying at Liverpool after West Ham link goes cold
London 24
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
5:56 PM
Transfer news: Liverpool winger Stewart Downing has declared he is staying
with the club despite being linked with a move to West Ham this summer.
Hammers manager Sam Allardyce yesterday played down talk that such a
transfer might happen. And Downing himself has now stressed his happiness
with how things are going for him at Liverpool. The former Aston Villa man,
who started all but one of the Reds' Premier League matches from December 9
onwards last season, told www.liverpoolfc.com: "I'm here to stay. "I'm
enjoying it - especially last season. I got a good run in the team.
Hopefully that will continue, and I need to work hard. "I want it to
continue. It's why I came here - to play in a successful team. I want that
to continue as long as possible."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, July 17
Daily WHUFC News - 17th July 2013
West Ham United register 2-1 win over Colchester United
Last Updated: July 16, 2013 10:05pm
SSN
Joe Cole and James Collins netted at the start of each half as West Ham
scored a 2-1 friendly win over Colchester at the Weston Homes Community
Stadium.
The Hammers were gifted an early lead when Mark Cousins' attempted clearance
ricocheted off Cole and into the net, and they doubled their lead after the
restart when Collins headed home Cole's corner. Substitute Jabo Ibehre
headed in a stoppage-time consolation for Colchester, but it proved the last
action of the match. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce fielded a strong field for
the trip up the A12, with summer signing Adrian in goal and veteran Romania
defender Razvan Rat also in the starting line-up. And the visitors got off
to a dream start on seven minutes when goalkeeper Cousins' clearance bounced
back into his own net off Cole. Colchester responded well to that early
setback, with Clinton Morrison forcing a fine save from Adrian and Gavin
Massey curling a low shot just wide. Cousins denied teenager Elliott Lee
just before half-time but he was beaten again on 50 minutes by defender
Collins' powerful header. Colchester gave their fans something to cheer
about in injury time when Ibehre headed Tosin Olufemi's cross past Adrian,
but it was too little, too late. West Ham will now travel to Germany for a
training camp which includes games against Mainz and Hamburg.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll unlikely to make West Ham's Premier League opener, says Sam
Allardyce
Last Updated: July 17, 2013 12:05am
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has revealed that Andy Carroll is unlikely to
be fit for the start of the Premier League season. The England striker, who
completed a permanent £15m move from Liverpool to the Hammers last month, is
still recovering from a heel injury and has so far missed the club's
pre-season campaign which continued with a 2-1 win at Colchester on Tuesday.
There were suggestions that Carroll could be fit for the Premier League
opener against Cardiff on August 17, but that appears unlikely according to
Allardyce, who is still hoping to have the 24-year-old back before the
international break at the start of September. Speaking after the match at
Colchester, Allardyce said: "Andy is still recovering. He has got four weeks
or more to go before he starts full training. "His rehab is going pretty
well at the moment and he will be joining us in Germany, and hopefully he
will be available, as will George McCarthy, as quickly as possible. "I hope
it will be before (September) for both of them, but being fit and being
ready to play are two different things - they may be fit from the injury,
but they are unlikely to be capable of playing straight away. "If we are
going to put our lads through six weeks of preparation and then Andy gets
fit with two days to go, you would not expect us to play him, would you?"
The win at Colchester gave West Ham a fourth successive pre-season friendly
success and Allardyce has been encouraged by their form. He added: "It was a
good workout for us, because Colchester are a couple of weeks ahead of where
we are with their season starting earlier, so you would expect we would get
a physical game. "Our only disappointment was conceding a goal in the last
minute. "We are looking very good, even at this early stage, so I just hope
we can keep it up in Germany."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Colchester Utd 1 West Ham 2
Published: 7 hrs ago
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE says Andy Carroll still faces another month out. West Ham
striker Carroll, 24, has been nursing a heel injury since May. And boss Big
Sam said: "Andy's still recovering. "He has four weeks or more to go before
he starts full training. "But being fit and being ready to play are two
different things."
The Hammers continued their pre-season with a victory at Colchester. U's
keeper Mark Cousins saw his early clearance hit Joe Cole and go in. James
Collins doubled the lead before Jabo Ibehre grabbed a consolation.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Last Updated: July 16, 2013 10:05pm
SSN
Joe Cole and James Collins netted at the start of each half as West Ham
scored a 2-1 friendly win over Colchester at the Weston Homes Community
Stadium.
The Hammers were gifted an early lead when Mark Cousins' attempted clearance
ricocheted off Cole and into the net, and they doubled their lead after the
restart when Collins headed home Cole's corner. Substitute Jabo Ibehre
headed in a stoppage-time consolation for Colchester, but it proved the last
action of the match. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce fielded a strong field for
the trip up the A12, with summer signing Adrian in goal and veteran Romania
defender Razvan Rat also in the starting line-up. And the visitors got off
to a dream start on seven minutes when goalkeeper Cousins' clearance bounced
back into his own net off Cole. Colchester responded well to that early
setback, with Clinton Morrison forcing a fine save from Adrian and Gavin
Massey curling a low shot just wide. Cousins denied teenager Elliott Lee
just before half-time but he was beaten again on 50 minutes by defender
Collins' powerful header. Colchester gave their fans something to cheer
about in injury time when Ibehre headed Tosin Olufemi's cross past Adrian,
but it was too little, too late. West Ham will now travel to Germany for a
training camp which includes games against Mainz and Hamburg.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll unlikely to make West Ham's Premier League opener, says Sam
Allardyce
Last Updated: July 17, 2013 12:05am
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has revealed that Andy Carroll is unlikely to
be fit for the start of the Premier League season. The England striker, who
completed a permanent £15m move from Liverpool to the Hammers last month, is
still recovering from a heel injury and has so far missed the club's
pre-season campaign which continued with a 2-1 win at Colchester on Tuesday.
There were suggestions that Carroll could be fit for the Premier League
opener against Cardiff on August 17, but that appears unlikely according to
Allardyce, who is still hoping to have the 24-year-old back before the
international break at the start of September. Speaking after the match at
Colchester, Allardyce said: "Andy is still recovering. He has got four weeks
or more to go before he starts full training. "His rehab is going pretty
well at the moment and he will be joining us in Germany, and hopefully he
will be available, as will George McCarthy, as quickly as possible. "I hope
it will be before (September) for both of them, but being fit and being
ready to play are two different things - they may be fit from the injury,
but they are unlikely to be capable of playing straight away. "If we are
going to put our lads through six weeks of preparation and then Andy gets
fit with two days to go, you would not expect us to play him, would you?"
The win at Colchester gave West Ham a fourth successive pre-season friendly
success and Allardyce has been encouraged by their form. He added: "It was a
good workout for us, because Colchester are a couple of weeks ahead of where
we are with their season starting earlier, so you would expect we would get
a physical game. "Our only disappointment was conceding a goal in the last
minute. "We are looking very good, even at this early stage, so I just hope
we can keep it up in Germany."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Colchester Utd 1 West Ham 2
Published: 7 hrs ago
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE says Andy Carroll still faces another month out. West Ham
striker Carroll, 24, has been nursing a heel injury since May. And boss Big
Sam said: "Andy's still recovering. "He has four weeks or more to go before
he starts full training. "But being fit and being ready to play are two
different things."
The Hammers continued their pre-season with a victory at Colchester. U's
keeper Mark Cousins saw his early clearance hit Joe Cole and go in. James
Collins doubled the lead before Jabo Ibehre grabbed a consolation.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, July 16
Daily WHUFC News - 16th July 2013
Joey keeping cool
WHUFC.com
Joey O'Brien is happy with his progress after his first match action at AFC
Bournemouth
15.07.2013
Joey O'Brien enjoyed his 45-minute run out during Saturday's 2-0 win at AFC
Bournemouth as his pre-season preparations stepped up a gear. The Republic
of Ireland international was given his first taste of pre-season match
action when he came on as a half-time substitute for Guy Demel and was
quickly back into the swing of things with some no-nonsense defending. Fans
favourite O'Brien is now looking to make it two appearances in the space of
four days when the Hammers visit Colchester United on Tuesday evening. "It
was good to get a run out," O'Brien said. "I've been training hard the past
few weeks so it was nice to get the run out and get some minutes under my
belt. "It's been a gradual build up for me. I've been training hard but I
just didn't feature in the first two games. I started on Saturday with my
first 45 minutes and hopefully I'll get some more on Tuesday night. It's
going cool."
Saturday's test at Dean Court was anything but cool, however, as the south
of England basked in one of the hottest days of the year to date. While Sam
Allardyce may have planned for some warm-weather training during the Germany
trip that starts on Wednesday, O'Brien believes the early introduction to
sweltering conditions has done them the world of good. "It's not like that
every Saturday in the Premier League but I think it's good to play in those
conditions every now and again. The second half wasn't too bad as there were
so many substitutions. "Overall though, the pre-season has gone really well.
The trip to Ireland was great and we had a good game against Cork. We've got
Colchester on Tuesday and then we head to Germany. It'll be tough over
there."
Colchester provide the Hammers' penultimate examination on home soil before
the start of the season, with Pacos de Ferreira providing a stern test at
the Boleyn Ground on 10 August, a week before the big Barclays Premier
League kick-off. A tough assignment of three games awaits in Germany before
then, however, and O'Brien knows it is important the players seize the
opportunity to increase their sharpness and bond further as a group ahead of
the visit of Cardiff City on 17 August. "In Germany, we'll be looking to
step it up again, get more time on the pitch and take our fitness up to the
next level. "The new guys have settled in well and we've got a great bunch
of guys in the dressing room. Whenever a new player comes in they're made to
feel welcome so things are looking good for the new season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A towering presence
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 15th July 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's latest triallist is an out-of-contract, former Dutch
international midfielder. Orlando Engelaar featured as a second half
substitute for Kevin Nolan in West Ham's 2-0 win at Bournemouth on Saturday
afternoon - but his introduction left everyone in the 7,000+ crowd asking
"who?" We can reveal that Engelaar, now 33, was given a free transfer by
Dutch side PSV at the end of the 2012/13 season having come to the end of a
four-year contract. He has spent the past few days at Chadwell Heath in
order for Allardyce and his team to run the rule over him - and was present
at Boreham Wood last Wednesday, even though he didn't play. A central
midfielder who has been described as "a towering presence on the pitch"
(Engelaar stands 6'5" tall), the Rotterdam-born player has also spent time
in Belgium and Germany where he played for Racing Genk and Schalke
respectively. However it was whilst at FC Twente in 2007 when he made his
debut for the Dutch national squad in a friendly against South Korea. A
year later he was included in the Netherlands' 2008 European Championships,
playing in every game before the Dutch were knocked out at the quarter final
stage by Russia. Altogether, Engelaar has made 14 appearances for his
country.
Sam Allardyce, talking about the possibility of offering Engelaar a contract
told westhamtv: "We'll have him with us for a few days to see if he could be
a valuable member of our team. We'll obviously make that decision in the
near future."
Orlando Engelaar: Career History
July 2013: PSV Eindhoven (free transfer)
September 2010: FC Schalke to PSV Eindhoven (£3.5m)
July 2008: FC Twente to FC Schalke (4.9m)
August 2006: KRC Genk to FC Twente (£2.5m)
July 2004: NAC Breda to KRC Genk (£1.1m)
2001: Jong Feyenoord Rotterdam to NAC Breda (free transfer)
The Netherlands: 14 appearances between 2007 and 2010.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce tight-lipped on Kuzmanovic bid
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 15th July 2013
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce refused to be drawn over his interest in Milan midfielder
Zdravko Kuzmanovic when asked about the state of play by a TV crew. Speaking
after West Ham's 2-0 win against Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon, the
United boss was questioned as to whether rumours of a £5million bid for the
25-year-old Serbian international were correct. But Allardyce refused to
either confirm or deny whether West Ham had made a firm bid for a player who
less than a year ago was valued at the £20million+ mark. "I can't shed any
light on that at all. He's a player I like but I still don't know anything
about it," said Allardyce, with a wry smile on his face. "Position wise, we
need an attacking player first and then we'll see where we go after that. At
this moment in time, it depends on the player who is available. If it's a
quality player who brings a lot to the team then we'll go for him."
Allardyce also reiterated previous comments when asked how many more players
he would like to add to his squad before the start of the new season next
month. "For the first time in eight years, I have got a good squad together
right at the start of pre-season," he said. "Normally I am six or seven
short and I have to skimp around to get them in, but not this year. We would
like to add to that of course, although it will only be one or two maximum."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam opens the Dor
Published: 6 hrs ago
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE is ready to make a £3million move for West Brom's
out-of-favour Graham Dorrans. West Ham boss Big Sam wants another midfielder
on board after Gary O'Neil's failure to agree a new deal. Baggies chief
Steve Clarke told Dorrans in January he could find a new club after losing
his first-team place. The Scotland international stayed and ended the season
with 20 Premier League appearances but now looks set to go if a decent offer
comes in.
The Hammers face competition with Norwich and newly-promoted Cardiff also
keen on the 26-year-old.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David's Golden opportunity
Posted by Peter Thorne
ESPBblog
The author has fond memories of queuing up for West Ham tickets like these
youngsters in 1965 and is concerned today's youth are being priced out of
the market. David Gold has been forced to defend West Ham's ticketing policy
before the start of the new season, with accusations that the club are
pricing fans out with excessive charges, particularly in Category A games
where non-season ticket holders will buy match-day tickets through the
membership scheme.
With some games -- Chelsea, Manchester United and Spurs are the usual
culprits -- seats will rise to 72 pounds although, as Gold states, the
lowest in the band will be marked to about 52 pounds.
The Hammers' co-chairman has hit back at critics, defending the club's
policy and pointing out that the club is only reacting to their league
placing from last season and that prices are comparable with clubs in a
similar position and, as you'd expect, below the asking price of rivals
offering a supposedly more glamorous fare elsewhere in the Capital.
Gold is obviously viewing these accusations with some anger -- describing
them as 'mischief making' -- explaining that often those clubs with the
lowest prices were those that found themselves battling relegation and that
against the very high prices of some seats, the club had perfectly adequate
seating for people who wanted to pay less.
As a direct riposte, that suggests that charging higher prices meant that
the club were able to operate at the upper end of the transfer market,
Gold's defence was quite clear. It also has to be remembered that 2012-13
saw an astonishing 17 consecutive games sold out in a season, a statistic
that broke the record for the highest average home league attendance in the
club's history. There has to be a sense then that fans at least, must be
able to bear the brunt of rocketing ticket prices.
While it's hard not to deny that David Gold is perfectly within his rights
to be angry -- West Ham, after all, are certainly not setting any trends
here -- it's also difficult not to view this whole situation like the little
boy in the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale; staring wide-eyed and
open-mouthed as the crowd admire the naked King's fine 'new clothes' that
only the 'wise' can see.
As someone who used to pitch up outside the gates of the old North Bank at 1
p.m. on a Saturday afternoon, clutching a shiny coin or two poked out from
the piggy bank with a knife or gratefully accepted from a well-meaning
grandparent, it's hard to see where the next generation of stadium fans will
come from unless this lunacy is arrested somehow.
Even with the well-intentioned Junior membership schemes and even the
excellent "Kids-for-a-quid" opportunities at various times of the season,
the weekly match-day attendance is simply far beyond the pocket of even the
most wealthiest of schoolboys. David Gold himself -- a loyal fan from a
young age and one who was used to the same pre-match ritual as myself, also
an astute man and one who has run several businesses -- is well-aware of
this problem of course and probably feels some discomfort at having to
defend a policy that is making regular attendance harder and harder with
every passing season for most fans.
Pity the parent though with one or two offspring wanting to treat his
boys/girls to a match against one of the Premier League big boys, if the
family has to travel -- more likely than it used to be with little local
support -- £100-plus can disappear very quickly. We live in a time where
club loyalties are formed by TV appearances -- particularly those made on a
Wednesday evening. For a club like West Ham to survive and thrive, the need
to introduce the thrill of a live match-day experience to a young fan is
vital. But, conversely, to do that, prices need to be set at a level to
attract younger fans.
Of course, it's not just the younger supporter who is suffering here,
though; for a traveling adult wanting to start the match with a pre-match
snack and pint, including rail fares and/or petrol and parking, it's getting
harder and harder to justify a regular attendance. You don't have to be
signing on or on a low wage not to feel the pinch now.
Nevertheless, criticism of the club and David Gold in particular -- unfair
in my opinion anyway -- can to be tempered here with a very basic fact; that
is that West Ham United has a very real opportunity to reverse this trend
when they move to the Olympic Park in a few season's time. Critics may sneer
at the Hammers' plans for a ground capacity of about 60,000 ---- about
24,000 more than Upton Park's -- and ask how they plan to fill it. But
wouldn't it be great if those 'empty' seats were full, with local youngsters
able to gain admission from their pocket money, loyal fans unemployed but
wanting to see their team, drifting visitors just wanting to catch a game at
short notice?
Gold may have to explain his club's policies now, but he might well soon
have a golden opportunity to reverse the trend and make a name for himself.
Perhaps I'm being naive and starry-eyed, but wouldn't it be great if West
Ham were able to become the club that bucked the trend towards higher and
higher prices? The opportunity is there, if it can be seized.
In the meantime, it looks as if it's up into the loft for some of us; while
the hot weather holds the sight of those same shiny coins and the Sunday
Boot sale have an irresistible lure.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Joey O'Brien is happy with his progress after his first match action at AFC
Bournemouth
15.07.2013
Joey O'Brien enjoyed his 45-minute run out during Saturday's 2-0 win at AFC
Bournemouth as his pre-season preparations stepped up a gear. The Republic
of Ireland international was given his first taste of pre-season match
action when he came on as a half-time substitute for Guy Demel and was
quickly back into the swing of things with some no-nonsense defending. Fans
favourite O'Brien is now looking to make it two appearances in the space of
four days when the Hammers visit Colchester United on Tuesday evening. "It
was good to get a run out," O'Brien said. "I've been training hard the past
few weeks so it was nice to get the run out and get some minutes under my
belt. "It's been a gradual build up for me. I've been training hard but I
just didn't feature in the first two games. I started on Saturday with my
first 45 minutes and hopefully I'll get some more on Tuesday night. It's
going cool."
Saturday's test at Dean Court was anything but cool, however, as the south
of England basked in one of the hottest days of the year to date. While Sam
Allardyce may have planned for some warm-weather training during the Germany
trip that starts on Wednesday, O'Brien believes the early introduction to
sweltering conditions has done them the world of good. "It's not like that
every Saturday in the Premier League but I think it's good to play in those
conditions every now and again. The second half wasn't too bad as there were
so many substitutions. "Overall though, the pre-season has gone really well.
The trip to Ireland was great and we had a good game against Cork. We've got
Colchester on Tuesday and then we head to Germany. It'll be tough over
there."
Colchester provide the Hammers' penultimate examination on home soil before
the start of the season, with Pacos de Ferreira providing a stern test at
the Boleyn Ground on 10 August, a week before the big Barclays Premier
League kick-off. A tough assignment of three games awaits in Germany before
then, however, and O'Brien knows it is important the players seize the
opportunity to increase their sharpness and bond further as a group ahead of
the visit of Cardiff City on 17 August. "In Germany, we'll be looking to
step it up again, get more time on the pitch and take our fitness up to the
next level. "The new guys have settled in well and we've got a great bunch
of guys in the dressing room. Whenever a new player comes in they're made to
feel welcome so things are looking good for the new season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A towering presence
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 15th July 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's latest triallist is an out-of-contract, former Dutch
international midfielder. Orlando Engelaar featured as a second half
substitute for Kevin Nolan in West Ham's 2-0 win at Bournemouth on Saturday
afternoon - but his introduction left everyone in the 7,000+ crowd asking
"who?" We can reveal that Engelaar, now 33, was given a free transfer by
Dutch side PSV at the end of the 2012/13 season having come to the end of a
four-year contract. He has spent the past few days at Chadwell Heath in
order for Allardyce and his team to run the rule over him - and was present
at Boreham Wood last Wednesday, even though he didn't play. A central
midfielder who has been described as "a towering presence on the pitch"
(Engelaar stands 6'5" tall), the Rotterdam-born player has also spent time
in Belgium and Germany where he played for Racing Genk and Schalke
respectively. However it was whilst at FC Twente in 2007 when he made his
debut for the Dutch national squad in a friendly against South Korea. A
year later he was included in the Netherlands' 2008 European Championships,
playing in every game before the Dutch were knocked out at the quarter final
stage by Russia. Altogether, Engelaar has made 14 appearances for his
country.
Sam Allardyce, talking about the possibility of offering Engelaar a contract
told westhamtv: "We'll have him with us for a few days to see if he could be
a valuable member of our team. We'll obviously make that decision in the
near future."
Orlando Engelaar: Career History
July 2013: PSV Eindhoven (free transfer)
September 2010: FC Schalke to PSV Eindhoven (£3.5m)
July 2008: FC Twente to FC Schalke (4.9m)
August 2006: KRC Genk to FC Twente (£2.5m)
July 2004: NAC Breda to KRC Genk (£1.1m)
2001: Jong Feyenoord Rotterdam to NAC Breda (free transfer)
The Netherlands: 14 appearances between 2007 and 2010.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce tight-lipped on Kuzmanovic bid
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 15th July 2013
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce refused to be drawn over his interest in Milan midfielder
Zdravko Kuzmanovic when asked about the state of play by a TV crew. Speaking
after West Ham's 2-0 win against Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon, the
United boss was questioned as to whether rumours of a £5million bid for the
25-year-old Serbian international were correct. But Allardyce refused to
either confirm or deny whether West Ham had made a firm bid for a player who
less than a year ago was valued at the £20million+ mark. "I can't shed any
light on that at all. He's a player I like but I still don't know anything
about it," said Allardyce, with a wry smile on his face. "Position wise, we
need an attacking player first and then we'll see where we go after that. At
this moment in time, it depends on the player who is available. If it's a
quality player who brings a lot to the team then we'll go for him."
Allardyce also reiterated previous comments when asked how many more players
he would like to add to his squad before the start of the new season next
month. "For the first time in eight years, I have got a good squad together
right at the start of pre-season," he said. "Normally I am six or seven
short and I have to skimp around to get them in, but not this year. We would
like to add to that of course, although it will only be one or two maximum."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam opens the Dor
Published: 6 hrs ago
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE is ready to make a £3million move for West Brom's
out-of-favour Graham Dorrans. West Ham boss Big Sam wants another midfielder
on board after Gary O'Neil's failure to agree a new deal. Baggies chief
Steve Clarke told Dorrans in January he could find a new club after losing
his first-team place. The Scotland international stayed and ended the season
with 20 Premier League appearances but now looks set to go if a decent offer
comes in.
The Hammers face competition with Norwich and newly-promoted Cardiff also
keen on the 26-year-old.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David's Golden opportunity
Posted by Peter Thorne
ESPBblog
The author has fond memories of queuing up for West Ham tickets like these
youngsters in 1965 and is concerned today's youth are being priced out of
the market. David Gold has been forced to defend West Ham's ticketing policy
before the start of the new season, with accusations that the club are
pricing fans out with excessive charges, particularly in Category A games
where non-season ticket holders will buy match-day tickets through the
membership scheme.
With some games -- Chelsea, Manchester United and Spurs are the usual
culprits -- seats will rise to 72 pounds although, as Gold states, the
lowest in the band will be marked to about 52 pounds.
The Hammers' co-chairman has hit back at critics, defending the club's
policy and pointing out that the club is only reacting to their league
placing from last season and that prices are comparable with clubs in a
similar position and, as you'd expect, below the asking price of rivals
offering a supposedly more glamorous fare elsewhere in the Capital.
Gold is obviously viewing these accusations with some anger -- describing
them as 'mischief making' -- explaining that often those clubs with the
lowest prices were those that found themselves battling relegation and that
against the very high prices of some seats, the club had perfectly adequate
seating for people who wanted to pay less.
As a direct riposte, that suggests that charging higher prices meant that
the club were able to operate at the upper end of the transfer market,
Gold's defence was quite clear. It also has to be remembered that 2012-13
saw an astonishing 17 consecutive games sold out in a season, a statistic
that broke the record for the highest average home league attendance in the
club's history. There has to be a sense then that fans at least, must be
able to bear the brunt of rocketing ticket prices.
While it's hard not to deny that David Gold is perfectly within his rights
to be angry -- West Ham, after all, are certainly not setting any trends
here -- it's also difficult not to view this whole situation like the little
boy in the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale; staring wide-eyed and
open-mouthed as the crowd admire the naked King's fine 'new clothes' that
only the 'wise' can see.
As someone who used to pitch up outside the gates of the old North Bank at 1
p.m. on a Saturday afternoon, clutching a shiny coin or two poked out from
the piggy bank with a knife or gratefully accepted from a well-meaning
grandparent, it's hard to see where the next generation of stadium fans will
come from unless this lunacy is arrested somehow.
Even with the well-intentioned Junior membership schemes and even the
excellent "Kids-for-a-quid" opportunities at various times of the season,
the weekly match-day attendance is simply far beyond the pocket of even the
most wealthiest of schoolboys. David Gold himself -- a loyal fan from a
young age and one who was used to the same pre-match ritual as myself, also
an astute man and one who has run several businesses -- is well-aware of
this problem of course and probably feels some discomfort at having to
defend a policy that is making regular attendance harder and harder with
every passing season for most fans.
Pity the parent though with one or two offspring wanting to treat his
boys/girls to a match against one of the Premier League big boys, if the
family has to travel -- more likely than it used to be with little local
support -- £100-plus can disappear very quickly. We live in a time where
club loyalties are formed by TV appearances -- particularly those made on a
Wednesday evening. For a club like West Ham to survive and thrive, the need
to introduce the thrill of a live match-day experience to a young fan is
vital. But, conversely, to do that, prices need to be set at a level to
attract younger fans.
Of course, it's not just the younger supporter who is suffering here,
though; for a traveling adult wanting to start the match with a pre-match
snack and pint, including rail fares and/or petrol and parking, it's getting
harder and harder to justify a regular attendance. You don't have to be
signing on or on a low wage not to feel the pinch now.
Nevertheless, criticism of the club and David Gold in particular -- unfair
in my opinion anyway -- can to be tempered here with a very basic fact; that
is that West Ham United has a very real opportunity to reverse this trend
when they move to the Olympic Park in a few season's time. Critics may sneer
at the Hammers' plans for a ground capacity of about 60,000 ---- about
24,000 more than Upton Park's -- and ask how they plan to fill it. But
wouldn't it be great if those 'empty' seats were full, with local youngsters
able to gain admission from their pocket money, loyal fans unemployed but
wanting to see their team, drifting visitors just wanting to catch a game at
short notice?
Gold may have to explain his club's policies now, but he might well soon
have a golden opportunity to reverse the trend and make a name for himself.
Perhaps I'm being naive and starry-eyed, but wouldn't it be great if West
Ham were able to become the club that bucked the trend towards higher and
higher prices? The opportunity is there, if it can be seized.
In the meantime, it looks as if it's up into the loft for some of us; while
the hot weather holds the sight of those same shiny coins and the Sunday
Boot sale have an irresistible lure.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, July 15
Daily WHUFC News - 15th July 2013
U18s open with Orient victory
WHUFC.com
Steve Potts' U18s started their pre-season schedule with a 4-1 victory at
Leyton Orient
14.07.2013
West Ham United Under-18s opened their pre-season schedule with a 4-1
victory over Leyton Orient in Chigwell on Saturday. The home side took a
surprising lead against the run of play after just eleven minutes, before
Jerry Amoo, Reece Burke and a double from a trialist helped the Hammers to
earn a deserved win at the O's Old Chigwellians training ground. The game
was the start of Steve Potts' first full season in control of the U18 side
and he chose to name a completely different line-up in each half. It was
West Ham who started the game with a chance on goal, when Taylor Tombides
was released down the left touchline and he delivered a perfect cross to new
boy Jordan Brown, who narrowly missed to top left-hand corner with a volley
from six yards. Former England U16 striker Brown recently joined up with the
Hammers on a scholarship after leaving Arsenal. With West Ham firmly in
control of the game, it was Leyton Orient who surprisingly broke the
deadlock when the Orient left-back got forward and fizzed a shot across the
face of the goal, which was cut back on the far touchline for an well taken
finish by the hosts' No11. The home side almost doubled their lead just
minutes later, but Hammers goalkeeper Vit Nemrava did excellently to push an
effort round the post. It didn't take long until West Ham were back in the
game and they grabbed the equaliser a short time later. Amoo was sent
through the defence and the young man held off his marker before striking a
low effort into the corner of the net. After half-time, a completely fresh
Hammers team retained control and almost went ahead through Marcio Martins,
but the young Portuguese star's effort just drifted past the far post. With
a little-changed Orient side wilting in the hot conditions, West Ham went
into the lead on the hour-mark. The trialist forward found himself free in
the 18-yard box and finished comfortably past the goalkeeper. The game was
all but over on 77 minutes when the trialist grabbed his second of the game,
slotting into the net after Martins had won the ball back following an
Orient defensive mix-up. In the final minute Reece Burke powerfully headed
Kieran Bailey's right-wing corner into the top left-hand corner of the goal
to complete an encouraging start for Potts' youngsters - many of whom were
playing their first game since becoming full-time scholars within the
Academy.
The U18s' next pre-season fixture is at Colchester United on Saturday 20
July.
West Ham United U18 First-half XI: Nemrava, Knoyle, Girdlestone, Onaraise,
Mavila, Amoo, Bywater, Marlow, Parfitt-Williams, T.Tombides, Brown
West Ham United U18 Second-half XI: Brown, Pike, Burke, Harney, Page,
Cullen, Bailey, Makasi, Gogo, Martins, Trialist
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diame delighted to be back
WHUFC.com
Midfielder Mohamed Diame made his pre-season bow in a 2-0 win at AFC
Bournemouth
14.07.2013
Mohamed Diame was delighted to be back on the field with his West Ham United
team-mates in Saturday's 2-0 pre-season victory at Bournemouth. The No21 was
given leave to join training a week later than his Hammers team-mates after
captaining Senegal in two vital 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against
Angola and Liberia in June. While his country remain on firm course to
qualify for next summer's finals in Brazil, Diame is now focused on doing
his best for West Ham after an eye-catching first season in claret and blue.
The midfielder picked up the Goal of the Season, Individual Performance of
the Season and Signing of the Season awards last term and, following his
return to Club duty at the Goldsands Stadium, he is targeting more success
in a West Ham shirt. "It was very good to be back," he told West Ham TV. "I
was happy to be playing again with all my friends and to see all the staff.
I had a good moment on the pitch and I hope things are going well for the
start of the season."
While many of his squad-mates were relaxing after a draining 2012/13
Barclays Premier League campaign, Diame flew off to Africa to skipper his
country. Four points from two matches left Senegal top of their African
qualifying group and within touching distance of the World Cup. "It was a
very long season last season, so I went to take some rest before I went away
with the national team. We had 20 days with Senegal but I feel OK. I didn't
miss the pitch for a long time but I'm all right. "We [Senegal] are going
well at the moment and we hope to qualify for Brazil, which would be an
unbelievable World Cup so we don't want to miss it."
While his international ambitions look like being fulfilled, Diame knows he
will have to keep performing if he is to be in Sam Allardyce's team when
they host Cardiff City on Saturday 17 August. The return of France
international Alou Diarra from loan at Stade Rennais, the emergence of the
promising Ravel Morrison, the signing of teenager Danny Whitehead and the
arrival on trial of Netherlands international Orlando Engelaar on trial mean
places in the midfield are at a premium. With Mark Noble, Jack Collison and
captain Kevin Nolan also in the mix, the 26-year-old will have to keep
producing the goods . "I see everybody is focused to be in the starting XI.
Everybody is working hard so this is good for the team. We just need to be
focused on the first game against Cardiff because we know it is important to
start well to make the season easier."
With England centre forward Andy Carroll and Romania skipper Razvan Rat
joining the Hammers this summer, there is strength and depth across Big
Sam's squad. So, whoever starts against Cardiff, Diame is confident West Ham
can build on their impressive tenth-place finish last term and push on
towards the upper echelons of the Barclays Premier League. "We have to have
our ambition and we know the project of the Club, so we need to work to try
to finish near the top. We are going to try to give our best and make sure
to do better than the last season. "I feel a top-eight finish is achievable,
of course. Why not?"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bournemouth 0-2 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 14th July 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham eased to a third successive pre-season win in the sunshine at
Bournemouth this afternoon.
United, fresh from victories at Cork City and Boreham Wood (6-2 and 3-0
respectively) secured a 2-0 win at the Goldsands Stadium through goals from
captain Kevin Nolan and midfielder Jack Collison as the scorching sun bore
down on the 7,000+ crowd.
The match, a testimonial for defender Stephen Purches who has been out of
action since breaking a leg against Rochdale in February 2011 saw West Ham
start brightly - so much so that the visitors were ahead after just nine
minutes.
James Collins, back in the starting line-up having been rested at Boreham
Wood on Wednesday night started the move with a wide ball to the advancing
Guy Demel. The Ivorian full back pulled the ball back for Ricardo Vaz Te who
delivered a deep cross which Nolan met with a pinpoint header, leaving
goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan no chance.
West Ham doubled their lead on the stroke of half time when Jack Collison
took advantage of some confusion in the Cherries defence.
The home side felt that should have been awarded a free kick when Modibo
Maiga appeared to foul Steve Cook, but the referee waved play on. That left
the Welsh midfielder with a clear run on goal - and he finished superbly,
rounding Flahavan before planting the ball into an empty net.
West Ham made a number of changes after the half time break - including the
introduction of Dutch triallist Orlando Engelaar - but failed to seriously
threaten to extend their lead over the Championship side, who were having a
little fun themselves.
Stephen Purches made his long-awaited comeback from injury - to a standing
ovation from Cherries fans - whilst former Bournemouth players Darren
Anderton and Steve Fletcher both made cameo appearances in the final moments
of the game.
Next up for Sam Allardyce and his team is the short trip up the A12 to face
League One side Colchester United on Wednesday night.
West Ham Utd: Jaaskelainen, Demel (O'Brien 45), Collins (Potts 60), Reid
(Tomkins 60), Rat (Taylor 60), Vaz Te (Cole 60), Noble (Diame 60), Collison,
Nolan (Engelaar 52), Jarvis, Maiga (McCallum 82).
AFC Bournemouth: Flahavan, Francis (Fogden 74), Cook (Anderton 82), Ward
(Addison 74), Harte (Daniels 45), McDermott (Elphick 45), Arter (McDermott
77, Fletcher 85), MacDonald (S. Purches 67), Fraser (Matthews 59, J. Purches
88), Grabban (Stockley 74), Pitman (Thomas 45).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce admits he admires Zdravko Kuzmanovic
Last Updated: July 14, 2013 2:56pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allarydce has admitted his interest in Inter Milan
attacking midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic. The Serbia international, 25, only
joined Inter from Stuttgart in January but looks set to move on this summer,
and the Hammers are reportedly hoping to snap him up for around £5million.
Speaking after Saturday's 2-0 friendly win at Bournemouth, Allardyce said
Kuzmanovic was on his radar but stopped short of admitting any bid.
Allardyce said: "He is a player I like, but I know nothing about it so
cannot comment." "For the first time in eight years, I have got a good squad
together right at the start of pre-season."
Goals from Kevin Nolan and Jack Collison gave the visitors victory at Dean
Court, and afterwards Allardyce said he was happy with his squad strength at
this point - but would still like to bolster his attack. "For the first time
in eight years, I have got a good squad together right at the start of
pre-season," he added.
"Normally I am six or seven short and I have to skimp around to get them in,
but not this year. "We would like to add to that of course, although it will
only be one or two max. Position wise, we need an attacking player first and
then we will see where we go. "At this moment, it depends on the player who
is available. It needs to be a quality player who brings a lot to the team
for us to go after him."
Nolan was forced to limp off shortly after the interval but Allardyce
insisted there were no serious worries over his skipper. "Kevin came off
with only a dead leg so it looks like he will be OK and it won't be too much
of a problem," he told the Sunday Mirror.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Four Premier League clubs keen on Peter Odemwingie
Last Updated: July 14, 2013 4:22pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands four Premier League clubs have expressed an interest
in West Bromwich Albion striker Peter Odemwingie. The 31-year-old forward
has been looking for a route out of The Hawthorns for some time, with a
deadline day fiasco in January seeing him fail to secure a switch to Queens
Park Rangers. With there little chance of him being offered a clean slate
with the Baggies, it is expected that the Nigeria international will be on
the move this summer. As a proven goalscorer at the highest level, it comes
as no surprise to find that numerous clubs are readying an approach for his
services. It is understood that West Ham United, Hull City, Sunderland and
Fulham would all welcome Odemwingie into their ranks - joining Crystal
Palace in the chase for his services. He still has a year left to run on his
contract at West Brom, but reports suggest that a bid of around £1.5million
could be enough to lure the Baggies to the negotiating table.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
est Ham hire former Manchester United solicitor to help them land work
permit for Duvan Zapata
14 Jul 2013 22:30
The Mirror
West Ham have hired former Manchester United solicitor Maurice Watkins to
help land Duvan Zapata. MirrorSport revealed that the Hammers had agreed a
£6.7million fee with Estudiantes for the South American striker. But the
deal, including a four-year contract, is all subject to a work permit.
Watkins will now represent the club at a hearing next week to try to secure
the 22-year-old's future in England. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce wants the
exciting Colombian to partner Andy Carroll. Allardyce's scouts have been
excited by Zapata's pace and power and want to land him. Carroll is due to
miss the start of the season injured and Zapata is seen as a good short-term
replacement - and partner when the targetman returns. Zapata is yet to play
for his country but is expected to feature in next summer's World Cup
finals. He does not satisfy present conditions for a permit but West Ham are
quietly confident because he is such a talent.
They will argue to an appeals panel that the 6ft 2in ace will make a
significant contribution to the game here and point to Colombia's position
at No.3 in Fifa's rankings in the hope of gaining the green light. Zapata
scored 14 goals last season for Estudiantes and has attracted interest from
top European clubs including Borussia Dortmund and Porto.
Big Sam fears Uncle Sam
Sam Allardyce fears Fulham's billionaire new owner Shahid Khan will price
West Ham out of the market for signings, writes MirrorFootball. Jackonsville
Jaguars owner Khan last week paid £150million to buy the Hammers' London
rivals from Mohammed Al Fayed. Allardyce said: "Now Fulham are in new hands
it will make it harder to attract players to West Ham as they will probably
pay more money than us. Shahid Khan has inherited a successful Premier
League side."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers boss set to make a decision over Dutch international trialist
London24
Sunday, July 14, 2013
1:46 PM
Transfer news: Sam Allardyce has not ruled out a move for Orlando Engelaar
after the Netherlands international appeared in West Ham's 2-0 pre-season
win over Bournemouth yesterday. The midfielder, who has played for Schalke
04 and PSV, has been on trial with the Hammers and looks set to remain with
the east Londoners for their next friendly match against Colchester United
on Tueday. "A player of his experience and his quality, we'll have him with
us for a few days to see if he could be a valuable member of our team,"
Allardyce told the club's website. "We'll obviously make that decision in
the near future."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Steve Potts' U18s started their pre-season schedule with a 4-1 victory at
Leyton Orient
14.07.2013
West Ham United Under-18s opened their pre-season schedule with a 4-1
victory over Leyton Orient in Chigwell on Saturday. The home side took a
surprising lead against the run of play after just eleven minutes, before
Jerry Amoo, Reece Burke and a double from a trialist helped the Hammers to
earn a deserved win at the O's Old Chigwellians training ground. The game
was the start of Steve Potts' first full season in control of the U18 side
and he chose to name a completely different line-up in each half. It was
West Ham who started the game with a chance on goal, when Taylor Tombides
was released down the left touchline and he delivered a perfect cross to new
boy Jordan Brown, who narrowly missed to top left-hand corner with a volley
from six yards. Former England U16 striker Brown recently joined up with the
Hammers on a scholarship after leaving Arsenal. With West Ham firmly in
control of the game, it was Leyton Orient who surprisingly broke the
deadlock when the Orient left-back got forward and fizzed a shot across the
face of the goal, which was cut back on the far touchline for an well taken
finish by the hosts' No11. The home side almost doubled their lead just
minutes later, but Hammers goalkeeper Vit Nemrava did excellently to push an
effort round the post. It didn't take long until West Ham were back in the
game and they grabbed the equaliser a short time later. Amoo was sent
through the defence and the young man held off his marker before striking a
low effort into the corner of the net. After half-time, a completely fresh
Hammers team retained control and almost went ahead through Marcio Martins,
but the young Portuguese star's effort just drifted past the far post. With
a little-changed Orient side wilting in the hot conditions, West Ham went
into the lead on the hour-mark. The trialist forward found himself free in
the 18-yard box and finished comfortably past the goalkeeper. The game was
all but over on 77 minutes when the trialist grabbed his second of the game,
slotting into the net after Martins had won the ball back following an
Orient defensive mix-up. In the final minute Reece Burke powerfully headed
Kieran Bailey's right-wing corner into the top left-hand corner of the goal
to complete an encouraging start for Potts' youngsters - many of whom were
playing their first game since becoming full-time scholars within the
Academy.
The U18s' next pre-season fixture is at Colchester United on Saturday 20
July.
West Ham United U18 First-half XI: Nemrava, Knoyle, Girdlestone, Onaraise,
Mavila, Amoo, Bywater, Marlow, Parfitt-Williams, T.Tombides, Brown
West Ham United U18 Second-half XI: Brown, Pike, Burke, Harney, Page,
Cullen, Bailey, Makasi, Gogo, Martins, Trialist
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diame delighted to be back
WHUFC.com
Midfielder Mohamed Diame made his pre-season bow in a 2-0 win at AFC
Bournemouth
14.07.2013
Mohamed Diame was delighted to be back on the field with his West Ham United
team-mates in Saturday's 2-0 pre-season victory at Bournemouth. The No21 was
given leave to join training a week later than his Hammers team-mates after
captaining Senegal in two vital 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against
Angola and Liberia in June. While his country remain on firm course to
qualify for next summer's finals in Brazil, Diame is now focused on doing
his best for West Ham after an eye-catching first season in claret and blue.
The midfielder picked up the Goal of the Season, Individual Performance of
the Season and Signing of the Season awards last term and, following his
return to Club duty at the Goldsands Stadium, he is targeting more success
in a West Ham shirt. "It was very good to be back," he told West Ham TV. "I
was happy to be playing again with all my friends and to see all the staff.
I had a good moment on the pitch and I hope things are going well for the
start of the season."
While many of his squad-mates were relaxing after a draining 2012/13
Barclays Premier League campaign, Diame flew off to Africa to skipper his
country. Four points from two matches left Senegal top of their African
qualifying group and within touching distance of the World Cup. "It was a
very long season last season, so I went to take some rest before I went away
with the national team. We had 20 days with Senegal but I feel OK. I didn't
miss the pitch for a long time but I'm all right. "We [Senegal] are going
well at the moment and we hope to qualify for Brazil, which would be an
unbelievable World Cup so we don't want to miss it."
While his international ambitions look like being fulfilled, Diame knows he
will have to keep performing if he is to be in Sam Allardyce's team when
they host Cardiff City on Saturday 17 August. The return of France
international Alou Diarra from loan at Stade Rennais, the emergence of the
promising Ravel Morrison, the signing of teenager Danny Whitehead and the
arrival on trial of Netherlands international Orlando Engelaar on trial mean
places in the midfield are at a premium. With Mark Noble, Jack Collison and
captain Kevin Nolan also in the mix, the 26-year-old will have to keep
producing the goods . "I see everybody is focused to be in the starting XI.
Everybody is working hard so this is good for the team. We just need to be
focused on the first game against Cardiff because we know it is important to
start well to make the season easier."
With England centre forward Andy Carroll and Romania skipper Razvan Rat
joining the Hammers this summer, there is strength and depth across Big
Sam's squad. So, whoever starts against Cardiff, Diame is confident West Ham
can build on their impressive tenth-place finish last term and push on
towards the upper echelons of the Barclays Premier League. "We have to have
our ambition and we know the project of the Club, so we need to work to try
to finish near the top. We are going to try to give our best and make sure
to do better than the last season. "I feel a top-eight finish is achievable,
of course. Why not?"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bournemouth 0-2 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 14th July 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham eased to a third successive pre-season win in the sunshine at
Bournemouth this afternoon.
United, fresh from victories at Cork City and Boreham Wood (6-2 and 3-0
respectively) secured a 2-0 win at the Goldsands Stadium through goals from
captain Kevin Nolan and midfielder Jack Collison as the scorching sun bore
down on the 7,000+ crowd.
The match, a testimonial for defender Stephen Purches who has been out of
action since breaking a leg against Rochdale in February 2011 saw West Ham
start brightly - so much so that the visitors were ahead after just nine
minutes.
James Collins, back in the starting line-up having been rested at Boreham
Wood on Wednesday night started the move with a wide ball to the advancing
Guy Demel. The Ivorian full back pulled the ball back for Ricardo Vaz Te who
delivered a deep cross which Nolan met with a pinpoint header, leaving
goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan no chance.
West Ham doubled their lead on the stroke of half time when Jack Collison
took advantage of some confusion in the Cherries defence.
The home side felt that should have been awarded a free kick when Modibo
Maiga appeared to foul Steve Cook, but the referee waved play on. That left
the Welsh midfielder with a clear run on goal - and he finished superbly,
rounding Flahavan before planting the ball into an empty net.
West Ham made a number of changes after the half time break - including the
introduction of Dutch triallist Orlando Engelaar - but failed to seriously
threaten to extend their lead over the Championship side, who were having a
little fun themselves.
Stephen Purches made his long-awaited comeback from injury - to a standing
ovation from Cherries fans - whilst former Bournemouth players Darren
Anderton and Steve Fletcher both made cameo appearances in the final moments
of the game.
Next up for Sam Allardyce and his team is the short trip up the A12 to face
League One side Colchester United on Wednesday night.
West Ham Utd: Jaaskelainen, Demel (O'Brien 45), Collins (Potts 60), Reid
(Tomkins 60), Rat (Taylor 60), Vaz Te (Cole 60), Noble (Diame 60), Collison,
Nolan (Engelaar 52), Jarvis, Maiga (McCallum 82).
AFC Bournemouth: Flahavan, Francis (Fogden 74), Cook (Anderton 82), Ward
(Addison 74), Harte (Daniels 45), McDermott (Elphick 45), Arter (McDermott
77, Fletcher 85), MacDonald (S. Purches 67), Fraser (Matthews 59, J. Purches
88), Grabban (Stockley 74), Pitman (Thomas 45).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce admits he admires Zdravko Kuzmanovic
Last Updated: July 14, 2013 2:56pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allarydce has admitted his interest in Inter Milan
attacking midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic. The Serbia international, 25, only
joined Inter from Stuttgart in January but looks set to move on this summer,
and the Hammers are reportedly hoping to snap him up for around £5million.
Speaking after Saturday's 2-0 friendly win at Bournemouth, Allardyce said
Kuzmanovic was on his radar but stopped short of admitting any bid.
Allardyce said: "He is a player I like, but I know nothing about it so
cannot comment." "For the first time in eight years, I have got a good squad
together right at the start of pre-season."
Goals from Kevin Nolan and Jack Collison gave the visitors victory at Dean
Court, and afterwards Allardyce said he was happy with his squad strength at
this point - but would still like to bolster his attack. "For the first time
in eight years, I have got a good squad together right at the start of
pre-season," he added.
"Normally I am six or seven short and I have to skimp around to get them in,
but not this year. "We would like to add to that of course, although it will
only be one or two max. Position wise, we need an attacking player first and
then we will see where we go. "At this moment, it depends on the player who
is available. It needs to be a quality player who brings a lot to the team
for us to go after him."
Nolan was forced to limp off shortly after the interval but Allardyce
insisted there were no serious worries over his skipper. "Kevin came off
with only a dead leg so it looks like he will be OK and it won't be too much
of a problem," he told the Sunday Mirror.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Four Premier League clubs keen on Peter Odemwingie
Last Updated: July 14, 2013 4:22pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands four Premier League clubs have expressed an interest
in West Bromwich Albion striker Peter Odemwingie. The 31-year-old forward
has been looking for a route out of The Hawthorns for some time, with a
deadline day fiasco in January seeing him fail to secure a switch to Queens
Park Rangers. With there little chance of him being offered a clean slate
with the Baggies, it is expected that the Nigeria international will be on
the move this summer. As a proven goalscorer at the highest level, it comes
as no surprise to find that numerous clubs are readying an approach for his
services. It is understood that West Ham United, Hull City, Sunderland and
Fulham would all welcome Odemwingie into their ranks - joining Crystal
Palace in the chase for his services. He still has a year left to run on his
contract at West Brom, but reports suggest that a bid of around £1.5million
could be enough to lure the Baggies to the negotiating table.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
est Ham hire former Manchester United solicitor to help them land work
permit for Duvan Zapata
14 Jul 2013 22:30
The Mirror
West Ham have hired former Manchester United solicitor Maurice Watkins to
help land Duvan Zapata. MirrorSport revealed that the Hammers had agreed a
£6.7million fee with Estudiantes for the South American striker. But the
deal, including a four-year contract, is all subject to a work permit.
Watkins will now represent the club at a hearing next week to try to secure
the 22-year-old's future in England. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce wants the
exciting Colombian to partner Andy Carroll. Allardyce's scouts have been
excited by Zapata's pace and power and want to land him. Carroll is due to
miss the start of the season injured and Zapata is seen as a good short-term
replacement - and partner when the targetman returns. Zapata is yet to play
for his country but is expected to feature in next summer's World Cup
finals. He does not satisfy present conditions for a permit but West Ham are
quietly confident because he is such a talent.
They will argue to an appeals panel that the 6ft 2in ace will make a
significant contribution to the game here and point to Colombia's position
at No.3 in Fifa's rankings in the hope of gaining the green light. Zapata
scored 14 goals last season for Estudiantes and has attracted interest from
top European clubs including Borussia Dortmund and Porto.
Big Sam fears Uncle Sam
Sam Allardyce fears Fulham's billionaire new owner Shahid Khan will price
West Ham out of the market for signings, writes MirrorFootball. Jackonsville
Jaguars owner Khan last week paid £150million to buy the Hammers' London
rivals from Mohammed Al Fayed. Allardyce said: "Now Fulham are in new hands
it will make it harder to attract players to West Ham as they will probably
pay more money than us. Shahid Khan has inherited a successful Premier
League side."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers boss set to make a decision over Dutch international trialist
London24
Sunday, July 14, 2013
1:46 PM
Transfer news: Sam Allardyce has not ruled out a move for Orlando Engelaar
after the Netherlands international appeared in West Ham's 2-0 pre-season
win over Bournemouth yesterday. The midfielder, who has played for Schalke
04 and PSV, has been on trial with the Hammers and looks set to remain with
the east Londoners for their next friendly match against Colchester United
on Tueday. "A player of his experience and his quality, we'll have him with
us for a few days to see if he could be a valuable member of our team,"
Allardyce told the club's website. "We'll obviously make that decision in
the near future."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, July 14
Daily WHUFC News - 14th July 2013
Big Sam content with Bournemouth win
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce was happy to see his side continue their pre-season with
victory on the south coast
13.07.2013
Sam Allardyce expressed his contentment after West Ham United scored a 2-0
pre-season win at Championship new boys AFC Bournemouth. First-half goals
from Kevin Nolan and Jack Collison were enough to secure victory in a
Testimonial match for former Hammers and Cherries full-back Stephen Purches.
Thousands of Hammers fans swelled the attendance to 7,080 in hot sunshine at
the Goldsands Stadium. Big Sam handed first pre-season appearances to
Mohamed Diame and Joey O'Brien, while Netherlands international midfielder
Orlando Engelaar was given a trial after the break. As West Ham prepare to
take on League One side Colchester United on Tuesday before flying out for a
three-game tour of Germany the following day, Big Sam said things were
dropping into place ahead of the big Barclays Premier League kick-off on 17
August. "It's finished off another fine week for us in our pre-season
preparation," the manager told West Ham TV. "The level of the game was up a
level in terms of the quality of Bournemouth Football Club, which has given
us a bit more of a test. "It was never that comfortable and we took our two
goals very, very well indeed and I think we easily could have more. Modibo
Maiga hit the post with a delicate chip, which was unlucky for him, and we
had a few more chances to boot. "Results are not that important at the
moment. It's more about improving the fitness and we're doing that very
well. We're fitter than we were at this stage last season. "We've got to
keep clear of injuries if we can and let's hope we can continue to grow
looking forward to 17 August, when we want to hit the ground 100 per cent
running and make sure we get off to a start like we did last season."
After a frenetic start, Nolan headed West Ham in front on seven minutes from
Guy Demel's pinpoint cross before Collison expertly rounded home goalkeeper
Daryl Flahavan to double the lead a minute before half-time. The second half
saw Maiga hit the post and Joe Cole, who showed some outstanding bits of
skill, come close on a couple of occasions. For Eddie Howe's Bournemouth,
man-of-the-moment and Hammers Academy graduate Purches appeared late on, as
did Cherries legends Darren Anderton and Steve Fletcher. More pleasing for
Big Sam, however, was the sight of Diame and O'Brien returning to action
after FIFA World Cup qualifying duty and a hamstring injury respectively.
"Joey had a bit of a hamstring niggle and the only two who are out now are
George McCartney and Andy Carroll, who we hope to have back as soon as
possible. "Both of those injuries occurred last season and not this
pre-season, so we'll try to keep the players as fit as we possibly can. "We
got to Colchester on Tuesday and then have three big games in Germany so
we'll see where we are after those."
Finally, Big Sam confirmed that the Club would run the rule over Engelaar, a
giant midfielder who has played for Schalke 04, PSV and the Dutch national
team.
"A player of his experience and his quality, we'll have him with us for a
few days to see if he could be a valuable member of our team. We'll
obviously make that decision in the near future."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham win 2-0 at Bournemouth
Last Updated: July 13, 2013 9:33pm
SSN
Goals by Kevin Nolan and Jack Collison guided West Ham to a 2-0 victory at
Bournemouth in a testimonial game for Stephen Purches at the Goldsands
Stadium.
The Hammers took the lead after nine minutes when Guy Demel's whipped-in
cross found Nolan and he headed home from eight yards with goalkeeper Darryl
Flahavan left grasping thin air. It appeared the teams would be separated by
one goal at the end of a first half that ebbed and flowed but the Premier
League side doubled their lead in injury time with a goal that had a whiff
of controversy. The Cherries believed Steve Cook had been fouled by Modibo
Maiga when retrieving the ball but the referee waved play on and Collison
rounded the keeper before slotting the ball home. There was a notable
appearance from Darren Anderton eight minutes from time when the former
England international came on for the Cherries.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce DID Try to Sign Diouf But Fan Pressure Scuppered Him
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
I have just been reading Neil Warnock's autobiography. It's a pacy and
entertaining read, as you would expect from such a controversial character.
There's not an awful lot about West Ham and amazingly the Tevez saga merits
only a single page. He says how much he likes West Ham fans and hints that
we approached him to take over from Avram Grant at one point, although he
doesn't actually name us. But it was on page 316 that my eyes almost popped
out of my head when he describes how El Hadj Diouf came to sign for him at
Leeds. As an aside, he writes...
I spoke about him to Sam Allardyce who had signed Diouf twice. Eighty per
cent of what Big Same said about him was good. He'd tried to sign him at
West Ham the previous year but the supporters hadn't liked the idea, and as
Sam was trying to win over the fans at the time, he decided against it.
It just goes to show, pressure from fans can sometimes work.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bournemouth 0 West Ham 2
Published: 13th July 2013
The Sun
KEVIN NOLAN and James Collison struck as West Ham saw off Championship
new-boys Bournemouth. Skipper Nolan broke the deadlock early on in Stephen
Purches' testimonial at Dean Court. And Collison struck a controversial
second just before the break to give Sam Allardyce's men an easy friendly
win. Nolan used his loaf to put the Hammers ahead when he nodded home Guy
Demel's ninth-minute cross. Collison then put the game safe — but the
Cherries felt hard-done by after seeing a free-kick shout fall on deaf ears.
Modibo Maiga initially lost the ball on the touchline but won it back off
Steve Cook. Bournemouth wanted a foul but play was waved on and Maiga freed
Collison to round keeper Darryl Flahavan. Former Spurs star and Cherries
icon Darren Anderton was given a late run-out in the match, to celebrate
Purches' decade at the club.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham close in on £5million deal for Inter Milan ace Zdravko Kuzmanovic
Saturday 13 Jul 2013 1:32 pm
Metro.co.uk
West Ham have opened talks with Inter Milan over a deal for Zdravko
Kuzmanovic as Sam Allardyce looks to overhaul his midfield options. Hammers
boss Allardyce has already enjoyed a busy start to the transfer window,
bringing in Andy Carroll from Liverpool for a club record fee, while
defender Razvan Rat and goalkeeper Adrian have also arrived. But the deals
are not stopping there, with West Ham keen to land at least two midfielders
to freshen up their engine room – starting with Inter ace Kuzmanovic. The
25-year-old only moved to the San Siro from Fiorentina in January, but Inter
are ready to part with him for around £5million, and Allardyce is keen.
Kuzmanovic, a former target for Arsenal and Liverpool, would represent a
major coup for West Ham, who want to add extra steel and power to their
midfield. It's understood that negotiations with Inter have gone smoothly so
far, and West Ham are readying a four-year-contract that would see
Kuzmanovic become one of their highest earners. Allardyce is also chasing a
more attack minded partner for Kuzmanovic, with Bolton's Stuart Holden and
Wigan's James McCarthy other options being considered. Elsewhere, West Ham
are expected to complete the £6.8million signing of Colombian striker Duvan
Zapata from Estudiantes within days, after lodging an official bid for a
work permit.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former £9m record West Ham signing joins obscure Israeli outfit
HITC Sport
by Mathew Nash
Savio Nsereko? Remember him? Well now he is trying to salvage his
controversial and troubled career in Israel. West Ham recently broke their
transfer record in order to bring Andy Carroll to the club on a permanent
deal for a fee worth £15 million. But do you remember the guy who previously
held the record as West Ham's most expensive signing? When Gianfranco Zola
and Gianluca Nani splurged £9 million on 19-year-old German youth
international Savio Nsereko in January 2009 Scott Duxbury, the CEO at Upton
Park, had this to say about the player: "We are delighted to sign Savio,
particularly with the fierce competition for his services across Europe. He
is an exciting prospect, who Gianfranco Zola believes will prove a valuable
asset for this club now and in the years to come. It is a significant
investment and shows our determination to continue moving this club
forward."
Today it is being reported that the player has now agreed a free transfer
move to Israeli side Hapoel Ironi Akko. Don't be worried if you have never
heard of them because either had I; and I did a dissertation piece on the
role of football in the development of Israel post partition.
They are that obscure…
Last season they finished bottom of the Israeli Premier League table but
survived by two points in the Bottom Half Playoff; so they will be playing
in the top tier in Israel next term but in terms of famous players for
reference point I am sorry but I have nothing. At just 23-years-old by this
time Nsereko was supposed to be doing all manner of wonderful things but the
Ugandan born forward has seen his career spiral out of control since his
move from Brescia to London. After just ten games for The Hammers he failed
to score and left for Fiorentina. In that time he spent much of his time
reportedly AWOL, out on loan and generally ticking off the establishment at
La Viola. He spent time on loan with Bologna, Juve Stabia and 1860 Munich
whilst also sampling football in Bulgaria and Romania with Chernomerets
Burgas and FC Vaslui respectively. After yet another unsuccessful stint back
in Germany with SpVgg Unterhaching the one time under-20 international went
right down the football ladder to play for Viktoria Koln in German
football's fourth tier. He once again faltered and still hasn't found the
net since he was playing for Brescia as a teenager. He will now hope that
Israel is his saving grace so that he is not forever known as the £9 million
West Ham flop, who, once spent three weeks in a Thai jail after faking a
kidnapping to extort money from a family member. Unfortunately that is a
pretty difficult tag to shake off.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce was happy to see his side continue their pre-season with
victory on the south coast
13.07.2013
Sam Allardyce expressed his contentment after West Ham United scored a 2-0
pre-season win at Championship new boys AFC Bournemouth. First-half goals
from Kevin Nolan and Jack Collison were enough to secure victory in a
Testimonial match for former Hammers and Cherries full-back Stephen Purches.
Thousands of Hammers fans swelled the attendance to 7,080 in hot sunshine at
the Goldsands Stadium. Big Sam handed first pre-season appearances to
Mohamed Diame and Joey O'Brien, while Netherlands international midfielder
Orlando Engelaar was given a trial after the break. As West Ham prepare to
take on League One side Colchester United on Tuesday before flying out for a
three-game tour of Germany the following day, Big Sam said things were
dropping into place ahead of the big Barclays Premier League kick-off on 17
August. "It's finished off another fine week for us in our pre-season
preparation," the manager told West Ham TV. "The level of the game was up a
level in terms of the quality of Bournemouth Football Club, which has given
us a bit more of a test. "It was never that comfortable and we took our two
goals very, very well indeed and I think we easily could have more. Modibo
Maiga hit the post with a delicate chip, which was unlucky for him, and we
had a few more chances to boot. "Results are not that important at the
moment. It's more about improving the fitness and we're doing that very
well. We're fitter than we were at this stage last season. "We've got to
keep clear of injuries if we can and let's hope we can continue to grow
looking forward to 17 August, when we want to hit the ground 100 per cent
running and make sure we get off to a start like we did last season."
After a frenetic start, Nolan headed West Ham in front on seven minutes from
Guy Demel's pinpoint cross before Collison expertly rounded home goalkeeper
Daryl Flahavan to double the lead a minute before half-time. The second half
saw Maiga hit the post and Joe Cole, who showed some outstanding bits of
skill, come close on a couple of occasions. For Eddie Howe's Bournemouth,
man-of-the-moment and Hammers Academy graduate Purches appeared late on, as
did Cherries legends Darren Anderton and Steve Fletcher. More pleasing for
Big Sam, however, was the sight of Diame and O'Brien returning to action
after FIFA World Cup qualifying duty and a hamstring injury respectively.
"Joey had a bit of a hamstring niggle and the only two who are out now are
George McCartney and Andy Carroll, who we hope to have back as soon as
possible. "Both of those injuries occurred last season and not this
pre-season, so we'll try to keep the players as fit as we possibly can. "We
got to Colchester on Tuesday and then have three big games in Germany so
we'll see where we are after those."
Finally, Big Sam confirmed that the Club would run the rule over Engelaar, a
giant midfielder who has played for Schalke 04, PSV and the Dutch national
team.
"A player of his experience and his quality, we'll have him with us for a
few days to see if he could be a valuable member of our team. We'll
obviously make that decision in the near future."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham win 2-0 at Bournemouth
Last Updated: July 13, 2013 9:33pm
SSN
Goals by Kevin Nolan and Jack Collison guided West Ham to a 2-0 victory at
Bournemouth in a testimonial game for Stephen Purches at the Goldsands
Stadium.
The Hammers took the lead after nine minutes when Guy Demel's whipped-in
cross found Nolan and he headed home from eight yards with goalkeeper Darryl
Flahavan left grasping thin air. It appeared the teams would be separated by
one goal at the end of a first half that ebbed and flowed but the Premier
League side doubled their lead in injury time with a goal that had a whiff
of controversy. The Cherries believed Steve Cook had been fouled by Modibo
Maiga when retrieving the ball but the referee waved play on and Collison
rounded the keeper before slotting the ball home. There was a notable
appearance from Darren Anderton eight minutes from time when the former
England international came on for the Cherries.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce DID Try to Sign Diouf But Fan Pressure Scuppered Him
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
I have just been reading Neil Warnock's autobiography. It's a pacy and
entertaining read, as you would expect from such a controversial character.
There's not an awful lot about West Ham and amazingly the Tevez saga merits
only a single page. He says how much he likes West Ham fans and hints that
we approached him to take over from Avram Grant at one point, although he
doesn't actually name us. But it was on page 316 that my eyes almost popped
out of my head when he describes how El Hadj Diouf came to sign for him at
Leeds. As an aside, he writes...
I spoke about him to Sam Allardyce who had signed Diouf twice. Eighty per
cent of what Big Same said about him was good. He'd tried to sign him at
West Ham the previous year but the supporters hadn't liked the idea, and as
Sam was trying to win over the fans at the time, he decided against it.
It just goes to show, pressure from fans can sometimes work.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bournemouth 0 West Ham 2
Published: 13th July 2013
The Sun
KEVIN NOLAN and James Collison struck as West Ham saw off Championship
new-boys Bournemouth. Skipper Nolan broke the deadlock early on in Stephen
Purches' testimonial at Dean Court. And Collison struck a controversial
second just before the break to give Sam Allardyce's men an easy friendly
win. Nolan used his loaf to put the Hammers ahead when he nodded home Guy
Demel's ninth-minute cross. Collison then put the game safe — but the
Cherries felt hard-done by after seeing a free-kick shout fall on deaf ears.
Modibo Maiga initially lost the ball on the touchline but won it back off
Steve Cook. Bournemouth wanted a foul but play was waved on and Maiga freed
Collison to round keeper Darryl Flahavan. Former Spurs star and Cherries
icon Darren Anderton was given a late run-out in the match, to celebrate
Purches' decade at the club.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham close in on £5million deal for Inter Milan ace Zdravko Kuzmanovic
Saturday 13 Jul 2013 1:32 pm
Metro.co.uk
West Ham have opened talks with Inter Milan over a deal for Zdravko
Kuzmanovic as Sam Allardyce looks to overhaul his midfield options. Hammers
boss Allardyce has already enjoyed a busy start to the transfer window,
bringing in Andy Carroll from Liverpool for a club record fee, while
defender Razvan Rat and goalkeeper Adrian have also arrived. But the deals
are not stopping there, with West Ham keen to land at least two midfielders
to freshen up their engine room – starting with Inter ace Kuzmanovic. The
25-year-old only moved to the San Siro from Fiorentina in January, but Inter
are ready to part with him for around £5million, and Allardyce is keen.
Kuzmanovic, a former target for Arsenal and Liverpool, would represent a
major coup for West Ham, who want to add extra steel and power to their
midfield. It's understood that negotiations with Inter have gone smoothly so
far, and West Ham are readying a four-year-contract that would see
Kuzmanovic become one of their highest earners. Allardyce is also chasing a
more attack minded partner for Kuzmanovic, with Bolton's Stuart Holden and
Wigan's James McCarthy other options being considered. Elsewhere, West Ham
are expected to complete the £6.8million signing of Colombian striker Duvan
Zapata from Estudiantes within days, after lodging an official bid for a
work permit.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former £9m record West Ham signing joins obscure Israeli outfit
HITC Sport
by Mathew Nash
Savio Nsereko? Remember him? Well now he is trying to salvage his
controversial and troubled career in Israel. West Ham recently broke their
transfer record in order to bring Andy Carroll to the club on a permanent
deal for a fee worth £15 million. But do you remember the guy who previously
held the record as West Ham's most expensive signing? When Gianfranco Zola
and Gianluca Nani splurged £9 million on 19-year-old German youth
international Savio Nsereko in January 2009 Scott Duxbury, the CEO at Upton
Park, had this to say about the player: "We are delighted to sign Savio,
particularly with the fierce competition for his services across Europe. He
is an exciting prospect, who Gianfranco Zola believes will prove a valuable
asset for this club now and in the years to come. It is a significant
investment and shows our determination to continue moving this club
forward."
Today it is being reported that the player has now agreed a free transfer
move to Israeli side Hapoel Ironi Akko. Don't be worried if you have never
heard of them because either had I; and I did a dissertation piece on the
role of football in the development of Israel post partition.
They are that obscure…
Last season they finished bottom of the Israeli Premier League table but
survived by two points in the Bottom Half Playoff; so they will be playing
in the top tier in Israel next term but in terms of famous players for
reference point I am sorry but I have nothing. At just 23-years-old by this
time Nsereko was supposed to be doing all manner of wonderful things but the
Ugandan born forward has seen his career spiral out of control since his
move from Brescia to London. After just ten games for The Hammers he failed
to score and left for Fiorentina. In that time he spent much of his time
reportedly AWOL, out on loan and generally ticking off the establishment at
La Viola. He spent time on loan with Bologna, Juve Stabia and 1860 Munich
whilst also sampling football in Bulgaria and Romania with Chernomerets
Burgas and FC Vaslui respectively. After yet another unsuccessful stint back
in Germany with SpVgg Unterhaching the one time under-20 international went
right down the football ladder to play for Viktoria Koln in German
football's fourth tier. He once again faltered and still hasn't found the
net since he was playing for Brescia as a teenager. He will now hope that
Israel is his saving grace so that he is not forever known as the £9 million
West Ham flop, who, once spent three weeks in a Thai jail after faking a
kidnapping to extort money from a family member. Unfortunately that is a
pretty difficult tag to shake off.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, July 13
Daily WHUFC News - 13th July 2013
AFC Bournemouth match preview
WHUFC.com
All the key pre-match info ahead of Saturday's Stephen Purches testimonial match at Bournemouth
12.07.2013
AFC BOURNEMOUTH v WEST HAM UNITED
STEPHEN PURCHES TESTIMONIAL
GOLDSANDS STADIUM
SATURDAY 13 JULY
KICK-OFF: 3PM
iPHONE APP I TWITTER I FACEBOOK I PODCAST
Introduction
• West Ham United's pre-season schedule continues on Saturday with a trip to newly-promoted Football League Championship side AFC Bournemouth.
• The match is a testimonial for Hammers Academy graduate Stephen Purches, who has served Bournemouth for ten years across two spells. Purches, 33, spent two years as a professional at the Boleyn Ground before moving on to Bournemouth, and has also turned out for Leyton Orient in a career that has spanned across all three Football League divisions.
• The Hammers have enjoyed a free-scoring start to pre-season, defeating Cork City 6-2 in their first match last Sunday, before goals from Ravel Morrison, Ricardo Vaz Te and Kevin Nolan handed them a 3-0 win at Conference South side Boreham Wood on Wednesday.
• Bournemouth have already played three pre-season matches, losing 2-0 at FC Zurich in their opener, before defeating local non-league sides Wimborne Town 2-1 and Christchurch 7-1.
Team News
West Ham United
• The Hammers will once again be without Andy Carroll (heel) and George McCartney (knee) as the pair continue to receive treatment on their injuries at the start of pre-season..
• Sam Allardyce will name a similar squad to that which has appeared at Cork City and Boreham Wood, with his players continuing to build their fitness ahead of the new campaign. A 24-man squad will head for the Goldsands Stadium, with the vast majority expected to appear on Saturday.
AFC Bournemouth
• Former Bournemouth favourites Darren Anderton and Steve Fletcher will play a part in Saturday's testimonial, as will Stephen Purches' brother John, who helped Bournemouth to gain promotion to League One in 2003.
Background
• West Ham United and Bournemouth have met on five occasions in competitive football, with the Hammers enjoying an undefeated record. West Ham have won three of those games, with the other two ending all-square.
• The last game came back in October 1999 when Harry Redknapp's Hammers were paired with Bournemouth, who he had managed earlier in his career, in the third round of the League Cup. West Ham prevailed by a 2-0 margin, with Frank Lampard and Marc Keller notching in front of a 22,067 Boleyn Ground crowd.
• AFC Bournemouth were founded in 1890 as Boscombe FC and joined the Football League in 1923. They entered the second tier for the first time in 1987 under Harry Redknapp, and returned there last season after finishing second in League One.
Last Time Out
Wednesday 10 July 2013
Pre-Season Match
Boreham Wood 0-3 Boreham Wood
West Ham United: (First half XI) Adrian, Demel, Ruddock, Reid, Rat, Noble, Collison, Taylor, Vaz Te, McCallum, Morrison
(Second half XI): Jaaskelainen, Spence, Collins, Tomkins, Potts, Diarra, Whitehead, Nolan, Cole, Maiga, Jarvis
Goals: Morrison 20, Vaz Te 21, Nolan 83
Friday 9 July 2013
Pre-Season Match
Christchurch 1-7 AFC Bournemouth
AFC Bournemouth: (First half XI) Flahavan, Fogden, Addison, Ward, Daniels, Cornick, Matthews, Arter, Fraser, Pitman, Stockley
(Second half XI) Flahavan, Francis, Elphick, Cook, Harte, McDermott, MacDonald, Wakefield, Cargill, Grabban, Thomas
Goals: Pitman 8, Arter 34, 36, Stockley 44, Grabban 57, Cargill 76, McDermott 79.
Previous meeting
13 October 1999
League Cup Third Round
West Ham United 2-0 AFC Bournemouth
West Ham United: Hislop, Ferdinand, Ruddock, Cole, Stimac, Foe, Sinclair, Wanchope (Kitson 85), Di Canio, Lampard, Keller
Goals: Keller 62, Lampard 77
AFC Bournemouth: Ovendale, Howe, Young, Cox, Broadhurst, Jorgensen (O'Neil 89), Mean, Robinson, Warren (Huck 81), Stein, Fletcher
All-time meetings
13 October 1999 West Ham United 2-0 AFC Bournemouth (League Cup Third Round)
11 April 1990 West Ham United 4-1 AFC Bournemouth (Division Two)
1 November 1989 AFC Bournemouth 1-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
20 February 1929 West Ham United 3-1 AFC Bournemouth (FA Cup Fifth Round Replay)
16 February 1929 AFC Bournemouth 1-1 West Ham United (FA Cup Fifth Round)
Ten-year records
West Ham United
2012/13 Premier League 10th
2011/12 Championship 3rd (86 points - promoted via Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (relegated to Championship)
2009/10 Premier League 17th
2008/09 Premier League 9th
2007/08 Premier League 10th
2006/07 Premier League 15th
2005/06 Premier League 9th
2004/05 Championship 6th (promoted to Premier League via Play-Offs)
2003/04 Division One 4th
AFC Bournemouth
2012/13 League One 2nd (promoted to Championship)
2011/12 League One 11th
2010/11 League One 6th
2009/10 League Two 2nd (promoted to League One)
2008/09 League Two 21st
2007/08 League One 21st (relegated to League Two)
2006/07 League One 19th
2005/06 League One 17th
2004/05 League One 8th
2003/04 League One 9th
General Information
• West Ham's ticket allocation for this match has completely sold out. For details click here.
• Saturday is set to be a glorious day on the south coast, with sunny skies and temperatures set to hit 28C (82F)
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The Big Interview - Joe Cole
WHUFC.com
Joe Cole shared his thoughts on all things pre-season after the Hammers' trip to Meadow Park
12.07.2013
While the hard yards of pre-season training are far from universally popular, Joe Cole for one is more than happy to be back with a football at his feet. With two 45-minute outings already under his belt, the 31-year-old is slowly getting into his stride, intent on putting last season's injury troubles behind him. Though fitness is clearly king at this stage of proceedings, convincing wins at Cork City and Boreham Wood have got preparations off to a flier, and Cole plans to keep it that way come Saturday's trip to Bournemouth.
Joe, how useful an exercise was the win at Boreham Wood?
JC: "It was good. It's another run-out. We are only eight or nine days in and we have already played two lots of 45 minutes. It was good for the people of Boreham Wood as well, everyone seemed to have a good night and we enjoyed the weather!"
Did you miss the football over the summer?
JC: "I think you miss it, you are ticking the days away. It was good to have a break and get away with the family but it is always nice to get back and, believe it or not, but pre-season is not as hard as it used to be. "You keep yourself ticking over in the summer and it is more football-specific than the runs we used to do in Hainault with Frank Lampard Snr! Those days are long gone and it's quite enjoyable now."
How key was Andy Carroll's signing?
JC: "It is a boost for the club and shows where we are going. Andy Carroll is a young, England centre-forward and clubs do not usually sell them. He's a big talent. He did a good job and we just want him to get fit and come back because he is a big part of our team."
How big a year is this for you personally?
JC: "Every year is a big year in football, you always have your goals but I'm just enjoying myself. I'm enjoying being back, I'm enjoying playing football and I just want to get out there and get going again now. "I always keep my goals to myself and take it day-by-day but first and foremost, I want to keep myself fit. When I was playing last season my performances were good so the key for me is just staying fit and if I do that, the football for me has never been a problem.
It's obviously a World Cup year as well. Does that figure in your thoughts much?
JC: "The ambition will always burn every time you go out on the football pitch and you want to do well, if you're an Englishman and you're playing well you are inevitably going to be talked about. "I have played over 50 times for my country so if I can get playing you never know but at the moment I'm just concentrating on West Ham."
What are your ambitions for the club this season?
JC: "I think the ambition of the club at the moment is improvement. But for me personally, I would love to finish better than 10th, but equally I'd love to take this club to Wembley. Because at the end of the day, they are the days you remember in your career - it would be a massive achievement. "West Ham are a big club but have been starved of success. You look at where we are in London and people want to come here and play in London and play for West Ham. It is great that players like Razvan [Rat] and Andy are coming in and hopefully there will be a few more as well. "I roomed with Rat for eight days and he is a great lad. We have nicknamed him Roland, he likes it and I've shown him Roland - he is enjoying himself. He is Romanian captain and has 90-odd caps. He's a fantastic player."
Joe, it's Bournemouth up next, are you looking forward to a trip to the seaside?
JC: "Bournemouth's a lovely place to go. They play good football now under a young manager and it's going to be a tough test for us. "The lads were saying it was 1-1 at Boreham Wood last year and we were lucky to come away with a draw. It's only early days, but we'd like to put a marker down and show that we've improved. So we'll going there to try and get the result. "All these pre-season games are for fitness but you've got to try and win the games as well. That's what you're practicing for, to try and win football matches."
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Purches looks forward to Hammers test
WHUFC.com
Bournemouth's Stephen Purches celebrates his testimonial against West Ham United on Saturday
12.07.2013
West Ham United Academy graduate Stephen Purches cannot wait to take on his former side in his testimonial match at AFC Bournemouth on Saturday. Purches, 33, joined West Ham as a ten-year-old schoolboy and had two seasons as a professional at the Boleyn Ground before leaving for Bournemouth at the age of 20 in 2000. Aside from a three-year spell at Leyton Orient in the middle, he has spent the intervening period on the south coast and is relishing the prospect of celebrating ten years with the Cherries by welcoming the Hammers to town. He told whufc.com: "The planning has gone on for a long time and I can't wait for Saturday, it's going to be a special day. I have to say thank you to both clubs, and it's extra-special because it is West Ham. I spent ten years there, and now I've been here for ten years, so it's great that it's all come together. "There are still people at the Club from my time there - Pete Williams the kit man, [Academy Director] Tony Carr, Joe Cole was in the youth team with me, and it'll be nice to catch up with some of the old faces. "With Bournemouth being promoted to the Championship last season, there's a real feelgood factor here, the sun will be out, so hopefully there'll be a good turnout too."
Eddie Howe's Bournemouth side are sure to provide a stern test for the Hammers, having played a brand of attractive football en route to winning promotion to the second tier last term. Right-back Purches missed all of the 2012/13 campaign after suffering a nasty leg break in February 2012, but has now returned to training and will be fit enough to play his part on Saturday. He continued: "Ever since the testimonial started to be arranged around Christmas time, my aim has been to come back in time to play in it, so I'm really pleased to be back in training now. "The match sharpness isn't there, but the main thing is that I'll be able to get out there on the pitch with the lads again. It's a good feeling, and it'll also give me closure after spending so much time out with the injury. "It's going to be a good game for both sides, the teams will be strong and will give each other a test, so it'll be useful for both at this stage of pre-season."
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Academy announce pre-season schedule
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's U21 and U18 sides have a busy month of pre-season fixtures ahead
12.07.2013
West Ham United have announced a host of pre-season fixtures ahead of the 2013/14 Barclays U21 and U18 Premier League campaigns. A West Ham United XI expected to contain a number of players with first-team experience will travel to League Two club Southend United on Monday 29 July, with kick-off at Roots Hall at 7.45pm. The Shrimpers are managed by Phil Brown, who spent six years as Sam Allardyce's assistant manager at Bolton Wanderers between 1999 and 2005. Brown's squad contains former West Ham Academy striker Freddy Eastwood. For ticket details, click here. Brown said: "I'm delighted that Big Sam, a good friend of mine, has agreed to send a West Ham XI side to Roots Hall for a friendly. It will be a really good test for us and will be the perfect final preparations ahead of the start of the new season."
Meanwhile, Nick Haycock's Development Squad and Steve Potts' youth team will be busy over the coming weeks, with matches organised against a wide range of opponents. The Development Squad will take on top-flight opposition in Swansea City, Manchester City and Southampton, as well as Football League opposition in Wolverhampton Wanderers and non-league sides Braintree Town and Hornchurch. The U18s, meanwhile, will face Europe's best at the prestigious Eurofoot tournament in Belgium, while also taking on four sides representing Football League clubs in Leyton Orient, Colchester United, Charlton Athletic and Crystal Palace.
At the Eurofoot tournament in Oostduinkerke, the Hammers have been drawn in League A alongside Belgian clubs RSC Anderlecht, Club Brugge and AA Gent, German club TSG Hoffenheim and Dutch outfit FC Utrecht. For full fixture details, click here.
West Ham United XI pre-season fixture
Mon 29 July v Southend United XI (A, Roots Hall) 7.45pm
Development Squad pre-season fixtures
Tue 16 July v Swansea. (H, Little Heath), 3pm
Sat 20 July v Wolverhampton Wanderers (A). 2pm
Wed 24 July v Braintree Town (A). 7.45pm
Sat 27 July v Manchester City (A) 3pm
Sat 3 Aug v Hornchurch (A) 3pm
Tue 6 Aug v Southampton (A) 2.30pm
Under-18s pre-season fixtures
Sat 13 July v Leyton Orient (A, Old Chigwellians), 10am
Sat 20 July v Colchester United (A), 11am
Tue 30 July v Charlton Athletic (A), 2pm
Thu 1-Sun 4 Aug Eurofoot tournament, Oostduinkerke, Belgium
Sat 10 Aug v Crystal Palace (A), 11am
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Southend to host Hammers XI
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 12th July 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's youngsters will face League Two Southend United in a friendly at Roots Hall later this month. A Hammers XI - expected to contain a mix of youngsters and fringe first team players - will make the short trip down the A13 to Southend on Monday, 29th July to face Phil Brown's side. It will be the first time the two Uniteds have met since Sam Allardyce's first team squad secured a 3-0 win a year ago this week, through goals from Jordan Spence and the now departed duo of Nicky Maynard and Sam Baldock. "I'm delighted that Big Sam has agreed to send a West Ham XI side here for a friendly. It will be a really good test for us and will be the perfect final preparations ahead of the new season," said Brown. Southend, who count former West Ham youngster Freddy Eastwood amongst their ranks finished 11th in League Two last season but managed just one win from the ten league games overseen by Brown at the tail end of the 2012/13 campaign. 54-year-old Brown, who worked alongside Sam Allardyce at Bolton Wanderers for six years replaced the popular Paul Sturrock at Roots Hall in March of this year.
* Former Hammers triallist Bilel Mohsni, who travelled to Germany for pre-season with Sam Allardyce's first team squad last summer could join Scottish club Rangers later this week. Mohsni - who spent three years at Southend before leaving the club on a free transfer at the end of last season - featured for the Gers in the friendly with Elgin City last night. West Ham offered Southend £100,000 for the 6'4" central defender last August but the bid was rejected - a move that Shrimpers chairman Ron Martin later admitted he "got wrong".
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West Ham apply for work permit
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 12th July 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have applied for a work permit for Columbian forward Duvan Zapata, according to reports. The 22-year-old is hoping to secure a dream move to England after West Ham agreed a fee - thought to be worth anywhere between £2.5m and £7m, depending on which particular source you read - with Zapata's current club Estudiantes of Argentina. However his move to the UK is by no means certain to happen, with doubts over his ability to meet the criteria for a work permit. The major stumbling block would appear to be that Zapata is yet to make a single full international appearance for Columbia. According to journalist Ed Malyon, who writes about South American football, Zapata is "quick, strong and energetic but not a great finisher. He's never really scored buckets of goals in the Argentinian league - West Ham are paying £££ for potential."
Whilst KUMB member westhamamerica, another keen follower of the Argentinian league added: "He uses his size a lot and is really quick. Still a pretty raw talent, though. "He could be better in the air and his passing game is okay at best, so he'd be one for the future rather than going right into the 18 from what I've seen. A lot of Argentinian clubs play very direct so I don't think he would be out of his element coming here."
However many in South America feel that Zapata has the ability to become the next Columbian to make the breakthrough in Europe, following the likes of Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez (both now at Monaco). A number of top European clubs - including Borussia Dortmund, Lyon, and Benfica - have all previously shown an interest in the Colombian, who scored 11 goals in 27 matches last season.
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Diame returns
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 12th July 2013
By: Staff Writer
Midfielder Mo Diame could make his first appearance of pre-season when West Ham face AFC Bournemouth at Dean Court tomorrow afternoon. Sam Allardyce's squad are on their way to the south coast for tomorrow's friendly at which the Irons will be looking to secure a third successive victory. And Diame, who was afforded extra recovery time before returning to training with the squad at Chadwell Heath is in line to make his first appearance since the 4-2 win over Reading on the final day of last season according to David Gold. West Ham's pre-season got off to the perfect start in Cork last weekend where goals from Alou Diarra, Joe Cole, Matt Taylor, Paul McCallum, Mark Noble (from the penalty spot) and Ravel Morrision gave them a 6-2 win. That was followed up by Wednesday night's 3-0 success at Boreham Wood where early goals from Ravel Morrison and Ricardo Vaz Te gave United an early advantage before captain Kevin Nolan added the final goal with a few minutes remaining. After visiting Bournemouth tomorrow - where Sam Allardyce's side are 13/5 favourites according to football betting at William Hill online - the Hammers look forward to a trip to Colchester (Tuesday, 16th July) before they head off to Germany for matches against Mainz 05, Hamburg SV and Eintracht Braunschweig. The final match of pre-season is the home encounter against Pacos de Ferreira on Saturday, 10th August.
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Queens Park Rangers contenders to sign Javier Saviola
Last Updated: July 12, 2013 1:03pm
SSN
Queens Park Rangers have emerged as contenders to sign Argentine star Javier Saviola, Sky Sports can reveal. A number of British clubs are actively interested in landing the 31-year-old, who is a free agent after deciding to leave Malaga at the end of the season, despite scoring eight goals for the Liga outfit last term. West Ham and Celtic are both believed to be keeping tabs on Saviola, but Harry Redknapp, who has attempted to sign the player on more than one occasion during his career, is now back on his trail. And, despite QPR's relegation to the Championship, he would be keen on helping fire the club back to the Premier League. "Javier is more than keen on linking up with Harry Redknapp, he knows his teams play good football and the chance of helping QPR to promotion is genuinely appealing to him," a source close to the player confirmed to Sky Sports. "Javier's next move is not about the finances, he wants a footballing challenge and England gives him that."
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West Ham apply for work permit for Colombian striker Duvan Zapata
Last Updated: July 12, 2013 1:45pm
SSN
West Ham United have applied for a work permit for Colombian striker Duvan Zapata. The Hammers have lined up a deal with Argentine side Estudiantes for the highly-rated 22-year-old. Zapata is eager to seal a move to the Premier League, but his application will have to go to appeal and West Ham are working on their case. A number of high-profile figures in world football are set to give references about Zapata, who is valued at close to £8million, and so West Ham are hopeful they will get a permit on the 'special talent' avenue. The fact Colombia are now ranked in the world's top three is also likely to be taken into account and, although Zapata is yet to win his first cap, he does look set to become part of their squad before next summer's World Cup finals. A source close to the deal confirmed to Sky Sports that he was 'hopeful' of securing what he believes would be a 'dream move'.
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Chelsea star shuns move away after Mourinho promise
Touchlinetalk.com
Written by Christy Mitchell on July 12, 2013
Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku turned down a loan move to West Ham United after being promised first team football by Jose Mourinho, according to The Express. Lukaku's impressive 17 goals at West Bromwich Albion last season enticed Sam Allardyce to target the striker in the summer transfer window, and his approach for the forward this week was met by a swift rejection by Chelsea, the newspaper claims.
Bizarre
Also, in a terribly strange twist last night, it emerged that Chelsea target Bruma's agent claimed he was at the hands of a kidnap attempt by his own fans.
The incident allegedly happened on Wednesday night and Bruma is now pressing charges, and he wants FIFA to investigate the issue, and wants his Sporting contract to be terminated immediately. His agent Catio Balde, who reported the allegation said, as reported by the newspaper: "We have pressed charges.
"This is a very serious and unpleasant matter, and it has led to this decision." Chelsea will have to fight off Galatasary for Balde, who have offered £10million for him, whereas Chelsea have only rated him at a measely £1.8million. Balde said: "There are offers from foreign clubs, including Chelsea, but right now, Bruma's mind is not on Sporting."
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Gold defends Hammers pricing
by Hugh Southon
12th July 2013 4:13pm BST
Sportsdirectnews.com
Exclusive
West Ham United co-chairman David Gold has hit back at "mischief making" reports that the club are charging excessive ticket prices. The reports claim that in some cases prices for non-season ticket holders will go as high as £77 for some games against top opposition. But Gold said; "There are highest prices at every club - there are also very affordable prices. There's a direct correlation between prices charged and league position. "In many cases those clubs charging the lowest prices find themselves relegated. Yes, there are high prices of course but there are also low. We are adopting a balanced approach and there's prices available for everybody. "Some Category A prices go to £72 and the lowest in that band are £52 and lets remember we are cheaper than the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs and others. "We are happy with our prices and we believe we are affordable across the board. There's a balance to be struck - it's always been the same in all areas of life."
And a spokesman for the club declared in a stement that tickets for the most sought-after fixtures in the 2013/14 season at the Boleyn Ground go on sale exclusively to Bond Holders and Academy Members on Tuesday 16 July. He said: "With demand for seats at the home of the Hammers higher than ever, the early opportunity to purchase tickets will allow supporters - starting with Bond Holders and Academy Members - more time to guarantee their place for the most eagerly anticipated matches in the calendar. Fans who take up the opportunity to purchase their ticket in advance will also ensure that they get the cheapest possible price - the tickets are guaranteed to not be sold any cheaper but may be more expensive nearer to matchday if they are categorised as A+ matches - and get the first pick of the best available seats to watch all of the pulsating action.
The six category A games - Manchester City (19 October), Chelsea (23 November), Arsenal (Boxing Day), Manchester United (22 March 2014), Liverpool (5 April 2014) and Tottenham Hotspur (3 May 2014) - will be made available to Bond Holders and Academy Members during an exclusive eight-week window from Tuesday 16 July before the tickets go on general sale on Tuesday 3 September.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
All the key pre-match info ahead of Saturday's Stephen Purches testimonial match at Bournemouth
12.07.2013
AFC BOURNEMOUTH v WEST HAM UNITED
STEPHEN PURCHES TESTIMONIAL
GOLDSANDS STADIUM
SATURDAY 13 JULY
KICK-OFF: 3PM
iPHONE APP I TWITTER I FACEBOOK I PODCAST
Introduction
• West Ham United's pre-season schedule continues on Saturday with a trip to newly-promoted Football League Championship side AFC Bournemouth.
• The match is a testimonial for Hammers Academy graduate Stephen Purches, who has served Bournemouth for ten years across two spells. Purches, 33, spent two years as a professional at the Boleyn Ground before moving on to Bournemouth, and has also turned out for Leyton Orient in a career that has spanned across all three Football League divisions.
• The Hammers have enjoyed a free-scoring start to pre-season, defeating Cork City 6-2 in their first match last Sunday, before goals from Ravel Morrison, Ricardo Vaz Te and Kevin Nolan handed them a 3-0 win at Conference South side Boreham Wood on Wednesday.
• Bournemouth have already played three pre-season matches, losing 2-0 at FC Zurich in their opener, before defeating local non-league sides Wimborne Town 2-1 and Christchurch 7-1.
Team News
West Ham United
• The Hammers will once again be without Andy Carroll (heel) and George McCartney (knee) as the pair continue to receive treatment on their injuries at the start of pre-season..
• Sam Allardyce will name a similar squad to that which has appeared at Cork City and Boreham Wood, with his players continuing to build their fitness ahead of the new campaign. A 24-man squad will head for the Goldsands Stadium, with the vast majority expected to appear on Saturday.
AFC Bournemouth
• Former Bournemouth favourites Darren Anderton and Steve Fletcher will play a part in Saturday's testimonial, as will Stephen Purches' brother John, who helped Bournemouth to gain promotion to League One in 2003.
Background
• West Ham United and Bournemouth have met on five occasions in competitive football, with the Hammers enjoying an undefeated record. West Ham have won three of those games, with the other two ending all-square.
• The last game came back in October 1999 when Harry Redknapp's Hammers were paired with Bournemouth, who he had managed earlier in his career, in the third round of the League Cup. West Ham prevailed by a 2-0 margin, with Frank Lampard and Marc Keller notching in front of a 22,067 Boleyn Ground crowd.
• AFC Bournemouth were founded in 1890 as Boscombe FC and joined the Football League in 1923. They entered the second tier for the first time in 1987 under Harry Redknapp, and returned there last season after finishing second in League One.
Last Time Out
Wednesday 10 July 2013
Pre-Season Match
Boreham Wood 0-3 Boreham Wood
West Ham United: (First half XI) Adrian, Demel, Ruddock, Reid, Rat, Noble, Collison, Taylor, Vaz Te, McCallum, Morrison
(Second half XI): Jaaskelainen, Spence, Collins, Tomkins, Potts, Diarra, Whitehead, Nolan, Cole, Maiga, Jarvis
Goals: Morrison 20, Vaz Te 21, Nolan 83
Friday 9 July 2013
Pre-Season Match
Christchurch 1-7 AFC Bournemouth
AFC Bournemouth: (First half XI) Flahavan, Fogden, Addison, Ward, Daniels, Cornick, Matthews, Arter, Fraser, Pitman, Stockley
(Second half XI) Flahavan, Francis, Elphick, Cook, Harte, McDermott, MacDonald, Wakefield, Cargill, Grabban, Thomas
Goals: Pitman 8, Arter 34, 36, Stockley 44, Grabban 57, Cargill 76, McDermott 79.
Previous meeting
13 October 1999
League Cup Third Round
West Ham United 2-0 AFC Bournemouth
West Ham United: Hislop, Ferdinand, Ruddock, Cole, Stimac, Foe, Sinclair, Wanchope (Kitson 85), Di Canio, Lampard, Keller
Goals: Keller 62, Lampard 77
AFC Bournemouth: Ovendale, Howe, Young, Cox, Broadhurst, Jorgensen (O'Neil 89), Mean, Robinson, Warren (Huck 81), Stein, Fletcher
All-time meetings
13 October 1999 West Ham United 2-0 AFC Bournemouth (League Cup Third Round)
11 April 1990 West Ham United 4-1 AFC Bournemouth (Division Two)
1 November 1989 AFC Bournemouth 1-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
20 February 1929 West Ham United 3-1 AFC Bournemouth (FA Cup Fifth Round Replay)
16 February 1929 AFC Bournemouth 1-1 West Ham United (FA Cup Fifth Round)
Ten-year records
West Ham United
2012/13 Premier League 10th
2011/12 Championship 3rd (86 points - promoted via Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (relegated to Championship)
2009/10 Premier League 17th
2008/09 Premier League 9th
2007/08 Premier League 10th
2006/07 Premier League 15th
2005/06 Premier League 9th
2004/05 Championship 6th (promoted to Premier League via Play-Offs)
2003/04 Division One 4th
AFC Bournemouth
2012/13 League One 2nd (promoted to Championship)
2011/12 League One 11th
2010/11 League One 6th
2009/10 League Two 2nd (promoted to League One)
2008/09 League Two 21st
2007/08 League One 21st (relegated to League Two)
2006/07 League One 19th
2005/06 League One 17th
2004/05 League One 8th
2003/04 League One 9th
General Information
• West Ham's ticket allocation for this match has completely sold out. For details click here.
• Saturday is set to be a glorious day on the south coast, with sunny skies and temperatures set to hit 28C (82F)
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The Big Interview - Joe Cole
WHUFC.com
Joe Cole shared his thoughts on all things pre-season after the Hammers' trip to Meadow Park
12.07.2013
While the hard yards of pre-season training are far from universally popular, Joe Cole for one is more than happy to be back with a football at his feet. With two 45-minute outings already under his belt, the 31-year-old is slowly getting into his stride, intent on putting last season's injury troubles behind him. Though fitness is clearly king at this stage of proceedings, convincing wins at Cork City and Boreham Wood have got preparations off to a flier, and Cole plans to keep it that way come Saturday's trip to Bournemouth.
Joe, how useful an exercise was the win at Boreham Wood?
JC: "It was good. It's another run-out. We are only eight or nine days in and we have already played two lots of 45 minutes. It was good for the people of Boreham Wood as well, everyone seemed to have a good night and we enjoyed the weather!"
Did you miss the football over the summer?
JC: "I think you miss it, you are ticking the days away. It was good to have a break and get away with the family but it is always nice to get back and, believe it or not, but pre-season is not as hard as it used to be. "You keep yourself ticking over in the summer and it is more football-specific than the runs we used to do in Hainault with Frank Lampard Snr! Those days are long gone and it's quite enjoyable now."
How key was Andy Carroll's signing?
JC: "It is a boost for the club and shows where we are going. Andy Carroll is a young, England centre-forward and clubs do not usually sell them. He's a big talent. He did a good job and we just want him to get fit and come back because he is a big part of our team."
How big a year is this for you personally?
JC: "Every year is a big year in football, you always have your goals but I'm just enjoying myself. I'm enjoying being back, I'm enjoying playing football and I just want to get out there and get going again now. "I always keep my goals to myself and take it day-by-day but first and foremost, I want to keep myself fit. When I was playing last season my performances were good so the key for me is just staying fit and if I do that, the football for me has never been a problem.
It's obviously a World Cup year as well. Does that figure in your thoughts much?
JC: "The ambition will always burn every time you go out on the football pitch and you want to do well, if you're an Englishman and you're playing well you are inevitably going to be talked about. "I have played over 50 times for my country so if I can get playing you never know but at the moment I'm just concentrating on West Ham."
What are your ambitions for the club this season?
JC: "I think the ambition of the club at the moment is improvement. But for me personally, I would love to finish better than 10th, but equally I'd love to take this club to Wembley. Because at the end of the day, they are the days you remember in your career - it would be a massive achievement. "West Ham are a big club but have been starved of success. You look at where we are in London and people want to come here and play in London and play for West Ham. It is great that players like Razvan [Rat] and Andy are coming in and hopefully there will be a few more as well. "I roomed with Rat for eight days and he is a great lad. We have nicknamed him Roland, he likes it and I've shown him Roland - he is enjoying himself. He is Romanian captain and has 90-odd caps. He's a fantastic player."
Joe, it's Bournemouth up next, are you looking forward to a trip to the seaside?
JC: "Bournemouth's a lovely place to go. They play good football now under a young manager and it's going to be a tough test for us. "The lads were saying it was 1-1 at Boreham Wood last year and we were lucky to come away with a draw. It's only early days, but we'd like to put a marker down and show that we've improved. So we'll going there to try and get the result. "All these pre-season games are for fitness but you've got to try and win the games as well. That's what you're practicing for, to try and win football matches."
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Purches looks forward to Hammers test
WHUFC.com
Bournemouth's Stephen Purches celebrates his testimonial against West Ham United on Saturday
12.07.2013
West Ham United Academy graduate Stephen Purches cannot wait to take on his former side in his testimonial match at AFC Bournemouth on Saturday. Purches, 33, joined West Ham as a ten-year-old schoolboy and had two seasons as a professional at the Boleyn Ground before leaving for Bournemouth at the age of 20 in 2000. Aside from a three-year spell at Leyton Orient in the middle, he has spent the intervening period on the south coast and is relishing the prospect of celebrating ten years with the Cherries by welcoming the Hammers to town. He told whufc.com: "The planning has gone on for a long time and I can't wait for Saturday, it's going to be a special day. I have to say thank you to both clubs, and it's extra-special because it is West Ham. I spent ten years there, and now I've been here for ten years, so it's great that it's all come together. "There are still people at the Club from my time there - Pete Williams the kit man, [Academy Director] Tony Carr, Joe Cole was in the youth team with me, and it'll be nice to catch up with some of the old faces. "With Bournemouth being promoted to the Championship last season, there's a real feelgood factor here, the sun will be out, so hopefully there'll be a good turnout too."
Eddie Howe's Bournemouth side are sure to provide a stern test for the Hammers, having played a brand of attractive football en route to winning promotion to the second tier last term. Right-back Purches missed all of the 2012/13 campaign after suffering a nasty leg break in February 2012, but has now returned to training and will be fit enough to play his part on Saturday. He continued: "Ever since the testimonial started to be arranged around Christmas time, my aim has been to come back in time to play in it, so I'm really pleased to be back in training now. "The match sharpness isn't there, but the main thing is that I'll be able to get out there on the pitch with the lads again. It's a good feeling, and it'll also give me closure after spending so much time out with the injury. "It's going to be a good game for both sides, the teams will be strong and will give each other a test, so it'll be useful for both at this stage of pre-season."
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Academy announce pre-season schedule
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's U21 and U18 sides have a busy month of pre-season fixtures ahead
12.07.2013
West Ham United have announced a host of pre-season fixtures ahead of the 2013/14 Barclays U21 and U18 Premier League campaigns. A West Ham United XI expected to contain a number of players with first-team experience will travel to League Two club Southend United on Monday 29 July, with kick-off at Roots Hall at 7.45pm. The Shrimpers are managed by Phil Brown, who spent six years as Sam Allardyce's assistant manager at Bolton Wanderers between 1999 and 2005. Brown's squad contains former West Ham Academy striker Freddy Eastwood. For ticket details, click here. Brown said: "I'm delighted that Big Sam, a good friend of mine, has agreed to send a West Ham XI side to Roots Hall for a friendly. It will be a really good test for us and will be the perfect final preparations ahead of the start of the new season."
Meanwhile, Nick Haycock's Development Squad and Steve Potts' youth team will be busy over the coming weeks, with matches organised against a wide range of opponents. The Development Squad will take on top-flight opposition in Swansea City, Manchester City and Southampton, as well as Football League opposition in Wolverhampton Wanderers and non-league sides Braintree Town and Hornchurch. The U18s, meanwhile, will face Europe's best at the prestigious Eurofoot tournament in Belgium, while also taking on four sides representing Football League clubs in Leyton Orient, Colchester United, Charlton Athletic and Crystal Palace.
At the Eurofoot tournament in Oostduinkerke, the Hammers have been drawn in League A alongside Belgian clubs RSC Anderlecht, Club Brugge and AA Gent, German club TSG Hoffenheim and Dutch outfit FC Utrecht. For full fixture details, click here.
West Ham United XI pre-season fixture
Mon 29 July v Southend United XI (A, Roots Hall) 7.45pm
Development Squad pre-season fixtures
Tue 16 July v Swansea. (H, Little Heath), 3pm
Sat 20 July v Wolverhampton Wanderers (A). 2pm
Wed 24 July v Braintree Town (A). 7.45pm
Sat 27 July v Manchester City (A) 3pm
Sat 3 Aug v Hornchurch (A) 3pm
Tue 6 Aug v Southampton (A) 2.30pm
Under-18s pre-season fixtures
Sat 13 July v Leyton Orient (A, Old Chigwellians), 10am
Sat 20 July v Colchester United (A), 11am
Tue 30 July v Charlton Athletic (A), 2pm
Thu 1-Sun 4 Aug Eurofoot tournament, Oostduinkerke, Belgium
Sat 10 Aug v Crystal Palace (A), 11am
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Southend to host Hammers XI
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 12th July 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's youngsters will face League Two Southend United in a friendly at Roots Hall later this month. A Hammers XI - expected to contain a mix of youngsters and fringe first team players - will make the short trip down the A13 to Southend on Monday, 29th July to face Phil Brown's side. It will be the first time the two Uniteds have met since Sam Allardyce's first team squad secured a 3-0 win a year ago this week, through goals from Jordan Spence and the now departed duo of Nicky Maynard and Sam Baldock. "I'm delighted that Big Sam has agreed to send a West Ham XI side here for a friendly. It will be a really good test for us and will be the perfect final preparations ahead of the new season," said Brown. Southend, who count former West Ham youngster Freddy Eastwood amongst their ranks finished 11th in League Two last season but managed just one win from the ten league games overseen by Brown at the tail end of the 2012/13 campaign. 54-year-old Brown, who worked alongside Sam Allardyce at Bolton Wanderers for six years replaced the popular Paul Sturrock at Roots Hall in March of this year.
* Former Hammers triallist Bilel Mohsni, who travelled to Germany for pre-season with Sam Allardyce's first team squad last summer could join Scottish club Rangers later this week. Mohsni - who spent three years at Southend before leaving the club on a free transfer at the end of last season - featured for the Gers in the friendly with Elgin City last night. West Ham offered Southend £100,000 for the 6'4" central defender last August but the bid was rejected - a move that Shrimpers chairman Ron Martin later admitted he "got wrong".
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West Ham apply for work permit
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 12th July 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have applied for a work permit for Columbian forward Duvan Zapata, according to reports. The 22-year-old is hoping to secure a dream move to England after West Ham agreed a fee - thought to be worth anywhere between £2.5m and £7m, depending on which particular source you read - with Zapata's current club Estudiantes of Argentina. However his move to the UK is by no means certain to happen, with doubts over his ability to meet the criteria for a work permit. The major stumbling block would appear to be that Zapata is yet to make a single full international appearance for Columbia. According to journalist Ed Malyon, who writes about South American football, Zapata is "quick, strong and energetic but not a great finisher. He's never really scored buckets of goals in the Argentinian league - West Ham are paying £££ for potential."
Whilst KUMB member westhamamerica, another keen follower of the Argentinian league added: "He uses his size a lot and is really quick. Still a pretty raw talent, though. "He could be better in the air and his passing game is okay at best, so he'd be one for the future rather than going right into the 18 from what I've seen. A lot of Argentinian clubs play very direct so I don't think he would be out of his element coming here."
However many in South America feel that Zapata has the ability to become the next Columbian to make the breakthrough in Europe, following the likes of Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez (both now at Monaco). A number of top European clubs - including Borussia Dortmund, Lyon, and Benfica - have all previously shown an interest in the Colombian, who scored 11 goals in 27 matches last season.
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Diame returns
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 12th July 2013
By: Staff Writer
Midfielder Mo Diame could make his first appearance of pre-season when West Ham face AFC Bournemouth at Dean Court tomorrow afternoon. Sam Allardyce's squad are on their way to the south coast for tomorrow's friendly at which the Irons will be looking to secure a third successive victory. And Diame, who was afforded extra recovery time before returning to training with the squad at Chadwell Heath is in line to make his first appearance since the 4-2 win over Reading on the final day of last season according to David Gold. West Ham's pre-season got off to the perfect start in Cork last weekend where goals from Alou Diarra, Joe Cole, Matt Taylor, Paul McCallum, Mark Noble (from the penalty spot) and Ravel Morrision gave them a 6-2 win. That was followed up by Wednesday night's 3-0 success at Boreham Wood where early goals from Ravel Morrison and Ricardo Vaz Te gave United an early advantage before captain Kevin Nolan added the final goal with a few minutes remaining. After visiting Bournemouth tomorrow - where Sam Allardyce's side are 13/5 favourites according to football betting at William Hill online - the Hammers look forward to a trip to Colchester (Tuesday, 16th July) before they head off to Germany for matches against Mainz 05, Hamburg SV and Eintracht Braunschweig. The final match of pre-season is the home encounter against Pacos de Ferreira on Saturday, 10th August.
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Queens Park Rangers contenders to sign Javier Saviola
Last Updated: July 12, 2013 1:03pm
SSN
Queens Park Rangers have emerged as contenders to sign Argentine star Javier Saviola, Sky Sports can reveal. A number of British clubs are actively interested in landing the 31-year-old, who is a free agent after deciding to leave Malaga at the end of the season, despite scoring eight goals for the Liga outfit last term. West Ham and Celtic are both believed to be keeping tabs on Saviola, but Harry Redknapp, who has attempted to sign the player on more than one occasion during his career, is now back on his trail. And, despite QPR's relegation to the Championship, he would be keen on helping fire the club back to the Premier League. "Javier is more than keen on linking up with Harry Redknapp, he knows his teams play good football and the chance of helping QPR to promotion is genuinely appealing to him," a source close to the player confirmed to Sky Sports. "Javier's next move is not about the finances, he wants a footballing challenge and England gives him that."
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West Ham apply for work permit for Colombian striker Duvan Zapata
Last Updated: July 12, 2013 1:45pm
SSN
West Ham United have applied for a work permit for Colombian striker Duvan Zapata. The Hammers have lined up a deal with Argentine side Estudiantes for the highly-rated 22-year-old. Zapata is eager to seal a move to the Premier League, but his application will have to go to appeal and West Ham are working on their case. A number of high-profile figures in world football are set to give references about Zapata, who is valued at close to £8million, and so West Ham are hopeful they will get a permit on the 'special talent' avenue. The fact Colombia are now ranked in the world's top three is also likely to be taken into account and, although Zapata is yet to win his first cap, he does look set to become part of their squad before next summer's World Cup finals. A source close to the deal confirmed to Sky Sports that he was 'hopeful' of securing what he believes would be a 'dream move'.
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Chelsea star shuns move away after Mourinho promise
Touchlinetalk.com
Written by Christy Mitchell on July 12, 2013
Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku turned down a loan move to West Ham United after being promised first team football by Jose Mourinho, according to The Express. Lukaku's impressive 17 goals at West Bromwich Albion last season enticed Sam Allardyce to target the striker in the summer transfer window, and his approach for the forward this week was met by a swift rejection by Chelsea, the newspaper claims.
Bizarre
Also, in a terribly strange twist last night, it emerged that Chelsea target Bruma's agent claimed he was at the hands of a kidnap attempt by his own fans.
The incident allegedly happened on Wednesday night and Bruma is now pressing charges, and he wants FIFA to investigate the issue, and wants his Sporting contract to be terminated immediately. His agent Catio Balde, who reported the allegation said, as reported by the newspaper: "We have pressed charges.
"This is a very serious and unpleasant matter, and it has led to this decision." Chelsea will have to fight off Galatasary for Balde, who have offered £10million for him, whereas Chelsea have only rated him at a measely £1.8million. Balde said: "There are offers from foreign clubs, including Chelsea, but right now, Bruma's mind is not on Sporting."
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Gold defends Hammers pricing
by Hugh Southon
12th July 2013 4:13pm BST
Sportsdirectnews.com
Exclusive
West Ham United co-chairman David Gold has hit back at "mischief making" reports that the club are charging excessive ticket prices. The reports claim that in some cases prices for non-season ticket holders will go as high as £77 for some games against top opposition. But Gold said; "There are highest prices at every club - there are also very affordable prices. There's a direct correlation between prices charged and league position. "In many cases those clubs charging the lowest prices find themselves relegated. Yes, there are high prices of course but there are also low. We are adopting a balanced approach and there's prices available for everybody. "Some Category A prices go to £72 and the lowest in that band are £52 and lets remember we are cheaper than the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs and others. "We are happy with our prices and we believe we are affordable across the board. There's a balance to be struck - it's always been the same in all areas of life."
And a spokesman for the club declared in a stement that tickets for the most sought-after fixtures in the 2013/14 season at the Boleyn Ground go on sale exclusively to Bond Holders and Academy Members on Tuesday 16 July. He said: "With demand for seats at the home of the Hammers higher than ever, the early opportunity to purchase tickets will allow supporters - starting with Bond Holders and Academy Members - more time to guarantee their place for the most eagerly anticipated matches in the calendar. Fans who take up the opportunity to purchase their ticket in advance will also ensure that they get the cheapest possible price - the tickets are guaranteed to not be sold any cheaper but may be more expensive nearer to matchday if they are categorised as A+ matches - and get the first pick of the best available seats to watch all of the pulsating action.
The six category A games - Manchester City (19 October), Chelsea (23 November), Arsenal (Boxing Day), Manchester United (22 March 2014), Liverpool (5 April 2014) and Tottenham Hotspur (3 May 2014) - will be made available to Bond Holders and Academy Members during an exclusive eight-week window from Tuesday 16 July before the tickets go on general sale on Tuesday 3 September.
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