World Cup Countdown - James Tomkins
WHUFC.com
Hammers defender James Tomkins is the latest to give his thoughts on the
upcoming FIFA World Cup
06.06.2014
James Tomkins chose the patriotic route when opting for his favourites to
win this summer's FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The Hammers defender, capped 10
times by England at U21 level earlier in his career, would love to see the
Three Lions triumph, although he admits that will be no easy task. "Am I
allowed to say England or not?" he smiled. "Let's say if it's not England,
then Spain because of their style of play and their attacking threat.
"Belgium would pose an outside threat, they've got some great players. I can
see them getting to the quarters or the semis. "They're not a massive
country, but people might see team as a threat because of the players
they've got. "As for England, hopefully they don't get any injuries to the
starting XI, and I think they can pose a threat because they've got players
who are involved in the Premier League week in, week out, and that's the
best league in the world."
With Spain one of his picks to challenge for the title, Tomkins also expects
one of their midfield stars to shine on the biggest stage too. He added: "I
reckon Iniesta will be the outstanding player of the tournament. I love him
as a player, and playing for Spain if they go all the way then he'd be in
the looking for the Player of the Tournament."
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Big Sam ready for Soccer Aid
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce will lock horns with Jose Mourinho in the Soccer Aid charity
match this Sunday
06.06.2014
Sam Allardyce will make an early return to the dugout this Sunday when he
takes charge of the England side in the biennial Soccer Aid charity match at
Old Trafford. Soccer Aid pits a mixture of celebrities and former
professionals together in an England v the Rest of the World fixture played
out in front of over 65,000 fans to raise money for Unicef. Big Sam led
England to victory last time out in 2012 and he is confident of getting one
over opposite number Jose Mourinho to retain the trophy. "This is the second
time I've been invited to be the England manager for Soccer Aid for the
Unicef charity," the Hammers boss explained. "I'm sure West Ham fans would
have seen a couple of years ago that we regained the Soccer Aid trophy for
England at Old Trafford. There were 65,000 there that evening and we expect
that crowd again. "We've been training the celebs and legends at Fulham's
training ground this week, then we travel up to Manchester on Saturday to
play on Sunday."
Allardyce's team brings together star names from the worlds of showbiz and
football and the manager thinks he has found the right blend. He added:
"There are some well known faces in our team, from both the legends and
celebs point of view. It's nearly the same as two years ago - Teddy
Sheringham's back with us, we've got John Bishop, Jack Whitehall and Paddy
McGuinness so we should have some fun. "We're looking okay and there's a lot
of excited celebrities about. Robbie Williams is going to stand alongside me
as assistant manager and not participate in playing this time - we've got a
good squad together, hopefully they'll all stay fit and we'll get another
victory at Old Trafford."
The opposition are sure to put up a fight with a number of notable
international names among their ranks. Allardyce added: "We're a little
concerned about the legs of our legends compared to the legs of the legends
on the Rest of the World side, because they've popped Del Piero, Seedorf and
Jaap Stam in there and they're all extremely good. "It's going to be a test
for us, but we think with our legends and celebs combined and with the team
spirit we'll hopefully re-clinch the trophy. "It's a bit of fun, but it's
very serious when it comes to the last couple of days and we actually get to
Old Trafford. The reception the celebs get when they get out on the pitch
stands the hairs up on the back of the neck. "We ask the legends to calm
them down, play as a team and try to enjoy the occasion. At the end of it
all these lads want to win, that's all they talk about - winning."
We live in a world with enough food and where most life-saving vaccines for
children cost pennies. Yet millions of children still die of malnutrition
and deadly diseases every year. Donate to Soccer Aid and help the world's
most vulnerable children get life-saving food, medicine and clean water.
Every pound donated to Soccer Aid 2014 will be doubled by the UK government,
up to a total of £5 million, so together we can reach even more children.
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On this day - 7 June
WHUFC.com
West Ham United played their latest-ever league match on this day in 1941
07.06.2014
Classic match
West Ham United 2-3 Queens Park Rangers
Southern Regional League
Saturday 7 June 1941, Boleyn Ground
By 7 June, modern-day footballers have usually packed their boots away for
the summer in favour of flip-flops and swimming trunks. Back in 1941, at the
height of the Second World War, it was a different story. West Ham United
arrived on this day in 1941 still playing for the Southern Regional League
title. The Hammers knew, however, that they would have to overcome Queens
Park Rangers at the Boleyn Ground to overhaul leaders Crystal Palace on goal
average.
This task proved impossible as the visitors won a thrilling match by the odd
goal in five, with the prolific Alec George Foreman and 1940 War Cup final
hero Sam Small on target for the hosts. Foreman's goal was his 34th in 39
games that season, but it was not enough to hold off the Hoops in front of a
brave crowd of just 2,100. The title was decided on goal average as
hostilities left many fixtures unfulfilled. The following season, 1941/42,
West Ham competed in a London-only competition to save on resources and
costs.
Anniversary
Brazil 1-0 England
FIFA World Cup Group 3
Sunday 7 June 1970, Estadio Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico
Today marks the anniversary of 'that tackle' by West Ham United and England
legend Bobby Moore MBE. Moore was captaining England at the 1970 FIFA World
Cup finals in Mexico when they faced Brazil in their second group-stage
fixture in Guadalajara. Playing alongside fellow Hammers Martin Peters and
Geoff Hurst in stifling heat, England started well before Brazil countered
and Pele forced Gordon Banks into what is considered to be the greatest save
of all time. Peters himself then missed a headed chance, while Brazil's
attacks were repeatedly repelled by the imperious Moore. Moore's performance
was a highlight reel in itself, but the West Ham defender's greatest moment
arrived when he bent down on one knee to make a perfect block tackle to deny
Jairzinho. Unfortunately, the same player would score Brazil's winner just
before the hour-mark to secure the narrowest of victories for the South
Americans. England would go on to beat Czechoslovakia 1-0 in their third
group fixture but were edged out 3-2 by West Germany at the quarter-final
stage.
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Hammers tracking Swiss international
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 6th June 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are interested in signing Napoli's Swiss midfielder Blerim
Dzemaili.
Dzemaili - who worked with Hammers boss Sam Allardyce at Bolton as a young
youngster - has been linked with a move to United's Premier League rivals
Tottenham in recent weeks but fresh reports suggest that whilst London still
appears to be a likely destination, it's West Ham who could land the
28-year-old.
* West Ham's prolonged interest in Leeds United striker Ross McCormack could
be coming to an end after it was claimed that Newcastle United had made a
hugely-generous £8million offer for the 27-year-old Scottish international.
McCormack was strongly linked with a deadline day move to the Boleyn Ground
back in January.
* Further to our news in Wednesday's transfer bulletin regarding Dortmund
striker Julian Schieber, it is reported that although the player is keen to
move to the Premier League West Ham want to take the 25-year-old on loan -
something Die Borussen, who are looking to sell Schieber, are not willing to
accept. The former German Under 21 international made 20 starts for Dortund
last season, scoring just one goal.
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West Ham loan offer for Niang rejected
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 6th June 2014
By: Staff Writer
M'Baye Niang will not be moving to West Ham, according to his agent Stephane
Courbis. Talks between West Ham and Niang's representatives took place in
London earlier this week but the 19-year-old was only offered a season-long
loan deal; not good enough, according to Courbis. "On Monday I met with
West Ham, who were interested in the player," the agent told TMW. "I talked
to, Sam Allardyce but I did not find him willing to make a better offer. The
Hammers would like to loan Niang, but I don't think that is the right choice
and therefore rejected the offer."
Despite rejecting West Ham's offer, Courbis - who recently replaced Oscar
Damiani (who was also Julian Faubert's former agent) as Niang's chief
representative - maintained that his client will almost certainly leave
Milan this summer. "It's definitely a possibility," he added. "Milan already
has many strikers in the team and did not qualify for Europe so spaces will
be reduced. We were told to find another team because in Milan, Niang's
growth path could not proceed according to plan. "The important thing now is
for him to play with continuity, perhaps even in a team at a level slightly
lower at Milan. He needs a coach who believes strongly in him."
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A well-deserved rest
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 6th June 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sir Trevor Brooking is stepping down from his role with the Football
Association after a decade in the post. Now 65, the West Ham United legend
has decided to call it a day when the 2014 World Cup Finals - at which he
will be part of the official England party - end. Speaking to The FA,
Brooking revealed that he felt it was a good to resign. "I believe now is
the right time to step away from my full-time role at The FA and I feel
extremely positive about the future of Football Development moving forward,"
he said. "Under the leadership and guidance of Dan Ashworth and Gareth
Southgate we have now put in place a strong, credible, elite structure to
support the professional game. "They also appreciate how crucial it is to
work in tandem with our grassroots infrastructure who've always been a
consistent supporter of our work programmes across coaching and player
development. "I'd also like to convey massive thanks for the tremendous
efforts of all FA staff, who often don't get the public recognition they
deserve, and good luck to everyone in the future."
Brooking - who was a key figure in the planning and development of the new
national football centre at St George's Park - joined the FA as Director of
Development in December 2003. A year later he was knighted for his
dedication to sport.
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SAB members jump ship over NDA dispute
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 6th June 2014
By: Staff Writer
Several members of the Supporter Advisory Board have declared their
intention to leave the focus group as a result of the club's insistence that
all members sign an NDA before attending meetings. Every member of the fans'
group, which currently numbers around 200 was once again asked to sign a
non-disclosure agreement ahead of Tuesday night's meeting at the Boleyn
Ground at which a possible change to the club crest was one of several
sensitive subjects aired.
The NDAs prohibit fans from sharing the content of the meeting with fellow
supporters - something that has sparked major criticism of the entire
process from both members, who believed they were appointed to represent and
report back to their fellow fans, and non-members of the group.
One former SAB member spoke passionately about the subject via the KUMB
Forum this morning, insisting that he would never return unless the entire
process, which he referred to as a "sham", changes. "I was once proud to act
as a voice for those season ticket holders that supported my application and
to represent their (and other supporters) interests," said the ex-member
this morning. "The NDA's are nothing new, and have been sprung on SAB
members before, with little opportunity to review or read what they were
being asked to sign (copies were not circulated in advance of previous
meetings). Now the club asks that phones and other potential recording
devices, are handed in at the door too. It all stinks."
Another member who spoke to KUMB intends to remain in the SAB, but is under
no illusion as to the exact role of the group. "The SAB is a box ticking
exercise to comply with UEFA," he claimed. "Basically we're a glorified
focus group. There's influence to be had, but on major decisions who in
their right mind believes that David Gold, David Sullivan and Karren Brady
will not back their own calls? With regard to the NDAs, they're bog
standard. I don't have a problem signing them."
However another member of KUMB/the SAB spoke out in defence of the
organisation. "I believe the SAB does a good job," he said. "I've only
spoken to a few [members], but those that I have spoken to are decent fans
who are passionate about the club and want to take part in constructive
dialogue."
The club itself revealed some details of the top-secret meeting earlier
today after the news that a change to the club's crest, which was last
redesigned in 1999, was met with dismay by a number of supporters who had
learned of the planned changes.
"The evening's agenda focused on how the Club could look at better
communicating West Ham United's values and how best to recognise and
celebrate our history as we move to a new iconic home," read a statement
posted on whufc.com.
"This included discussions regarding evolving the Club's crest, an
initiative which had been fully endorsed by the SAB at their AGM."
However the club's claim of unequivocal backing from those in attendance has
been disputed by another member of the SAB who attended the meeting. "This
is a misrepresentation," he told KUMB. "It was not fully endorsed. There was
a presentation and a few comments, but no show of hands."
Those attending the meeting were shown several new design mock-ups of the
club crest, most of which were rejected by those present. It was
subsequently agreed that the entire fan base should be consulted over any
changes that may take place.
Concern by fans over plans to change the club's crest - fears that emerged
after details of the meeting were leaked - prompted Jack Sullivan, son of
co-owner David to take to Twitter last night.
"Contrary to rumours there is ZERO possibility of the club's name changing
to incorporate London," he wrote. "We will always be West Ham United.
'London' could be added to the club badge IF supporters vote in favour of
it. NOTHING will change for the coming season."
* DID YOU KNOW? A castle first appeared on West Ham's crest in 1904.
The castle depicted was a replica of Green Street House, a building with
turrets that stood in Green Street before it was demolished in 1954. The
Green Street House turrets also regularly featured in the Club's programmes
between the 1920s and 1950s. Visit Steve Marsh's 'They Fly So High' website
for more information about the history of West Ham's castle.
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New West Ham signing Mauro Zarate hopes to emulate Carlos Tevez
Last Updated: 06/06/14 1:28pm
SSN
New West Ham United striker Mauro Zarate hopes to emulate fellow Argentine
and former Upton Park favourite Carlos Tevez. Zarate has signed for the
Hammers on a three-year contract from Velez Sarsfield, after finishing as
top scorer for the Argentine side last season with 20 goals in 35
appearances in all competitions. The 27-year-old first graced the Premier
League while on loan at Birmingham City in 2008, where he scored four goals
in 14 appearances for the struggling Blues. The Argentine striker now hopes
to make an impact at Upton Park, following in the footsteps of Tevez, who
dramatically inspired West Ham to Premier League safety in 2006. "Carlos is
a fantastic player and a fantastic person," Zarate told the club's official
website. "I don't think I can do the same as he did, but I hope I can become
as big a favourite at this club as he was. "I hope I will play good football
and reach the highest possible level. I am very confident I am going to
succeed here. "I have played with Lazio and Inter Milan in Serie A and the
Champions League and now I am looking forward to playing in the Premier
League for a second time." "I have played with Lazio and Inter Milan in
Serie A and the Champions League and now I am looking forward to playing in
the Premier League for a second time. "English football is beautiful. I
always said I wanted to come back to England to play and now I have this
chance and I don't want to lose it." Zarate is looking forward to teaming up
with target man Andy Carroll next season, and both players will hope to
benefit from new attacking coach and former West Ham striker Teddy
Sheringham, who has been appointed by manager Sam Allardyce in a bid to help
the Hammers play more attractive football. "I know Andy Carroll," said
Zarate. "He is a fantastic player and a centre forward who is physical and
very important for the team." The 5ft 9in forward hopes his performances
could see him earn a call-up to the Argentina national team, but he remains
realistic over his chances.
"It will be very difficult for me to break into the squad because it is so
strong and we have so many good strikers, but I will certainly try," said
Zarate.
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AC Milan forward M'Baye Niang rejects loan move to West Ham
By Nadia Carminati and Simone Bargellini | Last Updated: 06/06/14 5:00pm
SSN
West Ham have failed in a loan bid for French forward M'Baye Niang, who is
set to leave AC Milan this summer. Niang's agent Stephane Courbis confirmed
that he held talks with Hammers boss Sam Allardyce but did not think a move
to Upton Park was the 'right choice' for the 19-year-old, who spent last
season on loan at Montpellier. The talks came after the teenager was told he
was surplus to requirements by the Serie A side following the club's failure
to qualify for Europe. In comments reported by TMW, Courbis is quoted as
saying: "On Monday I met with West Ham, who were interested in the player.
"The Hammers would like him on loan, but I don't think it is the right
choice, so I excluded it. "We prefer a permanent deal and we seek a coach
who strongly believes in Niang." Courbis added he met AC Milan vice
president Adriano Galliani about three weeks ago, who informed him to find a
new team for Niang. "Milan, he told me, have many forwards in the group and,
with not playing in Europe, there will be reduced places. "For this reason,
we were told to find another team. M'baye could leave on a permanent move."
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WEST HAM CHASE KOLO
By Sean Whetstone 6 Jun 2014 at 18:58
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham are in talks with Nice left back Timothee Kolodziejczak known as
Kolo . The 22 year old Frenchman has been linked with West Ham for some time
but he now appears to be confirmed as one of the four left backs we are
talking to. Kolo's senior career started at Lyon when he made 9 appearances
until he moved to Nice in 2012 where he has made 64 appearances scoring one
goal. French media outlet Le 10 Sport claim West Ham made an offer of £2.5m.
The left back is valued at 6 million euros by Nice but a bid of 4 million
euros could tempt them to sell him as they are currently suffering from
financial troubles. We are likely to have competition from Southampton who
see him as a perfect replacement for Luke Shaw who looks likely to leave
them in the summer. Kolo was being tracked by David Moyes when he was
Manchester United boss as a replacement for Patrice Evra. But Manchester
United have instead decided to pursue Southampton's Luke Shaw.
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OLSSON IN TALKS WITH WEST HAM
By Sean Whetstone 6 Jun 2014 at 13:00
West Ham Till I Die
Norwich defender Martin Olsson is back in talks with West Ham to fill the
left back position, The Sweden international is highly likely to leave
Carrow Road this summer following the club's relegation to the Championship.
Allardyce has identified left-back as key position to strengthen this summer
and Olsson is one of four targets the Hammers are looking at.
Back in January last year Allardyce made attempts to sign Olsson from his
old club Blackburn but it is alleged they were reluctant to sell to their
former manager.
At that time Allardyce said: "If they have made Martin available I would
definitely be interested because I worked with the lad at Blackburn when I
was there for two years. I had a really good time developing him into what I
consider to be quite a good player."
As Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce previously reprimanded Martin Olsson for
cheating to win a crucial penalty against Burnley. Olsson provoked outrage
among Burnley fans when he appeared to dive over goalkeeper Brian Jensen,
only for referee Mike Dean to award a spot-kick.The Swede then compounded
his offence by admitting it publicly and revealing that he targeted Dean in
advance because he has awarded more penalties than any other referee this
season. Olsson somehow escaped FA censure at the time.
The 26-year-old made 117 appearances for Blackburn scoring 3 goals including
the one below. He was sometimes deployed as a defensive midfielder. He
joined Norwich in 2013 making 27 appearances and scoring one goal. He is
also a member of the Swedish national team since 2010 earning 22 caps and
scoring 5 goals.
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A WHIZZ BANG IDEA - APPROACH WITH CAUTION!
By S J Chandos 6 Jun 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
So, are there major corporate/rebranding changes afoot at West Ham United
FC? It is notable that we were the first of the capital's Premier League
clubs to secure one of the new london.com web addresses. One must wonder if
there are some specific marketing/commercial reason for this haste? Is
reviewing the badge part of some wider 'whizz bang' proposal to align the
image of the club with that of the Olympic Stadium? Over the last 24 hours,
social media has been speculating that some sort of change of corporate
identity is on the cards, whether that is a name change, a revised club
badge or both and more beside. This has been partly fuelled by the recent
SAB meeting and news that its members were required to sign another
non-disclosure agreement in order to be privy to the club's latest thinking.
The club website has subsequently rushed to counter the wilder conjecture,
denying that a name change was ever planned and reassuring the Hammers
faithful that no updating/revising of the badge will be implemented without
the prior agreement of the wider fan base.
This re-assurance, that any such changes will be subject to fan approval, is
comforting and the club should be praised for providing that guarantee. They
have said the club name is sacrosanct. Anyway, I suppose that the chances of
obtaining FA approval for a name change are minimal in the aftermath of the
'Hull Tigers' episode. So, that one is not a runner and is probably just a
distraction. The actual issue is likely to be a change in the club badge and
possibly the incorporation of 'London' in to a revised design. But how
radical might that redesign be? Will it be a Arsenal type re-styling of the
traditional club badge or might it prove to be more of a departure from the
past? It seems that there is now an emerging view online that the plans
revolve around phasing out the castle. Obviously, this makes sense if the
castle symbolises our current stadium. The rationale presumably being, no
Boleyn Stadium, no castle in the badge! Although I cannot speculate in
advance on anything they may seek to add in its place.
This issue does not worry me unduly. Let the club commission a new design
and it will take its chances against the current badge. If it is too radical
a departure, then it will be rejected by the fans, there is no doubt about
that. After all, how can some ad agency effort possibly compete with the
current badge? It will an unequal contest between history and tradition,
1964, 1965, 1975, 1980, Moore, Hurst, Peters, Bonds, Brooking, Devonshire,
Di Canio, et al, and something (worst case scenario) off a drawing board. My
gut instincts are to stick with the current version (albeit maybe restyled),
but I am open to being convinced otherwise and while we fans are the final
decision-makers (as the club have promised) I am relaxed about the issue.
However, what does interest me is this emphasis upon 'London.' Yes, we are a
London club, but as we all know, we are far from having an exclusive status
in that respect. Being geographically included since 1965 in the London
urban conurbation is a fact, and it has had an impact, but by far the
strongest formative influences on our club pre-dates that event. Firstly, we
are West Ham, that is our core identity, secondly we recognise ourselves as
an 'East London' club and thirdly we increasingly see ourselves as an Essex
club. That is our triple layered identity and it directly reflects the
historical development of the club, and indeed its fan base, since its
formation in 1895.
Yet, on page 13 of yesterday's Evening Standard an advert was published by
makeit.london. The advert featured West Ham Utd players, against the
backdrop of the OS, and contained a club statement that effectively revised
the history of the club. It stated:
'Since 1895, the Hammers have been at the heart of London. Our web address
and new stadium keeps us there.'
Apart from the first sentence being historically inaccurate, it is
interesting that we are portrayed, in the second, as being at the 'heart' of
London by moving to the OS. Is this advert just a product of a lack of
historical knowledge and an innocent zeal for london.com? Or is there
something more subtle and interesting at play here. Namely, the opening
shots in a shift to identify a relocated club with 'London' as a whole and,
thereafter, consistently market themselves on that basis? After all, in
marketing and commercial terms, it probably makes sense. Aligning the club
name with London will make the club more instantly recognisable in lucrative
overseas markets, with their potential new fan base and merchandising sales
potential. Might it also be highly attractive to all those
corporate/multi-national interests with their huge sponsorship and
commercial revenue to invest? It is also interesting that it mirrors a
significant corporate change made by Newham Council, in the run up to London
2012, when they rebranded the borough Newham-London. Is there a bit of a
trend there?
Everyone wants the club to succeed commercially when it moves to the OS. It
is perfectly understood that new revenue streams improve our chance of
becoming a bigger, more successful PL club. The club must get those new
external income streams flowing and also, closer to home, fill those
c.60,000 seats on a consistent basis. That probably means selling seats
across the capital, including to tourists, occasional spectators, business
interests and alike. Fair enough. But at the same time, most fans will
instinctively oppose processes that contribute to the dilution of West Ham's
strong identity and history in some sort of pan-London acid. Many fans are
fearful of just that, the move to the OS resulting in a loss of the club's
hitherto strong and unique identity. The club must be aware of this and
steer a course that both preserves the clubs identity/heritage and employs
strategies that maximize the marketing/commercial potential of the move to
the OS. Is it possible to square this particular circle? One hopes so.
'Whizz bang' ideas, if ill conceived and/or mis-managed, do have an
unfortunate habit of flaring up suddenly and burning fingers. Forewarned is
forearmed!
SJ. Chandos
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Saturday, June 7
Friday, June 6
Daily WHUFC News - 6th June 2014
We are always West Ham United
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Supporter Advisory Board held an update meeting this week
05.06.2014
The West Ham United Supporter Advisory Board held a follow-up meeting on Tuesday to continue discussion from the AGM on 15 May. The evening's agenda focused on how the Club could look at better communicating West Ham United's values and how best to recognise and celebrate our history as we move to a new iconic home. This included discussions regarding evolving the Club's crest, an initiative which had been fully endorsed by the SAB at their AGM on the basis that the Club's current crest has not been updated since 1997. The Club were explicit that whilst it is considering an evolution of the crest in close consultation with supporters, contrary to some recent speculation, it is categorically not looking to change the Club name, which will always remain as West Ham United.
The Club also made clear that the Board has no plans to make any changes to the crest without the full support of its fans. A detailed presentation followed that illustrated how various aspects of the Club's crest have evolved over time. The SAB were shown a wide variety of potential creative routes to evolve the crest.
Following a productive discussion, the SAB was asked whether the Club should continue to explore an evolution of the badge with a view to opening up consultation to the wider supporter base. The group have been asked to feedback by the end of the week. It was agreed that a consultation process with the wider supporter base should follow. This will take place within the next two weeks after due consideration of the SAB members' feedback.
whufc.com will provide a further update on the details of the consultation in due course.
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Sir Trevor Brooking to retire
WHUFc.com
Hammers legend Sir Trevor Brooking is to retire from his role as The FA's Director of Football Development
05.06.2014
West Ham United legend Sir Trevor Brooking is to retire from his role as The FA's Director of Football Development following the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The five-time Hammer of the Year, two-time FA Cup winner, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, caretaker manager and former England international will retire on 31 August following an outstanding career that also saw him excel as a broadcaster and administrator with Sport England and The FA. Since taking up his current post in December 2003, Sir Trevor has achieved great things for the national game at all levels. "I believe now is the right time to step away from my full-time role at The FA and I feel extremely positive about the future of Football Development moving forward," said Sir Trevor, 65, who scored 102 goals in 649 appearances for West Ham between 1967 and 1984, including the winning goal in the 1980 FA Cup final. "Under the leadership and guidance of Dan Ashworth and Gareth Southgate, we have now put in place a strong, credible, elite structure to support the professional game. They also appreciate how crucial it is to work in tandem with our grassroots infrastructure who've always been a consistent supporter of our work programmes across coaching and player development. "I'd also like to convey massive thanks for the tremendous efforts of all FA staff, who often don't get the public recognition they deserve, and good luck to everyone in the future."
Throughout his time with The FA, Sir Trevor has been responsible for restructuring the Football Development Division including the recent appointments of Dan Ashworth, Gareth Southgate and Mark Sampson. He was a significant supporter of the building of England's National Football Centre, and is a member of the St. George's Park Board. His commitment to the development of improved coaching standards both at grassroots level with children through The FA's Skills programme, and through the promotion of coaching qualifications across the professional game has been considerable. Through the Skills programme, nearly five million places have gone to children since its inception both out of school and in schools where FA Skills Coaches deliver an accredited football-based physical education programme up and down the country. Sir Trevor, who is in Miami with the England World Cup squad, has been a member of the Club England Board since its creation in 2010 and was part of the group who appointed Roy Hodgson as England's senior team manager.
Everyone at West Ham United would like to wish Sir Trevor a very happy retirement.
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Zarate confident of success
WHUFc.com
Mauro Zarate dreams of emulating compatriot Carlos Tevez and becoming a West Ham United hero
05.06.2014
Mauro Zarate dreams of making the same impact at West Ham United as fellow countryman Carlos Tevez. Argentine Tevez became an instant Hammers hero when his goals and all-round performances helped the Club to achieve a Great Escape from Premier League relegation in 2006/07. Eight years on and compatriot Zarate has arrived at the Boleyn Ground eager to make a similarly positive impression on English football. Having top-scored for Velez Sarsfield in the Argentine Primera Division last season and played in the UEFA Champions League, Serie A and Premier League during spells with Lazio, Internazionale and Birmingham City, the 27-year-old is confident he will flourish in a Claret and Blue shirt. "I have played with Lazio and Inter in Serie A and the Champions League and now I am looking forward to playing in the Premier League for a second time," he said. "I hope I will play good football and reach the highest possible level. I am very confident I am going to succeed here. "Carlos is a fantastic player and a fantastic person. I don't think I can do the same as he did, but I hope I can become as big a favourite at this Club as he was."
Zarate tasted English football as a promising young forward with Birmingham City in 2008, spending six months on loan at St Andrews from Qatari side Al-Sadd.
Then just 20, the Haedo-born player caught the eye in a struggling Blues team, scoring four goals in 14 appearances. During that time, he developed a deep respect for the traditions of the game in this country. "English football is beautiful. I always said I wanted to come back to England to play and now I have this chance and I don't want to lose this chance."
One player who Zarate is looking forward to lining up alongside is England centre forward Andy Carroll, with both set to benefit from each other's presence on the pitch. The tall, dominating figure of Carroll and the smaller, lively figure of Zarate make for a mouth-watering combination that spells danger for opposition defences. "I know Andy Carroll. He is a fantastic player and a centre forward who is physical and very important for the team," Zarate explained, when asked about the qualities of his new team-mate. Should Zarate hit the ground running he could well emulate Tevez by becoming a West Ham favourite, while a glut of goals may also lead him following his fellow countryman into the senior Argentina squad. "It will be very difficult for me to break into the squad because it is so strong and we have so many good strikers, but I will certainly try!"
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Hammers eye French full back
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 5th June 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have made a €3million offer for Nice's 22-year-old full back Timothee Kolodziejczak, according to reports emanating from France. The former French youth international - who has represented his country at all levels from Under 16 to Under 20 but could still represent Poland at full international level due to his dual nationality - joined Les Aiglons in 2012 and is valued at the €6million mark by his club.
* Anderlecht are rumoured to be taking a close look at Argentinian Under 20 international Lucas Romero as a potential replacement for Cheikhou Kouyate, who has been in talks with West Ham over a permanent switch to London. 20-year-old Romero, a former team mate of Mauro Zarate at Velez Sarsfield have told the Belgian club Romero will cost around €4.5million.
* Alou Diarra could be involved in the deal that brings the aforementioned Kouyate to West Ham. Diarra has barely featured for West Ham since joining the club in August 2012 and it is understood that a swap deal plus cash has been mooted by West Ham. The Senegal international is rated at the €10million mark by his club.
* Jussi Jaaskelainen may have signed a one-year contract extension but that hasn't stopped West Ham increasing their hunt for a new goalkeeper, according to the prolific Mail Online.
Manchester City's Romanian stopper Costel Pantilimon is said by the tabloid to be a target for West Ham, having made 18 appearances for the League Champions last season. Still only 27, Pantilimon cost the Citizens just £3million when joining City from the gloriously-named Politehnica Timisoara two years ago.
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Borussia Dortmund admit Julian Schieber could be set for an exit
By Thomas Zocher | Last Updated: 05/06/14 10:02pm
SSN
Borussia Dortmund general manager Michael Zorc has admitted that striker Julian Schieber could be set for an exit this summer, with a host of British clubs reported to be interested in him. The 25-year-old, who joined from Stuttgart in 2012, is yet to truly establish himself at the Westfaledstadion and West Ham, Wigan and Celtic have been among those linked with a move. Fellow Bundesliga outfit 1899 Hoffenheim have also been reported to be tracking the former Germany Under-21 international, who failed to score in his 12 league appearances last season. Schieber has another two years remaining on his current contract with Dortmund, but Zorc says that they would be prepared to sell if the striker is looking to leave. "We have been talking to Julian Schieber and his agent in the last week," he told kicker-Sportmagazin. "He had been out to have his Borussia Dortmund breakthrough within his first two years at the club.
"If he is out for a transfer after these first two years at our club, we would certainly be considering that. Of course."
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West Ham striker Andy Carroll can't wait for next season
Last Updated: 05/06/14 2:43pm
SSN
West Ham United striker Andy Carroll has said that he is looking forward to next season already. The 25-year-old struggled with a foot injury for much of this campaign and was able to make only 15 Premier League appearances for the Hammers, scoring two goals and providing four assists in the process. The former Liverpool forward also missed out on England's 23-man World Cup squad, but is on manager Roy Hodgson's standby list. Carroll has now said that he is relishing the prospect of starting the 2014/15 campaign fresh and without injuries. "I can't wait for the new season to start," he told West Ham's official website. "I didn't want the last one to end to be honest, I still felt fresh and ready to play more games as I had missed the opening half of the season. "We had a talk after the last match about the positives and the tough times we had when we were sucked into the relegation fight for a bit, but the gaffer, staff and all the lads had the belief that, once we came through those times and got players back, we could get better and we did. "Now the focus is to push on and look forward to the new season."
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NO NAME CHANGE FOR WEST HAM UNITED
By Sean Whetstone 5 Jun 2014 at 20:34
West Ham Till I Die
False rumours spread across the social media today that West Ham United were thinking renaming themselves as West Ham London.
The rumour followed a Supporters Advisory board meeting on Tuesday night where members were updated on the Olympic Stadium, shown a preview of the new Away kit and an idea about a possible crest change among other things. The SAB members were asked to sign a non disclosure agreement to protect commercial sensitive information but some information leaked causing wide speculation online.
West Ham released a statement about the SAB meeting this evening in an attempt to calm the speculation.
"The evening's agenda focused on how the Club could look at better communicating West Ham United's values and how best to recognise and celebrate our history as we move to a new iconic home.This included discussions regarding evolving the Club's crest, an initiative which had been fully endorsed by the SAB at their AGM on the basis that the Club's current crest has not been updated since 1997.The Club were explicit that whilst it is considering an evolution of the crest in close consultation with supporters, contrary to some recent speculation, it is categorically not looking to change the Club name, which will always remain as West Ham United.The Club also made clear that the Board has no plans to make any changes to the crest without the full support of its fans. A detailed presentation followed that illustrated how various aspects of the Club's crest have evolved over time. The SAB were shown a wide variety of potential creative routes to evolve the crest.Following a productive discussion, the SAB was asked whether the Club should continue to explore an evolution of the badge with a view to opening up consultation to the wider supporter base. The group have been asked to feedback by the end of the week. It was agreed that a consultation process with the wider supporter base should follow. This will take place within the next two weeks after due consideration of the SAB members' feedback. whufc.com will provide a further update on the details of the consultation in due course".
As a member of the SAB myself I am bound by the same Non Disclosure Agreement but I can confirm what the club said is correct and there will be a full consultation with fans to decide whether they want the crest changed.
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Irons talking to FOUR left backs
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 5, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are currently in talks with FOUR left backs as they bid to solve their problem position. ClaretandHugh can confirm that Norwich City's Martin Olsson is high on the wanted list after we revealed this afternoon that young Frenchman Timothee Kolodziejczak is also in talks. The other two names are a closely guarded secret but we have learned that the third player on the list is a highly rated Portuguese star whilst the fourth remains a mystery. A well placed Upton Park source confirmed that the club was "bidding" for four players in the position. He added: "Things take time and we are not going to pay over the odds because our budgets don't allow for that."
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OUR FLAWS WITH THE WEST HAM ALLARDYCE COMPROMISE
Betfair: 5th June 2014
SportingPreview.com
Sam Allardyce has been told he can keep his job, but with style of play and transfer policy dictated to him...
At one stage, it appeared certain that West Ham would change manager this summer, but having snooped at the alternatives to Sam Allardyce and realised that none carry the current incumbent's near-guarantee of Premier League survival, they have opted to stick. Having previously traded at 6.8, No Managerial Change at the Boleyn Ground by August 16th is now judged a 1.05 possibility.
The problem though is finding a way of retaining Allardyce without alienating the fans wanting him gone. The club's solution is an ugly compromise in which Big Sam surrenders final say on transfers, has an attacking coach forced on him in a bid to alter his ideology and is set a top-ten finish as a minimum target, all of which has been made public in this extraordinary statement.
Here are four problems with the Irons blueprint that threaten to cause them chaos during 2013/14...
A top-half finish is an unfair demand
"The Club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch and at least a top-ten finish" hints that failure to rank above halfway will see Allardyce ditched. However, it is an ambitious minimum goal in a division where seven of the spots are locked down, especially as the gap between tenth and 13th/14th/15th is often minimal.
It also ignores the role of cup runs - clearly not a priority for the owners due to their desperation to be a Premier League side upon arrival at the Olympic Stadium. Yet Hull fans will have enjoyed coming 16th, reaching an FA Cup Final and the Europa League in their first post-promotion campaign far more than West Ham celebrated tenth in 2012/13. Top-half odds of 2.52 indicate that Allardyce is more likely to miss than hit.
Allardyce's transfer record is decent
"The Board (will) have a greater involvement in the players who are signed, as the Board will once again be investing considerable funds into the Club this summer" suggests that transfer policy will be controlled by David Sullivan rather than Allardyce from now on, though it would be harsh to criticise the acquisitions overseen by Big Sam since his 2011 appointment.
Three of the back five lauded in the statement for West Ham's 14 Premier League clean sheets were recruited cheaply - Adrian and Joey O'Brien on free transfers and Guy Demel for next to nothing - as were Matt Taylor, George McCartney and James Collins, who all helped keep them up. It has only been a few high-profile attacking purchases that have been questionable (a fate that befalls almost every manager), and the most high-profile of those, Andy Carroll, definitely had owner approval.
Something about leopards and spots
"The Board have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season," reveals the statement. Allardyce has been managing for 23 years and turns 60 in October, so the idea of enforcing a tactical straitjacket on him that is alien to his preferred ethos is rather ludicrous.
West Ham knew what they were getting in hiring Big Sam, who even mocked the 'West Ham Way' referenced in the statement in his debut press conference: a stubborn boss with a specific approach that he insists works. He can point to promotion at the first try, tenth in their first Premier League campaign and a cup semi-final and the swerving of second-season syndrome in the second as proof.
If they feel it is time for a different strategy, stump up the cash to pay up his contract and find one fitting their requirements. Instead, they are asking Allardyce to abandon his beliefs and judging him on style points that aren't really measurable, at least not without installing a boo-o-meter and handing out marking paddles at the Boleyn Ground.
The issue of accountability
If West Ham's board tell Allardyce how to coach the team, decide who he signs and dictate the style of play, how can they justifiably hold him accountable if he fails with the tools they have given him?
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Sir Trevor Brooking to retire from FA role after the World Cup
ED OSMOND Thursday 05 June 2014
The Independent
Sir Trevor Brooking will step down from his job as the English FA's director of football development after the World Cup, the ruling body said on its website on Thursday. The 65-year-old has been in the role for over 10 years, restructuring the FA's development division and playing a key role in the establishment of England's National Football Centre. "I believe now is the right time to step away from my full-time role at The FA and I feel extremely positive about the future of Football Development moving forward," the former England midfielder said in a statement. "We have now put in place a strong, credible, elite structure to support the professional game."
Brooking, a technically gifted footballer and fine passer of the ball, played over 600 games for West Ham United and 47 times for his country before working as a commentator for the BBC and as chairman of Sport England. I watched Sir Trevor as a player and admired greatly his talent and commitment to his only club West Ham United." FA chairman Greg Dyke said. "We've been lucky to have benefited from his vast experience and The FA has undoubtedly gained from this.
"His great legacy will be the development of the Skills programme, which now has over 160 full-time coaches working to teach children the benefits of playing football for fun."
Brooking is with the England squad in Miami preparing for this month's World Cup in Brazil. "Trevor is a football man and has been a great friend to me," England manager Roy Hodgson said. "He was a fine footballer, one that any England team would be grateful of and he has proven to be equally adept in his role at The FA."
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West Ham make £3million bid for highly-rated left back Timothee Kolodziejcak
Hammers have made £3m bid for highly-rated Nice left back
By SIMON JONES
PUBLISHED: 22:52, 5 June 2014 | UPDATED: 22:52, 5 June 2014
Daily Mail
West Ham have made a £3million offer for Nice left back Timothee Kolodziejczak. Sportsmail revealed interest from West Ham and Southampton last month but Sam Allardyce has taken the initiative with an opening bid. The 22-year-old is regarded as one of the best young defenders in France and was wanted by Manchester United while a teenager at Lens, but turned them down as he preferred to join Lyon instead.
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WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Supporter Advisory Board held an update meeting this week
05.06.2014
The West Ham United Supporter Advisory Board held a follow-up meeting on Tuesday to continue discussion from the AGM on 15 May. The evening's agenda focused on how the Club could look at better communicating West Ham United's values and how best to recognise and celebrate our history as we move to a new iconic home. This included discussions regarding evolving the Club's crest, an initiative which had been fully endorsed by the SAB at their AGM on the basis that the Club's current crest has not been updated since 1997. The Club were explicit that whilst it is considering an evolution of the crest in close consultation with supporters, contrary to some recent speculation, it is categorically not looking to change the Club name, which will always remain as West Ham United.
The Club also made clear that the Board has no plans to make any changes to the crest without the full support of its fans. A detailed presentation followed that illustrated how various aspects of the Club's crest have evolved over time. The SAB were shown a wide variety of potential creative routes to evolve the crest.
Following a productive discussion, the SAB was asked whether the Club should continue to explore an evolution of the badge with a view to opening up consultation to the wider supporter base. The group have been asked to feedback by the end of the week. It was agreed that a consultation process with the wider supporter base should follow. This will take place within the next two weeks after due consideration of the SAB members' feedback.
whufc.com will provide a further update on the details of the consultation in due course.
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Sir Trevor Brooking to retire
WHUFc.com
Hammers legend Sir Trevor Brooking is to retire from his role as The FA's Director of Football Development
05.06.2014
West Ham United legend Sir Trevor Brooking is to retire from his role as The FA's Director of Football Development following the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The five-time Hammer of the Year, two-time FA Cup winner, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, caretaker manager and former England international will retire on 31 August following an outstanding career that also saw him excel as a broadcaster and administrator with Sport England and The FA. Since taking up his current post in December 2003, Sir Trevor has achieved great things for the national game at all levels. "I believe now is the right time to step away from my full-time role at The FA and I feel extremely positive about the future of Football Development moving forward," said Sir Trevor, 65, who scored 102 goals in 649 appearances for West Ham between 1967 and 1984, including the winning goal in the 1980 FA Cup final. "Under the leadership and guidance of Dan Ashworth and Gareth Southgate, we have now put in place a strong, credible, elite structure to support the professional game. They also appreciate how crucial it is to work in tandem with our grassroots infrastructure who've always been a consistent supporter of our work programmes across coaching and player development. "I'd also like to convey massive thanks for the tremendous efforts of all FA staff, who often don't get the public recognition they deserve, and good luck to everyone in the future."
Throughout his time with The FA, Sir Trevor has been responsible for restructuring the Football Development Division including the recent appointments of Dan Ashworth, Gareth Southgate and Mark Sampson. He was a significant supporter of the building of England's National Football Centre, and is a member of the St. George's Park Board. His commitment to the development of improved coaching standards both at grassroots level with children through The FA's Skills programme, and through the promotion of coaching qualifications across the professional game has been considerable. Through the Skills programme, nearly five million places have gone to children since its inception both out of school and in schools where FA Skills Coaches deliver an accredited football-based physical education programme up and down the country. Sir Trevor, who is in Miami with the England World Cup squad, has been a member of the Club England Board since its creation in 2010 and was part of the group who appointed Roy Hodgson as England's senior team manager.
Everyone at West Ham United would like to wish Sir Trevor a very happy retirement.
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Zarate confident of success
WHUFc.com
Mauro Zarate dreams of emulating compatriot Carlos Tevez and becoming a West Ham United hero
05.06.2014
Mauro Zarate dreams of making the same impact at West Ham United as fellow countryman Carlos Tevez. Argentine Tevez became an instant Hammers hero when his goals and all-round performances helped the Club to achieve a Great Escape from Premier League relegation in 2006/07. Eight years on and compatriot Zarate has arrived at the Boleyn Ground eager to make a similarly positive impression on English football. Having top-scored for Velez Sarsfield in the Argentine Primera Division last season and played in the UEFA Champions League, Serie A and Premier League during spells with Lazio, Internazionale and Birmingham City, the 27-year-old is confident he will flourish in a Claret and Blue shirt. "I have played with Lazio and Inter in Serie A and the Champions League and now I am looking forward to playing in the Premier League for a second time," he said. "I hope I will play good football and reach the highest possible level. I am very confident I am going to succeed here. "Carlos is a fantastic player and a fantastic person. I don't think I can do the same as he did, but I hope I can become as big a favourite at this Club as he was."
Zarate tasted English football as a promising young forward with Birmingham City in 2008, spending six months on loan at St Andrews from Qatari side Al-Sadd.
Then just 20, the Haedo-born player caught the eye in a struggling Blues team, scoring four goals in 14 appearances. During that time, he developed a deep respect for the traditions of the game in this country. "English football is beautiful. I always said I wanted to come back to England to play and now I have this chance and I don't want to lose this chance."
One player who Zarate is looking forward to lining up alongside is England centre forward Andy Carroll, with both set to benefit from each other's presence on the pitch. The tall, dominating figure of Carroll and the smaller, lively figure of Zarate make for a mouth-watering combination that spells danger for opposition defences. "I know Andy Carroll. He is a fantastic player and a centre forward who is physical and very important for the team," Zarate explained, when asked about the qualities of his new team-mate. Should Zarate hit the ground running he could well emulate Tevez by becoming a West Ham favourite, while a glut of goals may also lead him following his fellow countryman into the senior Argentina squad. "It will be very difficult for me to break into the squad because it is so strong and we have so many good strikers, but I will certainly try!"
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Hammers eye French full back
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 5th June 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have made a €3million offer for Nice's 22-year-old full back Timothee Kolodziejczak, according to reports emanating from France. The former French youth international - who has represented his country at all levels from Under 16 to Under 20 but could still represent Poland at full international level due to his dual nationality - joined Les Aiglons in 2012 and is valued at the €6million mark by his club.
* Anderlecht are rumoured to be taking a close look at Argentinian Under 20 international Lucas Romero as a potential replacement for Cheikhou Kouyate, who has been in talks with West Ham over a permanent switch to London. 20-year-old Romero, a former team mate of Mauro Zarate at Velez Sarsfield have told the Belgian club Romero will cost around €4.5million.
* Alou Diarra could be involved in the deal that brings the aforementioned Kouyate to West Ham. Diarra has barely featured for West Ham since joining the club in August 2012 and it is understood that a swap deal plus cash has been mooted by West Ham. The Senegal international is rated at the €10million mark by his club.
* Jussi Jaaskelainen may have signed a one-year contract extension but that hasn't stopped West Ham increasing their hunt for a new goalkeeper, according to the prolific Mail Online.
Manchester City's Romanian stopper Costel Pantilimon is said by the tabloid to be a target for West Ham, having made 18 appearances for the League Champions last season. Still only 27, Pantilimon cost the Citizens just £3million when joining City from the gloriously-named Politehnica Timisoara two years ago.
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Borussia Dortmund admit Julian Schieber could be set for an exit
By Thomas Zocher | Last Updated: 05/06/14 10:02pm
SSN
Borussia Dortmund general manager Michael Zorc has admitted that striker Julian Schieber could be set for an exit this summer, with a host of British clubs reported to be interested in him. The 25-year-old, who joined from Stuttgart in 2012, is yet to truly establish himself at the Westfaledstadion and West Ham, Wigan and Celtic have been among those linked with a move. Fellow Bundesliga outfit 1899 Hoffenheim have also been reported to be tracking the former Germany Under-21 international, who failed to score in his 12 league appearances last season. Schieber has another two years remaining on his current contract with Dortmund, but Zorc says that they would be prepared to sell if the striker is looking to leave. "We have been talking to Julian Schieber and his agent in the last week," he told kicker-Sportmagazin. "He had been out to have his Borussia Dortmund breakthrough within his first two years at the club.
"If he is out for a transfer after these first two years at our club, we would certainly be considering that. Of course."
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West Ham striker Andy Carroll can't wait for next season
Last Updated: 05/06/14 2:43pm
SSN
West Ham United striker Andy Carroll has said that he is looking forward to next season already. The 25-year-old struggled with a foot injury for much of this campaign and was able to make only 15 Premier League appearances for the Hammers, scoring two goals and providing four assists in the process. The former Liverpool forward also missed out on England's 23-man World Cup squad, but is on manager Roy Hodgson's standby list. Carroll has now said that he is relishing the prospect of starting the 2014/15 campaign fresh and without injuries. "I can't wait for the new season to start," he told West Ham's official website. "I didn't want the last one to end to be honest, I still felt fresh and ready to play more games as I had missed the opening half of the season. "We had a talk after the last match about the positives and the tough times we had when we were sucked into the relegation fight for a bit, but the gaffer, staff and all the lads had the belief that, once we came through those times and got players back, we could get better and we did. "Now the focus is to push on and look forward to the new season."
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NO NAME CHANGE FOR WEST HAM UNITED
By Sean Whetstone 5 Jun 2014 at 20:34
West Ham Till I Die
False rumours spread across the social media today that West Ham United were thinking renaming themselves as West Ham London.
The rumour followed a Supporters Advisory board meeting on Tuesday night where members were updated on the Olympic Stadium, shown a preview of the new Away kit and an idea about a possible crest change among other things. The SAB members were asked to sign a non disclosure agreement to protect commercial sensitive information but some information leaked causing wide speculation online.
West Ham released a statement about the SAB meeting this evening in an attempt to calm the speculation.
"The evening's agenda focused on how the Club could look at better communicating West Ham United's values and how best to recognise and celebrate our history as we move to a new iconic home.This included discussions regarding evolving the Club's crest, an initiative which had been fully endorsed by the SAB at their AGM on the basis that the Club's current crest has not been updated since 1997.The Club were explicit that whilst it is considering an evolution of the crest in close consultation with supporters, contrary to some recent speculation, it is categorically not looking to change the Club name, which will always remain as West Ham United.The Club also made clear that the Board has no plans to make any changes to the crest without the full support of its fans. A detailed presentation followed that illustrated how various aspects of the Club's crest have evolved over time. The SAB were shown a wide variety of potential creative routes to evolve the crest.Following a productive discussion, the SAB was asked whether the Club should continue to explore an evolution of the badge with a view to opening up consultation to the wider supporter base. The group have been asked to feedback by the end of the week. It was agreed that a consultation process with the wider supporter base should follow. This will take place within the next two weeks after due consideration of the SAB members' feedback. whufc.com will provide a further update on the details of the consultation in due course".
As a member of the SAB myself I am bound by the same Non Disclosure Agreement but I can confirm what the club said is correct and there will be a full consultation with fans to decide whether they want the crest changed.
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Irons talking to FOUR left backs
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 5, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are currently in talks with FOUR left backs as they bid to solve their problem position. ClaretandHugh can confirm that Norwich City's Martin Olsson is high on the wanted list after we revealed this afternoon that young Frenchman Timothee Kolodziejczak is also in talks. The other two names are a closely guarded secret but we have learned that the third player on the list is a highly rated Portuguese star whilst the fourth remains a mystery. A well placed Upton Park source confirmed that the club was "bidding" for four players in the position. He added: "Things take time and we are not going to pay over the odds because our budgets don't allow for that."
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OUR FLAWS WITH THE WEST HAM ALLARDYCE COMPROMISE
Betfair: 5th June 2014
SportingPreview.com
Sam Allardyce has been told he can keep his job, but with style of play and transfer policy dictated to him...
At one stage, it appeared certain that West Ham would change manager this summer, but having snooped at the alternatives to Sam Allardyce and realised that none carry the current incumbent's near-guarantee of Premier League survival, they have opted to stick. Having previously traded at 6.8, No Managerial Change at the Boleyn Ground by August 16th is now judged a 1.05 possibility.
The problem though is finding a way of retaining Allardyce without alienating the fans wanting him gone. The club's solution is an ugly compromise in which Big Sam surrenders final say on transfers, has an attacking coach forced on him in a bid to alter his ideology and is set a top-ten finish as a minimum target, all of which has been made public in this extraordinary statement.
Here are four problems with the Irons blueprint that threaten to cause them chaos during 2013/14...
A top-half finish is an unfair demand
"The Club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch and at least a top-ten finish" hints that failure to rank above halfway will see Allardyce ditched. However, it is an ambitious minimum goal in a division where seven of the spots are locked down, especially as the gap between tenth and 13th/14th/15th is often minimal.
It also ignores the role of cup runs - clearly not a priority for the owners due to their desperation to be a Premier League side upon arrival at the Olympic Stadium. Yet Hull fans will have enjoyed coming 16th, reaching an FA Cup Final and the Europa League in their first post-promotion campaign far more than West Ham celebrated tenth in 2012/13. Top-half odds of 2.52 indicate that Allardyce is more likely to miss than hit.
Allardyce's transfer record is decent
"The Board (will) have a greater involvement in the players who are signed, as the Board will once again be investing considerable funds into the Club this summer" suggests that transfer policy will be controlled by David Sullivan rather than Allardyce from now on, though it would be harsh to criticise the acquisitions overseen by Big Sam since his 2011 appointment.
Three of the back five lauded in the statement for West Ham's 14 Premier League clean sheets were recruited cheaply - Adrian and Joey O'Brien on free transfers and Guy Demel for next to nothing - as were Matt Taylor, George McCartney and James Collins, who all helped keep them up. It has only been a few high-profile attacking purchases that have been questionable (a fate that befalls almost every manager), and the most high-profile of those, Andy Carroll, definitely had owner approval.
Something about leopards and spots
"The Board have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season," reveals the statement. Allardyce has been managing for 23 years and turns 60 in October, so the idea of enforcing a tactical straitjacket on him that is alien to his preferred ethos is rather ludicrous.
West Ham knew what they were getting in hiring Big Sam, who even mocked the 'West Ham Way' referenced in the statement in his debut press conference: a stubborn boss with a specific approach that he insists works. He can point to promotion at the first try, tenth in their first Premier League campaign and a cup semi-final and the swerving of second-season syndrome in the second as proof.
If they feel it is time for a different strategy, stump up the cash to pay up his contract and find one fitting their requirements. Instead, they are asking Allardyce to abandon his beliefs and judging him on style points that aren't really measurable, at least not without installing a boo-o-meter and handing out marking paddles at the Boleyn Ground.
The issue of accountability
If West Ham's board tell Allardyce how to coach the team, decide who he signs and dictate the style of play, how can they justifiably hold him accountable if he fails with the tools they have given him?
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Sir Trevor Brooking to retire from FA role after the World Cup
ED OSMOND Thursday 05 June 2014
The Independent
Sir Trevor Brooking will step down from his job as the English FA's director of football development after the World Cup, the ruling body said on its website on Thursday. The 65-year-old has been in the role for over 10 years, restructuring the FA's development division and playing a key role in the establishment of England's National Football Centre. "I believe now is the right time to step away from my full-time role at The FA and I feel extremely positive about the future of Football Development moving forward," the former England midfielder said in a statement. "We have now put in place a strong, credible, elite structure to support the professional game."
Brooking, a technically gifted footballer and fine passer of the ball, played over 600 games for West Ham United and 47 times for his country before working as a commentator for the BBC and as chairman of Sport England. I watched Sir Trevor as a player and admired greatly his talent and commitment to his only club West Ham United." FA chairman Greg Dyke said. "We've been lucky to have benefited from his vast experience and The FA has undoubtedly gained from this.
"His great legacy will be the development of the Skills programme, which now has over 160 full-time coaches working to teach children the benefits of playing football for fun."
Brooking is with the England squad in Miami preparing for this month's World Cup in Brazil. "Trevor is a football man and has been a great friend to me," England manager Roy Hodgson said. "He was a fine footballer, one that any England team would be grateful of and he has proven to be equally adept in his role at The FA."
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West Ham make £3million bid for highly-rated left back Timothee Kolodziejcak
Hammers have made £3m bid for highly-rated Nice left back
By SIMON JONES
PUBLISHED: 22:52, 5 June 2014 | UPDATED: 22:52, 5 June 2014
Daily Mail
West Ham have made a £3million offer for Nice left back Timothee Kolodziejczak. Sportsmail revealed interest from West Ham and Southampton last month but Sam Allardyce has taken the initiative with an opening bid. The 22-year-old is regarded as one of the best young defenders in France and was wanted by Manchester United while a teenager at Lens, but turned them down as he preferred to join Lyon instead.
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Thursday, June 5
Daily WHUFC News - 5th June 2014
AC raring to return
WHUFC.com
A fit and fresh Andy Carroll cannot wait for West Ham United's 2014/15 campaign to get underway
04.06.2014
A fit and fresh Andy Carroll cannot wait for West Ham United's 2014/15 campaign to get underway. The centre forward returned from a troublesome foot injury to feature 16 times for the Hammers at the tail end of last season, scoring twice and assisting five other goals. Having been named as a standby for England's FIFA World Cup finals squad, Carroll will have a football-free June unless one of his national-team colleagues is unfortunately ruled out of Brazil 2014. Pre-season training is set to begin on 3 July and the No9 is counting down the days until he can pull on his boots again. "I can't wait for the new season to start," said the 25-year-old. "I didn't want the last one to end to be honest, I still felt fresh and ready to play more games as I had missed the opening half of the season. "We had a talk after the last match about the positives and the tough times we had when we were sucked into the relegation fight for a bit, but the Gaffer, staff and all the lads had the belief that, once we came through those times and got players back, we could get better and we did. "Now the focus is to push on and look forward to the new season."
Carroll admitted to being frustrated at not being able to assist his team during their time of need before Christmas, when a raft of injuries left manager Sam Allardyce with few options. With that difficult period in mind, the centre forward is determined to repay his team-mates and manager when the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League campaign kicks-off on 16 August. "I know the Gaffer kept faith in me while I was out and I want to repay him, the lads and our fans for the the support I got during that time for that by kicking on from the start and I will be raring to go," Carroll continued. "I know that, with a full pre-season behind me, I can really look to make a mark at the beginning and hopefully get us off to a good start."
Carroll is likely to have plenty of support as he tries to get West Ham up and running in 2014/15, with Argentine Primera Division top scorer Mauro Zarate the first of a number of attackers expected to join the squad this summer. With former England striker Teddy Sheringham also joining the Club as an attacking coach, the prospect of West Ham becoming a more potent offensive force is something that excites the Big Man. "I look forward playing with the new additions we are looking to get into the squad," he enthused. "I know the Gaffer and the Board will be looking to bring in players that will help us push on, including in attack. Personally, I look forward to playing alongside them and I want to be at the forefront of that and scoring the goals that will see us have a successful season."
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Jussi signs new deal
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are pleased to announce that Jussi Jaaskelainen has signed a new one-year contract
04.06.2014
West Ham United are pleased to announce that Jussi Jaaskelainen has signed a new one-year contract with the Club. The hugely experienced goalkeeper will spend a third season with the Hammers after putting pen to paper on the deal. Now 39, the Mikkeli-born stopper has played an important role following West Ham's return to the Barclays Premier League in 2012, keeping 19 clean sheets in 59 top-flight appearances over the past two seasons. A former Finland international with 56 caps to his name, Jaaskelainen kept eight clean sheets last season as West Ham registered 14 in total on their way to finishing 13th in the table. Having secured his future at the Club, Jaaskelainen is hoping to add to that tally next term by challenging Spaniard Adrian for the No1 position. "I'm delighted to sign for another season and I'm really looking forward to it," he said. "Hopefully I can put in a proper challenge to get a starting place again. Physically, I feel good now and I felt good last season so I hope I can carry on from there and play football. "You never know what is going to happen next season, but the only thing in my mind is to get myself ready to play. "I am looking forward so that when that next chance comes, I will be in the right shape and right frame of mind to take it. That's all I'm thinking about now. Obviously we all know that, whoever is in the squad, we all want to fight for that starting place, so let's see. We're all looking forward to next season. "I want to try my best and I'm going to give it a proper go to play well, so the first thing I have to do is look after myself to make sure I'm in good shape and a good frame of mind."
Jaaskelainen says it is important that West Ham avoid the stresses of last season's flirtation with relegation by making a strong start in 2014/15 - just as they did by taking 14 points from the opening eight matches in his first season in east London. "Last season was a bit disappointing as in the early part things didn't really work out because we didn't really score enough goals and then we got injury problems. If you look at it, we finished 13th, having had a difficult season, so it's not the end of the world. We have to make sure we're ready for this coming season. "In our first season back in the Premier League, we started well, but last season we didn't get those points on the board early on and that's what created the pressure and all the injuries just made it worse. We have to make sure we're ready for this coming season so we can start well."
Looking back on his illustrious career, the goalkeeper played more than 100 games for Mikkelin Palloilijat and Vaasan Palloseura in his native Finland before joining Bolton in 1997 for a fee of just £100,000. After helping Sam Allardyce's Trotters gain promotion to the Premier League via the Play-Offs in 2001, the 6'3 tall stopper helped to establish Bolton as a top-flight force, achieving four consecutive top-eight finishes between 2003/04 and 2006/07. Jaaskelainen was also instrumental in helping the Lancashire club to finish as 2004 League Cup runners-up and twice reach the knockout stages of the UEFA Cup. While at the Reebok Stadium, the Finn played regularly alongside the likes of Kevin Nolan and Joey O'Brien. In all, Jaaskelainen made 371 Premier League appearances for Bolton and was voted the club's Player of the Year in 2007. The same year, he was also voted Finnish Footballer of the Year. In his first season at West Ham following his switch to east London in June 2012, Jaaskelainen was an ever-present, keeping eleven clean sheets as the Hammers finished tenth in the table.
His consistency earned Jaaskelainen runner-up in the 2013 Hammer of the Year award voting, while he also won the Save of the Season award and finished third in the Signing of the Season and Individual Performance of the Season categories. Last season, the veteran again began the season as No1, featuring 18 times in the Barclays Premier League, taking his total number of appearances in England's top division to 435 - 20th on the all-time list. The announcement of Jaaskelainen's deal follows the signing of Argentine forward Mauro Zarate from Velez Sarsfield and the arrival of former England striker Teddy Sheringham as the Club's new attacking coach.
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World Cup Countdown - Ricardo Vaz Te
WHUFC.com
West Ham United winger Ricardo Vaz Te shares his opinions on the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals
04.06.2014
Ricardo Vaz Te believes the South American nations will be tough to beat at this summer's FIFA World Cup finals. Brazil go into their home tournament as favourites and Hammers forward Vaz Te can see why. The Portuguese striker says they have the firepower and knowhow to triumph, although he is not ruling out a challenge from the traditional European powerhouses. "I'm not playing for Portugal, so Portugal can't win it!" he joked. "I think the South American teams have a very good chance as it's in their backyard. "Brazil are yearning for another World Cup and I think they're due one. We saw in the Confederations Cup that they were brilliant, so I think they have a very, very good chance. "All the other South American teams play at a high tempo, so with the climate the European teams might find it difficult. "I think Portugal have a good chance if Cristiano is fit and strong. My first choice is Brazil, then Germany. Portugal to be the underdogs."
Vaz Te is also tipping another South American to shine in the shape of Lionel Messi, especially as he has suffered World Cup disappointment in the past.
He added: "People have to remember that Messi is due a World Cup as well. The reason is that he hasn't performed that well and has had criticism, so if people are are going to put him on the pedestal of the likes of Pele, for that he has to win a World Cup to be in Maradona's standards. "So I think he is going to be on fire, and you have Neymar and Cristiano too - his goal ratio is ridiculous and he has high standards all day, every day."
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Jussi Jaaskelainen: West Ham goalkeeper signs new contract
BBC.co.uk
West Ham goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen has signed a new one-year contract to remain at Upton Park during 2014-15. Jaaskelainen, 39, joined the Hammers on a free transfer in 2012 after more than 14 years at Bolton and played 18 times in the Premier League in 2013-14. But Adrian ended the season as West Ham's first-choice goalkeeper after Jaaskelainen was dropped in January. "Physically I feel good and I felt good last season so I hope I can carry on from there," he told the club website.
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Hammers prepare £10million bid?
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 4th June 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are expected to make a fresh offer for Anderlecht's €10million-rated defender Cheikhou Kouyate. Talks have taken place with the 24-year-old following the news that Valencia had pulled out of the race to sign him - although Anderlecht's sporting director Herman van Holsbeeck confirmed there was still some way to go before a deal was agreed. We have had talks with Sevilla, Valencia and Salzburg and West Ham have contacted us," he told Spanish news outlet Estadio Deportivo. "We want to make the best possible decision and sell from the most profitable aspect for us, although we take into account the opinion of the player."
* Swansea are reported to be 'lining up' a £5million offer for West Ham's troubled youngster Ravel Morrison. The 21-year-old has just 12 months left on his current contract at the Boleyn Ground and is said by the Mail to have caught the eye of new Jacks manager Garry Monk (no relation to OLAS' Harry, as far as we're aware), who is keen to take the England Under 21 international to the principality.
* Staying with the Mail, and West Ham are said to have pulled out of the deal to sign €5million-rated Milan youngster M'Baye Niang. The 19-year-old, who was given a suspended jail sentence following a hit-and-run incident earlier this year is reported to have held talks with West Ham (source: France Football) but Sam Allardyce is said to have vetoed the deal.
* West Ham are one of three clubs said to be taking a look at Dortmund striker Julian Schieber. Now 25, the former understudy to Robert Lewandowski (who has since joined Bayern Munich) managed to score just one goal last season and is primed for a move away from the Bundesliga - preferably to the Premier League, of which Scheiber recently said: "I like the style of football that's being played in the UK." Wigan and Celtic are also reported bu goal.com to be keeping tabs on the forward.
* A touch of schadenfreude... Johnny Heitinga - who snubbed West Ham during the January transfer window in favour of joining relegated Fulham - has unsurprisingly left the sinking ship and fled to Germany. A free agent having been released by the Cottagers at the end of last season (2013/14), the 30-year-old former Dutch international is poised to join Bundesliga outfit Hertha Berlin.
* Despite few if any being fooled, Jack Sullivan - son of co-owner David and semi-official club source - has taken to Twitter in order to deny a scurrilous rumour regarding West Ham being interested in signing 36-year-old Emile Heskey, who current represents Newcastle Jets in Australia's A-League.
"Just to put the rumours to rest WE ARE NOT INTERESTED IN SIGNING HESKEY ! THE RUMOURS ARE TOTALLY FALSE !" penned young Master Sullivan via his Twitter page (capitals his, not ours - presumably for emphasis).
* Former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue is once again being linked with a move to east London. Now 31, the right back has just 12 months remaining on his current contract with Turkish side Galatasaray and West Ham are understood to have made discreet enquiries into his availability. Eboue cost Gala just €3.5million in 2011 but West Ham are hoping to land him for less than
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West Ham miss out on Colback
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 4th June 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are understood to have lost out in the race to sign Sunderland star Jack Colback. According to Chronicle Live, Colbeck has decided to snub West Ham in favour of Newcastle United, so that he may remain in the North East. The talented midfielder is expected to complete his move to Newcastle - the club he supported as a boy - upon his return from holiday this week. West Ham are reported to have offered Colback - who is out of contract having rejected the opportunity to remain with Sunderland - a massive £50,000-a-week deal to move to the Boleyn Ground. However despite having been tempted by the huge offer, Colback - who made 136 appearances for the Black Cats between 2008 and 2014 - has opted to sign for the Magpies instead.
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Jussi signs 'til 40
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 4th June 2014
By: Staff Writer
Jussi Jaaskelainen has signed a one-year contract extension, tying to West Ham until next summer. Initially signed by West Ham on a year-long deal in June 2012, The club exercised an addition 12 month option to keep the 39-year-old Fin for the 2013/14 season. And with that contract having expired, the two parties have come to a new agreement that will ensure Jaaskelainen - who spent much of the season on the sidelines having lost his place to Spanish goalkeeper Adrian - will celebrate his 40th birthday as a Hammer. "I'm delighted to sign for another season and I'm really looking forward to it," he told whufc.com. "Hopefully I can put in a proper challenge to get a starting place again. "You never know what is going to happen next season, but the only thing in my mind is to get myself ready to play. I am looking forward so that when that next chance comes, I will be in the right shape and right frame of mind to take it. That's all I'm thinking about now. "I want to try my best and I'm going to give it a proper go to play well, so the first thing I have to do is look after myself to make sure I'm in good shape and a good frame of mind."
* The last player to represent West Ham in his forties was Teddy Sheringham, who returned to the club this week as the new part-time attacking coach.
The former striker was three months shy of his 41st birthday when he made his final appearance for the Hammers in a 1-0 FA Cup defeat at home to Watford in January 2007.
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Big Phil coming home
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 4th June 2014
By: Staff Writer
Phil Parkes will return to the Boleyn Ground this weekend for the first time since undergoing an operation for bowel cancer. Big Phil - who will be accompanied by 1975 FA Cup hero Alan Taylor - is back at West Ham this weekend to take part in a tour of the ground by former players, just TWO WEEKS after having surgery to remove a growth in his bowel. "I'm down to do tours on Saturday and Sunday and I'm pretty confident that I'm going to be fine," said Parkes, who represented West Ham between 1979 and 1990. "I'm not going to do the whole tour, but I'm going to do a little bit. "It will be myself and Alan Taylor but I'll just do the meet and greet. let Alan go up and down the stairs, then I'll come back for the question and answer bit."
Parkes received the welcome news that his growth has not spread beyond the bowel wall, meaning that chemotherapy is not necessary. This he attributed this to rigorous checking - something that he urged everyone to do. "I was very lucky because I caught it very early," he added. "They categorise it as Dukes' A, B or C and A is the very early stage where they catch only ten per cent of cancers. Mine was in that because I went there early enough after spotting the symptoms. "It's so, so important that you have just got to be checked. I can't make enough of a message to get across to people; 'don't worry about it or be embarrassed' because it is very, very important and can be a matter of life or death."
Parkes also took the time to thank those fans who had sent him messages of support. "It's a very warming thought to know that I am still thought of that way by the fans, and it has helped me through the tough times," he said.
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West Ham one of four clubs interested in Anderlecht's Cheikhou Kouyate
Last Updated: 04/06/14 9:53am
SSN
Anderlecht have confirmed that West Ham have joined the race to sign highly-rated Senegal centre-back Cheikhou Kouyate. Herman van Holsbeeck, the Belgian club's sporting director, confirmed the Premier League side, Valencia, Sevilla and Red Bull Salzburg were all tracking the defender, who can also play in midfield. After winning the Belgian top flight with Anderlecht, the 24-year-old is set for a fresh challenge and has also been linked with Arsenal. The Senegal international is under contract until the summer of 2016, leaving Anderlecht in a prime position to dictate proceedings with the club reportedly seeking 10million euros for the centre-back. "We have had talks with Sevilla, Valencia and Salzburg, and West Ham have contacted us," Van Holsbeeck told Estadio Deportivo.
"We want to make the best possible decision and sell from the most profitable aspect for us, although we take into account the opinion of the player." Kouyate made 38 appearances in Anderlecht's successful Pro League campaign this term.
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HOW MUCH IS THE WEST HAM SQUAD WORTH?
By Iain Dale 4 Jun 2014 at 20:28
West Ham Till I Die
According to the International Centre for Sports Studies we are 17th in the league table of most valuable squads. Only Crystal Palace, West Brom and Fulham have less valuable squads than us. They value us at £37.9 million. Well, I reckons that's a drastic under-estimate. Here is my valuation…
Adrian £5 million
James Tomkins £8 million
Winston Reid £10 million
James Collins £2 million
Roger Johnson £0.5 million
Guy Demel £1 million
Joey O'Brien £1.5 million
Dan Potts £0.5 million
Mark Noble £8 million
Mo Diame £7 million
Matt Taylor £2 million
Kevin Nolan £1.5 million
Ravel Morrison £8 million
Stewart Downing £4 million
Matt Jarvis £6 million
Carlton Cole £1.5 million
Modibo Maiga £1.5 million
Ricardo Vaz Te £2.5 million
Andy Carroll £12 million
If my maths are right, that adds up to £82.5 million. OK, I may have looked at one or two players through claret & blue spectacles, but quite how they only got to £37 million is quite astonishing. More anti West Ham bias! Feel free to tell me who you think I have under or over-valued. For the full league table visit Claret & Hugh
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HAVE WEST HAM PULLED OUT OF THE LOAN DEAL TO SIGN M'BAYE NIANG?
By S J Chandos 4 Jun 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
There were reports yesterday evening that West Ham had pulled out of negotiations to sign AC Milan prospect, M'Baye Niang. The previous reports seemed to confirm that West Ham had agreed a £250,000 season long loan deal with AC Milan, with the option of a permanent £4m move next summer. That just left the tricky business of the club agreeing personal terms with M'Baye Niang and his advisers/agents. If these reports are true, one can only assume that there has been a failure to agree terms.
Although a player of some promise, the French u-21 international, has had a patchy career to date, having been put out on loan twice in quick succession, to Caen and Montpelier. M'Baye Niang has also attracted some unwelcome publicity in the form of involvement in an hit and run incident and a subsequent suspended jail sentence. Skillful and pacey, with the ability to play at centre forward, or out wide, he was seen as making a particular contribution to West Ham's new attacking style next season. It looks as if we might now be forced to look elsewhere.
Then we go from the slightly disappointing to the completely outlandish! There were much trumpeted reports yesterday that Sam Allardyce was interested in signing 36 year old, ex-England and Liverpool striker, Emile Heskey. Goodness knows where these reports originated, but thankfully the club have now formally dismissed the story. As good a player, of a certain type, that Heskey undoubtedly was, his PL days are surely now over. And it is good to know that there will be no strange, logic defying, West Ham deal to bring the player back from Australian football. It would certainly have run a coach and horses through David Sullivan's informal upper age limit of 27 years.
Elsewhere, the latest reports are that West Ham are locked in talks with Anderlecht to make Cheikhou Kouyate their next summer signing. It would appear that the club have agreed terms with the player, the objective now is finalise a transfer fee with the selling club. There are rumours that Valencia have already bid £7.5m and we will need to at least match that fee. West Ham's great advantage is that the player apparently has set his heart upon playing in the PL. If the deal happens I guess the question that will then be posed is, will that give the club the green light to trade-in on Winston Reid. Hopefully not, I hope that we agree a new deal with Reid and let them fight it out for a starting place. Of course, there is also the option of playing Kouyate, as a defensive midfielder, alongside Mark Noble in a 4-2-3-1. In fact, this might prove to be Kouyate's best position and he could become the most powerful midfielder that we have had since M.V. Foe.
I also see that Harry Redknapp has been pronouncing on all things West Ham once again. What is his obsession with his former club and why does he feel the compulsion to comment on matters that no longer concern him? (even if the media ask him, does he need to respond in the way he does?). And just what did his contribution amount to? Telling us that Sam Allardyce will keep West Ham up next season playing his brand of football. And the West Ham board need to buy a £40m player to enable Sam Allardyce to play the attractive football demanded! Well, it certainly would not hurt, but the truth is that clubs can play an attractive attacking style without breaking the bank to that extent. Otherwise every team outside the PL top six would have been uniformly employing our tactics last season and, that, they most definitely did not However, the worst statement was his reported rubbishing of the Academy of Football as a 'fallacy.' Now remember this is not Alan Shearer talking out of ignorance. It is a man who played for the Greenwood teams of the 1960s and 1970s and was grounded in the football philosophy of that era. It seems that it is becoming ever more popular to rubbish the club's proud and unique contribution to English football, even amongst those that really should know better.
Finally, I am not totally sure about the reported 'massive rush' to renew season tickets on the deadline. That may be correct with regard to online applications, but what I do know is that I went to the ticket office on Monday morning, in person, to renew and there was no one there waiting to be served! In fact, I was expecting at least half hour stuck in a que, but no, I was 'done and dusted' in just five minutes.
SJ. Chandos
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Jack Colback chooses Newcastle despite West Ham's £50,000-per-week offer
By MARTIN HARDY
PUBLISHED: 19:37, 4 June 2014 | UPDATED: 19:37, 4 June 2014
Daily Mail
Newcastle have fought off stiff competition from West Ham to land the Sunderland midfielder Jack Colback on a five-year deal. West Ham had put together a £10 million package that would have put the 24-year-old on a £50,000-per-week package. That represented a huge wage rise from the basic £6,000-a-week Colback was earning at Sunderland, where he has been since he was 10. However the Newcastle fan is keen to stay in the North east and that appears to have been a huge factor, with Swansea, Aston Villa and Hull all tracking the player. Colback's move to St James' Park from fierce rivals Sunderland, who were also keen to keep the player, is expected to be confirmed next week. He will become the first permanent signing made by Newcastle since January 2013, but they will not have to pay a fee with Colback having run down his contract at the Stadium of Light.
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Hammers still talking to big two
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 4, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham were this afternoon negotiating fiercely on two fronts as they attempted to bring Gareth Barry and Cheikhou Kouyate to the Boleyn. Former England midfielder Barry is also believed to be wanted by newly promoted Leicester City and Everton where he spent last season on loan. But a top Hammers insider revealed to ClaretandHugh exclusively: "Both deals are alive – Kouyate very much so but we still have to agree a fee. "We will know more over the next 72 hours but the player remains very keen to join us."
Barry, however, is now looking more likely to opt for Everton as he is well settled in the area and has the opportunity of playing European football with the Toffees However, our source revealed: "The deal is still alive and we are doing our best . There's still a squeak. We certainly haven't given up on it. "Koutaye is a big deal and we are working hard to get it done."
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'Team Rav' speak out on Swans/QPR speculation
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 4, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Swansea's interest in Ravel Morrison has been "entirely over-egged" according to sources close to the player. Alleged interest from the Welsh player has been in the headlines for the past few days but was dismissed today as "silly season hype." The Morrison soap opera has been running since mid winter when he moved to Queens Park Rangers on a three month loan. And since then he has been mentioned as a target for the west London outfit and Swansea City.
However, ClaretandHugh was told exclusively today by sources close to the player: "All that's happened is that we were told a couple or three months ago that he was one of several players on their radar. It is now being over-egged. "Nothing's changed – there has been no further word from them so it might be fair to say this is being over-reported. The same is true at QPR – there's an interest as there are in several players out there but there's been no word beyond that.
"Rav is a West Ham player and there would be an awful lot of negotiating to be done should a definite offer be made but we don't appear to be anywhere near that stage at this moment."
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Newcastle line up Ross McCormack transfer from Leeds but West Ham are keen too
Jun 04, 2014 22:30 By Bill Cooper
The Mirror
Ross McCormack is ready to quit Leeds and make an £8million switch to Newcastle. McCormack has become unsettled at Elland Road following the sacking of boss Brian McDermott last week and would welcome the chance to move to Tyneside and realise his ambition of playing in the Premier League. The Magpies' boss Alan Pardew has been handed £35m by owner Mike Ashley for signings this summer. His priority is to bring in three new strikers after freeing Shola Ameobi and shipping last season's loanees Loic Remy and Luuk de Jong back to parent clubs QPR and Borussia Monchengladbach. Burnley's Danny Ings, who carries a £7m price-tag, whizkid Ayoze Perez of Tenerife and Cagliari's £8.25m-rated Colombia international Victor Ibarbo are on his wish-list. But Pardew has already sounded out Leeds about McCormack's availability and wants to strike a deal which would see the Championship outfit receive £6m up front and another £2m following in instalments. Scotland international McCormack, who notched 29 goals last season, pledged his loyalty to Leeds by penning a four-year contract worth £20,000-a-week 10 months ago.
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Schalke and Al Ain join Portland Timbers, Aston Villa and West Ham in chase for free agent Joleon Lescott
By SIMON JONES
PUBLISHED: 00:55, 5 June 2014 | UPDATED: 00:55, 5 June 2014
Daily Mail
Free agent Joleon Lescott has interest from Schalke and Al Ain as well as Portland Timbers of the MLS. The 31-year-old centre-back has interest from Aston
Lescott tweeted about his future last week saying: 'Still undecided about my future but questions over my hunger for next season disappoint me I will never represent a team and give less than 100percent.' Lescott is out of contract after five years at Manchester City.
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Costel Pantilimon emerges as West Ham target despite Jussi Jaaskelainen signing new deal
By JOHN DRAYTON
PUBLISHED: 22:32, 4 June 2014 | UPDATED: 22:32, 4 June 2014
Daily Mail
West Ham are showing interest in Manchester City goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon despite Jussi Jaaskelainen signing a new deal. The 39-year-old lost his place to Adrian last season but has committed to another year at Upton Park in an attempt to win back his place. However, Sam Allardyce is already looking towards the future and has targeted the City keeper, who won the Premier League title last term. The Romanian's performances were enough to oust Joe Hart from the City starting XI during the campaign for a spell, and he featured 18 times during the season. But the 27-year-old's contract expired after the end of the campaign and the Premier League champions failed to agree a deal with the keeper who is now a free agent. Current West Ham No 1 has impressed since arriving last summer on a free from Real Betis, establishing himself as first choice keeper just before Christmas as Jaaskelainen's expense.
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WHUFC.com
A fit and fresh Andy Carroll cannot wait for West Ham United's 2014/15 campaign to get underway
04.06.2014
A fit and fresh Andy Carroll cannot wait for West Ham United's 2014/15 campaign to get underway. The centre forward returned from a troublesome foot injury to feature 16 times for the Hammers at the tail end of last season, scoring twice and assisting five other goals. Having been named as a standby for England's FIFA World Cup finals squad, Carroll will have a football-free June unless one of his national-team colleagues is unfortunately ruled out of Brazil 2014. Pre-season training is set to begin on 3 July and the No9 is counting down the days until he can pull on his boots again. "I can't wait for the new season to start," said the 25-year-old. "I didn't want the last one to end to be honest, I still felt fresh and ready to play more games as I had missed the opening half of the season. "We had a talk after the last match about the positives and the tough times we had when we were sucked into the relegation fight for a bit, but the Gaffer, staff and all the lads had the belief that, once we came through those times and got players back, we could get better and we did. "Now the focus is to push on and look forward to the new season."
Carroll admitted to being frustrated at not being able to assist his team during their time of need before Christmas, when a raft of injuries left manager Sam Allardyce with few options. With that difficult period in mind, the centre forward is determined to repay his team-mates and manager when the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League campaign kicks-off on 16 August. "I know the Gaffer kept faith in me while I was out and I want to repay him, the lads and our fans for the the support I got during that time for that by kicking on from the start and I will be raring to go," Carroll continued. "I know that, with a full pre-season behind me, I can really look to make a mark at the beginning and hopefully get us off to a good start."
Carroll is likely to have plenty of support as he tries to get West Ham up and running in 2014/15, with Argentine Primera Division top scorer Mauro Zarate the first of a number of attackers expected to join the squad this summer. With former England striker Teddy Sheringham also joining the Club as an attacking coach, the prospect of West Ham becoming a more potent offensive force is something that excites the Big Man. "I look forward playing with the new additions we are looking to get into the squad," he enthused. "I know the Gaffer and the Board will be looking to bring in players that will help us push on, including in attack. Personally, I look forward to playing alongside them and I want to be at the forefront of that and scoring the goals that will see us have a successful season."
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Jussi signs new deal
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are pleased to announce that Jussi Jaaskelainen has signed a new one-year contract
04.06.2014
West Ham United are pleased to announce that Jussi Jaaskelainen has signed a new one-year contract with the Club. The hugely experienced goalkeeper will spend a third season with the Hammers after putting pen to paper on the deal. Now 39, the Mikkeli-born stopper has played an important role following West Ham's return to the Barclays Premier League in 2012, keeping 19 clean sheets in 59 top-flight appearances over the past two seasons. A former Finland international with 56 caps to his name, Jaaskelainen kept eight clean sheets last season as West Ham registered 14 in total on their way to finishing 13th in the table. Having secured his future at the Club, Jaaskelainen is hoping to add to that tally next term by challenging Spaniard Adrian for the No1 position. "I'm delighted to sign for another season and I'm really looking forward to it," he said. "Hopefully I can put in a proper challenge to get a starting place again. Physically, I feel good now and I felt good last season so I hope I can carry on from there and play football. "You never know what is going to happen next season, but the only thing in my mind is to get myself ready to play. "I am looking forward so that when that next chance comes, I will be in the right shape and right frame of mind to take it. That's all I'm thinking about now. Obviously we all know that, whoever is in the squad, we all want to fight for that starting place, so let's see. We're all looking forward to next season. "I want to try my best and I'm going to give it a proper go to play well, so the first thing I have to do is look after myself to make sure I'm in good shape and a good frame of mind."
Jaaskelainen says it is important that West Ham avoid the stresses of last season's flirtation with relegation by making a strong start in 2014/15 - just as they did by taking 14 points from the opening eight matches in his first season in east London. "Last season was a bit disappointing as in the early part things didn't really work out because we didn't really score enough goals and then we got injury problems. If you look at it, we finished 13th, having had a difficult season, so it's not the end of the world. We have to make sure we're ready for this coming season. "In our first season back in the Premier League, we started well, but last season we didn't get those points on the board early on and that's what created the pressure and all the injuries just made it worse. We have to make sure we're ready for this coming season so we can start well."
Looking back on his illustrious career, the goalkeeper played more than 100 games for Mikkelin Palloilijat and Vaasan Palloseura in his native Finland before joining Bolton in 1997 for a fee of just £100,000. After helping Sam Allardyce's Trotters gain promotion to the Premier League via the Play-Offs in 2001, the 6'3 tall stopper helped to establish Bolton as a top-flight force, achieving four consecutive top-eight finishes between 2003/04 and 2006/07. Jaaskelainen was also instrumental in helping the Lancashire club to finish as 2004 League Cup runners-up and twice reach the knockout stages of the UEFA Cup. While at the Reebok Stadium, the Finn played regularly alongside the likes of Kevin Nolan and Joey O'Brien. In all, Jaaskelainen made 371 Premier League appearances for Bolton and was voted the club's Player of the Year in 2007. The same year, he was also voted Finnish Footballer of the Year. In his first season at West Ham following his switch to east London in June 2012, Jaaskelainen was an ever-present, keeping eleven clean sheets as the Hammers finished tenth in the table.
His consistency earned Jaaskelainen runner-up in the 2013 Hammer of the Year award voting, while he also won the Save of the Season award and finished third in the Signing of the Season and Individual Performance of the Season categories. Last season, the veteran again began the season as No1, featuring 18 times in the Barclays Premier League, taking his total number of appearances in England's top division to 435 - 20th on the all-time list. The announcement of Jaaskelainen's deal follows the signing of Argentine forward Mauro Zarate from Velez Sarsfield and the arrival of former England striker Teddy Sheringham as the Club's new attacking coach.
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World Cup Countdown - Ricardo Vaz Te
WHUFC.com
West Ham United winger Ricardo Vaz Te shares his opinions on the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals
04.06.2014
Ricardo Vaz Te believes the South American nations will be tough to beat at this summer's FIFA World Cup finals. Brazil go into their home tournament as favourites and Hammers forward Vaz Te can see why. The Portuguese striker says they have the firepower and knowhow to triumph, although he is not ruling out a challenge from the traditional European powerhouses. "I'm not playing for Portugal, so Portugal can't win it!" he joked. "I think the South American teams have a very good chance as it's in their backyard. "Brazil are yearning for another World Cup and I think they're due one. We saw in the Confederations Cup that they were brilliant, so I think they have a very, very good chance. "All the other South American teams play at a high tempo, so with the climate the European teams might find it difficult. "I think Portugal have a good chance if Cristiano is fit and strong. My first choice is Brazil, then Germany. Portugal to be the underdogs."
Vaz Te is also tipping another South American to shine in the shape of Lionel Messi, especially as he has suffered World Cup disappointment in the past.
He added: "People have to remember that Messi is due a World Cup as well. The reason is that he hasn't performed that well and has had criticism, so if people are are going to put him on the pedestal of the likes of Pele, for that he has to win a World Cup to be in Maradona's standards. "So I think he is going to be on fire, and you have Neymar and Cristiano too - his goal ratio is ridiculous and he has high standards all day, every day."
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Jussi Jaaskelainen: West Ham goalkeeper signs new contract
BBC.co.uk
West Ham goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen has signed a new one-year contract to remain at Upton Park during 2014-15. Jaaskelainen, 39, joined the Hammers on a free transfer in 2012 after more than 14 years at Bolton and played 18 times in the Premier League in 2013-14. But Adrian ended the season as West Ham's first-choice goalkeeper after Jaaskelainen was dropped in January. "Physically I feel good and I felt good last season so I hope I can carry on from there," he told the club website.
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Hammers prepare £10million bid?
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 4th June 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are expected to make a fresh offer for Anderlecht's €10million-rated defender Cheikhou Kouyate. Talks have taken place with the 24-year-old following the news that Valencia had pulled out of the race to sign him - although Anderlecht's sporting director Herman van Holsbeeck confirmed there was still some way to go before a deal was agreed. We have had talks with Sevilla, Valencia and Salzburg and West Ham have contacted us," he told Spanish news outlet Estadio Deportivo. "We want to make the best possible decision and sell from the most profitable aspect for us, although we take into account the opinion of the player."
* Swansea are reported to be 'lining up' a £5million offer for West Ham's troubled youngster Ravel Morrison. The 21-year-old has just 12 months left on his current contract at the Boleyn Ground and is said by the Mail to have caught the eye of new Jacks manager Garry Monk (no relation to OLAS' Harry, as far as we're aware), who is keen to take the England Under 21 international to the principality.
* Staying with the Mail, and West Ham are said to have pulled out of the deal to sign €5million-rated Milan youngster M'Baye Niang. The 19-year-old, who was given a suspended jail sentence following a hit-and-run incident earlier this year is reported to have held talks with West Ham (source: France Football) but Sam Allardyce is said to have vetoed the deal.
* West Ham are one of three clubs said to be taking a look at Dortmund striker Julian Schieber. Now 25, the former understudy to Robert Lewandowski (who has since joined Bayern Munich) managed to score just one goal last season and is primed for a move away from the Bundesliga - preferably to the Premier League, of which Scheiber recently said: "I like the style of football that's being played in the UK." Wigan and Celtic are also reported bu goal.com to be keeping tabs on the forward.
* A touch of schadenfreude... Johnny Heitinga - who snubbed West Ham during the January transfer window in favour of joining relegated Fulham - has unsurprisingly left the sinking ship and fled to Germany. A free agent having been released by the Cottagers at the end of last season (2013/14), the 30-year-old former Dutch international is poised to join Bundesliga outfit Hertha Berlin.
* Despite few if any being fooled, Jack Sullivan - son of co-owner David and semi-official club source - has taken to Twitter in order to deny a scurrilous rumour regarding West Ham being interested in signing 36-year-old Emile Heskey, who current represents Newcastle Jets in Australia's A-League.
"Just to put the rumours to rest WE ARE NOT INTERESTED IN SIGNING HESKEY ! THE RUMOURS ARE TOTALLY FALSE !" penned young Master Sullivan via his Twitter page (capitals his, not ours - presumably for emphasis).
* Former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue is once again being linked with a move to east London. Now 31, the right back has just 12 months remaining on his current contract with Turkish side Galatasaray and West Ham are understood to have made discreet enquiries into his availability. Eboue cost Gala just €3.5million in 2011 but West Ham are hoping to land him for less than
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West Ham miss out on Colback
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 4th June 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are understood to have lost out in the race to sign Sunderland star Jack Colback. According to Chronicle Live, Colbeck has decided to snub West Ham in favour of Newcastle United, so that he may remain in the North East. The talented midfielder is expected to complete his move to Newcastle - the club he supported as a boy - upon his return from holiday this week. West Ham are reported to have offered Colback - who is out of contract having rejected the opportunity to remain with Sunderland - a massive £50,000-a-week deal to move to the Boleyn Ground. However despite having been tempted by the huge offer, Colback - who made 136 appearances for the Black Cats between 2008 and 2014 - has opted to sign for the Magpies instead.
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Jussi signs 'til 40
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 4th June 2014
By: Staff Writer
Jussi Jaaskelainen has signed a one-year contract extension, tying to West Ham until next summer. Initially signed by West Ham on a year-long deal in June 2012, The club exercised an addition 12 month option to keep the 39-year-old Fin for the 2013/14 season. And with that contract having expired, the two parties have come to a new agreement that will ensure Jaaskelainen - who spent much of the season on the sidelines having lost his place to Spanish goalkeeper Adrian - will celebrate his 40th birthday as a Hammer. "I'm delighted to sign for another season and I'm really looking forward to it," he told whufc.com. "Hopefully I can put in a proper challenge to get a starting place again. "You never know what is going to happen next season, but the only thing in my mind is to get myself ready to play. I am looking forward so that when that next chance comes, I will be in the right shape and right frame of mind to take it. That's all I'm thinking about now. "I want to try my best and I'm going to give it a proper go to play well, so the first thing I have to do is look after myself to make sure I'm in good shape and a good frame of mind."
* The last player to represent West Ham in his forties was Teddy Sheringham, who returned to the club this week as the new part-time attacking coach.
The former striker was three months shy of his 41st birthday when he made his final appearance for the Hammers in a 1-0 FA Cup defeat at home to Watford in January 2007.
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Big Phil coming home
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 4th June 2014
By: Staff Writer
Phil Parkes will return to the Boleyn Ground this weekend for the first time since undergoing an operation for bowel cancer. Big Phil - who will be accompanied by 1975 FA Cup hero Alan Taylor - is back at West Ham this weekend to take part in a tour of the ground by former players, just TWO WEEKS after having surgery to remove a growth in his bowel. "I'm down to do tours on Saturday and Sunday and I'm pretty confident that I'm going to be fine," said Parkes, who represented West Ham between 1979 and 1990. "I'm not going to do the whole tour, but I'm going to do a little bit. "It will be myself and Alan Taylor but I'll just do the meet and greet. let Alan go up and down the stairs, then I'll come back for the question and answer bit."
Parkes received the welcome news that his growth has not spread beyond the bowel wall, meaning that chemotherapy is not necessary. This he attributed this to rigorous checking - something that he urged everyone to do. "I was very lucky because I caught it very early," he added. "They categorise it as Dukes' A, B or C and A is the very early stage where they catch only ten per cent of cancers. Mine was in that because I went there early enough after spotting the symptoms. "It's so, so important that you have just got to be checked. I can't make enough of a message to get across to people; 'don't worry about it or be embarrassed' because it is very, very important and can be a matter of life or death."
Parkes also took the time to thank those fans who had sent him messages of support. "It's a very warming thought to know that I am still thought of that way by the fans, and it has helped me through the tough times," he said.
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West Ham one of four clubs interested in Anderlecht's Cheikhou Kouyate
Last Updated: 04/06/14 9:53am
SSN
Anderlecht have confirmed that West Ham have joined the race to sign highly-rated Senegal centre-back Cheikhou Kouyate. Herman van Holsbeeck, the Belgian club's sporting director, confirmed the Premier League side, Valencia, Sevilla and Red Bull Salzburg were all tracking the defender, who can also play in midfield. After winning the Belgian top flight with Anderlecht, the 24-year-old is set for a fresh challenge and has also been linked with Arsenal. The Senegal international is under contract until the summer of 2016, leaving Anderlecht in a prime position to dictate proceedings with the club reportedly seeking 10million euros for the centre-back. "We have had talks with Sevilla, Valencia and Salzburg, and West Ham have contacted us," Van Holsbeeck told Estadio Deportivo.
"We want to make the best possible decision and sell from the most profitable aspect for us, although we take into account the opinion of the player." Kouyate made 38 appearances in Anderlecht's successful Pro League campaign this term.
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HOW MUCH IS THE WEST HAM SQUAD WORTH?
By Iain Dale 4 Jun 2014 at 20:28
West Ham Till I Die
According to the International Centre for Sports Studies we are 17th in the league table of most valuable squads. Only Crystal Palace, West Brom and Fulham have less valuable squads than us. They value us at £37.9 million. Well, I reckons that's a drastic under-estimate. Here is my valuation…
Adrian £5 million
James Tomkins £8 million
Winston Reid £10 million
James Collins £2 million
Roger Johnson £0.5 million
Guy Demel £1 million
Joey O'Brien £1.5 million
Dan Potts £0.5 million
Mark Noble £8 million
Mo Diame £7 million
Matt Taylor £2 million
Kevin Nolan £1.5 million
Ravel Morrison £8 million
Stewart Downing £4 million
Matt Jarvis £6 million
Carlton Cole £1.5 million
Modibo Maiga £1.5 million
Ricardo Vaz Te £2.5 million
Andy Carroll £12 million
If my maths are right, that adds up to £82.5 million. OK, I may have looked at one or two players through claret & blue spectacles, but quite how they only got to £37 million is quite astonishing. More anti West Ham bias! Feel free to tell me who you think I have under or over-valued. For the full league table visit Claret & Hugh
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HAVE WEST HAM PULLED OUT OF THE LOAN DEAL TO SIGN M'BAYE NIANG?
By S J Chandos 4 Jun 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
There were reports yesterday evening that West Ham had pulled out of negotiations to sign AC Milan prospect, M'Baye Niang. The previous reports seemed to confirm that West Ham had agreed a £250,000 season long loan deal with AC Milan, with the option of a permanent £4m move next summer. That just left the tricky business of the club agreeing personal terms with M'Baye Niang and his advisers/agents. If these reports are true, one can only assume that there has been a failure to agree terms.
Although a player of some promise, the French u-21 international, has had a patchy career to date, having been put out on loan twice in quick succession, to Caen and Montpelier. M'Baye Niang has also attracted some unwelcome publicity in the form of involvement in an hit and run incident and a subsequent suspended jail sentence. Skillful and pacey, with the ability to play at centre forward, or out wide, he was seen as making a particular contribution to West Ham's new attacking style next season. It looks as if we might now be forced to look elsewhere.
Then we go from the slightly disappointing to the completely outlandish! There were much trumpeted reports yesterday that Sam Allardyce was interested in signing 36 year old, ex-England and Liverpool striker, Emile Heskey. Goodness knows where these reports originated, but thankfully the club have now formally dismissed the story. As good a player, of a certain type, that Heskey undoubtedly was, his PL days are surely now over. And it is good to know that there will be no strange, logic defying, West Ham deal to bring the player back from Australian football. It would certainly have run a coach and horses through David Sullivan's informal upper age limit of 27 years.
Elsewhere, the latest reports are that West Ham are locked in talks with Anderlecht to make Cheikhou Kouyate their next summer signing. It would appear that the club have agreed terms with the player, the objective now is finalise a transfer fee with the selling club. There are rumours that Valencia have already bid £7.5m and we will need to at least match that fee. West Ham's great advantage is that the player apparently has set his heart upon playing in the PL. If the deal happens I guess the question that will then be posed is, will that give the club the green light to trade-in on Winston Reid. Hopefully not, I hope that we agree a new deal with Reid and let them fight it out for a starting place. Of course, there is also the option of playing Kouyate, as a defensive midfielder, alongside Mark Noble in a 4-2-3-1. In fact, this might prove to be Kouyate's best position and he could become the most powerful midfielder that we have had since M.V. Foe.
I also see that Harry Redknapp has been pronouncing on all things West Ham once again. What is his obsession with his former club and why does he feel the compulsion to comment on matters that no longer concern him? (even if the media ask him, does he need to respond in the way he does?). And just what did his contribution amount to? Telling us that Sam Allardyce will keep West Ham up next season playing his brand of football. And the West Ham board need to buy a £40m player to enable Sam Allardyce to play the attractive football demanded! Well, it certainly would not hurt, but the truth is that clubs can play an attractive attacking style without breaking the bank to that extent. Otherwise every team outside the PL top six would have been uniformly employing our tactics last season and, that, they most definitely did not However, the worst statement was his reported rubbishing of the Academy of Football as a 'fallacy.' Now remember this is not Alan Shearer talking out of ignorance. It is a man who played for the Greenwood teams of the 1960s and 1970s and was grounded in the football philosophy of that era. It seems that it is becoming ever more popular to rubbish the club's proud and unique contribution to English football, even amongst those that really should know better.
Finally, I am not totally sure about the reported 'massive rush' to renew season tickets on the deadline. That may be correct with regard to online applications, but what I do know is that I went to the ticket office on Monday morning, in person, to renew and there was no one there waiting to be served! In fact, I was expecting at least half hour stuck in a que, but no, I was 'done and dusted' in just five minutes.
SJ. Chandos
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Jack Colback chooses Newcastle despite West Ham's £50,000-per-week offer
By MARTIN HARDY
PUBLISHED: 19:37, 4 June 2014 | UPDATED: 19:37, 4 June 2014
Daily Mail
Newcastle have fought off stiff competition from West Ham to land the Sunderland midfielder Jack Colback on a five-year deal. West Ham had put together a £10 million package that would have put the 24-year-old on a £50,000-per-week package. That represented a huge wage rise from the basic £6,000-a-week Colback was earning at Sunderland, where he has been since he was 10. However the Newcastle fan is keen to stay in the North east and that appears to have been a huge factor, with Swansea, Aston Villa and Hull all tracking the player. Colback's move to St James' Park from fierce rivals Sunderland, who were also keen to keep the player, is expected to be confirmed next week. He will become the first permanent signing made by Newcastle since January 2013, but they will not have to pay a fee with Colback having run down his contract at the Stadium of Light.
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Hammers still talking to big two
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 4, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham were this afternoon negotiating fiercely on two fronts as they attempted to bring Gareth Barry and Cheikhou Kouyate to the Boleyn. Former England midfielder Barry is also believed to be wanted by newly promoted Leicester City and Everton where he spent last season on loan. But a top Hammers insider revealed to ClaretandHugh exclusively: "Both deals are alive – Kouyate very much so but we still have to agree a fee. "We will know more over the next 72 hours but the player remains very keen to join us."
Barry, however, is now looking more likely to opt for Everton as he is well settled in the area and has the opportunity of playing European football with the Toffees However, our source revealed: "The deal is still alive and we are doing our best . There's still a squeak. We certainly haven't given up on it. "Koutaye is a big deal and we are working hard to get it done."
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'Team Rav' speak out on Swans/QPR speculation
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 4, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Swansea's interest in Ravel Morrison has been "entirely over-egged" according to sources close to the player. Alleged interest from the Welsh player has been in the headlines for the past few days but was dismissed today as "silly season hype." The Morrison soap opera has been running since mid winter when he moved to Queens Park Rangers on a three month loan. And since then he has been mentioned as a target for the west London outfit and Swansea City.
However, ClaretandHugh was told exclusively today by sources close to the player: "All that's happened is that we were told a couple or three months ago that he was one of several players on their radar. It is now being over-egged. "Nothing's changed – there has been no further word from them so it might be fair to say this is being over-reported. The same is true at QPR – there's an interest as there are in several players out there but there's been no word beyond that.
"Rav is a West Ham player and there would be an awful lot of negotiating to be done should a definite offer be made but we don't appear to be anywhere near that stage at this moment."
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Newcastle line up Ross McCormack transfer from Leeds but West Ham are keen too
Jun 04, 2014 22:30 By Bill Cooper
The Mirror
Ross McCormack is ready to quit Leeds and make an £8million switch to Newcastle. McCormack has become unsettled at Elland Road following the sacking of boss Brian McDermott last week and would welcome the chance to move to Tyneside and realise his ambition of playing in the Premier League. The Magpies' boss Alan Pardew has been handed £35m by owner Mike Ashley for signings this summer. His priority is to bring in three new strikers after freeing Shola Ameobi and shipping last season's loanees Loic Remy and Luuk de Jong back to parent clubs QPR and Borussia Monchengladbach. Burnley's Danny Ings, who carries a £7m price-tag, whizkid Ayoze Perez of Tenerife and Cagliari's £8.25m-rated Colombia international Victor Ibarbo are on his wish-list. But Pardew has already sounded out Leeds about McCormack's availability and wants to strike a deal which would see the Championship outfit receive £6m up front and another £2m following in instalments. Scotland international McCormack, who notched 29 goals last season, pledged his loyalty to Leeds by penning a four-year contract worth £20,000-a-week 10 months ago.
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Schalke and Al Ain join Portland Timbers, Aston Villa and West Ham in chase for free agent Joleon Lescott
By SIMON JONES
PUBLISHED: 00:55, 5 June 2014 | UPDATED: 00:55, 5 June 2014
Daily Mail
Free agent Joleon Lescott has interest from Schalke and Al Ain as well as Portland Timbers of the MLS. The 31-year-old centre-back has interest from Aston
Lescott tweeted about his future last week saying: 'Still undecided about my future but questions over my hunger for next season disappoint me I will never represent a team and give less than 100percent.' Lescott is out of contract after five years at Manchester City.
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Costel Pantilimon emerges as West Ham target despite Jussi Jaaskelainen signing new deal
By JOHN DRAYTON
PUBLISHED: 22:32, 4 June 2014 | UPDATED: 22:32, 4 June 2014
Daily Mail
West Ham are showing interest in Manchester City goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon despite Jussi Jaaskelainen signing a new deal. The 39-year-old lost his place to Adrian last season but has committed to another year at Upton Park in an attempt to win back his place. However, Sam Allardyce is already looking towards the future and has targeted the City keeper, who won the Premier League title last term. The Romanian's performances were enough to oust Joe Hart from the City starting XI during the campaign for a spell, and he featured 18 times during the season. But the 27-year-old's contract expired after the end of the campaign and the Premier League champions failed to agree a deal with the keeper who is now a free agent. Current West Ham No 1 has impressed since arriving last summer on a free from Real Betis, establishing himself as first choice keeper just before Christmas as Jaaskelainen's expense.
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Wednesday, June 4
Daily WHUFC News - 4th June 2014
Parkes on road to recovery
WHUFC.com
West Ham United legend Phil Parkes has undergone successful surgery for
bowel cancer
03.06.2014
West Ham United legend Phil Parkes will make a welcome return to action this
weekend following successful surgery for bowel cancer. The great goalkeeper
was diagnosed with Dukes' A stage bowel cancer - the least developed stage
where the cancer has not penetrated the bowel wall - and went into hospital
for a procedure to remove the growth in May. Thankfully, the surgery went
well and Parkes was able to return home to begin his recuperation just a few
days later.
Showing determination typical of the man who won the FA Cup in 1980 and made
440 appearances for the Hammers, Parkes revealed that he intends to play his
part in a Former Player Stadium Tour of the Boleyn Ground this coming
weekend. "I had the operation two weeks ago and have been home since the
Saturday of the Champions League final," the popular Parkes confirmed. "I
got the news through a from the surgeon last week that everything was good
as it hadn't gone through the bowel wall and it hadn't spread anywhere, so I
haven't got to have chemotherapy. "I've just got to have a reversal
operation in July, and then it's just a case of resting, recuperating and
getting my strength, so it's all good news, really."
"There was always that nagging doubt when I heard that word 'cancer'. It was
as good as news as I could have got. It's getting better each day, so I've
just got to have this operation next month and get myself reconnected back
up and then it's a case of getting back to normal life."
Having spent the past ten days recovering at home, the 63-year-old is
feeling understandably upbeat about the future. On Saturday and Sunday, he
will be alongside 1975 FA Cup hero and close friend Alan Taylor in welcoming
guests to the Boleyn Ground for what promises to be an emotional and
memorable Former Player Stadium Tour. "It's actually not as uncomfortable as
I thought it would be. I have been very surprised at how little pain I've
actually gone through. To go through the operation I have had, I have been
very lucky pain-wise. "It's just a matter of getting some strength. I'm down
to do some Former Player Tours at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday and Sunday
and I'm pretty confident that I'm going to be fine. "I'm not going to do the
whole full Tour, but I'm going to do a little bit. It will be myself and
Alan Taylor, but I'll just do the meet and greet, let Alan go up and down
the stairs, then I'll come back for the question and answer bit."
Those fans who join Parkes and Taylor for this weekend's tours are sure to
offer words of support to the big goalkeeper, following the hundreds who
have sent their own messages to the big man through social media, online
forums and telephone calls. The popular Carlsberg Legends Lounge host has
been moved by the sheer number of well-wishers who have got in touch with
him in recent weeks. "The support I have had has been absolutely amazing,"
he said. "The Moose from talkSPORT said there was a lot of love out there
for me and that has really shown in the messages I have received. "I would
like to thank everybody for the messages that I've had. It's great to know
and a very warming thought to know that I am still thought of that way by
the fans, and it has helped me through the tough times. "I've had loads of
people ringing me up, including [former England goalkeeper] Ray Clemence,
who has not been too well himself, so to have him ring me up was very
humbling."
Parkes put his successful surgery down to not hesitating when he became
aware of the symptoms of his cancer. While many men may be reticent to visit
a doctor for symptoms such as bleeding from the backside, pain in the
abdomen or a change in normal bowel habits, Parkes said there was no need to
be embarrassed about a situation that could ultimately be the difference
between life and death. "I've gone through this myself now and I said to one
of my old team-mates about the procedure of having an edoscopy where they
put a camera up your backside and he said 'I could never do that!', then I
said 'You'd be surprised what you do when you are told you might have cancer
or a tumour, because you'll do whatever it takes'. "I want to get the
message across 'Don't worry about it or be embarrassed' because it is very,
very important and can be a matter of life or death. "The thing is that I
was very lucky because I caught it very early - they categorise it Dukes' A,
B or C and A is the very early stage where they catch only ten per cent of
cancers, and mine was in that because I went there early enough after
spotting the symptoms. "It's so, so important that you have just got to be
checked. I can't make enough of a message to get across to people."
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World Cup Countdown - Guy Demel
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's two-time FIFA World Cup finalist Guy Demel offers his
thoughts on Brazil 2014
03.06.2014
West Ham United defender Guy Demel will be an interested observer when the
FIFA World Cup kicks off in Brazil later this month. The defender
represented Ivory Coast at the last two World Cups, but will have a watching
brief on this occasion as Les Elephants aim to go one better than last time.
On that occasion they were dumped out at the group stage, but facing Greece,
Colombia and Japan this summer, Demel believes they have a great chance of
making a real mark. He said: "The draw wasn't that bad for Ivory Coast this
time, so hopefully they will do better than in the previous World Cup, even
though we went out with four points. "It would be nice to see them get out
of the group phase and after that everything is open. I'm really happy for
my country and my teammates. To be at three World Cups in a row is something
huge. "We all know that Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba are top players. A lot
of the team have played or play in the Premier League - Kolo Toure, Soloman
Kalou. "There is a midfield player at Basel too, Serey Die, who is going to
be the main player for me - the player to watch."
Demel's own World Cup experiences saw him come up against some of the best
players on the planet and that is something he will always cherish. He
added: "Playing at the World Cup was huge - it's the biggest event in the
world, so being a part of that is something you can't really describe. "I
had the chance to play against people like Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi. Of
course, as a footballer, it's the best place you can be at." As for this
year's winners, Demel thinks the European teams could prove hard to beat.
"There are a few teams who can win it, Spain still, Germany, Italy. England,
who knows?"
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Redknapp's Ravel warning
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd June 2014
By: Staff Writer
Queens Park Rangers boss Harry Redknapp has warned West Ham United's Ravel
Morrison that he risks wasting his career. Redknapp, who led his side to an
instant return to the Premier League via the play offs last month described
the Hammers youngster as an 'amazing talent' - but warned that without the
right application and focus, he risks missing out on a potentially wonderful
career. "He's got to find a way of putting his game together and he's got to
make sure he focuses 100 per cent on his football for the next ten years,"
said Redknapp, speaking at the launch of a new website. "I think Ravel has
got all the ability to play for England, it's just a case of putting it
altogether. If he does that, the future is fantastic for him. If he doesn't,
it's going to be a waste of talent. "He's an amazing talent so it'll be a
waste if he doesn't really produce what he's capable of producing on a more
regular basis. If he does that there won't be many more talented." Morrison
made 17 appearances for Rangers during his 83-day loan spell, scoring six
goals, but was crucially omitted from the play-off final team and failed to
emerge from the bench.
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£19million Bony a target?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd June 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are being linked with a move for Wilfried Bony in today's transfer
news - despite Swansea having warned potential suitors the 25-year-old
striker will cost £19million.
West Ham, who passed up the offer to sign Bony last summer are just one of
several clubs linked with the Ivory Coast international by the Mirror.
Arsenal and Newcastle are also reported to have made enquiries into the
player's availability after he informed Swansea that he wanted to move to a
bigger club.
* Sunderland midfielder Sebastian Larsson has signed a new deal with the
Black Cats, keeping him tied to Wearside until 2017. Previously linked with
a move to West Ham this summer, the Swedish international ended rumours of a
possible switch by agreeing a new three-year contract. "I feel that this is
a club moving in the right direction and I want to be part of it", he told
the club's website.
* Valencia have withdrawn from the race to sign Anderlecht defender Cheikhou
Kouyate, according to rumours on Twitter this morning. The Primera Liga side
were thought to be West Ham's only serious competition for the 24-year-old
Senegal international.
* Arsenal have expressed an interest in signing West Ham's Academy star
Reece Oxford. The 15-year-old central defender, an England Under 16
international who already stands 6'3" tall is due to sign his first
professional contract next year. According to the Mail, the Gunners are
hoping to lure the youngster across London this summer.
* Former Hammer Frank Lampard Jnr is on the move after Chelsea confirmed
that he would not be offered a new contract this summer. Lampard, who has
been at Stamford Bridge since 2001 when he signed from West Ham in a
£12million deal has made 648 appearances for the Blues, a record beaten only
by Ron Harris and Peter Bonetti. Now 35, Lamapard has vowed not to make a
decision on his future until after the World Cup Finals.
* Another one to cross off the list of potential signings is Jordan Mutch,
who has agreed to join Sunderland. The 22-year-old former Cardiff forward
will join the Black Cats after the two clubs agreed a £1.5million deal. West
Ham remain interested in Mutch's new team mate Jack Colback.
* Guy Demel is being linked with a return to SV Hamburg. The 32-year-old
full back represented the Bundesliga club for six years between 2005 and
2011 and recently announced on Twitter that he would be happy to return to a
club for whom he retains fond memories. West Ham have already lost full
backs George McCartney (released) and Pablo Armero (end of loan) this last
month.
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WHAT SHOULD BE THE LIMIT TO WEST HAM'S AMBITION?
By Iain Dale 3 Jun 2014 at 18:02
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Jack Webb
What are West Ham's aspirations? In the last decade or so the strength in
depth in English the Premier League has tremendously increased. Though I
concede that we are now part of the strongest league in the world, I believe
the old 'big four' has been transformed into a new big seven. The big seven
that I am referring to, Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester
City, Manchester United and Tottenham, have made up 7 of the top 8 for the
past six seasons. During those years, Fulham, Villa and Newcastle are the
only teams to finish in the top 7 other than this 'big 7' (all managing
once).
In the coming season, it is hard to imagine any team upsetting this trend.
The point I am trying to make here is with a higher number of big teams, it
is going to be very hard for smaller clubs to achieve a high placed finish.
Are we destined to sit between mid-table and relegation until we get bought
by an Arab Sheik or a Russian oil tycoon? The only team in the last decade
or so to be a consistent top 8 team outside this new 'big 7' are Bolton,
coincidentally under Sam Allardyce.
I'm not trying to say we should stick with Allardyce forever because he'll
keep us in the premier league, ideally I'd like to see better football
played but understand in the foreseeable future no manager we can bring in
will achieve particular success in the league. Very few teams that break
into the top 10 manage to fend off a relegation/relegation threatened season
within a few years.
This leads me onto our best approach for success in the next few years. I
wonder whether West Ham fans would agree that as long as we can guarantee
premier league stability, a Capital One or FA Cup final is surely all we can
achieve in terms of real success. It's been far too long since we won a
major trophy and I want to see a manager who will target a cup run. I'm not
sure if this is a very pessimistic opinion of the modern day Premier League
or if fellow West Ham fans will agree that it is hard to see us, or any club
of a similar size, able to make the transition into a European team.
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HAMMERS LEGEND CALLS FOR LIFE BANS
By Sean Whetstone 3 Jun 2014 at 12:48
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham and England's World Cup Legend Geoff Hurst says that match fixing
must carry a lifetime ban for players involved as he debated football's most
pressing issues with Osvaldo Ardiles, Ricardo Villa, and Alan Smith at the
Hay Festival organised by the Daily Telegraph.
Sir Geoff said:
"I do believe the punishment should be a life ban,You see other sports where
they take drugs and they get three or four years. I think if you are caught
fixing a sporting event. Then there is no messing, out, you're finished. Get
lost and get another job. I don't think you should give them a ban for two
or three years."
His comments came days after last Wednesday's Scotland's friendly against
Nigeria in London which is being investigated by police after claims that
attempts have been made to fix the match. Nigeria goalkeeper Austin Ejide
scored a truly unbelievable own goal during the friendly match with Scotland
at Fulham's Craven Cottage. The goalkeeper came to catch a ball into the
box, but despite seemingly having been able to grab it easily, he appeared
to throw the ball into his own net.The strike was eventually ruled out for a
slight foul on Ejide.
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West Ham United – Transfer update
Early days it still is, we thought we would update you with the latest
transfer rumours and gossip surrounding West Ham United.
Claret & Hugh
I suppose we should start with the story that The Guardian ran this morning,
suggesting that Allardyce was considering a swoop for Emile Heskey. Few fans
took this seriously and most laughed it off and lazy journalism. Thankfully
the rumour was quashed by young Jack Sullivan via his much criticised
Twitter account.
With Fulham parting ways with Brede Hangeland tonight, it was inevitable
that we would be linked with the big American born Norwegian defender and
the ITK's didn't let us down.
Apart from the possible likely arrival of Cheikhou Kouyate for advanced
talks later in the week, there really isn't much more to say, other than
that it seems Sam has pulled out of the running to sign M'Baye Niang.
Having scoured various news feeds and twitter accounts, this seems to be the
only worthwhile transfer gossip worth repeating.
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West Ham pull out of move to sign AC Milan youngster M'Baye Niang
Daily Mail
By PAUL COLLINS
PUBLISHED: 22:39, 3 June 2014 | UPDATED: 22:39, 3 June 2014
West Ham have pulled out of a loan deal for 19-year-old AC Milan striker
M'Baye Niang. The striker was chased by Everton, Tottenham and Arsenal 18
months ago while at Caen. The France Under 21 international became the San
Siro club's second youngest scorer in history, but a dip in form and Milan's
disastrous season saw him shipped off to Montpellier on loan in January. He
returned at the end of this season having been in trouble and handed a
suspended jail term for his involvement in a hit-and-run accident earlier in
the year. Niang is available for a fee of around £4million.
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Hammers locked in defender talks
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 3, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & HUGH
West Ham are tonight locked into talks with Anderlecht to make Cheikhou
Kouyaté their big summer signing. Having been given permission to talk to
thCheikhou Kouyatee player, the club's negotiators have all but agreed a
deal with the central defender who is desperately keen to sign up at the
Boleyn.
However, the Hammers have to agree a fee with the Belgian club and at the
moment the two clubs are struggling to agree the figure. Valencia had
earlier offered around £7.5 million for the 24 year old but Cheikhou wants
to continue his career in the Premier League. ClaretandHugh understands the
Hammers offer may be shy of that but talks are continuing in the hope of
resolving the problem. A source told us a few minutes ago: "The player wants
to come but there seems to be a problem with the fee."
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Ravel Morrison transfer target for Swansea as Monk lines up £5m move for
youngster
Daily Mail
By SAMI MOKBEL
PUBLISHED: 17:29, 3 June 2014 | UPDATED: 17:31, 3 June 2014
Swansea are lining up a £5million offer for West Ham midfielder Ravel
Morrison. Morrison, who has just 12 months left on his deal at Upton Park,
is set to leave the east London club this summer. And newly-appointed Swans
boss Garry Monk has identified the England Under 21 international as a
potential summer signing. Morrison spent the second half of last season on
loan at QPR, helping Harry Redknapp's side to promotion into the Premier
League. Rangers are interested in taking Morrison on a permanent basis, but
Swansea are keen to steal a march on their rivals in the race to sign the
talented midfielder. Morrison was a key player for the Hammers during the
first half of last season, but fell out of favour with Allardyce. There is a
willingness to re-integrate the former Manchester United youngster back into
the first team fold at Upton Park. But the club know they will have to sell
Morrison this summer if he does not extend his deal to avoid losing him for
nothing next summer.
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WHUFC.com
West Ham United legend Phil Parkes has undergone successful surgery for
bowel cancer
03.06.2014
West Ham United legend Phil Parkes will make a welcome return to action this
weekend following successful surgery for bowel cancer. The great goalkeeper
was diagnosed with Dukes' A stage bowel cancer - the least developed stage
where the cancer has not penetrated the bowel wall - and went into hospital
for a procedure to remove the growth in May. Thankfully, the surgery went
well and Parkes was able to return home to begin his recuperation just a few
days later.
Showing determination typical of the man who won the FA Cup in 1980 and made
440 appearances for the Hammers, Parkes revealed that he intends to play his
part in a Former Player Stadium Tour of the Boleyn Ground this coming
weekend. "I had the operation two weeks ago and have been home since the
Saturday of the Champions League final," the popular Parkes confirmed. "I
got the news through a from the surgeon last week that everything was good
as it hadn't gone through the bowel wall and it hadn't spread anywhere, so I
haven't got to have chemotherapy. "I've just got to have a reversal
operation in July, and then it's just a case of resting, recuperating and
getting my strength, so it's all good news, really."
"There was always that nagging doubt when I heard that word 'cancer'. It was
as good as news as I could have got. It's getting better each day, so I've
just got to have this operation next month and get myself reconnected back
up and then it's a case of getting back to normal life."
Having spent the past ten days recovering at home, the 63-year-old is
feeling understandably upbeat about the future. On Saturday and Sunday, he
will be alongside 1975 FA Cup hero and close friend Alan Taylor in welcoming
guests to the Boleyn Ground for what promises to be an emotional and
memorable Former Player Stadium Tour. "It's actually not as uncomfortable as
I thought it would be. I have been very surprised at how little pain I've
actually gone through. To go through the operation I have had, I have been
very lucky pain-wise. "It's just a matter of getting some strength. I'm down
to do some Former Player Tours at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday and Sunday
and I'm pretty confident that I'm going to be fine. "I'm not going to do the
whole full Tour, but I'm going to do a little bit. It will be myself and
Alan Taylor, but I'll just do the meet and greet, let Alan go up and down
the stairs, then I'll come back for the question and answer bit."
Those fans who join Parkes and Taylor for this weekend's tours are sure to
offer words of support to the big goalkeeper, following the hundreds who
have sent their own messages to the big man through social media, online
forums and telephone calls. The popular Carlsberg Legends Lounge host has
been moved by the sheer number of well-wishers who have got in touch with
him in recent weeks. "The support I have had has been absolutely amazing,"
he said. "The Moose from talkSPORT said there was a lot of love out there
for me and that has really shown in the messages I have received. "I would
like to thank everybody for the messages that I've had. It's great to know
and a very warming thought to know that I am still thought of that way by
the fans, and it has helped me through the tough times. "I've had loads of
people ringing me up, including [former England goalkeeper] Ray Clemence,
who has not been too well himself, so to have him ring me up was very
humbling."
Parkes put his successful surgery down to not hesitating when he became
aware of the symptoms of his cancer. While many men may be reticent to visit
a doctor for symptoms such as bleeding from the backside, pain in the
abdomen or a change in normal bowel habits, Parkes said there was no need to
be embarrassed about a situation that could ultimately be the difference
between life and death. "I've gone through this myself now and I said to one
of my old team-mates about the procedure of having an edoscopy where they
put a camera up your backside and he said 'I could never do that!', then I
said 'You'd be surprised what you do when you are told you might have cancer
or a tumour, because you'll do whatever it takes'. "I want to get the
message across 'Don't worry about it or be embarrassed' because it is very,
very important and can be a matter of life or death. "The thing is that I
was very lucky because I caught it very early - they categorise it Dukes' A,
B or C and A is the very early stage where they catch only ten per cent of
cancers, and mine was in that because I went there early enough after
spotting the symptoms. "It's so, so important that you have just got to be
checked. I can't make enough of a message to get across to people."
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World Cup Countdown - Guy Demel
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's two-time FIFA World Cup finalist Guy Demel offers his
thoughts on Brazil 2014
03.06.2014
West Ham United defender Guy Demel will be an interested observer when the
FIFA World Cup kicks off in Brazil later this month. The defender
represented Ivory Coast at the last two World Cups, but will have a watching
brief on this occasion as Les Elephants aim to go one better than last time.
On that occasion they were dumped out at the group stage, but facing Greece,
Colombia and Japan this summer, Demel believes they have a great chance of
making a real mark. He said: "The draw wasn't that bad for Ivory Coast this
time, so hopefully they will do better than in the previous World Cup, even
though we went out with four points. "It would be nice to see them get out
of the group phase and after that everything is open. I'm really happy for
my country and my teammates. To be at three World Cups in a row is something
huge. "We all know that Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba are top players. A lot
of the team have played or play in the Premier League - Kolo Toure, Soloman
Kalou. "There is a midfield player at Basel too, Serey Die, who is going to
be the main player for me - the player to watch."
Demel's own World Cup experiences saw him come up against some of the best
players on the planet and that is something he will always cherish. He
added: "Playing at the World Cup was huge - it's the biggest event in the
world, so being a part of that is something you can't really describe. "I
had the chance to play against people like Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi. Of
course, as a footballer, it's the best place you can be at." As for this
year's winners, Demel thinks the European teams could prove hard to beat.
"There are a few teams who can win it, Spain still, Germany, Italy. England,
who knows?"
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Redknapp's Ravel warning
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd June 2014
By: Staff Writer
Queens Park Rangers boss Harry Redknapp has warned West Ham United's Ravel
Morrison that he risks wasting his career. Redknapp, who led his side to an
instant return to the Premier League via the play offs last month described
the Hammers youngster as an 'amazing talent' - but warned that without the
right application and focus, he risks missing out on a potentially wonderful
career. "He's got to find a way of putting his game together and he's got to
make sure he focuses 100 per cent on his football for the next ten years,"
said Redknapp, speaking at the launch of a new website. "I think Ravel has
got all the ability to play for England, it's just a case of putting it
altogether. If he does that, the future is fantastic for him. If he doesn't,
it's going to be a waste of talent. "He's an amazing talent so it'll be a
waste if he doesn't really produce what he's capable of producing on a more
regular basis. If he does that there won't be many more talented." Morrison
made 17 appearances for Rangers during his 83-day loan spell, scoring six
goals, but was crucially omitted from the play-off final team and failed to
emerge from the bench.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
£19million Bony a target?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd June 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are being linked with a move for Wilfried Bony in today's transfer
news - despite Swansea having warned potential suitors the 25-year-old
striker will cost £19million.
West Ham, who passed up the offer to sign Bony last summer are just one of
several clubs linked with the Ivory Coast international by the Mirror.
Arsenal and Newcastle are also reported to have made enquiries into the
player's availability after he informed Swansea that he wanted to move to a
bigger club.
* Sunderland midfielder Sebastian Larsson has signed a new deal with the
Black Cats, keeping him tied to Wearside until 2017. Previously linked with
a move to West Ham this summer, the Swedish international ended rumours of a
possible switch by agreeing a new three-year contract. "I feel that this is
a club moving in the right direction and I want to be part of it", he told
the club's website.
* Valencia have withdrawn from the race to sign Anderlecht defender Cheikhou
Kouyate, according to rumours on Twitter this morning. The Primera Liga side
were thought to be West Ham's only serious competition for the 24-year-old
Senegal international.
* Arsenal have expressed an interest in signing West Ham's Academy star
Reece Oxford. The 15-year-old central defender, an England Under 16
international who already stands 6'3" tall is due to sign his first
professional contract next year. According to the Mail, the Gunners are
hoping to lure the youngster across London this summer.
* Former Hammer Frank Lampard Jnr is on the move after Chelsea confirmed
that he would not be offered a new contract this summer. Lampard, who has
been at Stamford Bridge since 2001 when he signed from West Ham in a
£12million deal has made 648 appearances for the Blues, a record beaten only
by Ron Harris and Peter Bonetti. Now 35, Lamapard has vowed not to make a
decision on his future until after the World Cup Finals.
* Another one to cross off the list of potential signings is Jordan Mutch,
who has agreed to join Sunderland. The 22-year-old former Cardiff forward
will join the Black Cats after the two clubs agreed a £1.5million deal. West
Ham remain interested in Mutch's new team mate Jack Colback.
* Guy Demel is being linked with a return to SV Hamburg. The 32-year-old
full back represented the Bundesliga club for six years between 2005 and
2011 and recently announced on Twitter that he would be happy to return to a
club for whom he retains fond memories. West Ham have already lost full
backs George McCartney (released) and Pablo Armero (end of loan) this last
month.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WHAT SHOULD BE THE LIMIT TO WEST HAM'S AMBITION?
By Iain Dale 3 Jun 2014 at 18:02
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Jack Webb
What are West Ham's aspirations? In the last decade or so the strength in
depth in English the Premier League has tremendously increased. Though I
concede that we are now part of the strongest league in the world, I believe
the old 'big four' has been transformed into a new big seven. The big seven
that I am referring to, Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester
City, Manchester United and Tottenham, have made up 7 of the top 8 for the
past six seasons. During those years, Fulham, Villa and Newcastle are the
only teams to finish in the top 7 other than this 'big 7' (all managing
once).
In the coming season, it is hard to imagine any team upsetting this trend.
The point I am trying to make here is with a higher number of big teams, it
is going to be very hard for smaller clubs to achieve a high placed finish.
Are we destined to sit between mid-table and relegation until we get bought
by an Arab Sheik or a Russian oil tycoon? The only team in the last decade
or so to be a consistent top 8 team outside this new 'big 7' are Bolton,
coincidentally under Sam Allardyce.
I'm not trying to say we should stick with Allardyce forever because he'll
keep us in the premier league, ideally I'd like to see better football
played but understand in the foreseeable future no manager we can bring in
will achieve particular success in the league. Very few teams that break
into the top 10 manage to fend off a relegation/relegation threatened season
within a few years.
This leads me onto our best approach for success in the next few years. I
wonder whether West Ham fans would agree that as long as we can guarantee
premier league stability, a Capital One or FA Cup final is surely all we can
achieve in terms of real success. It's been far too long since we won a
major trophy and I want to see a manager who will target a cup run. I'm not
sure if this is a very pessimistic opinion of the modern day Premier League
or if fellow West Ham fans will agree that it is hard to see us, or any club
of a similar size, able to make the transition into a European team.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
HAMMERS LEGEND CALLS FOR LIFE BANS
By Sean Whetstone 3 Jun 2014 at 12:48
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham and England's World Cup Legend Geoff Hurst says that match fixing
must carry a lifetime ban for players involved as he debated football's most
pressing issues with Osvaldo Ardiles, Ricardo Villa, and Alan Smith at the
Hay Festival organised by the Daily Telegraph.
Sir Geoff said:
"I do believe the punishment should be a life ban,You see other sports where
they take drugs and they get three or four years. I think if you are caught
fixing a sporting event. Then there is no messing, out, you're finished. Get
lost and get another job. I don't think you should give them a ban for two
or three years."
His comments came days after last Wednesday's Scotland's friendly against
Nigeria in London which is being investigated by police after claims that
attempts have been made to fix the match. Nigeria goalkeeper Austin Ejide
scored a truly unbelievable own goal during the friendly match with Scotland
at Fulham's Craven Cottage. The goalkeeper came to catch a ball into the
box, but despite seemingly having been able to grab it easily, he appeared
to throw the ball into his own net.The strike was eventually ruled out for a
slight foul on Ejide.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United – Transfer update
Early days it still is, we thought we would update you with the latest
transfer rumours and gossip surrounding West Ham United.
Claret & Hugh
I suppose we should start with the story that The Guardian ran this morning,
suggesting that Allardyce was considering a swoop for Emile Heskey. Few fans
took this seriously and most laughed it off and lazy journalism. Thankfully
the rumour was quashed by young Jack Sullivan via his much criticised
Twitter account.
With Fulham parting ways with Brede Hangeland tonight, it was inevitable
that we would be linked with the big American born Norwegian defender and
the ITK's didn't let us down.
Apart from the possible likely arrival of Cheikhou Kouyate for advanced
talks later in the week, there really isn't much more to say, other than
that it seems Sam has pulled out of the running to sign M'Baye Niang.
Having scoured various news feeds and twitter accounts, this seems to be the
only worthwhile transfer gossip worth repeating.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham pull out of move to sign AC Milan youngster M'Baye Niang
Daily Mail
By PAUL COLLINS
PUBLISHED: 22:39, 3 June 2014 | UPDATED: 22:39, 3 June 2014
West Ham have pulled out of a loan deal for 19-year-old AC Milan striker
M'Baye Niang. The striker was chased by Everton, Tottenham and Arsenal 18
months ago while at Caen. The France Under 21 international became the San
Siro club's second youngest scorer in history, but a dip in form and Milan's
disastrous season saw him shipped off to Montpellier on loan in January. He
returned at the end of this season having been in trouble and handed a
suspended jail term for his involvement in a hit-and-run accident earlier in
the year. Niang is available for a fee of around £4million.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers locked in defender talks
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 3, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & HUGH
West Ham are tonight locked into talks with Anderlecht to make Cheikhou
Kouyaté their big summer signing. Having been given permission to talk to
thCheikhou Kouyatee player, the club's negotiators have all but agreed a
deal with the central defender who is desperately keen to sign up at the
Boleyn.
However, the Hammers have to agree a fee with the Belgian club and at the
moment the two clubs are struggling to agree the figure. Valencia had
earlier offered around £7.5 million for the 24 year old but Cheikhou wants
to continue his career in the Premier League. ClaretandHugh understands the
Hammers offer may be shy of that but talks are continuing in the hope of
resolving the problem. A source told us a few minutes ago: "The player wants
to come but there seems to be a problem with the fee."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ravel Morrison transfer target for Swansea as Monk lines up £5m move for
youngster
Daily Mail
By SAMI MOKBEL
PUBLISHED: 17:29, 3 June 2014 | UPDATED: 17:31, 3 June 2014
Swansea are lining up a £5million offer for West Ham midfielder Ravel
Morrison. Morrison, who has just 12 months left on his deal at Upton Park,
is set to leave the east London club this summer. And newly-appointed Swans
boss Garry Monk has identified the England Under 21 international as a
potential summer signing. Morrison spent the second half of last season on
loan at QPR, helping Harry Redknapp's side to promotion into the Premier
League. Rangers are interested in taking Morrison on a permanent basis, but
Swansea are keen to steal a march on their rivals in the race to sign the
talented midfielder. Morrison was a key player for the Hammers during the
first half of last season, but fell out of favour with Allardyce. There is a
willingness to re-integrate the former Manchester United youngster back into
the first team fold at Upton Park. But the club know they will have to sell
Morrison this summer if he does not extend his deal to avoid losing him for
nothing next summer.
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