Daily WHUFC News - 20th June 2014

Allardyce thrilled with Kouyate arrival
WHUFc.com
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce is delighted with his second signing
of the summer
19.06.2014

West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce is thrilled to have completed the signing
of Senegal international Cheikhou Kouyate. Kouyate possesses substantial
UEFA Champions League and Europa League experience from his spell at
previous club Anderlecht and Big Sam is looking forward to using that in his
team. Standing 6'4 tall, Kouyate is sure to add presence to the Hammers
midfield as they look for improvement all over the pitch in 2014/15.
Allardyce said: "We're delighted to have secured what has been one of our
top targets so early in the pre-season. Kouyate is a dynamic midfielder,
goes box to box and has excellent skills with both feet as well as being
strong in the air. "If needed, he can fill in at centre back but his
strength will be what he can do in midfield and creating the chances we need
to attack. "He is only 24, so a good age and he was insistent that West Ham
was his choice of club, Valencia and a few other top clubs were after him,
but he wanted to come here and I am looking forward to him having a bright
future here at West Ham. "The importance of getting a top target so early is
vital to that player being here for the start of pre-season, especially
coming from abroad. He can get to know his team-mates at the beginning and
integrate himself and bond with the rest of the team before the season
begins, we get to know what he is about and he gets to know about us. "It
has been a long pursuit, with the Joint-Chairmen, myself and Martyn [Glover]
to get him, but we have got him and we look forward to seeing him in a West
Ham shirt in the new season."

That new season begins with a mouthwatering home game against Tottenham
Hotspur and Big Sam cannot wait to face the north Londoners. "What a game to
start the new Barclays Premier League campaign with - I am sure our fans are
rubbing their hands with delight as it is the fixture they look out for
every season. "And after beating them three times last season, the pressure
is on to do it again and in the first game of the season as well, so we will
have to be ready and keep the results going against them! "It is a tough
start, there is a real mix of teams we are playing in the first seven games,
in terms of sides who you look at being at the top, the middle and two newly
promoted sides in Burnley and Queens Park Rangers. It is quite unusual to
have so many local derbies in the first set of games, after Tottenham, we go
to Crystal Palace and then QPR, so it's tough but as we know, every game is
tough in the Premier League."

West Ham will be giving their all to prepare as well as they can for the new
season and will be the first team back to pre-season when they report back
to Chadwell Heath on 3 July. He added: "The work to prepare for the new
season is already in full swing - getting new players into our squad like we
have secured already in Mauro Zarate and Cheikhou Kouyate plus the many
other targets we are pursuing and then pre-season training, where we will be
getting the players prepared to be 100 per cent ready to go out there and
get as many points as we can on board early on. "What you have to bear in
mind is securing as many points at the start of the season is the backbone
for the squad. Last year, we had a good pre-season and then didn't get as
many points on board early on as we would have wanted and suffered for that,
even though some performances weren't reflected in the results, compared to
the season before when we had a stronger start. "With the injuries that we
then suffered, it means those points caught up with you a bit and you
struggle, so we want to go out as strong as we can from the start to
establish that confidence and get those points to help us reach the targets
we want to achieve. "There will be a lot of activity between now and the
start with new signings and like other clubs, we would want to have all if
not nearly all our transfer business completed for the season to start, but
as we all know, it doesn't happen like that and there will still be
additions being made to squads until the close of the transfer window at the
end of August, so it is a case of working hard with everything we have got
and then blending in with what we can add."

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Dicks appointed Ladies manager
WHUFC.com
Julian Dicks has been appointed as West Ham United Ladies first-team manager
19.06.2014

Julian Dicks has been appointed as West Ham United Ladies first-team
manager. The former Hammers left-back became a legend in Claret and Blue
during two highly successful playing spells that saw him score 65 goals in
326 appearances. Following his retirement, Dicks managed Essex non-league
clubs Wivenhoe Town and Grays Athletic and has recently been coaching
youngsters alongside former West Ham team-mate Ian Bishop in the United
States. A long-time supporter of the women's game, the 45-year-old is
relishing the opportunity to pass on his experience to West Ham's Ladies,
who compete in the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division. "I'm an
ambitious person and I took the job because I want to improve as a manager,"
said Dicks. "I enjoyed my management when I was at Grays and Wivenhoe and,
luckily enough, West Ham Ladies have given me another chance and hopefully I
can do good things for them. "I'm looking forward to my new challenge in
football and I can't wait to get started "Ladies football is coming on
strong. I've just come back from the States, where I was coaching ladies
football, and the sport out in the States is massive and hopefully over here
it will be the same. "It's taking off but it's taking a little bit longer
than it is in America."

West Ham Ladies chairman Ray Wood said the appointment of Dicks had been
down to the hard work and imagination of captain Stacey Little, who
initially approached the new manager through social media. "Myself and
Stacey have been working on this for quite a long time and, now Julian's
appointment has been confirmed, it's going to be massive for us," said Wood.
"We have been in the same division for quite a long time and we need to push
on. We just need the opportunity to get our name out there and put a mark on
the league and, with Julian in charge, we hope we can do just that. "Julian
joining us raises the profile of the club massively. He has been coaching
ladies football in the US and his presence will make us stronger and help us
to attract more and better players. "We are hoping to go from strength to
strength."

Captain Little herself cannot wait to start work under the new manager. "We
were on the way to our final away game of last season at Portsmouth and we
were talking about who would be our new manager," said the skipper. "I said
I would like to ask Julian Dicks to do it, then I tweeted saying 'Retweet if
you think Julian Dicks should do it' and I got more than 100 retweets,
including Julian himself. "I spoke to Julian and he said he had other
coaching commitments, but that he would be interested. I was taken aback
that he'd even think about it. "Now, it's all been confirmed and I can't
stop smiling!"

Dicks' first job as Ladies manager will be to oversee trials for senior
players, which will be held at the Hammers' Chadwell Heath Training Ground
on Sunday 22 June between 12-2pm. Please contact Ladies secretary Bill
Robinson by email at billdotrobinson@yahoo.co.uk to register for the trials
or for further information. The sessions take place on astro turf or grass
so please bring the appropriate footwear.

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West Ham United at the World Cup - '90
WHUFC.com
West Ham United had just one representative at the 1990 FIFA World Cup
finals in Italy
19.06.2014

Languishing in the Second Division, it was little surprise that West Ham
United had only one representative at the 1990 FIFA World Cup finals in
Italy. But there was some astonishment at Upton Park when goalkeeper Ludek
Miklosko headed off home to meet up with the Czechoslovakian squad driving a
sponsored Nissan Bluebird every mile of the way in aid of the children's
charity Barnardo's. However, Miklosko's long drive was not rewarded with any
action at Italia '90, as qualified mechanic Jan Stejskal was picked between
the sticks. As the Hammers custodian looked on, his fellow future Queens
Park Rangers stopper help the Czechoslovakians advance to the
quarter-finals, before losing to eventual winners, West Germany. The West
Germans also put paid to the chances of an England squad containing future
Hammers Peter Shilton and Stuart Pearce, with both suffering during the
Three Lions' infamous penalty shootout defeat in the semi-finals. A Republic
of Ireland side fielding ex-Hammer Ray Houghton saw off a Romanian squad
boasting future West Ham players Ilie Dumitrescu and Florin Raducioiu in
their own second round penalty shootout, only to lose to hosts Italy in the
last-eight. Another future West Ham player, midfielder John Harkes
(pictured), had little to celebrate as the United States were beaten in all
three of their Group A fixtures, including a 5-1 thrashing by Miklosko's
Czechoslovakia in Florence in their opening match.

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West Ham Ladies: Julian Dicks appointed as new manager
BBC.co.uk

Former West Ham United defender Julian Dicks has been appointed manager of
the West Ham Ladies team. Dicks, 45, made 326 appearances for the Hammers
in two spells between 1988 and 1999, scoring 65 goals. Bristol-born Dicks
has previously managed Eastern Counties League side Wivenhoe Town and Grays
Athletic when they were in the Conference Premier. "Looking forward to my
new challenge in football and can't wait to get started," Dicks wrote on
Twitter. West Ham Ladies play in the FA Women's Premier League South and
finished 10th out of 11 sides last season under previous manager Mark
Saunders on. During his career Dicks also played for Liverpool, Birmingham
City and Canvey Island.

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Ex-Hammer calls it a day
KUMb.com
Filed: Thursday, 19th June 2014
By: Staff Writer

Former West Ham United striker Yaniv Katan has announced his retirement from
football at the age of 34. The former Israeli international decided to hang
up his boots after being told by Maccabi Haifa boss Aleksandar Stanojevic
that he was not being offered a place in first team squad next season. Katan
was Alan Pardew's first signing of the 2006 January transfer window - a
£100,000 bargain - but made just two starts (eight appearances in total) for
West Ham before returning to Maccabi, his only other professional club, for
a nominal fee just four months later. Said to be unhappy with life in
England, Katan - who made his debut in a 2-1 FA Cup third round win at
Norwich as an 81st-minute replacement for Bobby Zamora - returned to his
homeland having failed to score a single goal for the Hammers.

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A good start is essential
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 19th June 2014
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce insists it is vital that West Ham don't repeat their poor
start to the season when the new 2014/15 Premier League campaign begins
kicks off in August. Last year the Hammers were only saved from relegation
on the penultimate weekend of the season after a dreadful start to the
campaign saw Allardyce's side amass just 15 points from the opening 19 games
of the season. This year, having been granted another relatively gentle
opening to the season, Allardyce is hoping to hit the ground running, with
new signings Mauro Zarate and Cheikou Kouyate settling in and preparing for
a full pre-season with the Hammers - something that also applies to Andy
Carroll, who missed the entire pre-season programme last summer due to
injury. "The work to prepare for the new season is already in full swing,"
Big Sam told whufc.com. We have already secured Mauro Zarate and Cheikhou
Kouyate plus there are many other targets we are pursuing. "[In] pre-season
training we will be getting the players prepared to be 100 per cent ready to
go out there and get as many points as we can on board early on. Securing as
many points at the start of the season is the backbone for the squad. "Last
year, we had a good pre-season and then didn't get as many points on board
early on as we would have wanted and suffered for that, even though some
performances weren't reflected in the results, compared to the season before
when we had a stronger start. "With the injuries that we then suffered, it
means those points caught up with you a bit and you struggle, so we want to
go out as strong as we can from the start to establish that confidence and
get those points to help us reach the targets we want to achieve."

Despite having already landed two big names for his squad, Allardyce
maintains that he expects several more to follow before the season kicks off
on 16th August against Tottenham at the Boleyn Ground. "There will be a lot
of activity between now and the start with new signings and like other
clubs, we would want to have all if not nearly all our transfer business
completed for the season to start" he said. "But, as we all know, it doesn't
happen like that and there will still be additions being made to squads
until the close of the transfer window at the end of August. It is a case of
working hard with everything we have got and then blending in with what we
can add."

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Cheikhou-maker
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 19th June 2014
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce says he is delighted to have acquired the services of
defensive midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate. The Senegal international put pen to
paper on a four-year contract earlier this week and becomes Big Sam's second
signing of pre-seaon following the arrival of Argentinian forward Mauro
Zarate last month.
"We're delighted to have secured what has been one of our top targets so
early in the pre-season," Allardyce told whufc.com. "Kouyate goes box to box
and has excellent skills with both feet as well as being strong in the air.
If needed, he can also fill in at centre back. "He is only 24 and he was
insistent that West Ham was his choice of club. Valencia and a few other top
clubs were after him, but he wanted to come here and I am looking forward to
him having a bright future here."

Allardyce was especially pleased to have landed a second major signing so
early in the trasnfer window. "The importance of getting a top target so
early is vital to that player being here for the start of pre-season,
especially coming from abroad," he said. "He can get to know his team-mates
at the beginning and integrate himself and bond with the rest of the team
before the season begins, we get to know what he is about and he gets to
know about us. "It has been a long pursuit, with the Joint-Chairmen, myself
and Martyn [Glover] to get him, but we have got him and we look forward to
seeing him in a West Ham shirt in the new season."

Kouyate, who gave his first interview in French was equally delighted to be
at the West Ham - and insisted that Allardyce played a major part in his
decision to leave Anderlecht for the Premier League. "Sam went out of his
way, leaving his holiday for me, so he has done everything he could for me
to join the club," he revealed. "That I'm here now is thanks to the manager,
because he convinced me. "He, my advisers and agents helped me make the
right decision and said West Ham was the ideal club for me, because as a kid
I dreamed of playing in the Premier League and now it's here that my dream
has been realised."

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Julian Dicks makes West Ham return
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 19th June 2014
By: Staff Writer

Hammers legend Julian Dicks has returned to the club - as manager of West
Ham Ladies. The appointment was confirmed this morning in a short statement.
Dicks, 45, said: "This is an exciting time to be involved in the women's
game, I am very proud to be associated with the club again. "I believe
whilst this is an opportunity for me, but also the club, together we can
take the women's squad further. I have experienced first-hand of how far the
woman's game has evolved; women's football is growing very quickly here in
the UK. "Whilst things were finalised early this morning [Thursday], I have
already had a couple of conversations with first team Captain Stacey Little
and I am really looking forward to meeting the rest of the squad in the
familiar claret and blue."

Chairman Ray Wood was naturally delighted at the news. "Julian is an ideal
candidate for us," he said. "With the team winning a trophy last season and
having so many talented players within the side, we wanted the right
candidate who could take things forward. "Julian is an ideal match for our
ambition."

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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce delighted to land Cheikhou Kouyate
Last Updated: 19/06/14 11:20am
SSN

West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce says he is thrilled to have signed top
target Cheikhou Kouyate so early in the season. Kouyate, who joined West Ham
for an undisclosed fee from Anderlecht on a four-year deal, becomes the
club's second summer signing following the arrival of Argentine striker
Mauro Zarate.
Allardyce told the club's website: "We're delighted to have secured what has
been one of our top targets so early in the pre-season. Kouyate is a dynamic
midfielder, goes box to box and has excellent skills with both feet as well
as being strong in the air. "If needed, he can fill in at centre back but
his strength will be what he can do in midfield and creating the chances we
need to attack. "He is only 24, so a good age and he was insistent that West
Ham was his choice of club. Valencia and a few other top clubs were after
him, but he wanted to come here and I am looking forward to him having a
bright future here at West Ham.
"The importance of getting a top target so early is vital to that player
being here for the start of pre-season, especially coming from abroad. He
can get to know his team-mates at the beginning and integrate himself and
bond with the rest of the team before the season begins, we get to know what
he is about and he gets to know about us. "It has been a long pursuit, with
the joint chairmen, myself and Martyn Glover to get him, but we have got him
and we look forward to seeing him in a West Ham shirt in the new season."

"We're delighted to have secured what has been one of our top targets so
early in the pre-season. Kouyate is a dynamic midfielder, goes box to box
and has excellent skills with both feet as well as being strong in the air."
West Ham will kick off the new season with a home game against Tottenham and
Allardyce is looking forward to facing Mauricio Pochettino's side. He
added: "What a game to start the new Barclays Premier League campaign with -
I am sure our fans are rubbing their hands with delight as it is the fixture
they look out for every season. "And after beating them three times last
season, the pressure is on to do it again and in the first game of the
season as well, so we will have to be ready and keep the results going
against them! "It is a tough start, there is a real mix of teams we are
playing in the first seven games, in terms of sides who you look at being at
the top, the middle and two newly promoted sides in Burnley and Queens Park
Rangers. "It is quite unusual to have so many local derbies in the first
set of games, after Tottenham, we go to Crystal Palace and then QPR, so it's
tough but as we know, every game is tough in the Premier League."

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West Ham plot badge change to go with their move to the Olympic Stadium in
2016
Jun 19, 2014 17:36 By Darren Lewis
David Sullivan wants the Hammers' badge to include the word 'London' to make
them more marketable but says it is the fans' call
The Mirror

West Ham United are set to become West Ham London - but only on the club's
badge. In a bid to increase their worldwide appeal, the Hammers are
consulting with fans in the hope they will approve the move. The idea has
emerged two years before the east Londoners' proposed switch from their
Upton Park home to the nearby Olympic Stadium. Joint-chairman David Sullivan
has dispelled fears of a name change for the club itself, but confirmed
plans to evolve the club crest. Sullivan told Mirror Sport: "As a name, it
is not going to happen [Hull have tried that and met with fan and FA
resistance - Ed]. On the badge, it is possible. "We are getting the old and
the new badge and say to supporters, 'You vote. You pick it. It's your call.
You tell us, going forward what badge you want.' "It's the supporters'
vote."

The process has already begun online, with fans invited to explore the
club's plans during open consultation sessions at the Hammers' Boleyn
Ground.
Sullivan added: "We believe that, commercially, it is better for the club to
have - on the logo, nothing else - West Ham United, London. It will help us
increase our revenue and increase our status. "A lot of people in Britain,
let alone the world, don't know that we are one of the top London clubs. To
me there are four top London clubs: Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and West
Ham. "Fulham were in Division Three for years. Crystal Palace are a yo-yo
club and Charlton have struggled in recent years. "Demographically, we are
the only club in east London and Essex - there is actually an argument that
we should put 'East London' on the badge, but we've gone for 'London'
because, internationally, we want people to know that we are a top London
club. "I wouldn't change the name of the club, because I am a
traditionalist. We will always be West Ham United FC. It will just be a big
'West Ham United' on the badge and a small 'London' underneath. "The final
version has been drawn up with consultation with our Supporters Advisory
Board. Fans will vote on it." Manchester United changed their badge in the
late 1990s, dropping the words 'football club', but are reportedly now
considering restoring them.

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West Ham are interested in Real Mallorca winger Marco Asensio despite being
offered Jefferson Montero from Monarcas Morelia
Hammers want to sign the 18-year-old who is extremely highly rated
By SIMON JONES
PUBLISHED: 22:32, 19 June 2014 | UPDATED: 22:41, 19 June 2014
Daily Mail

West Ham are interested in Real Mallorca's teenage winger Marco Asensio.
Manager Sam Allardyce has also been offered Ecuador winger Jefferson Montero
from Monarcas Morelia. However, 18-year-olld Asensio is seen as one of the
brightest young talents in Spain and has previously been watched by
Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

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West Ham and Spurs target 'undergoing medical' ahead of free transfer to
West Brom
17:39 19 June 2014
London24

Former England defender Joleon Lescott is undergoing a medical ahead of a
proposed move to West Brom, according to reports. New Albion head coach Alan
Irvine confirmed on Wednesday the midlands outfit were in negotiations over
signing Lescott, who is out of contract this summer after five years with
Manchester City, and it appears the deal is now moving closer. The
31-year-old now looks set to become Irvine's first recruit since the Scot's
appointment as Baggies boss at the weekend. He worked previously with
Lescott during his time on the coaching staff at Everton. Irvine was the
Toffees' assistant manager when the centre-back joined them in 2006 from
Wolves - the club Lescott began his career at and West Brom's derby rivals.
Lescott has been linked with other Barclays Premier League sides, including
West Ham, Tottenham, Hull and Stoke, but it seems being reunited with Irvine
is what lies ahead for the Birmingham-born player. He made only 10
top-flight appearances for City in their title-winning campaign last term.

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Daily WHUFC News - 19th June 2014

Hammers complete Kouyate transfer
WHUFC.com
Senegal international Cheikhou Kouyate has signed for the Hammers for an
undisclosed fee
18.06.2014

West Ham United are delighted to confirm the transfer of Anderlecht
midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate for an undisclosed fee. The 24-year-old Senegal
international arrives from the Belgian champions on a four-year deal and
becomes the Hammers' second new addition of the summer, following the
signing of Argentine striker Mauro Zarate. The Hammers had to fight off
strong competition from clubs across Europe to land the services of Kouyate,
who possesses extensive UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League
experience from his time at Anderlecht. Kouyate is thrilled to have
completed his move to the Hammers, as he exclusively told West Ham TV: "I am
very happy, because today West Ham have given me the chance to play in the
Premier League. So I'm very happy to join such a club and that gives me
great pleasure. "I know a few players who were also at the club, [Carlos]
Tevez, Demba [Ba], Andy Carroll, who was obviously here last season. West
Ham are a team who are known and who are going to help me to progress. For
my part, I'm going to try to do great things here and try to improve further
still as a player. "That I'm here now is thanks to the manager, because he
went out of his way, leaving his holiday for me, so he has done everything
he could for me to join the club. He, my advisers and agents helped me make
the right decision and said West Ham was the ideal club for me, because as a
kid I dreamed of playing in the Premier League and now it's here that my
dream has been realised."

Joint-Chairman David Sullivan has welcomed Kouyate to the Club and believes
his capture is a good indicator of the direction the Club is heading in. "I
am absolutely delighted to have clinched the signing of Cheikhou after weeks
of tough negotiations that saw us beat off the challenge of some huge clubs
across Europe for his signature," Mr Sullivan said. "He comes with vast
experience at the top level - including the Champions League - despite being
only 24 and I am sure he will add valuable competition to places. "We are
determined to have a better season this year and this signing is a statement
of the direction the Club is heading in. We hope to have at least four more
signings in place by the time we kick-off against Tottenham on 16 August as
we aim for at least a top-ten finish this season."

Born in Dakar, Senegal, Kouyate moved to Europe at the age of 15 when FC
Brussels took him into their Academy and the 6'4 central midfielder's
breakthrough came in the 2007/08 campaign when he made ten first team
appearances in the Belgian top flight. He earned a move to Anderlecht in the
summer of 2008, quickly becoming a mainstay in the starting line-up. A first
Belgian title arrived in the 2009/10 season, and he added to his medal
collection as Anderlecht claimed the crown for the last three campaigns. In
Europe, Kouyate played a full role as Anderlecht reached the knockout stages
of the UEFA Europa League in 2009/10, 2010/11 and 2011/12, and the group
phase of the UEFA Champions League for the last two seasons.
Internationally, Kouyate is a teammate of Senegal captain Mo Diame. He has
been capped eleven times and represented his country at the 2012 London
Olympic Games.

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Kouyate - 'It's a dream come true'
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's new signing Cheikhou Kouyate is thrilled to have joined
the Club
18.06.2014

Cheikhou Kouyate cannot wait to get stuck in to his new challenge at West
Ham United after completing his transfer from Belgian champions Anderlecht
on Wednesday. The 24-year-old midfielder arrives on a four-year deal and he
admitted that the lure of showcasing his talents in the Barclays Premier
League presented him with an unmissable opportunity. Kouyate, capped eleven
times by Senegal, won the Belgian title in four of his six seasons, and is
now looking forward to testing himself at his new Club. He told West Ham TV:
"That I'm here now is thanks to the manager, because he convinced me. He, my
advisers and agents helped me make the right decision and said West Ham was
the ideal club for me, because as a kid I dreamed of playing in the Premier
League and now it's here that my dream has been realised. "Sam wanted me to
sign, first and foremost. He went out of his way, leaving his holiday for
me, so he has done everything he could for me to join the Club. He said all
that he needed to so that I joined the Club. Kouyate describes himself as an
athletic midfielder, and although he filled in at the back on occasion for
Anderlecht, he sees himself slotting into the Hammers' engine room. He
explained: "I'm big, quick and athletic, so a box-to-box midfielder. I'm a
midfielder, so [when playing] as a defender, it was only to fill in. Now
I've come to West Ham as a defensive midfielder, so I don't want to be
thought of as a defender."

Dakar-born Kouyate is already well-versed on his new Club and is determined
to help push them onto greater heights in 2014/15. He added: "The aim is to
try to do better than last season. Anything's possible in football, so we
want to rub shoulders with the big boys and really push them. "We mustn't
forget that a lot of work lies ahead, but I've come to bring all that I have
and to try to have a good season."

Kouyate represented his country at the 2012 London Olympic Games so has
already visited the Hammers' new home, and he cannot wait to step out on the
pitch there again. "I was there with the national team of Senegal for the
Olympic Games," he recalled. "It's fantastic that they're now going to make
it a football stadium. It's a good project, it shows that the Club is
ambitious and it bodes well for the future. "London's a great city and
West Ham is the Club that has allowed me to come to the Premier League. That
was my dream, my dream was to play in the Premier League. Now I have that
opportunity to show what I can do, to wear the colours of West Ham and I'm
honoured. "I'll see the supporters in a few weeks. I know they'll be there
in their numbers and the rest will unfold on the pitch!"

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Joint-Chairmen excited by opener
WHUFc.com
Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold react to West Ham United's
2014/15 fixture list
18.06.2014

Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold's excitement for the new season
has gone up another notch after the Barclays Premier League fixture list
presented a mouthwatering set of opening matches. The lifelong Hammers fans
will see their side kick-off with back-to-back London derbies, starting with
Tottenham Hotspur at home followed by a trip to last season's surprise
package, Crystal Palace. The next four home games cover the visits to the
Boleyn Ground of Southampton, Liverpool, Harry Redknapp's Queen's Park
Rangers and champions Manchester City, which all promise sell-out crowds and
electric atmospheres. "It is a tremendously exciting start to the new
season, with three of the first five home games against top-six sides from
last season," Joint-Chairman David Sullivan said. "Although they will
obviously not be easy, it probably isn't a bad time to be playing them as
some of their players might still have a World Cup hangover. Our squad
should be refreshed and recharged after a thorough pre-season so I'm
optimistic we can get off to a good start. The Hammers famously recorded
three consecutive victories against Spurs last season and will be presented
with the earliest possible chance to make it four on the spin on when they
travel to east London on 16 August. The north Londoners will have a new
manager in Mauricio Pochettino in the dugout and Mr Sullivan believes that
could also help the Hammers. "The three victories against Spurs were
undoubtedly the highlight of last season and I'm really pleased we've been
handed another fixture with them so early this season. "They will obviously
be fired up for the game after what happened last season and you can never
be sure how a team with a new manager in charge will start. It could be that
it takes some time for his new ideas to embed themselves in the team so
we've got to try to take advantage of any uncertainty they may have. "For
our part, we are aiming to have at least four more new signings in place by
that game so I am sure we will be an even tougher opponent for them than
last season."

The Hammers overcame Tottenham on the opening day of the 1999 season and
Joint-Chairman David Gold, feels there is no reason Sam Allardyce's side
cannot repeat that feat this time around. He said: "Despite us being in the
midst of the World Cup, the fixture list brings your thoughts back to the
Premier League. "Tottenham at home is an amazing first fixture. It'll be a
full house at the Boleyn Ground and I couldn't think of a better way to
kick-off the new season than playing Spurs at home."

Mr Gold also shares the same optimism about what the 2014/15 season could
bring West Ham United. With one high-profile signing of Mauro Zarate already
in the bag and more set to follow, the Joint-Chairman is looking forward to
seeing what the new signings can add to the squad. "The first game is always
exciting as it'll be the first time we can see our new faces in competitive
action. We'll undoubtedly have a stronger squad than last season, with the
exciting signing of Zarate along with another major signing we're hoping to
announce shortly. "We've looked at what went wrong last season and we've
acted upon it and with everyone fit and firing for the first game I'm
confident we've got a great season to look forward to."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spurs at home first up for Hammers
WHUFc.com
West Ham United's fixtures for the 2014/15 season have been released
18.06.2014

West Ham United will kick-off the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season
with a mouthwatering home London derby with Tottenham Hotspur. Fresh from
defeating the north Londoners three times in the 2013/14 season, Sam
Allardyce's side will start the new campaign by welcoming Mauricio
Pochettino's side to the Boleyn Ground on Saturday 16 August. The Hammers'
first away game will follow with a trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday 23
August before returning home on Saturday 30 August to play Southampton. Big
Sam's men will wrap up league matters on Sunday 24 May 2015, when they make
the long trek to Newcastle United. The Hammers take on reigning Barclays
Premier League champions Manchester City on Saturday 25 October (home) and
Saturday 18 April (away), while they host runners-up Liverpool on Saturday
September 20. The return match at Tottenham Hotspur will take place on
Saturday 21 February, while Jose Mourinho's Chelsea will form the Boxing Day
opposition at Stamford Bridge, while they visit E13 on Tuesday 3 March.
Premier League new boys Queens Park Rangers visit the Boleyn Ground on
Saturday 4 October, while the Hammers travel to Leicester City on Saturday 4
April and Burnley on Saturday 18 April. After Chelsea on Boxing Day, the
other traditional Christmas and New Year fixtures will see the Hammers face
Arsenal at home on Sunday 28 December and West Bromwich Albion at home on
New Year's Day. West Ham are one of 13 Barclays Premier League clubs who
will enter the Capital One Cup at the second round stage, with ties
scheduled to be played in the week commencing Monday 25 August. Please note
that all fixtures are subject to change, with broadcast selections through
to November due to be confirmed by Friday 4 July. All fixtures against teams
competing in the Europa League are subject to movement from Saturday to
Sunday, should they be playing on the preceding Thursday

Full list of fixtures (all subject to change)
Sat Aug 16 Tottenham Hotspur H
Sat Aug 23 Crystal Palace A
Sat Aug 30 Southampton H
Sat Sep 13 Hull City A
Sat Sep 20 Liverpool H
Sat Sep 27 Manchester United A
Sat Oct 4 Queens Park Rangers H
Sat Oct 18 Burnley A
Sat Oct 25 Manchester City H
Sat Nov 1 Stoke City A
Sat Nov 8 Aston Villa H
Sat Nov 22 Everton A
Sat Nov 29 Newcastle United H
Tue Dec 2 West Bromwich Albion A
Sat Dec 6 Swansea City H
Sat Dec 13 Sunderland A
Sat Dec 20 Leicester City H
Fri Dec 26 Chelsea A
Sun Dec 28 Arsenal H
Thu Jan 1 West Bromwich Albion H
Sat Jan 10 Swansea City A
Sat Jan 17 Hull City H
Sat Jan 31 Liverpool A
Sat Feb 7 Manchester United H
Tue Feb 10 Southampton A
Sat Feb 21 Tottenham Hotspur A
Sat Feb 28 Crystal Palace H
Tue Mar 3 Chelsea H
Sat Mar 14 Arsenal A
Sat Mar 21 Sunderland H
Sat Apr 4 Leicester City A
Sat Apr 11 Stoke City H
Sat Apr 18 Manchester City A
Sat Apr 25 Queens Park Rangers A
Sat May 2 Burnley H
Sat May 9 Aston Villa A
Sat May 16 Everton H
Sun May 24 Newcastle United A

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham: Cheikhou Kouyate joins from Anderlecht
BBC.co.uk

West Ham United have completed the signing of Senegalese midfielder Cheikhou
Kouyate on a four-year deal from Anderlecht. Kouyate, capped 11 times by
Senegal, moves to Upton Park for an undisclosed fee. He helped Anderlecht
win four league titles after joining them in 2008. "I am very happy because
today West Ham have given me the chance to play in the Premier League," said
the 24-year-old. "For my part, I'm going to try to do great things here and
try to improve further still as a player." Kouyate, who played for Senegal
against Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics, can also play in defence.
West Ham joint-chairman David Sullivan told the club website: "We hope to
have at least four more signings in place by the time we kick off against
Tottenham on 16 August as we aim for at least a top-10 finish." Kouyate is
the Hammers' second new addition of the summer, following Argentine striker
Mauro Zarate.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Senegal midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate signs for West Ham
BBC.co.uk

West Ham have completed the signing of Senegal midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate.
The 24-year-old joins from the Belgian champions Anderlecht on a four-year
deal for an undisclosed fee. "West Ham have given me the chance to play in
the Premier League, I am very happy. To join such a club gives me great
pleasure," he told West Ham TV. Kouyate played for Senegal at the London
2012 Olympics, coming on as a substitute against Great Britain in the 1-1
draw at Old Trafford. He has also won five full international caps and joins
the Hammers off the back of a season where he played 44 matches for
Anderlecht, including six Champions League appearances, and helped the club
secure a third consecutive Belgian title. Koutaye revealed he is eager to
step up to a new challenge and follow in the footsteps of players he
admires. "I know a few players who were also at the club - Carlos Tevez,
Demba Ba, Andy Carroll, who was obviously here last season. West Ham are a
team who are known and ho are going to help me to progress," he said. "For
my part, I am going to try to do great things here and try to improve
further still as a player. "That I am here now is thanks to the manager,
because he went out of his way, leaving his holiday for me, so he has done
everything he could for me to join the club. "He, my advisers and agents
helped me make the right decision and said West Ham was the ideal club for
me, because as a kid I dreamed of playing in the Premier League and now it
is here that my dream has been realised."

Kouate's arrival follows that of Argentina striker Mauro Zarate, who joined
on a three-year contract from Velez Sarsfield at the end of May. And West
Ham co-chairman David Sullivan revealed more additions are likely. "We hope
to have at least four more signings in place by the time we kick-off against
Tottenham on 16 August as we aim for at least a top-10 finish this season,"
he said.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cheikhou Kouyate joins West Ham on four-year deal from Anderlecht
Last Updated: 18/06/14 1:38pm
SSN

West Ham have completed the signing of midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate from
Anderlecht on a four-year deal. The Senegal international joins for an
undisclosed fee and becomes the club's second summer signing following the
recent arrival of Argentine striker Mauro Zarate. A number of clubs were
thought to be tracking the 24-year-old, but he was impressed with the
perseverance of Sam Allardyce, who cut short his holiday to complete the
deal. Kouyate, who has played in the Champions League with the Belgian
champions, told the club's official website: "I am very happy, because today
West Ham have given me the chance to play in the Premier League. So I'm very
happy to join such a club and that gives me great pleasure. "That I'm here
now is thanks to the manager, because he went out of his way, leaving his
holiday for me, so he has done everything he could for me to join the club."
"I know a few players who were also at the club, [Carlos] Tevez, Demba [Ba],
Andy Carroll, who was obviously here last season. "West Ham are a team who
are known and who are going to help me to progress. For my part, I'm going
to try to do great things here and try to improve further still as a player.
"That I'm here now is thanks to the manager, because he went out of his way,
leaving his holiday for me, so he has done everything he could for me to
join the club. "He, my advisers and agents helped me make the right decision
and said West Ham was the ideal club for me, because as a kid I dreamed of
playing in the Premier League and now it's here that my dream has been
realised."

Joint-chairman David Sullivan believes this latest arrival proves the club
are serious about launching an assault on the top half of the Premier League
after the struggles of last season. He hopes for at least four more recruits
during the summer before the opening game against Tottenham at Upton Park.
"I am absolutely delighted to have clinched the signing of Cheikhou after
weeks of tough negotiations that saw us beat off the challenge of some huge
clubs across Europe for his signature," said Sullivan. "He comes with vast
experience at the top level - including the Champions League - despite being
only 24 and I am sure he will add valuable competition to places. "We are
determined to have a better season this year and this signing is a statement
of the direction the club is heading in. "We hope to have at least four more
signings in place by the time we kick-off against Tottenham on 16 August as
we aim for at least a top-ten finish this season."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham must aim for top-six finish, says co-owner David Sullivan
Last Updated: 18/06/14 12:15pm
SSN

David Sullivan insists breaking into the Premier League top six must be West
Ham's ambition and believes the appointment of Teddy Sheringham is a signal
of their intent. After last season saw manager Sam Allardyce come in for
criticism over the team's style of play, West Ham have recruited former
striker Sheringham in a bid to provide the attacking brand of football the
Upton Park faithful crave. Hammers fans were dismayed by Allardyce's
tactical approach but despite the unrest, Sullivan, co-owner David Gold and
vice-chairman Karren Brady opted to back their manager. Sullivan believes
offering such support to Allardyce quashes suggestions the club are dictated
to by opinions from the terraces. "I don't think we have undermined Sam at
all. We've been very honest with him. He is in the last year of his contract
and he knows we have to have a better performance because the fans won't
stand for it otherwise." "It's quite the opposite," he told the Daily
Mirror. "They voted 80-20 per cent to sack the manager. We didn't sack the
manager." West Ham get their 2014/15 campaign underway on August 16 as
London rivals Tottenham visit Upton Park and Sullivan admits the fans are
right to be ambitious.

Not acceptable

"You can't just look to stay up," he said. "It is not acceptable to our
supporters to say, 'We've survived. We've had a very good campaign'. "We are
not Norwich. We are not Fulham. We are not Reading. We are West Ham United.
"Our supporters are realistic. They know it is a huge and difficult task to
break into the top six. But we must be aiming for that, even if we don't
achieve it." Sullivan believes the addition of former England forward
Sheringham to the coaching staff will prove influential, but denies
suggestions the appointment undermined Allardyce. "We had a lot of people
approach us to become our attacking coach and Sam picked the one he wanted,"
he added. "Yes, we suggested the idea, but Sam liked it. "We didn't
undermine him at all. I think he has analysed the performance of the team
last year and agreed that we would like to score more goals. It was a
weakness of the team and he has brought in an expert to try and improve
that. "Teddy has played at the highest level. If you combine his game
intelligence with the level he has played at, I do not believe that he won't
improve our attacking ideas, whether it is the way we take our corners, our
free-kicks, or just our overall strategy. "I believe we will be a better
team for having him as part of our management set-up."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Leyton Orient warn rivals off Moses Odubajo
Last Updated: 18/06/14 12:10pm
SSN

Barry Hearn has warned those monitoring Moses Odubajo that it will require
'a king's ransom' to lure him away from Leyton Orient. The 20-year-old
winger is a product of Orient's academy system and they have carefully
nurtured him into a first-team star following loan spells at St Albans,
Sutton United and Bishops Stortford earlier in his career. The youngster has
been handed a senior stage on which to shine in the last two seasons, and
has offered a sizeable return on that show of faith. The 2013/14 campaign
saw him score 12 times in all competitions, including a spectacular strike
in the League One play-off final defeat to Rotherham United. His efforts
have not gone unnoticed, with Premier League interest reported to have been
sparked. Tottenham Hotspur reportedly enquired as to Odubajo's availability
in January, and remain keen, while West Ham United are also claimed to be
plotting a raid on their capital rivals. Orient have no intention of
selling, though, with Hearn eager to ensure that a successful side is not
allowed to be broken up by the poaching of top talent. He said in The Sun:
"Moses is the best player to come out of Orient in generations. "It would
take a king's ransom to get him out of the club."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
NEW SIGNING STATS: CHEIKHOU KOUYATÉ
By Tom Aldworth 18 Jun 2014 at 19:21
West Ham Till I Die

Cheikhou Kouyaté
DOB: 21/12/1989
Age: 24
Position: Defender/Midfielder

Previous Club: R.S.C. Anderlecht
Previous Division: Belgian Jupiler League

Transfer Date: 18/06/2014
Reported Fee: £7.2m

Analysis
In a move that feels like it's rumbled on for eternity, Cheikhou Kouyaté has
finally completed his move to West Ham United from R.S.C. Anderlecht. The
highly rated Senegal defender/midfielder joins for a reported fee of around
£7.2m, and is the clubs second signing after the arrival of Mauro Zárate at
the end of May.

So what do we know about the new arrival? A quick google search will tell
you that both Arsenal and Liverpool were linked with the 24 year old just a
few months back, and we know that Valencia were interested too. By all
accounts, this is a bit of a coup for the Irons.

Head to West Ham United Stats for my full analysis of the new man, including
a comparison with his new team mates, and a look at some of his strengths .

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WILL THE POLICY TOWARDS OUR YOUNGSTERS CHANGE NEXT SEASON?
By S J Chandos 18 Jun 2014 at 13:00
West Ham Till I Die

I think it is fair to say that it has not been a great recent period in the
illustrious history of West Ham's Academy. The legendary production line
seems to have developed a mechanical fault of late. But is this down to the
quality of our recent crops of youngsters or is it also related to a deficit
of belief in the value of promoting youth?
We have recently seen Jordan Spence's failure to make the grade at the club
and that followed the departure of such formerly rated prospects as Sears,
Hines and Stanislas. Maybe recent crops of talent have not excelled like Rio
Ferdinand, Joe Cole and Micheal Carrick, but did they get anything like the
opportunities that those famous Academy graduates enjoyed? And would
Ferdinand and co have become the same players without those early first team
opportunities?

It is all very well issuing blanket verdicts that: they are just not good
enough, if they were they would be playing! Of course they have to reach a
certain standard to get in the first team frame. The question is whether,
having attained the required standard, they are then getting a 'fair crack
of the whip.' Few prospects, if any, emerge from the youth/Development Squad
100% equipped for first team football. I remember Joe Cole's first team
debut and, although bursting with tricks and neats touches, he still had a
considerable way to go before becoming anything like the finished article.
And he progressed by playing regularly in the first team, not by
disappearing back in to the youth/reserve team. Similiarly, both Rio
Ferdinand and Frank Lampard Jnr developed their game in the first team, not
out on loan nor in the reserves. Again, both had some areas for improvement
and they worked on their game week in/week out alongside seasoned
professionals. A major difference is that the club in that era seemed to
accept that first team opportunities were both a learning curve and key to
the ongoing development of young players. But it seems that today, in the
present high stakes world of Premier League football, it is far too risky to
play 'kids.' If that is so, what does that say about what English football
is becoming and, indeed, where it is going. Moreover, what does it mean for
the future of West Ham's famous Academy?

Putting youngsters out on loan can be an important part of their
development. But they must be the correct loan deals, which actively support
their learning and development. To me, it seems that many are put out in the
vague hope that the experience might result in something 'clicking' for the
players in question. Is it likely that a youngster will return from a month
on loan, to say non-league Luton Town, suddenly transformed and ready to
challenge for a first team place? Of course not. Too many recent youngsters
have stalled in their development, as they have stagnated in the U-21 squad
and/or moved from one aimless loan deal to another. All of which has
resulted in fustrated potential, the exit door and an eventual lower league
move to the likes of Colchester or Dagenham & Redbridge. This is a
depressing pattern that has become all too familiar in recent seasons.

You can constantly deploy the: they are not ready/done enough to impress
argument. But the fact is we currently have a group of three youngsters who
are close to making a break through. All three have had at least a taste of
first team football and would surely benefit from further exposure. Those
youngsters are Potts, Chambers, and Elliott Lee. Next season, will they be a
part of the first team squad, train at that level and be used (at least
sparingly) from the bench? Or will they be put out on perpetual loan and/or
stagnate in the Development Squad? They are at a stage where they need to be
tested and learn alongside first team regulars. Yes, there is a element of
risk, but when has there never been risk attached to playing youngsters. The
important thing is to manage it. rather than becoming totally risk adverse.
That's why Ted Fenton consulted with his Captain, Noel Cantwell, before
selecting Bobby Moore for the home match Vs Man Utd in 1958-59. And please
do not tell me that the inclusion of Moore was 'risk free' at that very
early stage of his career. You only have to look at Moore's next game Vs
Notts Forrest to see that he did not have a completely smooth transition to
first team football. But he got his chance, learnt, progressed and realised
his exceptional potential with the help of experienced defenders like John
Bond and Noel Cantwell. It is the same story with Geoff Hurst. It has to be
acknowledged that (apart from Ron Greenwood) the single biggest influence on
Hurst's development as a striker was Johnny Byrne. Hurst learnt many of the
more sophisticated tools of the striker's trade from the 'English Di
Stefano' and it was key in his subsequent development in to a world class
centre forward.

So, the contention is that youngsters need planned first team exposure and
benefit from the guidance of experienced professionals. Is that currently
happening at West Ham? As an outside observer, I am not convinced that it
is. Indeed, nothing could be further removed from it than the 'sacrifice of
the lambs' horror show that we witnessed last season at Notts Forrest. There
has been much talk of changing our style of play next season. But will there
also be a change of policy next season towards our youngsters? Will Potts,
Chambers and Lee (and perhaps others) get more first team exposure as a
result? Because at the end of the day, the fate of this talented trio next
season could well be an indicator of the future of the Academy as a whole.

Obviously, the club need to operate successfully in the transfer market and
bring quality players to the club. There is no bone of contention there. But
ideally that should be but half of the strategy. The other half, at a club
of West Ham's proud traditions, should be about producing and bringing
through our own talent. And there needs to be a successful synthesis, where
the youngsters thrive by training, playing alongside and learning from high
quality acquisitions. Much as the likes of Joe Cole once learnt from players
of the quality of Eyal Berkavic and Paolo Di Canio. Arguably that is the
trick for West Ham going forward, to get that synthesis right. That is the
challenge and the balance that must be struck. The future of the Academy and
this crucial aspect of the club's identity/heritage may well depend on it.

ps. It appears that West Ham do have an outstanding Rio Ferdinand type
starlet coming through its Academy ranks. He name is Reece Oxford, a 15 year
old, 6ft 3 inch, ball playing centre back, who played for the U-18s last
season and has allegedly already trained with the first team. And it has
been suggested that Oxford is so highly thought of that his development
could be further fast tracked next season. Could this be an example of
exactly what I have argued for in the above article. Possibly, yes, perhaps
the club's recent conservatism on blooding youngsters will be thrown aside
in the face of Oxford's outstanding promise and he will break through in to
the first team within a season or two. The problem is that such is his
reputation that both Arsenal and Chelsea are allegedly seeking to steal the
youngster from West Ham's grasp. Will they succeed? Possibly not, but our
recent declining record on youth development may not help our cause.
Hopefully, the saving grace will be that Oxford will realise that he still
has a better over all chance of progressing at West Ham. But that is
probably not nearly as clear cut as it once was. So, it is important that we
value the Academy and continue our long standing reputation for positively
and genuinely promoting youth development. A line in the sand needs to be
drawn on this issue, in addition to the others addressed just recently.

SJ. Chandos.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
REPORTS EMERGE THAT ALONSO IS TO ARRIVE IN A £1.5M DEAL, AS THE PL FIXTURES
ARE ANNOUNCED AT 9AM TODAY!
By S J Chandos 18 Jun 2014 at 07:30
West Ham Till I Die

We know that West Ham have prioritised left-back as a key position that
requires addressing in the summer transfer window. There have been reports
that the club have been holding concurrent talks with up to four possible
left-back targets. The best known of these is Norwich City's Martin Olsson.
However, latterly, another name has come in to the frame, Fiorentina's
Marcos Alonso. West Ham will recall Alonso on loan at Sunderland last season
and him turning in some useful performances. The Black Cats are seeking a
permanent deal for the player, but it appears West Ham could be looking to
guzump them.

Indeed, the Mirror Sports are reporting that the Hammers are close to
agreeing a bargain £1.5m deal for Alonso's services, which represents very
good value for money. It appears negotations with the player may be at an
advanced stage and, all things being equal, a deal could be concluded sooner
rather than later. It has been suggested that West Ham switched their
attentions to Alonso after being priced out of a deal for Nice's Timothee
Kolodziejczak.

The Sports Mirror's Darren Lewis has also published an interview with David
Sullivan. In it, our co-owner confirms that Sam Allardyce was fully
supportive of the idea of appointing an attacking coach and Teddy Sheringham
was the manager's choice; that a club like West Ham must have higher
ambitions than just staying up and Hammers fans expect a concerted effort to
break in to the top six, even if they do not actually achieve it next
season; and Sam Allardyce knows that improvement is needed on the last
campaign and the Hammers fans will not stand for a repeat. Finally, Mr
Sullivan refutes the suggestion that the board are being overly dictated to
by fans opinion. In fact, in response and by way of a rebuttal, he makes the
point that the fans voted by c.80% to 20% in a poll to sack the manager, but
the board chose not go down that road.

The club have not yet announced the deal officially, but a number of sources
are reporting that the club have sealed a deal for Anderlecht's Chiekou
Kouyate on a 4 year contract. The reports state that West Ham beat off
competition from a couple of Spanish clubs (thought to be Valencia and
Seville) to secure the player for a fee of c£7m. If true, and there are
conflicting views on this, it is excellent news for the club. The Senegal
international is a towering 6ft 4 inch dynamo, who can operate both at
centre-back and as a defensive midfielder. I personally hope that he gets
the chance to play as a defensive midfielder, alongside Mark Noble. Whilst
fans naturally respond best to the signing of players with silky, creative
attacking skills, others who are powerful, industrious and facilitate the
attacking play are equally as important within a team context. Think of
players like Neill Orr in the 1985-86 team, who oiled the wheels of the
team, won the ball and created the space for the Devonshires, Dickens,
Cottees and McAvennies to attack the opposition. In that, and other key
respects (he is a good passer of the ball and keeps possession well),
Kouyate can be a major player for West Ham and a great addition for next
season. Yes, fans are probably still looking to add another flair player or
two, but that is no reason to under-value the significance of this deal. In
fact, Kouyate can compliment those type of players and help them to maximise
their performance.

Talking of players who are on the more creative end of the playing spectrum,
it has been reported by some sources that West Ham might make a move for
Newcastle Utd's midfielder, Hatem Ben Arfa. Ben Arfa is thought to be
unhappy at St James Park and nurtures ambitions to move to another Premier
League side. He could even be available for a £5m fee, which is good value
for money in the current market. However, there is likely to be fierce
competition for his signature, with Spurs, Everton, Monaco and Dortmund all
supposedly with an active interest in acquiring the player. On the subject
of the bar codes, it appears that Alan Pardew is in talks to sign Hertha
Berlin striker, Pierre-Michel Lassoga in a c.7m deal. Lassoga spent last
season on loan at Hamburg and was prolific, scoring 13 goals in 20 matches.
At 22 years of age, he seems a good prospect, although he did have some
persistant injury problems earlier in his career. West Ham were linked with
him at one point, and if they are still interested they need to get a move
on, because Newcastle utd appear to have stole a march in signing him.

While the attention is naturally on incoming deals, there are some key
players who entering the final year of existing contracts. This includes
Winston Reid, Ravel Morrison and Mo Diame. The outcome of negotiations will
be of equal interest to Hammers fans. Surely some progress/outcomes will be
reported soon?

Finally, the 2014-15 Premier League fixtures are due to be announced at 9am
today. The rumour is that we have drawn an opening, away day, fixture at
Hull City. We will see soon enough whether that is true. What other key
fixtures are fans looking out for? How kindly or otherwise will the fixtures
treat us in the various phases of the forthcoming season? All will be duly
revealed this morning!

SJ. Chandos.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham transfer plan is FOUR more signings on top of newcomers Kouyate and
Zarate
Jun 18, 2014 20:15 By Darren Lewis
Ecuador World Cup winger Jefferson Montero is being eyed to join the Senegal
midfielder and the Argentine striker at Upton Park
The Mirror

Sam Allardyce wants another FOUR signings after making £7million Anderlecht
star Cheikhou Kouyate West Ham's second capture of the summer. The powerful
24-year-old – capped five times for Senegal – has signed a ­four-year deal
at Upton Park, with a two-year option. The Hammers beat off competition from
Spanish club Valencia to land the midfielder, who can also play in central
defence. Kouyate's signing follows that of Argentine striker Mauro Zarate
late last month. "I am very happy to join such a club as West Ham," said
Kouyate, who will link up with Mo Diame in midfield. "That I'm here now is
thanks to the manager, because he went out of his way, leaving his holiday
for me, so he has done everything he could for me to join the club." Also in
West Ham's sights is Ecuadorian winger Jefferson Montero. The 24-year-old,
who is playing at the World Cup, is looking to move from Mexican club
Monarcas.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce wants four more signings after £7million move
for Chiekou Kouyate
Jun 18, 2014 13:44 By Darren Lewis
The Hammers boss has his eye on a big summer of strengthening as he looks
towards the top 10 next season
The Mirror

Sam Allardyce wants another four signings after making £7million Anderlecht
star Cheikou Kouyate his second capture of the summer. The powerful
24-year-old - capped five times for Senegal - has signed a four-year deal at
Upton Park with a two year option. West Ham have beaten off competition from
Spanish club Valencia to land the midfielder who can also play in central
defence. Kouyate, who had a medical on Tuesday, has made 145 appearances for
Anderlecht in the Belgian league after signing from Brussels in 2008. "I am
very happy, because today West Ham have given me the chance to play in the
Premier League," explained Kouyate. "So I'm very happy to join such a club
and that gives me great pleasure. "I know a few players who were also at the
club, [Carlos] Tevez, Demba [Ba], Andy Carroll, who was obviously here last
season. West Ham are a team who are known and who are going to help me to
progress. For my part, I'm going to try to do great things here and try to
improve further still as a player. "That I'm here now is thanks to the
manager, because he went out of his way, leaving his holiday for me, so he
has done everything he could for me to join the club. "He, my advisers and
agents helped me make the right decision and said West Ham was the ideal
club for me, because as a kid I dreamed of playing in the Premier League and
now it's here that my dream has been realised." He is now set to form a
formidable partnership in central midfield with Mohamed Diame for the
Hammers. Also in West Ham's sights is Ecuadorian winger Jefferson Montero.
The speedy left-winger, 24, is currently playing for his country at the
World Cup. Although he has impressed for Monarcas in Mexico, Montero - whose
contract expires next summer - is keen to move to the Premier League.

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West Ham linked with 35-goal Argentine striker - Three questions
HITC

West Ham are said to be weighing up a bid for Catania forward Gonzalo
Bergessio as the club's transfer market campaign hits top gear. The Hammers
have already wrapped up the signings of striker Mauro Zarate from Velez
Sarsfield and versatile midfielder Cheikou Kouyate from Anderlecht. Manager
Sam Allardyce is said to want four other new additions on top of the pair,
and so it looks as if the London outfit will continue to be active over the
course of the summer. Catania's Gonzalo Bergessio is the latest man linked
with an Upton Park switch, with TuttoMercatoWeb claiming contact has been
made with the Argentine. Following are three questions posed by West Ham's
reported interest in securing Bergessio's services.

What can he offer the Hammers?

Bergessio primarily has played centrally in a trident attack during his
three plus years at Catania, flanked by pacy wingers such as Pablo
Barrientos and Alejandro Gomez. Though the Argentine is solid with the ball
at his feet, he's most comfortable receiving the ball in the penalty area
and turning to pick his spot with a shot on goal. Despite his relatively
modest stature - 5 foot 10 - Bergessio has a good leap and can also be a
threat in the air with adequate service from wide areas. For the past two
seasons the 29-year-old has finished as Catania's top scorer in Serie A,
having netted 35 goals in 109 career appearances in the Italian top flight.

Would his signing signal a change in Sam Allardyce's tactics?

Allardyce has reportedly been pressured by the West Ham hierarchy to adjust
his typically direct style of play and offer a more entertaining brand of
football next term. The capture of the tricky Zarate seemed to be an effort
to move the side in this direction, but it's debatable if signing Bergessio
would also be a move in this direction. It's possible that the Argentine
would be used as a direct back up for Andy Carroll, with Zarate playing a
more creative role in the side.
Injuries decimated West Ham's attacking ranks for long periods last season,
and Allardyce will be determined to have adequate cover this time around to
avoid a similar situation.

How much would Bergessio cost?

Catania's calamitous relegation from Serie A means the club will need to
sell several of their best players this summer, with Bergessio a likely
candidate to leave. The Argentine is valued at £5 million by Transfermarkt,
but it's likely the Sicilian outfit would accept an offer closer to £3
million given their precarious financial position at the moment. Bergessio's
salary at the Stadio Angelo Massimino is reportedly in the region of £10,000
per week, so signing him wouldn't have a drastic impact on West Ham's wage
bill.

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Alonso deal may hit Irons wage hitch
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 18, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham are hoping they can organise a sensible wage deal with Spanish left
back Marcos Alonso as they bid to solve their problem position. The cash
conscious Hammers are keeping a tight grip on their wage bill but are ready
to discuss terms with the player. The board have regularly made it clear the
need to hold down their wage bill and that could scupper a deal for the
player who has now had spells at Bolton and on loan at Sunderland last
season. The Hammers have no problem with a £1.5 million fee and Alonso is
ready to quit Fiorentina for London. He enjoyed an impressive spell on loan
at Sunderland last season and is believed to be looking for a deal in the
region of £40k a week. A Hammers source told ClaretandHugh: "There's no
problem with the transfer fee but it's in the wages area that the problems
arise so it's all very much in the balance."

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Anderlecht mark our cards: Kouyate for midfield!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 18, 2014 in Whispers
Calret & Hugh

Hammers new boy Cheikhou Kouyaté has been bought as a powerful midfield
presence to play alongside Mark Noble. Billed as a central defender it seems
however, that Winston Reid, James Collins and James Tomkins shouldn't be in
fear of their places. ClaretandHugh has today been talking to Anderlecht
club sources who have told us that our £7 million has bought a guy who is
far better in the middle of the park than at the back. One said: "He's prone
to the odd defensive error but he can certainly play back there. However, in
the middle he's a seriously effective player. "We'd be surprised if he's not
used there primarily because I think it's reasonable to say that's where
he's really been at his best for Anderlecht." Another told us: "He was a
massive part of the team that won the Belgium Pro League last season
through the play offs where he scored his only goal of the season." The
signing appears to suggest that Mohamed Diame will be under real pressure
this season after complaining regularly to the media he wants a top four
club. Co-chairman David Gold – talking about the new signing to
ClaretandHugh – explained: "We have bought a very good player who can
perform in the middle and at the back. "Our policy is to get pressure in all
positions and in Cheikhou we have a very versatile performer at a brilliant
price."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sullivan exclusive: Top club came late for Kouyate
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 18, 2014 in Whispers
Claret * Hugh

West Ham supremo David Sullivan has admitted that late interest in the
club's £7 million signing Cheikhou Kouyaté had threatened to derail the
Irons big summer deal. Speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh he declared:
"Another top club came in on Monday for the player, but I don't think its
right that we name the club." The club believed they had the player under
lock and key until then and were left clinging onto their hopes whilst the
European outfit negotiated with Kayoute's club Anderlecht. But eventually
the player's strength of character overcame the obstacles and Sullivan
revealed: "The main reason this deal was done was the player wanted to play
for us and held firm. "It was a very tough deal to complete. The price just
kept going up. It's been going on for three weeks."

Sullivan revealed that the player had first come to the club's attention
whilst manager Sam Allardyce had gone to watch a striker at an Anderlecht
match.
He said: "He went to watch a striker but this player caught his attention.
We then did a lot of research and we believe he has a good chance of being a
top player. "Now We expect to sign the or four more but it's all about who
is value for money.

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Hit, miss or maybe: West Ham's 2014-15 fixtures rated month by month
Wednesday 18 Jun 2014 6:18 pm
Metro.co.uk

West Ham's fixtures rated month by month

The World Cup in Brazil has served up an impressive diet of spicy exotic
fare so far (ok maybe not Iran v Nigeria) but fans will have had an extra
spring in their step on Wednesday morning at the thought of attention
returning to the meat and potatoes of domestic football. Next season's
fixtures are out – and for West Ham fans, they make for pretty good reading.

In a competition where everyone plays one another an equal number of times
(mercifully the absurd 39th game idea seems to have died a deserved death)
obviously there is no such thing as a good draw. The best you can hope for
is for an even spread of the toughest games – and that is what West Ham seem
to have.

August: Tottenham (H), Crystal Palace (A), Southampton (H).

Dust off your t-shirts, look who's back! The Tottenham three-peat was the
highlight of last season, with victory in the final home game over our
nearest and dearest securing Premier League survival. A repeat would be the
perfect start. HIT

September: Hull (A), Liverpool (H), Man Utd (A).

After a steady start, the Liverpool/United combo poses the first major
challenge. Louis van Gaal will ensure are United a completely different
prospect to last season. Could be nasty. MISS

October: QPR (H), Burnley (A), Man City (H).

The return of Harry Redknapp and West Ham Reunited will be eagerly
anticipated. Will Ravel Morrison feature – and who for? Anything taken off
City is an improvement on last season's horrors. MAYBE

November: Stoke (A), Aston Villa (H), Everton (A), Newcastle (H).

By now the season's shape should be clear, so this is a decent run to have
at this time, although the two away games are particularly difficult. MAYBE

December: West Brom (A), Swansea (H), Sunderland (A), Leicester (H), Chelsea
(A), Arsenal (H).

Enjoy the run-up to Christmas, as there could be a nasty hangover
afterwards. Two particularly hard derbies to end 2014. HIT/MISS

January: West Brom (H), Swansea (A), Hull (H), Liverpool (A).

January 2014 was the darkest point of a miserable season, but January 2015
looks better – although Cup matches could change all that. HIT

February: Man Utd (H), Southampton (A), Tottenham (A), Crystal Palace (H).

Liverpool and Manchester United back to back again. That could set things
back, but otherwise the opposition is not too scary. MAYBE

March: Chelsea (H), Arsenal (A), Sunderland (H).

Ouch. There had to be one duff month – this is it. Four points from this
would be a decent return. MISS

April: Leicester (A), Stoke (H), Man City (A), QPR (A).

After last season's horrors it is a relief to have to wait this long to
return to the Etihad Stadium. Otherwise, there are points for the taking.
HIT

May: Burnley (H), Aston Villa (A), Everton (H), Newcastle (A).

And we're done – again. A twist in the tail though, as Everton are always
stingy and Newcastle can be one of the most daunting places to visit in the
country. MAYBE

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Badge of convenience
Kumb.COM
Filed: Wednesday, 18th June 2014
By: Paul Walker

It's getting serious now. We are going to get a new badge, somehow, some
way, because that is clearly what our owners and board want.

Yes, I know we are being asked for our opinions and we are being told that
no change will take place without a strong consensus, but deep down--I am
sure you all agree--the times (and badge) are a'changing!

When the idea was first suggested, my initial gut reaction was to say 'no
way'. So much of our legacy is about to be changed by the move to Stratford,
so much history, that my initial feeling was to say 'just leave us alone'.

And that is sad, because there is such a cynical view these days about club
owners, not just ours, that we don't believe a word anyone says anymore,
instinctively. Modern society dictates that, I suppose; everyone is under
such scrutiny, so much of what we are told is doubted.

Sadly, the gulf between the fans and the owners is vast. In fact it is more
acrimonious than I can remember in all my years of following the Irons. Some
of the abuse that has flooded fans' sites since the consultation was
announced is seriously bitter and twisted.

While our board have clearly impressed on big Sam to make more of an effort
to get along with the us, maybe the board need to look at themselves as well
because their image could do with a make-over, too.

So, after dismissing the badge change idea out of hand I took a more
considered view, and I can certainly understand the need for a fresh
approach to broaden the appeal of the club. And after some interesting
research, frankly I cannot find any sort of badge that you could claim was
definitive.

It has been a badge of convenience for so long, changing with each kit
contract or cup final. And it has not changed significantly since 1999, with
most clubs regularly changing their badges to allow them to trademark them
and see off the fakers and forgers.

The badge has gone through a multitude of changes over the decades,
virtually everything has been tried, some with far less success than others.
The fuss from fans now seems to revolve around the retention of the Boleyn
castle, which to my mind has always looked like a cartoon or a Camelot theme
park logo. And as for the yellow (I know people say it is gold, but to me it
just looks yellow), where did that come from?

There is not a hint of yellow/gold anywhere in our history, right back to
the Thames Ironworks. And for the first half of the last century, there was
not a hint of any sort of castle in our badge.

The first castle in the badge I can find, dates back to the famed '64 and
'65 cup finals at Wembley, where a white castle appeared on the shirts for
the first time for the FA Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup triumphs. The
yellow/gold only came into use in the first Adidas era, starting around 1980
to '83, and then again from '85 to '87.

Even then the castle reverted to sky blue right up until 1995, and we have
had it ever since. Now this is just a personal view, but I hate yellow. It's
an insipid, weak, flimsy colour. I am tempted to say 'girlie' but you are
not allowed to say such things these days.

So if the yellow disappeared, along with the Camelot castle, I wouldn't be
that bothered. If the consultation came up with a decision to revert to a
strong image of crossed Hammers, blue, with a plain claret background, I'd
be happy with that. In fact, it would be more traditional to our history
than anything we have seen since 1995.

The Thames Ironworks badge, on a dark blue shirt,, was a Union Jack. Our
then founder Arnold Hills was a great patriot. And from the foundation of
West Ham United in 1900 to the first FA Cup Final season of 1923, there
wasn't a badge on our shirts.

For that final, a simple white crest had claret crossed hammers, and claret
trim. But that, too, disappeared until the 1950s. Even the 1940 War Cup
Final shirt had no badge on it.


It's amazing what you can find on YouTube when you start looking, and
there's some lovely footage of that final, when Sam Small scored the winner.
It reminded me of a time when I was working in Birmingham, that I sought out
Sammy--a born and bred Brummie--for a interview about that final. He was a
lovely, humble man who was amazed anyone still bothered about his day of
glory.

He passed away at 81 in 1993 a real Hammers hero, having scored the winner
in front of a 42,000 crowd at Wembley with a 6.30pm kick-off to avoid the
bombing. Mind you, TV makes us have a 6.15pm kick off these days for the Cup
Final, and there's not a hint of the Luftwaffe to be seen, just advertising
driven TV execs.

Anyway, back to the badges. From 1950 a blue square with claret hammers
appeared on our shirts. It became a shield in '52 and a square and a shield
in '54. Then from '58 to '60 we had the iconic V-necked shirt with blue
shield and crossed claret hammers that Bobby Moore first wore.

Up until '64 the square badge was worn, but after that flirtation with the
white castle again there was no badge from '67 to '75.. The white castle
re-appeared for the '75 Cup Final shirt, and then came the remarkable deep
V-yoke with claret strips for the ECWC Final defeat by Anderlecht in '76.
That shirt had a castle too.

The 1980 Cup Final shirt had a claret castle with thin sky blue crossed
hammers, and there was no further hint of a castle from then to '85.

Ok, so the point I am trying to make, somewhat long-windedly I accept, is
that the castle is not a significant image of our history in terms of the
club badge. The important stuff is the claret and blue, plus the crossed
hammers.

If you watch the club's on-line presentation about the badge consultation,
and gloss over all the guff about trying to prove they understand our
heritage and have someone doing the design who has been a season ticket
holder for 30 years, you get the sense that the club would like to have a
plain and simple badge with the club's name and London 1895 on it somewhere.

They make the point, again, that the club's name will not be changed (over
my dead body I hear you all say) and that must be the case because the boy
Jack in his little twerps, sorry tweets, says so!

Now the bit about incorporating London into the badge. That doesn't bother
me much as our new ground will be closer to the City than Arsenal, Spurs,
Chelsea, Crystal Palace, QPR or Fulham. And it would get right up the noses
of our rivals if we stole a march on them.

It reminded me of something Craig Bellamy said in his autobiography. Craig
can be a stroppy little so-and-so with some seriously dodgy mates, but he
never gave less than 110 per cent in a West Ham shirt.

He admitted that when he joined us he did not realise how big a club we
were, or the size of our fan base, and the fact that "West Ham is really
London's club". Exactly. The City skyline will be a stunning backdrop to our
new stadium, like it or not, and we are more to do with the essence of being
Londoners than those muppets from White Hart Lane.

Back in the old days, the docks went right to the walls of the Tower, and
West Ham were very much the club of the City.

So, having initially dismissed any change in a rather luddite approach, I am
prepared to see what the club come up with. Anything would be better than a
toytown yellow castle, with very, very dubious links to Anne Boleyn. In
fact, I believe she had lost her head before the place was even built.

What we must not do is lose our heads every time our wonderful owners come
up with a scheme for something or other. They may well be Del Boy, Rodney
and Torygirl, but they are not all bad... are they?

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Daily WHUFC News - Fixtures 2014-2015

Spurs at home first up for Hammers
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's fixtures for the 2014/15 season have been released
18.06.2014

West Ham United will kick-off the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season
with a mouthwatering home London derby with Tottenham Hotspur. Fresh from
defeating the north Londoners three times in the 2013/14 season, Sam
Allardyce's side will start the new campaign by welcoming Mauricio
Pochettino's side to the Boleyn Ground on Saturday 16 August. The Hammers'
first away game will follow with a trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday 23
August before returning home on Saturday 30 August to play Southampton. Big
Sam's men will wrap up league matters on Sunday 24 May 2015, when they make
the long trek to Newcastle United. The Hammers take on reigning Barclays
Premier League champions Manchester City on Saturday 25 October (home) and
Saturday 18 April (away), while they host runners-up Liverpool on Saturday
September 20. The return match at Tottenham Hotspur will take place on
Saturday 21 February, while Jose Mourinho's Chelsea will form the Boxing Day
opposition at Stamford Bridge, while they visit E13 on Tuesday 3 March.

Premier League new boys Queens Park Rangers visit the Boleyn Ground on
Saturday 4 October, while the Hammers travel to Leicester City on Saturday 4
April and Burnley on Saturday 18 April.

After Chelsea on Boxing Day, the other traditional Christmas and New Year
fixtures will see the Hammers face Arsenal at home on Sunday 28 December and
West Bromwich Albion at home on New Year's Day.

West Ham are one of 13 Barclays Premier League clubs who will enter the
Capital One Cup at the second round stage, with ties scheduled to be played
in the week commencing Monday 25 August. Please note that all fixtures are
subject to change, with broadcast selections through to November due to be
confirmed by Friday 4 July. All fixtures against teams competing in the
Europa League are subject to movement from Saturday to Sunday, should they
be playing on the preceding Thursday

Full list of fixtures (all subject to change)
Sat Aug 16 Tottenham Hotspur H
Sat Aug 23 Crystal Palace A
Sat Aug 30 Southampton H
Sat Sep 13 Hull City A
Sat Sep 20 Liverpool H
Sat Sep 27 Manchester United A
Sat Oct 4 Queens Park Rangers H
Sat Oct 18 Burnley A
Sat Oct 25 Manchester City H
Sat Nov 1 Stoke City A
Sat Nov 8 Aston Villa H
Sat Nov 22 Everton A
Sat Nov 29 Newcastle United H
Tue Dec 2 West Bromwich Albion A
Sat Dec 6 Swansea City H
Sat Dec 13 Sunderland A
Sat Dec 20 Leicester City H
Fri Dec 26 Chelsea A
Sun Dec 28 Arsenal H
Thu Jan 1 West Bromwich Albion H
Sat Jan 10 Swansea City A
Sat Jan 17 Hull City H
Sat Jan 31 Liverpool A
Sat Feb 7 Manchester United H
Tue Feb 10 Southampton A
Sat Feb 21 Tottenham Hotspur A
Sat Feb 28 Crystal Palace H
Tue Mar 3 Chelsea H
Sat Mar 14 Arsenal A
Sat Mar 21 Sunderland H
Sat Apr 4 Leicester City A
Sat Apr 11 Stoke City H
Sat Apr 18 Manchester City A
Sat Apr 25 Queens Park Rangers A
Sat May 2 Burnley H
Sat May 9 Aston Villa A
Sat May 16 Everton H
Sun May 24 Newcastle United A

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Daily WHUFC News - 18th June 2014

Opening days to remember
WHUFC.com
We take a look back at six classic opening day West Ham United fixtures
17.06.2014

As Hammers fans gear up for Wednesday's 2014/15 fixture release, we take a look back at six classic opening day victories.

West Ham United 3-1 Blackburn Rovers
Premier League
13 August 2005
The Hammers were back in the top flight following a two-year absence and they ensured they would return with a bang by defeating Blackburn Rovers 3-1. Alan Pardew's men also had to show their battling qualities to make sure of the result after falling 1-0 down to Andy Todd's 18th-minute opener. They still trailed 1-0 at the break, but came roaring back after the interval to give them the perfect start to the campaign. Teddy Sheringham notched the equaliser immediately upon the game's resumption, then Nigel Reo-Coker and Matthew Etherington gave the Hammers a winning position. It meant the Hammers got off to a perfect start, setting them up for a ninth-place finish and run to the FA Cup final.

West Ham United 3-1 Charlton Athletic
Premier League
19 August 2006
Twelve months further on and the Hammers gained an identical result to kick-off the 2006/07 campaign. It was a London derby at the Boleyn Ground as Charlton Athletic came to visit, and just as in the previous year, West Ham had to come from behind to claim the points. Darren Bent's penalty gave the Addicks an interval lead, but Bobby Zamora's double after Charlton's Djimi Traore was sent-off put the Hammers in command. Debutant Carlton Cole then scored an injury time goal seconds after coming on for his debut to secure the points as the vast majority of the 34,937 crowd went home happy.

West Ham United 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur
Premier League
7 August 1999
Harry Redknapp's Hammers made the perfect start to the 1999/00 Premier League season, with this precious victory over London neighbours Tottenham Hotspur at the Boleyn Ground. While this was the Club's first league game of the new season, West Ham were well into their stride come 7 August, having already come through four Intertoto Cup clashes unscathed. With a total of just five goals in those European clashes, this rather went to form too, being settled by a solitary strike. A comparatively well-rested Spurs held firm for the best part of 45 minutes, before Frank Lampard struck the eventual winner on the stroke of half-time, much to the approval of most of the 26,010-strong crowd. As it turned out, this was the first of eleven home league wins that season, as Redknapp guided West Ham to a creditable ninth-place finish, just two points above Spurs.

West Ham United 1-0 Coventry City
Division One
23 August 1986
Fresh from the Club's best-ever league finish from the Boys of '86, West Ham United got the next season off to the perfect start by defeating Coventry City 1-0.
The goal came via a stunning free-kick from Tony Gale, and Coventry were unable to respond. The Hammers went top with an away win at Manchester United in their next fixture, although their form would not last over the season and they ended in 15th place.

West Ham United 2-1 Wigan Athletic
Premier League
16 August 2008
The 2008/09 season could hardly have started any more positively for the Hammers. Just ten minutes had been played by the time Dean Ashton fired Alan Curbishley's men into a 2-0 lead. The striker's goals with three and ten minutes on the clock put West Ham in a commanding position, one which Wigan could not recover from, despite Amr Zaki's 47th-minute strike. Curbishley would only remain at the Club for another month, however, and under Gianfranco Zola West Ham went on to finish ninth in the league.

West Ham United 1-0 Aston Villa
Premier League
18 August 2012
The last game comes from two years ago, as once again the Hammers continued the momentum of a promotion from the second tier by making a good start to life in the top flight. Aston Villa were the visitors to E13, but it would not be a happy trip as the Hammers sent them home pointless. Kevin Nolan scored the only goal of the game, turning home Ricardo Vaz Te's low cross with 40 minutes on the clock. British Olympians Nicola Adams, Mark Hunter, Andy Baddeley Jo Pavey and Yamile Aldama were also introduced to the crowd on a summer's afternoon to remember just six days after the London 2012 Olympic Games had ended.

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Ironworks set for endurance row
WHUFC.com
The Thames Ironworks Heritage Trust is gearing up for a busy summer of fundraising
17.06.2014

West Ham United's move to the Olympic Stadium is a move back home. Just ask the Thames Ironworks Heritage Trust.

Steeped in West Ham's shipbuilding beginnings, founder, chairman and lifelong Hammer Gavin Redknap has grand plans, culminating in Ironworks lifeboats taking to the River Lea as they did a century ago.
Launched in December, the Trust has intervened in the nick of time, with two of the last remaining Ironworks boats already back in West Ham hands. Once restored and water worthy, the Trust's boats could yet ferry supporters to and from the Olympic Stadium on matchday, rightly restoring the Ironworks to West Ham's here and now.
"It's a new start for the Club, but it's also a reminder that when we do bring these boats back, it's actually a move back home, in many ways, to where the Thames Ironworks originally were, on the banks of the River Lea," Redknap told West Ham TV.
"This is the last opportunity to save the history of the Ironworks and to restore some of the boats they made. We're talking about 100 years since something like this has been attempted in east London itself, so it's really important that we bring this back and place that stamp on the area.
"The drive has always come from West Ham fans, all the trustees are West Ham fans. It's really important that West Ham fans continue to support this, because first and foremost it's about our heritage."
Gavin Redknap TIHT
Redknap aboard the John Ryburn, the second of the Ironworks fleet
Patrick O'Connor is one such supporter itching to play his part and hopes to give the fundraising drive a considerable boost with an ambitious endurance row. Three five-man gigs will set off from Southend Pier on Saturday 2 August, embarking on a 38-mile journey taking them as close to the Olympic Stadium as possible.
While a row along the Thames may be an appealing exploit in itself, O'Connor maintains his motivations are very much West Ham driven.
"It's all about West Ham. It goes from the crossed hammers on the badge to the 'Up the Hammers' and 'Come on you Irons,' you just can't get away from it. West Ham are Thames Ironworks and vice versa. It will always be that way. It's great to somehow bring a bit of living history to the new Stadium.
"We heard about the project - we're West Ham through and through - and thought we've got to get involved, it's just too big an opportunity. I've got a reputation for coming up with stupid ideas, so let's get in a boat to the Olympic Stadium and, basically, that's it!
"It's going to be a hard slog, but it's for a great cause. I'm looking forward to the day, but I'm also really looking forward to seeing these boats finished, moored up at the Stadium and being able to brag to the grandkids saying we were part of that.
"The Ironworks lifeboats will be back on the water and I just think it's phenomenal. To be able to walk up to the best football ground in the country, as it will be, brand spanking new, and say 'here's our history,' it's here, it's around us. It's going to be great to have the old and the new together. It will be fantastic."
As part of reconciling the old with the new, the Trust plans to initially recruit half-a-dozen apprentices to restore the boats to their former glories. Redknap knows the process is likely to be a lengthy one, but one that merits both time and investment.
"We think that it's worth it because we're going to be employing a load of young people, getting them apprentice work and eventually giving them life-skills.
"We're looking to get six apprentices working on the boats themselves, though over time that will probably increase. When it comes to the service side of things, we're going to be giving kids jobs, teaching them how to master boats, teaching them how to give guided tours of the Olympic Park and so we are talking about eventually employing dozens of youngsters."
Such is the support behind the cause that rower O'Connor has had no trouble recruiting fellow oarsmen, admitting the West Ham fleet might have been bigger but for logistics. And however tough the task ahead is, the Trust's fundraiser-in-chief admits it bears little comparison to that which the original Ironworks lifeboat crews faced.
He added: "To be fair, when these lifeboats were first built, they were rowed in rough weather. They didn't go out for pleasure cruises. They were taken out in stormy seas to rescue sinking ships and those fellows rowed them. I think I'm a quite tasty rower but these guys, they were different gravy."

O'Connor, meanwhile, is banking on people's generosity of spirit to drive the Trust forward in the coming months, confident that his endurance row can spark interest, as well as donations.
"This row is not going to raise enough money to restore these on its own. But it's not just about raising funds, it's about raising awareness. We know we're onto something special here and I'm sure the more people that know about it, the more will want to get involved. If people want to help, contact the Trust, but also spread the word, tell people what it's all about."

You can follow the Thames Ironworks Heritage Trust on Facebook here, or visit the mydonate page for August's endurance row.

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West Ham United at the World Cup - '86
WHUFC.com
Alvin Martin and Frank McAvennie were rewarded for a fine season by travelling to Mexico 1986
17.06.2014

Alvin Martin and Frank McAvennie will never forget the experience of playing at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. England centre-back Martin and Scotland striker Frank McAvennie had helped West Ham United to finish a record high of third in Division One in 1985/86, earning them both the opportunity to shine on football's biggest stage. Then 27, Martin had made his England debut against Brazil in 1981, but he missed the 1982 FIFA World Cup finals in Spain before forcing his way into Bobby Robson's thoughts for Mexico. After watching Terry Butcher and Terry Fenwick start England's three Group F matches against Portugal, Morocco and Poland, the Hammer was drafted into the starting XI at the expense of Fenwick for the Round of 16 tie with Paraguay in Mexico City.
England won comfortably, 3-0, with Gary Lineker scoring twice and Peter Beardsley once, to set up a quarter-final meeting with Maradona's Argentina.
Martin could have expected to keep his place for the last-eight clash, but instead Robson recalled Fenwick, Maradona scored one outstanding individual goal and one with his hand and, despite Lineker's late consolation, England were out. While Martin could be forgiven for being bitter about missing the opportunity to help England reach a FIFA World Cup semi-final, instead he appreciates the one chance he was given to appear at the finals. "I had 22 years as a club player at West Ham, but people around the country will always recognise you more for your international experiences," said Martin, whose 17th and final England cap came in a 1-0 friendly defeat in Sweden in September 1986. "I had the experience of playing at the World Cup in 1986, which I shall never forget. Sir Bobby Robson picked me against Paraguay in the second round and then left me out against Argentina in the quarter-finals. "I still look back and wonder why I was dropped, but Maradona would have done the same to me as he did to the other defenders that day!"

McAvennie's Mexico 1986 experience was even briefer, lasting just 59 minutes and two substitute appearances in total as Scotland were eliminated at the group stage. The blond-haired forward had been capped just twice - in the two-legged World Cup qualifying Play-Off victory over Australia - when he boarded the plane with the Tartan Army. While McAvennie hoped to partner Charlie Nicholas, manager Alex Ferguson had other ideas, picking Dundee United's Paul Sturrock alongside the Arsenal man. "I had scored 29 goals for West Ham that season. I was on fire and only Gary Lineker, with one goal more than me, could better my record," McAvennie told the Daily Record in a 2010 interview. "In my mind I was a certainty to start up front with Charlie Nicholas, particularly after scoring the goal at Hampden that had beaten Australia and taken us to the World Cup as play-off winners. "But Fergie had other ideas. He went with Paul Sturrock, who I don't think had scored 29 goals in his career up to that point."

Even face-to-face talks with Ferguson failed to earn the then 26-year-old a starting place, and he had to make do with substitute appearances in the Group E defeats by Denmark and West Germany. "I took my grievance to Alex. He said to me, 'I'm the manager and I pick the team'. I replied, 'I'm the player left out and I don't have to agree with you'. "We didn't score a goal while going down to Denmark in our first match and I think the press attention devoted to Charlie and me before that match might have done for me."

With Scotland needing to win to have any chance of progressing to the last 16, McAvennie was then left out altogether as ten-man Uruguay held Ferguson's men to a goalless draw in their final group match. While he was again disappointed to be overlooked, the West Ham man was not susprised. "I know why I got the heave from the team and the bench," he continued. "I'd questioned the manager's judgment and paid the price by being dropped. One goal in three games told its own story and that's why the memory of 1986 will always be tinged with sadness for me. "It was fantastic for me to be part of a World Cup squad but we shot ourselves in the foot that year."

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Cheikhou Kouyate completes West Ham move
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 17th June 2014
By: Staff Writer

West Ham have completed the €9million signing of Anderlecht defender Cheikhou Kouyate. According to De Standaard, the Senegal international has signed a four-year contract with the Hammers after successfully completing a medical yesterday. The Hammers are reported to have paid circa €9million - approximately £7.2million - for the highly-rated 24-year-old, who has been on West Ham's radar for several weeks. Anderlecht are set to replace Kouyate with Polish international Gregorz Krychowiak, who was also watched extensively by West Ham in recent months. Although at the time of writing the signing is yet to be confirmed by West Ham United, Kouyate becomes the club's second new arrival of the summer following the capture of Argentinian forward Mauro Zarate last month.

Cheikhou 'Wile E' Kouyate: Season stats

2013/14: Anderlecht P46 G1 Y4 R2
2012/13: Anderlecht P45 G1 Y7 R1
2011/12: Anderlecht P48 G0 Y4 R0
2010/11: Anderlecht P33 G2 Y6 R0
2009/10: Anderlecht P33 G2 Y2 R0
2008/09: KV Kortkijk P30 G3 Y2 R1
2007/08: Brussels FC P10 G0 Y1 R0

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PABLO ARMERO THE DANCE MACHINE
By Sean Whetstone 17 Jun 2014 at 20:32
West Ham Till I Die

Former Hammer Pablo Armero gave Colombia the lead in the fifth minute against Greece last Saturday. Armero's scuffed shot was not the finest finish we have seen in the World Cup so far, but his elaborate dance celebration in front of the Colombia bench was certainly one of the best celebrations so far. That was the 27 year old's second International goal in 54 appearances Colombia. While at West Ham Armero told the official website "I am a left full-back, who likes to work in defence. I am a good defender, strong and quick, but I also like attacking. I like to go to the front and make good crosses. I will give good defending to the team, and good attacking too and hopefully I will help my team mates to win games."

Armero impressed well in training at West Ham and the talk of a permanent deal at the end of the season died out after he broke into the first team but managed demonstrated the odd defensive lapse which helped cool interest in a permanent deal. According to rumour, Razvan Rat who was later replace Amero was disposed of because of his failure to adhere to instruction, and getting into a habit of being too far up field, and too far out of position. Next season with our new attacking coach and entertaining football promised it is interesting that we are still not keen on full backs go like to go up the pitch too far. If we wanted entertainment Armero's dance routine could replace the Hammerettes at half time.

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FORMER HOMESICK HAMMER COULD RETURN TO PREMIER LEAGUE
By Sean Whetstone 17 Jun 2014 at 18:00
West Ham Till I Die

Former Hammer Valon Behrami is refusing to discuss a possible Premier League return until after the World Cup.

The midfielder – whose tackle for Switzerland in the build-up to the winning goal in Sunday's World Cup game against Ecuador was arguably the best defensive action of his career showed he still has what he takes.

His departure came in 2011 as he claimed home sickness and injuries which eventually saw West Ham sell him for £1.7m to Fiorentiana, a £2.3m loss on what we paid Lazio in 2008. He has been recently linked to Spurs and Inter Milan but has dismissed transfer talk until after the tournament. Levy has admired Behrami for years and is likely to tempt the 29 year old with a bid during the summer.

He is said to be unhappy at Napoli with limited opportunities in the first team under Rafa Benetiz. The Switzerland international has started just 15 Serie A games for Napoli last season failing to find the net in any of them. He is also upset after being robbed twice in Naples. He was robbed at gunpoint by two men on a scooter of his £5,000 Hublot watch as he sat in his car and this year he had his car stolen.

Behrami spent almost three seasons at West Ham making 63 appearances and scoring 4 goals once said he does not think that he would have enjoyed the direct style with which Sam Allardyce has become associated."I don't really like it because I like to play like Zola wants to play — every time with the ball, every time try to be attractive as well,"

I understand a return to West Ham is extremely unlikely considering the way he engineered his move away from the Hammers in 2011.

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WEST HAM INTERESTED IN ORIENT MIDFIELDER
By Sean Whetstone 17 Jun 2014 at 16:08
West Ham Till I Die

Leyton Orient midfielder Moses Odubajo is attracting attention from West Ham and Spurs.The 20-year old winger enjoyed an impressive season for the O's in League One and has been scouted extensively by Premier League clubs, with Spurs and West Ham leading the chase for his signature. Odubajo is under contract with Orient for another year but the club are expected to offer him new terms in order to try and persuade him to stay, despite the talk of top-flight interest, with the asking price likely to be around the £4million mark. Odubajo scored 12 goals in all competitions for Orient last term and was a regular as they just missed out on promotion to the Championship, losing to Rotherham United in the play-off final on penalties. Do you think Barry Hearn will be keen to do a deal with us?

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KOUYATE POISED TO JOIN THE HAMMERS
By Sean Whetstone 17 Jun 2014 at 14:00
West Ham Till I Die

West Ham hope to complete the signing of Anderlecht's Cheikhou Kouyate today or tomorrow following a medical at Holly House Hospital in Buckhurst Hill yesterday.

The medical was confirmed by WHTID author EXEmployee yesterday and an announcement on his signing will probably be made by the Chairman's son's Jack Sullivan on twitter later before official confirmation on WHUFC.com some hours later.

The 6' 4" player is expected to sign a four year deal with West Ham costing an initial fee of £6.8m which is just under Anderlecht valuation of 9 million euros.

The 24 year centre back who can also play in a defensive midfield role was being monitored by a number of clubs across Europe including Valencia, Arsenal, Everton and Manchester City but it now appears West Ham have won the race to sign him..He started his professional career in Brussels coming through the youth ranks before joining Anderlecht in 2008. Kouyaté has made 145 appearances for Anderlecht.

Speaking to an Anderlecht supporter last month called @ForumAnderlecht over twitter he told me "He will not stay [at Anderlecht] Galatasary did an offer and he refused. Valencia did big offer, he doesnt know. He wants premier league. If West Ham pays the same as Valencia,he will choose West Ham I think. If they do offer of 8 m euro's, he will go"

His last goal came on 15th May away against Waregem in the play off finals where he grabbed the opener on 15 minutes. he was in this same match where he made his miss of the season. Anderlecht went on to win that game 2-1.

Kouyate received 2 red cards and 4 yellows last season so he will have to watch his discipline in the Premier League.

Ironically it appears to be Valencia's financial troubles which seem to have helped persuade Anderlecht to sell to the hammers. Spanish clubs have a reputation in delaying payment of transfer fees despite giving financial guarantees. The player is also know to have preferred a move to England rather than Spain.

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West Ham want Marcos Alonso for bargain £1.5million as Spanish left-back loves life in England
Jun 17, 2014 22:30 By Alan Nixon
The Mirror

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is ready to swoop for Spanish left-back Marcos Alonso - and give him his third spell in England. The Hammers are close to agreeing a bargain deal for Fiorentina defender Alonso, who played for Bolton and was at Sunderland on loan last season. Alonso is prepared to quit the Serie A side permanently and talks are advanced on a move to London. Allardyce needs a left back after losing George McCartney at the end of his contract and talented Alonso fits the bill. He hopes to agree a fee of around £1.5 million for Alonso, who has settled in English football and helped Sunderland to survive in the Premier League and reach the Capital One Cup Final last season. The cash-conscious club switched to Alonso after being priced out of a deal for French left back Timothée Kolodziejczak at Nice.

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West Ham's David Sullivan denies undermining Allardyce by hiring attack coach Teddy Sheringham
Jun 17, 2014 22:00 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror

Like everyone else, David Sullivan has been enjoying this most entertaining of World Cups. The feast of football in Brazil has come in stark contrast to the famine at Sullivan's West Ham United last season which left fans unhappy, the club frustrated and manager Sam Allardyce's job in serious doubt. Faced with open revolt from the Hammers' fans demanding Big Sam's sacking, the end-of-season review normally conducted by Sullivan, his co-owner David Gold and vice-chairman Karren Brady took on a far greater significance. But they stood by their man, and Sullivan dismisses the idea they bottled it because top-flight survival is all-important for the planned move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016. "You can't just look to stay up," he said. "It is not acceptable to our supporters to say, 'We've survived. We've had a very good campaign.' "We are not Norwich. We are not Fulham. We are not Reading. We are West Ham United. "Our supporters are realistic. They know it is a huge and difficult task to break into the top six. But we must be aiming for that, even if we don't achieve it."

They have recruited an attacking coach – former Irons and England striker Teddy Sheringham – to boost Allardyce's coaching staff. Yet even that has been interpreted as the rug being pulled from under the feet of a man famed for doing things his way. Sullivan disgrees, though. "We had a lot of people approach us to become our attacking coach and Sam picked the one he wanted," he said. "Yes, we suggested the idea, but Sam liked it. "We didn't undermine him at all.
"I think he has analysed the performance of the team last year and agreed that we would like to score more goals. It was a weakness of the team and he has brought in an expert to try and improve that. "Teddy has played at the highest level. If you combine his game intelligence with the level he has played at, I do not believe that he won't improve our attacking ideas, whether it is the way we take our corners, our free-kicks, or just our overall strategy. "I believe we will be a better team for having him as part of our management set-up."

Sheringham, 48, spent three years at West Ham as a player between 2004 and 2007 and returns on a non-contract basis. The former Manchester United and Tottenham striker, who clinched the Treble with the Old Trafford giants in 1999, scored 30 goals for the Hammers in just 49 appearances. He will now look to inspire an Upton Park attack that managed just 40 in 38 Premier League matches last season. Sullivan added: "I don't think we have undermined Sam at all with this. We've been very honest with him. He is in the last year of his contract and he knows we have to have a better performance because the fans won't stand for it otherwise. He is not stupid."

Questioned about the view that perhaps the Hammers' hierarchy are being dictated to by the fans too much, Sullivan said: "It's quite the opposite. They voted 80-20 per cent to sack the manager. We didn't sack the manager."

And asked who decides whether the football is entertaining enough next season, he smiled: "There will be games where the going gets tough. But equally I hope we whack somebody 4-0 and put on a display. So judge us over the season."

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Hull v Irons on Day 1 says leaked fixture list
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 17, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

The Hammers will start the next campaign away at Hull City …assuming that a leaked fixture list to Twitter can be believed! An image doing the rounds on the social network purports to show the opening day fixtures including a mouthwatering clash which sees Arsenal travelling to Anfield. The official fixture list is due to be announced tomorrow morning at 9am, so it remains to be seen if these fixtures could turn out to be true.

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Irons question alleged Kouyate 'statement'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 17, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham United are tonight unsure whether an alleged public farewell message from potential £7.5 million signing Cheikhou Kouyaté is genuine! The defender appeared to post an emotional farewell on a page which possessed a mere 500 plus 'likes' - hardly the norm for a top European player. As reported on ClaretandHugh, the player's advisers have been in talks with the club all day and a deal is close after interest from Valencia and others had looked to derail it. A Hammers source commented: "We don't know if that supposed FB thing is for real. It looks dubious as there are very few likes for a top footballer after all. "Anyway the deal is not done and if and when it is the the first place it would be announced is on the selling club's website."

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Cheikhou Kouyate 'clinches £7m move to West Ham' as Hammers shape up for top six
Towering Anderlecht centre back set to bolter Sam Allardyce's back line
Hammers saw off competition from Valencia for Kouyate's signature
Second West Ham summer signing after Argentinian striker Mauro Zarate
By OLIVER TODD
PUBLISHED: 18:03, 17 June 2014 | UPDATED: 18:03, 17 June 2014
Daily Mail

West Ham have signed Anderlecht centre back Cheikhou Kouyate on a four-year-deal after completing a medical, according to reports in Belgium. Valencia had shown interest in the 24-year-old, who can also play in midfield, but the Hammers appear to have seen off the Spanish side's interest to secure Kouyate's signature. Kouyate has spent his entire senior career in Belgium but now looks set to join Sam Allardyce's side for a fee of around £7million as they look to secure a top-six finish in line with co-owner David Gold's aspirations. The Senegal international passed his medical and put pen to paper on a four-year deal on Tuesday to secure a dream move to the Premier League. It looks set to be a summer of big change for the Hammers after a disappointing season with fans unhappy at the lack of progress under Allardyce's stewardship. Teddy Sheringham has joined the Upton Park outfit as an attacking coach, while Argentinian striker Mauro Zarate joined on a three-year deal from Velez Sarsfield. Allardyce also has his eye on further strengthening his defence, with Manchester City defenders Joleon Lescott and Micah Richards potential targets.

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