Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Villa Offer £10m for Parker

The Daily Mirror claim Aston Villa will offer West Ham £10 million for Scott Parker. They also claim that Villa right back Luke Young is a West Ham target.

The Mail say Roma are after Valon Behrami but won't match West Ham's £8.5 million asking price. Roma may offer 30 year old Brazil keeper Doni in exchange.

The Sun say that former Portsmouth striker Frederic Piquionne is still a target for West Ham.

The Mail claim that Alan Curbishley is top of Fulham's wish list for a new manager.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

West Ham In for da Silva & Juarez

Kumb says that there are reports linking West Ham with a season-long loan deal for 18-year-old striker Neymar da Silva. Neymar da Silva currently plays for Brazilian team Santos.

The Sun claim that West Ham are prepared to pay £6million for the Mexican defender / midfielder Efrain Juarez. They say Avram Grant would like to tie up the deal with Juarez's club Pumas, as soon as possible.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Redknapp Wants the England Job

Harry Redknapp is the first manager to throw his hat into the ring for the non-existent England manager job.

At the time of writing Capello still says he wants to remain in the job. This presumably means the FA will have to fork out a fortune for their ridiculous decision to offer him a new contract before the World Cup had even started.

One thing is sure though and that is that Harry Redknapp wants the job. Here's what he had to say on the subject today,

"I'm English, who wouldn't want to manage England? There's not an Englishman - whether it's me, Roy Hodgson or Sam Allardyce - who would turn the job down because it's our country and we want to manage our country.

No one is ever going to turn that job down. If you're English you cannot not want to manage your country."


So, in Harry's eyes, the candidates are him, Allardyce and Roy Hodgson. Working on the basis that only Sam Allardyce thinks he is good enough to manage England that leaves a straight choice between Roy Hodgson and Harry Redknapp.

I'd be happy with either of those two.

Roy Hodgson strikes me as a safe pair of hands. He has 'experience'. Experience of managing big clubs and experience of managing in Europe.

Harry Redknapp on the other hand likes attractive attacking football. If we accept that England have little chance of actually winning a World Cup perhaps we could settle for at least having teams that we will enjoy watching.

That's why Redknapp would be my choice. At least with Harry's game we would be guaranteed some attacking intent and a little fun before the inevitable disappointment.

West Ham Bid £10m for French Striker

French newspaper L'Equipe say West Ham have made a 12 million euros (£9.8 million) bid for Nice striker Loic Remy. The 23-year-old scored 14 goals last season for Nice.

L'Equipe say West Ham have offered to pay the 12 million euros in 3 instalments of 4 million each. The French newspaper claim Nice are likely to turn the offer down.


Sky Sports 'understands' that young striker Jay Simpson might leave Arsenal this summer and that West Ham might be interested in signing him if he is allowed to leave.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Bye, Bye England

If there is anything positive to come out of this humiliation by Germany is that Capello will presumably be out of a job soon. Also it will hopefully save us years of "we were robbed" carping by the players and media.

50 minutes of good football from four games, three of the games against weak opposition, surely shows that Capello isn't a tournament manager. His selection policy always seemed to be for the safe option and his tactics seemed to deny the players any individual freedom.

For England it must be time to rebuild with a new manager and hopefully with Gerrard, Lampard and Terry put out to grass. These players might just be young enough to be around for the next European Championship competition but England need to start building for the next World Cup.

There may not be obvious replacements for some of this squad but the older England players have had their chance and simply haven't been good enough.

Pass the Keeper

Sky have concocted a 'Sky Sports understands' merry-go-round of goalkeeping transfers which seems to depend on an (even for Sky) unfeasible number of ifs and buts.

Sky claim that Arsenal will sign Fulham's Schwarzer to replace Manuel Almunia. Fulham will then sign West Ham's Rob Green to replace Schwarzer. West Ham in turn will sign Nigerian keeper Vincent Enyeama to replace Green.

Sky say that
Enyeama is admired by Avram Grant but the main evidence they have for the claim is that Enyeama is looking to move clubs. They quote the keeper speaking to the News of the World,

"I expect to hear something new within the next week. It's natural. Everybody wants to get ahead in life so, obviously, I want to move to a different place."

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Germany, Argentina, Spain, Brazil, the World

I've just been looking at who England are likely to face in the unlikely event we beat Germany tomorrow. The path to the Word Cup for England is Germany, Argentina, Spain and Brazil.

I'm always an eternal optimist when it comes to England. It's kind of like supporting West Ham really, you always expect the best but are too often disappointed. However, even my eternal optimism has struggled to get going after England's first poor showing against the USA.

Now looking at who they will probably have to beat to win the World Cup even the hope I had left is beginning to look a bit laughable. The USA however look to me to have a reasonable chance to make the semi-finals. If England hadn't been so negative in the qualifying rounds and had gone out from the start to win the group they would have had a reasonable chance to make the final.

I just hope England's next manager is a supporter of attacking, attractive football. I know who I'd like to see replace Capello, a choice I don't think many West Ham fans would like, even if he is an ex-manager of the club. Go on ... you know who ...

Friday, June 25, 2010

Henry to Snub West Ham

The Daily Mirror claim that World Cup flop Thierry Henry is set to reject West Ham and sign for the New York Red Bulls.

The Newham Recorder say that West Ham have turned their attentions to Christian 'Chucho' Benitez after a second bid for Yakubu was turned down by Everton. The 24-year-old Ecuador international, scored four goals in 36 games on loan for Birmingham last season. He is now back at Mexican club Santos Laguna.

Elsewhere there are rumours that ex-West Ham manager Alan Curbishley is on a short-list for (a job that doesn't exist) the Fulham manager's job. With Hodgson rumoured to be moving to Liverpool.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

West Ham Nearly Sign Barca Defender

Sky say that West Ham came very close to signing 20 year old Barcelona defender Andreu Fonta. Fonta has a £2.5million buy-out clause in his contract that West Ham offered to meet.

Sky say that the defender had even agreed personal terms with West Ham before Barcelona stepped in and persuaded the defender he was a part of their long term plans and offered him a new long-term deal.


Monday, June 21, 2010

Upson to Start Against Slovenia

Valon Behraami, who was sent off in today's Swiss World Cup game against Chile, is due to hold talks with West Ham after the World Cup.

His agent, Alessandro Beltrami, however says that West Ham are keen to keep hold of the midfielder,

"We have agreed with West Ham to meet and discuss after the World Cup but the last time they spoke to me they told me that they consider Behrami non-transferable.

"Who wants him? Palermo did in January but West Ham had to stay up and they needed Valon."


In other news Capello says that Matthew Upson will replace the injured Jamie Carragher in England's next World Cup game. Fabio Capello told the BBC that Upson will play in Port Elizabeth. Capello also said he will 'probably change some others".

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Where's Joe Cole?

The Daily Mirror say West Ham are after Paul Konchesky.

The re-signing of Konchesky would actually improve the current squad. I've nothing against Konchesky but for some reason that thought has managed to depress me even more this morning.


BTW, does anyone know what Joe Cole has done to piss Capello off so much? There must be some reason that SWP and Lennon keep getting picked ahead of him.

Why is England's only creative player and the player responsible for the only 20 minutes of good football England have played in the last five matches left continually on the bench, especially when the team is crying out for someone with a bit of invention.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Boa Morte Gets New Two Year Deal

Boa Morte has signed a new two year deal with West Ham.

At 32 years of age Boa Morte is hardly a signing for the future. One can only guess that he has been signed on greatly reduced wages as backup for Joe Cole, Riquelme and Henry.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

The West Ham Keeper Curse

Nigerian keeper Vincent Enyeama had been widely praised for his performance in this World Cup, that was up until he almost exactly replicated Robert Green's howler.

Enyeama, against Greece, like Green faced a long range shot that came at him almost straight on and low down. Like Green, Enyeama instead of gathering the ball in safely seemed to misjudge the ball's flight and, again like Green, the ball seemed to fly off his thumb.

Replays of Enyeama's mistake clearly show the ball deviating wildly in its flight. The replays of Green's gift to the USA were less clear but this incident should go some way to excusing Green's error and it definitely shows why keepers are having problems with this World Cup ball.

Oh and did I mention West Ham have been linked with the Nigerian keeper this week.

First Game: Aston Villa Away

West Ham's first game of the 2010/11 season is a tough trip to Villa Park on the weekend commencing Saturday 14 August. It means that West Ham's new signing Thomas Hitzlsperger's first game will be against one of his old clubs.

West Ham's first home game will be against Bolton. That game will be followed by a game away to Man Utd followed by a home match against Chelsea.

This means that Avram Grant will be facing a very tough start to his West Ham career, with a reasonable possibility of three defeats in his first four games.

September sees West Ham at home to Sp#rs on the 25th.

October looks to be a month when West Ham can get some points on the board with games against Fulham, Wolves and Newcastle before ending the month away to Arsenal.

Hopefully points picked up in October can be added to in November with games against Birmingham, West Bromwich Albion, Blackpool and Wigan. West Ham also play Liverpool in November.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Riquelme in Talks with an English Club

West Ham target Juan Roman Riquelme has confirmed with The Daily Express that he has been in talks with an English club,

"I have had several offers from clubs in Argentina and there is an English club asking about me and my agent is dealing with it."


Sky are linking West Ham with Robert Pires, who is available on a free and has said he would welcome playing in England again. However Sky then go on to quote Pires directly and there is no mention of West Ham,

"There's obviously a few big English teams chasing me. I'm told Leicester and Birmingham have made serious enquiries."


Sky are also linking West Ham with Spurs midfielder Adel Taarabt. Although again the broadcaster quote Taarabt and he makes no mention of the Irons,

"I need to speak with Spurs to clear up the situation. I have a deal with Tottenham but it is true that Villarreal have asked about me."

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

New Signing in Next Few Weeks

West Ham United Chairman David Sullivan has said that West Ham will be making more new signings this summer and hinted very strongly that at least one player is very close to signing for the club.

"We have limited resources, with the £100m debt the club carries, but we are going to make every penny count and we 100 per cent assure you that there will be more new arrivals this summer. It is very possible we will have another one in within the next two to three weeks, if not sooner."

West Ham After Riquelme

The Daily Mail say that Argentinian Juan Roman Riquelme is considering a move to West Ham. He is out of contract at Boca Juniors and has stalled on a move to Brazilian side Flamengo because of a raft of interest from other clubs, including West Ham.

The Mail say he also has an offer from a second, unnamed English side.

The Daily Mail also claim that West Ham are in talks with Richard Wright. They say West Ham hope to replace Robert Green with Richard Wright.


Valon Behrami will miss Switzerland's World Cup game against Spain because of a thigh muscle injury picked up in a warm-up game with Italy.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Tony Carr MBE

Tony Carr has been has been awarded an MBE in honour for his services to football. Carr first heard of the award a day after his testimonial game.

"The letter dropped through my door the day after the testimonial," said Carr. "The morning afterwards, there it was. It just said 'you have been nominated for an MBE, having been recommended by the Prime Minister's office for the Queen to consider'.

"It is very humbling to think that you have been recognised by the establishment. It won't change me but I am so grateful. I also have to thank a lot of people for their part in my career. Certainly if it wasn't for John Lyall, I might never have been interested in coaching."


Something tells me that after tonight's howler there won't be any awards in the post for Robert Green any time soon.

In fact it is probably safe to assume that Green is going to have a hard time of it on the road next season with opposing fans. Green is a big enough man to take the inevitable stick on the chin and I'm still hoping that those performances are going to be in a West Ham shirt.

Friday, June 11, 2010

West Ham Still Chasing Henry and Cole

David Gold seems to be the only West Ham fan who has any hope of the club signing Joe Cole and / or Thierry Henry.

Gold insists that West Ham are still in the race to sign the two players, although he does acknowledge that West Ham have little chance in succeeding.

West Ham's £7 Million Striker Bid

The Daily Mail claim West Ham have had a £7 million offer for Everton striker Yakubu turned down. The paper also claim that West Ham are interested in Tottenham's Adel Taarabt, who was on loan at QPR last season.

The Daily Star claim that Sp#rs are preparing a £10m bid for West Ham striker Carlton Cole.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Zola & Clarke Ties Severed

West Ham and Gianfranco Zola have reached a settlement in relation to his departure from West Ham. No-one seems to be posting any information on how much the settlement has cost.


Also announced today on the West Ham official site is the news that "Steve Clarke has parted company with the club by mutual consent after nearly two years at the Boleyn Ground."

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

Robert Green Put Up for Sale

Avram Grant has had his work permit to work for West Ham United approved.


West Ham chairman David Gold has hinted very strongly that Robert Green is for sale. He said West Ham are not offering Robert Green a new deal and that he is in the 'shop window'.

"At this stage we are not going to have talks with him about a new deal. World Cups change lives. It's the global shop window and who knows what may happen. We could get amazing offers - offers you can't refuse.

What do you do if Manchester United or Real Madrid, for example, come in offering millions of pounds?"

Green has just 12 months left on his present contract.


KUMB are reporting that West Ham are one of two clubs in talks with Standard Liege striker Dieumerci Mbokani. Fulham are reported to be the other interested club.

Monday, June 07, 2010

West Ham After Yakubu

The Liverpool Daily Post claim that West Ham are preparing a bid for Everton striker Yakubu.

The paper says that Moyes may be tempted to let Yakubu depart having picked up Jermaine Beckford on a free transfer. The Post believe Everton will want £6 million but that West Ham value the striker at nearer £4 million.

Sunday, June 06, 2010

West Ham Sign Hitzlsperger

West Ham have signed Thomas Hitzlsperger from SS Lazio. The official West Ham website says the German international midfielder will join the club from 1st July.

Hitzlsperger passed a medical on Saturday before signing a three-year contract. Hitzlsperger played 114 times for Aston Villa before signing for Stuttgart in 2005.

Thursday, June 03, 2010

Grant Takes Charge - Nearly

Avram Grant has finally been appointed West Ham manger, subject to him being given a new work permit.

Avram Grant said on his new role,

"I am proud and honoured to be the manager of West Ham. It will be an exciting challenge and I am ready to do my best.

"This is a fantastic club with great fans and a history that is respected around the world. I am already looking forward to getting to work with my players in July and preparing for the new season."

Wednesday, June 02, 2010

Managent Announcement Due

West Ham have said that an announcement naming the next West Ham manager will be made in the next 24 hours.

The announcement about an announcement on the West Ham official site also went on to say that Luis Boa Morte has been offered a new contract, Guillermo Franco, Ilan and Mido are all to leave West Ham as their individual deals come to an end and that Anthony Edgar, Jordan Spence, Matthew Fry and Oliver Lee have all been offered new contracts.

Avram Grant Unveiled - Nearly

Avram Grant is set to be named the new West Ham manager. There has still been no official announcement but speaking to the BBC David Gold spoke about West Ham's new manager leaving the BBC with little doubt he was talking about Avram Grant.


"After an hour, we knew we could work with this manager. We are very optimistic.

"I think it's time for the football club to get some stability with people that have been there, done that and got the T-shirt."

"What we need is a manager who has achieved, has experience. We are not in a positon where we can take on young, inexperienced managers. We did ask Franco to keep us up and he did that, but I think we need to move on from that. New owners like to choose their own people. Like all managers, our new manager will bring his own people in, and we are comfortable with that.""


"We are over the worst at West Ham, we've found most of the skeletons in the cupboard and are looking forward to a bright, exciting future.

"There are still many problems and most of all is the debt at the football club. We believe it is a great club and we can turn this round."

The BBC say to expect an official announcement in the next 48 hours.

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Stoke Make £12 million Bid for Cole

The Sun and The Mirror claim that Carlton Cole is a £12 million target for Stoke. This sounds like one of those moves by owners that they make in order to placate the fans for the purchase of some pony player.

When they bring in some donkey they can then say, "We tried to get the big players but couldn't attract them."

It would be kind of like West Ham claiming that they were trying to sign Henry and Joe Cole. Or am I being too cynical and too trusting that West Ham wouldn't sell Cole to Stoke?


The Mail claim Portsmouth defender Nadir Belhadj will turn down West Ham for a move to Qatar.

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