Sunday 26 May 2013

Hammers 'hopeful' over Carroll

West Ham have high hopes of landing England striker Andy Carroll on a permanent deal from Liverpool, according to co-chairman David Sullivan's 13 year old son.

Jack Sullivan tweeted this morning, 'There will not be a decision with andy Carroll for 2 weeks [sic] as he is on holiday but we are still very hopeful to sign him #COYI #WHU #whufc'.

Sky Sports revealed on Wednesday that the two clubs had agreed a fee for the 24 year old, believed to be an original £12m, which could rise to £15m depending on clauses, such as appearances made and goals scored.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, meanwhile, told the Guardian the same day that 'it's one of those situations where it will probably be resolved a lot quicker than that [than the situation over Carroll's future at the start of the season, culminating in the striker's loan move to Upton Park] for both parties.'

The newspaper also claimed that the former Newcastle hitman is having doubts about a permanent move to East London and would be potentially keener on a return to the North East. However, this may not be an option as the Magpies have yet to make a formal bid for the striker, and a player-plus-cash deal that could have seen Newcastle midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa move to Anfield appears to no longer be on the cards, with Rodgers' interest in the France international having cooled.

Young Sullivan also revealed on Twitter that the Hammers are looking at a back up option, should Carroll turn down a permanent move to the club. In response to a tweet from a fan saying 'please tell me your dad is aware we need another striker, not just Carroll?' Sullivan replied 'yes a back up'.

The Irons have been linked with Vitesse Arnhem's Wilfried Bony, Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku and Blackburn's Jordan Rhodes in recent weeks.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Saturday 25 May 2013

Making his Mark: Saunderson appointed Ladies manager

West Ham Ladies have appointed former Crystal Palace Ladies and Fulham Ladies boss Mark Saunderson as their new manager.

Saunderson is one of the most respected names in women's football, having won the WPL Southern Division title with the Cottagers in 2008, before taking a sabbatical from the game after the birth of his daughter.

"I was lucky to be approached by a number of clubs but once West Ham made their interest known, it was an easy choice," Saunderson told shekicks.net.

"It's an honour to be considered for the role at the club and it's an easy fit when both the club and yourself see the way in which the game should be played in the same way."

"I am sure it will be a challenge at times but I see the potential and passion in the club and that is what makes it such an exciting proposition."

Following the club's end-of-season AGM, previous manager Julia Setford has moved upstairs into a Director of Football capacity, as well as assisting Saunderson.

"Basically, we have had a little change," Setford told whufc.com.

"Mark is going to be first team manager and I will be his number two and also fill the role of Director of Football. The changes will enable me to take a step back, but Mark has far more experience of management than I do and can really push us on."

"We need to boost our squad with more quality and believe that Mark is the manager to bring better players to the club."

"He has won the division we are in before so we know we are getting a manager with good pedigree and a respected name in women's football."

The Ladies will be wanting to improve on this season's showing in the WPL Southern Division, where they eventually finished a somewhat disappointing 6th and missing out on a place in the new Women's Super Premier League.

There is good news already for the Irons, however, as former England goalkeeper Toni-Anne Wayne and forwards Becky Merritt (who recently won the Blowing Bubbles Ladies Goal of the Season Award for her strike against Brighton and Hove Albion Ladies) and Hannah Gowland committing themselves to the club for next season, as well as a large amount of interest from potential new players.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Friday 24 May 2013

Hammers close in on Hunt as Reading release Ireland winger

West Ham could seal a move for Republic of Ireland international Noel Hunt in the next week after Reading director of football Nick Hammond confirmed to Sky Sports this afternoon that the winger would not be offered a new contract at the Madjeski Stadium following relegation from the Premier League.

Hunt was one of five Reading players not to have been offered fresh terms by the Berkshire club, and director of football Hammond said today: "every one of the plaeyrs leaving this summer has played a part in the club's recent success and on behalf of the club I would like to wish them well for the future. Both on and off the pitch they have contributed massively to the team and now they move on to the next stage of their careers."

The Hammers were linked with a move for the 30 year old last month, and West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is a big fan of the powerful winger, who is a self-confessed Irons supporter.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

'Proud' Potts looking forward to England action: defender and West Ham teammate Hall called up to U20 World Cup squad

After a lack of West Ham players in Stuart Pearce’s England U21 squad may have come as a disappointment, Dan Potts and Rob Hall have both been named in Peter Taylor’s provision U20 squad for the upcoming FIFA U20 World Cup this summer.

 
Taylor has named the two Hammers in the 35 man squad, but this will be cut down to just 21 on June 7th, so the young pair will have to impress in the training camp.

For Potts, this was an added bonus after initially being included in the U19 team for the UEFA European U19 Championship Elite Qualifying Round, but he will now be trying to impress at the next level.

The 19 year old defender told whufc.com: "I'm pleased to have been called-up, definitely... I'm very proud. It's a great experience. International football is a different kind of football. There is a lot to take in and you are representing your country at the end of the day.

"As much as it being a proud honour, you want to do your best for your country and the main objective is to do well.

"At the end of the day, as a young footballer you want to be at the top and it doesn't get much better than representing your country, that's for sure."

Potts also reflected on his season with the West Ham U21s and the first team, and he is pleased with his progress this season.

He said: "Looking back, I've got some good memories. I've had some good results and some bad results but it's all experience and a learning curve, so I take nothing but positives from them."

He also described his personal highlight from the season, singling out the 2-2 draw with Manchester United in the FA Cup.

On that match, he said: "It was definitely up there with my best individual performances. You've got to take into account I was playing against the future champions of England. It was a great experience and now I just want to push on into next year."

Meanwhile, Rob Hall’s England  experience at U17 level will hold him in good stead for this new challenge. After an impressive season on loan with Bolton and Birmingham, he will be hoping for a bigger opportunity at international level.

The U20 World Cup will be held in Turkey from June 21st and England will face Iraq, Chile and Egypt in Group E.

By Lucy Woolford, Youth and Development Squad reporter

@lucy_whufc

Out of Luk: Irons likely to miss out on Chelsea hotshot

West Ham look set to be one of a host of Premier League clubs who will miss out signing Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku this summer, according to the Sun.

The Hammers were reported to have inquired about the 20 year old's availability and were told by Chelsea that no decision will be made on Lukaku's future until a new permanent manager is appointed to the Stamford Bridge hotseat.

However, the Sun claim today that Lukaku, who notched 14 goals on loan at West Bromwich Albion this season, is keen on a move to German outfit Borussia Dortmund.

The Bundesliga side finished 2nd in the league this season and face a Champions League final showdown with rivals Bayern Munich later this month, and with German football in the ascendancy, Lukaku is said to feel that his best opportunities may be abroad and looks likely to snub the Irons, as well as Swansea, Everton, Fulham, Aston Villa and Newcastle.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Marseille in for Maiga as striker nears Upton Park exit

Mobido Maiga is set to leave West Ham this summer after the striker's representatives met with French giants Marseille in order to negotiate a summer move for the Mali international, according to reports coming from France today.

The 25 year old has made just four starts for the Hammers this season and was linked with an immediate return to France in January with both Marseille and Bordeaux being credited with an interest in the pacy forward.

Maiga also found himself in hot water with the club after returning home late after the African Cup of Nations in February, and the £4m has failed to tie down a regular place in Sam Allardyce's side.

With an offer in the region of £13m reported to have been made for Liverpool striker Andy Carroll, Allardyce knows he has to trim his squad in order to stay on the right side of the Premier League's Financial Fair play regulations coming in next season and Maiga could be the next striker to leave the club, after Carlton Cole was shown the door earlier this week.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Thursday 23 May 2013

EXCLUSIVE: West Ham Ladies awards 2012/2013- as nominated by the girls.

The West Ham Ladies finished their season last weekend with a defeat away at league
champions Reading. Shortly after the game, Blowing Bubbles caught up with Toni Anne Wayne, Hannah Gowland, Zoe Lipley- Hinton, Stacey Little, Becky Merritt, Lindsey Morgan and captain Rosey Sullivan to give their votes in six categories.At the bottom of each category, we have also decided who we think should win.

Goal of the Season

Hannah Gowland v Leeds United Ladies

TAW: Hannah Gowland’s goal against Leeds in the FA Cup. It was a game of limited
chances and she took it well.


Hannah Gowland v Gillingham Ladies.

HG: For me it has to be the second goal we scored against Gillingham away. I scored it which I am proud about but that’s not why. It was such a great team goal. It all started from the goalkeeper, worked its way through all positions, before it was given to me to score.


Becky Merritt v Brighton and Hove Albion Ladies.

ZLH: Becky Merritt’s goal against Brighton because it was just a lovely clean hit.


Kelley Branchflower v Queens Park Rangers Ladies.

SL: This goal sticks in my mind for the way Kell picked the ball up and ran through the QPR defence before sliding the ball underneath the keeper. Unfortunately, Kell also went on to break her collarbone in this game.


Lindsey Morgan v Gillingham Ladies.

BM: We were 2-1 down with minutes to play and Lindsey smashed a half volley to earn us a point.


Becky Merritt v Brighton and Hove Albion Ladies.
LM: Even though we lost the game it was an unbelievable strike from outside the box.


Katie Bottom v Reading Ladies.

RS: Katie Bottom’s goal against Reading last weekend.


The Blowing Bubbles Award for Ladies Goal of the Season goes to Becky Merritt for her goal against Brighton and Hove Albion Ladies.

Best Team Performance

Tottenham Hotspur Ladies 0 West Ham United Ladies 1

TAW: Spurs away where we won 1-0. We played well as a team, everyone from front to back contributed to the win.


Leeds United Ladies 3 West Ham United Ladies 2

HG: Our FA Cup game against Leeds was our best team performance. We were 3-0 down at half time and after a decent talk in the changing room, we came out in the second half such a better team. We got two goals back and was [sic] unlucky not to get a third in the last few minutes. Our fighting spirit to get back at them, determination and team effort was great. We couldn’t have worked harder. If only we were like that first half.


Tottenham Hotspur Ladies 0 West Ham United Ladies 1

ZLH:  Tottenham away. We just played really well as a team and played some great football.


West Ham United Ladies 2 Brighton and Hove Albion Ladies 0

SL:  Our home match against Brighton which we won 2-0. We always seem to struggle against Brighton and we never play well in both halves against anyone. So to beat Brighton (who had a very strong team this year) 2-0and play well in both the first
and second half was very pleasing for both players and
management.


West Ham United Ladies 2 Brighton and Hove Albion Ladies 0

BM: Our best team performance was when we beat Brighton at home 2-0. We were hungry for the win from the first whistle, everyone put their bodies on the line to prevent and score goals.


West Ham United Ladies 2 Brighton and Hove Albion Ladies 0

LM: For me it has to be Brighton at home. I scored the goal after 10 mins and it was just a brilliant team performance.


West Ham United Ladies 3 Tottenham Hotspur Ladies 0

RS: For me, it has to be our 3-0 win over Tottenham.


The Blowing Bubbles Award for Best Ladies Performance of the Season goes to the performance against Brighton and Hove Albion at home.

Best Individual Performance

Becky Merritt v Brighton and Hove Albion (home)

TAW: Becky Merritt against Brighton at home. High work rate, first touch was brilliant and she scored a screamer.


Toni Anne Wayne v Millwall (home)

ZLH: Toni Anne Wayne against Millwall. She pulled off some amazing saves to keep us in that game.


Hannah Gowland v Witham Abbey
SL: Hannah Gowland vs Witham. Although Witham are ranked way below us, nothing should be taken away from Hannah for scoring a hat trick in six minutes in this game. Hannah had only just joined West Ham Ladies so she had done well to fit in to the team and made her mark early on. She was a massive miss for us the rest of the season after she broke her ankle.


Toni Anne Wayne v Millwall (home).

BM: Toni Anne Wayne against Millwall. She pulled off some incredible saves to help us gain a well-earned point from the league leaders at the time.


Vicki King v Tottenham (away).

LM: She stepped up this season from the reserves and she made the right back position her own and away at Tottenham this year she was brilliant. She has improved her game and become a regular first team player.


Stacey Little in numerous games

RS: Stacey Little on so many occasions. She works so hard on the pitch and covers so much ground.


The Blowing Bubbles Award for Ladies Individual Performance of the Season goes to Toni Anne Wayne for her performance away at Millwall Ladies.

Best Goal Celebration

The 'train' after April Bowers' goal away at Tottenham Hotspur Ladies.

TAW: The team celebration after April Bowers’ goal against Spurs away.


Team celebration after Lindsey Morgan's goal away at Gillingham Ladies.

The best goal celebration for me would be after the second goal against Gillingham. After such a great team goal and great team effort, we all celebrated and come[sic] together to cheer and congratulate each other. It was nice.


The 'train' after April Bowers' goal away at Tottenham Hotspur Ladies

ZLH: The celebration after April Bowers’ goal against Spurs. Before the game we said if we scored we would do the train celebration out of  [2001 film directed by Gurinder Chadha] Bend It Like Beckham.


The 'train' after April Bowers' goal away at Tottenham Hotspur Ladies.

SL: Tottenham away, April Bowers’ goal. We had actually been discussing this
before the game if we scored what our celebration would be.


The 'train' after April Bowers' goal away at Tottenham Hotspur Ladies.

BM: The team celebration after April Bowers’ goal against Spurs away.


The 'train' after April Bowers' goal away at Tottenham Hotspur Ladies

LM: The team celebration after April Bowers’ goal against Spurs away.


The 'train' after April Bowers' goal away at Tottenham Hotspur Ladies.

RS: The best goal celebration was against Tottenham. The girls walked on their hands and knees in a row holding onto each others ankles. It was also a great result against Tottenham.


The Blowing Bubbles Award for Best Ladies Goal Celebration of the Season goes to the celebration of April Bowers' goal away at Tottenham Hotspur Ladies.

Funniest in Dressing Room

April Bowers

TAW: April Bowers because she says the most
stupid things.


April Bowers

HG: The funniest in the dressing room is difficult because we all crack jokes but if I had to pick someone it would be April Bowers. She is very random, always comes
out with weird sayings, sings and loves a boogie. Plus she brings sweets before a game
and calls them "badman" sweets.


Stacey Little

ZLH: Stacey Little. She just comes out with the best little comments.


April Bowers

SL: I’d have to say April due to the fact that we’ll all be sitting there, music playing and she will burst into song or impress us with her dance moves all of a sudden.


April Bowers

BM: April Bowers because she pretty much reinvents the English language with her gangster spin!


Danica Revell

LM: Danica Revell. She is funny without even knowing it. She can be so blonde.


Stacey Little

RS: Funniest in the changing room is Stacey
Little. She is always coming out with funny comments or jokes that have the whole
team laughing. Very comical girl.


The Blowing Bubbles Award for Dressing Room Joker goes to April Bowers.


Team Diva

Stacey Little

TAW: Stacey Little because if there is anything to moan about she will find it.


Rosey Sullivan

HG: The team diva is Rosey. She is always worrying about her hair and makeup.
Both have to be perfect and she never likes it going wrong especially when it rains. She loves the fake tan too.


Kelley Blanchflower.

ZLH: Kelley Blanchflower.


Rosey Sullivan

SL: Rosey Sullivan. That’s easy and I’m sure she will be everyone else’s choice too.
The moisturising to make sure the tan doesn’t peel, the panic when it starts raining that her hair is going to go knotty and mascara will run. Wouldn’t change our Rose though.


Rosey Sullivan/Kelly Blanchflower

BM: Rosey Sullivan or Kelley Blanchflower. Pure TOWIE. You should see them if there is a photo and they were not given sufficient time to prepare.


Kelly Blanchflower.

LM: Kelley Blanchflower.


Kelley Blanchflower.

RS: I am the biggest diva (or so I have been told plenty of times) but if I'm not voting
for myself it would be Kelley Blanchflower. She's kind of similar to me with having our hair perfect, making sure we are pretty and smelling good before the game. She can also get the hump if things aren't going positively but guess that's the whole team.
We still love her.

The Blowing Bubbles Award for Biggest Diva goes to Rosey Sullivan.

Blowing Bubbles awards 2012/2013

In a season of thrills, spills, goals and the odd defensive howler, uncharacteristic for a Sam Allardyce side, there has been a lot to admire about the Hammers this season as the side secured a highly creditable 10th placed finish on their return to the Premier League.
 
With the season having drawn to a close with a 4-2 victory over already-relegated Reading, four of our top writers, Andrew Hosie, Geoff Hillyer, Thomas Johnson, Joell Mayoh and Lucy Woolford run the rule over the 2012/2013 campaign and nominate their favourites of this season.
 
Player of the Season
 
AH: Andy Carroll.
 
OK, there has been frustration with injury but when Carroll plays our threat doubles or even triples. Strong, athletic and skilful, he's able to set up others and score crucial
goals himself. No doubt he will be a loss next season if he does go.

GH: Winston Reid.
 
An astonishing improvement when you think back to the last season we had in the Premier League, when he looked out of his depth. The icing on the cake was his fantastic clearance against Newcastle United to save what seemed like a certain goal.

TJ: Winston Reid.
 
My player of the season has been a revelation, especially considering how he played in the first year of his West Ham career, a complete flop under Avram Grant. The Kiwi has been a terrific player this season, captaining the side for a game or two when  [Kevin] Nolan and [Mark] Noble were out. He is the central defender we must build the team around.

JM: Winston Reid.
 
He has been nothing other than superb for the Hammers this season. His consistently excellent displays have been a joy to behold. We can only hope the Kiwi’s contract extension means he will be playing that way in the claret and blue for years to come.

LW: Winston Reid.
 
I voted for Winston Reid in the official awards and I haven’t changed my mind. He’s been solid, consistent and calm and I really do think he could fit in at one of the “big four” clubs. He plays with his heart on his sleeve, and that’s why we love him!

The Blowing Bubbles Player of the Season Award goes to Winston Reid.

Young Player of the Season

GH: Dan Potts.
 
Not really many candidates for this one this time around but Dan Potts has continued his upward trajectory and featured in the first team once again this season. A local lad through and through, his clash of heads in the away game at Arsenal showed the bravery of the player.

TJ: Dan Potts.
 
The young left-back has impressed with his scattered appearances over the past two seasons under Allardyce. Unfortunately for the son of former Hammer Steve Potts, he was left concussed after a collision in the game away against Arsenal and wasn’t able to recapture his place in the side after some solid games from Joey O’Brien, but Potts will hopefully keep improving and make the left-back berth his own for the future.

JM: Dylan Tombides.
 
Selecting an outstanding young player for the Hammers has become a slightly difficult task with Sam Allardyce in charge of the team; given that few young players are handed the opportunity to shine in the first team. Yet I find no difficulty in naming Dylan Tombides as my choice because of the incredible adversity that the 19-year-old striker had to battle through before making his first team debut for West Ham in September.
 
The young Australian was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2011 and had to undergo treatment before receiving the all-clear from doctors in June 2012. Just four months later he came on as a sub for the Hammers in the 4-1 defeat to Wigan Athletic in the league cup. If that is the kind of steely determination West Ham’s young professionals have to offer, we know the club has a bright future ahead under the lights of the Olympic Stadium.

LW: I think Dan Potts would have been in with a shout if it hadn’t been for his head injury against Arsenal but Elliot Lee gets my vote. He’s been strong for the U21s this season scoring seven goals. He made his first team debut in the FA Cup and was impressive.

The Blowing Bubbles Award for Young Player of the Season goes to Dan Potts.

Goal of the Season

AH: Andy Carroll v West Bromwich Albion (home).
 
A great deal of belters to choose from: Taylor against Fulham earlier on, Collison away to Arsenal and Diame's goals against Arsenal and Man Utd come to mind, O'Neill's sweet strike against West Brom is up there with the best of them, but I'm going to go with Carroll's strike which gave us the third in that same match, terrific technique to despatch that volley from Collins' free kick.

GH: Mohammed Diame v Manchester United (home).
 
A brilliantly executed goal. Demel, Vaz Te and Mo Diame combining cleverly before Diame receives the ball close to the right of the penalty area, spins away from his marker and then curls in a first-time shot from 20 yards to put West Ham 2-1 in front.

TJ: Mohammed Diame against Manchester United (home).
 
The beauty and skill of the move, some great link-up play from Ricardo Vaz Te to Guy Demel and a simple stroke of the ball to Diame who showed great composure to curl the ball around the Manchester United defence and past the goalkeeper David De Gea- it was a great goal that deserved to be the
winner.

JM: Mohammed Diame vs Chelsea (home).
 
The Hammers had managed to pull level with Chelsea with a Carlton Cole header having gone 1-0 down in the first half. After that the game was an incredibly open affair. It must have been thrilling viewing for the neutral, but it was nail-biting stuff for us fans before Momo scored. West Ham had a throw-in on the left wing. After a quick exchange the ball was chipped into Carlton Cole on the corner of the penalty area by the byline.
 
The striker, who was excellent throughout the game, controlled the bouncing ball on his chest and laid it onto Diame lurking on the edge of penalty area. As it bobbled towards the midfielder, he adjusted his body and then unleashed a ferocious drive into Chelsea’s net. That goal put the Hammers 2-1 up against the European Champions and completely deflated Chelsea, allowing West Ham to secure a famous victory when Modibo Maiga scored again in the dying minutes to make it 3-1.

LW:  Andy Carroll v West Bromwich Albion (home).
 
I’ve got to say Andy Carroll’s volley against West Brom. It was so stunningly controlled and sweetly hit. That really showed us what he can do. Great ball from Collins too.

The Blowing Bubbles Goal of the Season Award goes to Andy Carroll for his goal against West Bromwich Albion.

Best Team Performance of the Season

AH: West Ham United 3 Chelsea 1.
 
It has to be the match against Chelsea, although the team actually only really performed for 45 minutes in that game and could well have been a few goals down at half time. That's why it gets the nod for me, a second half comeback with passion, energy and fight after a tactical shuffle by Allardyce at the interval left Chelsea with no answer and plunged the club further into crisis at the start of Benitez's tenure.

GH: West Ham United 3 Chelsea 1.
 
1-0 down, West Ham came out all guns firing in the second half and turned the match on its head. Diame's strike to put West Ham 2-1 up was only matched by the satisfaction of Maiga firing in to seal the win after an Ashley Cole mistake. A close second was the team involved in the draw against Manchester United, but we won the match against Chelsea, deservedly so.

TJ: West Ham United 0 Manchester City 0.
 
Against last season’s Premier League champions, the team put in a great defensive performance and came out with a point, that should have been three had the linesman not wrongly ruled Kevin Nolan’s goal offside. This was the game that I sensed we would remain a top flight side as we showed grit, determination and passion throughout the team.

JM: West Ham United 3 Chelsea 1.
 
Although I chose Diame’s goal as the highlight, the whole team performed excellently against Chelsea to come from 1-0 down and win 3-1. It would have been a superb victory for any newly promoted side, but for the Hammers to do it against their London rivals was something else. It also seemed to give West Ham the impetus they needed going into a very tough run of fixtures during the winter period.

LW: West Ham United 3 Fulham 0.
 
For me, West Ham’s most memorable performance was in our 3-0 home win against Fulham. I know we’ve faced tougher opponents and played well, but after watching our style against Fulham, I was astounded.

The Blowing Bubbles Performance of the Season Award goes to the performance against Chelsea at home.

Best Individual Performance of the Season

AH: Mohammed Diame v Chelsea (home).
 
Diame in that match against Chelsea. He was the driving force of that second half performance. Almost pulling the team up single handedly with his strength, poise and surging runs from the midfield. If he hadn't got injured in the match at home
against Liverpool, I'm thinking I'd have ended up voting for that one - I maintain we wouldn't have lost if he'd remained on the pitch but overall his Chelsea performance shades it.

GH: Mohammed Diame v Chelsea (home).
 
An absolute powerhouse, particularly in the second half and Chelsea simply couldn't live with him. Scoring the goal in the second half to put us 2-1 up was the icing on the cake.

TJ: Mohammed Diame v Chelsea (home).
 
My signing of the season proved his worth greatly in the home game
against the ‘champions of Europe’ as he came on at half-time and his high pressing and great work ethic revived the side as he influenced the team to come back from 1-0 down and to come out 3-1 winners. An astute signing and tactical decision by Sam Allardyce that worked wonders, and Diame got himself a goal.

JM: Andy Carroll v Fulham (home).
 
I have never seen one man make such a difference to a team than when Andy Carroll made his West Ham debut. He breathed fresh air into the side by terrorising the Fulham defence and proved to be instrumental as the Hammers battered Martin Jol’s side 3-0. After the third goal, all West Ham fans were surely brimming with excitement about what the rest of the season had in store for the team now Carroll was leading the line.

Unfortunately the 24-year-old was injured 68 minutes into that game and his time at Upton Park has been a bit stop start ever since. Hopefully we will see many more performances like that from the big Geordie next season though, should the Hammers be able to sign him permanently.

LW: James Collins v Liverpool (away).
 
James Collins at Anfield just edges it for me. He faced the unstoppable Suarez and in-form Coutinho and his defensive performance was second to none. He made tackles that we never expected him (or anyone else) to make.

The Blowing Bubbles Individual Performance of the Season Award goes to Mohammed Diame for his performance against Chelsea at home.

Wednesday 22 May 2013

Carlton departs

Striker Carlton Cole will leave West Ham this summer, it was understood last night after what were believed to be unsuccessful contract negotiations between the England striker's representatives and the club.

The 29 year old tweeted last night, saying 'Life is filled with ups & downs today is a down but i'll be back! Carlton Cole/CFC as I have been called has left the building #UNDERCHUFFED'.

The striker went on to thank the West Ham fans, saying 'i  want to thank the West Ham fans for their support especially the 1's (sic) who made the away games feel like a home 1 #COYI.. i came to East London not knowing what to expect but i'm glad i did the last 7 years i've met a lot of good honest decent people #THANKYOU'.

Cole signed from London rivals Chelsea for £2m in summer 2006 and after Academy graduate Mark Noble, was the Hammers' longest serving player. The big striker went on to score 47 goals in 206 appearances in a West Ham shirt and made his England debut, against Spain in 2009, while at the club.

The powerful number nine has always divided opinion amongst Hammers fans, but earnt respect from many by turning down offers from Stoke and Galatasary and taking a 50% wage cut following relegation from the Premier League in 2011. Cole went on to enjoy his most prolific season in claret and blue last term, notching 15 goals, including the opening goal in the 2-1 victory over Blackpool in the Championship play off at Wembley that sealed the club's immediate return to the top flight.

West Ham co-chairman David Gold tweeted as well last night and wished Cole good luck for the future, saying 'Good luck @CarltonCole1 one of the nicest men I've ever met in football.'

Championship side Crystal Palace, who face a date with Watford at Wembley later this month for Premier League football next season, have been linked with the striker in recent weeks, as have newly-relegated Reading.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Tuesday 21 May 2013

Rat attack! Hammers seal deal for Romanian defender

West Ham have signed Romania captain Razvan Rat on a free transfer, after negotiations with the player's representatives reached a satisfactory conclusion this afternoon.

Hammers co-chairman David Sullivan's son Jack tweeted this afternoon, 'Just signed the Romanian captain RAZVAN RAT, the first of 4 to 6 Summer signings #COYI #WHU #whufc'.

The 31 year old's agent told the Romanian press earlier this month that he and his client had had meetings with the Irons and now Rat, who can play at right back or centre half, has put pen to paper on a permanent deal which will see him move to Upton Park and officially become a West Ham player when the transfer window reopens next month.

Official confirmation of the deal is expected from the club in the next 24 hours.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Monday 20 May 2013

EXCLUSIVE: Our interview with @DavidGoldWHU in full

Meet David Gold the West Ham fan in a pub or a restaurant and he’ll tell you we’ll finish in an Europa League place next season before securing a Champions League slot after we move into the Olympic Stadium.
But meet David Gold the businessman and West Ham joint-chairman and you’ll get more of a realistic assessment of the club’s current situation and where we will be by the time we leave Upton Park.
Speaking exclusively to Blowing Bubbles from his office near Croydon, Mr Gold said he has been delighted with how the men in claret and blue have fared in the club’s first season back in the Premier League.
Asked about what his expectations were, he said: “After getting promoted via the play offs, the euphoria settles and you say right where do we go from here? You are already a few weeks behind the other promoted clubs and are still years behind other established clubs in the Premier League so you have to plan for the worst and hope for the best. You immediately plan for the possibility of relegation.
“Now that’s not being negative, that’s being realistic and we put a plan in place that was realistic and being candid with you, we budgeted for 15th place.
“So I’ve been delighted with what we’ve achieved this season. I know fans want to hear optimism as oppose to realism but I think I owe it to them to be realistic as a fan. I also have a duty to them to be realistic and plan.”
Mr Gold admits the standout games for him this season were beating Chelsea at home as well as drawing against both Manchester clubs.
“It was performances like these that help you realise we are very capable of beating the big teams,” Mr Gold continued. “We also had amazing performances against Everton and Tottenham and lost.
“It’s at these games you see the potential of the group of the players you have. Matt Jarvis is a very talented wide player who can beat anything and can play for England. Can he score six or seven goals a season for us? Yes I think he can but at the moment he has been a terrific supplier.
“Then you look at Andy Carroll who has been excellent and then the qualities of the homegrown players like Jack Collison and Mark Noble, who will go through a brick wall for you.
“You’ve then got players like George McCartney and Joey O’Brien who never let you down. But at the start of the season, you don’t know if these players are going to get you relegated, finish 15th or secure mid-table.
“So to finish mid-table in this first season back must be considered a success.
“Some fans will question if finishing mid-table is a success and my reply is it is in our first season back in the Premier League. Why? Because I’m being realistic.
“If I wasn’t the chairman, I’d be in the pub with the other guys saying mid-table is not good enough and that we should be going for the Europa League because we are optimistic and we have our dreams and we want success for our heroes but at the same time, somebody has to be guiding the ship and being realistic.”
Tweaking and improving the strength of the squad will be the club’s aims building up to the new season.
Mr Gold continued: “But we can’t suddenly think we can go out and spend incredible amounts of money and challenge for Europe. We need to be realistic and remember the club was £110m in debt when we came here.
“We should’ve got relegated that first season and it was a miracle we didn’t but sadly, we made mistakes and we couldn’t sustain our Premier League status and we got relegated.
“It felt like it had to happen so that the phoenix could rise from the ashes and at this moment of time, this is the best moment of the football club since we’ve been here. Not just on the field but around the training ground and right the way through the football club, there’s a comfortable feeling of optimism.”
It was confirmed at last weekend that Sam Allardyce has signed a new contract to stay on as manager of West Ham and Mr Gold had nothing but praise for the former Bolton, Blackburn and Newcastle boss.
“It is always important to have a good relationship between the chairman and the manager and of course, our situation is unusual because there are two chairmen,” Mr Gold continued. “You are asking a bit more from the manager in our situation because it’s like having two wives but we have proper respect for each other which is the key.”
He added: “We are two years into our relationship with Sam and I don’t recall any issues and that is unusual but it’s also very good.”
Our conversation moves onto the Olympic Stadium and Mr Gold tells he believes 80 per cent of fans are in favour of the move.
He continued: “It was great to finally be confirmed as the tenants because it’s been a lengthy business caused by a number of factors which we are all very aware of but we battled on and we won.
“I think the announcement by the LLDC (London Legacy Development Corporation) was the start of a new chapter for West Ham United. But we have still got lots of work to do as has the LLDC through no fault of its own.
“It’s also not the fault of Boris or the government - it’s the people who put together the original deal.
“Seb Coe said the stadium will be for athletics and he got the Olympics on the basis of that and I wouldn’t disagree with that.
“What I would disagree with is they then went on and built a stadium that was clearly not fit for purpose.
“You cannot have a stadium just for athletics. It doesn’t work anywhere in the world. They are pulling them down or being left to rot.
“People simply do not go to watch hop, skip and jump. They do not find it very interesting.
“I’m not being demeaning to athletics because it plays a big part in young people’s lives and it’s great to watch the Olympics every four years for two weeks but you cannot build a stadium purely for athletics.
“The stadium should’ve been built so that it could be converted to a stadium for football, rugby, cricket, or baseball – all sports that millions of people around the world watch. I’m irritated because if this had been done, we could be in that stadium now. The minute the Olympics were over, West Ham, Spurs or Leyton Orient – whoever won the bid – should have walked straight into that stadium.”
As for the naming of the new stadium, it will inevitably be up for grabs to the highest bidder.
“We are currently calling it the new stadium at the Queen Elizabeth Park but the naming rights to the stadium will be sold by the LLDC and we will get a share of that income,” Mr Gold said.
“There are some clubs that say they will never change the name of their stadium. But in my opinion any football club that doesn’t have a wealthy owner like Chelsea which says it turns down £5m a year in naming rights for their stadium, will eventually get relegated because ultimately everybody with a decent sized stadium will be selling the naming rights.
“If we refused naming rights, we will get relegated because our competitors, like Hull, WBA, Sunderland, Newcastle, have or will sell the naming rights.
“Of course I want everything but in my life I have learnt that you can’t have everything and you have to compromise and have got to decide what is the priority and our priority is to bring success to this football club.
“That’s what we get up for every morning. We want to bring success and our fans demand success.
“They do also demand that we charge £140 for our season tickets like they do in Germany and they demand we pay Andy Carroll what he wants but the two things don’t equate.
“You can’t have £140 season tickets and pay Andy Carroll what he wants otherwise you will go bust.”
Asked if the increase in capacity to 54,000 will be a tough ask when moving into the new stadium, Mr Gold replied: “We don’t think it will be much of an ask at all.
“If you look at the statistics, even clubs who aren’t filling their stadium say at 20,000 but move to a 30,000, see an increase in their average gate from 20,000 to 25,000. That’s just by moving.
“Our situation is also very different to other clubs because first of all we have a wider fan base than most clubs. We go out miles and miles, all of Essex is our territory. Although I promise you our fans come in from far and wide.
“Whenever I go into a restaurant, someone always comes up and says they are a West Ham fan. I never got that at Birmingham.
“In all the time I was there, not once did anyone in a restaurant in the south come up to me and say I’m a Birmingham fan.
“So what I’m trying to say is that Birmingham fans are from Birmingham but West Ham fans come from a much wider area and that’s why we don’t think it will be a tough ask.”
Looking ahead to next season, Mr Gold believes West Ham will not suffer the same fate as QPR did this season.
“I do not believe in second season syndrome,” he said. “What I do believe is some teams over perform in the first season because of the adrenaline.
“Look at Blackpool at few seasons ago. They went off to an amazing flyer and looked like they were going to challenge for Europe but then they collapsed.
“It’s players playing above themselves who are compensating their skill with work rate and you see it time and time again.
“The toughest season is undoubtedly the first and you do see clubs that come up and make big changes to their squads in order to compete and that’s always a poor thing.
“You don’t want to change your team radically but what you want is a settled squad that you tweak and improve every season while keeping your good players.
“I don’t fear this second season syndrome one bit. In fact, I’m thrilled the first season is behind us and we can look forward to embarking on the next season with a stronger squad.
He continued: “There is no doubt we will push our budget up for next season. This year it was set at the club finishing 15th. What would we set it to for next season? Probably for us to finish 12th but that’s only a budget.
“What do I hope is achievable? Certainly breaking into the top 10 and it wouldn’t be unreasonable for us to sneak into the Europa League places although I must confess, and this is not a feeling shared with David Sullivan, I fear of the dangers of the Europa League on a fledging Premiership club.
“I say fledging because we don’t have a huge squad and part of the reason we don’t have a huge squad is because we have a huge debt.
“Once we get rid of the huge debt, we can then spend the money that we are currently paying in interest and repayments on increasing the size of the squad and then you can challenge in the Europa League.”
Mr Gold admits the club “ideally” needs to be a Premier League side between now and moving into the new stadium.
But he added: “I want us to be a Premier League football club for the rest of my life and there is no reason why we can’t be. No reason whatsoever. We are not Wigan, Blackburn or Bolton, we are West Ham.
“Nobody has a divine right to play in this league but what we do have is our fans. “Our fans are Premier League fans and what I mean by that is in our passion, attitude and volume.
“Our aim is to become a club that can drive a stake in the ground which says we are a Premiership club that will not be relegated.
“Manchester City and Chelsea can do it because they have rich owners.
“Arsenal can also do that because they have a fan base, a business model and a financial structure which allows them to drive that stake in the ground and we need to press on to catch up with these teams and stop being in the bottom half of the table. Every club which regularly finishes in the bottom of the table has a chance of being relegated so you’ve got to get up into that top half and stay there year after year to get stronger and increase durability.
“You do that first of all by moving stadiums – we can’t do it by staying at Upton Park.
“You would not build your stadium at Upton Park today if there was a green field there and somebody offered it to us. Why? Because all new stadiums are close to motorways and have good transport links and that’s what we’ve got at Stratford.”
Mr Gold also responded to those fans who have been “bombarding” him with requests for the East Stand to be developed.
He continued: “The economics of any development there are disastrous. If you take a stand and rebuild it to give yourself another 5,000 fans, the cost is prohibitive.
“It just does not work, plus everyone is against you. The police are against you, the roadways team are against you, the transport people are against you, the council is against you. Why? Because it doesn’t work. The area can’t handle the extra people.
“In the early days we looked at it because I didn’t want to leave Upton Park because all my memories are there.
“I can remember West Ham beating the mighty Blackpool with Stanley Matthews at Upton Park. But what I soon realised when I worried about my memories was that I can take them anywhere.
“In the beginning it was a huge hurdle to overcome but it’s one I’ve personally overcome. I also believe there is memorabilia we can all take from Upton Park which will ensure our memories will remain forever.”
Another issue which West Ham fans have been calling for action on is safe standing at the new stadium.
Asked about his view on safe standing, Mr Gold replied: “I’m in favour in the principle of safe standing.
“I believe the Taylor report saved British football which was in terrible decline at the time and what the report did by recommending all-seater stadiums helped to bring an end to the violence.
“But I also believe times and technology have changed.
“We now don’t have the violence we once had and already what exists is unsafe standing.
“At Upton Park, we currently have unsafe standing that is illegal and anti-social.
“It’s time to give something back to the fans. The fans who want to stand should be given an area to stand.
“That way everybody who buys a ticket for that area knows they are going to stand. Not that you’ve brought a ticket for a seat only to find out you have to stand because the guy in front of you stands which is the situation we have at the moment.”
He continued: “Safe standing in football stadiums will happen. I promise you it will happen.
“Initially it won’t happen when we move to the new stadium because I’m of the view the move will be before any decision is made but it could come shortly after.”
He added: “I’d be stunned if we don’t have some form of safe standing experiment soon.
“I think in five years we will see safe standing at football stadiums because let’s face it, it’s not very expensive to install and it’s safe, very safe, in fact it’s twice or three times safer than what we have at the moment.”

Interview by David Blackmore
Blowing Bubbles Editor

Friday 17 May 2013

Salivating over Salibur: Hammers tracking French star

West Ham are keen on former French U19 international Yannis Salibur, according to French football website francefootball.

The exciting 22 year old currently plys his trade for Clermont Foot in the second tier of French football, but is training with former club Lille, one of the biggest clubs in France.

Salibur has represented France at U17, U18 and U19 level and is highly regarded across the channel. Greek side Olympiakos are also said to be tracking the Parisian midfielder.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Irons on red alert as Fulham keeper Schwarzer rejects new Cottagers deal

West Ham are ready to make a move for Australia international Mark Schwarzer after the experienced goalkeeper rejected a new contract at Fulham.

Fulham manager Martin Jol confirmed the news, saying: "We made an offer to them and he did not accept that. There is no deadline. We will hope to talk with him as well."

The 37 year old's future has been the subject of sustained speculation over the last two months and was strongly linked with a move to Upton Park last month, with Irons boss Sam Allardyce in the market for a new goalkeeper, according to club sources.

However, Sports Direct News are reporting this afternoon that Schwarzer has turned down what was believed to be a long term deal on the table from the Cottagers and with the goalkeeper out of contract, Allardyce could now land the former Boro man, capped 103 times by his country, on a free transfer this summer.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Allardyce warns fans of need for transfer market prudence

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has stated, not for the first time, that the club must be careful when delving into the transfer market to strengthen the side this summer in light of the new Premier League financial restrictions.

"The financial restrictions kick in this year and we must be careful where and how we spend our money to try and improve the side, which is something we must do," the Hammers boss told TalkSport this morning.

"It makes life that little more difficult. We'll have to learn to deal with it and hopefully, we can get better despite those restrictions."

Allardyce's chairman, David Gold, issued the same platitudes about the need for financial prudence in his exclusive interview with Blowing Bubbles in our final issue of the season, and told us that 'we can't charge £140 for season tickets and pay Andy Carroll whatever he wants."

The full interview with Gold can be read in the issue, which is completely free and available here.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Bony chase on: striker to meet with three Premier League sides next week

The speculation surrounding the future of Vitesse Arnhem striker Wilfried Bony has hotted up today as one of the Ivory Coast's international's agents has today confirmed that his client is currently 'in good demand' and that they will be holding talks with a number of clubs in the coming weeks- starting with an unnamed London club next weekend.

The powerful forward stated last weekend that he believed he had played his last game for Vitesse and left speculation about his future wide open.

West Ham were reported to have held talks with the pacy frontman in March and are still very much on his tail, but will have to fight off stiff competition if they want to land him, Bony's agent has said today.

Francis Cacou today told Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad: "We have had more than one conversation with Anzhi [Makhachkala, Russian side who tried to sign Bony earlier in the season] and we now know what approximately they want to pay. After wages, bonuses and commission we will talk again."

"I have to say we also spoke with a German side last week and the next weekend we will be at a London side."

Sky Sports are reporting that Bony and his representatives will meet with 'at least three' Premier League sides next week- Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, Everton and Fulham as well as the Hammers have all been linked with the 24 year old in the two months.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Irons lead race to sign Super Hooper as Celtic prepare to sell star man

West Ham will face a straight fight with Queens Park Rangers to sign Celtic striker Gary Hooper, according to the Daily Express today.

The 25 year old was the subject of three failed bids by Norwich in January, but with only a year left on Hooper's contract, the Bhoys have reportedly resigned themselves to selling their prize asset this summer rather than risk him leaving for free next summer.

The Hammers and QPR were both linked with a move for the striker earlier this week and R's boss Harry Redknapp is believed to be ready to fork out the £6m fee Celtic want for the former Scunthorpe man.

However, Hooper himself is unsurprisingly more open to a move to the Premier League than the Championship, so matching QPR's bid should be enough for West Ham to land the Essex-born hitman.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Terrible ten: police charge Hammers fans after Sunderland violence

Northumbria Police have today confirmed that they have charged ten West Ham fans with violent disorder in relation to trouble before the Sunderland away game on January 12, now bringing the total arrest count up to 34, with 24 Black Cats fans having been previously charged.

Police launched an investigation into the trouble, which circulated around a bar brawl at Revolution bar in Sunderland city centre around 2.15pm, as Blowing Bubbles reported to you in February and images were released at the time of the men believed to have been involved.



Today, Chief Superintendent Kay Blyth said: "This has been an extensive investigation and we received an excellent response from the public when CCTV images of the incident were released."

"There are 24 Sunderland and 10 West Ham supporters charged with offences, bringing the total number of people involved in the incident to 34. They are all going through the court process and have stringent bail conditions."

The Sunderland supporters charged in relation to the incident will all appear at Sunderland Magistrates' Court on May 20. The case continues.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Thursday 16 May 2013

Ambrosini move on- Milan star's agent confirms Hammers interest

The agent of Massimo Ambrosini has this afternoon confirmed that West Ham have made a bid to sign the AC Milan captain, the Daily Mail has heard.
Moreno Moggis said: "There is interest from other clubs. West Ham? The interest is real, but first he'll sit down with [Milan vice-president Adriano] Galliani. Milan is like a family for him and it is right that the decision on his future is made jointly."

Several MLS clubs are rumoured to be interested in signing the 35 year old, while Ambrosini himself had previously expressed a desire to end his career with Il Rosserini.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling


Striker search Lukaking up- Irons inquire about permanent deal for Chelsea striker

After 24 hours of speculation about the future of Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, West Ham's interest in the striker has been confirmed as the club have been in touch with the Blues over a permanent move to bring the Belgium international to East London.

Premier League rivals Swansea were this morning reported to be 'close' to sealing a loan move for the 20 year old and, realising that they risked being left behind in the race for the pacy forward, the Irons have this afternoon become the second club to enter negotiations with the Stamford Bridge club over Lukaku, who has spent this season on loan at West Brom.

However, the Daily Mail report that the inquiry was met by an insistence from Chelsea that no decision would be made over the future of the striker until a new manager is appointed, with interim boss Rafa Benitez's short-term deal due to expire at the end of the season.

Benitez himself has said this afternoon that he expects the Blues to 'spend £100m and sign three or four players,' and praised the young players currently at the club such as Oriel Romelu, Cesar Azpilicueta and Victor Moses but did not mention Lukaku, thus raising serious questions about the powerful striker's future at the club.

The Hammers are said to have asked Chelsea to keep them informed with any future developments regarding the player's future.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Hodg and glory: Carroll named in England squad for friendlies

West Ham striker Andy Carroll has been named in Roy Hodgson's England squad to face the Republic of Ireland and Brazil in friendlies on 29 May and 2 June respectively.

The on loan Liverpool striker has been in fine form for the Hammers of late, scoring 7 goals in all competitions and was believed to be under the watchful eye of Hodgson's assistant manager Ray Lewington in the club's recent 0-0 draw with Newcastle.

The 23 year old's selection will come as a personal victory for West Ham manager Sam Allardyce, who, after his side's 2-2 draw with Manchester United last month, launched a scathing attack on Three Lions boss Hodgson and accused him of being 'scared' to pick Carroll because of the negative press he believed the selection would attract.

Allardyce has also previously stated that a permanent move to the Boleyn Ground would benefit Carroll in terms of pushing himself into the England reckoning on a regular basis, so has two reasons to be delighted with his star striker's selection for the national side.

The East London side were yesterday reported to be in negotiations with Liverpool over the permanent transfer of former Newcastle hitman Carroll.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Massimo attack: Irons launch stunning bid for Milan star Ambrosini

In comfortably the juiciest piece of transfer gossip this morning, West Ham have made a bid to sign AC Milan captain Massimo Ambrosini, according to TalkSport.

The former Italy international has won everything in Italy, including four Serie A titles and two Champions Leagues and at the age of 35, is now said to be on the lookout for a new challenge and could be tempted by a move to the Premier League, with his contract at the San Siro up next month.

The Hammers are believed to have offered the former Italy international a two year deal but will have to fight off competition from the MLS in order to land Ambrosini, with several US sides said to be keen on him.

The midfielder will have talks with Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani next week to talk about his options, after which his future will likely become much clearer.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling



Marouane marooned: on loan striker wants France return

West Ham striker Marouane Chamakh has told 10 Sport that he would like to return to France to re-sign for former side Bordeaux, after struggling to make an impact in the Premier League.
The forward has made just three appearances in a Hammers shirt since signing on loan in January and has said that he is open to a return to France.

"There is a good chance that I will not stay at Arsenal," the Morocco international said today.

"Bordeaux is a club that is always in my heart and if I find an agreement with Bordeaux, why not?"

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Like Schmeich: Irons want Foxes keeper

West Ham are eyeing yet another summer goalkeeping target, according to the Daily Mirror today. The Hammers have been linked with the likes of Jake KeanJulio Cesar and Brad Guzan in recent weeks and are now reportedly sizing up a move for Leicester goalkeeper Kaspar Schmeichel- the son of legendary Manchester United and Denmark keeper Peter.

The 26 year old enjoyed a good season as the Foxes made the Championship play offs, losing out to Watford in the semis, and topped the season by making his international bow for Denmark against Macedonia in February.

The Irons will reportedly face competition from Swansea and newly promoted Hull for the former Manchester City stopper's signature.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Swanning about: Welsh side close to deal for Hammers target Lukaku

Swansea are close to a season-long loan deal for Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, the Daily Mail are reporting this morning.

Reports yesterday linked West Ham with a move for the Belgium international, but the Capital One Cup winners look set to gazumph a whole host of clubs including Everton, Aston Villa and Newcastle and seal a move for the exciting 20 year old.

Lukaku has lit up the Premier League this season with an impressive 14 goals on loan at West Brom and looks set for another move away from Stamford Bridge this summer, with the newly-crowned Europa League champions expected to spend big on another striker in the summer.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Wednesday 15 May 2013

Hammers eye £15m move for Chelsea star Lukaku

Reports this afternoon are linking West Ham with a big money move for Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, amid speculation about the Belgium international's future at Stamford Bridge.


Lukaku has been in red hot form for West Brom this season, for whom he has spent the season on loan, scoring 14 goals and firing the Baggies to a first-ever top half Premier League finish and is reportedly being watched by the Irons, Fulham, Everton, Aston Villa and Newcastle.

The news comes after widespread reports this morning that the Hammers are in negotiations with Liverpool over the permanent transfer of on-loan Reds striker Andy Carroll, and so the future of any deal for Lukaku, and of any deal for Wilfried Bony, Gary Hooper or Jordan Rhodes, all of whom the club have been linked with in recent days, is almost certain to be dependent on the progression of the talks with the Anfield club over Carroll, as the new Premier League financial regulations mean that signing the England striker would take a huge chunk out of the club's transfer budget this summer.

Chelsea striker Lukaku is expected to hold showdown talks with the West London outfit next week as he considers the next step in his career.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Diamantis and Gold: Brescia to cough up transfer money for ex Hammer

After a long drawn out legal battle, West Ham will finally be getting the transfer money they have been due for the last three years from Italian side Brescia for former striker Alessandro Diamanti.

The Serie B outfit signed Diamanti, who scored the winning penalty in the European Championships quarter final shootout against England last summer, for a bargain £2m and agreed a deal with the Irons to pay the transfer fee in instalments. The issue was complicated by the Italy international's subsequent move to Bologna, and the clause inserted in the original deal by the Hammers relating to a sell-on fee.

However, when no money was forthcoming, a year down the line, West Ham co-chairman David Gold stated the club's intentions to 'sue Brescia for the money.'

Gold revealed in February that the club had received the first payment of £200k, with more to be expected, and yesterday tweeted that 'the money for Diamanti is now coming in in [sic] instalments and is guaranteed by the Italian FA.'

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

I owe it all to Big Sam, says Irons star O'Brien

West Ham defender Joey O'Brien has reflected upon a productive season at the Boleyn Ground and heaped praise upon manager Sam Allardyce, who recently signed a new contract at the East London club.

"I missed out four years with injury, those are the harsh facts," the Republic of Ireland international told the Newham Recorder.

"Two seasons ago when I got released from Bolton, nobody wanted me, there wasn't a manager in the Football League that wanted me. Sam has been great with me since I was a kid, so if I hadn't had a relationship with Sam Allardyce, I wouldn't be where I am now- I owe him a lot."

The utility man, who has filled in all across the back four for the Hammers this season, has made 62 appearances in all competitions for West Ham since signing on a free transfer the summer before last after the Trotters let him go- having made just 50 in seven years at the Reebok Stadium.

"When I was out for all that time, I didn't want to just come back and play one game," O'Brien stated.

"I wanted to come back and play every game in the Premier League. I did it in the past when I was a kid so I knew I could do it again. It surprises other people, not me, so maybe they didn't think I was as good as what I am."

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Carroll 'close' to £12m Hammers move

West Ham are closing in on a permanent deal to sign on loan Liverpool striker Andy Carroll, the Express are reporting this morning.

The big striker's future has been the subject of almost daily speculation for the past couple of months, but now it looks like a deal could be done in the near future, with Reds boss Brendan Rodgers said to be keen to offload the England forward and the Merseyside club believed to be open to negotiation on the transfer fee for Carroll, who set Liverpool back £35m when they signed him from Newcastle in January 2011.

West Ham are understood to be the only club currently in negotiations with Carroll, with former club Newcastle thought to be priced out of the market by their ex striker's £90,000 a week wages. According to the Express, the powerful no. 8 is 'desperate' to stay at the Boleyn Ground, having forged a close relationship with manager Sam Allardyce.


Hammers co-chairman David Sullivan stated last week that talks would begin soon with the 24 year old over a permanent switch to Upton Park and negotiations have opened and are believed to be progressing smoothly. Liverpool are understood to be willing to take a significant loss on Carroll, with a £12m bid from West Ham believed to be the offer on the table, although club sources indicated earlier this month that the Hammers are would be prepared to up their bid to £14m.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Tuesday 14 May 2013

Barry bleating again: Orient renew request for judicial review in Olympic Stadium tenancy

Leyton Orient have renewed their request for a judicial review into the tenancy of the Olympic Stadium, the East London and West Essex Guardian are reporting this evening.

West Ham were officially awarded the stadium in March but Orient contested the decision at the time and had a written request for a review rejected by a court in April and have now repeated that request for a review of the LLDC's decision, on the grounds that the body breached its rules by failing to adequately explore the possibility of a groundshare between the League One outfit and the Hammers.

"We fear for the worst," said the O's ever-opinionated chairman Barry Hearn tonight.

"West Ham have been the beneficiaries of a fabulously inexpensive deal paid for by the taxpayer and all we're saying is that Orient should benefit as well from the Olympic legacy of sport."

"West Ham have already given away 100,000 tickets to watch a Premier League side in a huge venue and I don't think it's much of a fair fight. We could become the the hidden tribe of the east end."

The news comes as whufc.com report the results of the YouGov consultation of Hammers supporters over the move, with 85% of the 12,000 fans who voted in the poll in favour of the move.

Those familiar with Mr Hearn will know that he loves playing the victim role and portraying his club as 'little Orient who just can't compete with the Premier League big boys down the road,' and as he prepares to launch yet another doomed judicial review, it's worth bearing in mind one Leyton Orient fan's take on Hearn's motivation for wanting to move his club from the MatchRoom Stadium.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Lamine keen on Hammers

Bordeaux defender Lamine Sane has opened the door for a move to West Ham after declaring himself a fan of the Premier League.

The Senegal international has earnt himself a robust reputation in Ligue 1 and was linked with the Hammers last month and has now further encouraged the overtures of the East London side.

"I love the game and the atmosphere in the Premier League," the 26 year old told French sports daily L'Equipe.

"I believe on a physical level I could match the expectation level.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Olympic poll results show '85% of fans back move'

The results from the SMG YouGov supporter consultation on West Ham's proposed move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016 have returned and in a resounding victory for the club's board, the statistics shows that 85% of fans who took the poll support the move to Stratford.

A further 10% said that they would potentially back the move but required more information, and 50% said that they supported the move because 'they believe it will provide the resources to improve the squad and build the club.'



These results are perhaps not surprising, given how the questionnaire was set up. With multiple choice questions requiring fans to rate various aspects of the move at various levels of importance and then no further questions delving further into those concerns that fans may have had about specific aspects of the move, the result could in a lot of senses be said to be a foregone conclusion as soon as the questionnaire was launched.

Around 12,000 supporters took the questionnaire- just over a third of the number who regularly attend home games currently.

The purpose of the questionnaire should also perhaps be called into question, given co-chairman David Sullivan's previous comment that '85% of fans support the move,' even before the supporter consultation was launched. The wisdom of 'consulting' fans on the issue after the decision had already been made to move is also a controversial topic for many supporters.

Vice-chairman Karren Brady declared herself 'delighted' at the results and said that the club must now 'engage further' with the 10% who have requested further information about the move.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Altidore for 'ammers? Irons eyeing ex Hull striker

Rumour has it that the latest striker West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is looking at as a potential back-up for main summer target Andy Carroll is AZ Alkmar forward Jozy Altidore.

The USA international has struck an impressive 38 goals in just 67 appearances in Holland since signing from Villareal in 2011, and could be on the move again, with both the Hammers and Premier League rivals Aston Villa credited with an interest in the 23 year old.

Irons fans will remember Altidore best for a somewhat disapponting loan spell at Hull between 2009 and 2010, where he notched only 1 goal in 28 appearances, but the New Jersey-born forward has regained his form and is in much demand.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Promotion hopefuls Palace eyeing castaway Cole

Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway is eyeing a summer move for out-of-contract West Ham striker Carlton Cole, according to reports today.

The 29 year old looks set to leave the club, with both the player's representatives and Hammers boss Sam Allardyce last month denying reports that ex England striker Cole had been offered what reports today describe as a 'lucrative new deal' to stay at the club, and Eagles chief Holloway looks set to pounce, as long as his Palace side win their Championship play off final against Watford later this month.

The former Blackpool manager praised Cole after his side were defeated by West Ham in last season's Championship play off final, saying 'Carlton Cole was the difference- I'm a big fan of that lad. If he'd been more consistent, he'd have been England's centre forward for a long time to come.'

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Pants! Irons target Pantilimon wants move to Italy

Reported West Ham target Costel Pantilimon has told Italian newspaper La Nazione that a move to Serie A would be a 'dream,' amid reported interest from Fiorentina.

The Hammers were linked with the giant Manchester City goalkeeper in March and the Romania international earlier this month stated his desire to leave the Etihad Stadium.

However, Pantilimon seems to be very much more geared towards a move to Italy, and praised what the club had done for his former City teammates David Pizarro and Stefan Savic.

"Getting in Serie A would be a dream and some national teammates spoke well about Florence. Let me say that I am happy that two players like Pizarro and Savic found their feet in Fiorentina. I met them here in City and here they were on the fringes whereas now they are at the centre of a project."

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Football run by the fans: one West Ham fan's campaign to raise £1m for club's playing budget

In this age of multi-million pound transfer fees, billionaire owners and £120m play off finals, it's easy to forget about the fans in the money-making industry that is football in the 21st century. However, Exeter-based West Ham fan Nathan Boult has stuck his claret and blue flag in the ground and made a stand that he hopes will have the effect of bringing football back to the fans that little bit more.

"I live in Exeter where the local football team [League Two side Exeter City] is run by the local community. They're fan owned and even some of the players are paid by the supporters," the 22 year old said on his campaign page.

"It made me think, 'what could a club like West Ham achieve if all the fans pulled together and raised some money for the playing budget?!' West Ham are such a well supported club with supporters all over the country. If we all showed our support, we could see something amazing happen. Would be great to attract better players and pay their wages by showing how ambitious we are!"

A cynical view is that £1m doesn't get you anywhere in the Premier League these days, and there's some truth in that. Carlton Cole's reported wages, for example, are believed to be in the annual region of £1.2m. However, this would be more than a token gesture from West Ham fans; the campaign by Boult would be a clear statement of intent to the club that Hammers fans want more of a say in how their club is run, and we at Blowing Bubbles absolutely think it is a worthwhile project and fully support it.

Nathan's page, where fans can donate to the project, can be found here.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Ciao Carlton: striker set for Boleyn Ground farewell on Sunday

West Ham striker Carlton Cole will make his last appearance in a Hammers shirt this Sunday against Reading, according to the Sun.

Irons boss Sam Allardyce hinted yesterday of his desire to trim the West Ham squad ahead of next season, and ex Chelsea forward Cole, 29, looks set to be the first to go.

The newspaper claims that the striker, who has been at Upton Park since 2006, rejected a new contract last season after taking a 50% wage cut to stay at the East London club following Premier League relegation in 2011.

Cole's representatives, meanwhile, last month denied that there had been any contact from the club over a new deal for the former England striker after reports that the club had offered the big number nine a new contract, with a deadline of the final day of the season.

Crystal Palace are said to be interested in signing Cole and may well make an approach for the out of contract striker if they win their upcoming Championship play-off final against Watford on May 27.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Hull of a battle: Premier League new boys want to sign Irons target Rhodes

Newly promoted Hull are planning to gazumph West Ham's proposed move for Blackburn striker Jordan Rhodes, according to the Daily Mirror this morning.

The Tigers sealed promotion to the Premier League on the last day of the season with a dramatic last-day draw with champions Cardiff, and manager Steve Bruce is eager to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season in the top flight.

Hammers boss Sam Allardyce meanwhile, is a big fan of Scotland international Rhodes, having previously tried to sign him last season when the pacy frontman was at Huddersfield, and was linked last month with a summer swoop for the Rovers star, who has lit up Ewood Park with 28 goals in a drab season for Blackburn.

The Lancashire club signed the 23 year old for £8m last summer and with money tight, could be tempted to sell for less than that this summer. Hull are understood to want Rhodes on the cheap and are readying a £4m bid.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Golden Bhoy Gary to swap Hoops for Hammers?

Rumour has it this morning that Celtic striker Gary Hooper is primed to make a summer switch to the Boleyn Ground.

The former Scunthorpe star turned out alongside Hammers stars Kevin Nolan, Andy Carroll and Matt Jarvis on the Cole XI in a memorial game for Irons academy graduate Mitchell Cole and now the powerful 25 year old is being strongly linked with a move to the Boleyn Ground, after a hugely prolific season in Scotland where the former Hereford loanee amassed 29 goals in all competitions.


West Ham's Premier League rivals Norwich made three unsuccessful bids to sign the well-travelled forward in January, and Tottenham have been linked with Hooper in the past. However, with Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas turning his attention to Athletico Madrid's Falcao, the North London side look likely to drop out of the race to prise Hooper away from Celtic Park.

Should the Hammers want to bring the Celtic hitman to East London, their main competition would likely come from newly-relegated Queens Park Rangers, with R's boss Harry Redknapp ready to splash out £6m on the striker this summer, according to the Daily Mirror.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Monday 13 May 2013

Ladies' game abandoned after keeper injury


West Ham United’s Ladies had their final match of the season abandoned with nine minutes to go after goalkeeper Toni-Anne Wayne suffered a serious injury that required her to be taken away by ambulance.


Reading were awarded all three points as they were 3-2 up when the decision was taken to call off the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division match. Wayne collided with the goal post, resulting in cracked ribs and a bruised sternum and hip.

Rosey Sullivan and Katie Bottom scored for the Hammers, but the early conclusion meant that they couldn't end their seven game winless streak.


Wayne was released from hospital on Sunday evening, but with what sounds like a nasty incident, we wish her a speedy recovery.

The side notched up 22 points from 16 games and finished sixth. They may be disappointed with the second half of their season but should bow out with their heads held high after a mid-table finish.


By Lucy Woolford, Youth and Development Squad reporter

@lucy_whufc

Brayford could leave, says Derby boss Clough as Irons linked

Derby County boss Nigel Clough has told the Derby Telegraph that defender John Brayford could leave Pride Park this summer.

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is said to be keen on the 25 year old and is keen to add to his squad this summer. The Irons were linked with the Rams star last month and Clough has opened the door for his man to depart.

"There was some interest in him the last two transfer windows," said the Derby manager today.

"I think John will probably want to have a look and see what is out there."

The signing of Brayford would resemble a comparatively cheap option for Allardyce and thus reasonably attractive, given the emphasis the Irons chief has placed upon the need for the club to economise as they build for the future.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Workaholic O'Neil states desire for Boleyn Ground stay as Allardyce wields axe

West Ham midfielder Gary O'Neil has in the last hour told London24 that he 'would love' to stay at Upton Park, amid speculation that his time at the East London club is set to come to and end with his contract expiring next week.

"I'd love to stay, but I haven't heard anything from the club to be honest," said O'Neil, who turns 30 on Saturday.


"That is 11 starts on the trot for me. The manager showed a lot of faith in me, leaving me in there [the first eleven] when Nobes [Mark Noble] was fit again after his injury and since I've been there, we've managed to secure safety, while last year he called me in with 15 games to go and we managed to get over the line."

"So I think I have done okay when he has used me and hopefully that is enough for him to want to offer me something."

Allardyce earlier today told the Evening Standard that he is planning to strengthen his squad over the summer and strongly suggested that the rebuilding process could involve trimming his squad and cutting out-of-contract players such as O'Neil and striker Carlton Cole.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling