West Ham United Blog | Analysis & News
News, Results, Transfers, Gossip
The rumour mill and Twitter universe are going crazy today especially after a tweet from West Ham Co-Owner David Sullivan’s 聽son which flamed the fires even further!
While the young Sullivan doesn’t give any player name it appears to be Andy Carroll if the the internet is to be believed.
How about any of you guys? Have you heard anything that backs this up or have a friends Nan who works in the kitchen at Upton Park who has heard it’s true?
West Ham United have added some more depth to their goalkeeping department by signing the young Swiss goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel from Grasshoppers for an undisclosed fee.
Spiegel has inked a three-year deal with West Ham, with the option of another year, and is due to meet up with his new team mates later on this week.
He has represented his country at various youth levels and is regarded as one of their brightest prospects.
The 19-year-old is expected to provide cover for recently signed senior keepers Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson.
I don’t know much more about the young man but it looks like our goalkeeping situation is strong now with Green, Boffin and Stech having all been replaced. Lets hope we can sign a few defenders next as we are looking light in that department.
Not much is happening in the world of transfer news this weekend but here is a round up of the Sunday Gossip Colums.
Defoe
According to the Daily Star Jermaine Defoe is looking for a move having not been given any reassurances from new boss Andre Villas-Boas, with Sam Allardyce still in the market for some more fire power up front following the recent arrival of Modibo Maiga.
West Ham could be of interest to the striker who is very keen to stay in London, and with Big Sam keen to add a proven Premier League goal scorer to his ranks then it could suit both parties.
Douglas
Another player being touted for a move to Upton Park is FC Twente defender Douglas, the player has been heavily linked with a move to Newcastle but having been slow to follow up their interest in the highly rated centre back both West Ham and Fullham have shown an interest in Brazilian born player who is due to get a Dutch passport soon, which will mean there would be no need for a work permit.
Mark Nobles Contract
West Ham are apparently playing hard ball on a new contract for the聽midfielder, Noble is keen to sign a new long term deal following his great form last season in The Championship, however West Ham are keen to see how he performs in The Premiership and how new arrival Mohamed Diame from Wigan affects the dynamics of the team.
On another note West Ham have been giving trials to Colin Kazim-Richards and also聽Bilel Mohsni from Southend, both players featured in The Hammers 2-1 win over Colchester on Saturday and are now expected to go on the pre-season trip to Germany. Some bad news is that Nolan limped off after just 3 minutes of the game, lets hope it doesn’t turn out to be anything serious.
If you hear of any more news feel free to post a comment as I am sure we would all be interested in any more news and gossip about our club!
Big Sam has taken out the big gun and pointed it in the direction of Steve Kean from Blackburn.
Yes, you heard that right, Allardyce is taking legal action against his old firm and against the man who replaced him as manager, Steve Kean. It appears that Sam’s move for legal action is in response to a video rant made by Kean in May and he’s having none of it.
The battle looks set to take place in the High Court, too. The video which lasts just over 4 minutes is full of rants and four letter words used by the Scot and Kean voices his opinion on why Allardyce was given the boot from Blackburn.
The clip was filmed in a Hong Kong bar and Kean can be heard talking with Blackburn fans. It was filmed on Blackburn’s pre-season tour of the Far East.
In the clip he is asked about his relationship with Allardyce, who appointed Kean as first-team coach, Kean responds like this:
“I haven鈥檛 spoken to him. He mullered me so I said f*** him.
“I worked my b***s off for him and then he had a go at me so f*** him.”
Nice one Keano. The 4 minute video ends strangely with Steve Kean boasting that his ultimately doomed outfit would win the Carling Cup. Alrighty then 馃槈
A spokesman acting on behalf of Sam Allardyce said:
“He has issued legal proceedings against Steve Kean and Blackburn Rovers but is unable to comment further at this time.”
I think it’s a clear cut case of jealousy and sour grapes on Kean’s part and I hope Allardyce “reams” him 馃槈
Picture From WHUFC.com
Great news,聽West Ham have confirmed 24-year-old Modibo Maiga has joined The Hammers for an undisclosed fee, signing 聽a four-year contract with an option for a further two years.
Maiga, who is a Mali international, can play as a striker or on the wing and scored 24 league goals in the last two seasons in Ligue 1.
Speaking to WHUFC.com Maiga said:
“I am really happy and excited about joining West Ham United,” said Maiga. “I know West Ham are a聽big聽club in England and I’m really looking forward to representing them. They have聽huge tradition and it is like joining part of a family and that is one of the main reasons I wanted to come聽here.
“I know some of the big names that have played for the club in the past and I am proud to be part of a new team back in the Premier League.”
Lets hope this is the first of some quality signings for West Ham.
What do you guys think? Good signing? Who should we be looking for next?
