51 day's to go
West Ham: Church may give up the ghost
Exclusive
West Ham are set to escape the enforcement of restrictive covenants imposed by the Catholic Church when they change stadiums, because nobody can prove what they are.
The Hammers will leave their long-time Upton Park home and relocate a few miles west to Stratford's Olympic Stadium in 2016, with the old stadium set to be replaced with a retail park and some luxury flats.
Although the freehold to the Boleyn Ground is owned by the club, title registers filed with the Land Registry detail historic agreements with the church and the former Archbishop of Westminster, the Most Reverend Edward Henry Manning, over the use of the site dating back to 1869.
However, neither the Land Registry or the Diocese of Brentwood, which now has jurisdiction over the area, can locate the documents.
A spokeswoman for the Diocese of Brentwood told SportsDirect News that three-years-ago, the Diocese of Westminster made renewed inquiries but "it went cold" after Tottenham Hotpspur lauched a legal challenge to move to the £486 million Olympic Stadium.
The spokeswoman said: "If these documents are found, it could be that West Ham would want to buy them out. However, it's a strange one at the moment because we know the documents were created and existed, but we don't know if they still do."
The Hammers have long had a relationship with the church in that the club has either rented or bought land from various dioceses over the years.
In 1959 a further agreement was signed between the club and the then Archbishop of Westminster, outlining guarantees on the passage of water and sewer pipes and gas and electricity cables to the Church-owned properties.
In 2000, the club paid to build a new home for the adjacent St Edward's school in exchange for land to redevelop the Centenary Stand.
If you find the documents, please hand them into the Diocese of Westminster or Brentwood.
West Ham were unavailable for comment.
Will the next transfer move be indicative of what funds are left in the pot?
With the Andy Carroll signing done and dusted, it will be interesting to see West Ham's next move in the transfer market? The latest rumour is that we are the verge of completing a £3m move for Ecuadorian winger Jefferson Montero from Mexican club, Morelia. Mind you, new Everton manager, Roberto Martinez, is also said to be interested, so lets wait and see what happens on that one? Apparently, Martinez previously tried to sign the player for Wigan and, of course, he used his Hispanic cultural and language advantage to beat us to the signature of Ivan Ramis last season. What a good decision that turned to be for the player, a season playing in front of home crowds of 5,000, in a town where football is a minority sporting interest, and then relegation to the Championship! True, Ramis had the first laugh in scoring in the 1-4 League Cup defeat at Upton Park, but as the saying goes, its all about who has the last laugh and that was most definitely West Ham. Still, good luck to him come the new season, whether that is in the Championship, with Wigan, or back in Spain?
A very interesting alternative rumour was that the club were interested in signing James Milner from Man City. Milner is an hard working and effective wide midfield player and would be a good addition to the squad. And it could be that he is surplus to requirements following the change in management at Man City. The question is how much the asking price will be for a current England international? There is a school of thought that says that the vast majority of the transfer pot has been committed with the signing of Carroll from Liverpool and that the rest of our signings will be loan or Bosman deals. Both Rat and Adrian have been Bosman/nominal fee signings, so the nature and value of the next signing may be an indicator of the actual transfer resources available to Sam Allardyce in the remainder of this window.
Regardless, the fact is that we need to follow up on the Carroll signing with at least two new strikers. Whether it is a £12m swoop for Wilfred Bony or loan deals for the like of Demba Ba? We need to improve the quality of our strikers and our ability to score away from home. Last season, we struggled to score on our travels and that must be rectified next season. Ten goals from a midfielder is a nice bonus, but our leading scorer should, by rights, be one of our strikers. If our striker additions are to be loan deals, they must be a big improvement upon the deals struck last season. One loanee who spent his time on the bench and another that could not get out of the Development Squad! I wonder how much those two loan deals cost last season in total? Regardless of the criticisms of Carlton Cole, he was a decent alternative option to have available in the squad. His exit means that we no longer have that option and we must now follow through and secure a better quality of striker. That was how I originally interpreted the decision to release Carlton Cole, that it was a clear declaration of intent that we would recruit better strikers to help move the club forward. Otherwise we might just as well have retained Cole for another season or two.
Much will depend on whether Maiga is sold. I have previously argued that he deserves another chance, based in what he produced on the few occasions that he got a first team opportunity last season. It has been suggested that one issue could be Maiga is not industrious enough for a Sam Allardyce side? If he does get another season, the player needs to buckle down and do his fair share of the hard graft in order to bring his attacking skills more regularly in to the first team. Personally, I rate Maiga as a player and would have liked to see him playing more often, last season, in an attacking three with Carroll and Jarvis. The player did not get enough consistent match time in the last campaign to fully demonstrate what he can do. Hopefully a retained Maiga will put that right next season. But if Maiga does exit then our ability to recruit new quality additions up front becomes even more imperative.
Many fans are sceptical about how any new strikers will be utilised next season. Their rationale being that if Allardyce sticks to his 4-3-3 system (or 4-5-1 in some people's opinion) the opportunities to accommodate a second central striker will be distinctly limited. And any quality potential recruits will be aware of this and will accordingly be reluctant to join. This, of course, pre-supposes that a 4-4-2 will not be deployed more often next season. One common argument why this is unlikely to happen is that a second striker cannot be easily accommodated with captain Kevin Nolan's attacking role in Allardyce's system? Personally, I can see the positive arguments for playing 4-3-3. However, too often last season, especially away from home, Carroll become too isolated up front and the absence of a second striker invited teams to push forward and attack us with impunity. This can be overcome in a 4-3-3 if we have the right type of players either side of Carroll, players of pace, who can cross the ball and finish with equal proficiency. Jarvis did very well last season, but he needs to be more direct at times, use his pace and score more frequently. He can do it, after all most of us remember that stunning display of pace, power and finishing that he put in for Wolves against West Ham at Upton Park in the second season of Zola's managerial tenure. That is the Matt Jarvis that I am still waiting to see in a West Ham shirt.
Finally, it is good to see the squad back in a stylish and quality Adidas kit. The Adidas designs are different class and fans with longer memories will always associate the brand with both the excellent 1981-82 and 1985-86 sides. For me, the 1981-82 kit is second only to the classic Bukta kit of 1961-76 as West Ham's all-time greatest. As for the new designs, I like them and look forward to purchasing one of the new shirts. Adidas is probably more expensive then some other sportswear firms, but arguably it is worth it for the extra quality and design. But there is always the alternative of the excellent retro shirts that are available.They are good quality these days and there is a much wider choice of eras available. I have a number of retros amongst my own collection, including the 1957-58 home, 1964-65 home & away and 1980 FA Cup shirts.
SJ. Chandos.
Set To Become One Of Many?
Robert HallIt appears that West Ham academy graduate Robert Hall will be leaving West Ham for Championship side Bolton Wanderers, with much speculation surrounding Halls future how much of a loss could it prove to be?
Robert Hall is a player who is held in high regard within West Ham, he managed to impress Lee Clark whilst on loan at Birmingham City being described as a “Terrific and great lad” and although he joined West Ham as a youth back in 2001 Robert never really had a chance to prove his apparent ability.
With Sam Allardyce coming under constant scrutiny for lack of first team opportunities offered out to youth players, the imminent departure of Hall won’t do him any favours, with rumours also circulating that Hall rejected a new contract offer it could be more than likely that he did remain in some degree, part of Big Sam’s plans for the future.
Now if we evaluate past players who played in similar positions to Hall who have left West Ham to join lower opposition you’ll see that it isn’t always the best possible option. Zavon Hines, Freddie Sears and Junior Stanislas all left Upton Park while still young but since leaving they haven’t really proved anything we didn’t already know; with Stanislas arguably being the most successful; being a prominent figure for Burnley. Whereas Zavon dropped down to League 2 with Bradford City, struggling to make any sort of impact. Freddie Sears made an instant impact for West Ham scoring the winner on his debut against Blackburn but failed to capitalise and left for League 1 outfit Colchester-And although playing well it’s still a far stretch from what we all hoped he could achieve.
One main difference between these players I mentioned and Robert Hall is quite simply that they got their opportunity in the first team and Rob didn’t, so ideally I would have liked Hall to of stayed for a while longer but that appears too little too late.
I wish Robert all the best for the future along with Zavon, Junior and Freddie.
Retirement Home
The appointment of Steve Lomas, our ex-midfielder, has caused quite a storm down at the New Den!
It would appear that the natives are not too pleased at having an ex-Hammer in charge.
Well Lomas is keen to make a good impression with the natives and has already moved into the transfer market to see if Millwall can improve on their dismal performance last season.
Lomas has recruited Steven Bywater and is now looking at taking Matthew Etherington to South-East London.
Can anyone see where this article is leading yet?
I can`t help wondering if the locals will accept further West Ham infiltration as it now looks as if the New Den is fast becoming an ex-Hammers retirement home!
give me sport
Andy Carroll: Millions wasted
Is Andy Carroll ever going to become a top Premier League striker?
The millions spent on him would say yes, other's would say no. He has potential, but does he really have the ability?
The English born centre-forward started his career at Newcastle United in 2006 at the young age of 17.
Making eight appearances for the North-East club, Newcastle decided to let him go out on loan at Championship side Preston North End where he featured in 11 matches, scoring one goal.
Carroll returned from his loan spell in 2008, where he made a further 14 appearances in the Premier League, hitting the back of the net three times before Newcastle's relegation at the end of the 2008/09 season.
The big centre-forward enjoyed some good form in Newcastle's very impressive season in the Championship as he scored 19 goals, 17 of these in the league.
Not a bad return for the young and eager striker, trying to establish himself in the first-team. The following season, Carroll scored 11 times in the Premier League, capturing the attention of Liverpool.
The Newcastle forward had scored a total of 32 goals in 79 matches for the Magpies before his extravagant transfer fee of a colossal £35m to Liverpool towards the end of the 2010/11 season.
The move left a lot of fans doubting whether Carroll would be able to live up to the pressure which comes with such a mighty transfer fee.
We all know the answer to their doubts, and that unfortunately, is a simple, no.
During his time at Liverpool, Carroll failed to deliver time after time for his new club, putting the Englishman under even more pressure. He made a total of 58 appearances for the Reds, scoring a very disappointing 11 goals in all competitions, a feat he once equalled at Newcastle United in a mere 20 matches.
This leads to some people wondering if his transfer to Liverpool had a huge negative impact on his career.
In the season of 2012/13, West Ham United offered Carroll a way out of Liverpool by taking him on-loan at Upton Park, a move which saw him regain some of his goalscoring confidence as he scored seven in 23 domestic games, a return good enough to earn himself a permanent move to London as of June 2013, for a reported fee of £15m.
That's a £20m loss for Liverpool, money which could have been spent on better resources, but as for West Ham, it could turn out to be very good move, as Carroll is still only 24-years-old, and looks to be enjoying life at West Ham, something we never saw at Liverpool.
Carroll is now at a club where the manager and fans love him, and most of all, he is the focal point of their attacking tactics.
Carroll could still have a bright and successful career ahead of him, if he can stay injury free and become a consistent goalscorer within the Premier League and throughout cup competitions, he could be at West Ham for many years to come.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is set to switch his sights back to Borussia Dortmund's 24-year-old striker Robert Lewandowski if he is unable to sign Napoli's Edinson Cavani, 26.
Daily Mirror
Arsenal's hopes of signing Swansea City defender Ashley Williams, 28, are fading as the Welsh club are refusing to lower their £10m asking price.
The Times (subscription required)
Manchester United will turn their attention to Tottenham forward Gareth Bale, 23, if they fail to convince Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo, 28, to return to Old Trafford.
Daily Star
Sunderland are close to sealing the signing Argentina right-back Gino Peruzzi, 21, who shot to prominence with Velez Sarsfield after he kept Neymar quiet over both legs of a Copa Libertadores tie.
Daily Mirror
Liverpool are monitoring Mamadou Sakho's situation as the Paris St-Germain defender, 23, stalls on signing a new contract. Sakho made his senior international debut for France in a 2-1 win over England at Wembley in November 2010.
Daily Express
Premier League newcomers Crystal Palace have agreed a fee to sign Peterborough United striker Dwight Gayle. The 22-year-old spent the 2011-12 season on loan at non-league Bishop's Stortford.
talkSPORT
Sunderland will receive £2m when they sell Egypt international Ahmed Elmohamady to Premier League rivals Hull City in the next 24 hours. The 25-year-old right-sided player helped Hull win promotion during a loan spell last season.
Sunderland Echo
Swansea City are hopeful they will complete the signing of Wilfried Bony from Vitesse Arnhem, despite the Dutch club's denial that a deal has been agreed for the 24-year-old Ivory Coast striker and strong interest from a number of other Premier League sides, including Chelsea.
Guardian
Newcastle United could be poised to make a £15.2m offer for St Etienne's 24-year-old striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Newcastle Chronicle
Manchester City defender Aleksandar Kolarov, 27, has hinted he would be happy to follow striker Carlos Tevez in taking a pay cut and moving to Juventus.
Guardian
Marseille have confirmed the signing of Lille forward Dimitri Payet, 26, subject to a medical.
Sportinglife.com
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, 26, has backed Jose Mourinho to make a successful return to Chelsea, but says Real Madrid will not be weakened by the departure of the 'Special One'.
Skysports.com
Newly promoted Monaco will start the French season on minus two points following crowd trouble during a game against Le Mans.
Sports247
The Euro 2016 logo has been launched in Paris - 1,080 days before the start of the tournament in France.
fcbusiness.co.uk
Fifa's official champagne of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil has been announced - as Brazilians demonstrate over high transport fares, corruption and the cost of staging next year's tournament.
Daily Mirror
ROMA are stepping up their pursuit of Julio Cesar to put his move to Arsenal in doubt.
The QPR keeper, 33, is set to leave Loftus Road and the Italians are making the first move.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is still keen on the Brazilian but could now miss out.
STOKE manager Mark Hughes is in talks to bag £3.5million Holland star Erik Pieters.
The PSV Eindhoven left-back, 24, last season punched a hole in a glass door after being sent off.
The Potters also want defender Chris Baird, 31, who is a free agent after being released by Fulham.
ANDREY ARSHAVIN has rejoined Zenit St Petersburg after his Arsenal contract expired.
The 32-year-old, who cost £15million in 2009, said: “I’m very glad.”
SWANSEA have completed a £2.5million, four-year deal for Espanyol’s Spanish defender Jordi Amat, 21.
The Welsh side have also agreed a £2m fee for Birmingham winger Nathan Redmond, 19.
BOURNEMOUTH want frontman Simeon Jackson, 26, after Norwich released him.
SWINDON are in talks to sign veteran Watford midfielder John Eustace, 33.
BARNSLEY are set to sign Egypt defender Adam El-Abd, 28, from Brighton.
KEEPER and free agent Manuel Almunia, 36, is weighing up a move to Valencia.
LEEDS striker Steve Morison is set to return to ex-club Millwall on loan this season.
WIGAN’S bid of £1million for Derby defender John Brayford, 25, has been rejected.
EGYPTIAN winger Ahmed Elmohamady is making his Hull move permanent.
WIGAN have landed Norway’s ex-Celtic defender Thomas Rogne, 22, on a free.
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