32 day's to go
SLIDING DORS ... Graham Dorrans
Sam opens The Dor
SAM ALLARDYCE is ready to make a £3million move for West Brom’s out-of-favour Graham Dorrans.
West Ham boss Big Sam wants another midfielder on board after Gary O’Neil’s failure to agree a new deal.
Baggies chief Steve Clarke told Dorrans in January he could find a new club after losing his first-team place.
The Scotland international stayed and ended the season with 20 Premier League appearances but now looks set to go if a decent offer comes in.
The Hammers face competition with Norwich and newly-promoted Cardiff also keen on the 26-year-old.
Diame quashes rumours he is set for Everton switch
Mohamed Diame has brushed aside speculation linking him with a move to Everton and says he is focused on helping West Ham secure a top-eight finish next season.
The Senegal midfielder has been strongly linked with a switch to Goodison Park as Roberto Martinez looks to stamp his authority on the Merseyside club.
Diame knows the new Everton boss well having worked under him at Wigan and is reported to have a £3.5m buy-out clause in his contract.
But the 26-year-old is also a big fan of Sam Allardyce and wants to help the east London club go even better than last season and push for a European spot.
Diame said: "We have to have our ambition and we know the project of the club. We need to work to try to finish near the top.
"We are going to try to give our best and make sure we do better than the last season. I feel a top-eight finish is achievable, of course. Why not?
"I see everybody is focused to be in the starting XI. Everybody is working hard so this is good for the team. We just need to be focused on the first game against Cardiff because we know it is important to start well to make the season easier."
David's Golden opportunity
The author has fond memories of queuing up for West Ham tickets like these youngsters in 1965 and is concerned today's youth are being priced out of the market.
David Gold has been forced to defend West Ham's ticketing policy before the start of the new season, with accusations that the club are pricing fans out with excessive charges, particularly in Category A games where non-season ticket holders will buy match-day tickets through the membership scheme.
With some games -- Chelsea, Manchester United and Spurs are the usual culprits -- seats will rise to 72 pounds although, as Gold states, the lowest in the band will be marked to about 52 pounds.
The Hammers' co-chairman has hit back at critics, defending the club's policy and pointing out that the club is only reacting to their league placing from last season and that prices are comparable with clubs in a similar position and, as you'd expect, below the asking price of rivals offering a supposedly more glamorous fare elsewhere in the Capital.
Gold is obviously viewing these accusations with some anger -- describing them as 'mischief making' -- explaining that often those clubs with the lowest prices were those that found themselves battling relegation and that against the very high prices of some seats, the club had perfectly adequate seating for people who wanted to pay less.
As a direct riposte, that suggests that charging higher prices meant that the club were able to operate at the upper end of the transfer market, Gold’s defence was quite clear. It also has to be remembered that 2012-13 saw an astonishing 17 consecutive games sold out in a season, a statistic that broke the record for the highest average home league attendance in the club’s history. There has to be a sense then that fans at least, must be able to bear the brunt of rocketing ticket prices.
While it's hard not to deny that David Gold is perfectly within his rights to be angry -- West Ham, after all, are certainly not setting any trends here -- it’s also difficult not to view this whole situation like the little boy in the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale; staring wide-eyed and open-mouthed as the crowd admire the naked King’s fine 'new clothes' that only the 'wise' can see.
As someone who used to pitch up outside the gates of the old North Bank at 1 p.m. on a Saturday afternoon, clutching a shiny coin or two poked out from the piggy bank with a knife or gratefully accepted from a well-meaning grandparent, it’s hard to see where the next generation of stadium fans will come from unless this lunacy is arrested somehow.
Even with the well-intentioned Junior membership schemes and even the excellent "Kids-for-a-quid" opportunities at various times of the season, the weekly match-day attendance is simply far beyond the pocket of even the most wealthiest of schoolboys. David Gold himself -- a loyal fan from a young age and one who was used to the same pre-match ritual as myself, also an astute man and one who has run several businesses -- is well-aware of this problem of course and probably feels some discomfort at having to defend a policy that is making regular attendance harder and harder with every passing season for most fans.
Pity the parent though with one or two offspring wanting to treat his boys/girls to a match against one of the Premier League big boys, if the family has to travel -- more likely than it used to be with little local support -- £100-plus can disappear very quickly. We live in a time where club loyalties are formed by TV appearances -- particularly those made on a Wednesday evening. For a club like West Ham to survive and thrive, the need to introduce the thrill of a live match-day experience to a young fan is vital. But, conversely, to do that, prices need to be set at a level to attract younger fans.
Of course, it’s not just the younger supporter who is suffering here, though; for a traveling adult wanting to start the match with a pre-match snack and pint, including rail fares and/or petrol and parking, it’s getting harder and harder to justify a regular attendance. You don’t have to be signing on or on a low wage not to feel the pinch now.
Nevertheless, criticism of the club and David Gold in particular -- unfair in my opinion anyway -- can to be tempered here with a very basic fact; that is that West Ham United has a very real opportunity to reverse this trend when they move to the Olympic Park in a few season's time. Critics may sneer at the Hammers' plans for a ground capacity of about 60,000 ---- about 24,000 more than Upton Park's -- and ask how they plan to fill it. But wouldn’t it be great if those 'empty' seats were full, with local youngsters able to gain admission from their pocket money, loyal fans unemployed but wanting to see their team, drifting visitors just wanting to catch a game at short notice?
Gold may have to explain his club's policies now, but he might well soon have a golden opportunity to reverse the trend and make a name for himself. Perhaps I’m being naive and starry-eyed, but wouldn’t it be great if West Ham were able to become the club that bucked the trend towards higher and higher prices? The opportunity is there, if it can be seized.
In the meantime, it looks as if it's up into the loft for some of us; while the hot weather holds the sight of those same shiny coins and the Sunday Boot sale have an irresistible lure.
FIVE suggestions for West Ham to consider
Nikica JelavicWith a second striker being looked at as a back-up/strike partner for Andy Carroll, what are the realistic possibilities available to West Ham?
Since January it has become clear that Odemwingie’s time at the West Brom is up;
The player failed to conduct himself in an appropriate manner when trying to force a move to QPR and found himself virtually exiled from the club, before such events occurred Peter proved that he was a capable goal scorer for the Midlands club.
With the player and the club hoping to move on its inevitable that Odemwingie will leave; so it would be a transfer that would come quite cheap. With the player’s fondness for expressing his problems on Twitter-and the way he conducted himself in recent months, some may say it’s not worth the gamble.
Salomon Kalou-
The Ivorian international could assist Carroll in a couple of ways; during his time at Chelsea, Kalou proved that he could play on the wing and as an attacker.
Upon leaving Chelsea to join Lille, Kalou has continued to impress those around him and reported interest from West Ham has gained momentum, recently.
Personally I would love to see Salomon at West Ham, he could inject some much needed pace into the squad and work alongside Andy Carroll instead of filling in for him every so often.
Nikica Jelavic-
We were once on the verge of signing Jelavic from Rangers, until the player chose Everton instead. The move worked wonders for the player, as the Croatian made an instant impact at Goodison Park, scoring 11 goals from the time he joined up until the end of the season.
Last season didn’t go to plan for the striker; poor form and lack of goals meant that Jelavic lost his first team spot to Victor Anichebe,
With people questioning his future at the club would it be worth reigniting the interest we once showed?
With the arrival of Roberto Martinez, it is unknown whether the former Wigan boss has the striker in his plans but there is no doubt that on form Jelavic can score goals and provide some competent cover for AC.
Duvan Zapata
This deal is getting ever closer, the only problem in our way is securing a work permit for the Columbian. Up until recently I didn’t know who Zapata was; after a quick YouTube search you will find a few videos of the player scoring for fun.
Admittedly not the most eye catching goals you’ll ever see but as long as he can replicate that form in a West Ham shirt, I don’t care!
A deal in the region of £6.7 million is being thrown around; which makes me wonder could we of got a decent Premier League, European or Championship goal-scorer for that amount?
With any luck Duvan can mirror the form of fellow countryman Radamel Falcao, if the work permit application goes well, of course.
Luke Moore
A slight wild-card pick on this one. Luke Moore has been around for years now, so it surprises me to find out that he is only 27, although he isn’t the most consistent goal-scorer on the list; as an impact player alone Moore has proven very effective.
Last season Luke showed a glimpse of the form that had him so highly rated from a young age and with it being confirmed that the player intends on leaving Swansea I think this could be a gamble worth taking. The Swansea fans I have spoken to were disappointed when they heard that Moore wanted to leave, at they felt he never really got a solid enough chance to prove the ability he clearly has. As a cheap alternative I feel that Moore could do a good job at any Premier League team outside the top 4.
All these picks are based on how realistic a chance with have of getting them; hence the reason players like Messi were not included! If you feel I have missed anybody get back to me with your own list.
official site
Video - AFC Bournemouth match action
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West Ham United's Joey O'Brien: 'New signings fitting in well'
West Ham United defender Joey O'Brien has revealed that the club's new signings are settling in well during pre-season.
The Hammers have added four new faces to their squad this summer, including Danny Whitehead and Razvan Rat.
Andy Carroll and Adrian make up the rest of the arrivals at Upton Park over the past few weeks.
"The new guys have settled in well and we've got a great bunch of guys in the dressing room," O'Brien told the club's official website.
"Whenever a new player comes in, they're made to feel welcome so things are looking good for the new season."
West Ham continue their pre-season schedule with a trip to Colchester United on Tuesday.
Hey big spenders! Why are the likes of Norwich and Swansea splashing the cash... and how are they attracting the big names?
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Manchester City are on the verge of sealing the £28m signing of Fiorentina striker Stevan Jovetic, 23, with a move for Sevilla forward Alvaro Negredo, 27, looking increasingly unlikely.
Daily Mail
City look set to have to up their bid if they want to secure the services of Negredo.
Daily Star
Striker Christian Benteke, 22, wants Spurs to step up their pursuit of him - because he doesn't want to go back to Aston Villa this week.
Daily Mirror
Liverpool are bracing themselves for Real Madrid to finally make a formal bid for striker Luis Suarez, 26, this week. If, as reported, it will be Gonzalo Higuain, 25, plus £10m, they will reject it and hold out for £40m cash.
Daily Mirror
Liverpool are ready to use Suarez in their pursuit of Bayern Munich's Swiss youngster Xherdan Shaqiri, 21.
CaughtOffside
Chelsea have been left frustrated after Napoli forward Edinson Cavani, 26, passed his medical ahead of his proposed switch to Paris St-Germain.
Daily Express
Villarreal have made an 11th-hour move to hijack Napoli's bid for QPR goalkeeper Julio Cesar, 33.
talkSPORT
Hull City manager Steve Bruce has conceded that any deal to sign Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner, 25, could be too expensive.
Goal.com
Roma boss Rudi Garcia has pleaded with the club's board to prevent Chelsea from signing midfielder Daniele De Rossi, 29.
Metro
GLOBAL GOSSIP
Japanese playmaker Keisuke Honda, 27, has spoken of his hopes of playing for AC Milan, who are reportedly interested in signing him from CSKA Moscow.
Gazzetta dello Sport (Italian)
Italian goalkeeper Sebastien Frey, 33, is to end 15 years in Serie A when he moves to Turkish side Bursaspor next season.
La Repubblica (Italian)
Striker Nikica Jelavic, 27, will have talks about his Everton future with boss Roberto Martinez this week.
Daily Mirror
Goalkeeper Pepe Reina, 30, will quit Liverpool rather than be back-up to Simon Mignolet, says Anfield legend Jan Molby.
Daily Star
David Beckham has recommended the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge call their baby David if it's a boy.
Sky News
Southampton fans are angry about a new video showing a couple of Portsmouth fans planting a Pompey shirt inside the walls of the Saints' new training ground.
NEW £1.75million Crystal Palace midfielder Jose Campana has left Seville with their blessing.
Club president Jose Maria del Nido said: “Hopefully Jose will succeed in England.”
MIDDLESBROUGH and Sheffield Wednesday have joined Birmingham in the chase for Shola Ameobi.
Newcastle striker Ameobi, 31, wants regular first-team football.
ITALY midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini is poised to complete a £6.8million move to Sunderland.
The Juventus star is eyeing a four-year, £35,000-a-week deal.
PAVEL POGREBNYAK wants to quit Reading to make a “dream” Premier League return.
The Russian striker, 29, is free to leave the Royals due to a relegation release clause.
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yes please
