West Ham United

West Ham complete Green signing
West Ham have signed Norwich and England goalkeeper Robert Green in a transfer which could eventually be worth up to £2m. The 26-year-old, who had also attracted the interest of Charlton, has signed a four-year deal at Upton Park after completing a medical on Wednesday. The Hammers say Green is \"almost fully recovered\" from the torn groin muscle which ruled him out of the World Cup. He made 241 appearances for Norwich after coming through the youth system. \"It's such an exciting time for everyone at West Ham,\" said Green. \"They've got exciting players and a young English manager. \"In terms of getting back in the England squad, it's one step at a time. I've got a couple of good keepers in front of me at West Ham in Roy and Jimmy but an overall aim is to get back in the squad. Green became only the sixth Norwich player in the club's history to play for England when he came on as a substitute against Colombia in June 2005. He had been named in England's squad for the World Cup, but ruptured a groin muscle while appearing in the B international against Belarus at the end of May. Green will have to battle with Northern Ireland keeper Roy Carroll and Jimmy Walker for the number one jersey. Norwich chief executive Neil Doncaster told the club's website: \"I would like to put on record our thanks to Robert for the massive contribution he has made.\" \"I am sure no-one begrudges him his move back to the Premier League. \"He is a model professional, a credit to his profession and, frankly, a thoroughly likeable young man.\" Green joined Norwich as an apprentice in 1996 after a spell with Bristol Rovers, and has also won caps at England Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 level. West Ham's veteran keeper Shaka Hislop moved to American club FC Dallas in the summer.

Hammer Green eyes England recall
Robert Green says he had no hesitation in joining West Ham to revive his Premiership career and England hopes. The 26-year-old keeper signed a four-year deal at Upton Park after completing a medical on Wednesday in a deal which could net Norwich £2m. Green said: \"Once I was given the chance to talk to West Ham there was no doubt in my mind what I wanted to do. \"Overall, I aim to get back in the England squad, but first I have to get into the West Ham side.\" The Hammers say Green is \"almost fully recovered\" from the torn groin muscle which ruled him out of the World Cup. He made 241 appearances for Norwich after coming through the youth system. \"It's such an exciting time for everyone at West Ham,\" said Green. \"They've got exciting players and a young English manager. \"In terms of getting back in the England squad, it's one step at a time. I've got a couple of good keepers in front of me at West Ham in Roy Carroll and Jimmy Walker but an overall aim is to get back in the squad. \"I'm back in full training now and it feels good.\" Green became only the sixth Norwich player in the club's history to play for England when he came on as a substitute against Colombia in June 2005. He had been named in England's squad for the World Cup, but ruptured a groin muscle while appearing in the B international against Belarus at the end of May. Green will have to battle with Northern Ireland keeper Roy Carroll and Jimmy Walker for the number one jersey. West Ham manager Alan Pardew said the acquisition of Green was a major boost for his club just days before the start of the Premiership season. \"Robert already has Premiership experience and is an established member of the England squad, so it is obviously fantastic to have him here in our squad,\" Pardew told the club's website. \"He still has his best years ahead of him, and we are all excited about what he can bring to the club. \"He is another young English talent who will be pushing to continue his international career this season, and I am sure he can achieve that aim at West Ham United. \"We now have a stronger pool of goalkeepers than we had last year, with Roy Carroll and Jimmy Walker also competing for the first-team jersey, and it can only be healthy for the squad.\" Norwich chief executive Neil Doncaster told the club's website: \"I am sure no-one begrudges him his move back to the Premier League. \"He is a model professional, a credit to his profession and, frankly, a thoroughly likeable young man.\" Green joined Norwich as an apprentice in 1996 after a spell with Bristol Rovers, and has also won caps at England Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 level. West Ham's veteran keeper Shaka Hislop moved to American club FC Dallas in the summer.

West Ham v Charlton
The broken ankle Dean Ashton sustained on England duty has added to West Ham's injury woes ahead of the new season. The striker joins Matthew Etherington, Jonathan Spector, Robert Green and George McCartney on the sidelines. Charlton will field a host of summer signings, but Costa Rica winger Cristian Bolanos is awaiting a work permit and Cory Gibbs is injured. The defender has a knee problem and is joined on the treatment table by winger Jerome Thomas and striker James Walker. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- West Ham (from): Carroll, Pantsil, Gabbidon, Ferdinand, Konchesky, Bowyer, Benayoun, Reo-Coker, Mullins, Harewood, Zamora, Walker, Mears, Collins, Tomkins, Dailly, Reid, Cole, Sheringham, Ephraim. Charlton (from): Carson, Young, Traore, El Karkouri, Sorondo, Hreidarsson, Hughes, Faye, Holland, Kishishev, Ambrose, Rommedahl, Hasselbaink, D Bent, Reid, Lisbie, M Bent, Myhre, Andersen, Ashton, Walton, Euell, Sam.

West Ham 3-1 Charlton
Two goals from Bobby Zamora and a late Carlton Cole strike saw West Ham come from behind to beat 10-man Charlton. Charlton took a 15th-minute lead through Darren Bent's penalty after a silly handball from Danny Gabbidon. But Djimi Traore's 26th-minute red card opened the door and Zamora tapped Lee Bowyer's cross in on 52 minutes. Zamora's second was a scruffy effort on 66 minutes, while substitute Cole made it three in injury time with a smart finish just seconds after coming on. West Ham totally dominated the early stages against a sluggish Charlton. Lee Bowyer set Zamora up for a threatening strike inside the opening minute, and Yossi Benayoun should have scored with a close-range header. The Addicks gradually gained a foothold in the game, with a neat run into the box from Luke Young followed by a couple of shoot-on-sight efforts from debutant Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. The Dutch striker was in the thick of the action when the goal did come, with a looped ball from Bryan Hughes aimed in his direction before the intervention of Gabbidon's arm. Ignoring passionate appeals from a wide-eyed Hasselbaink, referee Howard Webb consulted his assistant before awarding the penalty. Bent then stepped up to drive an unstoppable effort in off the post. Traore's debut for Charlton lasted just 26 minutes Charlton's hopes of driving home their advantage started to suffer when Traore picked up an unnecessary booking for hacking Bowyer down on the half-way line. Worse was to follow when - after conceding a foul for a clumsy challenge - the hapless Traore stuck out a foot to stop Bowyer's attempted free-kick and found himself red-carded just 26 minutes into his Charlton debut. West Ham thought they had equalised within minutes of Traore's dismissal when Harewood bundled the ball over the line, but his effort was disallowed for a push. The Hammers also felt hard done by when the referee waved away calls for a penalty after Harewood drove the ball against Matt Holland's arm from close range. But after the break, West Ham finally got the equaliser their play had merited when Bowyer's excellent ball across the box found Zamora totally unmarked at the far post. With the intelligent passing of Benayoun and Nigel Reo-Coker pulling the strings in midfield, West Ham were making the most of their extra man and pushing Charlton deeper and deeper. Zamora's winner had a touch of the football blooper DVD about it, but proved enough to win the three points. He mishit Bowyer's deflected cross weakly into the ground only to see the ball bounce over Carson, off the post and over the line as covering defender Hermann Hreidarsson missed his attempted goalline clearance. Bowyer hit the post after a glorious passing move, while Teddy Sheringham became - at 40 years and 93 days - the oldest outfield player in Premiership history. Bent had the ball in the net for a second time, but his goal was ruled out for a foul on goalkeeper Roy Carroll. And there was just enough time for Cole - on his competitive West Ham debut - to fire home West Ham's third after Sorondo had played him onside in injury-time. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- West Ham boss Alan Pardew on Lee Bowyer's excellent display: \"He had three assists and hit the post with a fantastic effort. \"He was an England international on that performance and I think he needed that for the fans. He proved he's going to be a major asset for us.\" Charlton boss Iain Dowie: \"The sending-off was a stupid challenge after he'd already been booked but the first booking was wrong. \"But when the ball bounces and someone stops it with his hand, is that not stopping a goalscoring opportunity? \"Are we disappointed with the result? Absolutely. Are we disappointed with the performance? No.\" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- West Ham: Carroll, Mears (Paintsil 45), Ferdinand, Gabbidon, Konchesky, Bowyer, Mullins, Reo-Coker, Benayoun, Zamora (Sheringham 82), Harewood (Cole 90). Subs Not Used: Walker, Collins. Booked: Harewood, Konchesky. Goals: Zamora 52, 66, Cole 90. Charlton: Carson, Young, El Karkouri, Hreidarsson, Traore, Ambrose (Sorondo 29), Holland, Faye, Hughes (Reid 71), Hasselbaink (Marcus Bent 64), Darren Bent. Subs Not Used: Myhre, Rommedahl. Sent Off: Traore (26). Booked: Traore, Young. Goals: Darren Bent 15 pen. Att: 34,937 Ref: H Webb (S Yorkshire).

Hammers ponder Malbranque switch
West Ham could be ready to revive their interest in Fulham's outcast French midfield man Steed Malbranque. Fulham boss Chris Coleman has told the 26-year-old French star he will not play for the club again after refusing to sign a new contract. And Sir Stanley understands the Hammers may now move again for Malbranque in a cut-price £2.5m deal before the transfer window closes. Malbranque has already turned down a £4m move to Middlesbrough. He wants to see out the remaining year of his contract and leave for free but Coleman wants to sell the player. \"We've agreed fees with other clubs but he doesn't want to move. He wants to see his contract out so he can move on for nothing next summer,\" said Coleman. \"I've told Steed to his face, he won't play for Fulham even if he's fit.\" Coleman added: \"We've been consistent with what we've said. We've done everything we can to keep Steed happy, offering him a long-term and short-term contract. \"He's turned down everything. It's Steed's way or no way. We said to him last season, don't go down this route because there will be no winners. \"We've had good service from a quality player, but he's had good service from us too, so it works both ways. \"Letting him walk away is bad business on our part and we have to set a precedent for other players. We can't let players who we have invested a lot of money in walk away for nothing.\" Newcastle and Aston Villa have also shown interest in the Frenchman. Coleman said that he wanted to sign another midfielder but that would depend on whether a buyer comes in for Malbranque. \"We're looking to bring in someone to play wide right. Maybe it will have to be a loan deal,\" he said. \"Looking at the budget we thought we'd lose one or two players that we've still got, so we don't have the money to bring in anyone else. \"I've been told we can't buy but I've been looking at the position since last season. Selling Steed would release cash for us, maybe enough for two players.\"

Watford 1-1 West Ham
Watford had to work hard to pick up their first point of the season in an entertaining draw with West Ham. The Hornets came closest to scoring in the first half when Marlon King flicked Hameur Bouazza's cross against a post. West Ham upped the pace after the break only for Watford to take the lead when King smashed the ball into the top corner from the edge of the area. However, Bobby Zamora replied instantly by bundling home Paul Konchesky's cross to continue West Ham's unbeaten start. Watford had been unlucky to lose out against Everton on the opening day of the season and they were clearly keen to make amends on home turf. Aidy Boothroyd's side showed plenty of industry and effort in the opening minutes and had the best chances of the first half. They were desperately close to taking the lead when Bouazza surged down the left and sent in a cross that King side-footed against the far post. The Hornets' tactics were to get the ball into the box as often as possible and they almost paid dividends again soon after. Another Bouazza cross was met by the head of Darius Henderson and Ashley Young reacted quickly to send an acrobatic overhead kick bouncing just wide. The Hammers were struggling to create chances but they at least looked strong down the flanks where Konchesky and John Paintsil - on his first start - got forward at every opportunity. But it was only after the break that the visitors began to put the Watford defence under any real pressure. A deep cross from the impressive Paintsil was headed straight at Watford keeper Ben Foster by Konchesky. And Foster was called into action again soon after when Harewood and Zamora linked up on the edge of the area, allowing Bowyer to drive in a low shot which the Watford keeper had to scramble to save. Watford had only threatened sporadically since the restart but surprisingly took the lead on 63 minutes. Ashley Young teed up King on the edge of the area and the former Gillingham striker sent his shot rocketing past the helpless Roy Carroll. But the home side's lead lasted only seconds before West Ham were level. Konchesky found space on the left and his low cross hit Zamora on the knee and flew into the net despite the best efforts of goalkeeper Ben Foster. Straight after their equaliser, Hammers boss Alan Pardew sent on Teddy Sheringham and Yossi Benayoun for Marlon Harewood and Danny Gabbidon and switched his formation from 3-5-2 to 4-4-2. Veteran striker Sheringham, 40, was making his 700th League appearance but he could not influence the outcome here. It was Watford who came closest to grabbing a winner when only a superb save by Carroll stopped Anton Ferdinand from deflecting King's cross into his own net from close range. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd: \"We play to our strengths and if that upsets some people, it does not worry me. \"If people don't like it, it doesn't matter. It is what we will be doing so they need to get ready. \"People talk about our need to adapt to the Premiership, but it is about making the Premiership adapt to us.\" West Ham manager Alan Pardew: \"If I were a neutral I'd say Watford deserved to win, given their endeavour, organisation and the way they tried to stop us from playing. \"I feared that, as it was their first home game of the season, we were catching them at the wrong time. \"Sure enough they were in the mood, and they made it very, very difficult for us to introduce our style of play.\" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Watford: Foster, Doyley, DeMerit, Shittu, Powell, Bouazza (Priskin 73), Francis, Mahon (Spring 45), Young, King, Henderson. Subs Not Used: Lee, Stewart, Mackay. Goals: King 63. West Ham: Carroll, Paintsil, Ferdinand, Gabbidon (Benayoun 66), Collins, Konchesky, Bowyer, Mullins, Reo-Coker, Harewood (Sheringham 66), Zamora (Cole 83). Subs Not Used: Walker, Dailly. Goals: Zamora 65. Att: 18,344 Ref: M Atkinson (W Yorkshire).

Liverpool v West Ham
Liverpool are without Jamie Carragher, John Arne Riise, Gabriel Paletta, Mohamed Sissoko, Stephen Warnock and Harry Kewell. But £10m striker Dirk Kuyt is expected to make his debut. Steven Gerrard, who was ill in midweek, should start. West Ham's main injury doubts are Yossi Benayoun (toe infection) and Lee Bowyer (groin) but boss Alan Pardew is confident both will be available. Matthew Etherington (knee) is definitely missing for the away trip. Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez: \"I said before the FA Cup Final that West Ham are a difficult side. They attack and score lots and it will be an open game because that's how they play. \"It is hard to say what our targets are this season, it has been such a tough start. \"I'll have a better idea of how we are progressing after the international break.\" West Ham manager Alan Pardew: \"Liverpool have bought some quality players, perhaps above the range we can purchase. \"But I don't feel we are far away from an even pitch in terms of playing Liverpool and there is no reason we can't go there and win. \"We go there with a strong side, vibrant and determined to do well.\" Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan, Hyypia, Agger, Aurelio, Luis Garcia, Gerrard, Alonso, Pennant, Bellamy, Crouch, Fowler, Kromkamp, Dudek, Gonzalez, Zenden, Sinama-Pongolle. West Ham (from): Carroll, Green, Walker, Mears, Pantsil, Ferdinand, Gabbidon, Collins, Dailly, Konchesky, Spector, Benayoun, Mullins, Reo-Coker, Bowyer, Reid, Sheringham, Cole, Harewood, Zamora.

Liverpool 2-1 West Ham
Liverpool came from behind to record their first league win of the season. Keeper Jose Reina was badly at fault for West Ham's goal, misjudging Bobby Zamora's cross and compounding his error by pushing the ball into the net. But Liverpool recovered to go in at the break 2-1 ahead, equalising through defender Daniel Agger's superb shot. Steven Gerrard and Luis Garcia then combined to set up a goal for Crouch, while late on Lee Bowyer should have equalised only to hit the post. The game marked the first time the two clubs had met since Liverpool's thrilling FA Cup win as well as being the day the Kop celebrated its 100th birthday. Reina endured a shaky game in May's final before redeeming himself in the penalty shoot-out and Liverpool's Spanish goalkeeper badly miscalulated as Zamora prepared to cross. Reina moved away from his line anticipating the cross but Zamora's effort veered towards the goal, and the Spaniard in attempting to recover, could only push the ball into the net. West Ham were quickly back on attack and Marlon Harewood went desperately close with a shot after Yossi Benayoun's through pass. Liverpool had looked much the better side before Reina's misjudgment and Gerrard and Garcia might have done better with shots from good positions. Fabio Aurelio's dipping free-kick then caused some anxiety for Carroll before Paul Konchesky headed off the line. Crouch also claimed John Paintsil had grabbed hold of him as the Liverpool striker tried to reach a Jermaine Pennant cross. But Zamora's goal knocked Liverpool out of their stride and despite plenty of possession the home side struggled to make use of it. Given Agger has never scored for Liverpool his goal was well worth waiting for. The 21-year-old Dane picked up the ball in the centre circle from a Xabi Alonso pass and as he ran towards the West Ham goal the visitors' defence backed off. As they did so Agger proceeded to unleash an unstoppable shot past West Ham goalkeeper Roy Carroll. That goal rejuvenated Liverpool and three minutes later Crouch added a second. A combination between Gerrard and Garcia set Crouch free and after rounding Carroll the England striker struck a fierce shot into the net. Early in the second half Crouch was replaced by Liverpool's new £10m signing Dirk Kuyt. The Dutch international made an immediate impression, trying his luck with a shot and a header and then trying to release Gerrard with a clever dummy. Kuyt's delicate flick set up Bellamy for a goal, but the Welsh international was ruled just offside. Kuyt continued to lead Liverpool's with plenty of vim and he drew a fine one-handed save from Carroll. Benayoun provided West Ham's best attacking threat in the second-half, troubling Liverpool's defence with a shot and mazy dribble. And Bowyer came desperately close to equalising for West Ham as they sought to maintain their unbeaten start to the season when his scuffed shot clipped the post on 79 minutes. Reina also did well to save substitute Carlton Cole's close-range effort. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez welcomes the selection dilemma his in-form strikers are posing: \"Dirk worked hard and created a lot of chances and Crouch was the same. \"I like to have these problems. As a manager you prefer to have these problems.\" West Ham boss Alan Pardew: \"I've got to reflect on the whole performance. \"We've come here against one of the real contenders for the title, given a real good account of ourselves and yet we have come away with nothing. \"We still created those moments and feel aggrieved we haven't come away with anything.\" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Hyypia, Agger, Aurelio, Pennant (Zenden 82), Alonso, Gerrard, Luis Garcia (Gonzalez 60), Bellamy, Crouch (Kuyt 52). Subs Not Used: Dudek, Kromkamp. Booked: Aurelio. Goals: Agger 42, Crouch 45. West Ham: Carroll, Paintsil, Ferdinand, Gabbidon, Konchesky (Mears 81), Bowyer, Mullins, Reo-Coker (Sheringham 82), Benayoun, Zamora, Harewood (Cole 73). Subs Not Used: Walker, Collins. Goals: Zamora 12. Att: 43,965. Ref: A Wiley (Staffordshire).

Bolton set sights on Malbranque
Bolton manager Sam Allardyce has joined the race to sign Fulham midfielder Steed Malbranque. The 26-year-old Frenchman is refusing to sign a new contract at Fulham but Allardyce faces competition from West Ham and Portsmouth for his signature. \"There is a club - and clubs - interested. We are close to a deal with one,\" said Fulham boss Chris Coleman. \"I would dearly love to bring Malbranque to the Reebok,\" Allardyce told his club's website. \"There is no secret that he wants away from Fulham and I hope that we can do a deal for him.\" He added: \"There is a lot of French influence in my squad and maybe that could persuade him to join us ahead of other teams that are also interested in him.\" West Ham are one of the clubs linked with Malbranque and manager Alan Pardew hinted that he was looking to boost his squad before the transfer window shuts. \"It's going to be a difficult week because everyone knows there's only a limited amount of time left,\" said Pardew. \"Both the buyers and sellers are hedging their bets and that makes it awkward for the Premiership clubs who are trying to secure the faces that can take clubs forward and strengthen squads.\" Malbranque has already turned down a £4m move to Middlesbrough. He wants to see out the remaining year of his contract and leave for free but Coleman, who has told Malbranque he will not play for the club again, wants to sell the player. \"We've agreed fees with other clubs but he doesn't want to move. He wants to see his contract out so he can move on for nothing next summer,\" said Coleman. \"I've told Steed to his face, he won't play for Fulham even if he's fit.\" Coleman added: \"We've been consistent with what we've said. We've done everything we can to keep Steed happy, offering him a long-term and short-term contract. \"He's turned down everything. It's Steed's way or no way. We said to him last season, don't go down this route because there will be no winners. \"We've had good service from a quality player, but he's had good service from us too, so it works both ways. \"Letting him walk away is bad business on our part and we have to set a precedent for other players. We can't let players who we have invested a lot of money in walk away for nothing.\" Newcastle and Aston Villa have also shown interest in the Frenchman. Coleman said that he wanted to sign another midfielder but that would depend on whether a buyer comes in for Malbranque. \"We're looking to bring in someone to play wide right. Maybe it will have to be a loan deal,\" he said. \"Looking at the budget we thought we'd lose one or two players that we've still got, so we don't have the money to bring in anyone else. \"I've been told we can't buy but I've been looking at the position since last season. Selling Steed would release cash for us, maybe enough for two players.\"

Hammers 'land Tevez & Mascherano'
Argentina striker Carlos Tevez says he and team-mate Javier Mascherano have agreed to sign for West Ham. The World Cup duo, who both play for Corinthians in Brazil, are set to move to Upton Park on a year-long loan. Tevez, 22, claims on his website he and Mascherano, 22, have signed contracts with West Ham despite being linked with moves to Manchester United and Arsenal. The Hammers are thought to have struck a deal with Media Sports Investments, who own the rights to the two players.

i was just about to post about the 2 Argie's, my mate Danboy is reading about it now !!!!!!!!!!! he is a hammer by the way (or an iron ) :lol:

<center>they are young and very good players west ham have done well getting these players!!! up the irons!!! :shock: </center>

:shock: :shock: :shock:

Argentine signings excite Pardew
Alan Pardew expects the arrival of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano to take West Ham on to the next level. The Argentine internationals joined in a deal from Corinthians on transfer deadline day and the West Ham boss said: \"It is a massive coup for us. \"I've no doubt this will give us a real chance to compete with the very best teams in the Premiership and in Europe. \"I didn't have to sell West Ham to them. They knew all about our success last season and our style of play.\" Tevez and Mascherano, both 22, starred in the World Cup and have been tracked by a host of clubs across Europe. But West Ham beat off the competition to land the pair on permanent contracts. The club have refused to divulge details of the deal, but both Tevez and Mascherano commanded £15m transfer fees when they signed for Corinthians from Argentine clubs Boca Juniors and River Plate, respectively. And West Ham have denied speculation they have stolen a march on bigger rivals with a view to selling them on next season. Hammers media spokesman Phil Hall insisted: \"There is no way West Ham would act as a feeder club for others. \"These are exciting signings for us but, of course, if we were offered major fees for the players in the future we would have to consider it - just as we would with other players.\" Striker Tevez started two matches at the World Cup and appeared off the bench in two others, while holding midfielder Mascherano was an ever-present in his country's campaign in Germany. Pardew watched Argentina's match against Serbia and Montenegro and described himself as being \"blown away by his talent\" after Tevez came on as a substitute and scored. \"I know West Ham fans will take to him straight away. He is in the same bracket as Paolo Di Canio in terms of what he can bring - charisma, high skill and excitement,\" Pardew added. \"Mascherano is a different player - he brings a calming influence in possession and is an intelligent player on the pitch. \"Not only am I excited by the arrivals of Carlos and Javier, but the entire squad is too, and I am sure our supporters feel the same. What a day for West Ham United. \"I've already had three or four of our players on the phone. They are all very excited by the news, and I'm sure there will be a real buzz around the place when we report back for training on Tuesday morning. \"I've said all along that, while signing young English players remains very important to our transfer policy, I want to take this club forward and will get talent from wherever it is available. \"Our chairman Terry Brown came to me on Monday and gave me the opportunity to go for Carlos and Javier - and you don't turn down the chance to sign two world-class players.\"

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