17.07.10

West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Mexico FIFA World Cup star Pablo Barrera.

17.07.10

West Ham United have completed their second major signing in the space of three hours with the capture of France international striker Frederic Piquionne.

17.06.10

Luis Boa Morte has signed a new two-year deal!!!

05.06.10

West Ham United are delighted to announce the major signing of German international midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger.

The 28-year-old will officially join the club from 1 July following his departure from Italian side SS Lazio. Fittingly nicknamed 'The Hammer' in honour of his powerful left-foot, he is the first new recruit to arrive at the Boleyn Ground this summer with the club fending off competition from more than a dozen clubs interested in his services.

The highly-rated Hitzlsperger passed a medical on Saturday before putting pen to paper on a three-year contract that will see him return to the Barclays Premier League after five seasons away. A Bundesliga title-winner with VfB Stuttgart, he scored 20 goals in 125 top-flight appearances in Germany.

Capped more than 60 times for his country at Under-21 and senior level, he played a key role in his country's qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup only to just miss out on a place in a Germany squad that is expected to be one of the favourites in South Africa this summer.

West Ham United chairman David Sullivan said: "I am delighted to welcome Thomas to the club. We had to move quickly to secure his services when he became available, especially as there was understandably so much interest in him from around Europe and back in Germany.

"I am especially pleased that he is excited by what we are trying to achieve here at West Ham. Thomas is a top-quality player who I know the fans will love - and not just because of his nickname. He is a whole-hearted midfielder with an eye for a goal who gives everything in every match.

"He is the first of many signings this summer. We are going to sign a mixture of exciting young talent as well as the very best senior pros who can add real strength to the squad like Thomas. He is still a young man but has massive experience."

Hitzlsperger began his career with Bayern Munich before joining Aston Villa at the age of 18 in 2000. The central midfielder was a fans' favourite at Villa Park, making 114 appearances and scoring 12 goals, before moving back to his homeland with Stuttgart in summer 2005.

The Munich-born player became an important member of the Stuttgart squad that won the Bundesliga title in 2006/07. He moved to Lazio in January 2010, finishing his Serie A career on a high with a goal in the 3-1 final-day win over Udinese Calcio.

A former youth international, Hitzlsperger made his full Germany debut in a 2-0 friendly victory in Iran in September 2004.

The fluent English speaker netted his first international goals in a 13-0 UEFA European Championship qualifying win over San Marino in Serravelle in September 2006, just a few months after appearing for Germany at the FIFA World Cup in his home country.

Hitzlsperger was a central figure in Joachim Low's squad at the 2008 European Championship, starting all three knockout fixtures as Germany finished as runners-up to Spain.

03.06.10

AVRAM GRANT has been named as the new West Ham boss.

The ex-Portsmouth boss signed a four-year contract at Upton Park.

Grant said: "I am proud and honoured to be the manager of West Ham.

"It will be an exciting challenge and I am ready to do my best.

"This is a fantastic club with great fans and a history that is respected around the world.

25.05.10

David Sullivan and David Gold have both increased their shareholdings in West Ham United from 25 per cent to 30 per cent, taking the proportion of the club they now jointly own to 60 per cent.

Mr Sullivan and Mr Gold, who each bought 25 per cent of the club in January, purchased 10 per cent from CB Holdings - the previous Icelandic owners - for £8m, with £4m going to the club and £4m going to CB Holdings.

Mr Sullivan said the investment illustrated the Chairmen's commitment to the club's long-term future.

"Myself and David Gold are, like you, West Ham United fans and our aim is to ensure our club enjoys a stable and successful future. To this end, we have both invested a further £4m to increase our shareholding to 30 per cent each.

"We have a long-term intention of increasing our shareholding, while we have also invited professional investors to share in our vision for this special club. Also, in the near future we hope to extend to supporters the opportunity to invest in the club.

"We are committed to putting West Ham on a firm financial footing that will form the basis, we hope, for success both on and off the pitch."

CB Holdings still own 40 per cent of the club, although the Chairmen have a three-year option to buy these shares.

The £4m that goes to West Ham will bridge the gap in the club's finances.

 

21.05.10

West Ham United can confirm the club is making good progress in the search for a new manager and the appointment will be made by early June.

The club is in the middle of a thorough selection process which could continue over the next 12 days before being finalised. The new manager will then have a month to prepare for the start of pre-season, with all at the club determined to improve on the previous campaign.

As with all West Ham United breaking news, the new manager will be confirmed first via whufc.com. Keep returning here for all the latest updates.

20.05.10

Avram's Grant switch to West Ham moved one step closer tonight when he announced his resignation from Portsmouth.

Grant, widely tipped to suceed Gianfranco Zola confirmed in a statement on portsmouthfc.co.uk this evening that he was stepping down with immediate effect.

"This was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to take in my football career. After a lot of soul searching and under the circumstances I’m taking a different direction," Grant's statement read.

"It’s been both a difficult and complex year for us at the club, but at the same time, it’s been a wonderful and uplifting professional and personal experience. mI will never forget the loyal fans of Pompey who, without a doubt, helped me protect the team under such complex circumstances. There are very few teams in the world that have fans as passionate and devoted as you are.

"It has been a great experience to be part of one of the most wonderful occurrences that has happened in the history of British football and also shows that even in the most desperate times, loyalty, devotion, professionalism and passion can be demonstrated.

"I wish you all the possible success which you genuinely deserve. Portsmouth has given me a feeling of home away from home. I might be leaving Portsmouth physically, but you cannot take Portsmouth away from me and my heart."

One source claimed earlier today that Grant will officially begin work as West Ham boss on June 1st.

18.05.10

WEST HAM co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold have issued an open letter to Hammers fans outlining their 10-point plan for the future.

Since sacking manager Gianfranco Zola, Gold and Sullivan have been busy plotting to transform the East London club's fortunes.

Portsmouth boss Avram Grant is the favourite to replace Zola and finding the right man to lead the team features as the main point in the blueprint sent to supporters.

The letter states: "It may be the close-season but here at West Ham we are all busy preparing for 2010/11 and putting in place the next steps to take this club forward.

"Having admittedly had a tough end to the last campaign, we are determined to build on the many positives we have at the club and use the summer months to make sure we hit the ground running next time around."

Gold and Sullivan, who go on to spell out their plans in full detail, have pledged to:

1) Appoint the right manager

2) Sign new players

3) Make more investment in the Academy

4) Continue to clear the debt

5) Freeze season ticket prices for renewals

6) Build the status and image of the club

7) Make it enjoyable to come and watch

8) Get closer to the community

9) Go for the Olympic Stadium

10) Listen to supporters

The letter ends with Gold and Sullivan telling fans: "This 10-point pledge is just the start.

"We are here for the long term and our goals will evolve as we progress. We are proud to be here and will never stop working for you.

"All of us share the same hopes and dreams. It is not just about aiming for cup finals or derby victories but about feeling part of something together and all pulling in the same direction.

"As the name says, we are very much West Ham. United."

11.05.10

The club has parted company with manager Gianfranco Zola after two years in charge.

In a brief statement that appeared on the official website this morning, the club announced:

West Ham United confirm that they have terminated the contract of Gianfranco Zola.
The Board of Directors would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him well for the future. The Club will now be focusing its efforts on seeking a replacement. The Club will be making no further comment on this matter.

Avram Grant has been installed as the bookies' favourite to replace the popular Italian, whilst Slaven Bilic and Mark Hughes have also been mentioned as possible replacements.

One manager who won't be coming is Steve McClaren who celebrated FC Twente's first Dutch title in 45 years by accepting the top job at Wolfsburg.

We'll have lots more on Zola's departure and his potential successor later....

Quelle: Diverse Pressemitteilungen