Daily WHUFC News: Web Digest [ West Ham United ]

West Ham United Club Statement - WHUFC
09/05/2007 16:52

West Ham United FC can confirm that we will not be exercising our right of
appeal against the penalty imposed on the Club by the Premier League's
recent Commission of Inquiry.
Commenting on the decision, West Ham United Chairman Eggert Magnusson says:
"I think it is now time to draw a line under this matter. "The fine imposed
on us was very significant but we accept that mistakes were made and it is
now time to move on. "Our intention as a Club is to be totally focused on
Sunday's game. We know that our fate, like every other club, will be
decided, where it should be, on the pitch."

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Spence captains England to victory - WHUFC
09/05/2007 10:34

West Ham United youngster Jordan Spence skippered England's Under-17s to
victory as they recorded a 4-2 win over Holland and progressed to the
semi-finals of the European Championships. The result confirmed their
qualification to the World Championships in Korea as a brace from Victor
Moses and goals from Henri Lansbury and Tristain Plummer rounded off the
scoring. England will take on France in the first semi-final tomorrow, while
Spain will take on Belgium in the other.

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Galey's View - WHUFC

Well, it's all set up very nicely thank you very much. Last week's win
against Bolton Wanderers has now put us in prime position for the first time
in a very long time and we can now say our fate is in our own hands.

The Bolton result was wonderful. It was sealed in the first half with a
couple of Carlos Tevez goals and a great volley form Mark Noble, set up by
you-know-who. I must admit at half-time I thought it would be great if we
could go on and win 5-0. I was up at Villa Park commentating on the Aston
Villa-Sheffield United game and boy did they panic when they heard the
half-time score!

Anyhow, we mustn't be greedy and we'd have settled for a 3-1 scoreline and
all three points before the game. It wasn't the best of starts for Sammy Lee
but I'm sure he will go on to be successful in his managerial career if he
works half as hard as he has done in his playing and coaching capacities.

I hear the atmosphere was rocking at Upton Park and I'm sure our away
support will be in great voice up at Old Trafford. My only hope is that we
can keep it very close up until half-time as the other relegation sides will
be listening closely to our score and trying to keep in touch with what they
have to do to stay up themselves.

United have had a wonderful season under Sir Alex Ferguson, but I wonder if
he'll rest any of his superstars, bearing in mind he has the FA Cup final
against Chelsea a week later. I'm sure he won't be doing us any favours as
we haven't exactly been kind to them in previous years - and we wouldn't be
expecting any at this stage of the season.

I really think if we can keep it close up to half-time we can get the point
that we need to clinch survival off our own backs. Even if we don't get that
point, I'm still of the opinion that Wigan won't win at Sheffield United and
we'll still be safe. That will be a great achievement after everything
that's gone on this season.

Finally, I just wish everyone else would stop moaning about the decision of
the Premier League Inquiry. The independent tribunal was accepted by all of
the other Premiership Clubs. They're only now protesting when it's all done
and dusted and I'm sorry, but it's too late.

I'd like to wish Alan and the boys all the best on Sunday. I will be at
Fratton Park co-commentating on Portsmouth versus Arsenal. My head will be
at Pompey, but my heart will be up in Manchester with the Hammers...

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West Ham not to appeal over fine - BBC

West Ham have decided against an appeal over the £5.5m fine over the
transfers of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. The Hammers were found
guilty of acting improperly and withholding vital documentation over the
duo's ownership. The record fine has been criticised by four of the Upton
Park outfit's relegation rivals who felt the club should have been deducted
points. Charlton, Fulham, Sheffield United and Wigan are now seeking advice
about legal action against the outcome.
West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson said: "I think it is now time to draw a
line under this matter. "The fine imposed on us was very significant but we
accept that mistakes were made and it is now time to move on." West Ham need
at least a point at Manchester united on Sunday to guarantee their
Premiership survival. But if they lose and Wigan beat Sheffield United then
Hammers are almost certain to be relegated. Magnusson added: "Our intention
as a club is to be totally focused on Sunday's game. "We know that our fate,
like every other club, will be decided, where it should be, on the pitch."

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West Ham Q&A - BBC
By Caroline Cheese

The Premier League's decision not to dock West Ham points after the club
breached regulations in the signing of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano
prompted surprise and anger from their relegation rivals. BBC Sport looks at
the ins and outs of a complicated case and whether there could be any appeal
against the decision.

WHAT EXACTLY DID WEST HAM DO WRONG?

It is not explicitly against Premier League rules for a club to sign a
player whose economic rights are owned by a third party - as in the case of
Tevez and Mascherano. However, rule U18 states: "No club shall enter into a
contract which enables any other party to that contract to acquire the
ability materially to influence its policies or the performance of its
team." When signing Tevez and Mascherano, West Ham entered into a private
agreement with the companies who owned their economic rights. The contract
stated, among other things, that those companies had the right to terminate
the players' contracts upon payment to West Ham of £2m (in Tevez's case) or
£150,000 (for Mascherano) in the January transfer window. By entering into
that agreement, West Ham clearly broke rule U18. Premier League rule B13
states: "In all matters and transactions relating to the league, each club
shall behave towards each other club and the league with the utmost good
faith."
When Tevez and Mascherano were registered as players, West Ham failed to
disclose that they had entered into an agreement with third party companies.
In its judgement, the Premier League's Independent Commission said: "This
was not only an obvious and deliberate breach of the rules, but a grave
breach of trust as to the Premier League and its constituent members.
"In our finding the club has been responsible for dishonesty and deceit."
West Ham pleaded guilty to both breaches of Premier League rules.

WHY CAN TEVEZ STILL PLAY FOR WEST HAM?

There was never a problem with Carlos Tevez's, or indeed Javier
Mascherano's, registration as a player. West Ham's mistake was in not
disclosing to the Premier League that they had entered into an agreement
with the companies that own the pair's economic rights. When they realised
their mistake, West Ham say they ripped up that agreement.

WHY CAN MASCHERANO PLAY FOR LIVERPOOL?

Mel Goldberg, a lawyer for Max Bitel Greene who specialises in sport,
explains: "Mascherano subsequently signed for Liverpool pursuant to a
contract entirely different in form to that agreed by West Ham and which has
been approved by the Premier League."

WHY WEREN'T WEST HAM DOCKED POINTS?

The Commission concluded that a deduction of points "would normally follow
from such a breach of rules". However, it went on to say that docking points
would "not be proportionate". Among the reasons for that were:
A points deduction so late in the season might have consigned the club to
relegation
The players and fans of West Ham are in no way to blame for the situation
and therefore should not suffer

Goldberg admits he found those reasons for the penalty baffling from a legal
standpoint. "They could have been harder on West Ham," he told BBC Sport.
"In law, the fans have no bearing on the case. It's no good saying 'we don't
want to upset the fans'. What about the Wigan fans? The timing of the case
being presented is also irrelevant. "The Commission shot themselves in the
foot. It comes down to whether the rules have been broken or not and they
should have been penalised appropriately. "In my opinion, there is no
question about it. West Ham received favourable treament."

COULD OTHER CLUBS SUE THE PREMIER LEAGUE?

On Friday 4 May, West Ham's relegation rivals Charlton, Fulham, Sheffield
United and Wigan sent a letter to the Premier League warning that they were
considering what steps to take in regards to the Independent Commission's
judgement. In response, the Premier League sent a letter to all 20
Premiership clubs telling them that any legal action would be "bound to
fail".
Goldberg agrees. He told BBC Sport: "The clubs have agreed to accept the
decision of the Premier League in these matters. "Whether they like the
decision or not, they are stuck with it.
"Everyone has to accept that West Ham will not be docked points and at the
end of the season, the three clubs at the bottom of the table will go down."

COULD OTHER CLUBS SUE WEST HAM?

Another option open to any or all of the other 19 Premier League clubs could
be to take legal action against West Ham for deliberately breaking Premier
League rules. Goldberg says: "I do think that it is a possibility. It could
be a costly move - but not necessarily - and they could argue that West Ham
have not acted in good faith."

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Clubs warned over Tevez legal bid - BBC

Any legal challenge over the Carlos Tevez transfer saga would be futile, the
Premier League has warned. The decision not to dock West Ham points over
contract irregularities - and whether he should still be playing - has been
questioned by other clubs. But the Premier League confirmed to BBC Sport it
had written to all 20 member clubs stating that any challenge would be
'bound to fail'. A second letter, making it clear Tevez is free to play on,
was also sent out. It allows the Argentine striker to face Manchester United
in the Hammers' last game of the season, which they may need to win to stay
up. West Ham were fined £5.5m by an independent disciplinary commission on
27 April over their signings of Tevez and his compatriot Javier Mascherano.
The club was found guilty of acting improperly and withholding vital
documentation over the duo's ownership. Tevez and Mascherano, who has since
joined Liverpool, were part-owned by Media Sports Investment, the company
formerly run by Iranian-born businessman Kia Joorabchian - contravening
league rules over third-party ownership. Sheffield United, Wigan, Charlton
and Fulham joined forces last week to explore the possibility of contesting
the commission's decision. But The Times reports that the Premier League has
told all 20 clubs that any challenge to the commission's findings "would fly
in the face of the disciplinary structure that the clubs themselves created
and we consider would, as a matter of law, be bound to fail".
The second letter also makes clear Tevez's current position and eligibility
for West Ham after the club tore up the original third-party agreement with
Joorabchian. "The Premier League made it very clear to West Ham that unless
it could be satisfied that all trace of any third-party ability to influence
West Ham's policies or the performance of its team was removed, Tevez's
registration would be terminated," said the letter. "Assurances were
received in a satisfactory form from West Ham. West Ham has assured us that
it has terminated the contract. "It has also indicated that under no
circumstances will it regard the contract as binding on West Ham and that it
will defend any proceedings brought against West Ham seeking its
enforcement."

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Whelan demands Tevez proof - Sky
By Lewis Rutledge - Created on 10 May 2007

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has demanded that the Premier League provide
proof that West Ham have cut their ties with Carlos Tevez's agents. The
Hammers were hit with a £5.5million fine last month following a hearing into
the transfers of Tevez and Javier Mascherano, after doubts emerged over the
ownership of the pair. However, the decision not to deduct any points from
West Ham has angered many of their relegation rivals, while further
controversy has been caused by the Premier League allowing Tevez to continue
playing. The Premier League are happy Tevez's registration is above board
after being assured that West Ham have terminated their third-party
agreement with Kia Joorabchian. But Wigan, Sheffield United, Charlton and
Fulham are all still threatening legal action and Whelan has queried Tevez's
contractual status in a letter to Premier League chief executive Richard
Scudamore. In the letter, obtained by The Times, Whelan wrote that on 1st
May: "You clearly stated that the West Ham chief executive looked you square
in the eye and told you blatant lies regarding the contracts of the
Argentinean players. "Are you being told lies again? "In your e-mail of May
8 sent to all Premier League clubs, you state that assurances were received
in a satisfactory form from West Ham. "Surely the contract can only be
terminated by both parties? "Could we and the rest of the Premier League
please see concrete evidence, ie, written confirmation that this contract
had been cancelled by both parties and furthermore, was this termination
actually completed before Saturday, April 28, the day West Ham played Tevez
at the JJB Stadium?"

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Fergie warning for Hammers - Sky
By Graeme Bailey - Created on 10 May 2007

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has told West Ham that he will be
doing them no favours on Sunday. The Red Devils face The Hammers at Old
Trafford in the final game of the season and many expected United to field a
weakened team, with the FA Cup final in mind. However, despite naming a
second-string side against Chelsea on Wednesday - Ferguson will not be doing
the same on Sunday. Although good friends with West Ham boss Alan
Curbishley, Ferguson admits he cannot play a weakened team because it would
be disrespectful to the other relegation threatened sides at the bottom. A
West Ham win would guarantee their survival in the Premiership, but if they
get beat - they would need Sheffield United to deny Wigan victory at Bramall
Lane. "We have to respect the position of the other teams at the bottom,"
said Ferguson. "Paul Jewell has done a fantastic job at Wigan, as has Neil
Warnock at Sheffield United. I cannot be putting a team on the pitch that
disrespects those teams. "We also have our own reputation to think about,
so although I am a great friend of Alan Curbishley, he understands the
position I am in and knows I will be playing my strongest team on Sunday."

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Hammers rule out appeal - Sky
By Alex Livie - Created on 9 May 2007

West Ham have confirmed they will not be lodging an appeal against the
£5.5million fine they were hit with last month. The Premier League's
independent commission meted out the huge fine following a hearing into the
signings of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. The fine raised many
eyebrows, but so did the Premier League's decision not to dock The Hammers
any points. West Ham's form has improved markedly in the last month and
their win over Bolton at the weekend lifted them out of the drop zone. The
club are keen to put the off-field controversies behind them and chairman
Eggert Magnusson, who was not involved in last summer's signings, has
confirmed they will not fight the ruling. "I think it is now time to draw a
line under this matter," Magnusson said in a statement. "The fine imposed on
us was very significant but we accept that mistakes were made and it is now
time to move on."

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Caborn: Keep it out of court - Sky
By Alex Dunn - Created on 9 May 2007

Sports minister Richard Caborn has called on the warring fractions of the
Premiership to settle their dispute between themselves, as the West Ham
fall-out threatens to go to court. Wigan, Sheffield United, Charlton and
Fulham are all united in threatening legal action against the Premier
League, for failing to deduct West Ham points for contractual irregularities
in the signing of Argentine duo Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. Those
clubs affected at the foot of the Premiership have been left fuming by the
Premier League's decision to fine West Ham rather than deduct points, but
Caborn feels the dispute should be kept out of the courts. Caborn, a former
director of Sheffield United, believes an accord can be struck if dialogue
between the clubs involved is kept amicable. "Running to the courts, and the
rules of sport being made up by judges, I do not believe is a good thing for
sport," said Caborn. "My advice to the clubs is to resolve this internally
inside the Premier League. There are 20 clubs operating as a co-operative
and they should be able to resolve their differences. "Whoever is relegated
should be a decision that is be made on the park and not in the courts.
Football is able to govern itself - with power comes responsibility. "I'm
sure this can be resolved inside the family of football. "I would say to all
sports, try and sort it out inside the family of sport, that's by far the
best way."
The Premier League has responded to the threats made by issuing a letter to
all 20 member clubs, claiming any challenge to their decision is 'bound to
fail'. "Any challenge would fly in the face of the disciplinary structure
that the clubs themselves created and we consider would, as a matter of law,
be bound to fail," reads the letter, according to the Times.

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Neill targets United win - Sky
By Chris Stanton - Created on 9 May 2007

Lucas Neill has backed West Ham to secure their Premiership status with
victory at champions Manchester United. West Ham travel to Old Trafford for
their final match of the season on Sunday knowing a point will secure what
once appeared a tenuous top flight future. But Neill has backed his
team-mates to go one better and celebrate safety in style following last
week's victory over Bolton - The Hammers' sixth win in their last eight
matches. "We can go to Old Trafford knowing that any points we get mean
certain safety," Neill told the Daily Star. "We don't have to look over our
shoulders worrying about everyone else now which is nice with one game to
go." The former Blackburn defender believes United may have one eye on next
week's FA Cup final against Chelsea. "Manchester United might rest their big
guns for the FA Cup final and we can catch them on an off day," added Neill.
"We have got the belief and now we have put ourselves in a position where we
have insurance. "Even if we don't win we still have a bit of a safety net."

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Blades call for Hammers review - Sky
By Chris Stanton - Created on 9 May 2007

Sheffield United plc chairman Kevin McCabe has called on the Premier League
to retain its credibility and review the punishment meted out to West Ham.
The Hammers' relegation rivals were surprised by the Premier League's
decision to only impose a fine on West Ham when a possible points deduction
had been mooted for the club's mishandling of the transfers of Carlos Tevez
and Javier Mascherano. The tribunal's decision looks likely to prove crucial
in the survival battle with West Ham now three points clear of the drop zone
ahead of the final round of fixtures on Sunday.

McCabe has accused the Premier League of not considering the wider
implications of their decision and, as such, United are considering their
legal options. "I think there's a feeling throughout football that the
Premier League have simply got it wrong," McCabe told Sky Sports News. "They
made an irrational decision and considered only West Ham's case. "They
[West Ham] did, by their own admission, field illegal players but for some
reason they [the Premier League] didn't deduct points but fined them and did
not recognise the affect that a fine rather than a points deduction would
have on the other clubs in the relegation battle. "It also seemed a bit
bizarre to be making a decision on a fine rather than a points deduction on
the day prior to a major game between West Ham and Wigan and it must have
been a major boost to West Ham to have had that news and in a sense quite
demoralising for Wigan."

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan revealed last week that his side and others near
the foot of the table were considering challenging the decision. "When we
got the decision our first job was to advise Sheffield United's lawyers to
examine the tribunal and every aspect of the decision-making process in case
we need to resort to the legal claim," added McCabe. "This is something
about the integrity and credibility of the Premier League who represent 20
clubs not just one. Whether it's on legal or moral grounds something should
be done and they should attempt to reconsider that decision made by the
tribunal."

Despite threatening legal action, McCabe reiterated the preference of sports
minister Richard Caborn for the matter to be settled outside of the courts.
"It's open to any board to change it. It's got effectively 20 shareholders
and if they have real grievances then they should sit, listen and elect a
new panel and in this case give a chance to the aggrieved clubs to put their
case forward and that's not happened - it's only been West Ham who were
interviewed. "There's a groundswell of opinion amongst most Premier League
clubs that the decision was a surprise and thus should be reconsidered.
"Under the rules of the Premier League there are certain procedures that can
be adapted to persuade the board to reconsider and they are options that are
being considered. "Sheffield United worked so hard to reshape and get back
into the Premiership that we're not going to give up our position lightly
if, for some reason, we are relegated, therefore we'd look at every angle
for recompense or reinstatement. "We really do think this is a decision the
Premier League have got wrong."

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West Ham opt against Tevez and Mascherano appeal - Soccernet

West Ham have revealed they will not appeal the record £5.5million fine
imposed by the Premier League's independent commission over the signings of
Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.
The Premiership side were hit with the massive penalty following a two-day
hearing at the end of last month. Controversially, however, the Hammers
avoided a points deduction and have subsequently climbed out of the
relegation places. New chairman Eggert Magnusson, who was not involved in
last summer's signings, said in a statement: 'I think it is now time to draw
a line under this matter. 'The fine imposed on us was very significant but
we accept that mistakes were made and it is now time to move on. 'Our
intention as a club is to be totally focused on Sunday's game (at Manchester
United). We know that our fate, like every other club, will be decided,
where it should be, on the pitch.' West Ham's decision will come as little
surprise, given that the punishment meted out to them was deemed lenient by
their relegation rivals. With the value of participation in the Premiership
higher than ever next season when lucrative new television deals kick in, if
the Hammers stay up, as now looks likely, they can expect to make back the
value of the fine several times over. A so-called `Gang of Four' comprising
Fulham, Sheffield United, Wigan and already-relegated Charlton have
threatened to take legal action against the commission's failure to dock
points, although the Premier League was today reported to have warned that
any litigation would be doomed to failure. The commission concluded that
Tevez and Mascherano were part-owned by Media Sports Investment, the company
formerly run by Iranian-born businessman Kia Joorabchian when they were
signed last August by the previous regime, although Mascherano has since
signed for Liverpool.

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Blades intend to stick the knife in Hammers - Soccernet

The Premier League's attempts to resolve the bitter dispute over West Ham
have fallen on deaf ears with Sheffield United tonight promising to sue if
they are relegated and claiming the ruling threatens 'anarchy' in the game.
The Blades are among four clubs considering legal action against the
decision by an independent commission to fine West Ham £5.5million for
contract irregularities over the signing of Argentina internationals Carlos
Tevez and Javier Mascherano, rather than deduct points. The Premier League
have written to all 20 member clubs claiming a legal challenge to the ruling
being considered by Wigan, Sheffield United, Fulham and Charlton is 'bound
to fail'. However, the Blades have issued a new threat that they will sue
the Premier League if they are relegated. Sheffield United plc chairman
Kevin McCabe said: 'This is not so much a case of gaining recompense as
protecting our position in the hope that the Premier League will reconsider
their decision and appoint a new tribunal. 'The original ruling found West
Ham guilty but the penalty given undermines the governance of the Premier
League and invites anarchy. It is a snub to every club and their fans. 'It
was an unjust penalty. We might as well all field illegal players every
week. Here are West Ham still playing an international whose signing has
breached the rules. It's just not on.' Premier League chief executive
Richard Scudamore has insisted the commission's decision could not be
challenged. 'The Premier League board is very confident that the rules of
the Premier League have been adhered to in terms of how the commission was
convened and how the whole issue was resolved,' he said at the Soccerex
conference in London. 'The people on the commission are so independent that
the clubs sit around at the start of the season and decide who they are. 'We
believed there was a breach of the rules, we convened a commission and the
commission independently of the board have made their decision. 'As far as
we are concerned that decision is final are the only people who can appeal
against that are West Ham. 'There is no right of appeal by the board, that
was decided by the clubs, and the reason is to stop some clubs thinking they
could lobby the board to appeal, which is what has been happening right
now.'
Scudamore also insisted that the disciplinary process had taken place in the
quickest possible time. West Ham, unsurprisingly, today announced they will
not appeal against the fine. Chairman Eggert Magnusson said: 'I think it is
now time to draw a line under this matter. 'The fine imposed on us was very
significant but we accept that mistakes were made and it is now time to move
on.'
Sports minister Richard Caborn, a Sheffield United fan and former director
of the club, has called on the warring clubs to settle the row internally
rather than go to court. Caborn said: 'Running to the courts, and the rules
of sport being made up by judges, is not a good thing for sport. 'My advice
to the clubs is to resolve this internally inside the Premier League. There
are 20 clubs operating as a co-operative and they should be able to resolve
their differences. 'Whoever is relegated should be a decision that is be
made on the park and not in the courts. Football is able to govern itself -
with power comes responsibility.'

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Premier League warn clubs over Tevez action - Soccernet

A legal challenge to the decision not to dock West Ham points for contract
irregularities involving Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano is 'bound to
fail', the Premier League have warned.
Fulham, Sheffield United, Wigan and Charlton joined forces last week to
explore the possibility of contesting an independent disciplinary
commission's decision to fine the Hammers £5.5million and not deduct points
- which would have effectively seen the club relegated. According to The
Times, the Premier League have written to all 20 member clubs warning that
any challenge to the commission's findings 'would fly in the face of the
disciplinary structure that the clubs themselves created and we consider
would, as a matter of law, be bound to fail'. The newspaper also claims to
have seen a second letter, signed by Premier League chairman Sir Dave
Richards and chief executive Richard Scudamore, which states the current
position on Argentina striker Tevez after West Ham were ordered to tear up
the illegal third-party agreement with Kia Joorabchian, the businessman who
owns the rights to Tevez, for which they were originally punished. 'The
Premier League made it very clear to West Ham that unless it could be
satisfied that all trace of any third-party ability to influence West Ham's
policies or the performance of its team was removed, Tevez's registration
would be terminated,' said the letter. 'Assurances were received in a
satisfactory form from West Ham. West Ham has assured us that it has
terminated the contract. It has also indicated that under no circumstances
will it regard the contract as binding on West Ham and that it will defend
any proceedings brought against West Ham seeking its enforcement.'

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Relegation watch - Telegraph
By John Ley
Last Updated: 1:14am BST 10/05/2007

Wigan

Dave Whelan, the Wigan chairman, has predicted a busy summer in the transfer
market, whether or not his club stays in the Premiership. Wigan need to win
at Sheffield United on Sunday and Whelan said: "The manager will be looking
for new players in the summer. "Certain lads will be going, and certain new
faces coming in. If we can stay in this league we have to build our squad,
bit by bit, year by year." One of the more recent arrivals, David Unsworth,
their former Sheffield United central defender, is hoping the fates conspire
to keep both of the teams in the Premiership. Unsworth, who joined Wigan on
a free transfer in January, said: "We know what we have to do and that makes
our job a lot more straightforward now. On Sunday we've got to go to
Sheffield United and nothing but a win is good enough - in a lot of ways the
pressure is off. Now it's black and white. He added: "I would love to see us
both stay up, but first and foremost I'm at Wigan. If it has to be done, it
has to be done. That's the game we're in. You've just got to do a job for
the club you're employed by. I'm paid and employed by Wigan."

West Ham

The team spirit at Upton Park could be sufficient to keep West Ham in the
Premiership according to experienced assistant manager Keith Peacock. And a
good start against Manchester United on Sunday is needed, according to
Peacock. "The mood's good, we're playing with confidence," said Peacock.
"But it's not just the results we've got lately. It's the way we've played.
We've played some very good football, got the ball down and the way the
goals have been conceived and finished has been superb." West Ham visit Old
Trafford on Sunday where a draw would keep them up. "I'm sure that'll give
us an extra confidence, going to Manchester United, where we'll have to pass
the ball around in order to win. "There is a belief that things are going
for us and there's nothing quite like confidence and putting a run of good
results together. Everyone has that little bit more bounce in their step,
that little bit more energy in their play and we need to get off to a good
start up at Old Trafford. Peacock summed up: "It will be very important that
we don't concede an early goal. The concentration will have to be total."

Sheffield United

Derek Geary, Sheffield United's experienced defender, believes his side have
sufficient quality players to be good enough to stay in the Premiership.
"The mood in the camp is good and none of the lads think that we're safe
yet, but we realise we're in touching distance at the moment. "I can
understand, to a certain extent, why people have written us off, because we
haven't many players with top flight experience - but the lads can call
themselves Premiership players now."
Geary believes the recent 2-2 draw with Aston Villa confirmed that his team
have achieved Premiership standard, saying: "We had a bad first half that
night, but we battered them in the second. We gave a good account of
ourselves although it was disappointing not to get the three points."
Sheffield United, meanwhile, have warned fans that no duplicate tickets will
be issued on Sunday. The game is a complete sell-out and a spokesman said:
"We are unable to issue duplicate tickets for lost or stolen tickets for
sell out games as there is a risk that a lost or stolen ticket could be used
to gain entry. This would lead to attendance exceeding capacity and present
a serious safety risk of overcrowding."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Time to move on, says Magnusson - Telegraph
By Andrew Sleight
Last Updated: 1:14am BST 10/05/2007

Eggert Magnusson has announced that West Ham will not challenge the £5.5
million record fine imposed by the Premier League over the transfers
involving Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez, and the embattled chairman
admits he now hopes it will bring down the curtain on the controversial
episode. The relegation-threatened club were found guilty of acting
improperly and withholding important documentation regarding the signing of
the Argentina pair. But four clubs who were seeking Premiership survival -
Charlton, Fulham, Sheffield United and Wigan - have taken legal advice with
a view to having West Ham docked points for their crime. That is possibly
why Magnusson, who assumed control of the club in late November - three
months after the transfers were arranged - accepted the fine. The Icelander
said: "I think it is now time to draw a line under this matter. The fine
imposed on us was very significant, but we accept that mistakes were made
and it is now time to move on."
The Premier League have also defended their decision not to deduct points,
which would have resulted in certain relegation. Richard Caborn, the Sports
Minister, also disagreed with the saga being dragged into the legal
chambers, and felt it should now be settled amicably between the clubs.
Caborn said: "It's not a good thing for sport to go running to the courts,
and having the rules of sport being made up by judges. "My advice to the
clubs involved is to resolve this internally inside the Premier League.
Whoever is relegated should be a decision made on the pitch, not in the
courts."
Meanwhile, Tevez, who is at the heart of the legal row, admits he has
thoroughly enjoyed West Ham's relegation battle, unaccustomed as he is to
the trials and tribulations he has faced on and off the pitch in recent
weeks. Despite becoming in February the bookmakers' favourites to suffer the
drop, West Ham are now on the verge of preserving their Premiership status,
provided they take a point from their final game, at Manchester United on
Sunday. Tevez has been the driving force behind West Ham's recovery,
inspiring Alan Curbishley's side to six victories in eight matches. The
23-year-old claims that he has even grown to enjoy West Ham's spirited fight
to stay in the division. Tevez said: "Fighting against relegation is
something new for me. I have never been used to battling against going down,
but I take it like a challenge and I really like it. I think fighting
against relegation is actually tougher than challenging for the title,
because you know that if you don't win the title, you can win it later.
"This is totally different because if you lose, you go down to the
Championship. If you are not champions, you can be sad, but it is not the
same as being relegated."
The only obstacle the club now faces is the trip to Old Trafford, and Tevez
is relishing the challenge. He said: "It is one of those special matches and
it is even more important when you are playing for important things."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sir Alex: I'll wheel out big guns - TeamTalk

Sir Alex Ferguson has warned West Ham boss Alan Curbishley not to expect any
gifts at Old Trafford on the last day of this season. Curbishley visited
Manchester United on the final day 12 months ago when in charge of Charlton.
On that occasion, Ferguson presented him with a pair of return tickets to
New Zealand so he could visit his sister after deciding to take a sabbatical
from the management game. He could do with an even bigger present this time
around as West Ham look for the point that will preserve their top-flight
future. Curbishley knows that, if his side lose, he will be left sweating
on the outcome of Sheffield United's key fixture with Wigan at Bramall Lane
before he knows whether he will accompany Charlton down into the
Championship. And Curbishley is now aware he will face a United side packed
with stars after Ferguson rested nearly all the big names responsible for
this season's Premiership title triumph in the goalless draw at Chelsea.
"We have to respect the position of the other teams at the bottom," said
Ferguson. "Paul Jewell has done a fantastic job at Wigan, as has Neil
Warnock at Sheffield United. I cannot be putting a team on the pitch that
disrespects those teams. "We also have our own reputation to think about, so
although I am a great friend of Alan Curbishley, he understands the position
I am in and knows I will be playing my strongest team on Sunday."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Whelan in Tevez 'lies' storm - The Sun
By DAVE KIDD
May 10, 2007

WIGAN chairman Dave Whelan has written to the Premier League demanding
evidence Carlos Tevez was eligible to play in West Ham's 3-0 victory over
the Latics 12 days ago. Whelan sent a strongly-worded message asking whether
relegation rivals West Ham continued to 'lie' over Tevez's ownership. The
Hammers escaped a points deduction but copped a £5.5million fine after
admitting to fielding Tevez and fellow Argentinian Javier Mascherano when
they were partly owned by a third party, Media Sports Investment. Wigan are
suspicious at West Ham's claims that 24 hours after the April 27
disciplinary hearing, Tevez's contract with MSI had been torn up. This
allowed West Ham to re-register Tevez, which meant he could play at Wigan.
The Argentine had a hand in all three goals as West Ham gave themselves a
chance of escaping the drop. Tevez then scored twice in Hammers' 3-1 win
over Bolton last Saturday. That victory dumped Wigan into the drop zone —
and means they will be relegated unless they win at Sheffield United on
Sunday. In the letter to Premier League chief Richard Scudamore, Whelan
refers to a meeting between the pair, Latics chief executive Brenda Spencer
and manager Paul Jewell. It reads: "At that meeting, you clearly stated the
then West Ham chief executive Paul Aldridge looked you square in the eye and
told you blatant lies regarding the contracts of the Argentinian players.
Are you being told lies again? "In your e-mail of May 8, 2007 sent to all
Premier League clubs, you stated 'West Ham has assured us that it has
terminated the contract'. "Surely the contract can only be terminated by
both parties? Could we and the rest of the Premier League please see
concrete evidence — i.e. written confirmation this contract had been
cancelled by both parties. "And furthermore, was this termination actually
completed before Saturday April 28 — the day West Ham played Tevez at the
JJB Stadium?" Fulham will continue to support Wigan in their battle — even
though the Cottagers are now safe from relegation. And Sheffield United
chairman Kevin McCabe has demanded a second hearing of the West Ham
disciplinary case. He said: "The penalty invites anarchy. We might as well
all field illegal players every week." West Ham will not appeal against the
£5.5m fine. Chairman Eggert Magnusson said: "It is time to draw a line under
this matter."

d.kidd@the-sun.co.uk

Whelan's letter

Dear Richard

We refer to your letter dated 8th May 2007.

You will be receiving a letter directly from the four clubs but could I
remind you of the meeting, which you requested, held at the Wigan Athletic
training ground on 1st May 2007, between yourself, our Chief Executive,
Brenda Spencer, our Manager, Paul Jewell and myself.

At that meeting, you clearly stated that the West Ham Chief Executive looked
you square in the eye and told you blatant lies regarding the contracts of
the Argentinian players. Are you being told lies again?

In your e-mail of 8th May 2007 sent to all Premier League clubs, you state
that assurances were received in a satisfactory form from West Ham. "West
Ham has assured us that it has terminated the contract". Surely the contract
can only be terminated by both parties?

Could we and the rest of the Premier League please see concrete evidence
i.e. written confirmation that this contract had been cancelled by both
parties and furthermore, was this termination actually completed before
Saturday 28th April 2007, the day West Ham played Tevez at the JJB Stadium?

Together with the rest of the Premier League, we await an urgent reply.

Dave Whelan, Chairman, Wigan Athletic FC

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chelsea and Kop hunt Tevez - The Sun
May 10, 2007

WEST HAM face losing Carlos Tevez even if they beat the drop on Sunday.
Hammers boss Alan Curbishley is eager to thrash out a permanent deal for the
Argentine striker. But Tevez's magnificent recent displays have alerted
Chelsea and Liverpool. The player is still partly owned by Kia Joorabchian's
and is only on loan at Upton Park until the season ends. Joorabchian is far
from happy with the way he has been treated by West Ham since his efforts to
buy the club failed last year. A Chelsea bid of around £15million would
persuade Joorabchian to cash in. Liverpool, who have already taken Tevez's
pal Javier Mascherano from West Ham, are also keen.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
More of today's football stories - The Sun
May 10, 2007

MIDDLESBROUGH chief Keith Lamb hopes West Ham are relegated over the Carlos
Tevez case. Lamb hit out as he rapped the Premier League for failing to dock
points from Hammers.
Boro were relegated in 1997 after being docked three points for failing to
play Blackburn due to illness and injury. Chief executive Lamb said: "I
consider what happened with us to be a far more trivial and genuine set of
circumstances. "I have made our views known to the Premier League as to how
lenient we feel West Ham's penalty was. "We are not seeking legal advice
but, from a personal view, I'll be smiling on Sunday if West Ham are
relegated."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers won't appeal record fine - This Is Lonon
09.05.07

West Ham have revealed they will not appeal the record £5.5million fine
imposed by the Premier League's independent commission over the signings of
Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.
The Barclays Premiership side were hit with the massive penalty following a
two-day hearing at the end of last month. Controversially, however, the
Hammers avoided a points deduction and have subsequently climbed out of the
relegation places. New chairman Eggert Magnusson, who was not involved in
last summer's signings, said in a statement: "I think it is now time to draw
a line under this matter. "The fine imposed on us was very significant but
we accept that mistakes were made and it is now time to move on. "Our
intention as a club is to be totally focused on Sunday's game (at Manchester
United). We know that our fate, like every other club, will be decided,
where it should be, on the pitch." West Ham's decision will come as little
surprise, given that the punishment meted out to them was deemed lenient by
their relegation rivals. With the value of participation in the Premiership
higher than ever next season when lucrative new television deals kick in, if
the Hammers stay up, as now looks likely, they can expect to make back the
value of the fine several times over. A so-called 'Gang of Four' comprising
Fulham, Sheffield United, Wigan and already-relegated Charlton have
threatened to take legal action against the commission's failure to dock
points, although the Premier League was today reported to have warned that
any litigation would be doomed to failure. The commission concluded that
Tevez and Mascherano were part-owned by Media Sports Investment, the company
formerly run by Iranian-born businessman Kia Joorabchian when they were
signed last August by the previous regime, although Mascherano has since
signed for Liverpool.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham opt not to appeal record fine - Times Online and Agencies

West Ham United have confirmed they will not appeal the £5.5million fine
imposed by the Premier League's independent commission over the signings of
Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.
The Barclays Premiership club had until Friday to decide whether to contest
the panel's verdict, which is set to be challenged in the courts by some of
West Ham's relegation rivals, who feel the punishment should have been a
points deduction. A so-called 'Gang of Four' comprising Fulham, Sheffield
United, Wigan and already-relegated Charlton have threatened to take legal
action, although the Premier League was today reported to have warned that
any litigation would be doomed to failure. "I think it is now time to draw a
line under this matter," said Eggert Magnusson, the West Ham United
chairman, who was not involved in the signings made last summer. "The fine
imposed on us was very significant but we accept that mistakes were made and
it is now time to move on. Our intention as a club is to be totally focused
on Sunday's game [against Manchester United at Old Trafford]. We know that
our fate, like every other club, will be decided, where it should be, on the
pitch." West Ham need a point from their final game to be sure of avoiding
the drop.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lamb baffled at Hammers ruling - BBC

Middlesbrough Chief Executive Keith Lamb has criticised the Premier League
over its handling of Carlos Tevez's transfer to West Ham. Lamb believes the
decision not to dock West Ham points over contract irregularities is too
lenient. Speaking at a fans forum on Tuesday, Lamb said: "We are not seeking
legal advice, but I have let the Premier League know we are very
disappointed. "From a personal view, I'll be smiling on Sunday if West Ham
are relegated." Middlesbrough were docked three points in 1997 after they
failed to fulfill a fixture at Blackburn Rovers, a decision which
effectively relegated the club. "I consider what happened to us to be a far
more trivial and genuine set of circumstances," said Lamb. "I have made our
views known to the Premier League as to how lenient we feel West Ham's
penalty was. "Why it has taken from January to April to investigate and then
judge on it, I don't know. I think it's been dealt with in a very poor way
by the Premier League."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers decide against appeal - TeamTalk

West Ham will not appeal against the record £5.5million fine imposed by the
Premier League over the Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano deals. The
Premiership side were hit with the massive penalty following a two-day
hearing at the end of last month. Controversially, however, the Hammers
avoided a points deduction and have subsequently climbed out of the
relegation places. New chairman Eggert Magnusson, who was not involved in
last summer's signings, said in a statement: "I think it's now time to draw
a line under this matter. "The fine imposed on us was very significant but
we accept that mistakes were made and it's now time to move on. "Our
intention as a club is to be totally focused on Sunday's game (at Manchester
United). We know that our fate, like every other club, will be decided,
where it should be, on the pitch." West Ham's decision will come as little
surprise, given that the punishment meted out to them was deemed lenient by
their relegation rivals. With the value of participation in the Premiership
higher than ever next season when lucrative new television deals kick in, if
the Hammers stay up, as now looks likely, they can expect to make back the
value of the fine several times over. A so-called 'Gang of Four' comprising
Fulham, Sheffield United, Wigan and already-relegated Charlton have
threatened to take legal action against the commission's failure to dock
points, although the Premier League is reported to have warned that any
litigation would be doomed to failure.
The commission concluded that Tevez and Mascherano were part-owned by Media
Sports Investment, the company formerly run by Iranian-born businessman Kia
Joorabchian when they were signed last August by the previous regime,
although Mascherano has since signed for Liverpool.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Whelan demands concrete evidence - TeamTalk

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan wants "concrete evidence" Carlos Tevez was
eligible to play for West Ham during their recent 3-0 win at the JJB.
Whelan's written letter to the Premier League is the latest escalation of
the row over the League's decision not to punish the Hammers with a points
deduction for breaching their rules by fielding Tevez and Argentina
team-mate Javier Mascherano this season. Fellow Premiership strugglers
Wigan, Sheffield United, Charlton and Fulham have threatened legal action
after West Ham were handed a £5.5million fine for irregularities in the
duo's contracts, believed to be relating to third-party ownership. According
to the Times, Whelan's letter was sent to Premier League chief executive
Richard Scudamore and the other top-flight clubs. It read: "In your e-mail
of May 8 sent to all Premier League clubs, you state that assurances were
received in a satisfactory form from West Ham. Surely the contract can only
be terminated by both parties? "Could we and the rest of the Premier League
please see concrete evidence, i.e, written confirmation that this contract
had been cancelled by both parties and furthermore, was this termination
actually completed before Saturday, April 28, the day West Ham played Tevez
at the JJB Stadium?"
One of Wigan or Sheffield United will be relegated if West Ham take a point
in their final game of the season at Manchester United.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Scudamore warning to warring clubs - TeamTalk

Sports minister Richard Caborn has told warring Premiership clubs to settle
the row over West Ham between themselves instead of going to court. Wigan,
Sheffield United, Charlton and Fulham have all threatened legal action
against the Premier League claiming the Hammers should have had points
deducted for contract irregularities over the signing of Argentina
internationals Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. Caborn, himself a
Sheffield United fan and a former director at Bramall Lane, said the dispute
should be kept out of the courts. The sports minister, speaking after giving
the opening address to the Soccerex conference at Wembley stadium, said:
"Running to the courts, and the rules of sport being made up by judges, I do
not believe is a good thing for sport. "My advice to the clubs is to resolve
this internally inside the Premier League. There are 20 clubs operating as a
co-operative and they should be able to resolve their differences. "Whoever
is relegated should be a decision that is be made on the park and not in the
courts. Football is able to govern itself - with power comes responsibility.
"I'm sure this can be resolved inside the family of football. "I would say
to all sports, try and sort it out inside the family of sport, that's by far
the best way."
The Premier League have written to all 20 member clubs claiming a legal
challenge to an independent disciplinary commission's decision to fine the
Hammers £5.5million is "bound to fail".
The letter says: "Any challenge would fly in the face of the disciplinary
structure that the clubs themselves created and we consider would, as a
matter of law, be bound to fail." The Times reports that a second letter,
signed by Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards and chief executive
Richard Scudamore, states the current position on Tevez after West Ham were
ordered to tear up the illegal third-party agreement with Kia Joorabchian,
the businessman who owns the rights to Tevez, for which they were originally
punished. "The Premier League made it very clear to West Ham that unless it
could be satisfied that all trace of any third-party ability to influence
West Ham's policies or the performance of its team was removed, Tevez's
registration would be terminated," says the letter. "Assurances were
received in a satisfactory form from West Ham. West Ham has assured us that
it has terminated the contract. "It has also indicated that under no
circumstances will it regard the contract as binding on West Ham and that it
will defend any proceedings brought against West Ham seeking its
enforcement."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Old Trafford holds no fears for Noble - Newham Recorder
09 May 2007

WEST HAM travel to Old Trafford on Sunday for a game that could make or
break their Premiership future, but for one young Hammer, he simply can't
wait to step out on to the hallowed turf, writes DAVE EVANS. Mark Noble may
have only turned 20 on Tuesday, but already the Canning-Town born West Ham
fan is showing a maturity way beyond his years. His call-up to the first
team has coincided with a dramatic resurgence in the club's fortunes and he
is desperate for that upturn to continue against the champions on Sunday. "I
want to go there in front of 76,000 and show them what I can do as a player
and what we can do as a team," said Noble, who thumped in West Ham's third
goal during Saturday's vital win over Bolton Wanderers. "We know how we can
play and we know if we play at our full capacity we can go there and get a
result." It will not be the first time that Noble has ran out at Old
Trafford, not long ago he was doing just that for his school district team!
"I played at Old Trafford for the district team when I was a schoolboy, it
was unbelievable then and they've made it even bigger now," he said. "I must
have been 13 or 14 and I was playing for Newham and we managed to be joint
winners in a seven-a-side competition - we couldn't have penalties because
there was a Manchester United game afterwards!" He continued: "As a young
lad that's where you want to be because it's the Theatre of Dreams. "We
went there and enjoyed the day and hopefully we can enjoy the game on Sunday
as well."
Noble certainly wasn't expecting a run in the first team this season. He
played and scored against Brighton, but was then told by new boss Alan
Curbishley that he was looking to the experienced players to turn things
around at Upton Park. "I kept my head down, trained hard and when the chance
came I took it and hopefully Sunday will make it 10 games in a row for me,"
he said. "The season's end has come too early for me really but hopefully
next season we'll still be playing in the Premiership."
Noble is a certainty for West Ham's line-up on Sunday and he is looking to
enjoy every minute of it. "The last time I went there I went to the Theme
Park afterwards with my Mum and Dad.
"If we get a result this time, I might even go back there!" he laughed. If
West Ham get a result on Sunday there may be a huge crowd of West Ham fans
looking to do the same.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tevez is fans' favourite
By Guardian-series

CARLOS Tevez was named Hammer of the Year for 2006-07 with a massive 85 per
cent of supporters' votes. The diminutive Argentine striker collected his
award from chairman Eggert Magnusson before West Ham's 3-1 defeat of Bolton.
Top-scorer Bobby Zamora was runner-up. Manager Alan Curbishley said: "When I
first came to the club, I'd not really seen Tevez play, so I picked a side I
knew against Manchester United. "I came out and the fans were calling for
Tevez. And the next match they were singing for him, and the next game. "He
built that relationship without even playing. Since he came into the team,
we just asked him to play further up the pitch and the goals have come. "He
is a very important player for us." The 23-year-old also topped the weekly
Actim Index - the official player ratings of the Barclays Premiership.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
IT'S THE BIG ONE - Newham Recorder
09 May 2007

AFTER a season of disasters, bungles and cock-ups with the odd triumph
thrown in for good measure, it all comes down to this - get a point at Old
Trafford on Sunday and West Ham will be playing Premiership football next
season, writes DAVE EVANS. Charlton and Alan Pardew were relegated on Monday
night after losing at home to Spurs and now only Wigan can prevent West Ham
completing 'The Great Escape' if they beat Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
For manager Alan Curbishley, he has seen it all before: "It is kind of
ironic really because I think it is the third time in five years that I have
been there on the last day of the season," reflected the boss. He's right,
though the results of losing 4-0 in 2006, 4-1 in 2003 and grabbing a 0-0
draw in 2002 hardly fill you with confidence. "We go to Old Trafford and
obviously it is in our hands for the first time for some time," he said.
"You couldn't wish for a tougher game, but at least we go there with lots of
confidence."
Confidence indeed. Their 3-1 victory over Bolton on Saturday made it six
victories in the last eight games and that is better than the recent record
of Chelsea and matching Sunday's opponents Manchester United. Curbishley
knows that it is going to be a nervous afternoon for his team as well as his
fans. "I was involved two years ago at Charlton with the shake-up on the
last day of the season and there is going to be twists and turns like there
is every year," he insisted. "We played Crystal Palace and with six minutes
to go they were safe and West Brom were down and it all changed round for
them. "Nobody can quite work out how it will fall but you have got to do
your own bit. If we go to Old Trafford and take something then we have done
our bit."
That is easier said than done. United will collect the Premiership trophy
after Sunday's match and with Alex Ferguson expressing his disappointment at
the Premier League's decision not to deduct the Hammers points, he may be
keen to make sure West Ham get no favours from him. Curbishley asked
Ferguson his advice before taking the West Ham job back in December, but
confessed that he hadn't spoken to him since. "Perhaps I can phone him to
ask if he is making any changes," smiled the manager, who criticised
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez for fielding a weakened side at relegation
rivals Fulham last Saturday. "I was hoping that there would be nothing on
the final game, but the only thing I can ask for is that we have given
ourselves a chance and there is something riding on the game between
Sheffield United and Wigan," said Curbishley. "I don't think Sir Alex would
have forgotten what happened here at Upton Park, but I would have taken this
chance and the prospect of winning at Old Trafford five or six weeks ago, so
we just have to get on with it."
A legion of West Ham fans will travel north on Sunday with hope in their
hearts as well as a little trepidation. It is still on a knife-edge, but if
West Ham make it then surely it will have been the Greatest Escape of all!
Just remember though what happened to Steve McQueen in the classic film!

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Injured Tevez does it again - Newham Recorder
09 May 2007

AS Carlos Tevez placed the ball just outside the area for that 10th minute
free kick, memories of the Tottenham game came flooding back, writes DAVE
EVANS. It was that encounter that manager Alan Curbishley has pinpointed as
the turning point of this rollercoaster season and it was the game where the
little South American finally ended his goalscoring duck after 19 barren
appearances. Perhaps Jussi Jaaskelainen missed the live TV coverage of the
Spurs clash, because when Tevez chipped the ball over the wall and watched
it dip under the bar and into the top corner, the Bolton keeper could only
waft a hand in its general direction. Tevez himself sprinted over to the dug
out to hug physio Steve Allen and Curbishley gave a clue as to the reason
for that after Saturday's 3-1 victory. "He was very doubtful for the game
after hurting his ankle on Tuesday," revealed the manager. "I was looking at
him on Friday and I was a bit worried about him to be honest. "He joined in
during training, but he didn't run around too much, but he assured us he was
okay and we just got on with it."
Treatment in the oxygen tent that had helped Dean Ashton get ready in time
for the FA Cup Final last season, proved to be decisive and as Tevez steamed
around Upton Park with pace, power and purpose there seemed no sign of an
injury that could have ruled him out of the match 24 hours earlier. That
though, is what the diminutive Argentinian is all about. He gives absolutely
everything for 90 minutes of every game and though it doesn't always come
off, the West Ham fans worship him. A staggering 84.5 per cent of votes in
the player of the year awards went to Tevez which is not bad for a striker
whose two goals on Saturday only brought him to six for the season. It
certainly took Curbishley a while to realise the little goldmine he had on
the fringe of his first team when he arrived. "When I first came and we
played Manchester United, I hadn't seen West Ham play too often and I picked
a side for that game, came out for kick off and the crowd were calling for
Tevez," explained the boss. "I hadn't really seen him I must admit, but the
next game they were singing for him and then the next game, so he had
obviously built a relationship up and that was from not playing."
He had and it was that never-say-die attitude that won over the fans. While
some players looked disinterested by West Ham's plight, Tevez attempted to
take the game by the scruff of the neck and make things happen. There was no
acceptance of relegation from the South American and it was he that, in the
last couple of months, has inspired the likes of Mark Noble, Bobby Zamora,
Nigel Reo-Coker and Luis Boa Morte to give everything for the cause
alongside him. His season has certainly been a controversial one with
speculation about his contract and the aftermath of the Premier League
report still to be completely resolved, but the one man who seems to have
been unaffected by the furore is Tevez himself. "I think it helps when you
can't speak the language and can't read the papers," smiled Curbishley. "To
be fair, he understands what is going on and he feels quite clearly that it
is nothing to do with him at all - he just plays football." He continued: "I
had a quiet word with him last week about the situation, but I never
bothered to mention anything to him this week."
So what has been the secret of Tevez's sudden rush of Premiership goals. The
manager points to just one simple thing. "All we have asked him to do is
play higher up the pitch than perhaps he was when he first started playing,
for me anyway," explained the manager. "We told him to get in that final
third a little bit more and that is what he has done. He puts people under
pressure, he relieves pressure as well because he can hold on to it and with
that the goals have come and he has made some."
Simple, but devastatingly effective and if Sunday's match at Old Trafford
proves to be his last in a West Ham shirt, and it looks increasingly likely
that it will, then he will have served his club superbly and probably
learned a lot of important lessons for his future career. Just think though.
Dean Ashton and Carlos Tevez up front for the Hammers - now wouldn't that be
just magnificent?!

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tevez relishing relegation battle - Daily Mail
Last updated at 15:47pm on 9th May 2007

West Ham striker Carlos Tevez has admitted he is not used to fighting
relegation - but that he has learned to like it. The Hammers need a point in
their final game of the season at Manchester United on Sunday to make sure
they survive the drop after a fabulous run of form which has seen them win
six of their last eight matches. The Argentinian international (pictured
above), whose inspirational form has lifted the Hammers to the brink of
safety, said: "We have to face the champions at their stadium. It is one of
those special matches. Even more, if you are playing for important things.
"Fighting against relegation is something new for me. I was not used to
fighting for not going down to the second level, but I take it like a
challenge and I really like it.

"I think fighting against relegation is tougher than competing for the
title, because you know that if you don't win the title, you can win it
later. "This is totally different because if you lose, you can go down to
the second level. "If you are not champions, you can be sad, but it is not
the same as being relegated."
The illegal signings of Tevez and Javier Mascherano, who is now at
Liverpool, meant the Hammers were fined £5.5million by the Premier League -
although rival clubs have threatened legal action because they believe the
London club should have been docked points. Tevez confessed he has been
surprised by some of West Ham's poor results this season. "It was strange
because here we have very good players. "The squad must have failed in
something. Fortunately, we've had a good streak and we are still in the
race."
The former Boca Juniors and Corinthians striker also admitted Mascherano's
departure to Liverpool made it more difficult for him. "It was hard for me
to be alone, because Javi is a friend," said Tevez. "To leave was the best
for him because he was not happy here. "Now he is a Champions League
finalist. It's incredible. I'm very happy for him. I hope he wins it to add
such an important title to his career."
Tevez expects to be in the Argentina squad for the Copa America in Venezuela
this summer. The 23-year-old hopes his performances will earn him a place in
Alfio Basile's squad. Tevez was part of the Argentina side which lost the
2004 Copa America final on penalties to Brazil and he is determined to go
one better this time around. He said: "I want to play in the Copa America.
It is special to me and to all the players who played in that match against
Brazil. "I need to play in the national team. However, I know that you put
yourself in or out of the squad through your performances with your club. "I
know I haven't played well but now I feel different. I am in good shape and
playing well in the Premier League. "Anyway, I have already demonstrated I
am a national team player. I have played in a World Cup."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big guns interest no problem for Curbs - Clubcall
20070509 09:20

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Mouths Come Out The Woodwork Against West Ham - West Ham Fans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 9 May, 2007 - 14:14.

The stench created by some members of the press as well as by certain
chairmen of the Premier League has been added to by the odious opinions of
Graham Taylor, the man who oversaw the type of long ball football that
almost destroyed the game in England has given his words of wisdom as to how
West Ham should have been deducted points for fielding Javier Mascherano and
Carlos Tevez as players while technically ineligible, however we aren't
going to do him the service of printing them!
Coupled with the "It is my duty to field a full strength team against West
Ham" comment from Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, it would appear
that people really DO have it in for the Hammers, one can't help feeling
that had the club been in mid table safety none of the rubbish currently
being reported would have materialised.
Indeed there is an argument that the arrival of the two Argentine
Internationals DID cause a widespread unrest among certain older players as
well as the so called 'Bentley Boys' at the Boleyn, the duos arrival and the
media circus that surrounded them hardly had a galvanising effect on a team
that finished ninth in the Premiership and a whisker away from winning the
FA Cup. In fact looking at the stats, Hammers embarked on an appalling run
of results, so if the other relegation teams are serious about mounting
their legal challenges, it would be wise of them to look at the season
overall and not just at Hammers recent rich vein of form. Even the most
mathematically of challenged will see that far from benefiting from the
player's arrival, Hammers actually suffered and are only now reaping any
sort of reward from their signing while Liverpool are the other
benificiaries, after all didn't Javier Mascherano help them to the Champions
League final, shouldn't the bleeters sue Liverpool as well for benefiting
from a player who shouldn't have been able to build his match fitness and
awareness of the English game because he was working with West Ham
illegally? Delve deeply into the workings of the Premiership and you will
open a can of worms, there are so many skeletons in cupboards that generally
there is a lot of hue and cry but eventually things settle into the Staus
Quo, OK there is nothing wrong in a clear and honest investigation into the
workings of the Premier League, but let it encompass the Loan system,
tapping up and of course corruption involving transfers and the power and
influence the bigger clubs seem to have over refereeing decisions. - Ed

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Caborn urges clubs to resolve row - Times Online and Agencies

Sports minister Richard Caborn has called on warring Premier League clubs to
settle the row over West Ham United between themselves rather than go to
court. Wigan Athletic, Sheffield United, Charlton Athletic and Fulham have
all threatened legal action against the Premier League claiming the Hammers
should have had points deducted for contract irregularities over the signing
of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. Caborn, a Sheffield United fan and a
former director at Bramall Lane, said: "Running to the courts, and the rules
of sport being made up by judges, I do not believe is a good thing for sport
. "My advice to the clubs is to resolve this internally inside the Premier
League. There are 20 clubs operating as a co-operative and they should be
able to resolve their differences. "Whoever is relegated should be a
decision that is be made on the park and not in the courts. Football is able
to govern itself - with power comes responsibility. I'm sure this can be
resolved inside the family of football. I would say to all sports, try and
sort it out inside the family of sport, that's by far the best way." The
Premier League have also written to all 20 member clubs claiming a legal
challenge to an independent disciplinary commission's decision to fine the
Hammers £5.5million will be unsuccessful: "Any challenge would fly in the
face of the disciplinary structure that the clubs themselves created and we
consider would, as a matter of law, be bound to fail," the letter said
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham case should be resolved by league, says Caborn - The Guardian
By Mike Collett

LONDON, May 9 (Reuters) - The four clubs considering legal action against
the Premier League over West Ham United's use of ineligible players should
resolve their dispute internally, British Sports Minister Richard Caborn
said on Wednesday. Charlton Athletic, Fulham, Sheffield United and Wigan
Athletic are unhappy that West Ham were fined a record 5.5 million pounds
($10.96 million) rather than receiving a 10-point deduction for breaching
the league's ownership rules. The four clubs wrote to the Premier League
last Friday to express their convern about the handling of the case but
Caborn said the dispute should be sorted out within football. "It's not a
good thing for sport to go running to the courts and having the rules of
sport being made up by judges," Caborn told reporters at the Soccerex
business and sport conference. "My advice to the clubs involved is to
resolve this internally inside the Premier League and whoever is relegated
should be a decision made on the pitch and not in the courts. "Football is
able to govern itself. With power comes responsibility and I'm sure this can
be resolved inside the family of football," added Caborn, who is a Sheffield
United supporter and a former director of the Yorkshire club. The case
involving West Ham's Argentines Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano centred
on third-party ownership of the players signed from Brazilian club
Corinthians last August but with contracts that involved giving rights to
outside companies. The transfers effectively breached Premier League rules
that no club should enter into a contract enabling another party to
influence its policies or performances. Mascherano has since signed for
Liverpool after the Premier League approved his move to Anfield in February.
Charlton were relegated on Monday after a home defeat by Tottenham Hotspur
and will join bottom club Watford in the second division next season.
Wigan visit Sheffield United on Sunday needing a win to avoid the drop while
their opponents could be relegated on goal difference if they lose heavily.
The Blades could also go down on points if they lose and West Ham get at
least a draw from their visit to champions Manchester United.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
TEVEZ SURPRISE AT HAMMERS FORM - premierleague.com

In-form West Ham United striker Carlos Tevez confessed he has been surprised
by some of the club's poor results this season. After finishing in the top
10 on their return to the Barclays Premiership last campaign, the Hammers
now find themselves battling against relegation to the Coca-Cola
Championship. Tevez said: "It was strange because here we have very good
players. "The squad must have failed in something. Fortunately, we've had a
good streak and we are still in the race."
West Ham face a crucial visit to champions Manchester United on Sunday
knowing a point will guarantee their place in the Barclays Premiership next
season.. Tevez added: "We have to face the champions at their stadium. It
is one of those special matches. "Fighting against relegation is something
new for me. I was not used to fighting against going down to the second
level, but I take it like a challenge and I really like it. "I think
fighting against relegation is tougher than competing for the title, because
you know that if you don't win the title, you can win it later. "This is
totally different because if you lose, you can go down to the second level.
"If you are not champions, you can be sad, but it is not the same as being
relegated."
After some fine displays in recent Barclays Premiership matches, Tevez also
expects to be in the Argentina squad for the Copa America in Venezuela.
Tevez was part of the Argentina side which lost the 2004 Copa America final
on penalties to Brazil and he is determined to go one better this time
around. He said: "I want to play in the Copa America. It is special to me
and to all the players who played in that match against Brazil. "I need to
play in the national team. However, I know that you put yourself in or out
of the squad through your performances with your club. "I am in good shape
and playing well in the Premier League. "I have already demonstrated I am a
national team player. I have played in a World Cup."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I think Hammers are already safe - Newham Recorder
09 May 2007

UPTON PARKES EXCLUSIVE COLUMN

I'M going to put my neck on the line and stick by what I told everybody in
my column last week. I said then that I thought if West Ham beat Bolton then
they would be safe in the Premiership this season and after a superb
performance on Saturday I think they have secured their survival. It is not
only West Ham's win that has clinched it for me. The vital thing was that
victory by Aston Villa over Sheffield United on Saturday evening that means
that the Blades will have to make sure of their own safety by getting a
point against Wigan Athletic. If Neil Warnock's boys had secured their place
in the Premiership against the Villa then I would be very worried that the
old pals' act would kick in and they would contrive to send West Ham down,
but Sheffield can't afford to risk the Hammers getting a point at Old
Trafford and that means a competitive game at Bramall Lane. The first 30
minutes at Upton Park on Saturday was some of the best football I have seen
the Hammers play all season. They got stuck into Bolton from the start with
two men closing down every opposition player as soon as they got the ball
and I have to say that Bolton did not really look up for the fight. Then
there was that man Carlos Tevez. For me he was absolutely brilliant on
Saturday and it was him more than anyone that has enabled West Ham to come
back from the brink of relegation - for me, without Tevez the Hammers would
have been dead and buried a long time ago. I had the pleasure of presenting
Tevez with his player of the year trophies in the hospitality suite on
Saturday and what struck me straight away is that he is so, so small!
Someone asked me to kneel down when he came on to the stage, while the only
Spanish I know is 'Dos San Miguel Por Favor', so I was really glad we had
his interpreter there. He may be short, but he is just so strong and you can
see why players just bounce off him when he is on the field. I said to him
that it was his passion and his battling that have epitomised the turnaround
at the club and that is what has endeared him to the West Ham fans too.
He is my player of the year as well by a long way and I would love to see
him at Upton Park next season - just think what it would be like with him
playing up alongside Dean Ashton! It will be the envy of the Premiership.
As I have said, things are looking good, but there is still a lot of
nervousness among the players and the fans which showed when Bolton pulled
one back on Saturday. I was just thankful that Rob Green had made that
brilliant save from Nicolas Anelka early in the second half otherwise it
would definitely have been bum twitching time out there. I said last week
that Bolton would be one of the last teams that you would choose to play in
that sort of game, but West Ham showed that they are up to the task and I
think if they play the way they did in the first half hour on Saturday, up
at Manchester United then they are certainly capable of getting a result.
It is difficult to judge what sort of team Alex Ferguson will put out for
the game. They have the FA Cup final a week later, while they would have
just played Chelsea on the Wednesday night, but at the same time they will
be receiving the Premiership trophy and it will be their last home game of
the season so they will want to finish on a high note. I'm sure whatever
team they pick it will not be as weak as the Liverpool team that went to
Fulham. To me, making nine changes like that was a disgrace and the Premier
League should certainly be doing something about it. I know Rafa Benitez
likes a bit of a rotation, but nine players is ridiculous and I think if
they had played anything like their first team then they would have beaten
Fulham and they would have still be in the mire.
Things are in West Ham's hands now and one thing is for sure, it is going to
be one hell of an atmosphere at Old Trafford on Sunday. I won't be there as
I have been invited down to the Channel Islands by the Jersey Hammers for a
special do, but all of us will be glued to the television on Sunday
afternoon and hoping that all goes well for the mighty Hammers.

*Phil Parkes' column is sponsored by Carlsberg - Official Beer of West Ham
United.

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Noble and Tevez are too good for Bolton - Newham Recorder
09 May 2007

West Ham United 3 Bolton Wanderers 1

WHILE Carlos Tevez collected the trophies and the plaudits from this
magnificent victory over Bolton Wanderers, it is worth considering the
contribution of someone else in the West Ham ranks, writes DAVE EVANS. Tevez
has been brilliant in the last month of the campaign and his two goals and
one assist rightly earned him yet another man of the match award, but at the
same time, so much of the credit for the Hammers' resurgence must go to
youngster Mark Noble. The Canning Town-born West Ham fan, who turned just 20
on Tuesday, was brought in for the Tottenham game at the beginning of March
and since then has been the heart of the Hammers midfield. "I have been
asking since I came to the club, what comes first results and then
confidence, or does confidence breed results?" asked manager Alan Curbishley
after this vital win. "Whatever way it is, you have to have both and I think
at the moment, since the Tottenham game, we have picked up results and the
confidence has come back."
Since the Tottenham game, or perhaps more to the point since Noble's
inclusion in the midfield, West Ham have picked up 18 points out of a
possible 24 and that is the form of a Champions League candidate rather than
a relegation prospect. Against Bolton, it was Noble's defence-splitting pass
that allowed Luis Boa Morte to set up Tevez for the second goal after just
21 minutes.
Then just before the half hour mark , Bobby Zamora robbed Ivan Campo, fed
Tevez and the Argentinian put over a pinpoint cross for Noble to volley home
his third goal of the season. Noble, like Tevez, gives absolutely everything
for the cause. Like a troublesome Jack Russell he nipped at the ankles of
the Bolton midfield, crunched them with tackles and still had time to get up
and begin another West Ham attack. He is still young and still learning
though, and he would have learned a lot from his mistake that allowed Bolton
back into the game at 3-1, but it was that and only that which prevented
Noble from vying with Tevez for that man of the match award. For Tevez it
was a perfect day. Doubtful before the start with an injured ankle he may
have been, but he showed no sign of it as he won a free kick on the edge of
the box after just 10 minutes and promptly curled a shot over the wall and
into the top corner as Jussi Jaaskelainen clutched at thin air. He was in
the right place at the right time for the second and after setting up Noble
for the third, he then almost grabbed a hat-trick on 32 minutes when he
latched on to Nigel Reo-Coker's pass, cut inside and thumped in a shot that
took a slight deflection off Campo before being beaten away by Jaaskelainen.
West Ham perhaps played their best football of the season in that opening
half hour and with three brilliant goals to show for their efforts the game
was all over bar the shouting. "The first half hour was fantastic today,"
said Curbishley with a guarded smile. "The goals were great and the players
are full of confidence at the moment. "We have got players doing things
naturally, that perhaps they weren't doing five or six weeks ago. We have
kept a settled side, it has not been ravaged like it was when I first came
in, having to make changes week in and week out." He's right. Look at Boa
Morte. When he arrived at Upton Park he looked scared to take players on, he
looked completely overwhelmed by West Ham's precarious position, but now he
is playing with confidence, with a swagger almost and his pass for Tevez's
second goal on Saturday was simply sublime. Gary Speed pulled one back on 67
minutes and some of the old doubts surfaced for West Ham, first in the fans
who, let's face it, have been through the mill more than a couple of times
this year, and then it was the players' turn to look nervous. There was no
need for it because Bolton under Sammy Lee seemed to be a pale shadow of
Bolton under Sam Allardyce. They had their fair share of possession, but it
was still West Ham who looked the more dangerous on the attack. Yossi
Benayoun set up Tevez on 79 minutes for a shot that was blocked by
Jaaskelainen, then the Israeli did the same for substitute Marlon Harewood
only for he too to be denied by the Bolton keeper. A Tevez cross seemed to
be destined for a simple Harewood tap-in on 89 minutes, only for Abdoulaye
Meite to make a superb interception and inexplicably claim a goal kick at
the same time. At the other end, Robert Green had to claim a couple of
teasing crosses, but his best work had come early in the second half when he
pushed Nicolas Anelka's shot wide of the mark. It was a magnificent win
against a good side, but the manager is only too aware that West Ham are
still in an uncertain situation at the bottom. "I was hoping the results
would go for us, one has and one hasn't, now we just have to get on with
it," he said. "I'm not in the ifs and buts situation at the moment, that
will come after next weekend. But obviously to be playing the way we are,
makes you look at it and wonder why we are in this position."
It does, but if you are looking at the reasons why West Ham have managed to
turn things round then the influence of young Noble cannot be overlooked.
West Ham's fate is now in their own hands and though they face an enormous
task at Old Trafford on Sunday, at least they are showing the sort of form
that will make sure they are not humiliated by the champions. Hammers fans
could not have said that a month or so ago and much of the reason for that
new-found faith in the troops is down to Tevez and Noble.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Eddie the Kit Man signs off in style - Newham Recorder
09 May 2007

IT WAS the last home game of the season for West Ham fans on Saturday, but
for one man it was a particularly poignant day. After 27 years at the club,
first in the Commercial Department and then in the boot room, Eddie Gillam
prepared the Hammers kit for the final time on Saturday and it proved to be
a winning day both for him and the team. Following the match the players
showed their appreciation by parading around the ground in special t-shirts
with 'Thanks Eddie' emblazoned on them, while the kit man was presented with
a cut-glass crystal vase from West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson. West Ham
club photographer and Recorder snapper Steve Bacon was delighted with the
send off that the club gave to Eddie. "It was great to see such a loyal
member of the backroom staff get the recognition he deserved after all these
years of dedicated service to the cause," he said. "It was a surprise
presentation and I could see that he was genuinely moved by all the
attention he received on the day."
Eddie has been the kit man under seven different managers since being moved
to the boot room by John Lyall. He has served under Lou Macari, Billy Bonds,
Harry Redknapp, Glenn Roeder, Alan Pardew and Alan Curbishley as well as
Lyall and after that lot, no doubt Eddie thoroughly deserves a break. Eddie
will retire down to Ilfracombe in Devon where his son runs a hotel and no
doubt any West Ham fan making their way down to the south west will receive
a warm welcome!

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chairman looks to Tevez - Newham Recorder
09 May 2007

WEST HAM chairman Eggert Magnusson has always been adamant that the future
of player of the year Carlos Tevez was out of his hands, but for the first
time he has hinted that he would like to keep the Argentinian star. The
signing of Tevez and his fellow South American Javier Mascherano cost the
club a £5.5million fine two weeks ago, and Iranian businessman Kia
Joorabchian may be keen to move his asset this summer, but Magnusson was in
a positive mood. "I would like to see him at West Ham for the next few
seasons but there are a lot of things that have to be resolved before that
happens," he said. That is a significant change from the chairman's previous
attitude where he suggested that he would not negotiate with Joorabchian
over the player. Manager Alan Curbishley has also been won over by the
Argentinian international striker. He said: "If we get ourselves out of this
then we'll look to better things, but there is a lot that goes into Carlos
and his future. "He enjoys London and our fans. He asked to go home once
which I allowed him to do, but he is happy and we'll think about his future
after next week." Tevez himself, though constrained somewhat by the plans of
Joorabchian, is also giving positive vibes. "In terms of my contract, if the
new owner would like to meet me then there are a whole range of things that
we can talk about." We shall see.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbs hopeful despite double interest Wed, May 09 2007 09:20 -
EatSleepSport

Alan Curbishley expressed his confidence that Carlos Tevez will stay at West
Ham, despite reported interest from Chelsea and Liverpool. Alan Curbishley
again expressed his confidence that Carlos Tevez would stay at West Ham,
despite reported interest from Chelsea and Liverpool. A report in the Daily
Mail has claimed that Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry will attempt to
reunite the Argentinian playmaker with Javier Mascherano in the summer after
managing to unravel the clauses in his contract lodged with Premier League
when they snapped him up from the Hammers in January. Meanwhile it appears
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has been impressed by the way Tevez has helped
turn around West Ham's season and guided them to within touching distance of
Premiership safety and could also make a raid depending on finances
available to him. If both clubs do make a bid to sign Tevez in the summer,
the player has already hinted that he could be ready to make the step up to
a bigger club in England. He said: "If I can play at West Ham in such a
difficult position, it's easier to play for a bigger club with players such
as Rooney, Ronaldo or Drogba. "I could play for any English team because
the English game is no longer a problem for me." However Hammers boss,
Curbishley, still feels Tevez will be at Upton Park next season should they
remain in the top flight after the final game of the campaign at champions
Manchester United on Sunday. "Carlos enjoys being with us and he loves the
fans, but we'll think about his future after next week," he said.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
League warns legal action will fail - the Metro
Wednesday, May 9, 2007

The Premier League has warned the clubs angered by their failure to deduct
West Ham any points for the Tevez-Mascherano affair that any legal action
will not succeed. Sheffield United, Charlton, Fulham and Wigan - the
so-called 'Gang of Four' - have sought legal advice in a bid to challenge
the independent disciplinary commission ruling in the courts. However, the
League has now apparently to all 20 member clubs warning any challenge
'would fly in the face of the disciplinary structure that the clubs
themselves created and we consider would, as a matter of law, be bound to
fail'. The Times says a second letter states the current position on Tevez
after West Ham were ordered to tear up the illegal third-party agreement
with Kia Joorabchian, the businessman who owns the rights to Tevez, for
which they were originally punished. 'The Premier League made it very clear
to West Ham that unless it could be satisfied that all trace of any
third-party ability to influence West Ham's policies or the performance of
its team was removed, Tevez's registration would be terminated,' said the
letter. 'Assurances were received in a satisfactory form from West Ham. West
Ham has assured us that it has terminated the contract. 'It has also
indicated that under no circumstances will it regard the contract as binding
on West Ham and that it will defend any proceedings brought against West Ham
seeking its enforcement.'

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Warnock's role fuels conspiracy theories - all3points.com
9th May 2007
By Dan Halton

So it comes down to the final day. A point at Old Trafford will secure West
Ham's Premiership status. Fail and Neil Warnock could be waiting in the
wings ready to play a major role in sending the Hammers down.

Six wins out of eight and a settled team playing quality football. Who on
earth could have predicted that from a West Ham team who were pathetic
beyond belief in heavy defeats at Reading, Charlton and Sheffield United
this year. Carlos Tevez may be provoking anger amongst the club's rivals at
the bottom but he has been the catalyst for this fantastic form that now
gives the Hammers a golden opportunity to put this wretched season to bed
and wipe the slate clean for more top-flight football next year.

It wouldn't be West Ham though without a bit of controversy. With Charlton
and Watford already down that leaves ourselves, Sheffield United and Wigan
left to avoid the final relegation spot with the latter facing each other on
Sunday. Anything less than a point at Old Trafford opens the door for both
Wigan and Sheffield United to beat the drop at our expense. Considering the
anger and bitterness of both clubs over the FA's handling of Tevez (legal
proceedings are being mooted) it has sent the conspiracy theorists into
overdrive.

One theory doing the rounds is that Alex Ferguson will put out his strongest
team against us, go all guns blazing for the win, contribute to sending the
Hammers down and so take some revenge for '92 and '95. Two years when we
(how can I put it) excelled ourselves in matches that prevented Fergie's
boys from taking the title. But Ferguson is more professional than that and
will surely have one eye on the FA Cup final the following weekend. West Ham
represent an insignificant footnote in the Old Trafford club's glittering
history of trophies in the Premiership-era. Why should he care when they
have nine titles glistening in the trophy cabinet already. It may bother the
likes of Steve Bruce (how he enjoyed sending us down in 2003) but Fergie is
in a different class and didn't become the most successful manager in recent
history by letting petty and ancient vendettas get to him.

The nightmare that most West Ham fans have is of managers Neil Warnock and
Paul Jewell somehow conspiring to allow Wigan the win they need to stay up.
This is the most obvious conspiracy theory but one, looked at rationally, is
somewhat unlikely. Warnock may be one of the most reviled figures in
football and not averse to pushing the boundaries of the rulebook (he
managed to get a crucial game with West Brom abandoned a few years ago when
red cards and injuries meant he only had seven players left on the pitch)
but even he will be more concerned with cementing Sheffield United's safety
before striking any potential deals. The guarantee of £60 million clubs in
the Premiership get from next season will be the biggest incentive so
preserving the Blades' status will come first.

Conspiring to let Wigan off the hook may be an unlikely theory certainly…but
it is still possible. Let's take the following scenario for example. There
are ten minutes to go in both matches. News from Old Trafford is that West
Ham are being thrashed 4-0 meanwhile the score in a tight affair at Bramall
Lane remains goalless. Suddenly Warnock instead of ranting and raving at his
players to keep battling for the ball stands placidly on the sidelines. The
vibes in the Sheffield dugout are relaxed and calm. Jewell, sensing a win
will guarantee safety, throws men forward and within a few minutes the
pressure tells as Wigan snatch a winner. Sheffield United and Wigan stay up,
West Ham go down. "Justice" is served on the pitch and suddenly the
impending legal case against the FA and West Ham is dropped the next day.

Warnock will not shed any tears if something like this happens and that is
why it is vital West Ham focus on getting something from Old Trafford - or
at the very least keeping it close. Wigan currently have the worst form in
the league and can't buy a goal. But with so much at stake Sunday will be
tense and tight and the form book generally goes out the window. If the
Hammers can't keep the score close against Manchester United the temptation
will be there to let Wigan in and conspiracy theorists will have a field
day. The howls of derision from West Ham would be as loud as the current
cacophony of grumbling from Dave Whelan et al. The difference here is that
nothing was written down in a contract, nothing was officially agreed, it
just happened: "that's football". Warnock and Whelan would see it as the
unwritten law of karma in operation. I will be seeing it every night until
Sunday comes around…

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com/

Thursday, May 10

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 10th May 2007

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