10/05/2007 09:57
Last week Junior Stanislas was awarded the Bobby Moore Young Player of the
Year after an exceptional first term at Upton Park which saw him fire in
nine goals for the youth team and a couple for the reserves, where he become
a regular alongside more senior players. We caught up with the young Hammer
to get his thoughts on his first year at the Club and his aims and ambitions
for next season………………..
Junior is a young man with a mission, a lot of determination and, as it has
proved this season, an abundance of talent. The youngster was voted the
Bobby Moore Young Player of the Year Award, an accolade steeped in history
thanks to the legend it's named after. It is also an award that is a
personal triumph, as it is voted for by Junior's own team-mates. And for a
modest Junior, while it was not expected, it was happily received all the
same. "I am very pleased to be this season's Bobby Moore Young Player of the
Year," he said. "I was surprised to get it though. I feel I have had a good
season, but didn't think it would mean getting an award like this, so it has
really finished off what has been a great season for me and the team. "Tony
(Carr) told me a couple of days before it was presented to me that I had won
it, and I was delighted. It's an award that is given by my team-mates and
the fact they chose me, is very nice and I appreciate it."
Junior was a regular in a successful youth team side that finished up
runners-up to Arsenal in the league, no mean feat for any side."It has been
a great season," he added. "I think maybe we were just a bit tired in the
last few games to go that bit more. Most of us were playing two games a week
with the reserves and, while that is what we want to do, it can take its
toll and it probably showed in the last couple of results. But overall, we
kept working hard all season to get where we did and it's been really
enjoyable. I think one of our strengths was the spirit in the dressing room
and on a few occasions that helped us to come from behind to win games."
For Junior, in his first year there was a lot to learn, but he took it all
in his stride. Was it what he expected? He said: "It has been tough, I think
playing the amount of football we did, but I have enjoyed every match and
goal. Scoring for the youth team has been a highlight for me. "I didn't have
any targets, only that I hoped to get to double figures. I grabbed nine
league goals, just one behind Freddie (Sears), so that's not bad! And if you
count the couple of goals I got in the reserves it means I finished with 11,
so I did hit my target! "My best goal? The one I got against Crystal Palace.
It was a solo effort. I went from box to box and finished it off, all on my
own!"
While he can look forward to a rest in the summer, Junior is already setting
his sights on next season. "I know that I have to push on now if I am to get
better," he said. "I want to be in there training with the first team on a
regular basis and then maybe just get into the squad. "We have trained with
the first team a few times and it has been great. Carlos Tevez has been one
player I have loved to watch, so I would love a few one-on-one training
sessions with him! "I still have a lot to learn, but I want to be stronger
and faster. While it will be harder next year, I have learnt a lot this
season, which I hope will help me go to the next level."
Youth Academy Director Tony Carr has been delighted with Junior's progress.
He said: "The award that Junior has received is a fantastic accolade for any
young player. "But he deserves it. Junior has weighed in with some goals,
important ones when needed and some really good performances. He can be very
pleased with his first year. "Junior has set himself some high standards and
what he has to do now is go on from this, for next year and the future. He
has done very well and has the ability and the attitude to take this
forward."
by Laura Burkin
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Noble delight at Under-21 call-up - WHUFC
10/05/2007 19:04
Mark Noble has been named in a provisional 30-man England squad for the
forthcoming UEFA European Under-21 Championships. The 20-year-old
midfielder received the call-up following several sparkling performances for
the Hammers recently, and admits to being delighted by the news, even though
he has more pressing matters on his mind at the moment...
"I'm delighted, it's a massive honour to be called up by your country," says
Mark. "I'm trying not to think about it too much, though, because I want to
stay focused on Sunday's game - that is all that matters to me at the
moment. "I only found out about the call-up when a mate rang me to say he
had heard something, so my dad checked it on the FA website, and there it
was. To be named in an England under-21 squad is a great achievement and
hopefully I can make an impression when I get my chance. "As I said, though,
for now I'm just concentrating on the game at Old Trafford - I'll be able to
look forward to the England situation a lot more if we've got the result we
need on Sunday to stay up!"
Mark's Upton Park team-mates Anton Ferdinand and Nigel Reo-Coker have also
been included in the 30-man squad. England under-21 coach Stuart Pearce will
name a final squad of 23 players on Wednesday 30 May for the tournament in
Holland. Prior to the Championship, the under-21s will travel to Spain for
a training camp in the week beginning 21 May before taking on Slovakia in
their final warm-up game at Norwich City's Carrow Road stadium on Tuesday 5
June. The Under-21 Championship begins on Sunday 10 June, with England's
opening fixture against the Czech Republic being played in Arnhem on Monday
11 June.
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Ephraim named in England squad - WHUFC
10/05/2007 17:34
West Ham United youngster Hogan Ephraim has been named in the England squad
for next week's crucial UEFA European Under-19 Championship Elite Qualifying
Round. The 19-year-old striker recently returned to Upton Park after a loan
spell at Championship side Colchester United, where he made 21 league
appearances and scored one goal as the Essex-based side just missed out on
the promotion play-offs. England take on Russia, Holland and Czech Republic
for a place at the finals in Austria and the matches will be played in
Walsall on 15 May, Coventry on 17 May and Northampton on 20 May. After
playing seven games this season without defeat, the young Lions go into the
tournament filled with confidence, but coach Brian Eastick says that the
competitive matches will be a different kind of test. "Although being
undefeated against good opposition such as Holland, Spain, Italy and Turkey
friendly games are different to playing competitive Tournaments", he said.
"We are faced with three matches in six days against excellent opposition in
Russia, Holland and Czech Republic with the winners going to Austria in July
for the European Finals. "This season we have been very fortunate to play
in front of some excellent crowds, in some cases capacity at the likes of
Walsall, Crewe, Bournemouth and Doncaster. The players really appreciate
your support and in that sense you can play a big part by getting behind the
players and making it a really good atmosphere to play in."
Tickets are priced at £3 for adults in advance (£5 on the night)/£1 for
concessions/group discounts on TheFA.com
Walsall Hotline - 0870 442 0111
Coventry City Hotline - 0870 421 1987
Northampton Town Hotline - 0870 822 1966
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Curbs looking ahead to Old Trafford clash - WHUFC
10/05/2007 16:18
As West Ham United prepare to go to Old Trafford for the final game of the
Premiership campaign, Alan Curbishley is contemplating the upcoming climax
to the Hammers' season. "We've been saying for the last five or six weeks
that we needed to win the majority of our games," he said. "We've done that
- if we had got something up at Sheffield it would have been so precious
now. "But we've won six out of eight, we've still got another game to go,
we've still got to take something out of that game but we've given ourselves
a chance. "Going into the last month if we'd known we'd be going into the
last game with a chance, albeit at Old Trafford, we'd have taken it. "We've
given ourselves a chance and it's in our hands now. Perhaps this week the
expectation levels have turned. I think we're playing well and we've got a
settled side. "We're looking forward to the game. There's no reason why we
can't go to Old Trafford and get a result."
With plenty of press coverage currently directed at the Hammers, Curbs
admitted to trying to let on-pitch matters take centre-stage. "There's so
much talk about West Ham at the moment," he said. "It seems as if everyone's
having a go for whatever reason. We're just trying to get some positive
stuff from the football we've been playing. "We've come up quietly on the
rails, most people wrote us off and that's fair enough, but that's the only
way to go about it at the moment. If we get the result on Sunday there could
be a bit of a noise at Old Trafford. "But we'll just get on with it. We've
given ourselves a chance and, given the position we were in, that's all we
could ask for. It's in our hands, it's not been in our hands for so long,
and we need one more game."
Curbs wanted to express his admiration for the Hammers fans, who he believes
have been instrumental in the team's recent good form. "I've said this a
couple of times: I'm amazed by the support. I'm a West Ham boy and I've
played for the club and been there on many occasions. But the intensity I've
seen in the last four months, even when we weren't playing well, has been
incredible. "The noise is incredible and I'm sure on Sunday you'll hear our
fans and they do make a big difference. They have done all season. There
will be a lot of people going up there without tickets because they have to
be there. That's the way they are. Let's hope we give them something to get
behind and a nice journey home."
And, having managed Charlton Athletic for fifteen years, Curbs expressed his
sadness at seeing them relegated earlier this week. "When I first took over
at Charlton they were playing at Upton Park in front of 3, 000 people and
when they played Spurs on Monday they were playing in front of a 27, 000
sell-out all-seater Premiership crowd," he said. "The last ten years at
Charlton were fantastic and I was really upset that they went down. As Pards
was saying, it affects a lot of people, not just players and management but
lots of people on the peripheries. No one wishes that on anyone. But they'll
bounce back."
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Sears improvement a promising sign - WHUFC
10/05/2007 13:52
Young Hammers hot-shot Freddie Sears certainly has an eye for goal, and has
also set his sights on following fellow local lad Mark Noble into the first
team one day. Freddie, this season's winner of the Doris Bell Most Improved
Player award, selected by Youth Academy Director Tony Carr, knows he is just
at the beginning of his football life but, after forcing his way into the
starting-line up for the Under-18s and reserve team this year, is aiming to
go to the top. "I started the season on the bench and had to fight my way
into the youth team," he says. "Once I was in the team, I knew I just had to
make sure that I was playing as well as I could to keep my place. I did this
and went on to start more games after this. My game got stronger and I have
thoroughly enjoyed the season."
Freddie, although only wanting to play at every opportunity, knew that he
had to bide his time. He says: "It was frustrating, because all I wanted to
do was play football. You want to be out on the pitch showing everyone what
you can do. But it was case of taking my chance when it came along and
making the most of it. "I love to score goals and my aim was to try and
score in every match. As the season went on, the whole team became more
confident and we got some really good winning runs together."
Freddie netted 10 league goals for the Hammers youth team and was on the
scoresheet three times for the reserves, where he also made his mark. "All
the goals I scored for the youth team were great, but the highlight for me
this season has to be the first goal I scored for the reserves, against
Portsmouth," he says. "It's a step up in terms of the levels you are used to
playing, but it has been a very good experience. You get used to it, I never
really got nervous, just in each game tried to do better every time."
Like his team-mates, Freddie is aiming high and his thoughts on the next
campaign are of more reserve games and to be included in a travelling first
team squad. He said: "For the youth team, hopefully we can be successful in
the FA Youth Cup, that would be good and I want to be in the reserves on a
regular basis next year. Hopefully I can progress to being part of a first
team squad and from there, the aim to make it on to the bench. There is a
long way to go, but they are my aims. "Someone like Mark Noble is an
inspiration, as he is a local boy, who has gone through the same ranks like
me and has shown what can be achieved if you work hard enough and keep
pushing yourself. What Mark has done already drives me on to want to do the
same.
"It's about grabbing your chance and giving 110 per cent every time you
train and play."
For Tony Carr, Freddie's continuing progress and hard graft earned him the
right to the award. He says: "Freddie didn't start many games at the
beginning of the season. He was just a squad player but came off the bench
to score some vital goals from that position and slowly but surely, grabbed
his chance. He got himself in the team and made himself first choice by the
end of the season. "He gets the accolade on that basis that he worked hard
on his game and forced his way in. Freddie became the leading scorer for the
youth team and got a few goals for the reserves as well, stepping up to that
level quite well. "We're now waiting for him to develop more physically, and
once that happens, in about 18 months, I think we will have a very good
player on our books."
By Laura Burkin
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Bobby Moore statue for Wembley - BBC
A statue of 1966 World Cup hero Bobby Moore will be unveiled at the new
Wembley by the widow of the former England and West Ham captain. The
sculpture of Moore, who died of cancer in 1993 at the age of 51, has been
created by artist Philip Jackson. Stephanie Moore said that the sculptor had
done "an incredible job of capturing Bobby". The six-metre statue, weighing
about two tons, has been positioned to face down Olympic Way. Stephanie
Moore added: "I am delighted that Bobby's career is being recognised in such
an appropriate way and in such a perfect place as Wembley - he belongs to
football and to the fans." Mr Jackson, from Cocking, near Midhurst in West
Sussex, has also created statues of Sir Matt Busby outside Old Trafford and
the Queen in Windsor Great Park. Speaking on Five Live, Mr Jackson said he
consulted a small group of former players who had known Moore "to get from
them what it was about Bobby Moore that makes him this iconic figure". "What
emerged was he was this extraordinary presence in the team, which gave this
enormous confidence and allowed the team to sort of win through in '66 and
so I created the sculpture in this sort of old fashioned heroic style," he
added. Culture secretary Tessa Jowell will also attend the ceremony in
north-west London.
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Wigan want assurances over Tevez - BBC
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has written to the Premier League asking for
proof that Argentine striker Carlos Tevez is eligible to play for West Ham.
West Ham say they have ripped up a contract they entered into with a
third-party company which breached Premier League rules. But Whelan said:
"Surely the contract can only be terminated by both parties? "Could we see
concrete evidence of this and was the termination complete before 28 April
when Tevez faced Wigan?" Wigan lost that game 3-0, with Tevez playing a key
role in a victory which boosted the Hammers' chances of survival and put the
Latics further in jeopardy.
West Ham were told the day before the match that they had been fined £5.5m
for breaching rules over the signings of Tevez and Javier Mascherano but had
not been docked points. That prompted an angry reponse from the Hammers'
relegation rivals, who threatened legal action over the decision. The
Premier League says any action against the decision would be futile, because
all 20 clubs agreed to the disciplinary system in place. However, West Ham
were also warned that Tevez's registration could be cancelled unless the
third-party agreement was anulled. West Ham say they did that, but there
appears to be some doubt over whether Kia Joorabchian, who part-owns one of
the third party companies and played a key role in bringing Tevez and Javier
Mascherano to West Ham, agreed. In his letter, Whelan refers to a meeting
between himself, Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore, Wigan
chief executive Brenda Spencer and manager Paul Jewell. "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? "Could we and the
rest of the Premier League please see concrete evidence - ie written
confirmation this contract had been cancelled by both parties."
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Noble gets the nod - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 10th May 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Mark Noble has been called up to the provisional England under-21 squad for
the first time. The United midfielder - 20 earlier this week - celebrated
his birthday with his first ever call-up for Stuart Pearce's young Lions.
Pearce has named an initial squad of 30 that will be whittled down to 23 in
time for the UEFA European under-21 Championships, which take place in
Holland next month. The under-21s face Slovakia in a friendly at Carrow Road
on Tuesday, 5th June. You can purchase tickets for the game from the ticket
hotline on 0870 444 1902. Noble - who has been in excellent form for his
club side since replacing Nigel Quashie in March - is joined in the squad by
Anton Ferdinand (16 caps) and captain Nigel Reo-Coker (18 caps). *
19-year-old Hogan Ephraim - who has spent much of the season on loan with
Championship side Colchester United - has been named in the England squad
for next week's crucial UEFA European Under-19 Championship Elite Qualifying
Round.
Provisional England under-21 squad
Goalkeepers: Ben Alnwick (Tottenham), Lee Camp (Derby), Scott Carson
(Liverpool), Joe Hart (Manchester City)
Defenders: Leighton Baines (Wigan), Gary Cahill (Aston Villa), Anton
Ferdinand (West Ham), Justin Hoyte (Arsenal), Matt Kilgallon (Sheffield
United), Nedum Onuoha (Manchester City), Liam Ridgewell (Aston Villa), Liam
Rosenior (Fulham), Steven Taylor (Newcastle), Peter Whittingham (Cardiff)
Midfielders: David Bentley (Blackburn), Lee Cattermole (Middlesbrough), Tom
Huddlestone (Tottenham), Michael Johnson (Manchester City), James Milner
(Newcastle), Mark Noble (West Ham), Nigel Reo-Coker (West Ham), Kieran
Richardson (Manchester United), Wayne Routledge (Tottenham).
Strikers: Gabriel Agbonlahor (Astone Villa), Matt Derbyshire (Blackburn),
Cameron Jerome (Birmingham), Leroy Lita (Reading), David Nugent (Preston),
James Vaughan (Everton), Ashley Young (Aston Villa).
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Eggert adamant on Tevez - Sky
By Lewis Rutledge - Created on 10 May 2007
Eggert Magnusson is confident the Premier League will take no further action
against West Ham. The Hammers were hit with a £5.5million fine last month
following a hearing into the transfers of Carlos Tevez and Javier
Mascherano, but were not docked any points. Tevez was also cleared to
continue playing for West Ham, but relegation rivals Wigan, Sheffield
United, Charlton and Fulham have blasted the Premier League's decision and
threatened legal action.
Magnusson admits he can understand other clubs being concerned about
relegation, but is happy that the battle to stay in the Premiership will
stay on the pitch. "It is the Premier League that has stated that everything
is okay and that Carlos Tevez can play until the end of the season, so for
me that is clear," he told Sky Sports News. "We are with some clubs in a
relegation battle and people are worried, I understand that. "From my point
of view the decisions about who is champions and who is relegated should be
decided on the pitch. That is where points are taken and that is where you
lose points. "It is completely in the hands of the Premier League and I
trust them 100 per cent."
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has demanded evidence that West Ham have
terminated their third-party agreement with Kia Joorabchian. There have been
reports that Joorabchian still owns Tevez and has to give permission for the
Argentine to play, but Magnusson insists that is not the case. He explained:
"I have not had any conversations with Kia Joorabchian about that. He was
here at the game on Saturday but we just talked about the game. "From the
club's point of view there has never been any doubt that his registration,
and also Mascherano's, were okay." And the West Ham chairman maintains the
Premier League have seen documents that prove Tevez's registration is above
board. "They are in order and they have been approved by the Premier
League," he said
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Off to the seaside - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 10th May 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
West Ham United will play Southend United in a pre-season friendly on
Saturday, July 28th. Once again the Hammers are off to Roots Hall where they
will face Steve Tilson'd League One outfit, who were relegated from the
Championship this season having been promoted only last year. The two sides
last met in the second round of the Carling Cup back in August 2004, where
West Ham United recorded a 2-0 victory in front of just 16,910 - the lowest
attendance at the Boleyn since the West Stand was redeveloped back in 2001.
Confirmed pre-season friendlies
15th May: v Northampton Town (Andy Woodman benefit match)
14th July: v Dagenham & Redbridge (Tony Roberts testimonial)
24th July: v Leyton Orient (Martin Ling testimonial)
28th July: v Southend United
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He wouldn't let it pie - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 10th May 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Wigan Chairman Dave Whelan has asked the Premier League to provide
documentary evidence confirming that West Ham United's earlier agreement
with Kia Joorabchian has been terminated. Gobshite Whelan - who was told by
the League yesterday morning that there was no chance of any proposed legal
action bieng successful - responded by calling on the league to prove that
Tevez's contract was now satisfactory.
In a letter to the League - also (unsurprisingly) leaked to the press - he
said:
"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 which 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.
"Surely the contract can only be terminated by both parties? Could we see
concrete evidence, i.e. written confirmation that this contract had been
cancelled by both parties and furthermore, was this termination completed
before Saturday the 28th April 2007, the day West Ham played Tevez at the
JJB Stadium?
"We await an urgent reply."
Meanwhile Sheffield United Chairman McCabe has promised that his club will
take legal action should they be relegated on Sunday afternoon, whilst
Middlesbrough's chief executive Keith Lamb - whose club were docked three
points by the Premier League for failing to fulfil a fixture some years ago
- added somewhat unsportingly that he would 'be smiling on Sunday if West
Ham are relegated'.
The Premier League's Richard Scudamore has said yesterday morning: "The
Premier League were always very confident that their rules have been adhered
to in terms of how the commission was convened and how the whole issue was
resolved. "That commission have decided on the punishment. West Ham pleaded
guilty to the charges and the commission. There is no doubt that in terms of
the process the rules have been followed and that is the end of the matter."
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No appeal, say Hammers - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 9th May 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
West Ham United will NOT be appealing against the Premier League's £5.5m
fine, it has been confirmed. A statement released on whufc.com this evening
by Eggert Magnusson confirmed that the Hammers would not be taking up the
appeal option. "I think it is now time to draw a line under this matter,"
he said. "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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Curbs unfazed by collusion talk - Sky
By Alex Livie - Created on 11 May 2007
Alan Curbishley is giving no credence to rumours which have suggested
Sheffield United and Wigan could collude in order to get West Ham relegated.
The Hammers have their fate in their own hands on the final day of the
season, but they face no easy task as their opponents are Premiership
champions Manchester United at Old Trafford. A defeat for West Ham and a
narrow win for Wigan at Sheffield United would send The Hammers down to the
Championship. Curbishley is aware of the conspiracy theory, but does not
feel any collusion will take place. "I keep hearing all these conspiracy
theories that if it's not going so well for West Ham at Old Trafford then
Sheffield United can relax and if Wigan get the result [they could stay
up]," said Curbishley.
"But everyone has to be prepared to go into any game to win it. "You can't
go into any game thinking you just turn it on when it goes against you."
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Teddy open to offers - Sky
By Peter ORourke - Created on 10 May 2007
Teddy Sheringham has revealed he is hoping to find a new club next season.
The 41-year-old expects to leave West Ham at the end of the season and he is
already considering his next move.
Sheringham has dropped down the pecking order at Upton Park and has not
featured for West Ham since January. The former England international has no
plans to retire in the summer and is keen to keep on playing. "I am hoping
to be (still playing). I still feel fit and able and enjoy playing and
training every day and we will have to wait and see," Sheringham told Sky
Sports 1.
When asked if he was open to offers, Sheringham said: "That is the case. "I
think we can safely say I won't be staying at West Ham but I want to carry
on playing football. "It is a great way to earn a living so let's hope I
do." Turning his attentions to West Ham's survival bid, Sheringham is
confident the Hammers can get a result at Manchester United on Sunday to
preserve their Premiership status. "I think so we have won six out of the
last eight games," continued Sheringham. "We have got a good fighting
spirit, a nice calmness about us which we will definitely need.
"We can score goals at the moment so we are going there with optimism and
expect to get a result rather than hope and that is a big thing in football.
"We all know what football's like so we have to do our job."
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Happy Hammers - Le Tissier - Sky
By Tim Hobbs - Created on 10 May 2007
FORD SUPER SUNDAY
MANCHESTER UTD v WEST HAM
2pm, Sky Sports 1 and HD1
SHEFFIELD UTD v WIGAN ATH - Preview here
3pm, Sky Sports 3 and HDXtra
I don't think West Ham will get the point they need, but I do think they
will be playing in the Premiership next season. I just can't see Wigan
winning at Sheffield United, which means them going down and the Hammers
staying up, whatever happens here. It is just as well the other game is
between two other sides down the bottom, because West Ham won't get any
favours from Sir Alex Ferguson. He and Alan Curbishley might be old mates
and he might have a ready-made excuse in next weekend's FA Cup final to rest
players, but Fergie has said he will play his strongest side and I am sure
he will. The likes of Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Cristiano
Ronaldo were rested against Chelsea, but as a footballer you don't want to
be sat in the stands too long. With Chelsea at Wembley next week, they'll
want to keep ticking over and have a run out. OK, they might not fly into
tackles 100 per cent and United might well give them a rest when the game is
won, but I expect those big players to start. Don't forget, football
managers have as long memories as football fans and we all recall West Ham
giving their all to stop United winning the title back in 1995. Well I am
sure that hasn't been forgotten! The one major plus for West Ham is their
form. The reason they are still in with a chance of beating the drop is
because, going forward at least, they have improved no end. Carlos Tevez is
the one that makes things tick and they have to be bold from the off here,
making sure they get him on the ball as often as possible. I do think West
Ham were fortunate not to have points deducted over his signing and I think
the only reason they were only fined is because the regime and the manager
that signed the two Argentinians are no longer at the club. But the irony is
Tevez still remains their best hope of getting something at Old Trafford.
Bobby Zamora has weighed in with a couple of big goals and Yossi Benayoun
and finally, Luis Boa Morte, have also come up with big goals, but it is
Tevez that makes things happen. At the back though, they still look suspect.
Even when they were 3-0 up against Bolton they let in a goal and all of a
sudden looked a little wobbly, and you have got to fancy United to
capitalise.
LE TISS PREDICTS
HOME WIN - West Ham have to be bold from the word go because if you try and
hang on for a draw at Old Trafford you are asking to be put away! But, with
a full house, the Premiership trophy being presented and their previous
experiences with the Hammers on the final day, Wigan and Sheffield United
will not have to worry about United's commitment. Even with their upturn in
form I can't see West Ham scoring and I certainly can't see them keeping a
clean sheet. I'll go for 2-0.
Is Le Tiss amiss? United to win 2-0 is 11/2 with Sky Bet.Click here for full
odds!
MATT'S MAIN MAN
WAYNE ROONEY - He'd rather play than save himself for the FA Cup final I'm
sure, even if he might not see out the full 90 minutes. He has shown us all
what he can do in the past month or so and if there is one player you know
is not going to hold back or take it easy, then it's this lad..
Is Le Tiss amiss? Have a flutter with SkyBet. Click here for full odds!
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Curbs rubbishes conspiracy theory - TeamTalk
Alan Curbishley has dismissed the conspiracy theory that Sheffield United
and Wigan could collude in a bid to get West Ham relegated. If West Ham lose
at Manchester United on Sunday, a Wigan victory at Bramall Lane would send
the Hammers down. It is the result all the other struggling clubs want to
see after West Ham avoided a points deduction, despite being found guilty of
irregularities relating to the signings of Carlos Tevez and Javier
Mascherano. But Curbishley is confident his side can get the result they
need to be safe. And he warned Sheffield United not to plan for an easy
Sunday afternoon - or they could end up shooting themselves in the foot. The
Hammers boss said: "I keep hearing all these conspiracy theories that if
it's not going so well for West Ham at Old Trafford then Sheffield United
can relax and if Wigan get the result [they could stay up]. "But everyone
has to be prepared to go into any game to win it. You can't go into any game
thinking you just turn it on when it goes against you. "Sheffield United
have got to play as if they need to stay up because, if they don't, they
could easily find it turn around on them.
"That happened a couple of years ago. Crystal Palace were six minutes away
from staying up and suddenly went down. "Sheffield United need to get their
result at the weekend, Wigan need to get their result and we need to get
that result. "The difference is that, if we get our result, the rest takes
care of itself."
The fact West Ham head to Old Trafford with their fate in their own hands is
verging on remarkable given they were 10 points adrift of safety with just
nine games remaining. But they have strung together six wins from their last
eight games to escape the relegation zone on the penultimate weekend of the
season. And Curbishley told WHUTV he is confident West Ham can extend their
recent excellent form and nail the point at Old Trafford that would confirm
their Premiership status. "We've given ourselves a chance and, given the
position we were in, that's all we could ask for. It's in our hands. It's
not been in our hands for so long," said Curbishley. "Perhaps this week the
expectation levels have turned. We are playing well, we have got a settled
side and there is no reason why we can't go to Old Trafford and finish it
off. "Middlesbrough got a deserved point there a couple of weeks ago and we
go there needing a point. Why not?"
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Hammers star in U21 Euro squad - TeamTalk
West Ham midfielder Mark Noble has been named in the provisional England
Under-21 squad for this summer's European Championships. Noble's form in
guiding the Hammers towards Premiership safety has earned him a place in the
squad. While Carlos Tevez has taken the plaudits for West Ham's recent
turnaround, boss Alan Curbishley has also acknowledged Noble's contribution
for his local club in central midfield. Noble was named in a 30-man squad
for the finals in Holland, which will be whittled down to 23 for the start
of the tournament in June. The 20-year-old did not feature in qualification
but team-mate Nigel Reo-Coker is established as captain and is expected to
lead the side out for their group games against the Czech Republic, Italy
and Serbia. Stuart Pearce, the Manchester City boss who is in charge for the
finals, has also named Michael Johnson, who he works with at Eastlands.
Everton striker James Vaughan has earned a call-up for his impressive recent
form. The squad will go on a training camp to Spain later this month, and
players with senior-team ambitions like David Nugent and Scott Carson can
still play for Steve McClaren at the end of the season before the tournament
starts.
Squad: Goalkeepers: Ben Alnwick (Tottenham), Lee Camp (Derby), Scott Carson
(Liverpool), Joe Hart (Manchester City).
Defenders: Leighton Baines (Wigan), Gary Cahill (Aston Villa), Anton
Ferdinand (West Ham), Justin Hoyte (Arsenal), Matt Kilgallon (Sheffield
United), Nedum Onuoha (Manchester City), Liam Ridgewell (Aston Villa), Liam
Rosenior (Fulham), Steven Taylor (Newcastle), Peter Whittingham (Cardiff).
Midfielders: David Bentley (Blackburn), Lee Cattermole (Middlesbrough), Tom
Huddlestone (Tottenham), Michael Johnson (Manchester City), James Milner
(Newcastle), Mark Noble (West Ham), Nigel Reo-Coker (West Ham), Kieran
Richardson (Manchester United), Wayne Routledge (Tottenham).
Forwards: Gabriel Agbonlahor (Astone Villa), Matt Derbyshire (Blackburn),
Cameron Jerome (Birmingham), Leroy Lita (Reading), David Nugent (Preston),
James Vaughan (Everton), Ashley Young (Aston Villa).
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Shrimpers arrange Hammers clash - TeamTalk
Southend have arranged a mouth-watering pre-season friendly against
Premiership relegation battlers West Ham. Steve Tilson's men will face the
Hammers, who could include the likes of Carlos Tevez, Yossi Benayoun, Luis
Boa Morte and Nigel Reo-Coker, at Roots Hall on Saturday July 28. The
Shrimpers last met West Ham in 2004 in the Carling Cup first round when a
double from Marlon Harewood sent the Hammers through at Upton Park.
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We won't dock West Ham points so stop moaning, says Premier League chief
-Daily Mail
Last updated at 11:32am on 10th May 2007
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has today insisted that
complaining clubs have no chance of overturning the decision not to dock
West Ham points over the signings of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.
Scudamore urged the teams fighting for their lives at the bottom of the
table to allow their fates to be decided on the pitch and not in the court
room.
The row has intensified after Wigan chairman Dave Whelan wrote to Scudamore
requesting "concrete evidence" Tevez was eligible to play for West Ham
during their recent 3-0 win, as he believes the player is still part-owned
by businessman Kia Joorabchian. In addition, Sheffield United plc chairman
Kevin McCabe said his club would take legal action should they go down and
Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb said he would "be smiling on Sunday
if West Ham are relegated". Scudamore remained adamant, though, that the
£5.5million fine for irregularities in the Argentines' contracts was a just
and fitting penalty. He said: "The Premier League were always very confident
that their rules have been adhered to in terms of how the [three-man
independent] commission was convened and how the whole issue was resolved.
"That commission have decided on the punishment. West Ham pleaded guilty to
the charges and the commission, independently of the [Premier League] board,
have made that decision. "There is no doubt that in terms of the process the
rules have been followed and that is the end of the matter."
Whelan's letter was sent last night to Scudamore and the other top-flight
clubs. It read: "In your e-mail of 8 May 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 28
April, the day West Ham played Tevez at the JJB Stadium?"
One of Wigan or Sheffield United - who face each other at Bramall Lane -
will be relegated if West Ham take a point at Manchester United, and McCabe
said: "It was an unjust penalty.
"We might as well all field illegal players every week."
Hammers chairman Eggert Magnusson hopes the matter is now closed, after he
decided not to appeal against the decision. He said: "We accept that
mistakes were made and it is now time to move on. Our intention 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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Magnusson wants rivals to call time on Tevez saga
'We have had a very severe fine which put financial constraints on this
club'
Staff and agencies
Thursday May 10, 2007
Guardian Unlimited
West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson has called for an end to the ongoing row
over Carlos Tevez's transfer to Upton Park. "It is about time to end this
matter," Magnusson said today. "We have had a very severe fine which put
financial constraints on this club and it is about time to finish this off."
West Ham signed Argentinians Tevez and Javier Mascherano - now on loan at
Liverpool - last summer but uncertainty remains over who owns the players'
contracts. The club was fined £5.5m for breaking Premier League rules rather
than being docked points. Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has written to the
Premier League requesting "concrete evidence" that Tevez was able to play in
the Hammers' recent 3-0 win at the JJB Stadium - Tevez was allowed to play
after the Hammers terminated a contract that tied Tevez to third-parties.
The Latics are battling West Ham to avoid the final relegation place in the
Barclays Premiership along with Sheffield United, who have promised to sue
of they go down. When asked if he could show the evidence Whelan has
demanded, Magnusson said: "I trust the Premier League 100% and have always
done. It is not for me to say. It is in the hands of the Premier League,
they have all the proof they need."
Magnusson has also dismissed suggestions that Sheffield United and Wigan,
who face each other on the final day of the season on Sunday, could engineer
a result that relegates West Ham. "It has never entered my mind. They are
honourable people."
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Carlos: I'll quit the Hammers - The Sun
By PAT SHEEHAN
May 11, 2007
CARLOS TEVEZ has told his West Ham team-mates he will quit Upton Park at the
end of the season — no matter what happens. The Argentine's transfer to the
relegation-threatened Hammers last summer sparked more controversy than any
other move in the history of the Premiership. But Tevez, 23, voted Hammer of
the Year, will bring the curtain down by playing his final game for the club
at Manchester United on Sunday. It is understood European Cup finalists AC
Milan and Spanish side Seville are slugging it out to sign him. Tevez's
decision to quit Upton Park has been backed by 1986 Argentine World Cup
winner Jorge Valdano, Real Madrid's former director of football. He said:
"Every time I see Tevez in a West Ham shirt the first thing that crosses my
mind is that he's wasting his time there."
Tevez has inspired West Ham's recent revival which has seen them win six of
their last eight matches. They need just a point at Old Trafford to
guarantee safety. The Hammers were fined a record £5.5million for
withholding information regarding Tevez's move from Brazilian side
Corinthians. Wigan, Sheffield United, Fulham and Charlton are threatening
legal action against West Ham and the Premier League as they insist the
Hammers should have been docked points. Upton Park chairman Eggert Magnusson
is pleading for the row to be brought to a close after Wigan supremo Dave
Whelan wrote to the Premier League requesting concrete proof Tevez was now
clear to play. Magnusson said: "I trust the Premier League 100 per cent. It
is in the hands of the Premier League, they have all the proof they need.
"It is about time to end this matter. We have had a very severe fine which
put financial constraints on this club and it is time to finish this off."
Magnusson is ready to pay Tevez around £40,000 a week in an effort to
persuade him to stay — but any offer will be refused. Hammers boss Alan
Curbishley is set for a massive close season clear-out with big names like
Yossi Benayoun, Anton Ferdinand, captain Nigel Reo-Coker and keeper Roy
Carroll poised for moves. Any money generated will fund a bid for Charlton's
England striker Darren Bent, who Curbishley wants alongside Dean Ashton.
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So who was Carlos Tevez attempting to dazzle? - This Is London
11.05.07
As if he has not set enough tongues wagging this season, cheeky Carlos Tevez
was collaborating with the enemy in the early hours yesterday. But Ham's
star striker who along with Javier Mascherano — now at Liverpool — is at the
centre of a Premier League registration row, appeared all white as he
skipped away from Manchester United's championship celebrations at Les
Ambassadeurs Club in London, despite the threat of relegation looming large
over the Hammers. And against whom will the Argentina international line up
to decideWest Ham's top-flight status on Sunday? The very same United
players he was clinking glasses with in Mayfair, of course.
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Tévez places his bets on escape act by West Ham - Times Onlince
Gary Jacob and James Ducker
Carlos Tévez joined Manchester United players celebrating their title
success at the Les Ambassadeurs casino in Mayfair, Central London, on
Wednesday, but West Ham United will be banking on their forward hitting the
jackpot in the match between the teams, the last of the season, at Old
Trafford on Sunday. Tévez's six goals in the past nine matches have
dramatically shortened the odds of West Ham avoiding relegation but have
left the "Gang of Four" clubs questioning whether they have had a fair roll
of the dice. In a letter obtained by The Times, Wigan Athletic, Sheffield
United, Charlton Athletic and Fulham have formally asked the FA Premier
League to provide the proof that Tévez has been eligible to play in the past
two matches after the FA hearing into his transfer. The clubs also asked
whether the League has contacted Media Sports Investment (MSI) and Just
Sport (JSI), who own the rights to Tévez, to ascertain whether the companies
have given permission for the contract to be terminated. "Have you obtained
confirmation from a suitable independent legal source that West Ham's
assertions are well founded?" the clubs said. "Have you required sight of
all relevant correspondence between the parties? Have you been given access
to all relevant documentary materials, including any statements of the
position of MSI and JSI?"
The four clubs gained the support of Middlesbrough, who were relegated in
1997 after being docked three points for failing to play Blackburn Rovers
because of illness and injury. "I have made our views known to the Premier
League as to how lenient we feel West Ham's penalty was," Keith Lamb, the
Middlesbrough chief executive, said. "Why has it taken from January to April
to investigate and judge on it? It's been dealt with in a very poor way by
the Premier League. I'll be smiling on Sunday if West Ham are relegated."
Dave Whelan, the Wigan chairman, has said that he wants Paul Jewell to
remain as manager next season. Jewell may assess the situation if Wigan are
relegated. "Paul can stay here with me as long as he wants," Whelan said.
"He's one of the best managers in the Football League."
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Lawyers put the boot into Gang of Four's challenge - Times Online
Frances Gibb, Legal Editor
Clubs threatening legal action against the FA Premier League after West Ham
United were fined £5.5 million but not deducted points for breaking
regulations over the ownership of Carlos Tévez have little prospect of
success, according to leading sports lawyers.
The view in legal circles lends strength to the warning given by the Premier
League that the action threatened by Wigan Athletic, Sheffield United,
Charlton Athletic and Fulham – the so-called "Gang of Four" – against either
it or the independent commission that imposed the fine is doomed to fail.
One QC specialising in this field said: "In the first place, the Premier
League is not in law a 'public body', which means it is not susceptible to a
judicial review challenge."
Like other sports regulatory bodies, such as the Jockey Club, its decisions
cannot therefore be challenged as unreasonable, or outside its powers or on
other procedural grounds, he added. The only legal remedy would be for
breach of contract because the League has contracts with its clubs.
"Courts have ruled that contracts in this area have implied terms which are
similar to the duties on public bodies – that is a duty to act fairly,
responsibly and proportionately," the QC said.
Such an action would be brought in the High Court, but even if expedited it
would take some weeks before a hearing date. However, he predicted that any
such action would fail because the decision to fine West Ham was taken by an
independent panel after proper processes and headed by a QC, Simon
Bourne-Arton, not by the League.
"It is difficult to see how a decision taken by this panel – however
unpopular – could be deemed in law not to be one that it could reasonably
take, having reached it after a proper process," the QC said. "No court is
going to overturn that. Rather, the courts would allow the broadest of
discretion to an independent quasi-judicial body of that sort acting
independently and forming a view."
Nor did the clubs have any relationship with the panel, so they had no cause
of action against it, he added.
Dan Tench, a sports and media law partner with a London law firm, agreed.
First, the clubs had to show that they had the legal "standing" or
relationship to justify a challenge. "It is clear that West Ham does, but
less clear with the others," Tench said.
If the "Gang of Four" surmounted that hurdle, then, he suggested, they could
go to the arbitration procedure run by the FA. Tench said that he had done
this when acting for Wimbledon when they were refused permission by the
Football League to relocate to Milton Keynes.
"The FA arbitration procedure applies to all football disputes. A panel of
three would be appointed, with the Premier League and the club or clubs on
the other side each picking one of the three-member panel and a
lawyer-appointed chairman. Its decision would be binding."
But, he added, the prospects of success were remote. "The independent
commission has made a pretty unchallengeable decision, whether you agree
with it or not," Tench said. "It would be looked at on the same basis as a
judicial review – whether it was erratic in some way or unreasonable. And
any reviewing court would give very broad discretion to the original
decision that was made. It would be very hard to undermine."
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Tevez set to leave Hammers at end of season - The Independent
By Nick Harris
Published: 11 May 2007
West Ham United striker Carlos Tevez is ready to quit Upton Park after
Sunday's crucial clash with Manchester United irrespective of whether or
not the Hammers stay up. The Argentine star is understood to have told his
West Ham team-mates that the game at Old Trafford on Sunday will be his last
for the club. Milan and Seville are said to be the frontrunners for his
signature.
Tevez's decision was backed last night by Argentina World Cup winner Jorge
Valdano, the former director of football at Real Madrid. Valdano said: "
Every time I see him in a West Ham shirt, the first thing that crosses my
mind is that he's wasting his time."
Meanwhile, Hammers chairman, Eggert Magnusson, said yesterday the Premier
League "have all the proof they need" that Tevez is correctly registered
with the Hammers in accordance with all League rules, and suggested they
have nothing to fear from threatened legal actions by their relegation
rivals. Premier League sources yesterday confirmed to The Independent that
the League is satisfied that Tevez's contract, as it now stands, breaks no
rules. "The remaining relegation issues will be settled on the pitch, pure
and simple," one source said. "Anyone who still thinks differently is
labouring under a misapprehension."
Dave Whelan, the chairman of Wigan who are now the bookmakers' favourites
to join already relegated Watford and Charlton in dropping to the
Championship has written to the League requesting "concrete evidence"
that, under League rules, Tevez was eligible to play for West Ham in their
recent 3-0 win against his side. That result contributed to Wigan's parlous
position, third from bottom with one match to play, at Sheffield United this
weekend. Wigan need to win and also need West Ham to lose at Manchester
United to stay up. Fulham, Sheffield United, Wigan and Charlton had
threatened to sue the League if they go down, arguing that West Ham should
have been docked points rather than fined £5.5m after pleading guilty to
breaking rules over the signings last year of Tevez and Javier Mascherano.
The League has written to all 20 member clubs saying that any legal
challenge to an independent disciplinary commission's decision to fine the
Hammers is "bound to fail". Tevez's "economic rights" are owned by two
companies, MSI and Just Sports, controlled by businessman Kia Joorabchian.
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West Ham in clear, say League - Telegraph
By David Bond
Last Updated: 1:57am BST 11/05/2007
Having just hit them with a £5.5 million fine, the Premier League and West
Ham make very unlikely bedfellows. But yesterday they joined forces in an
effort to repel the growing threat from the "gang of four" clubs who have
vowed to take the League to court over their handling of the Carlos Tevez
and Javier Mascherano case.
Charlton, Sheffield United, Wigan and Fulham sent another legal warning
letter to the League's under-pressure chief executive Richard Scudamore
yesterday demanding to know why he granted West Ham permission to carry on
playing Tevez.
At the same time as fining West Ham for their admission that they breached
the League's rules on third party interference two weeks ago, an independent
disciplinary commission ruled that the contracts between the club and the
Argentinian player's offshore owners were "unenforceable."
The League responded by giving West Ham two options: One, rewrite the
contract with Media Sports Investments and Just Sports Inc, the companies
which own the player's economic rights, to remove any terms which might have
effected West Ham's ability to play him or sell him.
Or two, terminate the deal. West Ham chose the latter and both the club and
the League were at pains yesterday to stress that documents proving the
club's decision to unilaterally terminate the third party agreements had
been signed off by Premiership officials the night before West Ham's 3-0
victory over Wigan on Apr 28.
A letter serving notice was sent from West Ham to MSI and Just Sports Inc on
the afternoon of Friday Apr 27, just a few hours after the independent
commission had delivered its stunning judgment.
At the same time a copy of that letter was faxed to the League's offices.
And while MSI and Just Sports are considering whether to sue West Ham for
breach of contract, under League rules the club's decision to terminate is
considered sufficient to allow Tevez to continue playing.
According to clause two of the contract between the companies registered in
the British Virgin Islands and West Ham and Tevez, they had the "sole,
exclusive and unilateral right to terminate his contract with West Ham upon
payment to the club of £2 million."
The judgment went on: "Clause five of the same agreement stated the
companies have the unilateral option to exercise that right of termination
during any subsequent UK transfer window for the sum of £100,000 payable to
the club 'without any right of objection from the club or from the player'".
Clause six, meanwhile, said Tevez and West Ham "irrevocably declare and
confirm that only the companies may exercise their right of termination
which cannot be exercised directly by the player or by the club directly or
any other third party."
By tearing up this agreement West Ham have left themselves open to legal
action from Joorabchian, the president of MSI whose next move will be
dictated by what happens in Sunday's final game of the season at Manchester
United.
If West Ham stay up then chairman Eggert Magnusson will want to try and
persuade the Argentinian striker to stay and a settlement with Joorabchian
may be agreed. If they go down, Tevez is set to move on anyway.
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...AND LOOK WHO WAS OUT CELEBRATING WITH THEM - The Mirror
By Darren Lewis 11/05/2007
MANCHESTER United's partying players were joined by white-suited West Ham
striker Carlos Tevez (above) at a London night spot on Wednesday - sparking
speculation of an imminent move to Old Trafford. It may be four years since
United won the title, but they still know how to celebrate. The entire squad
was at Chester races yesterday as they continued their Premiership party
which began on Sunday in Manchester after Chelsea's draw with Arsenal
confirmed Sir Alex Ferguson's team as champions. United's celebrations
picked up again following their draw at Chelsea on Wednesday night - when
they were joined by Tevez and his representative Kia Joorabchian at Les
Ambassadeurs gambling club, where the fun went on until the small hours of
yesterday morning. Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal have had Tevez watched so
far this season but the Argentinian's close friendship with United defender
Gabriel Heinze could be a deciding factor. Tevez will lead West Ham's strike
force against the new champions at Old Trafford on Sunday hunting the point
that will keep Alan Curbishley's men in the Premiership. West Ham chairman
Eggert Magnusson has said he will try to keep Tevez at Upton Park if they
stay in the top flight but after six goals in his last nine games he has
become hot property.
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TREV SALUTES CURBS - The Mirror
SURVIVAL SUNDAY Who will go down out of West Ham, Wigan & Sheff Utd?
By Neil Mcleman 11/05/2007
SIR Trevor Brooking has hailed Alan Curbishley's experience as the key to
the West Ham revival which has put Premier League survival "within touching
distance". The Hammers have won six of their past eight games to need only a
point at champions Manchester United on Sunday to ensure their top-flight
survival. And the Upton Park club, which could still be subject to legal
action over the Tevez affair, will be safe if fellow strugglers Wigan fail
to win at Sheffield United. Brooking, who twice took on the role of
caretaker manager at the Hammers, touted Curbishley for the England job last
year in his role of FA director of football development. And he now reckons
the former Charlton boss's steady leadership during a torrid time at his
beloved club will continue and see West Ham survive a nervy final weekend at
the bottom of the table. "He has shown his experience," said Brooking. "He
admitted himself he took longer to realise the depth of some of the
problems. But it will be a fantastic achievement if we do manage to squeeze
our way out of the bottom three. Because six weeks ago that looked pretty
impossible. "It is almost within touching distance now."
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MY THEATRE OF DREAMS - The Mirror
SURVIVAL SUNDAY Who will go down out of West Ham, Wigan & Sheff Utd? CARLOS
TEVEZ EXCLUSIVE
John Cross 11/05/2007
CARLOS TEVEZ last night promised to save West Ham after revealing he is
fed-up with being public enemy No.1. Tevez is at the centre of the bitter
row between the club and their relegation rivals after his signing was
deemed illegal by the Premier League. Wigan, Sheffield United, Charlton and
Fulham are planning to take legal action after the Hammers escaped a points
deduction from the Premier League and were fined a record £5.5million. But
the cost to the team relegated on Sunday will be £50m. West Ham travel to
newly crowned champions Manchester United as one of the teams that could
still fill the remaining relegation slot. The two other clubs in the frame -
Wigan and Sheffield United - play each other at Bramall Lane. Tevez, who has
scored six times in his past nine games, had been dreaming of playing at Old
Trafford but never thought he would be the central figure in a match with so
much at stake. The Argentina World Cup striker is convinced West Ham will
get at least the point they need to survive at Old Trafford as United will
be caught up in their title celebrations. He had spoken to compatriot and
former United midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron about the "spectacular"
atmosphere at Old Trafford. Tevez said: "This controversy, the fine and
everything, will not affect me. I'm only a player and I only think about my
game. I leave everything else to the lawyers. "I'm not worried about
anything else but football and I won't let it damage my performances as a
player. I'm just looking forward to a game and playing in a stadium I've
always dreamed about. "I will only think and talk about football and I will
ignore the problems caused by the arrival at West Ham. "I'm very optimistic
and I'm convinced I can help West Ham save the situation and that the club
will be in the Premier League next season. "We go to Old Trafford to play
the champions. To play in this stadium is something emotive because it's one
of the greatest in history and I've always wanted to be part of that. "I've
spoken to Veron about the atmosphere and he told me it is sensational. I
have so much desire to play there. "I also believe Manchester United
celebrating the title will be a positive thing for us. I think a draw is the
minimum we can get from the game."
Tevez has been the pivotal figure not just in West Ham's fight for survival
but also the dispute in the wake of his arrival at Upton Park in August
along with Argentina team-mate Javier Mascherano, who is now at Liverpool.
Tevez is still owned by a third party - investment group MSI - and Wigan
chairman Dave Whelan has led the outcry at West Ham escaping a points
deduction which would have cost them their place in the top flight. To
further infuriate West Ham's relegation rivals, it has been Tevez's
remarkable form which has sparked the east Londoners' desperate late battle
for survival. Hammers boss Alan Curbishley's rescue mission looked doomed
less than a month ago but Tevez's superb displays and a run of six wins from
their past eight games has opened an escape route. Tevez saved his best
performance for last week's final home game of the season, a win over Bolton
that moved them out of the drop zone for the first time since December. He
said: "The match against Bolton was the key. For me it was like a cup final,
nearly the Copa Libertadores because the victory meant we left the
relegation zone. The team has changed totally in the last weeks. With our
hard work and results, West Ham is no longer in the relegation zone. "Now
the results and victories are with us whereas before we've suffered so many
incredible defeats. But football has the ability to do that and turn around
very quickly. "We have needed the help of the fans in these key moments.
After we won at Wigan I enjoyed the best moments of this campaign because I
saw our fans and people so happy. "It was like that against Bolton because
of my two goals. Our fans have been so important to us in this battle for
our salvation.
"The fans are with me but I should not be seen as an idol. But I'm a player
who wants to succeed in England and to show it's possible to improve our
standing in the table." Despite dropping big hints about wanting to stay at
Upton Park, Tevez has suddenly put thoughts about his future on hold. He had
been linked with Chelsea. He added: "Now my future is not important. My only
interest is the last match."
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West Ham's Sheringham ready for next move
tribalfooball.com - May 10, 2007
West Ham veteran Teddy Sheringham says he's open to offers for next season.
"I am hoping to be (still playing). I still feel fit and able and enjoy
playing and training every day and we will have to wait and see," Sheringham
told Sky Sports 1. When asked if he was open to offers, Sheringham said:
"That is the case. "I think we can safely say I won't be staying at West Ham
but I want to carry on playing football. "It is a great way to earn a
living so let's hope I do." Turning his attentions to West Ham's survival
bid, Sheringham is confident the Hammers can get a result at Manchester
United on Sunday to preserve their Premiership status. "I think so we have
won six out of the last eight games," continued Sheringham. "We have got a
good fighting spirit, a nice calmness about us which we will definitely
need. "We can score goals at the moment so we are going there with optimism
and expect to get a result rather than hope and that is a big thing in
football. "We all know what football's like so we have to do our job."
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Tevez ready to quit West Ham for foreign switch
tribalfooball.com - May 10, 2007
Carlos Tevez intends to quit West Ham United - even if he saves the club
from relegation this Sunday. The Sun says Tevez, 23, voted Hammer of the
Year, will bring the curtain down by playing his final game for the club at
Manchester United on Sunday. It is understood European Cup finalists AC
Milan and Spanish side Seville are slugging it out to sign him. Tevez's
decision to quit Upton Park has been backed by 1986 Argentine World Cup
winner Jorge Valdano, Real Madrid's former director of football. He said:
"Every time I see Tevez in a West Ham shirt the first thing that crosses my
mind is that he's wasting his time there." Hammers chairman Eggert Magnusson
is ready to pay Tevez around £40,000 a week in an effort to persuade him to
stay - but any offer will be refused.
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West Ham to fund Bent bid with clearout
tribalfooball.com - May 10, 2007
West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley plans to fund a summer bid for Charlton
striker Darren Bent with a big clearout. The Sun says Curbishley is set for
a massive close season clear-out with big names like Yossi Benayoun, Anton
Ferdinand, captain Nigel Reo-Coker and keeper Roy Carroll poised for moves.
Any money generated will fund a bid for Charlton's England striker Darren
Bent, who Curbishley wants alongside Dean Ashton.
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Valdano tells Tevez: Get out of West Ham!
tribalfooball.com - May 10, 2007
Former Argentina World Cup winner and Real Madrid coach Jorge Valdano has
urged Carlos Tevez to quit West Ham United. Valdano said: "Tevez is wasting
his time at West Ham. "He's a case to analyse when looking at the advice
players receive when making the move to European football. "It's no good
just going to any old team. The career of Tevez, since he left Corinthians,
is mixed up in a lot of unclear situations off the pitch and it has ended up
having an effect on it. "Every time I see him in a West Ham shirt the first
thing that crosses my mind is that he's wasting his time there."
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Tevez minds his language - thepost.ie
11/05/2007 - 7:25:17 AM
West Ham forward Carlos Tevez admits he has stopped learning English because
he does not know where he will be playing next season. The Argentina striker
has become a cult figure at Upton Park despite the controversy surrounding
his transfer and the club's current relegation scrap. 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, inspired by
the 23-year-old, which has seen them win six of their last eight matches.
Speculation continues as to where he will play next season with clubs in
England and overseas supposedly interested. And Tevez has given a clear
indication his future is in the balance. "I have stopped learning English as
I don't know where I am going to end up next season," he told The Times. But
yes, it was hard to settle (in England). "The language is an issue – and I
will learn English if I stay in this league - and, of course, the football
here is different compared to Brazil or Argentina. In my opinion, it's the
most difficult competition in the world. That may be why so few people make
it over here.
"Every Saturday you get kicked and you end up going home with marks all over
your body. They hit you hard, they hit you everywhere – Premiership
defenders are very strong individuals.
"And the referees allow a lot. They don't interrupt the game as much as they
do elsewhere. But you know what? I don't mind all that, it makes me a better
player, a stronger player."
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Stop moaning about Hammers - The Star - Chesterfield
I am writing in relation to the debate about the West Ham fine/should they
have had points deducted.
In my opinion West Ham should have been deducted points to show consistency
with the punishment Middlesbrough were handed out a few years ago. The
League have made their decision and the teams who are moaning should just
put all their energy into the final game of the season. I don't want to hear
sound bites coming out of 'The Lane' such as 'we will take the League to
court if we are relegated'. I want to hear 'We are going all out to win our
last match and relegation isn't even on our minds'. The talk is that clubs
around the bottom wanted a 10 points deduction imposed on West Ham. If the
Hammers had been tenth in the league with 55 points a ten point deduction
wouldn't have made a jot of difference, would the Blades, Wigan et al have
been asking for a 35 point deduction to make sure they were safe? Let's just
hope that the Blades go out on Sunday and get the points they need and don't
worry about what's going on around them. When the season is over then,
maybe, the clubs can talk about court action. Wouldn't it be great if West
Ham go down and still Fulham, Wigan and the Blades take the league to court
to argue they made the wrong decision. Will this happen, I think not.
Adam Woodseats
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Should West Ham Cater To Wheelans Whim - WestHamFans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 10 May, 2007 - 10:33.
So big bad Dave Wheelan wants Hammers to unequivocally prove that Carlos
Tevez's contract between the club and Kia Joorabchian was properly
terminated in writing. This slightly predictable request should be met with
a vigorous response, namely that West Ham will be pleased to provide written
details showing that they have complied fully with the Premier League's
requirements, on condition that Wheelan can confirm that none of Wigan's
funding came about as a result of illegal trading in the form of price
fixing that his JJB company were fined £8 Million for, he would of course be
able to show incontrovertible evidence that his company is whiter than
white.
Now we are not necessarily suggesting improprieties by Wheelan or JJB, but
you see how things can be made to look with the correct amount of 'spin'. So
here's a small message to Mr Wheelan, give it up, listen to the opinions of
all those connected with the game, keep your own house in order and stop
letting lawyers make a fool of you with their advice while taking your
money. - Ed
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Big guns back for Sunday - manutd.com
Sir Alex Ferguson may have rested a raft of players for the midweek dead
rubber against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, but he will name a full strength
team to face West Ham on Sunday.
The Reds are looking to celebrate before lifting the Premiership trophy with
victory over the Hammers, but more than that Sir Alex does not want to give
an unfair advantage to any team in the relegation fight by fielding a
weakened team. "We have to respect the position of the other teams at the
bottom," he says. "Paul Jewell has done a fantastic job at Wigan, as has
Neil Warnock at Sheffield United. So 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."
Against Chelsea the United manager made eight changes to the side that beat
Manchester City 1-0, handing a first league starts to Kieran Lee and Chris
Eagles, and a club debut to Dong Fangzhuo. Sir Alex looks set to recall a
host of regular first-team players for the match against the Hammers, who
are in a three-way battle with Sheffield United and Wigan Athletic to avoid
relegation. Curbishley's men need either a point on Sunday, or the Blades to
win or draw against Wigan at Bramall Lane to guarantee their survival. But
it may come down to goal difference if Wigan win and the Hammers are
defeated, which would put all three clubs level on 38 points.
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Barcelona allow Gudjohnsen to speak with Man Utd, West Ham
tribalfooball.com - May 10, 2007
Barcelona have informed Eidur Gudjohnsen he is free to speak with rival
clubs. El Mundo Deportivo says the Iceland international striker held recent
talks with Barca management and was told he can begin negotiating with
interested clubs for next season.Manchester United are keen on Gudjohnsen,
however West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson will also move for the forward
should they beat the drop.
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