and good luck, both to the list and privately. Much appreciated!
Thanks to Dave Witts for taking up digest duty while I was away. Apologies
for any duplicate stories this morning.
PeterR
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End of Season DVD on sale soon - WHUFC
23/05/2007 17:00
West Ham United supporters will soon be able to relive all the ups and downs
of our roller-coaster 2006-07 campaign thanks to the release of The Greatest
Escape - our official end of season DVD.
It was a season that no Hammers fan will ever forget. Crammed with incident;
tragedy, nobility, infamy and heroism in equal measures, all taking part in
the environs of E13.
A team who had lost the FA Cup Final by the vagaries of the spot kick
lottery made their way back from Cardiff in May 2006 in anticipation of a
European adventure and another season in the top half of the top flight,
where they belonged. The script that was being written for them had more
sub-plots than a Greek tragedy.
Robert Green, arguably England's number one goalkeeper, was bought from
Norwich City to join his ex-colleague, Dean Ashton at the club. Then, on the
eve of his England debut, Ashton broke his ankle, an injury that would
sideline him for the entire season. Jonathan Spector and George McCartney
were brought in to strengthen the squad after Anton Ferdinand suffered a
pre-season injury that, too, threatened his season.
Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, two of Argentina's World Cup stars from
the 2006 World Cup Tournament, decided that West Ham United was a club whose
future they wanted to be a part of. The future looked rosy.
And then, when it was least expected, the looming presence of defeat began
to cast a gruesome shadow over Upton Park. Now came a disappointing exit
from the UEFA Cup and a series of indifferent performances that had the
Boleyn Ground faithful staring up at the floodlit sky in disbelief. Into
this breach of despair, stepped an Icelandic businessman, Eggert Magnusson,
a lifetime football fan and believer in the Club, a man who did not
appreciate or understand the concept of failure.
Changes were immediately made at Upton Park. New international defenders
Lucas Neill and Matthew Upson were brought in to strengthen a defence
beleaguered by an injury list that stretched out further than the spiralling
list of Upton Park defeats. A new manager, Alan Curbishley, was appointed to
turn things round, but the two new defenders were almost immediately
sidelined. The club went on a three match run of defeats, and then a further
six defeats on the trot, including a 4-0 bashing at Alan Curbishley's former
club and fellow strugglers, Charlton Athletic.
Enter the cavalry. Rising from his mediocre early season form, Carlos Tevez
slammed in a wonder-goal free-kick against North London nemesis Spurs. Six
further goals were to follow, as Hammers ended the season with an
inconceivable seven wins out of their last nine games.
The climax of a final day win at the home of Sir Alex Ferguson's Premiership
Champions proved what no media clairvoyant had dared to predict…
This year's DVD will allow you to enjoy an experience, the like of which you
may never see again in your lifetime - watch soon as West Ham United stage
the Greatest Escape ever seen in footballing history!
The Greatest Escape will be available in our online store shortly...
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Tevez is our priority - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 23rd May 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Eggert Magnusson has reiterated that he will do his utmost to keep Carlos
Tevez at West Ham. Magnusson - speaking via the club's website this
afternoon - sent out a warning to other clubs interested in luring the
23-year-old away from East London that he will not allow Tevez to leave
without a fight. "There will be a particular focus on Carlos and I want him
to stay," said Magnusson. "A lot will be written about his future but he is
a West Ham player, registered with and contracted to the club with three
years remaining on a four-year contract. "Whatever happens next we will act
to protect the best interests of West Ham United".
Magnusson also promised fans a busy summer of transfer activity, adding: "We
are ambitious and want to strengthen the squad and to build on the positives
of the 2006/07 season. I'm proud of what the club has achieved".
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Appeals will not stop planning - Sky
By Robin Hackett - Created on 23 May 2007
The Premier League is set to publish its fixture list in mid-June as normal
despite agreeing that an arbitration tribunal will rule on the Carlos Tevez
affair.
Sheffield United have persuaded the Premier League to set up an arbitration
panel to investigate the details of the Argentinian's transfer, with The
Blades still adamant that West Ham should have been docked points. West Ham
were only fined, meaning they escaped relegation on the final day of the
season and Sheffield United were condemned to the Championship, but United
have not yet given up hope that the decision will be changed on appeal.
However, although the members of the three-man panel are due to be announced
on Friday, a final ruling is not expected until the end of June. And with
the fixtures for the new season due to be published on 14th June, that means
the league will have to press on with preparations for next term on the
assumption that their ruling will be upheld and West Ham will remain a
top-flight club. Sheffield United plc chairman Kevin McCabe, however,
remains adamant that the club is fighting a clear and just cause. "I'm here
to protect Sheffield United's position against what I firmly believe was an
irrational decision," he said. "I genuinely believe that the arbitration
proceedings will reverse decisions. Whether that means they are able to
reverse decisions to deduct points rather than fines I do not know. "But I
state very clearly, when you see the commission hearing minutes say, 'Points
should normally be deducted but, because it's April not January, we're going
to fine you', when you consider that there are 20 clubs in the Premier
League who only play for one thing every Saturday - points - I find it
absolutely irrational that you can fine and not deduct points. "If you
clearly breach the rules, surely you deduct points, because that's what the
commission says. "But the irrationality says that, because it's April and
not January, we're only going to fine you. I cannot work it out."
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Eggert keen to keep Tevez - Sky
By James Pearson - Created on 23 May 2007
West Ham United chairman Eggert Magnusson insists the club will do all they
can over the summer to retain Carlos Tevez. The Hammers terminated
third-party agreements with Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian in order to secure
his registration, which gave his company Media Sports Investment (MSI) the
right to sell the player. However, Magnusson insists Tevez is under contract
with them, regardless of whether Real Madrid are lining up a big-money move
for the Argentina international this summer. "There is bound to be a lot of
speculation over the summer about our playing squad. It is normal in a
transfer window," he told the club's official website. "We are ambitious for
this club and what we can achieve next season. We want to strengthen the
squad and to build on the positives of the 2006/07 season. "We will work
hard over the summer to prepare for next season and that includes keeping
our best players who want to play for us. "There will be a particular focus
on Carlos Tevez and I want him to stay. He is a West Ham player, registered
with and contracted to the club with three years remaining on a four-year
contract."
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England call for keepers - Sky
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 23 May 2007
Scott Carson and Robert Green have been drafted into the England B squad
after Ben Foster aggravated a knee injury. Manchester United goalkeeper
Foster, who spent the season on loan at Watford, has suffered a recurrence
of a knee problem. He has been sent home by England coach Steve McClaren,
who was left with just Paul Robinson for Friday's B game with Albania at
Turf Moor. To compensate for Foster's absence, McClaren has called up two
replacements in West Ham's Green and Liverpool's Carson. Either keeper could
now feature in Friday's friendly, although Green will hope for better
fortune than 12 months ago. Green ruptured his groin in the B game with
Belarus in May last year, with the injury forcing him out of England's World
Cup squad. Carson has been promoted from the Under 21s and could feature
against Albania, or in next Friday's senior friendly with Brazil.
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Report from the Fans Forum - West Ham Til I Die
May 23rd, 2007
THIS IS FROM THE WEST HAM MAILING LIST…
Firstly well done Nick Igoe (NI) and Scott Duxberry (SD) for an excellent
evening with free drink and sarnies for good measure!!
600 applied for the forum, 30 accepted 18 turned up.
NI and SD were good hosts and as honest and open as one could wish.
So it went like this….
Tevez is under contract for 3 more years, if he wants to stay he will the
same with any player. At the moment SD has many players and agents knocking
on the door looking for new deals or the exit.
They will meet Tevez in the next 14 days, we have first refusal and hope and
wish to keep him. SD admitted that this would be hard if Real Madrid etc
came in for him.
SD met Yossi on Monday and should be an announcement next week ref him
staying so good news there.
SEASON TICKETS, no more Student band just U21s U16s U10s OAP and normal.
Will be an increase but not has high as speculated on these forums. Alas
chap who asked me about mature student, no go - open to abuse so u21 replace
these.
PLAYERS Teddy has gone, so has Newton and Mears. More will follow TBC.
TRANSFER BUDGET Club has a 3yr biz plan SD kept coming back to this and hope
for Champions league in the 3yrs. Curbs, Eggy and SD meet tomorrow to
discuss signing s for new season - expect 2 or 3 "world class" players who
are more than likely all ready in the Prem but we will look abroad. Club
will evolve and not do a Chelsea and change overnight.
EAST STAND/NEW GROUND there will be no redevelopment of the East stand. The
club intend to move to a new 60000 all seater WITHIN 3 YEARS. Royal Mail
site at West Ham looks fav. This is basic requirement if we want Champions
League football.
DEAN ASHTON has had a one week holiday and is already back at the club. He
is nearing full training and will be fully fit for next season, if we had
got relegated HE WOULD HAVE STAYED
HAMMER SHOPS we have a new Retail Director so expect massive overhaul of the
commercial side of the shops with better online facilities as well as new
items to buy
STADIUM WILL BE SMOKELESS JULY 1st onwards - the law says so!
TEVEZ SITUATION LEGAL SIDE…..
SD was very pi $$ ed off with all this in the press, he felt the press had
been on a witch hunt and all had been blown out of al proportion.
Arbritration is misguided and we never feared points loss based on legal
advice given. He said the truth will never be fully known due to the press
spin. It was a simple dispute which we got hammered financially for. Club
have kept quite due to political climate Whe*an is ignorant to the FACTS.
Tevez was and always has been signed and registered since Aug 31st. This
never altered, he was never ineligable his registration never altered. SD
said he had never heard of rule U18- its under misc. in the handbook next to
the rule you have to have a advert in the programme for the football
foundation - thats how obsecure it is.
SD would not comment on sueing Brown and Aldridge - so that means they
probably will!!! Club is 100% we will stay up - not even in question. He
said this was all press selling papers and negative West Ham fans in the
press.
STANDING is not upto the club - its the law so no change on stance
NEW KIT
This will be Umbro - got view sponsor will be XL airlines. The deal is NINE
TIMES bigger than previous deal and will launched in June. The new away kit
to be launched on Aug 4th at Friendly - which will prob be against glamour
Spanish Team.
2 new screens to replace old screens at ground and WHUTV and Website to be
overhauled and made much better.
Historically we had no biz plan - club no focussed on commercial side and
have split this and the playing side to increase revenue from commercial
aspect. Arsenal have £2.m turnover per game ours is £900k - this to be
improved.
MUSEUM is to shut and items placed elsewhere in ground
We almost signed a right winger in JAN then due to injuries to defenders we
scrapped this deal and signed Davenport - player I think was Ashley Young.
He was actually with SD and Curbs etc and deal agreed before we pulled plug.
Pardew didnt play Mascharno for whatever reasons Curbs didnt think he was
fit. NO financial or contractural reasons just footballing from managers.
Reo Coker meeting soon with Agent - if he wants to stay great if not then he
can go.
The club purchase by Eggy is not secured on the clubs assets. Eggy hates
losing and loves the transfer window as he aims to bring in world class
players to take us to the next level.
Tevez signed on a Bosman - he is our player we do not have to sell him
unless player wants to go - same as any other. Hence club want him, if he
wants to stay he will be a West Ham player BUT if Real Madrid say come on
for him and he wants to go then nothing we can really do - same as anyother
player nowadays.
Expect more players out than in - certain players will leave before we bring
in, dont be alarmed no firesale, just the way the deals are going to work.
THERE HAVE BEEN NO FIRM BID FOR ANY WHU PLAYER.
The new kit will have a shelf life of only ONE YEAR and as mentioned home
kit launch June away at Aug 4th friendly.
Season ticket renewal packs out next week late, have to be done by 29th
June. Delayed due to uncertain of league we would be playing in
PRE SEASON we are going to Austria to use same training camp as Bolton use.
This season pre season was poor and we lost our edge and fitness hence poor
start and ta ta Pards. Need to get sharpness back and finish strongly in
games as per previous season.
Some side points……AND THESE ARE PERSONAL VIEWS FROM THINGS SAID AND BODY
LANGUAGE ETC
I got the impression Reo Coker is 100% going - prob to Sp*rs. NO CLUB CAME
IN FOR HIM IN AUGUST and none of the top 4 ever enquired.
Lucas Neil is seen as the main man - will also drive the club forward,
potential to tour Aussie next year as he is huge out there and WHUFC are
getting alot of press from him at the club.
SD also was quite defensive over Boa Morte, said he had been injured and
suffered from a virus and felt he would be prove to be a great player next
season. It seems him and Neill are the boys in favour! No mention of
Quashie?!!! Upson will be back next season and SD also mentioned when
talking tactics that dont forget Lucas Neil can play LB and Anton RB - maybe
the club have that in mind when looking to sign players.
The club will also carry out surveys in the summer over the fans perception
off the club and what we hope to see. One thing raised was the size and
content of the programme which seems to be under review. The programme WILL
NOT increase in price this season.
As I say SDs main target seems to be moving the commercial side regardless
of the success on the pitch and this 3yr plan sees very ambitious but he
seems very driven to deliever.
The shirts question is too keep the stock fresh so hence the change every
year. Also expect to see more improved leisure gear in stock as well as
other items as the whole club shop and online side is improved. He quoted
Man City and Everton raise £5m pa from their stores etc, we make £3m. Target
is to exceed these other clubs asap.
The issue of atmosphere at the new ground was raised and the club plan to
learn from other clubs mistakes BUT the board feel that our fans would make
an atmosphere anywhere (gave Millenium Stadium as best ever and thats a new
stadium) and that its our fans who will give us the edge as opposed to other
clubs like Arsenal where the atmosphere has always been quieter. It seems
all the stuff in the press about the fans wasnt just to keep us sweet, they
truly believe we made a difference.
The board also stated that there are no plans to price out the "traditional
fan" without us they wont fill a 60000 seater stadium so plan to use both
traditional and corporate fans alongside each other to drive the club
forward.
SD also said that the clubs corporate hospitality had a record year and
record profits.
I really dont recall anything negative - it does seem to be very exciting
moving forward as the club strive to improve on and off the pitch.
NI also stated more forums in the future including ones with Eggy and
possibly Curbs as well as more open days at the ground and also training
days which again will be at the ground and open to the fans.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Egg is keen to hold on to Tevez - TeamTalk
West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson is desperate to keep Carlos Tevez and
insists the striker is contracted to West Ham for three more years. The
future surrounding the most controversial player in the Premiership remains
uncertain with a legal battle looming, but Magnusson is adamant he wants
Tevez to remain at Upton Park. West Ham unilaterally terminated their
third-party agreements with Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian which gave his
company Media Sports Investment (MSI) the right to sell the player.
Joorabchian could go to court to try to force the club to release the player
but Magnusson points out they still hold his registration. He said: "There
is bound to be a lot of speculation over the summer about our playing squad.
"There will be a particular focus on Carlos Tevez and I want him to stay.
"The starting point is that he is a West Ham player, registered with and
contracted to the club with three years remaining on a four-year contract.
"Whatever happens next we will act to protect the best interests of West Ham
United FC."
Magnusson also promised he would provide funds for Alan Curbishley to make
new signings this summer and try to keep the best players at the club. He
added: "We are ambitious for this club and what we can achieve next season.
"We want to strengthen the squad and to build on the positives of the
2006/07 season. I'm proud of what the club has achieved and now we can move
forward. "We will work hard over the summer to prepare for next season and
that includes keeping our best players who want to play for us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham chairman wants to keep Tevez - Times Online and Agencies
Eggert Magnusson, the West Ham United chairman, says he wants to keep Carlos
Tevez, the Argentina striker, at the club. The future surrounding the most
controversial player in the Barclays Premiership remains uncertain with a
legal battle looming, but Magnusson is adamant he wants Tevez to remain at
Upton Park. West Ham unilaterally terminated their third-party agreements
with Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian which gave his company Media Sports
Investment (MSI) the right to sell the player. Joorabchian could go to court
to try to force the club to release the player but the Hammers chairman
points out they still hold his registration. "There is bound to be a lot of
speculation over the summer about our playing squad," said Magnusson. "There
will be a particular focus on Carlos Tevez and I want him to stay.
"The starting point is that he is a West Ham player, registered with and
contracted to the club with three years remaining on a four-year contract.
Whatever happens next we will act to protect the best interests of West Ham
United FC." Magnusson also promised he would provide funds for Alan
Curbishley, the manager, to make new signings this summer and try to keep
the best players at the club. "We are ambitious for this club and what we
can achieve next season," he added. "We want to strengthen the squad and to
build on the positives of the 2006/07 season. I'm proud of what the club has
achieved and now we can move forward. "We will work hard over the summer to
prepare for next season and that includes keeping our best players who want
to play for us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham chairman: Curbishley will get transfer funds
tribalfooball.com - May 23, 2007
West Ham United chairman Eggert Magnusson has assured manager Alan
Curbishley of major funds for the summer market. He said: "We are ambitious
for this club and what we can achieve next season. "We want to strengthen
the squad and to build on the positives of the 2006/07 season. I'm proud of
what the club has achieved and now we can move forward. "We will work hard
over the summer to prepare for next season and that includes keeping our
best players who want to play for us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to perform massive clearout
tribalfooball.com - May 23, 2007
Teddy Sheringham is leading a West Ham United clearout this summer. The
Citizen says Sheringham has been released by the Hammers, while Paul
Konchesky will also leave with Rangers and Birmingham battling for the
fullback. Chairman Eggert Magnusson and Alan Curbishley have made little
secret of the fact that there will need to be changes and up to a dozen
players could be on their way including Nigel Reo-Coker, Carlton Cole,
Marlon Harewood, John Pantsil, Tyrone Mears, Calum Davenport, Danny Gabbidon
and Roy Carroll.
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Reading move for West Ham's Mullins
tribalfooball.com - May 23, 2007
Reading are chasing West Ham United midfielder Hayden Mullins. Hammers boss
Alan Curbishley has told Mullins he can leave Upton Park this summer.
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West Ham expanding profile in USA
tribalfooball.com - May 23, 2007
West Ham academy chief Tony Carr has revealed they're attempting to
establish a profile in the USA - but doesn't want his youth teams dominated
by foreign talent. He told the Citizen: "It's not me with my head in the
sand. I do realise that the game is now more global and I've just come back
from the United States where we're looking to expand our brand. "If there
was a player or two from there or anywhere else in the world who were going
to enhance our system and push on to be quality first team players I'd never
say no, but I wouldn't like to see it en masse. I wouldn't want our culture
changed. "You're never going to win them all, but you just hope to get your
fair share of success and we've certainly done that in the past."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham prepared to sell Wigan target Etherington
tribalfooball.com - May 23, 2007
West Ham United are ready to sell winger Matthew Etherington. Wigan
Athletic's £3 million bid fell short last week, but the Hammers will sell
for a higher offer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham eyeing Copenhagen defender Gravgaard
tribalfooball.com - May 23, 2007
West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley is eyeing FC Copenhagen defender
Michael Gravgaard. The Hammers are planning a £2.5 million offer for the
Dane as chairman Eggert Magnusson admitted: "The team did very well this
year but we still want to strengthen. "West Ham United are a sleeping giant
and I want to awaken that giant slowly but surely and, over the next year or
two, achieve some positive things at Upton Park."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Sheringham to join Charlie at Palace
tribalfooball.com - May 23, 2007
West Ham United veteran Teddy Sheringham could be playing with son Charlie
next season. Sheringham Snr is leaving the Hammers and is attracting
interest from Palace, which has son Charlie on it's books.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham chairman Magnusson: We have Tevez contract
tribalfooball.com - May 23, 2007
West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson is desperate to keep Carlos Tevez and
insists the striker is contracted to West Ham for three more years. West Ham
unilaterally terminated their third-party agreements with Tevez's agent Kia
Joorabchian which gave his company Media Sports Investment (MSI) the right
to sell the player. Joorabchian could go to court to try to force the club
to release the player but Magnusson points out they still hold his
registration. He said: "There is bound to be a lot of speculation over the
summer about our playing squad. "There will be a particular focus on Carlos
Tevez and I want him to stay.
"The starting point is that he is a West Ham player, registered with and
contracted to the club with three years remaining on a four-year contract.
"Whatever happens next we will act to protect the best interests of West Ham
United FC."
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