02/05/2007 08:59
West Ham United supporters are advised that there are just a few more places
remaining for the exclusive Upton Park beamback screening of our final match
of the season against Manchester United on Sunday, May 13. Our clash
against Sir Alex Ferguson's team - for what could be a momentous afternoon -
kicks off at 3.00pm, and you can watch the match in style in the Carlsberg
Suite here at Upton Park, enjoying a superb carvery lunch while cheering on
the team.
Typical Carvery menu
Starters
Soup of the day
Main Course
Roast Norfolk turkey
Honey baked gammon
Served with golden roast potatoes and fresh seasonal vegetables
Dessert
Cold sweet selection
(Menu subject to change)
Bar opens from 12noon until 5.00pm.
Tickets
Adults £30.00
Children and concessions £15.00
For more information, or to make a booking, please call the Corporate Team:
Julia Pearson on 020 8548 2762
Julie Brown on 020 8548 2775
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Carr reflects on great campaign for youths - WHUFC
02/05/2007 10:50
Following a successful season for his young West Ham United charges, Youth
Academy Director Tony Carr reflects on a positive campaign and looks ahead
to a bright future. "I think the youth team have done ever so well this
year," said Tony. "Our final position as runners-up behind Arsenal and ahead
of Chelsea in the league is very good. To be sandwiched between those two
massive Clubs is a real achievement for the young lads. "I sincerely
believe that if it hadn't been for the tough schedule of the reserves, which
meant they were playing two games a week, I think we might even have won it.
That aside, I think they can all look back and feel they have achieved a
very high standard this year and be proud of their performances."
Although playing in the reserves may have made for a tougher fixture
schedule, Tony admits the young lads have benefited from a wealth of first
team experience. "I think sometimes the reserve team can be difficult
because, with respect, sometimes the young players go in there to fill up
spaces," he said. "What you want is some senior players playing in the
reserves mixed with some up-and-coming young players that have been
outstanding for the youth team. "It's hard for the boys because they're
playing against men. It pushes them all the way and physically it can be
very demanding. Consequently we then get the hangover on the Saturday and
results do tend to suffer. But the bottom line with it all is the
development of the young player. "Our young players this year have
performed very well, learnt a lot and it's culminated in all the second year
boys being given professional contracts for another year. That's a first for
a long time and it mirrors the fact that they've performed very well.
"Where these boys end up and what standard they play at is up to them now.
The next step is always the toughest one, the step from young youth and
reserve player into more seasoned professional is tough. But they've worked
hard this year and deserved their success and we'll see what the future
brings for them."
It is, according to Tony, a future full of promise for West Ham United's
home-grown talent. "It shows that there's some young talent in the Academy.
Over the years there'll be more to come. We've got some very good young
players in the Academy and the next three or four years hopefully they'll
start to come through. "It's still as rewarding as it's always been, but it
has its frustrations. You still get a kick when you see young Mark Noble
establishing himself in the first team this year and put in some real heroic
performances in the Premiership in some trying circumstances. That gives us
a huge lift in the Academy department. "It's also great to see the young
players getting their pro contracts and the 13-14 year olds performing every
weekend in the Academy leagues on a Sunday. I still get immense pleasure
from it, that's for sure."
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Reserves suffer defeat in final game - WHUFC
01/05/2007 21:00
Reading took revenge on West Ham United reserves for the 3-0 defeat Steve
Brown's side inflicted on them at the Madejski Stadium a fortnight ago with
a comprehensive victory at Bishop's Stortford last night. The Royals
clinched the 4-0 win to claim the FA Premier Reserve League South title as
the Hammers' unbeaten run of six games came to an end. James Tomkins and Roy
Carroll also sustained nasty injuries as the Hammers finished with nine men.
The first half was fairly even and Brown's side started well, winning a
corner after five minutes when Junior Stanislas dribbled into the Reading
penalty area and passed to Zavon Hines, whose shot was deflected out of
play. But Stanislas' corner was headed away by Alan Bennett. A sloppy
back-pass from John Halls nearly allowed John Pantsil to charge down Adam
Federici but the Reading keeper made it to the ball just in time. Carroll
displayed some neat footwork after he found himself under pressure to clear.
As Leroy Lita charged forward, Carroll took a touch to retain possession and
booted the ball up field. Lita nearly fired Reading into the lead in the
16th minute as he brought the ball down and struck it towards Carroll's near
post but Christian Dailly did enough to tighten the angle and force the shot
into the side netting. Ben Hunt saw his effort deflected wide in the 19th
minute from Jack Jeffery's through-ball. After half an hour, Jem Karacan
rattled the woodwork with a fierce drive from 20 yards but he was carried
off the pitch on a stretcher moments later after colliding with Pantsil.
Freddie Sears teed up Jeffrey with an excellent scoring opportunity before
half-time but Jeffrey scuffed his shot and it travelled wide. Hunt then
found space on the edge of the area but smacked the half-volley off-target.
Carroll produced a good save to deny Lita shortly before the break after the
Reading forward beat the Hammers' offside trap and struck the ball at the
target. But Reading had the lead moments later as Hal Robson-Kanu crossed to
Shane Long at the far post and he headed the ball into the net.
The Hammers came close to equalising after the break when Sears struck the
ball across goal but Bennett deflected it just wide of the post. Reading
soon scored a second. Robson-Kanu turned and struck a low shot past Carroll
from just outside the penalty area and three minutes later Lita made it
three with a skilful curling shot from the right. With just over 20 minutes
left there was a further blow for the Hammers as Tomkins left the field
clutching his arm and, with all three substitutes used, Steve Brown's side
were down to ten men. The young defender could face a lengthy lay-off as it
proved to be the recurrence of a nasty shoulder injury. Lita scored a
controversial fourth to complete his brace with just over ten minutes left.
After seeming to pull the Hammers' defender out of his path, Lita ran clean
through and struck the ball past Carroll. Moments later Carroll collided
with Reading substitute Nicholas Bignall on the edge of his area and gashed
his shin open. He was carried off the field on a stretcher, leaving Brown's
side with nine men on the field as Pantsil donned the keeper's jersey for
the final minutes. "I am bitterly disappointed," said Steve. "I lost my
temper in the dressing room after the game. I didn't want to, because we'd
been on an unbelievable run. We had five straight wins, a draw before that
and five clean sheets out of six - it had been a great run for us. "I
expected this game to be a hard, physical battle but we got outfought in
every department, we got outbattled in every department and we got outplayed
for the entire second half. The fist half was scrappy but it was quite even.
"I could see it coming. I had a pop at them at half-time and said we would
have to raise the tempo of the game, start making more challenges and
putting them under pressure if we were to compete and get back in the game
but it went the other way. "We've lost a couple of players in the second
half. Roy's come out, got an extremely nasty gash and come off, I've ended
the game with nine players and it just capitulated into a bit of a mess
really. It turned into a very bad night. James Tomkins needs an operation on
his shoulder and could be out four to six months. All in all it was a mess
and the result went against us."
West Ham United: Roy Carroll, John Pantsil, Joe Widdowson, Lee Hales,
Christian Dailly, Calum Davenport (James Tomkins, 60), Junior Stanislas,
Tony Stokes (Ashley Miller, 55), Zavon Hines (Ben Hunt, 12), Jack Jeffery,
Freddie Sears.
Subs not used: Tom Harvey, David Blackmore
Reading: Adam Federici, Greg Halford, Julian Kelly, Jem Karacan Oliver
Bozanic, 35), Alan Bennett, John Halls (Patrick Cox, 46), James Henry
(Nicholas Bignall, 67), Leroy Lita, Shane Long, Scott Davies, Hal
Robson-Kanu.
Subs not used: Mikkel Andersen, Daniel Spence.
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Carlos in the clear (again) - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 2nd May 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Carlos Tevez WILL feature in West Ham's two remaining league games, it has
been confirmed. The Sun claimed yesterday that contractual issues could
prevent Tevez from playing against Bolton and Manchester United. However a
club spokesman confirmed that Tevez would be available for both fixtures.
"New arrangements are in place with the Premier League and dialogue is
taking place in terms of Carlos Tevez's future beyond the end of the
season," said the (unnamed) spokesman. "He is a registered player with West
Ham United. Nothing has changed since he played against Wigan on Saturday."
The Hammers know that two wins from their remaining two fixtures - at home
to Bolton on Saturday followed by a trip to Old Trafford the following
weekend - will secure a Premiership spot next season. However anything less
than a minimum of one win is likely to see them go the other way.
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Lawyer: Clubs could have case - Sky
By Andrew Scurr - Created on 2 May 2007
Sports lawyer Mel Goldberg has suggested that clubs relegated from the
Premiership this season could take legal action against the Premier League.
West Ham avoided a points deduction following their breach of transfer
regulations over the signings of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano last
summer. A hefty fine was handed out but the lack of a points penalty leaves
The Hammers with a good chance of avoiding the drop this season. The likes
of Wigan and Sheffield United have complained the Premier League's decision
was too lenient, and Goldberg feels they have a case. "I do believe that, if
a club goes down by a point or two, those relegated clubs would have a
decent claim," said Goldberg. "It seems part of the decision has been
attributed to the fact that it is near the end of the season and they didn't
want to upset the supporters. "That seems to be irrelevant. If West Ham were
playing players who were not properly registered, there have been precedents
of other teams being dropped points. The rules should be the same."
West Ham also knocked Brighton & Hove Albion out of the FA Cup this season
with Tevez in their side. Although reinstatement into the competition is not
possible, Goldberg says The Seagulls would have a claim for compensation.
"They would be entitled to claim for damages," he added. "They could argue
that they shouldn't have been knocked out of that round, and that they lost
X amount of pounds."
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Blanco tempted by Getafe offer - Sky
By Lucas Brown - Created on 2 May 2007
Sevilla have accepted an offer from Getafe for Kepa Blanco, but the striker
is eager to keep his options open. Blanco is coming to the end of a loan
spell at West Ham United and must decide on his future after being told that
he is not part of Sevilla's plans. Getafe are busy rebuilding their squad
for next term and only have to agree personal terms with Blanco in order to
complete a transfer. Blanco has talked with sporting director Santi Llorente
and admits he is tempted by their proposal. "It is a very interesting offer
and one of the most attractive that I have," Blanco is quoted as saying by
Marca. "They tried to sign me last summer and when a club shows such a great
interest it is very important to any player. "Getafe are a club that have
consolidated their position in the first division and are having a very good
season. "When I talked to Santi Llorente he told me that the agreement has
been finalised. "I have not yet agreed though, but it does seem
interesting."
Blanco has enjoyed his taste of the Premiership however, and is not ruling
out a permanent move to England if he receives the right offer. "In two
weeks when West Ham's season finishes, then I will decide who to sign for,"
he declared. "I am not closing any doors. Even though I have not played much
for West Ham lately, I like it here and I like the style of football. "It is
more physical and the stadiums are always full, something that does not
always happen in Spain."
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Hammers: Tevez still eligible - Sky
By Robin Hackett - Created on 1 May 2007
Carlos Tevez will be eligible for West Ham's final two games of the season
despite the lack of an agreement with MSI, according to a club spokesman.
Following an FA hearing, West Ham were fined £5.5m and forced to terminate
any third-party agreements with investment group MSI, which owned the
Argentina striker. However, although the player now belongs to West Ham, the
club are yet to come to a financial agreement with MSI. Yet Tevez played for
the club against Wigan on Saturday, and a West Ham spokesman has insisted
that he will be able to continue playing despite the lack of a resolution.
"New arrangements are in place with the Premier League and dialogue is
taking place in terms of Carlos Tevez's future beyond the end of the season.
"He is a registered player with West Ham and nothing has changed since he
played against Wigan on Saturday."
Meanwhile, Alan Curbishley remains upbeat about West Ham's chances of
beating the drop despite facing Bolton and Manchester United in their last
two games. The Hammers have won five of their last seven games since losing
4-3 to Spurs at the beginning of March and, although he acknowledges there
is still much to do, Curbishley believes they have every chance. "When I
first took over and we had that terrible run of results, I would have taken
this position with two games remaining," he told the club's official
website. "Ever since we played Spurs - a game in which we showed a lot of
positives and shouldn't have got beaten - we've been saying that it ain't
over but, obviously, we've still needed to get the points. "Even if we get
to my target of 38 points, we're still relying on other things, but given
our momentum and the way we're playing at the moment, there's no reason we
can't get more than that. After all, Middlesbrough went to Manchester
United, where they got a draw and could've got even more. "We're still
alive, but now we must go and get something from our next game. "People talk
about our momentum - and I'd much rather have the points on the board
already - but we still go into the Bolton match with a chance of getting out
of this."
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Clubs could have claim against West Ham - Soccerent
Clubs relegated from the top flight this season would have a case for legal
action against the Premier League for failing to dock West Ham points,
according to sports lawyer Mel Goldberg.
The Hammers were fined £5.5million for breaching rules over signing of
Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, with an independent panel refusing a
points-sanction as players and fans were not to blame and it would have
'consigned the club to certain relegation'. It gives Alan Curbishley's men a
chance of survival with two games of the season remaining. 'I do believe
that, if a club goes down by a point or two, those relegation clubs would
have a decent claim,' said Goldberg. 'It seems part of the decision has been
attributed to the fact that it is near the end of the season and they didn't
want to upset the supporters. 'That seems to be irrelevant. If West Ham were
playing players who were not properly registered, there have been precedents
of other teams being dropped points. The rules should be the same.'
Clubs in lower leagues have previously been docked points for
irregularities, while Bury were kicked out of the FA Cup this season. Past
precedents would add to a case for relegated teams if West Ham climb out of
the bottom three. Goldberg added: 'They could possible ask for money as
compensation if they argue they were not being treated fairly.' West Ham
also fielded Tevez in an FA Cup victory against Brighton. Although it is not
possible to reinstate them at this stage of the season, the League One side
could seek compensation. 'They would be entitled to claim for damages,' said
Goldberg. 'They could argue that they shouldn't have been knocked out of
that round, and that they lost X amount of pounds.'
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League confident over Irons ruling - TeamTalk
The Premier League are confident they acted properly in prosecuting West Ham
over the signings of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. The Hammers were
found guilty of two charges by an independent commission last Thursday and
fined a record £5.5million but, crucially, avoided a potential points
deduction for irregularities relating to the transfers. That decision
ensured Alan Curbishley's side still have a chance of Premiership survival
with two games of the season remaining. But it has come in for criticism
from the Hammers' relegation rivals and suggestions of a legal challenge
against the verdict are growing. The Premier League, however, remain happy
with their own processes, in laying the charges against West Ham once the
alleged breaches came to light and then appointing an independent three-man
panel to run the hearing. The commission, chaired by Simon Bourne-Arton QC,
was then free to hand down any penalty it felt proportionate and appropriate
as there is no recommended sanction contained within the regulations, nor
has there been a precedent to the charges West Ham faced. The Premier League
are understood to be privately satisfied with the commission's final
judgement. But if West Ham succeed in staying up, sports lawyer Mel Goldberg
believes the relegated clubs could have grounds to mount a legal challenge.
One of the commission's seven explanations for levying a huge fine but no
points sanction was that it would have condemned West Ham to certain
relegation. However, the ruling added that a different decision may well
have been taken if the hearing had been in January because a points
deduction with four months of the season remaining "would have been somewhat
easier to bear".
The panel also decided a points deduction, and therefore guaranteed
relegation, would undermine the "loyalty" West Ham's fans and players had
shown over the previous four months as the club battled for Premiership
survival. Goldberg said: "I do believe that, if a club goes down by a point
or two, those relegated clubs would have a decent claim. "It seems part of
the decision has been attributed to the fact that it is near the end of the
season and they didn't want to upset the supporters. "That seems to be
irrelevant. If West Ham were playing players who were not properly
registered, there have been precedents of other teams being dropped points.
The rules should be the same. "They could possibly ask for money as
compensation if they argue they were not being treated fairly."
There has never been an issue with the registration of Tevez and Mascherano,
but over the contracts West Ham originally negotiated with the players'
part-owner Kia Joorabchian. West Ham were found to have been so desperate to
tie up the deal before the transfer window closed last August that they
agreed to contracts containing third party clauses that the Premier League
"in all probability would not have approved of". A third party agreement
reached with Joorabchian has now been terminated by the Hammers, which freed
Tevez to play against Wigan last weekend and for the remainder of the
season. West Ham are in talks with Joorabchian over a new contractual
arrangement regarding Tevez's future "beyond the end of the season".
The Hammers could buy Tevez outright, which would cost them around
£20million, or strike a similar loan deal that Mascherano has at Liverpool.
If there is a change to the status quo, any new arrangement must meet the
Premier League's satisfaction by noon on Friday for Tevez to play against
Bolton on Saturday.
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Al Fayed considers options over penalty imposed on West Ham - The Times
Gary Jacob
Mohamed Al Fayed, the Fulham chairman, has instructed his lawyers to examine
the decision not to deduct points from West Ham United after the East London
club were found guilty of breaking FA Premier League rules in the transfers
of Carlos Tévez and Javier Mascherano. Both teams are threatened by
relegation from the Barclays Premiership, but West Ham's fate would have
been effectively sealed had they been docked points at the Premier League
hearing last week. They were instead fined £5.5 million. Fulham are among
the clubs unhappy about the reasons that were given by the three-man
independent panel for not docking points. They included that it would have
"consigned the club to certain relegation" at this stage of the season and
that the players and fans were not to blame.
However, several clubs believe that those reasons should not have had such a
bearing on the judgment, because West Ham should be accountable for their
actions. The clubs point to the seriousness of the findings of the report.
The panel also acknowledged that West Ham had pleaded guilty. "We are
looking at the evidence involved in the outcome very carefully and will
review our findings and act accordingly," a Fulham statement said. Al Fayed
has been quick to act in the past if he believes there to have been an
injustice. He took action against Jean Tigana, claiming that his former
manager had overpaid for players by millions of pounds. Tigana was cleared
of any wrongdoing in the High Court in 2004. Fulham have not won in ten
league matches since defeating Newcastle United 2-1 in February and are just
one point above the relegation zone. They have extended their deadline for
fans to buy season tickets to May 18, five days after the end of the season.
They also face the prospect of the value of their shirt sponsorship deal
with LG being cut. The electronics manufacturer had agreed to pay about £2.5
million a year from next season. Fulham were also in discussions with Nike
about taking over as kit manufacturer from Airness.
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Upson in upbeat mood - Sky
By Alex Livie - Created on 3 May 2007
Matthew Upson feels he is running out of time to play again this season.
The defender completed a controversial move from Birmingham to West Ham in
January, but injury has restricted him to just 41 minutes of action. Upson
has made good progress from his calf injury, but admits time is running out
if he wants to aid the club in their relegation fight. "It has been quite an
intensive period and I think I am coming through the other side," he told
Sky Sports News. "I will not write off playing again this season, but we are
running out of games and time and it looks slim."
Despite being restricted to just two outings in West Ham colours, Upson has
no regrets about moving to the East End of London. "I have worked hard to
get the move here and be pleased with the situation, so to not be able to
play given the position the team is in as well is frustrating," he added.
"It is difficult, but you look to solve the problem and get on with it
rather than complain."
West Ham have battled hard to keep themselves in the hunt and Upson claims
the mood in the camp is positive. "The spirit is good and the team is in a
very positive frame of mind," stated Upson.
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ONE MORE VICTORY? - Newham Recorder
02 May 2007
ALAN CURBISHLEY is certainly not saying it, while most West Ham fans would
not like to tempt fate, but if the Hammers can beat Bolton at Upton Park on
Saturday then their Premiership survival could be all but secured, writes
DAVE EVANS. With Charlton crashing to Blackburn on Saturday, and Wigan and
Fulham in freefall, it is difficult to see where they can get another point
this campaign and if that is the case then three more points for the Hammers
would book their place in next season's Premiership. The manager however,
can't afford to be too optimistic: "We've been saying since the Spurs game
that we've got to win the majority of our games and we still need to pick up
the majority of the points from our last two matches," he said. "We've given
ourselves a chance, it's not over, and we have proved that with our
performance against Wigan."
Victory at the JJB Stadium made it five wins in the last seven games, and
with the Premier League panel deciding not to deduct points from the club,
everything seems to be falling into place for Curbishley's men. The boss
though is looking for as many points as he can get to make sure: "Even if we
get to 38 points we're still relying on other things," he explained. "But
given our momentum and the way we're playing, why can't we get more points
than that? "Middlesbrough went to Manchester United, got a draw and could've
had more. But one thing is for sure, we need to get something from the
Bolton game."
Middlesbrough have an important part to play in the relegation battle as
they travel to Wigan on Saturday before completing their fixtures with a
home showdown against another struggling team in Fulham. Lawrie Sanchez's
side have 36 points but with Liverpool coming to Craven Cottage on Saturday
they may need a win at the Riverside to stay up. The fans will play a vital
part for West Ham at Upton Park on Saturday and after their magnificent mass
migration to the JJB last week, they will no doubt back the team to the very
end. Chairman Eggert Magnusson was certainly impressed with the supporters
at Wigan: "From the first minute to the last, they did not stop singing and
cheering for the team and they should be proud of the part they played in
our victory," he said. "We can now look forward to next Saturday's final
home match with confidence and belief. I know that our fans will create
another fantastic atmosphere."
Curbishley will also be hoping that his team give the fans plenty to cheer
on Saturday. He is expected to field the same team as the one that triumphed
at Wigan, and that includes Argentinian Carlos Tevez, despite stories
suggesting that his owners could block him playing.
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Argie deals were illegal - newham Recorder
02 May 2007
ONE aspect of the controversial signings of the Argentinian duo Carlos Tevez
and Javier Mascherano was never in doubt - it was widely known that both
were owned by a third party, writes Dave Evans. However, just what the terms
of those two contracts entailed has now finally been revealed by the Premier
League panel and they do not make very appetising reading. Tevez signed a
four-year contract at West Ham but is owned jointly by two companies - MSI
and Just Sports Inc.
Included in that agreement were the following clauses.
a) West Ham and Tevez acknowledge and confirm that the economic rights of
the player are owned exclusively and absolutely by MSI and Just Sports Inc.
b) The companies have the sole, exclusive and unilateral right during the
January transfer window to terminate the contract of Tevez with West Ham
upon payment to the club of £2million.
c) The companies have the unilateral option to terminate Tevez's contract in
any subsequent window for the sum of £100,000 payable to the club without
any right of objection from the club or the player.
d) Only the companies may exercise their right of termination which cannot
be exercised directly by the player, the club or any other third party.
e) West Ham were not to 'vary, amend, repudiate or terminate the employment
contract or any of its terms without the prior written consent of the
companies'.
Mascherano signed for five years but at the time was owned by Global Soccer
Agencies Limited (GSA) and Mystere Services Limited.
The bulk of his contract was similarly worded to that of Tevez although it
was revealed that if Mascherano was to leave in any transfer window - as he
did to Liverpool in January - then West Ham would be paid £150,000. The
panel, as well as West Ham's own barrister Jim Sturman, were of the opinion
that these contracts were invalid as being a restraint of trade. The panel
stated: "On the face of the documents, there are clauses that appear to us
to be an obvious restraint of trade. In assessing the appropriate penalty,
we have proceeded upon the premise that these contracts would in fact have
been unenforceable both against the player and the club." It continues
however: "We are equally clear and proceed upon the premise that West Ham
believed that they were entering into valid, enforceable contracts and were
of that belief at all relevant times." This seems to be the most salient
point about West Ham's acceptance of these contracts and supposedly one of
the main reasons why they avoided a points deduction. However, the Recorder
understands that certain people at West Ham were well aware that the
contracts were unenforceable and that was always going to work in the club's
favour, as any breaking of clauses within the contract by the Hammers could
not be successfully contested.
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Aldridge and Brown set to carry the can - Newham Recorder
02 May 2007
WEST HAM director Scott Duxbury, the number two to current chairman Eggert
Magnusson, will not resign from his post at the club despite being accused
of misleading the FA Premier League during the signings of South American
duo Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez, writes DAVE EVANS. Duxbury was the
Hammers' legal and commercial director last summer when he was told by the
then managing director Paul Aldridge that West Ham were negotiating to buy
the two Argentinians. The investigating panel said this of Duxbury's role in
the transfers. "Jane Purdon (The Premier League Secretary) and Mr Duxbury
had a telephone conversation in which she asked him if the club had entered
into any arrangements with third parties. "Purdon said that his answer was
an unequivocal 'no', Mr Duxbury said he essentially ducked that question.
"Mr Duxbury on any view, misled Ms Purdon."
However, the Recorder has learned that the signing of Tevez and Mascherano
was entirely a deal negotiated by Aldridge and former chairman Terry Brown
and against the wishes of both Duxbury and finance director Nick Igoe. It
was Aldridge who insisted that details of the contracts of the players be
put into 'side agreements' and not sent to the Premier League, while the
Panel were scathing of Aldridge's part in a conversation with Premier League
chief executive Richard Scudamore. During that meeting, Aldridge was asked
how the club had got the players so cheaply and whether or not there was any
documentation of any sort in respect of these players which the Premier
League had not seen. The report said: "He (Scudamore) received a categorical
assurance that there was no such documentation and the players had come to
the club as part of the takeover by Kia Joorabchian, and that they had
reached a gentleman's agreement whereby the players would be released by the
club for a modest fee if the takeover did not take place."
The panel said of Aldridge: "In the case of the conversation between Mr
Scudamore and Mr Aldridge there is no dispute. "An officer of the club,
namely its chief executive officer, told Mr Scudamore a direct lie."
If the Joorabchian takeover deal had gone through then these irregularites
would probably never have come to light, although the Recorder understands
that both Duxbury and Igoe would have resigned had the Iranian takeover
taken place. It has been well reported that both Aldridge and Brown stood to
gain something in the region of a £1million pay-off as well as a salary of
around another £1million to stay at the club after the takeover had gone
through, and the Recorder has learned that the pair put the minor members of
the board under considerable pressure to ensure that the signings of Tevez
and Mascherano went through. West Ham are currently reviewing the result of
the panel's decision, but it seems highly unlikely that they will appeal
against the penalty of a £5.5million fine rather than a points deduction. It
was a decision that was widely condemned by pundits and managers alike,
with, unsurprisingly, Neil Warnock and Paul Jewell, two of West Ham's
relegation rivals, leading the critics. Despite stories suggesting that
Brown has now been banned from Upton Park, the club have not made an
official comment at the moment, though they do not expect to see him at the
ground for Saturday's showdown with Bolton Wanderers. As to the prospect of
taking Brown and Aldridge to court, or even witholding some of the money
that is still owed to Brown following the takeover by Eggert Magnusson, that
is still currently under review. Despite the findings of the panel, it seems
that West Ham still dispute the premise that they broke rule U18, which
forbids third party influence on players or a club. However, the vibe coming
out of Upton Park is that the likes of Duxbury and Igoe were put under
severe pressure from their bosses, and in the end, were merely following
orders. It is understood that Duxbury has the full backing of Magnusson and
has not considered handing in his resignation. Instead he is looking to put
this matter behind him and look towards next season.
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Power Ade was never quite enough - newham Recorder
02 May 2007
West Ham correspondent Trevor Smith delves into the archives of his mind
ADE COKER burst upon the scene with a sparkling scoring debut as West Ham
won 2-0 at Crystal Palace on an unreasonably warm, late October afternoon in
1971. His display seemed a powerful confirmation of the high hopes Hammers
had been nursing for the young striker. 'Match of the Day' that night dwelt
gratefully on Ade's composure, ball skills and lively pace and Jimmy Hill
made the most of it, understandably and conveniently overlooking any passing
reference to the factors favouring Coker on the day. In addition to the
broiling heat, a firm top and light ball, Ade faced Palace veteran pivot
John McCormick, whose legs were perhaps beginning to find out a bit and who
preferred joining battle with bulldozer number nines rather than
will-o'-the-wisp teasers like Coker. Even so, it remained a remarkable start
at the top level of the game. The faithful went happily back home across
London delighting over their favourites' latest home-grown diamond.
In the event, Ade made a total of 11 appearances, including one as
substitute and netted three goals in his three seasons, a disappointing
tally after that sky-rocket opener. Among the reasons the exciting early
potential never really expanded was undoubtedly the ultra-lightweight Ade's
disadvantage against towering defenders at a time when tackling from behind
was mostly tolerated. But you mentioned that to manager Ron Greenwood at
your peril. In Coker's second season, West Ham's early fixtures included a
Tuesday night visit to Highbury. Desk work on that day of the week made it
impossible for me to cover the game and in briefing the colleague who filled
in for me, I suggested he looked for how Coker fared against the Gunners'
big men. West Ham lost 1-0 and my colleague's report noted that Coker was
muscled out of it and hardly got a sniff. Greenwood was so angry about this
comment he phoned the Recorder's editor and dumbfounded him by grousing: "If
you can't send a reporter with some idea of football, don't send anyone!"
He was equally brusque with me when I raised the matter with him: "You
should have been at the game. It's your job and you shouldn't take time off
in the season," he berated me.
In vain, I argued I'd like nothing better than if my job solely involved
West Ham. Ade thought it all a big laugh when I told him. The imp later
pursued his career in the old North American League. Word filtered back
that, in one game, Ade so upset an ageing Mike England with his artful
dodging that the old Wales pivot got himself sent off! McCormick must have
had envious sympathy.
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Beat Bolton and we will be safe - Newham Recorder
02 May 2007
AN awful lot has happened since I last penned my column and you have to say
that most of it has been good for West Ham United. Just a few weeks ago,
every Hammers' fan was resigned to playing in the Championship next season,
but now it has got to the point where if they can beat Bolton on Saturday
then I think it will be enough to stay up. I have criticised a lot of
players over the last few months and they all deserved it, but I have to
hold my hands up and say that the improvement has been remarkable. West Ham
have proved over the last few weeks that they should not be in this lowly
position and the players know that if they do go down even now, they will
only have themselves to blame. Looking at the table and the teams around
them, it is West Ham who have the momentum. I think Charlton are gone now
and looking at Fulham's fixtures, I don't expect them to get another point
before the end of the season. Wigan were awful against the Hammers on
Saturday but the fact that they are playing Sheffield United on the last day
has got to work in their favour, especially if United are looking for a
point to make sure they are safe as well. I remember a good few years back a
game between Bristol City and Coventry City where both needed a point on the
last day to avoid relegation. Unsurprisingly that is exactly what they got,
with the sides hardly crossing the halfway line throughout the match. I
spoke to you last just before the Arsenal game and it was there that Rob
Green put in a magnificent performance to keep the Gunners at bay and earn a
victory. I have said before how impressed I have been with Green and I
really think he is not far behind Paul Robinson in the international stakes.
I think the importance of goalkeepers was illustrated superbly over the
weekend. Scott Carson made a howler and Charlton were beaten, John Filan was
awful against the Hammers while at the other end of the table if Iain Turner
hadn't dropped that cross, I don't think Manchester United would have come
back to win and the destiny of the title could have been changed
dramatically. Sometimes as a goalkeeper you just have games like Green's at
Arsenal where everything sticks, despite being under intense pressure. I
remember a match at the Hawthorns in the third round of the FA Cup when I
had a game just like that as West Brom battered us all afternoon. They
finally scored in the last minute when Cyrille Regis controlled it with his
hand and let fly and even then I did get my hand to the ball, but we got a
1-1 draw, beat them at our place and the rest is history as that was the
year we won it! Alan Curbishley has gone without a goalkeeper on the bench
for the last couple of games and I have to say that it makes me very
worried, especially when Green reveals that he is always dislocating his
finger. He said that every goalkeeper does it, but I'm here to put him
right. I never dislocated my finger or broke a bone. The only things I have
ever broken on the pitch were Billy Bonds' ribs and Alvin Martin's
collarbone, so that wasn't a great worry for me! Playing Bolton on Saturday,
I think it will be too much of a risk to go into it without a sub
goalkeeper. Bolton remind me a bit of the old Wimbledon 'Crazy Gang' and
they will certainly take advantage of any weaknesses in the West Ham
line-up. I remember back in the old days of one substitute, I was actually
on the bench myself for the last game of the season.
If Newcastle has beaten us 7-0 we would have been relegated, so the boss
stuck me on the bench in case Tom McAlister got injured. Fortunately he
didn't and I certainly didn't want to come on and play out on the pitch -
too much running out there for me! I am certainly relieved by the FA
decision not to deduct points from West Ham. I think if they had been in
mid-table they probably would have done, but I think that all football
issues should be decided on the pitch and now West Ham can do just that.
Saturday is going to be a very difficult game, but if West Ham play like
they did up at Wigan and if they don't allow Bolton to dictate the pace of
the game, then I am convinced that they can get the result and that should
mean Premiership football next season.
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Hammers duo in Wales squad - TeamTalk
James Collins and Danny Gabbidon have been named in Wales' squad for the
friendly with New Zealand and the qualifier with the Czech Republic. John
Toshack's side take on New Zealand at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground on
Saturday May 26 before hosting the Czech Republic at the Millennium Stadium
on Saturday June 2. Collins played in the 3-0 home win over Slovakia in
March which left Wales fifth in Group D while Gabbidon has not played for
the Hammers since January because of injury.
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Dan to become a Hammer? Don't think so - Big Watford Love
By Dave Summers
Date: 2/5/2007
It seems that the time for unfounded rumours with the inevitable "will want
to stay in the premiership" is here! West Ham are reportedly plotting a
£3million summer swoop for Watford
defender Danny Shittu regardless of whether they stay up or not. The
26-year-old has enjoyed an impressive campaign for the Hornets in the
Premiership, despite their relegation which was confirmed almost two weeks
ago following a 1-1 draw against Manchester City. A long-term injury to
Clarke Carlisle, which ruled him out for much of the season, has meant
Shittu had the chance to make the central defensive position his own and it
appears Hammers boss Alan Curbishley among others have been alerted by his
abilities.
West Ham are not safe from the drop themselves, but Curbishley will have
money to spend whatever happens and it seems a bid for Shittu could be on
the cards if reports are to be believed.
Meanwhile Shittu, who had his yellow card at Sheffield United on Saturday
transferred to team-mate Carlisle by the Football Association after a case
of mistaken identity, has also attracted the interest of Nigeria coach Berti
Vogts after a two-year absence. He has been called up to their 23-strong
squad for the 2008 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Uganda on June
2.
Vogts said: "Shittu has been in good form and it is important to give him a
chance to prove himself. I have watched some of his games and I think he has
a lot to offer the team.
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Relieved Eggert could still sue - Harlow Citizen
By Guardian-series
EGGERT Magnusson could sue former West Ham chairman Terry Brown and managing
director Paul Aldridge to recoup the massive fine imposed by the Premier
League. The current chairman has indicated he would never have agreed to the
terms of the faulty deal negotiated by Brown and Aldridge to sign
Argentinian stars Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. And among the reasons
given by the Premier League for not imposing a points penalty was the fact
that the club are under new management and ownership. Tevez and Mascherano,
who is now at Liverpool, were part-owned by Media Sports Investment, the
company formerly run by Iranian-born businessman Kia Joorabchian. The
three-man Premier League panel investigating the matter found the club had
acted with dishonesty and deceit' to disguise that fact from League
officials so they could rush the transfers through before the summer
deadline Magnusson said: "I would first like to express my relief that this
matter is now over. We can look forward and focus entirely on the remainder
of our season . I am delighted that our destiny will now be decided on the
football pitch. "
A club spokesman added: "The club will reflect on the financial penalty that
has been imposed and will take advice before commenting on the possibility
of an appeal or any further steps that might be taken." West Ham's admission
of the charges and the advanced stage of the season were given as further
mitigating factors in the decision not to dock points.
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Lawyer says Hammers' rivals have legal case - Daily Mail
Last updated at 15:07pm on 2nd May 2007
Clubs relegated from the top flight this season would have a case for legal
action against the Premier League for failing to dock West Ham points,
according to sports lawyer Mel Goldberg.
The Hammers were fined £5.5million for breaching rules over signing of
Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, with an independent panel refusing a
points-sanction as players and fans were not to blame and it would have
"consigned the club to certain relegation". It gives Alan Curbishley's men a
chance of survival with two games of the season remaining. "I do believe
that, if a club goes down by a point or two, those relegation clubs would
have a decent claim," said Goldberg. "It seems part of the decision has been
attributed to the fact that it is near the end of the season and they didn't
want to upset the supporters. "That seems to be irrelevant. If West Ham were
playing players who were not properly registered, there have been precedents
of other teams being dropped points. The rules should be the same."
Clubs in lower leagues have previously been docked points for
irregularities, while Bury were kicked out of the FA Cup this season. Past
precedents would add to a case for relegated teams if West Ham climb out of
the bottom three. Goldberg added: "They could possible ask for money as
compensation if they argue they were not being treated fairly."
West Ham also fielded Tevez in an FA Cup victory against Brighton. Although
it is not possible to reinstate them at this stage of the season, the League
One side could seek compensation.
"They would be entitled to claim for damages," said Goldberg. "They could
argue that they shouldn't have been knocked out of that round, and that they
lost X amount of pounds."
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Addicks ready to fight Hammers fine - CLubcall
20070502 11:57
Charlton are reportedly ready to mount a challenge against the decision to
fine West Ham £5.5 million for fielding ineligible players. The Addicks are
one of the five clubs who are angry at the Premier League's decision last
week not deduct points from the relegation-threatened Hammers after playing
Argentines Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascerano earlier in the season.
The decision could have a bearing on the final relegation places in the
Premiership this season and Charlton, together with Fulham, Sheffield
United, Wigan and Middlesbrough, are said to be set to launch a legal
challenge against the ruling. Premier League chief executive Richard
Scudamore met Wigan chairman Dave Whelan on Tuesday to try to smooth over
the row but a senior official at one of the clubs told the Daily Mail: "It
is within the Premier League rules to challenge the decision and we will be
looking at it. "They said it was a serious breach of rule U18 and,
according to the rules, that should carry a points deduction."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers linked to Hornets ace - Clubcall
20070502 10:52
West Ham are reportedly plotting a £3million summer swoop for Watford
defender Danny Shittu regardless of whether they stay up or not. The
26-year-old has enjoyed an impressive campaign for the Hornets in the
Premiership, despite their relegation which was confirmed almost two weeks
ago following a 1-1 draw against Manchester City. A long-term injury to
Clarke Carlisle, which ruled him out for much of the season, has meant
Shittu had the chance to make the central defensive position his own and it
appears Hammers boss Alan Curbishley among others have been alerted by his
abilities.
West Ham are not safe from the drop themselves, but Curbishley will have
money to spend whatever happens and it seems a bid for Shittu could be on
the cards if reports are to be believed.
Meanwhile Shittu, who had his yellow card at Sheffield United on Saturday
transferred to team-mate Carlisle by the Football Association after a case
of mistaken identity, has also attracted the interest of Nigeria coach Berti
Vogts after a two-year absence. He has been called up to their 23-strong
squad for the 2008 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Uganda on June
2.
Vogts said: "Shittu has been in good form and it is important to give him a
chance to prove himself. I have watched some of his games and I think he has
a lot to offer the team.
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CURBS IS KEEN ON SHITTU - The Mirror
02/05/2007
WATFORD star Danny Shittu is a £3million target for West Ham. Defender
Shittu, 26, has enjoyed an impressive first full season in the Premiership
despite Watford's relegation. That has caught the eye of several clubs
including West Ham and Wigan. Hammers boss Alan Curbishley is desperate to
strengthen his central defence and even if they go down, he will have money
to spend.
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