07/05/2007 16:57
Mark Noble celebrates his 20th birthday tomorrow - and Premiership survival
with West Ham United would be the perfect gift. In his last game as a
teenager, the young midfielder certainly proved that he has come of age this
season, with a mature performance and stunning goal in our 3-1 win over
Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, and now the local-born hero is determined to
go one better at Old Trafford in the final game of the season. "It was a
massive win for us," says Mark. "We knew it was the most important game of
the season and the boys responded. We've done everything we can now and it's
just one last push needed against Manchester United next week. "It was a
great free kick from Tev - I really fancied him to score it - and it set us
on our way to the victory It was a fantastic passing move for the second and
then I managed to top it off with a nice cheeky volley at the back post! "It
was uncharacteristic for me, I normally let Nige run on into the penalty
area while I hold back, but this time I got in there and it was a great
feeling to hit the strike so well. "If you have a look in the archives,
Carlos has set up all of my goals so far - he headed it back for me against
Brighton, chested it down against Tottenham and then picked me out on
Saturday - so I certainly don't want him to leave!"
And looking ahead to Sunday's decisive encounter against Manchester United,
Mark admits that Hammers will travelling to the home of the champions
determined to ensure that their destiny remains in their own hands
throughout what is likely to be a nail-biting afternoon. "We're in good form
at the minute, we've scored a few goals, so there is no reason why we can't
get something," he says. "We need to go there and set our stall out right
from the word go. "Hopefully we can nick a point or all three and, if we do,
it will be a lovely journey home. Everyone is focused on producing one more
performance, and ...
This is as the article was on WHUFC... the last bit is missing - PeterR
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Curbs: Chance to survive is our inspiration - WHUFC
07/05/2007 14:19
For the fourth time in six years, Alan Curbishley will provide the
opposition for Manchester United's final home of the campaign. But with the
relegation equation still to be solved, the Hammers boss is hoping that his
in-form side can come up with a four-midable answer to the test that Sir
Alex Ferguson's Premiership champions will undoubtedly pose them on Survival
Sunday. "When you look down the fixture list and see that you've got
Manchester United in the last game of the season, you usually tend to hope
that there's not going to be too much riding on it," says Curbs whose
Charlton Athletic side - with its safety ensured - endured two defeats and a
gritty goalless draw in those three visits to Old Trafford. "It's ironic
that I'm now going back there with West Ham.
"There are always twists and turns on the last day, you can't always tell
how it's going to fall and we can only go up there and do our own bit. A few
weeks ago, I said that we needed at least 38 points to survive and, all
along, I've said that we need to take the majority of the points. I still
think that's the case. "But for the first time in weeks, we can now go to
Old Trafford knowing that survival is in our own hands."
Certainly, with six victories in their last eight matches, the Hammers
prepare to pull down the curtain at the Theatre of Dreams, knowing that the
nightmares of weeks gone by have all but been erased. "We go there filled
with lots of confidence having now given ourselves a chance," continues
Curbs, who will have one ear anxiously trained on events at the equally
defining Sheffield United versus Wigan Athletic survival showdown. "To be
honest, I'm not happy about Rafael Benitez making so many changes to his
side that lost at Fulham but everyone has their own priorities and I don't
suppose that he'll ever find out what it's like to be in the bottom three!
Liverpool had just played in a massive Champions League semi-final, though,
and perhaps he had tired bodies which meant he needed to bring in fresh
players. "We just had to get on with it and to do our bit against Bolton
Wanderers and, fortunately, a couple of the other results also went our way
to take us out of bottom three for the first time since I've been here. "The
opening half-hour was fantastic, our three goals were great and they filled
the players with confidence.
"While Carlos Tevez understands all what's going on around him off the
pitch, it probably helps that he can't speak the language or read the
newspapers. Clearly, he feels that it's nothing to do with him and he just
wants to play his football. "He's built up a special relationship with the
fans. When I came here and we played Manchester United, I picked a side for
the first game that I knew. I hadn't really seen Tevez play but the fans
were calling for him. They were singing for him in the next game and the
match after that, too, and despite not playing it was obvious that he'd
still built something up with the fans. "Since he's come into the team, all
I've asked him to do is play further up the pitch and get into the final
third a bit more for me. Carlos now puts people under pressure and he also
relieves it by holding onto the ball. "The goals have come and although he's
become a very important player for us, it's not just about Carlos Tevez,
because a lot of the other players have been performing well in recent
weeks, too. "To be playing the way we are right now leaves you wondering why
we haven't managed to do it all season. I've always asked whether results
breed confidence or whether confidence breeds results? Either way, you need
both and since the Tottenham Hotspur game, the self-belief has come back and
we've now got players doing things naturally that, perhaps, they wouldn't
have tried five or six weeks ago. "We've also got a settled side that isn't
being ravaged by injury week-in, week-out, any more and that helps, too,"
concludes Curbs as he prepares to focus on those final 90 make or break
minutes of the campaign. "If we go up to Old Trafford and take anything then
we'll have done our bit. As I've said, it's in our hands, we're out of the
bottom three and we've given ourselves a chance. The question is: Can we
grab it? "The inspiration is to stay in the Premiership and if we can
deliver that then West Ham United should be looking forward to better things
next year. Let's hope we can do it!"
by Steve Blowers
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Two down, one to go - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 7th May 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Charlton's relegation was confirmed tonight after they went down 2-0 at home
to Tottenham - leaving just one final spot up for grabs. Goals from Berbatov
and old boy Jermain Defoe helped Spurs to the win at The Valley, in a game
which the home side had to win to stand any chance of avoiding the drop.
Charlton - who now travel to Liverpool on Sunday knowing their fate - are
two points behind Wigan (35 points) whose visit to Sheffield United (38
points) that day will decide West Ham United's fate should the Hammers (also
38 points) lose at Old Trafford. One statistic that is now certain,
following Charlton's defeat tonight, is that a point for Alan Curbishley's
side at Old Trafford will be enough to ensure survival. However should the
newly-crowned League Champions prove too strong for West Ham, a Wigan win at
Bramall Lane would see the Hammers filling that final relegation spot. Much
has already been uttered concerning the possibility of one half of the Gang
of Four currently investigating the possibility of suing the Premier League
and/or West Ham United FC coming to a mutual 'arrangement' over the result
next Sunday and concocting a scenario that would see the Hammers relegated.
Those fears aside, in the meantime all Alan Curbishley can do is prepare his
players for what will be one of the most important games of their careers.
Getting them to remain within a goal of Manchester United on Sunday
afternoon - and therefore still in with a shout of grabbing a point, at the
very least - at all times might come in handy too. Not that we'd ever expect
that nice Mr Whelan (whose company JJB Sports were fined £8.4m in 2001 for
price-fixing) to consider comtemplating what he may perhaps perceive as
revenge for his frightful recent mistreatment by the Premier League ...
* Meanwhile, Charlton chief executive Peter Varney - speaking before his
club's relegation was rubber-stamped tonight - confirmed that the Addicks
would be joining Sheffield United, Wigan and Fulham in seeking a review of
the Premier League's decision to fine West Ham United £5.5m for breaching a
rule concerning third-party ownership of players. "We are looking at legal
avenues," he said. "It is clear what the issues are. "It is self-evident
the four clubs are unhappy but it is an ongoing process and I cannot comment
further. "We are down at the bottom of the table because of what we have
done this season, not because of West Ham - but if you see something that
has gone on that is not right it is fair to challenge it."
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Tevez eyes United scalp - Sky
By Alex Dunn - Created on 7 May 2007
Carlos Tevez has set his sights on toppling the champions as he looks to
secure West Ham's Premiership status. The diminutive Argentine has emerged
as West Ham's talisman in the second half of the season, as a series of
inspired displays have pulled a side that previously looked doomed away from
the drop zone. At the weekend Tevez was once more West Ham's stand-out
performer as he scored a double, including a sublime free-kick, before
laying on the third for Mark Noble in the 3-1 win over Bolton. A point from
their final game would ensure Premiership football is played at Upton Park
next season but with Manchester United waiting at Old Trafford, Tevez
accepts it will be a tough ask. "It's a massive game at Old Trafford," he
told the Sun.
"Manchester United are top of the Premiership and it will be very difficult
but we are looking forward to it." Tevez's whole hearted displays this
season have cemented his place in the hearts of the West Ham faithful and
while where his future lies beyond this season remains very much subject to
conjecture, he admits he is not ruling anything out. "In terms of my
contract, if the new owner would like to meet me then there are a whole
range of things we can talk about," concluded Tevez.
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Hammers chief unsure over Tevez
By Peter ORourke - Created on 6 May 2007
West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson has admitted he is unsure over Carlos
Tevez's future at the club. Tevez has been in sparkling form of late for
West Ham with his two goals against Bolton on Saturday helping them climb
out of the bottom three. The Argentine's future remains up in the air as
Media Sports Investment own the economic rights to him. Reports on Sunday
also suggested Liverpool were keeping tabs on the diminutive forward and
Magnusson admits although he would like to keep Tevez his future remains
unresolved. "I would like to see him at West Ham for the next few seasons
but there are a lot of things that have to be resolved before that happens,"
Magnusson told Radio Five Live's Sportsweek. "I wouldn't be surprised if
there is interest from other clubs, so will have to see. "I don't know at
this point in time, we'll see when the season ends. He's a great lad, a
great footballer who loves his football and likes playing for West Ham."
Whatever Tevez's future Magnusson insists there will be personnel changes at
Upton Park next season with some players moving on. "We have too many
players and there has to be some changes," added Magnusson. "But I see the
unity in the team and if we stay in the Premiership they could blossom next
season. "We have won six out of eight and if you keep that up you would be
challenging for Europe."
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Varney backs right to fight West Ham fine - Soccernet
Charlton chief executive Peter Varney believes the club have a right to
challenge the Premier League's punishment of West Ham for breaching player
ownership rules. The relegation-threatened Hammers were fined a record
£5.5million over the signings of Argentinians Carlos Tevez and Javier
Mascherano, players whose contracts are owned by a third party. Charlton are
one of four clubs also fighting relegation who feel West Ham should have
been deducted points for such a breach of the league's rules. They are
pursuing legal action along with Wigan, Sheffield United and Fulham. Varney
told Sky Sports News: 'We are looking at legal avenues. It is clear what the
issues are. 'It is self-evident the four clubs are unhappy but it is an
ongoing process and I cannot comment further. 'We are down at the bottom of
the table because of what we have done this season, not because of West Ham
but if you see something that has gone on that is not right it is fair to
challenge it.' Charlton face Tottenham at The Valley tonight in a match they
must win to have any hope of avoiding relegation.
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Vinny's Bolton Report - West Ham Onlince
Vinny - Sun May 6 2007
West Ham United 3 Bolton Wanderers 1
Last week I was delighted with how we performed against Wigan and was even
happier with the result. This week it is hard to put into words how much I
thought of this performance – this was phenomenal. I will go as far to say
that the first half of this game was the best half we have played since
coming back into the premiership.
The football we played was awesome, the goals we scored were so good I just
want to watch them again and again, and the end result was one which we
needed so badly. You could have easily forgotten that you were watching a
side who are fighting for their premiership lives, with relegation still a
possibility.
Of course the big mention is going to go to Carlos Tevez who scored two
goals and made the other one for Mark Noble. The amount of bad press the
club has received in the last few weeks was answered by the player who has
caused a lot of the controversy – but his answer was on the football pitch,
where it should be. He just couldn't be handled by the opposition yet again,
and that free kick will live long in the memory of most West Ham fans.
There were no changes to the side which destroyed Wigan last weekend as the
atmosphere inside Upton Park was one of excitement, tension and anxiety. We
all knew that this could only be a victory or the championship would beckon.
Neither side could conjure up a shot on goal in the opening eight minutes
but the deadlock was soon broken when Tevez was fouled on the edge of the
area by Meite. Tevez was the one to step up and take it, and he curled a
simply sublime shot over the wall and into the top corner giving
Jaaskelainen no chance.
Madness erupted in the stands, as our new saviour had once again shown us a
piece of magic only he could produce.
We never looked back from then on as attacking was our new friend that we
wanted to see a lot of during the first 45.
Bolton tried to get the quick reply winning a free kick of there own shortly
after the restart but Anelka's free kick smashed against the wall and was
eventually cleared.
On the twenty minute mark we found ourselves two goals to the good. Neill
gave the short pass to Noble who played a wonderful pass which cut the
Bolton defence open and set Boa Morte away. The Portuguese winger burst into
the box and knocked it square for an unmarked Tevez to tuck away his second
goal of the game.
When we play good football we can really play good football. Of course it is
frustrating thinking about how the season has gone and what could have been,
but the last two months we have shown the desire and most importantly the
quality, and this was a clear indicator of the quality our squad possesses.
McCartney was on the receiving end of a horrible late challenge from David
Thompson which saw the Bolton journeyman get the yellow card. McCartney just
picked himself up and continued to demonstrate why he has cemented his place
at left back with some top defending and bags of effort.
Not even half an hour was on the clock when we found ourselves even further
in front in what was becoming a slaughtering. I loved the first goal, but
this was my favourite goal of the game.
Campo got himself in a mess and the tireless Bobby Zamora was able to
dispossess him and get the ball out to the left to Carlos Tevez who played a
simply divine chipped pass over the back to Mark Noble who hit an
unstoppable right foot volley into the goal.
They call it the beautiful game because of goals like that.
Tevez was close to getting his hat trick soon after as he teased the Bolton
defence and hit a powerful shot which was deflected but Jaaskelainen managed
to palm away.
Bolton, who had offered very little tried their usual game plan of hitting
the ball high into the box and caused a little bit of unease just before
half time as Campo's long throw bounced around the box which Collins
blocking and half clearing and Benayoun diving in front of an incoming shot
from the edge of the area. It was great to see every play fighting for the
cause.
Just before the referee (who was shocking by the way) was about to blow the
half time whistle we had a great opportunity to increase our lead further
and Boa Morte was released down the left but instead of crossing the ball to
Zamora he took a wild shot which went way wide of the goal.
The cheers went up as the half time whistle sounded. It had been
scintillating, and all we needed to do was close the game out in the second
half and make sure we get those three precious points.
Bolton came out for the second period and unsurprisingly gave it a go
playing a brand of football that no one ever wants to see at West Ham.
It was all kick and rush, players backing into defenders, lots of headers
etc etc. One of these ended in Bolton winning a free kick from a similar
position Tevez had scored from in the first half. Gary Speed was the one to
take it but it was blocked by the wall and the follow up shot from him went
well wide to the amusement of the West Ham faithful.
Bobby Zamora was shown the yellow card on 55 minutes and it had been
something that had been coming for most of the game. Ref Mike Riley had not
been a fan of Zamora from the very start, giving countless free kicks
against him.
Lucas Neill showed once again what a great passer of the ball he is as he
played a wonderful chipped pass over the top of the Bolton defence to find
Boa Morte but the winger couldn't get his toe to the ball and Jaaskelainen
got there first.
Bolton's first shot on target came from substitute James Sinclair who hit a
stinging shot at Robert Green but the keeper knocked it away for a corner.
This had all come about after we had failed to clear the ball properly with
Neill being the culprit on this occasion.
Bobby Zamora was taken off just after the hour mark. He looked knackered and
I am not surprised – he had given everything he had. Last week's goal scorer
Marlon Harewood replaced him.
Tevez was fouled over on the left hand side in our own half and a free kick
was awarded. The free kick was knocked short to Noble who dwelt on the ball
and was caught in possession. The ball came to Anelka who threaded the ball
through to Gary Speed who cleverly finished, making it 3-1. A few nerves
were beginning to creep into a few supporters, including myself.
A foul from Kevin Davies won us a free kick. It was further out that before
but Tevez stepped up to take it again. Instead of shooting he chipped the
ball in to Marlon Harewood who tried an ambitious over head kick which went
over.
Benayoun linked up with Tevez and chipped a great pass through the
Argentinean but he lacked composure and his shot went high over the bar.
Marlon Harewood nearly got himself on the score sheet as he cut inside and
fizzed a stinging left foot drive at goal which Jaaskelainen managed to get
down to when it looked as though he was going to be beaten. A disappointing
resulting corner led to a quick break away from Bolton with Anelka
eventually having a shot which was charged down.
Once again Tevez and Benayoun linked up with the latter crossing for Marlon
Harewood who was denied by some brave defending by Meite who knocked it away
for a corner. Somehow a goal kick was given when it was blatantly obvious it
was a corner. Maybe we should sue.
Injury time saw Mark Noble get a familiar yellow card but Bolton failed to
do anything from the free kick. They had failed to do much in this game. And
new manager Sammy Lee does not have an easy task replacing Fat Sam. Lee got
some light hearted stick from the West Ham fans the chant of "He's fat he's
round he bounces on the ground Sammy Lee" making a return. Others were
"Who's the Midget in the suit?" and "Your suits from Matalan!"
There wasn't much to say to the Bolton Fans. Hardly any of them turned up
with what is the worst away support I have seen at Upton Park all season.
Shocking support from a poorly supported football club.
Delight at the final whistle was enjoyed by many. The players did the usual
lap of honour and I am just hoping that next season this club will still be
in this league.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
Not as easy as the Wigan game for 'Greeno' but still not a particularly
testing day. Made a couple of good saves and was strong in the air when
coming to claim, not dropping once.
Lucas Neill
Apart from a few misplaced passes in the second half he was excellent
showing his leadership qualities throughout.
Anton Ferdinand
I really didn't think he had it in him to come back after a very poor spell
and put some solid displays in like this. What ever his future at the club,
the last few games have seen Anton reach heights I didn't think he could
again.
James Collins
Our "Ginger Pele" was again superb today as he demonstrated why he is now
one of the first names on the team sheet keeping transfer window signing
Callum Davenport firmly out of the team. He was brilliant today winning
every header and a rock at the back.
George McCartney
This was a warrior performance from Mr McCartney. I am fast becoming a fan
of his. An excellent piece of the defending early on when he put his head
into a challenge to prevent Davies from getting the ball set him up for the
whole game where he put in an excellent display.
Yossi Benayoun
His link up play with Tevez was one of best assets and something Bolton
couldn't cope with. What I will applaud Yossi for is his defensive work
which he did really well with and is not something you normally associate
with his game. He has come back into the side from the wilderness and
performed really well.
Nigel Reo Coker
Will this be the last time we see our current Captain at Upton Park? You
won't find many who care if it is with his attitude being something most
have found it hard to get over. His performances since January I think have
been quite good and today he showed his qualities. Just a shame he is an
arrogant shit.
Mark Noble
Excuse my French but he was the dogs bollocks for most of this game. The
goal was brilliant and his full blooded tackling was something to behold. A
shame he gifted Bolton their goal but he is still learning.
Luis Boa Morte
A lively first half which saw him get another assist (like last week) but
was very quiet in the second half and was taken off.
Bobby Zamora
The runner up in the hammer of the year award showed why he has got to that
point – 100% effort. Gave his all and I have warmed to him again.
Carlos Tevez
Best player have had since Paolo. If somehow we do stay up and manage to
keep him he will become an even bigger legend than he is already. Wonderful.
Subs Used
Marlon Harewood (on for Zamora 63 mins)
Had a couple of chances, unlucky with one of them. A lively cameo.
Jonathan Spector (on for Boa Morte 79)
Just on to give us a more solid approach.
Hayden Mullins (on for Reo Coker 85 mins)
Likewise.
Overall
Six wins in Eight games seemed an impossible ask but it has been done. I
said before the Everton game that if we win the next three games we will
survive. We have done so and I still believe we will be a premiership side
next after next weekend.
Wigan have to beat Sheffield United but with Sheffield themselves not safe
they will not want to lose that one despite the claims that they will try to
screw us. It would be too much of a risk to depend on us losing next week.
If we can get to half time even just 1-0 down this should prompt Sheffield
United into getting the point they need. Don't write us off getting a point
either.
But forget next week, forget points deductions, forget Dave Whelan – just
remember Carlos Tevez and what joy and hope he brought to this club for a
short time. A deserved hammer of the year.
I pray I will be writing a positive report next week.
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Addicks ready to fight Irons fine - TeamTalk
Charlton chief executive Peter Varney believes the club have a right to
challenge the Premier League's controversial punishment of West Ham. The
relegation-threatened Hammers were fined a record £5.5million over the
signings of Argentinians Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, players whose
contracts are owned by a third party Charlton are one of four clubs also
fighting relegation who feel West Ham should have been deducted points for
such a breach of the league's rules. They are pursuing legal action along
with Wigan, Sheffield United and Fulham.
Varney told Sky Sports News: "We are looking at legal avenues. It is clear
what the issues are. "It is self-evident the four clubs are unhappy but it
is an ongoing process and I cannot comment further. "We are down at the
bottom of the table because of what we have done this season, not because of
West Ham but if you see something that has gone on that is not right it is
fair to challenge it." Charlton face Tottenham at The Valley on Monday
night in a match they must win to have any hope of avoiding relegation.
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Green upbeat over United clash - TeamTalk
West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green is adamant the Hammers can get something
from their clash with champions Manchester United on Sunday. A point should
be enough for the Hammers to stay in the Premiership after they produced a
superb first-half performance against Bolton on Saturday. And Green
believes they can get a result at Old Trafford if they produce a similar
showing to that opening 45 minutes at Upton Park. He told the club's
official website: "It could be set up for a great performance from us if we
go up to Old Trafford and play the way we played in the first half against
Bolton, iron out the mistakes and keep it solid. "There's no reason why we
can't go there and get a result."
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We're down but I hope West Ham stay up, insists dejected Pardew - Daily Mail
Last updated at 02:21am on 8th May 2007
Charlton boss Alan Pardew suffered relegation for the first time following
defeat to Tottenham and admitted the Barclays Premiership table was a fair
reflection of the season. The Addicks appeared to have little chance of
survival when Pardew was appointed at Christmas but they gave themselves
hope with positive results before an end-of-season slump sealed their fate.
They needed to win against Spurs and then Liverpool at the weekend to have a
chance but fell at the first hurdle after strikes from Dimitar Berbatov and
former Valley player Jermain Defoe.
"The league table speaks for itself, there's no politics involved, no court
cases, this is where it's at," said Pardew. "What we have to do, more
importantly, is focus on our last league game and make sure we leave this
division with pride."
Pardew's comments on "court cases" referred to the possibility of legal
action over West Ham's Premier League punishment for breaking rules when
signing Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. Pardew, who was West Ham boss
when the Argentina pair arrived at Upton Park, wants his former club to stay
up. "I'd love West Ham to stay up because there are a lot of people there I
love," he said. Charlton's hopes of survival were dented after seven minutes
when Berbatov turned Talal El Karkouri and raced through to score. "It was a
terrific goal," Pardew said. Defoe sealed the win in stoppage-time, although
Charlton fans remained in good voice until the end. "The effort of the
players I couldn't fault," Pardew added. "Ultimately we were undone by some
real quality. "The fans gave me tremendous backing and so have the board,
we've tried everything and it's not to be. I've no regrets, I'm just sorry I
couldn't pull it off for them. "Ultimately, you have to score goals and
you're under pressure if you're not scoring. I felt we were unlucky with the
fixtures, they didn't fall our way. We didn't come across anyone who didn't
have an agenda. "It's the first time I've experienced relegation and I don't
know how I'll feel over the next few days. "I know relegation costs people
jobs and it can be people who have been here for 10 or 15 years."
Spurs boss Martin Jol praised Berbatov for another dazzling performance,
challenging the Bulgarian to score 20 league goals next season. "I feel
Dimitar can get 20 in the Premiership, in Germany he scored 20 in the league
and that's not an easy," said the Dutchman. "I feel for Charlton but we
needed the points as well. Their crowd was behind them and we had to silence
them. "It's never an easy place to go to. To come away with three points is
pleasing. "The first goal was excellent, out of nothing, the second was out
of nothing as well. We've got the strikers to do that."
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Charlton defend right to challenge West Ham decision - The Independent
By Lindsay Harrison
Published: 08 May 2007
Charlton Athletic's chief executive, Peter Varney, believes that the club
have a right to challenge the Premier League's punishment of West Ham United
for breaching player ownership rules. The relegation-threatened Hammers were
fined a record £5.5m over the signings of the Argentines Carlos Tevez and
Javier Mascherano, players whose contracts were owned by a third party.
Charlton feel West Ham should have been deducted points for such a breach
and are pursuing legal action with Wigan, Sheffield United and Fulham. "We
are looking at legal avenues," Varney said. "It is clear what the issues
are. It is self-evident the four clubs are unhappy but it is an ongoing
process and I cannot comment further. We are down at the bottom of the table
because of what we have done this season, not because of West Ham but if you
see something that has gone on that is not right, it is fair to challenge
it."
The striker David Healy looks to be leaving Leeds after their relegation
from the Championship. Healy, who has scored 10 League goals this season,
was missing from the defeat at Derby and the club's assistant manager, Gus
Poyet, admitted that the Northern Ireland international's Leeds career may
now be at an end.
"We are facing a summer of big decisions and we do not know whether David
will play for Leeds again," the Uruguayan said. "This is only a very
personal opinion, but I would not expect the current top goalscorer in
European Championship qualification to be playing in League One next
season."
Queen's Park Rangers say they will immediately pay back the £500,000
personal loan made to them last month by the Oldham chairman Simon Blitz.
Last week, the Football League launched an investigation into the loan,
which was registered with Companies House on 18 April and was secured
against the potential sale of QPR's Lee Cook.
A Rangers statement said: "Having discovered that Simon Blitz did not have
the prior written authorisation of the Football Association to make this
loan, QPR has agreed to pay back the loan forthwith... The loan was not made
to help QPR with its payroll but made in the context of... refinancing
discussions."
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CURBS: IT WAS GRIM - The Mirror
By John Cross 08/05/2007
ALAN CURBISHLEY says he feared the worst for West Ham before their survival
battle. The Hammers' run of six wins in their last eight has dragged them
out of the relegation zone for the first time since December. But Curbishley
still faces a tall order as West Ham go to Manchester United on the last day
of the season and is hoping that Wigan slip up at Sheffield United. He said:
"I must admit there were some dark times, some bad results - certainly the
defeat at Charlton. But it's changed quite a bit since then in terms of the
performances. "I just hope we have enough about us to get the job done. I am
convinced that next year will be totally different."
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Rafa in £12 million Argentinean swoop - all3points.com
8th May 2007
By Staff Writer
Rafa Benetiz is lining up a sensational £12 million raid on West Ham for
striker Carlos Tevez even if the east London club avoid relegation from the
Premiership. The People newspaper claims that Tevez' business manager Kia
Joorabchian met with Benetiz in a London hotel at the weekend to discuss a
move for the player. Tevez has played a key role in West Ham's recent
revival but the rumours coming out of the club are that the original deal
has left far too many wounds for all concerned for the player to remain at
the club next season even if relegation is avoided.
That position leaves the door open for potential suitors for Tevez with
Liverpool leading the chase having already done a deal for Javier Mascherano
earlier in the year. Liverpool will be mindful of the mistakes in the
original deal that led to West Ham's £5.5 million fine and will be making
sure any new deal is entirely in line with Premier League rules.
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Jol bids £6 million for midfield enforcer - all3points.com
8th May 2007
By Staff Writer
Spurs boss Martin Jol is set to launch a £6 million for West Ham's want away
star Nigel Reo-Coker. Reo-Coker has become unsettled at West Ham after
bearing the brunt of Hammer's fans anger over their plight this season and
is keen for a move away from the club. Reo-Coker was thought to be heading
to Spurs neighbours Arsenal but the emergence of Brazilian wonder kid
Denilson has caused the Gunners to think again. Spurs boss Martin Jol sees
Reo-Coker as potentially adding the steal and determination that his club
have been missing this season at times in the middle of the park. The News
of the World quoted a Spurs insider at the weekend as saying: "His name has
been mentioned frequently. There will be a lot of change and it'll be a
surprise if he doesn't come in."
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Former Chelsea striker to join West Ham - all3points.com
8th May 2007
By Staff Writer
Former Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohnsen is set for a move back to the
Premiership with West Ham. If the Hammers can do enough to avoid relegation
this season they will launch an £8 million bid for Gudjohnsen who is
unsettled with present club Barcelona. Gudjohnsen has played a bit-part role
in Spain this season with his opportunities being limited. The News of the
World claims Hammers boss Alan Curbishley is drawing up a summer wish list
of players and that Gudjohnsen tops that list in the attacking department.
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Three clubs face day of destiny - The Star
SO, now Charlton have lost to Spurs, it's down to three clubs for the one
place nobody wants come 5 o'clock and the end of the Premiership season on
Sunday. All eyes will certainly be on the clash at Bramall Lane where
Sheffield United or Wigan could find themselves relegated depending on what
happens to West Ham at Old Trafford. Charlton's 2-0 home defeat to Spurs
means they are down with Watford. Now, who will join them? Many in football
feel it should be West Ham as the controversy persists over the Premier
League's decision to fine them but not deduct points over the Tevez and
Mascherano affair. Blades followers - who still shudder at the last day
relegation (in the last minute) at Stamford Bridge in 1994 - didn't want it
to come down to a last day denouement. But they do know that a draw will be
enough to save them and it would relegate Wigan who arrive at Bramall Lane
knowing they MUST win - and then hope! A Wigan win would see both clubs on
38 points but put the Lancashire club above the Blades by virtue of turning
their current goal difference deficit in their favour. But a defeat for
United is not the end.
In that case, the Blades would remain above West Ham if they were to lose at
Manchester United. Even defeat for the Blades by up to three goals would
keep them above West Ham providing they lose at Old Trafford.
So, for Neil Warnock's side the equation to stay up is:
A win;
A draw;
A defeat by three goals or less provided West Ham lose at Old Trafford.
If the Blades lose and West Ham draw then the Blades go down.
Get the calculators out!
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Charles Sale: No Premier fears in West Ham row - Daily Mail
08:41am 8th May 2007
The Premier League, under fire on various fronts, have no fear of the legal
action launched against them by disaffected relegation rivals over West Ham
escaping a points deduction.
This is partly because the clubs have rubberstamped the disciplinary system
themselves. The Premiership send a list to all 20 clubs asking for their
approval of the names being put forward to form the independent tribunals
who judge on serious cases like West Ham's admitted guilt over rule breaches
in the registration of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. The trio on the
panel are generally made up of a legal expert, a high-ranking public figure
and someone with great knowledge of football but totally independent of the
Premier League. So the three who gave West Ham their £5.5million fine were
Simon Bourne-Arton, a QC, Lord Ouseley, chairman of the Kick It Out
antiracism campaign, and David Dent, former secretary of the Football
League.
None of the clubs now protesting made objections to the West Ham tribunal
when they had the chance, or to any of the other Premiership tribunal
figures, making it difficult to see how they can mount a successful legal
action.
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