15/05/2007 11:00
Having signed for West Ham United in January, Australian international Lucas
Neill has been an integral part of the Club's resurgence to clinch
Premiership survival. But the defender insists the credit should be taken
collectively. "It has been a big team effort from the back room staff
through to the players," he said. "To go to Arsenal away and Old Trafford
and win is a phenomenal effort. Seven wins out of 9 is the kind of form that
puts you in the Champions League and not in the bottom four. "For me the
turning point was the Tottenham game, which is weird because that's when
everyone had written us off. I actually thought that was when we showed we
had a chance because of how we played. "If we'd had a bit of confidence and
a bit of belief we wouldn't have thrown away the leads that we did. We
worked hard and we built from it and we are where we are now."
Lucas believes confidence was the vital missing ingredient from some of the
Hammers' performances earlier in the season. "It's all about belief and
confidence," he said. "Once you go out and believe you can win any game,
there's no reason why you can't go out and beat anyone. We've proven that.
"It was like the fans, we lost them before the Tottenham game because they
thought that was it, then we won them back and got them believing. They were
the proverbial twelfth man."
The 29-year-old was relieved to help ensure the Hammers' Premiership future,
but insists there is far better to come. "I came here, not so much for this
season, but for next; to build and to buy into the Chairman's dream," said
Lucas. "He's a very ambitious man and he's a big football man. "He wants to
do really well and this is as much for him and his gamble as it is for us.
You'll see bigger and better things at West Ham now - and what we've got
going for us is fans. "We've got 50 - 60, 000 fans, they're all London
people and we have to produce bigger and better football teams and go from
strength to strength. The most important thing is that we never end up in
this position again."
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Tevez in demand - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 15th May 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Kia Joorabchian has claimed that 'two of the biggest clubs in the world' are
in the hunt to sign Carlos Tevez. Joorabchian, speaking last night also
revealed that the 23-year-old stiker is yet to begin discussions with regard
to this future - although a return to East London hasn't yet been fully
ruled out. "I went out to dinner with Carlos last night," said Joorabchian,
"but there was not one word about his future. "Three clubs had made it clear
they wanted to sign him but I told them to wait until the season had
finished - Carlos did not want to discuss his future as he was so wrapped up
in wanting to keep West Ham up. "I'll go to the Champions League final,
then talk to the clubs who want to buy him. I'll sit down with West Ham,
too, if they want to talk to me about keeping him because you never know.
But there are two of the biggest clubs in the world who want him."
One club ruled out of making a move for the Argentinian so far are
Liverpool, who had previously registered an interest. "I often speak with
Rafa Benitez," added Joorabchain. "After all, I do have a player with
Liverpool. "But we haven't discussed Carlos. The clubs that are interested
will have their chance once Carlos has come down from his high and has time
to think about his future."
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Sour Grapes? - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 15th May 2007
By: Tross
Some may say, yet in the truest reflection of Aesop's Fables the purists
amongst us will recount that the fox only feigned disdain for the grapes
after he could not attain them. Oh the tribulation. The suffering and
hardship. How does one deal with the distress? Then again being well
en-route to my third marriage, my experience of the aforementioned emotions
is vast and still lives vividly in the memory.
As a businessman, in my early days I lost a number of rather lucrative
contracts to my competitors. The reasons for this were plentiful in my mind.
They were better established, they were bigger, had more men, had somebody
on the inside, bought the contract manager, political clout ... the list was
endless, and my grapes were indeed sour. It wasn't until I actually began to
identify my company and indeed my personal shortcomings and take ownership
of these situations, that I found the courage required (in some rather
choice grapes from the Rioja Valley if memory serves me right) to analyse
our own activities with some harsh "How?" and "Why?" questions that the
solution became abundantly clear.
Our opportunity for success was always in our hands. Yes there were
obstacles placed in our way. The ones we couldn't beat head on, we learned
to go around, over or under. We choose no longer to blame the obstacle for
our misgivings. If we lost a tender or contract, it was because WE, as a
collective were not good enough. To poor scorn on the successes of others
and undertake a smear campaign would have been to damage the reputation of
this business. As a company we had too much self respect, as a man, my pride
and honour would no longer allow me to hide behind a lame excuse.
So to football, and namely having first hand experience of relegation on a
number of occasions as a West Ham United fan, I always endeavour to show
compassion to a relegated football club.
Yet I am finding grave difficulty in finding any empathy whatsoever with
Kevin McCabe, Neil (Colin) Warnock and the board of Sheffield United
Football club. The very rules made and agreed to by them, the fabric and
indeed very mettle that constitutes their argument is what they propose to
overturn and have all but began a mutiny against the very institution of
which they wish to be a part of.
A breach of the rules by West Ham United Football Club was undoubtedly made.
Whether this was made intentionally or not is another debate for another
time. A punishment for the breech was administered by the powers that be,
based on the information available to them at the time. These powers were
approved and granted authority by the very parties that now feel it is
reasonable for them to challenge the said authority which they had less than
a year ago empowered. (Don't it make you dizzy)!
Quite simply they have pinned their hopes of success on the failure of
others, a mistake of mammoth proportion in any walk of life. How the
pre-match attitudes at Brammal Lane differed; Warnock's interview
highlighting his expectation of Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson. In
the starkest of contrasts, the then Wigan manager Paul Jewell's approach was
one of focus on the task in hand, rejecting the game at Old Trafford's
influence and depicting to the wise amongst us a glimpse of what to expect
from his team. One wonders if his refusal to have his integrity tarnished by
the actions of his chairman was the driving factor in his resignation, or
perhaps he seeks a position at club with a real cause to follow.
The constant ranting and allegations of Machiavellian antics at West Ham
United and at the Premier League must stop. This is England, not Italy for
the love of God.
West Ham as a club finally accepted its position and the challenges ahead of
it after the 3-4 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. With a renewed zest for
the game and a shared passion the team faced the remainder of the season,
their shortcomings and the media circus of a seasons events shut out at last
and the control firmly in the hands of the new manager Alan Curbishley.
A monumental task was performed; similar to that of Portsmouth just a few
seasons ago, which incidentally was met with an abundance of praise for
Harry Redknapp from the media. As the season closes, no team in the
Premiership has better form than the East Enders, a team which has twice
beaten the newly crowned Champions, I hasten to add. For anybody to further
profess that West Ham do not deserve or have not earnt their premiership
status for 2007/2008, they are little more than extending an unnecessary
exercise in self denial. The teams that were good enough for the Premiership
stayed up. Those who weren't, didn't.
Perhaps Colin the merchant banker could sit down and reflect on his teams'
performances this season, and had his board shown as much enthusiasm earlier
in the season, dare I suggest invested a tad more time and money into
affairs concerning the team, somewhere in there he and they may find the
salvation they seek.
Yet some of the answers they so desperately crave, they appear void of the
courage required to ask. This from a town world renowned for none other than
its steel. The storm in this old cockney teacup will soon blow over, long
before the board or management of Sheffield United will be savouring the
fruits of the premiership vine. The Blades and their new found friends may
have tried to cut us down.
Alan Curbishley and HIS team have pulled off the great escape.
Let us celebrate and look forward to what promises to be an interesting
close season.
UNITED WE STAND
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Two giants 'vying for Tevez' - Sky
By Tom Adams - Created on 15 May 2007
Kia Joorabchian claims that two of world football's biggest clubs are
looking to sign Argentinian forward Carlos Tevez this summer. Despite
leading West Ham to safety with seven goals in his last ten games, Tevez is
expected to depart Upton Park when the transfer window opens after
attracting huge controversy over the terms of his signing from Corinthians
in August. Joorabchian is the man at the middle of the row due to a clause
in Tevez's original contract which allowed his company MSI to sell the
striker at any time. Whilst legal action from relegated Sheffield United
remains a possibility, the Iranian-born businessman is now looking ahead to
Tevez's possible options in the summer, with Internazionale, Liverpool and
Real Madrid all linked with the three-time South American Player of the
Year. Joorabchian maintains that no decisions have yet been made regarding
Tevez's future, although two European giants appear to be in the chase for
the Hammers hero. "I went out for dinner with Carlos last night. He was
ecstatic. There was not one word about his future," Joorabchian told the
Daily Express. "Three clubs had made it clear they wanted to sign him but I
told them to wait until the season had finished. "Carlos did not want to
discuss his future, he was so wrapped up in wanting to keep West Ham up.
"I'll go to the Champions League final, then I'll talk to the clubs who want
to buy him. "I'll sit down with West Ham if they want to talk to me about
keeping him because you never know. But there are two of the biggest clubs
in the world who want him."
Speculation regarding a possible switch to Liverpool, to join former West
Ham and Corinthians team-mate Javier Mascherano, has been growing, but
Joorabchian has played down talk of an imminent move to Anfield despite
having dinner with Rafa Benitez. "I often do that - after all, I do have a
player with Liverpool," Joorabchian added. "But we haven't discussed Carlos.
"The clubs that are interested will have their chance once Carlos has come
down from his high and has time to think about his future."
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Curbs: It's a learning curve - Sky
By Tom Adams - Created on 15 May 2007
West Ham's miserable Premiership campaign will only make the London club
stronger, according to manager Alan Curbishley. The Hammers clung onto
their Premiership status thanks to a 1-0 win at Manchester United on the
final day of the season, concluding a campaign that has witnessed a change
of manager, a change in ownership and deep controversy over the arrivals of
Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. Prior to the run of seven wins in nine
games that dragged the club out of the relegation zone, West Ham supporters
had vented their anger at the team and Curbishley after witnessing a decline
in performances. However, Curbishley hopes all the personal attacks and
testing times will only help his side endeavour to come back stronger next
season. "There was a spell when the fans were telling the players they
weren't fit to wear the shirt and they were also having a go at me," said
Curbishley in The Mirror. "They were saying things like 'f*** off back to
Charlton' and all that sort of stuff because they were so upset at what was
happening to the club. "You could understand their feelings. This time last
year they had been to the FA Cup Final and had enjoyed a good season in the
league. "But I think it was coming home from the FA Cup Final when the
problems really started. "Three or four players needed operations then Dean
Ashton got injured in the build-up to the start of the season. After that
one or two players got injured when the season started. "There were other
problems, like losing three or four games on the spin, which was something
they never had to deal with before. "So it's been a real learning curve and
I hope everyone has learned from it. I certainly have. Hopefully all this
will stand us in good stead for next season."
Curbishley also admitted he cannot wait to have some of his key players fit
again at the start of the next campaign. "We're already thinking about next
season and looking forward to it," Curbishley added. "We look forward to
welcoming back one or two of the big-hitters like Dean Ashton, Matthew Upson
and Danny Gabbidon."
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Gomes linked to Hammers - Sky
By Steve Bramley - Created on 15 May 2007
Benfica's Nuno Gomes says he is ready to make a move to the Premiership. The
30-year-old Portuguese striker is believed to be a target of West Ham. Gomes
has been watched by scouts from Upton Park and has spoken to his Portugal
team-mate Luis Boa Morte about a possible £3million move to the East End.
"It is an attractive opportunity to play in England because I have always
enjoyed watching it on television," Gomes told the Daily Mirror. "I have
watched my Portuguese team-mates Ricardo Carvalho and Paulo Ferreira and it
makes me believe I can make a move to England. "I'm happy at Benfica but a
proposition to Europe would be my last big deal. I am ready for an English
adventure."
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League looks to calm Tevez row - Sky
By Tom Adams - Created on 15 May 2007
The Premier League has moved to underline that at no point was Carlos Tevez
ineligible to play for West Ham, with Wigan chairman Dave Whelan calling for
a new hearing into the controversial signing of the Argentinian forward. The
bitter dispute over West Ham's acquisition of Tevez last August threatens to
rumble on throughout the summer, with Sheffield United plotting possible
legal action after their relegation on the final day of the season. The
so-called 'Gang of Four' - The Blades, Wigan, Fulham and Charlton - are
still insistent that The Hammers should have been deducted points for
irregularities in the transfers of Tevez and Javier Mascherano, and are
believed to have been joined in their crusade by Middlesbrough. The Premier
League will seek to explain the complicated situation to all clubs on
Tuesday, but spokesman Dan Johnson has insisted the league have no qualms
with Tevez's registration, either before or after the independent
commission's findings when The Hammers re-registered the star outside the
transfer window.
"This has never been a question of West Ham fielding an ineligible player,"
Johnson told The Sun. "From the day they signed him, West Ham have owned his
registration. That has never been an issue. "West Ham have never tried to
conceal the fact Tevez and Javier Mascherano are owned by Kia Joorabchian
and MSI. That is not against the rules. "The only problem we had with the
deal was the existence of a clause in the agreement which would allow
Joorabchian to sell the players to another club at any time. "On the day of
the inquiry's judgment, West Ham chose to terminate the third-party
agreement with Joorabchian. They presented the Premier League with written
evidence of the new arrangement."
However, Whelan believes that the disaffected clubs could have a case with
regards Tevez's second registration, with the Latics chairman claiming that
a new hearing must be established to ensure justice is done. "We cannot
reverse the decision the commission came out with," said Whelan. "It is
impossible - they were appointed by the Premier League and all the clubs
agreed these people would take charge of the case. "But now we are saying he
[Tevez] has been registered illegally for a second time. Who owns him? Where
will this £30million be going we are told he is now going for? "We need a
new hearing because he has been registered illegally again. That should be
another fine or points deduction. "What we can look at is how they opened a
new transfer window to sign an illegal player. "He was illegal, they were
fined £5.5million for playing an illegal player all season. Then they open a
new window from a Friday at 4pm and leave it open until midday the following
day to register him and play against Wigan. "When [Javier] Mascherano went
to Liverpool, it took five weeks to get clearance - and they used the same
contract. "I cannot believe the Premier League will allow these things to
happen and put Sheffield United into the Championship and leave West Ham in,
it is not right, not fair."
The rift currently afflicting the Premier League will also reach political
circles on Tuesday as a group of Sheffield MPs will raise the issue in
Parliament. Labour MP Clive Betts told the Yorkshire Post: "The early day
motion is essentially saying that the whole of the Premiership competition
has been thrown into doubt. There are very clear rules. "West Ham have
broken those rules and they should have points deducted as a consequence."
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Spurs, Everton battle for West Ham's Reo-Coker
tribalfooball.com - May 15, 2007
Tottenham are waiting in the wings for West Ham United midfielder Nigel
Reo-Coker. The Mirror says Spurs boss Martin Jol had targeted 23-year-old
Reo-Coker, who is disillusioned at West Ham after claiming he has been
singled out for abuse by fans. Spurs were hot favourites to land Reo-Coker
but their interest has cooled and they will bide their time. Everton boss
David Moyes is watching developments and Sunderland's Roy Keane could be in
the frame.
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West Ham ahead of Spurs for Charlton ace Bent
tribalfooball.com - May 15, 2007
Tottenham and West Ham United are battling to keep Charlton Athletic ace
Darren Bent in London next season. The Daily Mail says Spurs are considering
a £10million move for Bent but could be gazumped by West Ham's £12m move for
the England forward, who would link up once again with former Addicks boss
Alan Curbishley. Sam Allardyce could also be interested in making Bent his
first signing as Newcastle United manager with Obafemi Martins heading to
either Juventus or Valencia.
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Spurs exit Hammer hunt? - RedandWhiteBarmy
By Anthony Edwards
Date: 15/5/2007
SUNDERLAND have been put on alert over the future of West Ham United
midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker. The England Under 21 captain had been expected
to join Tottenham Hotspur this summer, but Spurs are thought to be having
second thoughts about signing the midfielder. Roy Keane has already stated
that he is looking to bring in some players with Premiership experience
ready for the Black Cats return to the top flight and could be set to move
for the unsettled Hammers star. Reo-Coker revealed yesterday that he will
meet with the West Ham management later this week to discuss his future at
Upton Park.
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Mc Babe Throws His Toys At West Ham - West Ham Fans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 15 May, 2007 - 10:19.
This headline does not have a typographical error, but is designed to remind
the Sheffield United Chairman that his surname is McCabe, not Mc'Babe'. The
People of Sheffield are known as salt of the earth, from the old foundries
through to the terraces they had a reputation of being hard but fair, but
also for being men. The pathetic snivelling of their chairman does not serve
the Blades supporters well, if he had devoted any where near as much energy
and time in backing his team and trying to galvanise them for the
Premiership run in as he did in criticising West Ham and bleating for a
points deduction, then his team might not have found themselves playing for
their survival on the final day of the season.
Likewise Dave Whiner's actions hardly helped his club and were instrumental
in Paul Jewell resigning as manager less than 24 hours after ensuring
Wigan's Premiership safety at the expense of Sheffield United. Jewell is a
footballing man well respected by the other league managers, he became
increasingly irritated by his chairman's constant mouthing off to the press
that he told him to "gag it" as his comments were having a negative effect
on the team's morale, it was as if Whiner didn't believe the club would stay
up on their own merits.
Expect the 'gang of four' to become the 'gang of one' eventually, Fulham
won't make too much noise because they know that their Premiership survival
was handed to them on a plate by Liverpool fielding a reserve team against
them in the fixture at Craven Cottage that was won by Lawrie Sanchez's team
1-0. Charlton have too many Hammers connections to make a fuss and also
there could well be a fair amount of player movement between the two clubs,
especially in the possible loan deals for players such as Mullins, Bowyer,
Etherington, Quashie, Dailly, Pantsil, Carroll, Mears and Konchesky, all
favourites of Alan Pardew.
Eggert Magnusson will really push the boat out to try to keep the Apache
that is Carlitos Tevez at the Boleyn, the Chairman's logic being that
enormous financial cost could be offset by sponsorship and TV money to the
point where the deal could almost be self financing, to be honest such a
deal HAS to be self financing because it would be foolhardy for the Club to
invest it's entire transfer budget on just one player! What if Carlitos
received a 'Deano' while training or playing for Argentina? His performances
towards the end of the season will surely see him included in the Argentine
International team again. It would be truly wonderful for West Ham
supporters if the club do manage to hold on to Carlitos, if only for another
season, but sometimes a club has to think with it's head and not it's heart,
Hammers cannot afford to buy the player of the year outright (£35 Million),
it would just be one big signing too far, at least for now! - Ed
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Close shave can help Hammers - boss Tue, May 15 2007 10:51 -
EatSleepSport
Alan Curbishley is backing himself and West Ham's players to use this
season's flirt with relegation to be a lot better team next term. The
former Charlton boss, who took over from the sacked Alan Pardew at Upton
Park in December, helped drag the Londoners out of the relegation mire with
seven wins from their final nine games after they looked as good as down, 10
points adrift at the bottom of the table in March. And, with injuries to key
players, stinging criticism from the fans, plus the furore over the arrivals
of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, Curbishley feels they have all coped
remarkably well to stay up and he thinks that will help them progress in the
future. He told The Mirror: "There was a spell when the fans were telling
the players they weren't fit to wear the shirt and they were also having a
go at me. "You could understand their feelings. This time last year they had
been to the FA Cup Final and had enjoyed a good season in the league. "But
I think it was coming home from the FA Cup Final when the problems really
started. "Three or four players needed operations then Dean Ashton got
injured in the build-up to the start of the season. After that one or two
players got injured when the season started. "There were other problems,
like losing three or four games on the spin, which was something they never
had to deal with before. "So it's been a real learning curve and I hope
everyone has learned from it. I certainly have. Hopefully all this will
stand us in good stead for next season."
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Tevez was always eligible to play for West Ham, say Premier League - Daily
Mail
Last updated at 10:48am on 15th May 2007
The Premier League have insisted there was never any doubt about Carlos
Tevez being eligible to play for West Ham. The 'Gang of Four' clubs, who are
lining up to challenge the decision to allow the Hammers to escape with a
fine for playing Tevez and fellow Argentina star Javier Mascherano, have
raised questions about whether the striker should have been allowed to
continue playing for the club once the third-party interest from Kia
Joorabchian became apparent. But Premier League spokesman Dan Johnson denied
that Tevez, whose goals were largely responsible for keeping West Ham up as
Sheffield United followed Charlton and Watford into the Championship, was
ever ineligible. Johnson did, though, concede that Joorabchian's influence
was against the rules. He told The Sun: "This has never been a question of
West Ham fielding an ineligible player. "From the day they signed him, West
Ham have owned his registration. That has never been an issue. "West Ham
have never tried to conceal the fact Tevez and Javier Mascherano are owned
by Kia Joorabchian and MSI. That is not against the rules. "The only problem
we had with the deal was the existence of a clause in the agreement which
would allow Joorabchian to sell the players to another club at any time."
Sheffield United, Charlton, Wigan and Fulham, thought to be backed by
Middlesbrough, have also questioned the player's right to continue playing
after an independent commission handed down a £5.5million fine over the
arrangement, but Johnson insists the Premier League are also happy with
Tevez's re-registration. "On the day of the inquiry's judgment, West Ham
chose to terminate the third-party agreement with Joorabchian. They
presented the Premier League with written evidence of the new arrangement."
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has claimed the Premier League will write to each
of 20 top-flight clubs today, explaining their handling of the affair.
Meanwhile, the 23-year-old's performances have put him firmly in the shop
window and despite retaining their status, West Ham look likely to lose
their star player. But Joorabchian remains tight-lipped and told the Daily
Express: "I went out for dinner with Carlos last night. There was not one
word about his future. "Three clubs had made it clear they wanted to sign
him but I told them to wait until the season had finished.
"Carlos did not want to discuss his future, he was so wrapped up in wanting
to keep West Ham up."
But the Iranian businessman also hinted the Hammers could face a stiff
challenge to keep Tevez. "I'll sit down with West Ham if they want to talk
to me about keeping him because you never know. But there are two of the
biggest clubs in the world who want him."
The relegation issue is due to reach the House of Commons today when a group
of Sheffield MPs bring the matter before Parliament. Clive Betts, Labour
representative for Sheffield Attercliffe is leading the motion and is due to
call for West Ham to be deducted points. Betts told the Yorkshire Post: "The
early day motion is essentially saying that the whole of the Premiership
competition has been thrown into doubt. There are very clear rules. "West
Ham have broken those rules and they should have points deducted as a
consequence."
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Colchester Linked With Sheringham - Vital Football
Colchester United`s resident Internet-based fans have been mulling over the
rumour that West Ham`s Ted Sheringham, out of contact, would consider a move
to Colchester United. The former England international, 41, has a house in
Witham and is has mentored fellow Hammer, and U`s loanee, Hogan Ephraim, who
this season declared the ex-Manchester United star as his hero. Signing
Sheringham, whose only remaining career ambition is to play with, or
against, his son Charlie, would be a great coup for the U`s. Charlie
currently plays for Crystal Palace in the Championship.
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Stage set for the Hammers - Northampton Chronicle
WEST HAM'S Premiership stars will turn out against the Cobblers' 1997
Wembley winners in the Andy Woodman benefit match at Sixfields tonight.
Woodman is goalkeeping coach at the youth academy at Upton Park, and manager
Alan Curbishley has promised him he will be bringing all the big guns to
Northampton. The Hammers' official website is advertising that the
full first team will play, and that means the likes of Anton Ferdinand,
Bobby Zamora and Nigel Reo-Coker should be strutting their stuff against
Woodman, Ray Warburton, Ian Sampson, John Frain and co. But the Hammers'
man-of-the-moment Carlos Tevez won't be involved, as it has been reported
today he has already flown back to Argentina. But it should still be a
strong Hammers side, and Woodman declared: "I kid you not when I say this,
it will be the full squad. "It is not going to be a bunch of people you have
never heard of, it is the first team squad."
It should be a great night, especially as the Hammers are still in the party
mood following their Premiership 'great escape', their survival being sealed
with Sunday's 1-0 win at champions Manchester United.
Woodman is really looking forward to the game, which he says at last offers
him the chance to say goodbye to the Cobblers supporters. "The fact of the
matter is I never really did get chance to say goodbye to the fans," said
Woodman. "And I think you would be hard pressed to find a player that has
had such a rapport with the fans. "Obviously that was proven when they voted
for me for the BBC Grandstand Cult Heroes poll a couple of years ago, which
was a real honour for me. "Whenever I've come back here with numerous
clubs, they have given me great support.
"The other week I came out on the pitch (at half-time v Chesterfield) and I
was probably more nervous that day than when I played here! "Straight away
they sang my name.The rapport is fabulous and to be honest, I just think
that this place is where I had my happiest memories in football."
There will certainly be plenty of memories rekindled at Sixfields tonight,
with the team from that famous day at Wembley donning the claret and white
for one last time.Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate – Woodman's best
friend – is also set to turn out for the Cobblers, along with the likes of
John Gayle, Ian Clarkson, Jason White and Dean Peer, while Ian Atkins is
managing the team. A big crowd is expected at Sixfields tonight for what is
a 7pm kick-off. Tickets, which are £10 for adults (£6 concessions, £3 for
under-16s), can still be pre-purchased from the Sixfields box office or by
calling 0870 822 1966. Ten per cent of all profits from tonight's game will
be donated to the Cobblers youth set-up.
Last Updated: 15 May 2007
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Hammers row continues despite great escape - The Times
Football by Mike Brewer
West Ham United are 5-1 with Paddy Power to start next season in the
Coca-Cola Championship as the row over Carlos Tevez and the ruling of the
league's independent commission rumbles on. The Hammers completed their
great escape with a 1-0 win away to Manchester United on Sunday. Alan
Curbishley's team had been 1-66 to be relegated in March, but success at Old
Trafford meant that they finished the campaign by picking up 21 points from
their final nine fixtures. However, it seems that West Ham are still not
guaranteed safety because backing for the so-called "Gang of Four" -
Sheffield United, Wigan, Fulham and Charlton - is growing. West Ham were
fined £5.5million for irregularities over the signings of Argentinians
Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano but many thought that they should have
had a points deduction. Had it been just a three-point penalty the Irons
would have been relegated instead of the Blades. However, Paddy Power
believe that the league will not belatedly dock points and offer just 1-10
that West Ham will be in the Premiership next season. Darren Haines,
spokesman for Paddy Power, said: "The Premier League will be loath to
reverse their decision and unfortunately for Sheffield United it looks like
being too little too late. We think the Tevez inspired West Ham has survived
for another season and the betting reflects that." Meanwhile, Ladbrokes
make Sheffield United 7-4 to win promotion next season. Charlton Athletic
are 11-10 to go straight back up, with Watford 7-4.
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Tevez & NRC Off for Bent Deal - Hammers Mad
By Plymouth_hammer Tuesday 15th May 2007
Alan Curbishley will lose Carlos Tevez before the start of next season and
current club Captain Nigel Reo-Coker will also leave the Hammers. Tevez
looks set for a move to one of Europe's major football teams with AC Milan,
Real Madrid and Sevilla all touted as possible destinations for Hammers
hero. Reo-Coker, whose poor form and attitude this season has made him a
target for supporters, will definitely leave. His dream move to one of the
top four sides will not happen though, after their interest in the player
cooled significantly. Spurs or Everton look likely destination for the
England U-21 Captain.
Curbishley will also clear out a number of fringe players in order to make
way for a £12 million bid for relegated Charlton striker Darren Bent. Curbs'
is planning on bringing in his former Charlton protégé to play with a fresh
and injury-free Dean Ashton next season.
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Make the Premier League 21 Clubs - The Sheffield Star
SHEFFIELD United plc chairman Kevin McCabe wants the Premier League to look
at the possibility of reinstating the Blades into the Premiership. "It is
certainly a possibility," he said as support mounted for United's cause
among other clubs in the wake of the West Ham Carlos Tevez affair. "Why
can't the Premier League be extended for one season to 21 clubs?" he asked.
"That is certainly something they should put to us rather than us to them.
"This is very much an exceptional case whereby a club has been wronged and
it should be put right. "The Premier League Board have to stand up and be
counted and admit there have been mistakes here in various ways, mistakes
that are affecting one club that does not deserve to be relegated. "It's an
opportunity for them to contact Sheffield United and make up the wrong."
McCabe said they had received "verbal support" from other clubs who believe
a "major wrong" has been committed and that West Ham should have had points
deducted. "I think most of the Premier League clubs and other football clubs
support us over this injustice that has come about this season," he said.
"Four years ago we lost in the (Championship) Play-off Final and I felt
gutted. This time I feel cheated. "One club among 20 has fielded ineligible
players this season. One club remains in the Premiership who should not be
in it. "They have a £50 million bonus next season whereas we have suffered
probably a £50m loss if relegation is confirmed," he added. The United chief
also backed up the concern of Wigan chairman Dave Whelan over the
re-registering of Tevez after the initial punishment by the Premier League's
independent tribunal of a £5.5 million fine. "That concerns us and our
lawyers will be looking at that," he said. "That is one of the issues, and
there has been no legal evidence presented so far to clubs to satisfy us
that the previous contract (with Tevez) was legally terminated. That is a
big issue. He called on the Premier League to show the legal evidence, to
clubs, that the contract was terminated. "I will do everything I can to
protect the interests of Sheffield United Football Club, and I owe that to
the fans, the directors, the players, the management and all who work for
this great club of ours," he added. "We played and abided by the rules but
we have been wronged by the actions of off-field events elsewhere. "One
club has not played by the rules and they now prosper while we suffer
emotionally and financially." Backing for the so-called 'Gang of Four' -
United, Wigan, Fulham and Charlton - appears to be growing. Middlesbrough
are the latest to show support. The Premier League say they will contact all
20 top-flight clubs today with a detailed explanation about the issue.
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Prem chiefs stand firm over Tevez - TeamTalk
The Premier League have insisted there was never any doubt about Argentina
striker Carlos Tevez being eligible to play for West Ham. The 'Gang of Four'
clubs, who are lining up to challenge the decision to allow the Hammers to
escape with a fine for playing Tevez and fellow Argentina star Javier
Mascherano, have raised questions about whether the striker should have been
allowed to continue playing for the club once the third-party interest from
Kia Joorabchian became apparent. But Premier League spokesman Dan Johnson
denied that Tevez, whose goals were largely responsible for keeping West Ham
up as Sheffield United followed Charlton and Watford into the Championship,
was ever ineligible. Johnson did, though, concede that Joorabchian's
influence was against the rules and told The Sun: "This has never been a
question of West Ham fielding an ineligible player. "From the day they
signed him, West Ham have owned his registration. That has never been an
issue. "West Ham have never tried to conceal the fact Tevez and Javier
Mascherano are owned by Kia Joorabchian and MSI. That is not against the
rules. "The only problem we had with the deal was the existence of a clause
in the agreement which would allow Joorabchian to sell the players to
another club at any time." Sheffield United, Charlton, Wigan and Fulham,
thought to be backed by Middlesbrough, have also questioned the player's
right to continue playing after an independent commission handed down a
£5.5million fine over the arrangement, but Johnson insists the Premier
League are also happy with Tevez's re-registration. "On the day of the
inquiry's judgment, West Ham chose to terminate the third-party agreement
with Joorabchian. They presented the Premier League with written evidence of
the new arrangement." Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has claimed the Premier
League will write to each of 20 top-flight clubs on Tuesday, explaining
their handling of the affair. The relegation issue is due to reach the House
of Commons on Tuesday when a group of Sheffield MPs bring the matter before
Parliament. Clive Betts, Labour representative for Sheffield Attercliffe is
leading the motion and is due to call for West Ham to be deducted points.
Betts told the Yorkshire Post: "The early day motion is essentially saying
that the whole of the Premiership competition has been thrown into doubt.
There are very clear rules. "West Ham have broken those rules and they
should have points deducted as a consequence."
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Pressure for Tevez appeal fades - Viewlondon.co.uk
The Premier League will seek to draw a line under the Carlos Tevez affair
today when chief executive Richard Scudamore writes to all club chairmen to
explain the decision not to deduct points from West Ham. A Premier League
commission fined the Hammers £5.5 million last month for transfer
irregularities surrounding the signing of Tevez and his Argentina team-mate
Javier Mascherano. Sheffield United, who were relegated on Sunday, are
leading calls for a legal challenge and have the backing of Charlton, Wigan
and Fulham. However, Wigan chairman Dave Whelan, the most outspoken
supporter of Sheffield United's cause, admitted last night that there was no
chance of getting the original decision overturned or reviewed. "We cannot
reverse the decision the commission came out with," he said. "It is
impossible." Whelan urged Sheffield United to press on with legal action,
with the focus now shifting to the steps West Ham took to ensure Tevez could
continue to play after the commission's ruling. The BBC is reporting this
morning that the club have a letter terminating the third party arrangement
they had with businessman Kia Joorabchian. It is this agreement with a third
party – and the fact that the previous owners misled the Premier League
about its existence – that left West Ham in breach of the rules. Eggert
Magnusson, who took control of the club in November last year, accepted the
commission's decision and will not be appealing. Tevez was instrumental in
keeping the Hammers in the Premiership, scoring four goals in the last five
games including the winner against Manchester United at Old Trafford on
Sunday. Despite becoming a firm favourite with the Upton Park crowd the
Argentina star is expected to leave in the summer after struggling to settle
in London, with La Liga his most likely destination.
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Tevez 'always eligible' for Hammers - metro.co.uk
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
The Premier League today insisted there was never any doubt about Carlos
Tevez being eligible to play for West Ham. The 'Gang of Four' clubs, who are
lining up to challenge the decision to allow the Hammers to escape with a
fine for playing Tevez and fellow Argentina star Javier Mascherano, have
raised questions about whether the striker should have been allowed to
continue playing for the club once the third-party interest from Kia
Joorabchian became apparent. But Premier League spokesman Dan Johnson denied
that Tevez, whose goals were largely responsible for keeping West Ham up as
Sheffield United followed Charlton and Watford into the Championship, was
ever ineligible.
Johnson did, though, concede that Joorabchian's influence was against the
rules. He told The Sun: 'This has never been a question of West Ham fielding
an ineligible player. 'From the day they signed him, West Ham have owned his
registration. That has never been an issue. 'West Ham have never tried to
conceal the fact Tevez and Javier Mascherano are owned by Kia Joorabchian
and MSI. That is not against the rules. 'The only problem we had with the
deal was the existence of a clause in the agreement which would allow
Joorabchian to sell the players to another club at any time.'
Sheffield United, Charlton, Wigan and Fulham, thought to be backed by
Middlesbrough, have also questioned the player's right to continue playing
after an independent commission handed down a £5.5million fine over the
arrangement, but Johnson insists the Premier League are also happy with
Tevez's re-registration. 'On the day of the inquiry's judgment, West Ham
chose to terminate the third-party agreement with Joorabchian. They
presented the Premier League with written evidence of the new arrangement.'
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has claimed the Premier League will write to each
of 20 top-flight clubs today, explaining their handling of the affair.
Meanwhile, the 23-year-old's performances have put him firmly in the shop
window and despite retaining their status, West Ham look likely to lose
their star player. But Joorabchian remains tight-lipped and told the Daily
Express: 'I went out for dinner with Carlos last night. There was not one
word about his future. 'Three clubs had made it clear they wanted to sign
him but I told them to wait until the season had finished.
'Carlos did not want to discuss his future, he was so wrapped up in wanting
to keep West Ham up.' But the Iranian businessman also hinted the Hammers
could face a stiff challenge to keep Tevez. 'I'll sit down with West Ham if
they want to talk to me about keeping him because you never know. But there
are two of the biggest clubs in the world who want him.'
The relegation issue is due to reach the House of Commons today when a group
of Sheffield MPs bring the matter before Parliament. Clive Betts, Labour
representative for Sheffield Attercliffe is leading the motion and is due to
call for West Ham to be deducted points. Betts told the Yorkshire Post: 'The
early day motion is essentially saying that the whole of the Premiership
competition has been thrown into doubt. There are very clear rules. 'West
Ham have broken those rules and they should have points deducted as a
consequence.'
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TEVEZ TO REVEAL ALL IN A WEEK - Daily Express
Tuesday May 15,2007
By Harry Harris Have your say(0)
CARLOS TEVEZ will decide on his future next week – by which time West Ham's
rivals hope to have had his achievement in keeping the club in the
Premiership wiped from the record books.
Tevez almost single-handedly dragged the Hammers to safety in the closing
weeks. But Sheffield United and others believe the third-party agreement
that incurred the £5.5million fine from the Premier League was not torn up,
as West Ham claimed. Liverpool, Real Madrid and Inter Milan have already
expressed firm interest in signing £31m-rated Tevez, who left London for
Argentina last night. But the man who has control over Tevez and Argentina
team-mate Javier Mascherano, at Liverpool, says no decision will be taken
until next week. "I went out to dinner with Carlos last night. He was
ecstatic. There was not one word about his future," said Kia Joorabchian.
"Three clubs had made it clear they wanted to sign him but I told them to
wait until the season had finished. Carlos did not want to discuss his
future, he was so wrapped up in wanting to keep West Ham up. "I'll go to the
Champions League final, then talk to the clubs who want to buy him. I'll sit
down with West Ham, too, if they want to talk to me about keeping him
because you never know. But there are two of the biggest clubs in the world
who want him." Joorabchian has had dinner with Rafa Benitez, but he said: "I
often do that – after all, I do have a player with Liverpool. But we
haven't discussed Carlos. The clubs that are interested will have their
chance once Carlos has come down from his high and has time to think about
his future."
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West Ham After Bent? - Those Were The Days
By Philip Ham
Date: 15/5/2007
West Ham are reported to be poised to make a £12 million bid for ex-Town
striker Darren Bent. The England man looks certain to leave relegated
Charlton over the summer. If the report is true, Alan Curbishley may be
looking to reunite Bent with Dean Ashton, the pair having formed a
successful strike partnership for England at both U19 and U21 level. Town
are due 20% of any profit the Addicks make on the £2.6 million they paid the
Blues for Bent's services. A fee of £12 million would add £1.88 million to
Jim Magilton's transfer budget.
In another morning paper, Spurs are said to be ready to make a £10 million
move for Bent, a switch which would land the Blues £1.48 million.
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