16/05/2007 09:00
Andy Woodman admitted he was overwhelmed by the support he received from
Alan Curbishley, the players and the West Ham United fans at his benefit
match last night. Hammers' Youth Academy goalkeeping coach teamed up with
his former Northampton Town team-mates from their 1997 Play-Off final
triumph - plus good friend Gareth Southgate, for an entertaining evening of
football against a strong West Ham United side in front of a crowd of more
than 5,000 at the Sixfields Stadium. "It was a fabulous night," said Woody.
"All I can say is thank you to Alan Curbishley, the staff and the players
for their support on the night, and a thank you isn't really enough to be
honest. "After such a long and hard season, I'm sure the last thing they
wanted to do was come down here on a Tuesday night, and I am extremely
grateful for everything they have done. "The West Ham supporters were of
course fantastic, we knew they would turn up because they follow the club
everywhere, and all in all it was a top night. I was overwhelmed by the
support of everyone who attended."
Although the evening ended in a 4-1 defeat for the veteran Northampton
favourites, Woody rounded off his own personal occasion with an
expertly-taken penalty five minutes into the second half - awarded after Lee
Bowyer had 'accidentally' handled in the area…just as Northampton's
substitute goalkeeper was waiting to come on. After sprinting forward to
slam the spot-kick past a stranded Jimmy Walker, Woody immediately left the
field to a standing ovation. "To be honest, it was a case of either me or
Gareth Southgate taking the penalty, and we needed a goal, so I took it!"
joked Woody. "And I tell you, Jimmy Walker was absolutely desperate to save
it, but I gave him no chance!
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Noble looks back on best day of his life! - WHUFC
16/05/2007 11:52
Looking back on the momentous occasion at Old Trafford at the weekend, where
the Hammers clinched their Premiership status with a 1-0 win, Mark Noble
said: "It was the best day of my life." "It was unbelievable to come to Old
Trafford and win to stay up," he added. "It's never been better than this.
The boys have dug in and we've played as a team for the last three months.
"We're over the moon and we're going to enjoy a nice break. I can't wait for
next season now! We showed we can dig in and defend against Arsenal and when
we've played other teams we've showed our flair. "Against Man United you
have to fall back and defend. We did that after Tevez scored a wonderful
goal and we're still in the Premier League. "All I wanted to do was go out
there and keep it simple. I just played the holding role and let Yossi and
Boa Morte do the things that they do best. It's not about me; it's about the
team and the Club. Everyone's buzzing."
With Curbs pinpointing the 4-3 defeat to Tottenham at Upton Park as the
turning point for the Hammers' resurgence, Mark reflected on that game. "It
was a day of mixed emotions for me, I was crying afterwards but that's how I
showed my emotion," he said. "I wanted to win so badly and it never
happened. Obviously I scored early on and it was a rollercoaster game. But
it was all worth it and we can look back on it now and say it was the
catalyst for what we've done."
Premiership status secured, Mark admitted he could breathe a sigh of relief.
"We're not worrying about anyone else now and next season we can prove
ourselves," he said. "We've got out of the sticky patch of the difficult
second season in the Premiership and we can push on a do well and hopefully
do as well as we did in the first season - or better. "I was looking up to
the fans, we had a bit of eye contact, me and my friends. It was a fantastic
day, they were as happy as me. But everyone knows how important it is to
this Club, being in the Premiership, and the East End is a happy place to be
now."
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Green: Seige mentality spurred us on - WHUFC
16/05/2007 15:12
As a key figure in the Hammers' revival to remain in the Premiership,
goalkeeper Rob Green, who kept five clean sheets in the final eight games of
the season, admitted that battling the odds worked in the team's favour. "No
one gave us a chance outside of our own squad and outside the football
club," he said. "We'd been written off everywhere. It was an amazing
experience to go to Old Trafford and win. "We needed the points as well,
with the way the results went. To win seven out of the last nine games is a
fantastic achievement and it kind of shows everyone what we should have done
at the start of the season."
Having taken twelve points and kept four clean sheets in four games against
Manchester United and Arsenal, Rob reflected on a magnificent achievement.
"I'd like to know who the last team where to do the double over Manchester
United and Arsenal in a season," he said. "The lads put their bodies on the
line and did everything they could. "To beat Man U on the final day was
fantastic. We scored a special goal at a really good time and it just gave
everyone that little push going into the second half and something to
defend. We needed that. "They celebrated winning the League there on Sunday
but the feeling we had is equivalent to winning the League, winning the Cup,
everything rolled into one. It's the greatest feeling that I've ever had in
football. "It's up there with winning the League with Norwich. To pull it
off with nine games to go - when no one gave us a chance - is amazing. The
attitude amongst the players has been fantastic to turn it around."
And the 27-year-old keeper is already looking ahead to the next Premiership
campaign. "We've shown what we can do in the last nine games," he said. "The
lads showed what they could do last season too. "We've put everything on the
line and if we do that for 38 games next season then we've got a chance of
doing something good."
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League to help Fifa's Tevez probe - BBC
The Premier League has agreed to provide Fifa with any "assurances and
explanations" it needs into how West Ham's breach of rules was handled. The
Hammers were fined £5.5m for irregularities over the signing of Carlos Tevez
and Javier Mascherano but they escaped a points deduction. Fifa president
Sepp Blatter said he is "monitoring the situation carefully".
But Fifa has told BBC Five Live that it is not re-examining the evidence
with the aim of testing the ruling. West Ham broke two Premier League rules
by entering into a private agreement with a third-party company when they
signed Argentine pair Tevez and Mascherano in August last year.
Mascherano has since moved to Liverpool, while Tevez stayed in London and
played an influential role in West Ham's successful battle against
relegation - scoring seven goals in the club's last 10 games. Sheffield
United, who went down on the final day of the season, are leading the fight
against an independent commission's decision not to punish the Hammers with
a points deduction. The Blades, who are being supported by the likes of
Wigan, Fulham, Charlton and Middlesbrough, are also concerned that West Ham
may still have been breaking Premier League rules after the ruling on 27
April.
The Premier League has argued that it has no case to answer in regards to
West Ham's punishment because all 20 Premiership clubs agreed to the
disciplinary system in place. However, that has not stopped Sheffield United
pursuing their case and Blatter's intervention may encourage them. A Premier
League statement later read: "We have implemented our rulebook and processes
to the letter in this matter and we are more than happy to give Fifa any
assurances or explanations they need."
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MASCH: WE DID NOTHING WRONG - Sky
By Peter ORourke - Created on 16 May 2007
Javier Mascherano insists himself and Carlos Tevez have done nothing wrong
as the controversy over their transfers to West Ham continues to rumble on.
The Hammers were handed the massive fine after West Ham admitted they broke
Premiership transfer regulations when they signed Tevez and Javier
Mascherano from Corinthians last August. The Upton Park side escaped a
points deduction for acting improperly regarding the transfers of the
Argentine duo, but the likes of Wigan, Sheffield United, Fulham and Charlton
are all considering legal action against the Premier League for not docking
West Ham points. Fifa have now stepped in to investigate the row that has
rocked the Premiership.
However, Mascherano has protested his and Tevez's innocence and says he was
delighted to see West Ham stay up despite his unhappy spell at Upton Park.
"I don't know about the politics, and I don't want to get into the rights
and wrongs of whether they should be docked points, but I do know that we
didn't do anything wrong," Mascherano told The Mirror. "We just went there
to play football, and even though I didn't play much, they still gave me the
opportunity, they helped me - everyone, the staff the players and the fans.
"For that I am grateful, and I believe they are a great club. "They are too
big and too good to be playing at a level out of the top flight, and so I am
happy they survived."
Mascherano escaped his West Ham hell to sign for Liverpool in the January
transfer window, but the holding midfielder says he bears no grudge against
the Hammers. "No matter what happened to me at West Ham, I am very pleased,
very content and very happy that they survived, because if it wasn't for
them, I wouldn't have the chance to play in a Champions League Final,"
continued Mascherano. "By bringing me to England they gave me this
opportunity. Everyone helped me there, and of course Carlos Tevez is my
great friend, so I am so very happy for him. "They have wonderful fans who
always backed me, and the staff and the players were always supportive of
me, so I am happy that they have survived, and can look forward to the
Premiership next season."
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Premiership backs Fifa inquiry - Sky
By Robin Hackett and Patricio Figueroa - Created on 16 May 2007
Premier League officials will offer Fifa full assistance in their
investigations into the Carlos Tevez transfer. West Ham were controversially
given a fine rather than a points deduction following a disciplinary hearing
regarding the signings of Tevez and compatriot Javier Macherano. Several
top-flight clubs have since lodged objections to the decision, with Wigan
chairman Dave Whelan calling for a fresh investigation. As a result, Sepp
Blatter has vowed Fifa will undertake an independent inquiry to discover
whether the club should have been docked points. But a Premier League
spokesman claims all processes were carried out immaculately and they will
fully support Fifa where necessary. "The Premier League has implemented its
rulebook and processes to the letter in this matter and we are more than
happy to give Fifa any assurances or explanations they need," he said.
Meanwhile, Tevez claims he is simply enjoying the moment after helping West
Ham escape relegation on the last day of the season. There have been
numerous press reports discussing a possible move away from Upton Park, but
the Argentina international says he is not thinking about next season yet.
"For now, I am enjoying the fact that we gave our supporters satisfaction in
not getting relegated," he told the South American press. "Together with us,
they were the only people who trusted in the team and had faith that West
Ham would not be relegated. "Many parts of the press and even other teams
thought that we were already a second-tier team a long time ago, but we
showed them that each match has to be played before you can say what will
happen."
Having arrived home in Buenos Aires, Tevez has set his sights on a place in
his country's Copa America squad this summer. "I would like to be included
in the team that will play the Copa America in Venezuela. "I am going to
wait a few days to see what happens and, if I don't hear any news, I will go
on holiday with my family. "But if I am included in the team, I will not
have any doubts about accepting."
Argentina coach Alfio Basile is expected to name Tevez in the squad for the
friendly against Switzerland on 2nd June.
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McCabe explains Warnock exit - Sky
By Lewis Rutledge - Created on 16 May 2007
Sheffield United plc chairman Kevin McCabe has stressed that the decision to
part with Neil Warnock was based on the effect the 'injustice' of their
relegation had on the club. Warnock confirmed on Wednesday that he had left
Bramall Lane by mutual consent, just three days after defeat to Wigan
condemned The Blades to life in the Championship. McCabe claims it was
impossible for Warnock to remain at the helm, as the club had to move on
after the Carlos Tevez affair. He told Sky Sports News: "What is sad is that
the catalyst to the decision from both parties was probably the event off
the field, that made it clear that to reinvigorate United and get us out of
the Championship we need a fresh face. "It has affected everyone. There is
no question that the team manager and indeed the players feel that the club
has been cheated out of their Premiership position, because a club has
broken the rules and we haven't. "It's left an air of despair around that
has not finally disappeared. "We've got to bounce back and move those clouds
to get on with it, but it is sad that the events off the field have really
affected the morale of the players and the team manager and really made the
final decision that we should part now."
Sheffield United are seeking arbitration with the Premier League following
their decision not to deduct any points from West Ham despite finding them
guilty of breaking regulations over the transfers of Tevez and Carlos
Mascherano. "The board of the Premier League need to properly address this
and right the wrong, the injustice, that Sheffield United have got," McCabe
said.
Sheffield United must now appoint a new manager ahead off next season but
McCabe insists there have been no applications as yet. He admits assistant
Stuart McCall will come under consideration but is adamant the decision on
Warnock's successor will not be rushed. "We've had a meeting to discuss the
sort of manager we need to take us back to where we have just left, i.e. the
Premiership," he explained. "We are getting up a shortlist and we'll not be
idle, but we'll not be panicked either. "Stuart will certainly be
interviewed. He has been with us for a good few years as player and as
assistant manager, and he is a good guy, and we will see what he has to say
at interview."
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BLADES BEGIN ARBITRATION PROCESS - Sky
By Tom Adams - Created on 16 May 2007
Sheffield United have begun arbitration proceedings against the Premier
League as a result of the Carlos Tevez transfer controversy, with chairman
Kevin McCabe now proposing that England's top flight comprises 21 teams next
season. Following relegation, The Blades are bitterly angry at the failure
to penalise West Ham with a points deduction despite being found guilty of
irregularities in the August signings of Tevez and former Hammer Javier
Mascherano. A so-called 'Gang of Four' - comprising The Blades, Charlton,
Wigan and Fulham - have been canvassing support from their fellow clubs and
The Blades have also written to MPs in a bid to generate support for their
cause. McCabe served arbitration procedure notice on the Premier League on
Wednesday to continue the crusade against the perceived injustice, and has
again threatened legal action if the league fails to accept his letter.
However, the Blades chairman has also proposed a scenario whereby Sheffield
United would be reinstated to the league without West Ham being demoted,
resulting in the Premiership housing 21 teams next season. "We are still
working towards debating matters with the Premier League, we want to undo
the wrong and the injustice of the decision," McCabe told the club's
official website. "The events off the field of play have culminated in our
arbitration procedures. "We have written to every MP, explaining the
background of the injustice and that it needs to be satisfied for the good
of the sport. "First and foremost we're doing everything to protect the
interests of United. "Will the Premier League accept our arbitration
letters? Litigation can be pursued and, if it has to be pursued, we'll do
it.
"It is up to the FA Premier League to find a way round this exceptional
circumstance where a club which has played by the rules has been relegated
at the expense of one club who have fielded ineligible players. "The simple
answer is why not have 21 clubs in the Premiership next season and relegate
four of them at the end. It is not my decision to make but it seems like a
very simple solution."
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has indicated that the disaffected clubs will
seek to prove that West Ham's re-registration of Tevez outside the transfer
window - and following the independent commission's findings - was illegal.
However, the Premier League looks unlikely to bow to McCabe's attempts to
establish an arbitration panel, with a spokesman underlining the league's
belief that no laws have been broken in the controversial row. "We followed
our processes to the letter and we ensured to our satisfaction that the
third party arrangements in relation to Carlos Tevez's contract have been
terminated," said a Premier League spokesman. We are more than happy to meet
with officials of Sheffield United or any other aggrieved club to offer
clarification and explanation of this and we have written to all 20 clubs
with a forensic explanation of the ruling."
Fifa has already pledged to investigate the row which is threatening to drag
the relegation issue out over the summer.
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Carlos Tevez: What's it all about? - Soccernet
WHAT DID WEST HAM DO WRONG?
Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez were signed on terms which broke two
Premier League rules. First, the contracts allowed the companies which owned
the players' economic rights to move them to another club during any
transfer window. West Ham would receive a nominal fee but had 'no right of
objection'. This broke rule U18, which prohibits a club from entering into
an agreement which gives a third party influence on the performance of the
team. To make matters worse, West Ham were found to have told a 'direct lie'
to the Premier League in order to cover up the fact the contracts contained
third party agreements. West Ham pleaded guilty to both breaches of Premier
League rules. The Premier League's independent commission fined them
£5.5million after deciding 'this was not only an obvious and deliberate
breach of the rules, but a grave breach of trust as to the Premier League
and its constituent members. 'In our finding the club has been responsible
for dishonesty and deceit.'
WHY DO OTHER CLUBS BELIEVE WEST HAM SHOULD HAVE BEEN DOCKED POINTS?
Because the Premier League's commission said so. They admitted a points
deduction 'would normally follow from such a breach of rules' - but then
provided seven reasons for not doing so.
Chief among them was the fact that a loss of points would 'certainly have
relegated' West Ham and cost them up to five times the £5.5million they were
fined. The commission also took into account the fact West Ham is under new
ownership, and that the club's players and fans were not to blame for the
situation. The so-called 'Gang of Four' object to the panel's reasoning for
not docking points. However, the commission was free under Premier League
regulations to impose whatever punishment they deemed 'proportionate and
appropriate'.
WHY WAS TEVEZ ALLOWED TO PLAY FOR WEST HAM AFTER THE RULING?
West Ham were instructed by the commission to remove the third party
agreement in Tevez's contract before he could play again. The club say they
did as soon as they received the judgment - and their actions satisfied the
Premier League, who cleared Tevez to play. Wigan chairman Dave Whelan, among
others, has has demanded to see written proof.
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Premier League ready to face Tevez probe - Soccernet
The Premier League have promised to provide FIFA with a full explanation of
their handling of the Carlos Tevez affair. FIFA are to investigate whether
there was anything wrong with an independent commission's decision not to
dock West Ham points for breaching rules over third-party agreements. A
Premier League spokesman said: 'The Premier League has implemented its
rulebook and processes to the letter in this matter and we are more than
happy to give FIFA any assurances or explanations they need.' FIFA president
Sepp Blatter insisted the organisation had the power to pass a final verdict
on the independent commission's decision to fine West Ham £5.5million.
Several clubs are considering legal action against the Premier League over
the commission's sanction, claiming the Hammers should have been deducted
points. Blatter said FIFA would look into the case as a matter of urgency -
whether or not they are invited to do so.
He told a media briefing in Zurich: 'We will look at this - and not only if
we are asked, we will do it anyway. 'We will ask for the file once it has
been decided how and why the decision was made. 'If we feel something was
wrong in this decision then we have to open our file.' Blatter said in terms
of time-scale a 'decision would have to be taken immediately.' He added that
according to FIFA's files the transfer of Tevez and Javier Mascherano from
Brazilian side Corinthians to West Ham had complied with international
transfer regulations. Blatter added: 'We will monitor this situation very
carefully and once this situation is dealt with by the league and the FA we
will ask for the files and have a look because we have the right and the
responsibility to see how such cases are dealt with. 'The matter is linked
with a club in Brazil - Corinthians - and with the ownership of this club
and the ownership of the two players. 'According to our files the transfer
of Tevez was done correctly according to the international transfer of
players.'
If FIFA were to attempt to overrule the independent commission it would
cause a huge storm in the world of football. It seems more likely that FIFA
will check carefully to ensure that the league's disciplinary process had
been followed correctly, and if it is satisfied that it has then will ratify
the decision. Any such ratification move would strengthen the Premier
League's hand in any legal battle. Blatter said a recent ruling by the Swiss
federal court against Spanish third division side Rayo Vallecano meant FIFA
did have jurisdiction over individual clubs. In the Rayo Vallecano case, the
Spanish club had been threatened with relegation if it did not pay transfer
fees owed to a Brazilian club. It claimed, unsuccessfully, that FIFA did not
have the power to do so.
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Inter linked with £25m Tevez move - TeamTalk
Italian champions Inter Milan have reportedly opened talks over a £25million
deal for West Ham striker Carlos Tevez. The Argentine superstar scored six
goals in nine games in the Premiership run-in and almost single-handedly
kept the Hammers in the top-flight, much to the anger of the 'Gang of Four'
- Wigan, Fulham, Sheffield United and Charlton - who claim his signing
breached Premier League rules. His superb recent form has made him one of
the most sought after forwards in Europe and subsequently he's been linked
with a whole host of clubs, including Spanish sides Real Madrid and Sevilla.
However, according to The Daily Express Inter are now the front-runners with
their president Massimo Moratti having opened talks with Kia Joorabchian,
the man who represents Tevez. The 23-year-old Argentina star insists he
wants to remain a Hammers player, but Sunday's 1-0 win over Manchester
United, in which he scored the crucial winning goal, looks to have been his
last game for the club.
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West Ham to offer £8M for Newcastle's Parker
tribalfooball.com - May 16, 2007
West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley is planning to bring Newcastle United
captain Scott Parker back to London. The Daily Star says money-bags West Ham
will bid £8 million for the England international, who has endured a
difficult relationship with Toon fans this season. Newcastle boss Sam
Allardyce will seek to replace Parker with his former Bolton captain, Kevin
Nolan.
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Summer Sales - The Times
A twice-daily round-up of the biggest moves in the transfer window
Neil Johnston
Noon bulletin
West Ham United's Carlos Tevez could be heading for Inter Milan after the
Italian champions contacted Kia Joorabchian, the man who represents the
Argentine superstar. Tevez scored six goals in nine games to help keep Alan
Curbishley's side in the Premiership, much to the anger of the 'Gang of
Four' - Wigan Athletic, Fulham, Sheffield United and Charlton Athletic - who
claim his signing breached Premier League rules. His superb recent form has
made him one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe and subsequently
he's been linked with a whole host of clubs, including Spanish sides Real
Madrid and Sevilla. However, Inter appear the front-runners with reports
from Italy suggesting they are lining up a £25 million move for Tevez.
Scott Parker could also find himself caught up in Allardyce's busy summer of
change with West Ham eyeing an £8m move for the England international. It
also promises to be a hectic summer at Upton Park with new Wigan manager
Chris Hutchings keen to make forward Marlon Harewood his first signing.
Harewood scored in West Ham's 3-0 win at Wigan last month and Hutchings
wants to boost his forward options with doubts over the future of Senegal
striker Henri Camara.
Teddy Sheringham, who has been released by West Ham, is wanted by Major
League Soccer side New York Red Bulls. However, relegated Charlton have
earmarked the 41-year-old forward as they attempt to make a quick return to
the Premiership.
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Charlton, Millwall move for West Ham's Sheringham
tribalfooball.com - May 16, 2007
Departing West Ham United striker Teddy Sheringham is mulling over offers
from Charlton Athletic and Millwall. New York Red Bulls wants the former
Tottenham, Manchester United and England star to team up with ex-Aston Villa
marksman Juan Pablo Angel, says the Daily Mail. But Alan Pardew wants
Sheringham's vast experience at The Valley to help the Addicks bounce
straight back into the Premiership after their relegation to the
Championship. Pardew took the skilful striker to Upton Park when he was West
Ham boss but Sheringham fell out of favour when Alan Curbishley took control
and has been released by the Hammers. Millwall would love to take Sheringham
full circle and take him back to The Den, where he started his illustrious
career but manager Willie Donachie would have to offer him a coaching role
on his staff to enjoy any success.
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Inter Milan in Kia talks for West Ham's Tevez
tribalfooball.com - May 16, 2007
Inter Milan are favourites to land West Ham United striker Carlos Tevez. His
superb recent form has made him one of the most sought-after forwards in
Europe and subsequently he's been linked with a whole host of clubs,
including Spanish sides Real Madrid and Sevilla. However, according to The
Daily Express Inter are now the front-runners with their president Massimo
Moratti having opened talks with Kia Joorabchian, the man who represents
Tevez. The 23-year-old Argentine insists he wants to remain a Hammers
player, but Sunday's 1-0 win over Manchester United, in which he scored the
crucial winning goal, looks to have been his last game for the club.
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Mc Babe Sinks To The Lowest In Assault On West Ham - West Ham Fans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 16 May, 2007 - 10:38.
In one of the most pathetic snivelling outbursts of all time Sheffield
United Chairman 'cry baby McCabe' soiled his nappy live on Sky. Blades
supporters hang your heads in shame that the man (loose terminology) charged
with taking your club forward is the main man who should have resigned
instead of your manager Neil Warnock. No genuine fan can support the actions
of a coward who needed to firstly try to hide the club's failings behind an
FA ruling but worst of all has tried to hide his incompetency and his
inability to keep hold of a valued and trusted manager behind his gripping
about Hammers surviving the drop 'on the field'.
What a sad and pathetic image Mc Babe has sent out regarding a once proud
club, all West Ham supporters wish Sheffield Utd's supporters the best in
their forthcoming campaign and attempt at bouncing back next season, but
your chairman needs to go back to nursery, what a shower.
Incidentally, word has reached us that Sepp Blatter has absolutely no
intention of trying to deduct points from West Ham, his niece is a jolly
good pal of West Ham's chief backer björgólfur gudmundsson's son, who is not
short of a bob or two, perhaps this warrants an investigation?
Get a life! - Ed..
PS: Full credit to Neil Warnock for not claiming that Hammers were the sole
reason for the Blades demise, especially his comment that 'Rafa Benitez'
should take over as the new Sheffield Utd manager, a clear indication of
what he thought about Liverpool fielding their reserves against Fulham in
the match that ensured the Cottagers Premiership survival, without that
victory Fulham would have been relegated instead of Sheffield Utd.
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INTER LINE UP TEVEZ SWOOP - REPORT - Sporting Life
Italian champions Inter Milan have reportedly opened talks over a £25
million deal for West Ham's Carlos Tevez. The Argentine superstar scored six
goals in nine games in the Premiership run-in and almost single-handedly
kept the Hammers in the top-flight, much to the anger of the 'Gang of Four'
- Wigan, Fulham, Sheffield United and Charlton - who claim his signing
breached Premier League rules. His superb recent form has made him one of
the most sought-after forwards in Europe and subsequently he's been linked
with a whole host of clubs, including Spanish sides Real Madrid and Sevilla.
However, according to The Daily Express Inter are now the front-runners with
their president Massimo Moratti having opened talks with Kia Joorabchian,
the man who represents Tevez. The 23-year-old Argentine insists he wants to
remain a Hammers player, but Sunday's 1-0 win over Manchester United, in
which he scored the crucial winning goal, looks to have been his last game
for the club.
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Hammers in for England striker - Clubcall
20070516 09:59
West Ham are targeting Everton's Andy Johnson as a replacement for Carlos
Tevez - who has said goodbye to the club. Hammers boss Alan Curbishley
believes he can prise Johnson away from Goodison Park after rumours on the
grapevine that the England striker would welcome a move back to the south.
Reports in March claimed Johnson is homesick for London and, despite denials
by the Toffees at the time, a move to the ambitious Hammers would appeal to
the former Crystal Palace striker. And, armed with significant funds from
the sale of Argentinian superstar Tevez, it could be the biggest domestic
transfer of the summer. Despite his instrumental role in keeping the
Hammers in the Premiership this past season, Tevez looks set to move on this
summer after reportedly bidding farewell to his team-mates following their
crucial 1-0 win at Manchester United on Sunday.
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Toffee targeted as Tevez replacement Wed, May 16 2007 09:59 -
EatSleepSport
West Ham are targeting Everton's Andy Johnson as a replacement for Carlos
Tevez - who has said goodbye to the club. Hammers boss Alan Curbishley
believes he can prise Johnson away from Goodison Park after rumours on the
grapevine that the England striker would welcome a move back to the south.
Reports in March claimed Johnson is homesick for London and, despite denials
by the Toffees at the time, a move to the ambitious Hammers would appeal to
the former Crystal Palace striker. And, armed with significant funds from
the sale of Argentinian superstar Tevez, it could be the biggest domestic
transfer of the summer. Despite his instrumental role in keeping the Hammers
in the Premiership this past season, Tevez looks set to move on this summer
after reportedly bidding farewell to his team-mates following their crucial
1-0 win at Manchester United on Sunday. Real Madrid have already been linked
with a £30million swoop for Tevez and it has now been revealed that West Ham
will scoop most of the proceeds from any sale. That is because only the
player's contract from the complicated paperwork that dictated the terms of
Tevez's arrival at Upton Park last August remains legally enforceable. That
will upset West Ham's rivals, who are already unhappy with the fact they
were only hit with a £5.5million fine and not docked points after an
independent commission found the club guilty of having a third-party
agreement in the signings of Tevez and Javier Mascherano. Fifa have vowed to
investigate the matter, but Hammers chairman and former Uefa executive
committee member Eggert Magnusson is not thought to be worried.
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Harewood tracked by Hutchings - Clubcall
20070516 10:04
Chris Hutchings hopes to make out-of-favour West Ham striker Marlon Harewood
his first signing as Wigan manager. The news come after chairman Dave Whelan
confirmed there will be "comings and goings" at the JJB Stadium during the
close-season as Latics plan for life after Paul Jewell. Harewood has been
told by manager Alan Curbishley he has little or no future at Upton Park
after being edged out of the first-team picture by Carlos Tevez and Bobby
Zamora. The 27-year-old has scored just four goals this season but could be
sold for £2.5million. Hutchings is keen to stamp his own authority at Wigan
and will begin his summer clear-out imminently, with Harewood a top target.
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LATICS CHASING HAREWOOD - yeoldetreeandcrown.com
Wigan Athletic manager Chris Hutchings is believed to be ready to pay West
Ham United's asking price of £2.500.000 for striker Marlon Harewood.
Marlon, who was born in Hampstead on 25th August 1979 started his career at
Nottingham Forest for whom he made 181 league appearances scoring 51 league
goals. Whilst at the City Ground he had a loan spell with Finnish outfit FC
Haka in 1998 for whom he played 12 times, scoring 3 goals as they won the
Finnish Veikkauslliga (the League) and the Finnish League Cup. The
following year saw him loaned out to Ipswich Town where he scored once in 6
league appearances for the Tractor Boys.
He joined the Hammers in November 2003 for a fee of £500.000 and he helped
the Boleyn Ground team to promotion to the Premiership via the play-offs at
the end of season 2004/05. He has recently fallen down the pecking order at
the club and manager Alan Curbishley is prepared to sell him now.
He has been a long term Latics target with outgoing manager Paul Jewell
having tried to sign him during the last transfer windows. Maybe it will be
third time lucky for Latics?
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Gang of 4 lifted by Prem letter - The Sun
May 16, 2007
THE Premier League last night acted to defuse the Tevez row by sending a
letter to all 20 Premiership clubs. But it does not dismiss the idea that
the Gang of Four — Wigan, Sheffield United, Fulham and Charlton — might
still have a case. The letter from chief executive Richard Scudamore and
chairman David Richards insists the Premier League have done everything by
the rules.
It also says they are convinced the Independent Commission who imposed a
£5.5m fine, rather than points deduction, acted correctly. And there is no
case for appeal. The lengthy letter points out that any club that has "had
its day in court" cannot be "re-tried" by aggrieved clubs. That would
indicate there is no course of action for the Gang Of Four. However there is
then a glimmer of hope.
Scudamore's letter points out that if it is proved West Ham did not properly
terminate their deal with the third party in the affair — MSI and Just Sport
Inc who owned Tevez — then further action, including a points deduction,
could yet be taken. Key to the issue is a clause in the deal which would
have allowed MSI and JSI to sell the player at any time. The Premier League
says Tevez was properly registered throughout. But it is West Ham's
termination of the clause in that deal last month that could give the Gang
of Four hope. Prior to the April 28 deadline the Premier League received a
letter from West Ham sent to Tevez, MSI and JSI terminating the private
agreement between them dated 30 August 2006. It also received a letter from
MSI and JSI acknowledging receipt of the letter and that the letter had been
served on Carlos Tevez personally.
In addition the PL board sought additional undertakings from West Ham.
However there appears to be no confirmation from the MSI or Tevez side that
the deal had actually been ended. This could be seen as a vital flaw.
Scudamore's letter says "if the Board has evidence these undertakings are
false or been breached, it will take all necessary steps to enforce Premier
League Rules. "In making these undertakings it could be that West Ham has
exposed itself to further legal challenge from third parties who may contest
the legality of that termination."
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Atletico Madrid keen on West Ham's Zamora
tribalfooball.com - May 16, 2007
Atletico Madrid are interested in West Ham United striker Bobby Zamora.AS
says Atletico chiefs see Zamora as the perfect foil for their pacy attackers
Fernando Torres and Sergio Aguero.
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West Ham to go for Parker - Daily Mail
Last updated at 12:27pm on 16th May 2007
West Ham are set to make a £6million move for Newcastle's Scott Parker. Alan
Curbishley is being given significant funds to overhaul the squad this
summer after his side escaped relegation on the final day of the season. The
West Ham boss sees midfielder Parker, who he brought through the ranks at
Charlton, as the man to lead a revival at Upton Park. And his wages of
£50,000 a week would not pose a problem for the new regime. Curbishley
enquired about the 26-year-old in January, when his interest was rejected,
but it is thought Parker would be tempted by a move back to London. The
England player would be the first star to leave Newcastle following the
arrival of Sam Allardyce but the new boss is reported to be lining up Joey
Barton as a replacement. West Ham are not short of players in Parker's
position but doubts remain about the future of Nigel Reo-Coker.
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Bent Fee £15m - TWTD.com
By Philip Ham
Date: 16/5/2007
Charlton are reported to have slapped a £15 million price tag on former Town
striker Darren Bent. The Blues' summer transfer fund would be boosted by
£2.48 million if the Addicks manage to secure a fee at that level for Bent,
who is being linked with West Ham, Tottenham, Everton and Arsenal. Town are
due 20% of anything Charlton receive above the £2.6 million they have so far
paid for the frontman. The Blues could also receive another £400,000 with
£200,000 due after each of Bent's first two competitive appearances for
England. Earlier in the week, Spurs and West Ham were reported to be ready
to lodge bids of £10 million and £12 million respectively, with Martin Jol's
club understood to be heading the chase for the 23-year-old, along with
Everton. Arsenal are also believed to have watched Bent in action during the
final few games of the season
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FIFA may investigate - Newham Recorder
16 May 2007
THE CELEBRATIONS had hardly begun before the whinging and bleating began at
Sheffield United and Wigan Athletic, but it seems that it may have had some
effect as FIFA have begun to show an interest in the ongoing row over West
Ham. The Blades were relegated after losing at home to woeful Wigan, while
West Ham won at Old Trafford, but Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe was
quick to go on the offensive. He said: "I feel cheated because Sunday's
result was not the root cause of our relegation." He obviously hadn't
considered that it was also the previous 37 games that they had played, but
now FIFA President Sepp Blatter has stepped into the limelight where he
feels so at home. "We will look at this - and not only if we are asked, we
will do it anyway," he told a media briefing in Zurich on Tuesday morning.
"We will ask for the file once it has been decided how and why the decision
was made." This latest twist in the disciplinary saga takes yet more gloss
off West Ham's magnificent effort in winning seven of their last nine games
to stay up as well as their triumph at Old Trafford on Sunday. They will be
heartened by the fact that the Argentinian pair's signings were, according
to world football's governing body, "done correctly according to the
international transfer of players." However, FIFA have the power to deduct
points as well as impose other penalties on West Ham and though it would
seem very unlikely, while the uproar continues from certain clubs in and now
out of the Premiership, FIFA are bound to keep an interest in what is going
on. As to the legal action from Sheffield United and Wigan, that too looks
doomed to fail with each member of the Premiership having agreed to the
members on the independent panel that decided West Ham's punishment.
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Bent is a wanted man - Newham Recorder
16 May 2007
WEST HAM will make Charlton striker Darren Bent their top priority for next
season as the career of Carlos Tevez at Upton Park is set to come to an end.
The brilliant South American, fresh from his match-winning strike at Old
Trafford last Sunday, flew back to Argentina this week to consider his
future, but that is likely to be away from West Ham. Only last week,
chairman Eggert Magnusson hinted that he would be interested in keeping
Tevez at the club, but that means dealing with Iranian businessman Kia
Joorabchian, something that has proved disastrous for the club in the past.
If Tevez does decide to move - with Inter Milan and Real Madrid, said to be
interested in a bid of around £30million, then the Hammers are unlikely to
get a penny of it. Their only compensation in one of the notorious side
agreements in the player's contract, was a £100,000 pay-off, but now those
agreements have been ripped up, they will not even be entitled to that.
However, that will not deter them from making a £12million bid for
23-year-old Bent, who grabbed 15 goals in a relegation campaign for the
Addicks. West Ham made an enquiry about Bent in the January transfer window,
but were told they would not be selling him to a relegation rival, however,
now the way is clear for the Hammers to team him up with Dean Ashton next
season. Marlon Harewood and Teddy Sheringham are both set to leave and so
the signing of Bent will become a vital cog in West Ham's rebuilding with
only strikers Bobby Zamora and Carlton Cole as well as Ashton still at the
club.
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Curbs does it the hard way - Newham Recorder
16 May 2007
ALAN CURBISHLEY walked around the Old Trafford pitch with his jubilant team
like a gatecrasher at a wedding celebration, writes DAVE EVANS. By the time
he reached the confines of the press room, the smile had gone and a
shellshocked, almost drained expression had appeared on his face - it was as
if he couldn't quite believe what had just happened - he wasn't the only
one. "To win seven out of nine is amazing," he said. "And if you consider
who we have played, to win it against the top teams has been absolutely
fantastic." It was the stuff of comic strips. Curbishley had turned from
saviour on his arrival to villain when relegation seemed inevitable, and
then to hero as The Great Escape was finally achieved at the home of the
Premiership champions and via their most controversial signing. "At one
stage the fans were shouting at the players, saying 'you're not fit to wear
the shirt', and to me telling me to four letter word back to Charlton
because they couldn't quite understand what was going on at their club,"
recalled the manager, who certainly had some dark times during his early
weeks at Upton Park. "I can't quite put my finger on what turned things
round," he confessed. "I've never come into a club mid-stream and I found it
very difficult. "There were lots of injuries, lots of things to contend
with, but since the Spurs game, I think that galvanised us, even though we
got done in the last minute."
One thing that did change around that time was West Ham's luck. Some say you
make your own luck, others that it evens out, but in the case of the Hammers
this season all their good luck seemed to be squeezed into the final 10
games of the season.
So what was the lowest point for the manager? "I came away from the Charlton
game very despondent," he admitted. "We didn't put up much of a show at my
old club, there were lots of injuries among the players I had signed and at
the time you couldn't see where another result was going to come from." The
manager continued: "But people close to the club said to me that if we pick
up a couple of results then you will see the difference in the players and
that is exactly what happened."
If Tottenham was the moment West Ham found their form, then it was Blackburn
where it started to bear fruit. Few could say that West Ham deserved to win
that day, but a controversial penalty and a shot that never crossed the line
gave them the points and began that season-saving run of seven wins from
nine games. The manager was quick to suggest who should take most of the
plaudits. "I give great credit to the players," he insisted. "Perhaps all
I've done is kept it low key, kept the training simple and the results have
picked up." He continued: "Lucas Neill and more recently Luis Boa Morte have
come into the side, but it has been the players that were here before I came
to the club that have done the business and it shows you what ability was
there."
It certainly does, but it also shows just how much these players were
underperforming earlier in the season. In the case of Carlos Tevez it is
perhaps understandable. A new country, a new language and much of the time
he was played out of position on the right wing. He didn't look 100 per cent
fit, didn't seem to know quite what his role was and previous manager Alan
Pardew had a similar problem with where to fit him into the line-up to the
point where he often didn't bother. Curbishley can certainly take some
credit for the Argentinian's resurgence, he simply moved him further up the
field and allowed the South American to hurt the opposition in their penalty
box - seven goals in 11 games followed. Taking a gamble on the likes of Mark
Noble, James Collins and George McCartney has certainly paid dividends too,
while a settled side has also enabled the players to find vital team spirit.
"We need a rest, so we will have a break and hopefully it will all hold us
in good stead for next season," said Curbishley. "I am already thinking
about next year and the pre-season preparations. I am big one for
pre-season. This campaign has been a big learning curve, I have certainly
learned an awful amount and hopefully so have the players."
Curbishley can breathe a huge sigh of relief. He doesn't have to worry about
the prospect of star names like Neill, Matty Upson, Rob Green and Dean
Ashton jumping ship as West Ham sunk into the Championship. He will now look
at his squad, see who is surplus to requirements, who might be a disruptive
influence as he tries to build his own team, and then decide who he might
need to sign. For two seasons running West Ham have played the last game of
the season and then watched as the opposition picked up a trophy, maybe next
year the tables can be turned.
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Blades blasts are just sour grapes - Newham Recorder
16 May 2007
UPTON PARKES EXCLUSIVE COLUMN
WELL, I said that West Ham were safe and I proved to be right, although I
don't think anyone expected Sunday to go quite the way it did. Certainly
Sheffield United didn't. Perhaps the fact that they only needed a draw
against Wigan unsettled the way they played because for me, they just
bottled it on the day. Wigan had to win and that probably helped them, but
Sheffield weren't quite sure how to play it and suffered because of it. I
think all the threats of legal action and slurs on Sir Alex at Manchester
United are really just a case of sour grapes. 'Fergie' doesn't owe anything
to Sheffield United, nor to West Ham for that matter. What he has to think
about is winning the FA Cup Final and that can be his only priority. I don't
agree that the team he picked was a weak one either and when I saw Scholes,
Ronaldo and Giggs coming on with half an hour still to go, I was getting
very nervous. Man United had something like 30 shots on the day so to say
that they weren't trying is ridiculous, but I think the players will always
be conscious of something like a Cup Final coming up.
Fulham
I remember after we made it into the 1980 FA Cup Final. We played at home to
Fulham shortly afterwards, who were absolute rubbish at the time (though
they usually were!). Obviously we were trying to win the game, but I don't
think you can help yourself from not going into a tackle quite as hard as
you normally would. Everyone wanted to play in the final and they didn't
want to jeopardize that - I think Fulham did us 3-2 that day! Sunday's
performance at Old Trafford was a magnificent one by the Hammers especially
considering what sort of pressure they were under. I won a couple of games
there myself in the mid-eighties and getting a victory at a fortress like
Old Trafford is always a great result. I remember the FA Cup replay there
where we were under a similar sort of pressure and I had to make quite a few
decent saves. Rob Green was doing that again on Sunday. I continue to be
impressed by him and what I like is the fact that he looks so comfortable in
making most of his saves. Some keepers fly all around the goal and that is
often because they are out of position, but for me, Green is always in
command of what he is doing.
Positioning
He made a great save from Ronaldo's header, which was down to positioning
more than anything, while he also stood up well to save from Ronaldo with
his body again. The player who really impressed me on Sunday though was
Yossi Benayoun. He was everywhere for me, getting back to head off the line,
block, make tackles, but more than that he was holding the ball up so well
at the other end. Ten weeks ago West Ham would have crumbled under pressure
like that but when you have players like Yossi passing it about, making runs
and giving the defence time to have a breather than it gives you more of a
chance to hold out. I think that is the best I have seen Yossi play in his
time at West Ham! The defence were also magnificent and I think that James
Collins has had a magnificent end to the season and thoroughly deserves his
place in the line-up.
Relegation
I don't think relegation would have been a disaster for West Ham. When you
look at the teams who went down last season, two of them have bounced back
automatically and I can't help thinking that West Ham would have done the
same, but staying up gives them a chance to push onwards and upwards. The
players would have hated what happened to them this season. They would not
have liked going into the last game not knowing what their future was and
hopefully that will be enough to ensure that they will not go through that
sort of agony again.
Looking at the nucleus of the team, it is one that should be pushing for a
European place rather than trying to avoid relegation and I think they will
certainly be in the top half next season.
That doesn't mean that there won't be an exodus of players from the club
because I still think there is a few that need to be shown the door. I think
Nigel Reo-Coker has already hinted that he may want to go, while Anton
Ferdinand, despite being a good player, I think may be someone who may be a
little disruptive in the dressing room. I would expect Paul Konchesky to go
as he seems to have a problem with the manager, while personally I would get
rid of Marlon Harewood, while I am not sure that Carlton Cole has the hunger
to succeed.
Ashton
On the plus side, Lucas Neill has proved himself to be an excellent player
and I would make him captain next season, while the return of Dean Ashton
has got to be a good thing, although it must be a worry that he has missed
the whole season. Lastly, a word for Alan Curbishley. He has had to take a
lot of criticism this season, but he has turned things round at the club and
given the players the confidence to go on a winning run. He doesn't let his
emotions run away with him, but he must have been so nervous on Sunday. What
Curbs has done is restore the team spirit in the ranks and that is so
important. Now he must get rid of the players that are going to hamper the
club's future, bring in players for the left back, left midfield and perhaps
centre midfield position and I think there is a rosy future ahead for our
beloved Hammers.
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Noble: We must prove ourselves - TeamTalk
West Ham midfielder Mark Noble has challenged the Upton Park players to
"prove ourselves" next season. The Hammers avoided relegation from the
Barclays Premiership with a dramatic 1-0 win at champions Manchester United
on the final day. Noble told the club's official website: "It was
unbelievable to go to Old Trafford and win to stay up. It's never been
better than this. The boys have dug in and we've played as a team for the
last three months. "Next season we can prove ourselves. We've got out of the
sticky patch of the difficult second season in the Premiership and we can
push on a do well and hopefully do as well as we did in the first season -
or better. "Everyone knows how important it is to this club, being in the
Premiership, and the East End is a happy place to be now."
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Fergie: Words were overplayed - Sky
By Steve Bramley - Created on 16 May 2007
Sir Alex Ferguson says he is still on speaking terms with Neil Warnock
despite their row over his team selection against West Ham. The Manchester
United boss upset Warnock when he left Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and
Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench for his side's final Premiership game of the
season against The Hammers at Old Trafford. Alan Curbishley's side took full
advantage with Carlos Tevez scoring the winner which kept the Londoners in
the Premiership and effectively sent Warnock's Sheffield United down.
Warnock, who confirmed his resignation from the South Yorkshire club on
Wednesday, launched a bitter blast at Ferguson for his team selection. But
Ferguson said he has since spoken to Warnock to iron things out. "I have
spoken to Neil and he said his words were overplayed," said Ferguson. "He
was hoping I would play my strongest team but that was impossible. "I don't
think anyone could criticise us on Sunday. We did our best and we should
have won."
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The Times
May 16, 2007
Martin Samuels
It wasTévez's third party so cry if you want to, but a solution would be
better
The reason a yellow card cannot be changed to a red after the final whistle,
even if television evidence shows what appeared to be a careless elbow was
in fact a full-blown punch up the hooter, is that a match cannot be
rerefereed after the fact. The Premiership rebel clubs, it seems, would like
to rereferee the 2006-07 season. So how many points should West Ham United
have deducted for breaching rule U18? One? They stay up. Two? They stay up.
Or is the punishment that is sought the precise amount of points necessary
for Sheffield United to move above them on goal difference, allowing West
Ham to drop into the bottom three, now we know the outcome of all 380
matches?
In which case, the problem is not that the Independent Premier League
Commission sat too late, but too early. What an interesting precedent this
would set. Wait for the season to be over and then adjust the league table
on moral grounds. I don't know about you, but I've got Milton Keynes Dons
kicking off in Midland Football Alliance next year and AFC Wimbledon in the
Champions League.
West Ham got off lightly, we all know that. Privately, those at the helm of
the FA Premier League probably admit it, too. A points deduction would have
been a more fitting punishment, yet all 20 Premiership clubs signed up to
this disciplinary system and none added the rider "unless the decision does
not go our way".
Sheffield United deserve our sympathy. Yet the righteous anger that was so
appealing a few weeks ago has metamorphosed into the sort of wrongheaded
feeding frenzy that keeps Chris Morris, the media satirist, in pay cheques.
Latest to join the mob is Clive Betts, Labour MP for Sheffield Attercliffe,
who tabled an early day motion yesterday calling for West Ham to be docked
points.
Betts would, of course, know much about false paperwork, having been
suspended from the House of Commons for seven days in September 2003 for
copying a doctored document so that his Brazilian rent-boy escort, José
Gasparo, could stay in Britain. Betts also provided Gasparo with a Commons
pass, as his "researcher". Gasparo had worked out of a gay brothel in Earls
Court called Villa Gianni and stated that Betts had met him there and paid
him £70 for full sex. Johann Hari, writing in the Independent on Sunday,
described Villa Gianni as a "sleazy, dangerous environment". Still, it is
good that someone is willing to pull up his trousers and take a stand for
morality.
Now, back to the grubby world of football. Far from striking a chord with
every club, the truth is that, until the Carlos Tévez and Javier Mascherano
controversy blew up, many Premiership chairmen did not appreciate that rule
U18 even concerned players' contracts. The clause governing third-party
influence on policy and performance was considered to deal with club
ownership and be in place to prevent an investor having an interest in
multiple clubs. With reference to players, there is no equivalent of it in
many of the leagues around Europe.
Dave Whe*an, the Wigan Athletic chairman, has accused the Premier League of
creating a new transfer window to allow Tévez to be reregistered, but that
is wrong, too. Tévez was a West Ham player from August 31. He did not need
special dispensation. (Actually, once a player is at a club, his status can
be changed at any time. Tim Howard was on loan from Everton to Manchester
United and the deal became permanent on February 14, 2007, legally and
outside the window.)
The issue of Tévez's future transfer fee is also a red herring. Whe*an has
said that the deal cannot be legal unless West Ham receive the money, but
that is incorrect. West Ham own Tévez's registration and always have; the
matter of his transfer fee is a separate issue. Rio Ferdinand, Mark Viduka,
Dominic Matteo, Michael Duberry, Eirik Bakke, Danny Mills, Michael Bridges
and Olivier Dacourt, for instance, were bought by Leeds United on sale and
lease-back deals of the type that allows the club to continue playing at
Elland Road without owning it.
When Peter Ridsdale, the Leeds chairman at the time, broke the British
transfer record for Ferdinand in 2000, someone else paid. This third party
was reimbursed by Leeds over the period of the player's contract, plus
interest. In the event of falling short on payments, Ferdinand could be sold
to give the lender his money back. The defender's sale to Manchester United
in 2002 paid the debt for his purchase, and then some. Others did not. After
settling the loan, Leeds would not have received a transfer fee for the sale
of many players. This does not mean, however, that they did not own the
legal registrations. There are, in fact, similar agreements with banks and
lenders throughout football. The situation with Tévez is not unusual.
The suggestion that Tévez and Mascherano would not have been able to play
for West Ham this season is also false. Even had West Ham disclosed every
financial arrangement on the day of the transfer, the players would still
have been registered, even with unworkable contracts. The Premier League
lawyers would then have spent several days with club lawyers knocking out
each contractual arrangement that was not permitted, which is what happened
when Mascherano signed for Liverpool.
Richard Scudamore, the Premier League chief executive, states that the large
majority of contracts with foreign players need work before being ratified.
There was one clause that brought the signing of Tévez and Mascherano into
dispute, which stated a third party could move the players on at any time.
Premier League policy is to register the player and then iron out such
wrinkles. Some may feel that this is too lenient, but it is safe to presume
that 20 clubs wish it to be this way, rather than work with a governing body
that prevents transfer activity rather than facilitates it.
This does not alter the fact that West Ham's officials lied. But would Tévez
and Mascherano still have played this season? Yes. Were they correctly
registered as West Ham players? Yes. Is the final destination of the
transfer fee an issue? No. And why are the rebel clubs not so vexed about
Everton leaving out the first-team goalkeeper against Manchester United
because of a gentleman's agreement between the clubs that was waved through
on the QT by the Premier League and would therefore appear equally baleful?
The cynic might suggest because it does not affect them.
So we can continue down the path of recrimination or we can act like
grown-ups and do something to ensure that this chaos does not happen again.
And that begins with abolishing the loan system. Loans from third parties,
loans from Europe, loans from Premiership or other English clubs. You buy a
player, he is yours. No half-measures and no possibility of third-party
interference.
Could West Ham have afforded to pay full price for Tévez and Mascherano in
August? No? Then there would have been no controversy. Would Manchester
United have sold Howard to Everton last summer, knowing they had Edwin van
der Sar and Ben Foster in reserve? Yes? Then he could have played against
them on April 28.
Now do you see the root of the problem? You cannot let something go and keep
it. You cannot run your shop with another man's stock. There is a meeting of
Premier League chairmen on May 31 and June 1, with the loan system on the
agenda. If the clubs do the right thing, it should be gone by next season.
Buy the players you can afford, sell the players you don't want. And if you
run short, that's your fault. Next season the club who finish bottom of the
Premiership will earn more from central distribution than the winners of the
Bundesliga in Germany. There is no excuse for not paying your way any more.
The contrary argument is that the loan system benefits the small clubs,
giving them access to players they could otherwise not afford. Hardly. Take
the trio of goalkeepers at Manchester United. It would have been impossible
for Sir Alex Ferguson to have kept Van der Sar, Foster and Howard happy, so
one would have left. And that goalkeeper would have been signed by a smaller
Premiership club, permanently, with no piece of elastic or gentleman's
agreement keeping him tied to Old Trafford.
As it stands, the richest clubs win both ways. Foster accrues experience at
Watford and returns to Old Trafford an England goalkeeper; but if he had
been allowed to tire of his lack of opportunity with United, perhaps he
would have moved and then another club would have ended up with the best
young goalkeeper in the country, increasing competition.
Similarly, if clubs had needed to buy Tévez and Mascherano outright, the
agents would have had to set a more realistic asking price than £30 million.
The loan system creates an unhealthy paternalistic system; the smaller clubs
creeping around their bigger rivals in the hope of receiving a crumb from
the plate. Will Arsène Wenger find it in his heart to toss Birmingham City
another trio of reserves (no wonder Karren Brady, the City managing
director, is one of the system's biggest champions)? Will Sir Alex Ferguson
bestow the honour of a raw, teenage full back on a managerial protégé?
Get rid of it. Get rid of it all. You want a player? You buy him. Your
money. Your contract. We can scream and squawk, but it shows what a mess
football has become that something so simple is considered a radical idea.
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