31/05/2007 15:22
Mark Noble admitted he was over the moon to be called into the England
Under-21 squad for the UEFA European Under-21 Championships in Holland. "I
am really happy to have been named in the squad," he said. "It was a great
season for me and a great end to the season for the Club. "It's really nice
to be able to top it off by being called up to the Under-21s squad. I can't
wait for the tournament and for the season to start again."
Mark was called into Stuart Pearce's initial 30-man squad and flew out to
Spain to attend a training camp, before finding out he'd made the final 23
for next month's tournament. "With the squad and players we have the chances
of us winning it are pretty high, I'd say. It's going to be a great
experience being out there. Hopefully it will give me the opportunity to
show what I can do on the international stage. "The training camp was a
really great experience. The training was obviously of a very high standard
and I must have done ok to have been picked for the final 23-man squad. It
was a really good to experience training abroad as well, in a different
climate. "The senior squad is my long-term goal. It's every little boy's
dream to be involved in the international set-up when they grow up. "I've
played in every age group for England so far but I'm not getting carried
away - I've not even played a game for the under-21s yet. Hopefully next
year if I continue performing the way I have been, people will continue to
take notice."
Reflecting on the amazing finish to last season, Mark admitted all the drama
took a while to sink in. "It was unbelievable, "he said. "It all went so
quickly. It meant so much to everyone that we stayed in the Premiership.
It's a massive Club with an ambitious Chairman. Beating Arsenal and Man
United twice - on that sort of form we deserved to stay up. "We don't really
care if we get the credit for it or not. We dug ourselves out of a deep hole
and we showed everyone what we're capable of. We stayed up and that's the
main thing. "I can't wait for next season now and for all the build-up to
begin. I'm looking forward to seeing what players we bring in over the
summer too. I hope we start the season the way we finished and I want to
play in every game to help take the Club up to a higher position."
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Parker in the bag - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 31st May 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Scott Parker is set to become Alan Curbishley's first signing of the summer
after agreeing to move to West Ham. Despite a late attempt by neighbours
Tottenham to hijack the deal Parker is all set to sign a four-year contract
with United after a £7m deal - up £500,000 on West Ham's opening offer - was
agreed with current employees Newcastle. The former Charlton man met with
West Ham's Scott Duxbury last night in order to agree personal terms. A
medical is likely to take place tomorrow morning with an announcement to
follow thereafter. 26-year-old Parker - who is expected to replace the
outgoing Nigel Reo-Coker - celebrated the birth of his third child this
week, and is said to be delighted at the prospect of returning to London
after two years in the North East. He moved to Newcastle in a £6.5m deal two
years ago this month after having failed to make an impact at Chelsea where
he spent the preceeding 18 months after moving from Charlton in a £10m deal.
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WINGER CONFIRMS ENGLISH INTENT - Sky
By Graeme Bailey - Created on 31 May 2007
Ghana international Riga Mustapha has admitted he would like to move to the
England after a number of Premiership clubs showed an interest in him.
Mustapha, 25, has impressed hugely for Levante since moving to Spain in
2005. The winger began his career in Holland before his switch to La Liga
and his displays for Levante have seen him attract a great deal of interest
from abroad - particularly England. Manchester City, Wigan, West Ham,
Portsmouth and Middlesbrough were all believed to have been in attendance on
Sunday at Racing Santander when Riga scored twice in a 3-2 Levante victory.
"It is certain for a month now that have been several clubs looking at me
and that want to sign me," Mustapha told AS. "But have not been saying
anything because the first thing was to save Levante. Now I can say yes, the
interest exists and I know that they are going to make an offer soon. "I
just want the best thing for everyone, and I cannot deny that I would like
to play in England. "One of my dreams as a footballer was to be in the
Premier, I could have gone before I joined Levante but I thought it was best
to come to Spain. "Now after two years here, I have fulfilled the objectives
that I gave myself and now I would like to play in England." Mustapha has
two-years left on his contract, but he hopes Levante will not stand in his
way. "I came for free to Levante and I believe I have proved myself as they
expected," he continued. "Now the offers have arrived and they will
duplicate my pay and I just believe this is the best things, especially for
a player who cost nothing."
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West Ham to pick up £7m Parker
Staff and agencies
Thursday May 31, 2007
Guardian Unlimited
Scott Parker is on the verge of signing for West Ham for £7m, after the
Hammers fought off late competition from Tottenham. West Ham chief executive
Scott Duxbury was involved in talks with Parker's representatives last
night, after Tottenham had declared their interest in the Newcastle captain.
It is understood from sources close to the player that Parker is set to meet
with West Ham officials today after the two clubs agreed a fee. West Ham
manager Alan Curbishley sees Parker as a potential captain and the ideal
replacement for current skipper Nigel Reo-Coker, who has handed in a
transfer request. Parker, who is celebrating the birth of his third child
this week, is keen on a return to London where his family is based, and a
move to Upton Park would see him link up again with Curbishley, his old boss
at Charlton. The 26-year-old made his England debut in 2003 while playing
under Curbishley before completing a £10m move to Chelsea in January 2004.
At the end of that season Parker was named the Professional Footballers
Association's Young Player of the Year but first-team opportunities grew
increasingly limited at Stamford Bridge, where he was unable to displace
Frank Lampard and Claude Makelele. He moved to Newcastle in the summer of
2005 for £6.5m and was appointed captain at the start of last season.
Newcastle's new manager Sam Allardyce is reported to be eyeing out-of-favour
Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton as a potential replacement for
Parker.
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Dons secure clash with Hammers - TeamTalk
MK Dons have announced a glamorous pre-season friendly with Premiership side
West Ham as part of their pre-season schedule. The match will take place at
Stadium:MK on July 25, while Championship outfit Watford will also visit the
22,000-seater stadium on August 1. The club have also confirmed an away game
at Stevenage on August 4.
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'Gang of Four' want Premier boss to face live debate over Tevez controversy
- This Is London
31.05.07
Richard Scudamore is set to be challenged to a live television debate on the
Carlos Tevez affair at tomorrow's Premier League annual general meeting.
Wigan, Sheffield United, Charlton and Fulham are still threatening legal
action against the Premier League in the row over the eligibility of the
Argentine striker to play for West Ham, and the so-called 'Gang of Four' are
considering the stunt to put pressure on the chief executive. The proposal
would have to be tabled by Fulham or Wigan because Sheffield United and
Charlton have been relegated. Each top-flight club own a share in the
Premier League but the Sheffield club are refusing to give their one back.
They are planning to turn up tomorrow, although they are likely to be denied
entry and told to request a separate meeting. United are leading the action
over Tevez and there will be an arbitration hearing on 18-19 June. Fulham
are also heavily involved but have been told they have to make a separate
claim. The Premier League clubs are expected to approve a move to make their
rule dealing with third-party ownership "more explicit" at tomorrow's
meeting. The League require a minimum of 14 votes to change or amend any of
their regulations and will seek to make Rule U18 more transparent and so
avoid any repeat of the Tevez controversy. West Ham avoided a points
deduction but were fined a record £5.5 million for not revealing details of
'side contracts' between the club and Kia Joorabchian's former company MSI,
who were part owners of Argentine pair Tevez and Javier Mascherano.
Scudamore believes Rule U18 should be made clearer, leaving clubs in no
doubt that 'side contracts' regarding the future sale of players owned by
third parties should be declared at the time of signing. A Premier League
spokesman said: "We are aware of the increasing phenomenon of more South
American players being involved with clubs on loan agreements so we will be
seeking to make this particular rule more explicit."
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Reo-Coker in Toon plea - the Sun
By STEVE BRENNER
June 01, 2007
NIGEL REO-COKER has begged Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce to end his West Ham
nightmare. Reo-Coker is desperate to quit Upton Park and would love the
chance to link up with Allardyce at St James' Park. Big Sam, who continues
to track Manchester City bad-boy Joey Barton, tried to land the England
Under-21 skipper for Bolton last season but Hammers boss Alan Curbishley
refused to let him go. Now, with Scott Parker on his way to East London,
Reo-Coker wants a chance to fill the void. New Trotters boss Sammy Lee
continues to keep tabs on the midfielder, 23, who is available for around
£8million. His agent Tony Finnegan said: "Sam Allardyce knows how to get in
contact with Nigel and we would welcome a call. "If Sam said he wanted to
speak, Nigel would be on the train in a shot. It would be very interesting
to see what his plans are for Newcastle."
Meanwhile, Mike Ashley's Toon takeover moved a step closer last night when
the club's board agreed to consider his offer. A statement released to the
Stock Exchange said: "The board of Newcastle United announces that there was
a meeting with Mike Ashley and his team at which there was a useful and
constructive discussion. "The board will now consider its response to the
offer from St James Holdings Ltd." Ashley owns a 41.6 per cent stake in the
club after buying Sir John Hall's shares. He will release a statement to
shareholders next week detailing his vision for Newcastle. Stock Exchange
rules say the 43-year-old must submit a formal takeover bid. He is hopeful
of further progress by the end of next week.
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Hammers net £7m Parker - The Sun
By DAVE KIDD
June 01, 2007
WEST HAM will make Scott Parker the highest-paid player in their history
after agreeing a £7million deal with Newcastle. The England midfielder will
earn substantially more than the £72,000 per week the Hammers are paying
their highest earner, Aussie defender Lucas Neill. Parker, 26, is currently
on a family holiday in Portugal but is expected in London for a medical next
week.
Tottenham made an inquiry about Parker but were blown out of the water by
West Ham's wage offer. He was already pulling in upwards of £60,000 at
Newcastle after making the £6.5m switch from Chelsea in 2005. Hammers chief
Eggert Magnusson shelled out massive salaries to capture Neill, Matthew
Upson and Luis Boa Morte in January.
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West Ham's summer spree begins with £7m Parker bid - The Independent
By Alex Lowe
Published: 01 June 2007
West Ham United were last night holding discussions with the Newcastle
United captain, Scott Parker, over a proposed £7m move to Upton Park. It is
understood that West Ham's chief executive, Scott Duxbury, was involved in
talks with Parker's representatives after Spurs had also shown interest in
the England international. Parker would be manager Alan Curbishley's first
signing of the summer. Curbishley has been given significant funds, thought
to be more than £40m, to ensure there is no repeat of last season's
relegation battle and to spearhead a challenge for Europe. Also, reportedly,
on the Hammers' list of targets are the Charlton Athletic striker, Darren
Bent, and Everton's Australian midfielder, Tim Cahill, but the club have not
revealed whether they will retain Carlos Tevez. Parker made his England
debut in 2003 while playing under Curbishley at Charlton before completing a
£10m move to Chelsea in January 2004. Relations between the two were
strained at the time, with Curbishley frustrated by Parker's decision to
leave and the way the move came about. Newcastle's new manager, Sam
Allardyce, is reported to be considering the out-of-favour Manchester City
midfielder Joey Barton as a potential replacement for Parker.
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Villa close to winning race for £8m Reo-Coker Stuart James
Friday June 1, 2007
The Guardian
Aston Villa have emerged as favourites to sign Nigel Reo-Coker and are
expected to agree a deal worth about £8m with West Ham United for the
England Under-21 captain next week. Reo-Coker has submitted a transfer
request at West Ham and, although he has been strongly linked with a move to
Tottenham Hotspur, it is understood Villa are close to winning the race for
his signature.
Martin O'Neill returns from holiday today keen to complete the deal, which
would take his spending since arriving at the club last summer beyond £20m.
The Villa manager is set to embark on a major rebuilding programme before
the new season and, with midfield a key area to strengthen, has earmarked
Reo-Coker as the first piece of the jigsaw. It is believed that the
23-year-old is excited by the prospect of playing under O'Neill.
Villa's financial strength in the transfer market and Scott Parker's
anticipated arrival at West Ham should ensure that the deal goes through
smoothly. Parker was last night on the verge of completing a £7m switch from
Newcastle to West Ham to be reunited with his former manager at Charlton,
Alan Curbishley, who regards the 26-year-old as the ideal replacement for
Reo-Coker.
Reo-Coker endured a difficult last season at West Ham and was booed by some
fans only months after coming within minutes of lifting the FA Cup. His form
suffered amid reports that he was unhappy after failing to secure a move to
Arsenal last August but he remained an almost automatic choice and played a
key part in helping the club stay in the Premiership. With Arsenal's
interest cooling, Villa's bright ambitions under O'Neill have proved
attractive to Reo-Coker.
His capture would represent a major coup for Villa and for O'Neill, who has
already lured John Carew and spent £16m on Ashley Young and Stilian Petrov.
The manager is keen to buy another striker and is interested in Craig
Bellamy but Liverpool would have to drop their £12m asking price for the
Wales international.
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Money-bags West Ham move for Everton's Cahill
tribalfooball.com - May 31, 2007
West Ham United are chasing Everton midfielder Tim Cahill. Hammers boss Alan
Curbishley has over £40 million to spend and wants to bring former Millwall
favourite Cahill back to London this summer. Curbishley appears to have lost
out to Newcastle in the battle for another Australian, Middlesbrough striker
Mark Viduka. It was reported West Ham were prepared to hand Viduka an
£85,000-a-week deal to come to Upton Park.
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Newcastle, Spurs move for West Ham's Ferdinand
tribalfooball.com - May 31, 2007
Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce is eyeing West Ham defender Anton
Ferdinand. The Times says Newcastle and Tottenham are planning to bid for
Ferdinand, who faces a battle to win over Hammers boss Alan Curbishley after
an inconsistent last 12 months at Upton Park.
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West Ham's Noble welcomes international call
tribalfooball.com - May 31, 2007
West Ham United midfielder Mark Noble is delighted to have been named in
Stuart Pearce's England U21 squad for this summer's European Championships.
"I am really happy to have been named in the squad," he told whufc.com. "It
was a great season for me and a great end to the season for the Club. "It's
really nice to be able to top it off by being called up to the Under-21s
squad. I can't wait for the tournament and for the season to start again."
Mark was called into Stuart Pearce's initial 30-man squad and flew out to
Spain to attend a training camp, before finding out he'd made the final 23
for next month's tournament. "With the squad and players we have the chances
of us winning it are pretty high, I'd say. It's going to be a great
experience being out there. Hopefully it will give me the opportunity to
show what I can do on the international stage. "The training camp was a
really great experience. The training was obviously of a very high standard
and I must have done ok to have been picked for the final 23-man squad. It
was a really good to experience training abroad as well, in a different
climate. "The senior squad is my long-term goal. It's every little boy's
dream to be involved in the international set-up when they grow up. "I've
played in every age group for England so far but I'm not getting carried
away - I've not even played a game for the under-21s yet. Hopefully next
year if I continue performing the way I have been, people will continue to
take notice."
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Noble excited by prospect of new West Ham signings
tribalfooball.com - May 31, 2007
Mark Noble admits he's just as excited as any West Ham fan by the prospect
of big-name signings arriving this summer. The midfield tyro told whufc.com:
"I can't wait for next season now and for all the build-up to begin. I'm
looking forward to seeing what players we bring in over the summer too. I
hope we start the season the way we finished and I want to play in every
game to help take the Club up to a higher position."
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West Ham to make Parker highest paid in their history
tribalfooball.com - May 31, 2007
Newcastle captain Scott Parker is set to become West Ham's highest ever paid
player. The Sun says the England midfielder will earn substantially more
than the £72,000 per week the Hammers are paying their highest earner,
Aussie defender Lucas Neill. Parker, 26, is currently on a family holiday in
Portugal but is expected in London for a medical next week. Hammers chief
Eggert Magnusson shelled out massive salaries to capture Neill, Matthew
Upson and Luis Boa Morte in January.
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West Ham's Reo-Coker wants Newcastle move
tribalfooball.com - May 31, 2007
West Ham's want-away Nigel Reo-Coker wants a move to Newcastle United. New
Trotters boss Sammy Lee continues to keep tabs on the midfielder, 23, who is
available for around £8million. His agent Tony Finnegan told The Sun: "Sam
Allardyce knows how to get in contact with Nigel and we would welcome a
call. "If Sam said he wanted to speak, Nigel would be on the train in a
shot. It would be very interesting to see what his plans are for Newcastle."
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I Don't Believe Spurs Wanted Parker - Vital Football
According to the press today, West Ham have fought off late interest from
Spurs to secure the £7million signing of Scott Parker from Newcastle United.
The reports say that West Ham's chief executive, Scott Duxbury as if you
care about the hammers name (!) had late night talks the midfielder's agents
to fend off Spurs. What a load of rubbish. Sorry, you have the chance to
move to London with both clubs. So that part is sorted. Then you have the
chance to go to a club who were nearly relegated or one who are playing in
Europe next season and who are so much on the up it is untrue. So come on,
who do you choose? I don't believe that we've shown an interest, if we had,
we'd have him. Simple as that.
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West Ham To Confirm Signing Of Scott Parker Tomorrow - WestHamFans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 31 May, 2007 - 12:50.
Having agreed personal terms, Newcastle's captain Scott Parker will put pen
to paper either this evening or tomorrow morning, his signing will be
subject to a strenuous medical to confirm that the player's current hernia
injury is not a long term issue. The original asking price was £8 Million
with add ons but it seems that Hammers have negotiated a £7 Million fee but
with a 20% stake in any future sell on should the player move to another
club within three years. Not a bad bit of business for a full England
International, and a player with plenty to prove. Having moved from Charlton
to Chelsea for £10 Million, Parker found himself warming the bench and so
accepted the chance to move to Newcastle in a £6.5 Million deal, he was
quickly made captain but found it hard to settle up north and became the
target of abuse of many Toon fans as they saw their season fall apart under
the managership of the now sacked Glen Roeder. A tenacious player well known
to Alan Curbishley who guided his career at Charlton, Parker is a little
like Lee Bowyer in style but has pace and knows how to score goals, his
arrival will cast doubt over Bowyer's future at the club, he may well join
Alan Pardew at Charlton as they attempt to return to the top flight at the
first time of asking.
Hayden Mullins is another destined to make the short journey across town to
the Valley as Curbs begins to wield the axe that will make space available
in the squad for the impending new arrivals. We previously mentioned the
interest Hammers have shown in Tim Cahill, and ironically the key to
bringing him on board might lay with outgoing captain Nigel Reo-Coker, David
Moyes has long been an admirer of NRC and might be tempted to do a player
plus cash deal for his Aussie midfielder who would welcome the chance to
join up with his Australian International team mate Lucas Neill. It is now
quite obvious that none of the big four are really interested in signing
NRC, especially with the players £9 Million valuation, it looks more than
likely that only Villa, Everton and Newcastle represent serious suitors,
food for thought for the man who "saved Hammers from relegation", try
cupping your hand to your ear at your own supporters up north and see what
happens Nigel. - Ed
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Jol keen on Parker Thu, May 31 2007 13:34 - EatSleepSport
Tottenham hope to scupper West Ham's bid to bring Newcastle midfielder Scott
Parker to Upton Park. West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury met with the
England international's representatives on Wednesday after rivals Tottenham
had declared their interest in the Newcastle captain - although the two
clubs have yet to agree a fee, with Newcastle officials holding out for
around £8.5million. West Ham manager Alan Curbishley is keen to bring in a
new midfielder after current skipper Nigel Reo-Coker handed in a transfer
request and sees Londoner Parker, who he worked with at Charlton, as the
ideal replacement. Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce has already lined up
Manchester City outcast Joey Barton as a replacement for Parker, while
Tottenham boss Martin Jol hopes to add some bite to his engine room and is a
known admirer of the £6.5million signing from Chelsea.
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O'Neill targets Reo-Coker Thu, May 31 2007 13:23 - EatSleepSport
Aston Villa are likely to be the first team to enter the bidding to land
transfer-listed West Ham skipper Nigel Reo-Coker. Reo-Coker demanded a
transfer at the weekend following an unhappy season at Upton Park, where he
was abused by his own fans. Villa boss Martin O'Neill is know to be a big
fan of the England Under-21 skipper and is ready to rival Arsenal, Tottenham
and Newcastle in the race to land him. Reo-Coker is believed to have set his
heart on a move to the Emirates Stadium but Arsene Wenger's interest has
cooled. The Hammers, who have lined up Newcastle midfielder Scott Parker,
are set to demand £9million before Reo-Coker leaves the club but are
unlikely to find any takers at that price. O'Neill is understood to be
willing to pay up to £7.5million for the former Wimbledon starlet, after
being handed a large war chest by new owner Randy Lerner.
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O?Neill weighs up Reo-Coker - Clubcall
20070531 13:23
Aston Villa are likely to be the first team to enter the bidding to land
transfer-listed West Ham skipper Nigel Reo-Coker. Reo-Coker demanded a
transfer at the weekend following an unhappy season at Upton Park, where he
was abused by his own fans. Villa boss Martin O'Neill is know to be a big
fan of the England Under-21 skipper and is ready to rival Arsenal, Tottenham
and Newcastle in the race to land him. Reo-Coker is believed to have set
his heart on a move to the Emirates Stadium but Arsene Wenger's interest has
cooled. The Hammers, who have lined up Newcastle midfielder Scott Parker,
are set to demand £9million before Reo-Coker leaves the club but are
unlikely to find any takers at that price.
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