Monday, June 18

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - II 18th June 2007

Ticket details for Roma friendly confirmed - WHUFC
18/06/2007 16:21

West Ham United are pleased to be able to confirm selling arrangements and
match ticket prices for our prestigious pre-season friendly at Upton Park
against AS Roma on Saturday 4th August.

Match ticket prices have been reduced for all supporters, with Season Ticket
Holders (Adult/Senior/Young Adult) booking during their priority period
receiving a 40% discount and Academy Members (Adult/Senior/Young Adult)
booking during their priority period receiving a 20% discount from Standard
Tickets.

All Under 16s/Under 10s Season Ticket Holders and all Youth Academy Members
will be able to gain entry for the above fixture at the reduced price of
£1.00.

Selling dates for the fixture are as follows:

Season Ticket Holders from 9.00am on Tuesday 10th July.
Academy Members from 8.00am on Tuesday 17th July.
General Sale from 9.00am on Saturday 21st July.

Season Ticket Holder Prices for the above fixture are as follows:
(Advance Ticket Prices from 9.00am Tuesday 10th July to Monday 16th July).

Season Ticket Holders Band 1 Band 2 Band 3 Band 4 Restricted
Adult £15.00 £13.00 £11.00 £10.00 £9.00
Senior £7.50 £6.50 £5.50 £5.00 £4.50
Young Adult £7.50 £6.50 £5.50 £5.00 £4.50
Under 16's/Under 10's £1.00 £1.00 £1.00 £1.00 £1.00

Please note that should Bondholders decide not to take up their option of
purchasing their dedicated seats for the above fixture a limited number of
tickets will be made available to purchase from 9.00am on Friday 27th July.

Advance booking is strongly recommended.

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Curbs gearing up for start of new season - WHUFC
18/06/2007 09:31

Alan Curbishley admits he is already looking forward to getting the summer
break out of the way as the countdown to the new 2007-08 Barclays Premier
League campaign begins. With the players returning to pre-season training in
just two weeks' time, the Hammers boss has already been busy planning the
schedule, and says he will be leaving no stone unturned when aiming for the
best possible start. "I am big on pre-season preparations and consider it to
be very important," says Curbs. "I saw a statistic recently which proved
that teams who take a decent number of points in their first 10 games very
often stay clear of the bottom three. "West Ham managed that when they
returned to the Premier League two years ago but, last year, it wasn't the
same story. After the cup final at Cardiff, the break was short, some
players were due to have operations, then other players suffered injury
during pre-season, and the Club didn't get the start it wanted. "That is no
disrespect to the previous management team, because I am sure they would say
same thing - it's just the way things turned out. I think it was something
like 11 or 12 operations last season, which is an incredible number, and of
course I'm hoping that we stay clear of those kind of problems this time
around. We will certainly be looking closely at injury prevention ahead of
the new season."
On that front, changes among the manager's backroom and support staff are
already underway, all geared towards ensuring that everything is in place
and running smoothly by the time Manchester City visit Upton Park for the
opening game of the new campaign on August 11. "I'm looking to make some
changes and beef up certain areas of the medical and coaching departments,"
says Curbs. "Hopefully, we will have that in place by the time the players
come back and begin the pre-season build-up. "As I've said before, it is
difficult to come in to a Club mid-season and make those kind of changes
when important matches are taking place, so this summer is a fresh beginning
for everyone and we will be looking to get everything embedded in
pre-season. "We're going for local games, which will hopefully provide some
big atmospheres, followed by a big game at the end against AS Roma. We will
work very hard and hopefully hit the ground running for that first game
against Manchester City."

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Season Ticket renewal information - WHUFC
18/06/2007 14:57

The Ticket Office is pleased to confirm that, to assist supporters in the
busy build up to the season ticket renewal date of Friday 29th June,
extended opening hours will be in operation over the next two weeks.

Monday 18th to Friday 22nd June - 9.00am to 6.00pm

Saturday 23rd June - 9.00am to 5.00pm

Monday 25th to Friday 29th June - 9.00am to 7.00pm

Since the renewal brochures have been received, the ticket office has been
busy processing renewals and expects to get busier the closer we get to the
deadline. Should you not have done so already, we would recommend that you
submit your application as far in advance as possible, to avoid the queues
that can develop on the telephone and outside the ticket office.

Adult season ticket holders can renew online here
https://eticketing.co.uk/whufc/default.aspx

For all other season ticket information please contact the ticket office on:
0870 112 2700 (select option 3)

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Hammers reject Harewood bid - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 18th June 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel

West Ham United have rejected a £3m bid for striker Marlon Harewood,
according to reports. Harewood - who has been told by United that he is
considered surplus to requirements - was the subject of a £3m offer
(consisting of £2m cash plus incentives) from Premiership newcomers
Birmingham City this morning.
However the Blues' initial approach has been rejected, according to news
emanating this lunchtime. Harewood joined the Hammers four years ago and
soon became the club's first choice striker. But after a miserable season
last term, he has conceded that his future lies elsewhere. West Ham are
likely to hold out for around £4.5m for the former Forest man, who has
scored 56 goals since moving to the East End in November 2003. Alan
Curbishley - who paid over the odds to land Matthew Upson from Birmingham in
the January transfer window - will no doubt be keen to recoup the lions
share of that £6m outlay should Harewood end up at St Andrews.

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Noble in England storm - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 17th June 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel

Mark Noble was at the centre of an on-field brawl as England's under-21s
progressed to the semi-final stage of the European Championships. Noble was
caught in the middle of a furore which resulted after Blackburn's Matt
Derbyshire scored England's second - and decisive - goal. The Serbian
players were incensed after Derbyshire played to the referee's whistle - or
lack of it - despite a Serbian defender lying prone on the edge of the
penalty box. And Noble was one of several English players caught up in the
backlash as Serbian players protested; protets which continued into the
tunnel after the game. Noble - a second half substitute - is likely to begin
Wednesday's semi-final against the hosts Holland as Tottenham's Tom
Huddlestone was sent off for swearing at the linesman. The match was sadly
marred by racist chanting from Serbian fans during the first half. The
English FA have sent an official letter of complaint to UEFA; Serbia, who
had already qualified for the semis prior to last night's game could be
thrown out of the competition. Nigel Reo-Coker also played in the game.

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'Let down and disappointed' - KUMB
Filed: Saturday, 16th June 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel

So said Eggert Magnusson this morning after Charlton striker Darren Bent
rejected a £16m move to West Ham United. Magnusson, talking on whufc.com
revealed that he had been hugely frustrated by the collapse of what would
have been a club record deal. ""We were so close to signing Darren and
thought everything was in place to conclude what would have been the biggest
transfer in West Ham United's history," he said. "I was really looking
forward to making an announcement to our fans as we continue with our plans
to take this club forward. "The deal we put in place seemed to work for
everybody concerned. Throughout the negotiations all the signs were
positive. Therefore I was surprised when I learned that Darren had decided
not to join us.
"I feel let down and disappointed. But it is time to move on." The United
Chairman also poured scorn on a number of newspaper reports suggesting that
the club were prepared to pay 'Chelsea-style' wages in order to attract
their targets. "This is a great football Club which will be run on sensible
business lines to build a secure, long-term future," he added. "That
includes our policy on players wages, set at a ceiling of £55,000 a week.
"Despite figures being circulated, no player at West Ham United earns more
than that at present."

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Tevez: no news is good news? - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 17th June 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel

Carlos Tevez continues to remain tight-lipped with regards to his immediate
future - despite rumours suggesting that he will be a West Ham united player
next season. Tevez, who is currently preparing for the Copa America with the
Argentinian squad has been linked with a number of major clubs in recent
weeks; both Inter and Real Madrid have been reported to be interested in
procuring his services. But fresh rumours suggest that he is likely to
remain in East London for another season at least, with United set to pay
around £9m in fees and wages to keep the 23-year-old at The Boleyn. Eggert
Magnusson is thought to have stepped up his efforts to keep Tevez after a
£16m move for Charlton's Darren Bent fell through last week - despite the
player having already agreed personal terms with the Hammers.

* The 42nd Copa America - the world's oldest international tournament - is
being staged in Venezuela for the first time, and kicks off later this
month. Tevez's Argentina - drawn in Group C - face USA on Thursday, 28th
June, Colombia on Monday, 2nd July and Paraguay on Thursday, 5th July. The
final is scheduled for Sunday, 15th July and is being staged in Maracaibo,
Venezuela's second largest city.

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Hypocrites have their day - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 18th June 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel

Sheffield United's 'Campaign For Fairness' rolls into London this morning on
the latest stop in an attempt to have West Ham United thrown out of the
Premier League. The Blades - led by blundering Chairman Kevin McCabe - take
their case to arbitration this morning in a bid to have their relegation
reversed. But embarrassingly for McCabe and his fellow capaigners their
campaign suffered a major blow on the eve of today's hearing when it was
confirmed that the Blades are being investigated for breaking the very rule
that they are seeking to have the Hammers relegated for.
Over the weekend the Premier League confirmed that they are investigating
the transfer of Steve Kabba from Sheffield to Watford last January, after it
was revealed that Kabba was contactually forced to sit out the fixture with
his former club in April - a clear infringement of rule U18 which prohibits
third-pary influence - an offence the Hammers were fined £3m for last month.
And it has since been discovered that Sheffield United also attempted to
force another former player - Lilian Nalis, who the Blades sold to Plymouth
in January 2006 - to sit out a game a month after the transfer took place.
Speaking after that game, then Blades manager Neil Warnock was quoted as
saying ""I was disappointed Nalis played, but I suppose that's a lesson for
me to learn" - a quote which Plymouth boss Tony Pullis reponded to by
stating "Neil dealt with the chairman - if he didn't want Lilian to play
against him then he shouldn't have sold him."
Of course, that game was played in the Football League and therefore not
under the jurisdiction of the Premier League. But for McCabe, who continues
to insist that the campaign concerns fairness in the game and not financial
reward, the news couldn't have come at a worse time. The three man panel are
expected to uphold the Premier League's original decision when they meet
this lunchtime.

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Blades tribunal hearing under way - BBC

An independent arbitration panel has started a two-day hearing that will
decide whether Sheffield United should be reinstated to the Premier League.
The Blades believe West Ham should have been docked points after the
signings of Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez. The Hammers were fined £5.5m
for breaching ownership rules and stayed up on the last day of the season,
with Sheffield United relegated instead. A panel will hear the Blades' case
and could overturn the original decision. If they do, Sheffield United will
ask the Premier League to reinstate them for next season. If the panel finds
in favour of the Blades, the Premier League could relegate West Ham, keep
both clubs in the top flight, offer a compensation package or refuse to
overturn the decision.
Blades plc chairman Kevin McCabe is adamant the panel will rule in favour of
his club over a saga that started back in March. In that month, West Ham
were found guilty of acting improperly and withholding vital documentation
over the Argentine pair's ownership but they escaped a points deduction and
Tevez was allowed to continue playing. He and Mascherano, who is now at
Liverpool, were part-owned by a third party but the Hammers then ended that
agreement, which satisfied the Premier League. Tevez was one of the major
factors in the club's late escape - scoring a goal on the final day of the
season at Manchester United to help the Hammers stay up. The Blades finished
on the same number of points as fourth-from-bottom Wigan but were relegated
on goal difference. "I think the Premier League accept they wish the
arbitration was not happening," McCabe said last week. "But in the knowledge
it is happening and it cannot be prevented, then if the decision is
overturned we should be reselected to the Premier League. "Since we really
looked into the whys and the wherefores of the Tevez affair it became
apparent that a wrong decision was made." Presentations by the Blades have
also been made to the European Commission. "We expressed our concerns of the
whole affair," said club spokesman Andy Pack. "It wasn't a question of
trying to enlist support or lobby, rather a chance to inform them of where
we are."

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Sheringham Cherries link denied - BBC

Veteran striker Teddy Sheringham will not be joining League One side
Bournemouth, according to his agent. Newspaper reports had claimed that the
41-year-old, who has been released by West Ham, wanted to continue his
career at Dean Court. However, his agent Barry Neville told BBC Radio
Solent: "There have been no discussions with Bournemouth and there is no
offer on the table from them. "We're currently talking to teams in America
and other countries."
Neville added: "There is no guarantee Teddy will stay in England. It is
still very early days." Sheringham knows Cherries boss Kevin Bond from their
time together at Portsmouth, where Bond was assistant to Harry Redknapp.

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Birmingham's Harewood bid snubbed - BBC

West Ham have turned down a £3m offer from Birmingham for Marlon Harewood.
The 27-year-old striker has been deemed surplus to requirements at Upton
Park but the Hammers are reportedly holding out for a transfer fee closer to
£5m. The former Nottingham Forest man joined West Ham in 2003 and was a key
factor in their Championship promotion push in 2005, with 22 goals over the
season. In his first top-flight campaign Harewood found the net 16 times but
he managed only four goals last term. Two of those came under boss Alan
Curbishley, who took over as West Ham boss in December 2006 and who is keen
to boost his attacking options. And Curbishley would like to recoup the
majority of the £6m he paid Birmingham for defender Matthew Upson in
January. If the Blues do come in with a renewed offer it is likely they will
face competition from a host of clubs. Speculation has linked Harewood to a
move back to the East Midlands with Derby, while London clubs Fulham and
Charlton, where he could link up with former Hammers boss Alan Pardew, are
also said to be in the hunt. "I've had a chat with the new manager and he
obviously wants to bring his own players in, it happens everywhere,"
Harewood said at the end of the season. "I've had four good years at the
club but now it's time for me to find a new challenge. "I just can't wait to
be scoring again and winning games for a team, that's what I want to be
doing." He has scored a total of 56 goals in 170 appearances for West Ham.

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Parry joins Blades fight - Sky
By Graeme Bailey - Created on 18 Jun 2007

Liverpool's Rick Parry has given evidence on behalf of Sheffield United at
their Premier League arbitration hearing. The Blades are looking to earn a
top-flight reprieve for next season as they feel West Ham should have been
deducted points, which would have seen them avoid relegation. The Hammers
were fined over £5million for their role in the signings of Carlos Tevez and
Javier Mascherano. A host of Premier League clubs are known to be backing
The Blades' appeal - but Liverpool's support has only just emerged. Sky
Sports News learned on Monday that Parry attended the hearing in London and
gave evidence on their behalf. Liverpool are likely to have extensive
knowledge on the situation regarding Mascherano and Tevez, as they signed
the former in January from West Ham.

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Real make Tevez contact - Sky
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 18 Jun 2007

Real Madrid have been in contact about West Ham United striker Carlos Tevez,
according to the Argentine's agent. Tevez's future at Upton Park remains
unclear following the row which landed The Hammers with a £5.5million fine
and saw Sheffield United contest the punishment. During the closing weeks of
the season, Tevez was instrumental in keeping West Ham in the Premier
League, but has yet to commit his future to the club. He recently admitted
it was 'time to join a big club', with Serie A champions Internazionale
declaring an interest. Newly-crowned Spanish champions Real have also been
strongly linked with a £30million bid for the former Corinthians star.
Tevez's agent Adrian Ruocco has confirmed the interest from Real, but is
refusing to rule out the possibility of the fans' hero staying at Upton
Park. "There's been contact with Real Madrid," Ruocco told the Sun. "We've
been patient, but if Real don't make a concrete offer then Carlos has a lot
of options. "He has offers from Europe's biggest clubs. "But there's no need
to rule out anything, including staying at West Ham where he is settled and
wanted."

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First 10 million takes him - Football Commentator

Chelsea have announced that winger Shaun Wright-Phillips can leave Stamford
Bridge for 10m sparking interest from Tottenham, West Ham, Manchester City
and Newcastle United.

Failing to impress Jose Mourinho after a 21m pound move from Manchester City
2 years ago, the 25-year-old could serve to generate transfer funds for
strengthening other areas of the squad. Selling seems to be the only means
for Chelsea as Roman Abramovich's funds have been cutoff for new players as
the club has been focused on free transfers.

Tottenham are reported to be keenly interested along with host of other
clubs including his previous home at Manchester City. Tottenham are
desperate for a left winger, but I think it would be awkward having Lennon
and Wright-Phillips on the flanks. Although not noted as a position that
size is important, two such diminutive players could see Tottenham
outmuscled in midfield. A swap for Chimbonda would be equal value.

Alan Curbishley is also keen after missing out on Darren Bent, as he looks
to rebuild his West Ham side after a disastrous season of underperforming
players. Flush with cash, West Ham seem to have no problems with the asking
price.

Manchester City would be a natural place for Wright-Phillips to return to
but the price tag would be steep for a City side in debt.

While Newcastle seem obsessed with a new defense, cash remains for a new
winger. Newcastle could be an excellent place for Wright-Phillips,
especially with manager Sam Allardyce's reputation for recuperating careers.
In my opinion it's the best team he could join because there is very little
downside for him personally. I also think the cast of Newcastle's players
would do Wright-Phillips some good, especially playing with Mark Viduka and
Michael Owen.

Personally, I am suprised. Last season Wright-Phillips was on the verge of
coming good at Chelsea. I thought he could have had a breakout season next
year. To see him being sold means to me that there is indeed no money
available.

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West Ham reject Birmingham's Harewood bid
Times Online and Agencies

Birmingham City have had a £3million bid for striker Marlon Harewood
rejected by West Ham United. City made an offer of an initial £2million plus
add-ons for Harewood, who is surplus to requirements at Upton Park. But the
Hammers are looking for something near £5million for the former Nottingham
Forest player. Alan Curbishley, the West Ham manager, is looking to recoup
the majority of the £6million he paid Birmingham for defender Matthew Upson
in January. But Birmingham, who are also interested in defender Paul
Konchesky, consider that figure to be unrealistic. Harewood played a major
role in the Hammers regaining their Barclays Premier League status two years
ago when he scored 16 goals. But he has gradually slipped down the pecking
order and last season netted only four goals. Steve Bruce, the Birmngham
manager, has been given the green light to continue with his transfer plans
despite the current uncertainty surrounding the future of the club. He has
already signed Middlesbrough defender Stuart Parnaby and agreed a permanent
deal for Arsenal midfielder Fabrice Muamba, who spent last season on loan at
St Andrews. Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung is expected to step up his
bid to buy Birmingham during the next few days. The billionaire, who was
unsuccessful in his attempt to take control of Reading, has already had his
representatives visit St Andrews and inspect the club's

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West Ham Nearly Overhaul Eastenders In Ratings - WestHamFans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 18 June, 2007 - 14:17.

Well to use the vernacular of Martin Samuel in reply to the club's use of
the vernacular for shirt sales, would you adam and eve it. Not content with
grabbing the headlines for what seems like an eternity, those greedy chaps
at West Ham want more and more, it must be like a drug or something. The
'Tevezgate' arbitration panel were given the dubious pleasure of sharing
Liverpool exec Rick 'the grass' Parry's thoughts and information regarding
the affair earlier today.

Even earlier in the day Bobby Zamora and ex-Hammers Teddy Sheringham and
Shaun Newton were revealed as possible 'perverters of the course of justice'
after it was revealed that they might have been involved in an identity scam
to save having points for speeding offences added to licences that were near
to the full quota.

These events merely confirm two things: Firstly, Parry is doing his level
best to rock the boat in the hope that Liverpool can get Yossi Benayoun on
the cheap and maybe even make an audacious attempt to sign Carlos Tevez. In
case it had escaped notice, Rafa Benitez is cash strapped because the new
owners "don't want to spend money like drunken sailors." So the only way for
the manager to recruit seems to be 'buy cheap and or use subterfuge'..

Secondly, that all footballers, no matter how cerebral, are essentially
stupid, it can be the only explanation for why a millionaire, recently
honoured for his services to football, could along with his obviously stupid
pals, try to get away with it! On the wages players receive they can easily
afford a driver, no wonder Curbs put the boot in as soon as he could, his
apparently draconian actions may well seem more justified now. The Hammers
manager identified and targeted what he thought was wrong in the dressing
room after having taken over from Alan Pardew, and discipline was a key
issue, he was shocked at the laisse faire attitude of the players and the
'party culture' that existed. No one expects footballers to be saints, but
they do owe their fans manager and Chairman a bit of honour, behaving like
muppets brings the club into disrepute and gives the impression that some
players believe their own myth and think they are elevated human beings. It
is a good thing that Alan Curbishley started his cull as soon as was
possible, by the looks of things he only just started in time. It goes
without saying that new players signed to the club will be expected to
exhibit better behaviour, maybe they should have to sit a stupidity test! -
Ed

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Irons reject Blues bid for Harewood - TeamTalk

Birmingham have had a £3million bid for Marlon Harewood rejected by West
Ham, who want nearer to £5million for the sought-after striker. Blues made
an offer of an initial £2million plus add-ons for Harewood, who is surplus
to requirements at Upton Park and is also being chased by Fulham, Portsmouth
and Wigan. But the Hammers are believed to be looking for something near
£5million for the former Ipswich and Nottingham Forest player. That is
unrealistic from the point of view of Blues, who are also interested in West
Ham defender Paul Konchesky. Harewood played a major role in the Hammers
regaining their Premier League status two years ago when he scored 16 goals.
But he has gradually slipped down the pecking order and last season netted
only four goals.
Blues boss Steve Bruce has been given the green light to continue with his
transfer plans despite the current uncertainty surrounding the future of the
club.
He has already signed Middlesbrough defender Stuart Parnaby and agreed a
permanent deal for Arsenal midfielder Fabrice Muamba, who spent last season
on loan at St Andrews. Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung is expected to
step up his bid to buy Birmingham during the next few days. The billionaire,
who was unsuccessful in his attempt to take control of Reading, has already
had his representatives visit St Andrews and inspect the club's finances.

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Hammers enter race for Nugent - TeamTalk

West Ham are believed to have joined the race for Preston striker David
Nugent after missing out on Charlton hitman Darren Bent. Nugent is currently
in Holland with the England Under-21 side participating in the European
Championship and has been unable to talk to clubs while the tournament is
ongoing.
However, that has not stopped the long-time Everton target being strongly
linked with a move to newly-promoted Sunderland. But now the Hammers have
emerged as contenders for the 22-year-old's signature after Bent turned down
a move to Upton Park, according to the Lancashire Evening Post. With England
facing Holland in the semi-finals on Wednesday, interested parties will have
to wait until Thursday at the earliest to hold talks with the hitman. Nugent
has been linked with a move to a host of Premiership clubs after scoring 17
goals for the Lilywhites last season. He made his international debut in
March, scoring in a 3-0 victory over Andorra.

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Bond plays down Sheringham link - TeamTalk

Bournemouth manager Kevin Bond has played down speculation linking former
England striker Teddy Sheringham with a move to Dean Court. Reports over the
weekend suggested 41-year-old Sheringham, who is a free agent after being
released by West Ham and is eager to continue playing, could be set to join
fellow veteran Darren Anderton on the south coast. But Bond, who coached
Sheringham at Portsmouth, told the Echo: "I haven't spoken to Teddy. "He is
a player I've worked with before and somebody I've got the utmost respect
for. "Like everybody else, I have read that Teddy has stated that he wants
to continue playing and so he should because he can still play, he wants to
play and has the desire to play. "I think every player should play for as
long as they can providing they can do themselves justice, and he certainly
can."

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Hammers fans want Neill to lead - smh.com.au
Daniel Lane
June 17, 2007

IF the West Ham fan page is an indication, Lucas Neill will captain the
Hammers next season. After only 12 games in the claret and blue strip, he
appears to have won over the club's hard-core supporter base.
This was submitted by MonkeyHammer36 on June 7: 100% has to be Lucas Neill.
He has plenty of ambition and commitment and in my opinion will be the best
skipper we've had in a long, long time.

Submitted by worldwide-iron on June 6: It will not be Scott Parker, he would
be third or fourth in my mind. Lucas Neill has to be my first.

West Ham is one of the world's most fanatically supported football clubs but
when Neill joined, he was pitched into a high-stakes game as the Hammers
battled to avoid relegation. "Everyone had written us off," he said. "No one
expected us to achieve the unachievable. "There was something on the line in
every game. To top it off, we needed to beat Manchester United at
Manchester. It was phenomenal." Neill admitted his earliest challenge at
Upton Park in East London was learning to handle the electric atmosphere the
fans created. "To an extent, you let your emotions go with it," he said.
"But there are other times when you need to put your foot on the ball and
slow it down. "While the game goes 100 miles an hour around you, you keep
your composure, especially after the season West Ham just had. It was always
so tense. We needed cool heads under pressure. "West Ham fans are quick to
let you know if you're not giving your all for the club. I live for that. At
Blackburn we didn't get full stadiums every week so sometimes we had to
create the atmosphere, whereas at West Ham there are 40,000 every week. You
see these guys live it. "Their support gives you a natural buzz. They're
West Ham till they die."

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Bellamy could be given Italian job - TeamTalk

Out-of-favour Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy is reportedly wanted by
Italian Serie A giants Juventus and Roma. Bellamy has found himself out in
the cold at Anfield in recent months and failed to take any part in the
Champions League final defeat by AC Milan in Athens. The Welshman has
indicated a desire to remain at the club and fight for his place, but that
could be tested by interest from the Italian pair according to various
newspaper reports on Monday.
New Juve boss Claudio Ranieri is attempting to build a side capable of
competing at the top of Serie A and it is believed Bellamy may be tempted by
the chance to emulate his hero Ian Rush, who moved to Turin from Liverpool
20 years ago. However, Reds boss Rafael Benitez may be more keen on the
offer from Roma, who are set to offer Alessandro Mancini in exchange.
Bellamy has been linked with a host of clubs this summer, including Aston
Villa and West Ham, just a year after moving to Anfield from Blackburn.

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'Settled' Tevez waiting on Real - TeamTalk

Carlos Tevez's agent says the striker is waiting to see if Real Madrid want
him - but will stay at West Ham if not as he is "settled". The Argentinian
superstar's future is in doubt after he helped West Ham stay in the Premier
League with a string of match-winning displays. But as the controversy over
who actually owns him rumbles on, he has been linked with pretty much all of
Europe's top clubs this summer. However it appears that the 23-year-old,
valued at around £30million, would prefer a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
His agent Adrian Ruocco told The Sun: "There has been contact with Real
Madrid. "We've been patient but if Real don't make a concrete offer then
Carlos has a lot of options. "He has offers from Europe's biggest clubs.
But there's no need to rule out anything - including staying at West Ham
where he is settled and wanted."

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Sheringham arrested for giving police 'false details'
Former team-mates Zamora and Newton also arrested and subsequently bailed
Staff and agencies
Monday June 18, 2007
Guardian Unlimited

Teddy Sheringham was arrested after allegedly giving false details about a
speeding offence, it emerged today. Sheringham, 41, who was released by West
Ham at the end of last season when his contract expired, is one of three
players who have been questioned over similar allegations. The former
England striker, awarded an MBE last week, was freed on bail after being
questioned by officers on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. "A
41-year-old man was arrested on May 15 on suspicion of perverting the course
of justice when he attended, by appointment, an east London police station,"
confirmed a Scotland Yard spokesman. He was bailed to return on a date in
July pending further inquiries. It is alleged he gave false details
regarding an alleged speeding offence."
West Ham striker Bobby Zamora was arrested last Wednesday over allegations
he gave false details in relation to police camera footage of a car
apparently speeding. Another former Hammer, the midfielder Shaun Newton, was
also questioned on suspicion of perverting the course of justice, two days
after Sheringham was interviewed. All three were released on bail to return
to a police station on a date next month. Last week Sheringham was named in
the Queen's Birthday honours for services to football, in tribute to a
professional career dating back 23 years and involving almost 950 matches
for club and country. He played a central role in Manchester United's
unprecedented treble in 1999, scoring in both the FA Cup final and the
Champions League final, and is looking to find a club in England or abroad
for next season.

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Rangers bid for West Ham's Konchesky
tribalfooball.com - June 18, 2007

Rangers are ready to make an offer for West Ham United fullback Paul
Konchesky. The Sun says Gers will offer £1 million for the England cap.

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Footballer arrested over speeding - BBC

Former England striker Teddy Sheringham was arrested after he allegedly gave
false details regarding a speeding offence, Scotland Yard have said. The
footballer, who was made an MBE last week, was interviewed by police on 15
May on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. The ex-West Ham
forward was bailed to return in July for further inquiries. He is one of
three Premiership players to have been questioned over similar alleged
offences in recent weeks.

England career

Mr Sheringham, whose professional career spans 23 years, has made more than
800 appearances for club and country, and left West Ham at the end of the
season in May. Last Wednesday West Ham striker Bobby Zamora, 26, was
arrested on similar grounds after he allegedly gave false details about
police camera footage of a car apparently speeding. Midfielder Shaun Newton,
31, was also questioned regarding similar allegations, two days after Mr
Sheringham. Both Mr Zamora and Mr Newton have been released on bail.

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This isn't about money – McCabe - Yorkshire Post
By Brendan McLoughlin

Sheffield United plc chairman Kevin McCabe insists the club's fight to be
reinstated in the Premier League is a matter of principle not profit. The
Blades, who will put their case before an arbitration panel today, are
adamant West Ham should have been deducted points rather than fined for
breaching transfer regulations with the signings of Argentinians Carlos
Tevez and Javier Mascherano. The Hammers were fined £2.5m for signing
contracts which allowed a third party influence over the club, and £3m for
failing to inform the Premier League about it. League chiefs are confident
the arbitration panel will find they acted strictly according to their
regulations in both the disciplinary case against West Ham and in regards to
the registration of Tevez. The Blades will pursue their claim that an
independent commission should have deducted points from the Hammers and the
league should have cancelled Tevez's registration. It is more likely,
however, that should the Yorkshire club persuade the arbitration panel of
their case they would be awarded a compensation payment rather than the
commission's decision be overturned. McCabe, who met European Commissioner
for culture and sport Jan Figel on Friday, said: "I think we are very
confident of winning. "We have a compelling case that's based upon an
irrational decision given by the first independent commission that was set
up. We would not have pursued going to arbitration unless we thought we
would win. "It's not so much the money it's that fact one club that has not
breached the rules has been relegated whilst another club that has breached
the rules has retained its Premiership status and that's the key argument."
McCabe, who estimates relegation from the Premiership will cost the club
£50m, continued: "The money comes into the fact that between the
Championship and the Premier League the broadcasting revenue is vastly
different, as is also the support through the turnstile, but really we
believe we should still be in the Premier League, we have been cheated out
of it. "It (the difference] is certainly around £50m, it's a big difference.
We worked so hard to get back to the Premier League, we had plans to sustain
the club in the top half of the Premier League. "I'm sure if we had Carlos
Tevez playing for us we would not have been relegated at all."
The plc chairman suggested the club would accept the panel's verdict, unless
further points are raised which are "worth pursuing". He said: "I'm sure the
arbitration panel will be the key people to make a decision and a full
decision so maybe by the close of play on Tuesday we will know. "I think we
will know by then we are back in the Premiership or playing in the
Championship next season." He added: "I think the panel is a strong panel
that will make their decision properly."
McCabe dismissed reports yesterday suggesting the Blades are being
investigated by the Premier League for allegedly breaching the same rule
United want the Hammers relegated for breaking. Newspaper reports have
accused the club of breaching rule U18 by preventing former striker Steve
Kabba from turning out for Watford after his transfer to the Hornets - but
McCabe denied there was any truth in the allegations. "I am sure there won't
be a clause in the contract," he said. "The contract transferring Steve
Kabba from Sheffield to Watford was one that was open, was honest and was
properly looked at by the Premier League and registered - there is no grey
area on that whatsoever."
When asked if the deal contravened Premier League rules, he replied: "Not at
all. There are a few incidents, there must be dozens and dozens, these last
few years where there may be gentleman's agreements between managers that in
fairness the clubs probably know nothing about. "I think there have been one
or two instances this season of players between Premiership clubs."

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Warnock expects Blades knockback - Yorkshire Post
By Damian Spellman

Former Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock has backed the club's fight for
"justice" over the Carlos Tevez saga - but does not expect them to be
reinstated to the Barclays Premier League. An independent arbitration panel
will meet today to hear the Blades' argue that West Ham should have been
deducted points rather than heavily fined for irregularities in the
transfers of Argentinian Tevez and compatriot Javier Mascherano to Upton
Park last summer.
Warnock said: "I think it is quite right that the club has carried on the
fight because most people thought at the time it was an injustice even
though it happened late in the day. "I don't think anybody is anticipating a
reversal of the decision, but I think it is right that they carry on the
fight to the arbitration."
Warnock announced his resignation as Blades boss three days after a 2-1
final day home defeat by Wigan condemned his side to the drop as the Hammers
clinched survival with an unlikely 1-0 victory at champions Manchester
United with Tevez scoring the decisive goal. West Ham eventually stayed up
by three points after winning seven of their last nine games with Tevez
scoring five crucial goals. Having originally planned to call it a day at
55, Warnock is now keen to return to the fray and test himself once again.
He said: "It's funny really, two years ago, I thought, 'Right, I am going to
pack in at 55', and then certain things happened at particular times in my
life and just made me want to carry on managing. "I have enjoyed it that
much and I just think there is another club and probably another chairman,
another group of fans, who would be interested in me taking over and doing
well with them." He says he will consider any interesting proposition to
resume his career.

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West Ham join Nugent race - Lancashire Post
By Brian Ellis

West Ham have joined the queue of clubs waiting to talk to Dave Nugent when
he returns from England Under-21 duty. The Hammers, whose Premiership future
is up for debate over the next two days at an arbitration panel, look set to
challenge favourites Sunderland and a host of other suitors for the Preston
North End star's signature after losing out on a £17m bid for Charlton's
Darren Bent. Boss Alan Curbishley will have to wait until at least Thursday
to put his case to Nugent after England made it through to the semi-finals
of the European Under-21 Championships with a 2-0 win over Serbia last
night. The North End marksman failed to get on the scoresheet in Nijmegen
but his performances in the competition so far have attracted plenty of
attention from top-flight managers. Sunderland boss Roy Keane has been in
Holland to have a close look at the 22-year-old. But, like Curbishley, the
ex-Manchester United skipper has not been allowed to speak with Nugent while
the Championships are on-going. England face hosts Holland on Wednesday in
Heerenveen in the semi-
finals. If they make it through to Saturday night's final. Curbishley is
reported to want the Preston hitman to pair him up with Dean Ashton when he
returns to action following a broken ankle. Preston are already preparing
for life without Nugent. But manager Paul Simpson is adamant he still wants
to keep his top scorer for another assault on promotion next season. He has
already signed one frontman by capturing the highly-rated Karl Hawley from
Carlisle on a free transfer last week. And he is planning to add at least
one more goalscorer over the next couple of weeks, whether or not Nugent is
still at the club. Having lost Danny Dichio, Dave Hibbert, Michael Ricketts
and Andy Smith, Simpson is down to his last five strikers, including the
England international. Brett Ormerod, Neil Mellor, Patrick Agyemang and
Hawley have all had their injury problems over the past 12 months. "I will
still be looking for another striker, whether or not Dave Nugent stays or
goes. I want to bring a big striker in – a targetman who can go an be the
focal point of our attack."
Meanwhile, Walsall have denied they are about to offer Ricketts a return to
the Bescot Stadium. Saddlers boss Richard Money insisted: "I keep hearing
these rumours, but we have not spoken to Michael."

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Midfielder still set for Hammers exit
18th June 2007
By Staff Writer

West Ham midfielder Hayden Mullins is still set to leave West Ham despite
the collapse of the Darren Bent deal that was set to see him leave in part
exchange for the striker. Mullins is believed to still favour a move to
Charlton now that the club have made their intentions clear. The News of the
World claims that Mullins could move to join up with former Hammers boss
Alan Pardew as early as next week in a deal worth around £1 million.

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18th June 2007
By Staff Writer

Fulham have made a £3 million bid for West Ham striker Marlon Harewood
according to reports over the weekend. The Sunday People claims that Fulham
are the first to move officially for Harewood who is set to leave the
Hammers this summer. The paper claims that the £3 million offered by new
Fulham boss Lawrie Sanchez is well below the £6 million evaluation placed on
Harewood by West Ham.

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Tevez to delight Hammers fans - all3points.com
18th June 2007
By Staff Writer

Carlos Tevez is close to agreeing the terms of a £9 million deal that will
see him stay with the club next season. The News of the World claims that
Hammers chairman Eggert Magnusson, stung by the Darren Bent affair, has
moved quickly to agree to meet the £9 million fee it will take to keep Tevez
at the club for one more season. The paper quotes a top source close to the
club as saying: "Mr Magnusson has pulled out all the stops to keep Carlos
for at least another season. "The package will cost around £9 million in
wages and payments to his owner Kia Joorabchian but the chairman is
convinced the deal is done. "Bent's decision to do the dirty on West Ham,
after agreeing a deal, has made Eggert do whatever it takes to make the fans
happy."

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