06/06/2007 15:38
West Ham United are delighted confirm that Scott Parker today completed a £7
million transfer from Newcastle United. Alan Curbishley made the
accomplished England international his first signing of the summer as the
midfielder pen to paper on a five-year contract with the Hammers "I'm
delighted Scott has agreed to sign for us," said Curbs. "Our relationship
goes back some time to when he first joined Charlton as a schoolboy. "He's
coming to the Club knowing full well that we're trying to push forward and
he wants to be part of that. Firstly he wants to improve our team; then he
wants to improve his chances of forcing his way back into the England scene.
"He has been captain of Newcastle over the last couple of seasons and he is
exactly the type of player that I wanted to bring to the Club. He's very
experienced but still young and I'm sure he's going to be a big asset to
West Ham."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zamora joins appeal for information on Adam Regis - WHUFC
06/06/2007 13:09
Bobby Zamora has given his support to a fresh appeal searching for
information on the death of local schoolboy Adam Regis, who was murdered in
March, just yards away from the Boleyn Ground. In a press conference held at
the stadium yesterday, the Hammers striker was joined by the family of the
15-year-old, as police released new CCTV footage of the suspects and the
vehicle they believe was used during the incident. Bobby said: "Being a
local lad myself and growing up in the area, I found it particularly
devastating when I heard the news about Adam's death. He was a normal,
well-behaved, 15-year old with his whole life ahead of him and there is no
explanation as to why someone would choose to take it away from him. "Along
with the police, I appeal strongly to anyone out there who has any
information that could help with the enquiries into his murder, no matter
how small it seems it may well be vital to the police investigation and help
justice prevail.'
An incident room is operating at Barking under DCI Matthew Horne from the
Homicide and Serious Crime Command, who said: "Adam was a good decent
youngster, doing well at school and very caring towards his family and
friends who have been left devastated by what has happened."
A £20,000 reward is also being offered for the arrest and prosecution of the
killer/s. DCI Horne added: "We hope this reward will encourage people to
come forward, it's a substantial sum of money and I hope it assists in
bringing Adam's killers to justice. "We have made arrests in this case but
no charges have been brought and we need help from the public."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8345
3775. If you wish to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555
111. You can also email Adam.RegisAppeal@met.police.uk
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham sign Parker in £7m deal - BBC
West Ham United have completed the signing of Newcastle midfielder Scott
Parker in a £7m transfer. Parker, 26, who joins on a five-year contract,
will link up at Upton Park with manager Alan Curbishley, who was his boss at
the Addicks. Curbishley said: "He's been captain of Newcastle over the last
couple of seasons and he's exactly the type of player that I wanted to bring
in. "He's very experienced but still young - I'm sure he'll be a big asset."
Curbishley was in the market for a central midfielder as skipper Nigel
Reo-Coker is set to leave the club this summer. Parker spent seven years
with Curbishley at The Valley and made his England debut against Denmark in
2003 before completing a £10m move to Chelsea. But with first-team
opportunities limited at Stamford Bridge, he moved to St James' Park in a
£6.5m deal in 2005 and was made skipper last summer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Johnson: nothing doing - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 6th June 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Eggert Magnusson has denied reports linking West Ham United with a move for
Andy Johnson. A number of papers carried a story recently claiming that the
hammers were set to bid up to £18m for the former Crystal Palace striker,
who joined the Blues in an £8.6m switch last summer. But Magnusson denied
suggestions that a bid had been made - without ruling out the possibility of
a future bid. "I've had a very positive discussion with my good friend Bill
Kenwright, the Everton Chairman," Magnusson told whufc.com, "and can confirm
that West Ham have not and are not bidding for any Everton player at this
time." United are also thought to be looking at fellow Evertonians Tim
Cahill and Mikel Arteta, both of whom are said to be unhappy at Goodison
Park presently.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Good things come to those who wait - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 6th June 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Eggert Magnusson has asked supporters to be patient despite a deluge of
stories linking the club to new signings. Since the season ended there has
been feverish speculation linking a great number of players with a move to
the Boleyn Ground - a result of the millions the Magnusson-led consortium
are said to be ready to invest in fresh blood. But despite all the
speculation the Hammers are yet to confirm a single new signing - although,
according to Magnusson, that could all be about to change. "We are involved
in negotiations but it would not be appropriate to comment on those
discussions until they are finalised one way or another," he told whufc.com
this afternoon. "Throughout this period there will be a great deal of
speculation about players, transfer fees and even salary levels, much of
which will not reflect reality. "Wherever there is progress to report we
will announce that via our website. In the meantime I believe that our
supporters know that we are seeking to take the Club onto the next level as
we prepare for next season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Parker signs - at last - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 6th June 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Scott Parker has completed his £7m move from Newcastle United to West Ham
United. The deal was finally confirmed by the club at 3.20pm this afternoon;
a statement on whufc.com read: "West Ham United are delighted to confirm
that Scott Parker today completed a £7m transfer from Newcastle United.
"Alan Curbishley made the accomplished England international his first
signing of the summer as the midfielder pen to paper on a five-year contract
with the Hammers."
The former Charlton man joined Newcastle from Chelsea two seasons ago but
had failed to settle in the North East. Alan Curbishley expressed his
delight at once again teaming up with Parker, who previously worked under
him at Charlton. "Our relationship goes back some time to when he first
joined Charlton as a schoolboy," said Curbs. "Scott is coming to the club
knowing full well that we're trying to push forward and he wants to be part
of that. "Firstly he wants to improve our team; then he wants to improve
his chances of forcing his way back into the England scene. He has been
captain of Newcastle over the last couple of seasons and he is exactly the
type of player that I wanted to bring to the Club. "I'm sure he's going to
be a big asset to West Ham."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers seal move for Parker - Sky
By Peter ORourke - Created on 6 Jun 2007
West Ham have completed the signing of Scott Parker from Newcastle in a
£7million deal. Parker has inked a five-year deal at Upton Park after
agreeing personal terms and passing a medical. The England international
will link up with Alan Curbishley again after they enjoyed a successful
spell together at Charlton and he becomes West Ham's first signing of the
summer. Curbishley was delighted to be reunited with Parker and believes he
will be a valuable addition to his squad. "I'm delighted Scott has agreed to
sign for us," Curbishley told the club's official website. "Our relationship
goes back some time to when he first joined Charlton as a schoolboy. "He's
coming to the club knowing full well that we're trying to push forward and
he wants to be part of that. Firstly he wants to improve our team; then he
wants to improve his chances of forcing his way back into the England scene.
"He has been captain of Newcastle over the last couple of seasons and he is
exactly the type of player that I wanted to bring to the club. He's very
experienced but still young and I'm sure he's going to be a big asset to
West Ham."
Parker will help fill the void left by the expected departure of Nigel
Reo-Coker who has been the subject of a bid from Aston Villa, while
Newcastle are on the brink of landing Joey Barton as a replacement for
Parker
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reo-Coker waits on news - Sky
By Graeme Bailey - Created on 6 Jun 2007
Nigel Reo-Coker is waiting for the okay from West Ham to sign for Aston
Villa, his advisor Tony Finnigan has confirmed. The England Under-21 captain
is wanted by Villa, who are now in talks with West Ham over a potential £7
million deal. Finnigan acknowledges that Reo-Coker now has his heart set on
a move to Villa Park.
"He will be signing for Villa once that bid is accepted," he said. "Nigel is
over the moon to be linked with Martin O'Neill and a club of that calibre
and size. "I'm just happy a bid has been put in by a massive club."
Reo-Coker is now waiting on West Ham and whether they give him permission to
talk to Villa - but he is due to fly out to the European Under-21
championships on Friday. Meanwhile, Villa are also reported to have made an
enquiry to Celtic for Scottish Player of the Year Shunsuke Nakamura. The
Japansese winger was sensational for The Bhoys last term and a number of
clubs from around Europe have been linked - but Gordon Strachan seems
unlikely to listen to any offers for his Asian ace.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Eggert dismisses Everton talk - Sky
By Lewis Rutledge - Created on 6 Jun 2007
Eggert Magnusson has dismissed reports linking West Ham with a move for
Everton striker Andy Johnson. Despite claiming earlier this week that
Johnson was not for sale, reports on Wednesday suggested Everton would be
prepared to part with their record signing if West Ham stumped up
£20million. Magnusson has been in touch with Everton chairman Bill
Kenwright, but only to say that West Ham will be not be making moves for any
of their players. "I've had a very positive discussion with my good friend
Bill Kenwright, the Everton Chairman, and can confirm that West Ham have not
and are not bidding for any Everton player at this time," Magnusson told
West Ham's official website. Magnusson is looking to help Alan Curbishley
reinforce his squad ahead of next season and admits progress has been made
with some transfer targets. He said: "This is an important time for the
club. The board are working very hard with Alan Curbishley to identify what
we need to do to strengthen our squad for next season. "We are involved in
negotiations but it would not be appropriate to comment on those discussions
until they are finalised one way or another. "Of course, throughout this
period there will be a great deal of media speculation about players,
transfer fees and even salary levels, much of which will not reflect
reality. "Wherever there is progress to report and real decisions made we
will announce that via our official website. "In the meantime I believe that
our supporters know that we are seeking to take the Club on to the next
level as we prepare for next season and will always act in the best
interests of West Ham in the decisions we take."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Benayoun snub denied - Sky
By Graeme Bailey - Created on 6 Jun 2007
Yossi Benayoun's agent has denied that his client has rejected West Ham's
offer of a new contract, but confirmed the deal is unsigned. Benayoun agreed
a new five-year deal with The Hammers last month, but the deal actually
remains unsigned. Reports in the English media have now suggested that the
rumoured £50,000-per-week deal has been snubbed by the Israeli - as he would
instead like to move to a 'top-four' side. However, speaking to
skysports.com, Benayoun's representative Ronen Katzav has denied that there
is an ulterior-motive behind the delay in him putting pen-to-paper. "He has
not rejected the contract," Katzav told skysports.com.
"He still plans to sign the contract, but there has been such much happening
with his new baby and him being on international duty." Katzev did admit
that whilst the new deal remains unsigned, it was natural that speculation
would continue. "Obviously in football you never know, and whilst it is
unsigned there is always a chance of something else," he said. "But the deal
is agreed and we intend to sign it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Villans must up the ante for Nigel - TeamTalk
Aston Villa may have to increase their initial £7million offer for Nigel
Reo-Coker if they are to secure the services of the West Ham skipper. The
Villans tabled their initial bid on Tuesday for Reo-Coker, who has made it
clear he wants to join a club "where he feels wanted". But sources close to
the Hammers indicated they are in no hurry to accept Villa's opening offer
for the former Wimbledon player who cost £500,000 when he moved to Upton
Park in January 2004. Villa manager Martin O'Neill has targeted Reo-Coker as
one of his main summer targets as Gavin McCann's days look numbered, while
there is a question mark over the future of Steven Davis.
In an ideal world Villa and Reo-Coker would like to tie the deal up in the
next 48 hours - with the player forming a midfield partnership with Gareth
Barry and Stiliyan Petrov. The player now has two days off before captaining
England Under-21s in the European Championship finals in Holland. Reo-Coker
had been linked strongly with a move to Newcastle in part exchange for Scott
Parker, who is heading for Upton Park. But that deal was scuppered once Joey
Barton was lined up to move to St James' Park from Manchester City as a
replacement for Parker. Reo-Coker's agent Tony Finnegan has been making
optimistic noises for the past few days about the player joining Villa. He
was the subject of interest from Arsenal during the January transfer window,
although nothing was firmed up by the Gunners. Villa are maintaining their
normal stance of refusing to comment on transfer speculation.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Yossi will pen new Irons deal - Agent - Teamtalk
Yossi Benayoun's agent insists the midfielder will be in a position to
finalise his new West Ham deal once he returns from international duty.
Benayoun agreed the core of a new five-year contract with the Hammers last
month but has not yet signed off on the deal, reported to be worth around
£50,000 a week. Ronen Katzav said there are "one or two small issues" which
still need to be ironed out and that the delay was partly due to Benayoun
being away with Israel for the Euro 2008 qualifiers.
But Katzav added the 27-year-old is committed to a future at Upton Park and
is not looking for a move elsewhere. Benayoun missed Israel's 2-1 win over
Macedonia last Saturday through suspension but is set to return as captain
for Wednesday night's Group E clash with Andorra.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
NRC agent backs Villa valuation - TeamTalk
Nigel Reo-Coker's agent admits the only obstacle in his proposed move to
Aston Villa is the fee West Ham are willing to accept. Villa have tabled a
£7million offer to the Hammers for the England Under-21 captain, who is
desperate to leave Upton Park after three and a half years. West Ham are
still considering the initial bid made by the midlands club for Reo-Coker
who cost them £500,000 from Wimbledon in January 2004. But Reo-Coker's
agent Tony Finnegan is adamant the player will make the switch to Villa if
and when a fee can be agreed between the two clubs. Villa would like to tie
up the deal before Reo-Coker joins up with the Under-21 squad for the
European Championships in Holland at the weekend. Finnegan said: "Nigel will
be signing for Villa once a bid has been accepted. I'm just happy a bid has
been put in by a massive club. "I have no idea whether West Ham will accept
the bid but I think it's a brilliant bid. But only West Ham can decide
because they are the selling club.
"Nigel is over the moon to be linked with Martin O'Neill and a club of that
calibre and size. I'm happy Nigel is moving to a club going forwards with a
manager who wants him." Reo-Coker, who was linked to Arsenal in January, has
made it clear his days at West Ham are numbered and that he wants to be part
of a club "that cares for him".
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Scott becomes Upton Parker - TeamTalk
West Ham have completed the £7million signing of England midfielder Scott
Parker from Newcastle. Parker has agreed a five-year deal and becomes the
Hammers' first signing of the summer. The 26-year-old was captain at
Newcastle last season but was keen on a return to London. And a move to
Upton Park sees Parker link up again with Alan Curbishley, his former
manager at Charlton. Curbishley said: "I'm delighted Scott has agreed to
sign for us. Our relationship goes back some time to when he first joined
Charlton as a schoolboy. "He's coming to the club knowing full well that
we're trying to push forward and he wants to be part of that. "Firstly he
wants to improve our team, then he wants to improve his chances of forcing
his way back into the England scene. "He has been captain of Newcastle over
the last couple of seasons and he is exactly the type of player that I
wanted to bring to the club. "He's very experienced but still young and I'm
sure he's going to be a big asset to West Ham."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Royals planning move for Mullins - TeamTalk
Reading want to bring Hayden Mullins 'home' and are ready to launch a bid
for the out-of-favour West Ham midfielder. The 28-year-old's future at Upton
Park looks bleak as Hammers boss Alan Curbishley plans an overhaul of his
squad using the multi-million-pound transfer kitty promised by the club's
Icelandic owners. Reading-born Mullins, whom former Hammers boss Alan Pardew
tried to bring to the Madejski Stadium from Crystal Palace when he was in
charge of the Royals, was virtually an ever-present for West Ham after
Pardew - now with relegated Charlton - made him his first Upton Park
signing. He made 23 starts last season, plus a further nine as a substitute,
but was soon left out when Alan Curbishley took over. Although Reading
manager Steve Coppell also has his eye on West Brom's Wales star Jason
Koumas, after defying the odds to steer Reading to eighth place in their
first Premiership campaign, he fears they will struggle in the transfer
market this summer.
His only signing so far is £650,000 capture Khalifa Cisse from Boavista, and
he admitted: "I know what kind of players we are looking for, but I don't
think it will be easier this year. "Staying up is hard for teams like us,
Wigan and Fulham. We can't compete financially year on year with the big
boys. "We will spend what we can, but each year we are losing ground and
unless we get a massive financial injection, which we won't, then it is hard
to compete. "The gap is getting bigger, so if we were to do the same next
year it would be a bigger achievement than this year. "And to do so the year
after that would be bigger still."
With midfielder Steve Sidwell already a confirmed departure, joining Chelsea
on a free transfer, Coppell is determined to keep his best players on board
for the new season, and left-back Nicky Shorey is to be offered a major
pay-rise when he returns from England duty - and his honeymoon. The
much-admired defender, who cost Reading just £25,000 when signed from Leyton
Orient, has become an obvious target for the bigger clubs. And his newly
gained international status will make make him even more coveted. Shorey,
26, got married between England's clashes with Brazil and Estonia, but
Reading's director of football Nicky Hammond said: "I spoke to him about a
new contract at the end of the season before he he was called up by England.
"That was based on his performance throughout the season and I'm waiting for
him to come back to me. "He has been busy lately and I haven't had a vibe
from him yet, but he likes it here and, hopefully, he will want to agree a
new deal."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Scott Parker factfile - TeamTalk
TEAMtalk charts the career so far of England midfielder Scott Parker, who
has moved from Newcastle to West Ham for £7million.
1980: Born October 13 in Lambeth.
1993: First comes to national attention as a ball-juggling 13-year-old in an
advertisement for fast-food chain McDonald's.
1997: August - Signs professional terms with Charlton.
December - Makes his league debut for Charlton at the age of 17 in a 4-1
defeat at Sheffield United. Booked despite only playing for the final 19
minutes of the match.
1998: Charlton promoted to the Premiership via the play-offs.
1998-99: Makes just four Premier League appearances as the Addicks make an
instant return to Division One.
2000: March - Scores his first goal at senior level, netting the winner as
Charlton beat QPR 2-1, having signed a new four-year contract with the club
earlier in the month.
May 7 - Claims a First Division title winners' medal as Charlton return to
the Premiership.
October 31 - Moves to Norwich on loan, making six league appearances and
scoring one goal before returning to The Valley a month later.
2001: May - Charlton finish a comfortable ninth in the Premiership.
2002: May - Booked nine times and sent off once as the Addicks again retain
their Premiership status. Represents England at under-21 level at the
European Championships in Switzerland.
December - Scores an incredible solo goal in the last minute as Charlton
overturn a 1-0 deficit to beat Leeds 2-1 at Elland Road.
2003: January - Bags a brace as Charlton beat West Ham 4-2 at The Valley.
February - Called into the senior England squad for the first time for the
friendly against Australia, though he does not play as an experimental
England team lose 3-1 at Upton Park.
May - Charlton finish 12th as Parker ends the 2002-03 season with four goals
to his credit.
November - Makes England debut in 3-2 defeat by Denmark at Old Trafford,
coming on as a 66th-minute substitute.
December - Scores two stunning goals but cannot prevent Charlton losing 3-2
in a thrilling Premiership clash at Southampton.
2004: January - Completes £10million move to Chelsea.
April - Named PFA young player of the year.
Makes 11 Premiership appearances for Chelsea as the Blues finish second
under boss Claudio Ranieri, who is replaced by Jose Mourinho.
2005: December 18 - Makes only four Premiership appearances for Chelsea in
first half of season - including one start - before breaking bone in his
foot after coming on as substitute at Norwich.
March 8 - An unused substitute for the Champions League last-16 second-leg
tie against Barcelona, he later suffers a relapse in his comeback from
injury and misses rest of season as Chelsea win league.
June 15: Joins Newcastle in a £6.5million transfer on five-year contract.
September 15 - Sent off for two bookable offences in Premiership match
against Fulham.
2006: March 26 - Scores Newcastle's goal in 3-1 defeat at former club
Charlton.
March - Ruled out for rest of 2005-06 season with glandular fever.
August - Scores in 2-1 win over Wigan in first game of new season.
September - Scores against Fulham but is visibly upset after a challenge on
Jimmy Bullard that left his opponent with a dislocated knee.
October - Wins third England cap in 2-0 Euro 2008 qualifying defeat by
Croatia in Zagreb.
2007: May - Misses last game of the season after undergoing hernia
operation. Finishes the campaign with four goals and 10 yellow cards for his
club.
June 6 - Joins West Ham for £7million, signing a five-year deal with the
club.
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Sam Wishes Scott Well - nufc.oc.uk
By Craig Hope
SAM Allardyce has wished outgoing Newcastle United skipper Scott Parker good
luck for the future as he returned to his native London to sign for West Ham
United.
The 26-year-old midfielder joins his former Charlton Athletic manager Alan
Curbishley at Upton Park and becomes the Hammers' first signing of the
summer. Parker has put pen to paper on a five-year deal at the East London
club having spent two seasons at St.James' Park after joining from Chelsea
in June, 2005. The England international was given the captain's armband by
then Magpies manager Glenn Roeder last summer, and made 73 appearances in
total for the black and whites, scoring six times. Newcastle United boss Sam
Allardyce told nufc.co.uk: "I'd like to wish Scott all the best and good
luck for the future."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Magnusson: Hammers not interested in Everton trio - Daily Mail
Last updated at 14:54pm on 6th June 2007
West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson insists the Hammers have made no attempt
to prise players from Everton. Reports this week have linked the London club
with a possible bid for England striker Andrew Johnson, along with
midfielders Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill. Everton boss David Moyes has
already rubbished suggestions that any of his players could be set to move
to Upton Park, and the Hammers' Icelandic owner has now sought to heal any
rift with the Merseysiders by insisting the rumours are untrue. Magnusson
told www.whufc.com: "I've had a very positive discussion with my good friend
Bill Kenwright, the Everton chairman, and can confirm that West Ham have not
and are not bidding for any Everton player at this time."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham sign Parker from Newcastle
Times Online and PA
West Ham United have completed the £7 million signing of England midfielder
Scott Parker from Newcastle United. Parker has agreed a five-year deal and
becomes West Ham's first signing of the summer. The 26-year-old was captain
at Newcastle last season but was keen on a return to London and a move to
Upton Park sees Parker link up again with Alan Curbishley, his former
manager at Charlton Athletic. "I'm delighted Scott has agreed to sign for
us," Curbishley said. "Our relationship goes back some time to when he first
joined Charlton as a schoolboy. He's coming to the club knowing full well
that we're trying to push forward and he wants to be part of that. "Firstly
he wants to improve our team, then he wants to improve his chances of
forcing his way back into the England scene. He has been captain of
Newcastle over the last couple of seasons and he is exactly the type of
player that I wanted to bring to the club."
Meanwhile, chairman Eggert Magnusson has confirmed that West Ham United have
not tabled any bids for Andrew Johnson, the Everton and England forward.
West Ham's reported interest infuriated David Moyes, the Everton manager,
who said earlier this week: "The West Ham consortium wouldn't have enough
money to buy Andrew Johnson or any other Everton player. And for them to
think they could shows a lack of understanding of our game."
Magnusson has sought to cool the rising temperatures by issuing a statement
confirming West Ham have not made offers for Johnson or any other player at
Goodison Park. "I've had a very positive discussion with my good friend Bill
Kenwright, the Everton chairman, and can confirm that West Ham have not and
are not bidding for any Everton player at this time."
The arrival of Parker is likely to accelerate the departure of current
captain Nigel Reo-Coker, who handed in a transfer request last month. Aston
Villa lead the chase for the England under-21 midfielder, but they have been
told to increase their offer of £7m for him. Magnusson confirmed West Ham
are "in negotiations" with other potential targets but insisted there would
be no official comment until the club have something concrete to report.
"This is an important time for the club," he said. "The board are working
very hard with Alan Curbishley to identify what we need to do to strengthen
our squad for next season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FOREST CAN CASH-IN ON HAREWOOD - This Is Nottingham.co.uk
09:28 - 06 June 2007
Nottingham Forest could land an unexpected £1m windfall, if West Ham sell
former striker Marlon Harewood. The Premiership side have told Harewood he
can leave Upton Park, if the right offer comes along, with the Hammers
valuing him in the region of £4m. The 27-year-old has confirmed he will
leave this summer after an end-of season meeting with Alan Curbishley, in
which he was told he does not feature in the manager's plans. Portsmouth,
Manchester City and Wigan are just three of the clubs already showing an
interest. Harewood left Forest for a cut-price fee of £500,000 in November
2003, after he had refused the offer of a new contract, which was set to
expire the following summer. But while his departure caused upset at the
time, the deal crucially included a 25% sell-on clause. Harewood said: "I
think it's time for me to leave West Ham. I've had four good years at the
club but now it's time for me to find a new challenge. "I've had a chat with
the new manager and he obviously wants to bring his own players in, it
happens everywhere."
Harewood, who fired the Hammers to the FA Cup final in 2006 with the winning
goal against Middlesbrough in the semi-final, is desperate to play
first-team top-flight football. He scored just three Barclays Premiership
goals last season, but feels he still has plenty to offer. He said: "I want
to be playing football, I love it. I had a great season before last for West
Ham playing 43 games and scoring 16 goals but last season wasn't the best
for me." Harewood, a product of the City Ground youth academy, started 124
league games for Forest, was substitute 58 times and scored 51 goals. He
made 23 cup appearances, scoring four times.
paul.taylor@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mr Bean goes to Parliament - newham Recorder
06 June 2007
HOLLYWOOD star Sean Bean will lead a Sheffield United delegation to
Parliament as the saga over West Ham's £5.5million punishment turns into
even more of a pantomime. Mr Bean, a lifelong Blades fan, will attempt to
make Sheffield United's case a high profile one as he meets politicians at
the House of Commons next Wednesday, just five days before an Arbitration
Panel meet on June 18 to decide whether the decision not to deduct points
from the Hammers was the right one.
Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe is convinced that the decision will
go in favour of his relegated team. "I firmly believe that we will win and
the previous decision will be overturned," he said. "Officials have said
that if the arbitration overturns the previous decision then we should be
reinstated." He continued: "An injustice has been done - a club that played
within the rules has been relegated and a club that breached the rules has
been rewarded," said McCabe. The Blades' chairman also suggested that the
Premier League could have 21 teams next season, but it seems that much of
what he is saying is a case of clutching at straws while West Ham seem
unconcerned and continue to scour the transfer market.
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No summer holiday for recovering Dean - Newham Recorder
06 June 2007
IT may be a little early in the transfer window, but to all intents and
purposes West Ham have already acquired one of the hottest properties in the
Premiership, writes DAVE EVANS. For while the majority of the top flight's
stars either jet off for international duty or fly away for beach duty, one
man is already getting ready for the big kick-off in August. Dean Ashton
cost the Hammers £7.25million when he arrived from Norwich City in January
2006, but in the current financial climate, if he returns to full fitness
and fulfils the potential he has already shown at Upton Park, then he will
simply become priceless. If, of course, is a very big word and that is why
the club have called upon the services of former West Ham team physio John
Green to supervise the rehabilitation of a player who was supposed to return
to the first team line-up by Christmas. Ashton is desperate to play again:
"Personally I just want to get back for the love of playing football, the
joy of going out and kicking a ball," he confessed. It was last August when
Ashton's world fell apart. After a superb half season at Upton Park that
culminated in a brilliant goalscoring performance in the FA Cup Final, the
23-year-old was selected in new England boss Steve McClaren's first squad
and was set to make his debut against Greece. "I don't remember much about
the tackle that injured me," said Ashton as he reflects on the England
training ground incident that has seen him miss the last 10 months of
football. "I wouldn't place any blame on Shaun Wright-Phillips. I was
devastated, it was my dream to play for my country and I was feeling the
best I had ever felt. I went from that to not being able to walk."
And so enter Green, now a freelance physio, who was called upon by his old
West Ham mate Glenn Roeder to oversee the rehabilitation of Michael Owen and
Kieron Dyer up at Newcastle. When he was at West Ham, it was Green who
helped Julian Dicks get back on his feet after a career-threatening knee
injury, now he has the job of getting Ashton fully fit as they work
one-to-one. The striker is enjoying every minute of it: "I've had a
season-long holiday," said Ashton, who could hardly bear to watch as the
Hammers seemed to be stuttering towards relegation. "I just want to get back
to work, doing the things I have missed, like shooting. You don't realise
how much a striker enjoys shooting until he can't."
Ashton had a second operation to clear up scar tissue on his troublesome
ankle back in January, but now at last he seems to have turned the corner.
"It's brilliant for me that I will be playing Premiership football again
next season," he said. "I wouldn't have been looking to leave even if we had
gone down; clubs don't sign injured players, do they? "I also hope to try to
get back into Steve McClaren's thinking. Hopefully he still sees me as part
of his plans."
That thought will certainly excite a lot of England fans, but there is one
other possibility that will have West Ham fans positively purring with
excitement and that is the chance of Ashton teaming up with last season's
striking hero Carlos Tevez. "I hope he can stay," he said. "It would be a
shame if he goes after just half a season of playing like that." Those last
words could have been echoed for Ashton himself had West Ham been relegated.
Losing Tevez may be inevitable, losing Ashton as well would have been too
much for West Ham fans to bear.
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Hammers trio ready for championships - Newham Recorder
06 June 2007
WHILE the majority of the West Ham squad are taking a well-earned summer
sabbatical after an arduous season, for three of the club's young stars,
there's work still to be done, writes LUKE WILSON. Anton Ferdinand, Nigel
Reo-Coker and Mark Noble will be pulling on an England shirt and doing their
bit for their country's tilt at the UEFA under-21 Championships in Holland
this month, as the continent's rising talent battle it out for this
prestigious title. The Hammers trio will all be desperate for a place in the
starting line-up when Stuart Pearce's men commence their campaign with a
tricky-looking clash with the Czech Republic in Arnhem next Monday evening.
Next up for England will be a mouthwatering match-up against pre-tournament
favourites Italy, who are now coached by former Chelsea striker Pierluigi
Casiraghi.
The two teams met in the first competitive game at the new Wembley Stadium
back in March when they fought out a memorable 3-3 draw. They meet this time
in Arnhem on Thursday, June 14 and England will be looking to go one better
and take all three points. The young Lions will then complete their group
matches with a tie against Serbia in Nijmegen on Sunday, June 17. A place in
the top two of their pool will be the aim for the young Hammers, with the
possibility of a semi-final clash with either the hosts Holland or the
tournament's glamour team Portugal looming large on the horizon. For the
Canning Town-born Noble though, just receiving his first call-up to the
squad was a major achievement and was the culmination of a year's hard graft
for the co mbative midfielder. "It was a great season for me and a great end
of season for the club and it's really nice to be able to top it off by
being called into the under-21s squad," he beamed. "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."
Noble came on as a second half subtitute on Tuesday at Norwich as England
warmed up for the competition by thrashing Slovakia 5-0. Nigel Reo-Coker
scored to make it 2-0 and despite the final result, coach Stuart Pearce
decided to have a penalty shoot-out in front of the fans after the match.
Noble scored the winner as England won 4-3.
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Will he stay or will he go? - Newham Recorder
06 June 2007
THE prospect of pairing Dean Ashton with Carlos Tevez up front next season
seems to have convinced the Hammers to make a bid to sign the little
Argentinian in a permanent deal, writes DAVE EVANS. The 23-year-old, whose
seven goals last season enabled the Hammers to embark on their 'Great
Escape' and stay in the Premiership, revealed this week that he has not made
up his mind where he will play next season. But neither Iranian businessman
Kia Joorabchian, whose company owns Tevez, or Hammers' chairman Eggert
Magnusson have ruled out the possibility of the two parties doing a deal. It
seemed inevitable during the last campaign, especially as West Ham looked
destined for relegation, that Tevez would be on his way this summer.
Complications with both his and fellow Argentinian Javier Masacherano's
signing cost the Hammers a massive £5.5million fine, while Magnusson himself
revealed that Tevez's future was out of his hands. However, survival and the
contribution player-of-the-year Tevez made to that, has meant that West Ham
may be prepared to do business with Joorabchian if the price is right for
the South American. Joorabchian has also not ruled anything out: "West Ham's
board have to decide what their intentions are," he said. "We are more than
happy to talk to West Ham to try and resolve the problem if they wish, but
of course the views of the player are paramount. "He has been very happy
there and I have a great respect for Eggert Magnusson," added the Iranian.
It still seems like a long shot, but sometimes the outsiders do come in and
the prospect of Tevez being at Upton Park next season may have come a tiny
step closer.
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Sam wins race for slick Barton - Newham Recorder
06 June 2007
WEST HAM may have a transfer treasure chest of around £75million, but with a
host of other Premiership sides with money to burn as well, it may be a
tough job enticing top players to Upton Park, writes DAVE EVANS. Troubled
Manchester City star Joey Barton was the first to slip through manager Alan
Curbishley's net when he opted to sign for Sam Allardyce's Newcastle United.
Both the Magpies and the Hammers had met a £5.5million release clause in
Barton's contract at Manchester City and the player was due to talk to both
clubs. However, he was so impressed with what the Geordie boys had to say
that he returned later on Tuesday to sign on the dotted line. Many West Ham
fans may be breathing a sigh of relief at the club's failure to sign Barton,
who has had a chequered disciplinary record at Manchester City.
Discipline was something that Curbishley turned round last season after a
nightmare period of sleaze, but trouble is something that seems to follow
Barton around.
The 24-year-old was arrested last month after a training ground incident
that saw him allegedly assault clubmate Ousmane Dabo, and that is not the
first time that Barton's behaviour has hit the headlines. Offloading players
may be just as hard a task for Curbishley as recruiting new ones. The future
of Nigel Reo-Coker though seems nearer to being decided after Aston Villa
declared their interest by making a £7million bid for the 23-year-old West
Ham captain. The midfield man, who is currently preparing for the England
under-21 team's assault on the European Championships, was said to be keen
to join one of the 'big four' teams in the Premiership.
However, his form last season was poor until the last month of the season
and if Aston Villa can up their bid by perhaps half a million, they should
get their man.
Whether Martin O'Neill is disappointed with what he gets for his money
remains to be seen. Marlon Harewood has been told by Curbishley that he does
not figure in his plans and therefore can leave the club, and that has
created plenty of interest. The £4million rate speedy striker, who cost West
Ham just £500,000 from Nottingham Forest four years ago, is a target for
Celtic and Charlton, but Portsmouth look favourites to snap up a player who
had been a prolific scorer for the Hammers before last season when his
chances were limited. Of the rest, Matty Etherington could go to Derby or
Wigan; Carlton Cole and Hayden Mullins could link up with Alan Pardew once
again at Charlton, while Scottish international Nigel Quashie is said to be
interesting Rangers. Christian Dailly could follow Quashie north of the
border, while Paul Konchesky has been linked with Birmingham City. Of the
players that are said to be targets, Scott Parker seems to be the most
likely, especially with the arrival of Barton at St James' Park. The clubs
have agreed a fee of around £7.5million while personal terms have also been
agreed, but it appears Parker is having slight second thoughts about the
move. Of the rest, Darren Bent seems to prefer a move to Spurs, which could
open the way for Jermain Defoe to make a controversial return to Upton Park,
three years after he left in such acrimonious circumstances. Andy Johnson,
at £20million, seems to be more of a long shot, while his Everton team-mates
Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill have also been mentioned. How true any of it is
remains to be seen, for this is the silly season and for every fact that is
true, there are three more that are groundless.
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Brabrook saved me from 'Cush' wrath - Newham Recorder
06 June 2007
Former Recorder West Ham correspondent Trevor Smith delves into the archives
of his mind
NICE TO hear Peter Brabrook's new knee is doing okay, let's hope the other
one works as well once the old England winger has had it done. Bra'der and
me always had a good relationship but got to know each other more after he'd
packed up playing and was coaching at West Ham as well as running one of the
junior sides. We'd jaw on the phone on Mondays after training as I picked up
a match report from his team's game the previous Saturday. The connection
went back much further though. Not long after he joined West Ham from
Chelsea, Brabrook copped a real shiner in one home game. I knew he had an
interest in a butcher's shop not far from the ground, so after the game I
got him to have his photo taken there, holding a great lump of raw steak to
his black eye - I think the pic made the front page. Later, I came to owe
him for getting me out of a potential high noon showdown with one of his
Upton Park clubmates, even if unwittingly. The player was John Cushley, the
centre half Ron Greenwood brought down from Scotland in the late 60s at the
same time as Bobby Ferguson. 'Cush' as he became know to his West Ham
colleagues, was a university languages graduate. On the field he was a
muck-and-nettles battler whose gutsy approach did much to compensate for a
lack of inches. Greenwood countered this deficiency by declaring: "He's got
short legs and a long body. It's all about timing anyway and one of
England's best-ever centre backs - Neil Franklin - wasn't much taller."
Who were we to argue the point with a man who himself had been an
outstanding number five in his day? To Cushley's great credit, he wasn't
really exposed until faced by Sheffield Wednesday's towering John Ritchie at
Hillsborough one afternoon. Ritchie, who'd earned a name at Stoke as among
the best in the air, must have had five inches on Cushley and he made the
most of it, bagging two goals as the Owls won 4-2. My match report cited
Cushley as hardly to blame in the situation. If anyone deserved criticism it
was a manager who imagined it could work otherwise. Few of the faithful at
the game would have disagreed and I wasn't naive enough to think that
Greenwood could be influenced by any words of mine, but the fact was,
Cushley was left out for the following Saturday's match at Upton Park. It
was on the forecourt there we ran into each other as I chatted pre-game with
a group of Hammers that included Brabrook, who was out injured. Catching
sight of me, 'Cush's' face turned grim: "Thanks for getting me *******
dropped with what you wrote. Really ******* constructive wasn't it?"
Everyone fell silent, waiting for my reaction. I understood how Cushley
felt, nobody likes being axed, but he got to me and I replied in kind.
"Maybe I didn't make it clear, but someone of your education ought to see
the criticism was not of your display but of the guy who seemed to think a
five-feet eight-inch centre half could win high balls against a six-feet
two-inch centre forward. I saw Neil Franklin a few times - and you're not
him!" I grouched back. Even as I finished I felt I'd gone over the top.
Cushley looked blacker, his lips a tight line of supressed anger. But before
further hard words could be exchanged between us, 'Bra'der', hands in
pockets, chortled: "Cor, that ******* told him didn't it?" Amid the general
chuckles, I made my excuses and quietly left as does any sensible scribe
when the going gets hot!
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Hammers want £8m - Express & Star
West Ham could be ready to play hardball with Villa in their battle for
Nigel Reo-Coker. Villa boss Martin O'Neill is ready to pay £7m for the
Hammers captain. But sources in London suggest there is some way to go in
the deal, with the Hammers now likely to want £8m for the 23-year-old.
Arsenal would have been interested at around half the asking price, but
O'Neill faces no other competition. Reo-Coker's agent is keen to push the
deal through and believes Villa could be just 48 hours away from a deal.
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Midfielder nears Royals deal - Clubcall
20070606 12:08
Reading are reportedly close to taking West Ham's out of favour midfielder
Hayden Mullins to his hometown club this summer. The 28-year-old is almost
certain to leave Upton Park during the close-season having failed to force
his way into Hammers boss Alan Curbishley's plans since he took over the
East Londoners in December. And, after previously being linked to the Royals
when former boss Alan Pardew was at the Madejski Stadium helm, it now looks
like he will get the chance to play for the club of his birth.
Ironically, after being snubbed by Crystal Palace when at Reading, Pardew
did sign Mullins from the Eagles when in charge at West Ham in October 2003
and now current boss Steve Coppell looks like he will finally secure his
services for the Royals. Pardew is thought to want Mullins at Charlton, but
the player will almost certainly opt to stay in the Premiership and play for
his home town. Meanwhile Coppell claims he will still struggle to bring
quality players to the Royals this summer, despite their eighth-placed
finish in the Premiership last season. He told the Evening Post: "I know
what kind of players we are looking for, but I don't think it will be easier
this summer.
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Massive bid mooted - Clubcall
20070606 12:15
West Ham are set to test Everton's resolve over Andrew Johnson by making an
offer in the region of £20million for the striker. Despite repeated denials
from the club and an assurance from boss David Moyes that he will not be
sold the Hammers are still trying to land the player and there are
persistent rumours that his wife has failed to settle in Merseyside and
wants to move back down south. The Hammers appear to have money to burn on
the transfer front and a £20m move for the player would certainly test
Everton's resolve in their efforts to keep him. Everton's chief executive
Keith Wyness said earlier in the week that last year's top scorer will not
be moving on, he told the club's official website: "We have had no contact
from any club with regard to Andrew Johnson - nor would we welcome any.
"Whilst I feel certain there will be many Premiership clubs who will covet a
player of Andrew's skills and abilities, he is an Everton player and, as he
made perfectly clear on several occasions last season, he is very happy to
be an Everton player."
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Reo-Coker keen on Villa switch - icBirmingham
Jun 6 2007
By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail
VILLA remain on course to sign West Ham midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker with his
agent stating that the player is "over the moon" to be heading to the
Midlands. Villa have, as yet, not made any formal offer to sign the player,
although his agent has now given a 100-per-cent guarantee that the transfer
will take place - if West Ham accept a bid from Villa. Widespread reports
yesterday stated that Villa had made a £7million move but that is not the
case. Asked whether Reo-Coker would be interested in a move to Villa Park,
his agent Tony Finnigan said: "I'd go one further than that - he will be
signing for Villa once that bid is accepted." Villa are still refusing to
comment but it would appear that manager Martin O'Neill and his Hammers
counterpart Alan Curbishley will hold some form of discussion today with
Scott Parker set to complete his move from Newcastle to West Ham with
Manchester City's Joey Barton heading to St James's Park. Reo-Coker was on
target as he skippered an England Under-21 team, including Villa's Gary
Cahill and Ashley Young, to a 5-0 win over Slovakia at Norwich last night.
Finnigan is adamant that a bid has been received by West Ham. He also
stated, wrongly, that the Hammers had released this information publicly. He
said: "West Ham have just released the news and put that out and I've spoken
to Nigel. "I have no idea whether they will accept it, but I think it's a
brilliant bid. But only West Ham can decide because they are the selling
club," he added. "Nigel is over the moon to be linked with Martin O'Neill
and a club of that calibre and size." Finnigan added: "I'm just happy a bid
has been put in by a massive club." And he said Reo-Coker's fall-out and
subsequent transfer request at West Ham had painted the player in an unfair
light. "It's not fair the way he has been handled, but life and football
aren't fair," Finnigan said. "I'm over the moon and happy he is moving to a
club going forwards with a manager who wants him."
Villa have also been linked with making an enquiry for Celtic's Japanese
play-maker Shunsuke Nakamura, which seems entirely plausible given that
their scouts have cast the net far and wide in the search for new players
this summer.
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West Ham eyeing Reading's Hunt
tribalfooball.com - June 06, 2007
West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley is eyeing Reading midfielder Stephen
Hunt. The Daily Mail says the Irishman is on Curbishley's shopping list
after an impressive first season in the Premiership last term
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West Ham boss Curbishley determined to land Bent
tribalfooball.com - June 06, 2007
West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley is determined to be reunited with his
former Charlton Athletic striker Darren Bent. The Mirror says Curbishley has
put Bent at the top of his shopping list ahead of Everton's Andy Johnson and
Liverpool's Craig Bellamy. The Hammers boss tried to buy Bent in the January
transfer window but the Addicks refused to sell as they needed his goals in
the relegation battle. Curbs knows it will take at least £18 million to land
the England prospect.
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Hammers ready swoop for Norway wonderkid - Daily Mail
Last updated at 10:47am on 6th June 2007
West Ham are leading the chase for coveted Norwegian striker Tarik
Elyounoussi. Chelsea and other top clubs have been monitoring the Under-21
international but Alan Curbishley is in pole position to sign him. The West
Ham manager will have to pay about £3million for the 19-year-old who turned
down trials at Chelsea and Portsmouth last season. Elyounoussi, of Moroccan
descent, could be the first part of a strikeforce rebuilding process at
Upton Park which hinges on Carlos Tevez.
The club are optimistic they can hang on to the Argentine - who scored twice
for his country against Algeria last night - at least until January after he
expressed a willingness to stay. Some of Europe's biggest clubs have shown
interest in Tevez but his future will not be decided until after the Copa
America, which finishes in Venezuela in mid-July. West Ham have already told
Marlon Harewood he can leave and released Teddy Sheringham, but they have
Dean Ashton to come back next season. Elyounoussi, who plays for Fredrikstad
in Norway, was the country's Young Player of the Year in 2006 after helping
his club win the League Cup. Curbishley's main target is Charlton's Darren
Bent, but the striker would prefer to join Tottenham and looks unlikely to
sign for West Ham. It is also thought it would take an offer of about £30m
to persuade Everton to change their stance on keeping Andy Johnson. Eidur
Gudjohnsen remains an option if Barcelona convince him he would be wasting
his time fighting for a place at the Nou Camp next season. The former
Chelsea striker wants to establish himself in Spain and will hold talks with
the club later this month, but he would look to move back to the Premiership
if his stay is cut short.
West Ham are also hoping to seal a £7m deal for Newcastle midfielder Scott
Parker after failing with a late attempt to sign Manchester City's Joey
Barton, who was snapped up by the St James' Park club. The Hammers have
turned down a £7m offer from Aston Villa for captain Nigel Reo-Coker and are
awaiting an improved offer.
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Villa home in on Nigel - the Sun
By MIKE ANSTEAD
June 05, 2007
ASTON VILLA are waiting on West Ham's response to their £7million bid for
skipper Nigel Reo-Coker. Boss Martin O'Neill has been watching the England
Under-21s star for months and has now made his moveThe offer is £1m short of
the Hammers' valuation of Reo-Coker, who scored in the 5-0 friendly win over
Slovakia last night.But O'Neill is condident of landing the midfielder who
cost just £500,000 from Wimbledon three years ago. Reo-Coker handed in a
transfer request at the end of the season after becoming disillusioned with
life at Upton Park. He became the prime target of abuse from fans as the
club battled against relegation from the Premiership. His agent Tony
Finnigan said: "I'm sure Martin O'Neill will bring the best out of Nigel." A
spokesman for Villa's billionaire owner Randy Lerner insisted: "We will not
throw money away but if Martin says 'This is one player I need', Randy will
be there for him and our fans." O'Neill is also keeping tabs on the West
Brom trio of Jason Koumas, Paul Robinson and Paul McShane and Charlton
defender Luke Young.
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Coming Home - GetReading.co.uk
Royals are ready to bring Hayden Mullins back home by making a bid for the
West Ham midfielder. The 28-year-old's future at Upton Park looks doomed as
Hammers boss Alan Curbishley is keen to rebuild his squad having been
promised a multi-million pound war chest this summer. Alan Pardew tried to
land the Reading-born star when he was in charge at Madejski Stadium.
However, a move fell through as his former club, Crystal Palace, were
unwilling to sell him. Pardew, though, proved successful when he made him
his first-ever signing at Upton Park in October 2003. Former Reading schools
star Mullins was virtually ever present until Curbishley took over. He made
23 starts last season plus a further nine as a substitute. He scored three
goals. Although Mullins was born in the town he was snapped up by Palace as
a trainee and went on to make more than 200 appearances for the Eagles.
Pardew is also believed to be keen on signing Mullins for Charlton, but the
player will no doubt want to stay in the Premiership. Manager Steve Coppell
has admitted that Royals could struggle in the transfer market this summer
despite their remarkable first-ever season in the top flight. Royals defied
the odds to finish eighth in the table – just one point off a UEFA Cup spot.
While their reputation has rocketed, Coppell admits he will again be
fighting an unfair battle against the top clubs. Last season Reading were
snubbed in their attempts to land Joleon Lescott from Wolves and John Mensah
from French side Rennes. His only signing so far is £650,000 Khalifa Cisse
from Portuguese side Boavista. "I know what kind of players we are looking
for, but I don't think it will be easier this summer," Royals' boss told the
Evening Post. "If we were going for the same players this time then we
still wouldn't have got them this year because we are a smaller club than
the others who are after them. "I read an interesting article from Paul
Jewell (former Wigan manager). "He wanted Andy Johnson around the time he
left Crystal Palace for Everton. "The suggestion was that Wigan would have
paid Johnson more money than other clubs. "But the difference between
£20,000 per week and £25,000 per week makes no difference at that level. "At
that level the size of the club and the expectations are what matters most.
If we are in competition with bigger clubs then we will lose because we are
small."
With the country's elite clubs continuing to dominate the game, Coppell
knows Reading face an ever-growing battle to compete. He is also wary of
Reading suffering from 'second-season syndrome'. "The second season is
perceived as being harder," said Coppell. "But for clubs like us staying in
the Premiership is difficult year on year. There is the fact that the
surprise element has gone. Will our players' mentality change? And more
importantly will that of the supporters? "Staying up is hard for teams like
us, Wigan and Fulham. We can't compete financially year on year with the big
boys. "How much will Liverpool, Man United, Spurs, Chelsea and Arsenal
spend? We will spend what we can, but each year we are losing ground again.
It's a handicap competition. Unless you are making the decisions on players
coming in, avoiding injuries and getting your tactics right every time then
you will get punished. "Unless we get a massive financial injection, which
we won't, then it is hard to compete. We have to work extra hard.
Expectations should be based on the size of clubs and we're not a big club.
"The gap is getting bigger so if we were to do the same next year it would
be a bigger achievement than this year. And to do so the year after that
would be bigger still."
Royals are looking to add another two or three players to their squad. In
addition to Mullins, West Brom's Jason Koumas is a target but Coppell faces
competition from Everton, Aston Villa and Blackburn for his services.
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