After impressing at Chelsea, Scott Parker has switched attention to Sunday's
away trip
05.12.2007
Scott Parker is hoping for an extended run in the West Ham United first team
after an impressive return to the starting lineup last weekend.
The next step is a trip to Blackburn Rovers on Sunday and the industrious
Parker is under no illusions about what to expect at Ewood Park. "It's going
to be a tough game up there," the 27-year-old England international said.
"They're a very good side. We know what they're about. They work hard so
it's going to be tough but we look forward to it.
The midfielder made only his second league start in claret and blue in
Saturday's 1-0 defeat by Chelsea, turning in a display that did much to
nullify the considerable talent in the home midfield. Parker's only other
league start for the club he joined in June was the 29 September visit of
Arsenal when he suffered a setback to a summer knee injury - causing him to
miss out on the club's six-match unbeaten run.
"I started against Arsenal but I think if I'm being honest with myself I
probably wasn't exactly ready," said Parker, who is used to getting regular
games after 41 appearances for Newcastle United last season and 32 in the
previous campaign. "Me being me I just wanted to get out there and try and
prove myself. It backfired on me a little bit but I like to think I'm back
now and I'm here to stay."
With the quality shown in a brief substitute's appearance in the 1-1 draw
against Tottenham Hotspur at the end of last month and that run-out at
Chelsea, the travelling fans will look forward to seeing Parker again on
Sunday. "The most disappointing thing for me was that I've been injured for
so long," he added. "When you are injured and you come back it always takes
a bit of time but I just want to get back to fitness as quick as I can and
stay in the team."
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Ray in good voice for Christmas - WHUFC
Ray Winstone has taken time out to record the club's Christmas promotion
05.12.2007
When it came to finding a suitable star for the West Ham United Christmas
radio promotion, there was only one choice - Ray Winstone.
The acclaimed actor is a lifelong Hammers fan and he kindly took time out of
his schedule to head to the Boleyn Ground for a special recording session.
The advert highlights the array of gift ideas on offer this December at the
Lakeside and stadium stores - something for every supporter, whatever the
age.
Speaking to WHUTV, Ray, who has been busy promoting his latest blockbuster
movie Beowulf and has just finished filming the next instalment of the
Indiana Jones films, revealed his thoughts are never far away from the
Boleyn Ground - wherever he is in the world.
He said: "I get down as often as I can. I am very happy with what Alan
Curbishley is doing. He's come in and we have had 12 injuries - top players
out - and he's getting results." Click here to listen to the radio ad, and
check out the Everton matchday programme on Wednesday night to see a special
Fanatic column from the man himself.
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Anton is back from the brink - Newham Recorder
05 December 2007
WEST HAM defender Anton Ferdinand is looking to bounce back from the
frustration of a persistent hamstring injury and the stress of his recent
court case to force his way back into the Hammers' first team. December is
likely to decide in which direction West Ham's season will go, with Premier
League trips to Blackburn and Middlesbrough and vital home games against
Everton, Reading and Manchester United, not to mention a Carling Cup date
with the Toffees next Wednesday. And Ferdinand is determined to play a vital
part in that campaign, though the cup clash may be a game too soon. "I'm
running again and my hamstring's getting stronger, so I'm just hungry to
play football," confirmed the 22-year-old centre half, who hasn't played for
the Hammers since the 2-1 Carling Cup victory at Coventry City. "I'm about
another two weeks away, or maybe a little bit longer to be on the safe side.
"I'm targeting the Everton league game, but with hamstrings you never know.
It's not about speed of recovery, it's about making sure everything's right
and then I'll be ready to go."
Fit or not, Ferdinand faced the nightmare prospect of even more time on the
sidelines if he had been convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm
at Snaresbrook Crown Court last month. Thankfully the player was cleared on
all charges though and it must have been a huge weight off the young man's
shoulders. "I'm feeling good," he insisted. "My head's clear and I just
can't wait to start playing again. "Football is my number one priority and I
can concentrate on that again. All I know is that now I have a clear head,
people will see the best of me."
That can only help West Ham this season, but Ferdinand must still win his
place back in the team from Danny Gabbidon. The Welsh international defender
is beginning to find the form that won him the Hammer of the Year trophy the
season before last, and his display alongside Matthew Upson against Chelsea
last Saturday was one of his best. It will be difficult for manager Alan
Curbishley to split up the successful partnership, while Gabbidon knows the
importance of the next month for West Ham. "December decides the season for
most teams," he said. "If you can get a few results over the Christmas
period then it puts you up the league and holds you in good stead for the
rest of the season. "We've got some tough games coming up, but if we keep
performing like we did against Chelsea, then I'm sure we can pick up a few
points."
Curbishley must decide whether to start with Dean Ashton on Sunday to give
the Hammers more of a cutting edge, while Mark Noble and Lee Bowyer are also
likely to come into contention for a place in the team as the injury
problems ease slightly. "Freddie Ljungberg's back and Scott Parker came
through 70 minutes, but Craig Bellamy and some of the others are nowhere
near to coming back," explained the manager. "We've just got to get on with
it."
Getting on with it seems to be exactly what Ferdinand is doing, and with
that attitude, his return cannot be far away.
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Scott's free of his injury hell at last - Newham Recorder
05 December 2007
PERHAPS Alan Curbishley's luck is finally changing. So far, he hasn't had a
lot of good fortune with his summer signings, who have spent more time on
the treatment table than on the training pitch, writes DAVE EVANS. Julien
Faubert was struck down on a foreign shore before he had even played a
competitive game for his new club; Kieron Dyer managed just two matches in
claret and blue before breaking his leg; while Craig Bellamy has been in and
out of the operating theatre more often than a surgeon's facemask. Scott
Parker has suffered a similar story. Injured, like Faubert, on the
pre-season tour of Austria, after missing the opening seven matches, he
broke down again in only his second appearance after a reckless tackle from
Mathieu Flamini against Arsenal. And so, when he was callously scythed down
by Mikel at Stamford Bridge on Saturday and was left writhing on the floor
in agony, Curbishley must have thought that the curse of his new talent may
well have struck again. But Parker hauled himself up and in the 79 minutes
he was on the field, showed exactly why the West Ham manager paid £7million
to lure him back to London from Newcastle United.
Unscathed
"I took a few challenges, and one in particular, but finished the game
relatively unscathed and that is the important thing," said the 27-year-old
midfielder, who was captain at St James' Park and looks like showing his
leadership skills for West Ham if he can stay injury free. "The one tackle
from Mikel was a bit naughty, but it's part and parcel of the game, no harm
done. I don't know if he deserved to go off because I didn't see him. When
it happened I was in a bit of shock because I wasn't expecting anyone to
come in from there. "Everyone else said it was a bad one, but the referee
saw it and gave a yellow card, so I suppose I'll have to stick by that."
That tackle could have been a disaster for Parker and West Ham, but having
come through the match without injury, Curbishley will be looking for the
midfielder to show the sort of form that made his name at Charlton Athletic.
Parker himself is keen to do just that: "It was a disappointing result, but
there were a lot of positives to be taken out of the game and now that we're
getting a few players back, I definitely feel this is the time to push on a
little bit.
Firing
"It's going to take time for the lads like myself who have been out for a
while, to get back into it, but the only way to get us back firing is to
play games."
It was certainly a real baptism of fire for Parker to make his return to the
side. Midfield battles don't come much harder than coming up against the
likes of Frank Lampard and Steve Sidwell, but despite a tendency to storm
forward with the ball headlong into a crowd of defenders, the West Ham man
came through the test with flying colours. "When you go to Stamford Bridge,
you're not going to sit back and let them play," he said. "You need to get
into their faces, upset their rhythm a bit and we certainly did that. "I'm
definitely pleased to be back. If I admit to myself, the first time I came
back was probably too early, but I feel a lot better this time. My knee is
okay, so I'll be looking to push on and stay in the side," he revealed. By
the time Curbishley was finally able to offload Nigel Reo-Coker in the
summer, he had already signed his replacement in Parker, a player that he
felt would be a vital cog in the West Ham machine. Parker, who won the last
of his three England caps in the 2-0 European qualifying defeat by Croatia
in Zagreb last year, played alongside Hayden Mullins on Saturday, with Mark
Noble not even making the bench. But the long term vacancy to play alongside
the south Londoner is still up for grabs, with fans' favourite Noble likely
to face stiff competition from the dependable Mullins as well as Nolberto
Solano, Lee Bowyer and even Dyer when he returns to fitness. For Parker
though, he just wants to stay fit, while he thinks that the team has an
exciting future: "The Chelsea match was a good London derby, but even there
we managed to get the ball down and play a bit at times," he insisted. "The
big thing is we have a good work ethic, which will stand us in good stead,
and we also have quality which we can work on. "As for me, I'm happy to be
at West Ham, back in London and I just want to keep fit and show the fans
what I can do."
That is exactly what the fans want too.
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Red-hot Junior hits the net once more! - Newham Recorder
05 December 2007
Ipswich Town 0 West Ham United 2
JUBILANT Junior Stanislas continued his remarkable recent run of form with a
deadly double strike that could, and probably should, have been a hat-trick
for the West Ham Academy team on Saturday morning in Ipswich. The
17-year-old, who grabbed two goals last week as the reserve team hammered
Derby County 8-0, was also called up to the England under-19 squad recently,
and he showed his potential once again up in Suffolk. A tight first half saw
few chances for either side, but that all changed early in the second half.
Ipswich conceded a penalty, Stanislas stepped up, but then he inexplicably
fired the ball over the crossbar to leave the scores level. The miss
certainly didn't affect his confidence and within four minutes, he had made
up for it. The striker collected the ball 25 yards out and beat the keeper
with a swerving shot that flew in off the underside of the crossbar. Just 10
minutes later, West Ham doubled their lead and it was that man Stanislas
again. This time the Hammers won a free kick on the edge of the box and
Stanislas did the rest with a shot that was just out of the reach of the
Ipswich goalkeeper. It wasn't all one-way traffic though. Ipswich had a
couple of half chances in the opening 45 minutes, but they looked like they
had found a way back into the match when Ryan O'Neill was adjudged to have
handled in the box and the referee awarded a penalty. However, West Ham
keeper Marek Stech was equal to the task to make a superb stop and Ipswich
hopes were extinguished with that save.
Zavon Hines almost made it three close to the end, hitting the side-netting
after beating the last defender, but this was a fine performance and a good
win for the under-18 team. Coach Tony Carr was certainly pleased. "It was a
good performance," he said. "We made it hard to beat us and that is the
key." Carr rarely singles out individuals for praise, but he had some
encouraging words for Stanislas. "Junior was fantastic," he said. "It was a
shame he missed from the spot, but all in all it was a good away win. "While
Junior got the goals, our other man of the match was Marek Stech. He saved a
penalty and made some great stops."
West Ham now travel to play Fulham on Friday with a noon kick-off.
West Ham: Stech, O'Neill, Blackwell, N'Gala, Spence, Kearns (Brookes 80),
Lee (Payne 75), Harvey, Hines, Hunt (Barrett 85), Stanislas.
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Matty: 'Refs favour Blues over the rest' - Newham Recorder
05 December 2007
WEST HAM winger Matty Etherington has thrown his weight behind his manager's
claims that the top four clubs get preferential treatment from the Premier
League's referees, writes DAVE EVANS. Alan Curbishley suggested that it was
the case during the build-up to Saturday's clash at Stamford Bridge and
after an indifferent performance from official Howard Webb and his
assistants, Etherington was quick to back the boss. "Without a shadow of a
doubt, they should definitely have had two red cards - we've all said that,"
insisted the 26-year-old, who has three goals to his name already this
season. "Frank Lampard kicked out at Luis in the second half and if it was
anyone else, they would have been sent off - it's as simple as that."
Maybe Webb thought that Lampard had been provoked, maybe he was taking into
account the fact that it was a full-blooded London derby, but there could
surely have been no excuse for challenge by Mikel on Scott Parker after 38
minutes on Saturday. Etherington certainly didn't think so: "With the Mikel
challenge, he's come off the ground with two feet and at any other ground
that would be a straight red. "Obviously it's Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
They've got big characters and the referee has not given a decision for
whatever reason."
It's not just the fouls that are not suitably punished that annoys players
and fans alike. When Luis Boa Morte went in late on Carlo Cudicini, Chelsea
and England captain John Terry felt it was his job to mete out some justice
on the Portuguese player, grappling with him as if he had laid out the
Blues' goalkeeper in an attempt to make his foul seem a much more serious
one. It was not the only incident of Terry and other Chelsea players looking
to influence the referee.
Etherington is now convinced that this is the case with Chelsea. "Players
like John Terry are massive players and big characters in the Premier League
and when they get round the referee sometimes they're not willing to make
the decision."
That was certainly borne out by the events of Saturday according to the West
Ham wide man. "It's hard to take," he said. "I've heard other teams say it
before, but I hadn't really thought it before. "But today I could definitely
sympathise with those other teams because it's happened to us. "Without a
shadow of a doubt, if that had been one of our players it's a sending off."
Manager Curbishley was keen to play down some of his quotes from earlier in
the week, but he did have one observation to relay to the press. "I think
that you'll find that the top four sides do surround the referee because
they're probably not used to having decisions go against them. It's a bit of
a shock for them," he insisted. "I would imagine that the top four do get
the majority of penalties, but I suppose they would counter that by saying
that they do more attacking than other teams - perhaps they do."
The influence of referees not prepared to make big decisions against the top
teams, is obviously not the sole reason why they are at the top. But on
Saturday, in a game that could have been turned decisively West Ham's way by
a sending off for Chelsea, it certainly had an impact. Saying that, Maniche
was sent off against the Hammers two seasons ago when West Ham were already
winning 1-0, and the Blues went on to triumph 4-1, so perhaps Webb's
decision was a blessing in disguise. Etherington's looking on the bright
side: "It's not the end of the world," he concluded. "With the injuries that
we've had, I think we've had a satisfactory start to the season." If
surrounding the referee was the key to bursting into the top four, would
West Ham fans like to see the Hammers do it?
Ron Greenwood and John Lyall would turn in their graves.
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Blue plaque tribute for legendary Lyall - Newham Recorder
05 December 2007
ARGUABLY the greatest manager in the history of West Ham United will be
honoured at Upton Park in January when a special blue plaque will be erected
at the ground for John Lyall. There are already plaques at Upton Park for
Hammers' legends Bobby Moore and Ron Greenwood, and so this ceremony is a
fitting way to remember the brilliant Lyall, who guided the team to FA Cup
Final wins in 1975 and 1980 as well as their highest ever top flight placing
of third in 1986.
John died suddenly in 2006 at his Suffolk home at the age of just 66. A host
of great names will be at the Heritage Foundation ceremony including Sir
Geoff Hurst, Sir Trevor Brooking, Martin Peters, Frank Lampard snr, Paul
Ince, Phil Parkes, Ray Stewart, Alan Devonshire, Alvin Martin, Billy Bonds,
David Cross, Terry Venables and Frank McAvennie. After the ceremony there
will be a special lunch for the Lyall family hosted by Rick Wakeman and
comedian Joe Goodman, where tickets are £60 for lunch with the stars,
inclusive of wine. The ceremony takes place at 11.45am on Sunday, January 20
- the same day as the Hammers travel to Manchester City - with the lunch at
Upton Park beginning at 12.30pm.
If you would like to be there to rub shoulders with some West Ham legends
then ring the credit card hotline on 01992 451332 or log on to the website
at www.the heritagefoundation.co.uk.
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Prem four alerted by £5m Zamora - TeamTalk
West Ham are reportedly willing to let Bobby Zamora leave Upton Park for
£5million in January - alerting Fulham, Derby, Sunderland and Reading. The
Hammers will stop short of hawking Zamora to their Premier League rivals but
with five other strikers - Dean Ashton, Craig Bellamy, Carlton Cole, Luis
Boa Morte and Henri Camara - in their ranks, the 26-year-old is allowed to
leave. Alan Curbishley is also thought to be keen to add yet more firepower
to his side so Zamora may relish the chance to move on in the next transfer
window. Fulham are leading the race to sign the former Tottenham striker,
according to The Independent, but they may be unwilling to pay the asking
price, opening the door for one of Derby, Sunderland or Reading, who are all
monitoring developments. Zamora has scored 29 goals in 120 appearances for
the Hammers, although he has played just four times this season and is yet
to get off the mark.
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I'm back and here to stay - Parker - TeamTalk
Scott Parker is relishing the prospect of an extended run in the West Ham
side having come back from a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Parker is
hoping to be handed the chance to impress in Sunday's clash at Blackburn,
and he told the club's official website: "It's going to be a tough game up
there. "They're a very good side. We know what they're about. They work hard
so it's going to be tough but we look forward to it." Parker suffered a
setback on his return from a troublesome knee problem against Arsenal in
September but is fit again and now banking on seeing the back of his injury
woes. He added: "The most disappointing thing for me was that I've been
injured for so long. When you are injured and you come back it always takes
a bit of time but I just want to get back to fitness as quick as I can and
stay in the team."
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Parker: I rushed injury recovery - Setanta
by Joseph Caron Dawe, 05 December 2007
West Ham midfielder Scott Parker has admitted he has only himself to blame
for his recurring injury setbacks in his fledgling Upton Park career after
conceding that he has rushed himself back to action too soon. The former
Newcastle player, who arrived at The Hammers in the summer, made an initial
comeback against Arsenal in September for his league debut at the club, but
he has since admitted that was premature. And after recently making a second
comeback against Tottenham, which was followed by an appearance in the 1-0
loss to ex-club Chelsea at the weekend, Parker is wary of moving things too
fast again.
"I started against Arsenal but I think if I'm being honest with myself I
probably wasn't exactly ready," he confessed in the club's official website.
"But me being me I just wanted to get out there and try to prove myself. It
backfired on me a little bit but I like to think I'm back now and I'm here
to stay. "The most disappointing thing for me was that I've been injured
for so long," he added. "When you are injured and you come back it always
takes a bit of time but I just want to get back to fitness as quick as I can
and stay in the team." Parker is hoping to maintain his starting place for
the trip to Blackburn on Sunday. "It's going to be a tough game up there,"
he added. "Blackburn are a very good side. We know what they're about. They
work hard so it's going to be tough but we look forward to it."
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West Ham move for AC Milan star!?! - talking soccer
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
West Ham United are hoping to sign AC Milan star Leonardo - to become their
Director of Football. West Ham owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson wants to create
the position of director of football at the club to work alongside boss Alan
Curbishley on the matter of transfers and scouting. The Mirror are reporting
that Gudmundsson along with chairman Eggert Magnusson have already
interviews the Brazilian for the position and are keen to get him on board
as soon as possible.
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West Ham slap £5m price tag on Zamora! - talking soccer
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley will allow Bobby Zamora to leave the
club this January, if someone stumps up £5 million for him. Zamora has made
just 4 appearances for the Hammers this season and is believed to be unhappy
with his lack of first team football. The Independent are reporting that
Fulham, Derby and West Brom have all shown an interest in the former
Brighton striker, but none appear to be willing to match his £5 million
price tag.
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West Ham trio set for exit?!? - Talking Soccer
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Alan Curbishley looks set to do his spring cleaning early at West Ham this
season, by offloading three players during the transfer window. The
Independent are reporting that Calum Davenport, Nigel Quashie and John
Pantsil will all be moved on from Upton Park if buyers cans be found. The
trio have yet to make an appearance between them for West Ham so far this
season and Curbishley will hope to replace them with some fresh faces at the
London club.
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West Ham defender set for January exit?!! - Talking Soccer
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
West Ham United defender Christian Dailly will join Southampton in a
permanent deal in January. Daily has been on loan at the Championship side
for 2 months and has made 11 appearances in an impressive stint for the
Saints. The 34 year old has no returned to Upton par after his loan period
ended but will join up again with Southampton in January on a permanent deal
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Carr Linked With Hammers Move - footballnetwork.co.uk
By Tyne-Talk December 5 2007
Newcastle United defender Stephen Carr has this week been linked with a move
to West Ham. The Irishman who has made just 5 appearences for Newcastle this
season is currently injured. Should Carr transfer to West Ham in January he
would be joining 5 former team mates, Nolberto Solano, Craig Bellamy, Scott
Parker, Lee Bowyer, and Kieron Dyer.
Other players linked in the last 3 months with a Winter exit from St James'
Park include, Shola Ameobi who has been linked with Derby County, Bolton,
Norwich and Middlesbrough, Michael Owen, linked with Manchester City and
Steven Taylor who has been linked with a move to Portsmouth, Liverpool,
Chelsea, Manchester United and Spurs.
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What Is Going On With The Z Man And West Ham - West Ham Fans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 5 December, 2007 - 21:55.
Rumors are rife about a 'buy one get one free' clear out of players in the
forthcoming transfer window, but recent red top headlines about the possible
transfer of Bobby Zamora away from West Ham will leave some fans feeling
very uneasy. Initially sidelined by a knee injury, the 'Z' man was
indirectly associated with a driving licence penalty points scam that seemed
to push him off the radar as far as the club was concerned, his recovery
from injury created a safe environment in order for him to dissappear from
notice. There has been plenty of comment about other players and their
injuries but the Z man seems to have gone Christmas Panto! Alan Curbishley
is very old school and has a known dislike for the 'bling culture' that has
grown up among a certain type of premiership player who find themselves on a
massive salary with little ability in the real world to deal with real life
situations, Bobby Zamora might not fit that mould but why else would he have
been so out of the picture apart from transfer speculation? - Ed
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Fulham battle cashed-up Sunderland for Zamora
tribalfooball.com - December 05, 2007
Fulham boss Lawrie Sanchez is ready to take on Sunderland counterpart Roy
Keane in the race to sign West Ham striker Bobby Zamora. Keane has been
promised funds by chairman Niall Quinn to strengthen his squad in the
January transfer window and out-of-favour Upton Park forward Zamora is top
of his list.
"Roy will have no problem with the money," Quinn revealed. "It's actually
down to the availability of the players, that's the big one. "But certainly,
money won't be a factor this Christmas. I'm not saying we have plenty of it,
but the money will be made available if the players become available."
Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed has promised Sanchez that money will be
available for him to spend - but only on the condition that he sees some
improvement from the current players before Christmas.
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Anton Ferdinand is focused now at West Ham - Telegraph
By Andrew Fifield
Last Updated: 1:09am GMT 06/12/2007
West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand admits the threat of jail left him unable
to concentrate on football. Cleared of assault occasioning actual bodily
harm after a nightclub fracas in October 2006, he said: "I'm feeling good
now. My head's clear and I just can't wait to start playing again. Football
is my No 1 priority."
Out with hamstring trouble, he has targeted the game with Everton on Dec 15
to return. Uefa will consider possible exceptions to their ban on standing
areas at stadiums. President Michel Platini met fans from across the
continent in Switzerland yesterday, and German supporters cited the example
of Werder Bremen, who have a standing area. Portsmouth manager Harry
Redknapp has told midfielder Matt Taylor he can leave, "but only at the
right price". Sol Campbell, however, said that releasing anyone during the
African Nations Cup would be "suicidal".
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Ferdinand: Future's bright for England - Setanat
by Alex Livie, 06 December 2007
West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand has hit out at suggestions there is a
dearth of quality talent coming through the ranks of English clubs. A
number of high-profile figures in the game have suggested the England
national side are struggling on account of the amount of foreign players
flooding The Premier League.
England fans will be kicking their heels next summer due to the failure of
The Three Lions to reach Euro 2008, but Ferdinand is convinced the future is
bright for the national side. "The England side that is there now, a lot of
them have come from West Ham who have a great academy and youth set up and
are producing great players now," Ferdinand told Setanta Sports News. "So it
is not nice hearing people saying there are no youngsters coming through."
Ferdinand feels the best way to silence the critics is to step forward and
prove his quality. He added: "I am a youngster myself coming through and
trying to make it to the highest level, which is to play for you country.
"It is up to me and the other young players to prove them wrong."
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Ex-Roma chief Baldini contacted by West Ham
tribalfootball.com - December 05, 2007
Italian coach Franco Baldini has been contacted by West Ham United about
becoming the club's new director of football, says the Mirror. Baldini, a
former sports director at Roma, was assistant coach to Fabio Capello at Real
Madrid last season.
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West Ham seek to lure Leonardo away from AC Milan
tribalfootball.com - December 05, 2007
West Ham United are planning to lure Leonardo away from AC Milan to become
the club's new football director. The Mirror says Leonardo, 38 has been
interviewed by West Ham's Icelandic owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson and
chairman Eggert Magnusson who want to appoint someone to work alongside
manager Alan Curbishley. Former AC Milan and Valencia star Leonardo would be
a surprise appointment but West Ham approached him for his contacts in South
America - and he speaks perfect English. Gudmundsson wants a director of
football to work alongside Curbishley to oversee transfers, negotiations and
scouting. Magnusson was taking a hands-on role but after a string of
expensive signings and huge contracts he has taken a backward step and the
club want to install a new man. Curbishley insists he has no problem with
the plan.
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Hammers target Leonardo - The Mirror
By John Cross 05/12/2007
Brazilian World Cup winner Leonardo is in the frame to be West Ham's new
director of football. Leonardo, 38, now a BBC pundit, has been interviewed
by West Ham's Icelandic owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson and chairman Eggert
Magnusson who want to appoint someone to work alongside manager Alan
Curbishley.
Former AC Milan and Valencia star Leonardo would be a surprise appointment
but West Ham approached him for his contacts in South America - and he
speaks perfect English. Gudmundsson wants a director of football to work
alongside Curbishley to oversee transfers, negotiations and scouting.
Magnusson was taking a hands-on role but after a string of expensive
signings and huge contracts he has taken a backward step and the club want
to install a new man. Curbishley insists he has no problem with the plan.
West Ham want a similar set-up to that at Tottenham - where chairman Daniel
Levy and sporting director Damien Comolli work with manager Juande Ramos -
even though the system has brought little success. Italian Franco Baldini
has also been approached. Baldini, 49, was Fabio Capello's assistant at Real
Madrid last season.
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Gabbidon looking for decent December - Harlow Citizen
By Daniel Barden
Comment
DECEMBER could prove to be the month that makes or breaks West Ham's season,
according to Danny Gabbidon. The Irons started off a run of seven games with
a 1-0 defeat at Chelsea on Saturday, despite an impressive team performance.
Now they face six tough matches, including a Carling Cup quarter final clash
with Everton next week and a meeting with Premiership champions Manchester
United, which the Wales international (pictured) believes could shape their
season. "December decides the season for most teams," he said. "If you can
get a few results over the Christmas period then it puts you up the league
and holds you in good stead for the rest of the season. "We've got some
tough games coming up, but if we keep performing like we did at Chelsea,
then I'm sure we can pick up a few points."
Although they never created many clear cut chances of their own, the Hammers
were the equal of Chelsea for large periods of the match. And Gabbidon
believes they were desperately unlucky not to come away with something. "I
thought we all did well," Gabbidon said. "Obviously the result didn't go our
way and the one half-chance they had, they took it. "But I thought we
deserved a draw - we matched them and played better football than them at
times. "They ran out of ideas in the first half, then after half time we
managed to hang on and not concede, so the goal we did concede was
disappointing. "They're a big side, but we matched them and they didn't like
it too much." Gabbidon has worked himself back into boss Alan Curbishley's
starting eleven in recent weeks following the injury woes which kept him out
for large parts of last season. The 28-year-old has grabbed his chance in
the wake of injuries to team mates and demonstrated his importance to the
team with a man of the match performance at Stamford Bridge.
Not that he hasn't had his fair share of misfortune on the pitch since his
return, notably deflecting in Craig Gardner's winner for Aston Villa and
giving away a last minute penalty at Portsmouth. He said: "Obviously I
missed a lot of last season and even when I played in pre-season I was at
left-back, so it took a few games to get back into it. "For the first few
matches, trouble seemed to be following me but I've got over that and I feel
I'm getting stronger and playing better with every game. "I've got to play
like that every week with the likes of Anton Ferdinand and James Collins
waiting in the wings - that's my motivation."
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Zamora Linked With Sunderland Move - Goal.com
Sunderland have promised to make transfer funds available to manager Roy
Keane in January - and the Black Cats' boss is said to be considering a bid
for West Ham United striker Bobby Zamora. Although Sunderland moved out of
the bottom three with their last-ditch victory over fellow-strugglers Derby
County on Saturday, the Wearside club realise their squad needs urgent
strengthening - and chairman Niall Quinn has promised that manager Roy Keane
will have money to spend in January. Keane is known to want to add another
striker to the squad, with Zamora said to be on his wanted list. Zamora
appears to have slipped down the pecking order at West Ham despite manager
Alan Curbishley's lengthy injury list. Keane could offer he former Brighton
and Spurs forward the prospect of more regular first-team football. "Roy
will have no problem with the money," Quinn revealed. "It's actually down to
the availability of the players, that's the big one. "But certainly, money
won't be a factor this Christmas. I'm not saying we have plenty of it, but
the money will be made available if the players become available."
Mark Hinton, Goal.com
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West Ham want £5m for Sunderland target - SunderlandEcho
Transfer rumours
Sunderland target Bobby Zamora will be allowed to leave West Ham in January
if their £5m valuation is met. - Independent
Manchester City are ready to pay £17m for Argentine midfielder Javier
Mascherano. - Various
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West Ham turn down Baros
tribalfooball.com - December 05, 2007
West Ham United have turned down the chance to take Olympique Lyon striker
Milan Baros on-loan. The Independent says Baros is desperate to leave Lyons
and move back to England. However, West Ham are extremely pleased with the
make-up of their squad with the manager, Alan Curbishley, pointing out that
through injuries, he has not come anywhere close to being able to field what
would be his first-choice XI but has still managed to guide the club into a
comfortable mid-table position. Consequently they are understood to have
also ruled out moves for their summer targets of Eidur Gudjohnsen and
Adriano as they consolidate on what was a frantic summer.
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West Ham drop out of Shorey race
tribalfootball.com - December 05, 2007
West Ham United have cooled their interest in Reading fullback Nicky Shorey.
The Independent says West Ham have dropped interest partly because of the
impressive form of George McCartney at left-back with Jonathan Spector
providing cover. Newcastle United have been linked with the England
international this week.
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West Brom, Fulham move for West Ham's Zamora
tribalfootball.com - December 05, 2007
West Ham United are ready to cash in on Bobby Zamora - for £5 million. The
Independent says Fulham, Derby and West Brom have expressed interest, but as
yet no firm offer has arrived for the striker.
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West Ham set for mini-clearout
tribalfootball.com - December 05, 2007
West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley is planning to trim his squad ahead of
the January market. The Independent says Calum Davenport, Nigel Quashie and
John Pantsil, all fringe players, are likely to be deemed surplus to
requirements in the transfer window if a buyer can be found.
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