02/08/2007 09:09
More than 500 players from 48 nations have united in Copenhagen for the fifth Homeless World Cup this week, with former Premier League legend Eric Cantona and HRH the Crown Prince of Denmark both in attendance.
The Homeless World Cup brings the true grit spirit and glory of the beautiful game to the City Hall Square, as players who are currently homeless take a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent their country and change their lives.
As a spectator at this international football tournament, Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark applauds the proud achievements of the players and supports the Homeless World Cup's commitment to use football as a trigger to enable people who are currently homeless to improve their own lives right the way around the world. He will open the final, kicking off at 5.00pm on Saturday, 4th August, and present the two finalist nations with their player medals.
Mel Young, President of the Homeless World Cup said: "We are delighted the HRH Crown Prince of Denmark will be able to attend the final of the 5th Homeless World Cup. Copenhagen 2007 will be the first royal final, marking a very special occasion for the players' who are proud ambassadors for their countries, with some truly remarkable achievements among them. Sport has the power to change lives."
Meanwhile, former Manchester United star Eric Cantona hosted a special training clinic on Tuesday 31 July 2007, as the Homeless World Cup competitiors benefited from the Frenchman's club and international experience.
Cantona, a true artisan of the beautiful game, is inspired by the Homeless World Cup's mission to use football as a trigger to encourage people who are currently homeless to change their own lives for the better. He said: "Football unites; it inspires and it energises individuals communities and the world. Football and the Homeless World Cup has the power to fire up a person to excel as a human being, to change their lives for the better. It is fantastic that football brings this opportunity to their lives."
77% of players change their lives for the better after participating in the Homeless World Cup, coming off drugs and alcohol, moving into homes, jobs, training, education, repairing relationships with families, and even becoming coaches and players for semi and pro football clubs. An estimated 25,000 players have been trying out for a place on this year's national team.
The Homeless World Cup is inviting fans around the world join the fan club to support the power of football for social change, the power of football for all:
www.homelessworldcup.org/fanclub
About the Homeless World Cup
The Homeless World Cup is an annual, international football tournament, uniting teams of people who are currently homeless and excluded from around the world to change their lives for the better. It also supports and inspires grass roots football projects around the world working with homeless and excluded people throughout the year.
The Homeless World Cup was co-founded by world leading social entrepreneur Mel Young and Harald Schmied and is supported by Nike and UEFA. The Ministry of Social Affairs, City of Copenhagen and Ombold are the hosts the Copenhagen 2007 Homeless World Cup, with RealMæglerne, GB and Politiken as national sponsors.
Log on to www.homelessworldcup.org for more information.
Nations participating at the Copenhagen 2007 Homeless World Cup:
Afghanistan, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Krgyzstan, Liberia, Lithuania, Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Scotland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Uganda, Ukraine, USA, Wales, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
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Ticket Office information - WHUFC
02/08/2007 14:42
The Ticket Office can confirm that all priority point applications received from season ticket holders for our first Barclays Premier League away fixture of the new season, against Birmingham City on August 18, will have been successful.
Applications will be processed and tickets posted shortly.
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Tevez talks reach crucial stage - BBC
West Ham and Carlos Tevez's advisers are to continue talks to resolve the dispute over the player's registration. If the matter is not resolved on Thursday, it is almost certain to go to the High Court on 22 August. The 23-year-old striker's advisers have to lodge their court papers after Thursday, a move which would make an out-of-court settlement unlikely. Tevez wants to move to Manchester United but his representatives and West Ham are at odds over his ownership.
The Argentine is desperate for the issue to be resolved. "To play for a super-club like Manchester United without any pre-season work behind me is going to be a real handicap," he said. If the matter goes to the High Court, the hearing is scheduled to take up to three days meaning if Tevez is allowed to join United, he would be able to do so before the transfer window shuts on 31 August. However, BBC Five Live sports news correspondent Nigel Adderley believes the dispute could be resolved on Thursday. "It could be done on Thursday. I understand there is cautious optimism from some of those involved," he said.
Tevez's switch to United stalled over who will be paid the transfer fee. The Premier League and West Ham say the Hammers should receive the fee but Kia Joorabchian's companies MSI and Just Sports Inc claim they own the striker's economic rights. Adderley explained: "West Ham need to reach a settlement which proves to the Premier League they are the significant beneficiaries of any transfer involving Tevez. "I think if they were to receive £2-3m from MSI, I think they'd release his registration." Any deal agreed would then have to be ratified by the Premier League.
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Tevez fears for career - Sky
Argentine worried about lack of pre-season preparation
By James Pearson Last updated: 02nd August 2007
Carlos Tevez fears his first season with Manchester United could be severely handicapped due to lack of pre-season preparation. The Argentina international had been expected to join The Red Devils earlier this month, but a dispute over pay between West Ham and Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian has held up the move. Tevez had been in peak condition after helping his country to the final of this summer's Copa America, but is now kicking his heels ahead of his Old Trafford switch. The all-action striker is mentally prepared for linking up with Sir Alex Ferguson's side but fears he is missing out on much needed pre-season work with his new colleagues. "We need a solution quickly so that I can get on with my career," Tevez told the Daily Mail. "To play for a super club like Manchester United without any pre-season work behind me is going to be a real handicap. "I am a fighter and am prepared for any challenge. But this is going to be very difficult. "I desire a swift solution and demand now that all parties arrive at an agreement because I just want to play. "Mentally I am prepared to play for United at any moment, but physically it may be more difficult the longer it goes on."
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Controversial England star to sign for West Ham in £5m deal
Last updated at 15:56pm on 2nd August 2007
Alan Curbishley is set to add Newcastle's Kieron Dyer to his West Ham squad today for £5million. The Hammers boss will hand the Newcastle midfielder an £80,000-aweek four-year contract despite a string of injury and personal problems during his eight years on Tyneside. Dyer received a warning from the club's management after he was filmed urinating in public and he once memorably crashed his Ferrari into the famous swing bridge in the middle of Newcastle. He also refused to play on the right side of midfield for Sir Bobby Robson in a match at Middlesbrough in 2004. A year later, the 28-year-old famously came to blows with Lee Bowyer, a potential new West Ham team-mate, during a match against Aston Villa at St James' Park. With the fractious Craig Bellamy and Freddie Ljungberg already in the melting pot at Upton Park, Curbishley may have his hands full this season but this latest signing could prove a masterstroke. Dyer has undoubted talent but has been plagued by all manner of ailments including shin splints, hamstring, calf and thigh problems, so extra care will be taken with his medical today. He won his way back into the England squad for the friendly against Brazil in May, thanks largely to former West Ham physiotherapist John Green who has worked with the player over the last year. Should Dyer complete the signing it would reinforce club chairman Eggert Magnusson's determination to continue to sign Premiership-based players. Curbishley began the trend last January when he added Lucas Neill, Matthew Upson, Luis Boa Morte and Calum Davenport to his squad.
This summer Scott Parker was added to the mix along with Bellamy, Ljungberg and Dyer with the only arrivals from foreign clubs being Spaniard Kepa Blanco, who joined on loan last season, and French midfielder Julien Faubert, who is ruled out until Christmas through injury. West Ham are hoping to further add to their squad with the signing of another striker, with Eidur Gudjohnsen being tipped to return to the Premiership from Barcelona. There was also still hope today that a solution to the Carlos Tevez affair would be found without the need to go to the High Court as the striker pleaded with the club to let him go to Manchester United. A three-day hearing is scheduled to begin on 22 August but there were signs today that significant progress had been made between the lawyers of West Ham and Kia Joorabchian. Tevez told Sportsmail: "We need a solution quickly so that I can get on with my career. "To play for a super club like Manchester United without any pre-season work behind me is going to be a real handicap. "My hope was I'd be involved in the Community Shield against Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday. That I am not is very painful."
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Spurs and West Ham hot on Barnes - Sportigo
Thu, Aug 2, 07 12:03Mark Apostolou
Derby County boss Billy Davies reportedly wants £5m for West Ham and Spurs target Giles Barnes (various). The highly-rated midfielder has been the subject of heated speculation for weeks now. it seems the Rams are resigned to losing 18-year-old Barnes and Davies said: "There has been interest in him. But it's so far away from any valuation we have that we've kicked it into touch."
When you hear statements that do not rule out a move entirely, they are generally a sign that once the right valuation is met then the player will be on his way. To be honest, £5m seems a little cheap. I know that at such a young age many would regard any such figure as a huge gamble, but Barnes has two seasons under his belt, and impressive ones at that. If I were either Spurs of West Ham, I would get the cheque books out pretty sharpish before someone else joins the race.
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Tevez hopes rise after talks begin
Matt Scott
Thursday August 2, 2007
The Guardian
Hopes were rising yesterday of a negotiated settlement to the Carlos Tevez affair as West Ham executives met representatives from Media Sports Investment and Just Sports Inc. The talks are thought to be the first held in person between executives of the two sides since a writ was served on the club by MSI-JSI last week.
Talks broke up last night without agreement and although the outlook is positive a court confrontation would seem inevitable if a deal is not secured today. After that MSI-JSI will have to lodge all their papers with the high court, making it much less likely a settlement will be reached.
Eggert Magnusson, West Ham's chairman, was not involved in the talks because he is expected to be called as a witness if the case reaches the high court for a three-day hearing from August 22.
Legal proceedings were initiated by MSI-JSI in an effort to force the forward's release and move to Manchester United before the end of the transfer window on August 31. The offshore companies are alleging that a contract drawn up by Magnusson, which required that Tevez move on July 1, had been breached.
The Hammers have questioned the validity of that contract, since it was not countersigned by the player, but MSI-JSI insist they possess an exchange of emails supporting their position. It is hoped that a settlement can be reached but West Ham are demanding a multimillion-pound fee to permit the player's release.
Tevez wants a swift resolution. "To play for a super-club like Manchester United without any pre-season work behind me is going to be a real handicap," he said.
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Iceman cometh? - Newham Recorder
01 August 2007
WEST HAM'S Icelandic connection could grow one link stronger with the news that Eidur Gudjohnsen would not be averse to a switch to Upton Park, writes LUKE WILSON. The former Chelsea and Bolton striker has seen his chances considerably limited since signing for present club Barcelona and after the summer capture of Thierry Henry, Gudjohnsen has moved a further rung down the ladder at Camp Nou. With this in mind, the 28-year-old is seemingly considering his alternatives and as his father and agent, Arnor, pointed out this week, a return to the Premier League could be a viable option and the Boleyn Ground a possible destination. "I have heard about the interest from West Ham, but there have been no talks as yet," said Arnor. "It would be something Eidur would consider as there are some Icelanders there with the owners and all. "Barcelona have always told him it is up to him what he wants to do and they will not stand in his way if he wants to go and they will be happy for him if he wants to stay. "Eidur will not rush a decision on his future and we will evaluate every option we have."
Hammers boss Alan Curbishley admits his squad is 'a bit skinny in certain areas' and that he will look for further reinforcements as the club aim to put last season's dalliance with relegation behind them. Gudjohnsen would add invaluable experience as well as no little amount of talent to the club, as his record of 78 goals in 177 starts for Chelsea illustrates. As part of the Premier League nouveau riche, West Ham have understandably been linked with a multitude of different players this off-season and that continued to be the case this week as it was suggested that Kieron Dyer and Alan Smith were also being targeted.
Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce has given Dyer the go-ahead to leave St James' Park and the England international would apparently prefer a move to London, with Spurs being the Hammers' main rivals for his signature. Smith, meanwhile, looks to have fallen out of favour at Old Trafford and his robust, no holds barred style would certainly add another dimension to the Hammers strike force.
THE dispute over the future of Carlos Tevez is scheduled for the High Court on August 22, although West Ham are still hopeful of settling before then. The player's representative Kia Joorabchian issued a writ to West Ham in an attempt to secure his proposed £30m move to Manchester United. Joorabchian's company claim they own the economic rights to the 23-year-old. The court date could mean Tevez's future may be decided before the transfer window closes on August 31.
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Curbs quick to set the critics straight - Newham Recorder
01 August 2007
ALAN CURBISHLEY has defended West Ham's multi million pound summer spending spree while also confirming that he will be more than willing to splash the cash again before the close of the transfer window, writes LUKE WILSON. The Hammers boss has been bankrolled to the tune of £23m by chairman Eggert Magnusson, money that he has used to capture record signing Craig Bellamy, along with Scott Parker, Julien Faubert and Freddie Ljungberg. However, Curbishley pointed to the fact that the club has recouped the majority of its outlay following the sales of Nigel Reo-Coker, Yossi Benayoun, Marlon Harewood and Paul Konchesky and hit back at suggestions that the club have been imprudent with their off-season dealings. "If you care to analyse it - Bellamy at £7.5million, I don't think's a bad deal, Parker at £7million is not a bad deal, Faubert at £6 million, although unfortunately he's got an injury - I don't think we've done too bad," he declared. "I think we've spent £23million but we've taken £21million in. "When you look at the clubs who have spent the money, there are five or six clubs who've spent more than us, Portsmouth and Fulham are two of them, but they've not taken money in as well. "Obviously we get the headlines, but if you care to look at it, I think we've done good business at the right prices and so some of the criticism that's been levelled at us, I don't quite understand."
The investment of the Icelandic backers has given the club an embarrassment of riches and the opportunity to compete with the more salubrious clubs in the country, something that West Ham have previously been unable to do. Despite the clutch of new faces who have come to Upton Park since May, Curbishley believes that his squad remains a little light in certain departments, a problem that he is looking to resolve in the coming weeks, especially given that most of his signings have been made on a one in, one out basis. "We still think we need a couple of players," he revealed. "We're a little bit skinny in a couple of areas and if we take a knock in certain areas, we'll be a bit stretched and so we're looking at that scenario at the moment. "If you look at what I've done, I've probably replaced people that have left. "Bellamy's come in if Tevez goes, Parker's come in for Reo-Coker, Faubert's come in for Yossi and Freddie's come in for him because he was going to be out for four or five months. "I've probably just replaced more than added to the squad and I think I'd like to add to it before the window closes.
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Captain fantastic - Newham Recorder
01 August 2007
LUCAS NEILL has expressed his immense pride at being handed the West Ham captaincy and promised to instil some die hard Aussie spirit into the club, writes LUKE WILSON. Alan Curbishley's decision to give the onus to the full back (pictured above) came as little surprise to those within the club after Neill had stepped into the breech to successfully cover for the suspended and now departed Nigel Reo-Coker. The Australian international has a fair amount of experience in the role having skippered his former club as well as his national team but having just returned from a disappointing Asia Cup, Neill admitted he was somewhat surprised by the announcement. "To be told on my first day back in training was a little overwhelming, it took me back a little," he said.
"It's a great honour and a job that I'm hoping to do to the best of my ability and ask others around, especially those who know the history of the club, and find out what standards should be set and met and just try and add a little Aussie influence as well. "We've all got that attitude in Australia - never give up, never say die type hunger to do well and I hope that bleeds into the team."
The 29-year-old was an integral part of the Hammers side that miraculously averted relegation last season and it is clear that his boss has every confidence in his ability to lead the side to better things this time around. Neill meanwhile stated that although he will be seen as the Hammers' figurehead, he will welcome the input of his colleagues and will not let complacency slip into his game, despite him now logically being the first name on the team sheet. "I might be the captain but leadership will come in different forms and I'm sure there'll be a few boys here who'll be quick to give their opinion if things are going well which is always a good thing and which means I won't get comfortable, especially if he (Curbishley) keeps bringing in competition for places," said the Aussie. "Me being named captain today is another major reason for coming here. "It wasn't the reason why I signed but I was told I was going to be a very important part of this squad and with the new additions and some of the older guys, lead by example, set the benchmark high and keep achieving the levels we should be."
However when asked about his sentiments on becoming the latest in a long line of illustrious players to have led the Hammers out at Upton Park and how it would affect his tenure as captain Neill concluded: "To have your name on that list is remarkable but I've got a long way to go to achieve what Bobby Moore's achieved. "It's a massive club with a great history and now I find myself wearing the armband and representing it, so I'm truly honoured.
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Deano silences the boo-boys - Newham Recorder
01 August 2007
Norwich City 1 West Ham Utd 2
A TENACIOUS performance ensured West Ham defeated Championship side Norwich City at Carrow Road on Tuesday night in their pre-season encounter.
Goals from Jonathan Spector and Dean Ashton - against his former club - gave Alan Curbishley's men a second win in three days, with Chris Brown's second half strike proving only a consolation for the Canaries, managed by former Hammers number two Peter Grant. The visitors made a bright start, enjoying the majority of possession and had it not been for the excellence of Norwich goalkeeper David Marshall, the Premier League side might have been 3-0 up inside the opening 10 minutes. First Luis Boa Morte's sixth-minute corner was met by Zamora, whose powerful header was palmed away on the line, then Bowyer met a Zamora cross with a firm shot that was somehow kept out by Marshall, before he again denied Zamora from close range. West Ham took the lead on 27 minutes when Zamora spun away from his marker and played in Boa Morte, who in turn found Spector to score his first goal for the club. Two minutes before half time Ashton (pictured) silenced the jeers of his former supporters, slamming the ball home from 12 yards after Boa Morte's shot had been parried by Marshall.
West Ham United: Green; Neill (McCartney 45), Collins (Davenport 45), Upson, Spector; Bowyer, Mullins, Noble (Etherington 70), Boa Morte; Ashton (Cole 79), Zamora (Bellamy 66).
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Freddie's relishing the new challenge - Newham Recorder
01 August 2007
FREDDIE LJUNGBERG'S first week as a West Ham man reached its crowning glory as he starred in the club's friendly win over Southend, scoring once and setting up another for Bobby Zamora. The Swedish star looked as if he had shaken off his pre-season cobwebs, as he produced an eye-catching display on his favoured right wing and seems to be already gaining an intuitive understanding with his new team mates. Ljungberg netted the Hammers' third goal after Zamora had returned the favour, providing him with the ammunition for the opener and the 30-year-old was delighted to have got off the mark. "It was nice to score my first goal and get the win," he said. "I was disappointed that we lost at MK Dons in my first game, but I thought we put in a good performance against Southend and it is starting to come together for the team."
West Ham's £3 million signing admitted though that it had been difficult for him to go from hardly kicking a ball for Arsene Wenger's men this summer to having two run outs in almost as many days. However, Ljungberg did admit that once his fitness is at its optimum level, Hammers fans will witness the quality with which he has graced the Premier League over the previous nine seasons with the Gunners. "I had only played 20 minutes with Arsenal in pre-season before I came here, so it has been tough to play two games in four days and train as well, but I felt good and was happy with my fitness today," he revealed.
"I am getting stronger each day and there is more to come from me. We have two weeks until the start of the new season, and it is all about working hard towards the game against Manchester City. "My first week has gone very well. We have some very good players here and they are a great bunch of lads, so I'm really happy and looking forward to the new season.
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Hammers enjoy a Southend beano - Newham Recorder
01 August 2007
Southend Utd 1
West Ham Utd 3
CRAIG BELLAMY and Freddie Ljungberg both opened their goalscoring accounts as West Ham highlighted a massive gulf in class between themselves and their League One hosts, writes LUKE WILSON. Over 2,000 of the Hammers faithful made the seaside jaunt on Saturday and were treated to a performance that certainly bodes well for the forthcoming Premier League campaign, with the two new boys giving the perfect illustration that their transitions into Alan Curbishley's side should be swift and painless. Bellamy was his usual hard-running, industrious self and his pace, which has been the undoing of many a top flight defender in the past, was a constant cause of concern for the Shrimpers, while Ljungberg's injury woes appear to have been resolved as he showed flashes of his inherent ability. It was evident from the early stages that last season's top scorer Bobby Zamora would be used as a foil for the Welsh international, playing the target man role, while Bellamy looked to dart down the channels to feed on through balls and flick-ons. In truth, it took Curbishley's men a while to get going but once they did so, they began to dominate proceedings. Zamora had their first effort of note but Southend stopper Darryl Flahavan was more than equal to his header, athletically palming the ball away to safety. The former Tottenham man was delighting in his partnership with Bellamy and it was the Welsh skipper's pacy run and cross that laid it on a plate for Zamora, but he somehow conspired to head against the bar from no more than two yards. Southend threatened briefly to break the deadlock as left back Steven Hammell forced Green into a smart stop at his near post but that was as good as it got for the hosts as the Hammers began to flex their muscles. After Bellamy spurned a good opportunity from a Ljungberg pass, the Swedish winger showed his class as he by-passed the Shrimpers defence with a sublime 40-yard cross-field ball and as the ball bounced in the box, Zamora cleverly looped a header over Flahavan and in off a post to put the Hammers ahead. West Ham were good value for their lead and only a sliding block from Peter Clarke prevented Noble doubling their advantage. The stay of execution was short-lived though as five minutes before the break an Etherington free-kick was volleyed against the woodwork by Bowyer but Bellamy was on hand to nod home as the Hammers led 2-0 at the interval. The game was ended as a contest soon after the restart as Hammell played a perilously weak back pass to his keeper which Zamora latched on to and having rounded Flahavan, he was the epitome of calm as he waited for Ljungberg to bound into the box and prod home the striker's cross. At 3-0, Southend looked more than a little disheartened but after they managed to pull one back when skipper Kevin Maher's long-range curler was deftly deflected by Clarke, Steve Tilson's men tried, ultimately in vain, to stage a come back, with Mark Gower and Billy Paynter coming close to further reduce the arrears. Bellamy had the best chance to add to the Hammers goal tally when sub Hayden Mullins' defence-splitting pass put him clean through but the experienced Flahavan produced the save of the match with his legs to deny the record signing his second of the afternoon. All in all, it was a well deserved win that provided Curbishley with another chance to run the rule over his charges as pre-season enters its closing stages, with Zamora and the newly-appointed skipper Lucas Neill making their first friendly appearances of the summer and Ljungberg and Bellamy seemingly getting better acquainted with their new team-mates. "I think it was a really decent game," said the Hammers boss. "I think when we scored the third it died a little but then Southend came back into it and kept going until the 90 minutes. It was a decent work out. We've all got through it and there's nobody with any knocks so we're happy. I think Freddie's got stronger as he's gone on. In his first training session on Tuesday he eased his way through. I think he eased his way through at MK Dons on Wednesday, trained well yesterday (Friday) and looked a lot better today. "He's a bit behind I think but we've still got couple of weeks. He's a naturally fit boy so we've got no problems with him I don't think."
West Ham: Green, Neill, McCartney, Noble, Ferdinand, Gabbidon, Ljungberg (Reid 73),Bowyer (Mullins 65), Zamora (Cole 59), Bellamy, Etherington (Pantsil 79). Subs: Wright, Spector, Upson, Collins, Davenport.
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Eagles step closer to Hogan swoop
By Sami Mokbel
Crystal Palace target Hogan Ephraim has moved a step closer to a Selhurst Park switch after admitting his future lies away from West Ham. Eagles boss Taylor revealed he is interested in acquiring the 19-year-old forward's services earlier this week and it now seems his chances of swooping for the Upton Park starlet have increased after Ephraim admitted he is likely to leave the Premiership big-spenders. Ephraim has fallen down the pecking order at the Boleyn Ground after Alan Curbishley's summer acquisitions Craig Bellamy, Julien Faubert and Freddie Ljungberg - and it now seems the youngster has decided to cut his losses in search of first-team football.However, Taylor will face stiff competition for his signature from fellow Championship rivals Colchester United where Ephraim made 21 appearances as part of a loan deal last year. Ephraim said: "It doesn't look like I'll be in West Ham's first team now so I'm hoping for a loan move so that I can get regular football." "There has been a few clubs interested but only one has made firm contact with West Ham." He added: "I've asked the manager whether I can choose the club that is right for me to go on loan to but he may have a different preference and I would respect that."
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This murky Carlos Tevez transfer travesty is just a circus - Sportigo
Thu, Aug 2, 07 08:17Graham Smith
The saga of the Argentinian star's proposed move from West Ham to Manchester United has become a big bore. The High Court has to get it sorted out.
'There is no doubt United buying Tevez is a big story, and does deserve column inches, but I think it has had enough. There have been so many twists, turns and allegations'
On August 22, just over a week before the end of the transfer window, the long-running saga that is the Carlos Tevez affair finally goes to the High Court in London for resolution. I for one cannot wait for that to happen.
Every summer there is one transfer deal that drags out across the off-season, filling endless column inches with gossip, rumour and speculation. The past couple of seasons it has been Thierry Henry's protracted flirting with Barcelona, but with that deal finally complete, this year Tevez has taken the headlines as he tries to secure a dream move to Manchester United.
There are several reasons I would like to see this transfer resolved; firstly, and most trivially, it's getting boring. Secondly, this affair just reinforces the murkiness and bad reputation English football has been acquiring of late. And finally, it needs to be resolved because this issue will occur again - though for the sake of football, this circus cannot be repeated.
There is no doubt the brilliant Argentinian will be a great signing for Manchester United, so no blame must be attached to them for pursuing it. But please just get the deal done sooner rather than later!
There is no doubt United buying Tevez is a big story, and does deserve column inches, but I think it has had enough. There have been so many twists, turns and allegations that there has been something nearly every day since the end of the season.
Now rumours are fun, and speculation about transfers is entertaining. But this saga has become ridiculous and tiresome as all parties involved, especially West Ham and Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian, have engaged in claim and counter claim through the media. It is bordering on bringing the game into disrepute as allegations of lying and manipulation run riot. It just needs to come to an end. We have had enough.
This saga just reinforces the impression that the world of football transfers is a murky and unpleasant one, often flirting with severe bending and breaking of the rules. In the light of the BBC Panorama programme on bungs, and the general speculation surrounding football, this protracted deal cannot be healthy.
It was hoped Lord Steven's Quest enquiry would begin to draw a line under the unpleasant workings of the transfer market and see the beginnings of some transparency and honesty. Sadly, the massive publicity surrounding this transfer (and Sheffield United's relegation) undermines much of the work done to improve the situation.
It also brings into question the Javier Mascherano transfer to Liverpool - how could that have gone through so easily when he was brought to Upton Park under the same conditions as Tevez, owned by Joorabchian? I'm not suggesting Liverpool have done anything wrong. I would just like to know why the discrepancy?
Finally, the fact none of the football authorities were willing to rule on the issue (including FIFA) is also problematic as we are left wondering who has authority to control transfers in the English game. Companies and agents owning players is common place in the South American leagues, and it has been detrimental for both the clubs, who lose money, and many young players who are shipped abroad too early in order to turn a quick profit.
With more players being brought over and at a younger and younger age, this situation will only repeat itself and the unwillingness of the football authorities to take a stand is concerning. Hopefully the High Court ruling will provide something on which the gutless hierarchy of football can build upon and take forwards to avoid having to deal with the same mess in the future.
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Dyer nearing Hammers switchAug 2 2007
by Paul Gilder, The Journal
KIERON Dyer will spend the majority of this morning in a London hospital, with a successful medical the last remaining obstacle to the troubled midfielder's £6m move to West Ham.
The 28-year-old was last night given permission to talk personal terms with Upton Park officials after manager Sam Allardyce accepted an improved bid for the unsettled England star.
With the big-spending Hammers willing to match his lucrative United contract, a player desperate to quit the club was quick to reach an agreement and the transfer is expected to be completed this morning.
Should the deal progress without problems, it will bring to an end a colourful eight-year career at St James's Park. It should also increase Allardyce's recruitment budget, with last night's penultimate pre-season fixture at Hull highlighting the worrying weaknesses in a small first-team squad.
An inexperienced United team lost 1-0 to Hull to consign Allardyce to his first defeat as Magpies manager. But the 52-year-old insisted he is confident he will have made a breakthrough in the transfer market before this weekend's home encounter with Sampdoria.
A replacement for Dyer has been identified, with the United boss hinting that despite having rejected suggestions that he is interested in Alan Smith earlier this week, the in-demand Manchester United man is indeed in his sights. Asked whether Dyer's departure might prompt an approach for Smith, Allardyce admitted: "There might be an interest in him now."
Asked whether a move had been made, the former Bolton boss was elusive with his answer. "Has there been a bid made for Alan Smith from Newcastle? There have been many bids made," he said. Allardyce is determined to replace Dyer as soon as possible and all parties will hope a player whose considerable fitness problems have been well-documented in recent years will pass a medical this morning.
"There was a need to do it as soon as we could," said Glenn Roeder's successor – who has been resigned to losing the England international ever since being told that Dyer was desperate to move south to be closer to his two young children two weeks ago. "We've agreed a deal with West Ham and he is talking to them.
"He will finish up where he needs to finish up to solve his family problems. From our point of view it's a satisfactory result, we've finally resolved the situation."
Although the club's longest-serving outfield player, Dyer's relationship with Newcastle's supporters has been a strained one for some time. Following last weekend's win against Juventus – a game that appears to have been his last in a black-and-white shirt – Ruud Gullit's £6.5m signing suffered verbal abuse as he departed St James's Park. He later complained that his car had been surrounded and eggs thrown at his North-East home.
Although he made 190 league appearances in Newcastle colours and featured in the club's thrilling Champions League campaign, the midfielder's United career will be remembered for the countless injuries he suffered, the problems he demonstrated with discipline and the on-field fight he had with Lee Bowyer in 2005. Having himself moved from St James's Park to Upton Park last summer, Bowyer will again be a team-mate.
Allardyce is hoping Dyer's replacement will be signed before the weekend and a manager determined to add defensive strength is closing in on several targets having admitted he was unable to select the side he would have liked last night. "I have to replace Kieron and that shouldn't take too long," he said. "We're close, (it could be done before) the end of the week. But Kieron leaving and someone coming in is one for one, that's not improving the squad. There are three or four places to be filled on top of that, so we will do that and move on to other positions."
FC Copenhagen's Brede Hangeland and Sevilla's Ivica Dragutinovic are among the defenders Allardyce is aiming to acquire, although his problems are not restricted to a depleted back-line. The United boss last night conceded Michael Owen and Shola Ameobi are not expected to be fit enough to feature at Bolton on August 11.
The pair have managed just 45 minutes each during pre-season and are both struggling to regain their fitness. But Mark Viduka has joined the Newcastle squad and is expected to make his debut during Sunday's game against Sampdoria at St James's Park, a situation Hull boss Phil Brown is hoping will aid his efforts to strike a loan deal for Andy Carroll, who again caught his eye last night.
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TEVEZ MAY GO FOR FREE - Daily Express
Thursday August 2,2007
By Harry Harris
The Premier League are to drop their insistence on a meaningful transfer fee being paid to West Ham for Carlos Tevez if the club loses their High Court battle with the player's owners. And last night, a senior League source admitted the Hammers were "lucky to be in the‑Premier League" as‑new‑doubts were expressed about the club's disclosure of their contracts with Tevez to‑the original Premier League commission. The Premier League will nod through the transfer to Manchester United immediately if West Ham are served with an injunction preventing them blocking his transfer to‑Old Trafford. The League's compromised position will add weight to the rush for an out-of-court settlement before the injunction is heard on August 22. And it could mean West Ham get no‑fee whatsoever from‑United, and just a‑£100,000 facility fee from‑Kia Joorabchian and the owners Media Sports Investment and Just Sport Inc. Any move in this direction will fan Sheffield United's fury after their relegation. The Premier League commission ended with the‑Hammers found guilty of‑breaking the rules on third-party influence in team affairs, and not acting in good faith. But they were fined £5.5million rather than docked points, a decision that proved crucial to avoiding relegation. Last night, Daily Express sources close to the Tevez camp insisted that not all the documents relating to Tevez's contract were handed over to the tribunal. That could prove crucial as the commission's reasoning in not docking points was based partly on the assumption that it would have been unfair on the new owners.
But revelations in the High‑Court relating to a revised December 1 contract – many weeks after the new regime took control – have potentially blown apart that argument. While it is true that the initial December 1 documents were registered with the Premier League, the fully signed contracts were not. As the Daily Express source said: "We are 99.9 per cent certain that those contracts, signed and countersigned, were not submitted to the Premier League."
My understanding is that Joorabchian's camp were not contacted by the Premier League and that the December 1 amendments to the third-party agreements were countersigned, first 12 days later and then completed three and a half weeks later and were‑signed immediately by Tevez‑himself. This will be their answer to claims by West Ham sources that Tevez only recently signed this December 1 amendment. The Express source says: "If that injunction is upheld then there will be zero fee to West‑Ham."
West Ham believe that the‑December 1 contract can be contested, and insist that‑they complied with full disclosure to the Premier League tribunal on all relevant documents.
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Tevez deal hits another snag - metro.co.uk
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Today is D-Day for Carlos Tevez - with the warring parties under pressure to strike a deal and avoid a lengthy court battle. Talks between the Argentina striker's representatives and West Ham broke up last night without an agreement reached. After today, Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian and his company Media Sports Investment (MSI) will have to lodge all their papers with the High Court. Once that move takes place, the dispute will move into another phase and it will become much more unlikely that a settlement can be reached. West Ham are asking for a fee of several million pounds to release Tevez from his contract and registration and allow his move to Manchester United to proceed before the start of the season. MSI are claiming they own the player and have lodged a £30million High Court lawsuit against the Hammers. They claim West Ham should only be paid £100,000, as agreed in a controversial third-party agreement that the club ripped up in April. The key to achieving a settlement is for the parties to agree a sum that is not only acceptable to both, but also to the Premier League who are keeping a close watch to ensure West Ham do not act as though they are governed by those agreements. A High Court case is likely to centre on a contract proposed by West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson in December under which Tevez would cease to be a Hammers player this summer. West Ham will claim that although they sent MSI this new contract, Tevez and Joorabchian never signed it and returned it to them - and that the club passed this document to the Premier League in February. MSI will insist they did sign the contract and will provide a copy of a signed document to the court. West Ham will argue that if that agreement had existed then they would have been cleared of having illegal third-party agreements instead of being fined £5.5million by an independent disciplinary commission in April.
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