The visit of Manchester City could mean another big day for defender James
Tomkins
02.01.2008
James Tomkins has moved closer to his West Ham United debut after making it
on to the bench for the New Year's Day match at Arsenal.
The talented 18-year-old central defender will hope to go one better in the
FA Cup against Manchester City on Saturday, should manager Alan Curbishley
again decide to give the England youth international a place in the matchday
squad. Regardless, Tomkins is just thrilled to have had a taste, having been
away with the first team on several occasions this season but not been
involved.
"I have been in a few squads and not quite got on the bench," he said. "It
has been good to go away with the squad - they are a great bunch of lads.
They always give you confidence and pat you on the back. To get on the bench
against Arsenal was a great thing.
"It was a dream to look out and see 60,000 people out there and you're on
the bench. It was brilliant to see the new stadium. Obviously it is
disappointing that we lost but it was a great experience. I phoned my dad
and my brother late and they both come up to give me some support which is
good. They are West Ham fans as well - they made it but they were
disappointed we lost."
Tomkins, known as Tomka to his team-mates, said he had an idea the day
before that he might be involved for the short trip to north London,
especially given the run of injuries at the club. "Obviously you get an
inkling," he said. "You try and prepare yourself as much as you can that you
are at least going to be on the bench so I was doing that."
The experience was made all the sweeter because Jack Collison was also
involved, with the 19-year-old midfielder actually getting the call to play
late in the first half when Freddie Ljungberg limped off injured. "It was
brilliant to see Jack out there," said Tomkins. "We have got a good set of
lads at the club, a good Academy with good young players. He played well as
well which will have done him the world of good - hopefully there will be
plenty more to come."
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Pantsil pride at fan backing - WHUFC
A notable feature of the Arsenal away day was the noisy support for John
Pantsil's efforts
02.01.2008
John Pantsil has told WHUTV he is overawed by the support from the West Ham
United fans after the raucous reception that greeted him at Arsenal.
The Ghanaian international came in at the Emirates Stadium for his first
league start since October 2006 and more than impressed in an unfamiliar
role on the right-side of midfield. His all-action display - that included
several driving runs and a spectacular overhead kick that just missed - was
a continuation of a fine appearance off the bench in last Saturday's win
against Manchester United.
Despite the scoreline, the travelling West Ham United faithful were quick to
make their appreciation known. The massed ranks came up with several songs
in support of the No14 - an effort that did not go unnoticed by Pantsil
during the game. "Well I was so happy," he said, when asked about hearing
his name sung in such good voice.
"I love the fans and the way they always cheer the players up," he added.
"Everywhere we go we see the fans in their numbers. They are great people.
We love them and whenever I am playing, and see the fans, it gives me more
strength. I love the fans and always want to see them."
While there was cause for personal satisfaction, Pantsil could not hide his
dismay at seeing the club come up short against the league leaders. "We are
so disappointed about the two goals we conceded," he said. "It was so early
and it affected the spirit of the team. We tried to do our best to overcome
it but we couldn't make it."
A veteran of the 2006 World Cup and in line to feature at this month's
African Cup of Nations, Pantsil knows what it takes to play at the highest
level. He believes the side will take the positives from the 2-0 defeat and
come back stronger against Manchester City in the FA Cup on Saturday.
"We are going to learn from this and keep our heads up. We hope we are going
to keep our heads together because we have to forget about it and focus on
the rest of the games."
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Ticket update for City tie - WHUFC
The ticket office has revealed the latest information about Saturday's FA
Cup game
02.01.2008
Supporters are advised that tickets will not be available on pay turnstiles
for the FA Cup third-round visit of Manchester City this Saturday.
The 3pm meeting between the two top-flight rivals is expected to be one of
the highlights of the round, with West Ham United looking to avenge an
opening day 2-0 home league defeat by Sven-Goran Eriksson's side. This time
around, Alan Curbishley is expecting his team to have the edge, as they look
to make it a second victory against a visiting team from Manchester in seven
days.
"I am delighted it is a home draw," the manager said. "We were obviously
disappointed with the way our season kicked off with a loss to Man City but
we have improved a lot since then and will be a very different proposition."
Back on 11 August, it was goals from Rolando Bianchi and Geovanni that
separated the two teams.
A capacity crowd is expected again at the Boleyn Ground and those wishing to
attend are advised to contact the ticket office as quickly as possible -
either online or over the telephone. Fans should also note that from
Thursday this service will be restricted to access card holders only, with
non-card holders needing to purchase in person from the stadium ticket
office.
The last few seats start from £15 for adults and £5 for Under-16s. For more
information and bookings call 0870 112 2700, or book online by clicking
here. Those wishing to use the latter option should note that due to the
number of single seats remaining, booking larger number of seats online may
be difficult within certain areas.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Upson's fitness tonic - SSN
Ever-present Upson determined to stay fit
Last updated: 2nd January 2008
West Ham defender Matthew Upson has gone to the ends of the earth to make
sure he can play for the Hammers. The defender's career has been plagued by
injuries but he has successfully played every minute in the league for the
Hammers this season. He has been helped in his bid to stay injury-free by
taking advice from an expert in kinesiology - the scientific study of
muscles and movement in the body. The England international, 28, explained:
"I have played every minute in the Premiership. That is great and is
something I was confident of doing. "I have gone to the ends of the earth to
search ways of getting my body on the pitch and I will do anything it takes
to play and stay fit. "I have got a South African doctor who specialises in
kinesiology, but he applies it to sports medicine. He is fantastic and the
best person I have ever worked with. "I will do various things in the
warm-up and during the week. It is just not before a game - he creates
orthotics out of yellow pages which loads your body through your feet."
Upson hopes to soon be able to establish a regular partnership in the heart
of defence after playing with several partners this season. Speaking of the
situation, Upson said: "It is important when you play as a centre-half that
you understand your partner. It is very much a partnership as opposed to two
central defenders. "You have got to know how each other plays and when
people go tight and you want to commit. "There are various different things,
but I know all four partners pretty well because I have had enough
experience of all of them."
West Ham had won two and drawn one from their last three games, but their
run came to an abrupt end with their 2-0 loss to Arsenal on New Year's Day,
going down to goals from Eduardo and Emmanuel Adebayor inside 20 minutes.
Upson added: "It is frustrating because we didn't start the best and to
concede against a team like Arsenal so early on is criminal from the way it
happened. "We slit our own throats in a way and we are all disappointed. But
that is life and we learn from it. "Our away form has been pretty good this
season so we have just got to take it on the chin and move on."
The Hammers next play Man City in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday.
Injury worries include midfielders Scott Parker and Nobby Solano who were
both absent against Arsenal after picking up knocks in the victory over
Manchester United, while Freddie Ljungberg lasted less than 40 minutes
against the Gunners before hobbling off with a hamstring problem.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The lion awakes - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 2nd January 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
John Paintsil has vowed to grab his chance after finally being given the
opportunity to shine. The Ghanaian defender has barely featured for the
first team since joining West Ham in the summer of 2006. But a succession of
injuries have finally given the 26-year-old the chance to feature in the
first team - and following a barnstorming performance against Manchester
United at the weekend, he has now become something of a cult hero. "When I
am not playing I am training hard and playing in the reserve league,"
Paintsil told gbcghana.com. "I respect that and have to wait until the time
comes. "I am happy to do what is necessary for the team. Every player wants
to play and we have got players who are very good. When you come in you have
to do what you can for the club."
Paintsil - who went close against Arsenal yesterday with an overhead kick
that, if on target, would surely have been the goal of the season so far -
was also particularly pleased with his performance against Manchester
United, which saw him play like a man possessed for the half hour or so he
was on the pitch.
"I enjoyed it," he added. "It was very good for us - and all the players
were very happy."
Paintsil's first team opportunities are likely to be shortlived however, as
he is due to jet out to Ghana in order to represent his country who are
hosting this year's African Cup of Nations which begins on January 20th.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hogan gone - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 2nd January 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
Hogan Ephraim has signed for Queens Park Rangers for an undisclosed fee. In
a deal that represents the Hammers' first piece of business since the
January transfer window opened yesterday, the young striker has completed a
switch to the Championship club where he spent time on loan earlier this
year. Talking to QPR's club website, Ephraim said: "I really enjoyed my time
here on loan earlier this season and when the club showed an interest in
offering me a permanent deal, I was made up. "It's a great time to be at
QPR. Big things are going to happen here - the new owners are very
ambitious. "I'm so pleased to be back here and I can't wait to get
started."
England youth international Ephraim made just one appearance for West Ham
United's first team.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ephraim returns to QPR - SSN
Winger signs three-and-a-half year deal at Loftus Road
Last updated: 2nd January 2008
Queens Park Rangers have completed the signing of Hogan Ephraim from West
Ham United for an undisclosed fee. Ephraim spent three months on loan at
Loftus Road earlier this season, with the winger scoring twice in 13
Championship appearances. The teenager has now signed a three-and-a-half
year contract with QPR and is delighted to be linking up with Luigi De
Canio's side again. "I'm so pleased to be back here," Ephraim told the
club's official website. "I really enjoyed my time here on loan earlier this
season and when the club showed an interest in offering me a permanent deal,
I was made up. "It's a great time to be at QPR. Big things are going to
happen here - the new owners are very ambitious. "It has been a nightmare
watching the Rangers results on Soccer Saturday in the last few weeks,
because I just want to be playing football. "Things appear to be improving
under the new manager and I can't wait to get started." During his time at
Upton Park, Ephraim made just one substitute appearance for the Hammers and
also undertook a loan spell with Colchester United last season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Upson calls on biomechanic for injury advice - Soccernet
Matthew Upson has taken up the advice of a South African specialist in
biomechanics to do all he can to remain fighting fit for West Ham this
season as injuries continue to pile up for Alan Curbishley. The Hammers went
down 2-0 at Premier League leaders Arsenal on New Year's Day, in a match
which manager Curbishley described as 'one too far' over the hectic festive
schedule that had seen them beat Manchester United last weekend. Midfielders
Scott Parker and Nobby Solano were both absent at Emirates yesterday having
picked up knocks against United, while former Gunner Freddie Ljungberg
lasted less than 40 minutes before he hobbled off with a hamstring problem.
Curbishley admits should the situation become 'acute' in any area, then he
must consider strengthening during this month's transfer window. Upson - who
had a spell at Arsenal earlier in his career - has played in all of the 20
Premier League games so far, which has proved a welcome consistency in what
has been a much-changed defence. The England international, 28, revealed he
has taken advice from an expert in kinesiology - the scientific study of
muscles and movement in the body - in an attempt to keep in top condition
for the battles ahead. He said: 'I have played every minute in the
Premiership. That is great and is something I was confident of doing. 'I
have gone to the ends of the earth to search ways of getting my body on the
pitch and I will do anything it takes to play and stay fit. 'I have got a
South African doctor who specialises in kinesiology, but he applies it to
sports medicine. He is fantastic and the best person I have ever worked
with. 'I will do various things in the warm-up and during the week. It is
just not before a game - he creates orthotics out of yellow pages which
loads your body through your feet.'
Anton Ferdinand returned to the starting XI yesterday in another change at
the heart of the West Ham defence. Upson hopes to soon be able to establish
a regular relationship in the central partnership. 'It is a bit frustrating
but it is part of it. Whoever comes in, you have to form a partnership and
understand each others game,' he said. 'It is important when you play as a
centre-half that you understand your partner. It is very much a partnership
as opposed to two central defenders. You have got to know how each other
plays and when people go tight and you want to commit. 'There are various
different things, but I know all four partners pretty well because I have
had enough experience of all of them.'
West Ham had won two and drawn one from their last three games, but were
facing an uphill battle when in-form Croatian Eduardo netted after just 70
seconds to put Arsenal in front. An amazing finish from the tightest of
angles by Emmanuel Adebayor made it 2-0 inside 20 minutes just when the
Hammers had started to regroup, and from then on the match was pretty much
over as a contest. Upson reflected: 'It is frustrating because we didn't
start the best and to concede against a team like Arsenal so early on is
criminal from the way it happened. 'We slit our own throats in a way and we
are all disappointed. But that is life and we learn from it. 'Our away form
has been pretty good this season so we have just got to take it on the chin
and move on.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Player Of The Month - December - West Ham Online
Vinny - Wed Jan 2 2008
NOLBERTO SOLANO
Games In December
Chelsea (a)
Blackburn (a)
Everton (h)
Everton (h)
Middlesbrough (a)
Reading (a)
Manchester United (h)
Nolberto Solano is the player of the month for December after some excellent
performances. Solano has proven to be the creative spark, the one true
technical footballer we have, the best passer, and the one who makes a large
majority of our chances. Against Everton in the league, he was our player
who looked like making something happen and when he was taken off on the
hour mark we really struggled to get anything going. His set peices from
both corners and free kicks are a real asset and he went very close to
scoring against Reading with a curling free kick. He did end up scoring with
a very clever finish after clipping the ball over the advancing goal keeper.
His performance against Manchester United was of man of the match quality
until he was taken off with injury. Our summer signings were well
publicised but the signing of Solano has been by far our best and as West
Ham fans we are used to seeing quality players who have great technical
ability and Nolberto Solano is another one of these players.
In second place was Matthew Upson who pulled in 32% of the votes. Upson has
really begun to prove his worth to the team and has played every minute of
every league game so far this season. He has been a rock at the back and
managed to score his first goal for the club against Manchester United which
proved to be the winner.
Previous Winners
August - Mark Noble
September - Dean Ashton
October - Robert Green
November - Carlton Cole
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Matthew Upson seeing a specialist - Telegraph
By Richard Bright
Last Updated: 1:18am GMT 03/01/2008
Matthew Upson is taking the advice of a South African specialist in
biomechanics in his quest to remain fit for West Ham this season as injuries
continue to pile up for manager Alan Curbishley. After losing 2-0 at Arsenal
on New Year's Day, Curbishley described the game as "one too far" over a
hectic festive schedule that had seen his side draw against Reading and then
beat Manchester United. advertisementMidfielders Scott Parker and Nobby
Solano were absent at the Emirates having picked up knocks against United,
while Freddie Ljungberg lasted less than 40 minutes before he hobbled off
with a hamstring problem. Curbishley, who now has 13 first-team players on
the treatment table, admits he must consider strengthening during this
month's transfer window. Upson has played in all 20 of West Ham's Premier
League games so far, which has proved a welcome consistency in what has been
a much-changed defence. The England international, 28, revealed he has taken
advice from an expert in kinesiology - the scientific study of muscles and
movement in the body - in an attempt to keep in top condition for the
battles ahead. He said: "I've played every minute in the Premier League.
That's great and is something I was confident of. "I've gone to the ends of
the earth to search ways of getting my body on the pitch and I'll do
anything it takes to play and stay fit. I've got a South African doctor who
specialises in kinesiology, but he applies it to sports medicine. He's
fantastic and the best person I've ever worked with. "I'll do various things
in the warm-up and during the week. It's just not before a game - he creates
orthotics out of Yellow Pages which loads your body through your feet."
Anton Ferdinand started the game against Arsenal in another change at the
heart of the West Ham defence. Upson hopes to soon be able to establish a
regular relationship in the central partnership. "It's a bit frustrating but
it is part of it. Whoever comes in, you have to form a partnership and
understand each other's game," he said. "It's important when you play as a
centre-half that you understand your partner. It's very much a partnership
as opposed to two central defenders. You've got to know how each other plays
and when people go tight and you want to commit. "There are various
different things, but I know all four partners pretty well because I've had
enough experience of all of them."
West Ham had won two and drawn one from their last three games, but were
facing an uphill battle when in-form Croatian Eduardo netted after just 70
seconds to put Arsenal in front. An amazing finish from the tightest of
angles by Emmanuel Adebayor made it 2-0 inside 20 minutes, just when the
Hammers had started to regroup, and from that point on the match was pretty
much over as a contest. Upson reflected: "It's frustrating because we didn't
start the best and to concede against a team like Arsenal so early on is
criminal from the way it happened."
[ I wonder who stole this story from whom ? Telegraph , Soccernet & SSN
almost word for word!! - Peter R ]
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers did Tevez proud
By Neil Bonnar
IT was refreshing to see Carlos Tevez given a rapturous reception on his
return to Upton Park rather than the torrent of abuse normally reserved for
players when they go back to clubs. Sol Campbell gets such a snarling tirade
when he returns to White Hart Lane that he wants the authorities to act.
Commentator John Motson said he couldn't remember when a player had been so
revered by his former fans when wearing an opposition shirt. And Tevez
responded by making the sign of crossed hammers with his arms. I cannot
remember a returning hero get such an ovation. But then again John McGinlay
never returned to Bolton, Shaun Goater to Manchester City, or Eric Cantona
to Old Trafford.
4:11pm Wednesday 2nd January 2008
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Curbishley holding firm on market plans
tribalfooball.com - January 02, 2008
West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley admits his injury list may force him
into the January market. Curbishley had two teenagers, defender James
Tomkins and midfielder James Collison, on the bench for the defeat at
Arsenal, but the manager has no immediate plans to bring in new players.
Curbishley said: "We will have to see what happens. If it gets really acute,
we will have to start thinking about it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sheffield Utd to bid for West Ham's Quashie
tribalfootball.com - January 02, 2008
Sheffield United boss Bryan Robson will offer £1.5 million for West Ham
midfielder Nigel Quashie. The Scotland international is wanted by Robson as
he struggles to keep his job at Bramall Lane.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tomkins delighted with West Ham call-up
tribalfooball.com - January 02, 2008
West Ham United defender James Tomkins was delighted to be on the bench for
their defeat to Arsenal this week. "I have been in a few squads and not
quite got on the bench," he told whufc.com. "It has been good to go away
with the squad - they are a great bunch of lads. They always give you
confidence and pat you on the back. To get on the bench against Arsenal was
a great thing. "It was a dream to look out and see 60,000 people out there
and you're on the bench. It was brilliant to see the new stadium. Obviously
it is disappointing that we lost but it was a great experience. I phoned my
dad and my brother late and they both come up to give me some support which
is good. They are West Ham fans as well - they made it but they were
disappointed we lost." Former academy teammate James Collison made his debut
on the day and Tomkins added: "We have got a good set of lads at the club, a
good Academy with good young players. He played well as well which will have
done him the world of good - hopefully there will be plenty more to come."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pantsil thrilled with West Ham fans welcome
tribalfootball.com - January 02, 2008
John Pantsil was thrilled with the welcome he received from West Ham fans
for their defeat at Arsenal. The Ghana international made his first start
for the Hammers since October 2006 and told WHUTV: "I love the fans and the
way they always cheer the players up. "Everywhere we go we see the fans in
their numbers. They are great people. We love them and whenever I am
playing, and see the fans, it gives me more strength. I love the fans and
always want to see them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers defender reveals how a phone book called time on his injury problems
- Daily Mail
Last updated at 16:36pm on 2nd January 2008
Matthew Upson has taken up the advice of a South African specialist in
biomechanics to do all he can to remain fighting fit for West Ham this
season as injuries continue to pile up for Alan Curbishley. The Hammers went
down 2-0 at Barclays Premier League leaders Arsenal on New Year's Day, in a
match which manager Curbishley described as "one too far" over the hectic
festive schedule that had seen them beat Manchester United last weekend.
Midfielders Scott Parker and Nobby Solano were both absent at Emirates
yesterday having picked up knocks against United, while former Gunner
Freddie Ljungberg lasted less than 40 minutes before he hobbled off with a
hamstring problem. Curbishley admits should the situation become "acute" in
any area, then he must consider strengthening during this month's transfer
window. Upson - who had a spell at Arsenal earlier in his career - has
played in all of the 20 Premier League games so far, which has proved a
welcome consistency in what has been a much-changed defence. The England
international, 28, revealed he has taken advice from an expert in
kinesiology - the scientific study of muscles and movement in the body - in
an attempt to keep in top condition for the battles ahead. He said: "I have
played every minute in the Premiership. That is great and is something I was
confident of doing. "I have gone to the ends of the earth to search ways of
getting my body on the pitch and I will do anything it takes to play and
stay fit. "I have got a South African doctor who specialises in kinesiology,
but he applies it to sports medicine. He is fantastic and the best person I
have ever worked with. "I will do various things in the warm-up and during
the week. It is just not before a game - he creates insoles out of yellow
pages which loads your body through your feet."
Anton Ferdinand returned to the starting XI yesterday in another change at
the heart of the West Ham defence. Upson hopes to soon be able to establish
a regular relationship in the central partnership. "It is a bit frustrating
but it is part of it. Whoever comes in, you have to form a partnership and
understand each others game," he said. "It is important when you play as a
centre-half that you understand your partner. It is very much a partnership
as opposed to two central defenders. You have got to know how each other
plays and when people go tight and you want to commit. "There are various
different things, but I know all four partners pretty well because I have
had enough experience of all of them."
West Ham had won two and drawn one from their last three games, but were
facing an uphill battle when in-form Croatian Eduardo netted after just 70
seconds to put Arsenal in front. An amazing finish from the tightest of
angles by Emmanuel Adebayor made it 2-0 inside 20 minutes just when the
Hammers had started to regroup, and from then on the match was pretty much
over as a contest. Upson reflected: "It is frustrating because we didn't
start the best and to concede against a team like Arsenal so early on is
criminal from the way it happened. "We slit our own throats in a way and we
are all disappointed. But that is life and we learn from it. "Our away form
has been pretty good this season so we have just got to take it on the chin
and move on."
[PeterR - another one...... ]
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Potential windfall if Ashton leaves Hammers - PinkUn
PADDY DAVITT
Norwich boss Glenn Roeder could net a potential £400,000 windfall for his
January transfer kitty after club record signing Dean Ashton was yesterday
linked with a shock West Ham exit. Growing national media speculation
claimed Ashton had requested showdown talks with Hammers boss Alan
Curbishley after a bit part role during United's festive period. Chelsea,
Man City and Newcastle have all been linked with the £10m-rated striker
after Curbishley last month was publically forced to deny any rift with his
big hitman. City negotiated a 15 % sell on clause when Ashton departed for
an initial £7.25m in January 2006 on any future profit made by the Hammers.
Ashton's first club Crewe earned a healthy six figure return from a similar
clause when the powerful striker moved to Carrow Road for £3m in January
2005. The 24-year-old was a revelation in his 12 month stint plundering 18
goals in 46 appearances. The striker is reportedly frustrated at his lack
of action after being left out of the Hammers' line up for the holiday
double header against Man United and Arsenal. Ashton is desperate for
regular first team football after notching five goals in eight starts since
battling back from a year-long spell on the sidelines with a broken ankle
injured on his first call up to the England squad. Roeder only last week
confirmed he was in the market for up to four new recruits during the
January window in addition to extending the stays of loan quartet Mo Camara,
Ched Evans, Jimmy Smith and Matty Pattison. Smith returned to Chelsea prior
to City's New Year's Day draw at Crystal Palace but Roeder revealed Norwich
were in advanced talks with his remaining Premiership trio ahead of
Saturday's FA Cup third round home tie against Bury.
"They're going back and I hope by the weekend we'll have some news about all
of them returning," he said. "Seeing is believing, as they say, so if I see
them all on Friday morning I'll be delighted." Roeder had hinted at a
permanent move for Pattison from former club Newcastle while City look set
to renew their interest in Birmingham centre back Martin Taylor. Norwich's
reported initial £750,000 offer was rejected after Blues' managing director
Karren Brady agreed a £1m deal with Championship rivals QPR - but big
spending Rangers yesterday switched their attention to Arsenal prospect
Matthew Connolly.The 20-year-old England U21 defender signed a
three-and-a-half year deal at Loftus Road for an undisclosed fee after a
successful stint on loan at Colchester. Rangers also completed a permanent
deal for midfielder Hogan Ephraim while the cash-rich West Londoners have
long been linked with Wigan's out-of-favour defender Fitz Hall.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Another swoop for Hoops as Ephraim makes Rangers move - This Is London
Last updated at 12:13pm on 02.01.08
Championship side QPR have completed the signing of winger Hogan Ephraim
from West Ham for an undisclosed fee. The 19-year-old, who spent three
months on loan at Loftus Road earlier this season, has agreed a
three-and-a-half year contract with the west Londoners. "I'm so pleased to
be back here. I really enjoyed my time here on loan earlier this season and
when the club showed an interest in offering me a permanent deal, I was made
up," Ephraim told www.qpr.co.uk. "It's a great time to be at QPR. Big things
are going to happen here - the new owners are very ambitious." Ephraim is
the third January signing made by boss Luigi De Canio, following the
captures of Watford's Gavin Mahon and on-loan Manchester United youngster
Kieran Lee. Backed by the investment of the Mittal family as well as Bernie
Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore, De Canio is also expected to tie up deals
for Preston striker Patrick Agyemang, Birmingham forward Rowan Vine and
defenders Fitz Hall from Wigan and Matt Connolly from Arsenal.
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