WHUFC.com
A scrambled effort by Matthew Upson helped England to a 2-1 triumph away to
their old rivals Germany
19.11.2008
Matthew Upson scored his first goal for England and turned in a solid
display in a 2-1 friendly win away to Germany on Wednesday night.
The West Ham United centre-back, earning his 12th cap, was the quickest to
react in the 23rd minute to poke the ball beyond home keeper Rene Adler from
a corner and give the visitors in Berlin a deserved lead. Fabio Capello's
men were pegged back in the second half after a mix-up between John Terry
and Scott Carson allowed Patrick Helmes to score the equaliser. Terry then
made amends in the closing stages with a headed goal from Stewart Downing's
free-kick. Scott Parker was an unused substitute.
Speaking of Upson to ITV Sport, Terry agreed his defensive partner was man
of the match. "He was different class," Terry said. "He swept up
brilliantly, won a lot of headers, a lot of clearances behind. He is great
on the ball as well and gave us a goal. He doesn't stop talking, he was
fantastic."
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Bellamy the winner for Wales
WHUFC.com
Captain Craig Bellamy was the hero for Wales with the only goal of the game
away to Denmark on Wednesday
19.11.2008
An excellent second-half goal from Craig Bellamy gave Wales a deserved
friendly victory away to Denmark on Wednesday night.
The West Ham United striker struck just before the hour mark in Copenhagen
and it was a worthy winner. He played a one-two on the halfway line, strode
forward before beating a defender. He then moved within shooting distance
and let fly with a shot that skidded low into the corner beyond Thomas
Sorensen. The evening was also notable for good performances by Bellamy's
club-mates James Collins and Jack Collison to underline the strong Hammers
spine at John Toshack's disposal.
Speaking to BBC Wales, the tireless Bellamy said: "I am just happy to get
the win. I was [playing] a little bit deeper today and it was a lot more
running than I am used to! I thought in the first half we were very good. A
country of this calibre, they are a good side but we created a lot of good
chances. If you look at the 90 minutes I thought we deserved the win."
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Behrami gets Swiss run-out
WHUFC.com
Switzerland introduced Valon Behrami at half-time against Finland on
Wednesday and went on to win 1-0
19.11.2008
Valon Behrami got a planned 45 minutes for Switzerland as they ran out 1-0
friendly winners at home to Finland on Wednesday evening. The West Ham
United midfielder came off the bench in the second half as a replacement for
Gelson Fernandes, the man who had started in his place for Ottmar Hitzfeld's
men. The substitution may have had a galvanising impact in St Gallen as the
Swiss went on to get a late winner through Reto Ziegler.
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Neill on a high with Australia
WHUFC.com
Lucas Neill was again part of a triumphant performance for Australia as they
won a key qualifier on Wednesday
19.11.2008
Lucas Neill has moved a step closer to the 2010 World Cup after a dramatic
1-0 win for Australia away to Bahrain on Wednesday night.
The Socceroos made it three wins from three in the final Asian zone
qualifying stage after Mark Bresciano scored the only goal of the game with
virtually the last kick. The home side had looked like earning a deserved
point with Australia limited to half-chances before Bresciano's late
breakthrough.
Having previously won in Uzbekistan and at home against Qatar, the
Neill-skippered side are clear at the top of Group 1. The top two teams from
the five-nation section will go through automatically to the finals in South
Africa, with the team in third having a play-off chance. Australia reached
the second round of the 2006 World Cup, before losing to Italy.
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Lee lends his support
WHUFC.com
A proud former Hammer, Robert Lee is doing his bit to help the Bobby Moore
Fund and a worthy cause
19.11.2008
Rob Lee is taking part in the trip of a lifetime to help a vital community
project in South Africa while helping a cause close to the club's heart at
the same time.
The former West Ham United midfielder, and lifelong fan, has signed up for a
ten-day trip with the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK. Rob and the
others taking part - including Stephanie Moore MBE - will be living in a
community and helping to renovate the local school Noordhoek Primary. All
funds raised will go straight to the Fund. As a local lad fittingly born in
West Ham in 1966 and well aware of the impact of Bobby Moore, Lee was
delighted to take part.
"I wanted to be involved," said the former midfielder whose sons Oliver and
Elliott are both in Tony Carr's Academy. "I have been involved with
charities throughout my career, giving money and doing things but you never
really get a chance to give a lot of time. I had a bit of free time and the
Bobby Moore connection is very apt for me. I grew up a West Ham fan and I
have now got lads who are over at West Ham so it is perfect for me really."
It will all be a far cry from his distinguished days as a player, where Lee
is thankful he got the chance to pull on the claret and blue towards the end
of his career. "Playing for West Ham was one of those things I always wanted
to do. Regardless of when I did it and how many games I got, I managed it. I
played for the club. It was what I always wanted to do as a young boy and no
one can take that away."
West Ham United are delighted to be in the first year of a three-year
partnership agreement with the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK
(Registered Charity No. 1089464). You can back Rob by visiting
www.justgiving.com/roblee
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Ladies maintain cup run
WHUFC.com
Claire Rogers as West Ham United Ladies went on a goal spree in the Essex
Cup against Billericay
19.11.2008
West Ham United 15-0 Billericay Town Ladies
West Ham United Ladies are through to the next round of the Essex Cup after
turning on the style against a spirited Billericay Ladies side.
The goals were shared around with nine different scorers including Claire
Rogers, who scored a hat-trick. Manager Tony Marshall said: "We played very
well against a very spirited Billericay side we had a lot of people watching
and although at times we had too much times we had too much space I think we
kept the ball moving and our finishing was good, Their keeper did very well
and it was good to see the goals spread around."
West Ham United Ladies are back in league action this Sunday away to
Millwall.
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Parker trains with England
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are well represented with England in Berlin with both Scott
Parker and Matthew Upson involved
18.11.2008
Scott Parker joined the rest of the England squad on Tuesday night in
getting a first look at the Olympiastadion in Berlin where Fabio Capello's
men will take on Germany in a glamour friendly.
The West Ham United midfielder has every chance of his fourth cap on
Wednesday after his late call-up to a selection that has been shorn of Frank
Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Theo Walcott. Matthew Upson is also in the party
and could line up alongside John Terry at the heart of the defence for what
would be his 12th international.
The match also offers both men the chance to stake their claim for a place
in next spring's World Cup qualifiers, with the 2010 finals in South Africa
the ultimate aim. Meanwhile, Jordan Spence was a late substitute for England
Under-19s as they beat Germany 1-0 in a friendly in Colchester on Tuesday.
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Green pleased with response
WHUFC.com
Robert Green says the team were determined to get a result against
Portsmouth after losing to Everton
18.11.2008
Robert Green has revealed how a frank team meeting last week helped the team
produce the solid showing in the 0-0 draw with Portsmouth on Saturday.
Green and his team-mates were stunned after conceding three late goals
against Everton the previous weekend - a result which had the denied them
the points their performance had deserved. "After the Everton game we sat
down and talked about what we could work on and how we can approach things,"
Green said.
"Hopefully that was fairly evident against Portsmouth. We had not been
playing badly, just bad fortune or mistakes have cost us and it is sometimes
difficult to take but everybody did their utmost on Saturday. It was
pleasing for everyone involved and a step in the right direction,
particularly after the defeat against Everton, which was very hard to take."
The squad were back on the Chadwell Heath training pitches on Tuesday
morning to begin preparation for the long trip north to face Sunderland on
Sunday and Green thinks the weekend's result has left them in a positive
mood. "We stay confident and if you look at the game and say well Portsmouth
have come, they have got an experienced side and they are happy to take a
point, that's a compliment in itself. We have got something we can work on
now leading to a tough game against Sunderland."
The West Ham United No1's trio of outstanding second half saves - all from
Jermain Defoe - helped the side earn their first clean sheet since the 1-0
win over Fulham in February. "It was pleasing. We dominated possession at
times and they were looking to hit us on the break more than anything. So if
you are not going to score - and we kept on banging on the door - the best
you can do is a nil-nil draw and it is something to work on for everyone."
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Manager a mentor for Collison
WHUFC.com
As he prepares to play for Wales, Jack Collison has thrived on the
relationship he has with Gianfranco Zola
18.11.2008
Jack Collison is with Wales preparing for the friendly with Denmark but will
have the words of Gianfranco Zola not too far away from his mind.
The manager has taken a special interest in the development of the
midfielder, who turned 20 this month, culminating in the chance to stake a
first-team claim for West Ham United. Even before this run of four straight
appearances, Zola has been careful to instil confidence in the youngster -
for example, an extended one-to-one pre-match chat away to Hull City when
Collison failed to make the bench.
"The manager has been brilliant with me," Collison said. "He has given me so
much confidence and belief in my own ability. It is really nice that he
allows me to go out there and play with freedom. Every minute on the pitch
for me at the moment is a bonus. I am just learning all the time and really
enjoying it."
Having scored on his senior home bow against Everton and then been one of
the star performers in the weekend goalless draw with Portsmouth, Collison
said nerves are not a factor - even if there is pressure to get results
every time the team take the field. "Games like Portsmouth are where big
players can step forward. I am pleased to do my bit for the team and we
stopped the rot. We managed to keep a clean sheet and hopefully we can kick
on."
It is the same approach with Wales, with Collison joining club-mates James
Collins and Craig Bellamy in the senior set-up for the trip to Denmark.
"That is the aim now to go away with Wales and keep it going. That would be
great. I am going to try and kick on with the senior team and hopefully
cement my place. It is a great time for Wales. Aaron Ramsey is on fire and
he is a top player, Ginge has come back looking really strong and solid,
Bellars is fully fit so things are really looking up for us."
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Hammers shine for home nations
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 19th November 2008
By: Staff Writer
Matthew Upson and Craig Bellamy are the toast of their respective nations
tonight after both scored to secure important friendly wins in tonights
international programme.
Upson scored his first ever international goal in Berlin tonight as England
went on to secure a deserved 2-1 against Germany thanks to a late John Terry
winner. Upson's Hammers team mate Bellamy scored the only goal of the game
as Wales secured an impressive victory in Copenhagen against Denmark.
Upson - who was voted Man of the Match and described by defensive partner
John Terry after the game as 'different class' - capped an impressive
display with the opening goal of the game in Berlin. The centre-half pounced
on a loose ball from a corner to stab home from close range to set England
up for a victory that was only secured eight minutes from time when John
Terry converted a Stewart Downing free kick.
The Germans - who were unbeaten in Berlin since 1973, yet had never beaten
the English there in seven previous attempts - had equalised in the second
half following a mix-up between Terry and substitute goalkeeper Scott
Carson.
Meanwhile Craig Bellamy's 16th international goal, scored just 13 minutes
from time was enough to see the Welsh - also featuring Jack Collison and
James Collins - to victory against Denmark. Bellamy - who had earlier missed
a couple of easier chances - scored with a low drive that followed a
powerful burst through the Danish defence to secure the win for a young
Welsh side, for whom Bellamy - at 29 - was the oldest player.
Elsewhere tonight West Ham united's Valon Behrami played as the Swiss beat
Finland 1-0 in Basle.
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Parker involved in England row
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 19th November 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United and England midfielder Scott Parker was at the centre of
controversy yesterday after Arsenal winger Theo Walcott dislocated his
shoulder during an England training session. The 19-year-old was ruled out
for around three months after damaging his shoulder in a challenge with West
Ham United's Parker. Naturally, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had his fair
share to say on the matter. "It is particularly not welcome at the moment
because it is at a period where you want your players to recover a little
bit," he moaned. "I don't see what you gain from this friendly because there
is no game. You can explain a friendly to prepare for an official match but
after this there is no international game for four months."
West Ham have both Parker (3 caps) and Matthew Upson (11 caps) involved in
the squad which face Germany in Berlin's Olympiastadion tonight. The game is
being broadcast live in the UK on ITV1; live commentary can be heard on the
BBC Radio Five. Trivia corner: Should Parker feature tonight he will become
the first Englishman to win his first four caps with four different teams.
* Dean Ashton was ruled out for a year back in 2006 when his ankle was
broken in an England training session by then-Chelsea midfielder Shaun
Wright-Phillips.
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Indian summer?
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 19th November 2008
By: Staff Writer
Forget Europe - West Ham could be playing in Asia next year after receiving
an invite to a prestige pre-season summer tournament.
The Hammers along with Hull and Chelsea - have been invited to take part in
next summer's Asia Cup, a new tournament that will be hosted in either Hong
Kong, South Korea or China, according to the BBC.
Paul Duffen, the man behind the revival of Hull explained the rules of the
selection process to BBC Humberside:
"We qualify because of our league position. We were sixth and were top of
the block of teams positioned sixth to 10th at the time. It's fantastic."
West Ham United are yet to confirm the invite.
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More woe for poor Bjor
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 19th November 2008
By: Staff Writer
There were fresh problems for United owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson yesterday
when Hansa, West Ham's holding company filed for administration.
The Icelandic company are the latest of Gudmundsson's assets to fall in the
wake of the wolrdwide banking collapse that has cost West Ham's owner the
vast majority of his personal fortune.
However suggestions that Hansa's demise would lead to problems for the
Hammers were quickly dismissed by Gudmundsson's mouthpiece, vice-Chairman
Asgeir Fridgeirsson.
"The issue has developed further," he said. "But we believe there are plenty
of assets in the company [Hansa] to take care of all of the debt. It is
likely that the company will be functioning.
"One of the main assets is West Ham – he [Gudmundsson] is still reviewing
his options regarding his assets. This development is limiting his options,
but it is not affecting the operation of West Ham. There is no debt within
West Ham from Hansa or vice-versa.
"There is no money going from the club to the owner. It is fire-walled. The
operation will go on – it is unaffected by this development."
Despite Fridgeirsson's calls for calm rumours regarding a quick sale of the
club persist. A recent poll of supporters here on KUMB.com saw more than 9
in 10 give a vote of no confidence in Gudmundsson and his board.
United CEO Scott Duxbury was recently likened to former Iraqi president
Saddam Hussein's minister of Information, Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf (aka
Comical Ali) for his continued insistence that all is well behind the
scenes.
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Julien's hope
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 18th November 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Julien Faubert says he is determined to win back his
international spot. 25-year-old Faubert, who has started nearly every game
for which he has been fit this season has made just one start for the French
national team - that coming back in 2006 against Bosnia & Herzegovina. But
with a run of games behind him, the Le Havre-born full-back says he wants to
get back into the international fold - although he realises that further
improvement is required first. "To be honest, regarding my displays, I do
not think I can apply to play against Uruguay," he told RTL. "But I am
thinking about it."
Faubert started the current campaign in excellent fashion, setting up Dean
Ashton for a goal in the opening game of the season against Wigan. He was
voted runner-up for August Player of the Month although, by his own
admission, had struggled in the last few games. However he is convinced that
the current attacking system employed by Gianfranco Zola is one that suits
him. "At the start of the season, I used to play right midfield," he said.
"But when Zola took over, we decided I would play at right back. "The 433
system allows me to attack a lot. As I already played there at Bordeaux,
adapting was easy."
Faubert also revealed that he had settled nicely into life in England,
following an horrendous first year as a Hammer that saw him spend most of
his time in the treatment room after rupturing an Achilles. "This league
perfectly corresponds to me, with many challenges," he added. "There's more
attacking football and less tactics. "Playing here is like a dream come
true, as this is one of the most prestigious leagues in Europe. "West Ham
are not currently part of the big four. It is up to me to make it happen."
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Hammers deny fire sale claims
Zola under no pressure to sell players
Last updated: 19th November 2008
SSN.com
West Ham have assured boss Gianfranco Zola he will not have to sell his top
stars in the January transfer window despite another of the club's main
shareholding companies heading into administration. However, the Upton Park
outfit still cannot guarantee that Icelandic chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson
will not sell up in the near future. Vice-chairman Asgeir Fridgeirsson
admitted that West Ham is now one of Gudmundsson's main remaining assets
after he lost an estimated £230million of his personal fortune through the
collapse of Landsbanki and then suffered a further blow when Samson
Holdings, another company he owns, also filed for administration. West Ham
are reportedly valued at £150million and are said to be attracting plenty of
interest from prospective buyers. And now there is further doubt over the
club's future with the news that a third company, Hansa - who have a
considerable stake in West Ham - have begun a similar administration
process. But Fridgeirsson insists the chairman believes there are still
plenty of assets available to keep West Ham going for the rest of the year -
even though the latest development, while having no day-to-day impact on the
club, is "limiting his options".
"West Ham is well funded for the remainder of the year and I am convinced
the club will go on, no matter what," said Fridgeirsson. "We are not going
to sell players to settle (the) debts of Hansa." Fridgeirsson issued a
reminder that Gudmundsson has invested heavily in the club since he took
over from former chairman Terrence Brown two years ago - when, at first, he
put fellow consortium member Eggert Magnusson in charge but later adopted a
more hands-on approach and assumed the chairmanship. "He put £30million into
the club last year, it is not a loan like some owners of clubs," added
Fridgeirsson. "It was paid in as equity. It is not affecting the operation
of West Ham and there is no debt within West Ham from Hansa or vice-versa.
"There is no money going from the club to the owner. It is fire-walled. The
operation will go on - it is unaffected by this development."
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Appiah still looking
Midfielder hopes to resolve future
By Giscard Gourizro Last updated: 19th November 2008
SSN.com
Stephen Appiah has told skysports.com that he is looking forward to finding
a new club in the near future. The Ghana captain has been without a club
since he parted company with Turkish outfit Fenerbahce back in August. The
26-year-old midfielder has been linked with a number of teams from across
Europe - but he is still to finalise a move. Appiah is currently training
with one of his former clubs Brescia as he looks to maintain some fitness.
He will also be playing for Ghana on Wednesday evening in a friendly against
Tunisia - when a host of clubs, including West Ham, Middlesbrough and
Newcastle, are ready to check on him. "I am training with Brescia at the
moment," he told skysports.com. "I am happy with my form but I need to get
the match fitness, apart from that I am fine. "I would like to thank my
national coach for giving me the chance to play the game against Tunisia "I
heard there will be scouts from Germany and England, I need a football club
and very soon I will sign, very soon."
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Di Michele happy at West Ham
Italian forward enjoying life at Upton Park
By Nadia Carminati Last updated: 19th November 2008
SSN.com
David Di Michele has spoken of his satisfaction with life at West Ham after
joining on loan from Torino. The Italian forward moved to Upton Park at the
start of September after falling down the pecking order at Torino. He admits
he was thrilled to discover that the Hammers were interested in him, and now
wants to repay the Premier League club's faith in him. "The divorce with
Torino was unavoidable," Di Michele told Guerin Sportivo. "I had a few
requests but time was passing and West Ham arrived and I accepted them with
a lot of pleasure. "I thought of staying with Granata for another year and
then I would have considered with interest proposals from Spain or England.
It arrived sooner than expected."
Di Michele scored twice in the 3-1 victory over Newcastle earlier this
season but has since struggled to hold down a regular place in the team. The
Hammers have also slipped down the table in recent weeks but Di Michele is
confident results will pick up. He said: "We started positively and despite
the change of coach I've scored a double against Newcastle. "We have had a
fall but we had a difficult schedule. Now we are trying to obtain a better
position."
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Hammers cash crisis worsens
Chairman may be forced to sell, as holding company hits administration
Last updated: 19th November 2008
SSN.com
West Ham United's future has been cast further in doubt as the club's
holding company Hansa has begun the process of administration. Hammers
owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson has already been hit hard by the credit crunch,
with the Icelander reportedly losing £230million of his fortune and this
latest disaster could force him to sell the club. Gudmundsson has suffered a
further blow with another of his companies, Samson Holdings, also filing for
administration. Vice-chairman Asgeir Fridgeirsson confirmed that Hansa has
'started the process of administration' but added that it would have no
day-to-day impact on West Ham. He told the Daily Telegraph: "The issue has
developed further, we believe there are plenty of assets in the company to
take care of all the debts. It is likely that the company (Hansa) will be
functioning. "One of the main assets is West Ham, he is still reviewing his
options regarding his assets. This development is limiting his options."
West Ham's ownership situation is fairly complicated and although Hansa are
the club's holding company, West Ham United Holdings Ltd and West Ham United
plc all have a stake in the Hammers. West Ham United plc are recognised as
the member organisation by the Premier League, meaning that the possibility
of a sporting sanction against the team would not be considered due to the
financial issues of the holding company. Fridgeirsson has re-assured Hammers
fans and reminded everyone that Gudmundsson has invested heavily in the club
since he took over. He said: "It is not affecting the operation of West Ham,
there is no debt within West Ham from Hansa or vice-versa. "He put
£30million into the club last year, it is not a loan like some owners of
clubs. It was paid in as equity. "There is no money going from the club to
the owner. It is fire-walled. The operation will go on - it is unaffected by
this development."
The vice-chairman also re-iterated that manager Gianfranco Zola would not be
forced to sell players to balance the books in the January transfer window.
"The club is well funded for the remainder of the year. I am convinced that
the club will go on no matter what. We are not going to sell players in
order to settle debts of Hansa."
The club have already attracted interest from prospective buyers, with the
Hammers valued at £150million.
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Latest from the other East End soap: Chairman could quit but
Zola can keep players in January
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 9:09 PM on 19th November 2008
Daily Mail
West Ham have assured new manager Gianfranco Zola he will not have to sell
players in the January transfer window despite another of the club's main
shareholding companies heading into administration. However, the Barclays
Premier League club still cannot guarantee that Icelandic chairman
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson will not sell up in the near future. Vice-chairman
Asgeir Fridgeirsson admitted that West Ham is now one of Gudmundsson's main
remaining assets after he lost an estimated £230million of his personal
fortune through the collapse of Landsbanki and then suffered a further blow
when Samson Holdings, another company he owns, also filed for
administration. West Ham are reportedly valued at £150million and are said
to be attracting plenty of interest from prospective buyers. And now there
is further doubt over the club's future with the news that a third company,
Hansa - who have a considerable stake in West Ham - have begun a similar
administration process.
But Fridgeirsson insists the chairman believes there are still plenty of
assets available go keep West Ham going for the rest of the year - even
though the latest development, while having no day-to-day impact on the
club, is 'limiting his options'. He said: 'West Ham is well funded for the
remainder of the year and I am convinced the club will go on, no matter
what. 'We are not going to sell players to settle (the) debts of Hansa.'
West Ham's ownership situation is a complicated matter and although Hansa
are the club's holding company, West Ham United Holdings Ltd and West Ham
United plc both have a stake in the Hammers. West Ham United plc are
recognised by the Premier League as the member organisation, meaning the
possibility of a football sanction such as deduction of points or relegation
is unlikely to be considered due to the financial issues of the holding
company.
Fridgeirsson issued a reminder that Gudmundsson has invested heavily in the
club since he took over from former chairman Terrence Brown two years ago -
when, at first, he put fellow consortium member Eggert Magnusson in charge
but later adopted a more hand-on approach and assumed the chairmanship. 'He
put £30million into the club last year, it is not a loan like some owners of
clubs,' Fridgeirsson said It was paid in as equity. It is not affecting the
operation of West Ham and there is no debt within West Ham from Hansa or
vice-versa. 'There is no money going from the club to the owner. It is
fire-walled. The operation will go on - it is unaffected by this
development.'
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Behrami: I'm sticking with West Ham
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on: 19 November 2008 - 7:53 PM
Valon Behrami insists he has no intention of quitting West Ham in a bid to
seal a return to Italy. The Swiss star, who arrived from Lazio in a
£5million deal during the summer, has constantly been linked with a return
to Serie A with Roma.But the 23-year-old, who has recently returned to
action following an injury lay-off, says he is more than happy with life at
the club under boss Gianfranco Zola. "There is no chance of a return because
I am very happy here," he said. "It is difficult at the moment, but I want
to get on to the pitch with my team and help them because my first two
months here were very good. "When you win, everything is good, so I don't
want to change anything and I want to stay here for a long time."
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Owners administration will not affect West Ham
20 Nov, 08 | England | Clubs ownership & management
Eurofootball.biz
Hansa Eignarhaldsfelag ehf, English West Ham United's holding company, was
reported to have gone into administration yesterday (Tuesday). The company
will now be run by an administrator appointed by Icelandic authorities.
Asgeir Fridgeirsson, vice-chairman of the club held an interview with the
Telegraph, explaining the situation. He said that the club believes that
Hansa has enough assets to continue to function. Fridgeirsson explained that
club owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson now has limited options in light of this
recent development, and that he is currently reviewing his assets.
Gudmundsson has suffered sagnificate losses in his person fortune due to
financial downturns in Iceland. Speculation that he will sell the club
continues, even though this has not been confirmed. Many foreign investors
are interested in the club, and it could sell for approximately GBP 150
million. The Sheffield United claim over the Carlos Tevez case would be a
deterrent in finanalizing as sale at this point, as West Ham's appeal could
extend the situation another several months.
Fridgeirsson made it clear that the functioning of the club will not be
affected by this news, as there is no debt outstanding between West Ham and
Hansa. He also stated that, "I am convinced that the club will go on no
matter what. We are not going to sell players in order to settle debts of
Hansa." If this is the case, manager Gianfranco Zola will not feel pressure
during the upcoming transfer window.
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Chelsea's Terry hails West Ham defender Upson after Berlin win
20.11.08 | tribalfootball.com
Chelsea and England captain John Terry was full of praise for his defensive
partner Matthew Upson after last night's win in Germany. Terry said of the
West Ham defender: "Matthew Upson was different class tonight, swept up
brilliantly, won a lot of headers and was great on the ball as well and
scored a fantastic goal.
"It was a good performance from the lads. "Obviously it's a young squad but
they've given the manager a problem there with a lot of good performances.
"They've proved a lot. The pitch was really difficult so we didn't want to
play too much, too deep, but they had confidence on the ball and were always
a threat."
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Celtic plan bid for West Ham striker Bellamy
20.11.08 | tribalfootball.com
Celtic are chasing West Ham United striker Craig Bellamy. The Daily Mail
says Celtic boss Gordon Strachan wants to take the controversial forward
back to Parkhead in a bid bolster his strike force after suffering injury
problems in that position all season. Initially, Strachan wants to bring
Bellamy back to the club on loan - but with a view to a permanent move in
the summer. A Celtic source revealed: "Gordon is acutely aware he needs to
strengthen his strike force after the injury problems he has had this
season. "He has his eye on Bellamy and wants to make a move in January.
Gordon has worked with Bellers before so knows all about his controversial
nature. "But he believes he can get the best out of him and give him the
chance to win trophies and play at the highest possible level in the
Champions League again."
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West Ham will not sell players to make profit
20.11.08 | Andrew Slevison
West Ham United vice-chairman Asgeir Fridgeirsson has revealed that the club
has enough assets to keep going for the rest of the season. "West Ham is
well funded for the remainder of the year and I am convinced the club will
go on, no matter what," he said. "We are not going to sell players to settle
(the) debts of Hansa."
Whilst the Hammers are in a tricky and precarious position and are not out
of the woods on being sold by Icelandic chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, the
show must still go on according to the vice-chairman. "He put £30million
into the club last year, it is not a loan like some owners of clubs,"
Fridgeirsson said. "It was paid in as equity. It is not affecting the
operation of West Ham and there is no debt within West Ham from Hansa or
vice-versa. "There is no money going from the club to the owner. It is
fire-walled. The operation will go on - it is unaffected by this
development."
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