The FA Cup dream is still very much alive with Mark Noble ahead of next
week's replay
08.01.2008
Mark Noble is fully focused on getting beyond Manchester City on Wednesday
week in the FA Cup third-round replay.
"Their home record is why they are in the top four," Noble said, mindful
that City have not lost in eleven league games - with nine of those coming
as wins. "They have got to lose there sooner or later and hopefully it is to
us." Both teams are fully committed to winning through to another televised
fourth-round tie at Sheffield United.
"They didn't rest too many players and they probably played their strongest
team," Noble added, reflecting on Saturday's 0-0 draw at the Boleyn Ground
in the first meeting of the clubs. [Striker Nery] Castillo has come in who's
a fantastic player and we knew a lot about him."
While many may fancy City to go through at home, especially given their home
form, Noble pointed to the "big upsets" that happened over the weekend.
"That's what it is all about. Blackburn lost by a big margin to Coventry and
it just shows you that anything can happen in the cup. It is special. That's
the joy of it."
The incentive of knowing who lies is wait will also help the side "work that
little bit harder". As well as being a tricky midweek fixture, the team will
also have to return to the north-west four days later to take on the same
opposition in a league meeting. "It is going to be tough for the boys. We
have just got to show the same amount of effort and quality we put in today
- and hopefully we will come away with the win."
First up is Fulham at home this Saturday and Noble has been making sure to
rest after a tricky run of three games against sides among the top four in
the country. With a win (against Manchester United), a defeat (against
Arsenal) and a draw (City), the 20-year-old has every reason to be upbeat.
"Three games for me against teams from the top four has been tough. But I am
really pleased how we have come out of it and we have got to keep on playing
as we are."
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Arsenal cup test for ladies - WHUFC
West Ham United have been given the toughest possible draw in the FA Cup
08.01.2008
West Ham United ladies are relishing the prospect of a FA Cup sixth round
tie against European champions Arsenal.
The club have been drawn with their north London rivals after a 7-0
fourth-round home success against Colchester United FC at the weekend. For
manager Tony Marshall, the trip to play Arsenal, a league above his side, at
Borehamwood on 27 January is one to be relished.
"We all hoped for a top side in the next round and you cant ask for a bigger
tie than Arsenal," he said. "They are the European champions and if they
field their strongest eleven it will more or less be the entire England
team.We have a young side that are learning and improving all of the time.
"Obviously we will be the underdogs but I will be instilling it into our
team not to go there as lambs to the slaughter. We are going to the Arsenal
to give them a game and to give our best on the day.We will be playing the
top side in Europe, I am sure that in the long term we will benefit from the
experience"
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Duo on comeback trail - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 8th January 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
Craig Bellamy and Bobby Zamora are almost ready to return to full training,
according to Alan Curbishley. The strike duo have been out of action for
most of the season, making just 12 appearances between them (eight for
Bellamy, four for Zamora). But according to Curbs, both are on the comeback
trail and face an imminent return. "Bellamy is running. We are hopeful he is
going to be not too long," Curbishley told whufc.com. "They both look as if
they are going to start full training together." There was further good news
for Curbishley last night when Julien Faubert came through a reserve game -
his first outing for six months - unscathed. Meanwhile Lucas Neill - who
was said to have suffered a minor strain against Manchester City last
weekend - is also expected to be available for selection this weekend.
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Hammers go live - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 8th January 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
West Ham United's FA Cup third round replay against Manchester City is being
shown live on terrestrial TV. The match - scheduled for next Wednesday, 16th
January - is being broadcast live by the BBC. The game kicks off at 7.45pm.
The winners will play Sheffield United in the fourth round.
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Johnny on the box - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 8th January 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
West Ham's John Paintsil has returned to Ghana to join up with his national
squad ahead of the forthcoming African Cup of Nations. Ghana are hosting
this year's tournament which comprises 16 nations split into four groups of
four teams. And with most games going out live on satellite TV you will be
able to catch Paintsil on the box on the following dates.
Kick off times are in local format (also GMT):
Group A Matches
Sunday, 20th January:
Ghana v Guinea (Accra) 5.00pm
Thursday, 24th January:
Ghana v Namibia (Accra) 7.30pm
Monday, 28th January:
Ghana v Morocco (Accra) 5.00pm
Knockout phase dates
Sunday, 3rd February:
Group A winners v Group B runners-up (Accra) 5.00pm
Sunday, 3rd February:
Group A runners-up v Group B winners
Thursday, 7th February:
Semi Final #1 (Accra) 5.00pm (Sekondi) 8.30pm
Thursday, 7th February:
Semi Final #2 (Kumasi) 8.30pm
Saturday, 9th February:
Third place play-off (Kumasi) 5.00pm
Sunday, 10th February:
Final (Accra) 5.00pm
Also in action is on-loan striker Henri Camara, who will be representing
Senegal. Their group matches are as follows:
Group D Matches
Wednesday, 23rd January:
Senegal v Tunisia (Tamale) 5.00pm
Sunday, 27th January:
Senegal v Angola (Tamale) 5.00pm
Thursday, 31st January:
Senegal v South Africa (Kumasi) 5.00pm
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Striker loan move mooted - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 8th January 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
West Ham are looking at taking French striker Djibril Cisse on loan,
according to reports. Today's Daily Mail claims that the Hammers are
interested in signing the former Liverpool striker on loan as cover until
the rest of the season. However the 26-year-old striker - who currently plys
his trade in France with Marseille - is said to favour a permanent deal and
likely to reject any such approach. The Mail claim that Tottenham and Bolton
are also interested in signing the former international who hit the
headlines two years ago when he was cautioned by Cheshire police after
assaulting his then-pregnant wife. Cisse is currently out of favour at
Marseille despite signing a permanent deal with them just six months ago.
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Bid comes on for Gills starlet - SSN
Stimson admits talks taking place over Freeman
Last updated: 8th January 2008
Gillingham manager Mark Stimson has confirmed the club have received an
offer for Luke Freeman. The 15-year-old made his first-team debut earlier
this season and is being tracked by a string of Premier League clubs. He has
already visited Arsenal, Newcastle United and West Ham United, and has now
been the subject of an offer. "One top Premier League club is talking to the
chairman about Luke Freeman," Stimson told the club's official website.
"There has been a bid come in, but it is not quite what we are looking for
and I think there may be some more negotiations to go on there."
Stimson is also looking to add to his squad and is waiting for a response
after making an improved bid for Forest Green hot shot Stuart Fleetwood. He
added: "As for us, we've made numerous enquiries about players. One of those
has obviously been for Stuart Fleetwood as I think everybody knows about
that now.
"We've just put another suggestion to them and we are waiting for an answer.
As soon as anything happens, we'll announce it. "There are two or three
players out there that we are just waiting for chairmen or managers to give
us the yes or no."
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English interest in Fred - SSN
Premier clubs eye Lyon ace
By Patrick Haond Last updated: 8th January 2008
Tottenham and West Ham are amongst the clubs keeping close tabs on Lyon
striker Fred. The Brazilian international is currently at loggerheads with
the French champions after he returned late from the winter-break in France.
The player has admitted he is more than happy to leave Stade Gerland and
Lyon are willing to let him go. Paris Saint Germain are keen to take him on
loan, but Lyon are seemingly waiting to see what offers come in for the
24-year-old. Fred's brother Rodrigo - who is one of his agents - has flown
to France to open talks about the player's future. One of his other agents,
Francis Mello, revealed that there is English interest in Fred. "Sao Paulo
and Santos are attracted, but Fred wants to go on in Europe," he told France
Football. "Two English sides have the means to pay the transfer fee asked by
Lyon (which is believed to be near £10million), which is important as l'OL
doesn't want a loan yet. "Now he has perfectly recovered form his injuries,
Fred wants to play again to join back with Selecao [the Brazil national
side] as soon as possible." Tottenham have turned their attention to Fred as
they were also looking at Karim Benzema, but Lyon have no intention of
letting their prized asset leave in the near future.
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Watford target West Ham defender - Daily Mail
Last updated at 15:47pm on 8th January 2008
Watford are set to make a bid for West Ham defender Calum Davenport this
month. The former Spurs player is out of favour at Upton Park but Watford
manager Aidy Boothroyd remains a fervent admirer. The centre-back has linked
up with Nigeria for the African Nations' Cup, but winger McAnuff said:
"We'll be able to cover him, as we've got strength in depth, even though
Dan's a huge player for us."
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Spurs, United, Liverpool, Boro, West Ham and Man City feature in live Cup
dates - Daily Mail
Last updated at 15:30pm on 8th January 2008
The BBC and Sky Sports have announced their live coverage of FA Cup ties.
Sky Sports will televise the third round replay between Liverpool and Luton
Town on Tuesday, January 15 and the BBC will screen the replay between
Manchester City and West Ham United the following evening. The BBC will
begin their fourth round coverage with Mansfield v Middlesbrough at on
Saturday (1230), January 26 and then show the all-Premiership clash between
Wigan and Chelsea follows at 1715. On Sunday the BBC will screen Manchester
United against either Reading or Tottenham on Sunday, January 27 (1400 GMT),
while Sky Sports will show West Ham or Manchester City's trip to Sheffield
United on January, 27 (1600 GMT).
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Newcastle linked with West Ham striker swoop - Sunderland Echo
West Ham United striker Dean Ashton has been linked with a move to Tyneside
in recent days. The England striker is said to be unhappy at Upton Park, but
any move for Ashton looks doomed to fail, with Alan Curbishley unwilling to
let him leave. Ashton is a close friend of Newcastle's Steven Taylor from
his time with England's Under-21s, and United would not need to sell a move
to St James's Park to the 24-year-old, who has always admired the passion of
the club's fans.
[What a load of ****. Linked? By Who? Great friend of Taylor? Since when?
Always admired the fans passion? Says who ? Lazy Journalism. - PeterR ]
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West Ham linked with Newcastle defender swoop - Sunderland Echo
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley has been credited with an interested in
Newcastle's Steven Taylor, whose contract dispute with the club is dragging
on.
And Taylor will be keen to know where he fits into Allardyce's future plans
should target Wes Brown complete a move from Manchester United, whether it
is in this month's transfer window or in the summer.Taylor – who has turned
down a new five-year deal – is among the club's lowest earners.
[ Hang on.. He's new signing Ashton's best friend!! ? - PeterR ]
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Happy Hammers as Faubert returns to action! - caughtoffside.com
January 8, 2008
There is good news for West Ham United manager Alan Curbishley. According to
Sky Sports, summer signing Julien Faubert is back to footballing action and
is fit enough to be considered for this weekend's English premier League
match against Fulham.
Faubert played for the West Ham reserves against Aston Villa on Monday night
for the first half and was quite impressive. He scored in the first minute
and looked spirited and lively throughout the time that he stayed on the
pitch.
The French midfielder was signed from Bordeaux in the summer for £6.1million
but fell prey to a Achilles tendon injury inside days after landing in
England. He has been out since but appears to have recovered now.
But Curbishley would be wary of using him as early as this weekend. In all
likelihood, Faubert would play his first competitive match for the Hammers
in next week's FA Cup game against Manchester City after playing another
match for the club's reserves.
West Ham in 10th are safe from relegation this season but Curbishley would
certainly want his team to climb the table. Faubert would be a good card to
play in the second of the season and who knows, maybe the Hammers could even
be gunning for a UEFA Cup place towards the tail-end of the season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Blades pledge 'no animosity' to Hammers
SHEFFIELD United chairman Terry Robinson has stressed that a possible FA Cup
showdown with West Ham United will be about 'football' and not the Carlos
Tevez affair. The Blades are still locked in a bitter battle for
compensation with the Premier League, who last season failed to dock the
Hammers points for the illegal signing of Argentinian striker Tevez. Now the
Hammers, who stayed up at the expense of the Blades, will be heading to
Bramall Lane in the fourth round of the Cup if they can get through a
third-round replay against Manchester City. Robinson said: "There is no
animosity between Sheffield United and West Ham and this game, if it
happens, is about football. Obviously things are still ongoing, but that
will be sorted out by other people."
Blades Plc chairman Kevin McCabe sent a letter to West Ham earlier this
season offering a hand of friendship and Robinson also confirmed that
Hammers directors would be made welcome in the Bramall Lane boardroom. Even
if the Hammers fail to make it to the fourth round, the Blades are
guaranteed a home tie against a Premier League club and the financial
windfall that generates
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Faubert delight at Hammers return - TeamTalk
West Ham recruit Julien Faubert has spoken about his return to action, but
insists he does not want to rush things at Upton Park. The France winger
joined West Ham in the summer from Bordeaux but he ruptured his Achilles
tendon in pre-season before he could play a competitive match. He is now
back in full training and enjoyed a successful return to action for the
reserves on Monday when he netted after just 39 seconds against Aston Villa.
"I don't want to rush now. I waited for five months, I can wait a few more
weeks," he told L'Equipe. Faubert went on to explain how he felt when he
suffered the blow so early on in his West Ham career: "Above all I felt
embarrassed for the club. "They had invested a lot of money in me and I got
injured. Fortunately it is a family club, where a lot of people rallied
around me. "When they removed my plaster, seeing my 'chicken' calf, I asked
myself if I could find again my best level. During those moments you
discover your real friends."
France coach Raymond Domenech slammed Faubert's decision to sign for West
Ham in the summer, rejecting a switch to Roma. "I am neither surprised nor
disappointed," he continued. "He never called me back since my last call for
the French team. I will reply on the pitch. England matches have much more
of my qualities than Italy. It is speed and physical involvement. "My dream
was to play in England. West Ham is a historical club. Some people said I
left for money, but at Roma I would earn the same wages."
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Ward checks out Hammers ace - newsandstar.co.uk
Published on 08/01/2008
JOHN WARD was in Walsall to watch former Blues trialist Joe Widdowson play
in a reserves clash against Aston Villa last night – but he wouldn't be
drawn on whether the West Ham left-back will be returning to Brunton Park.
Widdowson, 19, spent five days at the club last month, returning to East
London two days early because United's reserve game at Morecambe on December
17 was postponed because of a frozen pitch. He played the full 90 minutes of
his side's 2-1 defeat at the Bescot Stadium last night alongside a plethora
of Hammers stars including Richard Wright, Calum Davenport, Christian
Dailly, Julien Faubert and Luis Boa Morte. "Joe did alright," Ward told
News & Star Sport. "I just went to have a look. It was a very strong West
Ham team but a very expensive one for anyone wanting to buy them!"
Villa left the visitors stunned by scoring twice in the last three minutes.
Substitute Barry Bannan, who had replaced ex-Hammers striker Marlon
Harewood, hit the equaliser in the 87th minute and then Tobias Mikaelsson
slotted home the winner in the dying seconds. West Ham's French winger
Julien Faubert had opened the scoring just 39 seconds into the first-half.
Widdowson, who last month told Ward he'd be happy to return to Brunton Park
once United's reserve fixtures began again, may now be given another chance
to impress the Blues boss and his coaching staff before the close of the
January transfer window.
The club's reserves are due to play Wrexham at home tomorrow, Chester away
on January 14 and Accrington Stanley at home on January 22. Ward, who left
the ground before the final whistle, refused to say whether he is interested
in anyone else on display last night. Ward and United owner Fred Story will
be on the panel at a fans' forum tonight. It starts at 7pm in the Sunset
Suite and is being broadcast live by BBC Radio Cumbria.
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Jermain Defoe told he can be a Spurs reject, but do you want him? -
caughtoffside.com
January 8, 2008
Jermain Defoe is a bit of a weird one. First he picks up a reputation as a
bit of a spoiled child after his departure from West Ham, then he's pushed
to to the fringes of the Spurs squad where months and months of speculation
about his future come to nothing. Even after Juande Ramos told the little
man he can leave if he wants, it seems Defoe is just too fond of the high
life in London Spurs to consider moving elsewhere, "The manager has said I
can leave if I want, but I want to prove him wrong. I want to stay here,"
the striker told The Sun. "He called me into his office and told me. At
first I thought it was a joke, I thought he was going to say I would be
starting against Arsenal in the Carling Cup (on Wednesday) which was why he
didn't give me a game against Reading (in the FA Cup) at the weekend. "But
he just said 'You can leave if you want to.' Yet I have no intentions of
leaving this club because I love it here. "I would love to sign a new
contract, and I know people at the top of the club want me to stay. "But
no-one can expect me to sign a new deal if I can't get a game.
"It's as though I'm doing all of this for nothing. But I have still been
taken aback. "It's as though I am being punished for doing well. But I want
to prove everyone wrong. I don't want to go anywhere. "I just want to get
back into the team and then I will be desperate to sign a new contract. "I
have no desire to play for any club other than Spurs."
Somewhere in Portsmouth, Harry Redknapp just sense a disturbance in the
force. But do Spurs fans want to cash in on Jermain "The World's Tallest
Midget" Defoe? Or is he worth his place as 4th striker and 86th minute sub?
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Faubert has no regrets - Setanta
by Laurent Picard, 08 January 2008
West Ham's summer signing Julien Faubert has explained the reasons behind
his decision to snub Lazio in favour of a move to East London. Faubert is on
the comeback trail following a serious injury he picked up shortly after
arriving in England and scored for the club's reserves on Monday. The France
international is still frustrated by the Achilles injury he picked up
shortly after his move from Bordeaux, but has no regrets over his move to
Upton Park. "My dream is to play in England," he told L'Equipe. "West Ham
are an historical club. Some said I left for money. But I would have earned
the same at Lazio. "England corresponds more to my qualities than Italy. It
is about speed and involvement."
Faubert could earn a place on the bench for the weekend clash with Fulham,
but is prepared to remain patient for his chance. He added: "I have been
waiting for five months so I can wait for a few more weeks."
The right back and right midfielder claims he will never forget the sound of
his horrible injury. "It was like a wooden box had been broken," he said. "I
thought it was a tackle, but I realised I was on my own so I understood that
it was very bad."
The Frenchman was burgled while asleep in his London home and also damaged
his club car and he has cursed his luck. "First of all I was annoyed for the
club because they invested a lot of money on me and I injured myself," he
added. "I have been fortunate to move to a family club where I have been
very well received. "When they took the plaster off and I saw my leg, I
asked myself if I would recover my top level. During that kind of period you
see who your real friends are."
Faubert is keen to further his international career, but is not expecting to
figure in the European Championship. "Today I have ruled out playing Euro
2008, but not playing for Les Bleus."
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Lyon star linked to West Ham - Setanta
by Laurent Picard, 08 January 2008
West Ham are reported to be keeping tabs on Lyon's Brazil international
Fred. The 24-year-old made an immediate impression in France following his
move to Lyon in 2005, but his star has dimmed this term as injuries have
hampered his progress. Fred is reportedly looking to move on and West Ham
have been linked with a bid to rival the interest from Paris Saint Germain.
PSG are believed to be in pole position, but reports suggest West Ham could
table an £8 million offer.
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley is in the market for a striker, having been
linked with Djibril Cisse and Darren Bent, and Fred could be a viable option
for The Hammers
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LAST MINUTE PENALTY SINKS WEST HAM - cfcnet.co.uk
Contributed by Philip Rolfe • 8th January, 2008
Chelsea returned to Under 18 action on Saturday morning after a brief break
for Christmas with a dramatic late 3-2 victory over London rivals West Ham.
The game took a remarkable turn after half-time, with all the goals coming
in the second 45 minutes, including a penalty in the closing stages.Niclas
Heimann returned to the Chelsea goal, whilst Nikki Ahmed filled in again at
right-back, with captain Ofori moving across to centre-back with Jack
Saville out injured. Michael Woods dropped down to the Under-18s for a rare
outing as he paired up with Daniel Philliskirk in the centre of a 4-2-3-1
formation. West Ham's team featured England Under-17 captain Jordan Spence
and prolific striker Freddie Sears.
The game started slowly and didn't really get much better for the first
half. A late start didn't help matters but both teams struggled to get their
games going, lacking half a yard of match sharpness after the winter break.
Chelsea were having some success along the flanks, with Ben Gordon and Adam
Phillip linking particularly well along the left, but by and large the first
half was completely unremarkable and the game appeared to be heading towards
the 0-0 that took place at Cobham in this fixture last season.
So what followed in the second half was something of a surprise. Neither
team made any personnel changes but within ten minutes Chelsea had the lead.
Kakuta collected the ball just inside the West Ham half and drove towards
the edge of the box in a central position. He looked around for an option
that never arrived, so he cut inside his man and unleashed a low and
powerful left-footed effort that beat Marek Stech inside his left post.
The goal, as ever, gave confidence and life to the home team and in
particular Frank Nouble, who was making things happen down the right, using
his pace and skill to full effect. They nearly doubled their lead when a
quite sumptuous through ball with the outside of Nikki Ahmed's right foot
found Adam Phillip at the far post, but he could only steer his shot onto
the woodwork and away. Unfortunately for Chelsea, West Ham equalised some
ten minutes later from a set piece. The free kick itself was close to the
halfway line but the Hammers sent their big centre-backs up and won the
first header. The ball dropped to the head of Sears, who shows his clinical
nature by looping the ball over Heimann and into the back of the net.
That goal was the start of a flurry of three goals in just over five
minutes. Chelsea went and took the lead again within 3 minutes, as Kakuta's
corner was turned away from Tabor but unfortunately into his own net by the
West Ham defender. Then West Ham equalised from another set piece, this time
a deep ball to the far post was met by an unmarked header inside Heimann's
near post, and the scores were level again as both teams tried to settle on
the new situation they found the game in.
The game settled back down but was to finish in spectacular fashion. Jordan
Tabor took on his opposing full-back and just managed to nudge the ball
beyond him before being upended in the penalty area. Up stepped captain
Ofori, a regular penalty taker, to score and give his team a win they
possibly deserved, but in all truth any of the possible results could have
been considered fair on the day.
From a Chelsea point of view, Philliskirk and Woods did well in the middle
of the team whilst Nouble and Phillip were excellent on the wings all day.
Kakuta once again was influential in pulling the strings, adding a goal and
an assist to his season tallies. Fabio Borini was quiet and ineffective, and
Jeffrey Bruma had probably his worst performance in a Chelsea shirt - in the
first half his touch and confidence disappeared. He had a much better second
half and looked more like the wonderful player he is.
Team: Heimann, Ahmed, Ofori ©, Bruma, Gordon, Philliskirk (King 85), Woods,
Kakuta, Phillip, Nouble (Mellis 80), Borini (Tabor 60)
Goals: Kakuta '56, Own Goal '65, Ofori '82 pen
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Curbishley wants Cisse in loan deal - Daily Mail
Last updated at 11:01am on 8th January 2008
West Ham are interested in signing the man who scored against them in the
2006 FA Cup Final - former Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse. But they could
miss out because they are looking for a loan deal while the 26-year-old
prefers a permanent move. Cisse, who left Liverpool to join Marseille for
£6million almost two seasons ago, wants to return to the Premier League. He
has been linked with Bolton but Tottenham are also rumoured to be interested
in signing the former Auxerre star. West Ham manager Alan Curbishley has
said he is reluctant to do any serious buying this month, which is why he is
only considering a loan move.
"It's very difficult to do good business in the January transfer window,"
said Curbishley.
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Blades fans seek revenge against Hammers - Daily Mail
Last updated at 11:05am on 8th January 2008
Sheffield United captain Nick Montgomery admits his club's fans are
desperate for the chance to gain revenge on West Ham. Victory for Alan
Curbishley's side over Manchester City in next Wednesday's FA Cup
third-round replay would set up a grudge match at Bramall Lane. The Blades -
and their supporters - were furious at being relegated from the Premier
League last season after rivals West Ham escaped with a points deduction
over the Carlos Tevez affair. The Yorkshire club's subsequent legal moves to
have the decision overturned last summer caused similar feelings of outrage
in east London. Montgomery said: "The fans will be pleased with the draw and
I suppose there will be a lot of interest in the replay for obvious reasons!
From the players' part, we want to put the West Ham affair behind us."
Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe has, however, vowed to continue his
fight for "justice" and a Football Association panel is set to rule on a
£50million compensation claim in the next couple of months. West Ham broke
Premier League rules over the deal that brought Argentine star Tevez to
Upton Park in August 2006, but a disciplinary panel decided their actions
warranted a £5.5m fine rather than a points deduction.
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Blades warm welcome to 'cheating' Hammers - The Star - Sheffield
SHEFFIELD United plc chairman Kevin McCabe welcomed yesterday's FA Cup
fourth-round draw, which could pit his team against bitter rivals West Ham,
despite the Premiership club's decision to snub his offer of an olive branch
in the wake of the Carlos Tevez Affair. The Londoners will visit Bramall
Lane if they beat Manchester City in a third- round replay next week to set
up a potentially explosive tie between two sides whose acrimonious dispute
cast a shadow over English football last summer. United argue the FAPL
should have granted them a reprieve from relegation after West Ham were
found guilty of cheating by trying to deliberately conceal the fact Tevez,
who scored the goal that ultimately preserved their top-flight status,
breached rules governing third-party ownership of players..
McCabe wrote to his then counterpart Eggert Magnus-son in October in an
attempt to maintain cordial relations at boardroom level but neither the
Icelandic biscuit magnate, who has since resigned his position, nor his
successor have given him the courtesy of a response. McCabe, speaking
exclusively to The Star, said: "In many ways this seemed almost destined to
happen.
"Obviously they (West Ham) have to beat Manchester City yet but, if they do,
then I hope that our supporters remember the fact that we have enjoyed a
wonderful relationship on the pitch for many years and so conduct themselves
accordingly and in the appropriate manner. I made that point in a letter to
Mr Magnusson three months ago but I haven't heard anything back yet."
With emotions bound to run high on the terraces should West Ham progress,
United officials have publicly played down talk of settling old scores. But,
privately, those members of Bryan Robson's squad still counting the
financial cost of their actions are relishing the possibility of revenge. As
Terry Robinson, McCabe's opposite number on United's football board,
pointedly remarked: "We may have a bit of business to settle with West Ham
of course and Manchester City are always welcome here."
Robson was appointed manager directly after one of the most controversial
episodes in this country's sporting history but even he suffered its effects
after admitting that the on-going legal dispute hampered his attempts to
sign players during the close season. As a result, Robson must do the
majority of his business this month with Iranian midfielder Ali Reza
Nikbakht the latest name to be lined with a move to South Yorkshire.
Representatives of the Perspolis star have suggested Nikbakht, who is valued
at around £700,000, could be invited to a trial at United's Shirecliffe
training ground before the transfer window closes.
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West Ham want £5M for Zamora
tribalfootball.com - January 08, 2008
West Ham United are inviting offers for striker Bobby Zamora. The
Independent says the Hammers are willing to sell for £5 million.
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West Ham want loan deal for Marseille's Cisse
tribalfootball.com - January 08, 2008
West Ham United have held talks with Olympique Marseille about a deal for
Djibril Cisse. The Independent says West Ham have led the chase but would
prefer to only take the French international on loan initially while Bolton,
Blackburn Rovers and Tottenham Hotspur have also made inquiries. Liverpool
have first option on the 26-year-old, who they sold for £6m, but are not
interested in re-signing him.
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