Friday, June 6

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - II 6th June 2008

Tomkins proves the best man - WHUFC
A major UEFA finals and West Ham United hopes are not the only things
occupying James Tomkins' thoughts
06.06.2008

James Tomkins may finally be putting his feet up this summer but the young
defender is still savouring the memories of his breakthrough season.

After emerging into the West Ham United first team, the 19-year-old defender
was instrumental last week in England qualifying for the European Under-19
Championship this July in the Czech Republic, playing all three games in the
successful qualification mini-tournament. The Young Lions beat Poland 2-0,
Serbia 1-0 and then made sure of their progress to the eight-team finals
with a goalless draw against the week's hosts Belarus. He was joined in the
team by prolific club-mate Freddie Sears, who scored twice in the opening
game.

Tomkins said: "The experience of playing in Belarus and against different
countries I have never played against was brilliant but to get through was
the main thing. We kept three clean sheets which was also great and overall
the experience of seeing a different style of football. They were a lot
bigger than our team, physically but we managed to get the ball on the floor
which helped us. We didn't really get into a physical battle. We played
really well in the first two games and then in the last game I think we
tired a bit. But the main thing is we got through."

Of his good friend Sears, Tomkins revealed with a smile that he was perhaps
fortunate to get his second from the penalty spot against Poland on the
opening day. It came about after a Tomkins' goalbound effort had been
handled. "Freddie carried on his form from the season. He scored two in the
first game and they were vital for us to get off to a good start. I had a
header and it was going in but their player handballed it on the line. It
was untrue and he got a straight red for it as it was going in. Obviously
Freddie took the penalty and I wasn't going to fight it for him. It was just
good to get the two goals, we played really well in that game."

The Serbia contest followed and Tomkins revealed the team thought that "was
the biggest game" until results turned the final match into a do-or-die game
when a defeat would have eliminated England. "The last game was even bigger
because if Belarus had won they would have ended up going through. It was
nerve-wracking towards the end. We were under a lot of pressure and to be
fair to Belarus they played really well. We were working really hard and
that was tough with the heat. I had played 90 minutes in the first two games
and I was feeling it towards the end, like the other boys.

"To come through that game was vital, especially with the crowd behind them.
At the time, it was like we had won the final. It was such a relief to get a
0-0 out of what could have been a loss when we look back it. We were all
really pleased and whatever the team is for Czech Republic we have done
ourselves proud. Fingers crossed me and Freddie will stay in the team.
Obviously we can go on holiday now but I have got to start back running as
soon as I am back and I have got to prepare properly for it. If I am in the
team, I have got to be ready."

Tomkins has also got to be ready to fight for his place at West Ham United
having made his first six appearances. There may be more competition for
places next season but he is determined to stay in Alan Curbishley's plans.
He will also have to compose himself for upcoming best-man duties at his
brother's wedding. For now, it is his speech - and not how to deal with
world-class strikers - that is most occupying his mind. "I have got to sort
that out. I have just started it now. It is a massive day for my brother. It
will be a great occasion. Hopefully it will flow. I get nervous but I am
looking forward to it."

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Ashton's England aim - SSN
Striker out to prove his worth
Last updated: 6th June 2008

West Ham striker Dean Ashton is determined to establish himself as a regular
in the England team. Ashton made his debut for England in last weekend's
friendly win over Trinidad and Tobago, but the 24-year-old failed to impress
and was substituted at half-time. The former Norwich and Crewe hit-man
admits he still has a lot to prove and he has targeted a good campaign next
season to keep him in Fabio Capello's plans. "I waited a long time to play
for England, considering I should have got my chance two years ago. Now it
is a case of knuckling down. I haven't proved anything yet," Ashton told The
Mirror. I have got to play well for West Ham next season to earn my place in
the next squad and then go from there really. "You only realise when you go
away with England what a huge deal it is. It really struck me that you are a
part of something unbelievable."

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Eidur on his way - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 6th June 2008
By: Staff Writer

Eidur Gudjohnsen is set to return to England this summer - and the Hammers
are hot favourites to land the Barca striker. Gudjohnsen, 29, has been told
he is surplus to requirements by the Spanish giants and is set to leave the
club this summer two years after moving from Chelsea. And his father
revealed this morning that he is looking to seal a move back to England,
with the Hammers and Newcastle United touted as his most likely destination.
Alan Curbishley, with the help of Eggert Magnusson tried to bring Gudjohnsen
to East London last summer but the move fell through after the Icelandic
striker opted to remain in Spain. He is likely to be available for around
the £4 million mark.

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Bobby on the move - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 6th June 2008
By: Staff Writer

Bobby Zamora has been linked with a move to Fulham by today's Times.
According to the paper, the United striker has been informed that he can
leave the club this summer four years after joining the Hammers from
Tottenham. Zamora has been linked with a string of clubs in the last 12
months including Reading and QPR. The 27-year-old striker, who was valued at
£1 million in the deal which saw Jermain Defoe move to North London is
likely to be available for around £3 million. * Nobby Solano, 33, is also on
his way out after just 10 months at the club. West Ham have decided not to
take up the option to extend his deal by a further 12 months.

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If the cap fits ... - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 6th June 2008
By: Staff Writer

Dean Ashton is being allowed to keep his first England cap after FIFA
declared that England's 3-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago last weekend would be
allowed to stand. The status of the game as a full international friendly
had been under threat after it was revealed that England had not been given
special dispensation by the game's ruling body to field seven substitutes.
The FA had claimed that they were told by FIFA's Jack Warner, the man behind
the game that they could field seven as opposed to the
internationally-sanctioned six. But FIFA rejected this excuse, claiming that
only they could ratify rule amendments. However in a brief statement
yesterday, they accepted that the FA were not at fault, blaming instead the
referee. "The referee of this match confirmed to FIFA that he received no
instruction to allow for such a special dispensation, but that it had been a
mistake by the referee," read the statement. "As FIFA has received no
official protest regarding this match, it shall be considered as an official
match."
Ashton - who signed a new five-year deal with the Hammers earlier this week
- played the first half of the 3-0 win before being substituted at the
break. Talking to whufc.com yesterday, he spoke of his international
ambitions - plus his hopes for the domestic season ahead. "I should have got
my chance two years ago so to get back in contention and then start for my
country is something no one can ever take away from me," he said. "Obviously
I am really pleased. "But I haven't proved anything yet. I have got to play
well for West Ham next season to earn my place in the next squad and then go
from there really. I would be lying if I said I didn't want to be in every
squad which is my aim. "You are playing with the top players in the country
and it is only going to help you. You only realise when you go away with
England what a huge deal it is. "But I can't be complacent as there is
strong competition for places [at West Ham] and that can only be good for
the squad. If everyone can stay fit, the fans should be excited. With the
forwards we have got it is going to be difficult to cement my place [in the
team] but it is really nice that I have ended the season that way and
hopefully put any doubters behind me now."

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Gudjohnsen to leave Barcelona, with Newcastle and West Ham set to make move
- Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 11:09 AM on 06th June 2008

Newcastle and West Ham are set to make a move for Eidur Gudjohnsen after the
Iceland ace was told he can leave Barcelona. Gudjohnsen, who is known to
fancy a move back to the Premier League, is up for grabs at around
£4million. West Ham tried in vain to sign the 29-year-old last year, and
boss Alan Curbishley may well have the spare funds to make a fresh bid this
time round. Meanwhile Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan wants a replacement for
Obafemi Martins, who is surplus to requirements. Gudjohnsen played for six
years at Chelsea, during which time the Blues clinched two successive league
titles under Jose Mourinho.

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Hammers reach Kia agreement - Echo News

WEST Ham have reached an "amicable" out-of-court settlement with Kia
Joorabchian. The Iranian businessman has withdrawn a High Court claim for
£7.1million in fees he claimed he was owed regarding the transfers of Carlos
Tevez and Javier Mascherano to Upton Park in August 2006. As part of the
agreement, Joorabchian will act as a consultant for the club on future
transfers, according to The Times. Joorabchian first came to the attention
of Hammers supporters in August 2005, when he launched a failed bid to buy
the club. A year later, he re-appeared as Tevez and Mascherano surprisingly
joined the Irons, acting as the pair's representative and claiming to own
their economic rights. Later, the illegal "third party" transfers resulted
in the club being fined a total of £5.5million for breaking two Premier
League rules - a punishment the Hammers accepted in April 2007. While the
Joorabchian dispute is over, West Ham still have two other issues to resolve
during the coming months. First, on Monday, an FA arbitration hearing into
Sheffied United's claim for £30million in compensation for their relegation
from the Premier League in 2006/07 will start. The Blades allege they were
relegated as a direct result of West Ham's use of Tevez and Mascherano in
breach of league rules. Second, the Irons will fight a claim for £5million
from former chairman Terence Brown. Brown, who sold his shares to the club's
new Icelandic in November 2006, claims he was sacked without notice and has
sued for the loss of his £492,000 annual wages, his chauffeur, pensions
contributions, hospitality and other tickets and car parking at the Boleyn
Ground. The Barking-born businessman, who became an honorary life president
when he sold the club, claimed the club broke that agreement when he was
sacked in May. West Ham are expected to contest Brown's claim and could
launch a countersuit for the £5.5million they were fined over the Tevez and
Mascherano signings made while the former chairman was still at the club.

>THE Irons have confirmed their pre-season schedule for 2008/09: July 17 -
Hampton and Richmond Borough (a), 7.30pm July 20 - Columbus Crew (a), 5pm
July 24 - MLS All-Stars (in Toronto), 7.20pm July 29 - Peterborough United
(a), 7.45pm July 30 - Cambridge United (a), 7.45pm August 1 - Southampton
(a), 7.45pm August 4 - Ipswich Town (a), 7.45pm A prestige home friendly
will take place at Upton Park on August 9 against opposition who have yet to
be confirmed.

>WEST Ham Ladies will hold trials for prospective new players at Flanders
Field recreation ground in East Ham on Sunday, June 22. The team finished
fifth in the Premier League Southern Division last season under the guidance
of manager Tony Marshall. To take part, players must apply for a place by
emailing Liam.whulfc@-fsmail.net The club is also seeking new young talent
for its girls' youth teams.

Under-16s should email jimmaycock@hotmail.com, while over-16s should email
andreawoodley-@sky.com

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Premier League: Ashton determine to repay Hammers fans - Northampton
Chronicle!

Dean Ashton is determined to show West Ham fans exactly what he can do next
season. The England forward this week signed a new five-year contract to
keep him at Upton Park until 2013. And Ashton, who spent much of last season
recovering from injury, insisted that he wants to repay the people who stood
by him through his injury nightmare. "I feel I have still got a lot to show
the football club and the fans," he said. "I didn't play as many games as I
wish I could and obviously I missed the season before. "I am really excited
about next season. I feel I can only get better so I am really glad that I
have signed and can look forward to the future." Hammers chief executive
Scott Duxbury said: "Dean is an important part of our plans for the for the
new season and beyond."

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Dad reveals Premiership talks for Newcastle, West Ham target Gudjohnsen
tribalfootball.com - June 06, 2008

Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen is in talks with a Premiership club, says
Dad Arnor. "One Premier League club has shown a lot of interest in Eidur,"
father and agent Arnor Gudjohnsen told BBC Sport. "He would certainly be
interested in a move back to England, but he is not going to rush into
making a decision." He added: "Eidur and his family are settled in Barcelona
and he has two years left on his contract, but his chances were limited last
season."
Reports in England suggested that West Ham and Newcastle were interested in
the player.

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Eidur Gudjohnsen, Star Player of the Mourinho era at Chelsea - Cmon Yu Iorns

Eidur Gudjohnsen spoke on Catalunya Radio and said if he was to leave
Barcelona and went to the Premier League, then it would be to West Ham and
not Newcastle. His main reasons were because of his close friends, who live
in London and his relationship with West Ham's Icelandic owner Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson, who has spoken to Gudjohnsen about his ambitions for West Ham
and how he would love for him to be a part of the Hammers future.
He said that Barcelona have given him permission to leave and that his
agents are soon to start talks with a premier league club in regards to his
future.
West Ham's Manager Alan Curbishley has tried to persuade Gudjohnsen to come
to the Hammers since last year and also with the aid of BG talking to the
player. It may all depend on what West Ham have to offer Gudjohnsen. and if
it is anything like what they gave to Ashton, i am sure he will be at Upton
Park by end of June, and like Ashton, he would not give the Toons a second
glance.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 6th June 2008

Deano focused on future - WHUFC
After signing a new long-term deal, Dean Ashton wants to achieve more with
West Ham United and England
05.06.2008

Dean Ashton is targeting big things with club and country next season but
knows the hard work is only just beginning.

The 24-year-old striker has secured his long-term future at the Boleyn
Ground having finished the 2007/08 campaign on a high with five goals in his
last eight games for West Ham United and then won his first England cap.
After those successes, Ashton is already looking forward to reporting back
for pre-season training but knows the club will have extra attacking impetus
with Kieron Dyer, Julien Faubert and Craig Bellamy all hoping to prove their
form and fitness.

"I can't be complacent," Ashton said. "There is strong competition for
places and that can only be good for the squad. If everyone can stay fit,
the fans should be excited by the players we have got." Supporters had their
appetites whetted by Ashton's array of goals at the end of the season - a
deft shot against Blackburn Rovers, a powerful header away to Everton, a
neat finish against Newcastle United, an overhead kick to surprise
Manchester United and a fierce shot on the turn to end the season on a high
and frustrate Aston Villa - and he is looking to keeping that going come 16
August.

"That is how I would like to try and start the season," he said when asked
about maintaining his strong 'goals to games' ratio before recognising the
array of options likely to be at Alan Curbishley's disposal. "With the
forwards we have got it is going to be difficult to cement my place down but
it is really nice that I have ended the season that way and hopefully put
any doubters behind me now." That he was over any injury issues was
demonstrated by Fabio Capello giving him his first start in the final
England international of the season last Sunday.

Ashton said: "I have waited a long time for it, considering I should have
got my chance two years ago so to get back in contention and then start for
my country is something no one can ever take away from me. Obviously I am
really pleased." When it comes to proving he is good enough to stay in
Capello's thoughts, the No9 added: "It is a case of knuckling down, I
haven't proved anything yet. I have got to play well for West Ham next
season to earn my place in the next squad and then go from there really. I
would be lying if I said I didn't want to be in every squad which is my aim.

"You are playing with the top players in the country and it is only going to
help you. You only realise when you go away with England what a huge deal it
is. It is really important and it has really struck me that you are a part
of something unbelievable." The sentiments are the same for when he reports
back for duty at Chadwell Heath in early July with high hopes for the coming
club campaign. "We want to be up there right at the top half of the table.
We have got to have a bit more luck with injuries. I think if we can do that
it will be a really exciting season."

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Pre-season friendly schedule - WHUFC
It will not be long before West Ham United are back in action with a host of
summer fixtures lined up
05.06.2008

West Ham United can confirm the first team's away schedule for the 2008/09
pre-season campaign ahead of the traditional curtain-raiser at the Boleyn
Ground which has yet to be finalised.

The highlight of the summer programme will be the North American tour
between 18-25 July when the club will play in-form Major League Soccer side
Columbus Crew in Ohio, USA on Sunday 20 July before travelling across the
Canadian border to face the MLS All-Stars in Toronto in a prestige friendly
on Thursday 24 July. Before that trip, Alan Curbishley will put his players
through their paces for the first time with a visit to Alan Devonshire's
Hampton & Richmond Borough on Thursday 17 July.

Ticket information will follow for all games as and when available,
including for the two overseas fixtures, although the club can confirm
selling details for the Southampton away match on Friday 1 August. The
south-coast club have allocated 2,000 seats for away fans, priced at £15 for
adults, £10 for seniors and £5 for Under-16s. Further information can be
found in the ticket office section, with the ticket office open for a
general sale from 9am on Monday 9 June.

2008/09 pre-season schedule

Thursday 17 July, 7.30pm - Hampton & Richmond Borough v West Ham United

Sunday 20 July, 5pm - Columbus Crew v West Ham United (Columbus, USA)

Thursday 24 July, 7.20pm - MLS All-Stars v West Ham United (Toronto, Canada)

Tuesday 29 July, 7.45pm - Peterborough United v West Ham United

Wednesday 30 July, 7.45pm - Cambridge United v West Ham United XI

Friday 1 August, 7.45pm - Southampton v West Ham United

Monday 4 August, 7.45pm - Ipswich Town v West Ham United

Saturday 9 August, 3pm - West Ham United v TBC

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Window Watch: Bobby Zamora - the Times
Gary Jacob

West Ham United are willing to allow Bobby Zamora to leave. The forward
missed most of last season with a knee injury. Fulham, who narrowly avoided
relegation from the Barclays Premier League, have expressed an interest in
the past and will be looking to bolster their forward line after the
departure of Brian McBride. West Ham have released Nolberto Solano. The
midfield player joined from Newcastle United a year ago.

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England new boys can keep their Trinidad caps - Telegraph
By Henry Winter
Last Updated: 1:28am BST 06/06/2008

Fifa yesterday dismissed the Football Association's version of how England
came to use seven substitutes, rather than the permitted six, in Sunday's
friendly with Trinidad and Tobago but they will not strip the fixture of its
official status. Dean Ashton, Joe Hart, Phil Jagielka and Stephen Warnock
will keep their debut caps. Rather than continue an embarrassing dispute
with the FA, Fifa simply rejected FA claims that permission had been
granted, instead blaming the Surinam referee, Enrico Wijngaarde. "Fifa did
not give special dispensation to make up to seven substitutions," read their
statement. "The referee of this match confirmed to Fifa that he received no
instruction to allow for such a special dispensation, but that it had been a
mistake by the referee. As Fifa has received no official protest regarding
this match, it shall be considered as an official match."

Fifa's view contradicted that of the FA, who claimed "the opportunity to use
seven substitutes was cleared in advance by Fifa". It remains to be seen
whether the brief disagreement will have any long-term repercussions for the
FA's 2018 World Cup bid, although England will not now lose any Fifa ranking
points.

Hart's former club, Shrewsbury Town, will now receive £500,000 from
Manchester City for the keeper making his England debut. England failed to
qualify for Euro 2008 because of the proliferation of foreigners in the
Premier League, according to Fifa president Sepp Blatter. "In the strongest
English teams the best players are not always English," said Blatter. "So
where are the best English players coming from? They are coming from the
less strong teams, which is weakening the English national team. What is
happening in England is that the best teams are preparing the national team
players for England's opponents."

Meanwhile, the FA are trying to contain the fallout from their bust-up with
2018 World Cup bid consultants European Consultancy Network. Peter Hargitay,
the former adviser to Fifa president Blatter who runs ECN, has been asked to
a clear-the-air meeting with FA officials next week, although FA chairman
Lord Triesman, who took the decision to pull the plug on ECN's involvement
with the bid, will not be at the meeting. There looks to be little hope of
any rapprochement as ECN are furious with Triesman and already have two
offers from rival bidders on the table.

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Kevin is eyeing a Gud time - The Sun

NEWCASTLE and West Ham are on alert after Eidur Gudjohnsen was told he can
leave Barcelona. The former Chelsea striker is up for grabs at around
£4million and fancies a move back to the Premier League. Iceland ace
Gudjohnsen, 29, has made just over 60 appearances in two years at the Nou
Camp but has struggled lately to make an impact. West Ham tried in vain to
sign him last year. Hammers boss Alan Curbishley will have money to spend
this summer as long as he can offload some dead wood. Midfielder Nobby
Solano has already been released to help cut the wage bill. Toon boss Kevin
Keegan wants Gudjohnsen to replace Obafemi Martins, who is surplus to
requirements.

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I'll nail England spot, says West Ham's Dean Ashton - The Mirror
By Darren Lewis 6/06/2008

Dean Ashton last night insisted he is targeting a return to the England team
now that he has signed a new deal at West Ham. The Hammers striker was a
flop in the first half of the ill - fated game against Trinidad last Sunday
which Fabio Capello's men won 3-0. Ashton was upstaged by Portsmouth's
Jermain Defoe, who grabbed a brace. But the West Ham man received a boost
three days later with his new five-year contract. Ashton, 24, said: "I
waited a long time to play for England, considering I should have got my
chance two years ago. Now it is a case of knuckling down. I haven't proved
anything yet. "I have got to play well for West Ham next season to earn my
place in the next squad and then go from there really. "You only realise
when you go away with England what a huge deal it is. It really struck me
that you are a part of something unbelievable."

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United and Hammers linked with Barcelona star - Shields Gazette

NEWCASTLE United are today reported to have revived their interest in
Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen. The Magpies and West Ham are said by The Sun
to be on the alert after the Icelandic striker after was told he can leave
the Nou Camp. Gudjohnsen, 29, is a proven Premier league performer with
Bolton Wanderers and Chelsea, He has 14 goals in 66 games for Barca, who je
joined two years ago, but has failed to win a regular place in their
line-up. Barcelona's new coach, Pep Guardiola, is widely thought to be ready
to off-load a host of players, including Gudjohnsen

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West Ham, Newcastle, Middlesbrough chasing Linz tribalfootball.com - June
05, 2008

A host of Premiership clubs are chasing Sporting Braga striker Rolando Linz.
West Ham United, Middlesbrough, Newcastle United and Fulham are all
interested in signing Austria international Linz, says The Times

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Joorabchian becomes West Ham consultant tribalfooball.com - June 05, 2008

West Ham United have agreed an out-of-court settlement with Kia Joorabchian
over outstanding payments worth £7.1 million. The agent has withdrawn his
High Court claim against the club and will act as a consultant for them on
future transfers, for which he will be paid a fee. The club have said that
the agreement had been lodged with the Premier League, but declined to
reveal the length or structure of the deal, says The Times.

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Hammers forward will get his England cap after all - Guardian Series

WEST Ham striker Dean Ashton will keep his first senior international cap
after Fifa allowed England's clash with Trinidad and Tobago to stand.
Football's governing body were threatening to wipe the match from record as
England used one more substitute than the six alloted for a non-competitive
international. The English Football Association believed that the special
dispensation had been cleared by Fifa vice-president Jack Warner, special
adviser to the Trinidad and Tobago FA. However, Fifa - while insisting they
made no such allowance - will let the game to stand as an A international,
saying that the match referee had made a mistake. A Fifa statement read:
"Fifa can confirm it did not give special dispensation to make up to seven
substitutions at the Trinidad and Tobago versus England friendly match. "The
referee of this match confirmed to Fifa that he received no instruction to
allow for such a special dispensation, but that it had been a mistake by the
referee. "As Fifa has received no official protest regarding this match, it
shall be considered as an official match."
That will see Hammers forward Ashton, as well as fellow debutants Joe Hart,
Phil Jagielka and Stephen Warnock, all keeping their first caps. An FA
spokesman said: "The fact of the matter is the opportunity to use seven
substitutes was cleared in advance of the game by Fifa, Trinidad and Tobago
representative Jack Warner, the Fifa delegate for the game and the match
referee. "Trinidad had the same option to use seven subs. There is no way we
would have gone ahead with using seven subs without the approval that we
were given."

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Dunne deal looks off - ESS
Last Updated: Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:57

West Ham target Richard Dunne looks set to run his contract down and stay at
Eastlands for at least one further season. The Republic of Ireland
international has 12 months to go on his deal but talks appeared to have
stalled as soon as it became clear Sven-Goran Eriksson was set to leave the
club.
Portsmouth, Newcastle, West Ham, Sunderland and Spurs were all credited with
an interest but now the 28-year-old is ready to give new boss Mark Hughes a
boost. "Premier League experience does count for a lot and he [Hughes] has
proved that he can mix it with the best over the last few seasons," he told
the MEN. "No team ever relished going to Ewood Park when he was in charge.
They established themselves as a top-10 side and did well in the cups too.
"I will have to wait and see now which way the club is going to go. There is
certainly the need for some stability."

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BG, You Clever Little Banker!! - Cmon Yu Irons
05 Jun
Written & Posted by Joe

We all know about the Tevez saga, and how Kia wanted more money from West
Ham for the loan of Tevez during the final few games that kept us in the
Premiership. We obviously agreed to some sort of deal, the deal made between
BG and Kia, i guess we as fans we will never know of, but if it was £7m,
then it was worth every penny.
BG, being the clever banker that he is, has agreed to pay back the so called
£7m, but in installments and as an agents fee over the next few years, now
this is a clever business strategy by BG, he certainly knows he could use
Kia to bring in more exiting young talent that he owns rights too from South
American clubs.
I know i would love to see a mixture of South American talent as well as our
homegrown boys playing at Upton Park next season, wouldnt you?

Take a look at what influences Kia is having on Man City! Forget the past,
lets use Kia as well as Nani and not only fight for 5th or 6th place next
season, lets go for Champions League, or the likes of Man City will leave us
behind with Stoke and Hull City!

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Ashton keen to get cracking - Sunday Sun Jun 5 2008

West Ham striker Dean Ashton is eager to return for the new season and leave
his injury troubles behind him, after signing a new five-year contract to
keep him at Upton Park until 2013. The 24-year-old, who who made his England
debut against Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday, started discussions with the
club when the Barclays Premier League season finished and signed the deal on
Wednesday night. Ashton told his club's website: "I am delighted. I said all
along that I wanted to sign. I feel I have still got a lot to show the
football club and the fans. I am really happy that I have signed - and now I
can look forward to next season." He added: "It is a fantastic way to end
the season for me. "It is not going to be on my mind now - and with a
five-year contract, the future is here. "I said I wanted to stay at the end
of the season and I am really glad it has been done so professionally and
sorted now."
Ashton - who had two years left on his existing deal - missed much of last
season through injury, and is keen to feature more prominently. I didn't
play as many games as I wish I could - and obviously I missed the season
before," he said. "I am really excited about next season. I feel I can only
get better, so I am really glad that I have signed and can look forward to
the future. "I think after the injury I had as well, it is nice the club
have managed to agree with me on a new deal. We are really looking to the
future."

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New dad Neill ready to boost Socceroos- Echo News

WEST Ham captain and proud new father Lucas Neill will fly out to join the
Australia squad after long-term partner Lindsey Morris gave birth to healthy
twins. The 30-year-old missed the Socceroos' 1-0 World Cup 2010 qualifying
win over Iraq in Brisbane on Sunday to stay with a heavily pregant Morris,
and will arrive in Dubai too late to take part in Saturday's return fixture.
However, coach Pim Verbeek is expecting the full-back to be available for
Australia's final two group stage fixtures against Qatar in Doha on June 14
and China in Sydney on June 22. "Lucas will be with us from Sunday - we're
planning to let him come then," said the Dutchman. "If he arrives on June 8,
he will have a week to prepare for the Qatar game and then the China game."
Australia are currently three points clear at the top of their group, with
the top two sides going forward to the final stage of the Asian qualifying
competition.
For now, however, Neill's agent Paddy Dominguez said the player was enjoying
life as a father. "Anybody who knows Lucas knows how much he loves kids so
you can imagine it's a dream come true for him," Dominguez told The Manly
Daily. "Both the mother and the children are extremely healthy and doing
very well. "He's absolutely ecstatic at the moment and is your typical,
gushing dad. As you would expect, they are two good-lookers."

>IRONS supporters are reminded that they have until July 1 to renew
>their
season tickets. After that date, fans on the waiting list will receive
information from the club on how to apply.

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A Hammers starlet with his feet nailed to the floor - Guardian Series

IT is some compliment to be likened to Tony Adams, but West Ham's latest
fledgling star James Tomkins is a level-headed youngster who refuses to get
carried away, writes Nuno Assuncao. In the last few months the 19-year-old
has enjoyed a rapid rise in his promising football career. A senior Irons
debut in March and five subsequent appearances, playing a key role in
England's progression to next month's European U19 Championship finals in
Czech Republic, and modelling the club's new away kit for the 2008-9 season
have all fallen the defender's way. To top it all, Tomkins' composed but
no-nonense style of play has seen him compared to Arsenal and England legend
Adams. Not that the Basildon-born centre back will have a word of it. "Some
say I play a bit like Tony Adams but I reckon he was a lot harder than I
am," Tomkins told this month's FourFourTwo magazine. "Others have said that
I play like Jonathan Wooodgate which is a massive compliment. "As a defender
you need great heading ability and I think that's a big strength of my game.
"I also like to think I'm more than just a defender - I'm composed with the
ball at my feet and can play it on the floor too."
However, while content with his strengths, Tomkins is well aware of the
areas of his game that are not quite up to scratch. "My left (foot) can
always do with improving and strength-wise I'm not quite there yet,"
admitted Tomkins, who has already come up against the likes of Yakubu,
Kenwyne Jones, Obafemi Martins and Carlos Tevez in his short Hammers career.
"But I'm still a teenager playing against guys who have been around for
years - so the more I play in the Premier League the stronger I'll become."
While a regular first team spot at Upton Park is the immediate goal for
'Tonker', the lifelong Hammers fan still has an eye on what he would hope to
achieve in the future. "I would like to be the captain of West Ham," he
said. "That would be a dream come true." Having experienced such progress in
a short space of time, it'd be no surprise to see Tomkins fufilling that
goal.

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