Freddie ready to get started - WHUFC
Sweden and Freddie Ljungberg are getting closer to their opening match at
the European Championship
09.06.2008
Freddie Ljungberg is training hard with Sweden as they prepare for their
opening Euro 2008 encounter against defending champions Greece on Tuesday
night.
The West Ham United midfielder, who is working his way back to fitness after
a rib injury, is hoping any of the club's fans travelling over to the finals
in Austria and Switzerland will temporarily swap claret and blue for yellow
and get behind the Scandinavian nation in their Group D campaign. "I would
appreciate and welcome that," he said. "To be honest, when we play at home
we have good fans but when we travel abroad our following is great. So if we
can get some West Ham fans there too that would be even better. We would
really like to see them."
As captain of Sweden, Ljungberg would be the man to lift the Henri Delaunay
trophy should Lars Lagerback's men go all the way to the final in Vienna on
29 June. It may seem an unlikely prospect but then the same would have been
said about their first opponents four years ago. "It is going to be an
honour to lead my team out in the game and at the same time I am really
looking forward to the tournament this summer. We can do very well. That is
what we want to do."
Ljungberg is joined in the Sweden squad by some very experienced and
exciting names - not least Lyon midfielder Kim Kallstrom and Internazionale
forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Both men played major roles in their clubs
securing the French and Italian titles respectively and, with veteran
striker Henrik Larsson also in the mix, the attacking potential is there.
The squad have been in action over the weekend at their camp in Lugano, with
the media kept away and plenty of practice on defending set-pieces - the
formula that took Greece all the way last time. Group matches against Spain
and Russia follow on 14 and 18 June respectively.
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Capello positive on Ashton - WHUFC
Dean Ashton looks to have impressed Fabio Capello after his first taste of
senior international football
09.06.2008
Dean Ashton looks set for a run of games with England after receiving praise
from manager Fabio Capello today.
The 24-year-old striker made his first start at senior international level
in the 1 June friendly against Trinidad and Tobago, getting 45 minutes
before being replaced at half-time. Reflecting on the No9's contribution and
describing him as a "good footballer", Capello said: "Ashton will be with us
for the next few games, depending on if he's fit." The Italian coach has
also selected Robert Green and Matthew Upson in his squads over the past
season and they, along with midfielders Scott Parker and Kieron Dyer, will
also be looking to impress in future.
Speaking exclusively to whufc.com after his new five-year deal was agreed,
Ashton spoke of his desire to get another chance when England are next in
action against the Czech Republic on 20 August before 2010 World Cup
qualifying begins away to Andorra on 6 September. He said: "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.
You are playing with the top players in the country and it is only going to
help you."
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Ex Hammer to return? - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 9th June 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have made an enquiry for Fulham's Jimmy Bullard, according
to The People. Bullard, who began his career as a youngster with Ebbsfleet
moved to West Ham in 1999 for a fee worth around £30,000. However he failed
to make a single first team appearance and moved to Peterborough on a free
transfer two years later. After two years with Peterborough Bullard moved to
then-Championship outfit Wigan for £275,000 before signing for Fulham in
2006 for £2.5 million. Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is willing to listen to
offers for the 29-year-old in order to increase his summer warchest,
according to the paper.
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Here we go again - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 9th June 2008
By: Staff Writer
Sheffield United's arbitration case against West Ham United begins today.
The Blades are seeking damages from United having been relegated at the end
of the 2006/07 season. The Yorkshire club claim that the Hammers should
have been relegated instead for breaching Premier League rules regarding
third party ownership - despite there being no precedents to back up their
claims. The dispute - which is expected to last until the end of the week -
will be heard by a panel consisting of former MCC president Lord Griffiths,
former High Court judge Sir Anthony Colman and QC Robert Englehart. A result
is not likely to be known until the end of June; the panel has the capacity
to award damages to Sheffield United should they find in their favour.
Sheffield United were relegated on the final day of the 2006/07 season after
losing at home to Wigan whilst West Ham won 1-0 at Manchester United. It was
only after their relegation was confirmed that Blades Chairman Kevin McCabe
decided to launch legal action.
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Stars hang on - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 9th June 2008
By: Staff Writer
John Paintsil played a full 90 minutes for Ghana yesterday as the Black
Stars fought off a spirited second half comeback against Lesotho. The
Ghanaians had led 2-0 at the break in the World Cup Group 5 qualifier, being
played in neutral South Africa before adding a third shortly after through
Junior Agogo. However two late goals for Lesotho saw Ghana hanging on for
victory at the final whistle. It was the second win in a week for the
African Nations semi-finalists, who began their qualifying campaign by
beating Libya 3-0 in Kumasi on June 1st. Ghanaian coach Silas Tetteh,
speaking after the game said:
"It was disappointing to concede the two late goals, we lost concentration.
Giving away two late goals like that is not good for a team that wants to
qualify for the World Cup. "But it was a spectacular result, six points is
the maximum and we can now build on this. Six goals in two matches, too, is
very good."
Paintsil is due to feature for Ghana again later this week (Saturday, 14th
June) when they take on Gabon in Libreville. The two sides meet again a week
later (Sunday, 22nd June) in Accra in the return fixture.
African World Cup Group 5: current standings
1. Ghana 2-6
2. Libya 2-3
3. Gabon 1-0
4. Lesotho 1-0
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Capello backs Ashton - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 9th June 2008
By: Staff Writer
Dean Ashton has received the support of England manager Fabio Capello
following criticism from some quarters for his performance against Trinidad
& Tobago. Ashton finally made his England debut in the Caribbean a fortnight
ago, playing the first 45 minutes of a 3-0 win. Afterwards his performance
was criticised in some quarters. However Capello insists that he was
perfectly happy with the United striker's contribution. "Yes, he will be
with us for the next games as long as he is fit," he said. "I don't
understand the criticism of Ashton because the England shirt brings a lot of
pressure. He is a good player."
Ashton, who signed a new five-year deal with the Hammers last week was first
called up to the squad two years ago but a broken ankle ruled him out for
the whole season.
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Blades back in court over Tevez - SSN
Sheffield United back in court over Tevez affair
Last updated: 9th June 2008
Sheffield United have entered the courts again as they make a final attempt
to gain compensation from West Ham for their relegation in 2007. The Blades
are seeking between £30m and £50m from the London club over the Carlos Tevez
affair, as they believe the Argentina star was ineligible when he played for
the side in the 2006/07 season. Sheffield United have already lost an
arbitration hearing against the Premier League, who declared Tevez eligible
after the club had been fined £5.5m for breaching the rules governing
third-party ownership of players. West Ham have declined to agree on a
settlement ahead of the hearing as they are convinced they are in the clear
following the earlier hearing that stated the player was eligible. But
Sheffield United hope that Kia Joorabchian, whose Media Sports Investments
company were responsible for taking Tevez to West Ham, will offer new
information that may shift the balance in their favour. Joorabchian has a
pending case against West Ham as he believes the club owes him £7.1m.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Summer Diary... - West Ham Online
Alex V - Mon Jun 9 2008
Great to see Dean Ashton sign up for some obscene contract, but one that
ties him to the club for at least longer than the next five minutes.
I feel Ashton has been utterly misrepresented as a player in recent months.
I think drive and passion has been misrepresented as self-centred arrogance
by many fans - I read Ashton as a player who desperately wants to deliver on
whatever potential he has, and quite single-minded in that regard.
It is now well-noted that any ego shown by players is immediately criticised
by West Ham fans - we clearly don't want players at the club who want to
actually do well. We want players who graft quietly to no particular effect
- the mid-ability grafters are our heroes. Robert Green. George McCartney.
Mark Noble. Bobby Zamora. Quite why Hayden Mullins doesn't fit the criteria
is beyond me - too cool for school?
Anyway, stuff your work ethic - I want ambition. Hard work is a means to an
end, or at least it should be. I love Robert Green, but eccentric
goalkeepers don't win you silverware. Players like Dean Ashton win you
silverware - players with a swagger and an arrogance to them, who do not
accept mediocrity as the norm. Ashton will not be happy until he is a
20-goal a season Premiership striker.
######################
I'm sad to see Nol Solano go, though I accept it may be for the long-term
benefit of the club. He's just another of those players who you only
appreciate fully when you see them up close. I have been complaining that
the playing staff are generally too old, and also that there are too many
players for younger promise to be given the chance to shine. So when the
club jettison one of the oldest players in the squad I can hardly complain.
With Faubert, Dyer and Ljungberg presumably ahead of Solano for a place on
the right, the logic seems pretty sound.
While Nolberto definitely had a decent season with the Hammers, I think he
shone more brightly when tucked into central midfield. Playing as an
out-and-out wide man his lack of pace was much more obvious. Can't deny that
he was damned good at taking direct free-kicks though - I think these dead
ball situations are important enough these days for Curbs to actually
consider signings on that basis. Shorey may be a debatable long-term
prospect at his age, but he can certainly deliver a set-piece.
I also think that if the wage-bill were not something of an issue, Solano
would be kept on - I would bet he was generally a good influence at the
club, and never really let anyone down on the pitch. Evidence that the
scissors are being wielded.
########################
On the subject of wages, I have been assured that Carlton Cole is not one of
the club's top wage earners, contrary to previous rumours.
In a rather spurious list of the top earners in World football (from a
Spanish football website I think), Cole was listed on one of West Ham's most
lucrative contracts. But I now think that the list is mostly speculation,
and that Cole is on an average wage at the club. Obviously in comparison
with real life, all of these contracts are obscene...
But it's good news to find that Cole is not draining away the finances of
West Ham at an inflated rate - I think he is a tremendous prospect, and
those who have written him off too early will regret it later. I would hate
to see him prosper at another club when he could be doing it here - it would
make no sense for the club to start throwing out top prospects in their
early twenties just as they start to show their true promise.
#########################
More rumours surrounding Freddie Ljungberg's future at the club - it's easy
to forget that Ljungberg is probably the most highly decorated and respected
player to ever join our club.
But the rumours are persistent, and so outlandish that it almost lends them
credibility. At first the idea that we would pay him to leave seemed
outrageous, but in fact that is standard practice when a player doesn't
demand a transfer. And a recent rumour that he was offered to Roma just
seems too specific to be utterly groundless - I fear that his days are
numbered.
Typical of the negative mentality that exists within us - as soon as he
joined us the natural reaction was to suggest that he was finished as a
force. I don't buy that - quality like that does not just disappear past the
age of 30, and I just see absolutely no reason why a fully fit Ljungberg
couldn't threaten as the best player at West Ham in the next few seasons.
I do think, though, that some within West Ham disagree with that assessment.
If his contract is as obscene as rumoured, he may be seen as a destablising
effect on other contract negotiations and the mood in general at the club. I
am utterly blinkered on this issue though - I just think Ljungberg is
supremely talented as a footballer, and no other issue seems as important.
#################################
And all this ties in with Eggert Magnusson, and the other revelations coming
out of the club recently. He may have seemed cheery on camera, and had a
good rapport with the fans, but his handling of the club seems to have been
far from satisfactory considering recent events.
First the news that Terry Brown is sueing for £6 million for the nature of
his treatment from Magnusson last season. While the idea of Brown getting
yet more money out of West Ham seems tasteless in the extreme, it does also
seem that he has a water tight case - he was made contractual promises when
selling off the club, which were not kept to.
Secondly this preposterous news that the club are hiring Joorabchian as an
adviser for a wage of £7.1 million rather than admit any liability in a
court of law over the Tevez affair. I actually quite respect Joorabchian as
a canny operator, and I doubt there is genuine malice over his dealings with
West Ham - who knows some good may come of it in the end.
Obviously the initial mess was not of Magnusson's doing, but when our
subsequent actions are costing us many millions of pounds in and out of
court questions must be asked over whether our chairman took the right
decisions under pressure last season.
And likewise the fans complaints over certain players wages seem to land at
Magnusson's feet also. It is he who negotiated and approved contracts that
clearly the club would rather wriggle out of where possible now. The
inference I draw is that Curbishley outlined the players he would like, and
Magnusson simply paid whatever he had to to get them - too much, basically.
Leaving the club, in wage terms, in an absolute mess - all the old guard are
wondering how much more they should be paid, creating a potential bottomless
pit of spending for the club.
The bottom line is that Magnusson left under a cloud and sold his stake in a
mysterious manner akin to Harry Redknapp's swift departure. The most likely
scenario - he was not-so-gently pushed out of the club, and perhaps rightly
so
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
England coach Fabio Capello backing Dean Ashton to impress on international
stage - Telegraph
By John Ley in Vienna
Last Updated: 3:05pm BST 09/06/2008
Fabio Capello has insisted that Dean Ashton has a future with England. The
England coach, in Vienna to watch World Cup opponents Croatia, took time out
from his scouting mission to promise the West Ham striker that, despite a
poor performance against Trinidad & Tobago, he still has the ability to lead
the line for his country. Capello said: "Yes, he will be with us for the
next games as long as he is fit. I don't understand the criticism of Ashton
because the England shirt brings a lot of pressure. He is a good player."
Ashton, who has just agreed a new three-year contract with West Ham, made
his England internal debut in Port of Spain, offering just one shot before
being replaced, at the interval, by Liverpool striker Peter Crouch. England
face Croatia in Zagreb in September and Capello is under no illusions about
the importance of the game, particularly after noticing weaknesses in last
night's generally disappointing performance. "We have to beat Croatia. They
are a good team with good organisation and they are a strong group. In the
last half-an-hour against Austria their spirit was very important. It will
not be an easy game, but we have to win against Croatia."
By the time England face the Czech Republic, in a Wembley friendly in
August, Capello is expected to confirm his full his permanent captain. So
far, Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard, John Terry, David Beckham and Gareth
Barry have all worn the captain's armband during Capello's three games.
Asked if he preferred a midfielder or defender as captain, the Italian gave
little away, saying only: "It's not important - but not the goalkeeper. I
prefer one player near to the referee to speak to him." Capello, however,
wants players operating regularly, so the onus is on Crouch, Wayne Bridge
and Shaun Wright-Phillips to either secure regular places or move. The
England manager added: "It's very important to see the players every week.
It's better for us if they play regularly because players are fit if they
play every game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Boss Capello offers Ashton an England lifeline despite debut to forget
against Trinidad & Tobago - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 4:51 PM on 09th June 2008
Fabio Capello insists that Dean Ashton had not blown his England chances
despite criticism of his international debut. Although the West Ham striker
won his first call-up two years ago, a serious ankle injury followed by a
knee problem meant he did not earn his first cap until last week's friendly
with Trinidad & Tobago. Ashton was substituted just after the break having
missed a couple of chances. By contrast, strike partner Jermain Defoe was
twice on target in a 3-0 victory. However, England coach Capello said:
"Ashton will be with us for the next few games, depending on if he's fit. I
don't understand the criticism against him. "The English shirt always puts a
lot of pressure on you, but he's a good footballer." Capello also added he
would only consider players who were getting regular first-team action.
"It's very important to see them every week," he said. "It means they're
very fit and okay for us."
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Blades begin Tevez compensation fight
Sheffield United began their final legal challenge over the Carlos Tevez
affair today
Taimour Lay and agencies guardian.co.uk,
Monday June 9 2008
Sheffield United began their final legal challenge over the Carlos Tevez
affair today. The Blades are seeking between £30m and £50m in compensation
in what is thought to be the first damages claim of its kind at the highest
level of the sport in England.
The Championship club claim West Ham United's fielding of an ineligible
player caused their relegation from the Premier League in 2007. The hearings
in London, under the auspices of the Football Association, will be
considered by a three-man panel, made up of Lord Griffiths, a former
president of MCC, Sir Anthony Colman, a former High Court judge, and Robert
Englehart, QC. It is expected to last 10 days.
Sheffield United lost an arbitration hearing against the Premier League last
year and the latest civil action is considered to be their last throw of the
dice. West Ham have admitted breaching Premier League rules in the transfer
of Carlos Tévez from Brazilian club Corinthians two years ago but argue that
they provided all relevant information to the Premier League, who then
declared the striker eligible after fining the club £5.5m for breaching
rules on third-party ownership of players.
The Argentinian forward helped to rescue West Ham from the drop as they
ended the 2007-8 campaign three points above Sheffield United. Sheffield
United are hoping Tevez's representative, Kia Joorabchian, may provide some
new information that could persuade the latest panel to find in their
favour.
Tevez moved from West Ham to Manchester United last summer after
Joorabchian's company, Media Sports Investments, agreed to pay the London
club £2m.
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Blades make final throw of dice in bid to win £50m compensation from West
Ham over Tevezgate - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 9:14 PM on 09th June 2008
Sheffield United today embarked on their final legal challenge over the
Carlos Tevez affair in an effort to win compensation for being relegated a
year ago.
The Blades have taken West Ham to an arbitration hearing and are seeking
between £30million and £50million in compensation. The Coca-Cola
Championship club claim the Hammers are to blame for their relegation from
the Premier League a year ago, and for playing Tevez, who they claim was
ineligible. West Ham have refused any opportunity to settle before the
hearing and insist they have a robust case, based mainly on the grounds that
they had provided all the relevant information about Tevez to the Premier
League, who then declared the striker eligible after the Hammers had been
fined £5.5million for breaching rules on third-party ownership of players.
Sheffield United lost an arbitration hearing against the Premier League last
year and this action, which takes place under the auspices of the Football
Association, is their last throw of the dice.
The Blades are hoping Tevez's representative, Kia Joorabchian, may provide
some new information that may persuade the latest panel to find in their
favour. Tevez moved from West Ham to Manchester United last summer after
Joorabchian's company, Media Sports Investments, agreed to pay the London
club £2million. The hearing, which is taking place behind closed doors in
London, has been pencilled in for 10 days, with a decision to be reached
towards the end of the month.
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West Ham eye Uruguay striker Cavani and Reading marksman Harper - Daily Mail
Last updated at 11:41 PM on 09th June 2008
West Ham are lining up a move for Uruguay striker Edison Cavani, 21, who
scored five goals in 33 games for Palermo last season. They are also keen
on Reading's James Harper, wanted by Middlesbrough. Boro have joined the
chase for Paris St Germain midfielder Didier Digard.
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End in sight for Blades in 'Tevez Affair' - Sheffield Star
SHEFFIELD United expect to discover the outcome of their legal case against
West Ham following the Carlos Tevez Affair early next month. A three-man
arbitration panel, comprised of a former High Court Judge, an ex-president
of the MCC and a leading silk, began examining United's claim for
compensation in London yesterday, but it is likely to be several weeks
before they reach a judgment.
Kevin McCabe, United's plc chairman, has spearheaded the Championship club's
fight for justice since it emerged the Londoners had committed a serious
breach of transfer regulations when they signed the Argentine and his
compatriot Javier Mascherano from Corinthians two years ago.
United argue that Tevez, who like Mascherano has since left Upton Park,
should have been deemed ineligible for selection for the remainder of the
2006/07 campaign which saw Neil Warnock's side relegated on the final day of
the season.
Although details outlining the exact remit of the process are scarce, it is
believed that, unlike in previous investigations, United can introduce fresh
evidence into proceedings.
Senior figures from Bramall Lane's board of directors travelled to the
capital to attend the opening statements and are scheduled to remain in
London until the hearing, which is likely to last several days, draws to a
close.
The men who will consider United's case
Lord William Griffiths: A keen sportsman, Griffiths is a former president of
both the MCC and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club. Served in the Welsh Guards
during World War Two and awarded a Military Cross before entering the legal
profession. Became a Law Lord in 1985.
Sir Anthony Colman: One of the country's most senior judges. Played an
influential role in reforming the Czech Republic's judiciary. Special-ises
in commercial litigation, particularly international oil and gas industry
disputes, and arbitration law and practice.
Robert Englehart QC: Educated at Trinity College Oxford and Harvard Law
School, Englehart speaks Italian and French. Includes commercial, media,
entertainment, broadcasting and the European Union among his areas of
expertise.
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Hammers in the hunt for Harper - Guardian Series
WEST Ham are weighing up a bid for Reading midfielder James Harper,
according to reports. The Daily Mail has suggested that the east Londoners
are keen to take the former Arsenal trainee to Upton Park. But Middlesbrough
and Premier League newboys Stoke have also both been linked with a move for
the 27-year-old. Harper is the Royals third longest-serving player, having
made almost 300 appearances. But he will is eager to leave the club
following their relegation to the Championship and Reading are rumoured to
have already lined up Swansea's Dutch midfielder Ferrie Bodde as a
replacement.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham rival Middlesbrough's Reading's Harper
tribalfootball.com - June 09, 2008
West Ham are making a move for Reading midfielder James Harper.
Middlesbrough are well down the road to landing Harper, but the Daily Mail
says the Hammers are also keen on the ex-Arsenal trainee.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham sound out Palermo for Cavani
tribalfootball.com - June 09, 2008
West Ham United have made contact with Palermo for striker Edinson Cavani.
The young Uruguayan is regarded as one of the hottest attacking talents from
South America, but will struggle for first team action next season in
Sicily. The Hammers have been in contact with Palermo president Maurizio
Zamparini, who admits he could send the player away on-loan next term.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham eyeing Triestina striker Granoche
tribalfooball.com - June 09, 2008
West Ham United are eyeing Triestina striker Pablo Granoche. Granoche is
regarded as one of the best attacking talents outside of Serie A in Italy
and is highly admired by new Hammers football chief Gianluca Nani.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham must drop price for Roma target Ljungberg
tribalfootball.com - June 09, 2008
West Ham United must drop their asking price if they're to offload Freddie
Ljungberg to Roma. Italian sources say the Hammers have encouraged Roma to
bid for the Swede, but the Giallorosso won't meet their £2.5 million asking
price.
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Harper To West Ham - Bodde To Reading? - swansonline.nst
READING have again been linked with Swansea's Dutch midfield ace Ferrie
Bodde after fresh interest from West Ham in their combative defensive
midfielder James Harper. Royals boss Steve Coppell has said that he will
only make signings once players have left and according to the Reading
Evening Post, Bodde is said to be high on that list should Harper leave the
Madejski Stadium. Midfielder Emerse Fae is also set to join French club Nice
which could also be fuel for Coppell to launch a bid for the former ADO Den
Haag man Bodde. Derby dropped out of the chase to sign the Dutch hotshot
after Swansea rejected their 'laughable' bid of £750.000. Middlesborough,
Wolves and Sunderland are also said to be interested in the 26 year old
midfielder but no official approach has been made.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Redknapp eyes Royals appointment - Clubcall
20080609 15:20
Portsmouth have reportedly turned to Reading left-back Nicky Shorey but face
a battle with West Ham to land him. Pompey are on the look-out for quality
additions and £5m-rated Shorey appears to be the new name in the frame as
the England international looks to move to a higher profile club. West Ham
have long been linked with Shorey but Uefa Cup football could be more
appealing for the 27-year-old who would have been on his way out of the
Madejski Stadium even if the Royals had not been relegated last season
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Chelsea Midfield Star in High Demand:
Manchester City, Aston Villa, West Ham, Sunderland, Newcastle, Fulham,
Everton & Blackburn all in the Hunt! - footballpools.com
Chelsea's 25-year-old midfielder Steve Sidwell is attracting interest from
almost half the teams in the Premier League despite a non-event of a first
season at Stamford Bridge. The 25-year-old free transfer signing looks set
to be cut from the Blues playing staff next season whichever manager is
brought in.
The growing list of none admirers consists of Manchester City, Aston Villa,
West Ham, Sunderland, Newcastle, Fulham and Blackburn for the moment. This
interest is high seeing that Sidwell played just 15 League games for Chelsea
last season with only 7 of thiose games in the starting 11. In fact, only
once did the former Arsenal junior play a full 90 minutes of Premier League
football. However, such were Sidwell's performances for Reading he remains
one of the hottest properties in English football.
In the Royals first season in the Premier League Sidwell started 35 games
and was a driving force behind their 8th placed finish. However, without
their leader Reading crashed to 18th position this season and were therefore
relegated and thus the interest in the young Englishman is justified. Villa
are thought to be the front runners for his signature with the expected
departure of Gareth Barry to Liverpool. However, they'll face an almighty
8-club battle for the player who reportedly earns £50,000 a week at Stamford
Bridge despite being nothing but a bit part player.
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QPR chasing West Ham's Zamora
tribalfootball.com - June 09, 2008
QPR are chasing West Ham United striker Bobby Zamora. The News of the World
says R's boss Iain Dowie is seeking talks with Zamora, who is expected to be
offered new terms by the Hammers.
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Newcastle, Aston Villa, Portsmouth & West Ham in 4-Way Battle for Barcelona
Striker - footballpools.com
Barcelona's summer clearout could see Icelandic striker Eidur Gudjohnsen
return to the Premier League with a number of clubs reportedly interested in
him. West Ham lead the chase for the former Chelsea man as he's said to
favour a move back to London and would link up with the Hammers compatriot
Icelandic owners. However, Newcastle, Villa and Portsmouth are all in the
hunt.
The 29-year-old has spent a frustrating 2 seasons in Spain and has found his
route into the first team blocked by Barca'a array of stars. In the forward
positions Gudjohnsen has to compete with the likes of Ronaldinho, Thierry
Henry, Samuel Eto'o, Giovani, Lionel Messi and Bojan for a place. Whilst in
midfield the likes of Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Deco have all blocked him
playing for the Catalan giants.
The Icelandic star has made just 26 League starts in Spain and just 48
League appearances overall whilst scoring a mere 7 goals. In the whole of
the 2007/08 season Gudjohnsen played a full 90 minutes on just 8 occasions
and is deemed surplus to requirements by the new regime. However, with 20
international goals to his name in just 50 appearances the former Chelsea
and Bolton man has still got a lot to offer the Premier League.
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Eidur on Curbishley radar - Clubcall
20080609 11:35
West Ham appear favourites to sign striker Eidur Gudjohnsen from Barcelona
despite interest from Premier League rivals Newcastle. The former Chelsea
star has been struggling with a lack of first-team opportunities at Camp Nou
for the past couple of seasons and has confirmed he would like a move back
to England. There is no shortage of interested parties but it appears to be
Hammers boss Alan Curbishley, who tried and failed to land the 29-year-old
Iceland international last season, who leads the race this time largely due
to the fact that Upton Park supremo Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson is a confidante
and compatriot.
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Neill not needed by Socceroos - TeamTalk
Lucas Neill will miss Australia's World Cup qualifier against Qatar on
Saturday as coach Pim Verbeek does not plan to change his defence. Verbeek
has decided to retain the same backline which played in the 1-0 defeat to
Iraq. West Ham defender Neill has sat out both of Australia's June
qualifiers so far after partner Lindsay gave birth to twins last week. He
was expected to link-up with the national side on Sunday in Dubai but
Verbeek has opted to utilise defenders already acclimatised to the extreme
heat in the Middle East against the Qataris. The 30-year-old will now
instead travel direct to Sydney for the Socceroos' final Group One game
against China on June 22.
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