Wednesday, July 23

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - II 23rd July 2008

Behrami signs five-year contract - WHUFC
Swiss international Valon Behrami is the latest recruit for West Ham United
ahead of the new campaign
23.07.2008

West Ham United have secured the signing of the highly regarded Switzerland
international Valon Behrami in a £5m deal from Serie A giants Lazio.

The versatile performer, who can play at right-back and across midfield, was
coveted by some of Europe's leading clubs but chose to switch to the Boleyn
Ground. He has already passed a medical and agreed a five-year contract. The
deal follows on from the club securing England striker Dean Ashton on a new
long-term contract, welcoming back players like Craig Bellamy and Kieron
Dyer from injury, and the arrival of promising Iceland Under-21 defender
Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson.

Speaking this morning, a delighted Behrami, who will wear the No21 shirt
next season, said: "I am very happy to last be able to sign for West Ham.
For me it is a dream come true to play for the club and in the Premier
League. I am very much looking forward to becoming part of the team here.

"After the European Championships, I spoke with West Ham who expressed their
interest in me coming here. It was important for me to talk with everyone
here and, when I did, I was very pleased to see what they wanted from me and
what the plans are now and in the future for the team. It was something that
enabled me to make my decision very quickly and now I can't wait to train
and play for West Ham."

West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury said: "We are delighted to have signed
Valon. We beat off a lot of interest from other clubs to get him and we are
very pleased to now have him here at West Ham United. He is a player who
will be a valuable addition to the squad as we aim for a successful season
ahead."

"Valon's signing is also an indication of the club's positive ambitions and
shows that, contrary to some reports, we are firmly committed to
strengthening the playing staff. There will not be a mass exodus and fans
can be assured that we are working hard as always to ensure high-calibre
competition in all areas of the team."

The 23-year-old, who played all three games for his country at the Euro 2008
finals earlier this summer and now has 15 caps, has risen to prominence
since signing for Serie A giants Lazio in July 2005. A fans' favourite, he
played 64 league games for the Roman club, scoring four goals, and played
four times in last season's Champions League.

Behrami, who wore the No85 shirt for Lazio, previously played for Genoa and
Verona having moved across the border in 2003 from Lugano, a town in the
Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. The Kosovo-born player had also attracted
attention at international level for Switzerland, having been capped at
various youth levels.

For his country's senior side, he featured at the 2006 World Cup after
scoring a crucial goal in their qualifying success against Turkey. That then
set him up for the memorable experience of this summer's European
Championship on home soil where he again showed his promise to a global
audience. He is set to meet his new team-mates for the first time when they
return from the North American tour at the weekend.

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West Ham sign Lazio star Behrami - BBC

West Ham have signed Switzerland international Valon Behrami from Lazio in a
£5m deal. Behrami, 23, can play at right-back or on the right side of
midfield and has signed a five-year contract. He started all of
Switzerland's games at Euro 2008 and the Hammers had to beat off interest
from clubs in England and Germany to complete the deal. Behrami has 15 caps
and was a regular for Lazio, playing for the Rome side in last year's
Champions League. He said:"It's my dream come true to play for West Ham and
play in the Premier League. "At last I am able to sign. After the Euro 2008
Championships I spoke to West Ham who had expressed an interest but I had to
be sure it was the right thing for everybody. "I have now made my decision
and am looking forward to being part of this side and playing in the English
league."
West Ham's chief executive Scott Duxbury insists the signing of Behrami
shows that reports of the club struggling to find the finances to strengthen
the squad this season are nonsense. He said: "Valon is a player who will a
valuable addition to the squad as we aim for a successful season ahead. "His
signing also indicates the club's positive ambitions. Contrary to some
reports we are fully committed to strengthening the playing staff. "There
will not be a mass exodus and fans can be assured we are working as hard as
always to ensure high-calibre competition in all areas of the team."

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Behrami army - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 23rd July 2008
By: Staff Writer

West Ham have made their first major signing of the summer, landing Swiss
international Valon Behrami. The former Lazio star, who can play at full
back and in midfield (predominantly on the right-side) was confirmed as a
Hammer this lunchtime, several months after first being linked with a move
to East London. He joins United in a £5million switch from the Italian
outfit.
The 23-year old, who will wear the number 21 shirt next season told
whufc.com: "I am very happy to sign for West Ham. For me it is a dream come
true to play for the club and in the Premier League. I am very much looking
forward to becoming part of the team here. "After the European Championships
I spoke with West Ham who expressed their interest in me coming here. It was
important for me to talk with everyone here and, when I did, I was very
pleased to see what they wanted from me and what the plans are now and in
the future for the team. It was something that enabled me to make my
decision very quickly and now I can't wait to train and play for West Ham."
Hammers CEO Scott Duxbury also expressed his delight at the arrival of
Behrami, adding: "We beat off a lot of interest from other clubs to get him
and we are very pleased to now have him here at West Ham United. He is a
player who will be a valuable addition to the squad. "Valon's signing is
also an indication of the club's positive ambitions and shows that, contrary
to some reports, we are firmly committed to strengthening the playing staff.
"There will not be a mass exodus and fans can be assured that we are working
hard as always to ensure high-calibre competition in all areas of the team."


Behrami played against the Hammers in last summer's friendly between the two
teams in Lebring, Austria. He was a half-time substitute in a game won 2-0
by Lazio; the goals coming from Guglielmo Stendardo and Goran Pandev.

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Hammers seal Behrami capture - SSN
Switzerland international joins on five-year deal
By Lewis Rutledge Last updated: 23rd July 2008

West Ham have completed the signing of Valon Behrami on a five-year contract
from Lazio. The Switzerland international, who can play in midfield or
defence, has moved to Upton Park for a fee of £5million. The 23-year-old had
been linked with a number of top clubs from across the continent but the
Hammers have won the chase after tracking him for much of the summer.
Behrami is delighted to have joined and is now looking to make an impact in
the Premier League. "I am very happy to be able to sign for West Ham,"
Behrami told the club's official website. "For me it is a dream come true to
play for the club and in the Premier League. "I am very much looking forward
to becoming part of the team here." Behrami started all three of
Switzerland's matches at Euro 2008 and has made 15 appearances in total for
his country. He is West Ham's second summer signing following the arrival of
Iceland Under 21 defender Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson.

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10 Things… about new West Ham signing Valon Behrami
By Dan Silver, Mirror.co.uk 23/07/2008

Lazio star Valon Behrami has completed his £5million move to West Ham
United, signing a five year deal. Here's everything you need to know about
the man they call 'the Swiss David Beckham'…

1) Valon Behrami was born on 19 April 1985 in Mitrovica, Kosovo. However,
his Kosovan parents moved to Stabio – a small village in the
Italian-speaking part of Switzerland – when he was very young, which is how
he became a Swiss national.

2) He played for a number of Swiss sides as a youth – FC Stabio, FC Chiasso
and FC Lugano – before being jointly signed by Genoa and Udinese in 2003. A
year later Genoa bought out Udinese's stake and promptly loaned Behrami to
Serie B side Hellas Verona.

3) After impressing at Verona, Italian giants Lazio signed Behrami in 2005.
Operating both on the right wing and at full-back, he went on to make 64
appearances in Serie A, scoring four goals for the club.

4) All of which you can see on you tube

5) He will forever be feted in one half of Italy's capital for scoring
Lazio's winner in the Rome derby earlier this year - severely denting arch
rivals Roma's title hopes in the process.

6) It was lucky he did, because Behrami was comically responsible for Roma's
opener, when his attempted clearance cannoned off Taddei's head and into the
back of the Lazio net. Watch it at about 1:07 below:

7) He'd represented Switzerland at U-18 and U-19 before making his debut as
a last minute substitute against France during a World Cup qualifier in
October 2005. Behrami has scored two goals for his country, including a
crucial strike against Turkey in the 2006 World Cup qualifying play-off.

8) He's often been called the 'Swiss David Beckham' on account of his
flamboyantly fashionable hair-cuts, penchant for tattoos and the fact that
he dates Italian supermodel Elena Bonzanni.

9) And here's a link to a picture of the happy couple.They'll fit in well
tucking into some pre-match pie 'n' mash in Ken's Café on a Saturday
afternoon.

10) Despite being valued recently at £11m, it was rumoured that Behrami was
going to invoke the Webster Clause to buy out his contract in order to move
to Upton Park. But Hammers sporting director Gianluca Nani predicted Lazio
and West Ham would be able to work out a "solution that doesn't consider
Fifa article 17". They obviously got it sorted and Behrami will be pulling
on a West Ham shirt next season.

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West Ham swoop for Swiss international Behrami
Staff and agencies guardian.co.uk, Wednesday July 23, 2008

West Ham United have signed the Swiss international utility player Valon
Behrami from Lazio for £5m. Behrami, who can play at right-back or across
midfield, has agreed a five-year contract. He joined Lazio in 2005 and made
69 appearances for the Serie A club, scoring four goals, and represented
Switzerland at the 2006 World Cup and this summer's European Championship.

"I am very happy to at last be able to sign for West Ham," said Behrami, who
was born in Kosovo but moved to Switzerland as a child. "For me it is a
dream come true to play for the club and in the Premier League. I am very
much looking forward to becoming part of the team here.

"After the European Championships, I spoke with West Ham who expressed their
interest in me coming here. It was important for me to talk with everyone
here and, when I did, I was very pleased to see what they wanted from me and
what the plans are now and in the future for the team. It was something that
enabled me to make my decision very quickly and now I can't wait to train
and play for West Ham."

West Ham's chief executive, Scott Duxbury, said the club were delighted to
have secured 23-year-old Behrami. "We beat off a lot of interest from other
clubs to get him and we are very pleased to now have him here at West Ham
United," said Duxbury. "He is a player who will be a valuable addition to
the squad as we aim for a successful season ahead."

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Swiss star Behrami secures 'dream' move to Hammers - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 2:52 PM on 23rd July 2008

West Ham have completed the £5million signing of Switzerland international
Valon Behrami from Lazio. The 23-year-old can play at right-back or in
midfield and has signed a five-year deal with the Barclays Premier League
club after passing a medical. Behrami, who has 15 caps, played in all three
of his country's matches at Euro 2008 and was a regular for Lazio, playing
for the Rome side in last year's Champions League. Behrami told West Ham's
official website, www.whufc.co.uk: 'It's my dream come true to play for West
Ham and play in the Premier League. 'At last I am able to sign. After the
Euro 2008 Championships I spoke to West Ham who had expressed an interest
but I had to be sure it was the right thing for everybody. 'I have now made
my decision and am looking forward to being part of this side and playing in
the English league.'

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Hammers Bag 5m Behrami - The Sun

WEST HAM new boy Valon Behrami was won over by the club's plans for the
future. The Switzerland international has finally completed his £5million
move from Lazio after weeks of negotiations. And the right-back says he
cannot wait to get started with the Hammers. Behrami said: "After the
European Championships, I spoke with West Ham who expressed their interest
in me coming here. "It was important for me to talk with everyone here and,
when I did, I was very pleased to see what they wanted from me and what the
plans are now and in the future for the team. "It was something that enabled
me to make my decision very quickly and now I can't wait to train and play
for West Ham."
Behrami, 23, has signed a five-year deal at Upton Park after spending the
last three years in Italy. West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury hailed his
arrival and refuted claims of a mass exodus from the club. He said: "We are
delighted to have signed Valon. We beat off a lot of interest from other
clubs to get him and we are very pleased to now have him here. "He is a
player who will be a valuable addition to the squad as we aim for a
successful season ahead. "Valon's signing is also an indication of the
club's positive ambitions and shows that, contrary to some reports, we are
firmly committed to strengthening the playing staff. "There will not be a
mass exodus and fans can be assured that we are working hard as always to
ensure high-calibre competition in all areas of the team."

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West Ham United complete £5m Valon Behrami deal
Times Online and agencies

West Ham United have completed the £5 million signing of Valon Behrami from
Lazio. The 23-year-old Swiss international has signed a five-year contract
at Upton Park after passing a medical. Behrami, who has 15 caps, can play at
right back or in midfield and played in all three of his country's matches
at Euro 2008. "It's my dream come true to play for West Ham and play in the
Premier League," Behrami said. "At last I am able to sign. After the Euro
2008 Championships I spoke to West Ham who had expressed an interest but I
had to be sure it was the right thing for everybody. "I have now made my
decision and am looking forward to being part of this side and playing in
the English league."

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Hammers skipper Neil aiming for Europe - Guardian Series
3:09pm Wednesday 23rd July 2008

WEST HAM skipper Lucas Neill has revealed that the club will be aiming for
European football this campaign, writes Craig Rodhouse. The Hammers finished
tenth last term and Neill now believes that the Irons are ready to break
into the top five this season. "Last year we finished 10th without all our
supposed big names and I thought it was a superb effort considering all the
things that were going against us, and this year the only way is up.
Realistically, everyone, every year is challenging for fifth and we are no
different. We are going to start the sason with that objective and see how
it ends" Neill told the Newham recorder. And with the likes of Craig
Bellamy, Julien Faubert and Keiran Dyer all returning to full fitness, Neill
believes that the Hammers can become a real threat next campaign. "It is
fantastic to get them back and they are going to be very influential for us
this year. There are some big players with big reputations and without
disrespecting last year, they are players we missed. To have them fit and
available this time round will pose a real threat in the Premier league."
The 30-year-old had a disappointing campaign with the east Londoners, but
believes that with a full pre-season under his belt it will be a completely
different story next season "Last year, I didn't have a proper pre-season
and as a result I couldn't lay any proper fitness foundations" "Now I've had
three or four weeks training already and I feel great, so from me there will
be big improvements and like many people, I've still got lots to prove at
West Ham and I'm looking forward to doing just that"
And after a frustrating last season, Neill is hoping he can find his best
form with the Irons next term. Hopefully I can show the sort of form when I
first came, that's what I'm looking for."

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Andrew Johnson Bagged for £10.5M - Cmon Yu Irons
July 23, 2008

Everton accept a bid of £10.5m for Andrew Johnson and Fulham have beaten
West Ham to sign him. West Ham were rumoured to be in the chase to sign AJ
with Fulham, Wigan and Sunderland. Andy Johnson was not included in last
nights game against Preston North End and was not included in either the
starting line-up or among the substitutes, which fuelled rumours he was on
his way somewhere. Its not bad news for West Ham as the club are trying to
secure players that are not after high wage demands, and as a Hammers
supporter i have to admit, i am glad we missed out on this signing, if the
rumours were true.

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The Skinny On Behrami - Just Like My Dreams

Full name: Valon Behrami
Date of birth: April 19, 1985
Birthplace: Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia
Nationality: Swiss
2nd nationality: Albanian
EU passport: No
Height: 186 cms
Weight: 78 kgs
Position: Defender/Midfielder [R]
Squad Number: 85
Previous clubs: Stabio, Chiasso, Lugano, Genoa, Verona, Lazio
International debut: October 2005, v France

West Ham United have finally confirmed the signing of the highly regarded
Switzerland international Valon Behrami in a £5 million deal from Serie A
heavyweights Lazio. According to the official site the versatile performer,
who can operate at right-back and across midfield, has already passed a
medical and agreed a five-year contract.

Speaking this morning, a delighted Behrami, who will wear the No21 shirt
next season, said: "I am very happy at last to be able to sign for West Ham.
For me it is a dream come true to play for the club and in the Premier
League. I am very much looking forward to becoming part of the team here.
After the European Championships, I spoke with West Ham who expressed their
interest in me coming here. It was important for me to talk with everyone
here and, when I did, I was very pleased to see what they wanted from me and
what the plans are now and in the future for the team. It was something that
enabled me to make my decision very quickly and now I can't wait to train
and play for West Ham."

West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury said: "We are delighted to have signed
Valon. We beat off a lot of interest from other clubs to get him and we are
very pleased to now have him here at West Ham United. He is a player who
will be a valuable addition to the squad as we aim for a successful season
ahead. Valon's signing is also an indication of the club's positive
ambitions and shows that, contrary to some reports, we are firmly committed
to strengthening the playing staff. There will not be a mass exodus and fans
can be assured that we are working hard as always to ensure high-calibre
competition in all areas of the team."

Valon Behrami was born April 19, 1985 in Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia. He came
to Switzerland in 1990 as a five-year old, with his father Ragip, his mother
Halime and his sister Valentina, aged eight. Prior to the move, the
political and economic situation in his home town in northern Kosovo had
deteriorated to the point where both parents had lost their jobs, the mother
as a secretary, the father as manager of the plastics company Koplast. To
offer their children a better future the Behramis finally left for
Switzerland, moving to Stabio, a village in the Italian-speaking part of the
country. For four long years, their asylum application had been repeatedly
rejected until the concerted action of the family's lawyer, the relevant
authorities and committees in Bellinzona and the family's entire scholastic
and professional environment in southern Ticino finally obtained residence
permits.

Looking back, Halime Behrami says: "As a child, running was Valon's
favourite pastime – he just never got tired. Even now, he can hardly sit
still for a second. He always needs a ball at his feet". As a youngster,
Behrami won four regional cross-country titles. Needing other ways to
channel his energy he started out playing football with Swiss club sides FC
Stabio and FC Chiasso before moving on to FC Lugano in 1996. He made his
first-team debut for the Challenge division side six years later and
impressed sufficiently during a handful of early appearances to entice
Italian sides Genoa and Udinese to enter into a joint ownership deal in the
2003–04 season. He played for Genoa in the Serie B championship and the
following season Genoa secured the full rights to the player and loaned him
out to Hellas Verona, again in Serie B.

After an impressive season with Hellas Verona, Lazio signed him in the
summer of 2005. He quickly found favour with the club's supporters; scoring
his first Serie A goal in February 2006 in a 2-1 win at Fiorentina. He
rapidly became regarded as one of the Rome-based clubs untouchable players,
but a succession of injury problems and contractual wranglings saw Behrami
linked with a move away from Stadio Olimpico- with Tottenham, Liverpool,
Manchester City, Sevilla Hamburg and Bayern Munich known to be among his
admirers. In March of this year he etched his name into Lazio folklore with
the 92nd minute winning goal against AS Roma in the 'Derby della Capitale';
a goal that effectively ended their rival's challenge for the Scudetto. Last
season was an injury troubled campaign which saw Behrami, like most his
teammates, struggling for form and fitness. The fact he also played often
out of position on the left side of midfield did little to help his cause.
Earlier in the year he did make his UEFA Champions League bow in a 2-2 draw
at home to Real Madrid.

Behrami was granted Swiss nationality in 2004. He played for U17s, U18s,
U19s and U21s before making his full international debut as a substitute in
Switzerland's World Cup qualifier at home to France in October 2005. One
month later, he scored his adopted country's second goal in their
2-0-playoff win at home to Turkey. During the 2006 World Cup, Behrami
suffered a groin injury which put him on the sidelines for the first two
group matches. In the third match against Korea Republic, he was substituted
late in the game and then did not participate in the loss to Ukraine in the
last 16 knockout round of matches. Over the next two years Behrami
established himself as a regular on the international scene and he was in
the starting eleven for Switzerland in all three matches during the recent
UEFA European Football Championship playing a total of 272 minutes.

Despite his regular inclusion, Behrami has developed the reputation of being
an outsider within the Swiss squad; something not helped by the language and
cultural barriers within the group. With his tattoos (he has a prominant one
on his right arm displaying the gothic letters RVHV which stands for Ragip,
Valentina, Halime and Valon), frequently-changing haircuts and high profile
romance with Italian model girlfriend Elena Bonzanni, Behrami has often been
dubbed "Switzerland's David Beckham". Behrami is set to meet his new
team-mates for the first time when they return from the North American tour
at the weekend.

Posted by Trilby

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Item [ West Ham United ] - New Signing

Behrami signs five-year contract
Swiss international Valon Behrami is the latest recruit for West Ham United
ahead of the new campaign
23.07.2008

West Ham United have secured the signing of the highly regarded Switzerland
international Valon Behrami in a £5m deal from Serie A giants Lazio.

The versatile performer, who can play at right-back and across midfield, was
coveted by some of Europe's leading clubs but chose to switch to the Boleyn
Ground. He has already passed a medical and agreed a five-year contract. The
deal follows on from the club securing England striker Dean Ashton on a new
long-term contract, welcoming back players like Craig Bellamy and Kieron
Dyer from injury, and the arrival of promising Iceland Under-21 defender
Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson.

Speaking this morning, a delighted Behrami, who will wear the No21 shirt
next season, said: "I am very happy to last be able to sign for West Ham.
For me it is a dream come true to play for the club and in the Premier
League. I am very much looking forward to becoming part of the team here.

"After the European Championships, I spoke with West Ham who expressed their
interest in me coming here. It was important for me to talk with everyone
here and, when I did, I was very pleased to see what they wanted from me and
what the plans are now and in the future for the team. It was something that
enabled me to make my decision very quickly and now I can't wait to train
and play for West Ham."

West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury said: "We are delighted to have signed
Valon. We beat off a lot of interest from other clubs to get him and we are
very pleased to now have him here at West Ham United. He is a player who
will be a valuable addition to the squad as we aim for a successful season
ahead."

"Valon's signing is also an indication of the club's positive ambitions and
shows that, contrary to some reports, we are firmly committed to
strengthening the playing staff. There will not be a mass exodus and fans
can be assured that we are working hard as always to ensure high-calibre
competition in all areas of the team."

The 23-year-old, who played all three games for his country at the Euro 2008
finals earlier this summer and now has 15 caps, has risen to prominence
since signing for Serie A giants Lazio in July 2005. A fans' favourite, he
played 64 league games for the Roman club, scoring four goals, and played
four times in last season's Champions League.

Behrami, who wore the No85 shirt for Lazio, previously played for Genoa and
Verona having moved across the border in 2003 from Lugano, a town in the
Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. The Kosovo-born player had also attracted
attention at international level for Switzerland, having been capped at
various youth levels.

For his country's senior side, he featured at the 2006 World Cup after
scoring a crucial goal in their qualifying success against Turkey. That then
set him up for the memorable experience of this summer's European
Championship on home soil where he again showed his promise to a global
audience. He is set to meet his new team-mates for the first time when they
return from the North American tour at the weekend.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 23rd July 2008

Masters date in September - WHUFC
Kevin Keen played a key role as a team of West Ham United veterans won a
major indoor event
23.07.2008

Kevin Keen's winning goal at the London Masters means West Ham United will
be competing in the national finals in September.

The reserve team manager was part of a nine-man strong squad of former
players taking part in the capital's heat of the high-profile indoor event
held at Wembley Arena. After winning their group, West Ham United met
Watford in the final. They ran out 3-1 winners, thanks to goals from Kevin
Horlock, Mark Robson and Keen, evoking memories of the midfielder's
decade-long spell at the Boleyn Ground.

The trio were joined in the squad by Allen McKnight, Rufus Brevett, Kenny
Brown, Keith Rowland, Simon Webster and Martin Allen. Now the team will take
part in the grand final, which is set to take place at the Birmingham NEC
Arena on 7 September. They will come up against the likes of Middlesbrough,
Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester City after they won their regional
heats.

Keen - who shared the 'golden boot' award with two other players for
notching three goals in three games - said: "It was a really good event, we
all enjoyed it and were delighted to win our group, then beat Watford in the
final and make it through to the big finale later this year. I think having
the likes of Rufus meant we had a pair of slightly younger legs in the team
than we've had before, so that helped. It was nice to see a few old mates
and play together again. I also pretty pleased to get the winning goal, it
was not bad by my standards."

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Kyel turns on the style - WHUFC
A fine goal has set Kyel Reid up for the MLS All-Star Game and
23.07.2008

A stunning strike on the first game of the club's North American tour has
left Kyel Reid in confident mood before the high-profile conclusion against
the MLS All-Stars.

Left winger Reid took full advantage of the fact Alan Curbishley was without
Luis Boa Morte and Matthew Etherington in last Sunday's 3-1 win at Columbus
Crew. He put the seal on a polished team performance with a fiercely taken
goal after outstanding support play by Craig Bellamy. He will hope to figure
again when West Ham United step firmly into the soccer spotlight against the
cream of US and Canadian talent, although he may have more competition for a
starting berth.

"I am really enjoying the trip," Reid said, with the squad having left
behind the heat and sunshine of Columbus for the thunder and lightening of
Toronto. "We started against Hampton and Richmond last Thursday. I didn't
really have a great game so I was hoping I could come out here and get
another chance to prove to the manager that I can help the team progress. I
want to show the fans that I am a good player. It is nice to see them all
here and we are getting good support."

Reid, still only 20 and who finished last season on loan at Crystal Palace,
certainly did give the fans plenty of food for thought. He linked up well
with fellow Academy product Joe Widdowson in an inexperienced but
hard-working left-hand side. Talking of that goal, he added: "I saw the ball
coming nicely to me. I just hit it as hard as I could and aimed for the top
corner. That was where it went and I was delighted to get my first goal of
this pre-season. I thought Carlton [Cole] was going to take it and I was
pleased when he let me have it."

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All go in Toronto - WHUFC
Lucas Neill and his West Ham United team-mates have been putting in the
effort on and off the training pitch
22.07.2008

West Ham United are hard at work in Toronto and not just during their
intensive pre-season training sessions.

The 22 players and coaching team, including Tony Carr and his academy staff,
have been down to business in the Canadian city with some gruelling
sessions. Monday afternoon saw a first work-out at the BMO Field home of
Toronto FC where Thursday night's MLS All-Star Game will be taking place. On
Tuesday morning, everyone decamped to Ontario Soccer Centre for a longer
workout.

Luis Boa Morte and Matthew Etherington have been stepping up their sessions
as they look for a first pre-season appearance while the club's
strengthening and conditioning coaches have also been busy with gym sessions
to complement the work out on the training pitches. Lucas Neill said: "We
are here for hard work and we have to look at the bigger picture. We have a
season to be preparing for.

"We worked hard on Tuesday and on Wednesday will work harder than we
normally would leading up to a big game. Thursday we will have the day off
waiting for the game at night. We are all really excited. It is the biggest
and best players in America and we are getting to take them on in what is a
really well promoted event. We are just privileged to be part of it."

"It will be great to test ourselves so early in the pre-season with a
sold-out crowd against all the best players in North America live on TV to
millions all over the world. What more could you ask for? It is the kind of
game that excites every player." Neill has been pleased by "how fit and
strong" the squad is, as was shown in Sunday's 3-1 win against Columbus Crew
in Ohio.

He added: "We have got the nucleus of the team that we wanted to play last
year and it never happened. With Scott Parker, Julien Faubert and Craig
Bellamy back the pace and the threat is there. These guys are starting to
look fit and sharp and with three or four more weekends to go before the
first game I am really excited about what could possibly be a very good
season."

With the news from back home that Kieron Dyer is back in full training and
George McCartney has signed a new five-year contract, the players in Toronto
are firmly in the spotlight. Neill has led the way with players signing
autographs and posing for pictures after Tuesday's session. It was open to
the media and the captain joined the likes of Anton Ferdinand, Scott Parker
and Dean Ashton in talking to broadcasters and press from the US and Mexico,
as well as Canada.

Neill said: "We are really delighted to be here and the football exposure we
are going to get is great. We didn't realise how many West Ham fans there
are over here which is pleasing and obviously Major League Soccer is trying
to take off. You can see it is working by the crowds coming out to see us.
There is a lot of work to do but the more times high-profile teams from
England and all over the world come and play the bigger soccer is going to
get."

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Become a club member today - WHUFC
Fans can register now to be an Academy or Youth Academy member today via our
online booking service
23.07.2008

West Ham United are taking bookings for the official Academy and Youth
Academy club membership packages for 2008/09.

The Academy and Youth Academy are the official membership schemes of West
Ham United and prices have been held from last season. There are also
additional savings and benefits on offer to all who renew or apply. With all
supporters catered for whatever their age, we are sure you will relish the
chance to be a part of it and follow Alan Curbishley's side during what
looks set to be an exciting season of Barclays Premier League football at
the Boleyn Ground.

Not only do Academy and Youth Academy members receive priority when
purchasing match tickets, we are also pleased to announce the process of
booking tickets is cheaper as well. All members purchasing tickets either
online or via the telephone will pay just 50p per ticket as opposed to £1.70
for non members.

For more information and online bookings, click here

The Academy - All age ranges - £30.00

With all Premier League matches selling out during last season and the same
level of demand expected for 2008/09, Academy membership is a must for those
wanting to attend games. The Academy is also beneficial for those supporters
that are unable to attend matches but still want to be close to the club as
demonstrated by the benefits listed below. Membership is to be capped at
30,000 so make sure you enroll today.

Benefits include

Match ticket priority

Reduced booking fees

Personalised access card

Members joining pack featuring exclusive DVD

2 x £5 West Ham United shop vouchers + exclusive online offers.

Travel club membership and reduced price coach travel.

Youth Academy - £25.00

Youth Academy membership is the ideal chance for all our younger supporters
to get involved. With your patron continuing to be fans' favourite Mark
Noble, whether attending matches or just wanting to show your support in the
playground, being a Youth Academy member is a must for 2008/09. We are
pleased to confirm that the number of Youth Academy matches has been
increased from 2007/08 and you will now be given the opportunity to apply
for two free Premier League matches during next season. In addition to this
you will receive all the exciting benefits shown below.

Benefits include

Match ticket priority

Reduced booking fees

Personalised access card

Members joining pack featuring exclusive DVD

2 x £5 West Ham United shop vouchers + exclusive online offers

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McCartney signs new West Ham deal - BBC

Northern Ireland defender George McCartney has signed a new five-year
contract with West Ham. Earlier this month, the Hammers turned down a £4.5m
offer from Sunderland for the defender. The 27-year-old full-back joined the
Upton Park club from Sunderland in 2006 in a four-year deal worth £1m.
Roy Keane wanted McCartney to return to the Black Cats but the Northern
Ireland player made clear his desire to stay at the London club.

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Five more years for Linda - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 22nd July 2008
By: A Different Staff Writer

George McCartney has signed a new extension to his contract. The 27
year-old full-back today put pen to paper on a new five-year deal. McCartney
joined United from Sunderland for £1m in 2006 and had been linked with a
return to the North-East following a recent £4.5m bid from Mackems' boss Roy
Keane.

There had been further speculation that the Northern Ireland international
might be on his way if an improved bid were received when it was revealed
that he would not be making the trip to the US and Canada with the rest of
the first team squad as a "precautionary measure" following an injury.
However today's announcement of a deal that will keep McCartney at the
Boleyn until 2013 will put paid to those rumours.

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Not guilty - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 22nd July 2008
By: Staff Writer

The fan who was arrested in Columbus following West Ham United's 3-1 win
over the Crew has been speaking on KUMB. The 34-year-old American Hammers
fan, who posts under the psuedonym of 'Esher', was the only spectator
arrested after a scuffle between the two sets of supporters broke out during
the game. Talking on the KUMB.com forums tonight 'Esher', freshly released
from jail, claimed that his arrest came after he leapt to the defence of a
fellow United fan. "I was walking through the concessions area when a
15-year-old kid in a West Ham top told me about a Crew supporter punching
him in the face," he said. "He pointed him out and I punched him. The kid
is 15 and the guy was in his 30s. I got pepper sprayed and beaten by the
cops and have just got out of jail having slept on the cold floor for 40
hours. "To all the English who chipped in on bail I offer thanks, but I got
out without needing it."
Much of the media leapt to blame West Ham United's travelling fans for the
trouble; however it was later revealed that not a single UK-based United
supporter had been involved

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McCartney inks Hammers deal - SSN
Hammers defender signs five-year contract
By Chris Burton Last updated: 22nd July 2008

Northern Ireland international George McCartney has signed a new five-year
contract at West Ham. The defender had been the subject of a £4.5million
approach from former club Sunderland earlier this month, but saw the Hammers
reject that bid. The 27-year-old is a popular figure at Upton Park with his
reliable and consistent performances making him a virtual ever present in
Alan Curbishley's side. In the wake of the bid from the Black Cats,
McCartney had reiterated his desire to remain in London, stating that he was
happy at West Ham. Roy Keane was keen to take the full-back back to the
Stadium of Light just two years after he had left the club, but will now
have to turn his attentions elsewhere. McCartney's new deal ensures that he
will remain with the Hammers until at least 2013.

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Neill committed to Hammers - SSN
Australian wants West Ham stay
Last updated: 22nd July 2008

Lucas Neill insists he is fully committed to West Ham. The Australian, who
is believed to be one of the highest earners at Upton Park, has been
strongly linked with a move away from the club this summer. Turkish club
Galatasaray have made an offer - a story exclusively revealed by
skysports.com - whilst Neill's former Blackburn boss Mark Hughes, now in
charge at Manchester City, has also been strongly linked. West Ham's
interest in Swiss star Valon Behrami - who can play at right back - has also
cast doubt over Neill's place in Alan Curbishley's plans. But Neill himself
is insistent he will not be moving.
"I'm a West Ham player," Neill toldThe Sun. "That's the start and finish of
it."

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Man City boss Hughes weighs up £8m bid to be reunited with striker Bellamy
from West Ham - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 9:59 AM on 23rd July 2008

West Ham are bracing themselves for an £8million bid from Manchester City
for striker Craig Bellamy. The 29-year-old is thought to be wanted by new
City manager Mark Hughes, who worked with the forward while he was manager
of Wales. Hughes also knows Bellamy from his previous spell in charge of
Blackburn and is keen to re-sign the player he sold to Liverpool. City are
short of attacking options ahead of the new Premier League season. Record
£19m signing Jo is not expected back from international duty with Brazil
until after the Olympic Games and Benjani Mwaruwari will miss the opening
month after rupturing a thigh muscle in training. City have sold Georgios
Samaras to Celtic and released Emile Mpenza and Paul Dickov, leaving only
Darius Vassell and youngsters Ched Evans and Daniel Sturridge as their
attacking options. But West Ham are keen to hold on to Bellamy. They have
already sold Bobby Zamora to Fulham and boss Alan Curbishley sees Bellamy as
one of his four main strikers along with Dean Ashton, Freddie Sears and
Carlton Cole. Hughes is also trying to sign West Ham captain Lucas Neill but
has been unsuccessful in his attempts to lure the 30-year-old to Eastlands.
West Ham insist the Australian is not for sale but they could be willing to
do business once they have secured the £5m full-back Valon Behrami. The
23-year-old Swiss international has performed a U-turn on his decision not
to play in England and is now close to completing his move from Lazio.
Behrami, who played in all his country's matches in the European
Championships, is expected to complete his transfer within days.

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City target Bellamy to solve striker crisis
By Jason Burt
Wednesday, 23 July 2008
Independent.co.uk Web

Manchester City are considering making a bid for West Ham's Craig Bellamy
after Benjani Mwaruwari broke down in training, rupturing a thigh muscle,
which means the Zimbabwean striker will miss the first month of the season.


With new record £19m signing Jo not expected back from the Olympics, where
he is with the Brazil squad, until September, it means that City are due to
go into the first games of the new campaign with their attacking options
severely limited.

The City manager, Mark Hughes, has already spoken to the club's board about
making an offer for another West Ham player, Lucas Neill, but they are
understood to have resisted his request for the right-back whose form has
dipped badly in the past year.

While West Ham may be prepared to sell Neill, they have no intention of
parting with Bellamy, their £7.5m signing from Liverpool last summer, who
spent most of last season on the injury list. Hughes is a great admirer of
Bellamy, 29, having managed him for both Wales and Blackburn Rovers – where
he also coached Neill. Bellamy has told his present club that he is happy to
stay where he is.

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Hammers boss Curbishley explains pair's departure - Guardian Series
9:31am Wednesday 23rd July 2008

WEST Ham manager Alan Curbishley has claimed that Bobby Zamora and John
Pantsil moved to Fulham due to a lack of first-team opportunities at Upton
Park. Striker Zamora played an influential role in helping the Irons stave
off relegation from the Premier League in 2006/07, but struggled for both
form and fitness last term, scoring just once in 14 appearances. Ghanaian
full-back Pantsil, meanwhile, started just nine matches in two seasons after
joining from Israeli side Hapoel Tel Aviv following the 2006 World Cup. And
Curbishley admitted both players would not have been first choices again
this term, leading them to move to Craven Cottage for a combined £6.3million
fee last week. "I think the lure of first team football was big for both of
them," said the Hammers boss. "I think John Pantsil was very happy at the
club, but didn't play many games last year, while Bobby may have looked at
Craig Bellamy coming back, I don't know. "But I think it was a good deal for
everybody really. "Bobby has left on great terms with everybody and so has
John and I wish them well. "We all move on, so you will have to see what we
do. "People are talking about us and what we are doing, but just have a look
at what we do by the time the window closes, and see where we are at."

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West Ham seek new keeper signing
tribalfootball.com - July 23, 2008

West Ham United are seeking a new goalkeeper signing. The Independent says
the club are in the market for a new goalkeeper having allowed Richard
Wright to rejoin Ipswich Town, while Robert Green's future is in doubt with
the player keen on a move away from West Ham. Fulham have shown a tentative
interest.

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Behrami Signs Today - Cmon Yu Irons
July 23, 2008

According to transfermarketweb.com West ham will get the signiture of Valon
Behrami today 23nd July.
The article reads as follows: Lazio's Valon Behrami (23), during next hours
will become an official player of West Ham. For the transfer lack only the
sign for the five years deal. I couldnt figure out what the article means by
Transfer lack, So lets hope this rumour is true, and 6pm today we will have
news that Behrami is wearing Claret & Blue next Season.

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