Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - II 31st July 2008

Bellamy 'feeling good' - WHUFC
A hugely successful run of summer form has left Craig Bellamy eager for the
season to get started
31.07.2008

Craig Bellamy will head to Southampton on a high this Friday after a strong
work-out against Peterborough United in midweek that saw him score another
two goals.

The Welsh international striker showed he is raring to go for West Ham
United by pouncing twice in the first half at London Road to settle an
entertaining contest. As the countdown begins to the new season, Bellamy is
looking to get as much play under his belt as possible so he can be
razor-sharp for the forthcoming campaign.

"We have been working hard, we arrived back from the tour at the weekend and
then began preparation for Tuesday's game straight away. To be honest, it
was good to get out there [against Peterborough] because you tend to feel a
bit leggy after a lot of travelling, so you need to get out there and run it
all off. There was a bit of stiffness near the end of the match but that is
to be expected and I came off, but I am fine and feeling good."

Bellamy scored his first of the evening at Peterborough after just three
minutes - meeting Scott Parker's pass before racing away from the home
defence and slotting the ball into the back of the net. He followed that
with a delightful goal just before half-time. Latching on to Lucas Neill's
long pass, Bellamy rounded the keeper and chipped the ball over his head to
make it 2-0. After scoring a brace up at Hampton and Richmond earlier this
month and taking part in the successful tour for the first-team in North
America, Bellamy is certainly enjoying life.

He said: "Of course you want to get off to a good start, so it's nice that I
have been able to get a few goals so far in pre-season and after being out
last year, to be back playing. You just want to get off the mark, whatever
the game is. I just want to get going now."

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Keeper deal confirmed - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 31st July 2008
By: Staff Writer

Reports emanating from the Czech Republic this morning say that Jan Lastuvka
will be joining West Ham on loan for the season. The 26-year-old
international told idnes.cz that a deal had been finally been struck between
United and his current club, Shaktar Donetsk after complications had held up
the deal last week. The goalkeeper is set to fly into London on Friday to
undergo a medical before rubber-stamping his return to the Premier League.
"An agreement was reached; if there is no problem with the medical, I will
join West Ham," said Lastuvka, who admitted he was delighted to have the
opportunity to work with Ludo Miklosko, West Ham United's former Czech
international goalkeeper coach. "I hope everything will be fine," added
Lastuvka. "I am eager for the experience to train under Ludek Miklosko. The
Premier League is the best league in the world, so I would like to fight for
a chance."

Lastuvka - whose previous spell in the Premier League was on loan at Fulham
- will play understudy to United number one Robert Green. Green's former
number two, Richard Wright, left the club in order to join Championship
outfit Ipswich Town earlier this month. Lastuvka, a former student of
philosophy made his name at Banik Ostrava in the Czech Republic before
sealing a move to Shaktar Donetsk in 2004. In 2006 he was sent on a
season-long loan to Fulham where he suffered a torrid time; Fulham
eventually sent him back to Shaktar without taking up the option to buy
clause. Last season Lastuvka - who played at the Boleyn Ground in January
2007 whilst at Fulham - was once again sent on loan, this time to VfL Bochum
of the Bundesliga. However his time with Die Unabsteigbaren was equally
unremarkable and the Germans failed to meet Shaktar's £2million asking
price.

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Keeper close to Hammers move - SSN
Czech custodian set for Hammers medical
By Vasek Kadlec Last updated: 31st July 2008

Former Fulham goalkeeper Jan Lastuvka is on the verge of a move to West Ham.
The 26-year-old claims he has agreed personal terms with West Ham to join
the club from Shakhtar Donetsk and that he will make the move to Upton Park
subject to a successful medical. West Ham have set up a loan deal for
Lastuvka as they look to bring in cover for Robert Green and the Czech
keeper is relishing the prospect of returning to the Premier League. "We are
agreed. If the medical turns out well for me, I move to West Ham," Lastuvka
told CTK. "I hope everything will turn out well. I am extremely tempted by
the possibility of being coached by Ludek Miklosko. "The English Premier
League is the best league in Europe, I would like to fight for the chance."

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I won't be the first for the chop, insists Alan Curbishley - The Mirror
31/07/2008

Alan Curbishley insists all bets are off after being made favourite to
become the first Premier League boss to get the bullet. The West Ham manager
is 4-1 to be the first victim of the new season after last year's mediocre
showing. But Curbishley claims leading an injury-ravaged squad to 10th place
was a massive result. Curbs said: "I'm not a gambling man so I won't take
too much notice of it. "People need to have a reality check. Finishing 10th
was a big achievement."

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Hammers boss unfazed by bookies' odds - Guardian Series
12:16pm Thursday 31st July 2008

ALAN CURBISHLEY insists he is not fazed by the latest bookies' odds which
make him favourite to be the first manager given the boot this season. The
West Ham boss has come under fire for his safety-first style of play and has
been given odds of 5/1 to win the Premier League's annual sack race.
Newcastle's Kevin Keegan and Bolton's Gary Megson are joint
second-favourites at 7/1. Many of Curbishley's first-team regulars were
sidelined through injury for much of last year, although he still managed to
guide the Irons to tenth place. That achievement has failed to silent the
critics or influence the bookmakers, but the manager refuses to allow such
talk to bother him. "I've had 15 years when I've been the outsider so I've
just got to get on with it," he said. "It's life, all part and parcel of
football. I'm not a gambling man so i didnt pay too much attention to it. "I
dont know if im under pressure. I've been around long enough - I've been a
manager for nearly 20 years now - and for most of my career I've been a rank
outsider so makes a change to be up the other end of it," he joked.

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Hammers midfielder eyes England place - Guardian Series
11:59am Thursday 31st July 2008

WEST Ham United midfielder Mark Noble has set his sights on earning a place
in Fabio Capello's senior England squad. The 21-year-old has become a
regular member of the Irons first-team and England Under-21 squad over the
past 18 months. Now, the Canning Town-born player believes he is ready to
take the next step and test himself at the very highest level. "My main aim
this season is to break into the England set up, that's what I want and
hopefully I can achieve that," said Noble. "I want to establish myself but
I'm still learning and still growing and hopefully I can really push on this
season." Noble has become a fans' favourite at Upton Park since forcing his
way into Alan Curbishley's team at the tail end of the 2006/07 season. The
youngster's arrival coincided with the Hammers' great escape from relegation
on the final day, with Noble's own form and on-field relationship with
Carlos Tevez widely accepted as a major reason for the club's survival in
the Premier League. Last term, Noble was hit with a series of niggling
injuries and was forced to undergo hernia surgery. But he is now back to
full fitness and looking forward to forming a solid central midfield
partnership with England international Scott Parker. While the start of the
new Premier League season is something Noble is looking forward to, the
confident young playmaker has one date firmly etched in his mind. England's
Under-21s take on Portugal in a European Championship qualifier at the new
Wembley Stadium on Friday, September 5, and the West Ham man is desperate to
take part. "We've got a qualifier coming up against Portugal which is a big
game and it's at Wembley which is even better," he added. "I've not played
at the new stadium although I played at the old one for my district and my
school but this will be a whole new experience and I really can't wait for
it."

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What has Curbs got up his sleeve?? - BubblesInTheAir.com
Thursday 31 Jul 2008 11:02:14 by Tony Watson

Hammers boss Alan Curbishley has told the West Ham fans to judge his
transfer dealings on the last day of August. Curbs has been under fire from
many fans who have been frustrated with the clubs lack of activity this
summer in the transfer market. The club have made three signings however,
two of those have been youngsters who are unlikely to feature in the first
team set up for some time and the other was Valon Behrami from Lazio for £5
million - The promising swiss utlity man made his debut against Peterborough
on Tuesday. Curbishley has also shrugged off being the bookies favourite to
get the boot first next season, the Hammers boss is just ahead of Bolton's
Gary Megson at 4/1. Curbs told The Sun "I'm not bothered, I'm not a gambling
man. I had 15 years at Charlton as outsider to get the sack. "Other people
like to stir things up and make it worse."
Meanwhile, Reports are gathering pace around Upton Park regarding Freddy
Ljungberg's future at the Club - The swedish winger is said to have been on
Lazio's shopping list - with the arrival of Behrami that move could well be
on the cards - it wouldn't do the wage bill any harm either.

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HAMMERS TALK: Irons join City in hunt for Morocco defender - Guardian Series
10:12am Thursday 31st July 2008

WEST HAM are slugging it out with Manchester City for the signature of Nancy
full-back Michael Chretien, according to reports. The Daily Mail claims that
Alan Curbishley is keen on Chretien, but he will face stiff competition for
the Moroccan from City boss Mark Hughes. The 24-year-old was expected to
join Sevilla or Real Betis, but is interested in a move to the Premier
League. He said: "My agent is in discussions with Betis, but I am aware of
an English club keen to acquire me. "I don't want to be at Nancy next
season, as I've done enough there. I want to test myself in a top European
league." Chretien has been with French outfit Nancy since 2002, making 174
appearances, while he has also been capped by his country.

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Ferdinand fully focused for the Hammers - Guardian Series
9:30am Thursday 31st July 2008

ANTON FERDINAND is looking forward to finally putting a summer of
speculation surrounding his future behind him and getting down to what he
does best with West Ham. The defender has continually been linked with a
move away from Upton Park, with Aston Villa, Spurs, Sunderland and Newcastle
all believed to be vying for his signature. He was even rumoured to have
rejected the Magpies after the Hammers reportedly accepted a £6million bid.
However, Ferdinand said he has no intention of quitting Upton Park and
insists that the speculation will not stand in his way of himn getting in
the best possible shape for West Ham and the new season ahead. "I don't
think about it that kind of thing at all," said the 23-year-old. "If that
was the case then I'm not being professional. "I'm sure if you asked the
fans about me when they see me playing, I don't look like I'm thinking about
other things, other than doing well for West Ham. "I'm under contract and I
love playing for the club. Now I'm just concentrating on getting fit for and
looking forward to the start of the season."
Ferdinand got his fourth consecutive pre-season run-out under his belt in
Tuesday night's 2-0 win over Peterborough United. And his preparations were
given a real test against the League One club's prolific frontman Aaron
McLean. "He is a livewire and a great player, and it was a joy to play
against him," Ferdinand said of McLean. "It was a good game all round.
That's why the gaffer took on it on because they're a good team who pass it
well, which they showed last season to take them into League One."
A classy first-half brace of goals from Craig Bellamy - his second
pre-season double - proved to be the difference between the sides. And,
after a debut season wrecked by an ongoing abdominal injury last term - he
managed just seven starts - Ferdinand, much like boss Alan Curbishley, is
hoping the pacy frontman can start to string a run of games together. "We
need Craig Bellamy to stay fit because he is looking really sharp and took
his goals well," said Ferdinand. "But Carlton Cole also looked very good and
they played well together. "Of course there is also Dean Ashton, who missed
the game because of illness, so from our point of view, the front line is
looking really strong going into the new season."

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Curbs closes in on keeper - Setanta
by Jo Carter, 31 July 2008

West Ham are close to signing former Fulham keeper Jan Lastuvka from
Shakhtar Donetsk. The 26-year-old, who spent the 2006/07 season on loan at
Craven Cottage, would provide back-up to Robert Green. The Hammers have been
chasing the Shakhtar Donetsk keeper for a while and had hoped to sign
Lastuvka a fortnight ago, but the two clubs were unable to agree on a price.
Lastuvka has now agreed personal terms and looks set for a move to East
London. He could make his Hammers debut in Friday's friendly at Southampton
and is relishing a return to England. "The offer from West Ham is there,"
Lastuvka told CTK. "The club wants me and going back to the English league
is definitely interesting and alluring."

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'New' keeper seems hardly worth having By Steve Turner - UptonSparks.com
Posted on Thursday 31 Jul 2008 13:52:00

West Ham's newest 'signing' Jan Lastuvka (we're loathe to say he's actually
joined, as apparently he's now having a medical and if they find something,
like an alien living in his stomach, he won't be coming) will be a total
understudy to Robert Green.

Now, this isn't a bashing of the player: in fact, I've only ever seen him
play briefly for Fulham (and that didn't really inspire any great confidence
in me then, and I didn't care what happened), but he seems to be a bit of an
'unwanted child'.

This is a player who went to Fulham, the perennial under- or over-achievers
(depending on who you believe or speak to) and couldn't get in the team.

In fact, he got sent home from the loan, back to parent club Shaktar
Donetsk, who signed him back in 2004.

But apparently they just didn't want him, perhaps looking on him like an
unimportant step-child, and loaned him out once more to Bundesliga outfit
VfL Bochum.

Nein!

Guess what: they didn't want him either, and said a big 'Nein!' to the £2
million asking price. (They probably also threw sausages or some other
stereotype at Donetsk as well).

So now he look all set to join the Hammers on loan. Whoop-eee.

If a player gets loaned out three seasons in a row...something isn't quite
right.

"I hope everything will be fine," added Lastuvka. "I am eager for the
experience to train under [goalkeeping coach] Ludek Miklosko. The Premier
League is the best league in the world, so I would like to fight for a
chance."

Well...everyone deserves a chance. But forgive me for not breaking out the
champagne and caviar and ordering a couple of masseuses over this one.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 31st July 2008

Hard-fought draw at Cambridge - WHUFC
Kevin Keen's West Ham United XI are unbeaten in three matches this pre-season after an away draw
30.07.2008

Cambridge United 0-0 West Ham United XI

Jack Collison returned to his former club on Wednesday night as a West Ham United XI recorded a goalless draw at the Abbey Stadium. The reserve-team captain came through the ranks at Cambridge before moving to the Boleyn Ground three years ago. He has not looked back since, establishing himself as part of Alan Curbishley's first-team squad. Despite the Wales midfielder's presence and an in-form forward line of Freddie Sears and Zavon Hines, Kevin Keen's youthful team could not make the breakthrough against experienced opposition after two previous victories against Billericay Town and Thurrock.
After Collison had just missed with a chance in the first half, Sears came the closest of all in the game as he hit the post with ten minutes to play after rounding the keeper. Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson was another impressive performer, clearing one off the line after entering for Joe Widdowson who had played the previous night in the 2-0 first-team win at Peterborough United. A West Ham United XI will next be in action against Grays Athletic this Saturday afternoon.

West Ham United: Walker, Miller, Widdowson (Eyjolfsson 60), Spence, N'Gala (O'Neill 76), Stokes (Payne 55), Stanislas (Edgar 65), Collison (c), Jeffery, Sears, Hines
Subs not used: Street, Harvey

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Curbishley sees the positives - WHUFC
Another impressive performance and a debut for Valon Behrami have left the manager looking forward
30.07.2008

Alan Curbishley is delighted with the form being shown by his squad after another impressive pre-season display on Wednesday night.

Craig Bellamy took the headlines with two goals early and late in the first half but there were good performances across the pitch. Valon Behrami showed up well at right-back on his debut with Lucas Neill also strong in the left-back role. Matthew Upson and Anton Ferdinand were reunited in the centre of defence for the first time since 12 April while Mark Noble and Scott Parker were a solid midfield duo. Robert Green also underlined his form with a couple of great saves.

The manager said: "The first half was as quick a game as I have seen for a long while. We got off to a great start with scoring early but I think the first 45 minutes was really competitive. I think you had everything there for both teams. Greeny's had to make some saves and we looked good when we attacked." Curbishley added that George McCartney and Lee Bowyer are training while the ill Dean Ashton should have recovered by the weekend to figure in either the Southampton or Ipswich games on Friday and Monday respectively.

James Tomkins is also looking good after a knee knock on England Under-19 duty and Luis Boa Morte and Matthew Etherington continue to be eased back in after minor foot troubles following their first 45 minutes of pre-season action last Thursday. "We are pleased with what has happened so far," said Curbishley. It is tough coming back from the American trip. Coming home some of us were still suffering a little but we got over it [against Peterborough]."

There was particular praise for the progress of Julien Faubert, Parker and Bellamy with Curbishley hoping his team will create enough chances for the strikers to score at least 30 goals this coming season. "We know we have got pace all over the park. We can counterattack and we can defend when we have got to. Parker came back and blocked shots. Centre-halves blocked stuff. It was a good work-out." Added into the mix is new signing Valon Behrami, who began his club career at right-back.

"He is a great athlete and he got involved," said Curbishley. He kept streaking down the line. We are pleased to have got him. He is a versatile player. He can play right-back, can play wide right and can play centre midfield and has played wide left. He is one of those players with a great attitude. I think he could be a great asset."

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Stalemate for young Hammers - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 31st July 2008
By: Staff Writer

West Ham's reserves could only manage a stalemate against Blue Square Premier outfit Cambridge United at the Trade Recuitment Stadium tonight.
A young Hammers side - all under 21 bar goalkeeper Jimmy Walker - failed to break the deadlock on a hot summer's night in Cambridge despite creating plenty of goalscoring opportunities. However coach Kevin Keen will be pleased by the clean sheet which extends the reserves unbeaten pre-season run to three games. Striker Freddie Sears went closest to breaking the deadlock with a 25-yard effort that beat keeper Potter but not the woodwork, whilst former Cambridge loanee Jack Jeffery saw his goalbound effort hacked off the line midway through the first half. The hosts best chance of the game fell to Lee McEvilly; his effort, an audacious lob, narrowly cleared the bar. Kevin Keen's side have the chance to extend their unbeaten pre-season run to four matches this coming Saturday when they visit Grays.

West Ham United: Walker, Miller, Widdowson (Eyjolfsson 60), Spence, N'Gala (O'Neill 76), Stokes (Payne 55), Stanislas (Edgar 65), Collison (c), Jeffery, Sears, Hines.

Subs not used: Street, Harvey.

Cambridge United: Potter, Gleeson (Bexfield 60), Coulson, Hoyte, Tonkin (Collins 79), Parkinson (Youngs 46), Carden, Convery (Quinton 60), Pitt (Farrell 33); Willmott (Bussens 79), Beesley (McEvilly 46).

Subs not used: None.

Referee: Simon Long.

Attendance: 2,491.

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Injury latest - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 31st July 2008
By: Staff Writer

Several players are still some way away from full fitness - despite hopes that all but one would be ready for the start of the new season. Geroge McCartney, Lee Bowyer, Kieron Dyer, Nigel Quashie, Danny Gabbidon, James Collins, Luis Boa Morte, Matthew Etherington, Jonathan Spector and James Tomkins are all currently injured with just over two weeks to go before the 2008/09 Premier League campaign kicks off with the visit of Wigan.
Although most are expected to return prior to 16th August - bar Spector, who will be sidelined until the end of the year - few will be fit enough to play in a Premier League fixture, having had little or no pre-season - something that Alan Pardew blamed for the failure of a number of his players to perform in his final season.
West Ham United have confirmed that McCartney and Bowyer - whose last appearance came in the 1-1 draw with Birmingham back on 9th February - are back in full training, whilst Boa Morte and Etherington are being 'eased back' having experienced 'minor foot troubles'. Tomkins, who took a knock during England's ill-fated under-19 European Championships jaunt is said to be 'looking good' whilst Dyer has targetted the pre-season friendly at Ipswich on 4th August as his comeback game.
Meanwhile, centre-half Collins is said to be making good progress with his cruciate injury and could be back by the start of September. Collins' Welsh team mate Gabbidon is still recovering from therapy to rectify a 'stomach and pelvic problem' whilst Quashie is still out of action, some 16 months after sustaining a 'foot problem'.
West Ham announced sweeping changes to their medical set-up last week. The announcement followed the findings of a team of experts from Roehampton University charged with improving the club's procedures. A number of new appointments were announced; Nikos Tzouroudis, previously employed by a number of major European clubs has been hired to overview operations. Italian osteopath Marco Cesarini and rehabilitation physiotherapist Giorgio Gasparini, who has worked with the Italian national squad also join the team.

CEO Scott Duxbury told whufc.com: "The Board and manager have taken these decisive steps to ensure the club has the very best support in place for the entire coaching and playing staff. "We sought the best independent advice and over recent months have been looking at home and across the continent for the leading experts in the field. "I am delighted we have been able to strengthen our existing operation in this way and am confident the benefits will be considerable."

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If the kids are United - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 30th July 2008
By: Staff Writer

Alan Curbishley says he is looking forward to following the progress of the club's recent Academy acquisitions from abroad - and the prospect of further arrivals.

Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson (Iceland), Balint Bajner (Hungary), Filip Modelski (Poland, yet to be officially confirmed) and previously, goalkeeper Marek Stech (Czech Republic) are all at West Ham's Academy which expanded its reach recently with the arrival of United's first Technical Director, Gianluca Nani, whose brief it it to bring the best young European talent to East London.

With more possible future stars set to follow from both the UK and abroad, Alan Curbishley admits to being excited by the prospect. The boys are young, but they do have a lot of potential," he told the Ilford Recorder. "We have done a little bit of work in this area and have got at least four youngsters into the club so far. We are looking to do some more. "[Holmar] is young, a good athlete and a good shape. He would have come on the American trip, only he picked up a little groin strain. But what he has shown us in training already has delighted all of us. "[Balint] is a big centre forward. Tony Carr and the Academy department were very impressed with him, and he deserved a chance at the club." Meanwhile 18-year-old Stech was a 70th-minute replacement for Robert Green in Tuesday night's 2-0 pre-season friendly win at Peterborough.

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Curbs on new signing - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 30th July 2008
By: Staff Writer

Alan Curbishley has been singing the praises of the club's latest signing, Swiss international Valon Behrami. The 23-year-old defender/midfielder made his debut in United colours at Peterborough last night, playing for just over an hour in the 2-0 win. And Curbishley was in no doubt that the versatile £5million signing from Lazio will prove to be a key player in his team this season. "He is a great athlete and he got involved," Curbishley told whufc.com. "We are pleased to have got him. "He is a versatile player. He can play right-back, can play wide right and can play centre-midfield - and has played wide left. He is one of those players with a great attitude. I think he could be a great asset."
On the game itself, which was won by a Craig Bellamy brace, Curbishley added: "The first half was as quick a game as I have seen for a long while. We got off to a great start with scoring early but I think the first 45 minutes were really competitive. "It is tough coming back from the American trip. Some of us were still suffering a little - but we got over it."

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Your name's not down, you're not coming in - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 30th July 2008
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United will be holding an open training session tomorrow morning - but only season ticket holders and club members are invited.

The Boleyn Ground opens for business at 9:30am tomorrow (with the squad expected on the field at around 10:30am) for another of the popular open training days, where fans are allowed a sneak preview at the first team in action as they prepare for the forthcoming season.

However this year those supporters without a season ticket or club membership will be barred from entering; a decision criticised by several supporters today.

With many thousands of long-term fans now priced out of watching their team play live, the open training sessions were always an excellent opportunity for those unable to afford the cost of watching top-flight English football to see their heroes in action.

However Harry Redknapp's 'open-door' policy is long gone, and year by year supporters' access to players has become more and more restricted - so much so that now only those able to pay the club an annual subscription, be that in terms of membership or purchasing a season ticket, are privileged enough to be able to attend.

Additionally, those wishing to attend tomorrow's session have been informed that there will be 'no time for a formal autograph session' - although keen youngsters are still expected to be able to grab those signatures they most fervently seek.

Cynically, some might say, the open training session follows the day of the new home shirt launch - which will of course be available in the stadium store tomorrow.

Only at West Ham: top five PR blunders

5. September 2002: Brown - I know you are but what am I?

Former Chairman Terry Brown stunned United fans when he claimed in a private letter to a supporter that if the club's young stars (namely Cole, Carrick and Defoe) were to leave it would be due to 'disgraceful treatment they have received from supporters'. Relegation at the end of that season - due in no small part to a lack of investment by the club's board - didn't exactly help either.

4. January 2000: Hell freezes over

West Ham announce via their website (whufc.com) that 'Hell will freeze over before today's match with Chelsea is cancelled', following rumours of a postponement on web forums on the morning of the game. An hour before kick-off, the game is postponed by match officials due to adverse weather conditions.

3. May 2007: Benny balls-up

The club proudly announce on their website (whufc.com) that Yossi Benayoun has finally agreed to sign a new five-year deal with the club, putting to bed rumours linking the Israeli with a move to Liverpool; six weeks later he completes a £5million switch to Merseyside. (more)

2. December 2003: Terry Brown's 'Ratner' moment

Then-Chairman Terry Brown was forced into making a swift about-turn after he said of striker Jermain Defoe 'everyone knows that boy's not right in the head' in an off-the-cuff statement to shocked shareholders during the club's AGM. Two months later Brown was clearly proved right when the diminutive goalscorer signed for Tottenham. (more)

1. July 2003: No standing, club tell disabled fan

Disabled season ticket-holder Paul Reynolds - who suffers from paraplegia and is therefore unable to walk - received a (circular) letter from the club asking him not to stand during matches. The club later issue an apology to Paul. (more)

(And the biggest urban myth)

1. March 2007: Eggy's 60 large

Eggert Magnusson came under fire when, in an exclusive interview with KUMB.com, he claimed that the average Hammers fan earned £60,000 per year leading to uproar amongst supporters. Except that what he actually said was 'the average salary of a West Ham supporter who comes to the games here is second highest in the league ... I think it's around £60,000 per year.'

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No sack fears for Curbs - SSN
Hammers boss unfazed by bookmakers' odds
Last updated: 31st July 2008

West Ham manager Alan Curbishley claims he does not feel under any added pressure despite being the favourite to be axed. The Hammers chief is leading the market with the bookmakers as they take bets on the first Premier League boss to part with his club. However, the former Charlton chief insists he is unconcerned by his perceived position at the front of the sack race. "I'm not bothered," he told The Sun. "I'm not a gambling man. I had 15 years at Charlton as outsider to get the sack. But I don't think I'm under pressure. "Other people like to stir things up and make it worse." Curbishley is favourite ahead of Bolton boss Gary Megson and Newcastle's Kevin Keegan.

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Cambridge United 0-0 West Ham XI - CambridgeUnited.premiumtv.co.uk
Posted on: Wed 30 Jul 2008
Competition: Pre-season Friendly
Weather at kick-off: hot, sunny

Cambridge United:
Danny Potter, Dan Gleeson (Pat Bexfield 60'), Josh Coulson, Gavin Hoyte, Anthony Tonkin (c, Jordan Collins 79'), Andrew Parkinson (Tom Youngs 46'), Paul Carden, Mark Convery (Darren Quinton 60'), Courtney Pitt (Ben Farrell 33'); Robbie Willmott (Craig Bussens 79'), Mark Beesley (Lee McEvilly 46').

West Ham:
Jim Walker, Ashley Miller, Joe Widdowson (Holmar Eyjolfsson 63'), Jordan Spence, Bondz Ngala (Ryan O'Neill 79'), Tony Stokes (Josh Payne 58'), Junior Stanislas (Anthony Edgar 67'), Jack Collison (c), Jack Jeffery, Fred Sears, Zavon Hines.

Gary Brabin named a strong side to face a young West Ham reserve line-up, with just Wayne Hatswell missing through an ankle injury and Lee McEvilly named among the subs after recovering from a hamstring strain.
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West Ham's youthful side included a couple of familiar faces - former U's loanee striker Jack Jeffery and former U's schoolboy Jack Collison. Included alongside them were veteran goalkeeper Jim Walker, England U19 defender Jordan Spence, and highly rated youngsters with Premiership experience in midfielder Tony Stoke and striker Fred Sears.

The young Hammers started the game on the offensive and enjoyed most of the early possession, and after just four minutes some intricate football on the edge of the area ended with a Sears shot at Potter from close range.

Moments later Potter was caught outside his area and Stanislas latched onto the ball out on the right wing and centred it, but as Collison went for the shot the backtracking defence scrambled the ball clear. Stanislas was involved again on 14 and again picked out Collison from the right but the young Wales international fired wide from inside the six yard box.

A minute later United threatened the West Ham goal for the first time when Beesley and Willmott combined well on the edge of the area but Beesley fired well wide. The U's were enjoying a good spell at this stage and on 22 Willmott made room for a shot but also fired wide, and on the half hour it was West Ham again as Sears sprinted clear from the halfway line, leaping away from Hoyte's challenge at the byline and pulling the ball back for Jack Jeffery, only to see it blocked by Anthony Tonkin.

The rebound fell to Collison who blazed miles wide, and three minutes later Sears was again through on goal but fired high over the bar.

Captain for the night Tonkin made a good forward run on 34 and picked out Andy Parkinson who was brought down on the edge of the area, and Mark Beesley's free kick clipped the base of the wall as they jumped and trundled through to the keeper.

Dan Gleeson charged down the right five minutes before half-time and crossed for substitute Ben Farrell, who had replaced the limping Courtney Pitt on 33, but he decided against the shot when perhaps he should have done, instead teeing up Willmott whose shot was blocked almost as it left his boot.

The half ended with West Ham left-back Joe Widdowson making a buccaneering run into the area but Potter made a brave block on the edge of the six yard box and then smothered the rebound as it came back off the West Ham player.

A satisfactory half ended with the Hammers ahead on chances but United standing firm and battling well to keep the scores level at half-time.

Half-time 0-0

Gary Brabin made two half-time changes, bringing on Lee McEvilly and Tom Youngs for Mark Beesley and Andy Parkinson, and switching to a 4-3-3 formation.

United made a positive start to the second half and took the game to the visitors from the restart, with Willmott cutting in from the right two minutes in and hitting a low swerving drive from the edge of the area straight at the keeper.

Tom Youngs had an impressive half and on 51 he danced to the edge of the box and picked out Willmott's run but keeper Walker was quickly off his line to thwart the young striker. Two minutes later Hoyte's mis-kick almost led to disaster for United as he presented the ball to the opposition midway inside the United half, but Stanislas' angled shot was saved by Potter.

On 56 minutes came the move of the match as Tonkin linked with Mark Convery on the overlap down the left, Convery passed to Tom Youngs who held the ball up before returning it to the midfielder. Convery's shot was charged down but only cleared as far as Gleeson who hoisted a cross into the centre, and it was a keeper's nightmare as the ball and Lee McEvilly arrived at the same time, the ball coming off McEvilly's head and just over the bar while Walker ended in a heap.

Brabin made another double change on the hour to bring on Darren Quinton and trialist Pat Bexfield for Convery and Gleeson, and two minutes later Zavon Hines did well down the left and linked well with Jack Jeffery who found Sears, but the young striker was thwarted again, this time by Coulson's block.

On 63 Youngs received a throw-in 18 yards out and fed the ball to Quinton but he could only shoot straight at the keeper, and three minutes later Bexfield crossed from deep on the right and McEvilly's towering header at the far post was hacked away by West Ham sub Eyjolfsson.

With 20 minutes remaining the visitors worked an opening for England Under-19 defender Jordan Spence as he advanced but fired straight at Potter from 18 yards. A lively half continued to provide openings for both teams and on 76 a brilliant through ball found Sears sprinting away from the defence into the area, but Tonkin got back to get his toe to the ball and put it behind for a corner.

Sears was involved again a minute later but although his 25-yarder beat Potter it crashed against the post, and the young Premiership goalscorer must have wondered what he had to do to score against United tonight.

Tom Youngs set up McEvilly for an audacious lob from 20 yards that cleared the bar by mere inches, and Youngs was involved again on 81 when his great ball released Craig Bussens into the area but the United substitute was caught in two minds about whether to shoot or pass and the chance evaporated.

Three minutes later that man Sears raced onto a through ball into the area and was driven wide as Potter advanced out of his goal, eventually sending an off-balance shot wide, and he had another chance as he burst into the area on 89 but this time Hoyte held him off at the expense of a corner, which United defended to keep their first clean sheet of this pre-season.

Referee: Mr Simon Long

Attendance: 2,491 (away 427)

Mark Johnson's man of the match: "Mark Convery - for some incisive passing and good all-round midfield play."

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A load of Mattocks? - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 30th July 2008
By: Staff Writer

Leicester City defender Joe Mattock insists it is business as usual despite being linked with a move to West Ham United. A number of sources have claimed that the Hammers have been chasing the England under-19 defender since the turn of the year, with various reports of failed bids and serious interest.
But the 18-year-old Leicester-born full-back told the Leicester Mercury that he was concentrating on the coming season with his current club. Referring to United's reported interest, he said: "Things like that happen but I am just focusing on what I am doing on the pitch. "This time there has been a real pre-season and we have got to know each other as a group. "Hopefully we have a real team spirit because that's what we need."

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West Ham and Manchester City linked with a bid for Moroccan defender Chretien - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 7:47 AM on 31st July 2008

West Ham and Manchester City are chasing highly-rated Nancy defender Michael Chretien. The 24-year-old Morocco international, who can play right midfield as well as right back, had been expected to join Sevilla or Real Betis but would prefer England. He said: 'My agent is in discussions with Betis, but I am aware of an English club keen to acquire me. I don't want to be at Nancy next season, as I've done enough there. I want to test myself in a top European league.'

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Interest Increases For West Ham - The Ugly Inside.net
Thursday 31 Jul 2008 08:08:20 by TUI Staff

A surge in interest looks set to boost West Ham Gate. A steady flow of ticket sales in the last few days looks set to boost the West ham attendance after a very slow start. Up until last week sales had been brisker at Upton Park with the Hammers selling 2,000 tickets fairly quickly, now more have been sent and with some being held back for sale on the day, it looks like it will be a fairly full away section with 3,000 away fans. Saints fans though have been slower to respond and its only been the last few days that have seen ticket sales start to pick up. The Club arre worried that it could be another last minute walk up creating mayhem at both the box office and turnstiles and are urging fans to try and get to St Mary's either well ahead of the game, when they can take advantage of the parking facilities, or failing that as early as possible on the night. Even accounting for this late rush though its going to be a far lower attendance than for any other Ted Bates Trophy game with a gate expected of maybe 12-13000.#

Tickets are on sale now at £15 for adults, £10 for seniors/teens and £5 for kids, as well publicised if you purchase a ticket for the visit of the Hammers you can get your Stoke ticket half price.

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Lazio want the favour returned with Ljungberg By Wes Evans - fansonlline.net
Posted on Wednesday 30 Jul 2008 15:35:00

'Ciao, bella!'

That's Italian, and exactly the language the model, injury table frequenter and occasional footballer Freddie Ljungberg could be using for the forthcoming season.

That's right, for the sprightly sum of just €4 million or £3.1 million, depending on where you are (Europe or England...that's right, we still hold on to the pound like a kid with an ice lolly that melted long ago. But we still keep hold of it cos it's OUR LOLLY!) Ljungberg could be off to Lazio after they sold Valon Behrami to the Hammers.

According to Italian fish and chip paper holder La Repubblica, Lazio (a side which plays football in Rome, but ISN'T CALLED Rome...Roma are. Think Everton and Liverpool if you're having issues) want Ljungberg in a bid to 'stabilise their midfield'.

Captain of the ship

It seems they've seen his massive wages, and the fact he was half-good at Arsenal and decided he's the one that can steady the ship from the stands whenever he gets another hamstring injury from a tooth problem.

It may seem like a paltry sum, and would be if he has a cracking season over there, but his wages, and the getting rid of, would certainly please the West Ham board.

Now, if only I can get them to buy my car...only done 140,000, but it used to be a real performer. Costs a lot in upkeep though, and needs frequent repairs. Yours for £3 million.

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