Friday, November 28

Daily WHUFC News - II 28th November 2008

Big weekend for loan stars
WHUFC.com
With eight players out on loan, James Tomkins could be among those in action
this Saturday afternoon
28.11.2008

West Ham United may not be playing until Monday with the small matter of
Liverpool away, but the eight players out on loan should provide plenty of
Saturday interest.

Three of them will be on Championship duty, while the five other loanees
will be involved in League One or FA Cup encounters. whufc.com rounds up who
will be in action and where this weekend.

James Tomkins (Derby County)
The England Under-19 international travelled to Derby on Thursday to join up
with Paul Jewell's side, who are 14th in the 24-team Championship and just
four points off a play-off place. Derby go to Burnley, who themselves are in
fifth place, with Tomkins looking to build on Tuesday's reserve run-out
after a spell out injured and his six first team appearances last season.

Kyel Reid (Blackpool)
The pacy left winger celebrated his 21st birthday this week with an assist
and a goal for the reserves and will now look to build on that with
Blackpool after his Thursday move - his third loan spell away from the
Boleyn Ground. The north-west club, sitting in 18th in the Championship,
have a long trip to the south-west to take on seventh-placed Plymouth
Argyle.

Nigel Quashie (Birmingham City)
Midland derbies are usually tasty affairs but the lunchtime showdown between
Wolverhampton Wanderers and Birmingham City promises to be extra special as
the two teams currently occupy first and second places in the table. The
30-year-old is into his second month on loan at St Andrews and has proved
popular. A knock to his achilles in midweek could yet keep him out of the
trip to Molineux though.

Jimmy Walker (Colchester United)
The 35-year-old goalkeeper got Thursday's loan activity under way with his
five-week switch to Colchester United. Walker could make his debut in the
League One fixture at Northampton Town on Saturday, with the Essex club
sitting just outside the relegation zone on goal difference.

Junior Stanislas (Southend United)
The last of Thursday's loans to be confirmed, the attacking midfielder, who
turned 19 this week, has made the short trip to the Essex club for a
six-week stay. Southend are tenth in League One but will get a break from
that competition when they welcome Luton Town in the FA Cup second round.
Stanislas has been given special dispensation to play.

Jordan Spence (Leyton Orient)
The England Under-19 defender, still only 18, could make his FA Cup debut
for Leyton Orient in the second round trip to Bradford City after his
month-long loan move at the start of the week. Spence has already played at
the Matchroom Stadium this season, when representing the reserves against
Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month. Orient are 17th in their division, two
points above the drop zone.

Josh Payne (Cheltenham Town)
Having just turned 18, midfielder Payne has been out on loan at League One
strugglers Cheltenham since September. He began his stay with a goalscoring
debut and has already made nine appearances including one in the FA Cup. It
is that competition that concerns Cheltenham this weekend with Martin
Allen's men contemplating the second-round visit of Morecambe Town.

Bondz N'Gala (MK Dons)
After two impressive appearances off the bench in consecutive 3-0 victories
for the League One high-fliers, managed by Roberto Di Matteo, the imposing
19-year-old defender gets a weekend off. MK Dons may be going well in the
league but they were eliminated in the FA Cup first round and consequently
do not have a senior fixture this time around.

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FA Cup draw on Sunday
WHUFC.com
whufc.com will have full coverage and reaction from the FA Cup draw as it
happens this Sunday afternoon.
28.11.2008

West Ham United will learn their FA Cup third-round opponents when the draw
takes place from 2.15pm on Sunday.

The tie will be played on the weekend of 3-4 January, with the Hammers' fate
to be decided in part by Sir Trevor Brooking. The club legend will conduct
the draw with Ray Clemence at FA headquarters in Soho Square. West Ham
United are already designated as ball No42. The 2008/09 final will take
place on Saturday 30 May at Wembley.

Three-time winners in 1964, 1975 and 1980, West Ham United did not enjoy the
best of fortunes in the 2007/08 edition. The club were eliminated at this
stage with a 1-0 replay defeat at Manchester City after a goalless draw at
the Boleyn Ground. whufc.com will bring you instant news and all the
reaction to the draw as it happens so make sure to return here on Sunday.

Draw numbers
1 Arsenal
2 Aston Villa
3 Barnsley
4 Birmingham City
5 Blackburn Rovers
6 Blackpool
7 Bolton Wanderers
8 Bristol City
9 Burnley
10 Cardiff City
11 Charlton Athletic
12 Chelsea
13 Coventry City
14 Crystal Palace
15 Derby County
16 Doncaster Rovers
17 Everton
18 Fulham
19 Hull City
20 Ipswich Town
21 Liverpool
22 Manchester City
23 Manchester United
24 Middlesbrough
25 Newcastle United
26 Norwich City
27 Nottingham Forest
28 Plymouth Argyle
29 Portsmouth
30 Preston North End
31 Queens Park Rangers
32 Reading
33 Sheffield United
34 Sheffield Wednesday
35 Southampton
36 Stoke City
37 Sunderland
38 Swansea City
39 Tottenham Hotspur
40 Watford
41 West Bromwich Albion
42 West Ham United
43 Wigan Athletic
44 Wolverhampton Wanderers
45 Chesterfield or Droylsden
46 Peterborough United or Tranmere Rovers
47 Eastwood Town or Wycombe Wanderers
48 Notts County or Kettering Town
49 Leicester City or Dagenham & Redbridge
50 Barrow or Brentford
51 Bradford City or Leyton Orient
52 Southend United or Luton Town
53 Forest Green Rovers or Rochdale
54 Histon or Leeds United
55 Scunthorpe United or Alfreton Town
56 Torquay United or Oxford United
57 Fleetwood Town or Hartlepool United
58 Morecambe or Cheltenham Town
59 Gillingham or Stockport County
60 Millwall or Aldershot Town
61 Carlisle United or Grays Athletic or Crewe Alexandra
62 AFC Bournemouth or Blyth Spartans
63 Kidderminster Harriers or Curzon Ashton
64 Port Vale or Macclesfield Town

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Fanimo earns England call
WHUFC.com
Matthias Fanimo is in line for an England Under-16 cap in the Victory Shield
against Scotland on Friday.
28.11.2008

West Ham United will again be represented when England Under-16s look to
clinch the Victory Shield at home to Scotland on Friday night.

After young striker Robert Hall appeared in the first two matches of the
round-robin competition - 6-0 and 1-0 wins away against Northern Ireland and
Wales respectively - his club-mate Matthias Fanimo has been selected for the
first time. The 14-year-old left sided attacker was a late call-up to
replace Manchester United midfielder Ra'vel Morrison. England need only
avoid defeat to claim the trophy.

The match, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, gets under way at the
Sincil Bank home of Lincoln City at 7.40pm. England have won the last seven
editions of the Victory Shield and Fanimo follows in the footsteps of a long
line of homegrown Hammers to appear in the competition including Trevor
Brooking, Joe Cole and Jordan Spence.

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Mayor lends his support
WHUFC.com
The Mayor of London spent some time with trainee coaches from West Ham
United at a recent show
26.11.2008

A group of trainee coaches representing West Ham United at a prestigious
careers event were rewarded with a visit from Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

The coaches from the West Ham United Community Sports Trust spent three days
at Skills London, delivering high quality football sessions to more than
44,000 other young people. Throughout the event they encouraged prospective
candidates to apply for places on the Trainee and Mentoring and Voluntary
Work Experience schemes by giving talks about their experiences of working
for West Ham United and by the end of the event, more than 1,000
applications had been received.

Chief among their admirers was the Mayor, who was led through a series of
exercises by trainee coach Jackie Alecho. Mick King, Chief Executive of the
West Ham United Community Sports Trust, discussed the aims and objectives of
the project with the Mayor, who was impressed by the trainees' level of
professionalism.

Afterwards the Mayor said: " I really enjoyed meeting young Londoners and
the WHU Community Sports Trust coaches and I even had the chance to have a
go at some ball skills myself! So many of our young people work hard and
achieve great things. I'm keen to support their ambitions and help them
boost their skills so they can achieve success in their chosen careers."

After the event, the Community Sports Trust CEO was delighted with the
coaches' performance. "The trainees demonstrated as a team their growing
confidence and levels of capability throughout the exhibition," he said.
"Their presence embodied the ethos of Skills London, which is about enabling
London's youth to discover the options open to them, and forge a responsible
plan for their future.

"In doing so they not only created a positive image of young people in
general, but represented West Ham United to their peers and the wider
community."

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Liverpool v West Ham
PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Anfield Date: Monday, 1 December Kick-off: 2000 GMT
Coverage: Full commentary on BBC Radio Merseyside 95.8 FM; Updates on BBC
Sport website & highlights on Match of the Day
BBC.co.uk

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Robbie Keane will get an extended chance to impress up front for Liverpool
because Fernando Torres is out with a hamstring injury. Full-back Andrea
Dossena is likely to replace Fabio Aurelio, who is out for two weeks with a
calf problem.

West Ham team news to follow later.

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Liverpool (from): Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Hyypia, Dossena,
Benayoun, Gerrard, Mascherano, Alonso, Babel, Kuyt, Keane, Ngog, Riera,
Cavalieri, Lucas, Insua, El Zhar.

BIG-MATCH FACTS
Liverpool, safely in the last 16 of the Champions League, resume the defence
of the Premier League's longest unbeaten home sequence.

West Ham are chasing successive league wins for the first time since
Gianfranco Zola's first two league games in charge, having halted a
seven-match winless sequence with their second away win of the season at
Sunderland last weekend - their first maximum of the campaign outside
London.

The Merseysiders have won 10 Premier League matches; the Hammers five.

West Ham travel in search of their first league win in 37 attempts at
Anfield. The Hammers last returned with maximum points on 14 September 1963,
following a 1-2 top flight triumph.

Liverpool are defending an unbeaten home record against West Ham in the
Premier League, and are vying for an eighth successive victory over the
Hammers at Anfield.

Distance between the clubs: 228 miles (367 kilometres)


CLUB FORM
LIVERPOOL

Club stats

Going into the weekend: 2nd 33 points


Best & Worst categories in 2008-09 Premier League
(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League
fixtures)

1. Picked up seven points out of nine.

2. Lost one of the last 21 Premier League matches; the defeat being 2-1,
away to Tottenham, on 1 November.

3. The current total of 33 points after 14 matches represents their best
ever start to a Premier League season; the club have never registered as
many as 33 points after the first 15 games in this league. In 1990-91, they
amassed 38 points in an unbeaten opening 14-match run.

4. Won 14 and drawn four of the last 18 Premier League matches at Anfield.
The 0-1 reverse to Manchester United on 16 December 2007 is their only home
loss in 30.

5. The Premier League's only club to remain unbeaten at home in 2008.

6. Kept clean sheets in four of the last five home league games, including
the last three. Not conceded in 315 minutes (five hours 15 minutes) of
Premier League football at Anfield since Amr Zaki scored Wigan's second in
the Latics' 2-3 win on 18 October.

7. Not lost in 18 home Premier League games against London opposition, since
Chelsea's 1-4 triumph on 2 October 2005.

Fixtures

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WEST HAM UNITED

Club stats

Going into the weekend: 13th 17 points


Best & Worst categories in 2008-09 Premier League
(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League
fixtures)

1. Picked up five points out of 24.

2. On the longest current sequence of eight matches since scoring more than
a single goal in a Premier League match.

3. Lost the last three league games against North-West clubs.

4. Gained just two points from a possible 24 in the North-West in 2008.

5. Lost their last five games against 'Big Four' clubs, not gaining a point
from the quartet of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United since
beating Liverpool 1-0 at home on 30 January 2008.

6. Would be two points adrift at the foot if only second-half performances
counted.

7. Not kept three successive clean sheets in the Premier League since 3 May
2003, when Middlesbrough (h), Manchester City (a) and Chelsea (h) were all
beaten 1-0.

Fixtures

KEY PLAYER NOTES
LIVERPOOL

Squad profiles

Jamie CARRAGHER is the only remaining outfield player to have been on the
field for every minute of every one of Liverpool's Premier League matches
this season.

Goalkeeper Jose REINA, also an ever-present, leads the race for the Barclays
Golden Glove having kept nine clean sheets.

If selected:-

Diego CAVALIERI will be playing on his 26th birthday.

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WEST HAM UNITED

Squad profiles

Robert GREEN is the only remaining player to have been on the field for
every minute of every one of West Ham's Premier League matches this season.

Lee BOWYER is a double shy of 50 career Premier League goals (Leeds,
Newcastle and West Ham).

If selected:-

Craig BELLAMY will be making his 200th career Premier League appearance
(Coventry, Newcastle, Blackburn, Liverpool and West Ham).

BELLAMY will be facing a former club. The 29 year old Wales international
forward made 42 appearances (27 in the league) and scored nine goals (seven
league) for Liverpool between June 2006 and his £7.5m move to West Ham in
July 2007.


HEAD TO HEAD
West Ham have dropped more away points in the Premier League to Liverpool
than to any other club (36).

Liverpool have won the last seven home league games against West Ham with an
aggregate of 16-2.

The Hammers have failed to score in 31 of their 51 league matches on
Liverpool turf.

Home and away
League (inc PL): Liverpool 53 wins, West Ham 21, Draws 28
Prem: Liverpool 15 wins, West Ham 5, Draws 6

at Liverpool only
League (inc PL): Liverpool 35 wins, West Ham 3, Draws 13
Prem: Liverpool 10 wins, West Ham 0, Draws 3


LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Liverpool 4-0 West Ham United
5 March 2008 - Ref: Steve Bennett
Liverpool scorers: Torres 8, 61, 81, Gerrard 83

REFEREE
Peter Walton (Northamptonshire)

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McCabe rues 'Tevez affair'
Blades cash losses blamed on the Carlos Tevez affair
Last updated: 28th November 2008
SSN

Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe says the club's financial losses are
down to the Carlos Tevez affair. The Blades have announced an operating
loss before tax and interest of £3.5million compared to a £2.7million profit
this time last year. Tevez was the man who effectively relegated Sheffield
United from the Premier League when his goal beat Manchester United on the
last day of the 2006/07 season to keep West Ham up at the expense of The
Blades. But irregularities had already been found in his contract rendering
him ineligible to play - and The Blades have been campaigning for
compensation ever since. McCabe said: "One can only ponder as to the
potential turnover and profitability that may have been achieved were it not
for the circumstances and events emanating from the media-named 'Tevez
affair'.
"Sheffield United are now a robust, strong and proud club, who will simply
not back down or walk away from tackling head on those organisations
responsible for the shameful actions and events that have tarnished English
football."
McCabe added: "Turnover in 2008 was £32.1million, a reduction from the
£44.2million of 2007, arising from our unjust relegation from the Premier
League in May last year and thankfully limited due to the success of our
off-the-field interests." The Blades are hoping to recoup some of that
deficit with compensation figures of up to £50million being bandied about
after an arbitration panel ruled that the Argentinian should not have been
allowed to play. West Ham say they have already been punished by the
£5.5million Premier League fine, and have this week launched an appeal
against an injunction that blocks them from appealing to the Court of
Arbitration for Sport. Both sides will meet the arbitration panel in March
to thrash out a compensation deal, but the longer it drags on, the more
likely it will be that the case is settled out of court.

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Masch has no love for Hammers
Midfielder feels nothing for former club
Last updated: 28th November 2008
SSN

Javier Mascherano insists he has no feelings about former club West Ham as
Liverpool prepare to face The Hammers. Mascherano joined West Ham along with
countryman Carlos Tevez - who went on to play a major role in keeping The
Hammers in the Premier League in 2007. Tevez's controversial participation
in West Ham's season is now leading to court battles - but Mascherano's
Upton Park career passed off without anywhere near as much controversy.
Indeed the combative midfielder managed just seven games for The Hammers
before joining Liverpool in January 2007 - and the player admits he has
little feeling for West Ham given how little he played for them. "West Ham
brought me to England. That was very good for me, but I still could not play
there, it was not like at River Plate or Corinthians when I could play and
win titles," he said. "I only played a few games, so I do not have a big
feeling for the club. "But I was very pleased that they brought me to
England, and happy with the welcome I got there. They did give me the chance
to play in England, that is clear. "But I do not feel a big passion for the
club because I couldn't play there. I was there for four months, I did not
have a feeling with the people. "I don't feel anything about them. My club
is Liverpool, and I do the best for the people here, my team-mates and
supporters. "I do not think about anything now at West Ham. West Ham is
nothing in my life now because I was not able to play there. "It is just
another team in the Premier League. I do not feel anything else. "The
important thing now for me is to win with Liverpool and to keep going. We
want to be top of the table and we must just keep going."

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RAFA: BELLAMY WILL BE DANGEROUS
Joe Curran 28 November 2008
Liverpoolfc.tv

Rafa Benitez today warned of the threat former Reds striker Craig Bellamy
will pose when West Ham visit Anfield on Monday. The Welsh captain scored
nine goals during a one-year spell with the Reds before moving to Upton Park
in July 2007, and Benitez admitted the Hammers, who climbed to 13th in the
league after a 1-0 away win over Sunderland last week, could be dangerous
with Bellamy spearheading their attack. "It will be difficult for them to
take something away from Anfield, but it will be hard for us too because it
is the Premier League and it's always tough," said Benitez. "We have
experience of teams coming here very well prepared and defending, and I
think it will be the same situation with West Ham - they will be organised
and have some good players with Bellamy up front, so they will be a threat.
"Bellamy is a good player and was a very good professional when he was with
us - he worked very hard. "We had a lot of confidence in him, he was a good
player for us and he is a winner, but some players prefer to play every week
and it's something you need to understand."
The Reds boss also revealed he was grateful to get a few more days before
the West Ham clash and said: "Clearly it makes a massive difference when we
have extra time to prepare for a game. Just one day can be important, but
two or three extra days is even better. "Maybe I will watch some of the
other games on Sunday, but I am more concerned about my own team. The main
thing for us is to improve and try to get the three points - you cannot do
anything about the other teams' results.
"Sometimes it can be more pressure watching what the other teams do, so it's
better to relax, enjoy the weekend and try to win when our game comes."

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Sheffield United chairman points finger at Tevez after lossesBy Sportsmail
Reporter
Last updated at 12:46 PM on 28th November 2008
Comments (0) Add to My Stories
Daily Mail

Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe has blamed the club's financial
losses for the year ending June 30 on the 'Tevez affair'. The Blades have
announced an operating loss before interest and tax of £3.5million, while
for the same period last year the club made a profit of £2.7million.
Retained losses stand at £6.3million compared to a £300,000 profit at this
time in 2007. Turnover is down from £44.2million to £32.1million. McCabe
said: 'One can only ponder as to the potential turnover and profitability
that may have been achieved were it not for the circumstances and events
emanating from the media-named 'Tevez affair'. 'Sheffield United are now a
robust, strong and proud club, who will simply not back down or walk away
from tackling head on those organisations responsible for the shameful
actions and events that have tarnished English football.' McCabe added:
'Turnover in 2008 was £32.1 million, a reduction from the £44.2 million of
2007, arising from our unjust relegation from the Premier League in May last
year and thankfully limited due to the success of our off-the-field
interests.' The Blades are hoping to claim up to £50million from West Ham in
compensation next spring after an arbitration panel ruled that Carlos Tevez
should not have been permitted to play in the final matches of the 2006/7
season, when the Argentina striker helped West Ham avoid relegation at
Sheffield United's expense. West Ham have argued they have already been
punished by the Premier League - they were fined £5.5million - but the
arbitration panel decided the Hammers had not abided by their pledge to end
all third-party agreements in relation to Tevez.
The matter will return to the High Court for a full trial next year when the
Blades will be seeking a permanent injunction. Both parties will meet the
arbitration panel in March to thrash out a compensation figure, but it has
been reported that should the case drag on, the matter could be settled out
of court.

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Hypocrisy Personified Mc Babe And His Cronies
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 28 November, 2008 - 10:42.
West Ham Fans Org.

So the seekers of truth and justice Sheffield United have managed to get
some old soak to grant them an injunction to stop West Ham appealing to the
Court of Arbitration in Geneva. On the back of the original unjust decision
to penalise Hammers, despite the fact that a hefty fine had already been
paid for irregularities in the transfer of Carlos Tevez and Javier
Mascherano, the granting of an injunction is hardly surprising, however the
sheer hypocrisy of Sheffield United's ruling party beggars belief. Having
been guilty of having a third party agreement over the sale of one of their
players themselves, the Blades are now trying to turn a blind eye to the
thuggish and potentially career threatening assault administered by one of
their players as if it didn't happen, what world do they live in? ...And now
the monkeys want to do a deal! - Ed (Here follows a direct cut and paste
from the Guardian)... Sheffield United had originally put in a claim for
£30m to recompense them for being relegated. This was then increased by £20m
which included the cost of a second season out of top level football. The
Mail reports that directors at the Sheffield club are willing to save West
Ham from any further financial problems by settling for half of the £50m
they were initially seeking. With West Ham planning an appeal to the High
Court after Sheffield United won an injunction preventing the Premier League
side from appealing through the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the
affair risks running well into the new year. Amid suggestions that West Ham
are already suffering in the current financial climate, the risk of taking
the case to the CAS would cost time and money, something club owner
Bjogolfur Gudmundsson cannot afford. Speculation that he may be forced to
sell the club or go bankrupt if the FA award damages to Sheffield United are
rife. In a bid to bring the matter to a close, Sheffield United's chairman,
Kevin McCabe has said the club will accept staggered payments on the
condition that West Ham admit that they owed something for United's
relegation at the end of 2006-07. McCabe and Sheffield United are in the
position of strength as it has already been firmly established that Tevez
should not have been playing for West Ham in the matches that proved vital
in keeping the club up while United went down.

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Sheffield United have a double standard for West Ham and Iain Hume
By Ian Winwood 28/11/2008
The Mirror

Sheffield United were unusually blasé this week following the FA's decision
not to take any further action regarding defender Chris Morgan's elbow smash
to the head of Barnsley striker Iain Hume earlier this month. Speaking on
BBC Radio Sheffield, Blades assistant manager Sam Ellis said his club now
consider the matter "closed."
Actually, make that almost closed, because Ellis couldn't resist one final
parting shot. "We didn't think there was anything more [to the incident],"
he continued. "We think people have made a little bit more out of it than
they should have."
Oh really, do you? It's a fact of football journalism that interviewers
don't ask those being interviewed to expand on their answers, so we don't
know who Ellis thinks these "people" actually are. But let's try and have a
guess. Could Mr Ellis be talking about Iain Hume himself? Leaving aside the
question of intent, the facts of the incident are as follows: Chris Morgan
planted his feet on the ground and swung his elbow into the Barnsley
player's head with enough force to fracture his opponent's skull, leaving a
scar the size of a breakfast bagel.
It's probably safe to assume that Iain Hume did not undergo this
life-threatening misfortune so he could get himself on the telly. Is it,
then, the FA who have made more of this matter than they should? No it's
not, because the FA have done nothing at all. Chris Morgan was awarded a
yellow card for his foul (rather than a three month prison sentence) and
that's how it's going to stay.
The Football Association would consider further punishment were the
'circumstances' more 'exceptional', but everyone knows that in the
Championship fractured skulls are as common as throw-ins. So it must be that
Sheffield United are referring to Barnsley Football Club as the people who
have made too much of the unpleasantness at Oakwell. It is, after all,
Barnsley who are threatening to bring a civil action against Morgan and his
club. United obviously think this is all wrong, and that the FA's ruling
should be a final end to the matter.
This, by the way, is the same Sheffield United who refused the official
ruling on the West Ham saga, and are using their own lawyers to try and grab
£30 million. The double standard at work here is both hilarious and pitiful.
If Sheffield United can have their day in court, then why can't Barnsley? If
an official ruling is the end of the matter in one thing, then why not in
everything? Why not? Because Sheffield United's talk of fairness only
applies when it's fair to them, that's why. Anything else gets the elbow.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - I Love This!!

Sheffield United would accept £25m to resolve Carlos Tevez row
Sheffield United are reported to be considering a £25 million out-of-court
settlement from West Ham to bring an end to their damages claim over Carlos
Tevez.
Telegraph
By Emily Benammar
Last Updated: 9:43AM GMT 28 Nov 2008

Sheffield United had originally put in a claim for £30m to recompense them
for being relegated. This was then increased by £20m which included the cost
of a second season out of top level football. The Mail reports that
directors at the Sheffield club are willing to save West Ham from any
further financial problems by settling for half of the £50m they were
initially seeking. With West Ham planning an appeal to the High Court after
Sheffield United won an injunction preventing the Premier League side from
appealing through the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the affair risks
running well into the new year.
Amid suggestions that West Ham are already suffering in the current
financial climate, the risk of taking the case to the CAS would cost time
and money, something club owner Bjogolfur Gudmundsson cannot afford.
Speculation that he may be forced to sell the club or go bankrupt if the FA
award damages to Sheffield United are rife.
In a bid to bring the matter to a close, Sheffield United's chairman, Kevin
McCabe has said the club will accept staggered payments on the condition
that West Ham admit that they owed something for United's relegation at the
end of 2006-07. McCabe and Sheffield United are in the position of strength
as it has already been firmly established that Tevez should not have been
playing for West Ham in the matches that proved vital in keeping the club up
while United went down.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 28th November 2008

Reid ready to shine
WHUFC.com
Kyel Reid has gone on loan to Championship side Blackpool hoping to maintain
his good form
27.11.2008

Kyel Reid has headed out for another loan spell after again demonstratig his
potential with an excellent display for the reserves this week.

Homegrown product Reid has previously had spells at Barnsley and Crystal
Palace, the latter coming at the end of last season, and will travel to
Championship outfit Blackpool on a high. In a new central midfield role, he
made one and scored one as Portsmouth reserves were beaten 2-0 on Monday
night at the Boleyn Ground.

The left-sided player, who turned 21 on Wednesday, said: "For my goal I just
thought once I hit it on target I knew it was going to go in. As soon as the
ball came to me I got a touch then I thought if I get it on target it will
go in and it did. So I was very pleased because I needed a goal. The boys
played really well and put in a good performance."

Reid, who could make his Blackpool debut at Plymouth on Saturday, may be
heading to the north-west but this week's taste of the Boleyn reminded him
of his ultimate ambition - to establish himself at West Ham United. "It
always nice to play out there," he said. "It's a big pitch and I'm used to
it. It's my home and it's a dream come true."

He has gained plenty of confidence from working under the manager.
"Gianfranco Zola spends quite a lot of time with us after training doing
extra stuff on our technique and movement off the ball. It's good because
he's encouraging the young ones and giving them a chance. It's brilliant
learning from him as he's still sharp and he's a great player."

Reid also had words of praise for the faith in him shown by reserve-team
coach Alex Dyer. "He brings a lot of entertainment to the team and is a good
motivator to get the team ready for the game. Since he's taken over the
players have done very well for him," he said, before adding that he has
also been encouraged by the opportunities given to fellow youngsters.

He said: "Jack Collison breaking into the first team has given me a boost,
also Freddie Sears getting in there as well. I'm just waiting for my chance
to get in there and I can perform and do myself justice. My target is to be
in and around the first team and get a few games under my belt."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Walker heads to Colchester
WHUFC.com
Experienced goalkeeper Jimmy Walker has joined Colchester United until the
first week of January
27.11.2008

Jimmy Walker is the latest West Ham United player to go out on loan after
joining League One outfit Colchester United.

The goalkeeper will go straight into Paul Lambert's plans for their weekend
trip to Northampton Town. The Essex club are just outside the relegation
zone but could jump five places with a victory. Walker, who has been at the
Boleyn Ground since summer 2004, will stay with Colchester until 3 January

"I'm really looking forward to the challenge," Walker said. "Hopefully we
can get some victories under our belt and I can help the team keep the ball
out of the net! This is a good challenge for me and one I am looking forward
to. I had a few offers but this is the one that felt right."

Walker, 35, is a popular figure with Hammers fans - not least because of his
penalty save from Chelsea's Frank Lampard in October 2004. The form of
Robert Green has meant first-team opportunities have been limited for
Walker, who has been challenging for the No1 spot with Jan Lastuvka and
Marek Stech. He first made his name with Walsall, making more than 400
appearances between 1993 and 2004.

The club have already loaned out Josh Payne (Cheltenham Town), Nigel Quashie
(Birmingham City), Bondz N'Gala (MK Dons) and Jordan Spence (Leyton Orient).

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Derby day for Tomkins
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins is joining Championship side Derby County on a month-long loan
27.11.2008

England Under-19 defender James Tomkins will get the chance of more
first-team football during a one-month loan deal with Championship team
Derby County.

Tomkins demonstrated his potential during five starts and one substitute
appearance for West Ham United last season, playing 90 minutes on his debut
in the 1-1 draw with Everton at Goodison Park. The 19-year-old centre-back
has played for England at Under-17 and U19 level and was a key member of the
squad that went to the European Under-19 finals in the Czech Republic in the
summer - starting all three games.

He said: "I have got to challenge for my place at West Ham United, but if I
can get a few games under my belt in a good league, then it can only be good
for me. Derby have a good stadium and fans. Obviously it will be good
experience, I am looking forward to it - having some games, I know I have to
impress before I play [at West Ham], I won't just walk into the side.

"My total aim is to play for West Ham, but if I have to go out on loan
somewhere else to get some more experience, especially in what is a very
tough league, then it can only be good for me for the future. I can then
come back to West Ham and stake my claim for a place here. Going on loan is
an important part of a young player's development. I am only 19 and still
learning the trade so this can only do me good."

Tomkins missed the first part of this season with injury but made an
impressive return in the reserves' 1-0 win against Portsmouth at the Boleyn
Ground on Tuesday. He marshalled the home defence well, nullifying a
visiting attack featuring David Nugent and Ben Sahar. He could make his
debut for the Paul Jewell's side this Saturday in their Championship match
against Burnley. The Rams sit 14th in the table, just four points away from
the play-off positions.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stanislas loaned to Southend
WHUFC.com
Junior Stanislas is the latest homegrown Hammer to head out on a temporary
basis
27.11.2008

West Ham United have loaned young attacker Junior Stanislas to League One
outfit Southend United.

The 19-year-old, who has been with the club since he was eleven, has been an
impressive performer for the reserves this season, notably scoring the
winning goal against Arsenal last month. He began the 2008/09 campaign on a
high by joining the first-team's tour of North America and has been pushing
hard for a place this season. Stanislas has also been capped by England at
Under-17 and U19 level.

Stanislas is on a six-week loan and could make his debut in the FA Cup
second round tie against Luton Town this Saturday. Southend are tenth in
League One and Stanislas could find himself up against club-mate Bondz
N'Gala, who is on loan at MK Dons, on 28 December before a possible meeting
with Jordan Spence, currently at Leyton Orient, on 3 January.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stanislas joins Southend on loan
BBC.co.uk

Southend United have signed West Ham reserve midfielder Junior Stanislas on
a six-week loan. Stanislas, 19, has yet to play for the Hammers first team,
but has represented England at under-19 level. The left-winger will be
available for inclusion in the Blues' squad for Saturday's FA Cup second
round tie with Luton Town at Roots Hall. The teenager is the club's second
loan signing this week, following the arrival of Salisbury's Liam Feeney.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Blackpool make two loan signings
BBC.co.uk

Derby County striker Liam Dickinson and West Ham winger Kyel Reid have
signed one-month loan deals with Championship side Blackpool. Both will stay
at Bloomfield Road until 1 January to gain more first-team football
experience. Manager Simon Grayson told BBC Radio Lancashire Dickinson's
signature would add strength to his forward line. "We just needed another
option up front with Stephen McPhee being out injured at present," said
Grayson. Reid, 21, came through the youth system at Upton Park and has made
just one senior appearance. Dickinson, 23, moved to Pride Park in the summer
from Stockport and has just returned from loan at Huddersfield. "We are
grateful to both clubs for allowing us to take these players for a month and
I am sure the two signings will improve us and make it more competitive for
places," said the Blackpool boss. "We also looked at Liam in the summer but
once Derby got involved it was going to be too expensive for us. "He's a big
strong lad, a hungry young player and works the channels, we just hope it
works out for him here," added Grayson. And Grayson said he is equally
delighted with the capture of Reid. "He has good pace and delivery into the
box and is a player I tried to get last year on numerous occasions, but West
Ham wouldn't let him out on loan," he said. "He's been on their bench a lot
this year in the Premier League and I think he could do well while he is
with us. "I watched him many times last year, he's a player who can give us
something different in certain areas of the field," he added. Both players
go straight into the Seasiders' squad for Saturday's trip to Plymouth.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Colchester sign goalkeeper Walker
BBC.co.uk

Colchester United have signed West Ham goalkeeper Jimmy Walker on loan until
the end of December. The 35-year-old has made 20 appearances for the Hammers
since joining them from Walsall in 2004. Walker, who made over 400
appearances for the Saddlers, could feature in the U's game at Northampton
on Saturday.
Colchester manager Paul Lambert has told BBC Essex the club are looking to
bring in further loan signings before Thursday's 1700 GMT deadline.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Freddie's 'delight'
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 27th November 2008
By: Staff Writer

Freddie Sears has joined fellow striker Carlton Cole by signing a new five
year deal with West Ham United. Sears, 19 tomorrow celebrated his birthday
by landing a bumper new deal that ties him to the Hammers until 2013.
Talking to the club's website at whufc.com, he said: "I am delighted to have
signed for another five years.It's nice to know the club wants you here, for
that long as well. I am enjoying my football and all that I have been doing
and hopefully I can now show there is more to come. "I am learning every day
and just trying to get better all the time and see how far I can go. It's
been great to be in and around the first team, travelling to games and all
of that, now to be part of the team itself is great and something I am
determined to continue. "It's good to be part of the team, we win together
and lose together, it's good to be part of it. The team spirit is really
good and I am enjoying being part of it all. I am looking to keep building
on what I have been doing - getting more chances of playing week in, week
out and showing people what I can do."
Sears, who averaged more than a goal per game for the youth and reserve team
last season scored on his first team debut against Blackburn last year but
has failed to hit the net since. He is now a veteran of 19 appearances, 13
of which came from the bench.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jimmy walks
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 27th November 2008
By: Staff Writer

Reserve goalkeeper Jimmy Walker has become the fifth Hammer to go out on
loan, joining League One outfit Colchester until the end of the year. A
popular member of the squad with both players and supporters, 'Wacka' has
spent the last four years with the Hammers having been signed by Alan Pardew
from Walsall. However 'the best goalkeeper outside of the Premier League',
as he was once known had failed to start a first team match in over two
years, and has grabbed the chance to play some first team football with the
U's. With today being loan deadline day Colchester, who are currently
struggling at the wrong end of League One having been relegated from the
Championship last season moved swiftly to capture the 35-year-old stopper,
who will work alongside U's number one Dean Gerkin. Walker joins another
former Hammer, Chris Coyne at Weston Homes Community Stadium. Although he
only made 20 appearances in his four years at the club he will best be
remembered for his part in the 2004/05 play-off final which ultimately ended
in success for the Hammers but misery for Walker as he tore cruciate
ligaments late on in the second half.

KUMB.com would like to wish Jimmy all the best at Colchester.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Us capture Hammers keeper
Walker looking forward to Colchester stint
Last updated: 27th November 2008
SSN

Colchester United have snapped up West Ham United's veteran goalkeeper Jimmy
Walker on loan until January. Walker has spent four years providing the
back-up at Upton Park and has not made a first-team appearance since April
2006. He has accepted a five-week stint at Colchester and is looking forward
to his time with Paul Lambert's side. "I'm really looking forward to the
challenge," Walker told the Hammers' official website. "Hopefully we can get
some victories under our belt and I can help the team keep the ball out of
the net! "This is a good challenge for me and one I am looking forward to.
I had a few offers, but this is the one that felt right."
The 35-year-old is in line to make his debut for Colchester in Saturday's
League One encounter at Northampton Town.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers starlet set for move
Reid to join Blackpool
Last updated: 27th November 2008
SSN

West Ham starlet Kyel Reid is set join Blackpool, skysports.com understands.
A host of clubs had been chasing the young winger, who has already enjoyed
previous spells on loan in the Championship with Barnsley and Crystal
Palace. Now Reid, who has been a regular on the bench for The Hammers in the
Premier League this term, is set for a move to Bloomfield Road after
agreeing to join Blackpool. Reid will link-up with Simon Grayson's side for
an initial month-long period. The 20-year-old is now in-line to make his
Seasiders debut at Plymouth at the weekend.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Junior looking to kick start career
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 27th November 2008
By: Staff Writer

Junior Stanislas has joined League One side Southend United on loan. The
19-year-old winger tied up a move to the Shrimpers late this morning and
will go straight into the team to face Luton in the FA Cup this weekend. He
will remain with the Seasiders until January 17th.

Who's gone where: loan deadline day summary

Junior Stanislas: joined Southend (League One) on loan until 17th January
2009.

James Tomkins: joined Derby County (Championship) on loan until 31st
December 2008.

Kyel Reid: joined Blackpool (Championship) on loan until January 2009.

Jimmy Walker: joined Colchester United (League One) on loan until January
2009.

Jordan Spence: joined Leyton Orient (League One) on loan until January 2009.

Bondz N'Gala: joined MK Dons (League One) a fortnight ago. On loan until
18th December 2008.

Josh Payne: joined Cheltenham (League One) in September on an initial
month's loan, extended by a further month. Due back this week.

Nigel Quashie: joined Birmingham City (Championship) last month on an
initial month's loan, extended by a further month. Due to return at
Christmas.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Another one off
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 27th November 2008
By: Staff Writer

James Tomkins is off to Championship outfit Derby County in order to
continue his rehabilitation from injury. The young centre-half, yet to play
for the first team this season after sustaining a knock at the end of last
season joins the Rams on loan for the remainder of the year. Talking this
afternoon, the England under-19 defender said: "I have got to challenge for
my place at West Ham United, but if I can get a few games under my belt in a
good league then it can only be good for me. "Derby have a good stadium and
fans. Obviously it will be good experience and I am looking forward to it -
having some games. I know I have to impress before I play [at West Ham], I
won't just walk into the side. "My total aim is to play for West Ham, but if
I have to go out on loan somewhere else to get some more experience,
especially in what is a very tough league, then it can only be good for me
for the future. I can then come back to West Ham and stake my claim for a
place. Going on loan is an important part of a young player's development.
I am only 19 and still learning the trade so this can only do me good."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rams clinch Tomkins signing
Hammers defender looking forward to loan spell
Last updated: 27th November 2008
SSN

Derby County have increased their defensive options after signing teenager
James Tomkins on loan from West Ham United. Paul Jewell has been short of
cover at the back and has secured a deal for Tomkins until the end of
December. The 19-year-old has not featured for West Ham this season due to a
knee injury, but has made six appearances since making his debut in March.
He is highly rated at Upton Park and the England youth international is
looking forward to his stint with Championship side Derby. "I have got to
challenge for my place at West Ham United, but if I can get a few games
under my belt in a good league, then it can only be good for me," Tomkins
told the club's official website. "Derby have a good stadium and fans.
Obviously it will be good experience, I am looking forward to it - having
some games, I know I have to impress before I play [at West Ham], I won't
just walk into the side. "My total aim is to play for West Ham, but if I
have to go out on loan somewhere else to get some more experience,
especially in what is a very tough league, then it can only be good for me
for the future. "I can then come back to West Ham and stake my claim for a
place here. Going on loan is an important part of a young player's
development. I am only 19 and still learning the trade so this can only do
me good."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Blades look to the final twist in Tevez tale
Sheffield Star
Published Date: 28 November 2008
By Alan Biggs

Sheffield United and West Ham could be finally closing towards an
out-of-court settlement over the £50m Carlos Tevez affair, writes. Pressure
is building on the Hammers to negotiate after the Blades' High Court victory
in being awarded an injuction against the London club appealing against
United's damages claim through the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The
Telegraph believes United are prepared to come to the table if West Ham make
the first move. It is rapidly becoming in both clubs' best interests to
thrash out a compensation deal rather than let the matter roll on through
the courts well into next year. United have proved they are in it for the
long haul if necessary and are in a strong, if not unassailable, position.
If the Hammers fail in their fight to appeal against an FA tribunal's
compensation award - and then carry the verdict - the payment of up to £50m
to Bramall Lane becomes automatic. Lawyers representing the Blades are
understood to be emphatic that it is only a matter of time before West Ham
are made to pay up. United, however, are ready to consider an arrangement
that would save time and money, particularly for their adversaries amid
speculation that West Ham's Icelandic owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson could
sell the club. It is suggested that Gudmundsson might be bankrupted by the
financial fall-out of the Tevez issue. Blades chairman Kevin McCabe has
already indicated that he would be prepared to negotiate stage payments on
the final award and now he may go further. A negotiated settlement stands
to net United less than their full claim, which has been upgraded from £30m
to take into account a second season outside the top flight. However, both
clubs have good reason for wanting to put the issue behind them and the
Blades can afford to be magnanimous from a position of strength. Having been
fined £5.5m by the Premier League for breaching third-party ownership rules
- and controversially escaping a points deduction - Tevez only played on
under the understanding that the Hammers had ripped up an agreement with
businessmen Kia Joorabchian. An FA arbitration panel established last
summer that the arrangement was still in place and that West Ham had
deceived the authorities to keep the Argentinian star in their side.
Meanwhile, manager Kevin Blackwell believes his side remain on track in
their promotion quest despite the midweek 3-1 defeat to leaders Wolves at
Bramall Lane. United, who visit Ipswich - and former striker Jon Stead -
tomorrow, made it a much closer contest than the scoreline suggests. But
they will be determined to avoid the anomaly of a third successive home
defeat when fellow high-fliers Burnley are in town next week.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
High Court stops West Ham from pursuing appeal
28 Nov, 08 | England | Legal
Eurofootball.biz

It looks like English West Ham will be unable to appeal to the Court of
Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in the ongoing Carlos Tevez matter with
Sheffield United, according a recent High Court decision, granting United
the ability to submit a claim for damages on account of its relegation from
the Premier League. Earlier this year, an independent tribunal determined
that Argentinian Tevez's move to West Ham during the 2006/2007 season was
not permitted. The battle is expected to appear in High Court next year for
a full trial, as reported by The Telegraph, with suggestions that Sheffield
United will seek up to GBP 30 million in damages Sheffield United intitally
took the matter to High Court in an attempt to stop West Ham from appealing
against the tribunal's decision. Once West Ham began the appeal process with
the CAS, United quickly stepped forward to claim that it breached the
arbitration agreement in place between the clubs, placing the matter outside
of CAS' jurisdication. As part of the decision, West Ham is temporarily
unable to pursue any further appeals against the findings of the tribunal
outside of a High Court application.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Giovinco Won't Leave Juventus For West Ham - Agent
Goal.com

Sebastian Giovinco's agent Claudio Pasqualin admits the player speaks with
Gianfranco Zola but only to reminisce about their days together with the
Italian under-21 side. La Formica Atomica played under Zola's guidance when
the current West Ham boss was Pier Luigi Casiraghi's assistant for the
Azzurrini. Both men enjoyed a good working relationship and Giovinco has
always stated his love for his childhood idol. Reports in both Itay and
England had the Turin-born star already in a claret and blue jersey but his
agent has other ideas. "There are no developments. All the talk is coming
from the papers and no-one else," Pasqualin told Novantesimo.it.
"Giovinco speaks with Zola every now and then but it's just to talk of their
time with the Under-21s. "Will he leave? I have no intention of talking
about this subject at all." The player has only recently signed an extension
and, despite his agent rubbishing reports every week, Turin-based Tuttosport
keep reporting Giovinco as heading through the exit door.

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tevez dispute may be ended by Sheffield United offer of £25m out of court
settlement
EXCLUSIVE by By Alan Biggs
Last updated at 1:45 AM on 28th November 2008
Daily Mail

Sheffield United will consider a £25million out-of-court settlement from
West Ham to end their damages claim over the Carlos Tevez affair. The
Sheffield club originally claimed £30m to compensate them for relegation,
then upped the claim by a further £20m to include the cost of a second
season outside the top flight after an FA panel found in their favour. But
Bramall Lane directors are now prepared to save West Ham from complete
financial meltdown, offering a compromise deal of about half the £50m they
wanted in compensation. Having won a High Court injunction preventing West
Ham from appealing through the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), they
are convinced it is a matter of when, not if, compensation has to be paid.
Although they believe their claim is now a certainty, they are prepared to
give ground to settle if the Hammers do the same and indicate they are
willing to discuss the offer.
A compromise agreement on the final figure could now prove to be in the best
interests of both clubs, otherwise the issue will drag on deep into next
year, with West Ham planning an appeal to the High Court. Even if they were
to prevail, West Ham would still have to convince CAS to take on the case
and then to overturn an FA arbitration verdict that both clubs consented to
as legally binding. The delay will cost time and money amid suggestions that
West Ham's Icelandic owner, Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, could be forced to sell
the club or be bankrupted by the FA panel's award of damages to Bramall
Lane. Chairman Kevin McCabe has already offered to accept stage payments and
will consider going further to end the long-running row - providing West Ham
concede that they owe redress for Sheffield United's controversial
relegation at the end of the 2006-07 season. McCabe is being pragmatic as
well as magnanimous from a position of strength. It was firmly established
by the FA hearing that Tevez should not have been playing for West Ham when
his goals kept them in the top flight at United's expense. After the Premier
League fined West Ham £5.5m for breaching third-party ownership rules - and
spared them a points deduction - Tevez only played on under the premise that
the Hammers had cancelled his arrangement with businessman Kia Joorabchian.
It was then found the agreement was still in place and that West Ham
deceived the authorities. More than 17 players past and present are also
pursuing a case for loss of earnings as a result of the relegation.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham owner Bjorgofur Gudmundsson's bankruptcy fears could force sale
West Ham's beleagured owner Bjorgofur Gudmundsson could sell the Premier
League club before he is bankrupted by a £30 million claim for damages by
Sheffield United over the Carlos Tevez affair.
Telegraph
By Richard Bright
Last Updated: 10:36AM GMT 27 Nov 2008

The Icelandic businessman's latest setback comes after Sheffield United won
a High Court battle with West Ham in the Tevez saga. Justice Teare granted a
temporary order stopping West Ham appealing to the Court of Arbitration for
Sport (CAS) over a ruling that they had breached Premier League rules in
hiring the Argentinian.
This will now allow United to go ahead with their arbitration claim for
damages over their relegation from the Premier League last season.
According to the Mail, it emerged from City sources that Gudmundsson would
be unable to pay the fine if Sheffield United were to win damages from the
complicated Tevez saga. The growing crisis which has gripped Iceland in the
wake of the global economic downturn has hit his company Samson Holdings
particularly hard and it is believed they are on the verge of bankruptcy.
Gudmundsson bought West Ham for £85 million and has invested another £30
million into the club. But he suffered a major blow with the recent closure
of the Icelandic back Landsbanki, in which he had a controlling 45 per cent
stake, and is now thought to have lost around £230 million of his personal
fortune.
West Ham's future was also plunged into uncertainty last week after it
emerged that Hansa, the club's holding company, had begun the process of
administration.
However, it is understood that a number of bidders are willing to pay in the
region of £150m for the Premier League club.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool's Mascherano: West Ham means nothing to me
28.11.08 | tribalfootball.com

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano says former club West Ham "means
nothing" to him. "I don't feel anything for West Ham," he said ahead of
their looming date.
"It's nothing in my life because I couldn't play when I was there. They are
just another team in the Premier League. "The fans at Upton Park were very
good for me when I was there but I couldn't play. It's not like River or
Corinthians where I played and won titles and I have an affection. I think
at West Ham I played only four games so I don't have a big feeling for the
club. "I'm pleased that West Ham brought me to England and gave me the
chance to play in this country - it helped me earn a move to Liverpool. But
that's all. All that matters to me now is Liverpool."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Juventus ACE stalls Hammers as Arsenal interest GROWS
06:42 November, 28, 2008
FansFc.com

Arsenal Football Club are said to be determined to sign Sebastian Giovinco.
It was reported earlier this week that West Ham United were keen to take the
21-year-old attacking midfielder to Upton Park in January on a six-month
loan deal. It is believed that Giovinco is willing to move to England to add
to his experience, but he is refusing to commit to the Hammers amidst
growing speculation Arsene Wenger is keen. The Gunners manager wants to
bolster his midfield when the transfer window reopens in the New Year, and
he believes the Juventus star would fit perfectly into his style of play.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Are West Ham simply being made an example of?
Posted by: Rob Facey, today

Football FanCast columnist Rob Facey wonders whether the FA's refusal to let
West Ham take the Carlos Tevez saga to the Court of Arbitration for Sport is
fair and wonders what the realistic outcome will be?

The financial cloud hanging over Upton Park continues to blacken after the
High Court in London yesterday ruled that under FA rules West Ham are unable
to contest the Carlos Tevez dispute at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The case will pick up again in January but it is now looking more likely
that Sheffield United have ended any hope the Hammers had of taking their
fight to a European court, before the clubs meet in March to see how close
they are to reaching a compensation deal.

Sheffield United has revised their estimated losses to £60 million to take
into account a second year outside the top flight but West Ham will
undoubtedly contest every last penny.

They won't mind if the case drags on until the summer by which time they
should have secured a new sponsor as well as received 2008/09s TV money
because a huge payout would further cripple the club who are already £40m in
debt.

Their Icelandic owners are bankrupt so it is thought that they would welcome
a buyout but, with this case hanging over them, it is unlikely anyone will
want to invest with such a huge sum potentially being paid to the Yorkshire
club.

Do West Ham have a leg to stand on or is a colossal payout to Sheffield
United inevitable?

What defence to they hope to convince the courts with; that Tevez wasn't the
sole reason they stayed up at United's expense?

Are the Hammers being unfairly treated by the FA who sanctioned the
transfers at the time?

Are the authorities merely covering their back after failing to check the
small print of the sensational deals?

Are West Ham simply being made an example of?

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Where will West Ham be next season?
4sportsake.co.uk

The problems at West Ham are getting worse. For a year now West Ham has been
fighting court battles against Sheffield United over the relegation battle
of 2007. The Hammers want to appeal to the court of Arbitration for Sport
over a ruling that they breached Premier League rules to sign the
Argentinian striker. West Ham insist the case was concluded when an
independent Premier League tribunal fined them £5.5m
If the Blades are successful in their appeal they will be able to go ahead
with their £50million claim for damages. It could also open the flood gates
for the Shefield United players to continue with their class action against
the Hammers for loss of their earnings since they were relegated.
Bjorgofur Gudmundsson, the West ham owner has been in serious financial
trouble since the economy in his native Iceland went into meltdown. It could
be very unlikely that he could raise the money neede to satify these law
suites if west Ham were found to be in breach of the rules. Fortunately for
West Ham, there does appear to be more than one serious bidder interested in
paying in the region of £150million for the Barclays Premier League club.
But remember what happened to Luton. It will be 'buyer beware.' How will
anyone be able to factor in a potential damages bill.

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Upson exit ruled out
E24
27 November 2008

GIANFRANCO ZOLA has issued a hands-off warning to West Ham's Premier League
rivals by insisting that Matthew Upson is not for sale, despite reports
linking the defender with a January exit. The Hammers are expected to
offload players in the new year as the club faces up to a potential £30m
bill over the Carlos Tevez affair.
West Ham owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson has also been rocked by the credit
crisis, suffering a series of financial setbacks that are estimated to have
wiped out more than £200m of his personal fortune. But Zola is adamant that
the club will not cash in on star centre-half Upson, who started and scored
for England in last week's international friendly win over Germany. The
29-year-old has attracted interest from a number of top clubs, including
London rivals Arsenal and Spurs, but Hammers boss Zola is determined to keep
the defender at Upton Park. He said: "Matthew's a wonderful professional and
playing for England has been a big boost for him, but as far as I am
concerned he is not for sale. "I don't have to sell any of my best players.
I have been promised that. The club intends to keep its best players and to
sign good players who we think have a future at the club.

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Freddie Sears hails Tony Carr after signing deal
This Is London

Freddie Sears paid tribute to West Ham's academy system after signing a new
five-year deal. Sears, who celebrated his 19th birthday today, joined fellow
strikers Dean Ashton and Carlton Cole on long-term agreements after signing
a contract until 2013. "I owe a big debt to academy director Tony Carr,"
said Sears, who scored 25 goals in 24 youth and reserve matches last year
and scored on his first-team debut against Blackburn. "Tony has had a big
influence on me and it's good for youngsters like me who have come through
the academy to learn from someone as experienced and knowledgable." West Ham
chief executive Scott Duxbury said: "Our philosophy is about developing
home-grown players and then integrating them into the first team."

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Hammers like Giovinco, says agentby RivalsDM
msn.foxsports.com
Updated: November 27, 2008, 5:00 AM EST

Sebastian Giovinco's agent has confirmed West Ham's interest in him - but
insists the Juventus midfielder is not looking to leave the club. Giovinco
is rated as one of the top young prospects in Italian football and he only
recently penned a new long-term contract. However, he is still not a regular
in Claudio Ranieri's starting XI and reports in Italy suggested he would be
allowed to leave on loan. Spanish sides Atletico Madrid and Sevilla were
both said to be keen, along with West Ham. Zola worked closely with Giovinco
during his stint with the Italian Under-21s and is well aware of his
capabilities, so his interest in landing the young forward is of little
surprise. Giovinco's agent Claudio Pasqualini has admitted that Zola is keen
on the youngster, but admits a move is unlikely. "A move in January? I don't
think there's anything point to this as we only renewed with Juve a short
time ago," he told Radio Kiss Kiss. "Any move would have to be decided by
Juve but I can only see it if some attitudes at the club change."
Of the interest he added: "There is interest abroad, he has many admirers.
"Gianfranco Zola has always admired him and has said he would like him." One
reason Giovinco could be allowed to leave is that Juve are looking at adding
to their squad in January with reports in Italy suggesting Gaetano
D'Agostino and Cristian Zaccardo are their top targets.

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