Friday, December 5

Daily WHUFC News - II 5th December 2008

Capital clash excites Behrami
WHUFC.com
Having made a big impact in the Rome derby, Valon Behrami is fired up for
the visit of Tottenham Hotspur
05.12.2008

Valon Behrami is targeting another good performance for West Ham United at
home to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night.

The Swiss international is excited about the prospect of a London derby with
Tottenham, having been made well aware this week at Chadwell Heath of the
significance of the match. He is certainly no stranger to capital clashes,
having scored a last-gasp winner in March for Lazio to seal a memorable 3-2
win against old rivals Roma and spark mass celebrations for his team at the
Stadio Olimpico.

"The Tottenham game is important for us, important for our league position
but is most important for the fans," the 23-year-old said, moving his focus
firmly from the creditable 0-0 at Liverpool on Monday. "We have been working
hard for the game this week, we are only thinking about that. Against
Tottenham we have to hold the level of performance we had against Liverpool,
the high intensity - that is what we are trying to prepare for in training."

Behrami firmly believes that West Ham United can compete with those teams
pushing on in the top half of the table. "The gap is not so much I think but
the problem is to do it every game," he added, before reflecting further
that he and his team-mates could have come away from Anfield with a second
straight away win. "It was a good performance. We defended very well but we
could have won that game with the opportunities we had."

Aside from his poise and pace, what has particularly endeared Behrami to the
Hammers faithful is his endless energy and enthusiasm. A natural athlete, he
has a simple explanation for why he covers so much ground. "When I am happy,
I can run for everyone," he said, before quickly emphasising the team over
the individual. "Against Liverpool, the whole team ran a lot and gave
everything. That is what we want to do again against Tottenham."

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Behrami and Noble unveil shirt
WHUFC.com
Valon Behrami and Mark Noble were at the Boleyn Ground on Friday to relaunch
the 2008/09 kit
05.12.2008

Valon Behrami and Mark Noble have become the first players to wear the
relaunched 2008/09 home and away shirts at a special photo-call at the
Boleyn Ground on Friday. The midfielders were joined by Bill Mummery, Isle
of Man Executive Director for SBOBET. The adult home shirt will be on sale
from the club's Lakeside and Stadium stores from Saturday 6 December. The
adult shirt will be priced at £30 and feature the logo of new sponsors
SBOBET, while the kids' shirt will be £25 featuring the Bobby Moore Fund for
Cancer Research UK logo. All 2008/09 home shirts can also be ordered today
from the online whufc.com Megastore. Click here for more information. Fans
who have already purchased the 2008/09 home shirt will be able to bring the
shirt to either store and get the new logo applied free of charge from
Wednesday 10 December. whufc.com will have further information when
available regarding the 2008/09 away shirt, with the intention being to
relaunch this from Saturday 13 December.

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Big weekend for loanees
WHUFC.com
Eight West Ham United players are set to represent their loan clubs on
Saturday
05.12.2008

For the second consecutive week, there will be plenty of interest in
Saturday's results despite West Ham United not playing until the home match
against Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night.

The eight Hammers players out on loan at Championship and League One clubs
will be looking to continue their good start after they all enjoyed positive
results last time out. whufc.com rounds up who will be in action and where
this weekend.

James Tomkins
Tomkins goes into this weekend's Championship match with Derby County on a
high after playing a key role in their midweek Carling Cup win over Stoke
City.

The central defender helped keep a three-pronged Potters attack including
Jamaica international Ricardo Fuller and powerful Mali striker Mamady Sidibe
at bay, as the Rams progressed to the semi-finals for the first time since
1968. "I had a slight pain in my knees and I was lying on the ground for a
bit but I wanted to carry on," he said. "I was obviously very tired as it
was still only my first few games of the season, but I'm very happy to get
to the semi-final.

"It would be nice to stay here for it. I'll sit down with Gianfranco Zola at
the end of December when my loan spell finishes and have a look and see
whether he wants me, but it would be brilliant to stay here for the game."

Tomkins, whose initial loan spell ends on 31 December, will face London
opposition in the Championship this weekend when the 14th placed Rams host
Crystal Palace at Pride Park.

"Being a London boy myself it's nice to play in London derbies and that's
our next game so we just need to focus on that."

Josh Payne
Payne also enjoyed midweek cup success after he was re-called to Cheltenham
Town's starting line-up by former Hammer Martin Allen. The Robins twice came
from a goal down to beat Morecambe 3-2 in the FA Cup second round.

The 18-year-old, who is in his third month at Whaddon Road, will be hoping
to make it eleven league and cup appearances for Allen's side when they host
Crewe Alexandra in League One. Cheltenham are currently second from bottom
in the table with the visitors one place below.

Junior Stanislas
The attacking midfielder excelled in his first appearance for Southend
United, scoring two goals in their 3-1 win against Luton Town in the FA Cup
second-round last weekend. Southend now face the tricky-looking task of a
trip to table-toppers Leicester City in League One, when the
nineteen-year-old will be hoping to cause an upset with his eleventh-placed
team.

Jordan Spence
The England Under-19 defender made his senior debut with a full 90 minutes
in the FA Cup for Leyton Orient last Saturday in the memorable 2-1
second-round victory at Bradford City. The 18-year-old's loan team now face
a trip to mid-table Northampton Town, when a win would put them level on
points with their hosts in League One.

Kyel Reid
The 21-year-old winger marked his first appearance for Blackpool last
Saturday by setting up the winning goal in the 2-1 win at home to Plymouth
Argyle, which moved the Lancashire side up to 18th in the Championship. Reid
and his new team-mates will be hoping for another three points when they
host 22nd-placed Charlton Athletic.

Nigel Quashie
Promotion-chasing Birmingham City will have the 30-year-old midfielder
available for the home game against Watford. Quashie helped the Blues to a
credible draw against fellow promotion-chasers Wolverhampton Wanderers last
weekend, and they will be looking to close the six point gap between the two
Midlands club, who currently occupy first and second in the table, with
victory over the Hornets.

Jimmy Walker
The 35-year-old got off to a winning start to his spell at Colchester United
as they beat Northampton Town 2-1 away. The Essex side, who sit 16th in the
League One, will be looking for their third straight win when they play host
to Hereford United, who are third from bottom in the table.

Bondz N'Gala
The MK Dons had a week off from first team commitments so the 19-year-old
central defender should be fresh and raring to go for the League One home
match against Bristol Rovers. N'Gala has made two substitute appearances for
Roberto Di Matteo's second-placed side so far.

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Second rate - or second tier?
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 5th December 2008
By: Staff Writer

West Ham supporters have accused journalists of incorrectly misinterpreting
quotes made by full back Herita Ilunga. According to reports in this
morning's papers and websites, Ilunga, talking in an interview with
footanglais365 claimed that West Ham were a 'second rate' team. However the
literal translation of Ilunga's 'seconde zone' comment to mean 'second rate'
- rather than 'second tier' or, as is even more likely, 'mid table', has
been challenged by French-speaking Hammers.

Ilunga, in answer to a question regarding West Ham's current status replied
that "West Ham est un club de seconde zone. Il ne faut pas se leurrer, nous
ne sommes ni Arsenal, Manchester United ou Chelsea." - which translates
(roughly) as "West Ham is a mid-table club. We can't delude ourselves; we're
not Arsenal, Manchester United or Chelsea."

However today's papers carry headlines such as the Sun's 'Hammers are just
second rate' and the Mail's 'West Ham are just a stepping stone' , whilst
Setanta's website claims that Ilunga 'called West Ham a second rate club'.
Ilunga - who signed on loan from Toulouse back in September - was rather
more complimentary in the actual interview which was mostly ignored by the
press; in it he added: "West Ham is a club that has values, a history. It's
also a club that develops players who have since left like Frank Lampard or
Joe Cole. It's a club where the people know their football. "After you prove
yourself in such a team, you can hope to move on to another club. But there
is a very good atmosphere; even if there are few French speakers. You become
integrated very quickly."

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Bowyer battling to be fit for Irons
TeamTalk

West Ham midfielder Lee Bowyer is attempting to shake off a knock ahead of
Monday's Premier League clash against Tottenham at Upton Park. Midfielder
Kieron Dyer will step up his recovery from a broken leg by playing in a
friendly next week. Striker Dean Ashton is still out with an ankle injury.
Kick-off on Monday evening is 8pm.

West Ham (from): Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Faubert, Boa Morte,
Parker, Mullins, Behrami, Bellamy, Cole, Noble, Lastuvka, Tristan,
Davenport, Collison, Di Michele, Bowyer.

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West Ham picture special: Will the Hammers survive? It's a fair bet
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 3:32 PM on 05th December 2008
Daily Mail

West Ham finally enjoyed a spot of good fortune when they officially
unveiled their new kit sponsor, online bookmakers SBOBET. The Hammers had
been forced to wear squad numbers on their front of the shirts since the
collapse of travel company XL two months ago. West Ham's Icelandic owner
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson has also been hit by the credit crunch. Gudmundsson
bought the Hammers for £85 million in 2006, investing a further £30 million,
but Iceland's second richest man, behind his son Thor, has suffered a severe
cash crisis, seeing an estimated £230 million slashed from his personal
fortune to cast doubts over whether he is able to financially sustain West
Ham any longer. Valon Behrami (left) and Mark Noble show off the new shirt
with Bill Mummery, Isle of Man Executive Director of SBOBET
The closure of his homeland bank Landsbanki, of which he was their largest
shareholder with a 45 per cent stake and biggest loser when they were forced
into liquidation, was merely compounded by the initial demise of West Ham's
erstwhile principle sponsors XL Airways, another of Gudmundsson's prime
business interests.
And with a potential £50 million to be owed to Sheffield United over the
Carlos Tevez transfer affair, Gudmundsson may finally be forced to accept a
cut-price fee to offload the club in a desperate bid to prevent any further
losses.

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West Ham won't consider selling Arsenal target Upson
05.12.08 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United won't consider offers for England centre-back Matthew Upson.
The Telegraph says Arsenal are believed to be among the clubs interested in
Upson, who has started each of England's last three matches, but West Ham
remain adamant that the financial difficulties of owner Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson will not force unwanted player sales next month. Upson is
regarded as integral to manager Gianfranco Zola's long-term plans, though
the Italian is preparing to significantly reduce the size of the squad over
the next six weeks.

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Tevez feels no blame
Argentina striker eager to forget West Ham and Sheffield Utd feud
By Peter Fraser Last updated: 5th December 2008
SSN

Carlos Tevez has told Sky Sports News that he does not feel responsible for
the ongoing feud between West Ham and Sheffield United. An arbitration panel
ruled that Argentina striker Tevez, now at Manchester United, should not
have been allowed to play for West Ham in the final matches of the 2006/07
season. Tevez helped the Hammers avoid relegation during those games, at the
expense of Sheffield United, and the Blades are now seeking a compensation
fee, believed to be in the region of £50million. The two clubs are set to
return to the High Court in March to decide upon a compensation figure, but
Tevez is not worried by the saga. "As far as I am concerned I did nothing
wrong," said Tevez. "I was not the person in charge of all the paperwork. "I
did my job on the pitch and that is where the matter ends for me."

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Ilunga - Hammers are 'second-rate'
Defender sets sights high
Last updated: 5th December 2008
SSN

West Ham defender Herita Ilunga has admitted he plans to use the club as a
stepping-stone to a bigger team. Ilunga, who is on a season-long loan from
Toulouse, has impressed at Upton Park after establishing himself as a
regular in Gianfranco Zola's side. The left-back has described West Ham as a
'second-rate' club and that he has ambitions of playing at a higher level.
"Without being derogatory, West Ham are a second-rate club," Ilunga is
quoted as saying in The Sun. "Let's not kid ourselves - we are not an
Arsenal, Manchester United or Chelsea. "Once I have proved myself in a team
such this, I can hope to make the step up to another club. "I am keen to
continue my adventure in England."

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West Ham v Tottenham Premiership Preview: Can The Hammers Continue Their
Recent Form Against Spurs?
Submitted by Jake Briggs on Fri, 2008-12-05 10:05.
Premeirshiplatest.com

Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola was starting to come under pressure at Upton
Park in his first managerial job. However, a spirited 0-0 draw against
Liverpool on Monday night at Anfield, which was on the back of a 1-0 win
against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light has turned things around for West
Ham, who had not won in their previous seven Premier League games. West Ham,
are just three points above Tottenham and with things so tight in the
Premiership this season, will hope to collect all three points against their
London rivals.

Spurs lost at White Hart Lane last week to Everton, which was the first loss
at home under Harry Redknapp, having won all their other matches on their
own patch since the former Portsmouth boss took over from Juande Ramos.
However, despite having a good run of form before the defeat to the Toffees,
Spurs are just out of the relegation spots on goal difference in 16th place
in the Premier League. However, Tottenham did make it through to the
semi-finals of the Carling Cup on Wednesday, when they beat Championship
side Watford 2-1 at Vicarage Road. Roman Pavlyuchenko and Darren Bent bagged
one apiece to send the North London club through, with Redknapp hoping for
more of the same to fire Spurs up the table.

Zola is unable to call on Kieron Dyer (broken leg), Jonathan Spector
(Thigh), Daniel Gabbidon (groin) and striker Dean Ashton (os Trigonum
syndrome) for the visit of Tottenham. With Craig Bellamy, Carlton Cole David
Di Michele and Diego Tristan all fighting to play upfront in a Hammers
attack that has been misfiring recently.

Tottenham will be without Alan Hutton (metatarsal), Luka Modric (thigh) and
summer signing Giovanni Dos Santos (ankle) for the trip across London to
Upton park. Redknapp is likely to field his strongest side against the
Hammers as the Spurs boss is only too aware of the tightness of the
situation at the bottom of the table and the importance of staying in the
Premier League to Tottenham.

"It's very hard to get out, you need a good run. We've had a good run, we've
taken nearly two points a game," Redknapp said earlier this week.

"Long term the most important thing for this club is the Premier League.
That's the most important thing by far."

West Ham United: Green, Neill, Ilunga, Lopez, Parker, Bellamy, Etherington,
Cole, Boa Morte, Upson, Noble, Mullins, Collins, Faubert, Behrami, Stokes,
Lastuvka, Tristan, Davenport, Bowyer, Collison, Di Michele, Sears, Stech,
Hines, Jeffery

Tottenham Hotspur: (from) Gomes, King, Woodgate, Corluka, Bale, Jenas,
Bentley, Zokora, Lennon, Huddlestone, Bent, Pavlyuchenko, Cesar, Dawson,
Assou-Ekotto,
Gunter, Campbell, Stalteri, Ghaly, Taarabt, Rocha, Boateng, O'Hara,
Gilberto, Alnwick

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Ilunga keen to leave Hammers
Friday 05 Dec 2008
4thgame.com

West Ham United left-back Herita Ilunga has admitted that he sees the club
as a stepping stone before he moves to a bigger team. The 26-year-old has
made 12 appearances for the Hammers so far this term following his
season-long loan switch from Toulouse in the summer but has described the
club as a 'second-rate' football team.
HERITA ILUNGA Ilunga said: "Without being derogatory, West Ham are a
second-rate club. "Let's not kid ourselves, we aren't an Arsenal, Manchester
United or Chelsea. "But West Ham have values and history. They have
developed Joe Cole and Frank Lampard, and they're a club where people know
their football. "Once I've proved myself in a team such this, I can hope to
make the step up to another club. Know Premier League football? Play Premier
10 now - there's a £30,000 jackpot up for grabs every week... "I will either
stay at West Ham or else join another English club. I'm really keen to
continue my adventure in England."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 5th December 2008

Home shirt relaunch on Saturday
WHUFC.com
Fans heading to the Lakeside and Stadium stores this weekend can get their hands on the home shirt again
04.12.2008

West Ham United can confirm the relaunch of the 2008/09 home shirt.

The adult home shirt will also be on sale from the club's Lakeside and Stadium stores from Saturday 6 December. The adult shirt will be priced at £30 and feature the logo of new sponsors SBOBET, while the kids' shirt will be £25 featuring the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK logo.

All 2008/09 home shirts can also be ordered today from the online whufc.com Megastore, click here for more information.

Fans who have already purchased the 2008/09 home shirt will be able to bring the shirt to either store and get the new logo applied free of charge from Wednesday 10 December.

whufc.com will have further information when available regarding the 2008/09 away shirt, with the intention being to relaunch this from Saturday 13 December.

West Ham United this week announced a shirt-sponsorship agreement with the Isle of Man licensed and regulated SBOBET until the end of the 2009/10 season that will also mean increased exposure for the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK.

The partnership with the online sports bookmakers will see the SBOBET logo worn by the first team - replacing the squad numbers used since 20 September. The new-look kit will be seen for the first time when West Ham United play Tottenham Hotspur at the Boleyn Ground on Monday 8 December.

The Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK (Registered Charity No. 1089464) logo is to be carried on all kit worn by the club's academy sides as well as on child replica strips.

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West Ham v Tottenham
PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Monday, 8 December Kick-off: 2000 GMT
Coverage: Full commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live; Updates on BBC Sport website & highlights on MOTD2
BBC.co.uk

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Team news to follow later.

BIG-MATCH FACTS
Harry Redknapp takes his new Tottenham charges to West Ham, hoping they will retain a 100% record for him. The 61 year old has won every Premier League game at Upton Park as an opposing manager since leaving the Hammers, where he was in charge for seven years from August 1994 to May 2001. Portsmouth won there 2-4 in March 2006, 1-2 on Boxing Day 2006 and 0-1 on 8 April this year.

Spurs, who are on course to retain the Carling Cup, need a victory to draw level with West Ham on points, but they're yet to win a London Premier League derby this season.

Gianfranco Zola's Hammers have followed a six-match winless run, with five points out of nine, a three game spell in which as many clean sheets have been kept.

They're seldon short on goals when these clubs meet. Spurs won 4-0 at White Hart Lane last March, and who could forget their dramatic clash at Upton Park 12 months earlier. The Hammers were leading 2-0 at half time and 3-2 with five minutes remaining, but contrived to lose by the odd goal in seven.

Both clubs need a confidence boosting performance, as each have a tough fixture after this; West Ham are away to Chelsea and Spurs, home to Manchester United.

Distance between the clubs: 12 miles (19 kilometres)
Tottenham are making the shortest journey of any Premier League club in this round of matches.


CLUB FORM
WEST HAM UNITED

Club stats

Going into the weekend: 13th 18 points


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

1. Won one of the last nine Premier League matches; 0-1, away to Sunderland on 23 November.

2. Not conceded in 273 minutes (four hours 33 minutes) of Premier League football since Louis Saha wrapped up a 3-1 home win for Everton on 8 November.

3. Failed to score in five of eight top-flight matches, and netted just one goal in each of the other three games.

4. On the longest current run of any Premier League side of nine matches since scoring more than one goal in a game; the 1-2 away win over Fulham on 27 September being the most recent.

5. Four points down on this same stage last season, when they were in the top-half.

6. Picked up just one point out of 12 at home since beating Newcastle 3-1 on 20 September; the point came from a goalless draw with Portsmouth in the most recent fixture at Upton Park on 15 November.

7. Gained points from only one of their last four London Premier League derbies, two of which were this season; those points courtesy of the 1-2 victory at Craven Cottage nine weeks ago.

Fixtures

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TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Club stats

Going into the weekend: 16th 15 points

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

1. Won eight of 11 matches since Harry Redknapp first took his place in the dig out.

2. Won four of the last seven Premier League outings, but lost two of the most recent three.

3. Last Sunday's 0-1 home defeat to Everton was the first time in eight league games in which they failed to score.

4. Averaging a point a game, but three points up on this same stage last season.

5. Conceded the opening goal in an unmatched 11 Premier League games, but won just two of those matches (home to Liverpool, and away to Manchester City).

6. Drawn two and lost one of their three London Premier League derbies this season, and only won one of the last six; the victory being 4-0, home to West Ham on 9 March.

7. Not won in seven away capital clashes; drawn four and lost three since winning 0-2 against Charlton at the Valley on 7 May 2007 - their only maximum in nine such matches.

Fixtures

KEY PLAYER NOTES
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.

Valon BEHRAMI's winner against Sunderland on 23 November is West Ham's only goal in three games.

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

If selected:-

Calum DAVENPORT will be facing a former club. The 25 year old defender made 20 appearances (15 in the league) and scored one league goal for Spurs between August 2004 and his move to Upton Park in January 2007.

Matthew ETHERINGTON will also be facing former team mates. The 27 year old midfielder made 51 appearances (45 in the league) and scored two goals (one league) for Tottenham between December 1999 and August 2003.

If on the field from the outset:-

Matthew UPSON will be making his 200th career league start (Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, Reading, Birmingham and West Ham).

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TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Squad profiles

Heurelho GOMES is the only remaining player to have been on the field for every minute of every one of Tottenham's Premier League matches this season.

If on the field from the outset:-

Ledley KING will be making his 250th club career start - all in a Tottenham jersey.

Vedran CORLUKA will be making his 50th Premier League start (Manchester City and Tottenham).


HEAD TO HEAD
Tottenham are unbeaten in four Premier League matches against West Ham; they've won three and drawn one since the Hammers' 2-1 home win on 7 May 2006 when Carl Fletcher and Yossi Benayoun ensured a winning end to the campaign for the Upton Park club.

There's only been two goalless draws in the last 88 league meetings between these clubs.

Home and away
League (inc PL): West Ham 39 wins, Spurs 44, Draws 29
Prem: West Ham 9 wins, Spurs 11, Draws 6

at West Ham only
League (inc PL): West Ham 25 wins, Spurs 16, Draws 15
Prem: West Ham 6 wins, Spurs 4, Draws 3


LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
West Ham United 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
24 November 2007 - Ref: Mike Riley
West Ham scorer: Cole 20
Spurs scorer: Dawson 67

REFEREE
Chris Foy (St Helens, Merseyside)

Premier League referees' table
Chris Foy's 2008-09 Premier League card count

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Giovinco wants Juve stay
Youngster happy to stay in Turin, despite West Ham interest
Last updated: 4th December 2008
SSN

Juventus midfielder Sebastian Giovinco has ruled himself out of a possible loan move to West Ham. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola has made no secret of his admiration for the player, leading to speculation he could make a switch. But the player's agent recently discounted a move to London and Giovinco himself says he is not looking to leave Juve, despite the fact that he has made just two Serie A starts this season. The 21-year-old told the club's official website: "Even if I'm not playing much, I have no intention of moving nor, above all, leaving. Juventus are the most important club in the world and being here is the most you can ask for. "I'm from Turin, I've grown up at this club and wearing the first team shirt is a dream come true. "At the moment I'm only thinking about the league and the Champions League, two objectives to aim for. My dream is winning with Juventus, as an important player."
Giovinco returned to Juve in the summer after a successful loan deal at Empoli and recently signed a two-year contract extension which will keep him in Turin until 2013.

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Fahey out to repay McLeish
Midfielder not keen to head out on trial to prove his worth
Last updated: 4th December 2008
SSN

Keith Fahey is eager to repay Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish after admitting he turned down the chance to go on trial at other clubs. Irish midfielder Fahey has signed a pre-contract agreement to join Blues on a three-and-a-half year deal from St Patrick's Athletic in January. The former Aston Villa youngster had also been wanted by Premier League duo Sunderland and West Ham United, in addition to SPL champions Celtic. However, the 25-year-old was not keen to go on trial and is happy that Championship side Birmingham were prepared to take a gamble.
"Birmingham were the only club to come in with a bid," Fahey told Sky Sports News. "I respect the manager for taking a chance on me and I'm going over there to repay him. "About Celtic, West Ham and Sunderland, I think their scouts watched me and were impressed with me, but they wanted me to go over on trial, which I wasn't really interested in because if you don't do well you can lose a lot of face. "It's good when a manager comes in and puts his money where his mouth is without saying we want to look at you first. "He's taken a big chance on me and now I'm hungry to repay him."

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Ilunga: West Ham are just a 'second-rate' stepping stone
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 1:02 AM on 05th December 2008
Daily Mail

Herita Ilunga has revealed he plans to use West Ham as a stepping-stone to a bigger club. The left back has apadted relatively well to life in the Barclays Premier League after arriving at Upton Park on a season-long loan from Toulouse in September. But while the 26-year-old insists he is happy with the Hammers, the Congo international sensationally revealed he has already set his sights higher. 'Without being derogatory, West Ham are a second-rate club,' the defender declared. 'Let's not kid ourselves - we are not an Arsenal, Manchester United or Chelsea. 'But West Ham have values and history, they have developed Joe Cole and Frank Lampard, and they are a club where people know their football. 'So once I have proved myself in a team such this, I can hope to make the step up to another club. 'I will either stay at West Ham or else join another English club. 'I am really keen to continue my adventure in England.'
The former St Etienne star revealed that he has been delighted by Gianfranco Zola's arrival as boss. 'We had been going through hell as an attacking force, and the lads said Zola could help us,' he added. 'He is very close to the players, he takes part in training, and he is very impressive. 'Him being here is enormous for us, and it is a pleasure to have him as our coach.'
Although he has settled quickly on the pitch, off it Ilunga admits that he has struggled to steer his right-hand drive car around London. 'My wheel arches have taken a battering,' he joked. 'Luckily my satnav has worked well in London - the roads are seldom empty, so it has helped me avoid problems.'

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West Ham's Behrami Not Returning To Italy
Goal.com

West Ham United's Valon Behrami has no intentions of returning to Italy, according to the latest reports. West Ham United's Valon Behrami joined the club during the summer from Lazio for a fee of £5 million that will see him play for the London-based outfit for the next five years. The Yugoslav-born-Swiss midfielder has had a solid start to life in England, and managed to score his first goal for the Hammers two weeks ago, in a 1-0 win away to Sunderland. The former Lazio man has been linked with a return to Italy recently, however according to leaks from Tuttomercatoweb, this will not be the case, as the player has only just purchased a house in England and, contrary to what has been said, he is content with life in London. In addition to this, his girlfriend is soon to give birth to their first child, making any potential move to the likes of Roma or Fiorentina even more unlikely.

Adrian Del Monte

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West Ham United A 'Second-Rate' Club - Herita Ilunga
Goal.com

West Ham left-back Herita Ilunga has branded the club as 'second-rate', affirming that he will use it as a route to bigger and better things...
West Ham United left-back Herita Ilunga is making headlines in today's British tobloids for branding the East-London based outfit as a 'second-rate' football team.
The Daily Mail reports that Ilunga stated: "Without being derogatory, West Ham are a second-rate club. "Let's not kid ourselves, we are not an Arsenal, Manchester United or Chelsea. "But West Ham have values and history. They have developed Joe Cole and Frank Lampard, and they are a club where people know their football."
The 26-year-old went on to reveal his plans to use his spell with the Irons as an opportunity to impress the so-called 'bigger' clubs. "Once I have proved myself in a team such this, I can hope to make the step up to another club," he said. "I will either stay at West Ham or else join another English club, I am really keen to continue my adventure in England." The Democratic Republic of Congo international is currently enjoying a season-long loan with the Hammers after which time the club have the option of making his move from French club Toulouse permanent.

Ricky Brooks, Goal.com

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West Ham Tracking Fiorentina's Pazzini
Goal.com

West Ham United have become the latest club to express their interest in Fiorentina's Giampaolo Pazzini. Prior to the commencement of the season, Fiorentina's Giampaolo Pazzini had made 96 appearances for the club, and had scored on 24 occasions. He was one of the key players in the Viola line-up, since his move to the club in 2005. This term however, his opportunities have been limited, mainly due to the outstanding form of the club's new signing Alberto Gilardino, and the Romanian international Adrian Mutu. Pazzini is becoming increasingly discontent with his current situation is Florence, and is desperate for a move away from the club in January.
The player has been strongly linked to several clubs in Italy in recent times, however now he has an English club on his trail, as West Ham United have made it clear that they would be willing to spend €8 million on the hitman. The West Ham manager, Gianfranco Zola is a strong admirer of the 24-year-old, according to Tuttomercatoweb, as the manager is looking at bringing in Pazzini and Palermo's Roberto Guana. It was reported late last night that Palermo, Sampdoria, Bologna and Torino were the frontrunners for the signature of Pazzini, who is all but certain to leave the Viola in January.

Adrian Del Monte

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Hammers Are Just Second Rate
The Sun
By VIC HOLLY
Published: Today

HERITA ILUNGA plans to use 'second-rate' West Ham as a stepping-stone to a bigger club. The Congo left-back, 26, has been a success since arriving at Upton Park on a season-long loan from French side Toulouse. But he has already set his sights higher. Ilunga said: "Without being derogatory, West Ham are a second-rate club.
"Let's not kid ourselves — we are not an Arsenal, Manchester United or Chelsea. "Once I have proved myself in a team such this, I can hope to make the step up to another club. "I am keen to continue my adventure in England."

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West Ham to hang on to Matthew Upson
West Ham intend to resist interest in England centre-back Matthew Upson during the January transfer window, but it is understood that they would be prepared to listen to offers for Dean Ashton.
Telegraph
By Jeremy Wilson
Last Updated: 11:24PM GMT 04 Dec 2008

Arsenal are believed to be among the clubs interested in Upson, who has started each of England's last three matches, but West Ham remain adamant that the financial difficulties of owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson will not force unwanted player sales next month. Upson is regarded as integral to manager Gianfranco Zola's long-term plans, though the Italian is preparing to significantly reduce the size of the squad over the next six weeks. Ashton has played just 33 league games in almost three years since arriving from Norwich and will be out until the new year following ankle surgery. Tottenham were interested in the England forward during the summer and West Ham would carefully consider any substantial offer. The club have raised £18.8 million since July through selling John Pantsil, George McCartney, Anton Ferdinand and Bobby Zamora and will aim to further reduce their wage bill by selling players who have failed to make a recent impact. Danny Gabbidon, Hayden Mullins, Nigel Quashie, Calum Davenport, James Collins, Jonathan Spector, Lee Bowyer and Luis Boa Morte are all potentially available. However, the West Ham hierarchy continue to stress that the club are firewalled against Gudmundsson's difficulties following the economic crisis in Iceland.
Gudmundsson was forced to stand down as chairman of Landsbanki after Iceland's second-largest bank was nationalised while West Ham's holding company, Hansa, have begun the process of preparing for administration. "There is no debt within West Ham from Hansa or vice-versa," vice-chairman Asgeir Fridgeirsson said. "There is no money going from the club to the owner. It is firewalled. We are not going to sell players in order to settle debts of Hansa." Gudmundsson has announced a review of his assets, including his position at West Ham. West Ham have already attracted the interest of several major foreign investors and would cost about £150 million, though any potential buyer would surely want reassurances about Sheffield United's compensation claim of more than £30 million over the Carlos Tevez affair.

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Zola Can Be Our Best Striker - Ilunga
Setanta.co.uk

West Ham left back Herita Ilunga has seriously hinted that his coach Gianfranco Zola would solve The Hammers' efficiency problems if he returned to action. African talent Ilunga understands Zola is still amazing when the time to kick a ball comes, and he wishes his boss was his team-mate. The defender said about being coached by Zola: "That is immense, a pleasure to have such a coach. We arrived at the same time. I am lucky that he trusted me since day one."
He added in his personal blog: "He is involved in the games at training and honestly he is impressive. Honestly, he could play. It is incredible. "We discussed it with other players and believe the coach could help us solve our offensive problems if he played with us. He is immense."

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'Atom Ant' Giovinco has no intention of leaving Juventus for West Ham
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 5:24 PM on 04th December 2008
Daily Mail

West Ham target Sebastian Giovinco has no intention of joining Gianfranco Zola at Upton Park. The Italian Under 21 international has made just two Serie A appearances this season, but insists he is happy with life at Juventus. The highly rated attacking midfielder - nicknamed Atom Ant - admitted he would rather sit on the bench than move to West Ham. 'Even if I'm not playing much, I have no intention of moving nor, above all, leaving,' he told the Juventus club website. 'Juventus are the most important club in the world and being here is the most you can ask for. I'm from Turin, I've grown up at this club and wearing the first-team shirt is a dream come true. 'At the moment I'm only thinking about the league and the Champions League, two objectives to aim for. My dream is winning with Juventus, as an important player.' Giovinco, who returned to Juve in the summer after a successful loan deal at Empoli, recently signed a two-year contract extension which will keep him in Turin until 2013.

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Giovinco cool on West Ham link
Thursday, 4 December 2008
Independent.co.uk Web

Sebastian Giovinco has ruled himself out of a move to West Ham by insisting he is happy to stay at Juventus, even if only to sit on the bench. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has caught the eye of Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola, who previously worked with the youngster at Italy Under-21 level. Zola has spoken of Giovinco's ability in glowing terms in recent weeks, but conceded Juve would be unwilling to part with the player. Giovinco has no intention of leaving Turin, despite having made just two Serie A starts this season. "Even if I'm not playing much, I have no intention of moving nor, above all, leaving," he told club website www.juventus.it. "Juventus are the most important club in the world and being here is the most you can ask for. I'm from Turin, I've grown up at this club and wearing the first team shirt is a dream come true. "At the moment I'm only thinking about the league and the Champions League, two objectives to aim for. My dream is winning with Juventus, as an important player."
Giovinco, who returned to Juve in the summer after a successful loan deal at Empoli, recently signed a two-year contract extension which will keep him in Turin until 2013.

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Defender Tomkins' instant decision when Rams came calling for a loan
Friday, December 05, 2008, 07:30
Derbyshire Evening Telegraph

JAMES Tomkins has revealed he had no hesitation in joining Derby County on loan from West Ham United. The 19-year-old defender arrived at Pride Park on an initial month-long deal last Thursday, just ahead of the emergency loan deadline. Without a first-team appearance for the Hammers this season, it was seen as a chance for the youngster to get some games under his belt following his six Premier League outings last season. "I got a phone call on the Wednesday evening from West Ham to say they were recommending that I go out on loan," explained Tomkins. "My first thought was 'where am I going?' but when I found out it was Derby, it was brilliant because they are such a big club. "It's just brilliant to be here. "I would jump at the chance to come here every time. It is a great club and needs to go up the league now."
After a baptism of fire in the 3-0 defeat at Burnley last weekend, when the Rams were three goals down inside the opening 23 minutes, Tomkins came back strongly to help Paul Jewell's men to a 1-0 victory away to Stoke City on Tuesday night – and a place in the semi-finals of the Carling Cup. Next up is Crystal Palace, who visit Pride Park in the Championship tomorrow. "We have worked a lot on team shape in training and all the lads have really helped me settle in, which is important," said the England under-19 international. "I think I've settled in quite quickly and I'm just looking forward to the next few games now. "Derby County are a very big club and the facilities are spot on. It's important now that they push on up the league. "We've got through to the semi-finals of the Carling Cup but our next game is Crystal Palace in the league and we need to concentrate on that. "We can't afford to put in a good performance and follow it up with a bad performance, so it's important to take this performance into the next game and I'm sure we will."
Tomkins paid tribute to centre-back partner Darren Powell, who only recently joined the club himself following injuries to Martin Albrechtsen and Dean Leacock. "Darren is a very experienced player and he helps me a lot," he said. "He is very talkative during games and, as a young lad coming in, that is brilliant. "It keeps you on your toes and all the lads have helped me settle in well."
Before his move to Derby, Tomkins was enjoying learning more about his trade under the guidance of West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola. "I have got a lot of respect for Zola because of the player he was," he said. "He is a good coach and, technically, he is unbelievable. He could still play now. "The training I have had with him has also given me more experience which will help me at Derby."
Tomkins added: "I have got high expectations of myself. I played a handful of games in the Premier League last season. "It may only be a little bit of experience but it is still good experience which will help me coming into a Championship team. I am loving the experience of getting more games here at Derby."

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Spurs and Villa on Ashton alert after cash-strapped Hammers run out of patience
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 10:40 AM on 04th December 2008
Daily Mail

West Ham are prepared to cash in on injury-hit striker Dean Ashton in the January transfer window. The 24-year-old has been out of action since September after suffering an ankle injury in Gianfranco Zola's first training session in charge. Ashton underwent surgery and will not return until the new year but his poor injury record has not quelled the interest of several Premier League clubs, reports the Mirror. Spurs reportedly had a £15m offer rejected last summer and Aston Villa have also been linked with the striker, who only signed a new five-year contract in June. The Hammers are desperate to raise funds following the cash crisis being suffered by their Icelandic owners and an impending legal battle with Sheffield United over the Carlos Tevez affair. The Hammers are also prepared to offload include Nigel Quashie, Lee Bowyer, Luis Boa Morte, Calum Davenport, Danny Gabbidon and Jonathan Spector.

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Spurs, Villa head queue for West Ham striker Ashton
05.12.08 | tribalfootball.com

Aston Villa and Tottenham head the queue of clubs watching Dean Ashton's situation at West Ham. West Ham are prepared to cash in on injury-hit striker Ashton in the January transfer window. And the Daily Mail says Spurs reportedly had a £15m offer rejected last summer and Aston Villa have also been linked with the striker, who only signed a new five-year contract in June.

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Bad call for Palace: Jordan rues missing out on Carrick, Ashton and Cahill
By Raoul Simons Last updated at 2:19 PM on 04th December 2008
Daily Mail

Palace agreed fee with West Ham for Michael Carrick but the midfielder wasn't interested in the move
Every club has a tale of the one that got away - players nearly signed for a snip who went on to be Premier League stars - and Crystal Palace are no different.
Chairman Simon Jordan told FourFourTwo: 'I agreed a deal for Michael Carrick while he was at West Ham but he wouldn't even return Iain Dowie's calls. 'But I can understand that [now], because I wouldn't return Iain Dowie's calls either.'
Jordan, who fought a bitter legal battle with former manager Dowie, also recalled Palace trying to sign Tim Cahill from Millwall and Dean Ashton from Crewe but failed with the latter because, he admits, 'Dario Gradi doesn't like me.'

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Dyer eyes comeback date
East London Advertiser
04 December 2008

KIERON DYER hopes to return to Premier League action by Christmas after the West Ham midfielder was cleared to play in a behind-closed-doors friendly this week.
Dyer has endured 15 months on the sidelines following a career-threatening injury in a Carling Cup tie against Bristol Rovers in August 2007. The 29-year-old broke his leg in two places just two games into his West Ham career following a £6m switch from Newcastle. But Dyer is now approaching full fitness and is confident that he is approaching the end of his injury nightmare. He said: "I'm not going to be thrown straight back into the first team, but ideally I will have three or four preparation games and then be ready, perhaps for the Christmas period. "It will be great to get that first game under my belt. Every day I feel sharper and I do believe now I need to make up for lost time."
Former England international Dyer had been lined up for a comeback in West Ham's pre-season friendly at former club Ipswich, but a setback consigned him to a further three months on the treatment table. Now he is eager to prove his worth to new Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola. "With the amount of football I've missed, I feel I have a good five years left in me," he said.

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Green: Settled side is behind defensive turnaround
East London Advertiser
04 December 2008
By JONATHAN CLEGG

ROBERT GREEN credits West Ham's defensive turnaround to Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola's decision to stick with a settled back four. Green helped the club record a third successive clean sheet at Liverpool on Monday night as the Hammers avoided defeat at Anfield for the first time in nine years. West Ham have now gone more than 270 minutes without conceding a goal - a stunning statistic given their defensive struggles this year. Before last month's goalless draw against Portsmouth, the Hammers had failed to keep a clean sheet in 26 Premier League matches. Now they have three in a row. West Ham have started with the same back four of Lucas Neill, Matthew Upson, James Collins and Herita Ilunga for the past five matches and Green believes that consistency in team selection has helped the club overcome their defensive frailties.. He said: "You know what people can do and you know each other's qualities. It's the same with anything - partnerships up front work the same as partnerships at the back. "Last season, if you look at it, there weren't many changes and our record spoke for itself. "The season before that when we had the run towards the end, the back four didn't change and that's a recipe for success."
Green has also played a key role in West Ham's defensive resurgence. The 28-year-old was in top form at Anfield, pulling off fine saves from former team-mate Yossi Benayoun and Dirk Kuyt. Green's display of brilliance ensured the Reds were unable to make the breakthrough that would have sent them three points clear at the top of the table, but the former Norwich goalkeeper says the entire team should take credit for keeping Liverpool at bay. "To come to Anfield and do so well is obviously pleasing. The lads put everything in and ran themselves off the pitch at the end of the game," Green said. "It was a tremendous effort. When a clean sheet comes away from home in the Premier League, you take it."
Green's focus on shutting out the opposition hints at a change in approach from the free-flowing, attacking football that Zola promised when he arrived at Upton Park in September. He believes the Italian is starting to realise that a more pragmatic gameplan is sometimes required if the Hammers are to preserve their Premier League status. "I think we're learning as fast as he is that if you don't concede goals, you're not going to lose games," added Green. "Some people say it would be nice to come to Anfield and play wonderful attacking football and lose 4-3 but we've come and dug in and put our bodies on the line. You can't ask for any more.

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Sears hails youth chief Carr after signing new deal
East London Advertiser
04 December 2008
By JONATHAN CLEGG

HAMMERS hotshot Freddie Sears has paid tribute to academy chief Tony Carr after signing a new long-term contract at Upton Park. Sears, who celebrated his 19th birthday last week, has committed his future to West Ham after penning a new five-year deal that will keep him at the club until 2013. The England Under-19 striker burst into the national spotlight this year with a match-winning debut against Blackburn in February. With Upton Park legends Trevor Brooking, Geoff Hurst and Billy Bonds in attendance, the homegrown youngster served notice of his star potential by scoring the winner within six minutes of appearing as a substitute. The forward's memorable debut added a new chapter to the club's storied history of nurturing young talent and after agreeing his new deal last week, Sears praised academy boss Carr for overseeing his rapid rise. "I owe a big debt to academy director Tony Carr," said Sears, who scored 25 goals in 24 youth and reserve matches last year. "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 knowledgeable as him."
With his long-term future now finalised, Sears has promised Hammers fans that the best is yet to come after vowing to transfer his prolific form at youth and reserve level to the club's first team. The striker, who has failed to score in 17 Premier League appearances since his stunning introduction to top-flight football, is determined to repay his boyhood club for their faith in him. He said: "I'm looking forward to concentrating on football now. "It's nice to know the club wants you here, for that long as well. I am enjoying my football and all that I've been doing and hopefully I can now show there is more to come. "Last year was getting in and around the team and now I'm looking to keep building on that - getting more chances of playing week-in, week-out and showing people what I can do. "Now to be part of the team itself is great and something I am determined to continue."
Hammers chief executive Scott Duxbury expressed his delight at coming to an agreement with Sears, who has followed in the footsteps of fellow forwards Dean Ashton and Carlton Cole by signing a new contract this year. And Duxbury has tipped the youngster to spearhead a new generation of academy graduates at Upton Park. "Our philosophy is about developing homegrown players in the academy and then integrating them into the first team," Duxbury said. "Freddie has achieved that and we are looking forward to him playing his part in a bright future for West Ham.

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Young Hammer impresses Orient boss Ling
10:50am Thursday 4th December 2008
Guardian Series

ORIENT boss Martin Ling has praised on-loan West Ham defender Jordan Spence after the teenager impressed on his full debut in the FA Cup win at Bradford on Saturday. The youngster stepped into fill the void left by Tamika Mkandawire, after the former Hereford man failed a late fitness test and could certainly feature again at Northampton this weekend. He said: "We wont know until the end of the week if Tam has a chance of playing on Saturday, because he hasn't been able to train the early part of the week with his thigh. "He is a big player so we will hope to have him back and he has certainly been a big part of the equation why we have been doing well lately. "But I was also pleased with young Jordan because he came in and did very well on his first senior start. He coped with the situation admirably and I have no worries about using him in the future. "The lad does however know that he will probably be sitting on the bench most weeks, but he also knows that if I need to use him like on Saturday he will get his chance of first team football here as well."

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West Ham show lack of sensitivity to winger
December 4th, 2008 · The Spolier

Last night, West Ham announced a new shirt sponsorship deal with SBOBET.com, said to be worth around £2m for 18 months. The good news for Hammers fans is that the club will happily exchange the current shirt for the updated one free of charge.

The news probably won't go down so well with Matthew Etherington - donning the logo of a betting company probably isn't the most healthy option for a recovering gambling addict.

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New shirt sponsors announced
Newham Recorder
04 December 2008

WEST HAM UNITED have announced a long-awaited shirt sponsorship deal with Isle of Man based bookmakers SBOBET. The partnership with the online betting company will see the logo worn by the first team-replacing the squad numbers used since late September - and will also be featured on all adult replica strips. The Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK logo will be worn on all kit worn by the club's academy sides as well as on child replica strips. West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury said: "This is a great deal for West Ham United and I am looking forward to a successful partnership with SBOBET. "Finding a new shirt sponsor usually takes up to six months but a lot of effort and hard work has gone into this process. I would also like to thank the fans for their understanding and patience during this time

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Keeper Green will get England reward
10:15am Thursday 4th December 2008
Echo

GIANFRANCO Zola has told goalkeeper Robert Green his improvement in form will win him an England recall. West Ham manager Zola witnessed a stunning performance from Green in Monday's 0-0 draw at Liverpool, which lifted the Hammers to 13th in the Premier League table. It also produced their third consecutive clean sheet. Zola said: "I have told Robert that if he continues to perform the way he is, he will be back in the England squad. "The England manager Fabio Capello knows what is the right thing to do, and Green knows he must continue to perform every week like he is now, and then he will be rewarded. "I am delighted with Robert. He is looking very comfortable now. He was getting some stick but now he is getting the rewards he deserves. "He is working very hard during the week and I am very pleased with him."
West Ham are unbeaten in three games and Zola said: "My ideas are starting to produce results. "When I first arrived I wanted to improve the way we played, to be more offensive. But we discovered that we needed to improve in defence, and that is what we are trying to do. "Our objective is to keep clean sheets and to score more goals. We will be working on that. "The team is responding to what my staff and I are saying. They are keen to react and follow what we want, and that gives us hope for the future. "My players are going through a good spell, we must not lose this momentum. Things had not been going well but things are now improving on our side of things, we must keep it going."
l The Football Association will not take any formal action against Liverpool after their players wore T-shirts carrying a message of support for a fan who was jailed for the attempted murder of a Bulgarian waiter in 2005. Liverpool players wore the T-shirts in the warm-up for the Premier League match against West Ham on Monday.
Michael Shields was sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of the attempted murder of Martin Georgiev in Bulgaria on a holiday taken after seeing his side win the Champions League final in Istanbul.

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