Daily WHUFC News - 31st December 2009

West Ham is bid target for Intermarket
BBC.co.uk

London-based financial company Intermarket has confirmed that it will make a
takeover bid for West Ham. The bid is expected on Monday, according to the
Daily Telegraph, and is believed to value the club at £100m. However, that
includes estimating West Ham's debts at £48m, whereas the club's owners CB
Holding insist they are closer to £38m.
Earlier this month, ex-Birmingham City owners David Sullivan and David Gold
also tabled an offer for West Ham. A spokesman for Intermarket said he
could not reveal any further details as the company had signed a
non-disclosure agreement with Rothschild, the bank appointed by CB Holding
to canvas potential investors. The main shareholder in CB Holding is
Icelandic bank Straumur, who has said that it is in no hurry to sell the
club. Straumur has had its debt payments frozen until September 2010. If
that had not happened, it would have been forced to sell off its assets,
including West Ham. West Ham are currently 17th in the Premier League, just
one place above the relegation zone.

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Fernandes tops readers poll
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 30th December 2009
By: Staff Writer

Businessman Tony Fernandes has narrowly topped a supporters poll asking who
fans would like to see run the club.

Despite CB Holdings' insistence that they are prepared to see out the next
two years as per their original plan speculation regarding their successors
continues unabated, with the deadline date for bids of January 7th rapidly
approaching.

And according to a poll conducted here on KUMB.com this week, AirAsia CEO
Fernandes - who has been spotted at the Boleyn on numerous occasions this
season - is the man supporters would prefer to take over the reigns.

Fernandes, at time of writing, just pipped David Gold & David Sullivan with
42.81% to 42.47% of the vote - although only a handful of votes seperate the
two. This will be particularly disappointing to Gold & Sullivan, whose
concentrated media campaign would appear to have failed to have its desired
effect.

The shady Intermarket group, who are once again claiming that a £100million
bid for the club is imminent, took just 10% of the vote with the remaining
4% of readers saying they preferred none of the above.

The poll remains open until the weekend; to cast your vote, click here.
Please note that voting is available to registered KUMB.com members only; to
register for free membership, click here.

Who's who: the main players

Tony Fernandes

45-year-old Fernandes is a Malaysian entrepreneur who made his name creating
Asia's first budget airline. Fernandes bought the failing AirAsia company -
which had just two planes in its fleet at the time and £25million-worth of
debt - and turned it into the continent's biggest success story, turning in
a profit within one business year. Educated at Epsom College before moving
on to the LSE, Fernandes became a big Hammers fan during time in London. He
recently became team boss of the Lotus Formula 1 team and often mentions the
Hammers on his Twitter feed. Personal wealth valued at around the
$300million (USD) mark.

David Gold & David Sullivan

Gold Group International is the parent company of a number of well known
brands such as Anne Summers and Knickerbox and the former owner of Gold
Star, producers of pornographic material, Sport Newspapers and Gold Air
International. The company is wholly owned by 71-year-old Eastender David
Gold who bought out his partner brother Ralph last year. He, along with
David Sullivan purchased Birmingham City in 1993 with the club on the verge
of bankruptcy and sold his stake earlier this year to Hong Kong-based
businessman Carson Yeung. Personal wealth of around £450million.

Cardiff-born Sullivan, now 60, has spent virtually his entire career in the
porn industry where he has produced a string of top-selling, top-shelf
publications plus a number of films (most notably including then-girlfriend
Mary Millington, who later committed suicide). He teamed up with Gold, who
he knew through the porn industry in 1993 to buy Birmingham and also has a
major interest in horse racing. Has personal assets valued at over
£500million.

Intermarket

For reasons unknown Intermarket, who by all accounts are not just a figment
of CB Holdings' imagination, have refused to reveal who is involved in their
consortium of 'London based' business people. This refusal to go public has
led to all manner of speculation, including rumours that one (or all!) of
Terry Brown, Eggert Magnusson, Tony Cottee or Tony Fernandes are involved.

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Sears makes Hammers return
Striker back for FA Cup clash with Gunners
Last updated: 30th December 2009
SSN

West Ham have recalled young striker Freddie Sears from his loan spell at
Crystal Palace. The 20-year-old was originally due to stay at Selhurst Park
for the entire season but injuries to Carlton Cole, Luis Boa Morte, Zavon
Hines plus Dean Ashton's retirement have left Gianfranco Zola with major
problems to contend with in attack. With Mexican forward Guillermo Franco
suspended this weekend, Sears is likely to find himself thrust straight into
the squad to face Arsenal in the FA Cup. Sears did not manage a single goal
during his spell with the Eagles, although he infamously had a perfectly
good effort ruled out at Bristol City in August after the ball rebounded
back out of the net.

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Dons plan to keep Quashie
Ince waiting to speak to Hammers over midfielder's future
Last updated: 30th December 2009
SSN

MK Dons boss is hoping to extend the loan deal of West Ham United midfielder
Nigel Quashie until the end of the season. Quashie linked up with the League
One club at the end of November after finding himself out of the first-team
picture with Premier League strugglers West Ham. The 31-year-old has made
eight appearances and scored two goals since joining the Dons, and Ince
wants Quashie to stay at the club. "We're looking to do something with
Nigel, but we are waiting on a phone call from his agent and some contact
with someone at West Ham," said Ince. "He's a Premier League player, but
he's still not 100% fit yet so he would have a lot more to offer if we can
make it happen.
"We'll try to get him until the end of the season if we can, but we will
have to wait and see." Quashie is ineligible for Saturday's FA Cup
third-round tie against Burnley under the conditions of his current loan
deal.

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West Ham set for takeover bid from London-based financial company
Intermarket
Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 3:49 PM on 30th December 2009

Financial company Intermarket is set to make a takeover bid for Premier
League strugglers West Ham. The London-based company is believed to value
the club at £100million and, according to the Daily Telegraph, is expected
to table the offer on Monday. The figure includes an estimate of £48m worth
of debt while the club's owners, CB Holdings, insist they are nearer £38m. A
spokesman for Intermarket said he could not reveal any details as the
company had signed a non-disclosure agreement with Rothschild, the bank
appointed by CB Holdings to canvas potential investors. Icelandic bank
Straumur, the main shareholder in CB Holdings, is in no hurry to sell after
being granted an extension until September 2010 to pay off their debts.
Former Birmingham City co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold have already
had a bid for the Hammers rejected.

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Aston Villa may make transfer-window move for West Ham's Scott Parker
Martin O'Neill looks to bolster his midfield
Nigel Reo-Coker and Steve Sidwell may move on
Stuart James guardian.co.uk, Thursday 31 December 2009

Aston Villa are the latest club to show an interest in signing Scott Parker
from West Ham United next month. Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool have both
been linked with Parker, who is valued at around £8m, but it has emerged
that Villa are also considering competing for the 29-year-old's signature
after monitoring his impressive performances in the centre of the West Ham
midfield this season.

Martin O'Neill identified the absence of an authentic holding player – the
position where Parker has excelled at West Ham – among his favoured four-man
midfield earlier this month. Stilian Petrov has been converted into a
deep-lying midfielder with relative success but the Bulgarian is not
naturally defensive-minded while Nigel Reo-Coker, who was replaced by Parker
at West Ham, has struggled to make at impact at Villa during his two and a
half years at the club.

West Ham are extremely reluctant to allow Parker to leave Upton Park, with
the former Charlton Athletic, Chelsea and Newcastle United player seen as
crucial to their survival hopes, but the club's financial position could
encourage Villa as well as Spurs to test their resolve. A deal would be more
likely to happen with Villa if O'Neill were able to move on one of his
fringe players, although Steve Sidwell and Reo-Coker may well remain with
the club until the summer.

Reo-Coker made a surprising return to the Villa side for Tuesday night's
injury-time defeat to Liverpool but he has made only six Premier League
starts this season, having lost his place following a training-ground row
with O'Neill in September. The 25-year-old has attracted interest from
Fulham but O'Neill would want to secure a replacement before sanctioning his
departure and even then there is no guarantee the player would move.
Sidwell's future is just as uncertain, with the midfielder a regular
substitute and yet to recapture the form he showed for Reading before
joining Chelsea.

Luke Young has described Villa's defeat to Liverpool, which followed a 3-0
defeat at Arsenal 48 hours earlier, as a "massive setback", but urged his
team-mates to erase the memory of the result and ensure there is no repeat
of last season, when a promising campaign unravelled. "We want this to make
us stronger," Young said. "This is a massive setback but we can learn from
last season from what happened when we went on a bad run."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 30 December 2009

Franco still positive
WHUFC.com
Guille Franco admitted West Ham United had found the going tough against
Spurs but would come back strong
30.12.2009

Guille Franco admitted West Ham United found the going difficult in Monday's
2-0 Barclays Premier League defeat by Tottenham Hotspur. The Mexico striker
ran himself into the ground at White Hart Lane, only to see goals from Luka
Modric and Jermain Defoe secure all three points for Spurs. Having lost
team-mates Scott Parker and Herita Ilunga to injury within the opening 20
minutes, the Hammers had a tough job to find a way through Tottenham's
rearguard. The forward revealed playing twice in three days for the first
time in his career had been a real eye-opener. "It was a very difficult
game," said Franco. "Tottenham are a strong team and have fantastic players.
We tried hard and did some good things, but Tottenham were the better team.
"We lost Scott and Herita inside the first 20 minutes and it made it hard
for us because they are important players for us. "We have had two games in
48 hours and it is crazy - only in England do you twice in such a short
space of time. I have never done it before in my career, not in Argentina,
Mexico or Spain. It's very difficult for everyone and for us to play a very
important match and lose those two players. "I feel very tired and I feel
down because we lost, but it's important that we retain a positive feeling
for the future."
Franco will miss next Sunday's FA Cup third-round visit of Arsenal to the
Boleyn Ground through suspension after being shown his fifth yellow card of
the season against Tottenham. With that in mind, the forward is targeting a
successful comeback to first-team action against Wolverhampton Wanderers on
Sunday 10 January. "We don't have too many players are we have some
injuries, so I will take care of myself over the New Year and will be back
to help the team in 2010."

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Franco baffled by fixture list
Forward brands English football calendar 'crazy'
Last updated: 29th December 2009
SSN

West Ham United striker Guillermo Franco admits he is struggling to cope
with the gruelling festive schedule in England, but is determined to remain
positive. The Hammers' victory over Premier League relegation rivals
Portsmouth was spoilt by a defeat to Tottenham in their last outing. To make
matters worse, Scott Parker and Herita Illunga both suffered hamstring
injuries in the loss to Spurs, and Franco, who played at White Hart Lane and
against Pompey, confesses he is baffled by the demands of the fixture list.
"We have had two games in 48 hours and it is crazy, only in England do you
twice in such a short space of time," said the Mexican. "I have never done
it before in my career, not in Argentina, Mexico or Spain. It's very
difficult for everyone and for us to play a very important match and lose
those two players. "I feel very tired and I feel down because we lost, but
it's important that we retain a positive feeling for the future."
During the defeat at White Hart Lane, Franco picked up his fifth booking of
the season, meaning he will miss the FA Cup clash against Arsenal on Sunday.
"We don't have too many players," he added. "We have some injuries, so I
will take care of myself over the New Year and will be back to help the team
in 2010."

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Hammers rule out Mutu bid
West Ham rule out January moves for both Mutu and Rubinho
By Simone Bargellini Last updated: 29th December 2009
SSN

West Ham sporting director Gianluca Nani has dismissed speculation linking
the Hammers with a move for Fiorentina striker Adrian Mutu as 'rubbish'.
Reports have tipped the former Chelsea player for a switch to Upton Park as
Gianfranco Zola looks to guide his relegation-threatened side to safety.
While Mutu's agent has previously claimed that a January switch is not out
of question, Nani has dismissed such a move. He told Violanews.com: "I would
like to talk about serious things. I prefer not to say anything about Mutu.
"It's all rubbish. I'm saddened by all these voices which insist there's a
deal. "There's little respect and that's not right." The sporting director
has also scotched speculation linking the London club with Palermo
goalkeeper Rubinho. Nani told mediterraneonline.it: "We are not interested
in Rubinho - we have one of the England national team goalkeepers, why would
we start to deal for another one?" Instead, Palermo president Maurizio
Zamparini has told Gazzetta dello Sport that the Serie A side are working on
the keeper's transfer to Livorno.

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Guillermo Franco blames fixture congestion for West Ham injury worries
Scott Parker and Hérita Ilunga likely to miss FA Cup tie
'We have had two games in 48 hours and it is crazy'
Sachin Nakrani guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 30 December 2009 00.10 GMT

West Ham United's Scott Parker is likely to miss the FA Cup game against
Arsenal after injuring a hamstring. West Ham United's Mexican striker
Guillermo Franco has criticised the English tradition of playing matches in
quick succession over the Christmas and new year period after two of his
team-mates suffered hamstring injuries during the defeat to Tottenham
Hotspur. Scott Parker and Hérita Ilunga both had to leave the pitch before
half-time and while their strains are not thought to be too serious they are
both likely to miss Sunday's FA Cup third-round tie with Arsenal. The pair
are scheduled to be fully assessed at West Ham's Chadwell Heath training
ground today. "We lost Scott and Herita inside the first 20 minutes and it
made it hard for us because they are important players," said Franco. "We
have had two games in 48 hours and it is crazy – only in England do you play
twice in such a short space of time. I have never done it before in my
career, not in Argentina, Mexico or Spain. It's very difficult for everyone.
"I also feel very tired but we don't have too many players and we have some
injuries, so I will take care of myself and will be back to help the team in
2010."

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Why Harry Redknapp was right to brand West Ham chants at Tottenham as
'filth'
By Oliver Holt
Published 22:28 29/12/09
The Mirror

I was at White Hart Lane on Monday afternoon for Spurs game against West Ham
and I heard the chants the visiting supporters aimed at their former
manager, Harry Redknapp. They went beyond acceptable banter. Way beyond it.
They were tawdry and unpleasant. Redknapp referred to the chants as 'filth'
afterwards. If he had been referring to the fans doing the singing, he would
have been right as well.

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West Ham recall Freddie Sears from Crystal Palace
Upton Park striker could return before the weekend
Palace happy for season-long loan to be cut short
Jamie Jackson guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 29 December 2009 21.02 GMT

Academy graduate Freddie Sears is needed back at West Ham. West Ham United
hope to release Freddie Sears from his season-long loan at Crystal Palace
before the weekend. The 20-year-old striker is required at Upton Park
following the premature retirement of Dean Ashton and Carlton Cole's knee
injury. Palace, the Premier and Football Leagues are thought to be amenable
to the recall, with the move now depending on the player registration forms
being completed.

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West Ham bid 'being prepared' by London financiers Intermarket
Intermarket to submit bid for Hammers on Monday
CB Holding to consider offer on behalf of Straumur
Alan Gardner guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 30 December 2009 02.33 GMT

Financial company Intermarket could take control of West Ham United. A
London-based financial services company has said that it is preparing to
make a takeover bid for West Ham. Intermarket are believed to have signed a
non-disclosure agreement with Rothschild, the bank which is acting on behalf
of West Ham's parent company, CB Holding, to secure investment in the club.

David Byrne, Intermarket's company secretary and joint founding director,
told the Telegraph: "We'll be making a bid on Monday". He added that
Intermarket expected to hear back soon whether the offer is viewed
favourably by CB Holding, the company formed by creditors and headed by the
Icelandic bank Straumur which runs West Ham.

Intermarket is thought to value the club at close to £100m, taking into
account debts said to be in the region of £49m and payments owed to
Sheffield United over the Carlos Tevez affair, as well as other outstanding
transfer-related instalments.

Straumur has already turned down an approach from the former Birmingham City
co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold, and the bank is said to be in no
hurry to complete a deal having been granted a moratorium on its debts until
September 2010.

The continuing uncertainty may however force the manager, Gianfranco Zola,
to offload some of his star names in the January transfer window, in order
to generate funds for new players.

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London company to bid for West Ham
A London-based financial company has said that it would submit a bid to take
control of West Ham United.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Jason Burt
Published: 7:30AM GMT 30 Dec 2009

David Byrne, Intermarket's company secretary and one of its two founding
directors, said an offer would be lodged at the beginning of next week. "We
will be making a bid on Monday," Byrne told The Daily Telegraph. He added
that he could not reveal any details of the offer – or his backers – as
Intermarket had signed a non-disclosure agreement with Rothschild Bank,
which has been engaged by West Ham's owners, CB Holding, to canvas potential
investors. Byrne said that he expected to find out quickly whether
Intermarket's bid was acceptable to CB Holding, whose main shareholder is
the Icelandic bank, Straumur.

It is understood that Intermarket values the club at around £100million.
However, that includes estimating the debts at £48million — West Ham are
adamant they are closer to £38million — and factoring in the costs of
outstanding settlements to Sheffield United because of the Carlos Tévez
affair and to former manager Alan Curbishley. In essence this means that
only around £30million would go to Straumur and the other creditors.

A bid for West Ham was submitted before Christmas by former Birmingham City
co-owner David Sullivan which amounted to £46million for a 50 per cent
controlling stake. Under the Sullivan plan money would be committed to debt
repayment and to sign new players in return for shares, but no cash would go
to CB Holding, which had been hoping for an eventual return of around
£50million.

Straumur insists that it is under no pressure to sell. However, it has not
ruled out doing a deal with either party, or other potential bidders, though
it has been annoyed by the tactics used, by the Sullivan bid in particular,
to portray the club as being in meltdown and needing to sell all its star
players in January.

West Ham will have to sell one of their big-name players to provide the
funds for manager Gianfranco Zola to strengthen the squad in the transfer
window. The most likely candidate is Matthew Upson who is 30, has 18 months
left on his contract and is refusing to sign a new deal.

Upson is also keen to leave to strengthen his hopes of making England's
World Cup squad and is believed to be available for around £12million.

CB Holding has pledged that any funds raised in January through transfers
will be made available to Zola in full.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 29th December 2009

Spurs 2-0 West Ham United
WHUFC.com
28.12.2009

Barclays Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United
White Hart Lane
Monday 28 December
12.45pm
Referee: Chris Foy

Full time

90 min - Three minutes of added time.

89 min - And one more change for Spurs as Jenas comes on for Lennon.

88 min - Second change for the hosts as Benoit Assou-Ekotto is replaced by
Gareth Bale.

86 min - Well that could have made things interesting as Diamanti's shot is
beaten away by Gomes for a corner. Franco's' header just fails to hit the
target.

83 min - First change for the hosts as they swap Modric with Niko Kranjcar.

82 min - GOAL! After all that pressure Defoe makes it two but smashing in
his own rebound after Green had palmed away his shot.

80 min - He has gone over to the left of midfield and it straight into the
action by winning a corner, which is cleared.

79 min - Collison is the man to make way for Stanislas' arrival.

78 min - Corner to Spurs is brilliantly headed away by Upson. Junior
Stanislas is getting ready to come on.

74 min - Good opening for Kovac there as the ball bounces kindly for him 25
yards out. He catches the volley well but it goes too high to trouble Gomes.

72 min - Kovac is booked for a late tackle on Huddlestone.

70 min - Corner to the Hammers as Diamanti's cross is hacked behind.

69 min - Collison and Jimenez nearly get on the end of Spector's left-wing
cross but Gomes comes out to claim it.

67 min - The game really is hotting up now as Vedran Corluka is booked for a
late tackle on Diamanti. The Italian stays down before making his way back
to his feet.

65 min - Diamanti is booked for a late tackle as Spurs go close once more.

64 min - Franco is the first player to be carded after clipping the heels of
Palacios. He will miss the cup game with Arsenal now.

58 min - West Ham are looking more dangerous as the game goes on and just a
slightly heavy touch from Franco breaks up a threatening move. There is a
real noise inside White Hart Lane as both sets of fans are backing their
team.

56 min - That is as close as we have come to a second goal as Huddleston
sees his shot bounce back off Green's upright and to safety.

53 min - Corner to Spurs as Palacios' shot deflects behind for a corner off
Upson.

52 min - West Ham have looked brighter in the opening seven minutes of the
half than they did in the first. They are still to really trouble Gomes yet
though.

49 min - Lennon goes on another jinking run but once again the end product
lets him down as he blazes the ball well over.

48 min - There are 35,994 people in the stadium today. Once again the
Hammers fans are in good voice.

47 min - Early shot from Defoe but it goes well, well wide.

46 min - Off we go in the second half. West Ham United will now be attacking
the end of the ground in which their fans are seated. No more changes from
the visitors.

Half time

44 min - Defoe comes mighty close to making it two before half time but his
free-kick goes just wide.

41 min - Good goalkeeping from Green, who has been solid so far, as he
rushes out to claim a through ball.

37 min - More good defending from Tomkins as he dives in to cut out Modric's
cross

33 min - Great block by James Tomkins to get in the way of Crouch's
goalbound shot. The referee misses the block and awards West Ham a goalkick.

29 min - Plenty of goalmouth action as Huddlestone drags another shot wide
of Green's far post.

28 min - The away support have not lost their voices and another huge
rendition of 'Bubbles' is delivered.

26 min - First shot on target from the visitors as Collison jinks past two
tackles and forces Heurelho Gomes into a diving save.

24 min - Better from the visitors. For the first time in the match they
string a series of passes together in the Spurs half before the move comes
to an end after Diamanti's slightly overhit pass.

23 min - Huddlestone fires a left-footed shot a few yards of Green's
right-hand post.

21 min - Franco is down as well but he gets back to his feet. Hopefully Zola
will not have to make his third early change.

19 min - Ilunga is the man to go off.

19 min - Jonathan Spector is stripped and ready and there will be a second
early change.

18 min - Another corner to the home side as Ilunga flicks the ball off the
toe off Crouch.

15 min - Diamanti tries to flick a ball forward for Collison but it is just
overhit.

12 min - An early change for the visitors here as Parker is forced off. Luis
Jimenez is the man to replace him.

11 min - GOAL! Lennon breaks down the right and after his cross is deflected
off Tomkins Luka Modric is there to fire past Green.

9 min - Great flick from Guille Franco sends Parker racing clear. The
midfielder tried a shot from 25 yards but drags it wide.

6 min - Free-kick to the home side on the right after Diamanti is ruled to
have fouled Lennon. Parker does well to head away under pressure from Peter
Crouch.

5 min - Spurs have the game's first corner after a great tackle by Behrami
on Aaron Lennon.

2 min - Still plenty of noise coming from the away support and their team
have not started too badly either. Kovac has just put a strong but fair
tackle on Tom Huddlestone.

1 min - We are underway. West Ham United will be attacking the goal to my
left.

12.45pm- Just minutes to go now and the players are out on the pitch as we
get final confirmation of the teams once more.

12.42pm - Despite the weather warming slightly over the past few days it is
still a very chilly day in north London with lots of hats and gloves on
show. Let us hope the Hammers can warm their fans up with their second win
in two days.

12.40pm - Just five minutes until kick-off and all of the noise is coming
from the away fans to my right.

12.35pm - The Hammers make their way off the pitch as the first rendition of
'Bubbles' is heard. The away end it already nearly full ten minutes before
kick-off.

12.30pm - Good reception to the West Ham players as they jog over to the
travelling support. A chant of 'One Scott Parker' rings around the ground.

12.20pm - After the much improved performances in the last two games, West
Ham will hope to turn around a rotten run of form against the north
Londoners. The Hammers have failed to win at White Hart Lane in their last
nine visits - their last victory came in the shape of a 2-1 success on 24
April 1999.

12.16pm - Tottenham's players have joined their visitors on the playing
surface and are stretching up in the opposite end to my left. Referee Chris
Foy is also out doing his pre-match warm up.

12.15pm - The West Ham United players are out on the pitch getting warmed
up. Spurs' third-choice goalkeeper Jimmy Walker was waiting at the end of
the tunnel as they came out and shook the hands and hugged his former
team-mates as they came on to the pitch.

Gianfranco Zola has made one change to the side that beat Portsmouth 2-0 on
Boxing Day, bringing in Valon Behrami for hamstring-injury victim Mark Noble
for the short Barclays Premier League trip to Tottenham Hotspur.

Former Hammers player and manager Harry Redknapp has named another ex-West
Ham player in his starting lineup in striker Jermain Defoe.

West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Tomkins, Upson, Ilunga (Spector 19),
Collison (Stanislas 79), Kovac, Parker (Jimenez 12), Behrami, Diamanti,
Franco
Subs: Stech, da Costa, Payne, Nouble

Tottenham Hotspur: Gomes, Corluka, Dawson, King, Assou-Ekotto (Bale 88),
Modric (Kranjcar, 83), Palacios, Huddlestone, Lennon (Jenas 89), Crouch,
Defoe
Subs: Alnwick, Hutton, Bassong, Keane

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Hammers edged out
WHUFC.com
West Ham United fell to a 2-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at Tottenham
Hotspur on Monday
28.12.2009

West Ham United fell to a 2-0 Barclays Premier League defeat by Tottenham
Hotspur at White Hart Lane on Monday. Croatia midfielder Luka Modric struck
a bouncing volley past Robert Green after just eleven minutes before Jermain
Defoe made the game safe with nine minutes remaining. The Hammers tried hard
to force their way back into the game after Modric's early opener, but could
not find a path past Spurs goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes. Jack Collison and
Alessandro Diamanti came closest to nicking a goal for the visitors, but
both shot too close to the Brazilian. West Ham, already without
hamstring-injury victim Mark Noble, saw their task made even harder when
both inspirational midfielder Scott Parker and left-back Herita Ilunga were
forced off within the opening 19 minutes. Luis Jimenez, impressive as a
substitute against Portsmouth on Boxing Day, and Jonathan Spector were their
respective replacements. As such, it was no surprise that the home side took
the early initiative, with Aaron Lennon a constant menace down the right
wing. It was the England winger who created Modric's goal, swapping passes
with international team-mate Defoe before cutting the ball back into the
six-yard box, where it deflected off James Tomkins into the diminutive
goalscorer's path. Although he did not hit his shot cleanly, it possessed
enough strength to bounce past Robert Green.
Having gone ahead, Spurs upped the ante, with Tom Huddlestone shooting wide,
Tomkins blocking a goalbound Peter Crouch flick and Defoe firing straight at
Green. The vast majority of the 35,994 crowd would have enjoyed much of what
they saw before half-time, but the Hammers gave the home supporters more
cause for concern after the break.
Even so, it was Tottenham who came closest to scoring the game's second
goal. Defoe and Huddlestone both shot powerfully wide before Wilson Palacios
saw his drive blocked behind by Matthew Upson. It looked like the pressure
would pay off eleven minutes after the break, only for Huddlestone's
powerful daisy-cutter to ricochet back off the inside of the far post. As
the game reached its fourth quarter, the competitive nature of the fixture
took over in the shape of four bookings in nine minutes. Guille Franco,
Diamanti and Kovac all saw yellow for the Hammers, while Vedran Corluka was
punished for a foul on the Italian. With a little more than ten minutes
remaining, Gianfranco Zola sent on Junior Stanislas for Collison, switching
to a 4-4-2 diamond formation. Unfortunately, the switch had no time to prove
effective as Defoe rifled in Spurs' second after seeing his initial shot
blocked by Green. West Ham kept up their effort until the end, and Diamanti
could have halved the deficit on 86 minutes, only for Gomes to beat away his
rasping shot. The Hammers take a break from league action for 13 days, and
will hope for better luck when they host Wolverhampton Wanderers at the
Boleyn Ground on Sunday 10 January. Before then, Arsenal visit east London
for an FA Cup third-round tie next Sunday, 3 January.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola cheered by spirit
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola was pleased with West Ham United's efforts despite narrowly
losing out at Spurs
28.12.2009

Gianfranco Zola was encouraged by the spirited second-half display as West
Ham United suffered a 2-0 derby loss to Tottenham Hotspur.

Luka Modric had given the hosts the lead in the eleventh minute and they
went on to see the better openings of the first half. It was a different
story after the break, however, as the visitors took the game to their
opponents and looked to be the more likely to score until Jermain Defoe
connected with a sucker punch second with just eight minutes to go.

"I said to the players I am delighted with the way they played in the second
half," Zola said. "With that spirit and attitude it won't be long until we
are winning again. We lost to one of the best teams in the country.

"In the second half we stood up against them and there was a moment that if
a team was going to score I thought it would be us. When you play a team as
good as Tottenham Hotspur they can create a goal from nowhere and that's
what happened."

He was equally praiseworthy when asked about the supporters who gave
arguably their display of the season with 90 minutes of non-stop singing. He
said; "They were fantastic," he said. "My applause, my appreciation to them.
I think the team gave them the performance they were looking for so I am
delighted with that."

The West Ham United manager had to adjust his tactics early on when his side
was denied the services of Scott Parker and Herita Ilunga through injury
within 20 minutes. Luis Jimenez and Jonathan Spector were the replacements
before Junior Stanislas arrived late on for Jack Collison.

"Losing them early didn't help and it restricts your options in the game
especially when you've played two days before. The players on the pitch
coped well, they were very good.

"Parker had a tight hamstring but shouldn't be too long. We'll see in the
next two days. Ilunga is the same thing as his hamstring is tight so
shouldn't be anything serious."

Tottenham had the luxury of recalling several rested players from their
Boxing Day draw at Fulham but West Ham United remained unchanged aside from
Valon Behrami's start in place of Mark Noble, as Zola was keen to keep the
tight-knit unit that had performed so well of late together.

"I was considering making some changes but last year we did the same and
didn't change many players and we were all right. I kept the same team
because they were doing very well and I wanted to maintain the bond between
the players."

Other than the two goals, Robert Green did not have many saves to make as
the four defenders in front of him kept the main threats in white at bay.
Particularly worthy of note was James Tomkins, who built on his solid outing
on Boxing Day against Portsmouth with another assured display.

"The defence line was really good. James and Matthew Upson and Julien
Faubert were really good. I'm pleased with the way we defended and I think
the whole team is defending better.

"Tomkins is growing up a lot in confidence and security. The boy has got a
future and if he keeps working hard he will be an important player."

Even at two goals down the Hammers did not give up and Alessandro Diamanti
forced Heurelho Gomes into a diving save. The Italian showed flashes of his
ability and his manager was keen to praise his versatility.

"Diamanti is more effective when he can come from behind and place balls for
people running into the box. His best position is when he is in behind and
can use his skills. His best quality is setting balls for the others.

"Against Spurs he did some good things. I have to think about Diamanti and
think about the balance. I am playing him as a left midfielder at the moment
but he can play as a striker on the left in a 4-3-3. I think it is going
well and he is improving.

"The position he is playing in he is very effective and that is the right
position for him. Right now it is better to have him in that position."

As the Hammers sign off a decade of highs and lows with the match, Zola now
has six days to ready his players for a FA Cup third-round match with
Arsenal on Sunday. Guille Franco picked up his fifth booking of the season
so will miss the game, but Zola is at ease knowing that he has the option of
drafting in Frank Nouble should he need to.

"I was thinking of bringing Frank Nouble in. He is doing better in training,
whether he is ready, it will be the pitch that will tell me. It was a 50/50
between him and Junior and I decided to use Junior's speed and quality in a
one on one situation. He has more experience than Nouble, but I think his
chance will come soon."

Franco's absence may also allow Zola to look at other formations as he seeks
to add some extra attacking impetus to his side.

"In the first half he was isolated but that was the game. We wanted to close
them down and use him as a reference with Collison and Diamanti. In the
second half we put Jimenez up front to provide more support. I know he needs
a bit more help and we have to adjust some things."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tottenham 2 - 0 West Ham
BBC.co.uk
By David Ornstein

Luka Modric marked his first start in four months with a telling
contribution as Tottenham beat West Ham to move up to fourth in the Premier
League. Modric, who broke his shin on 29 August, swept home Aaron Lennon's
deflected cross to cap a bright start. With West Ham toiling, Jermain Defoe
put a curling free-kick just wide and Tom Huddlestone drove against the
post. Injury-hit West Ham lacked a cutting edge and former Hammer Defoe
confirmed their defeat with a fierce finish. It was fitting end to a
commanding all-round performance by Spurs and they will remain in fourth
unless Aston Villa beat Liverpool at Villa Park on Tuesday. Harry Redknapp's
men are now unbeaten in four matches, keeping four clean sheets in the
process, and they lie just one point behind north-London rivals Arsenal.
But for all the stats, Redknapp will be especially pleased with the return
of Modric, the Croat managing 83 minutes during which he scored his first
goal of the season and orchestrated almost every other attack. England
winger Lennon also continued to press his case for a starting place at the
World Cup with yet another scintillating display, Huddlestone was a rock in
the hosts' midfield and Vedran Corluka again impressed at right-back. In
stark contrast, West Ham remain a point above the relegation zone and have
played three games more than Bolton in 18th and one more than both Hull in
19th and Portsmouth in 20th.
They are now without a win in their last nine away league games and have
still not triumphed in the league at White Hart Lane since April 1999, when
Redknapp was their manager. Arriving on a high following wins against
Manchester City and Blackburn and a hard-earned draw at Fulham, Spurs
dominated possession in the opening exchanges.
Redknapp utilised his large squad to make four changes to his starting
line-up but Spurs quickly settled into a tidy rhythm and set about unpicking
their opponents. An ever-growing injury list meant West Ham boss Gianfranco
Zola was only able to make one alteration to his side and they looked
fatigued and laboured from the outset. Zola attempted to contain the likes
of Modric and Lennon by deploying a 4-5-1 formation, but Tottenham were able
to saunter forward almost at will and their lead, when it arrived, was
richly deserved.
Defoe released Lennon on the right and his low cross deflected off Jack
Collison to an unmarked Modric. The Croatian hit a first-time shot into the
ground but saw it bounce into the net over a diving Rob Green. West Ham's
midfield was nowhere to be seen as Lennon burst into the box and that was in
part down to a limping Scott Parker, who came through a late fitness test on
a hamstring strain to start but aggravated the complaint when he dragged a
shot wide early on. Parker was replaced by Luis Jimenez but, seven minutes
later, there was more misery for West Ham as right-back Herita Ilunga
succumbed to a similar injury. Tottenham were in cruise control and started
passing and moving with the swagger of a side who appear capable of
finishing among the Champions League places this season. Huddlestone dragged
wide, a Crouch shot was deflected wide by James Tomkins and Defoe curled a
sumptuous free-kick inches wide of Green's right-hand post.
Spurs must have wondered how they failed to extend their advantage before
half-time and the chances kept coming after the break, with a goal-bound
Wilson Palacios strike diverted to safety by Matthew Upson and Huddlestone
exposing some woeful West Ham marking to drill against a post. The Hammers
eventually began to threaten and Guillermo Franco mis-controlled in a
promising position before the 79th-minute introduction of pacy 20-year-old
Junior Stanislas finally gave them a source of penetration. But clear-cut
chances were few and far between and, with Tottenham always looking the
likelier scorers, it came as no surprise when Defoe wrapped up the points.
The England striker collected possession on the counter attack, drifted
inside the West Ham defence and, after having a powerful drive parried by
Green, lashed in from the edge of the box.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp: "It was a game we dominated but when
you're only 1-0 up you fear that sooner or later they will make a chance.
"We needed a second goal and eventually it came but overall we were stronger
than them today, there's no doubt about that. We played well and were always
in control. "I've got a luxury that Gianfranco hasn't - strong players to
bring in who don't weaken your team in any way, shape or form. Whoever comes
in at the moment is doing well and a fourth clean sheet in a row shows we're
a force. We can beat anyone on our day. "We're not looking at anybody (in
the January transfer window), I cant stand here and say we've made contact
with any clubs over any players. If players leave we'll see if we need to
replace them and strengthen in areas, but there are no plans to at the
moment."

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola: I'm delighted with how the players reacted
and how the team played. "In the second half we played really well against a
very strong team. We were pushing them and they were struggling but when you
have a team with the quality they have they can score at any moment. If we
keep this spirit we can do important things. "I've got to work with what
I've got but if the players who are fit give me performances like today
we'll be all right. "The club wants to keep their best players and we're
going to try very hard to do that. We did very well against Chelsea and
Portsmouth and today, with all circumstances considered, we've done well."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Franco out
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th December 2009
By: Staff Writer

Guillermo Franco is out of next weekend's FA Cup tie with Arsenal - leaving
Gianfranco Zola without a single, fit, first-team striker. The Mexican
international received his fifth booking of the season during this
lunchtime's 2-0 defeat at Tottenham and joins the likes of Carlton Cole and
Zavon Hines as unavailable for next Sunday's live TV clash. Zola, who also
lost Dean Ashton recently when the former England international was forced
to quit the game through injury could start with either Luis Jimenez or
Alessandro Diamanti in place of Franco, although another option would be to
give 18-year-old summer signing Frank Nouble his first competitive start.
Freddie Sears, who is currently on a season-long loan spell at Crystal
Palace has been rumoured to be on his way back to the Boleyn as emergency
cover and could also be a possibility should speculation prove correct.
Terry Dixon, who continues his rehabilitation in the reserves is not likely
to be considered at this stage due to a general lack of match fitness.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The jinx strikes again
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th December 2009
By: Staff Writer

West Ham's injury problems show no sign of abating after Scott Parker and
Herita Ilunga limped out of today's Premier League clash with Tottenham.
Both the full-back and central midfielder limped off with hamstring injuries
within the opening 20 minutes of the game, meaning that West Ham have now
lost SEVEN players to muscle-related injuries within the last month. As a
result of the extensive injury problems suffered by Alan Curbishley during
his tenure the club made sweeping changes to their backroom staff in the
summer of 2008, including hiring a team of experts from Roehampton
University to assess the problems and determine why so many muscle-related
injuries were occurring.
Despite spending considerable time and money implementing the findings of
the Roehampton team - including hiring a string of new medical staff - it
would appear that West Ham's problems are once again as bad, if not worse,
than they were under Curbishley. With Gianfranco Zola's slender squad
already stretched to its limits and the Hammers battling agaist relegation,
further injury worries are the last thing the manager needs at this moment
in time.

Hamstrung by injury: the magnificent seven

28th Dec, Herita Ilunga: Tottenham (a) - replaced by Jonathan Spector after
19 minutes.

28th Dec, Scott Parker: Tottenham (a) - replaced after just 11 minutes
having failed to shake off an injury sustained in training.

26th Dec, Mark Noble: hauled off after just quarter-of-an-hour of the
Portsmouth game.

20th Dec, Danny Gabbidon: Chelsea (h) - limped off himway through the first
half.

15th Dec, Kieron Dyer: Bolton (a) - pulled a hamstring during a run 20
minutes into the game.

5th Dec, Zavon Hines: Man Utd (h) - the youngster pulled up moments before
the half-time whistle.

29th Nov, Carlton Cole: Burnley (h) - replaced at half time after tweaking a
hamstring.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers to receive fresh bid
London-based American consortium to make bid for club next Monday
Last updated: 28th December 2009
SSN

Sky Sports News understands an American consortium are to make a £100
million bid for West Ham United next week. London-based Inter Market have
revealed they intend to lodge a bid for the Premier League strugglers next
Monday and plan to provide funds for Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola in
January. New York-born Jim Bowe is the chief executive of the company but
several of the investors are believed to be West Ham supporters and are
desperate to help the East Londoners out of the relegation battle which they
have become embroiled in this season. Inter Market are said to be keen to
seal a deal for the Upton Park outfit as soon as possible so they can give
Zola enough time to buy new players during the January transfer window. It
is believed CB Holdings, the company in control of West Ham, are looking
favourably at the deal but are in no rush to sell after they rejected a
previous bid by former Birmingham City co-owners David Gold and David
Sullivan earlier in December.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sparkling Spurs sink Hammers
Modric and Defoe on target in 2-0 victory
Last updated: 28th December 2009
SSN

Man of the match: Tom Huddlestone kept things moving in Tottenham's
midfield.
Goal of the match: Jermain Defoe's goal was unstoppable after Rob Green
stopped his initial effort.
Moment of the match: Luka Modric's opener meant that Tottenham were able to
enjoy a simple afternoon.
Save of the match: Heurelho Gomes didn't have much to do but he was equal to
Alessandro Diamanti's effort.
Talking point: Will West Ham stay up if they sell their best players in
January?

Tottenham produced an impressive performance to beat London rivals West Ham
2-0 and rise back into the top four. The crucial opening goal arrived after
just 11 minutes as Aaron Lennon showed lightning pace down the right wing
before crossing for Luka Modric to bundle the ball home on his first start
since August. Spurs carved out several good chances to extend their
advantage before half-time, while the Hammers were left hit by injuries to
Scott Parker and Herita Ilunga. The second period followed a similar pattern
as Harry Redknapp's men hunted for a second and the visitors struggled to
exert any significant pressure of their own. Jermain Defoe then smashed home
a rebound with nine minutes remaining after his initial shot had been
parried to secure all three points for Tottenham and leave West Ham in deep
trouble. It did not take Croatia international Modric long to make his mark
after a long period out with a fractured fibula. After two early runs led
to rash challenges from Ilunga and Alessandro Diamanti, it was no surprise
that Lennon was the creator of the goal. Defoe sent him down the right and
the England winger cut inside, his cross half-cleared by James Tomkins
before falling for the unmarked Modric. It was not a crisp effort from
Modric but his finish, stubbed into the turf, looped over Hammers goalkeeper
Robert Green for his first of the campaign. Adding injury to insult, Parker
could not continue after the goal and had to be replaced by Luis Jimenez,
depriving the visitors of their most influential player recently. Ilunga
also headed down the tunnel for treatment, with Jonathan Spector brought on
at left-back.
It was left to Jack Collison to provide the attacking power in West Ham's
midfield. The Wales youngster tested Heurelho Gomes with a low drive as the
visitors attempted to find a way back into the game. At the other end, Tom
Huddlestone went wide with a couple of efforts, while Peter Crouch had a
finish deflected to safety by Tomkins after Wilson Palacios surged down the
right flank. In the final minute of the first half, Defoe curled a 25-yard
free-kick just over Green's crossbar after he was fouled by Radoslav Kovac.
West Ham remained in the game while Spurs were in a wasteful mood -
Huddlestone and Lennon both shot over the crossbar from promising positions
just after the restart. Palacios also had an effort blocked by Matthew
Upson. With 10 minutes gone in the second half, Huddlestone received the
ball from Vedran Corluka with his back to goal, turned and struck the foot
of the post with his shot. Guillermo Franco was not having much joy as a
lone striker for the visitors and his frustration earned a yellow card from
Chris Foy when he tripped Palacios. Defoe grabbed his goal eight minutes
from full-time. Green blocked his initial effort from the edge of the area
but the England striker followed it up with a powerful strike that crashed
into the top corner. Gomes superbly denied Diamanti and Franco headed wide
as the Hammers failed to find a late consolation.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola proud despite defeat
West Ham manager satisfied with efforts of players
Last updated: 28th December 2009
SSN

Gianfranco Zola saluted the spirit of his West Ham side following their 2-0
defeat to Tottenham. The Hammers have struggled with injuries all season and
the problems continued to mount at White Hart Lane as Zola was forced to
withdraw Scott Parker and Herita Ilunga inside the opening 20 minutes. Spurs
emerged triumphant thanks to goals from Luka Modric and Jermain Defoe but
Zola was pleased with how his men rallied, especially in the second half.
Asked if everything that could go wrong had gone wrong, Zola told Sky
Sports: "We can't do anything about that. We have to stay strong and get
round this problem. "I must say the reaction from the team to all the
injuries has been massive, so I am delighted with the performance of the
team. "Tottenham are a very good team but in the second half we played with
passion and spirit and also good football, because we created some chances."

Zola defended the decision to start with Parker and hopes he will recover
quickly after aggravating a hamstring strain. "Scott Parker is a very mature
person and we spoke and he said he was okay, so it is pointless to say now I
shouldn't have played him," Zola explained. "Maybe if I hadn't played him
and things hadn't gone well they would have said he should have played. "We
decided together and unfortunately it didn't go well but hopefully it is not
going to be a bad thing."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tottenham Hotspur 2 West Ham United 0: match report
Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Tottenham
Hotspur and West Ham United at White Hart Lane on Monday Dec 28 2009.
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Ley at White Hart Lane
Published: 6:20AM GMT 29 Dec 2009

Harry Redknapp continues to haunt his former club. The Tottenham Hotspur
manager is now unbeaten in 10 games against West Ham United since leaving
Upton Park, winning eight of them, while his current side kept a fourth
consecutive clean sheet for the first time in almost nine years. A goal in
either half, from the returning Luka Modric and Jermain Defoe, confirmed a
victory that was not always guaranteed and afterwards Gianfranco Zola, the
West Ham manager, tipped Tottenham as an outside threat to the Premier
League favourites. Premier League team news: Weekend squad, stats and
betting tipsSpurs' aim all season has been a top-four finish and the
lucrative prize that is Champions League football, but Zola claimed that
they remained in the hunt for the title. Zola said: "Tottenham have such a
good squad, they have everything to be competitive and it will be down to
them. In my view they could be one of the possible surprises for the title.
"The championship is telling us that it hasn't got an owner. Even Chelsea,
who is top of the league, is struggling a little bit to get results so it's
open for everybody."
Redknapp insisted he was not interested in the "filth" sung by travelling
West Ham fans probably frustrated by their former manager's success, and
remains modest but determined. He said: "We've got a strong squad, with good
players. Why can't we finish in the top four? It's easy for me to say we can
do better than last year and finish seventh and that way I don't come under
pressure if we don't make the Champions League, but there's no reason why we
can't."
Zola, meanwhile, has other things on his mind. Not only did West Ham suffer
their 10th defeat of a season that has thus far provided few bright spots,
but Scott Parker, their most consistent performer, lasted just 12 minutes,
pulling up with a hamstring strain which rendered him a passenger in the
build-up to the first goal. He was soon joined on the sidelines by Herita
Ilunga who, like Parker, suffered a hamstring niggle, meaning the pair are
doubts for the visit of Arsenal in the FA Cup on Sunday. One player
definitely missing will be Zola's remaining target man, as Guillermo Franco
received his fifth booking of the season and will be banned. With Carlton
Cole at least three weeks from a return, West Ham will struggle to find a
striker to face William Gallas and company. Zola, though, was upbeat despite
the result which undid the good work of the 2-0 victory against Portsmouth.
He said: "I will tell you what I said to the players. I'm delighted with the
way they played in the second half, they looked very, very good, and with
that kind of attitude and spirit it's not going to be long before we come
back winning. "We lost, in my opinion, to one of the best teams in the
country but in the second half we stood up against them and there was a
moment when I thought the team that was going to score was us."
Parker had forced the game's first chance, a wayward shot, but in doing so
he felt his hamstring. Yet West Ham were slow to replace him and with Luiz
Jimenez waiting to come on, Tottenham took the lead. Radoslav Kovac could
have kicked the ball out but lost possession and Spurs went for the jugular.
Defoe fed Aaron Lennon, whose cross from the right bounced off a defender
and fell to Modric, who responded with a half-volley that beat Robert Green
and celebrated his first start for three months having recovered from a
fracture of his right fibula. West Ham rallied briefly when Jack Collison
forced Heurelho Gomes to save well. Either side of that effort came two
attempts from Huddlestone, on his 23rd birthday, but both went wide. For the
second half West Ham pushed Jimenez forward alongside Franco, but
Huddlestone and Lennon were first to threaten for Tottenham.
In the 56th minute Spurs could have scored again when the impressive
Huddlestone shot against the foot of the left post and Modric sent the
rebound high. West Ham did their best to respond but the difference in the
strength of the respective squads was obvious and, ultimately, the better
team won.

Tottenham confirmed the victory with another outstanding contribution from
Defoe. At times Spurs looked nervous, particularly in the second half with
West Ham defending well, but in the 82nd minute Defoe cut in delightfully
before dispatching a shot so hard that it bounced off the chest of Robert
Green. Defoe reacted quickly, belting the rebound home to claim his 14th
goal of an impressive season.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Subdued West Ham no match for Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur 2 West Ham 0
The Times

Luka Modric scored on his return to the Tottenham starting line-up to help
defeat West Ham at White Hart Lane. The midfielder had made only two
substitute appearances since fracturing a fibula in August but converted
Aaron Lennon's cross in the eleventh minute to put his side on the path to
victory. Jermain Defoe, playing against his old club, added a second eight
minutes from full-time. Robert Green blocked his initial effort from the
edge of the area but Defoe followed it up with a powerful volley into the
top corner. West Ham suffered a further setback after Modric's strike when
Scott Parker limped off injured. Jack Collison attempted to provide their
attacking power from midfield, and tested Heurelho Gomes with a low drive as
the visitors tried to find a way back into the game. But Tottenham were the
better side and continued to press forward, with Tom Huddlestone going wide
with a couple of efforts, while Peter Crouch had a finish deflected to
safety by James Tomkins after Wilson Palacios's run down the right flank.
Huddlestone and Lennon both shot over the crossbar from promising positions
just after the restart to keep West Ham in the game. Palacios also had an
effort blocked by Matthew Upson. Ten minutes into the second half,
Huddlestone received the ball from Vedran Corluka with his back to goal,
turned and shot well. He was unfortunate the ball struck the foot of the
post. Guillermo Franco had a frustrating time as a lone striker for West Ham
and was booked when he tripped Palacios. Huddlestone, the man of the match,
said he and Defoe benefited from missing the Boxing Day fixture against
Fulham. "We felt sharp," he said. "Some of the lads that played on Boxing
Day said they felt a bit stiff in between but we felt fresh today."
Gianfranco Zola, the West Ham manager, was happy with his team's effort
given their injury problems. Herita Ilunga was also replaced today, while
Mark Noble, Carlton Cole and Danny Gabbidon were among those unavailable.
"The reaction from the team has been massive," he said. "I'm delighted with
the performance. In the second half we created some chances and we looked
all right."
He refused to be drawn on whether he made the right decision in risking
Parker even though his hamstring has caused him problems. "It's pointless
now to say what I should or shouldn't have done," he said. "Hopefully it's
not going to be bad. It's not bad damage."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Talk Of West Ham United Takeover Increases After Tony Fernandes Visit -
Report
Dec 28, 2009 6:46:35 PM
Goal.com

Airline tycoon Tony Fernandes visited Upton Park to see West Ham United
defeat Portsmouth on Boxing Day, with speculation rife of a renewed bid to
take over the club, according to The Daily Telegraph. The 45 year old
Malaysian recently revealed that he had no intention of tendering an offer
for the Premier League club as he looks forward to taking over new Formula
One team Lotus for the 2010 season. But Fernandes, who held discussions with
Hammers chairman Andrew Bernhardt last month, is not expected to complete a
buy-out despite meeting with manager Gianfranco Zola, who fears a January
wholesale of his first team given the club's financial quagmire, after the
2-0 win. The Premier League club have instructed the Rothschild bank to
negotiate on their behalf with potential investors, including former
Birmingham City co-owner and pornography magnate David Sullivan. Fernandes,
who was educated in England and is a fervent Hammers fan, is believed to be
the preferred investor after successfully piloting Air Asia through a
turbulent decade for the airline industry.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tottenham Hotspur 2 West Ham United 0 (Away)
Posted by Billy Blagg 9 hours, 5 minutes ago
ESPN

Losing to Spurs is always hard to take but it was never going to be esay for
the Hammers to get anything from this game, struggling as they do against
sheer pace. Inevitabiliy, It was Aaron Lennon who caused confusion for the
first goal scored by Modric after only 11 minutes and, with the Hammers
again struggling with injuries in-between, Defoe scored against his old club
late on to tie up the points for the home side.

West Ham were looking to follow up their Boxing Day win against Portsmouth
but found themselves behind early when Lennon's cross was stabbed home by
Modric as the ball looped off the surface and over Green. That was bad
enough but then the Hammer's best player, Scott Parker limped off to
necessitate a juggling of the side - Jimenez coming on - before Ilunga
limped off seven minutes later to be replaced by Spector. This left Collison
to hold the midfield together but it looked too much for the Welsh youngster
who struggled for much of the match, although he did provide one of the
first half's few chances for his side when he shot low for Gomes to save.

At the other end though, Spurs wasted chances with the impressive
Huddlestone going close on two occasions and Crouch having a shot deflected
by Tomkins while Defoe watched a free kick dip just over. Huddlestone again
came closest after the break, hitting a post as West Ham struggled to make
any headway with an ineffective Franco struggling alone up-front. Whatever
happens in January, the Hammers surely have to find someone to fill in if
Cole or Franco are injured.

With the lead only 1-0, West Ham were always in with a faint chance but
their hopes were dashed after a spell of pressure in the 82nd minute when
Defoe inevitably scored for the home side, his first piledriver striking
Green on the shoulder only for the ball to run out to the Spurs striker to
power home.

It was all rather depressing but with a touch of the inevitable about it.
The Hammers haven't won at Tottenham for ten years and that looks likely to
continue as Redknapp continues to build with Spurs while West Ham struggle
to hold onto their best players, even the MOTD pundits commenting on rumours
that Scott Parker is likely to move in the January window. Zola denied the
rumours, and it does seem unlikely that their best player will be allowed to
leave in the transfer window, but I think we can pretty much expect to have
to put up with this for the next 30 odd days.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Redknapp Fury At Hammers Fans
The Sun

HARRY REDKNAPP blasted West Ham fans who chanted 'filth' at him yesterday.
Tottenham eased past their fierce local rivals and boss Redknapp said: "Am I
bothered by chants? No, not interested. "Who's interested in songs about
Frank Lampard Jnr when he goes back to Upton Park - who's interested in
that? Filth." Redknapp sat emotionless on the touchline as Hammers fans
directed foul-mouthed songs at their former boss. He was West Ham manager
for five years before being forced out and has been a terrace target since
leaving in 2001. His decision to go to White Hart Lane from Portsmouth last
year did not go down well with the Upton Park faithful. Ex-West Ham striker
Jermain Defoe was also on the receiving end but he also kept his composure
and answered the abuse by scoring Spurs' second goal. And in-form Defoe is
optimistic Tottenham can maintain their push for the Champions League. Luka
Modric marked his full comeback from a fractured fibula with the first goal.
And Defoe said: "It is fantastic. We're good enough to compete up there, so
we're delighted with a great win."
Tom Huddlestone, who turned 23 yesterday, added: "We totally dominated the
first half but in a local derby anything can happen. Once Jermain got the
second after the break we were home and dry." Huddlestone says he and Defoe
benefited from being rested for Saturday's draw at Fulham. He added: "We
felt sharp. Some of the lads who played on Boxing Day said they felt a bit
stiff in between." West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola said: "The reaction from
the team with all the injury problems has been massive. "In the second half
we created some chances and we looked all right." Hammers midfielder Scott
Parker went off injured in the first half. Zola added: "Hopefully it is not
going to be a bad thing for Scott. It is not bad damage."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola needs to Sear it up a bit
The Sun
Published: Today

GIANFRANCO ZOLA is trying to solve his striker crisis by recalling Freddie
Sears from his loan at Crystal Palace. The West Ham boss has NO hitmen left
after Guillermo Franco picked up his fifth booking at Tottenham.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 28th December 2009

Tottenham match preview
WHUFC.com
All the team news and background ahead of Monday lunchtime's major London
derby
27.12.2009

Barclays Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United
White Hart Lane
Monday 28 December
12.45pm
Referee: Chris Foy

• West Ham United make the short trip to north London on the back of a
morale-boosting 2-0 Boxing Day win against Portsmouth. The three points
acquired at the Boleyn Ground moved Gianfranco Zola's side out of the bottom
three.

• The game saw West Ham keep their first clean sheet since the 0-0 draw with
Blackburn Rovers on 29 August.

• This will be the second league meeting between the two sides and West Ham
United's first 'return' fixture of the season. Tottenham left the Boleyn
Ground with a 2-1 victory on 23 August.

• West Ham have failed to win at White Hart Lane in their last nine visits
to north London. The Hammers' last victory at Tottenham came in the shape of
a 2-1 success on 24 April 1999. Then managed by current Spurs boss Harry
Redknapp, West Ham would end the season in fifth, their record-high Premier
League finish.

• The clubs also met on 29 July this year at the Barclays Asia Trophy in
Beijing. Tottenham won 1-0 thanks to a Jermain Defoe strike in the 75th
minute.

• This is the 115nd league meeting between the two sides. Tottenham have won
46, West Ham have won 39 and there have been 29 draws.

Last time out

Saturday 26 December
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 2-0 Portsmouth
West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Tomkins, Upson, Ilunga, Collison, Kovac,
Parker, Noble (Jimenez 16), Diamanti (Behrami 72), Franco (Nouble 90)
Subs not used: Stech, Spector, da Costa, Stanislas
Goals: Diamanti 23 (pen), Kovac 89

Saturday 26 December
Barclays Premier League
Fulham 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur: Gomes, Dawson, Assou-Ekotto, Corluka, Bassong (King 89),
Jenas, Lennon, Kranjcar (Modric 71) , Palacios, Keane (Defoe 71) , Crouch
Subs not used: Alnwick, Huddlestone, Pavlyuchenko, Bale,

Last meeting

The two sides last met on 23 August 2009 when the north Londoners one by the
odd goal in three. Carlton Cole had given the Hammers a 49th-minute lead
with a stunning strike before goals from Jermain Defoe and Aaron Lennon. The
two sides that day were -

West Ham United: Green, Faubert. Collins, Upson, Spector, Parker (Hines 84),
Collison (Nouble 89), Noble, Jimenez (Kovac 78), Stanislas, Cole
Subs not used: Kurucz, Gabbidon, Tomkins, Payne
Goal: Cole 49

Tottenham Hotspur: Cudicini, Corluka, King, Bassong, Assou-Ekotto, Lennon,
Palacios, Huddlestone, Modric (O'Hara 86), Keane (Crouch 80), Defoe
(Naughton 90)
Subs not used: Button, Hutton, Bentley, Pavlyuchenko
Goals: Defoe 54, Lennon 79

Head to head (Premier League unless stated)

23 August 2009 - West Ham United 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur
11 April 2009 - Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 West Ham United
8 December 2008 - West Ham United 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur
9 March 2008 - Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 West Ham United
25 November 2007 - West Ham United 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
4 March 2008 - West Ham United 3-4 Tottenham Hotspur

Overall record v Tottenham Hotspur (all competitions) W 43 D 34 L 56

Next up

• West Ham United have six days to prepare before another big London derby
with Tottenham Hotspur's north London rivals Arsenal in the fourth round of
the FA Cup. Tottenham Hotspur play host to Peterborough United in the cup
the previous day.

Referee

• The match referee will be Chris Foy

• Not to be confused with the Australian actor of the same name, Foy will be
taking charge of West Ham United for the fifth time this season.

• The 47-year-old official was the man in the middle for the Hammers'
opening-day 2-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers, the 3-1 loss at Manchester
City, the 2-2 home draw with Arsenal, when he appeared as a late replacement
for Steve Bennett and the 5-3 win against Burnley on 28 November.

• Foy, who was born in St Helens, Merseyside, has been a Barclays Premier
League referee since 2001, having originally made the Select Group list of
assistant referees in 1995.

• In 2007, Foy officiated the FA Trophy final at Wembley, before returning
to the Home of Football a year later to act as fourth official for
Portsmouth's FA Cup final victory over Cardiff City.

West Ham United

• West Ham have not beaten Tottenham since the last day of the 2005/06
season when they denied the Lilywhites a Champions League place with a 2-1
victory at the Boleyn Ground, and they have not won a league game at White
Hart Lane since April 1999.

• West Ham's biggest away win at Tottenham came in a First Division fixture
played on 2 September 1981. Then, the Hammers won 4-0 at White Hart Lane
with all four goals being scored by David Cross in front of a crowd of
41,200.

• West Ham have not won a London derby in the league in their last seven
attempts since prevailing 3-1 at home to Fulham in January 2009.

• The Hammers have scored all seven of the penalties they have been awarded
this season, a league high.

• West Ham are without a win in any of their last eight Premier League away
games.

• Hanging on to leads is crucial if the club are to pick up their second
away win of the campaign. Three times they have failed to convert a two-goal
lead into a win so far this season.

• The Hammers have lost six of their eight games when they have been level
at half-time.

• At Christmas last season, West Ham were 17th. An impressive second-half
run saw them climb the table to finish in ninth place.

• West Ham have scored 28 goals this season with eleven different scorers
registering. Carlton Cole leads the way (seven), with Alessandro Diamanti
(five) and Guille Franco (three) next in line. Jack Collison (two), Matthew
Upson (two), Junior Stanislas (two), Manuel da Costa, Mark Noble, Luis
Jimenez, Zavon Hines and Radoslav Kovac have also registered.

• Cole is West Ham's top scorer this season with seven goals in 13 league
games. The England striker has scored 14 goals in 25 Premier League games
since Boxing Day 2008.

• Only Robert Green has played in every league game for the club this
season. He is on a run of 107 successive league appearances.

• Matthew Upson made his 300th club career appearance against Portsmouth.

• Scott Parker has been booked seven times this season, while Julien
Faubert, Cole, Mark Noble and Guille Franco are each on four yellow cards.

• No side have been awarded more penalties than West Ham (seven) this
season.

Tottenham Hotspur

• Tottenham have conceded only one goal in their last four Premier League
encounters against West Ham.

• Tottenham claimed the double over West Ham last season for the first time
since 1994/95.

• It is 15 games since Spurs drew a Premier League home match, which was a
stalemate against Arsenal in February. They have won 12 and lost three (v
Manchester United, Stoke City and Wolves). The last time Spurs kept four
clean sheets in a row within the same season in the Premier League was in
the 2000/01 season (13/1/01-10/2/01).

• They have ended the year on a losing note in two of the last three years.

• Tottenham's biggest home win over West Ham came in the first meeting
between the two clubs on 4 November 1899. Spurs won 7-0 against Thames
Ironworks FC at White Hart Lane.

Team news

• Valon Behrami is pushing for a starting place after a lively run out from
the bench against Portsmouth. He could take the place of Mark Noble, who was
forced off with a hamstring injury in that game, although Luis Jimenez will
also be in the running. Carlton Cole, Kieron Dyer, Danny Gabbidon, Zavon
Hines, Luis Boa Morte and Calum Davenport are also definitely unavailable.

• Cole is making good progress from his knee injury and is aiming for a
January return

• Dyer is out with a hamstring problem suffered at Bolton Wanderers on 15
December.

• Gabbidon is missing with the hamstring injury picked against Chelesa.

• Hines will be absent for some time because of a knee problem but it is
still too soon to know how long he will be sidelined.

• Boa Morte (knee) and Davenport (leg) remain long-term absentees.

• Ledley King is set to start for Tottenham in place of Sebastien Bassong,
who took a kick to the head against Fulham on Boxing Day.

• Top scorer Jermain Defoe could return to the Spurs side after being on the
bench at Craven Cottage, while Luka Modric is pushing for a starting spot.

Old boys

• Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp made 175 appearances for West Ham between
August 1965 and April 1972, scoring eight goals. Redknapp served as
assistant manager under Billy Bonds before taking charge in August 1994. He
remained as manager until May 2001, overseeing 327 matches.

• West Ham defender Calum Davenport made 20 appearances for Tottenham
between August 2004 and January 2007, scoring one goal.

• Spurs striker Jermain Defoe came through the ranks at West Ham before
scoring 29 goals in 93 league appearances between 1999 and 2004. He is in
his second spell at White Hart Lane after returning in January 2009.

• Among the other players who have represented both clubs are Ilie
Dumitrescu, Dave Dunmore, Matty Etherington, Les Ferdinand, Jimmy Greaves,
Fred Griffiths, Pat Holland, Chris Hughton, Bill Joyce, Bill Kaine, Frederic
Kanoute, Kenny McKay, Fred Massey, Fred Milnes, John Moncur, Jimmy
Neighbour, Tony Parks, Martin Peters, Sergei Rebrov, Mark Robson, Peter
Shearing, Teddy Sheringham, Mauricio Taricco, Mitchell Thomas, Michael
Carrick, and Bobby Zamora.

General information

For ticket information, click here. For details on getting to the Boleyn
Ground, click here

Weather: Monday's forecast is for an overcast day with temperatures getting
no higher than 6C.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kova glad all over
WHUFC.com
In-form Radoslav Kovac was delighted to score against Portsmouth and wants
victory again at Spurs
27.12.2009

Radoslav Kovac has spoken of his delight at scoring his first goal at the
Boleyn Ground ahead of the trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday.

The experienced midfielder had arguably his best game in a West Ham United
shirt in Saturday's 2-0 home defeat of Portsmouth that lifted the club out
of the bottom three. He capped off a fine display as the midfield anchor
with a terrific late headed goal to make the game safe. It was evident how
much it meant to him by the way he ran to the Bobby Moore Stand to celebrate
with the fans.

A senior figure in the squad who is approaching his first anniversary in
east London since leaving behind the captaincy at Spartak Moscow, Kovac is
loving life in London. In much-improved English, he said: "It was amazing to
score because it hasn't been an easy time for us," he said. "I am very
happy for the team. Now we have won and I think we can keep this habit
going.

"It was my first goal here because my only other one was at Everton last
season so I was really happy to score in front of them and repay them for
all of their support. I hope we can keep it going against Tottenham. I know
it means a lot to the fans."

Kovac was singled out as "outstanding" by Gianfranco Zola, with the manager
having also claimed he was "incredible" in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea last
week as well for his selfless play and tireless running. Scott Parker also
reserved special mention for his Czech international team-mate, with Kovac's
defensive play allowing the man of the moment the time and freedom to get on
the ball and push forward when the time was right.

"We showed last week against Chelsea that we could play very well," Kovac
added. "The manager said to us to do the same again, play the same way at
the same level and the three points would come in the end. He was right and
we are very happy about it."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Upson speaks on Spurs
WHUFC.com
The captain Matthew Upson has been giving his views on the major Monday
meeting with local rivals Spurs
27.12.2009

Matthew Upson has spoken exclusively to WHUTV about his thoughts on the trip
to Tottenham Hotspur and the delight in the camp after a solid display
against Portsmouth.
The England defender will have the honour of skippering his side at Spurs
and sees no reason why the Hammers cannot return with all three points. "It
is just a case of getting the body back intact, getting as much rest as we
can and putting on a good away performance at Tottenham," he told WHUTV. "It
is always a game I look forward to. It will be a great atmosphere and the
local rivalry means it is a good game to be involved in."
Upson said the visitors' chances would be boosted by the return of Valon
Behrami, who looked lively off the bench in the 2-0 weekend win against
Portsmouth. Upson added: "He did very well, his work-rate is really missed
in the team when he is not there. When he is fit and going, he is a big
player for us." Log on to WHUTV now to see more from Upson on the spirit in
the camp and the manager, as well as his detailed thoughts on the Boxing Day
triumph.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tottenham v West Ham
BBC.co.uk
Venue: White Hart Lane Date: Monday, 28 December 2009 Kick-off: 1245 GMT
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live, local radio, Final Score, Sky
Sports 1 & highlights on Match of the Day

TEAM NEWS
Ledley King is expected to start for Tottenham, and Sebastien Bassong should
be cleared to play despite a kick to the head against Fulham on Boxing Day.
Top scorer Jermain Defoe will return to the side after being on the bench at
Craven Cottage, while Luka Modric is pushing for a starting spot.

West Ham's Luis Jimenez or Valon Behrami will take the place of Mark Noble,
who has a hamstring injury. Carlton Cole, Kieron Dyer and Danny Gabbidon
are all ruled out.

MATCH PREVIEW
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp proclaimed himself happy with a point
against Fulham on Boxing Day, but the feeling amongst many fans is if Spurs
are to claim a Champions League spot they have to win fixtures like that,
such is the competition for a top-four place this season.

Striker Jermain Defoe was rested at Craven Cottage with the West Ham match
in mind and Spurs looked a poorer side without him, but he is always
motivated when playing against his former club.

Although West Ham are without a win at White Hart Lane for 10 years, this is
a derby match that is always extremely keenly contested and Gianfranco
Zola's men will be buoyed by their crucial win over Portsmouth.

That lifted them out of the relegation zone and was a much-needed fillip for
a club that may be forced to sell their best players when the transfer
window opens.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

• Tottenham have conceded only one goal in their last four Premier League
encounters against West Ham.

• West Ham have not beaten Tottenham since the last day of the 2005/06
season when they denied the Lilywhites a Champions League place with a 2-1
victory at Upton Park, and they have not won a league game at White Hart
Lane since April 1999.

• Tottenham claimed the double over West Ham last season for the first time
since 1994-95.

Tottenham

• It is 15 games since Spurs drew a Premier League home match, which was a
stalemate against Arsenal in February. They have won 12 and lost three (v
Manchester United, Stoke City and Wolves).

• The last time Spurs kept four clean sheets in a row within the same season
in the Premier League was in the 2000-2001 season (13/1/01-10/2/01).

• They have ended the year on a losing note in two of the last three years.

West Ham

• West Ham have not won a London derby in the league in their last seven
attempts since prevailing 3-1 at home to Fulham in January 2009.

• The Hammers have scored all seven of the penalties they have been awarded
this season, a league high.

• West Ham are without a win in any of their last eight Premier League away
games.

MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Chris Hoy

Assistant referees: Ron Ganfield & Dave Bryan

Fourth official: Stuart Attwell

MOST RECENT MEETING

West Ham 1-2 Tottenham (23 August 2009)

West Ham scorer: Cole 49

Tottenham scorers: Defoe 54, Lennon 79

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jack Wilshere reveals interest in West Ham loan
By Soccernet staff
ESPN

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has revealed he is keen to secure a loan
move to West Ham and admits he has little hope of making it to the World
Cup. Wilshere, who turns 18 on New Year's Day, made a big impact for Arsenal
in pre-season but has yet to establish himself in the first team and could
be set to make a loan move in January. Wilshere has already stated his
desire to move to another club in the English top-flight but, while Burnley
are known admirers, the player has indicated his preference for a move to
relegation strugglers West Ham. "I would prefer to go to a Premier League
club," he told the Sunday Times. "You'd rather stay in the league where you
are gonna play. I'd love West Ham but I'll go where the boss thinks best.
"When I came into the team, I felt ready, but now I see I've improved. I
know better when to pass and when I should dribble and the manager says I
can learn a little more. In training, I look at Andrei Arshavin - amazing
technique - and Samir Nasri, a player a bit like me. "You learn a lot from
the way Cesc handles himself, and Theo. He's English and the fans love him.
Theo also knows about handling the spotlight - he was at a World Cup at 17."
After Theo Walcott's surprise call-up for the tournament in Germany in 2006,
there have been suggestions Fabio Capello could follow Sven-Goran Eriksson's
lead by taking the relatively unproven Wilshere to South Africa. But while
Capello is known to be an admirer, Wilshere admits he has little hope of
breaking into the squad ahead of the summer.
"I'd rather there wasn't the hype," he said. "(England talk) is nice to hear
but it's difficult, too. I mean, I can look forward to things but I'm not
stupid. You've got to play for your club first and I'm looking to play
regularly for Arsenal before anything else." Regarding the World Cup, he
said: "Realistically, no, it's not going to happen. There's players ahead of
me. I wouldn't be heartbroken if I didn't go."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United
ESPN
Updated: December 27, 2009, 6:41 PM UK

Tottenham defender Ledley King could start Monday's Barclays Premier League
clash with West Ham. King made a late appearance as a substitute in
Saturday's goalless draw with Fulham after recovering from a hamstring
injury. Sebastien Bassong, the player King replaced, should be given the
all-clear after taking a kick to the head. Spurs manager Harry Redknapp
insists any doubts he had over Heurelho Gomes have been dispelled by the
Brazilian goalkeeper's commanding form. Gomes kept a third successive clean
sheet against Fulham, producing a string of fine saves as Spurs escaped
Craven Cottage with a point. Redknapp admits to be being mystified by Gomes'
reputation as one of the world's finest keepers when he initially assumed
control of relegation-mired Spurs in October last year. A succession of
high-profile blunders had shattered the 28-year-old's confidence and left
fans questioning just why the £7.8million signing from PSV Eindhoven was so
highly rated. But Gomes, with the help of goalkeeping coach Tony Parks, has
flourished this season and Redknapp now understands the rave reviews. "There
was a time when I had my doubts about Gomes,'' said Redknapp. "When I first
arrived at Tottenham I thought 'we've got a problem here' because he was
going through a bad time. "Tony Parks coming has made a big difference. Tony
had him working on the training ground while before he was looking at the
technical side of it. Redknapp must decide whether to start with Robbie
Keane against West Ham following the club captain's ineffectual display
against Fulham. Keane has played second fiddle to Jermain Defoe recently and
Redknapp admits he is struggling to adjust. "Robbie Keane's been used to
playing all the time. Recently he's been subbed or hasn't started and he's
not found that easy,'' he said. West Ham midfielder Mark Noble is a major
doubt after suffering a hamstring injury in the victory over Portsmouth.
Valon Behrami is available to step in after making his comeback from a knee
complaint off the bench against Pompey but Danny Gabbidon missed the match
with a hamstring problem. Striker Carlton Cole (knee) and forward Kieron
Dyer (hamstring) are both still sidelined. Scott Parker's form for West Ham
could lead to a new question for pub quizzes up and down the country if he
earns another England recall. The 29-year-old midfielder has three caps,
each while at different clubs, and the Hammers will be a fourth should Fabio
Capello look at him as an option ahead of the World Cup in South Africa next
summer. His form this season has seen Gianfranco Zola talk up his skipper's
chances for England, with his man-of-the-match performance against
Portsmouth getting West Ham three valuable Barclays Premier League points in
their bid to climb out of relegation trouble. "Hopefully I can get another
cap,'' Parker said. "We'll see what happens. All I can do is keep playing
well for West Ham and let other people decide. If I can do that I'll see
where it gets me.''
Parker struggled last season with a chronic groin problem but has declared
himself fully recovered and is feeling the benefit of a full pre-season. He
feels he is in his best form since 2005. "During my first year at Newcastle
I was playing some good stuff and felt pretty confident there,'' he said.
"I've realised that when things are going well in football you have to keep
the momentum going and keep running with it. There are times when things go
bad but at the moment it's going well on a personal level. "I've hit a bit
of good form and feel quite strong. I've not picked up any injuries and had
a good pre-season under my belt as well. It's from that. When you're
confident and playing well things seem to happen for you.'' With West Ham's
financial situation uncertain, Parker has inevitably been suggested as a
possible departure from Upton Park. Tottenham are looking for cover in
central midfield and Manchester City have also been linked with the former
Charlton, Chelsea and Newcastle man.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Tottenham
Hotspur v West Ham United at Whie Hart Lane on Monday Dec 28 2009, kick-off
12.45 GMT.
Telegraph
By John Ley
Published: 8:00PM GMT 27 Dec 2009
Monday, 28 December

Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United
White Hart Lane
Kick-off: 12.45 GMT
TV: Live Sky & BBC1 MotD.

In August at Upton Park West Ham took the lead through Carlton Cole but
former West Ham striker Jermain Defoe replied within six minutes before
Aaron Lennon stole a 79th minute winner. The win maintained Spurs' good
record over West Ham, as their fourth successive win, home and away. And at
White Hart Lane, Spurs have beaten West Ham in five successive meetings.

Spurs have lost three home games, but they have won the remaining six,
scoring 24 goals at White Hart Lane and conceding just eight. Harry
Redknapp, their manager, faces his former club who have won just once  the
opening day victory at Wolves. Since then they have lost five and drawn two
on their travels.

Referee: Chris Foy.

Last season: West Ham 0 Tottenham 2, Tottenham 1 West Ham 0.

Stat of the game: West Ham have not won at White Hart Lane since April 1999.
In eight subsequent visits, West Ham have lost six and drawn two.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tony Fernandes increases West Ham takeover speculation with trip to Upton
Park
Malaysian entrepreneur Tony Fernandes attended West Ham United's Premier
League victory over Portsmouth and later met manager Gianfranco Zola, which
may fuel fresh hope that he could eventually get involved in the club.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Jason Burt
Published: 8:35PM GMT 27 Dec 2009

Flying visit? Air Asia founder Tony Fernandes has sparked more takeover
speculation by attending West ham's Premier League victory over Portsmouth .
Fernandes said last week that he did not want to bid for West Ham United at
this stage, particularly because he had his "hands full setting up a Formula
One team", although he also questioned how the club had been managed as a
business. The 45 year-old is team principal for Lotus's return to Formula
One in 2010.
Telegraph Sport revealed last month that Fernandes had held detailed
discussions with West Ham chairman Andrew Bernhardt, but that the
negotiations had not come to fruition.
Fernandes has now distanced himself from any takeover talk. This has been a
source of great regret at West Ham as the innovative businessman, best-known
for setting up budget airline Air Asia, is regarded by many as an exciting
potential investor. Fernandes, 45, said last week that he might be tempted
to make a move at some point. However he did not indicate that it would be
any time soon and his attendance at the Portsmouth game is not thought to be
connected with any fresh talks. He is a committed West Ham supporter.
CB Holding, the company set up by the creditors of West Ham's former owner
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, appointed Rothschild bank to deal with potential
investors and talks have taken place with a number of parties, including
former Birmingham City co-owner David Sullivan, although his bid of around
£46 million falls short of their valuation. CB Holding insists it is under
no pressure to sell and has a three-year plan to retain ownership of West
Ham if it does not find the right investor. However it is also aware that
new funding would help create greater stability.
Fernandes, who employs 7,000 people, is a colourful character and a
highly-successful businessman. He met with Zola, assistant Steve Clarke and
technical director Gianluca Nani after the Portsmouth match and afterwards
spoke of how excited he was and how pleased he was with the result. He rose
to prominence by turning Air Asia, a failing government-linked commercial
carrier, into a successful budget airline which is a publicly-listed company
and performing strongly. He founded the company just after September 11,
2001. "There's a fine line between brilliance and stupidity," he said in an
interview last month, and has described himself as "kindred spirit" to Sir
Richard Branson. Indeed, the pair are very similar characters with an
entrepreneurial, innovative spirit as well as a sharp business brain.
Fernandes, who was educated in England, is also renowned for his sharp
marketing ideas and original thinking – it is not unknown for baggage
handlers with his airline to rise to become pilots. He ascribes his business
acumen to his mother who could "sell ice to the Eskimos", while describing
his father as a "communist doctor". West Ham will hope he may, some time in
the future, be sold on them as a business idea.

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Scott Parker provides suitors with a timely reminder of his gifts
Gary Jacob says midfield player epitomises West Ham's resolve
The Times
Gary Jacob

Those Portsmouth fans who sought an escape from the post-Christmas sales
found no sanctuary at Upton Park, where Scott Parker showed that style never
goes out of fashion and the visiting team discovered that nothing they tried
would fit.

West Ham United emerged victorious in the basement battle, and for anyone
who had wondered why these teams were propping up the Barclays Premier
League before the match, the apprehension shown by both, the high number of
misplaced passes and the paucity of ideas on either side offered compelling
evidence of their shortcomings.

The home team recorded only their fourth Premier League win of the season to
climb out of the relegation zone, so Gianfranco Zola may be entitled to feel
that an upturn in fortunes is on its way. He recently told his players to
"pull their fingers out" and ignore the backdrop of a worrying financial
picture at Upton Park.

However, one downside to Parker's assertive recent performances is that they
will thrust the midfield player into the spotlight when the transfer window
opens on Friday.

Tottenham Hotspur, whom Zola's side face today, have joined the queue of
Parker's admirers despite twice being rejected by the player. No price,
though, is right for Zola.

"I'll keep my fingers crossed," the Italian said. "Scott is at his best so
I'm not worried about [alerting other teams]. I will take the risk. He puts
a lot of passion, desire and thought into his play. He is amazing. He
interacts with everybody on the same level.

"I hope he and the players can fulfil their expectations here. I believe
they love this club and are committed to what we are doing."

West Ham's resolve was epitomised by Parker's display and increasingly his
performance is a barometer of his team's confidence and rhythm. Against
Portsmouth, he was at his best, driving forward and probing the visiting
team's defence.

A former stalwart of Charlton Athletic's midfield, Parker was a square peg
in a round hole at Chelsea, then suffered from illness and injury at
Newcastle United. Zola has trumpeted him for an England recall, which could
earn Parker the distinction of being the first player to win four caps, each
with different clubs. Parker, however, has not played for his country since
the 2-0 defeat away to Croatia in a European Championship qualifying tie in
2006 and it is not obvious who would make way for him.

"I let other people decide if I am ready for a recall," Parker said. "I've
realised that when things are going well you have to keep the momentum
going. When you're confident, things seem to happen for you."

Parker began the move that led to Hayden Mullins anxiously tripping Luis
Jiménez for West Ham's seventh penalty of the season, the most in the
division. Alessandro Diamanti converted the spot-kick with aplomb. Radoslav
Kovac's header from Jiménez's free kick wrapped up the points at the end
after Portsmouth had spent the second period camped in West Ham's half. But
Portsmouth, as sluggish as they had been spirited in victory against
Liverpool seven days earlier, did not look likely to score and Asmir
Begovic, their goalkeeper, saved well from Jack Collison and Diamanti.

Avram Grant, the Portsmouth manager, believes that his side, who play
Arsenal on Wednesday, are too soft. Kevin-Prince Boateng, feeling the
effects of flu, looked lively after coming on as a substitute but could be
among the players made available to raise money and lift the transfer
embargo. "It's a big, big defeat," Boateng said. "The players are
disappointed. We have to concentrate against the teams around us and keep
the switch turned on. We can't always come of the pitch without one point."

West Ham United (4-5-1): R Green 6 — J Faubert 6, J Tomkins 6, M Upson 6, H
Ilunga 5 — J Collison 7, S Parker 8, R Kovac 8, M Noble 6 (sub: L Jiménez,
16, 6), A Diamanti 5 (sub: V Behrami, 72) — G Franco 5 (sub: F Nouble, 89).
Substitutes not used: M Stech, J Spector, M da Costa, J Stanislas. Next:
Tottenham Hotspur (a).

Portsmouth (4-1-4-1): A Begovic 7 — S Finnan 5, Y Kaboul 5, T Ben-Haim 5, H
Hreidarsson 5 — M Brown 5 (sub: J Utaka, 79) — A Dindane 4 (sub: N Kanu, 54,
5), H Mullins 5, J O'Hara 6, N Belhadj 5 (sub: K-P Boateng, 46, 6) — F
Piquionne 5. Substitutes not used: J Ashdown, P Bouba Diop, H Yebda, M
Wilson. Booked: Dindane, Brown, O'Hara. Next: Arsenal (h).

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Parker eyes England recall
Midfielder sets national target
Last updated: 27th December 2009
SSN

West Ham skipper Scott Parker is eyeing an England recall ahead of the 2010
World Cup. Parker's man-of-the-match performance helped the Hammers to a 2-0
win over Portsmouth on Saturday, taking them out of the drop zone. In what
has been a troubled season for the Upton Park outfit, he has put in a string
of consistent performances which many believe will earn him a call-up to the
national squad. Parker, 29, already has three caps to his name, each while
at different clubs. Desperate to add to his national achievements, he says
he will keep on playing at the top of his game in the hope of making Fabio
Capello's squad. "Hopefully I can get another cap," said Parker. "We'll see
what happens. All I can do is keep playing well for West Ham and let other
people decide. "If I can do that I'll see where it gets me."
Parker struggled through most of last season with a chronic groin problem
but has recovered well and confesses that a full pre-season has helped him
get back to his best.
"I've hit a bit of good form and I feel quite strong," he added. "I've not
picked up any injuries and had a good pre-season under my belt as well.
"It's from that. When you're confident and playing well things seem to
happen for you."

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Spurs v West Ham preview
High-flying Spurs take on Hammers at The Lane
Last updated: 27th December 2009
SSN

PREDICTIONS:

Skysports.com prediction: 3-1
SKY BET odds: Tottenham 4/9, Draw 3/1, West Ham 15/2
One to Watch: Peter Crouch

LIVE ON SKY SPORTS

Spurs will be looking to maintain their top four hopes with victory over
resurgent West Ham in a London derby. While Spurs were being held by Fulham
on Boxing Day the Hammers gave their survival hopes a shot in the arm with a
crucial win over Portsmouth. Spurs will be hoping to keep up their
impressive form against the East Londoners having won six of their last
seven league meetings with West Ham. History is not on Gianfranco Zola's
side with their last White Hart Lane success coming way back in 1999 thanks
to Marc Keller's winner. Spurs are currently just outside the top four after
a three-game unbeaten run while West Ham moved out of the drop zone after
beating Pompey.
Tottenham defender Ledley King could start against Zola's West Ham on
Monday. King made a late appearance as a substitute in Saturday's goalless
draw with Fulham after recovering from a hamstring injury. Sebastien
Bassong, the player King replaced, should be given the all-clear after
taking a kick to the head. Spurs boss Harry Redknapp could give Robbie Keane
a start ahead of Jermain Defoe while Luka Modric could also come in for Niko
Kranjcar.

West Ham midfielder Mark Noble is a major doubt after suffering a hamstring
injury in the victory over Portsmouth. Valon Behrami is available to step in
after making his comeback from a knee complaint off the bench against Pompey
but Danny Gabbidon missed the match with a hamstring problem. Striker
Carlton Cole (knee) and forward Kieron Dyer (hamstring) are both still
sidelined.

Possible starting XIs
Spurs: Gomes, Corluka, King, Dawson, Assou-Ekotto, Modric, Huddlestone,
Palacios, Lennon, Crouch, Defoe.

West Ham: Green, Ilunga, Tomkins, Upson, Faubert, Jimenez, Kovac, Parker,
Collison, Diamanti, Franco.

Tottenham 4/9, Draw 3/1, West Ham 15/2

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West Ham star Jack Collison is doing it for dad
Published 22:35 27/12/09 By Nick Ive
The Mirror

West Ham's clash with London rivals Tottenham today will bring some painful
memories flooding back for Jack Collison. The Hammers midfielder's father
Ian was killed in a motorcycle accident at the age of 46 while he was on his
way to the Boleyn Ground to watch his son play Spurs in the corresponding
fixture back in August. Collison played 89 minutes of West Ham's 2-1 defeat
that afternoon and he did not find out about the tragedy until later that
evening. So today's clash at White Hart Lane takes on extra significance for
the 20-year-old. He said: "All the people at West Ham have been brilliant,
my family and friends. It's been an effort all-round and I'm trying to be
strong still for my family.
"The fans have been great to me as well. Football has been a nice
opportunity to get away from things, I enjoy playing and it's a nice release
for me. "I've got to pay a lot of people back and I'll work my best this
season to do that. "My dad was massive for me. Obviously for any young kid
growing up, your dad is the person that introduces you to football. "He took
me to the park on the back of his bike, kicking the ball about. It's a great
loss but now I have to get my head down, work hard and keep improving
because that is what he would have wanted - for me to keep getting better
and better. "I'm out there playing for him every time I go out on the pitch.
I know he's up there watching me, probably telling me where I'm going wrong.
"I'll keep doing it for him and be strong for my family." Collison also
revealed how Chelsea's England ace Frank Lampard sent him a text offering
his support after hearing the news. He added: "Frank Lampard is someone I
look up to. I never really met him before. I got a text out of the blue from
him because he went through something similar with his Mum. "He gave me real
words of support and I have to thank him for that because it really helped
me."

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West Ham 2 Portsmouth 0: Zola knows cost of living without priceless Scott
Parker
By Ivan Speck
Last updated at 7:59 PM on 27th December 2009
Daily Mail

How uncomplicated Scott Parker's life was as a 13-year-old when all he had
to do was play keepy-uppy in a McDonald's advert during the 1994 World Cup.
The midfielder is playing keepy-uppy again, driving West Ham out of the
relegation places with a display of poise and precision that was far too
beguiling for Portsmouth, following an equally potent display against
Chelsea six days earlier. No longer an unknown teenager, however, this time
everybody knows Parker's name. Worse still, they think they know the price
which would lure him away from Upton Park when football's January sales open
for business at the weekend. Therein lies the dilemma that faces Parker and
West Ham as they journey around the North Circular to face Tottenham on
Monday lunchtime. If Parker has another stormer against a club that is one
of the suitors for his services, Gianfranco Zola will surely find happy
shoppers prepared to camp outside his door in a bid to beat the rush to sign
the 29-year-old. If he doesn't, the likelihood is that West Ham will be
beaten at White Hart Lane and slip back towards the trapdoor that leads to
the Championship and an uncertain future. Accepting a £10million cheque next
month would ease the financial concerns in east London, but if that means
foregoing the £60m dished out to next season's Premier League clubs, it
would be the falsest of economies. Parker was magnificent against
Portsmouth, swooping time and again on to loose balls to establish pattern
and order whenever chaos threatened to envelop the search for a first league
win in a month. Zola said: 'Scott is such a good player to have in the team
because he interacts with everybody else on the same level. He puts a lot of
passion, a lot of desire and thought into his play. He has everything. 'Is
it good for him to be in form prior to the transfer window? It's OK. I will
take the risk right now. He is at his best, so I'm not worried about that.
Also, I know he is very concerned about what he is doing here. I hope he
keeps playing as long as possible like this.'
In fellow midfielder Radoslav Kovac, Parker has discovered a kindred spirit,
while outside him his young apprentice Jack Collison is benefiting from the
midfield platform that has been established. If only Zola had better
attacking cover for the injured Carlton Cole than the ineffective Guillermo
Franco, the West Ham midfield would surely inspire more comfortable
victories than this one. In spite of their superiority, a first-half penalty
from Alessandro Diamanti was all that separated the sides until Kovac headed
in Luis Jimenez's exquisite free-kick a minute from time. Parker said: 'In
the second half Portsmouth put us under pressure but we held out and nicked
one at the end. Four weeks ago, that wouldn't have been the case. 'We've
picked up a few good results and it's going well on a personal level. I've
hit a bit of good form and feel quite strong.' Portsmouth's fans would love
to be in the position where the only question mark surrounding their team
was the possible outgoings through the transfer window. With four players
heading to the Africa Cup of Nations, they remain adrift at the foot of the
table. Kevin-Prince Boateng said: 'We have to keep the switch on and not
turn it off like we did today. We're bottom and we have to get a result
every weekend.'

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