Saturday, January 31

Daily WHUFC News - 31st January 2009

Kovac signs
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have another new recruit with Czech international Radoslav
Kovac joining the club
30.01.2009

West Ham United have signed Czech Republic midfielder Radoslav Kovac on loan
until the end of the season with a view to a possible permanent transfer.

The 29-year-old, who has been handed the No14 shirt, joins from Russian
giants Spartak Moscow, where he was the captain, and can also play in
central defence. The 6'3 Kovac, who played at the 2006 World Cup and Euro
2008, is vastly experienced and caught the eye at Wembley last August when
the Czechs more than held their own in the 2-2 friendly draw with England.

He is set to play for his country in next month's friendly against Morocco,
having appeared in their last World Cup qualifier back in November. At club
level, Kovac has also played 14 games in the UEFA Champions League, with one
goal, as well as gaining UEFA Cup experience.

Gianfranco Zola said: "I am pleased to have Radoslav here. He has a lot of
experience with the national team and he will give us competition in a
midfield which is already very strong. I am sure he will help us with what
we are trying to achieve this season."

Kovac arrived at the Boleyn Ground on Friday to finalise the deal and have a
medical. He watched his new team-mates being put through their paces by
Gianfranco Zola, Steve Clarke and Kevin Keen. Negotiations were completed on
Friday evening to allow him to join a strong Czech contingent at the club
following goalkeepers Marek Stech and Jan Lastuvka, along with Ludek
Miklosko.

West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury said: "I am delighted we have managed to
secure the services of a proven international like Radoslav ahead of
interest from clubs at home and abroad. He brings considerable quality and
will fit right into Gianfranco Zola's talented squad. The deal is such that
the manager will be able to sign him permanently in the summer if he so
wishes."

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Faubert in Real Madrid talks
WHUFC.com
Julien Faubert is in talks with Real Madrid about a loan move after
struggling to hold down a regular place
30.01.2009

West Ham United can confirm the club have given Julien Faubert permission to
talk to Real Madrid about a loan move with a view to a permanent switch in
the summer.

The 25-year-old has made a total of 32 Barclays Premier League and cup
appearances for the Hammers following his arrival from FC Girondins de
Bordeaux in July 2007. Faubert's West Ham United career was initially
interrupted by a ruptured achilles tendon suffered in a friendly against
Czech side Sigma Olomouc during the club's pre-season tour to Austria just a
few weeks after signing.

The right-sided player battled back to fitness and made his debut as a
substitute in the 2-1 Premier League victory over Fulham at the Boleyn
Ground on 12 January 2008. However, the Le Havre-born player has been unable
to force his way into Gianfranco Zola's starting eleven in recent weeks and
had previously spoken to the manager about a move away from the Boleyn
Ground.

West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury said: "Julien has struggled to get into
Gianfranco Zola's team this season and, despite the high hopes we had for
him when he joined us 18 months ago, he has not had the best of times. He
had asked the manager about a possible move and we felt it right to let him
talk to Real Madrid. If it does not happen, then we will of course welcome
Julien back into the squad.

"I was first contacted by Madrid on Friday morning and after extensive
negotiations we have agreed in principle a deal that would see them paying
us a £1.5m fee to take Julien until the end of the season. His long-term
future would then be reviewed in the summer with a significant transfer fee
payable should Madrid want to take up their option. If Julien does go on
loan, then we will look quickly to bring in a replacement."

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Zola buoyed by strong belief
WHUFC.com
The West Ham United manager is looking forward to the test of facing Arsenal
at the Emirates
31.01.2009

Gianfranco Zola is looking forward to pitting his wits against one of the
managers he most looks up to at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Zola goes into the game against Arsene Wenger's Arsenal with his team
brimming with confidence after six wins in their last seven games. After two
consecutive 2-0 wins against Hartlepool United and Hull City, Zola believes
there is no better place to see just how far the Hammers have come under his
stewardship.

"I think the players right now feel they can go out and compete with
Arsenal, even away. That is great. I 'm looking forward to this game and it
is one of those games where everything will come out," Zola said.

"I said it last time they were here, that he [Arsene Wenger] is one of the
mangers I look up to. The way he manages is like what we want to do over
here as well. We want to develop the players we have got and make them
better. We want to achieve success by doing that."

Like the West Ham United manager, Wenger has demonstrated his commitment to
blooding youngsters in the Barclays Premier League and the Sardinian belies
it offers a viable alternative to spending vast sums on more established
players.

"It is more or less the same way as we are doing here," Zola said. "There
are two ways. You can either spend £200m and get top class players and win
titles like that or another way you go around and get young players and
develop them to build up your team. It takes longer but that is the way I
prefer to build up a team."

Zola, who is expected to name the same squad that beat Hull City on
Wednesday, must decide whether to field Savio, the latest recruit to his
project in north London, or stick with the in-form forward line that has
served him so well in recent weeks. It is a choice he admits to being happy
to face. "It is a nice problem to have. My way to select them is they select
themselves. The way they play, the way they perform. The players know that
the best one will play. The one that does well will be in the team."

Although Arsenal are currently sit eight point behind leaders Manchester
United at the summit, Zola is sure that his French counterpart will turn the
current Gunners' crop into title contenders before long. "Arsenal are very
talented but young. I'm sure they will become a winning team but they need
time to improve because the Premier League is a tough place to be a winner
in.

"What he has done for the club is a great thing and he keeps bringing in
very good players. Nowadays, it is not easy to compete with teams like
Manchester United and Chelsea, even for Arsenal. Personally I believe he is
doing a great job. I like the project they are bringing forward and Arsene
Wenger is doing well and sooner or later he will get the team winning
again."

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Captain's Blog - Looking up
WHUFC.com
Lucas Neill sees no reason why the club cannot keep the positive run going
although Saturday will be a test
30.01.2009

I would like to start off this week by congratulating all the lads for a
great result and professional performance last weekend at Hartlepool.

The game was live on television and an early kick-off, so there were a few
people who thought an upset was on the cards. It was a close match at times
but the boys were outstanding, got two quick goals to seal the tie and did
everything right to execute it perfectly.

Naturally, the momentum is very high in the camp with a seven-game unbeaten
run and we took this into our midweek match against Hull. Confidence was
such that, although it would be tough, it was one we felt we could win and
we did so in a performance that many people thought was our best.

We have been playing well for quite a while but didn't get the rewards for a
bit, but now we are. Against Hull City, we took our chances, took the game
to Hull at a high tempo and then dominated strongly. If it wasn't for their
keeper and a few chances going astray, then no one would have complained if
the scoreline was 3-0 or 4-0 at half-time and certainly 4-0 or 5-0 at full
time.

I don't want to pick out anyone particular as standing out, because it was a
great team performance once again and we now find ourselves in a fantastic
run. You can sense and see the optimism in the changing room, around the
training ground and amongst every player and member of staff at the club.

We are in the latter stages of the FA Cup, in the league we are looking
towards Europe rather than back at the relegation places and chasing teams
such as Everton and Wigan who are just above us. All in all, we are in a
very positive environment. There has been much negativity from outside
surrounding the club of late and we have answered all of that by doing our
talking on the pitch.

We are now getting the headlines for the right reasons and that along with
our performances and results, is a compliment to everyone's hard work day
in, day out on the training ground and it is shining through. However, we
want to go on from here and the manager will be making sure we are focused
and I will also be making sure the boys and myself won't be taking the foot
off the pedal.

Next up is a challenge we are very much looking forward to, against Arsenal.
We are one of only two teams to beat them at the Emirates and on paper, it
should be a cracking game. A draw will be like a victory for us and a win
will be even better, like a cup final. So, there is plenty to be very
positive about and aim for.

I would like to welcome our new signing Savio, who joined us this week and
was able to get a piece of the action in the game against Hull.

Also this week, myself and the lads were doing our bit for one of our club
charities, the Richard House Children's Hospice - helping them promote and
publicise their Wear Red for Richard House campaign, which is running in
February. We take our duties of supporting charities very seriously and were
only too delighted to be playing our part in helping this very worthwhile
cause.

A big thank you to all our supporters who went to see us up at Hartlepool
and we hope that we made your trip worth it with the result. Also to our
supporters who will make the trip across London to see us play at arguably
one of the best stadiums in the country and let's hope that we are all still
tasting success come 5pm on Saturday.

Lucas Neill

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Collins eager for Arsenal repeat
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Wales international defender is keen to secure another
victory at the Emirates Stadium
30.01.2009

The last time James Collins turned out at the Emirates Stadium, on 7 April
2007, West Ham United secured a heroic 1-0 victory on the way to their
'Great Escape' from Barclays Premier League relegation.

Since then, the Wales international defender had endured a frustrating
period, spending ten months battling back to full fitness after suffering a
serious knee ligament injury in a reserve team fixture at Portsmouth in
January 2008. Now, the 25-year-old is back in the Hammers team and at the
top of his game.

Preparing to return to the scene of that memorable afternoon 21 months ago,
Collins believes Gianfranco Zola's in-form side have every chance of
extending their six-match unbeaten run away from home in north London.

"Of course if we play the way we did in the first half against Fulham and go
there with the right attitude I think we can give them a good game. We beat
them there a couple of years ago and there's no reason why we can't do it
again."

"I think this is the highest I can remember confidence being in my time at
the club. Obviously playing games gives you confidence and that's what I'm
doing at the minute. I've been a bit unfortunate the last few seasons with
injury but I'm playing now and that builds confidence. I'm playing in a
great team. Everyone's playing good football and it's a pleasure to be
involved in."

Collins insists the Hammers' recent success can be put down to the hard work
the players and coaching staff are putting in every day on the training
pitch. Manager Zola and first-team coaches Steve Clarke and Kevin Keen are
using all their know-how to give United the best possible chance of picking
up points in every single match - including Saturday's match at Arsenal.

"We split it up in training. We have certain days when we do defending and
certain days when we do attacking. It's not just the back-four that are
defending well. It is the whole team that is chipping in. The boys are
defending from the front. It's a group effort all over the pitch and I think
that shows. We're playing football the West Ham way and we're getting
results."

The defender, who arrived at the Boleyn Ground from Cardiff City in July
2005, is also quick to heap praise on his team-mates, including central
defensive partner Matthew Upson and West Ham United and Wales team-mate Jack
Collison.

"I think we [myself and Matthew] both complement each others' game quite
well. We're both half-decent on the ball and are both aggressive players.
From a personal point of view it's just great being back in the team and
performing well and I'm just looking forward to every game.

"Jack has been brilliant. I saw him early doors away with the Under-21s with
Wales and the quality he was showing there. To come here and train and be
given his chance by Mister, he is showing his class. Hopefully he's working
in a good midfield with Valon [Behrami], Scotty [Parker] and Mark [Noble]
and all of them are putting in good performances. Long may it continue."

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Czech Kovac joins Hammers on loan
BBC.co.uk

Czech international Radoslav Kovac has joined West Ham on loan until the end
of the season from Spartak Moscow. Also linked with a move to Celtic, the
29-year-old Kovac, who was captain at Spartak, can play in midfield as well
as central defence. West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury confirmed the
club have the option to make Kovac's signing permanent. Hammers boss
Gianfranco Zola said: "He will give us competition in a midfield, which is
already very strong."
Kovac brings a wealth of experience from his country's World Cup 2006 and
Euro 2008 campaigns, while he has also played in the Champions League and
Uefa Cup. "I'm pleased to have Radoslav here," added Zola. "He has a lot of
experience with the national team and I'm sure he will help us with what we
are trying to achieve this season."
Earlier in the week West Ham beat off "fierce competition" from Europe's
leading clubs to complete the signing of 19-year-old Brescia striker Savio
Nsereko.

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Real make move for Hammer Faubert
BBC.co.uk

West Ham midfielder Julien Faubert is on the verge of joining Spanish giants
Real Madrid on loan. The Frenchman has been given permission to talk to Real
after struggling to secure a first-team place this season. Real must pay a
£1.5m fee for the loan move, with the option of buying Faubert at the end of
the season. Faubert, 25, joined West Ham in 2007 from Bordeaux for £6.1m,
but soon ruptured his Achilles tendon, which kept him out until January
2008. Madrid have been searching for a right winger during the transfer
window had been linked with Jermaine Pennant, Aaron Lennon and Antonio
Valencia. The Hammers signed midfielder Radoslav Kovac on a loan deal on
Friday and have also signed striker Savio Nsereko during the transfer
window. West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury: "I was first contacted by
Madrid on Friday and after extensive negotiations, we have agreed in
principle a deal that would see them paying us a £1.5m fee to take Julien
until the end of the season.
"His long-term future would then be reviewed in the summer, with a
significant transfer fee payable should Madrid want to take up their option.

"If Julien does go on loan, then we will look to quickly bring in a
replacement. "Julien has struggled to get into Gianfranco Zola's team this
season and, despite the high hopes we had for him when he joined us 18
months ago, he has not had the best of times. "He had asked the manager
about a possible move and we felt it right to let him talk to Real Madrid.
If it does not happen, then we will of course welcome Julien back into the
squad.

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Joe extends stay
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 30th January 2009
By: Staff Writer

West Ham left-back Joe Widdowson has extended his loan with Grimsby Town
until the end of the season. The 19-year-old full back has been on loan with
the League Two outfit since the start of the month and has impressed Grimsby
boss Mike Newell - who himself spent six weeks on loan at West Ham as a
player in the 1996/97 season - sufficiently to earn the new deal. Widdowson
is yet to make a first team appearance for the Hammers but has featured
three times for the Mariners, scoring once against Rotherham - the club with
whom he spent a month on loan at the tail end of last season. The news has
been received positively by Grimsby fans; Marinerz93, a member of popular
Town forum thefishy.co.uk said: "Joe signing till the end of the season is
fantastic. His help has been invaluable to us, it is greatly appreciated and
long may it continue."

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Transfer window: further movement expected
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 30th January 2009
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are likely to be involved in the transfer window right up to the
wire - with further movement expected between now and 5:00pm Monday. With
the winter window extended by a further two days this year due to January
31st falling on a Saturday the Hammers still have three more days to
conclude any business. It is thought that at least one player will leave
the club, although barring the imminent arrival of Radoslav Kovac - who
could be confirmed as Gianfranco Zola's second signing later today - no
further arrivals are expected, as things stand. The most likely departure is
centre-half Calum Davenport, who has been talking with both Sunderland and
Championship outfit Wolves this week.
The central defender, who was told he would be allowed to leave the club
after a recent bust-up with Zola will cost potential suitors around
£3million, the same figure United paid Tottenham two years ago this month.
The Hammers will also listen to offers for both Luis Boa Morte and Julien
Faubert although neither are close to leaving prior to the end of the
transfer window despite reports of interest from various parties.

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Hammers miss out on FA Cup bonus
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 30th January 2009
By: Staff Writer

West Ham have missed out on a mini-windfall after their FA Cup fifth round
clash with Middlesbrough was one of only three ties not selected for live TV
coverage. With £275,000 in TV rights up for grabs - plus a further £200,000
for the team progressing through to the quarter-finals - a live TV date
could be worth over £1million to a winning team. Unfortunately for United,
and somewhat predictably, four of the five live games will feature the 'big
four' - with just Swansea and Fulham from outside that group having their
tie televised live. Whilst not so great for the club's accounts Hammers fans
can at least look forward to watching their team play at 3:00pm on a
Saturday - a rare occurence in recent weeks.

FA Cup fifth round schedule

Saturday, 14th February 2009

12:45pm
Swansea City v Fulham (ITV)

3:00pm
Sheffield Utd v Hull City
West Ham Utd v Middlesbrough
Sunderland or Blackburn v Coventry City

5:30pm
Watford v Chelsea (Setanta Sports)

Sunday, 15th February 2009

2:30pm
Everton/Liverpool v Aston Villa/Doncaster Rovers (Setanta Sports)

4:30pm
Derby County/Nottingham Forest v Manchester United (ITV)

Monday, 16th February 2009

7.45pm
Cardiff City/Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion/Burnley (Setanta Sports)

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Faubert: the Real deal?
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 30th January 2009
By: Staff Writer

West Ham have given Julien Faubert permission to speak to Spanish giants
Real Madrid about a loan move. The Spanish giants are looking to take the
French winger to the Bernabeu until the end of the season, a temporary
switch for which the Hammers have confirmed they will receive £1.5million
with view to a permanent move worth a further £6million in the summer -
should Faubert's loan spell prove a success. The surprise move from Real
came earlier today, and news of the La Liga outfit's interest was confirmed
by West Ham United this evening. CEO Scott Duxbury, talking on whufc.com
tonight, said: "Julien has struggled to get into Gianfranco Zola's team this
season and, despite the high hopes we had for him when he joined us 18
months ago, he has not had the best of times. "He had asked the manager
about a possible move and we felt it right to let him talk to Real Madrid.
If it does not happen, then we will of course welcome Julien back into the
squad. "I was first contacted by Madrid on Friday morning and after
extensive negotiations we have agreed in principle a deal that would see
them paying us a £1.5m fee to take Julien until the end of the season. "His
long-term future would then be reviewed in the summer with a significant
transfer fee payable should Madrid want to take up their option. If Julien
does go on loan, then we will look quickly to bring in a replacement."
Faubert, signed during Alan Curbishley's tenure as manager from Bordeaux for
£6million has failed to settle at the club having missed the first six
months through injury, and has recently become the latest target for the
boo-boys. The once-capped French international has featured 24 times for
United this season, but has struggled to find form and has more often that
not found himself starting from the bench of late.

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Two down, who's next?
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 30th January 2009
By: Staff Writer

West Ham have confirmed the signing of Czech international Radoslav Kovac.
Earlier tonight Kovac put pen to paper on a move that sees him join the
Hammers on loan until the end of the season, with view to a permanent
£4million move in the summer. The 29-year-old midfielder could go straight
into the squad to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow. Kovac's
arrival has been welcomed by Gianfranco Zola; the United manager told
whufc.com: "I am pleased to have Radoslav here. He has a lot of experience
with the national team and he will give us competition in a midfield which
is already very strong. "I am sure he will help us with what we are trying
to achieve this season."
Zola decided to move for an experienced head once Hayden Mullins had
confirmed his move to Portsmouth - and one that can challenge for a place in
the first team immediately. Meanwhile the Hammers are hot on the trail of
their third signing this transfer window after it was revealed that Julien
Faubert is set to join Real Madrid on loan. United CEO Scott Duxbury
confirmed that the club will seek to bring in a new face prior to Monday
afternoon's transfer deadline if necessary, telling whufc.com: "if Julien
does go on loan, then we will look quickly to bring in a replacement."

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Real set to land Faubert
Hammers midfielder poised for Madrid move
Last updated: 30th January 2009
SSN

West Ham have confirmed that midfielder Julien Faubert is in talks about a
move to Real Madrid until the end of the season. The versatile Frenchman has
endured a frustrating time since moving to Upton Park from Bordeaux in the
summer of 2007. He suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon within weeks of his
arrival which kept him on the sidelines for six months. Faubert's Hammers
career has continued to be disrupted by injuries and he has struggled to
consistently find his best form. Speculation has surfaced over a move away
from the Premier League and Faubert admitted earlier in January that he
would welcome the opportunity to move to Lyon. But Real are now poised to
win the chase for his signature after the Hammers gave Faubert permission to
speak with the Spanish giants. West Ham CEO Scott Duxbury told the club's
official website: "He had asked the manager about a possible move and we
felt it right to let him talk to Real Madrid. "If it does not happen then we
will of course welcome Julien back into the squad. "I was first contacted by
Madrid on Friday morning and after extensive negotiations we have agreed in
principle a deal that would see them paying us a £1.5million fee to take
Julien until the end of the season. "His long-term future would then be
reviewed in the summer with a significant transfer fee payable should Madrid
want to take up their option. "If Julien does go on loan, then we will look
quickly to bring in a replacement."
Sky Sports News chief news reporter Bryan Swanson understands Real Madrid
are then willing to pay at least £4.5million in the summer to secure a
permanent transfer. West Ham paid £6million to Bordeaux for Faubert.

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Hammers capture Kovac
Midfielder joins on loan from Spartak
Last updated: 30th January 2009
SSN

West Ham have announced the signing of Radoslav Kovac on loan from Spartak
Moscow until the end of the season. The Czech Republic international
underwent a medical on Friday before putting pen-to-paper on the deal. He is
an experienced midfielder who can also play in defence and Hammers manager
Gianfranco Zola is delighted to have secured his services. "I am pleased to
have Radoslav here," Zola told the club's official website. "He has a lot of
experience with the national team and he will give us competition in a
midfield which is already very strong. "I am sure he will help us with what
we are trying to achieve this season." Zola has already snapped up
highly-rated forward Savio for an undisclosed fee and Kovac may also sign a
permanent contract with the club if he impresses over the next few months.

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Matthew Upson not bitter about Arsenal rejection
Matthew Upson has praised Arsene Wenger for his policy with young players,
even though the West Ham defender was allowed to leave Arsenal at the age of
23.
Telegraph
By John Ley
Last Updated: 9:34PM GMT 30 Jan 2009

Upson returns on Saturday as in-form West Ham attempt to ruin further
Arsenal's chances of winning the Premier League. Upson joined Arsenal from
Luton but made just 35 appearances before being allowed to leave, for
Birmingham. Wenger has admitted he remains an admirer of the central
defender, and was linked with a transfer window move for the player, now 29.
Upson could be forgiven for criticising Wenger's policy now, having been
allowed to leave, but instead he offered praise for the Frenchman's style.
"Arsene's recruitment of young players is second to none," Upson said. "He
is the master at it and has brought a lot of young players from nowhere into
that team and they have gone on to become top players. That is such a great
boost for a football club because financially they can bring a player in for
next to nothing. It's very impressive.
"I learnt from the training every day [at Arsenal]. There were so many top
players there at the time so you take good habits from all of them."
Now Upson is to set down roots at Upton Park, where he has been in
outstanding form, helping to guide the revolution under Gianfranco Zola.
"I was always confident I was stopping around," Upson said on the rumours
linking him with a move. "The club pointed out their intentions at the start
of the transfer window and they've pretty much stuck with them. It shows
there is an intention for success at the club, and as long as there is that
here, I will enjoy myself."

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Matthew Etherington: 'Addiction will always be a part of my life'
By Chris Wheeler Last updated at 10:47 PM on 30th January 2009
Daily Mail

Matthew Etherington was ready to be confronted by Tony Pulis over his
gambling addiction, but certainly not in the way the Stoke manager broached
what could have been a very uncomfortable conversation. 'He just turned to
me and said: "Our chairman is the owner of Bet365 but you won't be having
any bets with him!"' recalled Etherington with a smile. 'The thing I liked
was that he hardly mentioned it. There was no lecture involved, he didn't
grill me on it, but it was blunt and broke the ice. It sums him up. He knows
how to work people and put it to bed straightaway.'
Of course Pulis had done his homework before signing the 27-year-old winger
from West Ham for £3m earlier this month. He had asked questions and found
out what he needed to know - Etherington's latest spell at the Sporting
Chance Clinic had gone well and he was learning to deal with a problem which
had landed him £800,000 in debt and threatened to derail his career; he was
unlikely to be found trying his luck on Stoke chairman Peter Coates'
internet casino website. Besides, Etherington always preferred to have a
punt on the horses or dogs - a habit that began when he was stuck in a hotel
after signing for Tottenham from Peterborough a decade ago. 'I just thought
I'd go to the local dog track,' he said. 'I'd never been involved in
gambling before. Never. It's crazy. It was something to pass the time away.
Then it snowballed.' Etherington's problems came to a head at Upton Park,
although he was not the only West Ham player to suffer. Goalkeeper Roy
Carroll also checked into rehab for a gambling addiction amid reports of
players losing up to £30,000 on card schools. 'My family and friends didn't
realise what was going on,' said Etherington. 'You have time after training
and you think to yourself "what will I do with it?" I got into that circle
and couldn't get myself out of it. It was more a case of going too far
financially. 'It was a bit of fun that spiralled at West Ham. I don't want
to blame them because it's down to yourself. But there were people at West
Ham who gambled as well. 'If you go to most clubs there are three or four
who bet. That's life. It's always gone on in football. Some are controlled
and they gamble to their means, some can't. I got great support from West
Ham. They helped me in every way.'
The club are believed to have handed him an advance of £300,000 on his
salary last year to help pay off the people he owed but Etherington denies
reports he received death threats. Grateful: Matthew Etherington says he
received great support from West Ham 'I can honestly say I've never had a
death threat in my life,' he insisted. 'Maybe it could have got to that
stage because I owed people money. Now they've been paid and that's behind
me.' He is determined to make a fresh start away from London in the
Potteries. Having not featured for the Hammers in the Barclays Premier
League since mid-November, Etherington has played in successive games
against Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham since joining Stoke on a
three-and-a-half year deal and is set to line up against Manchester City
today. If he seems surprisingly candid about his addiction, it is because
his treatment at Sporting Chance taught him that acknowledging the problem
is one of the first steps to recovery. He had counselling after the problem
spiralled out of control in 2006 but suffered a relapse last year and now
knows the urge to gamble will have to be managed on a permanent basis. He
added: 'I've been here before and said it's all behind me but I'm not going
to lie to people now and say that. It's always going to be part of my life
and it's down to me to sort it out. You learn that. 'When I went down to the
Sporting Chance clinic that was the first step. I realised that was my vice
and I've got to curb it and get rid of it. It got to the point at times at
West Ham where football came second. People outside of football think, "how
can it become secondary, it's the best job in the world?"
'But you get so complacent and take it for granted. It's a stupid thing to
do, but I did it and I'm not going to do it anymore. I needed a change of
scenery and one of the reasons why I've come up to Stoke is to get a fresh
start. 'It's just keeping yourself occupied. I've got my girlfriend up here
now and we'll go shopping in the afternoon or go to the cinema.' The
Cornwall-born player and his partner Stephanie are looking to buy a house in
the Stoke area, but while Etherington claims he has dropped the associates
most closely connected to his gambling habit he still intends to visit his
family and close friends in London. After all, it was they who made him
realise his career will not last forever. 'They told me that I'm 27 now and
it creeps up on you. I've maybe got six or seven years left at the top of my
game if I'm lucky. 'Do I want to look back when I'm 35 and think I didn't
get the best out of my ability? 'Something like this gives you a kick up the
backside. You realise how lucky you really are and that you have to look
after yourself in future.'

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wily Clarke is the power behind the throne as Zola's Hammers go from
strength to strength
By Simon Cass
Last updated at 11:48 PM on 30th January 2009
Daily Mail

An icy wind is cutting across an open field in Essex, a train rumbles past
on the track close by, but a group of footballers are enjoying the challenge
of another session with one of the brightest coaches of the modern game.
Gianfranco Zola has the ball at his feet and is closed down by hungry
midfielders, no doubt including home-grown pair Mark Noble and Jack
Collison. But the man taking charge of this latest exercise is barking
instructions and demanding more. Steve Clarke, once of Chelsea, is Zola's
right-hand man and the West Ham players consider his input crucial as they
continue to advance up the Barclays Premier League table. Unbeaten away in
their last six League games - they go to Arsenal - the improving fortunes
are a result of Zola's management, but also Clarke's coaching. While the
little Italian is eager to play ball, Clarke takes all the sessions,
organises the drills, calls the shots.
Training is based around short and sharp passing, closing down and hunting
the ball in hungry packs, no long passing from back to front. It's enough to
warm the heart of any West Ham supporter, a club where they expect football
to be played a certain way. For Clarke it is all about putting the drill on
the training pitch into practice on the real thing. 'Improving is all about
repetition. The players work on how to receive the ball, how to see angles
and how to pick a pass,' he said. 'We practise every day and, when it comes
to Saturday, they know what to do: control and pass. Seeing it happen in
games is our measure of success.'
Clarke has worked with some of the best in the game, after all. Ruud Gullit,
Sir Bobby Robson, Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant and even Luiz Felipe Scolari
have all placed their faith in him. Understandably, Chelsea were sorry to
see Clarke leave after he opted to work with his former Stamford Bridge
colleague. But now it is Zola's turn to reap the benefits of working
alongside a coach of Clarke's undoubted ability, a fact borne out by West
Ham's recent upturn in form.
Taking the decision to quit the club for which he played 421 games before
going on to work his way up through the coaching structure following a spell
at Newcastle was clearly an emotional wrench for Clarke. But while Scolari
did his utmost to persuade Clarke to stay, describing him as 'a man that is
a link between me and the players and between me and the staff', the
Brazilian's arrival left him feeling simply redundant on a training field
where he had enjoyed significant input into the sessions under both Mourinho
and Grant.
Significantly, it was Clarke who ran the set-piece drills under Scolari's
predecessors. Such has been Chelsea's vulnerability in that area in recent
weeks that the Brazilian may live to regret his reluctance to delegate
responsibility a little more. What is beyond doubt is the manner in which
Clarke's presence has been felt at West Ham. Having flirted dangerously with
the relegation zone after losing four consecutive games in October, Zola's
side now sit in eighth place, a healthy 11 points away from the drop zone.
Zola is certainly indebted to his assistant for bringing his wealth of
experience to West Ham's training ground. 'He knows a lot about the league
and the way he organises the training sessions are unbelievable,' said the
manager.
'I have to give him a lot of credit because a lot of the work that has gone
on is because of his fantastic job.' Chelsea's multi-million pound Cobham
headquarters, fingerprint entry system and all, may knock West Ham's
Chadwell Heath base into a cocked hat, but it is what goes on in the
sessions out on the training field that really counts. Judging by the way
Clarke has quickly earned the respect of his new charges with the quality of
his coaching, few players at either club would dispute the fact that
Chelsea's loss has very much been West Ham's gain.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Upson happy he stayed with West Ham
31.01.09 | tribalfootball.com

Matthew Upson is pleased he stayed with West Ham United this month. He said:
"There was speculation about me leaving but I was always confident I was
stopping. "The club pointed out their intentions at the start of the
transfer window and they have pretty much stuck with them.
"It shows there's an intention for success and as long as there is that
here, I'm enjoying myself and the other players are and the manager is too.
"There's nothing like a few wins to get everyone smiling, especially at
home." And he is now expected to sign a new three-year deal this summer
after renewed interest from today's opponents Arsenal was rebuffed in recent
weeks. Upson said: "There is no reason why we shouldn't go there and take
something from it. We're ready for it."

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

http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Please donate to my run for charity
http://www.justgiving.com/peter-robinson
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Thank You so much to those who have already contributed

Friday, January 30

Daily WHUFC News - 30th January 2009

Collison gunning for Arsenal
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's young midfielder returns to the scene of his debut
brimming with confidence
30.01.2009

The first time Jack Collison pulled on a West Ham United shirt at the
Emirates Stadium, he was an unknown 19-year-old making his Premier League
debut. This Saturday, the midfielder will return to Arsenal as a regular in
Gianfranco Zola's in-form side and a full Wales international.

Now a relative veteran of 15 league and FA Cup appearances, Collison is
confident that Zola's team can gain revenge for the 2-0 defeat they suffered
on his first ever appearance in claret and blue. With United on a
seven-match unbeaten run in all competitions - capped with a comprehensive
2-0 win over Hull City on Wednesday evening - and having not tasted defeat
on their travels since 29 October, that confidence is well-founded.

"We're on a really good run of results and we don't want to stop that. We've
had good results away at Liverpool [drawing 0-0] and Chelsea [drawing 1-1]
this season and we're going to look to go one better and get all three
points at Arsenal. I don't see any reason, playing the way we are at the
moment, why we can't do that."

Collison was one of a whole host of players who produced the goods during
Wednesday evening's home victory over Phil Brown's Tigers. The 20-year-old
was involved in many of the hosts' best moments, including a flowing
40th-minute move that saw him crash David Di Michele's cross against the
post - one of four occasions on which the Hammers hit the woodwork.

While the team's performance left the home supporters leaving the Boleyn
Ground purring with pleasure, a typically modest Collison insisted there was
more to come from him and his team-mates. The youngster also reserved praise
for manager Zola and his coaching staff for the exciting, entertaining brand
of football the team is now producing on a regular basis.

"It was a good performance, but I thought we were superb a couple of weeks
ago against Fulham. Obviously it's nice when you're playing well, getting
results and really pushing up the table and looking ahead of us. The manager
and his staff have come in with their ideas and the boys have adapted and
there is a real buzz about the place at the moment. Every time we go out on
the pitch we are confident and feel like we can take points out of every
game we play in."

That confidence is clear not only in Collison but also his midfield cohorts
Scott Parker, Mark Noble and Valon Behrami. The quartet have started six of
the last seven Premier League matches, with Noble's absence from the 2-1 win
over Stoke City the only time during that span when the group has not all
been involved from the kick-off.

Collison believes that continuity has been key to the understanding the four
now have in each others' games. The youngster also alluded to the belief
that manager Zola has instilled in them both individually and collectively,
belief that has seen Parker in imperious form in front of the back-four and
Noble, Behrami and Collison himself all find themselves on the scoresheet in
recent weeks.

"The midfield has been brilliant. It's been quite settled over the past few
weeks and that's made a difference. The manager has given us the freedom to
go out there and express ourselves and that's given us confidence. It's made
a really big difference. When you've got experienced players like Scotty
Parker in there and then the youth of myself, Nobes and Valon, it's working
well for the team."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carr keen to keep winning
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Academy director is preparing his side for the weekend
visit of Charlton Athletic
30.01.2009

West Ham United Academy director Tony Carr is eager for his side to secure a
FA Premier Academy League win over Charlton Athletic on Saturday for more
than one reason.

Not only is Carr keen to see his in-form Under-18 team secure a third
straight victory after beating Southampton and Ipswich Town in their opening
two matches of 2009, but he is also out for revenge after going down to a
2-1 defeat at the Addicks before Christmas.

"Looking at the Charlton game away prior to Christmas it was a disappointing
performance from us on that day so, if nothing else, we want to try and
improve that performance against the same team and keep our run going after
two wins following our Christmas break. We are looking forward to it in
different ways. First, we want to get our third victory on the spin and
second, we want to put that performance to rest when we didn't perform
anywhere near our normal level."

"It was a terrific performance against a good team [at Ipswich]. We
thoroughly deserved to win and, at the same time, we played very well so we
want both of those to continue for as long as we can."

Carr's youngsters overcame the absence of striker Balint Bajner and
defenders Tony Brookes and Filip Modelski through injury and the sending off
of Christian Montano to register a fine 3-0 win at Ipswich last Saturday,
and the coach will have an under-strength squad to call upon again for this
weekend's fixture at Little Heath. Montano is expected to be available as
his suspension for being red carded at Ipswich has yet to start.

"We have got a couple of injury concerns. Daniel Kearns is not sure if he's
going to be fit. We'll do a fitness test on him before the game. Balint
Bajner is not quite fit and Tony Brookes is not fit so we're looking like
we'll go with the same squad against Ipswich last week."

Carr has also urged his players to rise to the challenge as many of them
enter their final few months as Academy professionals. A number of the
teenagers took part in a reserve team friendly against an experienced
Ipswich Town side on Wednesday, and Carr said that their performances in
games such as that would help him and his coaches to decide on their
long-term futures.

"I think most of my lads played half-a-game and we want to get them exposed
to reserve team-type football as much as we can between now and the end of
the season because we've got to make decisions on whether we're going to
keep them next season or not."

Kick-off at Little Heath on Saturday is at 11am. Admission is free.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal v West Ham
Venue: Emirates Stadium Date: Saturday, 31 January Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live, text commentary on BBC Sport
website & highlights on Match of the Day; featured game on Final Score
BBC.co.uk
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----

Arsenal are set to be without defender Mikael Silvestre for up to another
three weeks because of a thigh problem. Kolo Toure may start after being on
the bench midweek, while striker Eduardo continues to improve his match
fitness.
West Ham's Carlton Cole and David Di Michele are pushing for a start after
scoring against Hull, but new signing Savio Nsereko could be bought in.
Midfielder Kieron Dyer continues his recovery from a broken leg and needs
more checks on a muscle injury.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----

Arsenal (from): Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Nasri, Denilson,
Song, Eboue, Adebayor, van Persie, Fabianski, Djourou, Diaby, Vela, Ramsey,
Bendtner, Gibbs, Wilshere.

West Ham (from): Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker,
Collison, Noble, Di Michele, Cole, Lastuvka, Nsereko, Tristan, Tomkins,
Sears, Faubert, Boa Morte.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----

West Ham defender Matthew Upson:"Our mental approach is good so we believe
we can go and win any game. "Our away performances at the top clubs this
season have been very good. "We are more than capable of going there to
Arsenal and taking something from the game."

BIG-MATCH FACTS
One time title contenders Arsenal enter this London derby with their sights
set on the more realistic task of overhauling a five point gap on fourth
placed Aston Villa, to claim a Champions League place.

West Ham famously became the first club to beat Arsenal at the Emirates
Stadium on 7 April 2007 (0-1), but have not managed to gain a point or score
a goal against the Gunners since.

Gianfranco Zola's side are third in the Premier League's "form" table, two
places above Arsenal; the Hammers have claimed 13 points from a last
possible 18, the Gunners 12 points from six games.

This is the first of two successive matches against 'Big Four' clubs for
West Ham, with a home clash against Manchester United scheduled for Sunday,
8 February.

It's also the first of two London league derbies for the Gunners on
successive weekends, with a trip to Tottenham also set for the Sunday of
next weekend.

Distance between the clubs: 10 miles (16 kilometres)
West Ham are making the shortest journey of all Premier League clubs this
weekend.


CLUB FORM
ARSENAL

Club stats

5th 42 points
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 5th
Lowest could fall: 5th

Best & Worst categories in 2008-09 Premier League

1. Undefeated in nine in all competitions; won four, drawn five.

2. Unbeaten in nine top-flight matches; won five and drawn four since losing
3-0, away to Manchester City on 22 November.

3. Victory will take them over the 950 Premier League points mark under
Arsene Wenger; they're on 948 at present.

4. Scored in each of their last nine league outings; no Premier League club
can match that.

5. Netted in all but three of their 23 league fixtures this season.

6. 12 points down on this corresponding stage last season, when in the top
two.

7. Scored more Premier League goals in injury time this season than any
other club (six).

8. Won all seven league games when clean sheets have been kept.

9. Failed to score in one of 34 home Premier League matches.

10. Home to Cardiff on Tuesday in an FA Cup fourth round replay.

Fixtures

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----

WEST HAM UNITED

Club stats

8th 32 points
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 7th
Lowest could fall: 8th

Best & Worst categories in 2008-09 Premier League

1. Undefeated in seven in all competitions; six wins, one draw.

2. Claimed 13 points out of 15, since suffering a 0-1 home loss to Aston
Villa on 20 December.

3. Won seven and lost seven of 19 league games under Gianfranco Zola.

4. Four points down on this same stage last season, when 10th in the table,
where they remained static until the end of the campaign.

6. Undefeated in six away league games; won two and drawn four on the road,
since losing 2-0 to Manchester United at Old Trafford on 29 October.

7. Drawn their last two matches against 'Big Four' clubs', 0-0 away to
Liverpool, and 1-1 away to Chelsea, and not beaten a member of the quartet
(Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United), since a 1-0 home
victory over Liverpool on 30 January last year.

Fixtures

KEY PLAYER NOTES
ARSENAL

Squad profiles

Manuel ALMUNIA has started in goal for every one of Arsenal's Premier League
games this season.

If on the field from the outset:-

Bacary SAGNA will be making his 50th Premier League start in an Arsenal
shirt.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
WEST HAM UNITED

Squad profiles

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

If on the field from the outset:-

Matthew UPSON will be making his 250th club career start (Luton, Arsenal,
Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, Reading, Birmingham and West Ham.

UPSON will be facing a former club. The 29 year old defender made 56
appearances (34 in the league) for the North Londoners between May 1997 and
January 2003.

Luis BOA MORTE will also be facing former colleagues. The 31 year old
Portugal international made 39 appearances (25 in the league) and scored
four goals for Arsenal between June 1997 and August 1999.


HEAD TO HEAD
Arsenal are bidding to record four successive Premier League victories
against West Ham. They have won the last three with an aggregate score of
5-0.

There has never been a draw when these two have met in North London for
Premier League action.

The Hammers are one of only three clubs to have picked up maximum points at
the Emirates Stadium. The others are Hull and Aston Villa; both this season.


Arsenal are hoping to do the double over West Ham for the sixth time in the
Premier League, and second in successive seasons.

Home and away
League (inc PL): Arsenal 46 wins, West Ham 27, Draws 30
Prem: Arsenal 16 wins, West Ham 6, Draws 5

at Arsenal only
League (inc PL): Arsenal 26 wins, West Ham 13, Draws 12
Prem: Arsenal 9 wins, West Ham 4, Draws 0


LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham United
1 January 2008 - Ref: Chris Foy
Arsenal scorers: Eduardo 2, Adebayor 18


THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE
West Ham United 0-2 Arsenal
26 October 2008 - Ref: Phil Dowd
Arsenal scorers: Faubert 75 og, Adebayor 90
Sent Off: Cole (90)


REFEREE
Steve Bennett (Orpington, Kent)

Premier League referees' table
Steve Bennett's 2008-09 Premier League card count

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Europe or bust
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 30th January 2009
By: Staff Writer

Lucas Neill says that European qualification is not beyond the Hammers as
they prepare to face Arsenal this weekend. Club captain Neill, speaking to
the AAP revealed that he was delighted with the team's run of excellent
results, a run capped by a vintage performance against Hull on Wednesday
night. And with the Hammers below seventh-plaved WIgan on goal difference
only, Neill feels that Europe is a definite possibility - whilst the FA Cup,
in which United face Middlesbrough in the fifth round next month is also a
target. "I'm the captain of a team that hasn't lost in seven matches," he
said. "We are in the latter stages of the FA Cup and we're all just starting
to get a little bit excited about possibly being only two wins from Wembley.
"I've committed to come here and get West Ham into Europe - and we're right
on course for that."
Neill also had praise for manager Gianfranco Zola, who the Australian feels
has been instrumental is guiding the Hammers to within striking distance of
the top seven. "He always wants to win, he wants a high level of performance
and, if possible, he wants attractive football with lots of goal scoring
opportunities," added Neill. "I think we showed that against Hull the other
night. "We're enjoying it, we're confident and trusting what he's teaching
us - and trying to go out and convert that into points."
Neill, who is out of contarct later this year also revealed that he expects
to hammer out a new deal with the club towards the end of the current season
- something comfirmed earlier this week by CEO Scott Duxbury. "The CEO and
my agent have already talked about wanting to extend my stay at West Ham and
when the time is right for all parties I'm confident that it will get done,"
he said.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal v West Ham preview
Gunners have won 10 and lost two of their last 15 London derbies
By James Dall Last updated: 30th January 2009
SSN

PREDICTIONS:
Skysports.com prediction: Arsenal 2 West Ham 1
Sky Bet odds: Arsenal 4/9 Draw 3/1 West Ham 15/2
One to Watch: Carlton Cole

West Ham United face London rivals Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday
aiming to continue their impressive form. After a difficult beginning to his
time at Upton Park, manager Gianfranco Zola has guided his side to four
top-flight wins in their past five outings. Former Chelsea striker Carlton
Cole has spearheaded much of the Hammers' positive work, with the forward
scoring in each of his last five league matches.
West Ham were the first team to claim victory at Emirates Stadium, and will
be hopeful of causing another upset at the weekend. Arsenal left it late to
claim an unconvincing point at Everton in midweek, but the draw at least
kept their nine-game unbeaten run intact. The Gunners will be aware that
victory over their capital rivals is vital as they look to close in on
fourth-placed Aston Villa.

Arsene Wenger is set to be without defender Mikael Silvestre for up to
another three weeks because of a thigh problem. The French coach has
indicated he could rotate his team for encounter, with Kolo Toure pressing
for a recall to the starting XI after being on the bench at Everton.
Striker Eduardo continues to build up his match fitness, while Theo Walcott
(shoulder), captain Cesc Fabregas (knee) and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring
tendon) remain sidelined.

Zola must decide whether to change a winning side as he prepares for the
short trip to North London. Carlton Cole and David Di Michele were both on
target in the 2-0 win over Hull on Wednesday, but new signing Savio could be
brought into the starting XI after coming off the bench in midweek.
Midfielder Kieron Dyer - who had been out with a broken leg - will continue
to have further checks on a muscle injury and misses out. Striker Dean
Ashton (ankle) and defender Danny Gabbidon (groin) are long-term absentees.

Possible starting XIs

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Djourou, Clichy, Eboue, Denilson, Diaby,
Nasri, Adebayor, Van Persie.

West Ham: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker, Noble,
Collison, Cole, Di Michele.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cole acknowledges boss
West Ham striker hails boss after rediscovering magic touch
By Richard Bailey Last updated: 29th January 2009
SSN

West Ham striker Carlton Cole has thanked manager Gianfranco Zola for
helping him rediscover his killer instinct in front of goal. Since Zola took
over from Alan Curbishley in September Cole has blossomed and is in the
midst of a run which has seen him score six goals in seven games.
The 25-year-old's impressive goalscoring run has helped fire the Hammers up
to eighth in the table easing the relegation fears which surrounded the club
shortly after the Italian took over. The former England U21 international
was a trainee at Chelsea during Zola's time at the West London club and
enjoyed loan spells at Wolves, Charlton and Aston Villa before settling at
the Hammers in 2007. "The goals have changed me," he said.
"I have been playing the same all year, but now I am notching a few and that
is all I was missing. "I am playing with more awareness now. The manager has
made more effort to help me realise what is going on around me on the pitch.
"You need to follow your own instincts and you only get that when you play
more games in the Premier League. "I did a lot last season to warrant a
place in the squad and I am just happy that everything is working out for me
now and I am getting the goals this club deserves. "However, I am not going
to let it get to my head. I know what I am capable of and I just have to
keep getting in the right positions."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
With Zola's help Cole is no longer tangled up in boos
West Ham manager helps former team-mate win over crowd
Czech defender Kovac due to arrive inside 24 hours
Sachin Nakrani The Guardian, Friday 30 January 2009

Carlton Cole has thanked his manager at West Ham United, Gianfranco Zola,
for helping him achieve the best form of his career and win over supporters
who had been vocal in their criticism.

The striker's goal in Wednesday's 2-0 victory over Hull City was his 10th of
the season and his fifth in five league matches, equalling a club record set
by Tony ­Cottee. Naturally, Cole is in ebullient mood but he admits his
success could not have been achieved without Zola's help off the pitch.

"I'm playing with more awareness now," said Cole of the effect of the man he
used to play alongside at Chelsea. "That is because the manager has made an
effort in trying to make me aware of what's going on around me on the pitch.
Because of that I'm now in the best form of my career. I've just got to keep
on going. I'm not letting it get to my head – I just need to get in the
right positions."

Such is Cole's confidence that he was even able to smile after several
glaring misses against Hull. That, he admits, is partly down to the more
relaxed atmosphere he finds himself playing in now, specifically at home,
where he was regularly the target of abuse from frustrated supporters.

"It's nice to have the fans on my side now," he said. "I've been there when
the fans ain't been really great to me and that's been tough. But I have
them on my side [now] and they are really helping me out with my goals."

Cole's next chance to score comes tomorrow at Arsenal, where victory would
be the Hammers' seventh in eight matches and could take them seventh in the
table, just five points off a Uefa Cup spot.

Given that run, it is perhaps not surprising that players are enthused about
joining the club despite its precarious financial position.

Having signed the Germany Under-20 striker Savio Nsereko from Brescia
earlier this week – the 19-year-old came on as a substitute against Hull –
West Ham are now closing in on the Czech international Radoslav Kovac. They
expect a deal to be finalised with his club, Spartak Moscow, in the next 24
hours.

"I was told that everything was decided," the 29-year-old defender told the
Russian newspaper Sovietsky Sport. "Spartak are preparing the documents. A
flight to London is booked and I'm flying there on Thursday. The final
decision was to choose West Ham over Celtic. The prestige of the Premier
League tipped the balance."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wolves set to sign £3m West Ham misfit
The Mirror
By Football Spy 30/01/2009

Wolves are set to complete the £3million signing of West Ham's Calum
Davenport. The 25-year-old defender, whose move to Bolton fell through two
weeks ago, is desperate to leave Upton Park after falling out of favour with
Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola. Birmingham and Cardiff have also been linked
with the former Coventry man, but Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is ready to
offer him a three-year deal at Molineux.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boo boys now love me for my goals, says Carlton Cole
The Mirror
By John Cross 30/01/2009

Carlton Cole believes the best form of his career has finally won over the
West Ham fans. The Upton Park faithful used to get on the striker's back
when he was going through a lean spell in front of goal. But Cole is now
confident he can make it six goals in as many games in tomorrow's London
derby at Arsenal. Cole said: "The statistics show it's the best run of my
career. I've just got to keep on going. "When you have a relationship with
the fans you can make mistakes and know they are not going to get on your
back. That's why it's nice to have them on your side. "I've been there when
the fans haven't been great to me. "You have to take the rough with the
smooth but I'm happy I have them on my side now and they really help me
out."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Davenport set for Wolves
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on: 30 January 2009 - 9:31 AM

Wolves are set to complete the £3million signing of West Ham defender Calum
Davenport. The 25-year-old, whose move to Bolton fell through a fortnight
ago, is desperate to leave Upton Park after falling out of favour with
Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola.Birmingham and Cardiff have also been linked
with a move for the former Coventry man, but Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is
ready to offer Davenport a three-year deal at Molineux.

And with West Ham desperate to slash their current wage bill, Davenport is
expected to make the move before the transfer window shuts on Monday.

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Nsereko could make Hammers start
TeamTalk

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola must decide whether to change a winning
side and hand Savio Nsereko a first start at Arsenal on Saturday.
Carlton Cole and David Di Michele were both on target in the 2-0 win over
Hull on Wednesday, but new signing Nsereko could be brought into the
starting XI after coming off the bench in midweek. Midfielder Kieron Dyer -
who had been out with a broken leg - will continue to have further checks on
a muscle injury and misses out. Striker Dean Ashton (ankle) and defender
Danny Gabbidon (groin) are long-term absentees.

Hammers (from): Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker,
Collison, Noble, Di Michele, Cole, Lastuvka, Nsereko, Tristan, Tomkins,
Sears, Faubert, Boa Morte.

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Arsenal not such strong favourites against West Ham this time
By Myles Palmer
Arsenalnewsreview.co.uk

We all know that Arsenal have to beat West Ham on Saturday to stay on course
for next season's Champions League.

Peter Hill-Wood says failure to stay in the Big Four would not kill the
club. Right. It wouldn't kill the club but it would cost them what they
earned from the Champions League last season : about £40 million.

What do you earn in the Uefa Cup? About £150.

Giant striker Carlton Cole says new boss Zola has got him playing better and
that's why he has scored five goals in his last five league games

As a kid, Carlton Cole played with Zola at Chelsea. He says. "The manager
has made an effort in trying to make me aware of what's going on around me
on the pitch. Because of that I'm now in the best form of my career. I've
just got to keep on going. I'm not letting it get to my head – I just need
to get in the right positions."

In recent games Arsenal have become scrappers, demonstrating more grit than
talent. But they draw too often. Every time you draw, you drop two points.
At this rate they could draw their way into the Uefa Cup, where the Hammers
could also be competing.

In the unlikely event of a West Ham win, they would be seventh in the table
and only five points off a Uefa Cup spot. New striker Savio Nsereko is 19,
German, just arrived from Brescia, and played as a sub against Hull.

Zola, a rookie manager, finds himself at a club with dire financial
problems. He has got them passing and moving. They've improved a lot
recently. He's lost Craig Bellamy to Man City, but he's kept skipper Scott
Parker, keeper Rob Green and centreback Matthew Upson. The busy young Mark
Noble has shown promise in midfield for some time and he's playing well at
the moment.

Without Fabregas and Walcott, Arsenal are finding it much harder to score
goals.

And sloppy play at the back often looks like costing them games. The
build-up to the Tim Cahill goal at Everton showed that this Arsenal team
lacks the solid partnerships and good habits that all good teams need.
Having four very agile and quick defenders is not enough.

Leyton Baines took a throw on the left and he threw it to Fellaini in the
box and he laid it back to Pienaar and he hit straight out to the unmarked
Baines by the touchline. Both Sagna and Denilson started to move towards
Baines but they had left him in ten yards of space. He had time to look
across the penalty area and measure an out-swinging cross to the far post,
which beat Clichy and was coming down as Cahill met the ball with a very
smart header that flew back into the near side of the goal, wrong-footing
Almunia. Denilson and Sagna should have made it harder for Baines to cross
that ball. Once he'd measured that cross, any defence would be in trouble.
But Denilson was playing in an alien position, so he didn't see the danger.

Last night I went to Book Slam and saw four young novelists reading from
their new books. Met my daughter Caroline there, as she's come to London for
a conference today.

We saw Joe Dunthorne, Chris Killen, Ross Raisin, Richard Milward and
musician-comedians Ginger & Black. The DJ was Jamie Byng, the boss of
Canongate.He was playing my kind of music but some tunes I didn't recognise,
so I wandered into the booth and start looking through his albums. That's
quite a rude thing to do but Jamie is very welcoming, friendly and hip.

After the fourth reading host Patrick Neate thanks us all for coming and
says that Jamie wants to say a few words. He gets onstage and says this is
his fifth Book Slam, he really loves it, that he used to be a DJ before he
was a publisher, that he thinks the two are similar, being all about context
and selection. He says that made serious bids for the two of tonight's debut
novels that were NOT published by Canongate. He also says that he had
published, several years ago, a book called Dreams of My Father by a young
guy called Barack Obama. And that tonight, as a small gesture of goodwill to
Book Slam, as we leave the club we will each be given a free copy of that
paperback ! Wow !

I'm tempted to have a music morning. While the Palmers seem to be reunited,
I'm here on my own now. Michael went out to work in Covent Garden at 8.15
before Caroline got up, she's gone to the Home Office, Jan's gone to a
funereal in Sudbury, north of Wembley, and I'm still in a funk groove after
last night, so I could easily get on Michael's decks and have a party with
Kool & the Gang, the Crusaders, Fred Wesley's Damn Right I'm Somebody,
Graham Central Station, Little Feat et al. I haven't done that for a while.
Or I could write till 1pm, play some tunes, then go to the gym.

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Arsenal v WEST HAM: Zola in selection dilemma for trip to Gunners
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 10:05 AM on 30th January 2009
Comments (0) Add to My Stories First start? Nsereko could line up for the
Hammers
Daily Mail

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola must decide whether to change a winning
side in the Barclays Premier League match at Arsenal tomorrow.
Carlton Cole and David Di Michele were both on target in the 2-0 win over
Hull on Wednesday, but new signing Savio Nsereko could be brought into the
starting XI after coming off the bench in midweek. Midfielder Kieron Dyer -
who had been out with a broken leg - will continue to have further checks on
a muscle injury and misses out. Striker Dean Ashton (ankle) and defender
Danny Gabbidon (groin) are long-term absentees.

Provisional squad: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker,
Collison, Noble, Di Michele, Cole, Lastuvka, Nsereko, Tristan, Tomkins,
Sears, Faubert, Boa Morte.

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Hot Cole backed to keep streak going
Ken Dyer
30.01.09

This is London

There was a time, not long ago, when it appeared Carlton Cole would have
found the task of hitting a cow's backside with a banjo a considerable
challenge. For all his selfish, powerful play outside the box, he was firing
blanks where it mattered most and the Upton Park crowd were letting him have
it in spades.

Gradually though, with a little help from his friends and his manager, the
big West Ham striker has begun to score the goals which were missing from
his game - and has won over the doubters in the process.

The 25-year-old former Chelsea striker is still far from the finished
article but he's getting there.

Against Hull on Wednesday night, Cole scored his fifth successive Premier
League goal to equal the post-war club sequence scoring record held by Tony
Cottee for more than two decades.

It's not only the fans who have sat up and taken notice either. Whisper it
quietly but none other than England coach Fabio Capello is said to have been
suitably impressed by Cole's recent hot streak.

Also purring with satisfaction at the big striker's current strike rate is
the man who could lose the record tomorrow, West Ham legend Cottee.

The former striker was at Upton Park on Wednesday night to see Cole score
one and miss a few more and he said: "Confidence is the key word for all
strikers. I remember that season of 1985, I didn't hit the target for the
first seven games while Frank McAvennie was scoring for fun. That spurred me
on though and I soon began hitting the back of the net.

"It's a great feeling when you're on a run like Carlton's because you go out
in every game convinced you're going to score. My advice would be not to
think about it too deeply but just enjoy it, because those sort of scoring
runs don't come along too often in your career.

"Carlton could certainly have scored a hat-trick the other night but I
wouldn't be too worried about that if I was him. Strikers usually have to
get three chances to score one and although you always want to score more,
he's doing fine.

"I heard someone the other day say some nice things about the rest of
Carlton's game but added that he doesn't score enough goals.

"The harsh reality is, although you might be playing well for the team and
doing everything else well, a striker is ultimately going to be judged on
how many goals they score.

"The fans often don't see the runs you make or the hard work you put in. If
you're a striker it's the end product which really counts and Carlton is
certainly achieving that.

"My personal opinion is that it might be a bit too early to talk about
Carlton and England but if he goes on improving as he is, he won't be that
far away. After all, if Fabio Capello wants to play a big man up front the
choice is limited to Emile Heskey, Peter Crouch and Carlton, who is
different to the other two."

While his record would go by the wayside if Cole scores against Arsenal,
Cottee is hoping the former Chelsea man makes it six in a row.

"Players are very protective of their records," he admits, "but if West Ham
win 1-0 and Carlton scores the goal, I will be happy."

Cole himself, meanwhile, remains pragmatic about his prolific run.

"I'm getting in the right positions and statistics will tell you that I'm in
the best scoring form of my life," said the striker.

"I could have scored a hat-trick against Hull but I musn't be greedy. I' m
playing with a bit more awareness now and the manager has urged me to be
more aware of what is going on around me.

"The boys know what we can do, We're playing well, training even better and
people can see how confident we are at the moment.

"We just need to keep it going now. The keyword for us at the moment is
unity, we're at one with each other.

"Obviously we have a lot of respect for both Arsenal and Manchester United
because they're both great teams but we can only go out there and play our
game.

"We're certainly not fazed by the thought of playing Arsenal but on the
other hand we're not getting ahead of ourselves because if we go to The
Emirates thinking how good we are, we're going to get brushed aside.

"We just need to carry on with the same things we've been doing so well in
the last few weeks.

"When you step out on that pitch though you have to feel confident. That's
the most important thing for a player, to have confidence in your ability to
try and get the right result.

"For me personally I would love to score against any of the top four teams
because that would put me on a different level."

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West Ham United could be in for a hammering
Friday 30 Jan 2009 10:12:28 by Daniel Wakely
Onetonyadams.com

Our players continue to take stick from all angles and Saturday provides the
ideal opportunity for them to release their frustration.
2 comments have been left on this story

Zola has got West Ham playing open football which is getting results.
Hopefully they will find it hard to curb their natural attacking enthusiasm
and finally give us the space we need. As soon as Hull City pushed for the
winner against us two weeks ago we punished them but in our two matches
since, both teams have made defending their priority and, to their credit,
have done it immaculately.

Bar van Persie our attacks are lacking a decisive quality but we are back at
the Emirates tomorrow where we have won three games on the bounce. The
players will be desperate to put in a good performance and they are not as
far away from doing that as some would have us believe.

Like a number of our recent opposition, West Ham are on a solid unbeaten
run; a total of seven games in all competitions. They will be high on
confidence but that could play into our hands. Carlton Cole has six goals in
those last seven fixtures and Zola will struggle to resist the temptation to
give him the platform to add to that tally. Even at Chelsea the diminutive
Italian persisted with two up front and it paid off as the hammers took a
point away from Stamford Bridge but with Nasri and van Persie in far better
form than any of the Chelsea players were that day, we are more than capable
of taking three points tomorrow.

Apparently Silvestre will be out for another three weeks so we can probably
write him off for the season. Aside from that though we miraculously have no
new injuries but Wenger has said he will make a couple of changes to freshen
up the side.

Bendtner has had a total shocker on a number of occasions already this
season but he warrants a starting place ahead of Adebayor at the moment. He
has shown much more desire than the Togo international in his brief
appearances on the pitch recently and even, occasionally, more quality. He
will be fresher than Ade and deserves another chance in the starting eleven.


Denilson struggled on the right hand side at Everton and would be grateful
of a return to the centre. Wenger has given Diaby a chance in the centre of
the pitch recently but he is too clumsy in possession to be trusted with the
ball in such a vital area. Nasri spends most of his time in the centre
anyway and he would be the natural choice to partner Denilson in a game
where the presence of Song will not be as necessary. West Ham are a less
physically imposing side and we should have the confidence to expect to be
doing most of the attacking so the necessity of a solely defensive
orientated midfielder is less important.

Vela is another player who should be given a chance and there is an
opportunity to play him on the left hand side of midfield but if you were to
try and second guess Wenger you would unfortunately expect Diaby and Eboue
to fit into the starting line-up. Wenger's perseverance with players is, on
the whole, a good thing but his persistence with some players when he
appears to have other options available is hard to comprehend.

Gallas and Djourou performed well in the week and are the first choice
centre back pairing now. Cahill's ability in the air is something that
cannot always be countered and if anything it was the full backs, who have
long been touted as our best asset, that should have taken responsibility
for the Everton goal. Djourou had one moment of panic in the week but other
than that he looked capable of racking up the appearances for Arsenal in the
next few years.

Hopefully Sagna and Clichy will be called upon more in the opposition half
than in our own at the Emirates as they have struggled to give the side much
needed width in the attacking third recently. We have not created many
chances because we have made the pitch too narrow and with Eboue running
down blind alleys on the right and Nasri playing more centrally, Clichy and
Sagna have failed to give the support to our attacks that they need.

If they can get forward however, we will be able to sustain attacking
pressure on West Ham rather than hitting them with the occasional limp foray
forward. Contrary to the gloom surrounding our prospects I think Saturday
could see the restraints unleashed from our play.
Possible line-up:

Almunia

Sagna, Gallas, Djourou, Clichy

Eboue, Denilson, Nasri, Diaby

Bendtner, van Persie


Predicted score: 4-1

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Please donate to my run for charity
http://www.justgiving.com/peter-robinson
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Thank You so much to those who have already contributed

Thursday, January 29

Daily WHUFC News - II 29th January 2009

Upson enjoying life
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's England international defender is delighted with the club's current form
29.01.2009

Matthew Upson is playing football with a big smile on his face at the moment.

The West Ham United and England defender has started every one of the club's 23 Premier League matches this season, playing an influential role in the Hammers' superb recent form. Wednesday evening's 2-0 win over Hull City at the Boleyn Ground saw Gianfranco Zola's side extend their unbeaten run to seven matches in all competitions, lifting United to within five points of the sixth-placed Everton.

On Saturday, Upson returns to Arsenal, the club he joined as an 18-year-old before spending five-and-a-half seasons with the Gunners. With the Hammers unbeaten away from home since 29 October - more than three months ago - the 29-year-old central defender is confident of getting one over his old side at the Emirates Stadium.

"Our performance against Hull was a very impressive. I thought we dominated right from the start. We had a good tempo about our play. Our level of workrate was good and we were aggressive. I was really pleased. We thoroughly deserved the win.

"We're working hard in training and the manager has got us believing in the type of football we want to play and the players have been applying that in the right way. Our mental approach is good so we believe we can go and win any game.

"Our away performances at the top clubs this season have been very good. We're more than capable of going there [to Arsenal] and taking something from the game. I'm sure we'll regroup, we'll have a gameplan and go and adopt a strategy and hopefully go and get something on Saturday."

Upson's impressive form and consistency this season have seen him cement his place in Fabio Capello's England squad. The Suffolk-born player's hard work and commitment were rewarded with his first international goal in the 2-1 win over Germany in Berlin in November. The centre-back believes it will not be long before his West Ham United team-mates - including striker Carlton Cole, goalkeeper Robert Green and midfielder Scott Parker - are joining him regularly with the Three Lions.

"The manager has brought a lot of belief into the players here now and they are playing some of the best football, consistently, of their careers. It's a big bonus to the club and to them individually so it's good times."

Back at the Boleyn Ground, Upson has been delighted with West Ham United's recent home form. After struggling for consistency on their own patch earlier in the season, the Hammers have won their last four home matches in league and cup.

"We're pleased that the fans are enjoying it. Our home form is important. It's important that we can dominate teams and really pass it with belief and confidence. It's good to see that and hopefully we can produce a few more home performances."

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Dyer pleased with youngsters
WHUFC.com
Alex Dyer watched a youthful West Ham United reserve side lose narrowly at Ipswich Town
29.01.2009

West Ham United reserve team manager Alex Dyer was pleased with the performance of five second-year professionals in a specially-arranged friendly at Ipswich Town.

The youngsters - including Anthony Edgar, Daniel Kearns, George Grasser and Matt Fry - were all given a 45-minute run-out during the Hammers narrow 1-0 defeat at the Tractor Boys' training ground on Wednesday.

Dyer named a youthful but strong side, with Ryan O'Neill, Ashley Miller, Bondz N'Gala and Holmar Eyjolfsson lining up in front of goalkeeper Peter Loveday. A midfield quartet of Tony Stokes, Tom Harvey, Oliver Lee and Junior Stanislas supported strikers Jack Jeffery and Zavon Hines.

It was Jeffery and Stanislas who came closest to finding the net for the Hammers, with the former twice working the Town goalkeeper, while the England Under-19 winger Stanislas was denied by the Ipswich crossbar. However, the game was settled by a 70th-minute free-kick by Dan Harding - who, like Stanislas, has spent time on loan at League One side Southend United this season.

Afterwards, Dyer was pleased with the commitment shown by his players, saying: "I was very pleased with the younger players. I gave five of the second-year boys a game and they did well. It was important for all the lads to get another game under their belts, though. We've got a big Barclays Premier Reserve League South game coming up next week at Stoke City so this was all good preparation for us."

West Ham United reserves are third in the table going into next Tuesday's match at the Britannia Stadium against fourth-placed Stoke, who currently sit a point behind the Hammers.

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Kovac confirms Hammers move
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 29th January 2009
By: Staff Writer

Czech midfielder Radoslav Kovac has been talking about his impending move to West Ham United. The 29-year-old Czech international is joining the Hammers on loan for the rest of the season with view to making the deal permanent in the summer, as revealed on KUMB.com yesterday.
Kovac, who is set to fly to England in order to rubber-stamp his move within the next 24 hours could be involved in the squad that faces Arsenal at the Emirates last week alongside United's other new boy Savio Nsereko, who made his debut in last night's 2-0 win against Hull City. Talking to Sovietsky Sport, Kovac confirmed that he rejected a number of other offers in order to play in the Premier League. "The last decision was for me to choose West Ham over Celtic, but my decision was because of the Premier League. "West Ham's manager and executives want me. West Ham love Czechs, they already have Jan Lastuvka and Marek Stech in their squad. "This year I will be 30 and I only have a few years left before I become known as a veteran, so I want to realise my dream of playing in one of the main championships. "Everyone whom I have asked for advice have told me to go, and the examples of Vidic and Pavlyuchenko gives me the motivation - they have both moved to England and succeeded there."
Kovac - who has been on Gianfranco Zola's hit-list for some time - confirmed that the deal had been completed in little more than a day - less than 72 hours after the Hammers sold Hayden Mullins, whom Kovac will effectively replace, to Portsmouth. "Everything happened on Wednesday," he added. "My agents recently started to actively work and they found a few options, but I never really thought my pre-season with Spartak now would be my last one. "I haven't even had chance to say goodbye to my team-mates, but I have had a call to say everything is ready and my ticket to London is booked."

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Cole's goal
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 29th January 2009
By: Staff Writer

In-form Carlton Cole believes that he should be scoring more goals - despite equalling a 23-year-old club record last night. Cole, who scored United's second goal in the 2-0 win over Hull City last night, thereby equalling Tony Cottee's record has now scored in each of his last five Premier League outings -but still feels that he has more to offer. Speaking after the game, he said: "I notched in the end but I need to get more goals. I just need to keep on going, I need more goals to my game. "Franco, Steve [Clarke] and Kev Keen are doing brilliantly for me so I just need to keep it going really."
Cole has now scored 10 goals this season - seven at home and three away - with six of those strikes coming from his last seven matches.

Cole's goals 2008/09

27 August v Macclesfield (h) - 1
30 August v Blackburn (h) - 1
27th September v Fulham (a) - 1
5th October v Bolton (h) - 1
26th December v Portsmouth (a) - 1
28th December v Stoke (h) - 1
3rd January v Barnsley (h) - 1
10th January v Newcastle (a) - 1
18th January v Fulham (h) - 1
28th January v Hull (h) - 1

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Czech confirms Hammers switch
Kovac reveals Celtic snub
By Slava Zaitsev Last updated: 29th January 2009
SSN

Czech international Radoslav Kovac has confirmed he is heading to West Ham after snubbing Celtic. The 29-year-old, who can play in defence or midfield, is set to join the Hammers on loan from Spartak Moscow with a view to a permanent £3million move in the summer. He admitted the lure of the Premier League was the deciding factor for him, as he shunned the possibility of moving to Glasgow with Celtic. "The last decision was for me to choose West Ham over Celtic, but my decision was because of the Premier League," he told Sovietsky Sport. "West Ham's manager and executives want me. "West Ham love Czechs, they already have Jan Lastuvka and Marek Stech in their squad. "This year I will be 30 and I only have a few years left before I become known as a veteran, so I want to realise my dream of playing in one of the main championships."
Kovac revealed the success of Premier League duo Nemanja Vidic and Roman Pavlyuchenko - who have both moved to England from Russian clubs - has spurred him on. "Everyone whom I have asked for advice have told me to go, and the examples of Vidic and Pavlyuchenko gives me the motivation - they have both moved to England and succeeded there," he said. Kovac says the whole move had come about very quickly. "Everything happened on Wednesday," he added. "My agents recently started to actively work and they found a few options, but I never really thought my pre-season with Spartak now would be my last one. "I haven't even had chance to say goodbye to my team-mates, but I have had a call to say everything is ready and my ticket to London is booked."

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Spartak Moscow's Radoslav Kovac claims he is close to West Ham United move
Times Online

Radoslav Kovac, the Spartak Moscow midfielder, believes he is close to securing a move to West Ham United. The Czech Republic international was left out of Spartak's pre-season training camp in Turkey to "resolve a question about his future career", according to the Russian club's website.

Kovac claims he is on his way to London to sign a loan deal with West Ham which may become permanent at the end of the season. "Everything was sorted out on Wednesday afternoon," he told Russian newspaper Sovietsky Sport. "Recently my agent has been working actively and a few firm options immediately presented themselves.

"I didn't imagine that the training session ahead of the training camp in Turkey would be my last for Spartak. I've not even had chance to say goodbye to the lads.

"The call came in and I was told that everything was decided. Spartak are preparing the documents. A flight to London is booked and I'm flying there on Thursday."

Kovac claims Celtic were also keen on him but the lure of the English Premier League proved decisive. "The final decision was to choose West Ham over Celtic," he said. "The prestige of the Premier League tipped the balance. This year I will be 30. In a few years' time I will be classed as a veteran. I want to fulfil my ability in one of the leading championships.

"Everyone I asked for advice said that it was the right time. The examples of [Nemanja] Vidic and [Roman] Pavlyuchenko are an inspiration. They both left Spartak for England and it's working out well for them."

The new Russian Premier Liga season has not yet started and Kovac admits it will take him a while to get his match fitness up to speed. "For the next seven to ten days I will concentrate on my running," he said. "After the holidays I have not regained my full fitness. And I'll get on with learning English."

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Kovac: I'm signing for West Ham
Sport.co.uk
Author: Nigel Brown
Posted on: 29 January 2009 - 10:57

Croatian international Robert Kovac, who can play in central midfield or defence has confirmed he has rejected an offer from Celtic to sign for West Ham. It is thought the player will initially move on a loan deal unitl the end of the season, with a view to a £3 million deal in the summer.
Kovac admitted the final two clubs on his list were Celtic and West Ham: "The last decision was for me to choose West Ham over Celtic, but my decision was because of the Premier League," he told Sovietsky Sport. "West Ham's manager and executives want me."
West Ham love Czechs, they already have Jan Lastuvka and Marek Stech in their squad. This year I will be 30 and I only have a few years left before I become known as a veteran, so I want to realise my dream of playing in one of the main championships." Kovac revealed the success of Premier League stars Nemanja Vidic and Roman Pavlyuchenko - who have both moved to England from Russia were a big factor in his decision to choose the Hammers over the hoops. "Everyone whom I have asked for advice have told me to go, and the examples of Vidic and Pavlyuchenko gives me the motivation - they have both moved to England and succeeded there," he said. "Everything happened on Wednesday. My agents recently started to actively work and they found a few options, but I never really thought my pre-season with Spartak now would be my last one."
"I haven't even had chance to say goodbye to my team-mates, but I have had a call to say everything is ready and my ticket to London is booked."

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West Ham and Newcastle close in on Tottenham target Fred
Author: Nigel Brown
Posted on: 29 January 2009 - 10:31
Sport.co.uk

Tottenham Hotspur target Fred will not be moving to White Hart Lane according to his brother and agent Rodrigo, however Sport.co.uk understand Newcastle United and West Ham have entered the race for the player. Rodrigo labelled Harry Redknapp a liar following the accusations that Fred did not turn up for a meeting with the Spurs boss. He said in the Daily Mirror: "What Redknapp said is a lie, Fred never said he would come to a meeting. "Redknapp said he would come to see us in France on Sunday but he did not come." "Then everything changed, they suddenly wanted us to come to Tottenham but they let us down so he will not be joining them. It's as simple as that."
However, Sport.co.uk can confirm that Fred could still move to England during the transfer window as Newcastle United and West Ham have officially registered their interest for the Brazilian. The Lyon striker is out of contract in the Summer, and the international is one of the bargains of the transfer window as Lyon only want a small fee for the player. Both Joe Kinnear and Gianfranco Zola are working with tight budgets during January with strict orders both will have to sell before buying during the window.

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West Ham News: Zola confident Hammers are building something special
Thursday, 29 January 2009
TheLondonPaper.com

Gianfranco Zola feels West Ham are slowly building something special at Upton Park after watching his side extend their unbeaten run with a 2-0 win over fast-fading Hull. In-form striker Carlton Cole struck again to take his tally to six in seven games as the Irons consolidated their position in eighth place with the hard work put in by Zola and his team now paying off. Italian David Di Michele had put the home side ahead in the first half, after Mark Noble's penalty was earlier saved by inspired Hull keeper Matt Duke.
New signing Savio Nsereko came off the bench for the final few minutes - and Zola feels such healthy competition for places can only be good for the future of the team showing few signs of missing striker Craig Bellamy, who joined Manchester City last week and scored the winner for the Eastlands side against Newcastle last night. "The team is strong mentally, technically and physically and it is good as we are building something important here and you can smell the atmosphere here," said the Hammers manager. "I am very pleased to be involved in this. "We want to build an atmosphere with fair competition between each other with everybody looking forward to getting into this team. "They are enjoying themselves, and that is what we want here. Every time they play, it is always the best game, which is the biggest complement you can give to a team."
Zola could further strengthen his squad with Spartak Moscow defender Radoslav Kovac. He said: "We missed a player like [Hayden] Mullins, who was an important player for us. We will try to replace him, but we will see. It might happen or it might not happen. "I am very happy about the team that I have got and I am sure we are going to do well anyway."
The Hammers were good value for their victory last night, which could have been by a greater margin but for the efforts of Duke - playing his first Premier League game of the campaign. Zola said: "In the first half, we could have had three or four goals, and it was important we finished them off. "They were focused and determined to be winners, which made the difference."
While West Ham look to build on their momentum, for Tigers boss Phil Brown - who gave new £5million midfielder Jimmy Bullard, signied from Fulham, a debut in the second half - his hard work goes on to ensure the efforts of a fine opening to the campaign do not end in disaster. Hull have now lost six straight Premier League matches, and are in danger of being sucked down the table. Brown said: "West Ham were playing with a lot of confidence and their two strikers played a massive part in the downfall of our side. "But Matt Duke stepped up to the plate and put in a fantastic performance, and we also played some good football when Jimmy Bullard came on. "The belief and trust which is required was there when he came on, but unfortunately then we were chasing a 2-0 deficit."
Hull host bottom club West Brom on Saturday, and Brown remains confident he can turn things around. "We are still in the top half of the table, although we are in relegation form and we need to address that as soon as possible," he said, "but I have seen sufficient, when Jimmy came on, to suggest we can get out of this."

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Spurs gloat over their Upton Park raids as West Ham to stop future sales
By Raoul Simons
Last updated at 10:06 AM on 29th January 2009
Daily Mail

West Ham's ban on selling players to Tottenham coincides with an outbreak of transfer gloating emanating from White Hart Lane. The January issue of Spurs' official magazine recalls the biggest deal between the two clubs — Jermain Defoe's £7million switch five years ago — and its triumphalist tone won't have made for pleasant reading in east London. Labelling the striker 'one of our best mid-term captures', the magazine wrote: 'It's 30 January 2004, and Hammers boss Alan Pardew is confident Defoe is staying at Upton Park: I think a move on the scale of Jermain cannot be done within two days,' he said. I am pretty optimistic he will remain a West Ham player. Two days later, we had our man.'
Spurs also snapped up Michael Carrick for a bargain £2.75m that year and went on to sell him to Manchester United for £18.6m. But now chief executive Scott Duxbury has cried enough, claiming London rivalry and fans' feelings must be taken into account. Sources suggest the move may also win him fans' support ahead of renewed scrutiny of his position in the latest Carlos Tevez inquiry.

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Zola Delighted with Di Michele
Setanta.co.uk
Alex Livie , 29 January 2009

David Di Michele produced a dazzling display in West Ham's win over Hull on Wednesday and Gianfranco Zola has suggested a string of similar efforts will see him earn a permanent deal at Upton Park. The Italian is in the middle of a loan spell at West Ham from Torino, but the capture of record signing Savio cast doubt over his long-term future at the club. Zola kept faith with Di Michele for the meeting with Hull and was rewarded as the forward produced a stunning display. The Hammers chief claims Di Michele is a vital cog in the Upton Park wheel and wants him to earn a permanent deal. "Di Michele was fantastic," said Zola. "He is such an important player for the team. We also want to build up competition. "If Di Michele keeps playing the way he is then there's a good chance he will stay here."

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West Ham reap rich rewards after defeat of Hull
West Ham United (1) 2 Hull City (0) 0
Telegraph
By Nick Hoult at Upton Park
Last Updated: 8:17AM GMT 29 Jan 2009

January was supposed to be a month of asset-stripping at Upton Park. Instead it has been a time of bounty and reward as West Ham continue to prosper under Gianfranco Zola's management. Craig Bellamy has been shipped out and the wealthy constantly circle over a club in supposed financial freefall. But Zola's young team continue to thrive and reap crucial League points thanks to a six-game unbeaten run. Goals from Carlton Cole and Daniel Di Michele were the gloss on a fluid performance of classy passing play and attacking creativity. Zola has already said he sees a little of himself in new signing Savio Nasreko. On this evidence the same can easily be said for many of his other players. "Life has started again for us," said Zola. "It has been a great month and I believe that is because of all the things we went through in October. Because of that we are now strong mentally, physically and technically. It is good because we are building something important. You can sense that and smell the atmosphere around the club."
For Hull the story is very different. A sixth successive League defeat has caused a niggling pain in the neck as they look down anxiously on the teams below them. "Ten or 12 teams are in the same position," said manager Phil Brown. "We are in relegation form and we have to address that but I saw enough from Jimmy Bullard to suggest we can get out of this form."
Bullard made his Hull debut and instantly settled into the side. A player with a habit of dominating small clubs, Bullard has found another cause to rescue. Last year he leapt off the treatment table to save Fulham from relegation. Now Hull need the belief a player such as Bullard can inject, starting at home against bottom club West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. "Big game for both sides," was Brown's verdict.

West Ham move across London to the Emirates at the weekend and Zola has a poser to solve. How does he fit his £9 million investment, Nsereko, in the team? Cole and Di Michele were excellent and fully deserved their goals and a run in the team together. West Ham should have scored more, missing a penalty and twice hitting a post. They were also denied a walkover by the excellence of a goalkeeper making his Premier League debut. Matt Duke's nerves showed early on when he dropped a corner but he grew in stature when Sam Ricketts clumsily wrestled down Cole and he came to his side's rescue. Howard Webb pointed to the spot but Mark Noble chose to shoot to his right where Duke palmed the ball away and Hull were somehow still on level terms. Not for long.

A curler from Cole was saved by Duke but Di Michele could not miss the tap-in. James Collinson then struck a post but moments after the break it was 2-0 and a reverse of the first goal. Di Michele's snapshot struck a post but was turned in by Cole for his sixth goal in seven games.

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Heaven for Zola as Hull are no match for his happy Hammers
Ken Dyer
29.01.09
This Is London

Things are starting to look a lot brighter for West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola. His team took their unbeaten run to seven games with a vibrant win last night and new signing Savio made his debut as a late substitute. The Italian should also tie up a six-month loan deal to take Spartak Moscow's Czech Republic midfielder Radoslav Kovac before the weekend. Zola could even sign off a highly successful January by further strengthening his squad with another striker before the window closes on Monday. The Sardinian admitted he had dreaded this month, with clubs expected to circle his big-name players. He maintained that, in spite of the club's financial uncertainty, there would be no fire sale. Not many believed him then but, with just Craig Bellamy departing, January hasn't turned out too badly for Zola and West Ham. "It's been such a good month for us that I would like to start it again, apart from the transfer window," said Zola. "Losing those games back in October was an important part of this good run because the team are strong physically and mentally. "We are building something important here, you can smell the atmosphere, and I am very pleased to be involved in this."
Last time West Ham met Hull at Upton Park they won 7-1. Last night's scoreline could have been similar. In the end, though, West Ham won comfortably with first-half goals from David Di Michele and Carlton Cole, the striker's fifth in six games. These are exciting times for Zola and his squad, who now go into the next two matches, against Arsenal, on Saturday, and Manchester United, eight days later, full of confidence. "I said to the players at half time it would be a real pity if they didn't finish the game on top as we could have had three or four goals in the first half," said Zola. "If you give Hull a bit of confidence they can cause real problems but it wasn't the case because the players were determined to be winners."
Di Michele, signed on a season-long loan deal from Palermo, is keen to earn a permanent contract and Zola said: "He has been great in the last couple of games. He's such an important player for the team. If he keeps playing the way he is, he has a good chance to stay over here. He and Carlton Cole are building up a great partnership. They are two good strikers. "Everyone knew that Carlton was good at keeping the ball and playing for the team but now he has focused on scoring goals, which is the thing that has been missing from his game."

Zola would not be drawn on the probability of landing Kovac from Spartak Moscow but did say: "We miss a player like Hayden Mullins and we will maybe try to replace him. It might or might not happen."

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Zola hails star striker Di Michele
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on: 29 January 2009 - 8:41 AM

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola paid tribute to on-loan striker David Di Michele after the Italian produced a breathtaking performance in his side's victory over Hull. Di Michele opened the scoring in the first-half and created a number of opportunities as the Hammers cruised past Phil Brown's side.The 33-year-old might have had another had his stunning curling effort from 20-yards not smashed against the post and bounced away to safety with game still goalless. But after watching Di Michele grab his fourth goal of the season, Zola was left delighted with his compatriot's contribution. Zola said: "Di Michele was fantastic, but he has been like that in the last couple of games. "He is such an important player for the team, and that is the type of atmosphere we want to build up here - with fair competition between each other with everybody looking forward to getting into this team. "If he keeps playing the way he is, he has a very good chance to stay here.He is improving - like everybody."
Carlton Cole's second-half strike sealed the points for the Hammers and Zola reckons his side could have boosted their goal-difference with a bit more composure in front of goal. He added: "In the first half, we could have had three or four goals, and it was important we finished them off.
"They were focused and determined to be winners tonight, which made the difference."

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Zola enjoying Hammers' run
Jan 29 2009
Birminghammail.net

Gianfranco Zola feels West Ham are slowly building something special at Upton Park after watching his side extend their unbeaten run with a 2-0 win over fast-fading Hull. In-form striker Carlton Cole struck again to take his tally to six in seven games after Italian David Di Michele had put the home side ahead as the Irons consolidated their position in eighth place with the hard work put in by Zola and his team now paying off. Zola said: "The team is strong mentally, technically and physically and it is good as we are building something important here and you can smell the atmosphere here, I am very pleased to be involved in this." He added: "We want to build an atmosphere with fair competition between each other with everybody looking forward to getting into this team. "They are enjoying themselves, and that is what we want here. "Every time they play, it is always the best game, which is the biggest complement you can give to a team."
While West Ham look to build on their momentum, for Tigers boss Phil Brown - who gave new £5million midfielder Jimmy Bullard a debut in the second half - his hard work goes on to ensure the efforts of a fine opening to the campaign do not end in disaster. Hull have now lost six straight Premier League matches, and are in danger of being sucked down the table. Brown said: "West Ham were playing with a lot of confidence and their two strikers played a massive part in the downfall of our side. "We are still in the top half of the table, although we are in relegation form and we need to address that as soon as possible," he said, "but I have seen sufficient, when Jimmy came on, to suggest we can get out of this."

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Stylish Hammers have Hull of a night
West Ham 2-0 Hull
by SIMON KAY - Thursday, January 29, 2009
metro.co.uk

David di Michele and Carlton Cole claimed a goal each as West Ham turned on the style at Upton Park last night. Di Michele fired the Hammers in front on 33 minutes before Cole, who had seen a first-half penalty saved by goalkeeper Matt Duke, added a second six minutes after the break.
Only a string of fine saves from Duke kept the score respectable as the Hammers dominated. Di Michele fired the hosts in front from the near post after the Hull keeper parried Cole's strike into his path. Cole then made it two on 51 minutes firing home after Di Michele's shot came back off the upright. Hull boss Phil Brown replied by bringing on debutant Jimmy Bullard but it was too little to late to deny West Ham a well deserved win. 'Di Michele was fantastic, but he has been like that in the last couple of games,' said Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola. 'He is such an important player for the team, and that is the type of atmosphere we want to build up here - with fair competition between each other with everybody looking forward to getting into this team. 'They are enjoying themselves, and that is what we want here. 'Every time they play, it is always the best game, which is the biggest complement you can give to a team.'

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Brown has no answer to Hammers class
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on: 29 January 2009 - 8:31 AM

Phil Brown reckons his Hull side felt the full force of Gianfranco Zola's West Ham revolution as the Tigers tumbled to yet another Premier League defeat.Hull, who have now won just once in 14 league games, were undone by David di Michele's first-half strike before Carlton Cole grabbed his fifth goal in five league games to seal the win.The margin of victory could have been greater with the home side hitting the woodwork on three separate occasions, while Matt Duke marked his Premier League debut by producing a wonder save to deny Mark Noble from the penalty spot.
But despite Duke's heroics, West Ham extended their unbeaten run to seven games and Brown admits Zola's men were just too good on the day.
"There were a couple of positives, but in the main the biggest negative was the form which we caught West Ham in," he said. "They were playing with a lot of confidence and their two strikers played a massive part in the downfall of our side. "But Matt Duke stepped up to the plate and put in a fantastic performance, and we also played some good football when Jimmy Bullard came on. "The belief and trust which is required was there when he came on, but unfortunately then we were chasing a 2-0 deficit."
Hull now face fellow strugglers West Brom on Saturday at the KC Stadium but Brown is confident his side can arrest their recent slump. "We are still in the top half of the table, although we are in relegation form and we need to address that as soon as possible," he added, "but I have seen sufficient, when Jimmy came on, to suggest we can get out of this."

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Hammers boss looking for Sav-ing grace
8:00am Thursday 29th January 2009
Echo

He's a 19-year-old Ugandan-born German, and nobody knows him from Adam. But Savio Nsereko is the man charged with filling the boots of Craig Bellamy. Gianfranco Zola has reportedly splashed the majority of the £14million recouped from the sale of Bellamy to Manchester City on the signing of Nsereko from Italian side Brescia, with the fee allegedly rising to £10million depending on appearances and achievements for the club. On the face of it, it looks like the Italian manager has hurriedly thrown all his chips into the middle of the table as the transfer window begins to close. But delve deeper into the deal and Hammers fans may soon be rubbing their hands at the prospect of this young Germany Under 19 international. Nsereko grew up in Munich after moving from his home town of Kampala, and after working his way through the youth ranks of 1860 Munich he was spotted by current West Ham technical director Gianluca Nani. He was moved on to Italian side Brescia, where he began to make his name. After some impressive performances – as well as two spectacular goals in his final game for the Italians – Nani wasted no time in securing his services, with the youngster's name beginning to do the rounds at some of Europe's biggest clubs. Now he is on board, Zola has urged patience from the Hammers faithful, although he hinted that he would be willing to throw Nsereko in at the deep end, should the opportunity present itself. "We have expectations of him but don't forget the boy is just 19 and he has come here for the future. We know he has got great potential and can become a really top player but the crowd and everybody needs to be patient with him. "The reason we signed Savio is that we see in him the potential that belongs to very good, special players. "I'm sure that when somebody has got the qualities he has got that we can find a place to fit him in the team and sooner or later we will find a space to put his qualities at our disposal."
Meanwhile, Nsereko spoke of his delight to have linked up with one of the Premier League's greatest ever players in Zola, and insisted he couldn't wait to start showing what he can do. "I am very happy to be here and proud to have the possibility of playing for a club like West Ham," said Nsereko, who can play out wide or through the middle. I know a lot about the manager. I saw him play and he was a great player. I think he's a great manager and can improve me a lot. "I know it's a big responsibility (to wear the number 10) but I know what I can do and I'm happy, that's it. I will try to get better in training every day." He may be little more than an expensive gamble now, but surely only a fool would discredit the judgement of the little Italian master.

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Hammers star sets his sights on European football
8:00am Thursday 29th January 2009
Echo

WEST Ham midfielder Scott Parker is adamant the club can continue their recent hot streak and mount a genuine bid for European football this season. The Hammers are currently eighth in the Premier League after an impressive run of six games without defeat has seen them surge away from a congested relegation dogfight and into contention for a UEFA Cup place. It looked at one stage that Parker may miss out on the team's final push for a place in the top six after being heavily linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City this month. But with both sides seemingly caught up in securing a number of other deals – not least a £14million swoop for Craig Bellamy by the Eastlands outfit - speculation soon died down and the combative midfielder was allowed to focus on what he does best. After some patchy early season form, Parker has come of age alongside Mark Noble in the Irons engine room, and he is confident the free-flowing football will continue to thrive and yield plenty of points. "For sure we are (looking for Europe). We see the league and how tight it is, and there are a couple of games coming up that are winnable, so we can really push on," said the 28-year-old after the weekend's 2-0 win over Hartlepool in the FA Cup. "We are confident, this is a very good run. I just think at the moment we have a structure about us, we look quite solid at times and we have a threat going forward as well. We are looking to push on now and this is the time of the season when we can go on and do that."
Parker was handed a further boost during Saturday's win when he was given the captain's armband by Gianfranco Zola for the first time. "I was obviously proud and honoured that the manager put me in that position, so I was really pleased," he added. Undoubtedly, things are starting to look up for West Ham and Parker.

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