WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola is looking forward to seeing Junior Stanislas take on
Chelsea in the FA Cup this evening
13.01.2009
Junior Stanislas will get the chance to shine on a big stage on Wednesday
night when his loan club Southend United take on Chelsea live on TV.
The young winger has been impressive with the Essex outfit - scoring three
goals in six games - and, with the FA Cup third-round replay at Roots Hall
being broadcast across the country, it is a chance to underline his
potential to a wider audience. The England Under-19 international is just
starting out but will relish the chance to again take on some of the world's
top talent after the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on 3 January.
Gianfranco Zola will be among those watching and the manager is excited for
his young charge, who can perform effectively in an advanced role on either
wing. That said, he is mindful not to expect too much too soon from a good
prospect still learning his trade. Zola said: "It is a big match for him
this week and I really hope he can do well. It will be tough but it is an
experience that could take him to a different level."
Stanislas established himself last season as a regular in the West Ham
United reserve side alongside James Tomkins, Jack Collison and Freddie Sears
and also made his name as a set-piece specialist. He took that on at the
start of this season and a key moment came when he struck a superb volley in
front of Zola to help the second string to a 1-0 defeat of Arsenal back in
October.
The loan to Southend followed soon after for the 19-year-old south Londoner,
who has been at the Boleyn Ground since he was eleven, and his manager
believes the loan experience is doing him the world of good. "It is great
for him. I know he is doing very well over there. It is a good experience
and I am sure it will help him to grow as a footballer. We are very pleased
with how he is getting on so far."
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Stech heroics deny Villa
WHUFC.com
Young Czech goalkeeper Marek Stech produced a stunning display for Alex
Dyer's reserves
13.01.2009
Aston Villa Reserves 0-0 West Ham United Reserves
Marek Stech enjoyed the best performance of his West Ham United career to
earn the Hammers a hard-fought goalless Barclays Premier Reserve League
South draw at Aston Villa on Tuesday evening.
The Czech Republic Under-19 international goalkeeper, named in Gianfranco
Zola's Premier League matchday squad for the first time at Newcastle United
on Saturday, produced a series of stunning saves to keep the Villans at bay.
The youngster, who turns 19 on 28 January, was equal to everything the home
side threw at him at Hinckley United's neat Marston's Stadium.
United manager Alex Dyer named an experienced side containing four full
internationals in Kieron Dyer, Diego Tristan, Jonathan Spector and Walter
Lopez against a youthful Villa lineup. Under-19 internationals Stech, Jordan
Spence and Freddie Sears were also involved from the start, while Josh Payne
was back in central midfield following his successful loan spell at League
One outfit Cheltenham Town.
Table-toppers Villa were the better side for long periods, with Scotland
Under-21 International Barry Bannan pulling the strings in central midfield.
Accordingly, it was the 19-year-old Glaswegian who had the game's first
clear chance on four minutes, forcing Stech into an acrobatic save with a
rising shot from 20 yards. The talented playmaker was also heavily involved
in a 16th-minute move that ended with Dominik Hofbauer shooting straight at
the Czech goalkeeper.
At the other end, Tristan came close to giving the visitors the lead on
three occasions before the break. First, on ten minutes, the Spaniard ended
a lightning quick counterattack involving Stech, Tony Stokes and Dyer by
forcing Taylor to scramble behind his fiercely hit long-range strike. Then,
a minute either side of Hofbauer's chance, the 32-year-old flicked Lopez's
right-wing corner narrowly over at the near post and forced Taylor into
another smart stop from distance.
The hosts, whose neat interplay in and around the Hammers penalty area
caught the eye, thought they had taken the lead on 22 minutes. Sam Williams
buried the loose ball after Stech had superbly pushed aside Tobias
Mikaelsson's rasping shot, only to be denied by the assistant referee's
offside flag. Villa went close twice more before the break, with the lively
Marc Albrighton floating a speculative chip over the crossbar before Stech
again did well to hold on to Andreas Weimann's low shot.
Dyer made a change in both personnel and shape at half-time, replacing
Uruguayan wing-back Lopez with striker Jack Jeffrey and reverting to a 4-3-3
formation. The alterations nearly paid dividends four minutes into the
second period when Stokes was teed up by Tristan, but Taylor was equal to
his well-struck shot from just outside the penalty area.
Stech produced another superb save on 53 minutes, diving full-length to tip
Albrighton's deflected shot around the post as Villa upped the pressure
again. The hosts came close again 20 minutes later, but the goalkeeper was
out smartly to deny Hofbauer.
England attacker Dyer, who continued his comeback after 16 months out with a
broken leg with a lively showing, was replaced by Holmar Eyjolfsson with 15
minutes remaining, while Stokes also made way for Tom Harvey. But the
changes failed to halt Villa's charge. Thankfully, Stech continued to
produce outstanding save after outstanding save to deny the home side
victory.
The Czech Republic Under-19 international had to be at his very best 14
minutes from time, keeping Villa at bay twice in the space of less than 30
seconds, tipping Williams' powerful header over before gratefully clutching
Shane Lowry's powerful effort to his chest. Tomkins then produced a fine
last-ditch block to deny Weimann.
The evening ended on a sour note for the Hammers as Payne was carried off on
a stretcher with a leg injury late on, forcing United to play out the final
eight minutes with just ten men.
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Reserves 0-0 Aston Villa FT
WHUFC.com
West Ham United reserves earn a credible 0-0 draw at league leaders Aston
Villa on Tuesday night
13.01.2009
Barclays Premier Reserve League South
The Marston's Stadium
Tuesday 13 January
Kick-off: 7pm
Final score: Aston Villa 0-0 West Ham United
FULL TIME - Yes it is. A fantastic defensive display from Alex Dyer's men
keeps the league leaders at bay on their home pitch. The clean sheet largely
down to the superb performance of Marek Stech, who arguably had his finest
game in a West Ham United shirt.
90 min - Two minutes of added time. Is it going to be honours even here?
89 min - We nearly do! Another brilliant tackle from Tomkins denies Weimann,
but the No6 concedes a corner in the process. It is swung in but headed just
wide of Stech's near post.
88 min - Are we going to see a dramatic winner here tonight?
84 min - Great header clear by Tomkins. The young centre back has been at
the heart of resilient United rearguard tonight and if they can keep the
score as it is it would be a good result to take back to London.
83 min - The United No11 is unable to continue and is carried off to a loud
round of applause from both sets of fans.
82 min - A break in the game as Payne receives treatment allows all here to
catch their breath. It has been an entertaining encounter with plenty of
goalmouth action.
79 min - Villa make their first change as Mikaelsson departs for James
Collins - who should not be mistaken for the United defender of the same
name!
76 min - More heriocs from Stech. First he tips away a header from Sam
Williams for a corner. Straight away he thwarts the home side again by
catching Lowry's header.
75 min - Dyer makes his last two changes. Homar Eyjolfsson comes on for
Dyer, who has shown some neat touches. The other change sees Tom Harvey
replace Stokes.
72 min - Stech makes two more great saves to keep Villa at bay. The No1 has
been immense this evening.
70 min - Rayner makes the first booking of the match and it goes to Lowry
who hauled back Sears as he tricked his way past him.
68 min - The game is really coming to life now and another great tackle,
this time from N'Gala, stops Albrighton from crossing.
66 min - Josh Payne has the Hammers' best effort of the match. The ball sat
up perfectly for the No11 and he smashed a sweet volley that Taylor had to
dive well to collect.
61 min - Spector, who has had a sound game so far, makes a crucial tackle on
Albrighton in the area. The American international had to time his tackle on
the the Villa No7, who has proved to be a tricky customer in the opening
hour.
58 min - United are attacking the end of the stadium with no stand, although
four hardy souls and one steward have managed to squeeze in.
53 min - Stech has to make his first save of the half and what a stop it is.
N'Gala makes a great tackle to deny the tricky Albrighton, but the ball
clips his foot and loops high into the air. Stech manages to reach back and
just tip the ball behind for a corner. Great football all round.
49 min - The new formation seems to have had a positive impact as United
launch the first attack of the half. Sears breaks forward and passes to
Jeffrey, who then feeds to Tristan. He turns well but it is crowded out but
still manages to lay the ball to Stokes, who stings the hands of Taylor.
47 min - Spector has moved to left back with Jeffrey joining Sears and
Tristan up front.
46 min - Alex Dyer makes his first change of the game at the break. Lopez
makes way for striker Jack Jeffrey, with the team switching to a more
familiar 4-3-3 formation. Villa get us underway again.
45 min - The half time whistle goes as the teams finish the opening period
goalless, although both teams have had chances. This young Villa team have
looked dangerous but have yet to really trouble Stech. At the other end,
Tristan and Sears have both had a couple of moments of brilliance. Will the
second half bring us goals?
44 min - Sears is fouled 25 yards from goal as United attempt to go into the
break ahead. Lopez curls it in but it is cleared. There will be one minute
of added time.
40 min - Kieron Dyer leads a charge out from a defence to set up another
Hammers attack. At the other end another offside flag denies Villa.
37 min - Lowry is involved again, this time with Tristan. Once more Miss
Rayner has to have a word with the players.
34 min - Stech saves down low from Andreas Weimann. The Czech Under-21
international has looked solid thus far.
33 min - Villa, the league leaders, threaten once more. Marc Albrighton
tries his luck from 25 yards but it flies well over.
30 min - Alex Dyer is standing on the touchline with his hands in his
pockets, giving advice to his side
28 min - Spence and Shane Lowry are involved in a tangle on the halfway
line. Both players are given a talking to by Rayner.
25 min - The visitors win another corner. A short routine sets up captain
Tony Stokes but his drive is blocked in the area
22 min - The home side think they have taken the lead. A shot from the edge
of the area is palmed away superbly by Stech only for it to be turned in by
Sam Williams. However, the assistant on the far side flags for offside to
stop their celebrations in their tracks
20 min - There is a good turn out in the Midlands tonight. A few hundred
fans have turned out, representing both teams. One lucky supporter even got
his shirt signed by Sears before the game
18 min - So close! Tristan leaves his marker for dead and rifles in a superb
effort from 25 yards which Taylor does well to hold
16 min - Stech shows safe hands to gather a driven shot from Dominik
Hofbauer safely
15 min - Tristan's battling wins a corner on the right for the Hammers.
Lopez swings it in and the Spanish striker nearly converts it with a neat
header, but it goes just over
13 min - Our referee this evening is Amy Rayner.
10 min - Villa win the first corner but it is easily gathered by Stech, His
throw out sets up the counter attack which ends up with Tristan testing
former Arsenal stopper Stuart Taylor from 25 yards. A good start to the game
from both teams.
8 min - Sears fires in the first effort in for United after a nice move that
came about from Dyer's dummy.
7 min - The two men tasked with providing width to the team from a wing back
position are Walter Lopez and Jordan Spence
5 min - The home side have the first shot as Barry Bannan tests Marek Stech
from distance
3 min - Alex Dyer has taken advantage of the strong options available to him
in defence by switching to a 5-3-2 formation with three central defenders -
Jonathan Spector, James Tomkins and Bondz N'Gala.
2 min - The visitors have started well and a clever flick from Sears nearly
puts Kieron Dyer clear
1 min - Freddie Sears and Diego Tristan kick off
We approaching kick-off at The Marston's Stadium as the players finish their
warm-up and head back down the tunnel for the final preperations before we
get underway. Alex Dyer has named a strong starting XI with seven players
who have featured for the first team.
Aston Villa: Taylor, Lichaj, Lowry, Roome, Clark, Hofbauer, Albrighton,
Weimann, Bannan, Williams, Mikaelsson
Subs: Bevan, Collins, Bradley, Grocott, Blythe
West Ham United: Stech, Spence, N'Gala, Tomkins, Lopez, Dyer, Spector,
Stokes, Payne, Sears, Tristan
Subs: Loveday, O'Neill, Eyjolfsson, Harvey, Jeffery
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Fired up for Fulham
WHUFC.com
Fans wanting to see if the Hammers can go five matches unbeaten should snap
up their tickets today
14.01.2009
West Ham United are on a roll and supporters should act quickly if they want
to see whether Gianfranco Zola's team can extend their unbeaten run after
four games without defeat.
This weekend's Barclays Premier League fixture sees in-form Fulham make the
short journey from west to east London to face West Ham United at the Boleyn
Ground on Sunday. Kick-off is at 1.30pm.
The free-scoring hosts go into the capital clash having enjoyed good fortune
against Sunday's opposition in recent seasons, not least with wins in the
last three contests between the sides. The latest in that run was a 2-1
victory earlier this season and, with Fulham riding high in the table,
everything is pointing to a thrilling derby encounter.
Tickets are available online by clicking here, by calling 0871 222 2700 and
selecting option one or in person at the Boleyn Ground ticket office.
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Calling all overseas fans
WHUFC.com
Members of overseas fan clubs have the chance to feature in the matchday
programme
12.01.2009
West Ham United are looking for members of official overseas supporters
clubs to appear in the matchday programme.
Each issue will look at a different supporters club from around the globe,
including information about how the club was formed, where it is based and
what kind of activities are organised for memembers.
If you and your supporters club want to shout about just how much you love
West Ham United, please email fanatic@westhamunited.co.uk. Make sure your
include the official club name, location, number of members, where you meet,
the club's West Ham United highlights, recent photos, contact details and a
brief paragraph about the club from the chairman or organiser.
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On this day: 14 January
WHUFC.com
French defender Marc Keller and an away win at Villa Park are the focus
today
14.01.2009
Anniversary
Marc Keller
Date of birth: 14 January 1968
Clubs: Mulhouse, Strasbourg, Karlsruhe, West Ham United, Portsmouth,
Blackburn Rovers
Capped six times by France with one goal, Marc Keller was a classy
contributor during his time at the Boleyn Ground.
Harry Redknapp snapped the wing back up on a free transfer from German
Bundesliga club Karlsrushe in July 1998.
Comfortable on either flank, Keller was an attacking-minded defender with
habit of scoring great goals. Perhaps his big break came when he scored the
only goal of the game for his country against England in the Tournoi De
France in June 1997, which came in the summer between two successful season
with Karlrushe.
His form there was enough to persuade Redknapp to bring Keller in to
supplement his existing wide men - Andy Impey and Stan Lazaridis. His
attacking play soon caught the eye and he established himself in the United
starting XI, making 22 apearances in the 1998/99 season and scoring five
goals in the process, including one against Middlesbrough on the last day of
the campaigin in a 4-0 home win.
Keller played less often the season after, being used mainly in the League
and FA Cups, before making his final appearance for the Hammers in a League
Cup game at Walsall in September 2000. He was then loaned to Portsmouth the
following month, where he made three appearances, before moving to Blackburn
on a free transfer in January 2001.
After playing, Keller became director of football at former club RC
Strasborg, leading them into the UEFA Cup in 2005.
Other anniversaries
Clive Clarke (1980)
Classic match
Aston Villa 1-2 West Ham United
Premier League
14 January 2006
A crowd of 36,700 fans were at Aston Villa's Villa Park home as West Ham
United ended a run of three straight defeats.
The omens were not good to begin with, though, as Lee Hendrie headed Villa
in front from Jlloyd Samuel's cross. Alan Pardew's men rallied after the
break and got level when Bobby Zamora headed home Paul Konchesky's free kick
six minutes after the restart. Then, on the hour mark, referee Phil Dowd
ruled that Mark Delaney had blocked Hayden Mullins' shot with his arm in the
area and Marlon Harewood stepped up to send Tomas Sorenson the wrong way
from the penalty spot.
The win completed 'the double' for the east Londoners over Villa that
season, following the 4-0 win at the Boleyn Ground in September.
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Hull target Boa Morte and Kilbane
BBC.co.uk
Hull City manager Phil Brown has said he is hopeful of completing the
signings of Luis Boa Morte and Kevin Kilbane by the end of the week.
A fee has been agreed with West Ham for Boa Morte, while the Tigers are
close to agreeing terms for Wigan's Kilbane. "We have made progress, things
are ongoing," Brown said. "The clubs have agreed terms on Luis Boa Morte and
we are trying to agree terms on Kevin Kilbane, on a personal front as well."
After a bright start to their debut season in the Premier League, which
included victory at Arsenal, Hull are currently on a run of just one win in
12 games. With his side currently eighth in the table, and just seven points
above the relegation zone, Brown is keen to strengthen his squad during the
transfer window to ensure they consolidate their place in the top flight. He
is hoping to tie up the deals for 31-year-old Boa Morte and Kilbane, also
31, before Saturday's return clash with Arsenal and has not ruled out
further signings in January.
Speaking ahead of Hull's FA Cup third round replay with Newcastle on
Wednesday, Brown added: "They can't play any part in the Newcastle game but
hopefully by Thursday or Friday they will bear some fruit. "We said at the
start of the season we wanted to flood the place with Premier League quality
and both those players have it in abundance. To get that quality of player
in to Hull City would be great for the football club. "I would like in an
ideal world maybe three or four players in and three or four out - but it is
not an ideal world. "If there are some players out there you can get hold of
and they will strengthen the situation, it is always good to go and get hold
of them. "To freshen the place up wouldn't be a bad thing. We are looking to
bring a striker in and we are looking to bring another defender in."
Boa Morte has struggled to hold down a regular first team place at West Ham
since his £5m move from Fulham in 2007 and has managed just one goal in 66
appearances at Upton Park. Republic of Ireland international Kilbane joined
Wigan after spending three years at Everton but has slipped down the pecking
order at the JJB Stadium, featuring in 11 of Wigan's 20 Premier League games
this season. Both players would offer Brown more options on the left side of
midfield, with Peter Halmosi the club's only-recognised left-footed
midfielder.
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Nige to Newcy link quashed
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 14th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
Newcastle United manager Joe Kinnear has denied reports linking him with a
move for West Ham United's out-of-favour Nigel Quashie.
Tuesday's Daily Mirror claimed that the cash-strapped North East club were
looking to sign the former West Brom midfielder in a deal worth around
£500,000. However that suggestion was laughed off by Kinnear, who told
reporters: "There has been talk about us signing Nigel Quashie but there is
no truth in it whatsoever, so you can kick that into touch."
Quashie recently returned to West Ham following a three month loan deal with
Birmingham City. Despite enjoying a relatively successful spell with the
Championship club City opted not to take the 30-year-old on permanently,
choosing instead to take Quashie's United team mate Lee Bowyer on loan for
the remainder of the season.
Nunhead-born Quashie began his career with QPR where he spent three years
before moving to Nottingham Forest in a £2.5m deal. He was rescued from a
relegated Forest squad by Portsmouth in 2000 - for whom he became something
of a crowd favourite - where he spent five years before moving to bitter
rivals Southampton along with former manager Harry Redknapp. Quashie's bad
luck continued as the Saints were relegated later that season yet once again
he was rescued by a Premiership side - West Bromwich Albion, who also ended
up losing their Premiership status. Alan Curbishley made the experienced
midfielder his second signing a week into the 2007 January transfer window
when he paid WBA £1.5m (rising to £1.75m) for his services. However Quashie
made just eight appearances in a claret and blue shirt before sustaining an
injury that was to keep him out of action for the next 18 months,
effectively ending his career at the Boleyn.
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Hammers Target City Striker
Setanta.co.uk
by Tom Adams , 14 January 2009
Manchester City striker Valeri Bojinov has reportedly claimed that West Ham
manager Gianfranco Zola has sounded him out regarding a January move to
Upton Park. The Bulgaria international, 22, joined City in the summer of
2007 but two serious injuries have prevented him from making any kind of
impact on the first team with his contribution so far limited to three
league appearances and one European run-out. Bojinov has not appeared in The
Premier League this season after rupturing his Achilles tendon during the
warm-up for the opening game of the season against Aston Villa but is
nearing a return to training. City boss Mark Hughes has failed with multiple
offers for West Ham striker Craig Bellamy and it appears that The Hammers
have shown their own interest in a player who arrived from Italy with an
impressive reputation following spells with Lecce, Juventus and Fiorentina.
But Bojinov has stated that he is not ready to leave Eastlands and is still
determined to prove himself following his fitness struggles with City. "Two
days ago, Zola called me on my mobile and told me that he wants me in West
Ham," Bojinov told the Bulgarian press, as reported by the Manchester
Evening News. "I answered that I feel great in Manchester City and don't
want to leave the team. I'm happy the City management values me. The only
thing I want is to be healthy again, so that I can prove myself. "Mark
Hughes told me that Zola wants me but City made it perfectly clear that they
don't want to sell me."
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Liverpool eye West Ham's Herita Ilunga
Liverpool have been linked with a move for West Ham left-back Herita Ilunga.
By Telegraph staff
Last Updated: 10:02AM GMT 14 Jan 2009
The 26-year-old Congo international is currently on a season-long loan at
Upton Park from French club Toulouse. At the end of the campaign, West Ham
hope to make the switch permanent in a £3 million deal. However, Rafael
Benitez has been impressed with how Ilunga has adapted to the pace and
physicality of the Premier League. So much so that the Spaniard is
reportedly ready to enquire over the terms of Ilung's contract and the
possibility of signing him. Ilunga would provide much-needed cover on the
left side of defence, with Benitez less than convinced by £7m summer signing
Andrea Dossena. The Mirror even claims that the former Udinese defender
could return to Serie A in the January transfer window. Meanwhile, Liverpool
are ready to offer 35-year-old Sami Hyypia another 12-month contract amid
growing concerns that Daniel Agger will move to AC Milan. The Mail claims
talks between Liverpool and Agger's agent have stalled over a request for
double-your-money terms of around £60,000 a week. Agger's contract runs out
at the end of next season.
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Blues to block Bojinov swap deal
Chris Bailey
14/ 1/2009
ManchesterEveningNews.co.uk
CITY will not allow Valeri Bojinov to leave for West Ham as a makeweight in
any deal for Craig Bellamy or Scott Parker. In the latest twist in the
ongoing dialogue between the two clubs, it has emerged that Upton Park boss
Gianfranco Zola has been in touch personaly with injured Bulgarian
international Bojinov. So far, despite two attempts and reaching a bid of
£9.5m, City have not been able to persuade the Hammers to part company with
Welsh international Bellamy. "Two days ago, Zola called me on my mobile and
told me that he wants me in West Ham," Bojinov told a media outlet in his
native Bulgaria. "I answered that I feel great in Manchester City and don't
want to leave the team. I'm happy the City management values me. The only
thing I want is to be healthy again, so that I can prove myself. "Mark
Hughes told me that Zola wants me but City made it perfectly clear that they
don't want to sell me."
Bojinov, who has been out of the side since he ruptured his Achilles in the
warm-up for the opening game of the season at Villa Park, is expected to be
back in training with the first team squad in the next month. Michael
Johnson has also been whispered as part of a deal that could see players
swap clubs as well as a fee going to the cash-strapped London side. However,
the Blues may temporarily now switch focus away from a striker to seek more
midfielders after Didi Hamann injured a toe so severely that he could miss
three months. There is better news, however, of Robinho, who should be fit
to face Wigan on Saturday and of Shaun Wright-Phillips, who is pushing hard
to feature against Steve Bruce's side after a hamstring problem.
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Manchester City increase Craig Bellamy offer
The Mirror
By Football Spy 14/01/2009
Manchester City made a new £10million bid for Craig Bellamy last night - as
Blues boss Mark Hughes edged closer to signing his old Wales and Blackburn
pal from West Ham. City made their third offer in a fortnight although the
Hammers want nearer £15m. If they land Bellamy City may promise not to chase
other Hammers, Scott Parker and Matt Upson.
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Birmingham City target £3m defender
Jan 14 2009
Sunday Mercury
Birmingham could move for West Ham's Calum Davenport after his £3m move to
Bolton collapsed says the Daily Mail. Trash Talk says: After watching Blues
v Wolves last night I can honestly say that Blues should get some defenders
in sharpish.
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Liverpool exclusive: Rafa Benitez plots Herita Ilunga swoop
The Mirror
Excluisve by Alan Nixon 14/01/2009
Rafa Benitez is ready to make a cheeky move for West Ham left-back Herita
Ilunga. Congo international Ilunga, 26, is on a season-long loan at Upton
Park with a view to a permanent £3million move from French club Toulouse.
But Liverpool have made enquiries over the terms of his contract and whether
they could sign him from under West Ham's noses. Benitez has not been
impressed by £7m summer signing Andrea Dossena and the former Udinese
left-back could return to Italy during the transfer window. The Hammers' bid
to offload flop Luis Boa Morte stumbled last night after the winger failed
to agree personal terms with Hull who had struck a £1.5m deal with the
Londoners.
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A Litany Of Woes
Just Like My Dreams
"I will not be as those who spend the day in complaining of headache, and
the night in drinking the wine that gives it" Goethe
Was there ever a Premier League club with so far-fetched a litany of woes as
West Ham United? ponders football finance expert David Conn in this
morning's Guardian. In his column on the paper's SportBlog, he writes:
The old East End family club must concentrate on improving performances on
the pitch — if only to take their minds off the Icelandic banking meltdown,
which has hammered the owner's fortune and led to West Ham being for sale in
an uninviting market, the compensation claim in the Tevez saga, which
Sheffield United are understood still to put at £50m, and another Premier
League and Football Association inquiry focusing on West Ham's conduct when
they fielded the over-performing Argentinian in the final three games of
2006-07.
To these agonies can be added the looming threat, if West Ham are found to
have breached the rules when they retained Tevez, that points could be
deducted. Although the end of the inquiry is months away, an FA spokesman
confirmed that a points deduction was one of the available sanctions . West
Ham, on top of everything else, can barely contemplate relegation.
The club would argue that, even if they are found culpable — a possibility
they reject — points deduction would amount to double punishment because
Lord Griffiths has already ruled against them over their retention of Tevez.
In his arbitration ruling Griffiths said West Ham breached the undertaking
they gave to the Premier League in April 2007 that they would cancel their
contract with Tevez's "owners". Instead Griffiths agreed that the club's
chief executive, Scott Duxbury, had a series of "oral cuddles" in which he
reassured the owners, two offshore companies represented by Kia Joorabchian,
that they would, despite what Duxbury had promised the Premier League, still
retain the rights to the player.
Of course, West Ham are already being sanctioned for that, forced to
compensate Sheffield United for the cost of relegation. The Blades are
understood to have finalised a financial inventory detailing their losses,
to which West Ham have until the end of the month to respond. They dispute
the figure of £50m, noting the increased income from Premier League status
is mostly swallowed up by higher player wages. Griffiths will decide in
March, barring delays.
West Ham say they have "nothing to hide" and that they "acted in good faith"
— attitudes, notes Conn, which would have served them well from the off. He
argues had they come clean to the Premier League about the "third party
ownership" when they signed Tevez and Javier Mascherano in August 2006, none
of this scandal would have unfolded. Yet the club's conduct seems to have
been skewed, throughout, by 'trying to be a little too cute'. Paul Aldridge,
then the club's chief executive, informed Richard Scudamore, the Premier
League's chief executive, there were no documents relevant to the players'
registrations which he had not shown the league. Records reveal the third
party contracts came to light when Mascherano moved to Liverpool in January
2007, because they showed the Premier League everything. Scudamore fumed
that West Ham had misled him; and disciplinary proceedings began.
For Conn, the maddening aspect of this for West Ham is that, if Aldridge and
Duxbury, then the club's legal director, had shown Scudamore the
arrangements, they were likely to have been asked for only minor
alterations. The Premier League allowed Mascherano's third party "ownership"
to continue when he went to Liverpool, insisting only that the loan be for a
fixed period and that the "owners" did not retain any rights during the
loan. When Tevez eventually moved to Manchester United, a fixed period was
again insisted on; Tevez remains a loan player at Old Trafford and under the
"ownership" of Joorabchian's investors. Conn continues:
Yet West Ham chose not to disclose the contracts at all. Even after being
charged they argued their innocence, until shortly before the hearing, when
they pleaded guilty. Aldridge was outraged that he was denounced as a liar
in the judgment without an opportunity to state his case. He maintained he
acted on advice that third party contracts were not relevant to Tevez's
registration. West Ham, guilty, were handed their record £5.5m fine in April
2007, yet continued to attract more trouble. They were given three options:
relinquish Tevez; keep him and negotiate a different arrangement with
Joorabchian; or rip up the ownership contract and keep him. They chose to
say they had ripped it up, although few understood how they could keep Tevez
for free.
It was then, according to Graham Shear, Joorabchian's lawyer, that Duxbury
gave the "oral cuddles," telling Joorabchian that the contract was not
really torn up, and that the "owners" retained their rights. Tevez stayed,
played magnificently, West Ham stayed up and the Blades went down roaring at
the injustice. West Ham deny the "oral cuddles" testimony, arguing they did
rip up the contract. They point to the fact Joorabchian sued in summer 2007
for Tevez to be released, and ultimately paid West Ham £2m — a process
intimately supervised by the Premier League. Griffiths, though, accepted
Shear's view of events. The forthcoming FA and Premier League inquiry will
examine exactly the same evidence.
Faced with all this, observes Conn, West Ham are maintaining their brave
front. The owner, Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, has been battered by Iceland's
economic collapse but Asgeir Fridgeirsson, West Ham's vice-chairman, insists
the club is safe. The holding company, Hansa, has been granted a moratorium
on paying its creditors and must report back to an Icelandic court on 6
March to show progress in selling the club. Fridgeirsson, though, now says
the club need not necessarily be sold. "If the market does not appreciate
the value of the club, we will not sell," he said. Fridgeirsson emphasised
that Gudmundsson was not taking money out of the club to service the needs
of Hansa or any other debts, and that the manager, Gianfranco Zola, and
Duxbury do not need to have a fire sale. West Ham have refused to sell Scott
Parker or Craig Bellamy for below a handsome price.
"The club has to balance its books, which is normal practice in any
business," said Fridgeirsson. "However, the idea is not to sell players and
go into a downward spiral." He acknowledged the final pay-out to Sheffield
United was "a question mark over the club's valuation" but said West Ham
would not be forced into insolvency. Fridgeirsson said there were still
parties interested in buying the club. The final word goes to Conn...
West Ham fans can only hope that this defiant talk, of stability in a sea of
troubles, is the truth, not just wishful thinking by beleaguered directors
blowing pretty bubbles in the air.
Amusingly, the fall-out from the Carlos Tevez affair has led to a further
protest from Sheffield United, this time over Sky Sports' coverage of the
saga on their Goals on Sunday programme last weekend. Co-presenter Ian
Payne's said the latest investigation — into West Ham's conduct after their
£5million fine — was due to Sheffield United and West Ham still fighting
over what legal action could or could not be taken. This apparently so
infuriated the Sheffield United board that they immediately complained to
programme producer Adam Chenery about Payne's comments, which were described
as nonsensical.
This comes after Payne and Chenery's predecessors on the show, Clare
Tomlinson and Nigel Dean, were replaced after former Hammers goalkeeper
Stephen Bywater was allowed to spell out the C-word on air without a
reprimand (see video below!). Sky Sports would not comment on the latest
set-to apart from confirming the complaint from Bramall Lane.
On the transfer front, the Telegraph is carrying an article about how
Manchester City's January spending spree is heading for anti-climax. Backed
by the oil billions of Abu Dhabi and linked with a host of football's
biggest names, the transfer window was supposed to see City reveal
themselves as the game's new powerhouse. Yet the club's negotiating
position, insiders admit, has been weakened considerably by their very
public takeover by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. West Ham are said to
be one of several clubs holding out for top dollar for their star men, safe
in the knowledge that inflated fees will not scare away Hughes and chief
executive Garry Cook. The price mentioned in the piece is £12 million for
Craig Bellamy and the same for Scott Parker, while it is understood that
Blackburn are asking for more than £18 million for Santa Cruz. In effect,
City's wealth will force them to pay £15 million extra to two clubs in dire
need of cash to swell their coffers.
The Telegraph concludes that the deals for Bellamy, Parker and Santa Cruz,
currently at an impasse, are still likely to be completed before the window
closes. West Ham and Blackburn are, essentially, employing the same
technique as the one used by Tottenham to make sure Manchester United paid
the full asking price for Dimitar Berbatov. A small piece in the Times
states City are expected to agree a deal to sign Bellamy for about £12
million this week after preparing an improved bid for the Wales forward last
night. It also suggests Mark Hughes has given up hope of signing Scott
Parker. A snippet in the Independent reveals Bellamy's representatives met
West Ham yesterday and are understood to have said that at the age of 29 he
should not be held back by a valuation of £15m, the figure at which the
Hammers are reportedly ready to sell.
The Mail claims Birmingham are in talks with the club to sign defender Calum
Davenport, whose £3million switch to Bolton is off. West Ham have already
loaned midfielders Nigel Quashie and Lee Bowyer to Birmingham this season.
Speaking of Quashie, Newcastle United manager Joe Kinnear has denied reports
linking him with a move for the much maligned midfielder. Yesterday's Mirror
printed a story claiming that the cash-strapped North East club were looking
to sign the former West Brom midfielder in a deal worth around £500,000.
However that suggestion was laughed off by Kinnear, who informed reporters:
"There has been talk about us signing Nigel Quashie but there is no truth in
it whatsoever, so you can kick that into touch."
Posted by Trilby at 00:32
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Bellamy's future could decide West Ham's fate
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 14th January 2009
By: Thomas Rooney
There is often a moment during a season that will help shape the rest of it.
Whether that be a last minute equaliser, a player returning from injury or a
crucial refereeing decision. This time around, it is my opinion that whether
Craig Bellamy is still a West Ham player come February will be crucial.
Of course there will be other moments that influence West Ham's position at
the end of the season, but should Bellamy remain at the club, the football
odds are far more likely to favour Gianfranco Zola's men avoiding the drop.
It wouldn't just be the loss of Bellamy's undoubted ability though. The sale
of Bellamy would send out negative messages to the rest of the Premier
League about where West Ham are right now. It would also leave the other
sellable players in the squad questioning their future. Why should they stay
if the club aren't ambitious enough to hold onto their best striker?
Overall, it is fair to say that I view the future as Bellamy as hugely
important. He must stay at the club, for so many reasons. So, what are the
chances of this happening? What is the latest with regards to his future?
Well, it is being reported that West Ham have turned down the latest
Manchester City bid for the player, a bid that is thought to have been far
more substantial than their original offer. Two things are certain as a
result of this - Manchester City are desperate to sign Bellamy and West Ham
are desperate to keep hold of him.
It is always an interesting battle when this sort of situation comes about,
but many would expect the club with the endless transfer budget to get their
way eventually. West Ham's chief executive Scott Duxbury has insisted that
no players have to be sold this month though and it appears the he and the
rest of the board are aware of how important Bellamy is to Zola's cause.
The former Liverpool striker has netted four times in his last four league
games and is arguably playing some of the best football of his career to
date. Unfortunately for West Ham though, this has occurred in the build up
to the January transfer window. This, combined with the fact that Mark
Hughes - Bellamy's former manager with Blackburn and Wales - has millions to
spend, means that it doesn't look great for West Ham.
However, everyone at the club will be aware of what a positive signal it
would be should they continue to snub interest in Bellamy. It would reassure
the fans that the financial situation isn't all that bad and that their
determination to hold onto their best players is as highly charged as it
should be.
That's why the future of Bellamy could be so influential in the way West Ham
fair during the second half of the season. Should he leave the club,
football betting would expect the Hammers to have a poor start to February
and therefore find themselves deep in relegation mire. Should he stay, it
could result in a much different outcome.
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