WHUFC.com
The club have clarified the situation regarding reports today concerning
captain Lucas Neill
15.01.2009
West Ham United would like to make it clear that Lucas Neill is a contracted
West Ham United player and that we have received no approach from any club
for his services including Newcastle United. We are astonished by reports
today that a Premier League manager has claimed contact with one of our
contracted players. As stated on 31 December by CEO Scott Duxbury, talks
over a new contract with Lucas Neill - who remains committed to West Ham
United - are due to be held in due course when appropriate for all parties.
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'Big opportunity' says Behrami
WHUFC.com
The Sunday afternoon date with Fulham offers West Ham United the chance to
push up from mid-table
15.01.2009
Valon Behrami is relishing the visit of Fulham on Sunday afternoon as a
chance to get back to winning ways and push up the league standings.
The young midfielder, still only 23, had his first taste of a London derby
in the 2-1 win at Craven Cottage back in September and would be more than
happy to settle for a repeat result ths weekend.
"It's a big derby and will be a difficult game but we are at home. It is the
first of two home games for us and is a moment to do something more to
change our situation. We have a big opportunity in front of us.
"Fulham are a good team. We played them at Craven Cottage and won 2-1. They
defend well and play on the counterattack. It will not be easy. I saw Fulham
get a draw at Liverpool and they played very well. It will be a tough game."
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Reid revels in Wolves chance
WHUFC.com
A loan until the season end will give Kyel Reid an excellent chance to stake
his claim at West Ham United
15.01.2009
Kyel Reid cannot wait to get started with Wolverhampton Wanderers after
joining the Coca-Cola Championship leaders on loan for the rest of the
season.
The 21-year-old winger impressed Wolves during a month-long loan at
Blackpool, playing seven games including a key role in the 2-2 draw between
the clubs when he caught the eye of manager Mick McCarthy. Reid is keen to
keep that form going and hopefully do enough to remind Gianfranco Zola and
his staff what he is all about.
"I just want to get out there and play and show the manager and myself that
I've got the ability to play," said Reid. "I'm at an age now where I just
need to get games under my belt and see what happens.
"When I spoke to Mick McCarthy he said that he had been watching me for a
while and he also liked the way that I played the game when we played them.
It seems good and I just hope that I can do my bit for myself as well as
them and then show them that I can come back and get into the West Ham
team."
Reid will certainly be in the spotlight, with a televised game at Bristol
City on Saturday evening set to be his Wolves debut and the prospect of an
FA Cup fourth-round tie against Middlesbrough on Saturday week. "This is a
chance to show the manager that I can play and hopefully he will be watching
or getting reports and he will see something in me that he likes and I'll
get my chance to play here."
The south Londoner played once for the Hammers first team this season and
made his mark with a goal in the 4-1 defeat of Macclesfield Town in the
League Cup. He also scored on his last reserve outing - a 2-0 defeat of
Portsmouth on 25 November when he also made the other goal - but Reid knows
nothing can match playing first-team football.
"Reserve games are not like they are used to be a few years ago when there
was a game every week. Now there is a game every two weeks if you are lucky
so it's a bit difficult and with the first-team squad players playing as
well it is a bit harder for some of the younger ones to break through."
With Wolves four points clear at the top of the Championship and pushing
hard for promotion, Reid knows he will have to battle for a place. He is
prepared to work hard to make things happen though. "They are top of the
league and four points clear so hopefully I can go there and be amongst them
and hopefully at the end of the season I can pick up a promotion medal. That
would be good!
"Hopefully I'll do well there and then come back and play for West Ham. I've
been here for a long time and I love the club. I'll still keep in touch with
the players here like Jack Collison, Hayden Mullins and Carlton Cole because
it's important to still feel part of it here. When Wolves aren't playing
I'll come back to cheer the boys on."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers angry over Neill interest
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have reacted angrily to Premier League rivals Newcastle's interest
in captain Lucas Neill. The defender, 30, is out of contract in June, with
Magpies boss Joe Kinnear saying he had spoken to Neill's agent. A Hammers
statement said: "We'd like to make it clear Neill is a contracted player and
we've received no approach from any club, including Newcastle. "We are
astonished by reports that a Premier League manager has claimed contact with
one of our players."
Neill joined West Ham in January 2007, helping the club avoid relegation
that season. "West Ham have made it clear he is a player they value as an
important to of their squad and they have no desire to sell," said a Magpies
spokesman. "Newcastle United respect West Ham's position and will therefore
not be pursing this matter."
Meanwhile, Kinnear also confirmed he had made a £5m bid for 22-year-old
Rennes midfielder Stephane Mbia. The Cameroon international said he was the
subject of interest from Newcastle's Premier League rivals Everton in August
2008. "He is 6ft 2in, he has pace and he is powerful. I just thought he
would add something else to us," said Kinnear. "He is a fantastic player. I
have seen him on numerous occasions and I would dearly love to have him. "We
are just waiting to see how they will receive the offer and if the offer is
good enough and up to their expectations, or they come back and tell us how
much they want."
Kinnear said he had been impressed by the support he had received from
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley. "I have been in contact with him and it has
been very good so far," he said. "He is prepared to back me on what players
I have seen, which is good news, but the frustrating thing is actually
getting the players at the moment. "But I am optimistic that deals will be
tied up very shortly, one going out and a couple coming in."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Man City hopeful of Bellamy deal
BBC.co.uk
Manchester City are still hopeful of signing Craig Bellamy despite having a
third bid for the Wales striker turned down by West Ham United. The Hammers
turned down an improved £9m offer for the 29-year-old on Monday but City
made a higher bid on Wednesday. Manager Mark Hughes is keen to bring Bellamy
and Scott Parker to Eastlands but has so far failed to land either. "We are
still very hopeful that something can happen," Manchester City assistant
manager Mark Bowen said. West Ham, whose owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson may
sell the club, insist they do not want to offload players and are under no
pressure to do so. Wales captain Bellamy played under Bowen and Hughes
during his time as Wales and Blackburn Rovers manager. "Our third bid has
been turned down but we will see what develops from there," Bowen told BBC
Sport. "Of course we're interested in Craig Bellamy, he is a player we very
much admire and we are hopeful we can bring him to Manchester City. "We've
known Craig for many years, and had him at Blackburn Rovers, and we know
what he brings to any team he plays for. "It does make me smile as I think
he is one of those players who you either love or hate. "But fans of teams
that he has played for love him and know what he gave for their team."
Often a controversial figure, Bellamy has helped lead 10th-placed West Ham
back up the Premier League table in recent weeks after they had initially
struggled as Gianfranco Zola settled in at the club after joining as its new
manager in September. And speaking after Saturday's 2-2 draw at Newcastle,
in which Bellamy scored his sixth goal of the season, Zola said: "If you see
the way he plays all over the pitch, it is fantastic.
"It is an example of professionalism and he is performing very well." The
Italian added: "It is not true that we want to sell our best players. We
want to improve so we are hopeful we can do this." The former Liverpool,
Blackburn, Newcastle, Coventry and Norwich forward has made 54 appearances
for his country scoring 16 goals. City, who signed left-back Wayne Bridge
from Chelsea for around £10m when the January transfer window opened, have
also had a £12m bid for Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz rejected.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Reid loaned to Wolves
BBC.co.uk
West Ham winger Kyel Reid has joined Wolverhampton Wanderers until the end
of the season. The 21-year-old academy graduate has been recruited to help
the Championship leaders' promotion push. Reid has only just returned from a
loan spell at Blackpool, where he impressed in his seven appearances. The
youngster, who has also played on loan at Barnsley and Crystal Palace, could
make his debut for Wolves in Saturday's game at Bristol City. The midfielder
featured for West Ham in the League Cup this season, coming on to score in
the 4-1 home win against Macclesfield. He has made one league start for the
Hammers, in the 1-0 win at West Bromwich Albion in May 2006.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Fulham
PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Sunday, 18 January Kick-off: 1330 GMT
Coverage: Full commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live, score updates and coverage on
BBC Sport website & highlights on Match of the Day
BBC.co.uk
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Team news to follow later.
BIG-MATCH FACTS
The 12th London derby of this Premier League season, matches West Ham and
Fulham, who are locked together in mid-table, equal on 26 points. The
Cottagers boast a goal difference advantage of eight, even though the
Hammers have scored eight more goals (26 to Fulham's 18).
These clubs are second bottom and second top in the London Premier League
table; West Ham have four points from four league clashes with fellow clubs
from the capital, Fulham have eight points from five.
The Cottagers, who were frozen off against Blackburn last Saturday, hold a
nine-match unbeaten sequence in the Premier League, but their last four away
league games have all been goalless draws.
West Ham are looking for a fourth consecutive Premier League win over
Fulham; the Cottagers are hunting only the second win from 12 meetings with
the Hammers in this league.
Distance between the clubs: 15 miles (24 kilometres)
CLUB FORM
WEST HAM UNITED
Club stats
Going into the weekend: 10th 26 points
Best & Worst categories in 2008-09 Premier League
(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League
fixtures)
1. Picked up seven points out of nine.
2. Gained their first win in seven home league games, with a 2-1 victory
over Stoke on 28 December, in their last league game at Upton Park.
3. Six points down on this same stage last season.
4. Victory in the reverse fixture is their only win in the last six London
Premier League derbies, four of which were lost.
5. The 2-1 victory over the Cottagers on 12 January last year is their only
maximum in 10 home London derbies; seven of the most recent nine were lost,
including the last three.
Fixtures
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
FULHAM
Club stats
Going into the weekend: 9th 26 points
Best & Worst categories in 2008-09 Premier League
(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League
fixtures)
1. Won three and drawn six of their last nine Premier League games.
2. The 1-0 away loss to Everton on 1 November is their only defeat in 13
league outings.
3. The highest placed club yet to gain a first away win of the season.
4. Without victory in nine league matches on the road.
5. Not scored in the last five away league games, or in 453 minutes (seven
hours 33 minutes) of top-flight soccer away from the Cottage, since Clint
Dempsey's 87th minute equaliser in the 1-1 draw, away to Portsmouth on 26
October.
6. Drawn five of the last six away league matches, and third bottom in the
Premier League's "away" table, with only West Brom and Stoke beneath them.
7. Collected 16 more points at Craven Cottage than on the road (21 at home,
five away); the widest such disparity in the top league.
8. Up by 12 points on the corresponding stage last season, their best
comparable points return for five years.
9. Lost only one of five London league derbies; that defeat being this
season's reverse fixture.
Fixtures
KEY PLAYER NOTES
WEST HAM UNITED
Squad profiles
Robert GREEN is the only remaining player to have been on the field for
every minute of every one of West Ham's Premier League matches this season.
If selected:-
GREEN will be playing on his 29th birthday.
Dean ASHTON will be making his 250th career league appearance (Crewe,
Norwich and West Ham).
If on the field from the outset:-
Scott PARKER will be making his 250th club career start (Charlton, Norwich,
Chelsea, Newcastle and West Ham).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
FULHAM
Squad profiles
Aaron HUGHES and Mark SCHWARZER have played every minute of every one of
Fulham's Premier League matches this season.
If selected:-
SCHWARZER will be making his 400th career English league appearance
(Bradford City, Middlesbrough and Fulham).
Aaron HUGHES will be making his 50th Premier League appearance in Fulham
colours.
HEAD TO HEAD
There have been six red cards in the last nine Premier League games between
West Ham and Fulham.
The Hammers are unbeaten in 10 top-flight matches against the Cottagers; won
seven and drawn three since the 0-2 defeat at Upton Park on 3 November 2001
when Sylvain Legwinski and Steed Malbranque were on target.
Fulham have never failed to score in a Premier League game with West Ham
away from home.
Home and away
League (inc PL): West Ham 33 wins, Fulham 24, Draws 16
Prem: West Ham 7 wins, Fulham 1, Draws 3
at West Ham only
League (inc PL): West Ham 20 wins, Fulham 8, Draws 8
Prem: West Ham 2 wins, Fulham 1, Draws 2
LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
West Ham United 2-1 Fulham
12 January 2008 - Ref: Mike Riley
West Ham scorers: Ashton 28, Ferdinand 69
Fulham scorer: Davies 8
THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE
Fulham 1-2 West Ham United
27 September 2008 - Ref: Andre Marriner
Fulham scorers: Murphy 59 pen
West Ham scorers: Cole 43, Etherington 45
Sent Off: Johnson (Fulham) 45
REFEREE
Phil Dowd (Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire)
Premier League referees' table
Phil Dowd's 2007-08 Premier League card count
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Boa rejects Hull - and Neill stays too
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 15th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
Luis Boa Morte has rejected a £1.5million switch to Hull City, according to
reports. Sky Sports are reporting that Boa Morte - who met with Hull earlier
this week in order to thrash out personal terms after West Ham accepted
City's £1.5million bid - is thought to have been unhappy at the Premier
League newcomer's offer. The news is perhaps no surprise given that earlier
in the day, Tigers boss Phil Brown conceded that negotiations had not gone
well. "We are miles apart where Luis is concerned with personal terms," he
said. "We have agreed a deal with regards to West Ham, but it is now down
to Luis to come down in his evaluation of his next contract."
In other transfer news, West Ham United have told Newcastle United that club
captain Lucas Neill is 'unavailable' after the Magpies made an enquiry
earlier today. It is suggested elsewhere that Newcastle may test the
Hammers' resolve with a £2million offer later this week. Neill's current
contract expires this summer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers reject Bellamy bids
City and Spurs offers are turned down
Last updated: 16th January 2009
SSN
West Ham have rejected new bids from Manchester City and Tottenham for
striker Craig Bellamy, Sky Sports News understands. Sky Sports News chief
news reporter Bryan Swanson has learned that the tug-of-war for Bellamy's
services has intensified in recent days. The Wales international has become
hot property during the winter transfer window with rival Premier League
clubs eager to secure his services. But Upton Park chief executive Scott
Duxbury remains determined to retain the services of the former Liverpool
forward. Eastlands manager Mark Hughes is a confirmed fan of his fellow
countryman and has now made four offers, the most recent of which is
believed to be in the region of £11million.
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is keen to further bolster his forward line
despite splashing out £15million on Jermain Defoe, but his approach has
received short shrift from the Hammers. City are expected to be the biggest
spenders during the transfer window, with their astonishing £107million
offer for AC Milan ace Kaka dominating the headlines around the world. With
such an astronomical amount on the table for one player, money is clearly no
object for the North West outfit, who are bankrolled by the financial might
of the Abu Dhabi United group. But despite their vast wealth, City remain in
the Premier League relegation scrap along with Spurs and the Hammers, with
the East London outfit unwilling to sell one of their key men to their
rivals in the fight to stay up.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Magpies end Neill interest
Hammers rule out defender sale
Last updated: 15th January 2009
SSN
Newcastle have dropped their interest in West Ham defender Lucas Neill after
being told he is not for sale. Magpies boss Joe Kinnear revealed earlier on
Thursday that the club had made an enquiry about the 30-year-old Australian
as they attempt to find cover for Habib Beye, who is facing at least another
10 weeks on the sidelines with an ankle injury. However, after initial
contact was made, the Hammers have insisted Neill is not for sale, and
Kinnear will now look for other targets. A Newcastle spokesman said: "In
looking to strengthen our squad, the club has been exploring a number of
possibilities during the transfer window. "With regards to Lucas Neill, West
Ham United have made it clear he is a player they value as a highly
important member of their squad and who they have no desire to sell.
"Newcastle United respect West Ham's position and will therefore not be
pursing this matter."
West Ham released a statement on their own website claiming they had no
approach from Newcastle and that they are talks with the Australian over a
new deal at Upton Park. The statement read: "West Ham would like to make it
clear that Lucas Neill is a contracted West Ham United player and that we
have received no approach from any club for his services, including
Newcastle United. "We are astonished by reports that a Premier League
manager has claimed contact with one of our players. "As stated on 31
December by CEO Scott Duxbury, talks over a new contract with Lucas Neill -
who remains committed to West Ham United - are due to be held in due course
when appropriate for all parties."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Boa Morte: I never wanted to leave West Ham
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on: 15 January 2009 - 9:44 PM
Luis Boa Morte insists he never wanted to leave West Ham - just hours after
snubbing a move to Hull City. The Portugal midfielder had looked set to
complete a £1.5million move to the KC Stadium, only to pull out at the last
minute after failing to agree personal terms.The Hammers had wanted to
offload the 31-year-old winger as they desperately try to cut their wage
bill in the wake of the club's financial crisis. But the former Arsenal and
Fulham man says he now wants to stay at West Ham and see out the remainder
of his contract. "I have not reached a full agreement with Hull and I have
not asked for a transfer," he said. "There may be an agreement between the
two clubs, but the final say lies with me and we have not reached a deal. "I
have a contract for 18 months with West Ham which I want to see out. I do
not expect to leave because I have not asked for anything from anyone."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham tell Newcastle to stay away from Lucas Neill, he's not for sale
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 11:27 PM on 15th January 2009
Daily Mail
Newcastle have been warned off Lucas Neill after West Ham said he was not
for sale. Manager Joe Kinnear said yesterday he had inquired about the
30-year-old Australian but a Newcastle spokesman said: 'He's a player West
Ham value and have no desire to sell. We will not be pursuing this matter.'
Newcastle have bid £5m for Rennes midfielder Stephane Mbai and reportedly
£4m for St Etienne striker Bafetimbi Gomis.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tottenham agree £12m fee for Bellamy as they rely on lure of Redknapp
By Simon Cass and Colin Young Last updated at 8:06 AM on 16th January 2009
Daily Mail
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp was locked in talks on Thursday night with
Craig Bellamy after West Ham accepted a £12million package for the Wales
striker. Redknapp has agreed to pay £10m up front with a further £2m based
on performance in a bid to head off interest from Manchester City for the
29-year-old forward. City are expected to match the Spurs offer on Friday,
having had their last bid of £9.5m rejected.
That will leave Bellamy facing a choice between linking up with Redknapp at
Tottenham or rejoining Mark Hughes, whom he played under for Wales and
Blackburn. While Spurs would be unable to match personal terms available at
City, Redknapp will hope Bellamy's initial preference for a move across
London will prove decisive.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham bemused by Kinnear claim
By Michael Walker
Friday, 16 January 2009
Independent.co.uk Web
Newcastle united last night abandoned a seemingly muddled and one-sided
attempt to sign West Ham United captain Lucas Neill after the east London
club said they were "astonished" by talk of any move.
Just hours after Joe Kinnear, Newcastle's manager, had spoken of taking the
Australian full-back on loan until the end of the season, a Newcastle
spokesman said: "With regards to Lucas Neill, West Ham United have made it
clear he is a player they value as a highly important member of their squad
and who they have no desire to sell. Newcastle United respect West Ham's
position and will therefore not be pursuing this matter."
This was all news to West Ham, who released a statement on the club's
website, saying: "West Ham would like to make it clear that Lucas Neill is a
contracted West Ham United player and that we have received no approach from
any club for his services, including Newcastle United.
"We are astonished by reports that a Premier League manager has claimed
contact with one of our players."
Earlier Kinnear had spoken of the move as if it were well under way. "It
would be a loan until the end of the season," he said. "Being happy to match
his wages would probably be one of the reasons why we are taking him, or
probably one of the reasons why they want to get rid of him."
Yesterday Kinnear also said that Newcastle had bid £5m for the Rennes
midfielder Stephane Mbia.
"He's the nearest thing I've seen to Patrick Vieira," Kinnear said of
22-year-old Mbia. "He is a monster, 6ft 3in, powerhouse, box to box. I would
hang my hat on him from what I have seen on him." When asked how much he had
seen of Mbia, Kinnear said he had not seen him in the flesh, only on video.
An agent in France, whom Kinnear trusts, has recommended the player.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dicks is relishing new bawl game as he starts at the bottom
By Alan Fraser
Last updated at 1:04 AM on 16th January 2009
Daily Mail
While nobody ever really expected Julian Dicks to adopt the mild-mannered
Steve Coppell style of management, the former West Ham favourite still
rather took the breath away with his first key dressing-room analysis. 'I
said to the front lads that they were absolutely f****** s*** and to just go
into the shower,' revealed Dicks. Now, this somewhat blunt assessment,
coming immediately following a 4-0 defeat, could have been viewed as the
vengeful rant of a defender who spent his career chasing (and often
catching) fancy dan forwards. Or it could simply have been a
particularly pointed home truth directed at an admittedly ineffectual
attack. No matter, his words indicated that the players of Wivenhoe Town are
in for a pretty torrid time for the days, weeks, months or years that Dicks
decides to continue at the helm of the Ridgeons League Premier Division
side. At least he does not own a hairdryer.
The Wivenhoe player making a comeback after being banished for punching the
previous manager would be well advised to keep his hands in his pockets. The
unpopularity of that manager was demonstrated, however, by the fact that he
was sacked on the day Wivenhoe won the team of the month award. The scorer
of the last goal for Liverpool in front of the standing Kop — one of Dicks'
less dubious claims to fame — began his managerial career this week in front
of 187 spectators in the remote and quaintly named Suffolk outpost of
Needham Market. 'It is still football,' Dicks reasoned. Not, however, as he
had ever experienced it. The only magic at Bloomfields — the first ground in
the country to be built with a National Lottery grant — were the markers
used to print the teams on a board attached to the fitness Portakabin
located behind one goal.
Ah, the team-sheets which were required to be submitted 45 minutes before
kick-off. Identifying his players proved Dicks' first problem as manager and
a recurring one as the match progressed.
'Who's the guy up front?' he asked his assistant.
'What's the other centre half's name? Who's that guy?'
And so the questions continued to flow. He needed to put names to barked
instructions more than names to faces.
Sue Shepherd, the club secretary, had dutifully copied the names of Dicks'
first selection and was ready to impart some information of her own.
'The referee doesn't show too many yellow cards,' she told Dicks. 'Provided
you behave all right.'
'Always behave all right,' replied Dicks with a twinkle in his eye.
Her understandable concern was based on reputation and some television
footage: 'They showed a few of Julian's tackles on television the other day.
I thought: "Oh my goodness". But he seems very nice.'
Everyone present wondered whether Wivenhoe would play in the image of their
new boss. The Needham left back offered a post-match view. 'They are a very
young team who we have played twice in a month.
'There was a slight improvement tonight. They showed a lot of bottle and put
their foot in which, apart from being a class player, is what Julian was
known for. He never shied away from tackles.'
That is one way of putting it. That left back was none other than Kevin
Horlock, the former Northern Ireland international, who just happened to
clean Dicks's boots at West Ham.
'I did it before Frank Lampard,' Horlock explained. 'I done his boots at
Upton Park, which was great for me. I was a left back at the time and I was
a West Ham fan. And Julian was every West Ham fan's hero. I really looked up
to him. It was a great chance for me to learn from someone I thought was the
best left back in the country.'
The pair never played together. Dicks thought the question odd. 'We couldn't
have because I was a left back and so was he. He wasn't going to get picked
ahead of me,' Dicks said.
Hard man: Dicks lets Eric Cantona know he has overstepped the mark
Horlock, at 36 happy to help out a local side, had been surprised to learn
of the latest Wivenhoe appointment. 'I was playing in the Masters for West
Ham a while back and Julian's name came up. I thought he was living in
Spain, and before I know it he's at Wivenhoe. It was weird, a big surprise.
But he's a football man.
'Perhaps it's a stepping stone. Wivenhoe to West Ham. You never know. He was
always a leader. He has attributes. People will look up to him and enjoy
working with him.'
Football, though, has shared Horlock's astonishment. Wivenhoe, who are in
freefall having lost nine games in a row and need five promotions to get to
the Football League, do not pay their players. Dicks is not being paid. His
explanation is not entirely convincing.
'Out of the blue, the club asked for my help and I obliged,' he said. 'I
left Spain and I'm living with in-laws at Braintree. We all have to start
somewhere. Sam Allardyce began at Limerick. We'll just see where it goes.
I'm an ambitious person. Hopefully, one or two people might back us. We have
to wait and see. I just love football.'
It was not always the case. He fell out of love for a while and tried to
become a golf professional. He was, until last year, competing with no
conspicuous success on the lowly Hi5 Pro Tour in Spain.
Latterly, he coached football to kids there at the Charlton Athletic Soccer
School. His busted left knee stopped his golf, as it had done his football
in 1999. He left the game an angry man.
'I didn't have any desire at all to go into coaching — and now I know why,'
he joked, referring to his debut defeat.
'I was bitter because of the injury. You get people who don't give a toss
about their club or football and they go on playing to 35. I wear my heart
on my sleeve, get stuck in, always give 100 per cent and at 29 I'm
finished.'
Silky skills: Dicks could play a bit, too, and enjoyed a spell at Liverpool
He added: 'But getting back into football has been gradually niggling away
in the back of my mind. I think I have something to offer. It'd be nice to
manage in the Premier League. But it doesn't happen to everyone. Gareth
Southgate is one lucky person.'
Dicks himself is not sure what kind of manager he will be. 'I've had all
different kinds. John Lyall never raised a voice. Ron Saunders was quite
vocal. Graeme Souness, too. Harry Redknapp went off on one now and then.'
If this week was anything to go by, Dicks will break a sound barrier. He had
begun in silence. It took only a minute or two, though, for him to crack.
And pretty soon he was not so much kicking every ball as kicking every
opponent.
'Tight, tight, tight,' he shouted. 'Hold the line, hold the line! Tight,
tight! Let's have some quality! Up, up, up! Hold the line! Tight, tight,
tight! Referee, referee!'
It soon became apparent that the technical area was nowhere near big enough
to contain him. As he edged further up the line and occasionally on to the
pitch, a young, white-legged, terrified assistant referee looked more and
more worried.
By the second half, the shouting had become screaming and the pauses for
breath had disappeared. The moon shone brightly. It sounded as if he were
howling at it.
Better at this stage to delete all the expletives. If he makes progress as a
manager, there will be time enough for him to go head to head, or perhaps
tongue to tongue, with Joe Kinnear.
Of course, there will always be those who would regard the idea of Dicks
running a top team as similar to putting Dr Hannibal Lecter — with whom he
bears more than a passing resemblance — in charge of organ transplants.
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Tottenham & West Ham Agree £12m Fee For Bellamy
Goal.com
According to The Daily Mail, West Ham United have agreed to sell Craig
Bellamy to Tottenham Hotspur in a deal worth around £12 million all up - £10
million off the bat, the remaining £2 million pending performances. However,
the newspaper claims that Spurs are yet to settle on personal terms with the
29-year-old striker, who is also targeted by Manchester City. The
ex-Blackburn Rovers forward faces something of a dilemma: should he stick
with his preference of remaining in London, or return to the North West to
link up with former boss Mark Hughes? Matters could be further complicated
if the Citizens decide to equal or eclipse the Lilywhites' bid, which they
are expected to do later this afternoon. And as the Arab-backed Sky Blues
can obviously offer Bellamy much greater wages than he would receive at
White Hart Lane, it might come down to Harry Redknapp's persuasiveness.
Mike Maguire, Goal.com
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West Ham slam Newcastle in Lucas Neill 'tapping up' row
The Mirror
By Simon Bird 16/01/2009
Joe Kinnear was involved in a 'tapping-up' transfer row with West Ham last
night after claiming Newcastle were close to signing Lucas Neill on loan.
The Hammers hit out at Kinnear and said the club was "astonished" that
Aussie defender Neill had been targeted by Kinnear without their knowledge.
Yesterday afternoon Kinnear confirmed he was close to landing Neill on loan
adding: "Being happy to match his West Ham wages would probably be one of
the reasons why we are taking him, or probably one of the reasons why they
want to get rid." Newcastle were only entitled to speak to Neill, who is out
of contract in June, about a summer move - but Kinnear revealed his plan to
take the right-back this month yesterday afternoon. That prompted angry West
Ham officials to release a statement late last night saying: "We are
astonished by reports today that a Premier League manager has claimed
contact with one of our contracted players. "West Ham United would like to
make it clear that Lucas Neill is a contractedWest Ham United player and
that we have received no approach from any club for his services, including
Newcastle United.
"As stated on 31 December by CEO Scott Duxbury, talks over a new contract
with Lucas Neill - who remains committed to West Ham - are due to be held in
due course when appropriate for all parties."
Newcastle released their own statement last night in a damage limitation
exercise to prevent further action by West Ham, claiming they had ended
their interest in Neill. A spokesperson said: "In looking to strengthen our
squad, the club has been exploring a number of possibilities during the
transfer window. "With regard to Lucas Neill, West Ham have made it clear he
is a player they value as a highly important member of their squad and who
they have no desire to sell. Newcastle respect West Ham's position and will
therefore not be pursuing the matter."
Earlier Kinnear provoked West Ham's fury by saying: "It would be a loan
until the end of the season. It's a position we have to address. "We haven't
got cover so, for me, Lucas Neill covers both areas - he's a centre-half and
a right-back and an experienced one in case we drop into that danger area."
Kinnear also claimed he had only seen his £5million target, Rennes' Cameroon
midfielder Stephane Mbia, on video - though club scouts have seen him live.
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Arsenal to make new £12m move for West Ham star Matthew Upson
The Mirror
Exclusive by John Cross 16/01/2009
Arsene Wenger is ready to admit a £9m mistake on Matt Upson - and offer
Nicklas Bendtner to take the West Ham defender back to Arsenal.
Wenger is desperate for a centre half and midfielder in January and Upson
fits the bill even though it would mean an amazing U-turn. Arsenal boss
Wenger sold Upson to Birmingham for just £3m in 2003 and now hard-up West
Ham want at least £12m for the England defender.
Wenger, who is also "hopeful" of signing Andrei Arshavin, does not have
limitless funds and may be willing to offer Danish striker Bendtner as a £5
million makeweight in any Upson deal. Bendtner is a bit-part player at
Arsenal and Wenger also has Eduardo coming back from injury and therefore
may be willing to let him go to strengthen his central defence which is a
major area for concern. West Ham have knocked back bids from Tottenham and
Manchester City for Craig Bellamy and are hoping to survive January without
having to sell one of their prize assets of Upson, Robert Green and Scott
Parker. Upson is also reluctant to move to a club without Champions League
ambitions and has been holding out to see whether Aston Villa or Arsenal
would be interested.
A return to his old club is something that may appeal and would be seen as a
remarkable change of mind for Wenger, but with £30m at stake for reaching
the Champions League the price of failing to finish in the top four would be
an even bigger own goal. That has also left Wenger determined to push
through a deal for Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Arshavin, 27, in January.
Wenger has made a £12m offer but has warned the Russian club that they will
not pay over-the-odds because Arshavin is not eligible for the Champions
League. "We are in negotiations, yes, but we want to respect our
principles," said Wenger. "I am very hopeful that something can be done in a
few days because we are half way to the end of the window. "So it will be
days, but if it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen.We want to concentrate on
what we are doing and what we have here and how we can improve with the
players we have. "But a player like Arshavin cannot play in the Champions
League. If he comes here now he will have 15-16 games and it will take five,
six, seven maybe ten games to adapt. You don't know. We are not in a hurry
to do things like that."
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Hull boss Brown: West Ham's Boa Morte asking too much
16.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
Hull City boss Phil Brown admits West Ham winger Luis Boa Morte has priced
himself out of a move to the KC. He said: "We are miles apart where Luis is
concerned with personal terms. We have agreed a deal with regards to West
Ham, but it is now down to Luis to come down in his evaluation of his next
contract. It is up to Luis."
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Dyer set for West Ham comeback against Fulham
16.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
Kieron Dyer is line to make his first Premier League appearance for West Ham
since August, 2007 in Sunday's derby against Fulham. Dyer successfully came
through 70 minutes of reserve team action against Aston Villa last night -
it was his third outing since his return from an 18-month broken leg
lay-off. The 30-year-old former England midfielder is in contention to start
on the bench after continuing his steady progress from injury with an
impressive performance.
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