WHUFC.com
Ahead of the New Year, West Ham United Chief Executive Scott Duxbury has
spoken to whufc.com
31.12.2008
whufc.com sat down with Chief Executive Scott Duxbury this week to review
the year and assess how the club are approaching 2009. With the transfer
window opening and the management team settling in, there was plenty to talk
about...
How would you assess the fortunes of West Ham United in 2008?
Scott Duxbury: It has been an interesting year to say the least but things
are going very well. I appreciate there is a level of concern among our
supporters about certain issues but can assure them that West Ham United are
a club on the up. Off-the-field legal matters such as Sheffield United are
being dealt with by our lawyers and we are doing our utmost to ensure that
this will have minimal effect on the day to day operation of West Ham United
and will not deter the club or our intentions for the future. With all the
uncertainty surrounding the Sheffield United claim we have taken the
opportunity to delay publication of our annual accounts until the end of
March 2009.
The club has an outstanding squad full of internationals, including a number
around the England squad, and the crop of youngsters coming through has
shown outstanding potential. These are all secured on long-term contracts
and are our future.
Above all we have a manager and staff that have firmly embraced what we are
trying to achieve and share the club's long-term vision. We have a realistic
ambition to keep moving forward and to give the fans what they deserve - a
West Ham United side built on the right foundations with the right
philosophy that can compete in the Premier League and the cup competitions.
The transfer window opens this week. What can you say to reassure fans
worried about the make up of the squad?
SD: I know the papers are full of speculation at this time of the year - it
is the same for many clubs but the situation is quite clear. We have no
intention of selling our best players, nor are we telling the manager to do
so. Gianfranco Zola will rightly not comment on speculation but as he has
said, he, Gianluca Nani and myself are working closely together and this
month will be no different. It may be that some players are allowed to leave
but no one will be going unless the manager thinks it is in the best
interests of his team and it is right for the club.
As a club, we will look at every single approach rationally and at all times
have in mind the further development of the playing squad.
We must not be afraid of interest in or bids for our leading players. Each
approach will be considered in terms of fee, fitness, form and where the
manager thinks the player is in his career. Similarly we have to consider
the will of the player and whether he is committed to what we are trying to
achieve. This is the only way to operate.
It may be that we have an offer that makes perfect sporting sense on all
these factors but even then it will only be accepted if we have a
replacement lined up who will improve the squad. A bid may be evaluated by
the manager as allowing him to significantly improve his team. If he
believes that the player in question cannot be replaced, he will not be
sold.
Do players have to be sold?
SD: No, players don't have to be sold but it has been clear since the
arrival of Gianfranco that he is keen to have a smaller first-team squad
based on quality over quantity. As I say, he looks likely to move on some
fringe players in a bid to achieve a smaller squad of players that he can
work closely with on a day to day basis. This will be supplemented by a pool
of reserve-team players that he can call upon to complement his first-team
work. This will be mainly made up of young players who have graduated from
the academy but are perhaps not quite ready to take the next step.
There is a lot of talk though about international players like Robert Green,
Matthew Upson, Scott Parker and Craig Bellamy leaving?
SD: We can do nothing to stop the press speculation and I can understand why
the fans are concerned about what they read.
We all know how it works. Newspapers see players performing well, think that
we are interested in selling, perhaps given the club's past, and then link
them to any clubs that might have a need in that position. I will say it
again, we are determined to strengthen this squad and keep it moving in the
right direction so that we can challenge in the top half of the table.
For example, I have had several offers in excess of £12m in the past six
months for one our key players and have turned down every single approach.
No one will be sold unless it is right for West Ham United.
Similarly, we acted efficiently to secure Dean Ashton on a new long-term
contract at the start of the season and have followed that up with extended
terms for Carlton Cole, Freddie Sears and Jack Collison. We have a
systematic approach to player contracts and review them when the time is
right. Also, I should say that we have first option to sign our loan players
on very good terms should we decide to do so next summer.
We are committed to improving this squad and it may be that Gianfranco will
use any funds generated to do just that. Our fans should be concerned only
with who we bring in rather than worried about who leaves the club.
What is the situation regarding the sale of the club?
SD: Nothing has changed and I can reassure all fans that the club is strong
and in a healthy position - although obviously all in football will be
feeling some impact from the global economic situation. The current climate
reinforces my belief that we need to be self-sufficient. If the club is
well-run - and our current business plan and the progress being made on the
commercial and corporate side support this - then we can remain fireproofed
to an extent from external events.
It may be that more investment comes in but that will only bolster what we
are all working hard towards on a daily basis. The future success of this
football club will be based on sound principles - such as developing
homegrown players or identifying and attracting potential world-class talent
- regardless of the funds available. We have a long-term vision that has to
keep to the traditions of the West Ham way we and the fans hold dear while
also ensuring this approach can bring success in the future.
Will there be money to spend?
SD: Having invested significantly in the club, the owner will not be in a
position to add funds this transfer window but regardless we believe January
is not the best time to be making any significant investments. As we know
from experience, it is an inflationary market with teams paying top prices
out of necessity. We have confidence in the current squad and, like many
leading clubs, will look to confine our spending to the summer months when
it is easier and more prudent to assess the market. That said, if Gianfranco
identifies a particular need or circumstances dictate it - then we are
always ready to act.
Gianluca Nani and the manager have already identified potential new players
for every single position in the team and are determined to be one step
ahead of the market in the months and years to come. Any players coming in
will always be viewed as an improvement on the ones making way.
Can you clarify the situation regarding Lucas Neill's contract talks?
SD: Without commenting too much on an individual case, Lucas is the captain
of this club and no one can question that he is fully committed to West Ham
United - as his shown by the excellent way he leads the first team on and
off the pitch. His future will be discussed when appropriate for all parties
but I can state that he has made no demands about more money.
How do things work with you, Gianluca Nani and Gianfranco Zola?
SD: As CEO, I am charged with ensuring the best possible future for West Ham
United and I take this responsibility very seriously. My appointment of both
Gianluca Nani and Gianfranco Zola was made with this firmly in mind.
Away from our business and commercial aspirations, we have established a
clear 'football project' that sees the three of us in regular contact. We
are building up the medical and scouting infrastructure to ensure that our
efforts on the playing side have the best possible chance of succeeding. I
know some have regarded us as a 'selling club' in the past but my intention
is to hang on to our best talent - not just by developing the squad but by
giving the players the very best set-up and surroundings.
What can you say to reassure fans that the club is still moving forward?
SD: We finished tenth last season which was steady progress after the 'great
escape' the season before and have steadily improved the squad. We have a
management team that are committed to developing and promoting our young
talent, and who understand the importance of the Academy as well as having
the knowledge of the global market.
As we speak, we are tenth in the table and well placed to push on in the
second half of the season. We have broken our run without a win at home and
are unbeaten in five matches away.
We only have two long-term injuries in Danny Gabbidon and Dean Ashton, with
both on the way back, while Kieron Dyer is on the verge of his comeback. The
FA Cup is about to start, we have a management team that has the respect of
the players and everyone at the club is fully committed to bringing success
to West Ham United.
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Cole stoked up for 2009
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole is pleased to see his tough training is starting to pay off on
the pitch
31.12.2008
Having received special one-to-one training from West Ham United manager
Gianfranco Zola at Chadwell Heath, all the hard work is now paying off for
striker Carlton Cole.
The towering forward struck in both of the Hammers' Christmas fixtures,
scoring the second goal in the 4-1 Boxing Day win at Portsmouth before
curling in a vital equaliser in the 2-1 victory against Stoke City at the
Boleyn Ground on Sunday. Cole, who has been working on his finishing with
Zola, said he was delighted with both his own personal success and that of
the team as a whole. However, the 25-year-old is not going to rest on his
laurels. Instead, he wants to start taking even more of the chances that
fall his way.
"The main thing for me is that we're getting the results now. It was a great
six-point weekend for us and we're up to tenth place now and I'm just happy
for the manager. For me personally, I've had so many chances to score and
I've managed to get two in three days. I'm chuffed but against Stoke I think
I should have got more. There were a few times when the things I've been
practising in training didn't quite come off. I'd have got a couple more if
I'd executed them right.
"Compared to last season I wasn't getting in the right positions. Now, I'm
getting into the right positions and trying to execute them. There's a few
times when I should have executed the chances but I'm working on it and
hopefully I'm going to get there with the help and faith of the manager."
Cole, who now has six goals in all competitions this season, is grateful to
the former Italy forward for his willingness to offer him such personal
assistance. While the pair have only been sharing a training pitch for four
months, the former England Under-21 striker believes Zola's influence is
already starting to rub off on him.
"Every manager has got different techniques and I'm just grateful that I've
got one of the best players that ever played in the Premier League as a
mentor and a coach. He wasn't my type of striker but he can teach me a few
things that I can take on board. The goal against Stoke was a classic
example of how he would score a goal - with my back to goal in an awkward
position and curling it into the far corner. That's what he used to do so
I'm just lucky to have the privilege of him teaching me those sorts of
things."
As well as scoring goals, Cole is also creating them for his team-mates. His
cut-back to Jack Collison led to the Wales midfielder's equaliser at
Portsmouth. Then, with just a couple of minutes remaining on Sunday, Cole's
shot was diverted past Stoke goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen by substitute Diego
Tristan.
"It was on target but I'm not sure if it was going in or not. I think
Sorensen was going to probably scoop it up so it was good that Diego was in
the right place at the right time and he won us the game. I'll definitely
take the assist."
The recent impressive form means Cole is now looking and sounding confident
going into 2009. With Saturday's FA Cup third-round tie against Barnsley and
vital Premier League fixtures against Newcastle United and Fulham to look
forward to, the Londoner is looking to build on United's promising festive
season.
"This is what we've been working towards. The gaffer has been explaining to
everyone that games like those against Stoke and Portsmouth were winnable
games. We've done that and shown that we can score goals. Six points in
three days is a great week's work."
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Ladies face Brighton test
WHUFC.com
The Ladies return to League action this weekend when Brighton make the trip
up from the south coast.
31.12.2008
West Ham United Ladies are back in league action this weekend with the visit
of Brighton Ladies.
Tony Marshall's exciting young side have not played a competitive league
game for five weeks after various postponements. Sunday's game against
Brighton will take place at Thurrock with a 2pm kick-off time. The team had
a tremendous 2008 so why not head along to see if they can start 2009 in
similar style, with admission free for any fans wanting to go along.
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West Ham Recall Defender Tomkins
BBC.co.uk
On-loan James Tomkins will return to West Ham after an eight-match stay.
Caretaker boss Chris Hutchings said: "He has done well for us since he's
been here but we fully respect West Ham's decision to recall him." Derby
face Forest Green in the FA Cup third round on Saturday - followed by their
Carling Cup semi-final against Manchester United on 7 January.
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Zola has final say
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 31st December 2008
By: Staff Writer
CEO Scott Duxbury has confirmed that none of Gianfranco Zola's key players
will be leaving during the forthcoming transfer window - unless authorised
by the manager himself.
Duxbury, speaking to address a string of rumours that have emerged recently
regarding both the club's and player's futures reiterated that Zola will be
given the full support of the Board in his decisions. Despite most of Fleet
Street running with the notion that the Hammers will be forced to sell at
least some of their best players, the message from Green Street tonight is
very much 'business as usual'.
"The situation is quite clear," he told whufc.com. "We have no intention of
selling our best players, nor are we telling the manager to do so.
"Gianfranco Zola will rightly not comment on speculation but as he has said,
he, Gianluca Nani and myself are working closely together and this month
will be no different. It may be that some players are allowed to leave but
no one will be going unless the manager thinks it is in the best interests
of his team and it is right for the club.
"As a club, we will look at every single approach rationally and at all
times have in mind the further development of the playing squad. We must not
be afraid of interest in or bids for our leading players. Each approach will
be considered in terms of fee, fitness, form and where the manager thinks
the player is in his career. Similarly we have to consider the will of the
player and whether he is committed to what we are trying to achieve. This is
the only way to operate.
"It may be that we have an offer that makes perfect sporting sense on all
these factors but even then it will only be accepted if we have a
replacement lined up who will improve the squad. A bid may be evaluated by
the manager as allowing him to significantly improve his team. If he
believes that the player in question cannot be replaced, he will not be
sold."
Duxbury, talking in a comprehensive Q&A also touched upon the Sheffield
United situation, the future of the club's ownership and immediate goals.
You can read the full article here.
Initial reaction from supporters to Duxbury's statement has been mixed;
whilst most appear pleased with the news that Zola has the final say on any
transfers some have voiced their doubts, pointing to the club's similar
promise made to Alan Curbishley which was broken by the sale of George
McCartney and Anton Ferdinand to Sunderland in the summer.
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Carlton wants more
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 31st December 2008
By: Staff Writer
Carlton Cole says that he is looking to score even more goals - despite
notching a brace in the two games over Christmas.
25-year-old Cole has been on the receiving end of much criticism from some
sections of the Boleyn crowd in recent weeks but silenced his vociferous
critics - however temporarily - with vital goals against both Portsmouth and
Stoke, whilst being involved in the build-up for two others.
However for Cole it remains very much a case of 'work in progress' as he
seeks to reach double figures for the first time in a Premier League season.
"The main thing for me is that we're getting the results now," he said. "It
was a great six-point weekend for us and we're up to tenth place now.
"For me personally, I've had so many chances to score and I've managed to
get two in three days. I'm chuffed but against Stoke I think I should have
got more. There were a few times when the things I've been practising in
training didn't quite come off; I'd have got a couple more if I'd executed
them right.
"Last season I wasn't getting in the right positions. Now, I'm getting into
the right positions and trying to execute them. I'm working on it and
hopefully I'm going to get there with the help and faith of the manager."
Meanwhile Cole's strike partner Diego Tristan - who scored his debut goal
for the club against Stoke - had told whufc.com that he hopes that goal is
just the first of many in claret and blue.
The veteran striker, signed on a free by Gianfranco Zola in September has
barely featured for United since joining the club but could take on a
greater role should Craig Bellamy (or any other striker) leave the club
during the January transfer window.
"It was fantastic for me. Now I have scored a goal I hope that it will give
confidence both to myself and to the manager ahead of the next match," he
said.
"I don't know if I will start a game soon because it is the manager's
decision but I feel really good. I hope with this goal I can give more
confidence to the manager in me.
"Bellamy and Cole are doing fantastically well but I hope that when the
manager calls on me I can come in and score some goals."
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JT go home
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 31st December 2008
By: Staff Writer
James Tomkins has been refused permission to extend his loan spell at Derby
County. The 19-year-old defender has completed his loan spell with the
Championship club and returns to London having been recalled by Gianfranco
Zola, who rejected an offer by the Rams to extend Tomkins' loan by a further
month. Caretaker manager Chris Hutchings told Derby's website: "It's
disappointing to lose James as he has done well for us since he's been here,
but it goes without saying we fully respect West Ham's decision to recall
him and thank Gianfranco Zola for allowing him to come to Derby in the first
place. "He is a terrific lad and we all wish him well for the future and
thank him for his contribution."
Tomkins is likely to replace Calum Davenport in the manager's thoughts after
fellow centre-half Calum Davenport was apparently told he has no future at
the club after reacting badly to being dropped for last weekend's 2-1 win
over Stoke. He made eight appearances for the Championship club featuring in
two wins - including the League Cup quarter final success at Stoke - and one
draw.
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Cole's persistence paying off
Hammers striker blossoming under Zola's tutelage
By Chris Burton Last updated: 31st December 2008
SSN
Carlton Cole is delighted to see his hard work on the training ground paying
dividends on the pitch. The West Ham striker has been having special
one-to-one sessions with boss Gianfranco Zola as he looks to sharpen his
finishing. The extra effort appears to be working, with the former England
U21 international on target in both of the Hammers' Christmas fixtures. The
25-year-old admits he is brimming with confidence at present, but is
refusing to rest on laurels as he aims to become even more clinical in front
of goal. "The main thing for me is that we're getting results now," Cole
told the club's official website. "For me personally, I've had so many
chances to score and I've managed to get two in three days. I'm chuffed but
against Stoke (on Sunday) I think I should have got more. "There were a few
times when the things I have been practising in training didn't come off.
I'd have got a couple more if I'd executed them right. "Compared to last
season I wasn't getting in the right positions. Now, I'm getting into the
right positions and trying to execute them. "There's a few times when I
should have executed the chances but I'm working on it and hopefully I'm
going to get there with the help and faith of the manager."
Cole has also expressed his gratitude towards Zola for taking the time to
nurture him on an individual basis. "Every manager has got different
techniques and I'm just grateful that I've got one of the best players that
ever played in the Premier League as a mentor and coach," he said. "He
wasn't my type of striker but he can teach me a few things that I can take
on board. I'm just lucky to have him teaching me."
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West Ham half-term report
Tony Curtis is not expecting things to quieten down at Upton Park in January
By Tony Curtis Last updated: 31st December 2008
SSN
HALF-TERM RATINGS
Marks for effort - C
Marks for achievement - C
Strengths - Potential in abundance, star players in key areas, and a manager
who is keen for an attractive on-field style
Weaknesses - An inexperienced manager, a lack of goals, an owner who wants
to sell, and the probable departure of major assets in January
Predicted final place - 15th
August predicted final place - 11th
Second half key man - Diego Tristan
It has been a hectic few months for West Ham - and things at Upton Park are
unlikely to quieten down in the second half the season. From the departure
of manager Alan Curbishley in September to the news that owner Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson wants to sell up, West Ham have certainly had their fair share
of headlines. Curbishley's position was always precarious - with rumours
abound in pre-season that Slaven Bilic was being lined up to take over -
however few expected him to fall on his sword so dramatically. Despite
winning three of their first four matches, Curbishley walked out on the
Hammers in dispute over the sales of Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney
from under his nose. Curbishley's departure, though, opened the door for the
arrival of former Chelsea hero Gianfranco Zola. Despite his only previous
experience having been with the Italian Under 21s, Zola was handed the task
of leading West Ham forward - and it hasn't all been plain sailing. Wins in
his first two league games - over Newcastle and Fulham - tempered the loss
in the Carling Cup to Watford. However a run of one win in 12 games then
left the Hammers precariously placed in the Premier League table before
festive wins over Portsmouth and Stoke lifted them into the top 10. What the
table doesn't show is the fact West Ham are starting to play some quality
football - with the majority of fans encouraged by what they have seen, if
not by the results. Also there are signs that Zola's influence - as well as
that of Steve Clarke - is taking hold, with draws against Chelsea and
Liverpool giving hope that the club can kick on in the second half of the
season. However, ideas that the club can stay clear will not be helped by
the news Gudmundsson has put the club up for sale.
Although there are interested parties, whether a deal can be sealed in the
current climate remains to be seen. And if it does, Zola will be hoping to
get some much-needed funds to bolster his squad. Already he is facing a
fight to keep hold of a number of his star men with Dean Ashton, Craig
Bellamy, Matthew Upson and Rob Green all attracting interest from elsewhere.
Zola - and director of football Gianluca Nani - have been linked to
Sebastian Giovinco, Giampaolo Pazzini and Marek Hamsik. Hamsik, in
particular, has attracted the interest of Nani - who has been charged with
scouring Europe for top talent - who has compared the Slovakian midfielder
to Steven Gerrard. However with current chief Gudmundsson having been hit
hard financially by the collapse of an Icelandic bank, and a deal to sell
the club unlikely to be completed quickly, it is difficult to see much in
the way of new players coming in. Zola, though, could have an ace up his
sleeve to fire his side to glory - with Diego Tristan looking close to
returning to his best. The Spaniard has been Zola's only deal so far, with
the former international striker coming in as a free agent. Tristan arrived
lacking fitness, form and goals. However, recent reserve team performances
suggest he has rediscovered his touch - and he could well add the spark
upfront to inspire a Hammers revival after grabbing his first goal with the
winner against Stoke. A lack of goals has so far let the Hammers down under
Zola, however if Tristan can slot in then West Ham could look forward with
renewed hope, particularly if he can fend off Tottenham and Manchester
City's interest in Bellamy.
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Tomkins returns to Hammers
Defender heads back to Upton Park
By Chris Burton Last updated: 31st December 2008
SSN
James Tomkins is back at West Ham after his loan spell at Championship side
Derby came to an end. The defender has spent the last month at Pride Park,
making eight appearances for the Rams. He had impressed at the heart of
Derby's defence and had hoped to extend his stay at the club, but has been
forced to return to Upton Park. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola is keen to have
as many bodies on board as possible heading into the New Year as he looks to
maintain the club's top-flight status. "It's disappointing to lose James as
he has done well for us since he's been here, but it goes without saying we
fully respect West Ham's decision to recall him and thank Gianfranco Zola
for allowing him to come to Derby in the first place," Rams' caretaker
manager Chris Hutchings told the club's official website. "He is a terrific
lad and we all wish him well for the future and thank him for his
contribution."
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Craig Bellamy keen to quit West Ham and grab one last big move
The Mirror
By Darren Lewis and John Cross 1/01/2009
Craig Bellamy is ready to hand in a transfer request at West Ham if he is
denied a move. The striker has made it clear he wants to hear of any offers
as the club's owners are not even sure they will be around at the end of the
season. Spurs have already had a bid turned down while moneybags Manchester
City and Aston Villa are interested. Bellamy has only scored six goals in an
injury-hit 17 months at West Ham but the club have put a £20million
valuation on him to scare off bidders.
Boss Gianfranco Zola has also raised the stakes, bringing his own position
into question if Bellamy is sold following assurances from the board that
the Welsh striker would not be leaving. Yet Bellamy - well aware that City
had a £7million bid for him rejected last summer - is keen to clinch one
last big move. Hard-up Hammers are ready to give captain Lucas Neill a huge
pay-off as the credit crunch bites. Neill, 30, does not want to leave but
can walk away on a Bosman-style free transfer at the end of the season when
his current £70,000-a-week deal expires. West Ham cannot afford to give him
a new megabucks deal and are ready to listen to offers in January - even if
it means subsidising his wages at a new club. West Ham hope that way they
would earn a transfer fee and save £1.5m in wages. Owner Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson suffered huge losses in Iceland's financial collapse and the
club is facing the prospect of having to make major cuts and sales in
January.
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Hammers set to go under the hammer as the transfer window is opened at Upton
Park
By Simon Cass Last updated at 7:00 AM on 01st January 2009
Daily Mail
West Ham have cleared the way for the sale of players by admitting all
approaches will be considered. Chief executive Scott Duxbury said the time
might be right to cash in before players pass their sell-by date. As a club,
we will look at every single approach rationally and at all times have in
mind the further development of the playing squad,' he said. With Craig
Bellamy and Matthew Upson turning 30 this year, Duxbury's words will
encourage Premier League clubs who have shown an interest in the pair.
Goalkeeper Robert Green is also sought after while Scott Parker, 28, is at
an age where his value will only drop in the future. Duxbury can expect
further approaches for Bellamy and other members of the squad but he said
players will not be sold over manager Gianfranco Zola's head. He added: 'If
he believes that the player in question cannot be replaced, he will not be
sold.'
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West Ham open doors for rush of sales
The Times
Gary Jacob
Transfer talk has a unique language, but no translation was needed for those
scrutinising West Ham United's review of the year, which made for
uncomfortable reading when it was published by the club yesterday. It might
have been intended as a sop to anxious fans, but it effectively confirmed
that they will sell senior players this month. They have turned down an
offer for Craig Bellamy and Scott Parker from Tottenham Hotspur, and one
from Manchester City for Parker, but it is only a matter of time before
someone of that stature leaves.
The club have said that Gianfranco Zola, the manager, will have the final
say, but players entering the later stages of their careers are at risk.
Bellamy and Matthew Upson, both 29, Parker, 28, and Luís Boa Morte, 31, will
not be valued any higher in the transfer market in future, but the club also
face a delicate balancing act in trying to reduce their costs while not
depleting their squad so severely that they are dragged into a relegation
battle.
"Each approach will be considered in terms of fee, fitness, form and where
the manager thinks the player is in his career," Scott Duxbury, the chief
executive, said. "We have to consider the will of the player and whether he
is committed to what we are trying to achieve.
"A bid may be evaluated by the manager as allowing him to significantly
improve his team. Zola looks likely to move on some fringe players in a bid
to achieve a smaller squad of players that he can work closely with on a
day-to-day basis."
The review, on the club's website, gave Duxbury the chance to respond to a
question about "the situation regarding the sale of the club". The answer
was not illuminating. West Ham, who have delayed publishing their annual
accounts until March and have debts of nearly £50 million, are among the
clubs struggling to find a buyer.
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