WHUFC.com
James Collins is relishing the prospect of another long FA Cup run with West Ham United
22.01.2009
James Collins can remember the highs and lows of the FA Cup only too well having been an unused substitute in the dramatic final of 2006.
Collins had played key part in the 1-0 semi final win over Middlesbrough that had sent West Ham United to the Cardiff final, where they eventually lost a titanic duel with Liverpool on penalties. The Wales international wants to use that experience to help the current side embark on another famous run to the final at Wembley on 30 May. Having beaten Barnsley in the third round, the next obstacle is Saturday's game at Hartlepool United.
"We want to do as well as we can in the cup this year," Collins said. "We got to the final a couple of years ago and we want to do it again. We've trained hard all week and we will go to Hartlepool and give them the respect they deserve but obviously try to beat them. You have got to go there and have the right attitude - if we play the way we can play they really shouldn't be able to live with us."
With United going well in the Barclays Premier League, confidence is sky high and, although Saturday's game will present a different kind of test, Collins believes that the recent run of positive results will certainly have got the team in the right mindset. "We're concentrating on the league at the moment and trying to pick up as many wins as possible, but it never did anyone any harm getting in the routine of winning every game you play so we'll be looking to go there and get the win."
If the Hammers avoid defeat in the north east it will be three months undefeated away from the Boleyn Ground, which perhaps is a fitting tribute to the style and system Gianfanco Zola is gradually moulding his players into. The 25-year-old said: "We're playing really well at the minute and I think the luck has changed for us. When 'Mister' came in we were playing great football, just not getting the results but it's swung round and we're getting wins now.
"We've always been playing great football and it was just a matter of time before the results came. The manager kept saying that as long as you keep passing the ball and wanting the ball, you're going to start getting the results and that's what's happened."
The new-look strike partnership of Carlton Cole - with goals in each of his last five games - and David Di Michele showed real signs of promise in the 3-1 win at home to Fulham last weekend and the pair are set to get another chance to impress at Victoria Park. "The big man [Cole] is on fire. He's so valuable to us at the minute it's unbelievable. He's big, he's strong and holding the ball up and long may that continue.
"I thought David also did very well against Fulham after coming into the team in tough circumstances. There was a lot of talk going on off the pitch but David came in, put it all behind him and did really well."
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Quashie loaned to Wolves
WHUFC.com
Nigel Quashie has become the second West Ham United player to join Wolverhampton Wanderers
22.01.2009
Midfielder Nigel Quashie has joined Coca-Cola Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan until the end of the season.
The Scottish international becomes the second West Ham United midfielder to have joined the Midlands side in a week after Kyel Reid completed a temporary deal last Thursday.
Quashie has just finished a three-month loan spell with Wolves' local and promotional rivals Birmingham City. Ironically, the 30-year-old's last game for the Blues was against Mick McCarthy's side in a 2-0 FA Cup third round defeat on 13 January.
That appearance means Quashie is now cup-tied for Wolves' FA Cup tie with Middlesbrough on Saturday, but he could make his debut for the league leaders in Tuesday's Championship game at Reading.
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Quashie makes loan move to Wolves
BBC.co.uk
Wolverhampton Wanderers have made a second loan capture from West Ham United inside a week by signing experienced midfielder Nigel Quashie. Following young winger Kyel Reid's arrival, Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has again targeted Upton Park for his second move of the January window. Quashie, 30, has just returned to West Ham following a two-month loan stay at Wolves' local rivals Birmingham City. The Scotland international has signed on loan until the end of the season. London-born Quashie, who started his professional career with Queens Park Rangers, has made just eight starts in two years at West Ham. The majority of that time has seen sidelined with a persistent foot injury. But he still has another 18 months left on his Hammers contract, having signed a three-and-a-half year deal when he signed following an unhappy 12 months with Wolves' neighbours West Bromwich Albion in January 2007. And, although he has been dogged by the unfortunate statistic of having been relegated from the Premier League with four separate clubs (QPR, Nottingham Forest, Southampton and West Brom), he does one have significant promotion on his CV. He played a key role in the Portsmouth side that went up to the Premiership as Division One champions under Harry Redknapp and Jim Smith in 2003 - the same season Wolves last won promotion, via the play-offs. And he will hope to have the same impact on McCarthy's Championship leaders, who currently stand five points clear despite having not won in four matches.
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Zola: we'll not miss Bellamy
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 22nd January 2009
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola has played down the effect losing Craig Bellamy will have on his team, telling reporters that the Hammers can still enjoy a successful season. Zola takes his team to Hartlepool this weekend for the fourth round FA Cup encounter minus Bellamy, who joined Man City earlier this week for what was believed to be the second highest transfer fee ever received by West Ham United for one player. During this morning's pre-match press conference the affable Italian was pressed as to how much of a difference losing Bellamy would make; not a great deal, according to Zola who said: "This team is doing well because of everybody. We respect that Craig decided to go somewhere else but we want to get on with our lives and be successful without him. I think we can do that. Obviously the [young] players have learnt something from him but I think they are determined to get on with their lives and be successful. So they will be working hard to improve even more."
Meanwhile Hartlepool's Michael Nelson has told the club website that he feels a shock could well be on the cards. "After beating West Brom earlier in the season, no one gave us a chance against Stoke City," he said. "The West Brom game wasn't really mentioned ahead of the Stoke game and it was like we were just making up the numbers. "Stoke City then came to The Vic and they were surprised by what they found - and hopefully it will be the same for West Ham. "
The match is being broadcast live in the UK by ITV. Kick off is at a travelling supporter-unfriendly 12:40pm.
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Irish star waits for move
Coleman ready to seal transfer
Last updated: 22nd January 2009
SSN
Sligo Rovers full-back Seamus Coleman is hopeful he will soon be able to seal a move to British football. The 20-year-old right-sided ace has spent time at Birmingham and Burnley in recent months, but it is believed Everton and Celtic are leading the chase for him. West Ham and Ipswich are also linked as a move appears to getting closer. "There's nothing really concrete at the minute," Coleman told the Donegal Democrat.
"I know there's a few clubs talking to Sligo but nothing has come as far as me yet. "Hopefully things will work out, as I've always said I'd like to play professionally, but if it happens, as I said before, then it happens."
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Zola not drawn on transfers
Hammers boss refuses to comment on transfer speculation
By Richard Bailey Last updated: 22nd January 2009
SSN
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has vowed to concentrate on the players he has at his disposal rather than get caught up in any transfer speculation. Rumours continue to surface surrounding the comings and goings at Upton Park with Zola linked with numerous players. Craig Bellamy's £14million departure to Manchester City means that the Italian has money to spend but instead he wishes to concentrate on his side's FA Cup fourth-round tie away at Hartlepool on Saturday. The former Chelsea star has been linked with moves for Brescia's Savio Nsereko and Panathinaikos defender Bryce Moon, while deals for Cardiff's Joe Ledley and Middlesbrough-bound Ben Watson have also been mooted. The club's transfer activities are not restricted to players coming in with Hammers winger Julien Faubert expressing his desire to find first-team football elsewhere while Luis Boa Morte was allowed to speak with Hull City. "I do not like talking about players from other teams," Zola stated.
"I want to focus on the players I have got now. Now for example what (David) Di Michele did the other day was fantastic so he deserves my trust and be allowed to continue. "It is still a long season and obviously we want to build up something that can last for as long as possible, so we might consider strengthening the team and if (we need) to replace Bellamy. "As far as I am concerned people are happy to stay, but if someone wants to go and play we will consider it. "To be successful you have to enjoy it and be committed and that is more important than having quality players who maybe do not want to stay. "However, right now it is important that we keep the focus on the game we have on Saturday."
Hartlepool knocked out Premier League side Stoke City at the Victoria Park in the third round of the FA Cup giving Zola good reason to be cautious.
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Zola up for the cup
Hammers boss not underestimating Pools
Last updated: 23rd January 2009
SSN
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola insists he will resist the urge to field a weakened when they take on Hartlepool in the FA Cup. While some Premier League managers have hinted they will give their first-team regulars a rest this weekend Zola is desperate for success. A run of 10 points from a possible 12 has seen The Hammers pull clear of the drop zone and Zola insists he values the cup too much to disrespect it.
The Italian tactician has seen Hartlepool, who are 12th in League One, in action and believes Chris Turner's side should not be underestimated.
"The FA Cup is a wonderful competition and I would like to honour it," said Zola. "I will always try to play my best team, no matter what the circumstances are. "Some managers may have different priorities and they can do whatever they want because that is not really my business.
"But I respect Hartlepool and I respect the competition. I know Hartlepool are a decent side. West Ham certainly won't put out a weakened team."
The Hammers reached the FA Cup final in 2006 but lost a thriller against Liverpool on penalties after going 2-0 up and then 3-2 ahead. And the Cup tradition is not lost on Zola. He added: "If Hartlepool beat us then it will be because they played much better than us and not because of West Ham not doing our best with all our top players. "I have gone to watch them and know they are not an ordinary League One side. They really do try to play football and I am not underestimating them."The FA Cup is an important achievement so we want to go as far as we can. Of course it will be a hard game as I'm sure they would like to beat a team from the Premier League."
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Zola poised to break Hammers' record fee with £10m striker Savio
By Jason Burt
Friday, 23 January 2009
West Ham hope to beat Milan and Napoli to sign Savio Nsereko from Brescia
Independent.co.uk Web
West Ham United are close to agreeing a deal to sign Brescia's Savio Nsereko for a fee that could total £10m after club executives spent the past two days in Italy holding talks. The club hope to make an announcement soon over the 19-year-old German, who decided to miss training yesterday and is well known to West Ham's technical director, Gianluca Nani, who was previously with the Serie B club, and manager, Gianfranco Zola.
The investment would be a club record for West Ham, beating the £7.5m spent in July 2007 for Craig Bellamy, who was sold earlier this week to Manchester City for £14m. West Ham hope that if they sign Savio it will demonstrate the commitment given to Zola that, beyond a number of fringe players, the proceeds of any sales would be reinvested.
Savio, an Under-19 international, has been interesting other Italian clubs, including Milan and Napoli, but West Ham hope that the size of their bid will prove successful. One of his agents, Dieter Hamann, confirmed that the club were in the race to sign Savio, who can play in a variety of attacking roles and is on a list of potential signings drawn up by Zola, Nani and chief executive Scott Duxbury.
Bellamy's departure was acrimonious, after he at first demanded a move to Tottenham Hotspur and had seven bids rejected for him from Spurs and City before the latter were finally successful. However, Zola confirmed yesterday that the 29-year-old had not refused to train and had asked for permission to go home.
"We wanted to keep Bellamy, we tried everything to keep him," Zola said. "He decided he wanted a new experience, as simple as that. We couldn't hold a player who was so determined to leave. He didn't go on strike. I don't want to talk about strikes or anything like that. Craig Bellamy has decided to go and that's it. End of story. The fans have to be confident that when I say somebody wants to stay here, we don't want to sell players that are important for the team unless they want to go."
West Ham have rejected bids and inquiries for a variety of players including Matthew Upson, Valon Behrami, Lucas Neill and Scott Parker, whom they are keen to offer a new contract. The Argentine striker Pablo Daniel Osvaldo has confirmed he rejected the chance to leave Fiorentina for West Ham and decided to move to Bologna instead.
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West Ham smash transfer record to sign striker Savio Nsereko
The Mirror
By Neil McLeman 23/01/2009
West Ham last night smashed their transfer record to pay £10million for 19-year-old African striker Savio Nsereko from Brescia. The Ugandan is a German Under-19 international and considered one of the hottest young talents in Europe. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola used the money from Craig Bellamy's sale to Manchester City to beat Bayern Munich, Napoli and Genoa to the transfer coup. Technical director Gianluca Nani was in Italy yesterday to strike the deal with his father-in-law Luigi Corioni, the president of Serie B side Brescia. Nani took Nsereko to Italian football from Hertha Berlin in 2005, aged 16. The lure of Zola plus the chance of immediate first team football in the Premier League were also big selling points to the teenager. Nsereko, who can play as a central striker or a winger, missed training with Brescia yesterday to finalise the transfer.
West Ham hope to sign the deal today and make an official announcement after tomorrow's FA Cup tie at Hartlepool. The club's previous record was the £7.5m paid to Liverpool for Bellamy in July 2007.
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Zola warning to fringe Hammers
TeamTalk
Gianfranco Zola says players must be patient for their chance with West Ham - but accepts some may opt to find first-team football elsewhere.
The Hammers travel to League One side Hartlepool in the FA Cup on Saturday, but the fourth-round tie has been overshadowed by continuing transfer speculation. The Premier League club have already seen unsettled striker Craig Bellamy make a high-profile move to Manchester City.
What Zola will do with the reported £14million brought in by the deal has caused much debate. Brescia's Savio Nsereko and Panathinaikos' South Africa defender Bryce Moon have both been linked with the Irons. So too have Cardiff winger Joe Ledley and Crystal Palace midfielder Ben Watson, who Middlesbrough are also keen to sign. Fiorentina's Pablo Daniel Osvaldo was also said to be interesting West Ham until he joined Bologna. Meanwhile, Matthew Etherington left for Stoke earlier this month, French winger Julien Faubert has expressed a desire to find regular first-team football elsewhere, with Lyon the most likely destination, and Luis Boa Morte's move to Hull broke down over personal terms. Zola can understand the frustrations of fringe players desperate for game time. "In football, things change so quickly. It is a dynamic system," said the Hammers boss. "Jack Collison was about to leave this team and go on loan to a team in a lower division, then we played Manchester United away and he played well. Since then, he has not left the club and is now playing on a regular basis in the team. "I do not have a problem with Julien. Right now he is not playing, but every time he plays he does well and maybe in a month's time he might be playing regularly. "The important thing is that when the moment comes for you, you have to be ready to take it."
Zola, though, will not try to keep anyone at Upton Park if their mind is set on a move elsewhere. "As far as I am concerned, people are happy to stay, but if someone wants to go and play, we will consider it," he said. "To be successful you have to enjoy it and be committed and that is more important than having quality players who maybe do not want to stay."
The Hammers reached the FA Cup final in 2006 and Zola - who won the trophy twice as a player with Chelsea - intends to do all he can to secure a trip to Wembley this season. "Depending on the position you have in the league, some mangers might think that the FA Cup is not interesting," he said. "As far as I am concerned, the FA Cup is a wonderful competition and I would like to honour it all the time, so I will always try to play my best team." Zola added: "Hartlepool have some very interesting players, some quick players and play quite differently from being a League One side. "We respect them and it will be a hard game - but for us the cup is an important achievement so we want to get through this round."
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ZO MUCH RESPECT
The Mirror
By Neil Mcleman 23/01/2009
Gianfranco Zola has promised to field a full-strength West Ham side at League One Hartlepool tomorrow. "As far as I'm concerned, the FA Cup is a wonderful competition and we'll always play our best team," said the Hammers boss. "I know Hartlepool are a good side and we won't put out a weakened team. If they beat us then it's because they were better than us." The Londoners will face Hartlepool without striker Craig Bellamy who joined Man City for £14m this week. "We respect Craig decided to find his fortunes in another place, but we want to get on with our lives and we can do that," Zola said.
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West Ham Interested In Nsereko, Napoli Are Not - Agent
Goal.com
Brescia's Savio Nsereko is considered a hot property on the transfer market after his exploits for the Serie B club this season. The Ugandan-born German has been closely linked with a move to Napoli during the winter transfer window. On Thursday, his agent spoke to Tuttonapoli.net about his client's situation with the Rondinelle. "Savio has not participated in recent training sessions for reasons other than a possible impending sale," explained agent Patrick Bastianelli. "There are negotiations under way, but nothing concrete will be known at least until next week." Nsereko has a number of suitors interested in his services, including Premier League side West Ham. "There are potential deals, not only with officials from West Ham," revealed Bastianelli. "There is another English side interested in my client. Napoli? No, they aren't involved." The 19-year-old's signature will reportedly cost in the region of €7 million.
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JACK IS PUSHING RIGHT BUTTONS FOR HAMMERS
Daily Express
Friday January 23,2009
By Gideon Brooks
You could argue until you were claret and blue in the face about which tradition has its roots entwined deeper in the fabric of West Ham – bringing young talent through the ranks and into the first team, or selling it. But long-suffering Hammers fans who have seen a title-winning side nurtured and exported down the years might be forgiven for exchanging nervous glances once again as the latest shoots of recovery begin to poke through the Upton Park turf. Jack Collison is at the forefront of that new crop of talent beginning to blossom under manager Gianfranco Zola. But before the pessimists clear their throats, the midfielder who recently signed a five-year deal is adamant he could not be in a better place.
Collison has every right to a little swagger in his step at the moment. After being picked from Peterborough and Cambridge United youth football to sign trainee forms in 2005, he has progressed smoothly through the levels via reserves captain to first-team regular with barely a hitch. As if he needed further emphasis that he is living a life most 20-year-olds might not even dare to dream, before this interview he was being paid to play a game of FIFA 09 against Hartlepool's Gary Liddle ahead of their FA Cup meeting tomorrow. His enthusiasm for the game is superb and he can still can do it in training. In fact, he is one of the best players we've got. I'm not joking, he could pull a shirt on and play for us now and do himself justice
He lost as it happens (Scott Parker missing his penalty in a shoot-out) but, as Collison pointed out without a hint of irony, lucky it was not real. "In reality, we have a good chance to go through on Saturday," he said confidently. Collison had options to join two other clubs aged 15, but insisted there was no question of going anywhere else once the Hammers moved for him. He made his debut for Alan Curbishley on New Year's Day last year. But while he credits both academy coach Tony Carr and former team-mate and fellow Wales international Craig Bellamy as "big influences", it is the Italian manager who everyone calls simply 'Mister' that he insists has taken his game up a level.
Zola has given Collison one-on-one technical coaching since his arrival at the club in September. "Not bad is it? Classes from one of the most technically gifted players ever to play in this league," he said with a smile. "His enthusiasm for the game is superb and he can still can do it in training. In fact, he is one of the best players we've got. I'm not joking, he could pull a shirt on and play for us now and do himself justice. "Some of the stuff he does makes us look silly. A few of the boys have tried to tackle him or had a go, but he just sidesteps past them."
Such a positive assessment will do no harm to his chances of selection for today's fourth-round tie against Hartlepool. As if to emphasise that they always thought him a prospect, Collison was taken along by Alan Pardew "for experience" when West Ham played in the final in 2006.
He said: "I was 17 and got to have a kickabout in front of all the fans beforehand – it was such a great buzz and experience. But we have an opportunity on Saturday to stick ourselves in the next round and get one step closer to another final."
Collison, uncluttered by the financial considerations that have lengthened faces in the boardroom, sees nothing but brightness in the future and predicts that more will follow him through the ranks from youth to first team. "Junior Stanislas will be the next one," he said. But it is an exciting thought that while Collison bids to emulate his hero Michael Carrick – albeit in his football progression and not that which took him through the exit door – there are already those in the academy set-up talking of emulating him.
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ZOLA'S KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT!
Daily Star
23rd January 2009 By Paul BrownYour Shout ( 0 )
There is a bright new generation of kids coming through at West Ham – even though Gianfranco Zola keeps embarrassing them. Jack Collison, 20, was not even born the last time the Hammers lifted the FA Cup in 1980 – but he faces Hartlepool tomorrow with his eyes on the prize. A Welsh international, he was sad to see experienced friend and mentor Craig Bellamy jump ship for Manchester City this week. But Collison claims there is a fresh crop of talent emerging at Upton Park as the cash-strapped club put their faith in youth. And he reckons that is all down to Zola – who still runs rings around them all in training! Collison said: "His enthusiasm for the game is superb. He still joins in training and he's still so good. He's one of the best players we have got! "I think he could play for us now and do himself justice. Some of the things he does in training makes us look silly, to be honest. "A few of the boys have tried tackling him. It's just a joy to watch him out there. "It's been brilliant working with someone like Zola. He does a lot of individual one-on-one stuff, especially with me. "We've worked on technical aspects of my game, trying to improve things to make me a more complete player. I really appreciate the work he's done with me. "It's not bad is it, working with him? He's one of the most technically gifted players to have played in the Premier League and always will be. "When he is out there, trying to teach us things, you just have to admire the guy."
Bellamy leaving was a big blow to Collison, because the Wales captain had taken him under his wing. But the midfielder claims the future still looks bright in east London because of up-and-coming youngsters like himself, Freddie Sears and James Tomkins. Collison said: "I will miss Craig a lot personally. He has been a massive help to me. "But his departure will also give other people an opportunity to get into the team, young players like Freddie Sears. "There are a lot of young players at West Ham. The next one to look out for is Junior Stanislas."
Meanwhile, Collison yearns to play at Wembley for the Hammers. He travelled there with West Ham in 2006 when they lost on penalties to Liverpool. He said: "We've a great chance on Saturday to get into the next round and go a step closer to the final."
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COLE MINE SAYS ZOLA
Daily Star
23rd January 2009 By Danny FullbrookYour Shout ( 0 )
West Ham have turned down an £8m offer from Spurs for Carlton Cole. That bid came at the start of the January transfer window, but Harry Redknapp is ready to revive his interest after his failure to snap up Craig Bellamy. Tottenham failed in an attempt to sign Cole last summer after they lost Dimitar Berbatov to Manchester United. A number of other clubs also asked about Cole in December, which is why the 25-year-old striker was given a new deal until 2013. Cole has flourished under the guidance of new boss Gianfranco Zola, scoring nine goals this season. He has also reached England manager Fabio Capello's radar, although it is considered 'premature' by the England camp to suggest that he is in line for next month's friendly against Spain. Spurs are desperate to sign new strikers, with Redknapp believed to be ready to use £17m hitman Darren Bent in part-exchange for Cole. A major stumbling block is that West Ham are refusing to do business with their London rivals at the moment, while Zola is in a position to keep the players he wants after want-away Bellamy, 29, was sold for £14m.
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Zola to ban all transfer gossip at West Ham
Belfast Telegraph
Friday, 23 January 2009
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has called for focus ahead of the FA Cup fourth-round trip to Hartlepool as speculation persists over which players will be heading in or out of Upton Park. The Barclays Premier League club have already seen unsettled striker Craig Bellamy make a high-profile move to Manchester City. Just what Zola will do with the reported £14million brought in by the deal has caused much debate. Brescia's Savio Nsereko and Panathinaikos' South Africa defender, and former Coleraine star, Bryce Moon have all been linked with the Irons in the transfer window. But Zola maintains his priority must be to get the best out of his current squad in what is a potentially tricky encounter at Victoria Park on Saturday. "I do not like talking about players from other teams. I want to focus on the players I have got now," said the West Ham boss. "Now, for example, what (David) Di Michele did the other day was fantastic so he deserves my trust and be allowed to continue."
Zola added: "It is still a long season and obviously we want to build up something that can last for as long as possible, so we might consider strengthening the team and if (we need) to replace Bellamy."
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Tottenham To Make Second Carlton Cole Bid - Report
Goal.com
Spurs are ready to improve the £8 million offer West Ham recently rejected as they attempt to snare Carlton Cole. According to a report in British tabloid newspaper the Daily Star, Tottenham Hotspur had an £8 million offer for Carlton Cole turned down by West Ham United at the beginning of January. Apparently, Spurs also tried to bring the former England under-21 international to White Hart Lane in August following the sale of Dimitar Berbatov, but were unsuccessful. It is claimed that Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has identified the 25-year-old as the perfect foil for Jermain Defoe, and could even offer Darren Bent as part of the deal. However, it is alleged that a host of clubs made their interest in the former Chelsea youth-player known in December, which prompted the Hammers to tie him down with a new contract which runs until 2013.
It is unlikely that Irons manager Gianfranco Zola will want to lose his team's top scorer, who has seven Premier League goals this season, especially as they only recently sold Craig Bellamy for £14 million.
Ricky Brooks, Goal.com
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West Ham star Jack Collison puts Zola skills in a Wales shirt
Daily Mail
By Matt Barlow Last updated at 7:50 AM on 23rd January 2009
When Jack Collison chose to play for Wales ahead of England it was all a matter of his family's sporting heritage. Collison may have been born in Watford, raised in southern England and barely visited the Principality before he became an international, but the West Ham starlet is related to a Welsh rugby legend. John Gwilliam was captain of the teams who won the Grand Slam in 1950 and 1952 and Collison's mother Amanda descends from another branch of the Gwilliam family tree. 'You could say it runs in the family a bit,' said the 20-year-old midfielder, who is keen to learn more about Gwilliam. The former No 8 is now 85 and lives in north Wales. 'There's a book about him called The Gwilliam Seasons. I've read bits. I've never met him but my Mum's told me about him. She's Welsh so I wanted to play for Wales.' Amanda's father was also a keen rugby player but the game never tempted Collison. 'A bit rough for me,' he grins. A series of composed displays for West Ham prove he has found the right sport for his talents.
Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola was thinking of sending Collison out on loan until he threw him on to replace Matthew Etherington against Manchester United in October. Three months later, Etherington has been sold to Stoke and Collison is a fixture in the team. The Welsh dragon was already part of his life. Under 21 boss Brian Flynn had been tipped off about Collison's ancestry and made the trip to West Ham's Essex training base to pop the question, 18 months ago. Collison went straight into Flynn's squad and was soon playing in a team who almost stunned England in the European Championship qualification play-off. 'As soon as Flynny came, my mind was made up,' Collison said. 'My Mum was very proud. She's been a massive part of my career. 'My Mum and Dad split when I was quite young and she was on her own at times bringing up me and my brother and sister. 'It must have been hard for her but I think we've all turned out all right.' Collison joined West Ham as a 16-year-old from Cambridge, who were forced to close their Centre of Excellence due to financial problems. The same thing had happened at the age of 12.
He was at Peterborough but they closed down the youth system to save money. A cheap joke about West Ham's own financial problems gets a laugh from Collison, but he has every right to be excited about the future, starting with Saturday's FA Cup tie at Hartlepool, live on TV.
At least his days at Cambridge and Peterborough mean the culture shock of Victoria Park will not be too great. It was Collison's Dad, Ian, who introduced him to football and the magic of Zola, as well as the defensive qualities of West Ham's assistant manager, Steve Clarke. 'My Dad was a Chelsea fan but he's made the switch now,' said Collison. 'I've given him a West Ham shirt. He gets stick off his mates. He's a roofer and I'd probably be working with him if I wasn't a footballer. 'We'd watch Chelsea back when it was John Spencer and Gavin Peacock. A bit later, Zola was there. I even saw Clarkey playing a few times. 'I remember Zola's goal against Norwich (in 2002) when the corner came in and he flicked it in. I watched it over and over again. I was blown away by it. It's one of those goals that will never get old.' 'That' goal by Collison's West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola, then at Chelsea, against Norwich in 2002 acted as a great influence for the young midfielder.
The Zola repertoire is occasionally on show in training and Collison has been refining his skills with the help of his manager's personal tuition.
'He's been brilliant with me,' said Collison. 'He's spent a lot of time working after training on my technique. I'm hoping he's going to teach me a few free-kicks soon. Mostly he's given me confidence to play.' On another trip to Stamford Bridge, to support his friend Junior Stanislas, on loan at Southend from Upton Park, Collison found himself studying the movement of Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack for tips. He analyses his own game closely and was disappointed with his debut, when he came on as a substitute at Arsenal last January. I felt I didn't give a good account of myself,' he said. 'But I feel a lot more settled now, like I'm improving with every game.'
Steven Gerrard is another player he admires, although Collison's slender six-foot frame and poise on the ball will remind West Ham supporters of Michael Carrick, another West Ham Academy graduate. Collison made his full Wales debut in a friendly against Iceland last May. He now has three caps and his rapid progress begs questions about how he escaped the attentions of the England youth set-up. Never mind the next Gerrard, Lampard or Carrick, Collison could be destined to become the next Ryan Giggs, the man who inspired a generation of England fans to wonder what would have happened had he not chosen Wales.
NEXT ON THE WEST HAM PRODUCTION LINE
JAMES TOMKINS
England Under 19 defender (left) who made six West Ham appearances last season, the highlight being a start at Old Trafford. Spent a month on loan at Derby and is back covering for Matt Upson and James Collins.
FREDDIE SEARS
Joined West Ham as an 11-year-old having supported the club growing up. The England Under 19 striker (right) made an instant impact, scoring on his debut against Blackburn last season. Twelve more appearances this campaign.
JUNIOR STANISLAS
Creative midfielder (left) with impressive set-piece skills. Recently recalled from a three-goal loan spell at Southend, where he played on the wing in nine matches, including two FA Cup clashes with Chelsea.
JORDAN SPENCE
Yet to make his West Ham debut, but this promising central defender (right) captained England Under 17s to the quarter-finals of the youth World Cup in 2007, where he scored the winner against Brazil. One appearance on loan to Leyton Orient.
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Is Mr Moon Coming to the Stadium?
West Ham Till I Die
Apologies about the lack of posting - been a busy 24 hours workwise. But to be honest, it all seems to have gone a little quiet on the transfer front. South African defender Bryce Moon seems to be the latest player to be linked with us. He plays for Panathinaikos and would only cost £500,000. I've never heard of him, but the appeal of hearing the words 'Mr Moon is in the stadium' again is irresistible. Not that the current announcer would have the ability to make that joke, as he clearly lacks the affinity to the club that his predecessor Jeremy Nicholas had.
Nigel Quashie has been shipped out to Wolves for the rest of the season. Which is nice.
But the trail for a new striker seems to have gone cold. Nsereko still appears to be a possibility, but as there are only ten days left, someone needs to get a move on.
Getting quite excited about Hartlepool, for some strange reason. I reckon Zola will go with his strongest side.
And finally, as they say in TV lands, if any of you live in Bournemouth and fancy seeing me host the theatre show A NIGHT WITH ANN WIDDECOMBE I will be appearing at the BIC Pavillion tomorrow (Friday) night at 7.30! I thank you.
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Cole unfazed by England call-up claims
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on: 22 January 2009 - 8:32 PM
Carlton Cole insists he will not allow speculation over a possible England call-up stop him from firing West Ham into Europe. The striker grabbed his fifth goal in five games in front of England boss Fabio Capello in the win over Fulham last weekend to take his tally for the season to nine.But Cole, who was recently denied the opportunity to represent Nigeria after playing for the England Under-21s, says he is only concentrating on helping the Hammers continue their quest for UEFA Cup football. "I'm not even thinking about England," said the 25-year-old forward. "In the past I've not done so well but things are coming together and I'm just trying to crack on. I've just got to keep concentrating on trying to do the job well for West Ham and getting us up the league. "Whatever comes with that will come. I've got my own personal target. "It's coming good but it's not going to go to my head. I want more."
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Brescia's Savio To West Ham Imminent
Goal.com
Italian football could be losing another promising star as the Hammers are reportedly close to signing the Rondinelle's attacking midfielder.
Brescia midfielder Savio Nsereko could be leaving Italy and his club according to the latest speculation. The German player failed to show up for training today and many believe that this is the latest sign that he is on his way out of Brescia. Savio has caught the attention of various big clubs following some impressive displays with Brescia during this season in Serie B. After being linked to various big clubs around Europe, it seems that Savio could join West Ham for a fee of €7 million, and according to the latest reports in Italy, the two clubs have already reached an agreement.
No official statement has yet been made, but everything is pointing towards this solution. Savio has been at Brescia since 2005 following his move from Munich 1860 when he was just 15 years old. Since then he has played 21 games for the Rondinelle and scored three goals.
Glenn Debattista, Goal.com
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Italian media says Savio is done deal for Hammers By Steve Turner
Posted on Thursday 22 Jan 2009 11:22:00
www.fansonline.info
According to multiple news sources in Italy, the deal for Brescia's Ugandan attacker Nsereko Savio is all but tied up. Mediagol is reporting that a fee of around £9 million has been struck for the 19 year old, who learned his trade playing in Germany. EVen the president of Brescia, Gino Corioni, is saying the deal is done. The Italian press is rife with quotes that Nani, who worked with the player at Brescia, was looking to tie up a deal within the next few days, having spoken with the players representatives last week. The player, who signed for Brescia aged 16, was also wanted by a whole host of other Italian clubs, including Roma and Genoa. Voted player of the tournament at the Under-19 Euro championship, a £9 million transfer fee seems a bit steep for a player that would appear to be at a comparable level to Freddie Sears rather than a direct replacement for Craid Bellamy.
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West Ham boss Zola fires broadside at 'fortune seeking' Bellamy
By Ken Dyer
Daily Mail
Last updated at 5:53 PM on 22nd January 2009
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola contended he had no choice but to let striker Craig Bellamy seek his 'fortune' at Manchester City. Bellamy signed for cash-rich City earlier this week in a deal worth £14million after refusing to play for West Ham in a Premier League match with Fulham.
Zola said: 'We respect the fact that Craig had to go somewhere else to find his fortune but we want to get on with our lives here and to be successful.'
Zola also denied reported claims by the Wales international striker that he wanted to stay at Upton Park. 'I don't think he wanted to stay,' said the West Ham manager. 'We are not going to send players away who want to stay.' Zola, who once turned down a lucrative offer from Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich to return to Stamford Bridge after going back to his native Sardinia, also praised Brazilian star Kaka for staying at Italian giants AC Milan rather than moving to City in a £100m deal. Zola added: 'Kaka proved that values are more important than money and I would also like to think that is the case.
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Mario Balotelli: West Ham Lead Chase for Frustrated Inter Wonderkid
West Ham are reportedly leading a host of Premier League clubs in the chase for the newest sensation in Italian football, the 18-year-old Inter striker Mario Balotelli.
The youngster of Ghanaian descent was born in Palermo and broke into Serie C1 side Lurnezzane at the tender age of 15. He made 2 League appearances for the club until some of the biggest clubs in Europe moved in for him such as Manchester United, Barcelona and Fiorentina. However, it was Milan giants Inter that won his much sought after signature. However, after falling out with Jose Mourinho over a lack of first team football the teenager may well leave the San Siro either on loan or permanently which has alerted a number of English clubs.
The striker was signed on a 3-year deal which is the longest contract a youth team player can have in Italy. Balotelli made his first team debut for Inter in December 2007 as a last minute substitute. However, just 3 days later he scored 2 goals on his full debut in the Coppa Italia. He's since scored 9 goals in just 27 games for his club (17 starts). The youngster won the Serie A title last season and played the full 90 minutes of the Copa Italia final defeat to Roma. This season Balotelli has played 12 times for new manager Jose Mourinho but only scored once (6 starts) and is continually being linked to a move to the Premier League with Chelsea eager to sign a forward to compete with the likes of Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka for a starting berth. He has not featured in Serie A since December 20th as he falls further down the Inter pecking order.
Despite his tender years the striker has openly spoken of his disappointment of not playing more games this season and his desire to leave the club. However, Inter and Italian legend Alessandro Altobelli has urged the youngster to stay at the club. Balotelli is young and has great qualities, but he has to show them," Altobelli told Tuttomercatoweb.com. "I think Mourinho is managing him well and he has to stay on. One game at Inter is worth 10 with another team for the striker. "Perhaps some mistakes have been made, but he should stay."
The starlet has stated his ambition to play for Italy and has rejected the overtures from Ghana's national team. Due to the fact his adoption was never finalised as a child he was not able to gain Italian citizenship until August which meant he missed out on playing for the Italians at youth level. However, he soon was called into Pierluigi Casiraghi's U21 squad and scored twice in their 3-1 Euro qualifying win over Israel on Wednesday to seal their qualification to the finals in Sweden next summer.
Balotelli is already renowned as one of the most exciting young talents in European football and was tipped to act as a makeweight in the Italian side's chase for Frank Lampard last summer. At 6 ft 2 and in the Micah Richards mould in terms of physique he would have the physical attributes to succeed in England. His future has been the subject of much speculation after he reportedly asked for assurances that he would be guaranteed first team football despite being 18 and playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world so he's not low on confidence.
Balotelli signed a new contract until 2011 in the summer but speculation still remains concerning his long-term future. Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs and Everton have all reportedly been watching the youngster in view to bringing him to England whilst he would be a useful signing for a number of clubs including Aston Villa and Newcastle who are looking to bring in more physical strength to their forward line. It's reported that the youngster is available for loan so wouldn't be much of a gamble. However, West Ham's Italian connections may hold the key to a deal that sees 'Super Mario' move to Upton Park.
Whether he stays or goes, expect to hear a whole lot more about Mario Balotelli for many years.
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