WHUFC.com
West Ham United will travel to Victoria Park to take on Hartlepool United at
12.40pm on Saturday 24 January
06.01.2009
The FA Cup fourth-round tie against Hartlepool United will be played at
12.40pm on Saturday 24 January.
The first-ever meeting between the two clubs will be screened live on ITV1.
West Ham United won through to this round with a 3-0 home win against
Barnsley last Saturday, the same day that Hartlepool ran out 2-0 winners
against Stoke City. For ticket information, click here.
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Duo on their way
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 6th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
Calum Davenport and Matthew Etherington could be on their way out of West
Ham by the end of the week, according to reports. Left-winger Etherington,
the club's current longest-serving player is a £4million target for
struggling Stoke City whilst Calum Davenport is set to complete a £3million
switch to Bolton Wanderers.
Both players have been made available for transfer by Gianfranco Zola who
has finally ran out of patience with Etherington whilst a recent argument
with central defender Davenport has led to his inevitable departure. Should
Etherington complete the move to Stoke, Zola will be left with just Luis Boa
Morte as an experienced left-sided midfielder; speaking tonight the former
Portuguese international said that he remains determined to nail down a
first team place at West Ham despite numerous reports of interest from his
home nation. "The gaffer is giving me chances and I have to grab them with
both hands," he said. "I need to put my game in place and all I try to do is
try to do the best I can for the team - not to make any mistakes and help
the team get three points and win matches."
With regard to the booing directed at him by some sections of the crowd he
added: "It is not nice but it is up to the fans. I just want them to know
that I am playing for the club and giving my full commitment every time I
play. "I am a West Ham player and try to make sure what I do helps the club
and the team."
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'Pool game live
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 6th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's FA Cup fourth round tie with Hartlepool United is being
broadcast live by ITV.
The game has been re-scheduled for a 12.40pm kick-off, the first of two
games being broadcast live on the day (the other being Manchester United's
clash with Tottenham).
With TV bosses no doubt sensing a Cup giant-killing the Hammers - who have
never previously met Hartlepool in a competitive fixture - will once again
have to repeat the feats of recent seasons to overcome a side two seasons
below them.
Good news for travelling Hammers is that the 7:57am rail departure from
London will ensure arrival at the ground on time (barring unforseen
circumstances).
West Ham v the minnows: how we've fared on TV in recent years
Sky, October 2007: Coventry (a) 2-1 - an injury-time winner from Carlton
Cole sends the Hammers through to the fifth round of the Carling Cup.
Championship outfit Coventry had led through a Tabb strike (68 mins) before
a Hall own goal three minutes later restored parity on the night.
Sky, October 2006: Chesterfield (a) 1-2 - the most recent shock Cup defeat
for the Hammers was a contributing factor in the demise of former boss Alan
Pardew, who was sacked just weeks after this demoralising defeat. Marlon
Harewood's fourth minute opener gave the Hammers an early lead but second
half goals from Larkin and Folan saw the League One side triumph in this
Carling Cup third round tie.
Sky, October 2002: Chesterfield (a) 1-1 - once again the Hammers had to
battle for their lives at the Recreation Ground when Jermain Defoe's 13th
minute opener was cancelled out by Chris Brandon's 52nd minute equaliser.
After extra-time drew a stalemate the game went to penalties with Glenn
Roeder's side eventually triumphing 5-4 in this pulsating Worthington Cup
second round encounter.
BBC, January 2002: Macclesfield (a) 3-0 - A shock was never on the cards as
West Ham's first ever visit to Moss Rose ended in an easy victory thanks to
goals from Jermain Defoe (x2) and Joe Cole. Despite finishing the game with
only ten men after John Moncur received his marching orders late on Glenn
Roeder's side were never in trouble and good value for the win in this FA
Cup third round tie.
Sky, December 1996: Stockport (a) 1-2 - The mother of all balls-ups
immortalised by Iain Dowie's superb bullet header - which, unfortunately for
the despairing travelling Hammers, went into his own net less than a minute
after Julian Dicks had put Harry Redknapp's side ahead in this League Cup
fourth round tie. Brett Angell added insult to injury by scoring what proved
to be the winning goal four minutes later.
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Ilunga seeking resolution
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 6th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
On-loan full back Herita Ilunga wants to make his season-long loan move to
West Ham permanent - but warns that he won't wait forever. Ilunga, who
arrived on loan from Toulouse back in September has settled in well to life
in East London and has confirmed via his agent, Daniel Striani, that he
hopes the deal will be made permanent. The Hammers have an option to sign
the player until April according to Striani but have not yet made their
intentions clear - despite Gianfranco Zola stating recently that he is also
keen to thrash out a deal. And the agent sent out a clear warning today that
his client will start talking to other clubs if a full time deal isn't
offered soon. "As far as Herita is concerned, he is happy to stay at the
club and at the moment he is waiting for them to use their option to sign
him on a permanent basis," Striani told Setanta. "What I can reveal to you
is that West Ham fully intend to use their buy-out clause, but I can't tell
on what day or at what time.
"He could commit his future to the London club in January, but until that
day no meeting has been arranged with West Ham's directors. "West Ham have
the situation under control and are free to do what they want. As far as we
are concerned, Herita's agents have not contacted other clubs who could be
interested in signing him because we respect West Ham. "But of course if
they don't make a move to convert his loan deal into a permanent one, then
we will adopt a different attitude."
Ilunga, who was drafted in as a replacement for George McCartney has made 18
appearances for the Hammers this season, scoring his first goal for the club
in the 3-0 win over Barnsley last weekend.
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Stoke eye Etherington move
Zola ready to let winger go
Last updated: 6th January 2009
SSN
Sky Sports News understands Stoke are in talks to sign West Ham winger
Matthew Etherington. Etherington has dropped down the pecking order in
Gianfranco Zola's plans in recent weeks despite making an impressive impact
during the early days of the Italian's tenure. The former Tottenham and
Peterborough star has made only one appearance for the Hammers since
mid-November in Saturday's FA Cup win over Barnsley. Zola has admitted he is
keen to trim his squad at Upton Park and it appears Etherington is deemed
surplus to requirements as the club look to balance the books Stoke chief
Tony Pulis has been in the market for a left-sided midfielder for some time
after trying to sign Joe Ledley during the last transfer window. Pulis has
been alerted to Etherington's availability and he is now ready to bring the
27-year-old to the Britannia Stadium.
Meanwhile, Stoke defender Abdoulaye Faye has been cleared to face Liverpool
this weekend after the Football Association admitted to an administrative
error over his disciplinary record. The FA had logged the big defender as
having five bookings after an alleged yellow card against Portsmouth in
October, but it was revealed to be a case of mistaken identity with Amdy
Faye being cautioned and not his namesake. Stoke submitted video evidence to
show that it was Amdy and not Abdoulaye Faye who had been booked during the
defeat by Portsmouth at Fratton Park. A statement on the club's official
website read: "Following an enquiry and submission of video evidence made by
the club, the booking has now been changed in The FA's records, meaning
Abdoulaye is free to feature this weekend."
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Hammers out to net Nsereko
Zola in talks to sign German starlet
Last updated: 6th January 2009
SSN
Savio Nsereko's agent claims West Ham are showing interest in signing the
Brescia striker. The Germany Under 19 international is regarded as one of
the brightest young prospects in Europe after being voted the best player at
the European Under-19 Championship. West Ham's sporting director Gianluca
Nani is believed to have been keeping tabs on Nsereko's progress with the
Italian knowing the player from his time at Brescia. A number of clubs,
including Roma, Napoli and Genoa, are all believed to be keen on Nsereko and
the player's agent Patrick Bastianelli claims he held talks with West Ham
last week over a possible move to Upton Park. Bastianelli claims Gianfranco
Zola is keen on signing Nsereko and that they could sign him this month and
immediately loan him back to Brescia. "The sporting director of West Ham is
Gianluca Nani, former sports director of Brescia, who knows very well the
qualities of Savio," Bastianelli told Tutto Napoli. "We talked about Savio
no more than a week ago. "In those talks Gianluca confirmed his will, and
that of Zola's, to bring the player to West Ham. "I believe that Savio will
stay in Brescia until the end of the season, but there is a possibility that
he could be bought in January and left in Brescia."
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Manchester City include Michael Johnson in deal to sign Scott Parker
Window watch
The Times
Gary Jacob
West Ham United were in talks last night to sell Matthew Etherington to
Stoke City and are considering Manchester City's revised offer for Scott
Parker, which includes Michael Johnson moving in the opposite direction.
City have offered about £4 million plus the England Under-21 midfield
player, who signed a new five-year contract in September, when he was
attracting interest from Everton and Arsenal. Johnson, 20, gained
recognition for the form that he showed at the start of last season but a
pelvic injury has restricted him to eight appearances this campaign. West
Ham turned down City's initial £15 million combined bid for Parker and Craig
Bellamy last week.
Stoke have been looking for a left winger since they had a £6 million offer
for Joe Ledley, the Cardiff City player, rejected in the summer. Etherington
is expected to cost about £3.5 million.
West Ham are also in talks with Brescia, the Serie B club, to sign Savio
Nsereko, 19, and Bartosz Salamon, a 17-year-old Polish midfield player.
Nsereko, who was born in Uganda but has German citizenship, is one of the
most promising forwards in Italy.
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Kolo Toure Out If Arsenal Buy Matthew Upson?
Goal.com
The Gunners could sacrifice their Ivorian centre-half if they manage to
brick back one of their former flops...
According to The Daily Mail, Arsenal will grant Kolo Toure's transfer
request if they succeed in re-signing Matthew Upson from West Ham United.
Toure has, to many pundits' amazement, fallen down the ranks at the Emirates
this term, despite being considered one of the Premier League's top
defenders. And after a monumental bust-up with William Gallas, the
longest-serving player on the Gunners' roster is desperate to leave
Ashburton Grove for pastures new. Manchester City have reportedly made an
£8 million offer for the 27-year-old, but Arsene Wenger announced recently
that he would not let Toure leave. Nonetheless, the Arsenal manager has been
scouting out potential replacements for the Ivory Coast star, and he is
thought to have singled out Upson as his top target - not for the first
time. The England centre-back endured an uncertain six years on the books at
Highbury after signing from Luton Town in 1997. Opportunities were scarce
with Tony Adams, Steve Bould and Martin Keown around, and matters weren't
helped by injuries and the arrivals of Sol Campbell and, of course, a
certain Mr Toure.
But the Suffolk native has well and truly rebuilt his reputation in the six
years since being sold to Birmingham City in January 2003. Four impressive
years at St Andrew's saw him earn a move to West Ham, where he has gone from
strength to strength and worked his way back into the international fold
under Fabio Capello.
The Hammers have stressed that they won't sell their star players to ease
their crippling financial situation, but a bid of £10 million or more -
roughly what Man City are now prepared to pay for Toure - could give the
high-ups at Upton Park something to think about.
Mike Maguire, Goal.com
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Prize players are not for sale but Bellamy is a special case, say Hammers
Upson and Parker are staying put
We do not need to sell club, claims source
Jamie Jackson The Guardian, Wednesday 7 January 2009
Rather than see West Ham United's best players sold the manager, Gianfranco
Zola, and sporting director, Gianluca Nani, are hoping to bolster their
squad in the transfer window despite the financial difficulties of the
club's owner, Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson.
An executive close to the Icelandic businessman said that, although West Ham
is officially for sale as the owner fights to prevent the holding company
Hansa being declared insolvent, the east London club may be withdrawn from
the market if a buyer is not found in "the next six to eight weeks" and
other avenues explored.
"We don't need to sell the club – other alternatives in liaison with our
banks can be examined about how else to proceed if we need to," the source
said. "We could hold out for a year or two years. It is important to know we
do not need to sell."
Gudmundsson has debts of more than £50m after the collapse of the Icelandic
bank Landsbanki, in which he held a 41% stake. This has caused a number of
clubs to make inquiries about the availability of Scott Parker, Craig
Bellamy and Matthew Upson, the prize playing assets at West Ham. But all
offers have been refused, the executive confirmed, with the club determined
to hold on to all three, though the club accept that Bellamy is the most
likely of the trio to leave as he is keen to depart. Injuries and sporadic
form have limited the Welshman to 19 league starts and six goals since
joining in July 2007.
"Zola, Nani and [the chief executive] Scott Duxbury are sure about Upson and
Parker but not as certain about Bellamy as he has a strong mind. Parker
knows the feeling of being a good player and staying on the bench at
Chelsea," the source said of the midfielder's 18 months at Stamford Bridge
that yielded him only nine league starts before he left for Newcastle United
two summers ago.
Parker, though, would be guaranteed a regular starting place under City's
manager, Mark Hughes, and with the club reportedly prepared to offer him a
£100,000 a week, the 29-year-old may be willing to listen. West Ham are
intent on trimming their squad to 20 outfield players but hope to do so by
selling fringe players. Whoever is sold, the club confirmed Zola and Nani
hope to recruit this month.
"No major stars but young, good players," a source confirmed. One could be
Savio Nsereko, according to the Brescia striker's agent, Patrick
Bastianelli, who claimed the Germany Under-19 international could be bought
and loaned back to the Italian club. "The sporting director of West Ham is
Gianluca Nani, former sports director of Brescia, who knows very well the
qualities of Savio," Bastianelli said. "We talked about Savio no more than a
week ago. In those talks Gianluca confirmed his will, and that of Zola's, to
bring the player to West Ham."
Herita Ilunga, the 26-year-old Toulose left-back currently on-loan at West
Ham and playing regularly under Zola may also be signed permanently. "As far
as Herita is concerned, he is happy to stay at the club and at the moment he
is waiting for them to use their option to sign him on a permanent basis,"
his agent Daniel Striani said.
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Hammers sell Davenport and Etherington to keep their aces
'Surplus' players go to Bolton and Stoke in bid to retain Bellamy and Parker
By Jason Burt
Wednesday, 7 January 2009
Independent.co.uk
West Ham United have agreed to sell Matthew Etherington to Stoke City for
£4m and Calum Davenport to Bolton Wanderers for £3m in deals, expected to be
completed today or tomorrow, which have major ramifications for the attempts
by other clubs to prise away some of their prize assets such as Craig
Bellamy, Scott Parker and Matthew Upson.
The £7m West Ham will receive for Etherington and Davenport, who have been
deemed surplus to requirements by the manager, Gianfranco Zola, will
alleviate pressure on the club to sell anyone else in the January transfer
window. Any savings that had to be made have now been completed.
It means West Ham would need a bid of around £15m to persuade them even to
consider selling any of their in-demand players – or others who have been
attracting attention such as the goalkeeper Robert Green or Valon Behrami.
Even then the chief executive, Scott Duxbury, has promised any final
decision on a sale will rest with Zola.
West Ham are delighted with the deals to sell Etherington and Davenport, who
are on a list of fringe players compiled by Zola in conjunction with Duxbury
and the technical director, Gianluca Nani. The Hammers would sell Julien
Faubert, and there has been interest from Nantes, although the French club
have balked at his wage demands, and Luis Boa Morte along with Nigel
Quashie, but only if the deal was right.
The money gained from such transfers will be ploughed back into the running
of the club, which is up for sale after its owner, the Icelandic businessman
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, was been hit hard by the world economic crisis,
which has particularly affected his own country.
Gudmundsson is keen to sell before a court-set deadline of March although
despite interest from a number of parties, no one has yet met his asking
price, which is probably closer to £150m rather than the £250m quoted.
All of this had appeared to place West Ham in a vulnerable position,
although the club have been quick to stress that they are well run and a
viable concern, not in need of funding from Gudmundsson. West Ham have also
been angered by suggestions that they will conduct a fire sale this month to
try to stave of a suspected financial shortfall.
To back that up Duxbury has already rejected a £6m bid from Tottenham
Hotspur for Bellamy and a £15m offer from Manchester City for Bellamy and
Parker, and has strongly maintained that West Ham do not need to sell. The
club deny they have been offered £11m by Aston Villa for Upson – who also
interests Newcastle United and Arsenal – but are adamant that any such offer
for the central defender would be rejected.
Upson has held talks with West Ham and has told the club that he is happy to
remain at Upton Park, where he has forged an impressive partnership with the
Welsh international James Collins. It is partly because of that, and the
recall from loan of the promising James Tomkins, that Davenport, 26, who
arrived from Tottenham for £3m in January 2007 soon after the Icelandic
takeover, has been sold to Bolton.
Similarly Etherington, 27, who was also signed from Spurs, in 2003, in a
cash-plus-player deal involving Frédi Kanouté going to White Hart Lane, has
been identified as a player who can leave because West Ham have cover in his
position even though he has made 15 appearances this season. Stoke have long
tracked the left-winger, who was also the subject – two years ago – of
interest from Wigan Athletic.
West Ham are keen to hold on to both Bellamy and Parker, although it is
understood that the players have been interested in talking to their
suitors. Parker, in particular, would like to hold talks with City but has
been told he will be staying put.
The agent of Herita Ilunga has claimed that the left-back is close to
signing a permanent contract at Upton Park, where he is on loan from French
club Toulouse. Ilunga has been a huge success since he was signed last
summer to replace George McCartney, who was sold to Sunderland for £6m.
Daniel Striani, one of the 26-year-old Congolese international's
representatives, said yesterday: "What I can tell you is that West Ham
intend to use their buyout clause, but I can't tell you on what day or what
time. He could commit his future to West Ham in January."
Under the Hammers: How West Ham have cashed in on the Premier League's
bidding war
* West Ham have a commendable record in maximising profits on players. Rio
Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and Glen Johnson were all products of the
Hammers' youth system sold for high amounts. Ferdinand joined Leeds United
for £18m in 2000, five months after Lampard's sale to Chelsea garnered £11m.
Cole (£6.6m) and Johnson (£6m) also both moved to Stamford Bridge, in 2003
* After paying Charlton Athletic £1.4m compensation for Jermain Defoe, the
Hammers sold him to Tottenham Hotspur for £7m in 2004. Nigel Reo-Coker and
Marlon Harewood raised a combined £11.5m in moving to Aston Villa in 2007,
while Bobby Zamora joined Fulham for £4.8m last summer.
* George McCartney was re-sold to Sunderland for £4.5m, two years after
costing the Hammers just £600,000. Anton Ferdinand also joined the Black
Cats, for a cool £8m.
* They don't always get it right, though... Michael Carrick was sold to
Spurs for £2.75m in 2004, who then sold him for £18.6m to Manchester United
two years later.
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Etherington to Stoke?
West Ham Till I Die
Latest transfer gossip is that Matty Etherington is in talks with Stoke
City. I hope this is not true as I am a bit of a fan of Mr Etherington. But
his off field activities and injuries may have led to Zola losing patience
with him. I hope that is not the case. He is one of the few players who can
run at a defence and cause havoc. We need wide players and apart from Kieron
Dyer, he is the only one we have.
Whatever happens, I hope we will not him go on the cheap. He's still fairly
young (26?) and has got to be worth upwards of £3.5 million.
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Boa vows to beat boo-boys
Sport.co.uk
Author: Nigel Brown
Luis Boa Morte has vowed to beat the West Ham boo-boys and fight to avoid
becoming part of the club's January fire sale. The Hammers are desperate to
cut the Upton Park wage bill with fringe players Jon Spector, Jimmy Walker,
Nigel Quashie and Calum Davenport all expected to leave before the end of
the month.Boss Gianfranco Zola has already stated his intention to trim the
squad with Boa Morte another tipped to leave following interest from Cardiff
City and Portuguese side Braga. But the former Arsenal and Fulham man says
he is determined to prove his worth - despite being a constant victim of the
West Ham boo boys. "It is not nice when you get booed but it is up to the
fans," he said. "I just want them to know that I am playing for the club and
giving my full commitment every time I play. I am a West Ham player and try
to make sure what I do helps the club and the team. "The gaffer is giving me
these little chances and I have to grab them with both hands. "I need to put
my game in place and all I try to do is try to do the best I can for the
team - not to make any mistakes and help the team get three points and win
matches."
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West Ham to seal permanent Ilunga deal and plan raid for Brescia striker
Savio Nsereko
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 4:21 AM on 07th January 2009
Daily Mail
West Ham are poised to sign on loan Toulouse full-back Herita Ilunga on a
permanent deal, according to the Congo international's agent. Ilunga, 26,
has been an ever-present in the Hammers line-up since his arrival at Upton
Park last September and celebrated his first goal for the Barclays Premier
League club last weekend in the 3-0 FA Cup third round victory over
Barnsley. The player's representative, Daniel Striani, said: 'As far as
Herita is concerned, he is happy to stay at the club and at the moment he is
waiting for them to use their option to sign him on a permanent basis.'
Meawnhile, the hard-up east London club have been linked with a move for
Germany Under-19 international Savio Nsereko, according to the Brescia
striker's agent. The highly-rated youngster is said to have attracted
interest from the Hammers after he was recommended to manager Gianfranco
Zola by technical director Gianluca Nani, who previously held the sports
director capacity at the Italian club. 'The sporting director of West Ham is
Gianluca Nani, former sports director of Brescia, who knows very well the
qualities of Savio,' revealed Patrick Bastianelli, hinting the promising
attacker could be bought and loaned back to Brescia. 'We talked about Savio
no more than a week ago. In those talks Gianluca confirmed his will, and
that of Zola's, to bring the player to West Ham,' he added. Nsereko, 19, has
a growing reputation on the Continent having been named the best player at
last year's Under-19 European Championships, which Germany won by defeating
Italy in the final.
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