WHUFC.com
Four West Ham United players were in action for their various loan clubs at the weekend
19.01.2009
Lee Bowyer began his loan spell at Birmingham City by scoring a dramatic late equaliser for the Blues in their 1-1 Championship draw with Cardiff City on Saturday.
The West Ham United midfielder, who has joined the promotion-chasers until May, struck in the final minute as Alec McLeish's side snatched a point at St Andrews. Birmingham are third in the Championship table following Saturday's draw, two points behind second-placed Reading, and could rise above the Royals with a win over Blackpool on Saturday. Nigel Quashie, who is also on loan at Birmingham from West Ham United, was not in City's matchday squad.
Goalkeeper Jimmy Walker was again in fine form as Colchester United's rise up the League One table continued with a 3-1 win over Cheltenham Town. The U's are now eleventh in the standings, having won five and lost just one of the eight league matches Walker has played since moving to the Weston Homes Community Stadium at the end of November.
Junior Stanislas completed his six-week loan spell at Southend United by playing the first half of the Shrimpers' 3-1 League One defeat at Stockport County. The England Under-19 winger made nine appearances for the Essex side, scoring three goals. Southend manager Steve Tilson thanked the 19-year-old, who played in both the original FA Cup third round tie and replay against Premier League giants Chelsea, for his efforts. "Junior did well in the matches he played in and we are grateful to West Ham for allowing him out on loan," said Tilson.
Young left-back Joe Widdowson made his debut for League Two Grimsby Town in the Mariners' superb 1-0 win at top-of-the-table Wycombe Wanderers. Grimsby were playing their first match since 28 December due to two matches being postponed through bad weather.
Elsewhere, winger Kyel Reid was not involved for Championship leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers in their 2-2 draw at Bristol City. The 21-year-old joined Mick McCarthy's side on loan until the end of the season last Thursday and will hope to make his bow for Wolves in Saturday's FA Cup fourth round tie with Middlesbrough at Molineux.
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On This Day: 19 January
WHUFC.com
Former miner Tommy Hodgson and a victory over Preston North End both feature today
19.01.2009
On This Day: 19 January
Anniversary
Name: Tommy Hodgson
Date of birth: 19 January 1903
Clubs: Hetton Colliery, West Ham United, South Luton Town
Born in Hetton-le-Hole, County Durham, on 19 January 1903, Tommy Hodgson was a no-nonsense full-back who worked as a coal miner before being snapped up by West Ham United in 1921. A regular in the Hammers defence, Hodgson would have totalled far more than the 92 first-team appearances he made for the club had his career not been blighted by illness and injury.
Brought to London from works side Hetton Colliery, the defender made his debut in a 3-1 defeat at Blackpool on the final day of the 1921/22 season. Hodgson would go on to become a member of West Ham United's famed '5-H' quintet of himself, Edward Hufton, Jack Hebden, William Henderson and George Horler.
Hodgson was not part of the club's run to the final of the FA Cup in 1923, but returned to the side and featured regularly until joining South Luton Town in 1930. In Bedfordshire, he would become a legend, representing the club that would later become known is Luton Town as player, captain, director, managing director, chairman and president. He would also lead Luton out at Wembley in the Hatters' 2-1 FA Cup final defeat to Nottingham Forest in 1959. Hodgson passed away in 1989.
Classic Match
West Ham United 2-0 Preston North End
Second Division
19 January 1980
West Ham United, who would end the season by lifting the FA Cup at Wembley, were in the middle of an eight-match Second Division unbeaten run when Preston North End arrived at the Boleyn Ground for the club's third league fixture of the new decade.
It took some 55 minutes for the Hammers to break down the visitors' resistance however, when Ray Stewart converted from the penalty spot. North End manager Nobby Stiles, who won the World Cup alongside Bobby Moore, Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst 14 years previously, would have no complaints about referee Toseland's decision to penalise Don O'Riordan for clattering into Geoff Pike.
The home side's second goal would arrive courtesy of Paul Allen with 13 minutes remaining, the youngster taking advantage of a handling error by Preston goalkeeper Roy Tunks to secure victory for the Hammers. The game also saw Billy Bonds accidentally kicked in the head by defensive partner Alvin Martin, causing a wound that required seven stitches.
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Zola backs striker for England call-up
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 19th January 2009
By: Thomas Rooney
Overall, things are looking a lot better for West Ham than they were a few weeks ago. The 3-1 victory over Fulham on Sunday moved the Hammers up to eighth place in the Premier League and a relatively comfortable eight points above the drop zone.
Gianfranco Zola's men have now won four of their last five games in all competitions and it seems that the Italian's hard work on this team is paying off. The players are looking more confident, they are working harder than ever and Zola is stamping his authority all over the place. Of course, it could all go wrong again as that's the nature of this league, but for now it's all good.
The only downer of the weekend was the revelation that Craig Bellamy is probably on his way to Manchester City. The striker was left out of the squad for the Fulham win and even though Zola tried to claim he 'wasn't fit', it was obvious that Bellamy had probably played his last game for West Ham.
In my piece for KUMB last week I claimed that Bellamy's future could dictate the way in which West Ham's season pans out. Having watched the team against Fulham though, perhaps I was a little hasty. The team was full of players that wanted to play for the club, something that Bellamy clearly does not.
One man in particular was impressive – Mr Carlton Cole. The former Chelsea man was a significant presence throughout and his superb second half display was deservedly rewarded with a goal that sealed the points for West Ham.
Cole was also the man who was fouled for the Hammers penalty in the second half and I think it is clear to see that he was involved in most things that West Ham did well going forward. As a result of this, the 25-year-old has won some significant praise from his manager.
Zola believes that the forward has a lot of potential and that he can become even 'better than he is' right now. The West Ham boss then went on to say that Cole has 'all the qualities' to become an England player at some point during 2009.
Speaking specifically about Cole's performance against Fulham, Zola said that he 'changed the game around' in the second half with his robust display. He was assisted by 'ten fantastic players' according to the manager though, as he tries his best not to single out one player in particular.
As for the player himself, well he is keeping his feet very firmly on the ground after notching a goal in each of West Ham's last five fixtures. He says that the 'manager putting faith' in him has helped a great deal to increase his confidence and this, along with the help of his team-mates, has assisted his progress.
It is important that Cole continues this good form though if he is to stake a claim for an England place. I'm not sure Fabio Capello will be picking him on the back of five or six performances, so he needs to continue to perform for West Ham for the rest of the season. That's all he can do for now. Then, maybe the football odds will expect him to be in contention for the 2010 World Cup.
As for his strike partner on Sunday, David Di Michele took his goal well. However, I'm not convinced he is the long-term answer in terms of replacing Craig Bellamy. I wouldn't place any of my football betting money on him scoring each week, so perhaps Zola needs to use the Bellamy money to sign partner for the in-form Carlton Cole.
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Man City agree price for Bellamy
By Sam Lyon
BBC.co.uk
Manchester City have agreed a fee with West Ham to sign striker Craig Bellamy, the London club have confirmed. The Welshman was left out of the squad for Sunday's 3-1 win over Fulham after making it clear to club officials on Friday that he wanted to leave. And the Hammers thrashed out a deal with City on Sunday after resigning themselves to losing the 29-year-old. The fee is thought to be £14m, while Spurs' interest has ended after West Ham refused to do business with them. Tottenham were Bellamy's first choice of club, but the Hammers are reluctant to sell to their London rivals and always preferred the option of selling to City. Bellamy is now expected to travel to Eastlands on Monday to discuss personal terms, although it appears that will be a formality with City ready to offer him a bumper contract. The development appears to have ended one of the hottest transfer stories of the January transfer window so far, despite the Hammers' desire to keep hold of a player who has four goals in his last four league games, helping the Londoners up to eighth in the table. West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury revealed to BBC Sport that he had rejected six bids for Bellamy, thought to be from City and Tottenham, earlier in the month.
However, BBC Sport understands Bellamy, who had a transfer request turned down at the start of last week, walked out of training on Friday after telling the club he wanted to leave. And it now looks certain the move, the eighth of Bellamy's career, will go ahead, reuniting the striker with former Wales manager and assistant Mark Hughes and Mark Bowen. Bowen had told BBC Sport on Thursday: "Of course we're interested in Craig Bellamy, he is a player we very much admire and we are hopeful we can bring him to Manchester City. "We've known Craig for many years, and had him at Blackburn Rovers, and we know what he brings to any team he plays for. "It does make me smile as I think he is one of those players who you either love or hate. But fans of teams that he has played for love him and know what he gave for their team."
Bellamy, who joined West Ham for £7.5m last season, has previously had spells at Norwich, Coventry, Newcastle, Celtic, Blackburn and Liverpool - and has 16 goals in 54 appearances for Wales. Meanwhile, Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola says he will be able to use the money received for Bellamy to buy a replacement, despite the club's financial problems and suggestions owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson is looking to sell. "If he doesn't want to stay we can't do anything about it," said Zola. "The player has told me his wishes and I respect that, so I stand by him. "He wants to have another experience and go to another club where he might think he will get something better. Sometimes it happens. "I will get the money to spend on other players. We are looking at targets."
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Hammers target Viola hit-man
Osvaldo could be replacement for Bellamy
Last updated: 19th January 2009
SSN
West Ham are lining up a move for Fiorentina striker Pablo Daniel Osvaldo as a possible replacement for Craig Bellamy. Bellamy is on the verge of a move away from Upton Park after West Ham agreed a fee with Manchester City for the Welshman. Zola is hopeful of being given funds to fill the void created by Bellamy's impending departure and he has earmarked a move for Osvaldo. Fiorentina are believed to be open to offers for Osvaldo and the news has alerted West Ham to his availability. West Ham are thought to be exploring the option of signing Osvaldo on loan with a view to a permanent deal if he impresses. However, they could face competition for Osvaldo from Bologna who are keen to keep the former Italian Under 21 international in Serie A.
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Bellamy to have City medical
Welsh flyer set to link up with Hughes once again
Last updated: 19th January 2009
SSN
Sky Sports News understands West Ham striker Craig Bellamy will have a medical with Manchester City on Monday. Bellamy is set to travel to Manchester to undergo a routine medical and thrash out personal terms after a fee for his services was agreed over the weekend. Bellamy, who did not take part in Sunday's 3-1 win over Fulham at Upton Park, reportedly requested a transfer last week after City had three bids rejected for his services. However, City remained undeterred in their pursuit of the 29-year-old and the Eastlands side have now struck an agreement with The Hammers.
West Ham have not divulged the exact fee for the former Liverpool, Blackburn and Newcastle man, but Sky Sports News chief news reporter Bryan Swanson understands the deal is worth up to £14million. Tottenham had also reportedly been in the running for Bellamy's services, but it seems the fleet-footed striker is now set to rejoin for Rovers boss Hughes at City. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola is now certain to step up his search for a new striker after previously confirming he would be able to spend the funds from Bellamy's sale on attacking reinforcements.
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Cope And Prosper
Just Like My Dreams
Craig Bellamy has been given permission to talk to Manchester City after the club agreed a fee with West Ham United for his transfer last night. There are conflicting media reports regarding the actual sum involved, with the figure variously reported to be between £10 million and a possible £15million. The Times understands the offer to be £12million upfront plus a further £2million in additional payments, while the Mail insist City have agreed to pay an initial £10million for the 29-year-old striker, with an additional £2million to follow related to performance. Whatever the truth, Bellamy is scheduled to undergo a medical at the City of Manchester Stadium, with City expected to confirm the deal later today.
Bellamy would be the second arrival at the City of Manchester Stadium this month after they signed Wayne Bridge, the left back, from Chelsea, also for £12 million. The Mail states Bellamy's advisers were sorting out personal terms last night, with the Wales international thought to be keen on linking up again with his former national team boss Mark Hughes. The dramatic movement in City's transfer activity will come as a relief to manager Mark Hughes who has, because of West Ham's unwillingness to sell to their local rivals Tottenham Hotspur, finally succeeded in landing Bellamy.
The player walked out of West Ham on Friday after demanding that he be allowed to leave the club for Spurs who had bid £12m for him. In all, West Ham rejected six bids from Spurs and City for Bellamy as they held out to get as close as possible to their £15m valuation for the Welsh international. Last night Spurs manager Harry Redknapp conceded defeat, even though he felt he had persuaded Bellamy to move to White Hart Lane. However, in a series of discussions West Ham's chief executive Scott Duxbury reiterated the club's stance that they would not sell to Spurs and especially under the circumstances which led to Bellamy being left out of the squad for yesterday's home victory over Fulham.
The Times reports that Bellamy acknowledged that West Ham have been willing to sell him in an attempt to reduce their bank overdraft. He accepted that and believed that he had a verbal agreement with West Ham to talk to any club bidding more than £10 million. He was, therefore, angered when he was not given permission to talk to Tottenham last week when they offered an initial £10 million, rising by £2 million on appearances. West Ham turned down the offer, in part, because they did not want to sell to their London rivals, but also they want an initial £12 million transfer fee. West Ham have preferred that Bellamy joins City and the player, who often returns to his family home in Cardiff, is understood to be happy to move to City.
"Once Manchester City are in for a player, the rest of us have no chance," Harry Redknapp, the Tottenham manager, said. "They outbid and out-pay. It is difficult to get him now." Meanwhile, Redknapp wishes to locate the mole who keeps leaking his transfer business to the national media. This is puzzling, muses Martin Samuel in today's Mail, as the person who could be seen on Sky Sports News talking up the talents of Bellamy when the transfer window opened did not look much like a burrowing mammal of the family Talpidae. He did, however, look very much like Harry Redknapp.
As Craig Bellamy headed north for talks aimed at joining the sky blue revolution at Eastlands, the team he leaves behind believe they can cope and prosper and will invest the income. Gianfranco Zola wants the situation sorted out in the next 48 hours so he can get to work on finding a replacement. The Italian confirmed he has been assured by the board that he will be given the money from Bellamy's sale. "Yes, I will get the money," he said. "We are looking for a replacement and we will find something. It is important to deal with the situation as soon as possible. I haven't set a deadline, but it needs to be soon because I need to get on with my squad. I need to work out how we can sort things out, so it needs to be quick. My job is to make it work on the pitch and that is what I am trying to do. The club will deal with all the other matters. They know what I think about the situation and that is enough."
The Telegraph states Zola has been promised the profits from the sale to bolster his squad and one target is expected to be Cardiff captain Joe Ledley, who could be lured to Upton Park for around £5million. West Ham have a tradition of signing Welsh players; presently in the squad are Welshmen Danny Gabbidon (allegedly), Bellamy, James Collins and Jack Collison. Stoke failed in a bid to sign Ledley in August, and they could attempt to hijack West Ham's move. With his contract expiring in 18 months and with a new stadium to finance, Cardiff could accept a reasonable bid before the curtain comes down on the transfer window on Feb 2. Ledley is 22 on Friday but has already reached the milestone of 200 games for Cardiff, achieved at the weekend, when it is understood he was watched by West Ham representatives.
The Guardian agree that Gianfranco Zola has been assured that he will be allowed to reinvest the proceeds from Bellamy's sale. They think the club are considering Pablo Daniel Osvaldo as a replacement after the former Italy Under-21 striker was told that he can leave Fiorentina if they receive a £7 million transfer fee. Bologna are also interested in Osvaldo, but want to offer Massimo Marazzina, the striker, as part of the deal.
Posted by Trilby at 09:33
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Bellamy could have earned a season ticket on Man City's bench
Last updated at 12:04 PM on 19th January 2009
Daily Mail
Craig Bellamy enjoyed one of the best spells in his career when he played for Mark Hughes at Blackburn, and the pair worked well together for Wales. Yet when his former manager wanted to take the petulant striker from West Ham to Manchester City, he preferred a move to Tottenham.
Apparently Bellamy, despite the arrogance and disrespectful attitude which saw him storm out of West Ham's training ground last week, doesn't think he will play too often at Eastlands. Now the Upton Park club have ensured that is his only option and, after forcing himself into a corner, he will have to take it. Shame. You can just imagine the outpouring of sympathy if City sign Kaka and this oh so likeable character is given a season ticket on the substitutes' bench.
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Hammers linked with Lustig
Swedish full-back generating interest
By Richard Torgerson & Kent Hedlundh Last updated: 19th January 2009
SSN
Reports in Norway suggest West Ham are keen on Rosenborg defender Mikael Lustig. The Sweden international is believed to be attracting attention from Europe's top divisions after a number of eye-catching displays for his current employers. Speculation had suggested that Gianfranco Zola's Hammers were prepared to make a move, with a £1million bid believed to be in the offing. However, Lustig's agent insists there has been no approach from England and does not expect his client to be heading for Upton Park. "It's just a rumour. There has been no contact between West Ham and Lustig." Lennart Nordgren told Adresseavisen. "I know West Ham's head scout and know that he has been checking the Scandinavian market." Rosenborg's media chief Nils Heldal has refused to comment on the speculation surrounding Lustig's future. "I have nothing to say on this," he told fotbollskanalen. "How has the interest been from other clubs? I don't wish to comment on that either. "I am sorry, but there is nothing I can say right now."
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THE INSIDER: Hammers eye Osvaldo to replace Bellamy, Spurs determined to land Palacios, Rami heading to Toon and de Jong is City-bound
By The Insider
Last updated at 1:15 PM on 19th January 2009
Daily Mail
Simon Jones is Sportsmail's man in the know for all of the transfer moves in January. His daily column offers you an insight into the deals which will be done and those that won't - and why...
(INSIDER'S RATING: 0/5 means this deal's pie in the sky. 5/5 and it's a done deal)
PABLO OSVALDO
(Fiorentina to West Ham 3/5)
Craig Bellamy's impending departure to Manchester City this morning will push West Ham into trying to find a replacement for the Wales international. One of those on the list is Argentina born Fiorentina striker Osvaldo. He is 23 and has an Italian passport. Zola knows him from his time with Italy U21s and could do a deal to bring him over on loan with view to a permanent switch in the summer. Bologna are also interested.
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Lock up your golf clubs! Here's bad boy Craig Bellamy's Top 10 bust-ups
The Mirror
By Chris Wilson, Mirror.co.uk 19/01/2009
Craig Bellamy is destined for Manchester City after West Ham accepted a bid for the bad boy striker. Having previously worked with him both at Blackburn and also the Welsh national side, you'd think Mark Hughes would know what he's letting himself in for.
But with this sort of track record, would you want Bellamy at YOUR club? Let us know by joining the debate on our Premier League Fan blog
1) In 2002 the striker was cautioned for common assault after an incident outside a Newcastle nightclub in which he was alleged to have attacked a woman.
2) Bellamy appeared before a judge again in 2006 after being accused of assaulting two women in a Cardiff nightclub. The then Liverpool player was cleared following a five-day trial at Cardiff Magistrates Court.
3) During his time at Newcastle, the petulant Welshman had a bust up with Toon assistant coach John Carver at Newcastle Airport. Bellamy threw 'quite a heavy chair' at Carver during the fracas.
4) Bellamy had a ding dong with Magpies boss Graeme Souness in 2005 after Souness reportedly asked him to play out of position in right midfield. It's believed that the striker refused to play out of position and said he'd fake an injury if asked to. He was subsequently dropped, then let rip at Souness, calling him a liar. An £80,000 fine followed for Bellamy's troubles...
5) After leaving Newcastle for Celtic, Bellamy had a pop at his old club via text message. Following Newcastle 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Man United in the 2005 FA Cup semi-final, the striker sent a string of messages to Alan Shearer calling him an old man and questioning his ability. "Your legs are gone. You're too old. You're too slow," one of the texts was reported to have read.
6) Arguably his finest hour – on or off the pitch – took place during a Liverpool training camp in the Algarve in 2007. Bellamy saw red when, during a team karaoke night, full-back John Arne Riise refused to get up and sing. The pair exchanged abuse and had to be separated by team-mates, but Bellamy wasn't finished. After the gathering had dispersed, he armed himself with a golf club, tracked down the Norwegian and allegedly took a swing at him. Bellamy later commemorated the fracas in the goal celebration
7) Bellamy's most recent managerial bust-up was with former West Ham boss Alan Curbishley. The pair got into a war of words following the Hammer's opening day defeat to Manchester City last season - Bellamy's first game for the club...
8) It's not just managers and Alan Shearer that the Welshman has had beef with, however. Possibly borne out of his days as a Norwich player, Bellamy has also taken a pop at Ipswich fans. During West Ham's pre-season clash with The Tractor Boys Bellamy was accused of abusing fans after being substituted. It was alleged that he swore at supporters and made reference to Ipswich prostitutes.
9) According to reports, he ended his West Ham career with - yes - another bust-up. After being told by bosses at the end of the week that they wouldn't sell him to his favoured destination, Spurs, Bellamy allegedly stormed out of the training ground, seemingly never to return.
10) Bellamy's aggressive attitude arguably derives from his fierce patriotism. The striker studies Welsh history and has a huge tattoo of Owain Glyndwr, the Welsh freedom fighter who led a revolt against England in 1400. Perhaps Mark Hughes will be off the hook after all...
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QUASHIE LEAVES BLUES
Blues.premiumtv.co.uk
Blues have decided not to renew the loan deal of West Ham midfielder Nigel Quashie. Quashie joined Blues on an initial one month loan deal in October 2008. His made his debut in the 1-0 win against Crystal Palace on the same day he joined he club. During his time at St. Andrew's the ex-Scotland international made 11 appearances for Alex McLeish's side, with his last start coming in the FA Cup defeat against Wolves earlier this month.
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Manchester City agree fees for Craig Bellamy and Nigel de Jong
(Andrew Couldridge)
Craig Bellamy looks set to join Manchester City
Times Online
Craig Bellamy and Nigel de Jong have been given permission to talk to Manchester City after West Ham United and SV Hamburg, their respective clubs, agreed fees for their transfers. Bellamy, the Wales forward, is expected to cost City about £14 million while De Jong, the Holland midfield player, has commanded a fee of about £18 million. Both player must now agree personal terms with the Premier League club. Bellamy demanded a move on Friday and was left out of the West Ham squad that defeated Fulham yesterday, with Gianfranco Zola, the London club's manager, saying the player was "not in the right frame of mind". Bellamy, 29, wanted to join Tottenham Hotspur, who had an equivalent bid turned down, but West Ham did not want to sell to their London rivals. However, Bellamy is understood to be happy to move to City. He was offered a fresh contract last week in a bid to keep him at Upton Park but he turned it down. "Once Manchester City are in for a player, the rest of us have no chance," Harry Redknapp, the Tottenham manager, said. "They outbid and out-pay. It is difficult to get him now."
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Bellamy undergoes Manchester City medical
By Simon Stone, PA
Monday, 19 January 2009
Independent.co.uk Web
Craig Bellamy is currently having a medical at Manchester City as his £14m move from West Ham inches closer. The Wales international flew into the north-west this morning and met chief operating officer Paul Aldridge to thrash out the details of his move. With Hamburg confirming a fee had been agreed with City for midfielder Nigel de Jong and talks beginning between Kaka, Blues chief executive Garry Cook and officials from AC Milan, it was promising to be a busy afternoon for the Eastlands outfit. Bellamy, 29, demanded a transfer to Spurs on Friday but West Ham were unwilling to sell to their rivals and also had private concerns over how his head was turned. He was left out of the squad against Fulham on Sunday, with manager Gianfranco Zola stating Bellamy was "not in the right frame of mind".
Hammers fans turned on the fiery former Blackburn and Newcastle star during the 3-1 victory, while Spurs fans also used internet forums to protest against signing the striker. Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp could still sign Wilson Palacios from Wigan, with suggestions that City would drop their interest in the Honduras midfielder after a breakthrough with Bellamy. Hughes knows Bellamy well, both with Wales and at Blackburn, and has never had a problem with the player's combustible temperament. It is not expected there will be any problem with the player's medical, and personal terms should be a formality too, given the amount of money City have at their disposal. It seems that Bellamy will not be the only new arrival at City this week, either, as De Jong should complete his £15million move from Hamburg.
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West Ham draw the line at losing another key player to Tottenham
By Laura Williamson
Last updated at 3:14 PM on 19th January 2009
Daily Mail
Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City both offered £12million for West Ham striker Craig Bellamy, but Spurs' bid was turned down by the Upton Park club. The Wales striker even expressed a desire to move to White Hart Lane, so why wouldn't West Ham sell Bellamy to Tottenham?
City were able to offer more cash up front - an attractive incentive for the Hammers, who are up for sale - but the reasons seem more political than financial. Spurs are being painted as the bad boys of the transfer window, the club flirting with relegation and trying every trick in the book to heave themselves out of trouble. In the space of a fortnight, Harry Redknapp and Co. have managed to annoy Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia over their interest in Kenwyne Jones, Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate and chief executive Keith Lamb about the protracted, possible, is-he-isn't-he move of Stewart Downing, and everyone connected with Portsmouth over Spurs' acquisition of Jermain Defoe. West Ham's refusal to allow Bellamy to don the white shirt of Tottenham is an act of defiance. By selling Bellamy to Manchester City, West Ham are telling Spurs that they can talk about Hammers' players all they like, but they ain't getting their hands on them. But the Hammers' decision not to sell to Tottenham also has a historical motive. Michael Carrick, Jermain Defoe and Frederic Kanoute all blossomed at West Ham before making the short journey to White Hart Lane and seeing out some of the best years of their careers in Spurs shirts. In 1970, World Cup winner Martin Peters made the 10-mile journey from Upton Park to White Hart Lane and an uneasy business relationship was begun, of which Tottenham seem to have come out much the better.
Martin Peters (West Ham to Spurs, March 1970, £200,000 plus Jimmy Greaves to West Ham)
Peters, who scored England's second goal in the 4-2 World Cup Final win over West Germany in 1966, joined West Ham as an apprentice in 1959.
His versatility was such that he was suggested to have played every position for the Hammers during his 11-year stint with the club, even playing as a goalkeeper in a reserve game. Peters scored 81 goals in 302 appearances for the Hammers but joined Spurs in March 1970 for a British transfer record fee, which incredibly included Spurs' all-time record scorer Jimmy Greaves, then 30, going the other way. Peters won two League Cups (1971 and 1973) and the UEFA Cup (1972) with Spurs before joining Norwich City in 1975. Greaves played for the Hammers for just a season, scoring on his debut and contributing 13 goals in 38 appearances before announcing his retirement (for the first time) in 1971.
Paul Allen (West Ham to Spurs, June 1985, £400,000)
Another West Ham academy graduate, Allen played for the Hammers from 1979 to 1985 before joining his cousin Clive at Spurs in a £400,000 deal. He stayed with the club until 1993 when he moved to Southampton for £550,000. Allen was the youngest player to play in an FA Cup final (aged 17 years and 256 days) when he appeared for the Hammers in their 1-0 victory over Arsenal in 1980. Allen's record stood until 2004, when Curtis Weston (17 years, 119 days) came on for Dennis Wise in Millwall's 3-0 loss to Manchester United.
Freddie Kanoute (West Ham to Spurs, August 2003, £4m plus Matthew Etherington to West Ham)
The striker scored 31 times in 91 games for West Ham between 2000 and 2003 before making a £4m move to Spurs in August 2003 following West Ham's relegation. The Hammers got Matthew Etherington as part of the deal, who was the club's longest-serving player until his move to Stoke this month. Kanoute kept up a decent scoring record with 21 goals in 67 appearances for Spurs before joining Sevilla in 2005 for £4.4m.
Jermain Defoe (West Ham to Spurs, Feb 2004, £7m plus Bobby Zamora to West Ham)
Defoe is up there with Paul Ince in the West Ham loyalty stakes after handing in a transfer request less than 24 hours after the club were relegated from the top tier in 2003. The striker, who flourished at West Ham after a successful loan spell at Bournemouth (19 goals in 31 appearances), eventually joined Spurs in February 2004 in a £7m swap deal that saw Bobby Zamora join West Ham. Defoe stayed at White Hart Lane until January 2008, when an 11-month sojourn at Portsmouth interrupted his Spurs' playing career. Zamora scored the Hammers' winner in the 2005 Championship play-off win that took them back to the Premier League and joined Fulham last summer for £6.3m.
Michael Carrick (West Ham to Spurs, August 2004, £3m)
Carrick, a product of West Ham's youth academy and an FA Youth Cup winner with the Hammers in 1999, stayed with the club when they were relegated in 2003 but moved to Spurs in the summer of 2004 for £3m after West Ham lost in the play-off final against Crystal Palace. The midfielder spent two seasons at White Hart Lane and moved to Manchester United in July 2006 for £18.6m - a considerable profit for Spurs.
Chris Hughton (Spurs to West Ham, December 1990, free) The full-back spent 11 years at White Hart Lane, winning the UEFA Cup in 1984 and two FA Cups in 1981 and 1982.
Hughton joined West Ham in 1990 and helped the Hammers to promotion in 1991, but his two years at Upton Park were thwarted by injury. He later returned to Spurs as reserve team boss.
Ilie Dumitrescu (Spurs to West Ham, 1995, £1.5m)
The Romanian's arrival at Spurs was marred by tabloid allegations of a sex scandal in 1994 and he was promptly shipped out on loan to Sevilla before returning to north London at the start of the 1995-96 season. A brief spell at West Ham followed but issues with his work permit meant Dumitrescu was a free agent by the summer.
Les Ferdinand (Spurs to West Ham, January 2003, nominal)
The striker spent six years with Spurs, winning the League Cup in 1999 after Tottenham beat Leicester City 1-0. He moved to West Ham in January 2003 and scored his first goal for the club against Tottenham, but could not prevent the Hammers' relegation from the Premier League and joined Leicester City on a free transfer.
Mauricio Taricco (Spurs to West Ham, November 2004, free)
The Argentine defender spent six years at White Hart Lane before joining the Hammers on a free transfer in 2004. The 31-year-old only last a week at the club after suffering an injury in a game against Millwall and walking out when he realised the injury would keep him out for two months. The Hammers' boss, Alan Pardew, called it 'one of the most honest acts' he had experienced in football as it allowed him to bring in a new player.
Calum Davenport (Spurs to West Ham, January 2007, £3m)
Davenport returned to West Ham for his second spell with the club when he signed from Spurs in January 2007 for £3m. He was loaned to the Hammers for three months when he signed for Tottenham from Coventry City in 2004, playing 10 games in the centre of defence as West Ham pushed for promotion. Davenport's second stint with West Ham has been hampered by injury. He was also loaned out to Watford for a month and has been linked with moves to Stoke, Bolton and Sunderland in the January transfer window.
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Quashie Ends Blues Stay
Setanta.co.uk
Joseph Caron Dawe , 19 January 2009
Nigel Quashie has returned to West Ham after Birmingham decided not to extend the midfielder's loan spell at St Andrews. The 30-year-old former Scotland international joined the Championship side in October on an initial one-month loan deal. Blues manager Alex McLeish twice extended Quashie's stay at the club, but has now allowed the player to return to Upton Park. "Blues have decided not to renew the loan deal of West Ham midfielder Nigel Quashie," read a Birmingham club statement. "During his time at St Andrews the ex-Scotland international made 11 appearances for Alex McLeish's side, with his last start coming in the FA Cup defeat against Wolves earlier this month." Quashie has been linked with a surprise move to Newcastle, although neither The Magpies or West Ham have commented on this.
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The official line: Dowd was spot on with penalty and yellow card for Konchesky
Last updated at 11:19 AM on 19th January 2009
Daily Mail
When Carlton Cole raced away from Paul Konchesky it certainly seemed like a goalscoring opportunity. Konchesky chased back as the 'last man' and brought Cole down for a simple penalty decision for referee Phil Dowd. The crowd wanted a red card for the ex-Hammer so why didn't Dowd dismiss Konchesky? Well, the law states that the player who is denied an obvious goalscoring opportunity must be heading towards goal and makes no reference to 'last man'. Cole was heading for the junction of the goal area and goal line, six yards wide of goal, so Dowd was right to let Konchesky stay on the field.
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Bellamy on the brink: West Ham striker having medical in Manchester ahead of £12m switch to City
By IAN LADYMAN in Milan and DAVID KENT
Last updated at 11:29 AM on 19th January 2009
Daily Mail
Craig Bellamy was today having a medical at Manchester City ahead of signing a four-year deal with the Barclays Premier League club. West Ham last night agreed a £12million fee to sell the Wales striker to City after turning down a matching offer from London rivals Tottenham. The 29-year-old is expected to complete the transfer before the end of the day, which will take the total fee for all his career transfers to about £43m.
Bellamy was photographed leaving the Lowry Hotel in Manchester today with City's chief operating officer Paul Aldridge following a night of negotiations between the north-west club and his representatives. City have agreed to pay £10m up front for the former Liverpool, Blackburn, Celtic and Newcastle striker, with an additional £2m possibly to follow related to performance. As City prepare to bring a delegation here on Tuesday to continue their negotiations over the £100m transfer of Brazilian star Kaka, manager Hughes will hope to complete the £15m signing of Hamburg midfielder Nigel de Jong.
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Ray Winstone backs West Ham legend Dicks at Wivenhoe
19.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United legend Julian Dicks is attracting big money backing for his new club, Wivenhoe. The People says Cockney actor Ray Winstone has offered financial backing to old mate Dicks, the Upton Park legend in charge at struggling Wivenhoe in the Ridgeons League Premier Division.
A source revealed: "Julian and Ray are big mates and dialogue has taken place about possible funding."
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Cats boss to step up defender hunt
TeamTalk
Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia will step up his search for a new defender this week, with West Ham's James Collins and Calum Davenport targets. The Black Cats' urgency for a defender increased after the weekend's 2-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa with both Nyron Nosworthy and Danny Collins suffering knocks. Nosworthy, who has played 16 times in the league this season, was substituted with a hamstring injury while Collins, with 19 league appearances, went off after a bang to the head. The Sunderland defence were tormented by in-form Villa winger Ashley Young before the England international was sent-off for a lunge on Dean Whitehead. More defensive frailties were highlighted when Gabriel Agbonlahor raced through only to be hacked down by Paul McShane after hesitancy by fellow defender Anton Ferdinand, resulting in the penalty which won Villa the game. West Ham duo Collins and Davenport have been touted as possible solutions to Sunderland's defensive problems, with both costing around £3million. "Nyron is going to be out for four to five weeks with a pulled hamstring," Sbragia told The Northern Echo. "He might have torn it. We knew we needed a defender anyway, but we'll have to do it quicker now. It becomes a bit more urgent now. "We knew Danny had a problem with his vision. We were going to try and get him off a little bit quicker, but he seemed to think he would be okay. "Then he came over and said he still had problems on his right-hand side."
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West Ham striker Cole insists Hammers will not miss City-bound Bellamy
By Ken Dyer and David Smith
Last updated at 10:59 AM on 19th January 2009
Daily Mail
Carlton Cole insisted today that West Ham will not miss Craig Bellamy as the club confirmed they had agreed a fee of £12million with Manchester City for the striker. The 29-year-old Welsh international was left out of yesterday's 3-1 win over London neighbours Fulham and was expected in the north west this morning to complete his medical at Eastlands. The Hammers are believed to have accepted an offer of £10m up front with related add-ons to the fee should Bellamy play in a certain number of games for City. In his absence, Cole, David di Michele and a Mark Noble penalty were enough to take three points against Fulham and extend the Hammers unbeaten run to five games. Bellamy has spent much of his two seasons at Upton Park injured and Cole believes they can shine without him. 'We proved it,' said Cole. 'Last season Craig was injured and we did well without him. I don't see why we can't do it again.'
The former Chelsea star insisted the controversy surrounding Bellamy, who stormed out on Friday after West Ham refused to give permission to talk to Spurs, has not disturbed the spirit among Gianfranco Zola's squad. He said: 'We're professionals. We get on with the job. We've had worse thrown at us. Craig is a professional player and he's got his own beliefs. We're professional, too, and we just carry on.'Craig is a massive player for us and hopefully we can get the situation resolved sooner rather than later.'
Hammers boss Zola will waste no time in is Ugandan-born Brescia striker Savio Nsereko, a German Under-19 international. Technical director Gianluca Nani, who was at Serie B Brescia before joining West Ham last season, is poised to make a £6million bid for the 19-year-old. Another possible arrival is 23-year-old Fiorentina striker Pablo Osvaldo in a loan deal, while a third player linked to West Ham over the weekend has been Inter Milan's Mario Balotelli.
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Bidders' Bellamy behaviour impresses West Ham
Manchester City, 10:30, January 19, 2009
Clubcall
Craig Bellamy is on his way to City for a medical after West Ham accepted a £14million bid and rejected a similar offer from Spurs. The Wales international has been given permission to speak to City manager Mark Hughes, after the club's bid was accepted even though a similar offer from Tottenham was rejected. Bellamy, 29, asked for a transfer to Spurs on Friday but West Ham were unwilling to sell to their local rivals. The Hammers were upset by the publicity that preceded Tottenham's formal approach and preferred the City bid - which is thought to be £14million in cash up front. Bellamy was left out of the squad that won 3-1 at home to Fulham yesterday when Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola said, the player was "not in the right frame of mind" to play.
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Craig Bellamy off to Manchester City after West Ham accept bid
The Mirror
By Mirror.co.uk 19/01/2009
West Ham have accepted a bid from Manchester City for striker Craig Bellamy. The Wales striker has been given permission to speak to City boss Mark Hughes after the Blues' bid was accepted, with an equal offer from Tottenham turned down. Bellamy, 29, demanded a transfer to Spurs on Friday but his club were unwilling to sell to their rivals and also had private concerns over how their striker's head was turned. The Hammers received bids of around £14million for their Wales international but only City's offer was accepted and Bellamy is now expected to complete a medical. Bellamy was left out of the Hammers squad which defeated Fulham yesterday, with manager Gianfranco Zola stating the player was "not in the right frame of mind".
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STANISLAS RETURNS TO WEST HAM
Posted on: Mon 19 Jan 2009
Southendunited.co.uk
Southend United winger Junior Stanislas has returned to West Ham United following the completion of his loan spell at Roots Hall. The 19-year-old wideman spent six weeks with Southend United and made nine appearances scoring three goals. However, with the left-wingers time at Roots Hall ending after Saturday's 3-1 defeat against Stockport, Stanislas has return to Upton Park. "Junior did well in the match he played in and we are grateful to West Ham for allowing him out on loan," said boss Steve Tilson. "We've a few weeks left in the transfer window and hopefully we can add a few more faces to the squad in that time."
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ZOLA: SORT THIS MESS OUT NOW
The Daily Star
19th January 2009 By Andy Rose
GIANFRANCO ZOLA has pleaded with West Ham to get rid of Craig Bellamy quickly so he can get on with spending the cash. The Welshman was dropped for yesterday's victory over Fulham after failing to turn up to training for two days running in the hope of forcing a move to Tottenham.
The Hammers have turned Zola hugs the in-form Cole after he netted the third goal down six bids for their stay-away striker and are holding out for £15m, with Manchester City also in the hunt. However, boss Zola wants the situation sorted out in the next 48 hours so he can get to work on finding a replacement. The Italian confirmed he has been assured by the board that he will be given the money from Bellamy's sale. Zola said: "Yes, I will get the money. We are looking for a replacement and we will find something. "It is important to deal with the situation as soon as possible. "I haven't set a deadline, but it needs to be soon because I need to get on with my squad. "I need to work out how we can sort things out, so it needs to be quick. My job is to make it work on the pitch and that is what I am trying to do. "The club will deal with all the other matters. They know what I think about the situation and that is enough."
Zola was still happy to lend his backing to Bellamy, even though the player wants to join Spurs and has turned down a new contract. The fans want him out, however, and made their feelings crystal clear at Upton Park by telling him to "f*** off" throughout a win which took their side up to eighth. "I don't want to comment on what the fans sang," said Zola, who admitted he is considering fining Bellamy for his actions. "He's still one of my players and I stand by all my players. I spoke to him Saturday and he gave me his reasons. "He wants another experience, to go to a club where he thinks he will get something better. He is human and thinks he can get better somewhere else and I respect that."
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson was upset with his side after they gifted West Ham all three goals. "Everyone can see they were clear errors from players who haven't been making them," said Hodgson. "Perhaps we've taken our quota of blatant mistakes in one game. "I wouldn't use that as an excuse for why we lost, though. We deserved to lose because West Ham were the better team."
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Cole: We've proved we don't rely on Bellamy
Ken Dyer and David Smith
This Is London
Carlton Cole insisted today that West Ham will not miss Craig Bellamy as the club confirmed they had agreed a fee of £12million with Manchester City for the striker. The 29-year-old Welsh international was left out of yesterday's 3-1 win over London neighbours Fulham and was expected to arrive in the North-West this morning to complete his medical at Eastlands. The Hammers are believed to have accepted an offer of £10m up front with related add-ons to the fee should Bellamy play in a certain number of games for City. In his absence, Cole, David di Michele and a Mark Noble penalty were enough to take three points against Fulham and extend the Hammers' unbeaten run to five games. Bellamy has spent much of his two seasons at Upton Park injured and Cole believes the Hammers can shine without him. "We proved it," said Cole. "Last season Craig was injured and we did well without him. I don't see why we can't do it again."
The former Chelsea player insisted the controversy surrounding Bellamy, who stormed out on Friday after West Ham refused to give him permission to talk to Spurs, has not disturbed the spirit among Gianfranco Zola's squad. Cole added: "We're professionals. We get on with the job. We've had worse thrown at us. Craig is a professional player and he's got his own beliefs. We're professional, too, and we just carry on. "Hopefully we can get the situation resolved sooner rather than later."
Hammers boss Zola will waste no time in finding a replacement for Bellamy. The favourite is is Ugandan-born Brescia striker Savio Nsereko, a German Under-19 international. Technical director Gianluca Nani, who was at Serie B Brescia before joining West Ham last season, is poised to make a £6m bid for the 19-year-old. Another possible arrival is 23-year-old Fiorentina striker Pablo Osvaldo in a loan deal, while a third player linked to West Ham over the weekend has been Inter Milan's Mario Balotelli.
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West Ham accept Manchester City bid for Craig Bellamy
Monday, January 19, 2009
Metro.co.uk
West Ham have reportedly accepted an offer for striker Craig Bellamy from Manchester City. The Wales striker has also been the subject of several bids from Tottenham but the Hammers are reluctant to do business with their London neighbours. But now City have been successful with their lastest approach for the 29-year-old, who worked with Mark Hughes when the Eastlands boss managed the Welsh national team. Bellamy has been given permission to speak to Hughes after the Blues' bid was accepted, with an equal offer from Tottenham turned down. Bellamy, 29, demanded a transfer to Spurs on Friday but his club were unwilling to sell to their rivals and also had private concerns over how their striker's head was turned. The Hammers received bids of around £14m for their Wales international but only City's offer was accepted and Bellamy is now expected to complete a medical. Bellamy was left out of the Hammers squad which defeated Fulham yesterday, with manager Gianfranco Zola stating the player was 'not in the right frame of mind'.
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West Ham Target Joe Ledley And Pablo Osvaldo
Goal.com
Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola has replacements lined-up for the outgoing Craig Bellamy. West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola is already eyeing up a number of potential acquisitions having being told he will receive transfer funds from the sale of Craig Bellamy. "If he [Bellamy] is sold I will have money to spend on a replacement," Zola is quoted as saying in British tabloid newspaper The Daily Mirror. "We are looking for someone to bring in just in case and it is important that the situation is dealt with as soon as possible. "There are only two weeks left of the transfer window and we have to get on with building a squad here. I need to know where I have to go next."
It is thought that the Hammers have agreed a fee in the region of £14 million with Manchester City for the Welsh international striker to move away from Upton Park. While it is not yet clear how much of those earnings will be provided for Zola to invest, the Italian is being linked with a £5 million bid for Cardiff City's Welsh international midfielder Joe Ledley. The left-sided 21-year-old was the subject of a £6 million offer from Stoke City in the last transfer window but while the Bluebirds turned that offer down it is thought they may accept the Irons' bid for financial reasons.
Another name being linked with a switch to the Boleyn Ground is Fiorentina striker Daniel Pablo Osvaldo. The Argentina-born former Italy under-21 international has apparently been told he can leave the Viola for €7.7 million (£7 million) but West Ham could face competition from Italian club Bologna.
Ricky Brooks, Goal.com
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LEDLEY IS ZOLA TARGET 19/01/2009
The Mirror
West Ham will this week invest the club record £14million banked from the expected sale of Craig Bellamy to Manchester City in a bid to land Cardiff's Joe Ledley. Wales captain Bellamy, who refused to play after snubbing a new Hammers deal, is expected to complete a switch to Eastlands within days. And West Ham, who saw 21-year-old Ledley (above) score a cracker in Cardiff's 1-1 draw at Birmingham on Saturday, will make a no-strings £5m offer to the Ninian Park club. Stoke saw a £6m package for talented Ledley knocked back in August, but the FA Cup finalists could be persuaded to sell their asset as the Welsh midfielder has no intention of extending a contract with the Bluebirds that has just 18 months to run. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola said: "If Bellamy is sold I will have money to spend on a replacement."
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