WHUFC.com
Hayden Mullins has left West Ham United for Portsmouth on a three-and-a-half
year contract
26.01.2009
West Ham United have allowed midfielder Hayden Mullins to join Portsmouth
for an undisclosed fee.
Mullins has been a loyal servant for the club since signing from Crystal
Palace for £800,000 in October 2003 and was the longest-serving first-team
player at the Boleyn Ground. Mullins was given permission to talk to
Portsmouth on Sunday after a substantial bid was made for his services. He
then travelled to the south-coast club to complete a medical and agree
personal terms.
The midfielder, who turns 30 in March, played 178 league games for the club,
scoring four goals. However, he had started just eight games in all
competitions this campaign, along with 13 appearances off the bench. The
Reading-born player has agreed a three-and-a-half year contract at Fratton
Park.
West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola said: "I wish Hayden well for the
future. I did not want to lose him but at this point in his career he wanted
to play regularly and I respect his wishes. He asked me if he could talk to
Portsmouth and I could have said 'No' but he is a man that has shown this
club a lot of respect. He has been loyal and it would not have been fair to
stand in his way."
West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury said: "I would like to thank Hayden for
his valued contribution. I wish him well and have no doubt that our
supporters will give him a good reception whenever he returns. Gianfranco
has been clear about allowing players on the fringes to get first-team
football elsewhere if the opportunity arises and - given the fee, his age
and his desire to play regularly - this deal is good for all parties.
"The manager has also spoken about improving the squad and I am working
closely with him and technical director Gianluca Nani to make this happen.
Any new arrivals will complement our blend of experienced internationals and
homegrown youngsters. Our aim is simply to continue progressing in the
league and the FA Cup, and build for the future at West Ham United."
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Cup hat-trick for Tomka
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's young defender has not conceded a single goal in three cup
ties this season
26.01.2009
When it comes to cup competitions, James Tomkins is rapidly becoming a lucky
charm.
The West Ham United defender has started three ties this season - a Carling
Cup quarter-final while on loan at Derby County and two FA Cup matches for
the Hammers - and won all three without conceding a single goal.
The 19-year-old central defender was part of the Rams' side that beat
Premier League Stoke City 1-0 at the Britannia Stadium in early December. He
then returned to the Boleyn Ground to help West Ham United overcome Barnsley
3-0 in the FA Cup third round. Tomkins completed a hat-trick of knockout
victories in Saturday's 2-0 victory at Hartlepool United.
"It's brilliant. Hopefully we can keep this run going in the cup. The FA Cup
is a brilliant competition. Obviously it's my first experience of this
tournament. I'm enjoying it and want to go as far as we can in it."
Tomkins enjoyed his latest cup excursion, relishing the test posed by
Hartlepool's Australian striker Joel Porter and on-loan Watford forward Liam
Henderson at Victoria Park.
"They were physically strong and caused us some difficulties but I thought
we fought well and won our battles all over the pitch. We came through and
the two goals were very important. They came within the space of a few
minutes and killed them off really. In the second half, they still kept
coming at us to be fair to them, but we coped well with it all over the
pitch.
"They had a few good strikers. Obviously Porter is quite an experienced
player and they also had a few younger lads who came on and were quite
quick. We had to be on our guard but we kept a clean sheet and we were
always likely to score goals with the team that we've got."
After making his Hammers first-team bow at the tail-end of last season, when
he made six Premier League appearances, Tomkins suffered a calf injury at
this summer's European Under-19 Championship finals in the Czech Republic.
However, he is now back to full fitness and eager to earn more playing time
in Gianfranco Zola's side.
"Obviously it was brilliant for me [to play at Hartlepool]. I also played
against Barnsley which was good and we've kept two clean sheets. If I can
keep impressing the manager then it will help me, but the way we're playing
at the moment it's going to be difficult for me to break into the team in
the Premier League. He's given me two run outs in the FA Cup so hopefully I
can impress him and he can depend on me when he needs me."
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Youths win again
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Under-18s made it two wins from two in 2009 with a
convincing win at Ipswich Town
25.01.2009
Tony Carr's West Ham United Under-18s coasted to a 3-0 win at Ipswich Town
on Saturday despite playing the majority of the second half with ten men.
United started well are were unlucky not to be ahead within a minute as
Danny Kearns' free-kick hit the inside of the post and bounced out. They
were not to be denied for long, though, as 19 minutes later Ollie Lee gave
them the lead when he drilled home an Anthony Edgar cut-back from 12 yards.
The lead was doubled when a good move involving Kearns, Lee and Ahmed
Abdulla set Anthony Edgar through with just the goalkeeper to beat and he
prodded the ball into the back of the net.
It was not to be all plain sailing for United, though, as they had Christian
Montano sent off for a strong tackle ten minutes into the second half. This
presented them with a different kind of challenge and it was one that they
rose to admirably, putting their bodies in the way of everything Ipswich
threw at them.
After soaking up the pressure for most of the second half, Carr's side made
sure of the win with a superb third with ten minutes remaining. Jordan Brown
picked up the ball on the left and crossed for Abdulla and the striker
finished with a spectacular overhead kick.
After the match, academy director Carr felt the experience of going a man
down would help his young side's development. He said: "A clean sheet and
terrific win that makes it two in a row after our winter break.
"I think going down to ten men in the second half taught us that there are
other aspects of the game that you have to perform in order to win. We had
to work hard and chase the ball backwards and forwards. They had lots of
possession but very rarely threatened because we defended deep and in
numbers and full credit to the lads for keeping them out."
West Ham United: Loveday, Smith, McNaughton, Fry, Brown, Okus (Subuola 80),
Kearns (Werndly 85), Lee, Abdulla (Grasser 80), Edgar, Montano.
Sub not used: Mehmet
Goals: Lee (20), Edgar (30), Abdulla (80)
Sent off: Montano (55)
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West Ham complete Nsereko signing
By Simon Austin
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have signed Brescia striker Savio Nsereko and will confirm his
capture later on Monday. The Uganda-born forward will be a direct
replacement for Craig Bellamy, who moved to Manchester City last week. The
fee for Nsereko, 19, has not been revealed but it is expected to be a club
record, topping the £7.5m West Ham paid Liverpool for Bellamy in 2007.
Hammers technical director Gianluca Nani worked with Germany under-19 star
Nsereko when he was at Brescia. The striker can play in a variety of
attacking positions and was named player of the tournament at last year's
Uefa Under-19 Championship in the Czech Republic, which was won by Germany.
He was also reported to have attracted interest from Italian giants Roma and
Juventus. Nsereko has scored three goals in 17 appearances for Serie B side
Brescia this season. His signing will reassure fans who had feared the
Londoners would only be a selling club during the January transfer window.
Owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson has been beset by financial problems in recent
months and is considering selling the club. But other than Bellamy, who was
determined to leave Upton Park, West Ham have only sold fringe players
Matthew Etherington, Lee Bowyer and Hayden Mullins. Meanwhile, both the
Hammers and Juventus have quashed speculation that Carlton Cole could be
about to move from east London to Turin. "We are very happy with the players
we have in the team and we will not make any moves in the January transfer
market," said Juventus sporting director Alessio Secco.
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Nani: deal soon
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 26th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
Gianluca Nani has confirmed that West Ham hope to tie up the capture Savio
Nsereko within the next few days. Nani, who was in Italy last week brokering
a deal to bring the 19-year-old winger to East London told Mediaset last
night that he expects the deal to go through soon. "We are working on Savio
and we are well advanced," he said. The news was also confirmed by one of
Nsereko's rpresentatives Patrick Bastianelli who added: "The player is very
close to West Ham. They have accelerated negotiations. "Savio will go soon,
the boy is happy to work with Zola - a great coach with whom he will only
grow and improve."
The Hammers have also been linked with Mario Balotelli, the young Milan
striker. However Gianluca Nani denied reports that a deal was likely to be
struck soon. "We have never talked to anyone about Balotelli," he said, "but
if we have Savio in place then that could be us done in January."
West Ham have been monitoring Balotelli closely and despite Nani's denials
have made enquiries into his availibility. The club have also confirmed that
the capture of Nsereko may not necessarily be the last bit of business done
during this transfer window.
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Mullins joins Pompey
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 26th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
Hayden Mullins has joined the growing list of transfer window departures,
joining Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee. The defensive midfielder was West
Ham's longest serving player but decided to move south after five years at
the club once it was made clear that Gianfranco Zola was prepared to allow
him to leave. The fee is officially undisclosed but is thought to be worth
around £2million to West Ham. Portsmouth's Peter Storrie confirmed the deal
this morning saying: "Hayden will add strength to our midfield. Central
midfield was an area we needed to strengthen."
Storrie - who also confirmed the capture of Porto's Pele on loan for the
rest of the season - added: "Both players have been on our radar for some
time. Tony [Adams] and I decided to move for Hayden on Saturday night. We
got hold of West Ham on Sunday morning and I think they were a bit surprised
that we wanted to get the deal done so quickly. "Hayden's an experienced
player who has played exceptionally well against us in the past. He's a guy
with immense experience in the Premier League, and that's what we need in
this situation. "He wanted regular football because he has been in and out
of the West Ham side. We've been very successful getting players in who have
wanted regular football and then blossomed for us when they have been given
it."
Exodus: who's left West Ham since the end of last season
Sold: John Paintsil (Fulham, £1m); Bobby Zamora (Fulham, £5.3m); Anton
Ferdinand (Sunderland, £8m); George McCartney (Sunderland, £6m); Matthew
Etherington (Stoke, £3m); Craig Bellamy (Man City £14m), Hayden Mullins
(£2m). Total £39.3m.
Released: Freddie Ljungberg; Richard Wright; Nobby Solano.
Currently on loan: Jimmy Walker (Colchester Utd); Kyel Reid (Wolves); Lee
Bowyer (Birmingham); Nigel Quashie (Wolves); Joe Widdowson (Grimsby Town).
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Zola: why Hayden went
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 26th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola has revealed that he allowed Hayden Mullins to leave as he
could no longer guarantee him first team football. Zola, talking to
whufc.com this morning revealed that Mullins had asked to join Portsmouth
having started in just eight of his 21 appearances for the Hammers this
season. "I did not want to lose him but at this point in his career he
wanted to play regularly and I respect his wishes," said Zola. "He asked me
if he could talk to Portsmouth and I could have said 'no' but he is a man
that has shown this club a lot of respect. He has been loyal and it would
not have been fair to stand in his way."
Mullins was Alan Pardew's first signing back in October 2003 when he joined
in a £500,000 switch from Crystal Palace. He went on to make over 200
appearances for the Hammers but sadly missed out on the 2006 FA Cup Final
having been sent off the week before.
Hayden Mullins: fact file
League appearances: 151 (28 as sub) - 4 goals
Cup appearances: 25 (2 as sub) - 3 goals
Other appearances: 6 - 0 goals
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Cole to Juve?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 26th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
Carlton Cole is being linked with a move to Juventus. Sky Sports are
claiming this morning that reprsentatives of the Italian giants have
contacted the Hammers with regards to making an offer for the in-form
26-year-old striker. Juve are currently managed by former Chelsea boss
Claudio Ranieri, who used to work with Cole when both were employed at
Stamford Bridge. La Vecchia Signora are currently second in Serie A behind
league leaders Inter having beaten Fiorentina 1-0 at the weekend. Should
Cole end up playing at the Stadio delle Alpi he will be vying for a first
team spot with the likes of club captain Alessandro Del Piero, French
international David Trezeguet and Italian international Vincenzo Iaquinta.
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A settled midfield?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 26th January 2009
By: Lee Byron
After months of brave tinkering it looks like our man Zola has finally
settled on his four main midfielders, with cameo appearances for everyone
else. Good for you 'Franco. So why do these four players work together so
well? Let's take a look at them individually, and then as a whole.
First we have Scott Parker. Stand-in captain (if I had my way he would be
the new club captain for reasons I won't go into here), Parker is a 100% a
game, box to box midfielder who gives every ounce of energy he has to our
beloved team. And to top it all he's very good. He is always available to
take the ball off the back four (and anyone else for that matter) and rarely
wastes possession. He tackles and blocks with sheer determination, and
breaks up the oppositions' play often as he reads the game so well (he
almost seems to stand just off of players, inviting a pass, and if it comes
he pounces). He drives through the midfield on runs every now and then,
which usually end up in a free kick to us. The only fault he has is in front
of goal. If I was Zola, I'd be giving him extra shooting practice from about
25 yards out. Overall though, Parker's a tireless, industrious player with
talent to match effort and an obvious choice for captaincy in my books.
Mark Noble comes next as he's the other central midfielder. He has the
advantage (as does Jack Collison) of being a local lad having come up
through the academy. And we love it when that happens don't we. He has still
to reach his full potential in my eyes. When he first broke into the first
team, he labeled himself as a player who wins the ball and then gives it to
someone who can play. He can play a bit himself, and I like the fact he's
not afraid of shooting. He can thread balls through to the front, and tackle
with the best of them. I feel he just needs to find his niche as he seems to
be caught between being a defensive midfielder and playmaker.
Jack Collison, the second of our homegrown midfielders is a revelation for
me. If anyone has taken to the premiership like a duck to water, it's him.
He looks like he's been around for years. He's comfortable on the ball, and
like Scott Parker, is always available to take the ball, providing another
option when playing out from the back. He doesn't mind running with the
ball, and has the confidence to roam around, which is a menace for a team
defending. As we've already seen, he loves to get on the ball and more
encouraging, he loves to get the ball in advance positions. He's scored
twice this season, and gave Carlton Cole a gift when his strike came off the
inside of a post, landing at the feet of the gangly striker against
Portsmouth. With the gait of Michael Carrick, and the confidence of a
seasoned pro, he will go on to great things, hopefully in a claret and blue
jersey. I'd even tip him to be an England player at some point.
Finally we come to Valon Behrami. What has surprised me about him is his
incredible hard work when we haven't got possession. He is tenacious to say
the least, and upsets any opposition with his uncanny knack of getting close
enough to be a hassle, but not too close so he gets turned or left on his
heels. He also looks very comfortable on the ball, and you can see he has
found his place in the side by working hard not only on the pitch, but also
working out how he can fit himself into the West Ham line up. I feel this is
where he has succeeded over Faubert, who has all the potential, but lacks
personal drive when it's not going so well for him (I do however like
Faubert and think he'll be great in a different set up). He's even notched
up a couple of goals, and provides another valuable alternative when playing
out from the back. On the whole he has made himself difficult to drop
because of his overall contribution.
So there you have it. Four very similar players, somehow forming a very
solid midfield that even the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea have struggled
to break down. On paper it looks doomed to failure. Jack Collision playing
out of position on the left, Noble and Parker both seemingly playing
similar, more defensive roles, and Behrami looking like he favours the
middle areas than the right. All of whom wander all over the pitch and don't
seem to stick to their area of the field. This was emphasized recently when
all four midfielders were on the right in one build up.
Maybe this is the genius, deliberate or not, of Zola's selection. All four
midfielders are happy to mix it up and cover for each other. They play as a
four man midfield team, rather than sticking to their individual roles.
Collison and Behrami both like to cut inside from the flanks, which although
can lead to congestion in the middle, can also create space on the wings for
wingbacks to take full advantage of (this I suspect is the reason Faubert
was given a go at right back). And if the central midfield pairing can work
with the wider players coming inside, surely they can venture wide into the
space left; Noble is particularly adept at this.
To sum up, we seem to have a midfield that contain players who have the
right mindset, are comfortable playing together, and are equally as
comfortable interchanging positions during the course of a game. Possibly
more important is that they all know how to hassle, tackle and break up
opponents' possession. It will be interesting when Dyer is fully match fit
to see how he is utilised.
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Mullins 'shock' at hasty exit
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 26th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
Hayden Mullins has revealed that it was the prospect of regular first team
football that persuaded him to join Portsmouth. The defensive midfielder, 30
this coming March completed a move to Portsmouth - estimated to be worth
between £1-2million to West Ham - late last night, little more than 24 hours
after featuring for United in the 2-0 FA Cup fourth round win at Hartlepool.
"It was a little bit of a shock," he told Portsmouth's website. "I trained
[with West Ham United] yesterday after the game at the weekend so it was a
bit of a shock, it happened very quickly. But I'm very pleased to have
joined this club. "There was no problem playing there, it's just the offer
to come to Portsmouth now and maybe play more games than I was playing at
West Ham [was a good one]. "They've got a very settled team down at West
Ham, the team are doing very well. I enjoyed my time there a lot but it was
time for a change. "I'd been at West Ham for five years and loved every
minute of it so for me personally, at this stage of my career, it was time
for a change and a new challenge."
Mullins also praised former boss Gianfranco Zola, who admitted this morning
that he was disappointed to lose the player. "It was a great experience to
be working under Gianfranco," said Mullins. "But it's a new challenge here
and I'm working with some really talented players and staff. "Portsmouth is
a really good club and have got a lot of history - they won the FA Cup last
year - so I'm delighted to be here."
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Parker confident over Upton Park stay
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 26th January 2009
By: Thomas Rooney
Amid plenty of speculation about his future, Scott Parker has insisted that
he will remain a West Ham player for many years to come. The 28-year-old has
been the subject of interest for Manchester City during the current transfer
window and the Hammers have snubbed a bid for his services.
Craig Bellamy has already made the move to Eastlands and some feel that it
will only be a matter of time before Parker follows him there. However, in a
bid to try and reassure West Ham fans, the midfielder has claimed that he is
going nowhere.
In fact, he believes that his 'long-term future' is with West Ham. This is
because the team are 'playing well under the new management' and that he is
really 'enjoying himself' at this moment in time.
One thing that Parker did hint at though was that the whole matter could be
taken out of his hands. He said that if someone informs him that the club
are selling him, he 'can't do anything about that'. As much as he may want
to stay, the club make the final decision over his future.
Parker is clearly revelling in the role as West Ham skipper though and is
arguably playing some of the best football of his career. He appears settled
and very keen to remain exactly where he is.
When he refers to his future being out of his hands, I imagine that he is
referring specifically to a huge Manchester City bid. As we know, the
Eastlands club are splashing the cash this window and considering they
missed out on a £100m bid for Kaka – they have a few pennies to spare!
Should they decide to spend anything like the £14m they paid for Bellamy on
Parker, then the football odds would expect the club to find it very hard to
turn down. Parker is aware of this, but for now he is saying all the right
things – I'm happy here…etc.
Although we hope it doesn't happen, what affect would it have on the team if
Parker does leave? Well, according to midfielder Mark Noble, West Ham would
struggle without him. Noble says that Parker is 'so important to us' and
that in reality, he would be irreplaceable.
As for Bellamy, Noble believes that the team have 'proved we can live
without him' in the last two games. Since the Welshman's last game for the
Hammers, Gianfranco Zola's men have recorded two victories. The first was a
Carlton Cole inspired win over Fulham and this was followed by a very
professional display against Hartlepool in the FA Cup.
Should Parker move on though, the affect could be far more negative if
Noble's views are to be believed. Parker plays in a position that makes his
role in the team extremely influential and with time running out in January,
a like-for-like replacement would be hard to find.
Parker is right when he says that unless someone tells him he is moving, he
simply has to get on with things as a West Ham player. He says being the
captain of the side is the 'way it is' right now and that he must continue
to focus on his role.
To be honest, I would place some of my football betting money on Parker
staying. It's just a hunch. We haven't heard much from the Manchester City
camp recently and I hope this is because their interest has decreased.
Even if a massive bid did come in late in the window, I'm not sure Zola
would want to accept it if there was no time to spend the money.
To finish with for today, let me ask you this – Bellamy or Parker? Who could
prove to be the biggest loss? Regardless of the fact that Bellamy has
already moved on, which would you consider as more important to West Ham?
Which would you rather hold on to? I'm curious!
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Juve deny Cole rumours
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 26th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
Juventus have denied rumours linking them with a possible move for West Ham
United's Carlton Cole. Sky Sports reported this morning that La Vecchia
Signora had made enquiries into Cole's availibility. However that rumour has
been quashed this lunchtime by Juve sporting director Alessio Secco who told
reporters: "We are very happy with the players we have in the team and we
will not make any moves in the January transfer market."
West Ham have also since confirmed that no discussions with regard to Cole
have been held with the Italian giants. A spokesman for the club confirmed
that "no discussions have taken place and Carlton Cole is not for sale".
Juve are currently second in Serie A behind league leaders Inter having
beaten Fiorentina 1-0 at the weekend. Were the rumours correct Cole could
have ended up vying for a first team spot at the Stadio delle Alpi with the
likes of club captain Alessandro Del Piero, French international David
Trezeguet, Brazilian striker Amauri and Italian international Vincenzo
Iaquinta.
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Hypocrites at it again
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 26th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
Sheffield United stand accused of third-party interefence yet again after
details of Matthew Spring's transfer from Luton Town to Charlton Athletic
were exposed. Spring, a Luton player loaned to Sheffield United back in
August for the duration of the season was allowed to prematurely end his
loan arrangement in order to sign a permanent deal with Championship
strugglers Charlton on 9th January. However Spring was absent from
Charlton's 2-1 FA Cup fourth round defeat at Bramall Lane on Saturday due to
an agreement between the clubs involved that, at Sheffield United's behest -
and presumably as a condition of agreement - insisted that Spring would not
play against them in the fixture.
Martin Samuels, writing for the Mail Online today slammed the Blades -
previously accused of third party influence regarding the transfer of Steve
Kabba - for yet again infringing the very rule that West Ham were penalised
for breaking in regards to the signing of Carlos Tevez, and which led to a
few hundred supporters of the Yorkshire club to march on London under the
banner of 'Fairness in Football'. "Chances are that Sheffield United will
get away with it again," wrote Samuels. "Despite all that has happened these
last two seasons, the rules seem either vague, easily circumvented or
non-existent. "Many pontificate, but few seem moved to act. We have,
however, cornered the market in hypocrisy. For clearly, it is unthinkable
that a man as publicly committed to fair play as Kevin McCabe, chairman of
Sheffield United, would not have checked the regulations first and ensured
that everything about Spring's transfer was above board and not at all wonky
or open to abuse."
Charlton have reacted to the storm by making a statement on the club's
website this afternoon; it read: "Daily Mail journalist Martin Samuel,
writing in his column, claimed the Blades had no right to come to a
'gentleman's agreement' with the Addicks that the midfielder - who signed
for Charlton from Luton Town - should not play in the match because he
wasn't officially a United player. "But in fact the deal was stipulated in
the initial negotiations regarding the premature ending of Spring's
season-long loan at Bramall Lane from the Hatters. Although not a permanent
signing, Spring was registered to the Blades. "The Addicks agreed that if
United released Spring from his loan commitments, thereby allowing the
transfer of the Luton player to The Valley to go through, manager Phil
Parkinson would not field the player in any potential FA Cup fourth-round
tie between the two clubs."
As of yet neither Sheffield United - nor their unusually silent Chairman Mr
McCabe - have responded to Samuels' article.
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Portsmouth sign Mullins and Pele
BBC.co.uk
Portsmouth manager Tony Adams has bolstered his midfield options with the
double signing of Hayden Mullins from West Ham and Pele from Porto. Mullins,
29, has agreed a three-and-half-year deal at Fratton Park and joins Pompey
for an undisclosed fee. Portuguese midfielder Pele joins on loan for the
remainder of the season with a view to a permanent move. "Hayden and Pele
have been on our radar for some time," said Portsmouth chief executive Peter
Storrie. "They will add strength to our midfield. Central midfield is an
area we have needed to strengthen - that's why we brought in two players."
Both players have been signed in time to feature in Portsmouth's Premier
League match at home to Aston Villa on Tuesday.
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Parker happy to stay a Hammer
Noble admits team would struggle to cope without skipper
Last updated: 26th January 2009
SSN
West Ham United captain Scott Parker insists he sees his long-term future at
Upton Park. Parker has been linked with a January move away from the
Hammers, with Manchester City having failed with a bid for the midfielder.
Craig Bellamy has already joined City, but Parker has suggested he has no
plans to follow his former team-mate out of the club amid reports he will be
offered a new contract by West Ham. The England international admits he has
no control over the speculation, but says he is happy to be playing for
Gianfranco Zola's side. "Do I see my long-term future at West Ham? Yes,"
Parker said in the Daily Telegraph. "The team are playing well under the
new management and with the lads here, we've got something that's really
good. "I'm happy, I'm enjoying myself and I feel I'm playing some good
stuff. "I'm owned by West Ham and I get paid by West Ham. I want to play
football and that's it, everything else is out of my hands. "If someone
rings me tomorrow and says, 'We're selling you', I can't do anything about
that. But I'm a West Ham player and until anyone tells me any different
that's the way it is."
Meanwhile, Mark Noble feels the Hammers would struggle to cope without the
influence of Parker, if he moved on. Noble said: "Bellamy is going to be a
great miss for us. He was a good lad and great in the changing room, but
we've proved we can live without him. "But Scott Parker? No, I don't think
we could. He's a fantastic player, always has been, and so important to us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Black Cats eye Davenport
Sbragia considers defender
Last updated: 26th January 2009
SSN
Sunderland and West Ham are locked in talks over Calum Davenport,
skysports.com understands. Black Cats boss Ricky Sbragia has already
confirmed that he is looking at a number of defensive targets. One of those
is Davenport, who is seemingly surplus to Gianfranco Zola's requirements at
Upton Park. Davenport almost moved to Bolton earlier this month, before they
switched their attentions elsewhere. Now Sunderland are ready to take
Davenport and are in talks about a possible deal.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ledley expects Cardiff stay
Welsh ace ignores transfer talk
Last updated: 26th January 2009
SSN
Cardiff star Joe Ledley admits he expects to stay at the club despite being
linked with a move away from Ninian Park. Ledley's future at Cardiff has
been the subject of speculation for some time with the winger regarded as
one the best players outside the Premier League. West Ham and Fulham have
both been credited with an interest in the Wales international during this
month's transfer window, while Wigan Athletic have now been linked with a
£6million bid. Bluebirds chairman Peter Ridsdale confirmed over the weekend
that they had received an enquiry for Ledley, but had rejected it out of
hand. "We have had an enquiry about Joe Ledley and a fee was mentioned, but
we said he is not for sale," said Ridsdale.
"Unless somebody comes in with a bid we haven't even thought about, that
situation will not change. "I have spoken to Joe and he understands the
situation. I expect Joe to be with City until the end of this season at
least."
Ledley has brushed off the latest rumours and says he expects to be still
playing for Cardiff once the transfer window slams shut next week.
As far as I'm concerned, I'm looking forward to playing against Coventry and
Nottingham Forest in the Championship and then the replay with Arsenal,"
Ledley told the Western Mail. "I'm a Cardiff City player until someone tells
me different and I'm not concentrating on anything else but playing for
Cardiff on Wednesday night and, hopefully, adding another three points. "I
thought the whole team put in a great performance that deserved a replay.
"We gave our supporters something to cheer and talk about whatever the
outcome might bring in the replay."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Juventus chase Cole deal
Ranieri keen to be reunited with former Chelsea youngster
Last updated: 26th January 2009
SSN
Sky Sports sources understand Juventus have made an approach to sign West
Ham United striker Carlton Cole. The former England Under 21 international
has been in sparkling form for the Hammers of late after scoring five goals
in six games. He was linked with a move to Tottenham after Spurs boss Harry
Redknapp missed out on a deal for Cole's former Hammers team-mate Craig
Bellamy. However, Cole is now wanted in Italy, with Juventus understood to
have made an enquiry for the 25-year-old. Juve coach Claudio Ranieri gave
Cole his professional debut at Chelsea in 2002 and still appears to be a fan
of the powerful front man. Cole undertook loan spells at Wolves, Charlton
and Aston Villa before leaving Chelsea on a permanent basis for West Ham in
the summer of 2006. During his time at Upton Park, Cole has scored 18 goals
in 80 appearances and is a key part of Gianfranco Zola's plans.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Juventus deny interest in Cole
By Cindy Garcia-Bennett, PA
Monday, 26 January 2009
Independent.co.uk Web
Juventus have quashed speculation they are interested in signing West Ham
forward Carlton Cole. Juve boss Claudio Ranieri coached Cole when both were
at Chelsea and he once described the striker as the best young player he had
ever come across. However, Juventus sporting director Alessio Secco told PA
Sport today: "We are not interested in Carlton Cole. "We are very happy with
the players we have in the team and we will not make any moves in the
January transfer market."
Cole is under contract with the Hammers until June 2010 having joined two
years ago after finding first-team chances hard to come by at Stamford
Bridge. Juventus, who are second in Serie A following a run of six wins in
their last seven games, have recently seen veteran striker David Trezeguet
return from a lengthy injury lay-off.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mullins goes to play up for Pompey
Dick Gozinia - Sun Jan 25 2009
West Ham Online
I'm feeling gutted for some reason. I liked him. West Ham have allowed
midfielder Hayden Mullins to join Portsmouth "after a substantial bid" was
made for him yesterday as stated on the official site.
Mullins signed from Crystal Palace for £800,000 in October 2003 and was
instrumental in getting us promoted and consolidating our position in the
Premiership. He played 178 league games for the club, scoring four goals and
must've been disappointed to miss out on the FA Cup Final in 2006, when the
cheating Garcia and poor officiating from howard Webb denied him a place in
the Final.
Gianfranco Zola told the official site: "I wish Hayden well for the future.
I did not want to lose him but at this point in his career he wanted to play
regularly and I respect his wishes. He asked me if he could talk to
Portsmouth and I could have said 'No' but he is a man that has shown this
club a lot of respect. He has been loyal and it would not have been fair to
stand in his way."
Scott Duxbury added: "I would like to thank Hayden for his valued
contribution. I wish him well and have no doubt that our supporters will
give him a good reception whenever he returns. Gianfranco has been clear
about allowing players on the fringes to get first-team football elsewhere
if the opportunity arises and - given the fee, his age and his desire to
play regularly - this deal is good for all parties.
"The manager has also spoken about improving the squad and I am working
closely with him and technical director Gianluca Nani to make this happen.
Any new arrivals will complement our blend of experienced internationals and
homegrown youngsters. Our aim is simply to continue progressing in the
league and the FA Cup, and build for the future at West Ham United."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers could unleash £9m Nsereko against Hull
Ken Dyer
This Is London
West Ham are today expected to confirm the £9million signing of striker
Savio Nsereko from Brescia. The German Under-19 international has prompted
interest from several Italian Serie A clubs, including Juventus. But Hammers
boss Gianfranco Zola has seen enough of Nsereko to be suitably impressed and
the youngster could play in Wednesday's clash with Hull City. The signing is
a boost for the club who lost Craig Bellamy to Manchester City earlier this
month. Mark Noble has admitted they would struggle to cope if anyone else,
especially Scott Parker, is sold before the transfer window shuts. The
Hammers showed there is life after Bellamy with Valon Behrami and Noble both
getting on the scoresheet as Zola's side eased past Hartlepool 2-0 in the FA
Cup. Noble said: "He [Parker] is a great player for us, he just sits there,
gets the play going, makes great tackles and takes responsibility all the
time. "He is a fantastic player, always has been and is very important to
us."
West Ham insist Parker is not leaving and the England midfielder says he is
happy at West Ham. He said: "I want to play football and that's it.
Everything else is out of my hands."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Parker Plans Long Term Stay
Setanta.co.uk
by Robin Hackett , 26 January 2009
Scott Parker says he has no intention of demanding a move away from West
Ham. The Hammers have stressed that they are keen to hold onto their star
players this month despite financial problems, but Craig Bellamy was sold to
Manchester City after he asked to leave Upton Park.
However, Parker – who was the subject of an earlier joint bid from City
along with Bellamy – says he is happy at the club and will only move if they
decide to cash in. "At the end of the day, I'm a West Ham player and, until
anyone tells me any different, that's the way it is," he said. I just want
to play football and that's it. Everything else is out of my hands. "If
someone rings me tomorrow and says, 'We're selling you', I can't do anything
about that, but I'm enjoying myself and I feel that I'm playing some good
stuff." He added: "The team are playing well under the new management and,
with the lads here, we've got something that's really good."
Team-mate Mark Noble believes West Ham would be in real trouble if Parker
were allowed to leave. "I don't think we can live without Scott Parker," he
said. "He's such a great player for us. He just sits there, gets the play
going, makes great tackles and takes responsibility all the time.
"Playing in midfield with him is great. He's a fantastic player and always
has been. "He's very important to us and hopefully we will keep him.
"I'll be happy if this transfer window closes and we've still got him."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers confirm talks with Savio
TeamTalk
West Ham United director of football Gianluca Nani has confirmed that the
club are set to sign Savio Nsereko, but not Mario Balotelli. The Hammers
have been tracking youngster Nsereko for a number weeks and now look ready
to pounce ahead of the likes of Napoli and Roma.
It is widely reported that West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola will pay around
£9million for Ugandan-born Nsereko - who is a German youth international.
He began his career with 1860 Munich, before he was snapped up by Brescia as
a 16-year-old, and Nani played a major role in landing him as he was working
for the Italian club at the time. Nani has now returned to his former club
to broker the move for the 19-year-old forward, although he was quick to
again dismiss links with a loan move for Inter Milan starlet Mario
Balotelli. "We are working on Savio of Brescia, and we are well advanced,"
confirmed Nani to Mediaset. "We have never talked to anyone about Balotelli,
if we have Savio in place then that could be us done in January."
Savio's agent Patrick Bastianelli expects the deal to West Ham to go through
soon. "The player is very close to West Ham," he admitted to the Italian
press over the weekend. "Savio will go away soon, and the boy is happy to
find Zola, a great coach and with him he will only embrace an important
technical programme from which he will only grow and improve. "West Ham have
accelerated the negotiations."
It has been suggested that West Ham would need to sell before buying during
the window, but it now appears Zola has been given full backing by the
club's hierarchy. Reports also suggest that Zola's wish to keep the likes of
Robert Green, Scott Parker and Matthew Upson will come true, with new deals
set to be offered to the trio.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cardiff City reject £5m West Ham bid for Joe Ledley
Jan 26 2009 by Terry Phillips, South Wales Echo
CARDIFF City have rejected a £5m offer from West Ham United for Joe Ledley.
Bluebirds chairman Peter Ridsdale confirmed an approach has been received,
but would not reveal which club has stepped forward, although it looks
certain to be West Ham. Ridsdale has told the Welsh international that, with
the exception of an outrageous offer: "You are staying until the end of this
season at the least." Manager Dave Jones is set on Ledley being in his team
for the FA Cup replay against Arsenal, which is scheduled for a day after
the January transfer window closes. Fairwater-born Ledley insists he won't
be pushing for a move, saying: "It's down to the club. If they accept an
offer there is something to talk about, but I am under contract until the
end of next season and I am focused entirely on playing for Cardiff City."
West Ham are keen on Ledley, while Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is also
contemplating a bid for the Welsh international now they have sold Jimmy
Bullard to Hull City for £5m. "We have had an enquiry about Joe and a fee
was mentioned, but we said he is not for sale," said Ridsdale.
"Unless somebody comes in with a bid we haven't even thought about, that
situation will not change. "I have spoken to Joe Ledley and he understands
the situation. I expect Joe to be with Cardiff City until the end of this
season at least."
Stoke City stepped in with a bid of £6m on the last day of the August
transfer window and it's clear any suitors will have to go way beyond that
to even tempt the Bluebirds. "If somebody left a message offering £6m, I may
not even ring them back," said Ridsdale. City are keeping tabs on Manchester
City and Welsh striker Ched Evans, who is wanted by Celtic. The Bluebirds
were keen to sign Evans on loan earlier this season and Ridsdale said: "He
is a player we asked about and are keeping a check on. "But we have not had
contact with Manchester City for some time."
Celtic are keen to sign Evans on loan for the rest of this season with a
view to buying him for £1.2m later, but there has not been any bid from
Cardiff. Ridsdale did, though, confirm City would be prepared to offer £1m
for a player, saying: "That's something which would be possible if the right
player became available."
Rumours Blackburn's Matt Derbyshire may be coming to City are not true,
while there have been enquiries about club captain Darren Purse.
Charlton Athletic and Leeds United have been linked with a move for Purse,
but Cardiff would only be prepared to let the defender go if a suitable
replacement was signed first.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MULLINS THRILLED AT FRATTON SWITCH
One minute he was training with West Ham and the next he was whisked off to
sign for Pompey.
Portsmouthfc.co.uk
Hayden Mullins' south coast switch came as quite a surprise to the
29-year-old midfielder, who came on as a substitute for the Hammers in their
FA Cup triumph at Hartlepool on Saturday. He had made 21 appearances for the
Londoners this season, netting in their 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough back in
November. But although he was surprised by the speed at which the transfer
happened, Mullins is delighted to have joined the Blues. He said: "It was a
little bit of a shock. "I trained on Sunday with West Ham after the game on
Saturday and then it all happened very quickly, but I'm very pleased to have
joined. "It was a great experience to have worked under Gianfranco Zola but
it's a great challenge here to come and work with some really talented
players. "I enjoyed my time at West Ham but I was there for five years and
thought that maybe it was time for a change. "Portsmouth are a club with a
lot of history. They won the FA Cup last year, so I'm very excited to be
here. "I've played a lot against Pompey in the past and they were always a
tough, physical side to play against. "I knew a lot about the club and it
was an easy decision to make."
Mullins is confident that he can help the Blues pull away from the bottom of
the Premier League in the coming weeks. He said: "A couple of wins will take
you away from the bottom of the table. "There's a great squad here and I
want to get into the team and work hard."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham on the verge of record Nsereko deal
By Soccernet staff
January 26, 2009
West Ham United are on the verge of completing a deal to bring Brescia
teenager Savio Nsereko to the club for a reported fee of £9m. The Hammers'
director of football Gianluca Nani helped to bring Nsereko to Brescia from
1860 Munich when he was working for the Italian club and is a big fan of the
19-year-old. "We are working on Savio of Brescia, and we are well advanced,"
Nani told Mediaset. "We have never talked to anyone about (Internazionale's)
Mario Balotelli but if we have Savio in place then that could be us done in
January." Savio's agent Patrick Bastianelli, has also confirmed that the
deal is close to completion, saying: "Savio will go away soon, and the boy
is happy to find (Gianfranco) Zola, a great coach and with him he will only
embrace an important technical programme from which he will only grow and
improve. "West Ham have accelerated the negotiations." Zola has also been
boosted by fresh indications from Scott Parker that he is willing to commit
his future to the club. The England midfielder spoke out as it emerged his
club was set to offer him a new two-year extension to his £50,000-per-week
deal after turning down bids from Manchester City. "Do I see my long-term
future at West Ham? Yes," Parker said. "The team are playing well under the
new management and with the lads here, we've got something that's really
good. I'm happy, I'm enjoying myself and I feel I'm playing some good
stuff."
Meanwhile, reports suggest Robert Green and Matthew Upson are set to be
offered new Upton Park contracts.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham warn off Spurs from making new bid for Cole
By Jason Burt
Saturday, 24 January 2009
Independent.co.uk Web
West Ham United have told Tottenham Hotspur not to bother submitting a new
bid to sign the striker Carlton Cole after they immediately rejected an £8m
offer. The bid was made earlier this month, after which Spurs concentrated
their attention on trying to sign another West Ham player, Craig Bellamy,
who subsequently joined Manchester City for £14m this week. The West Ham
chief executive, Scott Duxbury, said earlier this week that he does not want
to sell the club's best players to Spurs – and rejected four bids for
Bellamy – and has informed them that they will be wasting their time if they
make an improved offer for Cole.
One of Spurs' failed bids for Bellamy included a straight swap for Darren
Bent, but this was dismissed by West Ham. It has been mooted that the
striker may be offered again in return for Cole, who has been a long-term
target at White Hart Lane. West Ham tried to sign Bent before he joined
Spurs but they no longer have any interest in him, while the striker has
also been offered, without success, to Sunderland. Spurs also tried to sell
him to Aston Villa, who have subsequently agreed a £3.5m deal to acquire
Emile Heskey from Wigan Athletic.
West Ham rejected two bids from Sunderland for Cole last summer, including
an offer of £5m, and since then he has signed a new five-year contract,
while his form has improved dramatically under the manager Gianfranco Zola,
a former team-mate when both were players at Chelsea.
Cole has scored five goals in his last five games, and nine in all this
season, and is being monitored by the England manager Fabio Capello, who was
at Upton Park last Sunday when the 25-year-old was man-of-the-match in the
victory over Fulham. Capello is considering Cole as an understudy for Heskey
and has been impressed by recent performances.
West Ham are understandably determined to hold on to Cole, not least because
they have sold Bellamy and promised Zola that he will not lose any more key
players. The manager has also been told that the funds from the Bellamy sale
will be re-invested and West Ham have been in negotiations this week to seal
a club record £10m signing – the fee includes add-ons – of the German
Under-19 international Savio Nsereko from Brescia.
One of his agents, Patrick Bastianelli, who represents Savio in Italy, told
romanews.eu: "At the moment West Ham are in pole position. The situation
could be unlocked next week. Roma were following him, but in the January
market many teams – including Roma – are not entering into transactions."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Juventus deny rumours of deal for West Ham striker Carlton Cole
Juventus have denied rumours suggesting they are interested in signing West
Ham striker Carlton Cole.
Telegraph
By Emily Benammar
Last Updated: 12:31PM GMT 26 Jan 2009
Juve manager Claudio Ranieri coached Cole when both were at Chelsea and he
once described the striker as the best young player he had ever come across.
However, Juventus sporting director Alessio Secco has rubbished suggestions
of a reunion, saying: "We are not interested in Carlton Cole. "We are very
happy with the players we have in the team and we will not make any moves in
the January transfer market."
Cole is under contract with Gianfranco Zola's side until June 2010, having
joined two years ago, after finding first-team chances hard to come by at
Stamford Bridge. Speculation began despite West Ham's chief executive Scott
Duxbury insisting he didn't want to sell Cole, who has scored seven goals in
19 league games so far this season. The club are also said to have rejected
an £8 million offer for Cole from Tottenham, in a bid to hold on to their
best players, following the departure of Craig Bellamy to Manchester City.
Meanwhile, Zola is said to be preparing a club record move to sign Brescia's
Savio Nsereko for around £10 million. The club has been tracking the
19-year-old German international for some weeks and director of football
Gianluca Nani has now confirmed that talks are advanced. "We are working on
Savio of Brescia, and we are well advanced," he said. "We have never talked
to anyone about Balotelli, if we have Savio in place then that could be us
done in January."
Nani's comments were backed up by Savio's agent Patrick Bastianelli, who
expects the deal to be completed before long. "The player is very close to
West Ham," he told the Italian media over the weekend. "Savio will go away
soon, and the boy is happy to find Zola, a great coach and with him he will
only embrace an important technical programme from which he will only grow
and improve. "West Ham have accelerated the negotiations."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Football's New Morality
Just Like My Dreams
Hayden Mullins has joined the growing list of transfer window departures,
with Portsmouth completing the signing of the combative United midfielder
for an undisclosed fee (thought to be in the region of £2million) this
morning. Pompey boss Tony Adams has been looking to bolster his midfield all
month after losing Lassana Diarra to Real Madrid and Papa Bouba Diop to a
long-term injury, while West Ham have decided to let Mullins move on as
Gianfranco Zola looks to trim his squad and balance the books at Upton Park.
Mullins has agreed terms on a three-and-a-half-year deal and passed a
medical to join Pompey. The midfielder could make his debut in tomorrow's
Premier League clash with Aston Villa, live on Sky Sports 1. "Hayden has
been on our radar for some time," said Portsmouth executive chairman Peter
Storrie. "He will add strength to our midfield. Central midfield is an area
we have needed to strengthen - that's why we brought in two players."
Mullins' move comes just two days after his final appearance for the
Hammers, as a substitute in the 2-0 FA Cup win over Hartlepool. The
29-year-old has spent the past five years at Upton Park having become Alan
Pardew's first signing back in October 2003, when he joined from Crystal
Palace. He went on to make over 200 appearances for the Hammers but sadly
missed out on the 2006 FA Cup Final having been sent off the week before.
Mullins told the club's website: "It was a little bit of a shock. I trained
on Sunday with West Ham after the game on Saturday and then it all happened
very quickly, but I'm very pleased to have joined. It was a great experience
to have worked under Gianfranco Zola but it's a great challenge here to come
and work with some really talented players. I enjoyed my time at West Ham
but I was there for five years and thought that maybe it was time for a
change. Portsmouth are a club with a lot of history. They won the FA Cup
last year, so I'm very excited to be here."
Gianfranco Zola revealed that he allowed Hayden Mullins to leave as he could
no longer guarantee him first team football. Zola, speaking on the official
site this morning, stated that Mullins had asked to join Portsmouth having
started in just eight of his 21 appearances for the Hammers this season. "I
did not want to lose him but at this point in his career he wanted to play
regularly and I respect his wishes," said Zola. "He asked me if he could
talk to Portsmouth and I could have said 'no' but he is a man that has shown
this club a lot of respect. He has been loyal and it would not have been
fair to stand in his way."
Exodus: who's left West Ham since the end of last season (courtesy of KUMB)
Sold: John Paintsil (Fulham, £1m); Bobby Zamora (Fulham, £5.3m); Anton
Ferdinand (Sunderland, £8m); George McCartney (Sunderland, £6m); Matthew
Etherington (Stoke, £3m); Craig Bellamy (Man City £14m), Hayden Mullins
(£2m). Total £39.3m.
Released: Freddie Ljungberg; Richard Wright; Nobby Solano.
Currently on loan: Jimmy Walker (Colchester Utd); Kyel Reid (Wolves); Lee
Bowyer (Birmingham); Nigel Quashie (Wolves); Joe Widdowson (Grimsby Town).
Meanwhile, Scott Parker insists he sees his long-term future at Upton Park.
The midfielder has been linked with a January move away from the Hammers,
with Manchester City having already failed with a bid. With Craig Bellamy
having already joined City, Parker was keen to reiterate he has no plans to
follow his former team-mate out of the club, amid reports he will be offered
a new contract by West Ham. The England international admits he has no
control over the speculation, but says he is happy to be playing for
Gianfranco Zola's side.
"Do I see my long-term future at West Ham? Yes," Parker said in the Daily
Telegraph. "The team are playing well under the new management and with the
lads here, we've got something that's really good. I'm happy, I'm enjoying
myself and I feel I'm playing some good stuff. I'm owned by West Ham and I
get paid by West Ham. I want to play football and that's it, everything else
is out of my hands. If someone rings me tomorrow and says, 'We're selling
you', I can't do anything about that. But I'm a West Ham player and until
anyone tells me any different that's the way it is."
Meanwhile, Mark Noble feels the Hammers would struggle to cope without the
influence of Parker, if he moved on. Noble said: "Bellamy is going to be a
great miss for us. He was a good lad and great in the changing room, but
we've proved we can live without him. But Scott Parker? No, I don't think we
could. He's such a great player for us. He just sits there, gets the play
going, makes great tackles and takes responsibility all the time. Playing in
midfield with him is great. He's a fantastic player and always has been.
He's very important to us and hopefully we will keep him. I'll be happy if
this transfer window closes and we've still got him."
On the transfer front, several media outlets are expecting West Ham to
confirm today the signing of striker Savio Nsereko from Brescia. The Mail
are reporting a deal worth £9million and say Gianfranco Zola has seen enough
of Nsereko to be suitably impressed. The youngster could even play in
Wednesday's clash with Hull City. The signing would be a boost for the club
following the loss of Craig Bellamy to Manchester City earlier this month.
At the very least, West Ham United director of football Gianluca Nani has
confirmed the club's interest in the Brescia striker. "We are working on
Savio of Brescia, and we are well advanced," confirmed Nani to Mediaset.
Savio's agent Patrick Bastianelli also expects the deal to West Ham to go
through soon. "The player is very close to West Ham," he admitted to the
Italian press over the weekend. "Savio will go away soon, and the boy is
happy to find Zola, a great coach and with him he will only embrace an
important technical programme from which he will only grow and improve. West
Ham have accelerated the negotiations."
The Hammers have also been linked with Mario Balotelli, the young and
wayward Inter striker. However a circumspect Gianluca Nani denied reports
that a deal was likely to be struck soon. "We have never talked to anyone
about Balotelli," he said, "but if we have Savio in place then that could be
us done in January." United are thought to have been monitoring Balotelli
closely, and despite Nani's denials are rumoured to have made enquiries into
his availability. The club have also intimated that the capture of Nsereko
may not necessarily be the last bit of business done during this transfer
window. For the moment, at least, the brother and agent of Mario Balotelli
is saying there's been no contact with West Ham for the Milanese striker.
Corrado Balotelli said: "He was calm after meeting with the club and I think
he is prepared to accept any decision from (coach) Jose Mourinho."
In another strange twist, Sky Sports sources 'understand' Juventus have made
an approach to sign West Ham United striker Carlton Cole. They report that
the former England Under 21 international has been in sparkling form for the
Hammers of late after scoring five goals in six games, and is now wanted in
Italy, with Juventus understood to have made an approach for the
25-year-old. Juve coach Claudio Ranieri gave Cole his professional debut at
Chelsea in 2002 and still appears to be a fan of the powerful front man. The
striker was recently linked with a move to Tottenham after Spurs boss Harry
Redknapp missed out on a deal for former Hammers team-mate Craig Bellamy.
Cole also undertook loan spells at Wolves, Charlton and Aston Villa before
leaving Chelsea on a permanent basis for West Ham in the summer of 2006.
During his time at Upton Park, Cole has scored 18 goals in 80 appearances
and is a key part of Gianfranco Zola's plans.
Thankfully (before my head explodes from the insanity), reports have
subsequently emerged that have cast doubts on the veracity of the rumour.
Juventus sporting director Alessio Secco told PA Sport today: "We are not
interested in Carlton Cole. We are very happy with the players we have in
the team and we will not make any moves in the January transfer market."
Juventus, who are second in Serie A following a run of six wins in their
last seven games, have recently seen veteran striker David Trezeguet return
from a lengthy injury lay-off.
Finally, Martin Samuel has taken another judicious swipe at the vagaries of
third party interference in football, especially as it pertains to Sheffield
United. West Ham are not mentioned directly in what is an excellent piece,
but the implication is readily discernible.
Some brief extracts...
The Football Association will this morning begin an investigation into the
circumstances around the transfer of Matthew Spring from Luton Town to
Charlton Athletic, on the basis of possible third party interference from
Sheffield United.
Don't hold your breath.
It has long been Sheffield United's lot to be painted as victims of grave
injustice, so do not expect this latest twist to make a ripple in that smug
little pond, or to appear anywhere beyond these pages. Even so, this is
important; or it would be if football cared for anything more than grand
gestures to the gallery.
Followed by:
The Football League, despite Lord Mawhinney's (right) regular land-grabs for
the high moral ground, do not have rules governing third party interference,
and a spokesman yesterday presented this issue as a hospital pass to the
Football Association, who have been so anxious for involvement in third
party rulings in the past.
Now they have the chance. Rule C1 (b), clause 3 states: 'No club shall enter
into a contract which enables any other party to that contract to acquire
the ability materially to influence the club's policies or performance of
its teams in matches and/or competition.'
In English? For Spring to join Charlton, his registration would have to be
held at that moment by Luton, not Sheffield United. And once this document
was restored to Luton, Sheffield United became a third party and any
involvement in his career should cease.
For Sheffield to then influence whether a permanent Charlton signing plays
against them is therefore third party interference; just as it was when
Sheffield and Watford publicly announced the gentlemen's agreement that kept
Steve Kabba out of the Watford line-up against his former club in 2007, the
year Sheffield went down.
In conclusion:
Chances are that Sheffield United will get away with it again. Despite all
that has happened these last two seasons, the rules seem either vague,
easily circumvented or non-existent.
Many pontificate, but few seem moved to act. We have, however, cornered the
market in hypocrisy.
For clearly, it is unthinkable that a man as publicly committed to fair play
as Kevin McCabe, chairman of Sheffield United, would not have checked the
regulations first and ensured that everything about Spring's transfer was
above board and not at all wonky or open to abuse.
And what a good thing that is, really, for otherwise a fellow could get
quite confused by football's new morality.
Football is a funny old game. Not really.
Posted by Trilby at 10:40
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West Ham close in on Nsereko
Monday, 26 January 2009
West Ham hope to beat Milan and Napoli to sign Savio Nsereko from Brescia
Independent.co.uk Web
West Ham are close to completing the signing of German striker Savio Nsereko
according to reports. It is thought the Brescia player will move to Upton
Park for a club record £10m, as the Hammers look to strengthen following the
sale of Craig Bellamy to Manchester City. Brecia are a Serie B team but
19-year-old Nsereko's performances have done enough to interest West Ham
manager Gianfranco Zola and technical director Gianluca Nani. West Ham's
previous club record record fee was the £7.5m paid to Newcastle for Bellamy.
The east London club continue to have a hectic transfer window. Hayden
Mullins is expected to complete his move to Portsmouth after agreeing
personal terms while they have also rejected am £8m bid from Tottenham for
Carlton Cole.
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PARKER GETS NOBLE PRIZE
The Mirror
By David Anderson 26/01/2009
HARTLEPOOL 0
WEST HAM 2
West Ham may have proved there is life after Craig Bellamy - but Mark Noble
claims they can't live without Scott Parker. After watching Parker
successfully steer West Ham through this tricky FA Cup tie against
giantkillers Hartlepool, Noble hailed him as the one player they cannot
afford to lose. The classy midfielder is still on Mark Hughes's shopping
list and the Manchester City boss has already failed with one £10million
offer. Hard-up West Ham have already flogged Bellamy to City for £15million
and are braced for another bid from the Blues for Parker. Noble claims it
would be a body blow for the Hammers if they lost Parker and is desperate
for his team-mate to stay. "I don't think we can live without Scott Parker,"
he said. "He's such a great player for us. He just sits there, gets the play
going, makes great tackles and takes responsibility all the time. "Playing
in midfield with him is great. He's a fantastic player and always has been.
He's very important to us and hopefully we will keep him. I'll be happy if
this transfer window closes and we've still got him."
Parker, 28, says what happens to him over the next seven days is out of his
hands. The England international feels like a bystander caught up in the
drama and claims his future will be decided by West Ham. "At the end of the
day, I'm a West Ham player and until anyone tells me any different, that's
the way it is," he said. "I just want to play football and that's it.
Everything else is out of my hands. "If someone rings me tomorrow and says
'we're selling you,' I can't do anything about that. "But I'm enjoying
myself and I feel that I'm playing some good stuff."
This comfortable win stretchesWest Ham's unbeaten run to six games and
silences the critics who predicted they would go into meltdown in January.
After Parker cleared an early Hartlepool effort off the line, they took the
lead a minute before half-time when Jack Collison's run into the box was
checked and Valon Behrami slotted home left-footed. Hartlepool switched off
because they were already thinking about half-time and they were caught
napping again two minutes into stoppage time when captain Michael Nelson
handled Carlton Cole's header. Referee Lee Mason pointed to the spot,
although the offence had clearly taken place outside the area, and Noble
converted the penalty to end the home side's hopes of an upset.
That was tough on Hartlepool and the League One side came close to scoring
the goal their neat football deserved when Gary Liddle's header was touched
over by Rob Green. Chris Turner's men deserve great credit for their cup run
and the millions who watched them live on ITV now know the town of
Hartlepool for something other than H'Angus the monkey, the club mascot who
became mayor.
Hartlepool: Lee-Barrett 6, Sweeney 6, Clark 6, Nelson 5, Humphreys 6,
Monkhouse 7, Liddle 7, Jones 6 (Foley 84), Robson 5, Mackay 5 (Henderson
56), Porter 6.
West Ham: Green 6, Faubert 6, Collins 5, Tomkins 6, Ilunga 6, Noble 7,
Parker 7, Behrami 7, Collison 6 (Boa Morte 64, 5), Di Michele 7 (Mullins 75,
5), Cole 6 (Sears 78). Goals: Behrami 44, Noble 45 (pen).
REFEREE: Lee Mason ATTENDANCE: 6,849
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Grimsby 3 Rotherham United 0: Hammers' loan pair end Rotherham's run
Yorkshirepost.co.uk
Published Date: 24 January 2009
Rotherham found revitalised Grimsby ultimately too much for them and their
five-match unbeaten run in League Two was ended. Grimsby manager Mike Newell
has changed his side considerably over the past couple of months and the
impact was plain to see in this performance, particularly in the second
half.
Left-back Joe Widdowson, on loan from West Ham and who was on loan at
Rotherham last season, provided the breakthrough 11 minutes into the second
half and then Grimsby fought hard to stay in front. A critical moment was
the second goal with 18 minutes left when referee Russell Booth initially
awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area, apparently for an off-the-ball
shirt-pulling offence.
Then having arrived at the spot where he had noticed the offence taking
place he changed direction and pointed to the penalty spot. Adam Proudlock
scored after Rotherham's protests had died down. "The referee said he was
only 10 yards away and was adamant he saw shirt-pulling by Jason Taylor,"
said Rotherham manager Mark Robins. "But if he was so close why give the
free-kick in the first place and not a penalty straight away? He couldn't
answer me on that one."
Although Rotherham applied plenty of pressure they were finished off seven
minutes from time by Dean Sinclair, like Widdowson, on loan from West Ham
and making his home debut.
Grimsby Town: Barnes; Clarke, Bennett, Atkinson, Widdowson; Jarman (Bore
73), Kalala (Llewellyn 85), Sinclair, Elliott; Proudlock, Akero. Unused
substitutes: Montgomery, Hegarty, Heywood.
Rotherham United: Warrington; Tonge, Sharps, Fenton, Nicholas (Burchill 46);
Hudson, Harrison, J Taylor, Green (Joseph 63); Broughton, R Taylor. Unused
substitutes: Cann, Cummins, Reid.
Referee: R Booth (Notts).
Man of the match: Mark Hudson.
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Mullins: Portsmouth move a whirlwind
26.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
Portsmouth have completed the signing of West Ham United midfielder Hayden
Mullins. Mullins' move comes just two days after his final appearance for
the Hammers as a substitute in the 2-0 FA Cup win over Hartlepool. The
29-year-old, who has spent the past five years at Upton Park after an
£800,000 move from Crystal Palace, only became aware of Portsmouth's
interest yesterday. Mullins told the club's website: "It was a little bit of
a shock. I trained on Sunday with West Ham after the game on Saturday and
then it all happened very quickly, but I'm very pleased to have joined. "It
was a great experience to have worked under Gianfranco Zola but it's a great
challenge to come here and work with some really talented players. "I
enjoyed my time at West Ham but I was there for five years and thought that
maybe it was time for a change. "Portsmouth are a club with a lot of
history. They won the FA Cup last year, so I'm very excited to be here."
Pompey chief Peter Storrie said: "Tony and I decided to move for Hayden on
Saturday night. We got hold of West Ham on Sunday morning and I think they
were a bit surprised that we wanted to get the deal done so quickly.
"Hayden's an experienced player who has played exceptionally well against us
in the past. He's a guy with immense experience in the Premier League, and
that's what we need in this situation. "He wanted regular football, because
he has been in and out of the West Ham side."
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West Ham boss Zola eyeing Middlesbrough fullback Bates
26.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola is eyeing Middlesbrough fullback
Matthew Bates. The People says Zola's spies have singled out the Boro
defender who is a free agent at the end of the season. Lucas Neill can leave
Upton Park for around £2million and if a buyer comes in they will go for
Bates - and Boro have enough cover in his position to let the 22-year-old
go.
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West Ham move for Spurs striker Bent
26.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United are eyeing Tottenham striker Darren Bent. The People says
Bent is set to leave Spurs. West Ham are showing an interest in Bent,
although that would have to be a swap deal.
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