WHUFC.com
West Ham United's new signing Savio Nsereko reveals his reasons for moving to the Boleyn Ground
27.01.2009
Savio Nsereko has spoken of his excitement after joining West Ham United from Brescia Calcio.
The Germany Under-20 international forward revealed that the lure of working with Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola and technical director Gianluca Nani - who he knows well from his time at Brescia - was the driving force behind his decision to leave Italy for the Boleyn Ground.
Savio, who will wear the No10 shirt, was signed for an undisclosed fee after agreeing terms with the club over the weekend and passing a medical on Monday. He could make his home debut against Hull City on Wednesday evening, subject to international clearance.
"I am very happy to be here and am proud to have the possibility of playing for a club like West Ham. I was happy [to move to England] because West Ham is a big club and a big story so I was very excited. I know a lot about the manager. I saw him play and he was a great player and I think he is also a great manager and can improve me a lot.
"I will try to do my best to improve and help the team to get better. I know it's a big responsibility [to wear the No10] but I think I know what I can do and I'm happy for that and that's it. I see myself that I hope I can help us. I have to improve a lot and I will try to improve and get better in training every day."
Zola was delighted to secure the services of a player who has been coveted by a host of European football's top clubs in recent months. The manager expects Savio to excite and impress West Ham United supporters with his ability, but asked them to give the Uganda-born teenager a chance to settle in east London.
"We have expectations of him but we don't forget that the boy is 19-years-old and has come here for the future. We're going to try to improve him to make him a better player. We know he has got great potential and he can become a really top player but the crowd and everybody needs to be patient with him. He is only 19 and is very much willing to improve and we're going to try to help him. We also need to allow him some time to settle down.
"The reason we signed Savio is that we see in him the potential that belongs to very good, special players. That's the reason we bought him and we're looking forward to working with him and making him a better player.
"I'm sure that when somebody has got the qualities that he has got that we can find a place to fit him in the team. Although the team right now is doing very well, I'm sure he will be working with us and sooner or later we will find a space to put his qualities at our disposal."
Savio, who has relatives living in London, was born in the Ugandan capital of Kampala before his family moved to the German city of Munich when he was just two years old. Having started his career at TSV 1860 Munich - the club West Ham United beat to lift the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1965 - Savio was spotted by Nani and taken to Brescia at the age of 16.
An English, German and Italian speaker, Savio was selected for the Germany Under-19 side and helped his nation lift the 2008 European Under-19 Championship trophy last summer. He scored for Germany's Under-20 side in a 4-1 win over Austria in September and will be hoping to be selected for his country's squad for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Egypt later this year.
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West Ham confirm Nsereko signing
BBC.co.uk
West Ham say they beat off "fierce competition" from Europe's leading clubs to complete the signing of 19-year-old Brescia striker Savio Nsereko.
The Uganda-born German will be a direct replacement for Craig Bellamy. The fee for Nsereko has not been disclosed 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 the Germany Under-19 international when he was at Brescia. Nsereko, who will wear West Ham's number 10 shirt, passed a medical on Monday and the club hope he will be given international clearance to play in the Premier League game against Hull on Wednesday. West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury said: "We are delighted to sign Savio, particularly with the fierce competition for his services across Europe.
NSEREKO FACTFILE
Born Kampala, Uganda, on 27 July 1989
Moved to Munich when he was two
Signed for Brescia at 16
Speaks English, Italian and German
"He is an exciting prospect, who (manager) Gianfranco Zola believes will prove a valuable asset for this club now and in the years to come. "It is a significant investment and shows our determination to continue moving this club forward." The forward can play either wide or as a central striker and was named player of the tournament at last year's Uefa Under-19 Championship in the Czech Republic, which was won by Germany.
A West Ham delegation flew to Brescia in the middle of last week to agree a fee for the player. Nsereko then travelled to England over the weekend to meet Zola and finalise the deal. Nsereko has scored a modest three goals in 17 appearances for Serie B side Brescia this season.
But in his last outing for them he scored twice in a minute in the 4-0 win against Pisa on 17 January. 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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West Ham Utd v Hull City
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 27th January 2009
By: Preview Percy
We next return to league action for Wednesday's Live on Sky match when we entertain Hull City.
Hull made a decent start to life in the Premier League and won six of their first nine games at the top. After their ninth match they found themselves in third place, a position that saw talk of Europe on Humberside that was only slightly tongue in cheek. However, since that sixth win, a 3-0 home win against West Brom, they have taken a dip in form, winning only one of the 13 matches since 25th October.
That last victory came in early December when they emerged 2-1 winners at home to Boro' despite going 1-0 down with only 10 minutes left on the clock. That win was followed by a 2-2 draw at Anfield in which they let slip a 2-0 lead in a match that saw Steve Gerrard get two fellow professionals booked with his diving antics. Again. Since then it has been downhill all the way for the Tigers who have lost their last five league matches.
The only bright spot has been their cup form where they eliminated Newcastle (after a replay and a "coming together of heads" between Messrs. Brown & Kinnear) and Millwall. In the next round they face Sheffield Utd, whose hypocritical chairman is presumably preparing a case to have Hull thrown out of the cup for not having the right number of seats in the KC Stadium after Millwall's oh so misunderstood support indulged in a spot of impromptu stadium redevelopment last weekend.
Prompted by the slump in league form, manager Brown hasn't been sitting on his hands in the current transfer window, although a deal to sign John Arne Riise is apparently a non-starter. Hull stated that they couldn't afford the transfer fee sought by Roma, though they didn't comment on Riise's potential wages which were plastered all over the interweb thingy last year.
Hull's most recent signing was former Hammer Jimmy Bullard who arrived last week on a deal worth a reported £5m. Kevin "Zinadene" Kilbane also arrived during the window for a fee of about one tenth of that paid for Bullard. Also now on the books on a permanent basis is Kamil Zayatte. The 23 year-old has now completed a full transfer from Swiss side Young Boys having spent the season thus far at the KC on loan. A proper transfer seemed unlikely at one point with that old football cliché "personal terms" proving the stumbling block. However, the two sides managed to come to some agreement, hopefully without heads having to "come together".
On the way out, striker Marlon King, who was on loan from Wigan, departed in the general direction of Middlesbrough in an attempt to tick another "Crap Town" off his list of places to see. King's departure was attributed to a "difference of opinion" between him and the boss over team selection – presumably he thought he should play and Brown didn't.
Also on the way out are former Bolton midfielder Stelios, who took an Easy Jet flight back to Greece having only made one start since arriving on Humberside in September, and veteran Dean Windass who has gone out on loan to Oldham. Windass is the subject of a campaign by supporters to be granted the honour of "Freeman of The City of Hull" alongside the likes of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. There are some that think that the granting of such an award to a journeyman striker serves only to trivialise the honour, pointing out that, unlike Tutu, Windass has failed to make a stand against the Human Rights abuses in Zimbabwe. There again I don't recall Tutu ever making any public statements on the disgraceful standards of refereeing in this country or grabbing the testicles of an opponent and at least Windass actually comes from Hull.
Against Millwall they started with Tony Warner in goal, though Myhill is expected to return on Wednesday night, especially as Warner didn't exactly cover himself in glory on occasion at the weekend. The defence features Michael Turner who Hull supporters were touting for England honours earlier in the season. Though the calls were a tad optimistic (especially given the competition in the centre of defence) Turner did have a good start to the season and is a danger from set pieces if he is not marked properly, as we found out to our cost up at the KC Stadium last year. He also hails from just around the corner from where I am sitting right now and, to this day, when he returns to London he gets his haircut at the very same venue as your correspondent, though our mutual hairdresser would only comment that "he's a very nice man" when questioned for the purposes of this preview.
Kilbane was missing from the line-up at the weekend having appeared for Wigan in the 3rd round tie that they somehow managed to lose against Tottenham but he is likely to start against us if their line-up against Arsenal is anything to go by. Bullard was similarly cup-tied but is likely to make his Hull debut. Against Arsenal they went with a five–man midfield leaving Cousin as a lone striker and it wouldn't be that much of a surprise to see them line-up in similar fashion at the Boleyn on Wednesday as they endeavour to halt the league losing streak that sees them sit one place and two points (on 27) behind us in ninth place.
In truth, during a normal season one would have though that we would both be safe enough in eighth and ninth at this stage of the proceedings. However, they are only six (and ourselves only eight) points away from the drop zone and, given the closeness of the middle to bottom section of the table, you'd want to be on a better run of form than they find themselves in at the moment.
We, of course, are in the midst of a decent spell, and even our traditional fallibility against lower league opposition failed to materialise at the weekend when the performance was described by most observers as "professional". Confidence should be high and even the refereeing ban on awarding us penalties seems to have been revoked – though Mr Mason obviously took things a little bit too far up at Hartlepool at the weekend in that respect.
There have been a couple of personnel changes of course. Mullins has left for Pompey in an attempt to get more than 15 minutes a match and, at time of writing, we seem likely to sign Savio Nsereko from Brescia, though as I write the deal hasn't been completed and the striker is unlikely to be available for selection on Wednesday. We can expect to see a return for Neill and Upson (though the worrying part of me is still wary of the fact that the latter is not Cup-Tied at the moment) and, even if the Savio deal goes through on time I'd still expect Zola's current preferred XI of Green, Neill, Ilunga, Collins, Upson, Behrami, Collison, Noble, Parker, DiMichele and Cole to start the match.
The good run that we're on coupled with the poor form of the visitors means I have a good feeling for this one (traditionally the kiss of death!). Though the arrival of Bullard is likely to give them a bit of a lift, there seems to be a more optimistic air about the playing side of things at the Boleyn at the moment – something that even the departure of Bellamy doesn't seem to have dented, though we'll need this Savio chappie to have a similar turn of pace to the departed Welsh ingrate if our forward line is to continue to progress.
Quibbles aside, I'll go with the tempered optimism theme and go for a 2-0 win to us as long as we can keep Turner and Bullard quiet at set pieces.
Enjoy the game!
Last season: n/a
Danger man: Jimmy Bullard Free-kicks from outside the box are always a worry with him around.
Look out for: Michael Turner's superb hairstyle!
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Press conference this morning
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 27th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United will hold a press conference later this morning to announce the capture of Savio Nsereko. The Hammers have finally completed the signing of 19-year-old Nsereko and will unveil him just before midday. Savio's arrival was confirmed on the club's website earlier this morning; the youngster has signed a four-and-a-half year contract and will wear the number 10 shirt recently vacated by Craig Bellamy. The club refused to confirm the fee involved but added that it was 'a significant investment'. Nsereko is in line to make his debut against Hull City at the Boleyn tomorrow night. As first mentioned on KUMB.com earlier this week, the Hammers are expected to pay around £5million plus clauses for the young German winger, who joines from Serie B outfit Brescia although the fee will be officially undisclosed. Nsereko is the first player to arrive at the club since Gianfranco Zola replaced Alan Curbishley. KUMB.com understand that Nsereko is likely to be followed by at least one other new signing before the end of the transfer window.
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Zola on Savio
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 27th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola has expressed his delight at capturing Savio Nsereko from Brescia. Nsereko was confirmed as Zola's first signing as West Ham manager earlier this morning and could go straight into the team to face Hull at the Boleyn tomorrow night. But Zola also pleaded with the club's supporters to show patience with the 19-year-old, who signed a four year contract last night. "We have high expectations of him," said Zola, "but we musn't forget that the boy is only 19 years old and is one for the future. We will try to improve him, to make him a better player. We know that he's got great potential and can become a real top player but the crowd and everybody needs to be patient with him. "He's only 19 and he's very much willing to improve, and we're going to help him. We also need to allow him some time to settle down. The reason we bought Savio is because we see in him the potential that belongs to very good players, special players. We'll be looking forward to working with him and making him a better player. "I don't think that the money they are talking about in the newspapers is the money we have spent on Savio, it's much less than that. We like to gamble but I don't think Savio is a gamble. When I see certain things in a player it's not a gamble, I know what he can do. Obviously I know that I have to add something to his game but I'm pretty sure it's not a gamble."
Zola also retireated the club's desire to continue to bring in the best young players from around the globe, thereby rubbishing recent media reports claiming that United are unable to bring in any new faces due to financial concerns. "There were a lot of worries around the club [with regards to] the club selling," he added, "but as you saw we confirmed what we said - we sold the players that were not playing regularly here. Some of them went because they wanted to go. "The club wants to achieve something here, we want to improve. We want to do that working with the players we've got here, to improve young players and make them better. That's the plan we have and we are sticking to it."
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Savio: delighted to be here
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 27th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
New boy Savio Nsereko has expressed his delight at securing a move to West ham United. The 19-year-old winger, talking in a press conference - in perfect English - at the Boleyn Ground to announce his signing this morning said: "I'm delighted to have joined West Ham. West Ham is a big club, a big story so I am very excited."
Nsereko, who is thought to have cost the club around £5million initially - around half the fee being suggested by several media outlets this week - added that he was delighted to be working with Gianfranco Zola, a player he watched as a child. "I know a lot about the manager," he added. "I saw him play, he was a great player and I think is a great manager also. I can improve a lot with him."
Nsereko could go straight into the team to face Hull City at the Boleyn Ground tomorrow night; the Hammers are waiting on international clearance before naming him in the 18-man first team squad.
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Bellamy veto confirmed
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 27th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
Craig Bellamy was refused permission to talk to Tottenham about a potential move, according to Hammers CEO Scott Duxbury. Bellamy completed his switch to Manchester City last week despite having initially expressed a preference for a move to Tottenham - a move vetoed by the club in the wake of Harry Redknapp's comments on the possibility of signing Bellamy at the beginning of January. And Duxbury, talking to SkySports this lunchtime, confirmed that rumours of Bellamy going on strike were wide of the mark. "I'm not sure that it was a sale because a sale implies that we wanted to do it - and we didn't," he said. "We made it quite clear to Craig that we wanted him to stay. I forget the number of bids that we turned down. "I wouldn't say there was animosity but we didn't want him to go and he left, so that's never a comfortable situation. But as far as I am concerned Craig is no longer a West Ham player, he's not my concern. On the Friday that we had the meeting he made it quite clear to me that he wanted to leave and join Tottenham. He was in no frame of mind to train so we both agreed that it was probably best he went home and considered his position. At that point I was still hopeful he would reconsider and continue to play for West Ham, but as the days went on it became quite clear that wasn't a possibility. "I made it quite clear to Craig that there wasn't any possibility of him joining Tottenham. I think he understood that that transfer was never going to be a possibility - and he thought again."
Bellamy also denied reports that he refused to play against Fulham, a game won 3-1 by the Hammers. "I've heard all this talk about me going on strike but I have absolutely no idea where it has come from," he said. "I cannot understand it. "Maybe in the past I have done some things that I shouldn't have - but this one is not true."
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Duxbury: a change in philosophy
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 27th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury has told SkySports that the club are back on the up following the signing of Savio Nsereko. Duxbury, talking in the wake of Nsereko's unveiling this morning reiterated that the club are determined to hang on to their key players despite constant media reports claiming an imminent firesale due to Chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson's finanicial difficulties. And he repeated claims, first published in the Independent last week that the days of selling star players to local rivals Tottenham are well and truly over. "The January transfer window is perplexing," said Duxbury. "You're in the middle of a race and then suddenly you've got to lose some of your players. You should be able to get to the end of the race with the squad you've got - and we're doing well. "We didn't want to lose any players because I think we can achieve something quite special this season. There is a change of philosophy at this football club; I keep referring to the football project, it's a business plan that we stick to [in order] to deliver success. "Part of that is that we need to be aware of our fans expectations, and we need to be aware who our local rivals are. There's a massive rivalry between ourselves and Tottenham. As I've said, it's nothing against Tottenham but why on earth should we sell any player that would strengthen their team? It just makes no sense to me. "We're competitive, we're in a competitive league. I want to finish above Tottenham year after year and I want to deliver success - so I won't be selling any of our players to our local rivals, it just makes no sense to me."
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Hammers welcomes Tevez hearing
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 27th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
Scott Duxbury says he is looking forward to clearing West Ham United's name at the forthcoming hearing into the ongoing Carlos Tevez affair.
The latest step in the ongoing legal battle regarding Tevez and possible compensation for Sheffield United is a new hearing to determine whether the Hammers broke further rules relating to the final three games of the season - games seen by the most recent tribunal, who ruled in favour of the Championship club, as having paramount importance to the club's final league placings.
But Duxbury, who recently appointed a new legal team to oversee the case, remains convinced that United will clear their name. "We welcome it absolutely," he said. "It's an affair that seems to have gone on for far too long now and this is an opportunity for us once and for all to show that we did absolutely nothing wrong. "We didn't break any undertakings to the Premier League, we absolutely adhered to them. Myself and Eggert [Magnusson] of course met with Tevez's representatives, that's what you would do as a competent official of a football club. "We often meet with player's representatives and this is an opportunity once and for all to clear it up and prove that we did absolutely nothing wrong, so we absolutely welcome it."
Duxbury also hit back at his critics, stating that nothing would deter him from achieving his ambitions for the club. "I have been at this football club for many, many years now, I've got the absolute support of the Board and the Chairman and I'm absolutely confident in what I'm trying to achieve," he added. "Of course Tevez is a distraction, but there are numerous distractions - and I think my job here is just to guide the football club with the Board through these distractions and make sure that my management team, which I've got complete confidence in, is absolutely focused on delivering success. "There may be people out there who want to criticise, there may be people who want to distract us but it simply won't happen. Nothing will deter us from delivering the success that we know we can achieve."
Meanwhile Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe has responded to charges by writer Martin Samuel of further third-party interference with regard to the transfer of Matthew Spring from Luton to Charlton. Spring, who was on loan at Sheffield United was allowed to prematurely end his season-long arrangement with the Blades in order to sign a permanent deal with Chalrton - but, according to Samuel, only on the proviso that he sit out Charlton's FA Cup fourth round clash with Sheffield, which the Yorkshire club won 2-1.
Speaking in a club statement posted on Sheffield United's website on Monday evening, McCabe said: "This is an outrageous article and wholly inaccurate. We have not broken any Football Association and Football League rules. "For some time now Mr Samuel - whether at The Times, his past employers, or at the Daily Mail where he now works - has pursued a crusade against Sheffield United. "As usual his reports are without foundation and I suggest he concentrates his time on reporting the truth rather than spurious allegations. "I gather Martin is a West Ham supporter so, maybe, in some clumsy way, he believes his regular attacks on the Blades helps to protect their wrongdoings over the Tevez affair."
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Hammers seal Savio deal
Upton Park outfit pay record fee for striker
Last updated: 27th January 2009
SSN
West Ham United have completed the signing of Brescia striker Savio Nsereko on a four-and-a-half-year deal. The 19-year-old has moved to England for an undisclosed fee, but it is understood to be a club record transfer in the region of £9million. West Ham director of football Gianluca Nani revealed on Monday that Savio was expected to move as the Hammers looked for a replacement for Craig Bellamy. The Wales captain joined Manchester City last week and Nani, who worked with Savio at Brescia, has now landed an ideal alternative. Savio began his career with 1860 Munich, before he was snapped up by Brescia as a 16-year-old, and he has also represented Germany at youth level. Subject to international clearance, Savio will make his debut in the Premier League clash against Hull City at Upton Park on Wednesday night.
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Zola - Savio not a gamble
But Upton Park boss recognises teenager will require time to settle
Last updated: 27th January 2009
SSN
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola does not believe record signing Savio is a gamble but recognises the teenager will need time to settle at Upton Park. The Hammers completed a deal, believed to be worth in the region of £9million, for the 19-year-old on Tuesday morning as Zola ended his search for a replacement for Craig Bellamy, who joined Manchester City last week. Zola is now excited about working with Savio, but acknowledges that the former Brescia star will require the opportunity to find his feet in England. When asked about the Germany youth international, Zola told Sky Sports News: "We have expectations of him, but we do not forget that the boy is 19 years old and he has come here for the future. "We are going to try an improve him and make him a better player. We know that he has got great potential and can become a top player. "But everybody needs to be patient. He wants to improve and we want to help him, but he also needs time to settle. "The reason why we bought Savio is that we saw the potential which belongs to special players. We like to gamble, but I do not think that Savio is a gamble."
And Zola confirmed that West Ham are still waiting for international clearance before discovering whether Savio will be available to make his debut against Hull City at Upton Park on Wednesday. "We hope that he will be available for tomorrow," added Zola. "We are still waiting for international clearance."
Meanwhile, Savio - who scored three goals in 22 appearances for Brescia - has expressed his delight at sealing his move to East London. "I am happy to be here and proud to have the opportunity to play for a club like West Ham," said Savio. "West Ham is a big club. So I was very exited to learn that they were interested."
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Bellamy's Spurs wish was blocked
Duxbury confirms club had no plans to sell striker to rivals
By James Dall Last updated: 27th January 2009
SSN
West Ham United chief executive Scott Duxbury has told Sky Sports News that the club had no plans to sanction Craig Bellamy's desire to join Tottenham Hotspur. Bellamy secured his transfer away from Upton Park last week, penning a four-and-a-half year deal with cash-fuelled Manchester City. Spurs boss Harry Redknapp was also keen to land his signature, but Duxbury has revealed that a switch from the Hammers to their London rivals was never in the offing. He told Sky Sports News in a wide-ranging interview: "I made it quite clear to Craig that there wasn't any possibility of him joining Tottenham. "Why on earth should we sell any player to our rivals that would strengthen their team? "He did not go on strike. On the Friday he made it clear he wanted to leave and join Tottenham. He was in no frame of mind to train."
Of the move to City, Duxbury added: "I am not sure it is a sale, because a sale implies that we wanted to do it - which we didn't. "We made it quite clear to Craig that we wanted him to stay. We didn't want to lose any player because I think we can do something quite special this season.
"I think it might have been six bids that we turned down. We didn't want him to go and he left, so that is never a comfortable situation. "He is no longer my concern. My concern is (new signing) Savio and the rest of the West Ham players."
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The Craic : Savio who?
by Setanta.com staff , 27 January 2009
GLOWING REFERENCE
West Ham were no doubt delighted to unveil Savio Nsereko as their big January recruit on Tuesday and he is a player the Hammers fans will all look forward to seeing wearing the claret-and-blue number 10 shirt. However, the enthusiasm in Germany, the country he represents at Under-20 level, was lukewarm to say the least.
"Savio who?" asked one news source. Describing him as a "German nobody", it goes on to say: "Football is stunned and Germany rubs its eyes. West Ham pay €11 million for a countryman that an Italian second division club actually wanted to quickly get rid of." We'll reserve judgement until seeing the 19-year-old in action.
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Hammer blow from Duxbury as Upton Park chief puts Spurs on transfer blacklist
By Ken Dyer Last updated at 2:38 PM on 27th January 2009
Daily Mail
West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury said today that he will never sell any of the club's players to Tottenham. Duxbury was speaking about the interest in Craig Bellamy from Spurs before the Wales international eventually signed for Manchester City for £14million. 'I made it quite clear to Craig there wasn't any possibility of him joining Tottenham,' said Duxbury. 'There is a change of philosophy at this club. I keep referring to the football project and it's a business plan we stick to. 'Part of that is we need to be aware of our fans' expectations, we need to be aware of who our local rivals are and there is massive rivalry between ourselves and Tottenham. 'It's nothing about Tottenham but why on earth should we sell any player that would strengthen their team? It just makes no sense to me. 'I won't sell any of our players to our local rivals.' West Ham also unveiled new £9m record signing Savio Nsereko and boss Gianfranco Zola insisted the move demonstrated that rumours of a financial meltdown at Upton Park were greatly exaggerated.
The teenage striker, who was born in Uganda but moved to Germany at the age of two, should be in West Ham's squad for Wednesday night's Premier League match at home to Hull if the club receive international clearance in time. Zola said: 'There were a lot of worries about the club, about us selling players, but as you've seen, we sold the players who were not playing regularly here and some of them left because they wanted to go. 'There were a lot of rumours that we were not going to be able to buy anybody but that we had to sell. 'I am pleased because this is a good club, run by good people who were keen to reinvest some of the money we had received in the transfer window and take this club forward.
'We don't want to sell anybody unless someone comes to us and tells us they want to leave.'
Bellamy was one of those that the club sold but Duxbury revealed that Scott Parker, Robert Green and Matthew Upson will all be offered new contracts. He added: 'There was a lot of interest in our players but I contacted every single player and told them we didn't want to sell them and got the commitment back they didn't want to go. 'When the transfer window shuts I will be sitting down and talking to them about extending their contracts.'
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Hammers put Spurs on their transfer blacklist
Ken Dyer
27.01.09 Related Articles
Nsereko joins Hammers in record deal after Mullins exit
This Is London
West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury said today that he will never sell any of the club's players to Tottenham. Duxbury was speaking about the interest in Craig Bellamy from Spurs before the Welsh international eventually signed for Manchester City for £14million. "I made it quite clear to Craig there wasn't any possibility of him joining Tottenham," said Duxbury. "There is a change of philosophy at this club. I keep referring to the football project and it's a business plan we stick to. "Part of that is we need to be aware of our fans' expectations, we need to be aware of who our local rivals are and there is massive rivalry between ourselves and Tottenham. "It's nothing about Tottenham but why on earth should we sell any player that would strengthen their team? It just makes no sense to me. "I won't sell any of our players to our local rivals."
West Ham also unveiled new £9m record signing Savio Nsereko today and boss Gianfranco Zola insisted the move demonstrated that rumours of a financial meltdown at Upton Park were greatly exaggerated. The teenage striker, who was born in Uganda but moved to Germany at the age of two, should be in West Ham's squad for tomorrow night's Premier League match at home to Hull if the club receive international clearance in time. Zola said: "There were a lot of worries about the club, about us selling players, but as you've seen, we sold the players who were not playing regularly here and some of them left because they wanted to go. "There were a lot of rumours that we were not going to be able to buy anybody but that we had to sell. "I am pleased because this is a good club, run by good people who were keen to reinvest some of the money we had received in the transfer window and take this club forward. "We don't want to sell anybody unless someone comes to us and tells us they want to leave."
Bellamy was one of those that the club sold but Duxbury revealed that Scott Parker, Robert Green and Matthew Upson will all be offered new contracts. He added: "There was a lot of interest in our players but I contacted every single player and told them we didn't want to sell them and got the commitment back they didn't want to go. "When the transfer window shuts I will be sitting down and talking to them about extending their contracts."
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West Ham v HULL: Bullard set for Tigers bow
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 2:05 PM on 27th January 2009
Daily Mail
Record signing Jimmy Bullard will make his Hull debut in Wednesday's Barclays Premier League clash at West Ham. The £5million buy from Fulham has, however, been suffering from a virus since the weekend and boss Phil Brown admits he may not play the full 90 minutes or even start. Craig Fagan returns from suspension and Kevin Kilbane is available again after being cup-tied for the weekend win over Millwall. Nick Barmby (calf) and Anthony Gardner (thigh) are both about a week away from fitness while George Boateng (knee) is a long-term casualty.
Provisional squad: Myhill, Ricketts, Turner, Zayatte, Dawson, Mendy, Ashbee, Geovanni, Bullard, Kilbane, Cousin, Manucho, Garcia, Fagan, Halmosi, Folan, Marney, Featherstone, Doyle, Hughes, Duke, Warner.
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West Ham clinch Nsereko deal
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
Nsereko scored three goals in 17 games for Serie B outfit Brescia this season
Independent.co.uk Web
West Ham today confirmed the signing of Germany Under-20 forward Savio Nsereko from Brescia. The 19-year-old, who was born in Uganda, has agreed a four-and-a-half year deal with the Hammers after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee. Nsereko passed a medical yesterday and, subject to international clearance, will make his debut in the Barclays Premier League clash against Hull at Upton Park tomorrow night.
West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury told www.whufc.co.uk: "We are delighted to sign Savio, particularly with the fierce competition for his services across Europe. "He is an exciting prospect, who Gianfranco Zola believes will prove a valuable asset for this club now and in the years to come. "It is a significant investment and shows our determination to continue moving this club forward." Savio, who can play wide or through the middle, scored three goals in 17 games for Serie B outfit Brescia this season. He will be expected to fill the void created by Craig Bellamy's transfer window switch to Manchester City.
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West Ham United complete Savio Nsereko deal
Times Online
West Ham United today confirmed the signing of Savio Nsereko, the Germany Under-20 forward, from Brescia. The 19-year-old, who was born in Uganda, has agreed a four-and-a-half year deal after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee. Nsereko passed a medical yesterday and, subject to international clearance, will make his debut in the Barclays Premier League match against Hull City at Upton Park tomorrow night.
"We are delighted to sign Savio, particularly with the fierce competition for his services across Europe," Scott Duxbury, the West Ham chief executive, said. "He is an exciting prospect, who Gianfranco Zola [the West Ham manager] believes will prove a valuable asset for this club now and in the years to come. It is a significant investment and shows our determination to continue moving this club forward."
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Savio Nsereko confirmed as a Hammer
Chester Copperpot - Tue Jan 27 2009
West Ham Online
West Ham have completed the signing of 19-year-old Brescia striker Savio Nsereko The fee for Nsereko has not been disclosed but it is expected to be a club record, topping the £7.5m West Ham paid Liverpool for Bellamy in 2007. Technical director Gianluca Nani worked with Nsereko when he was at Brescia. Savio who will wear the number 10 shirt, passed a medical on Monday and West Ham hope he will be given international clearance to feature in the game against Hull on Wednesday. Scott Duxbury said: "We are delighted to sign Savio, particularly with the fierce competition for his services across Europe."He is an exciting prospect, who Gianfranco Zola believes will prove a valuable asset for this club now and in the years to come. "It is a significant investment and shows our determination to continue moving this club forward."
Nserko can play either wide or as a central striker and was named player of the tournament at last year's Uefa Under-19 Championship in the Czech Republic, which was won by Germany. A West Ham delegation flew to Brescia in the middle of last week to agree a fee for the player. Nsereko then travelled to England over the weekend to meet Zola and finalise the deal. Nsereko has scored a three goals in 17 appearances for Serie B side Brescia this season, however in his last outing for them he scored twice in a minute in the 4-0 win against Pisa on 17 January.
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West Ham wrap up deal for Brescia midfielder Nsereko
19-year-old attacking midfielder joins from Brescia
Fee believed to be a club-record £9m
guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 27 January 2009 09.27 GMT Article history
West Ham United have signed the 19-year-old striker Savio Nsereko from Brescia for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £9m, a new club record transfer. The manager, Gianfranco Zola, has given the young Ugandan-German attacking midfielder the No10 shirt.
Nsereko scored twice in his last game for the Serie B side, the 4-0 win against Pisa, and Zola will be delighted to have a new attacking option after the departure of Craig Bellamy to Manchester City. Nsereko met Zola at the weekend before agreeing personal terms and may make his debut against Hull City on Wednesday.
The West Ham United CEO, Scott Duxbury, said: "We are delighted to sign Savio, particularly with the fierce competition for his services across Europe. He is an exciting prospect, who Gianfranco Zola believes will prove a valuable asset for this club now and in the years to come. It is a significant investment and shows our determination to continue moving this club forward."
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Hammers sign Nsereko Tuesday 27 January, 2009
Channel4.com
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Brescia youngster Savio Nsereko has finally completed a transfer to Premier League outfit West Ham. The German Under-19 international has been targeted by former Brescia sporting director Gianluca Nani for months and reports suggest that the Hammers have paid a club record sum of more than £8m. Nsereko made a name for himself at last year's UEFA Under-19 European Championship in the Czech Republic where he was named Player of the Tournament. A number of sides watched the Ugandan-born star play for Serie B side Brescia, but West Ham beat the likes of Roma and Napoli to the punch. "Nserenko is now a West Ham player," agent Patrick Bastianelli told Tuttonapoli.net. "He has signed a contract for the next six months, plus an additional four years and he is very happy to have the chance to play in the Premier League. "Thanks to Gianfranco Zola he can compete and mature at a great club. Napoli and Roma were very interested and they probably would've been in the frame if he hadn't moved now."
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West Ham confirm signing of Brescia striker Savio Nsereko
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 9:24 AM on 27th January 2009
Daily Mail
West Ham have confirmed the signing of Savio Nsereko from Brescia. The 19-year-old, who was born in Uganda, has agreed a four-and-a-half year deal with the Hammers after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee. Nsereko passed a medical on Monday and, subject to international clearance, will make his debut in the Premier League clash against Hull on Wednesday night. West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury told the club's website: 'We are delighted to sign Savio, particularly with the fierce competition for his services across Europe. 'He is an exciting prospect, who Gianfranco Zola believes will prove a valuable asset for this club now and in the years to come. 'It is a significant investment and shows our determination to continue moving this club forward.' Previous reports suggested that West Ham had agreed to pay Brescia £5million, which could rise to almost £10m depending on the success of the forward. Nserekkko will inherit the No 10 shirt worn by Craig Bellamy before his £14m move to Manchester City. Juventus, Napoli and Roma were also interested in the Uganda-born player.
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BELLAMY RUBBISHES STRIKE CLAIMS
Posted 27/01/09 11:12EmailPrintSave
Football365
Manchester City new-boy Craig Bellamy has denied going on strike to get a move away from Upton Park. The Wales skipper joined City last week in a £10million deal after an apparent argument with the Hammers, who would not let him join Tottenham. It was suggested Bellamy refused to play for Gianfranco Zola to ensure he could quit the London outfit, on the basis that he had become disillusioned with life at the club. However, Bellamy insists he remains on good terms with Zola, who he spoke to after the Hammers' FA Cup win at Hartlepool on Saturday, and never went on strike. "I have a great relationship with Gianfranco," said Bellamy. "I've heard all this talk about me going on strike but I have absolutely no idea where it has come from. "I cannot understand it. Maybe in the past I have done some things that I shouldn't but this one is not true."
Bellamy is expected to face one of his old clubs, Newcastle, at Eastlands on Wednesday alongside fellow new arrival Nigel de Jong as City look to make a charge away from the bottom half of the table, with Bellamy thinking a UEFA Cup spot is still a possibility. "I still think we can finish in the top six this year," said Bellamy. "It is still an aim for us but if not it is what we should be going for next season. I have never been outside the top six in my whole career and I want that to carry on."
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The Pearl Of Africa Is Now On Show
Just Like My Dreams
Well, it's official...West Ham United have finally unveiled the signing of 19-year-old forward Savio Nsereko from Brescia Calcio. A brief statement on the club website reads:
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Germany Under-20 international Savio Nsereko from Brescia Calcio on a four-and-a half-year contract.
The 19-year-old forward, who can play wide or through the middle, chose the chance to play under Gianfranco Zola ahead of long-standing interest from some of the continent's leading clubs. The fee is undisclosed, although the club confirm it is a significant investment.
Savio, who will wear the No10 shirt, has made his name with Brescia, who are well-placed to secure promotion back to Serie A this season. His last outing for the Italian club saw him score two spectacular goals in a minute in the 4-0 win against Pisa on Saturday 17 January.
A West Ham United delegation led by technical director Gianluca Nani flew to Brescia in the middle of last week to secure his services. When terms had been agreed with both club and player, Savio made the reverse trip to England over the weekend to meet Gianfranco Zola and finalise the deal. He passed his medical on Monday and, subject to international clearance, could even make his debut on Wednesday night against Hull City.
"We are delighted to sign Savio, particularly with the fierce competition for his services across Europe," Scott Duxbury, the West Ham chief executive, said. "He is an exciting prospect, who Gianfranco Zola believes will prove a valuable asset for this club now and in the years to come. It is a significant investment and shows our determination to continue moving this club forward."
Despite interest from a host of European clubs, including Bayern Munich, Juventus, Roma and Napoli, the Telegraph states the Ugandan born striker was encouraged to move to London because of the opportunity to work with Zola. It is also true Gianluca Nani's father in-law, Luigi Corioni, is the president of the Serie B club from which the player moves, and that Nani knows the player well after being responsible for taking him to Italy from Hertha Berlin in 2005 when Nsereko was just 16. Writing in the Mirror, Darren Lewis claims Savio had been on the club's radar for several months - even before Craig Bellamy demanded to leave Upton Park.
Although the final fee is undisclosed, the Times reports it is almost certainly greater than West Ham's previous biggest outlay, the £7.5 million spent signing Bellamy from Liverpool in 2007. The Mail states previous reports suggested that West Ham had agreed to pay Brescia £5million, which could rise to almost £10million depending on the success of the forward. The Guardian are none the wiser, but suggests a figure in the region of £9million to make Nsereko the new club record transfer. The Mirror also has the same number in mind.
The Independent writes that the versatile Savio, who has scored three goals in 17 games for Brescia this season, will be expected to fill the void created by Craig Bellamy's £14million transfer window switch to Manchester City. It is inevitable that such comparisons will be drawn (and perhaps invited), especially as the Ugandan-German inherits the No 10 shirt by vacated by Bellamy following the Welshman's acrimonious departure.
The signing will reassure fans who had feared the club would only be a selling club during the January transfer window, states the BBC. 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.
In other news, this morning's Sun reports Cardiff City have rejected West Ham's £5million bid for Joe Ledley. Everton, Spurs, Wigan, Fulham and Stoke are said to be watching the midfielder too. Bluebirds chairman Peter Ridsdale is quoted as saying: "Joe is not for sale."
Posted by Trilby at 09:48
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Tottenham failed with bid for West Ham striker Cole
27.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
Tottenham made a bid for West Ham United striker Carlton Cole, it has been revealed. The Times says Spurs have drawn a blank in their efforts to lure Cole and Craig Bellamy, now with Manchester City, to White Hart Lane.
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