WHUFC.com
With the team in eighth with 14 league games to go and still in the FA Cup,
West Ham United are upbeat
02.02.2009
West Ham United are looking forward to the second half of the season in good
spirits after the closure of the transfer window.
The recruitment of Savio and Radoslav Kovac has added extra international
quality to Gianfranco Zola's in-form squad ahead of a meeting of two of the
country's form teams this Sunday when the champions Manchester United arrive
at the Boleyn Ground. The progress shown by homegrown Hammers like Jack
Collison and those emerging behind him like Marek Stech, James Tomkins,
Junior Stanislas and Freddie Sears has also had an impact on the coaching
staff's thinking.
CEO Scott Duxbury revealed on Monday night though that attempts had been
made to sign a third player this window but in the end did not proceed. "The
club is very happy with the business done in January. We had been looking at
a couple of the manager's targets but a deal could not be concluded," he
said.
"Rather than rush anything through, and with the manager happy with his
squad, we felt it best to wait until the summer when we can take stock of
the squad and spend our money wisely.
"The addition of Savio and Radoslav, and the quality of players coming
through the ranks underlined that this window we wanted to focus on players
that could challenge for a first-team place. Having also exercised the
option to keep Herita Ilunga at the club long-term, we are very happy with
the business we have done."
Departing have been Matthew Etherington, Hayden Mullins and Craig Bellamy,
with Calum Davenport, Nigel Quashie, Julien Faubert, Lee Bowyer, Kyel Reid,
Joe Widdowson and Jordan Spence out on loan - in some cases with sizeable
fees being paid. This has meant the first-team squad has been trimmed in
line with the manager's wishes and the CEO thanked fans for their support of
the coaching set-up and acknowledgment of the efforts to boost the medical
and technical departments.
"We recognise that having the fans with us is essential and we need to keep
them informed. It is down to us to earn their support and that goes for the
club off the field as well as on it. I am pleased we have kept hold of our
key players, although this is simply what any club with ambition would
expect to do and should not be viewed as an achievement. Similarly new
contracts will be discussed when and where appropriate.
"It is clear that we have a squad that is committed to this club, and we are
excited to see what they can realise in the rest of the season and beyond.
We know that things may not always go as well as they have been over the
last eight games or so but, even if there is a blip, we are confident we
have the squad and structure in place to keep West Ham United moving
forward."
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Valon's vow on WHUTV
WHUFC.com
The support from the fans is something that drives Valon Behrami on to do
well for West Ham United
02.02.2009
Valon Behrami is the latest big name to talk exclusively to WHUTV and you
can watch his interview for free right now.
The midfielder was a key performer in Saturday's goalless draw at Arsenal
and he took time out after the game to share his thoughts on the match, his
own form and also next weekend's visit of the champions Manchester United.
Behrami has become a firm fans' favourite since his summer arrival and said
he was loving life in east London.
"It is enjoyable to run and fight and that is the atmosphere at West Ham
right now," Behrami told WHUTV. "Every single training session we are happy
to go in and work hard. When we play at Upton Park, I feel strong in front
of our supporters."
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Trio receive international calls
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's James Collins, Jack Collison and Daniel Kearns are all set
to represent their countries
02.02.2009
West Ham United duo James Collins and Jack Collison have been named in the
Wales squad for the international friendly against Poland on 11 February.
Central defender Collins, who has scored once in 27 games for his country,
and Collison, who has earned three caps since making his debut in Iceland
last summer, will both hope to start the game in Vila Real, Portugal.
The pair, who have enjoyed an excellant run of form at club level of late,
both started John Toshack's team's last game - a 1-0 friendly win in Denmark
on 19 November last year.
Meanwhile, Under-18 winger Daniel Kearns has been named in a Northern
Ireland squad to take part in a mini-tournament in Gran Canaria this week.
Kearns has played 15 FA Premier Academy League and FA Youth Cup games for
West Ham United this season, scoring three goals.
The skilful youngster, 17, will be part of Paul Kee's 18-man squad to take
on hosts Spain on Tuesday evening before going up against Germany on
Wednesday. The Northern Irish will complete their tour with a fixture
against the Canary Islands on Friday.
Kearns, who has also represented his country at Under-16 and Under-17 level,
was born in Belfast before joining West Ham United in 2007 after being
spotted at the prestigious Ballymena International Tournament.
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Davenport departs for Sunderland
WHUFC.com
Calum Davenport has joined Sunderland on loan for the rest of the season
02.02.2009
West Ham United can confirm that Calum Davenport has joined Sunderland on
loan for an undisclosed fee with an option to buy in the summer.
Davenport's switch to the Black Cats was finalised on Monday afternoon with
the defender making the move after passing a medical and agreeing terms. The
26-year-old moved to east London from Tottenham Hotspur in January 2007,
having earlier spent two months on loan with the Hammers between September
and November 2004.
However, a series of injuries have restricted Davenport to just 14 league
and cup appearances for the club the second time around. The centre-back,
who joins former Hammers, Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney at the
Stadium of Light, made his final appearance for the club in the 4-1 victory
at Portsmouth on Boxing Day.
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Big week for Kovac
WHUFC.com
Having seen the team perform well at the Emirates, Radoslav Kovac is ready
to get down to business
02.02.2009
Radoslav Kovac is relishing the thought of training with his new team-mates
this week after being impressed by the weekend display at Arsenal.
The Czech Republic midfielder arrived at the Boleyn Ground on Friday and met
his new colleagues for the first time. After completing his move from
Spartak Moscow, Kovac visited Chadwell Heath to be put through his paces for
the first time by Antonio Pintus before watching the 0-0 draw at the
Emirates Stadium.
Kovac cannot wait until the team return to the practice pitches ready to
prepare for the visit of Manchester United this coming Sunday, with the
vastly-experienced international taking time out before then to share his
thoughts on his new challenge.
"I am delighted to be here," he said. "West Ham is a beautiful club and I am
happy that I have signed and can't wait to play. There was interest from
other big clubs, but when West Ham showed their interest, it felt like the
right move for me and a chance to come and play in the Premier League."
Kovac described the Premier League as one of the best in the world and
believed that playing here in England can only enhance him further as a
player. "For sure, it is one of the best to be in and that is where I want
to be playing. I am very happy I will be doing this with West Ham."
He is well aware of the great traditions of the club and described the
opportunity to join up and play under Gianfranco Zola was a big factor in
his move to east London. "Of course I know a lot about the manager and also
the player he was, he says "It is a fantastic opportunity for me to come and
play under him and I am very excited about this.
"I also know a lot about Matthew Upson, from him playing for England and
also players such as Scott Parker. I am looking forward to playing with the
team, there are a lot of good players here."
Kovac joins what is a strong Czech contingent at the club - with fellow
Czech players Jan Lastuvka and Marek Stech as well as goalkeeping coach
Ludek Miklosko, all of whom welcomed him personally on his first trip to the
stadium. He also revealed that Petr Cech, the Chelsea No1, recommended life
in the Premier League.
"Before I came here, he [Cech] said a lot to me about how it works and how
the coaching is here. I think the way the team plays here at West Ham is not
unlike how we play for the Czech Republic."
Now the all the formalities are done, Kovac is eager to get to know his new
team-mates and starting life at the club. "I am looking forward to starting
training and pulling on a West Ham shirt and doing what I can for the team,
who are doing very well. Hopefully I can play a part in helping them
continue that."
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Sunderland get Davenport on loan
BBC.co.uk
Sunderland managed to beat the transfer deadline to capture West Ham
defender Calum Davenport on loan until the end of the season. The
26-year-old passed a medical on Wearside before becoming manager Ricky
Sbragia's second signing during the transfer window. He follows Tal Ben
Haim's loan switch from Manchester City on Sunday. Former England Under-21
international Davenport cost the Hammers £3m when he joined from Spurs in
2007. He will be reunited with fellow former West Ham defenders Anton
Ferdinand and George McCartney at the Stadium of Light. The pair moved to
Wearside during the summer transfer window. Davenport, who started his
career at Coventry and has also had loan spells at Southampton and Norwich,
had fallen down the pecking order at Upton Park after the arrival of manager
Gianfranco Zola. He made just eight appearances for the club this season and
14 in total during his two years at the club.
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Ilunga lands permanent deal
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 2nd February 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have announced the signing of Herita Ilunga on a permanent
deal. The Hammers opted to exercise their 'right to buy' option at a cost of
around £1.5million earlier in the transfer window as a result of Ilunga's
good form since joining United on loan last September. The deal was
confirmed by CEO Scott Duxbury on whufc.com tonight. The Congalese full-back
was a post-deadline day capture last September, arriving from Toulouse as a
replacement for George McCartney who joined Sunderland for £6million. Since
moving to East London Ilunga has been a virtual ever-present in Gianfranco
Zola's first team, drawing plaudits from supporters impressed by his
attacking forays and battling qualities. The 26-year-old defender is
understood to have signed a three-and-a-half year contract with the Hammers.
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That's your lot
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 2nd February 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have concluded their transfer business for the January transfer
window having failed to land either of their deadline day targets. The club
confirmed tonight that efforts to sign a replacement for the outgoing Julien
Faubert had failed despite a day of negotiations in East London. United had
been talking to at least two players - Panathinaikos' Bryce Moon and Dinamo
Bucharest's Radiu Homei - but failed to reach a satisfactory conclusion in
either case, meaning that Savio and Radoslav Kovac are the only two new
faces to be added to the squad. Scott Duxbury, talking on whufc.com tonight
confirmed that the club's transfer window business had been finalised,
saying: "We had been looking at a couple of the manager's targets but a deal
could not be concluded. Rather than rush anything through, and with the
manager happy with his squad, we felt it best to wait until the summer when
we can take stock of the squad and spend our money wisely."
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Davenport move finalised
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 2nd February 2009
By: Staff Writer
Calum Davenport's deadline day move to Sunderland has been completed. The
central defender finalised a switch to the Stadium of Light that sees him
join the Black Cats on loan until the end of the season late this afternoon.
Davenport joins former United team mates Anton Ferdinand and George
McCartney on Wearside. The news was confirmed this evening via an
annoucement on whufc.com which said: "West Ham United can confirm that Calum
Davenport has joined Sunderland on loan for an undisclosed fee with an
option to buy in the summer." The former Coventry defender, who had been
speaking with a number of clubs in recent days travelled from London earlier
today in order to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms with the
Premier League strugglers. Talking to safc.com tonight, he said: "Sunderland
is a massive club and I'm really looking forward to playing a part in the
vital run-in to the end of the season. "I know quite a few of the lads
already. I've played with Anton, George, Reidy, Steed, Teemu and Marton, so
I'm sure that will help me to settle in quickly."
Davenport completed his medical earlier this afternoon before putting pen to
paper on the loan deal. Although the Hammers had hoped to sell the player on
a permanent basis no suitable offers were forthcoming. Davenport joined West
Ham two years ago this month but made only 14 appearances for the club due
mainly to injury. An earlier loan move to Watford was terminated after just
one game when he broke a bone in his neck during his first outing for the
Hornets.
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Davenport loaned to Black Cats
Defender arrives on loan deal until end of season
By James Dall Last updated: 2nd February 2009
SSN
West Ham United defender Calum Davenport has signed for Sunderland on loan
until the end of the season. Black Cats boss Ricky Sbragia has been keen to
bolster his backline, and Davenport's arrival follows the capture of Tal Ben
Haim from Manchester City on Sunday. Former Tottenham Hotspur centre-back
Davenport passed a medical and agreed personal terms at the Stadium of Light
on transfer deadline day. The centre-back, who joins former Hammers, Anton
Ferdinand and George McCartney at the Stadium of Light, made his last
appearance for West Ham in the 4-1 victory at Portsmouth on Boxing Day.
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Financially sound
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 2nd February 2009
By: Matthew Kemp
So another transfer deadline ends, and West Ham United's signings during the
transfer window are an amazing two players (one joining on loan).
Whilst the signing of Savio has been heralded as a major signing for the
Hammers, behind the glitzy PR from Scott Duxbury lies the fact that the net
transfers in since the summer window have helped balance the books. If the
Icelanders wanted to get players of the wage book, and trim the squad, then
the team have been given more that a short, back and sides.
Craig Bellamy, Etherington, Mullins, Ferdinand, McCartney, Pantsil, Zamora
and Wright have all left for new clubs, while players leaving on loan
include Davenport (Sunderland), Bowyer (Birmingham) Quashie and Reid
(Wolves), Jordan Spence (Leyton Orient) and Faubert (West Ham receiving a
fee for this loan from Real Madrid). Ljungberg (released).
The loan signing of Kovak was clearly necessary given only three players
have signed long term contracts (Savio, Ilunga and Behrami) with Tristan
(short term), Lopez and Di Michele joining Kovac on loan deals.
Ultimately, many of the transfers were undisclosed fees, yet a rough
estimate would suggest circa £40m received in transfer fees, and expenditure
of £5m for Behrami and £5m for Savio (to increase based on appearances etc).
Therefore an initial £30m net gain in transfers, and clearly a reduction in
salaries.
It is little wonder that West Ham allowed Hull City to speak to Luis Boa
Morte, and even less of a surprise that he baulked at their paltry offer of
a three-year-contract worth £20k a week. Rumours suggest he is on nearly
three times that salary at Upton Park.
The weekend papers suggested Dyer and Ashton will also be surplus to
requirments in the summer. Ashton signed a five year contract last summer,
with a weekly salary estimated at £50k, Dyer's wages are around £60k a week.
The debate will rage on, yet a fit Dean Ashton is an asset to any side, and
it is possible that if he was playing during the transfer window, the club
would have been approached for his services. £20m was reportedly turned down
last summer, from our friends Tottenham Hotspur!
Dyer is just injury prone, and at 30 his best years are probably behind him.
It is unfortunate that he has not managed to play more games, as a fit
Kieron Dyer would be a welcome addition to Zola's starting eleven.
In my opinion if the board need to continue with the stance of growing the
academy etc, then I would be happy for Dyer to be sold on for a fee, yet see
no reason at selling Ashton unless a club offer a player plus cash deal that
suits all parties.
At the time of writing this article West Ham are playing some exciting
football, and confidence is high. There are many posiives to come out of the
season, including the form of Jack Collison. However, I would urge fans to
throw caution to the wind, with regards to the future of West Ham United.
The media clearly have thrived on the uncertainly of our chairman's
financial situation, and much has been written without firm evidence to
substantiate the stories. We should not ignore the fact that the club have
sold and moved on many members of the squad, and much of this can be seen in
a positive light.
However, any players leaving should be replaced, if it's likely that we dont
have cover. Concerns would be at left back and right back, Lopez and Spector
in reserve, and at centre back we now only have Tomkins as cover (due to
Gabbidon's long term injury). Up front, hopefully a return to first team
football in March by Dean Ashton will give us strength yet for now a lot
rests on Cole and Di Michele, withTristan, Sears, and Savio to play
supporting roles.
It will be interesting to see the club's accounts when this is produced, and
more importantly receive some guidance from the clubs hierarchy as to
whether Gudmundson can take us forward, or in reality is he looking to sell.
If the club has based its transfer policy on only buying youngsters and
bringing players through, it begs the question - isn't that what Terence
Brown did?
I can already hear the groans amongst you, yet if the club are going to go
forward, and this doesnt necessarily mean buying world class players and top
prices, then it still needs investment, as the gulf between the top four
becomes wider every season.
I believe we all shared and hoped that Gudmundson would be the man to do
this... if he isn't, then it would be sensible for him to sell in the
summer, and allow someone else to take forward the West Ham project!
For now though a good cup run and eigth in the league is fantastic. Zola and
Clarke, keep up the good work!
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The Apology You Won't Read…
West Ham Till I Die
From this morning's DAILY FICTION newspaper
In common with every other national newspaper, we at the Daily Fiction have
assumed that West Ham United were destined for relegation this season.
Phrases like "Hammers doomed" and "Clueless Zola" have all too readily
appeared on our back pages. Our star columnist wrote that "Carlton Cole
couldn't hit a barn door" and that Valon Behrami "resembles a bull in a
china shop without the china". Our Business Editor described West Ham's
finances as resembling "Reykjavik in the East End" under the headline
"Bjorgulfor a Burton". Our Football editor wrote that "West Ham will be
lucky to raise two shekels short of a groat" during this transfer window and
that "the only signing West Ham will be making will be changing the sign
over the chairman's office door".
In light of recent events we would like to clarify our position and explain
that what we really meant was that West Ham have a Board which has kept its
promises to its supporters, has rectified the profligacy of the
Magnussen/Curbishley regime, instituted a properly thought out transfer
policy, cut its debts in half, have a manager who believes in playing the
West Ham way, have an assistant manager who is a tactical genius, has
employed a set of players who are committed to the club and understand what
it means to pull on their claret and blue shirts and which has a team which
is now unbeaten in eight matches and is pushing for a place in Europe.
We apologise for giving any other impression and in future promise to
reflect facts rather than spiteful insinuation.
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Julien Faubert: I Can't Wait To Defend Real Madrid's Colours
Los Blancos' last winter arrival was officially presented to the media
yesterday in a low-key ceremony…
Goal.com
Real Madrid completed their January business with the surprise signing West
Ham United's Julien Faubert on loan until the end of the season. The
Frenchman was given his formal club presentation yesterday in the Santiago
Bernabeu Press Room instead of the traditional Presidential Balcony, because
of bad weather. Madrid's interim chief, Vicente Boluda, accompanied by a
number of directors, Predrag Mijatovic and Alfredo di Stefano, ushered the
player onto the stage with an opening speech. Boluda said, "The club board
has listened to the requests of the team's coaching staff and has reached an
agreement to have Faubert on loan until June 20, after which we will have
the option to sign him on a three-year contract. "We welcome a great player
to the club. Faubert? You now have the opportunity to show off the qualities
that you possess. This is a chance of a lifetime and you have to take
maximum advantage of it. "Real Madrid will be your home and we demand
devotion, compromise, team spirit and titles. We hope you are happy here."
The 25-year-old Faubert was then given the No. 18 jersey by di Stefano, a
number that he will inherit from Ruben de la Red, who has been ruled out for
the rest of the season. The French right-winger then proceeded to give a
brief speech: "I am very happy to receive this shirt from a leading football
personality like Alfredo di Stefano. "I can't wait to defend these colours,"
he concluded, before jogging out onto the icy Bernabeu turf in the rain
where he was greeted by only 53 subdued fans, a sharp contrast to the
fanfare that Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Lassana Diarra and Rafael van der Vaart
received during their presentation.
KS Leong, Goal.com
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