WHUFC.com
UEFA singled Mark Noble out as the man of the match of the opening game of
the 2009 UEFA U21 Euro
15.06.2009
Mark Noble was rightly named man of the match by uefa.com for his
performance in the 2-1 win against Finland but he was simply focusing on a
job well done when reflecting on opening night of the 2009 UEFA European
Under-21 Championship.
Although Lee Cattermole and Micah Richards scored the goals, and James
Milner was a constant menace, skipper Noble stood out to the UEFA observers
for his industrious work-rate, neat passing and positive play - especially
when his team were down to ten men and rocking against a lively Finnish
side.
The West Ham United midfielder admitted England were caught out early on in
Halmstad. "The conditions made it hard," he said. "We have been playing on
wet pitches for the last two weeks and zinging the ball around for fun.
Today we got here and the pitch was dry and it was really hot. I think it
suited them better than us.
"We are delighted to get the win," Noble added, fully conscious that the
Group B opener was not the most scintillating of football matches to watch.
"We go back to the hotel and prepare for Thursday [against Spain]. No matter
how we did it, no one will care that we weren't playing Barcelona football.
We won the game and that's all that matters.
"We have put some work in today. We have grafted for the last two weeks as
well and we deserved thatt. It doesn't matter how you win, that's tournament
football. You get the three points on the board and let the other game pan
out. We have got a tough game against Spain on Thursday."
Noble said he did not see the coming together that sparked the "unlucky"
Michael Mancienne's dismissal and paved the way for Finland to equalise from
the spot through Tim Sparv. "A few balls over the top were causing us
trouble, with the balls light and the grass dry it was tough on the
defenders. They dug in so well.
"Michael is a fantastic player and will be bounce back from that no doubt.
Micah came up with a great header, we kept on going and deserved it."
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England make their Mark
WHUFC.com
The Young Lions survived the scare of going down to ten men to win 2-1
against Finland at the 2009 Euro
15.06.2009
Mark Noble played a captain's role as England survived a sending off to make
a winning start to the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Sweden on
Monday night.
The Young Lions were 2-1 winners against Finland in Halmstad, having had a
great start when Lee Cattermole scored on 15 minutes. The Scandinavian
nation had fought their way back into the contest with a Tim Sparv penalty
just after the half-hour when Michael Mancienne was dismissed for a denying
a scoring opportunity. With Noble leading the fightback, Micah Richards rose
to head in James Milner's cross on 53 minutes.
England will be relieved to have taken all three points with the might of
Spain, on Thursday, and Germany to come in their remaining Group B fixtures.
The top two in the section will progress to the semi-finals with the host
nation, Belarus, Italy and Serbia in Group A. Mancienne's sending off means
an instant ban - raising the prospects of James Tomkins, who came on for
Richards in the 89th minute, getting a chance in the games to come.
Tomkins made an instant impression with a scrambled clearance as Finland
threatened during four minutes of added time. It was his first competitive
appearance at this level, having made his U21 bow a week ago in the 7-0
friendly win against Azerbaijan. Noble, meanwhile, is one of four players in
the England squad who helped the Young Lions reach the 2007 semi-finals,
before losing on penalties to the Netherlands.
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Unlucky night for Spector
WHUFC.com
Jonathan Spector's US were unlucky to lose 3-1 to world champions Italy at
the FIFA Confederations Cup
15.06.2009
It was a case of what might have been for Jonathan Spector and the United
States at the FIFA Confederations Cup on Monday night.
The West Ham United defender turned in a solid display at right-back against
the world champions but two goals from New Jersey-born Giuseppe Rossi either
side of a Daniele De Rossi long-range strike turned the tide in the
Azzurri's favour. The US had opened the scoring just before half-time from
Landon Donovan's penalty after their early domination was cut short when
they were reduced to ten men with a harsh sending off for Ricardo Clark.
Rossi, a former Manchester United team-mate of Spector's, levelled matters
on the hour before Roma midfielder De Rossi gave the European side the lead
in Pretoria. The match was wrapped up at the death with Rossi's sublime
strike from Andrea Pirlo's pass to leave Italy riding high at the top of
Group B. The US will hope for better on Thursday against Brazil, when a
defeat and Italy win against Egypt would mean early elimination.
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Neill resolution this week
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 15th June 2009
By: Staff Writer
Club captain Lucas Neill will make a decision on his future this week. The
Australian skipper is currently out of contract having rejected West Ham
United's initial one-year extension on reduced terms. However he is expected
to re-enter negotiations with the club after he revealed at the weekend that
he is contemplating a return to London.
The Hammers are understood to be keeping a close watch on a number of
potential replacements including South African full-back Bryce Moon -
currently featuring in the Confederations Cup - and Dinamo Bucharest's Radiu
Homei, both of whom were in talks with West Ham during the last transfer
window.
However rumours concerning a move for Middlesbrough youngster Matthew Bates
are thought to be wide of the mark with the Hammers preferring to look for a
more experienced player to replace Neill, should the two parties fail to
reach an agreement.
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Noble on Championship hopes
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 15th June 2009
By: Staff Writer
James Tomkins and Mark Noble kick off their European Championship campaign
later today as England take on Finland in Halmstad.
Stuart Pearce's under 21s, for whom both Hammers are expected to start face
a tough challenge in Group B with Spain and Germany to follow tonight's
game.against the Fins - but Noble remains upbeat as the big kick off looms.
The United midfielder, who is keeping a blog throughout the tournament told
thefa.com:
"After the best part of two weeks together as a squad, we are all ready and
can't wait for the game to kick off. We are really excited about this
tournament, everyone is really up for it and the spirit around the hotel is
awesome.
"We've been training very well and the boys look sharp. Now with the first
game tonight I just can't wait for things to get started."
"It's also great having James in the squad as he's a good mate and we get on
really well. It's nice having him about as I can't remember the last time I
had a team mate in the England squad with me.
"Tonka has been through exactly the same as me two years ago; getting into
the West Ham first team, booking a holiday at the end of the season and then
having to cancel it after being called up for England and getting into the
final 23 for the tournament. He made his debut for the Under-21s last Monday
and looked very good. I also made my debut in the friendly before we headed
out to Holland.
"He played so well at the end of the season for us, he really deserved his
call up and I hope he gets a chance out here to play in the finals. When he
was picked we spoke about two years ago and the type of things that you can
expect and that, as a player, you have to deal with."
Noble, Tomkins and England go in to tonight's game with England having not
lost to Finland at under 21 level since 1985. The six meetings between the
two sides have resulted in four wins for England, one draw and a sole win
for the Fins.
All of England's games are being broadcast live by Sky.
Group B Fixtures
England v Finland (Halmstad): Monday 15th June - 5:15pm k/o (BST)
England v Spain (Gothenburg): Thursday 18th June - 7:45pm k/o (BST)
England v Germany (Halmstad): Monday 22nd June - 7:45pm k/o (BST)
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Caicedo - West Ham want me
City striker claims Hammers and Sporting interest
Last updated: 15th June 2009
SSN
Manchester City striker Felipe Caicedo claims he has received offers from
West Ham United and Sporting Lisbon. The Ecuador international scored seven
goals for Mark Hughes's side last season as he featured prominently towards
the end of the season. However, with City set to spend big in the summer and
with a number of striking options on their list of targets, Caicedo is one
of the current squad members who could be sacrificed. And the powerful
forward has now told the press in his homeland that other clubs are ready to
sign him. "Only today (Sunday), I received a call from the people at
Sporting," he told El Telegrafo. "There is still nothing concrete, but they
told me that they have already spoken to the officials at City. "There are
several offers - not just Sporting. There's a number of clubs in Portugal,
Spain and also England. The only English club I can name is West Ham."
Despite the interest, Caicedo says that City want him to stay. "I've been
told that I'm going to stay here, plus I have a contract with more than
three years remaining at City," he added.
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Hammers in Acquafresca race
by Robin Hackett , 15 June 2009
setanat.co.uk
Inter striker Robert Acquafresca is a target for West Ham as well as Fulham,
according to his agent. The Italy Under-21 international revealed at the
weekend that Fulham were weighing up a bid and admitted he was considering a
move abroad. And when asked if The Hammers were also interested, his agent,
Paolo Fabbri, told Tutto Napoli: "They are one of the clubs involved. "The
English club already showed strong interest in Robert last summer." Juventus
were also rumoured to be interested in Acquafresca, but Fabbri says he has
not had any contact with the club. However, Genoa, Atalanta, Parma and
Napoli have also been linked and the agent claims there have been several
firm bids. "The situation is clear – we have seven offers on the table and
we are considering them carefully," he said. "Acquafresca wants to think
through all the offers calmly."
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Robert Green Rebuffs Latest West Ham United Contract Offer
Contract rebel Robert Green has rejected the Hammers' latest deal...
15 Jun 2009 15:29:08
Goal.com
West Ham United goalkeeper Robert Green, recently entrusted to guard goal
for England against Kazakhstan and Andorra in two of the Three Lions' World
Cup qualifying games, has rejected a new contract offer from the Boleyn
Ground outfit according to The People. Green has three years left on his
current and is expected to be holding out for a weightier offer than the
£30,000 salary rise offered to him by the Irons. Green is believed to want
to keep his options open as England's passage to the World Cup in South
Africa next summer seems all but secure. The glovesman has recently
reaffirmed his allegiance to the Irons, indicating to the press, "I'm
contracted to West Ham and I love playing there in front of the fans. My
contract is long enough not to worry about." Green has been linked with a
move to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, although such rumours
are at this point simply conjecture.
Alan Dawson, Goal.com
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West Ham close in on loan deal for Inter midfielder Luis Jiménez
The 24-year-old Chilean could have a medical by the weekend
First of three Serie A players targeted by Gianfranco Zola
Sachin Nakrani guardian.co.uk, Monday 15 June 2009 18.23 BST
The Internazionale and Chile international midfielder Luis Jiménez is
expected to sign with West Ham on a year-long loan deal. West Ham United
hope to agree terms in the next 48 hours for the loan signing of the Chile
midfielder Luis Jiménez. The club's chief executive, Scott Duxbury, and
technical director, Gianluca Nani, flew to Milan over the weekend with the
intention of securing a deal with Internazionale for the 24-year-old.
Jiménez has been a bit-part player since signing for the Italian champions
last summer and is keen to leave to find first-team football. The Serie A
sides Fiorentina and Parma are also keen on the attacking midfielder but,
having spent the bulk of his career in Italy, primarily at Ternana and on
loan at Fiorentina and Lazio, he wants to move to another country and sees
West Ham as an ideal location.
West Ham secured a work permit for Jiménez on Friday, having been instructed
by their manager, Gianfranco Zola, to sign him before rival bidders had a
chance to put a deal in place. The club hope to agree terms with both Inter
and the player's representatives shortly. His medical could take place
before the weekend.
Should all go to plan, West Ham will sign Jiménez – who has been capped 19
times by his country – on a season's loan in the hope of concluding a
permanent deal next summer. The club expect to pay Inter in the region of
£7m should they decide to keep him.
West Ham hope Jiménez will be the first of three attack-minded signings
within the next month or so. Nani will remain in Italy this week in the hope
of securing another Serie A player targeted by Zola before linking up with
his compatriot to finalise plans for a third player.
All three moves are likely to be initial loan deals. That is partly because
Zola deems such deals as risk-free – and, in the case with the defender
Herita Ilunga last season, successful – and partly because the club's new
owners, CB Holding, are not in a position to dedicate large amounts of money
to transfers. The club, however, remain committed to significantly
strengthening their hand this summer in the hope of improving on last
season's ninth-place finish.
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Luis Jimenez joins West Ham United
Telegraph.co.uk
West Ham United have received a firm enquiry from Manchester City about
Matthew Upson as they were on Monday night in Milan to complete the signing
of the Chilean striker Luis Jimenez.
By Jason Burt, Deputy Football Correspondent
Published: 10:05PM BST 15 Jun 2009
Chief executive Scott Duxbury travelled to Italy on Monday for talks with
Inter Milan and also met with Jimenez and his representatives. Terms for the
deal, which could initially involve a loan with an option to buy, were
agreed and an announcement is expected to be made later this week.
Jiminez will be the first of several signings by West Ham this summer as
manager Gianfranco Zola overhauls his squad having released 10 players
including captain Luca Neill after he turned down a contract offer than
amounted to almost £50,000-a-week. Despite having 20 caps Jimenez has not
played the requisite number of international matches recently to
automatically qualify for a work permit. But West Ham have been told that an
application would be successful.
West Ham Transfer TalkJimenez has been tracked by West Ham's technical
director Gianluca Nani for some time and it appears that Nani and Zola,
along with Duxbury, will use their Italian links for further signings.
Jiminez was also of interest to Tottenham Hotspur after being told by Inter
coach Jose Mourinho that he could seek a move. West Ham have previously been
interested in Inter's Mario Balotelli and tried to sign him in January but
that was vetoed by Mourinho.
Upson's future, meanwhile, is yet to be resolved. The England international
has made clear he would like the opportunity to join a Champions League club
if an offer is made for him. City do not fall into that category but may be
willing to make an offer than West Ham would find difficult to refuse for a
30-year-old player.
West Ham have to weigh this up, however, with the loss of one of their most
consistent performers with Upson having been earmarked to take over the
captaincy from Neill.
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Jiminez Deal Done & Another One in the Offing?
West Ham Till I Die
According to the Telegraph, the deal to sign Luis Jiminez on loan from Inter
Milan, with an option to buy, is done. Apparently Scott Duxbury has been in
Milan today and has beaten Spurs to his signature. That will no doubt give
Mr D as much pleasure as signing the player himself. I have to say I am not
a fan of these one year loan deals with an option to buy, for invariably, if
the player does really well he then moves on to one of the top four, or
prices himself out of our range. But if needs must…
What the Telegraph doesn't say is that while he's there Duxbury is hoping to
sign a second player from the Italian league. I don't know his identity, but
gather he has a certain "wow" factor. Hold tight folks, it looks like it's
going to be a riveting close season in the transfer stakes.
The Telegraph also says the club has received an enquiry from Manchester
City for Matthew Upson. Personally, I can't see why he would go there, but
money talks.
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CB Holding hoping to make return on West Ham investment
16 Jun, 09 | England | Clubs ownership & management
Eufootball.biz
Although CB Holding expects to retain control of English West Ham United for
only a few years, the company is hoping to turn a profit as a result of the
deal. CB Holding took over West Ham United earlier this week, following
former owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson's financial demise. The club was no
doubt breathing a sigh of relief once the transaction was finalised,
particularly after company chairman Andrew Bernhardt announced plans to keep
Gianfranco Zola as manager and invest in new players.
Chief Executive Scott Duxbury had commented positively on the deal as well,
noting that CB Holdings would help to secure the 'long-term future of the
club'. An unnamed source close to the group told The Guardian that it would
make sense for CB Holding to retain the club for a maximum of two or three
years. The source further confirmed that the individuals behind the company
do not have 'any great knowledge' of football and will therefore leave those
decisions to existing management. It appears as though CB Holding does not
intend to rob the club of its assets, as this would only lead to a
'short-term gain'. Bernhardt has indicated that the club will now be forced
to function within its budget, with a small amount of money set aside for
new players.
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Chelsea's Mancienne full of praise for West Ham defender Tomkins
16.06.09 | tribalfootball.com
Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne is a big fan of England U21 teammate
James Tomkins, the West Ham centre-half. "I thought he did really well
against Azerbaijan and put in a very strong debut, to be honest," said the
Blues defender, who lined up against Tomkins when Chelsea won 1-0 at the
Boleyn Ground on 25 April. "I thought he was very good. We definitely both
like to bring the ball out from the back and after a performance like that I
was buzzing for him."
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West Ham's Noble delighted with five-star England performance
16.06.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United midfielder Mark Noble was named man-of-the-match in
England's opening U21 Euros victory over Finland. "The conditions made it
hard," he said. "We have been playing on wet pitches for the last two weeks
and zinging the ball around for fun. Today we got here and the pitch was dry
and it was really hot. I think it suited them better than us. "We are
delighted to get the win," Noble added, fully conscious that the Group B
opener was not the most scintillating of football matches to watch. "We go
back to the hotel and prepare for Thursday [against Spain]. No matter how we
did it, no one will care that we weren't playing Barcelona football. We won
the game and that's all that matters. "We have put some work in today. We
have grafted for the last two weeks as well and we deserved that. It doesn't
matter how you win, that's tournament football. You get the three points on
the board and let the other game pan out. We have got a tough game against
Spain on Thursday."
Noble said he did not see the coming together that sparked the "unlucky"
Michael Mancienne's dismissal and paved the way for Finland to equalise from
the spot through Tim Sparv. "A few balls over the top were causing us
trouble, with the balls light and the grass dry it was tough on the
defenders. They dug in so well. "Michael is a fantastic player and will be
bounce back from that no doubt. Micah came up with a great header, we kept
on going and deserved it."
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Sheffield Utd, Cardiff chasing West Ham's Quashie
15.06.09 | tribalfootball.com
Nigel Quashie is set to quit West Ham United, with Sheffield United or
Cardiff City his likely destination. The Scotland midfielder spent the last
year on loan at Birmingham and Wolves but neither of the promoted sides want
to offer the 30-year-old a permanent move. Former Nottingham Forest and
Southampton player Quashie has been the subject of four seven-figure
transfer deals but the cash-strapped Hammers will let him go cheaply.
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West Ham's Tomkins delighted with England U21s chance
16.06.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United defender James Tomkins is delighted to be involved with
England's U21 squad at this month's Euros. He told whufc.com: "Coming off
the back end of last season I've done all right so I just need to keep going
now until the beginning of next season so I'm just really enjoying it. To
play against Azerbaijan was very nice, we had to make sure we went in with
the right mental attitude early on and we settled pretty quickly and it was
nice to go into a big championships playing full of confidence."
Tomkins was also full of praise for his club-mate Mark Noble, who skippered
the team against the Azeris and could yet do so at the finals. "He deserved
the captain's armband for being the great pro that he is," said the
20-year-old who many are tipping to follow suit at the 2011 finals.
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West Ham target Caicedo expects Man City stay
16.06.09 | tribalfootball.com
Felipe Caicedo expects to stay with Manchester City. The striker revealed
interest from West Ham and Sporting Lisbon yesterday. However, he added: "I
think for now I will continue in Manchester. "I've been told that I'm going
to stay here, plus I have a contract with more than three years remaining at
City. "
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Sunderland rival West Ham for Kovac
16.06.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United face missing out on Radoslav Kovac. The Czech Republic
international midfielder spent last season on-loan with the Hammers.
However, Sunderland have made a serious approach to Spartak Moscow for Kovac
this week.
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RAY SIMPSON`S NORTHERN LEAGUE ROUND-UP
15/06/2009
Non Leagiue Daily .com
Spennymoor Town's new chairman Brad Groves says that former Newcastle United
striker Paul Kitson will be more than just a figurehead as the new club
president.
Groves, the driving force behind successful Sunday side Hetton Lyons for the
last decade, agreed to become Moors' new chairman a fortnight ago, and
already his aims and ideas have re-invigorated the club which was close to
going under at several stages last season. One of his first moves was to
appoint his old friend Paul Kitson as the club president, and Groves said:
"Paul's role will be to work alongside our manager Jason Ainsley and bring
new players into the club. I've known him ever since we played together as
youngsters. "He's got contacts here there and everywhere, and he'll be
talking to pro clubs about players who might be available and trying to get
the first option on them. "He's got clout on different things, and he'll be
an active president."
Murton-born Kitson (pictured) now lives in the north-east after finishing a
career in which he was twice transferred for over £2 million, and was part
of the Kevin Keegan revolution at Newcastle in the early nineties.
Meanwhile, Groves has agreed on a management structure at the Brewery Field,
with previous vice-chairman Alan Courtney, Phil Gallagher and Billy Beasley
all part of the new board. Jonathan Le Poidevin, who has been secretary for
the last three seasons, has happily agreed to take on a committee role, with
David Leitch, who is also secretary of the Lyons, taking over as club
secretary. And as part of the strategy to attract more fans to the Brewery
Field next season, it will be free admission into all of Moors' home
pre-season friendlies against Crook Town on July 14th, East Fife (July
18th), Gillford Park (July 25th), Linlithgow Rose (July 31st) Coalville
(August 1st).
Meanwhile, Groves is strongly backing manager Jason Ainsley in the transfer
market, and they have signed John Toft and Keith Graydon from Durham City,
along with Chris Mason from Shildon.
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