WHUFC.com
The manager believes Luis Jimenez can be a success in the Premier League
with West Ham United
25.06.2009
Gianfranco Zola is looking forward to seeing Luis Jimenez in a West Ham
United shirt after the club secured the services of the Internazionale
forward for next season.
The manager is in Italy on holiday but in welcoming his new recruit admitted
his thoughts have not been too far away from the Boleyn Ground and his squad
for the 2009/10 season. "I am pleased that it is now official and Luis
Jimenez is with us," he told whufc.com. "A lot of hard work has gone into
the transfer and I am pleased the club have been able to make it happen. It
is very good for everyone.
"He is one of those players that has got the qualities that West Ham
supporters like and I think he will fit very well into our team. I am sure
he will settle well into the Premier League and we will do our best to
welcome him and make him feel at home.
"We have a couple of weeks before we start pre-season but I am very excited
about coming back. I have been getting a rest in the meantime with my family
and everyone is very happy - I am doing phone calls in between each swim. We
have all been resting and recovering and I have no doubt we will all be
recharged and ready to start the new season."
The manager played no small part in getting the Chilean international to the
club, and was impressed by the enthusiasm by Jimenez shown during transfer
discussions. "I have spoken to him about what we are trying to do and he was
very enthusiastic and excited about coming to us. That was good to hear
because you can tell he just wants to play and do well for West Ham.
"I am sure he will be a success. He is a quality player and quality players
always do well, especially with the way we try to play football. It should
prove a good move for everyone."
Zola also had words of praise for CEO Scott Duxbury who travelled with
technical director Gianluca Nani to Milan to broker the deal and have
already moved on to the other transfer targets he has identified. "I have to
say Scott is doing a very good job for us and is trying to support me as
much as possible. He went to Milan with Gianluca and they are both very much
connected to our idea.
"The teamwork between the three of us is coming together very well and it is
very good to have people like that behind you. They have the same idea of
football as me and it is really positive for West Ham."
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Fry signs up
WHUFC.com
Youth team captain Matt Fry has become the latest Academy graduate to sign a
new contract
25.06.2009
West Ham United defender Matt Fry has given his father Ron the perfect
birthday present by signing his first professional contract with the club.
Fry, who turns 19 in September, enjoyed a superb 2008/09 campaign, being
named captain of Tony Carr's Under-18 side and progressing to become a
regular in the reserve team, playing ten times for Alex Dyer's team.
A lifelong West Ham fan who has been at the club since the age of eleven,
Fry has overcome a serious injury to become one of the club's most promising
young players.
The versatile, committed teenager, who is equally comfortable at both
centre-back and left-back, was wearing a broad grin as he put pen to paper
in the trophy room at the Boleyn Ground.
"It's obviously brilliant to have signed the deal, especially being a West
Ham fan as well," said Fry. "My Dad Ron is a West Ham supporter as well, so
he'll never forget this day either.
"I've been here since I was eleven years of age so without him I wouldn't
have got to where I have today. I live about 40 minutes away in Gravesend
and he brought me in every day, making it possible for me to get where I am.
My whole family, especially my Mum Lesley, brother Will and sister Tasha,
have all been very supportive of me."
Fry has worked hard on and off the pitch to realise his dream of becoming a
professional footballer, overcoming a knee injury and completing his studies
at Gravesend Grammar School, earning eleven GCSEs, before concentrating
fully on his football over the past two seasons.
"Anyone who thinks this journey has been easy would be wrong," he said. "At
14 I had an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury, and was out for the
whole year watching everyone else play, which was difficult.
"I've always been focussed on where I want to be and I'm just so happy to
have got my future sorted out. I've spent the past two years learning my
trade as a scholar, but this is obviously a lot bigger and I'm proud to have
signed it.
"This is a massive year for me now. I've got to get back in, get cracking
and get my head down and hopefully get into the first-team squad.
"There are some good central defenders at the club and a lot I can learn
from them. Matty Upson is someone I have kept a close eye on and James
Tomkins is doing really well now, so they're both players I will watch
closely."
Fry is the second Academy youngster to sign a full professional contract
this summer, following promising forward Anthony Edgar.
Edgar, who also turns 19 in September, was in fantastic form as the 2008/09
season came to a close, scoring seven goals in 21 FA Premier Academy League
South appearances.
Both Fry and Edgar formed part of West Ham's squad at the recent IP Global
Soccer Sevens in Hong Kong and they will be eager to play a full part in the
club's pre-season programme, which begins with a first-team friendly at Blue
Square Premier outfit Grays Athletic on Saturday 11 July.
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Ashton link is nonsense - Stoke
BBC.co.uk
Stoke City chairman Peter Coates has said that the Potters are "a million
miles away" from signing West Ham United striker Dean Ashton. Reports on
Thursday had suggested that Stoke were in talks with the Hammers over the
former Norwich frontman. But Coates told BBC Radio Stoke: "It's absolute
nonsense. "I have have not said we are in talks with West Ham. We are a
million miles from doing anything with Dean Ashton and probably won't." A
televised interview with Coates appeared to suggest that City were close to
a deal for the 25-year-old, but the Potters chairman insisted that he has
been "misunderstood". "I have not said that we are talking to him or that we
are about to sign him, I just simply haven't said it," said Coates. "I have
not said it because it's simply not true. I have been misunderstood."
And Coates added that although Stoke manager Tony Pulis is an admirer of
Ashton, the speculation surrounding a possible transfer is frustrating.
"It's frustrating because it's inaccurate and it's not what I have said,"
added Coates. "We have not talked one jot about him in terms of anything
significant." Ashton began his career at Stoke's academy before moving to
near-neighbours Crewe Alexandra. After scoring 73 goals for the Alex he
joined Norwich for £3m in January 2005 before joining the Hammers for £7.25m
a year later. But he has only managed 33 Premier League starts in his time
at Upton Park, scoring 15 goals.
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Jimenez has Zola excited
Hammers boss expects big things from loan star
By Chris Burton Last updated: 25th June 2009
SSN
West Ham new-boy Luis Jimenez has been tipped to make a positive impression
in England by Gianfranco Zola. The Hammers boss completed the capture of the
Inter Milan midfielder on a season-long loan deal on Tuesday. He is now
looking forward to working with the Chile international throughout the
2009/10 campaign. "I am pleased that it is now official and Luis Jimenez is
with us," Zola told the club's official website. "A lot of hard work has
gone into the transfer and I am pleased the club have been able to make it
happen. It is very good for everyone. "He is one of those players that has
got the qualities that West Ham supporters like and I think he will fit very
well into our team. "I am sure he will settle well into the Premier League
and we will do our best to welcome him and make him feel at home. "We have a
couple of weeks before we start pre-season but I am very excited about
coming back. We have all been resting and recovering and I have no doubt we
will all be recharged and ready to start the new season."
Zola has also revealed that he called Jimenez personally in an effort to
persuade the South American star to take on a new challenge at Upton Park.
"I have spoken to him about what we are trying to do and he was very
enthusiastic and excited about coming to us," he added. "That was good to
hear because you can tell he just wants to play and do well for West Ham. "I
am sure he will be a success. He is a quality player and quality players
always do well, especially with the way we try to play football. It should
prove a good move for everyone."
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Stoke make Ashton approach
Potters chairman confirms talks with Hammers over striker
By James Dall Last updated: 25th June 2009
SSN
Stoke City chairman Peter Coates has confirmed to Sky Sports News that the
club are in talks with West Ham United over Dean Ashton. It was revealed on
Wednesday that the Potters were considering a bid for the striker, who has
not played first-team football since August 2008. The 25-year-old underwent
ankle surgery earlier this year and is said to be nearing a return to
training ahead of the new season. Ashton signed for the Hammers from Norwich
in 2006 for £7.25million and has made 46 league appearances since the move,
scoring 15 goals. Coates told Sky Sports News: "I think Tony has talked to
West Ham. That is the stage we are at. Tony likes him as a player."
Recent reports have suggested Stoke could also bid for Newcastle United
striker Michael Owen. Of what would be a shock deal, Coates said: "We
haven't really discussed Michael Owen at this stage. We know he is about.
But I don't believe we have made an approach. "He is a terrific player and a
very nice man. I don't know what options Michael has got, we are not privy
to his position. "If I said to Tony Pulis, 'Would you like Michael Owen',
he'd probably say yes. It would be a fabulous coup to get Michael Owen."But
you also have to look at other aspects - the impact he would have on the
squad, the wage bill. There is always a worry about how much he would play."
Coates also dismissed suggestions that Manchester United midfielder Paul
Scholes could sign for Stoke on a player/coach basis. He added: "I think
that is someone just running a story. There is nothing in that."
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Stoke open Ashton talks with West Ham
Independent.co.uk
Thursday, 25 June 2009
Stoke are interested in signing West Ham's England striker Dean Ashton, PA
Sport understands. A report this afternoon has claimed the Potters have
opened negotiations with the Londoners over a possible transfer. Sources at
the Britannia Stadium have refused to confirm whether that is the case,
however it is clear that City manager Tony Pulis would jump at the chance to
sign the former Norwich and Crewe frontman. Ashton, 25, was tipped to play a
starring role in the last Barclays Premier League campaign but he was unable
to take the field at all after September 13 due to an ankle injury. It was
the second time that Ashton - who made his England bow against Trinidad and
Tobago in June 2008 - had missed almost an entire season. The striker
previously broke his ankle during a training session with the national team
and saw 2006-07 wiped out as a result.
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Pulis: No Ashton offer
Sport.co.uk
Author: Nigel Brown
Posted on: 25 June 2009 - 13:59
Stoke City chairman Peter Coates and manager Tony Pulis have denied that the
club are in talks with West Ham forward Dean Ashton. The Injury prone
England forward has been linked with the Potters in recent weeks, with
speculation circulating that the marksman is looking for a clean break,
after his injury hell at the Hammers.
Stoke Chairman Peter Coates said:"We're not in talks with West Ham, although
manager Tony Pulis might have made a phone call".
Ashton started his career at Stoke City, before moving to neighbours Crewe
Alexandria, however manager Tony Pulis confessed he hadn't made contact with
the Hammers:
"I've not spoken to the player. I understand he's on big wages at West Ham."
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West Ham: Dean Ashton will cost Stoke City £10m
West Ham United will demand a fee of £10 million if Stoke City follow up
their interest in Dean Ashton with an official bid.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Jason Burt, Deputy Football Correspondent
Published: 3:32PM BST 25 Jun 2009
At the same time West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury will return to Milan
this weekend - having already signed the Chilean striker Luis Jimenez from
Inter Milan  to hopefully complete the deal to secure another Inter player,
Mancini.
Terms have been agreed with Inter, following further discussions earlier
this week, and Duxbury is due to meet Mancini to discuss his own personal
demands. The deal for the 28-year-old Brazilian winger is expected to be
structured in the same way as the transfer of Jimenez - a one-year loan with
an option to buy.
Sport on television The expected arrival of Mancini will be regarded as
something of a coup for West Ham who had feared the deal would collapse
after the news they were in negotiations leaked out last week.
So far West Ham have had no contact from Stoke over Ashton but it's
understood the 25-year-old striker - who started his career at Crewe
Alexandra - is keen to return north even though he only signed a new deal at
Upton Park last year. He has been sidelined since suffering a serious ankle
injury in September 2008 but is close to a return to fitness and should pass
a medical.
Given his history of injuries, Ashton has made just 46 league appearances
since signing in January 2006 for a then club record £7.25 million, West Ham
are willing to listen to offers but will demand a high fee for the
once-capped England international which may scare off Stoke whose previous
record fee was the £5 million paid last summer for Dave Kitson.
The form of Carlton Cole has also encouraged West Ham to believe that Ashton
could be sold while their supporters will watch carefully to see how much of
the transfer funds are re-invested in squad-building for manager Gianfranco
Zola.
West Ham insist that there is no pressure to sell, and Ashton will only go
if the terms are right, but are also hoping to off-load Julien Faubert and
Calum Davenport - who spent the second half of last season loan - this
summer while there are question marks over James Collins who is also, like
Ashton, injury-prone. West Ham have already told Manchester City that
Matthew Upson is not for sale.
It also appears that Lucas Neill has had a change of heart and is set to
sign a contract extension at the club. The 31-year-old Australian full-back,
who is out-of-contract next week, had initially rejected the offer which
involved him taking a pay cut. It was even announced on the West Ham website
that Neill was leaving but he now appears to have agreed to the original
terms which were offered to him.
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Lucas Neill Set To Extend West Ham United Stay - Report
The Socceroo is ready to re-sign with the Hammers...
26 Jun 2009 07:03:54
Goal.com
According to UK newspaper The Times, Lucas Neill is on the verge of penning
a one-year contract extension with West Ham United. The Hammers have been
attempting to coax their captain into agreeing a new deal for the best part
of 12 months, and it was expected that he would leave the club this summer.
The Australian defender, whose deal at Upton Park expires next week, has
been holding out for a pay rise - a request the cash-strapped London club
cannot grant. Indeed, the Irons announced at the start of the month that
Neill had rejected their latest contract offer and had begun searching for a
new team. However, despite strong rumours that he could join Harry Kewell at
Galatasaray, it now appears that the former Blackburn Rovers man has backed
down on his wage demands and will stay for another year. Neill joined West
Ham from Ewood Park in 2007, after turning down Liverpool to take up a more
lucrative offer at Green Street.
Mike Maguire, Goal.com
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Edgar joins Fry in signing West Ham pro forms
26.06.09 | tribalfootball.com
Matthew Fry is the second West Ham United academy player to be rewarded with
pro terms this summer. The teenage defender signed his deal yesterday and
this follows on from promising forward Anthony Edgar also turning pro.
Edgar, who also turns 19 in September, was in fantastic form as the 2008/09
season came to a close, scoring seven goals in 21 FA Premier Academy League
South appearances.
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West Ham boss Zola praises Duxbury for market work
26.06.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola has praised the work of chief executive
Scott Duxbury in the summer market so far. After the signing of Luis
Jimenez, Zola told whufc.com: "I have to say Scott is doing a very good job
for us and is trying to support me as much as possible. He went to Milan
with Gianluca (Nani) and they are both very much connected to our idea. "The
teamwork between the three of us is coming together very well and it is very
good to have people like that behind you. They have the same idea of
football as me and it is really positive for West Ham."
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Stoke boss Pulis discusses Ashton deal with West Ham
26.06.09 | tribalfootball.com
Stoke City chairman Peter Coates has revealed manager Tony Pulis has spoken
to West Ham United about Dean Ashton's situation. "Tony has talked to West
Ham and that's the stage we're at," Coates told Sky Sports News. "Whether
there's any deal to be done... "Dean was at Stoke City as a boy so it would
be full circle for him. "Tony likes him as a player but there are lots of
ifs and buts about it because of Dean's (injury) problems. "I wouldn't have
a clue at this stage whether anything will come of that."
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Stoke chairman now denies interest in West Ham's Ashton
26.06.09 | Andrew Slevison
Stoke City chairman Peter Coates has now denied the club are close to
signing West Ham's Dean Ashton. Recent reports have suggested the Potters
were making a move to sign the injured striker but Coates has put those
rumours to rest. "It's absolute nonsense," he told BBC Radio Stoke. "I have
not said we are in talks with West Ham. We are a million miles from doing
anything with Dean Ashton and probably won't. "I have not said that we are
talking to him or that we are about to sign him, I just simply haven't said
it," added Coates. "I have not said it because it's simply not true. I have
been misunderstood."
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