Friday, July 31

Daily WHUFC News - 31st July 2009

Zola wants strong finish
WHUFC.com
The manager is looking to see a reaction from his team as they sign off
their campaign in Beijing
31.07.2009

Gianfranco Zola will send his team out against Beijing Guoan later on Friday
with the intention of finishing the Barclays Asia Trophy on a winning note.

As Hull City found out when they scraped past the Chinese side on penalties
on Wednesday, it promises to be a tricky contest. The Workers Stadium will
be full of home fans ready to cheer on the Chinese league leaders but Zola
said his team will be ready. His men were eager to make up for the 1-0
defeat by Tottenham Hotspur although the main focus is the preparation for
the Barclays Premier League start on Saturday 15 August.

"It is not going to be an easy game," he said. "I saw some of their game
[against Hull] and they are fit, they are well organised. It is not going to
be an easy ride at all for us. We are going to improve on the first
performance. We know that it hasn't been our best - but we are going to use
it to help us improve for the future. We know that it is part of the
preparation for the new season."

Aware that Beijing lined up in a 4-4-2 formation last time out, Zola was
keeping his cards close to his chest about his own lineup and tactics. "We
will try to play our game. On the fitness side they will certainly be ahead
of us - first of all because they are acclimatised and also because they are
ahead in their league schedule.

"We are going to make the most of it. I don't know yet what formation we are
going to play as there a few with knocks but we are going to play
competitively."

The manager had an update on Luis Boa Morte who will travel home with the
team as planned this weekend and see a specialist before heading to Portugal
for the first phase of his recovery. He said he had no thoughts yet on how
to replace him in the team. "For me the main concern is him getting better
as soon as possible," he said. "We will find a solution. To be honest, I
haven't thought of anything else than his situation.

"He is a great boy. He never stopped smiling since. We all had long faces
when we sent to him and he was the only one smiling. It tells you a lot
about the man. He is a big loss."

Adding more experience to the squad is key to the manager's plans of
building a team that allows young players to thrive. "We don't have the
possibility to spend a lot of money like other clubs," he said. "We don't
complain and we are happy with the situation. We will try to work it out.

"It was very good last year because everyone performed at their best. We had
young players coming through like Jack Collison, James Tomkins and Junior
Stanislas. This year there will be some others.

"We have a good atmosphere and fortunately we have some experienced players
like Scott Parker which is really good to push the young players in the
right direction. They help them a lot. On top of that, I am sure the club
will try to get some players that will push the level of the club a bit
higher. I am totally confident.

"We need to have more options in attack. Carlton Cole was fantastic last
season and I am sure if he has someone to help him, it will be a great
thing."

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China challenge excites Specs
WHUFC.com
After a successful summer with his country, Jonathan Spector is raring to go
for his club
31.07.2009

Jonathan Spector will hope to make his first start of pre-season on Friday
with the high-profile match in the Barclays Asia Trophy against Beijing
Guoan. The United States defender could figure from kick-off having come off
the bench late on in the 1-0 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday. The
host club will be as eager as the Hammers to secure a victory, having lost
on penalties to Hull City. A capacity crowd of 60,000-plus is likely to be
in the Beijing Workers Stadium and temperatures will once again be in the
high 30s.

Spector, who took part in a flagship Premier League Creating Chances
community event on Thursday, said: "We were all disappointed to lose to
Tottenham. It is about pre-season though and being ready for the upcoming
season. We are excited though to be able to come to Beijing to play and play
in front of the Chinese fans.

"It is nice to come here and the people have been great since we arrived.
What is special here is how popular football is to everyone. To have the
opportunity to come here and experience that is great. We are all looking
forward to playing a team from China and seeing how we compare.

"The Tottenham match was played in a very different atmosphere to what we
were used to but the fans were great. We had some over watching us and the
Chinese supporters were really friendly."

Spector was a late arrival to the team training camp in Austria earlier this
month because of his success in the FIFA Confederations Cup. The 23-year-old
played every minute of every game in South Africa as the US went all the way
to the final before losing 3-2 to Brazil.

He said: "We had a great run. It was publicised a lot at home which was nice
but unusual in the US media for soccer. We were disappointed not to win in
the final. In the end it was probably a fair result, Brazil are a fantastic
team and they deserved it.

"It is nice to play all over the world and experience the different cultures
and atmospheres. The fans I would say were great in South Africa, just as
they are here."

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Parker looking to prove point
WHUFC.com
Scott Parker is hoping to start his first game of the pre-season campaign
against Beijing Guoan
30.07.2009

Scott Parker could make his first start of the pre-season on Friday as West
Ham United conclude their involvement in the Barclays Asia Trophy against
host club Beijing Guoan.

Parker is still finding his feet this summer after successfully overcoming
the groin injury he picked up towards the end of last season. After coming
on as a second-half substitute against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, he
has now got two 45-minute run-outs under his belt following his appearance
against Slovenian side MD Mura last Thursday.

"I am happy, obviously it's been a bit frustrating, because I had to come
off the back of last season with the injury and although I haven't had what
you call a full pre-season, playing in every match, I have been able to be
involved and have had match action and hopefully more on Friday night before
we go home.

"So it's just about getting my head down now and keep working and being
ready for the start of the new season."

Wednesday's match saw Parker's team-mate Luis Boa Morte suffer a serious
knee injury which will keep him out for at least the next six months. Parker
explained that the team were "gutted" for Boa Morte, but he believes the
combative Portuguese midfielder will be back firing on all cylinders when he
can.

"It's a big blow for us to lose Boa, he's a good lad. In our squad we have a
lot of young players and Boa is one of the more experienced, so it is a blow
to lose him in the dressing room. We were all gutted for him, but knowing
him, Boa being Boa, he'll come back fighting."

If Parker does play his part in tomorrow's match against Beijing Guoan, he
says he will be well aware of the dangers the local side will pose after
they gave Hull City a stern test in the other semi-final of the tournament.

"It's going to be hard, we found it tough in the first game with the
temperature and climate, but overall we are getting fitter and fitter with a
couple of weeks to go before the season starts now. We want to improve on
Wednesday's performance, without a doubt, that is the aim plus everyone gets
through another game ok."

Looking ahead to the new campaign, Parker says there are already good signs
that the team can improve on last year.

"I believe we can keep improving. We have a good squad here and I am sure it
will be added to in the near future as the manager looks to bring in the new
faces he wants and we can certainly push on from there."

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Kingstonian preview
WHUFC.com
A West Ham United XI side travel to Surrey for a friendly with Kingstonian
on Friday evening
31.07.2009

Alex Dyer will take a youthful West Ham United XI side to Kingstonian on
Friday night hoping to build on a dramatic 3-2 win seven days earlier.

The Hammers overcame Thurrock last week with a last-minute winner from
debutant Frank Nouble. The 17-year-old, who had completed his move from
Chelsea just three days before making his bow, is expected to be one of a
number of youngsters on show again at the Kingsmeadow home of the non-league
club.

Olly Lee, Georg Grasser and Anthony Edgar, who will all have gained valuable
experience from ten days away with the first team in Austria, could all
feature, while the experience could once again be provided by Nigel Quashie
and Calum Davenport.

"Thurrock was a hard game for us. Some of the lads were not meant to play 90
minutes, but we had a couple of injuries at half time and we had to dig in,"
Dyer said. "But all of the fitness work we have been doing in training,
getting the ball out and playing football every day, it is certainly
starting to pay off."

As well as the eye-catching display of Nouble, reserve-team manager Dyer
also singled out Cristian Montano for particular praise. "I put Cristian in
that left-sided midfield role and last week he was up and down and when you
need that little bit of quality he produced it and he put it right on a
plate for Frank.

"I was impressed with him as well as he was a new boy coming in and a lot
expectation on him and to be fair in the first half and the second half he
produced with a lot of good stuff."

As well as the youngsters looking to stake their claim for a place in squad
for the Bobby Moore Cup game in eight days' time, it could also be a special
night for two more senior figures. Ian Pearce, who played 171 games for West
Ham from 1997 to 2004, is set to make his second appearance for Kingstonian
against his former team. Meanwhile, Hammers goalkeeping coach Jerome John
will no doubt be looking forward to returning to the club where he won the
Isthmian League Championship in the 1997/98 season.

Kick-off is at 7.45pm and tickets will cost £9 for adults, £6 concessions
and £3 for juniors.

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Cole sees bigger picture
WHUFC.com
A competitive contest in difficult conditions will prove invaluable in the
long run, says Carlton Cole
30.07.2009

Carlton Cole has been back in training as the squad look to Friday's fixture
against Beijing Guoan as the chance to end the Barclays Asia Trophy on a
positive note.

The England striker said the team were very disappointed at losing out 1-0
to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in their opening game but that there were
positives to be taken. He said the pre-season campaign was about being ready
to go once it all gets under way again on Saturday 15 August.

Cole said: "It was difficult out there for both teams in the conditions, it
was very humid, the air was really dry," he said. "But I am sure that all of
this, playing in these conditions and the work we have been doing both here
and in Austria last week will help us for the new season ahead. We will be
fitter and better for the experience."

On Thursday morning, Cole was given a lighter session as he warmed down with
those that had played a full part in the Spurs fixture, while the rest of
the squad had a more intense programme and finished off with a lively match.

Absent from proceedings was Luis Boa Morte, who was back at the team hotel
after his knee injury against Tottenham. Cole said he and his team-mates
were all concerned over their colleague during the contest but had to
quickly adjust their thoughts to the match at hand. Despite that early
setback, the team did their best to get back on terms with Tottenham but
Cole had to be content with a number of half-chances.

"It was frustrating not have got more of a chance to score, but you have to
keep going," Cole added. "As I have said, I and the rest of the team are
looking to the new season, knowing that all this hard work we have been
doing this pre-season will start to pay off for us if we continue what we
have been doing."

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A Beijing birthday treat
WHUFC.com
John Grainger was able to meet Mark Noble and Gianfranco Zola during a break
from training in China
30.07.2009

A lifelong West Ham United fan got the surprise of his life in China when he
was presented with a shirt by midfielder Mark Noble to celebrate his 70th
birthday. John Grainger had only just got over the shock of being brought
out to Beijing to see his beloved team play. His family had organised the
trip as a surprise treat for his milestone birthday. After then learning he
could watch the team in training on Tuesday evening, John was left
speechless when straight after finishing a strong session, Noble walked over
to meet John and presented him with a shirt on behalf of the team. Manager
Gianfranco Zola also spoke with John to pass on his congratulations and
thank him for his continuing support.
John, who lives in the West Midlands and makes the long journey south to
watch the team play as often as possible, was delighted. "I was completely
shocked, but what a fantastic surprise," he said. "To receive the shirt from
Mark was magnificent. "I am a huge supporter of his. He is one of our best
players and one that has come through our academy. Then to meet Gianfranco
was an honour. I shall certainly never forget my 70th birthday."
West Ham were alerted to John coming over by the Premier League, who had
been contacted by his family. The club then swung into action and made sure
a new away shirt was brought along, together with his name and the No70, on
the back. Noble said: "It was a really nice to meet John and give him the
shirt on behalf of the team. He was delighted and we were more than happy to
make his day. He and his family, like many other fans, have travelled a
really long way to see us and it was nice to be able to do something like
this, as we really do appreciate the tremendous support we get wherever we
play."
Zola echoed his midfielder's thoughts. "It was nice to meet John and wish
him a happy birthday," he said. "I know there are many supporters like him
who have travelled over here and I thank them for backing us. It is
certainly a long way to come."

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Hall at the double
WHUFC.com
Robert Hall scored twice as England's U17s thumped the Faroe Islands 8-0 on
Wednesday
29.07.2009

Robert Hall helped England's Under-17 side move a step closer to the final
of the Nordic International Youth Tournament with two goals in an 8-0
thrashing of the Faroe Islands on Wednesday.

West Ham United striker Hall, 15, scored the opening two goals for his
country after eleven and 21 minutes at the Tydal Stadium in Trondheim,
Norway.

Liverpool's Andre Wisdom and West Bromwich Albion's Saido Berahino also
scored twice apiece to put England 6-0 up at half-time. Second half
substitutes Jake Fowler of Middlesbrough, and Zeli Ismail of Wolverhampton
Wanderers completed the rout after the break.

Having drawn their opening match 1-1 with Denmark, coach Kenny Swain's team
must now beat the host nation in their final Group A fixture at the
Overlands Minde Stadium on Friday to reach Sunday's final.

Norway goes into the match top of the group, having added a 3-1 victory over
Denmark to their opening 7-0 thumping of the Faroese.

The Danes cannot reach the final, but can deny England second place in the
group should Swain's side lose and the Scandinavians score enough goals in
beating the Faroe Islands to overcome a ten-goal deficit.

Finland, Iceland, Scotland and Sweden are battling it out in Group B, with
the final between the two group winners being held at the Overlands Minde
Stadium on Sunday 2 August at 3pm UK time.

Further details of England's comprehensive victory over the Faroese will
follow soon.

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Next signing imminent
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th July 2009
By: Staff Writer

Swiss defender Fabio Daprelà should sign for West Ham United this weekend,
according to his current club. gcz.ch - the website of Swiss outfit
Grasshopper Club Zurich - reports today that the 18-year-old full back will
sign for United this Saturday, assuming an impending medical goes through
without a hitch. "The Grasshopper Club Zurich thanks Fabio Daprelà for
services rendered," read a brief statement, "and wish him well for both his
professional and personal future."
The two clubs have agreed a nominal fee and Daprelà - who is contracted to
Grasshoppers for another year - will join up with his new colleagues a
fortnight ahead of the new Premier League season. He is expected to play
understudy to first team left back Herita Ilunga. West Ham confirmed last
night that the deal was close to completion, a statement on whufc.com
confirming that "Switzerland Under-19 left-back Fabio Daprelà could also
arrive this week."
Daprelà has spent the last six year with Grasshoppers and has been a member
of the first team squad since the summer of 2008. He represented his country
at the European under 19 Championships in Ukraine earlier this year.

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Zola sweet on Gudjohnsen
Hammers name Barca frontman as possible summer target
Last updated: 30th July 2009
SSN

Gianfranco Zola has named Eidur Gudjohnsen as a possible summer target as
West Ham bid to bolster their attacking options. The Hammers recently
revealed that forward Luis Boa Morte could be out until the New Year after
sustaining anterior cruciate ligament damage. With strike partner Dean
Ashton looking bound for Stoke, Zola has limited options up front heading
into the new season. The Italian has been strongly linked with a move for
Inter Milan's Mario Balotelli this week, with Carlton Cole now the only fit
recognised striker. Keen to bring in more than one name, he admits that a
move for Barcelona striker Gudjohnsen would not be completely out of the
question.
"Lots of players have been linked to West Ham and Gudjohnsen is one of
them," he said. "We would love to have him playing for us, but we will see
what happens. "We have to be more effective going forward and certainly we
are on the lookout for another striker. "I don't know who it will be, but
hopefully somebody will come." He added: "I am thinking more about Boa Morte
himself, not about how I can replace him. "My main concern is that he is
better as soon as possible."

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Zola to rely on youth, not money
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th July 2009
By: Staff Writer

You would be forgiven for thinking that Gianfranco Zola is among a number of
Premier League managers that are jealous of the money Mark Hughes has at his
disposal for Manchester City. The Eastlands boss can almost pick and choose
the players he wants without any financial concern.

Unlike Hughes, Zola has to be very careful with his spending this summer and
make sure that every penny spent is worth it for the team and therefore the
club. Despite this though, the Italian is very happy with the situation at
Upton Park.

Speaking about the ways in which you can build a team for the Premier
League, Zola says there are 'two ways' of doing so, its just that Manchester
City are 'using the quicker one'. The other way, is to use 'patience,
working with the young players and trying to develop them' and this is the
way Zola is going at West Ham.

The Italian concedes that this way will 'take a lot longer' but that it can
'still achieve great results'. Overall, this policy is something Zola
remains 'very committed to'. He wants to make the most out of what he has
and make sure that the young players become as good as they can be.

With this in mind, it seems fair to say that Zola will be happy that his
squad is not short of a talented youngster or two. James Tomkins, Jack
Collison and Frank Nouble are just three young players that are ready to
make a huge impact this season and help bring success to West Ham.

This way, the financial state of the club is secure, the players are all
committed to West Ham and long-term success is a distinct possibility.
That's the plan anyway and Zola believes in it 100%.

Continuting his 'I wouldn't want Manchester City's money' argument, Zola
went on to say that he belives that 'football is not only about money' and
that supporting players and 'making them better' can be just as affective.

For all of our sakes, I hope Mr Zola is correct. Anyone else fancy a victory
over Man City in September? Gianfranco would certainly enjoy that!

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West Ham target Barcelona forward Eidur Gudjohnsen
Gianfranco Zola has confirmed his interest in bringing former Chelsea
team-mate Eidur Gudjohnsen to West Ham as he looks to bolster his attacking
options for the coming season.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Telegraph staff and agencies
Published: 6:42AM BST 31 Jul 2009

Carlton Cole is currently West Ham's only fit senior forward, with Dean
Ashton seemingly set to leave Upton Park, while Luis Boa Morte is ruled out
for up to six months through injury. Consequently Zola knows he needs
reinforcements up front, a factor highlighted in their relatively impotent
attacking display against Tottenham at the Barclays Asia Trophy on
Wednesday. West Ham receive Gabbidon boost The Italian is a keen admirer of
Gudjohnsen, who has expressed a desire to leave Barcelona this summer after
becoming frustrated with a lack of first-team football. "Gudjohnsen is one
of the players who have been linked with West Ham," said Zola. "He is one of
those players that not only West Ham would be interested in. "We know we
need to be more effective going forward and so we are looking for a striker.
"We don't know who it will be but hopefully someone will come."
However, Zola admitted he is not afraid to turn to the club's highly
successful Academy should the need arise this season. Players such as Jack
Collison and Junior Stanislas broke into the West Ham first team last season
and Zola is confident more talented youngsters could make the grade again
this term. "We already have so many young players like Jack Collison and
Junior Stanislas and they are playing already," he added. "It is good to see
the players from the youth team making it in the Premier League.
"That is down to the fact the West Ham have a good Academy and the club
policy is to play them. "Obviously we don't have the possibility to spend
money like other clubs.
"We have a good atmosphere in the club, we have some experienced players and
they are really good for the others. "I have total confidence in West Ham,
there is a positive atmosphere and everyone is working well so I am positive
it is going to be a good year."
West Ham play Chinese side Beijing Guoan at Beijing's Worker's Stadium in
the third place play-off of the Barclays Asia Trophy today.

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Zola striving for Super Mario signing
442 Staff - Yesterday, 16:09
FourFourTwo.com

West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola believes Inter Milan striker Mario
Balotelli would benefit from a move away from Italy. The 18-year-old has
struggled to hold down a first-team place at the San Siro - making 33 league
appearances since making his debut in December 2007 - with the Italian U21
international's chances of action under Jose Mourinho in 2009/10 still
expected to be limited following the arrival of Samuel Eto'o from Barcelona.
And Zola, who is keen to strengthen the Hammers' attacking options, believes
he is doing everything in his power to secure the starlet's services. "I
have done everything I can to sign Mario," he said. "It would be in both our
interests if he came to West Ham. "There's no place for him at Inter and
he's a natural talent. "He is extroverted and knows his attitude can upset
people, but he's intelligent and still learning to handle situations."

West Ham are in talks with Inter over a prospective move which, if
completed, will be the second deal between the sides this summer, after Luis
Jiminez arrived on loan.

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Dean Ashton's West Ham days are numbered as promising Swiss left-back Fabio
Daprela signs on
By Matt Lawless
Daily Mail
Last updated at 8:03 PM on 30th July 2009

West Ham have offered their clearest indication yet that Dean Ashton is on
his way out after Junior Stanislas adopted the club's No 9 shirt. The
academy graduate wore the squad number during Wednesday's pre-season 1-0
defeat to capital rivals Tottenham in Beijing. Although the Upton Park club
insist that Stanislas was wearing the shirt to comply with Premier League
rules in China, stipulating that squad numbers must range from 1-24, the
Stoke and Hull City target's time in east London looks increasingly ominous.
The 25-year-old was omitted from Gianfranco Zola's 23-man party for the
Premier League Asia trophy in China with the club claiming the forward is
continuing his rehabilitation from injury. But Sportsmail understands that
Stoke boss Tony Pulis and Hull manager Phil Brown, who is staying at the
same hotel as the Hammers in Beijing, are preparing offers of around
£5.5million for the injury-ravaged forward. The Italian favours a 4-3-3
formation with Carlton Cole leading the line, accompanied by new recruit
Luis Jimenez and youngster Stanislas occupying the flanks, leaving no room
for Ashton, who has been sidelined since Zola's first day arrival as
manager. Stoke star James Beattie admits he would the relish opportunity to
forge a strike-partnership with the former Crewe player, hailing Ashton's
predaratory instincts. He said: 'He's got great natural ability. I've spoken
to Mathew Etherington and a couple of the lads I know at West Ham who are
very commendable about him.'
Etherington, meanwhile, is under no doubt that his former team-mate would be
rejuvenated by a move to the Britannia Stadium, insisting he has plenty of
goals to offer.
'Dean will score goals for us, there's no shadow of doubt about that,' he
told the Stoke Sentinel. 'He'll be a great asset if we can get him. There's
not only the goals, but
also a great ability as well. If we can get him fully fit, which I'm sure we
can, then he's a top, top player. He must be to have played for his
country.'
Ashton's sale would generate vital funds for West Ham with Zola refusing to
give up on former Chelsea colleague Eidur Gudjohnsen who is available at
£5million from European champions Barcelona and still in the hunt for Inter
Milan teenage sensation Mario Barotelli. Zola could be forced to spend on a
new midfielder, however, after Luis Boa Morte suffered a devastating blow
during this morning's pre-season clash against Spurs. The Portuguese
international is out until Christmas after rupturing his cruciate knee
ligaments in the opening exchanges in the Beijing contest. Czech Republic
midfielder Radoslav Kovac, who spent the back end of last season on loan at
the Barclays Premier League outfit, remains an option with the club weighing
up a renewed £4million offer to sign the Spartak Moscow man on a permanent
basis. The Hammers, meanwhile, will welcome highly-rated Switzerland
under-19 international Fabio Daprela to their squad this weekend. The
promising left-back will arrive as cover for first choice Herita Ilunga
after his club Grasshoppers announced that they have reached a deal to sell
the 18-year-old.

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Zola Swoops for Fab buy
The Sun

SWISS Under-19 ace Fabio Daprela has joined West Ham. The Grasshoppers
left-back, 18, meets up with Gianfranco Zola's side for a nominal fee
tomorrow. Zola is also on the trail of Nantes' Togo international striker
Thomas Dossevi, 30.

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Boa Morte injured as Hammers show they are striker light
Newham Recorder
30 July 2009

West Ham United 0 Tottenham Hotspur 1

LUIS BOA MORTE was stretchered off, Rob Green made a terrible mistake and
West Ham showed that they are severely lacking in firepower as their Asia
Cup clash with Spurs ended in disappointment. There were certainly some plus
points. Luis Jimenez looked lively and linked the midfield well with lone
striker Carlton Cole. James Collins had a storming match at centre half,
while some of the West Ham passing was crisp and incisive. But, in the end,
they did not have the cutting edge to hurt even a Spurs team lacking in
experienced defenders and once more, it seemed that Gianfran-co Zola's
favoured 4-3-3 formation did not suit West Ham's players as they handed the
initiative to Spurs. The match was decided 15 minutes from the end. Jack
Collison had just had an effort held by Carlo Cudicini when the ball was
hoisted to the other end where Jermain Defoe was clean through. His shot
looked too tame and too close to Green, but the England goalkeeper spilled
it and saw it trickle into the empty net. West Ham played their best
football in the first half, with Jimenez at the heart of it. The Chilean's
free kick picked out Matty Upson, only for his header to go straight to
Cudicini.
Silly mistakes allowed Spurs in for their best first half chances. Mark
Noble - on for the badly injured Boa Morte after just 12 minutes - lost
possession to Jamie O'Hara who set up Roman Pavlyuchenko for a shot that hit
the post, while O'Hara himself went close after Jimenez had been robbed.
Scott Parker replaced Kieron Dyer in the second half, and it was good to see
the midfielder get another 45 minutes, but with him on the field, the West
Ham formation looked even more negative and Spurs were carving out chance
after chance following the introduction of Robbie Keane. Either side of two
Defoe misses came a decent West Ham move that saw Jimenez combine with Cole,
before lifting a shot over the bar from a tricky angle. Keane put in Luca
Modric with a superb pass, only for the Croatian to find Green equal to his
shot, but then came the keeper's mistake and what proved to be Spurs'
winner.
Zavon Hines came on to add much-needed support to the tiring Cole, and it
was he who began the move that should have led to the equaliser. He stole
the ball superbly, before feeding Julien Faubert and the Frenchman's low
cross looked on a tee for Cole, only for the striker to fire well over the
bar. All in all, there seems a lot of work for Zola and his squad to do.
Spurs are one of their big rivals for a Europa League spot this season and
on this evidence, the north London team are already a few steps ahead.

West Ham: Green, Faubert, Ilunga, Collins, Upson, Stanislas (Savio 66), Dyer
(Parker h/t), Collison (Spector 81), Boa Morte (Noble 12), Jimenez (Hines
81), Cole.

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Hammers are Ice breakers!
Newham Recorder
30 July 2009

THE LONG-RUNNING saga to land Icelandic international striker Eidur
Gudjohnsen is set to end this week, when he finally signs for West Ham
United, writes DAVE EVANS.
The 30-year-old was in London at the weekend with Barcelona for the Wembley
Cup competition, and it seems that Hammers negotiators Gianluca Nani and CEO
Scott Duxbury finally persuaded the former Chelsea man to return to the
Capital. A deal is expected to be concluded by the end of the week and
Gudjohnsen's arrival will at last add to Gianfranco Zola's attacking
options, as he continues to be frustrated by the uncertainty over Mancini's
move to Upton Park. With just two-and-a-half weeks to go until the beginning
of the new campaign, and four weeks to the end of the transfer window, time
is running out for Inter Milan's Brazilian winger to be integrated into the
West Ham squad. The more experienced Gud-johnsen should have few problems
however. He has worked with both Zola and assistant boss Steve Clarke before
at Stamford Bridge, and is likely to adapt to West Ham's style of play
quickly. One player linked that does not seem likely to come though is
Italian forward Luca Toni. The 32-year-old Bayern Munich marksman is said to
have fallen out with coach Louis van Gaal, and an Italian newspaper linked
him with a move to Upton Park this week. It would certainly be quite a coup
for the club, and there is a connection, as Nani brought him to Brescia
during his time with the Serie B side. Toni has made 47 appearances for the
Italian national side, including the World Cup winning team in 2006, while
during his time at Bayern, he has netted 38 goals in just 56 games. However,
the big stumbling block with such a world class player is undoubtedly his
huge wage demands, and with the Hammers currently attempting to reduce their
salary commitments, the introduction of a 32-year-old player may not be the
wisest move they could make. Meanwhile, West Ham face competition from
Italian side Fiorentina for the signing of Swiss left back Fabio Daprela.
The 18-year-old has just returned from the European under-19 Championships
in Ukraine, where his team were pipped to a semi-final place by the hosts
and England. Talks will now begin again with the youngster over a move to
London as back-up to Herita Ilunga. Another full back who West Ham seem to
have missed out on is Sedan defender Paul Baysse, who is set to sign for
Sunderland. The 21-year-old said: "The wages on offer at Sunderland are 20
per cent bigger than the ones offered by West Ham and Blackburn."
West Ham face Spurs in the Asia Cup today (11am) with Matty Upson set to
take the captain's armband, while Scott Parker is expected to sit the game
out.

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Middle management will be vital for Zola
Newham Recorder
30 July 2009

A LOT has been made about the lack of strikers in the West Ham squad at the
moment, and that becomes even more appa-rent when you compare it to the
embarrassment of riches they have in midfield, writes DAVE EVANS. Last week
saw the return to action of midfield general Scott Parker, meaning that only
Valon Behrami is fighting for fitness, and his remarkable recovery could see
him back for the Spurs game on August 23. That means that if you include
youngster Josh Payne and Nigel Quashie, the Hammers have an incredible 10
midfielders vying for a probable four places in the middle of the park. If
fit, Parker seems to be the one automatic selection, though manager
Gianfranco Zola may want to ease him back gently. "Pre-season has been quite
difficult for me as I still had the problem I had last year and only got
over it two weeks before I came back," admitted the 28-year-old. "As a
professional athlete, I'm not sure you're ever 100 per cent fit, but that's
the way it is. "I feel fine and as good as I can be. I just hope to get fit
now and push on, but I've not played for the best part of four months."
One player who has got used to missing out on pre-season is England
international Kieron Dyer, but after his goal against ND Sura in Austria
last week, it is clear that he is at long last fit and raring to go, a real
luxury for Zola. "It was great to score, but to be honest, I am so happy to
be getting so many games in pre-season," said the 30-year-old, who has 33
England caps to his name. "It's the first one I've had in quite a while and
I feel I am getting stronger and sharper with ever game I play. "Fingers
crossed I get a few more matches and will be able to achieve the main target
of being in top condition come August 15 when the season starts."
Which is, of course, part of the dilemma facing Zola. What is his best
midfield? And who starts the match against Wolves? Certainly last season,
Zola and Steve Clarke hit upon a diamond formation that really worked. That
saw Parker and Behrami playing with Mark Noble and Jack Collison, and the
blend of youth and experience, toughness and flair worked a treat.
However, with Chilean international Luis Jimenez unlikely to have been
brought to Upton Park from Inter Milan to sit on the bench, that means one
of those will have to make way. Similarly, Dyer's fitness will put him in
the frame, and what about Junior Stanislas - one of the huge success stories
of last season? Added to that equation is young German Savio, who will be
looking to improve on his efforts since his arrival, if he is given the
opportunity. Then there is Payne, who like Noble and Collison before him,
will want to break into the first team sooner rather than later, not to
mention Quashie, who is still at the club. Some may say that it is vital to
have a lot of options in midfield during a long and arduous Premier League
season, especially with the amount of injuries the squad have suffered over
the last two campaigns. But it will be difficult for Zola to keep everyone
happy and his management of the midfield will be one of the more important
aspects of the new campaign. The boss has been quick to stress that he is
looking for goals from his midfield, something the team has been lacking in
recent seasons, and if that is the main criteria, then Jimenez, Collison and
Dyer may well be the choices alongside the vital and dependable Parker.

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Out in the cold!
Newham Recorder
30 July 2009

WEST HAM may not have taken a slow boat to China over the weekend, but
whether by sea or air, the result was the same - Dean Ashton was not with
them, writes DAVE EVANS. Some would say that he is merely continuing with
his fitness rehabilitation, just as Terry Dixon and Valon Behrami are back
at Chadwell Heath. Others though will point to his significant absence from
the recent 10-day trip to Austria, where despite his injury, Behrami, as
well as the struggling Scott Parker, were both there as part of a
team-bonding exercise. Ashton has been on the verge of fitness for the last
couple of months. He attended the Liverpool home game, looking lean and fit
in his West Ham tracksuit, but since then he has been conspicuous by his
absence. And now at least three Premier League clubs are queuing up for the
services of the England striker, who is still just 25-years-old. The likes
of Fulham, Hull City and Stoke City don't see a particularly tempting
triumvirate for Ashton to consider - though Fulham are in the Europa League
this season - but it seems that West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is already
planning for life without the big man. Ashton has never played under the
current boss. His last game in claret and blue was in the 3-2 defeat at West
Brom last September - the day that the little Italian arrived at the club.
Two days later he injured his ankle in training and the rest is history,
just as Ashton's West Ham career seems to be.
The centre forward arrived at Upton Park in a blaze of glory when Alan
Pardew signed him for a then club record £7.5million deal in January 2006.
His goals helped the Hammers to ninth place in the Premier League, into
Europe and into the FA Cup Final, where he scored West Ham's second goal in
their heartbreaking defeat. Injury had already reared its ugly head before
that Millennium Stadium showdown however, with Ashton only 70 per cent fit
for the final, but his fragility really hit home at the beginning of the
next season when an injury, training with England, ruled him out for the
whole campaign. He returned the following season to top score with 11 goals
for the Hammers and even made his England debut against Trinidad in the
summer of 2008, but his injury in September means he has made just 56
appearances for West Ham in three-and-a-half years, though scoring a healthy
19 goals. Ashton's match fitness, even when he was available for selection,
was always a matter of debate, but his undoubted finishing skills never were
- he was simply international class. He showed it again at the beginning of
last season. Two goals in the opening 10 minutes of the new campaign against
Blackburn Rovers at Upton Park, set him on his way, but they were to be his
only strikes of another frustrating campaign. Zola's teams are about pace up
front, about hitting teams on the break, and it seems that Ashton just
doesn't fit the bill. It would be a great shame to see a fit Ashton knocking
in the goals for one of West Ham's rivals however, and if no teams are
prepared to take the gamble on him at around £5million, then he still could
be an asset for the club in the future. One asset that Zola and West Ham are
desperate to cling on to is England centre half Matthew Upson, who has been
linked with a move away once again this week. The 30-year-old defender, who
has 14 international caps to his name, is a target for Harry Redknapp at
Spurs as well as for moneybags Manchester City. Having lost out on John
Terry over the weekend, and having had a big for Joleon Lescott turned down
by Everton, it seems they are now turning their attention to the West Ham
centre back, who was in stunning form last season. A bid of around
£12million has been mooted, but West Ham are not under pressure to accept
it, unless the player himself asks to leave.

Towards the end of last season, Upson went on record to talk about his
desire to play European football, but as neither City or Spurs are in that
position, it does not seem logical that the player would consider a move to
either. With Lucas Neill destined not to return, Upson is also likely to be
offered the captaincy of the club, and that too may sway him towards
staying. One word of warning however, should City turn their attention to
Kolo Toure and Champions League side Arsenal then make an inquiry for Upson,
it may be a very different story. There are just two-and-a-half weeks to go
until the start of the season and just over four weeks to the end of the
transfer window, and yet little seems to have been resolved at Upton Park.
Strikers are the top priority at the moment, so it would seem a little
premature to be selling off one of your prize assets, even if he is still
injured!

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Dean Ashton heading to Stoke after West Ham line up replacement
By Darren Lewis 31/07/2009
The Mirror

West Ham will allow Dean Ashton to join Stoke once they tie up a deal for
his replacement. And Stoke boss Tony Pulis insists he has no fears about the
luckless striker's injury record. Pulis said: "You are always taking a risk,
you are always taking a chance with people who have had injuries. "But we
took Ricardo Fuller and nobody would touch Rick. We paid Southampton a
nominal fee for him. "He's come to the club and I don't think he has missed
a day's training. The only time he has missed game has been through
suspension! Not injuries. "So now and then you have to take a chance. And if
they've got the quality that you can't get anywhere else then even more so."
West Ham are confident of landing Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen while
they also believe they can tie up a loan deal for out-of-favour Bayern
Munich striker Luca Toni, 32. It would leave luckless Ashton free to move to
the Britannia Stadium where he would be reunited with academy director Steve
Holland - an influential figure in his development during his time at Crewe.
Ashton, 25, was a trainee at Stoke before moving to Crewe ahead of switches
to Norwich and Upton Park. Despite his outstanding ability Ashton - signed
for £7.5million three years ago - has suffered a nightmare run of injuries
in the past three years. But Pulis added: "I've spoken to Peter and Peter
thinks: "Let's have a roll of the dice, let's have a pop at it.' "Whether we
do that with other players or not I don't know but we assess everything.
Everything. "Dean is one of a number of players we have spoken to. Whether
we can do the deal, whether we can't, we'll have to wait and see."

Carlton Cole remains West Ham's only fit senior striker at the moment while
Luis Boa Morte six month lay-off with cruciate ligament has heightened the
club's search for reinforcements up front.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
PULIS PUNTS ON ASHTON
By Darren Lewis 31/07/2009
The Mirror

West Ham will allow Dean Ashton to join Stoke once they tie up a deal for
his replacement. And Stoke boss Tony Pulis insists he has no fears about the
striker's injury record. Pulis said: "You're always taking a chance with
people who have had injuries, but we took Ricardo Fuller when nobody would
touch him and paid Southampton a nominal fee. "I don't think he's missed a
day's training since he came here and the only games he missed have been
through suspension, not injury. "Now and then you have to take a chance and
even more so if they have the quality you can't get anywhere else."
West Ham are confident of landing Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen and
believe they can take Luca Toni on loan from Bayern Munich. That would leave
Ashton free to move to the Britannia Stadium where he would be reunited with
academy director Steve Holland, who was an influential figure in his
development during his time at Crewe.
Ashton, 25, was a trainee at Stoke before moving to Crewe and then Norwich
and Upton Park. Ashton, who has one England cap, was signed by the Hammers
for £7.5million three years ago - but has had a nightmare run of injuries.
Pulis (right) added: "I've spoken to our chairman Peter Coates and he
thinks, 'Let's have a roll of the dice, let's have a pop at it'."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Thursday, July 30

Daily WHUFC News - 30th July 2009

Cole sees bigger picture
WHUFC.com
A competitive contest in difficult conditions will prove invaluable in the
long run, says Carlton Cole
30.07.2009

Carlton Cole has been back in training as the squad look to Friday's fixture
against Beijing Guoan as the chance to end the Barclays Asia Trophy on a
positive note. The England striker said the team were very disappointed at
losing out 1-0 to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in their opening game but
that there were positives to be taken. He said the pre-season campaign was
about being ready to go once it all gets under way again on Saturday 15
August. Cole said: "It was difficult out there for both teams in the
conditions, it was very humid, the air was really dry," he said. "But I am
sure that all of this, playing in these conditions and the work we have been
doing both here and in Austria last week will help us for the new season
ahead. We will be fitter and better for the experience."
On Thursday morning, Cole was given a lighter session as he warmed down with
those that had played a full part in the Spurs fixture, while the rest of
the squad had a more intense programme and finished off with a lively match.
Absent from proceedings was Luis Boa Morte, who was back at the team hotel
after his knee injury against Tottenham. Cole said he and his team-mates
were all concerned over their colleague during the contest but had to
quickly adjust their thoughts to the match at hand. Despite that early
setback, the team did their best to get back on terms with Tottenham but
Cole had to be content with a number of half-chances. "It was frustrating
not have got more of a chance to score, but you have to keep going," Cole
added. "As I have said, I and the rest of the team are looking to the new
season, knowing that all this hard work we have been doing this pre-season
will start to pay off for us if we continue what we have been doing."

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Zola looking for more
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola wished Luis Boa Morte well after he suffered a knee injury
in Beijing
29.07.2009

Gianfranco Zola's frustration at losing 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur in the
semi-finals of the Barclays Asia Trophy was tempered by the knowledge it
will be a valuable lesson for the new season.

Jermain Defoe struck the only goal of the game 15 minutes from time and,
despite a whole-hearted effort from the Hammers, they could not find a way
past Spurs goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini in Beijing.

To make matters worse, Luis Boa Morte suffered cruciate knee ligament damage
after he landed awkwardly in the 14th minute before carried off and taken to
hospital with his leg in a brace. Although clearly concerned for their
team-mate's well-being, Zola was keen not to use the injury as an excuse for
his players' inability to overcome their rivals.

"I am really sorry for him [Boa Morte]." Zola said. "I think certainly the
injury was one of the problems but physically we need to catch up a little
bit." As well as the need to sharpen up, the manager made no secret of the
fact the club are looking to bring in new recruits, particularly up front -
although Switzerland Under-19 left-back Fabio Daprela could also arrive this
week.

CEO Scott Duxbury and technical director Gianluca Nani chose not to travel
to Beijing, as they instead concentrated their efforts on securing the
manager's transfer targets. Having travelled across Europe since last
weekend, they remain in close contact with Zola and his coaching staff.

There are three weeks to go until the start of the new season and the aim is
to add more forward thinking to those currently available for selection -
namely Carlton Cole, Zavon Hines and Frank Nouble. The likes of Junior
Stanislas - wearing No9 as part of the Premier League rules on China squad
numbers going from 1-24 - and Savio will also add to the attacking options.

Zola, who has Dean Ashton and Terry Dixon working on their fitness back in
London, said: "We talked about the forward positions already last season. We
need to improve that part. We are working on that. Obviously when you are at
the beginning of the pre-season and you lack a little bit of condition you
notice it the most in attack.

"It is easy to have problems going forward because you need to be sharp and
quick," he added, mindful of the fact Spurs arrived in China with the
benefit of two testing fixtures with Barcelona and Celtic and his own side's
warm-up date with Werder Bremen having been forced off.

"Right now we are not sharp and quick but it is something that we knew about
and it is not going to be a problem. We are going to sort it out."

In front of 100 or so loyal travelling supporters, the Hammers put in a
tireless shift in hot and humid conditions at the Workers Stadium, but were
unable to turn some neat passing into clear-cut chances. Zola will now have
a day to prepare his players before they look to secure third place in the
tournament when they play Beijing Guoan on Friday evening. Kick off is at
11am UK time.

"We were not as good as we could be but it is the first real match we
played," he added. "We have worked hard so it is understandable. The
conditions are there for us and for the opposition as well so I don't think
it is that. We have worked very hard and this was the first real match for
us.

"I am going to use it as a good game to see the problems and to work on
them. I take it in a positive way."

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Injury blow for Boa
WHUFC.com
Luis Boa Morte faces a lay-off after suffering anterior cruciate ligament
damage to his right knee
29.07.2009

West Ham United can confirm that Luis Boa Morte could be out until 2010
after suffering anterior cruciate ligament damage in his right knee. The
Portugal international was hurt after catching his studs in the turf at the
Beijing Workers Stadium 14 minutes into the Hammers' 1-0 defeat by Tottenham
Hotspur in Wednesday's Barclays Asia Trophy semi-final. Boa Morte will
undergo further tests to determine the full extent of the injury when the
swelling on his injured knee goes down. Boa Morte was fitted with a knee
brace before being carried from the pitch on a stretcher. The 31-year-old
was taken to a city centre hospital by ambulance for treatment, accompanied
by physiotherapist Tom Smith. Having been assessed, the midfielder returned
to the team hotel on crutches, where he was welcomed by manager Gianfranco
Zola and his team-mates.

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Collins looks ahead
WHUFC.com
A typically committed display by James Collins was not enough to keep Spurs
at bay in Beijing
29.07.2009

James Collins was making no excuses after West Ham United came up short
against Tottenham Hotspur in the opening match of the Barclays Asia Trophy.
Although the Wales defender was perhaps one of the most impressive
performers on view for Gianfranco Zola's side, he was unable to help the
team avoid a 1-0 defeat in difficult conditions - not that he was
complaining about the weather in China. "It is not nice playing in heat like
that but we can't use it as an excuse. "We knew it was going to be tough and
to be honest I don't think any of the boys are too happy with their
performance but that is what pre-season is for and we will be looking to
work on that."

Collins forged a decent partnership with captain Matthew Upson, and was
singled out for praise by the local media gathered at the Beijing Workers
Stadium. For his part, he echoed his manager's determination in only
thinking of making amends when the teams meet again in the more typical
surrounds of the Boleyn Ground on Sunday 23 August. "It is never nice losing
to Spurs," he said. "You don't want to lose any game, especially against a
local rival. It was a tough game and, like the manager said, we can use it
as things to look on that we need to improve. I am sure we will be doing
that in the next couple of weeks before we meet them again in the second
game of the season."

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Hammers beaten in Beijing
WHUFC.com
A single goal was all that separated West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur
in the Barclays Asia Trophy
29.07.2009

West Ham United went down to a single Jermain Defoe goal in the opening
match of the Barclays Asia Trophy at the Workers Stadium in Beijing on
Wednesday. Defoe struck in the 75th minute on a hot and humid night to
secure his side a place in the final of the pre-season tournament. The
Hammers had several half-chances of their own but could not offer a serious
threat to their London rivals' goal. Gianfranco Zola sent his men out in a
4-3-3 formation that that included new signing Luis Jimenez in central
midfield role. Carlton Cole was tasked with leading the line up front with
support from Junior Stanislas and Luis Boa Morte on the flanks. Spurs were
showing off a new signing of their own with Kyle Naughton starting on the
right of midfield. In a London derby played 5,000 miles from home, it was
the team from the north of the capital that came out of the blocks stronger.
Within the first minute a cross from Naughton had to be palmed over the
crossbar by Robert Green and then, moments later, captain Luka Modric
dragged a shot wide of the post from 25 yards. West Ham fought back, though,
and had their first chance six minutes later when Jimenez floated in a
free-kick that saw James Collins rose to flick a header goalwards. His
effort would surely have caused Carlo Cudicini in the Spurs goal some
problems had it fallen either side of him rather than straight at him. The
Hammers suffered a blow six minutes later when Luis Boa Morte had to be
stretchered off after catching his knee on the turf. The Portuguese was
taken to hospital for his injury to be assessed. Mark Noble came on to
replace him. Tottenham came within a lick of paint away from taking the lead
when Jamie O'Hara picked up a loose pass by Noble before feeding Roman
Pavlyuchenko. The Russian struck a curling right-footed shot first time only
to see it hit the inside of the post. Only a last-ditch tackle from Collins
prevented the Russian from drilling home the rebound.

O'Hara was next to threaten Green's goal when he curled a shot inches wide
and Pavlyuchenko followed suit when he blasted a good opening from the edge
of the box high and wide. After surviving a host of early attacks, West Ham
gradually grew in confidence with Cole using his strength and power to
valiantly lead the line. Indeed, it was the England striker who won the
free-kick that led to his side's final chance of the half. Jimenez whipped
it in from 40 yards out and, once more, Collins met the ball, but could only
direct his header wide. Zola sought to add some extra bite to his midfield
at the interval with the introduction of Hammer of the Year Scott Parker,
who came on in place of Dyer. Harry Redknapp made Tottenham's first change
by bringing on Robbie Keane for Pavlyuchenko. Spurs had another good opening
six minutes later when a clever flicked through ball by Keane presented
Defoe with a clear sight of goal, but the former Hammer could only place his
volley high over the crossbar. Just before the hour mark, Noble and O'Hara
were both then booked after tangling off the ball. West Ham United, in their
new home kit which goes on sale at club stores tomorrow, then had their best
chance of the game when a clever one-two involving Jimenez and Cole saw the
Chilean find some space in the area. With the angle tight, the loan signing
from Inter Milan, did well to get a shot in that deflected off Tom
Huddlestone and over the bar.

Zola introduced Savio in place of Stanislas as he sought to win the game
outright and avoid the lottery of a penalty shoot-out and his Tottenham
counterpart followed suit with Aaron Lennon coming on for Naughton. With 18
minutes left Green was called into serious action for the first time as
Modric raced into the area and forced the England stopper to save with his
legs. At the other end, a superb run by Collison ended with the Welshman
shooting straight at Cudicini. Tottenham took the lead 15 minutes from the
end when Defoe broke the offside trap to race onto a through ball. Faubert
did his best to get near to close him down, but Defoe striker finished low
past Green. Jonathan Spector and Zavon Hines were introduced in place of
Jimenez and Collison with ten minutes to go as West Ham desperately tried to
get back on level terms. They had a half-chance when Faubert, who had been
moved into midfield, crossed for Cole, but the 25-year-old could only find
the stand behind Cudicini's goal.

Spurs' final change saw Jake Livermore come on for Palacious as West Ham
gave it their all but ultimately could not find a way past the stubborn
Spurs back line. Zola's side will now play Beijing Guoan on Friday morning
in the third/fourth place play-off, after they lost on penalties to Hull
City in the other semi-final. Kick-off will be at 11am UK time.

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Blackburn to aid club cause
WHUFC.com
Lifelong fan Nick Blackburn is the latest to become a club ambassador,
starting with the China trip
26.07.2009

West Ham United are delighted to announce that Nick Blackburn has been
appointed as a club ambassador. The lifelong fan and chairman of See Tickets
is an influential figure in the business world and entertainment industry
and will build positive relations with key figures inside and outside of
football. Having travelled to the Barclays Asia Trophy in Beijing, he will
particularly have a matchday role welcoming high-profile guests and
promoting the work the club is doing at all levels.

His love of West Ham began in the early 1960s when he first watched the
likes of Bobby Moore, Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst play under Ron
Greenwood's guidance - and he has since seen the team play on more than
1,500 occasions. He was naturally delighted to get involved on a more formal
basis. "I am very proud to be asked to do this role and anything I can do to
help West Ham is something that is simply a great honour.

"I am very happy to be in a position where I can help West Ham in any way
whatsoever," he added. "I am pleased they want to draw on my knowledge and
experience as well as my love for the club." As well as his array of
corporate contacts, Blackburn has plenty of knowledge within the game having
previously been chairman at Queen's Park Rangers, worked on the Football
League board and served as a FA councillor.

"I know a lot of people in football and can use those links positively for
the club as well as the contacts I have made from the ticketing business. At
See Tickets, we deal with all types of events from sports to theatre to
music. I actually first became involved in the music industry as a manager
of rock bands in 1969."

It is football though that has dominated his life. Pride of place on his
office wall is a newspaper cutting of his favourite victory - a 7-0 defeat
of Don Revie's Leeds United in November 1966. "It was one of the best team
performances I've ever seen. We beat them when they were at their peak with
Jack Charlton, Norman Hunter, Billy Bremner and the rest of them. We were in
the middle of a great run and I can remember standing underneath the main
stand and watching us play some fantastic football.

"My favourite players over the years were obviously the World Cup trio,
Johnny Byrne, Trevor Brooking, Alan Devonshire, Paolo Di Canio...I always
had a soft spot for David Cross and how can you ignore Billy Bonds or Alvin
Martin? I think we have been spoilt over the years, you can go on and on."

While many fans rightly revere the 1985/86 team captained by Martin,
Blackburn goes back a little bit further for his favourite side. "The
1980/81 team was the one I knew best," he explained. "They were a great
bunch of people. I think the second division team that had won the cup, got
to the quarter-finals of the Cup Winners' Cup and won the second division
title easily was a great team."

He sees plenty of potential too in the West Ham United squad that is gearing
up for the 2009/10 campaign. "Gianfranco Zola has been fantastic. Not just
for the team, but for the club as a whole. I love the way he gets on with
the job and doesn't moan either. It is exciting times. The club is well run
at the moment, it is getting back on a better financial keel and what we
achieved last year to finish ninth was tremendous.

"To be honest, it is difficult for any club to push on now with the top four
or five the way they are but we can compete and who knows what can happen?"

West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury said: "I am delighted Nick has accepted
this role which will be invaluable for our plans to build on the positive
relations we have throughout the game and in the wider business world. He is
West Ham through and through and will be able to open many doors for the
club in the coming years."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United 0-1 Spurs
WHUFC.com
29.07.2009

Barclays Asia Trophy
West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur
Workers Stadium, Beijing
Wednesday 29 July
6pm
Referee: Andre Marriner

Full time - West Ham United 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur

93 min - It is all over at the Workers Stadium as Andre Marriner blows the
final whistle. West Ham will have to wait and see if they will face Hull or
Guoan in Friday's third/fourth-placed play-off.

92 min - Savio wins a free-kick. One last chance for West Ham to score, but
they lose the ball and Spurs are able to break clear.

91 min - Hines forces a throw-in wide on the left, but it comes to nothing.

90 min - We're into the final minute of the 90. Livermore beats two men but
his shot is wide of the target from the edge of the penalty area. We will
have two added minutes.

89 min - There is a massive cheer from the home fans as the Guoan fans come
out to warm-up on the running track surrounding the pitch. Meanwhile, Defoe
turns Upson and shoots low, but Green dives low to his right to save.

87 min - Spurs come close again. Defoe's shot is blocked and the ball loops
to Lennon. The England winger's cross-shot is inches ahead of Keane and
rolls out for a goal-kick. Hines is now partnering Cole up front.

85 min - Only five minutes to go here at the Workers Stadium and West Ham
are still trailing. Can they find an equaliser and force penalties?

82 min - A half-chance for Cole. Faubert's low cross is hit first-time by
the lunging striker, but he can only divert the ball over the crossbar.
Spurs bring on Jake Livermore for Palacios.

81 min - Two changes for West Ham. Jonathan Spector and Zavon Hines are on
for Collison and Jimenez.

79 min - Hull City will take on Beijing Guoan in the second match here at
8.30pm local time. The stadium is filling up with Guoan fans now.

78 min - West Ham need some inspiration from somewhere here.

75 min - GOAL! Spurs take the lead through Defoe. The England striker holds
off Faubert and shoots low. The ball sneaks through Green's grasp and sneaks
over the line.

74 min - A chance for West Ham! Collison skips past two challenges before
shooting low, but the effort is straight at Cudicini.

72 min - Keane races through and latches on to a superb through pass from
Modric. The striker may have been slightly impeded, but still manages to get
a low shot away, which is blocked well by Green.

70 min - We're 20 minutes from penalties! Spurs make a change, bring on
Aaron Lennon for Kyle Naughton.

68 min - A clever Keane backheel finds Modric in space, but his shot hits
Collins and is cleared.

67 min - Defoe gets free inside the penalty area but he dwells too long on
the ball and his initial cross for Keane is blocked. The ball falls back to
Defoe but he is unable to make anything of the chance.

66 min - Savio is on for Stanislas.

64 min - Savio celebrated his 20th birthday on Tuesday. Can he mark the big
event with a goal? Cole chests the ball down inside the penalty area, but
Spurs are able to clear.

63 min - Zola could be tempted to make some more substitutions here, with
Savio warming up and looking like he is ready to come on. It could be
Stanislas who makes way for the Germany U20 man.

61 min - We've got less than half-an-hour to go here and the game is still
goalless. Should it end that way, we'll have a penalty shoot-out. The last
time West Ham contested a shoot-out was the 2006 FA Cup final...

59 min - Hutton breaks forward down the right and wins a corner off Ilunga's
shin. O'Hara takes the flag-kick but it is too short and Cole heads it
clear.

58 min - Defoe should have scored there, or at least hit the target. He
turned Collins with ease but his left-foot shot flew high and not very
handsome.

57 min - West Ham spring into life and it is Jimenez who is the man,
bursting through and playing a neat one-two with Cole before his shot is
blocked by Huddlestone and flies out for a corner. Jimenez takes and
Cudicini punches it clear.

55 min - A bit of an altercation between O'Hara and Noble inside the centre
circle. The England Under-21 colleagues came together after O'Hara clipped
Noble's heels after the ball had gone. Noble is booked for his reaction,
while O'Hara also sees yellow for the initial challenge.

54 min - A neat passage of play ends with Jack Collison clipping the ball
into the area, but it is headed clear.

51 min - Spurs are on top again here. Keane clips the ball over the West Ham
back-four but Defoe lashes his shot over the crossbar.

50 min - The ball drops inside the penalty area dangerously, but Cole hacks
it clear.

49 min - Stanislas fouls Hutton wide on the right. O'Hara trundles over to
curl the ball in left-footed.

48 min - Palacios shoots from 40 yards, or was that an over-hit through
ball? West Ham break but Cole is caught offside.

46 min - And we're off and running again... Defoe has an early chance. Keane
finds his striker partner, who turns Ilunga but sees his shot blocked by the
Irishman.

It looks like West Ham are going to make at least one change for the start
of the second half. Spurs also make a change. Robbie Keane is on for
Pavlyuchenko, while Scott Parker replaces Dyer.

Just to update you all on the Luis Boa Morte situation. He has gone to
hospital accompanied by a member of the club's medical staff. At the present
time, any diagnosis would be speculative. As such, we will wait until we
have confirmation of the extent of Boa's injury before issuing any further
updates.

Half-time - West Ham United 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur

46 min - Andre Marriner blows the half-time whistle. It has definitely been
Tottenham's half here in China. Still, the game is goalless and surely the
Hammers will improve after the break.

45 min - Huddlestone breaks out of defence and runs towards the Spurs goal
before feeding Defoe in the inside-left channel, but his shot is blocked by
Upson. Seconds later, Defoe gets another chance but slices his shot well
wide. There will be one added minute.

44 min - We are making enquiries about Luis Boa Morte and will pass on the
information to you as soon as we have it.

43 min - I've lost count of how many times Spurs have unleased shots
off-target tonight. Modric is the latest offender, curling his effort
harmlessly wide.

41 min - Cole is fouled 30 yards out. Jimenez launches the free-kick towards
the back post where Collins rises highest, but he is unable to direct his
header on target.

38 min - Both teams are giving the ball away too easily. West Ham break into
the Spurs box but a last-ditch tackle denies Cole a shooting chance. West
Ham have a corner, though. Jimenez will take it, but it lands in the hands
of Cudicini.

35 min - Luis Boa Morte has gone to hospital for treatment for his knee
injury. Back at the stadium, Modric sees his shot blocked.

33 min - Green could have done with a shout there. Hutton's cross is going
nowhere, but the goalkeeper obviously did not receive a shout and palmed the
ball away to Faubert.

31 min - Spurs come close again. Another loose clearance on the edge of the
box gifts the ball to Pavlyuchenko, but the former Spartak Moscow striker
can only launch his shot over the crossbar. West Ham need to take more care
of the ball in their own half.

30 min - West Ham are enjoying a greater proporition of possession now, but
an attack is ended and the ball is worked to O'Hara. He cuts inside Faubert
and curls a shot inches wide with his less-favoured right foot.

28 min - Noble tries to pick out Stanislas with a raking pass, but it is
just too strong and skips through to Cudicini.

27 min - O'Hara is back on for Spurs.

25 min - Tottenham come close again. Naughton clips the ball into the danger
zone, but Pavlyuchenko cannot divert the ball goalwards.

23 min - Cole shoots from long-range but the ball rolls harmlessly through
to Cudicini.

22 min - It looks like O'Hara could be injured now. He tries to keep the
ball in and appears to get his studs caught in the turf. He doesn't look
very happy, to be honest.

21 min - West Ham are starting to get things together. A neat build-up ends
with Julien Faubert curling his cross just behind Cole and Stanislas.

20 min - Cole beats his marker with a super turn and races away down the
right touchline, but his cross is too deep for Stanislas and drifts out for
a throw-in.

18 min - West Ham need to up their game here. Spurs are bossing things and
are controlling the match.

17 min - Spurs win another free-kick 30 yards from goal and Tom Huddlestone
drives a low strike under the wall that flies just wide of the post with
Green beaten.

16 min - Ooooh! So close from Spurs. Noble gives the ball away carelessly
and O'Hara breaks. Tottenham have a three-on-two and O'Hara feeds
Pavlyuchenko, who curls his shot against the inside of the far post. The
ball falls back to the Russian, but Collins gets in a great block.

14 min - Mark Noble is on as a substitute for Boa Morte.

13 min - West Ham are down to ten men and Spurs look to take advantage.
Young Naughton drives the ball low across the face of goal and it flashes
past the far post.

11 min - Boa Morte is down again and it looks like he may have hurt his knee
challenging Benoit Assou-Ekotto. It doesn't look great for the Portugal
winger as he is tended to by the club's medical staff. Boa is fitted with a
knee brace and is lowered on to a stretcher and looks in some pain.

9 min - The atmosphere here is not bad considering how many empty seats
there are in the Workers Stadium. Both teams are trying to pass the ball on
the lush green grass, but neither has created a clear-cut chance until Defoe
works Green with a shot that the goalkeeper gathers at the second attempt.

7 min - Boa Morte is felled by Wilson Palacios and gets up with a grimace on
his face. Jimenez curls in the free-kick, Collins flicks on but the balls
flies straight into the arms of the grateful Carlo Cudicini.

6 min - A sloppy clearance by Upson falls straight to Pavlyuchenko. The
Russian controls the ball on his chest but his snap shot is dreadful and
loops harmlessly wide of the target.

5 min - Defoe works a bit of space but his low shot is blocked by Upson on
the edge of the penalty area.

4 min - Spurs have started well here. Another slick passing move sees
Pavlyuchenko win a corner off James Collins. Green clears the ball quickly
to Junior Stanislas, but the winger is tackled as he dribbles into the box.

3 min - Defoe tries to latch on to Modric's through ball, but he is rightly
flagged offside.

1 min - Jermain Defoe and Roman Pavlyuchenko get us underway... Kyle
Naughton tests Robert Green straight away with a cross-shot that the
goalkeeper tips out for a corner. Jamie O'Hara takes it and the ball is
half-cleared. It falls to the feet of Modric, but his shot flies wide of the
far post.

6pm - The two sides are out on the pitch here. West Ham are wearing their
new home kit, while Spurs also have their new home shirts on, but without a
sponsor. Tonight's referee will be Andre Marriner.

5.54pm - Just a few minutes to go until kick-off. While Gianfranco Zola's
players are playing in a totally alien environment in China, the manager was
here a year ago for the Olympic Games. Alongside former Chelsea team-mate
Pierluigi Casiraghi, Zola helped Italy to top Group D before they were
beaten 3-2 by Belgium at the Workers Stadium in the quarter-finals. Let's
hope Mister enjoys better fortune this time around.

5.48pm - A bit of trivia about today's venue. The Workers Stadium was
originally built in 1959 as one of Ten Great Buildings constructed to mark
the tenth anniversary of the foundation of the People's Republic of China.
It was renovated in 2004 ahead of last summer's Olympic Games. It has held a
number of important football matches and is the home of fellow Barclays Asia
Trophy competitors Beijing Guoan.

5.45pm - A group of noisy West Ham supporters are making themselves heard in
the cavernous Workers Stadium, which is some way short of its capacity of
70,161. The fans announced their arrival with a chorus of the 'Ludek
Miklosko' song. Meanwhile, down by the pitch, Gianfranco Zola has completed
a pre-match interview with Sky Sports.

5.40pm - West Ham will be wearing the club's new home kit for the first time
in Beijing this evening. Can they mark the big occasion with a win over a
side managed by former West Ham boss Harry Redknapp? The new kit was
launched by Hollywood star and West Ham fanatic Ray Winstone and a host of
ordinary supporters earlier this month and will be available to buy in the
club's two stores on Thursday morning. To pre-order yours, click here

5.35pm - West Ham will be anxious to end a run of six matches without a win
against Spurs. The last time the Hammers beat their cross-London rivals was
on the final day of the 2005/06 season, when goals from Carl Fletcher and
Yossi Benayoun were on target at the Boleyn Ground. Spurs' scorer that day
was Jermain Defoe, and the former Hammer is in Tottenham's starting lineup
again today. Croatia playmaker Luka Modric will be captaining Spurs today,
by the way.

5.30pm - The atmosphere is building inside the Workers Stadium. For those
wondering why West Ham have two goalkeepers among their substitutes, it is
because the competition rules allow for the whole squad to be named on the
bench. Gianfranco Zola can use as many as six substitutes, one of whom must
be a goalkeeper.

West Ham United have named a strong team to face Tottenham Hotspur in the
opening match of the Barclays Asia Trophy at the Workers Stadium in Beijing.

Robert Green, Julien Faubert, captain Matthew Upson, James Collins and
Herita Ilunga will make up the back-five, with Luis Boa Morte, Kieron Dyer
and Jack Collison forming a three-man midfield. Up front, new signing Luis
Jimenez and Junior Stanislas will support lone striker Carlton Cole.

West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Upson, Collins, Ilunga, Boa Morte (Noble
14), Dyer (Parker 46), Collison (Spector 81), Jimenez (Hines 81), Stanislas
(Savio 66), Cole
Subs: Stech, Kurucz, Spence, N'Gala, Tomkins, Gabbidon, Payne

Tottenham Hotspur: Cudicini, Hutton, Huddlestone, Corluka, Assou-Ekotto,
Naughton (Lennon 70), Palacios (Livermore 82), Modric, O'Hara, Pavlyuchenko
(Keane 46), Defoe
Subs: Gomes, Chimbonda, Dervite, Jenas, Bostock, Rose

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Boa Morte faces six-month lay-off
BBC.co.uk

West Ham winger Luis Boa Morte could be out until 2010 after suffering
anterior cruciate ligament damage in his right knee at the Asia Trophy in
China. The 31-year-old was injured during Wednesday's 1-0 defeat by
Tottenham. Boa Morte hurt his right knee after catching his studs in the
turf at the Beijing Workers Stadium following a tackle with Spurs' Benoit
Assou-Ekotto. West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola said: "It is a big blow. He's an
important player for us both on and off the pitch." Boa Morte was taken to
hospital with his knee in a brace and further tests will determine whether
he needs surgery. The injury happened only 10 minutes into a goalless first
half in a game that was settled by Jermain Defoe's solitary strike.
Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko came closest to breaking the deadlock
in the opening 45 minutes but his curling effort came back off the post.
Spurs dominated for long periods and deservedly took the lead after 75
minutes when Defoe's shot squeezed past West Ham keeper Rob Green and
trickled over the line. Spurs will play Hull, who beat Beijing Guoan 5-4 on
penalties, in Friday's final. Geovanni opened the scoring for the Tigers,
but his ninth-minute effort was cancelled out by Beijing's Mobido William
just after the break. The game ended 1-1 and Hull kept their composure to
win the penalty shootout.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bad news for Boa
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 29th July 2009
By: Staff Writer

West Ham have confirmed that Luis Boa Morte is facing a lengthy lay off
after he was carried off in this morning's 1-0 Asia Trophy defeat against
Tottenham. The Portuguese winger - who is almost certainly in his final year
at the club - was stretchered off after catching his studs in the turf on
the half way line after just 12 minutes of today's game, which was won by a
late Jermain Defoe strike. Boa Morte was instantly taken to hospital where
it has since been confirmed that he has sustained anterior cruciate ligament
damage to his right knee - an injury that will rule the 31-year-old out of
action for several months. "The news was confirmed on whufc.com with a brief
statement that read: "Boa Morte was fitted with a knee brace before being
carried from the pitch on a stretcher. He was taken to a city centre
hospital by ambulance for treatment, accompanied by physiotherapist Tom
Smith." "Having been assessed, the midfielder returned to the team hotel on
crutches, where he was welcomed by manager Gianfranco Zola and his
team-mates. Boa Morte will undergo further tests to determine whether or not
he will require surgery when the swelling on his injured knee goes down."

Pre-season pain: crocked in the summer

July 2009: Luis Boa Morte sustains cruciate ligament damage during a 1-0
defeat to Tottenham in China.

August 2007: Kieron Dyer is ruled out for 18 months after breaking a leg in
the win at Bristol Rovers.

July 2007: Julien Faubert ruptures an achilles during the pre-season
friendly in Austria against Sigma. Out for six months.

July 2007: Scott Parker's Hammers career is put on ice after tweaking knee
ligaments in the same game that saw Faubert crocked.

June 2006: Dean Ashton is ruled out for a year after having his ankle broken
during an England training session.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Asia Cup: West Ham Utd 0 Tottenham 1
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 29th July 2009
By: Staff Writer

West Ham were dumped out of the Asia Cup at the first hurdle in Beijing
after an insipid display aginst local rivals Tottenham. Despite featuring an
almost full-strength team Gianfranco Zola's side were distinctly second best
against a Spurs team fresh from playing in last weekend's Wembley Cup. The
only goal of the game arrived just 15 minutes from time, although in truth
it had been a long time coming. Rob Green, who had been in impeccable form
until the point somehow allowed a Jermain Defoe effort to squeeze through
his legs before trickling over the goalline. That strike was no more than
Tottenham had deserved, for the Hammers had barely threatened the opposition
goal - as was so often the case in the final third of last season. So
woeful were United in attack that they had to wait until the 74th minute -
just seconds before Tottenham's goal arrived - before registering a decent
shot through Jack Collison; thereafter Carlton Cole (with an 82nd minute
mistimed volley) was the only player to briefly worry the Spurs goal. Sadly
the pre-season injury jinx struck again as Luis Boa Morte sustained
suspected ligament damage following an innocuous challenge after just 12
minutes. He was immediately replaced by Mark Noble. Next up for the Hammers
this coming Friday is the loser of the other semi-final between Hull City
and Beijing, which is currently taking place.

West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Upson, Collins, Ilunga, Boa Morte (Noble
12), Dyer, Collison, Jimenez, Stanislas, Cole.

Subs: Stech, Kurucz, Spence, Spector, N'Gala, Tomkins, Gabbidon, Noble,
Parker, Payne, Savio, Hines.

Tottenham Hotspur: Cudicini, Hutton, Huddlestone, Corluka, Assou-Ekotto,
Naughton, Palacios, Modric, O'Hara, Pavlyuchenko, Defoe.

Subs: Gomes, Alnwick, Chimbonda, Dervite, Bale, Bostock, Bentley, Lennon,
Keane, Rose.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola hopes for Balotelli deal
Hammers boss urges Inter striker to move to Upton Park
Last updated: 30th July 2009
SSN

Gianfranco Zola believes it would be in Mario Balotelli's interests for the
Inter Milan striker to join West Ham United. Hammers boss Zola is keen to
improve his striking options, with Carlton Cole currently his only senior
fit front man. Dean Ashton is working his way back to fitness, Savio Nsereko
is still unproven, while David Di Michele and Diego Tristan left Upton Park
at the end of last season. Zola has now lined up a move for teenage ace
Balotelli, who has struggled to make an impact for Inter since Jose Mourinho
took over as coach. West Ham are in talks with Inter over a deal and Zola is
hoping Balotelli will follow Luis Jimenez in making the move from the San
Siro to England. "I have done everything I can to sign Mario," said Zola.
"It would be in both our interests if he came to West Ham. "There's no
place for him at Inter and he's a natural talent. "He is extroverted and
knows his attitude can upset people, but he's intelligent and still learning
to handle situations."

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Boa Morte blow confirmed
Winger set to be sidelined until 2010
By Chris Burton Last updated: 29th July 2009
SSN

West Ham have revealed that Luis Boa Morte's knee injury could keep him out
of action until the New Year. The Portuguese forward sustained anterior
cruciate ligament damage during Wednesday's Asia Trophy contest with
Tottenham. An innocuous-looking challenge with Benoit Assou-Ekotto saw Boa
Morte jar his knee and crumple to the turf in agony. Club medics tended to
the injury on the field before the former Arsenal and Fulham ace was
stretchered away with his leg in a brace. He was rushed straight to a
Beijing city hospital for treatment, escorted by West Ham physio Tom Smith.
Having been assessed, Boa Morte was then allowed to rejoin his team-mates at
the team hotel, but he is now walking with the aid of crutches. Further
tests are due to be carried out on the problem area once the swelling goes
down, determining whether or not surgery will be required.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Defoe strike sinks Hammers
Boa Morte injury overshadows result
Last updated: 29th July 2009
SS N

Tottenham produced an impressive performance to beat West Ham 1-0 in the
first game of the Premier League Asia Trophy. Spurs dominated throughout and
could have won far more convincingly if their finishing had been better,
with the only goal of the game coming deep into the second half when Robert
Green failed to make a routine save from Jermain Defoe. The result was
overshadowed by West Ham midfielder Luis Boa Morte suffering a suspected
cruciate ligament injury which could sideline him for some time. Boa Morte
had to be stretchered off the field after landing awkwardly in the 10th
minute following a challenge on Benoit Assou-Ekotto. The Hammers had started
sluggishly in humid conditions and Tottenham continued to be much sharper
for the remainder of the first half, although they wasted a number of
chances to open the scoring. Roman Pavlyuchenko, starting alongside Defoe
with Robbie Keane on the substitutes' bench and Peter Crouch not signed in
time to make the trip to Beijing, struck the post with a curling effort. Tom
Huddlestone, Luka Modric and the lively Jamie O'Hara also shot wide from
distance as Tottenham failed to make the most of some fluent moves. West Ham
offered almost nothing as an attacking force, with new signing Luis Jimenez
disappointing, and were pushed further back at the start of the second
period. A penalty appeal was turned down following an apparent tug on
Modric, before Spurs finally managed to make the breakthrough on 75 minutes.
Keane, on for Pavlyuchenko, released Defoe through a gaping hole in the
Hammers defence and the England man's strike squirmed through the grasp of
Green and trickled over the line.
A fightback never looked likely as West Ham grew tired, but both sides will
learn lessons from the work-out and continue their preparations for the new
season with further games on Friday.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Etherington eyes Ashton swoop
Stoke winger would welcome Hammers striker
Last updated: 29th July 2009
SSN

Matthew Etherington believes West Ham forward Dean Ashton would be an ideal
summer signing for Stoke boss Tony Pulis. The Hammers striker, who has been
badly hit by injuries in recent years, has been linked with a switch to the
Britannia Stadium. And winger Etherington, who played alongside the
25-year-old during his time at Upton Park, feels a move to the Potters would
lift all parties. James Beattie was a revelation up front for Stoke
following his January arrival from Sheffield United, with Etherington
believing Ashton could have a similar impact. "Dean will score goals for
us, there's no shadow of doubt about that," he told the Stoke Sentinel. Give
him the right service and he'll pop them in like James Beattie. "He'll be a
great asset if we can get him. There's not only the goals, but also a great
ability as well. "If we can get him fully fit, which I'm sure we can, then
he's a top, top player. He must be to have played for his country. "His
injury has set him back, but I really do believe he can be a great asset if
we do sign him."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pulis still confident of Ashton deal
TeamTalk

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has assured Potters fans an injury to Luis Boa
Morte will not prevent him from signing West Ham striker Dean Ashton. Stoke
been chasing Ashton for most of the summer but making slow progress in their
pursuit of the once-capped England international. The negotiations are now
nearing a positive conclusion after the two clubs agreed a deal that could
eventually be worth £10.5million to West Ham, but fears were raised when Boa
Morte suffered cruciate knee ligament damage in the Asia Trophy on
Wednesday.
However Pulis has moved to reassure fans by insisting that will not hold up
the Ashton transfer. He told the Stoke Sentinel: "Whether we do sign Dean or
don't sign Dean, I'm not sure what happened to Boa Morte is an issue."
Matthew Etherington and James Beattie have both gone on record to welcome
the almost-certain arrival of Ashton, while West Ham have handed the
25-year-old's number nine shirt to Junior Stanislas for the new season. It
remains unclear how soon Stoke will be able to wrap up the Ashton transfer
but they are hopeful of having at least one new signing in their squad for
Saturday's friendly at Derby.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Is Balotelli the Right Signing?
West Ham Till I Die

All the West Ham sites are full of Zola's comments this morning about
signing Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli. He's basically told him he is
West Ham's number 1 target. All well and good. By all accounts he is quite a
player, and we'd be lucky to have him. But at 18 years old, and by all
accounts a bit of a tricky personality, is he really what we need now?
Shouldn't we be trying for an out and out goalscorer. Admittedly his record
for Inter is not bad - 11 in 33 appearances, but can we really be
considering £8 million for a player who has only played 33 times?

Sorry to sound downbeat, and I really don't mean to. Normally I would be
really excited about signing a prospect like this - but that is all he is, a
prospect. As is Savio, as is Nouble.

If we are able to get Balotelli and a proven goalscorer too, I'd be very
happy, but I hope it is not one and not the other.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Martin O'Neill ready to splash £12m on Matthew Upson
The Mirror
By Football Spy 30/07/2009

Aston Villa are poised to make a £12million move for West Ham defender
Matthew Upson. Martin O'Neill has been tracking the England centre-back
(above) for some time and is ready to make his move with Zat Knight on his
way to Bolton and Martin Laursen retired. West Ham will do business if they
get a reasonable offer, while Upson is desperate to play in Europe to boost
his hopes of making the World Cup squad. Villa boss O'Neill is believed to
want to pair Upson with another transfer target, Portsmouth's Sylvain
Distin. But Pompey want £4.5m for Distin and it is understood O'Neill is
unwilling to pay that much for a 30-year-old in the final year of his
contract.

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Boa Morte out for six months
ViewLondon.co.uk

Luis Boa Morte has been taken to hospital with a knee injury after falling
awkwardly in West Ham United's pre-season friendly defeat to Tottenham in
China. The Hammers midfielder jarred his knee on the turf in Beijing in a
challenge with Spurs defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto and was carried off on a
stretcher. Boa Morte, whose time with West Ham has been marred by injury
already, was fitted with a knee brace and taken away in an ambulance. And
scans later revealed that the Portuguese player has suffered cruciate knee
ligament damage that rules him out until early 2010. Immediately after the
match, West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola told Sky Sports: "It's not looking
very good. I feel very sorry for him." West Ham lost the Asia Trophy
semi-final 1-0, with former Hammers striker Jermain Defoe scoring the only
goal of the game inside the last 15 minutes. The tournament also involves
fellow Premier League side Hull City alongside local side Beijing Guoan.

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Aston Villa join race for West Ham defender Upson
30.07.09 | tribalfootball.com

Aston Villa are interested in West Ham United defender Matthew Upson. The
Birmingham Mail says Villa have joined the list of suitors, which include
Arsenal and Manchester City, chasing the England international. Villa boss
Martin O'Neill wants to make two defensive signings in the remaining weeks
of the market.

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Bristol City insist no offers for West Ham, Sheffield Utd target Basso
30.07.09 | tribalfootball.com

Bristol City boss Gary Johnson insists no offer has arrived for Brazilian
goalkeeper Adrian Basso. Sheffield United and West Ham have been linked with
Basso, who is considering a move away this summer. Johnson said: "Until
somebody speaks to me then it's speculation. We've received no calls."

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Kovac in focus for West Ham after Boa Morte crock
30.07.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola is set to step up his bid for Spartak
Moscow midfielder Radoslav Kovac. The Daily Mail says Zola could be forced
to spend on a new midfielder after Luis Boa Morte suffered a devastating
blow during this morning's pre-season clash against Spurs. The Portuguese
international is out until Christmas after rupturing his cruciate knee
ligaments in the opening exchanges in the Beijing contest. Czech Republic
midfielder Radoslav Kovac, who spent the back end of last season on loan at
the Barclays Premier League outfit, remains an option with the club weighing
up a renewed £4million offer to sign the Spartak Moscow man on a permanent
basis.

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West Ham to use Ashton cash for Barcelona's Gudjohnsen
30.07.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola remains determined to sign Barcelona
striker Eidur Gudjohnsen. The Daily Mail says the sale of Dean Ashton would
generate vital funds for West Ham with Zola refusing to give up on former
Chelsea colleague Gudjohnsen. The Icelandic international is available at
£5million from European champions Barcelona.

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