WHUFC.com
All at West Ham United are thinking of former Wales and Hammers striker John
Hartson
15.07.2009
The thoughts of all at West Ham United are with former Hammers striker John
Hartson and his family. The 34-year-old has been diagnosed with testicular
cancer that has spread to his brain and lungs and is receiving treatment in
his hometown Swansea. Hartson has undergone emergency surgery and is
receiving round-the-clock care.
Hartson was a hugely popular player during his time at the Boleyn Ground,
scoring 33 goals in 73 league and cup maches between 1997 and 1999. After
signing from Arsenal, he memorably scored on his home debut, a 4-3 win
against Tottenham Hotspur on 24 February 1997. He was particularly prolific
in his first full campaign, finishing as the second top scorer in the top
flight with 24 goals as West Ham finished eighth. Having enjoyed spells at
Luton Town, Arsenal, Wimbledon, Coventry City, Glasgow Celtic, West Bromwich
Albion and Norwich City, Hartson retired at the age of 32 and has since
forged a successful career in the media. Fellow forward Tony Cottee summed
up the feelings of everyone connected with the club in sending his best
wishes. Cottee said: "We missed each other by about four months at the club
but he is a fellow ex-Hammer and a striker as well and I have always got on
with him when meeting him on the media circuit. He is a gentle giant and it
is very distressing to hear the news. On behalf of everybody at West Ham,
our thoughts are with John and his family."
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No Payne no gain
WHUFC.com
Josh Payne and the rest of the squad are feeling the benefits of their
strenuous workouts in Austria
15.07.2009
Midfielder Josh Payne has spoken about the intense training schedule the
West Ham United players are working to during their pre-season tour in
Austria. After arriving at Monday lunchtime the team got straight into the
rhythm of the trip with an early evening workout before retiring for an
early night. They were up early the next day for a double training session
in the morning and afternoon as well as compulsory warm-downs in the
swimming pool afterwards. "It's been tough," 18-year-old Payne said. "The
boys are working hard. It's been quite hot and humid and we've been doing
quite a bit of running and lots of ball work so it's hard work. "We've been
training in the morning then we come back to rest. We ride our bikes to and
from training and then we go back for training at 6 o'clock and then come
back, have dinner, sleep and then do the same again the next day. "We do a
bit in the pool after each session but that's it. It's not like a holiday,
it's all hard work which is good. It's what we're all here for."
After impressing in a first-half run-out in the 2-1 win at Grays Athletic on
Sunday, Payne is once again expected to feature in the first game of the
pre-season tour on Wednesday afternoon when the Hammers face local side SVL
Flavia Solva. The international players who only joined the squad on Monday
will not feature at the Roman stadium, which will give the youngsters that
impressed at the New Recreation Ground a chance to show what they can do
once more. "There's nothing been said about Flavia Solva but we wouldn't be
playing them if they were a bad team, so we just need to go out there with a
good attitude and see what we can get from the game both fitness and
football-wise. "I played the first 45 minutes at Grays and it was a tough
game but I got a lot of fitness out of the game so it was decent."
West Ham's pre-season preparations step-up another gear when they face
German Cup holders Werder Bremen on Saturday in Bad Waltersdorf, where Payne
expects some of the international players to figure. "Werder Bremen is the
big game and I think we'll have a few senior lads come down for the
experience so we'll work towards that game and see what happens."
With four matches in total and double training sessions for those not
playing in the games, fitness is clearly the priority for the trip. Payne
believes, however, that the tour will offer more than just physical benefits
to the squad. "During the trip I would like a lot of fitness and minutes on
the pitch and games under my belt. But it's also a good laugh and a chance
for some bonding off the pitch. It's good to go away, especially in the
weather we've got here as well."
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Jimenez measures up
WHUFC.com
New signing Luis Jimenez cannot wait to pull on his West Ham United shirt
for the first time
15.07.2009
Luis Jimenez may be in only his third day of training with his new West Ham
United team-mates in Austria, but has already caught the eye with some
impressive performances. Chile forward Jimenez flew to England on Saturday
night and then joined the rest of the squad for the first time on Monday
morning as they prepared to fly out for the ten-day training camp. After his
second intensive training session on Tuesday, he happily posed with the new
dark blue West Ham United away shirt he could wear for the first time in
Saturday's pre-season tour match with Werder Bremen in Austria. First-team
coach Steve Clarke is one of those pleased with how the former South
American Player of the Year has integrated himself with the group following
his season-long loan move from Italian Serie A champions Internazionale. "We
know he is a quality player and he was brought into this squad to improve
the quality," Clarke said. "It's early days but he's working well and he
seems to have fitted into the group well which is good. He needs to improve
his English a bit but I'm sure over a period of time that will happen."
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Hammers held in opener
WHUFC.com
West Ham United drew 1-1 with SVL Flavia Solva in the first fixture of their
Austrian training camp
15.07.2009
West Ham United began their pre-season tour of Austria with a 1-1 draw
against SVL Flavia Solva on Wednesday evening.
A Jack Collison penalty saw Gianfranco Zola's side share the spoils at the
Roman Stadium - named in honour of the nearby historic Roman settlement of
Flavia Solva, which was decreed to be a municipium, or second-class city, by
the Emperor Vespasian in 70AD.
The modern-day Austrians, promoted to their country's Third Division last
season, proved to be plucky and determined opponents on a hot evening in the
picturesque village of Wagna, taking an early lead before being pegged back
by Collison's spot-kick.
A sunny night was further brightened by the sight of Scott Parker completing
his first full training session of the pre-season following his recovery
from a groin injury before kick-off.
Gianfranco Zola named a young side, with only full-backs Julien Faubert and
Herita Ilunga aged over 21. Austria Under-19 midfielder Georg Grasser was
handed a start in his homeland after impressing in the 2-1 win at Grays
Athletic on Sunday.
Fellow Academy graduates Marek Stech, Jordan Spence, Bondz N'Gala, Jack
Collison, Ollie Lee, Anthony Edgar and Zavon Hines also started, while Savio
made his first appearance of the pre-season.
West Ham, captained by DR Congo left-back Ilunga, made a bright start only
to fall behind to a 16th-minute strike from Mario Ploschnik. The midfielder
saw his first effort cannon back off the post, but reacted quickest to fire
the rebound past Marek Stech.
Having fallen behind, the visitors upped their game and had already gone
close on a number of occasions when Collison levelled matters from the
penalty spot on the half-hour mark after Zavon Hines had been tripped.
Zola rang the changes at half-time, introducing Wales defenders Danny
Gabbidon and James Collins, who took over the captaincy, along with
England's Kieron Dyer. Hungary Under-21 goalkeeper Peter Kurucz and
homegrown stars Josh Payne and Junior Stanislas were also introduced at the
interval, with Stech, Faubert, Ilunga, Grasser, Collison and Savio making
way.
The alterations brought about a special moment for close friends Collins and
Gabbidon, who acted as best men at each other's weddings. The pair, who
joined West Ham on the same day from Cardiff City in July 2005, last lined
up together in the Barclays Premier Reserve League South fixture against
Portsmouth at Havant and Waterlooville on 23 January 2008.
The wholesale changes failed to upset the Hammers' rhythm, however, as
Stanislas came close to putting the tourists ahead seven minutes after the
break. The winger and Hines were then denied by a spectacular double save
from home goalkeeper Harald Letnik.
West Ham pressed hard for the victory in the closing stages, while the
Austrians also caused a few moments of concern in the Hammers' rearguard.
However, neither side could find a winner as honours ended even as darkness
fell.
The Hammers will return to action on Saturday, when they take on German Cup
winners and UEFA Cup finalists Werder Bremen in Bad Waltersdorf. The match
could see Chile international Luis Jimenez make his West Ham debut after the
25-year-old met up with his new team-mates for the first time on Monday.
The game could also see Parker Robert Green, Matthew Upson, Carlton Cole and
Luis Boa Morte make their first pre-season appearances of the summer. The
latter quartet were given extra time-off to recover from their international
commitments. All five were at the ground to cheer on their colleagues on
Wednesday evening, taking part in a training session with first-team coach
Steve Clarke before the game.
West Ham United: Stech (Kurucz 46), Faubert (Collins 46), Ilunga (Gabbidon
46), Spence, N'Gala, Grasser (Dyer 46), Lee, Collison (Payne 46), Savio
(Stanislas 46), Edgar, Hines
SVL Flavia Solva: Letnik, Kammerhofer, Zach, Sobl, Weber (Bruckler 64),
Ploschnik, Hutter (Hierzer 65), Rottensteiner (Jagonak 80), Statthaler,
Macher, Andre
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West Ham United 1-1 Flavia Solva FT
WHUFC.com
15.07.2009
West Ham United v SV Flavia Solva
Pre-season friendly
Roman Stadium
Wagna
Kick-off 6.30pm (Local time)
Final score - SV Flavia Solva 1-1 West Ham United
Full time - The referee brings the game to a close and the match all ends
all square. West Ham will be pleased with the tough workout provided by
Solva in the scorching conditions in Wagna. Players particularly catching
the eye for Zola's side tonight were Ilunga, Faubert, Collison, Hines and
Stanislas. The next test on the tour comes in the shape of German giants
Werder Bremen on Saturday.
90 min - We are in added time at the end of the 90 here at the Roman
Stadium. Will there be time for one last attack?
89 min - West Ham have all of the ball once more as the game enters its
final moments. Can they turn this possesion into a winner though?
86 min - The wall does its job and blocks the attempted shot and the Spence
leads the Hammers' break away.
85 min - N'Gala earns a late booking as he brings down Hierzer just outside
the penalty area. Danger here for the Hammers.
81 min - Solva have a great chance in the area as the sub Jagonak, who came
on for Rottensteiner moments earlier, loses his footing just at the crucial
moment. There are some half-hearted appeals for a spot-kick from the home
support but the referee rightly waves them away.
79 min - The referee has a word with N'Gala after he clatters into Bruckler.
We are going to need the floodlights at the Roman Stadium as darkness begins
to fall. Can the Hammers light up the action with the winner their play has
deserved?
76 min - The game has entered a slightly scrappy phase with both teams
giving away cheap free-kicks. Spence has a moment of class as he neatly
flicks the ball over the Solva forward to clear the danger.
71 min - Collins fouls Rottensteiner near the right touchline 35 yards from
goal. Solva take a quick free-kick which nearly catches the Hammers out, but
the West Ham captain atones for the foul with a brave headed clearance.
68 min - A fantastic double save from Letnik denies the Hammers as they go
on the offensive. A slick passing from involving N'Gala, Payne and Stanislas
sees the latter sting the hands of the stopper from 25 yards. Hines then
does well to get the rebound under control before firing a shot towards the
far corner, which Letnik does well to palm away.
65 min - Solva make another change with Hutter coming off for Hierzer.
64 min - After such an action-packed start to the half, the game has settled
slightly now with most of the action being concentrated in the centre of the
pitch. Solva are looking to change that now with the introduction of
Bruckler in place of right-back Weber.
59 min - This is no doubt a special moment for West Ham's central defenders
as they pair up again for the first time in nearly 18 months, following
Gabbidon's lengthy lay-off through injury. The pair know each well from
their time at Cardiff City and Collins had the honour of being Gabbidon's
best man at his wedding in the summer.
56 min - The new-look visitors are pushing hard in search of their second
with Solva struggling to get the ball our of their half at present. The
injection of fresh legs seems to have turned this game in favour of the
Hammers even more.
52 min - Just to keep you up-to-date with the basics - Collins has taken the
captain's armband and is partnered by Gabbidon at centre-half. Spence has
switched to right-back with N'Gala filling in on the other side. Payne is
playing on the right side of a four-man midfield with Lee and Dyer in the
middle and Stanislas on the left. Edgar and Hines will provide the firepower
up front.
51 min - Stanislas is in the thick of the action and only some alert
goalkeeping from Letnik stops the winger putting the Hammers ahead. The
Solva No1 dived down well at the feet of the Academy graduate, just as he
looked as though he would go round him.
50 min - Ploschnik so nearly goes one better at the other end as he whips a
free-kick just wide with Kurucz at full stretch. A lively start to the
second half here.
49 min - First chance of the second half falls to the Hammers after Hines is
felled 25 yards from goal. Stanislas tries to curl the ball in at the far
post but it misses by a whisker.
46 min - As expected we have had six changes at the break. Peter Kurucz,
James Collins, Danny Gabbidon, Josh Payne, Kieron Dyer and Junior Stanislas
have all joined us with Stech, Ilunga, Faubert, Collison, Grasser and Savio
making way. Hines and Edgar get us under way in the second period.
Josh Payne, Junior Stanislas and Kieron Dyer have all joined the pair on the
pitch so we may be seeing a few changes after the interval. The players out
there now are not the first to have used this pitch for a practice as all of
the senior players who are not quite ready for match action, after only
joining the group on Monday, had a training session with Steve Clarke. As
well the England trio of Robert Green, Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole, new
signing Luis Jimenez joined the returning Scott Parker, who was taking part
in his first full training session of the trip.
45 min - It comes to nothing though and the referee blows for the end of the
half. West Ham have looked in control for most the half and did well to get
themselves back into the game after conceding the early goal. As the players
walk off for their half-time drinks, Antonio Pintus leads out Danny Gabbidon
and James Collins for a warm-up, so we could well be seeing the two Wales
internationals in the second period.
45 min - We are approaching the end of the half of what has been an
entertaining contest thus far. It looks as though the teams will go in
level, but Solva have a free-kick just inside the West Ham half after a foul
by Spence.
43 min - Savio goes down in the area under a challenge from Ploschnik but
the referee waves away his appeals for a penalty.
42 min - A superb run and cross from Faubert down the right sees central
defender Bondz N'Gala with plenty of space in the area. I do not know if it
was the surprise of a chance falling to him in the box, but the Newham-born
man places his header straight into the turf and it bounces over the Solva
goal.
39 min - Zola makes himself heard for the first time this evening as he
comes to edge of his technical area to shout some instructions to Hines and
Grasser.
37 min - The hosts have a rare attack as Ploschnik attempts a 25 yarder, but
Stech sees if fly harmlessly wide of his left-hand post.
36 min - A good burst of speed from Savio down the left takes him past Weber
and he cuts the ball back to Hines. He steadies himself but then slices his
shot wide of the Solva goal.
33 min - We could be in for a beautiful evening here both on the pitch and
off it. As the sun makes its way down on the opposite side of the main
stand, the hills that surround Wagna begin to stand out more, with a church
and a lush green forest really catching the eye.
31 min - The goal is met with cheers from all three sides of the stadium
with fans in and the odd shout of 'Come on you Irons' can be heard.
30 min - GOAL! Collison sends Harold Letnik the wrong way and rolls the ball
into the bottom right-hand corner of the net to register West Ham's first
goal of the tour.
29 min - Penalty to West Ham. Hines is tripped in the area and Collison has
picked up the ball as he looks to restore parity.
28 min - Collison is barking out the orders to the forwards as looks to
force his side forward in search of the equaliser they deserve.
25 min - Hines and Edgar are narrowly caught offside as a long ball from
centre-half Jordan Spence nearly puts them in.
22 min - We have a few hundred fans present and there appears to be some
good backing for the London side with plenty of claret and blue on display.
Those supporting the visitors seem to be a mix of locals alongside those who
have made the long trip from the UK.
20 min - A good run and cross from Julien Faubert forces another corner for
Zola's side. The Frenchman takes the set-piece but Weber rises high to head
clear.
18 min - West Ham look to hit back instantly and Ilunga's pass down the line
forces Solva to concede another corner.
16 min - GOAL! The home side take the lead with the first real chance of the
game. Mario Ploschnik hits the post from a few yards out but is on hand to
stab the rebound past the stranded Stech. The goal is harsh on the Hammers,
who have started brightly here.
14 min - Statthaler has Flavia's first shot on goal from just outside the
area but it is never going to trouble Stech, who goes down to gather the
ball easily.
12 min - Hines runs at his marker, who is forced into prodding the ball out
for a corner. Savio floats it in and the ball falls to Edgar on the edge of
the area, he tees up Hines but his shot is blocked.
9 min - Edgar is fouled in full flow after picking a pass from Savio.
Free-kick to West Ham 25 yards out. Savio takes it but if flies high and
wide.
8 min - Savio and Ilunga combine well in defence to take the ball off Weber
as he tries to trick his way into the visitors' penalty area.
5 min - Collison has seen plenty of the ball in the first five minutes and
nearly puts Hines in with a slotted through-ball. It looks as though Zola
has sent his men out in a 4-5-1 formation, similar to that played at Grays,
with Hines leading the line on his own.
3 min - Collison, playing in central midfield with Georg Grasser today,
plays a delightful 30 yard cross-field ball to Ollie Lee as West Ham go
forward once more.
2 min - Zola's side are keeping the ball well here and Edgar is tripped 30
yards from goal to give the Hammers a free-kick.
1 min - Flavia Solva get us under way but straight away West Ham get on the
attack after Ilunga wins the ball with a strong tackle.
5.29pm - Herita Ilunga leads the Hammers out to the 'Final Countdown' music
and we really are on the final countdown to West Ham getting their Austria
tour well and truly under way. Flavia Solva will be wearing their bright
orange away kit while West Ham are in their new navy blue away kit. The
teams huddle round for a pre-match photo and that should be it for the
pre-match routine. Let the football commence...
5.25pm - We are approaching kick-off at in Wagna and the West Ham United
players have completed their warm up and have gone back into the dressing
room, which is an area under the small stand behind the goal. The Roman
Stadium, named after famous Roman ruins were found in the town, is a fairly
small stadium similar in size to a Blue Square Premier ground back in
England.
Good afternoon and greetings from a scorching hot day at the Roman Stadium
in Wagna, where West Ham United are about to play the first match of their
pre-season trip to Austria.
Gianfranco Zola has named a fairly youthful starting XI with Julien Faubert
and Herita Ilunga providing the experience at the back. It is still to be
seen whether they will line up in 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 formation, which will
determine whether Savio and Anthony Edgar play up front with Zavon Hines or
whether one of them will drop back into midfield.
West Ham United: Stech, Faubert, N'Gala, Spence, Ilunga, Grasser, Lee,
Collison, Savio, Edgar, Hines
Subs: Kurucz, Collins, Gabbidon, Payne, Dyer, Stanislas
Flavia Solva: Letnik, Kammerhofer, Zach, Sobl, Weber, Ploschnik, Hutter,
Rottensteiner, Statthaler, Macher, Andre
Subs: Jagonak, Bruckler, Hierzer, Vollmann, Dvorsak, Kirchleitner
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West Ham No2 Clarke: Jimenez settling quickly
16.07.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United No2 Steve Clarke is delighted with the way Luis Jimenez has
settled. "We know he is a quality player and he was brought into this squad
to improve the quality," Clarke told whufc.com. "It's early days but he's
working well and he seems to have fitted into the group well which is good.
He needs to improve his English a bit but I'm sure over a period of time
that will happen."
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N'Guemo delays Celtic move as West Ham, Stoke circle
16.07.09 | tribalfootball.com
Nancy winger Landry N'Guemo is putting off a move to Celtic in the hope of a
Premiership offer arriving. The Herald says N'Guemo, who was on Arsenal's
radar in January, is known to be keen on a switch to England and with late
interest from West Ham, Stoke and Hull City, he wants to meet Celtic manager
Tony Mowbray before agreeing to the move to Scotland. "I have been to
Scotland and I have seen the stadium," the 23-year-old said. "It's
impressive and they are a big club but nothing is signed. No deal is done.
There could be further discussions but all I know is that for the moment I
haven't signed with Celtic."
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Summer breeze for the Hammers
Newham Recorder
15 July 2009
WE HAVEN'T even had the Ashes Test match at Lord's yet, but on Sunday West
Ham began their pre-season campaign with a friendly at Grays Athletic - it
was July 12! Writes Dave Evans. Over 3,000 fans must have been missing their
football fix, because a healthy crowd turned out to watch a Hammers team
devoid of most of their star names. Those that came along did get the chance
to see a fit and bearded Kieron Dyer, as well as the returning Danny
Gabbidon and James Collins, while Jack Collison and Junior Stanislas also
made second half appearances. Most of all though, it was a chance to see
some of West Ham's up and coming players and certainly one or two did
impress, despite the fact that they had been back in full training for less
than a week. Zavon Hines and Anthony Edgar looked sharp in the opening 45
minutes, while Colombian Cristian Montano came on in the second half and
grabbed the winning goal for the Hammers. The reappearance of Julien Faubert
was one of the more surreal aspects of the day. The French international was
playing - or sitting on the bench - at the Bernabeu just a few months ago.
Now he is plying his trade as a full back at Grays Athletic and his first
effort was to see a pass roll under his foot and go off for a throw-in!
Young full back Matty Fry started this game in style with a speedy run down
the left flank and then a stunning crossfield pass to the feet of Faubert.
But it was Hines and Edgar who combined for the former to toe-poke the ball
into the far corner as West Ham took the lead. Grays hit back and Jamie
Slabber turned the exposed Collins with ease, before firing in a shot that
deflected off Fry before flying past Peter Kurucz in the West Ham goal.
Grays were holding their own at this point, though Hines did weave through
two challenges before seeing a vicious shot saved, and Eoin Wearen fired the
rebound wide. Another superb crossfield pass, this time from Collins to
Faubert, saw the Frenchman drill a shot wide of the mark as the first half
ended all square.
It was all change after the break with Gabbidon, Stanislas, Herita Ilunga
and Collison coming on, though Savio was not risked as he had suffered a
slight strain in training on Saturday. Conor Okus looked useful in central
midfield, with one turn away from his marker and pass to release Oliver Lee
particularly impressive. But it was Montano who grabbed the winner, as he
followed up his initial shot to fire in a rebound and give his team a
second. Ilunga had a goal ruled out for offside, while there was still time
to see 15-year-old prospect Robert Hall, who has just been called up to the
England under-17 squad. He looked really sharp and had two efforts blocked
as he searched for a third goal.
Team (first half): Kurucz, Faubert, N'Gala, Collins, Fry, Payne, Dyer,
Grasser, Wearen, Hines, Edgar.
Second Half: Stech, Spence, Eyjolfsson, Gabbidon, Ilunga, Lee, Okus,
Collison, Edgar (Hall), Stanislas, Montano.
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Zola praises the youngsters
Newham Recorder
15 July 2009
WEST HAM boss Gianfranco Zola declared himself satisfied with his team's
performance at Grays Athletic on Sunday. "I am happy with the way we played,
and it was also a good opportunity to see some young players - everybody did
really well," he said. Zavon Hines combined with Anthony Edgar for the
opening goal, and Zola had praise for them, as well as singling out two
other youngsters. "Those two have been sharp all week, and today they
performed really well," confirmed the boss. "Also Cristian Montano in the
second half was very good, and I liked Robert Hall when he came on. He is
only 15, but he looked very sharp. "The whole team looked okay. Considering
we have been working hard all week, I am very pleased with them."
Scott Parker was not fit enough to play a part, but will travel to Austria
for the pre-season tour this week, while also conspicuous by their absence
were strikers Dean Ashton and Terry Dixon. "We are still assessing them and
looking at their fitness, and for the moment, we haven't decided if we are
taking them on the tour," confessed Zola, suggesting that they probably
won't travel. "They are both working very hard, but it is a case of seeing
if they are on the same level as the others in the squad."
Savio also missed out on a run-out at Grays, despite being named as one of
the substitutes. His place on the bench was taken by Hall after the young
German felt a strain in his muscles during the warm-up, but he will travel
to Austria. With a week of pre-season training gone, Zola confirmed he was
delighted with the way things have progressed so far. "It has been good," he
said. "This is the most important part of the season. We are working very
hard and the players are giving everything, so I am pleased with the way
things are going at the moment. "Hopefully we are going to be improving
physically and technically in the next few days. "Austria is very important
because in those 10 days, we are going to be bonding the team and working
hard on the fitness."
West Ham will take on local side Flavia Solva today (Wednesday) before the
big clash with German side Werder Bremen on Saturday in Bad Waltersdorf.
They also play Turkish side Bursaspor in Bad Radkersburg on Wednesday, July
22, with the option to take on Slovenian side ND Mura 05 across the border
the following day.
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Gabbidon's back and looking cool
Newham Recorder
15 July 2009
IT HAS been 18 months since defender Danny Gabbidon pulled on the claret and
blue, but during his return for the friendly against Grays Athletic on
Sunday, it was like he had never been away. There was that old anticipation,
that coolness under pressure, there was that steely determination to
succeed. The 29-year-old last played in the Carling Cup quarter-final defeat
against Everton in December 2007, and he knows that he still has a lot to do
in order to get back. "This game will do me the world of good and hopefully
I can push on from there," said the genial Welshman on Sunday. "I am still a
fair way off from Premier League fitness. Your body is not used to playing
and all the different movements that come from playing, so I would probably
say I have got a fair bit to go."
Gabbidon played the second half at Grays alongside Icelandic youngster
Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson in the centre of defence, and he passed the test with
flying colours.
"My last game was over 18 months ago," he confirmed. "It has been a really
long time and it has been tough watching the players go out and play and not
being able to be out there helping your team-mates. "But I have kept
positive and I always thought I would get back out on the field."
It has been a nightmare time for the former Cardiff City man, with one
niggly injury seeming to follow another. "Basically, it has just been a bit
of wear and tear from playing so long with a few problems and I just carried
on playing," he revealed. "It kind of got worse and I developed some
problems with my back and groin and it just proved quite hard to get rid of
the problem. "I have had to be patient. I have done a lot of work with the
physios at West Ham and finally I have got there. It is nice to be back out
on the pitch and performing in a West Ham shirt."
It was great for the Hammers' fans to see him too, and Gabbidon is now
confident that he can get the matches under his belt, keep up with the
training in Austria during the pre-season tour, and finally make it back
towards match fitness. "There are a lot more games throughout pre-season, so
hopefully, by the time the season comes around, I will be in good shape and
ready to go," he said. MEANWHILE, Gabbidon's Welsh international team-mate
James Collins also returned from injury on Sunday. The 25-year-old centre
half played the opening 45 minutes against Grays Athletic, and though he was
turned by Jamie Slabber for the home team's goal, he still looked solid and
full of fitness. The defender hasn't started a game for the Hammers since
the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa in April, but he seems to have overcome his
injury problems. Collins has also been linked with a possible £5million move
to Sunderland, where he could team up again with Anton Ferdinand.
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Jack of all trades ready for new test
Newham Recorder
15 July 2009
IT HAS been an amazing few months for 20-year-old Jack Collison, WRITES DAVE
EVANS. The Welsh international midfielder broke into the first team at Upton
Park with some superb individual displays and by May was crowned as the
Young Hammer of the Year. It was a deserved prize, despite competition from
the likes of James Tomkins and Junior Stanislas, but for Collison, his feet
are still very much on the ground. He returned to action on Sunday in the
pre-season clash at Grays and revealed his delight at being back on the
field. "Yes, I'm happy to be back, but that's not just myself, I think all
the boys are pleased," said the Watford-born youngster. "It's nice to get
away and have a rest, but at the end of the day, I just love playing
football, so it's great to be back."
It is a refreshing attitude in this day and age, so does Collison think that
he must work even harder this season if he is to make a similar impression
in the cut and thrust of the Premier League? "Maybe," he reflected. "I had a
very enjoyable season last year, but this season starts now, so hopefully I
can kick on, get myself back into the starting line-up and keep progressing.
"It is when you are under pressure that you have to perform at your very
best."
Collison may have been a revelation last season, but he is right when he
says that he must fight for his place in the starting line-up. Injury at
Wigan in March ruled him out until May and when he surprisingly returned it
was to play two games from the bench and the last two in the starting
line-up. With Luis Jimenez coming into the squad as well as the midfielders
already there, the Welshman knows how tough it is going to be to stay in
there. "I will play anywhere to be honest," he said. "It is going to be
difficult with Scott Parker and Valon Behrami both close to fitness, so it
is going to be interesting, but I'm looking forward to the challenge."
On paper, West Ham certainly seem to have strength in depth for the midfield
positions, with Mark Noble, Junior Stanislas, Luis Boa Morte and Kieron Dyer
all competing with Collison, Parker, Behrami and Mark Noble for a starting
spot. "It is a very good midfield," insisted the midfield star, who has now
played 26 matches and scored three goals in claret and blue. "We got
settled last season when we had the diamond, and there is going to be even
more competition this time round, so we are going to look to push on as a
team."
There was surely no coincidence that Collison and Carlton Cole's absence
from the first team after the Wigan game in March, had a telling effect on
West Ham's hopes of making it into Europe, but it is a situation that
Collison is hoping that the team can correct this time round. "Personally, I
want to get back into the starting XI and as a team we are looking for a
good start to the season, a good basis to build on and just see where it
takes us," said Collison. "We were very close to Europe last year and we
were a bit disappointed, to be honest, to miss out at the end. "So we will
be looking to kick on again this year and really try and get that Europa
League spot."
Collison worked hard in Sunday's friendly at Grays, playing the second half,
and he seems to have finally recovered from the knee injury that looked so
horrendous when he did it at the JJB Stadium. "I feel fully fit now," he
insisted. "I did have to do a little bit of work on the injury during the
summer, but I've had a break as well and now it is up to the whole squad to
get fit, so that everyone is firing at the start of the season."
It would be a lot to ask for Collison to emulate the huge strides he made
for West Ham last season. But the Welshman seems to have the work ethic and
the sort of attitude that could easily take him to the very top in the game,
and that can only be good for the Hammers.
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Faubert is set for Leverkusen
Newham Recordedr
15 July 2009
FRENCH FLOP Julien Faubert looks set to end his West Ham nightmare by
joining Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen in the next few days, WRITES DAVE
EVANS. The 25-year-old Frenchman cost the Hammers over £6million when Alan
Curbishley signed him from Bordeaux back in the summer of 2007, but bad luck
and poor form plagued him from the very start of his time at Upton Park. He
injured his Achilles during the pre-season tour of Austria, forcing him out
of the team until he finally made his debut in January 2008. However, his
fated speed and ability to beat defenders seemed to be missing and it was
something he never really regained during his 32 games for the Hammers
either at full back or on the wing. Incredibly, Faubert was taken on loan by
Real Madrid back in January, a move that would have led to a £6million
transfer had his time there been successful, but once more he was a flop and
returned to West Ham, where he played 45 minutes in the pre-season friendly
at Grays on Sunday. It seems that Leverkusen coach Rudi Voller is now ready
to relieve him of his West Ham agony and take him to the club that finished
ninth in the Bundesliga last season.
West Ham are likely to receive only around £2million for the player, but
they will be relieved to get Faubert off the wage bill. Hammers defender
James Collins has also been linked with a move away from Upton Park, as
Sunderland are apparently ready to pay £5million for his services. Manager
Gianfranco Zola would far sooner lose Calum Davenport, who is still being
linked with both the Black Cats and Bolton, but a £5million bid for the
Welsh international is not one to be turned down lightly, especially for a
player who unfortunately seems to spend much of his season on the treatment
table. With Faubert set to leave, Zola welcomed new boy Luis Jimenez to the
squad this week, when he arrived in England prior to the trip to Austria.
Zola sees the Chilean midfielder as an essential member of his squad, but
just where is he planning to play him? "He is one of the players who can
give us something extra in the last 30 metres of the pitch," confirmed the
boss. "That is the reason why we brought him here. He has got heat in his
body so hopefully we will see that this season."
There have been suggestions that Zola will play a 4-3-3 system this season,
but it seems that he is still considering his options. "I'm not sure where
we will play Jimenez, it depends," confessed Zola. "He can play behind one
striker, but he can also play behind two. "He is a quality player, so we
will see, it depends on what we want to play, whether we want to play with
one striker or two."
A lot will depend on the personnel at his disposal by the time the season
starts at Wolves on August 15. Eidur Gudjohnsen and Mancini still top the
West Ham shopping list, though they have also been linked with Lille
midfielder Ludovic Obraniak. West Ham will face fierce competition for all
three players, but Zola did confirm that Mancini was still very much on the
radar. "Mancini is one of those players who can improve us in the last 30
metres, which is something we know we need to improve on. We will see, it is
an option."
It seems that what Zola is looking for, is a younger version of himself, and
if he can manage to find one, then it can only be good for the Hammers.
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Ashton looks set for the exit door
15 July 2009
London24.com
HAMMERS striker Dean Ashton is set to leave West Ham before the start of the
new season, the Recorder understands. With England international Carlton
Cole now established as the number one striker at the club, and with the
prospect of Eidur Gudjohnsen and Mancini arriving at Upton Park, the
injury-prone striker looks like being surplus to requirements. The most
significant development occurred on Monday when the 25-year-old did not
travel with the rest of the team to Austria for the pre-season tour. Manager
Gianfranco Zola took his entire first team squad, including Scott Parker and
Valon Behrami, who are still injured, as he attempted a team-bonding
exercise with the players, which also included new signing Luis Jimenez.
Ashton was omitted from the trip, along with Terry Dixon, who apparently is
not considered to be in the first team squad. Ashton has been attracting
interest from Stoke City manager Tony Pulis, although if Premier League
teams became aware of his availability, he is likely to be a target for a
number of clubs. The former Norwich City man cost West Ham a then club
record fee of £7.25million when he arrived in January 2006, and it looked
like money well spent as he helped the team to the FA Cup Final and a place
in Europe. However, he missed the entire next season after breaking his
ankle training with England. And after top scoring with 11 goals in 2007-08,
last season was another frustrating one as he managed only five appearances
before being ruled out for the rest of the campaign - never playing a match
under current boss Zola.
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Bayer Leverkusen After West Ham United Winger Julien Faubert - Report
The Frenchman appears to be on his way to Germany...
15 Jul 2009 14:50:55
According to a report in The Daily Mirror, Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen
are closely monitoring the situation of West Ham United's French winger
Julien Faubert.
Faubert played part of last season on loan at Spanish giants Real Madrid.
However, the 25-year-old failed to impress at the Primera Division
powerhouse and returned to West Ham this summer. The French midfielder
recently expressed his desire to leave the Hammers sooner rather than later.
Leverkusen are eager to add some more creativity to their squad and have
reportedly made Faubert their primary target. They face stiff competition
from teams such as Werder Bremen, Schalke and Wolfsburg if the report is to
be believed.
Stefan Coerts, Goal.com
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A deal where the Hammers have everything to gain and nothing to lose
Posted by: GUEST BLOGGER , on Wed 15 Jul 2009
West Ham Football Fancast
Football FanCast guest columnist Ray Mercer feels that signing Eidur
Gudjohnsen would be a deal where West Ham has nothing to lose, but
everything to gain.
I don't know what happened to the three supposed new arrivals that Scott
Duxbury said we were hoping to bring to Upton Park a few weeks back, but
with Jimenez the only new name on board plenty of work has to still be done
to strengthen our push ahead of next season. In fairness there have been
plenty of names flying about as you would expect, with some good, some bad
and some damn right ugly, but the only name that has really caught my eye
has been Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen.
Despite his Chelski roots, Gudjohnsen is a top quality player and one I
would love to see at Upton Park. Eidur is an excellent target man, possesses
a wonderful touch and for me would be the ideal foil for Cole or Savio in
attack. He has cleverness to his game, can play in behind the striker and
possesses the same ability to create openings out of nothing, with a clever
pass or flick. In many ways his style is very Sheringham-esque and would
certainly bring some versatility to a strike force where they are all
similar in their style.
Zola has been full of praise of his former teammate and suggested that he
wouldn't rule out the opportunity to bring him to Upton Park, although was
quick to point out that given Eidur's qualities that we are unlikely to be
the only team interested in his services. That is fair comment but on the
same token Gudjohnsen himself a couple of weeks back said that he would
welcome a return to London and suggested that Zola's style of play would
suit him so it's fair to say a deal is in the offing if we were to actively
pursue it. Apparently Barcelona are prepared to release him on a free
transfer, therefore we really have nothing to lose and only have to find
some common ground in terms of wages. I'm sure he was on a fair whack at
Barca and a wage that we are unlikely to get anywhere close to, but perhaps
we should look to some sort of compromise over Gudjohnsen, especially as we
do not have to pay any transfer fee. In my mind it is a deal where West Ham
really has everything to gain and nothing to lose and should he fail to
settle or fit in (which I really doubt) then we can always cash in on him at
the end of the season and get some sort of fee.
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Barcelona coach Guardiola tells West Ham target Gudjohnsen to find new club
16.07.09 | tribalfootball.com
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has told Eidur Gudjohnsen to find himself a
new club. El Mundo Deportivo says Guardiola met with the former Chelsea
striker this week and informed him it would be best for his career to leave
Barca this summer. West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola is keen and ready to
snap up Gudjohnsen with an offer of £4 million.
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John Hartson has surgery to relieve pressure on brain as cancer spreads to
lungs
Former Celtic, West Ham and Arsenal striker John Hartson has undergone
emergency neurosurgery to relieve pressure on his brain at Morriston
Hospital, Swansea.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Steve Wilson and agencies
Published: 1:24PM BST 15 Jul 2009
The 34-year-old has been diagnosed with testicular cancer which has now
spread to his brain and lungs. Hartson was diagnosed at the weekend
following tests at the Singleton Hospital in Swansea after complaining of
severe headaches. Hartson fighting brain cancer Hartson, 34, who was capped
51 times for Wales, was transferred to Morriston Hospital in the city and is
in a critical condition after his surgery. "He is currently being cared for
by the critical care team at Morriston and is receiving round-the-clock care
aiming to stabilise his condition," a statement from the trust read. "He
will resume radiotherapy and chemotherapy as soon as possible."
Hartson, a father of three, spent five seasons at Celtic from 2001, before
which he played for Luton, Arsenal, West Ham, Wimbledon and Coventry. He
retired last year after being released by West Bromwich Albion and has been
working as a TV commentator since. His family issued a statement on
Wednesday saying that they and Harston's many friends "are continuing to
support John in any way we can". "He is receiving outstanding care from all
the medical and surgical staff and we would like to thank everyone at both
Singleton and Morriston, as well as the excellent ambulance staff. "We have
been overwhelmed by the support and goodwill from many thousands of football
fans, players, clubs and sporting figures and we have drawn strength from
this support." The family also asked for Hartson's privacy to be respected
while he continues to undergoes treatment in hospital
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Terry must not quit Chelsea, insists Hammers legend Dicks
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Sport.co.uk
John Terry has been warned he will be making a massive mistake if leaves
Chelsea to join Manchester City just to boost his bank balance. Eastlands
boss Mark Hughes wants England captain Terry to skipper City and will pay up
to £40million for him with wages of £250,000 a week. But former West Ham
defender Julian Dicks, who watched Terry develop in the youth team at Upton
park before switching to Stamford Bridge, reckons it would be a mistake to
leave the FA Cup winners. Dicks moved from his beloved Hammers to Liverpool
in an ill-fated transfer in 1993. He was a flop and returned to Upton Park
after just one season. 'If I were John Terry I wouldn't go,' said the
40-year-old Birmingham-born hard man. 'If I were playing today for West Ham
I wouldn't go anywhere. The Liverpool transfer was out of my hands and I
didn't want to go. 'John is Chelsea through and through and I think it'll be
a mistake if he leaves. I mean, he's earning £130,000 a week now so he is
not exactly hard up for a few bob.
'But you can't blame players for the massive money that's swilling around
the game these days. If billionaires want to invest in football, players
have the right to earn a fortune and look after themselves and their
families.'
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Bellamy's City Career to End?
West Ham Till I Die
I know it's cruel, but you've got to laugh. Craig Bellamy is rumoured to be
on the verge of being sold by Manchester City to Sunderland. Well done,
Craig. Makes your decision to leave West Ham in January look really
worthwhile, doesn't it? ROFL.
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West Ham: Cash boost could allow club to keep Neill and sign Gudjohnsen
15 July 2009 | By Adam Fraser
SportsProMedia.com
West Ham have received an appearance fee of more than US$1 million for their
participation in the Barclay's Asia Trophy this summer. That represents a
welcome boost for the club, which appears to be stabilising its accounts
following the takeover in which former chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson was
forced to hand the club over to a group of Icelandic banks, having seen his
fortune wiped out in the credit crunch. The club has now offered a new
contract to Lucas Neill, having failed to agree terms with the Australian
earlier in the summer, and is believed to have tabled a loan bid for
Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen. "He has got our trust and we like him,
so it is down to him," said club coach Gianfranco Zola of Neill. The
participation of West Ham, Tottenham and Hull in the competition, held as
part of the Beijing International Football Festival, has been hailed by the
director of the Beijing Football Association as a chance to make Beijing
"the capital of Asian football".
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West Ham's Sears already amongst goals for Palace
15.07.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United striker Freddie Sears is already amongst the goals at
Crystal Palace. The 19-year-old striker, who linked up with the Coca-Cola
Championship side last month, was among the scorers in a 5-2 pre-season
friendly victory over Crystal Palace USA in Baltimore, Maryland.
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