Wednesday, January 7

Daily WHUFC News - II 7th January 2009

On This Day: 7 January
WHUFC.com
Tony Stokes and the start of a memorable FA Cup run are the latest to be
featured
07.01.2009

Anniversary

Tony Stokes
Date of birth: 7 January 1987
Club: West Ham United

Popular squad member Tony Stokes is a homegrown Hammer who has made a
significant contribution this season to the reserve-team's success. Captain
of Alex Dyer's side, he has helped the second string climb to third place at
the turn of the year and provides a consistent presence for the mixture of
youngsters coming through and the more established names pushing for
first-team calls.
The versatile Stokes, who can play in midfield or attack, has made one
appearance for the senior side - a League Cup tie at Sheffield Wednesday
back in September 2005 - but was included on the club's pre-season tour of
North America. In recent years, he has had three loan spells away from the
Boleyn Ground - at Rushden and Diamonds, Brighton and Hove Albion and
Stevenage Borough.

Classic match

Norwich City 1-2 West Ham United
FA Cup third round
7 January 2006

Hayden Mullins and Bobby Zamora were on target on what proved the starting
point of a memorable FA Cup campaign. Mullins opened the scoring with a shot
that went in off the post to beat Robert Green in the sixth minute before
Zamora headed the second just before the hour. Norwich pulled one back
through Paul McVeigh's penalty but it was to prove just a consolation in
front of 23,968 fans.

Although Mullins got the ball rolling in the cup, he would miss out on the
final against Liverpool the following May because of suspension. That
Cardiff showpiece saw West Ham United race into a two-goal lead before being
pegged back to 2-2. Paul Konchesky put the Hammers in front only for Steven
Gerrard's last-gasp equaliser that led to extra time and the heartbreak of
defeat on penalties.

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Good times for Mullins
WHUFC.com
Hayden Mullins has spoken of his pride at being named captain amid positive
times at the club
07.01.2009

Hayden Mullins has spoken about how "everything is looking upwards" at West
Ham United as he reflected on the pride of being made captain last time out.

The midfielder was handed the armband in last weekend's 3-0 win against
Barnsley, having been just one of a number of West Ham players who have
impressed since the arrival of Gianfranco Zola in September. The
Reading-born player was quick to pay tribute to the manager's influence both
on and off the pitch, while also thanking 'Mister' for entrusting him with
the captaincy for the visit of Simon Davey's side.

"The manager has come in and freshened a lot of things up," Mullins said, as
he and the rest of the squad looked forward to Newcastle United on Saturday
and the chance to make it six games unbeaten on the road. "Training is
brilliant. We've got a new shape we're working on and a lot of it is coming
off. In the last couple of weeks people have seen the Portsmouth result and
the Stoke result and then the win over Barnsley.

"It's something we're building on. It wasn't quite going for us a couple of
weeks ago but now it's turning round and everything's looking upwards. We're
going higher up in the league and are trying to win as many games as we can
and that's a tribute to the manager.

"[To be captain] was a bit of a shock and a bit of a surprise but it's
always nice to captain the team and I'm just glad he gave me the armband.
There were a couple more options for him but for him to trust me like he
did, I'm very grateful."

Having skippered the Hammers to a victory that set up a fourth round trip to
League One Hartlepool United, the 29-year-old is now setting his sights on a
run to the final. After missing out on the club's appearance in the 2006
final through suspension, the club's second longest-serving player is aiming
to make up for that disappointment by appearing in this year's showpiece at
Wembley.

"I'm very pleased. This is a competition that we've targeted to try and get
as far as we can in. We know that getting to the final is a realistic target
like it proved in 2006 so we're just desperate to get as far as we can in
this competition.

"I think the boys approached it very professionally. It potentially could
have been a banana skin for us. They're a decent side and a team that we
respected. We knew that if we weren't on our game that they would cause us
problems like they did in the first half but we played well, got the goals
at the vital times and that showed in a 3-0 win."

While goals from Herita Ilunga, Mark Noble and Carlton Cole gave the final
scoreline a comfortable appearance, Mullins admitted he and his team-mates
had been pushed hard by the Championship side at the Boleyn Ground. As such,
the defensive midfielder was pleased with how the Hammers matched the Tykes'
workrate before their Premier League class told in the shape of three
well-taken goals.

"It was very important. One thing we knew that they would come here and work
very hard as all the teams in the Championship do. We knew that if we
weren't on our game and we didn't match them there could have been an upset.
We matched their workrate and our football showed in the end which would
always happen if we matched their workrate. We're just happy we're in the
next round."

Another player who has found his best form under Zola is Cole, who has
struck three goals in his last three matches. Mullins himself has been
impressed by the popular striker's efforts, joking that his recent
goalscoring exploits would spare him the inevitable ribbing that is part and
parcel of every dressing room.

"If he keeps scoring he'll be alright. He's got a bit of stick off the boys
lately but everyone likes Carlton. He's a bubbly character and we know how
hard he tries for the team and we let him know he's a valuable member of the
team and if he keeps banging them in he'll be doing very well."

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Etherington set for Stoke switch
BBC.co.uk

Stoke City are close to making West Ham winger Matthew Etherington their
first signing of the January transfer window for an undisclosed fee.
Etherington, who has made 13 Premier League appearances for the Hammers this
season, is expected to sign a three-year deal at the Britannia Stadium. The
27-year-old joined West Ham in 2003 after spells with Peterborough United
and Tottenham Hotspur. Etherington could make his Potters debut against
Liverpool on Saturday. Stoke manager Tony Pulis spent about £20m on 10 new
signings during the summer, in preparation for the club's first season in
the top flight. The Potters are third from bottom in the Premier League,
and Pulis has repeatedly stated his desire to strengthen his squad further
before the transfer deadline on 2 February.

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Hammers seek Ilunga stay
West Ham keen to sign full-back on a permanent basis
By Patrick Haond Last updated: 7th January 2009
SSN

Herita Ilunga's agent claims West Ham are keen to turn his client's loan
switch into a permanent deal. The Congo international joined the Hammers in
September, penning an agreement which is set to run until the end of the
season. However, having impressed the Premier League outfit during his short
time in England, a compromise could now be reached during the January
transfer window. The full-back is believed to have no desire to head back to
Toulouse and West Ham are now investigating the possibility of handing him a
full-time contract before 2nd February. "West Ham really want to sign him,
but I cannot tell you when that may happen," Ilunga's representative Daniel
Striani told Le 10 Sport. The 26-year-old has been a mainstay in Gianfranco
Zola's side in recent weeks and grabbed his first goal for the Hammers
during their 3-0 FA Cup win over Barnsley on Saturday.

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Bolton in Davenport talks
Megson keen to sign Hammers defender
Last updated: 7th January 2009
SSN

Bolton are locked in talks with West Ham over a move for Calum Davenport,
skysports.com understands. West Ham are thought to be willing to offload
Davenport as they look to trim their squad at Upton Park. Davenport has
dropped down the pecking order in Gianfranco Zola's plans and the Italian is
prepared to sell him in order to balance the books The news has alerted
Trotters boss Gary Megson who is keen to bolster his squad for the second
half of the season. Bolton are now thought to have firmed up their interest
in Davenport and are hoping to finalise a deal in the next few days.
Davenport is expected to hold talks with Bolton and undergo a medical in the
next 48 hours ahead of a proposed switch to the Reebok Stadium, and if all
goes to plan he could become Megson's first signing of the transfer window.

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Mullins remains optimistic
Hammers midfielder looks on the bright side
By Chris Burton Last updated: 7th January 2009
SSN

Hayden Mullins insists 'everything is looking upwards' at West Ham despite
the club's much-publicised problems. The global credit crunch has hit the
Hammers hard, with the team's owners financially crippled by the recession.
That has hindered any hopes Gianfranco Zola held of adding to his squad
during the January transfer window. It has also put the future of many of
the club's top stars in doubt, with speculation continuing to link a host of
players with moves away from Upton Park.
However, even with matters off the pitch casting a sizeable shadow, Mullins
insists it is not all doom and gloom in the East End. "The manager has come
in and freshened a lot of things up, training is brilliant," said Mullins,
who was handed the captain's armband for the 3-0 FA Cup win over Barnsley on
Saturday. "We have got a new shape we are working on, and a lot of it is
coming off. "In the last couple of weeks people have seen the Portsmouth
result (4-1 win) and the Stoke result (2-1 win) and then the win over
Barnsley. It is something we are building on."
Mullins added on the club's official website: "It was not quite going for us
a couple of weeks ago. But now it is turning round, and everything is
looking upwards.
"We are going higher up in the league and are trying to win as many games as
we can - and that is a tribute to the manager."

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West Ham to sell Matthew Etherington and Calum Davenport in bid to keep star
players
West Ham are looking to sell a host of fringe players in a bid to retain the
services of Craig Bellamy, Scott Parker and Matthew Upson.
Telegraph
By Giles Mole
Last Updated: 9:22AM GMT 07 Jan 2009

Manager Gianfranco Zola is desperate to hold on to his most valuable assets
as the club attempt to push themselves away from the relegation zone. Zola
has been told there is no money to spend in the January transfer window, and
must raise funds through sales if he is to strengthen his squad. Rival
Premier League clubs are looking to take advantage of West Ham's financial
plight by targeting the likes of Bellamy, Parker and Upson in cut-price
deals. Indeed, Manchester City have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of
Bellamy and Parker. However, the Hammers are adamant they will not weaken
their squad, especially in such a precarious league position, and are
instead planning to raise cash by offloading the likes of Matthew
Etherington and Calum Davenport. Etherington is on the verge of completeing
a £4 million move to Stoke, while £3m-rated Davenport is likely to sign for
Bolton. Julien Faubert, who has been linked with Nantes, Luis Boa Morte and
Nigel Quashie will also be allowed to leave to alleviate pressure on the
club to sell anyone else this month. Along with Bellamy, Parker and Upson,
enquiries have been made regarding Valon Behrami and Robert Green, but they
too are players Zola is loath to part with.

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Milan Considering Lucas Neill Deal
Goal.com

The Rossoneri are in the market for a defender, and the West Ham captain may
be just the right man for the job.
West Ham captain Lucas Neill could be the defender that Milan settle on
during the current transfer window, according to reports in Italy. The
Hammers' sports director, Gianluca Nani has denied the rumour, but sources
have spotted the Australian player in Dubai at Milan's winter training camp.
The Rossoneri have struggled at the back this season, and they have been
linked with a number of defenders as they seem to be attempting to
strengthen their rearguard. Daniel Agger, Philippe Mexes and Sergio Ramos
have all been on Adriano Galliani's wishlist over the last few months, but
all three of those are well taken care of at their respective clubs and are
unwilling to leave. The Rossoneri have managed to capture one of the best
young defensive prospects in Thiago Silva, but the Brazilian is unable to
play for the club until the end of the season due to EU constraints, forcing
the Milan giants to search the market and perhaps swoop for a January
signing to cover for the aging and ailing Milan back line. Thus rumours of
an interest in Neill may not be so far fetched. The 30-year-old's contract
in London will expire next summer and he could be signed as a free agent at
that point, but if Milan are looking for cover at the moment, West Ham may
receive an offer that is too good to refuse.

Peter Pedroncelli, Goal.com

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Pulis set to nab £3m Etherington, with Harewood and Camara also Stoke
targets
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 1:45 PM on 07th January 2009
Daily Mail

Stoke hope to complete the £3million signing of West Ham winger Matthew
Etherington - the first of a hat-trick of new arrivals planned by manager
Tony Pulis to the Britannia Stadium. Pulis also hopes to capture strikers
Marlon Harewood from Aston Villa for £2million plus Wigan's £1million-rated
Henri Camara. Stoke have managed only one goal in their last five games and
Pulis needs more firepower in the side as they battle to stay in the Premier
League. Etherington joined the Hammers five years ago as part of the deal
which took Frederic Kanoute to Tottenham. Under Gianfranco Zola, Etherington
has lost his place in the starting XI and would fill the left-side midfield
role Pulis is looking to strengthen. Harewood's agent Phil Sproson said:
'Stoke are showing an interest in the player but they will have to buy
because Villa won't loan him. 'They are looking to sell him in this window
or in the summer if not, but Marlon's contract runs until the end of next
season and so he's in no hurry from that point of view. 'Villa will listen
to realistic offers, but if someone tries to nick him it will not happen.
It's a case of whoever strikes a deal with Villa first will probably get
him.'

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Hammers Plan Quick Sales
The Sun
Published: Today

WEST HAM are close to easing their financial worries with the sale of
Matthew Etherington to Stoke and Calum Davenport to Bolton. Etherington has
been in the Potteries to discuss personal terms after the clubs agreed a fee
in the region of £3million and the move could be completed later today.
Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola is determined to keep hold of his big-name
stars, including Craig Bellamy and Scott Parker. But the Italian has made no
secret of his wish to trim his squad and neither Etherington or Davenport
are regarded as potential first-team regulars. Davenport had a short run in
the team this season but clashed with Zola after being dropped once James
Collins had returned from injury. Bolton boss Gary Megson has settled on a
£3m fee for the central defender and hopes to have his signature confirmed
in time to make his debut in the weekend clash with Arsenal.

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West Ham's Upson won't consider Man City, Newcastle switch
07.01.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham defender Matthew Upson isn't interested in moving to Manchester
City or Newcastle United. The Mirror says Upson says he will leave West Ham
only for a club in the Champions League - clearing the way for a possible
return to Arsenal.

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Hammers show the door to Davenport
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on: 07 January 2009 - 11:18
Sport.co.uk

Reports in the Sun claim that Bolton are close to securing a deal for West
Ham's Calum Davenport. Gary Megson has already intimated that he is ready to
spend wisely during the January transfer window as he looks to build on his
side's steady start to the EPL season. 26-year-old Davenport spent three
years at Tottenham Hotspur between 2004-2007 and represented England at
under-21 level before making the move to Upton Park. Despite his pedigree
being somewhat underestimated, the Englishman established himself as an
important squad member for the Hammers. Recent reports, however, intimated
that the player had fallen out with manager Gianfranco Zola and could be
shown the exit door as part of a West Ham's January transfer sales policy.
The East-End side are keen to raise funds as the credit crunch bites and a
fee of £1.5m looks to have been agreed with Bolton.

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West Ham chase Napoli pair/ Transfer gossip
Imscouting.com
07/01/2009

West Ham's sporting director Gianluca Nani is planning a raid on his former
club Brescia for two of the most talented players in Serie B. The agent of
Under-19 German international Savio Nsereko, Patrick Bastianelli, has
claimed that the Brescia attacker could be bought and loaned back to the
Italian club. Bastianelli said: "The sporting director of West Ham is
Gianluca Nani, former sports director of Brescia, who knows very well the
qualities of Savio, we talked about Savio no more than a week ago. In those
talks Gianluca confirmed his will, and that of Zola's, to bring the player
to West Ham." Just days ago Nsereko confirmed that he had received offers
from Napoli, Inter Milan and clubs in the Bundesliga. (For more see here.)
Alongside Nsereko, a report in The Times this morning suggests that it will
be a double swoop by the Hammers who are also interested in Bartosz Salamon,
a 17-year-old central midfielder worth around 1.5 million euros. According
to IMScouting, the 6.3ft Polish player is a very very talented young
midfielder, he's considered the new Marek Hamsik. A true playmaker, with
good pace, excellent technical skills, great vision of the field, and great
passes.

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Stoke close in on Etherington signing
Whydelilah.co.uk
By Martin Spinks | Email to a friend | Digg |
Published: Wednesday 07 Jan 2009
Potters agree fee for West Ham midfielder

STOKE City are close to completing the signing of West Ham winger Matthew
Etherington after agreeing a fee of around £3m for the Welsh international.
The 27-year-old will become City's first capture of the January transfer
window if the deal goes through and fill their long-standing vacancy on the
left of midfield. However, a busy month of transfer activity could also see
Stoke's strike options bolstered by the arrival of £2m Marlon Harewood from
Aston Villa, plus £1m long-term target Henri Camara from Wigan. Etherington
has been at West Ham for five years after moving from Tottenham as part of
the deal which took striker Frederic Kanoute to White Hart Lane.
He began his career at Peterborough before moving to Spurs for £500,000 in
1999. He made 51 appearances at White Hart Lane before his switch to West
Ham to become a mainstay of the side which won promotion after two seasons
in the Championship. He has made 195 appearances for the Hammers, including
13 in the Premier League this season, but has fallen down the pecking order
at Upton Park since the arrival of new manager Gianfranco Zola. Stoke have
been linked with a number of left-wing targets, including Cardiff's Wales
international Joe Ledley. But the capture of Etherington would bring pace,
creativity and top-flight experience to the problem left-sided position. He
could also sign in time for Saturday's home game with league leaders
Liverpool, boosting a City side which has only scored once in their last
five games.
Meanwhile, Stoke have put the feelers out for Harewood, it was confirmed
today, and they could land him for anywhere between £2m and £2.5m. The
29-year-old striker would listen to an offer from Stoke, but the final
decision on his departure would appear to rest with Villa's recruitment of a
replacement striker. Harewood's agent said Stoke, Bolton and Middlesbrough
have all inquired about his availability, while Portsmouth, West Brom and
Celtic are other possible suitors. "Stoke are showing an interest in the
player," Phil Sproson said today, "but they will have to buy because Villa
won't loan him. They are looking to sell him in this window if they can, or
in the summer if not, but Marlon's contract runs until the end of next
season and so he's in no hurry from that point of view. "Villa will listen
to realistic offers, but if someone tries to nick him it will not happen.
It's a case of whoever strikes a deal with Villa first will probably get
him."
Sproson, the former Port Vale favourite now acting as a PFA representative
for players, says Harewood would have no qualms joining a relegation battle
with Stoke.
"Not at all," he asserted. "That's the good thing with Marlon. He will talk
to anybody who show a realistic interest in him and offer him the chance to
stay in the Premier League. "He's not in a fantastic rush to leave Villa,
but he is missing not playing regularly and is at that stage of his career
where he wants to be playing. "But he understands the situation at Villa.
They are a top-five club now and the standard there is unbelievably high.
There are England players in front of him in the team."

Sproson insists his man would be a huge asset to Stoke, despite recent
inactivity, and is simply desperate for a regular run in first-team
football. "He scored 19 goals at West Ham one year and has always looked
dangerous coming off the bench for Villa. He's a big, strong lad and is full
of energy. "He can do it, but he needs to be playing five or six games on
the trot. Then you'll get the best out of him because he's not one of those
who can come in and out of the team and just turn it on. "He's a very
confident player and you saw that when he came on at Gillingham on Sunday
and tried to take the penalty off James Milner." It is not clear whether
Stoke intend to sign Camara and Harewood, or whether the Wigan man is an
alternative to the Villa striker. He was reported to be on his way to Stoke
following Wigan's £4.5m deal for Colombian striker Hugo Rodallega

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West Ham board determined to keep top trio
07.01.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United are confident of hanging onto Matthew Upson and Scott
Parker, it has been revealed. A West Ham executive told the Guardian:
"(Gianfranco) Zola, (Gianluca) Nani and [the chief executive] Scott Duxbury
are sure about Upson and Parker but not as certain about (Craig) Bellamy as
he has a strong mind. Parker knows the feeling of being a good player and
staying on the bench at Chelsea." Parker is a big-money target for
Manchester City.

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Gudmundsson may take West Ham off market
07.01.09 | tribalfootball.com

Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson could withdraw West Ham United from the market. An
executive close to the Icelandic businessman said that, although West Ham is
officially for sale as the owner fights to prevent the holding company Hansa
being declared insolvent, the east London club may be withdrawn from the
market if a buyer is not found in "the next six to eight weeks" and other
avenues explored. "We don't need to sell the club – other alternatives in
liaison with our banks can be examined about how else to proceed if we need
to," the source told the Guardian. "We could hold out for a year or two
years. It is important to know we do not need to sell."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 7th January 2009

Hartlepool cup date set
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will travel to Victoria Park to take on Hartlepool United at
12.40pm on Saturday 24 January
06.01.2009

The FA Cup fourth-round tie against Hartlepool United will be played at
12.40pm on Saturday 24 January.

The first-ever meeting between the two clubs will be screened live on ITV1.
West Ham United won through to this round with a 3-0 home win against
Barnsley last Saturday, the same day that Hartlepool ran out 2-0 winners
against Stoke City. For ticket information, click here.

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Duo on their way
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 6th January 2009
By: Staff Writer

Calum Davenport and Matthew Etherington could be on their way out of West
Ham by the end of the week, according to reports. Left-winger Etherington,
the club's current longest-serving player is a £4million target for
struggling Stoke City whilst Calum Davenport is set to complete a £3million
switch to Bolton Wanderers.
Both players have been made available for transfer by Gianfranco Zola who
has finally ran out of patience with Etherington whilst a recent argument
with central defender Davenport has led to his inevitable departure. Should
Etherington complete the move to Stoke, Zola will be left with just Luis Boa
Morte as an experienced left-sided midfielder; speaking tonight the former
Portuguese international said that he remains determined to nail down a
first team place at West Ham despite numerous reports of interest from his
home nation. "The gaffer is giving me chances and I have to grab them with
both hands," he said. "I need to put my game in place and all I try to do is
try to do the best I can for the team - not to make any mistakes and help
the team get three points and win matches."
With regard to the booing directed at him by some sections of the crowd he
added: "It is not nice but it is up to the fans. I just want them to know
that I am playing for the club and giving my full commitment every time I
play. "I am a West Ham player and try to make sure what I do helps the club
and the team."

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'Pool game live
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 6th January 2009
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United's FA Cup fourth round tie with Hartlepool United is being
broadcast live by ITV.

The game has been re-scheduled for a 12.40pm kick-off, the first of two
games being broadcast live on the day (the other being Manchester United's
clash with Tottenham).

With TV bosses no doubt sensing a Cup giant-killing the Hammers - who have
never previously met Hartlepool in a competitive fixture - will once again
have to repeat the feats of recent seasons to overcome a side two seasons
below them.

Good news for travelling Hammers is that the 7:57am rail departure from
London will ensure arrival at the ground on time (barring unforseen
circumstances).

West Ham v the minnows: how we've fared on TV in recent years

Sky, October 2007: Coventry (a) 2-1 - an injury-time winner from Carlton
Cole sends the Hammers through to the fifth round of the Carling Cup.
Championship outfit Coventry had led through a Tabb strike (68 mins) before
a Hall own goal three minutes later restored parity on the night.

Sky, October 2006: Chesterfield (a) 1-2 - the most recent shock Cup defeat
for the Hammers was a contributing factor in the demise of former boss Alan
Pardew, who was sacked just weeks after this demoralising defeat. Marlon
Harewood's fourth minute opener gave the Hammers an early lead but second
half goals from Larkin and Folan saw the League One side triumph in this
Carling Cup third round tie.

Sky, October 2002: Chesterfield (a) 1-1 - once again the Hammers had to
battle for their lives at the Recreation Ground when Jermain Defoe's 13th
minute opener was cancelled out by Chris Brandon's 52nd minute equaliser.
After extra-time drew a stalemate the game went to penalties with Glenn
Roeder's side eventually triumphing 5-4 in this pulsating Worthington Cup
second round encounter.

BBC, January 2002: Macclesfield (a) 3-0 - A shock was never on the cards as
West Ham's first ever visit to Moss Rose ended in an easy victory thanks to
goals from Jermain Defoe (x2) and Joe Cole. Despite finishing the game with
only ten men after John Moncur received his marching orders late on Glenn
Roeder's side were never in trouble and good value for the win in this FA
Cup third round tie.

Sky, December 1996: Stockport (a) 1-2 - The mother of all balls-ups
immortalised by Iain Dowie's superb bullet header - which, unfortunately for
the despairing travelling Hammers, went into his own net less than a minute
after Julian Dicks had put Harry Redknapp's side ahead in this League Cup
fourth round tie. Brett Angell added insult to injury by scoring what proved
to be the winning goal four minutes later.

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Ilunga seeking resolution
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 6th January 2009
By: Staff Writer

On-loan full back Herita Ilunga wants to make his season-long loan move to
West Ham permanent - but warns that he won't wait forever. Ilunga, who
arrived on loan from Toulouse back in September has settled in well to life
in East London and has confirmed via his agent, Daniel Striani, that he
hopes the deal will be made permanent. The Hammers have an option to sign
the player until April according to Striani but have not yet made their
intentions clear - despite Gianfranco Zola stating recently that he is also
keen to thrash out a deal. And the agent sent out a clear warning today that
his client will start talking to other clubs if a full time deal isn't
offered soon. "As far as Herita is concerned, he is happy to stay at the
club and at the moment he is waiting for them to use their option to sign
him on a permanent basis," Striani told Setanta. "What I can reveal to you
is that West Ham fully intend to use their buy-out clause, but I can't tell
on what day or at what time.
"He could commit his future to the London club in January, but until that
day no meeting has been arranged with West Ham's directors. "West Ham have
the situation under control and are free to do what they want. As far as we
are concerned, Herita's agents have not contacted other clubs who could be
interested in signing him because we respect West Ham. "But of course if
they don't make a move to convert his loan deal into a permanent one, then
we will adopt a different attitude."
Ilunga, who was drafted in as a replacement for George McCartney has made 18
appearances for the Hammers this season, scoring his first goal for the club
in the 3-0 win over Barnsley last weekend.

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Stoke eye Etherington move
Zola ready to let winger go
Last updated: 6th January 2009
SSN

Sky Sports News understands Stoke are in talks to sign West Ham winger
Matthew Etherington. Etherington has dropped down the pecking order in
Gianfranco Zola's plans in recent weeks despite making an impressive impact
during the early days of the Italian's tenure. The former Tottenham and
Peterborough star has made only one appearance for the Hammers since
mid-November in Saturday's FA Cup win over Barnsley. Zola has admitted he is
keen to trim his squad at Upton Park and it appears Etherington is deemed
surplus to requirements as the club look to balance the books Stoke chief
Tony Pulis has been in the market for a left-sided midfielder for some time
after trying to sign Joe Ledley during the last transfer window. Pulis has
been alerted to Etherington's availability and he is now ready to bring the
27-year-old to the Britannia Stadium.
Meanwhile, Stoke defender Abdoulaye Faye has been cleared to face Liverpool
this weekend after the Football Association admitted to an administrative
error over his disciplinary record. The FA had logged the big defender as
having five bookings after an alleged yellow card against Portsmouth in
October, but it was revealed to be a case of mistaken identity with Amdy
Faye being cautioned and not his namesake. Stoke submitted video evidence to
show that it was Amdy and not Abdoulaye Faye who had been booked during the
defeat by Portsmouth at Fratton Park. A statement on the club's official
website read: "Following an enquiry and submission of video evidence made by
the club, the booking has now been changed in The FA's records, meaning
Abdoulaye is free to feature this weekend."

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Hammers out to net Nsereko
Zola in talks to sign German starlet
Last updated: 6th January 2009
SSN

Savio Nsereko's agent claims West Ham are showing interest in signing the
Brescia striker. The Germany Under 19 international is regarded as one of
the brightest young prospects in Europe after being voted the best player at
the European Under-19 Championship. West Ham's sporting director Gianluca
Nani is believed to have been keeping tabs on Nsereko's progress with the
Italian knowing the player from his time at Brescia. A number of clubs,
including Roma, Napoli and Genoa, are all believed to be keen on Nsereko and
the player's agent Patrick Bastianelli claims he held talks with West Ham
last week over a possible move to Upton Park. Bastianelli claims Gianfranco
Zola is keen on signing Nsereko and that they could sign him this month and
immediately loan him back to Brescia. "The sporting director of West Ham is
Gianluca Nani, former sports director of Brescia, who knows very well the
qualities of Savio," Bastianelli told Tutto Napoli. "We talked about Savio
no more than a week ago. "In those talks Gianluca confirmed his will, and
that of Zola's, to bring the player to West Ham. "I believe that Savio will
stay in Brescia until the end of the season, but there is a possibility that
he could be bought in January and left in Brescia."

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Manchester City include Michael Johnson in deal to sign Scott Parker
Window watch
The Times
Gary Jacob

West Ham United were in talks last night to sell Matthew Etherington to
Stoke City and are considering Manchester City's revised offer for Scott
Parker, which includes Michael Johnson moving in the opposite direction.

City have offered about £4 million plus the England Under-21 midfield
player, who signed a new five-year contract in September, when he was
attracting interest from Everton and Arsenal. Johnson, 20, gained
recognition for the form that he showed at the start of last season but a
pelvic injury has restricted him to eight appearances this campaign. West
Ham turned down City's initial £15 million combined bid for Parker and Craig
Bellamy last week.

Stoke have been looking for a left winger since they had a £6 million offer
for Joe Ledley, the Cardiff City player, rejected in the summer. Etherington
is expected to cost about £3.5 million.

West Ham are also in talks with Brescia, the Serie B club, to sign Savio
Nsereko, 19, and Bartosz Salamon, a 17-year-old Polish midfield player.
Nsereko, who was born in Uganda but has German citizenship, is one of the
most promising forwards in Italy.

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Kolo Toure Out If Arsenal Buy Matthew Upson?
Goal.com

The Gunners could sacrifice their Ivorian centre-half if they manage to
brick back one of their former flops...
According to The Daily Mail, Arsenal will grant Kolo Toure's transfer
request if they succeed in re-signing Matthew Upson from West Ham United.
Toure has, to many pundits' amazement, fallen down the ranks at the Emirates
this term, despite being considered one of the Premier League's top
defenders. And after a monumental bust-up with William Gallas, the
longest-serving player on the Gunners' roster is desperate to leave
Ashburton Grove for pastures new. Manchester City have reportedly made an
£8 million offer for the 27-year-old, but Arsene Wenger announced recently
that he would not let Toure leave. Nonetheless, the Arsenal manager has been
scouting out potential replacements for the Ivory Coast star, and he is
thought to have singled out Upson as his top target - not for the first
time. The England centre-back endured an uncertain six years on the books at
Highbury after signing from Luton Town in 1997. Opportunities were scarce
with Tony Adams, Steve Bould and Martin Keown around, and matters weren't
helped by injuries and the arrivals of Sol Campbell and, of course, a
certain Mr Toure.
But the Suffolk native has well and truly rebuilt his reputation in the six
years since being sold to Birmingham City in January 2003. Four impressive
years at St Andrew's saw him earn a move to West Ham, where he has gone from
strength to strength and worked his way back into the international fold
under Fabio Capello.
The Hammers have stressed that they won't sell their star players to ease
their crippling financial situation, but a bid of £10 million or more -
roughly what Man City are now prepared to pay for Toure - could give the
high-ups at Upton Park something to think about.

Mike Maguire, Goal.com

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Prize players are not for sale but Bellamy is a special case, say Hammers
Upson and Parker are staying put
We do not need to sell club, claims source
Jamie Jackson The Guardian, Wednesday 7 January 2009

Rather than see West Ham United's best players sold the manager, Gianfranco
Zola, and sporting director, Gianluca Nani, are hoping to bolster their
squad in the transfer window despite the financial difficulties of the
club's owner, Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson.

An executive close to the Icelandic businessman said that, although West Ham
is officially for sale as the owner fights to prevent the holding company
Hansa being declared insolvent, the east London club may be withdrawn from
the market if a buyer is not found in "the next six to eight weeks" and
other avenues explored.

"We don't need to sell the club – other alternatives in liaison with our
banks can be examined about how else to proceed if we need to," the source
said. "We could hold out for a year or two years. It is important to know we
do not need to sell."

Gudmundsson has debts of more than £50m after the collapse of the Icelandic
bank Landsbanki, in which he held a 41% stake. This has caused a number of
clubs to make inquiries about the availability of Scott Parker, Craig
Bellamy and Matthew Upson, the prize playing assets at West Ham. But all
offers have been refused, the executive confirmed, with the club determined
to hold on to all three, though the club accept that Bellamy is the most
likely of the trio to leave as he is keen to depart. Injuries and sporadic
form have limited the Welshman to 19 league starts and six goals since
joining in July 2007.

"Zola, Nani and [the chief executive] Scott Duxbury are sure about Upson and
Parker but not as certain about Bellamy as he has a strong mind. Parker
knows the feeling of being a good player and staying on the bench at
Chelsea," the source said of the midfielder's 18 months at Stamford Bridge
that yielded him only nine league starts before he left for Newcastle United
two summers ago.

Parker, though, would be guaranteed a regular starting place under City's
manager, Mark Hughes, and with the club reportedly prepared to offer him a
£100,000 a week, the 29-year-old may be willing to listen. West Ham are
intent on trimming their squad to 20 outfield players but hope to do so by
selling fringe players. Whoever is sold, the club confirmed Zola and Nani
hope to recruit this month.

"No major stars but young, good players," a source confirmed. One could be
Savio Nsereko, according to the Brescia striker's agent, Patrick
Bastianelli, who claimed the Germany Under-19 international could be bought
and loaned back to the Italian club. "The sporting director of West Ham is
Gianluca Nani, former sports director of Brescia, who knows very well the
qualities of Savio," Bastianelli said. "We talked about Savio no more than a
week ago. In those talks Gianluca confirmed his will, and that of Zola's, to
bring the player to West Ham."

Herita Ilunga, the 26-year-old Toulose left-back currently on-loan at West
Ham and playing regularly under Zola may also be signed permanently. "As far
as Herita is concerned, he is happy to stay at the club and at the moment he
is waiting for them to use their option to sign him on a permanent basis,"
his agent Daniel Striani said.

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Hammers sell Davenport and Etherington to keep their aces
'Surplus' players go to Bolton and Stoke in bid to retain Bellamy and Parker

By Jason Burt
Wednesday, 7 January 2009
Independent.co.uk

West Ham United have agreed to sell Matthew Etherington to Stoke City for
£4m and Calum Davenport to Bolton Wanderers for £3m in deals, expected to be
completed today or tomorrow, which have major ramifications for the attempts
by other clubs to prise away some of their prize assets such as Craig
Bellamy, Scott Parker and Matthew Upson.

The £7m West Ham will receive for Etherington and Davenport, who have been
deemed surplus to requirements by the manager, Gianfranco Zola, will
alleviate pressure on the club to sell anyone else in the January transfer
window. Any savings that had to be made have now been completed.

It means West Ham would need a bid of around £15m to persuade them even to
consider selling any of their in-demand players – or others who have been
attracting attention such as the goalkeeper Robert Green or Valon Behrami.
Even then the chief executive, Scott Duxbury, has promised any final
decision on a sale will rest with Zola.

West Ham are delighted with the deals to sell Etherington and Davenport, who
are on a list of fringe players compiled by Zola in conjunction with Duxbury
and the technical director, Gianluca Nani. The Hammers would sell Julien
Faubert, and there has been interest from Nantes, although the French club
have balked at his wage demands, and Luis Boa Morte along with Nigel
Quashie, but only if the deal was right.

The money gained from such transfers will be ploughed back into the running
of the club, which is up for sale after its owner, the Icelandic businessman
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, was been hit hard by the world economic crisis,
which has particularly affected his own country.

Gudmundsson is keen to sell before a court-set deadline of March although
despite interest from a number of parties, no one has yet met his asking
price, which is probably closer to £150m rather than the £250m quoted.

All of this had appeared to place West Ham in a vulnerable position,
although the club have been quick to stress that they are well run and a
viable concern, not in need of funding from Gudmundsson. West Ham have also
been angered by suggestions that they will conduct a fire sale this month to
try to stave of a suspected financial shortfall.

To back that up Duxbury has already rejected a £6m bid from Tottenham
Hotspur for Bellamy and a £15m offer from Manchester City for Bellamy and
Parker, and has strongly maintained that West Ham do not need to sell. The
club deny they have been offered £11m by Aston Villa for Upson – who also
interests Newcastle United and Arsenal – but are adamant that any such offer
for the central defender would be rejected.

Upson has held talks with West Ham and has told the club that he is happy to
remain at Upton Park, where he has forged an impressive partnership with the
Welsh international James Collins. It is partly because of that, and the
recall from loan of the promising James Tomkins, that Davenport, 26, who
arrived from Tottenham for £3m in January 2007 soon after the Icelandic
takeover, has been sold to Bolton.

Similarly Etherington, 27, who was also signed from Spurs, in 2003, in a
cash-plus-player deal involving Frédi Kanouté going to White Hart Lane, has
been identified as a player who can leave because West Ham have cover in his
position even though he has made 15 appearances this season. Stoke have long
tracked the left-winger, who was also the subject – two years ago – of
interest from Wigan Athletic.

West Ham are keen to hold on to both Bellamy and Parker, although it is
understood that the players have been interested in talking to their
suitors. Parker, in particular, would like to hold talks with City but has
been told he will be staying put.

The agent of Herita Ilunga has claimed that the left-back is close to
signing a permanent contract at Upton Park, where he is on loan from French
club Toulouse. Ilunga has been a huge success since he was signed last
summer to replace George McCartney, who was sold to Sunderland for £6m.

Daniel Striani, one of the 26-year-old Congolese international's
representatives, said yesterday: "What I can tell you is that West Ham
intend to use their buyout clause, but I can't tell you on what day or what
time. He could commit his future to West Ham in January."

Under the Hammers: How West Ham have cashed in on the Premier League's
bidding war

* West Ham have a commendable record in maximising profits on players. Rio
Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and Glen Johnson were all products of the
Hammers' youth system sold for high amounts. Ferdinand joined Leeds United
for £18m in 2000, five months after Lampard's sale to Chelsea garnered £11m.
Cole (£6.6m) and Johnson (£6m) also both moved to Stamford Bridge, in 2003

* After paying Charlton Athletic £1.4m compensation for Jermain Defoe, the
Hammers sold him to Tottenham Hotspur for £7m in 2004. Nigel Reo-Coker and
Marlon Harewood raised a combined £11.5m in moving to Aston Villa in 2007,
while Bobby Zamora joined Fulham for £4.8m last summer.

* George McCartney was re-sold to Sunderland for £4.5m, two years after
costing the Hammers just £600,000. Anton Ferdinand also joined the Black
Cats, for a cool £8m.

* They don't always get it right, though... Michael Carrick was sold to
Spurs for £2.75m in 2004, who then sold him for £18.6m to Manchester United
two years later.

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Etherington to Stoke?
West Ham Till I Die

Latest transfer gossip is that Matty Etherington is in talks with Stoke
City. I hope this is not true as I am a bit of a fan of Mr Etherington. But
his off field activities and injuries may have led to Zola losing patience
with him. I hope that is not the case. He is one of the few players who can
run at a defence and cause havoc. We need wide players and apart from Kieron
Dyer, he is the only one we have.

Whatever happens, I hope we will not him go on the cheap. He's still fairly
young (26?) and has got to be worth upwards of £3.5 million.

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Boa vows to beat boo-boys
Sport.co.uk
Author: Nigel Brown

Luis Boa Morte has vowed to beat the West Ham boo-boys and fight to avoid
becoming part of the club's January fire sale. The Hammers are desperate to
cut the Upton Park wage bill with fringe players Jon Spector, Jimmy Walker,
Nigel Quashie and Calum Davenport all expected to leave before the end of
the month.Boss Gianfranco Zola has already stated his intention to trim the
squad with Boa Morte another tipped to leave following interest from Cardiff
City and Portuguese side Braga. But the former Arsenal and Fulham man says
he is determined to prove his worth - despite being a constant victim of the
West Ham boo boys. "It is not nice when you get booed but it is up to the
fans," he said. "I just want them to know that I am playing for the club and
giving my full commitment every time I play. I am a West Ham player and try
to make sure what I do helps the club and the team. "The gaffer is giving me
these little chances and I have to grab them with both hands. "I need to put
my game in place and all I try to do is try to do the best I can for the
team - not to make any mistakes and help the team get three points and win
matches."

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West Ham to seal permanent Ilunga deal and plan raid for Brescia striker
Savio Nsereko
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 4:21 AM on 07th January 2009
Daily Mail

West Ham are poised to sign on loan Toulouse full-back Herita Ilunga on a
permanent deal, according to the Congo international's agent. Ilunga, 26,
has been an ever-present in the Hammers line-up since his arrival at Upton
Park last September and celebrated his first goal for the Barclays Premier
League club last weekend in the 3-0 FA Cup third round victory over
Barnsley. The player's representative, Daniel Striani, said: 'As far as
Herita is concerned, he is happy to stay at the club and at the moment he is
waiting for them to use their option to sign him on a permanent basis.'
Meawnhile, the hard-up east London club have been linked with a move for
Germany Under-19 international Savio Nsereko, according to the Brescia
striker's agent. The highly-rated youngster is said to have attracted
interest from the Hammers after he was recommended to manager Gianfranco
Zola by technical director Gianluca Nani, who previously held the sports
director capacity at the Italian club. 'The sporting director of West Ham is
Gianluca Nani, former sports director of Brescia, who knows very well the
qualities of Savio,' revealed Patrick Bastianelli, hinting the promising
attacker could be bought and loaned back to Brescia. 'We talked about Savio
no more than a week ago. In those talks Gianluca confirmed his will, and
that of Zola's, to bring the player to West Ham,' he added. Nsereko, 19, has
a growing reputation on the Continent having been named the best player at
last year's Under-19 European Championships, which Germany won by defeating
Italy in the final.

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