WHUFC.com
Reserve-team manager Alex Dyer has called on his team to bounce back from
their home defeat to Fulham
21.01.2009
Alex Dyer was in philosophical mood after watching his West Ham United
reserve team lose their 100 per cent home record to a strong Fulham side on
Tuesday evening.
Goals in either half from Hungary midfielder Zoltan Gera and Wayne Brown saw
the visitors secure a comfortable 2-0 Barclays Premier Reserve League
victory at the Boleyn Ground. The Hammers - who had won all four of their
previous home fixtures - were second-best for long periods against an
experienced Cottagers line-up including six full internationals. Afterwards,
Dyer admitted the visitors had been full value for their success.
"It was very disappointing. I wanted to keep the run going and the
performances going. The lads have done very well lately but it wasn't meant
to be. We had a few senior boys in the side but it was hard. They got the
goals at the right times and they had some experienced players as well and
then sat back in tried to hit us on the break. Overall, they were better
than us on the night.
"They were sharper from the start than us. Thy kind of controlled the game
and played at their speed and we really couldn't get near them at times.
Certain boys plugged away and worked hard but I'm disappointed because I'm
trying to get that winning mentality that the first-team has got and install
it in the reserves. It was there against Fulham but we'll go again next time
and keep plugging away in training and we'll start again."
Dyer has two weeks to work with his players ahead of a pair of
difficult-looking away fixtures at Stoke City on 4 February and West
Bromwich Albion on 16 February. The coach has called on the players involved
to rediscover their winning touch when they return to action next month.
"We've got two hard games coming up at Stoke and West Brom. I don't know
who's going to play between one week and the next but they're a good bunch
of lads and whoever we put out, they know they haven't performed [against
Fulham] but there is a good attitude at the club and I'm sure they'll put it
right next time."
Dyer had namesake Kieron Dyer, Jonathan Spector, Hayden Mullins and Luis Boa
Morte in his starting eleven, but chose to hand the captain's armband to
19-year-old James Tomkins. The coach said the decision was a reward for the
hard work and promise shown by the academy graduate, who has recently
returned from a loan spell at Coca-Cola Championship side Derby County.
"James is a West Ham boy. He always trains and works hard and it was just a
reward for him. He'd been away from the club when he went on loan and has
come back and done well. It was nice as a centre-half to have those other
senior boys in front of him and hopefully it made him feel better and picks
him up a bit. He did well."
Another bonus was the return from injury of striker Zavon Hines. The
youngster has been sidelined since the pre-season with a knee injury, having
impressed with a glut of goals in friendly matches, and looked sharp and
eager against Billy McKinlay's team.
The coach added that England midfielder Dyer was withdrawn after 38 minutes
as a precaution with tightness in his calves. The 30-year-old has recently
returned from 17 months out injured after suffering a broken leg in a
Carling Cup tie at Bristol Rovers in August 2007.
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On This Day: 21 January
WHUFC.com
The club's only ever visit to the now-defunct Wolverton FC occurred was 110
years ago today
21.01.2009
Anniversary
John Cushley
Date of birth: 21 January 1943
Clubs: Glasgow Celtic, West Ham United, Dunfermline Athletic, Dumbarton
Signed as a replacement for popular centre back Ken Brown from Glasgow
Celtic in 1967, Cushley made his debut for West Ham United in the 3-2 home
loss to Sheffield Wednesday on 19 August that year. Popular with his
team-mates, who nicknamed him 'Wilbur', the Scot went on to make a total of
46 league and cup matches for the Hammers.
Cushley would play his final game for West Ham in the goalless home draw
with Ipswich Town at the Boleyn Ground on 14 March 1970 before returning to
his native Scotland and Dunfermline later that same month. Born in Hamilton,
the defender would move on to Dumbarton in 1972 before ending his playing
career six years later.
A talented linguist, Cushley also worked as a teacher during his time with
the Hammers, having graduated with a modern languages degree from the
University of Glasgow. After later becoming an education officer at Celtic,
Cushley died at his home in the Lanarkshire town of Bothwell on 24 March
2008.
Classic Match
Wolverton FC 3-4 Thames Ironworks
Southern League Second Division
21 January 1899
On 21 January 1899, Thames Ironworks FC travelled to Buckinghamshire to take
on Wolverton FC for the only time in their history.
Neither the historic railway town of Wolverton - which was subsumed during
the development of Milton Keynes in the 1960s - nor its old football club -
formed in 1887 and whose Wolverton Park stadium was home to the first
covered stand in world football eleven years later - have survived. The club
ceased to exist in 1992. More famously, of course, the Thames Ironworks
became West Ham United in 1895.
Like the Ironworks, Wolverton was a works team made up almost entirely of
players who spent their days toiling at the town's railway works - a fact
illustrated when the club changed its name to Wolverton London and North
Western Railway the following season.
Back to January 1899 and the pair were battling it out for the Southern
League Second Division title. Wolverton and Thames Ironworks met in what was
the visitors' 13th match of the 22-game season. The result was a seven-goal
rollercoaster that would thrill the 200 spectators who saw the game.
Patrick Leonard would score twice and both Charles Dove and Simon Chisholm
once each as the Ironworks secured a 4-3 victory. The success was the team's
sixth of a 16-game winning streak to end the season nine points clear of
second-placed Wolverton. Chairman Arnold Hills' team would end their
campaign with a 3-1 Second Division 'decider' win over Cowes - the South
West section champions - and promotion to the First Division for the
1899/1900 season.
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Noble on a high for Hartlepool
WHUFC.com
With things going well in the league, Mark Noble is aiming to ensure the
club keeps the cup dream alive
21.01.2009
Mark Noble is looking forward to the FA Cup fourth-round trip to Hartlepool
United on Saturday as something "a bit different".
In the league, West Ham United are flying with four matches unbeaten and are
up to eighth in the standings. After recent trips to the likes of Liverpool,
Chelsea and Newcastle United - the Hammers are now relishing the prospect of
heading to Hartlepool's Victoria Park with its capacity of just over 7,500.
It is such contests that make the competition so special and Noble is more
than up for the cup.
The 21-year-old said: "It is going to be a bit different for us. It should
be a great cup tie and they are going to be up for it with a Premier League
team going there in the cup. It is important for the club and the players to
get that incentive to go on and get that run. It's good for the fans as well
as they love the cup."
The midfielder, who scored from the penalty spot for the second successive
home game in the 3-1 defeat of Fulham last weekend, said morale is high in
the camp. "It makes a huge difference where we are in the table. We've just
got to keep cracking on and playing well and I think we can just crack on
now this year.
"It was a really good home win, we knew what we could do. We were just
gutted we couldn't get the three points at Newcastle. We thought we had a
chance to do that but we let a 2-1 lead slip. I thought against Fulham we
were brilliant and showed we had the fight and desire to go on and win
games.
"It's just nice to score a goal but you still have to put them away from the
penalty spot as it is like a one on one. It was nice to get on the
score-sheet again but I'm also delighted for Coley to get on the score-sheet
for the fifth time in five games and we're really gelling as a team now.
"Carlton has been working hard in training every day with the gaffer and he
can only help Coley and he is brilliant for his confidence. Hopefully he can
carry that on as it's a major thing for us."
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Faubert reveals Lyon talks
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 21st January 2009
By: Staff Writer
Julien Faubert has revealed that West Ham are talking to Ligue One outfit
Lyon with view to offering the winger an escape route back to France.
Faubert has become increasingly unhappy with life in England since losing
his place in the Hammers first team, with Gianfranco Zola preferring to use
youngsters Jack Collison and Mark Noble in midfield. But the 25-year-old
former Bordeaux player confirmed this morning that talks between the two
parties had begun, adding that he hopes to return to his home country before
the end of the current transfer window. I am crossing my fingers - the two
clubs are in talks," Faubert told Aujourd'hui Sport. "Lyon would really be
great. I would rediscover Ligue One and France but also the Champions League
and the eyes of the national-team coach, because my aim still remains the
2010 World Cup. "I really hope this is going to sort itself out."
Faubert was signed by Alan Curbislley and Eggert Magnusson in the summer of
2007 in a £6million switch, with the Hammers grabbing the once-capped French
international from under the noses of Scottish side Rangers, who thought
they had agreed a deal to take Faubert to Ibrox. However his career in
London has been blighted by injury, and in his eighteen months at West Ham
he has made just 30 appearances. Despite Faubert's lack of games and form
current Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola says he would be happt to retain his
services. "I believe in him," Zola told L'Equipe. "He can be an important
player for us. "I'd like to keep him - if he's ready to stay."
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Hammers interest confirmed
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 21st January 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have made enquiries into the availability of Brescia striker Savio
Nsereko, according to the player's agent. The Hammers have been linked with
a move for the young German international since last month, although it is
only in the wake of Craig Bellamy's departure to Manchester City earlier
this week that United's interest has become serious. That interest was
confirmed this morning by Nsereko's agent Dieter Heimen, who told Sport
Bild: "There are a few clubs currently knocking on the door and asking
about his situation and West Ham is one of them.
"We have not started negotiations yet, but [Gianluca Nani] the former
general manager of Brescia now works at West Ham and therefore he knows him.
"He is concentrating on Brescia at the moment - but you cannot rule anything
out in football."
Meanwhile another target previously on West Ham's shortlist, Fiorentina's
23-year-old forward Daniel Osvaldo has joined fellow Serie A side Bolgna in
a £5million switch. United are thought to have wanted Osvalso on loan for
the rest of the season, although La Viola were only interested in a cash
deal.
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Nsereko not in Hammers talks
But West Ham are still tracking starlet
Last updated: 21st January 2009
SSN
Savio Nsereko's agent insists they are not in talks with West Ham. The
19-year-old's German-based agent Dieter Heimen has confirmed that West Ham
are interested, although this was revealed by his Italian representative at
the start of the month. Nsereko, a German youth international, began his
career with 1860 Munich before moving to Italy to join Brescia - which is
why the Ugandan-born winger has people working for him in both countries.
Heimen says the Premier League club are very much in the picture to try and
sign Nsereko. "There are a few clubs currently knocking on the door and
asking about his situation and West Ham is one of them," he told Bild. "We
have not started negotiations yet. The former general manager of Brescia
(Gianluca Nani) now works at West Ham and therefore he knows him."
However, Heimen does not see the talented teenager leaving Brescia this
month. The Serie B club offers the player the best surroundings to further
mature and improve, according to Heimen. "Savio should just keep playing and
carry on this run he is on, increasing his self-confidence and then we will
see where we are in the summer," he continued. "He is concentrating on
Brescia at the moment, but you cannot rule anything out in football."
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West Ham interested in Nsereko
Wednesday, 21 January 2009
Independent.co.uk Web
The agent of Brescia winger Savio Nsereko claims West Ham have made
enquiries about his client. The 19-year-old is believed to be interesting
several clubs in Italy, particularly Napoli. And Nsereko's representative
Dieter Heimen says the Barclays Premier League club, who sold striker Craig
Bellamy to Manchester City earlier this week, have also thrown their hat
into the ring. "There are a few clubs currently knocking on the door and
asking about his situation and West Ham is one of them," he told Sport Bild
magazine. "We have not started negotiations yet. The former general manager
of Brescia (Gianluca Nani) now works at West Ham and therefore he knows
him."
However, Heimen cannot see the talented teenager leaving Brescia this month.
The Serie B club offers the player the best surroundings to further mature
and improve, according to Heimen. "Savio should just keep playing and carry
on this run he is on, increasing his self-confidence and then we will see
where we are in the summer," he continued. "He is concentrating on Brescia
at the moment, but you cannot rule anything out in football."
Nsereko was born in Uganda, but his family emigrated to Germany as a
youngster. He started his professional football career with 1860 Munich
before joining Brescia in 2005. He starred for the Germany Under-19 squad
when they won the European Championships in the Czech Republic last summer
and was voted the tournament's best player, despite missing the final due to
suspension. After a slow start to the current Serie B season, the young
attacking midfielder has now claimed a regular berth in the Brescia team and
helped them rise to third in the table.
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Former West Ham star to make return
Greenun24.co.uk
Last updated: 21/01/2009 15:50:00
FORMER West Ham winger Stuart Slater could be making a return to football.
The 39-year-old looks set to be joining Ridgeons Premier League Wivenhoe
Town, where former team-mate Julian Dicks is manager. There is no denying
Dicks still has many contacts in the game in England and especially among
former friends and team-mates. Slater could make his debut on Saturday when
the Dragons entertain Haverhill Rovers.
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Forward thinking for Zola as Bell bails out
1:12pm Wednesday 21st January 2009
Guardian Series
GIANFRANCO Zola has a busy fortnight ahead of him. Just a week after
claiming West Ham's big names will be staying put, the Irons' boss now faces
the unenviable task of trying to find a new striker before the transfer
window closes on February 2, after Craig Bellamy defected to Manchester City
in a £14million deal. After seeing the club rise to eighth in the Premier
League, taking their unbeaten run of games to five with a convincing 3-1 win
over Fulham last week, the Italian will wish for nothing more than to focus
on what is now a realistic hunt for European football. Such an achievement
would be heralded as a huge triumph in his debut season in the Upton Park
hot seat, given the turbulent period the team have endured off the pitch.
But preparation for key league matches with Hull City and Arsenal, as well
as an FA Cup fourth round tie at Hartlepool, will be hampered by the
necessity to find a new strike partner for Carlton Cole. Zola has been given
assurances by the West Ham board that the proceeds from the Bellamy deal
will be donated to the transfer kitty, although time is running out if he is
to put those funds to good use. "Yes (I will get the money). We're looking
for something and we will find something, but I want to talk about the
players I have, not the players I haven't got," the Italian said after
Sunday's win. Indeed, those players made light of their star striker's
absence at the weekend, prompting a chorus of 'who needs Craig Bellamy' from
the Hammers faithful. But Zola will know that there will be stiffer
challenges facing West Ham's attack than the gifts handed to them by an
uncharacteristically generous Fulham backline. While they will be expected
to dispose of Hartlepool on Saturday and overcome an out-of-sorts Hull at
the Boleyn Ground next week, a trip to the Emirates, followed by a home
clash with defending champions Manchester United, will prove an altogether
tougher examination of the club's attacking options. With Dean Ashton ruled
out until March at the earliest with an ankle injury, David Di Michele,
Diego Tristan and Freddie Sears will be asked to support Cole in prolonging
the club's impressive recent scoring record, although all three are severely
lacking in minutes on the pitch.
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Carlton Cole a shock contender for Fabio Capello's England
Carlton Cole may be a shock inclusion in England's squad for the friendly
match against European Champions Spain as manager Fabio Capello considers
calling the West Ham United striker in to a full squad for the first time.
Telegraph
By Richard Bright
Last Updated: 9:02AM GMT 21 Jan 2009
Capello favours playing with a blend of fleet-footed forwards in the vein of
Jermain Defoe and a physically imposing partner such as Emile Heskey, with
the Italian's key successes, most notably the victory over Croatia in
Zagreb, coming as a result of such a combination. As such Capello is
prepared to overlook his reservations about the former Under-21 striker's
lack of technique, report the Times, valuing his physical presence and
ability to hold the ball up and bring others in to the game. Capello is no
stranger to unconventional decisions when naming his squads but Cole's
inclusion, should he be drafted in for the Feb 11 game when the squad is
announced four days prior, would still be a major surprise. Cole has not
even been on the fringes of the national team since playing the last of his
19 matches for the under age side four years ago. The Italian manager,
however, has been consisted throughout his tenure in selecting players based
on form and fitness and Cole has been invigorated since the arrival of
another Italian, Gianfranco Zola, at Upton Park. Cole has scored five goals
in as many matches as West Ham have climbed the table to eighth. Zola
offered Cole a new four-year contract in November and at that time tipped
his player for international recognition. Defoe still commands Capello's
preference over Michael Owen for the more agile lead striker's role, though
Wayne Rooney, if fit, would be an automatic start, and Capello is not
without other alternatives. Gabriel Agbonlahor shone in England's shadow
side's victory over Germany in Berlin in the most recent friendly and looks
likely to retain his squad place. At the back Capello has noted the
exceptional form this season of Everton's Phil Jagielka, who will force
competition upon team-mate Joleon Lescott for a place in the squad. Both
players may be selected if Rio Ferdinand's back problems rule him out.
Curtis Davis and Michael Mancienne are unlikely to feature after being
non-playing substitutes in Berlin.
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West Ham's Faubert eager for Lyon switch
Wednesday, 21 January 2009
Julien Faubert is desperate to clinch a move to Lyon
Independent.co.uk Web
West Ham midfielder Julien Faubert is desperate to clinch a move to Lyon
because he believes it would enhance his prospects of a return to the France
squad. The 25-year-old has revealed the Hammers are in talks with the French
champions about his possible move to the Stade Gerland.
And Faubert would relish a return to French football, with his chief target
being a spot in the Les Bleus squad for the World Cup in South Africa next
year. "I am crossing my fingers - the two clubs are in talks," the one-time
France cap told Aujourd'hui Sport. "Lyon would really be great. I would
rediscover Ligue 1 and France but also the Champions League and the eyes of
the national-team coach. Because my aim still remains the 2010 World Cup. "I
really hope this is going to sort itself out."
If Lyon were to conclude a deal for Faubert, they would primarily be buying
the former Bordeaux player so he could plug the gap at right-back left by
injuries to Francois Clerc and Anthony Reveillere. He could also be used on
the right of midfield, with Sidney Govou out for the rest of the season
through injury. Lyon's preference would be a six-month loan deal for
Faubert.
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The Glow Of Optimism
Just Like My Dreams
Fabio Capello is considering including Carlton Cole in his England squad for
the friendly international against Spain in Seville next month. The West Ham
United striker would be a surprise call-up because he has not come close to
featuring in the senior squad under the past three managers and appeared to
have stagnated since making the last of his 19 appearances for the under-21
side four years ago. Of course, Capello is no stranger to unconventional
decisions when naming his squads but Cole's inclusion, should he be drafted
in for the Feb 11 game when the squad is announced four days prior, would
still be a major surprise.
A key tenet of Capello's managerial philosophy is to focus on the players
who are fit and in form, however, with Cole certainly falling into that
category. The 25-year-old has scored five goals in as many matches to help
to take West Ham up to eighth in the Barclays Premier League. The player has
improved dramatically since Gianfranco Zola took over as West Ham manager in
September, with the Sardinian tipping his former Chelsea team-mate for
international honours after handing him a new four-year contract in
November.
Capello is known to have reservations about Cole's technical skills at the
highest level, with particular doubts over the quality of his finishing, but
has been impressed by his ability to hold the ball up and bring others into
play. The Italian names his squad on February 7 and could give Cole the
opportunity to win his first cap four days later. In an ideal world Capello
would name two physically imposing strikers, such as Emile Heskey, and two
nippier ones — in the style of Jermain Defoe — in his 23-man squad, but he
is still looking for back-up to the Wigan Athletic forward. Peter Crouch
replaced the injured Heskey in England's most recent match, against Germany
in Berlin last November, but appeared only as a last-minute substitute and
he has yet to fully convince Capello of his merits, despite scoring
regularly for Portsmouth this season.
Meanwhile, Cole insists that West Ham will not miss Craig Bellamy after the
Wales striker completed his big money move to Manchester City. Bellamy has
spent much of his two seasons at Upton Park injured and Cole believes they
can shine without him. "We proved it," said Cole. "Last season Craig was
injured and we did well without him. I don't see why we can't do it again."
The former Chelsea star insisted the controversy surrounding Bellamy has not
disturbed the spirit among Gianfranco Zola's squad. He said: "We're
professionals. We get on with the job. We've had worse thrown at us. Craig
is a professional player and he's got his own beliefs. We're professional,
too, and we just carry on."
It is hats off to Craig Bellamy, writes Barry Glendenning in today's
Guardian, for finally finding a club whose estimation of his worth goes a
long way towards matching his own.
On a day when it seems the whole world is basking in an impenetrable Ready
Brek glow of optimism, it seems strangely fitting that one noticeably black
cloud remains docked in its usual berth over the City of Manchester Stadium.
Kaka is staying at Milan, Robinho has seemingly thrown his rattle out of the
pram and, as feverishly excited Americans revel in the inauguration of
Barack Obama, decidedly underwhelmed Manchester City fans can only look
forward to the prospect of Craig Bellamy being sworn in.
If the intention behind City's audacious £91m bid to seduce Milan's star
Brazilian was to generate a smokescreen dense enough to distract fans from
the wanton folly of paying £14m for a player who, until yesterday, was vying
with Danny Gabbidon for the title of West Ham's star Welshman, then the
club's wholly predictable failure to sign Kaka can be judged to have been a
resounding success. But as City's suits don't seem blessed with the wit or
imagination to hatch a scheme that clever, it must be blind luck that has
allowed them to shell out so much for so little without attracting the scorn
they almost certainly deserve.
Bellamy has lined up for seven different clubs throughout his career and
left at least three of them under a cloud. His dream move to Liverpool ended
largely in ignominy, with one of few notable high points being a
Tyldesley-esque "famous night in Barcelona", where a celebratory golf swing
commemorated an even more memorable evening's entertainment in Vale do Lobo.
Bellamy's career history has been punctuated with such incidents says
Glendenning, and despite his ongoing protestations to the contrary, there
seems little doubt that he is a disruptive influence whose well documented
bust-ups, tantrums and moronic dismissals have always overshadowed a less
than blistering career average of less than one goal every three games. With
no shortage of malcontents already sowing seeds of dissatisfaction around
Eastlands, it's difficult to know how the presence of another live grenade
in the dressing room will calm things down.
His temperament aside, Bellamy is 29 years old, several months older than
Michael Owen and even more reliant than the Englishman on searing pace to
score goals. Like Owen, senior citizenship and a career dogged by persistent
injuries are unlikely to make Bellamy any quicker, which makes the £14m or
so paid by City to West Ham for his services seem all the more surreal.
Considering they'd be lucky to recoup even half that fee if they sold the
Welshman on tomorrow morning, we can only conclude that Manchester City's
owner Sheikh Mansour doesn't care about paying distorted prices for any
players, even those with great futures already behind them.
As the number of agents hawking tat around Eastlands for absurdly high
prices increases, the ramifications for more financially prudent Premier
League clubs will soon become clear. In the meantime, hats off to Craig
Bellamy, who finally seems to have found a club whose estimation of his
worth goes a long way towards matching his own.
As United begin the search for player reinforcements, an agent of Brescia
winger Savio Nsereko claims West Ham have made enquiries about his client.
The 19-year-old is believed to be interesting several clubs in Italy,
particularly Napoli, and Nsereko's representative Dieter Heimen insists
United have also thrown their hat into the ring. "There are a few clubs
currently knocking on the door and asking about his situation and West Ham
is one of them," he told Sport Bild magazine. "We have not started
negotiations yet. The former general manager of Brescia (Gianluca Nani) now
works at West Ham and therefore he knows him."
The Sun believes technical director Gianluca Nani flew to Italy yesterday as
the Hammers see the German teen as a replacement for Craig Bellamy after his
£14m switch to Manchester City. Nani hopes his friendship with Savio, 19,
will swing the balance despite competition from Italian giants Juventus and
Roma. It was Nani who introduced the player to European football at former
club Brescia five years ago.
However, Heimen cannot see the talented teenager leaving Brescia this month.
The Serie B club offers the player the best surroundings to further mature
and improve, according to Heimen. "Savio should just keep playing and carry
on this run he is on, increasing his self-confidence and then we will see
where we are in the summer," he continued. "He is concentrating on Brescia
at the moment, but you cannot rule anything out in football."
Two weeks ago another of Savio's agents, Patrick Bastianelli, first revealed
the Hammers interest in the player; declaring at the time that the striker
was being eyed by a host of clubs around the continent. He said: "We cannot
forget that he was named the best player of the U19 European Championships,
which Germany won by defeating Italy in the final. He would clearly love to
join Napoli, but I cannot deny that Genoa and Roma are also in the race.
Furthermore, West Ham sporting director Gianluca Nani knows full well
Savio's qualities, since he worked with Brescia, and we talked about the lad
a week ago, as (Gianfranco) Zola would like to bring him to London."
Nsereko was born in Uganda, but his family emigrated to Germany as a
youngster. He started his professional football career with 1860 Munich
before joining Brescia in 2005. He starred for the Germany Under-19 squad
when they won the European Championships in the Czech Republic last summer
and was voted the tournament's best player, despite missing the final due to
suspension. After a slow start to the current Serie B season, the young
attacking midfielder has now claimed a regular berth in the Brescia team and
helped them rise to third in the table.
Finally, midfielder Julien Faubert is desperate to clinch a move to Lyon
because he believes it would enhance his prospects of a return to the France
squad. The 25-year-old has revealed the Hammers are in talks with the French
champions about his possible move to the Stade Gerland and Faubert would
relish a return to French football, with his chief target being a spot in
the Les Bleus squad for the World Cup in South Africa next year.
"I am crossing my fingers - the two clubs are in talks," the one-time France
cap told Aujourd'hui Sport. "Lyon would really be great. I would rediscover
Ligue 1 and France but also the Champions League and the eyes of the
national-team coach. Because my aim still remains the 2010 World Cup. I
really hope this is going to sort itself out."
If Lyon were to conclude a deal for Faubert, they would primarily be buying
the former Bordeaux player so he could plug the gap at right-back left by
injuries to Francois Clerc and Anthony Reveillere. He could also be used on
the right of midfield, with Sidney Govou out for the rest of the season
through injury. It is thought Lyon's preference would be a six-month loan
deal for Faubert.
Posted by Trilby at 09:24
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Davenport back on Blues' hit-list
Jan 21 2009
Birmingham Mail.net
ALEX McLeish's interest in West Ham United defender Calum Davenport remains,
but the Blues boss is no nearer to making a sixth transfer window signing.
McLeish remains keen to add a centre-half and a striker to the ranks before
trading ceases. And £3million-rated Davenport is firmly at the top of the
wish list as talks continue with the Hammers about a deal. The most likely
scenario is that Blues arrange a loan until the season's end with a view to
a permanent transfer. However, financially-stricken West Ham would ideally
prefer money up front now, and the player would also have to be convinced to
drop to the Championship. McLeish, who celebrates his 50th birthday today,
said: "I think supporters know that I don't like to name names. "But there
are a couple of situations we are working on to strengthen the squad. "I
wouldn't say that we are close to anything just yet, however."
Davenport looked set for Bolton Wanderers but they scrapped the transfer at
the last moment and opted to take Sebastien Puygrenier from Zenit St
Petersburg on loan instead. Since the start of the season, McLeish has twice
made contact with Mark Hughes about Nedum Onuoha, and has twice been told
that he won't be loaned out. McLeish could again make an approach to see if
anything has changed. As for a striker, with a line drawn under the attempt
for Rangers' Kris Boyd, McLeish is more or less back to square one. Real
Betis forward Mariano Pavone is under consideration, but splashing out
£5million-plus on the Argentinian would represent a considerable gamble.
Pavone is in action against Mallorca in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals
tomorrow night and Blues could again send a delegation to Spain. Meanwhile,
McLeish hopes to have James McFadden back in the mix for Saturday's trip to
Blackpool. The attacker was laid low by an abscess in his throat after
recovering from a groin niggle. "He's had a rough time of it," said the
boss. McLeish said he was well aware of the grumbles of discontent caused by
some aspects of Blues' play in the Cardiff City match. McLeish gave debuts
to four players all told, and brought back Stephen Kelly and David Murphy.
He said: "It will improve, of that I'm sure. "The guys know they maybe
didn't have the best of debuts, they were a bit inconsistent, and that there
were some things as a team we could have done much better. "But let me tell
you that everyone was as disappointed as the supporters, and the new guys
showed to me afterwards that they really care. "Let's not forget also that
the incentive is there on Saturday to go back into the automatic promotion
places, and that's what we will be aiming to do."
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Hammers boss Zola tracking German sensation Nsereko
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 11:32 AM on 21st January 2009
Daily Mail
The agent of Brescia winger Savio Nsereko claims West Ham have made
enquiries about his client. The 19-year-old is believed to be interesting
several clubs in Italy, particularly Napoli. And Nsereko's representative
Dieter Heimen says the Barclays Premier League club, who sold striker Craig
Bellamy to Manchester City earlier this week, have also thrown their hat
into the ring. 'There are a few clubs currently knocking on the door and
asking about his situation and West Ham is one of them,' he told Sport Bild
magazine. 'We have not started negotiations yet. The former general manager
of Brescia (Gianluca Nani) now works at West Ham and therefore he knows
him.'
However, Heimen cannot see the talented teenager leaving Brescia this month.
The Serie B club offers the player the best surroundings to further mature
and improve, according to Heimen. 'Savio should just keep playing and carry
on this run he is on, increasing his self-confidence and then we will see
where we are in the summer,' he continued. 'He is concentrating on Brescia
at the moment, but you cannot rule anything out in football.'
Nsereko was born in Uganda, but his family emigrated to Germany as a
youngster. He started his professional football career with 1860 Munich
before joining Brescia in 2005. He starred for the Germany Under-19 squad
when they won the European Championships in the Czech Republic last summer
and was voted the tournament's best player, despite missing the final due to
suspension. After a slow start to the current Serie B season, the young
attacking midfielder has now claimed a regular berth in the Brescia team and
helped them rise to third in the table.
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Hammer time - Capello ready to call on West Ham hot shot Carlton Cole to
face Spain
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 11:34 AM on 21st January 2009
Daily Mail
Carlton Cole's electric form for West Ham has apparently caught the eye of
England boss Fabio Capello. The Italian is said to be considering a call-up
for the striker when he names his squad for the February 11 friendly against
Spain in Seville. Cole, 25, has scored five in as many games for the Hammers
and will be particularly in the frame for his debut if Manchester United
striker Wayne Rooney fails to recover in time from a hamstring injury.
Capello names his squad on February 7 and might fancy Cole as back-up in the
role that Wigan's Emile Heskey has made his own, though he faces a rival in
Portsmouth's Peter Crouch. Spurs striker Jermain Defoe, Newcastle's Michael
Owen and Aston Villa's Gabriel Agbonlahor are the contenders for the other
striking berths. Capello has been reluctant to select Owen, but the former
Real Madrid and AC Milan coach saw the 29-year-old in action at Blackburn at
the weekend. However, Newcastle were so poor during their 3-0 defeat that
Owen had little chance to catch the eye.
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Hammer heading home: Julien Faubert wants to quit Upton Park for Lyon
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 11:02 AM on 21st January 2009
Daily Mail
West Ham midfielder Julien Faubert is desperate to clinch a move to Lyon
because he believes it would enhance his prospects of a return to the France
squad. The 25-year-old has revealed the Hammers are in talks with the
French champions about his possible move to the Stade Gerland.
And Faubert would relish a return to French football, with his chief target
being a spot in the Les Bleus squad for the World Cup in South Africa next
year. 'I am crossing my fingers - the two clubs are in talks,' the one-time
France cap told Aujourd'hui Sport. 'Lyon would really be great. I would
rediscover Ligue 1 and France but also the Champions League and the eyes of
the national-team coach. Because my aim still remains the 2010 World Cup.
'I really hope this is going to sort itself out.'
If Lyon were to conclude a deal for Faubert, they would primarily be buying
the former Bordeaux player so he could plug the gap at right-back left by
injuries to Francois Clerc and Anthony Reveillere. He could also be used on
the right of midfield, with Sidney Govou out for the rest of the season
through injury. Lyon's preference would be a six-month loan deal for
Faubert.
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Zola Holds Key to Hammers Record Deal
Setanta.co.uk
by Ben Blackmore , 21 January 2009
West Ham could be set to sign one of the world's top youngsters, thanks to
the reputation of Gianfranco Zola. Savio Nsereko, voted best player at the
European Under-19 Championships, is one of the most sought-after £8 million
properties on the continent. Italian sides Genoa and Napoli are both
courting the Brescia man, but Zola's reputation as former Italy Under-21
coach puts West Ham in strong position. "Savio can be a big, big player,"
commented Nsereko's agent in The Daily Express. "Zola has a great reputation
with developing young players so that is in West Ham's favour."
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West Ham target Brescia wideman Nsereko
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Metro.co.uk
The agent of Brescia winger Savio Nsereko claims West Ham have approached
his client about a possible move to White Hart Lane. The 19-year-old is
believed to be a target for several clubs in Italy, particularly Napoli. But
Nsereko's representative Dieter Heimen says the Hammers have also shown an
interest. West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has money to spend after selling
Craig Bellamy, and Heimen said: 'There are a few clubs currently knocking on
the door and asking about his situation and West Ham is one of them. 'We
have not started negotiations yet. The former general manager of Brescia
(Gianluca Nani) now works at West Ham and therefore he knows him.' However,
Heimen cannot see the talented teenager leaving Brescia this month. The
Serie B club offers the player the best surroundings to further mature and
improve, according to Heimen. 'Savio should just keep playing and carry on
this run he is on, increasing his self-confidence and then we will see where
we are in the summer,' he added. 'He is concentrating on Brescia at the
moment, but you cannot rule anything out in football.'
Nsereko was born in Uganda, but his family moved to Germany when he was a
youngster. He started his professional career with 1860 Munich before
joining Brescia in 2005. He starred for the Germany Under-19 squad when they
won the European Championships in the Czech Republic last summer and was
voted the tournament's best player, despite missing the final due to
suspension. After a slow start to the current Serie B season, the attacking
midfielder has now claimed a regular berth in the Brescia team and helped
them rise to third in the table.
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Hammers in for Ledley
Vital Football
Rumours are rife in the Welsh press today that West Ham are looking to bring
in Joe Ledley from Cardiff City. The young midfielder has become a regular
in the Welsh squad, and has been linked with a move to the Premiership for
some time. Cardiff are desparate to hang on to the talented youngster, but
are aware that it may be time to cash in. Zola has money available following
the sale of Bellamy to Manchester City, but strikers are a priority.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curblishley says Tevez investigation is flawed
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on: 21 January 2009 - 9:06 AM
Alan Curbishley admits the Premier League's investigation into the Carlos
Tevez affair is "fundamentally flawed". West Ham face a fresh inquiry after
new evidence emerged over the Argentine's transfer, but Curbishley, who led
the Hammers to safety in 2007, reckons claims that Tevez saved the club on
his own are ludicrous."The argument that Carlos Tevez kept West Ham up on
his only is fundamentally flawed," he said.
"When you think about what goes on in a whole season for the judgment to say
that Tevez kept us up, or was the main reason we stayed up, is wrong. Cast
your mind back, he did not score for 20 games. "People forget we scored a
winning goal at Blackburn that did not cross the line so are Sheffield
United going to sue the linesman and the referee? "We kept a lot of clean
sheets. I do not think any West Ham fans will ever forget the game at
Arsenal when Rob Green made about a dozen saves. "It was a fantastic run-in
and I always felt the side were good enough to stay up. It was a great
escape and it wasn't down to just one person."
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Zola Wants To Keep Midfielder
Setanta.co.uk
by Laurent Picard , 21 January 2009
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is hopeful Julien Faubert will turn his back
on a January move. French midfielder Faubert has grown frustrated by his
lack of action this term, and he has welcomed Lyon's interest in his
services. OL are searching for a versatile right-footed player, and the
Ligue 1 champions have confirmed that The Hammers ace is one of their
options. Faubert began the Zola era as a starter, but since then the
25-year-old has become a regular substitute.
The Italian understands that Faubert is tempted to move clubs during the
January transfer window, but he still thinks he has a future at Upton Park.
Zola told L'Equipe: "I believe in him. He can be an important player for us.
"I'd like to keep him if he's ready to stay."
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Hammers look to nail Ledley with £5m bid
Jan 21 2009 by Mark Bloom, Western Mail
WEST HAM are set to test Cardiff City's resolve with a £5m bid for Welsh
international Joe Ledley. The Hammers are the latest Premiership club
thought to be ready to tempt the Bluebirds with a huge offer – and Everton,
Fulham and Spurs are also monitoring him. City do not want to lose a player
who has been central to their climb into the play-off places of the
Championship, but chairman Peter Ridsdale has always made it clear that
every member of the Ninian Park squad has a price. Ridsdale has also stated
that £6m is the benchmark figure at which the club will listen to offers for
Ledley, though a bid of that size from Stoke City was turned down last
August. West Ham, who now have the £14m they received from the sale of Welsh
captain Craig Bellamy, are understood to be open to going higher than £5m
should the circumstances dictate, but much could depend on the player's
preference and whether Bluebirds boss Dave Jones believes he has time to
find a replacement. No formal bid has yet been put to the Bluebirds for the
newly installed skipper, but West Ham are believed to be waiting a day or so
for the dust to settle on the Bellamy transfer. Sources close to the
London-based club have told the Western Mail that a first bid of £5m will
come in next week. If City do opt to cash in, Ledley will join fellow Welsh
stars like Bellamy, Aaron Ramsey, Gareth Bale, Chris Gunter, Jack Collison,
Simon Davies, Danny Gabbidon and James Collins in the top flight. And former
Cardiff City striker Cameron Jerome, now at Championship rivals Birmingham
City and with experience of the Premiership, feels Ledley would slip
straight into the Premiership with the minimum of fuss. He said: "I've
always said that Joe should join the Premiership, he has got to be one of
the best midfield Championship players in the country and someone will take
a chance on him. "In my opinion he would not only make the grade but inspire
colleagues around him. "He's only in his early 20's and got 20 odd caps
already and footballers don't reach their peak till around 27,28, 29 so
whoever takes the calculated gamble will get a player for a good six or
seven years."
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Lyon to bid for West Ham midfielder Julien Faubert
The Mirror
By Football Spy 21/01/2009
West Ham midfielder Julien Faubert is a target for French champions Lyon.
The former Bordeaux player has hinted he is keen to return to France to
boost his chances of a recall to the national team. Lyon are top of the
French league and the club's advisor Bernard Lacombe admits they are
interested in the 25-year-old.
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West Ham chief Nani in Brescia talks for Nsereko
21.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United are closing in on Brescia starlet Savio Nsereko. The Sun
says technical director Gianluca Nani flew to Italy on Tuesday. The Hammers
see the Uganda-born German teen as a replacement for Craig Bellamy after his
£14m switch to Manchester City. Nani hopes his friendship with Savio, 19,
will swing the balance despite competition from Italian giants Juventus and
Roma. It was Nani who introduced the player to European football at former
club Brescia five years ago.
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Hartlepool v West Ham preview
1:27pm Wednesday 21st January 2009
Guardian Series
Hartlepool United v West Ham
FA Cup Fourth Round, Saturday January 24, 12.40pm
HEAD TO HEAD: Saturday will be the teams' first meeting in their history.
FORM: Hartlepool are the model of mediocrity in League One. Sitting 12th,
they are not threatened by relegation, although they are well off the pace
of the play-off places. However, they can boast one of the biggest
giant-killings of the last round, as they beat Premier League outfit Stoke
City 2-0.
DANGER MAN: Australian striker Joel Porter has ten league goals to his name
this season, and he heads into this week's game in good nick, with three
goals in his last three games. The 30-year-old can also boast an impressive
goals-to-games ratio for his country, with five strikes in four games in the
Oceania Cup in 2002, although he has not featured for the Socceroos since.
FUN FACT: Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday presenter Jeff Stelling (below) is a
die-hard Hartlepool United fan. He has recently been confirmed as Des
O'Connor's replacement as the face of Countdown, and he will no doubt be
hoping time doesn't run out for his side against the Hammers this weekend.
PREDICTION: Hartlepool 1 West Ham 2
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