Friday, January 23

Daily WHUFC News - II 23rd January 2009

More than a game for Collison
WHUFC.com
To mark the launch of a brand new video game, Jack Collison took on a
Hartlepool counterpart this week
23.01.2009

Jack Collison may have come up short this week in a one-off tie against
Hartlepool United in full glare of the TV spotlight but he expects to do
better in the real thing.

The 20-year-old midfielder took part in a special online FA Cup challenge
against the League One outfit's Gary Liddle, organised by EA Sports to
promote their new FIFA 09 video game. Liddle's men took the lead in the
virtual contest before Jack struck back to force the game into extra time -
not an option in Saturday lunchtime's fourth-round date - before coming up
short on spot-kicks.

"It was a bit of a tight game," said Collison, as he reflected on the pain
of defeat captured by the ITV cameras. "In the end of it I lost on
penalties. Mark Noble popped up with a little header right at the end to
take it to penalties but Scotty Parker's missed for me in the shoot-out. I
am a little bit disappointed to lose but at the end of the day it is what
happens on Saturday that counts."

That is certainly true although Collison is expecting an equally tough
encounter at Victoria Park with the cameras turning up again in the hope of
seeing the League One side push the Premier League visitors all the way.
Collison is up for the cup, though. "We have been playing really well
lately. There is a lot of confidence in the camp and we want to have a good
cup run. Obviously we have got to win on Satrday and progress.

"We have been gearing up for it all week. The FA Cup is a great competition
and one that every club would love to win. We have had some really good form
and good results and we are going to look to do the job there on Saturday.

"Over the last few weeks there has been consistency in the team and not a
lot of changes. It has really benefitted the boys. We have been getting to
know one and other's game and that has been reflected in the performances.
It has been really good." In particular, Carlton Cole has deserved special
praise for his scoring streak and Collison has been impressed by the work
ethic.

"Carlton Cole is on fire. Evertyhing he is touching has been going in at the
moment which is a credit to him. He has been working really hard on the
training pitch, and doing a lot of extra shooting sessions. It is really
paying off for him." The whole team is reaping the rewards and the Welsh
international added that manager Gianfranco Zola - twice an FA Cup winner as
a player - is urging them to dream of Wembley.

"The manager has been saying all week that if we win we are only three games
from Wembley [fifth round, sixth round and quarter-finals]. Growing up as a
kid it is the dream to play at Wembley in the FA Cup for your team. I was
there when we got to the final in 2006. I travelled with the team for the
experience. I was there in the changing room before the game. It was a great
day and, although we lost, it was a great experience. It is a massive
competition."

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On This Day: 23 Jan
WHUFC.com
An emotional night at the Boleyn Ground as West Ham United bid farewell to
Tomas Repka
23.01.2009

Classic match
West Ham United 2-1 Fulham
Barclays Premier League
23 January 2006

A memorable night at the Boleyn Ground, and not just because of the
scoreline, as West Ham United bid farewell to Tomas Repka.

After five years and 167 appearances, the Czech defender had made the
agonising decision to return to his homeland to spend time with his family
and the Boleyn faithful gave him a rousing farewell. Chants of 'Super Tomas
Repka' echoed around the stadium from start to finish, leaving the hard man
in tears by the final whistle.

With new signing Dean Ashton watching from the stands, Anton Ferdinand gave
the home side the lead just after the quarter of an hour mark when Marlon
Harewood headed a ball back to the defender on the edge of the area and he
swivelled and volleyed into the top corner.

Not to be outdone, Yossi Benayoun made it two on 28 minutes when he tricked
his way past two men before beating Antti Niemi with a deft chip from the
edge of the area. Fulham were to pull one back through Heidar Helguson's
long-range strike, but the Hammers held firm to win for the first time since
Bonfire Night.

West Ham United finished the season 2005/06 season in ninth, three places
above their visitors from west London that day.

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Di Michele targets cup run
WHUFC.com
David Di Michele will be hoping for his first taste of the FA Cup against
Hartlepool United
23.01.2009

Having come close to cup glory in Italy with former club Udinese, David Di
Michele is eager for a long run in the FA Cup with West Ham United this
season.

The Italian forward will hope to build on his bright performance against
Fulham last weekend when the Hammers visit Hartlepool United for a
fourth-round tie on Saturday and he believes cup progress is vital to
maintain the feelgood factor at the Boleyn Ground.

"I used to watch the FA Cup on television back in Italy and I know it's a
prestigious competition. It's important to do well in the cup to give the
team a boost for the rest of the season," said Di Michele, who struck the
opener in the 3-1 win over Fulham and also provided an assist for Carlton
Cole.

The FA Cup may dominate the weekend schedule in a way that does not happen
in Italy, where cup games are played midweek, yet Di Michele has fond
memories of playing in Italy's equivalent competition, the Coppa Italia.

"Both competitions are prestigious," he said. "I enjoyed playing in the
Coppa Italia and I got through to the semi-finals with Udinese. I'm still
disappointed that we didn't get any further."

Di Michele struck seven times in Udinese's run to the last four in 2004/05,
three of those goals coming in a memorable two-legged quarter-final against
AC Milan. He scored twice in a 3-2 first-leg loss at the San Siro, then
claimed his side's third as they overturned that defeat with a 4-1 home win.
Udinese lost to Roma in the semi-finals but Di Michele had shown his cup
pedigree.

The Italy international also revealed - perhaps to the relief of Hammers
fans - that he was never the victim of a cup upset either.

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Spence to face Spain
WHUFC.com
Jordan Spence will gain valuable experience in the weeks to come with
England and another loan spell
23.01.2009

Jordan Spence has been called up yet again by England Under-19s - this time
for next month's friendly against Spain in Bournemouth.

The 19-year-old defender, who has returned to Leyton Orient on loan until
the end of the season, is part of a strong selection that includes Jack
Wilshere of Arsenal, Jack Rodwell of Everton and Aston Villa's Nathan
Delfouneso. Spence has captained the U19s previously, having worn the
armband at every level for the Young Lions and also featured in the 1-0 win
against Germany back in December.

The Spanish showdown on 10 February will be a vital warm-up for the Elite
round stage of the 2009 UEFA European Under-19 Championship with England
drawn against Scotland, Slovakia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. The matches will
take place in May. Hammers trio James Tomkins, Junior Stanislas and Freddie
Sears are all too old for the U19s but could feature in the FIFA U-20 World
Cup to be played in Egypt this September - if selected.

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Hartlepool v West Ham
FA Cup fourth round
Venue: Victoria Park Date: Saturday, 24 January Kick-off: 1240 GMT
Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Tees 95FM & DAB Digital
Radio, score updates and text commentary on BBC Sport website
BBC.co.uk
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----

Team news to follow later.

BIG-MATCH FACTS
Hartlepool against West Ham is one of two League One against Premier League
ties in the fourth round; the other is Hull against Millwall.

The Pool are looking to claim back-to-back Premier League scalps, after
ousting Stoke in the third round. Victory will make club history, as they've
never appeared in the fifth round previously.

West Ham have not been dismissed by lower division opposition when a Premier
League club themselves, since Tranmere enjoyed a 1-0 third round victory
over them at Prenton Park on 11 December 1999.

The League ladder

Hartlepool are 48 places lower than West Ham in the pecking order.

Referee

Lee Mason (Lancashire)

Replay date

Wednesday, 4 February 2009 - Kick Off: 1945

FA CUP RECORDS AND BEST PERFORMANCES

HARTLEPOOL UNITED
Current form

Lost three of five; won three of six.

Recent FA Cup performance

Exited at the second round stage in each of the last three seasons, since a
fourth round replay to Brentford in 2005.

The Manager

Director of Sport Chris Turner, who is the current caretaker manager, kept
goal for Sheffield Wednesday in the 1991 League Cup winning side that beat
Manchester United 1-0 in the Wembley final.

FA Cup fact

The defeat of the Potters equalled the club record, by landing Hartlepool a
place in the fourth round for the sixth time in their 101-year history.


WEST HAM UNITED
Current form

Undefeated in five; won four and drawn one.

Seeking a seventh successive away game without defeat

Recent FA Cup performance

Only made it beyond the fourth round once in four years; that being in 2006
when they went all the way and lost to Liverpool in the last final to be
staged at the Millennium Stadium.

The Manager

Gianfranco Zola won two FA Cup winners' medals with Chelsea in 1997 (v
Middlesbrough) and 2000 (v Aston Villa).

FA Cup fact

The second of West Ham's three cup final winning line-ups in 1975 was the
last to be comprised entirely of English born players.


HEAD to HEAD
All competitions

These clubs have never met before.

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Spurs bid rejected?
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 23rd January 2009
By: Staff Writer

Scott Duxbury's resolve not to sell players to Tottenham is being tested
less than 48 hours after he made the statement, according to reports this
morning. Duxbury, speaking via the Independent's Jason Burt earlier this
week insisted that, given a preference, he would no longer allow United
players to join Tottenham. But according to this morning's Daily Star, that
staement is being put to the test already as Spurs have recently lodged an
£8million bid for the former Chelsea striker. 26-year-old Cole is the
Premier League's in-form striker at present, having scored a goal in each of
his last five games. Tottenham are thought to have moved for Cole at the
start of January but, according to the story, are ready to revive their
interest. Cole, who was signed by Alan Pardew from Chelsea for £2million
back in 2007 was recently awarded a new five-year-contract. Since signing
the new deal he has found prolific form, and has now scored nine goals this
season - just six shy of the target he set himself back in August.

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Ridsdale - no West Ham contact
Bluebirds supremo denies plans to sell winger
By Rob Carragher Last updated: 23rd January 2009
SSN

Cardiff City chairman Peter Ridsdale has denied that the club are in talks
with West Ham over the sale of Joe Ledley. West Ham have been trailing the
Welsh winger for several months and speculation is rife that the Upton Park
outfit are now ready to make their move With a hefty fee received for the
transfer of Craig Bellamy last week, the Hammers have been tipped to launch
an imminent bid for Ledley in excess of the reported £6million that Stoke
had rejected last August. However, Ridsdale remains insistent that, contrary
to reports, his prized youngster is by no means on the brink of heading to
East London. "There has been no contact between Cardiff City and West Ham
regarding the possible transfer of Ledley," he said in the South Wales Echo.
"Any suggestions that we have placed a price on him, or are having
negotiations with any club about his future, is untrue. "As we have already
said, we are keen to keep hold of our squad."

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Quashie eyes Wolves promotion
McCarthy happy to bring in experienced midfielder from West Ham
Last updated: 23rd January 2009
SSN

Nigel Quashie is hoping to use his experience to help Wolves to promotion
after joining the Championship leaders on loan. The midfielder has moved to
Molineux from West Ham United for the rest of the season after recently
spending three months at Birmingham City. Quashie is happy to have secured
the chance of more regular football and aims to boost Wolves' bid to reach
the Premier League. "I'm delighted to be here," Quashie told the club's
official website. "Wolves have got some very good young players and if I can
help them out between now and the end of the season then great. "I've got a
bit of experience and got promoted with Portsmouth, so hopefully I can play
a part. "I know I can't come here and walk straight into the team, but Mick
McCarthy has been great and made me feel wanted - I can't wait to get
going."
Quashie is ineligible for Saturday's FA Cup tie against Middlesbrough, but
Wolves boss McCarthy is confident the 30-year-old will be a valuable
addition to his squad. McCarthy said: "Nigel is an excellent addition to the
squad. "I'm surprised we've been able to get him to be honest, and I've also
tried to sign him in the past. "He's got some valuable experience and is
also a very good player. "He'll be a really good asset for us and an
important and calming influence in the dressing room over the remainder of
the season."

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Hammers close on £10m deal
Setanta.co.uk
by Tom Adams , 23 January 2009

The agent of Germany youth international Savio Nsereko has confirmed that
West Ham are in 'pole position' to sign his client from Brescia.
The Hammers are searching for attacking reinforcements after selling Craig
Bellamy to Manchester City and look ready to invest around £10 million of
the £14 million received for the Wales international in the Brescia star. It
is reported that technical director Gianluca Nani has returned to his old
club in order to recruit the 19-year-old who has attracted widespread
interest thanks to his eye-catching performances in Serie B. Nsereko only
has three goals from 17 appearances but Roma are tracking his progress and
the likes of Bayern Munich and Napoli have also been linked with the
Ugandan-born striker. But, having missed out on Pablo Daniel Osvaldo
following his decision to join Bologna, West Ham are now closing in on their
club record transfer target. "At the moment West Ham are in pole position,"
Nsereko's agent Patrick Bastianelli told romanews.eu. "The situation could
be unlocked next week. "Roma were following him, but in the January market
many teams – including Roma – are not entering into transactions. Possibly
it was an operation for next season."

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Nsereko Nears Completion?
Just Like My Dreams

West Ham are closing in on a deal for Brescia's Savio Nsereko, according to
several media reports this morning. The Telegraph states Gianfranco Zola is
set to break the club's transfer record to bring the German Under-19
international striker to Upton Park, despite competition from a host of
European clubs, including Milan, Bayern Munich and Napoli. Writing in the
Independent, Jason Burt claims United are close to agreeing a fee that could
total £10million after club executives spent the past two days in Italy
holding talks. Technical director Gianluca Nani has been over this week to
orchestrate the deal with the president of Serie B side Brescia, Luigi
Corioni, who is Nani's father-in-law.

Nani, who was involved in the development of Luca Toni and Andrea Pirlo at
Brescia, was brought in to West Ham while Alan Curbishley was in charge.
This deal represents another major visible contribution to the club's
transfer policy, following the successful arrivals of Valon Behrami and
Herita Ilunga. Crucially, Nani knows Nsereko well after being responsible
for taking him to Italy from Hertha Berlin in 2005 when he was just 16.

The Mirror thinks the Ugandan born striker has already been negotiating
terms with the club and could officially become a West Ham player within a
matter of days. Reports in Italy also suggest the move is close, speculation
fuelled by the fact that the player missed training with his team-mates
yesterday. Although United hope to make an announcement soon over the
19-year-old German, any deal would come too late for Nsereko to be included
in West Ham's squad to face Hartlepool in the weekend's FA Cup fixture. Burt
believes the club hope to give some confirmation of the transfer after that
game.

The forward, who can play as a conventional striker or a wide player, was
voted player of the tournament at the European Under-19 Championship last
summer and is widely expected to claim a first full cap for Germany in
February. The £10 million transfer fee would eclipse West Ham's previous
biggest outlay, the £7.5 million they spent singing Bellamy from Liverpool
in 2007. The Hammers hope that if they sign 'Savio' it will demonstrate the
commitment given to Zola that, beyond a number of fringe players, the
proceeds of any sales would be reinvested. Although there is interest from
other clubs, most notably Napoli who are known to have close transfer links
with Brescia, West Ham are hopeful that the size of their bid will prove
successful. One of the player's agents, Dieter Heimen, confirmed that the
club were in the race to sign Savio, who can play in a variety of attacking
roles and is on a list of potential signings drawn up by Zola, Nani and
chief executive Scott Duxbury.

Elsewhere, Gianfranco Zola contended he had no choice but to let striker
Craig Bellamy seek his 'fortune' at Manchester City. Bellamy signed for
cash-rich City earlier this week in a deal worth £14million after refusing
to play for West Ham in a Premier League match with Fulham. Zola said: "We
respect the fact that Craig had to go somewhere else to find his fortune but
we want to get on with our lives here and to be successful." Denying
reported claims by the Wales international striker that he wanted to stay at
Upton Park, Zola insisted: "I don't think he wanted to stay. We are not
going to send players away who want to stay."

Zola, who once turned down a lucrative offer from Chelsea owner Roman
Abramovich to return to Stamford Bridge after going back to his native
Sardinia, also praised Brazilian star Kaka for staying at Italian giants AC
Milan rather than moving to City in a £100m deal. Zola added: "Kaka proved
that values are more important than money and I would also like to think
that is the case."

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail's latest brain-fart has West Ham rejecting an
£8million bid from Tottenham for Carlton Cole. The article suggests Harry
Redknapp is set to improve his offer after failing to land Craig Bellamy,
and could use £17million forward Darren Bent in part-exchange. Spurs were
rumoured to have failed in an attempt to sign Cole last summer after they
sold Dimitar Berbatov to Manchester United.

The former Chelsea striker has scored nine goals this season and has even
caught the attention of England boss Fabio Capello. Redknapp seems desperate
to sign new strikers but the paper insists Zola is refusing to do business
with Spurs at present, and wants to keep Cole after already losing Bellamy.
West Ham are also in a good bargaining position as Cole's contract does not
run out until 2013.

The same paper claims West Ham have made an approach for Cardiff winger Joe
Ledley but have been stunned by an £8million asking price. This despite the
fact that United publicly distanced themselves from the player earlier in
the week. The Mail 'understands' there has been contact between the clubs
but that Cardiff have made it clear it will take a bigger offer to prise
Ledley away. Ledley only turned 22 on Wednesday but has already attracted
strong interest from several Barclays Premier League clubs after finishing
as Cardiff's joint-top scorer with 11 goals last season and bagging an FA
Cup semi-final winner against Barnsley along the way.

Stoke had a £6million bid rejected at the start of the season, while Everton
are believed to have enquired about him twice and Arsenal, Tottenham and
Championship leaders Wolves have all tracked his progress. With Cardiff
holding out for their valuation, after seeing prices soar since Manchester
City began flexing their financial muscle, the ball is back in West Ham's
court. The article states United are reluctant to go above £5million but may
try and meet the Championship side halfway with a renewed offer of between
£6million and £7million.

Finally, there are some speculative reports that West Ham United are close
to completing a deal for Sligo Rovers 'star' Seamus Coleman. The 20-year-old
right back has attracted attention from Coca-Cola Championship duo Ipswich
Town and Birmingham City over the past two months but United are said to
lead the chase for the Republic of Ireland under-21 international. A native
of Donegal, Coleman has blossomed since joining Sligo from Donegal side St
Catherine's two years ago and is rightly regarded as one of the most
promising young players in the League of Ireland. Of course, he would have
to be if he were ever to make it in the Premier League.
Posted by Trilby at 10:18

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Molineux move 'delights' Quashie
TeamTalk

West Ham's Nigel Quashie is hoping to use his experience to help Wolves win
promotion after joining the Championship leaders on loan. The midfielder has
moved to Molineux from West Ham for the rest of the season after recently
spending three months at Birmingham City. Quashie is happy to have secured
the chance of more regular football and aims to boost Wolves' bid to reach
the Premier League. "I'm delighted to be here," Quashie told the club's
official website. "Wolves have got some very good young players and if I can
help them out between now and the end of the season then great. "I've got a
bit of experience and got promoted with Portsmouth, so hopefully I can play
a part. "I know I can't come here and walk straight into the team, but Mick
McCarthy has been great and made me feel wanted - I can't wait to get
going."
Quashie is ineligible for Saturday's FA Cup tie against Middlesbrough, but
Wolves boss McCarthy is confident the 30-year-old will be a valuable
addition. McCarthy said: "Nigel is an excellent addition to the squad. "I'm
surprised we've been able to get him to be honest, and I've also tried to
sign him in the past. "He's got some valuable experience and is also a very
good player. "He'll be a really good asset for us and an important and
calming influence in the dressing room over the remainder of the season."

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Turner: Don't rule out cup upset
Hartlepoolmail.co.uk
Published Date: 23 January 2009

CHRIS Turner today urged Hartlepool United's team of unknowns to take West
Ham's household names by surprise. A Hammers side expected to include the
likes of England internationals Scott Parker and Matthew Upson are firm
favourites for tomorrow's FA Cup fourth round clash (kick-off 12.40pm) where
a near capacity Victoria Park crowd is expected to roar Pools on. While
Pools have experienced players such as Ritchie Humphreys, Joel Porter and
Michael Nelson at their disposal, the vast majority of Turner's side will be
new names to Gianfranco Zola's side and the national audience watching live
on ITV. Director of sport Turner is hoping the stealth factor plays into his
side's hands as he looks to repeat Pools' trick of FA Cup upsets over
Premiership opposition by reaching the fifth round for the first time in the
club's history. Caretaker manager Turner said: "The difference between the
two teams is we know what they are but they don't know who we are. "Their
lads have never seen us play. "It's a challenge for the lads and when you're
playing in League One, to play against those in the top league is fantastic
for them. "We just want to put a show on on the day and give it our best.
"The players should go out on the field of play and enjoy pitting their wits
against somebody who plays every week in the Premier League."

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Should We Swap Cole for Bent?
West Ham Till I Die

The Daily Mail reports that Spurs have bid £8 million for Carlton Cole,
which has been rejected by West Ham. This may be Harry Redknapp or the Spurs
board just trying to cause trouble after Scott Duxbury said he wouldn't do
business with Spurs after their approaches for Craig Bellamy. But the Mail
also suggests that some sort of swap deal with Darren Bent may be on the
cards.

My gut reaction was to tell Spurs to take a running jump … and yet, and yet.
Are we confident that Carlton's form will last, that he will continue
scoring at a good rate? Zola is getting the best out of him at the moment
and I very much hope that will continue, but no one can be totally sure
about that.

Darren Bent plus £5 million (ie they pay us £5 million, for the avoidance of
doubt!) would be a good deal in anyone's book. Wouldn't it?

Or should we take the Scott Duxbury line and tell them to sling their hook
no matter what they offer?

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Hammers close in on Coleman – reports
Eleven-a-side.com
January 23, 2009

West Ham United are close to completing a deal for Sligo Rovers star Seamus
Coleman, according to reports on Friday. The 20-year-old right back has
attracted attention from Coca-Cola Championship duo Ipswich Town and
Birmingham City over the past two months. But West Ham appear to lead the
chase for the Republic of Ireland under-21 international. A native of
Donegal, Coleman has blossomed since joining Sligo from Donegal side St
Catherine's two years ago and is rightly regarded as one of the most
promising young players in the League of Ireland.

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HAMMERS TALK: West Ham close in on £5million striker
10:34am Friday 23rd January 2009
Guardian Series

WEST Ham technical director Gianluca Nani is understood to be brokering a
deal to bring Brescia striker Savio Nsereko to Upton Park. The Hammers
chief is close to agreeing a £5million deal with the Italian outfit for the
German, according to the Times. Gianfranco Zola's hand has been forced in
the transfer market following this week's departure of Craig Bellamy to
Manchester City. And he has acted quickly to identify a number of suitable
targets after receiving assurances that the money from the Bellamy deal will
be used to find a replacement. Nsereko, 19, is unproven is unproven at club
level, having scored just one goal in 20 appearances for his club, while he
began his career in his native Germany, with 1860 Munich.

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Hammers ready to snap up £10m Nsereko
Ken Dyer
This Is London

West Ham are poised to sign Brescia teenage striker Savio Nsereko after
beating off competition from Juventus and Roma. It is understood that
negotiations are at an advanced state for the Ugandan-born German Under-19
international and that Nsereko could be confirmed as a West Ham player next
week. Nsereko has been top of Gianfranco Zola's wanted list and technical
director Gianluca Nani has been in Italy to try and seal the deal, which
could be worth as much as £10million. Zola admitted that, following the
departure of Craig Bellamy to Manchester City, his squad could need
strengthening. "It is a long season and we might do something," said Zola.
"But I won't talk about players who are at other clubs."
Zola has promised to play his strongest team for tomorrow's FA Cup
fourth-round tie at Hartlepool. One player who looks certain to feature is
young midfielder Jack Collison (right), who is one of the emerging young
stars in Zola's squad. "Collison almost went out on loan earlier in the
season but we had injuries and we played him at Manchester United," said the
West Ham boss. "He played well in that match and now he is a regular. "He's
been a big bonus for us. At the beginning, we wanted to improve as a team
but also take the young players forward. Jack is a big case in point. His
main strength is his attitude. "He's not afraid of being out there and he's
fearless."

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SPY IN THEIR CAMP: Hammers at full strength
Peterleemail.co.uk
Hartlepool Utd v West Ham
Published Date: 23 January 2009

TWO-Time FA Cup winner Gianfranco Zola insists West Ham will not be fielding
a weakened team for tomorrow's fourth round tie. Zola visits Victoria Park
for the first time in his career tomorrow lunchtime as the Hammers look to
avoid a cup upset against Hartlepool United in front of a national
television audience. The Premier League outfit are firm favourites to
navigate the awkward tie and take another step on the road to the final – a
stage which the Hammers last reached in 2006 But despite boasting the likes
of Kieron Dyer, Luis Boa Morte and Julien Faubert in his squad, Zola
suggested he was unlikely to make wholesale changes and send out a reserves
side. Zola said: "I do respect them and I know they're a decent side and we
won't put out a weakened team for sure. "If they beat us then it's because
they played much better than us. We won't under-estimate them, that's for
sure. "They are a good team and try to play football. They have some very
interesting players, some quick players and play quite differently from
being a League One side. "We respect them. It will be a hard game but for us
the cup is an important achievement so we want to get through this round."
The Hammers go into the game in confident mood after claiming 10 points from
their last four Premier League games. The run has been all the more
impressive because of the financial problems at the club and the loss of
Craig Bellamy, who swapped Upton Park for Eastlands earlier this week.
Bellamy is not the only striker who Zola has lost this season. England
striker Dean Ashton has been out since September with an ankle injury and is
not expected to return before the end of the campaign – joining Wales
defender Danny Gabbidon (abdomen) on the treatment table.
Despite the loss of two key players, Zola – a cup winner with Chelsea in
1997 and 2000 – feels it was only a matter of time before his side clicked
into gear. "The team were playing well when we were losing but something
wasn't clicking," he said. "The confidence and self belief were still there
and now we've got four or five results on the spin and this has given the
players even more confidence in their potential. "It's down to the work that
they do every single day in training and down to the fact they're quality
players and using those qualities in the right way."

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Turner: Don't rule out cup upset
Peterleemail.co.uk
Published Date: 23 January 2009

CHRIS Turner today urged Hartlepool United's team of unknowns to take West
Ham's household names by surprise. A Hammers side expected to include the
likes of England internationals Scott Parker and Matthew Upson are firm
favourites for tomorrow's FA Cup fourth round clash (kick-off 12.40pm) where
a near capacity Victoria Park crowd is expected to roar Pools on. While
Pools have experienced players such as Ritchie Humphreys, Joel Porter and
Michael Nelson at their disposal, the vast majority of Turner's side will be
new names to Gianfranco Zola's side and the national audience watching live
on ITV. Director of sport Turner is hoping the stealth factor plays into his
side's hands as he looks to repeat Pools' trick of FA Cup upsets over
Premiership opposition by reaching the fifth round for the first time in the
club's history. Caretaker manager Turner said: "The difference between the
two teams is we know what they are but they don't know who we are. Their
lads have never seen us play. "It's a challenge for the lads and when you're
playing in League One, to play against those in the top league is fantastic
for them. "We just want to put a show on on the day and give it our best.
"The players should go out on the field of play and enjoy pitting their wits
against somebody who plays every week in the Premier League."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nelson confident Hartlepool can beat West Ham
10:10am Friday 23rd January 2009
Echo

HARTLEPOOL defender Michael Nelson is convinced Hartlepool can make West Ham
the third Premier League scalp the Monkeyhangers have claimed this season.
The League One team have already beaten West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City
and will be trying to end the Hammers' recent upturn in fortunes when they
meet at Victoria Park tomorrow in the fourth round of the FA Cup. "We can
definitely win it, especially after beating two Premier League sides
already," said Nelson. "Even after beating West Brom earlier in the season,
no one gave us a chance against Stoke City and it was like we were just
making up the numbers. "Stoke City then came to The Vic and they were quite
surprised by what they found and hopefully it will be the same for West
Ham."
The Monkeyhangers beat the Baggies 3-1 in the Carling Cup and then defeated
the Potters 2-0 in the last round of the FA Cup. Both matches took place at
Victoria Park and the north-east side go into tomorrow's match on the back
of a 2-0 league home win over Northampton. Nelson said that the team had got
the inside track on the Hammers after the defender and team-mates Ritchie
Humphreys and Ben Clark saw Gianfranco Zola's side draw 2-2 with Newcastle
at St James' Park. He said Craig Bellamy — who has now joined Manchester
City — and Scott Parker were the best players in the side. But Nelson
stressed Carlton Cole is also a danger because he is in a rich vein of form
that has seen him bag five goals in as many matches.
Sky TV presenter and Hartlepool fan Jeff Stelling is also tipping the
Monkeyhang-ers to produce another cup upset in front of their own fans.

Hartlepool (from): Lee-Barrett, McCunnie, Nelson, Clark, Humphreys,
Monkhouse, Jones, Liddle, Robson, Power, Mackay ,Porter, Henderson, Budtz,
Foley.

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West Ham knock back Spurs' £8m bid for Cole but may now offer Bent in part
exchange
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 9:02 AM on 23rd January 2009
Daily Mail

Tottenham have had a £8m bid for Carlton Cole turned down by West Ham but
boss Harry Redknapp is set to improve his offer after failing to land Craig
Bellamy. Spurs failed in an attempt to sign Cole last summer after they sold
Dimitar Berbatov to Manchester United. But Redknapp is ready to revive his
interest in Cole and could use £17m forward Darren Bent in part-exchange.
The former Chelsea striker has scored nine goals this season and has even
caught the attention of England boss Fabio Capello. The White Hart Lane are
desperate to sign new strikers but Zola is refusing to do business with
Spurs at present, and wants to keep Cole after selling Bellamy, 29, to City
for £14m. West Ham are also in a good bargaining position as Cole's contract
does not run out until 2013.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collison loving life with Hammers
9:00am Friday 23rd January 2009
Guardian Series

WEST Ham midfielder Jack Collison admits he is loving the hustle and bustle
of life in the fast lane, having been thrown in at the deep end by
Gianfranco Zola. The young Wales international has made the left midfield
role his own in recent weeks after a number of eye-catching performances.
And his personal rise has coincided with the team's dramatic ascent from
relegation turmoil to bona-fide contenders for Europe.
The 20-year-old revealed the key to his success has been the fun factor that
Zola has brought to the club since his arrival last year. "I love every
minute out there, especially in front of the home fans, that's what it's all
about really, so every opportunity I get out there I just go out, enjoy
myself and try and do my best for the team," said Collison. "He (Zola) says
to all of us, go out there and play with a smile, that's what football is
all about, and it's a great philosophy to have."
That mindset has also brought the best out of the likes of Carlton Cole, who
with five goals in as many games, has played a key role in guiding the team
up to eighth in the league. "Cole has been on fire for the last few months
really. He has worked so hard in training and he is really reaping the
rewards now," added Collison. "We've gone up to eighth in the table and I
think the boys really deserve to be there. A couple of months ago the
performances were there but the results weren't. But now we are getting both
so there is a lot of confidence in the camp at the moment."
The Hammers will hope their impressive league form can be replicated in the
cup, as they look to embark on a lengthy FA Cup run. Next up is a fourth
round clash with League One side Hartlepool on Saturday.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liddle is relishing midfield battle
9:27am Friday 23rd January 2009
Northernecho.co.uk
By Nick Loughlin

IF in victory over Stoke City in round three, the game was all about how
Hartlepool United's defence coped with a barrage of long balls pumped
forward, preparations for the visit of West Ham tomorrow couldn't be
different. And, for Gary Liddle, he knows all too well where the key areas
are and who the key players will be. Up against The Academy of Football in
the fourth round of the FA Cup, Liddle and Ritchie Jones will be pitched
against the guile and strength of Scott Parker and Mark Noble in central
midfield. Liddle, who won the FA Youth Cup with Middlesbrough in 2004 before
moving to Victoria Park, admitted: "It's definitely the biggest game in my
career and it will be the same for the rest of the lads here, because we've
got a young squad. "It's the chance to test ourselves against Premier League
opposition again. We've played two sides who were promoted to the Premier
League this season, so it will be tough going up against an established top
flight team. "They are eighth in a tight league at the moment and they are
on decent form. "They've got a mix of experienced and up and coming players
so it will be a good test and one we're looking forward to. "I watched them
against Fulham on Sunday and they looked good. They've obviously got a lot
of international players and they wouldn't be at West Ham if they weren't
good players. "We will have to either play well and have a bit of luck on
our side or hope West Ham struggle big time. "I think the midfield is the
strongest part of their team with the likes of Noble and Parker. "They've
got a lot of legs in there and we've got to be on top of our game.'' Liddle
lifted the FA Youth Cup along with teammates Davie Wheater, Andrew Taylor
and James Morrison.
And, while those former compatriots face Premier League opponents every
week, Liddle, who has made 99 Football League starts for Pools, has no
regrets about swopping the Riverside for Victoria Park. "Winning the FA
Youth Cup against Aston Villa has been the highlight for me personally so
far, I know a lot of the lads played in the playoff final in 2005 for
Hartlepool and that game was their best,'' he admitted. "For me and a lot of
the other young lads this will be the biggest game of our careers. "I didn't
go to watch West Ham at Newcastle a couple of weeks ago, but I know Ben
Clark, Ritchie Humphreys and Michael Nelson did. "They pinpointed a few
players and obviously it's going to tough. "But West Ham will know we've
already turned over two Premier League teams this season and they won't come
here thinking they just have to turn up to win. " W e s h o u l d have a g o
o d c r o w d a n d t h e y w i l l act as the 12th man for us. West Brom
and Stoke both came up from the Championship and both play in completely
different styles. "West Ham will prove different to both of them, they will
mix it about a bit and have got good players back to front.'' He added: "I
was young and remember being very nervous when I played in the FA Youth Cup
but obviously I'm a bit more experienced now. I don't think I will be as
nervous as I was then but it's a day we are all looking forward to. "They
won't be used to coming to stadiums like ours and we've got to make it as
difficult as possible for them. "Noble and Parker are good players and have
got a lot of experience in the Premier League now, so it's going to be tough
for whoever is in there for us. "We'll have to match them in the battle but
we aren't turning up to get an autograph or just to swap shirts – it will be
down to business and we'll be going for it."

Joel Porter (tendonitis) and Sam Collins (thigh) are expected to be named in
the squad, with boss Chris Turner having no new injury worries.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
League win means West Ham is no distraction
Peterleemail.co.uk
Published Date: 23 January 2009

TONY Sweeney today claimed Hartlepool United's last league victory has
dispelled any myth about the FA Cup being a distraction. Pools' 2-0 victory
over Northampton ended a run of three consecutive League One defeats for
Chris Turner's side and moved them 10 points away from the drop zone.
Sweeney, who missed the Cobblers game with an ankle injury, admitted his
relief at a win which has left the Pools squad in a relaxed frame of mind
for tomorrow's FA Cup fourth round tie with West Ham. The 25-year-old said
if Pools hadn't taken maximum points, the accusations would have started to
fly over whether the cup run was threatening the club's status in the
division. Sweeney said: "I know its a massive game but the league's our
bread and butter and we have to get as many points on the board to avoid
relegation.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Monky may lose out to Matty for West Ham
Peterleemail.co.uk
Published Date: 23 January 2009

AN HONEST Andy Monkhouse today admitted he has no complaints over Matty
Robson's rise to prominence. Monkhouse began the season as Hartlepool
United's first-choice left-winger but a series of impressive substitute
performances from fellow wide man Robson has seen the latter hold down the
starting spot. Robson's transformation from inconsistent winger to pacy
dangerman has also lead to the attention of other clubs, with his contract
set to expire at the end of the season. But Pools are keen to keep hold of
Robson, who turned 24 today, and he should start tomorrow's FA Cup fourth
round clash with West Ham. Monkhouse is also hoping to stay in the starting
line-up after being used as a right winger in Pools' 2-0 win over
Northampton last Friday. But the 28-year-old even faces competition for that
role with Tony Sweeney and Sam Collins both returning from injury which
could prompt director of sport Chris Turner into a reshuffle. Monkhouse
said: "Matty has done well since he came in. Unfortunately, I was the one to
miss out but fair play to Matty, he has come in and done the business so I
have not got any complaints on that side of it.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jones will play anywhere against West Ham
Peterleemail.co.uk
Published Date: 23 January 2009

RITCHIE Jones today stressed he is happy to be the right man for Hartlepool
United. The former Manchester United midfielder has been used on the
right-hand side of midfield in five of the last six games for Pools and
admits he has not been as comfortable as his favoured central role.
Although Jones was back in the middle of the action in Pools' last game
against Northampton, director of sport Chris Turner may decide to recall Sam
Collins for tomorrow's FA Cup tie and move Ben Clark into a defensive
midfield role. That would likely see Jones moved back out to the flank, but
the 22-year-old insists he has no problem adapting to the position for the
good of the team. Jones said: "I don't mind playing on the right at all.
It's different from being in the centre where I do like to play

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pools must have belief against West Ham
Peterleemail.co.uk
Published Date: 23 January 2009

HARTLEPOOL United's players must have belief running through their veins for
one of the biggest games in the club's 100-year history. That was the
message today from club captain Ritchie Humphreys on the eve of tomorrow's
FA Cup fourth-round clash with West Ham United. On the face of it, few, if
any, experts would back Pools to dump the Hammers out of the competition. If
Gianfranco Zola sticks closely to the side which moved up to eighth in the
Premier League last weekend – and there's no reason to suggest he'll alter
things – Pools will face a side laden with internationals.
England keeper Robert Green will be the last line of defence with a back
four of Lucas Neill (Australia), Herita Ilunga (Congo), Matthew Upson
(England) and James Collins (Wales) in front of him. There are three full
internationals in midfield – Valon Behrami (Switzerland), Scott Parker
(England), Jack Collison (Wales) with the likely non-capped player being the
gifted England Under 21 ace Mark Noble. Former Newcastle and England man
Kieron Dyer could also feature in his selection. Up front, Zola is likely to
start with Italy striker David Di Michele with the in-form ex-England Under
21 forward Carlton Cole.
On paper, some may suggest it's a waste of time Pools turning up! But Pools
have already taken two Premier League scalps – West Brom in the Carling Cup
and Stoke just a few weeks ago in the third round of the world's most famous
club competition. "If people don't believe then there's no point us turning
up," said Humphreys.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Unknown Pools can surprise West Ham
PeterleeMail.co.uk
Published Date: 23 January 2009

CHRIS Turner today urged Hartlepool United's team of unknowns to take West
Ham's household names by surprise. A Hammers side expected to include the
likes of England internationals Scott Parker and Matthew Upson are firm
favourites for tomorrow's FA Cup fourth round clash (kick-off 12.40pm) where
a near capacity Victoria Park crowd is expected to roar Pools on. While
Pools have experienced players such as Ritchie Humphreys, Joel Porter and
Michael Nelson at their disposal, the vast majority of Turner's side will be
new names to Gianfranco Zola's side and the national audience watching live
on ITV. Director of sport Turner is hoping the stealth factor plays into his
side's hands as he looks to repeat Pools' trick of FA Cup upsets over
Premiership opposition by reaching the fifth round for the first time in the
club's history. Caretaker manager Turner said: "The difference between the
two teams is we know what they are but they don't know who we are. Their
lads have never seen us play. "It's a challenge for the lads and when you're
playing in League One, to play against those in the top league is fantastic
for them. "We just want to put a show on on the day and give it our best.
"The players should go out on the field of play and enjoy pitting their wits
against somebody who plays every week in the Premier League."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to field full strength team in FA Cup
The Mirror
By Neil Mcleman 23/01/2009

Gianfranco Zola has promised to field a full-strength West Ham side at
League One Hartlepool tomorrow. "As far as I'm concerned, the FA Cup is a
wonderful competition and we'll always play our best team," said the Hammers
boss. "I know Hartlepool are a good side and we won't put out a weakened
team. If they beat us then it's because they were better than us." The
Londoners will face Hartlepool without striker Craig Bellamy who joined Man
City for £14m this week. "We respect Craig decided to find his fortunes in
another place, but we want to get on with our lives and we can do that,"
Zola said.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola sends out "be patient" message to West Ham's fringe players
9:40am Friday 23rd January 2009
Echo

GIANFRANCO Zola maintains players must be patient for their chance with West
Ham - but accepts some may opt to find first-team football elsewhere. The
Hammers travel to One side Hartlepool in the FA Cup tomorrow, but the
fourth-round tie has been overshadowed by continuing transfer speculation.
The Premier League club have already seen unsettled striker Craig Bellamy
make a high-profile move to Manchester City.
What Zola will do with the reported £14million brought in by the deal has
caused much debate. Brescia's Savio Nsereko and Panathinaikos' South Africa
defender Bryce Moon have both been linked with the Irons. So too have
Cardiff winger Joe Ledley and Crystal Palace midfielder Ben Watson, who
Middlesbrough are also keen to sign. Fiorentina's Pablo Daniel Osvaldo was
also said to be interesting West Ham until he joined Bologna. Meanwhile,
Matthew Etherington left for Stoke earlier this month, French winger Julien
Faubert has expressed a desire to find regular first-team football
elsewhere, with Lyon the most likely destination, and Luis Boa Morte's move
to Hull broke down over personal terms. Zola can understand the frustrations
of fringe players desperate for game time. "In football, things change so
quickly. It is a dynamic system," said the Hammers boss. "Jack Collison was
about to leave this team and go on loan to a team in a lower division, then
we played Manchester United away and he played well. Since then, he has not
left the club and is now playing on a regular basis in the team. "I do not
have a problem with Julien. Right now he is not playing, but every time he
plays he does well and maybe in a month's time he might be playing
regularly. "The important thing is that when the moment comes for you, you
have to be ready to take it."
Zola, though, will not try to keep anyone at Upton Park if their mind is set
on a move elsewhere. "As far as I am concerned, people are happy to stay,
but if someone wants to go and play, we will consider it," he said. "To be
successful you have to enjoy it and be committed and that is more important
than having quality players who maybe do not want to stay."
The Hammers reached the FA Cup final in 2006 and Zola - who won the trophy
twice as a player with Chelsea - intends to do all he can to secure a trip
to Wembley this season. "Depending on the position you have in the league,
some mangers might think that the FA Cup is not interesting," he said. "As
far as I am concerned, the FA Cup is a wonderful competition and I would
like to honour it all the time, so I will always try to play my best team."
Zola added: "Hartlepool have some very interesting players, some quick
players and play quite differently from being a League One side. "We respect
them and it will be a hard game - but for us the cup is an important
achievement so we want to get through this round."

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Daily WHUFC News - 23rd January 2009

Cup contest excites Collins
WHUFC.com
James Collins is relishing the prospect of another long FA Cup run with West Ham United
22.01.2009

James Collins can remember the highs and lows of the FA Cup only too well having been an unused substitute in the dramatic final of 2006.

Collins had played key part in the 1-0 semi final win over Middlesbrough that had sent West Ham United to the Cardiff final, where they eventually lost a titanic duel with Liverpool on penalties. The Wales international wants to use that experience to help the current side embark on another famous run to the final at Wembley on 30 May. Having beaten Barnsley in the third round, the next obstacle is Saturday's game at Hartlepool United.

"We want to do as well as we can in the cup this year," Collins said. "We got to the final a couple of years ago and we want to do it again. We've trained hard all week and we will go to Hartlepool and give them the respect they deserve but obviously try to beat them. You have got to go there and have the right attitude - if we play the way we can play they really shouldn't be able to live with us."

With United going well in the Barclays Premier League, confidence is sky high and, although Saturday's game will present a different kind of test, Collins believes that the recent run of positive results will certainly have got the team in the right mindset. "We're concentrating on the league at the moment and trying to pick up as many wins as possible, but it never did anyone any harm getting in the routine of winning every game you play so we'll be looking to go there and get the win."

If the Hammers avoid defeat in the north east it will be three months undefeated away from the Boleyn Ground, which perhaps is a fitting tribute to the style and system Gianfanco Zola is gradually moulding his players into. The 25-year-old said: "We're playing really well at the minute and I think the luck has changed for us. When 'Mister' came in we were playing great football, just not getting the results but it's swung round and we're getting wins now.

"We've always been playing great football and it was just a matter of time before the results came. The manager kept saying that as long as you keep passing the ball and wanting the ball, you're going to start getting the results and that's what's happened."

The new-look strike partnership of Carlton Cole - with goals in each of his last five games - and David Di Michele showed real signs of promise in the 3-1 win at home to Fulham last weekend and the pair are set to get another chance to impress at Victoria Park. "The big man [Cole] is on fire. He's so valuable to us at the minute it's unbelievable. He's big, he's strong and holding the ball up and long may that continue.

"I thought David also did very well against Fulham after coming into the team in tough circumstances. There was a lot of talk going on off the pitch but David came in, put it all behind him and did really well."

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Quashie loaned to Wolves
WHUFC.com
Nigel Quashie has become the second West Ham United player to join Wolverhampton Wanderers
22.01.2009

Midfielder Nigel Quashie has joined Coca-Cola Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan until the end of the season.

The Scottish international becomes the second West Ham United midfielder to have joined the Midlands side in a week after Kyel Reid completed a temporary deal last Thursday.

Quashie has just finished a three-month loan spell with Wolves' local and promotional rivals Birmingham City. Ironically, the 30-year-old's last game for the Blues was against Mick McCarthy's side in a 2-0 FA Cup third round defeat on 13 January.

That appearance means Quashie is now cup-tied for Wolves' FA Cup tie with Middlesbrough on Saturday, but he could make his debut for the league leaders in Tuesday's Championship game at Reading.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Quashie makes loan move to Wolves
BBC.co.uk

Wolverhampton Wanderers have made a second loan capture from West Ham United inside a week by signing experienced midfielder Nigel Quashie. Following young winger Kyel Reid's arrival, Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has again targeted Upton Park for his second move of the January window. Quashie, 30, has just returned to West Ham following a two-month loan stay at Wolves' local rivals Birmingham City. The Scotland international has signed on loan until the end of the season. London-born Quashie, who started his professional career with Queens Park Rangers, has made just eight starts in two years at West Ham. The majority of that time has seen sidelined with a persistent foot injury. But he still has another 18 months left on his Hammers contract, having signed a three-and-a-half year deal when he signed following an unhappy 12 months with Wolves' neighbours West Bromwich Albion in January 2007. And, although he has been dogged by the unfortunate statistic of having been relegated from the Premier League with four separate clubs (QPR, Nottingham Forest, Southampton and West Brom), he does one have significant promotion on his CV. He played a key role in the Portsmouth side that went up to the Premiership as Division One champions under Harry Redknapp and Jim Smith in 2003 - the same season Wolves last won promotion, via the play-offs. And he will hope to have the same impact on McCarthy's Championship leaders, who currently stand five points clear despite having not won in four matches.

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Zola: we'll not miss Bellamy
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 22nd January 2009
By: Staff Writer

Gianfranco Zola has played down the effect losing Craig Bellamy will have on his team, telling reporters that the Hammers can still enjoy a successful season. Zola takes his team to Hartlepool this weekend for the fourth round FA Cup encounter minus Bellamy, who joined Man City earlier this week for what was believed to be the second highest transfer fee ever received by West Ham United for one player. During this morning's pre-match press conference the affable Italian was pressed as to how much of a difference losing Bellamy would make; not a great deal, according to Zola who said: "This team is doing well because of everybody. We respect that Craig decided to go somewhere else but we want to get on with our lives and be successful without him. I think we can do that. Obviously the [young] players have learnt something from him but I think they are determined to get on with their lives and be successful. So they will be working hard to improve even more."

Meanwhile Hartlepool's Michael Nelson has told the club website that he feels a shock could well be on the cards. "After beating West Brom earlier in the season, no one gave us a chance against Stoke City," he said. "The West Brom game wasn't really mentioned ahead of the Stoke game and it was like we were just making up the numbers. "Stoke City then came to The Vic and they were surprised by what they found - and hopefully it will be the same for West Ham. "

The match is being broadcast live in the UK by ITV. Kick off is at a travelling supporter-unfriendly 12:40pm.

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Irish star waits for move
Coleman ready to seal transfer
Last updated: 22nd January 2009
SSN

Sligo Rovers full-back Seamus Coleman is hopeful he will soon be able to seal a move to British football. The 20-year-old right-sided ace has spent time at Birmingham and Burnley in recent months, but it is believed Everton and Celtic are leading the chase for him. West Ham and Ipswich are also linked as a move appears to getting closer. "There's nothing really concrete at the minute," Coleman told the Donegal Democrat.
"I know there's a few clubs talking to Sligo but nothing has come as far as me yet. "Hopefully things will work out, as I've always said I'd like to play professionally, but if it happens, as I said before, then it happens."

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Zola not drawn on transfers
Hammers boss refuses to comment on transfer speculation
By Richard Bailey Last updated: 22nd January 2009
SSN

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has vowed to concentrate on the players he has at his disposal rather than get caught up in any transfer speculation. Rumours continue to surface surrounding the comings and goings at Upton Park with Zola linked with numerous players. Craig Bellamy's £14million departure to Manchester City means that the Italian has money to spend but instead he wishes to concentrate on his side's FA Cup fourth-round tie away at Hartlepool on Saturday. The former Chelsea star has been linked with moves for Brescia's Savio Nsereko and Panathinaikos defender Bryce Moon, while deals for Cardiff's Joe Ledley and Middlesbrough-bound Ben Watson have also been mooted. The club's transfer activities are not restricted to players coming in with Hammers winger Julien Faubert expressing his desire to find first-team football elsewhere while Luis Boa Morte was allowed to speak with Hull City. "I do not like talking about players from other teams," Zola stated.
"I want to focus on the players I have got now. Now for example what (David) Di Michele did the other day was fantastic so he deserves my trust and be allowed to continue. "It is still a long season and obviously we want to build up something that can last for as long as possible, so we might consider strengthening the team and if (we need) to replace Bellamy. "As far as I am concerned people are happy to stay, but if someone wants to go and play we will consider it. "To be successful you have to enjoy it and be committed and that is more important than having quality players who maybe do not want to stay. "However, right now it is important that we keep the focus on the game we have on Saturday."
Hartlepool knocked out Premier League side Stoke City at the Victoria Park in the third round of the FA Cup giving Zola good reason to be cautious.

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Zola up for the cup
Hammers boss not underestimating Pools
Last updated: 23rd January 2009
SSN

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola insists he will resist the urge to field a weakened when they take on Hartlepool in the FA Cup. While some Premier League managers have hinted they will give their first-team regulars a rest this weekend Zola is desperate for success. A run of 10 points from a possible 12 has seen The Hammers pull clear of the drop zone and Zola insists he values the cup too much to disrespect it.
The Italian tactician has seen Hartlepool, who are 12th in League One, in action and believes Chris Turner's side should not be underestimated.
"The FA Cup is a wonderful competition and I would like to honour it," said Zola. "I will always try to play my best team, no matter what the circumstances are. "Some managers may have different priorities and they can do whatever they want because that is not really my business.
"But I respect Hartlepool and I respect the competition. I know Hartlepool are a decent side. West Ham certainly won't put out a weakened team."
The Hammers reached the FA Cup final in 2006 but lost a thriller against Liverpool on penalties after going 2-0 up and then 3-2 ahead. And the Cup tradition is not lost on Zola. He added: "If Hartlepool beat us then it will be because they played much better than us and not because of West Ham not doing our best with all our top players. "I have gone to watch them and know they are not an ordinary League One side. They really do try to play football and I am not underestimating them."The FA Cup is an important achievement so we want to go as far as we can. Of course it will be a hard game as I'm sure they would like to beat a team from the Premier League."

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Zola poised to break Hammers' record fee with £10m striker Savio
By Jason Burt
Friday, 23 January 2009
West Ham hope to beat Milan and Napoli to sign Savio Nsereko from Brescia
Independent.co.uk Web

West Ham United are close to agreeing a deal to sign Brescia's Savio Nsereko for a fee that could total £10m after club executives spent the past two days in Italy holding talks. The club hope to make an announcement soon over the 19-year-old German, who decided to miss training yesterday and is well known to West Ham's technical director, Gianluca Nani, who was previously with the Serie B club, and manager, Gianfranco Zola.

The investment would be a club record for West Ham, beating the £7.5m spent in July 2007 for Craig Bellamy, who was sold earlier this week to Manchester City for £14m. West Ham hope that if they sign Savio it will demonstrate the commitment given to Zola that, beyond a number of fringe players, the proceeds of any sales would be reinvested.

Savio, an Under-19 international, has been interesting other Italian clubs, including Milan and Napoli, but West Ham hope that the size of their bid will prove successful. One of his agents, Dieter Hamann, confirmed that the club were in the race to sign Savio, who can play in a variety of attacking roles and is on a list of potential signings drawn up by Zola, Nani and chief executive Scott Duxbury.

Bellamy's departure was acrimonious, after he at first demanded a move to Tottenham Hotspur and had seven bids rejected for him from Spurs and City before the latter were finally successful. However, Zola confirmed yesterday that the 29-year-old had not refused to train and had asked for permission to go home.

"We wanted to keep Bellamy, we tried everything to keep him," Zola said. "He decided he wanted a new experience, as simple as that. We couldn't hold a player who was so determined to leave. He didn't go on strike. I don't want to talk about strikes or anything like that. Craig Bellamy has decided to go and that's it. End of story. The fans have to be confident that when I say somebody wants to stay here, we don't want to sell players that are important for the team unless they want to go."

West Ham have rejected bids and inquiries for a variety of players including Matthew Upson, Valon Behrami, Lucas Neill and Scott Parker, whom they are keen to offer a new contract. The Argentine striker Pablo Daniel Osvaldo has confirmed he rejected the chance to leave Fiorentina for West Ham and decided to move to Bologna instead.

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West Ham smash transfer record to sign striker Savio Nsereko
The Mirror
By Neil McLeman 23/01/2009

West Ham last night smashed their transfer record to pay £10million for 19-year-old African striker Savio Nsereko from Brescia. The Ugandan is a German Under-19 international and considered one of the hottest young talents in Europe. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola used the money from Craig Bellamy's sale to Manchester City to beat Bayern Munich, Napoli and Genoa to the transfer coup. Technical director Gianluca Nani was in Italy yesterday to strike the deal with his father-in-law Luigi Corioni, the president of Serie B side Brescia. Nani took Nsereko to Italian football from Hertha Berlin in 2005, aged 16. The lure of Zola plus the chance of immediate first team football in the Premier League were also big selling points to the teenager. Nsereko, who can play as a central striker or a winger, missed training with Brescia yesterday to finalise the transfer.
West Ham hope to sign the deal today and make an official announcement after tomorrow's FA Cup tie at Hartlepool. The club's previous record was the £7.5m paid to Liverpool for Bellamy in July 2007.

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Zola warning to fringe Hammers
TeamTalk

Gianfranco Zola says players must be patient for their chance with West Ham - but accepts some may opt to find first-team football elsewhere.
The Hammers travel to League One side Hartlepool in the FA Cup on Saturday, but the fourth-round tie has been overshadowed by continuing transfer speculation. The Premier League club have already seen unsettled striker Craig Bellamy make a high-profile move to Manchester City.
What Zola will do with the reported £14million brought in by the deal has caused much debate. Brescia's Savio Nsereko and Panathinaikos' South Africa defender Bryce Moon have both been linked with the Irons. So too have Cardiff winger Joe Ledley and Crystal Palace midfielder Ben Watson, who Middlesbrough are also keen to sign. Fiorentina's Pablo Daniel Osvaldo was also said to be interesting West Ham until he joined Bologna. Meanwhile, Matthew Etherington left for Stoke earlier this month, French winger Julien Faubert has expressed a desire to find regular first-team football elsewhere, with Lyon the most likely destination, and Luis Boa Morte's move to Hull broke down over personal terms. Zola can understand the frustrations of fringe players desperate for game time. "In football, things change so quickly. It is a dynamic system," said the Hammers boss. "Jack Collison was about to leave this team and go on loan to a team in a lower division, then we played Manchester United away and he played well. Since then, he has not left the club and is now playing on a regular basis in the team. "I do not have a problem with Julien. Right now he is not playing, but every time he plays he does well and maybe in a month's time he might be playing regularly. "The important thing is that when the moment comes for you, you have to be ready to take it."
Zola, though, will not try to keep anyone at Upton Park if their mind is set on a move elsewhere. "As far as I am concerned, people are happy to stay, but if someone wants to go and play, we will consider it," he said. "To be successful you have to enjoy it and be committed and that is more important than having quality players who maybe do not want to stay."
The Hammers reached the FA Cup final in 2006 and Zola - who won the trophy twice as a player with Chelsea - intends to do all he can to secure a trip to Wembley this season. "Depending on the position you have in the league, some mangers might think that the FA Cup is not interesting," he said. "As far as I am concerned, the FA Cup is a wonderful competition and I would like to honour it all the time, so I will always try to play my best team." Zola added: "Hartlepool have some very interesting players, some quick players and play quite differently from being a League One side. "We respect them and it will be a hard game - but for us the cup is an important achievement so we want to get through this round."

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ZO MUCH RESPECT
The Mirror
By Neil Mcleman 23/01/2009

Gianfranco Zola has promised to field a full-strength West Ham side at League One Hartlepool tomorrow. "As far as I'm concerned, the FA Cup is a wonderful competition and we'll always play our best team," said the Hammers boss. "I know Hartlepool are a good side and we won't put out a weakened team. If they beat us then it's because they were better than us." The Londoners will face Hartlepool without striker Craig Bellamy who joined Man City for £14m this week. "We respect Craig decided to find his fortunes in another place, but we want to get on with our lives and we can do that," Zola said.

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West Ham Interested In Nsereko, Napoli Are Not - Agent
Goal.com

Brescia's Savio Nsereko is considered a hot property on the transfer market after his exploits for the Serie B club this season. The Ugandan-born German has been closely linked with a move to Napoli during the winter transfer window. On Thursday, his agent spoke to Tuttonapoli.net about his client's situation with the Rondinelle. "Savio has not participated in recent training sessions for reasons other than a possible impending sale," explained agent Patrick Bastianelli. "There are negotiations under way, but nothing concrete will be known at least until next week." Nsereko has a number of suitors interested in his services, including Premier League side West Ham. "There are potential deals, not only with officials from West Ham," revealed Bastianelli. "There is another English side interested in my client. Napoli? No, they aren't involved." The 19-year-old's signature will reportedly cost in the region of €7 million.

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JACK IS PUSHING RIGHT BUTTONS FOR HAMMERS
Daily Express
Friday January 23,2009
By Gideon Brooks

You could argue until you were claret and blue in the face about which tradition has its roots entwined deeper in the fabric of West Ham – bringing young talent through the ranks and into the first team, or selling it. But long-suffering Hammers fans who have seen a title-winning side nurtured and exported down the years might be forgiven for exchanging nervous glances once again as the latest shoots of recovery begin to poke through the Upton Park turf. Jack Collison is at the forefront of that new crop of talent beginning to blossom under manager Gianfranco Zola. But before the pessimists clear their throats, the midfielder who recently signed a five-year deal is adamant he could not be in a better place.
Collison has every right to a little swagger in his step at the moment. After being picked from Peterborough and Cambridge United youth football to sign trainee forms in 2005, he has progressed smoothly through the levels via reserves captain to first-team regular with barely a hitch. As if he needed further emphasis that he is living a life most 20-year-olds might not even dare to dream, before this interview he was being paid to play a game of FIFA 09 against Hartlepool's Gary Liddle ahead of their FA Cup meeting tomorrow. His enthusiasm for the game is superb and he can still can do it in training. In fact, he is one of the best players we've got. I'm not joking, he could pull a shirt on and play for us now and do himself justice
He lost as it happens (Scott Parker missing his penalty in a shoot-out) but, as Collison pointed out without a hint of irony, lucky it was not real. "In reality, we have a good chance to go through on Saturday," he said confidently. Collison had options to join two other clubs aged 15, but insisted there was no question of going anywhere else once the Hammers moved for him. He made his debut for Alan Curbishley on New Year's Day last year. But while he credits both academy coach Tony Carr and former team-mate and fellow Wales international Craig Bellamy as "big influences", it is the Italian manager who everyone calls simply 'Mister' that he insists has taken his game up a level.
Zola has given Collison one-on-one technical coaching since his arrival at the club in September. "Not bad is it? Classes from one of the most technically gifted players ever to play in this league," he said with a smile. "His enthusiasm for the game is superb and he can still can do it in training. In fact, he is one of the best players we've got. I'm not joking, he could pull a shirt on and play for us now and do himself justice. "Some of the stuff he does makes us look silly. A few of the boys have tried to tackle him or had a go, but he just sidesteps past them."
Such a positive assessment will do no harm to his chances of selection for today's fourth-round tie against Hartlepool. As if to emphasise that they always thought him a prospect, Collison was taken along by Alan Pardew "for experience" when West Ham played in the final in 2006.
He said: "I was 17 and got to have a kickabout in front of all the fans beforehand – it was such a great buzz and experience. But we have an opportunity on Saturday to stick ourselves in the next round and get one step closer to another final."
Collison, uncluttered by the financial considerations that have lengthened faces in the boardroom, sees nothing but brightness in the future and predicts that more will follow him through the ranks from youth to first team. "Junior Stanislas will be the next one," he said. But it is an exciting thought that while Collison bids to emulate his hero Michael Carrick – albeit in his football progression and not that which took him through the exit door – there are already those in the academy set-up talking of emulating him.

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ZOLA'S KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT!
Daily Star
23rd January 2009 By Paul BrownYour Shout ( 0 )

There is a bright new generation of kids coming through at West Ham – even though Gianfranco Zola keeps embarrassing them. Jack Collison, 20, was not even born the last time the Hammers lifted the FA Cup in 1980 – but he faces Hartlepool tomorrow with his eyes on the prize. A Welsh international, he was sad to see experienced friend and mentor Craig Bellamy jump ship for Manchester City this week. But Collison claims there is a fresh crop of talent emerging at Upton Park as the cash-strapped club put their faith in youth. And he reckons that is all down to Zola – who still runs rings around them all in training! Collison said: "His enthusiasm for the game is superb. He still joins in training and he's still so good. He's one of the best players we have got! "I think he could play for us now and do himself justice. Some of the things he does in training makes us look silly, to be honest. "A few of the boys have tried tackling him. It's just a joy to watch him out there. "It's been brilliant working with someone like Zola. He does a lot of individual one-on-one stuff, especially with me. "We've worked on technical aspects of my game, trying to improve things to make me a more complete player. I really appreciate the work he's done with me. "It's not bad is it, working with him? He's one of the most technically gifted players to have played in the Premier League and always will be. "When he is out there, trying to teach us things, you just have to admire the guy."
Bellamy leaving was a big blow to Collison, because the Wales captain had taken him under his wing. But the midfielder claims the future still looks bright in east London because of up-and-coming youngsters like himself, Freddie Sears and James Tomkins. Collison said: "I will miss Craig a lot personally. He has been a massive help to me. "But his departure will also give other people an opportunity to get into the team, young players like Freddie Sears. "There are a lot of young players at West Ham. The next one to look out for is Junior Stanislas."
Meanwhile, Collison yearns to play at Wembley for the Hammers. He travelled there with West Ham in 2006 when they lost on penalties to Liverpool. He said: "We've a great chance on Saturday to get into the next round and go a step closer to the final."

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COLE MINE SAYS ZOLA
Daily Star
23rd January 2009 By Danny FullbrookYour Shout ( 0 )

West Ham have turned down an £8m offer from Spurs for Carlton Cole. That bid came at the start of the January transfer window, but Harry Redknapp is ready to revive his interest after his failure to snap up Craig Bellamy. Tottenham failed in an attempt to sign Cole last summer after they lost Dimitar Berbatov to Manchester United. A number of other clubs also asked about Cole in December, which is why the 25-year-old striker was given a new deal until 2013. Cole has flourished under the guidance of new boss Gianfranco Zola, scoring nine goals this season. He has also reached England manager Fabio Capello's radar, although it is considered 'premature' by the England camp to suggest that he is in line for next month's friendly against Spain. Spurs are desperate to sign new strikers, with Redknapp believed to be ready to use £17m hitman Darren Bent in part-exchange for Cole. A major stumbling block is that West Ham are refusing to do business with their London rivals at the moment, while Zola is in a position to keep the players he wants after want-away Bellamy, 29, was sold for £14m.

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Zola to ban all transfer gossip at West Ham
Belfast Telegraph
Friday, 23 January 2009

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has called for focus ahead of the FA Cup fourth-round trip to Hartlepool as speculation persists over which players will be heading in or out of Upton Park. The Barclays Premier League club have already seen unsettled striker Craig Bellamy make a high-profile move to Manchester City. Just what Zola will do with the reported £14million brought in by the deal has caused much debate. Brescia's Savio Nsereko and Panathinaikos' South Africa defender, and former Coleraine star, Bryce Moon have all been linked with the Irons in the transfer window. But Zola maintains his priority must be to get the best out of his current squad in what is a potentially tricky encounter at Victoria Park on Saturday. "I do not like talking about players from other teams. I want to focus on the players I have got now," said the West Ham boss. "Now, for example, what (David) Di Michele did the other day was fantastic so he deserves my trust and be allowed to continue."
Zola added: "It is still a long season and obviously we want to build up something that can last for as long as possible, so we might consider strengthening the team and if (we need) to replace Bellamy."

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Tottenham To Make Second Carlton Cole Bid - Report
Goal.com

Spurs are ready to improve the £8 million offer West Ham recently rejected as they attempt to snare Carlton Cole. According to a report in British tabloid newspaper the Daily Star, Tottenham Hotspur had an £8 million offer for Carlton Cole turned down by West Ham United at the beginning of January. Apparently, Spurs also tried to bring the former England under-21 international to White Hart Lane in August following the sale of Dimitar Berbatov, but were unsuccessful. It is claimed that Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has identified the 25-year-old as the perfect foil for Jermain Defoe, and could even offer Darren Bent as part of the deal. However, it is alleged that a host of clubs made their interest in the former Chelsea youth-player known in December, which prompted the Hammers to tie him down with a new contract which runs until 2013.
It is unlikely that Irons manager Gianfranco Zola will want to lose his team's top scorer, who has seven Premier League goals this season, especially as they only recently sold Craig Bellamy for £14 million.

Ricky Brooks, Goal.com

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West Ham star Jack Collison puts Zola skills in a Wales shirt
Daily Mail
By Matt Barlow Last updated at 7:50 AM on 23rd January 2009

When Jack Collison chose to play for Wales ahead of England it was all a matter of his family's sporting heritage. Collison may have been born in Watford, raised in southern England and barely visited the Principality before he became an international, but the West Ham starlet is related to a Welsh rugby legend. John Gwilliam was captain of the teams who won the Grand Slam in 1950 and 1952 and Collison's mother Amanda descends from another branch of the Gwilliam family tree. 'You could say it runs in the family a bit,' said the 20-year-old midfielder, who is keen to learn more about Gwilliam. The former No 8 is now 85 and lives in north Wales. 'There's a book about him called The Gwilliam Seasons. I've read bits. I've never met him but my Mum's told me about him. She's Welsh so I wanted to play for Wales.' Amanda's father was also a keen rugby player but the game never tempted Collison. 'A bit rough for me,' he grins. A series of composed displays for West Ham prove he has found the right sport for his talents.
Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola was thinking of sending Collison out on loan until he threw him on to replace Matthew Etherington against Manchester United in October. Three months later, Etherington has been sold to Stoke and Collison is a fixture in the team. The Welsh dragon was already part of his life. Under 21 boss Brian Flynn had been tipped off about Collison's ancestry and made the trip to West Ham's Essex training base to pop the question, 18 months ago. Collison went straight into Flynn's squad and was soon playing in a team who almost stunned England in the European Championship qualification play-off. 'As soon as Flynny came, my mind was made up,' Collison said. 'My Mum was very proud. She's been a massive part of my career. 'My Mum and Dad split when I was quite young and she was on her own at times bringing up me and my brother and sister. 'It must have been hard for her but I think we've all turned out all right.' Collison joined West Ham as a 16-year-old from Cambridge, who were forced to close their Centre of Excellence due to financial problems. The same thing had happened at the age of 12.
He was at Peterborough but they closed down the youth system to save money. A cheap joke about West Ham's own financial problems gets a laugh from Collison, but he has every right to be excited about the future, starting with Saturday's FA Cup tie at Hartlepool, live on TV.

At least his days at Cambridge and Peterborough mean the culture shock of Victoria Park will not be too great. It was Collison's Dad, Ian, who introduced him to football and the magic of Zola, as well as the defensive qualities of West Ham's assistant manager, Steve Clarke. 'My Dad was a Chelsea fan but he's made the switch now,' said Collison. 'I've given him a West Ham shirt. He gets stick off his mates. He's a roofer and I'd probably be working with him if I wasn't a footballer. 'We'd watch Chelsea back when it was John Spencer and Gavin Peacock. A bit later, Zola was there. I even saw Clarkey playing a few times. 'I remember Zola's goal against Norwich (in 2002) when the corner came in and he flicked it in. I watched it over and over again. I was blown away by it. It's one of those goals that will never get old.' 'That' goal by Collison's West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola, then at Chelsea, against Norwich in 2002 acted as a great influence for the young midfielder.
The Zola repertoire is occasionally on show in training and Collison has been refining his skills with the help of his manager's personal tuition.
'He's been brilliant with me,' said Collison. 'He's spent a lot of time working after training on my technique. I'm hoping he's going to teach me a few free-kicks soon. Mostly he's given me confidence to play.' On another trip to Stamford Bridge, to support his friend Junior Stanislas, on loan at Southend from Upton Park, Collison found himself studying the movement of Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack for tips. He analyses his own game closely and was disappointed with his debut, when he came on as a substitute at Arsenal last January. I felt I didn't give a good account of myself,' he said. 'But I feel a lot more settled now, like I'm improving with every game.'
Steven Gerrard is another player he admires, although Collison's slender six-foot frame and poise on the ball will remind West Ham supporters of Michael Carrick, another West Ham Academy graduate. Collison made his full Wales debut in a friendly against Iceland last May. He now has three caps and his rapid progress begs questions about how he escaped the attentions of the England youth set-up. Never mind the next Gerrard, Lampard or Carrick, Collison could be destined to become the next Ryan Giggs, the man who inspired a generation of England fans to wonder what would have happened had he not chosen Wales.

NEXT ON THE WEST HAM PRODUCTION LINE

JAMES TOMKINS
England Under 19 defender (left) who made six West Ham appearances last season, the highlight being a start at Old Trafford. Spent a month on loan at Derby and is back covering for Matt Upson and James Collins.

FREDDIE SEARS
Joined West Ham as an 11-year-old having supported the club growing up. The England Under 19 striker (right) made an instant impact, scoring on his debut against Blackburn last season. Twelve more appearances this campaign.

JUNIOR STANISLAS
Creative midfielder (left) with impressive set-piece skills. Recently recalled from a three-goal loan spell at Southend, where he played on the wing in nine matches, including two FA Cup clashes with Chelsea.

JORDAN SPENCE
Yet to make his West Ham debut, but this promising central defender (right) captained England Under 17s to the quarter-finals of the youth World Cup in 2007, where he scored the winner against Brazil. One appearance on loan to Leyton Orient.

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Is Mr Moon Coming to the Stadium?
West Ham Till I Die

Apologies about the lack of posting - been a busy 24 hours workwise. But to be honest, it all seems to have gone a little quiet on the transfer front. South African defender Bryce Moon seems to be the latest player to be linked with us. He plays for Panathinaikos and would only cost £500,000. I've never heard of him, but the appeal of hearing the words 'Mr Moon is in the stadium' again is irresistible. Not that the current announcer would have the ability to make that joke, as he clearly lacks the affinity to the club that his predecessor Jeremy Nicholas had.

Nigel Quashie has been shipped out to Wolves for the rest of the season. Which is nice.

But the trail for a new striker seems to have gone cold. Nsereko still appears to be a possibility, but as there are only ten days left, someone needs to get a move on.

Getting quite excited about Hartlepool, for some strange reason. I reckon Zola will go with his strongest side.

And finally, as they say in TV lands, if any of you live in Bournemouth and fancy seeing me host the theatre show A NIGHT WITH ANN WIDDECOMBE I will be appearing at the BIC Pavillion tomorrow (Friday) night at 7.30! I thank you.

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Cole unfazed by England call-up claims
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on: 22 January 2009 - 8:32 PM

Carlton Cole insists he will not allow speculation over a possible England call-up stop him from firing West Ham into Europe. The striker grabbed his fifth goal in five games in front of England boss Fabio Capello in the win over Fulham last weekend to take his tally for the season to nine.But Cole, who was recently denied the opportunity to represent Nigeria after playing for the England Under-21s, says he is only concentrating on helping the Hammers continue their quest for UEFA Cup football. "I'm not even thinking about England," said the 25-year-old forward. "In the past I've not done so well but things are coming together and I'm just trying to crack on. I've just got to keep concentrating on trying to do the job well for West Ham and getting us up the league. "Whatever comes with that will come. I've got my own personal target. "It's coming good but it's not going to go to my head. I want more."

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Brescia's Savio To West Ham Imminent
Goal.com

Italian football could be losing another promising star as the Hammers are reportedly close to signing the Rondinelle's attacking midfielder.
Brescia midfielder Savio Nsereko could be leaving Italy and his club according to the latest speculation. The German player failed to show up for training today and many believe that this is the latest sign that he is on his way out of Brescia. Savio has caught the attention of various big clubs following some impressive displays with Brescia during this season in Serie B. After being linked to various big clubs around Europe, it seems that Savio could join West Ham for a fee of €7 million, and according to the latest reports in Italy, the two clubs have already reached an agreement.
No official statement has yet been made, but everything is pointing towards this solution. Savio has been at Brescia since 2005 following his move from Munich 1860 when he was just 15 years old. Since then he has played 21 games for the Rondinelle and scored three goals.

Glenn Debattista, Goal.com

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Italian media says Savio is done deal for Hammers By Steve Turner
Posted on Thursday 22 Jan 2009 11:22:00
www.fansonline.info

According to multiple news sources in Italy, the deal for Brescia's Ugandan attacker Nsereko Savio is all but tied up. Mediagol is reporting that a fee of around £9 million has been struck for the 19 year old, who learned his trade playing in Germany. EVen the president of Brescia, Gino Corioni, is saying the deal is done. The Italian press is rife with quotes that Nani, who worked with the player at Brescia, was looking to tie up a deal within the next few days, having spoken with the players representatives last week. The player, who signed for Brescia aged 16, was also wanted by a whole host of other Italian clubs, including Roma and Genoa. Voted player of the tournament at the Under-19 Euro championship, a £9 million transfer fee seems a bit steep for a player that would appear to be at a comparable level to Freddie Sears rather than a direct replacement for Craid Bellamy.

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West Ham boss Zola fires broadside at 'fortune seeking' Bellamy
By Ken Dyer
Daily Mail
Last updated at 5:53 PM on 22nd January 2009

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola contended he had no choice but to let striker Craig Bellamy seek his 'fortune' at Manchester City. Bellamy signed for cash-rich City earlier this week in a deal worth £14million after refusing to play for West Ham in a Premier League match with Fulham.
Zola said: 'We respect the fact that Craig had to go somewhere else to find his fortune but we want to get on with our lives here and to be successful.'
Zola also denied reported claims by the Wales international striker that he wanted to stay at Upton Park. 'I don't think he wanted to stay,' said the West Ham manager. 'We are not going to send players away who want to stay.' Zola, who once turned down a lucrative offer from Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich to return to Stamford Bridge after going back to his native Sardinia, also praised Brazilian star Kaka for staying at Italian giants AC Milan rather than moving to City in a £100m deal. Zola added: 'Kaka proved that values are more important than money and I would also like to think that is the case.

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Mario Balotelli: West Ham Lead Chase for Frustrated Inter Wonderkid
West Ham are reportedly leading a host of Premier League clubs in the chase for the newest sensation in Italian football, the 18-year-old Inter striker Mario Balotelli.

The youngster of Ghanaian descent was born in Palermo and broke into Serie C1 side Lurnezzane at the tender age of 15. He made 2 League appearances for the club until some of the biggest clubs in Europe moved in for him such as Manchester United, Barcelona and Fiorentina. However, it was Milan giants Inter that won his much sought after signature. However, after falling out with Jose Mourinho over a lack of first team football the teenager may well leave the San Siro either on loan or permanently which has alerted a number of English clubs.

The striker was signed on a 3-year deal which is the longest contract a youth team player can have in Italy. Balotelli made his first team debut for Inter in December 2007 as a last minute substitute. However, just 3 days later he scored 2 goals on his full debut in the Coppa Italia. He's since scored 9 goals in just 27 games for his club (17 starts). The youngster won the Serie A title last season and played the full 90 minutes of the Copa Italia final defeat to Roma. This season Balotelli has played 12 times for new manager Jose Mourinho but only scored once (6 starts) and is continually being linked to a move to the Premier League with Chelsea eager to sign a forward to compete with the likes of Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka for a starting berth. He has not featured in Serie A since December 20th as he falls further down the Inter pecking order.

Despite his tender years the striker has openly spoken of his disappointment of not playing more games this season and his desire to leave the club. However, Inter and Italian legend Alessandro Altobelli has urged the youngster to stay at the club. Balotelli is young and has great qualities, but he has to show them," Altobelli told Tuttomercatoweb.com. "I think Mourinho is managing him well and he has to stay on. One game at Inter is worth 10 with another team for the striker. "Perhaps some mistakes have been made, but he should stay."

The starlet has stated his ambition to play for Italy and has rejected the overtures from Ghana's national team. Due to the fact his adoption was never finalised as a child he was not able to gain Italian citizenship until August which meant he missed out on playing for the Italians at youth level. However, he soon was called into Pierluigi Casiraghi's U21 squad and scored twice in their 3-1 Euro qualifying win over Israel on Wednesday to seal their qualification to the finals in Sweden next summer.

Balotelli is already renowned as one of the most exciting young talents in European football and was tipped to act as a makeweight in the Italian side's chase for Frank Lampard last summer. At 6 ft 2 and in the Micah Richards mould in terms of physique he would have the physical attributes to succeed in England. His future has been the subject of much speculation after he reportedly asked for assurances that he would be guaranteed first team football despite being 18 and playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world so he's not low on confidence.

Balotelli signed a new contract until 2011 in the summer but speculation still remains concerning his long-term future. Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs and Everton have all reportedly been watching the youngster in view to bringing him to England whilst he would be a useful signing for a number of clubs including Aston Villa and Newcastle who are looking to bring in more physical strength to their forward line. It's reported that the youngster is available for loan so wouldn't be much of a gamble. However, West Ham's Italian connections may hold the key to a deal that sees 'Super Mario' move to Upton Park.

Whether he stays or goes, expect to hear a whole lot more about Mario Balotelli for many years.

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