Thursday, February 5

Daily WHUFC News - II 5th February 2009

Savio hungry for more
WHUFC.com
With two appearances under his belt, Savio is relishing the prospect of taking on the champions on Sunday
05.02.2009

Savio has settled quickly into life at West Ham United and is relishing the prospect of this Sunday's visit of Manchester United.

The Germany Under-20 star has made two substitute appearances for the club since his move from Brescia Calcio last month. Having been able to appear in the impressive 2-0 home win against Hull City and the professional goalless draw at Arsenal, Savio is understandably eager for more.

"I was very excited about being able to get on against Hull, where we won the match in a magnificent way, and then against Arsenal, where again we played a very good game and the team did a very good job."

In particular, coming on in last weekend's run-out at the Emirates with the match finely poised could have fazed Savio but he said Gianfranco Zola had given him confidence. With the crowd singing his name again, the forward entered the fray with 20 minutes to go and was a lively presence.

"He just said go on and show what you can do - the rest of the players also helped me a lot and it was easy for me to get involved straight away. Everyone has been helping me since I arrived, the manager, players and staff have helped me settle in straight away and that has been very good for me.

"I am looking forward to the next match against Manchester United and if I can play a part in this that will be good also."

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Pair receive international calls
WHUFC.com
Valon Behrami and Radoslav Kovac have been called-up by Switzerland the Czech Republic respectively
05.02.2009

Two more West Ham United players have been called up to represent their countries in next week's round of international matches. Midfielders Valon Behrami and Radoslav Kovac have been named in the Switzerland and Czech Republic squads for their respective friendlies against Bulgaria and Morocco. Behrami, who has been in superb form for the Hammers since arriving from Italian club Lazio last summer, will be hoping to win his 25th cap when the Swiss host the Bulgarians in Basel on Wednesday evening. The 23-year-old, who has scored two goals for his country, is one of three English-based players in Ottmar Hitzfeld's 20-man squad.
Kovac, who arrived at the Boleyn Ground on loan until the end of the season from Spartak Moscow last week, will hope to earn his 29th cap for the Czechs when they face Morocco in Casablanca on the same evening. Behrami and Kovac join James Collins and Jack Collison, both of whom have been named in the Wales squad for Wednesday's friendly with Poland in the Spanish city of Malaga. Captain Lucas Neill is in the Australia squad for their 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Japan in Yokohama on the same date. England head coach Fabio Capello will name his squad for next week's friendly against Spain in Seville on Saturday.

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No move for ex-Chelsea star
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 4th February 2009
By: Staff Writer

Gianluca Nani has confirmed that West Ham will not be offering a contract to Italian midifelder Sam Dalla Bona. The 28-year-old former Chelsea player indicated earlier in the week that he would like the chance to join the Hammers after he was linked with a transfer deadline day move to London. However Dalla Bona's chances of landing a return to the Premier League evaporated tonight after Nani told Radio Kiss Kiss: "there is no chance that Dalla Bona could come to play for West Ham. "He is not a part of our plans. I am sorry to spoil his dream, but he could only come here to train with us."
Dalla Bona, who saw his contract with Napoli terminated by consent last month has been on the lookout for a new club since. He spoke favourable of the Hammers last week, telling reporters: "I have spoken to [Gianfranco] Zola and hope to return to London. I await his response." West Ham were linked with a deadline day move for the former Milan midfielder but that failed to materialise.

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Green - Savio still young
Hammers keeper urges patience with new boy
By James Dall Last updated: 5th February 2009
SSN

West Ham United goalkeeper Robert Green has called for patience over new signing Savio. Teenage striker Savio joined the Hammers from Brescia in the winter transfer window for a reported club record fee of £9million. Savio has made two appearances from the substitutes' bench for Gianfranco Zola's side since the switch, and has yet to open his goalscoring account. Green said in the Daily Star: "I'm sure it's a bit different from Brescia. "I'm sure he knows he's got a lot to learn, but he's very young and I think he knows he's not the finished product just yet."

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Nani scuppers Dalla Bona West Ham move
Thursday, 5 February 2009
Independent.co.uk

West Ham sporting director Gianluca Nani insists the Barclays Premier League side are not interested in signing Samuele Dalla Bona. The Italian midfielder, who spent four years at Chelsea before joining AC Milan in 2002, offered his services to West Ham having recently cut short his contract with Napoli. Dalla Bona revealed yesterday he had spoken to West Ham coach, and close personal friend, Gianfranco Zola with a view to returning to London, and was awaiting a reply.
However, the 27-year-old's hopes appear to have been dashed. "I'm sorry to disappoint Dalla Bona's dreams, but there is no chance he can play for us," Nani told Radio Kiss Kiss. "It's true that the player has asked to train with West Ham but we still have to give him a response. "Technically he doesn't enter into our plans and anyway we can't even sign him until July. "If he came to London, it would only be to continue to train."
Dalla Bona, who joined Napoli from Sampdoria in the summer of 2006, has failed to make a single appearance this season and rescinded his contract with the club earlier this week.

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View From The Opposition : Manchester United
One McAvennieeeeee - Wed Feb 4 2009
West Ham Online

After the success of last weeks one, it just so happens I know a Manc so thought I would give it another go.

We welcome the FIFA club world champions to The Boleyn this weekend and with the Premiership theirs to lose, plus 3 cup competitions still available people are beginning to think is the Quintruple a possibility?

John Simpson a Man Utd Home and Away season ticket holder kindly answered our questions.

What are your thoughts on the season so far?

We are playing some of the best football I've seen and we are Top of the league, in a cup final, world club champions, and still in with a massive shout for FA cup and Champions league. So yeah I'm quite happy.

Expectations for the rest of this year?

Expectations or what I think is possible? I expect to stuff spurs in the Carling cup final and hopefully the wind will change at the final whistle and the saggy faced twitch merchant's face will stay like that. I also expect to win the Premiership – I think the FA cup and Champions League is possible but I won't be putting my house on it.

Tevez wasn't getting much of a look in while Shrek was fit – what is your view of the West Ham Boy?

I love him, every United fan I speak to loves him, his effort alone is something that is much appreciated. With so many games coming up for us even with Rooney fit I think Carlos has a massive part to play in our season. I just hope we het to keep him next year.


Does it embarrass you, not matter how many fans Old Trafford holds it is still a poor atmosphere?

I think that is harsh, yes we have a lot of day trippers and a lot of foreigners that doesn't help with the atmosphere but on European nights it excellent. But I guess you wouldn't know about that would you?


What player don't you think deserves his place in your starting line up?

We have a great squad and have to respect that some players that start some games wouldn't start others. We have a few players coming to the end of their career (Giggs, Ginge, Steptoe) but all still do a great job. If I was going to single out one player that I wouldn't have it would be Beratov. Not because he isn't good, he clearly is, but he is very lazy.

Player to look out for?

All of them – Except Tevez, Carrick and Rio. They never seem to play to their best when up against you for some reason.

Do you prefer London games as you get home quicker after the match?

HA HA – It is a Myth that people from Manchester don't support United, The majority of our Old Trafford support comes from Manchester, the only reason we get this label is because we are so well supported around the world which you'd expect of such a great club.

Where do you live?

Chigwell, Essex – but that doesn't mean my previous answer is incorrect.

West Ham could be called a bit of a Bogey Team for you – do you have any special message for Ludek Miklosko?

All smaller teams put in more of an effort when they play us, it just so happened that on that day it cost us the league. Miklosko will never be forgiven, nor I would imagine he'd expect to be.


What do you make of WHU this year?

I felt sorry for Curbishley as I didn't think he really did much wrong and I'll have to admit I thought the appointment of Zola was a mistake, but fair play to him he really has done well. With his and Steve Clarke at the helm they seem to have you playing some good stuff. Unbeaten in 9 games? Who would have thunk it?

Your view of West Ham fans?

Proper fans. By that I mean they turn up in numbers home and away and always vocally support the team – usually comical as well with their chants. The thing that separates them from a lot of fans is their self deprecating humour and realistic attitude.

If you could choose 1 player from our squad who would it be?

Carlton Cole....... Only Joking. Robert Green – How he isn't in the England set up regularly is beyond me.


What is your favourite animal/rude word combination?
Camel Jizzum

Favourite tree – and how far would you go to show your affection for that tree?
Japanese Cherry Tree – I'd bone it

Match prediction?
0-3


What is your response to people that will call you a number of insulting names because of your replies to these questions?

I'm sure i've been called worse – at least I know that banned bloke won't be able to say anything.

If you were Ruler of the World and Aliens invaded a kidnapped all our crisps and penny sweets and you only had enough money for the ransom of one of each what would you save?

Salt and Vinegar Discos and Black Jacks.

Thanks again to John for answering these questions

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West Ham Fend Off Liverpool Interest To Complete Herita Ilunga Signing
The former Saint-Etienne defender is set for a prolonged stay at Upton Park...
Goal.com

According to a report in British tabloid newspaper The Sun, left-back Herita Ilunga is set to extend his stay with east London-based outfit West Ham United.
It is reported that Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez had been impressed with the full-back's performances since joining the Hammers on loan from Toulouse at the beginning of the season; however, the Irons appear to have persuaded the former Espanyol and Saint-Etienne defender to stay at Upton Park. Apparently, West Ham will pay le Tefece €2.25 million (£2m) to complete the transfer on a permanent basis, with the 26-year-old poised to sign a four-year contract.
Scott Duxburry, the Hammers' CEO, told the club's official website, "[West Ham have] exercised the option to keep Herita Ilunga at the club [on a] long-term [basis]. We are very happy with the business we have done." Manager Gianfranco Zola is quoted by The Sun as having said, "We really wanted to keep Ilunga; he has done fantastically well." The 26-year-old has played in 21 of West Ham's 24 Premier League fixtures this season, in addition to two FA Cup appearances.

Ricky Brooks, Goal.com

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Arshavin's move to Arsenal shows that transfer window is broken
Long-winded Arshavin transfer saga may not be over yet if one of Arsenal's rivals miss out on a Champions League place
Guardian.co.uk

Calling Lord Griffiths. On second thoughts, perhaps not. His Lordship has already done enough damage in his role as the head of an FA arbitration hearing into the Carlos Tevez affair that found that West Ham would have been relegated at the end of 2006-07 season instead of Sheffield United if the Argentine had never been allowed to sign for the London club.

Goodness only knows what the Nostradamus of the Inns of Court would have to say if Arsenal, having completed the signing of Andrei Arshavin from Zenit St Petersburg a full 24 hours after the end of the January transfer window, now go on to edge out Aston Villa or Chelsea for a place in the Champions League. Quite a lot, one would speculate without too much concern about losing the deeds to the family bungalow. Remarkably - at least it would be to those of us who have never placed much faith in the judgement of our ermine-clad "betters" - he might well have a point.

"Substantively the deal was done before the deadline. It was lodged with us prior to the transfer window closing and we were satisfied that the deal was done in time," a Premier League spokesman said when pressed to explain why the transfer was allowed to proceed at such a late stage.

You would expect a journalist to make the case that words are important but on a day when the Premier League signed a new television deal worth more than £1bn, you would expect a Premier League spokesman to know better than anyone the value of words. I have no reason to know, but I have reasonable cause to imagine the spokesman concerned might wish he had measured his words, or at least one of his words, more carefully.

"Substantively" is uncomfortable, vague concept in an area where we have long been given to understand that only definitive will suffice. To suggest otherwise is it invite some uncomfortable questions, such as - when is a transfer deadline not a transfer deadline? Is it when the club and the player involved are so high-profile that a collapse of any deal would be substantively embarrassing for all of those involved, the Premier League included?

Such a suggestion will cause deep offence to some and send others scurrying through the records for past instances of transfers being approved after the deadline had passed. Indeed two were offered up last night - that of Benjani Mwaruwari from Portsmouth to Manchester City last year and the swap deal involving Ashley Cole and William Gallas in 2006. Both of these deals were indeed announced after the deadline passed but a subsequent examination of paperwork revealed they had been satisfactorily completed in time. With Zenit apparently failing to submit the necessary paperwork by the 5pm deadline on Monday and officials confirming there was a "slight issue" with documents submitted by Arsenal to the FA, the same cannot be said about the Arshavin deal. The inclement weather can hardly be cited as an excuse, either. The two clubs had been haggling over this deal for almost the entire duration of the window.

To the layperson all of this might seem more like nit-picking than evidence of anything sinister but it safe to assume that a highly paid barrister acting on behalf of, say, Aston Villa would not be inclined towards such a benevolent conclusion. There is a broader point to be made here about the madness of having a transfer window in the first place, but it has been made endless times over the years that it is hardly worth airing again.

Fifa, which made this ridiculous concept compulsory back in the 2002-2003 season, have a long and undistinguished record of not giving a damn what anyone else thinks, apparently believing that they know better than anyone else what is in the best interests of football. A messy, protracted court case involving the richest league in the world, a gaggle of expensive lawyers and a guest appearance from our favourite footballing soothsayer Lord Griffiths might shake them out of this deluded assumption.

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It will be no walk in the Park for Kovac at West Ham
8:00am Thursday 5th February 2009
Guardian Series

WEST HAM's latest signing Radoslav Kovac will go head-to-head with Scott Parker for the right to play alongside Mark Noble at the heart of the team's midfield, according to assistant manager Steve Clarke. The Czech international joined the Hammers last week on loan until the end of the season from Russian side Spartak Moscow, and brings with him a wealth of experience from his country's World Cup 2006 and European Championships 2008 campaigns. The 29-year-old has been brought in to bolster Gianfranco Zola's midfield options, as well as provide cover at centre-half, where he is also adept at playing. However, it is Parker's place that is most under threat from the new man, as Clarke revealed that Kovac's best position is to play as the team's midfield marshal, protecting the back four. After a sluggish start to the season, Parker has upped his game considerably, and was a vital cog in the well-oiled defensive machine that shut down Arsenal's attack on Saturday. And Clarke insisted that Kovac will have his work cut out if he is to displace the former Chelsea charge when he regains match fitness, as his arrival has coincided with the Russian off-season. "He is a good signing for us because he can play in the midfield where we are a little bit short just now," Clarke said after watching the team earn an impressive 0-0 draw at the Emirates. "He can also play at the back. He is an experienced player, a Czech Republic international, who passes the ball well, which we like. "He is not a forward going player, he is more defensive, but he gives us good balance to the squad, and we have lost a few players in the window, so it is nice to bring one in. "Ideally he is a central midfield player just sitting in front shielding the defence, but he has to get past Scottie Parker first. "He knows he is coming into a team that is doing very well, so he will have to be patient and wait for his chance."
Meanwhile, the Hammers' only permanent signing of the January window Savio Nsereko got his second taste of Premier League action, as he looked lively during a 20-minute cameo against Arsenal. The 19-year-old forward received a rousing reception from the Irons' faithful when he made his debut, a late substitution appearance, during the 2-0 win over Hull City last Wednesday.

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Behrami: Hammers team spirit is our secret weapon
8:00am Thursday 5th February 2009
Guardian Series

HAMMERS midfielder Valon Behrami insists the secret behind the side's impressive recent run of results is nothing more than good, old-fashioned team spirit. West Ham took their unbeaten sequence to eight games with arguably their most notable scoreline, a goalless draw against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Despite the off-field dramas – there has seen growing speculation about the club's financial position circulating the air waves, as well as five players leaving Upton Park for pastures new this month – the team have blossomed in the face of adversity. Goals have started to flow from the boots of resurgent pair Carlton Cole and David Di Michele, while the back four of Lucas Neill, Matthew Upson, James Collins and Herita Ilunga are developing into a resolute unit. Gianfranco Zola has encouraged his players to play with smiles on their faces since his arrival in October last year. And Behrami admits it is that enjoyment factor which has seen the team escape the throes of a relegation battle and put themselves in contention for a UEFA Cup place, with the team currently occupying eighth place in the table.
"We are a good team. When we work all together we are a good team and I think the most important thing is our team spirit," said the Switzerland international after the team's 0-0 draw with Arsenal. "Every single player is fighting together to do better every day so our secret is our team spirit. "During the negative moments, when we lost four games in a row, the manager was always saying positive things to the team, every time he would laugh with the team, so when we go to the training ground you enjoy working hard. The spirit is stronger than before and I think that is his secret."
That approach has paid dividends for Behrami in particular, as the 23-year-old has been the embodiment of hard graft in a West Ham shirt. Despite arriving in East London with a reputation as a 'pretty boy', the midfielder's refusal to shirk a tackle and his tireless displays have seen him become an instant hit with the fans.

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United hold no fear for in-form Irons, says Behrami
East London Advertiser
05 February 2009
By JONATHAN CLEGG

Valon Behrami believes West Ham can continue their stunning form against the Premier League's big four when champions Manchester United visit Upton Park on Sunday. The Hammers extended their unbeaten run to eight matches with a battling goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium last weekend and the club have now picked up points at Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal this season. Leaders United will present a daunting challenge as Sir Alex Ferguson's side enter this weekend's meeting on a seven-game winning streak. But Behrami is confident the Hammers are capable of shocking the title favourites and improving on their defiant display against the Gunners. He said: "United are a very big team, but we are at home in front of our supporters and we will try all together to get a good result.
"We know it's going to be very tough but we are confident for every game. Not too much because then you can make a lot of mistakes. "But we are a good team. It was a good result [at Arsenal] but we know we can play better, we can keep the ball better and we are at home, so we will try to do better than [last weekend]."
The 23-year-old has been instrumental in West Ham's recent run and his energetic performances have established the midfielder as a firm favourite with Hammers fans. Yet Behrami insists that manager Gianfranco Zola deserves the credit for the club's success, adding that the Italian's positive attitude has helped foster a powerful bond at the club. "Every single player is fighting together to do better every day and our secret is our team spirit," he said. "During the negative moments, when we lost four games in a row, the manager was always saying positive things to the team. [Now] the spirit is stronger than before."
West Ham's unbeaten streak has taken the club to eighth in the table and the Hammers are just four points adrift of the league's top-six. But Behrami is adamant that it is too early to think about challenging for European qualification. "We shouldn't worry about looking at the table now," he said. "We have to work hard and at the end of the season, hopefully we will have a chance to get into Europe. "But it's too early to talk about it now - we have to carry on doing what we're doing and try to do better each day.

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Daily WHUFC News - 5th February 2009

Kovac trains
WHUFC.com
Radoslav Kovac was in the thick of the action on his first full day of
training with his new team-mates
05.02.2009

There is a fresh face on the Chadwell Heath training pitches this week with
Radoslav Kovac settling into life at West Ham United.

The new No14 took part in a lively session that underlined the mood in the
camp after eight games unbeaten and the prospect of the champions Manchester
United to come on Sunday. In freezing conditions and with snow covering much
of the ground, the squad worked hard under the watchful eye of fitness coach
Antonio Pintus, before tactical training with Gianfranco Zola, Steve Clarke
and Kevin Keen.

Having just left Spartak Moscow, where he was captain, Kovac was well used
to the chilly conditions. Among those also joining the regular first-teamers
were Academy graduates Bondz N'Gala, Junior Stanislas and Zavon Hines, all
eager to follow the likes of Mark Noble, Jack Collison, James Tomkins and
Freddie Sears in catching the manager's eye.

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Capello: secret pie and mash fan?
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 4th February 2009
By: Staff Writer

England manager Fabio Capello has watched West Ham United more than any
other club bar Chelsea this season. The national coach, who will name his
squad for the forthcoming friendly with Spain later this week has seen the
Hammers live on no less than seven occasions since the 2008/09 season kicked
off back in August last year, just once less than he has watched the West
London side.

Arsenal (6 times), Man Utd (5), Tottenham (5) and Fulham (5) are the other
clubs most watched by Capello this season - whilst West Brom, Stoke,
Sunderland, Hull and - rather surprisingly - Everton are yet to count the
Italian coach amongst their number at all this term.

United's England hopefuls for the Spanish friendly - which takes place in
Seville a week today - include Matthew Upson, Scott Parker and Robert Green,
all of whom have been selected previously by Capello plus Carlton Cole, who
has been in prolific form of late with five goals in his last six league
games.

On his five visits to the Boleyn Ground this season Capello has proved to be
something of a lucky charm for West Ham, as he has seen Gianfranco Zola's
side lose just the once; the 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa last December.

The other home matches he has taken in so far this season were the games
against Wigan (2-1), Newcastle (3-1), Portsmouth (0-0) and Fulham (3-1).
Away from home Capello has seen United face Man City (0-3) and Fulham (2-0).

With all that in mind, don't be surprised to see the England boss at the
Boleyn again this weekend, when West Ham take on the other United from
Manchester.

The Italian job, part one: Fabio's favourite grounds

1. Boleyn Ground: 5 visits
1. Stamford Bridge: 5 visits
3. Ashburton Grove: 4 visits
3. Craven Cottage: 4 visits
5. JJB Stadium: 3 visits

The Italian job, part two: Fabio's Premier League appearances

August 2008
West Ham United v Wigan Athletic
Chelsea v Portsmouth
Fulham v Arsenal
Wigan Athletic v Chelsea
Manchester City v West Ham United
Portsmouth v Manchester United
Arsenal v Newcastle United
Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur

September
West Ham United v Newcastle United
Chelsea v Manchester United
Fulham v West Ham United
Portsmouth v Tottenham Hotspur

October
Wigan Athletic v Middlesbrough
Blackburn Rovers v Manchester United
Chelsea v Aston Villa
Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur

November
Bolton Wanderers v Manchester City
Arsenal v Manchester United
Fulham v Newcastle United
Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool
West Ham United v Portsmouth
Chelsea v Arsenal

December
Fulham v Manchester City
West Ham United v Aston Villa

January 2009
Arsenal v Bolton Wanderers
Wigan Athletic v Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester United v Chelsea
Blackburn Rovers v Newcastle United
West Ham United v Fulham
Aston Villa v Wigan Athletic

February
Liverpool v Chelsea

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Hammers snub Dalla Bona
Nani rules out Dalla Bona deal
By Nadia Carminati Last updated: 4th February 2009
SSN

West Ham sporting director Gianluca Nani has said the club have no interest
in signing Samuele Dalla Bona. The news comes after the 27-year-old was
linked with a move to Upton Park where he had hoped to reunite with former
Chelsea recruit Gianfranco Zola. Dalla Bona, who is now out of contract
after annulling his deal with Napoli, had hoped to secure a move to the
Premier League after figuring in training exercises with the London club.
Nani, though, says the Hammers have all the players they need and that the
Italian midfielder does not figure in the club's plans going forward. "It is
true that Dalla Bona asked if he could train with us but we have not offered
him a contract with the club," said Nani. "From a technical point of view -
he doesn't enter into our plans. "If he remains in London it will only be to
continue training with us," he added.

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Herita is in for Longer
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: Today

WEST HAM'S Herita Ilunga has snubbed Liverpool to sign a four-year contract
at Upton Park. The Hammers will pay Toulouse £2million when the Congo
left-back's loan runs out in May. Ilunga's impressive performances had
alerted Kop boss Rafa Benitez. But West Ham chief Gianfranco Zola said: "We
really wanted to keep Ilunga. He has done fantastically well." Matthew
Upson, keeper Robert Green and Scott Parker are also expected to sign new
contracts. And former Chelsea midfielder Sam Dalla Bona, 27, revealed he has
spoken to Zola about a deal after quitting Napoli.

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Waiting For A Chance
Just Like My Dreams

West Ham United's new signing Radoslav Kovac may have to wait for his chance
to break into the Hammers' starting line-up, but assistant boss Steve Clarke
is convinced that he will be a good addition for the club. The 29-year-old
Czech Republic international signed on a loan deal to the end of the season
with a view to a permanent transfer, and the former Chelsea coach insisted
that Kovac is just what they were looking for. "He is a good signing for us
because he can play in the midfield where we are a little bit short just
now," Clarke told the Newham Recorder. "He can also play at the back and he
is a very experienced player, a Czech Republic international, who passes the
ball well, which is the way we like to play."

Kovac is a statuesque six foot plus midfielder with experience of playing
for his country at the 2006 World Cup and the 2008 European Championships.
He has also made 14 Champions League appearances for his parent club Spartak
Moscow. "He is not a forward-going player, he is more defensive, but he
gives us good balance to the squad, and we have lost a few players in the
window, so it is nice to bring one in," said Clarke.

The midfielder will have to work on his match fitness however. The Russian
league has reached its close season and Kovac has not played since before
Christmas. "It has been the close season in Russia, so we will have a look
at him this week and assess him, but I'm sure it won't take him long,"
explained Clarke. "I haven't seen him in training, but I saw him the day he
signed and he looks in good shape physically."

The player himself was keen to experience the Premier League. "I was happy
in Moscow, but England is a new call," said Kovac. "I will be 30 soon and
after four years in Russia, I want to revive my career and there is nothing
better than the Premier League. Moreover, West Ham are a famous club, they
are playing at the top of the table, competing for a place in Europe."

So where is Kovac likely to fit into the team? "Ideally he is a central
midfield player just sitting in front shielding the defence, but he has to
get past Scottie Parker first," insisted the assistant manager. "He knows he
is coming into a team that is doing very well, so he will have to be patient
and wait for his chance."

West Ham will hope that he fits in as well as the Hammers' other new
signing. Savio played only a few minutes against Hull City last Wednesday,
but came on for 20 minutes at the Emirates and showed some useful touches to
suggest that he could make an impression at Upton Park. "He's settled in
okay," said Clarke. "I think you can see he is not the tallest or the
biggest, so he will find the intensity and power of the Premier League a bit
of a shock. But I thought when he came on he was bright and lively, good on
the ball and showed he is not afraid as he got stuck into a few tackles - he
will be okay for us."

While Gianfranco Zola and Clarke run the rule over the new recruits, Alan
Curbishley has been expressing his reservations about the dwindling squad
number at Upton Park. The Hammers held on to most of their top stars despite
constant speculation that the current financial climate would force
big-money sales, but the wage bill was still heavily reduced, with nine
members of the first-team squad leaving. Craig Bellamy, Matthew Etherington
and Hayden Mullins were sold for a total of £17million, while Lee Bowyer,
Julien Faubert, Calum Davenport, Nigel Quashie, Kyel Reid and Jimmy Walker
have been loaned out.

Curbishley, who quit the club earlier in the season after disputing player
sales, believes West Ham may regret allowing so many players to leave Upton
Park in the January transfer window if they suffer injuries. Speaking to Sky
Sports News, he said: "I don't think they could have let any more players
go. Quite a lot of the fringe players have left and I think it's left them a
little bit short. They seem to be having the luck I never had regarding
injuries, they have a settled side and they are playing well. But a few
injuries here and there can change all that."

Chief executive Scott Duxbury revealed the Hammers had been hoping to add
more players to the squad before Monday's deadline. Panathinaikos defender
Bryce Moon and Dinamo Bucharest's Sergiu Homei were both linked with moves
to Upton Park, but Duxbury revealed: "We'd been looking at a couple of the
manager's targets but a deal couldn't be concluded."

With regards to Homei, there appears to be a sense of unfinished business.
Reports emerging on the continent yesterday suggested the problem surrounds
the issue of a work permit, with the player having already signed the
relevant paperwork. It would have been a loan deal with a view to a
permanent transfer in the summer for a fee just under £1million and there is
still hope the deal can be revisited.

Elsewhere, the Mail reports tonight Sam Dalla Bona has failed in a bid to
revive his career at West Ham, who have said they are not interested in
signing him. The article states that the 27-year-old former Chelsea
midfielder is without a club after being released by Napoli but had hoped
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola would give him a trial.

Dalla Bona - who made 55 appearances for Chelsea between 1999 and 2002 - was
approached by Serie B side Triestina on transfer deadline day, but was known
to favour a return to the Premier League. Only yesterday the player
confirmed that he had discussed the possibility of linking up with Zola. "In
the last hours of the transfer window, Triestina did approach me, but I have
another idea in mind," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "I spoke with Zola and
I asked him about the possibility of training with West Ham because free
agents have until March to find a new club. Zola told me he will ask the
officials. I wait for an answer."

Posted by Trilby at 17:31

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No West Ham interest in Dalla Bona
05.02.09 | Andrew Slevison

West Ham have no interest in signing Sam Dalla Bona according to the club's
sporting directory Gianluca Nani. Dalla Bona is currently out of contract
with Napoli and it was rumoured he may land at Upton Park but it seems that
is now unlikely to happen. The 27-year old former Chelsea man has been
training with the Hammers but Nani said if he remains in London it will only
be for training. "It is true that Dalla Bona asked if he could train with us
but we have not offered him a contract with the club," said Nani. "From a
technical point of view - he doesn't enter into our plans. "If he remains in
London it will only be to continue training with us," he added.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dalla Bona fails in a bid to revive his career at West Ham
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 1:40 AM on 05th February 2009
Daily Mail

Sam Dalla Bona has failed in a bid to revive his career at West Ham, who
have said they are not interested in signing him. The 27-year-old former
Chelsea midfielder is without a club after being released by Napoli but had
hoped West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola would give him a trial. Dalla Bona - who
made 55 appearances for Chelsea between 1999 and 2002 - was approached by
Serie B side Triestina on transfer deadline day, but was known to favour a
return to the Premier League.

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Globetrotter Savio is on a path to the top
East London Advertiser
04 February 2009
By JONATHAN CLEGG

Savio Nsereko is still just a teenager, yet his arrival at West Ham marks
the latest step in an epic journey that has taken in four countries in two
different continents. The 19-year-old's route to Upton Park began in Uganda,
taking in stops in Germany and Italy and culminating in his switch to the
Hammers last week for a fee that could rise to £9m. It is a modern-day
odyssey and West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is in no doubt that the forward's
travels have set him on the path to the pinnacle of world football. "He's a
strong boy and he's mature because he has seen a lot," Zola says. "He's got
great potential - he can become a really top player. Because of where he has
come from, he's very adaptable and he's very willing to learn."
Savio has had to adapt from an early age. As a two-year-old, his family left
Uganda for Germany, where Savio's raw skills were first spotted by scouts
from 1860 Munich. The youngster spent seven years at the club, progressing
through the youth set-up and generating rave reviews among the coaching
staff. But the buzz surrounding the 15-year-old drew him to the attention of
Gianluca Nani, then Brescia's technical director, and soon Savio was on the
move again. He signed for the Serie B club in the summer of 2005, aged 16,
but struggled to settle during his early months in Italy after leaving his
family behind in Munich. "When I went to Bresica, my family remained in
Germany and at the beginning, it was a bit [difficult] because I was alone
and very young," Savio says. "But Brescia was like a family and after some
time I felt very good there."
As Savio began to feel more comfortable in Italy, so his talent began to
emerge. The forward made his first-team bow as a 16-year-old and gained a
regular starting berth a year later. But suitably for the globe-trotting
teenager, it was in another new country that Savio cemented his reputation
as a future star. At the European Under-19 championships in the Czech
Republic last year, Savio starred as Germany lifted the title, earning
plaudits as the tournament's most outstanding player from UEFA technical
observer Roy Millar. "He can go inside on his right foot to make you a goal,
or can go wide left and get in behind defenders," Millar says. "For me, he
was the best player in the tournament."
Savio's stellar displays convinced Nani to sign the forward for a second
time and the Italian finalised his switch to Upton Park last week. As Savio
settles into life in a different country for the fourth time, West Ham will
hope his career maintains its current course to the top.

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Clarke praise for West Ham's window shopping
East London Advertiser
04 February 2009
By JONATHAN CLEGG

West Ham assistant boss Steve Clarke believes the club's dealings in the
January transfer window have strengthened the squad as the Hammers bid to
achieve European qualification in the final months of the season. The club
completed their second major signing of the window last week as Czech
international Radoslav Kovac moved to Upton Park on a six-month loan from
Spartak Moscow. Promising teenager Savio Nsereko also joined the club in a
possible record deal, while Craig Bellamy's £14m switch to Manchester City
was the only significant departure. And Clarke believes the double additions
of Kovac and Savio will improve the in-form Hammers, who are challenging for
Europe after extending their unbeaten record to eight matches with a
goalless draw at Arsenal last weekend. "Kovac is a good signing for us
because he can play in the midfield, he can play at the back [and] he is an
experienced player, a Czech Republic international, who passes the ball
well," Clarke said. "He is not a forward going player, he is more defensive,
but he gives us good balance to the squad. "Savio has settled in okay - I
thought when he came on [at Arsenal] he was bright and lively, good on the
ball and showed he is not afraid and got stuck into a few tackles. "From
where we were in October, to where we are now, there has been a significant
progress at the club. "I think you can see now that we have a team which
knows what they are doing and is working hard for each other, and you get
your rewards."
The Hammers failed to land a pair of deadline-day targets after the club was
unable to agree personal terms with Panathinaikos defender Bryce Moon or
Dinamo Bucharest full-back Sergiu Homei, but promising goalkeeper Peter
Kurucz has joined the club on loan from Ujpest FC, according to the
Hungarian club. West Ham have also decided to take up the option to sign
defender Herita Ilunga to a long-term contract when his loan from Toulouse
expires at the end of the season.

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Ilunga resists Liverpool interest to commit to West Ham
05.02.09 | tribalfootball.com

Herita Ilunga is committing his long-term future to West Ham United. The Sun
says Ilunga has snubbed Liverpool to sign a four-year contract at Upton
Park. The Hammers will pay Toulouse £2million when the DR Congo left-back's
loan runs out in May. Ilunga's impressive performances had alerted Kop boss
Rafa Benitez.
But West Ham chief Gianfranco Zola said: "We really wanted to keep Ilunga.
He has done fantastically well."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gudmundsson again attending West Ham games
05.02.09 | tribalfootball.com

Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson is again attending West Ham United games at Upton
Park. The Daily Mail says Gudmundsson is watching games again at Upton Park
for the first time since his business empire in Iceland went into meltdown,
sparking speculation that he would have to sell the Premier League club in a
hurry. However, the immediate financial pressures on Gudmundsson have eased
following support from the Icelandic government, as has the need to quickly
dispose of West Ham, where the owner feels confident enough to show his face
again.

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West Ham keeper Green: Savio looks the business
05.02.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United goalkeeper Robert Green believes new signing Savio Nsereko
can have a big future at Upton Park. After their draw at Arsenal, Green
told whufc.com: "Everyone was working hard and when Savio came on he was
working hard and chasing. "I'm sure it's a bit different from Brescia as
running out at the Emirates is a bit different from playing in Serie B. I'm
sure he knows he's still got a lot to learn but he's very young and I think
he knows he's not the finished product just yet."

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