Wednesday, March 4

Daily WHUFC News - II 4th March 2009

Kovac right at home
WHUFC.com
Radoslav Kovac may be still finding his feet but he is already making an impact at West Ham United
04.03.2009

Radoslav Kovac is settling into life at West Ham United and aiming to help his new team-mates to victory over Wigan Athetic on Wednesday evening.

After his debut in last week's FA Cup fifth-round defeat at Middlesbrough, the Czech Republic international midfielder produced a powerful performance in Sunday's 1-0 Premier League win over Manchester City at the Boleyn Ground.

Having trained with the club for more than a month the 29-year-old, who is on loan from Russian giants Spartak Moscow until the end of the season, feels he is approaching full match-fitness. Kovac is eager to taste victory for a second time when the Hammers take on the Latics at the JJB Stadium.

"I joined West Ham because I have seen them play a few matches recently and they have been playing good football. They try to play football the right way and I like that. I was also keen to join the other Czech boys at the club. The club is on the up and I'm happy to have joined them.

"I don't really want to talk about my strengths and weaknesses, but hopefully the supporters will be able to make their own minds up about me soon. It's not been easy because I had only done one week of pre-season training with Spartak before I joined West Ham. I still need to do a little bit more work before I'm fully match-fit but I feel better every single day."

Kovac's strong display against Mark Hughes' side drew praise from manager Gianfranco Zola, who was impressed with the player's willingness to work hard for the team against a strong City midfield containing the in-form Stephen Ireland and January transfer window signings Nigel De Jong and Vincent Kompany.

The manager said: "He did very well. He came on in a team that was playing very well and their [Manchester City's] midfield is probably the strongest part of their team. At Middlesbrough he didn't play so well, but he played a very good match against City.

"He had a slight problem with his leg but he stayed on the pitch and worked very hard and is a good asset for us. He had only done one week of pre-season training at Spartak before he joined us, but now he is finding his fitness and we are starting to see just what a good player he is."

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Parker proving pivotal
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola has spoken of Scott Parker's credentials after his consistent form for West Ham United
04.03.2009

The in-form Scott Parker has earned high praise from Gianfranco Zola ahead of this evening's trip to Wigan Athletic.

The midfielder, who has just signed a new contract to 2013, is set to be pivotal again when West Ham United go to the JJB Stadium looking to consolidate their hold on seventh spot in the standings. With one man of the match display after another, Parker has been a driving force of late and Zola thinks it will not be too long before he gets more international recognition.

"I'm not surprised he is playing well," said Zola. "He has played well for so long now. In his position internationally there are so many good players which is probably why he has been out so far. If he performs the way he has been performing week in, week out with the same intelligence and determination then he can get a more regular place in the international side as well."

The 28-year-old Parker was called up for last November's friendly against Germany in Berlin but missed out on a place in last month's game in Spain - when club-mates Robert Green, Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole all figured. Zola thinks Parker can take heart from their call-up. "It is like Robert Green. He kept performing well until he got back in. I'm sure the same thing can happen with Scott Parker."

England are next in action with two internationals at the turn of the month - with Slovakia due at Wembley for a friendly on Saturday 28 March before the vital World Cup qualifier against Ukraine at the stadium on Wednesday 1 April. Parker has played three times for his country and his bidding to become the first player to get his first four caps while representing four different teams.

With eleven league games to go, the manager said international ambitions can help drive the club on - especially with the 2010 World Cup finals looming on the horizon as well. "If you want to be involved you need to be really, really good. Especially in this country where you have such a high level. I'm sure my players know this and we will try to help them get to the next level internationally.

"Fabio Capello picked three West Ham players [last time] so it means he is keeping an eye on West Ham and is trying to cover every team in the league."

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On This Day: 4 March
WHUFC.com
A Derek Parker goal saw West Ham United beat Bradford Park Avenue on this date in 1950
04.03.2009
Classic Match

West Ham United 1-0 Bradford Park Avenue
Second Division
4 March 1950

West Ham United had Derek Parker to thank for securing a 1-0 Second Division victory over Bradford Park Avenue on this date in 1950.

Born in the north Essex town of Wivenhoe in June 1926, inside-forward Parker was signed by Ted Fenton from Grays Athletic as a teenager in 1944. It would be two more years before Parker would make his first-team debut in a 3-1 Second Division win over Millwall at the Boleyn Ground in September 1946.

Three-and-a-half years later and Parker, who made 209 first-team and more than 200 Football Combination appearances in claret and blue, had switched positions to half-back when he scored the only goal of the game in front of around 17,000 fans at the Boleyn Ground.

After climbing to tenth with this victory, Fenton's side would win just one of their remaining eleven Second Division matches to slump to a disappointing 19th-place finish. Parker would move to hometown club Colchester United - managed by Ted's brother Benny Fenton - in March 1957, making a further 130 league appearances for the U's.

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Valon: it's over
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 4th March 2009
By: Staff Writer

Valon Behrami has told the Swiss media that he will not play again this season. The United midfielder was stretchered off during last weekend's 1-0 win over Manchester City having twisted his knee whilst attempting to tackle City's Wayne Bridge as the first half drew to a close. Behrami underwent an MRI scan earlier this week in order to determine the extent of the injury. Whilst the results of that scan have not yet been revealed - extensive swelling around the knee preventing a full diagnosis - the 23-year-old has confirmed that he will not play again this season. "The season has gone for me," he told Swiss newspaper Blick. "I must now wait 48 hours until I know whether or not cruciate ligament surgery is required. It is very bad."
Should Behrami require surgery on his knee it is unlikely that he will play again before the start of next season - a double whammy as he will miss an entire pre-season's training as well as the remainder of this term.

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West Ham confident of keeping Zola and Clarke as court hearing approaches
Owner Gudmundsson facing pressure from creditors in Iceland
Club believe management duo will stay despite uncertainty
Jamie Jackson guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 4 March 2009 11.46 GMT

West Ham are confident that their management team of Gianfranco Zola and Steve Clarke are at ease with the uncertainty over the club's long-term future as it seeks a buyer of which there are said to be five or more interested parties, though none is at any advanced stage. On Friday Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, West Ham's Icelandic owner, hopes a Reykjavik court will grant a further three-month extension to the moratorium on his holding company, Hansa, which will prevent creditors – in the form of banks in his homeland – from seizing its assets and forcing the club's sale.

Since replacing Alan Curbishley as manager in September Zola has gradually impressed with his ability to produce results – West Ham are now seventh in the Premier League – and his on-field vision for the club. While Clarke's responsibilities centre on the team's defence and overall strategy, Zola has made an impact with his leadership and his keenness to develop the younger players, with the 20-year-old midfielder Jack Collison, the defender James Tomkins and striker Freddie Sears, both 19, tasting regular first-team action.

"We are confident that the extension will be given," an executive at Upton Park told the Guardian of the Reykjavik hearing, which could last up to seven days."The club has stability of results, Zola and Clarke leading it, and has shown that the investment in players often results in a profit when they leave." Craig Bellamy, George McCartney and John Pantsil are among those all moved on for a greater price. "The court, hopefully, will recognise all this. Also, the best chance of realising the maximum return on any sale of West Ham is to grant a further moratorium."

If a three-month extension is granted, it is understood that this will be the final one, which suggests Gudmundsson will hope to sell the club by the first week of June. Zola and Clarke have also attracted speculation that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich might ask them to rejoin the club where they were firm favourites as players in the summer, if Guus Hiddink does not become the permanent head coach. But West Ham are convinced the pair are content in east London. "They understand that structures are in place, and that best interests of the club are being taken care of," the executive added.

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View from the Opposition - Wigan Athletic
One McAvennieeeeee - Wed Mar 4 2009
West Ham Online

Since Euro 96 and the introduction of David Beckham to the professional game, you can't have failed to notice the influx of Women to football. Luckily for us, one of them bizarrely decided to support Wigan Athletic. Lisa Willmott (27) a season ticket holder at the JJB has kindly agreed to answer our questions with some help from her Old man who wishes to be named as Mr Willmott. For that reason, I shall name him Garry:

Q. Are you embarrassed to support Wigan Athletic?

A. What's to be embarrassed about? We sit safely in the top half of the table, and could still finish above you guys. Its a losing battle against League rugby though, I think crowds will always be small


Q. What are your thoughts on the season so far?

A. Better than I could of imagined it last August, it would be nice to tie some of our high profile players down to long term contracts. You know what its like being a selling club, so I'll say no more.


Q. Expectations for the rest of the season?

A. Realistically, I don't think Europe is reachable, Everton are too many points clear already, but just to keep picking up points and finish above Bolton and get our best ever finish in the league will make me very happy. And a few more away matches on Sky would be nice.


Q. What player doesn't deserve his place in your starting line-up?

A. Do you want me to say Titus Bramble? You can tell who doesn't go to see us play because they always say Bramble, but he has been outstanding for much of the season, people can sometimes jump on the bandwagon. Scharner hasn't been as effective as previous seasons, he's just going through the motions.


Q. What player should we look out for?

A. 2 months ago I would of said Zaki, but his fitness is poor and he fades very early in games now. Figueroa is fast becoming a fans favourite.


Q. What do you make of WHU this year?

A. Pretty boy football, plenty of lucky results. Carlton Cole for England, oh dear. (Garry answered that one)


Q. Your View of West Ham Fans?

A. Always very good support for away matches considering the distance you travel, which you have to respect you guys for. But you guys shouldn't drink away from Upton Park.


Q. If you could choose one player from our squad who would it be?

A. We would take Carlton Cole, just to replace Heskey. We set up for a target man and Mido is shocking, his weight fluctuates more than Oprahs.


Q. Wigan Athletic was the fifth attempt to establish a football club in the town. Wigan County, Wigan United, Wigan Town and Wigan Borough have all tried and failed – Do you think you'll ever get the message?

A. I just asked my Dad (Garry) that question and he says he'll come down there and ram it down your throat.


Q. The JJB has a capacity of just over 25,000 - seeing as you can't play a football match and a Rugby match at the same time and with global warming a growing concern -do you not think this is a massive waste of plastic?

A. So really, we're helping to conserve the earth by having one stadium for 2 sports, who thinks up these questions? Does it make you happy being so mean?


Q. Dave Whelans complaining of rule breaking with his history of shattering rules/shady dealings in both the business and sporting arenas is similar to Michael Jackson complaining about the state of child care – do you not get embarrassed with the fat moron?

A. He's the god father of football in Wigan. He brought us to the Premier league, the man can do no wrong. You are the ones who cheated.


Q. Some say that women at football is like a Frenchman at a war heroes parade – stupid and wrong. What are your thoughts? (I won't give my opinion until I've seen your photo)

A. Ok, so you don't get the same noise from woman, but I've been following Wigan my whole life and have been to more small grounds than any of you would have, my boyfriend says he's a football widow. Don't you like woman down there?


Q. Imagine the situation, you are with the man of your dreams on a romantic weekend in Paris, he has treated you to first class ticket on the Eurostar, you've cruised down the Seine in the moonlight, seen the wonderful works of art at The Musee Du Louvre and shared a kiss atop of the Eiffel Tower. The most romantic weekend of your life is coming to an end when he drops to one knee and pulls a small box out of his pocket – what flavour crisp are you hoping will be in the box?

A. That's a long sentence just to ask me my favourite crisps! Sour Cream and Onion Pringles.

Q. Your favourite rude word/Animal combination?

A. I don't swear. And that's a rubbish question, I'm embarrassed for you.


Q. Match Prediction

A. Scrappy 1-0 for us, and a long journey home for you.

Finally a couple of Questions from 2 WHOers:

Q. On the basis you manager looks like a giant woman, who would you like to see running
team affairs when Steve Bruce gets binned. Dawn French, Lisa Riley or Beth Ditto? - (DOUBLE COBBS BOB)

A. Is that a serious question you southern softy - Imagining men dressed as woman?

Q. Who would you consider your biggest rivals............. St Helens aside? (Joey Woodwork)

A. Bolton, and they play such boring football, finishing above them will be the highlight of my year.

Many thanks to Lisa for taking the time to answer our questions. She declined our Invitation for a picture.

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West Ham's Valon Behrami Rules Himself Out For Rest Of Season
The Switzerland international midfielder has been sidelined after picking up a knee injury against Manchester City on Sunday...
4 Mar 2009 13:02:53
Goal.com

West Ham United's quest for UEFA Cup qualification has taken a blow after they learned that midfielder Valon Behrami will not play again this season. The Switzerland international, who has won 21 caps to date, injured his knee during the Premier League fixture against Manchester City on Sunday. While it was initially thought that the 23-year-old would return to action rather soon, a scan has since revealed that the damage is much more serious and he may even need surgery to correct the problem.
"The season has gone down the drain for me," Behrami is quoted as saying in the British tabloid The Sun. "I now have to wait a day or two before I know whether I need surgery."
The former Lazio star, who has been impressive since his €5.6 million switch to Upton Park (£5m) scoring twice in 27 appearances, may even miss the start of next season if he has to go under the knife.

Ricky Brooks, Goal.com

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Prem trio keen on Pranjic
by Laurent Picard , 04 March 2009
setanta.co.uk

Moving to The Premier League is an option for Croatia international Danijel Pranjic, according to his agent. The 27-year-old has been in a tremendous form this season with the Eredivisie's fourth-placed team Heerenveen. Manchester City, West Ham and Newcastle are rumoured to be monitoring the midfielder's situation, and his agent has confirmed that a Premier League move could be on the cards. Pranjic's representative has also stated that both Seville clubs are keen on luring the Croatian star out of Holland. Soren Lerby told Foot Mercato: "I can confirm to you that a host of clubs are following him, mainly English and Spanish teams such as Real Betis and Sevilla."

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Premiership quartet ignite Bellion interest
Sport.co.uk
Author: Nigel Brown
Posted on: 04 March 2009 - 15:33

Everton, West Ham, Tottenham and Newcastle are the front runners to sign in-form Bordeaux forward David Bellion, according to reports in the French press. The former Sunderland, Manchester United and Hammers forward has helped Bordeaux to fourth in Ligue 1, lying six points behind leaders Lyon. Bellion was linked with a move to the Toffees in the Janaury transfer window, but his agent confirmed no firm offers had been recieved by any English clubs. However, according to reports in the French press Bellion has hit heart set on a return to the Premier League where the striker feels he has unfinished business. The Premiership quartet are the top teams interested in Bellion with reports stating each club has made an enquiry about the future of the star. The Frenchman is desperate to break into the international set up, having never been considered for the national team despite representing his nation at Under-21 level. According to reports the forward would cost up to £8 million.

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Jack the lad becoming a man on Hammers learning curve
1:00pm Wednesday 4th March 2009
Guardian Series

WEST Ham midfielder Jack Collison insists he is still learning his trade as a player at Upton Park, despite establishing himself as one of the first names on Gianfranco Zola's teamsheet this season. The 20-year-old graduate from the club's youth academy struck the winning goal for the Hammers' paupers against the princes of Manchester City at the Boleyn Ground on Sunday. While City's starting XI boasted more than £100million worth of talent, it was a home grown jewel that made the crucial difference with a classy finish, sending the Irons up to seventh in the table. However, Collison maintains that he is far from the finished article, and has been delighted to see the likes of Scott Parker sign new deals with the club as he continues to feed off the wealth of football knowledge that surrounds him. Speaking about the club's attempts to hang on to their star players, Collison said: "I think it shows the way the club wants to be moving. Everybody wants to be moving forward and obviously you want to keep your key players, especially for me as a young player coming through it's great to have experienced pros who have played at the top and we can just learn off them. "I think Scotty Parker has signed now, that's great news for me because I think he's a real player to learn from."
While the youngster was reluctant to sing his own praises, his manager did it for him, hailing him as an 'unbelievable' talent. "I feel very lucky, not just to have him (Collison) but all of my players," said the Italian manager. "I'm sure if I put Collison up front or right at the back I'm sure that he will give a good game for the team.
"He's unbelievable and he's getting better and better. He's only 20 and he's playing almost every week. He's got a good attitude and he's going to keep on improving."
The Wales international looks set to continue his extended run in the first team, following the serious knee injury to Valon Behrami on Sunday, which could keep the midfielder out for the rest of the season.

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Boro2upton.org - Long March to Upton Park
By Jeff Patterson Wednesday 04 Mar 2009 10:36:00
Browse all Boro News articles
Fansonline.net/middlesborough

A group of Boro fans describe why they have decided to walk from Boro to West Ham for the last match of the season and how you can help them raise money for charities.
In my many years touring to watch the Boro, there have been some memorable trips; the ecstasy of Cardiff, the heartbreak of Elland Road in 1997, the frustration of trips to Oldham & Stockport, for them both to be cancelled while stood outside the ground, but one of my most memorable trips to the Riverside was the last day of last season when Paul Brand, Rob Blanchard and myself walked from Eaglescliffe to Riverside for the 8 – 1 gubbing of Man City in fancy dress; an idea similar to the Mackams who walk from Billingham to Slumerland for their last home game of the season.
When the fixtures, came out we thought of repeating the feat, but then the fixtures threw West Ham away at us, and I am sure somebody was quoted saying "We ain't walking to bloody West Ham". However after a bit of a time, and then a few beers one Friday night, I decided that we would give it a go. Pretty quickly Paul & Rob signed up again and shortly after Paul Hudson & Darren McQuade signed up to.

We are raising money for 3 charities:-

The Finlay Cooper Fund
The Bobby Moore Fund
The NSPCC.

To raise awareness of our idea we have set up a website which is www.boro2upton.org with the help of Helen Brand. On it are details of what were doing along with our future plans and we shall shortly be uploading photos, stories etc. There are also 2 Facebook groups set up called boro2upton.org and football charity walk.
Paul Hudson is walking in support of Team Graeme and details can be found at www.teamgraeme.org.uk

We are going to leave the Riverside after the last home game against Villa and begin our walk. We are looking to do around 35 miles a day, getting us to Upton Park in time for the final game of the season on Sunday 24th May and are working on accommodation or worst case scenario a sturdy tent.

During the walk we are going to have an ongoing auction and we are looking to get as many prizes as possible including football memorabilia like signed shirts, football tickets, golf days and hotel accommodation. Full details of our auction prizes will appear on our website over the forthcoming months. If anybody would like to donate something to include in the auction then it would be greatly appreciated and all money raised would be split between the 3 charities.

So we are looking for us much support as we can get from gentle encouragement to putting your hands in your pocket and supporting these very worthy causes - or at best please don't laugh in our faces would be an improvement. Please visit our website; tell your friends, families and anybody else you happen to chat to.

"Fear will keep you prisoner, hope will set you free" was the tag line from The Shawshank Redemption, and in the build up to this walk, that phrase is pretty fitting. The fear that in the remaining 12 games don't go our way, a walk to the final game without Premier League Survival assured or something worse would be a nightmare, so we are keeping the faith and hope that Boro will start picking up results quickly, so let's get behind the boys for the remaining games. It's our team and our club and don't make the Boro2upton walk the longest funeral march ever known... Up the Boro!

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Arsenal, Spurs, West Ham & Fulham All Chasing Championship Starlet?
Premiership Latest.com
Submitted by Jake Briggs on Wed, 2009-03-04 10:00.

Arsenal, Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United Premiership Transfer News Premier League clubs Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Fulham and Arsenal are all chasing the signature of Jonjo Shelvey at Championship side Charlton Athletic, according to reports. The Daily Mirror claims that Spurs along with the Hammers and the Gunners are interested in the 17-year-old midfielder, while the Daily Express reports that the Cottagers are also interested in securing the England Under-17 International.
Shelvey has only just signed his first professional contract with the Addicks after turning 17 last Friday, with the all-action midfielder putting pen to paper on a deal which runs until the summer of 2011 and has already made 7 appearances for the Charlton first team, with the highly rated midfielder making his debut towards the end of last season. The young midfielder captained the winning England Under-16's side in the Victory Shield in 2007 and also was a pivotal figure in the young England side that won the Montaigu Tournament for the first time in 7 years shortly afterwards. However, despite just signing professional terms with Charlton, Shelvey could be sold in the summer, with the Addicks 10 points from safety in the Championship and it understood that Charlton will sell Shelvey if they are relegated to League One. Should Charlton be relegated then Shelvey will be allowed to leave The Valley, with Charlton valuing the midfielder in the region of £5million, which is sure to spark a chase amongst the interested Premiership clubs.

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Real Madrid president Boluda: Mijatovic not frozen out of Faubert deal
04.03.09 | tribalfootball.com

Real Madrid president Vicente Boluda has defended the loan signing of West Ham United midfielder Julien Faubert. Faubert's arrival did not involved sports director Predrag Mijatovic, which sparked stories he was being marginalised. But Boluda insisted: "At that time, Mijatovic was doing other more important things. We made the decision after the price being quoted for the Ecuadorian Valencia (of Wigan) of contacting Faubert and finally, after speaking with Juande (Ramos), we stayed with him. "Mijatovic is a man who is helping the club and has clear ideas. He also has a contract until 2010, when satisfies the election cycle."

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West Ham talk to five potential buyers as Gudmundsson aims to postpone insolvency
By Ken Dyer
Last updated at 9:58 AM on 04th March 2009
Daily Mail

West Ham are believed to have held talks with more than five potential new owners ahead of a crucial court date in Iceland on Friday when the club's holding company,
Hansa, could be put into insolvency. Owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson will ask for a three-month extension while he prepares a series of reports about how he plans to restructure his companies. Gudmundsson will argue that the value of Hansa's assets — of which West Ham are a key component — is above the claims of the creditors.
No decision is expected from the court until next week and club sources insist any ruling will not affect the sale although negotiations with interested parties are believed to have been stepped up in recent weeks. Although Gudmundsson has been hit by the economic downturn, the Hammers' fortunes on the pitch look healthy ahead of the trip to Wigan tonight. The form of midfielder Scott Parker remains one of the key reasons for the club's success and Gianfranco Zola believes he could soon be picked for England. The Hammers boss said: 'I think he can get a place in the international team.' Mark Noble should come back tonight to replace the injured Valon Behrami.

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Wednesday's football gossip: Arsenal, Spurs and Hammers eye £5m Charlton ace
Northampton Chronicle

Charlton have slapped a £5m price tag on Jonjo Shelvey after interest from Arsenal, Spurs and West Ham;

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Daily WHUFC News - 4th March 2009

Wigan match preview
WHUFC.com
All the team news and background for Wednesday's trip to the north-west to
take on Wigan Athletic
03.03.2009

Barclays Premier League
Wigan Athletic v West Ham United
JJB Stadium
Wednesday 4 March
7.45pm
Referee: Stuart Attwell

• West Ham United travel to meet Steve Bruce's Wigan Athletic for their 14th
away match of the 2008/09 Barclays Premier League season.

• Of their previous 13 league matches on their travels, United have won
three (Fulham, Sunderland and Portsmouth), drawn five (Middlesbrough,
Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Arsenal) and lost five (Manchester
City, West Bromwich Albion, Hull City, Manchester United and Bolton
Wanderers).

• The Hammers go into Wednesday's match seeking to end a run of two away
defeats, having gone down 2-1 at Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League on
21 February and 2-0 in an FA Cup fifth-round replay at Middlesbrough four
days later.

• Gianfranco Zola's side go into the match in seventh place in the Premier
League table, one point and one place ahead of their opponents. Victory for
the Hammers could lift them to within five points of sixth-placed Everton,
who travel to Blackburn Rovers.

• West Ham United will be aiming to complete their second Premier League
'double' of the season, having beaten Wigan 3-1 at the Boleyn Ground on the
opening day of the season. The Hammers have already beaten Fulham home and
away this season.

• This is the 12th league meeting between the two sides. West Ham United
have won five, Wigan Athletic have won four and there have been two draws.

• The club has eleven games remaining this season - five at home and six
away. The teams still to visit the Boleyn Ground are West Bromwich Albion,
Sunderland, Chelsea, Liverpool and Middlesbrough. Other than Wigan, the six
away games are Blackburn Rovers, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Stoke City
and Everton.

• West Ham have only lost once in the eleven league games this season where
the they have scored first - at home to Everton on 8 November.

Referee

• Wednesday's referee is Stuart Attwell.

• At the age of 25, Attwell became the youngest official to ever take charge
of a Premier League fixture when he was the man in the middle for Blackburn
Rovers match against Hull City on 23 August 2008.

• Now 26, Attwell was promoted to the Football League list at the start of
the 2007/08 season, refereeing the League Two play-off final at Wembley
Stadium between Rochdale and Stockport County at the end of the campaign.

• Attwell was added to the Premier League's Select List at the start of the
2008/09 season and has gone on to referee four top-flight matches. In those
matches, he has issued nine yellow cards but has yet to send off a player.

• Attwell has never taken control of a competitive match involving either
West Ham United or Wigan Athletic.

• FIFA have confirmed that Attwell will be asked to join the international
list of referees later this year.

Last time out

Sunday 1 March 2009
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 1-0 Manchester City
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Tomkins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami (Savio 43),
Parker, Kovac (Spector 83), Collison, Cole, Di Michele (Lopez 87)
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Payne, Stanislas, Sears
Booked: Kovac, Parker
Goal: Collison 71

Saturday 28 February 2009
Barclays Premier League
Chelsea 2-1 Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic: Kirkland, Melchiot, Bramble, Boyce, Figueroa, Cattermole
(Rodallega 69), Brown, Scharner, Kapo, Zaki (Sibierski 89), N'Zogbia
Subs not used: Kingson, Edman, Kupisz, Routledge, Holt
Booked: Cattermole, N'Zogbia
Goal: Kapo 82

West Ham United

• West Ham United go into Wednesday's match hoping to build on Sunday's 1-0
home Premier League win over Manchester City. Jack Collison's 71st-minute
goal ended a run of five matches without a victory in all competitions for
Gianfranco Zola's side.

• West Ham United's biggest away win at Wigan came in the shape of a 3-0
Premier League success at the JJB Stadium on 28 April 2007. The Hammers'
goals that day came courtesy of Luis Boa Morte, Yossi Benayoun and Marlon
Harewood.

• The Hammers have lost on only one of their six visits to the JJB Stadium.
West Ham have won four and drawn one of the five other trips they have made
to Wigan.

• West Ham's top scorer is Carlton Cole. The 25-year-old England striker has
eight goals in 24 Premier League appearances this season. Cole has also
scored twice in five cup matches

• Green is the only West Ham United player to have played every minute of
the club's 27 Premier League matches so far this season. Matthew Upson has
started all 27 games, but was substituted late in the 3-1 home defeat by
Everton on 8 November.

Wigan Athletic

• Wigan Athletic have not won in the Premier League since beating Tottenham
Hotspur 1-0 at the JJB Stadium on 11 January. Since then, Steve Bruce's side
have drawn four and lost three of the seven top-flight fixtures they have
contested, scoring just two goals.

• Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Chelsea ended a run of three straight goalless
Premier League draws for Wigan. The Latics were held to a stalemate at Aston
Villa and Middlesbrough, as well as drawing 0-0 at home with Fulham.

• Wigan's top scorer is Egyptian striker Amr Zaki, who has netted ten times
in 23 Premier League appearances. However, the 25-year-old, who is on a
season-long loan from Zamalek in his homeland, has failed to score in any of
his last seven top-flight matches. Zaki has also scored once in three
Carling Cup appearances.

• Wigan's largest-ever home win over West Ham was also the Latics' only
victory over the Hammers on home turf. Kevin Kilbane netted the only goal of
the game in a 1-0 success, heading past Robert Green in added-time at the
end of the first half.

• Honduras defender Maynor Figueroa is the only Wigan player to have started
all 27 of the club's Premier League matches this season. The 25-year-old
scored his only goal of the season in the 1-0 Premier League win over
Tottenham on 11 January - the last time the Latics tasted victory.

• Wigan were among the Premier League's most active clubs during the January
transfer window, breaking their transfer record by signing Charles N'Zogbia
from Newcastle United for a fee of around £6m. The Latics also brought in
Egyptian striker Mido on loan from Middlesbrough and signed midfielder Ben
Watson from Crystal Palace and Colombian forward Hugo Rodallega from Mexican
side Necaxa.

• Wigan also allowed a number of players to leave the JJB Stadium.
Right-sided midfielder Ryan Taylor joined Newcastle United, veteran Ireland
international Kevin Kilbane left for Hull City, while the club banked around
£14m for midfielder Wilson Palacios, who has linked up with Tottenham
Hotspur. Senegal striker Henri Camara, who spent last season on loan at West
Ham, has joined Stoke City until the end of the season, while England
forward Emile Heskey moved to Aston Villa.

• Manager Steve Bruce has allowed young midfielder Lewis Montrose, 20, to
join League One side Chesterfield on loan until the end of the season.

• Striker Zaki has unleashed more shots (71) than any other Wigan player
this season.

• Midfielder Lee Cattermole has committed more fouls (52) and received more
yellow (ten) and red cards (one) than any other Wigan player this season.

Team news

• Switzerland midfielder Valon Behrami suffered a knee injury during
Sunday's 1-0 Premier League victory over Manchester City. The club are
waiting to learn the full extent of the problem with the 23-year-old
travelling to Italy for assessment. Behrami was suspended for the Wigan game
anyway after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against
Middlesbrough.

• Diego Tristan will be missing for at least two weeks with a groin injury.

• Germany Under-20 international Savio is pushing for first start for West
Ham United following a superb performance as a substitute in Sunday's 1-0
Premier League win over Manchester City at the Boleyn Ground. The
19-year-old, who joined the Hammers from Italian side Brescia Calcio in
January, forced Shay Given into the save that led to Jack Collison's winner
to cap an exciting display on the left wing.

• England Under-21 midfielder Mark Noble is available again after missing
Sunday's victory through suspension.

• Uruguayan international Walter Lopez made his first Premier League
appearance as a late replacement for David Di Michele on Sunday and will
hope to be involved again at some stage.

• The 18-year-old midfielder Josh Payne and 19-year-old winger Junior
Stanislas will both hope to be involved again after being named among the
substitutes on Sunday. The 19-year-old centre-back Bondz N'Gala and the
20-year-old striker Zavon Hines have also been part of the first-team
picture of late.

• West Ham will definitely be without Dean Ashton (ankle), Danny Gabbidon
(stomach), Kieron Dyer (calf), Luis Boa Morte (groin) and James Collins
(hamstring). Ashton and Gabbidon may not return this season. Dyer and Boa
Morte are both running and could be back in training next week while Collins
is targeting a possible return at the end of the month.

• Wigan Athletic have injury concerns over Antonio Valencia (hamstring) and
Dutchman Daniel De Ridder (thigh), although the former could be fit for
Wednesday's match.

• Midfielder Ben Watson, a £2m January signing from Championship side
Crystal Palace, will be available for selection again after missing
Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Chelsea through suspension.

Last meeting

• The teams met at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday 16 August 2008, with West
Ham United coming out 2-1 winners. Dean Ashton scored twice in the opening
ten minutes before Egyptian Amr Zaki set up a tense finish by scoring
Wigan's consolation on 47 minutes. Valon Behrami made his West Ham debut in
the fixture.

• The lineups were:

West Ham United: Green, Behrami, Davenport, Upson, Neill, Faubert (Boa Morte
86), Parker (Mullins 72), Noble, Etherington, Ashton (Sears 73),Cole
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Reid, Bowyer, Spence
Goals: Ashton 3, 10

Wigan Athletic: Kirkland, Melchiot (De Ridder 83), Scharner (Koumas 83),
Boyce, Figueroa, Valencia, Cattermole (Sibierski 85), Palacios, Kapo,
Heskey, Zaki
Subs not used: Pollitt, Kilbane, Brown, Bramble
Goal: Zaki 47

Attendance: 32,758

Old boys

• Among the players who have represented both clubs are Roy Carroll, Henri
Camara and Bill Wade.

Head to head

Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)

16 August 2008 - West Ham United 2-1 Wigan Athletic
2 February 2008 - Wigan Athletic 1-0 West Ham United
25 August 2007 - West Ham United 1-1 Wigan Athletic
28 April 2007 - Wigan Athletic 0-3 West Ham United
6 December 2006 - West Ham United 0-2 Wigan Athletic
25 March 2006 - Wigan Athletic 1-2 West Ham United

Overall record v Wigan Athletic (all competitions) W 7 D 2 L 4

Next up

• West Ham United will play host to West Bromwich Albion at the Boleyn
Ground in the Premier League on Monday 16 March, kick-off 8pm

• Wigan Athletic will travel to Sunderland Premier League on Saturday 14
March, kick-off 3pm

General information

• For ticket information, click here

• Wednesday night's weather forecast is for sleet showers, with a maximum
daytime temperature of 6C

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola wants another run
WHUFC.com
The manager will be urging his side to get another three points when they go
to Wigan Athletic
03.03.2009

West Ham United go to Wigan Athletic on Wednesday night bidding to
kick-start another unbeaten run on the road that will keep the club riding
high.

Prior to last week's two disappointments at Bolton Wanderers and
Middlesbrough, Gianfranco Zola's men had not experienced a loss on their
travels since 29 October. Having jumped just above Wigan into seventh spot
with the weekend win against Manchester City, the significance of the JJB
Stadium encounter is not lost on the manager.

"The players know what our objective is right now so everybody is going to
be pushing to achieving that," he said. "The players are focused on that. We
just have to be consistent now to get results starting on Wednesday. We will
go there and we can try to win."

As was the case with Mark Hughes on Sunday, Zola knows his opposite number
in the dug-out very well - having come up against the dogged defending of
Steve Bruce many times during his playing days. The Wigan manager was at the
Boleyn Ground on Sunday trying to get some early pointers about the Zola
system.

The West Ham United boss is full of respect for Bruce's coaching
credentials. "I rate him very much," Zola said. "His team is playing very
well and they are a team to respect. I saw them play a couple of times and I
like the way they play. They like to play football and they are a powerful
and strong team and it is going to be a hard game for us."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wigan v West Ham
PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: JJB Stadium Date: Wednesday, 4 March Kick-off: 1945 GMT
Coverage: Full commentary BBC London 94.9 FM; Score updates on Score, BBC
Sport website and BBC Radio 5 Live; live text commentary on BBC Sport
website; Highlights on Match of the Day
BBC.co.uk

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----

Winger Antonio Valencia and striker Mido both return to Wigan's squad for
the visit of West Ham. Jason Koumas has shrugged off a thigh injury while
fellow midfielder Ben Watson is available again after a ban.

West Ham will be without midfielder Valon Behrami (knee), meaning Mark Noble
should return to the side. James Collins (hamstring), Luis Boa Morte
(groin), Kieron Dyer (calf), Danny Gabbidon (stomach/back) and Dean Ashton
(ankle) remain sidelined.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Wigan manager Steve Bruce: "The squad's done very well recently. The
continued loss of Antonio Valencia means we've lost a bit of our cutting
edge. "But, we'll keep plugging away and I think our defining moment is in
the next three fixtures. "We've got West Ham on Wednesday, followed by games
against Sunderland and Hull. If we can get results in those games it could
kick-start our campaign."

West Ham midfielder Jack Collison: "A win will consolidate seventh place,
which at the moment looks good enough for a Uefa Cup spot. "That is the
target the manager, Gianfranco Zola, has set us. "We have got 10 or 11 games
now until the end of the season and we are going to look to kick on now
rather than see the season out."

BIG-MATCH FACTS
This is an upper mid-table clash between two sides separated by one point.

Wigan go into the game on a seven-match winless run, culminating in
Saturday's confidence-sapping last ditch defeat to Chelsea.

West Ham travel having gained their first win in four with Sunday's home
triumph over Manchester City.

Wigan are looking for back-to-back home wins over West Ham, having gained
Premier League points against them for the first time in three attempts at
the JJB Stadium in February last year, courtesy of Kevin Kilbane's winner.

West Ham are vying to do the double over Wigan for the first time.

Distance between the clubs: 215 miles (347 kilometres)


CLUB FORM
WIGAN ATHLETIC

Club stats

Going into this round of matches: 8th 35 points


Best & Worst categories in 2008-09 Premier League
(all statistics are ahead of this midweek set of Premier League fixtures)

1. Pressing for a first win in eight league games; drawn four and lost three
since beating Tottenham 1-0 at the JJB on 11 January.

2. Picked up four points out of 21 since completed four wins on the bounce,
which culminated in a 1-0 triumph over Spurs on 11 January.

3. Averaging a goal a game; 27 in 27.

4. Failed to score in five of seven Premier League outings.

5. Nine points up on this same stage last season, when 14th.

6. Lost one of 10 top-flight matches in which they have opened the scoring,
and won one of 12 when the opening goal has been scored by their opponents.

7. Not scored a first-half league goal from open play since Ryan Taylor's
29th minute opener in the 2-1 Boxing Day victory over Newcastle at the JJB.

8. Unbeaten in eight home league games, in which five clean sheets have been
kept; won five and drawn three since losing 0-4 to Aston Villa on 26
October.

9. Failed to score in five of the last seven Premier League games against
London clubs, and won one of 11; 1-0 over Tottenham on 11 January.

10. Arsenal and Manchester United are still to visit the JJB among their 10
remaining fixtures after this.

Fixtures


----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----


WEST HAM UNITED

Club stats

Going into this round of matches: 7th 36 points


Club stats
(all statistics are ahead of this midweek set of Premier League fixtures)

1. Lost two of nine Premier League games since Christmas, winning five.

2. Four points down on this same stage last season, when 10th where they
remained until the end of the season.

3. Lost just one of the 11 games in which they have opening the scoring;
home to Everton on 8 November.

4. Won one of six away league games; 1-4 against Portsmouth at Fratton Park
on Boxing Day.

5. Not won in 10 top-flight trips to the North-West, since beating Blackburn
0-1 at Ewood Park on 9 December 2007.

6. This match is followed by back-to-back fixtures with relegation-haunted
sides; home to West Brom and away to Blackburn.

Fixtures

KEY PLAYER NOTES
WIGAN ATHLETIC

Squad profiles

Maynor FIGUEROA is the only remaining player to have started every one of
Wigan's Premier League matches this season.

Amr ZAKI is the club's top Premier League scorer with 10 goals, but he has
not hit the back of the net from open play since his brace against Liverpool
on 18 October.

If selected:-

Titus BRAMBLE will be making his 200th career Premier League appearance
(Ipswich, Newcastle and Wigan).

Daniel DE RIDDER will be playing two days before his 25th birthday.

If on the field from the outset:-

Paul SCHARNER will be making his 100th start in a Wigan shirt.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----


WEST HAM UNITED

Squad profiles

Robert GREEN is the only remaining player to have been on the field for
every minute of every one of West Ham's Premier League matches this season.

Carlton COLE is the club's top Premier League scorer with eight goals.


HEAD TO HEAD
Two goals in the first 10 minutes from Dean Ashton against Wigan in the
reverse fixture, set West Ham on the road to a winning start to the current
Premier League season.

There has never been a goalless draw between these clubs.

Home and away
League (inc PL): Wigan 4 wins, West Ham 5, Draws 2
Prem: Wigan 3 wins, West Ham 3, Draws 1

at Wigan only
League (inc PL): Wigan 1 win, West Ham 3, Draws 1
Prem: Wigan 1 win, West Ham 2, Draws 0


LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Wigan Athletic 1-0 West Ham United
2 February 2008 - Ref: Martin Atkinson
Wigan scorer: Kilbane 45


THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE
West Ham United 2-1 Wigan Athletic
16 August 2008 - Ref: Steve Bennett
West Ham scorers: Ashton 3, 10
Wigan scorer: Zaki 47


REFEREE
Stuart Attwell (Warwickshire)

Premier League referees' table
Stuart Attwell 2008-09 Premier League card count

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wigan Athletic v West Ham Utd
KUMB,com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd March 2009
By: Preview Percy

And so to Wigan for a 7.45pm kick off against one of the least likeable
Chairman/Manager combinations in the Premier League.

The club owned by price fixing child slave-labourer and arch-hypocrite Dave
"rules are for other people" Whelan, currently lie in 8th position, one
point and one place behind our good selves. Their current form over the last
six games isn't that spectacular, having drawn four and lost two of their
last six outings. Their latest defeat came at Chelsea where most observers
thought them to be slightly unfortunate to go down 2-1 to a late Fat Boy
header.

The defeat gave the perennially miserable Bruce something to moan about,
though his rant that Chelsea's first should have been disallowed for a foul
that had occurred nearly two whole minutes before the goal was scored was
laughable in the extreme. He may have had a point for the second – Fat Boy's
shove in the back of Melchiot was as blatant a foul as you could ever want
to see.

However, his whining comment that "big clubs get all the decisions" was
rather pathetic. There again he ought to know I suppose – most of the
trophies and medals that came his way during his playing career owed a fair
bit to dodgy refereeing and I don't recall him complaining back then.

They were fairly active in the January window, being the fulcrum of the
striker merry-go-round that saw Marlon King move from Hull to Boro' via the
JJB. King stayed only long enough on his return to find out where he was
being sent next, that destination being the Riverside where he crossed Mido
coming on loan in the other direction.

Wigan beat Boro' to the signature of Ben Watson who seems to be on a tour of
thick managers as does Charles N'Zogbia. N'Zogbia famously took umbrage
after being called "insomnia" by Joe Kinnear, then (with no sense of irony)
joined a club that has drawn three of its last four games (away at Villa and
Boro' and home to Fulham) 0-0. Ryan Taylor went the other way whilst Emile
Heskey disappeared down the M6 to Villa.

Their last victory, like many, this season was against Spurs on 11 January
when an injury time winner from Figueroa gave them a home win. However they
have seemed short of goals. Zaki – who couldn't stop scoring at the start of
the season – has only stuck away penalties since the turn of the year and
you have to go back to Boxing Day for a match in which they scored twice
when they beat Newcastle 2-1 – though they did stick three past Blackburn
just before Christmas

At Chelsea Valencia, Mido and Koumas were all missing through injury whilst
the aforementioned Watson was suspended. All four should be available for
selection on Wednesday night so there are likely to be a number of changes
from the side that started at Stamford Bridge.

We will also not be unchanged, Sunday's decent victory against Man City was
of course marred by the injury to Valon Behrami. The Swiss midfielder has
had a fine season and Lucas Neill for one will probably attest to the hard
work he has put in all season – many is the time that Behrami has come to
Neill's rescue. This will give Zola an interesting selection issue.

Noble's return from suspension will see him available for selection to
replace Behrami. However, Savio's decent second half against City makes him
an outside bet for a starting berth, especially as we have few other players
capable of running at defenders in quite the same way. Zola will probably
resist the temptation though and start with Noble and I expect that both
Kovac and Di Michele will retain their places in a line up that might have
been unchanged but for Behrami's injury.

There were some good signs against City – there was some excellent football
and, for once, the ball was played wide on occasion. We still tried to sit
back having taken the league – something that I never feel comfortable
watching us do. Wigan is also somewhere where we have had mixed fortunes in
the past.

Two years ago a fine 3-0 win was gained as part of the Great Escape whilst
last season we were "treated" to a dull as ditchwater 1-0 defeat. All my
instincts tell me that this one ought to be a draw this time round – their
lack of goals against our attempts to walk the ball in should cancel each
other out.

Despite the mouth-watering prospect of seeing the look on Bruce's face if we
were to win I'll stick with my initial instincts and predict a 1-1 draw
which will see us stay in 7th and leave us three points away from the 40
point spot.

Enjoy the game!

Last Season: Lost 1-0 - a freak header from Kevin Kilbane was enough to give
the home side the spoils on a pitch that appeared to have been deliberately
prepared with a view to stopping football being played.

Danger man: Zaki – hasn't scored for weeks and we all know what happens to
us when we come up against players on runs like that. Mido always seems to
score against us too.

Look out for: Home supporters – Wigan are not the best supported of teams
and for this one the JJB could make the Riverside seem overcrowded if their
past attendances are anything to go by.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Behrami confirms injury blow
Hammers midfielder confirms he will miss rest of season
By James Dall Last updated: 4th March 2009
SSN

West Ham United midfielder Valon Behrami has confirmed he will miss the
remainder of the season through injury. Switzerland international Behrami
was stretchered off in last Sunday's 1-0 win over Manchester City after
twisting his ankle and knee. The full extent of the injury is still not
known, although tests have revealed the 23-year-old did not suffer a break
or fracture. Behrami, though, expects to miss the rest of the term, as he
awaits the results of a further scan that will determine whether he needs
surgery. He told Blick: "The season has gone for me. I must now wait 48
hours until I know whether or not cruciate ligament surgery is required.
Bad, very bad."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola tips Parker for England
Hammers boss backs midfielder to gain England recognition
By Richard Bailey Last updated: 3rd March 2009
SSN

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola is confident that in-form midfielder Scott
Parker can break into England boss Fabio Capello's plans. The Hammers had
three players in Capello's squad for the friendly defeat against Spain last
month in goalkeeper Robert Green, defender Matthew Upson and striker Carlton
Cole. All three came on in Seville with Cole even having an effort cleared
off the line in the dying moments of the 2-0 loss. Zola is confident the
trio can cement their places in upcoming squads and insists they could be
joined by team-mate Scott Parker in the not too distant future. The
midfielder has gone about his business with the minimum of fuss in the
Hammers engine room but his recent performances have warranted praise from
his manager. "I'm not surprised he played well," the Italian said. "In his
position internationally there are so many good players which is probably
why he has been out so far. "But if he performs the way he has been
performing week in week out with the same intelligence and determination
then he can get a more regular place in the international side as well.
"It's like Robert Green, who kept performing well until he got back in. I'm
sure the same thing can happen with Scott Parker. "Of course, if you want to
be involved you need to be really, really good. Especially in this country
where you have such a high level of championship. "I'm sure my players know
this and we will try to help them get to the next level internationally."
The former Chelsea forward also insists that under Capello playing for a
club outside the so-called 'big four' does not hinder your chances of a
call-up as has been the case under previous England managers. "If you are
playing for a bigger team you have more opportunities to be spotted," he
added. "But Capello picked three West Ham players (against Spain) so it
means he is keeping an eye on West Ham and is trying to cover every team in
the league."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kovac desires Hammers stay
On-loan midfielder determined to earn permanent Upton Park move
By James Appell Last updated: 3rd March 2009
SSN

Radoslav Kovac has no desire to return to Russia as he eyes a permanent
switch to West Ham United. The experienced Czech midfielder signed for the
Hammers in January from Spartak Moscow on a deal until the end of the
season, and he impressed on his debut last weekend. Speaking of the move to
Upton Park, Kovac admitted that the time had come for a change in his
career. "The English Premier League is a step forward," he told Sovetsky
Sport. "I had thought a few times about continuing my career in Europe, but
the first step towards this change was made not by me, but by Spartak. "The
management made it known that they did not have any particular faith in me,
and suggested that I find a new team. I did not want to leave Spartak." And,
having triumphed over Manchester City on his Hammers bow, Kovac is looking
forward to moving on. "I don't want to go back," he stated. "I hope that
West Ham will take up their right to my transfer. "My feelings towards
Spartak are divided. On the one hand I am a Spartak supporter. "On the
other, the four years I spent with the club contained such unhappiness."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Potential investors queue up as West Ham fight to stave off insolvency
West Ham have held talks with more than five potential new owners ahead of a
court date in Iceland on Friday when Hansa, the club's holding company, will
argue that it should not be put into insolvency.
Telegraph
By Jeremy Wilson
Last Updated: 10:44PM GMT 03 Mar 2009

Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, the West Ham owner, will ask for an extension from
the court of three months and has prepared a series of reports detailing
plans to restructure the companies. It will be argued that the value of
Hansa's assets, of which West Ham is a key component, is above the claims of
the creditors. The court is not expected to make any decision over Hansa
until next week, though club sources maintain that the outcome of the
hearing will not force any immediate sale of the club. West Ham's ownership
is complicated but, though Hansa is the holding company, West Ham United
Holdings Ltd and West Ham United plc are also within the structure. West
Ham United plc is regarded as the member organisation by the Premier League,
meaning that the possibility of a sporting sanction against the team could
not be considered in respect of any financial issues relating to the holding
company. Negotiations over prospective takeovers have stepped up in recent
weeks and it is understood that the interested parties include an Asian
consortium. However, West Ham have not yet received an acceptable offer,
while no group has reached the stage of due diligence.
Gudmundsson was significantly affected by the economic crisis in Iceland,
but the club are financially "firewalled" and were true to their pledge
during the January transfer window of not selling players in order to
finance any Hansa debts.
Indeed, on the pitch, there has been considerable progress under Gianfranco
Zola, with European qualification still possible. West Ham face Wigan on
Wednesday in the Premier League, but will be without midfielder Valon
Behrami after he was carried off the pitch with an oxygen tank after badly
twisting his knee in Sunday's win over Manchester City. His absence will
mean the probable return of Mark Noble after suspension, though James
Collins (hamstring), Luis Boa Morte (groin), Kieron Dyer (calf), Danny
Gabbidon (stomach/back) and Dean Ashton (ankle) remain sidelined. With Wigan
one place and one point behind West Ham in seventh, the outcome of tonight's
match could determine a possible Uefa Cup place for either club. "A win will
consolidate seventh place, which at the moment looks good enough for a Uefa
Cup spot," said midfielder Jack Collison. "That is the target the manager,
Gianfranco Zola, has set us. We have got 10 or 11 games now until the end of
the season and we are going to look to kick on now rather than see the
season out."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Latics v Hammers Will Savio Start?
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 3 March, 2009 - 21:06.
West Ham Fans.org

West Ham United travel to the JJB to face Wigan on Wednesday in what is
potentially a European six pointer, there can be no room for complacency if
Hammers are to continue to compound their Premiership position. Although
Fulham have a game in hand and could spoil the party, it looks likely that
either Steve Bruce or Gianfranco Zola will be leading their team into
Europe, qualification for which could it self be a poisoned chalice. The
injury to Valon Behrami has restricted GF and Steve Clarke's options, it
would have been nice for them to not be squeezed in to having to use players
out of position. Mark Noble will be available after returning from
suspension and will probably get the nod ahead of Savio Nsereko in the
starting line up although many fans would like to see the lightening fast
nineteen year old get a full game. West Ham obviously want to keep Savio
under wraps until he has fully adapted to the Premiership, but seem to have
no such reservations about selecting Radoslav Kovac despite the players lack
of match fitness. Several other players are nursing knocks including Scotty
Parker, Lucas Neill and Carlton Cole, the latter looked totally knackered
after the Man City game and his ankle must be cause for some concern. Wigan
have become very difficult to beat under the guidance of Steve Bruce and a
well earned point would do nicely and is attainable, so long as Hammers
don't switch off for the first 20 minutes! -Ed

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tony Cascarino on the Rise of West Ham Midfielder Jack Collison
NewFootballPools.com

West Ham returned to winning ways at the weekend after beating Man City and
it was good to see young Jack Collison get back to his best. I saw the young
lad a lot before Christmas and he was playing extremely well but since
January he seemed to have gone off the boil and resembled more of a young
lad given a chance than a first team regular in the Hammers midfield.

I like the look of the lad, he is a nice footballer, gets around the park
and has shown he possesses an eye for goal too. How far he can go, I'm not
sure but he's proved he can play Premier League football this season.
Whether he can reach the heights of former West Ham youngsters Michael
Carrick and Joe Cole I'm not so sure but he is starting to make a name for
himself in his own right.

It's nice for young players to come through at their clubs as it lifts fans
expectations but unfortunately it becomes difficult for kids to sustain a
place in a Premier League first team and often leads to a lull in form at
some point.

West Ham have had a decent season but as I've said before, they miss having
a quick forward in the side. Unfortunately they had to sell Craig Bellamy so
I'd expect Gianfranco Zola to be on the lookout for a new man in the summer
who can give them something else in attack. At the present time I can't see
the Hammers finishing much higher than 8th or 9th but after a difficult time
off the field, for me, that would be a good finish.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham striker starts for Borough
7:34pm Tuesday 3rd March 2009
Argus.co.uk
By Steve Hollis »

Jack Jeffery is included in the Eastbourne Borough starting line up for
tonight's clash with Oxford United following his loan move from West Ham.
The 19-year-old, signed from the Hammers until the end of the season
yesterday, partners Andy Atkin in attack following the return of Dan Smith
to Plymouth. That is the only change to the team which lost 2-0 against ten
men at Kidderminster on Saturday. With Borough expected to switch to a 4-4-2
formation it means Paul Armstrong is likely to play on the right hand side
of midfield. Jacob Mingle is included on the bench after being left out of
the squad altogether at the weekend with reserve goalkeeper Michael Jordan
dropping out. Yemi Odubade makes his first return to Priory Lane since his
switch to Oxford United while the visitors also include Kevin Sandwith on
the bench after signing him from Weymouth.

Eastbourne: Hook, Austin, Baker, Pullan, Jenkins, Armstrong, Brown, Smart, M
Crabb, Jeffery, Atkin. Subs: Harding, Lovett, Mingle, N Crabb, Wormull.

Oxford: Turley, Carruthers, Foster, Murray, Constable, Haldane, Batt,
Willmott, Clist, Chapman, Odubade. Subs: Day, Farrell, Sandwith,
Hinchcliffe, Hutchinson.

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Real Madrid boss Ramos: Faubert wasn't signed to be star
04.03.09 | tribalfootball.com

Real Madrid coach Juande Ramos insists he has no problem with on-loan West
Ham United midfielder Julien Faubert. "Look, Faubert came not to be a star
to play, but if Arjen Robben was injured," said Ramos. "Though Robben has
been out, Marcelo has done very well on the left of midfield. Faubert will
help us, if needed."

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West Ham boss Zola: Capello looking beyond top four for Engand players
04.03.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola feels that being outside the
traditional big four is no longer a major problem under fellow Italian Fabio
Capello's England leadership.
"If you are playing for a bigger team you have more opportunities to be
spotted, but Capello picked three West Ham players (against Spain) so it
means he is keeping an eye on West Ham and is trying to cover every team in
the league," he said.

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West Ham boss Zola impressed by Bruce's Wigan work
04.03.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola says he's a big fan of Wigan Athletic
counterpart Steve Bruce. "I rate him very much," Zola told whufc.com. "His
team is playing very well and they are a team to respect. I saw them play a
couple of times and I like the way they play. They like to play football and
they are a powerful and strong team and it is going to be a hard game for
us."

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West Ham academy chief Carr pleased with Payne progress
04.03.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United academy chief Tony Carr was delighted to see midfielder Josh
Payne make the bench for Sunday's victory over Manchester City. Carr told
whufc.com: "He has made a great stride forward. It is a great experience for
him and hopefully it will spur him on to work harder and want more of it. It
is great for all the young players to see. I said to the boys just this
morning - 'one minute you are a ball boy the next you are on the bench.
"Don't feel you are far away from it because the route through is there.
That is the way it is at West Ham.'"

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West Ham owners seek court protection from selling club
04.03.09 | Ian Ferris

The owners of West Ham will ask an Icelandic court this week to legally
postpone banks from seizing their assets and force the sale of the club.
Judges at a hearing on March 6 in Reykjavik will assess a three-month
extension to a decision made in December that blocked banks from attempting
to seize their assets. If the decision is overturned, it could force the
club's sale. Hansa, West Ham's holding company, is controlled by Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson, majority shareholder of an Icelandic bank seized by government
regulators. "Hansa believes that the progress that the club has been making
shows the importance of continued stability," said West Ham vice chairman
Asgeir Fridgeirsson. "There are alternatives and options. It will in no way
effect the club." It is believed there are between five and 10 groups
looking at buying the East End outfit should they come on the market.

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West Ham management pleased new signing Dixon now training with squad
04.03.09 | tribalfootball.com

New West Ham signing Terry Dixon has begun working with the first team
squad. The 19-year-old Republic of Ireland youth international signed a
three-year deal last month after an arduous six-month rehabilitation
programme with the club's medical staff. Dixon had been released by
Tottenham Hotspur back in March 2007, having suffered a knee injury, but is
raring to prove he has what it takes to make it. The striker has been
working hard at Chadwell Heath and coach Alex Dyer said it was important to
not put too much pressure on Dixon. "He has done well and it is great for
his confidence to be back out there with the boys," he said. "It is nice to
have him involved and we will see how he goes in the days to come."
Gianfranco Zola has admitted he is looking forward to seeing what the
teenager can do - both in training and then in reserve-team action.
"Everybody keeps talking about Terry Dixon but I have not seen him play
yet," Zola told whufc.com. "Hopefully soon he will be training with me so I
will try to have an idea about him as a footballer. "I'm looking forward to
seeing him. They told me he was quite a talent and I'm really curious. This
is a good opportunity for him. I think this club has been very good to him
and I want to see how he takes the opportunity. "A big satisfaction would
be to see this guy have some success because he was ruled out from the game.
They said he couldn't make it so if he does I will be very happy for him
because he has been through hell. If he manages to be a successful player it
will be good for him and for us as well."

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