Tuesday, March 17

Daily WHUFC News - II 17th March 2009

Reserves ready for high fliers
WHUFC.com
Alex Dyer's reserve side play host to table-toppers Aston Villa at Bishop's Stortford tonight
17.03.2009

Alex Dyer is expecting another difficult contest when his reserves take on Barclays Premier Reserve League South leaders Aston Villa at Bishop's Stortford this evening.

The second string Hammers achieved a tremendous 1-0 win at Arsenal last week despite a youthful selection that had no first-team players on view. The same is likely this evening although Dyer should be able to call upon the likes of goalkeeper Peter Kurucz and defenders Bondz N'Gala and Holmar Eyjolfsson to help stop a Villa attack that has fired the Midlands club eight points clear of third-placed West Ham. N'Gala is expected to captain the side as he did against the Gunners, while Kurucz could make his first competitive appearance at reserve-team level since signing from Ujpest in the absence of Marek Stech, who has joined Wycombe Wanderers on loan until the end of the season.

Zavon Hines could make his first start for the club since signing a new contract earlier this month and the 20-year-old striker is hopeful of catching Gianfranco Zola's eye for the senior side before the end of the campaign. Hines has been hampered by a knee injury of late but could partner Balint Bajner, who is fresh from scoring twice for the Under-18s in a 4-1 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The two teams played out a 0-0 draw earlier this season and Dyer is hoping the Arsenal and Palace successes have had a galvanising effect on his youngsters. "The lads have done well in the last week," he said. "Tonight will be a different prospect though. Villa are a strong side and work hard from start to finish. We have got some players in there like Bondz and Zavon that are getting close to the first team and they will help some of the younger ones along."

Admission to tonight's contest at Woodside Park is free to season ticket holders, £5 for adults and £2 for concessions. Kick-off is at 7pm.

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Zola makes a 'good point'
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola was happy to see his side add another point in their hunt for a European place next season
17.03.2009

Gianfranco Zola was keen to look at the positives after Monday night's 0-0 draw with a battling West Bromwich Albion side.

West Ham United endured a frustrating evening in front of goal at the Boleyn Ground, with West Brom goalkeeper Scott Carson rarely troubled. There were, however, plenty of plus points for the manager to carry into the weekend's game with Blackburn Rovers, with the encouraging displays of several of the younger members of his squad chief among them.

England Under-20 international James Tomkins was a particular shining light in central defence, while 19-year-old winger Junior Stanislas gave a promising performance on his debut after coming off the bench. Fellow teenagers Savio and Freddie Sears will also have both benefitted from an extended run out after starting, the latter for the first time. Zola said: "It is a good point for us because of all of the problems we had and because of a good performance from West Brom."

With Carlton Cole suspended, Jack Collison and Valon Behrami out through injury and Diego Tristan only fit enough for a place on the bench after recovering from a muscle injury, Zola was forced into rejigging both personnel and tactics for the match. The manager, however, did not want to use it as an excuse and was keen to praise the performance of Tony Mowbray's side.

"[Having players out] certainly doesn't help. We knew exactly what the problem might have been and that's why we tried to play differently. Certainly we were not the same team as we have been at other times but also I have to say West Brom played a very good match. I said before that they are a very good team, they play good football and they are a dangerous team."

The draw moves West Ham United two points clear in seventh position and keeps their chase for a possible UEFA Europa League place next year very much alive, and Zola is confident his side can hold on to their position until the end of the season.

"We have a few problems with injuries and a few big players missing for us but we are going to have a go and we are going to try. It is going to be a bit harder than before but we will try."

Zola was forced into reorganising his defence when Matthew Upson left the field with a calf injury in the 29th minute. Initial reports showed the injury was not too serious, although Upson will have further tests by the club's medical team before a decision is made on his availability for Saturday's game at Ewood Park.

"I am hopeful Matthew shouldn't be too bad. He had a problem before he came on the pitch but it shouldn't be too bad. I believe it is not a major problem but right now it is difficult to say how long it is going to be."

Tristan? The only reason I didn't play him is that he has been out with a muscle problem. Plus I had the feeling that Freddie deserved the chance today.
Tristan more presence? Maybe. It is a week that is very important week and how he works physically. If he works well and I see he is in good shape, I will play him.

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Tomkins takes heart
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins was pleased to have helped West Ham United to their third straight clean sheet
17.03.2009

James Tomkins admitted he and his West Ham United team-mates were in philosophical mood after being held to a goalless draw by West Bromwich Albion.

The England Under-19 central defender was at his composed, assured best as West Ham kept a third consecutive clean sheet in Monday evening's Barclays Premier League fixture at the Boleyn Ground.

The 19-year-old will have impressed the watching England head coach Fabio Capello with the mature manner in which he dealt with the combined threat of the powerful Marc-Antoine Fortune as well as the speedy Luke Moore and Jay Simpson.

While Gianfranco Zola's men will have been frustrated not to secure all three points against the Premier League's bottom club, Tomkins was eager to point to the fact the Hammers maintained their fine defensive form against Tony Mowbray's side.

"Obviously it was a game we were expected to win with West Brom being the opposition and them being down the bottom and trying to keep their place in the Premier League. We were disappointed not to win. We had a few chances to nick it, but we had to be happy with the clean sheet.

Tomkins, who has started each of the Hammers' last four first-team fixtures in all competitions, excelled in the match after defensive partner Matthew Upson was withdrawn with a calf strain.

The 29-year-old Upson's injury is not thought to be too serious, although he will be assessed further on Tuesday to determine whether he will be in contention for Saturday's trip to Ewood Park. Upson's early departure against West Brom forced a reshuffle, with Lucas Neill slotting in alongside Tomkins and substitute Jonathan Spector filling the right-back berth.

"We had to readjust a bit after Matty's injury. He had a bit of a calf during the week and it was touch-and-go whether he would make the game but he gave it a go. That's the sort of player he is and the way he has played for us."

With former Bolton Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce now in charge at Blackburn, Tomkins is expecting a physical battle against a Rovers outfit who go into the weekend just a point above the relegation zone.

"Blackburn are down there but every game is going to be a hard one and we're taking nothing for granted. It will be a tough game, especially up there, and we're going to have to be at it if we're going to get a positive result."

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Leeds board the gravy train
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 17th March 2009
By: Staff Writer

Leeds United chairman Ken Bates has confirmed that they will be the next club to attempt to claim compensation from West Ham United in the wake of the Carlos Tevez affair. The League One club - who left hundreds of local businesses out of pocket to the tune of £35million when administrators seized control of the club in 2007, before selling it straight back to owner Bates - have confirmed this lunchtime that they will be seeking damages in respect of 'contingency payments'.
Leeds claim via their website that they 'missed out on payments in relation to Premiership survival for the transfers of Rob Hulse, Matthew Kilgallon, and Ian Bennett' - whilst Bates, speaking on Yorkshire Radio this morning added: "We sold a number of players to Sheffield United with contingencies. When they got relegated on the last day of the season we missed out on a substantial sum. That's what we lost and if they are being compensated for their loss we believe we should be compensated for our loss.
"There are other clubs in the same boat who have similar claims. Ours is the biggest claim and it would be nice to collect that and strengthen our squad. We are currently taking advice on it and won't be commenting further at this time."
Leeds, Yorkshire neighbours of Sheffield United were in the Premier League as recently as 2004 but ended up in the third tier of English football after being relegated from the Championship in the same year as the Blades lost their Premier League status. Once it became clear that they were going to be relegated from the Championship the club applied for administration, an event that cost them ten points and relegation but also millions of pounds in lost revenue for all the clubs and organisations associated with the club - including the local St Johns Ambulance who were left £165 out of pocket.

* Bolton chairman Phil Gartside has this morning ruled his club out of making any compensation claims in regard to the Tevez case. When asked whether he would be following up an earlier comment in which he suggested that other clubs whose Premiership prize money may have been affected by West Ham United's final placing in the 2006/07 season and may therefore have reason to claim compensation, Gartside replied that his statement had been 'tongue in cheek' - and that Bolton had no interest in 'pursuing the matter'.

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Ponces out in force
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 17th March 2009
By: Staff Writer

Neil Warnock and some of his former charges are once again threatening to sue West Ham United. Warnock, the former manager of Sheffield United who engineered their relegation from the Premier League in 2006/07 (before blaming everyone else for it) had previously threatened to sue the Hammers for his own ineptness, which included resting key players for vital games in Sheffield United's run-in that season. Talking to today's Daily Mail, Warnock reiterated his desire to sue for compensation in the wake of West Ham United's out-of-court settlement with his former employers. I'll be looking into this now," he said. "I just wanted to see the club's case out of the way first.
"It justifies what we've said all along. We've had a lot of people criticise us for taking it this far - but that's what justice is all about. "As far as I'm concerned, I should still be a Premier League manager. And I think the players have a case, too."
Meanwhile the lawyer representing both former and current Sheffield United players says that his clients will now press ahead with their own compensation claims.
Chris Farnell told the Times: "We understand, but have not been informed officially, that the club's dispute with West Ham has been settled. "However, the players' claim will continue independently. We have made correspondence with West Ham's lawyers as recently as the end of last week."

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Zola: Upson ok
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 17th March 2009
By: Staff Writer

Gianfranco Zola says he expects Matthew Upson to be playing again sooner rather than later. The England centre half, playing in front of national team boss Fabio Capello was forced off with a calf strain just 29 minutes into last night's drab 0-0 draw with West Bromwich Albion. However initial reports suggest that the England international will recover in time to feature for the national team when they take on Slovakia at Wembley 11 days from now - although he remains a daoubt for this weekend's trip to Blackburn. "Matthew shouldn't be too bad," said Zola. "He had a problem with his calf before he went on the pitch, but it's nothing major." Zola is already without James Collins, Valon Behrami, Jack Collison, Danny Gabbidon, Kieron Dyer, Dean Ashton (all injured) and Carlton Cole (suspended) ahead of this Saturday's visit to Ewood Park.

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Out of order, my sson
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 17th March 2009
By: Staff Writer

West Bromwich Albion's Jonas Olsson could face disciplinary action for a challenge on Rob Green that could have left the goalkeeper blinded. Olsson recklessly elbowed the United keeper in the face during a West Brom set piece in last night's goalless draw at the Boleyn, although escaped unpunished as the incident was not seen by referee Mark Halsey. However the FA will study video footage of the incident if Halsey admits in his match report that he missed the incident, which appears to show Olsson deliberately elbowing Green as the England keeper rises to take the cross. Green, who received treatment for three minutes following the challenge admitted that he was lucky to escape without serious damage. "Luckily it was on a sturdy part of my face rather than an eye socket or my nose," he said after the game. "That could have done me some proper damage but I'll live to fight another day."
Olsson did however receive the support fo manager Tony Mowbray, who added: "I didn't see him do anything. But Olsson would never do anything like that on purpose. He is a gentleman."

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Blackwell looking forward to signing Hammers
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 17th March 2009
By: Staff Writer

Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell says that he will be casting an eye over some unnamed West Ham players following the resolution of the Carlos Tevez affair.
Blackwell, whose Sheffield side are currently fourth in the Championship with eight games of the season to play made the comment in an interview with Sky Sports this morning when questioned about possible loans deals ahead of the Football League's approaching loan deadline. "The important thing is that the relationship between Sheffield United and West Ham United wasn't soured," he said. "I think it's been finished very well, we're delighted, we've got a lot of respect for West Ham and we can move forward together and hopefully do some business later on. "I'm sure Gianfranco won't want me to say I want players but it means I can go to West Ham now obviously and look to take a loan player. It's not been something I felt I could do until this situation was sorted, so at least there's another club I can borrow someone off.
"I'm just glad that the Tevez affair is finished. I don't think it's been very good for football and I know it's a situation that's hung over both West Ham and Sheffield United - and we're glad it's put to bed. "I'm sure the chairman will give me a ring at some point and discuss how much we've got to spend next season."

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PFA Chief Gordon Taylor Speaks Out Over The Carlos Tevez Affair
The chief executive of the Professional Football Association believes some Sheffield United players have a right to claim some of the money received by the club from the West Ham compensation package...
17 Mar 2009 15:13:01
Goal.com

West Ham United and Sheffield United reached an out-of-court settlement - believed to involve a weighty figure between £15 million and £25m - over the Hammers' fielding of a player owned by a third party. However, the dispute forever rages on. Then-manager Neil Warnock has threatened to sue to London club while PFA (Professional Football Association) chief executive Gordon Taylor's has declared that members of Sheffield United's team at the time deserve a portion of the financial package received by the Yorkshire outfit. Speaking to Sky Sports News, Taylor today said, "It [the compensation package] was a sensible outcome, but it has been going on for some time.
"I'm quite concerned it will drag on. We've informed the Football League and the FA. From Sheffield United's point-of-view, there are players who have lost a considerable sum of money. The claims of the players should have been included in that compensation payment. "They've already got a lawyer and legal case and they are liaising with us. These days, in Premier League players' contracts, there are clauses written in contracts where wages are appropriately reduced when clubs are relegated. "Neil Warnock, too, feels particularly aggrieved as he lost his job due to the events that happened. "The losses to the players are being quantified as being between £1m-2m. We've raised it with Sheffield United and they said they were advised not to include players' sums, which is strange because a case could now rise where players take on a case against their club, or former club. "The players have a right to claim against the club for a right of the share that was received."
Regarding the fairness of the amount of the financial package that will exchange hands over a projected five-year period, Taylor said, "The very fact that there is a judge and arbitration shows that West Ham did indeed breach the rules, and as such are accountable." Taylor went on to offer his thoughts on the current trend of booing players in the Premier League when results, or performances, are going in favour of their rivals. "The PFA is a trade union and as such you have to talk about trade and equality," he explained. "There is a difference between booing a villain at a pantomime and booing a player. "We've had a lid on hooliganism and do not want to go back to the days of the '80s and if we are not careful these things can rise to the fore once more. We have to work hard with the FA, Premier League, the clubs, police and stewards. "Yes, there are big inter city rivalries but some things aimed at players are just not acceptable. The police and the courts need to act."
Gordon Taylor is accredited with being the most highly-paid chief executive of any trade union official in the world.

Alan Dawson, Goal.com

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Olsson cleared by Halsey
Referee review ensures Baggies defender will not be punished
Last updated: 17th March 2009
SSN

West Brom defender Jonas Olsson has escaped FA punishment for his clash with Robert Green on Monday. The Baggies centre-half caught the Hammers keeper with a flailing arm during a lacklustre goalless draw at Upton Park. The incident went unpunished by match referee Mark Halsey, but left Green requiring lengthy treatment.
The England international bit a small part of his tongue off as a result of the collision, but soldiered on to the end of the game. Halsey has since viewed the incident again and, despite Hammers protests, is standing by his initial decision, claiming the clash was not worthy of a red card. The Baggies will be delighted at that verdict, but disappointed they did not benefit fully from the coming together. As Green hit the turf, Shelton Martis looked to have forced a breakthrough, only to see a looping header crash back off the crossbar. The Dutchman was making his first Premier League start and admits he is hoping to enjoy better fortune in the Baggies' battle against the drop.
"I hope so, hopefully we can go and win against Bolton (on Saturday) and push on from there really and just gather more points," he said.

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Warnock - No vendetta
Former Blades boss still bitter about relegation
Last updated: 17th March 2009
SSN

Neil Warnock has admitted he is still bitter about Sheffield United's relegation from the Premier League as he considers legal action against West Ham. The Blades dropped out of the top flight in 2007 as a Carlos Tevez-inspired West Ham stayed up at their expense on the final day of the season. The Hammers were fined after breaking rules regarding third-party ownership but they were not deducted points and Sheffield United have been seeking compensation for almost two years. A settlement between the clubs was finally reached on Monday but Warnock, manager of the Blades at the time, is still furious with Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore and is thinking about launching a personal claim. He told Sky Sports News: "I am pleased it's finalised because we knew all along we were in the right. There should have been action sooner but at least now it can be put to bed between the two clubs. "If it had been a bigger club it would have been dealt with at the time and it wouldn't have been brushed under the carpet. I am very bitter about Richard Scudamore and the Premier League because it was my dream job as well. "I wanted to get this out of the way first and then I would look at it. I will be taking legal advice myself. "I just feel very bitter than I am not a Premier league manager still. If you only knew how much hard work it was in the seven years to get the team up to the Premier League, it was a bitter disappointment knowing Tevez shouldn't have been in the team the last few weeks."
Warnock has been criticised for pursuing the matter but he insists he has been motivated by a desire to see justice done rather than a private vendetta against the Hammers. Asked if he had a vendetta, Warnock said: "Not really, no. I would love to manage them. "You are going to get stick and we have been slaughtered in the London press, especially. "But justice in England is the major thing and it would have been easy to brush Sheffield United aside. "We have wanted the truth to come out all the way along the line. When wrongs have been done against you, you fight for your cause."
Warnock believes Sheffield United would have improved if they had avoided relegation in 2007 and would still be in the Premier League. He explained: "I don't think anything can compensate you for losing your Premier League status. "I think we could have been an established Premier League side and we had high hopes of taking the club forward, spending money in our first summer to keep us up. "Even West Ham fans know, if you ask them why they stayed up, there is only one word and that is Tevez."

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Upson adds to Zola's woes
Defender suffers calf injury against Baggies
Last updated: 17th March 2009
SSN

West Ham's injury problems show no sign of abating, with Matthew Upson the latest to be crocked. The centre-half lasted less than half-an-hour of the Hammers' goalless draw with West Brom on Monday before being forced from the field. Having tweaked a calf muscle, the 29-year-old had to be removed from the action on a stretcher. While the problem is not believed to be too serious, it will keep him sidelined at a crucial stage of West Ham's season. It will also put a dent in his international ambitions, with England's forthcoming fixtures against Slovakia and Ukraine likely to come too soon. The injury comes a blow to Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola as well, as the Italian has already seen his squad blighted by problems this season. However, for all his troubles, the Upton Park outfit remain in the hunt for a European spot in the Premier League.
Monday's stalemate with the Baggies helped to cement their standing in seventh place and Zola admits he was pleased to take a point from a disjointed contest. He said: "I think this was a good point for us because of all the problems we had and a good performance from West Brom. I consider it a good point." The Hammers were booed off at the end by some of their own supporters, but Zola believes the majority of fans remain fully behind the team. "The fans are vital all the time, so the players feel their backing," he said. "They can give something extra, but the fans are okay. But we have to help them to be behind us. We will try harder next time."

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Green thankful for lucky escape
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on: 17 March 2009 - 11:57 AM

Robert Green reckons he was lucky to escape serious injury after being elbowed in the face by West Brom's Jonas Olsson.The West Ham keeper was sent flying to the deck by the giant centre-half and thinks he may have even managed to bite part of his tongue off during the incident."Looking at the replays on TV, he caught me with a good one," said Green. "Luckily, it was on the sturdy part of my face, rather than the eye socket or my nose. "That could have done some proper damage, but I'll live to fight another day."
But former Premier League referee Graham Poll reckons Olsson should have seen red for the challenge having watched the incident again. He told Setanta Sports: "Olsson comes in with his arm. He is looking, knows where Green is and catches him across the chin. If seen, it is a red card offence. I think it was deliberate." Baggies boss Tony Mowbray was quick to disagree, insisting the Swedish defender did not set out to injure a groggy Green. "I don't know why he went down," said Mowbray. "Olsson would be the least person to do anything on purpose. He's absolute gentleman and wouldn't do anything like that."

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Zola puts his contact book to good use
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on: 17 March 2009 - 14:44

Gianfranco Zola is hoping his status in Italy might hold some sway as West Ham United attempt to lure another Serie A based star to London's East End. The Hammers boss is reportedly battling several other European sides for the signature of Siena's Columbian full-back Juan Camillo Zuniga. Zuniga, who moved from homeland side Atletico Nacional last summer, has impressed despite Siena's overall poor form and has been linked with AC Milan, Fiorentina, Palermo, Sevilla and Schalke in recent months. The 23-year-old looks set to be the subject of a bidding war come the end of the season with his value rocketing to around €8m. Speaking to assembled press this week, Zuniga admitted,"It is nice to see in the newspapers my name linked to the big clubs in Italy and abroad."

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Neil Warnock: Blades may have settled but now I will take legal advice
Independent.co.uk
Tuesday, 17 March 2009
It was a bittersweet moment when my old chairman at Sheffield United, Kevin McCabe, told me the club had agreed a deal with West Ham United for compensation over the Tevez scandal. I felt fully vindicated. I was just very disappointed I have relegation on my CV when it should not be there. We worked our butts off to get Sheffield United into the Premier League and I was convinced we would stay. This is final confirmation that we would have but for illegal means. On a level playing field we would have stayed up. Am I bitter? What do you think? These should have been the best years of my life. There is no way I would have left the club if we had stayed up. It was my dream job, my hometown club, a club I supported, and I was managing them in the best league in the world. It's an ill wind, as they say, and I'm enjoying the challenge of managing Crystal Palace and the experience of living in London, but that feeling can never be replicated whatever else I achieve in the game. Personally, I feel I suffered more than anybody, and not just financially.
I am bitter that Richard Scudamore, who as chief executive is the overseer of the Premier League, can remain in his job. It was obvious from the word go that the Premier League just wanted to brush it under the carpet with an attitude of "it's only Sheffield United". That is a disgrace. So, I'm feeling a mixture of emotions right now. One thing I do know, now the case between the clubs has been settled, I'll be taking legal advice myself.

Neil Warnock is the former manager of Sheffield United

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Sheffield United players could sue West Ham United
The Times
Gary Jacob

Hopes that the Carlos Tévez affair had reached a conclusion were dashed last night when Sheffield United's players said that they are threatening legal action against West Ham United for loss of wages and bonuses.

In an unprecedented move in the English game, about 20 of the squad who played for the Yorkshire club at the time of their relegation two years ago are seeking compensation of between £4 million and £5 million in total. The move comes after West Ham agreed to pay about £25 million in compensation to Sheffield United in an out-of-court settlement to end the wrangle over the eligibility of the Argentina forward to play for the East London club during the 2006-07 season. West Ham were fined £5.5 million in April 2007 for breach of league rules over the Tévez transfer but escaped any points deduction.

But the dispute could escalate farther. Wigan Athletic and Fulham have pledged to continue their fight for compensation after missing out on prize money that they would have received had West Ham finished below them. Neil Warnock, who was manager of Sheffield United at the time, has sought legal advice about a claim. He maintains that he would still be at the club had they not been relegated. Instead, he resigned and has subsequently taken charge of Crystal Palace.

"Sheffield United players are quite right [to take legal action]," Warnock said. "No one has suffered more than me. I'm absolutely delighted with the outcome. For personal reasons, I'm disappointed that this was not sorted out sooner. We deserved to stay up and if everyone had played by the same rules, we would have done."

West Ham said yesterday that they have not received a claim from the players, but they are confident of fighting off any actions. The renewed uncertainty will have an impact on potential buyers for West Ham, who are £47 million in debt, because of concerns about the unknown liabilities.

Phil Jagielka and Matthew Kilgallon are believed to be among the players to have contacted Chris Farnell, a lawyer from IPS Law in Manchester, which has taken up the case. "We understand, but have not been informed officially, that the club's dispute with West Ham has been settled," Farnell said. "However, the players' claim will continue. We have made correspondence with West Ham's lawyers as recently as the end of last week."

Jagielka, for example, might have suffered no loss in wages because he moved to Everton soon after relegation, but the England defender would expect to have been paid a bonus for helping Sheffield United to stay up. A Barclays Premier League player could expect a bonus of about £100,000 to £150,000 for helping his team to avoid relegation. Kilgallon, in contrast, remained at the club and would probably have had his wage cut by half — the rule of thumb for many contracts. Players in the top flight usually earn in excess of £20,000 a week whereas they might expect up to £12,000 a week in the Coca-Cola Championship.

The dispute could take a further twist depending on the outcome of an investigation into West Ham by the Football Association and Premier League. The governing bodies are considering whether the club breached rules in assurances made to ensure that Tévez could play in the final three matches of the 2006-07 season.

Any thoughts that this will be dropped after the settlement between West Ham and Sheffield United have been ruled out by Wigan and Fulham. Wigan are expected to raise the matter at the Premier League's quarterly meeting in three weeks' time.

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Report: West Ham United Face Battle For Signature Of Siena's Juan Zuniga
The Hammers target is also wanted by a host of Italian clubs as well as Sevilla and Schalke...
17 Mar 2009 13:33:56
Goal.com

According to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mail, Premier League club West Ham United may miss out on transfer target Juan Camilo Zuniga at the end of the season. The 23-year-old right-back has impressed since signing for Serie A strugglers Siena from Colombian team Atletico Nacional last summer. Apparently, the Colombian international, who has won three caps to date, is being tracked by Italian sides Milan, Fiorentina and Palermo as well as Primera Division outfit Sevilla. However, it is claimed that the interest of Bundesliga club Schalke are pricing the Hammers out of a move for the pacy 5ft 7in full-back as they are prepared to offer up to €8 million (£7.5m) with their Brazilian right-back Rafinha likely to leave for Juventus or Bayern Munich. "It is nice to see in the newspapers my name linked to the big clubs in Italy and abroad," Zuniga is quoted as saying.

Ricky Brooks, Goal.com

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West Ham ready to fight Warnock in Tevez affair
Ken Dyer and Ben Hunt
17.03.09
Evening Standard

West Ham will vigorously defend any legal action taken by Neil Warnock over the Carlos Tevez affair. The former Sheffield United boss confirmed today that he is considering launching a private claim for compensation against the Hammers. Warnock, now in charge at Crystal Palace, believes that the out-of-court settlement reached between West Ham and the Blades yesterday allows him to launch his own action. The 60-year-old feels he would still be managing in the Premier League if it had not been for the part Tevez played in keeping West Ham in the top flight in 2007. It is also understood that some former Sheffield United players are considering suing for lost bonuses but Hammers officials are confident that they can rebuff any action because they believe the original independent FA arbitration panel ruling against West Ham last year did not allow for any individual claims. Hammers owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, who was at last night's goalless draw with West Brom, had hoped the £15million out-of-court settlement would bring the saga to an end. But Warnock, a life-long Blades fan, will not let the matter drop. The current Palace boss said: "People have been criticised for taking it this far but all the while we were in the right. "There should have been action taken sooner but at least now there is an agreement between the two clubs. "You cannot put right the disappointment. I just think if it was a bigger club, it would have been dealt with at the time."
Warnock also renewed his attack on Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore today, calling for him to be sacked over his role in the affair. "I am very bitter about Richard Scudamore at the Premier League because Sheffield United was my dream job," Warnock told Sky Sports News. "I find it amazing that Richard Scudamore is still in a job at the Premier League. I just find it amazing. "I think all along if the facts were known it would have been dealt with sooner. It's nice to be able to justify it now the facts have been made."

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Neil Warnock considering legal action against West Ham United
The Times
Nick Szczepanik

Neil Warnock is pleased that Sheffield United have won compensation from West Ham United over their relegation from the Premier League in 2007, but is still contemplating legal action on his own account.

Warnock, now in charge of Crystal Palace, was Sheffield United manager when they went down. West Ham stayed up, thanks largely to the goals of Carlos Tevez, who was playing despite a breach of rules on third-party ownership, but although the London club were fined, they did not suffer a points deduction that could have relegated them and kept Sheffield United up.

The two clubs finally agreed compensation estimated at £15 million on Monday, but Warnock may still take matters farther. "I am pleased it's finalised because we knew all along we were in the right," Warnock said. "There should have been action sooner but at least now it can be put to bed between the two clubs.

"If it had been a bigger club it would have been dealt with at the time and it wouldn't have been brushed under the carpet. I am very bitter about Richard Scudamore [the Premier League chief executive] and the Premier League because it was my dream job as well. I wanted to get this out of the way first and then I would look at it. I will be taking legal advice myself."

Warnock, a lifelong Sheffield United supporter, had realised a long-held ambition in taking the club up in 2006, but left the club shortly after their relegation in May 2007. His team had lost 2-1 at home to Wigan Athletic on the final day of the season while West Ham secured an improbable 1-0 victory away to Manchester United – Tevez scoring the last of his seven goals for the club, which had been worth a total of six points. West Ham finished three points ahead of Sheffield United, with an inferior goal difference.

"I just feel very bitter than I am not a Premier league manager still," Warnock said. "If you only knew how much hard work it was in the seven years to get the team up to the Premier League, it was a bitter disappointment knowing Tevez shouldn't have been in the team the last few weeks.

"You are going to get stick and we have been slaughtered in the London press, especially. But justice in England is the major thing and it would have been easy to brush Sheffield United aside. We have wanted the truth to come out all the way along the line. When wrongs have been done against you, you fight for your cause.

"I don't think anything can compensate you for losing your Premier League status. I think we could have been an established Premier League side and we had high hopes of taking the club forward, spending money in our first summer to keep us up. Even West Ham fans know; if you ask them why they stayed up, there is only one word - and that is 'Tevez'."

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London Football: Palace boss Neil Warnock may sue West Ham over the Carlos Tevez affair
Tuesday, 17 March 2009
Londonpaper.com

NEIL WARNOCK has launched an attack on Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore and is considering legal action against West Ham over the Carlos Tevez affair. The Hammers confirmed they had agreed a settlement – believed to be around £15m – with relegated Sheffield United after breaking rules over the signing of the striker. The Premier League failed to dock West Ham points which would have kept the Blades in the top flight. And former Sheffield boss Warnock has declared war on both the Premier League and the Hammers. He said: "I think Scudamore is an absolute disgrace. I'd love to get him in a room on my own for an hour, no holds barred. I find it amazing that he has kept his job." Warnock resigned at Bramall Lane after relegation two years ago. He has now threatened to sue West Ham for loss of earnings – and warned that his former players could do the same. He said: "I'll be looking into this now. I just wanted to see the club's case out of the way first. "I should still be a Premier League manager. And I think the players have a case too."

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TEAMtalk Tirade: Get a grip, Warnock
teamTalk

TEAMtalk editor Simon Wilkes feels Neil Warnock needs to take a reality check after claiming he 'should still be a Premier League manager'. When Monday's story broke about West Ham and Sheffield finally agreeing an out-of-court settlement over the Carlos Tevez affair, there was a collective sigh of relief - not only here at TEAMtalk Towers but around the country. That welcome feeling of closure didn't last long though. The saga had rumbled on since the end of the 2006-07 season, which saw the Blades lose their Premier League status after a shocking end to their campaign tallied with a West Ham resurgence sparked in the main by Tevez. According to reports, United have been compensated to the tune of £15million, with another £10million on the way in future years. Add that to the £5.5million fine handed out to the Irons, and it's fair to say the EastEnders have paid the price for the soap drama surrounding how they brought Argentinian pair Tevez and Javier Mascherano to Upton Park. But no, Neil Warnock has decided to hog the headlines once again and says he is now considering suing the Hammers, under the claim that he "should still be a Premier League manager". Well hang on a minute, mate, you were a top-flight gaffer in 2007 and didn't cut the mustard over the entire season, took the Blades down and then walked away from the club. At one point in the 2006-07 season, the Hammers were 10 points from safety and things were looking bleak for them when a 4-0 hammering by Charlton was swiftly followed by a heartbreaking 4-3 home defeat to Spurs. A mini West Ham revival, which saw them win three on the spin against Blackburn, Middlesbrough and Arsenal, came to a shuddering halt at Bramall Lane, where Warnock's Blades cut the visitors to shreds in a 3-0 victory. That should've been job done for the Steel City outfit, but just four points were picked up from the final five games of the season, compared to West Ham's impressive haul of 12 points from 15 available.
Tevez played a starring role in two of four consecutive wins but it was by no means a one-man show, and the Hammers were only given a glimmer of hope by United's dismal slump in form.
Warnock not only believes he is entitled to compensation, but also argues that his players have a case as well. The fact of the matter is that if they'd been good enough to stay in the Premier League, they would've done so no matter what West Ham did. They were in a strong position to survive and choked when it really mattered, winning just two of their last 11 games and losing seven. So please let it go Mr Warnock, as Crystal Palace's mid-table obscurity in the Championship suggests you should not be a Premier League manager.

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Olsson in the clear over Green clash
Ananova.co.uk

West Brom centre-back Jonas Olsson has escaped Football Association punishment following a clash which left West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green requiring smelling salts.
Green was caught by Olsson's elbow during Monday night's stalemate at Upton Park but referee Mark Halsey looked at the incident again and told the FA he would not have given a red card. Hammers goalkeeper Green needed lengthy treatment and bit a small part of his tongue off after attempting to claim a cross which was headed against the crossbar by Shelton Martis.

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Daily WHUFC News - 17th March 2009

West Ham United 0-0 West Brom
WHUFC.com
16.03.2009

Barclays Premier League
West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion
Boleyn Ground
Monday 16 March
8pm
Referee: Mark Halsey

Final score - West Ham United 0-0 West Bromwich Albion

Full-time - No we will not as the visitors survive the final three minutes
without a shot coming in. It has been a frustrating night for the Hammers,
but there are still positives to be taken into next weekend's trip to
Blackburn Rovers.

90 min - Three minutes of added time. Will we see a winner in east London?
The Hammers are throwing everything they have forward.

86 min - A corner to the Hammers after more good work by Stanislas. He then
takes the set-piece but the Baggies break away with the ball and Boa Morte
has to show his defensive prowess to stem the West Brom attack.

85 min - James Tomkins wins another tackle at the back for the Hammers. The
defender - who has just been called up to represent England at under-20
level has been superb tonight.

82 min - Second sub for West Ham as Mark Noble is replaced by Luis Boa
Morte, who has just returned from a groin injury.

79 min - The Baggies make a double substitution. Fortune and Chris Brunt
leave the field and Jay Simpson and Luke Moore come on.

77 min - Another great bit of play from Stanislas as he crosses from the
left and Di Michele heads inches wide. Better from the home side, but they
need to find a goal soon.

74 min - A great run from Stanislas on his debut as he tricks his way past
two men. Promising start from the Academy graduate.

68 min - He is and Savio is the player to make way.

67 min - Savio becomes the first player to be booked after a late tackle. It
looks like Stanislas will be joining us soon...

64 min - The Hammers need to get a hold on this game if they are to take the
spoils. Will Zola turn to his substitutes soon?

63 min - The visitors have another corner. It is played to the edge of the
six yard box but Green comes out bravely to claim it.

59 min - A great ball from the pick sets Savio racing into some space. He
beats his marker well, but then fires his curling shot high and wide.

57 min - Tonight's attendance at the Boleyn Ground is 30,482

55 min - The danger is not over just yet though as West Brom have a
free-kick 25 yards out. Morrison hits it straight into the wall.

54 min - Not just yet anyway as the West Ham No1 picks himself up off the
floor.

51 min - Corner to West Brom on the left. It is taken short to Morrison. He
crosses and Shelton Martis heads off the crossbar. In the process, Green is
caught in the face by a stray elbow and stays on the ground. Will Jan
Lastuvka be coming on for his Premier League debut?

47 min - Di Michele works an opening but fires a left foot shot high and
wide. That was a half-chance. Meanwhile, initial reports suggest Matthew
Upson has suffered a calf strain.

46 min - We're off and running again at the Boleyn Ground. West Ham make a
bright start, but eventually the ball goes out for a West Bromwich Albion
throw-in.

Half-time - No we are not and the teams walk off the field. Robert Green's
fine save after 27 minutes has been the highlight thus far. The Hammers will
need to step it up a gear if they are to get the three points needed to move
four points clear in seventh.

45 min - Half-time is nearly upon us in east London and neither side has
registered a worthwhile shot yet. Is that going to change during the one
minute of added time?

43 min - As well as the three teenagers West Ham have on the pitch at
present, Junior Stanislas and Josh Payne are warming up on touchline. Will
either of them get their first taste of Premier League action tonight?

40 min - A Noble cross from the right is clipped towards Scott Carson's goal
by Savio. The German under-20 international does not quite get enough on his
shot to trouble the former England stopper though.

38 min - This is much better from the Hammers. The tempo and energy to their
play has returned and they are knocking the ball around nicely. Parker tries
his luck from 30 yards but it flies just over.

36 min - Sears wins his side a corner with another energetic run down the
left. Noble takes it and after Neill and Tomkins have shots blocked, West
Brom get the ball clear.

34 min - The Hammers break and a Mark Noble cut-back is hit goalwards by
Sears, only for a last ditch Baggies block to deny him.

33 min - Another corner to visitors is dealt with expertly by James Tomkins'
head.

31 min - Walter Lopez and Luis Boa Morte get a generous round of applause as
they warm up on the touchline.

29 min - A set-back for West Ham as Matthew Upson has to be carried from the
field. Jonathan Spector replaces him and Lucas Neill moves inside to
centre-half.

27 min - Fantastic save by Green after a dangerous run by James Morrison.
The Baggies midfielder beat three men and was one-on-one with the England
international, who spread himself well to smother the shot.

23 min - West Bromwich Albion have a corner after Green just slides over the
goal-line, while trying to collect a loose pass. The corner is swung into
the far post and Paul Robinson goes down in the area but Mr. Halsey waves
away his claim for a penalty.

21 min - Savio gets clattered by Gianni Zuiverloon, but referee Mark Halsey
chooses to keep his cards in his pocket. Let's hope I don't have to type his
name too many times tonight!

18 min - West Brom register their first effort on goal as Fortune rifles in
a shot from a tight angle on the right. The ball flies into the side-netting
and does not trouble Robert Green.

14 min - The home side win a corner after good work from Herita Ilunga,
David Di Michele and Savio. Noble swings the ball in but it is punched clear
by Carson.

12 min - West Brom have settled slightly now and are trying to knock the
ball around. West Ham seem to have anything they can offer under control at
present, though.

9 min - Weather-wise at the Boleyn Ground, we're looking a mild, clear
evening. Herita Ilunga has tried to warm it up even further with a firm,
clean tackle in his own area.

5 min - The pitch is in perfect condition with horizontal stripes running
across it. The groundsmen must have been hard at work in the 15 days since
the last game here.

3 min - The visitors have already misplaced a few paces and look short of
confidence. Can the Hammers grab an early goal to pin them back even more.

2 min - And Savio is involved as well now, sliding in to try and stop the
ball going off for a goal-kick. He just fails but manages to take the corner
flag out in the process.

1 min - A crunching first-minute tackle from Sears. That will do his
confidence the world of good.

1 min - Jonathan Greening and Marc-Antoine Fortune get us underway.

7.59pm - It is a big night for the two youngsters coming into the team, as
Savio starts for the first time and Sears starts for the first time in the
league for nearly four months. Can they repay Zola's faith?

7.56pm - Here come the two teams to the strains of 'Bubbles'.

7.55pm - The pre-match preparations are almost over here at the Boleyn
Ground. A win for West Ham tonight would strengthen their claims for a
seventh-placed Premier League finish. Victory would carry the Hammers four
points clear of eighth-placed Wigan Athletic.

West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola has made two enforced changes to the
side that beat Wigan Athletic on 4 March. Savio and Freddie Sears come in
for the injured Jack Collison and suspended Carlton Cole respectively.

West Ham United: Green, Neill, Tomkins, Upson, Ilunga, Noble, Parker, Kovac,
Savio, Di Michele, Sears
Subs: Lastuvka, Lopez, Spector, Payne, Boa Morte, Stanislas, Tristan

West Bromwich Albion: Carson, Zuiveloon, Olsson, Martis, Robinson, Morrison,
Koren, Greening, Dorrans, Brunt, Fortune
Subs: Kiely, Hoefkens, Cech, Teixeira, Simpson, Moore, Bednar

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West Brom stifle Hammers
WHUFC.com
West Bromwich Albion held West Ham United to a frustrating goalless draw in
east London
16.03.2009

West Ham United were left frustrated as Premier League basement boys West
Bromwich Albion secured a battling goalless draw at the Boleyn Ground.

Gianfranco Zola was forced to make two changes from the team that won 1-0 at
Wigan Athletic on 4 March. The suspended Carlton Cole was replaced by
Freddie Sears while another 19-year-old, Savio, came in for Wales
international Jack Collison.

The Hammers made a neat start on a beautiful playing surface at the Boleyn
Ground, with Sears looking lively both offensively and defensively. At the
other end, West Brom's players appeared nervous, needlessly kicking the ball
into touch on no fewer than four occasions within the opening ten minutes.

It was the home side, looking for a victory that would have carried them to
within six points of sixth-placed Everton, who looked the most likely
scorers in the opening stages, with both Sears and Savio keen to get
involved in the action.

For all their possession, however, West Ham could not create a clear-cut
opening and as so often happens in those circumstances, it was the Baggies
who fired a warning shot across the Hammers' bows on 18 minutes. James
Morrison and Jonathan Greening combined to release Marc-Antoine Fortune
inside the home penalty area, but the French-Guiana-born striker could only
rifle his shot into the side-netting at the near post.

The home supporters were heaving two more sighs of relief soon afterwards,
the first after referee Mark Halsey waved away Paul Robinson's claim that he
had been hauled back by Lucas Neill inside the penalty area. Then, on 27
minutes, goalkeeper Robert Green was out smartly to block Morrison's low
shot with his legs after the Scotsman had ghosted past James Tomkins, no
doubt impressing the watching England head coach Fabio Capello.

West Ham's luck did run out on 29 minutes, though, but in the shape of an
injury rather than a goal. Matthew Upson was the victim and was stretchered
off with a suspected calf strain. Jonathan Spector replaced the England
defender, with Neill reverting to the centre of defence.

The loss of Upson appeared to galvanise the Hammers, with Sears seeing his
first-time shot from Mark Noble's cut-back blocked by Shelton Martis.
Seconds later, Neill saw a header and follow-up shot blocked following
Noble's left-wing corner.

Into the second half and West Ham continued to hold the upper hand in front
of a 30,842-strong crowd. Less than two minutes in, David Di Michele worked
an opening for himself, only to launch a left-foot shot high into the Bobby
Moore Stand. Shortly before the hour-mark, Savio did likewise.

In between the two chances, however, Tony Mowbray's side came within a lick
of paint of stealing a shock lead. The lively Chris Brunt beat his marker
before curling over a delicious cross that the towering Martis headed
powerfully against the underside of the crossbar. The incident also saw
Green left pole-axed after appearing to be caught by the Baggies' Swedish
defender Jonas Olsson, although no action was taken by referee Halsey.

As the game meandered on, Greening chipped narrowly over before Savio was
booked for a late challenge on Morrison and then replaced by Junior
Stanislas with 21 minutes remaining. Stanislas, a 19-year-old Academy
graduate, was making his Premier League debut following a successful loan
spell at League One side Southend United earlier this season.

The wideman almost conjured an opening goal for Di Michele on 76 minutes,
but the on-loan forward was only able to direct his header wide of Scott
Carson's far post.

With West Ham struggling to maintain the pressure on their lowly opponents,
Mowbray sent on strikers Jay Simpson and Luke Moore for Brunt and Fortune
with a little over ten minutes remaining. Zola responded by replacing Noble
with Luis Boa Morte, who received a rapturous reception from the home
faithful on his return from a groin problem.

Martis received a yellow card shortly afterwards for bringing down Sears,
but the home fans had little else to cheer in the closing stages as a game
finished goalless at the Boleyn Ground for the first time since Portsmouth's
visit on 15 November.

While manager Zola will be frustrated at not having taken all three points
from the Premier League's bottom side, he will have been pleased with the
assured display of teenage central defender James Tomkins, who appears to be
settling into life in the top-flight nicely.

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Collins receives Wales call
WHUFC.com
James Collins has been selected in the Wales squad for two crucial 2010 FIFA
World Cup qualifiers
16.03.2009

West Ham United defender James Collins has been named in the Wales squad for
his country's 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Finland and Germany.

The 25-year-old, who is back in training after a hamstring strain, is in
line to earn his 28th and 29th caps in the Group Four fixtures at Cardiff's
Millennium Stadium.

The powerful centre-back has been an important figure for John Toshack's
squad in their bid to reach next summer's finals in South Africa. Wales go
into the pair of matches - to be held on Saturday 28 March and Wednesday 1
April respectively - third in their group, level on points with
second-placed Russia.

Collins' West Ham team-mate Jack Collison misses out on selection after
suffering a knee injury in the 1-0 Premier League victory at Wigan Athletic
on Wednesday 4 March. The midfielder, who has four caps, is expected to be
sidelined for out of action for around six weeks.

Azerbaijan and Liechtenstein round out Wales' six-team group, with the top
team - currently Germany - qualifying automatically for the World Cup
finals. Should Wales finish second, they will face a play-off against one of
seven other second-placed finishers in the UEFA qualifying competition.

Wales have not reached a major tournament since qualifying for the World Cup
in 1958, when they reached the quarter-finals before Pele's goal sent them
to a 1-0 defeat by Brazil.

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West Ham 0-0 West Brom
By Saj Chowdhury
BBC.co.uk

Basement club West Brom failed to take advantage of an injury-hit West Ham
side in a mediocre draw at Upton Park. The Baggies had the best chances,
with Jonathan Greening firing over, James Morrison seeing his shot saved and
Shelton Martis hitting the bar. West Ham rarely threatened, although both
David di Michele and Savio should have hit the target with their efforts.
The home side also had Matthew Upson carried off injured, and keeper Robert
Green floored by a heavy challenge. However, it was later revealed that
Upson was walking freely after being taken into the tunnel on a stretcher,
while Green said he "would live to fight another day". That was the only
good news for Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola, who watched his side produce
a below-par performance. The Baggies conjured up the best and only clear
chance of the first half when Morrison was inexplicably allowed to weave
into the penalty area before firing in a low shot that was saved by the feet
of Green. West Ham failed to come up with anything as exciting in the West
Brom box during that period, although the spritely Freddie Sears had an
effort on goal blocked, while his other shot was deflected on to the roof of
the net. The Hammers cause was certainly not helped by the injury to
centre-back Upson, who was replaced by Jonathan Spector. West Ham improved
slightly in the second half but again failed to give Scott Carson much of a
workout in the West Brom goal. Both Di Michele and Savio, making his first
start, should have tested the keeper but both fired wildly over. West Brom
wasted two good chances to punish the London side but first Greening dinked
his shot over the bar from six yards and then Martis powered his header on
to the bar from closer in. And there was another injury scare for the home
side as the ball struck their crossbar, with Green appearing to be caught by
Jonas Olsson's elbow and requiring treatment. Three points would have given
West Brom a glimmer of hope regarding survival but at the end of the 90
minutes it seems Tony Mowbray's team will now need a miracle.

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

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola: "We missed a few important players and
West Brom played well. "West Brom had very good chances and they could have
gone in front, which is why I'm saying this was a very good point for our
team." On Matthew Upson's injury: "It isn't bad. He was carrying a calf
problem."

Robert Green on Jonas Olsson's challenge: "Looking at the replays on the
television, he's caught me with a good one. "Luckily it was on a sturdy
part of my face rather than an eye socket or my nose. "That could have done
me some proper damage but I'll live to fight another day."

West Brom boss Tony Mowbray : It was there for us to win tonight - I don't
think West Ham were 100% at it. "We had good opportunities to win the game.
James Morrison missed one and Jonathan Greening clipped his shot over the
bar. "We find it hard to keep clean sheets but we did that but
unfortunately we didn't do it at the other end."

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

West Ham: Green, Neill, Tomkins, Upson (Spector 29), Ilunga, Noble (Boa
Morte 82), Kovac, Parker, Nsereko (Stanislas 68), Di Michele, Sears.
Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Tristan, Payne.

Booked: Nsereko.

West Brom: Carson, Zuiverloon, Martis, Olsson, Robinson, Morrison (Filipe
Teixeira 88), Koren, Dorrans, Greening, Brunt (Simpson 80), Fortune (Moore
80).
Subs Not Used: Kiely, Hoefkens, Cech, Bednar.

Booked: Olsson.

Att: 30,842
Ref: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----

BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: West Ham's Scott Parker with 6.67
(on 90 minutes).

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Warnock may sue over Tevez saga
BBC.co.uk

Former Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock may sue West Ham after the
conclusion of the legal dispute between the clubs over Carlos Tevez. On
Monday a settlement was reached over the Blades' compensation claim for the
part Tevez played in keeping West Ham up in 2007 as Warnock's side went
down. The Crystal Palace manager told the Daily Mail: "I'll be looking into
this. "I just wanted to see the club's case out of the way first. I should
still be a Premier League manager." Monday's agreement between the clubs
suggested an end to the long-running affair, but players from the Blades
team that were relegated also intend to pursue their compensation claim. "We
understand, but have not been informed officially, that the club's dispute
with West Ham has been settled," Chris Farnell, the lawyer representing the
players, told The Times. "However, the players' claim will continue
independently. We have made correspondence with West Ham's lawyers as
recently as the end of last week."
West Ham told The Times that they have not received a claim from the
players. In April 2007, West Ham were fined £5.5m by the Premier League for
breaking rules over third-party agreements when taking striker Tevez and
fellow Argentine Javier Mascherano to Upton Park. But they were not docked
points and, ultimately, went on to ensure their Premier League survival,
with Tevez playing a key part with his goals, including three in the last
two games. Warnock spent seven-and-a-half years as Blades manager before
resigning three days after they were relegated on the last day of the 2007
season following a defeat at home by Wigan. As the Blades were losing that
day, Tevez scored West Ham's winner at Manchester United - the club the
forward went on to join after he left West Ham. Reacting to Monday's
settlement between Sheffield United and West Ham, Warnock added: "It
justifies what we've said all along. "We've had a lot of people criticise us
for taking it this far - but that's what justice is all about. "But this
still doesn't make it right for me or the United fans - or anyone else
involved."

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West Ham Utd 0 WBA 0
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 16th March 2009
By: Staff Writer

West Ham stumbled to a draw tonight against a West Brom side who, despite
the point, remain four points adrift at the bottom of the Premier League.
The Hammers, severely weakened by injuries to a number of key personnel
struggled to make an impact on an opposition that had taken just one point
from their last 11 away fixtures prior to tonight. Whilst Monday night
affairs rarely if ever provide an electric atmosphere tonight's was dampened
further by today's confirmation of West Ham United's multi-million pound
out-of-court settlement with Sheffield United. Predictably the away support
provided a regular chorus of 'cheats!', something that West Ham followers
will have to get used to in the wake of today's news. For once the home
fans - the 30,842 present providing the club's lowest Premier League gate
for three years - failed to respond, as if embarrassed to do as as a result
of what many perceive to be a total climbdown by the Board. That lack of
inspiration from the terraces clearly affected the players, and United's
recent good form was nowhere to be seen as they managed to muster just a
handful of half chances all night. Matthew Upson joined Gianfranco Zola's
ever-growing list of injuries when he became the latest casualty, being
carried off the field after just half an hour with a calf strain. Although
initial reports suggest the injury is not serious Zola, already missing
first team players James Collins, Valon Behrami, Jack Collison, Kieron Dyer,
Dean Ashton and Carlton Cole would be forgiven for fearing the worst.
Upson's enforced departure hardly helped to lift a crowd that had had little
to cheer up until that point - Rob Green providing the only real talking
point of the first half with a fine save when left one on one with James
Morrison. The second half was to provide little more in terms of
entertainment and bar a 76th minute glancing header from David Di Michele,
applying the finish to an inswinging cross from debutant Junior Stanislas,
there were barely any other goalmouth incidents of note.
West Brom had slightly better luck in the final third but Jonathan
Greening's attempted chip which sailed over the bar and a header that shook
Rob Green's bar (although the effort wouldn't have counted due to Green
receiving a clump in the face from Jonas Olsson) were as close as the
Baggies got to recording only their second away win of the season. So whilst
the point keeps the Hammers well-positioned in seventh spot (and takes them
to the magic 40 point mark) Gianfranco Zola will have some thinking to do
ahead of this weekend's trip to Blackburn. Badly lacking any potency up
front - and with Carlton Cole suspended for one more game - the Italian boss
will have his work cut out finding goals from an attack that has mananged
just four goals from their last seven outings.

West Ham Utd 0 West Bromwich Albion 0: Match Stats
West Ham Utd: Green, Neill, Tomkins, Upson (Spector 29), Ilunga, Noble (Boa
Morte 82), Kovac, Parker, Savio (Stanislas), Di Michele, Sears.
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Payne, Tristan.
Booked: Savio (67).
West Brom: Carson, Zuiverloon, Martis, Olsson, Robinson, Morrison (Teixeira
88), Koren, Dorrans, Greening, Brunt (Simpson 80), Fortune (Moore 80).
Subs not used: Kiely, Hoefkens, Cech, Bednar.
Booked: Olsson (83).
Referee: Mark Halsey (7).
Attendance: 30,842.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Honours even at Upton Park
Baggies six points from safety after lacklustre draw
Last updated: 16th March 2009
SSN

Man of the match: Chris Brunt for his solid performance and numerous assists
in a hard fought draw.
Effort of the match: Shelton Martis' leaping header rattling the woodwork
early in the second half.
Save of the match: Scott Carson's second block after a double-shot by Lucas
Neill from close range.
Talking point: Is it all over for Tony Mowbray's West Brom with only a
handful of games to go?

West Brom had to settle for a point in a lacklustre goalless draw with West
Ham at Upton Park, leaving them six points from safety. In a game with only
two shots on target, the Baggies - try as they might - just could not find a
way through a packed Hammers defence. Shelton Martis came closest for the
visitors, with a leaping header rattling the woodwork early in the second
half. Jonathan Greening's slice over the crossbar from close range for the
Baggies soon after was the only other chance of note in the 90 minutes. Now
six points from safety at the foot of the table, Tony Mowbray's side will
see the draw as two points dropped and a further nail in the coffin for
their hopes of Premier League survival. On the day that the Carlos Tevez
saga was declared over - with the Hammers and Sheffield United finally
coming to an agreement - it looked like the Baggies were at the start of
staging an amazing recovery. But in terms of entertainment, it was in short
supply. Marc-Antoine Fortune, playing in attack on his own for the visitors,
smashed an effort into the side-netting but that was the sum total of the
early chances. The Baggies had gone eight previous games without a clean
sheet so Mowbray tried a new centre-back pairing - Jonas Olsson returned
from a knee injury and Martis was given his first top-flight start.
Mowbray's selection appeared to tighten his defence, although it made for
dull football. Predictably, the first talking point came from a set-piece,
after Hammers goalkeeper Robert Green needlessly conceded a corner when the
ball was drifting out for a goal-kick midway though the opening period.
Chris Brunt's set-piece was aimed at the far post where Paul Robinson went
to ground under a challenge from Lucas Neill - but referee Mark Halsey
awarded a goal-kick.
James Morrison created the first genuine chance of the match after Gianni
Zuiverloon won the ball in midfield. Morrison charged forward, breezing past
James Tomkins and Neill before Green bravely saved his finish. The hosts
were merely looking to contain West Brom at this stage and the task was not
made any easier when Matthew Upson was carried off on a stretcher after
picking up an injury, with Jonathan Spector coming on. Carlton Cole supplied
11 goals this season before picking up his second red card of the campaign -
and Freddie Sears was given the chance to fill the void left by Zola's
suspended first-choice striker. Hammers youngster Sears had an effort
blocked by Martis and another deflected onto the roof of the net before the
half-time whistle. Despite Sears' efforts, West Brom would have felt they
had the better of the first 45 minutes - and they should have been ahead 10
minutes after the restart. Brunt made a yard of room for himself on the left
flank and his cross was headed against the crossbar by Martis, with Green
requiring treatment for a head injury he picked up while attempting to save.
Savio went on an exciting run but finished it with a shot that almost went
for a throw-in, then he got booked for a sliding challenge on Morrison as
the Baggies midfielder raided down the right flank. It was the last
contribution the youngster made as Zola brought on Junior Stanislas for the
final quarter, replacing the player he bought in a £9million deal in
January. Greening was off target with his glorious opportunity with 19
minutes remaining, accepting Morrison's pass and waiting for Green to commit
but chipping his finish over the crossbar.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Toshack hopeful over duo
Wales boss keen for Bellamy and Collins to feature
Last updated: 16th March 2009
SSN

Wales boss John Toshack remains hopeful that Craig Bellamy and John Collins
will be fit for their forthcoming World Cup qualifiers. The duo have been
included in Toshack's squad for the Cardiff meetings with Finland and
Germany on 28th March and 1st April, respectively, despite both being on the
sidelines with injury. Manchester City striker Bellamy is out with a knee
problem while West Ham defender Collins is battling a hamstring injury and
both may not feature again for their clubs before the international
fixtures. But with Toshack admitting the Group Four date with Finland is
'win or bust' for Wales' World Cup 2010 qualification hopes, he is desperate
to have the pair available for at least one of the forthcoming fixtures. "We
will have a good look at Bellamy and Collins when they join up with the
squad, and just see what the situation is then," he said. "It may be
difficult to ask either of them to play two games in five days. But we will
monitor what they do with their clubs in training, and then assess the
problem. "But they are confident and they know how important they are for
us. "Collins is our most experienced defender, he's 25 now and a regular at
international level. The same applies to Bellamy, he is our most important
striker. "This first game of the two qualifiers is the most important. We
cannot afford to lose against Finland, it is win or bust for us. "We have
two of Europe's best sides - Germany and Russia - in our group and only one
will qualify by right. So for us or Finland to have a chance, our game is
winner takes all."
Bellamy has not played since 1st March before limping out of the defeat at
West Ham, while Collins has been out since 21st February. Toshack may face
opposition from Manchester City chief Mark Hughes - his predecessor as Wales
boss - and West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola over the availability of both
players. He added: "I am hopeful that Bellamy and Collins will be fit. The
information we have had is optimistic. "These two are big, important players
for us, and we desperately need them to be available. "We have talked to
Craig. The initial fear was that he could be out for several weeks, but it
now seems the initial damage was not as bad as first thought. "Craig is
always very wary when the injury involved his knees. But I believe he is
hopeful he will be OK. James feels the same. "There is a possibility that
they could be involved this weekend for their clubs, but we will just have
to wait and see."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Neil Warnock: Premier League to blame for destruction of a dream
Independent.co.uk
Tuesday, 17 March 2009

It was a bittersweet moment when my old chairman at Sheffield United, Kevin
McCabe, told me the club had agreed a deal with West Ham United for
compensation over the Tevez scandal. I felt fully vindicated. I was just
very disappointed I have relegation on my CV when it should not be there.

We worked our butts off to get Sheffield United into the Premier League and
I was convinced we would stay. This is final confirmation that we would have
but for illegal means. On a level playing field we would have stayed up.

Am I bitter? What do you think? These should have been the best years of my
life. There is no way I would have left the club if we had stayed up. It was
my dream job, my hometown club, a club I supported, and I was managing them
in the best league in the world. It's an ill wind, as they say, and I'm
enjoying the challenge of managing Crystal Palace and the experience of
living in London, but that feeling can never be replicated whatever else I
achieve in the game. Personally, I feel I suffered more than anybody, and
not just financially.

I am bitter that Richard Scudamore, who as chief executive is the overseer
of the Premier League, can remain in his job. It was obvious from the word
go that the Premier League just wanted to brush it under the carpet with an
attitude of "it's only Sheffield United". That is a disgrace.

So, I'm feeling a mixture of emotions right now. One thing I do know, now
the case between the clubs has been settled, I'll be taking legal advice
myself.

Neil Warnock is the former manager of Sheffield United

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
£25M FOR TEV.. BIG FAT ZERO FOR FANS
The Mirror
By Mike Walters 17/03/2009

WEST HAM 0 WEST BROM 0

The most expensive day in West Ham's history finished with a paupers'
banquet. As well as a £25million invoice from Sheffield United, Gianfranco
Zola's men stumbled on the road to Europe, while wooden-spoonists West Brom
had only crumbs for comfort to show for an enterprising display. And in
front of watching England coach Fabio Capello, defender Matthew Upson,
carried off with a calf injury after 28 minutes, was almost certainly ruled
out of the World Cup qualifier against Ukraine this month. Albion manager
Tony Mowbray, who keeps Easter eggs in his office fridge, has given up
chocolate for Lent, but the Baggies' soft centre has made them favourites
for an instant return to the Championship. Mowbray's team is an odd mix of
purist principles, good intentions and death-wish defending. But they
tiptoed down the Barking Road with the worst goals-against record in the
Premier League and most pundits believing even the Milk Tray man himself
cannot save them from the drop. Anchored to the bottom, and further adrift
than Robinson Crusoe, even the admirable Mowbray's teamsheet read like a
letter of resignation. In came Dutch defender Shelton Martis, 21, and
Scottish midfielder Graham Dorrans, making their first starts on the Prem's
Quality Street. But if West Ham, chasing a UEFA Cup spot, thought West
Brom's resistance would be flimsier than a chocolate bar wrapper, they were
mistaken. Zola's reign began six months ago with a watching brief as the
Hammers slumped to defeat at the Hawthorns, and that proved a foretaste of
Albion's first-half domination. Even before Upson became the third West Ham
player to be carried off in as many games inside half-an-hour, the visitors
were in the ascendancy. Hammers skipper Lucas Neill was lucky to escape
conceding a penalty for blatant shirt-pulling on Paul Robinson, and Dorrans
extracted a fine save from Robert Green. Before the £25m bill for Carlos
Tevez came in from Bramall Lane, Zola had taken his squad to Marbella last
week for warm-weather training - and they played as if they still had more
appetite for tapas than Mowbray's chocolate assortment. It would be
stretching the point to say Upson's injury - he followed Valon Behrami and
Jack Collison into casualty - disrupted West Ham's rhythm because they had
none.
When David Di Michele was presented with an opening 90 seconds after the
restart, he lashed his shot high and wide. But without Collison and Behrami,
West Ham's artistic impression was diminished. And Savio, the £9m
Ugandanborn German Under-19 international, struggled to bridge the cultural
divide between Vorsprung durch Technik and rhyming slang. Albion hit the
woodwork after 52 minutes as Martis headed Chris Brunt's left-wing cross
against the bar. Green was poleaxed by Jonas Olsson's stray elbow in the
aerial jostling. Had Martis directed his effort an inch lower, referee Mark
Halsey's appetite for controversy would have been sorely tested.

West Ham: Green 7, Neill 5, Tomkins 6, Upson 6 (Spector, 29, 5), Ilunga 6,
Parker 6, Kovac 6, Noble 6, Savio 4 (Stanislas, 68), Di Michele 5, Sears 5.
West Brom: Carson 6, Zuiverloon 7, Olsson 7, Dorrans 7, Robinson 6, Greening
6, Koren 6, Martis 8, Brunt 7, Morrison 6, Fortune 7.
Ref: Mark Halsey ATT: 30,842

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pardew: No winners in Tevez affair
by Robin Hackett , 17 March 2009
setanta.co.uk

Alan Pardew has told Setanta's Football Matters show that he believes
neither West Ham nor Sheffield United will be entirely happy with the
resolution of the Carlos Tevez affair. Pardew was in charge at Upton Park
when Tevez and Javier Mascherano arrived at the club, but he was sacked and
replaced by Alan Curbishley midway through the season after a disappointing
start. And Pardew believes that it was the uncertainty surrounding their
arrival and MSI's potential takeover of the club that led to the club being
involved in the relegation battle and his dismissal. "We were in our second
year and people forget that," he told Football Matters. "We were having a
few jitters because we didn't start well. "The two boys came in and they
were terrific players and terrific people as well – both of them – and I
think we tried to integrate them but it didn't work. "There was a feeling
among the group that I was maybe favouring them or that there was the
influence of the potential takeover from their owner. "It proved to be too
much really." He added: "Their attitude and application was first-class, but
they had to settle in – it was a different speed and a different level. "If
there's one thing I regret about that time, it's that I didn't try to
introduce Carlos Tevez a bit later."
The affair was seemingly dealt with this week as West Ham offered a reported
£25 million in compensation. However, while Pardew feels it is good to draw
a line under it, he admits that both clubs would have preferred things to
work out differently. "I think the fans and the media are happy it's all
over," he said. "It's just gone on and on and on. "In terms of the deal
that's been done, I think both Sheffield United and West Ham will both be
pleased but also not pleased. "Sheffield United would have preferred to have
stayed in The Premier League and West Ham would rather have not paid £15
million. "It's a big cheque to pay out when you get nothing." He added:
"People talk about staying in The Premier League and the profit of staying
up, but you don't really get a profit because you spend that money on
players. "It's a big boost for Sheffield United, for sure."News has since
emerged that former Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock and up to 20
players could still seek personal compensation.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'Bitter' Warnock won't let Tevez affair go
by Tom Kell , 17 March 2009
setanta.co.uk

Former Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock could seek personal
compensation against West Ham over the Carlos Tevez affair, telling Setanta
Sports News that 'heads should have rolled'. The saga looked to be over on
Monday when the respective clubs agreed an out-of-court settlement that
deemed The Hammerss would pay Warnock's former side an undisclosed fee as a
result of the illegitimacy of Tevez's transfer. The payment stems from The
Blades' feeling that Tevez contributed heavily to keeping West Ham in The
Premier League at their expense. "You work your butt off to keep a team in
The Premiership to find out somebody's taken it away by default," Warnock
told Setanta Sports News. "Too right I'm bitter. I think [Premier League
chief executive Richard] Scuadamore's a disgrace. How he's kept his job I
will never know. "If that was a bigger club than Sheffield United, there
would have been heads rolled. He would have been one of them, if not the
first. "I'm bitter he's kept his job and I've had to give up mine."
Now, although the clubs may have come to an agreement, Warnock, who resigned
from his Bramall Lane post just three days after relegation, feels he could
be due added monies. "I'll be looking into this now. I just wanted to see
the club's case out of the way first. "As far as I'm concerned, I should
still be a Premier League manager. And I think the players have a case,
too."This still doesn't make it right for me or the United fans - or anyone
else involved."
To make matters even worse for West Ham, a lawyer acting on behalf of as
many 20 former Sheffield United players says that they too could attempt to
claim their own compensation. "The players' claim will continue
independently and we made contact with West Ham's lawyers as recently as
last week,' said Chris Farnell of IPS Law.
A joint investigation by The Premier League and Football Association into
the Tevez and Javier Mascherano signings is ongoing.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Gianfranco Zola confidant of Europe place despite West Brom
setback
Gianfranco Zola has promised to put West Ham's injury problem behind them
and push for a coveted place in Europe.
Telegraph
By John Ley
Last Updated: 7:32AM GMT 17 Mar 2009

The Hammers' failure to beat bottom club west Bromwich Albion, without key
players missing through injury and suspension, highlighted their failings,
but Zola believes next season's Europa League remains a target. If Arsenal
overcome Hull in tonight's FA Cup, the finalists in that competition are
almost certainly going to be teams that have already qualified for Europe
through their League position. West Brom and Cardiff return to league
actionThan means the team that finishes seventh should play in Europe and
West ham remain in that position with nine games to go. "We have obviously a
few injury problems, big players missing for us, but we are going to have a
go at qualifying for Europe," insisted Zola. "We are going to try. Obviously
it's going to be harder than before, but we'll still try." West Ham's next
test is a trip to Blackburn followed by a home game against Sunderland.
Carlton Cole, missing through suspension last night, will be back at Ewood
Park but key midfielders Valon Behrami and Jack Collison are out for the
season. Zola admitted the lack of players is a hindrance, adding: "It
certainly doesn't help. We knew exactly what the problems could but, that's
why tried desperately to play differently (against west Brom). "To be
honest, we were not the same team we've been at other times, but I have to
say that West Brom were strong and played a very good match. They are a team
that is last in the table but they play good football and they are a
dangerous team."
Zola will check on key defender Matthew Upson today after the England man
was stretchered off early in the goalless draw, the third Hammer to leave by
the same means in three games. Despite the problems, West Ham's fans were
restless, booing their players off at the end. But Zola accepts that
response, adding: "It's okay. We know the supporters are very demanding all
the time. It doesn't bother me very much. The only thing is that, next time,
we'll try to be better. They make me find solutions."
Meanwhile, West Ham have granted Academy Director Tony Carr, 58, a
testimonial following 36 years' service at Upton Park.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 0-0 West Brom: Hammers give up football for Lent
By Mike Walters 16/03/2009
The Mirror

Tony Mowbray has given up chocolate for Lent - and West Ham have given up
football. Chocoholic West Brom boss Mowbray keeps his office fridge stocked
with treats for his sweet tooth, but not even the Milk Tray man could have
saved this abomination from its dreary fate. At the end of the most
expensive day in West Ham's history, perhaps it was fitting that a
£25million bill to settle the tedious Carlos Tevez soap opera should be
followed by a paupers' banquet. And while the Hammers stumbled on the road
to Europe in front of their lowest Premier League gate of the season,
Mowbray can take only crumbs of comfort from a game Albion dominated. As if
they hadn't been clobbered enough by m'learned friends' haggling over Tevez,
West Ham's point came at another high price as England defender Matthew
Upson was carried off with a calf injury in front of Three Lions coach Fabio
Capello. Upson is the third Hammers star to be carted from the premises on a
stretcher in as many games following Valon Behrami's ruptured ligaments and
Jack Collison's dislocated kneecap. But it would be stretching the point to
say West Ham's rhythm was disrupted by Upson's injury - because they had
none all night. Manager Gianfranco Zola took his squad away to Marbella last
week for warmweather training. Next time he should save the club a few bob
and just buy a few canisters of spray-on tan instead. Despite the keen
competition, most impoverished performance of the night came from record £9m
signing Savio, the Ugandan-born German Under-19 international who didn't
look like he knew rhyming slang from Vorsprung durch Technik. Sportingly,
Zola cocked a deaf ear to the boos, saying: "It doesn't bother me too much -
it just makes me think even deeper to try and find a solution. "To be
honest, we were nothing like the team we have been in recent weeks, and the
injuries didn't help, but West Brom didn't play like a side at the bottom."
Anchored to the basement, and more adrift than Robinson Crusoe, a point does
little to ease the Baggies' plight as wooden spoonists. They probably
deserved to nick only their second away win of the season. Skipper Jonathan
Greening blazed their best chance over the top however, and Hammers skipper
Lucas Neill got away with blatant shirtpulling on Paul Robinson from Chris
Brunt's corner. Shelton Martis, 21, also headed Brunt's left-wing cross
against the bar, although Hammers keeper Robert Green was poleaxed in the
aerial jostling by Jonas Olsson's stray elbow. Had Martis, who made an
assured Premier League debut, directed his effort an inch lower, referee
Mark Halsey's appetite for controversy would have been sorely tested. "The
players told me it was a foul, and Robert needed lengthy treatment to his
face - but that's OK, he has never been a good-looking man anyway!" quipped
Zola. As for Mowbray ... the trapdoor awaits, but at least he can still look
on the bright side. Only three weeks to go until that next chocolate bar,
mate.

West Ham: Green 7, Neill 5, Tomkins 6, Upson 6 (Spector, 29, 5), Ilunga 6,
Parker 6, Kovac 6, Noble 6 (Boa Morte 81), Savio 4 (Stanislas, 68, 6), Di
Michele 5, Sears 5.
West Brom: Carson 6, Zuiverloon 7, Olsson 7, Dorrans 7, Robinson 6, Greening
6, Koren 6, Martis 8, Brunt 7 (Simpson 80), Morrison 6 (Teixeira 88),
Fortune 7 (Moore 80).
Ref: Mark Halsey
Att: 30,842

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Were There For The Taking, Admits West Bromwich Chief Mowbray
Tony Mowbray was not exactly mowed over by his side's performance today...
17 Mar 2009 08:10:57

Tony Mowbray admitted that there was an air of dejection in the West
Bromwich camp following the 0-0 draw against an injury-hampered West Ham
side who were clearly not on top of their game. Still rooted to the bottom
of the table with less than 10 games to go, the Baggies are all too aware
that they can ill afford to miss any opportunities if they are to be somehow
able to beat the drop. "I've just been in the dressing room and we're a bit
flat to be honest, they know we could have taken three points there
tonight," Mowbray sighed on Setanta Sports after the game. "Our aim now has
to be to beat Stoke and Bolton at home, they both get balls into the box,
which has been a problem for us this season, so this is a big test for us,"
he added, before being unusually frank about the fragile state of mind of
some of his players. "For 27/28 games I've been picking the same players yet
the goals have kept going in. At some point you can't keep going back," he
added. "Shelton [Martis] came in tonight and his concentration was good, he
nearly went back on loan to Doncaster but he took his chance tonight. He
needs to make that position his own now. "Graham [Dorrans] is a good
footballer, he came in as a result of his performances on the training
ground and in the reserves. In our position, you need your confident
footballers on the pitch.
"We've got some decent footballers, in my opinion Borja Valero has been as
good as anyone at keeping the ball for us this season, yet he's a bit down
on himself right now.
"For me, we need confident players on the pitch so we put Graham in."

Derek Wanner, Goal.com

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham keeper Green fuming after Olsson clash
17.03.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United goalkeeper Robert Green is fuming over a stray elbow from
West Brom defender Jonas Olsson during last night's 0-0 draw. Green said:
"He's caught me with a good one. Luckily it was on a sturdy part of my face
rather than an eye socket or my nose. "That could have done me some proper
damage." Baggies defender Olsson could face an FA rap for the 53rd-minute
flashpoint. The Swede amazingly escaped any punishment for the challenge
which poleaxed Hammers' England keeper.
The FA can look into the incident as ref Mark Halsey appeared to miss it and
did not take any action. Baggies boss Tony Mowbray said: "Olsson would be
the last person to do anything on purpose. He's an absolute gentleman and
wouldn't do anything like that."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Toffees put bite on Hammers' bid
PeterLee Mail
Published Date: 17 March 2009

Everton are set to beat West Ham to the signing of 19-year-old Plymouth
striker Ashley Barnes. (Daily Star) Meanwhile, Aston Villa are considering
requests from Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday to take striker
Marlon Harewood on loan. (Daily Mirror)

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tevez deal done as Blades attack Premier League
Yorkshirepost.co.uk
17 March 2009

SHEFFIELD United chairman Kevin McCabe last night said he was happy with the
amount of compensation West Ham have agreed to pay over the Carlos Tevez
affair but reiterated his anger at the Premier League's 'failure' to ensure
the Hammers were properly punished first time around. Two years after West
Ham's rule breaches – and deceit over those breaches – were uncovered, the
clubs yesterday announced they had reached an out-of-court settlement over
compensation, which is understood to be between £15m and £20m. Though a
confidentiality agreement has so far stopped details of the final amount
becoming public, McCabe confirmed United had accepted payment in instalments
in recognition of the Hammers' current desperate financial situation.
An FA arbitration process, which found West Ham liable to pay compensation
last September, has now formally ended. But McCabe's frustration that the
London club was only fined for its conduct and the Argentine star was still
able to play the final games of the 2006-07 season – helping to keep West
Ham up at United's expense – still rankles. He said: "We are happy with the
financial outcome but not the events that led to it. Anyone who is
fair-minded will recognise that relegation was unjust. One side was
permitted to play players who should not really have been on the field of
play during that season. It's not just about West Ham, it's about the
governance of the game."
McCabe has given evidence to an ongoing FA and Premier League inquiry into
alleged further breaches of rules by West Ham and said he would be "awaiting
the outcome with interest." He added: "In many ways with the inquiry,
whilst West Ham undoubtedly breached the rules, there is another party that
has a lot to answer for in this whole dispute – the Premier League."
The current inquiry focuses on West Ham's actions after the Hammers were
fined £5.5m for signing up to a third party agreement with Tevez's 'owners'
– represented by Kia Joorabchian – to secure his signature and then
concealing the agreement from the Premier League. Controversially, the
Premier League allowed Tevez to play the final games of the season on the
understanding that West Ham had effectively ripped up the offending
third-party agreement with Joorabchian. However, the FA arbitration panel
dealing with United's claim for compensation heard evidence that West Ham
had actually told Joorabchian that the agreement remained in place and the
Londoners were only paying lip service to the Premier League's requirement.
Lord Griffiths, the chairman of the panel, said that had the Premier League
known what was said to Joorabchian's lawyer, Graham Shear, Tevez would have
been barred from playing in the critical final games of the season. As a
result, the FA and Premier League set up an inquiry to see if West Ham had
breached any further rules of either governing body. It is being carried out
by the Premier League's law firm DLA Piper. West Ham have insisted they did
nothing wrong in enabling Tevez to play the final games of the season and
have said they are co-operating fully with the inquiry. A Premier League
spokesman said the rulebook had been followed in reaching the original
decision to fine West Ham. He added: "As regards Lord Griffiths' comments
on alleged further rule breaches, there is an ongoing joint Premier
League/FA inquiry looking into that."
As part of a joint statement from the clubs yesterday, Scott Duxbury, West
Ham chief executive, said: "For everyone concerned, the time was right to
draw a line under this whole episode. "We have had very positive
discussions over a number of days with Sheffield United and acknowledge
their willingness to resolve this in the best interests of both clubs."
United and West Ham were keen to emphasise that relations between the two
have been restored to help diffuse a potentially explosive fixture next
season should the Blades win promotion back to the Premier League. McCabe
refused to be drawn on how United will spend the money – beyond "sensibly" –
but given the general economic downturn and the gradual spread of payments
it is likely that reducing debt, managing a still hefty wage bill and
ensuring football remains relatively affordable at Bramall Lane will be the
highest priorities.

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While Blades count the money, players continue to seek further compensation
from Hammers
Yorkshirepost.co.uk
Date: 17 March 2009
By Ian Appleyard

SHEFFIELD United's players are still seeking a further £3.5m in compensation
from West Ham United over the Carlos Tevez affair. Although the Hammers have
agreed to pay over £15m to the Blades for the cost of relegation from the
Premier League, that does not include payments for individual loss of
earnings or bonus payments related to avoiding the drop. Lawyers
representing the players are still awaiting a response from the Hammers
legal team, but are set to meet with the 18 involved before the Blades
depart for a training camp in Malta later this week. Chris Farnell, partner
in the Manchester-based IPS Law, said: "We are aware that the clubs have
agreed a settlement between themselves. We had not been consulted in
relation to that. Our claims continue independently." Barnsley defender Rob
Kozluk, one of the players released by the Blades just weeks after the
relegation, says the agreement between the two clubs does not compensate
fully for the loss of Premier League football. "No amount of money can
compensate for the loss of Premiership status so, as far as justice is
concerned, I don't think this makes a difference," he said. "Look at what
could have happened – Sheffield United and its players still playing in the
top flight. "They say West Ham paid a heavy price, but they are still
playing Premiership football."

Richard Batho, who was previously chairman of the Blades Independent Fans
Association, was among the party of over 100 supporters who lobbied MPs at
Westminster during the club's 'Fight for Justice' two years ago. Batho, now
involved with 'bladesonline.com' said: "A greater sense of justice has now
been done rather than what took place at the time of the original hearing.
"It doesn't make up for that bitter feeling of relegation but it does go
some way to acknowledging that we were wronged and our relegation was not
fair. "We would want the club to be sensible with the money that now comes
in – just as they have been sensible with all other monies," he added. "We
need to make the club stronger. We need to remain a financially stable club.
That is an on-going process. "And although the headline figure looks
enormous, it looks like it will come in via instalments."
News of the agreement will be welcomed by Hammers Italian manager Gianfranco
Zola, who had been seeking clarification on his club's financial muscle
going forward.
Speaking before the deal was finalised, Zola said: "Once the agreement is
reached it will be good because we can sit down and plan for the future,
knowing exactly where we are and what we are dealing with. "That will give
us a clear picture for the future, and we can sit down and plan. "

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