Friday, March 20

Daily WHUFC News - II 2oth March 2009

Eager for Ewood encounter
WHUFC.com
With West Ham United sitting in seventh, Gianfranco Zola is determined to
not rest on his laurels
20.03.2009

Gianfranco Zola said the confidence is high in the squad before Saturday's
trip to Blackburn Rovers and not just because West Ham United have a fine
record against Sam Allardyce's men.

The Ewood Park club may sit just one point above the relegation zone and
although wary of the threat posed, Zola is looking for another yet another
away win that would make it seven straight successes against this weekend's
opponents. "Blackburn is a team that is very, very dangerous, especially
because they have big, powerful players and will certainly play a physical
game that will ask us questions," he said.

"We are OK though. We are in a position where we can play this game and play
it with confidence and I'm sure it will be an interesting game."

That optimism stems from the club reaching the important 40-point mark in
last Monday's goalless draw against West Bromwich Albion - the figure that
is regarded by many as the total needed to ensure Premier League survival.

However, with that one achievement now achieved, Zola is resolute that his
squad must now focus on their next target - securing a place in the UEFA
Europa League for next season. To that end, the more experienced players in
his squad are required to help urge the rest along, including Radoslav Kovac
who has played at the FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship and in both
the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup.

"When you get to this situation people who are not used to playing at high
levels need [leadership] and if you have three of four players within the
group that are pushing the others, that is the key. That's why I keep
talking to them and that is what we need to do for the future," Zola said.

Chief among those players pushing the others is Scott Parker, with the
manager stressing the midfielder's claims for a place in Fabio Capello's
England squad when it is named on Sunday night. "For me Scott Parker has
been outstanding and I think he deserves [to be called up] but I am his
manager and it is easy for me to say that.

"His energy and his quality in the game has been outstanding - his passing
and his stamina, everything. He is a really, really complete midfielder
because he can produce quality but, at the same time, he works very hard
defensively. I believe, in his position, he is one of the best in this
country."

While injuries to fellow midfielders Jack Collison and Valon Behrami has
forced Zola into shuffling his pack in recent matches, he is confident his
squad has the strength in depth to handle the run-in and has explained why
it was important to allow players who were not playing to move on in
January.

"I have no regrets [about selling players] because the players I had then
were not playing," Zola said. They were not young players that you can give
games to every now and again - I don't like those things. When I have an
important player I want to play him as much as possible.

"If I don't play him then I will prefer him to go and play somewhere. I knew
when I was going through I might have problems with injuries if I was
unlucky but I prefer that the players with me are 100 per cent happy and I
know that if a player is not playing he is not happy."

The manager also has others coming back from injury, with the likes of James
Collins and Kieron Dyer getting closer. The latter could even find himself
in the mix sooner rather than later. "Kieron is getting better and better.
He is improving very much. I am very pleased with him."

With Carlton Cole suspended, there is one striking berth still up for grabs.
Freddie Sears and David Di Michele worked hard against West Brom while Diego
Tristan could be back after a muscle problem. One forward who is not yet in
the mix though is Irish youth international Terry Dixon.

The 19-year-old has made excellent progress in training after overcoming his
knee injury. However, a few minor niggles, which are common when a player
returns from a lengthy lay-off, have prevented Zola from assessing his form
fully on the training pitch.

"Terry Dixon might have had a chance but I need to see him. They keep
speaking to me very highly about him. The problem with him is that now he
has sorted the problem with his knee, every time he tries to force a little
bit he gets little problems like a tight calf or a tight groin.

"We have to take it step by step. It is very frustrating for him and
everybody as we have been following him for such a long time. When you have
been out for such a long time you need to take it easy."

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U18s to face Bluebirds
WHUFC.com
Tony Carr's youth team will take on Cardiff City in their latest FA Premier
Academy League fixture on Saturday
19.03.2009

Tony Carr may be forced to shuffle his pack of players for Saturday's FA
Premier Academy League visit of Cardiff City on Saturday.

The Bluebirds compete in Group B in the four-group Academy League system and
will take on the Hammers in an inter-group fixture at Little Heath this
weekend. It is the only time the pair will face one another this season.

Group A members West Ham go into the game in high spirits after beating
Crystal Palace 4-1 away from home last Saturday, but Academy director Carr
may call upon a number of Under-16 players after several Under-18 regulars
turned out for Alex Dyer's reserve team on Tuesday evening.

Striker Balint Bajner, who scored twice in the win over Palace, defenders
Matt Fry and Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson and midfielders Daniel Kearns, Oliver
Lee, Georg Grasser and Conor Okus all lined up as the Hammers' second-string
went down to a battling 2-0 defeat by Aston Villa in midweek, and Carr
admitted he may be forced to rest some of his young charges at the weekend.

"We play Cardiff on Saturday at home which makes a change because in each of
the last three seasons we have played them away in Wales. We only play
against these teams from outside the southern area once a season and we
either play them home or away and we've got them at home this year. It will
be different for us this year in that we won't have to travel to Cardiff.

"It's going to be a tough game this weekend but we are looking forward to it
because we're going into it off the back of a good performance at Crystal
Palace. Most of the boys had to turn out again on Tuesday in the reserves
against Aston Villa and so, consequently, I'll have to keep one eye on who
has played, who has got a knock and who is tired and needs a rest.

"It may sound a bit clichéd when you talk about some of the boys needing a
rest but when you play at your maximum and you are young and your body is
still developing, you are going to get a below-par performance. It is as
simple as that. It is about managing this week and hopefully we'll be able
to get a strong enough team out to get a good result and a good performance
again this weekend."

Carr was impressed with the Academy professionals' collective performance
against a Villa team including former Hammer Marlon Harewood and England
Under-19 forward Nathan Delfouneso. With Tom Harvey unavailable for
selection, Dyer fielded Lee and Okus in unfamiliar wing-back roles, but Carr
believes both could take credit for their reserve team performances.

"We had a late withdrawal as Tommy Harvey couldn't make the game so Alex
Dyer had to shuffle his system. We're a bit stretched as the first team have
a number of injured defenders at the moment so that had a knock-on effect
and he played with three at the back. Conor had to play as a left wing-back
and Ollie played right wing-back and playing against the top side in Aston
Villa they were mostly called on in defensive areas. It was great experience
for them and something new and, although we lost the game, it was a
creditable performance and they had their moments.

"We'll look at what we've got and find the eleven who are fit, keen and
eager to play and hopefully pick the team that will do the business."

With some of his Under-18 players set to be rested, the likes of Sergio
Sanchez, Miles Smith, Robert Hall and Daniel Subuola - all regulars in the
Under-16 side - could all feature against Cardiff.

Kick-off at Little Heath on Saturday is at 11am. Admission and parking are
both free of charge.

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Quintet set for England
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble leads five West Ham United players preparing to represent England
over the next three weeks
20.03.2009

Mark Noble leads West Ham United's band of young Englishmen preparing for
international duty over the coming three weeks

The midfielder has been called into the England Under-21 squad for the
upcoming friendlies against Norway and France.

Former Hammer Stuart Pearce's squad will travel to Sandefjord in southern
Norway for a match at the Komplett.no Arena on Friday 27 March before
returning home to take on France at Nottingham Forest's City Ground on
Tuesday 31 March.

Both matches will act as warm-up games ahead of this summer's UEFA European
Under-21 Championship finals in Sweden. There, Noble and his team-mates will
face Finland, Spain and Germany as they seek to lift the trophy for the
third time in England's history and for the first time since 1984.

The 21-year-old, who has scored three goals in 14 appearances at Under-21
level, was part of the squad that reached the semi-finals in 2007 before
going down 13-12 on penalties to eventual champions Netherlands.

Aside from Noble, James Tomkins, Freddie Sears, Jordan Spence and Robert
Hall are also set to pull on the Three Lions.

Central defender Tomkins and striker Sears will both make their bow at
Under-20 level in a friendly against Italy at Queens Park Rangers' Loftus
Road home on Tuesday 31 March. The pair are among nine players in Noel
Blake's squad who represented England at the UEFA European Under-19
Championship in Czech Republic last summer and could feature at this
summer's FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Egypt.

Central defender Spence, who is currently enjoying a successful loan spell
at League One outfit Leyton Orient, has been named in Brian Eastick's
Under-19 squad for a friendly international against Czech Republic at
Walsall on Wednesday 25 March. Spence, 19, and his colleagues will use the
match as preparation for May's UEFA European Under-19 Championship Elite
Qualifying Round, when they will host Scotland, Slovakia and
Bosnia-Herzegovina in a bid to reach the finals in Ukraine in July.

Finally, youth team striker Hall is in Kenny Swain's Under-16 squad for the
prestigious Montaigu Tournament in France in early April. England will take
on Russia on Wednesday 8 April before facing the United Arab Emirates 24
hours later. Swain's youngsters conclude their group stage matches against
the Ivory Coast on Saturday 11 April. Should they top their group, England
will face either France, Australia, Germany or Mali in the final on Monday
13 April.

The senior England squad, who face a Wembley friendly against Slovakia on
Saturday 28 March before hosting Ukraine in a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying
matches on Wednesday 1 April, will be named on Sunday evening. Goalkeeper
Robert Green, defender Matthew Upson, midfielder Scott Parker and striker
Carlton Cole will all be hoping to be included.

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Blackburn v West Ham
PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Ewood Park Date: Saturday, 21 March Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Coverage: Score updates on Final Score, BBC Sport website and BBC Radio 5
Live; live text commentary on BBC Sport website; Highlights on Match of the
Day
BBC.co.uk

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Blackburn captain Ryan Nelsen (thigh) and fellow defender Gael Givet (knee)
face late fitness tests. Striker Roque Santa Cruz (knee) and midfielder
Vince Grella (groin) are out but Stephen Warnock has been cleared to play
after shaking off a toe injury.

West Ham will make a late check on defender Matthew Upson's calf injury
while midfielder Savio Nsereko requires assessment after picking up a knock.
Kieron Dyer and Diego Tristan are fit and in contention for a place.

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Blackburn (from): Robinson, Bunn, Ooijer, Khizanishvili, Nelsen, Samba,
Simpson, Warnock, Givet, Olsson, Villanueva, Tugay, Andrews, Diouf, Treacy,
Mokoena, Dunn, McCarthy, Roberts, Pedersen.

West Ham (from): Green, Neill, Ilunga, Parker, Savio, Kovac, Upson, Noble,
Tomkins, Di Michele, Sears, Lastuvka, Lopez, Boa Morte, Spector, Tristan,
Payne, Stanislas, Dyer.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce: We are a little bit concerned that we
haven't won at home since Newcastle in January, which was an outstanding
victory in the end.
"Since then though we haven't won a game at home, so it will be very
important to win this one against West Ham. "We've two home games on the
trot that are very important at this stage of the season to make sure that
you secure the maximum points if you can."

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola: We have not been in Europe for a while.
"We need to push because we want to achieve the estimate of 52 points if we
want to go to Europe, we need to push ourselves hard because we have a few
injuries. "It is achievable. You have to think in this way. You have to have
a target and you have to give everything to achieve that."


BIG-MATCH FACTS
Blackburn take on West Ham at Ewood Park, eager to get their battle against
relegation back on track after last Saturday's 4-0 drubbing by Arsenal at
the Emirates Stadium.

West Ham were fortunate to get away with a goalless draw, home to rock
bottom West Brom last Monday, but have won one more game on their travels
than Blackburn have managed at home; four to three.

West Ham are bidding to beat Blackburn for the seventh successive time in
all competitions (Premier League and FA Cup).

Blackburn have scored more Premier League goals against West Ham than any
other club (39).

West Ham have secured more points (41), gained more wins (13) and scored
more goals (40) against Blackburn in Premier League matches than against any
other club.

Distance between the clubs: 241 miles (388 kilometres)


CLUB FORM
BLACKBURN ROVERS

Club stats

15th 30 points
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 12th
Lowest could fall: 18th

Best & Worst categories in 2008-09 Premier League

1. Won 33% of their Premier League games under Sam Allardyce (four of 12),
and lost 25% (three of 12).

2. Played 12 games against the clubs currently in the top eight, and only
taken points off Everton.

3. Need a victory to pass 500 home points in the Premier League; on 498 at
present.

4. Not scored in the last two league games at Ewood Park.

5. Manchester United, Arsenal and Aston Villa have done the double over them
so far. West Ham could become the fourth of a possible nine clubs to
complete such a feat.

6. Failed to score in four of their last six top-flight matches against
London clubs, and won one of the last eight at home against clubs from the
capital; 1-0 against Fulham on 20 September.

7. This is the third of four successive league games against London
opposition. A home clash with Tottenham follows on 4 April, before a trip to
Liverpool.

Fixtures


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WEST HAM UNITED

Club stats

7th 40 points
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 7th
Lowest could fall: 8th

Best & Worst categories in 2008-09 Premier League

1. Won 11 and lost 11 of their 29 Premier League matches, scoring 34 goals
and conceding 34.

2. Not conceded a single goal in three league games; never kept four
successive clean sheets in the Premier League.

3. Lost one of nine away top-flight matches; 2-1, against Bolton on 21
February.

4. The current tally of 40 points after 29 games matches last season's
return.

5. Already beaten Wigan and Fulham home and away. Blackburn could become the
third of a possible five clubs they could do the the double over in this
top-flight campaign.

6. Lost one of the 12 top-flight matches in which they've opened the
scoring; home to Everton.

7. Lost seven of the last 10 Premier League trips to the North-West, and won
one of 11; 0-1, away to Wigan on 4 March - their most recent match in the
region.

8. Among their eight remaining fixtures after this, are a visit to Aston
Villa and home games against Chelsea and Liverpool.

Fixtures

KEY PLAYER NOTES
BLACKBURN ROVERS

Squad profiles

Benni McCARTHY and Jason ROBERTS are the club's top Premier League scorers
with seven goals each.

David DUNN is a double shy of 50 club career goals.

If selected:-

Stephen WARNOCK will be making his 100th appearance in a Blackburn shirt.

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WEST HAM UNITED

Squad profiles

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

Matthew UPSON is the only other player to have started all of the Hammers'
Premier League matches this season.

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

If selected:-

Mark NOBLE will be making his 100th appearance in West Ham colours.

Scott PARKER will be making his 250th career league appearance (Charlton,
Norwich, Chelsea, Newcastle and West Ham).

Lucas NEILL will be opposing former club mates. The 31 year old Australia
international midfielder made 227 appearances (188 in the league) and scored
eight goals (five league) for Rovers between September 2001 and his move to
Upton Park in January 2007.


HEAD TO HEAD
Victory will give West Ham their third Premier League double over Blackburn.
The previous two came in the last two seasons.

Rovers have not beaten the Hammers since a 3-2 top-flight triumph at Ewood
Park on 10 December 2005.

West Ham suffered one of their highest scoring losses on the road in the
Premier League, when they went down 7-1 to Rovers at Ewood Park on 14
October 2001.

A total of 41 goals have been scored in the last 11 Premier League matches
between these clubs. They have not registered a goalless draw against each
other since December 1980.

Rovers need to score three more times to total 200 goals against West Ham
(all competitions).

Home and away
League (inc PL): Blackburn 42 wins, West Ham 38, Draws 11
Prem: Blackburn 8 wins, West Ham 13, Draws 2

at Blackburn only
League (inc PL): Blackburn 28 wins, West Ham 12, Draws 5
Prem: Blackburn 7 wins, West Ham 3, Draws 1


LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Blackburn Rovers 0-1 West Ham United
9 December 2007 - Ref: Alan Wiley
West Ham scorer: Ashton 52


THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE
West Ham United 4-1 Blackburn Rovers
30 August 2008 - Ref: Mike Riley
West Ham scorers: Davenport 12, Samba 20 og, Cole 90, Bellamy 90
Blackburn scorer: Roberts 22


REFEREE
Chris Foy (St Helens, Merseyside)

Premier League referees' table
Chris Foy's 2008-09 Premier League card count

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Fulham launch Tevez legal claim
BBC.co.uk

Fulham are the latest side to launch a legal claim for compensation against
West Ham in the Carlos Tevez affair. The club say they are claiming for the
loss of their league position bonus for the 2006-07 season, about £500,000.
They finished 16th, a place behind West Ham, but argue the Hammers benefited
unfairly from Tevez's goals and the merit payment should be reversed. West
Ham reached a settlement with Sheffield United over losses following their
relegation earlier this week. But former Blades boss Neil Warnock is
currently considering legal action for loss of earnings, and some of his
squad from that season are rumoured to be following suit. Leeds' decision to
take legal advice, after the Blades' relegation saw them miss out on add-ons
from the transfers of Rob Hulse, Matthew Kilgallon and Ian Bennett to
Bramall Lane, shows how far reaching the consequences of the whole affair
could be. Sheffield United's compensation figure has not been disclosed but
the BBC understands it is in the region of £20m in instalments. The Hammers
were fined £5.5m in April 2007 by the Premier League for breaking rules over
third-party agreements when bringing striker Tevez and fellow Argentine
Javier Mascherano to Upton Park. 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. A
Premier League and Football Association inquiry launched in January
continues to investigate the conduct of some West Ham representatives during
the affair.

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Bruce would back legal action
Latics boss would back chairman if he took action over West Ham
By Richard Bailey Last updated: 20th March 2009
SSN

Steve Bruce has said that he would understand if Wigan chairman Dave Whelan
was to change his mind and take action against West Ham over the Carlos
Tevez affair.
The Tevez debate has reopened this week after the Hammers settled out of
court with Sheffield United, with the sum believed to be in the region of
£15million rising to a potential £25million. The Latics, then managed by
Paul Jewell, finished below the Hammers when Tevez's goals helped the London
club survive relegation. Although Wigan avoided the drop themselves they
could pursue legal action over loss of prize money in terms of final league
positioning. "That's entirely up to the chairman," Bruce told Sky Sports
News. "I wasn't here then but I knew he backed Sheffield United all the way
with it because obviously he believed what went on was wrong." But the
former Birmingham boss is concerned that the whole affair shows no sign of
ending. "I think everybody will have a look at it when you see the colossal
sums of money that's been settled now between West Ham and Sheffield," he
added. "For me that will just open up other doors and it looks like it has.
"I think there is a lot to be had when people are settling out of court for
the amount of money that's been branded about, it's quite staggering. "So
you know I don't think it's run its course. There will be a few more coming
out of the woodwork and West Ham are in for a rocky ride by the look of it.
"Where does it all end?"

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Zola hails Parker as 'complete midfielder'
Evening Standard

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has hailed Scott Parker as the finest
defensive midfielder in England and urged Fabio Capello to give him a
chance. Parker, 28, has three caps - all were earned while at separate clubs
- but has not featured under Capello and appears to be behind Gareth Barry
and Michael Carrick if the England boss wants to use a disciplined
midfielder. Capello names his squad this weekend for the friendly against
Slovakia and the World Cup qualifier against Ukraine - and Zola feels Parker
is worthy of a place. "Scott Parker has been outstanding this year," Zola
said. "He deserves it. His energy and quality has been outstanding, his
passing - everything. "He is a complete midfielder because he can produce
quality but works very hard defensively. I believe in his position he is the
best in this country." Parker's last cap was in the defeat in Croatia during
Steve McClaren's reign and he would be the answer to questions in pub
quizzes around the country if he earns an appearance while at Upton Park.
He was given his debut while at Charlton, played once while at Chelsea and a
third time while at Newcastle - so another appearance would mean four caps
while at four different clubs. Zola feels other players in his squad should
also be recognised by Capello, pointing to the likes of Carlton Cole and
Robert Green. "From my point of view there should be many but Capello is the
one who decides," Zola said. "Our players are in good form and there is a
chance for a few players to be in the squad. If my players are selected they
will do well for England."
Cole is suspended for the Barclays Premier League clash at Blackburn
tomorrow, while Matthew Upson needs a late check on his calf injury. Savio
Nsereko also requires assessment, but the good news is that Diego Tristan
and Kieron Dyer are in contention for a starting place. Zola feels another
four wins will earn a place in next season's Europa League - but he is wary
of the threat Sam Allardyce's men pose. "They are very dangerous, especially
up front," Zola said. "They have big, powerful players and will play a
physical game which will ask questions or ourselves and we need to be at our
best. "But we are okay. We are in a position where we can play this game
with confidence."
Zola's men have seven points from their last games, bouncing back from five
games without a win. "The team has shown me it is a strong team and also a
mentally strong team," Zola added. "After we lost a few games - against
Manchester United and Bolton, then in the FA Cup against Middlesbrough - we
had a very difficult game against Manchester City and the players performed
very well. "It was a very good indication for me how strong they are
mentally."

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Legal anarchy in the UK
By Dan Mason
March 20, 2009
Soccernet.com

Carlos Tevez celebrates his winner at Old Trafford to keep West Ham up -
"single-handedly", say some. For two years I have banged my head against the
wall as football's ill-informed opinion makers have painted a hopelessly
inaccurate picture of a heroic Sheffield United, valiantly struggling for
'justice' against the pantomime villains of West Ham United.


Following this week's news of further compensation claims by Neil Warnock,
twenty Sheffield United players as well as the only-vaguely connected Fulham
and Leeds United, I wonder whether the rest of the world will finally start
to see the true nature of this affair.

For the benefit of those who by now instantly tune out when the name Carlos
Tevez is mentioned - I sympathise, by the way - I'll briefly bring you up to
speed.

Thanks to Lord Griffiths' assertion that the Argentine was responsible for
the Blades' relegation, Neil Warnock and his former Sheffield United charges
now believe that their inability to win enough games to avoid the drop
should be rewarded with the very bonuses and earnings they would have
received had they have done so. Got that?

It is the latest in long list of attempts by those associated with Sheffield
United to profit out of a disaster of their own creation. The actions this
week of Warnock, Bates et al prove beyond doubt that the driving force
behind the whole sorry affair was the acquisition of money. The notion of
the Blades fighting for justice looks naive to these eyes.

Whereas in recent years the media has lambasted the avarice of 'Cashley'
Cole and even West Ham captain Lucas Neill for attempting to maximise their
income, they have turned a blind eye to the Blades' pursuit of compensation
cash.

This is largely due to the success of Sheffield United Chairman Kevin McCabe
in manipulating the popular perception of the Tevez saga. His version of the
Blades' noble fight has now been uttered so many times it has, indeed,
become the accepted truth.

Sheffield United's version of events has rarely been challenged. After the
initial Tevez enquiry, unwilling to enter into a protracted war of words
with the likes of Warnock, McCabe and Wigan chairman Dave Whelan, West Ham
kept silent. By opting out of the debate, West Ham allowed the ideological
landscape of the saga to be coloured by the version of events coming out of
Sheffield which, to this day, continues to be the accepted one.

Let me get one thing absolutely straight. Carlos Tevez was at all times
registered and eligible to play for West Ham United. His registration,
completed in August 2006 was repeatedly ratified and never once terminated
by the Premier League.

Similarly, it is a myth that West Ham United concocted a scheme to secure
the playing services of Tevez and Mascherano. The very idea is laughable to
West Ham fans who have, for decades, suffered at their club's inability to
organise the proverbial shindig at a brewery.

This is the club that missed out of a League Cup semi final by accidentally
fielding a cup-tied player. It is the club who in a couple of seasons went
from the Premier League, where they fielded the likes of Ferdinand, Lampard,
Carrick, Cole, Defoe and others, to a struggling Championship side giving a
game to Robbie Stockdale. Portraying West Ham as having undertaken a dirty
tricks campaign of Watergate proportions is the worst piece of casting since
Sean Bean starred in, well, take your pick.

Let us strip away the melodrama that surrounds the Tevez saga. The whole
story rests upon the fact that West Ham fell foul of an obscure rule
relating to third-party influence on team matters, of which there was none.

The alleged third-party clause concerning Tevez was one that allowed the
striker to be moved to a different club - something that would have worked
against West Ham.

Of course, certain club officials at West Ham acted improperly in attempting
to cover up the offending contractual detail. The club were quite rightly
punished with a world-record fine which, had the Hammers been relegated (as
seemed likely at the time), would have helped push the club to the brink of
extinction.

There are those that say rules are rules. I agree and point to the long
forgotten fact that West Ham were punished. But to suggest that West Ham's
rule-break was the determining factor of a 38-game Premier League campaign
has always seemed a total nonsense.

Likewise, the misnomer that Tevez "single-handedly" saved West Ham from
relegation.

For the record, Bobby Zamora scored 4 goals worth 12 points to West Ham in
that relegation run in. His contribution is obvious but ignored. Likewise
the individual performances of Robert Green, James Collins, Mark Noble,
Nigel Reo-Coker, Lucas Neill and of course manager Alan Curbishley.

Ironically, Tevez and his compatriot Javier Mascherano were, if anything,
responsible for West Ham being in the mire in the first place. Unwanted by
Alan Pardew and resented by their team mates, the arrival of the
Argentineans precipitated a disastrous erosion of form and morale that took
UEFA Cup participants West Ham from 4th in the Premier League on a run of
nine games without victory, and seven without a goal.

Even allowing for his hot streak at the season's end, over the course of 38
games West Ham were statistically better off without Tevez in the team.

West Ham without Tevez: P12 W4 D3 L5 Points per game: 1.25

West Ham with Tevez: P26 W8 D2 L16 Points per game: 1

However, when West Ham finally showed signs of form in that relegation
battle, fellow strugglers Fulham, Wigan and Sheffield United collectively
lost their nerve. Their ships were sinking. In an attempt to keep their
heads above water they ganged up on the one side holding a life-preserve.
Armed with West Ham's inconsequential rule-break they proceed to bash the
Hammers silly with it. Understandable perhaps, but principled? Do me a
favour.

When Sheffield United's relegation was confirmed, they chose to ignore the
fact that they lost over half their matches as well as 8 of their last 11.
Even then the Blades would still have saved themselves had they drawn at
home with Wigan in their final game. They lost.

It was in their hands. Literally in Phil Jagielka's case. His bizarre
handball in the box condemned the Blades to defeat. Jagielka is reported to
be one of the twenty Sheffield United players attempting to sue West Ham.
How it is that Jagielka who, as a direct result of the Blades' relegation,
now enjoys the form of his life for Everton and England and earns a reported
£40k a week, feels entitled to make that claim?

Jagielka and Sheffield United have since refused to accept their culpability
in failing to determine their own Premier League destiny.

They say that teams and clubs are shaped by the personality of their
manager. As anyone who follows football should know, former Blades boss Neil
Warnock is a past-master in finding other people to blame for defeats
suffered by his teams.

Warnock has presided over teams that take gamesmanship and the physical side
of the game to the limits. Even this week, while expressing trademark ire
towards Premier League chief Peter Scudamore, Warnock told the Daily Mail, "
I'd love to get him in a room on my own for an hour, no holds barred."
Charming.

That a boy who has cried wolf more often than Lon Chaney should be given
credence, let alone portrayed, as he has been, as a white knight crusading
on behalf of what he calls "justice" and "principles", I find as a deep
irony.

Sheffield United appealed three times before they could find someone to
agree with their version of events. Enter the Right Honourable Lord
Griffiths, the 85-year-old mediation lawyer and expert in insurance. He
headed an arbitration panel that ruled as fact that Carlos Tevez was the
sole reason for Sheffield United's relegation.

Griffiths' report said:

"Ultimately, however, we have not found it necessary to come to a conclusion
whether the cause of Sheffield United's relegation was (a) the number of
points achieved by West Ham with Mr Tevez's assistance or (b) Sheffield
United's poor performance."

You haven't thought it necessary to consider Sheffield United's role in
their own relegation? So they could have intentionally knocked in 16 own
goals every game, and it would still be West Ham's fault? Griffiths' verdict
is illogical. Personally, I'm planning to sue Manchester United. After all,
it is clearly their fault that West Ham haven't won the Premier League this
year.

My feelings on the absurdity of the judgement are too lengthy to explore
here. However, I must highlight the types of evidence considered by Lord
Griffiths and his panel.

Evidence heard included an opinion offered by journalist Henry Winter
concerning West Ham's final day win at Manchester United. Winter said that
Carlos Tevez scored the goal that kept West Ham up. Actually, he didn't. Had
Tevez not scored and West Ham drawn 0-0 they still would have stayed up. In
his Daily Telegraph match report for that same game Winter actually made
West Ham's Robert Green his man of the match.

Also considered were the on-screen summings-up of Match of the Day presenter
Gary Lineker - a man whose job it is to present glib banalities to a
television audience.

Based on those pieces of conjecture, it was determined that no other team,
player, or manager affected the relegation battle and West Ham were to pay
compensation for fielding a player who was always legally entitled to play
for them. Is that justice?

Even though Sheffield United could appeal 3 times, West Ham were forbade
from appealing against Lord Griffiths. Is it little wonder that this week
the Hammers decided to settle out of court with Sheffield United?

Griffiths' decision to divest Sheffield United of responsibility for their
own relegation, has terrible ramifications for football. The Tevez saga
looks likely to go down as a Bosman-like test case, green-lighting a
litigious path for any side not collectively man enough to take defeat on
the chin.

GettyImages

Neil Warnock's team were relegated after a final day draw against Wigan
Athletic.
From Stuart Atwell's, 'ghost goal' for Reading all the way back to Sir
Geoff's infamous effort in the 1966 World Cup final (would the Blades have
that triumph awarded to West Germany?) - the possibilities are surely
endless. Where there's blame there's a claim.

This week West Ham called it 'legal anarchy.' The legal actions of Warnock,
Bates, Fulham and the rest show that might be not as paranoia.

Sheffield United's opportunism (and popular support for it) has pushed
football further away from sporting endeavour and firmly towards the pursuit
of money, bereft the notion of nobility and dignity in defeat. Money is far
more important.

To these eyes, it is Sheffield United and Lord Griffiths that have tarnished
British football and not West Ham United. The Blades' legal action could
prove far more damaging to the game than anything West Ham could dream of
inflicting upon themselves.

Blades have been rewarded to the tune of £25 million. So, please, I beg you,
no more talk of justice. My head hurts enough as it is.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spector overcomes injury woes to re-enter the picture
By Ravi Ubha
March 20, 2009
Soccernet.com

The injury list at Upton Park perennially lingers, with the likes of
influential striker Dean Ashton and roving midfielder Kieron Dyer -- OK,
he's always hurt, no matter what the club -- missing chunks of the current
campaign. Former manager Alan Curbishley blamed the malaise on
training-ground pitches in East London, a theory only partially accepted by
the Hammers' passionate, and always expectant, fans.

Jonathan Spector is easing his way back into West Ham's lineup following a
serious injury. Whatever the reason, the curse afflicted Illinois utility
man Jonathan Spector last season just as the 23-year-old began to cement a
spot at one of England's most famous sides. Mind you, not as famous as
Spector's first team in the Premier League, quintuple-chasing Manchester
United, which produced jack-of-all trades duo Phil Neville and John O'Shea.

Spector returned to first-team action in December after hip surgery, though
injuries to teammates -- of course -- have meant a slight increase in action
under popular pint-sized Italian Gianfranco Zola, Curbishley's successor.

Spector spent time on loan at Charlton under Curbishley before switching to
West Ham three years ago.

"Coming back from injury is always difficult, especially being out for an
extended period of time," Spector said. "On top of that there's the new
manager and new players. I knew coming in it would be a tough season this
year, but at the same time, the manager stressed he wants me to be at the
club. I had some loan options turned down because he wanted me to stay."

According to Spector, who inked a new three-year deal in November, West Ham
rejected overtures by Sunderland, a few Championship sides and Germany's FC
Koln in the January transfer window.

He made his lone start in a 2-1 loss at Bolton on Feb. 21, lining up at
right back and setting up Scott Parker's consolation effort; entered as a
midfield sub in a 1-0 win at Wigan on March 4 when top prospect Jack
Collison sustained a freakish knee injury; and surfaced in the first half of
a dour 0-0 stalemate Monday at home against bottom-feeders West Bromwich
Albion that dented West Ham's UEFA Cup (Europa League for the
technical-minded) chances.

This time, central defender Matthew Upson got struck down, thanks to a calf
problem, and Spector strode on as a right back after a reshuffle, marking a
fifth appearance since his comeback. Zola overlooked Spector for a midfield
start, opting for the flashy Savio Nsereko and on-loan Czech Radoslav Kovac
with Collison, Dyer and Swiss international Valon Behrami sidelined. The
U.S. international picked his spots going forward, unlike left back Herita
Ilunga, less averse to exercising caution.

Despite his fondness for playing in the center of defense, a position he
adopted at under-23 level, Spector sees his future in England at right back.


He's unworried about his style not meshing with Zola's attacking philosophy.
Curbishley, gone in September, employed more conservative tactics, and
Spector's new deal, in the works for a while, picked up steam when the
Englishman was at the helm.

"To be honest, I like the way the manager has us playing," Spector said. "It
is attacking, which the fans have enjoyed, and we've had a fair amount of
success playing that way. I'm a defender naturally, so I didn't expect to
come on in midfield Monday. But it looks like a few opportunities may open
up for me, and now it's down to me to make the most out of them."

What do those West Ham fans make of Spector?

"I think he's one of these players most people think is never going to be a
star," said Iain Dale, a political commentator and writer who runs the West
Ham Till I Die Web site. "He's not going to score many goals and dribble for
40 yards. But he's quite reliable and very useful, and every team needs a
player like that."

If current right back Lucas Neill departs when his contract expires in the
summer, Spector might finally have a stable position. Then again, as Dale
suspects, Zola could buy a replacement.

Anything that develops in the next two months is a bonus.

Spector made his 26th and final appearance of the 2007-08 season in April,
the hip keeping him out thereafter. Training with the national team ahead of
glamorous friendlies against England, Spain and Argentina, he was diagnosed
with a torn labrum. A pitch had nothing to do with it; Spector blamed
genetics.

His hopes of competing at the 2006 World Cup dashed because of a dislocated
shoulder, Spector endured more disappointment, missing out on the 2008
Olympics in Beijing.

The right hip won't ever be 100 percent. A realistic target is getting it
above 90 percent.

"I couldn't be happier with how I've felt," Spector said. "The surgeon
actually expected that I'd have pain my entire first season back. I haven't
really had any pain or discomfort even after the surgery. I'm totally
surprised how well it healed and how much stronger everything around my hip
is. I continue to do the exercises I was given by the trainers and
physiotherapists and just stay on top of it."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ALLARDYCE HAILS CLARKE EFFECT
Posted 20/03/09 14:30
Football365

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce feels West Ham are a negative side, but in a
positive way thanks to the influence of Steve Clarke. The former Chelsea
assistant was appointed earlier this season to support Hammers boss
Gianfranco Zola, and the rewards are now being reaped Zola and Clarke head
to Ewood Park on Saturday with the team pushing for a place in next season's
new Europa League as they are seventh in the Barclays Premier League. Seven
points from the last three matches in which they have not conceded a goal
has left Zola openly dreaming of European football, an unthinkable prospect
not so long ago. Allardyce believes that is primarily due to Clarke, who is
having the same kind of impact on West Ham as he did under Jose Mourinho
during their time together at Chelsea. "If West Ham do come and attack us
then that leaves them open, but I don't think they'll do that," said
Allardyce on Zola's view that four more wins will guarantee his side that
spot in Europe. "Steve Clarke is there, and I know him really well, and they
won't come and attack. "They'll sit back, try and frustrate us, and make the
game very, very tight because Steve, under the stewardship of Jose Mourinho,
always did that at Chelsea. "He was always on the negative side, rather than
on the positive, so I see West Ham giving us very little space in which to
play.
"What I'm saying is a backhanded compliment towards Steve because if you
look at any team that wins the league, they've the best defensive record.
"It's not about how you attack, it's first about how you defend, and that
allows your talented players to try and get you the goals to win you the
game. "Steve has been instrumental in making sure West Ham have stopped
leaking goals, which at times was one of the problems faced by Alan
(Curbishley). "So contrary to the perception of many people, it's not about
how West Ham play with the ball, it's about how they defend without it. "I
think what Steve has done since he has been there is the reason why West Ham
are where they are in the league. "It's not for the flair football, but
because of the way they've organised themselves defensively and become
difficult to beat."
Rovers go into the game looking to bounce back from their 4-0 loss at
Arsenal last Saturday, a result that stunned Allardyce as prior to then his
side had gathered enough momentum to lift them out of the bottom three.
Despite that setback, Allardyce is confident of avoiding successive losses,
defiantly stating: "I don't expect to get beat. "If that comes around at
five o'clock on Saturday, then I'll be very, very disappointed. "But at this
moment in time I don't think we're going to lose, and that's not bravado,
that's belief. "We've only lost to Aston Villa at home since I arrived, so I
know we've the capabilities to beat West Ham. "If we don't, then I don't
think we will lose, we'll at least draw the game."
Captain Ryan Nelsen and fellow defender Gael Givet face fitness tests on
thigh and knee problems respectively. Striker Roque Santa Cruz will miss a
third successive match with a knee tendon issue and midfielder Vince Grella
remains out with a groin injury. Stephen Warnock has at least been cleared
to play after shaking off a toe injury which forced him off after 55 minutes
of the game at the Emirates Stadium.

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Blackburn Beckon Amid Legal Chaos
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 20 March, 2009 - 14:18.
WestHamFans.org

Now Sam Allardyce is not really most fans cup of tea, but Gianfranco Zola
and his West Ham United team will be glad to slap eyes on the Blackburn
Rovers manager and his team with who they are due to play a game of
football! There may not be too many match reviews, rather a legal portent
from a distance, just in case someone gets injured and there is a chance to
sue West Ham, irrespective of the perpetrator's side. Well, everyone else is
suing aren't they? Leeds, Fulham, Players and any other 'Warnock' who wants
to dip their snout in the trough. Strangely enough, the much maligned Wigan
hierarchy, oft criticised on this site, have come out with some straight
talking that others may do well to heed: Quote "Contrary to some reports in
the media Wigan Athletic Football Club would like to clarify its position in
relation to the West Ham United / Sheffield United / Carlos Tevez situation.
Wigan Athletic have not sought any further legal advice and will not be
pursuing the matter any further, reports that the Club are seeking
compensation for false league position payments are totally incorrect. As
far as Wigan Athletic Football Club is concerned the matter is being dealt
with by the appropriate authorities and the Club does not wish to comment
any further." Unquote............Hardly a ringing endorsement and with a
veiled 'wait and see' tone to it but, it shows a club that wants to move
forward, whether Wigan's stance is base on Steve Bruce's philosophy or
because they are in a healthy league position is irrelevant, the fact is
they want to get on with playing football, not running to teacher! It is to
be hoped that Gianfranco Zola and Steve Clarke can put the week's press
coverage behind them and concentrate on lifting the quality of Hammers play
above that of Monday's performance against the Baggies. Mathew Upson should
return to face a resurgent Blackburn side who have crawled out of the
relegation zone, Ewood Park has recently been a happy hunting ground for
West Ham, very few will forget the 'Devine' intervention of the referee in
the 'goal that never was' during the Great Escape season..wait a minute,
can't someone sue over that? -Ed

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Dixon suffers setback
Elven-a-side.com
March 20, 2009

West Ham striker Terry Dixon has suffered a setback in his bid to make the
breakthrough at Upton Park as the Irish youngster has been sidelined once
again through injury. Dixon was forced to leave Spurs after a nightmare time
through injury and it was hoped that he could resurrect his career with the
hammers this season. Having made strides at the club, Dixon was poised to be
handed a place in the first team squad this weekend, but a niggling calf
injury has denied him of that. Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola said: "The
problem with Terry Dixon is now he has sorted out his problems with his
knee, every time he tries to force something he has a tight calf or groin
because he has been out for such a long time. We have been following him for
a long time. He may have had the chance to play by now if he was fit."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Five reasons why Fulham don't deserve £700k from West Ham
March 20th, 2009 · No Comments
The Spoiler

Without mentioning the fact they thought this was a good idea…

Fulham are the latest club hoping to make money from West Ham's decision to
compensate Sheffield United. According to The Independent. they will launch
a legal claim on the basis that were it not for Carlos Tevez, they would
have finished above the Hammers and would therefore have made an extra
£700,000 in prize money.

Here are five flaws that The Spoiler has found in Fulham's argument:

1) Fellow compensation-seeker Neil Warnock believes Fulham would have been
relegated that season if Rafael Benitez hadn't fielded reserves against them
in the penultimate game of the season. Warnock has said since: "Maybe Rafa
gets a yearly hamper from Harrods for his team selections." That was
Fulham's only win from their final twelve games.

2) Carlos Tevez lasted only 13 minutes against them that season before
getting injured at Craven Cottage. His replacement Bobby Zamora, West Ham's
top scorer that season, scored. Using Lord Griffiths magic calculator, it
could be argued that the game may have finished 3-2 to the hosts had Zamora
not replaced Tevez, a result which would have seen Fulham finish above West
Ham

3) As Fulham did not directly suffer from Tevez's presence, their claim
appears to be based on the belief that West Ham should have been deducted at
least two points. There is no precedent which suggests that punishment
should have been given in relation to the rules they breached.

4) The Cottagers have since signed Paul Konchesky, John Pantsil and Zamora,
who were all members of West Ham's 2006-07 squad. Therefore Fulham mustn't
believe the myth that Tevez was a one-man team that season.

5) Since gaining promotion in 2005, West Ham have never finished below
Fulham so there is no reason to believe 2006-07 was unique.

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Zola talks up 'complete midfielder' Parker
Published: 20/03/2009
ITV.co.uk

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has hailed Scott Parker as the finest
defensive midfielder in England and urged Fabio Capello to give him a
chance. Parker, 28, has three caps - all were earned while at separate clubs
- but has not featured under Capello and appears to be behind Gareth Barry
and Michael Carrick if the England boss wants to use a disciplined
midfielder. Capello names his squad this weekend for the friendly against
Slovakia and the World Cup qualifier against Ukraine - and Zola feels Parker
is worthy of a place. "Scott Parker has been outstanding this year," Zola
said. "He deserves it. His energy and quality has been outstanding, his
passing - everything. "He is a complete midfielder because he can produce
quality but works very hard defensively. I believe in his position he is the
best in this country." Parker's last cap was in the defeat in Croatia
during Steve McClaren's reign and he would be the answer to questions in pub
quizzes around the country if he earns an appearance while at Upton Park.
He was given his debut while at Charlton, played once while at Chelsea and a
third time while at Newcastle - so another appearance would mean four caps
while at four different clubs.
Zola feels other players in his squad should also be recognised by Capello,
pointing to the likes of Carlton Cole and Robert Green. "From my point of
view there should be many but Capello is the one who decides," Zola said.
"Our players are in good form and there is a chance for a few players to be
in the squad. If my players are selected they will do well for England."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wright: I spent too long on the bench
ELVIN KING
Greenun24.co.uk
Last updated: 20/03/2009 12:35:00

RICHARD Wright today revealed that he has spent too much time on the bench
having been second-choice keeper for most of his seven years at Arsenal,
Everton and West Ham. "I have missed too much," said the 31-year-old Ipswich
Town number one as he looked forward to tomorrow's Coca-Cola Championship
game against Watford at Portman Road (kick-off 3pm). "Coming back to Ipswich
has given me back the drug that I was missing. "You are always happy when
your team wins, but when you are one of the substitutes the buzz is not the
same. You need to play." And Wright sees good times ahead for himself and
his home-town club, and compared the current scene to the late nineties when
George Burley was building a team that eventually won promotion to the
Premiership in 2000. Wright saved a penalty in the play-off final against
Barnsley at Wembley Stadium, and he went on: "It took time to achieve the
success we did under George. And that compares to now. "We had a couple of
near misses in terms of the play-offs but, overall, it was a building
process and things don't happen overnight. "The hardest thing about our
club at the moment is that we've got a great backer and everyone wants
instant success. "I crave that as much as anyone but we've got to stay
patient and keep trying to get as many good results as we possibly can."
Current manager Jim Magilton was also in that Ipswich side of a decade ago,
and Wright is convinced things are moving in the right direction. Wright,
who left Town in the summer of 2001 before returning last summer, looked to
the final seven matches of this season. "We have to focus on what we have to
do, which is trying to get three points every time. "If we beat Watford we
can then look at other results and hope that they go our way. "We need
others to lose, but that won't count for anything if we haven't won. "We
need our fans to stick with us, and when they are singing your name and
cheering you on it's such a great buzz and hopefully we'll experience that
again tomorrow," he added.

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BLACKBURN v West Ham: Allardyce's injuries mount ahead of Hammers visit
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 1:17 PM on 20th March 2009
Daily Mail

Blackburn captain Ryan Nelsen and fellow defender Gael Givet will both
undergo fitness tests ahead of tomorrow's Barclays Premier League clash with
West Ham at
Ewood Park. Nelsen missed last week's 4-0 loss at Arsenal with a thigh
injury, whilst Givet limped off early in the game with a knee problem.
Striker Roque Santa Cruz will miss a third successive match with a knee
tendon issue and midfielder Vince Grella remains out with a groin injury.
Stephen Warnock has been cleared to play after shaking off a toe injury that
forced him off after 55 minutes of the game at the Emirates Stadium.

Team (from): Robinson, Bunn, Ooijer, Khizanishvili, Nelsen, Samba, Simpson,
Warnock, Givet, Olsson, Villanueva, Tugay, Andrews, Diouf, Treacy, Mokoena,
Dunn, McCarthy, Roberts, Pedersen.

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West Ham boss aware of Rovers' 'physical' threat
1:53pm Friday 20th March 2009
Guardian Series

GIANFRANCO Zola is preparing his players for a physical battle against
Blackburn Rovers this weekend. The Hammers boss takes his depleted side to
Ewood Park after last week's disappointing goalless draw with West Brom on
Monday, and he is aware that the threat posed by Sam Allardyce's men will be
'dangerous' despite their lowly league position. "Blackburn is a team that
are very, very dangerous, especially because they have big, powerful players
and will certainly play a physical game that will ask us questions," said
Zola. "We are in a position where we can play this game and play with
confidence and I'm sure it will be an interesting game."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Blackburn v WEST HAM: Zola waiting on Upson for Rovers clash
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 11:40 AM on 20th March 2009
Daily Mail

West Ham will make a late check on Matthew Upson's calf injury ahead of the
Barclays Premier League trip to Blackburn. Midfielder Savio Nsereko also
requires assessment before the Ewood Park clash after picking up a knock.
Kieron Dyer and Diego Tristan are fit and in contention for a place, while
Jack Collison (knee) and Carlton Cole (suspended) are still out.

Provisional squad: Green, Neill, Ilunga, Parker, Savio, Kovac, Upson, Noble,
Tomkins, Di Michele, Sears, Lastuvka, Lopez, Boa Morte, Spector, Tristan,
Payne, Stanislas, Dyer.

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Fulham's Pantsil: No unity at West Ham
20.03.09 | tribalfootball.com

Fulham fullback John Pantsil says West Ham had no team spirit when he was at
Upton Park. He said: "At West Ham we didn't stick together like we do here.
When I came to Fulham the welcome was amazing, I felt I had been playing for
the team for years. "Here, the manager will shake everybody's hand before
training. But if training is not going well, he is not afraid to tell us to
put more effort in. "Some managers just keep quiet and let the players do
whatever they want. And on a Saturday, whether they win or lose, they don't
care. But here the manager will challenge you to play well. And he has
really improved my game, being offensive and defensive, and overlapping."

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West Ham, Sheffield United - and one man's crusade in the Tevez affair
Sportigo.com
As the legal battles continue to rage, a Sportingo contributor takes a
closer look at some of the arguments and comments being made.
by Danny Hall on 20 March 2009

When diminutive Argentinian Carlos Tevez stepped off the plane from Buenos
Aires and surveyed his new surroundings at Upton Park, little did he know
the shock waves his arrival would send through the very foundations of
football. And after two-and-a-half years of complicated legal action, West
Ham United finally agreed a settlement with Sheffield United to bring to an
end one of the longest running sagas in the English game. The exact figure
of compensation paid to the South Yorkshire club still remains shrouded in
secrecy – rumours have placed the amount between £15m and £25m – but the
majority of Sheffield United supporters are just grateful to see a
conclusion.
Rumours of further legal action from other clubs continue to circulate, and
United chairman Kevin McCabe's campaign has been described as a hollow
victory as it has the potential to open up a legal minefield that could
disrupt the whole structure of the game.
No-one has been more critical of United's stance than Martin Samuel, who
started a one-man crusade against Bramall Lane officials when writing for
The Times and carried it on after his "transfer" to the Daily Mail.
Self-confessed West Ham supporter Samuel seems to take particular exception
to the appeal's conclusion that Tevez made a significant contribution to the
Upton Park club's survival in the Premier League that season. "On the
totality of the evidence, we have no doubt that West Ham would have secured
at least three fewer points over the 2006-7 season if Carlos Tevez had not
been playing for the club," read the statement.
Stands to reason, really. It is hard to imagine Scott Parker curling in a
top-corner free-kick and laying on two more assists against Tottenham, or
Mark Noble having the strength or vision to score the winner against
Manchester United on the last day of the season.

Who else could have scored seven goals in nine games?

How many West Ham players, after joining halfway through the season, can be
voted the club's "Hammer of the Year" but be deemed not to have made a
significant contribution to the club's fortunes?

Another of Samuel's favourite lines, and a view commonly shared by a wide
majority of the footballing community, is that United's fate was sealed
themselves by their negative tactics away from Bramall Lane. As Samuel
writes: "How can a single player at another club be responsible for
Sheffield United having the worst away record in the Premier League that
season?"

But why let facts get in the way of a good story?

An examination of United's results from that season shows that they gained
11 points away from home with three wins and two draws. Hardly setting the
goal trail alight, granted. But Watford, relegated along with United, only
gained 10 points with two wins and four draws, Charlton had one win and five
draws and Fulham had a similar record to United, recording one win and eight
draws.

Samuel's recurring theme throughout his articles is that it is impossible to
determine how a season will pan out because of the influence of a particular
player. Quite how he came to the conclusion that Barnsley were "17th and
safe" before the injury to Iain Hume, therefore, is hard to ascertain. And
Samuel's vendetta against United exists not only in the minds of the club's
supporters. Kevin McCabe himself expressed his opinion in a club statement
released in January, after yet another article about United.
"For some time now Mr Samuel - whether at The Times, his past employers, or
at the Daily Mail where he now works - has pursued a crusade against
Sheffield United," McCabe said. "As usual his reports are without foundation
and I suggest he concentrates "I gather Martin is a West Ham supporter so,
maybe, in some clumsy way, he believes his regular attacks on the Blades
helps to protect their wrongdoings over the Tevez affair."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cascarino: Sheffield United have only themselves to blame for relegation
The Times
Tony Cascarino

The Carlos Tevez case is an absolute mess. Almost two years on from
Sheffield United's relegation from the Premier League, the claims and
counter claims, accusation and demands, are still going on. They are even
branching off in new directions now that West Ham United have agreed to pay
Sheffield United millions of pounds in compensation for playing an
ineligible striker who helped keep them in the Premier League at the
Yorkshire side's expense.

Will there still be cases going through the legal process in five years'
time? Where and when will it end? It may all be great news for smart-arsed
lawyers who know how to exploit the possibilities via the courts but it's
terrible for the game. It's an unhelpful sideshow, something else that dents
football's image, and of course it's all about football's greatest
obsession, money.

Neil Warnock, the former Sheffield United manager, is apparently consulting
lawyers. The club's players are too, in the hope of clawing back money for
loss of earnings because their wages decreased as a result of their unfair
relegation. Even Leeds United are trying it on, examining the possibility of
a claim because clauses in the deals of players who moved to Bramall Lane
would have given Leeds larger transfer fees if Sheffield United had survived
in the top-flight.

It's like a never-ending feeding frenzy now that West Ham have opened the
floodgates by agreeing to pay up. Where will it all lead to in the
compensation culture we live in these days? Players suing their clubs for
the mental stress of relegation, because maybe if the club had spent more
money on better players it could have been avoided?

As a player, I wouldn't have wanted to get involved in the legal battles. I
would have preferred to draw a line under the whole incident and move on.
It's not like the Sheffield United squad who went down in 2007 are
unemployed and on the dole. They're professionals on very good salaries.

And it's not like Tevez relegated Warnock's side single-handedly. He was one
player in a team game, and he didn't even play well for most of the season.
Sheffield United had their fate in their own hands going into the last game
of the campaign and they slipped up at home to Wigan Athletic. It wasn't
Tevez who sent Sheffield United into the Coca-Cola Championship, it was
their own failure to get enough points.

It's been reported that the figure West Ham will pay to Sheffield United is
between £15-25million. Is that fair? It's hard to know. All I can say is, if
it suits both parties, then it's the right amount. West Ham broke the rules,
they should take their punishment. But that should put a lid on the whole
affair.

The bottom line is that the failure of the Premier League to deal adequately
with the problem at the time has created a monster. If the League had acted
properly and quickly when the issue came to light, had nipped it in the bud,
then it wouldn't have snowballed. They should have relegated West Ham, but
surprise, surprise, the bigger club stayed up. Hopefully the League will
learn from this unhappy experience. The rest of us are learning that
football, lawyers and lust for money don't make an attractive mix.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham need four more wins to bag UEFA Cup spot, says Gianfranco Zola
The Mirror
By Neil Mcleman 20/03/2009

Gianfranco Zola has challenged his Hammers to win four more games to secure
a place in Europe. Injury-hit West Ham looked exhausted as they laboured to
a goalless home draw with West Brom on Monday night. It took them to 40
points - which should keep them in the Premier League. But before tomorrow's
trip to Blackburn, Zola urged his players to focus on hitting 52 points,
which he reckons will be enough to claim seventh spot. "We have already
achieved the first target which was to get to 40 points," he said. "Now they
have to push even more. We can be optimistic to achieve 52 as long as we get
all the players back from injury."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Blades to reject Leeds cash claim
Sheffield Star
Published Date: 20 March 2009
By James Shield

THE Carlos Tevez Affair appears destined to rumble on after it emerged that
Sheffield United are poised to turn down a request from neighbours Leeds for
a slice of the £25m settlement package they agreed with West Ham. Monday's
announcement that the Blades had reached an out-of-court agreement with the
Hammers prompted Ken Bates, the Elland Road chairman, to call for the
transfers of Rob Hulse and Matthew Kilgallon to be settled in full. Both
players joined United from Leeds before Tevez's involvment during the
closing stages of the 2006/07 Premiership season sparked one of the most
acrimonious disputes in the history of English football. However with West
Ham, who broke rules outlawing third party ownership when they signed the
Argentine, agreeing to compensate United for losses incurred when they were
relegated, Bates believes clauses in Hulse and Kilgallon's contracts
stipulating further payments if they had helped their rivals survive should
now be honoured in full. United have refused to comment since this week's
dramatic developments but The Star has learned they are likely to rebuff
Leeds' approach, pointing Bates in the direction of Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson
instead. Representatives of West Ham owner Gudmundsson have already made it
plain they will fight any more claims following confirmation that Warnock
and several members of his squad are considering private actions. Sources
within the game suggest that United are protected because their
reimbursement relates solely to the financial damage inflicted when they
slipped out of the top-flight; not future earnings or obligations. West Ham
are expected to mount a similar argument should Leeds ask them for payment.
United, who remained fourth in the table when they beat Derby County last
weekend, travel to fellow promotion hopefuls Cardiff City on Sunday.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Blades switch for 'claim clubs'
Sheffield Star
Published Date: 19 March 2009
By James Shield

SHEFFIELD United could point Leeds, Preston and West Bromwich Albion - three
clubs who have laid claim to a slice of their £25m compensation package
following the Carlos Tevez Affair - in the direction of West Ham as the
fall-out from one of the most controversial episodes in the recent history
of English football continues.
Elland Road chairman Ken Bates insisted earlier this week that Leeds are
entitled to receive money relating to the transfer of former players,
including Rob Hulse and Matthew Kilgallon, in the wake of Monday's
out-of-court settlement.
But United's lawyers could point them in the direction of West Ham when they
receive details of Bates' claim highlighting substantial'add-ons' had the
pair helped preserve Bramall Lane's top-flight status. Preston and West Brom
are also analysing the situation closely while Sunderland, who sold Jon
Stead to the South Yorkshire outfit midway through the 2006/2007 campaign,
could also be told to pursue the Londoners should they seek payment of
outstanding clauses.
United sought financial redress after being controversialy relegated to the
Championship two years ago - a fate they believe Tevez, whose contract
breached rules governing third party ownership of players, helped West Ham
avoid - and won a landmark legal verdict at an independent tribunal last
autumn. Together with his fellow Argentine Javier Mascherano, Tevez, now
with Manchester United, moved to Upton Park at the start of the 2006-07
season but the club were later fined £5.5million by the Premier League for
failing to fully disclose the terms of the deal that brought them to
England. West Ham issued a statement on their website saying they will do
everything they can to prevent "legal anarchy". "It is now becoming clear
that the ruling by Lord Griffiths has encouraged a potentially endless legal
chain of claims and counter claims, which can only be damaging to English
football," it read. "As a club, we will strongly resist any attempts to
prolong this matter through the courts, both to protect our interests and
those of the wider game."
Having already agreed to pay substantial money to United, West Ham are
understandably keen to avoid any further settlements or legal expense.
However former manager Neil Warnock, who resigned from his post at Bramall
Lane three days after the club's relegation, is exploring the possibility of
launching his own action. A joint investigation by the FAPL and Football
Association into the Tevez and Mascherano signings is ongoing.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fulham join Tevez row by claiming £700k from West Ham
Ken Dyer and David Smith
Evening Standard
20.03.09

Fulham have made a claim for £700,000 from West Ham as compensation for
alleged losses caused by the Carlos Tevez saga. The west London club have
acted in the wake of the Hammers reaching an out-of-court settlement with
Sheffield United worth £15million spread over five years. Fulham believe
they missed out on significant Premier League merit money after finishing
16th at the conclusion of the 2006-07 season, two points behind the Hammers
who were 15th. Fulham received £20.26m as their share of League earnings
from broadcasting while West Ham got £20.71m. The difference is £450,000
although Fulham are understood to be claiming £700,000 which is the extra
amount they would have banked if the finishing positions were reversed this
season. It is understood Fulham, who are competing with West Ham for a place
in next season's Europa Cup, have based their action on conclusions reached
in the arbitration judgement of the independent tribunal into the Tevez
affair chaired by Lord Griffiths. The tribunal decided that Tevez, whose
signing had breached rules on third-party ownership, had a decisive effect
on Sheffield United being relegated and West Ham escaping the drop into the
Championship. In the judgment of Griffiths' panel there was "no doubt" that
West Ham would have banked "at least three fewer points" without Tevez. The
panel claimed that in the last two games of the 2006-07 season Tevez "more
likely than not" helped West Ham to achieve the three extra points that
ensured they avoided relegation at the expense of Sheffield United.
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola admitted he is fed up with the seemingly
never-ending Tevez saga, with former Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock and
several United players also lining up to make claims on the back of this
week's settlement. Zola (above) said: "For me, this agreement is the end of
the matter and my hope was we would be left in peace. It is settled but we
are still taking about it. It is a little bit annoying. "For me this makes
no sense. It was not only about Tevez that season. Yossi Benayoun played
fantastically well, Robert Green was outstanding, as was Lucas Neill. It was
a team effort and for me the whole thing is stupid. Enough is enough."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham News: Gianfranco Zola has told Hammers European qualification is
top priority despite slating new format
Friday, 20 March 2009
Londonpaper.co.uk

GIANFRANCO ZOLA has told his West Ham side to make European qualification
this season's number one priority. The Hammers head to Blackburn on Saturday
knowing a win will consolidate their push for a return to European action.
And if the current top four stays as it is, the Hammers will qualify for the
Europa League – formerly the UEFA Cup. But Zola who won European honours as
a player with Parma and Chelsea is unhappy with the current format. Speaking
of the revised Europa league, the Hammers' boss said: "For me it is
nonsense. Years ago, this competition was more attractive and that is
something that maybe should be thought about for the future. "But I have the
same idea about the Champions League, really. For me, it does not have the
same attractiveness as it had before." West Ham are two points above Wigan
who host Hull at the weekend, while ninth placed Fulham face a daunting
match against Manchester United. And despite being unhappy with the current
structure of European club competition, Zola acknowledges the importance of
West Ham's participation. The Italian said: "We have not been in Europe for
a while. "I played in Europe many years ago and I know how good it is to
play in those competitions, not only for the silverware you can get but
also, for the players." Zola added: "It is an opportunity to improve as if
you play abroad you always improve. I wish we can achieve that."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers wait on Upson at Ewood
TeamTalk

West Ham will make a late check on Matthew Upson's calf injury ahead of the
Premier League trip to face Blackburn at Ewood Park on Saturday. Midfielder
Savio Nsereko also requires assessment before the Lancashire clash after
picking up a knock. Kieron Dyer and Diego Tristan are fit and in contention
for a place, while Jack Collison (knee) and Carlton Cole (suspended) are
still out.

West Ham (from): Green, Neill, Ilunga, Parker, Savio, Kovac, Upson, Noble,
Tomkins, Di Michele, Sears, Lastuvka, Lopez, Boa Morte, Spector, Tristan,
Payne, Stanislas, Dyer.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Defensive duo a doubt for Blackburn
BreakingNews.ie
20/03/2009 - 10:14:02

Blackburn captain Ryan Nelsen and fellow defender Gael Givet will both
undergo fitness tests ahead of tomorrow's Premier League clash with West Ham
at Ewood Park.
Nelsen missed last week's 4-0 loss at Arsenal with a thigh injury, whilst
Givet limped off early in the game with a knee problem. Striker Roque Santa
Cruz will miss a third successive match with a knee tendon issue and
midfielder Vince Grella remains out with a groin injury. Stephen Warnock has
been cleared to play after shaking off a toe injury that forced him off
after 55 minutes of the game at the Emirates Stadium.

Team (from): Robinson, Bunn, Ooijer, Khizanishvili, Nelsen, Samba, Simpson,
Warnock, Givet, Olsson, Villanueva, Tugay, Andrews, Diouf, Treacy, Mokoena,
Dunn, McCarthy, Roberts, Pedersen.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

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Daily WHUFC News - 20th March 2009

Zola sets European target
WHUFC.com
The West Ham United manager believes 52 points could be enough to qualify
for next season's UEFA Europa League
19.03.2009

Gianfranco Zola believes 52 points could be enough for his West Ham United
team to qualify for next season's UEFA Europa League.

The Hammers occupy seventh position in the Premier League table going into
Saturday's trip to Blackburn Rovers. Zola's squad has mustered 40 points
from the 29 league games they have contested this season and the manager
believes 12 points from their final nine fixtures could be enough to secure
European football next season.

With home games against Sunderland, Chelsea, Liverpool and Middlesbrough and
trips to Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Stoke City and Everton to follow
this weekend's visit to Ewood Park, Zola is positive his squad has the
physical and mental strength to qualify for next season's UEFA Europa
League.

"The supporters can be optimistic as long as we manage to get all the
players back from injury. Obviously we have had big problems and in the next
few weeks we are looking forward to getting a few players back. When we have
all of them available again then we really have a good chance because the
team is looking well.

"The team has shown me that it is a strong team and also mentally they are
strong because we lost a few games. We lost to Manchester United and at
Bolton and the FA Cup game at Middlesbrough but we had a very difficult game
against Manchester City and on that occasion they performed very, very well.
It was a very good indication to me about how strong they are mentally.

"First of all we need consistency. It is a very, very important thing. They
need to perform all the time. That is the main thing. We have achieved the
first target which was to get to at least 40 points. Now they need to push
even more because we want to reach 52 points. I believe that will be the
quota we need to achieve if we want to go into Europe, so they need to push
themselves even harder.

"At this point of the season we have less players because we have a few
injuries and people are starting to get tired so they really need to be
demanding of themselves.

"I believe that 52 points will be the target we need that might take us to
the Europa League so we are 12 points short. It is achievable. We have to
think in this way. We have to have targets and try everything to achieve
them."

While some Premier League clubs have fielded weakened teams in the UEFA Cup
this season, the manager also dismissed suggestions that European football
would prove be an unwanted distraction for him and his players next term
should the Hammers secure their qualification.

"For me, it is very much worth qualifying. We haven't been in Europe for a
while [the 2006/07 season]. I played in Europe for many years as a player
and I know very much how good it is to play in that kind of competition not
only for the silverware you can get but also for the opportunity it gives
players to improve. If you play abroad you always improve so I wish that we
can achieve that."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Future bright for Zola
WHUFC.com
With the Academy production line running well, Gianfranco Zola has a wealth
of talent at his disposal
19.03.2009

Gianfranco Zola is relishing seeing what his exciting crop of young players
can do as the club head to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday pushing hard for a
top-seven finish.

The manager has lost the services of some key players of late but sees that
as an opportunity to gain greater understanding of the talent he could have
at his disposal for years to come.

Already this season, six Academy graduates - namely Mark Noble, James
Tomkins, Jack Collison, Kyel Reid, Junior Stanislas and Freddie Sears - have
played under Zola, while goalkeeper Marek Stech, defender Bondz N'Gala and
versatile Josh Payne have all made it to the bench.

Add to that Zavon Hines, the 20-year-old forward who made a goalscoring
debut in the League Cup last August, and the likes of 19-year-old Savio, the
22-year-old Jonathan Spector and even Valon Behrami and Walter Lopez, who
are both still only 23, and the future looks bright for the manager.

However, Zola is anxious not to put too much pressure on his young charges.
He said: "The young players are an important part of the project we are
taking forward but we need to use them at the right time and at the right
moment. We have got a clear idea of what we are going to do.

"I have seen a few new players so I can have a better idea of what they can
give me and also where they need to improve. I am going to be working on
that and it is important for me for the future."

The man of the moment is perhaps Tomkins, with the 19-year-old centre-back
having more than played his part in the clean sheets the Hammers have kept
in their last three Premier League fixtures.

The England Under-19 defender has slotted in at the heart of the back-four
following an injury to James Collins and has hardly put a foot wrong,
greatly impressing his manager.

Zola added: "He has been doing very well James. He is young but he is at the
same time very mature. He looks very composed and I am very pleased with his
performance. He is improving very much."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sears seeks Rovers return
WHUFC.com
Freddie Sears is hoping for more great memories against Blackburn a year
after his goalscoring debut
18.03.2009

Freddie Sears is eager to face Blackburn Rovers on Saturday having made his
first Barclays Premier League start for four months last weekend.

After enjoying 90 minutes against West Bromwich Albion, the England Under-20
international is hoping to start his second consecutive match. "Against West
Brom I think I did well and I got round a bit, been busy and got on the
ball," Sears said. "It's hard with me and David [Di Michele] both being the
same sort of size but I think all we did was lack a goal, that was all we
needed.

"It was good. I think we took a while to get going with a few new faces in
the team but once we got going I think we did OK. We just needed a goal to
push on."

The Hornchurch-based forward is hoping to draw on previous positive
experiences against Blackburn, after scoring a memorable winner on his debut
in March 2008 against the same opponents. After the West Brom match,
however, Sears knows that it will not be an easy game.

"Going to Blackburn will be a difficult but if we can go there with the
right attitude then we can get the three points that we need. We need that
seventh place and it would be great to score against Blackburn again after
the good memories last time."

With Carlton Cole suspended, Sears is hoping to retain his place up front to
try to continue to build his form and fitness in the Premier League.

"It's a massive opportunity. With Coley suspended for two games you know
there is a massive space there and I'm just working as hard as I can to stay
in the space and keep the shirt. You've got to keep training hard and see
where it takes you.

It is just a year and a few days since Sears' dramatic debut, but the
19-year-old already feels he is now much more of a rounded player after a
nearly a full season training with the first team.

"I'm definitely a better player. Over the year you come on leaps and bounds
training with the first team every game. They are so sharp it makes you a
better player.

"It's been a bit on and off but I'm happy to get on the pitch at any time.
Obviously it's frustrating sitting on the bench sometimes or going and not
making the bench but I think just getting on the pitch and helping out the
team makes me happy."

Like the rest of the squad, Sears is still confident the Hammers can achieve
the results over the last nine games to remain in seventh spot in the league
and secure a UEFA Europa League slot for next season.

"The aim is to finish seventh and that's we all think we can achieve. We
think we can get a European spot and that would be a great achievement for
the club."

Sears, along with James Tomkins, has just been named in the England Under-20
squad to play a friendly against Italy at Loftus Road at the end of the
month and then with it is the possibility of a place at the FIFA U-20 World
Cup taking place in Egypt later this year. The prospect of travelling to the
finals to represent his country is one that excites Sears.

"It would be great to fly out there to play different countries every week
and different nationalities. Playing for England at any level is a great
achievement and it helps you as a player playing more games."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spence happy at Orient
WHUFC.com
Jordan Spence is pleased with the experience he is getting during his loan
spell at Leyton Orient
19.03.2009

Jordan Spence is loving life on loan at League One side Leyton Orient.

The England Under-19 defender is enjoying his second spell at Brisbane Road
this season, helping Geraint Williams' O's climb clear of the relegation
zone with a run of three straight victories this month.

Wins over Brighton and Hove Albion, Carlisle United and Stockport County
have lifted Orient into 17th place, seven points clear of the bottom four,
and Spence is eager to ensure the club does not slip back into trouble
during the final eight weeks of the campaign.

"It's going well. We've had three wins out of three in the past week. It was
a big week for us as it's seen us go seven points clear of the relegation
area so we're moving in the right direction. Hopefully we can continue on
our good run and a run of wins and could find ourselves safe before the last
day of the season.

"They are a great bunch of lads down there. The new manager has come in and
had faith in me and hopefully I'm repaying that faith. We're now out of the
bottom-four and performing well."

A regular in West Ham's Under-18 and reserve teams over the past two
seasons, Academy graduate Spence has been widely tipped to have a very
bright future in the game.

Capped by England at Under-16, 17, 18 and 19 level, the intelligent and
versatile defender is used to performing on the big stage, having scored the
winner when captaining his country against Brazil at the 2007 FIFA U-17
World Cup. However, Spence admits he is relishing the challenge of playing
week-in, week-out in a demanding league.

"Obviously it's different [from playing for West Ham or England] but there's
a really good spirit in the dressing room. We all want to be part of the
starting eleven and that competitive spirit is helping us to get out of the
situation we were in.

"We've played a number of games in front of crowds of 6,000 or 7,000 which
has its own sort of pressure because you need to fight for the three points
week-in, week-out. I'd obviously not experienced that before and, because we
were in such a precarious position initially, everything was critical. It's
certainly a different sort of pressure but pressure that I enjoy and
hopefully I'm thriving under it."

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Blackburn match preview
All of the early team news ahead of Saturday's match with Blackburn Rovers
at Ewood Park
19.03.2009
SendSend PrintPrint RssRSS

Barclays Premier League
Blackburn Rovers v West Ham United
Ewood Park
Saturday 21 March
3pm
Referee: Chris Foy
WHUTV - LIVE COMMENTARY, ACTION AND REACTION

• West Ham United travel to face Sam Allardyce's Blackburn Rovers in the
club's 15th away match of the 2008/09 Barclays Premier League season.

• On the road, West Ham have won four (Fulham, Sunderland, Portsmouth, Wigan
Athletic), drawn five (Middlesbrough, Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle United,
Arsenal) and lost five (Manchester City, West Bromwich Albion, Hull City,
Manchester United and Bolton Wanderers)

• The Hammers go into Saturday's match unbeaten in their last three Premier
League matches. A Jack Collison volley saw Manchester City beaten 1-0 at the
Boleyn Ground on 1 March before Carlton Cole's fine finish earned victory by
the same scoreline at Wigan Athletic on 4 March. West Ham drew 0-0 with West
Bromwich Albion at the Boleyn Ground on Monday evening.

• West Ham will hope to complete their third Premier League 'double' of the
season after winning 4-1 at the Boleyn Ground in the reverse fixture on
Saturday 30 August. Wigan and Fulham are the other teams the Hammers have
beaten home and away this season.


• West Ham have won their last six matches against Blackburn in all
competitions, including victories on each of their previous two visits to
Ewood Park. Rovers have not beaten the Hammers since 10 December 2005.

• Zola's side go into the match in seventh place in the Premier League
table. A win could lift the Hammers within five points of sixth-placed
Everton should the Toffeemen lose at Portsmouth on Saturday. Should the
top-six remain the same, a seventh-place finish will be good enough to
qualify for next season's inaugural UEFA Europa League.

• Blackburn go into Saturday's match 15th in the Premier League table, a
point above 18th-placed Stoke City.

• This is the 92nd league meeting between the two sides. Blackburn have won
42, West Ham have won 38 and there have been eleven draws.

• West Ham manager Zola made his debut in English football at Ewood Park on
16 November 1996. The Italian was part of the Chelsea team that drew 1-1
with Blackburn that day.

Referee

• Monday's referee is Chris Foy.

• Now 46, Foy started refereeing at the age of 20 in 1983. He joined the
Football League list of assistant referees in 1994 and the Premier League
assistant referees' list a year later.

• Foy became a Football League referee in 1996 before being promoted to the
Premier League list in 2001, taking charge of his first top-flight fixture
in December of that year.

• Foy took charge of the 2007 FA Trophy final between Stevenage Borough and
Kidderminster Harriers at Wembley on 12 May 2007.

• He returned to the national stadium as fourth official for the 2008 FA Cup
final between Portsmouth and Cardiff City before refereeing this season's
Carling Cup final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

• Foy has been actively involved in the 'Don't X The Line' campaign to
eradicate abusive or aggressive behaviour from players and spectators at
junior and youth matches.

• Foy has taken charge of just one West Ham fixture so far this season,
refereeing the Hammers' 1-0 defeat at Hull City on 19 October. He was also
in charge for Blackburn's 2-0 home defeat by Chelsea and 0-0 draw at
Middlesbrough earlier this term.

Last time out

Monday 16 March 2009
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 0-0 West Bromwich Albion
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Tomkins, Upson (Spector 29), Ilunga, Noble
(Boa Morte 82), Kovac, Parker, Savio (Stanislas 68), Di Michele, Sears
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Payne, Tristan
Booked: Savio

Saturday 14 March 2009
Barclays Premier League
Arsenal 4-0 Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers: Robinson, Simpson, Samba, Ooijer, Givet (Dunn 13), Diouf,
Mokoena, Khizanishvili (McCarthy 66), Warnock (Olsson 55), Pedersen, Roberts
Subs not used: Bunn, Tugay, Andrews, Treacy
Booked: Diouf, Khizanishvili, Mokoena, Ooijer


West Ham United

• West Ham go into Saturday's match aiming to extend their Premier League
unbeaten run to four matches, having overcome Manchester City and Wigan
Athletic 1-0 and drawn 0-0 with West Brom in their last three league
matches.

• For the second consecutive match, West Ham face a side beaten by Arsenal
in their previous Premier League fixture. West Brom had gone down 3-1 to the
Gunners, while Blackburn lost 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium on 14 March.

• West Ham's biggest ever away win at Blackburn Rovers came in Division One
on 22 September 1962. Then, the Hammers won 4-0 at Ewood Park. Geoff Hurst
gave the visitors a 35th-minute lead before Malcolm Musgrove, Johnny Byrne
and Martin Peters added further goals in the second half in front of a crowd
of 15,400.

• West Ham have won on each of their last two visits to Blackburn. A Carlos
Tevez penalty and Bobby Zamora goal gave the Hammers a 2-1 victory in March
2007. Nine months later, Dean Ashton's header earned the Londoners a 1-0
success.

• Carlton Cole is West Ham's top scorer in the Premier League this season
with nine goals. He has eleven in all competitions. However, Cole is
suspended for Saturday's game.

• Goalkeeper Robert Green is the only West Ham player to have played every
minute of the club's 29 Premier League matches so far this season. Matthew
Upson has started all 29 games, but was substituted late in the 3-1 home
defeat by Everton on 8 November and during the first half of Monday's 0-0
draw with West Brom.

• Cole is West Ham's statistics leader in a number of categories. The
striker has had more shots in total (74), on target (45) and off target
(29), more assists (five), been caught offside more times (28) and committed
more fouls (62) than any other Hammers player.

• Matthew Upson has made more defensive blocks (45) and clearances (25) than
any other West Ham player.

• Midfielder Mark Noble has unleashed more crosses (24) than any other West
Ham player.

• Cole has been sent-off twice, more than any other West Ham player, while
Noble and Scott Parker have each been shown the yellow card on seven
occasions.


Blackburn Rovers

• Blackburn go into Saturday's match having won two and drawn one of their
last four Premier League fixtures. However, in their last engagement, Rovers
were beaten 4-0 at Arsenal on Saturday 14 March.

• Blackburn's biggest-ever home win over West Ham came on 14 October 2001.
Rovers secured a 7-1 victory that day, with Garry Flitcroft, David Dunn,
Damien Johnson, Tugay, Matt Jansen, Craig Hignett and a Chris McCann
own-goal all on target for Blackburn. Michael Carrick netted West Ham's
consolation goal. West Ham captain Lucas Neill was part of the Blackburn
team that day.

• Blackburn's last home win over West Ham came on 10 December 2005. Rovers
won 3-2 with goals from Paul Dickov (two) and Shefki Kuqi. West Ham scored
through Bobby Zamora and Marlon Harewood.

• Benni McCarthy and Jason Roberts are Blackburn's joint top scorers in the
Premier League this season with seven goals each. McCarthy has ten goals in
all competitions, while Roberts has not scored outside of the Premier
League.

• None of Blackburn's players have started all 29 of their Premier League
fixtures. Stephen Warnock has started 28, Ryan Nelsen 27 and both Paul
Robinson and Christopher Samba 26 each.

• Norway winger Morten Gamst Pedersen has unleashed more shots (41) and
crosses (63) than any other Blackburn player. Pedersen has also conjured
more assists (seven) than any of his Rovers team-mates.

• Jason Roberts has had more shots on target (27), been caught offside (26),
won more free-kicks (38) and committed more fouls (43) than any other
Blackburn player.

• Defender Christopher Samba has made more defensive clearances (62) than
any other Rovers player this season, while central defensive partner Ryan
Nelsen has made more defensive blocks (18) than any of his colleagues.

• Should Blackburn win on Saturday, they will pass the 500-point plateau in
the Premier League. Rovers currently sit on 498 points. They would become
the ninth club in the league's history to reach such a milestone.

Team news

• West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola will be without the suspended Carlton
Cole, who received two yellow cards and was sent-off at Wigan Athletic on 4
March. Cole also missed Monday's 0-0 draw against West Brom at the Boleyn
Ground but will return for the home fixture against Sunderland on Saturday 4
April.

• Zola will also be without midfielders Valon Behrami and Jack Collison.
Switzerland international Behrami will be out of action for around six
months after suffering a anterior cruciate ligament injury in his knee,
while Collison is expected to be sidelined until the end of April with a
dislocated kneecap.

• England defender Matthew Upson is facing a race to be fit for Saturday's
match after being carried off with a calf strain in Monday's goalless draw
with West Brom. The 29-year-old will be assessed on Friday.

• Wales defender James Collins is continuing his rehabilitation after
suffering a hamstring strain at Bolton on 21 February.

• Young Academy graduate Junior Stanislas impressed as a second-half
substitute in Monday's goalless draw with West Brom - his Premier League
debut - and will hope to be given another chance to shine at Ewood Park
should he recover from a slight thigh muscle injury. The England Under-19
winger has been with the Hammers since he was eleven and enjoyed a
successful loan spell at League One outfit Southend United earlier this
season.

• Savio received a knock to his kneecap on Monday evening. As with Upson, a
decision will taken on his fitness on Friday.

• England forward Kieron Dyer has trained well with the first-team squad
this week.

• Reserve team captain Bondz N'Gala is pushing hard for a place in the
matchday 18 after travelling with the first-team squad to the recent
fixtures against Wigan and West Brom. The 19-year-old central defender has
been in good form for Alex Dyer's reserve team in recent weeks and could be
named among the substitutes at Ewood Park. N'Gala was named on the bench for
the visit of Stoke City on Sunday 28 December.

• Wales defender Danny Gabbidon is continuing his recovery from back and
stomach injuries by working with the club's medical staff at Chadwell Heath.
He is now running.

• Blackburn's star striker Roque Santa Cruz is set to miss Saturday's game
with a knee injury. The Paraguay forward has been out of action for the past
two weeks with tendinitis.

• France defender Gael Givet (knee) and Australia midfielder Vince Grella
(groin) are both battling to be fit for Saturday's fixture. Grella missed
last Saturday's 4-0 defeat at Arsenal, while on-loan Marseille man Givet was
replaced by David Dunn after just 13 minutes at the Emirates Stadium.

• Blackburn will definitely be without Australia midfielder Brett Emerton,
who has an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his knee, and Ireland
midfielder Steven Reid, who is also ruled out for the remainder of the
season with a knee complaint.

Last meeting

• The teams met at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday 30 August, with West Ham
running out 4-1 winners. Calum Davenport and a Christopher Samba own-goal
put West Ham 2-0 up within 20 minutes before Jason Roberts netted for Rovers
on 22 minutes. Robert Green then saved Roberts' penalty shortly after
half-time before Craig Bellamy and Carlton Cole added further goals for the
home side in added time.

• The lineups were:

West Ham United: Green, Behrami, Davenport, Upson, Neill, Faubert (McCartney
60), Parker, Noble (Mullins 81), Etherington, Cole, Ashton (Bellamy 69)
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Boa Morte, Reid, Sears
Goals: Davenport 12, Samba 20 (og), Bellamy 90, Cole 90

Blackburn Rovers: Robinson, Ooijer, Samba, Nelsen, Warnock, Emerton, Reid,
Grella (Andrews 46), Pedersen (Treacy 66), Santa Cruz (Derbyshire 29),
Roberts
Subs not used Brown, Mokoena, Villanueva, Simpson
Goal: Roberts 22

Attendance: 32,905

Old boys

• West Ham captain Lucas Neill spent five-and-a-half years with Blackburn,
making 227 appearances and scoring eight goals between September 2001 and
January 2007. Neill joined Rovers from Millwall for a £1m fee before leaving
for the Boleyn Ground for around £1.5m.

• Among the other players who have represented both clubs are Fred
Blackburn, Martin Britt, John Burton, Herman Conway, Christian Dailly, Tony
Gale, Tommy Hampson, Harry Hindle, Matty Holmes, Marc Keller, Bob Morris,
Ian Pearce, Bob Pride, Syd Puddefoot, John Radford, Robbie Slater, Matthew
Smailes, Percy Smith and Lionel Watson.

Head to head

Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)

30 August 2008 West Ham United 4-1 Blackburn Rovers
15 March 2008 West Ham United 2-1 Blackburn Rovers
9 December 2007 Blackburn Rovers 0-1 West Ham United
17 March 2007 Blackburn Rovers 1-2 West Ham United
29 October 2006 West Ham United 2-1 Blackburn Rovers
28 January 2006 West Ham United 4-2 Blackburn Rovers

Overall record v Blackburn Rovers (all competitions) W 41 D 16 L 45

Next up

• West Ham will play host to Sunderland in a Barclays Premier League fixture
on Saturday 4 April, with kick-off at 3pm

• Blackburn will welcome Tottenham Hotspur in the Barclays Premier League on
Saturday 4 April, with kick-off at 12.45pm

General information

• For ticket information, click here

• The weather forecast for Blackburn this Saturday is for a sunny day with a
maximum daytime temperature of 12C.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
And the answer is ... 52
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 19th March 2009
By: Staff Writer

Gianfranco Zola believes that four more wins will see the Hammers into
Europe next season. Monday's night's home draw with bottom club West
Bromwich Albion put the Irons on 40 for the season so far with nine games
left to play - five of which are away from home, starting with the trip to
Ewood Park this weekend. The Hammers, currently seventh in the table head
the pack chasing what should be the final Europa League spot. Wigan, Fulham,
Man City and a rejuvenated Tottenham are all hot on United's heels -
although Zola feels that the biggest obstacle in their way is not
necessarily the form of those rivals but West Ham's increasing injury list
which continues to grow by the week. "The supporters can be optimistic - as
long as we manage to get all the players back from injury," he said.
"Obviously we have had big problems and in the next few weeks we are looking
forward to getting a few players back. "When we have all of them available
again then we really have a good chance because the team is looking good.
They has shown me that it is a strong team and also mentally they are strong
because we lost a few games. "First of all we need consistency. It is a
very, very important thing. They need to perform all the time. That is the
main thing. We have achieved the first target which was to get to at least
40 points. Now they need to push even more because we want to reach 52
points. "I believe that will be the quota we need to achieve if we want to
go into Europe, so they need to push themselves even harder. I believe that
will be the target we need that might take us to the Europa League so we are
12 points short. "It is achievable. We have to think in this way. We have
to have targets and try everything to achieve them."

West Ham's clash with Blackburn is an increasingly rare 3pm kick off this
Saturday afternoon.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A taste of your own medicine
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 19th March 2009
By: Staff Writer

Three more clubs are set to hit Sheffield United with compensation claims in
the wake of the out-of-court settlement with West Ham United on Monday.
According to today's Daily Mail Sunderland, Preston and West Bromwich Albion
are all set to follow Leeds United and hit the Blades with claims of their
own. The three clubs believe they are entitled to a piece of the pie as
Sheffield United failed to comply with certain contract conditions at the
time as a result of their relegation from the Premiership in 2006/07.
Their relegation prevented clauses in the contracts of players transferred
from the triumverate to the Blades - which include Jon Stead, Geoff
Horsfield and Claude Davis - from kicking in. Now the Yorkshire club will
received a £20million+ payout to compensate for their loss of Premiership
status the three aforementioned club plus Leeds United - whose chairman Ken
Bates started the ball rolling on Tuesday after he announced his intentions
to sue the Blades for up to £500,000 - will start their bids to be duly
compensated.

* Neil Warnock revealed this morning that he was yet to decide whether to
continue with his plans to sue West Ham. Warnock, who has been roundly
criticised in the media for his stance since announcing his intentions to go
for compensation told SkySports: "I think we've spoken enough this week on
the whole subject really. I've been in contact with the LMA and I'm leaving
it in their hands at the minute."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ash set for Addicks switch
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 19th March 2009
By: Staff Writer

Ashley Miller could be set to land a move to Championship basement boys
Charlton Athletic. The 19-year-old defender has been taken on trial by the
Addicks and made his debut for the reserves at right-back in their fixture
against local rivals QPR last night. However it wasn't the greatest start
for Miller to a possible career at the Valley as he saw his side go down 2-0
courtesy of goals by Rowan Vine (pen, 42 mins) and Romone Rose (81 mins).
The full back, who first arrived at West Ham as an 8-year-old was one of two
players sent on trial to Ujpest Dozsa last month as part of the deal that
brought Peter Kurucz to East London. Whilst striker Tony Stokes impressed,
Miller returned home just a week or so later. Having been made excess to
requirements Miller - who was in the same 2006 Acedemy intake as Freddie
Sears and Junior Stanislas, both of whom are on the verges of the first team
- is expected to leave the club one way or another by the summer.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Blackburn Rovers Preview
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 18th March 2009
By: Preview Percy

And so we schlep up the M6 to Ewood Park for a 3pm kick-off against
Blackburn Rovers.

Rovers are on their second manager of the season with Ince being shown the
door before he'd had a chance to go behind their backs to take someone
else's 30 pieces. His replacement was the less than lovable Sam Allardyce
who, following the infamous Panorama programme, vowed never to speak to the
BBC again. He was also going to sue the pants off Auntie for good measure.
However, the statutory year and a day period elapsed after the broadcast
with no sign of any legal correspondence winging its way to Broadcasting
House from messrs Sue, Grabbit & Runne and, though it was a long day and I
was falling asleep in front of the box at the weekend I could have sworn I
saw his sylph-like figure chatting happily away to someone on MOTD last
weekend.

There have been some eventful matches between the two clubs over the past
few years. We'll quietly draw a veil over 2004's 7-1 and remind ourselves of
the 3-1 win that marked our return to the Premiership in 2005 and the
bizarre 2-1 win up there during the Great Escape when Mr Jim Devine – a
linesman of no obvious "Russian" descent – awarded us what turned out to be
a winner despite the ball not having crossed the line. I'm sure his address
is available from the FA if the morally bankrupt players of Sheffield United
want to find someone else to sue for their relegation. Perhaps the money
will come in handy when Barnsley come knocking at their door.

Blackburn currently lie in 15th place, one point and three goals better off
than Stoke, who currently occupy the final relegation spot. Their last six
league games has seen them win two (Fulham and Hull both away, both 2-1),
draw one (0-0 at Everton) and lose three (4-0 at Arsenal, 2-1 at Moan U, and
2-0 at home to Villa). In between all that they went out of the Cup at
Coventry after a replay. Their last home win was the 2-1 defeat of
Sunderland at the beginning of February. It's fair to say that last week's
4-0 drubbing at the library could have been even heavier had Wenger picked,
say, his own Gran, to play instead of Bendtner who displayed a remarkable
inability to hit the proverbial cow's backside with a banjo.

Picking the ball out of the net last week was Paul Robinson, another 'keeper
who was once considered worthy of an England place, presumably because I was
injured at the time. In front of him last week was the hapless Ooijer who
opened the scoring for Arsenal with an own goal, having come in for skipper
Ryan Nelsen, who had a calf strain. Nelsen may be available for a return
this weekend as might the on-loan-with-a-view-to-a-permanent-deal Givet who
is shown as available following a knee injury, along with Aussie
international midfielder Grella who has been missing with a groin strain.
Both Brett Emerton and Steven Reid are long term absentees with knee
problems.

One player that will need no introduction will be striker El Hadj Diouf.
Hammers away fans were introduced to this charming lout a few years back
when he decided to empty his gob over the away section. Disgracefully his
then employers Liverpool denied anything had occurred, only apologising for
effectively calling supporters liars after their own staff came forward to
confirm what had happened. Diouf then went up to Glasgow and did the same
thing against Celtic, picking up a £5,000 fine and a conviction on the way.
Throw in court appearances for drink driving and assaulting the wife of a
team-mate and you'll get some idea of what a nice guy this player is. His
latest stunt was to tell Anton Ferdinand he was going to stab him whilst at
Sunderland, a threat that saw the Senegalese international booted out to be
reunited with Sam Allardyce, who had been his manager at Bolton. Yes the
same Sam Allardyce whose lofty principles saw him threaten legal action
against the BBC for tarnishing his good name. Funny old world innit!

El Hadj Diouf arrived during the transfer window during which his fellow
forward Roque Santa Cruz seemed to be linked with moves to just about every
club except Stringfellows. He missed the Arsenal match with a knee injury
and has the infamous "no return date" tag next to his name on
physioroom.com. If he is still away, Jason Roberts is likely to partner the
spitter up front.

As for us, well the other night showed that shorn of a number of
first-choice players we can sometimes lack ideas. On the injury debit side
Upson will obviously be missed. On the up side both Collins and Dyer are
said to be close to returns, though I suspect Ginge is likely to be closer
to a start than Dyer. However, if, as seems likely, Ginge is not risked we
can expect the same back four as finished the WBA match. Elsewhere there
isn't exactly an abundance of riches to select from. Though Tristan, who was
on the bench in midweek following injury, might be fit enough to consider
for a starting berth.

This will be a tough one. For all their relatively lowly position in the
league, Blackburn are a typical Allardyce outfit where emphasis is placed
primarily (if not always successfully) on being difficult to beat. We found
out on Monday night that the current side can struggle against
well-organised teams that flood the midfield. However, there will be
pressure on them as the home side to perhaps go for it a bit more. We've
been a bit of a bogey team for them of late so I'll plump for a 1-1 draw
from this one to bring a point back home down the M6.

Enjoy the game!


Last Season: W 1-0
– A Dean Ashton goal and some shoddy finishing from the home side gave us
another three points.


Danger Man: Jason Roberts
– maybe my faulty memory but he seems to be one of those journeymen that
always gives us a hard time.


Look Out For: El Hadj Diouf
– bring waterproofs whatever the weather!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Another ex-Blade named and shamed
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 19th March 2009
By: Staff Writer

Stoke City's Michael Tonge has admitted that he is one of a group of current
and former Sheffiled United players looking to sue West Ham United for
compensation.
25-year-old Tonge - who joined the Premier League new boys last summer for
an undisclosed fee - made 27 appearances for the Blades in their relegation
season of 2006/07. Yet despite having earned a move back to the Premier
League with relegation favourites Stoke - for whom he has made just one
Premier League appearance since Christmas - Tonge confirmed that he was one
of the group of players set to sure the Hammers for up to £3million. "I'm
just waiting to see what comes of it," he said. "I'm not taking it upon
myself to make a claim, but might consider joining one. West Ham have
admitted they have done something wrong and I think it should have been
sorted out in that season."
And of Carlos Tevez, the player at the centre of the row and who scored just
seven goals that season - none of which were against Sheffield United -
Tonge added:
"It wouldn't have been brought up as much if Carlos Tevez hadn't played such
a prominent part in West Ham staying up. Maybe if he were a defender it
wouldn't have been such a big deal, but he scored lots of goals, including
the one at Manchester United on the last day that kept them up."
Tonge, despite not being considered good enough to feature for the worst
team in the Premier League is set to face his second relegation within three
years should the Potters go straight back down, as expected. He gave an
indication as to where his true motives lie when he added: "I would take not
playing again this season if that meant us staying up".
But despite having potentially failed twice to keep his team in the top
flight Tonge - like former team mate Phil Jagielka, who is set to sign a new
£40,000 per week contract with Everton shortly - is happy to seek his pound
of flesh.

Ponce Watch: who's on board the Sheffield United gravy train

Neil Warnock: Crystal Palace manager and fantasist who watched his current
side (who are 12th in the Championship) beaten 3-1 by relegation threatened
Barnsley on Monday night.

Phil Jagielka: Everton defender who has coined it in since leaving Bramall
Lane.

Michael Tonge: Stoke City reserve player.

+ up to 18 other as yet unnamed former and current Sheffield United players

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Unhappy Zola eyes Europe
West Ham boss concern at Europa League
Last updated: 20th March 2009
SSN

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola wants his side to push on this season and seal
a place in Europe. The Hammers are currently seventh in the league - which
if the current top-four stays as is, will be enough to seal a place in next
season's revamped Uefa Cup - the Europa League. Whilst Zola wants to land a
place in Europe - he is unhappy with the proposed new league format. "Years
ago, this competition was more attractive and that is something that maybe
should be thought about for the future," said Zola.
"For me, it is nonsense. But I have the same idea about the Champions
League, really. For me, It does not have the same attractiveness as it had
before. "Before, it was a proper Champions League. To participate, you had
to come first." Despite his concerns, Europe is very much in the Italian's
mind. "We have not been in Europe for a while," he continued. "I played in
Europe many years ago and I know how good it is to play in those
competitions, not only for the silverware you can get but also, for the
players, it is an opportunity to improve as if you play abroad you always
improve. I wish we can achieve that."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Latics reject Tevez action
Latics drop Tevez matter
Last updated: 19th March 2009
SSN

Wigan have rejected suggestions they are to pursue legal action against West
Ham to recover prize money they may have missed out on, in light of the
Carlos Tevez affair.
West Ham agreed to pay Sheffield United £25million this week in an
out-of-court settlement to apparently end the saga over the eligibility of
Tevez, who helped the Hammers stay up in 2007 at the Blades' expense. Since
the ruling, Sheffield United boss at the time Neil Warnock and a number of
ex-Blades players have said they are considering legal action in order to
recover the costs of lost bonuses or wage reductions they believe they would
have been entitled to had their club stayed up. There are also claims clubs
such as Wigan and Fulham - who ultimately finished the season below West Ham
- may sue in order to recover the additional money they would have gained
for finishing higher. But Wigan have moved to clarify their position
revealing they will not be taking the matter any further. "We have not
sought any further legal advice and will not be pursuing the matter any
further," read a statement. "Reports that the club are seeking compensation
for false league position payments are totally incorrect. "As far as Wigan
Athletic Football Club is concerned, the matter is being dealt with by the
appropriate authorities - and the club does not wish to comment further."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Warnock waiting on decision
Former Blades boss contacts LMA regarding Tevez saga
Last updated: 19th March 2009
SSN

Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock is waiting to decide whether to take
legal action against West Ham over the Carlos Tevez saga. Former Sheffield
United boss Warnock was sacked after Tevez helped West Ham stay in the
Premier League at the expense of the Blades in 2007. It was later
discovered that the Hammers' signing of the Argentina international broke
official rules and, as a result, Sheffield United have earned out-of-court
compensation. However, Warnock - who has contacted the League Managers'
Association regarding the subject - could still pursue a personal claim
against the Blades. "I've been in contact with the LMA and I am leaving it
in their hands at the minute," he told Sky Sports News. And Warnock is not
concerned that he might receive the wrath of opponents for refusing to allow
the matter to pass. "I get criticism one way or another," he added. "I've
got supporters and I've got people who will always slaughter me. Nothing's
changed."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tonge considers Tevez action
Former Blade looking at situation
Last updated: 19th March 2009
SSN

Michael Tonge has admitted he is one of the former Sheffield United players
considering taking legal action over the Carlos Tevez affair. The
25-year-old was relegated with the Blades after Tevez helped West Ham stay
up in 2007 - although West Ham's signing of the Argentina international
broke Premier League rules. Sheffield United have successfully battled to
win compensation from West Ham and the two clubs agreed an out-of-court
settlement earlier this week. Former Blades boss Neil Warnock has admitted
he is looking into the situation with a view to taking legal action and now
Tonge admits he is also ready to do the same. "I'm just waiting to see what
comes of it. I'm not taking it upon myself to make a claim, but might
consider joining one," said Tonge, who is now with Stoke City. "It's not
something I'm thinking too much about at the moment. I'm sure things will
start to be resolved over the next few weeks, so they may become clearer
then. "West Ham have admitted they have done something wrong and I think it
should have been sorted out in that season. "It wouldn't have been brought
up as much if Carlos Tevez hadn't played such a prominent part in West Ham
staying up. "Maybe if he were a defender it wouldn't have been such a big
deal, but he scored lots of goals, including the one at Manchester United on
the last day that kept them up."
While Tonge is looking at the Tevez situation, his main concern is trying to
win a place back in Stoke's first-team. "Not playing is frustrating, but the
most important thing is that this club stays in the Premier League. Then, we
can take things from there," he said. "I would take not playing again this
season if that meant us staying up. In the situation we are in, I don't want
to bring any disappointment or frustration to the squad. "We have a really
big squad and everyone is pulling in the right direction. But it would only
take one or two players not to do that to affect things. "I will be
supporting whoever the manager sends out to get the right results. I think
we'll stay up, although it won't be easy."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham may have to pay £26.5m to close the Tevez affair
Sources reveal possible pay-out to Sheffield United
West Ham may pay £5m more if they are sold for over £95m
Owen Gibson The Guardian, Friday 20 March 2009 Article history

The true cost to West Ham of the deal negotiated with Sheffield United over
the Carlos Tevez affair is greater than first thought, sources close to the
deal claimed yesterday. According to a source involved in the negotiations,
West Ham could end up paying a total of £26.5m in compensation. They put the
much-disputed total value of the deal at £21.5m, payable in staggered
instalments until 2013. If the club is sold for more than £95m, West Ham
will have to pay a further £5m. The first payment of £1.5m is due in May and
subsequent instalments are staggered to coincide with West Ham's major
income streams, such as its merit payments and share of TV rights money from
the Premier League. West Ham's Icelandic owner, Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, had
hoped to negotiate a sale of the club by the summer, having recently had the
bankruptcy protection afforded to his parent company Hansa extended until
June by a Reykjavik court. He paid £85m, and assumed debts of around £22m,
when he bought the club in 2006. Despite the substantial liability on any
future owner, West Ham will claim the deal gives them certainty about their
future obligations and, crucially, allows them to spread the payments over
several years.
Originally, Sheffield United had claimed compensation of £45m after a West
Ham team inspired by Tevez had condemned them to relegation, despite
breaking rules on third party ownership earlier in the season. West Ham had
estimated their loss at no more than £5m. The terms of the deal remained
­confidential under the agreement signed between the two clubs, which was
designed to bring an end to the saga before an arbitration panel chaired by
Lord ­Griffiths could rule on the matter. But far from drawing a line under
the affair, the agreement has sparked a flood of speculation from others who
have said they may now launch claims. A lawyer representing a group of
around 20 members of the Sheffield United squad relegated in 2007 has
insisted that they have a good case, while former manager Neil Warnock has
said he is also considering his options and Leeds United chairman Ken Bates
plans to seek compensation on bonus transfer payments that would have been
due had the Blades stayed up. IPS Law, the firm representing the Sheffield
United players, is expected to contact the FA in order to launch fresh
tribunal proceedings if a satisfactory answer is not received from West Ham
within the next week. Meanwhile a joint Premier League and FA inquiry into
Lord Griffiths' verdict on the behaviour of West Ham in the wake of the
original decision to fine the club £5.5m for breaking rules on third party
­ownership will continue.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fulham claim adds new twist to Tevez saga
Exclusive: West London club demand £700,000 over loss of 'merit money' in
2006-07
Independent.co.uk
By Jason Burt
Friday, 20 March 2009

In an extraordinary twist on the Carlos Tevez saga, Fulham have submitted a
claim for £700,000 in compensation from West Ham United because they
finished below the Hammers in the season that the Argentine striker played
at Upton Park. The claim appears to confirm the fear of "legal anarchy" that
West Ham warned about.

The cash relates to the loss of so-called "merit money" that Fulham believe
they missed out on because the 2006-07 campaign ended with them in 16th
place, two points behind 15th-placed West Ham. They claim that, because of
Tevez, they finished in a false position.

Fulham received £20.26m in merit money – the cash divided between the clubs
from the television and broadcast deals brokered by the Premier League –
with West Ham receiving £20.71m. The difference amounts to £450,000 – the
extra cash they would have received in 2007 – but, confusingly, Fulham are
understood to have submitted a claim for £700,000 which is the amount they
would be due if the places were reversed this season.

The action was launched on Tuesday, the day after West Ham, who will fight
it and have reacted with incredulity to the claim, announced they had
reached an out-of-court settlement with Sheffield United of £20m, spread
over the next five seasons, to end the Blades' long-running dispute over
Tevez.

The settlement followed the arbitration judgment by the independent
tribunal, chaired by Lord Griffiths, which decided that Tevez, whose signing
had breached rules on third-party ownership, had had a decisive effect on
the Blades being relegated and West Ham surviving that season.

West Ham, who had already been fined £5.5m by the Premier League and torn up
Tevez's original contract, had rejected the claim and were furious they had
no right to appeal or recourse to the Court of Arbitration in Sport. They
decided to settle because they did not want to go before Griffiths again and
could not afford a hefty lump sum payment given the financial plight of
owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson.

In a statement on Tuesday, in the wake of the attempts by players, former
Blades' manager Neil Warnock and Leeds United chairman Ken Bates to claim
compensation, West Ham said they would "strongly resist any attempts to
prolong this matter through the courts, both to protect our interests and
those of the wider game".

Fulham have now lodged a formal legal claim but Wigan Athletic, who finished
17th that season, three points behind West Ham, made clear yesterday that,
contrary to reports, they have not sought any further legal advice and do
not intend to seek compensation for a "false league position".

The crucial piece of the ruling that Fulham have seized on is Griffiths'
panel's judgment that they had "no doubt" that West Ham would have acquired
"at least three fewer points" without Tevez. The panel claimed that in the
last two games of that season Tevez "more likely than not" helped West Ham
to achieve the three extra points that ensured they avoided relegation at
the expense of the Blades.

For example, could West Ham now sue the authorities for appointing referee
Stuart Attwell who then sent off Carlton Cole, harshly, in the recent match
away to Wigan? It meant the striker missed last Monday's match against West
Brom, which ended in a goalless draw with West Ham dropping two points,
affecting their chances of qualifying for Europe?

The ramifications may be endless. In another example, of course, Sheffield
United may themselves be affected should Barnsley be relegated and link
their demotion from the Championship to the elbow thrown by Chris Morgan
into the face of the Barnsley striker – and record signing – Iain Hume which
left him with a fractured skull and unable to play for the rest of the
season.

If Fulham pursue their claim it may also require the establishment of yet
another arbitration hearing as the case involving Sheffield United was a
private arbitration.

The Premier League and Football Association are already carrying out a fresh
inquiry into the Tevez affair but are not expected to mete out any further
punishment.

As for the claims being pursued by Warnock, who is waiting for legal advice
from the League Managers Association, and the players, West Ham are
confident that they can successfully defend any action. Bates, who believes
Leeds are entitled to windfall payments through three players he sold to the
Sheffield club that season, is likely to pursue the Blades for the £500,000
in compensation he wants.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gianfranco Zola sets European target for West Ham
The Times
Gary Jacob

Gianfranco Zola, West Ham United's mild-mannered manager, came close to
losing his patience yesterday when asked repeatedly about the Carlos Tévez
affair, before setting his team a target of 52 points in the Barclays
Premier League and a likely European spot.

On paper, the target of 12 more points would seem a realistic proposition
for West Ham, who are seventh in the table, but the goalless draw against
West Bromwich Albion on Monday exposed inadequacies.

Wigan Athletic and Fulham are in strong contention, in eighth and ninth
respectively, and very soon, they may all be looking over their shoulders at
Tottenham Hotspur, who are just five points behind West Ham and scheduled to
meet them next month at White Hart Lane. West Ham also have home games
against Liverpool and Chelsea in the run-in.

"Getting 12 more points is achievable," Zola said. "You have to have a
target and you have to give everything to achieve that."

A year ago, West Ham fans would have groaned at Carlton Cole's name on the
team-sheet, but not now. The forward's two-match suspension will end after
the away game against Blackburn Rovers tomorrow.

Zola expressed the hope that the dispute with Sheffield United about the
eligibility of Tévez is over after the clubs agreed a compensation deal. "I
hope from now on, we can be left in peace and plan our future," Zola said.
"I just don't want to hear about it any more, really, I have had enough. It
is becoming just a little bit annoying.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rovers rocked by Santa Cruz blow
Sport.co.uk
Author: Nigel Brown
Posted on: 19 March 2009 - 5:27 PM

Blackburn Rovers have suffered a big blow after Roque Santa Cruz revealed he
has tendinitis.The Paraguayan has not featured for Rovers since their
goalless draw with Everton on March 4 and says he does not know when he will
return. Sam Allardyce's side are just one point above the relegation zone
and Santa Cruz will definitely miss Saturday's match at West Ham. "I gave up
training two weeks ago," Santa Cruz said. "Not training does not help me
physically. "It is a difficult situation and we'll have a talk with the
medical staff. "I will not play on Saturday. It is a tendinitis I've been
carrying for a long time and I have already played some matches with pain."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola laments the "nonsense" of UEFA's formats
Soccernet
March 19, 2009

Gianfranco Zola believes West Ham are four wins away from Europe - but he
has launched an attack on the format of UEFA competitions and feels they
have been devalued. Zola's men are seventh in the Premier League and in the
hunt for a place in next season's Europa League, the revamped version of the
UEFA Cup. Although there is a new name and schedule, there will still be
plenty of games in group stages before the knockout rounds start. ''Years
ago, this competition was more attractive and that is something that maybe
should be thought about for the future,'' said Hammers boss Zola. ''For me
it is nonsense. But I have the same idea about the Champions League really.
For me, It does not have the same attractiveness as it had before. ''Before
it was a proper Champions League. To participate, you had to come first. It
had a different value and it was the same for the UEFA Cup. It was much more
attractive. A knockout competition already makes it more interesting.'' Zola
may feel European qualification has been devalued but he is determined to
guide West Ham there in his first season as a manager, with his players
benefiting from the experience. They have already reached the 40-point mark
for safety and could edge towards their target for Europe with a win at
Blackburn this weekend. He added: ''We have not been in Europe for a while.
I played in Europe many years ago and I know how good it is to play in those
competitions, not only for the silverware you can get but also for the
players it is an opportunity to improve as if you play abroad you always
improve. I wish we can achieve that. ''We need to push because we want to
achieve the estimate of 52 points if we want to go to Europe, we need to
push ourselves hard because we have a few injuries. ''It is achievable. You
have to think in this way. You have to have a target and you have to give
everything to achieve that.''
Zola insists his players have not been distracted by the Carlos Tevez affair
this week, with Sheffield United players seeking legal advice over possible
compensation. ''As far as I'm concerned and as far as I know it should be
finished,'' Zola said. ''I just don't want to hear about it anymore really,
I've had enough.'' For the trip to Ewood Park, Zola needs to check on
Matthew Upson's calf injury. ''We have to wait until the day before the game
to see, we will only know then. It is not too bad but we don't want to make
things worse,'' he said. Savio Nsereko needs to be checked, while Diego
Tristan and Kieron Dyer could be back in contention.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fulham's Tevez cash claim kicks off 'legal anarchy'
Belfastteleegraph.co.uk
Friday, 20 March 2009

In an extraordinary twist on the Carlos Tevez saga, Fulham have submitted an
astonishing claim for £700,000 in compensation from West Ham United because
they finished one place below the Hammers in the season that the Argentinean
striker played at Upton Park. The claim would appear to confirm the fear of
"legal anarchy" that West Ham warned about. The cash relates to the loss of
so-called "merit money" that Fulham believe they missed out on because the
campaign 2006-07 ended with them in 16th place, two points behind 15th
placed West Ham, on 39 points. The claim is that because of Tevez they
finished in a false position. Fulham received £20.26m in merit money — the
cash divided between the clubs from the television and broadcast deals
brokered by the Premier League — with West Ham receiving £20.71m. The
difference amounts to £450,000 — the extra cash they would have received in
2007 — but, confusingly, Fulham are understood to have submitted a claim for
£700,000 which is the amount they would be due if the places were reversed
this season. The action was launched on Tuesday, the day after West Ham, who
will fight it and have reacted with incredulity to the claim, announced they
had reached an out-of-court settlement with Sheffield United of £20m, spread
over the next five seasons, to end the Blades long-running dispute over
Tevez. The settlement followed the arbitration judgment by the independent
tribunal which decided that Tevez, whose signing had breached rules on
third-party ownership, had had a decisive effect on the Blades relegation
and West Ham's survival that season. West Ham, who had already been fined
£5.5m by the Premier League and had torn up Tevez's original contract, had
rejected the claim. Fulham have now lodged a formal legal claim but, , Wigan
Athletic, who finished 17th that season, three points behind West Ham, have
not sought further legal advice.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fulham submit West Ham claim
(20/03/2009 07:48:31)
Fulhamweb.co.uk

In an additional twist on the Carlos Tevez saga, Fulham have submitted a
claim for £700,000 in compensation from West Ham United because they
finished below the Hammers in the season that the Argentine striker played
at Upton Park.

The cash relates to the loss of so-called "merit money" that Fulham believe
they missed out on because the 2006-07 campaign ended with them in 16th
place, two points behind 15th-placed West Ham. They claim that, because of
Tevez, they finished in a false position.

Fulham received £20.26m in merit money – the cash divided between the clubs
from the television and broadcast deals brokered by the Premier League –
with West Ham receiving £20.71m. The difference amounts to £450,000 – the
extra cash they would have received in 2007 – but, confusingly, Fulham are
understood to have submitted a claim for £700,000 which is the amount they
would be due if the places were reversed this season.

The action was launched on Tuesday, the day after West Ham, who will fight
it and have reacted with incredulity to the claim, announced they had
reached an out-of-court settlement with Sheffield United of £20m, spread
over the next five seasons, to end the Blades' long-running dispute over
Tevez.

The settlement followed the arbitration judgment by the independent
tribunal, chaired by Lord Griffiths, which decided that Tevez, whose signing
had breached rules on third-party ownership, had had a decisive effect on
the Blades being relegated and West Ham surviving that season.

West Ham, who had already been fined £5.5m by the Premier League and torn up
Tevez's original contract, had rejected the claim and were furious they had
no right to appeal or recourse to the Court of Arbitration in Sport. They
decided to settle because they did not want to go before Griffiths again and
could not afford a hefty lump sum payment given the financial plight of
owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson.

In a statement on Tuesday, in the wake of the attempts by players, former
Blades' manager Neil Warnock and Leeds United chairman Ken Bates to claim
compensation, West Ham said they would "strongly resist any attempts to
prolong this matter through the courts, both to protect our interests and
those of the wider game".

Fulham have now lodged a formal legal claim but Wigan Athletic, who finished
17th that season, three points behind West Ham, made clear yesterday that,
contrary to reports, they have not sought any further legal advice and do
not intend to seek compensation for a "false league position".

The crucial piece of the ruling that Fulham have seized on is Griffiths'
panel's judgment that they had "no doubt" that West Ham would have acquired
"at least three fewer points" without Tevez. The panel claimed that in the
last two games of that season Tevez "more likely than not" helped West Ham
to achieve the three extra points that ensured they avoided relegation at
the expense of the Blades.

If Fulham pursue their claim it may also require the establishment of yet
another arbitration hearing as the case involving Sheffield United was a
private arbitration.

The Premier League and Football Association are already carrying out a fresh
inquiry into the Tevez affair but are not expected to mete out any further
punishment.

As for the claims being pursued by Warnock, who is waiting for legal advice
from the League Managers Association, and the players, West Ham are
confident that they can successfully defend any action. Bates, who believes
Leeds are entitled to windfall payments through three players he sold to the
Sheffield club that season, is likely to pursue the Blades for the £500,000
in compensation he wants.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Upton Park chief Zola fed up with everybody Hammering on about Tevez
By Marc Isaacs Last updated at 5:23 PM on 19th March 2009
Daily Mail

Gianfranco Zola has called for the Carlos Tevez affair to finally come to an
end and is getting annoyed that other parties want to sue West Ham. The club
finally reached an out of court settlement with Sheffield United this week
when they were reported to be paying £25million in compensation to the
Yorkshire club. Zola was praying the matter would be finished and is now
outraged that Neil Warnock, Ken Bates and Sheffield United players are
reported to be considering legal action against West Ham. The Hammers
manager is angry that the matter is still being talked about and is urging
the world of football to finally end the whole saga. Zola said: 'I hope it
is the end of the matter. I hope from now on we can be left in peace and
plan our future. 'Since I have been here, we have been talking about this.
Now it is settled, we are still talking about it. I don't know what to say.
'I wish we could get on with it and focus on our future because this club
needs to plan for the future. 'There are a few things still going on, but as
far as I am concerned, it should be finished. But this is something that the
club is dealing with and as far as I know we should not have any problems.
It is not distracting. 'I don't want to hear about it anymore, really, I
have had enough. 'This club has been through so any problems this year and
had always come out with the right thing. We will handle it properly.'
Meanwhile, Zola is urging Fabio Capello to pick Scott Parker for England's
forthcoming matches against Slovakia and Ukraine. Zola added: 'He is a
complete midfielder because he can produce quality, but works very hard
defensively. I believe in his position he is the best in this country.'

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Zola labels Euro competitions as nonsense
20.03.09 | Andrew Slevison

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola believes the UEFA Cup and European
Champions League should revert back their old ways. Zola says the new format
is not what the competitions should be about despite his team still being in
the hunt to qualify for Europe next season. "Years ago, this competition
was more attractive and that is something that maybe should be thought about
for the future," Zola said. "For me it is nonsense. But I have the same idea
about The Champions League really. For me, it does not have the same
attractiveness as it had before. "Before it was a proper Champions League.
To participate, you had to come first. "It had a different value and it was
the same for the Uefa Cup. It was much more attractive. A knockout
competition already makes it more interesting."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Real Madrid chief Mijatovic defends Faubert signing
20.03.09 | tribalfootball.com

Real Madrid sports director Predrag Mijatovic has defended the loan signing
of West Ham United midfielder Julien Faubert. The Frenchman has struggled
since his January arrival, but Mijatovic says: "We needed to strengthen the
midfield, several players were considered and we decided on him because we
thought he was the best. "He has until the end of the season to prove he
deserves to be signed permanently."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Zola "very pleased" with Tomkins
20.03.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola has no qualms playing James Tomkins at
centre-half. He told whufc.com of the youngster: "He has been doing very
well James. He is young but he is at the same time very mature. He looks
very composed and I am very pleased with his performance. "He is improving
very much."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola delighted with West Ham youth conveyor belt
20.03.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola is delighted with the progress of his
young players this season. Already this season, six Academy graduates -
namely Mark Noble, James Tomkins, Jack Collison, Kyel Reid, Junior Stanislas
and Freddie Sears - have played under Zola, while goalkeeper Marek Stech,
defender Bondz N'Gala and versatile Josh Payne have all made it to the
bench. Zola told whufc.com: "The young players are an important part of the
project we are taking forward but we need to use them at the right time and
at the right moment. We have got a clear idea of what we are going to do. "I
have seen a few new players so I can have a better idea of what they can
give me and also where they need to improve. I am going to be working on
that and it is important for me for the future."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Zola: Europe important for players' progress
20.03.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola says he'd love to take the club into
Europe next season. He said: "We have not been in Europe for a while. I
played in Europe many years ago and I know how good it is to play in those
competitions, not only for the silverware you can get but also for the
players it is an opportunity to improve as if you play abroad you always
improve. I wish we can achieve that. "We need to push because we want to
achieve the estimate of 52 points if we want to go to Europe, we need to
push ourselves hard because we have a few injuries. "It is achievable. You
have to think in this way. You have to have a target and you have to give
everything to achieve that."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Zola: Parker best in England
20.03.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola has called on Fabio Capello to include
Scott Parker in his latest England squad. "He is a complete midfielder
because he can produce quality, but works very hard defensively. I believe
in his position he is the best in this country," said Zola.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Blades switch for 'claim clubs'
Sheffield Star
Published Date: 19 March 2009
By James Shield

SHEFFIELD United could point Leeds, Preston and West Bromwich Albion - three
clubs who have laid claim to a slice of their £25m compensation package
following the Carlos Tevez Affair - in the direction of West Ham as the
fall-out from one of the most controversial episodes in the recent history
of English football continues.
Elland Road chairman Ken Bates insisted earlier this week that Leeds are
entitled to receive money relating to the transfer of former players,
including Rob Hulse and Matthew Kilgallon, in the wake of Monday's
out-of-court settlement. But United's lawyers could point them in the
direction of West Ham when they receive details of Bates' claim highlighting
substantial'add-ons' had the pair helped preserve Bramall Lane's top-flight
status. Preston and West Brom are also analysing the situation closely while
Sunderland, who sold Jon Stead to the South Yorkshire outfit midway through
the 2006/2007 campaign, could also be told to pursue the Londoners should
they seek payment of outstanding clauses. United sought financial redress
after being controversialy relegated to the Championship two years ago - a
fate they believe Tevez, whose contract breached rules governing third party
ownership of players, helped West Ham avoid - and won a landmark legal
verdict at an independent tribunal last autumn.
Together with his fellow Argentine Javier Mascherano, Tevez, now with
Manchester United, moved to Upton Park at the start of the 2006-07 season
but the club were later fined £5.5million by the Premier League for failing
to fully disclose the terms of the deal that brought them to England. West
Ham issued a statement on their website saying they will do everything they
can to prevent "legal anarchy". "It is now becoming clear that the ruling by
Lord Griffiths has encouraged a potentially endless legal chain of claims
and counter claims, which can only be damaging to English football," it
read. "As a club, we will strongly resist any attempts to prolong this
matter through the courts, both to protect our interests and those of the
wider game."
Having already agreed to pay substantial money to United, West Ham are
understandably keen to avoid any further settlements or legal expense.
However former manager Neil Warnock, who resigned from his post at Bramall
Lane three days after the club's relegation, is exploring the possibility of
launching his own action. A joint investigation by the FAPL and Football
Association into the Tevez and Mascherano signings is ongoing.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers chase O'Shea
by Adam Marshall , 19 March 2009
setanta.co.uk

West Ham are keeping tabs on Galway United winger Jay O'Shea, according to
sources in Ireland. The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international saw a
move to Derby County collapse when Paul Jewell left the club but still has
plenty of admirers in England. After helping Galway top the table at the
start of the current League of Ireland campaign, the 20-year-old will be
watched by Hammers chief scout Roger Cross when tackling Bray Wanderers on
Friday. United boss Ian Foster recently admitted his delight that the young
wide man would remain part of his plans this term. "It's great news for me
because I hope Jay will play this year as he did during the last third of
the 2008 season," he declared. O'Shea was called into Don Givens's Under-21
squad this week for the matches with Spain and Turkey and is clearly moving
in the right direction.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Escape remains source of pride for Green
East London Advertiser
19 March 2009

Robert Green insists that West Ham's compensation payment to Sheffield
United will not cast a shadow on memories of the club's dramatic escape from
relegation two years ago. England international Green was a key figure as
the Hammers won seven of their final nine games, including memorable
triumphs over Arsenal and Manchester United, to complete the most miraculous
survival mission in the history of the Premier League. The club's
achievement has since been overshadowed by a bitter legal dispute with the
Blades, which was finally settled this week after West Ham agreed to pay
£15m in an out-of-court settlement. The saga now looks set to rumble on,
with former Blades manager Neil Warnock and 20 players poised to pursue
personal compensation claims against the Hammers. But Green is adamant that
the long-running legal battle will not diminish his own pride at helping the
Hammers retain their top flight status. He said: "Winning at Arsenal, at Man
United - that's what I'll remember and that's what West Ham fans will
remember. "Sheffield United can do what they like. There's only so much
before you lose interest." Warnock, who quit Bramall Lane three days after
Sheffield United's relegation in 2007, confirmed this week that he will
consider suing the Hammers for personal compensation. "I wanted to see the
club's case out of the way first," Warnock said. "As far as I'm concerned, I
should still be a manager in the Premier League. And I think the players
have a case, too.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Upson injury fears allayed
East London Advertiser
19 March 2009

Matthew Upson could make an immediate return to action when West Ham travel
to Blackburn Rovers this weekend despite fears that the England defender had
suffered a serious injury against West Brom on Monday night. Upson was taken
off on a stretcher in the 29th minute of the club's goalless draw at Upton
Park after complaining of a calf problem. The 29-year-old suffered a serious
calf injury shortly after joining the Hammers two years ago, but boss
Gianfranco Zola has allayed fears that Upson is set for a significant spell
on the sidelines. "I don't see that it's going to be a big problem. He had a
problem with his calf before he came on the pitch, but it's not a big
concern," Zola said. "I believe that his fitness is not a major problem. It
shouldn't be a big setback."
Meanwhile, West Brom defender Jonas Olsson has escaped punishment following
his clash with goalkeeper Robert Green. Green was caught by Olsson's elbow
during the stalemate at the Boleyn Ground but referee Mark Halsey has now
reviewed the incident again and told the Football Association that he would
not have given a red card.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Michael Tonge is considering legal action over Tevezgate
March 19th, 2009 · 1 Comment
The Spolier

Former Sheffield United player Michael Tonge has revealed he would
contemplate joining a legal claim against West Ham if some of his
ex-teammates hold his hand. He said: "I'm just waiting to see what comes of
it. I'm not taking it upon myself to make a claim, but might consider
joining one."

The midfielder is back in the Premier League now with Stoke - and one has to
wonder who he will blame if the Potters go down this summer - but Tony Pulis
obviously doesn't rate him too highly as he has started just one league
game.

Tonge also showed ignorance of the situation by stating that Carlos Tevez'
goal on the final day at Old Trafford kept West Ham up when the reality is
that all they needed was a draw, meaning the back five who shut Manchester
United out deserve the credit. Indeed, Henry Winter, the journalist who
provided evidence supporting Sheffield United's case, named Green man of the
match in his report on the game.

Besides, If Tonge believes he can pinpoint his relegation entirely on the
performance of another player, will he be equally as willing to reject any
bonuses coming his way if Stoke stay up this season when he has done little
to aid their cause?

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham News: Diego Tristan is back in Gianfranco Zola's plans and may
start in West Ham's weekend clash with Blackburn
Thursday, 19 March 2009
Londonpaper.co.uk

GIANFRANCO ZOLA might turn to Diego Tristan to solve West Ham's striker
crisis. With Carlton Cole starting a two-game ban, Freddie Sears and David
Di Michele failed to impress in the draw with West Brom on Monday. And with
Dean Ashton injured and new signing Savio no replacement for the departed
Craig Bellamy, Zola will look to Tristan. Zola said: "The only reason I
didn't play Diego against West Brom is that he has been suffering with a
muscle problem. Maybe he will give us more of a presence in attack. For him,
this is a very important week and I'll see how he works physically." Tristan
has struggled for form and fitness since his arrival in October. Zola
added: "If he does well and is in good shape then I'll play him against
Blackburn at the weekend."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Latics Latest : Wigan Athletic not seeking compensation from West Ham United

Posted by Landlord on 19 03 09
YOTAC.co.uk

Club officials have reacted quickly to reports suggesting that Wigan
Athletic will be attempting to seek compensation following the recent out of
court settlement between West Ham United and Sheffield United. An official
statement has been released and it is reproduced in full here.

"Contrary to some reports in the media Wigan Athletic Football Club would
like to clarify its position in relation to the West Ham United / Sheffield
United / Carlos Tevez situation. Wigan Athletic have not sought any further
legal advice and will not be pursuing the matter any further, reports that
the Club are seeking compensation for false league position payments are
totally incorrect. As far as Wigan Athletic Football Club is concerned the
matter is being dealt with by the appropriate authorities and the Club does
not wish to comment any further."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Upton Park chief Zola fed up with everybody Hammering on about Tevez
By Marc Isaacs Last updated at 4:28 PM on 19th March 2009
Daily Mail

Gianfranco Zola has called for the Carlos Tevez affair to finally come to an
end and is getting annoyed that other parties want to sue West Ham. The club
finally reached an out of court settlement with Sheffield United this week
when they were reported to be paying £25million in compensation to the
Yorkshire club. Zola was praying the matter would be finished and is now
outraged that Neil Warnock, Ken Bates and Sheffield United players are
reported to be considering legal action against West Ham. The Hammers
manager is angry that the matter is still being talked about and is urging
the world of football to finally end the whole saga. Zola said: 'I hope it
is the end of the matter. I hope from now on we can be left in peace and
plan our future. 'Since I have been here, we have been talking about this.
Now it is settled, we are still talking about it. I don't know what to say.
'I wish we could get on with it and focus on our future because this club
needs to plan for the future. 'There are a few things still going on, but as
far as I am concerned, it should be finished. But this is something that the
club is dealing with and as far as I know we should not have any problems.
It is not distracting. 'I don't want to hear about it anymore, really, I
have had enough. This club has been through so any problems this year and
had always come out with the right thing. We will handle it properly.'
Meanwhile, Zola is urging Fabio Capello to pick Scott Parker for England's
forthcoming matches against Slovakia and Ukraine. Zola added: 'He is a
complete midfielder because he can produce quality, but works very hard
defensively. I believe in his position he is the best in this country.'

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

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