WHUFC.com
Jack Collison will resume full training this week and is eager to make a
first-team comeback this season
27.04.2009
When he collapsed in agony on the touchline at Wigan Athletic on 4 March,
the prospect of seeing Jack Collison in a West Ham United shirt again this
season appeared to be a remote one.
The 20-year-old, who has been a revelation after breaking into Gianfranco
Zola's side this campaign, was diagnosed with a dislocated kneecap and ruled
out for two months.
Just seven weeks on, the Wales international midfielder is preparing to
resume full training and is well on course to make a first team comeback
before the end of the season.
Collison's rehabilitation has seen him work intensively with the club's
medical staff, spending long hours at the club's Chadwell Heath training
ground, where he resumed running at full speed on the grass last week.
This week the youngster is planning to return to full training with his
team-mates and is desperate to return to competitive action to help the
Hammers secure a top-seven Barclays Premier League finish and a place in
next season's UEFA Europa League.
"I've been working really hard with the medical team over the last few
weeks. I've had a lot of long days down at the swimming pool and been doing
lots of running and hopefully I'll be back in full training on Wednesday,"
said West Ham's No31, who has scored three goals in 20 league and cup
appearances in claret and blue this term.
"I dislocated my knee. It popped out of place. Luckily it wasn't too serious
in the end so now I've just got to concentrate on getting back to full
fitness. Hopefully I can have one last push at the end of the season.
"I've pretty much done everything and I'm now ready to go back into full
training with the boys. It'll be later in the week and that's what I've been
aiming for over the last few weeks. To make another appearance or two before
the end of the season and help the team to try and qualify for Europe would
be great."
The fixture before Collison suffered his injury, midfield colleague Valon
Behrami suffered a more serious anterior cruciate ligament injury to his
knee. The Switzerland international is also working hard at Chadwell Heath
and hopes to be back in training in August.
Collison, for one, believes Behrami, who turned 24 on 19 April, has both the
application and physical conditioning to come back stronger than ever from
his own setback when he returns in the new season.
"Obviously every time you get injured it's not a nice feeling and
unfortunately for Valon he's going to be out for a little bit longer. He's a
good character and I'm sure he's going to come back strong, as I'm planning
to within the next few weeks."
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Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
The race for Europe is still alive with the manager having confirmed his
commitment to the cause
27.04.2009
Gianfranco Zola has four games left to try and propel West Ham United into
Europe but he is also looking beyond the summer and to a bright future in
east London.
Having signed his new four-year contract mere minutes after the final
whistle of Saturday's derby with Chelsea, the manager spoke at length about
his vision for the road ahead. While Saturday's opponents are concerned with
a Champions League semi-final this week and with reporters clamouring for
his views on that contest, Zola was at pains to stress his personal
ambitions at the Boleyn Ground.
"We want to be, in a few years time, competing with the top four, the top
five. That is the project and we have started this year. It is just the
beginning. We have a lot of enthusiasm and we trust what we are doing. We
will see what happens.
"One thing is for sure, it is a good thing not only on the pitch but off the
pitch. I work very well with Scott Duxbury and Gianluca Nani and we are
going to try everything to be successful.
"I like what I am doing so it was easy to sign here for another four years.
They have treated me very well and they just look after me and my staff. It
was an easy decision."
Zola reiterated his gratitude to the fans for their continued support and
suggested the hard work would continue, even once the season concludes on 26
May. The 1-0 defeat by Chelsea could have been different but for chances
cleared off the line and a missed penalty. He also acknowledged "it hasn't
been the best game" before stressing that "we wanted to win".
With the hope that James Collins, Jack Collison, Scott Parker and Carlton
Cole could all yet play an important part before the end of the season, Zola
expects further reinforcements in the summer - with the squad deliberately
streamlined in January.
"The next stage is we will be trying to improve the squad. We know we have
to improve the team so we are going to try. Don't be surprised if there will
be a few signings and hopefully when they come they will take the level of
the team even higher.
"I will be a better manager next season. It is my first season and I am just
starting. I am not presumptous to say I know everything about the game.
There are so many things I need to learn and I am very much willing to learn
… I am pleased to make mistakes because you get better only through those
mistakes."
Stoke City are next up with West Ham travelling to the Britannia Stadium on
Saturday knowing that victory could be vital to their chances of returning
to the seventh spot that would bring with it a UEFA Europa League place.
Fulham occupy that position for now and the Hammers will hope they come
unstuck at Chelsea on the same day.
"I don't mind dropping out from the first seven now as long as I can be
there on the last game. That is the point. We know it is going to be up and
down until the end but for sure we are not going to give up until the end."
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Ladies hold off Charlton
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies extended their unbeaten run to eleven matches with
victory at Charlton Athletic
27.04.2009
West Ham United Ladies overcame the absence of Flora London Marathon runners
Gemma Shepherd and Katie Holmes to secure an impressive 3-2 win at Charlton
Athletic..
While Shepherd and Holmes pounding 26 miles and 385 yards around the streets
of the capital, goals from top scorer Sam Pittuck, Rosey Sullivan and Tracey
Duxbury were enough to see the Hammers keep up their challenge for a second
place finish in the FA Tesco Women's Premier League Southern Division.
United are now unbeaten in nine league matches and eleven games in all
competitions.
West Ham produced a bright performance in warm sunshine at Princes Park in
Dartford, winning far more comfortably than the final scoreline suggested.
Trailing at half-time, the visitors scored three goals in 12 second half
minutes to turn the game on its head after Charlton had taken an early lead.
Manager Tony Marshall was hugely impressed by his team's display against a
Charlton side who began the day level with the third-placed Hammers on 33
points.
The hosts, coached by former Charlton midfielder Paul Mortimer, were put
under pressure from the opening whistle, with Duxbury forcing two superb
early saves from Addicks goalkeeper Becky Musial. Action then switched to
the other end, with West Ham goalkeeper Paris Smith doing well to repel an
effort from Charlton's Toni Alden.
The home side took the lead on 23 minutes when striker Natalie Crinean
rounded Smith before finishing. Pittuck came close to an immediate
equaliser, only for Musial to make another good stop with her feet. Duxbury
was next to test the Charlton stopper, forcing her into a fingertip save.
Into the second half and West Ham continued to press for a leveller, and
their hard work was rewarded on 61 minutes when Duxbury raced clear before
finishing clinically. Five minutes later, former Charlton player Toni-Anne
Wayne delivered a high free-kick that was volleyed into the net at the far
post by the unmarked Sullivan to give the Hammers the lead.
Pittuck rubbed salt into Charlton's wounds on 73 minutes, beating the
offside trap before sending a low shot past Musial from the edge of the
penalty area to score her 28th goal in 28 games this season.
Ellie Stenning netted a late consolation for the hosts with a minute
remaining, but West Ham had done enough to earn their first ever win against
Charlton and one that put them level on 36 points with second-placed Barnet.
The Hammers have one game remaining, at home to Portsmouth on Sunday, while
both Barnet and Charlton have two matches still to play.
While their team-mates were excelling on the pitch, Shepherd and Holmes
completed the marathon in four hours and 21 minutes.
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Lampard patsy behind spiteful article
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 27th April 2009
By: Staff Writer
The journalist responsible for the anti-West Ham United diatribe in today's
edition of the Sun newspaper has been unearthed as the writer of Frank
Lampard's biography.
Chelsea fan Ian McGarry, writing in his match report of Saturday's game
referred to Hammers supporters as 'cowards' and 'morons' as a result of the
songs directed at Lampard and team mate John Terry by a minority of Hammers
fans attending the game. "It is a shame because West Ham United used to be a
big club," he wrote. "They were good enough to challenge for trophies and
proud of their history. West Ham players felt honoured to wear the shirt.
The fans had a reputation too. They loved their club, they appreciated
football and were generous and good-humoured. Not any more. "The Chelsea
midfielder [Lampard] is now immune to the abuse he gets from the 'faithful'
at his old club. He's not fat, he is very good and his medals prove he was
right to leave West Ham for Chelsea. But insulting his family or Terry's is
unacceptable. If they said the kind of thing about Lampard's children or
Terry's mum to their faces, they would get a smack in the mouth. "Thing is,
there is safety in numbers and even more when you are behind a line of
stewards in a stand. What a bunch of cowards."
Scot McGarry's spiteful and inciteful comments appeared out of place and
some supporters questioned the journalist's impartiality on the KUMB.com
forums following its publication. Later in the day it was revealed that
McGarry - whose previous work for the Sun includes articles entitled 'Lamps:
This Is My Best Season Yet' and 'Terry Is Dazzled By Lamps' - was the author
of Lampard's 2006 biography 'Totally Frank'.
Amazon reviews of the book include comments from Chelsea fan Matt Hall who
says: "I found the bits about Chelsea interesting but was bored at Lampard
moaning about everything. He seems to be defending himself against his
critics and his stories lack interest," - whilst fellow reviewer Call Me
Sparky adds: "Another poor football biography. It is as though Frank is
talking to you, alas this has the effect of boring you to tears in three
paragraphs.
"One previous reviewer called him a gentleman. She is right; he doesn't
mention the roasting incident."
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Leave Frank alone!
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 27th April 2009
By: Staff Writer
Chelsea's John Terry has hit out at Hammers fans for their criticism of both
himself and team mate Frank Lampard. Dagenham raised Terry, who spent three
years at West Ham as a teenager before walking out on the club to join
Chelsea slammed the Boleyn crowd for their treatment of the two England
internationals, both of whom were heavily criticised again by some sections
of the United support during Saturday's 1-0 defeat. "I will take it and I
will give it back," said Terry, who ended last year's Champions League final
in tears after missing a spot kick in the penalty shootout. "Frank and I
were so fired up before this game and we told the lads we couldn't let it
slip.
"Frank and I are big enough to take it, but my family are all West Ham fans
and some of them did not go to the game because there were things on a
website about the songs they were going to sing. "I think West Ham's fans
cross the line but I'm not going to give them the chance to have a whinge.
When we get stick like that we are more determined to shut them up. We did
that."
Terry - captain of the Chelsea team on Saturday, which is estimated to have
cost around £200million to assemble - added: "We came to get three points
and their fans walked away with nothing. You can't buy that."
England and Chelsea captain John Terry: fact file
2001: The drunken Terry, Frank Lampard plus team mates Eidur Gudjohnsen and
Jody Morris upset American tourists the day after 9/11 by mocking them with
'insensitive and inflammatory remarks' before stripping and vomiting in
front of the shocked onlookers. Terry is fined a massive £130,000 by Chelsea
as a result.
2002: Terry spends a night in jail after a doorman is left injured following
a 1am fight. He is later cleared of charges of wounding with intent to cause
grievous bodily harm, unlawful wounding, possessing a bottle as an offensive
weapon and affray.
2004: Stories emerge of Terry's massive gambling habit. Accused of causing a
rift in the England camp as a result.
2005: Terry accused of cheating on his wife to be 'seven times in eight
years'. He promises never to do it again.
2005: Terry accused of a liaison with a 'busty teenager' just two months
after promising never to do it again.
2006: Terry accused of making comments of a racist nature towards a fellow
England player after being sent off in Chelsea's 2-1 defeat by Tottenham.
2006: Referred to by the Daily Mail as a 'defender with a reputation for
gambling, drinking and womanising'.
2008: An 'arrogant' Terry photographed parking his Bentley in a disabled
parking space (where it remained for two hours).
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Zola on ... Chelsea
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 26th April 2009
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola shares his thoughts on Saturday's 1-0 home defeat ...
On the game...
I am very disappointed because it was a big match for us and unfortunately
it didn't go the way we wanted.
I can't blame them too much, my players, because they've been very very good
throughout the season and it was a big task for them today and so I
understand the difficulties and still they have all my appreciation.
That is something that is quite unusual for us because we've been very very
good at passing the ball. Today that wasn't the case and to be honest when
you have a team like Chelsea in front of you it becomes more difficult to be
a passing team.
But never mind, I think it's been a good lesson for us - for me, for sure,
and them as well who will be better in the future. They always give me 100
per cent so I'm not going to say anything about that.
On Noble's missed penalty...
It's okay, it was a good penalty but Petr Cech was on his day today so he
made it difficult for Mark.
On committing his future to the club...
I've just signed the new contract, so it's good news. First of all, thank
you very much for the support from the Chelsea supporters, they've always
been great to me and today they've been still great. But now I am committed
to what I am doing at West Ham, I really like the project, the idea of the
club progressing. We are working hard and they have my commitment.
Here we have got a very good project. The coaching staff along with Scott
Duxbury and Gianluca Nani, we're taking it very seriously and we want to
achieve. So we're doing something that also the players like, and they are
committing themselves to it.
I do believe in what we're doing and I do think we have a future. That's why
we are very much committed to this. It's good; it's a big task because we
want to challenge in the top half of the table and we want to be competitive
so we have a lot of work to do. But we also have a lot of enthusiasm and a
lot of belief.
Guus Hiddink - Chelsea
The only thign we can criticise ourselves for today is that we didn't finish
it in and around the box. We desperately needed that goal but then we got
into trouble when we made some errors in defence. That's why they got the
penalty - but Petr did his job.
Frank is a very stable character. They told me every year he gets abuse here
but it doesn't bother him a lot. He is a very strong character and a great
personality and he can deal with that.
* Zola and Hiddink were talking to the BBC.
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Collison targets early return
Hammers starlet ready to give Zola a welcome fitness boost
By Chris Burton Last updated: 27th April 2009
SSN
West Ham youngster Jack Collison is confident he will be back playing again
before the end of the season. The 20-year-old dislocated his knee during a
Premier League game against Wigan on 4th March and was expected to miss the
rest of the 2008/09 campaign. However, he is scheduled to be back in full
training with the Hammers by Wednesday and is setting his sights on a return
to Gianfranco Zola's first-team plans. The talented midfielder is also
hoping to force his way back into international reckoning with Wales ahead
of a friendly date with Estonia at the end of May and a 2010 World Cup
qualifier against Azerbaijan in June. He knows he needs games if he is to be
considered by John Toshack, but is optimistic regarding his chances of being
involved in West Ham's final two games of the season against Everton and
Middlesbrough.
Collison said: "I am aiming for one or two more first-team games now before
the end of the season. "I am ready for full training now with the rest of
the boys and want to help us qualify for Europe." He added: "I have been
working really hard with the medical team at West Ham, there have been some
long hours at the swimming pool making the knee stronger again. "Last week I
was doing lots of running and I want to start full training again on
Wednesday. "When the injury happened, my knee popped out of place and people
felt I would not play again this season. "But luckily it has proved not to
be as serious in the end, so now I have got to concentrate on getting back
to full fitness and to make one last push at the end of the season."
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Zola targets top four after signing new deal
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 27th April 2009
By: Thomas Rooney
First of all, let me say that it is fantastic news that Gianfranco Zola has
signed a new long-term deal at the club. He has made a solid start to life
at Upton Park and the future looks bright with him at the helm. The players
are working hard, the fans are behind him and the board have faith in him –
it's all good for the Italian right now.
Equally as important as Zola signing a new deal is that of Steve Clarke
following suite. West Ham's No.2 has been very influential in how things
have gone for the team this season so hopefully there will be no
complications with his new deal.
Having committed his future to the club, Zola has started talking about what
the future may hold for his team. The progress under him so far has been
brilliant with the team in contention for a place in the
Europa League next season and it's a safe bet that Zola doesn't want to stop
there.
Speaking about where he would like the team to be in the next few years, he
said that he would expect them to be 'competing with the top four or five'
in the Premier League. This may seem like a big ask considering how strong
the teams ahead of West Ham are, but Zola says that the project to bring
success to the club is 'only at the beginning'.
There is no doubt that West Ham fans will be loving this optimism. It is
always good to know that the man in charge of your beloved team is confident
of future success.
Zola went on to say that everybody involved at present 'trusts what we are
doing' and has a huge amount of 'enthusiasm'. It certainly seems as though
everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet right now. The players, the
fans and the board all want the same things and this is a very healthy
position to be in.
As for what needs to be done to ensure that this optimism is not misplaced,
Zola admits that measures need to be taken 'not only on the pitch but off
the pitch'. It is of course important that the team performs well, but this
will only be possible if the future of the club's finances is secure. Then,
money can be made available for strengthening the squad.
Overall, Zola said that it was an 'easy decision' to sign a contract
extension for the next four years because he has been 'treated very well'
and is enjoying what he is doing. Hopefully, this will continue to be the
case as over the next couple of seasons as West Ham look to progress.
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Upson may follow Zola in signing new deal
Sport.co.uk
Author: Nigel Brown
Posted on: 27 April 2009 - 7:53 PM
West Ham defender Matthew Upson admits he could be persuaded to stay at
Upton Park after Gianfranco Zola signed a new deal to keep him at the club
until 2013. The England centre-back was thrilled to hear the news that Zola
had pledged his long-term future with a new contract after the game against
Chelsea last Saturday. Upson has been outstanding for West Ham this season
and puts a lot of his improvement down to the impact that Zola and his
assistant Steve Clarke have had at the club following their arrivals back in
September.
West Ham are pushing to secure a European spot next season and Upson feels
the club could achieve big things over the next few years with Zola in
charge. Upson said: "I am really happy about the news. I think he has
contributed really well to the club and shown he has got some very good
qualities as a manager. He has improved the team and the atmosphere around
the training ground.
"He is obviously happy and has committed himself so it is great news for
West Ham. I am happy here because I am enjoying the football and the way we
are trying to play. He has put his own stamp on how he thinks football
should be played. He wants us to express ourselves, relax and go out to
enjoy the game.
"Technically we have worked on a lot of things in the game and tactically we
are the best since I have been at the club. I think he brings a different
culture to West Ham and one that is highly professional and wants to win
matches. Steve Clarke has worked under one of the, if not the best managers
[Jose Mourinho] in the game and has got so much knowledge. He is fantastic
on the training pitches and they are a fantastic combination."
Despite the 1-0 defeat against Chelsea last week, Upson is still confident
that West Ham can secure a top seven finish. West Ham could be boosted by
the return of influential duo Carlton Cole and Jack Collison in the next two
weeks and Upson feels their presence could be crucial if they are to claim a
place in the Europa League.
Upson added: "We have got our work to do but we are still hanging in there
and there is plenty to play for. We need a few more bodies to freshen it up
and give some competition for places. "The more players we have available
the better it is for the team. We are still in a good position and have got
a couple of tough games, but also some games where we could easily pick up
some points. It is all to play for. It was a disappointing afternoon for me
that we couldn't beat Chelsea and it shows how far we have come."
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Taylor backs Terry over fan abuse
BBC.co.uk
Abuse aimed towards Chelsea skipper John Terry by a section of West Ham fans
went too far, says PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor. A number of Hammers
fans taunted Terry and Frank Lampard during Chelsea's 1-0 win at West Ham on
Saturday. Asked if he felt the West Ham fans had crossed the line, Terry
said: "I think they did, personally." And Professional Footballers'
Association boss, Taylor, told BBC Radio 5 Live: "It's not fair game."
Portsmouth's Sol Campbell was the target of abuse from some Tottenham
supporters last year, while Egyptian striker Mido was targeted by a section
of Newcastle supporters when playing for Middlesbrough in 2007. Taylor
insisted that "players will accept criticism, of course they will", but he
added: "It's the same with Sol Campbell and it's been the same with Mido.
"There's been an element now of vindictiveness that is not healthy, is not
good for a sport, is not good for crowds. "There's nothing wrong with
banter, you can have a go at a player like a pantomime villain or the same
way you'd have a go at the referee. "But when that element gets into
personal vindictiveness and into players' personal lives, it's an element of
the game that isn't too far removed from the bad old days of the 1980s. "I
think it is up to clubs to show responsibility with regards to the behaviour
of their own supporters. It's up to the FA to grab that nettle, because we
battled long and hard to beat hooliganism that nearly finished the game off
in the 1980s."
Taylor added: "It can be stamped out when it's a combined effort and there's
a real will, and often that will has to come from the good supporters
themselves. "Self-policing makes a difference, we are not to say it is
inevitable and just get on with it." Terry and Lampard celebrated Salomon
Kalou's winner at Upton Park in front of the home fans and objects were
thrown in their direction. Hammers supporters have not forgotten that Terry
spent five years with their academy before joining Chelsea as a 14-year-old,
while Lampard joined Chelsea from West Ham in 2001 for £11m. "When we
scored, I went running over to Lamps and gave them a bit back," said Terry
after the match. "There's nothing wrong with that."
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Collison Boosts Hammers
The Sun
Published: 27 Apr 2009
JACK COLLISON is confident he will play for West Ham again before the end of
the season. The 20-year-old was expected to miss the league run-in after
dislocating a knee at Wigan on March 4. But he is due to return to full
training on Wednesday and hopes to be in contention for a place in
Gianfranco Zola's side as the Hammers push for a place in the Europa League.
He said: "I am aiming for one or two more first-team games before the end of
the season. "I am ready for full training with the rest of the boys and want
to help us qualify for Europe. "I have been working really hard with the
medical team at West Ham. "There have been some long hours at the swimming
pool making the knee stronger again. "When the injury happened, my knee
popped out of place and people felt I would not play again this season. "But
luckily it has proved not to be as serious, so now I have got to concentrate
on getting back to full fitness and to make one last push."
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Collison confident West Ham pal Behrami will bounce back
28.04.09 | tribalfootball.com
Jack Collison says West Ham United teammate Valon Behrami will come back
stronger from his knee injury. Collison did his knee rehab with the
Switzerland international and told whufc.com: "Obviously every time you get
injured it's not a nice feeling and unfortunately for Valon he's going to be
out for a little bit longer. "He's a good character and I'm sure he's going
to come back strong, as I'm planning to within the next few weeks."
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Collison hopes for West Ham return before end of season
28.04.09 | Ian Ferris
West Ham midfielder Jack Collison is hoping to have recovered from a
dislocated knee and be back in action before the end of the season. The
20-year-old is aiming to play in the final two games of the season at
Everton on May 16 and at home to Middlesbrough on May 24, games which would
put him back in contention for Wales international duty. Collison says: "I
am aiming for one or two more first-team games now before the end of the
season. "I am ready for full training now with the rest of the boys and want
to help us qualify for Europe." He added: "I have been working really hard
with the medical team at West Ham, there have been some long hours at the
swimming pool making the knee stronger again. "Last week I was doing lots of
running and I want to start full training again on Wednesday. "When the
injury happened, my knee popped out of place and people felt I would not
play again this season. "But luckily it has proved not to be as serious in
the end, so now I have got to concentrate on getting back to full fitness
and to make one last push at the end of the season."
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Hammers favourites to land £6.5m Stoke & Wigan target?
03:49 PM 27 April, 2009
Fansfc.com
Cardiff City playmaker Joe Ledley could be on the way to West Ham, if the
London club can raise £6.5m and the Bluebirds don't make it to the Premier
League this year.
Cardiff have previously rejected a £5m bid from the Hammers, a £4m offer
from Wigan and £6m from Stoke. Insiders have suggested that the
22-year-old's preference is West Ham, so this summer Cardiff may have to
reluctantly sell the Wales international if they miss out on promotion.
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Birmingham loan star Bowyer launches appeal over red card for fighting
against Preston
By Sportsmail Reporter
Daily Mail
Birmingham have launched an appeal against Lee Bowyer's red card during
Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Preston on the grounds of wrongful dismissal. The
on-loan midfielder was sent off on the hour mark for an altercation with Lee
Williamson in the middle of the pitch, a scuffle which also resulted in the
North End midfielder being given his marching orders. Referee Phil Dowd
dismissed the pair for violent conduct after an alleged headbutt during the
incident, an offence that carries a three-match ban. As it stands, Bowyer
will now sit out the final game of the season at Reading on Sunday, as well
as both legs of a possible play-off semi-final should Birmingham find
themselves out of the automatic promotion places. A Football Association
regulatory commission will meet on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the
submitted written and DVD evidence.
The Blues face the possibility of the current three-match ban being extended
should the panel deem the appeal to be frivolous, although that would only
affect Birmingham if they drop into the play-offs, as Bowyer's loan ends in
the summer.
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Sunderland in talks for West Ham's Davenport
27.04.09 | tribalfootball.com
Sunderland are keen to wrap up a permanent deal for on-loan West Ham
defender Calum Davenport. The Sunday Sun says no fee was agreed between the
clubs when the loan deal went through, but Sunderland will make enquiries in
the summer to find out how much it would cost to bring Davenport north.
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Hislop rejected PFA voting after snub for Man Utd's Yorke
27.04.09 | tribalfootball.com
Former Newcastle United and West Ham goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has revealed he
chose not to vote in the PFA Player of the Year awards from 1999. Shaka,
speaking to ESPN, says he decided to stop voting after the '99 Player of the
Year went to Newcastle star David Ginola, a decision he described as
"farcical". The Trinidad & Tobago legend says his international teammate
Dwight Yorke, then of Manchester United, deserved the award after his
efforts in helping the Red Devils to the Treble. Shaka admits he was
unimpressed with the awarding to Ryan Giggs of this season's Player of the
Year gong.
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West Ham United face £5million Anfield frustration
12:15 PM 27 April, 2009
Fansfc.com
West Ham United Football Club seem unlikely to succeed with their pursuit of
Yossi Benayoun. The Hammers sold the Israel international to Liverpool two
years ago in a £5million deal, and they are prepared to pay the same amount
to take him back to Upton Park in the summer. Benayoun has struggled to
become an automatic pick for Rafael Benitez's first team, but in recent
weeks he has proven his worth to the side with a string of valuable
performances and goals. And for this reason the Reds look certain to reject
any offer Gianfranco Zola may make for the 29-year-old, who has been told he
has a long-term future on Merseyside.
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West Ham's Reid hopes for Wolves stay
27.04.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United midfielder Kyel Reid wants to sign permanently with Wolves.
Reid joined the club in January on loan from West Ham and said: "There is a
chance I could be coming permanently and the goal will be a good bargaining
tool. "If Mick McCarthy wanted me to stay, I wouldn't say no."
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