Wednesday, May 6

Daily WHUFC News - II 6th May 2009

West Ham chairman £300m in debt
BBC.co.uk

The full extent of West Ham's financial strife has been uncovered after it
was revealed the personal debt of chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson stands at
£300m. Gudmundsson bought West Ham for £85m in November 2006 and has
invested a further £30m in the club since then. However, the 67-year-old's
business has suffered a series of setbacks and his liabilities will increase
pressure for West Ham to be sold in the summer. "The situation is very bad,"
he told Icelandic newspaper Morgunbladid.
"I have everything on the line - personal liability extends to all of my
assets. "I'm left with the question, what is my position? I must admit that
I'm a little lost. I just don't know what I will be able to keep."

A consortium of creditors led by Icelandic bank Straumur - which is itself
in financial difficulties - are in talks about taking over West Ham.
However, control may end up in the hands of an asset management company
appointed by the Icelandic government. Whoever ends up in control,
Gudmundsson's situation is so bad that his creditors are thought to be keen
to cash in on one of his few remaining assets, meaning all that is needed is
for someone to make a reasonable offer for the club. West Ham insiders,
though, insist they are wholly confident of meeting the conditions required
to receive a Uefa club licence - needed if they qualify for the Europa
League - and will submit the necessary accounts to the Premier League and FA
before the May 31 deadline.

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Gudmundsson reveals debt woe
Hammers chairman facing financial ruin
Last updated: 6th May 2009
SSN

West Ham chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson has personal liabilities of
£301million, it has been revealed. The staggering debt is set to increase
pressure on the Icelandic businessmen to sell his stake in the Hammers this
summer. Gudmundsson admits his situation has deteriorated at an alarming
rate during the ongoing global credit crunch, and he is now facing the
prospect of financial and personal ruin. Creditors are keen to help as much
as possible, but that means finding a suitable buyer for his share in West
Ham. Talks have been opened with Icelandic back Straumur, but they too are
currently experiencing monetary difficulties and any deal could see the
Icelandic government take control of asset management at Upton Park. "The
situation is very bad. I have everything on the line - personal liability
extends to all of my assets," Gudmundsson told Morgunbladid. "I'm left with
the question, what is my position? I must admit that I'm a little lost."
Asked whether he would even lose his palatial home in Reykjavik, Gudmundsson
replied: "I just don't know what I will be able to keep." The financial
difficulties surrounding West Ham has put the club's potential route into
next season's Europa League under threat. However, the Hammers, who are
still chasing a seventh-placed finish in the Premier League, are confident
they can meet the conditions required to receive a Uefa Club licence

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Hammers set for new owners
No concern over Europa League participation
Last updated: 6th May 2009
SSN

Sky Sports News understands takeover talks at West Ham are "progressing
well" and the club are set for new ownership at the end of the season. A
consortium, led by Icelandic bank Straumur, is expected to take control of
the club after the collapse of West Ham's holding company, Hansa, which is
owned by their chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson. Straumur, Hansa's major
creditor, is likely to take over at the end of the season in a move that,
sources say, will have little impact on the day-to-day running of the club.
Sky Sports News' chief news reporter Bryan Swanson understands West Ham are
waiting for the ownership issue to be concluded before they submit their
accounts to a joint Premier League and FA committee to meet the demands of
the UEFA Club license, which is necessary to enter all UEFA competitions.
West Ham missed the initial deadline to submit documents, 30th April, and
one report claimed it could jeopardise their place in the Europa League next
season, should they qualify.
But Swanson has been told the club's lawyers are "relaxed" they will meet
the licence conditions by the end of the month.

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Daily WHUFC News - 6th May 2009

Jack's back
WHUFC.com
Jack Collison was a happy man after returning from injury in the weekend win
away to Stoke City
05.05.2009

Jack Collison was understandably delighted to play his part in helping West
Ham United to a vital yet hard-fought 1-0 Premier League victory at Stoke
City on Saturday.

The Wales midfielder made a triumphant return from the dislocated kneecap he
suffered at Wigan Athletic on 4 March, appearing as an 82nd-minute
substitute as the Hammers kept the Potters at bay during the closing stages.

Collison came through his run-out unscathed and paid tribute to the
defensive work done by his colleagues both before and after his introduction
by manager Gianfranco Zola.

The 21-year-old was particularly impressed with the bravery shown by Robert
Green, who twice threw himself at the feet of Stoke striker Ricardo Fuller
and Henri Camara, and central defenders Matthew Upson and James Tomkins, who
headed away a succession of long throws and corners launched into the
danger-zone by Rory Delap and Liam Lawrence.

"Obviously it has been a bit of a long road for me, having two months out of
the team," Collison admitted. "To be honest, it was nice just to be around
the boys and part of it. Although I only got ten minutes on the pitch, it
was a great feeling going out there, especially hearing all the fans and
securing such a great result for us.

"There were a few bumps and bruises in the dressing room afterwards. Robert
Green was outstanding. He threw himself in front of everything and thanks to
the likes of him, Matty Upson and James Tomkins, we came away with three
points."

While Collison was impressed with his colleagues' defensive work, he also
had words of praise for striker Diego Tristan, who won the game with a
sublime 33rd-minute free-kick that flew into Thomas Sorensen's top
right-hand corner, leaving the Danish goalkeeper standing.

The youngster believes Tristan, who scored the winner against Stoke for the
second time this season to take his overall tally to three, showed all the
class he used to make his name during a successful six-year spell with
Spanish club Deportivo de La Coruna.

Collison believes the 33-year-old could have an equally important role to
play over the final three games of the season as the Hammers strive for a
top-seven finish and a spot in next season's UEFA Europa League.

"It wasn't a bad strike was it? A player like Diego Tristan has been there
and done it and can bring that sort of quality to our team. It was a great
strike and fair play to him.

"He's obviously that little bit older now, but there's no doubting his
ability when you get the ball into his feet. He showed that at Stoke and
almost did it again when he dinked one over the 'keeper [in added-time, only
to see his shot bounce narrowly wide of the post]. We've got three games
left and I'm sure he'll keep producing the goods."

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Mehmet's big week
WHUFC.com
The UEFA European U17 Championship will put Deniz Mehmet in the spotlight
across the continent
05.05.2009

Deniz Mehmet is back on international duty this week as he tries to help
Turkey in their challenge for the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in
Germany.

The 16-year-old Academy goalkeeper should figure as the first-choice for
Turkey as they start the eight-nation finals on Wednesday against the host
nation in Group B. They then take on the Netherlands three days later before
concluding their group fixtures against England on 12 May. The Young Lions
have no West Ham players in their ranks - unlike every other England age
group.

Mehmet was in good form in qualifying, keeping a clean sheet as Finland were
beaten 2-0 at the 5 Ocak stadium in the Turkish town of Adana. That result,
combined with Wales' 3-0 win over Romania in nearby Tarsus-Mersin, saw
Mehmet's team top Elite qualifying round Group Six.

Turkey finished unbeaten, having earlier drawn 2-2 with Wales and 0-0 with
Romania, on five points. Wales and Romania each finished on four points,
with Finland coming fourth and bottom on three points.

Turkey have won the Under-17 tournament once before in 2005, beating the
Netherlands 2-0 in Italy. They were losing semi-finalists last year, when
they hosted the competition, going out on penalties to France in the
last-four. Should Turkey finish in the top three in their group they will
qualify for the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup to be played in Nigeria this
October.

Spain, Italy, France and Switzerland will compete in Group A this week in
Germany, with the top two progressing to the semi-finals to face the top two
from Group A.

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Getting ready for the Reds
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola's men have already switched their attention firmly to
Saturday's visit of Liverpool
06.05.2009

West Ham United have been back in full training ahead of Saturday's
significant encounter against Liverpool after a couple of days well-earned
rest.

Those who featured in the 1-0 win at Stoke City were given Sunday and Monday
off but all reported back for duty in good spirits. The squad has been
further boosted by Kyel Reid and Jordan Spence, the homegrown Hammers who
have concluded hugely successful loan spells at Wolverhampton Wanderers and
Leyton Orient respectively. Savio has also been fully involved after
spending the weekend at home with a virus.

One other player who has been hard at work at Chadwell Heath is Roma and
Italy midfielder Alberto Aquilani. The 24-year-old's ankle injury is being
treated by the club's highly-rated physios, with the knowledge of the Serie
A outfit. Technical director Gianluca Nani said: "We are getting a lot of
respect in Europe, not just for the way we play football but also the
different parts of our organisation. It is a good endorsement for our
medical staff."

James Collins has been running out on the pitches with the aim of hopefully
building up to full training later this week after his calf problem while
Dean Ashton (ankle) and Carlton Cole (groin) have also been working hard on
their rehab programmes. It remains to be seen whether the latter will have a
chance of facing Liverpool with the final two fixtures after that a more
realistic target. Midfield duo Scott Parker (groin) and Kieron Dyer
(hamstring) are also putting in the hours in a bid to regain fitness

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Ladies finish on a high
WHUFC.com
Tony Marshall's side have completed their league programme with yet another
convincing home win
05.05.2009

West Ham United Ladies have finished off a tremendous season in style with a
highest-ever finish in the FA Women's Premier League South.

A 3-0 success against Portsmouth made sure of third place in the standings.
It was a tenth game unbeaten in the league stretching back to 1 February and
came courtesy of a Pompey own goal, Holly Griffin and Gemma Shepherd. The
win was no more than the Hammers deserved after a bright start and sustained
pressure throughout.

Griffin, still only 16, made the first at the home of Thurrock FC just
before the interval when she cut in from the left and thanks to pressure
from Sam Pittuck, a Portsmouth defender diverted the ball into her own net.
Shepherd then created the second on the hour as she surged forward before
sliding the ball through for Griffin to convert.

As time ticked away, Pittuck was again involved as she fed Shepherd who left
her marker behind and fired up and over the visiting keeper with a fierce
drive. Millwall Lionnesses had long been confirmed as champions while West
Ham, led by Tony Marshall, are level on 39 points with Barnet who have one
game left and a superior goal difference.

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Collison glad to be back
Welshman thrilled with return from injury
Last updated: 5th May 2009
SSN

Jack Collison has spoken of his delight after returning to action in West
Ham's 1-0 victory over Stoke on Saturday. The midfielder suffered a
dislocated kneecap in the clash with Wigan on 4th March and there had been
doubts about whether he would play again this season. But he was named among
the substitutes at the Britannia Stadium and came on for the final eight
minutes. Collison admits it was pleasing just to play a small part in an
impressive away win, although he accepts that goalkeeper Robert Green and
defenders Matthew Upson and James Tomkins were the star performers.
"Obviously it has been a bit of a long road for me, having two months out of
the team," the Welshman told the club's official website. "To be honest, it
was nice just to be around the boys and part of it. "Although I only got ten
minutes of the pitch, it was a great feeling going out there, especially
hearing all the fans and securing such a great result for us. "Robert Green
was outstanding. He threw himself in front of everything and thanks to the
likes of him, Matty Upson and James Tomkins, we came away with three
points."

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West Ham at risk of European ban over accounts and takeover
West Ham could miss out on a place in the Europa League next season after
doubts emerged over their ability to satisfy the demands of the Uefa Club
licence required to enter European competition.
Telegraph
By Paul Kelso
Last Updated: 8:53PM BST 05 May 2009

West Ham occupy the seventh and last European qualification place in the
Premier League, which would earn them a place in the competition that
replaces the Uefa Cup, but they risk being barred from the competition if
they do not meet the licence demands The club's failure to declare their
accounts and doubts over their ultimate ownership are understood to have
prevented completion of the licence application. The club missed the
initial April 30 deadline for applications to be submitted to the joint
Premier League/Football Association committee that administers the system on
Uefa's behalf, and they have until the end of the month to satisfy the
licence conditions.
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has maintained an enthusiastic pursuit of
the European spot while other managers have questioned the competition's
worth. West Ham remain confident that they will meet Uefa's demands by the
end of the season and say the issue is a technicality caused by the imminent
change of ownership. Icelandic bank Straumur is expected to take control at
the end of the season. Straumur is a major creditor of Hansa, the holding
company owned by club chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, that went into
administration last year. Uefa requires clubs to meet a series of financial,
legal and administrative conditions before they are admitted to its
competitions. Among them is that clubs declare audited accounts. West Ham's
accounts are yet to be signed off by the banks. Uefa also requires clubs to
provide future financial forecasts as evidence that the club is a going
concern, and with the ownership situation fluid, West Ham have been unable
to provide certainty. Straumur is unlikely to act to seal its takeover of
the club until the season is over and club sources stress that they will
provide the necessary guarantees to Uefa once that happens. Sources close to
Straumur have told The Daily Telegraph that they consider the club to be a
significantly under-valued asset, and will attempt to retain ownership until
the markets return and it gains in value. Uncertainty over the club's future
since the Icelandic economy collapsed have been a significant distraction
for Zola at Upton Park this season and the club is likely to have to be
self-financing going forward. To that end the Europa League would be a
welcome source of income.

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Arsenal shareholder Lady Bracewell-Smith spotted at West Ham
06.05.09 | tribalfootball.com

Arsenal's frozen out shareholder Lady Bracewell-Smith has been spotted at
West Ham United for a recent game. The Daily Mail says, however, Lady
Bracewell-Smith, yet to decide what to do with her shareholding, won't
change allegiances. It's just that, having been ostracised by Arsenal since
December, she took up a friend's invitation to Upton Park.

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Roma star Aquilani seen at West Ham
06.05.09 | tribalfootball.com

Roma star Alberto Aquilani has been spotted at West Ham United! But the
midfielder has simply been using the club's facilities as he battles back
from an ankle injury.
Hammers chief Gianluca Nani told whufc.com: "We are getting a lot of respect
in Europe, not just for the way we play football but also the different
parts of our organisation. It is a good endorsement for our medical staff."

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Collison impressed by classy West Ham striker Tristan
06.05.09 | tribalfootball.com

Jack Collison admits he's impressed by the quality of experienced West Ham
striker Diego Tristan. The Spaniard struck the winner against Stoke City
last week and midfielder Collison told whufc.com: "It wasn't a bad strike
was it? A player like Diego Tristan has been there and done it and can bring
that sort of quality to our team. It was a great strike and fair play to
him. "He's obviously that little bit older now, but there's no doubting his
ability when you get the ball into his feet. He showed that at Stoke and
almost did it again when he dinked one over the 'keeper [in added-time, only
to see his shot bounce narrowly wide of the post]. We've got three games
left and I'm sure he'll keep producing the goods."

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McLeish wants to keep West Ham's Bowyer at Birmingham
06.05.09 | tribalfootball.com

Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish has confirmed he wants to sign permanently
on-loan West Ham midfielder Lee Bowyer. The Scot explained: "Lee would be a
worthy addition to the Birmingham squad, a free transfer, although it
depends on his demands. "If his demands are too high, then we may have to
look elsewhere, but it is not often that you don't have to pay a big
transfer fee as well as big wages as well. "We have to take everything into
perspective. Stephen Carr is another who has been excellent since coming on
a short-term basis initially. "The quality he has shown from his experience
with the Republic of Ireland, Tottenham and Newcastle also brought a lot to
the team."

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Scholes defends club over crowd trouble
Why Delilah
By Michael Baggaley
Published: Tuesday 05 May 2009

STOKE City's chief executive Tony Scholes has defended the club and its fans
after the FA revealed it is to investigate crowd trouble at Saturday's home
game with West Ham. Trouble flared in the first half when West Ham fans
fought with stewards in an attempt to get across to the Stoke supporters in
the home section of the segregated South Stand. Scholes is confident the FA
will find no fault with Stoke or their supporters as the trouble was
confined to the visiting fans. He says he is shocked to have read some
reports implying Stoke supporters were involved in the trouble. He said: "I
was as surprised, as anyone at the ground on Saturday must have been, to see
on television that the FA were to investigate trouble between West Ham and
Stoke fans. "The reason I was surprised was because there was absolutely no
trouble involving Stoke fans. Why this was being reported was a mystery to
me. "There was an issue between the West Ham fans and our stewards and
police and West Ham fans on the concourse. "For reference to be made to
Stoke fans in relation to this is completely false. "I can also confirm the
club has received no communication from the FA in regard to this matter."

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West Ham's European dream on the horizon, says Gianfranco Zola
The race for Europe continues at the weekend and Gianfranco Zola believes he
is four points from taking West Ham into next season's Europa League.
Telegraph
By John Ley
Last Updated: 11:34AM BST 05 May 2009

Zola revealed that he has targeted 52 points for fourth spot and with the
1-0 win at Stoke on Saturday taking the club to 48 points, Europe is on the
horizon. "I still believe 52 points will still make it," said Zola, whose
team is one point better off than Manchester City, Fulham and Tottenham. "I
am sure that the club is going to be ready to face the challenge and trust
me, we don't need much investment in what we have." West Ham manager
Gianfranco Zola targeting Sergio Floccari West Ham face Liverpool at Upton
Park on Saturday night then go to Everton before finishing with another home
game, against Middlesbrough. Zola is still waiting for the club's future to
be determined, but believes he will still be able to bring a small number of
players into what he regards is an already accomplished squad. "We have a
good base here. Of course, if we qualify and play in Europe it will be more
important to have a bigger squad so that might be a possibility. "Don't
forget the most difficult job this year was to get the base right. In my
opinion, it is going to be easier to do something in the future. I believe
that it won't be necessary to have big spending but some players I am sure
the club will consider buying. "I don't know how much money I will have to
spend, but, I've been assured if we need to get a couple of players, or
three players, to improve the squad they will  so that is enough for me."

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Season Analysis: Lucas Neill
West Ham Till I Die

Performance Analysis
Until March, it was difficult to see why Lucas Neill was in the team let
alone captain. But his performances over the last few games have shown why
we bought him in the first place. He has been nothing short of superb. His
tackling, pinpoint passes and attack play have been of a different quality.
Is it because he is playing for a new contract? Who knows, but it is
refreshing to see, whatever the reason. The trouble is that we all know the
old Lucas may reappear at any time.

The old Lucas regularly gave away free kicks around the area, as well as a
few penalties with some rash tackling. He resembled a cart horse in attack
and his positional play was woeful. In short, he did not deserve to be in
the team at right back. I have always maintained he plays better in central
defence, and his occasional performances there this season have borne that
out. It's good to have a player who can play in any number of seasons, and
his recent performances in midfield have shown that he is an asset as a
squad player, but I am afraid I think we need to replace him next season,
and I think that's in the club's thinking too.

It is said that he has only one thing on his mind: playing in the World Cup
in 2010. For this reason, he is after a one year contract extension on the
same terms. The club are thought to have rejected this proposal out of hand.
I

Strengths: Leadership on the pitch
Weaknesses: Lack of speed, rash tackles

Marks

Consistency 6
Workrate 8
Skill 6
Speed 5
Value to team 7
Leadership 9
Teamwork 7
Ever presence 8
Discipline 8
Season overall 7

TOTAL 69

Stay Or Go
His contract runs out in the summer. He wants a one year extension on the
same terms, said to be £70k per week. The club has offered him half that
with add ons but over three years. He won't sign on those terms. IMHO he
should be allowed to leave in the summer on a free transfer.

Transfer Value: £0

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Green targets more clean sheets in bid to reach Europe
Tuesday, May 05, 2009, 09:35
TotalEssex.co.uk

WEST Ham United's Robert Green celebrated another well-earned clean sheet on
Saturday and is targeting more shut-outs in the closing weeks of the season
as the Hammers bid to make Europe. The goalkeeper – making his 85th
consecutive league appearance for the club – helped his side to a vital
three points away at Stoke and is hoping they will accrue enough points to
land the coveted seventh place. "There are still three games to go," said
Green. "It is a target we have got and it is a target we are certainly going
for and trying to achieve."
This weekend Green and his team mates host title chasing Liverpool at
Anfield – and they know it will be tough. They currently occupy seventh
place – which will be enough to qualify for the Europa League next season –
but are only one point ahead of a chasing pack which includes Fulham,
Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.
Whilst Green has been an ever-present, the club have struggled with
injuries to key outfield players – and continued with the makeshift forward
line of David Di Michele and Diego Tristan at the Britannia Stadium. Tristan
– who rescued a point for the Hammers at Aston Villa, came up trumps again
curling a free-kick high into the net in the 32nd minute. Green has watched
the former Spanish international get progressively fitter throughout the
period the club has been forced to rely on him. He said: "It was a wonderful
goal I don't know if he had done that in training or not last week as I
wasn't up against the lads taking the free-kicks."
Green hopes a combination of the club's mean defence and the form of Tristan
could help the club get to Europe – which could in turn boost his own
international chances.
"I'll take anything that can help me, really," said the shot stopper. "If
playing in Europe next season aids my international cause then great. I'm
doing all I can, and that's just a bonus." Liverpool are likely to know all
about the threat of Tristan however as the Spaniard will come up against
several compatriots. The Hammers will be hoping the former Deportivo La
Coruna striker can roll back the years one more time.

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Tristan boosts West Ham Europe hopes
By Simon Hayes on May 5, 2009 10:23 AM wharf.co.uk

Diego Tristan helped fire West Ham a bit closer to Europe on Saturday and
did his hopes of earning a new contract at Upton Park the power of good in
the process. The Spanish striker hit home an unstoppable free-kick to give
the Irons a deserved 1-0 win at Stoke City to push his side back into the
last Europa League qualification slot.
Diego Tristan helped fire West Ham a bit closer to Europe on Saturday and
did his hopes of earning a new contract at Upton Park the power of good in
the process. The Spanish striker hit home an unstoppable free-kick to give
the Irons a deserved 1-0 win at Stoke City to push his side back into the
last Europa League qualification slot.
Tristan's 33rd minute goal, his third of the season for the Hammers, earned
his side a Kieron Dyer missed the match with a muscle strain, although it
is unlikely to rule him out for next Saturday's game with Liverpool. And
even better news for manager Gianfranco Zola was the return of young
midfielder Jack Collison, who enjoyed an eight-minute run-out after
recovering from a serious knee injury.
But it was Tristan who stole the headlines and as far as Zola is concerned
the former Deportivo La Coruna striker has hit form just at the right time.
He said: "Diego Tristan has got quality but also a lot of strength of mind.
I can rely on him. He can produce something special in a moment."
And Zola also hinted the 33-year-old could have done enough to earn an
extension to his contract. He said: "You never know [about extending his
stay]. Why not? Diego Tristan is working very hard. I have got an open mind.
"I don't put barriers in front of me and the players. If he keeps performing
like this he is doing a good job for me and for himself as well."

Stoke City: Sorensen, Wilkinson (Sonko, 88), Abdoulaye Faye, Shawcross, Pugh
(Olofinjana, 73), Lawrence, Delap, Whelan, Etherington, Beattie (Camara,
72), Fuller. Unused subs: Simonsen, Cresswell, Kelly, Tonge.
Booked: Delap, Shawcross, Lawrence.

West Ham: Green, Neill, Tomkins, Upson, Ilunga, Stanislas, Noble (Lopez,
87), Kovac, Boa Morte (Collison, 82), Tristan, Di Michele (Sears, 89).
Unused subs: Lastuvka, Spector, Payne, Hines.
Booked: Boa Morte, Neill.

Goal: Tristan 33
Attendance: 27,500
Referee: Peter Walton

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WEST HAM, ARSENAL
ZOLA TELLS ENGLAND BOSS: FORGET ABOUT ALUMNIA, GREEN IS NUMBER ONE
ComeOnBoro.com; Tue 5 May 2009

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has told Fabio Capello to forget about Manuel
Almunia - because Robert Green is England's number one goalkeeper. David
James has the jersey at the moment but the 38-year-old's rivals are queueing
up for when he hangs up his gloves, and there is talk of Spaniard Almunia
throwing his hat in the ring.
Green has put forward a convincing case this season and earned his second
cap in the clash against Spain in February, with his club manager tipping
him to add to his appearances. "He has been one of my key players, he has
been great," Zola said. "He had a few problems at the beginning of the
season but after that he has just changed and has been different class. "I
can say, if he plays for England, he's going to be a very good goalkeeper
for England. "He can be easily the number one, and that doesn't come because
he is my goalkeeper - it's because I see he's very good. He gives you so
much security."
It has taken a while for Green to be called up by Capello, and Zola feels
his goalkeeper has shown plenty of character to keep going when he was out
of favour. "He has had disappointments in the past internationally, not
being selected for squads but he has never let his head drop, he has always
been very positive, always kept his spirits up," Zola said. "He is a strong
man. He has got a strong personality, he doesn't let anybody let him down.
It's a good point."
Zola is confident that Green will follow the example of himself and
assistant boss Steve Clarke by signing a new contract to stay at the club.
The Hammers boss wants to keep the current squad together and add a few
players over the summer. "I don't think we need more than that, maybe two or
three players that might be coming in," Zola said.

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Out of Europe Before We Are In It?
May 5th, 2009 - 9:47 pm
West Ham Till I Die

Oh. My. God. Just when you thought all our troubles were behind us, UEFA
look as if they could stop us entering the Europa League next season even if
we qualify for it. The Telegraph have THIS story tomorrow, the essence of
which is that we have failed to comply with some licensing rules and
therefore may be thrown out of the competition even before we have qualified
for it.

It's all to do with the uncertainty over our ownership and failure to file
accounts.

West Ham occupy the seventh and last European qualification place in the
Premier League, which would earn them a place in the competition that
replaces the Uefa Cup, but they risk being barred from the competition if
they do not meet the licence demands

The club's failure to declare their accounts and doubts over their ultimate
ownership are understood to have prevented completion of the licence
application.

The club missed the initial April 30 deadline for applications to be
submitted to the joint Premier League/Football Association committee that
administers the system on Uefa's behalf, and they have until the end of the
month to satisfy the licence conditions.

Another day in the roller coaster life of being a West Ham fan…

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West Ham United move for £4million Spurs midfielder
02:00 PM 05 May, 2009
FansFC.com

West Ham United Football Club have set their sights on Giovani dos Santos.
The midfielder ended the season on loan at Ipswich Town after struggling to
make an impact at Tottenham Hotspur, but Roy Keane expects him to be back in
the Premier League next term. "I think Gio will be playing at a higher
level than The Championship next season," said the Town manager. "If
Tottenham are looking to do business there will be plenty of clubs queuing
up." It is believed Gianfranco Zola is keen to take Giovani, formerly of
Barcelona, to Upton Park at the end of the season, and hopes to land his man
for £4million.

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Agent in dark over West Ham push for Portanova
05.05.09 | tribalfootball.com

The agent of Siena defender Daniele Portanova is in the dark over interest
from West Ham United. Dario Canovi said: "I don't know anything about this.
"I do not know if they have approached Siena. I think he still has three
years on his contract."

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Birmingham to deal in Carr, West Ham's Bowyer
05.05.09 | tribalfootball.com

Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish is ready to immediately get down to work
on building his squad for the Premier League. The Guardian says McLeish is
poised to offer Stephen Carr an extended contract to reflect his impressive
contribution after he joined on a short-term deal in February and will also
try to turn Lee Bowyer's loan from West Ham United into a permanent
arrangement.

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