WHUFC.com
Steve Clarke believes Gianfranco Zola has grown into his role as West Ham
United manager
01.06.2009
Steve Clarke has praised the job done by Gianfranco Zola in his first season
as West Ham United manager. The first-team coach believes his long-time
friend was initially taken aback by the wide range of responsibilities
foisted upon him after he took charge at the Boleyn Ground in September.
However, after leading the Hammers to a top-half Barclays Premier League
finish in his first term at the helm, Clarke believes Zola has quickly come
to grips with life as a top-flight manager. The pair have worked closely
with first-team coach Kevin Keen to turn West Ham into one of the Barclays
Premier League's most attractive and entertaining sides. Clarke believes the
enthusiastic influence of Zola has paid dividends both on and off the pitch,
inspiring West Ham's players to produce, at times, breathtaking football. At
the same time, the former Scotland international praised the manager for
adapting to the highly-pressurised existence. "I think he's lost a little
bit of hair, like myself!" joked Clarke. "I think he came into the job fresh
and a little bit naïve and didn't know what to expect. "I think very
quickly, because he's an intelligent man, he's realised that it's not a
cakewalk or an easy job. It's a very difficult job trying to control and
manage a group of players but, for me, looking at it, I think he's done a
fantastic job in his first season. "Just purely getting to grips with the
role, the decisions you have to make and the amount of times where you get
frustrated and have to keep it under wraps. There are lots of different bits
and pieces to being a manager and I think he's handled himself very, very
well."
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All or nothing for Spence
WHUFC.com
England U19s featuring Jordan Spence are aiming to qualify for the 2009 U19
Euro this evening
01.06.2009
Jordan Spence could lead England out tonight in the decisive UEFA European
Under-19 Championship qualifier against Scotland with the winners going
through to the summer finals. The West Ham United defender captained England
to a 2-0 success against Bosnia-Herzeogvina in their first Elite round
mini-tournament fixture last Wednesday before sitting out the 4-1 victory
against Slovakia on Friday. With Scotland also victorious in their two
matches against the same opposition, it has set up the head to head decider
this evening at the Bramall Lane home of Sheffield United - to be shown live
on Setanta Sports.
Spence, who only turned 19 last month, said: "We're looking forward to it
though and any time that you get the opportunity to come and play for
England, we all look forward to it. That's particularly true in a
competitive tournament, as it adds a little bit more spice to it. The mood's
good at the moment." England are ahead on goal difference so a draw would
suffice but Brian Eastick's men are going to go all out for the win that
would make certain of the place in Ukraine for the finals between 21 July
and 2 August. Serbia, France, Turkey and Spain have already joined the hosts
in the finals while Balint Bajner's Hungary failed to make it through from
their mini-tournament.
* Tickets for tonight's game, which kicks off at 7pm, are on sale, priced at
just £3 for adults and £1 for concessions (£5 on the day for adults), from
the Bramall Lane box office.
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Spence helps England progress
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will be well represented by Jordan Spence at the 2009 U19
Euro this July
01.06.2009
Jordan Spence played a part as England qualified for the UEFA European
Under-19 Championship finals in Ukraine with a 2-1 win against Scotland in
Sheffield.
The versatile West Ham United defender came off the bench for the last 15
minutes, playing at right-back for Brian Eastick's Young Lions in a
mini-tournament decider they only needed to draw to make sure of a place at
the prestigious summer showpiece. They finished with a 100 per cent record
after goals from Nile Ranger and Victor Moses did the damage at Bramall Lane
on Monday night.
James Tomkins and Freddie Sears represented England at last year's finals,
when club-mate Savio, representing Germany, was named player of the
tournament.
Spence, who has worn the armband at every youth level up to the U19s, had
previously captained England to a 2-0 success against Bosnia-Herzeogvina in
their first Elite round mini-tournament fixture last Wednesday before
sitting out the 4-1 victory against Slovakia on Friday.
England will be joined by seven other nations including the hosts when they
travel to Ukraine for the finals between 21 July and 2 August. Serbia,
France, Turkey and Spain had already booked their place while Balint
Bajner's Hungary failed to make it through from their mini-tournament.
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Three lions in action
WHUFC.com
Robert Green, Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole were in full training with
England on Monday
01.06.2009
West Ham United's trio of England internationals have begun preparations for
England's 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Andorra.
Goalkeeper Robert Green, central defender Matthew Upson and striker Carlton
Cole were all in training with their England team-mates on a warm day at
London Colney. Green joined fellow stoppers Scott Carson and Paul Robinson
for specialist training, while Upson and Cole were among those put through
their paces by head coach Fabio Capello and his staff.
England head for Almaty for their sixth Group 6 fixture on Saturday having
won all of their previous five fixtures, including a 5-1 victory over the
Kazakhs at Wembley in October. That fine run of form put England five points
clear of second-placed Croatia midway through their World Cup qualifying
campaign.
Following their 7,000-mile round-trip to Kazakhstan, Capello's squad will
return to London to take on Andorra at Wembley next Wednesday evening, 10
June.
Green will be eager to earn his third full cap this weekend after
Portsmouth's David James and Manchester United's Ben Foster were both ruled
out by injury. The goalkeeper, who earned his first cap as a half-time
substitute in the 3-2 friendly victory over Colombia at Giants Stadium in
East Rutherford, New Jersey, on 31 May 2005, made his second appearance for
England in the 2-0 friendly defeat by Spain in Seville in February.
Upson has earned a total of 14 full caps and has been a regular squad member
since Capello took charge 18 months ago. Cole, meanwhile, earned both of his
caps earlier this year, appearing as a substitute in the friendly
internationals against Spain and Slovakia.
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Neill rejects contract offer
Hammers still hopeful of persuading skipper to stay
Last updated: 1st June 2009
SSN
West Ham captain Lucas Neill has turned down a new contract but his agent
claims a deal could yet be reached to keep the 31-year-old at Upton Park.
Neill's current contract runs out at the end of this month and the
Australian defender was unhappy with the new deal on the table. But his
agent insists there's no ill-feeling between both parties and hopes a
compromise can be reached. "The last offer was declined because Lucas
didn't feel it reflected his value as a player and captain." Darren Jackson,
Neill's agent, told Sky Sports News. "Negotiations have been amicable and
we hope we can still reach an agreement. The door remains open for West Ham
and Lucas. Obviously the longer it goes on, the more likely it's not going
to happen."
Sky Sports News' chief news reporter Bryan Swanson understands the contract
offer is still on the table and West Ham feel it is a good deal. Jackson,
of Inspire Sports Management, also revealed there's been interest from other
clubs but Neill would prefer to remain a West Ham player next season.
"There has been other interest from clubs in England and in Europe but it's
still very early stages. Lucas is hopeful something can be agreed with West
Ham." Neill is currently with the Australia national team ahead of
Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Qatar in Doha.
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West Ham and Portsmouth takeovers to move a step closer
Telegraph
By Jeremy Wilson
Last Updated: 8:45PM BST 01 Jun 2009
The takeovers at West Ham United and Portsmouth should take significant
steps forward this week, with both clubs hopeful of formally announcing
their prospective new owners within the next fortnight. A delegation
representing Dubai businessman Dr Sulaiman al Fahim will arrive in
Portsmouth on Tuesday to begin the due diligence process for his company's
potential purchase after a deal was agreed last week with owner Alexandre
Gaydamak worth around £55 million. Fahim is being backed by various Asian
and Middle Eastern investors, with the Premier League also ready to request
further information about the precise source of funding.
Sport on television At West Ham, the departure of owner Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson is imminent, with discussions moving forward over a deal that
will result in investment bank Straumur, the main creditors for the club's
holding company Hansa, taking a majority stake. A winding-up board was
appointed last month for Straumur, but it is understood that development was
a matter of procedure to protect cash assets and will not influence the
planned takeover. Straumur intend to bring stability to West Ham by
pledging not to sell the club for at least three years and allowing the
staff to continue operating with no outside interference.
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Player Reviews 2008/09 - Part 1
Vinny - Mon Jun 1 2009
West Ham Online
For the 6th season here are my player reviews. Like the match reports there
are no grades or ratings simply because of the argument it causes.
Part 1 is Goal Keepers and Defenders
Goal Keepers
Robert Green
This has been another excellent season for Green and one which saw him play
every league game missing only one game overall which was the League Cup tie
at Watford. At the start of the season he was reported as being unhappy with
his contract which led to the club actually releasing a statement saying
that there was nothing to complain about. This was quickly forgotten as only
three league games into the season saw him save his first penalty from Jason
Roberts in the 4-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers.
Green would have a nightmare in the home game against Bolton Wanderers when
two mistakes led to a 3-1 defeat. But this didn't stop Green from having a
terrific season and his commanding performances and quick distribution have
seen him finally get into the England squad and stay there.
West Ham fans over the years have always appreciated their goal keepers and
the relationship Green has with the fans is probably the best of any player
in the West Ham side at the moment. He continues to acknowledge the fans and
we continue to get behind him with chants of "England Number One" still
staying strong.
Green kept 10 clean sheets over the season and between the beginning of
March and the 10th April, Green kept four clean sheets in five games.
Over the last five years the club have gone through many goal keepers
including, Steven Bywater, Jimmy Walker, Roy Carroll, and Shaka Hislop.
Green has finally made the number one position his own and I would think he
will be between the sticks at Upton Park for some time to come.
Apps League: 38 Cup: 5
Jan Lastuvka
Signed on loan from Shakhtar Donetsk last summer as cover for Robert Green
as last season's number two Richard Wright had gone to Ipswich Town.
Lastuvka only managed one start in West Ham colours and that was in the
League Cup 3rd round at Watford in the 1-0 defeat. Although in that game he
actually made a couple of excellent saves he was at fault for the goal and
generally shaky all evening. His performance didn't really give many
supporters confidence that if Green was to get injured that he would be a
suitable replacement.
Lastuvka returned to Shakhtar at the end of the season as the £2.6m asking
price was simply something we were not going to pay and there are better
keepers out there for less money. Alternatively we have a couple of young
goal keepers who may make the step up.
Apps: Cup 1
Defenders
Lucas Neill
Last summer there were many fans would have liked to have seen him out of
the club due to his very indifferent season. I would think that he has won
people over once again with an excellent season where he has shown the type
of form that helped keep us the division a few seasons ago.
Neill has always had that bit of aggression to his game and is a strong
defender so when he is on his game he is one of the best full backs in the
country. Many will point out that he has little pace but when you can read
the game as well as he can this is compensated for.
He scored his first goal for the club with a bullet shot at the Hawthorns
back in September when his left foot effort put us into the lead.
I do feel that because of his reported wage packet there has been a bit of
resentment towards Neill. In an age where footballers have become so far
removed from the reality many supporters face someone like Lucas Neill with
his supposed turning down of Liverpool for more money at West Ham could
continue to grate on some.
From a football perspective, Neill has had a great season and since
Christmas especially he has been one of our best performers. He has filled
in at centre half and even centre midfield this season and done a good job
for the side.
His contract runs out in the summer and we are still unsure to whether he
will be at the club next season but unless we have a lot of money to spend
we are not going to find anyone better and I think the club should retain
the services of Lucas Neill, if only for another season.
Apps: League 34 Cup 3
Goals: League 1
Yellow Cards: 8
Jonathan Spector
I can't say I've ever been a fan of Jonathan Spector and thought he was a
poor signing by Alan Pardew a few seasons ago. Whilst I have never had a
problem with his effort I continue to feel he looks out of depth a lot of
the time and when he plays seems to be the obvious weak point in the side.
This season he has only managed to start just four games with injury keeping
him out for most of the campaign. His first start of the season came at the
Reebok Stadium away at Bolton when he played as right back and had a good
game which saw him set up Scott Parker's goal in the second half.
His performance at Blackburn was the poorest out of his four starts with his
reluctance to clear the ball and inability to read the game saw him
struggle. Spector picked up a nasty injury in his next start at home to
Sunderland which saw him miss most of the remaining games but he came back
away at Everton and made a second half sub appearance.
Spector seems to have been liked by all three managers he has played under
and I suppose he is only 23 years old. I still feel he just doesn't cut it
and would have little objection to seeing him leave this summer. Not that I
am expecting it.
Apps: League 4 (5 as sub)
Yellow Cards: 1
James Collins
Collins continues to be a favourite with the West Ham crowd. His full
blooded performances have become something which we expect from Collins and
his perhaps lack of technical ability can often be overlooked.
Performances like the one at home to Arsenal is what Collins is all about
and in that game he was often there to put in that last ditch tackle and
make that block by putting his body in the way. He can of course sometimes
be clumsy and give away needless free kicks like the one away at
Middlesbrough in the league when his foul saw Mido convert the resulting
free kick.
It was around then when his good early season form started to dip and in the
following game against Everton he would be at fault for the equaliser from
Lescott as he seemed to fall asleep. That wouldn't be the first time we
would see a mistake like this with Stoke scoring early on at Upton Park when
Collins missed his header.
Looked all over the place at Newcastle where I commented " Our worst player
without a doubt during this one. Every chance Newcastle had in the first
half came from a mistake from Collins."
Away at Bolton he would pick up yet another injury and this would rule him
out for the rest of the season.
James Collins is a player I like and I do enjoy his heart on sleeve type of
performances. He does have positives to his game but I think that James
Tomkins has come in and made that position his own.
There was talk in January of Collins going to Fulham but this is something
that never transpired. Whilst I still think he will be here next season I
don't think it would surprise many if we accepted a decent offer for him if
one came about.
Apps: League: 17 (1) Cup: 3
Yellow Cards: 4
Matthew Upson
If last season was a good season for Upson this season has been
unbelievable. He has had a fantastic campaign and the money we paid for him
back in January 2007 seems like nothing now after Upson has gone on to prove
himself as one of the best centre halves in the country.
It is not only for West Ham where Upson has flourished but also with the
England side where he is now third choice centre back behind only John Terry
and Rio Ferdinand. Upson is almost certain to be going to the World Cup in
2010 and this is something he has achieved in his time with the club. It
goes to show that he didn't need to be playing Champions League (or even
Uefa Cup) football to achieve this.
There was much speculation that Upson would be one of the players who would
leave in the January transfer window but nothing came about. This
speculation continues to rear its head but judging from a recent Upson
interview the implication seemed to be that unless a top four club came in
for him he is more than happy to stay with West Ham.
Upson's reading of the game is one of his many strengths as well as his
ability to be in the right place at the right time. For me there was no
better example of how good a defender he is than away at Newcastle when in
the last minute of stoppage time he prevented a certain goal with a
challenge on Gutierrez just as he was poised to score.
In the games away at Liverpool and Arsenal when it was backs against the
wall he was the one keeping things together and making sure the clean sheets
were kept.
Matthew Upson is an integral part of our side and to lose him would be a big
blow simply because there are few better players we could bring in.
Apps: League 37 Cup 4
Yellow Cards: 2
Calum Davenport
With a number of injuries in defence, Davenport featured in many of the Pre
Season games and began the season as a starter in the first team. It seemed
that Alan Curbishley was happy to have him in the side and we would be
seeing a lot of Davenport through the season. In Curbishley's last game as
manager Davenport would score his first goal for the club in the 4-1 victory
over Blackburn Rovers.
Zola watched Davenport from the stands away at West Brom but obviously did
not like what he saw as Davenport was dropped and found himself out of the
side for over 3 months until James Collins got injured. Davenport returned
to the side in the away game against Chelsea where he played well and
although he did well enough in the next two games once Collins was fit he
was back in the side and Davenport found himself out of the team once again.
Once the transfer window was open Davenport was shipped out on loan to
Sunderland where he has had a solid few months and started 8 games.
With Sunderland going through a managerial change Davenport has come back to
West Ham and his future seems very uncertain. I don't think he is a bad
player but with Collins returning to fitness as well as Danny Gabbidon, it
seems unlikely that he will be here next season.
Apps: League 7 Cup 1
Goals: League 1
Yellow Cards: 1
James Tomkins
Tomkins has made startling progression this season. His performances have
really surprised me as last season he looked shaky and was mistake prone.
After being out for the first few months of the season with injury he was
sent out on loan to Derby County for a month. Tomkins would later comment
that he felt this loan move was a real benefit and help with his
progression.
Tomkins was recalled in December and made his first start of the season in
the FA Cup 3rd round game against Barnsley. He would feature in the next
round of the FA Cup also at Hartlepool but it wasn't until James Collins
suffered an injury at Bolton when Tomkins would go on to be a main part of
our back line from then till the end of the season.
The performance at Ewood Park showed another side to Tomkins and one which
showed that he could do the not so pretty things and really dig in.
Blackburn were pumping the ball into the area at every opportunity but
Tomkins was often there to make the last ditch tackle or block.
Tomkins was one of the main reasons why we went on a run of four clean
sheets in five games as our defence became the talking point of the teams
progression and not the attack.
He would get his first goal for the club in the home win against Sunderland
as he met a corner with a powerful header. He would also see his first red
card in a West Ham shirt when he was harshly sent off at Everton for a
professional foul.
For me James Tomkins has been a revelation, not just because it is great to
see another West Ham player come through the ranks but because he is showing
signs of being a really good player. I know we say that about just about
every youngster who comes through but Tomkins has improved drastically and I
am delighted for him.
I can see him going on to play the majority of games next season and if he
can keep up his form more people will start to take notice. Playing
alongside Matthew Upson has been something that has obviously benefited him.
Apps: League 11 (1) Cup 3
Goals: League 1
Red Cards: 1 vs. Everton (a)
George McCartney
Last seasons Hammer of the year runner up only made just one start this
season and that was against Macclesfield Town in the League Cup. He had been
injured for most of pre season and had just returned from injury when he was
given a run out in this game. He came on as a sub in the next game in the
league at home to Blackburn.
With only one left back at the club at that time it was imperative that he
returned, and given his consistent performances the previous season he was
an important part of the side. Then out of the blue Sunderland come in with
a bid of around £5 million and McCartney was off. This move was apparently
the straw which broke the camels back for Alan Curbishley as it was
apparently done without his say so.
McCartney was a solid player who gave good service to the club. He has been
injured for most of the season and with Ilunga coming in as his replacement
it does look as though we came out of it with the better deal.
Apps: League (1) Cup 1
Herita Ilunga
Little was known of Ilunga when he was brought into the club at the very end
of the transfer window. Many thought this may just be a desperation move
since the departure of George McCartney left us with no recognized left back
at the club. He came in on loan from Toulouse although has since signed on a
permanent basis.
Ilunga quickly won the fans over with his excellent performances. It was
soon established that the Congolese full back was not only good at defending
but also showed a willingness to get forward something that maybe was
lacking with McCartney.
Ilunga has shown good form throughout the season and his strength and
positional sense has made everyone sit up and take notice. I thought Ilunga
was a real contender for hammer of the year although on WHO he seems to have
been the favoured candidate.
Ilunga managed two goals both coming in the FA Cup. His first goal for the
club came in the game at home to Barnsley when he scored a close range
effort and a similar goal in the 5th round when his strike salvaged a draw.
When thinking of signing of the season although I have been impressed with
Behrami you can't really look any further than Herita Ilunga who has been
outstanding. He signed a four year contract with the club a few months ago
despite rumours of interests from other clubs.
The 27 year old is a very important part to our progression and has added a
lot of quality to our defence. He has been one of the brightest elements to
our season and long may his form continue.
Apps: League: 34 Cup: 4
Goals: Cup: 2
Yellow Cards: 3
Walter Lopez
Cover was needed for the left back slot and it was Lopez who has provided
it. Unfortunately for him Herita Ilunga has not been injured or suspended so
any games he managed to get were generally bit part substitute appearances
where he usually ended up playing in midfield.
The 22 year old Uruguayan was brought in on a one year contract which
remains to be seen if he will be kept on. The rumours circulating is that he
will be released.
Lopez made his debut in the League Cup tie at Watford where he played left
back. He was largely disappointed and it did not seem as though he had the
quality to adapt to the English game. His subsequent sub appearances were
not all that bad although we never really saw enough of him to work out what
type of player he was.
I don't think we will ever find out.
Apps: League (5) Cup 1
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Neill rejects Hammers contract but hopeful of deal
Soccernet
June 1, 2009
West Ham United captain Lucas Neill has rejected the terms of a new contract
offer but has not ruled out staying with the club. The Australian, who
joined West Ham from Blackburn in January 2007, is due to reach the end of
his current deal at the end of June. Neill's agent Darren Jackson indicated
interest from other clubs in the 31-year-old defender, but confirmed an
extension to his stay at West Ham remained an option. Jackson told Sky
Sports News: "The last offer was declined because Lucas didn't feel it
reflected his value as a player and captain. "Negotiations have been
amicable and we hope we can still reach an agreement. The door remains open
for West Ham and Lucas. Obviously the longer it goes on, the more likely
it's not going to happen. "There has been other interest from clubs in
England and in Europe but it's still very early stages. Lucas is hopeful
something can be agreed with West Ham."
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Skipper Neill not ruling out new deal with West Ham
10:02pm Monday 1st June 2009
Echo
WEST Ham captain Lucas Neill has rejected the terms of a new contract offer
but has not ruled out staying with the club. The Australian, who joined West
Ham from Blackburn in January 2007, is due to reach the end of his current
deal at the end of June. Neill's agent Darren Jackson indicated interest
from other clubs in the 31-year-old defender, but confirmed an extension to
his stay at West Ham remained an option. "The last offer was declined
because Lucas didn't feel it reflected his value as a player and captain,"
he said. "Negotiations have been amicable and we hope we can still reach an
agreement. The door remains open for West Ham and Lucas. Obviously the
longer it goes on, the more likely it's not going to happen. "There has been
other interest from clubs in England and in Europe but it's still very early
stages. Lucas is hopeful something can be agreed with West Ham."
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West Ham to trump Newcastle for Carver
01.06.09 | tribalfootball.com
John Carver could be snapped up by West Ham from under the noses of
Newcastle United. The Geordie coach is back in England after leaving MLS
outfit Toronto FC and is a target for Toon manager Alan Shearer. But he is
also wanted by the Hammers for their backroom team and confusion at the Toon
could lead Carver south.
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Tottenham, West Ham chasing Newcastle defender Taylor
01.06.09 | tribalfootball.com
Tottenham and West Ham United are set to bid for Newcastle United defender
Steven Taylor. The People says with Ledley King's knee injury showing no
signs of clearing up, Spurs boss Harry Redknapp will monitor Taylor's
performances when he leads the England Under-21 team in the European
Championship finals next month and decide whether he could in alongside
former Newcastle defender Jonathan Woodgate. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola
believes he could land the Toon favourite for around £4million - although
Newcastle will be holding out for far more.
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Burnley target West Ham defender Spector
01.06.09 | tribalfootball.com
Burnley boss Owen Coyle is eyeing West Ham United defender Jonathan Spector.
The USA international could move to Turf Moor in a £750,000 switch.
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Lucas Neill turns down pay cut
Ken Dyer
01.06.09
This Is London
Everton and Aston Villa could be interested in signing West Ham captain
Lucas Neill after he rejected a new contract, which would have seen his
wages drop by more than £15,000 a week, writes Ken Dyer. The Australian
international, whose contract has run out, wanted a oneyear deal to take him
up to the World Cup but has turned down the offer understood to be worth up
to £48,000 a week depending on appearances. Neill was reputed to be earning
£65,000 per week after signing for West Ham from Blackburn in 2007 and the
31-year-old defender will now consider other options. West Ham are keen to
keep Neill and will keep the new contract offer on the table. Departures
from Upton Park include Lee Bowyer, who is expected to sign a permanent deal
with Birmingham after going on loan there last season plus full-back Walter
Lopez and midfield player Kyel Reid. Italian striker David Di Michele and
Spanish front man Diego Tristan are also likely to depart West Ham as
manager Gianfranco Zola looks to strengthen his squad in the summer.
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Hammers star rejects new deal
10:06am Monday 1st June 2009
Guardian Series
WEST HAM skipper Lucas Neill is understood to have turned down a lucrative
three-year contract offer from the club, worth an estimated £2million a
year, fueling speculation that he will leave in the summer. The Australian
defender was thought to be close to agreeing a one-year extension on his
current deal, which expires at the end of June. The Sun claims Neill, 31, is
now likely to join super-rich Manchester City, although Greek side
Olympiakos are also keen on the right-back. The Times report that West Ham's
offer to Neill is £500,000 more than what they intended to pay, as they
attempt to trim their wage bill. Neill became the club's top earner when he
signed from Blackburn Rovers two years ago, raking in a whopping £70,000 a
week. The Hammers are also hoping to extend goalkeeper Robert Green's
contract beyond the three years he has remaining, although the stopper was
keen to increase his £28,000 a week wage, according to the Times. However,
the 29-year-old is thought to have stopped pushing for a wage hike.
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Green close to agreeing new West Ham deal
01.06.09 | tribalfootball.com
Robert Green is close to agreeing terms over a new contract with West Ham
United. The Times says the Hammers had hoped to agree a longer deal with
Green, who was looking to increase his £28,000 a week wage. The goalkeeper,
who has three years left on his contract, has stopped pushing for an
increase.
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West Ham boss Zola targets three signings
01.06.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola hopes to make three signings this
summer, despite the club's financial worries. The Times says the Hammers
have cut spending but they are expected to try to sign two forwards and a
reserve left back this summer.
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Newcastle, West Ham go for Bristol City's Orr
01.06.09 | tribalfootball.com
Bristol City fullback Bradley Orr is being lined up for a return to
Newcastle United. The Daily Star Sunday says Orr, 26, was released by the
Geordies five years ago but could now form part of Alan Shearer's rebuilding
plans for the Championship, following Newcastle's relegation from the top
flight. Liverpool-born Orr is regarded as one of the best full-backs in the
Championship and has two years remaining on his City contract. Orr is also a
target for West Ham and was wanted by Paul Ince when he was at Blackburn.
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West Ham's Noble excited about working for Zola
01.06.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United midfielder Mark Noble is excited about next season under
manager Gianfranco Zola. Noble said: "He is such a nice fella and you
respect him so much that you want to play for him and work hard. "The
stability is back in the club at the football level, which is something that
we lacked. "The gaffer is so positive with the way he puts things during
training and in the dressing room. He'll say, 'If you do this or that you'll
win today - 100 per cent, I know'. "It makes you believe in him and we want
more next season."
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