Saturday, August 15

Daily WHUFC News - Wolves v West Ham Preview 15th August 2009

Wolves match preview
WHUFC.com
All of the early team news ahead of Saturday's season opener at
Wolverhampton Wanderers
14.08.2009

Wolverhampton Wanderers v West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
Molineux
Saturday 15 August
3pm
Referee: Chris Foy
WHUTV - LIVE COMMENTARY I whufc.com - Live text updates
2009/10 SQUAD NUMBERS

Preview

• West Ham United kick-off the 2009/10 Barclay Premier League season with a
trip to newly-promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

• Gianfranco Zola's side will be looking to carry their away form from last
season into the new campaign. The Hammers took more points away from home
than anyone else outside the top six.

• Wolves were promoted from the Championship as champions and key to that
was a fine run of home form that saw them win 15 and lose just three of
their 23 home games.

• West Ham started last season strongly, winning four of their first six
games in the league including an opening-day 2-1 win against Wigan Athletic,
with Dean Ashton getting both of the goals.

• Wolves will also be hoping to replicate their start to the 2008/09
campaign. After drawing their first game they then went on to win their next
seven - the club's best ever start to a league campaign. However, the
Hammers will be aware that Wolves have not won their opening fixture of the
season since 1999.

• The two sides last met in the league in January 2005 in a Championship
encounter at Molineux, which ended in a 4-2 victory for the home side. Of
the West Ham players on show that day, Mark Noble, who was making his league
debut, is the only player still with the club.

• The game will be Wolves' 39th Premier League fixture in their history. An
ill-fated 2003/04 season saw them finish bottom of the table with 33 points.

• West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola said: "It will be very difficult because
when you play a promoted team at the beginning of the season they are full
of enthusiasm. They will give everything. It will be like a cup final for
them but I think we have got enough in the team - I am talking about
experience and quality - that we can handle the situation."

• Wolves manager Mick McCarthy said: "I'm really excited about the new
season and looking forward to it. I can't wait for it to start because I get
sick of all the posturing and dancing around the handbags. Let's get down to
it."

West Ham United

• West Ham have been in pretty good form in pre-season after just two
defeats in seven matches. Unbeaten in their first four warm-up games, the
Hammers lost 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-final of the Barclays Asia
Trophy before beating Beijing Guoan in the third/fourth play-off. Their
final warm-up match last Saturday saw SCC Napoli leave the Boleyn Ground
with the Bobby Moore Cup after a 1-0 win.

• Following Saturday's match, West Ham have two mouth-watering home games
against local rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Barclays Premier League and
Millwall in the Carling Cup. Tottenham will travel to east London on Sunday
23 August with Millwall arriving two days later. Two away trips in the
league follow with Blackburn Rovers on 29 August and Wigan Athletic on 12
September.

• The Hammers finished last season in ninth in the Barclays Premier League
with 51 points, a place and two points higher than they managed in the
previous season.

• The Hammers have won 6, drawn 1 and lost 7 of their opening Premier League
games since its inception in 1992.

• Two 3-1 wins count as their best-ever start to a Premier League season. A
3-1 win at home to Charlton Athletic in 2006 was matched by a defeat of
Blackburn Rovers by the same score in 2005

• The biggest opening day defeat came in 2002, when Newcastle United won 4-0
at St James' Park.

• West Ham have not drawn the opening game since 1994, when they drew 0-0
with Leeds United at Elland Road.

• Carlton Cole was West Ham's leading scorer last season with 10 Premier
League goals, one in the FA Cup and one in the League Cup.

• Robert Green topped the appearance charts for the last campaign, playing
every minute of every Premier League game. He has played 88 consecutive
top-flight matches.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

• Wolves also go into the match on the back of some mixed pre-season form.
After winning their first three games, Mick McCarthy's side drew one and
lost two of their next three. Their two most recent friendlies have seen a
4-2 win at Scunthorpe United and a 2-0 home defeat to Spanish side Real
Valladolid.

• Following the Hammers' opener, Wolves travel to Wigan Athletic on Tuesday
and then Manchester City the following Saturday.

• Wolves will be hoping to do slightly better than their one and only
opening day in the Premier League so far. The midlanders lost 5-1 away at
Blackburn Rovers on 16 August 2003.

• Sylvan Ebanks-Blake was the key man for Wolves last season, scoring 25
league goals to help fire his team to the title.

• Right-back Kevin Foley appeared more than any other player, with 45 starts
to his name.

Referee

• Saturday's referee will be Chris Foy.

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

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

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

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

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

• Foy took charge of three West Ham fixtures last season, refereeing the
Hammers' 1-0 defeat at Hull City on 19 October, the 2-0 defeat to Tottenham
Hotspur on 8 December and the 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers on 21 March.

• This will be Foy's second official match of the season after took charge
of last weekend's FA Community Shield match between Chelsea and Manchester
United.

Head to Head

• Although this will be the sides' first encounter in the Premier League,
they have met 55 times before. West Ham hold the upper hand with 25 wins.
Wolves have emerged victorious on 17 times.

• The last time the two sides met on 15 January 2005, a goal from West Ham
old boy Paul Ince helped Wolves to a 4-2 win. Bobby Zamora grabbed both of
the Hammers' goals that day.

• That was the only time in the last five meetings that West Ham have lost,
as they have won three times.

Last six meetings (league unless stated)

15 January 2005 - Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-2 West Ham United
2 October 2004 - West Ham United 1-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers
25 January 2004 - Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-3 West Ham United (FA Cup)
6 March 1993 - West Ham United 3-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
4 October 1992 - Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-0 West Ham United

Last time out

Saturday 15 August
Bobby Moore Cup
West Ham United 0-1 SCC Napoli

West Ham United: Green, Faubert (Spector 63), Tomkins (Collins 46), Upson
(Gabbidon 80), Ilunga, Noble, Parker, Collison (Hines 88), Jimenez
(Stanislas 77), Dyer (Savio 63), Cole
Subs unused: Stech, Kurucz, Daprela, Payne, Lee, Nouble

Saturday 8 August
Pre-season friendly
Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-2 Real Valladolid

Wolverhampton Wanderers: Hennessey, Foley (Halford 45), Stearman, Craddock,
Ward (Elokobi 68), Edwards, Henry, Milijas (Jones 72), Ebanks-Blake (Doyle
60, Vokes 82), Keogh, Jarvis (Surman 65)
Subs unused: Hahnemann, Ikeme, Friend, Zubar, Collins, Hill,

Team news

• Gianfranco Zola has a fit squad to choose from and could hand Danny
Gabbidon his first Premier League appearance for 18 months. The defender has
looked strong in pre-season after overcoming abdominal and back injuries.

• Luis Jimenez is set to get his first taste of Premier League football
since arriving on a season-long loan deal from Internazionale.

• It remains to be seen whether Radoslav Kovac will make his debut after
signing a permanent deal from Spartak Moscow on Friday. The same applies to
young defender Fabio Daprela, who has only had just over a week's training
with his new team-mates after arriving from Grasshopper Club Zurich.

• Only long-term absentees Valon Behrami, Luis Boa Morte, Terry Dixon and
Dean Ashton will miss out. Switzerland midfielder Behrami has been working
hard at Chadwell Heath as he continues his recovery from the cruciate knee
ligament injury he suffered against Manchester City on 1 March. Such is his
progress that he could be back in training at the end of the month.

• Terry Dixon is also progressing well and could join Behrami in training at
the end of the month.

• Boa Morte is recovering after undergoing knee surgery in Portugal and is
yet to begin his rehabilitation work. A New Year return has been pencilled
in for the midfielder.

• Dean Ashton continues to work on his fitness as he recovers from an ankle
injury.

• Wolves are expected to start with on-loan Chelsea defender Michael
Mancienne - who partnered James Tomkins in a midweek England Under-21
contest in the Netherlands - as Christophe Berra suffered a hamstring strain
playing for Scotland in midweek.

• There is still hope that record signing record signing Kevin Doyle will
also recover from a groin injury in time to play.

• Carlton Cole spent two months on loan at Wolves at the end of 2003, where
he made seven appearances, scoring one goal.

• Nigel Quashie spent the tail end of the 2008/09 season on loan at
Molineux, playing three games.

• First-team coach Kevin Keen played 42 times for Wolves after leaving West
Ham in 1993. Click here for more

Travel information

• For directions for Molineux, click here

General information

• Tickets for this match have sold out. For ticket information click here.

• Saturday's weather forecast is for a slightly overcast day with a maximum
daytime temperature of 22C.

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Zola wants positive start
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola is expecting a rip-roaring Barclays Premier League opener at
a hungry Wolves
14.08.2009

Gianfranco Zola is expecting Wolverhampton Wanderers to adopt an
up-and-at-them approach in Saturday's Barclays Premier League opener at
Molineux.

The West Ham United manager has predicted that Mick McCarthy's side will be
full of enthusiasm and commitment following their promotion to the
top-flight as Coca-Cola Championship title winners.

"I expect them to be very aggressive and play with a lot of enthusiasm and
with a lot of passion but, I hope, not with the same quality," said Zola.

"We know that they have come up and will want to show everybody that they
are good enough for the Premier League and are up for the game.

"I expect them to try to press us and try to stop us from playing our
football. That will be their main priorities, so we will have to be prepared
for this, because if we manage to get around this, then we have a very good
chance of winning."

Zola hopes to have a fully-fit squad to choose from, barring Dean Ashton and
Valon Behrami, in the Midlands. Czech Republic midfielder Radoslav Kovac,
who has joined the club on a permanent transfer from Spartak Moscow, is
unlikely to receive international clearance in time to feature.

The club's band of internationals, including England stars Carlton Cole,
Robert Green and Matthew Upson, have all returned from their midweek
commitments unscathed and will take their seats on the coach to the Black
Country.

While the manager has few concerns of his own, he is fully aware of the
threat that may be posed by a hungry Wolves side brimming with confidence.

"It will be very difficult because when you play a promoted team at the
beginning of the season they are full of enthusiasm," he added. "They will
give everything.

"It will be like a cup final for them but I think we have got enough in the
team - I am talking about experience and quality - that we can handle the
situation."

Looking further ahead, Zola believes West Ham possess the quality to make
another sustained bid to reach the UEFA Europa League this term.

With Cole in superb form for England, Behrami close to a comeback and the
club's band of youngsters improving all the time, the manager is in a
positive frame of mind.

"The aim is to improve what we did last year," he said. "We came very close
last year. This year we have had the possibility to work from the very
beginning so that should be an advantage.

"I also know the team still is not complete so hopefully someone will come
and reinforce the team. I think we can improve the position we had last year
and maybe push for the European spot.

"The players know that last year they have been so close. This year we are
starting ideally in a better position and so they know it is the target.
They are prepared for that.

"It is not an easy target but you have to be ambitious in life. If you go
out and just play for just being happy it is not enough. I would like the
team to challenge for a high position. Even if they look unreachable, you
need to set your targets high and try everything you can. Then, if it
doesn't happen at least you have tried."

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Wolverhampton v West Ham
BBC.co.uk
Saturday, 15 August 2009
Premier League
Wolverhampton v West Ham 1500
Venue: Molineux Date: Saturday, 15 August Kick-off: 1500 BST
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live, local radio & highlights on
Match of the Day


TEAM NEWS
Wolves are expected to give a debut to on-loan defender Michael Mancienne as
Christophe Berra suffered a hamstring strain playing for Scotland in
midweek. Record signing Kevin Doyle (groin) was also injured while on
international duty, but is hoping to feature.

Luis Jimenez, on loan from Internazionale, could play in an advanced role
for West Ham as Carlton Cole is their only fit striker. Valon Behrami and
Luis Boa Morte are long-term absentees.

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

Wolves

Suspended: None Doubtful: Doyle & Edwards (groin)

Injured: Berra (hamstring), Iwelumo & Kightly (metatarsal),
Murray (knee)

West Ham

Suspended: None Doubtful: Ashton (ankle)

Injured: Behrami & Boa Morte (both knee)


MATCH PREVIEW
Three Premier League campaigns, three bottom-placed finishes: Mick McCarthy
and Wolves return to the top-flight with reputations to restore.

When we won [the Championship] everyone was so happy, but finishing 17th
would be the equivalent

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy
Wolves finished at the foot of the table five years ago in their only
previous season in the Premier League, while McCarthy has twice been
relegated in last place with Sunderland.

Last year Wolves made their best start to a season since 1949, and their
hopes of matching the old gold standard have been aided by a favourable
fixture list. Wolves don't face one of the big four sides until November.

606: DEBATE
Have your say on Saturday's game
Hoping to keep Wolves at bay are West Ham. After a slow start Gianfranco
Zola and Steve Clarke steered them to ninth last season, a place higher than
the previous year.

West Ham's summer spending has been limited but Zola is hoping the
investment of his time in developing the club's young players will reap
rewards.


MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

• Wolves are unbeaten in their last four home league games against West Ham,
but the Hammers won the last top-flight meeting at Molineux in 1983.

• Mark Noble is the only current West Ham player to have featured when these
two clubs last met, in January 2005.

Wolves

• Wolves are carrying over a five-match unbeaten run from last season.

• They are vying for a fifth successive home league win. Wolves won 15 and
lost only three of their 23 league games at Molineux last season.

• Wolves have not won on the opening day since 1999 and lost the first
fixture in their only previous Premier League season: 5-1 away to Blackburn
in 2003.

• Kevin Foley has made 249 club career starts, and David Jones 99.

West Ham

• The Hammers have won on the opening day of the season in three of the
previous four years.

• They are starting a Premier League season on the road for the first time
since 2002.

• Dean Ashton has made 249 career league appearances.


LEADING GOALSCORERS

Wolves
Ebanks-Blake: 25 goals (25 league); Iwelumo: 16 goals (14 league)

West Ham
Cole: 12 goals (10 league); Noble: 5 goals (3 league)

MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Chris Foy
Assistant referees: Bob Pollock & Ceri Richards
Fourth official: Lee Probert

LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
Wolves (W1-0 v Doncaster, h): Hennessey; Stearman, Craddock, Berra, S Ward,
Foley, Henry, Edwards (Elokobi 85), Jarvis (Vokes 61), Ebanks-Blake
(Hemmings 65 ), Keogh. Subs not used: Collins, Hill.

West Ham (W2-1 v Middlesbrough, h): Green; Spector, Neill, Upson, Ilunga,
Noble (Dyer 53), Kovac, Collison (Di Michele 72), Boa Morte, Cole (Tristan
63 ), Stanislas. Subs not used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Nsereko, Payne.

MOST RECENT MEETING

Wolves 4-2 West Ham (15 January, 2005)
Wolves scorers: Miller 29, 54, Ince 72, Cort 76
West Ham scorers: Zamora 36, 57

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Wolverhampton Wanderers Preview
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 13th August 2009
By: Preview Percy

And so to the opening of another season which, sadly has arrived a week too
late to distract us from the depressing capitulation of the England cricket
side at Headingley

The fixture computer has paired us with last season's Championship winners
Wolves, who are making their first appearance in the top flight since their
one-year-only visit of the 2003/04 season. Last season saw them play in fits
and starts. An opening spell of 7 wins and a draw from their first 8 games
got them off to a flyer whilst an indifferent start to 2009 caused a few
jitters. However, their closest rivals seemed to mirror their form and 4
wins and a draw out of 5 matches in March steadied the ship somewhat before
they finished 7 points clear of runners-up Birmingham City.

They've been active in the transfer market in the summer, recognising the
need to bolster the squad if a sharpish return to the second tier is to be
avoided. Marcus Hahnemann has come in from Reading on a free to provide
competition for Welsh stopper Wayne Hennessy between the sticks.

Greg Halford came in from Sunderland. Halford has an, er, interesting,
history over the past few years. He left Colchester United for Reading in
January 2007 where he made only 3 appearances before the summer window
opened. Amidst comments that he had not "fitted in" at the Wiggydome, he
left for Sunderland in June 2007 where he managed to "fit in" for all of
another six months before the Mackems announced they would "listen to
offers" for the player, who ended up spending the end of 07/08 on loan at
Charlton. Unable to find a permanent buyer for the defender/midfielder,
Sunderland shipped him out for a season-long loan to Sheffield Hypocrisy,
where his goal against Preston in the semi-final helped the two-faced liars
qualify for the final. He also appeared in the final but we were too busy
laughing at the result to notice his contribution. The hypocrites were
unwilling or unable to meet Sunderland's asking price for a permanent deal
and Wolves stepped in during the close-season to become the long-throw
specialist's 6th club in two and a half years.

Another defensive new signing Ronald Zubar is unlikely to feature this
weekend following an out-of-sorts pre-season in which he was described by
Mick McCarthy as having "communication difficulties". McCarthy recognised
the problem from his own sojourn as a player to Lyon who, naively, presumed
that they'd be getting someone with an Irish accent when signing a Republic
of Ireland international. During pre-season Bobo Balde featured in
pre-season on loan and Chelsea's Michael Mancienne has come in on a
season-long loan following a shorter loan spell last season.

In midfield former Grays Athletic midfielder Michael Kightley's metatarsal
injury is likely to prevent more than a bit-part on Saturday. Chris Iwelumo
picked up an identical knock on pre-season in Australia and is a definite
non-starter. New arrivals in the midfield include Nened Milijas, a Serbian
international in from Red Star Belgrade and Andrew Surman who escaped the
Titanic that is Southampton the day the window opened.

Reading were raided for another new arrival up front in the form of
Wexford-born striker Kevin Doyle, an Irish international who actually sounds
like one. Doyle was close to recovery from a hernia op but was forced off
early in midweek during the Republic of Ireland's 3-0 defeat to Australia
and may be a doubt for the weekend. With a reported fee of a club record
£6.5m on his head they'll be looking for him to form a decent partnership
with last season's top scorer Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. Blake, who I keep wanting
to refer to as "Sexton", has won the Championship Golden Boot for the last
two seasons and his 25 goals in 39 league matches last term were a major
contribution to Wolves' success last time out. This season will be the first
time out in the Premiership for the Cambridge-born striker who started his
career with Man Utd where his first-team opportunities were limited, partly
by injury, to a few League Cup outings. If Wolves are to survive the
traditional "curse of the newly-promoted" one gets the impression that much
will rest on Ebanks-Blake being able to recreate his form of the last couple
of seasons at the highest level.

As for us, well we've been a lot quieter on the transfer front and we can be
very thankful that the midweek internationals left the resources unscathed.
Traditionally we seem to suffer more than most during international breaks
and I for one was half expecting at least a case of swine flu to hit Green,
Upson or Cole.

"Jim" Jiminez has come in on the "one year with an option" deal which we are
told will be the norm around these parts for a while. The permanent signing
of Kovac will excite some of the ladies I suppose but, speaking as a 100%
heterosexual male whose sole interest in these matters is football-related,
I find the signing difficult to get too worked-up about. We are crying out
for another striker – someone with a bit of pace to compliment Carlton Cole.
Dare I say it a Bellamy or Defoe-type of player. At the time of writing we
are told that talks are continuing with one or two targets. Whilst I
appreciate that these things take time to organise, the problems we had last
season, especially when missing Cole through injury & suspension should have
started alarm bells ringing long ago. With Ashton's fitness no more certain
than the day he first broke his ankle and the (admittedly merciful)
close-season departures of Tristan and DiMichele it's looking like Cole will
be the sole striker at the weekend. As well as he played for England in
midweek it was notable that he did so as one of a forward pair, something we
are unlikely to be seeing him do in claret & blue at the weekend. Given the
apparent reluctance by anyone to actually shoot last weekend against Napoli,
the lack of firepower up front is a worry. At the time of writing there's no
news on the transfer front and even if someone were to come in between now
and kick-off it would take any newbies a while to settle in.

In the departure lounge we have Lucas Neill. Neill is in the queue for the
metal detector and is dithering about whether to walk through at the moment.
Reports on Aussie radio suggest that his absence from the Socceroos match in
midweek had something to do with him flying off to sign for his new club,
whoever that may be. In the event that Neill does not re-sign, Zola seems
happy to have Faubert and Spector covering right back. I have my doubts.

Matthew Upson is the other player at the metaphorical airport at the moment,
though we don't know if he's there to travel or simply to see Neill off.
Whilst we've been assured that there is no financial need to sell the
current skipper, it's hard to deny that the money that he'd fetch would come
in useful. Since centre back is possibly the position for which we have most
cover at the moment, there must be a temptation to cash in, especially if a
new striker is required.

Opening matches away against newly-promoted sides are difficult. The crowd
are up for it and players new to the top flight will have a lot to prove. If
this match were to come up later on in the season I'd feel a bit more
optimistic about things but with goals looking in short supply in pre-season
(notorious as such matches are as a reliable guide) I'm hard pressed to see
us getting more than a draw out of this. I'll therefore plump for a 1-1 with
the hope we can pick up a few points early on before the cavalry arrives on
or before the 31 August deadline.

Enjoy the game!

Last season: N/A

Danger Man: Ebanks-Blake – "Sexton" won't have had the confidence knocked
out of him yet and will be itching to prove that he can replicate his
Championship form at a higher level.

Look out for: Some dodgy musical moments – "HI-Ho Wolverhampton" is bad
enough but my spies tell me that since we were last there "The Impossible
Dream" has become a favourite.

Referee: Chris Foy – presided over the 1-1 draw at Blackburn and the 2-0
home defeat to Sp*rs. Failed to award blatant penalties to us in both
matches.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers Vs West Ham United - Dare Ya!!!!
Admiral Lard - Fri Aug 14 2009
WestHamOnline.net

West Ham United Vs Wolverhampton Wanderers is a fixture The Hammers tend to
enjoy far more than Wolves. P 58 W 27 D 14 L 17 (Courtesy West Ham stats).
The first thing that surprises me is just how few times this fixture has
been played given the history of these two great clubs.

Partly this can be explained by Wolves best years in the early mid 50s, when
West Ham were languishing in the Second Division. West Ham's best years,
under Ron Greenwood and John Lyall were at a time when Wolves star had faded
(from which it has never truly recovered).

Wolves have a place in my heart, they were the second team I saw play at the
Boleyn Ground on the 16th November 1974. West Ham triumphed 5-2 and,
following our 3-0 win in my first game against Boro, I left the ground
thinking life as a West Ham fan would always be like this!

Many rude awakenings later both clubs have been through torrid times, both
clubs have remained true to their roots preferring to redevelop their
historic grounds, both clubs are the nearly teams of their respective
locations.

Neither club has been particularly active in the transfer market, hardly a
surprise given global financial constraints, though West Ham's squad has
considerably greater talent and, of course, far greater premiership
experience.

We can expect Wolves to go off with a bang, first game in the Prem at home,
Mick McCarthy at the helm and a full house at the famous old ground,
including some 2,500 Hammers.

There is little to go on currently. Pre season for West Ham was abysmal,
last weeks tepid friendly against Napoli produced some disturbing gaps in
our team, at right back, right wing and up front we lacked guile and on the
odd occasion we threatened the Napoli goal, well, frankly we didn't.

Recent records show a 4-2 win for Wolves at Molineux in 05, we won 3-1 their
in 04 and prior to that really it's too long ago to be relevant.

This is a hard one to call, Wolves will be fired up and raring to go, I
don't know how West Ham will react, I sincerely hope the coaching team have
worked hard on getting them right mentally this week.

I think we could win this one though it will be tight.

Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 West Ham United 2

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PREMIER LEAGUE - WOLVES v WEST HAM
MATCH PREVIEW
Sporting Preview 14 Aug 2009
Sporting Preview.com

Last year's runaway Championship winners Wolves begin their life back in the
Premier League at home to West Ham, who gained much momentum after a
precarious start last year to finish eighth. Bettingzone editor Jonathan
Turner has backed the Hammers to kick on from that this season and I would
second that view, as like he says, they had all sorts of injury problems and
with players coming back they should improve again. Their five away wins
last season came at Fulham, Sunderland,Portsmouth, Wigan and Stoke - that
latter win in particularly signalling they won't be intimidated by whatever
Molineaux has to throw at them (not literally) on Saturday.
Carlton Cole scored in three of their road victories last campaign and he'll
have his chances this weekend too. He looked in good nick for England in
midweek and is probably worth an anytime poke at 5/2 with Paddy Power.

Verdict: Wolves 1 West Ham 3 (BL)

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Wolverhampton Wanderers v West Ham United preview
Read a full preview of the Premier League match between Wolverhampton
Wanderers and West Ham at Molineux on Saturday, Aug 15 2009, kick-off 3.00pm
BST.
Telegraph.co.uk
Published: 6:00AM BST 14 Aug 2009

Saturday, August 15
Wolves v West Ham United
Molineux
Kick-off: 3pm
TV: Highlights, BBC1 MotD

Wolves are back in the Premier League after a five year absence after
winning last season's Championship. They finished the season with just one
defeat in their final 11 games, and at Molineux, they score 44 goals, more
than any other team in the division. But when they were last in the Premier
League (in 2003-04) they started badly, taking one point from their first
six games and took eight games before they won their first game. They
finished the season bottom.
West Ham could give a debut to Chile international Luis Jimenez.

Stat of the game: The last time these teams met at Molineux, Wolves won 4-2
and former Hammer Paul Ince scored for the home side, in January 2005.

Wolves (Probable, 4-4-2): Hennessey; Foley, Stearman, Craddock, Ward;
Edwards, Henry, Milijas, Jarvis; Keogh, Ebanks-Blake
West Ham (Probable, 4-4-1-1): Green; Faubert, Tomkins, Upson, Ilunga; Noble,
Kovac, Collison, Jimenez; Dyer; Cole
Referee: Chris Foy
Last season: N/A.

Betting tip: Be dangerous and go for 4-2 -- at 66-1.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers v West Ham United: Wolves seek winning start to
season
Wolverhampton Wanderers entertain West Ham United at Molineux this Saturday
for the first time in the top flight for 25 years and their record against
the Hammers in the Midlands is pretty decent.
SquareFootball.com

The last meeting between these two was in the Championship in 2005 when
Wolves ran out 4-2 winners and Mick McCarthy's men haven't lost at home to
the Hammers since 1983. However, Wolves haven't won on the opening day of
the season for 10 years. West Ham United have lost just one of their
opening day fixtures over the past six years and will be hoping to give
Wolves a rude awakening to life in the Premier League. Gianfranco Zola likes
to play football the way it should, on the deck, but Wolves will be fired up
right from the off and will chase every ball as if their lives depended on
it. Home form will be crucial if Wolves are to avoid going straight back
down and the majority of the panel sees the Molineux club nabbing a share of
the spoils.

Wolverhampton Wanderers v West Ham United; Kick Off 3pm 15 Aug 2009

Prediction Panel

Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are
marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 2 – 1

Chris Cox: 2 – 1
Sue Gardener : 1 – 1
Chris Goodwin : TBC
Paul Grech (sqf) : 1 – 0
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 1 – 2
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : 2 – 1
Peter Lee : TBC
Don McMahon : 1 – 1
Antony Melvin (sqf) : TBC
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC - TBC
Tony Ratton : 1 – 1
Dan Taylor : 1 – 1


Nick Tomkins: 1 – 1

Andy Wakeman : 0 – 2
Isaac Williams : TBC
Mark Williams : TBC

Panel Verdict

The panel is split but a draw would be a decent result all round.

Home: 4; Draw: 5; Away: 2; TBC:.

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And finally ......

Lawro's predictions
By Mark Lawrenson
BBC Sport football expert

Wolves v West Ham

I think Wolves will be OK this season, they must focus on getting results at
home against some of the lesser teams. They have a lot of striking power up
front and in Mick McCarthy, they have a manager who knows what it takes to
stay in the Premier League.
West Ham will be fine over the course of the season, but they can't have too
many injuries to their key big-name players. They have a fantastic manager
and a very promising batch of young players, but I get the feeling Wolves
will get the better of them at Molineux.

Verdict: 2-1

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 15th August 2009

Kovac returns
WHUFC .com
Czech midfielder Radoslav Kovac is back with West Ham United after agreeing a permanent transfer
14.08.2009

West Ham United are delighted to announce the permanent signing of Czech Republic midfielder Radoslav Kovac from Spartak Moscow for an undisclosed fee.

He played nine times on loan for the club last season and was delighted to be back at Chadwell Heath on Friday morning as he trained with his team-mates again. Kovac had completed a medical late on Thursday before putting pen to paper on a three-year contract. It came after the club concluded positive negotiations with Spartak, where he was captain.

"I am delighted to be back," Kovac told whufc.com. "I enjoyed my time here last season and I am very happy to get the chance to come back and compete for a place at West Ham. It is great that it is a permanent deal and that it is all sorted out. Now I can just concentrate on doing well for the club and the fans."

It is not yet clear whether the versatile 29-year-old, who scored a memorable long-range strike in the 3-1 defeat at Everton last May, will feature in the squad for Saturday's opening game of the new Barclays Premier League season at Wolverhampton Wanderers. The club are still waiting to receive international clearance.

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U18s in Dutch test
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Under-18s will conclude their pre-season with a tournament in the Netherlands
14.08.2009

Tony Carr will lead his West Ham United youngsters into a prestigious pre-season tournament in the Netherlands on Friday.

The Academy Director will take an Under-18 and U17 team to Doetinchem to take part in a tournament with seven other teams from around the globe.

"It's a final preparation for pre-season training," Carr said. We always like to take in a pre-season tournament now. It is a good bonding session for the squad to go away together even though it is only for three days.

"We then come back on the Monday, start training on the Tuesday for the first league game against Everton the following Saturday. Hopefully we'll come through it unscathed and we start preparing for the league programme that starts on the 22 August."

With strong representation from the host country, there will also be plenty of interest in countries as far away as Brazil. "It's mostly Dutch teams but the full lineup with us is Botafogo from Brazil, AK Alkmaar from Austria, Salzburg from Germany, Graafschap from Holland, Vitesse Arnhem, Kopenhagen from Denmark and Doetinchem, the local team from Holland."

With their flight leaving London on Friday morning and the first match later that day, Carr's squad will quickly need to adapt to their new surroundings.

"We should have four games over a three-day period. The only downside for us is that we travel very early on a Friday morning and play Friday evening the same day so it is going to be a long tough day for us. We fly to Dusseldorf in Germany and the tournament is just over the border in Holland."

The tournament takes on an eleven-a-side format with matches 30 minutes each way. The eight teams will form two groups of four with the winners and runners-up of each section facing each other in the semi-finals. The third and fourth place from each group will also compete for fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth place in the tournament through a play-off.

Carr could be without a couple of familiar faces through injury. But, ever the optimist, he simply sees it as an opportunity for another player to stake a claim.

"We've got a couple of injuries. Callum McNaughton, who performed very well for us at centre back last year, has turned his ankle over so we don't want to risk him as we need him for the Everton game. Filip Modelski is still a long-term injury so he won't go.

"But there are a lot of new young lads going so it's an opportunity for them to step into the gaps and hopefully great experience. Even recent signings - Frank Nouble, Darprela are eligible to play in the youth team. We are probably not going to use them, but it shows the strength we have."

After spending the whole of pre-season on home soil, Carr is looking forward to the different kind of challenges his youngsters will face playing foreign opposition in unfamiliar territory.

"When you're playing a tournament you play to win so there's more of an edge to the game and everybody is trying to win as it's a tournament format. It gives you that little edge that you need in the league before the league begins.

"You're playing foreign opposition, different refereeing with different interpretations and certainly you've got to keep your cool as some of these decisions in these tournaments and the play acting is something that frustrates the British mentality. They are all things you learn over the years but I am looking forward to it. It should be a good three days."

Although keen to progress as far as possible in the tournament, Carr is already content with how his side are shaping up for the new season.

"In terms of preparation and fitness I'm very pleased. There are just one or two little tactical issues I'm not too sure about - who's going to play where and exactly my best starting XI at this point, but that is to be expected. But it does show the strength of the squad which is great."

Return to whufc.com to follow how Carr's side progress in the tournament.

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West Ham complete Kovac signing
BBC.co.uk

West Ham have completed the signing of Czech Republic midfielder Radoslav Kovac from Spartak Moscow for an undisclosed fee. Kovac was on loan at the club at the end of last season and made nine appearances for the Hammers. The 29-year-old has signed a three-year deal with the Upton Park club. Kovac could play in the club's opening Premier League game against Wolves on Saturday if West Ham get international clearance in time. Kovac has figured for his country at the World Cup in 2006 and Euro 2008 and brings Champions League and Uefa Cup experience to manager Gianfranco Zola's side. He scored his only goal for West Ham in a 3-1 defeat by Everton in the penultimate game of last season.

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Big day for Junior
WHUFC.com
The chance to impress from the off against Wolverhampton Wanderers is firing Junior Stanislas
15.08.2009

Junior Stanislas is being tipped to continue his emergence in the West Ham United first team this season after a brilliant breakthrough in the last campaign.

The England Under-21 attacker - he made his debut at that level in Tuesday's goalless draw in the Netherlands - could even start against Wolverhampton Wanderers this afternoon after impressing in pre-season. Stanislas, still only 19, scored two goals in nine appearances in the second half of the 2008/09 campaign.

Stanislas is fired up to get going again and may even be up against a familiar foe as Wolves have just signed his international team-mate Michael Mancienne on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

"It will be a good clash if we can both play," said Stanislas. "I am not sure where he will play, he can play centre-back or right-back. I have played against him when he was at Chelsea.

"We had a good week with England, he's a good lad and it would be great for us both to be on the pitch on Saturday with us winning of course. We're looking forward to it all starting now, we've worked hard all pre-season and it will be good for the season to begin."

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We've got your number
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 14th August 2009
By: Staff Writer

Herita Ilunga will wear the number 23 shirt for the first time against Wolves tomorrow afternoon. The Congolese defender - who wore the number three shirt last season - has been granted his wish to wear the vacant number 23 last worn by Jimmy Walker, who was released by the club at the end of last season. Other players set to feature in new numbers for the first time tomorrow include Luis Jimenez (17), Frank Nouble (24) and Peter Kurucz (28).

The full list of squad numbers for 2009/10 are as follows:

1. Robert Green
4. Danny Gabbidon
7. Kieron Dyer
8. Scott Parker
9. Dean Ashton
10. Savio Nsereko
12. Carlton Cole
13. Luis Boa Morte
14. Radoslav Kovac
15. Matthew Upson
16. Mark Noble
17. Luis Jimenez
18. Jonathan Spector
19. James Collins
20. Julien Faubert
21. Valon Behrami
23. Herita Ilunga
24. Frank Nouble
28. Peter Kurucz
29. Marek Stech
30. James Tomkins
31. Jack Collison
33. Fabio Daprela
35. Josh Payne
41. Zavon Hines
44. Bondz N'Gala
45. Jordan Spence
46. Junior Stanislas

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Sling your hook
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 14th August 2009
By: Staff Writer

Millwall's allocation for this month's Carling Cup second round tie has been restricted to just 1,500 by the Football League. The League One minnows were disappointed to learn that their expected allocation of around 3,500 had been effectively halved - leading to numerous complaints from fans of the Lions who had been hoping to see their team play Premier League opposition.
Despite the news, many supporters have insisted that they will still travel to the game - something which the Met Police, who were no doubt horrified when the fixture was drawn from the hat, have already acknowledged. In a statement given to the South London Press, they said: "The MPS has a great deal of experience in policing high profile football matches in London. We will continue to liaise with both clubs and an appropriate policing plan will be in place for the match."

Lions MD Andy Ambler - who effectively wrote Gianfranco Zola's team talk for the game earlier this week when he claimed that West Ham's players will not be looking forward to the fixture - moved to distance himself from any potential trouble whilst washing his hands of any responsibility for the behaviour of his own club's supporters when he added: "Our concern is that a large number of Lions fans without tickets for the Millwall section will travel the short distance to Upton Park in any case and attempt to see the game any way they can. "It would seem to us to be far more sensible to give as many Millwall supporters the chance to watch the match safely and securely within the visitors' section at the ground."

West Ham had initially earmarked the entire lower tier of the Trevor Brooking stand for Millwall supporters before the Football League intervened on the grounds on safety.

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Kovac on return
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 14th August 2009
By: Staff Writer

Czech international Radoslav Kovac has been speaking about his return to West Ham United. The 29-year-old midfielder this week sealed a return to East London, a deal that has today been confirmed by United following completion of the necessary paperwork. Kovac - who is understood to have cost the Hammers around £2million - has signed a three-year contract and could be included in the squad to face Wolves tomorrow, should his transfer be given international clearance in time.
Talking about his return to the UK earlier in the week, Kovac told deniksport.blesk.cz: "I really hoped to return despite having other offers. I was aware that West Ham have financial troubles and I expected that it would be very difficult. Therefore I am very glad that it ended well. "I had two concrete offers, from Hull and West Ham. I was not dealing with anyone other than West Ham, I only know that Hull manager Phil Brown was interested. But I decided to sign for West Ham."
Kovac - who is hoping to bring his family to London with him having secured a permanent deal - also revealed that the Hammers had initially attempted to sign him on loan once again - something that, with his 30th birthday approaching, he felt unable to agree to. "I wanted a full contract as a loan would not solve anything for me," he added. "The club wanted to take me on a one year loan, but it was not acceptable for me. I wanted a full contract as I will be 30 soon. "We agreed on three years in the end and I can only repeat that I am delighted. I'm going somewhere where I know the manager and director wants me plus I have already spent four months there, which makes everything much more simple. Everything spoke for West Ham."
Kovac - whose only goal for the Hammers last season, a 30-yard screamer at Everton, was voted by KUMB readers as the Goal of the Season runner-up - also revealed that he is hoping to hit the target more often this coming term. "I have a quite interesting bonus for scoring five goals in the contract," he revealed. "If I manage to reach this, it would be fantastic! "There are a lot of games during the season, so it is realistic. If I was involved in set pieces, I could manage it; I scored five goals in my first season with Spartak Moscow. But it will not be easy, for sure; we will see. "But mainly I would just like to play as much as possible - and I want to enjoy it."

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Upson: a happy Hammer?
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 14th August 2009
By: Staff Writer

Matthew Upson has distanced himself from speculation linking him with a move to Manchester City. The England defender, who is set to succeed Lucas Neill by being named club captain has been linked with a move to the North West since the end of last season. Despite having thus far refused to sign a new contract with the Hammers (his current deal having less than two years left to run) Upson insists that he remains committed to West Ham - without ruling out a transfer window switch. "I've seen some of the speculation about me during the close season but you can't let these things cloud your thinking," he told the Standard. "I'm not instigating any move but sometimes things present themselves without any acknowledgement. "At the moment I'm enjoying playing in a team which is trying to play the right way and I'm improving as a player which is the main thing. The transfer window is still open and if we can tweak a few things, we can have a good season."
However Upson warned that should the club fail to increase the options available to Gianfranco Zola, the Hammers could struggle as the season unfolds. "At the moment, you look at our squad and we're only a couple of injuries away from having a few problems," he added. "Hopefully we have enough time to strengthen the numbers."

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Hammers join Chamakh chase
Bordeaux claim Zola is keen on Morocco striker
By Patrick Haond Last updated: 14th August 2009
SSN

West Ham are reported to have joined the race to sign Marouane Chamakh and have seen their opening bid rejected by Bordeaux. The Morocco international is being tracked by a number of Premier League sides with Arsenal and Sunderland confirming their interest and Blackburn also said to be monitoring the situation. Chamakh has made no secret of his desire to leave the French champions this summer, but as yet no deal has been agreed for his departure. Les Girondins chairman Jean-Louis Triaud claims the Hammers have tabled one 5million euros offer for the striker, which was immediately turned down. Triaud told L'Equipe: "That offer was not acceptable. So it was no. Moreover it is not obvious the player wants to join West Ham."
Reports in the French press claim West Ham could now return with an improved offer for the 25-year-old. Gianfranco Zola has made no secret of his desire to improve his forward options with Luis Boa Morte ruled out until January with a serious knee injury.

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Hammers nail down Kovac
Czech ace signs three-year Upton Park deal
By Vasek Kadlec Last updated: 14th August 2009
SSN

West Ham have completed the signing of Czech Republic international Radoslav Kovac for an undisclosed fee from Spartak Moscow. The 29-year-old spent four months with the Hammers on loan last season, but is now at Upton Park permanently after joining for an undisclosed fee. Kovac, who made nine appearances under Gianfranco Zola last term, has signed a three-year contract with the East London side. It remains to be seen whether he features for West Ham in their season-opener at Wolves this weekend as the club await international clearance. Kovac has confirmed Hull City were also chasing his signature, however he rejected the chance to link up with Phil Brown in East Yorkshire. "I wanted a permanent move, not just a loan," he told deniksport. "A loan would resolve nothing at my age. "It's good that I have experience with West Ham. I must say I'm very happy to be at a club where both the manager and the owner want me." West Ham finished ninth in the table last season and Kovac believes another top-10 finish this time around would be deemed a good campaign. "Anywhere above 10th place would be good," he continued. "I think the club would be content with such a result."

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Zola - Cole's best to come
Hammers boss backs striker's World Cup claims
Last updated: 14th August 2009
SSN

West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola is confident Carlton Cole's best form is still to come and has backed the striker to claim a place in England's World Cup squad.
Cole was the only Hammers player to hit double figures last season and he also forced his way into Fabio Capello's plans, making his debut against Spain in February.
The 25-year-old impressed as a second-half substitute in England's friendly draw with Holland in midweek and Zola expects Cole to continue improving. "He will be massive for us and I'm assuming he'll also be important for England, because the way he played the other day was very encouraging," said Zola. "There's a lot of competition in front of him because up front England are very good, but he looked very good when he came on. "He was really aggressive and I'm sure Capello, who is someone who knows his job very well, is certainly considering him as a serious option. "Carlton Cole knows that this season will be the most important season of his career. "I'm sure he can have a better season than last year. I can tell you I am not anxious to say that, for me, nobody has seen the best of Carlton Cole."
Cole moved to Upton Park from Chelsea three years ago, but has only started to blossom and fulfil his potential since Zola took charge last season. Zola added: "What we have done with him is to try and encourage those qualities and give him confidence and add something to his game. "We worked with him, especially with his finishing. His movements were okay, but we just needed to improve his positivity in front of the goalkeeper, and he's been very good. "Myself and Steve Clarke kept reminding him of the qualities he has got. He just needed to focus a little bit more on scoring and making his game a little bit more effective for the team. "The more he has done that, the more he realised how good he was and found himself being very effective for the team. "He has established positive habits and now he is growing up."

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Zola coy on transfer targets
West Ham boss working on possible deals
Last updated: 14th August 2009
SSN

Gianfranco Zola has welcomed the signing of Czech Republic international Radoslav Kovac but refused to reveal anything about other potential targets. Kovac spent the closing half of last season on loan at Upton Park but secured a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee from Spartak Moscow on Friday. The Italian manager believes that Kovac will become an integral part of his team over the course of his three-year contract. "He's a player that last year did very well for us and he's a good player for us. He's got experience, he's got charisma, good personality and he'll be an important player for us," Zola said. However, the former Chelsea player played his cards very close to his chest when discussing other transfer targets, which are rumoured to include Luca Toni, Eidur Gudjohnsen and Marouane Chamakh. Even though he did not personally reveal any names, Zola admitted that he was working on transfers that would strengthen the Hammers' front-line. "We are working on it (transfers). That is (attack) the part from last year that we need to improve and we are working on it. It's not easy. "I can't give you a percentage (chance of a deal), it is our concern and before the time expires we are going to come up with something. "It is no doubt that we are looking for some striker reinforcement, for me to tell you in detail what we are looking for is not right. We will find some."
Zola also addressed the speculation that West Ham might have to sell defender Matthew Upson in order to finance incoming transfers. He said: "For the moment it is not in our plan (to sell Upson). Hopefully it's not going to happen, we are trying to improve from last year's squad so it shouldn't happen."
Lucas Neill and Dean Ashton have also been linked with moves away from West Ham, but Zola was quick to deflect attention away from the possible departures, instead choosing to focus on Ashton's race for fitness. "Lucas Neill was discussing the (contract) situation with the club, so you have to ask the club about it. It looks like they haven't found an agreement yet and I don't know how it's going to end up, to be honest," the 43-year-old manager said. "Dean Ashton is still waiting. I'll be very excited to have him training with me but, unfortunately, it hasn't happened for the moment. As far as I know, he is still working on his fitness and hopefully he will be OK soon."

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Matthew Upson only has his eyes on Hammers
Ken Dyer
Evening Standard
14.08.09

Matthew Upson may be the subject of speculation linking him with Manchester City but the England defender's thoughts are on West Ham buying, not selling. Joleon Lescott remains City's No1 target but if Everton continue to refuse to do business then the Eastlands club are likely to step up their efforts to sign Upson. Unlike Lescott, Upson has not handed in a transfer request and he hopes that the Hammers can strengthen their squad. "I've seen some of the speculation about me during the close season but you can't let these things cloud your thinking," said Upson, who looks certain to be captain at Wolves tomorrow. "I'm not instigating any move but sometimes things present themselves without any acknowledgement. "At the moment I'm enjoying playing in a team which is trying to play the right way and I'm improving as a player which is the main thing. "The transfer window is still open and if we can tweak a few things, we can have a good season. At the moment, though, you look at our squad and we're only a couple of injuries away from having a few problems. "Hopefully we have enough time to strengthen the numbers."
The 30-year-old, who hopes to play at next summer's World Cup, added: "For me, it's the biggest season of my life. I'm in good shape and I'm ready for it."

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West Ham United Bid For Bordeaux Striker Marouane Chamakh Rejected
The French league champions have confirmed they have received a bid from the Hammers...
14 Aug 2009 10:39:48

Girondins de Bordeaux have revealed they have rejected a bid for Marouane Chamakh from West Ham United. The Hammers have emerged as potential suitors for the Moroccan striker after Arsenal reportedly ended their interest in signing him earlier this week. West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola is keen to add strikers to his squad as Carlton Cole is his only fit and available senior option, due to injuries to Dean Ashton and Luis Boa Morte. The French Ligue 1 champions have now claimed Zola's club have made an offer of €5 million, which has subsequently been knocked back. "That offer was not acceptable," les Girondins chairman Jean-Louis Triaud told L'Equipe. "So it was no. "Moreover, it is not obvious the player wants to join West Ham."
Chamakh was understood to have had his heart set on a move to the Emirates Stadium, but he is thought to have several other options in England. Sunderland have also expressed an interest in the 25-year-old in the recent past, while Fulham and Blackburn Rovers are said to be monitoring his situation.

Jamie Dunn, Goal.com

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England hopeful Matthew Upson rejects Manchester City talk to focus on future at West HamBy Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 12:08 PM on 14th August 2009
Daily Mail

West Ham captain Matthew Upson is refusing to let renewed speculation linking him with a move away from Upton Park hinder his England aspirations as the defender prepares for the start of a pivotal season. The 30-year-old is focused on landing a spot in Fabio Capello's World Cup party to South Africa next year and insists he is not looking to leave the cash-strapped Barclays Premier League club despite reports linking him with a possible departure to moneybags Manchester City. 'For me, it's the biggest season of my life. I'm in good shape and I'm ready for it,' he said. 'I've seen some of the speculation about me during the close season but you can't let these things cloud your thinking.'
Recent reports suggest that Mark Hughes could swoop for the former Arsenal and Birmingham player if hiss hopes of prising Joleon Lescott from Everton fail to materialise, but Upson insists he is only thinking of his future with the Hammers. 'I'm not instigating any move but sometimes things present themselves without any acknowledgement,' he added. 'At the moment I'm enjoying playing in a team which is trying to play the right way and I'm improving as a player which is the main thing. It has been a frustrating summer in the transfer market for West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola so far, bringing in only two fresh faces so far in Luis Jimenez and former Chelsea youngster Frank Nouble ahead of their season opener at newly promoted Wolves. The Italian is desperate to add to his relatively small squad with a new striker high on his agenda and Upson is hopeful the club can land some new talent before the transfer window slams shut at the end of the month. He said: 'The transfer window is still open and if we can tweak a few things, we can have a good season. 'At the moment, though, you look at our squad and we're only a couple of injuries away from having a few problems.
'Hopefully we have enough time to strengthen the numbers.'

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Birmingham City owners could buy West Ham
14 August 2009 | By James Emmett
SportsPromedia.com

Birmingham City owners David Gold and David Sullivan could bid for West Ham United should Carson Yeung's US$116 million takeover attempt at their own club go through. According to Englsih newspaper 'The Sun' "it would complete a lifelong dream for Gold in particular, who was born a stone's throw from Upton Park and was a youth player with the club." Sullivan and Gold held a 29.9 per cent shareholding in the West Ham during the 1980s. Birmingham City confirmed this week that Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung has revived his attempt to take control of the club. Meanwhile, US billionaire Clark Hunt is rumoured to be interested in taking West Ham United off Icelandic bank Straumur's hands.

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Millwall angry over tickets for Carling Cup clash with West Ham
Evening Standard
14.08.09

Millwall have complained to the Metropolitan Police over its decision to halve the club's allocation of tickets for their Carling Cup tie with West Ham. The Lions said today they had agreed with the Hammers to have 3000 tickets for the second-round clash at Upton Park on 25 August only for the police to step in. Millwall fear that with fewer tickets available their fans may try to get seats in the West Ham section, creating a potential for crowd trouble. The League One club have written to the police, Football League and West Ham calling for the decision to be reversed. Millwall managing director Andy Ambler said: "It would seem to us to be far more sensible to give as many Millwall supporters the chance to watch the match safely and securely within the visitors' section at the ground."
Meanwhile, Matthew Upson is hoping that the Hammers can strengthen their squad. The defender, who is set to captain the side at Wolves tomorrow, said: "The transfer window is still open and if we can tweak a few things, we can have a good season."

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Sir Geoff Hurst returns to West Ham to launch Sport for All campaign
The England World Cup winner, who netted a hat-trick in the 1966 final against Russia, was at Upton Park to kick-off initiative which aims to get more disabled people involved in sport
The London Paper
by: Philip Duncan
14 August 2009

SIR GEOFF HURST was back at his old stomping ground on Thursday to help kick off the Sport for All campaign. The 1966 World Cup winner returned to Upton Park to lend his support to the initiative, which will train a minimum of 500 community-based sports coaches all over the UK and provide them with an accredited qualification in coaching disabled people. Speaking at the event, Sir Geoff, who played over 400 games for the Hammers, netting 180 goals said: "Sport has been a big part of my life and there is no reason why disabled athletes cannot get as much out of it as I did." He added: "With the Olympics coming up and Paralympics you can see just what people can achieve. To get 500 people to become coaches and work in the community to help more people get more out of sport would be great."

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If they were a band...West Ham United
Sport.co.uk
Author: Jonny Abrams
Posted on:14 August 2009 - 14:45

West Ham United

IN: Radoslav Kovac (Spartak Moscow, £3.25m), Fabio Daprela (Grasshopper Club Zurich, undisclosed), Luis Jimenez (Inter Milan, loan)

OUT: Walter Lopez (Brescia, free), Diego Tristan (Cadiz, free), Lee Bowyer (Birmingham, free), Kyel Reid (Sheffield United, free), Tony Stokes (Ujpest FC, free), Freddie Sears (Crystal Palace, loan), Lucas Neill (released), Jimmy Walker (released)

Hopes: That Dean Ashton cannot possibly get any more injured. That Man City keep their filthy mitts off Matthew Upson. That Mark Noble can recapture his best form. That James Tomkins, Jack Collison and Savio aren't over-relied upon at such early stages in their careers.

Fears: David Di Michele.

Player to watch: James Tomkins – while he shouldn't be overburdened with expectation and responsibility, Tomkins is a fine centre-back in the making.

New kid on the block: Luis Jimenez – Gianfranco Zola has stated his belief that the on-loan Chilean playmaker can weigh in with a strong goals return and, for a team who scored only 42 times in the league last season, this would be a dab hand.

Sport.co.uk Prediction: 9th – a third successive top ten finish is not to be sniffed at, but they lack the squad depth to reach those European spots.

What you would expect to hear from a fan? "Yeah, he's a cracking young player. Wonder how much we'll flog him for."

If they were a band they would be? Travis – pretty enough, but not really going anywhere.

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Hammers bid for Chamakh snubbed
442 Staff - 24 minutes ago
FourFourTwo.com

West Ham United have reportedly had an offer for in-demand Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh rejected by the Ligue 1 club. The Moroccan international, who has netted 15 times for his country, has been linked with a move to the Premier League throughout the close-season. His 13 goals last term helped secure a first league title in 10 years for les Girondins, but Chamakh has made no secret of his desire to leave the Stade Chaban Delmas. He has previously claimed to have agreed terms with Sunderland, Fulham, Blackburn Rovers and Tottenham Hotspur, while Arsenal are now believed to have withdrawn their interest in the striker after refusing to up their offer of £5 million. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola has already been linked with several high-profile forwards this summer, including Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen, Inter Milan's Mario Balotelli and Bayern Munich talisman Luca Toni, as he bids to bolster his front-line. But, according to L'Equipe, the Italian's opening offer for Chamakh has been turned down by the French champions. While Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud has indicated that the striker may not be interested in joining the Upton Park outfit, with the Moroccan having had his heart set on a switch to the Emirates Stadium. "That offer was not acceptable. So it was no," he said. "Moreover it is not obvious the player wants to join West Ham."

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Upson assures West Ham fans he's staying
14.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

Matthew Upson has assured West Ham United fans he's staying. "I've seen some of the speculation about me during the close season but you can't let these things cloud your thinking," said Upson, who looks certain to be captain at Wolves tomorrow, in the London Evening Standard. "I'm not instigating any move but sometimes things present themselves without any acknowledgement. "At the moment I'm enjoying playing in a team which is trying to play the right way and I'm improving as a player which is the main thing. "The transfer window is still open and if we can tweak a few things, we can have a good season. At the moment, though, you look at our squad and we're only a couple of injuries away from having a few problems. "Hopefully we have enough time to strengthen the numbers."

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Bordeaux reveal failed West Ham bid for Chamakh
14.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud has confirmed they've turned down an offer from West Ham for Marouane Chamakh. Triaud told L'Equipe: "That offer was not acceptable. So it was no. Moreover it is not obvious the player wants to join West Ham." Reports in the French press claim West Ham could now return with an improved offer for the 25-year-old. Gianfranco Zola has made no secret of his desire to improve his forward options with Luis Boa Morte ruled out until January with a serious knee injury.

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Sunderland hope to sign Neill today
14.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

Former West Ham captain Lucas Neill is expected to sign for Sunderland today. The Mirror says the Black Cats are also hopeful Neill will choose them rather than re-commit to Hammers, with sources close to the Australian saying he is due to decide on his future today. Neill was left out of Australia's friendly win in Ireland this week over concerns he may be injured before landing a new Premiership contract.

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