WHUFC.com
With two weeks left before he reports for pre-season training, Luis Boa
Morte is making sure he is in tip-top condition
20.06.2010
Luis Boa Morte will be a more than interested observer when Portugal take on
North Korea on Monday lunchtime. The West Ham United attacker is back in
Lisbon preparing for the start of pre-season. Although he has been keeping
himself ticking over for the start of training, he has also found time to
keep an eye on his country's fortunes in South Africa. A veteran of the 2006
finals, Boa Morte is hoping Portugal can at least emulate their run to the
semi-finals of four years ago. They began with a 0-0 draw against Ivory
Coast last week and will know that group favourites Brazil lie in wait in
Durban next Friday. Before all of that is the challenge of North Korea, who
lost 2-1 to the Brazilians last time out, in Cape Town. "We know that Brazil
would be the main team in the the group and everyone expects the second
place will be between Portugal and Ivory Coast," Boa Morte told whufc.com.
"After the first games, we have seen that North Korea are a solid team and
are happy to fight from the first to the last minute. It will be a really
interesting game. Portugal have good players so hope we can be too strong
for them."
Boa Morte has enjoyed being in his homeland this summer but is looking
forward to getting back to London and down to business - especially with the
new fixtures out and having just agreed a new two-year contract. "It is
always nice to be back in Portugal," he said. "I spent a big part of last
season there working on my rehab because of the injury as well but I would
rather have been at the club. Of course it is always good to go home and
spend time with the family but I have to work now and I want to work. That
is what I am paid to do."
Looking to the 2010/11 campaign, he said it looked a "tough start" but said
that everyone would be confident of the club holding their own. He is
particularly intrigued by the prospect of going to old club Fulham on Boxing
Day. Click here for all the new fixtures. "It is good for everyone to be in
London over Christmas. The fans can spend more time with the family but we
have a job to do and a match to win. It is a special derby for me and I am
looking forward to that."
Boa Morte is also excited by the prospect of teaming up with new signing
Thomas Hitzlsperger, the club's first recruit of a busy summer. "I played a
few times against Thomas. He is definitely a good player and he is one more
to come in and help the team achieve our targets. "I know everyone will make
him feel welcome like the club did when I signed. We have a good atmosphere
in the squad and he is one of us now. I am looking forward to meeting him."
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Behrami fit for Chile
WHUFC.com
Valon Behrami is in contention for Switzerland's second FIFA World Cup
fixture on Monday
19.06.2010
Valon Behrami will be fit for Switzerland's second FIFA World Cup Group H
fixture against Chile on Monday. With the club's England duo Robert Green
and Matthew Upson unfortunate to be overlooked for England's dour display
against Algeria on Friday night, the Hammers focus at the finals will turn
to the Swiss' second game. Their team doctor Cuno Wetzel has confirmed
Behrami has recovered from the groin muscle problem he picked up in the 1-1
warm-up draw with Italy in Geneva on 5 June. The injury ruled the midfielder
out of Switzerland's shock 1-0 win over European champions Spain in Durban
on Wednesday afternoon, but the 25-year-old is back in full training and
pushing hard for a place in Ottmar Hitzfeld's starting lineup. "Valon will
be ready for the Chile match," Dr Wetzel confirmed during a news conference
in which he also confirmed that Fulham defender Philippe Senderos would
definitely miss the Chile fixture due to an ankle injury. While Switzerland
are on a high following their surprise victory over the Spanish, Hitzfeld
will be keen to see Behrami and all-time record goalscorer Alex Frei, who
missed the game with an ankle problem, back in contention. The Swiss go into
Monday afternoon's meeting with the impressive South Americans in Port
Elizabeth knowing victory could guarantee their passage to the last 16 for
the second successive World Cup finals. However, Chile will also be full of
confidence after defeating Honduras 1-0 in their opening fixture. England
play their must-win third fixture against Slovenia on Wednesday afternoon,
when Upson will hope to replace the suspended Jamie Carragher, who was the
man to fill in for the injured Ledley King on Friday. Green, who has had
strong backing from Hammers fans, was dropped in favour of David James.
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Summer of 69
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 19th June 2010
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have raised the price of their most expensive tickets to an
incredible £69 each for the 2010/2011 season. Band 1 tickets for the
freshly-introduced category AA matches will be priced at just a quid under
£70, despite many supporters struggling to meet existing ticket prices. The
price applies to both club members and non-members equally. Even a
restricted view seat will cost you £51 from this August - whilst disabled
supporters will have to fork out £25.50 each if they wish to attend the cat
AA games (of which only one is currently scheduled for next season).
Category A matches - formerly the highest band of tickets available - will
cost £64 each for band 1 tickets next season, a slight rise on last term. To
see the full list of ticket prices, click here. By comparison, tickets for
the top category matches at Old Trafford, home of current League Champions
Manchester United cost £49 (North/South stand centre) whilst Europa Cup
finalists Fulham charge £60 for seats in their RIverside stand. By contrast
nearest Premier League neighbours Tottenham, who will be playing Champions
League football next season charge £75 for their Category A West Upper
tickets - although that figure is dwarved by Arsenal's charge of £94 for
Category A's in the Emirates centre upper.
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Aubameyang open to offers
Milan striker linked with West Ham
By Giscard Gourizro Last updated: 19th June 2010
SSN
AC Milan striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has admitted he would be
interested in sealing a switch to the Premier League, although he could also
stay in France after a season-long loan with Lille. The 21-year-old joined
Milan in 2008 but was then immediately loaned out to Dijon in Ligue 2 for
the following campaign. He headed to Lille last summer and is now waiting to
find out whether he will spend a third year in France. Aubameyang has
reportedly attracted attention from Sochaux, although he has also been
linked with a move to West Ham. While the youngster concedes that he has
always dreamed of plying his trade in England, he is keeping his options
open and does not know what will happen before the transfer window closes.
"I would be excited to play in the Premier League like all young players,
but to stay in the French league would also be good," Aubameyang told
skysports.com. "We will see what will happen in the next two weeks."
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Parker pleased with Grant
Midfielder ready for new Hammers regime
Last updated: 20th June 2010
SSN
Scott Parker has indicated he plans to stay at West Ham next season
revealing he is looking forward to working under Avram Grant. Midfielder
Parker was one of West Ham's shining lights last season after a
disappointing campaign which culminated in Gianfranco Zola being sacked
earlier this summer. Grant has taken over at Upton Park and Parker is
relishing the opportunity of playing under the former Chelsea and Portsmouth
boss. "I have not met the new manager yet, but obviously he has impressed
the chairmen with the very good jobs he has done at other clubs," Parker
told the News of the World. "I am looking forward to meeting Avram and
talking to him about his ideas and what he wants to bring to the club."
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Mvuemba seeking Hammers deal
Former Pompey player excited by Grant's interest
Last updated: 19th June 2010
SSN
Lorient midfielder Arnold Mvuemba hopes to secure a free transfer to West
Ham after learning of interest from boss Avram Grant. Mvuemba becomes a free
agent at the end of June and the former France Under 21 international looks
set for a return to England having previously turned out for Portsmouth.
Grant, who was technical director at Fratton Park when Mvuemba was at the
club, has renewed his interest in the player as Hammers boss and the
25-year-old would jump at the chance to join West Ham. Mvuemba said: "I am
not just talking about any club, West Ham is a fantastic club and I like
their manager Avram Grant, he is one of the best managers in the world so if
he shows interest in you, it makes you feel confident. "I love the Premier
League, I want to play there again, I am not afraid of that league, it is
the best league in the world and there are contacts there." The former
Rennes playmaker admits that West Ham are not the only club interested in
his services, but Mvuemba is already eyeing up the prospect of living in
England's capital. He said: "I am a free agent so I will take my time with
my adviser to choose a club, but London would be a great place to live."
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Bolton ahead in Petrov race
Medical for Bulgarian at Reebok
Last updated: 19th June 2010
SSN
Martin Petrov is undergoing a medical with Bolton as they bid to land his
signature, skysports.com understands. A host of clubs are competing to sign
the Bulgarian, who is available on a free transfer after leaving Manchester
City earlier in the summer, but Bolton look to be ahead in the chase.
Everton, Aston Villa and West Ham are also thought to be interested in the
31-year-old - as well as clubs from around Europe - with interest emanating
from France, Germany and Spain. Bolton, though, are hoping to win the race
for his signature and Petrov is open to the idea of a move to the Reebok -
hence the medical he is set to undergo. But despite talks going well, it is
believed Bolton are still some way from convincing Petrov to sign and the
battle to land his signature is very much still on
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West Ham future could slip away from Green
Published 23:00 20/06/10 By John Cross
The Mirror
Blunder keeper Rob Green could be dumped by West Ham to add to his World Cup
misery. Green, 30, is facing an uncertain future at cash-strapped Upton
Park. Boss Avram Grant could even end up replacing him with David James, who
also took his place in the England goal against Algeria last Friday. Owners
David Sullivan and David Gold want to to trim the wage bill and Green is one
of the possible departures, along with Matt Upson who only has 12 months
left on his contract. There have been no concrete bids from English clubs
but German club Schalke have been linked with the keeper.
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HAMMERS TARGET £3M MARVEAUX
News Of The World
By Tom Lawrence, 19/06/2010
WEST HAM are poised to make a £3million move for Rennes' highly-rated winger
Sylvain Marveaux. Marveaux, 24, has been earning rave reviews in France and
has also been attracting interest from Chelsea and Manchester United. The
former France under-21 midfielder has already been compared to Chelsea's
Florent Malouda and is ready to showcase his talents in the Premier League.
West Ham are looking to strengthen their squad and new manager Avram Grant
has money at his disposal during the summer. Swiss international Valon
Behrami is expected to leave Upton Park while Mark Noble has been linked
with moves to Fulham and Stoke. Grant knows he needs to strengthen his wide
midfield positions and hopes Marveaux will follow in the footsteps of Thomas
Hitzlsperger who completed his move to West Ham last week.
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PARKER PLEDGES FUTURE TO HAMMERS
Star man impressed by Grant
News Of The World
By Tom Lawrence, 19/06/2010
WEST HAM midfielder Scott Parker is ready to pledge his long-term future to
the club after being impressed with the plans which Avram Grant has for the
team next season.
Parker, 29, was outstanding for the east London club and it came as no
surprise when he was voted the Player of the Season. Despite the club's
crippling finances, West Ham co-owner David Sullivan revealed he would
listen to any offers for his players - except for Parker. Parker said he
wanted assurances from the club's owners that they would splash the cash
during the summer and has been impressed with the signing of German
international Thomas Hitzlsperger. With more high profile signings to come
in the next few weeks, Parker is ready to end any speculation linking him
with a move away from Upton Park and play another major role for West Ham
next season. Parker said: "I have not met the new manager yet, but obviously
he has impressed the chairmen with the very good jobs he has done at other
clubs. "I'm looking forward to meeting Avram and talking to him about his
ideas and what he wants to bring to the club. I remember playing against
Thomas when he was with Villa and he's got a very good shot on him. He's a
very good addition. "Players like Thomas can only improve us and are the
type we all want to see coming in."
Parker was disappointed to be left out of the England World Cup squad after
coming so close to making it to South Africa. But the talented midfielder
has vowed to put that heartbreak behind him and come back even stronger for
West Ham at the start of the season. He added: "I'll be trying to recharge
my batteries and have some time to relax with my family before preparing to
return for pre-season and get ready for the new season."
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Parker Looking Forward to Working with Avram Grant!
West Ham Till I Die
Scott Parker has been quoted by a number of sources as stating that he is
looking forward to working with Avram Grant. Obviously, this is not
conclusive proof that Scott Parker will to stay at the club. However, it is
a good indicator that he is reconciled to the new managerial regime and
looking towards next season.
Personally, I think that, after his relatively difficult time at Chelski and
Newcastle Utd, Parker has found a suitable stage at Upton Park upon which
to play his football. Certainly, Parker's form last season was probably the
best of his career.
Further stories emerged today in the media transfer rumour mill. The pick
of these was the newspaper story linking us with a c.£3m bid for the
promising Rennes wide player, Sylvain Marveaux. He is a former French U-21
international and a player that has attracted recent interest from Chelski
and Man Utd. At 24, Marveaux is a good age and could prove a bargain buy
for that type of fee.
Another rumour that surfaced over the weekend was that we might compete with
Birmingham City for the signature of Paul Konchesky. It may just be press
speculation, but if true then it could indicate that there is a question
mark over Illunga's future at the club. My preference would be to see a fit
and in-form Illunga competing with Daprela for the left-back spot next
season. However, after his injury wrecked 2009-10 season, I would not be
totally surprised if Illunga sought pastures new in the summer, with perhaps
a possible return to French football. We will have to watch out to see if
there are any further developments on that one?
The signing of players of the age of Hitzsperger, and possibly Marveaux, is
a good sign that Avram Grant will target younger players, rather than those
way past their best. Recent stories about signing some formerly notable
players, in their mid-30s, have been a bit worrying. We really do not need
to once again become a retirement home for players way past their best.
Of course that cannot be a blanket policy, a class player like Riquelme may
be 31, but he can certainly bring something extra to the squad. At the end
of the day, it is all about how much the player has left in the tank and the
individual contribution that they can make in the short-term. In addition,
it must also be recognised that the restructured squad needs experience in
key positions.
Another point of interest is the future of Valon Behrami. There are strong
rumours circulating that Grant may cash-in on him to help strengthen other
positions. This may well be true, but I doubt that Grant would want to lose
a player of Behrami's ability unless it is absolutely necessary.
I certainly do not believe that there is any legitimacy in the recent Mark
Noble to Stoke City rumour. Noble played a key role in West Ham's
successful survival bid in the final third of last season. He amply
demonstrated his combative abilities and his vision and range of passing.
It is time for Mark Noble to push on now as a senior Hammers player. And I
expect it to be in the midfield anchor role, where he can use his tackling
and ability to distribute the ball to best effect. As such, I fully expect
Grant to retain Noble's services next season.
The less said about Friday's evening's debacle in Cape Town the better!
Fabio Capello now needs to show his tactical flexibility and ability to
motivate and deploy his players to achieve an up-turn in performance and
results. In both the 1986 and 1990 WC Finals, Bobby Robson had to rip up
his original tactical and selection plans and try something different to
qualify for the 2nd phase. On both occasions, he listened to his players
and successfully introduced a revised tactical system. Does Capello have
the same ability to listen and adapt his plans? We shall see on Wednesday
afternoon?
Finally, it was interesting to read Sir Trevor Brooking's view that English
football has some truly outstanding prospects at U-16, U-17 and U-19 level.
All things being equal, these are the players that will come through for the
2016 European Championships and the 2018 WC Finals (hopefully staged in
England?). However, Sir Trev was also quoted as expressing some
reservations about the possible strength of our squad for the WC in 2014,
with the probable international retirement of the Lampards, Ferdinands and
Gerrards and their replacement by players, possibly, not of comparable
experience and international class.
I am sure that the likes of Johnston, Young, Milner, Rodwell, Shawcross and
Cahill (as well as hopefully some of West Ham's current youngsters) will
have something to say about that! In adddition, existing England players
such as Lennon, Woolcott, Rooney and Johnson will still be young enough for
selection in 2014. Who knows, perhaps a future England coach will be able
to mould their talents in to an effective team unit that is able to mount a
credible challenge?
After all, to-date, the so-called 'golden generation' have not exactly
delivered for England in the major tournaments, having failed in 2002, 2004,
2006 and 2008. Indeed, 2010 is their last realistic opportunity and whether
they deliver in SA will probably define how we come to view them
historically.
SJ. Chandos.
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