Friday, January 15

West Ham - Breaking News

Breaking: Sky Reports Agreement Reached with Sullivan
January 15th, 2010 - 5:36 pm by Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die

Sky News (not Sky Sports!) have just reported via their City Editor that
West Ham will be sold to David Sullivan over the weekend. The deal is said
to be worth £100 million and agreement has been reached with the bankers who
control the club's debts. It seems from the report that he would be buying
100% of the equity, rather than the 50% which was reported initially. At
least, that was my interpretation of what was said.

I really don't like the sound of this, either. But better Sullivan than
Cellino…

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WHUFC - Statement

West Ham United statement
WHUFC.com
The club will wait for the full findings of an FA Regulatory Commission
15.01.2010

West Ham United are awaiting receipt of the full findings of an FA
Regulatory Commission after being fined as a result of the disturbances
following the Carling Cup match with Millwall on 25 August 2009.

The club have been fined £115,000 for provocative behaviour and pitch
incursion by supporters on the night. The FA Regulatory Commission decided
its penalty after reconvening on Friday morning to hear and consider West
Ham's plea in mitigation, having held a three-day hearing last week. The
club were previously cleared of allegations of racist behaviour and missile
throwing.

The club have 14 days to appeal the finding upon receipt of the Commission's
full written reasons.

Daily WHUFC News - III 15th January 2010

Aston Villa match preview
WHUFC.com
All the early team news ahead of Sunday's Barclays Premier League trip to
Aston Villa
15.01.2010

Barclays Premier League
Aston Villa v West Ham United
Villa Park
Sunday 17 January
1.30pm
Referee: Mike Jones

WHUTV - ALL THE NEWS AND VIEWS, ACTION AND REACTION
+ LIVE AUDIO COMMENTARY

• West Ham United are set to play their first Barclays Premier League game
of 2010 against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday.

• Both sides' first scheduled league games of the new decade - for the
Hammers a home game with Wolverhampton Wanderers and for the Villans a trip
to Wigan Athletic - were postponed due to the wintery weather.

• A Boleyn Ground draw with Chelsea on 20 December, coupled with three
points in the Boxing Day game with Portsmouth, moved the Hammers out of the
bottom three and another maximum on Sunday could move Gianfranco Zola's side
up to 13th in the table.

• This will be the second league meeting between the two sides this season
and West Ham United's second 'return' fixture of 2009/10. The Hammers
secured a dramatic last-minute victory courtesy of Zavon Hines' winner in
the first game at the Boleyn Ground on 4 November.

• In the corresponding game last April, Diego Tristan's late header
cancelled out Emile Heskey's eleventh-minute opener.

• This is the 90th league meeting between the two sides. West Ham have won
32, Aston Villa have won 30 and there have been 27 draws.

Last time out

Sunday 3 January 2009
FA Cup third round
West Ham United 1-2 Arsenal

West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Tomkins, Upson, Daprela, Kovac, Behrami,
Stanislas (Edgar 88), Diamanti, Jimenez, Nouble (Sears 79)
Subs not used: Stech, N'Gala, Da Costa, Payne, Lee
Goal: Diamanti 45

Thursday 14 January 2009
Carling Cup semi-final
Blackburn Rovers 0-1 Aston Villa

Aston Villa: Guzan, Warnock, Cuellar, Dunne, Collins, Downing, Milner,
Ashley Young , Petrov, Heskey (Sidwell 71), Agbonlahor
Subs not used Reo-Coker, Friedel, Luke Young, Carew, Delph, Beye
Goal: Milner 23

Last meeting

The teams last met at the Boleyn Ground at 10 November when substitute Zavon
Hines scored a 93rd-minute winner to secure the Hammers all three points.
Mark Noble had given the home side the lead from the penalty spot just
before half time, before Robert Green saved Ashley Young's spot kick. The
Villa winger made amends soon after with a curling 25-yard effort.

The teams that day were -
West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Da Costa, Upson, Ilunga (Spector 8),
Behrami, Parker, Noble, Collison, Franco, Cole (Hines 32)
Subs not used: Kurucz, Tomkins, Jimenez, Stanislas, Diamanti
Goals: Noble (pen) 45, Hines 90

Aston Villa: Friedel, Beye, Dunne, Collins, Warnock, Sidwell, Ashley Young,
Petrov, Heskey (Reo-Coker 46), Agbonlahor, Carew
Subs not used: Guzan, Luke Young, Shorey, Albrighton, Delph, Delfouneso
Goal: Young 52

Head to head

Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)

4 November 2009 - West Ham United 2-1 Aston Villa
18 April 2009 - Aston Vila 1-1 West Ham United
20 December 2008 - West Ham United 0-1 Aston Villa
11 May 2008 - West Ham United 2-2 Aston Villa
6 October 2007 - Aston Villa 1-0 West Ham United
3 February 2007 - Aston Villa 1-0 West Ham United

Overall record v Aston Villa (all competitions) W 37 D 29 L 34

Next up

West Ham United have a free weekend on January 23/24 following their
elimination from the FA Cup. They are next in action a week on Tuesday when
they travel to Portsmouth for an evening kick-off. Aston Villa have the
return leg of their Carling Cup semi-final at home to Blackburn Rovers on
Tuesday 20 January.

Referee

• Sunday's referee is Mike Jones.

• Jones started refereeing at 15, and is now on his 17th season on the
National List, four as an assistant and thirteen as a referee. 2009/10 is
his second season as a Select Group referee.

• He was appointed to referee the 2009 FA Trophy final between Stevenage
Borough and York City and to referee the 2007 League Two Play-Off final
between Bristol Rovers and Shrewsbury Town, both at Wembley.

• He was the fourth official for the 2004 Carling Cup final between
Middlesbrough and Bolton Wanderers and was also the man in the middle for
the 1997 Conference League Cup final and the 2005 Women's FA Cup final.

• Jones took charge of one West Ham United game last season - the 2-1 home
victory against Stoke City on 28 December 2008.

West Ham United

• Last November's victory over Villa was West Ham United's first in eight
attempts. Their previous maximum came when a Marlon Harewood hat-trick
helped them to a 4-0 win at the Boleyn Ground in September 2005.

• The Hammers have won at Villa Park twice, in 1995 and 2006, since the
inception of the Premier League.

• West Ham's biggest ever away win at Aston Villa came in a Division One
fixture played on 2 April 1927. Vic Watson scored twice, while Stanley
Earle, Joseph Johnson and Jimmy Ruffell also netted in a 5-1 victory for the
Hammers in front of a crowd of 20,000 at Villa Park.

• The Hammers have scored all seven of the penalties they have been awarded
this season, a Barclays Premier League high.

• West Ham have scored 28 goals this season in the league with eleven
different scorers registering. Carlton Cole leads the way (seven), with
Alessandro Diamanti (five) and Guille Franco (three) next in line. Jack
Collison (two), Matthew Upson (two), Junior Stanislas (two), Manuel da
Costa, Mark Noble, Luis Jimenez, Zavon Hines and Radoslav Kovac have also
registered.

• Scott Parker has been booked seven times this season and Guille Franco
five - leading to his suspension against Arsenal. Julien Faubert, Cole and
Mark Noble are each on four yellow cards, but will now not be suspended when
they receive a fifth as the FA disciplinary deadline has passed.

• Only Robert Green has played in every league game for the club this
season. He is on a run of 108 successive league starts.

• Diamanti has had 47 shots on goal this season, with 27 of them hitting the
target, both higher than anyone else at the club.

• Jack Collison has more assists (four) than anyone else, while Mark Noble
has put in the highest number of crosses (19) at the club.

• Matthew Upson has the highest number of defensive clearances (21), while
his central defensive partner James Tomkins has made 17 defensive blocks.

• Green wil celebrate his 30th birthday on Monday.

Aston Villa

• Aston Villa have lost their last two Premier League games - against
Arsenal and Liverpool. Those defeats ended a seven-match unbeaten run which
began after the defeat at the Boleyn Ground.

• They will, however, be high in confidence after a taking a one-goal
advantage in the first leg of the Carling Cup courtesy of victory at
Blackburn Rovers on Thursday evening.

• Ashley Young has won more free-kicks than anyone else in the Premier
League (43).

• Gabriel Agbonlahor is the Villans' top scorer with eight Premier League
goals. The England striker has also had more shots (43) and more shots on
target (32) than any of his team-mates.

• James Milner has the most assists for the club this season (eight).

• Villa's biggest-ever home league victory over West Ham came in Division
One on 25 April 1987. That day, the Villans ran out 4-0 winners at Villa
Park in front of a crowd of just 13,584. Warren Aspinall scored twice, while
Stephen Hunt and Simon Stainrod netted a goal each. Villa would end the
season by being relegated to Division Two.

Team news

• Both managers still have Saturday's training to asses their players' form
and fitness before naming their matchday squads.

• Gianfranco Zola could recall key first-team players for Sunday's match.
Guille Franco returns from his one-match suspension, while the likes of
Scott Parker, Mark Noble, Jack Collison and Herita Ilunga could be involved
after missing the FA Cup defeat by Arsenal.

• Fabio Daprela, who impressed greatly on his first-team debut at left-back
against Arsenal last weekend, will be eager to be involved again.

• Danny Gabbidon and Kieron Dyer are both likely to miss out as they are
still recovering from their hamstring injuries.

• Freddie Sears could make his first Barclays Premier League appearance of
the season after his return from a loan spell at Crystal Palace.

• Long-term absentees Luis Boa Morte (knee) and Calum Davenport (leg) are
also definitely unavailable.

• Carlton Cole is making good progress from his knee injury and is aiming
for a late January return.

• Aston Villa team news to follow.

Old boys

• James Collins will be facing West Ham United for the second time since
leaving the Boleyn Ground in the summer. The central defender left swapped
London for Birmingham on 1 September for an undisclosed fee after making 65
appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals.

• Carlton Cole will be playing against the team where he spent the 2004/05
season on loan. Cole scored three goals in 30 league and cup appearances (20
starts) for Villa.
• Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker spent three-and-a-half seasons at
West Ham. The former MK Dons player made 142 appearances for the Hammers,
scoring eleven goals, before making the switch to Villa in the summer of
2007 for a £7.5m fee.

• Among the other players who have represented both clubs are Billy Askew,
Alan Curbishley, Mervyn Day, Marlon Harewood, Ray Houghton, David James,
Fred Norris, Tony Scott, Les Sealey, Nolberto Solano, Tommy Southren, David
Unsworth and Phil Woosnam.

General information

• For ticket information, click here.

• Saturday's weather forecast is for a bright day with some clouds in
Birmingham, with a top temperature of 7C.

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Aston Villa v West Ham
BBC.co.uk
Sunday, 17 January 2010
Premier League
Barclays Premier League
Venue: Villa Park Date: Sunday, 17 January 2010 Kick-off: 1330 GMT
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live, local radio, live on Sky
Sports 1 & highlights on Match of the Day 2


TEAM NEWS
Aston Villa could revert to the line-up that started their last league game
against Liverpool, having made changes for the two cup ties against
Blackburn. That would mean recalls for Brad Friedel, Luke Young and John
Carew.

West Ham do not have any senior strikers available after Guillermo Franco
suffered an injury in training. Freddie Sears could make his first Premier
League start of the season, while Scott Parker, Danny Gabbidon and Mark
Noble hope to be involved.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Aston Villa

Suspended: None Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Bouma (toe), Davies (shoulder), Salifou (leave of
absence)

West Ham

Suspended: None

Doubtful: Gabbidon, Noble & Parker (all hamstring)

Injured: Boa Morte, Cole & Hines (all knee), Davenport (leg), Dyer & Ilunga
(both hamstring), Franco (unspecified)

MATCH PREVIEW
Aston Villa are closing in on some precious silverware but the holy grail
remains Champions League qualification. Successive league defeats have
quelled Villa's quest for a top-four finish and they cannot afford to be
sidetracked by the prospect of a Wembley final in the Carling Cup, having
overcome Blackburn 1-0 in Thursday's semi-final first leg.

West Ham's priority this season is simply one of survival. Since winning in
the West Midlands on the opening day of the season, against Wolves, they
have only managed three more league victories. One of those was against
Villa in November, when Zavon Hines scored the decisive goal in stoppage
time. The Hammers could start the match in the bottom three if results go
against them on Saturday but their precarious position has not deterred
potential suitors from taking over the club. Reports in Italy are suggesting
that Massimo Chellino, the president of Italian club Cagliari, has agreed a
deal to become West Ham's new owner.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

• West Ham have won only one of their last 12 visits to Villa Park (W1, D6,
L5). That was in January 2006 when Marlon Harewood scored the decisive
penalty in a 2-1 Premier League victory.

• Villa lost to West Ham for the first time in seven matches in November's
reverse fixture.

606: DEBATE
Have your say on this match
Aston Villa

• Villa have won seven of their last nine games in all competitions.

• They have conceded 18 goals in 20 league matches - only Chelsea have a
better record.

• They are three points worse off after 20 games than at the same stage last
season.

• Villa have only won four of their 10 matches against bottom-half
opposition this season, losing to Blackburn, Wigan and West Ham.

West Ham

• The Hammers have only won one of their last six league games, mustering
just four points in that period.

• It is 13 months since they last came from behind to win a league match - a
2-1 home victory against Stoke in December 2008.

• Alessandro Diamanti has scored four goals in five matches.

LEADING GOALSCORERS

Aston Villa

Agbonlahor: 9 goals (8 league); Milner: 7 goals (4 league)

West Ham

Cole: 7 goals (7 league); Diamanti: 6 goals (5 league)

MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Mike Jones

Assistant referees: Scott Ledger & Stephen Child

Fourth official: Howard Webb

LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
Aston Villa (L0-1 v Liverpool, h): Friedel; L Young, Cuellar, Dunne,
Warnock, Milner, Reo-Coker (Albrighton 72), Petrov, Downing (Sidwell 80),
Agbonlahor, Carew. Subs not used: Guzan, Delph, Delfouneso, Beye, Collins.

West Ham (L0-2 v Tottenham, a): Green; Faubert, Tomkins, Upson, Ilunga
(Spector 19), Collison (Stanislas 79), Behrami, Kovac, Parker (Jimenez 12),
Diamanti, Franco. Subs not used: Stech, Da Costa, Nouble, Payne.

MOST RECENT MEETING

West Ham 2-1 Aston Villa (4 November 2009)

West Ham scorers: Noble 45 pen, Hines 90.

Aston Villa scorer: A Young 52.

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Cellino: no comment
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 15th January 2010
By: Staff Writer

Massimo Cellino has once again refused to be drawn on his proposed bid for
West Ham United, despite further reports emanating from Italy claiming that
he has won the race for control of the club. calciomercato.com, who
prematurely reported that Cellino had purchased the club yesterday morning
are once again stating that the Cagliari chairman remains poised to claim
victory with him awaiting 'official agreement ... from banks', adding that
only a last-minute hitch will prevent the deal from completing. Not to be
outdone, SkySports Italia reported that they had spoken with Cellino this
morning, who is reported to have told them: "I'll speak only when it's
official." Despite these fresh claims from Italy the Intermarket-led
consortium, comprised of a number of wealthy Irons supporters, remain
confident that they will win the race to wrestle control of West Ham from
current owners CB Holdings. It is thought that an announcement could be made
as early as this afternoon.

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Aston Villa v West Ham preview
Davies not ready for hosts while Hammers face injury crisis
By Richard Bailey Last updated: 15th January 2010
SSN

LIVE ON SKY SPORTS
Aston Villa v West Ham
1.00pm, Sun, Sky Sports HD1, Sky Sports 1 and online with Sky Player

PREDICTIONS

skysports.com prediction: Aston Villa 2 West Ham 0
Sky Bet odds: Aston Villa 4/7 Draw 11/4 West Ham 11/2
One to watch: James Milner

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola may struggle to name a starting XI when he
takes his side to face Aston Villa on Sunday. The Hammers have up to 10
first-team players in the treatment room and with the club's poor finances
restricting Zola's attempts to sign reinforcements the Londoners find
themselves up against it before a ball has been kicked.
West Ham currently lie just outside the drop zone with one win in their last
six games, although a credible 1-1 draw at home to Chelsea occurred in the
midst of that run.
Meanwhile, Villa will be buoyed by their 1-0 victory over Blackburn in the
Carling Cup semi-final first-leg on Thursday, although Zola will be hoping a
few of Martin O'Neill's men will still be feeling the exertions from Ewood
Park on Sunday. The Midlanders currently sit nicely in sixth, three points
off Manchester City in fourth, despite losing their last two Premier League
games, against Arsenal and Liverpool. However, O'Neill will know his side
must start picking up maximum points in the coming weeks if they are to
maintain their challenge for the final UEFA Champions League place, with
three of City's next four league games coming against teams currently
occupying the relegation places.

Team news
Defender Wilfred Bouma is still out with an ankle injury having not played
in the last 18 months. It is hoped the Dutchman will return to full training
next week. Fellow defender Curtis Davies has fully recovered from the
shoulder problem that has kept him sidelined since August but the game
against the Hammers may have come too soon for the 24-year-old. Brad Friedel
should return in net having dropped to the bench for the League Cup tie
against his former club Blackburn with Brad Guzan starting in goal.

Scott Parker, Mark Noble and Herita Ilunga are all struggling to be fit for
the Hammers with the trio all suffering with hamstring injuries. Zola will
be extra cautious with Parker having risked the midfielder at Tottenham last
month only for the 29-year-old to limp off after just 12 minutes with Ilunga
following seven minutes later. Striker Guillermo Franco is the latest to be
sidelined with a hamstring problem limiting Zola's options up front with
Carlton Cole (knee) not expected back until next weekend. Defender Danny
Gabbidon, yet another player with hamstring problems, may return but the
club remain unsure as to when midfielder Kieron Dyer (hamstring), forward
Zavon Hines (knee) and stabbing victim Calum Davenport will next feature.
Meanwhile, winger Luis Boa Morte is another long-term casualty with the
Portuguese ace out for the season with knee damage.

Possible starting XIs
Aston Villa: Friedel, Warnock, Dunne, Collins, Cuellar, Milner, Petrov,
Downing, Young, Agbonlahor, Heskey.

West Ham: Green, Upson, Tomkins, Kovac, Daprela, Behrami, Stanislas,
Jimenez, Faubert, Diamanti, Nouble.

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West Ham United Midfielder Kieron Dyer Pondering Retirement
Injury-plagued Hammer considering hanging up playing boots.
Jan 15, 2010 11:43:00 AM

West Ham United midfielder Kieron Dyer, 31, could be about to retire from
football, if a report in The Mirror is to be believed. Dyer, formerly of
Newcastle United and Ipswich Town, signed for current club West Ham in 2007,
but has mustered just 18 appearances as a spate of injuries has prevented
him from making a sustained run in the Irons' first-team. Dyer was last seen
in Hammers colours in the middle of December, but was withdrawn from action
after just 20 minutes of the 1-1 draw with Bolton Wanderers.
Prior to that, he struck twice in a reserve game against Stoke City, later
revealing that his problematic hamstring "felt good"; however, it is this
recurring issue that is said to have sidelined him once more. According to
The Mirror, at least one club had contacted the Boleyn Ground outfit with
the intention of taking Dyer on loan for the rest of the season. They were
turned away though as the player was deemed to be pondering his future.
Dyer's Hammers career began with an horrific injury as he suffered a double
fracture of the right leg, and the England international has since been
jinxed with a succession of hamstring injuries. Should he permanently retire
from playing, then he will become the second star from Upton Park to call
the curtain down on his career this season. Dean Ashton, 26, also retired
last month after he was unable to recover from a long-term ankle problem.

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WEST HAM: 'Jiminez could leave', admits Nani
11:29am Friday 15th January 2010
Guardian Series

WEST HAM midfielder Luis Jiminez could be offloaded in the January transfer
window after the club's sporting director Gianluca Nani admitted the
Chilean's time at Upton Park may be up. Jiminez has failed to impress since
arriving in east London last summer, and reports in Italian newspaper
Itasportpress.it suggest Italian sides Catania, Chievo and Parma are all
interested. The newspaper quoted Nani as saying: "There is a possibility
that Jiminez could leave our club."

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Keane rubbishes Dyer link
CARL MARSTON
Last updated: 15/01/2010 11:00:00
GreenUn24

IPSWICH Town boss Roy Keane has rubbished rumours linking Kieron Dyer with a
return to his old club. Midfielder Dyer, whose career has been ravaged by
injuries in recent seasons, left Portman Road in the summer of 1999 to join
Newcastle for £6m. The 31-year-old moved on to West Ham for another £6m fee,
but has only started five league games in the last two-and-a-half years for
the Hammers, due to injuries. "It's utter rubbish," insisted Keane, with
reference to Town being linked with Dyer. "He's still injured, isn't he?
Kieron Dyer is not a player that I'm interested in, at this moment in time.
"If we were interested in a player, then we'd contact the club."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - II 15th January 2010

West Ham's Italian suitor faces scrutiny
Fit and proper person test could pose threat to Cagliari president's bid to
buy club
By Sam Wallace and Mark Fleming
Independent.co.uk
Friday, 15 January 2010

Massimo Cellino (back row, centre) has emerged as one of the leading bidders
for West Ham, though he will have to pass the Premier League's fit and
proper person test
The Italian tycoon Massimo Cellino, who is bidding to take control of West
Ham United, will have to prove to the Premier League that his complicated
past, in which he has been at the centre of a major legal case in Italy,
does not preclude him from owning the club.

Cellino, already the outspoken president of the Serie A club Cagliari, will
have to pass the league's "fit and proper person test" if he is to be
allowed to buy West Ham having been identified as one of the frontrunners in
a four-way race. A controversial figure in Italy, his position will depend
on the league's interpretation of Italian law and its dealings with Cellino.

Between 1996 and 2000, Cellino and his sister Lucina fought a high-profile
case against charges that they defrauded the European Union over a contract
to ship grain to developing countries. Cellino, and other directors of his
company SEM Molini Sardi, were accused of using EU finance to acquire
low-quality grain and profiting from the difference.

The case ended in 2000 with what is known as a "patteggiare", effectively a
plea bargain. Under Italian law, however, the plea bargain is not always an
admission of guilt. The complex nature of the trial's conclusion would mean
that the Premier League would have to seek legal advice to decide whether
Cellino still met its criteria.

In the Premier League's rules for directors, which also apply to owners of
clubs, it is forbidden for an owner to have a conviction from a court in the
UK or abroad for "any offence involving any act which would reasonably be
considered to be dishonest".

The league's executive has come under public pressure to take a more
forthright stance on the suitability of owners after the debacle at
Portsmouth. It has never publicly admitted blocking an ownership bid
although there were doubts over whether Thaksin Shinawatra would have passed
the test at Manchester City before he sold to Sheikh Mansour.

Cellino has owned Cagliari since 1992 but lives in Miami where he describes
himself as a property developer. Cellino brought Gianfranco Zola back to his
native Sardinia to play for the club in 2003 although the two men are not
thought to have always seen eye-to-eye during Zola's two seasons there.
There is a strong possibility that Cellino would sack Zola should he take
over at West Ham. As Cagliari owner he has got through 22 different coaches,
some more than once, in 18 years.

West Ham have also been the subject of interest from the former Birmingham
City owners David Gold and David Sullivan, the Malaysian entrepreneur Tony
Fernandes and the Intermarket Group. West Ham are owned by CB Holdings whose
majority shareholder is Straumur bank, the key creditor to former owner
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson. CB Holdings value West Ham at around £120m, with the
new owner expected to take on £30m-£40m of the debt within that figure.

22

The number of coaches the Cagliari president Massimo Cellino has appointed.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 15th January 2010

Villa ticket update
WHUFC.com
Fans still have a chance to secure their seat for Sunday's Barclays Premier
League trip to Villa Park
14.01.2010

Tickets for West Ham United's first Barclays Premier League fixture of 2010
are still available. The Hammers travel to Aston Villa for what should be an
entertaining game on Sunday 17 January, with kick-off at 1.30pm. Gianfranco
Zola and his team will be looking to repeat the performance that earned them
a 2-1 victory at the Boleyn Ground when the two teams last met in November.
A win for West Ham this weekend could lift them to 13th in the table.

A number of tickets remain for purchase in person at the West Stand ticket
office. However, these will be returned to Aston Villa at close of business
- 1pm - on Saturday 16 January. After this time, at least 800 tickets will
be made available on the day from the away ticket kiosk on the corner of the
Doug Ellis Stand and North Stand at Villa Park.

Tickets prices are as follows:
*£38 for adults
*£34 for valid NUS card holders and members of the Armed Forces
*£29 for 17-21 year olds,
*£28 for over-65s
*£23 for under-16s

Supporters who are eligible for a concession ticket are advised to bring
identification to this fixture for validation. For organised club travel
information or ticket and membership queries please contact our customer
service team by calling 0871 222 2700 and selecting Option 3.

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Sears on the spot
WHUFC.com
Freddie Sears is back among the goals as he looks forward to a Premier
League return
14.01.2010

Freddie Sears is looking forward to Aston Villa on Sunday after marking his
first start since returning to West Ham United with two goals in the
reserves. The 20-year converted two second-half spot-kicks against Arsenal
in mid-week, one of which he won, to cancel out Jay-Emmanuel Thomas'
quick-fire first-half brace. Unfortunately for Sears and his team-mates,
Thomas was to go on to complete his hat-trick as the Gunners ran out 4-2
winners but the goals will have given the striker a boost ahead of the trip
to Villa Park.

"It was good game," he said. "Every time West Ham play Arsenal it is a big
game, whether it's reserves, youth or first team. I think we gave it a good
go. We went 2-0 down and then we got level and it was then disappointing to
let them get the other two goals. Before that happened I thought we had a
chance of going on and nicking it but it just didn't happen for us."

Sears had to twice face Vito Mannone in the Arsenal goal from 12 yards and
twice he came out on top by placing one spot-kick hard and low into each
corner. "It's more mind games for you and the 'keeper - you've been one way
and are you going to go the other? I remember Frank Lampard had three
penalties here and they were all different so I thought I'd change it up a
bit and luckily it went well."

Sears will have been as surprised as many when he saw who was going to be
marking him at the Boleyn Ground as Sol Campbell made a shock return for the
Gunners. The England Under-21 international, who has been handed the No19
shirt upon his return after a six-month loan at Crystal Palace, gave as good
as he got in the duel and was pleased to test himself against the former
England international. "It was good. Before the game, we heard Sol Campbell
was involved and it got us up for it a bit more. I think it got the crowd up
for it and the cameras were on us. He's a quality player and he gave Arsenal
a lot of experience."

Despite enjoying his temporary time at Palace, the striker is glad to be
back at Chadwell Heath and feels that he has taken a lot from his temporary
spell in south London.
"When you go out you go out to play games, it grows you up a bit. When
you've been at West Ham all your life to go somewhere else is difficult and
everything changes. It's really good and you come back a different player.
You feel more confident in and around the team and it's just good. It's
great to back and spirits are high at the minute."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fry causing a stir
WHUFC.com
Matt Fry has been widely praised for his performances on loan at League One
side Gillingham
14.01.2010

Defender Matt Fry was back at the Boleyn Ground this week to cheer on his
West Ham United team-mates in their Barclays Premier League South fixture
against Arsenal.
The 19-year-old, a regular in Alex Dyer's squad last season, has spent the
past three months on loan at League One side Gillingham. Fry has been in
superb form for Mark Stimson's side, earning rave reviews for his strong
displays from his manager, team-mates and supporters alike. In turn, the
centre-back has relished the opportunity to play regularly at the
Priestfield Stadium. "I've thoroughly enjoyed going out and playing
first-team football," the youngster told WHUTV. "It's what every young
player wants to do, and the manager at Gillingham has given me that
opportunity. "Playing reserve-team football is good, but when you go out and
you get the taste of first-team football, that's what you want to keep
doing. "It's especially nice when you get praise from your manager as it
relaxes you and calms you down a little bit. It was good for me and
definitely helped me settle in. Also, playing on a Saturday and on a Tuesday
has given me a taste of first-team football and what it's all about."

Fry has been ruled out with a knee injury suffered in the 1-1 draw at Exeter
City on 28 December, but hopes to return to action next month. The
first-year professional sees his long-term future at West Ham, but admitted
he would be happy to return to Gillingham to help the club's fight against
relegation to League Two. "I did enjoy going to team that's in a battle
because the games meant a little bit more. It's always nice when the three
points is so special at the end of the day. I'll get myself fit and see
what's happening here. I'd like to go back and play first-team football and
hopefully help Gillingham to climb the table."

To hear Fry's views on the high standard of League One football and his
close relationship with the Gillingham supporters, log on to WHUTV here.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham are treading water and will be sunk without deal
Ken Dyer
14.01.10
Evening Standard

The news that Cagliari president Massimo Cellino has declared a late
interest in bidding for West Ham has muddied the waters still further in the
East End of London. Cellino is a friend of Gianfranco Zola's and known to
West Ham's technical director, fellow Italian Gianluca Nani. With another
serious bidder, Air Asia owner Tony Fernandes, also hot-footing it to London
today for talks, things are shaping up nicely for CB Holdings, the company
which owns West Ham; its major shareholder, Icelandic bank Straumur, and
Rothschilds, the financial institution responsible for negotiating the
potential sale. At the last count there were four offers on the table for
the club - the David Sullivan/David Gold axis; Fernandes, the city-based
Intermarket Group who are hoping to finalise their package by tomorrow and
Cellino. Good news then for Straumur which, understandably, wants to settle
on a figure as close to its £100million asking price as it can. For West
Ham's sake, though, this deal now needs to be finalised as soon as possible
because, until it either happens or not, Upton Park remains in a vacuum.
Zola, an honourable man, has never made an excuse in his life but privately
he must be desperately hoping there will be an end game to this drawn-out
affair, at least by the beginning of next week if not before. At the moment
he has to prepare his squad to meet Aston Villa on Sunday amid a fresh round
of speculation and rumour.
Admittedly, this time Zola may have added to the public uncertainty with the
late entry of Cellino to the race. The two go back a long way. The
53-year-old who has made his money from cereals, has been at Sardinian club
Cagliari since 1992 and it was he who brought Zola back to his homeland from
Chelsea, to finish his playing career and then felt able to resist the
attempts by Roman Abramovich to lure Zola back to Stamford Bridge.
A week ago Zola, in an interview with this newspaper, voiced his anxiety
when he said: "This is out of my control. If I could buy this club, I
would." It now seems he has done the next best thing. If he can't buy West
Ham, he has found a man who can. If Cellino is now Zola's favoured choice,
which is still unclear, the one thing the Sardinian wants above all else is
an early end to this boardroom contest.
January, the month of the winter transfer window, is moving on apace and
West Ham are treading water. The club have consistently maintained they have
no financial need to sell their best players but rumours persist about
Matthew Upson, Scott Parker, Robert Green and, latterly, Alessandro Diamanti
and Valon Behrami. A new owner should be able to come in and halt the
speculation at a stroke. He, or they, should be able to ally supporters'
fears about the team being decimated and even maybe, give them some
much-needed encouragement about signing new ones. The fans are
understandably anxious yet want desperately to believe that all the
uncertainty is nearing its end. In the meantime, the bidders are jockeying
for position, putting their monies where their mouths are. It looks finally,
as though by the beginning of next week, the picture, and the waters, may be
at long last be clearer.
Straumur, although in an enviable position of sitting back and waiting for
the offers to come in, is realistic enough to know there has to be some
clarification soon. The alternative is more uncertainty, more speculation
and, for the fans, more confusion. If West Ham were sitting comfortably in
the Premier League table, that would not be a disaster. When you are
hovering just one place above the bottom three, it could be.

Money men jostling for position as West Ham go under the hammer

David Gold and David Sullivan Former Birmingham City co-owners. Gold played
for the club's youth team.
What's the deal? The pair have offered to buy a 50% stake with future option
to buy the rest.
What does it mean for Zola? Gold and Sullivan (below) bring experience of
running a Premier League club and say they would make transfer money
available, but the club is said to prefer the Fernandes and Cellino bids.
Verdict? Offers a smaller, less glamorous bid than Fernandes but could prove
the most reliable prospect.

Massimo Cellino
President of Serie A side Cagliari. What's the deal?
Fronting a consortium that wants a majority stake in the club, saying it
will cover debt and provide transfer funds.
What does it mean for Zola? Cellino is a friend of his fellow Italian after
signing him for Cagliari in 2003, where Zola finished his playing career.
With links to the club's technical director Gianluca Nani too, Cellino would
make a key boardroom ally.
Verdict? Yet to be seen if this late entrant could be a surprise package.

InterMarket
London-based finance company. What's the deal?
The firm want 100% stake and say they will sign a 10-year commitment to the
club, but are yet to come up with the cash.
What does it mean for Zola? Ostensibly offers a promise of stability for the
manager, but it's unclear where the group will find sufficient funds to
deliver.
Verdict? The only bidder wanting complete ownership, but it seems they are
struggling to get funds together in time.

Tony Fernandes
Malaysian founder of Air Asia and boss of new Lotus F1 team
What's the deal? Fernandes wants a 50 per cent stake with an option to buy
the rest at a later date. There is also talk of a new share issue to provide
extra investment
What does it mean for Zola? The lifelong Hammers fan is keen to help the
manager after holding talks with him on the phone and will stop the sale of
star players.
Verdict? Fernandes (left) appears to have the surest access to funds and is
favoured by West Ham's banks.

Compiled by Rob Hastings

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola set for striker raid
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 14th January 2010
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are running the rule over Belarusian striker Sergei Kornilenko with
view to a loan move. The Zenit forward is surplus to requirements in St.
Petersburg and according to Kornilenko's agent arrived in London last
weekend in order to spend a week on trial at Chadwell Heath. Oleg Artemov,
speaking on behalf of his client told the Russian media: "Kornilenko flew to
London on Friday and very much wants to play in England. He really is a good
option for West Ham. "Now it all depends on Gianfranco Zola. Sergey played
well for Belarus against England [at Wembley] and if all goes well, Zenit
will allow him to leave."
The-26-year-old started his pro career with FC Vitebsk in Belarus' Premier
League before moving to Dinamo Minsk, one of Belarus' largest clubs. After
scoring 23 goals in 45 appearances at the Dinamo Stadion Kornilenko joined
Ukrainian giants Dynamo Kiev, although was off to Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk
within a year after making just nine appearances for Kiev. Three reasonably
successful years with Dnipro (23 goals in 80 games) followed before the 6'1"
international was snapped up by Russian outfit Tom Tomsk in 2007. Less than
a year later he moved from the Siberian city to 2008 UEFA Cup winners Zenit
St Petersburg, but having made just ten appearances for Luciano Spalletti's
side (six of those being as a sub) has been made available for transfer once
again.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lotus boss Tony Fernandes steps up his bid for West Ham
BBC.co.uk

Lotus F1 team boss Tony Fernandes has joined Italian Massimo Cellino as a
front-runner in the race to buy West Ham, BBC Sport understands.
Ex-Birmingham City owners David Gold and David Sullivan and finance company
Intermarket were in the hunt but are now believed to be outsiders. Cellino
is the president of Serie A side Cagliari, where Hammers boss Gianfranco
Zola ended his playing days. He is already in London, with Fernandes set to
fly in before the weekend. Italian journalist Massimo Marianella told BBC
Radio 5 live: "The deal (with Cellino) is not 100%, the Premier League is
now checking his past and the real economic situation. Tony Fernandes is
still a real option."
It is understood West Ham will not engage in any activity in the January
transfer window until the takeover situation is resolved. Sources close to
the east London club have indicated a deal could be completed by the end of
the week. All four interested parties claim to have connections with the
Upton Park outfit, and it could be the £100m asking price is reached. Gold
and Sullivan say they are long-standing Hammers fans and would make money
available for Zola to spend on transfers. Intermarket, which was hit by the
death at the weekend of chief executive officer Jim Bowe, is believed to
have former West Ham striker Tony Cottee as an adviser but must prove it has
the funds to secure a deal. Air Asia founder Fernandes has been a regular at
home matches for many years. Cellino, who was sighted at QPR's home match on
Tuesday, has publicly stated his admiration for former Italian international
Zola, saying: "He left football with the same class he had on the pitch."
But sources in Italy suggest the pair actually have a thorny relationship
and that former Cagliari boss Daniele Arrigoni, a close friend of Cellino,
could be brought in as manager if he wins control of the Hammers. The club
are currently owned by CB Holding, which has indicated West Ham are £38m in
debt. The main shareholder in CB Holding is Icelandic bank Straumur, which
has previously said it is in no hurry to sell the club although that was
before the various bidders became known. Zola has insisted he will not have
to sell his star players in the January transfer window. England goalkeeper
Robert Green, defender Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole have all been linked
with interest from big clubs.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ownership latest
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 15th January 2010
By: Staff Writer

It's been another busy day in the race to buy West Ham United FC - in the
media, at least.

Thursday began with news of Massimo Cellino's arrival on the scene as the
latest interested party and was swiftly followed by reports from Italy
reporting that a deal had been concluded, with calciomercato.com stating
'pending official confirmation, details of the transaction will be announced
in the coming hours'.

However their premature claims were rebuffed later in the day by fellow
Italian media outlets and sources somewhat closer to the deal here in
London. Despite the backtracking from Italy, Cellino is still considered to
be in with a shout, with the BBC claiming the race is now between him and
Malaysian entrepreneur Tony Fernandes.

Fernandes had set tongues wagging earlier in the day when he posted a fresh
update to his now keenly-watched and oft-quoted Twitter page: "In luxembourg
. Paid talk. Then to London tonight. Down to 2 bids for west ham. New owner
needs total control," he said somewhat cryptically, before later adding a
rather less ambiguous: "On my way to london".

But whilst the BBC may be writing off Double Ds Gold & Sullivan tonight, the
Daily Mirror couldn't agree less. Tomorrow morning's edition runs with the
headline 'Sullivan still confident of Hammers takeover despite Cellino
interest', stating that the former Birmingham City owner is confident that
the Italian will pull out of the race once he 'goes through the books and
sees the scale of West Ham's massive £100million debts' (most other sources
appear to agree that the club's debt is closer to £40 million).


All of which leaves Intermarket, who despite having failed to seduce the BBC
or Mirror into backing their bid can at least console themselves with the
fact that in the latest KUMB.com ownership poll, in which readers are asked
to vote for their choice to run the club, they currently lead with 44% of
the vote. The winner of the last poll (conducted a fortnight ago), Tony
Fernandes, trails some way behind in second place with 27% whilst Gold &
Sullivan and Cellino have 24% between them, as it stands.

Intermarket remain confident that they can push through a deal despite the
late interest from Cellino. Having suffered a major setback with the sad
loss of CEO Jim Bowe last weekend it looked as if their ship may have ran
aground, although sources insist that it remains very much on course.

With a final decision by CB Holdings, based upon the advice of Rothschild,
thought to be no more than two to three days away is still said that only
one party, Gold & Sullivan, have readied the necessary funds in preparation
for a successful bid.

The former Birmingham owners are hoping to take a 51% majority share in the
club (which they claim will allow them to invest in the January transfer
window) leaving the creditors of former owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson with
the remaining 49%.

Intermarket, Fernandes and Cellino are thought to favour a full buy-out - as
are the majority of Irons supporters who are desperate to see the end of the
three-year Icelandic era.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Aston Villa v West Ham United: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Aston Villa and
West Ham United at Villa Park on Sunday Jan 17, 2009, kick-off 13.30 GMT.
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Ley
Published: 6:00AM GMT 15 Jan 2010

Sunday, January 17
Aston Villa v West Ham United
Villa Park
Kick-off: 13.30 GMT
TV: Sky Sports 1, Highlights, BBC2 MotD2.

The clash of the clarets sees Villa, sixth, take on struggling West Ham, in
17th place. In this game last season, a Lucas Neill own goal earned Villa
the points but, in November at Upton Park, West Ham won 2-1 thanks to a last
minute goal from Zavon Hines – after Villa had had Habib Beye sent off in
the 85th minute. Villa should recall several players rested for the last
game, the 3-1 FA Cup win over Blackburn, with only Curtis Davies unavailble
through injury. West Ham, though, have problems with Guillermo Franco ruled
out with a muscle strain. He joins Keiron Dyer, Carlton Cole and Luis Boa
Morte on the sidelines.

Aston Villa (probable, 4-4-2): Friedel; L Young, Cuellar, Dunne, Warnock;
Milner, Reo-Coker, Petrov, Downing; Agbonlahor, A Young.
West Ham United (probable, 4-5-1): Green, Faubert, Tomkins, Upson, Daprela;
Behrami, Parker, Kovac, Stanislas, Diamanti; Jiminez.

Referee: Mike Jones. Matches: 9. R1 Y31.

Last season: West Ham 0 Villa 1, Villa 1 West Ham 1.

Stat of the game: Villa have 35 points, three fewer at this stage last
season.

Betting tip: A 2-0 home win comes at 9-2.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Luis Jimenez Attracting Attention In Italy - Report
The former Inter player has several clubs interested in his signature...
Jan 15, 2010 7:47:00 AM

West Ham midfielder Luis Jimenez could make his way back to Italy, after a
host of teams along the peninsula are interested in signing the 25-year-old.
The former Inter player joined the Hammers over the previous summer, but
sides such as Catania, Chievo and Parma would like to have the Chilean
international wearing their colours. "There is a possibility that Jimenez
could leave our club," West Ham sporting director Gianluca Nani revealed to
Itasportpress.it. "But he could also remain. "No-one from the Parma, Chievo
or Catania societies have contacted me in regards to the player "Maybe, it
could happen over the next few days. "As it stands, up until today, I find
it impossible that the Chilean midfielder would return to Italy, as no-one
has approached me," Nani concluded. Stay tuned to Goal.com as we bring you
the latest on the story, as it develops.

Rick D'Andrea, Goal.com

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Massimo Cellino Will Sack Gianfranco Zola If West Ham Takeover Goes Through
– Report
Cellino is not impressed with the work of his fellow compatriot...
Jan 14, 2010 5:24:54 PM

Cagliari president Massimo Cellino is very close to taking over Premier
League outfit West Ham, according to Sky Sport 24. Cellino intends to make a
number of changes at West Ham when he takes control, with the first being to
oust current coach Gianfranco Zola and replacing him with Daniele Arrigoni.
Arrigoni interestingly managed the Rossoblu in 2004-05 and also has recently
coached Livorno and Bologna, although only for short spells. Cellino, an
entrepreneur, has been in charge of the Isolani since 1992, helping to
establish the club as a mid-table outfit in Serie A over the past few years.
He has reportedly outbid former Birmingham City owners David Gold and David
Sullivan for the Hammers. West Ham have struggled in 2009-10, with just 18
points from 20 league matches.

Adam Scime, Goal.com

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fernandes could complete Hammers takeover on Friday
By Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
ESPN
January 14, 2010

The takeover of West Ham United is on schedule to be completed on Friday,
and Gianfranco Zola will immediately be handed an injection of substantial
funds to buy his way out of relegation trouble.

ESPN Soccernet has been told that the five lending banks have all agreed to
hand over control of the crisis torn East End club in time for Zola to
embark on a spending spree before the January transfer window closes. It
should be completed in the next 24 hours and, as ESPN Soccernet reported on
Wednesday, Tony Fernandes is in pole position, but is being hotly pursued by
former Birmingham City owners David Gold and David Sullivan, with Massimo
Cellino, a property developer based in Miami, making a late bid. Fernandes,
the boss of Team Lotus - the returning Formula One outfit - and founder of
Air Asia, has already outlined his plans in detail, and has made a very
impressive pitch.
Debts have spiralled out of control since the collapse of Landsbanki, the
Icelandic bank in which Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, the former owner of West
Ham, held a 41% stake. Although CB Holdings' £100 million asking price has
never been met, the equity investment proposed values West ham at around
that amount. Without the takeover going through the Hammers would be hard
pressed to stave off relegation, and ultimately will have to face the
unsavory act of selling off their best players like Scott Parker and Matthew
Upson.

ESPN Soccernet's source comments: "Every day counts if the funds are to be
made available to the manager, everyone is acutely aware that time is
running out, so minds are focused on trying to tie up a deal as soon as
possible. It wouldn't surprise me it if went through on Friday." The feeling
among the lending banks is that Fernandez will be the better long-term
investor. With payments spread over a period of time with the capital going
into the club to alleviate debts of £75 million, that is of paramount
importance.
As for the late intervention of Cellino, that has put the cat among the
pigeons, but not without its problems, as he is already an owner of another
club - Cagliari - which would cause problems with UEFA. And of course, the
Premier League are tightening up their status exploration of any new owners
and the source of their funds to buy a club.
Rothschild, the investment bank appointed by CB Holdings to handle the sale,
is sure to play a prominent role in scrutinising the source of funds, which
has also caused Canary Wharf based InterMarket to fall down the list of
potential purchasers.

Cellino has been reported in the press as saying that he is acting as a
frontman for an unidentified consortium, but ESPN Soccernet has been told
that he has so far suggested he would be a potential purchaser in his own
right. The 54-year-old's fortune is apparently accrued from running his
family's commercial farming and property business, before taking control of
Cagliari in 1992. He convinced Zola to return to his homeland club after his
hugely successful spell with Chelsea.
He moved to Miami three years ago, but remains an active president of the
club, attending the majority of their matches. He also serves as
vice-president of the Italian League and has maintained close links with
Zola and Gianluca Nani, the Italian who is West Ham's technical director, so
his connections with Cagliari would need to further scrutinised before he
could even be considered a viable alternative bidder.

Cellino is a successful owner at Cagliari, providing the finance for the
club's new training ground and sports complex in Assemini and recently
announcing plans for a new stadium, the Karalis Arena, which he hopes will
form part of Italy's candidacy to host Euro 2016.

Intermarket, the London-based investment company, registered an interest,
but City sources have always been sceptical about the source of their
funding, while the proposed takeover suffered a setback last weekend with
the death of Jim Bowe, the company's chief executive.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
NIGEL QUASHIE NEARS QPR DEAL
14th January 2010

NIGEL Quashie is set to complete a £500,000 move to QPR. Quashie, who joined
West Ham in 2007, started his career at Loftus Road.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Have We Been Bought or Not?
West Ham Till I Die

Kumb are reporting that a deal has been finalised in which Italian
businessman Massimo Cellino has paid £100 million for the club. An official
statement is expected at any time. Or not.

More later.

UPDATE: I'm told there will be no announcement tonight. Tony Fernandes is
hinting that it is between him and Cellino. Yet it is also thought
Intermarket will be tabling their bid tomorrow.

UPDATE 9pm: Tony Ferandes has just twittered that he is flying to London.
Now.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Intermarket set out ten-year plan for West Ham
East London Advertiser
14 January 2010

Intermarket have announced they will stay at West Ham for at least 10 years
if they are allowed to take over the struggling Premier League club. The
American-based finance company are confident of taking over the Hammers and
owner David Byrne was keen to sound out their credentials. "I believe we're
offering the best package as well as guaranteed funds for this transfer
window," said Byrne. "We are the only party prepared to sign a 10-year
commitment to stay at the club. "We will do all we can to take West Ham into
a prosperous future off the pitch and a successful one on it."
The consortium was hit by the sad news that CEO Jim Bowe had passed away in
North Carolina but Byrne is adamant his death won't affect their takeover
bid. Jim had been my friend for two decades," said Byrne. "We worked on
deals together and it had always been my ambition to work with him in the
same company. "We had many plans for the future. West Ham was the first of
them. His death is a terrible blow, but he would have wanted us to carry on
and give it our all. "If we win this race (to buy West Ham), it will all be
because of, and for, Jim."
Their success is by no means assured and they face tough competition from
Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes as well as former Birmingham City
owners David Gold and David Sullivan. It has been suggested that Intermarket
are struggling to come up with the required funds. Fernandes reportedly flew
into London yesterday (Wednesday) in the hope of concluding a deal, while
Gold and Sullivan are unlikely to give up without a fight and have
reportedly made an improved offer. Current owners Straumur have consistently
stated they are in no hurry to sell the club, but with debts estimated at
around £38m it is likely a sale will go through soone r rather than later.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
No WAGS here please! West Ham's would-be owner and the stunning model he
kicked out of a party
By Nick Pisa
Last updated at 12:03 PM on 14th January 2010
Daily Mail

This is the stunning TV showgirl that potential West Ham buyer Massimo
Cellino asked to leave from a party he was hosting because she was 'too
exuberant.' Cellino, 56, it would seem, despite his Latin roots seems to
follow a sensible no wag policy just like England boss and fellow countryman
Fabio Capello. Stunning Belen Rodriguez, 26, who has dated AC Milan star
Marco Borriello, is one of the hottest and sexiest stars on Italian TV and
is on dozens of TV programmes and bill boards across the country - often
semi naked. She was also blamed for causing the split between Ivana Trump
and fourth husband Rossano Rubicondi after they got up close and personal on
Italy's version of Celebrity Survivor two years ago. Cellino however saw red
when Argentinian born Belen began to steal the show at a party he was
hosting in the Assemini club house of his Cagliari football club in Sardinia
and asked her to leave. Speaking to his local newspaper L'Unione Sarda,
after the incident which happened in September, Cellino said: 'I didn't want
her to ruin the party so I asked her to leave. 'She was having tantrums and
behaving like a prima donna. I told her that before she completely ruined
the party she should leave. 'I said that if she needed to get back to the
mainland I could even lay on a car to take her to the airport or put her up
in a hotel, it was completely up to her but I showed her the door. 'She was
having tantrum with the people organising the show and with the security
people. I did try and sort the situation out with her but she just kept
arguing with me. 'In the end it was a wonderful evening, it was a shame what
happened but we had some good bands on.'
Cellino himself plays guitar with a band who performed at the party called
Maurilos and reports said that despite her popularity guests clapped and
cheered when Belen was asked to leave. He is said to be willing to pay
around £60 million to bail out West Ham and link up with his old pal
Gianfranco Zola, who used to play for Cagliari.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kornilenko set for striker trial
Newham Recorder
14 January 2010

WEST HAM boss Gian-franco Zola is putting all his efforts into bringing a
new goalscorer to Upton Park following the latest injury to his strikeforce.
With Carlton Cole apparently on the way back and Guillermo Franco looking
impressive in claret and blue, it appeared that the Italian manager would be
looking for a right back and a back-up goalkeeper before contemplating
recruiting a new striker. But with Franco now likely to be out until
February, Zola is desperate to bring in reinforcements, though it is likely
to be only a loan move. The familiar names of Eidur Gudjohnsen and Nuno
Gomes have been mentioned, while Luca Toni's transfer to Roma from Bayern
Munich ended that little dream for West Ham, but it appears that a safer bet
may be Belarus international Sergey Kornilenko. The 26-year-old, who has
scored nine goals in 30 international appearances, has struggled to get into
the starting line-up of UEFA Cup winners Zenit St Petersburg since signing
from Tom Tomask six months ago in a £1.6million deal. Despite that, he has a
good reputation as a speedy striker and may compliment Cole's game.
Kornilenko is due at Upton Park tomorrow (Friday) for a trial and will be
looking to impress and get his career back on track after being told he is
not in Zenit's future plans. West Ham have also been linked with Matteo
Contini, a 29-year-old defender who plays for Napoli, and Palermo's
Brazilian goalkeeper Fernando Rubinho, but it is a striker who is now the
top priority for the Hammers. They will have just Frank Nouble and Freddie
Sears to choose from on Sunday against Aston Villa, and Zola knows that sort
of strikeforce will not be enough to haul West Ham out of trouble.
MEANWHILE, West Ham's postponed clash with Wolves has been rearranged for
Tuesday, February 2. The game, to be shown live on Sky Sports, will kick-off
at 7.45pm, although it will be rearranged if Wolves draw their FA Cup fourth
round match with Crystal Palace.

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Three West Ham United players who should face the chop
Sport.co.uk
Author: Jonny Abrams
Posted on:14 January 2010 - 13:46

…because January ain't just for buying, you know. Especially during these
perilous financial times. As such, Sport.co.uk takes a look at three West
Ham United players whom Gianfranco Zola might be tempted to trade in and
replace in order to get the club back on an upwards trajectory. (It's just a
facetious game; you don't have to play if you don't want to. No need to get
your knickers in a twist. We have already anticipated your irate reply and
chuckled at it.) So, will the following three players please place their
heads on the wooden block in front of them…and pay no attention to the
dark-masked man holding an axe standing to your right. We don't know him.
Honest…

Name: Matthew Upson
Age: 30
Position: Central defender
Estimated value: £10m
Upson's form this season has not been what Hammers fans or any watching
members of the England coaching staff would be accustomed to. Something's
not right there and, given that he remains in the international setup, is
still highly thought of and is now the wrong side of 30, perhaps it's time
to cash in on a player whose undoubted ability would almost certainly
attract some serious bidders.

Name: Mark Noble
Age: 22
Position: Central midfielder
Estimated value: £8m
Another player with a big reputation, except this chap can't back his up.
What exactly has Noble done, bar the very occasional nice goal, to be touted
as a future England player and become one of the first names on Zola's team
sheet? His presence has often seen the far more talented Jack Collison
shunted out to the wing, and the Hammers should really think about cashing
in on Noble before everyone realises how average he really is.

Name: Julien Faubert
Age: 26
Position: Right winger/right back
Estimated value: £4m
One can not apportion much blame to a player who has played the majority of
the season out of his natural position but surely Jonathan Spector would be
a better bet at right-back given that he is actually a defender. Perhaps
Faubert should not actually be sold but he is likely to want regular
first-team football and, with the form of Behrami and the 758th return from
injury of Kieran Dyer, he is not likely to force his way into the team at
right-midfield. Zola might be tempted to trade him in for a proper
right-back.

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