Friday, January 29

Daily WHUFC News - II 29th January 2010

Blackburn Rovers match preview
WHUFC.com
Early team news and statistics ahead of Saturday's meeting with Blackburn
Rovers at the Boleyn Ground
29.01.2010

Barclays Premier League
West Ham United v Blackburn Rovers
Boleyn Ground
Saturday 30 January
3pm
Referee: Peter Walton

• West Ham United play host to Sam Allardyce's Blackburn Rovers in their
first home Barclays Premier League match of the new decade.

• Gianfranco Zola's side have enjoyed an unbeaten start to 2010 in the
Premier League following away-day draws at Aston Villa and Portsmouth.

• The Hammers have enjoyed an excellent run of form against the Lancashire
side, having not lost to them in five years. In that time they have won four
and drawn two of the six matches they have contested. The Hammers have lost
just once in their last 12 meetings with the Lancastrians.

• The two sides shared a goalless draw at Ewood Park in the reverse fixture
on 29 August.

• It will be West Ham's first match at the Boleyn Ground since
joint-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold acquired a 50 per cent stake in
the club on 19 January.

• Tuesday's point at Fratton Park maintained West Ham's 16th place in the
league standings and a win on Saturday could see them climb to 13th.

• This is the 94th league meeting between the two sides. Blackburn have won
42, West Ham have won 38 and there have been 13 draws.

Last time out

Portsmouth 1-1 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
Tuesday 26 January
West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Tomkins (da Costa 81), Upson, Spector,
Diamanti (Stanislas 87), Kovac, Behrami, Noble, Collison, Nouble (Cole 73)
Subs not used: Stech, Daprela, Jimenez, Sears
Goal: Upson 52

Blackburn 2-1 Wigan Athletic
Barclays Premier League
Wednesday 27 January
Blackburn Rovers: Robinson, Chimbonda, Nelsen, Olsson, Givet, Emerton,
N'Zonzi, Hoilett (Reid 54), Pedersen, Diouf (Di Santo 77), Kalinic (Roberts
78)
Subs not used: Salgado, Jones, Andrews, Brown
Goals: Pedersen 20, Kalinic 76

Last meeting

• The teams last met on 29 August when they shared a goalless draw at Ewood
Park. The teams that day were -

Blackburn Rovers: Robinson, Jacobsen, Chimbonda, Samba, Givet, Dunn, Nzonzi
(Hoilett 60), Grella, Andrews, Pedersen, Roberts (Kalinic 75)
Subs not used: Brown, Salgado, Emerton, Khizinashvili, Olsen

West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Collins, Upson, Spector, Parker, Collison
(Kovac 87), Noble, Jimenez (Dyer 66), Stanislas, Cole
Subs not used: Kurucz, Gabbidon, Tomkins, Nouble, Hines

Head to head

(League meeting unless stated)

29 August 2009 Blackburn Rovers 0-0 West Ham United
21 March 2009 Blackburn Rovers 1-1 West Ham United
30 August 2008 West Ham United 4-1 Blackburn Rovers
15 March 2008 West Ham United 2-1 Blackburn Rovers
9 December 2007 Blackburn Rovers 0-1 West Ham United
17 March 2007 Blackburn Rovers 1-2 West Ham United

Overall record v Blackburn Rovers (all competitions) W 41 D 18 L 45

Next up

West Ham United travel to Blackburn's Lancashire rivals Burnley for a
Premier League game a week after Saturday's meeting. Rovers themselves have
another away game at Stoke City the same day.

Referee

• Saturday's referee is Peter Walton.

• Walton, 50, began his refereeing career in 1986, before being appointed to
the Football League List as an assistant referee in 1993. He joined the
Premier League List of assistant referees in 1994.

• Walton was an assistant referee at the 1996 FA Cup final between
Manchester United and Liverpool at Wembley. That same year, he also joined
the FIFA list of assistant referees and ran the line during the Euro 96
group-stage fixture between Germany and Czech Republic at Old Trafford.

• Walton joined the Football League List of referees in 1998 and joined the
Premier League Select List in 2003. That same year, he was the man in
control of the LDV Vans Trophy final between Bristol City and Carlisle
United at the Millennium Stadium.

• Walton's first Premier League fixture as a referee was Wolverhampton
Wanderers' 4-3 win over Leicester City at Molineux on 25 October 2003.

• In January 2007, Walton travelled to Ecuador to help to run an Advanced
Course for Referees' Instructors.

• Walton took charge of the 2008 FA Community Shield between Manchester
United and Portsmouth at Wembley.

• This will be his second West Ham United game of the season, after taking
charge of the 4-0 home defeat to Manchester United on 5 December.

West Ham United

• West Ham will be looking to make it three home leagues games unbeaten in a
row following the draw with Chelsea and win against Portsmouth.

• Zola's side have now lost just once in their last five Premier League
games.

• The Hammers will be looking to continue their encouraging home form in the
league. In their last eight matches in east London, the Hammers have won
three and drawn three, with the narrow defeat by Everton and the loss to
Manchester United the only blotches on their Boleyn Ground copy book in that
time.

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

• Prior to last August's stalemate, West Ham had scored in every league and
cup meeting with Blackburn since 2000. The last time they had failed to hit
the back of the net was in October 1998, when they lost 3-0 at Ewood Park.

• West Ham have scored 29 goals this season in the league with eleven
different scorers on target. Carlton Cole leads the way (seven), with
Alessandro Diamanti (five) and Guille Franco and Matthew Upson (three) next
in line. Jack Collison, Junior Stanislas (two each), Manuel da Costa, Mark
Noble, Luis Jimenez, Zavon Hines and Radoslav Kovac have also registered.

• Scott Parker has been cautioned seven times this season and Franco and
Noble five. Julien Faubert, Cole, Collison and Kovac are each on four yellow
cards, but will not be suspended if 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 110 successive league starts.

• Cole is on a run of 14 goals in 25 league starts since Boxing Day 2008
when he scored the second goal in a 4-1 win at Portsmouth.

• Alessandro Diamanti has the highest amount of shots (53) and assists
(four) at the club.

• Mark Noble has put in more crosses than anyone else (13).

• Central defensive partners Matthew Upson and James Tomkins lead the way in
the defensive clearances and defensive blocks lists respectively. Upson has
made 29 clearances, while Tomkins has 21 blocks.

• Zola made his debut in English football at Ewood Park on 16 November 1996.
The Italian was part of the Chelsea team that drew 1-1 with Blackburn that
day.

Blackburn Rovers

• The visitors come into the game in good form themselves having won their
last two league games. Allardyce's men beat Wigan and Fulham in their last
two matches, which sandwiched the 6-4 Carling Cup semi-final second-leg
defeat to Aston Villa.

• Rovers have not beaten the Hammers since 10 December 2005. The have also
lost on their last ten visits to the Boleyn Ground.

• Blackburn have committed 318 fouls this season - the highest in the
Premier League.

• They have also been caught offside 76 teams - another Premier League high.

• Nikola Kalinic scored his first Premier League goal for the club in the
win against Wigan Athletic. That victory lifted them seven points clear of
the drop zone.

• David Dunn is Rovers' leading Premier League scorer this season with five.
Kalinic has netted eight times overall, with seven of those goals coming in
the cup competitions.

Team news

• Carlton Cole is in contention for his first start of 2010 after impressing
as a substitute against Portsmouth. West Ham's top scorer had been sidelined
with a knee injury picked up in the home game with Burnley on 28 November.

• Guille Franco is unlikely to play as he continues his recovery from a
muscle strain.

• Herita Ilunga is also making progress with his recovery from a hamstring
injury, although it remains to be seen whether he will be fit for the
weekend.

• Danny Gabbidon and Kieron Dyer (both hamstring) could be back in full
training next week.

• Zavon Hines (knee), Luis Boa Morte (knee) and Calum Davenport (leg) are
all long-term absentees.

• It remains to be seen if Blackburn's two new signings, Turkey midfielder
Yildiray Basturk and Algerian youngster Amine Linganzi, will feature on
Saturday. The experienced Basturk, 31, has arrived on a short-term deal from
German club VfB Stuttgart, while 20-year-old Linganzi has arrived on a
three-and-a-half year deal from French club AS St Etienne.

Old boys

• Among the other players who have represented both clubs are Fred
Blackburn, Martin Britt, John Burton, Herman Conway, Christian Dailly, Tony
Gale, Tommy Hampson, Harry Hindle, Matty Holmes, Marc Keller, Bob Morris,
Lucas Neill, Ian Pearce, Bob Pride, Syd Puddefoot, John Radford, Robbie
Slater, Matthew Smailes, Percy Smith and Lionel Watson.

General information

• Tickets for the match are now on general sale. For ticket information,
click here.

• The weather forecast is for a sunny and bright afternoon, but with top
temperatures only reaching 4C, it might be best to wrap up warm.

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Red-dy for action
WHUFC.com
Matthew Upson led the squad in supporting a vital campaign for the Richard
House Children's Hospice
29.01.2010

West Ham United's players took time out from training before the visit of
Blackburn Rovers to show their support for the Richard House Children's
Hospice's 'Go Red' campaign.
The club charity, based in nearby Beckton, is raising awareness for its
fundraising initiatives by asking fans to wear red. Matthew Upson led the
way for the Hammers by donning a bright scarlet wig as the rest of the squad
stood behind a Richard House banner at Chadwell Heath. The captain said:
"It's important to support charities such as the Richard House Children's
Hospice. They are one of our club charities, so we will do anything we can
to play our part." Upson did not mind one bit having to send himself up,
especially as it was all for a good cause. "I don't mind making a bit of a
fool of myself in the name of charity," he said with a smile. "As I said, we
are always more than happy to do what we can."
The happy banter which ensued during the photo session continued as they ran
off to start work on the pitches at Chadwell Heath. Joining the training
session were Herita Ilunga, Scott Parker and Kieron Dyer with all three back
in the thick of it after hamstring troubles. It remains to be seen if they
will join Carlton Cole in contention this weekend but their presence on the
training pitches has added to the feelgood factor.

Click here for more information about the Richard House 'Go Red' campaign,
which is running until Saturday 13 February, click here :
http://www.richardhouse.org/go-red/

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West Ham v Blackburn
BBC.co.uk
Saturday, 30 January 2010
West Ham v Blackburn 15:00
Barclays Premier League
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 30 January 2010 Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live, local radio, Final Score &
highlights on Match of the Day

TEAM NEWS
West Ham's top scorer Carlton Cole is expected to start after being out
since November with a knee injury. Midfielder Scott Parker faces a late
fitness test on the hamstring problem which caused him to miss Tuesday's
match with Portsmouth.
Blackburn's new signing Yildiray Basturk will not feature as he is not yet
match fit. David Dunn is ruled out with a calf problem, but Christopher
Samba returns from suspension.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
West Ham

Suspended: None Doubtful: Ilunga (hamstring)

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

Blackburn

Suspended: None Doubtful: None

Injured: Dunn (calf), Grella & Jacobsen (both thigh)

MATCH PREVIEW
While the chairmen and money men from both clubs have locked horns this week
over the protracted transfer of Benni McCarthy, the battle now switches from
the boardroom to the pitch and to what is a crucial match for the home side
in particular.

Failure to beat rock bottom Portsmouth on Tuesday was a blow for the Hammers
and they are now only out of the relegation places on goal difference,
ramming home the need for further reinforcements before the transfer window
shuts.

New owners David Gold and David Sullivan are still sifting through a
financial situation they described as a 'car crash' when they opened the
books at Upton Park, but despite money being tight they have promised
further funds to manager Gianfranco Zola.

At least the Hammers can take heart from their excellent recent record
against Blackburn. Since they were on the end of a humiliating 7-1 drubbing
at Ewood Park in 2001 they have lost just one of the last 12 encounters
between the sides.

Rovers are a different proposition to the team that ended 2009. The new year
has seemingly invigorated them and one league defeat in the last five has
seen the vultures that were circling above boss Sam Allardyce disappear as
he has steered his side up to 11th.

Even £6m striker Nikola Kalinic is slowly distancing himself from the title
of 'worst buy of the season' following three goals in the last two games,
including the crucial winner against Lancashire rivals Wigan on Wednesday.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

• Blackburn have not won at Upton Park since April 1994 when Henning Berg
and Ian Pearce scored in a 2-1 win for Kenny Dalglish's team.

• West Ham failed to score against Blackburn in August for the first time
since October 1998, some 16 matches ago.

• The sides have met on 114 occasions. Blackburn have won 45 matches, West
Ham 41 and there have been 18 draws.

West Ham

• West Ham have only won once in their last eight games in the Premier
League (v Portsmouth on Boxing Day).

• Sixty-six per cent of the goals West Ham have scored have come from set
plays, the joint-highest figure in the top flight.

• West Ham have not won back-to-back home games since January 2009.

Blackburn

• Blackburn have not won three matches in succession since January 2008.

• Rovers have only managed five points from 11 games away from home this
season and have scored only eight goals.

• Sam Allardyce's side have won one and lost 13 of their last 16 away
matches in the Premier League.


LEADING GOALSCORERS

West Ham

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

Blackburn

Dunn: 6 goals (5 league); Kalinic: 6 goals (1 league)

MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Peter Walton

Assistant referees: Simon Beck & Phil Sharp

Fourth official: Keith Hill

LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
West Ham (D1-1 v Portsmouth, a): Green, Faubert, Tomkins (Da Costa 80),
Upson, Spector, Collison, Kovac, Noble, Behrami, Diamanti (Stanislas 87),
Nouble (Cole 73). Subs not used: Stech, Jimenez, Sears, Daprela.

Blackburn (W2-1 v Wigan, h): Robinson; Chimbonda, Nelsen, Givet, Olsson,
Emerton, Nzonzi, Hoilett (Reid 54), Pedersen, Diouf (Di Santo 77), Kalinic
(Roberts 77). Subs not used: Brown, Andrews, Salgado, Jones.

MOST RECENT MEETING

Blackburn 0-0 West Ham (29 August 2009)

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West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury resigns
BBC.co.uk

West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury has resigned following the club's
takeover by David Sullivan and David Gold last week. Sullivan and Gold
bought a 50% stake in the Londoners and immediately brought in Karren Brady,
with whom they worked at Birmingham City, as vice-chairman. And Duxbury has
now stepped down, saying: "I wish Mr Sullivan, Mr Gold and Karren great
success. "I know under their stewardship this wonderful club will prosper."

Duxbury joined West Ham as the club's in-house lawyer under former chairman
Terry Brown, and was subsequently promoted to chief executive by chairman
Eggert Magnusson after the club was bought by an Icelandic group. Brady
said: "We thank Scott for his valued contribution and wish him every success
in the future."

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Hines out for season
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 29th January 2010
By: Staff Writer

England under-21 Zavon Hines is almost certainly out of action until the
2010/11 season. The young striker has been sidelined since the beginning of
December, and recently underwent surgery for a long-standing knee-problem.
Although the 21-year-old is said to be recovering well from the op he is not
expected to play until next season - a major disappointment for Hines, who
had only just broken into the first team for whom he had scored twice in the
opening half of this season. There is however better news concerning Hines'
fellow striker Guillermo Franco, who has himself not played since the 2-0
defeat at Tottenham last month. The Mexican international is back in full
training and could be fit in time to face Burnley eight days from now. In
other injury news, both Scott Parker and Herita Ilunga should be back to
face Blackburn at the Boleyn this weekend - although Kieron Dyer and Danny
Gabbidon will have wait at least a week longer before returning to action.
Luis Boa Morte, the only long-term injury is still aiming to return for the
final few weeks of the season.

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Duxbury resigns
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 29th January 2010
By: Staff Writer

Chief Executive Officer Scott Duxbury has resigned from his post, it has
been confirmed. Duxbury, who was left to run the club virtually
single-handedly following Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson's departure has called it a
day having been left in no uncertain terms that he is excess to requirements
at the club since the recent takeover. The news has now been confirmed on
the club's website, whufc.com; whom Duxbury told: "I am proud of my work at
West Ham United but feel the time is right for me to pursue other
opportunities. "I wish Mr Sullivan, Mr Gold and Karren [Brady] great
success in driving this wonderful football club forward, and I know under
their stewardship the club will prosper. Thank you to all the supporters who
have kept faith with the club through good and bad times."
Vice-Chairman Brady, who has effectively replaced Duxbury added: "We thank
Scott for his valued contribution and wish him every success in the future."

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Transfer window latest: 3 days to go
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 29th January 2010
By: Staff Writer

West Ham continue to be linked with a number of players with little more
than three days of the January transfer window remaining. With Benni
McCarthy set to be announced as a new signing imminently the Irons have
already made their first capture of the window - although further players
could follow before Monday's 5pm deadline. McCarthy - who met supporters at
the Boleyn pub yesterday confirmed that a deal had been struck and that he
will wear the number 17 shirt vacated by Luis Jimenez, who has returned to
Italy.
Another striker linked with a move to the Boleyn is Egyptian striker Mido,
although KUMB.com understands that reports of a short-term loan deal having
already been struck are premature. The 26-year-old, whose registration is
held by Championship club Middlesbrough is currently on a season-long loan
with El Zamalek.

The Telegraph run with a link to Stoke's James Beattie, who is understood to
have been made available for transfer by Tony Pulis. Beattie is just one of
many pros with a Twitter page, although his latest post gave no indication
of a possible move. "Just round Rory D's house, embarrassing the poor lad on
FIFA 10," it read; nice to know he's keeping fit ahead of a possible
switch...

Tottenham's David Bentley, of whom we brought you news earlier in the week
continues to be linked with a loan move to the Boleyn (The Sun); Sky Sports
have added credence to the rumour by promoted it to their news-ticker
section today, although the same source insists that West Ham's have ended
their interest in Manchester City striker Benjani.

Elsewhere Valon Behrami, who we suggested would be linked with a number of
clubs before the end of the window is today being touted as a possible
summer signing for Serie A outfit Palermo (Sky Sports).

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Allardyce on McCarthy
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 29th January 2010
By: Staff Writer

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce insists that Benni McCarthy's move to West Ham
is on - but says that he's fairly certain his side won't be facing their
former team mate this weekend. Allardyce, speaking this morning in the
pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow afternoon's trip to West Ham
admitted that he had lost the South African striker, who was at the Boleyn
Ground yesterday to meet and greet. "There are one or two small problems
that I think West Ham have to iron out," he said. "But I think that'll be
done in the next 48 hours. "I'm not privy to all the problems or what the
problems are - that's the only thing I've been told," he added. "So I would
expect that transfer to be completed by Sunday."
McCarthy is expected to wear the number 17 shirt vacated by Luis Jiminez,
who has cut short his season-long loan spell in order to return to Italy.

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Hammers end Benjani interest
Zimbabwean will not be moving to Upton Park
Last updated: 29th January 2010
SSN

Sky Sports News understands that West Ham have ended their interest in
Manchester City striker Benjani. The Hammers made it clear that they want
to use the new funds available from the takeover of David Sullivan and David
Gold to buy a striker in January. Having missed out on Ruud van Nistelrooy
before his move to Hamburg and with Eidur Gudjohnsen joining Tottenham,
attention turned to Benjani. West Ham, though, have now ended their interest
and will not be pursuing a permanent or loan deal for the former Portsmouth
star. The Zimbabwean was out of favour at City under former boss Mark
Hughes but new manager Roberto Mancini appears prepared to offer players a
chance to impress. However, it was still reported that Benjani, who scored
in the FA Cup third-round victory at Middlesbrough, could leave City.
Mancini, though, allowed Robinho to return to Santos on loan on Thursday
and, with Roque Santa Cruz struggling for consistent fitness, he may have
been unprepared to allow further departures.

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Duxbury quits Hammers
Hammers chief executive steps down following takeover
Last updated: 29th January 2010
SSN

West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury has resigned from his position at
Upton Park. Duxbury heads the list of casualties following David Gold and
David Sullivan's takeover of the East London club. The cash-strapped Hammers
are implementing a number of cost-cutting measures to try and save money at
Upton Park and Duxbury has decided to resign. Duxbury, who played a pivotal
role in luring Gianfranco Zola to Upton Park, admits he is proud of his
tenure at the club. "I am proud of my work at West Ham United but feel the
time is right for me to pursue other opportunities," Duxbury told the club's
official website. "I wish Mr Sullivan, Mr Gold and Karren (Brady) great
success in driving this wonderful football club forward, and I know under
their stewardship the club will prosper. Thank you to all the supporters who
have kept faith with the club through good and bad times."
Vice-chairman Brady said: "We thank Scott for his valued contribution and
wish him every success in the future." Meanwhile, Gold has revealed Brady
has been given the task of saving the club money and are looking at
everything at the club in a bid to cut costs. "Karren is our financial
doctor. She identifies problems and helps us fix them," said Gold.
"This is what we are good at and it is a great challenge. All
non-footballing costs are being looked at. "We are looking at absolutely
everything. We will not damage the footballing side, but we need to cut
costs."

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Palermo in Behrami talks
But Italians would not want Hammers star until the summer
By Simone Bargellini Last updated: 29th January 2010
SSN

Palermo have admitted that they would like to sign West Ham star Valon
Behrami but not until the summer. The Switzerland international has been an
impressive performer since arriving at Upton Park in 2008 and Manchester
City have been linked with a £15million bid. Behrami's agent announced
earlier in January that his client was expected to stay at West Ham because
no team could afford his price tag. But Serie A side Palermo could come into
money from the sale of in-demand defender Simon Kjaer and president Maurizio
Zamparini has declared an interest in Behrami. The Italian club hope that
the connections of their sporting director, Walter Sabatini, could broker a
deal, with Zamparini telling stadionews.it: "We're trying to take him. "The
negotiation is difficult and complicated, especially for the salary the
player receives in the Premier League, but Sabatini is his friend and let's
see how it goes. Behrami is a very good player."
But Zamparini would not want to complete any deal until the summer transfer
window. He added a few hours after his initial interview: "We still like the
player but it is unlikely that he will arrive. "In any case, we will try and
buy him but not now because it would upset the balance of the team. "The
interest is real but it is for June. Now I would not even take him for
free."

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More change at West Ham as Scott Duxbury quits
Evening Standard
29.01.10

West Ham have confirmed the resignation of chief executive Scott Duxbury.
The move comes as a result of this month's takeover of the club by David
Gold and David Sullivan, with Duxbury effectively being squeezed out when
the owners brought in their former Birmingham colleague Karren Brady as
vice-chairman. Duxbury said in a statement: "I am proud of my work at West
Ham United, but feel the time is right for me to pursue other
opportunities." He continued: "I wish Mr Sullivan, Mr Gold and Karren great
success in driving this wonderful football club forward, and I know under
their stewardship the club will prosper. "Thank you to all the supporters
who have kept faith with the club through good and bad times."
Duxbury joined West Ham as the club's in-house lawyer under chairman Terry
Brown, and was subsequently promoted to chief executive by chairman Eggert
Magnusson after the club was bought by an Icelandic group. However, his time
running the club was blighted by controversy, not least because of his role
in signing Carlos Tevez in a deal which breached Premier League rules and
subsequently cost the club more than £30million in fines and compensation
payments. Brady said: "We thank Scott for his valued contribution and wish
him every success in the future."

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Duxbury Quits
West Ham Till I Die

This morning, Scott Duxbury resigned his post as Managing Director of West
Ham. The following statement has been released on the cllub website.

West Ham United have today announced the resignation of chief executive
Scott Duxbury. Duxbury said: "I am proud of my work at West Ham United but
feel the time is right for me to pursue other opportunities. "I wish Mr
Sullivan, Mr Gold and Karren great success in driving this wonderful
football club forward, and I know under their stewardship the club will
prosper. Thank you to all the supporters who have kept faith with the club
through good and bad times." Vice-chairman Karren Brady said: "We thank
Scott for his valued contribution and wish him every success in the future."

I know Scott arouses strong emotions on this site, but I for one wish him
well for the future. Whatever people think of some of his decisions, he has
kept the show on the road since the Icelandic owners' finances hit the
buffers. He also instituted a much more open regime at Upton Park, his
interview with this blog in the summer being a good example.

Perhaps the biggest fear I have over his departure is that it will
destabilise Gianfranco Zola, who may now feel somewhat isolated. Zola was
very much Duxbury's appointment and the two have been very close, I
understand. I hope the new owners have squared Zola on this, otherwise there
may be unfortunate consequences. On the plus side, it seems that Zola and
the new owners have got off to a good start in their relationship. I just
hope this decision doesn't have an adverse impact on that.

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Eidur Here nor There
Posted by Billy Blagg
ESPN

The news that Eidur Gudjohnsen chose to sign for arch-rivals Tottenham
rather than West Ham must have struck hard at the hearts of most Hammer's
supporters. Not because the club have lost out on a player they appparently
flew over; one who had completed a medical and was expected to sign and
boost West Ham's squad as the transfer window draws to a close. No, rather
it puts an end to the 'Gud to Hammers' story that has been going on for well
over two seasons now. To finally end the speculation as the player signs for
another Premier club is going to cause a lot of heartache as we now have to
find another player to be continually linked with for another couple of
fruitless years. Perhaps the Benni McCarthy rumour will rumble on as we were
linked with him before he originally signed for Blackburn.

Is Frank Worthington still available?

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McCarthy set to make West Ham switch over weekend
ESPN
January 29, 2010

Benni McCarthy's move to West Ham has been delayed by work permit issues but
is expected to go through over the weekend. The clubs have agreed a fee for
the South Africa striker but there has been a hold-up over McCarthy's
permit, which is due to expire when his Blackburn contract runs out in 18
months. It means McCarthy will not be available to play for the Hammers when
Blackburn travel to Upton Park on Saturday. Sam Allardyce said: "It's close
to him finally becoming a West Ham player. It's a work permit situation -
that's the only hiccup and that should be resolved by Sunday." McCarthy
infuriated Allardyce by not turning up for training in order to force
through a move but Rovers midfielder David Dunn said McCarthy would not
"lose much sleep" over leaving the club under a cloud. "Sometimes things
like that happen," he said. "It's perhaps not always the best way but I'm
sure Benni will not lose too much sleep over it. "There has been a bit of
attention on Benni over the last week but maybe he feels this is the right
career move for him. He has been a good goalscorer for the club and is a
good lad as well so I wish him all the best."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gianfranco Zola: I'm so disappointed by Eidur Gudjohnsen's change of heart
Evening Standard
29.01.10

Gianfranco Zola was today critical of his former Chelsea team-mate Eidur
Gudjohnsen after the striker had a late change of heart and joined Tottenham
instead of West Ham on a loan deal for the rest of the season. Gudjohnsen
had earlier agreed to go to Upton Park and had even undergone a medical
before Spurs manager Harry Redknapp came in with late interest. "I'm not
very happy about it," said Zola, who privately feels let down by the player.
"I thought the deal was going through and that is why I am disappointed.
"I was expecting something different from the player, if I am honest, but
it's okay. That's football and sometimes you have to accept things like
this. "It's time to look forward now and I will get on with it as I always
do but certainly I am not the happiest man in the world about what happened.
"I don't want to say any more, though, it's not worth it."

But Redknapp today insisted Tottenham were blameless in their pursuit of of
the Iceland interntional. He said: "Before West Ham's takeover, we were hot
on the trail of Eidur.
"This is his decision. I get on well with David Sullivan and I wouldn't have
wanted Eidur to fall out with Zola and Steve Clarke, but Eidur called me
back and told me it was his decision. He wanted to come to Tottenham. "I've
always admired him. He can play in several positions, he gives us different
options and he is a fantastic footballer."

West Ham's new co-owners David Gold and Sullivan will now pursue other
targets with Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy expected to complete a
£2.5million move in the next 24 hours, although he will not play against his
former club tomorrow. "He's a quality player, a good goalscorer and also
very good at linking the play," said Zola. "He was one of our main targets
and it is good that the club has been able to sign him."

Carlton Cole could make his first start since returning from injury but is
short of match fitness and is more likely to be on the bench. "I have the
same squad as against Portsmouth plus Scott Parker," said the West Ham
manager. "We'll make a decision nearer the match."

Defender James Tomkins will be fit to play after suffering double vision
following a collision with Kevin-Prince Boateng which led to Portsmouth's
equaliser in Wednesday's 1-1 draw. "James is okay," said Zola. "It was a
foul on him which led to their goal and he had to come off. He has a black
eye now but he will be fine. "I told the players after the game that I was a
little bit disappointed because I felt that we had control of the game and I
just couldn't see them coming back. We should be pleased, though, because
we've played two difficult away games and stayed unbeaten."

West Ham today confirmed the resignation of chief executive Scott Duxbury
following the takeover. Duxbury said: "I wish Mr Sullivan, Mr Gold and
Karren [Brady] great success in driving this wonderful football club forward
and I know under their stewardship the club will prosper."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cheerio Duxs!
Posted by Billy Blagg
ESPN

As suggested by your friendly Blagger in this very column last week, West
Ham's MD Scott Duxbury as resigned from his position with the usual 'Thanks
for all your hard work but don't pop back to see how we are doing any time
soon, will you?' quotes ringing in his ears. Duxbury's claim that he was
'free to persue other opportunites' (welcome to my world Scott - I've been
free to persue other opportunities for about 10 months now!) sounded pretty
hollow as it seems unlikely he would have 'resigned' had the Gold / Sullivan
/ Brady consortium not hit town.

Our very own Margeret Mountford replacement is surely lining up the bullets
for Technical Director Nani who would do well to see if anyone has painted a
bullseye on his back. It was Duxbury and Nani who talked continually of the
'Project'; a mythical beast like the Gryphon and Unicorn, that was due to
drag West Ham kicking and screaming into the late 20th Century - we're not
ready for the 21st yet! - with a promise to make the club self-sufficent and
pack the squad with young players who all continued their craft with the
Hammers rather than legging it down to Tottenham or Chelsea or waiting for
Manchester to come calling.

The much-discussed 'Project' was an odd idea anyway being as West Ham should
be entirely sufficent in view of the players they bring through their youth
team, and the only reason the club struggle is because they usually sell
these players to middlemen at Tottenham or Leeds rather than directly to
genial Uncle Alex thereby losing out on the really big paydays that could
provide huge dividends to the squad.

Aside from all this though is the grubby fingerprints of Tevezgate; it being
Scott Duxbury who seemed to be at the heart of the scandal of the signing of
the Argentinean that left the club in the dock and with several hefty wage
bills that they are still struggling to pay. Discussions on the Tevez issue
have been going on for so long that most West Ham fans just go crosseyed
whenever the matter comes up, but it was generally thought by most that
Duxbury should have gone as the truth emerged about the contracts that were
drawn up against Premiership rules.

As it is though Duxbury will have to take his project elsewhere although
I'll admit I'd have done anything to have been in that boardroom when our
Karren said 'Scott, do you have a minute?'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers aim to claw clear of danger
Sport.co.uk
Author: Ben Moss
Posted on:29 January 2010 - 11:50 AM

West Ham United face Blackburn Rovers at Upton Park and they will be looking
to grab a win to move away from the foot of the table. Manager Gianfranco
Zola will still be ruing Tuesday night's 1-1 draw at rock-bottom Portsmouth
with his side in the driving seat for much of the game. Matthew Upson had
opened the scoring in bizarre fashion only for Danny Webber's leveller to
peg them back. However, despite the minor setback, the Hammers, under new
owners David Sullivan and David Gold, should be in optimistic mood knowing
they are now guided by the duo who seem keen to eradicate the club's debt,
which is thought to be around £110million. On the playing front, Guillermo
Franco and Kieron Dyer (both hamstring), Zavon Hines (knee), Calum Davenport
(thigh) and Luis Boa Morte (cruciate ligament) all remain in the treatment
room. Striker Carlton Cole made a welcome return in the midweek clash at
Pompey and he is expected to lead the line on Saturday with the Hammers
without a league win in their last three fixtures. A win for United could
see them move away from the relegation places as they sit in 16th spot,
level on points with Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are directly
below them on goal difference.
Blackburn will have been buoyed by that their 2-1 victory against Wigan
Athletic on Wednesday ensured back-to-back league wins as their fine home
form continued. A late strike from Nikola Kalinic proved to be the winner
and the Croatia star will be looking to get amongst the goals once again.
Despite this, Rovers' away problems continue to grow. They have won just
once away from Ewood Park this term and have collected just two points from
the last five games on their travels. Boss Sam Allardyce is only sweating
over the fitness of defender Lars Jacobsen, who is struggling with a thigh
injury.

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Scott Duxbury quits as West Ham chief executive
Former lawyer squeezed out in Gold and Sullivan takeover
'The time is right for me to pursue other opportunities'
guardian.co.uk, Friday 29 January 2010 09.45 GMT

West Ham United have confirmed the resignation of their chief executive,
Scott Duxbury. The move comes as a result of this month's takeover of the
club by David Gold and David Sullivan, with Duxbury effectively being
squeezed out when the owners brought in their former Birmingham City
colleague Karren Brady as vice-chairman.

"I am proud of my work at West Ham United, but feel the time is right for me
to pursue other opportunities," said Duxbury in a statement. "I wish Mr
Sullivan, Mr Gold and Karren great success in driving this wonderful
football club forward, and I know under their stewardship the club will
prosper. Thank you to all the supporters who have kept faith with the club
through good and bad times."

Duxbury joined West Ham as the club's in-house lawyer under the then
chairman Terry Brown, and was subsequently promoted to chief executive by
Eggert Magnusson after the club was bought by an Icelandic group.

However, his time running the club was blighted by controversy, not least
because of his role in signing Carlos Tevez in a deal which breached Premier
League rules and will subsequently cost the club more than £30m in fines and
compensation payments.

Brady said: "We thank Scott for his valued contribution and wish him every
success in the future."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Why the alarm bells should be ringing at West Ham - Darren Lewis' Big
Lunchtime Read
By Darren Lewis in Mirror Football Blog
The Mirror
Published 13:48 28/01/10

The alarm bells are ringing. When David Gold and David Sullivan took over at
West Ham last week, my initial thought was that they would be excellent
custodians. It struck me that with the mess at Notts County and Portsmouth
proving that foreign is not always better, Gold and Sullivan would be a
refreshing antidote. Indeed, when they spoke about their passion for the
club on sealing the deal (Sullivan wept, Gwyneth Paltrow-stylee, on national
radio as he told of his joy) they won West Ham hearts everywhere. They went
on to tell of the financial wreckage they were picking through with Eggert
Magnusson et al throwing money around as if it were confetti. This would not
happen under the new regime, we were promised. Only for Gold and Sullivan
first to tell the world they had offered a a staggering £100,000-a-week to
try and secure Ruud Van Nistelrooy. They failed, with the Dutchman opting
instead for Hamburg. But out came the Chuckle Brothers' chequebook again,
this time to offer Eidur Gudjohnsen £60,000-a-week to quit Monaco for Upton
Park. Spurs beat them to the punch. Now, get this, they have handed a two
and a half year contract to 32-year-old Benni McCarthy - who has scored just
one goal in the League this season. Not only that, they have trebled the
South Africa striker's wages, meaning that unless they can offload him
before then, West Ham will be paying him around £50,000-a-week when he is
35.
Is this the brave new world financial world into which Gold and Sullivan are
leading the club? Because if so it should worry West Ham fans to the core.
They spent long enough planning and executing their strategy in buying the
club. Why didn't they spend as much time on injecting some imagination into
their transfer policy? Where is the rabbit-out-of-the-hat signing? They are
fortunate that another of their targets, Benjani, could well be snaffled by
either Blackburn or Portsmouth - both of whom are interested - because he
won't come down much from the £60,000-a-week he is picking up at Manchester
City. Yes, I know, you get what you pay for and West Ham certainly do need
an injection of experience to keep them up. (To be perfectly honest, I think
they could stay up with what they have). But why not nick Aruna Dindane from
Portsmouth, take him on loan until the end of the season and then give him
back? Saving the club a wedge of cash in he process. A loan move for Landon
Donovan before Everton nipped in would have been inspired. Particularly
given the way he has exploded onto the Premier League stage.
Instead Gold and Sullivan opted for the lazy option. Yes, they know the
Premier League. Yes, McCarthy - and Benjani if he arrives - will provide
experience. But is either move cost-effective (which is the way in which
West Ham should be thinking right now)? You'd have to say no. And talking of
cost-effective, didn't Gold and Sullivan say that they didn't believe Carson
Yeung, the man who replaced them at Birmingham, would succeed at St Andrews
by slashing ticket prices? Yes they did. And yet what do they want to do?
Move to the Olympic Stadium so that ticket prices can be reduced. To be fair
to Gold and Sullivan, they have stuck to their promise not to sell players
during this month and to back Zola with cash. Their plan to move to the
Olympic Stadium per se has also been met with widespread approval from fans
and makes sense. But I just go back to McCarthy. How is he worth
£2.25million when Eidur Gudjohnsen, 32 in September, moves to Spurs on loan?
(ie, for nothing). The feelgood factor may be slowly returning to Upton
Park. But there remain questions to be answered.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Duxbury quits Hammers
Published 10:31 29/01/10 By Pa Sports
The Mirror

West Ham have confirmed the resignation of chief executive Scott Duxbury.
The move comes as a result of this month's takeover of the club by David
Gold and David Sullivan, with Duxbury effectively being squeezed out when
the owners brought in their former Birmingham colleague Karren Brady as
vice-chairman. Duxbury said in a statement: "I am proud of my work at West
Ham United, but feel the time is right for me to pursue other
opportunities."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

WHUFC Web Item

West Ham United statement
WHUFC.com
The club can confirm that chief executive Scott Duxbury has resigned his
position at West Ham United
29.01.2010

West Ham United have today announced the resignation of chief executive
Scott Duxbury. Duxbury said: "I am proud of my work at West Ham United but
feel the time is right for me to pursue other opportunities. "I wish Mr
Sullivan, Mr Gold and Karren great success in driving this wonderful
football club forward, and I know under their stewardship the club will
prosper. Thank you to all the supporters who have kept faith with the club
through good and bad times." Vice-chairman Karren Brady said: "We thank
Scott for his valued contribution and wish him every success in the future."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com

WHU Web Item

Duxbury to quit Hammers
Hammers chief executive to resign
Last updated: 29th January 2010
SSN

West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury is to resign from his position at
Upton Park. Duxbury heads the list of casualties following David Gold and
David Sullivan's takeover of the East London club. The cash-strapped Hammers
are implementing a number of cost-cutting measures to try and save money at
Upton Park and Duxbury has decided to resign with Karren Brady instructed to
restructure the club. Duxbury, who played a pivotal role in luring
Gianfranco Zola to Upton Park, is thought to be unhappy with the stringent
rules imposed by the new regime. Reports suggest Brady has ordered staff to
turn off lights and heating, informed the medical team to cut their budget
and sacked former players from their roles as club ambassadors. Gold
revealed Brady has been given the task of saving the club money and are
looking at everything at the club in a bid to cut costs. "Karren is our
financial doctor. She identifies problems and helps us fix them," said Gold.
"This is what we are good at and it is a great challenge. All
non-footballing costs are being looked at. "We are looking at absolutely
everything. We will not damage the footballing side, but we need to cut
costs."

Daily WHUFC News - 29th January 2010

Specs has victory in sight
WHUFC.com
Jonathan Spector said West Ham United will be going for maximum points
against Blackburn Rovers
28.01.2010

Jonathan Spector is even more determined for West Ham United to beat
Blackburn Rovers after missing out on three points against Portsmouth. Sam
Allardyce's side visit the Boleyn Ground on Saturday in the first of a run
of eight consecutive home games against teams from outside the top eight.
Spector said his team-mates would need to give a similar performance to
Tuesday night's fixture at Portsmouth, when they were unfortunate to leave
the south coast with just a point. "We are disappointed with the result. It
is a bit heartbreaking to go 1-0 up and then go on to play some really good
football," he said. "Portsmouth is a tough place to go to. Liverpool went
there and got beaten pretty easily. I don't think this is a bad point for us
- obviously we would have liked three but we will be looking for three on
Saturday. "We go into any game looking for a win. I think it is premature
saying it is a must-win but we will be looking to go and win it."
Spector joked he would be begrudgingly give West Ham's opener to Matthew
Upson, but is now looking for the team to be even more ruthless in front of
goal, particularly now Carlton Cole is nearing full fitness. "We didn't take
all of our chances in the first half and we had some good ones. If we had
then we would have won the match. So we're a bit disappointed the way the
match ended. "It was great to see Coley back. Frank [Nouble] did well but
when Coley came on he caused them a bit of trouble so we are all glad to
have him back. "It would have been nice to have been able to get a second,
but we created some good chances and for much of the game we defended very
well. The United States international has impressed at left-back after
starting West Ham's last two games. Spector and his fellow defenders were
ably aided by Robert Green and Mark Noble, who caught the eye just sitting
in front of them in the holding midfield role. "We kept it pretty compact
and made it difficult for them to create anything. Towards the end the game
opened up a little bit and both sides were trying to get the three points
but it wasn't meant to be. "I have been asked to do a job at left-back,
which isn't my preferred position but I'm happy to fill in the role and help
the team any way I can. Defensively, I think we held together really well
and it's not just the back four as Greeny has come out with some big saves
for us. "We have the midfielders to thank. Nobes was in the holding role and
he did really well and made some important challenges and important
tackles."

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Zola powers Tomkins
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins has told WHUTV about the positive impact Gianfranco Zola has
had on his fledgling career
28.01.2010

James Tomkins has enjoyed a successful return to the West Ham United
starting XI in recent weeks, but he is determined not to rest on his laurels
as he seeks to help repay the man who has given him "massive confidence."
Tomkins told WHUTV that manager Gianfranco Zola has had a major impact on
his return to form through belief and specialist one-on-one training
sessions. The England Under-21 international was forced off with a facial
injury during Tuesday's game with Portsmouth, but should he be fit for
Saturday's visit of Blackburn Rovers. He is focused on helping the Hammers'
push for a third clean sheet in five Barclays Premier League matches. "The
manager has had the confidence to play me and that brings a massive
confidence to me and the other younger boys who have had their chance. If
the youngsters do well, then they will get their chance to impress him,"
Tomkins told WHUTV. "He's good for youngsters and will always take them
aside to give them a bit of advice on where they can improve and do a bit
with them after training if they want and he has been brilliant for me.
"When the manager puts faith in you and trusts you it is always nice to
repay him with performances, which I try to do."

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Blackburn ticket latest
WHUFC.com
There are still a limited number of seats available for the visit of
Blackburn Rovers on Saturday
28.01.2010

The ticket office would like to inform fans a limited number of tickets
still remain for West Ham United's first Barclays Premier League home game
of 2010.

Saturday's visit of Blackburn Rovers will also be the first game since the
new joint chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold took control of the club. A
win for the Hammers could see them climb to 13th in the Premier League
table.

Tickets for this fixture begin at £35 for adults and £17.50 for over-65s and
Young Adult members. This fixture has also been deemed a Youth Academy
fixture, where all junior members can apply for a ticket to the fixture free
of charge.

Youth Adacemy Membership has been reduced to just £20, but in addition to
the complimentary Blackburn Rovers ticket, Youth Academy members can also
apply for a Bolton Wanderers ticket free of charge. This match is scheduled
for Saturday 6 March.

Not only do members benefit from the above, but Youth Academy members also
receive all of the following:

• 2 x £5 West Ham United shop vouchers
• Reduced online and telephone booking fees
• Free entry to reserve games
• Personalised membership card
• Youth Membership pack featuring an exclusive DVD
• Chance to be a first-team mascot
• Chance to win a season ticket for 2010/11

Both tickets and membership can be purchased either in person at the West
Stand ticket office or by calling 0871 222 2700 via Option 1.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola has his say on Pompey draw as West Ham attempt to pull away
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 28th January 2010
By: Staff Writer

From the outside looking in, you would think that West Ham should be going
to bottom of the table Portsmouth and picking up three points. In reality
though, coming away with a hard earned 1-1 draw was a decent result for the
Hammers. To go to Fratton Park and lose would have been a disaster, no doubt
about it. It would have moved Avram Grant's side to within two points of the
Hammers. After the draw there is still a five point cushion between the club
and the foot of the table, something that is reflected in West Ham's Premier
League relegation odds. It was so important they kept distance between
themselves and Pompey. The bottom club have had such a traumatic season,
that to be just two points ahead of them would have been disappointing. As
satisfactory as a draw was though, there is no doubt that it could have been
a win. When you take the lead at a team that is struggling, you expect to go
on and take the game.
To be fair to West Ham they probably would have added to Matthew Upson's
goal on another day, but they found Pompey goalkeeper Asmir Begovic in top
form. His efforts to keep West Ham out were then rewarded when Danny Webber
equalised for the home side with 14 minutes remaining. Zola was keen to
praise his players afterwards though and called it a "very good point" as it
didn't allow a team behind West Ham to make up any ground. Any draw away
from home in this league shouldn't be sniffed at, after all.
The West Ham boss was really pleased with how his team played as well. They
showed good confidence going forward and would have been rewarded for their
attempts on goal had it not been for Begovic.
Zola says that his players were "in control of the game" for large periods
and "created many chances" which can only be a good sign. He also labelled
the commitment of the current squad "fantastic" and said that he is
"delighted" with their attitude. The Italian is a big believer in having a
positive attitude on the pitch and he clearly thinks that if his players
maintain their current mind set they will be successful in the remainder of
the season. There is a big opportunity to build some momentum in the next
few weeks as well, it has to be said. If Zola is able to add a couple of
fresh faces, the team maintains its togetherness and remains fully committed
to the cause, there is no reason why February can't be a productive month.
West Ham finish January with a winnable home game against Blackburn Rovers,
before games with Burnley, Birmingham and Hull next month. They finish
February with a game against Manchester United, but hopefully enough points
would have been picked up by then to ensure that anything is a bonus against
Alex Ferguson's men. Everyone just needs to keep going. The players need to
remain focused despite transfer speculation and the fans need to keep the
faith. Lastly, Zola needs to remain positive, something I don't think there
will be too much of a problem with. Meanwhile, Portsmouth's relegation odds
suggest they will be playing Championship football next season, while things
are also looking grim for Hull and Burnley.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Transfer window update
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 28th January 2010
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are being linked with a move for Brazilian Goalkeeper Rubinho.
According to this morning's La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Hammers are set to
move for the Palermo keeper who is out of favour following a string of
high-profile errors. Rubinho - who recently handed in a transfer request -
had looked set to join Serie A strugglers Livorno in a swap-deal including
Francesco Benussi recently but turned down the move. West Ham have been in
the market for a back-up to number one Rob Green since last summer.

Another spot the Hammers are keen to bolster ahead of next Monday's 5pm
transfer deadline is right back, although links to possible targets have
been few and far between. However one name that continues to crop up is
Tottenham's Scottish full-back Alan Hutton, another who is seemingly surplus
to requirements at his club. Hutton, who moved to London in a deal estimated
to be worth around £9million in the summer of 2008 has made just eight
starts for Spurs this season.

Elsewhere the Irons are being linked with Portsmouth full-back Nadir
Belhadj, who is one of a number of players up for sale by default due to
Portsmouth's chronic financial situation. Things are so bad down at Fratton
Park right now that the club's unpaid web hosts have pulled the official
Portsmouth FC website this morning (check it out for yourselves) - so there
are likely to be a number of good deals available on the South Coast.

Tottenham, who are on the verge of announcing the signing of another Irons
target, Eidur Gudjohnsen have a number of players available during this
current window and it is no surprise that West Ham are being linked with
several names from White Hart Lane. Midfielder David Bentley, who has barely
played since being arrested for drink driving at the beginning of the season
is one, as is striker Robbie Keane who could be on his way out of Tottenham
for the second time in two years.

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West Ham enquire about Celtic goalscorer Scott McDonald
McDonald hopes to play for Australia in this summer's World Cup
By Chris McLaughlin
BBC.co.uk

West Ham could be ready to test Celtic's resolve with a bid for Australian
striker Scott McDonald. BBC Scotland has learned that the English Premier
League club have had the Parkhead goalscorer watched and an enquiry has been
made. McDonald, 26, has struggled to secure a regular start under boss Tony
Mowbray. Wigan recently ended their interest because of Celtic's asking
price and Gordon Strachan is keen to take his former striker to
Middlesbrough. Strachan, who took over at Boro in October, spent £700,000 on
McDonald in 2007 to bring him to Celtic from Motherwell, for whom he had
starred for three seasons. McDonald, who has earned 15 caps for Australia,
arrived in British football from Cranbourne Comets. He made only a handful
of appearances in brief spells with Southampton, Bournemouth and Wimbledon,
and also served Huddersfield on loan. Currently recovering from a hernia
operation, McDonald has scored 64 goals in 127 appearances for Celtic and
will be keen to start hitting the net regularly to clinch his place in
Australia's squad for the World Cup finals in South Africa this summer.
Meanwhile, Burnley are still hopeful of signing Celtic defender Danny Fox
with negotiations between the two clubs ongoing.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jimenez seals Hammers exit
Parma deal complete for Inter forward
By Simone Bargellini Last updated: 28th January 2010
SSN

Luis Jimenez has completed his move to Parma after leaving West Ham. The
Inter Milan forward was on loan at Upton Park for the rest of the season but
the he Hammers have agreed to end that prematurely. Now Jimenez has penned a
deal with Parma until the end of the campaign. "I'm happy to go to Parma,"
Jimenez told Sky Italia. "My experience in the Premier League has not gone
as I wanted. "Now I hope to stay for a long time in the same team, although
in my career until now I have never been able to do so." Parma's sporting
director Pietro Leonardi added: "Jimenez is an important player who will
give quality to Parma and will help us to achieve the objective of
survival."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Robbie Keane edges towards Tottenham exit after Spurs pip West Ham to loan
capture of Eidur Gudjohnsen
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 10:42 AM on 28th January 2010
Daily Mail

Tottenham have pipped West Ham to the signing of Monaco striker Eidur
Gudjohnsen, leaving the door open for out-of-favour Spurs striker Robbie
Keane to leave White Hart Lane. The Hammers had been expected to complete a
deal for the Icelandic international after the player completed a medical on
Tuesday. However, Harry Redknapp nipped in with a late offer and used the
lure of a Champions League challenge to snatch Gudjohnson, a former Chelsea
player, from under the nose of their city rivals.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spurs complete Gudjohnsen deal
Redknapp understood to have added a different dimension
Last updated: 28th January 2010
SSN

Sky Sports News understands that Tottenham have signed Monaco forward Eidur
Gudjohnsen on loan until the end of the season. The former Bolton, Chelsea
and Barcelona star had been a target of West Ham before Premier League and
London rivals Spurs made their move. Gudjohnsen is reported to have
undergone a medical at Upton Park and so the Hammers were less than
impressed when news broke earlier this week that Tottenham appeared
favourites in the deal. Spurs boss Harry Redknapp was quoted as saying in
Thursday's newspapers that he had offered identical terms to West Ham and
that the Iceland international was deciding on his choice of clubs.
Gudjohnsen now appears to have made up his mind and is set to move to White
Hart Lane where his craft will add a different dimension to UEFA Champions
League-chasing Tottenham's attacking options. The combination of Jermain
Defoe's pace and Peter Crouch's aerial threat have proved a positive pairing
this season, but when the duo misfire Spurs have struggled. Club captain
Robbie Keane is out of form and has been relegated to a role as substitute,
while Roman Pavlyuchenko is expected to leave in January and Birmingham are
thought to have made an approach.

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Zola in Bentley test drive
The Sun

WEST HAM are the latest to try to tempt Tottenham into letting winger David
Bentley move on loan. Sunderland asked to take Bentley until the end of the
season but Spurs were only interested in a transfer. Manager Gianfranco Zola
is desperate to boost his Hammers squad and sees £15million Bentley, 25, as
an ideal short-term solution.

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Life's a hitch for hitman Benni
The Sun
By MARTIN BLACKBURN
Published: Today

BENNI McCARTHY has seen his £2million move to West Ham from Blackburn hit a
snag due to a work permit problem. And it may deny the South African the
chance of a debut against Rovers at Upton Park tomorrow. Striker McCarthy,
32, had agreed a 2½-year deal but his permit is expiring and because of a
lack of recent international appearances getting a new one could prove a
problem. Rovers boss Sam Allardyce needs the cash to bid for James Beattie
or Benjani as a replacement.

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Newcastle United join clubs in queue to sign Crystal Palace forward Victor
Moses
The Times
Gary Jacob

Newcastle United offered £1.5 million up front for Victor Moses, the Crystal
Palace forward, last night, matching the bid made by West Bromwich Albion.
Palace, who are in administration, are hoping to raise more for the
19-year-old, who has attracted interest from Nottingham Forest, Fulham and
Manchester City. West Ham United have offered an initial £500,000 rising to
about £2 million, but the deal is less attractive to Palace because they
require significant funds this month.

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West Ham game postponed
By Simon Hayes on January 28, 2010 10:12 AM
Wharf.co.uk

West Ham's games next month against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester
United have been postponed because of cup commitments. The Irons were due to
meet Wolves at Upton Park next Tuesday but the midlands side will be
involved in an FA Cup replay against Crystal Palace. And the Hammers trip to
Old Trafford on February 27 will be rearranged because Manchester United
will be playing Aston Villa in the Carling Cup final the next day. No new
dates have been set for either game.

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Parker and Ilunga back
28 January 2010
London24

SCOTT PARKER and Herita Ilunga are set to join Carlton Cole in the starting
line-up on Saturday as West Ham look for three points against Blackburn
Rovers. Talismanic midfielder Parker missed Tuesday's 1-1 draw with
Portsmouth at Fratton Park with a tight hamstring, but he is training again
this week and will be desperate to return.
Ilunga has been out since he limped off at White Hart Lane during the 2-0
defeat by Spurs on December 28, but his hamstring has responded well to
treatment and he will also look to replace Jonathan Spector in the left back
slot on Saturday. Cole played 20 minutes as a second-half substitute at
Pompey and showed some of what the Hammers have been missing since the end
of November. He is likely to replace youngster Frank Nouble up front, while
James Tomkins is rated as 50/50 after his clash with Kevin Prince Boateng at
Fratton Park that forced him off with a facial injury. Kieron Dyer and Danny
Gabbidon are expected to return to full training next week, while Mexican
striker Guillermo Franco is perhaps a further week away. Skipper Matty Upson
knows just how vital Saturday's game is. "I think the home form will decide
it for us," explained Tuesday night's scorer. "Saturday is a huge game and a
game we are looking to get a win from, and if we do that, then the draw at
Portsmouth will look a good result.

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'Will the last one out of Upton Park please turn off the lights... and the
radiators!'
Published 23:00 28/01/10 By John Cross
The Mirror

Karren Brady has introduced an amazing string of cost cutting measures at
hard-up West Ham - even ordering staff to turn the lights and heating off.
West Ham's new owners David Gold and David Sullivan are desperately trying
to save the club and vice-chairwoman Brady has been put in charge of cutting
their crippling debts. Sullivan has claimed the club has debts of £110m and
Brady has already:

SACKED legends Tony Cottee and Tony Gale, as well as TV star Matt Lorenzo,
as £40,000-a-year club ambassadors...

ORDERED massive reductions in manager Gianfranco Zola's medical staff...

BEGUN a battle with the FA to get £15m compensation after Dean Ashton was
forced to retire after injuring his ankle on England duty...

TRIED to force out big-money reserves as they believe the current squad is
far too big...

SUSPENDED injured defender Calum Davenport's £20,000-a-week wages until his
court case is resolved...

TOLD staff not to leave lights on and insisted the heating should be turned
off.

Ruthless Brady, star of Sir Alan Sugar's The Apprentice show, gained a
reputation at former club Birmingham for being a no-nonsense operator. But
West Ham co-owner Gold insists that Brady's tough measures have his and
Sullivan's full support as they desperately try to save the club following
their takeover. Gold said: "Karen is our financial doctor. She identifies
problems and helps us fix them. This is what we are good at and it is a
great challenge. "All non-footballing costs are being looked at. We are
looking at absolutely everything. We will not damage the footballing side,
but we need to cut costs to increase income. It's not brain surgery."
West Ham are desperately looking to bring players in, namely strikers
Benjani and Benni McCarthy. But it could be that they still sell players as
they are determined not to let England defender Matt Upson run down his
contract, as he has just 18 months left on his deal. They have shipped out
Luis Jimenez back to Italy to join Parma and Nigel Quashie has joined Queens
Park Rangers. But it is the off-the-field cutbacks which are really
beginning to bite as Gold, Sullivan and Brady make their mark, having been
scathing about the club's previous owners.
West Ham defender Davenport has been hit hardest, having his wages stopped
until his court case is resolved. Stab victim Davenport has been accused of
assaulting his sister in the incident which led to him being stabbed in both
legs and the club has insisted that until his case is resolved his wages
will be suspended. Davenport is still training with West Ham and legal
experts, the PFA and Premier League have been called in. The PFA is looking
at whether West Ham are breaking any rules and are hopeful of overturning
the club's ruling.
Davenport, whose wife recently gave birth to a baby daughter, is hoping the
Premier League also rule in their favour and order West Ham to backdate the
wages. Zola had previously backed Davenport, while it was former chief
executive Scott Duxbury who broke the news over the suspension of his wages.
Supporters were also shocked to hear about Cottee, Gale and Lorenzo, who all
worked at the club on match days. Cottee and Gale are both West Ham legends
and are still highly regarded at Upton Park but the new owners have decided
against them in a move which is unlikely to please fans.
Technical director Gianluca Nani is facing the axe after making a string of
signings which have turned out to be expensive mistakes. But the medical
team could also be hit hard, even though that was a department that Zola
championed and was keen to improve. One member of the medical staff is
likely to be axed, with some of them on up to £200,000-a-year. Ashton's
retirement was a major blow and yet the club are determined to recoup some
of their compensation pay-out on his contract as he suffered the first ankle
injury problem while on England duty. They have gone to the FA to try to
reach an agreement and the club's recent injury record has also alerted them
to a potential review of the medical team.

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City block Benjani exit
Published 22:55 28/01/10 By Alan Nixon
The Mirror

Manchester City are blocking striker Benjani's exit - and stopping a move to
ambitious West Ham. The Zimbabwean was offered to both Hammers and Blackburn
by different middle men, claiming he could go for nothing before the window
shut. But the Hammers were shocked to find out yesterday that City will not
let Benjani go because they do not have enough striking options in their
squad as they chase FA Cup glory and a top-four finish.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FOOTBALL'DOCTOR' KARREN BRADY LEAVES BITTER PILL
Daily Express
Friday January 29,2010
By Matt Law

KARREN Brady has made an incredible 'You're Fired' start to her new West Ham
career that has sent shockwaves through the Upton Park club. But the
decision to suspend stab victim Calum Davenport's wages could land the
Hammers in hot water with the Premier League, with questions over whether
the move is legal. Brady, who is an adviser to Lord Sugar on the sixth
series of The Apprentice, became the Hammers' vice-chairman last week as
part of David Gold and David Sullivan's takeover. Apart from stopping
Davenport's wages, she has already sacked club ambassadors Tony Cottee, Tony
Gale and Matt Lorenzo and, according to sources, handed out rollickings to
staff who leave heating and lights on.
Next on Brady's hitlist is the medical team. Some members of the department
could be sacked and others are set to face the choice between taking a hefty
pay cut or leaving. Drastic action was clearly needed at debt-ridden West
Ham but the force and speed of Brady's actions have upset some people.
Judging by the club website, nobody is safe. Intriguingly, the staff section
is 'coming soon' and 'this new section will appear shortly'.
Gold said last night: "Karren is our financial doctor. She identifies
problems and helps us fix them. This is what we are good at and it is a
great challenge. All non-footballing costs are being looked at. We are
looking at absolutely everything. We will not damage the footballing side,
but we need to cut costs." Ex-chief executive Scott Duxbury told Davenport
his £20,000-a-week wages would be stopped until a court case over charges of
assaulting his sister in the incident that led to him being stabbed in the
legs is resolved. The PFA have asked the Premier League to investigate to
see whether suspending a player's wages while he waits for a court case
breaks rules.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble and Nouble Impress!
West Ham Till I Die

The 1-1 draw with Portsmouth was a disappointing result in the end. But I
actually agreed with those that argued prior to the match that this was one
that we could not afford to lose. So, based on that rationale, mission
accomplished! In truth we had enough goal scoring opportunities on the
night to win three matches, but you cannot fault the likes of Collison,
Nouble and Diamanti. They all placed the ball well and/or hit the target,
but their goal keeper was in inspired form. He saved Pompey on at least
three or four occasions.

I really could not believe the downbeat nature of the press reports on
Wednesday morning. I thought we dominated for long periods and carved out
some great chances. We should have been 0-3 up by the time that Pompey
started to come back in to the match in the second half. Our retention of
the ball, passing and movement were all good. Once we have a sharper
cutting edge up front, to supplement our fluid passing game, I reckon we
will not look back.

I was particularly encouraged by the displays of Mark Noble and Frank
Nouble. I agree that it appears that Noble's best position is as midfield
anchor, shielding the defence, winning the ball and distributing it. Seeing
Noble perform so well in this defensive midfield role reminded me of the
strong, dynamic young player who made one of the key individual
contributions to West Ham staving off relegation in the great escape of
2006-07.

Noble is not built for speed and does not appear to have the pace to play
out wide. He can play as the offensive point of a midfield diamond, but
with the likes of Diamanti around there are now better alternatives.
Playing in the anchor role allows Noble to use his aggression, tackling and
ability to distribute the ball to deliver a range of quality forward passes.


Noble has hopefully found his niche and now Zola needs to show the faith to
continue playing him in that role. It also frees up Scott Parker to play
further forward. Parker defends well, but his aggressive forward play is
exceptional. Noble occupying the anchor role would allow Parker to drive
the team forward, make strong surging runs in the final third and pick out
decisive passes in and around the box.

Frank Nouble had his best game in a West Ham shirt against Portsmouth. His
recent inclusion in the first team has been driven by necessity. I had
feared that his opportunity had come too early after the FA Cup tie against
Arsenal, where he worked hard without making any real head way. However,
the Villa and Pompey matches saw Nouble's performance levels improve
demonstrably. Against Pompey he led the line well, was very mobile and
showed good technique in receiving and passing the ball. Nowhere was that
technique better demonstrated than his role in the build up for Collison's
excellent strike in the first half. It was accomplished and intelligent
play by the young man and it bodes well for his future at the club.

I am now convinced that Nouble's early exposure to first team football has
been positive, accelerating his development and improving his confidence at
his level. As for criticism of his finishing, yes he probably should have
buried his chance against Pompey, but he did hit the target and that is a
good indicator of much better things to come. Remember, this is a 17/18
year old we are talking about, he has plenty of time to sharpen his
finishing a la Carlton Cole.

As things stand Nouble is a real prospect and is nicely poised to push on
next season to increase competition for the striker positions. Indeed, it
has to be said that Nouble's decision to leave Chelski has been fully
vindicated. Would he have had these early first team opportunities there?
No of course no, he would probably still be stagnating in their reserves.

The loss of two points turned on Tomkins losing a key challenge due to an
opposing player's wayward elbow and the referee's baffling failure to award
a free kick. Arguably, 9 times out of 10 modern referees would have awarded
an free kick in that situation. Indeed, they usually seem to stop play and
issue yellow cards for most trivial of challenges, yet this time, nothing!
Not only did he ignore the offence, but the referee then failed to stop play
so that a player with an head injury could receive urgent treatment. Surely
that flies in the face of the FA guidance given to referees?

How many points this season have we lost due to poor refereeing decisions?
Decisions such as Cole's disallowed goal against Wigan, Sunderland's dodgy
winner and the penalty that never was against Chelski. These type of
decisions are supposed to even themselves out over the course of a season,
if so we can look forward to a glut of dubious refereeing decisions going
our way between now and the end of the season!

SJ. Chandos.

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David Gold's "guilt" at Palace takeover talks
Thursday, 28 January 2010
By Richard Cawley

DAVID Gold has broken his silence on his interest in Crystal Palace and
Charlton - admitting he feels "guilty" that no concrete move materialised
for the two South London clubs.
The new West Ham United co-chairman recently completed a takeover bid with
fellow former Blues owner David Sullivan. And in an exclusive interview with
the South London Press, Gold admits there had been interest if he had not
pushed through with purchasing the Hammers. He said: "In a way I feel a bit
guilty that I was associated with both clubs and that it never happened.
"Yes, I had contact with certain people and obviously I can't go into
detail. But I was in contact because if we had gone with either club we
would have needed to act quickly in the transfer window. We needed to do our
due diligence at a distance, without getting too involved. "I was talking to
certain people and I'm saddened in a way - but equally you can understand
the draw of West Ham. "Your first choice is always going to be the club you
supported and my roots are with West Ham, it was where I was brought up and
I played there as a young lad. I've been a fan for years and years. "We had
to carefully look at West Ham because it has been in disarray - so in the
meantime we had to look around if that didn't come off. "I am close to
Charlton but I'm very close to Crystal Palace. I live in Caterham and they
are just around the corner. Even my company is in Whyteleafe which is only
three or four miles away and in my offices there are Crystal Palace scarves
and pictures. It is real Palace territory.
"So it if the West Ham situation had failed, they are one of the clubs I did
give serious consideration to. I wish both them and Charlton well."

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Potters ace set for Hammer time
Sport.co.uk
Author: Nigel Brown
Posted on:28 January 2010 - 14:27

Sport.co.uk understands unsettled Stoke City striker James Beattie is on the
verge of completing a move to West Ham. The Hammer's gaffer Gianfranco Zola
has missed out on Tottenham Hotpsur bound Eidur Gudjohnsen, as well as
Italian international Luca Toni. Zola is desperate to add forward options to
his beleagured West Ham side and has earmarked Stoke's James Beattie and
Blackburn Rover's Benni McCarthy as his two most likely options. The deal to
bring the South African hitman from Ewood Park to the Boleyn Ground is
almost complete and reports this afternoon suggest that the former
Southampton and Everton forward is set to follow the Blackburn forward to
West Ham.
Stoke City manager Tony Pullis pulled off a masterstroke by bringing Beattie
to the Potters last January with the former England man bagging 7 goals in
16 appearances to help keep Stoke City in the Premier League. However
manager Tony Pullis fell out with Beattie after the forward reminded the
manager after the 2-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates that they had the
day off for the Christmas party the next day. Pullis reacted angrily and
ordered the Stoke City squad to report to training. Since the incident
relations have mellowed between the pair but Pullis looks set to cash in on
Beattie following the argument.

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Redknapp: Two identical deals were on the table
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on:28 January 2010 - 14:20

Harry Redknapp has responded to the angry accusations levelled at Tottenham
Hotspur by new West Ham United owner David Sullivan as the two clubs fight
to sign Icelandic international Eidur Gudjohnsen on loan for the rest of the
season. The Hammers appeared to be winning the chase for the Monaco striker
before Spurs stepped in at the last moment to secure a deal. Having spent
two years at Bolton Wanderers and six seasons with Chelsea Gudjohnsen will
be hoping to find the type of form at White Hart Lane which led to a
lucrative deal with Barcelona in 2006. Talking about the move for
Gudjohnsen, manager Harry Redknapp revealed: "We've been talking about him
for nearly two weeks and when we heard West Ham were interested we made our
move. "We are not paying a penny more than West Ham were offering him. "Two
identical deals were on the table. In the end it was a straight choice for
Eidur."
Yesterday, West Ham United owner Sullivan went public on his disgust at the
way negotiations had panned out. "We thought we had a deal and the player
had even had a medical," Sullivan said. "We then heard that Tottenham were
trying to speak to the player. I can't say I am happy about it but I believe
in Karma and what goes around, comes around."
It now appears West Ham will turn to out-of-favour Stoke stirker James
Beattie having already snapped up Benni McCarthy from Blackburn Rovers. The
East End outfit are desperately seeking added firepower in the hope of
avoiding the drop in Gianfranco Zola's second season in charge at Upton
Park.

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West Ham United v Blackburn Rovers: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between West Ham United
and Blackburn Rovers at Upton Park on Saturday Jan 30 2010, kick-off 15.00
GMT.
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Ley
Published: 6:00AM GMT 29 Jan 2010
Saturday, January 30

West Ham United v Blackburn Rovers
Upton Park
Kick-off: 15.00 GMT
TV: Highlights, BBC1 MotD.

Blackburn have not won at West Ham since April 1994 but on Wednesday they
beat Wigan 2-1 at Ewood Park to claim their second successive League win.
Lars Jacobsen is doubtful but Christopher Samba returns from suspension.

West Ham have scored just one goal in their last Premier League games, while
they have won just one game in their last eight, and they will again be
without Guillermo Franco, Kieron Dyer, Zavon Hines, Calum Davenport and Luis
Boa Morte. And they test Scott Parker, who missed the midweek 1-1 draw at
Portsmouth after failing to recover from a hamstring injury. Benni McCarthy
could feature.

West Ham (4-1-4-1): Green; Faubert, Tomkins, Upson, Spector; Noble;
Diamanti, Behrami, Parker, Kovac; Cole.
Blackburn Rovers (4-4-2): Robinson; Chimbonda, Givet, Samba, Olsson;
Emerton, Dunn, Nzonzi, Pedersen; Kalinic, Roberts.
Referee: Peter Walton. Matches: 13. R2 Y28.

Last season: West Ham 4 Blackburn 1, Blackburn 1 West Ham 1.

Stat of the game: West Ham have beaten Blackburn in each of the last nine
Premier League clashes at Upton Park.

Betting tip: West Ham's record hints at a home win, at evens.

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Tomkins: Zola good for West Ham young players
29.01.10 | tribalfootball.com

Portsmouth players cough up for go-karting West Ham United defender James
Tomkins is delighted with his progress under manager Gianfranco Zola.
Tomkins has become an ever-present for the Hammers in recent games. The
manager has had the confidence to play me and that brings a massive
confidence to me and the other younger boys who have had their chance. If
the youngsters do well, then they will get their chance to impress him,"
Tomkins told WHUTV. "He's good for youngsters and will always take them
aside to give them a bit of advice on where they can improve and do a bit
with them after training if they want and he has been brilliant for me.
"When the manager puts faith in you and trusts you it is always nice to
repay him with performances, which I try to do."

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