Wednesday, May 25

Daily WHUFC News - II 25th May 2011

Tombides targets new highs
WHUFC.com
Academy Player of the Year Dylan Tombides is aiming to continue his
development over the summer
25.05.2011

It has been quite a season for Dylan Tombides. The first-year scholar, who
only turned 17 in March, has made his mark at reserve-team level, was
included in first-team squad for Sunday's Barclays Premier League visit of
Sunderland and is now looking forward to representing Australia at the FIFA
U17 World Cup. The Perth-born striker capped a memorable 2010/11 by being
named as the Academy Player of the Year - sponsored by Hermex International
Limited - by Academy Director Tony Carr. "It's been a great season," said
Tombides. "I'm very happy with my development so far. It's all about getting
a chance and taking it and I think I've done that well this season. "A lot
of hard work has gone in behind the scenes. I spend a lot of time in the gym
and when I get home I'm really tired. It's all about going to bed and
getting some good sleep and coming back the next morning ready to go. "It
does make a big difference, I feel. I might stay around and do a little
extra that could make me a bit quicker or a bit stronger. That's what gets
you a little bit further in your life. "I am very surprised. My Dad has
noticed a big difference in my strength and it's good to know that the hard
work is paying off."

In a season of many highlights, Tombides picked out the FA Youth Cup
fourth-round meeting with Manchester United, the brace he scored in a 3-2
Barclays Premier Reserve League win over Arsenal and being named in the
first-team squad for the FA Cup fifth-round visit of Burnley as his standout
moments. "It was nice to walk out at Upton Park in the FA Youth Cup against
Manchester United. It was a shame we went out when we did because I don't
think we deserved to lose that game. "Every game I play is always a
highlight, but the one I'd probably take is scoring two against Arsenal
reserves. A lot of first-team players played so it was another good
experience for me."

"Being in the squad against Burnley was a very big thing for me. It was bit
disappointing not to be in the final squad for the game, but it was still
nice to be there and part of all of it. Being considered for that event was
a proud moment for me. "Training for the first team was both exciting and
nerve-wracking. Once you get into it, you're up and running but at first
you're just hoping you can get through the session without making youself
look like a bit of a mug! "The coaching staff and players are very nice and
kind to you, so it was good to train with them. "I just went out there and
did the best I could. If I fitted in then great, but I know I still have
things to work on."

The modest Tombides was quick to praise the influence on his career made by
Academy Director Carr and his supportive parents Jim and Tracylee. "Tony has
been a very good coach for me - you've only got to see the players who have
come through the Academy. I've only played under him for a season so far,
but you can see I have come a long way under his eye, which is a testament
to him. "My family and friends have always been encouraging me, too. I'm
very thankful to them because they're always around to help me out and
without them I wouldn't be where I am today."

Looking forward, Tombides, who netted nine goals in 32 appearances this
season, is eager to continue making his mark for both club and country. "I'm
very happy with what I've been gifted, but it's up to me what I do with it.
I can't just think 'I've made it'. I've still got a long way to go and to
work very hard. "I'll obviously start with the youth team next season, but
as soon as I progress I'll be very happy. At the same time, my progression
means younger players will get a chance in the youth team, which will be
very good for them and will help the club as a whole."

Tombides will enjoy a very short break before returning to training to keep
himself fit ahead of the FIFA U17 World Cup, which begins in Mexico on 18
June. While Australia are considered outsiders, the young Hammer is
confident they will give a good account of themselves. "It's a big
tournament and I'm really looking forward to it. No matter how far we go,
it'll be a great event and a good experience for us. "We have got a lot of
things to work on, but I'm confident we'll do all right. We won't be rolled
over. Australians don't lie down. We'll always fight to the end and that
might get us the last-minute goal that could take us through."

The way his season has gone, you can bet Tombides will be the player who
scores it.

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Wearen wins with Ireland
WHUFC.com
Hammers youngster Eoin Wearen got off to a good start in UEFA U19 EURO
qualifying
25.05.2011

Eoin Wearen helped the Republic of Ireland make a winning start to their
UEFA European Under-19 Championship Elite round qualifying campaign. The
Irish were 1-0 winners against mini-tournament hosts Poland in Koszalin,
meaning they have taken a surprise hold on Group 4. Hammers midfielder
Wearen was a 66th-minute substitute, and came up against former Academy
right-back Filip Modelski, who has been released by the club. Ireland are
next in action on Friday against Ukraine before a Sunday showdown with Italy
that could prove pivotal. The group winners will go forward to the
eight-nation finals in Romania, to be played between 20 July and 1 August.

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Jack back for Wales
WHUFC.com
Jack Collison and Danny Gabbidon could both be in action for their country
tonight
25.05.2011

Jack Collison is set to make his long-awaited return for Wales this evening
against Scotland in Dublin. The Hammers midfielder played in the final three
matches of the Barclays Premier League season after a 14-month absence with
a knee injury. His last international appearance came in the 1-0 defeat by
Sweden in March 2010.
Collison could get more valuable minutes under his belt tonight and on
Friday when Gary Speed's men take on Northern Ireland in the Irish capital.
However, caution will be the watchword for the Wales manager when it comes
to fielding the 22-year-old. "He will be a big boost for us," said Speed.
"Jack played his first games for West Ham and I am so pleased for him to be
back involved in the fold. We are going to have to manage him obviously. We
have a duty to look after him. Jack's welfare is the most important thing."

Collison, and compatriot Danny Gabbidon, are not the only Hammers on
international duty. Club-mate Robert Green was a late call-up for the
England squad alongside Scott Parker for the UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier with
Switzerland on Saturday week. whufc.com will have full details of all the
club's internationals over the coming fortnight.

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Academy pair right at home
WHUFC.com
Sebastian Lletget and Cristian Montano are enjoying life at West Ham
United's Academy House
25.05.2011

Young professionals Sebastian Lletget and Cristian Montano have spoken about
the benefits of living in the West Ham United Academy House. American
Lletget and Colombian Montano have both been with the Hammers since the age
of 16, spending much of their time living in the club's digs. There, the
youngsters share accommodation with many of their team-mates, urging each
other on and helping to foster a fantastic team spirit. Speaking to West Ham
TV, the pair spoke glowingly of the facilities at the Academy House, as well
as the support and care afforded them by resident hosts Bob and Val Rayson.
"I'm from San Francisco in California and I've been here for a year and a
half now and I really enjoy it," said Lletget. "The boys in the house are
pretty respectful of my privacy and generally really nice.
"I think it's a very big thing for any person that their surroundings are
comfortable and the house really does that for you. Bob and Val are also
here to look after us, which is good. "I think we've given up too much and
sacrificed almost everything to be here, so I think it would be foolish to
get involved in that other stuff like going out late and drinking."

Montano moved to London as a youngster, but said the Academy House offered
him a perfect base from which to pursue his dream of playing for the
Hammers.
The 19-year-old admitted that rules in the house were fairly strict, but
agreed with Lletget that the sacrifices were worth making. "The house is
good because it keeps you away from a lot of things you or trouble you might
be included in if you were living outside the house," said Montano. "You're
also live with many of the players you train with and see them day to day,
which helps you forge a spirit. "Bob and Val look after us well and we have
a curfew as well, so we have a daily routine and times when we have to be in
certain places, or else there would be consequences. "We don't know what the
consequences would be because none of us have been in trouble. We all do
what we're told to do."

The pair also talked positively about the care afforded them by the Raysons,
who have run the Academy House since it opened in 1998, the wide range of
facilities available to them and the benefits of speaking Spanish.

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Martin O'Neill back on West Ham's radar after settling Aston Villa issues
Metro.co.uk

Martin O'Neill says he is keen to return to management after reaching a
settlement with Aston Villa, meaning a switch to West Ham could be back on
the cards.
O'Neill was linked with Hammers job in January, only for the Upton Park
chiefs to decide to keep the faith with Avram Grant after a botched attempt
at replacing him.
However, the former Leicester boss has now been touted again as a prime
candidate for the West Ham dug-out, after Steve McClaren ruled himself out
of the running.
The 59-year-old left Villa in August last year but the Premier League
Managers' Arbitration Tribunal was needed to settle the terms of his
departure. In a statement, O'Neill said: 'It's taken a long time but I'm
pleased all issues have been amicably finalised. I'm now looking forward to
the future and getting back into football management.' The Northern Irishman
is currently fourth favourite with the bookies behind Dave Jones, Chris
Hughton, and Sam Allardyce.

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West Ham striker commits himself to the club for next season
East London Advertiser
Matt Diner
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
9:00 AM

West Ham striker Freddie Sears has committed himself to the club for next
season despite their relegation. Championship-bound Hammers are set to lose
the likes of Matthew Upson, Robert Green and Scott Parker over the summer,
but it looks likes academy graduate Sears (pictured right) is set to stay at
Upton Park. "Yeah I want to stay, I've expressed to stay. I want to stay and
get a couple of games next season. You don't know what's round the corner,"
he told the Advertiser. "Definitely as a West Ham fan I want to play for the
club. Relegation might give me a better opportunity to play for the club I
want to play for week in week out. There is probably more of an opportunity
in the Championship than the Premiership. "It could go one of two ways, I
could play every game of the season or the new manager could come in and
bring in new players. But hopefully we can keep some of the young boys and
have a real go next year."

Sears has faith that he and his fellow graduates can step up next year and
push the Hammers back into the Premier League at the first attempt and
admitted they will have to do so without some of their better-known players.
"We should try and keep as many players as we can, but its going to be
hard," he said. "The more senior players will probably move on to be honest,
but hopefully we can keep a good core of players and have a real go next
season. "You look at the boys they have brought through over the years. Tony
Carr has done a great job and he is still bringing through the boys and when
they make the step up it's not hard. "They are ready, they've had two years
in the academy and a scholarship with Tony Carr. "It makes you more hungry
coming through the academy to get on the pitch and do well."

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Robert Green returns for England
25 May 2011
Evening Standard

England coach Fabio Capello was able to breathe a sigh of relief last night
when Robert Green returned to the international fold. Following Ben Foster's
decision to stand down from England duty indefinitely, there had also been a
question mark about Green's commitment to the Three Lions cause. Having
excused himself from next month's Euro 2012 qualifier with Switzerland
partly due to the impending birth of his first child but also because of the
stresses of West Ham's battle to avoid the drop, Capello had opted not to
push Green before naming his squad on Monday afternoon. However, the Italian
had named his squad without knowing Fulham's David Stockdale was due to get
married 24 hours before the Swiss encounter on June 4. Although Stockdale
had assured Capello he would report for duty, the position was nowhere near
ideal, so the England coach approached Green, whose wife has given birth and
West Ham's fate is now sealed. Had the stopper, who has not played for his
country since making that abysmal error against the United States in last
summer's World Cup, said no, Capello would have been in trouble. As it was,
Green agreed and will report for duty with the remainder of his team-mates
next Monday. It does smack of a lack of communication surrounding Capello,
who will be meeting Rio Ferdinand for the first time since handing the
captaincy back to John Terry. However, the final outcome has at least been
favourable, with Green providing competition for Joe Hart and Scott Carson,
ahead of a game England need to win to retain control over their own destiny
in what seems to be a straight qualification fight with Montenegro

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Tigers dismiss Pearson link
Hull focused on strengthening squad following West Ham rumours
Last Updated: May 25, 2011 8:40am
SSN

Hull City insist there has been no contact from West Ham United after
manager Nigel Pearson was linked with the Upton Park vacancy. The Hammers
are searching for a new boss after ditching Avram Grant following the club's
relegation from the Premier League. Cardiff City manager Dave Jones is
understood to be the No.1 choice, but Tigers chief Pearson is also rumoured
to be on the short-list. Pearson has impressed in recent seasons, firstly at
Leicester City and now at the KC Stadium after leading Hull to 11th in the
Championship this season. However, the Tigers' head of football operations
Adam Pearson has brushed off the speculation linking his namesake with the
West Ham job. "There's been no contact from West Ham whatsoever," Adam
Pearson told the Hull Daily Mail. "All we have heard is the speculation in
the media but there's nothing more to it than that. "Our only focus is on
squad strengthening and making sure we're fully prepared for next season."

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EXCLUSIVE: Cardiff manager Dave Jones on the West Ham job
Matt Diner
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
12:06 PM
East London Advertiser

Cardiff manager Dave Jones has denied he has spoken to anyone at West Ham
about becoming the club's new manager. The 54-year-old is the bookies'
favourite to succeed Avram Grant at the helm, but today told the East London
Advertiser that neither he nor the club have contacted each other. "I have
not had any contact with them over the job," Jones said. "I'm not prepared
to say anything about the vacancy. I'm still employed by Cardiff City
Football Club and only thinking of them." Jones, who is on a rolling
contract at the south Wales club, has been in charge since 2005 but has so
far failed to push the club into the Premier League. "I will be sitting down
with the board at Cardiff and discussing my future with them soon," he
added.

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Sam Allardyce tops Hammers' list
Ken Dyer
25 May 2011
Evening Standard

Sam Allardyce was today emerging as the new favourite to become West Ham
manager. Allardyce, 57, was always on West Ham's list of potential
candidates, along with Martin O'Neill and Norwich boss Paul Lambert.
Allardyce has been out of work since December, when he was sacked by
Blackburn, but he still commands a great deal of respect within the English
game as one of the best and most innovative managers. O'Neill remains in the
frame for the Upton Park job but may prefer to wait for an opportunity in
the Premier League, while Lambert now looks likely to stay at Carrow Road.
It is understood, though, that West Ham's co-owners David Gold and David
Sullivan are still some way away from making a final decision as they
consider other candidates, including Dave Jones, should he leave Cardiff,
Watford's Malky Mackay, former Hammers manager Alan Curbishley and Hull's
Nigel Pearson. The club hope to make an appointment within two weeks so that
the new man can begin the process of re-shaping the playing squad in
preparation for life in the Championship

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West Ham have not approached Dave Jones insists David Gold
PA
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
The Independent

West Ham co-owner David Gold maintains the club have not approached Cardiff
manager Dave Jones about the managerial vacancy at Upton Park. The Irons
sacked Avram Grant after they were relegated from the Barclays Premier
League. Reports had suggested they would now move for Jones, with the
Bluebirds having lost in the npower Championship play-offs. However, Gold
said on Twitter: "Despite what you may have read in the papers, we have not
spoken to Dave Jones."

The 54-year-old former Wolves boss also appeared to rule himself out of the
running. Quoted in the East London Advertiser, Jones said: "I have not had
any contact with them over the job. "I am not prepared to say anything about
the vacancy. "I am still employed by Cardiff City and only thinking of them.
"I will be sitting down with the board at Cardiff and discussing my future
with them soon." Former West Ham defender Chris Hughton, axed by Newcastle
earlier in the season, is reported to be on the shortlist, as well as
ex-Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce.

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Martin O'Neill linked with West Ham job
Dominic Walsh, 25 May 2011
SportsNewsIreland.com

Martin O'Neill could be in line to take over as the new manager of West Ham,
after revealing that he has finally agreed a settlement with Aston Villa.
O'Neill was previously linked with Hammers job last January, only for club
bosses to decide to give Avram Grant more time in the position. However,now
that the side have been relegated and Grant axed, O'Neill is once again a
front-runner for the role. The 59-year-old left Aston Villa in August last
year but the Premier League Managers' Arbitration Tribunal was needed to
settle the terms of his departure. In a statement, O'Neill said: 'It's taken
a long time but I'm pleased all issues have been amicably finalised. I'm now
looking forward to the future and getting back into football management.'
The Northern Irishman is currently fourth favourite for the job, behind Dave
Jones, Chris Hughton, and Sam Allardyce.

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Jones - No Hammers talks
Bluebirds chief to discuss future with Cardiff board
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me on Twitter @skysportspeteo. Last
Updated: May 25, 2011 1:51pm
SSN

Cardiff boss Dave Jones insists he has not spoken to anyone at West Ham
about the managerial vacancy at Upton Park. Jones has emerged as the
bookmakers' favourite to succeed Avram Grant at West Ham as the club look to
make an immediate return to the Premier League next season. Former
Southampton manager Jones insists neither he or Cardiff have been contacted
by West Ham about the job.

No contact

"I have not had any contact with them over the job," Jones told the East
London Advertiser. "I'm not prepared to say anything about the vacancy. I'm
still employed by Cardiff City Football Club and only thinking of them."
Jones, who is on a rolling contract at the south Wales club, has revealed he
will be holding talks with Cardiff's board about his future in the next few
days. "I will be sitting down with the board at Cardiff and discussing my
future with them soon," he added. West Ham co-owner David Gold insists the
club have not approached Jones about taking over at Upton Park. Gold said on
Twitter: "Despite what you may have read in the papers, we have not spoken
to Dave Jones."

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Alan Devonshire sets Braintree Town target
BBC.co.uk

New Braintree Town manager Alan Devonshire has set the team a 50-point
target in the Blue Square Bet Premier next season. Devonshire was appointed
manager of the Essex side on Monday, after leaving his role as boss of
Hampton & Richmond. He told BBC Essex: "We're part-time, but we're going to
enjoy it and have a right old go." "We're looking for 50 points as quickly
as possible, if we can get there in February then fantastic." Braintree will
be in the top-flight of the non-league game for the first time in their
history next season. Previous manager Rod Stringer resigned from the role
less than a fortnight after the club won the Blue Square Bet South title, in
a dispute over the budget for the 2011/12 campaign. Stringer claimed the
final nail in the coffin in his departure was down to fact he was not
promised a reliable car for travelling to rivals' grounds. Devonshire
insisted that would not be a problem for him as he does not drive. He said:
"I had a two-hour lesson and didn't really like it so I decided to not
bother driving. "I've never drove, it doesn't bother me. I get around, I get
to watch lots of games, so it's not a drawback in any way." Devonshire,
whose playing career included a 14-year stay at West Ham, added: "I don't
really want to change anything, I don't think I need to. It's down to the
players if they want to stay." "I just want to make the players better, that
is my ambition."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 25th May 2011

Potts makes US bow
WHUFC.com
Youth-team defender Danny Potts has made his debut for the United States U20
side
24.05.2011

Youth-team defender Danny Potts has made his debut for the United States U20
side. Potts, a left-back, played for the final 20 minutes as a substitute in
the Americans' 2-1 friendly defeat by France in Vichy. The 17-year-old
qualifies to play for the US through his father, Hammers great Steve, who
was born in Hartford, Connecticut. All three goals had been scored before
Potts replaced Hertha Berlin player Terrence Boyd. Earlier, Derby County
forward Conor Doyle had equalised Arsenal striker Gilles Sunu's opener
before Olympique Lyonnais striker Yannick Tafer netted the winner eleven
minutes after half-time. The friendly international was the second between
the two countries, with the first match ending in a 3-3 draw. Potts was not
involved in that fixture, while West Ham club-mate Sebastian Lletget was
excused the trip to allow him to return to his native California. Having
missed out on a place at the FIFA U20 World Cup this summer, Tab Ramos's
squad are now preparing for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

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England draft in West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green
BBC.co.uk
Page last updated at 20:04 GMT, Tuesday, 24 May 2011 21:04 UK

West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green has been called into the England squad for
the Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland on 4 June. The 31-year-old
replaces Fulham's David Stockdale, who is getting married the day before the
Wembley match. Stockdale is believed to have told England's management he
was still willing to join up with the squad. But coach Fabio Capello instead
opted to call up Green, who reportedly originally asked not to be
considered. It is believed that Green made the request because of off-field
distractions - the keeper's wife gave birth last Tuesday, while his club
have recently been relegated from the Premier League. Green is likely to be
third choice for the Switzerland game, behind Manchester City's Joe Hart and
Scott Carson of West Bromwich Albion. England's goalkeeping options were
reduced earlier this month when Birmingham's Ben Foster announced he was
making himself unavailable for international duty for an indefinite period.
The 28-year-old, who had been second choice behind Manchester City's Joe
Hart following last year's World Cup in South Africa, cited "niggling
injuries" and a desire to prolong his club career as the reasons for his
decision. Stockdale was first called up by Capello for February's 2-1
friendly win in Denmark in February, but was an unused substitute for the
game. He has made 10 appearances for Fulham this season, although his last
game for Mark Hughes's side was the 4-0 FA Cup victory over Spurs at the end
of January, with Mark Schwarzer the Cottagers' first-choice keeper since
then.

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Rob gives Green light for return
By SHAUN CUSTIS
Published: Today
The Sun

ROBERT GREEN has answered England's SOS and returned to the international
fold. The West Ham keeper is back in Fabio Capello's squad for the Euro 2012
qualifier against Switzerland at Wembley a week on Saturday. He joins Joe
Hart and Scott Carson in the party after Fulham's reserve stopper David
Stockdale was allowed to drop out as he is getting married the day before.
Green, 31, had threatened to quit his country after failing to win a cap
since last year's World Cup howler against the USA. He told the Three Lions
staff he was ready to pack it in after the March friendly against Ghana -
when he sat on the bench for 90 minutes. He was approached about a return.
But a shocking breakdown in communication between the FA and Green led to
both sides believing they had been ignored. While Green was waiting for a
call from England chiefs, they were expecting him to contact THEM. As a
result, and with Ben Foster taking an international break, Stockdale was
named. When Stockdale's dilemma was brought to their attention, England went
back to ask Green again - and he agreed to join up.

WEST HAM are in talks with defender Danny Gabbidon about a new contract for
next term's Championship campaign.

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Stoke winning race to sign West Ham star
Published 22:58 24/05/11 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror

Stoke have moved ahead of West Brom, QPR and Newcastle in the race to sign
Carlton Cole. The Potters have already started to follow up their
well-documented interest in the £9million-rated England striker with Europa
League football a big incentive for Cole to move to the Britannia Stadium.
West Ham are resigned to losing the marksman with joint-owner David Gold
admitting even before the season had ended that the England internationals
would be allowed to leave.

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Bruce confirms Sunderland interest in £7m West Ham star
Published 22:57 24/05/11 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror

Steve Bruce wants to sign £7million striker Demba Ba from West Ham. The
Sunderland boss confirmed: "My job is to knock on the owner's door again and
keep improving us – and yes, he's one that we're looking at." Blackburn,
Aston Villa and Lokomotiv Moscow are also in the hunt, although the Hammers
still hope to retain Ba's services in the Championship. "We'll see what
we've got and what we've got to spend. "Hopefully we will improve the squad
which we need to do. And yes, he's one that we're looking at."

The Hammers are hoping to keep the 25-year-old Ba even though Blackburn and
Aston Villa are keen on the former Hoffenheim striker's services and have
made approaches for him. Lokomotiv Moscow are also interested with former
Chelsea midfielder Alexey Smertin - who works as an advisor for the Russian
club - ready to fly to the UK to hold discussions with Ba and his agent.

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Redknapp to fund Parker purchase by flogging Jenas to QPR
Published 23:00 24/05/11 By John Cross
The Mirror

Harry Redknapp wants to fund a move for Scott Parker - by selling Jermaine
Jenas to Queens Park Rangers. Spurs boss Redknapp is desperate to snap up
West Ham midfielder Parker and is confident of getting the deal done. But
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has made it clear that Redknapp must sell
before he can buy this summer - and Jenas is wanted by QPR boss Neil
Warnock. Warnock wanted former England midfielder Jenas on a season-long
loan but Tottenham are likely to insist on a permanent switch to help pay
for Parker. Redknapp already has a wealth of midfield talent with Tom
Huddlestone, Luka Modric, Sandro and Wilson Palacios so Jenas has become
surplus to requirements. But Redknapp is keen to get 30-year-old Parker and
it is believed West Ham may sell for around £5m to help ease their financial
problems after relegation and get him off the wage bill. Redknapp has
claimed Liverpool and Arsenal are interested in Parker but both clubs
generally look at younger players and the Spurs boss is already in the box
seat. QPR want to strengthen their squad for the Premier League and Warnock
has also looked at Joe Cole who is set to leave Liverpool after just one
unhappy season at Anfield. But Jenas would provide some quality and
experience while a deal would suit Spurs as they look to shake-up their
squad.

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Euro 2012: Robert Green returns as England's goalkeeping weakness is exposed
By Jeremy Wilson 10:27PM BST 24 May 2011
Follow Jeremy Wilson on Twitter

Robert Green, the West Ham United goalkeeper, answered an SOS call on
Tuesday to make a return to the England squad for the Euro 2012 qualifier
against Switzerland. On another day of confusion regarding England's
goalkeepers, it was communicated to Fabio Capello that David Stockdale, his
third-choice goalkeeper, was getting married on June 3, the day before the
Wembley match against Switzerland. Stockdale, the Fulham substitute
goalkeeper, had stressed that he would be willing to return to the squad to
deputise for Joe Hart and Scott Carson, but it was decided that it would be
fairer simply to find a replacement. Green has not played since his mistake
in the World Cup against the United States last summer and was unhappy that
he was not given a chance in the friendly against Ghana in March this year.
Hart played in that game, having also played the full 90 minutes three days
earlier in the Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales. It is understood that
Green held talks with England coaching staff after the Ghana game and
informed Capello that he did not want to be included in future squads. Green
made the point that the Ghana game was a friendly and an opportunity for him
to receive his first cap since the horrific World Cup error.

At the time, he also faced the added complication of his wife being due to
give birth at the end of May, just days before the Switzerland game. In the
circumstances, and with West Ham having been relegated, Capello decided that
it was better to give Green the summer off and then try to resolve the
situation next season. However, Green's wife has now given birth and, after
talks on Tuesday with the England management team, he agreed to join up with
the squad next week so that Stockdale would be free to concentrate on his
wedding. An FA statement last night said that Stockdale had "a personal
commitment in the build-up to England's Euro 2012 qualifier with
Switzerland".

The situation will again prompt questions over Capello's communication with
his players and it also highlights the dearth of goalkeeping options. Over
the past year, both Ben Foster and Paul Robinson have made themselves
unavailable for England. Foster who was relegated on Sunday with Birmingham,
announced earlier this month that he was taking an "indefinite break" from
the national squad, while Robinson retired last year because he thought he
should have been first choice.
Stockdale, 25, has been given some opportunities this season at Fulham
because of injuries to Mark Schwarzer, who was then involved in the Asian
Cup. He is not first choice at his club although he has impressed Capello,
who included him in the squad for the February friendly against Denmark.

Carson, who blundered for England in the Euro 2008 qualifier at home to
Croatia in a defeat which cost Steve McClaren his job, has endured a
difficult campaign at West Bromwich. Green's own club future is also in
doubt following West Ham's relegation to the Championship, with Aston Villa
his most likely destination next season.

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FABIO CAPELLO'S IN KNOTS AS ROBERT GREEN GETS CALL
Daily Express
Wednesday May 25,2011
By Paul Joyce and Matt Law

FABIO CAPELLO'S goalkeeping farce intensified last night when Robert Green
answered an SOS from the manager after David Stockdale withdrew from the
clash with Switzerland – to get married. Fulham goalkeeper Stockdale was
named as one of the understudies to No1 Joe Hart on Monday, but yesterday
informed England that he is due to tie the knot the day before the Euro 2012
qualifier at Wembley on June 4. Stockdale is understood to have been willing
to still link up with Capello's squad after the ceremony. However, the
decision was taken by the England management that it made little sense
asking him to abandon his new wife when he would, in all likelihood, have
been third choice behind Hart and West Brom's Scott Carson and sitting in
the stands. Instead, England's goalkeeping complement will now be brought up
to strength by Green, who has spent the last two months weighing up whether
to continue his England career. West Ham keeper Green has not played for
Capello since his gaffe in England's opening World Cup draw against the USA
last summer and said he did not want to play for his country again after
being overlooked for a run-out in March's friendly against Ghana, a game in
which Capello made wholesale changes.

England talked to Green about his plans at the weekend and the keeper, who
became a father last week, said he would get back to them after speaking to
his family.
But there was still no further contact between the two parties before
Capello named his 23-man squad for the Switzerland game as England decided
Green would benefit from the break after becoming a dad and coping with West
Ham's relegation.

That view was then reversed when Stockdale, who was an unused substitute
against Denmark in February, contacted England and said he was due to be
married.
The episode comes on the back of Birmingham goalkeeper Ben Foster's decision
to take a sabbatical from international football, citing a succession of
nagging injuries as the reason why he put club before country. In the long
term, Capello will be concerned at the lack of options he has in the event
of Hart getting injured.

Stockdale's first-team opportunities at Fulham have been limited by the form
of Mark Schwarzer and he has not played since the 4-0 FA Cup win over
Tottenham on January 30. Doubts also surround Carson's future at West Brom
after manager Roy Hodgson looked to try to tempt Brad Friedel into a move to
The Hawthorns.
Friedel, 40, is out of contract at Aston Villa and Liverpool are favourites
to head off interest from Tottenham and bring him back to Anfield. But
Capello's goalkeeping crisis could get worse if Hodgson succeeds in
replacing Carson this summer. Foster, who is also a target of Tottenham, is
likely to be too expensive for West Brom, while Green looks set to move to
Aston Villa. Capello still hopes to talk Green out of retiring from
international duty and may promise him at least a half in the August
friendly against Holland.

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