WHUFC.com
The new season is upon us and Mark Noble cannot wait to get going with the
big kick-off on Saturday
10.08.2009
Mark Noble cannot wait for the new Barclays Premier League campaign to begin
after a hectic but rewarding pre-season campaign. West Ham United travel to
newly-promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers this Saturday for the first fixture
of the 2009/10 season in a positive frame of mind after what the midfielder
called a "good test" in the 1-0 defeat by SSC Napoli at the weekend. "We are
looking forward to it all starting now, looking forward to playing Wolves,"
he said. "We have worked hard in pre-season and it was a good test out there
for us against Napoli and we're ready now for the kick-off. "Training is
good. We have a good bunch of lads here, the quality is good and I know the
manager is trying to add to the team where he can, so we are all very
positive."
While more additions to the West Ham squad are on their way, the first big
arrival this summer is already settling in well. Luis Jimenez has added
extra quality in the attacking third and Noble is full of praise for his new
team-mate "I am enjoying playing with him," he said "He is a really good
player, very clever and where we like to play football, do little passes and
exchanges, he is really good on the ball with all of that. I think you will
see really good things from him this season."
While Noble is firmly concentrating on all things West Ham, he knows another
good season under his belt at the Boleyn Ground could further his ambitions
for the England senior team. He signed off last season by helping England to
the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship semi-finals. "Of course the
World Cup next year is in my thoughts, as I have come out of the Under-21s
now and so I want to impress further and push on to the seniors if I can. I
know I need to keep working hard and doing my best for West Ham to do that,
so that is what I will be looking to do. "Our target here is to build on
last season, look to achieve a bit higher. Hopefully Europe will be in our
sights. We're happy and looking forward to it all starting now."
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A day for a Knight
WHUFC.com
Sir Trevor Brooking was given a great reception by fans as the Centenary
Stand was renamed in his honour
10.08.2009
West Ham United fans were in good voice at the weekend to acknowledge the
opening of the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand with the man in himself in
attendance. Sir Trevor was introduced to the crowd and presented to both
teams along with Stephanie Moore MBE before the Bobby Moore Cup, which
finished in a 1-0 victory for SSC Napoli. The club legend, who played a key
role in the FA Cup wins of 1975 and 1980, was a fitting choice when it came
to renaming the Centenary Stand. As well as being a player, manager and
director of the club in his time, the FA director of football development
had fond memories of being a fan at the original North Bank end of the
stadium that now bears his name.
"I used to watch from there as well but in those days when it was all
standing we little juniors could take a stool," the 60-year-old said. "We
all went down the front so we could stand on the stool to see while our
parents stood further back. We would meet up at the final whistle to go home
together which you couldn't even imagine being able to happen now. That was
how you went to football."
Having made his debut in a 3-3 draw at Burnley in August 1967, he stayed
loyal to the cause even during relegation and went on to play 636 games for
West Ham, scoring 103 goals, before retiring in 1984. He also played 47
times for England, scoring five goals. Although centre of attention at the
weekend, Sir Trevor was also keen to show his support for the Bobby Moore
Fund for Cancer Research UK which was benefiting from vital fund-raising and
awareness around the match. Sir Trevor added: "We are in a cycle where a lot
of people are bemused by the money in football but it is great to see areas
where something is being put back in. "The Fund has been driven forward by
Bobby's wife Stephanie and she has raised a lot of money and helped to save
a lot of lives with the investment and research they have done. They deserve
a lot of credit and praise."
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Cup draw this week
WHUFC.com
The Hammers are due to learn their first opponents on the 2009/10 road to
Wembley
10.08.2009
West Ham United will learn their opponents for the 2009/10 Carling Cup
second round this week with the match provisionally scheduled to be played
on Wednesday 26 August. Gianfranco Zola's team, along with a dozen other
top-flight sides, will join the competition in this week's draw once the
first-round is concluded in midweek. Last season, in Zola's second match in
charge, the Hammers were knocked out in the third round after a 1-0 defeat
by Watford. West Ham were 4-1 winners against Macclesfield Town in last
year's second round, but only after Lee Bowyer forced extra time with a late
equaliser. Carlton Cole, Zavon Hines and Kyel Reid all then struck during
the additional 30 minutes to ensure the club's progress. The club have twice
reached the League Cup final but have never triumphed, losing in 1966 and
1981 to West Bromwich Albion and Liverpool respectively. This year's final
will be staged at Wembley on Sunday 28 February 2010.
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West Ham in trouble
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th August 2009
By: Matthew Kemp
There was a fantastic headline in one of the Sunday papers yesterday. "West
Ham cash fear sparks sale of Upson"....oh, what a joy to read having watched
the team play Napoli on Saturday, losing 1-0.
Interestingly, Napoli were declared backrupt and reinvented themselves,
winning the Italian 3rd Division, and then gaining successful promotion from
Serie B. AFC West Ham here we come..?
Straumur, who own West Ham United through CB Holdings have allegedly
informed Scott Duxbury he must raise cash in the coming weeks. They need to
pacify their creditors to stave off bankruptcy, so it comes as no surprise
that Upson is again be touted as a possible player to depart Upton Park.
What worries me even more, aside from Upson, is the immediate requirement
for at least two strikers to join the club before the transfer deadline on
September 1st.
Zola, has now gone on record, stating that we do need to sign some players
in this department. Scott Duxbury has even added to these comments, by
confirming in a statement on the official club website that both him and
Nani are in the process of trying to sign at least two players..
From speaking to fellow fans on Saturday, and listening to comments after
the game, it was all too evident that the consensual view was that Zola
needs some strikers to work with Carlton Cole. The two names being touted
are Gudjohnson and Luca Toni, and I for one would be happy if either sign.
With regards to Dean Ashton, no one knows if he is fit, ready to play, being
rested, or being sold. The absence of both Davenport and Quashie fuelled my
view that Ashton is ready for first team action, yet is not being played to
reduce the risk of getting injured. The other two players are being openly
touted as available to any club, at the right price.
God help Ashton if he was Welsh, Toshack would have him playing an
International with zero games under his belt!
More rumours will circulate as we draw nearer to the beginning of the
season, yet expect some wheeling and dealing to occur in the East End before
deadline day. My view is that Upson will leave, yet the club will use a
similar stance to that which occurred when Anton Ferdinand departed.
If you recall, Anton claimed he had been offered a new contract which was
withdrawn. The club, stated that Anton had refused a new contract so was
therefore sold. Curbishley confirmed his stance on the subject by leaving on
the basis he was not consulted on the subject!
Upson has two years left on his current contract, and as of today hasn't
made any comments about wishing to leave, yet neither has he made any moves
to prolong his contract. He signed a Magnusson deal, so will be one of the
club's higher earners, which will put off some clubs. Clearly, though Man
City would not be perturbed, especially if they fail to land Lescott from
Everton.
Losing a player of Upson's calibre will be a blow, yet on a positive note it
was refreshing to see Gabbidon back, fit and well, and with both Tomkins and
Collins we have three solid centre backs.
Lastly, was it me or did our French flop Faubert, actually have a good game,
looked fit, and played well at right back? Maybe we are yet to see the best
of our £6m acquisition?
Roll on the Wolves game!
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Upson set for City switch
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th August 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United look set to lose England defender Matthew Upson before the
end of the transfer window. The 30-year-old centre half, who had been tipped
as a future Hammers captain looks set to be sacrificed in order to appease
the club's current owners, CB Holdings, who are said to be ordering the
sale.
It is understood that a deal with Manchester City - thought to be worth
around £12.5million - is on the verge of being completed, although an
announcement is likely to be delayed until United manage to secure a forward
in order to placate supporters who will no doubt be furious at news of
Upson's sale, having been told earlier this summer that the club is now
self-sufficient.
Manager Gianfranco Zola, who lost Craig Bellamy in the last transfer window
is also thought to be deeply unhappy at the prospect of losing the England
defender, but accepts that the position of centre half is perhaps where the
Hammers are least likely to be affected by a sale.
Although most of the fee for Upson will almost certainly disappear into the
coffers of CB Holdings some will be released to secure the striker so
desperately needed, with Real Madrid's Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Barcelona's
Eidur Gudjohnsen and Bayern Munich's Luca Toni considered to be the three
main targets at present.
Should Upson indeed depart, that would mean the entire back four present at
the beginning of last season - Lucas Neill, Upson, Anton Ferdinand and
George McCartney - will all have been either sold or released since as West
Ham United attempt to recover from the crippling debts left behind by the
Gudmundsson administration.
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Jonjo plans shelved?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th August 2009
By: Staff Writer
Charlton boss Phil Parkinson has taunted West Ham by claiming that they
couldn't afford to buy teenage star Jonjo Shelvey. 17-year-old Shelvey, who
has also been courted by Tottenham and Chelsea comes from a family of
Hammers and is said to be keen on joining West Ham. United have been keeping
tabs on the player for some time and, it is rumoured, made an initial
(failed) bid to land the player back in May. Shelvey, who is understood to
have a clause in his contract allowing him to leave upon meeting certain
conditions was the subject of a £3.5million bid from Chelsea last month
according to the Sunday Times - a deal he is said to have rejected as a
result of his desire to move to West Ham. But the chances of that happening
were laughed off by Addicks boss Parkinson this morning, who told Sky Sports
that he wanted at least £8million for the talented young midfielder.
"Chelsea were mentioned but I haven't had a call from Roman Abramovich," he
said. "And West Ham couldn't afford him. "We want him to help us get
promotion, because he will do. [Fabian] Delph went [to Aston Villa] for
£8million and Jonjo, in my eyes, is a better player."
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Parkinson - Shelvey worth £8m
Charlton boss keen to keep talented teen
Last updated: 10th August 2009
SSN
Charlton boss Phil Parkinson has placed an £8million price tag on the head
of highly-rated teenager Jonjo Shelvey. Premier League trio Chelsea, West
Ham and Tottenham have all been linked with possible moves for the
17-year-old midfielder. Parkinson has no plans to part with his prized asset
and believes Shelvey is worth more than Fabian Delph, who cost Aston Villa
£8million when they lured him away from Leeds last week. The Addicks boss
claims he has had no contact from the Blues over Shelvey, while he feels the
Hammers would be hard pushed to find the funds to make a realistic bid.
Parkinson told reporters: "We want him to help us get promotion, because he
will do.
"I've seen a lot of Delph and I would put Jonjo ahead of him. Delph went for
£8million and Jonjo, in my eyes, is a better player. "Chelsea were mentioned
but I haven't had a call from Roman Abramovich. And West Ham couldn't afford
him."
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Former Real Madrid Star Michel Salgado Wants West Ham United Move – Report
The Hammers could snaffle a new free signing...
10 Aug 2009 13:56:35
Michel Salgado is keen on trying his luck in England with West Ham United
after leaving Real Madrid, and he could potentially replace Lucas Neill at
Upton Park, according to a report in The People. The 33-year-old left the
Santiago Bernabeu after more than a decade last week, stating that he feels
he still has something to offer at the highest level. Rather than move to
another club in the Primera Division, the Spain international would like to
play in the Premier League and could join the Hammers. Salgado has revealed
his love of England in interviews, explaining that it came after a language
exchange trip left a lasting impression and that he now visits London
regularly. With a sister-in-law from York, Salgado speaks fluent English and
feels that he would have few problems settling in at West Ham. Australian
Neill has yet to pen a new deal at Upton Park and there are doubts about
whether the club are prepared to meet his contract demands. Indeed, he has
been linked to Sunderland in recent days.
Lucas Brown, Goal.com
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West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola praises Carlton Cole
Gianfranco Zola has praised Carlton Cole ahead of West Ham's Premier League
opener, at Wolves, after the England striker impressed in Saturday's 1-0
defeat by Napoli.
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Ley
Published: 9:55AM BST 10 Aug 2009
Cole, who is now with England, remains West ham's key striker and Zola was
impressed with Cole's performance against Napoli defender Fabio Santacroce.
Zola said: "Carlton Cole is no surprise to me any more. For me some of the
bits that he does are unbelievable. "Carlton is improving day-by-day with
his presence and confidence.
"He was exceptional and I was very pleased with his performance."
Zola continues to look for attacking options and remains linked with Eidur
Gudjohnsen, Barcelona's former Chelsea striker now surplus to requirements
in Spain. But Zola may face a battle this week to hold onto Matthew Upson.
The England central defender is wanted by Manchester City, who have turned
their attentions to the former Arsenal and Birmingham defender following
their continued failure to capture Everton's Joel Lescott.
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WEST HAM: 'We need to be more clinical' says Zola
11:56am Monday 10th August 2009
Guardian Series
By Kevin Bradford »
WEST Ham need to become more clinical in front of goal according to manager
Gianfranco Zola. Speaking after Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Napoli in the
Bobby Moore Cup, he admitted he was impressed with the team's flowing
football but emphasised the need for a cutting edge. Slick passing and
movement by the midfield allowed them to ably assist lone striker Carlton
Cole, but Zola said goal scoring is an area they are looking to improve in.
"I told the players that what I saw in the first half and at some parts in
the second half, from our box to the edge of their box, is the best I have
seen West Ham playing," he said. "There's been some quality movement so I
was pleased. "We just need to maybe take more chances to shoot. Sometimes
it's so easy for us to get from there to there, we think it is easy also to
get it into the goal. "I think we need to be more clinical but that is
something we will improve."
Despite the defeat, Zola said he was pleased with the performance against a
team he feels will be a force in Serie A next season. He said: "It was a
very good game and I really didn't expect the team to improve so much since
the last game [verse Beijing Guoan in the Asia Trophy] in such a short time.
"And don't forget we played a very good team, because Napoli I think can
finish top six in the Italian league next year."
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West Ham next in line for unwanted City attention
Sport.co.uk
Author: Ben Moss
Posted on:10 August 2009 - 09:02
Manchester City have reportedly approached West Ham United about the
availability of Matthew Upson, amid a growing sense that Everton and David
Moyes are not going to let Joleon Lescott leave the club. The Guardian
claims Mark Hughes has indentified the former Arsenal youngster as a viable
alternative to Lescott, and the newspaper intimates City still retain an
interest in bringing Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin to the club.
Upson was recently appointed West Ham captain, after Lucas Neill's
departure, and the player has featured regularly in Fabio Capello's England
squad. West Ham and their manager Gianfranco Zola would be reluctant to lose
their talismanic stalwart, but financial constraints on the club may dictate
their terms. Given City's reputation, the London club are likely to demand
at least £10 million for the ex-Birmingham City star.
City are allegedly considering lodging an official bid for the centre-back,
with Mark Hughes still keen to bring in another defender following the
arrival of Kolo Toure. The Guardian claim Hughes wants to replace the club
captain Richard Dunne, with a more mobile alternative, and Upson is likely
to cost significantly less than Lescott.
Everton are believed to have rejected City's latest offer of £22 million for
the former Wolves star, and are now resigned to the fact Everton will not
sell the 26-year-old.
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The Rivals: City turn to Upson after Lescott deal falters
The Times
Matthew Upson, the West Ham defender, is Manchester City's latest transfer
target with Joleon Lescott set to stay at Everton. Gary Jacob's verdict:
City made an inquiry about Upson at the start of the window, but he is not
their No 1 choice. Upson could end up at Everton should Lescott move to
City. West Ham have a decision to make on whether to sell Upson as he has
two years left on his contract. Deal rating: 7/10 (that Upson will leave
West Ham)
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West Ham midfielder Mark Noble targets England spot
Despite missing out on Fabio Capello's latest sqaud, Noble is keen to catch
the eye of the Italian this season and grab a place in his 2010 World Cup
squad
The London paper
by: Alex Shaw
10 August 2009
Mark Noble has set his sights on European qualification for West Ham this
season - and a place in England's World Cup squad. The West Ham midfielder
was overlooked by Fabio Capello for the friendly clash with Holland on
Wednesday but he is eager to play his way into the Italian's plans for South
Africa. Having captained England Under-21s on their way to the Euro 2009
final earlier this summer, Noble wants to hit the ground running for West
Ham this season and catch Capello's eye. "Obviously the World Cup is on my
mind. I want to impress and push on now," Noble said. "I want to get into
the England squad and hopefully I can do that. I need to work hard and if I
do, hopefully I can impress the right people."
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is searching for a striker ahead of the trip
to Wolves on Saturday, but Noble has vowed to help out England striker
Carlton Cole, the Hammers' main source for goals ahead of the new season. "I
want to get on the scoresheet more," Noble, 22, added. "If I can do that,
the manager and I will be very happy. We want to build on last season and
achieve a higher finish. The European places is our aim and with this squad,
we can achieve that."
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Salgado chasing West Ham contract
11.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
Released Real Madrid fullback Michel Salgado wants a move to West Ham
United. The People says Salgado wants a Premier League swansong after being
released by the Spanish giants. The former Spain international and favours
London and West Ham could be interested. Now he wants to play out his career
in England before a lucrative move to the far East.
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Dad following West Ham's Sears at every Palace game
10.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham striker Freddie Sears has revealed Dad, Dave, is following every
game he plays at Crystal Palace. Sears, 18, said: "I know it's unusual to
find a cabbie in south London and it's a bit of a different journey for him
than the one we used to take to Upton Park. "But he doesn't mind."
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West Ham boss Zola to open Toni talks this week
10.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola hopes to close a deal for Bayern Munich
striker Luca Toni. Agents revealed last week that Toni was likely to accept
a loan move to Upton Park for the new season. And The Sun says Zola is in
desperate need of firepower ahead of Saturday's opener at Wolves, with the
Hammers boss set to open talks with Toni this week.
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West Ham's Noble fixes sights on World Cup place
10.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United midfielder Mark Noble is eyeing a place in England's World
Cup squad. He said: "Obviously the World Cup is on my mind. I want to
impress and push on now. "I need to work hard and if I do, hopefully I can
impress the right people. "I want to get on the scoresheet more and we want
to build on last season and achieve a higher finish. "A European place is
the aim and with this squad, we can achieve that."
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West Ham to launch bid for Newcastle striker Carroll
10.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United are chasing Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll. The
Sunday Sun says the Magpies' resolve to hang on to one of their brightest
talents is set to be tested with an offer of £2-3 million. London sources
last night confirmed that Hammers' boss Gianfranco Zola is keen to add
Carroll to a bevy of young prospects at Upton Park. The Gateshead-born
20-year-old was one of precious few players to emerge with credit from
Newcastle's relegation to the Championship. And he is set to pass another
milestone this week by earning his maiden England Under-21 cap against
Holland on Tuesday night.
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Man City open talks with West Ham for Upson
10.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
Manchester City have approached West Ham United about the availability of
defender Matthew Upson. The Guardian says City have approached West Ham for
Upson, amid a growing sense that Everton are not to going to allow Joleon
Lescott to leave Goodison Park. City's manager, Mark Hughes, has identified
Upson as the next option. Sylvain Distin, the former City defender who is
now at Portsmouth, is also a possibility but Hughes would prefer Upson and
the club are considering lodging an official bid for the England
centre-back.
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