Daily WHUFC News - 9th June 2010

Grant issued work permit
WHUFC.com
New manager Avram Grant has been issued with a work permit by the Home
Office
08.06.2010

West Ham United are delighted to confirm that Avram Grant has been issued a
work permit by the Home Office and is now free to take charge at the Boleyn
Ground. Grant will now be able to concentrate all his energies on preparing
the Hammers for the 2010/11 Barclays Premier League season. The new manager
has already made his first summer signing with the capture of Germany
international midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger on a free transfer - a move
announced by Chairman David Sullivan on Saturday. Chairman David Gold
expressed his pleasure that the new manager's arrival had been
rubber-stamped. "Avram is very charismatic, he has great humour and I
believe that he will be, hopefully, one of the great managers that West Ham
have had in years," said Mr Gold. "I am absolutely delighted with the
choice. I feel we've chosen a very special man."
The vastly-experienced 55-year-old agreed a four-year contract with the club
last week and joins shortly after leading Portsmouth to the FA Cup final.
The Israeli, who also took Chelsea to the 2007/08 UEFA Champions League
final, has already spoken of his enthusiasm at taking on the "exciting
challenge" of managing West Ham. He will spend the next few months working
alongside Mr Sullivan and Mr Gold to bring more high-profile signings to the
club. Grant will also finalise the makeup of his backroom staff and the
club's pre-season schedule, which already includes the mouth-watering visit
of Spanish club Deportivo La Coruna to the Boleyn Ground on Saturday 7
August and interesting trips to Peterborough United, MK Dons and Ipswich
Town.

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Demand for Depor tickets
WHUFC.com
Fans will get the chance to see the club's new signings in action for the
first time at home on 7 August
09.06.2010

Tickets are fully on sale for West Ham United's glamour pre-season friendly
against Spanish club RC Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday 7 August. Supporters
can make sure of their seat now for the match, which will be the first
chance to see new signings like Thomas Hitzlsperger in action at the Boleyn
Ground with manager Avram Grant set to make further exciting additions to
the squad over the summer. Deportivo, who finshed tenth in La Liga last
term, have enjoyed an illustrious recent history, winning the Spanish title
for the first time in their history in 2000 and finishing as runners-up in
each of the following two seasons. The Galician club, who reached the UEFA
Champions League semi-finals in 2003/04, boast a number of experienced
players who will be familiar to West Ham fans. Right-back and captain Manuel
Pablo and midfield playmaker Juan Carlos Valeron are both veterans of
Deportivo's title success of a decade ago, left winger Andres Guardado is in
Mexico's 2010 FIFA World Cup squad, while goalkeeper Daniel Aranzubia,
midfielder Sergio and striker Mista have all played for Spain.

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Ridgewell relishes Hammers return
WHUFC.com
Another of Tony Carr's graduates was only too pleased to support his mentor
at the special testimonial night
09.06.2010

Hammers fans were expecting to see Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Co turn
out to support Tony Carr at his recent Testimonial but more than a few were
surprised to see established Premier League defender Liam Ridgewell. The
versatile Birmingham City defender has just enjoyed a great season with the
Blues, having excelled ever since a switch three years ago from local rivals
Aston Villa. Aged 25, he is one of the Barclays Premier League's most
reliable performers. Ridgewell is not a Midlands man, though. He is a
Londoner who forged his football career in Tony Carr's Academy and owes much
of his success to his early days at Little Heath. He ultimately left the
Hammers to join the Villa set-up back in 2001, but has never forgotten his
original claret and blue roots. As a result, he did not hesitate when asked
to play for the Academy All-Stars against a West Ham United side. "Tony sent
a letter to my club to ask if I could play. Fortunately they said 'yes' and
then I spoke to him on the phone. I jumped at the chance and am glad I did.
"It was fantastic to be a part of this," he added. "I spent a few years in
the Academy and it was brilliant to come back and pay my respects to Tony.
"I was part of a good set-up here and I was buzzing to take part. I have
seen the old faces, a lot of people I haven't seen for years. It was really
special. I have come down here for matches against West Ham of course before
but you are in a different frame of mind. It is good to come down and enjoy
being part of everything."
Ridgewell was also pleased to play for the Hammers faithful, who never got
to watch him progress to the first team at the Boleyn. "I left at a young
age so they never saw me in a West Ham shirt but I had many good times here
and it was good to get a positive reception. "It was nice to wear the claret
and blue again - even if it was just for 45 minutes. I wore it a long time
ago but will always remember where I came from."

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Behrami making progress
WHUFC.com
Valon Behrami is expected to return to training with Switzerland in the next
48 hours
08.06.2010

Valon Behrami could return to training with Switzerland on Wednesday ahead
of the Schweizer Nati's departure for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
The West Ham United midfielder was forced off during Saturday's 1-1 friendly
draw with world champions Italy in Geneva with a suspected thigh injury.
Further tests and X-rays have shown that the 25-year-old has suffered a
minor muscle injury that team doctor Cuno Wetzel insisted will not endanger
his participation at the World Cup. "The first images show no serious
problem. The healing process is indeed more difficult to predict, but we are
optimistic he can train again on Wednesday or Thursday."
Behrami, who was limited to just two minutes of action at the 2006 World Cup
in Germany by a knee injury, is expected to be a key figure in Ottmar
Hitzfeld's squad. Handed the No11 shirt for this year's tournament, Behrami
has earned 27 senior caps and, fitness permitting, is a certain starter in
Switzerland's opening Group H fixture with European champions Spain in
Durban on 16 June. Before then, the popular midfielder could be involved in
a special open training session at the Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich on
Wednesday, where Swiss fans will be given the chance to watch their heroes
in action one last time before they fly out to South Africa.

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Strike pair back Spain
WHUFC.com
Frank McAvennie and Tony Cottee believe Spain are the favourites for this
summer's FIFA World Cup
08.06.2010

West Ham United greats Frank McAvennie and Tony Cottee believe Spain are the
favourites to win this summer's FIFA World Cup. With just four days to go
unil the finals begin, the reigning European champions are many
commentators' and the bookmakers' 7/2 favourites to lift the trophy for the
first time in their history - making them just the third nation after
Germany and France to hold both the European and World titles at the same
time. As two supreme goalscorers it is no surprise that McAvennie and Cottee
singled out Liverpool striker Fernando Torres as the man to stop if England
are to win the tournament for the first time since 1966. McAvennie, who
played for Scotland at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, also believes Fabio
Capello's squad can make a big impact in South Africa, while also dismissing
suggestions that he would be cheering on England's opponents like many of
his countrymen. "For me, it depends on Fernando Torres," he told WHUTV. "If
Torres is playing, Spain have got a great chance but I think this is a great
chance for England. I fancy them to get to the semis and they'd have Brazil
if they get there. "Of course I'll be cheering England on. I've lived most
of my adult life down in England. There are a lot of people in Scotland who
don't like it, but I'll be cheering them on."
Cottee, who made seven appearances for England between 1986 and 1989, said a
productive World Cup would put a smile on the face of the whole country. It
would be great for the whole of Britain, wouldn't it. We've had a really bad
recession and I think if England were to win the World Cup, it would be
great for everyone in the UK. "I agree with Frank that I think Spain are the
favourites, but if England play to their peak and keep clear of injuries and
keep Wayne Rooney on the pitch, we've a great chance of doing really well.
I'm not saying we'll win it, but I think we'll have a good tournament."

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Upson training hard
WHUFC.com
With the FIFA World Cup's start drawing closer, Matthew Upson is stepping up
his bid to face the US
08.06.2010

Matthew Upson was back out on the training pitch on Tuesday bidding to
become the first Hammers defender to play for England at the World Cup since
1986. Having rested at the weekend with a virus, Upson returned to action
with a solid 45-minute display in the 3-1 warm-up win against South African
club side Platinum Stars. Upson took part in a light session the morning
after (pictured) before joining his squad-mates, including Robert Green, for
an afternoon on safari. With four days to go until the opener against the
United States, Upson is out to emulate Alvin Martin, who shone 24 years ago
in a 3-0 last-16 defeat of Paraguay in Mexico. It would appear he is
competing with Ledley King - who stayed in the gym on Tuesday to nurse his
troublesome knee - for the right to partner John Terry this weekend, and
achieve a lifelong dream. Recalling his own experience of the World Cup,
Martin said the Paraguay game - when Gary Lineker scored twice and Peter
Beardsley also netted - was something he would remember forever. However, he
was inexplicably dropped for the ill-fated meeting with Diego Maradona's
Argentina in the quarter-finals. Martin said: "The atmosphere was contagious
and against tricky opponents we took the game by the scruff of the neck.
Personally, I was pleased with my own performance. I knew what I wanted to
do and I did it." Rio Ferdinand went to the 1998 finals as a West Ham player
but did not feature in any of the Three Lions' four games.

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Jack on track
WHUFC.com
Although he still faces many months on the sidelines, Jack Collison remains
in upbeat mood
08.06.2010

Jack Collison has spoken of his determination to be back in action as soon
as possible as he focuses on the early stages of his rehabilitation. The
West Ham United midfielder was ruled out for the rest of 2010 last month
when he underwent a knee operation. Although he has a "long way to go", he
is delighted to be able to begin the slow process of getting back to
performing at the highest level for the club in the Barclays Premier League
Speaking to whufc.com, Collison said: "I had the op and then it was a case
of resting the knee. I have crutches now and have started the first part of
the rehab I have to do. This includes ten to 12 hours a day doing machine
work, to get the knee and the muscles stronger again. "It is long days at
the moment but now that I have started the rehab I feel I am doing
something. I know that I have a long way to go. "It was a bit frustrating at
first, as you can't move around much. I have had the operation now which I
needed to have and I am glad it is all done and is out of the way now. I am
now just aiming to work as hard as I can now on getting back to fitness.
"The machine work I am doing is helping me to bend the knee. I also use ice
machines and am concentrating on getting the muscles back up to full
strength. I am expected to be doing this for at least another three weeks
and will be able to push on a bit more with more mobile work. "I can't wait
to get rid of the crutches. When I can throw them off, I will be very happy.
Although the rehab is a long process and there is a lot of work ahead, this
first part is important and I am getting through OK."
Still only 21, Collison revealed he had struggled with the problem towards
the end of the frustrating 2009/10 campaign. "I was trying to get through
the season, but in the end, it was the best thing for me to have the
operation. "The medical staff were great in trying to get me through, but I
kept getting little niggles and that kept stopping me, so it was decided
that the best thing was to have the operation to clear the injury up.
"Obviously for me, I was frustrated not being able to be out there training
every day or be on the pitch towards the end of last season with the rest of
the lads - especially with the position we were in. I wanted to play my part
in helping us get results to stay up but wasn't able to. "As a group of
players together, we know we should have done better - we worked hard to get
out of the situation to stay up, which we did, but now the aim will be to
improve on that and get stronger for this season. "For me personally, is to
get through the rehab programme and get myself back to full fitness and be
ready to play my part again in helping West Ham to do well."

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West Ham United manager Avram Grant granted work permit
BBC.co.uk

West Ham have secured a work permit for their new manager Avram Grant.
Grant, 55, agreed a four-year contract last week to succeed Gianfranco Zola
who was sacked after West Ham finished 17th in last season's Premier League.
The Israeli led Chelsea to the 2008 Champions League final and Portsmouth to
this season's FA Cup final. "I'm proud and honoured to be the manager of
West Ham. It's an exciting challenge and I'm ready to do my best," said
Grant after his appointment. The Israeli has already begun the task of
strengthening the West Ham squad, signing German midfielder Thomas
Hitzlsperger at the weekend. Grant was sacked by Chelsea shortly after they
lost to Manchester United on penalties in the Champions League final in
2008. He returned to the Premier League with cash-strapped Portsmouth last
October, first as director of football, and then as manager after Paul Hart
was relieved of his duties at Fratton Park in November. Pompey went into
administration in February and were subsequently relegated to the
Championship, while Grant quit as boss on 21 May after the 1-0 FA Cup final
defeat by Chelsea - but his success in getting to Wembley won many plaudits.

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Gold not planning Green talks
Chairman admits World Cup could lead to big offer for keeper
Last updated: 9th June 2010
SSN

West Ham United chairman David Gold has confirmed that the club are not
currently planning to hold talks over a new contract for Robert Green.
England goalkeeper Green has just 12 months remaining on his existing deal
and has been linked with a summer move to Arsenal. Gold's fellow co-owner
David Sullivan recently suggested every player bar Scott Parker would be
sale for the right price and a departure for Green is not being ruled out.
Green is currently battling to be England's first-choice keeper at the World
Cup and Gold acknowledged an impressive showing in South Africa could lead
to the Hammers fielding offers for the 29-year-old. "At this stage we are
not going to have talks with him about a new deal," Gold told The Sun.
"World Cups change lives. It's the global shop window and who knows what may
happen. We could get amazing offers - offers you can't refuse. "What do you
do if Manchester United or Real Madrid, for example, come in offering
millions of pounds?"
The Hammers chairman also suggested that new manager Avram Grant is likely
to have a major say on whether Green will be in his squad next season. Gold
added: "We have to see how Robert feels and consider the new manager's view.
"He will take the squad on a pre-season tour and judge Robert with everybody
else."

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Avram granted work permit
Hammers manager can start work at Upton Park
Last updated: 8th June 2010
SSN

West Ham manager Avram Grant has had his work permit application approved to
allow him to start work at Upton Park. The former Portsmouth and Chelsea
manager agreed a four-year deal with the Hammers last week to succeed
Gianfranco Zola. And with the final hurdle of approval from the Home Office
now granted he can start work with the East London club on an official
basis. Grant has already made his first signing of the summer with the
capture of midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger on a free transfer at the weekend
and more players are expected to follow. Co-owner David Gold believes the
Israeli now has the opportunity to make his mark on the history of the club.
He told the club's official website: "Avram is very charismatic, he has
great humour and I believe that he will be, hopefully, one of the great
managers that West Ham have had in years. "I am absolutely delighted with
the choice. I feel we've chosen a very special man." Grant took Chelsea to
the final of the UEFA Champions League in 2008 and guided Pompey to Wembley
against all the odds this term.

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Battle on for Belhadj
English, German and Italian interest in Algerian
Last updated: 8th June 2010
SSN

Algerian ace Nadir Belhadj is being chased by a host of clubs from around
Europe, skysports.com understands. Portsmouth's left-sided star is currently
on World Cup duty with Algeria, but his club's future is anything but clear.
With Pompey's relegation to the Championship, Belhadj is one of the club's
most prized assets and the cash strapped South Coast outfit are ready to
cash in. And the interest is strong with Premier League clubs West Ham and
Bolton amongst those who are vying for his signature. But the former Lyon
and Lens man also has interest emanating from Italy and Germany. Roman
giants Lazio have lodged an interest, which Bundesliga sides Wolfsburg,
Werder Bremen and Stuttgart are also interested.

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English interest in Ilan
Brazilian striker courted by clubs across Europe
Last updated: 8th June 2010
SSN

Former West Ham striker Ilan is being chased by a host of clubs from around
England and Europe, skysports.com understands. The Brazilian striker is
currently taking a holiday in the UK after his surprise release from the
Hammers, despite the fact he netted four times in only 11 games after
joining from St Etienne on the last day of the January transfer window. The
interest is strong with Premier League clubs Bolton and Newcastle thought to
be among those monitoring the 29-year-old, while Turkish and Bundesliga
sides are also keeping tabs on the situation. Ilan, who scored winning goals
against Sunderland and Wigan as well as a last-minute goal to earn an
important point at Everton, told skysports.com: "I did well in the Premier
League and I was hoping to continue where I left off next season, but West
Ham had other ideas, that's football. "I have a good record here and in
France so I'm confident that a club in the UK or Europe will call my agent
(Rob Shield) and I can get something sorted before training starts again."

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Driver to go under Hammer
The Sun
By ROBERT MARTIN
Published: Today

WEST HAM have joined the chase to land Andrew Driver after Hearts threw out
Burnley's £1.5million offer for the winger. New Hammers boss Avram Grant
has been given money to spend by owners David Sullivan and David Gold.
Premier League rivals Wigan are also keen but reports yesterday that Chelsea
have enquired about the 22-year-old are believed to be wide of the mark.
Gordon Strachan's Middlesbrough also remain in the hunt but whether they are
willing to meet Vladimir Romanov's £4m price tag remains to be seen.
SunSport understands Hearts WOULD consider accepting a loan fee with a fixed
option for a permanent deal, which could prove attractive to interested
clubs. Roman Bednar left Tynecastle in similar circumstances to join up with
West Brom three seasons ago before sealing a £2.5m move the next year.
Driver, meanwhile, is still awaiting confirmation from FIFA regarding his
eligibility to play for Scotland.

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Keeper Green is up for grabs
The Sun
By HUGH SOUTHON
Published: Today

WEST HAM owner David Gold last night opened the door for a bidding war on
England keeper Robert Green. The 29-year-old Hammers No 1 has not been
offered a new deal with just one year left on his contract. But Gold, who
reckons Green will be Fabio Capello's first choice in South Africa, said:
"At this stage we are not going to have talks with him about a new deal.
"World Cups change lives. It's the global shop window and who knows what may
happen. We could get amazing offers - offers you can't refuse. "What do you
do if Manchester United or Real Madrid, for example, come in offering
millions of pounds?" Avram Grant has replaced Gianfranco Zola as boss and
also now has his work permit.
Gold added: "We have to see how Robert feels and consider the new manager's
view. "He will take the squad on a pre-season tour and judge Robert with
everybody else."

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Hammers told to cough up £4m for Nigerian defender
Published 22:30 08/06/10 By Neil McLeman
The Mirror

West Ham have been told they must pay £4million to sign Nigeria defender
Apam Onyekachi from Nice. Rennes have already offered £3million for the
23-year-old who helped his country to a silver medal at the Beijing
Olympics.

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Villa leading chase for Bulgarian star Martin Petrov
Published 22:45 08/06/10 By Football Spy
The Mirror

Martin O'Neill wants Manchester City's Martin Petrov to join fellow
Bulgarian Stiliyan at Villa Park. O'Neill hopes to get the international
winger on a free transfer after he was released by Roberto Mancini
yesterday. But he faces competition from Everton, Spurs, Stoke, West Ham and
Bolton who are also interested. Petrov, 31, wants a two-year deal.

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West Ham United interested in signing Hull City midfielder Jimmy Bullard -
report
8 Jun 2010 11:28:00
Goal.com

West Ham United are believed to be interested in signing Hull City
midfielder Jimmy Bullard. The Tigers are crumbling under a mountain of debt,
and have in the past conceded that player sales will be necessary to reduce
a hefty wage bill in an effort to balance the books. Accordingly it has been
widely expected that Bullard - previously reported to be on a £45,000-a-week
salary - will be packed away to the highest bidder this summer. The
injury-prone midfielder was believed to be on his way to Celtic, but The
Lancashire Telegraph reports that the Hammers are now interested in
procuring his services. It is said that new boss Avram Grant will consider
whether the club should sign the player, or bring him on loan to Upton Park.
Newham-born Bullard actually began his professional career with West Ham in
1998, but moved to Peterborough United in 2001 without having made a senior
appearance for the Hammers.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 8th June 2010

Thomas ready to be a Hit
WHUFC.com
New recruit Thomas Hitzlsperger is aiming to live up to his nickname and do
well for West Ham United
07.06.2010

Thomas Hitzlsperger has spoken of the "destiny" of playing for West Ham
United as Der Hammer prepares for life at the Hammers. The Germany
midfielder earned his fitting nickname during his five-season stay at Aston
Villa because of his powerful left foot and long-range shooting. The alias
stuck during a hugely successful spell over the next five years at VfB
Stuttgart, during which time he helped them to the Bundesliga title and two
cracks at the UEFA Champions League. As such, it is more than fitting that
'The Hammer' has signed on at the Boleyn Ground, having passed a medical in
England on Saturday before concluding the deal and then heading back to his
home city of Munich on a high. He will report for pre-season training a
month today under new manager Avram Grant - who has been appointed subject
to a work permit - ready to live up to his nickname once more. "It is
destiny," he told whufc.com with a smile. "I knew that West Ham were called
The Hammers and it has actually always been on my mind whether I would play
for the club one day. I am really pleased to be a Hammer. "It is nice and it
suits perfectly to be at West Ham. Hopefully people will be talking about my
nickname a lot because that will mean I will be doing my job and scoring
some goals as well."
Having put a short-tem spell at S.S. Lazio in the first half of this year
behind him - when he found himself out of favour after a change of manager -
Hitzlsperger is raring to go and prove just why he has won 51 full caps for
Germany. Only just 28, he has his best years ahead of him. "The manager who
signed me at Lazio got sacked after a week and the new manager didn't fancy
me. They were in a relegation battle and he felt he needed players with
experience of the league who spoke the language. I tried my best and worked
very hard in training but he didn't pick me. That happens sometimes. It was
frustrating but you just have to get on with it. "I want to establish myself
very quickly. I am raring to go with the experience I have had in Italy. I
want to prove myself and play week in and week out, but I know I have to
show what I can do. We have perfect conditions for a good season and I am
really looking forward. The fans are looking forward, they are optimistic
and we have to give them reasons to be excited. We will see where that takes
us. "After the experience in Italy, my contract came to an end and I wanted
to move on. I have always wanted to come back to the Premier League. I had a
really good time when I was in England and I knew this is where I wanted to
be."
Hitzlsperger needed little persuading to head to east London when the
opportunity arose - flying to London to get the deal done at the end of last
week. "My agent spoke to the club and there was good interest. The manager
was really keen, the chairman was very positive and it felt right. There
were plenty of other clubs but it was West Ham that showed the most interest
and wanted me. "I don't think there will be any shocks for me and I know the
league well. I know a few things about the club and I am sure I will learn
more when I am there. I will try to integrate into it as quickly as I can.
There is no language barrier so it is just about getting there, meeting all
my team-mates and working hard. I am looking forward to it."

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Green and Upson play
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's two England internationals both played a part in Monday's
friendly
07.06.2010

Robert Green and Matthew Upson both appeared to come through unscathed in a
successful friendly 2010 FIFA World Cup warm-up for England on Monday
afternoon. The Three Lions were 3-0 winners against South African club side
Platinum Stars with goals from Academy graduates Jermain Defoe and Joe Cole,
who was the only player to feature in the whole 90 minutes, before Wayne
Rooney rounded out the scoring. Fabio Capello gave few clues over his
preferred XI although Ledley King got the nod alongside John Terry. The West
Ham United duo were both sent on at half-time as Capello gave valuable
playing time to his squad, bar David James and Gareth Barry. James' absence
will fuel Hammers hopes Green will get the nod in goal for on Saturday
against the United States - although Joe Hart also did what was asked of him
in the first 45 minutes when the hosts also blasted a penalty over.

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Der Hammer on the Hammers
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 7th June 2010
By: Staff Writer

West Ham new boy Thomas Hitzlsperger says that he is 'raring to go'. The
28-year-old German signed for United at the weekend following the successful
completion of a medical on Saturday before flying back to Germany - but not
before he had a chance to speak with whufc.com.

"My agent spoke to the club and there was good interest," he said. "The
manager was really keen, the chairman was very positive and it felt right.
There were plenty of other clubs but it was West Ham that showed the most
interest and wanted me.

"I don't think there will be any shocks for me and I know the league well. I
know a few things about the club and I am sure I will learn more when I am
there. I will try to integrate into it as quickly as I can. There is no
language barrier so it is just about getting there, meeting all my
team-mates and working hard. I am looking forward to it.

"I want to establish myself very quickly. I am raring to go with the
experience I have had in Italy. I want to prove myself and play week in and
week out, but I know I have to show what I can do. We have perfect
conditions for a good season and I am really looking forward. The fans are
looking forward, they are optimistic and we have to give them reasons to be
excited. We will see where that takes us."

Hitzlsperger - whose signed for Lazio in January of this year, but only
played four times - admitted that his time in Serie A had not gone as
planned, but hinted that this makes him more determined to succeed in his
second spell in the Premier League.

"The manager who signed me at Lazio got sacked after a week and the new
manager didn't fancy me," he revealed. "They were in a relegation battle and
he felt he needed players with experience of the league who spoke the
language. I tried my best and worked very hard in training but he didn't
pick me.

"That happens sometimes. It was frustrating but you just have to get on with
it. [So] my contract came to an end and I wanted to move on. I have always
wanted to come back to the Premier League; I had a really good time when I
was in England and I knew this is where I wanted to be.

"It is destiny. I knew that West Ham were called The Hammers and it has
actually always been on my mind whether I would play for the club one day. I
am really pleased to be a Hammer. Hopefully people will be talking about my
nickname a lot because that will mean I will be doing my job and scoring
some goals as well."

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The Deadwood stage is rolling over the hill
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 7th June 2010
By: Kit Robinson

The arrival of the club's new manager has been rapidly followed by the
surprise arrival of the first signing of the summer.

So the transfer window has been sprung open early for West Ham United which
means as well as a promise from the Chairmen of new faces arriving at the
club, it also means a possible mass drift of deadwood out of the drains at
Upton Park. So who is likely for the chop? Who can justify an extended spell
under a new manager? In what positions do we need replacements?

Well we could consider it a new decade a new era, what with new chairmen and
a new manager and maybe at last a sense of stability at the club. The fact
that Avram Grant has been signed up for four years and that he seems
enthusiastic about being at the club shows a great deal of promise. The
first player signing is always a benchmark by which the rest of the transfer
dealing can be judged and Thomas Hitzlsperger signing for three years from a
team such as Lazio and on a free transfer , reveals a great deal.

It shows that although not a great deal of money will be spent on transfer
fees, the emphasis will be on proven quality coming into the club. It was
also reassuring that for the first time since the chairmen had arrived,
nothing had been blurted out to the press before the players signature. With
regard to players leaving the club it shows that anyone considered to be
falling short on quality may be released for little or nothing in order to
get them off the wage bill but any players with any genuine prestige will
only be let go for a decent fee.

Rumour of Carlton Cole and Mark Noble leaving for Stoke may be either
premature or far-fetched but either way, neither will be leaving for nothing
as they have some quality coveted by our competitors. I am sure that Avram
Grant would be happy for either to stay but fans needs to appreciate that he
will formulate a new team with a new way of playing that may see both not
fitting in with those plans. A new manager will always want to form his own
team and we are lucky that Avram has a good eye for players and commands a
great deal of respect within the game in order to attract what he wants.

No doubt the players already at the club will want to play under Grant but
may find themselves rapidly expelled whether they had a good season under
Zola or not. Sadly few of them did which is unfortunate for some,
particularly as a large reason for them having a poor season was because of
the management.

As the chairmen have stated, only Scott Parker may not be sold but that
obviously leaves a few assets available. Yet it has to be said, given that
so many, including those who can command a decent transfer fee, are
expendable because so few found any consistency. It is questionable as to
whether any players apart from Parker can justify an extended spell at the
club.

Faubert and Da Costa improved over the season. Diamanti did score goals and
was one of the few players who provided any attacking invention, despite
consistently being played out of position. Daprela showed promise in the few
matches he was played. I am struggling to think of anyone else.

Matthew Upson, Carlton Cole, Robert Green, Valon Behrami could all go and
although they are all good players, none were amazingly outstanding and
could be judged as squad players in a newly formed squad. It depends on how
high Avram Grant is aiming. Certainly the list of potential low or free
transfers out of the club can extend to these 4 players and Parker. There is
also the issue of the chairmen reducing the wage bill considerably and that
may mean players offering to leave or seeking other clubs or similarly to
Luis Boa Morte's case, being offered a reduced contract in salary and
length.

Typically many West Ham fans will be hoping that many of the younger players
raised through the Academy will be retained. But there are so many
inconsistant players who have been brought in over the past few years it is
hard to see that many of those will stay. I should think that all of the
following are likely to face the chop - Gabbidon, Spector, Kovac, McCarthy,
Dyer, Ilunga. Add those to Franco, Mido and Ilan who have already left and
the aforementioned players with transfer value and the players leaving could
easily reach double figures.

This leaves glaring gaps in the squad and in positions throughout the squad.
With the return of Zavon Hines, at least two or three strikers will be
necessary if indeed Cole does leave. We still don't have a consistent left
back, a back up for Faubert as right back. The midfield has fallen short
many times despite the names on the team sheet. It really does look like
Avram Grant will almost be working from a blank sheet of paper.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lay not thy hand upon the lad
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 7th June 2010
By: Haim Baram

Haim Baram, a well-known Israeli football pundit, is also a keen West Ham
fan. There are mixed opinions regarding Avram Grant in the Israeli press but
in the last 7-8 months his time at Portsmouth earned him a lot of credit
within the Israeli sports media. Baram expresses a different voice.

46 years ago I shared the ultimate English experience with tens of thousands
of new East End companions at Wembley stadium. West Ham United won its first
FA Cup Final, 41 years after a 2-0 defeat in its last final against Bolton.

That 1923 final inaugurated the national stadium and according to reliable
sources was watched by a quarter-of-a-million people, who broke the
barriers, crowded across the touchlines and behaved in exemplary order to
allow the match to go on. The legend tells that a single officer on his
white horse calmly managed the thousands of spectators just like a colonial
governor in a tribal assembly in Kenya or Uganda.

Only a few supporters from that magical era between two world wars, when no
one in Europe expected another one, were left to witness the final vs
Preston North End, from the second division. However, there was no
difference in 1964, as the majority of the West Ham faithful wore ties on
their white shirts, with only Claret and Blue scarves to imply their
lengthily association to East London's representative of England's top
division.

Manager Ron Greenwood was interviewed by the Evening standard prior to the
match, and admitted his sole message to the players was "play our beautiful
football, and try to win fairly". During the slowly passing minutes before
kickoff, all of Wembley's capacity sung 'Abide With Me', and for a moment I
thought my heart would miss a beat. The song united the 100,000 fans and
created a passing, yet moving moment for a community that has uniqueness and
character, in spite of colliding interests by definition of a cup final.

Then, our fans stated chanting 'Bubbles', which stands alone in its sweet
melancholy, that prepares West Ham's fans not only for victory celebrations
but also for the sorrow of loss. The bubbles we're about to blow into the
air will eventually fade ad die, just like our dreams. I came to London from
Hapoel Jerusalem, and carried the collective spirit of YMCA stadium and
Katamon, so the colourful celebration at Wembley was truly exciting. It did
not end in tears: in the end of a dramatic game, we won 3-2 by a Ronnie
Boyce goal in the dying minutes, so Bobby Moore could step up the lift the
cup.

So that's how my affair with Moore, who was a month older than me, and sadly
passed away 18 years ago due to Cancer, started. I was lucky enough to watch
him for 3 straight years, climbing the Wembley staircase to accept three
luxurious cups as a captain: the FA Cup in 1964, European Cup Winners cup in
1965 and the World Cup in 1966. Most Englishmen do not believe me. In 1996 I
was commentator for Channel One and had a chat with one of the stewards
about the game. When I told him about my experience in 1966, he was very
doubtful, up until I pulled out my original match ticket, which was in my
wallet for 30 years. He apologised and got the ticket as a souvenir.

There's no need to mention that every true Eastender considers England's win
in the final as one of West Ham's titles, and I suggest Avram Grant to
remember that well. In the past, I was delighted that two of my favourite
Israeli players, Eyal Berkovich and Yossi Benayoun, played for us and thanks
to them I had the chance to watch many of West Ham's games live. Grant's
appointment however, is an emotional barrier that's hard to stomach.

I was very fearful of this move, but somehow realised it's unavoidable, and
that his career-characterising meddling hands would eventually penetrate to
my God's little acre, the team I loved in good and bad times for years. I
told my friend Eliezer Lehana live on his radio show that I feel like an
uninvited guest has invaded my living room, and stays there regardless to
the owners' feelings.

Ze'ev Jabotinsky translated Edgar Allan Poe's immortal piece, "The Raven"
with great inspiration to Hebrew. The bird that delivers bad news invades
the poet's property, and declines all his protests. Eventually the poet
gives up, while the Raven stays.

And the raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming,
And the lamp-light o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted - nevermore!

Nice? Address your compliments to Poe and Jabotinsky. I have no choice but
to hope that clever Grant will realise that West Ham has a tradition, that
prefers beautiful football rather than his cynical style. If he will realize
the holiness of the temple he was invited to and doesn't destroy it
disgracefully, he might positively surprise us. In terms of spirit, he was
successful at Portsmouth, and he is lucky enough to walk into the small
shoes left by former manager Gianfranco Zola, a great player, who wasn't as
successful as a manager, yet still remains a loved and admired figure by
all.

When I sat at Wembley in 1964 and the tears in my eyes almost blurred the
heart warming sight of West Ham's players running wild in celebration on the
pitch, Grant was a young man in Petach Tikva, and his best of days would be
a visit to Tel Aviv cinema at Pinsker Street. Now he's at Upton Park, and I
will serve the heaviest of punishments, I will have to pray for his success
every Saturday.

That's the answer I gave the many people who recently asked me if I will
stay a West Ham fan even under Grant. They don't realise that Upton Park is
like a home, that I travel to like a pilgrim at every opportunity. I carry
Bobby Moore, Trevor Brooking, Geoff Hurst and Alan Devonshire to the stand
with me. I hope that this time, just like in Genesis, Avram will not lay his
hand upon the lad, and will fulfil with new openness the dreams of the many
West Ham fans of brilliant attacking football, alongside sportsmanship, and
will preserve the festiveness of the Upton Park experience.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Expect the expected
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 7th June 2010
By: Kit Robinson

Well here we are again. It's like Christmas but every four years and always
expecting to end up with a fake Action Man with no moving body parts,
instead of the genuine article with gripping hands and eagle eyes. England
are at the World Cup with media full of hype and expectation and we are
being told we can win. But are we really expecting much? Are we destined for
another series of limp displays and another sacked manager? Do we have the
players with enough skill to bring the cup home?

The scenario this time around is that on paper England look capable of
achieving the equivalent of their FIFA ranking, eighth, suggesting a quarter
final place. Yet the media is maintaining its usual over-expectation with
hyperbole in over-rating good but not excellent players. However, many fans
on websites across the land are expecting much less. Is it the case this
time of the fans having been in this situation so many times before that
they finally no longer believe the hype? Maybe.

Every newspaper is treating the England players as though they are world
class. The TV channels are giving us updates to the extent of telling us who
ran out to a training session first. Every other advertisement on television
has England players appearing on it. Most articles on the Internet are
perpetuating the momentum of expectation. All testament to the fact that
their Agents and the players image rights continually up-sell their clients
. It is overkill but at least it seems the fans are reacting with a sense of
perspective and realism this time around.

There is the possibility that the realisation that so few is our number of
decent players that the loss of Rio Ferdinand was a blow but not one which
is insurmountable because he maybe isn't as good as he is depicted ? Just
because we see him play regularly in the Premier League or his image rights
splatter him across all the other media, that does not make him or any other
England player World Class. Within the first 2 weeks of the competition we
will quickly see for ourselves the skills of the players in the other teams
and realise our true status. To be World Class is not simply to be appearing
in the World Cup, it is to compare English players with players in every
league in the world.

Foreign players do not play in the Premier League simply because of being
cheaper to acquire than English players, it is because the vast majority are
better than English players. On top of that is the fact there is a wealth of
decent foreign players of similar skill playing around the rest of the world
who we have never seen. Its a bit depressing to think about but for every
decent Brazilian, there several of similar skill in Brazil and all better
than an English player playing in the same position. Just because scouts
have not caught up with them and we don't watch them playing in Europe does
not mean they don't exist.

Yes we see many of them but are still fairly blinkered in our view of world
football. Who had heard of the two Argentinians Tevez and Mascherano before
West Ham brought them to their club under dubious circumstances? But they
have both proved their worth since.

However, in a bizarre twist of fate, recent negative events may conspire to
work in England's and Fabio Capello's favour. After the excellent run of
results in qualifying there was a genuine feeling of hope about our chances.
There was some sporadic excellent play, occasionally some good passing,
goals were being scored and a genuine feeling of motivation seemed to have
been acquired by the squad. For once, the management looked right, the team
looked right and the belief was there from both players and fans alike.

But along with the expectation comes complacency and the belief that the
team can operate happily in third gear in order to sweep aside the "minnows"
below that FIFA eighth spot ranking. The USA, Slovenia and Algeria are not
there to make up the numbers and are certainly capable of matching most
teams in the competition. We have been here before and England could easily
find themselves dumped out in the group stage.

So those two most recent games for England and the loss of Captain - and
former Hammer - Rio Ferdinand, could turn out to be blessings in disguise.
The English mentality dictates that we operate better as underdogs and in
the face of adversity and having seen the dubious and abject displays in the
friendlies against Mexico and Japan, lets hope that Capello really was using
those matches for testing players and formations and the fact we somehow won
those matches was pure luck rather than intent. You only have to look at the
results of the Italian national team before each World Cup to see that these
games are not games necessary for bolstering confidence. They don't need to
be won and that is quite reassuring.

If England – hopefully including our very own Rob Green and Matthew Upson -
get past the group stage we should be very happy. Capello should stay and
the team should be congratulated, not pilloried. But the media hype dictates
that we will all feel let down with anything less than bringing the cup
back. There may well be flacid displays of poor passing, a lack of energy,
invention and goals but I believe that with a great manager or not, we are
closer to realising that English players are simply not as skillful as we
are being led to believe.

Just as in 1966, luck may see us get to and past the quarter finals but
don't expect it to happen, just cross your fingers.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Who is on the Shopping List, as Belief and Team Spirit are Also Key Factors?
West Ham Till I Die

The signing of Thomas Hitzlsperger, has opened what should be a summer of
significant transfer activity. There have already been a number of players
linked with us in the press, including Henry, Beckham, Belhadj, OHara, Tal
Haim and Hutton.

Much of this is probably just media speculation, certainly, I am not in
favour of signing players way past their best. That is a retrograde policy.
A step back back in time, to the approach adopted during the 'Ljundberg
phase' at the club. I was, however, interested in David Sullivan's recent
comment that our transfer strategy would combine the recruitment of exciting
young talent, with experienced players. If and how they deliver on that
will be interesting to observe over the coming weeks.

Ok, so the general view seems to be that they have made a good start with
Hitzlsperger's signing. But what else do we need and who should be our
targets? It is a moot point, but we probably need a bare minimum of a
right-back, at least one centre-back, a holding midfielder, a wide player
and a striker. Alan Hutton or Luke Young could both be good signings at
right-back, although I favour Young. On the other side of the back four, I
am assuming that Daprela and Illunga will compete next season for the left
full-back spot? At centre-back, there is this mystery Spanish U-21 target
(whoever that is?) referred to by Sullivan. However, if Upson does leave,
we probably need an experienced player to come in as well. Apparently,
William Gallas is unsettled at the gooners, so why not try for a swop deal?
That might be a bit optimistic, but as they say, if you do not ask, you do
not get!

In midfield, I hope that Kovac exits in the summer. I also feel that
Behrami might be sold if the price is right. In terms of possible
replacements, a player that I have always rated is Steve Sidwell at Aston
Villa. We could probably get Young and Sidwell for a combined fee of c. £6m
and that would be great value. Hitzlsperger is a left sided midfielder.
As such, it will be interesting to see whether that deal, plus Boa Morte's
retention, finishes the mooted £3m move for Belhadj? I hope not, Belhadj
is a left sided player that I have admired for some time, plus he also has
the advantage of being able to play as an auxillery left-back.

Up front, if we stick with Cole, Nouble, Hines and perhaps McCarthy, we need
to recruit at least one experienced, quality striker. Who might we go for?
How about Robbie Keane at Spurs? He is available, will cost a reasonable
fee of c.£7m, has a good goal scoring record and would combine very well
with Carlton Cole. The club tried unsuccessfully to sign him on loan in
January, prior to his eventual loan move to Celtic. So, there is a previous
history of interest in the player. Personally, I would retain Cole and
target the signing a more mobile, proven goal scorer to play off him.

What we really need is a penalty box predator and we should prioritise our
transfer funds to try to get one. Although, admittedly, quality players of
this type are increasingly rare and inevitably cost. This should be
supplemented by the return of Zavon Hines, who really must prove his fitness
and push on this season. Whilst, we also have Freddie Sears, who could yet
blossom as a late developer, or someone like Montano, who could suddenly
push in to the first team squad picture? The other alternative is to loan a
promising youngster, like Vela from the gooners?

The rumour continues that the club is interested in Yakubu from Everton and
that we will increase our initial £5m bid. Yak is a decent striker and I
would have liked to see us purchase him from Middlesboro a few seasons ago.
However, his recent in jury record is a cause for concern. I would
certainly think twice before signing him as a replacement for Carlton Cole,
if that is the plan. Of course much will depend on the formation that
Avram Grant seeks to deploy. There has been a suggestion that he might
pursue a 4-3-3 as his first option tactically? If so, we need mobile
players that can play off of a centre forward and exploit space on the
flanks.

Ok, but I also feel that we need width in the squad to deploy an effective
4-4-2. A lack of width was a real Achilles heel last season. In the likes
of Faubert, Stanislas, Bejhadj, Boa Morte and Hitzlsperger we would have
players that could provide it. I want to see the team playing a high paced,
attacking game. One built upon our traditional passing game, mixed up with
an intelligent directness. Certainly, the style of play adopted is going to
be one of the determaints of whether Grant is a success at the club.

In short, we need a strong and balanced 30 man first team squad, with 25
senior players and 5 youngsters pushing for first team places. We need five
or six good quality additions, but care must also be taken to ensure that
space is retained in the squad to enable youngsters like Tomkins, Spence,
Stanislas Nouble and Hines to develop and push on. The Academy production
line must continue to keep rolling and not break down, as imported players,
of variable quality congest the first team squad. The emphasis should be
on quality, rather than quantity, as the guiding principle for our transfer
policy.

The challenge for Avram Grant is to balance these considerations and also
instill a new, winning mentality in the first squad. That was arguably one
of the greatest failings of Zola's time at the club, the failure to build a
tough minded, winning ethos within the playing staff. Psychologically, and
motivationally, things were not right, hence our consistent failure to get
results once we fell a goal behind last seasonand the prevalence of too many
tame surrenders like Wolves at home and Liverpool away.

We need an hunger, togetherness and belief installed into the squad.
Because, as we know from our past history, these factors can augment the
ability of a side and win matches that, on paper, you should perhaps lose.
In both the league and the cup competitions such results can be the
difference between cup success or failure, Europa qualification or mid-table
obscurity.

SJ. Chandos.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 7th June 2010

Duo on the mend
WHUFC.com
There was good news for Valon Behrami and Matthew Upson ahead of the 2010
FIFA World Cup
06.06.2010

It is believed that the injury which forced Valon Behrami off the pitch
during Switzerland's 1-1 draw with Italy on Saturday will not prove to be
serious. Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has played down concerns over the
West Ham United midfielder's fitness after the 25-year-old suffered a
suspected groin injury shortly before the hour-mark in Geneva.
Behrami, who was earning his 27th cap, went close to scoring midway through
the first half, only to see his goalbound effort deflected over the crossbar
by Gianluca Zambrotta.
Hitzfeld is hopeful that the Hammers player will be ready for action when
the Swiss take on European champions Spain in their opening FIFA World Cup
Group H fixture on 16 June. "Behrami was playing very direct and looked
threatening. I hope it's not serious," said the German-born manager. "He
wanted to continue playing actually. It was the doctor who took him out."

Behrami will be desperate to be involved in South Africa after being
restricted to just two minutes of action at Germany 2006 by a knee injury.
There was also encouraging news from the England camp in Bafokeng, with
Matthew Upson set to return to full training on Monday after missing the
last two days with a high temperature. Fabio Capello's side take on the
local Platinum Stars side on Monday, and the West Ham centre-back will hope
to be involved at some stage, as will club-mate Robert Green. A Football
Association spokesman confirmed: "Matthew is feeling a lot better. He is
working in the gym today and will train tomorrow [Monday]."

England begin their World Cup challenge by facing Jonathan Spector's United
States in Rustenburg on Saturday.

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Stokes happy to be back
WHUFC.com
Academy graduate Tony Stokes is looking for a new club after returning from
a successful spell in Hungary
06.06.2010

Tony Stokes has led an interesting life since leaving West Ham United on
loan in February 2009. The 23-year-old Academy graduate, who made his sole
appearance for the Hammers in a League Cup win at Sheffield Wednesday in
September 2005, swapped London for the Hungarian capital, Budapest, 15
months ago. There, the former reserve-team captain turned out for 20-times
league champions Ujpest FC, initially joining the club on loan before making
his move permanent last summer. Stokes was handed the No6 shirt and quickly
became a regular starter under Scottish manager Willie McStay. However,
after more than 30 appearances in league and cup, the midfielder requested
to have his two-year contract terminated and return to England. While things
may not have worked out in the long-term, the Essex-born player enjoyed his
time in Hungary, helping Ujpest to qualify for the UEFA Europa League, where
he started both legs of the club's second qualifying round defeat by
Romanian giants Steaua Bucharest. "After I left West Ham last year, I went
on loan to the Hungarian team and it went really well. Then, when it came to
the end of the season, my contract had run out at West Ham and they wanted
to keep me. "They were playing in the Europa League, so that attracted me. I
ended up playing in both legs against Steaua Bucharest in the Europa League
last summer.
"We usually got crowds of between seven and eight thousand, but against
Steaua, we got 15,000 at home and then played in front of 25,000 in the
return leg in Romania. That was a great atmosphere to play in. "For our home
games, the supporters were just fantastic and the atmosphere was amazing.
They would do absolutely everything to get a win."
When Stokes arrived at Ujpest, he was able to spend time with Wolverhampton
Wanderers loanee and fellow English speaker Scott Malone. However, with
Malone gone, life became more difficult over the past few months. Despite
missing his friends including West Ham striker Freddie Sears - and family,
Stokes enjoyed his time in a country and with a club he knew nothing about
just two years ago. "It definitely made me grow up. I lived there on my own
and my family and girlfriend couldn't come over that much, so I had to do
everything myself. I grew up that way and it made me a better player as well
- I practised all the time and really enjoyed it out there. "The language
was too hard to learn. There are about 52 letters in the alphabet so I
didn't really know where to start. Luckily, the lads spoke enough English
for me to get by, and we had a couple of other British players last season,
which helped me to settle in."
Having returned home, Stokes was able to turn out for Tony Carr's Academy
All-Stars in the Academy Director's recent Testimonial. Now actively seeking
a new club, he is hoping it will not be the last time he turns out at the
Boleyn Ground. "I played regularly out in Hungary, and I had the No6 shirt,
which was a boost to my confidence. They all wished me luck when I left. I'm
now looking for another club in England and hopefully things will work out
for me. I think I've got a lot to offer, so I just want to show what I can
do at any level and take it from there."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dave on Tom
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 6th June 2010
By: Staff Writer

David Sullivan has hailed the arrival of Thomas Hitzlsperger, who signed a
three-year deal with the Hammers yesterday. The Hammers co-chairman, who is
understood to have played a key role in signing the former German
international - who is nicknamed 'Der Hammer' - told whufc.com: "I am
delighted to welcome Thomas to the club. We had to move quickly to secure
his services when he became available, especially as there was
understandably so much interest in him from around Europe and back in
Germany.
"I am especially pleased that he is excited by what we are trying to achieve
here at West Ham. Thomas is a top-quality player who I know the fans will
love - and not just because of his nickname. He is a whole-hearted
midfielder with an eye for a goal who gives everything in every match. "He
is the first of many signings this summer. We are going to sign a mixture of
exciting young talent as well as the very best senior pros who can add real
strength to the squad like Thomas. He is still a young man but has massive
experience."

Hitzlsperger joins Scott Parker, Jack Collison, Valon Behrami, Mark Noble
and Radoslav Kovac as established central midfielders at the club, which has
given rise to speculation regarding the futures of at least one or two.
23-year-old Noble has been linked with a £5million switch to Stoke City,
whilst Behrami continues to be linked with a return to Italy.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The real reason Benni was axed
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 6th June 2010
By: Staff Writer

Benni McCarthy was axed from the South African World Cup squad after being
caught sneaking female guests back to his hotel room, according to fresh
reports. South African-based news24.com report this morning that the married
West Ham striker was omitted from the national squad not as a result of his
expanding waistline, as initially thought, but after being caught sneaking
unknown females back to his hotel room. Sources close to the squad are
understood to have reported McCarthy's antics to the local press, after CCTV
pictures showed him returning to his room with guests in tow at 4am on the
day following SOuth Africa's final pre-tournament friendly against Columbia.
Bafana manager Carlos Parreira is said to have been so incensed by the
revelation that he immediately axed McCarthy from his squad - along with
goalkeeper Rowen Fernandes, who is thought to have been in cahoots with the
United striker. Following the revelation that McCarthy had been ommitted
from the South African World Cup squad, West Ham are understood to have told
the 32-year-old that he must report back to Chadwell Heath ahead of the rest
of the squad to undertake a longer pre-season programme in order to regain
his fitness. Since joining from Blackburn in January, McCarthy had made just
two Premier League starts. He was later voted Worst Signing of 2009/10 by
readers of KUMB.com.

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Swiss upbeat over Behrami
Midfielder suffers groin injury in Italy draw
Last updated: 6th June 2010
SSN

Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld is optimistic Valon Behrami did not suffer
a serious injury during the 1-1 draw with Italy. Behrami was replaced before
the hour mark of Saturday's friendly in Geneva due to a groin problem,
raising concerns over his availability for the World Cup. The West Ham
United midfielder had impressed prior to his withdrawal and Hitzfeld is
hoping the early signs are encouraging."Behrami was playing very direct and
looked threatening. I hope it's not serious," Hitzfeld told a news
conference. "He wanted to continue playing actually. It was the doctor who
took him out."
Hitzfeld revealed a scan on Sunday should confirm whether or not Behrami
will be fit in time for Switzerland's World Cup opener against Spain on 16th
June. Behrami is the latest player to have a question mark placed over his
involvement in the World Cup, with the likes of Didier Drogba, Arjen Robben
and Andrea Pirlo also struggling. England and Germany have lost their
respective captains in Rio Ferdinand and Michael Ballack, while Wilson
Palacios joined the fitness worries on Saturday after the Honduras
midfielder suffered a shin injury against Romania.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United set to make bid to sign Everton FC striker Yakubu
Jun 7 2010 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

WEST HAM UNITED are preparing to intensify their efforts to prise striker
Yakubu away from Everton. The Hammers have been linked with an interest in
the Nigeria international for some weeks, with speculation increasing after
Avram Grant was confirmed as new manager at Upton Park. Grant was in charge
of Maccabi Haifa during Yakubu's spell at the Israeli club, and is keen to
be reunited with the forward. Yakubu has struggled to rediscover his top
form after returning to the Everton first team last August after missing
nine months due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, making only 15 starts –
compared to 21 substitute appearances – and scoring just six goals. Everton
manager David Moyes has repeatedly stressed he does not want to let any of
his players leave during the summer transfer window after his team's strong
finish to the campaign. However, with funds once again likely to be limited
and the strikeforce bolstered by the free transfer arrival of Jermaine
Beckford, Moyes may be tempted by an offer of around £6million. West Ham,
who have signed Germany international Thomas Hitzlsperger on a free
transfer, value 27-year-old Yakubu at nearer £4m but will look to strike a
compromise deal. Yakubu was on target yesterday for Nigeria in a 3-1 win
over North Korea in a World Cup warm-up friendly in South Africa.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'DER HAMMER' JOINS THE HAMMERS
News Of the World
By Adam Marshall, 05/06/2010

THOMAS HITZLSPERGER has signed for West Ham after an unhappy stint with
Lazio. The German midfielder is no stranger to the Premier League after
previously representing Aston Villa, where he picked up the nickname 'Der
Hammer' due to his ferocious shooting ability. The Hammers admitted they
were in advanced talks with an international player with over caps to his
name and Hitzlsperger is the man in question. He becomes Avram Grant's first
signing since taking over from Gianfranco Zola after putting pen-to-paper on
a three year contract at Upton Park.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
TRIO PREPARE OFFERS FOR CAMPBELL
Sol has plenty of options
News Of The World
By Aidan Magee, 05/06/2010

SOL CAMPBELL is being lined up for a summer move by West Ham, Newcastle and
Celtic. The former England defender is now a free agent after seeing out
his short-term deal with Arsenal which expired at the end of last season.
Campbell, 35, impressed on his return to Arsenal and showed he could still
perform in the Premier League and even the Champions League. Newcastle boss
Chris Hughton knows Campbell from when they worked together at Tottenham
almost a decade ago, while Avram Grant knows him from his first spell at
Portsmouth before he moved on to manage Chelsea. Celtic will need experience
in defence if they make it into the Champions League and he has already
described a move to the SPL as "a serious option."
All three clubs have tight wage restrictions in place but could entice the
former Arsenal and Spurs skipper with the offer of a coaching role. Campbell
started last season with Notts County but went to Arsenal in January, making
11 appearances and scoring twice. His form even made him an outside bet for
England's World Cup squad.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
World Cup 2010: Switzerland Midfielder Valon Behrami Sustains Groin Injury
The midfielder could miss Switzerland's opener against Spain due to the
knock...
By Stefan Coerts
Jun 6, 2010 3:06:00 PM
Goal.com

World Cup hopefuls Switzerland have received some disturbing news from the
treatment table in the aftermath of their 1-1 international friendly draw
against Italy at the weekend. Head coach Ottmar Hitzfeld will possibly have
to make do without the services of highly rated midfielder Valon Behrami in
the Schweizer Nati's first World Cup game against Spain on 16 June. The West
Ham United star picked up a groin injury during the match and was forced to
leave the pitch around the hour mark due to the knock. It's not yet sure how
long Behrami will be sidelined. "Behrami was playing very direct and looked
threatening. I hope the injury's not too serious. He wanted to continue
playing actually. It was the doctor who took him out," said Hitzfeld on the
after match press conference. Switzerland are paired with Spain, Chile and
Honduras in the group phase of this summer's tournament. The Swiss have a
36,5 percent chance of surviving the group stag, according to the Castrol
Group Predictor.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham keen to land Everton striker Yakubu - report
6 Jun 2010 11:53:00
Goal.com

Avram Grant looks set to continue his rebuilding project at West Ham United
by adding the signature of Aiyegbeni Yakubu to the signing of former Aston
Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger. Goal.com UK exclusively revealed
Yakubu was set to become one of Grant's first signings once he was confirmed
as Hammers boss. Reports in The Mirror now suggest that The Hammers have
tabled a £4m bid while the Merseyside club are refusing to contemplate
selling their man for any less than £6m. David Moyes will be aware that his
transfer budget for the summer depends on how much money he is able to get
into the club, and this will make him determined to dig his heels in for
extra cash. Yakubu cost £11.25m from Middlesbrough in 2007 but his time at
Goodison Park has been disrupted by injuries and he has only netted nine
times in 35 appearances. West Ham are expected to increase their bid this
week in an effort to land their man.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 6th June 2010

Hammers sign The Hammer
WHUFC.com
Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger has become the first summer recruit
at West Ham United
05.06.2010

West Ham United are delighted to announce the major signing of German
international midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger. The 28-year-old will
officially join the club from 1 July following his departure from Italian
side SS Lazio. Fittingly nicknamed 'The Hammer' in honour of his powerful
left-foot, he is the first new recruit to arrive at the Boleyn Ground this
summer with the club fending off competition from more than a dozen clubs
interested in his services. The highly-rated Hitzlsperger passed a medical
on Saturday before putting pen to paper on a three-year contract that will
see him return to the Barclays Premier League after five seasons away. A
Bundesliga title-winner with VfB Stuttgart, he scored 20 goals in 125
top-flight appearances in Germany. Capped more than 60 times for his country
at Under-21 and senior level, he played a key role in his country's
qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup only to just miss out on a place
in a Germany squad that is expected to be one of the favourites in South
Africa this summer. West Ham United chairman David Sullivan said: "I am
delighted to welcome Thomas to the club. We had to move quickly to secure
his services when he became available, especially as there was
understandably so much interest in him from around Europe and back in
Germany. "I am especially pleased that he is excited by what we are trying
to achieve here at West Ham. Thomas is a top-quality player who I know the
fans will love - and not just because of his nickname. He is a whole-hearted
midfielder with an eye for a goal who gives everything in every match. "He
is the first of many signings this summer. We are going to sign a mixture of
exciting young talent as well as the very best senior pros who can add real
strength to the squad like Thomas. He is still a young man but has massive
experience."
Hitzlsperger began his career with Bayern Munich before joining Aston Villa
at the age of 18 in 2000. The central midfielder was a fans' favourite at
Villa Park, making 114 appearances and scoring 12 goals, before moving back
to his homeland with Stuttgart in summer 2005. The Munich-born player became
an important member of the Stuttgart squad that won the Bundesliga title in
2006/07. He moved to Lazio in January 2010, finishing his Serie A career on
a high with a goal in the 3-1 final-day win over Udinese Calcio.
A former youth international, Hitzlsperger made his full Germany debut in a
2-0 friendly victory in Iran in September 2004. The fluent English speaker
netted his first international goals in a 13-0 UEFA European Championship
qualifying win over San Marino in Serravelle in September 2006, just a few
months after appearing for Germany at the FIFA World Cup in his home
country. Hitzlsperger was a central figure in Joachim Low's squad at the
2008 European Championship, starting all three knockout fixtures as Germany
finished as runners-up to Spain.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Behrami injury worry
WHUFC.com
Valon Behrami suffered a suspected hamstring injury as Switzerland drew 1-1
with Italy on Saturday
05.06.2010

Valon Behrami suffered a suspected hamstring injury as Switzerland completed
their FIFA 2010 World Cup preparations with a 1-1 draw with reigning
champions Italy. The West Ham United midfielder was replaced by winger
Tranquillo Barnetta after 58 minutes of the warm-up friendly in Geneva, and
his status will now be assessed ahead of Switzerland's Group H opener
against Spain on 16 June. Earlier, the 25-year-old had produced a lively
display on his return to the side after missing last week's surprised defeat
by Costa Rica with a slight ankle problem. Gianluca Zambrotta had to make a
heroic block to deny the midfielder a third international goal in 27
appearances on 16 minutes. By then Gokhan Inler's opening goal had already
been cancelled out by Italy striker Fabio Quagliarella. However, it now
remains to be seen if the Swiss No11 will be fit to take on the European
champions and World Cup favourites in Durban in eleven days time. Behrami
will be desperate to appear in South Africa, having been limited to just two
minutes of action at Germany 2006.
Elsewhere, Jonathan Spector had a watching brief as the United States
secured an impressive 3-1 friendly victory over Australia at the Roodeport
Stadium in Johannesburg. The Hammers right-back was left on the bench by US
head coach Bob Bradley, who will now have to decide between Spector and
Hannover 96 defender Steve Cherundolo when the Americans take on England in
their opening Group C fixture in Rustenburg on Saturday 12 June.
In the England camp, Matthew Upson is expected to return to training on
Sunday after missing Saturday's session due to a high temperature. Upson and
club-mate Robert Green will both hope to be involved from the start when the
Three Lions contest their final warm-up fixture against the Platinum Stars
team at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg on Monday. Manager Fabio Capello
is expected to field his first-choice lineup against the local side ahead of
Saturday's vital meeting with the US. Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand's knee injury
has led to his fellow Academy graduate Frank Lampard being named as
vice-captain for the tournament.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham sign German midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger
BBC.co.uk

German midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger has become new West Ham manager Avram
Grant's first recruit after signing a three-year deal with the Hammers. The
28-year-old joins on a free transfer after his contract expired at Lazio,
where he played only five times after moving from Stuttgart in January.
"Thomas is a top-quality player who I know the fans will love," said West
Ham chairman David Sullivan. Hitzlsperger had five years in England with
Aston Villa from 2000 to 2005. He had joined the Villans, then managed by
John Gregory, as an 18-year-old from Bayern Munich. It was at Villa Park
where Hitzlsperger, capped 51 times for his country, earned the nickname
'The Hammer', owing to his rasping long-range efforts. But despite
establishing himself as a fans' favourite, he struggled for first-team
football during boss David O'Leary's reign, and in August 2005 departed on a
Bosman free transfer to Stuttgart, where he won the Bundesliga in the
2006-07 season and scored 20 goals in 125 appearances. After he was stripped
of the team's captaincy by manager Marcus Babbel at the end of 2009,
Hitzlsperger left for his, ultimately, fruitless spell with Rome side Lazio.
And his miserable season was completed when he was omitted from his
country's squad for the World Cup finals despite playing in all but one of
the Germans' qualifiers. Gold, meanwhile, has promised more arrivals at
Upton Park during the summer. "We are going to sign a mixture of exciting
young talent as well as the very best senior pros who can add real strength
to the squad like Thomas," he said.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Grant lands first signing
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 5th June 2010
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United are understood to have landed German international Thomas
Hitzlsperger. The 28-year-old midfielder has signed a three-year contract
with the Hammers, according to reports. News of the German's impending
arrival follows a brief statement posted on whufc.com this lunchtime which
stated that the club 'hope to announce a major signing in the next 12
hours'. Hitzelsperger - who has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham
in recent weeks - began his career at Aston Villa where he made 99 first
team appearances between 2001 and 2005. After leaving Villa on a Bosman free
in the summer of 2005, the left-footed Hitzlsperger joined VfB Stuttgart
whom he helped to win the Bundesliga in his second season at the club.
Following the departure of Fernando Meira in 2008, Hitzlsperger - who is
rather appropriately nicknamed 'Der Hammer' - was made club captain having
extended his contract with Die Schwaben. He parted company with Stuttgart in
January of this year when moving to Lazio for a knock-down fee of around
£800,000, having been stripped of the club captaincy the month before. After
a disappointing four months in Italy - where he managed to make just four
starts - the fluent-English speaker is returning to the Premier League after
a five-year absence. The cost of signing Hitzlsperer is likely to remain
undisclosed although KUMB.com understands a nominal fee is involved.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sullivan delight at Hammer deal
Hammers chairman insists midfielder is first of many signings
Last updated: 5th June 2010
SSN

West Ham United chairman David Sullivan has revealed the club had to 'move
quickly' to secure the signing of Thomas Hitzlsperger. Former Aston Villa
midfielder Hitzlsperger has become new manager Avram Grant's first signing
at Upton Park after agreeing a three-year contract to join from Lazio.
Hitzlsperger had only been at Lazio for six months after signing from
Stuttgart and Sullivan confirmed there was plenty of interest in the
28-year-old. Sullivan is delighted to have landed a player nicknamed 'The
Hammer' and is confident the supporters will take to the club's newest
recruit. "I am delighted to welcome Thomas to the club," Sullivan told the
club's official website. "We had to move quickly to secure his services
when he became available, especially as there was understandably so much
interest in him from around Europe and back in Germany. "I am especially
pleased that he is excited by what we are trying to achieve here at West
Ham. "Thomas is a top-quality player who I know the fans will love - and
not just because of his nickname. He is a whole-hearted midfielder with an
eye for a goal who gives everything in every match. "He is the first of many
signings this summer. "We are going to sign a mixture of exciting young
talent as well as the very best senior pros who can add real strength to the
squad like Thomas. He is still a young man, but has massive experience."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hitz fits bill for Hammers
Grant makes first signing since taking over as manager
Last updated: 5th June 2010
SSN

West Ham United's new manager Avram Grant has made his first signing after
bringing in Thomas Hitzlsperger on a three-year contract. Hitzlsperger has
spent the past six months with Lazio, but the former Aston Villa midfielder
has agreed to return to the Premier League with West Ham. The 28-year-old
only joined Lazio in January from Stuttgart after his contract with the
Bundesliga club was cancelled to give Hitzlsperger a better chance of making
Germany's World Cup. However, despite his switch to Serie A, the ex-Bayern
Munich youngster was unable to claim a place in Germany coach Joachim Low's
23-man squad for the finals in South Africa. He will now turn his focus to
his club career after accepting the opportunity to play in England for the
second time. During five years on the books of Villa, Hitzlsperger scored 12
goals in 114 appearances before leaving for Stuttgart in 2005. Hitzlsperger
is likely to be the first of several fresh faces to arrive at Upton Park
over the summer months following Grant's appointment as manager. Grant has
been tipped to raid his former club Portsmouth for some players, while the
likes of Thierry Henry and David Beckham have also been linked with moves to
West Ham.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers sign the Hammer
The Sun
Published: 05 Jun 2010

WEST HAM have made their first signing of the summer by bringing in former
Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger on a three-year deal. The German
international — dubbed The Hammer for his long range shooting — moves to
Upton Park after a six-month spell at Italian side Lazio. The 28-year-old
was a big success in his first Premier League spell, before a 2005 move to
Bundesliga side Stuttgart. Hitzlsperger then made the switch to Italy in
January this year in order to force his way into Germany's World Cup plans.
He was unable to make Joachim Low's 23-man squad for South Africa, but
becomes Avram Grant's first signing as West Ham manager. Club chairman David
Sullivan said: "I am delighted to welcome Thomas to the club. We had to move
quickly to secure his services when he became available, especially as there
was understandably so much interest in him from around Europe and back in
Germany. "I am especially pleased that he is excited by what we are trying
to achieve here at West Ham. Thomas is a top-quality player who I know the
fans will love — and not just because of his nickname. He is a whole-hearted
midfielder with an eye for a goal who gives everything in every match. "He
is the first of many signings this summer. We are going to sign a mixture of
exciting young talent as well as the very best senior pros who can add real
strength to the squad like Thomas. "He is still a young man but has massive
experience."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham sign Hitzlsperger and target Everton striker
Published 23:00 05/06/10 By Paul Smith
The Mirror

West Ham made their first signing of the ­summer yesterday, snapping up
Thomas ­Hitzlsperger from Italian club Lazio. The 28-year-old German
international met new Hammers boss Avram Grant and negotiations to seal the
deal ahead of growing competition for his signature were held in London on
Friday. Hitzlsperger had five ­offers on the table from Premier League
clubs. ­Tottenham's pursuit ­began in February when they ­discovered he was
out of contract in the summer. Everton, Birmingham and Stoke all made
tempting offers to the ­player and his representative. His original desire
was to join a side playing in ­Europe, but he refused to rule out making a
move to a club with ambitions that met his own. The former ­Aston Villa
­midfielder ­yesterday ended all ­speculation by ­signing a three-year deal.
West Ham are ­also close to ­sealing a deal for Everton striker ­Aiyegbeni
Yakubu. The Hammers have tabled a £4million bid for the ­Nigerian, while the
­Merseyside club are refusing to do business for less than £6m. Yakubu cost
£11.25m from Middlesbrough in 2007. But in the last two seasons he has
suffered injuries and ­scored just nine goals in 35 league ­appearances.
West Ham are expected to up their offer this week in a bid to stop Yakubu
­demanding a move.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spurs set to offer O'Hara in exchange for Scott Parker
Published 23:00 05/06/10 By Steve Stammers
The Mirror

Tottenham could be prepared to let new West Ham boss Avram Grant sign Jamie
O'Hara - but only if Scott Parker moves the other way. Harry Redknapp has
put the midfielder up for sale, and Grant, his manager while on loan at
Portsmouth, is ready to make a £5million bid. However, the Spurs boss is
considering using O'Hara as the makeweight if he pursues his interest in
West Ham's Parker, who only just missed out on going to the World Cup with
England.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lampard inspired by West Ham's World Cup Winners
Published 23:00 05/06/10 By Simon Mullock
The Mirror

During his formative years at West Ham, Frank Lampard would look at a
picture of England's most glorious moment every time he walked into the
club's Chadwell Heath training ground. It showed Bobby Moore ­lifting the
Jules Rimet Trophy. Either side of him stood Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters.
A decade ago, just after ­Lampard had made his England debut he was
photographed ­alongside young ­Hammers Joe Cole and Michael Carrick. This
was West Ham's next golden generation. The boys who would become men as they
did themselves proud for club and country. Time, and the players
­themselves, have moved on. Lampard and Cole are ­champions at Chelsea;
­Carrick has lifted both the Premier League and ­European Cup with
­Manchester United. Moore, Hurst and Peters never got close to honours like
that during their club ­careers. Yet Lampard still accepts that it was a
little presumptuous for the trio to be ­compared with West Ham's holy
trinity of 1966. "Yeah, we haven't quite achieved what they did," said
Lampard with a smile and more than a hint of irony after being named
vice-captain ­following Steven Gerrard's promotion to skipper. "But that
picture of the three of us was just the start of ­everything and hopefully
we can do something in the next month or so. "I remember that photograph of
Bobby Moore with Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters at West Ham. "It's the
romance of it all. You know how they are held in people's memories; how
­everyone still looks at them and still respects them. "When you see Geoff
Hurst now. It's amazing how ­everyone holds him in such regard — and quite
rightly so. There's a magic to that. Those men deserved it. Hopefully we can
get ­somewhere near them."
Lampard added: "There would be nothing better as a group than to be
acknowledged as a great team. "We all know the names of '66 and it's been a
very long time. "There has been a lot of great English players that haven't
won the World Cup or even a European Championship since then. "They'll still
go down in history, of course, but if you want to be revered as a team then
you have to win something. "I wouldn't say England have underachieved since
then ­because every international tournament is difficult to win. "I don't
think the 1990 side, for example, underachieved because they got to the
­semis and lost on a ­penalty kick so they came back with a lot of respect.
But there have been times when we've been knocked out in the early ­stages
or haven't even ­qualified for the finals, when you would certainly say
we've underachieved. "It would be wrong to say we have underachieved for
40-odd years when there have been times when we just haven't had the luck -
a ­penalty or whatever. "But to really achieve, a team has to win
something."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers sign German ace Hitzlsperger
Published 15:10 05/06/10 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror

West Ham have signed former Aston Villa midfielder Thomas ­Hitzlsperger on a
three-year deal. The 28-year-old German international ­exercised his right
under freedom of contract to leave Italian side Lazio and met with new
Hammers boss Avram Grant in London yesterday. Hitzlsperger reportedly had
five ­offers on the table from Premier League clubs - thought to include
long-time admirers Tottenham, Everton, Birmingham and Stoke - but opted to
become the first signing of Avram Grant's reign. West Ham co-owner David
Sullivan expressed his satisfaction with the direction the club is taking.
"I am delighted to welcome Thomas to the club," Sullivan said on
www.whufc.com. "We had to move quickly to secure his services when he became
available, especially as there was understandably so much interest in him
from around Europe and back in Germany.
"I am especially pleased that he is excited by what we are trying to achieve
here at West Ham. "He is the first of many signings this summer. We are
going to sign a mixture of exciting young talent as well as the very best
senior pros who can add real strength to the squad like Thomas. "He is still
a young man but has massive experience."
Nicknamed 'The Hammer' due to his powerful left foot, Hitzlsperger should
find favour among the West Ham fans, and Sullivan expects great things from
the former Bayern Munich youth player. "Thomas is a top-quality player who I
know the fans will love - and not just because of his nickname," Sullivan
added. "He is a wholehearted midfielder with an eye for a goal who gives
everything in every match." Hitzlsperger began his career at Bayern before
joining Villa at the age of 18. He made his debut for the club in 2001 and
went on to make 114 appearances for the midlands outfit, scoring 12 goals.
He returned to Germany with Stuttgart in summer 2005 and went on to lift the
Bundesliga title with the club two years later. Hitzlsperger has won over 50
caps for the German national side but missed out on a place in Joachim Low's
World Cup squad this summer.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Frank Lampard: This World Cup is my last chance to follow the West Ham boys
of 1966
By Rob Draper
Last updated at 10:57 PM on 5th June 2010
Daily Mail

Frank Lampard was 22 and had only just won over sceptics in the crowd at
West Ham. Michael Carrick, at 19, was considered something of a prospect,
while Joe Cole, just a few months younger, was being hailed as the next big
thing. They were, in truth, a group of callow young men hoping to establish
themselves as major footballers, but all too well aware that young promise
can quickly dissipate into mid-career mediocrity. Still, there was enough
potential to encourage them to pose together for a picture at West Ham's
rickety old training ground at Chadwell Heath. The scene seemed not to have
changed much since 1966, when the events depicted in the famous photograph
adorning the wall behind them had been etched into the nation's collective
memory. Every day when a West Ham footballer walked into training he was
confronted by the image of the club's most illustrious players, Bobby Moore,
Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters, celebrating England's World Cup victory at
Wembley 44 years ago. At West Ham, where they still joke about being the
only club ever to have won the World Cup, it is impossible to be immune from
the idea of serving the nation, and Lampard, Carrick and Cole had that ethos
impressed upon them daily. Almost a decade on, those latter-day West Ham
heroes have between them won every single club trophy worth collecting in
the modern game, and all three are here in Rustenburg with the England squad
preparing for the World Cup finals. But for all their considerable success,
they have yet to realise football's ultimate accomplishment. 'We haven't
quite achieved that,' said Lampard, remembering the day when he posed
slightly awkwardly in front of those England heroes. He was shortly to move
to Chelsea, for what at the time was considered an overpriced £11million,
although at Stamford Bridge he would embark on a career that would win him
three Premier League titles and FA Cups, see him score in a Champions League
final and ranked alongside Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o as one of the world's
greatest players.
'That was the start of it,' he said wistfully. 'That photo at West Ham [of
Moore, Hurst and Peters], it shows you the romance of it. You know how those
players are held in people's memories, how people look at them and respect
them. 'When you see Sir Geoff Hurst now, everyone holds him in that
ultra-respect, and quite rightly so. There's a magic to that. Those men
deserved that. Hopefully we can get somewhere near that
'There'd be nothing better as a group. We all know the names of the 1966
winning team. It's been a long time. There's been many a great English
player that hasn't won a World Cup or a European Championship since then,
and they'll still go down in history. But if you want to be remembered as a
group, you have to win something.'
Lampard is 32 in two weeks' time and his extraordinary stamina is unlikely
to last another four years. Indeed, the sickening feeling of watching
another former West Ham team-mate, Rio Ferdinand, sustain the knee injury on
Friday that has forced him out of the World Cup, will have focused his mind
on the fleeting nature of a player's opportunities to shine in a World Cup.
For Lampard's generation, South Africa is the last chance. 'I think so,' he
agreed. 'Let's hope that gives us the edge. You don't get that many World
Cups in your career and this is probably my last. I want to do well in it so
I can look back and say I was part of a team that was successful.
'The idea that you won't play one again means you don't want your last
memory to be a bad one. You want to finish well and look back on a good one.
If it is the last one I play, we'll put everything in there to make sure
it's as good as it can be.' His only previous World Cup ended with a missed
penalty against Portugal four years ago. Lampard, England's nominated
penalty-taker, has squandered his last two spot-kicks, one for Chelsea in
the FA Cup final and one last Sunday in England's friendly against Japan.
But he is not a man to shirk responsibility. 'As far as I know, I'm still
the penalty-taker,' he said. 'The manager has said I am and I still have the
confidence to do the job. I've taken them regularly and it's a fact of life
that you miss occasionally. 'I missed in a friendly and it's a little
reminder to myself. I'll practise them here and go back to basics a bit. But
I have confidence in myself and I'll pick the ball up if we get a penalty.
I've never doubted myself on that. I've done that at Chelsea and I'll try to
do that for England.' Nevertheless, Germany 2006 was not English football's
finest hour and there have been precious few since that distant victory of
1966. A brief glimpse of glory by qualifying for the 1990 semi-final in
Italy has been the highlight, but Lampard rejects the notion that England
have consistently been underachievers or have unfinished business in the
competition. 'I'm not sure about that. It's football. You can't have success
everywhere you go and every year,' he said. 'That World Cup (Germany 2006)
wasn't great for me personally, and wasn't fantastic for the team, but I
wouldn't say it was unfinished business because a World Cup is very
difficult to win. 'I don't think the 1990 side underachieved because they
got to the semi-finals and when they came back, everyone held a lot of
respect for that squad and for the manager, Bobby Robson. 'There have
probably been times when we have underachieved as a nation: if you go to a
tournament and get knocked out in the qualifying stage or if you don't
qualify, as we didn't for Euro 2008, then that's certainly underachieving.
But there have been times when the team have given everything, performed
very well, but maybe through a little bit of bad luck - a penalty or
whatever - haven't quite done it. 'So, I think to cast us as underachieving
over the past 40 years would be wrong. To really achieve, though, we have to
go and match 1966 and win something.' And if he were to do that, they might
even put Lampard's picture up at Chadwell Heath.

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