WHUFC.com
Despite the frustration of not playing, Gary O'Neil is determined to keep
busy at West Ham United
10.05.2011
Gary O'Neil was a welcome guest in the West Ham United press box for the 1-1
draw with Blackburn Rovers at the weekend. The midfielder accepted an
invitation from talkSPORT presenter - and mad West Ham fan - Ian 'Moose'
Abrahams to do some radio work as he recovers from his long-term ankle
injury suffered against Aston Villa. O'Neil is also intending to be at the
Wigan Athletic away match next Sunday, despite needing to keep his leg
almost permanently elevated in order to aid the crucial first phase of his
recovery period. He is set to miss several months after the surgery but is
determined to swap the radio mic for his boots as soon as possible. He said:
"I enjoyed it - although I was so into watching the lads and nervous for us
to get a result, so I would forget and cheer something and then there was
someone speaking in my ear to ask me what I thought! "But it was good to do
and I'd do it again. It is not easy when it is your own team out there
though."
O'Neil knows the team face a tall order to survive but stressed it was
important to keep going. "We got a draw and we have to just go again in the
final two games and see where that takes us. It is frustrating for me to
only be able to watch, but there's nothing I can do about that, but the lads
will be digging in to try and get the results we need and you never know."
Meanwhile, he will focus on his fitness fight and is pleased with how it has
gone to date. "I had the operation and it went well. It was my right ankle.
I had some joint damage so they had to look at that and then I have had to
rest and keep my foot up. It has been hard to get about as I haven't been
able to stand on it at all. I have been able to move a bit more in the last
week or so, though. "I saw the consultant last week and he was pleased with
the progress I have made, so that was good. It is a bit strange for me as I
have never had an injury like this before that is going to keep me out for
this long. But to hear progress is good was a boost for me for the long
haul."
As O'Neil watches the final matches, he knows that the Hammers will have
immense backing from the claret and blue army. "The fans are brilliant - I
know they have been all season and I have certainly noticed it since I have
been here. "It is a huge thing to go out ther e with the noise of your own
fans willing you on. It will be tense, as things don't always happen
immediately in games. You don't always get off to a flier, goals are not
always scored straight away and all of that, but if the fans are right
behind you, it is another boost to us getting the results we need."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Daniel Gabbidon fined over Twitter post
BBC.co.uk
Page last updated at 12:05 GMT, Tuesday, 10 May 2011 13:05 UK
West Ham's Daniel Gabbidon has been fined and warned about his future
conduct following comments he made on social networking website Twitter. The
31-year-old was charged with improper conduct for comments made after the
2-1 home defeat by Aston Villa on 16 April. "Having admitted the charge,
Gabbidon was fined £6,000," read a Football Association statement. The Welsh
international defender has since closed down his account. He posted the
message - which included swearing - in the wake of the defeat at Upton Park,
where Gabriel Agbonlahor scored an injury time winner to keep West Ham deep
in relegation trouble. Gabbidon ended his final Twitter entry by writing: "U
know what.... u will never get another tweet from me again, you just don't
get it do you. Bye bye."
His FA charge came just after team-mate Carlton Cole was fined for comments
made on Twitter. The striker was sanctioned by the FA for comments he made
about Ghana fans during their friendly against England. He was also charged
with improper conduct and fined £20,000, as well as being warned about his
future conduct. In January, Dutch winger Ryan Babel was fined £10,000 and
warned about his future conduct by the FA over a post he made on Twitter.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Di Canio eyeing Grant role?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 10th May 2011
By: Staff Writer
Paolo Di Canio's agent insists that the former United striker would be
willing to manage in League Two. News broke yesterday that 42-year-old Di
Canio was poised to take the vacant manager's seat at Swindon Town. That
possibility appeared less likely last night however when his agent, Phil
Spencer, revealed that the two parties had not even met - although he
refused to rule out a potential move entirely. "It would not be right to
discuss this at the moment, he has been linked with a number of clubs but
Paolo has not spoken with Swindon," said Spencer. "He wants to get involved
in management in England and the only thing he would not entertain is
management outside the four main leagues in England, so he would not manage
at Blue Square Premier level. "Otherwise it does not matter whether it is
in the Premier League, Championship, League One or League Two, what does
matter is that it is the right job for Paolo. This is his first managerial
appointment and therefore it is vitally important that it is the correct
one. It is really down to the feeling of what suits him and what suits the
club."
News of Di Canio's desire to break into management just happens to coincide
with a string of reports suggesting that Avram Grant is on the verge of the
sack, having - barring a minor miracle - led West Ham into the Championship
after an appalling season. That has led some to suggest Di Canio is merely
using the vacancy at the County Ground to announce his availability - should
West Ham be in need of a new manager come the summer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gabbs fined for petulant outburst
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 10th May 2011
By: Staff Writer
Danny Gabbidon has, as expected, been fined by the FA for a recent outburst
on Twitter. The Welsh defender, whose current four-year contract with West
Ham is set to expire this summer was fined the princely sum of £6,000 for a
tirade against supoprters who had criticised him in the wake of the 2-1 home
defeat against Aston Villa. Gabbidon - who went under the name of @DGabsey
before pulling his account, 24 hours after his outburst - had Tweeted: "U
know what f*** the lot of you u will never get another tweet from me again u
just don't get it do you . Bye bye ."
A brief statement on the FA's website today confirmed the fine: "At an
Independent Regulatory Commission, West Ham United defender Danny Gabbidon
was fined and warned as to his future conduct," it read. "Gabbidon was
charged with improper conduct in relation to media comments made on the
social media site Twitter on 16 April 2011. Having admitted the charge, he
was fined £6,000."
Gabbidon becomes the second Hammer to fall foul of the busybodies at the FA
for comments made on the social network; team mate Carlton Cole was fined a
rather more considerable sum of £20,000 for Tweeting a joke regarding
immigration officers and Ghanaian supporters present at Wembley for the
recent 1-1 draw with England. With regards to Gabbidon's offensive Tweet,
quite what the fans 'don't get' remains a mystery (feel free to drop us a
line and let us know, Danny).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Relegation
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 10th May 2011
By: Matthew Kemp
Even before the 1-1 draw versus Blackburn Rovers, the cup looked half empty
as opposed to half full. If only I could share Avram Grants' optimism, yet
hasn't that been the case all season!? I appreciate we are not
mathematically relegated, yet with reference to our chairman's quote that we
have a 23 per cent chance of staying up, and this comment was made several
weeks ago, I'm going with his prediction!
With the knowledge coupled with the sadness that players such as Parker will
now be now leaving, the man that embodied West Ham signed a new contract in
January, and the player who should have been leading us out as captain in
the Olympic stadium in a few years time. Reality has hit me!
The vultures were circling even prior to the away game at Manchester City.
Good Old 'Arry using the media to register his interest in Scotty Parker,
even suggesting the price would be cheaper given our impending doom, and
then transfer rumours adding the cherry to the cake, suggesting Demba Ba
would be joining him. A player who had only joined us in January 2011!!!
Scott Duxbury in his days at West Ham suggested that the days of selling our
best players to Spurs were behind us, I wonder if Gold and Sullivan share
these thoughts.
So on to the grand sale at West Ham. Parachute payments, and the wealth of
the Chairmen will not be enough to save this squad. It's enough to not want
to pick up the paper – yet having lived through seeing Di Canio, Kanoute,
Cole, Carrick, Johnson, Sinclair, Defoe, and James leaving, you could say
we've been through worse!
We begin with the management team, and I suspect there will be a major clear
out including Avram Grant, Paul Groves, and possibly Wally Downes. A number
of managers have been linked to the job, and I'm at a loss to see who would
take it.
I think Martin O'Neill is holding out for the Sunderland job, given Steve
Bruce is not as popular as he was, and the fact O'Neill is a boyhood
Sunderland fan. He would however, be my first choice to lead us back, yet
doubt this appointment will happen. Chris Hughton has been seen at games,
and I think given costs he would be on Gold and Sullivan's short list.
Lambert at Norwich is just a pipe dream! West Ham legend, Paulo Di Canio has
tweeted an interest!
Goalkeepers
Robert Green – will leave, he's been a good servant to the club. Most West
Ham fans recognise that he's been a good 'keeper, saved many a penalty and
been a great shot stopper. In Marek Stech and Ruud Boffin we have two
'keepers who should be more than capable for the Championship, and hopefully
Stech will get the number one spot , yet his agent has hinted that Napoli
are monitoring his situation closely!
Defence
At right back, a problem position for us, Jordan Spence's contract ends.
Newcastle and Aston Villa have expressed an interest, and I can only hope
that he stays and get s the right back berth. He's been a revelation at
Bristol City on loan, and played well whilst also on loan at Scunthorpe. We
have yet to see much of this player, yet his youth career was very
impressive, having captained the England U-19s.
Julien Faubert's contract is ending, and given his falling out with the club
will leave for France. Lars Jacobson also has his contract ending, and
whilst he would like to stay I doubt the club will offer another contract.
Left Back – Our £100k-a-week loan signing Wayne Bridge will return to
Manchester City, which will probably mean Illunga will get another chance at
left back. It is a shame we sold Fabio Daprela last season, as I, along with
others thought he would be one for the future.
Matthew Upson leaves on a free transfer and will probably negotiate one
final pay day at Arsenal or Spurs. I feel his best years are behind him now,
yet am sure a club will take him given his availability.
Danny Gabbidon never really recovered from his injury. In flashes he has
shown he is still a good player, and has had to play in a number of
uncharacteristic positions in the back four. Yet he has lost his pace, and
contract ends, so expect him to leave for a team such as Stoke, WBA, or
Birmingham. Rumours were that he was earning circa £50k a week!
The loss of two centre backs means the club will have to ignore any
overtures for James Tomkins, who has been one of the highlights of the
season. Manuel Da Costa, who is reportedly earning £25k a week, is also
worth keeping.
Winston Reid has been linked to Chievo, yet I would expect him to stay and
hopefully a season in the Championship will help him develop as player. The
much heralded signing following his World Cup appearances for New Zealand,
has struggled since joining West Ham. However, he is still young, and I
believe that he will prove to be a good understudy to Tomkins and Da Costa.
There are other options in defence, such as Jordan Brown, Matthew Fry, and
Eyjolfsson yet I suspect the new manager will look to get a veteran defender
in, to provide some experience.
Midfield
In midfield we currently have an abundance of riches – I've already
suggested Scott Parker will leave, and I believe Hitzlsperger will join him.
Kieron Dyer's contract ends (£23m is the total amount that deal cost –
according to the tabloids!), so a pay-as-you-play deal at another club
beckons!
Hopefully, Mark Noble will stay, alongside Jack Collinson. Luis Boa Morte
may be offered a one year contract, which I would welcome, as his experience
may help. Barrera and Kovac would in my opinion join clubs abroad on loan.
Gary O'Neill's injury looks to be career threatening, yet whatever the
outcome, it is unlikely he will playing next season. That leaves the
opportunity for Junior Stanislas, Freddie Sears (as a winger), Olly Lee, and
George Moncur to try and find a place in the team. Blair Turgott, an England
under-17 may also make some appearances.
Forwards
Robbie Keane will return to Spurs, and Victor Obinna will probably join
Napoli. He has a list of clubs to choose from according to his agent.
Carlton Cole will leave, and I expect him to join a club such as Stoke or a
mid- table team, unless Arry thinks he can make a cheeky offer!?
Piquionne could possibly link up with Houllier at Aston Villa, yet he's on
big wages, and at his age, many clubs may be reluctant to sign him, so
there's a possibility he may stay. The big question on everyone's lips is
Demba Ba. His agent has stated that the player will leave if West Ham are
relegated, yet would only want to move to another London club.
What I find amazing is the player has failed a number of club medicals, and
the full extent of his deal at West Ham has never been revealed. As such,
whilst I am sure a number of clubs will be interested, given the restricted
audience, I think he may stay, and if he does his goals will be those that
take us back up. In summary he is priceless, so will be interesting to watch
developments over the summer.
Zavon Hines' contract is up for renewal, and I believe he will leave, whilst
Frank Nouble will provide cover alongside Anthony Edgar and Cristian
Montano. Dylan Tombides and Robert Hall may also be included.
If the manager has the luxury of signing a striker, my suggestion won't be
popular, yet I feel Jason Roberts can be acquired, and would score goals at
this level.
So in summary, there looks to be a big clear out and unlikely many players
will be brought in. I feel there are a number of good youngsters at the club
who hopefully can step up to the plate. Clearly a lot will happen between
now and the beginning of the new season, and these are only my views.
I want to be positive rather than negative. Lest we forget it is the players
and the management that have failed to deliver this season. The fans have
proven yet again that they are the club, and will be there through thick and
thin!
Roll on the new season, C'mon you Irons!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Brady calms stadium talk
Olympic move not dependant on league status, says vice-chairman
By Jamie Casey.
Last Updated: May 10, 2011 5:59pm
SSN
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady has cooled fears financial concerns
could cost the club their move to the Olympic Stadium. Co-owner David
Sullivan fuelled speculation on Monday by claiming his club, who look likely
to be relegated from the Premier League, are the most financially stricken
in England. Fears were growing that the club may not be able to proceed with
the switch two years after the 2012 London Olympics, having been awarded the
right to play in the stadium by The Olympic Park Legacy Board in February.
However, Brady released a statement on Tuesday, insisting West Ham have in
place the resources to go ahead with the move, regardless of their league
status come 2014. "We have always said that the move is not solely dependent
on the club's league status." She said: "We are aware there is a lot of
discussion about the finances of West Ham and how they may impact on our
move to the Olympic Stadium in 2014.
Commitment
"I felt it was important to reiterate our absolute commitment, financial or
otherwise to the stadium move and to confirm that we have the resources in
place to deliver the stadium transformation, as well as the legacy promises
we have pledged to deliver along with our partners. "We are totally
committed to the move to the Olympic Stadium; the business case stacks up.
We have always said that the move is not solely dependent on the club's
league status. "Whatever division we are in, David Sullivan and (fellow
co-owner) David Gold have guaranteed that the club will meet all its
financial commitments. "West Ham United is a well run business that has
planned for every contingency and, within 12 months, the club will have been
streamlined to be in a far stronger financial state that it is now."
West Ham are bottom of the Premier League with just two games remaining and
will be mathematically demoted should they suffer defeat at relegation
rivals Wigan on Sunday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gabbidon in Twitter trouble
Hammers defender fined and warned by the FA
Last Updated: May 10, 2011 12:51pm
SSN
West Ham's Danny Gabbidon has been fined by the Football Association
following comments posted on his Twitter account. The Wales international
has also been warned as to his future conduct. The 31-year-old was charged
with improper conduct in April after delivering a foul-mouthed message to
Hammers followers. Disgruntled in the wake of a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa,
the centre-half hit out at critical supporters on Twitter. Gabbidon, who has
since closed his account, wrote: "U know what, f*** the lot of you, u will
never get another tweet from me again, you just don't get it do you. Bye
bye." The FA confirmed on Tuesday that Gabbidon had accepted the charge
levelled against him.
Sanctioned
A statement released by the governing body of English football read: "At an
Independent Regulatory Commission, West Ham United defender Danny Gabbidon
was fined and warned as to his future conduct. "Gabbidon was charged with
improper conduct in relation to media comments made on the social network
media site Twitter on 16 April 2011. "Having admitted the charge, Gabbidon
was fined £6,000." Gabbidon becomes the second West Ham player to be
sanctioned regarding their use of Twitter this season. Striker Carlton Cole
was charged with improper conduct and fined £20,000 for comments he made in
the wake of England's international friendly against Ghana.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spurs widen stadium appeal
High Court asked to start a separate judicial review over stadium
Last Updated: May 10, 2011 12:13pm
SSN
Tottenham have launched another application for a judicial review into the
roles of the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) and two Government
departments involved in awarding West Ham the Olympic Stadium. The Hammers
beat off competition from their north London rivals to win the race to move
into the London 2012 showpiece venue after the Games have finished next
summer. The east Londoners were handed the keys to the £537million stadium
after the Government and the Mayor of London approved the OPLC's decision to
grant the Hammers preferred bidder status. But Spurs were unhappy with the
processes which led to West Ham being chosen as the winner and have vowed to
take their fight for the stadium to the High Court. Last month Spurs
launched an application for a judicial review into Newham Council's role in
arranging a £40million loan to finance West Ham's move to the stadium.
Widened appeal
On Tuesday the club have widened their appeal by asking the High Court to
start a separate judicial review into the roles of several other key parties
involved in awarding West Ham the stadium. A Tottenham statement read: "The
club has today sought permission from the High Court to bring a claim
against the Olympic Park Legacy Company Limited, the Mayor of London, the
Minister for Sport and the Olympics and the Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government for judicial review of a series of
decisions made by them to appoint a joint bid by the London Borough of
Newham and West Ham United Football Club as preferred bidder in a
competition for the lease of the Olympic Stadium. "As previously reported,
the club continues to hold discussions with both local and national
government bodies in order to seek to agree a feasible stadium solution."
Spurs wrote letters to all the parties involved in the process in March
demanding answers as to how the decision was reached and they launched their
judicial review application against Newham Council after receiving what they
regarded as unacceptable answers. Last month Leyton Orient also demanded a
judicial review against Newham's role in partnering West Ham's bid. The High
Court will now assess all claims that have been made before deciding whether
or not to hold a judicial review into the processes involved in West Ham
winning the race for the stadium, which they are due to move into in the
summer of 2013.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Does the Right Hand Know What the Left Hand is Doing?
May 11th, 2011 - 2:13 am by S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Following on from David Sullivan's reported comments about the financial
situation at the club, Karen Brady has now issued a statement allaying any
fears that relegation, and the club's alleged £80m of debt, would negatively
impact upon West Ham's plans to move to the Olympic Stadium in 2014.
Karen Brady has been quoted as stating: 'I felt it was important to
reiterate our absolute commitment, financial or otherwise to the stadium
move and to confirm that we have the resources in place to deliver the
stadium transformation, as well as the legacy promises we have pledged to
deliver along with our partners. 'We are totally committed to the move to
the Olympic Stadium; the business case stacks up. We have always said that
the move is not solely dependent on the club's league status. 'Whatever
division we are in, David Sullivan and David Gold have guaranteed that the
club will meet all its financial commitments. 'West Ham United is a well run
business that has planned for every contingency and, within 12 months, the
club will have been streamlined to be in a far stronger financial state that
it is now.'
There is obviously a belated recognition by the club that the Co-Chairman's
statement of financial woe may have set a few alarm bells ringing and,
unintentionally, assisted the critics of the Hammers Olympic Stadium move
(i.e Spurs). Hence, Karen Brady's move to issue the above statement.
It really does make you wonder if 'the right hand knows what the left hand
is doing' at the club? Surely the board must think about the possible
consequences of these public statements prior to them being issued. If not
they surely need to start controlling the communications coming out of the
club. Otherwise they could prove to be an outright liability or,
alternatively, a future 'captive to fortune.'
The board need to go beyond this statement about the OS Stadium move to
reassure fans about their plans to ensure that, if we are relegated, we will
not only bounce back next season, but return with the basis of a squad that
can ensure PL survival. For my part, that means affirming that any
necessary bridging finance will be put in place/parachute payments utilised,
that efforts will at least be made to try to retain our better, more
experienced, players and, as their bottom line, an efective embargo will be
placed upon the sale of Tomkins, Collison, Noble, Sears, Spence, etc.
Rather than creating alarm, uncertainty and panic, and encouraging the 'fire
sale' stories in the media, the board should be creating the impression
that they are in control and have the necessary contingency plans in place.
We do get a sense of that in the final paragraph of Brady's statement where
she alleges that the club is well run and has planned for every contingency.
However, I will leave you to interprete her concluding comment that, within
the next 12 months, the club will be streamlined to be in a far stronger
financial position than it is right now?
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wigan's Whelan feelin' fine
By MARTIN BLACKBURN
Published: Today
The Sun
DAVE WHELAN has earmarked Sunday's relegation clash with West Ham as a
'lifesaver' for Wigan. Latics lie second bottom in the Premier League table
and even a home win over the hapless Hammers will not guarantee they climb
out of the drop zone. But owner Whelan, whose side visit Stoke on the last
day of the season, reckons three points at the weekend will help prolong the
Lancashire club's six-year stay in the top flight. He said: "That game is a
lifesaver. Three points there and we could be home and dry. "It's still in
our hands, I've still got great hopes. We're all confident we'll stay up."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers make Olympic vow
Published: Today
The Sun
WEST HAM'S co-owners have moved to calm fears that relegation will impact on
their move to the Olympic Stadium. David Sullivan, who owns the club with
David Gold, admitted the Hammers are in a "worse financial position than any
other in the country". But vice-chairman Karren Brady said: "It is important
to reiterate our commitment, financial or otherwise, to the stadium move.
"We are totally committed to the move to the Olympic Stadium. We have always
said the move is not solely dependent on our league status. "Whatever
division we are in, David Sullivan and David Gold have guaranteed the club
will meet all its financial commitments."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Milan eyeing West Ham striker
By talkSPORT
Tuesday, May 10
AC Milan are planning a shock move to sign Demba Ba from West Ham during the
summer. Ba, 25, has netted five goals following his move from Hoffenheim
back in January and has become a fans favourite at Upton Park. But with West
Ham looking strong favourites to be relegated this season, the Senegal
international will not be willing to play in the Championship. Reports in
Italy suggest that Milan have been monitoring his progress and are keen to
bring him to the San Siro during the summer. With West Ham still facing huge
financial debts, the clubs owners are unlikely to stand in his way if the
Italian giants make a sizeable offer to clinch his signature.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham defender fined after Twitter outburst
Published 12:25 10/05/11 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
West Ham defender Danny Gabbidon has been fined and warned about his future
conduct following comments posted on his Twitter account. The 31-year-old
was handed an 'improper conduct' charge in April by the Football Association
for a foul-mouthed message in the wake of his side's 2-1 defeat to Aston
Villa. Gabbidon, who has since closed down his account, wrote: "U know what,
f*** the lot of you, u will never get another tweet from me again, you just
don't get it do you. Bye bye."
The FA confirmed they have fined Gabbidon for his comments in a statement
today. "At an Independent Regulatory Commission, West Ham United defender
Danny Gabbidon was fined and warned as to his future conduct," the statement
said. "Gabbidon was charged with improper conduct in relation to media
comments made on the social media site Twitter on 16 April 2011. "Having
admitted the charge, Gabbidon was fined £6,000."
Gabbidon's comments came just over a week after team-mate Carlton Cole was
sanctioned by the FA for comments he made on Twitter about Ghana fans during
their friendly against England. Cole was also charged with improper conduct
and fined £20,000 as well as being warned about his future conduct.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham in worse financial position than any other club in the country,
says co-owner David Sullivan
Perilous position: relegation would cost West Ham's owners millions
By Telegraph staff 10:30AM BST 10 May 2011
Telegraph.co.uk
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has warned that the club's future could be
in jeopardy should they be relegated from the Premier League. West Ham are
currently favourites for the drop, sitting as they do rock bottom of the
table, three points adrift and with only two games to play. And Sullivan has
admitted he and David Gold would have to invest in the region of £20-40
million just to stay afloat if relegation was confirmed, despite their
willingness to sell marquee players such as Scott Parker and Matthew Upson.
Sullivan said: "The fans should know this club is in a worse financial
position than any other in the country. "All the debts are football or bank
debts secured on the stadium and training ground so there is no route via
administration. West Ham really is a football club where the football and
bank debts exceed the value of the club. "It's a pretty thankless task and
the criticism hurts. Should the worst happen we will have to inject loans of
up to £20-40 million, depending on circumstances, which will probably never
be repaid. I don't believe the supporters realise the potential real cost to
us.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Danny Gabbidon punished for Twitter remarks
By Simon Peach, PA
Tuesday, 10 May
The Independent
West Ham defender Danny Gabbidon has been fined and warned about his future
conduct following comments posted on his Twitter account. The 31-year-old
was handed an 'improper conduct' charge in April by the Football Association
for a foul-mouthed message in the wake of his side's 2-1 defeat to Aston
Villa. Gabbidon, who has since closed down his account, wrote: "U know what,
f*** the lot of you, u will never get another tweet from me again, you just
don't get it do you. Bye bye."
The FA confirmed they have fined Gabbidon for his comments in a statement
today. "At an Independent Regulatory Commission, West Ham United defender
Danny Gabbidon was fined and warned as to his future conduct," the statement
said. "Gabbidon was charged with improper conduct in relation to media
comments made on the social media site Twitter on 16 April 2011. "Having
admitted the charge, Gabbidon was fined £6,000." Gabbidon's comments came
just over a week after team-mate Carlton Cole was sanctioned by the FA for
comments he made on Twitter about Ghana fans during their friendly against
England. Cole was also charged with improper conduct and fined £20,000 as
well as being warned about his future conduct.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tottenham demand judicial review over Olympic Stadium battle with West Ham
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 12:39 PM on 10th May 2011
Daily Mail
Tottenham have launched another application for a judicial review into the
roles of the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) and two Government
departments involved in handing West Ham the Olympic Stadium. West Ham beat
off competition from their north London rivals to win the race to move into
the London 2012 showpiece venue after the Games have finished. The east
Londoners were handed the keys to the £537million stadium after the
Government and the Mayor of London approved the OPLC's decision to grant the
Hammers preferred bidder status.
But Spurs were not happy with the processes which led to West Ham being
chosen as the winner and have vowed to take their fight for the stadium to
the High Court.
Last month Spurs launched an application for a judicial review into Newham
Council's role in arranging a £40m loan to finance West Ham's move to the
stadium.
Now the club widened their appeal by asking the High Court to start a
separate judicial review into the roles of several other key parties
involved in awarding West Ham the stadium.
A Tottenham statement read: 'The club has today sought permission from the
High Court to bring a claim against the Olympic Park Legacy Company Limited,
the Mayor of London, the Minister for Sport and the Olympics and the
Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for judicial review
of a series of decisions made by them to appoint a joint bid by the London
Borough of Newham and West Ham United Football Club as preferred bidder in a
competition for the lease of the Olympic Stadium. 'As previously reported,
the club continues to hold discussions with both local and national
government bodies in order to seek to agree a feasible stadium solution.'
Spurs wrote letters to all the parties involved in the process in March
demanding answers as to how the decision was reached and they launched their
judicial review application against Newham Council after receiving what they
regarded as unacceptable answers.
Last month Leyton Orient also demanded a judicial review against Newham's
role in partnering West Ham's bid. The High Court will now assess all claims
that have been made before deciding whether or not to hold a judicial review
into the processes involved in West Ham winning the race for the stadium,
which they are due to move into in the summer of 2013.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Keane's West Ham misses add fuel to conspiracy theorists
East London Advertiser
Dave Evans, West Ham Correspondent
Tuesday, May 10, 2011 8:47 AM
Another game, another miss from Tottenham loanee Robbie Keane, people are
getting suspicious!
The conspiracy theorists have been in their element this week. Osama Bin
Laden is not dead, the Americans have concocted the whole story. Well, there
is a new one being formulated at Upton Park. Tottenham sent Robbie Keane to
scupper West Ham's hopes of Premier League survival to get them back for
losing the battle for the Olympic Stadium. Preposterous? Of course it is,
like most conspiracy theories, but Keane himself has provided plenty of
ammunition for those who may be keen to believe it.
Against Chelsea and Manchester City, Jonathan Spector had slotted passes
through to the Tottenham loanee, but on both occasions he fluffed his lines,
shooting wide against Chelsea and failing to lift the ball over Joe Hart at
Eastlands. Saturday's miss against Blackburn was even easier and even more
galling when you consider the importance that it might have on Premier
League survival. With the best will in the world, the Hammers were never
really likely to take more than a point from Chelsea or Manchester City, but
against Blackburn it was surely a must win, and Keane's miss meant it
finished in a draw.
Grant was quick to defend the striker, but he must have been wondering how
one of the most successful strikers in the Premier League is now missing
chances like he has his boots on the wrong feet. "He said to me he wished he
knew why he missed. He is a good lad and I don't have any intention to kill
him," said Grant with tongue firmly in cheek, but nevertheless fully aware
of the implications behind that miss. "I think a player like Robbie Keane
and others who missed chances today, like the header of Demba Ba, they want
to score. "They want to score, but they didn't score and I wish I knew why."
Keane has scored two goals in eight appearances since his arrival in
January, though injury has affected a Hammers career that will be extended
with a £6million summer move if he is able to keep West Ham in the Premier
League. Saturday's miss may well have sabotaged those hopes, but Grant is
not playing the blame game. "He is not happy," said Grant. "He came here to
score and in the last three games he had three big chances, but I cannot
blame him. "He made a good move against Chelsea, a good move against Man
City and a great move against Blackburn. I feel sorry about him, even though
I don't want to feel sorry about any player.
"He did everything good, but it doesn't count. As you know I can't kill him
for this and I will not. "He had big chances because he has intelligent
moves, something we needed more of in the first half of the season."
Grant must be worried about his big January signing, that is why the
Republic of Ireland international has found himself on the bench in two of
the last four games.
But the 30-year-old has scored over 200 goals in a career that has seen him
play in England, Scotland and Italy and cost a staggering combined transfer
fee of over £70million. He has the experience, he has the record, now it is
a question of whether Grant has the faith in Keane to provide the goals that
will win the game at Wigan next Sunday.
We shall see.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Posts
