Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - II 11th June 2007

Under-21 Hammers ready for Czech clash - WHUFC
11/06/2007 09:00

England will be hoping that the inclusion of three West Ham United players
in their squad for a major international tournament this summer will again
lead to glory - as the Under-21s begin their European Championship finals
campaign in Holland this evening. Anton Ferdinand, Mark Noble and Nigel
Reo-Coker will all be hoping for a piece of the action tonight as Stuart
Pearce's men face their opening group game against the Czech Republic in
Arnhem. Following a 5-0 friendly win against Slovakia at Norwich last week,
in which Noble made his under-21 debut as a substitute and Reo-Coker scored
his first goal at this level, the young Hammers will be aiming to follow in
the footsteps of Moore, Hurst and Peters by leading their country to
success. Tonight's game kicks off at 5.15pm BST and is live on Sky Sports.

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Dagenham & Redbridge tickets on sale - WHUFC
11/06/2007 14:42

Be the first to book your place at the Hammers opening pre-season friendly
at Dagenham and Redbridge on July 14 as tickets for the fixture are on sale
now!

Seats - Adults £15 Concessions £10.00
Terrace - Adults £10 Concessions £7.50

Tickets are now on general sale from the WHUFC ticket office - call 0870 112
2700 for more information.

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Roma clash confirmed - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 11th June 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel

West Ham United have confirmed that they will face Italian Serie A outfit
Roma in their final pre-season friendly this summer. The Italian giants will
face the Hammers at The Boleyn Ground on Saturday, 4th August - a week ahead
of the 07/08 Premier League campaign kicks off. Roma - who made the quarter
finals of the Champions league this season before succumbing to Manchester
United - also won the Coppa Italia and finished runners-up to Inter (who
they beat in the Coppa Italia) in this season's Serie A. Some of their
best-known players include Francesco Totti, French inteernational Philippe
Mexes and recently capped Daniele De Rossi.
Perhaps more notorious that many Roma players however are the club's fans -
the Ultras - who were involved in violent scenes in Manchester ahead of last
season's Champions League quarter final second leg.

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Noble looks ahead - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 11th June 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel

United midfielder Mark Noble says he is looking forward to playing in the
European under-21 Championships, which kick off for England later today.
Stuart Pearce's young charges face the Czech Republic later this afternoon
in their first match of Group B, which also features Italy and Serbia. And
Noble - who is in the squad along with fellow Hammers Anton Ferdinand and
Nigel Reo-Coker - says he is delighted that a planned family holiday had to
be cancelled due to a call from former Hammer Pearce last month. "I had
booked a holiday to Mexico," he said, "but I got the phone call [from
Stuart] and was buzzing. The missus was buzzing too because I wasn't going
to Mexico! "All the people at West Ham had been saying 'don't book any
holidays because you could get called up'."
Noble - who only became a first team regular with the Hammers in March - has
represented England at all youth levels, and added the under-21s to his
portfolio last week when he made a debut appearance in the 5-0 friendly win
over Estonia at Carrow Road. The second-youngest member of Pearce's squad
has now represented England at all levels from under-16, and firmly believes
that that experience will hold him in good stead for the Euros. "I hope my
experience of playing tournament football and getting to the later rounds
can help," he said. "But the next step is to win one. Cesc Fábregas scored
the winning penalty against us in the [under 17s] semi-finals for Spain and
Abou Diaby was playing for France when we played them in the [under 19s]
final."
Reflecting on the 06/07 season - in which Noble played a vital role in West
Ham's remarkable escape from relegation - he added: "It was a mad last 10
games. no one could believe that we had done it - and nor could we really.
Everyone thought it was finished. We did, and I think the fans did as well.
"But Winning at Manchester United to stay up was unbelievable. They were
celebrating the Premier League that day and I felt like we had just won the
Premier League. "It has been a fantastic few months of my life." You can
see England's clash with the Czech Republic on SkySports this afternoon. The
game kicks-off at 5.15pm.

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Anton eyes big brother link-up - Sky
By Peter ORourke - Created on 11 Jun 2007

Anton Ferdinand has revealed he dreams of playing alongside brother Rio for
England. West Ham defender Anton is hoping to boost his chances of breaking
into the senior England side by helping the Under 21s to success in the
European Championship. England get their Under 21 campaign underway against
Czech Republic on Monday, live on Sky Sports 1, with Ferdinand doubtful for
the game because of a slight knock. Ferdinand is keen to join his older
brother in Steve McClaren's set-up, revealing it is a dream both players
hope to fulfil. "Playing alongside Rio for England is a dream of mine, a
dream of my family's and a dream of his," Ferdinand told The Mirror. "It is
down to me now to make that dream come true. It'd be fantastic. "Last summer
I was going to be brought into the World Cup squad on standby but I had a
double hernia operation. "That was really upsetting. But that's football for
you, and hopefully I will get another chance."

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Noble can't wait for new season - Sky
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 11 Jun 2007

Mark Noble is confident he will still have an important role to play at West
Ham United next season. The young midfielder was an influential figure at
the close of the last campaign, featuring in the final 10 games as The
Hammers avoided relegation. Noble is aware that Scott Parker could be the
first of many midfield signings for the club over the summer which could
lead to increased competition for places. But the 20-year-old has no plans
to demand a move from Upton Park and hopes to figure prominently in manager
Alan Curbishley's thinking. "I don't think I'd ask to leave, it's a
fantastic club," Noble told Sky Sports News. "Now we stayed up last season,
the money and the people we've got there will be fantastic and I'm sure we
can push on. "The sky's the limit for West Ham. We've got a great chairman,
a good manager and some fantastic players. "I hope we keep the likes of Tev
(Carlos Tevez), obviously Yossi (Benayoun) has signed a new deal and it's
looking forward for the club.
"I can't wait for next season, and I'll be going into the gaffer and telling
him I want to play and finish off from last season, and I'm sure he'll be
happy with me doing that." The Hammers won seven of their last nine games to
secure their Premiership status and Noble admits everything fell into place
during the closing weeks of the campaign. He added: "It was amazing times
when I was there - it seemed like we were playing like Real Madrid. "We were
passing it, we had Tevez scoring, Bobby (Zamora) was scoring and obviously
we were on fire - it seemed like we can beat anyone, and it just showed
because we beat Man U away and Arsenal away.
"We rode our luck a bit at times, but you need that when you're in the
bottom three. We just deserved to stay up at the end of it."

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Noble says it was like playing for Real Madrid - WestHamOnline.net
Pee-Wee - Mon Jun 11 2007

Mark Noble loves it doesn't he, his enthusiasm and love for the Club shines
through every time he speaks and rather than see his place under threat with
the arrival of Scott Parker, he's relishing the competition for places. "I
don't think I'd ask to leave, it's a fantastic club," Noble told Sky Sports
News. "Now we stayed up last season, the money and the people we've got
there will be fantastic and I'm sure we can push on. "The sky's the limit
for West Ham. We've got a great chairman, a good manager and some fantastic
players. "I hope we keep the likes of Tev (Carlos Tevez), obviously Yossi
(Benayoun) has signed a new deal and it's looking forward for the club. "I
can't wait for next season, and I'll be going into the gaffer and telling
him I want to play and finish off from last season, and I'm sure he'll be
happy with me doing that."
The Hammers won seven of their last nine games to secure their Premiership
status and Noble admits everything fell into place during the closing weeks
of the campaign. He added: "It was amazing times when I was there - it
seemed like we were playing like Real Madrid. "We were passing it, we had
Tevez scoring, Bobby (Zamora) was scoring and obviously we were on fire - it
seemed like we can beat anyone, and it just showed because we beat Man U
away and Arsenal away.
"We rode our luck a bit at times, but you need that when you're in the
bottom three. We just deserved to stay up at the end of it."

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Hammers linked with double swoop - TeamTalk

West Ham are reportedly preparing a double striker swoop for West Ham
forward Jermain Defoe and Liverpool hitman Craig Bellamy. Hammers boss Alan
Curbishley will be backed in the transfer market this summer by owner Eggert
Magnusson after a poor season in which the club were almost relegated from
the Premiership, and sees strengthening his forward line as a priority.
Defoe and Bellamy are Curbishley's top targets after he was told Everton's
Andrew Johnson is not for sale, according to the Daily Mirror. Tottenham
striker Defoe, a former Hammers player, is still largely unpopular at Upton
Park for his decision to quit the club for White Hart Lane in 2004, but
Curbishley still views him as one of the best finishers in the country.
Curbs is also a big fan of Bellamy who looks to be on his way out of
Liverpool, but he will face competition from a number of Premiership clubs.
The newspaper reports that Hammers midfielder Yossi Benayoun could move to
Liverpool as part of the Bellamy deal even though he has been offered a new
five-year contract at Upton Park.

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Bellamy urged to join West Ham by his Welsh team-mates - Daily Mail
Last updated at 16:33pm on 11th June 2007

Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy has been told to jump at the chance to join
his Wales team-mates at West Ham. Bellamy, recently named Wales captain in
the wake of Ryan Giggs' retirement from international football, is believed
to be a summer target for the Hammers with a £9m fee mooted. With Liverpool
boss Rafael Benitez needing to sell players to bolster his transfer kitty,
Bellamy and Harry Kewell could well be sacrificed. Bellamy, already a target
for Aston Villa, Blackburn and Newcastle, is wanted by West Ham boss Alan
Curbishley as a partner for Dean Ashton with a £70,000 a week wages package
on offer. And Bellamy's arrival at Upton Park would meet with the approval
of West Ham and Wales defenders Danny Gabbidon and James Collins. Gabbidon
said: He would love it at West Ham. He would be an instant fans' favourite.
Craig is a quality player but what West Ham fans would love is that he never
stops running, even if the team are 3-0 down. "He is a defender's nightmare,
like a terrier snapping at your heels. I have never known him give less than
100 per cent." He added: "Craig would be a great signing for us and would
definitely improve the squad. "The manager has a lot of money to spend and
Craig is the kind of player the club are trying to attract to improve the
team so we do not have any relegation troubles next season. "We have got
Dean Ashton returning after missing last season after suffering a broken
ankle. Dean and Craig would make a great partnership, Dean is a tall and
skilful front man while Craig is a hard-working, quick striker with great
movement."
Benitez needs to make a quick decision over Bellamy's future now he believes
the proposed major funding from the new US owners of the club, George
Gillett and Tom Hicks, will not be as much as he had expected. But
suggestions that he could walk away from the club this summer as the debate
over funding continues, is wide of the mark with Benitez having already told
friends he has no intention of taking that option. But it is clear he will
not have the sort of cash to buy the likes of Samuel Eto'o. However, with
Liverpool making £29m from their run to the Champions League final, plus the
Sky TV and Premiership prize money to come, Benitez can expect £40m plus to
spend this summer. With maybe £15m from the sale of fringe players,
including a possible fee from Marseille for Djibril Cisse, Benitez can
bolster his cash kitty considerably. Benitez is now being linked with Real
Zaragoza striker Diego Milito, who scored a stunning goal against Real
Madrid on Saturday while being watched by Liverpool scouts. Also linked with
the Anfield club is Villarreal's Diego Forlan, who is on the verge of
scoring 20 goals in a La Liga season for the third campaign on the trot.

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West Ham boss Curbishley determined to land Defoe
tribalfooball.com - June 11, 2007

West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley is determined to bring Tottenham
striker Jermain Defoe back to Upton Park. The Mirror says Curbishley has
made an inquiry for Defoe even though he is still unpopular among West Ham
fans for quitting the club three years ago. But Curbishley rates the England
striker as one of the best finishers in the country and is desperate to
strengthen his forward line. Curbishley has big money to spend but has
already been told by Everton that Andy Johnson is not for sale. That has
prompted the moves for Defoe and Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy.

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Barcelona to cash in on Man Utd, West Ham target Gudjohnsen
tribalfooball.com - June 11, 2007

Barcelona will make Eidur Gudjohnsen available after this weekend's final
round of the Primera Liga. DiarioSport says the Iceland international has
lost the confidence of Barca's football management, including coach Frank
Rijkaard. Manchester United, West Ham and Newcastle are waiting to bring
Gudjohnsen back to England over the summer.

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West Ham keen on Man Utd's Smith, Richardson
tribalfooball.com - June 11, 2007

West Ham United are keen on Manchester United winger Kieran Richardson and
striker Alan Smith. It's been suggested the pair could go to Upton Park in
exchange for Carlos Tevez, however any deal will have to be done
independently for the Argentine because of registration issues. Richardson
began his career at the Hammers before being lured to United as a teenager.

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West Ham's Tevez prefers Inter over Man Utd
tribalfooball.com - June 11, 2007

West Ham striker Carlos Tevez is cool on a move to Manchester United. The
Telegraph says United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to land Tevez on a
12-month loan deal with a view to signing him permanently for around £12
million once the issue of the player's ownership is resolved. Old Trafford
officials, including chief executive David Gill, have reportedly discussed a
deal with their counterparts at Upton Park but Tevez, apparently, has told
sources that he is not keen on a temporary move to United and would prefer
to join Inter instead. Kia Joorabchian, who was behind Tevez's transfer from
Corinthians to West Ham last summer, has already spoken to Inter, who are
prepared to pay up to £30 million for Tevez and offer him a four-year-deal
worth around £75,000 a week. Such a fee would virtually put United out of
the chase.

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Defoe seeks contract talks with Spurs as Hammers prepare £12m bid - Daily
Mail
Last updated at 09:17am on 11th June 2007

Jermain Defoe is believed to be willing to enter contract talks with
Tottenham in a bid to extend his stay at White Hart Lane. The England
international is ready to heed the advice offered by former Spurs striker
Les Ferdinand and turn down the chance to join either West Ham, Aston Villa
or Portsmouth because it would be moving a rung down the professional
ladder. Hammers boss Alan Curbishley is happy to splash out £12million to
take Defoe back to Upton Park while Aston Villa would love him to play
alongside John Carew. Harry Redknapp, who was in charge at West Ham when
Defoe was rising spectacularly through the ranks, wants to take him to
current club Portsmouth but does not have the financial muscle to make a
suitable bid. Spurs want to heat up the competition for places in their
strikeforce by signing England international Darren Bent from Charlton. But
Ferdinand told Sportsmail that Defoe would be foolish to leave N17 even
though he has to fight Robbie Keane for a place in Martin Jol's attack
because Tottenham are on the brink of enjoying major Premiership and cup
success. The 24-year-old forward, who scored 18 times last term and
impressed Jol with his professional approach, has two years left on his
current deal and may now sit down with Spurs to thrash out new terms. He
knows Tottenham may have to sell him if he does not start negotiations with
the club because his value will start to drop once the season starts and his
current deal begins to run down.
Meanwhile, fellow Spurs striker Mido could be on his way to Birmingham in a
£4m deal. The Egypt forward scored just five times last season after chances
were limited following the arrival of Dimitar Berbatov. But Mido fired home
11 Premiership goals when he led the Tottenham front line in 2005-06 and
Blues boss Steve Bruce believes that is the firepower needed to keep the
Midlands club in the top flight following their promotion from the
Premiership

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Reo-coker could stay - all3points.com
11th June 2007
By Staff Writer

Nigel Reo-Coker could be set to stay at West Ham next season after the club
priced him out of a potential move to Aston Villa. Villa were reportedly
ready to offer West Ham £7 million for Reo-Coker with the player happy to
move to the Midlands club but West Ham have told the player they will not
allow him to leave for that fee.
The News of the World claims that West Ham are now looking for £10 million
for Reo-Coker and will not allow him to leave until someone meets that
valuation.

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Hammers in for Bolton's Nolan - all3points.com
11th June 2007
By Staff Writer

West Ham have been alerted to the availability of Bolton midfielder Kevin
Nolan after it was revealed that the player would be allowed to leave the
Reebok. The Sunday People claims that Bolton will not stand in the way of
Nolan if a valuation of around £4.5 million is met by any potential suitors.
The paper goes on to claim that despite splashing out £7 million on Scott
Parker this week, Hammer's boss Alan Curbishley is also keen on Nolan.

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Striker snubs £12 million West Ham return - all3points.com
11th June 2007
By Staff Writer

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has turned his back on a £12 million return
to West Ham. The News of the World claims that West Ham moved for Defoe last
week after failing in a bid to sign Everton's Andy Johnson. The paper
claims that Defoe rejected a move to West Ham and also one to Portsmouth out
of hand and quotes a club insider as saying: "Jermain's just not interested.
"Remember Spurs finished fifth and with the right quality signings, could
well break into the Champions League positions next season. Why would he
want to walk away from that?"

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Tevez in £12 million exit - all3points.com
11th June 2007
By Staff Writer

Carlos Tevez will sign for Manchester United this week in a deal thought to
be worth around £12 million. That's the view of this weekend's People
newspaper who claim that United chief executive David Gill is currently
working to unpick the complicated details of Tevez's ownership with a view
to doing a deal. The paper goes on to claim that Gill is hopefully that a
successful outcome can be reached and is suggesting that a deal could be
done as early as this week for a fee close to £12 million.

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CURBS WANTS OLD BOY DEFOE - The Mirror
By John Cross 11/06/2007

WEST HAM boss Alan Curbishley has launched a bid to lure Jermain Defoe back
to Upton Park. And Curbishley is also chasing Liverpool's Craig Bellamy as
West Ham owner Eggert Magnusson prepares to break the bank this summer.
Curbishley has made an inquiry for Defoe even though he is still unpopular
among West Ham fans for quitting the club three years ago. But Curbishley
rates the England striker as one of the best finishers in the country and is
desperate to strengthen his forward line.
That has also prompted a move for Bellamy, who is also wanted by Aston Villa
and Blackburn. Midfielder Yossi Benayoun may be ready to quit Upton Park as
part of any deal for Bellamy - only days after being offered a new five-year
contract. Benayoun has yet to sign the deal but would be tempted by a move
to Liverpool, who will allow Bellamy to leave this summer. Curbishley has
big money to spend but has already been told by Everton that Andy Johnson is
not for sale. That has prompted the moves for Defoe and Bellamy. Liverpool
will step up their efforts to sign West Ham hero Carlos Tevez after learning
of Manchester United's interest in the £20million-rated striker. Hammers are
keen on United winger Kieran Richardson, and a player-plus-cash deal could
be done involving the England Under-21 star, as well as England striker Alan
Smith, whose Old Trafford future is also uncertain.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 11th June 2007

Reo-Coker keeps eyes on prize - TeamTAlk

England Under-21 captain Nigel Reo-Coker is fully focused on the European
Championships, despite facing an uncertain future at club level. Aston Villa
have made a bid for the West Ham midfielder, but the 23-year-old is trying
to concentrate on playing for his country before settling worrying about
anything else. "If I said it was easy I'd be lying," he said. "It's not easy
but at the end of the day it's about being professional and that's got to be
put to the back of my mind, which it is. "It's nothing to do with my
personal career, it's all about the under-21s."
Coach Stuart Pearce has been dealt a number of selection problems preparing
for the finals in Holland - starting with being unable to contact Gabriel
Agbonlahor then the withdrawal of David Bentley due to "fatigue" - but the
remaining 22 youngsters are raring to go. "It has hurt us but it's not down
to me to comment on that situation," admitted Reo-Coker. "As a squad we have
to get on with it and we're very excited about the tournament. "We're more
than equipped with the squad we have, every player here wants to be here and
wants to win. That's all we care about."
England start their finals campaign tonight against the Czech Republic at
the Gelredome in Arnhem, with Anton Ferdinand struggling with a groin
complaint. The tournament has been switched to odd years to fall between
major senior championships, raising its profile. Pearce believes it gives
his players the opportunity to put themselves in the limelight. "This is a
big tournament," said Pearce, whose side will face Italy and Serbia later in
the week. "There is great expectation for the tournament. It will get
greater and greater and be a good summer's football. "Every time you take to
the pitch you are putting yourself in the shop window and proving yourself
to your team-mates. We're all in the same boat. "From my point of view
losing a job (he was sacked by Manchester City at the end of the season) was
disappointing . "I know from my own history it will make me stronger. It is
experience telling me that and inner strength."
While Agbonlahor and Bentley chose not to play, Mark Noble cancelled a lads'
holiday to Mexico to be part of Pearce's squad in Holland. "All the masseurs
and physios at West Ham were saying don't book any holidays in case you get
called up and I was like 'No, no'," he said. "The missus was pleased because
I wasn't going to Mexico with the boys. "If we win it the Mexico trip will
be at the back of my mind."
Czech Republic striker Michal Papadopulos, who has previously had a spell at
Arsenal, is wary of Pearce's youngsters. "Of course you have to put England
among the favourites," he said. "But while we respect their quality, we are
not afraid of them."

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United to step up Tevez bid - Report - TeamTalk

Manchester United are reportedly planning a swoop for Carlos Tevez, but
could lose out to Inter Milan in the race for the West Ham striker.
According to several of Sunday's newspapers, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson
has asked chief executive David Gill to explore a move for the Argentina
striker, who seems certain to leave Upton Park this summer. According to The
Mail on Sunday, Old Trafford officials discussed a deal with connections of
Tevez last week and are keen to take the frontman on loan for a season while
the complicated issues surrounding his ownership are sorted out. However,
the News of the World claims businessman Kia Joorabchian, who was behind
Tevez's transfer from Corinthians to West Ham last summer, has since spoken
to officials at Inter Milan. It is thought the Italian champions would be
prepared to pay up to £34million for Tevez's services, eclipsing the
£12million that United are willing to pay for a permanent deal. Real Madrid
are also in the hunt and hope to hold talks with Tevez's representatives
this week, while Liverpool and Chelsea are also thought to be monitoring the
situation. But Ferguson, who is currently on holiday in the south of France,
appears keen to make sure United are involved in the scramble for his
signature. The Red Devils boss has admitted in the past that he was offered
Tevez and Javier Mascherano last summer, but turned down the move because of
uncertainty over the deal. United have also been strongly linked with Ajax
striker Klaas-Jan Hunterlaar, but appear set to lose out to Juventus in the
race for the £10million-rated hitman. They are also struggling to land other
striking targets, including Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov and Atletico
Madrid's Fernando Torres, which may explain why Ferguson has stepped up his
attempts to do a deal for Tevez.

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Prem duo chasing Irons ace Marlon - TeamTalk

Premiership rivals Derby and Fulham are reportedly battling it out for the
signature of West Ham striker Marlon Harewood this summer. The Hammers
frontman has been told he leave Upton Park by boss Alan Curbishley, having
scored just four goals last season after a haul of 16 during the previous
campaign. Derby are looking to bolster their attack following their return
to the Premiership, while new Fulham chief Lawrie Sanchez wants to freshen
up his squad after the Cottagers flirted with relegation last season. The
Sunday Mirror claims Harewood would be available for a fee in the region of
£2.5million, and with the 27-year-old said to be keen on remaining in London
it would appear that a switch to Craven Cottage could possibly be on the
cards.

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Trotters may cash in on star Nolan - Teamtalk

Everton, West Ham, Manchester City and Sunderland are on alert after it was
reported Bolton may be willing to sell midfielder Kevin Nolan. According to
The People, new Trotters boss Sammy Lee would be willing to part with the
influential Englishman as he bids to overhaul his squad this summer. Lee has
already strengthened his midfield with the signing of Aston Villa's Gavin
McCann and is thought to be prepared to cash in on Nolan, who has two years
left on his current contract and could command a fee in the region of
£4.5million. Everton boss David Moyes is considered the favourite in the
race for the Liverpool-born player, and is eager to strengthen his midfield
options after missing out on Manchester City's Joey Barton to Newcastle.
City are looking to fill the gap left by Barton at Eastlands and Nolan would
be seen as an ideal replacement. But while the 25-year-old would be keen to
stay in the North West, the uncertainty over the City managerial position
and the potential takeover at the club may prove a stumbling block. Hammers
boss Alan Curbishley would like to see Nolan alongside Scott Parker in a
new-look midfield at Upton Park if Nigel Reo-Coker leaves the club this
summer and is keeping an eye on the situation. And Sunderland manager Roy
Keane is also on the lookout for proven Premiership talent to bolster his
side's hopes of staying in the top-flight after winning promotion. Newcastle
boss Sam Allardyce has also been linked with Nolan after forming a good
relationship with him at Bolton, but has prioritised other areas in his
Tyneside squad rebuilding programme after strengthening his midfield with
the signing of Barton earlier this week.

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Man Utd join Tevez chase - The Sun
By MARTIN BLACKBURN
June 11, 2007

CARLOS TEVEZ is the new target for big-spending Manchester United. Alex
Ferguson's champs have already lashed out £47million this summer on Owen
Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson. Now they have joined the race for Argentine
hitman Tevez, who seems certain to quit West Ham. United chief executive
David Gill admitted last week the Old Trafford giants want a striker. And
they have received little encouragement while checking out the likes of
Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov and Spanish sensation Fernando Torres. Inter
Milan and Liverpool are also hot on the trail of 23-year-old Tevez, whose
goals kept West Ham in the Premiership. Fergie is on holiday in the South of
France but is aware Tevez's future is likely to be decided soon. United
turned down the opportunity to sign the striker last summer because they
were not convinced about the nature of the deal. Fergie said: "Tevez was
offered to everybody. We were offered both him and Javier Mascherano but, if
I remember it correctly, we weren't sure of the deal."

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Noble says adiós to Mexico after spring surge earns call-up
West Ham's late bloomer says past disappointments can help Under-21 side
thrive in Holland
Jeremy Wilson
Monday June 11, 2007
The Guardian

The past three months have left Mark Noble shocked and delighted in equal
measure. After a spell on loan at Ipswich Town, the midfielder made his
first league start of the season for West Ham in the dramatic 4-3 defeat by
Tottenham in March before becoming integral to the run of seven wins in nine
matches which guaranteed Premiership safety.
A summer holiday in Mexico beckoned but he now finds himself in Holland with
the England Under-21 team who are looking to emulate the European
Championship successes of 1982 and 1984.

"It was a mad last 10 games of the season; I think no one could believe that
we had done it and nor could we really," he said. "Everyone thought it was
finished. We did as well and I think the fans did.
"Winning at Manchester United to stay up was unbelievable. United were
celebrating [winning] the Premier League that day and I felt like we had
just won the Premier League. It has been a fantastic few months of my life.

"All the people at West Ham were saying 'don't book any holidays because you
could get called up [for England]' and I was 'of course not'. I had booked a
holiday to Mexico with friends. I got the phone call and I was obviously
buzzing about that and the missus was buzzing because I wasn't going to
Mexico."

With Nigel Reo-Coker and Anton Ferdinand, Noble is part of a trio of West
Ham players who will certainly bring a winning momentum to the squad. "I
feel much stronger, confidence-wise and belief-wise," said Noble. "We really
felt like no matter what game we were going into we were going to win."

A degree of uncertainty, however, surrounds the club future of his two
team-mates, particularly that of Reo-Coker, who has handed in a transfer
request and is the subject of a £7m bid from Aston Villa. "I've played a lot
with Nigel, he's a good friend of mine - he's a good player and a top
person," said Noble. "He's helped me out along the way, given me
encouragement because obviously he has been there. I just hope everything is
sorted out with him sooner or later and he is happy playing his football
again."

Noble has just turned 20 and is the second youngest member of Stuart
Pearce's Under-21 squad. He has played for England through every age group
from the Under-16s and was part of teams which reached the Uefa Under-17
Championships semi-final in 2004 and then the Under-19 final the following
year.

"The next step is to win one," he said. "[Cesc] Fábregas scored the winning
penalty against us in the semi-finals for Spain [in 2004] and [Abou] Diaby
was playing for France when we played them in the final.

"The top players come out of these competitions. I don't want losing in
finals to rub off but I hope my experience of playing tournament football
and getting to the later rounds can help."

Noble says that it is about time England won an international tournament and
he has vivid memories of watching Pearce as an England player, particularly
during Euro 96 when Terry Venables' side reached the semi-finals.

"He is a legend in his own right - I watched him play at West Ham and one
time he tried to play with a broken leg I think," said Noble. "That just
showed what a strong man and character he is. He's a credit to himself and
obviously to England. I've only known him three weeks. He seems
approachable, you can have a laugh when it suits him, he joins in training
and he's still got a bit about him in training."

Noble has not, however, experienced a 50-50 challenge with the manager.
"He's edging to tackle someone but I'm not sure it will come in this
tournament," he said. "I don't think he wants to risk one of the boys
getting injured."

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United consider move for Tevez - The Independent
By John Nisbet
Published: 11 June 2007

Manchester United are reportedly planning a move for Carlos Tevez, but could
lose out to Internazionale in the race to sign the West Ham striker.
United's manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, has asked the club's chief executive,
David Gill, to look at the possibility of a move for the Argentina striker.
It is thought, however, that the Italian champions would be prepared to pay
up to £34m for Tevez, bettering the £12m that United are willing to pay. The
United full-back Gabriel Heinze has said he would consider leaving for
Barcelona. The 29-year-old Argentine said he will not make a decision until
after this summer's Copa America, but would be tempted by a move to the Nou
Camp. "Barcelona is a super-club, like Manchester United. If a formal offer
is tabled, I'll need to study it calmly," he said. "Nobody at United has
told me I'm not wanted next season."

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Everton, West Ham keep tabs on Bolton's Nolan
tribalfooball.com - June 10, 2007

Everton, West Ham, Manchester City and Sunderland are on alert after it was
reported Bolton may be willing to sell midfielder Kevin Nolan. According to
The People, new Trotters boss Sammy Lee would be willing to part with the
influential Englishman as he bids to overhaul his squad this summer.
Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce has also been linked with the 25 year old after
forming a good relationship with him at Bolton, but has prioritised other
areas in his Tyneside squad rebuilding programme after strengthening his
midfield with the signing of Joey Barton last week.

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Noble hopes West Ham clinch Reo-Coker deal
tribalfooball.com - June 10, 2007

West Ham midfielder Mark Noble admits he hopes England U21 teammate Nigel
Reo-Coker joins him at Upton Park. "I've played a lot with Nigel, he's a
good friend of mine - he's a good player and a top person," said Noble.
"He's helped me out along the way, given me encouragement because obviously
he has been there. I just hope everything is sorted out with him sooner or
later and he is happy playing his football again."

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Derby, Fulham move for West Ham's Harewood
tribalfooball.com - June 10, 2007

Derby County and Fulham are chasing West Ham United striker Marlon Harewood.
The striker was told last week that he is surplus to requirements at West
Ham and can leave for £2.5million.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 10th June 2007

Fredrikstad deny West Ham talks - BBC
By Paul Fletcher

Norwegian club Fredrikstad insist they have not had any contact with West Ham over teenager Tarik Elyounoussi. The Hammers have been strongly linked with a £3m move for the 19-year-old forward, who was invited to train with Chelsea's academy last November. But Fredrikstad director Morgan Andersen told BBC Sport: "There has been no contact at all with West Ham. "We really want to keep him and to sell him the offer must be so good that we cannot say no."
West Ham signed midfielder Scott Parker from Newcastle for £7m on 6 June and manager Alan Curbishley is expected to further strengthen his squad after narrowly avoiding relegation last season. Elyounoussi, born in Norway and of Moroccan descent, made his debut in the 2005 season and was a member of the Fredrikstad team that won the Norwegian cup in 2006. "Chelsea wanted to see him with their academy," added Andersen. "That was in November, the same week as we played in our cup final. "Firstly, he had to be with the squad and secondly why should he go to Chelsea's academy when he is one of the best players in Norway? "We would never send a player like that to train with an academy. "He was the best talent in Norway in 2006 and he is reckoned as one of the best young players in Europe. He is a great young player and will only get better." Elyounoussi, who has more than two years left on his current deal, was also invited to Portsmouth in 2006 - but again Fredrikstad decided their first-team requirements took priority.

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Juan more Argie on the way? - KUMB
Filed: Saturday, 9th June 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel

West Ham United have made a £6.5m bid for River Plate goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo, according to reports. News site ESPN Deportes claim that the Hammers are attempting to land the higly-rated 23-year-old stopper, who will almost certainly join Carlos Tevez in the Argentina squad for the forthcoming Copa America. According to the story, River Plate delegates - including club president José María Aguilar - met with Hammers officials last week during which the offer was lodged. The bid - which would constitute a record for an Argentinian goalkeeper - is thought likely to be accepted by River Plate, whose manager Daniel Passarella is said to be extremely disappointed at the prospect of losing the 6'2" Carrizo. The young keeper made his first team debut for River in January 2006, since when he has established himself as the club's number one. He made his international debut for Argentina in April of this year in a 0-0 draw against Chile. West Ham have been in the market for a new keeper since allowing Roy Carroll to leave on a free transfer.

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Addicks: Bent won't go on cheap - Sky
By Tom Adams - Created on 9 Jun 2007

Peter Varney insists Charlton will only sell Darren Bent if they receive a suitable offer for the in-demand striker. Bent has reportedly attracted a range of clubs following The Addicks' relegation, with Liverpool, West Ham, Tottenham and Valencia linked with the England man in Saturday's newspapers alone. Bent has proved his class in the Premiership over the past two seasons and figures as high as £18million have been mooted in the press in an attempt to put a value on the former Ipswich striker. Charlton have already compensated for his likely departure by wrapping up deals for Chris Iwelumo and Luke Varney, but the club's chief executive insists Bent will not be leaving unless a suitable offer is tabled. "Darren Bent will only leave Charlton if the price is right for Charlton," said Varney in The Mirror. "If it is not then he will be going nowhere."

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Reo-Coker focused on England - Sky
By James Pearson - Created on 9 Jun 2007

Nigel Reo-Coker is happy to put his club career on hold while he helps England win the European Under 21 Championship in Holland. Reo-Coker's West Ham stay is very much in doubt following a £7million bid from Aston Villa for his services last week. The 23-year-old midfielder is currently in Holland and is opting to focus on helping Stuart Pearce's men lift silverware rather than where he will be playing next season. Reo-Coker is thrilled at the talent in Pearce's squad and fully believes England's stars of the future can be successful this summer. "My main focus is on England's Under 21s," Reo-Coker told the Times. "We're going to try and win the tournament and that's all I'm thinking about at the moment. "Everything else that happens will take care of itself. "I've been in the Under 21s for a while and it's the best bunch of players I've been with. "Everyone has played at least half a season in the Premiership and we've got so many talented individuals."

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Curbishley: Shopping spree not over - Soccernet

West Ham United manager Alan Curbishley intends to supplement his squad rather than radically change it despite the club's narrow escape from relegation.
Curbishley has already brought in midfielder Scott Parker from Newcastle for £7million and the former Charlton boss is being linked with a host of other names. 'I am not saying I will sign 11 players and move everyone out. We have a strong squad here when they are all fit,' he said. 'Lucas Neill and Luis Boa Morte were the only players involved on the last day at Old Trafford who weren't here when I arrived. 'Danny Gabiddon was player of the year in 2006 and I missed him greatly. Matthew Upson and Dean Ashton have barely kicked a ball because of injury - that is £13million of talent. 'If there are players who can improve us, we will try to get them. If I can add to the squad I will but if nothing else happens until we kick off, I have a lot to work with.' There are certain to be more changes, however, as Hammers captain Nigel Reo-Coker handed in a transfer request at the end of the season and appears to be on his way to Aston Villa. 'He is a West Ham player at the moment but he has made clear his desire to leave. We responded to that request and we will see where we go,' said Curbishley, who added that no formal bid had yet been received.

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United swoop for Tevez: Sir Alex wants Argentine star on year's loan - This Is London
09.06.07

Manchester United have made a sensational bid to sign Carlos Tevez, the striker whose controversial move to West Ham cost the east London club a record £5.5 million fine for breaking transfer regulations. Discussions have taken place between high-ranking Old Trafford officials and connections of Tevez, 23. Hijacking the brilliant Argentina forward from under the nose of north-west rivals Liverpool would eclipse even United's recent £50m splash for Owen Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson. The deal, initially thought to be on a loan basis for at least a season,would depend on removing the complications which surrounded Tevez's arrival at Upton Park last August from Brazilian club Corinthians. The issues had deterred United manager Sir Alex Ferguson from taking up an option to sign the striker and his international team-mate, midfielder Javier Mascherano, when they were offered to United last summer. Tevez was offered to everybody,' said Ferguson. We were offered both him and Mascherano but, if I remember it correctly, we weren't sure of the deal.' The controversial disciplinary action against West Ham raised a furore because the Premier League's independent commission refused to impose a points penalty on the relegation-threatened club. Tevez built on that reprieve by scoring six goals in West Ham's amazing run of seven wins in their last nine matches as Alan Curbishley's team escaped the drop. It included the only goal of the game against champions United at Old Trafford when the issue was settled on the final day. Sheffield United were condemned to relegation instead and responded by threatening legal action. Ferguson has been unstinting in his admiration for the part Tevez played in West Ham's survival. He is the one who lifted their game,' Sir Alex said. He scored a couple of really good free-kicks and seems to have a lot of enthusiasm.'
West Ham broke Premier League rules when they signed Tevez and Mascherano because the players were part-owned by a third party. Mascherano has since joined Liverpool, whose manager Rafael Benitez is keen to reunite the pair at Anfield but who could be undone by United's audacious swoop. Tevez's registration is currently held by West Ham, with whom he signed a four-year deal. Technically that agreement still exists but the repercussions of the tribunal could mean Tevez is no longer bound by it and is, therefore, available on a free transfer. The player's future will be thrashed out at a meeting this week between his lawyer, Graham Shear, and West Ham's legal team. Kia Joorabchian, the Iranianborn British businessman whose company, MSI, own the economic rights to Tevez's transfer, has yet to meet West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson and is currently in Buenos Aires on business with the striker, who is preparing to play for Argentina in the Copa America. But Joorabchian has appointed Shears to negotiate on his company's behalf after a planned meeting with Magnusson was cancelled last week. MSI will demand that West Ham reinstate the now-notorious clauses in Tevez's contract which give the company rights over the striker's transfer. The Hammers claimed,following the disciplinary case against them, to have torn up that part of their original deal with Joorabchian, a move that prompted the Premier League to allow Tevez to play on during West Ham's controversial escape from relegation. West Ham want to discuss the possibility of keeping Tevez at Upton Park but that is an increasingly forlorn hope given United's interest. However, in order for negotiations to begin between the clubs, the West Ham issue will have to be resolved. est Ham's negotiations with Joorabchian and Tevez's lawyers may also impact on the forthcoming arbitration claim by Sheffield United, who requested a hearing over the player's continued eligibility. Joorabchian is likely to sue West Ham if the club do not reinstate his player's contract, which allowed the businessman to dictate where and when Tevez could move.

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No Bell prize for Pompey boss - TeamTalk

Harry Redknapp has admitted Portsmouth cannot compete with West Ham in the race to sign Craig Bellamy and has also given up on Jimmy Briand. The Pompey boss is keen to boost his striking options this summer with the futures of Svetoslav Todorov and Kanu in doubt and had identified Liverpool forward Bellamy as a major summer target. But Redknapp has now ruled out a move after discovering he would not be able to match the spending power of West Ham if Liverpool decide to part with the Welsh striker Redknapp told the Portsmouth News: "Craig Bellamy would do for us. But West Ham want him and would double his wages to £100,000-a-week. How do you compete with that? "We've got no chance of getting Bellamy." Redknapp has also ruled out a switch for French forward Briand, who is valued at £8million by his club Rennes, because several bigger clubs are also in the hunt. He added: "Jimmy Briand is very good - he's just been called up for France. "But again, I won't get him. Rennes don't want to sell him - and there are bigger fish than us trying. "You look at France, and Nicolas Anelka, who I tried to get here last summer, is centre-forward for his country again now. "What chance have we got of getting him? With Thierry Henry, he's the best French centre-forward."

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Spurs, West Ham battle for Charlton's Bent
tribalfooball.com - June 09, 2007

Tottenham and West Ham are locked in a battle for Charlton Athletic striker Darren Bent. The Mirror says the England hitman is the prime target of both clubs. But the Hammers are prepared to offer him £60,000 a week in wages - double the sum Spurs had banked on paying. Spanish giants Valencia - poised to lose marksman David Villa this summer - are also keen. But Charlton supremo Peter Varney warned all interested clubs that they won't land the south Londoners' prize asset unless they match the Addicks' valuation. Varney said: "Darren Bent will only leave Charlton if the price is right for Charlton. If it is not then he will be going nowhere."

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Man Utd open talks over stunning Tevez deal
tribalfooball.com - June 09, 2007

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is swooping for West Ham United strike-ace Carlos Tevez. The Mail on Sunday says discussions have taken place between high-ranking Old Trafford officials and connections of Tevez, 23. Hijacking the brilliant Argentina forward from under the nose of north-west rivals Liverpool would eclipse even United's recent �50m splash for Owen Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been unstinting in his admiration for the part Tevez played in West Ham's survival. "He is the one who lifted their game," Sir Alex said. "He scored a couple of really good free-kicks and seems to have a lot of enthusiasm."Tevez's registration is currently held by West Ham, with whom he signed a four-year deal. Kia Joorabchian, the Iranian born British businessman whose company, MSI, own the economic rights to Tevez's transfer, has yet to meet West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson and is currently in Buenos Aires on business with the striker, who is preparing to play for Argentina in the Copa America.

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est Ham's Ferdinand hopes for Rio reunion
tribalfooball.com - June 09, 2007

West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand hopes to use the U21 European Championships as a platform to join his brother Rio, of Manchester United, in the England senior team. Anton said: "That is a dream of mine, a dream of my family's and a dream of his. It is down to me now to make that dream come true. It would be fantastic."

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Tottenham's Defoe rejects £12M West Ham return
tribalfooball.com - June 09, 2007

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has rejected a £12 million move to West Ham. The News of the World says Hammers moved for Tottenham's England striker after being knocked back in a bid to sign Andy Johnson from Everton. But Defoe told his former club there was �zero chance' of him rejoining them. And the highly-rated 24-year-old, who hit 18 goals last season, has also rejected any move to Portsmouth. A Tottenham insider said: "Jermain's just not interested.
"Remember, Spurs finished fifth and, with the right quality signings, could well break into the Champions League positions next season. Why would he want to walk away from that?"

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Manchester United Nip In For Carlos Tevez On Loan - Soccerblog
Posted on Sunday, June 10th, 2007

In quite possibly one of the least substantiated rumour source ever, the football blog of the Orlando Sentinel is saying that they've gotten a sneak peak at the back pages of The Daily Mail (err…) which is claiming that Manchester United are looking to take Carlos Tevez away from West Ham on a one year loan deal.

Since beggar's can't really be choosers during silly season, we'll give this one a bit of thought. Tevez adapted very well to the Premiership towards the end of last season, scoring goals, dealing with the physicality and generally showing the kind of talent that made everyone sit up and take notice when the Hammers signed him in the first place. Given Sir Alex's fondness of strikers who can drop deep and help link play, this one makes sense from a purely footballing stance. Also, he is hideous and won't take attention off the more glamorous stars.

But, of course, there are potentially many non-footballing problems with signing Carlos Tevez. Is all the weirdness about his ownership really over? A club like Manchester United does not need to take a gamble on such a signing, and risk finding out the player is actually owned by a pair of monkeys in Cuba - leading to a points deduction. Then again, West Ham were eventually cleared of the worst charges so maybe all is well.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 9th June 2007

Curbishley rules out mass changes - BBC
By Julian Shea

West Ham manager Alan Curbishley says he will not be held to ransom by other
clubs in the summer transfer market. Chairman Eggert Magnusson says West
Ham's perceived wealth means clubs are inflating prices but Curbishley said
he will not spend for the sake of it. "People are looking at us as new kids
on the block but we're not," he said. "If something happens which we think
can improve us we'll have a go but I'm not going to sign 11 players and get
everybody out."
Curbishley replaced Alan Pardew as West Ham manager in December 2006, a
month after Magnusson took over at Upton Park. He was active in the January
transfer window but the only two new signings who played a significant role
in their successful fight against relegation were Lucas Neill and Luis Boa
Morte.
Curbishley says this shows that he already has great resources at his
disposal without having to bring in more players. "If you look at the team
who won at Old Trafford on the last day of the season, most of them were
already here, so that shows the talent we have," he said. "It's a strong
squad when the players are all fit. "Danny Gabbidon was player of the year
the season before but I didn't really see him because of injury, I've not
seen Dean Ashton and I've hardly seen Matthew Upson. Those two are
£13m-worth of players who've not kicked a ball in a long time. "We've got a
strong squad but if I can add to it, I will.
"But if nothing else happens between now and the kick-off, I've got a squad
and a lot to work with."
Scott Parker, who grew up playing under Curbishley at Charlton, is the only
new arrival of the summer so far. Curbishley said he admired Parker's work
ethic and hoped to instil this in the rest of the squad to ensure a strong
start to the new campaign and avoid a repetition of last season's flirtation
with relegation.
"When he was at Charlton, he was the life and soul of everything we did but
he probably got swallowed up a bit at Chelsea and Newcastle. "I'd like him
to be the life and soul here too, to set the benchmark for the rest of the
players. "If he brings his potential with him, the fans here will respond to
that. I'm hoping that on the first day of pre-season, everyone realises what
it's all about."

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Reo-Coker move to Villa delayed - Soccernet

Aston Villa look like having to wait until after the UEFA Under-21
Championships to complete the signing of Nigel Reo-Coker from West Ham.
Reo-Coker has arrived in Holland with his international team-mates but his
£7million move away from Upton Park still to be resolved. Villa have made
clear to Hammers officials that they are willing to offer something like the
asking fee to land the services of the want-away Reo-Coker although it has
transpired no formal bid has been registered. But Villa boss Martin O'Neill
is likely to have to wait until at least after England's final group game
with Serbia on June 17 before he can complete what he hopes will be the
formalities of the transfer. Given the mix-up over Villa player Gabriel
Agbonlahor's availability for the Under-21 squad, coach Stuart Pearce is
unlikely to be in any mood to allow his skipper Reo-Coker to become involved
in transfer negotiations while England remain in the tournament. Reo-Coker,
who joined West Ham from Wimbledon for £500,000 two and a half years ago,
has made it clear that is also where his immediate priorities lie. He said;
'I see myself as a professional and I have got my professional hat on and
right now it is all about England Under-21s and the European
Championships.''
Reo-Coker will join up with two of his potential Villa team-mates of the
future in Ashley Young and Gary Cahill if the deal gets the green light.

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Curbishley keen to be prudent - Telegraph
By Marc Isaacs
Last Updated: 12:27am BST 09/06/2007

Alan Curbishley is adamant that West Ham will not be held to ransom this
summer despite having a £50million transfer budget. Curbishley has the full
financial backing of the club's Eggert Magnusson and he wasted no time
strengthening his squad this week when Scott Parker completed a £7million
move from Newcastle. The West Ham manager also wanted to sign Manchester
City midfielder Joey Barton, but has switched his attentions to Charlton
striker Darren Bent and Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips. Charlton are
not prepared to let their England striker leave for less than £18 million,
but Curbishley has warned he will not pay over the odds for any player and
that they will have to fit into line with the club's pay structure.
Curbishley said: "There is a lot of stuff being said about us; how much we
are paying for players, how much we have offered them. If there are players
who can improve us, we will try to get them. "People look at us as new kids
on the block. We are not. A lot has been exaggerated. If you look at what we
are spending it is not outrageous. We are fair game at the moment. "Most of
the team who played and won at Old Trafford on the last day of the season
were here before I arrived. It showed what talent was at the club. I am not
saying that I am going to sign 11 players and everyone is out. If nothing
else happens until we kick off, I still have a lot to work with."
Nigel Reo-Coker and Marlon Harewood are expected to leave the club before
the season gets under way, but one player Curbishley is determined to hold
on to is defender Danny Gabbidon. Gabbidon, a Wales international, expressed
fears that he may be surplus to requirements following the arrival of
Matthew Upson from Birmingham. But Curbishley says the talented defender is
a big part of his plans and is looking forward to seeing him back in action
after he was forced to miss half of last season with a groin injury.
Curbishley said: "I have not seen him play. Danny was player of the year
here two seasons ago and I missed him greatly. It is a strong squad when
they are all fit."

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Reo Coker Burns His Boats - West Ham Till I Die
June 9th, 2007

Nigel Reo Coker ought to know better. This is the interview he has given to
The Times today. What a devious little shit he is.

For once, Nigel Reo-Coker allows his guard to slip. "As I've said many
times," he says with a sigh, "my main focus is on West Ham . . ." He stops,
turns to Tony Finnigan, his agent, and laughs. Finnigan, deep in text mode
on his mobile phone, shakes his head. Reo-Coker reloads. Take two: "As I've
said, my main focus is on England Under-21. We're going to try to win the
tournament and that's all I'm thinking about at the moment. Everything else
that happens will take care of itself."
It is an amusing error, a rare departure from a prepared script. Reo-Coker's
focus is not on West Ham – his critics might point out that it has not been
for some time – and he will join the probable exodus from Upton Park this
summer. A move to Aston Villa is likely and could be completed as Reo-Coker,
the captain, leads England in the European Under21 Championship finals in
the Netherlands. The squad left yesterday for their first group match
against the Czech Republic in Arnhem on Monday. "I truly believe we can win
the trophy," Reo-Coker says. "I've been in the under-21s for a while and
it's the best bunch of players I've been with. Everyone has played at least
half a season in the Premiership and we've got so many talented
individuals."

Reo-Coker, 23, sits in the cramped Bellini Bar in The Hospital, a chic maze
of function rooms in Covent Garden, Central London. He twiddles
absent-mindedly on a computer console and endorses the XBox 5's, one of the
biggest five-a-side football tournaments in Britain, the finals of which are
to be held in Birming-ham tomorrow. Relaxed and softly spoken, he talks
dispassionately about the chaos at West Ham last season. It is as if he has
left the club already – his transfer request went in last week – and that
his stay of more than three years has been swiftly consigned to the past.
Yet the criticism that he and his colleagues attracted, as West Ham lurched
from one crisis to another, stings. Reo-Coker, the captain at Upton Park,
was at the epicentre of abuse, bracketed among the overpaid underachievers
at Upton Park, the "Baby Bentley" brigade.

"Yeah, it did get me down," Reo-Coker says. "I'm not going to lie, I'm
human. I was down, I was depressed, I was hurt. Some individuals went
through a lot of personal issues, but we stayed in the Premiership and that
meant a lot to the team and the squad. To go through all that at such a
young age was priceless and it made me stronger. But it's done now, it's
history.

Reo-Coker hit rock bottom during the 6-0 defeat away to Reading on New
Year's Day, after which Alan Curbishley, the manager, famously referred to
the club's money-obsessed underperformers. "Yeah, the Baby Bentley Club,"
Reo-Coker says tersely. "Well, I'm not a member. I don't have a Bentley. No
comment.
"But that game was probably one of the lowest points of my career. It was
such an embarrassment and I just can't put into words how it felt in the
dressing-room. When your own fans sing 'You're not fit to wear the shirt'
it's heartbreaking."

The bond between Reo-Coker and Curbishley, who succeeded Alan Pardew in
December, deteriorated. "How was the relationship?" he is asked. "Leave that
one, Nigel," Finnigan advises. Reo-Coker does not name names, anyway,
politely deflecting every potential curve ball. He is happier talking about
potting plants at his home, a newfound love of golf – "though I'm not really
the patient type" – and a shared interest in horses with Anton Ferdinand,
his soon-to-be former teammate. And the under21 campaign, too. Reo-Coker has
no regrets. "That's life," he says. "What happened happened."

Yet when he returns from the Netherlands he will refocus, probably in the
direction of Villa Park. He will not escape the claret and blue that easily.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Craig Bellamy No Thanks - West Ham Till I Doe
June 9th, 2007

Today's Times is predicting that Yossi Benayoun will be used as bait in a
deal with Liverpool to get Craig Bellamy. Not sure I approve of that.
Bellamy has been a troublemaker at every club he has been to - Norwich,
Coventry, Newcastle, Blackburn and Liverpool are just the ones I can
remember. Not sure hw would be conducive to a good team spirit…

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Alan to Curb spending? - Sky
By Tom Adams - Created on 8 Jun 2007

Alan Curbishley insists he is not about to perform major surgery at West
Ham, but more cosmetic changes could yet be made to the face of his playing
staff following the capture of Scott Parker. Hammers chairman Eggert
Magnusson has clearly shown he is willing to back Curbishley with
substantial transfer funds, and Parker has already arrived this summer to
join January signings Lucas Neill, Matthew Upson, Luis Boa Morte, Calum
Davenport and Nigel Quashie. Curbishley has been linked with a wide range of
players with Magnusson's millions at his disposal, but the former Charlton
chief - who worked wonders on a shoestring budget at The Valley - admits he
does not feel under any pressure to carry on his lavish spending. With
injured players set to return, and Parker ready to dictate proceedings in
the centre of midfield next season, Curbishley insists he would be happy to
start the new season with the players currently at his disposal. "The last
time I had any money to spend was when I sold Scott Parker (to Chelsea from
Charlton)," said Curbishley. "But I am not saying I will sign 11 players and
move everyone out. We have a strong squad here when they are all fit. "Lucas
Neill and Luis Boa Morte were the only players involved on the last day at
Old Trafford who weren't here when I arrived. "Danny Gabiddon was player of
the year in 2006 and I missed him greatly. Matthew Upson and Dean Ashton
have barely kicked a ball because of injury - that is £13million of talent.
"If there are players who can improve us, we will try to get them. If I can
add to the squad I will but if nothing else happens until we kick off, I
have a lot to work with."
West Ham narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of last season, and
Curbishley has been quick to pinpoint a poor attitude in the dressing room
for the club's failings over the past year. However, Alan Pardew's
replacement is now determined to instil a winning mentality at Upton Park in
time for next season, with his latest acquisition acting as a role model for
his fellow players. "It is not about playing for West Ham - you have to
change that around a little bit - you work for West Ham," Curbishley added.
"There is a big difference between the two. I have realised my
responsibility to this club over the past three or four months and the
players have to realise that too. "Scott Parker is someone vastly
experienced and professional who will set the standards we are looking for
on and off the pitch - that's the sort of person I need at the club."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Benayoun to be the bait in new bid for Bellamy - This Is London
09.06.07

West Ham are ready to include Yossi Benayoun in a package aimed at
persuading Liverpool to part with £9million-rated striker Craig Bellamy.
Anfield chiefs are bracing themselves for an approach for Bellamy, as
revealed in Sportsmail yesterday, after West Ham manager Alan Curbishley
identified the newly-appointed Wales skipper's pace and movement as the
qualities he will need if Carlos Tevez makes his expected departure.
Tevez's uncertain future has come under close scrutiny at Anfield, but
Benayoun is emerging as part of an equation that could end with Bellamy
moving to Upton Park in a £70,000-a-week deal that would virtually double
his earnings. Midfielder Benayoun has yet to sign a five-year,
£50,000-a-week contract with West Ham, and there were claims in Israel,
after their 2-0 win over Andorra, that his representatives had agreed
personal terms with Liverpool. No such deal has been struck but Benayoun
left the door open for a move to Anfield by saying: "I still haven't signed
with West Ham because of some small differences. They are my first aim but
if another team want me we will consider it. If it is good for everyone, why
not?"
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is known to admire Benayoun, having tried to
sign him for Valencia before the 27-year-old left Racing Santander for Upton
Park in a £2.5million transfer in July 2005. Sportsmail understands Benitez
would consider taking Benayoun, who has two years left on his contract, as
part-payment for Bellamy as he continues to search for reinforcements on the
flanks and up front. With one-time Anfield target Simao Sabrosa thought to
be heading for Lyon, Florent Malouda's departure from the French champions
looks to be close, although Liverpool bosses are less than impressed with
the way he appeared to hedge his bets in an interview with L'Equipe
yesterday. "There are no offers at the moment but there has been direct
contact," he said. "Chelsea and Liverpool have shown interest. I don't know
how it will be finalised but in my mind, I am certain I will leave. "At
Chelsea, there is Didier Drogba and all the rest but at Liverpool Rafa
Benitez is a great coach, too, and the team have played in two Champions
League Finals in three seasons. To me, the most important thing will be the
desire shown by the clubs. To move abroad you really have to be wanted."
With Arsenal also monitoring Malouda's availability, Liverpool are far from
certain to land the French player of the year and may consider Benayoun's
versatility on either wing a useful asset. Benitez is at least making
headway in his bid to secure the futures of key members of his squad, with
Xabi Alonso signing a five-year deal and Momo Sissoko indicating he will
ignore overtures from Juventus and commit himself to another long-term
contract. Reports in Italy suggested the newly-promoted Turin giants had
tied up a £10m deal for Sissoko but Anfield sources said talks with the
22-year-old midfielder's agent were nearing completion and that he had
signalled an intention to stay. Full back Steve Finnan is next in line for
contract talks.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BENT UNDER THE HAMMER - The Mirror
Exclusive By Darren Lewis 09/06/2007

TOTTENHAM and West Ham were last night locked in a bidding war for
Charlton's £18million-rated striker Darren Bent. The England hitman is the
prime target of both clubs. But the Hammers are prepared to offer him
£60,000 a week in wages - double the sum Spurs had banked on paying. Spanish
giants Valencia - poised to lose marksman David Villa this summer - are also
keen. But Charlton supremo Peter Varney last night warned all interested
clubs that they won't land the south Londoners' prize asset unless they
match the Addicks' valuation. Varney said: "Darren Bent will only leave
Charlton if the price is right for Charlton. If it is not then he will be
going nowhere." Twenty-three-year-old Bent is currently on holiday and
expected back towards the end of next week.
West Ham feel they will have an exciting pool of strikers if they can land
him to play alongside Dean Ashton and Carlos Tevez - providing they manage
to hold onto their controversial Argentine signing.
But Spurs believe Bent, who scored 15, 22 and 19 goals in each of the last
three seasons, will help them to smash their way into the Premiership's top
four.
The White Hart Lane club already boast three strikers in Dimitar Berbatov,
Robbie Keane and Jermain Defoe, who hit 60 goals between them last season.
Meanwhile, Birmingham boss Steve Bruce is ready to rescue Mido from his
Spurs nightmare. The 24-year-old Egyptian is unhappy after falling behind
Keane, Berbatov and Defoe in the Tottenham pecking order. Bruce is ready to
bid £4m for the 6ft 2in hitman after missing out on Mark Viduka, who has
moved to Newcastle.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
CURBS' GET TOUGH PLEDGE - The Mirror
By Neil McLeman 09/06/2007

ALAN CURBISHLEY has laid down the law at West Ham for next season by stating
he wants hard work and discipline to follow the Baby Bentley era. The
Hammers boss took his spending at Upton Park to £24million with the capture
of no-nonsense midfielder Scott Parker this week. And with his transfer
activity set to continue with the signing of three more players, Curbishley
wants more strong characters in the dressing room as the club looks to build
on their amazing end to last season. Advertisement"It is not about playing
for West Ham - you have to change that around a little bit. You work for
West Ham," he said. "And that means on and of the pitch." Chairman Eggert
Magnusson insisted: "We aim to bring in at least three more players. But
there will be players leaving."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
50 MPs back Blades fight - The Star Sheffield

SHEFFIELD United will have the support of almost 50 MPs when they attempt to
overturn their relegation to the Championship later this month.

The Bramall Lane club's appeal against the FA Premier League's decision not
to deduct West Ham points following the Carlos Tevez affair will enter its
most critical phase when a panel of independent arbitrators start
considering the legality of that judgement on June 18.
United argue that by allowing Alan Curbishley's side to escape with a £5.5m
fine, they gave the Londoners an unfair advantage during last season's
scramble to avoid the drop.
Hollywood star Sean Bean is set to lead a delegation of officials and fans
to the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday and United's 'Campaign for
Fairness" has struck such a chord in Westminster that an Early Day Motion
tabled by Clive Betts has now attracted 44 signatures with the promise of
more to follow.
Although EDMs are rarely debated in chamber, the strength of opinion
United's plight is generating outside of sporting circles will provide huge
encouragement for plc chairman Kevin McCabe as he spearheads a fight with
the potential to dramatically alter England's footballing landscape.
David Blunkett, Dr Vincent Cable, Austin Mitchell and Ann Cryer are among
the prominent names who have lent their backing to motion 1464 while a
previous EDM spoke of its "disgust" at the FAPL's failure to impose a
heavier punishment.
United's preparations for arbitration have overshadowed the tug-of-war for
Phil Jagielka's services with Everton understood to be confident of
imminently securing his signature for around £4m. Middlesbrough are also
said to be lining up talks with him next week. Wigan and Birmingham are also
interested.
The England B international has informed new manager Bryan Robson that he
would prefer to continue his career in the top-flight.

09 June 2007

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tevez open to Hammers stay - The Sun
By ANDREW HAIGH
June 08, 2007

CARLOS TEVEZ has not ruled out staying at West Ham next season. The
Argentina star has attracted interest from Europe's top clubs since leading
the Hammers to Premiership survival.And Tevez, 23, has admitted he could now
spend another season at Upton Park.When asked if he will stay, Tevez said:
"I don't know - I'm very happy with the Hammers. They have been marvellous
to me. "I'll never forget the last match of the season - our win at
Manchester United - when our fans started chanting 'Argentina, Argentina!'
"For someone like me who had a relative who fought in the Falklands and who
knows the feeling that existed after the war, it was incredible to hear that
chant. "I was amazed that I could be an idol for English fans. It made a
huge impression on me."
Tevez also played down a potential money-spinning move to Real Madrid. He
added: "Moving to Madrid would be exciting but I don't mean anything by
that.
"I would love to play for an important European club. That's what I told my
agent and Kia Joorabchian, who is in charge of my transfers. "But the
priority is what suits West Ham. They've always treated me well. There isn't
one club that appeals to me more than any other."
Tevez revealed that he has grown to love life in England. He added: "The
people are terrific. You can go out and they respect your privacy. "It had
been five years since I was able to do a simple thing like take my daughter
out to the park. "In England very few people come up to you. In Argentina
they really get in my face."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers have designs on better future - Daily Mail
Last updated at 18:13pm on 8th June 2007

West Ham are marketing their change of kit design as a "new shirt for a new
beginning" - and that is just what manager Alan Curbishley is determined to
implement at the club this summer. Curbishley found disruptive elements in
the changing room when he arrived at Upton Park in December and spoke out
against the "baby Bentley culture" which had pervaded the club. Inspired by
the goals of Carlos Tevez, West Ham eventually got their act in gear and
pulled off a remarkable relegation escape with a win at Manchester United on
the last day of the season. But Curbishley's mission this summer is to sweep
away the bad wood and implement some harsh lessons on those who, in his
mind, got carried away with their own press for much of last season.
Curbishley believes the arrival of Scott Parker is central to that
philosophy and it is no coincidence he is allowing club captain Nigel
Reo-Coker to leave. The chairman Eggert Magnusson wants the club challenging
for Europe and this week left players in no doubt what was expected of them
when he said: "We need grown-up men at this club to move to the next level".

Curbishley was equally as blunt in his language as he outlined the role he
expects Parker to play in helping to implement that new beginning at Upton
Park.
"It is not about playing for West Ham - you have to change that around a
little bit - you work for West Ham," said Curbishley. "There is a big
difference between the two. I have realised my responsibility to this club
over the past three or four months and the players have to realise that too.
"Scott Parker is someone vastly experienced and professional who will set
the standards we are looking for on and off the pitch - that's the sort of
person I need at the club.
"When Scott was playing for Charlton he was the life and soul of everything
we were doing. "He has been kind of swallowed up in the other two clubs
(Chelsea and Newcastle) but I hope he can be the life and soul again at West
Ham. "I would like him to set the benchmark, not only in pre-season, but
what goes on out there on the pitch. He can take the responsibility. "We
know we are a big club but we have to prove that on the pitch now."
Reo-Coker handed in a transfer request at the end of last season after
deciding his future no longer lies in east London. It is thought Aston Villa
have made contact with West Ham and Curbishley will not put up a fight to
keep the wantaway midfielder. "He is a West Ham player at the moment but he
has made clear his desire to leave. We responded to that request and we will
see where we go," said Curbishley, who added that no formal bid had yet been
received.
This is all new territory for Curbishley. He has never had a bottomless pit
of money to spend and has never been able to bid for leading Premiership
players.
Magnusson would like to add three new "quality players" and keep hold of
Tevez. That all comes with its own pressures, but its also brings an air of
excitement to the club. "The last time I had any money to spend was when I
sold Scott Parker (to Chelsea from Charlton)," Curbishley laughed. "But I am
not saying I will sign 11 players and move everyone out. We have a strong
squad here when they are all fit. "Lucas Neill and Luis Boa Morte were the
only players involved on the last day at Old Trafford who weren't here when
I arrived. "Danny Gabiddon was player of the year in 2006 and I missed him
greatly. Matthew Upson and Dean Ashton have barely kicked a ball because of
injury - that is £13million of talent. "If there are players who can improve
us, we will try to get them. If I can add to the squad I will but if nothing
else happens until we kick off, I have a lot to work with."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Police Concerned Over Blades Anti West Ham Demo - West Ham Fans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 8 June, 2007 - 22:39.

City of London Police are concerned that a Sheffield United delegation, lead
by actor Sean Bean that aims to tell members of parliament next Wednesday
about how unhappy they are with the way their club has been treated in the
'Carlos Tevez affair', could be a potential cause of public disorder. A
police spokesperson said "demonstrations of this type are unwelcome in an
area where security is of paramount importance, resources that could have
been more usefully employed will have to be diverted in order to ensure that
there isn't any trouble".
'Hard man' Bean will doubtless be proud of himself and his fellow Blades
supporters, but their ever increasing acts of desperation will cast them in
a particularly sad light to most supporters of the beautiful game. Trying to
get the media attention of a parliamentary lobby is the short term aim of a
once proud club, but the real reason Sheffield Utd are 'pulling out the big
guns' is because they are seeking a compensation payment from the Premier
League, figures of £5 to £30 Million have been mentioned. It seems that
'McBabe' will settle for a pay off according to Premier League insiders, but
they are unwilling to stump up for what they consider to be a legitimate
conclusion to the charges faced by West Ham for the incorrect registration
of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano..
The eyes of the Press will be on the planned rally, so it would be advisable
for any Hammers supporter who wanted to go along and legally express their
displeasure to bear in mind that they will be under close scrutiny, and that
their behaviour will reflect on the club's wider image during a period when
fans should be looking forwards and not to the past. - Ed

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Celtic Linked With Hammers Duo - West Ham Fans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 9 June, 2007 - 07:30.

Gordon Strachan has not been very mobile since his recent hip operation, but
he has got his skates on when it comes to bringing new players to his club.
Celtic are to make a combined £5 Million offer for the services of Marlon
Harewood and Paul Konchesky.. Striker Harewood who arrived for a fee of
£500,000 from Forest was told that he could leave the Boleyn last week and
defender Konchesky who cost £2 Million was never going to last long at West
Ham given his previous track record with Alan Curbishley who was his manager
at Charlton.. At today's TV money cash rich over inflated values , £5
Million is relatively cheap for a striker and a defender, both of whom would
do rather well in the SPL, the only stumbling block, as is the case with
many of those due to leave West Ham, is their wages and of course having to
move to Scotland.. Players like Marlene, Konch, Mullins and Etherington all
signed new deals that they were offered following the last minute defeat on
penalties in the memorable FA Cup final against 'Rick the grass's' hub cap
and fellow fans ticket stealer's. The above mentioned players are all on
good wages and they might end up proving harder to shift than one of 'Arry's
used escorts. - Ed

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - II 8th June 2007

Ashton gearing up for return to fitness - WHUFC
08/06/2007 13:04

Hammers striker Dean Ashton is spending the summer battling his way back to
fitness after nearly a year on the sidelines with an ankle injury. The
England international reflected on how tough the last year has been and how
much he is looking forward to completing his rehabilitation. "It's difficult
to describe how difficult it was," he said. "It's everything you've dreamed
of and the next minute it's gone. It was hard to take but I felt like I
dealt with it as well as I could. "I've always worked as hard as I could
have done every single day since I've been injured. Now, to be close to
getting back, it's exciting to be outside and working. But the hard work's
nowhere near over. It's going to take a long time before I feel fantastic
but I'll be grateful when I do. "There were many low points. Some days I was
fine, other days it wasn't nice. Coming to the games was very difficult,
because you get people asking when you're back and I wasn't sure. It's hard
to watch football when you're injured and I found it really difficult."
Dean broke his ankle training with the England squad on the eve of last
season. "There was no real remedy for it," he said. "Terry Venables, Steve
McClaren and all the players, they all called me up to make sure I was ok
and that gave me a lift. But other than that it's just one of those things
you have to deal with yourself and be strong. You just have to believe
you'll get back. "The break itself was as good as could be expected, it was
a clean break but because it's the ankle joint there's a lot of structures
around there. You're taking the full weight of your body on it and there was
a lot of build up of scar tissue over the months. "It could have been many
reasons but it wasn't be as easy for me as it might be for somebody else.
But you just have to take the injury as it comes and deal with it at the
time."
Dean is enjoying being back in training, working hard to get his fitness
back and strengthening his ankle, and is focused on returning in time for
the new season.
"I could start doing ball work, but that's not really the priority at the
moment," he said. "It's to get my base of fitness up. So it's just a case of
running as hard as possible every day and keeping my upper body strength
there. I'm running freely, that's not a problem. It's just a case of getting
myself fit and used to the work.
"I can definitely say that by the start of pre-season I'll be easily the
fittest I've ever been and the strongest I've ever been and I'm excited abut
how I'll feel."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fittest-ever Ashton eager to play - BBC
By Julian Shea

West Ham striker Dean Ashton says he will be fitter and stronger than ever
when he returns next season after a year out with a broken ankle. Ashton
missed all of last season after being injured in training on his first
call-up to the England team and said he felt he had to make up for lost
time. "I can definitely say by the start of the season I'll be the strongest
and fittest I've ever been," he said. "I want to prove I'm not the forgotten
man - I'm still the player I was."
Ashton, 23, became West Ham's record signing when he joined from Norwich in
a deal worth £7.25m in January 2006. His goals earned them a place in the FA
Cup final and Uefa Cup, and also a call-up to the England squad for the
friendly against Greece in August 2006. But what should have been the high
point of his career so far turned into a nightmare as he broke his ankle in
training. He missed the whole of the Hammers' dramatic 2006-07 season and
battle against relegation, and has yet to kick a ball in anger under manager
Alan Curbishley. "After my operations, I had a good time at home sitting
there with my leg up so I'm more than happy to work all through to
pre-season," he said. "I could start doing ball work but that's not the
point, it's just about building up my basic fitness so it's a case of
running hard every day. "My brain hasn't got tired or hurt, it takes time to
adjust but after a few games I'll feel good. "It's hard to get back to full
fitness from nothing so I'm enjoying it at the moment - it's nice just to be
outside doing some work."
Ashton said watching from the sidelines while the club battled to avoid
relegation had been a frustrating experience. "Coming to watch games was
hard, because people kept asking when I'd be back and I couldn't tell them,"
he said. "Terry Venables, Steve McClaren and some of the players rang me to
give me a lift which was good but other than that it's just one of those
things where you've got to deal with it yourself and believe you'll be
back."
But Ashton said he drew inspiration from the example of fellow England
striker Michael Owen, who made a scoring return against Estonia after almost
a year out with a knee ligament injury. And if he manages to prove his worth
at West Ham, then Ashton is keen to earn another chance in an England shirt.
"Michael doesn't look like he's had the injury he had, which is a credit to
him and to physio John Green, who I'm working with now. "I would always want
to get back to being involved (with England) as soon as I ever could, so the
main thing is to get back right, and if that comes, then fantastic."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wigan set sights on keeper - Sky
By Alex Livie - Created on 8 Jun 2007

Wigan boss Chris Hutchings has confirmed he is in the market for a keeper
and reports suggest West Ham's Roy Carroll is high on his wish list.
Hutchings has already added Titus Bramble and Antoine Sibierski to his ranks
as he endeavours to improve Wigan's squad following a season of struggle
last term. And he feels a keeper is needed to put pressure on the classy
but fragile Chris Kirkland and Carroll is rumoured to be his number one
target. "We are looking to bring another keeper in," Hutchings said in The
Sun. "We need competition all over the park." Carroll had a successful
spell at Wigan earlier in his career and he could be tempted by a return to
The JJB, having slipped behind Robert Green in the pecking order at Upton
Park. Kirkland, meanwhile, is reported to be making good progress after
picking up a shoulder injury, but Hutchings is aware it could be a long road
ahead for the former Liverpool man. "He's making progress and is working
hard at the training ground at the moment," Hutchings told the Wigan Evening
Post. "He's keeping his legs and body going, but can't do any handling work
or diving yet - he has to be careful."

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Hammers bid denied - Sky
By Graeme Bailey - Created on 8 Jun 2007

Fredrikstad supremo Morgan Andersen has confirmed to skysports.com that
starlet Tarik Elyounoussi is not on his way to West Ham United. Reports had
suggested that West Ham were close to agreeing a £3 million deal for the
highly-rated Elyounoussi. However, sporting director Andersen has denied
that his club's prized asset is anywhere near a move away from the club.
Andersen insists the 19-year-old, who he feels is on the brink of a call-up
to the Norwegian national side, is unlikely to move this summer. Speaking to
skysports.com, Andersen confirmed no approach from West Ham had been made.
"This is a typical media story, we would know if there was any interest and
there is nothing from West Ham - they have not made a bid for Tarik," he
told skysports.com. "There has been interest and we have big clubs watching
every week, which is normal for somebody as talented as Tarik. "I honestly
think he is amongst the top players in Europe for his age."
Andersen insisted that Fredrikstad and Elyounoussi would not be rushing into
any deal. "We work very closely with Tarik and his family, and we will
discuss his future when we need to. "He is a very level-headed boy and he is
just finishing his studies, and he will make the right choice. "But I cannot
see him leaving us this year, he still needs to develop and progress and I
think that this is the right place for him to do that."
Elyounoussi has been strongly linked with Chelsea and Portsmouth, but
Andersen says he has not heard from those clubs since their initial interest
last year. "Chelsea wanted Tarik last summer to go and train with what was
there youth side, but that was never going to happen," he continued. "He is
far too good for that, why would he go from playing for our first team - to
playing for a youth team. "With Portsmouth, they wanted to look at him late
last year, but it was the cup final so he was unable to make it and since
then there has been no direct contact with them."
Anderson helped nurture the talent of John Obi-Mikel when he was in charge
at Brann - but he does not want to see Elyounoussi compared to the Nigerian.
"Obi-Mikel was something special," added Morgan. "At 18 he was ready to go
into the Chelsea first-team, I would not put Tarik in the same bracket. "I
think Tarik will break into the Norway national team before this year is
finished."

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Why West Ham should NOT have points deducted over Tevez - Soccerlens
Written by Ahmed Bilal.

In a recent comment on Soccerlens, a reader pointed out that the Premier
League had posted the transcript of the West Ham ruling on their website and
that one should read it before blindly commenting on the ruling. Now I know
that this is late (the ruling was made on 27th April 2007) and a lot has
already been said about final punishment meted out to West Ham. However, I
thought it would be negligent to not at least read the full transcript once.
I've discussed the transcript below along with my opinions on it.

Before I start though, I would like to point out two things:

One, I'm a Manchester United supporter, so no for or against bias here.
Actually, I started following West Ham more closely after watching them play
last season (2005/2006) and have liked them since.

Two, My initial view on the Tevez issue was that the Commission had been
lenient with West Ham and some of the reasons given for not deducting points
were whimsical and flimsy.

I'm happy to see West Ham stay up (and I hope that the independent tribunal
allows them to stay up) but that's the football fan in me. The critic
disagrees, but I'm open to different arguments, and because of that I wanted
to read the full transcript and find out what really happened.

It would be tedious and repetitive to walk you through the transcript, plus
if you want to understand the complete situation you really should take out
some time to read it - 6000 words so it shouldn't take you too long.

Background

It's important to note that West Ham themselves forwarded the contracts of
Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano to the FA Premier League towards the end
of January 2007. It is quite possible that if they had chosen to do so, they
could have found a way to hide from this matter and drag it out even
further. While there was always the case that third party ownership would
cause problems there was no knowledge of the actual contractual details and
because of that no serious case could be made against West Ham without
looking at the contracts, and as far as the FAPL knew the contracts did not
violate any rules.

The Commission statement also quotes the agreement between member clubs of
the Premier League which states that each Chairman of the club members
commits themselves to ensure that their clubs inter alia "behave with the
utmost good faith and honesty to each other" and "will comply with the laws
of the game and follow Premier League Rules, not only to the letter but also
to their spirit and will ensure that our clubs and officials are fully aware
of such rules".

In essence, West Ham were, in respect of their FAPL agreement, expected to
be fully aware of the rules.

The key characters are West Ham legal and commercial director Mr Scott
Duxbury, West Ham CEO Paul Aldridge, FAPL secretary Ms Purdon (responsible
for the regulation of the management of players to clubs in the Premiership)
and FAPL general secretary, Mr Foster (responsible for player registrations
with FAPL). As witness statements go, that of Mr Richard Scudamore, the FAPL
chief executive, will be crucial to the proceedings.

Contracts

The crux of the whole argument. Essentially, both contracts (for Tevez and
Mascherano) stated that it was up to the third party owners to determine
when the player would be transferred away from West Ham, and that West Ham
or the player himself had no say in the matter. To make this happen, the
third party would have to pay a small sum to West Ham.

West Ham, under Terry Brown (chairman) and Aldridge (CEO) agreed to these
terms.

The contracts allowed for the possibility of West Ham's playing policies to
be affected by the third party in four different ways:

A) The third party may be able to determine when and to whom the player may
be transferred, which may not coincide with the wishes and interests of the
club for whom the player is playing, or the player himself, and thus
potentially influence the playing policies of the club.

B) In the event of the third party having a particular transfer in mind, it
may seek to influence the playing performance of the player.

C) The third party could prevent a transfer of the player against the
interests of the club.

D) The third party could prevent the termination of the player's contract
with the club and against the wishes of the club. The club's disciplinary
control of the player could be affected.

My personal view is that regardless of whether the third parties wished to
impact West Ham's playing policies or not, the clauses that allowed the
third parties to solely determine the future of the player were in direct
violation of rule U18, which states:

"No club shall enter into a contract which enables any other party to that
contract to acquire the ability materially to influence its policies or the
performance of its teams in league matches or in any (other) competitions."

An argument was made that this rule did not apply to the Tevez / Mascherano
situation because it did not affect playing terms - however, it did give the
third parties the ability to influence the club's transfer policy, which is
covered in the rule above.

So yes, the contracts were illegal under the FAPL agreement. The interesting
part here is that Mr Duxbury, legal and commercial director at West Ham,
denied knowledge of the U18 rule. That is, in my view, gross misconduct.
Ignorance of the law is hardly an excuse. There's also the case of Paul
Aldridge, telling Richard Scudamore that there was nothing wrong with the
contracts, but that's not relevant as it happened after the players had been
transfered.

The contractual agreements related to Tevez and Mascherano was extremely
interesting, and I've posted that full section here.

Knowledge of rule breach

There is some argument (from West Ham's side) that they were not aware of
the rule breach - and that if Mr Duxbury had known of the breach he (and by
extension, West Ham) would have done things differently.

Short of calling it bullsh*t, I don't know what else to say here. As legal
director conducting transfers that clearly involve third parties and are
therefore potentially problematic, it was Duxbury's responsibility to be
aware of all rules and regulations relevant to their situation.

At best, Duxbury and Aldridge hid some information from the FAPL. At worst,
they openly lied to them. In either case, the rule violations still stand.
However, if this matter had been brought to the FAPL's attention earlier,
there's a good chance that West Ham would not be in the legal mess they
found themselves in at the end of the 2006/2007 season.

FA Premier League and the unnecessary delay

The Commission also takes care to protect FAPL by saying that they were
assured by West Ham that there were no irregularities and that the FAPL -
essentially, Mr Foster, Ms Purdon and Mr Scudamore, believed West Ham
(Duxbury and Aldridge).

That remained the position until 24th January 2007. On that date, Mr Igoe,
the finance director of West Ham, was informed by the FAPL of a proposed
report into third party ownership of footballers. He decided to forward the
contracts to the FAPL.

In hindsight the FAPL should have been more vigilant and should have
investigated the contracts fully.

According to my understanding, the FAPL had knowledge of the player
contracts but not of the agreements made between the third parties and the
club, West Ham. In my opinion the Premier League SHOULD have questioned how
the players had been brought to West Ham if there had been no agreement
between West Ham and any other club (as far as I'm aware, West Ham only
signed agreements with the third parties) and if there WAS a deal made with
those third parties, then Scudamore should have asked West Ham to share
those documents.

The FAPL waited till January 24th before raising the matter again with West
Ham. Around 4 1/2 months after that conversation between Scudamore and
Aldridge.

In my view, certain individuals in the FA Premier League made grave errors
of judgment and are responsible for this matter being resolved in late April
and not early on in the season. Could this have affected the Commission's
decision in not giving a points penalty to West Ham?

The Penalty and Reasoning

The Commission decided to award a monetary fine and not a points deduction.
They took the following factors into account:

One, the club's pleas of guilty.

Two, the fact that the club is under new ownership and management. True it
is that Mr Duxbury remains, but we are impressed by Mr Sturman's point that
Mr Magnusson could have cynically dispensed with his services so as to
reflect more favourably upon the club.

Three, had the club in time made disclosure of the third party contracts to
the FAPL, then, in all probability, contracts could have been entered into
which would not have offended the Rules. Mr Mascherano is now playing
football for Liverpool. He is doing so pursuant to a contract entirely
different in form to these contracts, and which has been approved by the
FAPL. We have no reason to suspect that the same could not have been
achieved with West Ham in August 2006.

Four, there has been a delay between the discovery of these breaches and
these proceedings. Whilst that delay is due to no party's fault, the
consequence is that a points deduction, say in January, whilst unwelcome,
would have been somewhat easier to bear than a points deduction today which
would have consigned the club to certain relegation.

Five, Tevez has continued to play for the club after the discovery of these
breaches. The FAPL had the power to have then terminated his registration.
For understandable reasons, they did not. Had it not been for these
proceedings, the club and the FAPL might have reached a similar situation to
that pertaining to Liverpool and Mascherano. Tevez, we note, has played in
more games post-24th January than before it.

Six, we have considered the position of the players and the fans. They are
in no way to blame for this situation. Of course, if the impact upon players
and fans was to be the overriding consideration, there may never be a
deduction of points. However, in this case, the fans and the players have
been fighting against relegation. They have been doing so from between
January and April. They have been so doing against the ever-present threat
of a deduction of points. Those efforts and that loyalty would be to no
avail were we to now, on what might be termed the eve of the end of the
season, to deduct points.

Seven, it was Mr Igoe, thus the club, then under new ownership, who brought
attention to these breaches.

The only factor that is credible is the new ownership of West Ham, although
that factor is undermined by this:

When Magnusson took over, it's believable that his advisers would have
raised the issue of the two Argentinian players. At this point if Magnusson
was lied to, and if at that point his advisers ALSO did not ask to see the
third-party agreements, then they too are guilty of negligence.

And if West Ham's new management was aware of those contracts AND they did
not themselves offer that information to the Premier League until the
Premier League talked about investigating into third party ownership of
footballers, then West Ham's new management are also guilty of a breach of
rule B13.

In my view, the new management was in violation of rule B13. It can be
argued that they had, by their inaction, agreed to the 'invalid' player
contracts. I disagree with that - while the new management should have been
more careful and diligent in dealing with the contracts, they cannot be held
responsible for agreeing to the contracts.

Conclusion

As I said at the start, I'm biased towards West Ham. I want to see them in
the Premiership, and I have no sympathy for a team that threw their
Premiership status away on the last day in a home game, nor for a manager
and chairman who have whinged so much this season that they came second
place behind Jose Mourinho in the whinger's league (personal opinion - I do
respect Sheffield United's spunk on the field this season though).

The main problem with the ruling is the caveat that if this hearing had
happened earlier in the season, or if West Ham were not in a relegation
battle, there is a very good chance (almost certain) that West Ham would
have had points deducted.

The Premier League were also, directly or indirectly, responsible for
delaying these proceedings.

I think the Commission weakened their own arguments considerably by taking
into consideration the impact of relegation on the players and the fans. By
making the punishment contingent on present circumstances, a precedent has
been set for the future.

West Ham's relegation rivals will argue that the gravity of the situation
required that circumstances be ignored and the letter of the law be applied.
In that case, West Ham would certainly have had points deducted.

There's also the argument that this allows clubs to field players illegally
and get away with it by paying a fine if they can argue for the right
'circumstances'.

I don't think this sets a precedent - deducting points (and thus affecting
league standings) is a grave punishment and as such it is necessary to
consider the club's circumstances.

For me, the most convincing factor was the new ownership AND the delays -
the first because FAPL did not inquire enough, and the second between seeing
the contracts and the conclusion of these proceedings.

The Commission gave the right punishment, but perhaps the FA Premier League
needs to be investigated as well - who will they pay the fine to? Shouldn't
Sheffield United be paid compensation by the FAPL?

Post-Commission

At the end, it was ordered that registration of Carlos Tevez be terminated
by the FAPL. That date was 27 April. On 28 April, Tevez played for West Ham.

Was a new contract signed with the third parties in time? I think so - the
proceedings gave West Ham and the third parties enough time to draft new
contracts.

Would MSI agree to a new contract that DID not give them the complete
transfer rights of the player? If they had, as I suspect, a gentleman's
agreement in place, or if West Ham have paid MSI a sum, or if any other
outside agreement has taken place in which there is no legal, documented
evidence that a third party has the ability to influence the club's
policies, then West Ham are legally clear and MSI would be open to signing a
new agreement - and I'm sure this would have been drafted in advance.

Of course, it opens the possibility of West Ham employing the same legal
stipulations that allowed Liverpool to enter an agreement for Mascherano.

Thank you for taking the time to read this extra-long article

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Villa must wait to tie up Reo-Coker - TeamTalk

Aston Villa will not complete the signing of Nigel Reo-Coker until he
returns from England Under-21 duty at the European Championships. The West
Ham midfielder has arrived in Holland with his international team-mates with
his £7million move away from Upton Park still to be resolved. Villa have
made it clear to Hammers officials they are willing to offer something like
the asking fee to land the 23-year-old's services, although it has
transpired no formal bid has been registered. But Villa boss Martin O'Neill
is likely to have to wait until at least after England's final group game
with Serbia on June 17 before he can complete what he hopes will be the
formalities of the transfer. Given the mix-up over Villa player Gabriel
Agbonlahor's availability for the Under-21 squad, Stuart Pearce is unlikely
to be in any mood to allow his skipper Reo-Coker to become involved in
transfer negotiations while England remain in the tournament. Reo-Coker, who
joined West Ham from Wimbledon for £500,000 three and a half years ago, has
made it clear that is also where his immediate priorities lie. He said: "I
see myself as a professional and I have got my professional hat on and right
now it is all about England Under-21s and the European Championships."
Reo-Coker will join up with two of his potential Villa team-mates of the
future in Ashley Young and Gary Cahill if the deal gets the green light. He
is poised to replace Gavin McCann whose £1million plus move from Villa to
Bolton is poised to go through subject to him passing a medical.

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Defoe About to Sign? -West Ham Till I Die
June 8th, 2007

Rumour is that West Ham have agreed a fee with Spurs for Jermain Defoe. He's
worried about the fans' reaction, though. Views? Personally, I'd take him
back like a shot, as long as the fee isn't higher than what Spurs paid us
for him originally.

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Coppell issues Hammers, Pompey warning - eleven-a-side.com
June 8, 2007

Reading manager Steve Coppell has warned Premiership rivals West Ham United
and Portsmouth off Irish international winger Stephen Hunt. The Hammers are
reportedly interested in the 25-year-old, who rose to fame with a fine
season at the Madejski Stadium last term. But Coppell has no plans to sell
the Waterford lad this summer. He said: "He never stops working hard on his
skills. Sometimes people go as far as they can then settle for that, but he
proves that's not always the case. He shows that with hard work and
dedication you can keep improving and he's a key member of the team. "He
was fantastic for us all season. He took his opportunity and he never looked
back. He became a mainstay of the side and that's all down to him and his
hard work. "I remember him breaking his ankle at Crystal Palace when he was
young. He had only just come over from Ireland and he worked tirelessly for
a year to get back. He's such a strong little so-and-so."

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Hammers won't attend Blades hearing - The Star Sheffield

SHEFFIELD United's legal battle with the Premier League has taken another
dramatic twist after it emerged that West Ham - the club at the centre of
the dispute which threatens to plunge English football into chaos - have
declined an invitation to represent themselves at the forthcoming
arbitration hearing.

The Star understands that the three man team, charged with investigating the
decision not to deduct Alan Curbishley's side points following a breach of
transfer regulations, approached officials at Upton Park about the matter
immediately after their appointment.

But West Ham, who subsequently escaped relegation at United's expense, said
they would not be attending.

Their refusal means that panel members Lord Justice Ottan, David Pannick QC
and Nicholas Randall will not hear any fresh 'advice' from the club when
they start examining the original 24 page report into the matter on Monday,
June 18.

That process is scheduled to last two days and United hope that if they rule
in their favour then Bramall Lane's membership of Europe's richest domestic
competition will be restored.

The development is the most important since Kevin McCabe, United's plc
chairman, revealed that a senior FAPL figure had told him that they should
be reinstated if the thinking behind the organisation's failure to impose
the ultimate punishment is proven flawed.

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Magnusson delighted with new West Ham sponsorship
tribalfooball.com - June 08, 2007

West Ham United yesterday announced a £7.5m three-year sponsorship deal with
travel company XL Leisure Group. "The XL deal says a lot about the financial
muscle of West Ham," Hammers chairman Eggert Magnusson said. "Slowly but
surely we are now moving towards becoming one of the top six clubs in the
country."

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Football: Once in a lifetime - disexpress.co.uk
Attleborough U10s played at West Ham United's stadium D07/06/050.

YOUNGSTERS enjoyed a once in a lifetime opportunity to play at a famous
Premiership stadium. Attleborough U10s reached the quarter-finals of the
George Parris Boys Tournament at West Ham United's 35,000 capacity Upton
Park on Bank Holiday Monday. Team manager Peter Venables said it was a day
his players would never forget. He said: "They were thrilled to bits with
the day. As well as playing on the Upton Park pitch, they got to look round
the home team's dressing room and had their names read out over the loud
speaker when they came down the tunnel. I was very proud of them."
Attleborough drew their first game 1-1 with a goal by Jakob Meppem, lost
their second game 2-0 and won their final group game 1-0, with Sam Culyer
netting the crucial strike. But they came unstuck in the quarter-finals,
losing 3-0 in the competition organised by the former Hammers player Parris.
The tournament, which raises money for Great Ormond Street Hospital, cost
£600 to enter and was paid for by sponsors, Donna Kissinger Estate Agents,
and parents Richard Bunn and Martin Broom, of Pallet Services of East
Harling.

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Bent Auction Opens - TWTD
By Philip Ham
Date: 8/6/2007

Charlton are reported to have received two firm bids for ex-Town striker
Darren Bent. Spurs are said to have offered £8 million for the England
frontman, while West Ham have tabled a bid of £12 million plus a player.
The Hammers are understood to have offered the Addicks either former Town
loan striker Marlon Harewood or midfielder Hayden Mullins in addition to the
cash. However, Charlton are believed to want neither player and continue to
hold out for a straight £15 million. Everton, Newcastle, Arsenal and
Liverpool have all also been linked with Bent since Charlton's relegation to
the Championship in May all but confirmed his move away from the Valley.
Town are due 20% of the profit the Addicks make on the £2.6 million they
paid the Blues for Bent. A fee of £15 million would land Town a £2.48
million windfall.

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Bellamy can be a Hammer for £9m - Daily Mail
Last updated at 08:24am on 8th June 2007

Craig Bellamy will be offered a double your- money deal to join West Ham as
replacement for Carlos Tevez, but the Wales striker believes he could also
make an audacious return to Newcastle. As Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez
put the finishing touches to new contracts for Xabi Alonso, Pepe Reina and
Momo Sissoko, he was bracing himself for a £9million bid for frontrunner
Bellamy. West Ham boss Alan Curbishley has a high regard for Bellamy and is
ready to see off competition from Aston Villa and Blackburn by offering
terms of £70,000 a week. Bellamy, however, has told friends he would relish
another chance at Newcastle although the £9m fee and Mark Viduka's switch to
St James' Park could have put paid to his dreams. Newcastle chairman Freddy
Shepherd has sold his 29 per cent stake to billionaire Mike Ashley, who is
aiming to take sole control of the club while leaving the current board in
place.

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