Neill looking to August opener - WHUFC
The club captain has high hopes for the new season and cannot wait for it
all to get going again
18.06.2008
Lucas Neill is focused firmly on the opening game of the 2008/09 season with
the publication this week of the full fixture programme.
The West Ham United captain is not needed for international duty this
weekend with Australia through to the second stage of Asian qualifying for
the 2010 World Cup before the now academic concluding first-stage match
against China in Sydney. Instead, the right-back is looking next to club
commitments and a strong start come the arrival of Wigan Athletic on 16
August.
He said: "When the fixtures come out it gives you something to focus on
straight away and you switch your mentality from being on a break and
recovering from last season to preparing and getting fit and ready for the
new season. It is good to be starting at home as it should mean we get off
to a positive start and state our intentions for the season and finishing at
home [against Middlesbrough on 24 May] as well is always good."
Neill was particularly buoyed by the run of fixtures in the first couple of
months of a campaign that should see plenty of competition for places. "It
is early to say but looking at the first eight games we are confident with
the squad we have that we can get off to a good start. Man City and
Blackburn will both have new managers by then so will still be adjusting to
a new style of play."
Stressing the difficulties of all opponents in the top flight amid the
reasons for optimism, he added: "There are obviously two newly promoted
teams who will also be finding their feet and Fulham, Bolton and Wigan all
finished at the wrong end of the table last season so yes on paper it does
look like we could start very well but there are no easy games in the
Premier League as we all know.
"Another thing the fixtures coming out does is give everyone the chance to
draw a line under last season and the injury problems we had. The injured
players and physios have been working very hard over the summer to get
everyone back for pre-season and it looks like the manager will have a near
on fully-fit squad to choose from for the Wigan game which as captain is a
very exciting prospect as I can really see this squad reaching it's full
potential this season."
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McAvennie back at the Boleyn - WHUFC
One of the stars of the 1985/86 season, Frank McAvennie, has staged a
successful tournament
18.06.2008
Frank McAvennie has been back at the Boleyn Ground for his annual summer
tournament which saw trophies handed out in honour of two club legends.
The former striker, who had two spells with West Ham United between 1985 and
1992, memorably scored 26 goals in 41 appearances in the famed 1985/86
season. His two-day tournament saw a team called Twenty-Niners win the
inaugural Billy Bonds Trophy before a side dubbed The Soapies was victorious
the next day and lifted the John Lyall Trophy. The latter success was made
all the more special as Lyall's son Murray was on hand to make the
presentation.
McAvennie, who only left West Ham United the first time for his beloved
Celtic and is as passionate about the east London club as ever, said "These
events are one of the highlights of the year for me as they give ordinary
fans the unique opportunity to play on the pitch. I know how much this means
to them and by the smiles on their faces it is obvious they thoroughly enjoy
themselves. This year's events were even more special as for the first time
two of the club's greatest ever figures were honoured with trophies in their
names.
"I was delighted that Murray Lyall attended the Friday event and I know he
is very proud his dad is remembered with such affection by the fans. The
evening functions in the Castle Suite were great fun too and the raffles
raised a few hundred quid for charity so all in all a very enjoyable couple
of days." There have been various pitch events at the Boleyn Ground this
summer. If you are interested in playing on the hallowed turf yourself next
year, contact corporate hospitality on 0208 548 2777. For more information
on the Frank McAvennie events, email here.
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Euro dream over for Ljungberg - WHUFC
Freddie Ljungberg's Sweden are out of the European Championship after losing
to a strong Russian side
18.06.2008
Freddie Ljungberg's involvement in Euro 2008 is over after Sweden were
eliminated from the competition with a 2-0 defeat by Russia.
Goals in each half from Roman Pavlyuchenko and Andrei Arshavin were enough
to take Guus Hiddink's side through at the expense of the Scandinavian
nation, who had only needed a draw in Innsbruck to progress. Russia were in
scintillating form although Sweden had some moments, not least when
Ljungberg burst through just before half-time after a slick passing move
only to be denied by a fine save. Russia will now play the Netherlands in
the last eight on Saturday night while Sweden's campaign is over. Sweden had
previously won 2-0 against Greece and lost 2-1 to Group D winners Spain
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Tomka and Sears called up - WHUFC
James Tomkins and Freddie Sears are in the provisional England squad for
July's UEFA U19 finals
18.06.2008
James Tomkins and Freddie Sears have been named in the provisional 23-man
England squad for the European Under-19 Championship in the Czech Republic.
The selection will eventually be cut to 18 players before the 14-26 July
tournament but both Tomkins and Sears can be optimistic about their
inclusion after playing key roles as the Young Lions secured their place in
the eight-team finals. In a qualifying mini-tournament held in Belarus last
month, Tomkins helped England keep three clean sheets and Sears scored two
goals to finish as top scorer. The pair will join up with the rest of Brian
Eastick's squad at a special training camp at the National Football Centre
in Burton.
Homegrown central defender Tomkins has high hopes that England can go all
the way, even though England have been drawn in a tough group with the
hosts, who they face in the opening match in Jablonec. They then play Italy
three days later in the same venue before taking on Greece in Liberec on 20
July. The other four-team section includes Spain, Germany, Hungary and
Bulgaria.
The 19-year-old is full of confidence after both he and Sears made their
first-team breakthroughs in the 2007/08 campaign and also has plenty of
faith in his international colleagues. "We are going to go out there to win
it, I don't see why we can't. Especially after the way we played in Belarus.
We are going to go to the Czech Republic with full confidence that we can
win this tournament. I am really looking forward to it."
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Will Anton be a Spur? - Newham Recorder
18 June 2008
WITH THE news that West Ham are looking to cut their wage bill still ringing
in the ears of supporters, the prospect of the club losing players has
already become a reality, writes DAVE EVANS. Nobby Solano was quickly
released from his contract last week and as well as rumours concerning the
future of strikers Bobby Zamora and Carlton Cole, it seems Anton Ferdinand
may be the next player out of the Upton Park exit door. The 23-year-old
central defender came through the Academy ranks to secure a regular place in
the West Ham first team, but the former England under-21 international may
be looking for a fresh challenge. Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a
move to take Ferdinand to White Hart Lane in a £6million deal, and though
Spurs have since denied it, the prospect of the player moving across London
will give West Ham fans mixed emotions. On the one hand they will not be
keen to see another of their men end up at White Hart Lane, but on the
other, many see the prospect of getting a sizeable fee for the defender too
tempting to turn down. Ferdinand's career at Upton Park has been a mixed
one. When he first broke into the team back in 2002, he was used sparingly,
and often found himself at right back rather than his more customary role at
centre half. It was only when he was paired with Elliott Ward in the
promotion run-in of 2004-05 season that he was finally able to establish
himself in the team. Ward departed, but Danny Gabbidon and James Collins and
then Matty Upson have come into the squad and with all three suffering from
injuries in the past two seasons, Ferdinand has been a regular, making 163
appearances in a West Ham shirt. But despite his obvious talents, many fans
remain unconvinced by some of his performances for the club.
There still seems to be a tendency for Ferdinand to give away free kicks on
the edge of the West Ham penalty area, while he seems to need the
confidence-boosting presence of an Upson or a Gabbidon alongside him to find
his best form. His displays alongside the likes of Jonathan Spector at
centre half last season, left a lot to be decided. Ferdinand's possible
departure will depend greatly on the fitness of West Ham's other central
defenders, and it has to be said that it doesn't look too promising. England
man Upson will be fit for the opening game of the season, but there are
still doubts over Gabbidon, Collins and Calum Davenport, while Spector is
likely to be out until Christmas. In conclusion, a new challenge for
Ferdinand may certainly be the best move for the player, but if it will
leave West Ham short, then it is something that manager Alan Curbishley must
resist until everyone is fit.
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In with a shout - Newham Recorder
18 June 2008
WEST HAM may start the new season against Wigan Athletic on August 16 with
almost a fully-fit squad as player after player confirmed their fitness,
writes DAVE EVANS. Last season's tale of injury woe was unprecedented in the
history of the Premier League with as many as 14 players out at one time,
but with the Chadwell Heath training ground a hive of activity since the end
of the season, things are looking up at last. Lee Bowyer, who missed the
final 13 games of the last campaign, is just one of the many who have been
battling to be fit for pre-season when it begins in early July. "I have been
in and working hard all summer to get fit and I'm feeling good," said the
31-year-old midfielder, who had his best season at West Ham last term,
scoring four goals along the way. "I have targeted the Wigan game to make a
full return and it would be even better if I could get another goal against
them," said Bowyer, who scored his first goal in claret and blue against the
Latics last August. "After the way I started last season, getting on the
scoresheet a few times, it was a frustrating second half to the campaign."
So it was for so many other West Ham players, but for most there seems to be
light at the end of the tunnel. Craig Bellamy has made two substitute
appearances for Wales, while Matty Etherington, Matty Upson and Julien
Faubert will all begin pre-season training with a clean bill of health.
Broken leg victim Kieron Dyer is also coming on leaps and bounds after
undergoing a second operation, and though he may not be quite ready for
August 16, he is expected to play some part in pre-season. Calum Davenport
has also recovered from his horrific neck injury, while the other dubious
fitness calls are concerning Welsh centre back duo Danny Gabbidon and James
Collins. Gabbidon has been undergoing some alternative treatment in Italy,
while Collins has been working hard on the cruciate ligament injury, which
has ruled him out since December. All in all, the prospects look rosy for
manager Alan Curbishley and his team when they begin their pre-season
campaign, and with a soft start to their Premier League fixtures, who knows
what they can achieve?
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Court case drags on - Newham Recorder
18 June 2008
THE arbitration hearing investigating Sheffield United's claim for
compensation following the 'Carlos Tevez affair' is set to last at least
until the end of this week. Presiding judge Lord Griffiths and his team of
legal experts are currently examining new evidence submitted by the Blades,
something they have not been allowed to do during previous appeals. The
Sheffield case may have been somewhat undermined by the fact that Kia
Joorabchian, the Iranian businessman emb-roiled in the financial wrangle
over both Tevez and his fellow Argentinian Javier Mascherano, has joined
West Ham in an advisory scouting capacity. The Blades, led by outspoken
vice-chairman Kevin McCabe, are confident of getting a result this time
round, in what promises to be their last chance to win compensation of
between £25-£30million from West Ham after they claim to have been robbed of
their Premier League status by West Ham's alleged illegal playing of Tevez.
The West Ham delegation however, are confident that they will be exonerated,
as they have been on every occasion that Sheffield United have challenged
the original FA panel decision. The panel's verdict is expected to be
delivered by the end of the month.
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Home sweet home again - Newham Recorder
18 June 2008
WEST HAM will tackle the north west frontier in August after their first
three games pitted them against teams from Lancashire, writes DAVE EVANS.
For the fourth successive season the Hammers will begin their campaign at
Upton Park and though their clash with Steve Bruce's Wigan Athletic is not
exactly a mouthwatering one, it is an ideal opportunity to pick up three
points. That is followed by a trip to Eastlands to take on Mark Hughes and
his new Manchester City team, before his old team Blackburn Rovers come to
east London on August 30. Wigan visited Upton Park in August last season and
only Lee Bowyer's first goal for the club rescued a point for the Hammers.
They will look to take all three points this time round and if you look at
their opening few games it certainly seems that the fixture computer has
been kind to them. Of their first eight matches all look winnable with home
matches against Newcastle United and Bolton as well as Wigan and Blackburn,
and trips to newly-promoted West Brom and Hull City as well as Fulham and
Manchester City. Hammers fans always look to the two games against deadly
rivals Spurs, but they will have to wait a little while to see them as
Tottenham don't come to east London until December 6, with the return game
at White Hart Lane in April. There is no final away game at Old Trafford
this season. The champions entertain West Ham as early as October 28, which
is a Tuesday night match, while Alex Ferguson's boys come to Upton Park on
February 7.
West Ham take on Arsenal in the game before Manchester United on both
occasions. At Upton Park the match is scheduled for October 25, while the
Hammers make the trip to the Emirates on January 31. Boxing Day will see
West Ham travelling to the south coast to take on Harry Redknapp's
Portsmouth for the second time in three seasons. You might want to leave
early for that one. This reporter remembers a four and a half hour trip to
Fratton Park on that day two seasons ago, missing the first 20 minutes of
the game, after some horrendous traffic. There are no games on either New
Year's Eve or New Year's Day as the third round of the FA Cup is scheduled
for January 3, while newly-promoted Stoke City come to Upton Park on
December 28.
Despite West Ham starting at home, they also manage to finish their campaign
at Upton Park too. Everton provide the opposition for their final away game
of the season, while Gareth Southgate's Middles-brough come to east London
on the final day of the campaign. That game, incredibly, is not until May
24, a full three weeks after the regular Football League season is over. If
West Ham make the FA Cup Final as well, then their season will not finish
until May 30, just two days before June! The comparatively soft start to the
season could be a blessing for manager Alan Curbishley, for whom it is
likely to be a make or break campaign. Last season, West Ham's target was a
solid campaign and a top 10 finish, and despite a devastating series of
inujuries, they managed that with few problems. Now the boss must hope that
his players are fit and raring to go come August and that they stay fit,
because the target this time round must surely be a place in Europe. It
won't be easy, especially as the budget is a little tighter this season, but
West Ham already have the squad to make a splash in the division. And with a
good start that these fixtures seem to offer West Ham, who knows what they
can achieve?
We shall see.
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Carlton Cole linked with Sunderland - Newham Recorder
18 June 2008
CARLTON COLE, one of the success stories of last season, has been linked
with a move to Roy Keane's Sunderland. The 24-year-old striker, who grabbed
six goals during the last campaign, including a strike against the Black
Cats, turned from villain to hero for the fans during the season, as his
improvement took on dramatic proportions. He was preferred to Dean Ashton in
Alan Curbishley's controversial 4-5-1 formation, but also excelled in a more
orthodox line-up, where his ability to hold the ball up became an important
part of West Ham's play. Keane's main striker - Kenwyne Jones - was badly
injured in Trinidad & Tobago's friendly international with England in Port
of Spain recently, and the Sunderland boss sees Cole as an ideal
replacement. A bid of £2million is said to be imminent from the Wearsiders,
but if West Ham decide to sell, they will certainly need to replace him,
especially as another striker - Bobby Zamora - has been attracting the
interest of Championship big-spenders Queens Park Rangers. Rangers see the
27-year-old as the ideal man to spearhead their march towards the Premier
League.
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Odds against Hammers - Newham Recorder
18 June 2008
THE BOOKIES do not hold much hope of West Ham making a Premier League splash
this coming season. The Hammers are quoted at 750/1 to win the title, with
Manchester United the favourites at 11/10. In fact, West Ham are only 8/1 to
be relegated, with boss Alan Curbishley the favourite to be the first
managerial casualty. Mind you it could be worse. Hull and Stoke are both
quoted at only 9/1 to fail to win a league game all season!
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Getaway Carr for Hammers? - Newham Recorder
18 June 2008
WEST HAM are favourites to land former Newcastle United full back Stephen
Carr on a free transfer. The 31-year-old Republic of Ireland international
was deemed surplus to requirements by Kevin Keegan at St James' Park and
released in the summer after a season marred by injuries. Carr lost his
place at right back to the impressive Habib Beye, and made just 12
appearances for the Magpies last season despite Newcastle's defence
struggling throughout the campaign. The full back, who has 41 international
caps, was regarded as one of the top full backs in the Premier League during
his time at Spurs, but injuries over the last two seasons on Tyneside have
seen him drop down the pecking order. Carr is looking for a return to the
capital and the fact that he is available on a free transfer is likely to
interest West Ham, as they look for cover for club captain Lucas Neill.
Portsmouth and Bolton are also said to be interested in Carr's signature,
though why three Premier League clubs would be interested in signing such an
injury prone player is something of a mystery.
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Harper is hoping to sign on the dotted line - Newham Recorder
18 June 2008
READING attacking midfielder James Harper is a target for West Ham United as
the player looks to return to the Premier League before the new campaign
begins in August. The Chelmsford-born 27-year-old suffered relegation with
the Royals last season and despite signing a new three year contract just
last summer, Reading will allow him to leave if the price is right. That
price is expected to be around £3million for a player who has made nearly
300 appearances for Reading since moving there from Arsenal, where he failed
to get a game. Harper has pledged his allegiance to relegated Reading, but
only in a way that suggests he is open to offers. "I won't pretend I don't
want to be in the Premier League," said Harper, who scored six goals for the
Royals last term. "But I'm more than happy to stay here for next season. "I
don't want to be in the Championship, but Reading are, so I am prepared to
come back for pre-season, graft and fight for the shirt." With Reading
looking to cut their wage bill and West Ham looking for players at the
cheaper end of the market, this could be a match made in heaven.
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Reading want it in writing - CLubcall
2008-06-18 17:05:00.0
West Ham continue to be linked with Reading duo James Harper and Nicky
Shorey, but wait to make their move. The pair are believed to be heading
back to the Premiership later this summer as Reading prepare a clear-out of
their most saleable assets. But the Royals are growing increasingly
frustrated by the lack of activity at boardroom level, with all the talk
going on through the press and no bids having been submitted for
consideration.
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West Ham favourites for Newcastle's Carr
tribalfooball.com - June 18, 2008
West Ham are favourites to land former Newcastle United full back Stephen
Carr on a free transfer. The 31-year-old Republic of Ireland international
was deemed surplus to requirements by Kevin Keegan at St James' Park and
released in the summer after a season marred by injuries. The full back, who
has 41 international caps, was regarded as one of the top full backs in the
Premier League during his time at Spurs, but injuries over the last two
seasons on Tyneside have seen him drop down the pecking order. Carr is
looking for a return to the capital and the fact that he is available on a
free transfer is likely to interest West Ham, as they look for cover for
club captain Lucas Neill.
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Fulham make late move for West Ham's Zamora
tribalfootball.com - June 18, 2008
Fulham have made a late move for West Ham striker Bobby Zamora. It had been
reported that QPR were prepared to offer £2 million for the forward, but now
Roy Hodgson has made clear his intention to sign the player, lining up a
£3.5million bid.
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Harper cools Hammers link - football.co.uk
Thursday Jun 19 2008 07:25
West ham United target James Harper says he would be content to remain with
Reading next season, despite craving a return to the Premier League.
The 27-year-old midfielder has been with the Royals since early 2001, making
over 300 appearances in all competitions for the Berkshire club. However,
Harper is reported to be attracting interest from the Hammers and Fulham,
following Reading's relegation to the Championship at the end of last
season.
Harper told the Reading Evening Post: "I have not asked to leave, but if the
club want to sell me and accept a bid then I would go and talk to them. "I
am happy to stay here, so it is in the club's hands. I would never ask to
leave or put in a transfer request. "No matter what job you do you want to
be at the top level. I want to be at the top of my profession and I want to
be the best I can and play against the best. "I won't pretend I don't want
to be playing in the Premier League, but I'm more than happy to stay here
next season. "I have been here seven years and I have always given my all
for Reading."
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Hammers defender McCartney confident of getting off to a flyer - Guardian
Series
WEST HAM defender George McCartney believes his side can get off to a flyer
next season after the fixtures for the upcoming campaign were announced this
week. McCartney, who was the only Hammer to complete every game last season,
is convinced the team can win 'the majority of the first eight or nine
games' after the Upton Park side were handed a favourable selection of
opening fixtures. West Ham kick off the season on August 16 when they
welcome Wigan to the Boleyn Ground before travelling to face Mark Hughes'
Manchester City. Games against Blackburn and Premier League new-boys West
Brom follow, although they will not face one of the big four' until the end
of October, when they travel to Old Trafford. And McCartney believes all the
ingredients are there for a strong start to the season. "If we have a good
pre-season and get up to standard quickly then there's no reason why we
can't get plenty of points on the board from our first eight or nine games,"
the left-back said confidently. We're certainly capable of winning the
majority of those opening games. If we can do that then that will take the
pressure off when we face the top teams."
McCartney, 27, has established himself as an ever-present under manager Alan
Curbishley since making his move from Sunderland two years ago.
And the Northern Ireland international's efforts were recently rewarded
after he was voted runner-up to goalkeeper Robert Green as Hammer of the
Year last season. But McCartney was keen not to dwell on the past, and is
already tipping his team-mates to improve on last year's tenth place finish.
The attacking full-back is looking forward to testing himself against the
league's big boys, and as a boyhood Liverpool fan, the trip to Anfield on
November 29 is one fixture in particular that has caught his eye straight
away. "I'm looking forward to the game against Sunderland because it's
always nice to play against your former club," admitted McCartney. "But as a
Liverpool fan I'm especially looking forward to that game. "It's always good
to play against the top teams and to test yourself against the best."
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Hammers court case is still on-going - Guardian Series
SHEFFIELD UNITED are attempting a last-ditch effort at claiming compensation
over the Carlos Tevez saga. Blades officials, led by vice-chairman Kevin
McCabe, have recently submitted new evidence to judge Lord Griffiths that
they claim proves that they are owed between £25-30 million compensation
from West Ham, having been relegated from the Premier League in 2007. The
main part of their case is that the Hammers allegedly played Tevez illegally
in their own quest to avoid relegation, which in the end came at the Blades
expense. The Sheffield United case may be hindered by the fact that Kia
Joorabchian, a key member in the transfers of Argentinian duo Carlos Tevez
and Javier Mascherano to Upton Park, has recently joined the West Ham
backroom staff as an advisory scouting capacity. For this reason, Hammers
officials say that they still remain confident that the appeals, like
previous, will be exonerated, claiming that the Blade's case has 'no merit'.
The panel, headed by judge Lord Griffiths, will give its final verdict
before the end of the month, which will surely spell the end of Sheffield
United's case.
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Fulham enter the race for Hammers striker - Guardian Series
FULHAM have entered the race to sign West Ham's want-away striker Bobby
Zamora, writes Sam Lom-Bor. The ex-England Under-21 player made only 14
appearances for the Hammers last season after missing five months of the
campaign through injury. He is now reportedly looking for a move away from
Upton Park with assurances of first team football. It had been reported that
QPR were prepared to offer £2 million for the forward, but now Roy Hodgson
has made clear his intention to sign the player, lining up a £3.5million
bid. But with Carlton Cole being linked with a move to Sunderland, Alan
Curbishley may well be unwilling to let go of the 27 year-old.
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Hammers linked with Italian midfielder again - Guardian Series
HAMMERS boss Alan Curbishley has once more been linked with Palermo
midfielder Mark Bresciano, writes Sam Lom-Bor. The Australian winger is
being tracked by a number of clubs, including Manchester City, and is also
thought to be regarded highly at Upton Park. Bresciano, 28, could become
Curbishley's first signing of the summer if the West Ham boss is prepared to
pay the £4million price tag that is being touted by the media. But Palermo,
who have already lost four key players this summer including Brazilian
striker Amauri to Juventus, will not want to lose any more members of the
squad and might up the price for Bresciano if West Ham choose to further
their interest in the player.
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Shorey linked with Hammers switch again - Guardian Series
ENGLAND left-back Nicky Shorey has once again been linked with a move to
Upton Park, writes Sam Lom-Bor. The Reading player is determined to link up
with Alan Curbishley at West Ham, in order to enhance his chances of playing
for England, following Reading's relegation from the Premier League.
However, the reported £5million asking price may provide a stumbling block
for the Hammers, who recently released Peruvian Nolberto Solano on a free
transfer. But Alan Curbishley is determined to bolster his squad following a
fairly average campaign, and is willing to dip into his transfer kitty with
the signing of Shorey. The possible capture of the former Leyton Orient
player may unsettle George McCartney, who played in every game for the
Hammers last season.
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Hammers striker happy to help - Guardian Series
WEST HAM striker Craig Bellamy will fund a £650,000 football academy to be
set up in Sierra Leone. Bellamy has taken on the project, which will see 14
leagues and 68 youth teams organised in conjunction with education and
community initiatives. The Hammers forward follows in the footsteps of
Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand, who has an academy set up in Uganda.
And the 28-year-old is determined to take a hands-on approach to ensure this
new project is a success. "This trip is to show my face and to show how
serious I am," he told reporters in the country's capital Freetown on
Sunday.
"It will be my second home. I have no doubt about it. "I want this done
properly, to an international level. I don't want any young children, if
they have talent, to be overlooked. "It will make the national team
stronger. There's talent everywhere."
The academy will be erected over 25 acres of land in the village of Tombo,
which is located along the coast of the West African country. Bellamy
continued: "I'm not looking to gain anything from this opportunity - except
every couple of years to change 250 children's lives."
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Reading's Shorey & Palermo's Bresciano Linked With West Ham - Premeirship
Latest
Submitted by Niraj Prabhu on Wed, 2008-06-18 14:42.
West Ham United are being linked with Reading left-back Nicky Shorey and
Palermo midfielder Mark Bresciano. After the Royals' relegation to the
Championship, Shorey, who was also in the Hammers link last summer, is said
to be looking to move to the top-flight side in order to keep his England
career going. West Ham boss Alan Curbishley is also said to be interested in
Australia international Bresciano, who had appeared close to moving to
Manchester City last summer before the move collapsed. The 28-year-old was
rated at £5million last summer.
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