Daily WHUFC News - 13th August 2009

Millwall first up in cup
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will play old rivals Millwall in the Carling Cup second
round later this month
12.08.2009

West Ham United will play Millwall in the 2009/10 Carling Cup second round
with the match provisionally scheduled to be played on Wednesday 26 August.

Gianfranco Zola's team, along with a dozen other top-flight sides, join the
competition at this stage with the first round having concluded on Wednesday
night. Last season, in Zola's second match in charge, the Hammers were
knocked out in the third round after a 1-0 defeat by Watford. whufc.com will
confirm the date, kick-off time and ticket news as soon as available.

The clubs have never met in the League Cup before with 22 league encounters
and one FA Cup tie. West Ham have won eight and Millwall five. The most
recent meeting was a 1-1 draw in the Championship back on 16 April 2005 when
Marlon Harewood equalised after an early Barry Hayles strike.

West Ham were 4-1 winners against Macclesfield Town in last year's second
round, but only after Lee Bowyer forced extra time with a late equaliser.
Carlton Cole, Zavon Hines and Kyel Reid all then struck during the
additional 30 minutes to ensure the club's progress.

The club have twice reached the League Cup final but have never triumphed,
losing in 1966 and 1981 to West Bromwich Albion and Liverpool respectively.
This year's final will be staged at Wembley on Sunday 28 February 2010.

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Green and Cole impress
WHUFC.com
West Ham United were well represented by Robert Green and Carlton Cole for
England on Wednesday
12.08.2009

Netherlands 2-2 England

Robert Green and Carlton Cole led the way for the West Ham United contingent
as Fabio Capello's side battled back well in a competitive friendly in the
Netherlands.

Green got the nod for the third consecutive international and turned in a
competent display. He was certainly not at fault for the two Dutch strikes
in the first half with mistakes from Rio Ferdinand and Gareth Barry
contributing to the goals for Dirk Kuyt and Rafael van der Vaart
respectively. It was a different story in the second half with Jermain Defoe
soon scoring on the counter before poaching the equaliser from close range
on 76 minutes - with Cole more than contributing to the comeback.

Defoe was one of six players on the pitch in the second half at the
Amsterdam ArenA to have emerged from the Hammers Academy. He along with Glen
Johnson, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Michael Carrick all
spent time under the expert guidance of Tony Carr. That contingent and Green
were joined by Cole in the 59th minute as a replacement for Wayne Rooney.

Cole was a constant threat on his third international appearance not least
with a sublime piece of control, skill and shooting in the 69th minute with
an effort that just fizzed past the post. He won several headers and had the
Dutch defenders on the back-foot throughout, all in all giving Capello
plenty of food for thought for next month's potentially decisive FIFA World
Cup qualifier against Croatia. Matthew Upson did not get the chance to add
to his 15 caps.

Former West Ham and England striker Teddy Sheringham was among those quick
to praise Cole for his performance. "Carlton Cole was fantastic when he came
on," he said. "He held the ball up brilliantly."

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Wales reunite defensive duo
WHUFC.com
Club-mates James Collins and Danny Gabbidon got a vital game under their
belts for Wales on Wednesday
12.08.2009

Montenegro 2-1 Wales

James Collins and Danny Gabbidon appeared to come through unscathed as John
Toshack's Wales just lost out in a fiery friendly in Podgorica.

It was a particularly noteworthy evening for Gabbidon who has enjoyed a good
pre-season with West Ham United but was making his first international
appearance since December 2008. The 90 minutes he got on Wednesday evening
will serve him and the club in good stead, and he had the added benefit of
appearing alongside his club colleague Collins, who played for just over an
hour.

Further forward, Jack Collison got another international run-out in midfield
with the full 90 minutes. The home side had taken the lead just after the
half-hour mark when Gabbidon's foul on Simon Vukcevic led to Stevan Jovetic
scoring from the spot before Radomir Djalovic made it two on the stroke of
half-time.

Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Sam Vokes - who could be up against the
Hammers this weekend - pulled one back with a header soon after the
interval. A touching note from the evening was that the Wales players were
all wearing special badges on their shirts in support of former West Ham
striker John Hartson in his fight against cancer.

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Ilunga and Spector lose out
WHUFC.com
Defensive duo Herita Ilunga and Jonathan Spector saw their national sides
come up short in midweek
12.08.2009

Herita Ilunga was on the losing side in the French city of Blois in an
all-African friendly encounter on Wednesday night.

The DR Congo left-back returned to the country where he made his footballing
name with Saint-Etienne and Toulouse for the exhibition match against
Senegal on the banks of the river Loire. After a goalless first half, the
Senegal team came out on top in the second half. Both teams have long been
eliminated from 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying and in turn have failed to
make next January's CAF African Cup of Nations.

Later on Wednesday night, Jonathan Spector was an unused substitute as the
United States lost 2-1 to Mexico in a World Cup qualifier at the Azetca
Stadium. The match appeared destined to finish in a 1-1 draw until a late
winner from Miguel Sabah. Spector was pipped to the right-back berth by the
experienced Steve Cherundolo.

The result moves Mexico to within a point of the second-placed US in
CONCACAF qualifying for next summer's World Cup in South Africa. The top
three teams in the six-nation table will automatically qualify with the
fourth-placed country to feature in a play-off against a South American
qualifier.

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The old foe return
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 12th August 2009
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United have drawn Millwall in the second round of the Carling Cup.
The two local rivals get the chance to go head-to-head once again after
tonight's Carling Cup second round draw pitched them together. With Premier
League West Ham gaining home advantage, the League One side will go into the
game as massive underdogs - although it is nearly twenty years since United
last beat their most bitter of rivals. Since the Irons won a Division Two
fixture 3-1 at the Boleyn back in February 1991, the teams have met six
times with the Lions winning three and the remainder drawn. Most recently,
the sides drew 1-1 in a Championship fixture at the Boleyn four years ago.

The tie is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 26th August; ticket details
to be confirmed.

Carling Cup second round draw

West Brom v Rotherham
Norwich v Sunderland
Tranmere v Bolton
QPR v Accrington
Bristol City v Carlisle
Leyton Orient v Stoke
Port Vale v Sheffield Wednesday
Hull v Southend
Leeds v Watford
Cardiff v Bristol Rovers
Portsmouth v Hereford
Crystal Palace v Manchester City
Wolves v Swindon
Gillingham v Blackburn
Blackpool v Wigan
Southampton v Birmingham
Preston v Leicester
Newcastle v Huddersfield
West Ham Utd v Millwall
Hartlepool v Burnley
Nottingham Forest v Middlesbrough
Reading v Barnsley
Swansea v Scunthorpe
Doncaster v Tottenham
Peterborough v Ipswich

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West Ham scared, says Lions boss
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 12th August 2009
By: Staff Writer

Millwall managing director Andy Ambler has claimed that West Ham's players
won't be looking forward to facing the League One side when they meet in the
Carling Cup later this month. Ambler, who will no doubt be secretly
delighted at pulling a money-spinning away tie from the hat told
southlondon-today.co.uk: "This is a chance for Kenny Jackett's emerging side
to test themselves against Premier League opposition. "We are all looking
forward to his squad showing off what they can do - though our players will
be looking forward to it more than theirs will."
Ambler, a former Business Operations director with Fulham joined Milwall in
2007 added that he felt the game would be televised live due to it being a
rare occurence these days, with the two sides being literally leagues apart.
"I would like to think the TV cameras will want to be there," he said,
"because it is a long time since we played each other."

Reaction to the draw from the Hammers camp to follow.

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Plaudits for Cole as England draw
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 12th August 2009
By: Staff Writer

A strong second half performance from West Ham's Carlton Cole helped England
snatch a 2-2 draw in Holland tonight. The big striker came on as a second
half replacement for Wayne Rooney and played a major role in England's
second half comeback, with Fabio Capello's first choice XI having gone into
the break two goals behind. Although failing to get on the scoresheet
himself - both goals being scored by fellow substitute Jermain Defoe - Cole
was instrumental at the apex of England's attack and played a major part in
the equalising goal. At the other end, Rob Green - who played the entire
game - had a decent night although tomorrow's papers will no doubt highlight
the fact that both of Holland's goals - which came as a result of errors by
Rio Ferdinand and Gareth Barry - started from short passes by Green. Matthew
Upson, the third Hammer in the squad was an unused substitute. Former
Hammers featuring included Glenn Johnson, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Michael
Carrick and Jermain Defoe.

* Junior Stanislas made his debut for England's under 21s as the young Lions
drew 0-0 in Holland last night. The 19-year-old played for 83 minutes beofre
being replaced by on loan Freddie Sears, also making his debut for the under
21s. James Tomkins played for a full 90 minutes.

Holland U21s 0 England U21s 0

Holland: Krul, Janmaat, Van Eijden (Bruma 46), Pieters (Blind 46), Kuiper,
Donald (John 63), Fer (Van Der Heijden 46), Barazite, De Jong, Biseswar,
Emnes (Anita 63).
Subs not used: Nienhuis, Goosens, Leerdam.
Booked: Janmaat.

England: Loach (Fielding 46), Richards (Naughton 58), Gibbs (Bertrand 58),
Mancienne, Tomkins, Rodwell (Smalling 58), Stanislas (Sears 83), Cattermole
(Carroll 71), Delph (Wilshere 58), Rose, Vaughan (Sturridge 46).
Referee: Babak Rafati.

Attendance: 6,500.

Holland 2 England 2

Holland: Stekelenburg, Heitinga, Ooijer, Mathijsen, Braafheid, De Jong,
Schaars (Da Silva 82), Van der Vaart (Sneijder 46), Robben (Afellay 55), van
Persie (Babel 46), Kuyt (Huntelaar 78).
Subs not used: Vorm, Marcellis, Van Der Wiel, De Zeeuw.
Goals: Kuyt (10), Van der Vaart (38).

England: Green, Johnson, A.Cole (Bridge 84), Ferdinand, Terry, Barry
(Carrick 46), Beckham (Wright-Phillips 46), Lampard, Young (Milner 68),
Heskey (Defoe 46), Rooney (C.Cole 59).
Subs not used: Robinson, Upson, Lescott, Walcott, Hart.
Goals: Defoe (49,77).

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli.
Attendance: tbc.

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West Ham 2009/10 preview
Hammers look for steady improvement in new season
By James Riach Last updated: 12th August 2009
SSN

Star Man: Mark Noble
The longest-serving Hammers player has been a solid performer over the last
few seasons. At only 22 years old expect the tenacious midfielder to grow in
stature with every game.

One to Watch: Luis Jimenez
Coming from Italian side Inter Milan on a season-long loan, 25-year-old
Jimenez comes to Upton Park with the reputation of a flair player. If he
adapts to life in the Premier League he could be an excellent signing.

Fantasy Football pick: Matthew Upson (£3.8m)
A cheap price for a defender who is guaranteed to start if fit, and will
pick up the odd goal from a corner.

Manager: Gianfranco Zola
The little Italian took West Ham to a respectable ninth place in the league
last season despite a lack of managerial experience. His love of attacking
football should continue to entertain fans at the Boleyn Ground.

INS: Fabio Daprela (Grasshoper Club Zurich), Luis Jimenez (Inter Milan),
Peter Kurucz (Ujpesti Football Club), Herita Ilunga (Toulouse).

OUTS: Diego Tristan (Cadiz), Lee Bowyer (Birmingham City), Joe Widdowson
(Grimsby Town), Freddie Sears (Crystal Palace), Kyel Reid (Sheffield United)

Best signing: Luis Jimenez

Sky Bet Odds:800/1

Likely top scorer: Carlton Cole

Possible best XI: Green, Neill, Upson, Gabbidon, Ilunga, Parker, Noble,
Jimenez, Behrami, Ashton, Cole

Predicted finish: 10th

James Riach feels West Ham will be hoping for a season of consolidation in
the Premier League after off-the-field dramas hogged the limelight at Upton
Park last term.
While there was much speculation during the last campaign that the Hammers
would have to sell their prize assets this summer, a change in ownership
will bring some much-needed stability to the club. The collapse of the
Icelandic banking system left previous owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson with
debts of £300million, and Hammers fans will be breathing a huge sigh of
relief now that a takeover has been completed. Asset management group CB
Holding has taken over the running of the club, with new chairmen Andrew
Bernhardt insisting that Gianfranco Zola will have money to spend on new
players - as long as it is "within the parameters of sensible budgeting."
However, Zola's spending in the transfer market isn't comparable to the
clubs who finished around them in the league last year. The likes of Spurs
and Manchester City have splashed the cash on big names while the Hammers
have turned to relatively unproven talents.
The most significant name that has made the move to East London is Inter
Milan's Luis Jimenez - the Chilean attacker has joined on a season-long loan
with a view to a permanent move, and Zola is relishing seeing him in action.
"He is one of those players that has got the qualities that West Ham
supporters like and I think he will fit very well into our team," the
Italian said. "I am sure he will be a success. He is a quality player and
quality players always do well, especially with the way we play football."
The attacking style of play that Zola is keen to instil at the Boleyn Ground
has won many plaudits, but he will be keen to strengthen the back-line with
Lucas Neill possibly on his way out.
Herita Ilunga has put pen to paper on a long-term contract after a
successful season on loan and highly-rated Swiss youngster Fabio Daprela has
signed a five-year-deal after moving from Grasshopper Zurich. But one area
that Hammers fans will be desperate to strengthen is in attack. Zola's side
netted an impressive 42 goals in the Premier League last season but were
devoid of a reliable striker. Carlton Cole had an excellent start to the
campaign and finished with a goals tally of 12, but Zola will want to
bolster his options up front and not have to solely rely on the England
international.

Striking absence

Diego Tristan has been released by the club and Italian forward David Di
Michele failed to secure a contract after his loan expired - with question
marks surrounding Dean Ashton's future, Hammers fans will be desperate to
secure the services of at least one more striker. Young starlet Freddie
Sears burst onto the scene during the 2008/09 campaign, but Zola has decided
to let the 19-year-old earn his stripes on loan at Crystal Palace before
giving him a run in the first team. The likes of Peter Couch, Darren Bent
and Michael Owen had all been touted as possible targets, but Zola will have
to move shrewdly in the market now that these players have gone elsewhere.
However, while there have been no spectacular arrivals at Upton Park so far
this summer, the Irons still have much to celebrate. After the debacle of
the Carlos Tevez affair and the threat of financial meltdown, West Ham fans
may be grateful of a steady season where controversy fails to rear its head.
A safe mid-table finish may be on the cards, depending on the performance of
the new unproven signings.

Betting

Sky Bet's Dale Tempest says: "Last season Zola showed himself to be one of
the most promising young managers in the top flight. His partnership with
assistant Steve Clarke made West Ham one of the toughest teams to beat in
the League. Results faded when Cole, Collison and Behrami got injured but
with all three set to return and some promising young signings I'll be
backing West Ham at 11/10 to finish in the top half of the table. They
finished ninth last season with 51pts and despite the danger of losing
captain Lucas Neill I don't see them going backwards from last season's
impressive performances

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Parker pleased with West Ham preseason form
13.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United midfielder Scott Parker is delighted with his form in
preseason. "It's been a good pre-season," Parker told WHUTV. "It's been hard
like all pre-seasons are but I think pre-season has changed over the years.
"When I started out there used to be a bit of hill running and silly running
where you pick up a lot of injuries but this pre-season has been very good
and as a team we have developed a lot and become a lot stronger."

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West Ham battling to keep hold of Man City target Upson
13.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United are battling to keep hold of England defender Matthew Upson.
The Independent says West Ham's efforts to prevent Upson leaving Upton Park
for City include the offer of the club captaincy as well as a new four-year
deal. Upson has rejected the latter but West Ham have been placed under no
pressure by their new Icelandic banking owners to sell the player and are
happy to refuse any discussions unless Manchester City move somewhere around
£15m – double the amount they have so far indicated privately they might be
willing to pay. If City did come close to that figure – and they will not –
then manager Gianfranco Zola has indicated that he would be willing to allow
the player to follow his destiny.

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West Ham, Fulham step in for Chamakh
13.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United and Fulham are stepping in for Bordeaux striker Marouane
Chamakh after Arsenal dropped their pursuit. The Daily Mail says West Ham
yesterday emerged as favourites to snatch Chamakh, but it is believed the
bid they are preparing is actually lower than the £6m Arsenal offer laughed
off as ridiculous by Bordeaux.
Fulham's bid could be more credible as Bordeaux are interested in taking
Diomansy Kamara as a replacement. Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson has looked at a
number of striking reinforcements after showing a willingness to sell Bobby
Zamora to Hull City. Chamakh may prefer to wait for Arsenal after receiving
glowing praise from Wenger and stressed his professionalism after scoring in
Bordeaux's 4-1 league opener against Lens on Sunday.

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West Ham submit offer for Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh
Transfer gossip 13/08/2009
IMScouting.com

According to reports in France this morning West Ham have submitted a bid
for Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh. French newspaper L'Equipe suggests
the Hammers have made a five million euro bid for the Morrocan striker with
a 50% sell-on clause. Les Girondins have already rejected a seven million
euro bid for Chamakh from Arsenal who are now believed to be out the
running. Bordeaux have still not responded to West Ham's offer and are
waiting on other transfer targets, Luca Toni of Bayern Munich and Eidur
Gudjhonsen of Barcelona. L'Equipe add that Chamakh may visit Upton Park
early next week for talks with Gianfranco Zola. Fulham continue to be linked
with a move in a possible swap deal with Diomansy Kamara. Chamakh is out of
contract at the end of 2009/2010 and can start talking to clubs over a
Bosman free transfer from January 2010.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - II 12th August 2009

Parker exclusive on WHUTV
WHUFC.com
Scott Parker has told WHUTV that West Ham United are looking 'strong' ahead
of the start of the new season
12.08.2009

After winning a host of accolades at West Ham United last season, Scott
Parker is raring to try and do it all over again when the new season gets
under way on Saturday.

Parker picked up the Hammer of the Year award, three consecutive whufc.com
player of the month prizes, Player of the Round for the FA Cup third round
and several man of the match awards. After successfully overcoming a
niggling groin injury that ruled him out of the tail end of last season,
Parker is fighting fit for the opening game with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

"It's been a good pre-season," Parker told WHUTV. "It's been hard like all
pre-seasons are but I think pre-season has changed over the years.

"When I started out there used to be a bit of hill running and silly running
where you pick up a lot of injuries but this pre-season has been very good
and as a team we have developed a lot and become a lot stronger."

Parker was back to his typically bullish self as the Hammers concluded their
pre-season programme with last weekend's Bobby Moore Cup game with SCC
Napoli. "Napoli were a very good team and I think the manager said
afterwards I think they are going to be strong this year. The two front men
are very sharp so it was a very good test for us.

"We haven't had a lot of games but we've had a steady improvement. Our first
lot of games weren't great, but you expect that, and we've picked up and
we're going into the start of the season strong."

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Eleven in international action
WHUFC.com
A full team of West Ham United players could represent their countries on
Wednesday evening
12.08.2009

As many as eleven West Ham United players could pull on their respective
national team jerseys on Wednesday evening. US defender Jonathan Spector has
made the longest journey of the group, making the 5,600 mile trip to Mexico
City for a vital 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier. The Americans, who finished
as runners-up at the FIFA Confederations Cup in June, sit second in the
CONCACAF Round 4 table, two points behind leaders Costa Rica. Victory at the
Azteca Stadium would take the US seven points clear of the fourth-placed
Mexicans with four matches remaining. The top three sides in the six-team
group - also containing El Salvador, Honduras and Trinidad and Tobago -
qualify automatically for next summer's finals in South Africa, with the
fourth-placed team taking on the fifth-placed finisher in the South American
qualifying group.

Robert Green, Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole are all with England, who take
on the Netherlands in a friendly international at the Amsterdam ArenA. Green
and Cole could both be in line to start at the home of Ajax, earning their
fifth and third senior caps respectively. Fabio Capello's men will be
looking for their first win over the Dutch since former Hammer Teddy
Sheringham and Alan Shearer fired England to a 4-1 victory at the 1996 UEFA
European Championship finals at Wembley. Since then, England have failed to
win on four consecutive occasions, drawing 1-1 at the Amsterdam ArenA on
their most recent meeting in November 2006.

Further afield, Hammers trio James Collins, Danny Gabbidon and Jack Collison
will all hope to be part of John Toshack's starting eleven in Montenegro.
The Welsh will be eager to extend their winning streak to three matches in
the friendly in Podgorica, having overcome Estonia and Azerbaijan at the end
of the 2008/09 season. Toshack's side will use Wednesday's friendly to
prepare for their vital 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Russia in
Cardiff on 9 September.

The seventh West Ham player to be involved in international friendly action
is Herita Ilunga. The left-back has joined up with the DR Congo squad to
face Senegal in the French town of Blois, 115 miles west of Paris.

Three younger members of the West Ham squad could also be in international
action on Wednesday evening. Defender Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson and goalkeeper
Marek Stech could face one another when Iceland take on Czech Republic in a
friendly Under-21 match in Reykjavik. Finally, youth team midfielder Georg
Grasser will be part of the Austria U20 squad for a friendly international
with Switzerland in Stegersbach.

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New Season - New Optimism
Mr Polite - Wed Aug 12 2009
West Ham Online

Never before have I been so underwhelmed a few days before the start of the
season. The start of the season is when all teams are equal, even if some
are more equal than others, and a time for renewed optimism a time to forget
about the failed endeavours of seasons past and to feel rejuvenated, a blank
canvass on which to paint the dreams of glory.

This board has had a lot of negativity – or what I would call realism over
the last month or so and it is with little wonder considering the lack of
transfer activity, the loss of the club captain, the lack of fitness of our
best striker etc etc etc.

Now although we can't ignore the weaknesses of the squad we have now reached
the time of year to get behind what we have, to give them our full support,
to show them we don't blame them for the weaknesses in the squad and that we
are right behind them – after all we do actually have many things to be
positive about.

We have one of the best Goalkeepers in the league who will be doing his best
to make the England number 1 shirt his own in the summer. We have three of
the four backline that did well last year and seemed to improve each game,
including one of the best young talents the academy has produced in years.
Faubert looks like he will be starting the season as our right back and
hopefully playing alongside the other three he will do well as some glimpses
in the Napoli game showed he can.

We have a good midfield with Noble, Collison, Parker, Jimenez, along with
the emerging talents of Stanislas and maybe even Payne and Savio. The
fitness (at the moment) of Dyer is a massive plus and cliché city – he will
be like a new signing. I haven't even mentioned our best player of last
season Behrami. Looking at our midfield can only fill you confidence.

Another thing to add confidence is looking at the other teams, not many of
them have really improved and there are some very poor teams in the league
this year. It may not be the ideal way of getting confidence but seeing as
we did so well against teams finishing below us last year it really is a
positive thing for us. With a couple of strikers which I am sure we will get
mid table should be achieved with relative ease, if we keep our main players
fit we really could push on to better than expected, who knows?

So although we can see negatives from the close season – I am now focusing
on the positives, focusing on the good starting 11 we have and focusing on
getting behind the team, after all we all want to succeed and giving them
our full support is the best opportunity we have of that happening. So for
you that are joining me at Wolves on Saturday, bring you voices, bring your
cheer, sing up for the hammers, the new season's here!

COME ON YOUR RIP ROARING FREE SCORING IRONSS!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for reading
Mr Polite

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Neill to start from bench against Ireland
Posted August 12, 2009 19:04:00
Updated August 12, 2009 19:09:00

Socceroos captain Lucas Neill looks likely to start on the bench in tomorrow
morning's friendly match against Ireland in Limerick. The English Premier
League season starts this weekend and Neill is still without a club after
his contract with West Ham expired. Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek says he has
discussed the situation with Neill, but cannot reveal his prospects. "We
have Lucas Neill with us and we know that Lucas at this moment has not
signed a contract," he said. "I cannot say anything about his future because
it's up to him to say something about the future." Verbeek says he is not
concerned that Neill is yet to find a new club and said it had not affected
his fitness.
"Lucas is I'm sure, 100 per cent sure he will find an interesting club for
himself and his career," he said. "Even without having a club he looks so
fit. He's ready, he's trained very hard for himself. So he's ready to step
in for any club who's willing to pick him up."
Verbeek said Scott McDonald would play as a lone striker in the friendly
after Japanese-based striker Josh Kennedy was left out of the squad because
of the time it would have taken him to travel to and from the match. Verbeek
says while McDonald prefers to play alongside a tall target-man, he also
needs to learn how to perform on his own. "The striker we normally have is
Josh Kennedy," he said. "He's the ideal partner I think for Scott. He likes
to play with a two-striker system, and he plays at the moment with three
strikers normally. So he has to get used to that."

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Zola targets Toni and Gudjohnsen for new-look West Ham strike force
Italian hopes to sign both strikers by 1 September
Jamie Jackson The Guardian, Wednesday 12 August 2009

West Ham hope to sign both Bayern Munich's Luca Toni and Eidur Gudjohnsen
from Barcelona by the end of this summer's transfer window, which closes on
1 September, with each deal potentially being on an initial loan basis. The
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola views the pair, who are experienced and
accomplished strikers for their respective clubs and countries, as ideal
additions to his squad, which currently has Carlton Cole and the injured
Dean Ashton as its only senior forwards, following the knee injury to Luis
Boa Morte. He is expected to be ruled out of a first-team return until after
Christmas.

Italy striker Toni has indicated he is keen on a move to Upton Park and his
agent, Jose Alberti, recently said: "At Bayern [he] is not playing ,and Zola
is a great friend of his. I think it will happen." Toni, who has scored 38
times in 56 Bundesliga appearances and was Bayern's top scorer last season,
is thought to be under contract until 2012 and there may be clauses that are
proving a stumbling block. But while West Ham have been in discussion with
Toni's camp for weeks and are confident any contractual difficulties can be
negotiated, Gudjohnsen's arrival in east London from Barcelona is a decision
that may rest, in part, with the player.

The former Chelsea forward has been in contact with the West Ham hierarchy
in recent weeks but is thought to have some personal affairs that may affect
the 30-year-old's future. Gudjohnsen can also play in midfield, which would
offer Zola further options as he hopes to improve on last year's ninth place
Premier League finish.

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Ex-West Ham captain Lucas Neill could be back at Upton Park
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 9:22 AM on 12th August 2009
Daily Mail

Lucas Neill has not ruled out a return to West Ham. The former Hammers
skipper turned down reduced terms to stay at Upton Park when his contract
expired at the end of last season. The 31-year-old Australia international
received an offer from Sunderland and has been linked with Manchester City
and Turkish giants Galatasaray, where countryman Harry Kewell is playing.
Neill said: 'There's an offer from West Ham and it's an offer that's on the
shortlist. But there are a number of clubs who have shown an interest.'

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United Aim To Sign Toni & Gudjohnsen Before Transfer Window Shuts –
Report
Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola is keen to wrap up deals for the pair...
12 Aug 2009 08:58:42

West Ham United are still hopeful of signing both Bayern Munich's Luca Toni
and Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen before the transfer window closes. The
Hammers may attempt to initially sign the pair on loan deals in order to
secure their immediate services, as there continues to be financial and
personal stumbling blocks in both moves, according to The Guardian. Hammers
manager Gianfranco Zola has been vocal in his admiration for former Chelsea
team-mate Gudjohnsen over the summer, and the Italian has admitted the door
would be open to the Icelandic star, should he wish to return to England.
Meanwhile, Italian frontman Toni has fallen out of favour at German outfit
Bayern Munich, despite his prolific goal scoring record in his first season
at the club, and he is understood to have welcomed a move to east London.
Toni's agent, Jose Alberti, is in confident mood with regards to a move to
Upton Park for his client. "At Bayern [he] is not playing, and Zola is a
great friend of his. I think it will happen," he said, according to the UK
newspaper. West Ham are short of options in attack, with Carlton Cole the
only fit, available and experienced striker in their current squad.

Jamie Dunn, Goal.com

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West Ham to show European intent by completing ambitious double deal
Sport.co.uk
Author: Ben Moss
Posted on:12 August 2009 - 09:33

West Ham will reportedly pip a host of Premier League rivals to the
signature of former Bolton and Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohnsen, as well
finalising a deal for Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni. Gudjohnsen has also
been linked with Aston Villa, Everton and Tottenham, but the Guardian
suggests Gianfranco Zola is close to completing a loan deal for the
Barcelona forward with the option of a permanent move at the end of the
year. Zola has made no secret of his desire to sign his former Stamford
Bridge teammate, and while the deal is not yet complete, West Ham remain
hopeful a move for the Icelandic international will be completed shortly.
Italian international Luca Toni has fallen out of favour at Bayern, despite
scoring a glut of goals in his second season at the club. The player's agent
recently claimed, a move to Upton Park was a distinct possibility due to
Zola and Toni's friendship. Jose Alberti is quoted by the Guardian as
saying: "At Bayern [he] is not playing, and Zola is a great friend of his."
"I think it will happen."

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Derby swoop for West Ham keeper Walker
13.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

Derby are swooping for West Ham United goalkeeper Jimmy Walker. The Mirror
says Derby boss Nigel Clough is ready to snap up experienced keeper Walker
on a free transfer from West Ham. The far-travelled shot-stopper is expected
to sign a contract in the next few days as Clough drops his interest in
Blackburn reserve Frank Fielding.

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Zola fears international injuries for West Ham
By Simon Hayes on August 12, 2009 10:03 AM
Wharf.co.uk

Gianfranco Zola is praying all his West Ham players come through their
international commitments this evening as he counts down to the Premier
League kick-off. Zola has a number of key players turning out for their
countries this week, including three in the England squad against Holland.
Carlton Cole, Rob Green and Matthew Upson could all see some action in
Amsterdam tonight and the Hammers boss hopes they return to east London
unscathed as he makes his final preparations for Saturday's visit to
Wolverhampton Wanderers. He said: "Yes, I am worried about injuries. I don't
think it's the best time to be playing but unfortunately this is the
international schedule and you can't avoid it. "I understand it is important
for the international teams as well. I've been with the [Italian]
international team until some time ago so I know these fixtures are
important. "I can't do anything about it, but as far as I'm concerned it's
not the best."
As well as the England trio the Irons have James Collins, Danny Gabbidon and
Jack Collison playing for Wales in Montenegro, Jon Spector with the USA in
Mexico City, while Herita Ilunga is in the DR Congo squad playing Sengal in
France. Having had several weeks of pre-season to try and get his squad up
to fitness and gelling as a unit Zola now finds his final preparations
disrupted, with the danger of losing key personnel before the Irons have
even kicked a competitive ball. He said: "It's not ideal because one week
before the start of the season you'd like to prepare the game with the whole
team. Certainly Wolves will probably have the game prepared better than us
because they will have the whole team. "But I'm not complaining. I know the
rules, I know the stakes, and I'll get on with that and we'll try to make
the best out of it."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM: Hunt on for more firepower ahead of Wolves opener
11:07am Wednesday 12th August 2009
Guardian Series
By Kevin Bradford »

THE need for more firepower in the West Ham front line was again evident
during the 1-0 defeat to Napoli at the weekend. Much has been made of
Gianfranco Zola's pursuit of a striker, with Carlton Cole the only fit,
recognised goalscorer in the squad. The Hammers have been linked with
Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen and Bayern Munich's Italy forward Luca Toni
over the summer, although the only capture in that position has been
17-year-old Frank Nouble from Chelsea. Ahead of the season opener away at
Wolverhapton Wanderers this Saturday, Zola said: "Everybody knows that the
forward line is a position that we need a little bit more cover for. "But I
rely on the club and they are trying to strengthen the team. Maybe this week
something will happen. "Certainly Toni is a good player, but I don't know if
he will be a West Ham player in the future. He's a good player, but right
now I can't say anything, but we will see what happens."
A cutting edge was all that was missing for West Ham at the weekend, as they
controlled long periods of the Bobby Moore cup match against Italian Serie A
side SSC Napoli before going down 1-0. And with Cole again likely to
spearhead the attack at Molineux on Saturday, Zola said he was delighted
with the performances of last season's top scorer. He said: "Carlton Cole is
no surprise any more for me. "Some of the bits he does are unbelievable. He
is improving day by day, his confidence, his presence, his perception. I'm
very pleased by his performance."
He was, however, unable to give a return date for striker Dean Ashton, who,
despite being out for almost a year, has been linked with a move away from
the club. Zola said: "All I can say is that he is a player that I would love
to have in my side. "Can you imagine the impact of having a player like him
in the team? He's a big player. He is one of the players I would have loved
to play with."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 12th August 2009

Tube open for Spurs
WHUFC.com
TfL have confirmed that Upton Park Tube station will be open for the visit
of Tottenham on 23 August
11.08.2009

Fans will be pleased to learn that planned London Underground improvement
work at Upton Park station on Sunday 23 August has been cancelled.

Transport for London confirmed the news on Tuesday afternoon which means
that the station will be open for the Barclays Premier League visit of
Tottenham Hotspur. "[District line] works between Barking and Upminster, and
on the Hammersmith and City line, have now been cancelled on this day."
However, the Jubilee line will be closed throughout the day.

As it stands, the Hammersmith and City line and the District line will be
shut between Barking and Whitechapel for the home game with Liverpool on
Saturday 19 September. This means that Plaistow, Upton Park and East Ham
tube stations will have no underground service running to them.

For further information and journey planning, please visit the Transport for
London website by clicking here. whufc.com will also have further travel
information in the run-up to both matches.

Tickets for the two games are now on sale to club members. Click here for
more information.

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Junior makes U21 bow
WHUFC.com
Junior Stanislas and James Tomkins both represented England Under-21s in a
midweek friendly
11.08.2009

Junior Stanislas got his first taste of international football at Under-21
level when he played for England in an impressive 0-0 draw in the
Netherlands.

Club team-mate James Tomkins played the full 90 minutes while Freddie Sears,
on a season-long loan at Crystal Palace, was handed seven minutes off the
bench as a replacement for Stanislas to earn his first experience of
Under-21 football.

All three homegrown Hammers had previously played together within the U20
set-up while Tomkins was also part of the Young Lions squad that reached the
final of the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship earlier this summer.
Mark Noble had captained that side but is now too old for that level.

At the Euroborg in Groningen on Wednesday night, Stanislas nearly helped
break the deadlock within a minute of the start of the second half when his
return pass to captain Micah Richards allowed the defender to test Tim Krul
with a powerful drive. Ten minutes later, the attack-minded No7 went close
to grabbing the opening goal for himself when his 25-yard free-kick tested
Krul once more.

Former Hammers defender Stuart Pearce had named a strong starting XI for the
game with the 19-year-old Stanislas joining Everton's James Vaughan and
Aston Villa new boy Fabian Delph as the three players who were not part of
the squad that reached the UEFA final in Sweden just over a month ago.

The friendly result will act as a springboard for Pearce's youngsters as
they begin their qualification for the 2011 Euro with games against FYR
Macedonia and Greece next month.

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Hartson discharged from hospital
BBC.co.uk

Former football star John Hartson has been discharged from hospital, where
he has been having treatment for cancer. The 34-year-old ex-Wales, Arsenal
and Celtic striker was diagnosed about a month ago with testicular cancer,
which spread to his lungs and brain. He was initially treated at Swansea's
Morriston Hospital and was transferred to a cancer ward at Singleton
Hospital in the city last week. The hospital said he would continue with
chemotherapy as an outpatient. Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University NHS Trust
said in a statement: "John Hartson has completed the first phase of his
chemotherapy treatment and has been discharged from hospital. "He will now
continue his chemotherapy treatment as an outpatient of the hospital." His
family also issued a statement thanking all the staff at the two hospitals
for "their support in getting John to this stage in his treatment".
Last week, the retired player spoke for the first time following his
diagnosis, thanking staff and fans who had sent him messages and gifts. He
said: "People have taken time out to write a message and buy a card and that
means a lot." Some of the most recent messages and support have come from
other sporting figures such as boxer Joe Calzaghe and former Wales and
Manchester United footballer Mickey Thomas. He has also had support from
troops in Afghanistan and US Marines, his family revealed, along with Lance
Armstrong, the American cyclist who has himself overcome cancer.

The footballer, whose other clubs included Luton, West Bromwich Albion,
Coventry and West Ham United, had surgery on his brain before starting
chemotherapy. Hartson retired from football in February 2008 and had been
working as a television pundit.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola: Savio 'struggling'
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th August 2009
By: Staff Writer

Gianfranco Zola has told the local press that Savio Nsereko is struggling to
adapt to conditions in London. The German youth international was signed
from Bescia last January and, unusually for a youth player, was granted a
press conference to hail his signing. However that much-heralded arrival -
plus the weight of a transfer fee which has been rumoured to be anything
from £500,000 to £9million - is something that the quiet teenager has
apparently found difficult to live up to. "He has quality," Zola told the
London Paper, "but is really struggling with the heavy expectation on him.
"We're still working on the boy - but won't be putting any pressure on him."
Savio - who returned home for a brief period towards the end of last season
- made just one league start for the Hammers last term but featured from the
bench on nine occasions. However he has barely featured in pre-season,
leading to speculation amongst supporters that far is all from well. Zola
also spoke about about Dean Ashton, with whom he was rumoured to be
'furious' upon discovering that the former England striker was far from
fully fit prior to the China tour last month. "I'm thinking about Dean
Ashton as a person," he said. "He is feeling down but we have a very good
spirit here and everybody has been trying hard to cheer him up."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
NEILL SET TO DECIDE ON FUTURE
Posted 11/08/09 14:47EmailPrintSave
Football365

Australia international Lucas Neill is ready to decide where he will be
playing football next season. Neill is currently a free agent and looking
for a new contract after his deal with West Ham expired over the summer. The
31-year-old, who has been linked with Sunderland and Manchester City, has
confirmed the Hammers have an offer on the table and that he remains open to
a swift return to Upton Park. However, Neill is refusing to confirm where he
will end up, stating only that he is looking forward to resolving his
future. Neill has offers from outside of England, although he leaning
against having to settle in a new environment and tackle a new language.
"It's been interesting, it's been a little frustrating as well, but at the
same time exciting," Neill told Fox Sports. "There's a number of clubs who
have shown an interest and my agents have been talking to them. "But I think
we're down to the shortlist and I just want to get amongst it now and join a
team and focus on the season ahead. "There's an offer [from West Ham]. And
it's an offer that's on the shortlist, it's being considered. I'm very loyal
to West Ham. "We are talking to two clubs outside of England. That's been
the hardest one because it's a language barrier, it's a change of what I've
been used to for 14 years. "So that decision takes a lot of courage to do
but that's why I've taken my time because it's not something I take
lightly."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fabio Capello rules out Arsenal's Manuel Almunia despite England keeper
crisis By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 6:47 PM on 11th August 2009
Daily Mail

Fabio Capello has ruled out any chance of Manuel Almunia being called up
during his time as England manager. With David James already ruled out
through injury and Ben Foster pulling out of Wednesday's friendly with
Holland in Amsterdam because of a knee problem, talk has once again started
to surface about the Arsenal keeper.
Almunia is now eligible to play for England under FIFA's residency rules and
has revealed fellow Gunner Theo Walcott has already quizzed him about
whether he would be interested. It always seemed like something the FA
hierarchy would frown upon and a gentlemen's agreement is believed to exist
between the four home nations to prevent such a scenario occurring in the
future. And, while he was not at his most expansive when addressing the
subject, Capello made it pretty clear the whole idea of choosing Almunia was
a total non-starter. 'Almunia, for me, is Spanish,' he said. 'He is Spanish
and he plays for the Arsenal team.' With James and Foster ruled out, it
seems certain West Ham's Robert Green will keep his place at the Amsterdam
ArenA, with Paul Robinson and Joe Hart, who has had to join Birmingham on
loan after having his first-team place at Manchester City taken by Shay
Given.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham in the hunt for Napoli defender Leandro RinaudoBy Sportsmail
Reporter
Last updated at 1:16 AM on 12th August 2009
Daily Mail

West Ham are interested in Napoli defender Leandro Rinaudo, with manager
Gianfranco Zola keen to bring the 6ft 3in centre-back over on loan in case
he loses Matthew Upson or James Collins.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Neill insists he is loyal to West Ham
12.08.09 | Andrew Slevison

Lucas Neill insists he is loyal to West Ham but is still considering offers
from other clubs. The Australian international has been linked with a move
away from Upton Park for the entire off season but is still yet to sign
anywhere. But the 31-year old defender says he does not want to rush such a
big decision as he weighs up a number of different options. "It's been
interesting, it's been a little frustrating as well, but at the same time
exciting," Neill told Fox Sports. "There are a number of clubs who have
shown an interest and my agents have been talking to them. "But I think
we're down to the shortlist and I just want to get amongst it now and join a
team and focus on the season ahead. "There's an offer from West Ham and it's
an offer that's on the shortlist, it's being considered. I'm very loyal to
West Ham. "We are talking to two clubs outside of England. That's been the
hardest one because it's a language barrier, it's a change of what I've been
used to for 14 years. "So that decision takes a lot of courage to do, but
that's why I've taken my time because it's not something I take lightly."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - II 11th August 2009

Freddie ready for U21 bow
WHUFC.com
Freddie Sears is keen to make his England U21 debut in the Netherlands on
Tuesday evening
11.08.2009

Having followed James Tomkins and Junior Stanislas in going out on loan,
Freddie Sears is eager to emulate the duo again by making his England
Under-21 debut on Tuesday.

The forward, who has joined Crystal Palace for the 2009/10 season, has been
named in Stuart Pearce's squad for the first time for the friendly against
the Netherlands in Groningen. Having impressed on his Eagles debut, a 1-1
draw with Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, former U19 and U20 international
Sears is itching to show what he can do at international level.

Should Pearce select the 19-year-old, he could line up alongside West Ham
United club-mates Tomkins and Stanislas, both of whom could be in line to
start at Euroborg after enjoying loan successful spells at Derby County and
Southend United respectively last season.

"Tonka and Junior went out on loan last season and did very well," said
Sears. "The manager [Gianfranco Zola] talks about them and what they have
done. I think that coming to Palace and playing games is the main factor, so
scoring and playing well are extras.

"I have not experienced Championship football before. Saturday's game was a
good starter for me. It felt good in front of a good home crowd, but I got
kicked a few times!"

Sears revealed he had jumped at the chance to join Palace when the
opportunity arose in the summer, stating his intention to start matches and
to score goals regularly for the south London club.

"Last season was very frustrating as I was coming on for ten or 20 minutes
and this season it will be good for me to be a main threat in the team," he
said.

"I wanted to go out on loan last season and I spoke to the manager and said
that it was a bit frustrating. He said 'I want you to go out. I want to play
you here, but we have not got many players and I want you on the bench to
come on'. At the end of the season he said that I could go out next season
and have a crack at it.

"I came here and spoke to the manager for an hour and he said that I would
play so that was the main thing for me."

England's U21 side will be keen to bounce back after going down to a 4-0
defeat by Germany in the final of the UEFA European Championship in Sweden
in June.

Since then, Pearce has lost a host of established U21 stars, including
captain Mark Noble, Aston Villa's James Milner and Birmingham City
goalkeeper Joe Hart.

However, with the likes of Sears, Tomkins, Stanislas, Everton midfielder
Jack Rodwell, Arsenal playmaker Jack Wilshere and Chelsea forward Daniel
Sturridge at his disposal, the former West Ham and England left-back will be
hopeful of going one better in Denmark in 2011.

England's qualification campaign will begin with three Group Nine matches in
Macedonia and Greece on 4 and 8 September.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moore thanks for fans
WHUFC.com
Stephanie Moore has paid tribute to the fans that helped raised significant
funds for charity
11.08.2009

West Ham United may have narrowly lost the second annual Bobby Moore Cup on
Saturday but those fans that were at the Boleyn Ground should not feel too
deflated after helping to raise vital funds for the Bobby Moore Fund for
Cancer Research.

Bobby's widow Stephanie Moore MBE was a guest of honour for the game against
Serie A side SCC Napoli and took great pleasure in seeing the 21,364 fans
create a cauldron of noise before kick-off. More importantly perhaps,
though, £1 from every ticket sold was donated directly to the Fund and that
figure will be matched by the club.

"It wasn't all about the result," Stephanie said. "It was a game in memory
of Bobby, the Bobby Moore Cup, and it benefitted the Bobby Moore Fund for
Cancer Research UK. There's a tremendous turn out of over 21,000. It just
shows how much the fans support Bobby, the charity and of course West Ham.

"I would like to say a massive thank-you to them. Every penny is very
important and I'm very grateful, especially as it is being done in Bobby's
memory. All of the money raised will be spent on bowel cancer research, the
disease that Bobby died from."

Stephanie was joined on the pitch by Sir Trevor Brooking before kick-off and
she felt it fitting that the stand bearing his name was opened on the same
day as the Bobby Moore Cup.

"To see the stand opened in Sir Trevor's name was lovely and very fitting
that it should be opposite the Bobby Moore Stand. They were great friends
and played together as well so it's lovely to see that.

"It's a marvellous start to the season, it's just a shame about the result.
It was a lovely game and it was great to see Napoli here."

The Bobby Moore Cup match not only kicked off West Ham United's home game
campaign for the 2009/10 season, but also another year-long drive to raise
funds for the charity set up in the name of the West Ham United and England
legend.

"For the season ahead, we've got another abseil at the Boleyn Ground, I took
part in the last one. It was a little frightening but I really enjoyed doing
it," Stephanie said.

"We've then got the international projects as well. One going off to Brazil
in September and then another one in March where we go off to rebuild
schools in remote areas with all of the money raised through sponsorship
staying with Cancer Research UK."

To see more on where the money raised is being spent and more information on
the fund, visit www.bobbymoorefund.org

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Spurs-Liverpool ticket update
WHUFC.com
Supporters can still get tickets for the first two home matches against
Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool
11.08.2009

Time is running out for fans wanting to see the first two home games of the
new 2009/10 Barclays Premier League season.

Tickets are on general sale for the visit of Tottenham Hotspur at 1.30pm on
Sunday 23 August and Liverpool at 5.30pm on Saturday 19 September. Prices
for both games start from £45 for adults and £25.50 for Under-16's with
further discounts available for over-65s, Young Adult and Youth Academy
members.

Any remaining tickets can be purchased either in person from the West Stand
ticket office, by calling 0871 222 2700 via Option 1 or by clicking here.

Tottenham Hotspur preview
West Ham United open their complement of Barclays Premier League home
fixtures for 2009/10 with the mouth-watering visit of rivals Tottenham
Hotspur. Managed by former Hammers boss Harry Redknapp, Spurs have been
active in the transfer market over the summer, bringing in Portsmouth and
England striker Peter Crouch and Sheffield United full-back pair Kyle
Naughton and Kyle Walker. Gianfranco Zola and his players will be eager to
start the new campaign in fine style at the Boleyn Ground.

Liverpool preview
Rafael Benitez will bring his Liverpool side to the Boleyn Ground keen for a
repeat of the 3-0 victory the Reds secured over West Ham United on 9 May
last season. Spain striker Fernando Torres and England midfielder Steven
Gerrard were on fine form that day, and the Hammers rearguard will have to
be at their very best to blunt that potent pair. Liverpool have brought in
England right-back Glen Johnson, a former West Ham Academy graduate, and
Alberto Aquilani while Spain pair Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa have
departed for Real Madrid.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Neill on contract talks
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th August 2009
By: Staff Writer

Lucas Neill has spoken about his situation for the first time since leaving
West Ham at the end of last season. The 31-year-old Australian defender left
the Hammers when his two-and-a-half year contract ended at the end of last
season but is yet to seal a deal for the forthcoming season. Having been
courted by the likes of Galatasary and Sunderland the right-back would
appear to have plenty of options available - but insists that West Ham will
always be his first choice. Talking to Fox Sports last night, Neill said:
"It's been interesting, it's been a little frustrating as well, but at the
same time exciting. There's a number of clubs who have shown an interest and
my agents have been talking to them. "Obviously being a big family decision
as well now, it's a tough choice. But I think we're down to the shortlist
and I just want to get amongst it now and join a team and focus on the
season ahead. "There's an offer [from West Ham] ad it's an offer that's on
the shortlist, it's being considered. I'm very loyal to West Ham and what
they've done for me for two years. "We are talking to two clubs outside of
England but that's the biggest decision. That's been the hardest one because
it's a language barrier, it's a change of what I've been used to for 14
years. So that decision takes a lot of courage to do but that's why I've
taken my time because it's not something I take lightly."
West Ham have refused to budge on a one-year contract extention offered to
Neill towards the end of last season, however the defender is thought to be
seeking a contract at the same level as his last one - something West Ham
United are not currently prepared to do. However that situation could
change should players sales allow Gianfranco Zola the luxury of a transfer
budget.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola 'under no pressure' to sell, but what if they want to go?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th August 2009
By: Thomas Rooney

From West Ham's point of view, there has been far too much talk of players
leaving this summer. Anyone who has performed well for the club in the last
couple of seasons seems to have been linked with a move away.

Lucas Neill has already gone and the likes of Matthew Upson – who is wanted
by Manchester City – is reportedly on the market to ease the club's
financial worries. Overall, it doesn't sound too good at the moment.

However, chief executive Scott Duxbury has eased any worries by saying that
these reports are wide of the mark and that Gianfranco Zola is actually more
concerned about which players he wants to add to his squad.

Speaking to the club's official website, Duxbury said that the financial
position of the club 'remains the same as it was last week or it was in
January'. By this he means that Zola being forced to sell anyone isn't a
reality the Italian is faced with.

Taking this point even further, Duxbury said that the only way a player
would leave the club would be if the manager 'thinks it's in the best
interests of the squad as a whole'. In the end, the decision will be Zola's
and not those who pull the purse strings, according to the club's CEO.

The term 'in the best interests of the squad' is an interesting one though.
This doesn't by any means suggest that Zola will only let players go who he
feels add nothing to the team. Instead, it could mean that if a player wants
to leave and his desire to do so is upsetting morale, it's a safe bet that
Zola could see letting him go as the best option.

This is probably the case with Upson right now. Zola knows that he is the
best defender at the club and even though he might not be financially forced
to sell, he may be in other ways. Upson is bound to be interested in a move
to Manchester City and if this is the case, Zola may be forced to give him
his wish.

West Ham will benefit financially from this as well though, so it could
definitely be seen as 'in the best interests of the club' that Upson is
sold. For a player of 30-years-old, Upson's transfer would see the club make
around £15m and this could be used to strengthen the defence and other
areas.

Overall, it is going to be an interesting couple of weeks until the transfer
window closes. However, if West Ham are to sell players like Upson, they are
better off doing it now so that Zola has more time to find a replacement.
Otherwise, the team could really feel the loss of their influential defender
in the opening weeks of the season.

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Hammers in new striker link
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th August 2009
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are being linked with a move for Bordeaux's Moroccan striker
Marouane Chamakh. 25-year-old Chamakh has been strongly linked throughout
the summer with Arsenal, who are rumoured to have had a £6million bid for
the wantaway striker already rejected. But according to today's edition of
L'Equipe, West Ham have now entered the race to sign the international who
is set to leave the French club having refused to sign a new contract.
Chamakh's current deal is thought to have just one year left to run.
Bordeaux are said to have set Chamakh's asking price at £15million
initially, although that was reduced due to the player entering the final
year of his contract. Quite where the Hammers would get that kind of money
from remains a mystery, and it is not beyond the realms of possibility that
the Hammers are simply being used as a pawn to hasten Chamakh's move to the
Emirates.
Chamakh, who was born and raised in France but opted to play for his
parent's country of birth began his career with local side FC Marmandais.
Having been snapped up by Bordeaux at the turn of the century he made his
full debut (aged 18) in 2002, although it was another two years before he
became a regular in the first team.
Although never prolific, the 6'2" striker has scored 46 goals in 189
appearances for les Girondins including a season-best tally of 13 last
season. His main attributes are considered to be his aerial strength and
close control.

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Neill to decide on future
Australia defender ready to sign on the dotted line
Last updated: 11th August 2009
SSN

Australia international Lucas Neill is ready to decide where he will be
playing football next season. Neill is currently a free agent and looking
for a new contract after his deal with West Ham expired over the summer. The
31-year-old, who has been linked with Sunderland and Manchester City, has
confirmed West Ham have an offer on the table and that he remains open to a
swift return to Upton Park. However, Neill is refusing to confirm where he
will end up, stating only that he is looking forward to resolving his
future. Neill has offers from outside of England, although he leaning
against having to settle in a new environment and tackle a new language.
"It's been interesting, it's been a little frustrating as well, but at the
same time exciting," Neill told Fox Sports. "There's a number of clubs who
have shown an interest and my agents have been talking to them. "But I think
we're down to the shortlist and I just want to get amongst it now and join a
team and focus on the season ahead. "There's an offer [from West Ham]. And
it's an offer that's on the shortlist, it's being considered. I'm very loyal
to West Ham. "We are talking to two clubs outside of England. That's been
the hardest one because it's a language barrier, it's a change of what I've
been used to for 14 years. "So that decision takes a lot of courage to do
but that's why I've taken my time because it's not something I take
lightly."

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Great Expectations?
Billy Blagg - Tue Aug 11 2009
West Ham Online

I'm old enough to remember when the start of the new football season was a
time of great excitement and possibility. I'm pleased to say I'm not that
old to deny the excitement is still there, but possibility? – I think not –
this is the Golden Age of the Premiership and the story has virtually been
written before a ball has been kicked.

In one of Sunday's newspapers, Piers Morgan - no I don't understand it
either – wrote a pithy two-sentence 20-point prediction article that
included most team's prospects for the season. The Hammers were given
begrudging respect in an interesting analysis: 'West Ham won't win anything
but they will be the most entertaining team to watch. Gianfranco Zola has
brought class and flair to the Hammers'. Your reaction to that assessment
will probably say a lot about your love affair – or lack of passion – of the
21st Century football factory and the Barclays' Premier League.

'Won't win anything'? Well, what is there to win? Unless UEFA, along with
the National Lottery, have decided that the maxim you need to be 'in it to
win it' no longer applies, then a European title isn't available and the
Premiership itself is out of the question and probably has been since Bobby
Moore moved to Craven Cottage or, at least, when Tony Cottee and Frank
McAvennie stopped competing to score the best goal in a game. Best odds of
500/1 (I've seen some of 1500/1)– and a lot of us have to swallow something
jagged when we read that – indicate that there is only a slightly greater
possibility of us dancing in the streets of Upton Park next May than there
is for us to get served a 'Shergar Burger' by Elvis Presley down at the
Kursaal on Sunday.

2008 showed the FA Cup isn't just the preserve of the top six and we always
have 2006 to cling too, so that's a possibility if the top players from
Chelsea. Manchester and Liverpool start fretting about next summer's World
Cup or the 'balls committee' pulls out some draw that ensures no top five
club survives past round six but, other than that, it's the Carling Cup and,
long overdue though a win is, it's never been a competition we have taken
too kindly to. Nevertheless, if we want some silverware a strong tilt at the
Carling would seem to be West Ham's best option.

But there is another way of looking at this; 'the most entertaining team to
watch'? It may not be what a lot of us want to read – after all, West Ham
have had their epithet to carry with them for many decades and it's been a
millstone for many of them – but, when all other possibilities are exhausted
perhaps it's the one we should all really be grateful for. After all, it
costs a lot of money to watch football now, so why shouldn't be royally
entertained by players, many of whom are local, have come up through the
ranks and who we can relate too in some small way, and go home satisfied
after a good game? In fact, if we want another Moore or Cottee along the way
then, make no mistake, that is the only way we are going to get it; a brave
manager not afraid to give youth its chance, coaching the right way and
encouraging play in the manner in which the Manager himself graced the
pitch. If, along the way, we can throw in a bit of professionalism and a
hard reality that sometimes you need to tough things out to get a result
(something Bobby Moore always complained to Ron Greenwood about) then should
we be asking for anything else? In many ways, what Piers Morgan is
predicting is nothing more or less than what we have usually demanded and
expected from West Ham anyway.

Of course, tradition demands I run through the squad and highlight the
weaknesses and strengths and I'd have to say, compared to some seasons in
recent memory, it really isn't a particularly onerous task. Transfer window
notwithstanding, we can pretty much expect to see the current England
goalkeeper and centre-half in defence, in fact, had Lucas Neill not jumped
ship for reasons unknown – he's still not currently found a club so surely
his fortunes would be better be served by playing in a top ten Premier
League club? – we could have looked at almost the same strong defensive unit
as last season. Securing the permanent services of Ilunga at left-back can
only help the cause – particularly if he plays as well this season as he did
last – and the return from injury of Gabbidon can only help the squad
strength; James Tomkins can only get better and, barring major injuries and
provided a right-back can be found either within the squad or without, this
defence looks as good as anything outside of the top six.

In midfield, West Ham's major close signing coup (humour intended) was
announced by the arrival of Chile's Luis Jiminez on a season-long loan;
assuming the South American can settle in and adapt to the conditions in
England, this could be a signing to rate up there with the acquisition of
Paolo di Canio. The Hammers are also served by the second season of several
highly rated youngsters who made their debuts last and look more than
capable of adding to the strength of the squad, Junior Stanislas and,
particularly, Jack Collison were two of the major highlights of 2008/09, the
latter giving the type of performances last seen when Rio Ferdinand and
Frank Jnr. made their debuts, in that it is easy to see the talent available
and difficult to envisage how that talent is not going to get so much better
as time goes on. Add Behrami and Parker returning from injury – their loss
late last season contributed to the Hammer's eventually missing out on the
European slot – and if Keiron Dyer can remain fit (please, no laughing at
the back there!) then, again, it is hard to see why this unit can't compete
with the best. There's probably some concern about a lack of width but the
fact is that a club like West Ham can't cover for every eventualities and,
unless something drastic happens and we become the plaything of a Russian
oligarch or an Oil soaked Arabian prince then shortcomings like this will
have to be endured.

It is up front though, that West Ham may struggle unless strengthened by the
time the transfer window closes. Craig Bellamy was never adequately replaced
in January and the reported fees of his 'replacement' Savio, looked to have
been sadly misspent. I trust Zola and Clarke implicitly and assume there is
much more to come from the young German; I know he is young and the
transition to England is bound to unsettle but he is listed on the club
pages as a striker and we really need to start seeing some goals otherwise
the fans are going to start asking some serious questions. I still question
the decision to replace a proven Premier striker with a player 'for the
future' and, if Savio isn't yet 'ready' then I fear for where the goals will
come from.

Carlton Cole has been a revelation since the forward line was thrust upon
him because of injuries elsewhere, and it's great to see his hard work
rewarded with an England place but Cole isn't a goal poacher and he
desperately needs support along side him. Did someone mention Dean Ashton?
Well, certainly, if fit (I told you once – stop sniggering or you'll be held
back after school!) then we have more than just an answer but, just
conceivably, England's front pairing too. Common sense dictates though that
injuries are a given and this forward line may struggle to score
consistently enough to worry anyone above 7th or 8th in the division.

Worries over squad strength and individual shortcomings fade though, when
you look at the overall management of the club (and how many seasons have I
longed to say that?). Zola and Clarke are two seasoned professionals who
know what they want and appear to understand how to get it; Gianfranco
himself is a sizeable asset to the club as it has already been demonstrated
how his legacy is able to attract players who may normally have gone
elsewhere. The beautiful irony here is that it was this very asset that
Chelsea, then a scuffling has-been unit, used to first attract Ruud Gullit
and started the club on the long climb up that bought them players like Zola
and, eventually, attraction from one of the world's richest men.

Although transfer windows will always be a worry for West Ham with the
assurance that one of the Champions League bound mob will come sniffing
around our prospects with a large cheque book, there is now an offset
scenario that means that a Jiminez might be tempted to work with Zola or a
prospect like Frank Nouble will only be too happy to sign for a club where
his talent will be nurtured and encouraged. Long term – Daily Mail
headlines, Icelandic bankruptcy and general pessimism notwithstanding –
things look better than they have done for some considerable time. Hell,
I've even started warming to CEO Scott Duxbury who appears to be talking
sense and, unusually for West Ham, the truth for once (Don't let me down
will you, Mr Duxbury?).

So, I'm not predicting big things – I've even advised cash strapped student
Blagg Jnr. not to gamble on finishing above Spurs this year – but I am
expecting a steady improvement of aspects for the club as a whole and I'm
not at all upset that Amanda Holden's right-hand man is damning with faint
praise, in fact I'd go so far as suggesting the praise isn't even that
faint. I'd settle for some good football, some excitement and the sight of
the little grinning Italian for another season and see where it takes us.
Who knows, it might even be somewhere worth going?

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham and Blackburn in hunt for Real Madrid's Michel Salgado
He may have a sister-in law who lives in York but that is unlikely to faze
West Ham who, along with Blackburn, have emerged as front-runners in the
chase to sign Michel Salgado from Real Madrid.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Telegraph staff
Published: 10:43AM BST 11 Aug 2009

The 33 year-old defender left Real Madrid after a successful decade at the
Bernebeu but still feels he can contribute at the highest level. Salgado
was at Ewood Park on Monday to discuss details of a free transfer before the
new season starts. Tottenham's summer transfer target XIHowever, Sam
Allardcye has already signed a right back this summer in the form of Danish
international Lars Jacobsen which could keep West Ham's hopes alive of
luring the Spaniard, who has played 250 times for his country, to London.
Salgado said last week that it was a "privilege" to have worked with some of
the best players in the world during his past decade. "I have to thank my
partners because it was a privilege to work at their side, to share the
dressing room with the best (players) in the world," he said. "I was to
especially thank those who were close to me during these ten years: Raul,
Iker, Guti and also Roberto Carlos, who is no longer with the team but who I
shared many moments with, he is also the godfather of my daughter." "It is
going to be really difficult to wear the jersey of another team, but now
when I go home I still feel I can play football for a few years more and
enjoy something that is my life." Real said that they and Salgado had
"agreed to end their collaboration". The announcement followed news that the
club have agreed to buy Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso from Liverpool.
Salgado arrived at Real from Celta Vigo in 1999 and had a contract until
2011, but played little last season.

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West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola targets Europa League spot
As we continue our countdown to the start of the Premier League season
thelondonsport caught up with Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola to get his
thoughts on the 2009/10 campaign
The London paper
by: Kirk Blows
11 August 2009

It's fair to assume, however, that the West Ham boss has mixed feelings as
the new season approaches. He wants more goals from his side but key targets
Eidur Gudjohnsen and Luca Toni have yet to sign, while Dean Ashton remains
on the treatment table. Luis Jimenez has bolstered the midfield with
Radoslav Kovac on his way but, at the back, skipper Lucas Neill has quit and
Matthew Upson has been heavily linked with Manchester City, although Danny
Gabbidon is back following injury.
But despite certain doubts about personnel, the Hammers are hoping to better
last season's ninth-place finish. Zola said: "We want to improve on what we
did last season. We came close to qualifying for Europe but lost important
players to injury at the crucial moments. "So Europe will be our target,
although we know it won't be easy."
Ashton had been expected to return after missing most of last term with an
ankle problem. But he remains unavailable and his manager admits he feels
great sympathy for the England international. Zola said: "I'm also thinking
about Dean Ashton as a person. He is feeling down but we have a very good
spirit here and everybody has been trying hard to cheer him up."
Carlton Cole accepted extra responsibility last term and scored 12 goals to
win an England place. And Zola insists there is more to come. He said:
"Carlton can get much better this season. He has realised a lot of things
about his game and is feeling more secure in himself. "He is a big asset for
us but we can't only rely on Carlton, we need to have more players scoring
goals and we're working on that."
Zola has great belief that youngsters such as James Tomkins, Jack Collison
and Junior Stanislas will continue to make great progress. "They are mature
players," he said. "They know I won't be screaming at them if they make a
mistake. I believe in them and value them."
But the Italian admits that fans will have to be patient with Savio, who was
signed for an initial £5m following the sale of Craig Bellamy in January.
Zola said: "He has quality but is really struggling with the heavy
expectation on him. We're still working on the boy but won't be putting any
pressure on him."

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Gabbidon Set for Wales skipper role
TeamTalk

Danny Gabbidon could find himself as Wales captain after two years out of
the squad through injury, in the wake of the Craig Bellamy fiasco. Bellamy
failed to make the trip here for the friendly with Montenegro, Manchester
City admitting they forgot to notify the FA of Wales the striker was
injured. So boss John Toshack brought his squad here without their captain,
not knowing the reasons until the flight landed on Monday afternoon. City
finally explained the situation then - but not until Toshack and his party
had left Cardiff. So with Bellamy back in Manchester, and with stand-in
skipper Joe Ledley travelling but doubtful with sickness, Toshack may have
to look to West Ham defender Gabbidon to lead the side. And that will be a
major boost for the defender, after battling back from complex abdominal
injuries that have stopped him playing for his country for 21 months.
Gabbidon said: "It is good to be back, and be available for games after so
long out. "I've had a couple of games, a few bits of matches and I am
getting stronger by the day. "I need games now, I had a short spell on
Saturday against Napoli at the weekend and now I need more matches to help
with my fitness. "I always felt I would get back to playing, how ever long
it was going to take. I have been out a long time and people talked about
whether I would play again, but I always had belief I would.
"I have done all the pre-season training and got back to some work at the
end of last season. I have been out for so long I have great enthusiasm now
I am fit and make up for last time. "When things are taking away from you,
obviously you miss it. Now I am back the squad has changed a lot with
several young lads now. "It is good to see them come through, the future
looks good if they keep progressing. Maybe in a couple of years time if
these lads keep progressing, we will start reaching major finals. "It is
disappointing Craig is not with us, he is obviously injured, but as our main
striker he will be missed. Any team would miss someone of his quality. "It
is disappointing, but it now gives a chance to one of the young lads we have
with us to come in and show what he can do."
The fall-out for Bellamy is that an angry Toshack may well decide not to
select him for the final three World Cup qualifiers against Russia, Finland
and Liechtenstein in the next couple of months. FAW sources were surprised
neither player nor City attempted to contact Toshack at the team hotel on
Sunday by phone. The fact Bellamy trained at City on Monday, and friends
knew he was not going to be at the team's hotel on Sunday, has not eased the
tension between Wales and City. City issued a statement saying: "Craig
Bellamy is continuing his fitness and rehabilitation work following a knee
injury. "He suffered a reaction following Saturday's game against Celtic and
is therefore unavailable to represent Wales in this week's friendly against
Montenegro. "Craig's situation should have been communicated to the Football
Association of Wales over the weekend, but a misunderstanding on the process
meant this was regrettably not done until Monday. "Manchester City have now
made contact with the Football Association of Wales to clarify the
situation."

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Lucas Neill says he is close to making decision on his playing future
By Liam FitzGibbon
August 11, 2009
FoxSports.com.au

Socceroos captain Lucas Neill has revealed he is close to finally making a
decision on his future but is still juggling offers from several clubs,
including former team West Ham. Neill, in Limerick for Australia's friendly
against Republic of Ireland on Wednesday night (Thursday AEST), is a free
agent after his contract with the Hammers expired at the end of the last
Barclays Premier League season. The 31-year-old defender has been linked
with moves to English rivals Sunderland and Manchester City, and Turkish
club Galatasaray since reportedly knocking back a contract extension from
West Ham. Neill said on Tuesday he could still remain with the Hammers, whom
he captained last year, but said he was also weighing up offers from other
clubs, including two outside of England. "It's been interesting, it's been a
little frustrating as well, but at the same time exciting," Neill said in an
interview on Fox Sports FC on Tuesday night. "There's a number of clubs who
have shown an interest and my agents have been talking to them. "Obviously
being a big family decision as well now ... it's a tough choice. "But I
think we're down to the shortlist and I just want to get amongst it now and
join a team and focus on the season ahead."
Asked whether he could remain with West Ham, Neill replied: "There's an
offer. And it's an offer that's on the shortlist, it's being considered.
"I'm very loyal to West Ham and what they've done for me for two years."
Neill said his biggest decision was whether to remain in England, where he
played with Millwall and Blackburn before joining West Ham. "We are talking
to two clubs outside of England but that's the biggest decision," Neill
said. "That's been the hardest one because it's a language barrier, it's a
change of what I've been used to for 14 years. "So that decision takes a lot
of courage to do but that's why I've taken my time because it's not
something I take lightly."
Neill said he had been training every day by himself and was still in
condition despite not having a team just a week out from the start of the
new season. Paddy Dominguez, of Neill's management company Inspire Sports,
reiterated on Tuesday his client would not be rushed into a decision despite
the looming season. "As he is a free agent, he's not in a panic or a rush or
anything so he's still at the stage where he's weighing up his options and
he won't be rushed into a decision," Dominguez said.

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Kovac deal may see City move for Upson
Evening Standard

11.08.09 West Ham's planned signing of Czech Republic defender Radoslav
Kovac for £1.5million could lead to renewed interest from Manchester City
for Matthew Upson.
Although the Hammers insist the Kovac deal does not mean Upson is on the
verge of leaving they are braced for an approach from City, who have yet to
tie up a move for another England defender, Joleon Lescott, from Everton. A
£15million-plus offer for Upson could tempt the Hammers. Kovac, 29, is set
to join on a permanent deal having been on loan from Spartak Moscow.

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West Ham United Ready To Swoop For Marouane Chamakh As Arsenal Move Stalls -
Report
The Gunner's stalling could mean they miss out on their summer target.
11 Aug 2009 13:26:55

West Ham United are ready to swoop for Girondins de Bordeaux striker
Marouane Chamakh after a move to Arsenal appeared to stall. The Hammers are
ready to offer the £10 million that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger refused to
pay for the Morocco international. Bordeaux have admitted they have had no
contact with the Gunners since they firmly rejected Arsenal's £6m bid for
the 25-year-old. The French club's president Jean-Louis Triaud insists,
"There is no sign of life from Arsenal. If Arsene Wenger really wants
Marouane, I guess it will eventually manifest itself." Meanwhile French
newspaper L'Equipe claims that West Ham have emerged as favourites to sign
the striker after rumours of a move to Fulham or Sunderland failed to
progress. Bordeaux are prepared to sell the forward and have lowered their
original asking price from £15m to around £10m. The French Ligue 1 outfit
have drawn up a list of potential replacements, including Valencia striker
Nicola Zigic and Fulham striker Diomansy Kamara.

David Kifford, Goal.com

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Man City know they can sign West Ham defender Upson
11.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

Manchester City can sign West Ham defender Matthew Upson for £15 million, it
has been revealed. The Guardian says West Ham have not been able to give
their manager, Gianfranco Zola, a large transfer float this summer, but
equally do not have to sell players. However, they are conscious that Upson,
at the age of 30 and with two years to run on his contract, would be
unlikely to command an eight-figure fee again, particularly as there has
been little inclination from either the club or the player to extend his
deal at Upton Park. City are believed to be ready to pay £12m for him, with
a further £3m in add-ons, after growing frustrated in their pursuit of the
Everton central defender Joleon Lescott.

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West Ham boss Zola can't rule out Italy return
12.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola cannot rule out working in Italy in the
future. The 43-year-old Chelsea legend said: "The work of a coach is very
demanding and I have not yet decided what I will do when I grow up! "For
now, I am happy to work for West Ham. In the future, never say never."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 11th August 2009

No change in transfer policy
WHUFC.com
CEO Scott Duxbury has reiterated the club's position ahead of the new season
starting this Saturday
10.08.2009

West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury has said the club's transfer policy
remains unchanged in spite of recent media speculation concerning Straumur.
Having spoken on Friday about the club's efforts to bring in new recruits
and the summer so far, the CEO said there had been no change to the plan to
continue to invest in Gianfranco Zola's squad for the 2009/10 season and
beyond. Duxbury said: "The club's position today remains the same as it was
last week or as it was in January. There is no question of Straumur forcing
us to sell anyone - in fact we are actively looking for new players. "The
papers are unsurprisingly full of speculation at this time of year but the
situation is clear. The only way a player would be allowed to leave is if
Gianfranco thinks it is in the best interests of the squad as a whole and it
is right for the club. It is as simple as that."
Non-Executive Chairman Andrew Bernhardt said: "As I said earlier in the
summer, the club is on a sound financial footing and Straumur creditor
meetings have no bearing on the operations of West Ham United. This remains
unchanged. "We fully support Scott and Gianfranco and endorse their
continued efforts in strengthening the squad as quickly as possible, with a
new striker their top priority. We are looking forward to a great season."

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City baulk at Hammers demands
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th August 2009
By: Staff Writer

Manchester City are said to have dropped their interest in Matthew Upson
having refused to meet West Ham's asking price. According to morning reports
in the Express and Independent, City - already frustrated by their failure
to land their main target, Everton's Joleon Lescott - have now turned their
attention to Portsmouth centre half Sylvain Distin after the Hammers
demanded £15million for the England defender. It was suggested yesterday
that a deal to take Upson to Manchester was on the verge of completion,
whilst Hammers CEO Scott Duxbury admitted in a statement posted on whufc.com
last night that player sales during the current transfer window were still a
possibility - but only if "Gianfranco [Zola] thinks it is in the best
interests of the squad as a whole and it is right for the club."
The former Birmingham City captain - who joined United in January 2007 - is
yet to agree a new contract despite having held negotiations with the club
earlier in the year. With less than two years remaining on his current
arrangement, the club may feel that cashing in on 30-year-old Upson now
would free vital funds with which to improve other areas of the squad.

* An article by Rob Draper in the Mail claiming that Upson's sale had been
ordered by the club's owners CB Holdings was denied by Duxbury, who said:
"The club's position today remains the same as it was last week or as it was
in January. There is no question of Straumur forcing us to sell anyone - in
fact we are actively looking for new players. "The papers are unsurprisingly
full of speculation at this time of year - but the situation is clear."

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Kovac returns
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th August 2009
By: Staff Writer

Radoslav Kovac has returned to West Ham on a permanent basis, according to
reports emerging from Russia. The Czech midfieder spent four months on loan
with the Hammers last season but with his former club Spartak demanding
around £4million seemed destined never to play for United again. However
with the Hammers failing to land main summer targets such as Inter's Mancini
- and with Matthew Upson widely tipped to leave the club in the near future
- attention returned to the 30-year-old, who is reported to have signed a
permanent contract earlier today. Kovac first arrived in East London at the
end of January but struggled initially to adapt to the pace of the Premier
League. However he went on to play a major role for Gianfranco Zola in the
closing weeks of the season whilst scoring the Goal of the Season runner-up
at Everton in May. West Ham United will await the successful completion of a
medical before announcing the news; the fee involved is undisclosed.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers rule out sales
Zola encouraged to buy, not sell
By Chris Burton Last updated: 10th August 2009
SSN

West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury insists the club are under no
pressure to sell players. The Hammers were dealt a financial blow towards
the end of last season as the global credit crunch began to bite. New owners
were brought in to help steady the ship, with Icelandic investment bank
Straumur taking the helm. However, they have troubles of their own and
reports have suggested that West Ham will need to offload some of their most
saleable assets in order to balance the books. Duxbury, though, insists that
is not the case, claiming manager Gianfranco Zola is actually being
encouraged to identify potential new recruits, not prepare for departures.
He told the club's official website: "The club's position today remains the
same as it was last week or it was in January. There is no question of
Straumur forcing us to sell anyone - in fact we are actively looking for new
players. "The papers are unsurprisingly full of speculation at this time of
year but the situation is clear. The only way a player would be allowed to
leave is if Gianfranco thinks it is in the best interests of the squad as a
whole and it is right for the club. It is as simple as that."
Non-executive chairman Andrew Bernhardt added: "As I said earlier in the
summer, the club is on a sound financial footing and Straumur creditor
meetings have no bearing on the operations of West Ham United. This remains
unchanged. "We fully support Scott and Gianfranco and endorse their
continued efforts in strengthening the squad as quickly as possible, with a
new striker their top priority. We are looking forward to a great season."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers lead Kovac chase
Midfielder's agent claims West Ham are 'priority'
By Vasek Kadlec Last updated: 10th August 2009
SSN

West Ham United are in pole position to sign Radoslav Kovac on a long-term
contract, according to the midfielder's agent. The Czech Republic
international arrived at Upton Park on loan from Spartak Moscow in January
and impressed for the Hammers. Kovac's temporary stay ended in June and
Gianfranco Zola was interested in securing a permanent deal, but he was not
prepared to pay a reported fee of £3.4million. However, the 29-year-old's
representative, Pavel Zika, now claims that West Ham are leading a host of
clubs in the pursuit of a deal. "There has been interest in Radek from
different clubs and countries, but West Ham have been the priority," Zika
told CTK.
The defence-minded Kovac has also been rumoured to be a target of Blackburn
Rovers, Hull City and Fenerbahce.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham defender Matthew Upson opens door to Manchester City move
Matthew Upson has given Manchester City hope that he may still join them
after rejecting the opportunity to discuss a contract extension at West Ham
United.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Jason Burt and Mark Ogden
Published: 7:00AM BST 11 Aug 2009

However, the two clubs are far apart in their valuation of the defender –
West Ham want at least £15 million while City have indicated they will offer
no more than £10m – which has opened the way for Sylvain Distin to return to
Eastlands. Distin is expected to leave Portsmouth before the close of the
transfer window and is also attracting interest from Liverpool. City are
prepared to offer £6m for the Frenchman, who left two years ago on a Bosman
free transfer, and hope to have him installed at the heart of their defence
for Saturday's Premier League opening fixture at Blackburn Rovers.

Chelsea to offer John Terry new contractWith Kolo Toure doubtful for the
Blackburn game with a hip injury, Micah Richards still overcoming the
effects of swine flu and England Under-21 defender Nedum Onuoha troubled by
a thigh injury, City manager Mark Hughes is concerned by his lack of
defensive options. City's lengthy pursuit of Joleon Lescott continues, with
prospects of a deal now 50-50. City have been encouraged that Everton might
accept a bid in excess of £22m but the two clubs remain unable to strike a
deal.

Everton manager David Moyes has made it clear to Lescott that he will not be
sold and City have turned their attentions elsewhere. City enquired about
Upson at the end of last season but were given little encouragement by West
Ham. No bid was made but after City's failure to sign John Terry and
Lescott, they have turned again to Upson, who has since told West Ham that
he has no intention of entering into talks over a three-year extension to
his contract at Upton Park. The 30 year-old has two years left on his deal
and told West Ham last season that he was keen to leave should a club in the
Champions League, or with immediate Champions League ambitions, bid for him.

West Ham insist there is no pressure to sell the player and would prefer to
part with other fringe members of their squad, such as Calum Davenport and
Julien Faubert, as they continue to try to balance the books. However with
Upson refusing to consider a new deal, and given the player's age, they may
be tempted to cash in. However the club have stated that the final decision
rests with Gianfranco Zola, who has cover in the centre of defence but may
deem Upson too valuable to be allowed to leave. Both Upson and Lescott are
in the England squad for tomorrow's friendly away to Holland. West Ham
bracket Upson as being worthy of a similar fee to what City offered for
Lescott.

However, if Upson were sold it would add to the pressure on the club, and
raise further doubt over the state of the finances. West Ham insist they are
in a stronger position than critics have been suggested and are actively
pursuing a number of transfer targets. Discussions are ongoing with
Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen and Bayern Munich's Luca Toni, while other
strikers are being discussed as Zola seeks to improve his squad. The Italian
has completed the signing of Czech international Radoslav Kovac from Spartak
Moscow on a permanent deal. The 29 year-old has signed for an undisclosed
fee, thought to be around £2m – half of what Spartak were originally
demanding.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester City can seal Matthew Upson deal with £15m bid• West Ham will
accept offer for centre-half
England international wants European football
David Hytner
guardian.co.uk, Monday 10 August 2009 22.04 BST

Manchester City will encounter little resistance from West Ham United if
they follow up their interest in Matthew Upson with a bid of around £15m.
West Ham have not been able to give their manager, Gianfranco Zola, a large
transfer float this summer, but equally do not have to sell players.
However, they are conscious that Upson, at the age of 30 and with two years
to run on his contract, would be unlikely to command an eight-figure fee
again, particularly as there has been little inclination from either the
club or the player to extend his deal at Upton Park.

Upson, who is with the England squad for Wednesday's friendly against
Holland, has made little secret of his desire to play European football,
preferably in the Champions League, saying it was something he needed at
this stage of his career. The opportunity to join the ambitious project at
Eastlands would appeal to him. He is also keen to further his chances of
making Fabio Capello's England squad for the World Cup finals next summer.

City are believed to be ready to pay £12m for him, with a further £3m in
add-ons, after growing frustrated in their pursuit of the Everton central
defender Joleon Lescott. Everton have stood firm in the face of a series of
inquiries from City, the latest containing a £19m bid, and Mark Hughes, the
City manager, is prepared to move on to the next name on his list of
targets.

Hughes has spent £94m this summer, £15m of it on Kolo Toure, the centre-half
from Arsenal, but he feels that his team still needs strengthening in
defence, where he wants to replace Richard Dunne, the club captain and
four-times player of the year. City failed earlier in the summer with an
audacious and extravagant move for the Chelsea and England centre-half and
captain John Terry.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
City look to Distin after balking at £15m for Upson
By Ian Herbert
Tuesday, 11 August 2009
Independent.co.uk

Manchester City are ready to move to bring their former captain Sylvain
Distin back to the club, as West Ham's demands for Matthew Upson's services
are proving higher than the Premier League's big spenders are willing to
pay.

A conversation between Everton chairman Bill Kenwright and City executive
chairman Garry Cook on Friday evening has made City less optimistic than
ever that a third bid for their preferred central defender – Joleon Lescott
– would be worthwhile and though Upson has always been third in line after
Lescott and John Terry, the figure of £13m – rising to £15m – which West Ham
would expect for the England international is well above Cook's valuation.
City have persistently said that they are unwilling to pay the kind of
inflated figure, known as a "City price", for players.

That leaves Mark Hughes contemplating a move for Distin, who headed for
Portsmouth under a cloud shortly before Sven Goran Eriksson arrived in the
summer of 2007, when City had just finished four points off the relegation
zone and, to the Frenchman's mind, were going backwards. Distin, a
left-sided centre-half like Lescott, would be a popular signing among many
City fans – with the prevailing view among most being that he and Richard
Dunne were the individuals who saved City from relegation on more than one
occasion during the managerial days of Kevin Keegan and Stuart Pearce.

City might have their work cut out enticing the £3m-valued Distin back.
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has been interested for some time in
signing a player who is understood to be also on Aston Villa's radar. Distin
appears to be a far more likely target than Stoke City's Ryan Shawcross for
Benitez, though he would also seem to have more chance of regular football
at City than at Anfield, where he would be a fourth choice behind Jamie
Carragher, Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel. The 31-year-old's empathy with a
club for whom he played 178 times and was captain for three years until 2006
may play in City's favour and would outweigh the abuse he received from a
small contingent of City fans during matches with Portsmouth. The player's
arrival would probably presage the end of Dunne's nine-year City career,
with Sunderland his most likely destination.

Wales manager John Toshack was angered to find that City "forgot" to inform
the Football Association of Wales that his captain Craig Bellamy was not fit
for the trip to Montenegro for tomorrow's match. Toshack needed to have the
situation explained to him on arrival at Podgorica Airport yesterday
afternoon, having left Cardiff on an early-morning flight with the rest of
his squad.

Hughes had cast doubt over Bellamy's involvement in the Montenegro match
last week and Wales were half expecting a problem. City, who acknowledged
Wales should have been notified before yesterday, said Bellamy had suffered
a reaction to a knee injury during Saturday's friendly win over Celtic.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
UPSON'S FEE OVER MARK
Daily Express
Tuesday August 11,2009
By Richard Tanner Have your say(0)

MARK Hughes met with more frustration in his search for a new central
defender after he refused to pay West Ham's £15million asking price for
Matthew Upson. After failing to land Chelsea captain John Terry and
Everton's Joleon Lescott, Manchester City boss Hughes turned to another
England defender, Upson, only to discover the Hammers' valuation of him was
about £5m more than his. Despite the vast financial resources of the club's
Abu Dhabi owners, Hughes believes the £15m fee was too much for a
30-year-old. Now he is ready to try to bring back Sylvain Distin .
Frenchman Distin, 31, left the club on a free transfer two years ago, but
Hughes believes that Portsmouth could be tempted by a £6m bid.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United's Matthew Upson In Favour Of Move To Manchester City –
Report
The defender has reportedly rejected talks of a new contract with the
Hammers, thereby opening the door to a prospective transfer...
11 Aug 2009 07:58:02

West Ham United defender Matthew Upson may be pushing his way closer to a
move to Manchester City, reportedly rejecting talks over extending his
contract with the Hammers. Upson has remained a target for the Citizens,
though Joleon Lescott's move to Eastlands is gathering pace, with the
defender being rumoured to be on the verge of handing in a written transfer
request to his bosses at Everton. According to a report in The Telegraph,
the Sky Blues are believed to be offering no more than £10 million for the
services of Upson, while the Irons are holding out for £15m. A rejection of
a contract extension may not necessarily bring down the asking price as
Upson still has over two years left to run on his current term with West
Ham. However, West Ham's Academy of Football is reported to be in financial
trouble, and so the Hammers may decide to cash in on the Manchester
millions. With Kolo Toure on the sidelines nursing a hip injury and Nedum
Onuoha in the clinic with a thigh problem, Mark Hughes is said to be
weighing up his options and considering a bid to land another defender in
addition to Lescott. Should there be a disagreement over Upson's price, the
Citizens are said to have cast an eye on Portsmouth's Sylvain Distin as an
alternative. Meanwhile, West Ham have stated that the final decision as to
whether Upson leaves or not is in the hands of manager Gianfranco Zola.

Adithya Ananth, Goal.com

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Keen To Resolve Eidur Gudjohnsen Transfer Saga
The Premier League side want to bring their efforts to land the midfielder
to a swift conclusion...
10 Aug 2009 19:30:26

Reports from the English press suggest that West Ham are desperate to add
Barcelona utility-man Eidur Gudjohnsen to the squad before their season
opener against Wolves this coming Saturday (August 15). The Icelandic
international has looked set to move on from the Camp Nou this summer after
being on the periphery of the first team for the majority of last season. So
far, however, the former Chelsea man remains part of Pep Guardiola's squad
in their pre-season preparations and, despite interest from both England and
France, Gudjohnsen has yet to negotiate his exit from Catalonia. The Daily
Mail comments that Hammers' boss Gianfranco Zola is keen to add experience
to his youthful squad, but while there are transfer funds available to bring
the midfielder to Upton Park, the player's wage demands could scupper any
potential move. The English newspaper also reports that West Ham have also
been linked with a loan move for Inter striker Mario Balotelli, but face
competition from Russian side Zenit St. Petersburg for the highly-rated
youngster.

Paul Macdonald, Goal.com

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kovac completes West Ham move
Reuters - Yesterday, 14:59

MOSCOW - Czech international midfielder Radoslav Kovac has joined English
Premier League club West Ham United from Spartak Moscow on a permanent
basis, the Russian Premier League side said on Monday. "Today Kovac joined
London club West Ham," Spartak said on their website, without providing
further details. The 29-year-old played four seasons for Spartak before
being loaned to West Ham for the second part of last season.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham close in on Eidur Gudjohnsen signing but Russians bid to scupper
swoop for super Mario Balotelli
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 6:25 PM on 10th August 2009
Daily Mail

West Ham are keen to bring their protracted pursuit of Barcelona's Eidur
Gudjohnsen to a conclusion. The Hammers remain hopeful of signing the former
Chelsea striker, although the Iceland international's wage demands are a
major stumbling block. Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli, who Upton Park
boss Gianfranco Zola would like to sign on loan, has been linked with a
permanent transfer to Zenit St Petersburg.
Reports on the Continent say the Russian giants will offer almost £13million
for the 18-year-old Italy Under 21 international. Zola admits he is keen to
add to the squad before the Barclays Premier League opener at Wolverhampton
Wanderers on Saturday, but also expects further joy from the West Ham
production line. 'This club is a club that wants to get good players and
climb the table but we always leave an open door for the young players
coming through too,' said the Italian. 'Last year, it was a case of Junior
Stanislas, James Tomkins and Jack Collison and hopefully there will be some
more players coming through.'
Napoli spoiled the party in West Ham's final match of pre-season with a 1-0
win at Upton Park on Saturday. Italy international Fabio Quagliarella's
brilliant header with 12 minutes remaining was enough to lift the Bobby
Moore Cup as 21,364 fans turned up for the opening of the new Sir Trevor
Brooking Stand. The match raised £42,728 for the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer
Research UK.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham struggle to agree personal terms with Barcelona's Gudjohnsen
11.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United want to close a deal for Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen.
The Daily Mail says West Ham are keen to bring their protracted pursuit of
Gudjohnsen to a conclusion. The Hammers remain hopeful of signing the former
Chelsea striker, although the Iceland international's wage demands are a
major stumbling block.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble impressed by new West Ham teammate Jimenez
11.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

Mark Noble is impressed by West Ham's new signing Luis Jimenez. The England
U21 midfielder told whufc.com: "I am enjoying playing with him. "He is a
really good player, very clever and where we like to play football, do
little passes and exchanges, he is really good on the ball with all of that.
I think you will see really good things from him this season."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham deny reports of forced player sales
11.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United deny claims they will be forced to sell players because of
problems with Straumur. CEO Scott Duxbury said: "The club's position today
remains the same as it was last week or as it was in January. There is no
question of Straumur forcing us to sell anyone - in fact we are actively
looking for new players. "The papers are unsurprisingly full of speculation
at this time of year but the situation is clear. The only way a player would
be allowed to leave is if Gianfranco thinks it is in the best interests of
the squad as a whole and it is right for the club. It is as simple as that."

Non-Executive Chairman Andrew Bernhardt also told whufc.com: "As I said
earlier in the summer, the club is on a sound financial footing and Straumur
creditor meetings have no bearing on the operations of West Ham United. This
remains unchanged. "We fully support Scott and Gianfranco and endorse their
continued efforts in strengthening the squad as quickly as possible, with a
new striker their top priority. We are looking forward to a great season."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola expects more West Ham youngsters to make grade
11.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola expects more youngsters to breakthrough
this season. He told whufc.com: "We have a couple of players who are doing
very well and might get a chance in the future. It depends how the season
will go if they will have opportunities. "This club is a club that wants to
get good players and climb the table but we always leave an open door for
the young players coming through too. Last year, it was a case of Junior
Stanislas, James Tomkins and Jack Collison and hopefully there will be some
more players coming through."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Zola delighted with Cole preseason form
11.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola is delighted with the preseason form of
Carlton Cole. Zola told whufc.com: "Carlton Cole is no surprise for me any
more. For me some of the bits that he does are unbelievable. A bit in the
first half near the corner flag was a piece of skill that not many players
can do. "Carlton Cole is improving day-by-day his presence and his
confidence. He was exceptional and I was very pleased with his performance."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Financial position not forcing West Ham to sell players
11.08.09 | Andrew Slevison

West Ham United will not be forced to sell players despite still being in
financial trouble. Chief executive Scott Duxbury has revealed that the new
owners of the club, Icelandic bank Straumur, have not put pressure on
manager Gianfranco Zola to offload players in order to recoup some cash.
"The club's position today remains the same as it was last week or it was in
January. There is no question of Straumur forcing us to sell anyone - in
fact we are actively looking for new players," Duxbury told the club's
official website. "The papers are unsurprisingly full of speculation at this
time of year but the situation is clear. The only way a player would be
allowed to leave is if Gianfranco thinks it is in the best interests of the
squad as a whole and it is right for the club. It is as simple as that."
Non-executive chairman Andrew Bernhardt added: "As I said earlier in the
summer, the club is on a sound financial footing and Straumur creditor
meetings have no bearing on the operations of West Ham United. This remains
unchanged. "We fully support Scott and Gianfranco and endorse their
continued efforts in strengthening the squad as quickly as possible, with a
new striker their top priority. We are looking forward to a great season."

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