17/06/2007 22:18
Mark Noble and Nigel Reo-Coker played their part as England progressed to
the semi-finals of the European Under-21 Championships with a 2-0 victory
over Serbia on Sunday evening. The Hammers pair were again partnered in the
centre of midfield together as Stuart Pearce's team progressed to the last
four thanks to goals in either half from Leroy Lita and Matt Derbyshire.
After Lita had opened the scoring inside the first five minutes, the game's
tempo slowed down before exploding into life in the 77th minute, as
Derbyshire grabbed a controversial second. With an opposition defender lying
injured in the penalty area, the Blackburn striker found himself onside to
slam home, leading to crazy scenes, as the livid Serbians surrounded the
goalscorer and virtually sparked a mini-riot. England were dealt a blow in
the final moments, as substitute Tom Huddlestone was shown a red card for
foul and abusive language, while there were further ugly scenes after the
final whistle as Serbia continued their protests in the tunnel, amid
accusations of racist abuse towards England's black players.
England will now face the hosts Holland in Heerenveen on Wednesday night
and, with Serbia also through to face Belgium in the other semi-final, there
is also the possibility of the two sides coming face to face again in the
final next Saturday. One man hoping to be back for the semi-finals is Anton
Ferdinand, who came close to making his return from a groin injury this
evening and will now try to persuade Stuart Pearce that the country stand a
greater chance of glory with three West Ham United players in the starting
line-up…!
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McCabe expecting redemption - Sky
By James Pearson - Created on 17 Jun 2007
Sheffield United plc chairman Kevin McCabe is expecting The Blades to be
reinstated back into the Premier League on Monday. An arbitration panel is
set to discuss whether West Ham's lofty fine was the correct decision after
being found guilty of third-party ownership over the signings of Carlos
Tevez and Javier Mascherano. The South Yorkshire side have been adamant for
much of the off-season of the injustice of their relegation from England's
top-flight and have fought vociferously against The Hammers' initial
punishment. However, should Monday's decision go against The Blades then
McCabe has conceded that the club will accept they will begin the new season
in the Championship. "I expect a reversal of the decision made when the
tribunal opined in April," he told Sky Sports News. "I'd like to believe
Sheffield United will be reinstated into the Premier League. "The first
decision was wrong. It should have been a points deduction and not a
monetary fine, and if that is the case then reinstatement for a club that's
not broken the rules should take place. "If the arbitration were to go
against us, and we firmly believe it won't, then we have to accept that next
season sees us in the Championship. "The fixtures are nothing to do with
Sheffield United. The Premier League issued the fixture list. That was their
prerogative whether to issue them before or after the arbitration."
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Noble cause - Telegraph
The West Ham midfielder has changed his playing style and is proving a vital
player in England's European under-21 bid
Duncan Castles
Twenty minutes to play at Arnhem's stiflingly roofed-over Gelredome and
England are headed out of the Euro under-21s. Italian opponents seemingly
intent on setting a national record for shots on goal have erased a 2-0
advantage and are sweeping through England's hurriedly reshaped five-man
midfield.
Newly moved into a solo holding role, Mark Noble watches Alberto Aquilani
trick the ball past a teammate and decides it is time to intervene He races
towards the Italian, lunges almost horizontally at the ball and sends it and
Aquilani over the touchline. The Italian just about evades the worst of the
tackler's mass, rises slowly to his feet and offers a handshake. Noble wants
none of it, striding away with not a glance back.
Mark firmly laid upon him, Aquilani visibly withdraws from the contest,
Italy's attacks diminish in frequency, and the match ends in a draw that
leaves England best placed to reach the semi-finals when they meet
already-qualified Serbia in tonight's last Group B tie. In his first start
for the under21s, Noble had proved himself an enforcer capable of
intimidating men accustomed to winning hard yards in Serie A and the
Champions League.
"It was just one of those things where the referee kept giving silly free
kicks for nothing," reflected Noble the next day. "I thought, if he's going
to book me he's going to have to book me for something proper. What goes
through your mind in a moment like that? Loads of things. It's just the
passion and the emotion. I don't like when players do tricks and try and
take the mickey out of you. I don't go in to hurt, I go in to win the ball,
but I think my tackles look a lot worse than what they feel for me. Everyone
says, 'You've got to calm down sometimes, you're going to get sent off
tackling like that'. But that's me, that's the way I tackle and, touch wood,
I ain't missed one yet."
Whatever lumber Noble has been tapping of late should be kept close, for he
has developed an enviable knack for turning fortunes these past six months.
Feted as a free-running creative in his debut season at West Ham United in
2004-05, a year and a half later Noble's career had hit a brick wall
graffitied with loan moves to Hull City and Ipswich Town. "He had a bit of a
lull," said Trevor Brooking, the FA's Director of Football Development. "The
year West Ham went up through the play-offs he came in the last three months
and lifted the team, but then he hit a little bit of a wall. He went out to
Ipswich and did quite well there."
As West Ham's new owners, panicking at the spectre of relegations, pumped
money into a January squad overhaul, Noble refused to accept a further
Championship loan, electing instead to battle for a place at Upton Park.
Alan Curbishley overlooked him until the after the 4-0 loss to Charlton,
when a gamble on youthful enthusiasm seemed as reasonable a throw of the
dice as any other. Noble came in, scored in March's bizarre 4-3 defeat by
Tottenham, and remained there as West Ham won seven of their last nine
fixtures to surviv.
The Mark Noble who helped West Ham "do the impossible" and avoid dropping
into the Championship was a very different beast from the one who'd
contributed to getting them out of it two years previously. "When I
originally broke into the first team I was more like a creative player, a
tricky player," he said. "Now I know I haven't got the pace for those kind
of skills any more. I changed my game, I played to my strengths and that's
what I'm all about now. It was Alan Pardew, the West Ham manager at the
time, who suggested it to me. He said: 'I think you're going to end up as a
holding midfielder, dictating games because you've got the passing ability,
the bite and the will to win'. That's what every team needs. I think I
looked at myself and I'm not saying I changed overnight, but it's just what
suited me the most."
Suited Noble and suited England. Buffeted by David Bentley's infuriatingly
late withdrawal from the squad for the finals, Stuart Pearce had been
struggling to balance his central midfield. Tom Huddlestone, Ash-ley Young,
James Milner, Kieran Richardson, Reo-Coker and Noble were used in six
different permutations of triangular three or flat two in the friendly
victory over Slovakia and group-game draw with the Czech Republic. Only when
England sat the West Ham pair ahead of the defence against Italy did a
chance-laden half-hour emerge during which the team looked capable of
challenging to win this tournament.
While part of that early success owed to Leroy Lita's embarrassing dominion
over central defender Marco Andreolli, Noble is entitled to his claim that
"England looked sharp, powerful and strong".
"I'm sure if we play like that against other teams we will really cause them
problems," he added. "I think it's been long overdue for us to win one of
these. I've lost in the final of the under-19s, against France, lost in the
semi-finals of the under17s, against Spain.
"I think it's about time that we step up to the plate and prove to them that
we're not just a quarter-final, semi-final team; we can go all the way and
take the trophy home."
If the 14-year wait since England Under18s were European champions is ended
here, there will be significant irony in Noble's role.
The 20-year-old would have been half the globe away had Bentley, in a move
redolent of his on-field decision-making, not placed self-interest over
national honours nine days ago.
"I'd booked Mexico and I wanted to go away, lay on the beach and chill out,"
said Noble. "I was supposed to go the day the squad was announced. But I got
the phone call for this and I was delighted. I was in, the suit-case got
unpacked and I put the football boots in instead of the flip-flops." Even
his sandals, you suspect, are more dangerous than most.
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Teddy's West Ham 'cam scam' - The Sun
By MARK SULLIVAN
June 18, 2007
TEDDY Sheringham could face jail after he and fellow West Ham soccer stars
were arrested over an alleged scam to cheat driving bans. The ex-England
forward, 41, was held by cops investigating players said to have perverted
the course of justice by agreeing to accept penalty points for each other.
Police launched their probe after one of them allegedly tried to claim he
had been driving another's car when it was caught by a speed camera — to
stop his pal going over the 12-point limit and receiving a ban.
Hammers striker Bobby Zamora, 26, was nicked at his home on the Isle of
Dogs, East London, last Wednesday morning. A third player, winger Shaun
Newton, 31, was also arrested and quizzed. The three were bailed until next
month. It is understood a civilian processor spotted a Gatso image of a
player and realised it could be a fraudulent claim. Further investigations
were then carried out into previous speeding fines picked up by the player
in question.
The Sun can reveal policeman's son Sheringham — capped 51 times for England
— was arrested on May 15 when he and his solicitor went to Chingford police
station by prior appointment. Two days later, Newton — who like Sheringham
is currently looking for a new club after West Ham released the pair at the
end of the season — was arrested at his home in Epsom.
A source said last night: "It would be naive of someone in such a position
to expect they would not be recognised. An image of the driver is taken
every time a camera is set off for travelling over the speed limit. "It
would be a great shame if Sheringham in particular — after such a long and
distinguished career — now picked up a criminal record and was even possibly
sent to prison." Sheringham was last week awarded the MBE for services to
sport. The maximum penalty for perverting justice is technically LIFE. In
practice sentences are up to six years. If guilty, the players could be
made an example of as cops crack down on the hundreds of thousands of
speeding drivers suspected of getting friends or relatives to claim they
were at the wheel.
Last night a legal source said of the charge of perverting the course of
justice: "It is considered a serious offence by the judiciary because it
undermines the law of the land."
m.sullivan@the-sun.co.uk
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Tevez waits for Real deal - The Sun
By ERIC BEAUCHAMP
June 18, 2007
CARLOS TEVEZ is today waiting to find out if he will join Real Madrid. The
Argie striker put his future on hold while the Spanish giants finish their
La Liga campaign. Now £30million Tevez, 23, is on stand-by to replace David
Beckham as Real's new star after the title was settled last night. But the
West Ham hitman's agent, Adrian Ruocco, warned Real chiefs to wrap up a deal
quickly — or miss out. He said: "There's been contact with Real Madrid.
"We've been patient but if Real don't make a concrete offer then Carlos has
a lot of options. "He has offers from Europe's biggest clubs. But there's no
need to rule out anything — including staying at West Ham where he is
settled and wanted."
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Hammers to sue if Blades win - The Sun
By IAN McGARRY
June 18, 2007
WEST HAM could plunge the new season into chaos if Sheffield United win
their appeal in the Carlos Tevez affair. Hammers are facing a points
deduction that could see them relegated if the Blades succeed in the hearing
which is held today and tomorrow. But the Upton Park club have already vowed
to go to court if the arbitration committee rules against them — and that
would have a knock-on effect for fixtures. The Premier League schedule for
next season was published last week with West Ham included. If the Blades
are officially re-instated with legal action pending, however, BOTH clubs
could start the season in the top flight. It is a nightmare scenario for
League officials but having been fined £5.5million, West Ham feel they have
been punished enough. A senior Hammers source told SunSport: "The Premier
League made its decision and we were fined and we accepted our punishment.
"If that is overturned then we will go to court and fight our case there and
no one should think otherwise." If that came about, it is highly unlikely
the case would be heard and resolved before the opening weekend of fixtures
on August 11. And that would mean a logistical nightmare for League bosses
who could be forced to start with 21 teams.
Blades plc chairman Kevin McCabe insists the club's fight to be reinstated
in the Premier League is a matter of principle — and not profit. McCabe, who
met European Commissioner for culture and sport Jan Figel on Friday, said:
"We are very confident of winning. "We have a compelling case that's based
upon an irrational decision given by the first independent commission. "We
would not have pursued going to arbitration unless we thought we would win.
It's not so much the money, it's the fact one club that has not breached the
rules has been relegated whilst another club that has breached the rules has
retained its Premier League status. That's the key argument."
McCabe, who estimates relegation will cost the club £50million, added: "We
believe we should still be in the Premier League, we have been cheated out
of it.
"We worked so hard to get back to the Premier League, we had plans to
sustain the club in the top half of the table. I'm sure if we had Carlos
Tevez playing for us we would not have been relegated at all. "I think by
the end of Tuesday we will know whether we are back in the Premiership — or
playing in the Championship next season." The United chief added no further
appeal would be made by his club "unless points come out that are worth
pursuing". He added: "The panel is a strong panel that will make their
decision properly."
The Blades' campaign was yesterday backed by Clive Betts, MP for Sheffield
Attercliffe. He said: "The tribunal got it wrong. They were worried they
would have been in the courts for several months sorting out a points
deduction. "If you read the Premier League tribunal decision, the outcome is
one many people find difficult to understand. The tribunal found West Ham
did not reveal all the documents about Tevez, contrary to Premier League
rules. They said that in many situations that would have warranted a points
deduction. "But they then came up with a series of reasons why they weren't
going to deduct points."
Meanwhile, Sheffield United could face a fine themselves for an alleged
breach of rules when striker Steve Kabba was transferred to Watford and then
did not play against his old club. However, a similar allegation against
Manchester United over Tim Howard's move to Everton was dismissed.
Who will decide?
CHAIRMAN: LORD JUSTICE SIR PHILIP OTTON
HAS previously arbitrated for the Premier League. Appointed Lord Justice of
Appeal in 1995.
SHEFF UTD NOMINEE: DAVID PANNICK QC
PUT Wimbledon's case at the FA arbitration approving their move to Milton
Keynes. Also acted for tennis star Greg Rusedski, The Queen and the BBC in
the House of Lords.
PREMIER LEAGUE NOMINEE: NICHOLAS RANDALL, BARRISTER
PREMIER LEAGUE disciplinary tribunal member and counsel
to the League Managers' Association. Represented David O'Leary against Leeds
United and George Graham against Tottenham Hotspur.
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Blades poised to loosen trap door under West Ham
Matt Scott
Monday June 18, 2007
The Guardian
West Ham United cannot be relegated from the Premiership as a direct result
of today and tomorrow's arbitration proceedings brought by Sheffield United,
but the trapdoor is still open for the London club. In the immediate
aftermath of demotion to the Championship the Blades had hoped the decision
not to deduct points from West Ham for the illegal registration of Carlos
Tevez and Javier Mascherano - which might have sent the Hammers down - could
quickly be overturned. "The [penalty] must be in points, not money. That is
what we play for every week," their chief executive, Kevin McCabe, said at
that time.
That led to Sheffield United calling for today's unprecedented hearing.
However, McCabe's hopes cannot be delivered by the three-man arbitration
panel, chaired by Sir Philip Otton, which will merely examine whether due
process was fulfilled in fining the Hammers £5.5m.
The panel could order a reprise of the initial hearing, but only if the
first tribunal's panellists were regarded as remiss in their legal duty.
They found West Ham guilty of "dishonesty and deceit" but imposed a fine
instead of a points penalty.
The Premier League and Sheffield United have submitted witness statements to
Otton's panel detailing their observations of the process and how it was
conducted. These are open to cross-examination but there will be no league
or club officials present at the hearing.
The two-day arbitration means the door is still open to Sheffield United
eventually being reinstated, but it is only one step on a long road.
However, eyebrows have been raised over a quirk of the fixture computer that
has given Sheffield United and West Ham identical home and away match dates
next season, suggesting that it would be easy for the clubs to swap
divisions if the Blades win their case.
If Otton's panel finds in their favour and orders a new hearing, a
subsequent panel would have to be persuaded that a points penalty was
appropriate.
Both parties to today's process must agree that the verdict is "final and
binding", but there is a feeling at Bramall Lane as well as at Fulham and
Wigan Athletic - two more of the so-called gang of four, Charlton Athletic
being the other - that there is legitimate recourse to civil action. It is
believed that Sheffield United would pursue West Ham for £20m in damages.
"If the arbitration fails, we go to court," said Fulham's chairman, Mohamed
Al Fayed. "I just don't let people get away with unfair and unjust
practices. Especially the Premier League."
Fulham and Wigan have won no friends with their actions, however. At the AGM
17 of the Premier League's 20 member clubs tried to persuade them to drop
the fight, with only Middlesbrough abstaining.
McCabe, who met the European commissioner for culture and sport, Jan Figel,
on Friday, said: "We are very confident of winning. We have a compelling
case that's based upon an irrational decision given by the first commission.
We would not have pursued going to arbitration unless we thought we would
win."
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West Ham sweating on decision of Tévez panel - the Times
Peter Lansley and Bill Edgar
Sheffield United take their fight to regain Premier League status to an
arbitration panel in London today, buoyed by a quirk of the fixture
computer. It has emerged that West Ham United, who retained their top-flight
status at the Yorkshire club's expense last season, have identical
home-and-away commitments next season, suggesting that it would be easy for
the clubs to switch divisions if the panel rules in Sheffield United's
favour.
The relegated club will put their case to an arbitration panel, maintaining
that West Ham should have been deducted points by an independent commission
in April rather than being fined £5.5 million for breaching transfer
regulations over the signings of Carlos Tévez and Javier Mascherano. The
hearing comes four days after the publication of extraordinarily similar
fixture lists for the teams, whose home and away games have been matched up
throughout the coming season. Conspiracy theorists are suggesting collusion
between the Premier League and Football League, but the top flight's ruling
body said yesterday that the mirroring of fixtures was coincidence.
West Ham were fined £2.5 million for signing contracts that allowed a third
party influence over the club and £3 million for failing to inform the
Premier League about it. They stayed up by three points after winning seven
of their last nine matches, during which Tévez scored five times.
The case took another twist yesterday when reports suggested that the
Yorkshire club had breached regulation U18 by insisting that Steve Kabba
could not play against them after his sale to Watford. However, Kevin
McCabe, Sheffield United's plc chairman, argued that this had been down to a
gentleman's agreement rather than any contractual matter. "The contract
transferring Steve Kabba was one that was open, was honest and was properly
looked at by the Premier League and registered," McCabe said. "There is no
grey area on that whatsoever."
The Premier League is confident that the panel sitting today and tomorrow
will agree that it acted strictly according to its regulations. Should
Sheffield United persuade Sir Philip Otton, a former Court of Appeal judge,
David Pannick, the leading QC, and Nicholas Randall, a sports and employment
law specialist, otherwise, it is still thought that their best hope would be
for compensation rather than reinstatement.
McCabe met Jan Figel, the European Commissioner for culture and sport, in
Brussels on Friday, but the potential matter of compensation was not
discussed. With about £50 million riding on the decision of the panel,
McCabe insisted that the fight to be reinstated in the Premier League is
more a matter of principle than profit.
"I think we are very confident of winning," the chairman said. "We have a
compelling case that's based upon an irrational decision given by the first
independent commission that was set up. We would not have pursued going to
arbitration unless we thought we would win.
"It's not so much the money, it's the fact one club that has not breached
the rules has been relegated whilst another club that has breached the rules
has retained its Premiership status," he said.
Neil Warnock, the club's manager until his departure the week after the
season, is supporting their fight for justice but does not expect them to
prevail. "I don't think anybody is anticipating a reversal of the decision,
but I think it is right that they carry on the fight to the arbitration," he
told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"West Ham have got the points from the last few games. They got the points
on the board and it qualified them to stay in the league. The argument is
whether it should have been allowed at that particular time."
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Sheffield United chief defends Kabba transfer - Reuters
Sun Jun 17, 2007 9:17PM BST
LONDON (Reuters) - Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe has dismissed a
newspaper report alleging they have broken the same Premier League ownership
rule that forms the basis of their arbitration claim against West Ham
United. Striker Steven Kabba joined Watford from the Blades in January but
did not play when his new club lost 1-0 at United on April 28. Both clubs'
Web sites said he was ineligible for Watford because of a clause in his
contract when he moved. McCabe told Sky Sports on Sunday the contract was
"open, honest, properly examined by the Premier League and the player was
registered...it complied with all the requirements of the Premier League." A
league spokesman was quoted as telling the News of the World it would look
into the matter next week. Sheffield United's hopes of playing in the
Premier League next season come before an arbitration panel on Monday with
the club pointing the finger of blame at the league and West Ham. The Blades
were relegated on goal difference on the final day of last season, having
finished with 38 points, just below Wigan Athletic, Fulham (39 points) and
West Ham (41). Their appeal centres on the decision to fine but not dock
points from West Ham for breaking ownership rules over the signings of
Argentine pair Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.
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Kabba deal could undo Sheffield Utd - A Watford Big Love
By Dave Summers
Date: 17/6/2007
Looks like Sheffield United have shot themselves in the foot by having
broken the same transfer rule they're claim West Ham have. Sheffield
United could have landed themselves in hot water for allegedly breaching the
same rule that they want to see West Ham relegated for, according to the
News of the World. The Blades, who will present their case against West Ham
to an arbitration panel on Monday, believe that they should be reinstated
into the Premier League
after the Hammers were found guilty of irregularities that occurred as a
result of the third party ownership issues involved in the transfers of
Argentine duo Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez.
But, the Premier League has now confirmed that they are to examine the
transfer of Steve Kabba from Watford to United, with the possibility of
third party interference being investigated.
The striker was ruled out of Watford's clash with Sheffield United following
his move to the Hertfordshire club and the Premier League are keen to
decipher why the player was deemed ineligible-as any tactics to impede the
forward from playing would break existing laws. " The current rule makes
clear that once a move becomes permanent there can be no contractual terms
to prevent a player playing against his old club," a Premier League
spokesman told the News of the World. " The statements surrounding the
Steve Kabba transfer were brought to our attention late on Friday and early
next week we will look at our
documentation and ask our two clubs to submit any further documents, or
agreements, for scrutiny."
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Blades fight 'not about money' - TeamTalk
Sheffield United plc chairman Kevin McCabe insists the club's fight to be
reinstated in the Premier League is a matter of principle not profit. The
Blades, who will put their case before an arbitration panel on Monday, are
adamant West Ham should have been deducted points rather than fined for
breaching transfer regulations with the signings of Argentinians Carlos
Tevez and Javier Mascherano. The Hammers were fined £2.5million for signing
contracts which allowed a third party influence over the club, and £3million
for failing to inform the Premier League about it. League chiefs are
confident the arbitration panel will find they acted strictly according to
their regulations in both the disciplinary case against West Ham and in
regards to the registration of Tevez. The Blades will pursue their claim
that an independent commission should have deducted points from the Hammers
and the league should have cancelled Tevez's registration. It is more
likely, however, that should the Yorkshire club persuade the arbitration
panel of their case they would be awarded a compensation payment rather than
the commission's decision be overturned. McCabe, who met European
Commissioner for culture and sport Jan Figel on Friday, told Sky News: "I
think we are very confident of winning.
"We have a compelling case that's based upon an irrational decision given by
the first independent commission that was set up. We would not have pursed
going to arbitration unless we thought we would win. "It's not so much the
money it's that fact one club that has not breached the rules has been
relegated whilst another club that has breached the rules has retained its
Premiership status and that's the key argument."
McCabe, who estimates relegation from the Premiership will cost the club
£50million, continued: "The money comes into the fact that between the
Championship and the Premier League the broadcasting revenue is vastly
different, as is also the support through the turnstile, but really we
believe we should still be in the Premier League, we have been cheated out
of it. "It [the difference] is certainly around £50million, it's a big
difference. We worked so hard to get back to the Premier League, we had
plans to sustain the club in the top half of the Premier League. "I'm sure
if we had Carlos Tevez playing for us we would not have been relegated at
all."
The plc chairman suggested the club would accept the panel's verdict, unless
further points are raised which are "worth pursuing". He said: "I'm sure the
arbitration panel will be the key people to make a decision and a full
decision so maybe by the close of play on Tuesday we will know. "I think we
will know by then we are back in the Premiership or playing in the
Championship next season." The United chief added no appeal would be made
"unless there are points that come out through the arbitration that are
worth pursuing". He added: "I think the panel is a strong panel that will
make their decision properly." And McCabe dismissed reports suggesting the
Blades are being investigated by the Premier League for allegedly breaching
the same rule United want the Hammers relegated for breaking. Newspaper
reports have accused the club of breaching rule U18 by preventing former
striker Steve Kabba from turning out for Watford after his transfer to the
Hornets - but McCabe denied there was any truth in the allegations. "I am
sure there won't be a clause in the contract," he told Sky Sports News. "The
contract transferring Steve Kabba from Sheffield to Watford was one that was
open, was honest and was properly looked at by the Premier League and
registered - there is no grey area on that whatsoever."
When asked if the deal contravened Premier League rules, he replied: "Not at
all. There are a few incidents, there must be dozens and dozens, these last
few years where there may be gentleman's agreements between managers that in
fairness the clubs probably know nothing about. "I think there have been one
or two instances this season of players between Premiership clubs."
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Tevez may stay with Hammers - Channel4
Last Modified: 17 Jun 2007
Source: ITN
Reports claim Carlos Tevez may stay at West Ham next season. The Argentina
international helped to keep the Hammers in the Premier League by scoring
crucial goals at the end of last season. But he has been linked with some of
the biggest clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid and Manchester United.
Tevez insists the businessman Kia Joorabchian will decide where he plays
next season and it is widely expected he will leave Upton Park because
Joorabchian failed in a bid to take control of the club last year. It is
claimed a deal would cost West Ham £9 million but chairman Eggert Magnusson
may be prepared to splash out since Charlton striker Darren Bent has turned
down the chance to move to Upton Park, for a reported £17 million. Tevez is
incredibly popular with Hammers fans and the striker has praised the
supporters for their reaction to him during a turbulent season.
© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.
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Arbitration to decide on Sheffield United claim
Sun Jun 17, 2007 3:09PM BST
By Trevor Huggins
LONDON (Reuters) - Sheffield United's hopes of playing in the Premier League
next season will come before an arbitration panel on Monday with the
relegated club pointing the finger of blame at the league and West Ham
United. The Blades were sent down on goal difference on the final day of
last season, having finished with 38 points, just below Wigan Athletic,
Fulham (39 points) and West Ham (41). Their appeal centres on the decision
not to dock points from West Ham for breaking ownership rules over the
signings of Argentine pair Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. An
independent Premier League commission decided in April to just fine the club
a record 5.5 million pounds ($10.84 million). Though it found West Ham
guilty of "dishonesty and deceit", it made allowances for them being under
new ownership and said a points deduction would have condemned them to
relegation. United believe that decision has simply condemned the Blades in
West Ham's place and are seeking redress from arbitration, which is expected
to last two days.
INELIGIBLE PLAYER
Though Mascherano moved to Liverpool in January, United argue the breaches
meant West Ham fielded an ineligible player in Tevez, whose performances and
goals were key to their late revival, and that a points deduction had to be
applied. Instead, the Blades face a year in the second-tier Championship,
with all its financial consequences. Asked what he expected from
arbitration, United chairman Kevin McCabe told Sky Sports on Sunday: "I'd
like to believe it will be reinstatement of Sheffield United in the Premier
League. "The first decision was wrong, it should have been points deducted
and not a monetary fine. "West Ham have then to be sorted out by the Premier
League, they have their own board and that's their decision." But he added:
"If the arbitration goes against us, and we firmly believe it won't, then we
have to accept next season we will be in the Championship and we'll prepare
for that."
Asked if United's relegation was simply down to them not winning enough
games, McCabe said: "If we'd have had Carlos Tevez, we'd have won enough
football matches. "That really is the nub of this sad lack of integrity of
English football and that's what's got to be sorted out tomorrow and
Tuesday." McCabe has previously mooted the idea of a 21-team Premier League
next season with four clubs relegated at the end.
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Tevez close to committing to West Ham
tribalfooball.com - June 17, 2007
West Ham United's controversial striker Carlos Tevez is reportedly close to
agreeing a new deal to remain at Upton Park. The Argentina striker, whose
original signing last summer resulted in the Hammers being fined £5.5million
for breaching Premier League rules, has been linked with a host of Europe's
leading clubs since the end of last season. Hammers chairman Eggert
Magnusson is desperate to keep last season's talisman at the club and
reports claim he is close to sealing a £9million deal with Tevez's
third-party owners.
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Fulham go for West Ham pair Harewood, Zamora
tribalfooball.com - June 17, 2007
Fulham boss Lawrie Sanchez is eyeing West Ham pair Marlon Harewood and Bobby
Zamora. Both strikers are up for sale at Upton Park and Sanchez is
considering reuniting them at Craven Cottage for next season.
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West Ham eye a challenge for the Champions League - FootballingWorld.com
14th June, 2007. By Matthew Day
West Ham are not behaving like a club mired in controversy and awaiting news
from an arbitration panel on whether Sheffield United will take their place
in the Premier League, consequently sending them down to the Championship.
Instead, chairman Eggert Magnusson is set on securing European football –
and that means rivalling Chelsea's spending power in terms of wages and
outbidding other big-spenders such as Tottenham, Newcastle and Liverpool.
The most recent acquisition is Charlton's Darren Bent, arriving for an
incredible £16m, who joins Scott Parker and surely many further prominent
and expensive names. Having failed to cope with just two Argentine egos last
season, the impact of having a starting eleven all earning in excess of
£70,000 each week will be intriguing. They might follow the route of
Newcastle in recent seasons and culminate in mid-table or, in the best case
scenario, replicate Tottenham's success. Martin Jol has guided Spurs to
consecutive fifth-placed finishes following significant funding, but West
Ham are looking to the Champions League – fourth position – in 2008.
Arsenal are refusing to seriously strengthen their squad, so Magnusson
believes the final Champions League position is up for grabs for whoever is
brave enough to attempt to break the top four monopoly. Despite the recent
spate of takeovers, it has not necessarily meant an increasing number of
Premier League clubs all of a sudden have millions and millions of pounds to
expend. For West Ham, though, Magnusson has thrilled by opening his pockets
and deciding Alan Curbishley can proceed with a summer of spending. In
return, he wants the East London side to join the cream of Europe in the
lucrative Champions League.
It seems a laughable concept that a side who avoided relegation on the final
day of the season could face AC Milan or Barcelona 16 months later, but if a
chequebook is left open, then progress up to the opposite end of the league
table is certainly attainable. It is a myth that the top four – Manchester
United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal – are unmovable. Tottenham almost,
and indeed should have, joined the select group in 2006 and Newcastle
enjoyed consecutive seasons there under Bobby Robson. Will West Ham be next
to shake up the mix?
The arrival of Bent, who attracted offers from both Tottenham and Liverpool,
is symptomatic of Magnusson's grand ambitions. The Charlton forward has been
consistent in his time at the Valley, and should give West Ham at least 20
goals a season, if not more, especially if the succulent talent of Carlos
Tévez is persuaded to stay. Tévez is still the only truly world class
footballer at the club, and can provide the impetus for the push for
Champions League football. Great consistency is needed to climax inside the
top four, and that means winning matches when not playing well and being
able to trouble and take points from the likes of Manchester United,
Chelsea, and rivals for the position, Tottenham.
All West Ham supporters acknowledge any aspirations are pending on Tévez's
future. It is imperative that the ex-Boca Juniors prodigy is kept at Upton
Park in order to separate the club from the Champions League pretenders; the
likes of Newcastle and Bolton, and perhaps even Tottenham. As interest from
Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Liverpool and others from across the continent
continues, West Ham must convince their star that he can win trophies and
play amongst the best clubs without the need to change address. If
Curbishley fails to guide the club into any European competition by the end
of next season, Tévez would then almost certainly depart, but for now he has
to believe in the Hammers' mission.
It is in with the new and out with the old. Lucas Neill, Matthew Upson and
Luis Boa Morte represent the former after arriving in January, while Hayden
Mullins, Marlon Harewood and Nigel Reo-Coker are heading for the exit door
as Curbishley is finally able to build and shape his team. If success isn't
guaranteed next season, then fun and fireworks definitely are.
The cash will continue to be splashed – most likely at inflated prices –
with players such as Shaun Wright-Phillips, Freddie Ljungberg, and Andy
Johnson linked recently, plus the bonus of having striker Dean Ashton
returning after missing the entire 2006/7 campaign with injury. First
though, Curbishley will have to persuade the excellent Yossi Benayoun to
rebuff Liverpool. The influential Israeli midfielder was the subject of a
refused £3m bid and Rafael Benítez is set to raise the stakes to ensure he
acquires the 27-year-old.
A takeover provides excitement and hope for all supporters, and those in
West Ham are immediately seeing the benefits of having new, foreign owners.
Last season was one to erase from the memory, and that process can be
catalysed by achieving unprecedented success in 2008. Qualification for the
Uefa Cup is a minimum target, and West Ham are also expected to challenge
for both domestic trophies. However, it is only by qualifying for the
Champions League that Magnusson's elaborate spending will be vindicated, and
finishing inside the top four looks a distinct possibility if Curbishley
continues to bring in fresh faces and is able to hold on to both Tévez and
Benayoun.
Joining Europe's elite truly would add a pertinently happy ending to the
West Ham story and saga.
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Hammers Aiming To Keep Tevez 18/06/07 - Soccer365
West Ham striker Carlos Tevez is reportedly on the verge of agreeing a new
deal to remain at Upton Park for next season. Hammers chairman Eggert
Magnusson is desperate to keep the Argentinian star after his heroics almost
single-handedly kept the club up last season. The deal for the 23-year-old
to remain in east London for a further campaign would reportedly cost a huge
£9million, but that figure will not deter Magnusson, who saw a big-money
swoop for Charlton's Darren Bent fall through last week when the England
striker decided against a move across the capital. Liverpool and Manchester
United are known admirers of the playmaker, while Inter Milan are rumoured
to have made a £32million bid. However, a "top source" told the News of the
World: "Mr Magnusson has pulled out all the stops to keep Carlos for at
least another season. "The package will cost £9million in wages and payments
to his owner Kia Joorabchian but the chairman is convinced the deal is
done." He added Maagnusson wanted to "do whatever it takes to make the fans
happy"
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West Ham to offer £12M for Barcelona's Gudjohnsen
tribalfooball.com - June 17, 2007
West Ham United are ready to beat Newcastle and Manchester United for
Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen. The Iceland international has expressed
an ambition to return to the Premiership after a tough first season in
Spain. The Sunday Express says the Hammers will offer £12 million for
Gudjohnsen, though know they must convince him about their ambitions after
the striker insisted he wanted to move to a Champions League regular.
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West Ham ready with legal action over relegation threat
tribalfooball.com - June 17, 2007
West Ham United are ready to launch legal action should Sheffield United win
their appeal in the Carlos Tevez affair. The Sun says the Hammers are facing
a points deduction that could see them relegated if the Blades succeed in
the hearing which is held today and tomorrow. But the Upton Park club have
already vowed to go to court if the arbitration committee rules against them
- and that would have a knock-on effect for fixtures The Premier League
schedule for next season was published last week with West Ham included. If
the Blades are officially re-instated with legal action pending, however,
BOTH clubs could start the season in the top flight. A senior Hammers source
said: "The Premier League made its decision and we were fined and we
accepted our punishment.
"If that is overturned then we will go to court and fight our case there
and no one should think otherwise."
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Parker confident West Ham won't be thrown out
tribalfooball.com - June 17, 2007
Scott Parker is confident West Ham won't be thrown out of the Premiership.
This despite today's arbitration tribunal which meets to discuss relegated
Sheffield United's challenge against the Hammers over the illegal
registration of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. If United are successful
in their campaign, West Ham could drop down to the Championship in their
place, but Parker has no fears. The England midfielder said: "No, that
didn't worry me at all." And he confirmed he had nothing in his five-year
contract regarding that situation, saying: "No, nothing whatsoever."
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West Ham's Tevez hopes for Real Madrid move
tribalfooball.com - June 17, 2007
West Ham United striker Carlos Tevez is anxiously waiting to learn if Real
Madrid want to sign him. The Sun says the Argie striker put his future on
hold while the Spanish giants finish their La Liga campaign. Now £30million
Tevez, 23, is on stand-by to replace David Beckham as Real's new star after
the title was settled last night. But the West Ham hitman's agent, Adrian
Ruocco, warned Real chiefs to wrap up a deal quickly - or miss out. He said:
"There's been contact with Real Madrid. "We've been patient but if Real
don't make a concrete offer then Carlos has a lot of options. "He has offers
from Europe's biggest clubs. But there's no need to rule out anything -
including staying at West Ham where he is settled and wanted."
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West Ham's Benayoun determined to clinch Liverpool move
tribalfooball.com - June 17, 2007
West Ham United midfielder Yossi Benayoun is determined to see his move to
Liverpool go through. The People says the Israel ace, rated at £5million,
will jet back to London and go straight into a meeting with Hammers chairman
Eggert Magnusson. Playmaker Benayoun, 27, will tell Magnusson the lure of
Champions League finalists Liverpool is too strong to resist.
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Bournemouth go for West Ham's Sheringham
tribalfooball.com - June 17, 2007
Bournemouth are favourites to snap up released West Ham United striker Teddy
Sheringham. The 41-year-old former England striker, who received an MBE in
the Honours list, has been without a club since he was released by West Ham.
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West Ham join race for Preston striker Nugent
tribalfooball.com - June 17, 2007
West Ham United are joining the race for Preston North End striker David
Nugent. The People says Nugent would prefer to go to an established
Premiership club and does not fancy newly-promoted Sunderland. That has left
the way clear for Hammers boss Alan Curbishley to make a move, as he has the
money available. Curbishley fancies pairing Nugent with Dean Ashton when he
returns to action this season as a fresh young strikeforce to take on the
Premiership.
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West Ham to bid £12M for Benfica's Fernandes
tribalfooball.com - June 17, 2007
West Ham United intend to bring Benfica midfielder Manuel Fernandes back to
the Premiership next season. The People says West Ham are ready to splash
£12million on Benfica ace Fernandes - currently playing for Portugal in the
Euro Under-21 Championship in Holland. Fernandes had a taste of Premiership
football last season. He wants more of it and Benfica are prepared to let
him go if the price is right. He started the last campaign with Portsmouth.
But their boss, Harry Redknapp, was not prepared to meet the £12m asking
price, so he moved on to Everton. Fernandes got the same response from
Goodison chief David Moyes and went back to Lisbon. Now he is hoping to be
part of the revolution taking place at Upton Park.
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