Sheffield United are expected to find out on Tuesday whether their appeal
against relegation from the Premier League has been successful. A three-man
arbitration panel will hear the second and final day of the Blades challenge
against the Premier League before deciding on their verdict. United want to
be reinstated after West Ham breached player ownership rules. The Hammers
avoided a points deduction over the signing of Carlos Tevez and Javier
Mascherano but were fined £5.5m. And the Blades want the panel to order a
fresh disciplinary hearing against West Ham. The independent arbitration
panel can order a new hearing or rule that some compensation be paid to
Sheffield United. The three-man panel's main role is to see whether the
correct disciplinary procedures were followed. Retired High Court judge Sir
Philip Otton is chairing the hearing in Fleet Street, with David Pannick QC
representing the Blades and leading barrister Nicholas Randall acting for
the Premier League. "The arbitration is going well and I think the panel
recognise all the points of the case," said United plc chairman Kevin
McCabe. "It's about righting the wrongs from the first decision. "That's
really part of the arbitration proceedings and why we served the notice on
the Premier League back in mid-May. Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry
appeared at the arbitration tribunal on Monday. He first drew attention to
the rule breaches when Liverpool signed Mascherano from West Ham in the
January transfer window. Questioned as to whether Parry's appearance as a
witness was because of Liverpool's signing of Javier Mascherano from West
Ham, McCabe added: "Not particularly. Rick is an experienced football guy.
He's a good witness."
McCabe also appeared as a witness, with Premier League chief executive
Richard Scudamore and general secretary Mike Foster appearing for the other
side.
McCabe has always been adamant the panel will rule in favour of his club
over a saga that started back in March. In that month, West Ham were found
guilty by an independent committee set up by the Premier League of acting
improperly and withholding vital documentation over the Argentine pair's
ownership but they escaped a points deduction and Tevez was allowed to
continue playing. He and Mascherano were part-owned by a third party but the
Hammers then ended that agreement, which satisfied the Premier League. Tevez
was one of the major factors in the club's late escape - scoring a goal on
the final day of last season at Manchester United to help the Hammers stay
up. The Blades finished on the same number of points as fourth-from-bottom
Wigan but were relegated on goal difference. "I think the Premier League
accept they wish the arbitration was not happening," McCabe said last week.
"But in the knowledge it is happening and it cannot be prevented, then if
the decision is overturned we should be reselected to the Premier League.
"Since we really looked into the whys and the wherefores of the Tevez affair
it became apparent that a wrong decision was made."
Presentations by the Blades have also been made to the European Commission.
"We expressed our concerns of the whole affair," said club spokesman Andy
Pack. "It wasn't a question of trying to enlist support or lobby, rather a
chance to inform them of where we are."
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Sheringham denies lying to police - BBC
Former England striker Teddy Sheringham has "categorically denied" giving
false details to police about an alleged speeding offence, his lawyer has
said.
It emerged that police had arrested him on 15 May on suspicion of perverting
the course of justice. He is one of 12 people, including a further two
Premiership players, questioned in the same inquiry. The ex-West Ham
forward, who was made an MBE last week, was bailed to return in July for
further inquiries. The 12 arrests all related to allegations that motorists
had falsely claimed that another person was driving their car when they were
caught by a speed camera. A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said: "Officers
believe that for a number of years drivers have been falsely nominating
(speeding) tickets to the same one address and driver." Mr Sheringham's
solicitor, Henri Brandman, said the footballer was co-operating with
officers and had not been charged.
Mr Sheringham, whose professional career spans 23 years, has made more than
800 appearances for club and country, and left West Ham at the end of the
season in May. He won 51 caps for England, scoring 11 goals, and was part of
the team which reached the semi finals of the European Championships in
1996.
Last Wednesday West Ham striker Bobby Zamora, 26, was arrested on similar
grounds after he allegedly gave false details about police camera footage of
a car apparently speeding. Midfielder Shaun Newton, 31, was also questioned
regarding similar allegations, two days after Mr Sheringham. Both Mr Zamora
and Mr Newton have been released on bail to return in July for further
inquiries. Officers also arrested a woman at her home in Morden, south
London, on 8 June, on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. She has
also since been bailed to return in September. A further eight people have
been arrested in connection with the investigation but they have not been
identified.
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McCabe: Arbitration going well - Sky
By Alex Dunn - Created on 18 Jun 2007
Sheffield United plc chairman Kevin McCabe is confident his club's bid to
convince an arbitration tribunal that they should be reinstated to the
Premier League is going as well as could have been expected. The Yorkshire
club want the panel to order a fresh disciplinary hearing against West Ham,
as a result of the part they played in the Carlos Tevez affair, with the
first evidence having been heard on Monday. Sheffield United, who were
relegated on the last day of the season as a consequence of West Ham's
victory at Manchester United, remain adamant that Alan Curbishley's side
should have been docked points rather than fined for breaching rules with
regards third-party ownership. The panel has in its jurisdiction the power
to order a new hearing against West Ham or rule compensation be paid to
Sheffield United, with the independent three-man team, chaired by retired
High Court judge Sir Phillip Otton, to decide on whether correct
disciplinary procedures were adhered to. Upon leaving the first day of the
hearing, McCabe was content but tight-lipped as to how the arbitration was
proceeding. "It's been a busy day," he told Sky Sports News. "Tomorrow there
will be further evidence and then the panel will opine and decide. "The
arbitration is going well and I think the panel recognise all the points of
the case. "It's about writing the wrongs from the first decision. That's
really part of the arbitration proceedings and why we served the notice on
the Premier League back in mid-May." When asked on whether Liverpool chief
executive Rick Parry - who gave evidence - was called as a witness by
Sheffield United, McCabe confirmed in the positive. "Rick is an experienced
football guy. He's a good witness."
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Harewood happy with options - Sky
By Alex Dunn - Created on 18 Jun 2007
Marlon Harewood is looking forward to pastures new having conceded that his
days at West Ham are drawing to a close. The powerful striker has fallen
foul of Alan Curbishley's regime at Upton Park and is one of a number of
players likely to be culled in what is sure to be a busy pre-season in East
London. It is understand that Premier League new boys Birmingham have
already failed to tempt West Ham into a sale with a £3million offer, but
Harewood is not short of suitors elsewhere. Portsmouth and Fulham are also
believed to be monitoring the 27-year-old's situation closely and the
player's representative, the Professional Footballers' Association Player
Management Agency, has confirmed that Harewood is looking forward to a fresh
challenge. "Marlon is aware that there are clubs currently looking at him,
and he is attracted to all of them for different reasons," a spokesman
confirmed. "Marlon is now awaiting developments, for West Ham to agree a fee
for him and then to a new challenge in the Premier League next season."
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Curbishley flaunting West Ham's wealth - Soccernet
Norman Hubbard
Inflation has rendered London a place for the rich and, failing that, the
very rich. The capital used to be at its costliest for land. Now, seemingly,
property prices can be seen as reasonable in comparison with West Ham's
summer signings. If, that is, despite proffering gargantuan sums, they can
actually acquire their intended targets.
Gazumping has fast become a feature of London life, but few are taking it to
the same extent as West Ham. An extra £15,000 a week was on offer to Mark
Viduka, who hardly ranks among the underprivileged with his Newcastle
contract. That, however, pales into insignificance in comparison with the
£35million bid for two strikers without a single international goal between
them.
Darren Bent would have commanded a £17million fee and wages in excess of
£70,000 a week and Andrew Johnson a barely credible £18million plus £90,000
for seven days' labour. It would, too, have more than doubled Johnson's
value within 12 months, and that for a player with only four Premiership
goals since October. Moreover, at 26, he is unlikely to improve
dramatically, so potential cannot be invoked as a reason for the fee;
however, while Everton will never receive such a generous offer again,
acceptance of it would have led to them being branded a 'selling club'.
And although interest in Bent is considerable, it is the price tag that
astonishes. Charlton's elevated estimation of their top scorer's value was
expected to be ignored. Instead, West Ham matched it. At 23 and with 31
goals in two Premiership seasons, Bent has much to recommend but, his other
admirers would insist, at a truer price of £10-12million.
Charlton can still be assured of a several-fold return on their £2.5million
investment, even if Bent is reluctant to cross East London. Even if a
reunion does not appeal, Bent ranks as Alan Curbishley's best buy. Perhaps
the finest player he managed at The Valley, Scott Parker, has already
rejoined his former boss at Upton Park in West Ham's first summer buy.
Given the Hammers' largesse in their pursuit of a forward, Newcastle should
be asking why they only acquired £7.3million for one of the Premiership's
most accomplished central midfielders.
Because Curbishley, it appears, has unlimited credibility - and unlimited
credit - to rebuild after West Ham's miraculous recovery. Judging by their
manager's defeatism when they had only accumulated 20 points from 29 games,
that appeared impossible. Seven wins from their last nine games constituted
an incredible revival, and Curbishley has been congratulated for it.
But should he be? Two of the catalysts of the comeback from the brink of the
Championship hardly seemed to enjoy Curbishley's confidence. Mark Noble,
sidelined by the manager's signing of Nigel Quashie, found his introduction
was delayed until March and only figured in the final 10 games. While Carlos
Tevez, whose brilliance was ultimately decisive, was left out in favour of a
home-grown partnership of Bobby Zamora and Marlon Harewood, despite it being
apparent to supporters that he was their greatest chance of survival long
before his installation as first-choice striker.
Then there is the question of Curbishley's January recruitment drive. Of six
arrivals, only Lucas Neill, the probable captain next season, can be judged
an unqualified success, albeit one noted for another immense salary. Luis
Boa Morte scored a crucial goal at Wigan but otherwise his contribution was
negligible. If Curbishley should not be faulted for the injuries that
limited Matthew Upson to 41 minutes of football, Quashie, Calum Davenport
and Kepa Blanco were all failures. Together, their purchase prices amounted
to £19million, which appeared vast until the bids for Bent and Johnson
materialised.
Yet Curbishley has often been at his finest in the transfer market when
making low-profile acquisitions from the likes of Ipswich and Colchester,
not brandishing wads of cash like a parody of an '80s Thatcherite. He is a
man who has prospered outside the spotlight, not with huge transfer budgets
and the inevitable increase of expectations.
He is a manager who has dealt in knowns, however conservative and mundane,
not the surreal uncertainties of West Ham. The composition of his attack
ranks among them: Dean Ashton's long-awaited return complicates the striking
situation, given Curbishley's seeming willingness to pay an exorbitant fee
for an addition in attack, but not as much as the future of Tevez, the
saviour he initially distrusted, which is out of his hands.
That Yossi Benayoun, another he omitted, has attracted the attention of
Liverpool, should raise questions about a willingness to ignore the more
gifted, if unpredictable, players in favour of more workmanlike
alternatives. For all their expenditure, West Ham could start next season
without the pair who provided an injection of flair, in the shape of Tevez
and Benayoun, no matter how many big-money Brits bolster the squad.
The other issue, while offers are made with reckless abandon, is trimming a
squad bloated by past spending sprees. Nigel Reo-Coker's transfer request
hints at an unhappiness, even if it may be beneficial to break up the 'Baby
Bentley' collective in the dressing room. Apart from the release of Teddy
Sheringham, however, departures are, so far, non-existent.
Parker, an excellent addition, is the sole arrival. Otherwise, even fees
plucked from fiction have not sufficed for Curbishley. That this attempt at
binge-buying, which could single-handedly ramp up prices still further, has
not succeeded so far will attract applause from those fearful of the
connotations for other clubs. But, as with their January dealings, a hint of
desperation pervades. That West Ham intend to compete for a top-four
position is obvious, but ambition needs to be channelled, reinforced by
reason rather than scattergun spending.
Darren Bent is not worth £17million, and Andrew Johnson certainly should not
be valued at £18million, but while West Ham flaunt their wealth, they have
yet to prove that being very rich and very successful are one and the same.
Because while Eggert Magnusson is the most generous of owners, he may wonder
if his manager is forever blowing fortunes.
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Hammers reject Blues' Harewood buy-out - Soccernet
Birmingham have had a £3million bid for striker Marlon Harewood rejected by
West Ham. City made an offer of an initial £2million plus add-ons for
Harewood, who is surplus to requirements at Upton Park. But the Hammers are
looking for something near £5million for the former Ipswich and Nottingham
Forest player. That is unrealistic from the point of view of Blues, who are
also interested in West Ham defender Paul Konchesky. Hammers manager Alan
Curbishley will be looking to recoup the majority of the £6million he paid
Birmingham for defender Matthew Upson in January. Harewood played a major
role in the Hammers regaining their Premier League status two years ago when
he scored 16 goals. But he has gradually slipped down the pecking order and
last season netted only four goals. Blues boss Steve Bruce has been given
the green light to continue with his transfer plans despite the current
uncertainty surrounding the future of the club. He has already signed
Middlesbrough defender Stuart Parnaby and agreed a permanent deal for
Arsenal midfielder Fabrice Muamba, who spent last season on loan at St
Andrews. Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung is expected to step up his bid
to buy Birmingham during the next few days. The billionaire, who was
unsuccessful in his attempt to take control of Reading, has already had his
representatives visit St Andrews and inspect the club's finances.
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Parry can help us get justice - The Sun
By IAN McGARRY
JUNE 19, 2007
SHEFFIELD UNITED reckon Rick Parry can help them win their fight to hammer
West Ham. Liverpool chief executive Parry gave evidence in support of the
Blades at yesterday's Premier League hearing into the Carlos Tevez and
Javier Mascherano affair. And league chiefs were amazed when the Kop bigwig
apparently supported the Blades' argument that West Ham's punishment was
wrong. The Hammers were fined £5.5million in April after being found guilty
of breaking rules which prevent potential third-party influence. The Argie
internationals were part-owned by businessman Kia Joorabchian — and the
Yorkshire side insisted the Upton Park outfit should have been docked
points. Blades plc chairman Kevin McCabe heard Parry's evidence and left the
first day of the hearing optimistic that Liverpool had come out in their
support. McCabe said: "Rick Parry is an experienced football guy and, as our
witness, we felt he really helped the panel understand the case. "He was a
very good witness and we hope this helps us in seeing justice to be done.
"The arbitration is going well and I think the panel recognise all the
points of the case. "It is about righting the wrongs from the first
decision. It's going well and we hope for a decision on Tuesday."
Premier League supremo Richard Scudamore was aware of Parry's presence but
it was assumed he would merely follow the party line that justice had been
done. Liverpool had been one of 17 top-flight clubs that voted against the
threat of further action in the affair. Fulham sent their lawyers to testify
on behalf of the Yorkshire club, calling for West Ham's punishment to be
declared flawed. But it was Parry who stole the show. Yet Premier League top
brass remain confident they will get a favourable decision. Meanwhile,
striker Tevez, 23, has been urged to quit West Ham by fellow Argie Diego
Simeone. Tevez is still considering his options. But Simeone — who got David
Beckham sent off at France 98 — said: "He is perfect for the Italian
championship. I'm sure he would be a success there."
i.mcgarry@the-sun.co.uk
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West Ham wait on hearing - The Sun
By JIM MUNRO
June 18, 2007
THE arbitration proceedings to discuss West Ham's fine over the Carlos Tevez
affair should conclude today. In the red corner are Sheffield United, who
claim the £5.5million penalty imposed by the original independent commission
acting for the Premier League was not strict enough. In the claret and blue
corner sit the Hammers, who had pleaded guilty to entering into "third-party
contracts" over the signings of Argentina pair Tevez and Javier Mascherano.
The club's guilty plea and the fact the deal was brokered by officials no
longer at the club, went some way to the original commission deciding a
hefty fine and not a points deduction was appropriate. The Blades are now
objecting because they feel their relegation would not have taken place had
the Hammers been deducted points. In fact, it would take a deduction of
three points or more for the Hammers to slip below Sheffield United in the
relegation zone. The three-man arbitration panel, chaired by Sir Philip
Otton, does not have the power to make such a ruling but will consider
whether due diligence was observed in the original hearing. The finding of
the arbitration will be "final and binding" but Sheffield United have
indicated they will pursue a civil action for compensation if the club is
not reinstated to the Premier League.
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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Parry serves up shock for West Ham in Tevez hearing - Daily Mail
By PETER FERGUSON - More by this author »
Last updated at 00:38am on 19th June 2007
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry took the stand for Sheffield United
yesterday as the relegated Yorkshire club launched a desperate late bid to
get back their Premiership status. Surprise witness Parry gave evidence to a
London arbitration panel on behalf of Sheffield United, who want a fresh
disciplinary hearing to decide West Ham's fate over the Carlos Tevez
controversy. They claim West Ham should have been docked points instead of
being fined £5.5million for including third-party agreements in deals to
sign striker Tevez and Javier Mascherano. Parry, with intimate knowledge of
Premier League rules as its first chief executive, handled Liverpool's
difficult signing of Mascherano from West Ham in January, which needed
special FIFA approval. The panel are expected to reach a decision after
further evidence today and Sheffield United's plc chairman Kevin McCabe is
optimistic. "We have a compelling case that's based on an irrational initial
decision," he said. "We would not have pursued arbitration unless we thought
we would win." The panel can order West Ham to face another disciplinary
commission if it finds the decision not to dock points, on April 27, was
flawed. It is also looking at whether the Premier League acted unlawfully by
not de-registering Tevez. However, a statement on behalf of the panel said:
"The panel have no power to decide what the penalty to be imposed upon West
Ham should be." West Ham remain confident that the initial punishment will
stand.
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Derby boss confident wrapping up deal for West Ham's Mears
tribalfooball.com - June 18, 2007
Derby boss Billy Davies is confident of securing on-loan West Ham fullback
Tyrone Mears to a permanent deal. Davies will make Mears his first summer
signing this week in a £1million swoop. The Derby boss was impressed by
Mears, 24, during his successful loan spell with the Rams last season.
Davies said: "Tyrone is a young player with plenty of potential and we
expect to conclude a deal soon."
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Wilkins backs Villa bid for West Ham's Reo-Coker
tribalfooball.com - June 18, 2007
Ray Wilkins is backing Aston Villa's bid for West Ham United midfielder
Nigel Reo-Coker. Wilkins was Peter Taylor's right-hand man during the
tournament's qualifying campaign before Stuart Pearce and Steve Wigley took
over this year. And the former England, Chelsea and Manchester United star,
who now works as a pundit for Sky Sports, believes Reo-Coker would be
perfect for Villa. "Nigel is first-class as a bloke and as a player and he
was the ideal captain when I was involved with Peter," said Wilkins. "I saw
him interviewed last week when he said the time had come for him to move on
and leave West Ham and I think he's right. "If he does move to Villa, which
seems to be the case, then I think it would be perfect for the player and
for the club. "It would suit them because he would be a younger, fresher
replacement for Gavin McCann. "It would also suit him because Birmingham's
not too far from London which is important when young lads are moving away
from home." Wilkins has been particularly excited by Ashley Young and
believes the Villa flier is best suited to the wide role he is playing for
the Under-21s. "Ashley is another smashing lad to work with and for such a
young lad he knows his function in the field," he said. "We've seen him out
wide in the tournament and he's been outstanding against players of his own
age. As he grows and gets stronger I think he will be just as effective down
the middle but for the moment he's better out wide. "He's another one who I
feel will go on to do very well at Villa and I don't think his price tag
will worry him at all."
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Curbishley plans shakeup of West Ham backroom team
tribalfooball.com - June 18, 2007
West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley has revealed he's planning to shake-up
the club's management structure over the summer. "I'm looking to make some
changes and beef up certain areas of the medical and coaching departments,"
Curbs told whufc.com. "Hopefully, we will have that in place by the time the
players come back and begin the pre-season build-up. "As I've said before,
it is difficult to come in to a Club mid-season and make those kind of
changes when important matches are taking place, so this summer is a fresh
beginning for everyone and we will be looking to get everything embedded in
pre-season.
"We're going for local games, which will hopefully provide some big
atmospheres, followed by a big game at the end against AS Roma. We will work
very hard and hopefully hit the ground running for that first game against
Manchester City."
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West Ham bid for Blackburn ace McCarthy
tribalfooball.com - June 18, 2007
Blackburn Rovers have rejected an approach from West Ham United for striker
Benni McCarthy. The £10million-rated South African marksman, who scored 18
League goals last season, is also admired by Chelsea and Aston Villa.
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Sunderland, West Ham head queue for Drenthe
tribalfooball.com - June 18, 2007
No less than SIX Premiership clubs are chasing Feyenoord wing-back Royston
Drenthe. The Independent says Sunderland and West Ham head the queue for the
Dutch dazzler, who is favourite to carry off the Player of the Tournament
award at this month's U21 European Championships. Arsenal, Aston Villa,
Newcastle United and Manchester City also sent representatives to watch the
quick and powerful Drenthe play and score with a stunning free-kick for the
Dutch against Belgium in Heerenveen on Saturday.
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