12/06/2007 09:00
In this week's Behind the Scenes feature, we catch up with West Ham United's
new Director of Retail and Merchandising, Gudmundur Gislason. With the
release of our brand new Umbro kit set for later this week and the relaunch
of the online megastore already in place, it has certainly been a busy
introduction for Gudmundur, who explains what his role at the Club entails:
"I'm responsible for our Club stores and all the products and everything
going on in that area.
"My aim is to introduce exciting new products to the fans and make our brand
stronger within this business. We're working on making our identity stronger
around the world also. There are a lot of opportunities for this Club. It's
just a question of what we can do with our brand and how we develop it."
The Icelandic Director may be new to Upton Park, but football has always
been his first love. "I started to play football when I was four or five
years-old in Iceland," he explains. "I got to a certain level in football,
not a professional level, but I played against a few Clubs in Europe with my
team in Iceland, for example Barcelona. "That was a big thing for me. I've
always loved football and it's always been a big part of my life. For me to
come to West Ham it's a dream come true. In Iceland we don't have
professional Clubs like in England. So, for me to join West Ham is a big
thing and I hope I can do some big things here. "I've never been involved in
working for a football club before, apart from being on the pitch! It has
been very good being here and the reason I'm here is because of the new
ownership, the new beginning. There are a lot of new ideas coming up and I'm
taking part in that, helping to build up the Club, making West Ham United a
much stronger identity as we move forward."
And Gudmundur believes there are exciting times ahead for everyone
associated with West Ham United. "I came directly from Iceland where I was
working for one of the biggest retailers," he says. "So, my background is
retail and it's a very exciting business because it's always changing. "No
two days are the same in retail. There is always something new happening and
that's very exciting. We can also put that element in the retail of West Ham
United. There are many good things at the Club now in retail but we can
improve. "I think with the new ownership and the new management team and all
of these great people working at West Ham United, there are a lot of great
times about to happen."
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Special opening times for kit launch - WHUFC
12/06/2007 12:08
You can get your hands on the brand new West Ham United kit as soon as it is
launched this Saturday, June 16. Our stores will be opening early to cope
with demand as the exciting new design is unveiled. The Club Megastore will
be open from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm on Saturday and from 10.30am to 5.00pm on
Sunday. The Lakeside store will be open from 8.00am to 7.30pm on Saturday
and from 11.00am to 5.00pm on Sunday.
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Galey's review of the season: part three - WHUFC
12/06/2007 13:57
In the third and final part of our special end of season feature, former
Upton Park favourite and regular whufc.com columnist Tony Gale provides his
own personal look back at the unforgettable finish to the 2006-07 campaign…
For the last third of the season Alan Curbishley delved into the transfer
market and bought Luis Boa Morte, Matty Upson, Lucas Neill, Nigel Quashie
and Calum Davenport. Fate was to conspire against him as every one of those
players suffered with injuries throughout the vital run-in. The worst miss
of all for me was Lucas Neill, who was not only a good player, but also a
good leader of men, which I think is vitally important, especially when
things are going against you. It was no fluke to me, that when Lucas was
fit, the Hammers strung together their best run of results. Luis struggled
to regain his full fitness after his injury. Matty was so unlucky it was
untrue. I think he is a victim of his own honesty as he tried to come back
too early from long term injury. Next season I feel he will be a key player.
Nigel Quashie started off well and seemed to give the team a real
competitive edge in the middle of the park, but again an unlucky injury
curtailed his season. Calum Davenport also seemed to be getting on well
until he got his injury. Although West Ham didn't get as many games as they
wanted out of those five players, it seemed to give the rest of the squad
the kick up the backside they needed. As with all new signings, it takes
time to settle, not only on the playing side, but also getting used to the
new environment of the Club. When it came to the crucial run-in, when we won
seven of the last nine games, it was clearly apparent that all the new boys
had integrated and there seemed a much better spirit around the Club.
The words spirit and confidence are commonly used in football and both can
only be achieved by initially being on the receiving end of a few lucky
breaks. Who can deny that we weren't the recipient of those, particularly in
the games against Blackburn away and Arsenal away - where Rob Green had an
absolute blinder. Still, they say you make your own luck and my belief is
that we had enough bad luck last season to last us 10 years. Because the
Tevez and Mascherano situation resurfaced, Curbs, his staff and the boys
never got the full credit they deserved for an outstanding achievement in
winning seven of the last nine Premiership games to keep us in the top
flight.
A big well done from me to everyone - and for anyone who's trying to put a
spanner in the works of our Premiership status…unlucky!
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Scraping the barrel - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 12th June 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Sheffield United have asked supporters of bitter rivals Sheffield Wednesday
to support their so-called 'campaign for justice'. Blades fans intend to
demonstrate against their relegation from the Premiership on the streets of
Sheffield tomorrow, after plans to march in London were shelved due to a
lack of interest.
But with minimal interest being registered by supporters even in their home
town, campaign organiser and Blades fan Richard Batho has turned to
followers of Sheffield's other Championship outfit - Sheffield Wednesday -
to support the (pointless) cause.
"Hopefully fans from both clubs - United and Wednesday - will turn out
because this has the power to affect everyone," Batho told the Sheffield
Star. "United supporters must attend in numbers but it would be great to
think that everyone from the region, whether they follow us, will also lend
us their backing."
Unsurprisingly perhaps the call for unity has tickled supporters of
Wednesday who were, on the whole, delighted when the Blades - known by
Wednesday fan as 'The Pigs' - were relegated from the Premiership thanks to
a final day home defeat to Wigan. Posters on popular Wednesday messageboard
Owls Online have reacted with humour to the call for unity. One poster
claimed that "there's more chance of Carlos Tevez turning up as a guest of
honour in a West Ham shirt", whilst another added that he "might go - and
point, laugh and sing songs such as '10 points and you fooked it up'".
Meanwhile a second smaller gathering is set to take place in London tomorrow
lunchtime when Blades fan Sean Bean is set to lead a handful of selected
Blades fans into Parliament for a meeting with a small group of MPs. That
group - estimates to be around 20 strong - includes the MP for Sheffield
Attercliffe, Clive Betts, who was recently suspended from the House for
doctoring offical papers thereby allowing his 'Brazilian rent-boy lover' to
remain in the UK. A photo-call has been set for 11.30am on Victoria
Embankment (close to Westminster Pier); TV and radio are both expected to
cover the event.
* Sheffield United claim that West Ham United should have been deducted
three points instead of being fined £5.5m as a result of being found guilty
of contravening Premier League rules with regard to Carlos Tevez's contract
- a figure that would have (conveniently) seen United relegated instead of
the Blades.
However Sheffield's case is undermined by the fact that there is no
precedent for such a punishment, and that when they beat West Ham United 3-0
in April, Carlos Tevez played on the opposing side. Coincidentally this was
overlooked by the Blades until their relegation was confirmed.
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Blades appeal to Owls fans - The Star - Sheffield
Wednesday fans were today urged to join Sheffield United's battle to
overturn their Premiership relegation.
As a delegation from Bramall Lane prepares to take their protest to the
Houses of Parliament, where nearly 50 MPs have signed an early-day motion
calling for Bryan Robson's side to be reinstated in the Premier League,
United have unveiled details of a city-centre rally designed to coincide
with tomorrow's visit to Westminster.
And Sheffield United fans leader Richard Batho wants to see Owls supporters
join them in a rare show of unity.
Tomorrow's event, which is scheduled to start around 1pm at Barkers Pool,
will enable those fans not travelling to London to protest loudly but
peacefully against the FAPL's failure to deduct West Ham points for a
serious breach of transfer regulations during the 'Carlos Tevez Affair' - a
decision which United argue cost them their top-flight place.
An independent arbitration panel is scheduled to begin investigating the
matter next week and ,as the media spotlight once again prepares to focus on
a matter which threatens to plunge English football into chaos, United know
that a big turnout would place even more pressure on the FAPL.
Batho, spokesman for influential fans group BIFA, says the issue bridges the
region's partisan divides.
"Hopefully fans from both clubs - United and Wednesday - will turn out
because this has the power to affect everyone," he said. "The more people
who turn out, the better. We need to get across the message that football
fans in general aren't prepared to stand by when something like this
happens.
"United supporters must attend in numbers but it would be great to think
that everyone from the region, whether they follow us, Wednesday,
Roth-erham, Barnsley, Doncaster or Chesterfield, will also lend us their
backing. It really is that important."
Earlier this month The Star delivered a dossier of complaints from readers
to the FAPL. Despite their refusal to accept the material in person, a
Blades supporter has received confirmation that FAPL chief executive Richard
Scudamore has taken possession of it.
Meanwhile, Mark Fenoughty, United's chief operating officer, has resigned
from the board of directors. He will be replaced by Simon Capper, finance
director of United Scarborough Estates.
Robbie Savage's £40,000-a-week wages will prevent United signing him from
Blackburn Rovers.
What do you think? Do the Blades need help from the Owls. Register and post
your comments below or click here to email the sports editor.
Please put the word FAIRNESS in the subject field.
12 June 2007
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You cannot be serious?? - Owl Online.com
See the Star are still game for a laugh...
Blades appeal to Owls fans
Join our protest: Blades supporters leader Richard Batho wants Owls fans to
join protest
By James Shield
Wednesday fans were today urged to join Sheffield United's battle to
overturn their Premiership relegation. As a delegation from Bramall Lane
prepares to take their protest to the Houses of Parliament, where nearly 50
MPs have signed an early-day motion calling for Bryan Robson's side to be
reinstated in the Premier League, United have unveiled details of a
city-centre rally designed to coincide with tomorrow's visit to Westminster.
And Sheffield United fans leader Richard Batho wants to see Owls supporters
join them in a rare show of unity.
Tomorrow's event, which is scheduled to start around 1pm at Barkers Pool,
will enable those fans not travelling to London to protest loudly but
peacefully against the FAPL's failure to deduct West Ham points for a
serious breach of transfer regulations during the 'Carlos Tevez Affair' - a
decision which United argue cost them their top-flight place.
An independent arbitration panel is scheduled to begin investigating the
matter next week and ,as the media spotlight once again prepares to focus on
a matter which threatens to plunge English football into chaos, United know
that a big turnout would place even more pressure on the FAPL.
Batho, spokesman for influential fans group BIFA, says the issue bridges the
region's partisan divides.
"Hopefully fans from both clubs - United and Wednesday - will turn out
because this has the power to affect everyone," he said. "The more people
who turn out, the better. We need to get across the message that football
fans in general aren't prepared to stand by when something like this
happens.
"United supporters must attend in numbers but it would be great to think
that everyone from the region, whether they follow us, Wednesday,
Roth-erham, Barnsley, Doncaster or Chesterfield, will also lend us their
backing. It really is that important."
Earlier this month The Star delivered a dossier of complaints from readers
to the FAPL. Despite their refusal to accept the material in person, a
Blades supporter has received confirmation that FAPL chief executive Richard
Scudamore has taken possession of it.
HA HA f**king HA....
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Keeper Carrizo is the Juan for Curbishley - Daily Mail
Last updated at 13:44pm on 12th June 2007
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley wants Argentinian goalkeeper Juam Pablo
Carrizo after a recommendation from striker Carlos Tevez. River Plate's
Carrizo, valued at £6m, is one of Argentina's best prospects and is also
wanted by Lazio and AC Milan, claims the Daily Mirror. Agent Kia Jorrabchian
is involved in taking the keeper to Europe and Curbishley has money to spend
thanks to owner Eggert Magnusson and wants competition for Robert Green.
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West Ham told to up bid for Benfica striker Gomes
tribalfooball.com - June 12, 2007
West Ham United have made a £3 million offer for Benfica striker Nuno Gomes.
Record says Benfica have informed the Hammers they're willing to sell the
Portugal international if they up their bid another £500,000.
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Al Fayed vows to fight on - Football.co.uk
Tuesday Jun 12 2007 11:40
Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed is determined to carry on the fight to
overturn the decision not to hand a points deduction to West Ham United
following their controversial purchase of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano
last August. Al Fayed will continue to back Sheffield United's 'fight for
justice' campaign even if an independent arbitration panel fails to rule
that the decision to fine rather deduct West Ham points for a serious breach
of transfer regulations was flawed. "If any club brings in players without
approval, how can they just want to fine them, because it affects other
clubs," he said. "We are going to arbitration to teach them a lesson. Why do
they make favours? "If the arbitration is fair and people who know about law
and about justice, we are on the right side. "If arbitration fails, we go to
court. I am a man of principle. "I just don't let people get away with
unfair and unjust practices, especially the Premier League." Sheffield
United finished in the bottom three after losing at home to Wigan Athletic
on the last day of the season while the Hammers were winning at Manchester
United.
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West Ham To Hijack Barton Deal? - newcastlemad.co.uk
By Nu Mad Tuesday 12th June 2007
Sam Allardyce is losing patience with Manchester City over their stalling in
the deal to sell Joey Barton to Newcastle. Manchester City are involved in a
cash wrangle which is delaying the move, and the Toon boss insists the
argument has nothing to do with Newcastle United and the deal should be done
and dusted without Newcastle's involvement. The 24-year-old agreed his
£5.5million move to St James' Park last week, but a row over a £300,000
pay-off to which he was contractually entitled if he was sold without asking
for a transfer has prevented the deal going through. City refuse to let the
deal go ahead until Barton waves the £300,000 pay-off the player believes he
is entitled to. Barton's agent Willie McKay has referred the matter to the
Professional Footballers' Association with City adamant that they will not
pay because he was not forced out of the club. Allardyce (talking to the
Manchester Evening News): "They are out of order. This is a private matter,
a confidential issue that should not have been made public. I'm
flabbergasted and want the situation resolved. "I am just trying as
Newcastle manager to secure a player of this kind and quality and the deal
has been held up. "I cannot understand it because City didn't pay anything
for this player as he came through the youth system and are selling him for
over £5million. "It's not really for me to comment. All I know is that this
is a matter for Joey to sort out and I hope it is resolved as it has stopped
him putting pen to paper."
Barton travelled to Tyneside last week and was so impressed with his meeting
with Allardyce and the stadium, that he cancelled his meeting to go and talk
to the Hammers. Even though West Ham are reported to have offered him
£10,000 per week MORE than Newcastle. However, City continue to hold things
up, and reports from London suggest West Ham could be set to come in with
another deal. Allardyce: "I found Joey a very bright person who wants to
develop his game. He is very positive, well-spoken and focused and wants to
win silverware with Newcastle and develop his international career."
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Tevez urges West Ham to go for Carizzo
tribalfooball.com - June 12, 2007
Carlos Tevez has urged West Ham boss Alan Curbishley to move for River Plate
goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carizzo. The Mirror says Curbishley wants Carrizo
after a recommendation from Tevez. River Plate's Carrizo, valued at
£6million, is one of Argentina's best prospects and is also wanted by Lazio
and AC Milan. Agent Kia Joorabchian is involved in taking the keeper to
Europe and Curbishley has money to spend, thanks to owner Eggert Magnusson,
and wants competition for Robert Green.
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Kia Joorabchian, Tevez, West Ham and third-party contracts - Soccerlens.com
Written by Ahmed Bilal.
A Soccerlens reader (thanks WP) mailed me a link to this article on Kia
Joorabchian and Carlos Tevez and pointed something out which I thought would
be interesting to talk about, despite the fact that it's almost a month old
now. It's interesting because I think Kia's right - that the MSI - West Ham
agreement over Tevez and Mascherano is quite similar to club - to - club
loan agreements, and as a result, there is no case to be made for West Ham
violating rule U18.
Basically, what caught me eye here was this passage:
It is a little bit like a loan deal between two clubs, except it is a loan
deal between the club and a third party. You buy the player outright, you
invest in the player and the clubs sign him from you; they take the
registration, the rights on any resale belong to you. It does not give you
any right to influence when he can play or where he should play. Unlike some
of the loan deals in England, where, for instance, Ben Foster or Tim Howard
cannot play against Manchester United. The loan bit made me think again
about what I had written earlier about the Tevez ruling - where I had said
that West Ham had broken both rules B13 and U18. In retrospect, the
conditions of a loan agreement between MSI and West Ham over Tevez seem very
similar to the loan agreements signed between two clubs over a particular
player. The more I look at it, the more it seems that technically, the
players ARE on loan to the clubs under the same circumstances as those of
club-to-club loans - that is, the original club owns the transfer rights,
could recall the player and trigger a transfer, etc.
What do you guys think?
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KEEPER CARRIZO JUAN FOR CURBS
By John Cross 12/06/2007
WEST HAM boss Alan Curbishley wants Argentinian goalkeeper Juan Pablo
Carrizo after a recommendation from striker Carlos Tevez. River Plate's
Carrizo, valued at £6million, is one of Argentina's best prospects and is
also wanted by Lazio and AC Milan. Agent Kia Joorabchian is involved in
taking the keeper to Europe and Curbishley has money to spend, thanks to
owner Eggert Magnusson, and wants competition for Robert Green.
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