Pre-Season 14th July 2007 Kick-off: 15:00
Venue: Glyn Hopkin Stadium
West Ham United secured a 2-0 victory over Football League new-boys Dagenham
& Redbridge in their opening pre-season friendly of the summer, but it was
the sight of Dean Ashton back in action again that really had Hammers fans
celebrating. The 23-year-old England striker - sidelined for the past 11
months with a broken leg - played the full second half as Alan Curbishley's
men kicked off their 2007-08 preparations, and came close to marking the
occasion with a goal - hitting the bar with a powerful header in the 64th
minute. In the end, it was youngster Mark Noble who grabbed the goalscoring
headlines, with an expertly-taken free-kick seven minutes from the end,
before Dagenham defender Ross Smith headed a Luis Boa Morte corner into his
own net moments later.
The match was a testimonial for Daggers keeper Tony Roberts, who had little
to do in a quiet first half as both sides took time to find their feet after
just a week or so of pre-season training following the summer break. Young
Hammers striker Zavon Hines, partnering Carlton Cole up front, fired an
early shot into the side-netting, before Dagenham midfielders Southam and
Huke both went close with long-range efforts. With 10 minutes of the half
remaining, Lee Bowyer narrowly failed to connect with a Cole lay-off just
six yards out, before winger Kyel Reid headed a Hayden Mullins cross on to
the top of the bar six minutes later.
The interval brought about wholesale changes for both teams, with Curbs
making nine in total. New signings Scott Parker, Julien Faubert and Richard
Wright came on for their debuts, while Ashton stepped out to a rousing
reception from all areas of the ground, and Danny Gabbidon and Matthew Upson
also made welcome returns after their injury-hit 2006-07 campaigns.
Just moments after the restart, though, the cheers turned to hushed silence
when Ashton was the victim of an ill-timed lunge from defender Jon Boardman,
leaving the Hammers striker grounded in pain. Much to everyone's relief,
though, Deano was soon back on his feet, showing no signs of ill-effect and,
no doubt, psychologically boosted after coming through his first crunching
challenge unscathed. Minutes later, he sent a 25-yard free-kick flying just
inches wide of the target and then, on 64 minutes, soared to meet Boa
Morte's inviting cross, only to see his headed effort rebound off the
crossbar. As the game drew to a close, England under-21 internationals Mark
Noble and Anton Ferdinand were handed a taste of the action in place of Cole
and Pantsil, and it was Noble who eventually broke the deadlock in the 83rd
minute, curling a superb free-kick past Roberts after a foul on Faubert -
impressive on his first appearance in England. Two minutes later, Boa Morte
whipped in a corner from the right that eluded his team-mates but was met by
the unfortunate Smith, who somehow managed to divert the ball into the top
corner from six yards out.
The 5,657 crowd went away happy after two late goals and the first sight of
Dean Ashton in almost a year, while Alan Curbishley and his coaching staff
will have been satisfied with a bright and positive start to their
preparations for the new campaign…
West Ham United (first half): Green; Pantsil, Collins, Gabbidon, McCartney;
Reid, Mullins, Bowyer, Etherington; Hines, Cole.
West Ham United (second half): Wright; Pantsil (Ferdinand 82), Davenport,
Upson, Spector; Faubert, Parker, Collison, Boa Morte; Cole (Noble 67),
Ashton.
Att: 5,657
Referee: J Singh
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The truth will out - KUMB
Filed: Saturday, 14th July 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Sheffield United have said they will consider taking legal action against
West Ham United in a bid for 'compensation'.
The Yorkshire club were refused permission by the High Court yesterday to
appeal against an arbitration panel's decision to dismiss their claims over
the Carlos Tevez affair as the court decided that the panel had acted within
the law. A request to send the case to the Court of Appeal was therefore
denied.
Paul Stothard, a solicitor for Denton Wilde Sapte who are currently
representing the Blades subsequently revealed that his client would be
seeking financial compensation from the Hammers having seen their bungled
attempt to be reinstated to the Premier League end in failure.
"You can be fairly confident that the issue won't rest here," Stothard said
last night.
"Sheffield United are not precluded from taking further action against the
Premier League or West Ham. Compensation would be top of the agenda because
there are significant consequences financially for being relegated
wrongfully, as we believe we have been."
Sheffield United had claimed that their campaign for reinstatement to the
Premier League had been based upon 'Fairness in Football'. They said that
West Ham had been treated too leniantly over the Tevez/Mascherano transfers
- despite the Hammers landing a world-record £5.5m fine - and even sent a
group of fans, headed by actor Sean Bean, to march on London under the
'Fairness' banner.
However somewhat embarrassingly for Mr.Bean and his fellow Blades it was
then discovered that their club had broken the exact rule (rule U18) they
were claiming West Ham United should have been expelled from the Premier
League for, when it was revealed that they had prevented Steve Kabba from
playing against them for Watford despite the Blades having sold him four
months previously.
As a result the phoney 'Fairness in Football' campaign sunk without trace,
disappearing almost overnight, whilst the real reason for the Blades'
spiteful campaign has come to the fore - greed, and an attempt to extort as
much money as they possibly can from the situation.
Sheffield have previously claimed that relegation cost them up to £50m,
whilst their legal bills since relegation was confirmed after losing at home
to Wigan on the final day of last season will no doubt run into millions.
West Ham United are yet to comment.
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Harewood in Wigan talks - Sky
By Andy Clarke - Created on 14 Jul 2007
Marlon Harewood is set to become Wigan manager Chris Hutchings' seventh
summer signing, according to Sky Sports News. The West Ham striker is
believed to be in Greater Manchester discussing a potential £4million move
to The Latics.Harewood has already been linked with moves to Manchester City
and Birmingham City this summer, but now appears to be on his way to
Wigan.Hutchings, who took over from Paul Jewell in May, has spent
£5.3million on West Brom midfielder Jason Koumas and has brought in
Newcastle pair Antoine Sibierski and Titus Bramble on free transfers.
Goalkeeper Carlo Nash has also arrived from neighbours Preston, together
with former Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot and Helsingborgs defender
Andreas Granqvist.
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Carlos Tevez story still has no end in sight - Telegraph
By Duncan White, Sunday Telegraph
Last Updated: 1:42am BST 15/07/2007
The saga of Carlos Tevez's protracted move from West Ham to Manchester
United shows no signs of being resolved as fresh allegations are levelled at
Media Sports Investments, the company that claim to own the Argentine
striker's "economic rights". Contrary to reports that the deal could be
resolved this week, the possibility of an imminent resolution look
increasingly remote. Warrants have been issued in Brazil for the arrest of
Kia Joorabchian, the president of MSI, Nojan Bedroud, an MSI director, and
the Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky, allegedly a major source of the
company's wealth. Tevez takes to the field in the Copa America final
tonight, as Argentina take on Brazil. Tevez's outstanding form in the
tournament has only enhanced United's desire to sign the striker, but
despite their initial optimism of sorting out a deal for the player, it is
becoming increasingly immersed in murkiness.
Joorabchian claims Tevez is due for a medical at Old Trafford this week -
perhaps the only straightforward part of any potential transfer - but that
looks like a tactic to put pressure on West Ham. West Ham need to hold their
nerve. They own Tevez's registration and the Premier League are satisfied
that they terminated their third-party agreements with MSI on April 27. If
Manchester United want to buy Tevez, then they need to pay West Ham a
transfer fee. Simple as that.
However Joorabchian claims MSI own the player's "economic rights". Quite
what these are remains something of a mystery but they are of little use
without the player's registration. If MSI are cut out of a deal then they
could feasibly take West Ham to court but with doubts raised about how
legally enforceable these third-party agreements are.
West Ham could take heart from last week's ruling at the Court of
Arbitration for Sport, which looked at MSI's involvement in the transfer of
a Brazilian striker named Nilmar from Lyon to Corinthians for 10 million
euros. Lyon alleged that Corinthians and MSI had acted illegally in trying
to evade paying the full transfer fee. First FIFA and then CAS backed Lyon.
Corinthians have been left broke after falling out with MSI and owe the
French champions eight million euros.
Furthermore, four of their directors are due in court on allegations of
money-laundering and also of match-fixing as part of the same investigation
that has fingered MSI. The Brazilian investigators claim to have
tape-recordings of Corinthians officials planning ways of manipulating
results in order to avoid relegation, including influencing officials - a
resounding echo of the Italian match-fixing scandal of last year. Tevez is a
good player but is this the kind of company Manchester United want to keep?
Joorabchian insists he has done nothing wrong and Berezovsky has cried
conspiracy, pointing the finger at his enemies in the Kremlin, while
maintaining that he has no financial stake in MSI. With MSI's accounts based
in the Cayman Islands, contradictory reports being published and an
atmosphere of paranoia abounding, it is becoming difficult to get a straight
answer to even the most simple questions.
Will Kia Joorabchian and co be extradited to Brazil to face trial?
Contrary to early reports, it is not possible for Interpol to arrest
Joorabchian. What they can do is issue a "Red Notice" in response to an
arrest warrant and inform and co-operate with the British authorities.
Brazil does have an extradition treaty with the UK but this country has
never been forthcoming in such matters. Russia have been seeking the
extradition of Berezovsky on a range of charges, a move that Britain has
opposed. As Joorabchian is a British citizen it is highly unlikely he would
be arrested and sent to Brazil.
What contract was torn up to allow Tevez to continue playing for West Ham
last season?
The Premier League are satisfied that West Ham terminated all third-party
arrangements with MSI. They have seen all the relevant documentation,
including material from MSI and Tevez.
However, Joorabchian maintains that MSI still control the player's "economic
rights". Exactly what this means is not clear, because if MSI do have a
contract with West Ham it would contradict what both the East London club
and the Premier League are saying.
What is the status of Javier Mascherano?
When Mascherano moved to Liverpool, West Ham tore up his registration,
effectively making him a free agent. He then signed for Liverpool on a
two-year deal, with an option for a longer term deal at the end of that
period. Confusion has arisen because this deal has been referred to as a
loan when in fact he has been signed as a Liverpool player on a short-term
basis.
What are the possible consequences for the future of English football?
Third-party ownership is a bad thing for competitive football. While the
idea of Tevez joining the array of attacking talent at Old Trafford is an
appealing prospect, it would be disastrous to encourage the ownership of
players by external parties. Inevitable problems would arise, not least that
of conflict of interest. If one body owns players at several different
clubs, would it not leave the door open for the manipulation of results?
One last question: Why will MSI not disclose who they are? Why do the
company's investors feel the need to conceal themselves behind the veil of
anonymity?
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Tevez must ditch his agent to join United
14.07.07
Argentina star Carlos Tevez will only join Manchester United and become Sir
Alex Ferguson's fourth major signing of the summer if West Ham agree the
deal and keep the transfer money. Tevez, who takes on Brazil in the Copa
America final in Venezuela tonight, will be put under pressure this week to
drop his agent Kia Joorabchian, who claims to own the economic rights of the
player, in order for the deal to be cleared by the Premier League. But with
United flying out today for their Far East tour, the situation is unlikely
to be resolved this week. The player cannot complete his medical as United's
club doctors will be in Japan and South Korea, although Ferguson is
understandably keen that the complex deal should be sorted out before the
start of the season. United, who fly to Tokyo today before moving on to
Seoul and then China next week,are willing to deal with whoever is judged to
be the legal owner of the player's registration and economic rights. The
club expect Joorabchian to take the case to FIFA, or to the Court of
Arbitration for Sport, to assert his rights to do the deal. United have so
far conducted their negotiations with Joorabchian and have agreed terms with
the player. But with Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore
insisting that only West Ham can receive the transfer fee — not
Joorabchian's company MSI — it seems United lawyer Maurice Watkins and chief
executive David Gill will have to finalise the deal with West Ham owner
Eggert Magnusson. "We would have no objection to Tevez agreeing a contract
and having a medical at Manchester United so long as it has been agreed by
West Ham," said a Premier League source. "If that doesn't happen, Tevez
won't be going anywhere."
West Ham are willing to deal with United direct and will not hold out for
the maximum £20 million fee they might expect, given the controversial
circumstances in which they acquired the player for a nominal fee. Nor will
they stand in the way of the striker leaving. West Ham spokesman Mike Lee
said: "There is a desire now to find a solution. For this to happen in the
near future it has to involve a formal agreement between Manchester United
and West Ham which is approved by the Premier League."
The situation will infuriate Joorabchian, who claims that he owns economic
rights to the player and is threatening to sue West Ham after the club
unilaterally terminated its agreement with MSI after being found guilty of
breaking Premier League rules in April. The Premier League will not allow
West Ham to renegotiate their deal with Joorabchian, because the club were
only allowed to keep playing Tevez in their vital relegation clashes on the
basis that they ended their contract with MSI. The club would risk being
charged by the Premier League again for third party influence. This was the
original charge brought against them in April and, although they received a
£5.5m fine which most outsiders considered lenient, they would almost
certainly be relegated if they breached the rules again. Joorabchian and
MSI's investors expect to be compensated for giving up economic rights the
company claim they own. Joorabchian's lawyer, Graham Shear, is understood to
have proposed a deal which mirrors the move of Javier Mascherano to
Liverpool, whereby MSI were compensated for giving up rights. However,the
Premier League and West Ham will not agree to this, the League believing
that it would be tantamount to West Ham reinstating the deal they had with
MSI and then terminated. Manchester United may break the impasse by
unilaterally deciding to compensate Joorabchian for the work he has done on
the deal, although they will not act without Premier League approval.
Joorabchian's problem increased last week when Brazilian judge Fausto Martin
de Sanctis ordered his arrest in Brazil, along with London-based Russian
tycoon Boris Berezovsky, on allegations of money-laundering. Both deny the
charges and say they are politically-motivated.
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Ash Blond Shines But Noble Sparkles For West Ham - West Ham Fans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 15 July, 2007 - 08:02.
Perhaps a year out of the side has meant that returning striker Dean Ashton
has been unable to maintain contact with his hairdresser, what else could
explain the peroxide barnet that Deano sported for the 2-0 friendly victory
over Dagenham and Redbridge?.. Make no mistake though, Ashton was immense,
both in physique and stature, he looked absolutely huge! Not in a Razor
Ruddock or Jan Molby way, but more like Hammers supporter Lennox Lewis.,
Deano's appearance must have had the doping team waiting in the wings just
to test if it was possible for a player to develop his upper body strength
to such an extent without the help of performance enhancing drugs!. While
Deano caught the eye, it was that other 'new signing' Marky Noble who
grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck. Apart from Deano's early header
off the bar Hammers had been fairly casual, Lee Bowyer was guilty of an
appalling miss but Julien Faubert looked the business.. There will be those
who fear that Hammers displayed a lack of creativity, but come on it was a
pre-season friendly and the first time the team has played together, as
Curbs said "Deano came through unscathed". Imagine if he had got crocked? -
Ed . West Ham United (first half): Green; Pantsil, Collins, Gabbidon,
McCartney; Reid, Mullins, Bowyer, Etherington; Hines, Cole. West Ham United
(second half): Wright; Pantsil (Ferdinand 82), Davenport, Upson, Spector;
Faubert, Parker, Collison, Boa Morte; Cole (Noble 67), Ashton. Att: 5,657
Referee: J Singh
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CURBS BLASTS SIR ALEX OVER TEVEZ - Daily Express
Sunday July 15,2007
By Neil Fissier Have your say(0)
WEST HAM boss Alan Curbishley last night blasted Sir Alex Ferguson as the
tug of war over Carlos Tevez intensified. Curbishley was furious that
Manchester United boss Ferguson claimed Tevez kept the Hammers in the
Premiership single-handedly. Curbishley has confirmed that the Argentinian
striker will not be travelling to Austria this week when he returns from
international duty at the Copa America. Instead, it is widely expected he
will sign for United on Wednesday in a £35million deal after wrangles over
his ownership are sorted out.
But Ferguson can expect a frosty reception the next time he sees long-time
friend Curbishley. "I was a bit disappointed about Alex's comments about
Tevez keeping us up. "Because there were 10 other players out there and a
lot of them were big performers for us. "There was a lot more going on than
just Carlos Tevez. Every day has been a Tevez day for the last two months.
"I have kept my own council and got on with it. But I was disappointed to
hear Alex say that.
"We have got to move off and move on. I am not expecting anything. I am just
expecting that we are going to Austria and he is not going to be with us.
"But please don't keep talking to me about Tevez because there is nothing I
can do about it." Curbishley also hit out at former Hammers midfielder Yossi
Benayoun who this week joined Liverpool.
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