Pre-Season 25th July 2007 Kick-off: 19:45
Venue: stadium:mk
West Ham United slipped to a 3-2 defeat against MK Dons in a pre-season
friendly on Wednesday evening.
Following Tuesday night's 1-1 draw against Leyton Orient, Hammers boss Alan
Curbishley named an entirely different starting 11 for the clash against
Paul Ince's team, as new signing Freddie Ljungberg made a solid debut and
the likes of Craig Bellamy, Danny Gabbidon and Matthew Upson got through the
entire 90 minutes.
After a lively start at the League Two outfit's brand new stadium, the hosts
took the lead on 12 minutes when an effort from midfielder Mark Wright
crossed the line before Richard Wright or Christian Dailly could manage to
clear.
Just four minutes later, though, Hammers were level when the impressive Luis
Boa Morte crossed from the left and a clever dummy from Craig Bellamy
allowed Ephraim to fire home.
And just moments later, it was 2-1 to the visitors, with Boa Morte again the
provider - this time whipping in a dangerous free-kick from the right that
goalkeeper Luke Steele could only palm out to Upson, who stabbed in his
first goal for the Club.
Hammers were largely in control for the remainder of the half, without
troubling Steele again, and it was MK Dons who came closest to finding the
net on a break-away attack, when Knight fired just inches wide.
Six minutes after the interval, the hosts did equalise - and in
controversial fashion. Referee Trevor Kettle had Hammers' tempers boiling as
he harshly adjudged Spector to have barged Broughton in the penalty area,
and captain Andrews stepped up to slam the spot-kick past Wright.
Five minutes later, Ljungberg came close to celebrating his debut with a
goal, as his low snap-shot was kept out by Steele, and just after the hour
mark Alan Curbishley sent on youngster Tony Stokes in place of the Swedish
midfielder - who had only tasted 45 minutes of pre-season action with
Arsenal before arriving at Upton Park.
That was Hammers' only tactical substitution of the night - part of the
manager's plans to give all the majority of his senior players their first
90 minutes of the pre-season build-up - while Ince made several changes
midway through the second half.
The fresher legs eventually told, as Dons grabbed a winner with just 15
minutes remaining. Substitute McKoy raced down the right, and cut the ball
back for Knight, who stroked the ball beyond Wright from eight yards out.
MK Dons: Steele (Abbey 73), Edds (Howell 73), Lewington (Stirling 73),
Andrews (McKoy 73), Murphy (O'Hanlon 52), Diallo, Wright (McGovern 52),
Broughton, Knight, Cameron (Morris 60), Dyer.
West Ham United: Wright; Spector, Collins, Upson, Gabbidon; Ljungberg
(Stokes 66), Dailly, Collison, Boa Morte (Jeffery 90); Ephraim, Bellamy.
Subs unused: Stech, Hines, Fitzgerald, Hales.
Referee: Trevor Kettle
Att: 9,610
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MK Dons 3 West Ham Utd 2 - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 25th July 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
West Ham United slipped to a narrow defeat against Paul Ince's MK Dons in
their latest pre-season friendly tonight. The Hammers made it four without a
win (and three defeats) since they beat Dagenham & Redbridge 2-0 in their
first pre-season friendly a fortnight ago after letting go a 2-1 advantage
at the Dons new stadium. The home side took the lead as early as the 12th
minute when Mark Wright squeezed a shot home. However United were level just
four minutes later when Hogan Ephraim converted Luis Boa Morte's cross. The
Hammers took the lead barely a minute later when Matthew Upson notched his
forst goal in a claret and blue shirt by converting a spilled Boa Morte
cross - his second assist of the evening. At that stage the Hammers were
looking comfortable and took the lead into the half-time break. But it was
to last just five minutes as the Dons were awarded a controvesial penalty
after John Spector was adjudged to have pushed Broughton inside the box.
Captain Andrews converted the spot kick to level the scores one again. With
just 15 minutes of the game remaining the Dons grabbed the winning goal
through Knight, who gave Richard Wright no chance when firing low from the
edge of the six-yard box. On a slightly more positive note, Freddie
Ljungberg made his first start for the club and lasted an hour before being
replaced by youngster Tony Stokes.
So of United's five pre-season games thus far they have won one, drawn one
and lost three. Whilst they are just friendly matches there will no doubt be
a little disappointment at results thus far.
MK Dons: Steele (Abbey 73), Edds (Howell 73), Lewington (Stirling 73),
Andrews (McKoy 73), Murphy (O'Hanlon 52), Diallo, Wright (McGovern 52),
Broughton, Knight, Cameron (Morris 60), Dyer.
Goals: Wright (12), Andrews (51 pen), Knight (76).
West Ham United: Wright, Spector, Collins, Upson, Gabbidon, Ljungberg
(Stokes 66), Dailly, Collison, Boa Morte (Jeffery 90), Ephraim, Bellamy.
Goals: Ephraim (16), Upson (18).
Referee: T.Kettle
Attendance: 9,610
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Friendly round-up - Sky
By James Pearson - Created on 25 Jul 2007
West Ham, Arsenal and Bolton all lost while there were wins for Reading and
Wigan. The Hammers' 3-2 loss to MK Dons was the biggest shock in a busy
Wednesday night of friendly action. Alan Curbishley fielded a strong side at
Stadium:MK, but it was the home side who took the lead through Mark Wright.
The visitors hit back with goals from Hogan Ephraim and Matthew Upson giving
West Ham the lead. However, Keith Andrews' penalty restored parity with Leon
Knight's late strike setting a thrilling encounter.
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MK Dons 3-2 West Ham: Upson on target - Soccernet
Matthew Upson celebrated his first full 90 minutes for West Ham with a goal
but Alan Curbishley's side were beaten by an MK Dons side managed by former
Hammers midfielder Paul Ince. Upson has suffered an injury nightmare since
his £6million move from Birmingham in January but looked composed throughout
as a near full-strength Hammers side were beaten by Leon Knight's late
strike. Freddie Ljungberg enjoyed a typically energetic 67 minutes on his
debut while Dean Ashton was rested after his goal at Leyton Orient last
night. The League Two Dons were without star striker Izale McLeod who
continues to seek a move away from the club, but took the lead in the ninth
minute through Mark Wright. Lloyd Dyer exchanged passes with Dean Lewington
down the left before whipping in a teasing cross. The ball evaded Drewe
Broughton but Wright sidefooted his effort back across goal and, despite the
frantic efforts of former England goal keeper Richard Wright the ball crept
in. Dyer then caused more mayhem with another fine run and cross before
Curbishley's side equalised in the 16th minute.
A terrible touch from Dons defender Drissa Diallo was seized upon by Luis
Boa Morte and the former Fulham man drew goalkeeper Luke Steele before
squaring for Hogan Ephraim to tap home. And the Hammers went ahead just
three minutes later through Upson. Boa Morte was again the provider with a
fine free-kick which found Upson unmarked at the far post. Steele
brilliantly kept out his first header but Upson hooked home the rebound from
five yards.
The Dons levelled seven minutes into the second half when skipper Keith
Andrews slammed home a penalty after Jonathan Spector pushed Broughton.
Ljungberg then brought another save from Steele before Knight struck in the
77th minute to silence the travelling hordes of Hammers fans. Substitute
Nick McKoy got to the byline and his pull back was finished clinically by
Knight to give Ince the last laugh.
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Man United to tough it out for Carlos Tevez - Telegraph
By Mark Ogden
Last Updated: 2:03am BST 26/07/2007
Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted that he will not abandon his pursuit of
Carlos Tevez, despite the possibility of a legal case at the High Court
forcing the West Ham forward to wait until the January transfer window
before he can complete a move to Manchester United.
With Tevez's agent and part-owner, Kia Joorabchian, initiating legal
proceedings against West Ham on Tuesday in an effort to resolve the dispute
over the player's ownership, the Argentina international faces the prospect
of a lengthy court case that could stretch beyond next month's August 31
transfer deadline.
advertisementWhile Ferguson, speaking in Macau as United prepared to head to
Guangzhou for the final leg of their four-game Far East tour, remains
confident that Tevez will be secured before the deadline, he admitted that
he has no intention of ending his interest in a player he believes will be a
crucial addition to his squad.
Ferguson said: "I would imagine that we can all get things done before the
deadline, but we would wait for Tevez anyway if we have to. We've gone so
far now, there's no point stepping back.
"There are very few strikers of his quality in the world market. Quite
simply, top strikers are becoming rarities and it's very difficult to get
them, but I think what Carlos Tevez has shown is his ability to play in
England and the immense influence he had on a team at the bottom of the
league. I don't think there's any doubt about that. He kept West Ham up
because his performances were that good."
Joorabchian's decision to bypass the Court of Arbitration for Sport in
favour of legal proceedings is a route that is likely to take longer to
complete, but Ferguson believes that it is the correct course of action in
order to gain a resolution.
He said: "I feel more confident now because the agent himself is confident
enough to take it to the High Court. You can be embarrassed there if it's
not right and you can lose everything, so he must be very confident
regarding the situation with West Ham.
The Manchester United manager added: "Once it goes to the High Court, it's
in the hands of the judge you get on the day and you never know what will
happen. But it's better for us because we will know exactly where we stand
and that's the best way to resolve it."
If Tevez ultimately completes a move to Old Trafford, Ferguson remains
adamant that he will join fellow Argentinian Gabriel Heinze in the United
squad. Liverpool are ready to make legal moves in an effort to sign the
defender, but the United manager claims he would rather the player leave for
nothing at the end of his contract than go to Anfield.
He said: "As things stand, I've not spoken to Gaby, but I know one thing,
he's our player and that's the important point. He's not Liverpool's player,
despite them going on as if he is their player. The last time I looked he
had two years left on his contract, but if he completes his contract and
then leaves at the end of it, then that will be fine by us.
"Liverpool are behaving opportunistically, like the rest of them. If an
agent came to me one day and presented me with a letter saying that Steven
Gerrard was available for a certain fee, then I would do the same."
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Dyer deal up in the air - Curbs - TeamTalk
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley has refused to rule his club out of a move
for Newcastle midfielder Kieron Dyer. Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce has
admitted the 28-year-old could be ending his eight-year stay on Tyneside due
to "family problems" - and West Ham have been heavily linked with the
England man. Curbishley spent £3million on Freddie Ljungberg from Arsenal
this week - but after fellow new recruit Julien Faubert was ruled out for
six months with a ruptured Achilles, the Hammers are short on wide options.
Speaking after Wednesday's 3-2 friendly defeat at League Two side MK Dons,
Curbishley said: "I'm looking in all areas, and it's not very often that a
club says that a player is available. "You normally phone up and get told
that people are not available, so it's very difficult. But anything can
still happen. "The situation is that Kieron wants to leave the club, as I
understand it, but I don't know anything else. "We get linked with a lot of
players at the minute, and he's one of them. "We are actively looking to
strengthen the squad and we have to replace those who have left. "I have one
eye on everything until that window closes - so we'll have to see."
Curbishley saw his side go down at the Dons' new stadium:mk home thanks to
Leon Knight's late winner but was delighted to see Matthew Upson score in
completing his first 90 minutes for the club. Upson made just two
appearances last season after his £6million move from Birmingham but came
through the full match in Milton Keynes unscathed and followed Ashton's lead
by scoring as well. Ashton was on target in the 1-1 draw with Leyton Orient,
and Curbishley believes they will be key men for the coming season. He said:
"Matty and Deano have both had their first 90 minutes this week - and it's
like two new signings for us, to be honest. "Dean didn't play at all last
season - and Matty Upson played 30 minutes, I think. "So it's great to have
them back and fit - and fingers crossed, they'll stay that way."
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Ince's Dons sink Irons in thriller - TeamTalk
Matthew Upson celebrated his first full 90 minutes for West Ham with a goal
but Alan Curbishley's side were beaten 3-2 by Paul Ince's MK Dons. Upson has
suffered an injury nightmare since his £6million move from Birmingham in
January but looked composed throughout as a near full-strength Hammers side
were beaten by Leon Knight's late strike. Freddie Ljungberg enjoyed a
typically energetic 67 minutes on his debut while Dean Ashton was rested
after his goal at Leyton Orient on Tuesday night. The League Two Dons were
without star striker Izale McLeod, who continues to seek a move away from
the club, but took the lead in the ninth minute through Mark Wright. Lloyd
Dyer exchanged passes with Dean Lewington down the left before whipping in a
teasing cross.
The ball evaded Drewe Broughton but Wright sidefooted his effort back across
goal and, despite the frantic efforts of former England goalkeeper Richard
Wright the ball crept in. Dyer then caused more mayhem with another fine run
and cross before Curbishley's side equalised in the 16th minute. A terrible
touch from Dons defender Drissa Diallo was seized upon by Luis Boa Morte and
the former Fulham man drew goalkeeper Luke Steele before squaring for Hogan
Ephraim to tap home. And the Hammers went ahead just three minutes later
through Upson. Boa Morte was again the provider with a fine free-kick which
found Upson unmarked at the far post. Steele brilliantly kept out his first
header but Upson hooked home the rebound from five yards. The Dons levelled
seven minutes into the second half when skipper Keith Andrews slammed home a
penalty after Jonathan Spector pushed Broughton. Ljungberg then brought
another save from Steele before Knight struck in the 77th minute to silence
the travelling hordes of Hammers fans. Substitute Nick McKoy got to the
byline and his pull back was finished clinically by Knight to give Ince the
last laugh.
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Hammers chasing Anelka - This Is London
25.07.07
West Ham have bid a clubrecord £12million for Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka.
After failing to land Darren Bent and Andrew Johnson this summer, they are
finally hoping to land the attacking spearhead to lead their ambitious
assault on the top six. They hope a £90,000-a-week salary will convince
Anelka, 28, to join their growing band of Premiership diehards and, with the
money they have offered Bolton, are confident of getting their man. But
after already landing fiery Craig Bellamy, the arrival of controversial
Anelka — dubbed Le Sulk for his past behaviour — will concern some West Ham
fans. However, as with the signing of Freddie Ljungberg from Arsenal,
supporters will be excited to see their club attracting high-profile
players. A club insider said: "When was the last time West Ham could offer
big salaries and lure players from Liverpool and Arsenal — as well as
someone with Anelka's pedigree? The answer is never."
England striker Dean Ashton is also returning from a year-long absence after
breaking his ankle to bolster West Ham's attacking options after the sale of
Yossi Benayoun to Liverpool and Carlos Tevez's likely departure. The club
appear to be preparing for life without Argentina striker Tevez, whose
proposed move to Manchester United is still the subject of a bitter dispute
between West Ham and his owner, businessman Kia Joorabchian. Anelka was on
Manchester United's wish-list earlier in the summer and Newcastle, under
former Bolton boss Sam Allardyce, have monitored his progress, too. The
France striker was top scorer at the Reebok last season with 12 goals from
38 games after signing from Fenerbahce for a club record £8million. The
former Arsenal, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester City player has been
accused of failing to bond with team-mates and settle at previous clubs.
But West Ham hope to lure him after failing to sign either Everton striker
Johnson or Bent, who snubbed the Hammers when joining Tottenham from
Charlton in July.
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Knight hits West Ham as Bellamy loses his cool again - This Is London
25.07.07
Craig Bellamy wasted no time in buffing up his controversial reputation as
his first game for West Ham on UK soil ended in a shock 3-2 defeat at the
new MK Dons Stadium. It was only a pre-season friendly but £8million former
Liverpool striker Bellamy, resplendent in bright yellow boots, was hauled
aside to be severely dressed down by Rutland referee Trevor Kettle. It was
presumably for something he said after Kettle gave MK Dons a 50th-minute
penalty for a Jon Spector push on Drewe Broughton, the spotkick being
converted by Keith Andrews to make it 2-2. Striker Leon Knight went on to
grab victory for the League One side with an easy tap-in after 79 minutes.
Dons, of course, are managed by Paul Ince, a hate-figure above all other
ex-West Ham players to their fans over a controversial exit to Manchester
United 18 years ago. But Ince's team shocked the Premiership side by taking
a ninth-minute lead when former West Brom and QPR wide man Lloyd Dyer
swapped passes with Broughton and centred from the left for Mark Wright to
slide the ball in. It took a mistake by home central defender Drissa Diallo
to hand the Hammers an equaliser on 16 minutes when Luis Boa Morte centred
from the left, leaving Hogan Ephraim with a simple tap into an empty net.
Two minutes later, West Ham led when Matthew Upson towered above the Dons
defence to head home Boa Morte's free-kick from the right. Keeper Luke
Steele made a fine reaction save but defender Upson stabbed the rebound into
the net. It took 29 minutes for Bellamy to get a clear shooting chance from
a move set up by Freddie Ljungberg, making an hour-long debut after a £2m
move from Arsenal, and Christian Dailly but he drove wide of the right post
to the jeers of the Dons fans. MK Dons were without striker Izale McLeod
sparking speculation that he will be joining Charlton in a £1.5m deal later
this week.
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Ferguson: Tevez is our player - Sky
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 26 Jul 2007
Sir Alex Ferguson admits he already considers Carlos Tevez to be a
Manchester United player. The Premier League champions are waiting to
conclude a deal to sign the Argentine striker from West Ham United. Fifa has
recommended the Court of Arbitration for Sport rule on the matter, while
Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian has issued a High Court writ against The
Hammers. Ferguson concedes there is no 'going back' for his club and expects
Tevez to finish up at Old Trafford. "We've done all the work, (United
lawyer) Maurice Watkins has been working overtime on it for the last two
months now," Ferguson told Sky Sports News. "We've gone so far it's
pointless thinking of going back now, we're where we want to be. "We feel
he's our player, and we hope that's the case and it's going to be proven in
the next few days."
The United manager also revealed that he has been encouraged by the fact
that Joorabchian has taken the matter to the High Court. He added: "I feel
more confident about getting him now because the agent is confident enough
to take it to the High Court. "You can be embarrassed there if it is not
right and lose everything. He must be very confident regarding the situation
with West Ham. "I would imagine it will be done before the deadline, and we
will wait for him anyway if we have to. "Last summer we didn't go for him
because we weren't sure of the arrangement."
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Man United's Disgusting Double-Standards - WestHammers.co.uk
By Plymouth_hammer Thursday 26th July 2007
How have Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United been allowed to get away
with applying their dominance of the Premier League to the transfer market?
Man United have been courting Carlos Tevez ever since inviting him out on a
pre-season celebration night at the end of last season yet it's their
comments in recent weeks that cause a serious stench around Old Trafford.
They have blatantly tapped the player up, agreed personal terms and even
dared to offer the Argentine striker a medical. They have done this in the
full glare of the media and without even speaking to West Ham - the club
that holds the player's registration.
Whilst this horrible saga has been flowing along at rapid speed we've been
forced to listen Messer's Rooney, Hargreaves, Quieroz and Ferguson all
publicly approving the transfer without even stopping to think that they are
talking about someone who is registered to another Premiership club.
"On that final day, Carlos showed against us, as he had done against plenty
of others before, that he can be a real threat when he is pushed a bit
further forward." Said Fergie. "He can beat a man, which is a major asset.
That is the real advantage of having someone like him on board. "Of course,
Wayne can also drop in and give defenders a problem, so between the two of
them I think they can become a real handful."
How on earth is he allowed to get away with talking about another club's
player like this?
Today however, Ferguson is quoted with an all-time classic Pot & Kettle
moment whilst speaking about his own Argentine Gabriel Heinze. "He's our
player, that's the important thing. He's not Liverpool's player, despite
them going on as if he's their player. Liverpool are opportunist, like the
rest of them. But he's got two years left on his contract."
So then Sir Alex…
Who's player is Carlos Tevez? How many years does Carlos Tevez have on his
contract? Liverpool are opportunist…….. What on earth are Man United then?
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MK DONS 3-2 WEST HAM - The Mirror
26/07/2007
FREDDIE LJUNGBERG made his West Ham debut - but helped give MK Dons boss
Paul Ince the last laugh as they crashed to defeat. Ince, reviled as a
'Judas' by Hammers fans after his move to Manchester United in 1989, saw his
side take an early lead through Mark Wright, after a Ljungberg slip-up.
Hogan Ephraim and Matthew Upson then put the Hammers ahead, before the
League Two side equalised when Keith Andrews scored from the penalty spot
Craig Bellamy struggled in the second half, while Leon Knight scored a late
winner.
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The Hammer Time Gossip - Football365
Posted 26/07/07 07:42
NOW WEST HAM WANT ANELKA
The latest very nice young man to be linked with West Ham is Nicolas Anelka.
The Hammers are believed to have tabled a formal offer for the Bolton
striker.
According to The Daily Mail, the East Londoners have 'bid a club record
£12million'. That seems a tad excessive given that The Independent reports:
'Although the Bolton manager, Sammy Lee, said that he would sell the player
to a Champions League club, a bid of between £5m and £6m should be enough to
secure Anelka's services.' Not that the Indy believes that the Hammers are
feeling particularly thrifty. Apparently, 'the France international will be
able to command wages of £90,000 a week' if he agrees to move to Upton Park.
Hammers fans, you must be so pleased with the direction your club is
taking...
AND THEN THEY COULD WANT DYER
Contrary to previous reports, the prevailing impression is that Sam
Allardyce would like to see Kieron Dyer stay at Newcastle but "family
problems" mean that the winger is set to leave the north-east. 'Allardyce
does not particularly want to sell Dyer and will attempt to help resolve his
problems,' claims The Indy. But The Times says that 'Newcastle will probably
allow Dyer, who has two years left on his contract, to leave for £5
million.' "At this time Kieron hasn't handed in an official transfer
request, but if these problems cannot be resolved we will have to let him go
which is obviously a shame," Allardyce commented. Allardyce has also voiced
his frustration at his repeated failure in recent weeks to add defensive
reinforcements. As for Dyer, West Ham remain favourites to sign him.
Hammers fans, you must be so pleased with the direction your club is
taking...
MANYOO WILL WAIT AND WAIT FOR TEVEZ
Terrific news, everyone: ManYoo are ready to wait beyond the August 31
deadline day for Carlos Tevez. The Argentine's proposed move to Old Trafford
has been further delayed by KiaJoorabchian's decision to give the Court of
Arbitration for Sport a miss in preference to a day out at the High Court,
but ManYoo remain undeterred. "Once it goes to the high court, you never
know what will happen, but it's better for us because we will know exactly
where we stand and that's the best way to resolve it. I would imagine that
it would be done before the deadline, but we would wait for him anyway if we
have to. We've gone so far now, there's no point stepping back," said Sir
Alex.
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Petrov set for City despite Spurs and Hammers interest - Daily Mail
Last updated at 07:49am on 26th July 2007
Manchester City appear to have beaten Tottenham and late interest from West
Ham to the £6m signing of Bulgaria midfielder Martin Petrov. The Atletico
Madrid winger, 28, flew to Manchester for talks yesterday rather than go to
north London and is expected to have a medical today.
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West Ham could make bid for Dyer - BBC
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley has refused to rule out a move for
Newcastle winger Kieron Dyer. Magpies boss Sam Allardyce has admitted Dyer,
28, could leave St James' Park because of family reasons. Curbishley said:
"I'm looking in all areas, and it's not very often that a club says that a
player is available.
"Kieron wants to leave Newcastle and we have been linked with him. I have
one eye on everything until that transfer window closes - so we'll have to
see."
He added: "We are actively looking to strengthen the squad and we have to
replace those who have left." On Wednesday, Allardyce said he would not
stand in Dyer's way if he wanted to leave the club after eight years at
Newcastle. Allardyce said: "At the moment, there's a problem from a family
point of view and we have to try to see whether we can resolve that. "If we
cannot then that may well result in Kieron looking to leave the club for
that reason and that reason alone." As well as West Ham, Manchester City and
Tottenham have also been linked with a move for the England international.
Allardyce is keen to keep the player, who joined the Magpies from Ipswich in
1999, but admits he may have to allow him to leave. "It's obviously
disappointing for me, but it is one I understand," he added. "If somebody
has got a problem they cannot resolve, then ultimately in the long run, it
is better for the club and better for him if you can resolve that problem.
"If that's away from here, then so be it." The departure of Dyer would be a
further blow to Allardyce, having seen new midfield capture Joey Barton
already ruled out of the start of the season.
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Etherington wants West Ham stay
tribalfooball.com - July 25, 2007
Matthew Etherington has declared he wants to stay with West Ham United. The
winger has been linked with a move away, but after playing in Tuesday's
friendly against Leyton Orient he told whufc.com: "I felt good against
Orient. "The legs were a bit heavy towards the end, but it was very tough in
Austria last week and I think the lads were feeling that a bit. "We worked
very hard out there in hot, humid conditions, but I think the lads will
benefit from it in time. I felt sharper at the start tonight and hopefully
I'll be up to full speed in a couple of weeks. "I think the worst of the
hard work is behind us now, we're on to the ball-work and short, sharp
stuff, so I'm sure the performances will start to improve as we get used to
that. "I'm raring to go now, ready to fight for my place and looking forward
to the new season."
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Spurs will rival West Ham for Derby's Barnes
tribalfooball.com - July 25, 2007
Tottenham will rival West Ham should Derby indicate they're willing to sell
Giles Barnes. The Independent says the Hammers are chasing Derby County's
highly rated 18-year-old midfielder but are set to face competition from
Tottenham Hotspur.
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Curbs: Ashton, Upton like two new West Ham signings
tribalfooball.com - July 25, 2007
West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley was delighted to see Dean Ashton and
Matthew Upson come through last night's friendly defeat to MK Dons
unscathed. He said: "Matty and Deano have both had their first 90 minutes
this week - and it's like two new signings for us, to be honest. "Dean
didn't play at all last season - and Matty Upson played 30 minutes, I think.
"So it's great to have them back and fit - and fingers crossed, they'll stay
that way."
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Curbs refuses to rule out Dyer bid - Daily Mail
Last updated at 01:12am on 26th July 2007
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley has refused to rule his club out of a move
for Newcastle midfielder Kieron Dyer.
Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce admitted today that the 28-year-old could be
ending his eight-year stay on Tyneside due to "family problems" - and West
Ham have been heavily linked with the England man.
Curbishley spent £3million on Freddie Ljungberg from Arsenal this week - but
after fellow new recruit Julien Faubert was ruled out for six months with a
ruptured Achilles, the Hammers are short on wide options.
Speaking after tonight's 3-2 friendly defeat at Coca-Cola League Two side MK
Dons, Curbishley said: "I'm looking in all areas, and it's not very often
that a club says that a player is available.
"You normally phone up and get told that people are not available, so it's
very difficult. But anything can still happen.
"The situation is that Kieron wants to leave the club, as I understand it,
but I don't know anything else.
"We get linked with a lot of players at the minute, and he's one of them.
"We are actively looking to strengthen the squad and we have to replace
those who have left.
"I have one eye on everything until that window closes - so we'll have to
see."
Curbishley saw his side go down at the Dons' new stadium:mk home thanks to
Leon Knight's late winner but was delighted to see Matthew Upson score in
completing his first 90 minutes for the club.
Upson made just two appearances last season after his £6million move from
Birmingham but came through the full match in Milton Keynes unscathed and
followed Ashton's lead by scoring as well.
Ashton was on target in yesterday's 1-1 draw with Leyton Orient, and
Curbishley believes they will be key men for the coming season.
He said: "Matty and Deano have both had their first 90 minutes this week -
and it's like two new signings for us, to be honest.
"Dean didn't play at all last season - and Matty Upson played 30 minutes, I
think.
"So it's great to have them back and fit - and fingers crossed, they'll stay
that way."
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