30/07/2007 08:09
Freddie Ljungberg was delighted to score his first goal for West Ham United on Saturday, and insists there is more to come as the new season draws closer.
The Swedish midfielder rounded off a 3-1 victory over Southend United following first half strikes from Bobby Zamora and Craig Bellamy, and spoke exclusively to whufc.com after the final whistle. "It was nice to score my first goal and get the win," he said. "I was disappointed that we lost at MK Dons in my first game on Wednesday, but I thought we put in a good performance against Southend and it is starting to come together for the team. "I had only played 20 minutes with Arsenal in pre-season before I came here, so it has been tough to play two games in four days and train as well, but I felt good and was happy with my fitness today. "I am getting stronger each day and there is more to come from me. We have two weeks until the start of the new season, and it is all about working hard towards the game against Manchester City. "My first week has gone very well," added Freddie. "We have some very good players here and they are a great bunch of lads, so I'm really happy and looking forward to the new season."
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Nick proving that Science is golden - WHUFC
30/07/2007 12:27
West Ham United's new Head of Sports Science Nick Davies admits he has been delighted by the attitude and application of the players since joining the Club.
Welshman Nick, who left Charlton Athletic this summer to team up with his former manager Alan Curbishley again, has spent the last few weeks settling into his new role at Upton Park and has worked closely with the Hammers squad as they revive their fitness levels following the summer break. "The work ethic of the boys has really impressed me," he says. "We had to deal with ridiculous heat during the pre-season tour out in Austria recently, but the quality and quantity of work that they got through was fantastic. "I've discovered very quickly that we have some players here with massive athletic capabilities. We made a conscious decision to work them very hard in the early part of pre-season, and they have responded superbly. "There has been a lot of positive feedback, which has pleased me greatly. The players can see the results of the work they are putting in, and know that it is specific to what they need at this present time. "And it's not just their physical performance that has been first class, it's their overall attitude. They have embraced the recovery strategies, such as the ice baths, protein drinks and wearing of skins, and that level of care is just as important as the hard work they put in on the pitch."
As a recent addition to the backroom staff, Nick has also been getting used to his new surroundings, but has already established himself as a popular and likeable figure around the training ground. He has worked closely with Conditioning Coach Alex Dyer, and has nothing but praise for his new partner in the Sports Science department. "I get on great with Alex," says Nick. "I have got massive respect for the sessions that he puts on, and he has great qualities as both a coach and a person. I honestly can't speak highly enough of him and it has been a pleasure to work with him. "The same goes for the other members of staff who I didn't know before coming here - they have all made me feel welcome. Obviously I know Curbs and Mervyn from my time at Charlton, and there are now quite a few of us who have made the move over here, but everyone has mixed in well."
Nick, who was a youth trainee with Plymouth Argyle before heading into the world of sports science, spent three years working under Alan Curbishley at The Valley, and admits he is thrilled to be linking up with his old boss again. "It does help when you see some familiar faces at a new place of work, and I must admit that working with Curbs again was a big attraction for me," he says. "I spent four years at Charlton and loved the club, so it was a wrench to leave. I actually had an opportunity to go to Celtic a little while ago, but didn't think it was right for me. However, when I got the call from Curbs, I knew it was something I couldn't turn down. It's an opportunity to work at the very highest level again, with someone who I have enormous respect and admiration for.
"I'm enjoying my role here immensely. It's clear to see that everyone is pulling together in the same direction, and that is a great strength for a Club to have. Having seen how hard the players are working, I'm really excited about the new season and looking forward to the challenge ahead."
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Season Ticket update: New Access Cards - WHUFC
30/07/2007 18:12
The ticket office can confirm that, as of today, all categories of season ticket holders shown below will have been issued with a new access card for the forthcoming 2007-08 season...
Seat changes
New applicants
Change of status - ie, Adult to Senior and change of name.
The distribution of cards started on 26th July and was completed today. We would hope that all cards will be received before the AS Roma on Saturday 4th August.
However, should you not have received your card before this date and are planning to attend the match, the ticket office recommend that, to help avoid queues, you arrive at the ticket office early on Saturday to ensure a temporary solution.
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Talks continue over Tevez dispute - BBC
Talks are continuing in the hope of an out-of-court end to the dispute over the future of Carlos Tevez. The player's representative Kia Joorabchian issued a writ to West Ham in an attempt to secure his proposed £30m move to Manchester United. But with no date set for a high court hearing it is thought that both parties could come to an agreement. Joorabchian's companies MSI and Just Sports Inc claim they own the economic rights to the 23-year-old. BBC Sport's football reporter Nigel Adderley said: "The difference in the amount of compensation each side believes would be fair could still leave Tevez in limbo at the start of the season. "The player's advisors MSI have indicated they're only prepared to pay West Ham £100,000 - as was agreed in the original contract which the club then ripped up at the Premier League's insistence to end the third-party ownership of Tevez and allow him to carry on playing last season. "But the club believe they're entitled to far more to release his registration which would allow him to move to Manchester United. "Plenty of compromise could lead to a speedy outcome but if it does end up in court, the striker could be sidelined for several months."
Tevez's transfer to the Premier League champions has stalled over who will be paid the £30m transfer fee. Third-party ownership of football players is common in South America but was almost unheard of in England until West Ham signed Tevez and fellow Argentine Javier Mascherano, who has since moved to Liverpool, in August 2006. West Ham ripped up an agreement they had with Joorabchian - which broke Premier League rules - and they now claim any deal with United can only go ahead with their say-so. The Football Association and the Premier League had asked Fifa to rule on the matter, but the world governing body recommended it should go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. West Ham were fined £5.5m in April for breaking Premier League rules over third-party ownership when they signed Tevez. They were allowed to continue playing him after satisfying the Premier League that the third-party agreement with Joorabchian had been torn up. Tevez is registered as a West Ham player but Joorabchian claims he still owns the striker's economic rights and is therefore entitled to the transfer fee.
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Upson confident of success - Sky
By Alex Dunn - Created on 30 Jul 2007
West Ham defender Matthew Upson believes the glory days are on the horizon in the East End, but he has pleaded for patience as Alan Curbishley's side look to knit together. The big money signing from Birmingham endured a miserable start to his West Ham career last season, after a switch in January, as he managed just 39 minutes in claret and blue. He is now, though, back to fitness and following a pre-season in which West Ham have been one of the country's biggest spenders, the England international is looking to the new campaign with whetted enthusiasm. However, while he believes the club and Curbishley have invested wisely, he is eager for West Ham supporters not to have unrealistic expectations, as he is well aware it will take time for the new players to gel with those already at Upton Park. "I felt I couldn't really mix with the squad too much because I was unable to play a part but nobody here blamed me as far as I'm aware," said Upson. "Hopefully it is all in the past now. I haven't missed even one training session in pre-season and I just want to get out there for the start. "We've brought in a lot of quality players, young ones, too, with barely anybody over 30. It is just a matter of how long it will take for us to gel and the key word has got to be patience. "But the new chairman certainly hasn't let anybody down, has he? He's supported the manager by putting his money where his mouth is and it is all down to us now. "There is plenty of competition for places and the manager has some nice selection problems. "There are five of us vying for two spots at centre-back and although I could fill in on the left at times I want to make one of those spots mine, no argument. "But it will be a lively dressing room, too, with plenty of young men ready to give their opinions on what might go wrong but we have characters who are hungry for success and you need that. "That's healthy."
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PREM TRIO TARGET LE TALLEC -SKy
By Patrick Haond - Created on 30 Jul 2007
Anthony Le Tallec is a reported target for Premier League clubs West Ham, Fulham and Birmingham. The young French striker is back at Liverpool after a season on loan at Sochaux, but his future with The Reds is uncertain. Despite having two years remaining on his contract at Anfield, Le Tallec is likely to leave Liverpool before the transfer window closes. Le Tallec impressed at Sochaux and Spanish side Recreativo Huelva were thought to be keen on the 22-year-old.
However, their interest has now cooled, although according to L'Equipe three top-flight clubs in England are admirers. West Ham, Fulham and Birmingham are all being linked with a bid for the talented Le Tallec, who spent the 2005/06 season with Sunderland.
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Eidur open to Hammers move - Sky
By Peter ORourke - Created on 30 Jul 2007
Eidur Gudjohnsen's father and agent, Arnor, says the Barcelona ace would be interested in a move to West Ham. West Ham have been strongly linked with a move to bring the former Chelsea and Bolton man back to England. Gudjohnsen's future at Barcelona looks uncertain following the summer arrival of Thierry Henry. The Icelandic international struggled to hold down a place in Frank Rijkaard's star-studded side last season and the signing of Henry pushes Gudjohnsen further down the pecking order at Camp Nou. Gudjohnsen is thought to be weighing up his future at Barca and West Ham are believed to be lining up a move for the skilful forward. Gudjohnsen senior says his son would welcome a move to Upton Park and that the player is weighing up his future in Barcelona. "I have heard about the interest from West Ham, but there have been no talks as yet," Gudjohnsen Snr told skysports.com. "It would be something Eidur would consider as there are some Icelanders there with the owners and all. "If they are interested in Eidur I am sure they will contact me."
Gudjohnsen is currently recovering from a knee injury and the player's father says the 28-year-old will consider all options available to him. "He is currently injured and he is focused on getting fit again, but he will consider all options open to him," added Gudjohnsen. "Barcelona have always told him it is up to him what he wants to do and they will not stand in his way if he wants to go and they will be happy for him if he wants to stay. "Eidur will not rush a decision on his future and we will evaluate every option we have."
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Upson: I'm ready to play again - The Sun
By JACOB STEINBERG
July 30, 2007
MATTHEW UPSON is ready to show West Ham fans what they have missed after recovering from his injury hell. The England defender joined from Birmingham for £6million in January and boss Alan Curbishley had hoped he would aid the club's bid for Premiership survival. But the former Arsenal youngster lasted just 28 minutes of his debut after tearing a calf muscle and limped out of his comeback game a month later. Now Upson, 28, is raring to go after a summer of rehabilitation. He said: "The only way I could contribute was with encouraging words in the dressing room. I just wished I could have got my boots on instead. "It was very frustrating, particularly with my injury history, but after this one I think I've learned more about my body in the last few months than during my whole career. "I've been training with athletes and coaches and other specialists who made me aware that I should make massive improvements to the way I run and the way I set myself. "I'm feeling as good as I've ever felt, got back a belief in my fitness and can't wait to get into the matches."
With the calf problems that have stunted his West Ham career hopefully behind him, Upson is now confident that he can cement a place in Curbishley's defence. And the England international is delighted with the acquisitions made this summer, citing the influence of chairman Eggert Magnusson.
Upson added: "Hopefully it is all in the past now. I haven't missed even one training session in pre-season and I just want to get out there for the start.
"We've brought in a lot of quality players, young ones, too, with barely anybody over 30. It is just a matter of how long it will take for us to gel and the key word has got to be patience. "But the new chairman certainly hasn't let anybody down, has he? He's supported the manager by putting his money where his mouth is and it is all down to us now. "It will be a lively dressing room with plenty of young men ready to give their opinions on what might go wrong but we have characters who are hungry for success and you need that."
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Charlton move for West Ham's Mullins
tribalfooball.com - July 30, 2007
Charlton Athletic boss Alan Pardew is moving for West Ham midfielder Hayden Mullins. Mullins signed a new deal last season and Charlton will have to match those terms at least if they are to tempt him to play in the Championship. The timing of the move could also depend on the recovery of new Hammers midfielder Scott Parker.
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West Ham's Upson hopes Tevez stays
tribalfooball.com - July 30, 2007
West Ham defender Matthew Upson is still hopeful that Carlos Tevez will decide against a move to Manchester United. Upson, who because of a calf injury sustained on his debut, played just 39 minutes for West Ham following his transfer in January, said: "Unfortunately the fans haven't seen what I can do yet, but Carlos would be welcomed back by everybody here with open arms. "He's done nothing wrong. Like most footballers he just wants to play and when he came here he played a massive part for the club. "I haven't a clue about his ownership situation. I've researched it but still can't work out more than the obvious fact that there is a dispute over whether it is the club or his agent who actually owns Carlos - and that somebody has made a mistake. "But Carlos will always be favoured by the fans here because of his contribution last season. "Obviously it is a golden opportunity if he can join Manchester United. Nobody could begrudge him but if we get to keep him - even for a while - it is a big positive for West Ham because he is such a great asset. "Whatever happens, all the players here would say good luck to him."
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Barcelona's Gudjohnsen keen on West Ham
tribalfooball.com - July 30, 2007
West Ham United are in talks with Barcelona for striker Eidur Gudjohnsen. The Times says Gudjohnsen began his career at Valur Reykjavik, the Icelandic club whose president for five years from 1984 was Eggert Magnusson, the West Ham chairman. Arnor, the player's father and agent, said. "It would be something Eidur would consider as there are some Icelanders there."
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Scudamore may face Tevez grilling in court
Matt Scott and Stuart James
Tuesday July 31, 2007
The Guardian
Richard Scudamore may face a grilling in the high court if Media Sports Investment and Just Sports Inc go through with plans to subpoena the Premier League chief executive. The offshore companies are preparing to place Scudamore on the witness stand in their legal action against West Ham United, for which there will be a depositions hearing in court today. During the hearing MSI-JSI will present their documents for a case in which they are claiming up to £30m from the Hammers for an alleged breach of contract.
This relates to when, after being fined £5.5m at a Premier League disciplinary hearing in April, West Ham tore up the third-party agreements governing Carlos Tevez's stay at Upton Park. West Ham, on advice from their counsel, Jim Sturman, insist in their defence that those contracts were unenforceable.
MSI-JSI want to know if any previously undisclosed circumstances prompted the switch of the Hammers' plea from not guilty to guilty at that April disciplinary hearing. The development represents an intensification of pressure on the Premier League by the companies, which are represented by Kia Joorabchian, although Scudamore would be happy to give evidence under oath.
The prospect of an out-of-court settlement remains on the table but with MSI-JSI defending their interests so staunchly it is hard to see how this will materialise. The league's position has been to seek to force the club to stick to undertakings made shortly after the disciplinary hearing, in which they asserted that Tevez would be treated as their own asset and MSI-JSI would be cut out of any deal.
Scudamore discussed with the league's chairman, Dave Richards, a softer proposal by which the Hammers would receive a fee from MSI-JSI in return for freeing him from his playing contract. But there is a wide difference between what MSI-JSI would be willing to pay and what West Ham, under instruction from the league, would seek to receive.
Birmingham City completed their eighth summer signing, Egypt's Hossam Ghaly arriving from Tottenham for £3m subject to a work permit. Steve Bruce, the Birmingham manager, had also hoped to sign Mido from Spurs but, after protracted negotiations with the player, St Andrew's sources admitted last night that the deal for the striker was "all but dead".
Middlesbrough retain hope Jonathan Woodgate will be fit for the start of the season after knee surgery. The defender has played no part in Boro's pre-season programme and remains some way from full training but a club spokesman said: "We will not rule him out at this stage."
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West Ham believe Icelandic connection will seal Gudjohnsen deal
Jeremy Wilson
Tuesday July 31, 2007
The Guardian
West Ham United were last night moving towards agreement on the signing of Eidur Gudjohnsen from Barcelona. The Iceland international would probably struggle for first-team football at Camp Nou after the arrival of Thierry Henry from Arsenal and has been earmarked by Alan Curbishley as a replacement for Carlos Tevez. Talks have opened about the 28-year-old striker, whose agent and father, Arnor, yesterday indicated he would be interested in a return to the Premier League after leaving Chelsea last year.
Gudjohnsen had initially intended to stay and fight for his place at Barcelona but will consider the approach from West Ham, who are able to offer an enticing personal package with wages believed to be in the region of £65,000 a week.
The Catalan club's coach, Frank Rijkaard, bought Gudjohnsen from Chelsea for £8m but he now has the formidable attacking options of Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o and Henry at his disposal. Barcelona are understood to be willing to sell and would consider offers in the region of £9m. West Ham believe they can persuade Gudjohnsen of their ambitions under Curbishley and the club's Icelandic chairman, Eggert Magnusson.
Arnor Gudjohnsen was yesterday quoted as saying his son would take his time over a decision. "It [West Ham] would be something Eidur would consider as there are some Icelanders there, with the owners and all," he said. "He is currently injured and he is focused on getting fit again but he will consider all options open to him. Barcelona have always told him it is up to him what he wants to do . . . Eidur will not rush a decision on his future and we will evaluate every option."
After missing out to Tottenham on Darren Bent, West Ham have boosted their attacking options with the signings of Craig Bellamy, Julien Faubert and Freddie Ljungberg and Dean Ashton is also returning to full fitness.
Atlético Madrid last night completed an agreement to sign the Spain winger José Antonio Reyes from Arsenal on a four-year contract. Reyes, 23, spent last season on loan at Real Madrid but after making it clear he did not want to return to England he was recruited by their city rivals.
Reyes moves on six weeks after coming on as a substitute for David Beckham in the final game of the season and scoring two goals to help Madrid beat Real Mallorca 3-1 and clinch the league title.
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West Ham set for windfall if league allows Tevez deal - The Independent
By Martyn Ziegler
Published: 31 July 2007
West Ham could emerge from the Carlos Tevez affair several million pounds to the good if the Premier League and the striker's advisers agree to a deal for an out-of-court-settlement put forward by the club's lawyers.
Tevez's representatives, Media Sports Investment, are suing West Ham for £30m for breach of contract after they terminated third-party agreements regarding the player in April. However, it would suit all parties if a deal could be reached, as a High Court case could take months to be heard.
West Ham's lawyers have put forward a suggestion under which the club would receive a sum of several million pounds in compensation for agreeing to release Tevez's registration.
The Premier League has to be satisfied that West Ham are receiving an adequate sum and chairman Sir Dave Richards, chief executive Richard Scudamore and general secretary Mike Foster spent several hours yesterday discussing the proposal.
The league must demonstrate to the other 19 clubs that it is operating under the scenario that Tevez is contracted to West Ham and that the club are not governed by the original third-party agreements that caused West Ham to be fined £5.5m in April.
The original contracts only contained agreements for West Ham to be paid £100,000 if Tevez moved on, but if the striker's agent, Kia Joorabchian, agrees to the settlement the Hammers could receive around half the amount they were fined.
The Hammers are set to make a move for Eidur Gudjohnsen, meanwhile, after the Barcelona forward said he would be interested in going to Upton Park. The Iceland international failed to secure a regular place last season and Thierry Henry's arrival is set to push him down the pecking order.
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West Ham hopeful on Tevez cash - Times Online and Agencies
West Ham United could emerge from the Carlos Tevez affair with several million pounds if the Premier League and the striker's advisers agree to a deal for an out-of-court-settlement put forward by the club's lawyers.
Tevez's representatives, Media Sports Investment, are suing West Ham for £30million for breach of contract after they terminated third-party agreements regarding the player in April. However, it would suit all parties if a deal could be reached as a case in the High Court could take months to hear.
Talks are continuing between the three parties to see if an agreement can be reached that would allow the Argentinian's move to Manchester United to go ahead before the start of the season.
West Ham's lawyers have put forward a suggestion which would see the club receive a sum totalling several million pounds in compensation for agreeing to release Tevez's registration. The Premier League have to be satisfied that West Ham are receiving an adequate sum and Sir Dave Richards, the chairman, Richard Scudamore, the chief executive and Mike Foster, the general secretary, spent several hours today discussing the proposal.
The league have to be able to demonstrate to the other 19 clubs that they are operating under the scenario that Tevez's is contracted to West Ham and that the club are not controlled by the original third-party agreements that caused West Ham to be fined £5.5million by an independent disciplinary commission.
The original contracts only contained agreements for West Ham to be paid £100,000 if Tevez moved on, but if Kia Joorabchian, the striker's agent, agrees to the settlement they could get around half the amount they were fined.
West Ham have resigned themselves to losing Tevez but are keen to get an agreement rather than continue paying £1.75million annual wages for a player who will not play for them.
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Upson to repay Hammers' faith - TeamTalk
Matthew Upson is desperate to start repaying the faith which saw West Ham spend £6million on recruiting him last season. And he hopes the man at the centre of that controversy will be there with him, for at least a while, when the new campaign begins. Seven goals from Carlos Tevez in the last 10 games spearheaded the Hammers' successful survival bid while Upson, a big-money signing from Birmingham, was left frustrated on the treatment table.
But the ongoing dispute over the ownership of the Argentinian seems certain to end with a transfer to Manchester United - even though he may still be left in limbo at Upton Park until all the legal battles are settled.
Upson, who because of a calf injury sustained on his debut, played just 39 minutes for West Ham following his transfer in January, said: "Unfortunately the fans haven't seen what I can do yet, but Carlos would be welcomed back by everybody here with open arms.
"He's done nothing wrong. Like most footballers he just wants to play and when he came here he played a massive part for the club.
"I haven't a clue about his ownership situation. I've researched it but still can't work out more than the obvious fact that there is a dispute over whether it is the club or his agent who actually owns Carlos - and that somebody has made a mistake.
"But Carlos will always be favoured by the fans here because of his contribution last season.
"Obviously it is a golden opportunity if he can join Manchester United. Nobody could begrudge him but if we get to keep him - even for a while - it is a big positive for West Ham because he is such a great asset.
"Whatever happens, all the players here would say good luck to him."
Upson is certainly hoping for a bit of luck for himself.
The 28-year-old whose progress as a highly-rated Arsenal youngster was severely restricted by a ruptured cruciate knee ligament and then a broken leg - as well as the presence of centre-backs like Tony Adams, Martin Keown and Sol Campbell - won seven England caps in his four years at at Birmingham, but tore a calf muscle on his Hammers debut at Aston Villa in February.
He had played for only 28 minutes and managed just 11 minutes of a comeback attempt against Tottenham a month later.
"I ended up just watching every other game," said Upson. "But the only way I could contribute was with encouraging words in the dressing room. I just wished I could have got my boots on instead.
"It was very frustrating, of course, particularly with my injury history, but after this one I think I've learned more about my body in the last few months than during my whole career.
"I've been training with athletes and coaches and other specialists who made me aware that I should make massive improvements to the way I run and the way I set myself. It has been a real eye-opener.
"The calf was a problem with a long, vertical tear in the sheaf of the muscle and, in basic terms, it happened because I was unknowingly loading too much weight on that side to compensate against previous injuries.
"But having finally got over that, I'm feeling as good as I've ever felt, got back a belief in my fitness and can't wait to get into the matches."
Upson, who had four injury-free seasons at Birmingham apart from when Achilles damage sidelined him for the promotion run-in of 2006, could cost Hammers up to £7.5million based on an appearances clause in his four-year contract, but insists he does not feel guilty about his absence from the relegation fight.
"Pressure, maybe, but that was only what I put on myself," he pointed out. "I felt I couldn't really mix with the squad too much because I was unable to play a part but nobody here blamed me as far as I'm aware.
"Hopefully it is all in the past now. I haven't missed even one training session in pre-season and I just want to get out there for the start.
"We've brought in a lot of quality players, young ones, too, with barely anybody over 30. It is just a matter of how long it will take for us to gel and the key word has got to be patience.
"But the new chairman certainly hasn't let anybody down, has he? He's supported the manager by putting his money where his mouth is and it is all down to us now.
"There is plenty of competition for places and the manager has some nice selection problems.
"There are five of us vying for two spots at centre-back and although I could fill in on the left at times I want to make one of those spots mine, no argument.
"But it will be a lively dressing room, too, with plenty of young men ready to give their opinions on what might go wrong but we have characters who are hungry for success and you need that.
"That's healthy."
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Upson and Ashton set for Canaries face-off - Daily Mail
Last updated at 12:46pm on 30th July 2007
Dean Ashton and Matthew Upson should both return to West Ham's side for the friendly clash with Norwich on Tuesday. The pair were left out of Alan Curbishley's line-up for the 3-1 victory at Southend on Saturday.
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Pardew is set to swoop for Mullins again - Daily Mail
Last updated at 11:06am on 30th July 2007
Charlton manager Alan Pardew is set to return to his former club West Ham this week in an attempt to buy midfielder Hayden Mullins. Pardew signed Mullins from Crystal Palace in his early days as West Ham manager and is keen for the Reading-born player to follow him to The Valley. Mullins signed a new deal last season and Charlton will have to match those terms at least if they are to tempt him to play in the Championship. The timing of the move could also depend on the recovery of new Hammers midfielder Scott Parker. A new-look Charlton won 5-0 at Gillingham on Saturday and Pardew said: "We really played some fantastic stuff. "Everything just clicked. It is a new team and it needs to learn how to win. I want two more players. I've said to the chairman that we're short and he'll put in every penny he can to help me get us back to the Premiership this season. "I'm probably looking for two more players who carry experience, although the younger players that we've brought in have been terrific so far."
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TEVEZ TO BE FREED FOR £6M - Daily Express
Monday July 30,2007
By Matt Law and Harry Harris
West Ham, the Premier League and Kia Joorabchian are set for an intense round of talks over the next 24 hours aimed at resolving the Carlos Tevez saga before it ends up in the High Court. The Hammers are demanding a £6million 'ransom' from Joorabchian to allow him to regain control of Carlos Tevez and secure the striker's move to Manchester United. The eleventh-hour talks are aimed at averting an explosive and potentially damaging hearing that would leave all parties tarnished. Media Sports Investments and Just Sports Inc, Joorabchian's companies, last week launched a High Court case against the Hammers to prove they own the player. But having discovered Tevez faces the prospect of playing no football until January if the matter reaches court, Joorabchian is reluctantly considering sanctioning a peace deal. West Ham's lawyers have been in touch with their Premier League counterparts and agreed a proposal that would see Joorabchian pay the club a compensation fee in order for both parties to release his client's registration. There is still a way to go, but it is possible all parties will come to an agreement . It had been speculated the Hammers would accept as little as £100,000, but the Daily Express understands they want about £6m – the value of the two years' worth of loan fees that Manchester United would pay to sign the player. "There is still a way to go, but it is possible all parties will come to an agreement," said a West Ham spokesman.
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Hammers want £6m to end the Tevez row - Daily Mail
Last updated at 10:20am on 30th July 2007
West Ham will demand £6million compensation from Kia Joorabchian today to give up Carlos Tevez's registration and allow him to become a Manchester United player. But with the Iran-born businessman currently only willing to pay £100,000 there would appear to be some hard bargaining to be done over the next 36 hours. If the two parties cannot agree a fee then a date in the High Court beckons on Wednesday after Joorabchian, who has insisted that he still holds the economic rights to the Argentine striker, issued a writ in an effort to force the Hammers to give up the player's registration. Lawyers from both clubs and the Premier League have since been talking in an effort to resolve the controversial situation - which has dragged on throughout the summer - without the necessity of going to court. The solution proposed by West Ham would see Joorabchian, through his companies MSI and Just Sports Inc, pay the club money to cover the remaining three years of Tevez's contract, which they value at around £5.5m. West Ham would be satisfied with that figure since it would also cover the fine imposed by the Premier League for a breach of regulations regarding third-party ownership. The Premier League would also have to be satisfied that West Ham have received adequate compensation to head off any further litigation by Sheffield United. But Joorabchian is known to still feel that he has the upper hand in the situation and would be quite prepared to have his day in court. Most likely is that the two sides come to an adequate compromise that allows Tevez to be paraded as a Manchester United player before the Community Shield with Chelsea on Sunday. If they cannot agree then it is highly unlikely that Tevez will move to Old Trafford before the transfer window shuts on 31 August. Any litigation is likely to take some months and would leave the Argentine star in limbo with Hammers boss Alan Curbishley already preparing for a new season without him.
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