Pre-Season 31st July 2007 Kick-off: 19:45
Venue: Carrow Road
West Ham United stepped up their pre-season preparations with an impressive
2-1 victory against Championship side Norwich City on Tuesday night. In a
hard-fought match at Carrow Road, an excellent first-half display saw goals
from Jonathan Spector and Dean Ashton - against his former club - give Alan
Curbishley's men a second win in three days, while Chris Brown's second half
strike proved to be only a consolation for the Canaries, led by former
Hammers assistant manager Peter Grant. The visitors made a bright start,
enjoying the vast majority of possession and - had it not been for the
excellence of Norwich keeper David Marshall - might have been 3-0 up inside
the opening 10 minutes. First Luis Boa Morte's sixth-minute corner was met
by Zamora, whose powerful header was palmed away on the line, then Zamora
sent in a low cross for Bowyer to meet with a firm left-foot shot that was
somehow kept out by Marshall, before the Norwich stopper made it a hat-trick
of fine saves when he again denied Zamora at the end of a flowing move. On a
slick and immaculate playing surface at Carrow Road, Hammers showed exactly
what they are capable of with some quick, decisive passing that the hosts
found difficult to cope with, and it was no surprise when the deadlock was
eventually broken in stylish fashion on 27 minutes. A neat, four-man move
saw Lucas Neill feed the ball into Zamora, who spun away from his marker and
laid it off for Boa Morte to thread an inch-perfect pass that released
Spector, who claimed his first goal for the Club with a confident left-foot
finish from close range. The visitors continued to exert pressure on
Norwich's troubled back four and after Boa Morte and Ashton had both missed
excellent chances, the Hammers striker eventually found the net two minutes
before the break to silence the jeers of his former supporters - slamming
the ball home from 12 yards out after Boa Morte's shot had been parried by
Marshall.
Not surprisingly, Norwich came out for the second half in more determined
mood, although it looked like Hammers might make it 3-0 on 54 minutes when
Zamora was bundled over in the penalty area, only for referee Thorpe to
inexplicably wave play on. Three minutes later, the hosts pulled a goal
back, as substitutes Lee Croft and Brown combined - the latter heading a
cross past Green from six yards out to give the Norwich fans hope that their
team might be able to turn things around. However, it was the visitors who
finished the stronger and might have added to their tally. Craig Bellamy
replaced Zamora with 25 minutes remaining to ensure that four former Norwich
stars - Green, Ashton, Davenport and the Welshman - were on the pitch in
Hammers colours, and Bowyer and substitute Carlton Cole both came close to
finding the net late on. Hammers now face their final pre-season friendly,
against Italian giants AS Roma at Upton Park on Saturday, before the big
kick-off against Manchester City on August 11, and Curbs will be pleased
with the quality beginning to stand out from his team.
Norwich City: Marshall, Otsembor, Drury, Shackell (Spillane 90), Hughes,
Doherty, Russell (Martin 65), Fotheringham, Strihavka (Brown 45), Cureton
(Croft 56), Chadwick (Dublin 78). Subs unused: Gilks, Ryan Jarvis, Rossi
Jarvis, Cave-Brown.
West Ham United: Green; Neill (McCartney 45), Collins (Davenport 45), Upson,
Spector; Bowyer, Mullins, Noble (Etherington 70), Boa Morte; Ashton (Cole
79), Zamora (Bellamy 66). Subs unused: Wright, Gabbidon, Pantsil, Reid.
Referee: Mike Thorpe
Att: 22,751
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West Ham United and USL in major partnership - WHUFC
31/07/2007 19:19
West Ham United is delighted to announce a major development partnership
with United Soccer Leagues (USL).
United Soccer Leagues provides the second and third division of professional
soccer in the United States, as well as Under-23, Under-20, youth and
women's leagues with clubs across the United States, Canada and Caribbean
The partnership entails a number of player identification, player exchange,
coaching and club development initiatives. Future initiatives include a West
Ham United USA youth academy and professional franchise competing within the
USL system to provide North, Central and South American players a corridor
to Europe.
West Ham United Deputy CEO Scott Duxbury says: "The West Ham United USA
initiatives are designed to maintain the great traditions of the academy
'state-side'. The partnership with the USL provides an excellent platform
for the development of the program and the West Ham United presence in the
United States."
Long a proponent of establishing strong international relationships to help
develop North American players, USL Founder and President Francisco Marcos
says: "This represents a watershed moment in the development of
international relationships between USL and international organizations of
renowned credibility.
"West Ham United has a reputation among the best clubs for developing world
class players and we believe that this partnership will aid the development
of USL and afford aspiring North American players the opportunity to reach
Europe earlier in their careers, which I believe is absolutely critical to
develop world-class North American players."
A sample of the development partnership details include West Ham United
identifying up to 20 youth players from the USL Super Y-League and Super-20
League to attend the West Ham United Academy in London for training and
evaluation.
West Ham United will also work with USL to place players on loan or in
permanent contracts with USL First Division teams. Selected USL coaches will
gain a unique opportunity to participate in an unprecedented, behind the
scenes technical symposium at West Ham United.
West Ham United will actively work with select USL clubs on academy and
coaching best practices and select USL youth club teams will be provided
access to the West Ham youth academy on official player and coaching
development tours.
West Ham United quotes
Scott Duxbury, West Ham United CEO
"The West Ham USA initiatives are designed to maintain the great traditions
of the academy 'state-side'. The partnership with the USL provides an
excellent platform for the development of the program and the West Ham
United presence in the US."
Alan Curbishley, West Ham United Manager
"As someone who progressed through the youth ranks at West Ham United, I am
delighted that the Club is taking steps to expand the development of young
players and the opportunities available to them. I look forward to the
benefits that the West Ham United USA Academy will hopefully provide, and
will take a keen interest in the growth and progress of this exciting
project."
Tony Carr, West Ham United Academy Director
"We are excited to bring the West Ham United Academy model to the United
States and to share some of our ideas and information with USL players,
coaches, and clubs. We recognise the potential pool of talented players
available through the USL network and look forward to working with them in
our academy in London."
Jonathan Spector, USA international, current member of the West Ham United
first-team squad and a former player in the USL Super Y-League
"This is a great move to share the West Ham United Academy system with clubs
throughout the USA through the USL. I look forward to welcoming American
teams, coaches and players to Upton Park and the training ground."
About United Soccer Leagues and quotes
As United Soccer Leagues starts its third decade of operation, soccer at all
levels continues to grow in the U.S., Canada, and Caribbean. The largest
organization of elite-level soccer leagues in North America, containing over
200 clubs, United Soccer Leagues is dedicated to growing the sport at the
grassroots level in every community.
The USL First Division and Second Division (North American men's
professional soccer), the USL Premier Development League (U23 North American
men's amateur), the USL W-League (North American women's amateur), the USL
Super-20 League (U20 North American men's and women's amateur) and the USL
Super Y-League (North American boy's and girl's elite youth amateur) have
provided a platform for thousands of players to reach their dreams since
1986.
This vision and commitment to develop a soccer nation by fans, investors,
administrators, coaches, and players has created the foundation for the
growth of the sport, while presenting affordable, exciting family
entertainment in over 100 cities and towns on the continent.
USL President and Founder, Francisco Marcos
"This represents a watershed moment in the development of international
relationships between USL and international organizations of renowned
credibility. West Ham United has a reputation among the best clubs for
developing world class players and we believe that this partnership will aid
the development of USL and afford aspiring North American players the
opportunity to reach Europe earlier in their careers, which I believe is
absolutely critical to develop world-class North American players."
Martin Prothero, Senior Vice President of Football for UMBRO and Chairman of
USL
"I am delighted to see this partnership between two of UMBRO's strongest
brands. West Ham United's unique record in developing young players,
combined with the USL network of clubs in the United States, Canada and
Caribbean can provide very exciting programs and outcomes for both
organizations.
"UMBRO has a considerable investment in the USL property and we believe that
this partnership will be the first of many successful international ventures
between USL and prominent foreign clubs. UMBRO is very pleased to be
partners with both organizations and looks forward to being an active
partner in the West Ham United's initiatives in the United States."
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Fergie frustrated as Tevez deal 'drags on' - Soccernet
Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted his protracted pursuit of Carlos Tevez is
proving 'slightly frustrating'. Manchester United have agreed a deal to
sign the Argentina striker but their efforts to conclude the transfer are
being thwarted by the legal wrangle over who owns Tevez's registration. The
23-year-old's advisor Kia Joorabchian has issued High Court proceedings
against West Ham, who maintain Tevez is their player. As it presently
stands, three days have been set aside for the hearing, which is due to
start on August 22. The dates mean the matter could be resolved before the
August 31 transfer deadline, although there has been speculation that a
private settlement may be reached before then which would see Joorabchian
pay West Ham a set fee in order to release Tevez from his contract.
Ferguson remains calm about the prospect of Tevez eventually arriving at Old
Trafford. But the United boss accepts the current impasse suits no-one. 'I
am not worried because I am confident the player will eventually arrive,' he
said. 'But it has been dragging on and it has become a bit frustrating. 'At
the moment it is going to the High Court. I am sure we will get a final
decision on the matter there. 'But if something happens before that, it is
something we would welcome.'
During United's recent Far East tour, Ferguson did claim there was no 'Plan
B' should the Tevez deal fail to materialise as United anticipate. However,
on the eve of the Red Devils' high-profile friendly with Inter Milan,
Ferguson did admit he would have to consider an alternative strategy should
Tevez not sign, especially as Alan Smith looks certain to depart before the
end of next month. 'The deadline is coming up at the end of August, so we do
have to think about alternative plans that way,' he said. 'I just want the
matter settled, the sooner the better as far as everyone is concerned. 'I am
sure even West Ham think that way. They have their own plans and they have
done a lot of buying and selling, so they will want some kind of conclusion
in terms of how their team is shaping up.'
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West Ham tackle Carlos Tevez - Telegraph
By David Bond
Last Updated: 1:50am BST 01/08/2007
The Carlos Tevez affair reached a new low yesterday as lawyers for West Ham
challenged the player's 'owners' in the High Court over the authenticity of
a critical new document which would appear to give the club's blessing to
his departure this summer. During a 15-minute hearing in front of Mr Justice
Blackburne, West Ham accused the player and the two companies who control
his economic rights, MSI and Just Sports Inc, over the timing of signatures
on a contract which amended the controversial third-party agreements.
Lawyers for Kia Joorabchian, the frontman for MSI and Just Sports, claim
West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson ordered the third-party agreement to be
amended following his successful takeover on Dec 1. Instead of allowing MSI
and Just Sports a say over when Tevez could leave the club and for how much
in January, the Icelandic businessman proposed that a new deal be struck
whereby Tevez could leave Upton Park in July. The emergence of the new
document is potentially explosive as West Ham, under pressure from Sheffield
United's claims that Tevez should not have been allowed to continue playing
for the club at the end of last season, claimed in a statement on July 19
that no other contracts relating to his ownership were in existence.
Joorabchian's lawyers say the Dec 1 contract proves Magnusson and the club
agreed to let the player go once the season ended. But, in a fascinating new
twist, West Ham insist that, although the document has now been signed by
Joorabchian and Tevez, it was not signed in December, meaning it was
invalid.
West Ham add that the unsigned document was sent to the Premier League in
February, and that the signed version of the contract only emerged in June.
Their line is backed by the Premier League, who say they received an
"unexecuted" copy of the contract ahead of the independent commission which
fined West Ham £5.5 million for breaking rules on third-party ownership in
April.
Yesterday, as a three-day injunction hearing to establish if Tevez can move
to United was set for Aug 22, it was confirmed that the 23-year-old player
will himself be called to give evidence in the case. He is expected to be
cross-examined on exactly when the contract was signed. West Ham are to call
handwriting experts to try to prove the Dec 1 contract was not signed at the
time it was drawn up. Acting for West Ham, Michael Bowsher QC, said: "The
signatures of these individuals other than those signatures from West Ham
were not made on the date purported to be made and that is relevant. "The
date purports to be Dec 1 2006 but it seems to be very much later and likely
to be a recent development."
Joorabchian's lawyers are expected to argue that it is irrelevant when it
was signed and that the contract was "active". All the key players from the
affair, including Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore,
Magnusson and Joorabchian, are likely to be put on the stand in a case which
promises to deal a major blow to the English game's credibility. But last
night sources indicated that an out-of-court settlement was still being
discussed by both side's lawyers.
A deal was close to being agreed at the weekend but West Ham and Joorabchian
could not agree on the amount of money which should be paid to the East End
club to secure his release.
Joorabchian does not believe West Ham should receive a penny for a player
they do not lawfully own. But the Premier League are insisting that the club
should be paid at least £5.5 million after they tore up the third-party
agreements in April to ensure Tevez could continue playing for them in their
battle against relegation. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said
yesterday that the saga was proving frustrating but added that he was
confident Tevez would eventually arrive at Old Trafford. "I just want the
matter settled, the sooner the better as far as everyone is concerned," he
said.
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Norwich 1 West Ham 2 - TeamTalk
Kickoff: 19:45
Dean Ashton scored against his former club as West Ham beat Norwich 2-1 in
Tuesday night's pre-season friendly at Carrow Road. [an error occurred
while processing this directive]American defender Jonathan Spector rifled
home after good work by Luis Boa Morte and Bobby Zamora before the
highly-rated striker, who missed most of last season due to injury, made it
2-0 before the break. Ashton latched onto a loose ball after Boa Morte's
shot was saved and fired past Andy Marshall. Former Sunderland striker Chris
Brown pulled a goal back for the Canaries in the second half.
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Tevez in court date fear - The Sun
By PAT SHEEHAN
August 01, 2007
CARLOS TEVEZ could be forced to appear in the dock after West Ham claimed a
signature on a contract may not be his. West Ham's legal team raised doubts
at the High Court yesterday over papers allegedly signed by Tevez. And in
another twist Kia Joorabchian's lawyers are ready to put West Ham chairman
Eggert Magnusson in the dock along with deputy chief executive officer Scott
Duxbury and Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore. Joorabchian
would be happy if an out of court settlement could be found but his team
have stated that they will summon Scudamore if necessary. A date of August
22 has been set for a full hearing which is expected to last around three
days. The Hammers are also desperately trying to find a solution to the
deadlock and are understood to have put a compromise deal to the Premier
League so that Tevez's move to Manchester United can go ahead. United boss
Alex Ferguson also hopes a deal can be reached before the season begins next
weekend. If the hearing does take place Tevez could miss the first five
games of United's title defence. Premier League board members discuss the
Tevez affair every day in the hope of finding a way through the mess. But
they are adamant the undertakings given to them by West Ham are firmly
adhered to. West Ham were fined a record £5million by the Premier League for
breaches of rules covering third-party ownership but escaped a points
deduction that would have sent them down to the Championship. Scudamore has
privately welcomed the chance to go into the dock at the High Court while
West Ham insist they will mount a robust defence if they cannot settle out
of court.
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The latest Tevez twist - West Ham 'agreed' to a £100,000 pay-off for the
Argentine - This Is London
01.08.07
A West Ham document, said to accept that they would receive just £100,000
from Kia Joorabchian for the sale of Carlos Tevez this summer, was the
central issue as a High Court preliminary hearing investigated the wrangle
over the player's registration yesterday. Joorabchian's lawyers are sure
this previously undisclosed contract amendment for Manchester United target
Tevez, drawn up by Hammers chairman Eggert Magnusson and signed by his
deputy-chief executive Scott Duxbury, on December 1, will win them the case
as Joorabchian is suing West Ham for breach of contract in a bid to release
the registration of Tevez.
West Ham, however, insist that the document was not counter-signed by Tevez,
remained "unexecuted" and had been seen by the independent commission which
investigated the deal for the Premier League. It was among the contracts
unilaterally terminated by West Ham to end the third party influence of
Joorabchian's company MSI over Tevez after the commission fined the club
£5.5million in April. Joorabchian claims that he and his companies own the
economic rights to Tevez, 23, while West Ham claim they are the true
'owners' as they hold his registration. Tevez, currently in his native
Argentina, will be called to give evidence by Joorabchian's lawyers, who
also offered to provide handwriting experts to support their claims.
Magnusson, Duxbury and Premier League chairman Richard Scudamore are also
expected to be witnesses if the case makes it to court. Mr Justice
Blackburne agreed to fast-track the case and schedule the three-day hearing
from August 22 in order to complete it before the transfer deadline,
although West Ham remain keen to settle the matter out of court.
Either way, the interpretation of the document dated December 1 looks set to
be a crucial. It was drawn up by Magnusson, who completed his takeover in
November, to amend the original contract signed in August when Tevez joined
from Corinthians. West Ham's new Icelandic owner was apparently
uncomfortable with the nature of the deal, and the player's form, so he
changed the contract to include a clause that Joorabchian must find Tevez
another club in the summer and that Magnusson agreed to accept a token
£100,000 fee. The document was sent to MSI for Tevez to counter-sign but,
according to West Ham, was not returned. MSI, however, claim Tevez did sign
it, that it was returned and they have offered to provide a handwriting
expert to verify the signature.
A copy of the contract minus the Tevez signature was submitted to the
independent commission by the Hammers to be considered as evidence. This
will probably be enough to stop the Premier League from re-opening an
investigation into Magnusson, who has always leant heavily on this deal
being struck by his predecessor Terry Brown.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson remained resolute after learning
he may be kept waiting almost another month to complete the protracted
signing of Tevez. With the transfer window closing at the end of August,
Ferguson admitted contingency plans were being drawn up in case any
judgement went against them, but was adamant they would not have to be used.
Mindful that Tevez has declared his eagerness to join United and that a
compromise could be struck by Joorabchian and West Ham, Ferguson said: "At
least we know there will be a final decision at the High Court and if
something happens before then, so much the better. We'd welcome that and I
believe it would suit everyone. It has dragged on and it can be frustrating,
but I am confident Tevez will be our player and so is our chief executive
David Gill."
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Ashton downs Canaries - This Is London
01.08.07
Dean Ashton scored against his former club as West Ham beat Norwich 2-1 in a
friendly at Carrow Road last night. Hammers' American defender Jonathan
Spector rifled home after good work by Luis Boa Morte and Bobby Zamora
before the highly-rated Ashton, who missed most of last season due to
injury, made it 2-0 before the break. He latched on to a loose ball after
Boa Morte's shot was saved and fired past Andy Marshall. Ex-Sunderland
striker Chris Brown pulled a goal back for Norwich.
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Curbs is fired up with Ash - The Mirror
Norwich 1 West Ham 2
By Lee Reynolds 01/08/2007
West HAM manager Alan Curbishley admitted he faced some "big decisions"
before naming his side for the first game of the season at home to
Manchester City. Striker Dean Ashton and centre-half Matthew Upson both
successfully continued their comebacks after injury and, although new
signings Freddie Ljungberg and Scott Parker missed this friendly, Curbishley
confirmed both would make the big kick-off. He said: "Our pre-season has
been a hard slog but the players have pushed themselves well and hopefully
it looks like everybody is going to be fit for our first game. "We have
another friendly against Roma at home on Saturday and after that I will have
a few big decisions. "But we are looking strong and sharp and I'm confident
we will be all right by the time the season starts. We are maybe a bit
skinny in some areas still."
West Ham threatened to blow Norwich away in a one-sided first half and new
goalkeeper David Marshall, a £1million summer signing from Celtic, had to
make three blinding saves early on. But even Marshall was helpless when
defender Jon Spector fired West Ham in front after 27 minutes with his first
ever goal in senior football - the full-back slotting home from six yards.
Ashton, given the bird on his first game back at Carrow Road since the
Canaries sold him for £6m, netted on 43 minutes. Norwich pulled a goal back
through substitute Chris Brown after 58 minutes.
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Dyer wants Newcastle to drop price for West Ham move
tribalfooball.com - July 31, 2007
Kieron Dyer is urging Newcastle to drop their £5 million asking price so he
can join West Ham United. The Guardian says the midfielder wants to leave St
James' Park to be closer to his family in Ipswich and West Ham remain
frontrunners for his signature. West Ham are understood to have offered
close to £5m and he is now keen to leave the north-east after eight years
and 251 matches for Newcastle. There have been suggestions that Mike
Ashley, Newcastle's new owner, is not overly keen to sell him to Upton Park;
ultimately, selling him may involve Newcastle reluctantly accepting a
transfer fee based on appearance-related instalments and breathing a sigh of
relief at the chance to redirect the cost of his wages.
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West Ham offer £7M for Reading's Shorey
tribalfooball.com - July 31, 2007
West Ham United have tabled a bid for Reading left-back Nicky Shorey. The
Evening Chronicle says the Hammers have offered £7 million for Shorey, who
is locked in new contract talks with the Royals.
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Dyer hopes price is right for Upton Park transfer
Jeremy Wilson
Wednesday August 1, 2007
The Guardian
Kieron Dyer is hoping Newcastle United will relent on an asking price in
excess of £5m to help accelerate his proposed move to West Ham United. The
midfielder wants to leave St James' Park to be closer to his family in
Ipswich and West Ham remain frontrunners for his signature.
Dyer was jeered by some supporters during Sunday's 2-0 win against the
Italian side Juventus and, according to reports in the north-east, his car
and home have come under attack from fans. West Ham are understood to have
offered close to £5m and he is now keen to leave the north-east after eight
years and 251 matches for Newcastle.
Wages are unlikely to be an issue for West Ham, who would be capable of
matching the £60,000 he earns. Sam Allardyce accepts that Dyer's exit would
suit all sides, with the Newcastle manager prepared to generate money by
selling some of his highest earning players.
West Ham have yet to make an acceptable offer but the Dyer camp are hopeful
that a compromise can be found by the end of the week. There have been
suggestions that Mike Ashley, Newcastle's new owner, is not overly keen to
sell him to Upton Park; ultimately, selling him may involve Newcastle
reluctantly accepting a transfer fee based on appearance-related instalments
and breathing a sigh of relief at the chance to redirect the cost of his
wages.
Although Manchester City - where Sven-Goran Eriksson has long admired Dyer -
remains a possible destination, hopes of a part-exchange deal with Tottenham
Hotspur involving Didier Zokora have foundered, Martin Jol having decided
against making any offer. Jol has tried to build his squad around younger
players and would be concerned by Dyer's injury record. The Spurs coach is
aware the midfielder would not pass a medical, not only because of a liver
complaint which has previously undermined his fitness and requires him to
take daily medication but an old shin injury which involved the insertion of
a steel pin in his leg.
Alan Curbishley, though, is keen to add attacking thrust to his West Ham
team, particularly after losing his £6.1m new signing Julien Faubert until
at least Christmas with a ruptured achilles.
A move to West Ham would reunite Dyer with his former Newcastle team-mate
Lee Bowyer, who famously threw a punch at him during the second half of
Newcastle's 3-0 home defeat to Aston Villa in April 2005. They had to be
separated and both were sent off but they have since settled their
differences, with Bowyer already having welcomed news that his former
team-mate might be heading for Upton Park.
West Ham remain in talks with Barcelona over a possible £10m move for the
Icelandic forward Eidur Gudjohnsen. Curbishley is also monitoring the
situation of Reading's Nicky Shorey. The England left-back opened talks with
Reading this week about a new contract but is yet to reach any agreement.
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West Ham tell court Tevez contract is not authentic
Matt Scott
Wednesday August 1, 2007
The Guardian
The Carlos Tevez saga took a dramatic twist in the high court yesterday when
West Ham United's lawyers challenged the authenticity of a document
presented by Media Sports Investment and Just Sports Inc. The document,
filed at a depositions hearing, was a contract drawn up on December 1 at the
insistence of the West Ham chairman, Eggert Magnusson. It stated that on
July 1 Tevez would be released from the club and stipulated that, if he
remained at Upton Park, MSI-JSI would have to make payments that would
effectively cover his wages.
MSI-JSI consider the document central to their breach-of-contract case
against the Hammers, in which they demand that Tevez be freed from his
obligations with West Ham and permitted to move to Manchester United. The
hearing will take place over three days from August 22.
West Ham say the document was rescinded and its terms were never executed
because it was not countersigned by Tevez. But the copy of the document
filed at yesterday's hearing was furnished with dates and signatures,
prompting West Ham's challenge over its authenticity.
MSI-JSI interpret this as a delaying tactic but it is believed the club's
lawyers are preparing to call a graphologist and forensic experts at the
hearing. MSI-JSI's counsel will respond by calling Tevez, Magnusson and the
West Ham chief executive, Scott Duxbury, to give evidence under oath.
The debate about the authenticity of the document might most simply be
settled by the Premier League's chief executive, Richard Scudamore, whose
organisation received a copy before a disciplinary commission hearing in
April. Scudamore is also set to be subpoenaed by the offshore companies,
which are fronted by Kia Joorabchian.
West Ham hope a negotiated settlement can be achieved before August 22.
However, MSI-JSI have not received the proposed terms of any compromise
agreement because these must first be approved by the Premier League.
That may prove difficult because the league is holding the club to their
undertakings in May. This was when they informed the league they had torn up
all third-party contracts relating to Tevez and MSI-JSI.
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Validity of £100k contract could settle Tevez case - The Independent
By Sam Wallace
Published: 01 August 2007
The Carlos Tevez dispute could hinge on a document produced in the High
Court yesterday which both the player's advisers and West Ham believe will
be crucial to the case. The contract between Kia Joorabchian, who owns the
player's rights, and the West Ham chairman, Eggert Magnusson, states that
Tevez could leave the club this summer for a nominal fee of £100,000.
That is the outcome that Joorabchian has pressed for as he attempts to pave
the way for a lucrative £20m move for Tevez to Manchester United. West Ham
are prepared to claim that the agreement was never signed when it was
offered by them to Joorabchian in December.
The paperwork in question was sent by Magnusson to Joorabchian on 1 December
after he had examined the nature of the Tevez deal which would ultimately
end in a record £5.5m fine for its "third-party" element that broke Premier
League rules. The West Ham chairman, who had then only gained control of the
club 10 days earlier, drew up the contract.
Joorabchian's lawyers will claim that contract entitles the player to leave
for Manchester United now. However, West Ham will claim that the deal
referred to in the contract was never "executed" within the time frame and
is thus invalid.
A copy of the 1 December document was sent by West Ham to the Premier
League's independent commission which ruled on the dispute last season.
The court's decision could come down to the exact date that the 1 December
deal was signed by Tevez. After the independent commission handed down their
judgement, Tevez was switched to a four-year deal and the original illegal
third-party agreement was discarded. West Ham have claimed that this would
entitle them to any transfer fee generated.
With the hearing date set for 22 August, both sides are understood to be
working on an out-of-court settlement that would allow them to compromise on
sharing a transfer fee from Manchester United.
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Gudjohnsen open to West Ham move - fcbarcelonaweb.co.uk
Arnor Gudjohnsen, father and agent of Barça forward Eidur Gudjohnsen, says
that his son would be interested in a move to West Ham United. Speaking to
UK broadcaster Sky Sports, Gudjohnsen senior says that West Ham are yet to
speak to either him or Barcelona. Gudjohnsen had struggled to make an impact
at Barça last season despite Samuel Eto'o being out for a large chunk of the
season due to injury and now with the signing of Thierry Henry, he finds
himself further down the Barça pecking order. "I have heard about the
interest from West Ham, but there have been no talks as yet," said Arnor
Gudjohnsen. "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. "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 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."
Written By: FCB-Mo
Date: Tue. 31st July 07, 11:33 pm
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West Ham feel the heat after documents shed new light on Tevez saga - The
Times
Gary Jacob, James Ducker
Pressure mounted on West Ham United last night after documents presented in
court appeared to show that the club had entered into a second agreement
with the owners of Carlos Tévez.
On a dramatic day in the High Court, Media Sports Investments (MSI) and Just
Sports Inc (JSI) produced the contract that was signed by West Ham after the
club's new Icelandic owners had taken control in late November.
The contract made amendments to the original third-party deal agreed last
summer when Tévez and Javier Mascherano arrived at Upton Park. The new
agreement, dated December 1, was signed by Scott Duxbury, the club's deputy
chief executive who was legal director at the time, and Kia Joorabchian, who
fronts MSI and JSI, and Tévez.
The revelations could be significant because the Premier League's
independent commission said that one reason for not deducting points from
the club was because the new owners should not be penalised for the
misdemeanours of a previous regime.
It is believed that West Ham sought changes to the initial agreement because
it gave MSI and JSI the option of paying the club £100,000 to move Tévez in
the summer.
West Ham initially claimed in court yesterday that the contract was not what
it appeared to be. However, when the judge asked whether the club believed
that it was a forgery, the club's lawyers said no, but claimed that they had
reservations about Tévez's signature and the date on the copies of the
documents.
The club claimed, outside court, that the contract had not been executed
because they had not received copies of the countersigned agreements. The
club added that the documents were supplied to the commission, which took
them into account when it imposed a fine of £5.5 million in April for a
breach of Premier League rules.
The saga appears set to be resolved soon after the court said that it will
hear the case on August 22, for three days. MSI and JSI issued a writ
against West Ham last week, seeking the court's intervention to the club to
release the registration of Tévez in accordance with their contract. "If a
settlement is not possible then the club will present a robust legal case to
the High Court," West Ham said.
Tévez has agreed to a deal to join Manchester United on loan for two seasons
with the option of a permanent move. Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager,
wants the issue resolved soon because the transfer window closes next month.
"It has been dragging on and it can get frustrating, so we have to think
about alternative plans that way, but I don't let it annoy or worry me
because we're confident the player will arrive," Ferguson said.
Ferguson plans to sit down with Gabriel Heinze when the player reports back
for pre-season training on Monday. The Argentina defender wants to join
Liverpool. United claim that they told Heinze verbally that he could not
join Liverpool, who, like the player, want to establish whether a letter
signed by David Gill, the United chief executive, stating that he could join
any club for a set fee, is legally binding. "After I've met [Heinze] we'll
be clear about his intentions because it's not at the moment," Ferguson
said.
Ferguson would rather Heinze join Inter Milan, who United play in a friendly
at Old Trafford this evening, Real Madrid or Barcelona, all of whom have
expressed an interest.
The Premier League confirmed that Liverpool have asked it to help to resolve
the dispute with United. "They will take years," Ferguson said. "They [the
Premier League and Liverpool] can do what they like. We are quite confident
on the situation."
— Sir Alex Ferguson began clearing the decks for the imminent arrival of
Carlos Tévez last night by selling Giuseppe Rossi to Villarreal for around
£7.5 million. The Italy Under-21 striker will undergo a medical today with a
view to signing a six-year contract with the Spanish club. Rossi made only
one Barclays Premiership start for Manchester United after joining the club
from Parma in 2004 and spent part of last season on loan to Newcastle
United.
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Marshall steals the headlines as Hammers make their top flight class count.
Just. - norwichcity.myfootballwriter.com
Norwich City 1, West Ham United 2
Tues 31 Jul 07
New Canary keeper David Marshall proved the star of the show at Carrow Road
tonight as the 22-year-old pulled out all the stops to limit Premiership
West Ham United to just a 2-1 win.
But for his instinctive reactieons to deny Lee Bowyer and Bobby Zamora,
Norwich could have been staring a morale-sapping rout in the face.
Instead, a far improved second-half showing found substitutes Lee Croft and
Chris Brown combining for a well-deserved strike; in the end, however, those
first-half goals from Jonathan Spector and old-boy Dean Ashton - handed a
very rough reception on his return - proved the difference.
Ever one to spring a surprise or two, Grant found space for Darel Russell in
his starting line-up after suggesting just yesterday that he may break his
eighth signing of the summer in gently given his lack of match action at The
Britannia Ground.
The City boss did, however, continue to keep Messrs Brellier and Huckerby
firmly wreathed in cotton wool; he may yet do the same come Friday's final
dress rehearsal against Vitesse Arnhem.
In Brellier's absence - and that of the, ahem, distracted Youssef Safri and
the injured Jimmy Smith - Andy Hughes found himself making up the numbers in
midfield with Luke Chadwick floating about Hucks-like sometimes over on the
left; sometimes just behind David Strihavka and Jamie Cureton.
One other point of interest emerged as the teams arrived on the pitch - they
were led out not by Adam Drury, but by Jason Shackell. Given the stature of
tonight's game, you could not help but wonder whether or not that wasn't a
decision for the season made.
As for the visitors, there was of course no shortage of Canary connections
with Messrs Ashton, Bellamy, Zamora, Davenport and Green all having
connections big or small to this neck of the woods.
Ashton prompted the most interest - not only for the fact that tonight's
game was only the second start in a year for the would-be England No9
following his horrific ankle injury last summer, but also for the curious,
platinum blond crew-cut he sported on his return to Norfolk.
First chance fell to the Hammers as Luis Boa Morte's deep corner found
Zamora rising highest and his downward header found David Marshall saving
confidently low to his left. He went one - if not two better - seconds later
as Zamora slung a fierce drive through the Canary box where it was met first
time by Bowyer. It looked a peach of a goal until Marshall threw a big,
Scottish glove into the air and instinctively clawed the ball out.
The Barclay rose to their feet to salute a fabulous save.
Zamora was next to test the 22-year-old's mettle; again he rose to the
challenge, stretching his left leg out to divert the ball away to safety. It
was all saying very little about Norwich's defensive shape and cohesion;
speaking volumes for the new No1's confidence and ability.
At the other end, Jon Otsemobor thumped a 25-yard free-kick straight into a
West Ham wall, while both Cureton and Strihavka struggled to get much of a
glimpse of Robert Green's goal. But it was all entertaining enough for both
the live Setanta TV cameras and a bumper, pre-season Carrow Road crowd.
The night's opening goal came in the 27th minute. Zamora set the move in
motion as he moved in from the left and fed Boa Morte. He, in turn, slipped
the ball into the path of an over-lapping Jonathan Spector who had long left
Hughes trailing. Given that it was his first-ever career goal, he took it
with a certain aplomb as a helpless Marshall advanced.
By rights, the visitors should have doubled their advantage as the
impressive Zamora sprang clear down the right and pulled the ball back for a
lurking Boa Morte. His eventual shot was borderline embarrassing as it
dribbled apologetically wide of Marshall's right upright. Chadwick stirred
the home faithful into life with a stinging, 22-yarder that flew straight
into the hands of the waiting Green.
Four minutes before the break and Ashton kept the home fans amused by
driving wide from the penalty spot after Boa Morte had skipped away from
Marshall. The Hammers' striker had the last laugh, however, seconds later as
Bowyer released Boa Morte; Marshall saved the first shot gamely enough, but
the ball span out to Ashton who calmly picked his spot in the bottom corner.
But for those three, big Marshall saves and some distinctly summer
finishing, tonight's friendly contest could have long been over. Premiership
opposition or not, there was space a-plenty opening up in, around and behind
that City back four.
With Brown having replaced Strihavka at the break, Marshall blotted his
copybook briefly by coming and horribly missing a regulation cross; Gary
Doherty was on hand to mop up.
Chadwick's impressive summer almost continued six minutes into the
second-half after he curled a decent, first-time effort into the
side-netting after an untidy, half-clearance from Spector.
With the game already enjoying a far greater edge, the introduction of Croft
for Cureton in the 56th minute lit the blue touch paper as, 60 seconds
later, he delivered a glorious hanging cross from the right that fellow
substitute Brown gleefully headed home beyond a stranded Green. It was all
Norwich deserved after stepping up at least two gears after the interval.
Norwich City (4-4-2): Marshall; Otsemobor, Doherty, Shackell (Spillane, 90
mins), Drury; Hughes, Fotheringham, Russell (Martin, 65 mins); Chadwick
(Dublin, 79 mins); Strihavka (Brown, 45 mins), Cureton (Croft, 56 mins).
Subs (not used): Gilks, Cave-Brown, Rossi Jarvis, Ryan Jarvis.
West Ham United (4-4-2): Green; Neill (McCartney, 45 mins), Upson, Collins
(Davenport, 45 mins), Spector; Mullins, Bowyer, Noble (Etherington, 70
mins), Boa Morte; Ashton (Cole, 79 mins), Zamora (Bellamy, 66 mins). Subs
(not used): Wright, Gabbidon, Pantsil, Reid.
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