13/08/2007 14:30
It simply has to be a tale of two Cities when West Ham United head to St
Andrews on Saturday. Following the opening day defeat against Manchester
City, Alan Curbishley insists that his side cannot afford a repeat
performance at Birmingham City. "We've left everyone flat," observed a
dejected Curbs after seeing Rolando Bianchi and Geovanni get Sven-Goran
Eriksson's reign off to a winning start."The fans deserve better than that
and we certainly can't carry on like this. It's a massive disappointment to
say the least and now we've got to go and play a lot better at Birmingham.
"Unfortunately, we didn't show any of the things that we've been working
upon in pre-season and we looked laboured and tentative and didn't put
Manchester City under any pressure. "It's certainly given us something to
think about. When I looked at the statistics after our pre-season win at
Norwich City 11 days ago, they were the second best since I've been at the
Club but we started off poorly and just got worse as the game went on.
"Robert Green was the only one who came out with any real credit and the
rest of the players have got to look at themselves because we just couldn't
string two or three passes together. "While Manchester City started off
well, we had nothing there. They came here with one or two players whom we
weren't too sure about but, having said that, we still knew the shape and
system that they would play. "They started much better, their passing was
miles in front of ours and they were more dangerous than us, too. "City got
their goal during the first 20 minutes and, after that, we were just chasing
the game which was very difficult for us. We needed a bit of a lift but we
just couldn't drag one up from anywhere.
"After making a couple of changes at half-time, I felt that we looked like
we were going to get something during the first 15 minutes of the second
half. I apologised to one or two for playing them out of position but we
really needed to do that to try and get back into the game. "In the end,
though, it just wasn't to be and it proved to be a classic away game from
City's viewpoint. They scored within 20 minutes and, after never looking
like we would ever break them down, they hit us on the break to finish it
all off comfortably. "Sven can be pleased with his start back in the Premier
League," concluded Curbs clearly hoping that he can now bring some smiles
back to the East End at the second attempt. "The crowd were at full throttle
but it turned out to be a massively disappointing game for the players, the
fans and everybody connected with the club. "It's only come after our first
game, though, and now we've just got to get on with it and look forward to
putting things right next week."
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Ljungberg: City made us pay - SSN
Swede disappointed with Hammers defeat
By Kent Hedlundh Last updated: 13th August 2007
West Ham skipper Freddie Ljungberg admits Saturday's defeat to Manchester
City was a major disappointment. Alan Curbishley's revamped side never got
out of first gear as they sank to a 2-0 defeat to Sven Goran Eriksson's City
on the opening day of the season at Upton Park. Goals from Rolando Bianchi
and Geovanni underlined City's cutting edge and left the Hammers with an
early season headache. "This was a big disappointment for us," Ljungberg
told Expressen. "They played smart. They dropped back and exploited our
mistakes for quick breakaways."
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Hammers confirm Eidur talks - SSN
West Ham still tracking striker
By James Pearson Last updated: 13th August 2007
West Ham have confirmed talks for striker Eidur Gudjohnsen are ongoing, but
nothing has been agreed with Barcelona. The former Chelsea ace has been
interesting The Hammers after Thierry Henry's arrival pushed him down Frank
Rijkaard's pecking order. Gudjohnsen is believed to be available for just
£6.7million, although the player's lofty demands are reportedly deterring
other clubs from joining the hunt. West Ham supremo Eggert Magnusson has
denied the East Londoners have concurred on a price with Barca, but stated
talks are continuing. "Talks are ongoing," Magnusson confirmed to virir.is.
"We have not had an offer accepted by Barcelona - the papers are wrong."
Manager Alan Curbishley may be prepared to push the boat out even further
for Gudjohnsen following the side's disappointing 2-0 defeat to Manchester
City on the opening weekend of the new season.
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Solano preaches family values - The Sun
By JACOB STEINBERG
August 13, 2007
NOBBY SOLANO has promised Newcastle fans he will reject a transfer to Spain
if his proposed move to West Ham falls through. The Peruvian is desperate
to relocate to London to be with his family and West Ham are ready to bring
him on board. But Solano is adamant he will only depart St James' Park for
the capital. He claimed: "There is a big decision to be made in the next
couple of days and, in a way, I am glad it is all out of my hands. "It is up
to West Ham and Newcastle to decide what happens. The reason I want to go to
London is because my wife and two children have moved there. "Yes, there are
teams in Spain interested in me, but I won't go. The only reason I will
leave Newcastle is to go to London." West Ham had initially hoped to
complete a £6million deal for Solano's Toon team-mate Kieron Dyer. But they
were left fuming when an extra £2m was added to the price at the last
minute. And the Hammers have now turned their attention to Solano, 32, as
Alan Curbishley seeks further reinforcements for his side. The West Ham boss
is also keen on capturing the services of Nicky Shorey, Giles Barnes and
Eidur Gudjohnsen.
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Parker may return to banish Blues - Daily Mail
Last updated at 14:16pm on 13th August 2007
Scott Parker has an outside chance of making his West Ham debut in
Saturday's Premier League match at Birmingham. The £7m signing missed the
2-0 opening day defeat to Man City after his rehabilitation from a knee
injury took slightly longer than originally expected.
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DAVIES: BIDS RECEIVED FOR GILES BUT WE DON'T WANT TO SELL HIM -
ThisisDerbyshire.co.uk
09:30 - 13 August 2007
Billy Davies has confirmed Derby County have received improved offers for
midfielder Giles Barnes - and not only from West Ham United. Derby do not
want to sell the 19-year-old and say the bids fall well short of their
valuation of the player. "At the moment they are miles away for us to even
consider any move taking place," said Davies, who sees Barnes' future at
Pride Park. "Roll on the end of August and hopefully Giles will be with us
for the remainder of this season and beyond because I feel his development
must continue at Derby." West Ham manager Alan Curbishley is a fan of
Barnes. "We have been looking at the situation and we have spoken to Derby
about it," said Curbishley, who says the clubs cannot agree on a fee. "At
the moment nothing is happening - their valuation is not where we are at,"
he added. West Ham owner Eggert Magnusson has also admitted the Hammers are
keen on Barnes. "There is no secret that we are interested in Giles Barnes.
We also know that Derby don't want to sell at the moment," he said. Barnes
has not kicked a ball since breaking a bone in his foot during the Rams'
play-off final victory over West Bromwich Albion at the end of May. He has
started jogging and the aim is to build his fitness over the next few weeks.
He is not expected to return until after the international break in
September. "It is frustrating to miss the start of the season - especially
since I am not the best watcher in the world when I am on the sidelines -
but I am looking forward to getting fit," said Barnes.
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Gudjohnsen wants £100,000-a-week for West Ham move
tribalfooball.com - August 13, 2007
Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen is demanding £100,000-a-week to return to
the Premiership. The Mirror says the former Chelsea ace is wanted by West
Ham and Middlesbrough, with even Blackburn Rovers taking an interest in his
future after hearing the fee was just £6.7million. But the Icelandic star -
advised by his father and agent Arnor - is looking for a massive final pay
day that is putting off his suitors.
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West Ham ready to match Middlesbrough fee for Yakubu
tribalfooball.com - August 13, 2007
West Ham United are entering the race for Middlesbrough striker Yakubu
Aiyegbeni. The Mirror says Yakubu, 24, who joined Boro for £7.5million from
Pompey in July 2005, has told Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate he wants
to quit the Riverside. And Everton, Man City and Portsmouth have all
expressed an interest in the striker despite Boro's insistence that the star
is going nowhere. Yakubu's £10 million price-tag would not be a problem to
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley, who is keen to strengthen his forward line
and has been handed millions to spend by Icelandic chairman Eggert
Magnusson.
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Palermo star added to Curbishley's wish list - Daily Mail
Last updated at 11:45am on 13th August 2007
West Ham have reacted to their opening Premiership day disappointment by
intensifying their search for new talent. Alan Curbishley believes that
adding to his squad becomes more difficult once the new season is under way
but the West Ham manager knows he needs more quality following the 2-0 home
defeat by Sven Goran Eriksson's Manchester City. There is a possibility that
the Kieron Dyer deal could be resurrected this week after speculation
surfaced that Newcastle are prepared to part with the England midfield star
and Nolberto Solano for a combined fee of £8 million. It appears though that
West Ham may not be over-enthusiastic about that since Solano has been on
offer on a free transfer and they remain adamant they will not pay £8
million for Dyer after they had agreed a £6 million fee with Newcastle for
the player. West Ham are also targeting Australian international midfield
player Mark Bresciano, who plays for Italian Serie A club Palermo.
Bresciano, who impressed for the Sicilian team against West Ham in last
season's UEFA Cup, has been linked with Real Madrid but a proposed deal
appears to have fallen through. He trained with City last week and
reportedly signed for them but the move stalled. Eriksson said after
Saturday's win that he was still keen to sign him.
Born in Melbourne, Bresciano has an Italian father and Croatian mother. He
began his career with Australian club Carlton and then moved to Italy to
play with first Empoli and then Parma before moving to Palermo in 2006.
Bresciano, an Australian international team-mate of West Ham captain Lucas
Neill, is highly rated as a goalscoring midfield player.
West Ham still want to sign a striker before the end of the deadline and
Eidur Gudjohnsen, who has been told he can go by Barcelona, remains a
possibility.
Curbishley will this week have to analyse what went badly wrong against City
and put it right before his team's first away trip, to Birmingham. The West
Ham manager came under fire from Fulham defender Paul Konchesky, who left
Upton Park this summer. He said: "There was, and still is, a lot of unhappy
players at the club who don't like him. I am one of them and he knows that,
and that is why I left the club. There are a lot of players who don't think
he is any good.
"I am sure that is one of the main reasons Carlos Tevez didn't stay at the
club, and also why Darren Bent refused to sign. It was because of the
manager. He is hard to get on with. He doesn't have much banter; he is
serious all the time, he keeps himself to himself and doesn't get involved -
very old school."
Curbishley was honest in his appraisal of his team's shortcomings and even
blamed himself for making too many positional changes when he sent on
substitute Dean Ashton to try to salvage the situation in the second half.
"I'm disappointed at what happened and I'm disappointed with myself," he
said. "Manchester City asked us a lot of questions and we had no answers. I
take some of the blame for changing too much when Ashton came on. I was
trying to get a spark and maybe I should have left well alone. Too many
players went missing. In fact the only one who can take any positives out of
that performance was Robert Green. "We started off poorly and got worse.
Their passing was miles better than ours and we gave the ball away just too
often. We looked laboured and tentative. Dietmar Hamann was strolling around
the pitch, dictating things. We gave the fans nothing and they deserve
better than that. We don't play in midweek and perhaps that is a blessing."
Brazilian Elano cruised past Matthew Upson and crossed hard and low from the
right for Rolando Bianchi to score from close range. West Ham's best chance
was a second-half volley from Ashton but the second City goal, by substitute
Geovanni near the end, sealed the home side's fate. "I am delighted," said
Eriksson. "A first game away from home against a good team and we win. I
always thought we had signed good players. It is only stupid people who
could think I would sign players I didn't know anything about. Mark Noble,
watched by England coach Steve McClaren, was overrun by City's midfield in
the first half while Lee Bowyer, looking a shadow of the player he was with
Charlton and Leeds, was substituted at half-time. "There was just silence in
the dressing room afterwards because we knew we hadn't performed," said
Noble. "It was such a big disappointment because everyone was looking
forward to this season so much. We have to keep things in some kind of
perspective though. It's only the first game of the season. Last season we
won that and look what happened afterwards."
Curbishley hopes to have Neill and Scott Parker back on Saturday.
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Hammers hope to nail Gudjohnsen - TeamTAlk
West Ham have confirmed talks for Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen are
ongoing, but insist no fee has been agreed with the Spanish club. The
Icelander has been heavily linked with a move to Upton Park after Thierry
Henry's arrival at the Nou Camp pushed him down the pecking order.
Gudjohnsen is believed to be available for £6.7million, although the
player's wage demands are reportedly deterring other clubs from joining the
hunt. But reacting to reports West Ham have agreed a fee with Barca, Eggert
Magnusson said: "Talks are ongoing. We have not had an offer accepted by
Barcelona - the papers are wrong."
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McCARTNEY A HIT WITH NEW BOSS - Sporting Life
West Ham defender George McCartney has been recalled to the Northern Ireland
squad after a two-year absence. McCartney is in line to face Liechtenstein
in a Euro 2008 qualifier at Windsor Park on August 22 as Aaron Hughes has an
ankle injury. He last played for the province in June 2005 against Germany
and then fell out with previous manager Lawrie Sanchez. The Liechtenstein
game will be Nigel Worthington's first in charge and he has a strong squad
to choose from, apart from Hughes. Damien Johnson is called up even though
the Birmingham midfielder has been hampered by a hamstring injury. Leicester
defender Gareth McAuley wins a recall while Linfield goalkeeper Alan Mannus
is the only Northern Ireland-based player named by Worthington.
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McCartney recalled to Northern Ireland squad - independent.ie
Monday August 13 2007
West Ham defender George McCartney has been recalled to the Northern Ireland
squad for their upcoming Euro 2008 qualifier against Liechtenstein.
McCartney last played for the side in June 2005 before falling out with
former manager Lawrie Sanchez. The Liechtenstein match at Windsor Park on
August 22nd will be Nigel Worthington's first in charge since he replaced
Sanchez earlier this year.
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Gudjohnsen demands 100k West Ham wages - Sportigo
Mon, Aug 13, 07 11:55
Mark Apostolou
Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen wants £100,000 a week from any of the
Premier League clubs – West Ham, Middlesbrough, Blackburn – chasing him
(Daily Mirror). The Icelandic international may have to adjust his demands
as any potential suitor is sure to baulk at such a figure – mind you, if Man
United are a striker short due to Wayne Rooney's injury, maybe Sir Alex
might approach the Glazers for more readies.
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'London's Calling' But West Ham Could Be Snubbed - newcastlemad.co.uk
By Nu Mad Monday 13th August 2007
Nobby Solano only has nine months of his contract left at Newcastle, and
West Ham allegedly are not prepared to go beyond that contract. But still
the Peruvian wants a move to the capital ... with West Ham or anyone else.
Now West Ham have 'tested the water' by asking about Solano's availabilty,
there is guarantee the midfielder will end up at Upton Park. Yes the player
wants a move to London, but Newcastle are set to hold the Hammers to ransom.
They either up the bid for Kieron Dyer by £2m ... and take him AND Solano
... or the Toon are prepared to listen to offers, and already Fulham and
Charlton are set to make a move. The bad blood between the Mags and the
Hammers could go another step backwards, as the war of words continues. The
Sunday Mirror claimed yesterday that Dyer failed a medical at Upton Park
last week, and Newcastle are furious that the newspaper is suggesting Dyer's
career could be over.
Nobby Solano:"It causes me sorrow to have to make this decision. But my
children have moved to London and I want to be near them. "It's no secret
that I have been separated for a while from my wife (Claudia), who until
recently lived here in Newcastle. "Despite our situation, I was seeing the
children almost every day, and that is what is most important to me. "Things
have changed though. My wife decided to move to London to try to boost her
career. "I'm very comfortable at Newcastle. The people love me and I am very
thankful for that. "I didn't want to play for any other club in England, but
family issues have forced a change of plan. "I have spoken with the
Newcastle directors and with the manager and they understand. "The chances
are 50-50. "Everything depends on West Ham actually making an offer."
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Premier League Rumour MIll: Hammers switch attention to Yakubu - Daily Mail
By DANNY GRIFFITHS - More by this author »
Last updated at 10:01am on 13th August 2007
Eidur Gudjohnsen has shocked the Premier League clubs chasing his services
by demanding £100,000 a week in wages. Barcelona's former Chelsea striker
has already snubbed a move by West Ham to take him to Upton Park.
Middlesbrough are also interested in the Iceland international while
Blackburn are also monitoring his situation at the Nou Camp. The Hammers
have switched their interest to Boro striker Yakubu, who is also wanted by
Everton while Manchester City have allowed young forward Ishmael Miller to
join West Brom on loan.
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Bids received for Barnes - therams.co.uk
by Steve Nicholson
Billy Davies has confirmed Derby County have received improved offers for
midfielder Giles Barnes - and not only from West Ham United. Derby do not
want to sell the 19-year-old and say the bids fall well short of their
valuation of the player. "At the moment they are miles away for us to even
consider any move taking place," said Davies, who sees Barnes' future at
Pride Park. "Roll on the end of August and hopefully Giles will be with us
for the remainder of this season and beyond because I feel his development
must continue at Derby." West Ham manager Alan Curbishley is a fan of
Barnes. "We have been looking at the situation and we have spoken to Derby
about it," said Curbishley, who says the clubs cannot agree on a fee. "At
the moment nothing is happening - their valuation is not where we are at,"
he added.
West Ham owner Eggert Magnusson has also admitted the Hammers are keen on
Barnes. There is no secret that we are interested in Giles Barnes. We also
know that Derby don't want to sell at the moment," he said. Barnes has not
kicked a ball since breaking a bone in his foot during the Rams' play-off
final victory over West Bromwich Albion at the end of May. He has started
jogging and the aim is to build his fitness over the next few weeks. He is
not expected to return until after the international break in September. It
is frustrating to miss the start of the season - especially since I am not
the best watcher in the world when I am on the sidelines - but I am looking
forward to getting fit," said Barnes.
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Curbs: I'm disappointed with myself - The Mirror
By Martin Lipton 13/08/2007
Alan Curbishley last night copped the blame for the opening-day Hammer
horror show that squandered all his survival goodwill in the space of 90
miserable minutes. Curbishley admitted he was tactically out-thought by Sven
Goran Eriksson as West Ham were put to the sword by City's scratch side.
Half-time jeers were replicated at the final whistle by the few left inside
Upton Park after home fans went streaming for the exit gates long before the
end. And while Hammers boss Curbishley, who looked gaunt and washed-out by
what he had witnessed, pointed the finger at his players, he conceded the
primary responsibility was his. The Upton Park chief said: "There were some
disappointing performances from everybody today, and I'm disappointed with
myself.
"I didn't do anything before the game about the way they were going to shape
up and I moved too many people around in the second half. "I was just trying
to get a spark out of the players when perhaps it would have been better to
leave them alone."
Curbishley, already under fire, admitted he will ask chairman Eggert
Magnusson for more cash to strengthen, with a fresh approach for Kieron Dyer
in the offing.
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