17/08/2007 16:04
Matty Upson travels back to his former club, Birmingham City, with West Ham
United tomorrow aiming to help the Hammers come out on top in what he says
is sure to be a "high-tempo battle". The defender, who spent four years at
St Andrews, admits it will be tough encounter against the Blues. Knowing the
manager and the team with their set-up there, we can fully expect a
high-tempo battle and a very physical game", Matty says. And having played
at St Andrews week in week out for four years, I can tell you there will be
a formidable atmosphere with the crowd and everything. "But we are looking
to bounce back after the disappointment of the first match and I have no
doubt we can win this game."
Matty admits that, while Birmingham are in the early days of adjusting to
life back in the Premier League, there will be several players to watch out
for.
"Mikael Forssell has been starting again. He came to Birmingham a couple of
years ago and was exceptional. Since then he has had a rough time with
injuries but is back now and will be interesting to watch. "Gary McSheffrey
is another one who had a great season for them last year and will be looking
to make his mark."
Matty insists he will always have great memories of his time at the club. "I
spent four good years there, had successful times and a few disappointing
times, but I always gave 100 per cent and I hope the fans will have seen
that. I enjoyed my time there." Matty revealed that there is no lingering
disappointment hanging over the Hammers following the opening day defeat but
instead it has been a week of positives. He said: "It was a bit of a shame
that we didn't have a match mid-week because you want to just get back out
there. But we have had a good week analysing and seeing where we went wrong
and putting it right. "While you always want to start the season with a win,
it's out of the way now and we can perhaps get on with expressing ourselves
and playing the way in which we know we can. "The manager has highlighted a
couple of things that we can change and we have worked on that. The
commitment and the effort is there, no question, so it's about putting it
all together for the next match."
For Matty, being back on the pitch after his injury nightmare the games
can't come quickly enough. "Last weekend saw my first Premier League game
for seven months and I'm just delighted to be out there with the boys. I've
got more to come and more to offer and will hopefully get better with every
game."
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Kieron Dyer Factfile - WHUFC
17/08/2007 09:00
Kieron Dyer
DOB: December 29, 1978
Place of Birth: Ipswich
Position: Midfielder
Nationality: England
Club Career:
Ipswich (1/8/96 - 14/7/99 - from trainee) Apps/Gls (sub app): 95 (12) 10
Newcastle (14/7/99 - 16/8/07 Apps/Gls: 222 (28) 36
International Career: England - 1999- Present
32 full senior caps (3 England B caps/ 11 England U-21 caps)
Background facts:
Made his debut for England against Luxembourg, Wembley, September 4, 1999.
Kieron was one of England's brightest young stars when he joined United from
Ipswich Town in July 1999 and quickly demonstrated the talent which made him
such hot property. Only 20 when he joined United, Kieron quickly added full
England caps to the collection of youth, U-21 and B caps he had built up at
Ipswich and only narrowly missed out on Kevin Keegan's final squad for Euro
2000. Kieron is hard to shake off the ball, and his light frame allows him
the speed to get away from opponents. He was part of Sven-Goran Eriksson's
2002 World Cup squad and made three substitute appearances during the
tournament. Made captain of Newcastle for the first time in a competitive
game, and scored twice, against Everton in the Worthington Cup on November
6, 2002 and was named in the PFA Premiership team of the season in 2002/03.
Kieron also played a part in the England squad for Euro 2004, making a
substitute appearance against Switzerland. The midfielder scored seven goals
for Newcastle last season.
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Hammers draw Bristol Rovers in Carling Cup - WHUFC
17/08/2007 09:34
West Ham United have drawn Bristol Rovers away in the second round of
Carling Cup, which will take place later this month. Hammers striker Bobby
Zamora completed his apprenticeship at the League One Club and is looking
forward to returning to the Memorial Stadium. "It will be very nice to go
back there if I get picked to play," he said. "I obviously learnt my trade
there and really enjoyed my time living in Bristol and playing for the Gas.
"I have not been back there to play since I left seven years ago so it will
be nice to see if things have changed or not. I still make sure to look out
for their results. "I watched them in the play-off final and was chuffed to
see them get promoted. All that being said, I will still be going there
looking to win with West Ham. "We want to win trophies and do well in all
competitions and certainly don't want to go out in the first round."
All ties are to be played during the week commencing August 27.
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Curbs pleased to welcome Dyer - WHUFC
17/08/2007 12:04
Alan Curbishley was pleased to welcome new signing Kieron Dyer to Chadwell
Heath this morning for his first training session with the Hammers and the
England midfielder may even figure in tomorrow's trip to Birmingham. We're
really glad it's finally been sorted and he's joined us," said Curbs. "He
played for Newcastle reserves on Wednesday night so he's been training and
playing games. He's in our thoughts for tomorrow. "We're building our squad
and bringing in good players," Curbs added. "Kieron is a very versatile
player and can play in the middle or on the right side. "He's exactly the
type of player we need. He's really pleased to be joining us and we're
delighted to welcome him to West Ham."
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Birmingham v Hammers: Big Match Preview - WHUFC
17/08/2007 14:36
Birmingham City v West Ham United
Saturday 18 August
St Andrews
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Mark Halsey (Lancashire)
Team News: Birmingham pair Olivier Kapo and Johan Djourou have shaken off
minor knocks but Franck Queudrue is out with an ankle injury.
Damien Johnson (hamstring), Martin Taylor (torn stomach muscle), Mat Sadler
(Achilles) and Rafael Schmitz (Achilles) remain long-term casualties.
Skipper Lucas Neill and midfielder Scott Parker are doubts for tomorrow's
trip to Birmingham, having both tweaked their knee ligaments. Kieron Dyer is
in line to make his Hammers debut.
Background:
The Hammers are looking to pick up their first points of the season at
newly-promoted Birmingham City after losing the first match of the Barclays
Premier League season at home to Manchester City.
Birmingham have scored four goals in their first two games but picked up
just one point from Wednesday night's 2-2 draw at home to Sunderland. They
lost their opening fixture 3-2 against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
West Ham haven't lost an opening away league fixture of the season since
losing to Newcastle at St James' Park on 19 August 2002.
Stats:
Last five meetings:
13/02/2006 West Ham United 3 (Harewood 2, Ashton) Birmingham City 0
05/12/2005 Birmingham City 1 (Heskey) West Ham United 2 (Zamora, Harewood)
11/05/2003 Birmingham City 2 (Horsfield, John) West Ham United 2 (L
Ferdinand, DiCanio)
05/10/2002 West Ham United 1 (J Cole) Birmingham City 2 (John 2)
30/11/1999 (League Cup) Birmingham City 2 (Hyde, Grainger) West Ham United 3
(Lomas, Kitson, J Cole)
Tickets and Travel:
Tickets and official Coach Travel to the fixture have now SOLD OUT. Coaches
will depart from Upton Park at 10am.
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Dyer called up for England - WHUFC
17/08/2007 15:05
New signing Kieron Dyer has been included in Steve McClaren's England squad
to face Germany in an international friendly at Wembley on Wednesday.
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Parker set for debut - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 17th August 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Scott Parker is set to make his league debut for the Hammers at Birmingham
on Saturday. The 26-year-old former Chelsea midfielder has been out of
action since sustaining a knee injury against Sigma last month, although is
expected to start against Birmingham on Sunday. Alan Curbishley confirmed
the news last night when asked about the possibility of starting with Kieron
Dyer: "I will decide on Friday whether to play Kieron but he is definitely
fit and available, along with Lucas Neill and Scott Parker," he said.
Birmingham v West Ham United: likely starting XI
Green; Spector, McCartney, Upson, Ferdinand; Noble, Parker, Ljungberg, Boa
Morte; Bellamy, Zamora.
Subs from: Wright, Neill, Gabbidon, Collins, Mullins, Bowyer, Etherington,
Dyer, Ashton.
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Birmingham City vs West Ham Utd: match preview - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 16th August 2007
By: Matthew Coker
The 2007/08 claret and blue tour of duty starts this Saturday. After our
sojourn to Liverpool was cancelled due to their Champions League qualifying
commitments, we head to St Andrews to take on Birmingham City in a 3pm,
Saturday afternoon kick off.
Our opponents have returned from the Championship after just a season in the
wilderness. They took the opportunity to use this gap year to clear out much
of the deadwood that caused their demotion and with a helping hand from
several of Arsene Wenger's youth side, they managed a runner's up spot
ensuring that they are back on Match of the Day and more importantly (for
them) back locking horns with the Villa.
The season started by getting one of the toughies out of the way, their
opener was at Stamford Bridge where they gave a decent account of themselves
in a 3-2 defeat before taking part in a pendulum like midweek 2-2 home draw
with Sunderland.
"When he had his one-to-one session with Dan he was moaning, 'We don't do
this, don't do that' at Tottenham. Yes, strong words were said and he was
told in no uncertain terms that if he didn't like it, he should clear off."
– Steve Bruce puts an end to the signing of Hossan Ghaly.
The gaffer is Steve Bruce, who enjoyed a medal laden playing career as a
Manchester United centre back. He has been in charge at St Andrews since
2001 and has now overseen two promotions to the big time. He has the facial
appearance of a heavyweight boxer and comes across as an old school, heart
on the sleeve type of boss, who is not afraid to voice his opinion. He must
have something about him, at least where the Birmingham board are concerned,
as they had every justification in getting shot of him during a particularly
poor spell at the start of last season but they showed rare faith, which
paid off in the end.
In goal will be Republic of Ireland international keeper, Colin Doyle, who
has been with the club since the age of 15. He came in for a bit of media
criticism about the goals he conceded against Chelsea where he was arguably
at fault for the first and third strikes. However, he can be excused much
blame for Sunderland's midweek equaliser as he made a top class save before
being sat on by an opposition striker, preventing him getting anywhere near
the rebound.
Fans of the club saw several excellent days in the office from him at the
tail end of last season and his performance against Wolves has taken near
legendary status amongst the faithful, most of who are convinced that he'll
be an asset to the club in the Premier League.
The back four on the opening day had a very new feel to it with three of the
quarter having only joined the club within a week of the season kicking off.
On the right hand side, they will feature former Yido, Stephen Kelly, on the
left will be either Stuart Parnaby or possibly, if he has recovered from an
opening day ankle injury, new signing from Fulham, Frenchman, Franck
Queudrue. The centre back pairing will be the young Swiss defender on loan
from L'Arse, Johan Djourou and former Villa man (and West Ham academy
product), Liam Ridgewell, who is captaining the club in the absence of
Damien Johnson.
As to be expected from such a newly constructed line up, they are still
getting to grips with the synchronised stuff such as the faithful old
offside trap, which could be to our advantage. Mind you, I said that last
week about an inexperienced keeper and we hardly tested him out, did we?
The Gooner connection is most apparent in the midfield, with Swede,
Sebastian Larsson and Fabrice Muamba having made loan deals permanent in the
summer. Larsson lines up on the right and has the responsibility for dead
ball situations and Muamba will form a partnership with Tunisian
international, Medhi Nafti in the centre. The central duo are both
hardworking and efficient but they are both a similar style of defensive
midfielder, with the side crying out for a creative playmaker that is
capable of spraying the ball around (hence the attempt to hire Ghaly).
Gary McSheffrey should start on the left, the winger was was signed from
Coventry last year. There have been doubts about his form since the
beginning of this year and it will be interesting to see if he can make an
impression on the top flight. Factors going to his advantage are a well
honed knack off cutting in from the left, his ability to play with either
foot and a decent scoring record (he was the club's top scorer last season).
Factors going against him include his tendency to hog the ball, his sleight
physical build and there was a visible lack of tracking back, leaving
Queudrue exposed at times against Chelsea.
The club features a choice up front, though the most impressive to date has
been Olivier Kapo. He was picked up for a fee of £3m in the summer from
Italian giants, Juventus, but he spent much of his time with the club on
loan at Monaco and Levante. He ordinarily plays in the deeper second striker
role and is hardworking enough to seek out the ball in all areas of the
park. He possesses a very creative left foot (see goal against Chelsea)
which means that he often drifts wide left and he finished the game with
Sunderland in that position.
The main fox in the box is Finn and former Chelsea man, Mikael Forsell, who
has spent time on loan with Blues before making the deal permanent in 2005.
A stream of injuries has hampered his progress and he still requires a few
more games to reach full fitness this campaign. His (and Birmingham's) first
goal of the season came against his former paymasters at Stamford Bridge.
Other options include the mulleted Scottish international, Garry O'Connor,
who was signed from Lokomotiv Moscow in the summer. He got his first taste
of Premier League action against Sunderland, coming off the bench to score
on Wednesday night. Young prospect, Cameron Jerome is a strong and pacy
striker who had a run out against Chelsea and they also have Rowan Vine at
the club who has not lived up to early promise. Bruce seems to favour having
all of his strikers in the sixteen, which gives him plenty of tactical scope
if a goal is needed.
"Teams who have come up from the Championship have a champion mentality."
– Jose Mourinho
Mourinho has correctly identified that one of our biggest obstacles this
weekend will be the confidence of our opponents. They only suffered three
league defeats in the whole of the last campaign, so obtaining points at St
Andrews is very much habitual to City.
The side has shipped five goals in their first two games and we should be
able to take advantage of the inexperience that their defensive unit has had
in playing together. We should also take heart from that fact that
Sunderland were able to dominate several periods of the game and that the
Mackems were able to equalise in the 90th minute, even though they were down
to 10 men on the field.
Our inauspicious start to the campaign makes me think that an away win may
be a step too far, but I fancy us for a point in a 1-1 draw. I also expect
that West Ham fans will make our presence felt not just at the ground (which
is a given) but also around the post boxes of Birmingham as we all drop
Kevin McCabe a postcard to remind him just what he is missing.
Enjoy the game.
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Pirates game goes live - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 17th August 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
West Ham's second round Carling Cup tie against Bristol Rovers has been
selected for live broadcast. SkySports - no doubt looking for a repeat of
last year's ignominious Cup exit at Chesterfield - will be showing the
entire game live from the Memorial Ground. The match - now scheduled for
Tuesday, 28th August - is due to kick off at 7.45pm.
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Neill set for City return? - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 17th August 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Lucas Neill could be in the frame for a return to action as early as this
weekend. The 29-year-old full-back sustained a knee injury during training
on 6th August and was expected to be out until early September. But
according to the player himself, he is ready for a return to action - and
could be named in the squad to face Birmingham tomorrow. "I'm almost fit,"
Neill told Skysports. "The manager's got a tough decision now whether to
possibly risk me at 95% fit.
"Maybe if I got injured again I could be out for a month, or does he wait
until I've got a full week of training in so I can be 100% fit for Wigan?
I'll leave that down to him, but either way I won't be disappointed."
Club captain Neill also expressed his delight over the capture of Kieron
Dyer, who joined the Hammers yesterday in a deal worth around £7m. "The
guy's got great attributes, he's pacy and very skillful - but more
importantly, he'll have a point to prove and that'll only benefit West Ham,"
he said. "He's had a frustrating period in his career where he's probably
been on the sidelines more than he's played. Some people have questioned his
ability, some people have doubted him. "But for us to have him, and for him
wanting to put the record straight and get his career back on track can only
be a good thing for West Ham - and I'm looking forward to it."
Looking back at last weekend's home defeat against suprise package
Manchester City, Neill added that although disappointed by the defeat, the
squad had not become disheartened as a result. "I suppose it was a bad day
at the office really. We tried to start fast, we tried a quick tempo but the
passing was off and as a result we lost the momentum and they scored crucial
goals at key times," he said. "We couldn't recover, and we didn't take the
chances we'd created. In the end, and because we'd been so eager to get off
to a good start I suppose we forgot to come out and make sure we were
focused properly and play right. "All the boys were deeply disappointed but
quick to get it out of the system - and we're really looking forward to
putting the record straight on Saturday."
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Birmingham v West Ham - BBC
St Andrews
Saturday, 18 August
Kick-off: 1500 BST
Birmingham pair Olivier Kapo and Johan Djourou have shaken off minor knocks
but Franck Queudrue (ankle) is out.
Damien Johnson (hamstring), Martin Taylor (torn stomach muscle), Mat Sadler
(Achilles) and Rafael Schmitz (Achilles) remain long-term casualties.
Kieron Dyer is in line his West Ham debut, with fellow midfielder Scott
Parker (knee) still struggling.
Lucas Neill could be rushed back into action, but Julien Faubert, Nigel
Quashie and Calum Davenport are out.
Birmingham (from): Doyle, Maik Taylor, Parnaby, Ridgewell, Djourou, Kelly,
Larsson, Muamba, Nafti, McSheffrey, Kapo, Forssell, O'Connor, Vine, Jerome,
Jaidi, De Ridder.
West Ham (from): Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney, Ljungberg, Dyer,
Noble, Boa Morte, Bellamy, Zamora, Wright, Spector, Collins, Gabbidon,
Pantsil, Dailly, Mullins, Etherington, Ashton, Cole.
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley on playing Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer in the
same team despite them trading blows when they played for Newcastle in 2005:
"I spoke to both players and have been assured that it was a one-off, and
they both actually speak to each other regularly. "It was just two players
desperate to do well. They were getting well beaten, and it just boiled
over."
BIG-MATCH FACTS
Both Birmingham and West Ham are looking for their first victory of the
season.
Steve Bruce's Brummies, who lost at Chelsea last Saturday and were held at
home by fellow promoted Sunderland midweek, are in danger of only banking
one point from the first three games for the third time in their five
Premier League campaigns.
West Ham have drawn their last two opening AWAY fixtures in a Premier League
season, and have not one an initial fixture on the road in this league since
defeating Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on 15 August 1998.
The Hammers are the only club yet to score in the Premier League this
season.
BIG-MATCH FACTS
Both Birmingham and West Ham are looking for their first victory of the
season.
Steve Bruce's Brummies, who lost at Chelsea last Saturday and were held at
home by fellow promoted Sunderland midweek, are in danger of only banking
one point from the first three games for the third time in their five
Premier League campaigns.
West Ham have drawn their last two opening AWAY fixtures in a Premier League
season, and have not one an initial fixture on the road in this league since
defeating Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on 15 August 1998.
The Hammers are the only club yet to score in the Premier League this
season.
CLUB FORM
BIRMINGHAM CITY
Club stats
Fixtures
1. Picked up 10 points from a first possible 12 at the outset of last season
when in the Championship.
2. Lost only one of the first eight Championship games last season.
3. Have now completed 45 league matches without a no score draw; last
finished goalless, away to Stoke on 12 August 2006.
4. Won six of their last eight home league games (Premier League and
Championship).
5. Unbeaten in five home Premier League matches.
6. Won two and drawn three in the Premier League at St Andrews, since
succumbing to Tottenham, 0-2 on 18 March 2006; their only loss in seven
Premier League outings on the road.
7. Drawn the last two home Premier League matches, and not won on home turf
in this league since beating Blackburn 2-1, on 19 April 2006.
8. Two goals short of conceding 200 in Premier League history.
9. Need to score four more goals to total 100 all-time in the Premier League
at St Andrews.
10. Their two Premier League matches so far this season have yielded nine
goals (four for, five against) - more than anyone else.
WEST HAM UNITED
Club stats
Fixtures
1. Ended last season with seven wins in nine matches, and escaped relegation
by three points. But kicked off this campaign with a 0-2 home loss to
Sven-Goran Eriksson's Manchester City.
2. Highest ever league position was third in 1985-86.
3. The best recorded in the Premier League was fifth in 1998-99. Their
average Premier League finish is 11th.
4. Survived despite 21 defeats last season; the three relegated clubs were
only beaten 20 times each.
5. Shown more yellow cards than any other club in Premier League competition
last term (87).
6. Suffered an eight-match winless streak after winning their opening
fixture in last season's Premier League.
7. Lost both opening fixtures of a Premier League campaign only three times,
and once in their last nine; Chelsea (a) and Leicester (h) defeated them in
August 2000.
8. Not lost an opening AWAY league fixture of the season, since Newcastle
thrashed them 4-0 at St James' Park on 19 August 2002.
9. This is Alan Curbishley's 25th league and cup match in charge. Under him,
the side have lost 50% of their Premier League matches (11 of 22, winning
eight).
10. Won four of the last five away league games; not lost on the road in
four months, since Sheffield United defeated them 3-0 at Bramall Lane on 14
April.
KEY PLAYER NOTES
BIRMINGHAM CITY
Ins and Outs
Rowan VINE needs a double to total 50 career League goals (Portsmouth,
Brentford, Luton and Birmingham).
If he plays:-
Stuart PARNABY will be making his 100th career league appearance
(Middlesbrough, Halifax and Birmingham).
WEST HAM UNITED
Ins and Outs
Dean ASHTON needs a double to bring his career total of club goals to 100.
Bobby ZAMORA was West Ham's leading scorer last season with 11 goals - all
in the Premier League.
New signing Kieron DYER is a double shy of 50 career club goals.
If he plays:-
ZAMORA will be making his 300th club career appearance (Bristol Rovers,
Brighton, Tottenham and West Ham).
Lucas NEILL will be making his 200th career Premier League appearance
(Blackburn and West Ham).
Jonathan SPECTOR will be making his 50th career Premier League appearance
(Manchester United, Charlton and West Ham).
Matthew UPSON will be facing his former club. The 28 year old defender made
128 appearances (113 in the league) and scored five league goals for
Birmingham from January 2003 until his £6m move to Upton Park in January
2007.
HEAD TO HEAD
West Ham did the double over Birmingham in the last season they met in
2005-06 (Premier League).
The Brummies won the first Premier League meeting with the Hammers; 1-2 at
Upton Park. But they've only managed one point out of nine since.
Birmingham's last top-flight home victory over West Ham was 1-0 on 17 August
1985.
Home and away
League (inc PL): Birmingham 36 wins, West Ham 25, Draws 17
Prem: Birmingham 1 win, West Ham 2, Draws 1
at Birmingham only
League (inc PL): Birmingham 22 wins, West Ham 9, Draws 8
Prem: Birmingham 0 wins, West Ham 1, Draws 1
REFEREE
Mark Halsey (Lancashire)
Premiership referees' table
Mark Halsey's 2007-08 Premiership card count
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Birmingham v West Ham preview - SSN
Dyer set for Hammers debut
By Peter Fraser Last updated: 17th August 2007
Birmingham will be hoping they can continue their recent run of goal
scoring, while West Ham look set to hand a debut to new signing Kieron Dyer.
Both sides are also looking for their first win of the season and it looks
set to be a hard fought encounter. In Birmingham's last campaign in the
top-flight, in 2005/06, they suffered relegation after only finding the back
of the net on 28 occasions, however manager Steve Bruce seems to have opted
for a more attacking approach this season. Blues have scored twice in their
first two games, against Chelsea and Sunderland, and Bruce looks set to keep
the same formula to face the Hammers. Birmingham will still be without
Damien Johnson (hamstring), Matt Sadler (Achillies), Franck Queudrue (ankle)
and Martin Taylor (stomach muscle), but they have no fresh injury concerns
after Olivier Kapo and Johan Djourou recovered from minor knocks sustained
in Wednesday night's draw with the Black Cats. Meanwhile, West Ham boss Alan
Curbishley will be keen to collect the three points after an unconvincing
performance in the 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on the opening day.
Curbishley completed the signing of Dyer on Thursday for a fee believed to
be in the region of £8million and the former Newcastle midfielder could
start in place of Scott Parker who is still struggling with a knee injury.
PREDICTIONS
Skysports.com prediction: 2-2
SKYBET ODDS: Birmingham 11/8, Draw 11/5, West Ham 13/8
That could see Dyer lining up alongside his old St James' Park colleague Lee
Bowyer, but Curbishley insists he has no problem playing the duo together
despite their controversial clash when playing for Newcastle against Aston
Villa in 2005. The Hammers have also been boosted by the news that
Australian defender Lucas Neill has made himself available for selection
after recovering from a knee injury. Neill admits he is not yet 100 per cent
fit, but will play if required. However, Curbishley will still be without
Nigel Quashie (foot), Calum Davenport (hernia) and Julien Faubert
(Achillies) who all remain on the injured list. Dean Ashton looks set for a
place on the bench as he continues his gentle return to action from last
season's broken ankle.
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Curbs dismisses spending power - SSN
Hammers boss serves up a dose of reality
By Pete Allison Last updated: 17th August 2007
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley has played down talk of his heavy spending in
pre-season, emphasising that sizeable revenue has been generated with the
departures of first-team players. The Hammers' manager has had a busy
summer, with Kieron Dyer joining an increasingly lengthy list of new faces
at Upton Park. Chairman Eggert Magnusson has provided backing for the
signings of Dyer, Craig Bellamy and Freddie Ljungberg amongst others, but
Curbishley says, in reality, his chequebook has been opened very little. He
said: "I read in the Birmingham programme this week that 'Curbs is coming
back with his big spending power'. "I had to laugh because up until Thursday
we'd spent just £1million more than we had taken in, but no-one seems to say
that. "We are trying to build a squad here, and if you look at the players
we have brought in, and the money we have paid for them, then we are quite
comfortable with it.
We are buying players of proven quality and hopefully they can give us the
season that we need, and hopefully that will start this weekend."
Curbishley's side will be looking to kick-start their season as soon as
possible, after a disappointing result and performance on the opening day. A
2-0 defeat to Manchester City was not the most welcome of starts to their
new campaign, but after a controversial relegation scrap last term,
Curbishley has backed his players to put their opening-day blues behind them
and begin climbing the table, starting against Birmingham. "We had a bad
start on Saturday, but we've had a good look at the game. Everyone was
disappointed with it but we know where we can improve and we have to do that
against Birmingham," he continued. "The players have digested what went on
and we know we have to do better on Saturday - which we are capable of
doing. "It's a difficult game, but it's also a chance to bounce back."
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Neill ready to return - SSN
Captain 95 per cent fit to face Birmingham
By Mark Buckingham Last updated: 17th August 2007
Lucas Neill has put himself forward for selection for West Ham United's game
with Birmingham City on Saturday. The Hammers skipper sat out last week's
2-0 home defeat to Manchester City due to a knee injury. The defender admits
he is not yet 100 per cent fit, but confirmed he is ready to play, if
manager Alan Curbishley needs him. "I'm almost fit," Neill told Sky Sports
News. "The manager has got a tough decision now whether to possibly risk me
at 95% fit, and maybe if I got injured to be out for a month. "Or does he
wait to get full training under my belt next week and be 100% fit for Wigan?
"So I will leave that down to him. Either way, I won't be disappointed."
Meanwhile, Neill has also welcomed West Ham's signing of Kieron Dyer, with
the midfielder having finalised his move to Upton Park from Newcastle
United.
Neill added: "It's fantastic. Obviously you guys knew before us, but he's a
great player. "He's very pacey, very skilful, but more importantly he'll
have a point to prove and that can only benefit West Ham. "He has had a
frustrating period in his career and has probably been on the sidelines more
than he has played.
"Some people have questioned his ability, and some have doubted him, so for
us to have him, and him wanting to put the record straight, can only be good
for West Ham, so we're looking forward to it."
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Curbs: Dyer, Bowyer reunion is no problem - Soccernet
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley insists he is not expecting any problems
when old sparring partners Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer are reunited at Upton
Park. Dyer finally completed his protracted transfer from Newcastle
yesterday for an undisclosed fee, signing a four-year deal and linking up
with fellow ex-Magpies Craig Bellamy and Scott Parker. But it is his reunion
with Bowyer, with whom he infamously traded blows on the pitch while both
were playing for Newcastle against Aston Villa in 2005, which has raised
eyebrows among the Hammers faithful. Curbishley made Dyer his sixth summer
signing despite Sheffield United announcing they are suing the Hammers for
up to £50million over the Carlos Tevez affair. And the Upton Park chief is
confident the pair's spat is water under the bridge as he prepares to hand
Dyer an immediate debut, possibly alongside Bowyer, at Birmingham on
Saturday. 'I spoke to both players and have been assured that it was a
one-off, and they both actually speak to each other regularly,' said
Curbishley. 'It was just two players desperate to do well. They were getting
well beaten, and it just boiled over.'
Curbishley was delighted to finally get his man some 10 days after Dyer's
original transfer collapsed when Newcastle upped their valuation from
£6million.
And he is backing Dyer to recapture the form which, when fit, makes him a
regular member of the England squad. 'We're trying to build a squad here. We
are short in the middle, and Kieron can play that position,' added
Curbishley. 'Newcastle changed it at the last minute before - when he was
just walking in the door - so that was disappointing. 'But common sense has
prevailed; Kieron is looking forward to joining us, and Newcastle go down
their route. 'Every player you sign has risks - and he is no different. I
hope he hits the ground running and shows everyone what a good player he is.
'Kieron's got to make up for a bit of lost time, and I hope he does. We're
delighted to have him on board.' Curbishley also revealed Derby had rejected
West Ham's latest approach for teenage winger Giles Barnes, while any move
for Eidur Gudjohnsen is on hold while the Barcelona player struggles to get
fit. 'The transfer window is still open, and we are still active. We're
still short in one or two areas,' he added.
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EXCLUSIVE: McCabe Plans to Sue Hammers Fans! - West Ham Till I Die
August 17th, 2007
I can exclusively reveal that the Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe has
written to West Ham asking for details of West Ham season ticket holders to
enable him to take legal action against West Ham fans who he believes gave
the Hammers an unfair advantage over his pisspoor Sheffield United team last
season. He thinks the Premier League confirmed this when they decided not to
dock points from West Ham because it would have been unfair on West Ham
fans.
If his law suit for £30 million is unsuccessful he will issue proceedings
against all 26,000 West Ham season ticket holders, seeking damages of £1,000
each.
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View From the Opposition - Birmingham City - West Ham Online
Vinny - Thu Aug 16 2007
Birmingham are next up on Saturday with both sides looking for their first
win of the season. Birmingham have shown in their opening two games that
they can score goals, getting four in two games.
Many thanks to Brian from singingtheblues.co.uk for participating.
Are you happy with your first two games
Satisfied but obviously disappointed with the result at Chelsea and
disappointed at not beating Sunderland.
What are your hopes for this season?
Just hope we stay in the division, which I think we will.
Who is the player West Ham should fear?
Kapo
What do you make of West Ham and there chances this season?
Spent a lot of money since Curbishley took over and whilst I don't think
they'll finnish top six they'll not be far off that place.
Any West Ham players you are worried about on saturday?
Kieron Dyer
Advice for travelling Hammers?
Get there early (parking around the ground is poor unless you manage to get
on the away car park).
Prediction
2-1 to Birmingham!
HEAD TO HEADS (since 1990)
2005/2006
Mon 13 Feb West Ham Utd. 3 - 0 Birmingham
Mon 05 Dec Birmingham 1 - 2 West Ham
2002/2003
Sun 11 May Birmingham 2 - 2 West Ham
Sat 05 Oct West Ham 1 - 2 Birmingham
1999/2000
(League Cup)
Tue 30 Nov Birmingham 2 - 3 West Ham
1992/1993
(League Division 1)
Sat 03 Apr Birmingham 1 - 2 West Ham
Sat 28 Nov West Ham 3 - 1 Birmingham
1989/1990
(League Cup)
1st leg
Wed 04 Oct West Ham 1 - 1 Birmingham
2nd leg
Tue 19 Sep Birmingham 1 - 2 West Ham
(West Ham United won 3-2 on aggregate)
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Dyer to step in for injured Parker - TeamTalk
Kieron Dyer is set for an immediate West Ham debut in Saturday's Premier
League clash at Birmingham after completing his move from Newcastle.
The England international could line up in the centre of midfield with Scott
Parker (knee) still struggling. Alan Curbishley must decide whether to rush
captain Lucas Neill back into action. The Australian right-back is close to
a return from the knee injury he sustained in training, but is wary of
returning too soon and aggravating the problem.
Julien Faubert (Achilles), Nigel Quashie (foot) and Calum Davenport (hernia)
are still out and fit-again Dean Ashton (ankle) will probably start from the
bench once more.
West Ham (from): Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney, Ljungberg, Dyer,
Noble, Boa Morte, Bellamy, Zamora, Wright, Spector, Collins, Gabbidon,
Pantsil, Dailly, Mullins, Etherington, Ashton, Cole.
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Dyer in, Green out - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 17th August 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
New Hammers signing Kieron Dyer has been selected for the England squad to
face Germany at Wembley next week. However there was no such good news for
goalkeeper Rob Green, despite his excellent form in recent months; England
head coach Steve McClaren opting instead for former Hammers keeper David
James, now at Portsmouth, as third choice behind Tottenham's Paul Robinson
and Aston Villa's on-loan keeper Scott Carson. Dean Ashton, only recently
returned from a year's absence was also overlooked - although that was
somewhat less of a surprise given his recent injury. 28-year-old Dyer has
made 32 appearances for his country. He made his international debut aged
just 19 in September 1999 against Luxembourg.
Full England squad
Robinson (Tottenham), James (Portsmouth), Carson (Liverpool, on loan at
Aston Villa), Richards (Manchester City), Brown (Manchester United),
Ferdinand (Manchester United), Terry (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea),
Campbell (Portsmouth), Taylor (Newcastle), Neville (Everton), Shorey
(Reading), Beckham (LA Galaxy), Gerrard (Liverpool), Lampard (Chelsea), Joe
Cole (Chelsea), Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), Carrick (Manchester United),
Barry (Aston Villa), Downing (Middlesbrough), Dyer (West Ham), Hargreaves
(Manchester United), Smith (Newcastle), Owen (Newcastle), Crouch
(Liverpool), Bent (Tottenham), Johnson (Everton), Defoe (Tottenham).
* Mark Noble is the only Hammer selected by Stuart Pearce for his under-21
squad to face next Tuesday's friendly against Romania. The game, which is
being played at Bristol City's Ashton Gate ground kicks off at 7.45pm. Anton
Ferdinand, a stalwart for the under-21s in recent seasons is no longer
eligible due to his age.
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Curbishley enters comfort zone - Daily Mail
Last updated at 14:05pm on 17th August 2007
Alan Curbishley insists the weight of expectation sits comfortably on his
shoulders as he attempts to establish West Ham as a genuine Barclays Premier
League force this season. Curbishley, who guided the Hammers to safety last
term with seven wins from their final nine games, has been handed an open
cheque book by chairman Eggert Magnusson who is determined to bring European
football to Upton Park. Scott Parker, Craig Bellamy, Julien Faubert, Freddie
Ljungberg, Richard Wright and, this week, Kieron Dyer, have all arrived to
leave the West Ham boss, who made his name keeping Charlton punching above
their weight on a shoestring, now presiding over his own
expensively-assembled squad. Curbishley has also jettisoned many of the
remnants of Alan Pardew's regime, with the likes of Nigel Reo-Coker, Marlon
Harewood and Paul Konchesky heading through the exit. But his new-look side
stuttered badly on the opening day of the season, going down 2-0 to
Sven-Goran Eriksson's Manchester City. And Curbishley knows his
expensively-assembled squad desperately need to kick start their season when
they travel to newly-promoted Birmingham, the club he joined after leaving
West Ham as a player 28 years ago, on Saturday. "I read in the Birmingham
programme this week that 'Curbs is coming back with his big-spending power'
and I had to laugh because up until Thursday we'd spent just £1million more
than we had taken in, but no-one seems to say that," he said. "But we are
trying to build a squad here and, if you look at the players we have brought
in, and the money we have paid for them, then we are quite comfortable with
it. "We are buying players of proven quality and hopefully they can give us
a season that we need, and hopefully that will start this weekend. "We had a
bad start on Saturday, but we've had a good look at the game. Everyone was
disappointed with it but we know where we can improve and we have to do that
against Birmingham. "I'm quite pleased we didn't have a match in midweek,
because when you have pre-season and then a build-up to the game like we
did, and then it goes as flat as ours did, you need to have a look at
things. "The players have digested what went on and know we have to do
better on Saturday - which we are quite capable of doing. It's a difficult
game but it's also an opportunity to bounce back."
Dyer is in line to make an immediate debut at St Andrew's with Curbishley
praying he can avoid the curse of the new signings at Upton Park. Curbishley
brought in Lucas Neill and Matthew Upson in January and lost both to injury
over the run-in, while Parker has yet to make his debut due to a knee
problem and Faubert is already ruled out for six months with a ruptured
Achilles. "I hope Kieron doesn't get the curse, but it's been difficult for
all the new signings with injuries and I just hope we get a clear run now,"
he added. "The transfer window is still open and we are still short in one
or two areas. We've probably, up to now, only replaced what we've lost, so
within the next two weeks we will try to add to the squad."
New club captain Neill is close to a return from a knee injury and is eager
to stamp his authority on the Hammers and guide the club up the Premier
League.
"The players haven't needed lifting, we got it out of our systems on Monday
and we're focused on Birmingham away," said the Australian right-back.
"It was frustrating for me to miss the first game, and the chance to lead
the team out at home and at the start of a new era, but it will come. "It's
a great honour to be named captain by the manager and the chairman, and to
have the respect of all the lads, and so far I'm enjoying the role and
looking forward to being as successful as I can. "A successful season for us
would be to be right up there in the pack, in the top 10. The boys have
worked hard all week to put it right."
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Hammers cut down "desperate" Blades - londonview.co.uk
West Ham United have hit back at Sheffield United for their "desperate"
attempts to claim compensation after they were relegated from the Premier
League at the end of last season. The Blades claim that West Ham withheld
documentation at a disciplinary commission hearing into the circumstances
surrounding the ownership of former striker Carlos Tevez. And the Bramall
Lane club have now stated they will begin legal proceedings against the
Hammers in order to recoup the losses they incurred from dropping out of the
top division, estimated at somewhere between £30 million and £50 million.
"West Ham United is extremely disappointed that Sheffield United has seen
fit to embark on this latest desperate action," a statement from the east
London club read. "Not only does Sheffield United's claim lack legal merit,
but it is also based on Sheffield United's incorrect belief that West Ham
United withheld an agreement from the Premier League and the April
disciplinary commission."
The Hammers claim that they have done nothing wrong and that Sheffield
United's assertions "clearly demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of
the situation". "Long before the disciplinary hearing, West Ham United made
the Premier League fully aware of the existence and status of the agreement
in question," the statement continued. "This agreement was then included in
the documentation produced for the disciplinary commission who were
therefore also aware of its existence throughout the proceedings." The
statement added that "any proceedings brought by them will be vigorously
defended by West Ham United" and the Hammers have also threatened to
counter-sue the Blades for the "repeated slurs" on the club's integrity.
© Adfero Ltd
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AT LEAST DYER'S A FAN OF CURBS - Daily Express
Friday August 17,2007
By Nigel Clarke
JUST to prove Paul Konchesky wrong yesterday, Alan Curbishley made sure he
was liked well enough to sign Kieron Dyer from Newcastle. Konchesky, who
played under Curbishley at Charlton and West Ham, had last week criticised
his ability to manage at the highest level, and said the reason Carlos Tevez
moved to Manchester United and Darren Bent chose Tottenham was because no
player could get on with the man who was shortlisted for the England job.
But Curbishley has hit back saying: "I don't think the boy has any class.
He's just bitter and twisted. That's as far as I should go, but I won't lose
any sleep about what he feels about me."
But Curbishley may still take matters further, and could instruct solicitors
to examine Konchesky's remarks more closely. He added: "There are some
things I might want to look at again. We are in this situation of free
speech, but what he said is no surprise to me. "Contrary to opinion I have
never had a row with him, or any kind of bust-up, and I don't know where we
go from now on. "I took his comments with a pinch of salt, and get on with
life. But I still may examine things further so I don't think I should say
anything more. He has left the club now and I don't want to go down that
route again, just leave it open to opinion."
But it was Curbishley who made his mark on Tevez and Bent. He changed the
Tevez role, switching him from a player who operated outside the box into
one who could take on defenders in the area and score goals. It worked so
successfully that the Argentinian hit seven goals, the Hammers stayed up,
and Tevez moved to Manchester United in a £30m deal that brought him wages
of £80,000 a week. Sources confirm Bent has disassociated himself with the
remarks attributed to him. West Ham had agreed a fee with Charlton for the
England frontman, who Curbishley brought from Ipswich and made an
international player. Bent instead chose to sign for Spurs, but in the past
has willingly admitted it was Curbishley who helped make him an England
striker. Curbishley showed only his good side yesterday as Dyer, 28, agreed
personal terms on a four-year deal with the Hammers 10 days after his move
from Newcastle looked to have collapsed when the Magpies upped their
valuation from around £6m to nearer £8m. He is the sixth summer recruit to
the Curbishley revolution and could go straight into the side to face
Birmingham at St Andrews tomorrow. Curbishley still wants reinforcements
before the transfer deadline in two weeks' time. "We are short in some
areas. But now I have got in one who is versatile enough to play on the
right or, where he prefers, in the middle," he said. "I will decide on
Friday whether to play him, but he is definitely fit and available, along
with Lucas Neill and Scott Parker. I rang Sam Allardyce about the deal on
Monday after the situation had changed at the last minute last week when
Kieron was almost through our door. "In the end common sense prevailed, and
things were sorted out yesterday. "People say I may be taking a risk with
someone who has had so many injuries, but the main problem was his hamstring
and that has been sorted out and he played for England against Spain
recently. "I like his versatility, he's a creative player who can make and
take goals. I hope now he is going to perform for us. He feels he has to
make up for lost time, and as for his relationship with Lee Bowyer, they
have accepted their punch-up was a one-off situation sparked off by
frustration."
Two years ago when playing for Newcastle Dyer and Bowyer were involved in an
off-the-ball incident and attacked each other. Curbishley added: "They have
assured me it's all in the past. I don't see it as a problem."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham wait for Reading response after Shorey bid
tribalfooball.com - August 17, 2007
West Ham United are waiting for a response from Reading over their bid for
left-back Nicky Shorey. The Independent says the Hammers have lodged an
offer for the England international and are waiting for permission to
discuss personal terms.
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West Ham signing Dyer tells Newcastle: Back Sam
tribalfooball.com - August 17, 2007
West Ham signing Kieron Dyer left Newcastle United yesterday endorsing Sam
Allardyce as right man in charge at St James' Park. He said: "As far as I'm
concerned, Sam Allardyce is the right manager for Newcastle and I hope he
gets the time and the money to build something special. He certainly has the
right ideas, but he needs to be backed by everyone. "In the short time I was
there with him you could see the positive impact Sam was having, not just in
terms of the first team but behind the scenes as well. I got on well with
him but the time was right to move. I wasn't happy and I wanted to be back
home in Ipswich."
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Flaws in Blades' £50m claim, says legal expert - Daily Mail
Last updated at 10:56am on 17th August 2007
Sheffield United are on a hiding to nothing if they don't abandon a £50
million compensation fight against West Ham, a legal expert warned today.
The Blades are suing the Hammers over the Carlos Tevez affair claiming new
evidence concerning West Ham's third-party ownership agreements with Tevez's
representatives shows they were unfairly relegated from the Premier League
last season. But sports litigation specialist Peter Coyle doubts if
arbitrators will view this development as a strong enough reason for such a
huge compensation pay-out. Coyle said: "Proving West Ham breached their duty
of good faith is easy enough because they have admitted to breaking the
rules, but to prove that has been the main cause of their United's
relegation is incredibly difficult to do. "Sheffield United didn't beat
Wigan on the last game of the season. "That to me is a bigger reason for
their relegation than Tevez, West Ham or anything else." The Hammers have
vowed to fight the case saying United's claim lacked "legal merit".
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
An emotional return to action - Dean Ashton icons.com
Coming onto the pitch in a competitive game at Upton Park was just
brilliant. That's what I have been working towards all this time – running
out for West Ham in the Premier League again. To be able to do that was
really special, it's been a long time and it was just nice to get back out
there.
It was an emotional moment for me, not in terms of feeling sad or anything,
but I was just really happy to be back playing. Until you have an injury
like that and have to go through what I went through, you just don't have
any idea what you've got until it's taken away.
The fans welcomed me back with a big reception, it was fantastic. Obviously
it's really nice for them to sing my name and to show that they want me back
and it's a really nice feeling.
It's really nice for the fans to sing my name and to show that they want me
back.
It was disappointing not to beat Man City, of course it was. There was
massive expectation surrounding the first home game of the season, and a
really good feeling through the place throughout the pre-season and leading
up to the game. To have the disappointment that we did was really sad and
especially for the fans – they had big expectations and we didn't really
give them what they deserved.
We're just going to have to forget about that though and start again at the
weekend. There were quite a few surprising results on the opening day –
there always is and it's not necessarily a marker of how things are going to
go throughout the season.
Just look at last season – we won our first game and then went on to do
really poorly. Hopefully this season it will be exactly the opposite!
Perhaps after ten games you can really assess how things are going to be.
Last weekend's game was the first one that Steve McClaren went to watch this
season and it's a boost to know he's there watching, but whether it was
particularly just to see me I'm not sure. There were other players to watch
– like Micah Richards, who's obviously trying to get into the England squad
as well. But it was really nice and hopefully I showed that I'm over my
injury.
As far as thinking about the England squad goes, I'm still coming back into
the Premier League and trying to get back in the West Ham team for starters,
so that's at the forefront of my mind, but obviously I am fit to play. I
feel really good and it's out of my hands whether I will get picked for
England. It would be a massive boost for me given the year I have had.
I've been asked whether I'm feeling the pressure to score my first goal.
There's always pressure – if you're a striker you're expected to score, it's
as simple as that. If you don't score people are going to be asking
questions and rightly so. I judge myself on goals and so should everyone
else, there's always pressure to play well, but that's what I love.
Hopefully those goals will come soon!
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Dyer to step in for injured Parker - TeamTalk
Kieron Dyer is in line for an immediate West Ham debut at Birmingham on
Saturday afternoon after completing his move from Newcastle. The England
international could line up in the centre of midfield with Scott Parker
(knee) still struggling. Alan Curbishley must decide whether to rush
captain Lucas Neill back into action. The Australian right-back is close to
a return from the knee injury he sustained in training, but is wary of
returning too soon and aggravating the problem. Julien Faubert (Achilles),
Nigel Quashie (foot) and Calum Davenport (hernia) are still out and
fit-again Dean Ashton (ankle) will probably start from the bench once more.
West Han (from): Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney, Ljungberg, Dyer,
Noble, Boa Morte, Bellamy, Zamora, Wright, Spector, Collins, Gabbidon,
Pantsil, Dailly, Mullins, Etherington, Ashton, Cole.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dyre Joins Club In Turmoil - newcastlemad.co.uk
By Nu Mad Friday 17th August 2007
West Ham can expect a day in court as Sheffield United once again go for the
jugular - this time a £50m pay off. And now the manager is threatening to
take one of the players to court! Kieron ... what the hell have you joined?
For those who don't know already, Dyer signed for the Hammers on Thursday.
Alan Curbishley has revealed he is considering taking legal action against
Paul Konchesky following the full-back's outspoken criticism of the West Ham
boss.
In what is thought to be an unprecedented step in Premier League history,
Curbishley is ready to call in the lawyers to study the allegations made by
Konchesky. He told a Sunday newspaper: "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. "I know there 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 for West Ham. It was because of the manager."
Curbishley reacted angrily when asked for his response to the comments
during a press conference on Thursday. I don't think the boy has got any
class and I just think that it's a little bit bitter and twisted," said
Curbishley. "I've had a good look at it [the interview] and there are some
things that perhaps I might want to look at again. That (legal action) is
something for me to consider and think about."
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West ham Official Throws In The Spanner In Gudjohnsen Talks -
fcbarcelonablog.com
17th August 2007
West Ham is being awaited to take the final step in the Gudjohnsen transfer
talks. An official from West ham is raising concerns about Barca star, Eidur
Gudjohnsen's injury and arguing the Icelandic star might not be ready to
move to England just yet, until the injury heals. This comes amid rising
interests from The Hammers for the Barcelona forward. Curbishley spoke about
Gudjohnsen, saying: Eidur Gudjohnsen is injured and has not recovered yet.
He's battling to get fit, so there is nothing in it at the moment. He's
still a Barcelona player. But the transfer window is still open, and we are
still active. We're still short in one or two areas. Talks however have not
ended as a deal can still be reached. West ham also made a bid for another
injured and talentd player from Derby, Giles Barnes, though this bid was
outrighly rejected by the English side, Derby, who still have plans for
youthful Barnes. The Derby player however is not in the star class of
Barca's Eidur Gudjohnsen. A final decision on the Eidur move is expected
from The Hammers soon.
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Hammers ready to push past Pompey in chase for Anelka - Daily Mail
Last updated at 08:43am on 17th August 2007
West Ham are ready to outmuscle Portsmouth in the £10million battle for
Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka. Sportsmail revealed that Portsmouth had
opened talks with Bolton, with Matt Taylor possibly going in the opposite
direction. Yet West Ham will use their financial clout to match the bid and
offer more lucrative terms of around £90,000 a week to the 28-year-old
France forward. Meanwhile West Ham manager Alan Curbishley insists he is not
expecting any problems when old sparring partners Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer
are reunited at Upton Park. Dyer finally completed his protracted transfer
from Newcastle yesterday for an undisclosed fee, signing a four-year deal
and linking up with fellow ex-Magpies Craig Bellamy and Scott Parker. But it
is his reunion with Bowyer, with whom he infamously traded blows on the
pitch while both were playing for Newcastle against Aston Villa in 2005,
which has raised eyebrows among the Hammers faithful. Curbishley made Dyer
his sixth summer signing despite Sheffield United announcing they are suing
the Hammers for up to £50million over the Carlos Tevez affair.
And the Upton Park chief is confident the pair's spat is water under the
bridge as he prepares to hand Dyer an immediate debut, possibly alongside
Bowyer, at Birmingham on Saturday. "I spoke to both players and have been
assured that it was a one-off, and they both actually speak to each other
regularly," said Curbishley. "It was just two players desperate to do well.
They were getting well beaten, and it just boiled over."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The In Need Of A Striker Gossip - football365
Posted 17/08/07 08:35
ONE SULKY FRENCHMAN YOU SAY? I KNOW JUST THE MAN...
The Mail reckons that West Ham are about to complete their aims for total
dressing room harmony by going for the famously light-hearted and chipper
Nicolas Anelka, elbowing Portsmouth out of the way in the process: 'West Ham
are ready to outmuscle Portsmouth in the £10million battle for Bolton
striker Nicolas Anelka. 'Sportsmail revealed that Portsmouth had opened
talks with Bolton, with Matt Taylor possibly going in the opposite
direction. 'Yet West Ham will use their financial clout to match the bid and
offer more lucrative terms of around £90,000 a week to the 28-year-old
France forward.'
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Can Curbishley turn it around for West Ham against Birmingham City? -
soccerlens.com
Written by Ahmed Bilal.
Birmingham have been a part of two high-scoring games (9 goals from 2
Birmingham City games) and if that is any indication, this game should have
goals as well. Forssell has made a bright start for Birmingham City and
against a suspect West Ham defence he'd be odds on to score again, and so
are City overall. The only thing that counts against Brum is that they have
a tendency to concede goals when they should be shutting them out, and if
West Ham are persistent enough they will definitely get goals.
Keeping in mind that West Ham looked pale in their season opener and rolled
over for Manchester City, you'd either expect a vicious response or some
more of the same. With Curbishley at the helm it's hard to imagine the
former and when you factor in last season AND the fact that this is an away
game, things don't look so good for West Ham.
This could quite easily be a 6-pointer for the two sides considering that
they are both likely to finish in the same half of the table. West Ham do
have a reputation for rising to the occasion on tough matches - but I doubt
that West Ham's assembled crew of experienced, seasoned professionals will
either view this as a big enough test or if they'll gel together in time to
produce the kind of performance their talents predict and the fans expect.
Don't think that Ashton will have a *big* impact on the game (I'll be happy
if he does) considering that he needs plenty of games to get back in his
groove.
Soccerlens Prediction: Birmingham City to win.
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