08/05/2007 14:50
Our final Premiership match of the season against Manchester United at Old
Trafford on Sunday has been selected for live coverage on Sky Sports.
Hammers need just a point from the clash against the newly-crowned champions
to ensure our top-flight status for next season, and all the action at Old
Trafford will be screened live on Sky Sports 1 from 2.00pm. The
Premiership's other vital clash on Sunday, between Sheffield United and
Wigan Athletic, will also be televised live, on Sky Sports 3.
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Peacock reveals mood in Hammers camp - WHUFC
08/05/2007 16:31
With the Hammers hoping to ensure Premiership survival at Old Trafford this
Sunday, assistant manager Keith Peacock revealed that the team spirit is
strong after three consecutive wins.
"The mood's good, we're playing with confidence," he said. "But it's not
just the results we've got lately; it's the way we've played. We've played
some very good football, got the ball down and the way the goals are
conceived and finished has been superb. "I'm sure that'll give us an extra
bit of confidence going to Man United where we'll have to pass the ball
around in order to win. "There is that belief that things are going for us
and there's nothing quite like confidence and putting a run of good results
together. Everyone has that little bit more bounce in their step, that
little bit more energy in their play and we need to get off to a good start
up at Old Trafford. "That will be very important, that we don't concede an
early goal. The concentration will have to be total. I think there will be a
reasonable atmosphere there as well, to say the least!"
Manchester United may have already been crowned Premiership Champions but
Keith is keen for the Hammers to keep focused in what is sure to be a tough
test. "If they do rest one or two players then Saha will come in or
Solskjaer or whoever it might be. They got so many good players that I don't
know that it would make too much difference. Having said that, if they want
to rest Ronaldo I wouldn't be too displeased! "We have to be very careful
here in terms of what's being written in the press about what Wigan are
going to do or what Sheffield United are going to do. We've got to go to Man
United and get at least appoint. If we do that, no matter what happens
anywhere else, we are Premiership for next year. That's what we've got to
concentrate on."
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Spector looking forward to Old Trafford return - WHUFC
08/05/2007 13:58
Hammers defender Jonathan Spector is looking ahead to returning to Old
Trafford on Sunday to face his former Club, Manchester United, for the final
game of the season. "It'll be a different game from the win against
Bolton," he said. "I'm not sure what they're going to do since they've won
the League now. I don't know what they'll decide for team selection. But I
don't think any of us will concern ourselves with that. Whoever's playing,
we need to go out there and get a result."
Jonathan has played a key role in coming on as a substitute and helping the
Hammers see out victories in the last two matches against Wigan and Bolton.
"I think all the hard work had been done by the time I came on," he said
modestly. "But we had a nervy was a nervy last few minutes against Bolton.
"They were putting a lot of balls in the box and putting us under a lot of
pressure but it was never a doubt that we were going to win that game. "We
played extremely well in the first half. We passed the ball really well and
broke on them a number of times. I don't think they created too many
opportunities the whole game. "Second half was a bit different, we knew it
would be. They went back to route one and were just concentrating on getting
balls in the box. We knew we were going to have to defend that."
With the Hammers on a good run of form going into Sunday's game, Jonathan is
confident the squad can pull together and get a result. "The team have done
extremely well," he said. "We've had six wins out of eight, which is a great
run, especially at the end of the season especially with a lot of pressure
on the team. "I think what's been extremely important is the start we've had
to the games, we've started really well and gotten on top. For me at the end
I've just been able to come on and shore up the defence. I'm happy to do
that when results are going our way."
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Man of the moment: Lucas Neill - WHUFC
It can be no coincidence that, since Lucas Neill recovered from injury to
take his place in the team for the narrow 4-3 defeat against London rivals
Tottenham Hotspur back in early March, West Ham United have won six of their
last eight matches, kept four clean sheets along the way, and now stand on
the brink of Premiership survival with just one game remaining. The
Australian international captain has already made himself a firm favourite
among Hammers fans after bringing experience, composure and leadership to
Alan Curbishley's team - on and off the field - and those qualities will be
vital as we aim to take at least a point from Sunday's trip to Old Trafford.
We spoke exclusively to Lucas after Saturday's win over Bolton Wanderers…
Lucas, the mood among the players must be extremely positive after the
fantastic victory against Bolton?
"Of course, we've given ourselves a great chance now. Six wins in eight is a
fantastic run and it was a superb performance against Bolton. I thought we
were on fire in the first-half and deserved to be 3-0 up - we kind of didn't
want the half-time whistle to come. "In hindsight, the goal we conceded was
sloppy and we could have scored one or two more. Of course we'll take the
win, but goal difference could be critical and it would have been nice to
give ourselves a more comfortable ride in the last 20 minutes. That's being
a bit hard on ourselves, though, and we're more than happy with how things
turned out. "All in all, it was a great day for the fans, now we can go to
Old Trafford knowing that any points will guarantee certain safety and that
the situation is in our hands, which is a nice position to be in with just
one game to go."
How confident are you of getting result against the Champions on the final
day?
"The belief among the lads now is huge. With the way results have been
going, who knows what could happen? With United having an FA Cup final to
look forward to the following week, it could be that we catch them on an
off-day, but the form we are in is probably better than the form they are in
anyway! "Even with the game being at Old Trafford, we think we can give
them a run for their money. It's important that we stay organised, don't
concede early - all the usual clichés - but why can't we get a result? We've
got the belief, and we've also got a bit of insurance with our position, so
we can approach the game with confidence."
What do you think has been the main factor in our change of fortunes?
"It's just a case of keeping the belief until things go for you. Ten games
ago, we were written off by the pundits and the media, but I certainly
didn't believe it was over. We got a little bit of luck when we needed it -
you look at the dubious goals at Blackburn which put us on a fantastic run -
but, when you think about it, we were three minutes away from beating
Tottenham here, so it could have been seven out of nine. Apart from
Blackburn, we've well and truly earned the results and deserved what we've
got, so it's nice to know that we've earned the right to be out of the
bottom three. "We've made a big statement in last couple of weeks with the
way we have played. Whatever has gone on in the past has been put to one
side and dealt with and now we look like a proper team that is playing
well."
What was it that persuaded you to keep that belief?
"The quality of our team. The frustrating thing is that everyone at the Club
realises how many good players we actually had here, but for some reason the
ingredients weren't mixing. I came in and thought 'how are they where they
are? "To me, it was just about a little bit of structure, a bit of
discipline on the field as well as off it. And the belief, the confidence,
has grown with the results we have gained. Being involved in a winning team,
playing in front of full stadiums, the fantastic atmosphere at Upton Park
with the crowd kicking every ball - it's why I came here, because I knew
there was so much potential, not only in the team but throughout the club.
Now we're just starting to realise what we can achieve here."
We will take another huge following up to Old Trafford on Sunday - just how
much of a part have the supporters played recently?
"They have been amazing. This run we have been on is as much for them as it
is for us. I think they lost a little bit of heart at one stage and I'm so
glad they stuck by us, because this is the way we can reward them. We've got
them believing again, they are well and truly behind us, so why not put some
icing on the cake on the final day of the season? "We tried to thank them
recently by paying for the coach travel up to Wigan, which was nowhere near
enough of a thank you or reward for their support, but now we have the
chance to repay them in the best way possible. It's important we secure our
Premiership status this weekend so that we can all look forward to a clean
slate for next year."
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Turn it in, say League - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 8th May 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
The Premier League have written to the 'Gang of Four' informing them that
any legal action taken against the top-flight's ruling body is destined for
failure. In the letter - also circulated to the league's 16 other clubs -
the League confirmed that the onset of legal action would cause those behind
it to 'fly in the face of the disciplinary structure that the clubs
themselves created', a decision, the League added, which would be 'bound to
fail'. The letter also reminds the four clubs believed to be mulling over
legal action - Wigan, Sheffield United, Charlton and Fulham - that they all
accepted the appointment of the three man hearing commission of Simon
Bourne-Arton QC, Lord Ouseley and David Dent.
Meanwhile a second communication, sent by the Premier League's Dave Richards
(Chairman) and Richard Scudamore (Chief Exec), confirmed that the league are
happy with the status of Carlos Tevez as a West Ham United player. "The
Premier League made it very clear to West Ham that unless it could be
satisfied that all trace of any third-party ability to influence West Ham's
policies or the performance of its team was removed, Tévez's registration
would be terminated," it read. "Assurances were received in a satisfactory
form from West Ham. West Ham has assured us that it has terminated the
contract. It has also indicated that under no circumstances will it regard
the contract as binding on West Ham and that it will defend any proceedings
brought against West Ham seeking its enforcement."
* Eggert Magnusson revealed tonight that he has not spoken to his
predecessor Terence Brown in over three months. Magnusson confirmed in an
interview with BBC London tonight that since Brown's contract - worth around
£2m - was torn up in January he had not met the disgraced former major
shareholder. Since having his contract terminated, Brown has also lost the
use of eight seats in the directors box at the Boleyn Ground - plus two
tickets in the box at away games. Brown - who has already walked away with
over £30m from the sale of his 36% shareholding - is currently seeking legal
advice.
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What lay behind the West Ham decision - BBC
Mihir Bose - BBC sports editor 8 May 07, 11:08 AM
The decision by the Premier League not to deduct points from West Ham over
the Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano affair has attracted a great deal of
controversy – and I understand the commission had a long discussion on
whether or not to apply such a penalty. The row has largely been about
whether it was fair not to deduct points in the context of the fight against
relegation – but I can reveal that the commission was also concerned about
the potential effect of any decision on the top of the league. That is
because West Ham play Manchester United in their last game of the season on
Sunday. When the decision was taken on what punishment to apply over the
two Argentine World Cup stars being owned by a third party, the title race
was still in the balance. And the Premier League commission feared a
possible backlash from Chelsea had West Ham entered the final fixture at Old
Trafford already relegated because of a points deduction. There were worries
that last season's champions may have claimed that the commission had
interfered with the destination of the Premiership.
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Tevez eyes United scalp - Sky
By Alex Dunn - Created on 7 May 2007
Carlos Tevez has set his sights on toppling the champions as he looks to
secure West Ham's Premiership status. The diminutive Argentine has emerged
as West Ham's talisman in the second half of the season, as a series of
inspired displays have pulled a side that previously looked doomed away from
the drop zone. At the weekend Tevez was once more West Ham's stand-out
performer as he scored a double, including a sublime free-kick, before
laying on the third for Mark Noble in the 3-1 win over Bolton. A point from
their final game would ensure Premiership football is played at Upton Park
next season but with Manchester United waiting at Old Trafford, Tevez
accepts it will be a tough ask. "It's a massive game at Old Trafford," he
told the Sun.
"Manchester United are top of the Premiership and it will be very difficult
but we are looking forward to it." Tevez's whole hearted displays this
season have cemented his place in the hearts of the West Ham faithful and
while where his future lies beyond this season remains very much subject to
conjecture, he admits he is not ruling anything out. "In terms of my
contract, if the new owner would like to meet me then there are a whole
range of things we can talk about," concluded Tevez.
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Noble wants Tevez to stay with Irons - TeamTalk
West Ham starlet Mark Noble is desperate for Carlos Tevez to remain at Upton
Park as the striker has set up all of his goals this season. Noble netted
his third goal of the season against Bolton on Saturday, firing in at the
back post from a Tevez cross after the Argentinian had got the ball rolling
with a brace. And Noble told the club's official website: "It was a great
free-kick from Tev - I really fancied him to score it - and it set us on our
way to the victory It was a fantastic passing move for the second and then I
managed to top it off with a nice cheeky volley at the back post! "It was
uncharacteristic for me, I normally let Nige (skipper Nigel Reo-Coker) run
on into the penalty area while I hold back, but this time I got in there and
it was a great feeling to hit the strike so well. "If you have a look in the
archives, Carlos has set up all of my goals so far - he headed it back for
me against Brighton, chested it down against Tottenham and then picked me
out on Saturday - so I certainly don't want him to leave!"
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Fergie: No favours for Curbishley - TeamTalk
Sir Alex Ferguson will risk Manchester United getting beaten by Chelsea in
order to preserve a sense of fair play in the relegation battle. Scrapping
it out at the bottom is a concept alien to Ferguson apart from one very
brief flirtation with danger during his early days as Red Devils boss. Yet
he is acutely aware all eyes will be on Old Trafford this weekend when
United entertain a West Ham side looking for the point that will guarantee
their safety. Ferguson's long-time friendship with Alan Curbishley extends
to the Scot presenting the Hammers boss with a return air ticket to New
Zealand at the end of last season so his Premiership rival could see his
sister after announcing he was stepping down as Charlton manager. But
Ferguson is eager to make it clear Curbishley can expect no favours this
weekend, with Sheffield United and Wigan also scrapping for their lives. And
the United chief's determination to ensure he has a full strength side
available to face the Hammers means he will rest a number of key man at
Stamford Bridge as his team head south to meet the side they have just
deposed as champions. "The West Ham game is a very important issue," said
Ferguson. "We have to respect our reputation. "Alan Curbishley is a good
friend of mine but he understands we have to respect the wishes of other
managers. "I get on very well with Paul Jewell and Alan Pardew as well. They
deserve our best attention to the game and I will be picking a team to win
on Sunday. "I don't know what my team will be at Chelsea but there will be a
lot of changes, simply because the players are so tired."
In fact, Ferguson revealed even if Chelsea had beaten Arsenal on Sunday to
prolong the title battle, he was considering fielding a less than
full-strength side at Stamford Bridge in the belief that a fully fired-up
United could have collected the point required to lift the trophy against
West Ham four days later. "I know it would have been controversial but when
you consider Chelsea's home record in the last few seasons, I could have
played my best team and still lost," he admitted. "I could have played all
my youth team and kept my first-choice one for Sunday. "In the event, I am
glad we are going there as champions. It would have been some game if we
weren't."
Among those likely to miss out are Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes. Edwin van
der Sar may also get a rest, while Ferguson will assess the fitness of Rio
Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic very carefully, reluctant to take any risks with
two of the men he believes have been key to United's success this season.
Although Ferguson has had some excellent central defenders in his ranks,
until now none have threatened to forge a partnership as effective as the
one Steve Bruce enjoyed with Gary Pallister at the start of United's
title-winning sequence in 1993. However, in the teak-tough Vidic and stylish
Ferdinand, Ferguson now has exactly the right blend again. "Everyone saw the
difference it made to us defensively when Vidic and Ferdinand were back
together at Manchester City on Saturday," said Ferguson. "They were
absolutely peerless. We have been looking for that foundation of strength in
central defence for a long time. "We have had some combinations but they
have not lasted as long as Pallister and Bruce but we hope these two do."
Jose Mourinho has promised his players will applaud United onto the pitch on
Wednesday, just as Ferguson ordered his team to do in similar circumstances
two years ago. United skipper Gary Neville, who remains sidelined with an
ankle injury, described it as one of the worst experiences of his career,
although Ferguson thinks it is an appropriate gesture. "The guard of honour
does not concern me too much but I am pleased they are going to honour us,"
he said.
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Gang of four's legal threat is weakened by another Tevez tour de force -
This Is London
08.05.07
The Premier League were today preparing to publicly reject the complaints of
clubs threatening legal action over the Carlos Tevez affair. They were
drawing up a statement confirming their confidence in the decision not to
deduct points from West Ham for breaking two rules in signing the striker
last August and their ability to defend it in court. The Upton Park club,
who moved out of the bottom three with the 3-1 win over Bolton on Saturday,
were fined £5.5million for failing to adhere to the league's good faith and
third-party ownership laws. But Premiership lawyers, after examining the
written legal challenge from Fulham, Charlton, Wigan and Sheffield United,
are comfortable Tevez's contract now does not allow the possibility of any
external influence over West Ham. They insist this is the crucial point and
means the fight for Premiership survival will be decided on the pitch, not
in the courts. The threat of legal action appears to be receding anyway
after Charlton's relegation last night, with their defeat by Tottenham also
making Fulham safe. Both were among the gang of four who wrote to the
Premier League threatening legal action under Companies Act section 459.
This is designed to protect minority shareholders from "unjustly
prejudicial" actions by the majority.
As members of the Premier League, they saw the decision not to deduct points
from West Ham as affecting them in that light. The best they could initially
expect from a successful legal challenge would be a re-investigation of
Tevez's contract, which they claim is still owned by a third party,
businessman Kia Joorabchian. However, results over the weekend altered the
relegation picture and having to share the potential seven-figure cost of
action is thought likely to scare off Fulham now they stand to benefit
little from any judgement. The same could happen to Charlton as a points
deduction for West Ham would only save one club from the drop and they are
second from bottom by two points with a game to go.
Wigan or Sheffield United will still feel aggrieved if they go down instead
of West Ham but it remains to be seen if there is solidarity between them or
either would pursue a legal challenge unilaterally. West Ham are adamant
there has never been any question of Tevez's eligibility to play for them.
The main contract was submitted to the Premier League at the time he and
Javier Mascherano were signed but the problem concerned side contracts
between the club and the offshore companies which owned the players, the
details of which were not revealed at the time.
Tevez's future remained uncertain today even if Alan Curbishley's team earn
the point they need for survival at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Chairman Eggert Magnusson says he would like to keep the iconic Argentinian
and will begin negotiations with Joorabchian, the businessman who owns the
player's financial rights, should the club stay up. Tevez, who was voted
Hammer of the Year by the fans, has quickly become a huge favourite and has
said he would like to stay. The situation would become academic if West Ham,
who have won six of their past eight matches, are beaten by United and Wigan
win at Sheffield United. Should Curbishley's team earn at least a draw
however, that would ensure survival and kick-start Magnusson's bid to keep
Tevez. There would be no shortage of interest in the talented South American
if proposed talks hit problems.
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez, for example, moved quickly in January to
sign Mascherano on a similar loan deal and would surely be interested in
taking Tevez during the close season.
It also emerged today that Tevez was close to not playing against Bolton.
Tevez, who scored two goals and set up Mark Noble for the third, injured an
ankle in training during the week and club physiotherapist Steve Allen said:
"It didn't look good for a time. On Tuesday, Carlos couldn't put his foot to
the ground." Allen worked on Tevez the following day and arranged for the
striker to undergo treatment in an oxygen tent. "That was why Carlos ran
over to me after he scored his first goal," he said. "I worked with him for
most of the week and I suppose he was just grateful. It was a nice gesture."
Curbishley said: "Carlos has galvanised the crowd for us. All I've done was
ask him to play further up the pitch, which he's done to great effect."
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All to play for at the bottom - Telegraph
By John Ley
Last Updated: 1:08am BST 09/05/2007
Sheffield Utd
Nick Montgomery is a doubt for Sunday's game against Wigan. The combative
midfielder will wait on the results of a visit to a specialist to assess a
shoulder injury sustained against Aston Villa on Saturday. Since recovering
from an ankle operation in October, Montgomery has been virtually
ever-present in United's midfield but he admitted: "I was in agony - a Villa
player came close to me and I was in pain straight away. It'll be really
gutting if I have to sit out the Wigan game but I know the lads can do it."
Manager Neil Warnock said: "Nick's hip is giving him more pain than his
shoulder at the moment and that alone would make him doubtful for the
weekend, but he's a quick healer and we're leaving the door open."
Warnock remains calm ahead of the game. "It is nice to have a decider to be
in the Premiership next season. We should relish it - it's in our hands.
We've made giant strides this year, it's an adventure I'm enjoying and I'm
going to try and enjoy it this weekend."
West Ham United
Robert Green, the West Ham goalkeeper, insisted yesterday that his side will
not rely on the outcome at Bramall Lane when they visit Old Trafford. A win
on Sunday against Manchester United will guarantee West Ham's top-flight
status, but they could still avoid relegation if Wigan fail to beat
Sheffield United. Green said: "It could be set up for a great performance
from us if we go up to Old Trafford and play the way we played in the first
half against Bolton, iron out the mistakes and keep it solid. There's no
reason why we can't go there and get a result." West Ham claimed their sixth
win in eight games on Saturday, beating Bolton 3-1, and Green said: "The
boys came out of the traps quickly and I don't think Bolton could handle us.
We exposed their weaknesses at the back, took our chances when they came and
the second half was about consolidating that. We gave away a stupid goal,
which was disappointing, but if you'd said at the start of the game that we
would win 3-1, we'd have definitely taken it."
Wigan Athletic
Wigan are in the bottom three for the first time this season after winning
three points from a possible 24 and must now beat Sheffield United on Sunday
to stay up. Manager Paul Jewell is satisfied with the fact that Wigan's fate
is in their own hands. "We know what we have to do. In the circumstances,
that's all you can ask for," he said. "Knowing that you're not depending on
any other results is what any manager would want. "If we win we're safe. If
we don't we go down, you couldn't really get anything simpler. We're going
to train all week with only one thing in mind: victory."
Wigan have sold all 3,000 tickets for the game at Bramall Lane and Jewell
added: "We're going to be backed by a big following who I am sure will do
everything that can help the team. "Sheffield have been solid at home this
season, but we play well away from home. We have to go into the game full of
confidence. We were disappointing on Saturday but that is behind us now and
we're ready for one final push."
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Legal writ will fail, warns League - TeamTalk
A legal challenge to the decision not to dock West Ham points for contract
irregularities is "bound to fail", the Premier League have warned. Fulham,
Sheffield United, Wigan and Charlton joined forces last week to explore the
possibility of contesting an independent disciplinary commission's decision
to fine the Hammers £5.5million and not deduct points for the signings of
Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano - which would have effectively seen the
club relegated.
According to The Times, the Premier League have written to all 20 member
clubs warning that any challenge to the commission's findings "would fly in
the face of the disciplinary structure that the clubs themselves created and
we consider would, as a matter of law, be bound to fail".
The newspaper also claims to have seen a second letter, signed by Premier
League chairman Sir Dave Richards and chief executive Richard Scudamore,
which states the current position on Argentina striker Tevez after West Ham
were ordered to tear up the illegal third-party agreement with Kia
Joorabchian, the businessman who owns the rights to Tevez, for which they
were originally punished.
"The Premier League made it very clear to West Ham that unless it could be
satisfied that all trace of any third-party ability to influence West Ham's
policies or the performance of its team was removed, Tevez's registration
would be terminated," said the letter.
"Assurances were received in a satisfactory form from West Ham. West Ham has
assured us that it has terminated the contract. It has also indicated that
under no circumstances will it regard the contract as binding on West Ham
and that it will defend any proceedings brought against West Ham seeking its
enforcement."
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It's a Green shoot of recovery - The Sun
By TONY LITTLE
May 09, 2007
ROBERT GREEN has fired a warning to Manchester United as West Ham bid for
Premiership survival at Old Trafford on Sunday. Alan Curbishley's men only
need a point to stay up after winning six of their last eight games. If
United triumph, Curbs and Co will have to rely on the result between
Sheffield United and Wigan. But Hammers keeper Green wants to stun the
champs with a shock win. Green, 27, said: "It could be set up for a great
performance from us if we go to Old Trafford and play the way we did in the
first half against Bolton, iron out the mistakes and keep it solid. "There's
no reason why we can't go there and get a result."
Hammers scorched into a three-goal lead against Bolton inside 30 minutes on
Saturday, eventually winning 3-1. They are 17th in the Premiership table,
behind Sheffield United on goal difference and three points ahead of Wigan.
But the Latics are two goals better off. Green added: "We gave away a stupid
goal against Bolton and goal difference is a major factor."
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Blades: We'll sue for £40m if we go down - This Is London
08.05.07
Sheffield United are ready to sue the Premier League for around £40million
if they are relegated as a result of West Ham being fined rather than suffer
a points deduction. Plc chairman Kevin McCabe also pledged last night that
his club will support Wigan in similar action should Paul Jewell's side lose
a three-team fight against the drop. Representatives of United and Wigan,
who play at Bramall Lane on Sunday, shared a conference call on Tuesday with
newly relegated Charlton and now-safe Fulham to discuss their continuing
opposition to the Premier League's imposition of a £5.5m fine on West Ham
rather than deduct points for their "illegal" fielding of Argentina pair
Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. McCabe said: "We will support Wigan if
they go down — and will continue to liaise with other clubs after the
season." But United, who must avoid losing to Wigan to stay up, are prepared
to battle alone as they tot up the cost of losing their Premiership status
after only one season. "Our turnover in the Premier League would be £50m
compared to £10m back in the Championship," said McCabe. "We have crowds
this season of 31,000 that would slump by a good 10,000. Then there is the
anticipated shortfall in commercial revenue. "But it's not so much a case of
gaining recompense as protecting our position in the hope that the Premier
League will reconsider their decision and appoint a new tribunal. "It was an
unjust decision. We might as well all field illegal players every week. We
could sign, say, David Beckham, play him on Sunday and only get fined. "Here
are West Ham still playing an international whose signing has breached the
rules. It's just not on."
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Chelsea, Liverpool to battle for West Ham's Tevez
tribalfooball.com - May 08, 2007
Chelsea and Liverpool are chasing West Ham United striker Carlos Tevez. The
Daily Mail says Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry unravelled the clauses
in the contract lodged with the Premier League to sign Javier Mascherano in
January and they have already registered an interest in Tevez. So, too, have
Chelsea, but much depends on Jose Mourinho's spending power in the summer.
Mourinho wants a player who can unpick the tightest Premiership defences and
he has been impressed with Tevez's recent contribution to his club's
revival. "If I can play at West Ham in such a difficult position, it's
easier to play for a bigger club with players such as Rooney, Ronaldo or
Drogba," Tevez confidently predicted. "I could play for any English team
because the English game is no longer a problem for me."
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ALEX: GO WEST, AL - The Mirror
BARCLAYS PREMIERSHIP THE GRUDGE AT THE BRIDGE Chelsea v Manchester Utd,
tonight, KO 8pm
By David Mcdonnell 09/05/2007
SIR ALEX FERGUSON has warned his old pal Alan Curbishley has no intention of
giving West Ham a helping hand in their final push for Premiership survival.
West Ham travel to Manchester United on Sunday needing a point to make
certain of their survival in the top-flight and cement one of the most
remarkable comebacks in Premiership history. And although United clinched
the title with two games to spare, Fergie said he has a duty to pick a
strong side for the game with West Ham, out of respect for the other teams
fighting relegation. Wigan and Sheffield United are the two other sides
battling to beat the drop, and Fergie assured their bosses Paul Jewell and
Neil Warnock he will be fair by going all out to beat West Ham. "This is a
very important issue," said Fergie. "We have to respect their reputation.
Alan Curbishley is a very good friend of mine but he understands I have to
respect the issues of other managers. "I get on very well with other
managers down there, like Paul Jewell. They deserve our best attention to
the game so I will be picking a team to win."
Fergie will not have forgotten the occasions when West Ham have conspired to
deny them the title, most notably in 1995 when United's 1-1 draw at Upton
Park handed the title to Blackburn.
But Fergie is expected to give some of his established stars a rest tonight
as United take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
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HAMMERS FEAR ALEX PAYBACK - The Mirror
Oliver Holt 09/05/2007
IN OTHER circumstances, West Ham might be travelling to Old Trafford with a
degree of optimism about their last-ditch attempt to beat the drop on
Sunday. In other circumstances, a team fighting for its life might have a
decent chance against a side that's already won the title. Then you remember
what happened on May 14, 1995. That was when Manchester United were denied
the Premiership title on the final day of the season at Upton Park.
Blackburn's defeat at Liverpool meant United would have snatched the title
if they had beaten West Ham. But the Hammers, who had nothing riding on the
game, put up such fevered, manic resistance that United could not get more
than a 1-1 draw. Their failure to win that day and the glee of the West Ham
team who thwarted them left a scar on the United players who played at Upton
Park. Ryan Giggs was one of them and a bloke called Sir Alex Ferguson was
the manager. Something tells me the words 'payback time' may be floating
around the United dressing room on Sunday.
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We will do West Ham no favours, says Ferguson
Daniel Taylor
Wednesday May 9, 2007
The Guardian
Sir Alex Ferguson has promised the Premiership's relegation-threatened teams
he will not field a weakened side against West Ham on Sunday. Ferguson
intends to use his fringe players when Manchester United visit Chelsea
tonight, with both clubs already looking ahead to the FA Cup final, but he
insists he will not do West Ham any favours when they visit Old Trafford for
the match that will determine whether they stay in the league.
Alan Curbishley's team need a point to survive after a run of six victories
in their last eight Premiership matches has taken them out of the relegation
zone. However, a defeat is likely to send the London club into the
Championship if Wigan Athletic win at Sheffield United and Ferguson said he
had to be fair to the other clubs.
"I am going to make changes [against Chelsea] because our players are
running on empty," he said. "But the West Ham game is a very important
issue. We have to respect their reputation and Alan Curbishley is a very
good friend of mine. But he understands I have to respect the issues of the
other managers as well. I get on very well with Paul Jewell, for example,
because he's an excellent chap. They [Wigan and Sheffield United] deserve
our best attention to the game and I will be picking a team to win."
His declaration will be welcomed by West Ham's rivals although it is still
highly conceivable Ferguson will keep key players back for the visit to
Wembley on May 19. Ferguson's priority is now to win his sixth FA Cup and
tonight he is likely to rest senior men such as Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.
The champions will be given a guard of honour by Chelsea's players and
Ferguson, who intends to take Jose Mourinho a conciliatory bottle of wine
after their recent falling-out, said: "All we can do is enjoy the occasion.
It's been a terrific achievement by us and I'm happy to be going there as
champions because it would have been some game if we weren't. The players
have given their last drop and I will have to spread my squad as best I
can."
Mourinho is also expected to make significant changes and Ferguson is
closely monitoring Didier Drogba's injury after he missed Sunday's 1-1 draw
at Arsenal.
"All season I have been saying to myself: 'Will somebody please shoot
Drogba?'" joked Ferguson. "His performances have been unbelievable. He has
carried their team and he has kept getting these incredible goals. But he
has had to play virtually all their games because they couldn't leave him
out."
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League holds firm on Tevez - The Independent
By Duncan Bech
Published: 09 May 2007
The Premier League has launched a defence of its handling of the Carlos
Tevez affair, effectively clearing the West Ham United striker to play in
their crucial final Premiership game of the season - at Manchester United on
Sunday. In so doing, the League has basically warned the "gang of four"
clubs - Sheffield United, Wigan Athletic, Charlton Athletic and Fulham, that
their legal threats are doomed to failure. The League had said nothing in
the face of criticism but, last night, all 20 Premiership clubs received
copies of letters sent out to the quartet of clubs. The four clubs had
questioned whether Tevez should still be playing for the Hammers after an
independent commission found that West Ham had broken third-party
regulations when they signed him and also lied about the contract. The four
clubs are furious that West Ham were only fined £5.5m and were not docked
points. A letter written by lawyers acting for the League warned the four
clubs that any challenge to the findings will "fly in the face of the
disciplinary structure that the clubs themselves created and we consider
would, as a matter of law, be bound to fail". West Ham go to Old Trafford on
Sunday needing a point to be sure of survival, although Wigan's failure to
win at Sheffield United would also make them safe. It now appears that their
relegation and Tevez's future will determined solely on the pitch, not in a
courtroom.
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West Ham heroics turn Tevez into a prize catch again - Daily Mail
By NEIL ASHTON - More by this author »
Last updated at 07:36am on 9th May 2007
Carlos Tevez was an unused substitute the last time West Ham faced
Manchester United, but the striker will be in the shop window when they
travel to the Theatre of Dreams on Sunday.
While the row between Kia Joorabchian, the wheeler-dealer who owns Tevez's
economic rights, and West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson rumbles on, the
Argentinian is on the verge of saving his club's Premiership status. Tevez
was on the bench when the Hammers beat United 1-0 in Alan Curbishley's first
game in charge, but he will be living the dream at Old Trafford.
Six goals in his last nine games have helped take West Ham out of the
relegation zone and only defeat against Manchester United and a surprise win
for Wigan will send them back into the abyss. Whether Tevez will remain in
east London is another matter. He was coveted by Liverpool, Manchester
United and Arsenal last summer, but the complex nature of Tevez's ownership
precluded a transfer from Corin-thians to one of the big four. Instead, he
arrived at West Ham last August in a blaze of publicity but the lure of the
Champions League will be too strong for a world-class talent. "If I can play
at West Ham in such a difficult position, it's easier to play for a bigger
club with players such as Rooney, Ronaldo or Drogba," he confidently
predicted. "I could play for any English team because the English game is no
longer a problem for me."
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry unravelled the clauses in the contract
lodged with the Premier League to sign Javier Mascherano in January and they
have already registered an interest in Tevez. So, too, have Chelsea, but
much depends on Jose Mourinho's spending power in the summer. Mourinho wants
a player who can unpick the tightest Premiership defences and he has been
impressed with Tevez's recent contribution to his club's revival. He settled
nerves at Upton Park last Saturday with a performance laced with genuine
class and with victory over Bolton assured within the first half-hour, Tevez
took the opportunity to show off his silky skills for the next 60 minutes.
Curbishley wants to keep him next season, but his future remains uncertain.
"I would like to see him at West Ham for the next few seasons, but there are
a lot of things that have to be resolved before that happens," said
Magnusson. "I wouldn't be surprised if there is interest from other clubs,
so we will have to see."
Tevez has flourished under Curbishley and there is little doubt that the
former South American player of the year can take his talents to another
level. Undoubtedly, there were times this season when there were doubts
about his application. He complained loudly when he turned the keys in the
lock of his Canary Wharf penthouse apartment (that was provided for him by
the club) and realised that he did not have a river view. After being
substituted during the 1-0 victory over Sheffield United last November, he
walked out of Upton Park and threatened never to return. For that, his
team-mates punished him by forcing him to wear a Brazil shirt in training,
but it helped break the ice after a difficult introduction to the
Premiership. He was largely ignored by Curbishley when he replaced Alan
Pardew in December, but he turned his season around when he scored against
Tottenham in March with a terrific free-kick and jumped into the crowd to
receive the fans' acclaim. Since then, he has gone from strength to strength
and his goals have galvanised a team that was staring at the Championship
six weeks ago. Curbishley wants to keep him, but it may be beyond him.
"Carlos enjoys being with us and he loves the fans, but we'll think about
his future after next week," he said.
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Premier League takes on clubs as Tévez legal conflict looms - the Times
Matt Dickinson, Chief Football Correspondent
The FA Premier League has launched a robust defence of its handling of the
Carlos Tévez affair, effectively clearing the West Ham United striker to
play against Manchester United on the final weekend of the season and
warning the "Gang of Four" that their legal threats are doomed to failure.
The organisation had said nothing in the face of fierce criticism but, last
night, all 20 Barclays Premiership clubs received copies of letters sent out
by the League to the rebellious quartet of Sheffield United, Wigan Athletic,
Charlton Athletic and Fulham.
Those four clubs had questioned whether Tévez should still be playing after
an independent commission found that West Ham had not only broken
third-party regulations when they signed him but also lied about the
contract. They are furious that West Ham were not deducted points but fined
£5.5 million instead.
A letter written by lawyers for the Premier League and seen by The Times
warns the "Gang of Four" that any challenge to the commission's findings
"would fly in the face of the disciplinary structure that the clubs
themselves created and we consider would, as a matter of law, be bound to
fail".
The letter also points out that all the clubs agreed to the procedure that
brought together a commission of Simon Bourne-Arton, QC, Lord Ouseley and
David Dent, the former secretary of the Football League.
In a second letter, signed by Sir Dave Richards, the Premier League
chairman, and Richard Scudamore, the chief executive, the League also
insists that it has "diligently investigated" Tévez's present contractual
status and continues to do so. It says that the relegation-threatened club
has ripped up the third-party agreement and that, unless West Ham have
attempted another cover-up – which the club insist is not the case – Tévez
is clear to play.
"The Premier League made it very clear to West Ham that unless it could be
satisfied that all trace of any third-party ability to influence West Ham's
policies or the performance of its team was removed, Tévez's registration
would be terminated," the letter reads.
"Assurances were received in a satisfactory form from West Ham. West Ham has
assured us that it has terminated the contract. It has also indicated that
under no circumstances will it regard the contract as binding on West Ham
and that it will defend any proceedings brought against West Ham seeking its
enforcement."
Kia Joorabchian, the businessman who owns the rights to Tévez, has said that
he has not agreed to rip up the deal and that the striker, who has been
instrumental in West Ham's revival, only plays with his permission. West Ham
are attempting to negotiate a settlement with Joorabchian that avoids any
legal action.
Scudamore and Richards have offered to meet the "Gang of Four" although it
remains to be seen how united they are now that Fulham have secured their
Premiership status for next season, while Charlton Athletic are already
relegated.
West Ham head to Old Trafford on Sunday needing a point to be sure of
survival, although Wigan's failure to win away to Sheffield United would
also make them safe. It now appears certain that relegation will be decided
on the pitch rather than in the courtroom. The furore over Tévez has been a
measure of what is at stake.
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NO MERCY FOR HAMMERS - The Mirror
By Mirror.co.uk 08/05/2007
CHAMPIONS Manchester United will rest a number of stars when they visit
Chelsea tomorrow – but West Ham can expect no favours at Old Trafford at the
weekend. Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to make sure the relegation dogfight is a
fair one by fielding his strongest side against the Hammers. A long time pal
of Hammers boss Alan Curbishley, Ferguson knows the other clubs at the
bottom will expect nothing less than 100% from United. The West Ham game is
a very important issue," said Ferguson. "We have to respect our reputation.
"Alan Curbishley is a good friend of mine but he understands we have to
respect the wishes of other managers. "I get on very well with Paul Jewell
and Alan Pardew as well. They deserve our best attention to the game and I
will be picking a team to win on Sunday."
With the Premiership in the bag, Fergie has the luxury of resting the likes
of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Edwin Van der Sar, as well as taking it easy
with Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic for the visit to Stamford Bridge. "I
don't know what my team will be at Chelsea but there will be a lot of
changes, simply because the players are so tired," said Ferguson. Jose
Mourinho has said his players will applaud United onto the pitch on
Wednesday night, a sporting gesture welcomed by Sir Alex. The United players
did the same when Chelsea won the title two years ago. He added: "In the
event, I am glad we are going there as champions. It would have been some
game if we weren't."
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West Ham Cannot Risk Playing For A Draw - West Ham Fans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 8 May, 2007 - 12:42.
Now that the euphoria of beating Bolton has subsided a little, the bleak
reality of facing Manchester Utd for the final game of the season needing
"at least a draw" dawns. The reason a draw is highlighted is because the
last time West Ham played for a draw was against Sheffield Utd, and the
results of which were painful to see. Going to Old Trafford looking for a
point will be 'pointless', the very essence that has propelled Hammers so
tantalisingly close to Premiership survival is, the ferocious counter attack
coupled with biting tackles in midfield, passion and vision in defence and
playing without fear. Tell Carlitos to sit deep and you will blunt his edge,
the same applies to Mark Noble and Nigel Reo-Coker. Lucas Neill's forward
movement will also be key in trying to put Manchester under pressure and
provide the sort of intelligent passes from deep that have resulted in two
spectacular goals recently. Hammers will really need to be up for this,
because contrary to opinion, Alex Ferguson will not field as weakened a team
as say Liverpool did against Fulham, there is no way that he will want to
see his newly crowned champions beaten in their own back yard, OK he may
rest one or two, but you can bet your aunt mary's that he will have his
'heavy armour' on the bench to ensure that his season finishes on a high.
Only a deluded soul would think that Fergie would do 'his old pal' Curbs a
favour by putting out an under strength team, and the players that have
filled in at the Mancs during their recent injury crisis can hardly be
described as also rans. So basically the team that Hammers face on Sunday
will be out to impress, it is indeed fortunate that Carlos 'the Apache'
Tevez is not impressed by the newspaper coverage about him and West Ham and
will not be overawed by the 'theatre of dreams' with it's massive crowd, in
fact it will feel much more like a Brazilain Argentine derby. So long as the
younger players don't bottle it there is no reason why Hammers cannot take
the game to the Mancs, attack will be the only form of defence and even if
it seems as if it is going to end in a high scoring defeat, at least
Carlitos won't give up until the final whistle, nor will the 'Z' Man, nor
will Mark Noble, nor George McCartney who is now showing why he was
Sunderland's player of the year. In fact Yossi, Boa-Morte, Reo-Coker and
Anton have been re-born as players, but pride of place really has to go to
the defence that has been marshaled superbly by Lucas Neill and kept in goal
by Robert Green but James Collins has been head and shoulders, quite
literally, above almost all that has been thrown at him during Hammers run
of six victories out of eight. 'Ginge' has been the link that was missing in
the heart of the defence and he has grown into the position to such an
extent that his name is one of the first on Alan Curbishley's team sheet,
and he knows all about the big occasion having represented Wales in the
cauldron of meaningful International fixtures. Doubtless there are many
superstitious routines being followed by fans, players, management and
indeed owners alike during the run up to the final game, it is not going to
be a week for the faint hearted but when has it ever not been so for at West
Ham? - Ed.
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Own up on Tevez, demand Charlton
May 8 2007 - icSouthLondon
CHARLTON are one of four clubs to have written to the Premier League
demanding a new probe into West Ham striker Carlos Tevez, writes Toby
Porter. The Argentinian, right, hit two and set up the third in the Hammers'
3-1 win over Bolton on Saturday which left Charlton on the brink of
relegation. But Wigan, Sheffield United, Fulham and the Valley board have
teamed up to focus on whether Tevez is still owned by a third party and not
the Upton Park club. All four are still taking legal advice but have written
to FA chiefs asking for the ownership issue to be clarified.
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Will Sheffield United Let Wigan Win To Relegate West Ham? -
CaughtOffside.com
Posted on Tuesday, May 8th, 2007
Not that a Premiership result would ever be fixed, but given the immense
amount of disdain clubs like Wigan and Sheffield United currently hold for
West Ham - could we see a less than professional attitude in the final week
of the season?
With this weekend's relegation "Do Or Die Most Important Game Ever In The
History Of Football Super Crash Bang Wallop Must Win 6 Pointer" (TM Sky)
getting nearer, Wigan and Sheffield United must be considering the
possibilities of their match at Bramall Lane.
If West Ham stay up, we face confusion in the style of the Italian league
where every summer has legal cases, appeals and counter-appeals and teams
not knowing which division they will be playing in until a week before the
season starts. In order to save on legal fees, Wigan and Sheff Utd must
think about engineering a narrow Wigan victory on Sunday as long as West Ham
are losing to Manchester United.
The Hammers have their future in their own hands (at least on the
footballing side), and know that a point at Old Trafford will guarantee
safety. However, the new champions will receive the Premiership trophy after
the game and will want to end the season on a high. And with a few fringe
players looking to cement an FA Cup final starting place, even the resurgent
West Ham will struggle to take anything away from Old Trafford.
If that is the case, a Wigan win at Bramall Lane will send West Ham down on
goal difference and secure the safety of both the Latics and the Blades. If
West Ham fall a couple behind early on at Old Trafford, I don't expect
Sheffield United to be trying too hard to score, and maybe Matthew Kilgallon
or Paddy Kenny will make an "unfortunate mistake" to allow Wigan to sneak a
win. And I don't think there would be many sad faces at Bramall Lane nor
across the country if that were the case.
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