Young West Ham United stars Mark Noble, Nigel Reo-Coker and Anton Ferdinand
met up with their England Under-21 team-mates today ahead of next month's
UEFA Under-21 European Championships in Holland.
The 30-man squad is set to travel to Spain to take part in a training camp
before taking on Slovakia in their final warm-up game before the
Championships at Norwich's Carrow Road on 5 June.
Stuart Pearce is expected to name his 23-man squad for the tournament on May
30.
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Whitsun coaching courses starting soon - WHU Official Site
The Whitsun half-term holiday coaching courses, run by West Ham United in
the Community, begin next week at a number of local venues, and places are
still available.
If you would like to book places on a course please call 0207 473 7734 or
0207 473 7720. Alternatively, you can print out the attached PDF form on the
right and post it with your payment and a SAE to the following address:
West Ham United in the Community
60A Albatross Close
Off Woolwich Manor Way
Beckton
E6 5NX.
*Please note, due to vandalism of the changing facilities at Westland's
Playing field this course has now been transferred to The Broxhill Centre,
Broxhill Road, Romford, Essex.
For any enquiries on the courses please contact Jacqui Jones on 0870 112
5066 (Option 2).
*PLEASE NOTE THAT PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES MAY BE TAKEN AT THESE VENUES FOR
PROMOTIONAL OR TRAINING PURPOSES. IF YOU REQUIRE YOUR CHILD NOT TO
PHOTOGRAPHED/FILMED PLEASE MAKE IT CLEAR TO THE COACH BY SIGNING A
DECLARATION FORM.
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Chairman excited about new season - WHU Official Site
While the majority of those associated with West Ham United's nerves were
jangling going into the final do-or-die game of the season at Old Trafford,
Chairman Eggert Magnusson admitted feeling unusually calm.
"Obviously there were a lot of nerves over the weekend and coming into the
game but I felt after half an hour that it would be our day," he said. "It's
strange - sometimes you are so emotional in these games but you feel okay,
it's going to be our day and it was.
"When we came in at half-time Wigan had made it 2-1 with a penalty in about
the 50th minute of the first half, they played a lot of injury time. We had
to hold on, that was for sure.
"But I was very calm, I don't know why, I have no explanation but it happens
sometimes that you just get a feeling it will be okay."
Having beaten Manchester United to claim a seventh win in nine games and
guarantee Premiership status next season, Hammers still came in for plenty
of criticism. But Mr Magnusson says: "Who out there can say that West Ham
didn't do this on merit? We did the double over Arsenal and Manchester
United and I'm told we are the first team to do this in 30 years.
"So don't tell me that anybody can say we didn't do this on merit, we did it
on merit. I have been disappointed that Alan Curbishley, who for me is one
of the best managers in English football, and all the great players we have
here at West Ham United haven't had the credit they deserve, because this
finish was something spectacular and deserves a place in history. I feel
they deserved a lot more credit for the great achievement."
Mr Magnusson is already looking ahead to next season and planning the future
with Curbs. "We had a long meeting to start discussing next season, " he
said. "We are looking forward to next season. The team did very well this
year but we still want to strengthen our team.
"Alan has gone on holiday for a few days and I hope he doesn't think one
second about football, he needs to switch off! We will sit down next week
also and start preparing for next season.
"West Ham United are a sleeping giant and I want to awaken that giant slowly
but surely and, over the next year or two, achieve some positive things at
Upton Park."
To watch the full interview with the Chairman log on to WHUTV
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Gillette: The best a fan can get! - WHU Official Site
West Ham United have teamed up with Gillette to offer our supporters the
chance to win fantastic prizes and gadgets worth up to £20,000.
In an exclusive promotion with the famous grooming giants, fans will be
invited to enter a competition giving away everything from widescreen TVs to
iPods and digital cameras.
What's more, all correct entrants will be sent a free Gillette Mach razor.
To take part, simply click here
The closing date for this promotion is Friday 25th May 2007 at 12pm. Terms
and Conditions apply. Promotion is open to UK and ROI residents over 18
only.
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Yossi's 180 - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 22nd May 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Yossi Benayoun is set to pledge his future to West Ham United after he was
offered a lucrative new four-year deal.
The Israeli midfielder had looked set to leave the club this summer after he
was left out of the first team by Alan Curbishley. However his recent form -
he was pivotal in West Ham's 'great escape' - has caused both parties to
rethink, leading to the new offer.
Benayoun's agent, Ronen Katzav, told the Israeli media last night:
"West Ham made it clear to us that they very much want Yossi and therefore
offered him a much improved long term contract.
"They stated that they want to build a team around him and therefore he
received an offer never matched by any Israeli player previously.
"In any case, we have not yet decided and will not talk to any other club
until we have concluded with West Ham. A decision will be made by the end of
the week."
* West Ham are rumoured to be in the chase for Bolton's out of contract
full-back Tal Ben Haim.
The Hammers approached the Israeli defender in January but he opted to wait
until the summer before making a decision on his future. A deal with Chelsea
had been mooted but as of yet the Blues are still to approach Ben Haim, who
is also thought to be interesting Portsmouth.
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Tenorio out to impress - SkySports
By Graeme Bailey - Created on 22 May 2007
A host of Premiership clubs are tracking Ecuadorian Carlos Tenorio.
The 28-year-old is currently based in Qatar where he plies his trade with
Al-Sadd.
He has been in the Middle East since 2003, but he is now longing for a move
to Europe.
Tenorio was hugely impressive during the World Cup finals for Ecuador where
he bagged two goals.
He is under contract for a further three years with Al-Sadd, but the club
are aware he wants to try his luck in Europe and they are ready to let him
leave without demanding a huge fee.
Al-Sadd play the final game of their Asian Champions League group stage on
Wednesday when they face Iraq's Al Najaf and a number of scouts will be
present.
Amongst the English contingent expected in Kuwait are representatives of
Bolton, Portsmouth, Birmingham, Sunderland, West Ham and Wigan.
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Player Reviews 2006/07 - Part 1 - WHO
Vinny - Mon May 21 2007
For the fourth season running here are my player reviews. In a very eventful
season there have been some contrasting performances from certain players.
If they have kicked a ball even just for a few minutes they are included.
There are only ratings for players who have taken part in at least fifteen
games.
Goal Keepers
Roy Carroll
Last season Carroll only took part in 19 games in a season ravaged by
injury. This season he didn't even get to that many with injuries, personal
problems and a loss of form letting Robert Green take over as the clubs
number one goal keeper. His best game of the season was probably Newcastle
away where he had to make some good saves to keep us in the game. His last
game for the club came in early February against Aston Villa. His form
shortly before then had been called into question especially with the
mistake he made against Watford in the FA Cup. His kicking was poor and
seemed to buckle under the pressure of having Robert Green waiting to take
his place. Carroll's last involvement in the squad was a place on the bench
for the Arsenal away game. He hasn't been seen since and I do not expect him
to be at the club next season.
Apps : League 12 Cups 2 Euro 2
Bookings : 2
Grade: D (last season B)
Robert Green
Alan Pardew signed Green from Norwich in the summer replacing Shaka Hislop.
Unlike Shaka the England international was not going to be content at being
number 2 and was brought in to put pressure on Roy Carroll. Green made his
debut in defeat at White Hart Lane against Tottenham. He was the one bright
spark to come out of the defeat in the carling cup against Chesterfield,
pulling off a string of fine saves. Green would stay in the team up until
the 6-0 defeat at Reading where new manager Alan Curbishley seem to think
six goals was too many and Roy Carroll should be reinstated at the clubs
keeper. Green regained his place a month later in the home game against
Watford and from there he went on his best run of the season pulling off
some outstanding saves. His game of the season was undoubtedly the game at
the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal piled on the pressure with Green making a
few world class saves. Green has become a favourite of the fans and I am
fully in support of him being our number one keeper for many years to come.
Apps: League 26 Cup 1
Grade : A
Defenders
John Pantsil
There was confusion over his name and whether it was Pant or Paint. What we
would all agree on is that he was totally pants. Brought in last summer when
Alan Pardew was searching for a right back. Luke Young of Charlton was the
one Pardew wanted but when that deal fell through he went for both Pantsil
and Tyrone Mears. Pantsil had been brought in on the back of a decent world
cup for Ghana and I was optimistic that he would flourish in our side with
the attacking pacey football we had once played. Unfortunately Pantsil just
couldn't defend - in fact his defending was among some of the worst that we
have had from a defender and boy we have had some bad one. He was good at
getting forward though and maybe he could have been tried as an attacking
right winger instead of a defender. His last game for the club came in the
FA Cup against Watford where he played for most of the second half. Before
that he hadn't been seen since Alan Pardew's last game in charge at Bolton
where he played for the last half an hour. One of the many players who will
be gone in the summer and one which will be easily forgotten - if you haven't
forgot about him already.
Apps: League 4 Cup (2)
Bookings: 2
Tyrone Mears
Signed from Preston last summer and was hotly tipped to make a big impact on
the premiership and even force his way into the England set up. But it was
never to be for Mears who was like a reverse Pantsil - he could defend but
just couldn't get forward and his distribution was dreadful. We last saw him
in December against Manchester City at Upton Park where he came on for the
last five minutes. Before that he had not been involved since the home
defeat by Newcastle in September. For a player who was supposed to have bags
of pace I found him slow and never seemed to be able to do anything with the
ball. He looked nervous and never a premiership player. In the January
transfer window he was shipped out on loan to Derby County. When Lucas Neill
was signed he even lost his shirt number at the club and I think it is safe
to say he will never play for West Ham again.
Apps: League 3 (2) Euro 1
Bookings: 1
Lucas Neill
Signed from Blackburn in the January transfer window where he turned down
Liverpool to sign for the club. Of course it seemed as though money talked
as reports suggested that we had doubled what Liverpool were offering him.
People said he was a mercenary - but come on now, if someone offered you
double your current wages wouldn't you go and work for them? Since he has
been at the club he has been nothing short of a revelation. He is the answer
to our long running right back problem and shows leadership qualities that
have got us out of the trouble we were in. He made his debut against Watford
in the FA Cup but was taken off injured which threatened to keep him out for
much longer than it actually did. He came back against the same team in the
league fixture and got injured yet again. He returned two and half weeks
later against Spurs and played every game from then on. Some now consider
him as our 'real' captain. When he talks he says all the right things, he
goes for every 50/50 and his distribution is the best of any West Ham
defender for a long time. His performances against Arsenal, Everton and
Wigan were out of the top draw and I am so glad he will be part of our team
next season.
Apps: League 11 Cup 1
Bookings: 2
Christian Dailly
Our current longest serving player, Christian Dailly has been at the club
for 6 and half years. He has never been popular, and a lot of fans cannot
forgive him for being part of that backline which took us down. Other fans
like myself appreciate the amount of effort Christian Dailly has put in over
the years and this season has been no different. Yes, he is lacking in
quality (and always has done) but he is always willing to fight for the
cause. With Pantsil and Mears both having nightmare starts to the season
Dailly was thrown in at right back at the City of Manchester Stadium back in
September. It wasn't a good start to the season for the Scot as injury to
Gabbidon meant him having to switch to center half after only 22 minutes. He
was dreadful. But he was back in the team a few weeks later against Reading
where he was arguably our best player in a game which we lost 1-0. Was our
man of the match against Chesterfield and put in a solid performance against
Fulham at Craven Cottage. He didn't start another game until New Years Day.
That game of course was the 6-0 defeat at Reading. Enough said. But despite
that he went on five game run in the team which ended with the 2-1 home
defeat by Liverpool. He was in the starting line up for the 4-0 defeat at
Charlton. He would not start again for the remainder of the season. We also
got the Christian Dailly song this season which has proven very popular. I
think we will be singing that after he has left the club which is expected
this summer.
Apps: League 10 (4) Cup 1
Bookings: 1
Grade: C (Last season C+)
Jonathan Spector
Signed last summer from Manchester United where he had failed to make an
impact. The young American defender has played across the entire back line
this season filling it at right back, center half and left back. Jack of all
trades indeed but of course the master of none. I have found Spector a
strange player to work out as sometimes he looks a really strong defender
who knows what he is doing, and then others he looks as though he doesn't
know what day it is as he gets caught out of position and beaten for
strength and pace. He made his debut for the club in the Uefa Cup away tie
at Palermo. There he looked a solid player and with Pantsil, Mears and
Dailly all failing to impress at right back it was time for a run in the
team for Spector. The following games at home to Reading and away to
Portsmouth did not do much for his case to be our permanent right back. The
Arsenal home game was one where we took notice of his defending but just
like the whole team it was a false dawn. The home game against Pompey in
December saw him getting subbed at half time due to his poor performance and
the next game against Manchester City (h) would be his last in the starting
line up for a month. A two game run against Liverpool (h) and Aston Villa
(a) would be his last in the starting line up as he failed to get a start
for the remainder of the season. All in all, Spector is a hard working
defender with little quality.
Apps : League 17 (6) Cups 1 (1) Euro 1
Bookings: 5
Grade: D
Anton Ferdinand
Last season Anton Ferdinand was one of the main reasons we had such a good
season. But he is one of the main reasons why we have had such a bad one.
His attitude optimises everything that was wrong with West Ham during the
2007/07 campaign. Lazy, complacent and arrogant - Anton Ferdinand summed up.
He has had problems off the pitch which have effected his performances. His
brother worked to get where he is and Anton seemed to think it would all
come to him. I believe he has talent but this showing was not good enough
and he will be lucky to still be at the club next season - and even if he
is, a starting line up place looks unlikely. His worst game of the season of
course came against Sheffield United where his mistake cost us a free kick
which resulted in a goal. In fairness to Ferdinand I did not think he had it
in him to pick himself up but he went on to play out of his skin for the
remainder of the season and that deserves some praise. His best games came
in the games where the whole team played well - Arsenal and Manchester
United at home. Despite a few injuries, Anton figured constantly in the side
but when he looks back on the season he will not be satisfied with his
display. It is up to Alan Curbishley to determine whether his form since
Sheffield United away has made up for a poor season. I believe if Anton got
his head down, concentrated and worked on his distribution he could become a
top defender. But I don't know if he has the mental capacity to do so.
Apps: League 29 Cup 2 Euro 1
Bookings: 5
Grade: C- (last season A+)
Danny Gabbidon
Last seasons Hammer of the year has had a very frustrating season with
injuries, lack of match fitness when he did play and more mistake from him
than we are used to. The Hammer of the year curse strikes yet again. He
started the season in the starting line up and played every single game
until the end of November. During that time he looked quite shaky and not
the solid dependable force we noticed last season. This might have something
to do with him missing the entire pre-season, and with our lack of decent
cover at the back he had no choice but to play. Newcastle at home he made a
shocking mistake which gave us no chance of getting back into that game. He
was truly awful against Chesterfield but as the games went on he looked as
though he was lowly getting back to form, but injury struck him again in the
3-3 draw against Fulham. He didn't play again for the rest of the season. I
still think he has a future at the club - he is a very good defender as we
have seen, but he like many others seemed to lack concentration which is
vital in the premiership. If you make a mistake you will be punished and
Danny was too many times this season.
Apps: League 18 Cup 2 Euro 2
Bookings: 1
Grade: C (last season A+)
James Collins
Collins is another one who has had injury problems this season but has ended
this campaign in very good form and one of the reasons why we were able to
get out of the trouble we were in. His no nonsense defending became vital to
our survival campaign and he outshone Ferdinand in the latter parts of the
season. He is slow off the ground and his distribution is still poor but his
tacking and heading is top draw and has saved us on more than one occasion.
His first run in the first team this season started at Goodison Park in the
2-0 defeat. He stayed in the side over the next three games which produced
one clean sheet (Man Utd home). Injury stalled his season once again and he
returned in the 3-3 Fulham game which he got injured early on. He clearly
wasn't fit and his injury put us low on center halves yet again. With the
signing of Callum Davenport it seemed as though the future for Collins wasn't
going to be a bright one, but with loss of form and injuries to other
defenders Collins came into the side at Ewood Park and stayed in the
starting line up until the end of the season catching the eye of everyone
with his whole hearted and solid displays. I would go as far to say Collins
has saved his West Ham career with his performances from March. With the
money we are bound to spend and with Matthew Upson to return, Collins had to
make an impact and he certainly has.
Apps: League 15 Euro 1
Bookings: 3
Grade: B (last season B+)
Matthew Upson
Alan Curbishley brought him in the January transfer window from Birmingham
for big fee. The deal outraged Birmingham but we were just happy to have a
defender who would help us stop leaking goals. Although we stayed in the
league, Upson was not to have a part to play. He had the tag of 'injury
prone' when he arrived but no one could imagine how bad his injury problems
actually were. On his debut at Villa Park he only lasted half an hour
pulling up with what looked like a serious injury. It was then we thought he
would be out till the end of the season but he surprisingly returned a month
later in the home game against Spurs. Quite clearly not ready to return this
time he lasted only ten minutes before being replaced. And that was the last
we saw of the big money signing. Despite his lack of impact since he arrived
we know we have a very good defender in our ranks and if he can get over
these injury problems it will be like having a brand new signing come
August.
Apps: League 2
Callum Davenport
Davenport had been at the club two seasons ago in the championship on loan
from Tottenham. He made an instant impact with the fans during his time here
and we were sorry to see him go back. In January Alan Curbishley made a
somewhat surprise swoop for the out of favour Tottenham defender. His first
involvement was away at Newcastle where he put in a strong performance in
both defence and attack, having a goal disallowed for very little. Cup tied
against Watford he had his run in the side from Liverpool (h) till the
hammering at Charlton where he was all over the place. Since then we have
not seen him in the starting line up and has only been on the bench a
handful of times. With Upson returning, Collins developing rapidly it
remains to be seen what Alan Curbishley has in store with Davenport -
especially if Anton Ferdinand does stay at the club (and out of jail). The
player in the side to compare him to is Collins and on what I have seen I
know who my choice would be out of the two - and it isn't Davenport.
Apps: League 5 (1)
Bookings: 1
Paul Konchesky
This season has undoubtedly been a terrible one for Paul Konchesky. His
performances were extremely poor and his future looks very uncertain. I for
one would gladly show him the door as I believe he is simply not good enough
for our side. This isn't just this season - I thought he was shocking for
most of the previous campaign especially from January (2006) onwards. Hi s
goal in the FA Cup Final wiped a lot of peoples memories. The comparison to
Julian Dicks was and still is laughable. I think it must have been the skin
head. His distribution of the ball is truly woeful. He seems to avoid giving
the ball to anyone in a West Ham shirt. He was so bad against Newcastle (h)
it is hard to describe. It was like he had some sort of mental problem with
the amount of times he gave it to the opposition. Someone watching the game
for the first time would think he was meaning to do it. Another zero out of
ten was away at Manchester City where his performance was pure filth. Pompey
away and Tottenham away saw more poor performances as he was now in a real
slump. In fact looking through the fixtures he played in I cannot seem to
find one which you could say he was excellent. In January, George McCartney
started to challenge him for the left back slot, but with McCartney only
finding his match fitness there was a bit of rotation between the two. After
the Tottenham (h) game and after conceding eight goals in two games
(Charlton being the other) Konchesky was replaced on a permanent basis by
McCartney. Konchesky has history with Curbishley from their Charlton days
and it does not look as though we will be seeing Paul Konchesky much next
season. I for one think that is a great thing.
Apps: 21 Cup (1) Euro 2
Bookings: 7
Sent Off: 1 (vs. Fulham a)
Grade: E (last season - B)
George McCartney
Last seasons Sunderland player of the season was signed last summer in a
deal which saw Clive Clarke go the other way. It was known that McCartney
was injured when he signed so he did not feature in the first two and half
months. He made his debut for the club in the Carling Cup game against
Chesterfield. Obviously it was a bad night for the team and we did not see
much of him. His next game was when he replaced Anton Ferdinand just before
half time against Arsenal. This was the first showing of his versatility as
he had to play at center half. Over the next few months he made quite a few
sub appearances but didn't get another start in the side until the January
FA Cup game against Brighton. He battled with Konchesky for the left back
slot and was coming out the winner with him only missing two games from that
Brighton game until the end of the season.. Better than Konchesky he has
done well for the team especially in the last month of the season where he
excelled. I had questioned his ability during February but he came through
it with the rest of the side and fought for the cause as much as anyone. Is
he the answer at left back? I'm still not sure. I think we need another left
back at the club to challenge for that position. McCartney has shown
versatility which makes him an important player to have in the squad. For
the money we acquired him for he has done alright.
Apps: League 17 (6) Cup 3
Bookings: 4
Grade: B-
Part 2 will be up in a few days.
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Great news regarding Yossi - WHO
North Bank - Tue May 22 2007
I know some of you will have reservations but I don't care as you're know
nothing fools, this is great news as Yossi's the best footballer at the
Club.
Tottenham's pursuit of Yossi Benayoun looks doomed to fail with the
midfielder set to sign an improved deal at West Ham.
Israel international Benayoun was expected to hand in a transfer request and
be on his way out of Upton Park this summer.
However, despite a myriad of interest from the likes of Spurs, Portsmouth
and Newcastle, the Hammers have moved to entice him to stay put.
The fact they avoided relegation and the offer of a new improved five-year
deal in which Benayoun will be handed a weekly wage of £38,500 - an increase
of £15,500 from his current £23,000-a-week salary - looks like ensuring he
will be going nowhere.
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley is thought to be plotting a massive squad
overhaul but wants to keep Benayoun on board.
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Mascherano relishes his return to the big stage - Daily Telegraph
By Tim Rich
Last Updated: 3:31am BST 22/05/2007
For Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, the two men at the eye of the storm
that all but sank West Ham, there was a happy ending.
Having scored the goals that kept West Ham in the Premiership, Tevez can
look forward to a season with Real Madrid or, perhaps, Chelsea. He may even
remain at Upton Park. Mascherano, who always appeared the junior partner in
the deal, has the small matter of a European Cup final in the stadium where,
with Argentina, he won gold at the last Olympics.
"Athens is a special place for me," he said. "For a group of young players
who were all just starting our careers it was a very important moment, a
special time."
The Olympic gold is now locked away in his parents' home in San Lorenzo,
deep in the Argentine heartland beyond Buenos Aires, a city where
Mascherano, as a small-town boy, idolised Diego Maradona.
He was never especially happy at Upton Park. The story goes that on his
first day at training, the club had sent a car to Mascherano's hotel, which
for some reason he failed to spot. Not understanding the public transport
system, or the size of London, he attempted to walk to West Ham's training
ground at Chadwell Heath.
It says something for the transformation in his game, since Rafael Benitez
decided to bring him to Anfield, that West Ham lost all the games in which
Mascherano featured, without so much as scoring a goal.
By supreme contrast, he has yet to finish on the losing side for Liverpool
and tomorrow against AC Milan he may well be charged with the formidable
task of blunting Kaka, who despite the claims made for Cristiano Ronaldo, is
probably the best player in the world.
"I am very happy at Liverpool, but I wouldn't say I came here to get away
from West Ham. I only left because I had no opportunities to play football
there," he said.
"It was a breath of fresh air when Liverpool came in for me. I think I made
the right decision to come and in three months I have had more opportunities
to play than I had in five months at West Ham. For that reason alone, I know
I made the right choice.
"If it is my job to stop Kaka, then I would be very happy to take on the
responsibility. To live this moment now, when we are near the biggest club
game in the world, is something you dream about as a little boy.
"You don't want to let it pass you by; you want to seize the opportunity
and, after what has happened this season, I find it incredible to be
involved."
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West Ham Stars Give Generously. Unlike Wigan! - West Ham Till I Die
May 21st, 2007
Noreena Hertz has spent the last 2-3 months touring football clubs trying to
get as many players as possible to give a day's pay to maydayfornurses.com.
Needless to say, West Ham's entire squad coughed up - the only one I think
to do so man for man. Needless to say the tightfisted gits at Wigan refused
to contribute, bar one solitary member of their first team. Anyway, she's
raised £750,000. Rumour has it that the party leaders are making time to see
her personally about this.
There's an Early Day Motion (1422) which about 85 MPs have signed
congratulating the Mayday For Nurses campaign on their efforts. Noreena
Hertz has made a documentary for Channel 4 to be broadcast on 7 June about
her tours round the football grounds of Britain. Here's a message I had from
Noreena Hertz.
from Noreena: Please tell Iain i thought westham were wonderful and that the
first team all came on board and that nigel reo coker was one of the first
to support the campaign and has been a real support all way through. tell
him also that westham feature as heros in the channel 4 film coming out june
7th chronicling my adventures in world of football trying to pull this all
off. x
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Premiership Rumour Mill: Hammers look to Niemi - thisislondon.co.uk
22.05.07
Antti Niemi's sterling goalkeeping displays as Fulham avoided relegation
from the Premiership have alerted West Ham.
The Hammers already have England international Robert Green between the
posts but are looking to make a move for former Hearts and Southampton
shot-stopper Niemi.
Alan Curbishley is determined to perform a dramatic overhaul at Upton Park
during the close season and regards Niemi as one of the best keepers in the
business.
The Finland international does not fancy another scrap at the wrong end of
the top flight table and has revealed how staying up at Craven Cottage
finally banished the nightmare memories of the drop during his time on the
South Coast with Saints.
"Getting relegated with Southampton served as a motivation for me," he
said."On a personal level, I was enjoying the pressure because I knew that
if I could do well and help the team to get out of it I would feel
absolutely fantastic.
"I knew that it was the opportunity to bury a few demons from my footballing
past.
"After the Liverpool game, when we knew we were safe, I felt so empty and
relieved that it's hard to put into words. It was such a fantastic feeling."
The Hammers are also interested in buying Middlesbrough's former Derby
County central defender Chris Riggott.
Everton want to sign Manchester United full-back Phil Bardsley, who finished
the season on loan at Aston Villa and Gavin McCann could also be leaving the
Midlands club.
He has lost his first-team place to promising youngster Craig Gardner and is
set to be offered regular football at newly-promoted Sunderland.
Villa boss Martin O'Neill, meanwhile, has been linked with an ambitious move
for Ajax's 22-year-old star Wesley Sneijder.
Birmingham are keen on Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson, who has just
finished an eye-catching season on loan with Charlton Athletic even though
Colin Doyle impressed as they gained relegation from the Championship last
term.
And Chelsea are still considering whether to bid for Bolton defender Tal Ben
Haim, who is also wanted by West Ham and Portsmouth.
Rumour of the day: Arsenal have joined Tottenham and Manchester United in
the chase for Southampton left-back Gareth Bale.
No chance: Saints will not allow Nathan Dyer, another of their exciting
prospects to leave and are happy he has signed a new deal at the St Mary's
Stadium.
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"Forever Blowing Bubbles a night of West Ham Nostalgia"
with
Billy Bonds, Tony Gale,
and Tony Cottee
Friday June 1st 2007 7.30pm
The Brentwood Centre
Doddinghurst Road
Brentwood
CM15 9NN
Box office
01277 262616
online booking
www. online.brentwood-centre.co.uk
Tickets £15 and £17
There will be a chargeable autograph
session after the show
www.soccerbid.co.uk
for all memorabilia including West Ham and 1966 items
including Bobby Moore autographs.
. specials .
Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters signed replica 66 shirt £75
Geoff Hurst signed World Cup photo's £20
West Ham current signed shirts unframed £200
England multi signed current shirts unframed £250
Di Canio signed pictures from £75
Trevor Brooking Cup final goal £80
"Your face here" get your face (or your son/husband)into the West Ham line
up photo £20
Valuation (chargeable) service for trade/retail and insurance
01702 202036
email sales@soccerbid.co.uk
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Tribunal to rule on Tevez affair - BBC Sport
Tevez joined West Ham along with Javier Mascherano in August
The Premier League has agreed to set up an arbitration tribunal to rule on
Sheffield United's complaints over the registration of Carlos Tevez.
The Blades are challenging a decision to fine West Ham rather than dock them
points and cancel Tevez's registration.
The League admits that the Blades have the right to ask for an arbitration
panel, but have told the relegated club they are wasting their time and
money.
The relegated Blades want West Ham to take their place in the Championship.
Had West Ham been deducted points over the affair, they could have finished
below Sheffield United, who were relegated after their last-day loss to
Wigan.
An unnamed source close to Sheffield United said: "We received a letter from
the Premier League on Tuesday telling us they do not think we have any
grounds to request arbitration - but they accept it is our right to do so.
"They have said they will not appoint anyone until Friday to give us the
opportunity to withdraw the request - basically they are saying we are
wasting everybody's time.
"We still believe these matters need to be resolved so we will press ahead
and ask for arbitration and we hope that this process can be concluded
before the end of June."
The row is over an independent commission's decision to fine West Ham £5.5m
rather than dock the club points for signing third-party agreements in
contravention of league rules.
The Premier League say they are satisfied West Ham ended those agreements as
soon as they were ordered to so, and that the independent commission's
decision cannot be appealed against by anyone except West Ham.
The Premier League and United will nominate one member each of the tribunal.
These two members would then choose a chairman. The tribunal would
effectively have the powers of a court and the parties would agree in
advance to abide by any decision reached.
The club is also challenging the Premier League's "conduct in failing to
conduct an adequate investigation into the continued fielding of Tevez after
the 27 April decision, despite serious questions over his eligibility".
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Tribunal to look into Tevez affair - TeamTalk
The Premier League have agreed to set up an arbitration tribunal to rule on
Sheffield United's complaints over the Carlos Tevez affair.
The League have conceded that the Blades do have the right to call for an
arbitration panel - but have told the relegated club they are wasting their
time and money.
The Blades though are to insist on pursuing their claim that the independent
commission should have deducted points from West Ham and that the League
should have cancelled Tevez's registration.
A source close to Sheffield United said: "We received a letter from the
Premier League today telling us they do not think we have any grounds to
request arbitration - but they accept it is our right to do so.
"They have said they will not appoint anyone until Friday to give us the
opportunity to withdraw the request - basically they are saying we are
wasting everybody's time.
"We still believe these matters need to be resolved so we will press ahead
and ask for arbitration and we hope that this process can be concluded
before the end of June."
The row is over an independent commission's decision to fine West Ham
£5.5million rather than dock the club points for signing third-party
agreements in contravention of league rules.
The Premier League say they are satisfied West Ham ended those agreements as
soon as they were ordered to so, and that the independent commission's
decision cannot be appealed against by anyone except West Ham.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to bid for Middlesbrough defender Riggott
tribalfooball.com - May 22, 2007
West Ham United are weighing up a move for Middlesbrough defender Chris
Riggott.
The former Derby man is behind Jonathan Woodgate and Robert Huth at Boro and
Hammers boss Alan Curbishley hopes to take him to London, says the Daily
Mail.
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International ace set for Bridge switch
20070522 10:28
Chelsea are in pole position to sign Bolton defender Tal Ben Haim ahead of
West Ham and Portsmouth, according to reports.
The Blues were interested in the Israel international during the January
transfer window but a move never materialised with boss Jose Mourinho
apparently at odds with board.
However, it appears Ben Haim is waiting for a contract offer from Stamford
Bridge which would see the Hammers and Pompey miss out on him.
Former Trotters boss Sam Allardyce has also been linked with a move for the
player but a switch to the FA Cup winners would be more appealing than
Newcastle.
Ben Haim is out of contract this summer and appears set to quit the Reebok
on a Bosman deal.
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