Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - II 29th May 2007

Football Village event at Upton Park on Thursday - WHUFC
29/05/2007 09:00

Football Village are delighted to invite all West Ham United fans to a very
special event taking place at Upton Park this week, including a FREE STADIUM
TOUR and the chance to meet a Hammers legend. On Thursday, May 31st, West
Ham United's official overseas property partner - The Village - will host an
evening to showcase the luxury apartments and 5-star facilities on offer at
Europe's premier golf, health and leisure resort. The evening will commence
in the White Horse Suite at 6:30pm, with a tour of the stadium led by a
former player, who will offer his unique insights into the history of the
club, as well as tales from his own playing days. Sky Sports presenter, Rob
Wotton, will then deliver a brief presentation about The Village, and there
will also be the opportunity to win tickets to see the team in action next
season. As this is the last event until next season, space is limited and in
extremely high demand, so fans are advised to book early to avoid
disappointment, by calling 0870 066 3696 (24 hrs) or emailing
whufc@thevillagespain.com Alternatively, visit
http://whufc.thevillagespain.com for more information

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KUMB Awards 06/07 Season - KUMB
Results Announced: Tuesday, 29th May 2007

Welcome to the tenth annual KUMB.com awards, for the 2005/06 season. We
asked you to vote in ten categories this time around; here's how you saw it.

PLAYER OF THE SEASON

1. CARLOS TEVEZ (59%)
2. ROBERT GREEN (20%)
3. BOBBY ZAMORA (10%)

Carlos Alberto Tevez stunned the world of football when he turned up in East
London on August 31st last year in order to represent the Hammers for the
coming season. Despite failing to score for his first six months at the club
his goals towards the end of season saved West Ham from relegation. Robert
Green also practiced patience before dislodging Roy Carroll from the number
one jersey since when he's never looked back. Bobby Zamora - top scorer this
season with 11 to his name - grabbed one in ten of your votes for a superb
supporting role.

Previous Winners
2005/06 Danny Gabbidon; 2004/05 Teddy Sheringham; 2003/04 Matthew
Etherington; 2002/03 Joe Cole; 2001/02 Sebastien Schemmel; 2000/01 Stuart
Pearce; 1999/2000 Paolo Di Canio; 1998/99 Steve Lomas; 1997/98 John Hartson.

YOUNG PLAYER OF THE SEASON

1. MARK NOBLE (99%)
2. JONATHAN SPECTOR (1%)
3. HOGAN EPHRAIM/JAMES TOMKINS (0%)

With a worrying lack of young talent emerging from the Academy of late this
under-21 category was a bit of a one-horse-race; all but a few of you (Jon
Spector's family, one suspects) voted for the overwhelming winner, Mark
Noble, who finally came of age after years of promise. Jon Spector's handful
of votes saw him beat the two latest Academy hopes, Hogan Ephraim and James
Tomkins, into joint third place.

Previous Winners
2005/06 Nigel Reo-Coker; 2004/05 Mark Noble; 2003/04 Chris Cohen; 2002/03
Glenn Johnson; 2001/02 Jermain Defoe; 2000/01 Michael Carrick; 1999/2000
Michael Carrick; 1998/99 Rio Ferdinand/Frank Lampard; 1997/98 Rio Ferdinand.

BEST SIGNING

1. CARLOS TEVEZ (44%)
2. LUCAS NEILL (40%)
3. ROBERT GREEN (15%)

One of the closest categories of the year and a second award for Carlitos,
who narrowly pipped Lucas Neill to the post. Tevez arrived a month into the
season and rapidly became a fans' favourite despite the fact that barely
nobody expected him to stay beyond the end of the season. Neill arrived in
the January transfer window as part of the Curbishley revolution and
performed valiantly. Rob Green will be best remembered for single-handedly
taking on - and beating - Arsenal.

Previous Winners
2005/06 Yossi Benayoun; 2004/05 Teddy Sheringham; 2003/04 Matthew
Etherington; 2002/03 Rufus Brevett; 2001/02 Sebastien Schemmel; 2000/01
Frederic Kanoute; 1999/2000 Igor Stimac; 1998/99 Trevor Sinclair; 1997/98
Eyal Berkovic.

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER

1. JAMES COLLINS (40%)
2. MARK NOBLE (20%)
3. BOBBY ZAMORA (15%)

The Most Improved Player category has traditionally been the domain of the
unsung hero, the player less likely to shine in the media spotlight but
still performing an important role. That summary certainly applies to this
year's winner, James 'Ginge' Collins, who put in some fantastic performances
towards the end of the season. Mark Noble blossomed into a Premiership
player this term, whilst Bobby Zamora continues to confound his critics.

Previous Winners
2005/06 Marlon Harewood; 2004/05 Anton Ferdinand; 2003/04 Stephen Bywater;
2002/03 Glen Johnson; 2001/02 Christian Dailly; 2000/01 Michael Carrick;
1999/2000 Marc-Vivien Foe; 1998/99 Frank Lampard; 1997/98 Frank Lampard.

MOST MEMORABLE MATCH

1. MAN UTD 0 WEST HAM UTD 1 - 14/05/07 (27%)
2. WEST HAM UTD 3 BOLTON 1 - 05/05/07 (17%)
3. WEST HAM UTD 3 TOTTENHAM 4 - 04/03/07 (10%)

One of the most open categories but who could ever forget how the Hammers
went to the home of the Champions on the final day of the season and won to
preserve their Premeirship status thanks to Carlos Tevez's goal on the
stroke of half-time. The 3-1 win against Bolton probably produced the best
45 minutes' football of the season, whilst the amazing 4-3 defeat against
Spurs was seen by many as the catylyst for 'The Great Escape'.

Previous Winners
2005/06 Liverpool - FA Cup Final (n) 13/05/06; 2004/05 Ipswich 2-0 (a)
18/05/06; 2003/04 Ipswich 2-0 (h); 2002/03 Chelsea 1-0 (h); 2001/02 Man Utd
1-0 (a); 2000/01 Man Utd 1-0 (a); 1999/2000 Arsenal 2-1 (h); 1998/99 Palace
4-1 (h)/Barnsley 6-0 (h); 1997/98 Tottenham 4-3 (h).

GOAL OF THE SEASON

1. MARK NOBLE v BOLTON (32%)
2. CARLOS TEVEZ v TOTTENHAM (20%)
3. BOBBY ZAMORA v ARSENAL (10%)

There were some excellent strikes to vote for this season so it was no
surprise that there was no clear winner. Mark Noble's stunning volley in the
3-1 win against Bolton just about topped the pack, narrowly beating Carlos
Tevez's first ever goal for the club - a 20-yard free-kick against Tottenham
- into second place. Bobby Zamora's exquisite volley which won three points
at the Emirates completes your choices.

Previous Winners
2005/06 Anton Ferdinand v Fulham (h); 2004/05 Bobby Zamora v Ipswich (a);
2003/04 Jon Harley v Sheffield Utd (a); 2002/03 Paolo Di Canio v Chelsea
(h); 2001/02 Trevor Sinclair v Derby (h); 2000/01 Paolo Di Canio v
Manchester United (a); 1999/2000 Paolo Di Canio v Wimbledon (h); 1998/99
Stan Lazaridis v Newcastle (a);1997/98 John Hartson v Aston Villa (h).

WORST PLAYER OF THE SEASON

1. NIGEL QUASHIE (19%)
2. PAUL KONCHESKY (15%)
3. CARLTON COLE (9%)

Having 'rested' this category last season due to unprecedented success for
virtually all of Alan Pardew's signings last term it's back with a vengeance
- and the recipient this year is four-times-relegated Nigel Quashie, who
joined the club from West Bromwich Albion for £2m in January. Paul Konchesky
surprisingly perhaps polled enough voted to grab second spot, whilst the
disappointing Carlton Cole came in third. All are likely to move on in the
close season ...

Previous Winners
2005/06 No award; 2004/05 Don Hutchison; 2003/04 Wayne Quinn; 2002/03 Gary
Breen; 2001/02 Titi Camara; 2000/01 Titi Camara; 1999/2000 Neil Ruddock;
1998/99 Iain Dowie/Andy Impey; 1997/98 Iain Dowie.

WORST SIGNING OF THE SEASON

1. MATTHEW UPSON (27%)
2. NIGEL QUASHIE (24%)
3. CARLTON COLE (11%)

£7.5m represented a massive outlay for a player who managed no more than 45
minutes of football, hence this year's reinstated award going to Matthew
Upson - although through no fault of his own! Your Worst Player, Nigel
Quashie, wrapped up an unwanted double by being named in second place, as
did Carlton Cole who came in third.

Previous Winners
2005/06 No award; 2004/05 Mauricio Tarrico; 2003/04 Wayne Quinn; 2002/03
Gary Breen; 2001/02 Ragnvald Soma; 2000/01 Titi Camara; 1999/2000 Sasa Ilic;
1998/99 Andy Impey; 1997/98 Ian Pearce.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT

1. FAILING TO BUILD ON LAST SEASON'S SUCCESS (25%)
2. PLAYER's BEHAVIOUR (20%)
3. JAVIER MASCHERANO (16%)

Hardly anybody expected the Hammers to be fighting relegation this season
after such a good performance last term, hence this year's winner. The
off-field antics of a number of players led to the squad rgabbing second
spot, whilst the Mascherano fiasco left many of you wondering what could -
and should - have been.

Previous Winners
2005/06 The FA Cup Final; 2004/05 Booing players; 2003/04 Millwall away;
2002/03 Relegation; 2001/02 Chelsea FA Cup defeat; 2000/01 Spurs FA Cup
defeat; 1999/2000 Mannygate.

HACKETT OF THE YEAR

1. DAVE WHELAN - WIGAN (47%)
2. TERENCE BROWN - EX-WHU (28%)
3. NEIL WARNOCK - SHEFF UTD (7%)

A new category and a deserved winner for the Keith Hackett memorial gong.
Dave Whelan wouldn't shut up about Carlos Tevez - until his club survived by
the skin of their teeth after which he fell strangely silent. Terry Brown,
who walked away from the mess he left behind £30m the richer incurred the
wrath of many of you, whilst Sheffield United's Neil Warnock left a nasty
taste in the mouth for his constant blaming of anyone but himself for his
team's relegation.

So that's that for yet another season; possibly the most bizarre in West Ham
United's history. A season which had promised so much proved to be a
disaster until the players finally got their fingers out to save the day.
Thank you to all of you who voted in this years KUMB awards - and for your
continued support of KUMB.com.

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Kevin Ratcliffe on Wales - BBC
By Kevin Ratcliffe
Former Wales and Everton captain

I was in the New Zealand camp before Saturday's 2-2 draw with Wales in
Wrexham, and there's no doubt that they were fearing a pasting. They came
out, raised their game and excelled, but you have to say that was
disappointing from Wales and that we expect better. John Toshack's side
started sloppily at the back, and that atmosphere spread throughout the
team. They were punished by a very average side, and that's a major concern
ahead of next Saturday's must-win Euro 2008 qualifier with the Czech
Republic in Cardiff. In many ways it will be easier to play against one of
the best sides in the world rather than an unknown quantity. Wales will be
the ones picking themselves up to compete, they've had the kick up the
backside, and it was better to get a performance like the New Zealand one
out of the way before the crucial game. There were some encouraging signs
towards the end at the Racecourse when Wales got more fluent, while Craig
Bellamy was superb and Ryan Giggs showed glimpses of his class.
But the major concerns are at the back and the big question surrounds Danny
Gabbidon. I think it would be a big, big risk to play Gabbidon against the
Czechs after so long out with a groin injury and such a poor performance on
Saturday. There's also a concern about his partnership with James Collins,
the centre-back pairing that Wales have pinned so much future hope on.
They're both excellent players, but when they're poor they're very, very
poor and that sticks out like a sore thumb. They let us down against New
Zealand. The partnership either goes well or very badly, there's no middle
ground. If one is sloppy then so is the other, but when one is on their game
so is the other - that pattern has been happening too often. I think Collins
is a better player without Gabbidon alongside him. He takes more
responsibility and doesn't try to emulate Gabbidon. The bad parts of
Gabbidon's game tend to rub off on him. Against the Czechs I would play
someone wholehearted like Steve Evans alongside Collins, and maybe also get
Lewin Nyatanga into a five-man defence. If you ask Gabbidon he will
definitely want to start, players are always like that. But the decision has
to be made by the manager.

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NRC - my vitriol - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 29th May 2007
By: Kevin Mousley

Any time now, no doubt, the message boards will fill up with vitriol against
Nigel Reo-Coker for having the temerity to want to take his footballing
career elsewhere. He will join the gallery of rogues alongside Paul Ince,
Frank Lampard and Jermain Defoe; players we love to hate and who's every
return to Upton Park will be guaranteed to be 'warm'.

Can I make what will admittedly be a pointless plea? Leave him alone; even
give him a cheer and a hand to remember the good times because if you are
honest with yourself, there were good times.

I have met many sportsmen and actors in my time and one thing unites them –
they are heroically self-centred. It is just the way they are. All
conversation invariably returns to either (a) their enormous talent (b)
bitterness towards those who would deny the true worth of their enormous
talent; it is just the way it is in careers where you live and die in the
court of opinion.

Many football fans, especially the 40-something's upwards, will wistfully
remember the days when players had loyalty to the club(s) they served. When
the team that turned out was essentially locally reared. It hardly needs
mentioning that those days, if they ever truly existed, have long gone.

Footballers today are no more or less 'loyal' than they were years ago. The
difference between now and then is that they have so many more options to
pursue.

Even the best footballers in the world will one day find themselves on the
footballing scrap heap and if in recompense the industry offers such
stratospheric rewards to the pick of the bunch, who can deny any
professional the chance to have a shot at the big time.

Nigel may well fall flat on his face (and I must admit I'd probably have a
wry smile to myself if he did) but look at it from his perspective. He's
been one of the youngest captains in the Premier League, captain of England
under-21s and attracted interest from Manchester United and Arsenal - or at
least he believes so.

I don't suppose too many West Ham fans felt sorry for Wimbledon / MK Dons
when we took him off their hands. Had Nigel and a few others from that team
stuck around, MK Dons would not now be plumbing the depths of the nationwide
leagues.

It is true that he appeared to lose motivation this season but to what
extent that was wilful and indolent or just the grumps associated with a dip
in personal and team form I do not know, and while there are many rumours
doing the rounds about the internal politics of West Ham this season, I have
not read anything definitive about who and what was behind it. Still less
anything credibly linking the awful events of September to March to NRC.

Also as much as Tevez was the star of the great escape, Nigel played his
part too.

I do not happen to think that he will rise much higher or make his mark in
the big four ( if that is where he is bound) or even the England seniors.
I'm no expert but it seems to me he lacks a decent first touch, doesn't
score often enough and he does not have the range of passing associated with
a top class midfielder.

Ok, I'll be realistic; engaging, or not, with personalities is part and
parcel of sport. It is often the reason in the first place we are drawn to
supporting a particular team, or indeed the factor that sparks our interest
in a sport ( Tiger Woods; golf, Flintoff; cricket etc) Nigel, to my mind,
lacks a certain charisma. He's a player that will at best be liked but never
loved.

But that does not mean he is anymore disloyal or inappropriately ambitious
than others who have gone before him. Would Rio have stuck around forever if
we had said 'pretty please? No he would not. And the same was true for those
former players and now 'Uber' fans, the two Tonys; Cottee and Gale.

Let's remember Nigel played a full part in the team that was rebuilt in the
Championship; the team that took us to promotion and to a whisker of an FA
Cup victory.

As I recall he could hardly stand with all the effort expended against
Liverpool in Cardiff and by and large his energy was his biggest single
contribution to the team over the time he has been with us. I, for one,
would like to say thanks and in the best tradition of theatre speak 'break a
leg, son'.

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Young And Parker Now Linked With West Ham - West Ham Fans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 29 May, 2007 - 14:52.

Newcastle's Scott Parker and Charlton's Luke Young have been linked to a
Boleyn move during the summer transfer window, having both been under the
tutelage of Alan Cubishley at the Valley, Young and Parker would welcome the
chance to link up with their mentor who is now manager of West Ham.
With Nigel Reo-Coker on his way out, Scott Parker would seem an ideal
replacement, and Luke Young has long expressed a desire to move across
London from the Addicks to the Hammers, he was almost a wearer of the claret
and blue until his move was scuppered by a medical that showed a long term
knee injury, however it now transpires that 'Tuberculosis' Brown bulked at
the price quoted and engineered the results of the medical to cast a less
than favorable light on the England International.
A certain section of the media and maybe a few fans might accuse Curbs of a
bit of nepotism, but these are players he knows and trusts, and after all in
football, if you can't trust your players who can you trust?- Ed.. ..

This info is courtesy of Football Player's Agents, who probably rank just
one off the sewer level that Estate Agents and Bailifs operate in.

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Man City, West Ham move for Levante hotshot Riga
tribalfooball.com - May 29, 2007

Levante hotshot Mustapha Riga has a raft of Premiership clubs chasing him
ahead of the summer market opening. Riga's goals have lifted Levante away
from the dropzone in recent weeks and also attracted serious interest from
Manchester City, Wigan Athletic, Portsmouth, West Ham and Middlesbrough. AS
says all five clubs were represented last Sunday for Levante's victory over
Celta Vigo to watch the Ghana international.

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Villa to offer £6M for West Ham's Reo-Coker
tribalfooball.com - May 29, 2007

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is moving for West Ham United midfielder
Nigel Reo-Coker. The Mirror says O'Neill will offer around £6million for the
England Under-21 midfielder. Reo-Coker is prepared to speak to Villa, but
Hammers boss Alan Curbishley wants to use him as bait to land Newcastle's
Scott Parker.

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Hammers eye Parker as Allardyce considers Barton move - Daily Mail
Last updated at 11:49am on 29th May 2007

West Ham boss Alan Curbishley is expected to trigger a midfield
merry-go-round by tabling a £7m bid for Newcastle captain Scott Parker.
Nigel Reo-Coker, who reportedly handed in a transfer request at Upton Park
on Saturday, could be used as a makeweight in a deal to snare Parker. Former
Charlton and Chelsea player Parker is believed to want to return to the
south. Aston Villa are interested in Reo-Coker after they failed to land
Steve Sidwell from Reading. But Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce is thought to
prefer Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton, who is also attracting
interest from Middlesbrough. Should Boro fail to land Barton, Fulham captain
Michael Brown could move to the Riverside instead. Brown's future is thought
to be unclear at Craven Cottage and he could be available for around £3m.
Fulham are expected to complete the £1m signing of David Healy from Leeds in
the next few days. Jerome Thomas is expected to join Birmingham in a deal
worth £1.8m later this week. The Charlton striker is desperate for
Premiership football and is set to become the next player to leave the
relegated Addicks after Hermann Hreidarsson's switch to Portsmouth.

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How dare you boot us out? - Sheffield United The Star ( YAAAWWWNNNNNN -
PeterR )

SHEFFIELD United today launched another furious broadside at the FA Premier
League as the club's legal battle with them continued to show no sign of
abating. United, who are seeking to challenge their relegation to the
Championship following the PL's failure to deduct West Ham points for a
serious breach of transfer regulations during the Carlos Tevez affair, have
been warned their membership of the competition will be forcibly removed if
they fail to resign during the forthcoming AGM. Last week, Kevin McCabe,
United's plc chairman, indicated Bramall Lane plans to hold on to its card
until the arbitration panel commissioned to examine the decision to instead
punish West Ham with a £5.5 million fine delivers its verdict next month.
Unmoved by the PL's threat, McCabe told The Star: "What I absolutely fail to
understand is why the Premier League are choosing to fight us on this issue.
"Rather they should be looking to accommodate us because we have done
nothing wrong, nothing whatsoever. "If they say they are going to take our
membership back then they may well be within their rights to do so. "But
that's our stance and it is one we have taken because, as far as we are
concerned, the findings of arbitration surely take precedence over those of
the meeting."
United have appointed one member to the panel, which will be headed by
Justice Ottan, before its first sitting on June 18. They plan to make
further representations to other clubs affected by the PL's actions later
this week with special attention being paid to the league's refusal to
cancel Tevez's registration despite receiving express permission to do so by
the team which found West Ham guilty of breaking rules outlawing third party
ownership of players. Page 23 of their 24-page report includes a paragraph
which states: "We order the registration of Carlos Tevez can be terminated
by the FAPL and we order that West Ham pay the costs of these proceedings."
However, the Argentina international was subsequently allowed to continue
and played a crucial role in securing West Ham's survival at United's
expense. McCabe added: "Every week teams in the Premier League play for
points and those points decide whether you become champions runners-up or
stay in the division. "That's what everything boils down to - points. So
personally I can't understand why, when a serious breach has taken place, a
fine is deemed to be enough."

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VILLA IN FOR REO-COKER - Daily Express
Tuesday May 29,2007
By David Hytner

ASTON VILLA are in the box seat to sign unsettled West Ham skipper Nigel
Reo-Coker. Representatives from Villa have started talks with West Ham in
the wake of Reo-Coker's decision to hand in a transfer request. They are
poised to challenge West Ham's asking price of £8million. Reo-Coker will
captain England's Under-21s in the European Championship in Holland next
month. The midfielder has attracted interest from a host of clubs, although
it appears Tottenham are no longer as keen as they were.

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YOSSI: I THOUGHT I WAS HISTORY - The Mirror
By John Cross 28/05/2007

YOSSI BENAYOUN thought he was on his way out of West Ham before he signed a
new five-year contract. The Hammers midfielder has agreed a deal worth
£50,000 a week after a dramatic turnaround in his fortunes at Upton Park.
Boss Alan Curbishley blanked Benayoun after he captained Israel against
England in March despite not being fit to play for his club.. "I really
wanted to go away from West Ham because I was upset that the manager did not
talk to me," said Benayoun, 27. "But that's all finished now. He has told me
he wants me to stay in the team and be an important player next season."

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SIGN TEV, WIN TITLE - The Mirror
Exclusive by Darren Lewis 29/05/2007

HERNAN CRESPO says whoever buys Carlos Tevez will win their league next
season. The Chelsea forward, on loan at Inter Milan, believes his fellow
Argentinian has proven himself one of football's most reliable strikers by
helping to save West Ham from relegation. Liverpool have Tevez, valued at
£25million, on their wish list, while Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal
are interested, as well as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona. Tevez
scored seven goals in 10 games, including the strike that beat United on the
last day of the season. Crespo said: "Carlos has shown he can adapt. He has
all the qualities to become a champion. The team which buys him instantly
has the conditions to win their championship. "Not only can he score goals,
he can also fight for what he believes in."

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ASTON'S MARTIN DRIVES FOR REO - The Mirror
29/05/2007

ASTON VILLA manager Martin O'Neill will make the first official move for
West Ham skipper Nigel Reo-Coker. O'Neill will offer around £6million for
the England Under-21 midfielder. Reo-Coker is prepared to speak to Villa,
but Hammers boss Alan Curbishley wants to use him as bait to land
Newcastle's Scott Parker. Villa's Patrik Berger will sign a one-year deal
with the club.

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Striker set to stay at West Ham - all3points.com
29th May 2007
By Staff Writer

West Ham striker Bobby Zamora has been assured by the club he still has a
future at Upton Park. Zamora was rumoured to be amongst the players that
will go in the club's expected big summer clear out but boss Alan Curbishley
wants the former Tottenham and Brighton striker to stay at the club he
supported as a boy. The news will disappoint Reading and Spanish giants
Valencia who had both been reportedly interested in acquiring his services.

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Hammers move for defender - all3points.com
29th May 2007
By Staff Writer

Luke Young will this summer complete a move to West Ham that previously fell
through when he failed a medical 12 months ago. Young's former Charlton boss
Alan Curbishley wants to bring the defender to Upton Park in a deal worth
around £4 million. Young is keen to make the switch to West Ham with the
News of the World newspaper quoting a source close to the player as saying:
"Luke was gutted when he failed a medical on a knee problem and is delighted
the Hammers are interested in him again. "Luke believes that last season was
a hiccup for West Ham and believes they will become major players next term
in the scrap for Europe."

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West Ham in winger chase - all3points.com
29th May 2007
By Staff Writer

West Ham are lining up a bid for promising young winger Michael Kightly.
Kightly currently plays for Wolves and is rated at around £2 million. West
Ham have reportedly showed an interest in the youngster according to the
News of the World but they could also face competition from Portsmouth and
Manchester United who are also interested in acquiring his services.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 29th May 2007

Dailly called up to Scotland squad - WHUFC
28/05/2007 17:53

Christian Dailly has been drafted into the Scotland national squad for their
friendly against Austria on Wednesday and Euro 2008 qualifier against the
Faroe Islands a week later. After several players withdrew through injury,
the 33-year-old Hammers defender was called up by coach Alex McLeish and was
due to travel from London today to meet up with his international
colleagues. Meanwhile, Dailly's Upton Park team-mate Danny Gabbidon could be
a doubt for Wales's Euro 2008 qualifier against the Czech Republic next
Saturday. The 27-year-old defender played in a 2-2 friendly draw against New
Zealand on Saturday - his first taste of action after four months out with a
groin injury - and understandably took time to adjust. Welsh coach John
Toshack said: "We hope Gabbidon will play against the Czechs. Injury-wise
there is no reaction. He was more comfortable as the game went on and when
we added the extra defender he was protected a bit more. "Usually he is
quick and covers the ground well, but at the moment he is not there yet.
He's rusty and not really match fit."

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Craig wants end to uncertainty - Sky
By Chris Stanton - Created on 28 May 2007

Out-of-favour Liverpool forward Craig Bellamy is desperate to end
speculation over his future. Bellamy's omission from The Reds' UEFA
Champions League final defeat last week appears to have signalled the death
knell for his Liverpool career after just one season at Anfield. While Rafa
Benitez is believed to be willing to cash in on the Welshman, the Spaniard
has put what could prove a prohibitive £12million valuation on the player's
head. Bellamy gave potential suitors food for thought with his two-goal
performance for Wales against New Zealand but the firebrand forward would
prefer his future to be resolved sooner rather than later. Aston Villa boss
Martin O'Neill is a long-term admirer of the player, who also interests West
Ham and former club Blackburn. "It would be nice if I had a summer without
speculation. Everywhere I go there is speculation," Bellamy told the Daily
Star. "There was talk of Aston Villa wanting me within a couple of months of
me arriving at Liverpool and that situation doesn't seem to have gone away."

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Tevez claims his future 'must suit West Ham' - Soccernet

Carlos Tevez says that Kia Joorabchian will decide where he will play next
season although the Argentine wants his future 'to suit West Ham'. Hammers
chairman Eggert Magnusson wants to keep the star forward at Upton Park,
although rumours suggest that the 23-year-old's future lies eleswhere. Real
Madrid, Liverpool and Chelsea have all been linked with a move for the
former Corinthians star. 'Moving to Madrid would be exciting but I don't
mean anything by that,' Tevez he the News of the World. 'I would like to
play for an important European club. 'That's what I told my agent and Kia
Joorabchian, who is in charge of my transfer. 'But the priority is what
suits West Ham, they have always treated me well. 'There isn't one club
which appeals more than any other.' The former Boca Juniors ace had a slow
start to his career in England, but as the season progressed his displays
became more inspiriational and many Irons fans credit him for keeping their
club in the Premiership. He explained that he has enjoyed his time in east
London. 'I'm very happy with The Hammers, they've been marvellous to me,' he
said. 'I'll never forget the last match of the season that we won away to
Manchester United at Old Trafford when our fans chanted 'Argentina,
Argentina'. 'It made a huge impression on me.'

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Player Reviews 2006/07 - Part 2 - West Ham Online
Vinny - Mon May 28 2007

Part 2 of the Player Reviews

Midfielders

Lee Bowyer
His second spell at the club has proved just as unsuccessful as his first.
The only difference this time is that we managed to stay in the premiership.
Bowyer was signed by Alan Pardew last summer to boost our options in
midfield. In the opening game of the season Bowyer put on a fantastic
display, setting up all three goals. A few days later at the fans forum,
Pardew told us that he thought Bowyer would end up being our player of the
season. But just like Pardew's West Ham career, it all fell apart. Bowyer's
startling lack of pace was a problem, especially when he was playing on the
right wing. I was and still am of the opinion that if you play him in the
center of midfield he could be quite effective, but on the wing he just
didn't have the legs to get up and down the line. A failing of Bowyers was
his finishing. There were quite a number of times during the season when he
had golden chances to score but fluffed them. Away at Liverpool he had a
brilliant chance to get us level but somehow managed to miss. The same away
at Everton, when Tevez did well to clip in a cross for Bowyer to meet on the
volley from a few yards out but he hit it straight at the keeper. Bowyer was
never really awful but he just put in a lot of average performances where he
huffed and puffed, putting in the usual terrible challenge which saw him get
a deserved booking. I think as a squad player he can still do a job, and is
not a bad player to have among our ranks. But overall season was nothing to
get excited about.
Apps: League 17 (2) Euro: 2
Bookings: 5
Grade: C-

Yossi Benayoun
A very frustrating season for the little Israeli. It would be easy to just
remember the last 4 or 5 games of the season where he was on top form and
was a catalyst to our survival. But we cannot forget that he went missing
for the majority of this campaign and although people will cite injury as a
reason for his absence it was clear that his mind was elsewhere at certain
times during the season. One of these was when he was supposed to be injured
only to turn up and play for Israel against England. 'Injury' struck him
down straight after that game once again. Last season Yossi was our bit of
class. He injected that bit of skill into our side which helped us so many
times – this time round it appeared as though he had been found out but
there were still times when he would really turn it on. I believe his
performance against Fulham (h) was the best individual performance by any
West Ham player this season – he took control of the game and was simply
outstanding, scoring two goals in the process – the first being a truly
exquisite chip, and the other being one which he gamble on a defensive mix
up, rounded the keeper and managed to squeeze the ball past two defenders on
the line. Yossi was no where to be seen during March but returned mid way
through April against Chelsea where although we got beat his link up play
with Tevez was something that we could really benefit from. And the
subsequent games at Home to Everton (where he got an assist) and the away
trip to Wigan were games which he had a major impact on. The latter being
one in which he finished off a brilliant counter attack and put in a hard
working yet still classy performance. He has recently signed a new five year
contract which I am very pleased with. I just wish he could have put in the
type of performance we know he can all season long. Because when Yossi
Benayoun wants to play – he can really play.
Apps: League 24 (5) Cup 1 Euro 1
Goals: 3
Bookings: 2
Grade: C+ (last season A)

Shaun Newton
Newton actually being at the club at the start of the season was a surprise
to many as it had been revealed that last season after the Middlesbrough
semi final win he tested positive for cocaine usage. A lot of fans wanted
him out of the club and the clubs refusal to sack him angered a few
supporters (those were the ones that would boo his name when it was
announced). At last years Fan's Forum Alan Pardew made it clear that as a
family club we would not just dump him for a mistake that he made. He was
banned for 7 months but made a return to the West Ham bench in January in
the FA Cup tie at home to Brighton. He managed to get on for just over
fifteen minutes in a lively cameo. His appearances this season would be
limited to coming off the subs bench which he did against Fulham (h),
Watford in the cup (h) and Charlton (a). He was eventually shipped out on
loan to Leicester City and the recent fans forum revealed that he was
already gone from the club. There are many who never really liked Newton but
I always thought he did a good job for us. He was one of the reasons we got
promotion, and when he did come into the side last season he gave his all.
Apps: League (3) Cup (2)
(last season B)

Nigel Reo Coker
Where to start with Nigel Reo Coker? On the same level with Tevez in regards
to the amount that has been spoken about him this season – unlike his
Argentinean team mate it has usually been very negative. A lot of it is
merited but some people take it too far. I do not like Reo Coker – as a
person or as a player. The attitude he displays his one of a very arrogant
individual who plays only for Nigel Reo Coker. As a player, his abilities
have been wildly exaggerated over the last three years. I think people
forget that he was dropped for a big period of our promotion season by Alan
Pardew. The question to ask is what he actually brings to the team? When Reo
Coker has some fire in his belly he will display battling qualities only
matched by the likes of Steven Gerrard – but when it comes to making that
pass or taking that shot he is so far short you may as well be watching
conference football. His performances before Christmas were simply not good
enough and Pardew's lack of bottle to actually drop his underperforming
captain in the end cost him his job. The childish celebration when he scored
the winner against Manchester United was something that got to the West Ham
fans and something which is still spoken about when his name is mentioned.
It displayed everything about Nigel Reo Coker which we despise. But I must
be fair and look at Reo Coker's entire season performance and after
Christmas I thought he played quite well in many games. Newcastle away in
January was really the start of his returning form and his powerful bursts
forward from midfield were excellent to see. Of course his final ball was
generally terrible but there was a change in his performance from then on.
The final nine games saw Reo Coker step up a gear and put on some great
displays. The final four games especially saw the captain take hold of games
and show what we needed from him earlier on. It doesn't look like we will be
seeing him at the club next season – I don't think it is a big loss as he
can easily be replaced. He will get a hostile reception when he returns, and
will deserve all the stick he gets.
Apps: League 35 Cup: 3 Euro 2
Goals: 1
Bookings: 14
Grade: C (last season A)

Hayden Mullins
It seemed as thought Hayden Mullins had won over many of his doubters last
season when his center midfield partnership with Reo Coker performed really
well and helped us to have a very good season back in the top flight. But as
Reo Coker fell apart Mullins was going the same way and with the signing of
Javier Mascherano it seemed as though Mullins' position was under threat.
From August to November Mullins wasn't getting much stick from the fans and
with a couple of goals at home to Blackburn and Sheffield United it gave
more weight to the decision to keep him in the side (Mullins won the WHO
Player of the Month for November). When Curbishley took over he brought in
Nigel Quashie and this saw Mullins only start 3 games from the beginning of
January till the end of the season. It seems clear that he is not in the
plans of Alan Curbishley. The argument of course has been – is he any worse
than Quashie and of course the answer is no. You could actually argue that
Mullins is a much better player than Quashie and offers a lot more and this
is why the decision to play him over Mullins was baffling. Personally I feel
sorry for Mullins. Nothing this season has gone right for him. The signing
of Mascherano put pressure on him when he was doing little wrong and the
Quashie thing was just an insult. I'm not saying his campaign was full of
dominating performances because they weren't. Mullins failed to get hold of
games like he was able to do last season – but then again you could argue
that he was having to do the job of Reo Coker as well as his own. His
passing let him down a lot this season, and this frustrated the hell out of
a lot of supporters. He was defiantly a Pardew favourite and I would not be
surprised to see him rejoin his former manager at Charlton – although I am
sure that there is quite a few Premiership sides which would take him.
Apps: League 21 (8) Cup: 2
Goals: 3
Bookings: 4
Grade: C- (last season A+)

Javier Mascherano
Obviously there is mystery into why he was not used regularly by either Alan
Pardew or Alan Curbishley but I am just going to look at his time at the
club and what he was good at and what he lacked. He made his debut at home
to Palermo in the Uefa cup and in my match report I gave him the man of the
match award saying that he "Broke up the play countless times, made some
wonderful cross field passes, and was never afraid of a challenge. He was in
the side for the next three games but didn't make much of an impact on
Pardew as was dropped for the home game against Reading. During that four
game run he had in the side he was voted the WHO Player of the Month for
September. He returned to the side for the game at White Hart Lane in which
Jermaine Defoe proceeded to bite him and get away with it. Amazingly he
would not start another game for the club with a mixture of injury and non
selection keeping him out. That was a startling 14 games in which he was
overlooked. He eventually left the club in January to join Liverpool where
he has been a permanent fixture in their side even appearing in the starting
line up in the Champions League Final. Whatever went on it just wasn't to be
for Javier Mascherano as a West Ham Player.
Apps: League 3 (1) Euro 2
Bookings: 1

Mark Noble
I'm a fair person and have no problem being proved very wrong (it doesn't
happen often you see) – and boy oh boy have I been proved wrong about Mark
Noble. My initial view of him was 'lots of effort but little quality for
this level', but my how my opinion has changed. The effort of course is
still there but the sides to his game which I thought were not good enough
have been turned around. I am talking about his passing and ability to play
a ball that cuts open another side. He still lacks a bit of awareness and
sometimes gets caught in possession but he is getting better and being
thrust into the first team has been the making of him. Overlooked by Alan
Pardew and with his West Ham career looking in doubt, the dismissal of
Pardew has actually saved Mark Noble. He was given a chance by Curbishley in
the FA Cup tie against Brighton in which he got himself of the score sheet
with a nice finish. It would be eight games later where would next see him
start, against Spurs in the 3-4 game. Noble scored a wonderful goal set up
by Tevez. He would start every game from then till the final game showing a
passion only matched by the fans watching. It made Reo Coker's half
interested effort look stupid as Noble proved he was the real deal – not
only full of desire but also a handy footballer. His performance against
Bolton (h) was simply outstanding and his goal was voted the WHO Goal of the
Season. Mark Noble has been a revelation this season. He may not have been
part of a large chunk of it but the impact he made on the final few months
will always been remembered.
Apps: League 10 Cup 1
Goals: 3
Bookings: 2

Nigel Quashie
I think the criticism aimed at Quashie isn't because he is hated by fans but
it is more to do with the circumstances surrounding his selection and the
quite strange decision to persist in playing him whilst refusing to play
Javier Mascherano or even Hayden Mullins. You can understand why he was
signed – Curbishley obviously saw the lack of fight in the team and a player
like Quashie will give that in abundance. The thing is players like Quashie
play in the championship for a reason – they are championship players. Its
not about fight or effort its about quality and no matter how much you
battle if you haven't got the quality to pass, shoot, be aware on the ball,
tackle, head and make an impact on a game then you do not have any place in
this countries top division. You only have to look at the type of teams he
was playing in before – they didn't get relegated through lack of effort –
just lack of quality. Quashie made his debut for the club in the 3-3 against
Fulham where he put in a tidy if unspectacular performance. His lack of
control of the ball was something which could be picked up on during that
game. He was excellent away at Newcastle where him and Reo Coker dominated a
poor Newcastle midfield. But the rest of his West Ham starts were totally
unconvincing and I really hope we never have to endure any more. The Spurs
home game would be the last time we would see Quashie – not even making the
bench for the remaining nine games.
Apps: League 7 Cup 1
Bookings: 2

Kyle Reid
Reid got his chance at the back end of last season with Alan Pardew giving
him an opportunity to play on the left. He looked a decent prospect with the
ability to cross well. He only got the one chance in the side this season
starting in the 2-1 defeat at Chesterfield. It was his chance to impress and
he just didn't manage to do that. He was sent out on loan to Barnsley where
he helped them stay in the Championship and it seems the general feeling is
that they would like to keep him. I don't think Reid has much of a future at
West Ham when at one point it looked as though he had.
Apps: Cup 1

Matthew Etherington
Another player who let himself down big style this season. Last season there
was even talk of him forcing his way into the England set up with him being
closely compared to Stewart Downing. I still think that if Etherington grew
some balls he could go on to be an international player. I always have
thought Etherington had the ability but it is a shame he is a snivelling
little coward who cannot pick himself up when fouled. I remember the game at
home to Newcastle. He started well enough, and then was hacked down about a
quarter of the way through – he never wanted to participate again during the
game. It wasn't injury – it was fear, and when you get to play at the level
that these players are at, fear should never be something you encounter, and
remember it's not fear of losing its fear of getting hurt. It says something
about the type of man Etherington is. Its funny though because just like
most of the underperforming players we have had amongst our ranks this
season, Etherington is another one who has shown the odd glimpse of class
that makes us question the criticism. For instance, against Arsenal (h)
Etherington was excellent and it was his persistence and wonderful cross for
Harewood which won us the game. But he never found consistency and most
supporters got fed up of his weak performances which saw him hide for the
majority. Players like him get you relegated when they are not up for it. A
bid from Wigan recently is a sign that he will be leaving in the not to
distance future and with Boa Morte being brought in, Etherington's time at
West Ham looks as though it is coming to an end. A former hammer of the
year, Matthew Etherington will be remembered as a decent left winger who
with a bit more courage and belief could have gone much further.
Apps: League 23 (6)
Bookings: 2
Grade: D (last season A)

Luis Boa Morte
I was delighted when we signed him from Fulham in January. I always thought
he was good player and wanted to sign him last summer. So we sign him and he
comes into the side for the game against Brighton in the cup and sets up a
couple of goals – all going very well – but then he started to play like a
complete cunt – his performance against Aston Villa being that straw. This
saw him out of the side for the next seven games (an injury mixed in with
that also) but with the poor form of Etherington he became the lesser of two
evils. I didn't think his performance were all that much from then on in but
he did enough to warrant his place in the first team line up and scored his
first goal for the club against Wigan at the JJB when he got to the ball
before the keeper and chipped it over him. He has obviously skill but looks
very lethargic both on the ball and off it. I don't think he has won
everyone ever yet and I am sure there is more from Boa Morte to come as so
far I am not a big fan.
Apps: League 9 (4) Cup 1
Goals: 1
Bookings: 1

Strikers

Bobby Zamora
A brilliant start and a brilliant finish sums Bobby Zamora's season up
perfectly – because that is what it was. He started on fire with goals
coming in his first four games and although his all round performances left
a lot to be desired, goals were the important factor and we were just glad
he was scoring them as no one else was. There was an element of luck in his
first few goals. The goals against Charlton was just the start of the lucky
goals – a great cross from Bowyer saw him tap the ball in on the line and
the second goal was even luckier with a turn and mis hit with his right foot
saw the ball bamboozle the goal keeper , hit the post and the player going
to clear it off the line totally missed the ball. His goal against Liverpool
was a cross which was mishit and somehow went in, and his goal against Villa
was a header from Konchesky which hit him on the arse and went in. But I
guess you have to be in the positions to score them.

After the goal against Villa, Bobby would not score again for an amazing 23
games. The goal he got came against Fulham in the 3-3 game where he scored
the equaliser. But he would not end the game on the pitch as he was sent off
for a second bookable offence. It would be a further 8 games until he would
score his next goal – it came against Spurs in and was a goal which looked
as though it had given us the win but we all knew what happened then.
Zamora's season and the clubs would all change in the next game against
Blackburn. Bobby was credited with the goal that never was where his shot
although failed to go over the line was given by the referee. This gave
Bobby confidence and he score in his next game againt Boro' and the game
after at the Emirates where his goal was enough to beat Arsenal.

A truly wonderful strike at home to Everton saw Bobby get his 11th of the
season which he ended with. His performances in the last couple of months
were nothing short of amazing. If his early season goals had been lucky he
made his own luck in the final few games putting in some wonderful
performances which not only showed determination but a lot of quality too.
Apps: League 27 (5) Cup 2 (1) Euro 1 (1)
Goals: 11
Bookings: 2
Sent Off: 1 (Vs Fulham, home)
Grade: B+

Carlton Cole
Signed from Chelsea last summer to act as cover/competition for Zamora,
Harewood and Sheringham. On his debut against Charlton he came off the bench
only for a few minutes but managed to bag himself a goal which seemed to
prove him a good signing. But he struggled to get a game and when he did he
looked very unconvincing. His first start for the club came in the Uefa Cup
second leg tie in Palermo. I stated in my report that he "Was nuisance for
there defenders tonight but lacks that bit of class in my opinion." Nothing
much has changed since then with Cole rarely convincing the West Ham
faithful that he was the answer to our striking problems. His longest run in
the side was from Brighton FA Cup game till the Liverpool (h) match five
games later. In this period he managed to score two goals (one against
Brighton and the other against Newcastle at St James Park). After watching
Cole it is not a surprise that he has failed to hold down a first team place
at any of his former clubs. He is not consistent enough to make a real
impact and he will continue to be a journeyman footballer until he finds his
level – because this certainly isn't it. Can't see him being here next
season.
Apps: League 4 (12) Cup 2 Euro 1 (1)
Goal: 3
Bookings: 3
Grade: D

Teddy Sheringham
Much like the previous season Teddy only made an impact before Christmas and
was largely missing afterwards. With the team struggling his prescence was
welcomed and his footballing brain was key to getting results against both
Blackburn (h) and Arsenal (h). Of course his lack of pace and to be honest,
ability to run was a problem when he played as it was like playing with ten
men – but on the ball he was still clever and gave us that much needed pass
which would set something up. Dean Ashton has similar attributes and that is
why his signing was in effect a great replacement for Sheringham. But of
course his injury mean Sheringham would get more games than I thought he
would have. Pardew used him as a last resort but was forced into it with
Zamora, Harewood, Tevez and Cole all firing blanks. Sheringham would only
start three games during the course of the season but came off the bench
thirteen times. One of those times he came off the bench and cleverly
finished against Portsmouth (h) to get us back into the side. When Alan
Pardew left the club it signalled the end of Sheringham as an active member
of the side with Alan Curbishley preferring other players. Reports also came
out that Sheringham had won a large sum of money off another team mate in a
card game – one of many disrupting features to our season. His last start
for the club came in the 1-0 home defeat to Manchester City and I would
imagine that it is that game which will be his last. He has done well for
the club since he has been here chipping in with a number of goals and
assists.
Apps: League 3 (13) Cup (2) Euro (1)
Goals: 2
Bookings: 3
Grade: D+ (last season C)

Kepa Blanco
Despite scoring a good goal on his debut, Blanco made very little impact in
his time on loan here. His performances were never much to write home about
and he only managed the solitary start for the club, away to Aston Villa
where he was so anonymous he was replaced on the hour mark. The best part of
his game was his heading and I am sure he was brought in to do the job
Sheringham was no longer deemed good enough to do. But a few hard working
subistute appearances aside, Kepa Blanco was never going to be the answer to
our goal scoring problems and there is no way we will see him at the club
next season.
Apps: League 1 (6)
Goals: 1

Marlon Harewood
Harewood's season can only be described as extremely disappointing. He is a
player who has to play well all the time as the majority of fans cannot
stand him and have disliked him since his arrival four seasons ago. Despite
his goals fans have never taken to him. Personally I have always liked the
player that is Marlon Harewood. I have always found him to be a nuisance for
defenders and last season's goals seemed to vindicate my faith in him. This
season it just never happened for him, and a lot of his performances were
filled with a player lacking in confidence. The lowest part of his season
came against Watford (h) where he missed a penalty, not even getting the
ball on target. The highest point of his season had come a few months
earlier at home to Arsenal where he came off the bench and scored the
winning goal in the last minute. My theory with Harewood is that last season
when he wasn't scoring we had no one else to come in and replace him (as we
only had Sheringham and Zamora). This meant that we had to persist with him
in the side, and he came good in the end. This season we started the season
with Zamora, Cole, Sheringham, then Tevez and later Blanco. This meant the
pressure was on Harewood even more to produce and we have all come to
realise that he isn't the sharpest tool in the box and the pressure
obviously got to him. Mix this in with how awful the team were playing, the
lack of creativity in our side, and that we were not playing to Marlon's
strengths (ie; long ball to his head) and it all resulted in Harewood
looking very poor. Sometimes we would see the odd glimps of quality from him
like away at Newcastle when McCartney played a ball into his feet (which is
the key) and he simply rolled the defender and poked the ball home. There
wasn't enough of that from him this season. I would like to know why there
was such a reluctance to play Tevez with Harewood. It took four months for
this to actually happen and that was only kept together for two games. His
last goal came in the 3-0 win up at Wigan where Boa Morte unselfishly gave
him the easy opportunity to score. The future for Harewood looks uncertain
and although I would like to see him at the club, it isn't hard to imagine
that he won't be here next season.
Apps: League 20 (13) Cup: 1 Euro: 1 (1)
Goals: 4
Bookings: 5
Grade: D (last season A+)

Carlos Tevez
I had to save the best till last. Carlos Tevez has had such a impact on this
season and no matter where his future lies the great escape was led by him.
All the controversy surrounding the legality to play cannot overshadow the
impact he had on the football pitch. The last Ten games of the season saw
him score seven goals – goals which ended up keeping us in the division.
This makes his inability to score a goal in the previous six months even
more baffling. He was in and out of the team during Pardew's reign and
although he looked our most dangerous player every time he played, the goals
were no coming. Under Pardew the most games Tevez got in a row in the
premiership was four and that came at the end of November going into
December. His first goal for the club came in the epic 3-4 game at home to
Spurs where his free kick clipped off the bar and into the goal. The fans
went crazy and Tevez match it, running into the crowed to embrace the fans.
In my report I said that he was a "A world class player who has battled and
continues to battle for a football club which he owes nothing to.
Sensational." Everything came together for him after that – goals against
Blackburn, and Boro followed. His thunderbolt against Chelsea got us back
into that game (albeit momentarily) He was magnificent against Wigan where
although he didn't get on the score sheet, he controlled the game. Two goals
against Bolton soon followed – one from another free kick and the other a
neat finish. He also set up Mark Nobles thunderous volley in a game which he
was the best player on the pitch. To crown the season off he managed to
score the winner at Old Trafford rubbing his presence into the faces of
Sheffield United. Voted hammer of the season, the memory of Carlos Tevez
will live on for many years. How great would it be to see him here for next
season with the returning Dean Ashton back to fitness. It is almost mouth
watering (in a non gay way of course). Like West Ham's season – nothing was
happening for a long time and it looked destined to be failure – but Tevez
came good and ended up (along with a few others) saving our season.
Apps: League 18 (6) Cup: 1 Euro: 2
Goals: 7
Bookings: 4
Grade: A+

Well that's it for another season. A lot of players left themselves down
after doing so well in the previous campaign. There are going to be a lot of
changes to the squad and many of those players who were with us in those
Championship years are going to find themselves elsewhere come next season.

With new owners, a new stadium planned, money to spend and ambition to
match, these are once again exciting times to be a West Ham fan. But as we
know with this club – anything can happen.

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Nigel's for sale - Telegraph
Last Updated: 3:20am BST 29/05/2007

Nigel Reo-Coker is set to leave West Ham after handing in a transfer
request. West Ham manager Alan Curbishley reportedly wants £8 million for
the England Under-21 midfielder and could receive offers from Tottenham,
Arsenal, Aston Villa and Newcastle. His agent, Tony Finnigan, said: "I'm
surprised a Londoner who is captain of his club is being allowed to leave.
At the end of the day, he never felt wanted.''

New Tevez twist

Relegated Sheffield United have refused to give up their share in the
Premier League as the Carlos Tevez row turns increasingly ugly. United are
furious that West Ham, who stayed up, escaped a points deduction after
failing to register Argentine signings Tevez and Javier Mascherano properly.
A United statement said ''that until the arbitration looking into the Tevez
matter is resolved, it [United] remains a Premiership club.'' A Premier
League spokesman said that, if United did not return the share, it would be
"unilaterally transferred to a promoted club...at our AGM this Thursday''.

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Tottenham and Arsenal go to war over wantaway Hammer Reo-Coker - This Is
London
28.05.07

Tottenham and Arsenal are ready to renew North London hostilities over the
signing of West Ham midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker. The England Under-21
international has slapped in a transfer request at Upton Park and will be
allowed to leave if any club matches the Hammers' £8million valuation on
him. The former Wimbledon star's advisor, Tony Finnigan, said: "I can
confirm that Nigel has handed in a transfer request. I am surprised as
captain he is being allowed to leave. "At the end of the day he never felt
wanted but I am sure he will have a bright future elsewhere."

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Reo-Coker aims to reject Spurs for £9m Arsenal move
Jeremy Wilson
Tuesday May 29, 2007
The Guardian

Nigel Reo-Coker is fending off interest from Tottenham to hold out for the
possibility of a move to Arsenal or Manchester United. West Ham want about
£9m for their captain, who submitted a transfer request after feeling he was
not part of Alan Curbishley's long-term plans. It is understood that
Tottenham have signalled their interest but the 23-year-old appears to have
set his sights on moving to a club in the Champions League. Reo-Coker's
adviser, Tony Finnigan, yesterday confirmed that the midfielder would be
leaving West Ham this season after just over three years at the club. "He is
going and there is a lot of interest," he said.

Reo-Coker came within minutes of lifting the FA Cup last year but was booed
by some fans this season as the club flirted with relegation. Any
disappointment at White Hart Lane over his apparent preference for Arsenal
will be tempered by news that Robbie Keane has agreed a new five-year
contract. The Irishman's long-term commitment to Spurs will inevitably
provoke fresh speculation about the future of Jermain Defoe but Martin Jol
is to reassure the England striker that he remains integral to his plans.
Tottenham played 59 games while competing on four fronts over the past
season and Defoe, Keane and Dimitar Berbatov scored 68 goals between them in
club and international football.

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Reo-Coker snubs Spurs for Arsenal move
tribalfooball.com - May 28, 2007

West Ham midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker is set to choose a £9 million move to
Arsenal over Tottenham. The Guardian says it is understood that Tottenham
have signalled their interest but the 23-year-old appears to have set his
sights on moving to a club in the Champions League. Reo-Coker came within
minutes of lifting the FA Cup last year but was booed by some fans this
season as the club flirted with relegation.

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West Ham To Move Quickly For Reo-Coker Replacement - West Ham Fans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 28 May, 2007 - 19:33.

Jason Koumas has emerged as a Hammers transfer target following the Baggies
defeat in the Championship play off final against Derby, a result that will
also see the return to the Premiership of ex-Hammer Stephen Bywater who kept
goal with some aplomb for the Rams. Koumas has been linked with a move to
the Boleyn before and would welcome the chance to join up with his Wales
International colleagues James Collins and Danny Gabbidon, it is unlikely
that the player will stay at the Hawthorns and the only question is really
which club he goes to as West Brom will need to cash in one of their prize
assets sooner rather than later. At 28 years old Koumas is still young but
is an extremely experienced player who did not look out of place when
playing in the Premiership, he does have a bit of an attitude but has shown
that he can be worth going the extra mile for, he has also remained
relatively injury free throughout his career, a point that would not have
gone unnoticed by Alan Curbishley who will be looking to avoid the sort of
injury crisis that almost saw Hammers relegated. West Brom will hold out for
as much cash as possible, but the prospect of playing for West Ham will
probably provide Koumas and his agent with the impetus to push the deal
through. - Ed

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