05/06/2007 11:13
Three young Hammers will be hoping to play a part in tonight's England
Under-21 friendly against Slovakia at Carrow Road. Mark Noble, Nigel
Reo-Coker and Anton Ferdinand are all in the squad for the upcoming European
Under-21s Championships in Holland and tonight's match is a chance for them
to showcase their talents ahead of the big tournament. The match against
Slovakia will be England's final preparation game before the Championships,
when they kick off against the Czech Republic in Arnhem on Monday 11 June.
Tickets for tonight's game are on sale now from the Ticket Hotline 0870 444
1902, priced £10 adults and £5 concessions.
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Chairman reveals our lucky mascot! - WHUFC
05/06/2007 13:01
While the likes of Carlos Tevez, Lucas Neill, Alan Curbishley and co rightly
earned the plaudits for our successful battle against relegation at the end
of last season, Chairman Eggert Magnusson has revealed that the team also
had a lucky mascot to count on. 14-year-old Alex Lee - the son of Mr
Magnusson's PR advisor Mike Lee - attended a total of 10 matches following
the takeover of the Club in November…and didn't see the Hammers lose a
single one of them!
The remarkable record began with our 1-0 home victory over Sheffield United
in November and then continued with Alan Curbishley's first match in charge
a month later - the 1-0 win over Manchester United on December 17. After
witnessing our FA Cup third round victory over Brighton, sandwiched between
two Premier League draws against Fulham, Alex then attended the 2-0 home
victory over Middlesbrough at the end of March, before enjoying the final
four matches of the season - all victories against Everton, Wigan, Bolton
and Manchester United at Old Trafford on the final day.
Considering that West Ham United avoided defeat in just 13 of the 27 league
and cup matches played since Mr Magnusson's arrival, Alex's fortune in being
present for 10 of those occasions - a ratio that any top goalscorer would be
proud of! - is all the more significant...and certainly not lost on our
grateful Chairman.
"It is quite amazing that Alex attended 10 games and did not see us lose!"
says Mr Magnusson. "Towards the end of the season, it became almost a
superstition, and when we travelled to Old Trafford on the final day, I
insisted that Alex accompanied us!
"Of course, our performances on the pitch were the reason that we avoided
relegation, but superstition and luck is a big factor to a lot of people
involved in football, and I certainly felt confident knowing that Alex was
there with us at the end of the season."
Young Alex, meanwhile, is modest about his involvement, and admits he was
just delighted to enjoy the experience of following Alan Curbishley's men as
they pulled off the great escape.
"I'm not so sure it was down to me," he says. "But Mr Magnusson basically
thought that I was something of a lucky mascot, and the more games I
attended, the more that seemed to be the case.
"I missed a couple of matches after we beat Middlesbrough at the end of
March, and Mr Magnusson joked with my dad that he wouldn't pay him if he
didn't make sure that I got to the games, so I came to the last four and we
won them all!
"I was just happy that the team managed to stay up and that they will be
playing in the Premier League again. I'm sure I'll eventually see West Ham
lose one day, but hopefully my run can continue for a bit longer at the
start of next season!"
For the record, the games attended by Alex last season were:
Nov 25 v Sheffield United (h), won 1-0
Dec 17 v Manchester United (h), won 1-0
Dec 23 v Fulham (a), drew 0-0
Jan 6 v Brighton & Hove Albion (h), won 3-0
Jan 13 v Fulham (h), drew 3-3
Mar 31 v Middlesbrough (h), won 2-0
Apr 21 v Everton (h), won 1-0
Apr 28 v Wigan Athletic (a), won 3-0
May 5 v Bolton Wanderers (h), won 3-1
May 13 v Manchester United (a), won 1-0
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Swindlers, tax dodgers and nasty racists! - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 5th June 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Website contributor Emdad Rahman has caused something of a stir this morning
by claiming that white West Ham United supporters are 'nasty racists'.
Married Rahman, who lives in Tower Hamlets and is, according to the
Guardian, a 'schools Education and Attendance Advisor' - as well as a part
time writer/journalist and editorial assistant for the London Muslim -
panned white Hammers fans in an article which appeared on the little known
website soccerlens.com earlier today. In the piece - headed by an image of a
Nazi swastika, and interpreted by many as little more than a thinly veiled
racist attack - Rahman claimed that United supporters financed their away
trips through 'swindling, tax dodging and unlawful earnings' which 'go a
hell of a long way towards subsidising a good trip up North.' He also cites
an excerpt from the New Statesman in which Ron Atkinson - recently thrown
off TV for racist comments made about former Chelsea defender Marcel
Desailly - is called a 'progressive manager' who pioneered black footballers
in England.
Website editor Ahmed Bilal has since removed the 'reply' option for readers
comments following criticism from West Ham United followers.
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Harewood on his way - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 5th June 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Marlon Harewood has been told he can leave West Ham United, according to
reports. The 27-year-old striker has spent the last four years at West Ham
after signing in a cut-price £500,000 switch from Nottingham Forest in
November 2003. But it appears that he has played his last game for the club
after being told that he is the latest to be heading for the exit.
Hampstead-born Harewood has hit 56 goals for the Hammers in his spell at
Upton Park. He is currently just one appearance shy of making 150 starts
(although he has made an additional 21 appearances from the bench, the
majority of which - 19 of those 21 - came last season). The married striker
found himself in the News of the World last year after he was 'exposed' by a
'lover' who claimed he had called himself Marlon Martin in order to hide his
identity. Despite those problems he managed to score 16 goals last season -
including the FA CUP semi-final winner over Middlesbrough. However his form
has hit rock bottom this season with Harewood scoring on just four occasions
- hence the management's decision to allow him to move on. Despite the news
having just broken a number of clubs - including the likes of Wigan and
Manchester City - are said to be interested in procuring Harewood's
services. He is likely to cost any prospective buyers around £3m.
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Two horse race for Barton - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 5th June 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Joey Barton will decide whether to join West Ham United or Newcastle after
both clubs had bids for the player accepted by Manchester City. The
24-year-old midfielder - who has been told he can leave Eastlands after an
incident where it is alleged he punched team-mate Ousmane Dabo during a
training ground clash - had his £5.5m release clause met by both clubs and
is now set to choose between the two. The Hammers are thought to have the
upper hand as the player is thought to prefer a move to the capital, despite
Newcastle having first dibs at talking to Barton. He is due to meet
representatives from the North East club later today, with a meeting with
West Ham scheduled for later in the week.
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Newcastle & West Ham want Barton - BBC
By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer
Manchester City outcast Joey Barton is poised to hold transfer talks with
Newcastle and West Ham after both clubs agreed £5.5m deals. The 24-year-old
is on his way out of City after an alleged training ground assault on
team-mate Ousmane Dabo. He will travel to Tyneside for talks with Newcastle
boss Sam Allardyce on Tuesday
But BBC Sport understands West Ham have now also been given permission to
hold discussions with Barton. New Newcastle boss Allardyce will hope to
strike deal with Barton during initial talks, but West Ham now represent a
serious threat as boss Alan Curbhishley embarks on a massive spending spree.
He is close to signing Newcastle captain Scott Park and has also been linked
with a £13m move for Everton's England striker Andrew Johnson.
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Striker Harewood to leave Hammers - BBC
West Ham have told striker Marlon Harewood he can leave the club after
three-and-a-half years at Upton Park. Harewood, 27, says he is looking
forward to a new challenge and Wigan, Manchester City and Portsmouth have
all been linked with the £4m-rated hitman. "I think it's time for me to
leave," admitted Harewood. "The manager wants to bring in his own players
and this happens everywhere, it's football." Harewood scored only four goals
in 35 games for the Hammers last season.
That followed a fine first season in the Premiership when the former
Nottingham Forest striker bagged 16 goals from 43 games. "I want to be
playing football, I love it," added Harewood. "I had a great season before
last for West Ham but last season wasn't the best for me. "But I'm so up for
next season. I just can't wait to be scoring again and winning games for a
team, that's what I want to be doing."
Harewood started his career with Forest and joined the Hammers for £500,000
in November 2003. He scored a total of 56 goals in 170 appearances for West
Ham.
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BARTON IN MAGPIES MEDICAL - Sky
By Tom Adams - Created on 5 Jun 2007
Sky Sports News understands Joey Barton is undergoing a medical at
Newcastle's St James' Park. Both West Ham and The Magpies have matched the
£5.5million release clause stipulated in the midfielder's contract and
Barton has spent the day on Tyneside talking with Sam Allardyce. The
Manchester City man - who will move on from Eastlands after his training
ground bust-up with Ousmane Dabo - is now undertaking a medical at Newcastle
ahead of any proposed move. It is believed that Barton will also seek to
speak with Hammers boss Alan Curbishley, after skysports.com revealed that
the London club had emerged as rival suitors for his signature.
In a complicated scenario, Newcastle signing Barton could be contingent on
West Ham recruiting Scott Parker from the North East club.
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Harewood set for Hammers exit - Sky
By Peter ORourke - Created on 5 Jun 2007
Marlon Harewood has been told he can leave West Ham. The former Nottingham
Forest striker has been informed he does not figure in Alan Curbishley's
plans and can move on for the right fee. Harewood has been at West Ham since
November 2003 and he scored 56 goals in 170 appearances for the club. News
of Harewood's availability has alerted a number clubs with the likes of
Manchester City, Portsmouth and Wigan all credited with an interest in the
speedy forward. The 27-year-old confirmed he will be moving on from Upton
Park and he is seeking a fresh challenge. "I think it's time for me to leave
West Ham," said Harewood. "I've had four good years at the club but now it's
time for me to find a new challenge. "I've had a chat with the new manager
and he obviously wants to bring his own players in, it happens everywhere."
Harewood endured a difficult season last term and he is keen to get back
playing on a regular basis next season. "I want to be playing football, I
love it," added Harewood. "I had a great season before last for West Ham
playing 43 games and scoring 16 goals but last season wasn't the best for
me. "But I'm so up for next season. I just can't wait to be scoring again
and winning games for a team, that's what I want to be doing."
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Tenorio targets Prem move - Sky
By Patricio Figueroa - Created on 5 Jun 2007
Carlos Tenorio has put English clubs on alert by confirming a desire to play
in the Premiership next season. The Ecuador striker is currently based in
Qatar where he plies his trade with Al-Sadd but is keen to secure a switch
to one of the top leagues in Europe over the summer. Bolton, Portsmouth,
Birmingham, Sunderland, West Ham and Wigan are all believed to be tracking
Tenorio, who claims he will be allowed to head for pastures new following
the Copa America. Tenorio believes the time is right to try his luck in the
Premiership, although he admits he is yet to receive any formal offers from
clubs interested in his services. "I must say that I am very thankful for
all the titles that I have won in Qatar but the truth is that at this point
in my career I would like to play for some European team," Tenorio told
South American press. "I always think a lot about the Premier League because
it's a championship that has great quality. Spain and Italy could be good
places to play too but the league that attracts me most is the English. "For
the moment I am still under contract for one more year in Qatar and I have
everything that I need and I will always be thankful to these people that
have treated me so kindly. "I haven't received any offers yet so I have to
return to Qatar after the Copa America but if a proposal arrives I know that
there will not be any problem with the board members of my team because they
know that I want to improve as a professional."
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West Ham star set for Celtic? - Vital Football
Out-of-favour West Ham striker Marlon Harewood has been linked with a move
to a number of clubs including Celtic, according to reports. The 27-year-old
has had a poor season by his standards, scoring just three goals in 31 games
and making even Celtic's current strikers look proficient. Some fans of the
London club turned on Harewood as the club battled against relegation -
eventually successfully - and the exploits of Carlos Tevez snatched all of
the headlines. Harewood said: "I think it's time for me to leave West Ham.
I've had four good years. I've had a chat with the manager and it's clear he
wants to bring in new players. It happens at every club. I'm on holiday at
the moment and will think about it when I get back." Given that Celtic
clearly had problems scoring last season, signing a player who has lost his
scoring touch doesn't seem to be the best way forward. But at least this
link is slightly better than the Robbie Fowler claims that were doing the
rounds last week.
However, signing a striker who can actually strike has to be Gordon
Strachan's next transfer move.
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Dilemma for Barton - LondonView
Manchester City bad boy Joey Barton is mulling up a move to either Newcastle
United or West Ham United after both clubs had offers of £5.5 million
accepted. Barton has been linked with a move away from Eastlands since being
suspended by the club for an alleged training ground assault on team-mate
Ousmane Dabo. The controversial midfielder must now decide whether to join
the respective revolutions of Sam Allardyce's Newcastle or Alan Curbishley's
West Ham. "Manchester City FC can confirm that Joey Barton has requested
permission to speak to two clubs," a statement on the club's website said.
"Newcastle United and West Ham United have submitted bids of £5.5 million or
more for the player's services." Allardyce, who took over the reins at St
James' Park after Glenn Roeder was sacked at the end of the season, needs a
midfield enforcer to replace West Ham-bound captain Scott Parker. But
Curbishley is keen to pair Barton with Parker in the middle of the park,
with Hammers captain Nigel Reo-Coker almost certain to move away from Upton
Park in the Premiership midfielder merry-go-round. Tyneside is believed to
be Barton's preferred destination however, with Newcastle also close to
wrapping up the signing of Middlesbrough hitman Mark Viduka as Allardyce
continues to rebuild.
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Transfer speculation: Jermain Defoe to West Ham United (£10m) -
SquareFootball
Colin Illingworth
05/06/2007 13:47:34.
Player: Jermain Defoe
From: Tottenham Hotspur
To: West Ham United
Cost: £10m
Source: News of the World (02.06.07)
Likely?: 1/5
I wish Jermain Defoe would just come out and say that he is happy to stay at
White Hart Lane because I'm getting fed up of seeing his named linked with
every club that has money to spend. This time around the News of the World
reports that if Alan Curbishley loses out in the fight for Darren Bent then
he is willing to bring Jermain Defoe back to Upton Park. It's a move that is
unlikely to see the Upton Park club shop packed with supporters clambering
to have his name on the back of their shirts.
Defoe infuriated the West Ham fans by slapping in a transfer request the day
after they were relegated back in 2003. He later apologised and withdrew the
request, but it was clear that his heart wasn't with the club and he soon
moved to Tottenham in a deal worth £7 million, with Bobby Zamora coming the
other way. Hammers fans have long memories and they have never forgiven
Defoe for his actions. Yes he is a decent player with terrific pace, an eye
for goal and an explosive right foot shot, and he could be a great partner
for Dean Ashton, but he would have to go a long way to win over the West Ham
fans. And with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea sniffing around
Defoe I just can't see him going back to Upton Park to put himself up to be
shot at by his own supporters.
I've said it before, and I'll probably have to say it another 20 times this
summer, but if Spurs want to break in to the top four then they need to keep
their best strikers, and that includes Defoe. And if Martin Jol had to let
one of his strikers leave it would have to be Mido.
Until Eggart Magnusson closes his wallet West Ham are going to be linked
with every half-decent player, but I just can't see Defoe going back to
Upton Park.
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Villa's £7m Reo-Coker bid - Daily Express
Villa have bid £7m for West Ham captain Nigel Reo-Coker, according to
sources in London. Boss Martin O'Neill is in pole position to sign the
England under-21s skipper, and is now believed to have stepped up his
interest with an offer for the midfielder. Sources in the capital insist the
way is clear for Villa to snap up the 23-year-old as Martin O'Neill's first
summer signing. The Hammers are believed to be keen to accept Villa's offer
with interest from Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle not forthcoming.
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Riga: I Mustapha move to England - TeamTalk
Mustapha Riga, who is being chased by Middlesbrough, Manchester City, Wigan,
West Ham and Portsmouth, admits he wants to play in England. Boro boss
Gareth Southgate is just one of a host of Premiership managers said to be
interested in the Levante winger and it is believed the Spanish club have
already knocked back an offer of £1.3million from the North-East club. The
Middlesbrough Evening Gazette claims representatives from City, Wigan, West
Ham and Pompey, as well as Boro, were all present to see Riga score twice
and help Levante all-but secure their place in La Liga next season with a
2-0 victory over Racing Santander. But while Riga admits it would be a dream
to play in England, the chasing pack may have to double Boro's offer in
order to land the 25-year-old. RIga said: "It is certain for a month now
that there have been several clubs from England looking at me and that want
to sign me. "But I have not been saying anything because the first thing was
to save Levante. "Now that we are safe in La Liga I can say yes, the
interest exists and I know that they are going to make an offer soon. "I
just want the best thing for everyone, and I cannot deny that I would like
to play in England. "One of my dreams as a footballer was to be in the
Premier League. "I could have gone before I joined Levante but I thought it
was best to come to Spain. "Now after two years here, I have fulfilled the
objectives that I gave myself and now I would like to play in England." "I
came for free to Levante and I believe I have proved myself as they
expected. "Now the offers have arrived and they will duplicate my pay and I
just believe this is the best thing, especially for a player who cost the
club nothing." The Evening Gazette also claims Boro have agreed a fee with
Arsenal for Jeremie Aliadiere and are awating an answer from the striker.
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Harewood hankers for fresh start - TeamTalk
West Ham striker Marlon Harewood admits he is looking forward to a fresh
challenge after being told he can leave Upton Park this summer. The
27-year-old has confirmed he will leave the Hammers after an end-of season
meeting with Alan Curbishley. Portsmouth, Manchester City and Wigan are just
three of the clubs already showing an interest in the £4million-rated
forward. He said: "I think it's time for me to leave West Ham. I've had four
good years at the club but now it's time for me to find a new challenge.
"I've had a chat with the new manager and he obviously wants to bring his
own players in, it happens everywhere." Harewood, who fired the Hammers to
the FA Cup final in 2006 with the winning goal against Middlesbrough in the
semi-final, is desperate to play first-team top-flight football after
falling out of favour at Upton Park. He scored just three Premiership goals
this season, but feels he still has plenty to offer. He continued: "I want
to be playing football, I love it.
"I had a great season before last for West Ham playing 43 games and scoring
16 goals but last season wasn't the best for me. "But I'm so up for next
season. I just can't wait to be scoring again and winning games for a team,
that's what I want to be doing." The former Nottingham Forest forward is
currently out of the country and will be discussing his options when he gets
back. He said: "I'm on holiday at the moment having a bit of relaxation
time, I'm not even thinking about football, but it's in good hands with the
PMA (Professional Management Agency)."
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West Ham bid for Copenhagen defender Gravgaard
tribalfooball.com - June 05, 2007
West Ham United are preparing a bid for FC Copenhagen defender Michael
Gravgaard. The big Dane has Newcastle United and Aston Villa chasing his
signature, however it's understood cashed-up West Ham are ready to offer
Copenhagen £2.5 million for the centre-half.
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Villa close in on West Ham's Reo-Coker
tribalfooball.com - June 05, 2007
Aston Villa are closing in on West Ham United midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker.
The Daily Express says Villa held talks with West Ham over the weekend
regarding a fee for Reo-Coker. Villa may face new competition from
Newcastle, however, with Toon boss Sam Allardyce expected to move for the
midfielder should West Ham beat him for Manchester City's Joey Barton.
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Boa Morte expecting a "great season next year" - Portugoal.net
Winger aiming to bounce back from low-key campaign
Portuguese forward Luis Boa Morte says he is keen to stay with English side
West Ham United, after helping the Hammers stay in the Premiership. The
former Arsenal man joined the London side from city rivals Fulham in January
after an inconsistent first half of the season. Although he struggled for
form and fitness at first, Boa Morte played a crucial role in the final
weeks of the campaign as West Ham managed to survive on the final day of the
season. "I am with West Ham, I have a contract and I will stay there," said
the Portuguese international, who has regularly been linked with moves to
Tottenham and Newcastle. "It was a difficult year. After the World Cup I was
injured and I didn't get to train and recover properly. Now I am going to
rest, have a good pre-season and make sure I have a great season next year."
The 29-year-old has also given his view on the latest players to move from
Portugal to English football, after watching Nani and Anderson sign for
champions Manchester United. Boa Morte came through the ranks at Sporting,
and has praised his former club for their continued record for nurturing and
developing of talent.
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Hammers let Marlon move - The Sun
By MIKE ANSTEAD
June 05, 2007
MARLON HAREWOOD is being chased by five clubs after being told he has no
future at West Ham. The striker is not in Hammers boss Alan Curbishley's
plans as he rings the changes ahead of next season. Harewood, 27, struggled
in front of goal last year as his side narrowly escaped relegation from the
Premiership. And Curbs is keen to offload the ex-Nottingham Forest star as
he seeks to bring in top talent at Upton Park. Wigan are leading the chase
for Harewood, although Manchester City, Sunderland and Portsmouth are also
interested. Ex-Hammers boss Alan Pardew — now at relegated Charlton — is
another manager monitoring the situation. Harewood said: "I think it's time
for me to leave West Ham. I've had four good years at the club but now it's
time for me to find a new challenge. "I've had a chat with the new manager
and he obviously wants to bring his own players in — it happens everywhere.
"I want to be playing football, I love it. I had a great season before last
for West Ham playing 43 games and scoring 16 goals but last season wasn't
the best for me. "I'm so up for next season. I just can't wait to be scoring
again and winning games for a team — that's what I want to be doing."
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West Ham offer mega contract to Newcastle target Barton
tribalfooball.com - June 05, 2007
West Ham United will offer a staggering £1 million-a-year more than
Newcastle United to Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton. Hammers chairman
Eggert Magnusson has put together a £4m-a-season contract for the Manchester
City star - even bigger than the £60,000-a-week from Newcastle, says the
Mirror. Barton is due to speak to Toon chief Sam Allardyce today before
heading to see Hammers' Alan Curbishley.
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Tevez keeps Hammers in suspense - Daily Mail
Last updated at 09:52am on 5th June 2007
Carlos Tevez, who scored in Argentina's 1-1 draw against Switzerland in
Basle on Saturday, is keeping West Ham guessing about where he will be in
August. The striker, pictured training in Barcelona's Nou Camp for
tomorrow's friendly against Argelia, said: "I have not decided where I will
play next season." He added: "I'm only thinking about the national team." He
has since been linked with moves elsewhere even though his registration
remains a source of consternation in England.
Tevez is the subject of a dispute which has led to Sheffield United
launching a legal challenge against their relegation. Argentina are
preparing for the Copa America, which takes place in Venezuela between June
26 and July 15.
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Gabbidon's fear over future - southwalesargus.co.uk
By Michael Pearlman
DANNY Gabbidon has admitted he fears for his West Ham United future after a
season wrecked by injuries. In the wake of his return to competitive
football at the weekend, Gabbidon has lifted the lid on his frustration
after virtually six months on the sidelines. The Cwmbran-born defender made
his comeback for Wales in last Saturday's draw with New Zealand, his first
appearance since suffering a groin injury against Fulham on January 13 that
required him to go under the knife. Gabbidon performed admirably in the 0-0
Euro 2008 qualifier against the Czech Republic on Saturday and is
desperately hoping club boss Alan Curbishley was watching. Fearing he could
become the forgotten man at Upton Park, Gabbidon - West Ham's player of the
year in 2005/6 - admits he fears for his future. He explained: "I am worried
that the manager hasn't seen very much of me, I only played a couple of
games when he came in and then I got injured. "I will have to have a good
pre-season and impress the manager, and hopefully he was watching me play
for Wales and that has helped my case. "He will have seen James (Collins)
and I can play together and it would be brilliant if we can play together
for club and country next season. "I really want to be a part of things at
West Ham. I want to stay fit and play as much as I can. "It is exciting
times for the club, especially now because it seems like there is money to
spend. "Staying in the Premiership was massive for us and it should be an
exciting few weeks seeing who joins the club. "It was hugely frustrating
being sat on the sidelines unable to help the team, I wanted to get out
there and help them to improve when we were at the bottom of the league.
"But the team was fantastic over the last seven or eight games, we survived
and now we can look forward."
Gabbidon is also backing Craig Bellamy to shine in the role of Wales skipper
now that Ryan Giggs has retired from the international arena. Gabbidon is
convinced captaincy can take Bellamy to a whole new level, though he is
bracing himself for a few more verbal blasts on the field! "Craig will be a
different captain to Ryan, who is quiet and leads by his performances," he
said. "Ryan gives advice on and off the pitch, but Craig will do that as
well. "Obviously Craig is a lot more vocal and enthusiastic than Ryan. He
will probably shout more than him, but that is the way he is. "We all
respect Craig because he is a great player, so we will listen if he shouts
at us! "Sometimes things have to be taken on board by the players when the
captain speaks to the team. I have no doubt Craig will be a great captain.
"I think it will make him an even better player, he will enjoy the extra
responsibility and realise he can raise his game even more. I think it'll
bring the best football out of him."
Gabbidon was furious with the harsh criticism he received from former Wales
defender Kevin Ratcliffe before Saturday's clash with the Czechs and was
keen to address the Everton legend's assessment that Gabbidon and Collins
shouldn't play together. "I don't care what Kevin Ratcliffe said," he
explained. "I don't read what he has to say and I am not the least bit
interested in his views. "To suggest James and I can't play together is
ridiculous, we've done it for years and I think we proved on Saturday we can
do it very well. "We won't worry about him at all."
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