11/06/2007 09:00
England will be hoping that the inclusion of three West Ham United players
in their squad for a major international tournament this summer will again
lead to glory - as the Under-21s begin their European Championship finals
campaign in Holland this evening. Anton Ferdinand, Mark Noble and Nigel
Reo-Coker will all be hoping for a piece of the action tonight as Stuart
Pearce's men face their opening group game against the Czech Republic in
Arnhem. Following a 5-0 friendly win against Slovakia at Norwich last week,
in which Noble made his under-21 debut as a substitute and Reo-Coker scored
his first goal at this level, the young Hammers will be aiming to follow in
the footsteps of Moore, Hurst and Peters by leading their country to
success. Tonight's game kicks off at 5.15pm BST and is live on Sky Sports.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dagenham & Redbridge tickets on sale - WHUFC
11/06/2007 14:42
Be the first to book your place at the Hammers opening pre-season friendly
at Dagenham and Redbridge on July 14 as tickets for the fixture are on sale
now!
Seats - Adults £15 Concessions £10.00
Terrace - Adults £10 Concessions £7.50
Tickets are now on general sale from the WHUFC ticket office - call 0870 112
2700 for more information.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Roma clash confirmed - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 11th June 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
West Ham United have confirmed that they will face Italian Serie A outfit
Roma in their final pre-season friendly this summer. The Italian giants will
face the Hammers at The Boleyn Ground on Saturday, 4th August - a week ahead
of the 07/08 Premier League campaign kicks off. Roma - who made the quarter
finals of the Champions league this season before succumbing to Manchester
United - also won the Coppa Italia and finished runners-up to Inter (who
they beat in the Coppa Italia) in this season's Serie A. Some of their
best-known players include Francesco Totti, French inteernational Philippe
Mexes and recently capped Daniele De Rossi.
Perhaps more notorious that many Roma players however are the club's fans -
the Ultras - who were involved in violent scenes in Manchester ahead of last
season's Champions League quarter final second leg.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble looks ahead - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 11th June 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
United midfielder Mark Noble says he is looking forward to playing in the
European under-21 Championships, which kick off for England later today.
Stuart Pearce's young charges face the Czech Republic later this afternoon
in their first match of Group B, which also features Italy and Serbia. And
Noble - who is in the squad along with fellow Hammers Anton Ferdinand and
Nigel Reo-Coker - says he is delighted that a planned family holiday had to
be cancelled due to a call from former Hammer Pearce last month. "I had
booked a holiday to Mexico," he said, "but I got the phone call [from
Stuart] and was buzzing. The missus was buzzing too because I wasn't going
to Mexico! "All the people at West Ham had been saying 'don't book any
holidays because you could get called up'."
Noble - who only became a first team regular with the Hammers in March - has
represented England at all youth levels, and added the under-21s to his
portfolio last week when he made a debut appearance in the 5-0 friendly win
over Estonia at Carrow Road. The second-youngest member of Pearce's squad
has now represented England at all levels from under-16, and firmly believes
that that experience will hold him in good stead for the Euros. "I hope my
experience of playing tournament football and getting to the later rounds
can help," he said. "But the next step is to win one. Cesc Fábregas scored
the winning penalty against us in the [under 17s] semi-finals for Spain and
Abou Diaby was playing for France when we played them in the [under 19s]
final."
Reflecting on the 06/07 season - in which Noble played a vital role in West
Ham's remarkable escape from relegation - he added: "It was a mad last 10
games. no one could believe that we had done it - and nor could we really.
Everyone thought it was finished. We did, and I think the fans did as well.
"But Winning at Manchester United to stay up was unbelievable. They were
celebrating the Premier League that day and I felt like we had just won the
Premier League. "It has been a fantastic few months of my life." You can
see England's clash with the Czech Republic on SkySports this afternoon. The
game kicks-off at 5.15pm.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Anton eyes big brother link-up - Sky
By Peter ORourke - Created on 11 Jun 2007
Anton Ferdinand has revealed he dreams of playing alongside brother Rio for
England. West Ham defender Anton is hoping to boost his chances of breaking
into the senior England side by helping the Under 21s to success in the
European Championship. England get their Under 21 campaign underway against
Czech Republic on Monday, live on Sky Sports 1, with Ferdinand doubtful for
the game because of a slight knock. Ferdinand is keen to join his older
brother in Steve McClaren's set-up, revealing it is a dream both players
hope to fulfil. "Playing alongside Rio for England is a dream of mine, a
dream of my family's and a dream of his," Ferdinand told The Mirror. "It is
down to me now to make that dream come true. It'd be fantastic. "Last summer
I was going to be brought into the World Cup squad on standby but I had a
double hernia operation. "That was really upsetting. But that's football for
you, and hopefully I will get another chance."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble can't wait for new season - Sky
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 11 Jun 2007
Mark Noble is confident he will still have an important role to play at West
Ham United next season. The young midfielder was an influential figure at
the close of the last campaign, featuring in the final 10 games as The
Hammers avoided relegation. Noble is aware that Scott Parker could be the
first of many midfield signings for the club over the summer which could
lead to increased competition for places. But the 20-year-old has no plans
to demand a move from Upton Park and hopes to figure prominently in manager
Alan Curbishley's thinking. "I don't think I'd ask to leave, it's a
fantastic club," Noble told Sky Sports News. "Now we stayed up last season,
the money and the people we've got there will be fantastic and I'm sure we
can push on. "The sky's the limit for West Ham. We've got a great chairman,
a good manager and some fantastic players. "I hope we keep the likes of Tev
(Carlos Tevez), obviously Yossi (Benayoun) has signed a new deal and it's
looking forward for the club.
"I can't wait for next season, and I'll be going into the gaffer and telling
him I want to play and finish off from last season, and I'm sure he'll be
happy with me doing that." The Hammers won seven of their last nine games to
secure their Premiership status and Noble admits everything fell into place
during the closing weeks of the campaign. He added: "It was amazing times
when I was there - it seemed like we were playing like Real Madrid. "We were
passing it, we had Tevez scoring, Bobby (Zamora) was scoring and obviously
we were on fire - it seemed like we can beat anyone, and it just showed
because we beat Man U away and Arsenal away.
"We rode our luck a bit at times, but you need that when you're in the
bottom three. We just deserved to stay up at the end of it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble says it was like playing for Real Madrid - WestHamOnline.net
Pee-Wee - Mon Jun 11 2007
Mark Noble loves it doesn't he, his enthusiasm and love for the Club shines
through every time he speaks and rather than see his place under threat with
the arrival of Scott Parker, he's relishing the competition for places. "I
don't think I'd ask to leave, it's a fantastic club," Noble told Sky Sports
News. "Now we stayed up last season, the money and the people we've got
there will be fantastic and I'm sure we can push on. "The sky's the limit
for West Ham. We've got a great chairman, a good manager and some fantastic
players. "I hope we keep the likes of Tev (Carlos Tevez), obviously Yossi
(Benayoun) has signed a new deal and it's looking forward for the club. "I
can't wait for next season, and I'll be going into the gaffer and telling
him I want to play and finish off from last season, and I'm sure he'll be
happy with me doing that."
The Hammers won seven of their last nine games to secure their Premiership
status and Noble admits everything fell into place during the closing weeks
of the campaign. He added: "It was amazing times when I was there - it
seemed like we were playing like Real Madrid. "We were passing it, we had
Tevez scoring, Bobby (Zamora) was scoring and obviously we were on fire - it
seemed like we can beat anyone, and it just showed because we beat Man U
away and Arsenal away.
"We rode our luck a bit at times, but you need that when you're in the
bottom three. We just deserved to stay up at the end of it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers linked with double swoop - TeamTalk
West Ham are reportedly preparing a double striker swoop for West Ham
forward Jermain Defoe and Liverpool hitman Craig Bellamy. Hammers boss Alan
Curbishley will be backed in the transfer market this summer by owner Eggert
Magnusson after a poor season in which the club were almost relegated from
the Premiership, and sees strengthening his forward line as a priority.
Defoe and Bellamy are Curbishley's top targets after he was told Everton's
Andrew Johnson is not for sale, according to the Daily Mirror. Tottenham
striker Defoe, a former Hammers player, is still largely unpopular at Upton
Park for his decision to quit the club for White Hart Lane in 2004, but
Curbishley still views him as one of the best finishers in the country.
Curbs is also a big fan of Bellamy who looks to be on his way out of
Liverpool, but he will face competition from a number of Premiership clubs.
The newspaper reports that Hammers midfielder Yossi Benayoun could move to
Liverpool as part of the Bellamy deal even though he has been offered a new
five-year contract at Upton Park.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bellamy urged to join West Ham by his Welsh team-mates - Daily Mail
Last updated at 16:33pm on 11th June 2007
Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy has been told to jump at the chance to join
his Wales team-mates at West Ham. Bellamy, recently named Wales captain in
the wake of Ryan Giggs' retirement from international football, is believed
to be a summer target for the Hammers with a £9m fee mooted. With Liverpool
boss Rafael Benitez needing to sell players to bolster his transfer kitty,
Bellamy and Harry Kewell could well be sacrificed. Bellamy, already a target
for Aston Villa, Blackburn and Newcastle, is wanted by West Ham boss Alan
Curbishley as a partner for Dean Ashton with a £70,000 a week wages package
on offer. And Bellamy's arrival at Upton Park would meet with the approval
of West Ham and Wales defenders Danny Gabbidon and James Collins. Gabbidon
said: He would love it at West Ham. He would be an instant fans' favourite.
Craig is a quality player but what West Ham fans would love is that he never
stops running, even if the team are 3-0 down. "He is a defender's nightmare,
like a terrier snapping at your heels. I have never known him give less than
100 per cent." He added: "Craig would be a great signing for us and would
definitely improve the squad. "The manager has a lot of money to spend and
Craig is the kind of player the club are trying to attract to improve the
team so we do not have any relegation troubles next season. "We have got
Dean Ashton returning after missing last season after suffering a broken
ankle. Dean and Craig would make a great partnership, Dean is a tall and
skilful front man while Craig is a hard-working, quick striker with great
movement."
Benitez needs to make a quick decision over Bellamy's future now he believes
the proposed major funding from the new US owners of the club, George
Gillett and Tom Hicks, will not be as much as he had expected. But
suggestions that he could walk away from the club this summer as the debate
over funding continues, is wide of the mark with Benitez having already told
friends he has no intention of taking that option. But it is clear he will
not have the sort of cash to buy the likes of Samuel Eto'o. However, with
Liverpool making £29m from their run to the Champions League final, plus the
Sky TV and Premiership prize money to come, Benitez can expect £40m plus to
spend this summer. With maybe £15m from the sale of fringe players,
including a possible fee from Marseille for Djibril Cisse, Benitez can
bolster his cash kitty considerably. Benitez is now being linked with Real
Zaragoza striker Diego Milito, who scored a stunning goal against Real
Madrid on Saturday while being watched by Liverpool scouts. Also linked with
the Anfield club is Villarreal's Diego Forlan, who is on the verge of
scoring 20 goals in a La Liga season for the third campaign on the trot.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Curbishley determined to land Defoe
tribalfooball.com - June 11, 2007
West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley is determined to bring Tottenham
striker Jermain Defoe back to Upton Park. The Mirror says Curbishley has
made an inquiry for Defoe even though he is still unpopular among West Ham
fans for quitting the club three years ago. But Curbishley rates the England
striker as one of the best finishers in the country and is desperate to
strengthen his forward line. Curbishley has big money to spend but has
already been told by Everton that Andy Johnson is not for sale. That has
prompted the moves for Defoe and Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Barcelona to cash in on Man Utd, West Ham target Gudjohnsen
tribalfooball.com - June 11, 2007
Barcelona will make Eidur Gudjohnsen available after this weekend's final
round of the Primera Liga. DiarioSport says the Iceland international has
lost the confidence of Barca's football management, including coach Frank
Rijkaard. Manchester United, West Ham and Newcastle are waiting to bring
Gudjohnsen back to England over the summer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham keen on Man Utd's Smith, Richardson
tribalfooball.com - June 11, 2007
West Ham United are keen on Manchester United winger Kieran Richardson and
striker Alan Smith. It's been suggested the pair could go to Upton Park in
exchange for Carlos Tevez, however any deal will have to be done
independently for the Argentine because of registration issues. Richardson
began his career at the Hammers before being lured to United as a teenager.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Tevez prefers Inter over Man Utd
tribalfooball.com - June 11, 2007
West Ham striker Carlos Tevez is cool on a move to Manchester United. The
Telegraph says United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to land Tevez on a
12-month loan deal with a view to signing him permanently for around £12
million once the issue of the player's ownership is resolved. Old Trafford
officials, including chief executive David Gill, have reportedly discussed a
deal with their counterparts at Upton Park but Tevez, apparently, has told
sources that he is not keen on a temporary move to United and would prefer
to join Inter instead. Kia Joorabchian, who was behind Tevez's transfer from
Corinthians to West Ham last summer, has already spoken to Inter, who are
prepared to pay up to £30 million for Tevez and offer him a four-year-deal
worth around £75,000 a week. Such a fee would virtually put United out of
the chase.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Defoe seeks contract talks with Spurs as Hammers prepare £12m bid - Daily
Mail
Last updated at 09:17am on 11th June 2007
Jermain Defoe is believed to be willing to enter contract talks with
Tottenham in a bid to extend his stay at White Hart Lane. The England
international is ready to heed the advice offered by former Spurs striker
Les Ferdinand and turn down the chance to join either West Ham, Aston Villa
or Portsmouth because it would be moving a rung down the professional
ladder. Hammers boss Alan Curbishley is happy to splash out £12million to
take Defoe back to Upton Park while Aston Villa would love him to play
alongside John Carew. Harry Redknapp, who was in charge at West Ham when
Defoe was rising spectacularly through the ranks, wants to take him to
current club Portsmouth but does not have the financial muscle to make a
suitable bid. Spurs want to heat up the competition for places in their
strikeforce by signing England international Darren Bent from Charlton. But
Ferdinand told Sportsmail that Defoe would be foolish to leave N17 even
though he has to fight Robbie Keane for a place in Martin Jol's attack
because Tottenham are on the brink of enjoying major Premiership and cup
success. The 24-year-old forward, who scored 18 times last term and
impressed Jol with his professional approach, has two years left on his
current deal and may now sit down with Spurs to thrash out new terms. He
knows Tottenham may have to sell him if he does not start negotiations with
the club because his value will start to drop once the season starts and his
current deal begins to run down.
Meanwhile, fellow Spurs striker Mido could be on his way to Birmingham in a
£4m deal. The Egypt forward scored just five times last season after chances
were limited following the arrival of Dimitar Berbatov. But Mido fired home
11 Premiership goals when he led the Tottenham front line in 2005-06 and
Blues boss Steve Bruce believes that is the firepower needed to keep the
Midlands club in the top flight following their promotion from the
Premiership
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reo-coker could stay - all3points.com
11th June 2007
By Staff Writer
Nigel Reo-Coker could be set to stay at West Ham next season after the club
priced him out of a potential move to Aston Villa. Villa were reportedly
ready to offer West Ham £7 million for Reo-Coker with the player happy to
move to the Midlands club but West Ham have told the player they will not
allow him to leave for that fee.
The News of the World claims that West Ham are now looking for £10 million
for Reo-Coker and will not allow him to leave until someone meets that
valuation.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers in for Bolton's Nolan - all3points.com
11th June 2007
By Staff Writer
West Ham have been alerted to the availability of Bolton midfielder Kevin
Nolan after it was revealed that the player would be allowed to leave the
Reebok. The Sunday People claims that Bolton will not stand in the way of
Nolan if a valuation of around £4.5 million is met by any potential suitors.
The paper goes on to claim that despite splashing out £7 million on Scott
Parker this week, Hammer's boss Alan Curbishley is also keen on Nolan.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Striker snubs £12 million West Ham return - all3points.com
11th June 2007
By Staff Writer
Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has turned his back on a £12 million return
to West Ham. The News of the World claims that West Ham moved for Defoe last
week after failing in a bid to sign Everton's Andy Johnson. The paper
claims that Defoe rejected a move to West Ham and also one to Portsmouth out
of hand and quotes a club insider as saying: "Jermain's just not interested.
"Remember Spurs finished fifth and with the right quality signings, could
well break into the Champions League positions next season. Why would he
want to walk away from that?"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tevez in £12 million exit - all3points.com
11th June 2007
By Staff Writer
Carlos Tevez will sign for Manchester United this week in a deal thought to
be worth around £12 million. That's the view of this weekend's People
newspaper who claim that United chief executive David Gill is currently
working to unpick the complicated details of Tevez's ownership with a view
to doing a deal. The paper goes on to claim that Gill is hopefully that a
successful outcome can be reached and is suggesting that a deal could be
done as early as this week for a fee close to £12 million.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
CURBS WANTS OLD BOY DEFOE - The Mirror
By John Cross 11/06/2007
WEST HAM boss Alan Curbishley has launched a bid to lure Jermain Defoe back
to Upton Park. And Curbishley is also chasing Liverpool's Craig Bellamy as
West Ham owner Eggert Magnusson prepares to break the bank this summer.
Curbishley has made an inquiry for Defoe even though he is still unpopular
among West Ham fans for quitting the club three years ago. But Curbishley
rates the England striker as one of the best finishers in the country and is
desperate to strengthen his forward line.
That has also prompted a move for Bellamy, who is also wanted by Aston Villa
and Blackburn. Midfielder Yossi Benayoun may be ready to quit Upton Park as
part of any deal for Bellamy - only days after being offered a new five-year
contract. Benayoun has yet to sign the deal but would be tempted by a move
to Liverpool, who will allow Bellamy to leave this summer. Curbishley has
big money to spend but has already been told by Everton that Andy Johnson is
not for sale. That has prompted the moves for Defoe and Bellamy. Liverpool
will step up their efforts to sign West Ham hero Carlos Tevez after learning
of Manchester United's interest in the £20million-rated striker. Hammers are
keen on United winger Kieran Richardson, and a player-plus-cash deal could
be done involving the England Under-21 star, as well as England striker Alan
Smith, whose Old Trafford future is also uncertain.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Posts
