13/06/2007 10:21
Mark Noble made his first competitive appearance for the England Under-21s
on Monday night as they drew 0-0 with the Czech Republic. The Hammers
midfielder came on as a late second-half substitute and enjoyed his first
taste of the UEFA Under-21 European Championship tournament. "It was really
good to come on and get my first competitive cap, even though it was only
for 10 minutes," he said. "It's all experience and I can use that experience
in future games. "It was a lovely stadium and it was a fantastic occasion
for me to come on and earn my first Under-21 cap. Hopefully there will be
plenty more to come."
Mark was on the pitch when England earned a penalty three minutes from time
but, despite his spot-kick success rate in training, Reading striker Leroy
Lita was the obvious choice to take it. "Leroy's our striker, he stepped up
and he missed, but things like that happen and I'm sure he'll score plenty
for us throughout the rest of the tournament," Mark said. "I have been
practising penalties, just in case I'm called upon. We've practised
penalties every day and I haven't missed one. I've scored eight out of eight
so I'm hoping that gets noted. "We had a disappointing result against the
Czech Republic. We've got Italy next, they lost their first game and we both
need to get a result. It will be a tough game but everyone's feeling relaxed
and ready for it. Serbia also look strong and we face them in the following
game, but we just have to play our best and hopefully come away with a
couple of wins."
With his trademark affability, the 20-year-old has settled into the squad
seamlessly. "I just get on with everyone, that's the kind of person I am,"
he said. "I'm making sure to keep training and relaxing when I can so I can
keep fit because it's going to be a long old season. "The gaffer's given me
a bit of holiday at the end of the tournament so I'm sure I'll be lying on a
beach somewhere for a bit. But I can't wait to get back to the Club and back
into training with the boys. It will be a fantastic season next year."
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Blades will take fight to Europe - BBC
Sheffield United will turn to the European Commission for compensation if an
independent arbitration panel fails to over-turn their relegation. The
Blades are protesting at the Premier League's failure to dock West Ham
points for fielding ineligible duo Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. Blade
chairman Kevin McCabe believes their relegation will be overturned. But he
told BBC Radio Five Live that if the verdict goes against them he "would not
say that's the end of the issue". McCabe added: "We have a trip to Brussels
to meet the European Commissioner for culture and sport, Jan Figel, on
Friday, so we are making our presentation there this week. "We'll go to the
European Commission for them to opine. We believe we have maybe got a human
rights issue because of the loss of jobs that has been established if we are
relegated, the salaries that are reduced because of going from the
Premiership to the Championship and those sort of issues." However McCabe
accepted that: "If the arbitration were to go against us on Monday we
recognise that we are relegated to the Championship.
"But I don't believe the arbitration will go against us at all. A
supporters' delegation headed to Parliament in London on Wednesday to canvas
Government support for their battle. And McCabe said: "There was an
injustice committed." McCabe is confident the club will be reinstated to the
Premiership - and Professional Footballers' Association chairman Gordon
Taylor also believes they have a "valid case". An arbitration panel on 18
June will hear the Blades' claim against the Premier League's failure to
dock West Ham points over the Tevez saga. The Premier League had initially
told Sheffield United, who were relegated on the last day of the season,
that they were wasting their time and money. But McCabe claims officials
have since told the club they will regain their top-flight status if their
claim is successful. The issue has dragged on since March when the Hammers
were charged by the Premier League with breaching rules in relation to the
signings of Argentine duo Tevez and Javier Mascherano. Tevez and Mascherano,
who has since left for Liverpool, joined the club in August but their
registration with third party Media Sports Investment broke regulations.
West Ham were found guilty of acting improperly and withholding vital
documentation over the duo's ownership but they escaped a points deduction
and Tevez was allowed to continue playing. He was one of the major factors
in the club's late escape from the drop but the Blades have vowed to fight
the Premier League's decision. McCabe stated: "I think the Premier League
accept they wish the arbitration was not happening. "But in the knowledge it
is happening and it cannot be prevented, then if the decision is overturned
we should be reselected to the Premier League. "Since we really looked into
the whys and the wherefores of the Tevez affair it became apparent that a
wrong decision was made."
PFA chief Taylor added: "I think they have a real valid case. I just think
it's sad that this has been a shadow hanging over the season. "You've got to
give credit to West Ham for the way they battled back and to a lot of those
supporters and a lot of those players. They are innocent in this. "But there
were people involved at the club who knew what they were doing and they are
the ones who should be held to account."
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Taylor: Blades have valid case - Sky
By Steve Bramley - Created on 13 Jun 2007
PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor insists Sheffield United have a "valid
case" in their protest against relegation from the Premier League. The
Blades remain adamant that West Ham should have been docked points over the
controversial signings of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. Now Taylor has
added his support as a fans' delegation headed by actor Sean Bean heads to
Parliament in an attempt to drum up support ahead of Monday's judgement into
the case from the League's independent arbitration panel. "I think they have
a real valid case. I just think it's sad that this has been a shadow hanging
over the season," Taylor told talkSPORT. "You've got to give credit to West
Ham for the way they battled back and to a lot of those supporters and a lot
of those players. They are innocent in this. "But there were people involved
at the club who knew what they were doing and they are the ones who should
be held to account. If some of them are still in football, then the
penalties should apply to them for doing it wrong in the first place."
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Villa deny Hammers bid
By Peter ORourke - Created on 13 Jun 2007
Aston Villa have denied reports that they have tabled a bid for unsettled
West Ham midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker. Reo-Coker is seeking a move away from
The Hammers after handing in a transfer request at Upton Park. Villa are
thought to be leading the chase for the powerful midfielder as Martin
O'Neill looks to bolster his squad for next season. Reports earlier this
month suggested Villa had made a £7million move for Reo-Coker, but Hammers
boss Alan Curbishley claimed last week that the club had received no bid
from Villa. Now Villa's head of communications Phil Mepham has admitted no
offer has been made for Reo-Coker as yet and that nothing will happen until
the player returns from international duty with England's Under 21s at the
European Championship. "Alan Curbishley said last weekend there had been no
bid from Villa and that is how things stand," Mepham told the Birmingham
Mail. "If there was ever any credence to the Reo-Coker reports that Villa
wanted to sign him, then that would not happen anyway while he is away with
the Under 21s."
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Villa play down Reo-Coker link - TeamTalk
Aston Villa have distanced themselves from reports they have offered West
Ham £7million for midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker. The 23-year-old is widely
expected to join Villa this summer and it had been reported that manager
Martin O'Neill had already lodged a big-money bid for his services.
Reo-Coker's agent Tony Finnegan claimed his client would join Villa when he
returns from England duty at the European Under-21 Championship in Holland,
but West Ham boss Alan Curbishley insisted last week he was unaware of an
offer from Villa. Now Villa's Head of Communications Phil Mepham has backed
up those claims, insisting the Midlands club have not made an offer and
would not do so until the player returns from Holland. He told the
Birmingham Mail: "Alan Curbishley said last weekend there had been no bid
from Villa and that is how things stand. "If there was ever any credence to
the Reo-Coker reports that Villa wanted to sign him, then that would not
happen anyway while he is away with the Under-21s." However, Mepham insisted
O'Neill has identified a number of targets and was prepared to take his time
over his summer signings. "There is no desperate rush to get things sorted.
It is all very relaxed," he added. "He may have identified the players he
wants and may already know that they want to come, and there may be ones he
has identified who don't. "Maybe he is waiting for those who do to get back
off holiday - I don't know. At the moment things are extremely quiet."
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West Ham bid for Bent - Report - TeamTalk
West Ham are set to beat Tottenham and Liverpool in the race to sign
Charlton striker Darren Bent in an £18million deal. According to the Daily
Star, the Hammers have offered £80,000 a week to secure Bent's services,
while Charlton will receive £15million plus Marlon Harewood and Hayden
Mullins, who are surplus to requirements at Upton Park. Spurs and Liverpool
have also been strongly linked with moves for the striker, who is desperate
to stay in the Premier League following Charlton's relegation in order to
enhance his England chances. A move to Upton Park would see Bent reunited
with former boss Alan Curbishley, who signed Bent for the Addicks from
Ipswich two years ago. And the Tractor Boys will also be celebrating if the
deal does go through, as they'll receive a windfall of around £2.5million
from a sell-on clause in Bent's contract.
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McCabe: Could go to European CommissionBlades could take protest to Europe -
TeamTalk
Sheffield United will turn to the European Commission to seek compensation
if a panel rejects their bid to overturn their relegation. A supporters'
delegation headed to Parliament on Wednesday to attempt to drum up
Government support as the club continue to protest at West Ham's escape from
a points deduction for fielding ineligible duo Carlos Tevez and Javier
Mascherano. Sheffield United plc chairman Kevin McCabe is positive that an
arbitration panel, which convenes on Monday, will back the Blades' argument.
He also revealed they will accept their relegation if it does not, but would
pursue financial compensation. He told BBC Radio Five Live: "The reality is
that there was an injustice committed and as a result Sheffield United were
relegated from the Premiership in the season that's just finished. "The
reason is simple; one club breached the rules, were permitted to play two
Argentinians until January and one thereafter. "The commission did say very
clearly when they opined that normally points should be deducted but because
it was the end of April and not January, would reconsider and maybe just
fine West Ham. The committee got it wrong. The arbitration will get it right
come Monday. "If the arbitration were to go against us on Monday we
recognise that we are relegated to the Championship."
However, McCabe added: "I wouldn't say that's the end of the issue. We have
on Friday a trip to Brussels to meet the European Commissioner for culture
and sport, Jan Figel, so we are making our presentation there this week.
"But I don't believe the arbitration will go against us at all. "We'll go to
the European Commission for them to opine. We believe we have maybe got a
human rights issue because of the loss of jobs that has been established if
we are relegated, the salaries that are reduced because of going from the
Premiership to the Championship and those sort of issues."
Asked about the purpose of going to Brussels, McCabe said: "I suppose
compensation. I've no idea how much. "The real key is the arbitration, to
right the wrong of the injustice that was caused by the first decision. We
didn't field ineligible players."
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Inter confirm interest in Tevez - TeamTalk
Internazionale owner Massimo Moratti has confirmed the Serie A club are
chasing West Ham striker Carlos Tevez. The Italian champions are keen to
acquire the services of the Argentina frontman. When asked about Tevez,
Moratti said: "It's true that we are interested in him, he is a player that
we like a lot.
"He has quality and character, something we need." The 23-year-old, who is
currently preparing for this month's Copa America in Venezuela, moved to
Upton Park from Brazilian side Corinthians at the start of last season.
Uruguay forward Alvaro Recoba is set to leave Inter this summer, with the
player linked to Spanish side Atletico Madrid, meaning Tevez is considered a
possible replacement, alongside Cagliari's David Suazo. Inter are currently
in negotiations with Cagliari to sign the Honduras striker, who has been a
target of the Nerazzurri for some time. "We are quite advanced in our
negotiations to acquire Suazo, but until the deal is completed we cannot
take anything for granted," admitted Moratti. Moratti also confirmed Inter
are also targeting Roma's Romania defender Christian Chivu. "Regarding
Chivu, we are talking to his club," added Moratti. "He is a player that
interests us, but we will have to wait and see if we will be able to
complete the deal."
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Hammers vow to hang on to Tevez - Daily Mail
Last updated at 11:29am on 13th June 2007
West Ham are ready to cause havoc in the transfer market by blocking
attempts to snap up Carlos Tevez. The Argentina star is being touted with a
£40m price tag, and advisor Kia Joorabchian is in talks with several sides
in a bid to move the 23-year-old along. But the Hammers are reported in the
Daily Star to be ready to clamp down on any moves by Joorabchian - because
they now own his registration. FIFA rules state a switch can only be
ratified once a buyer is in possession of a player's registration and
documents show that Tevez is registered to West Ham until 2010. Joorabchian
is reported to have been surprised at the lack on contact from Upton Park
since the end of the season - when Tevez scored the winning goal at Old
Trafford that kept the Hammers in the top flight. The West Ham board feel
the players is theirs and want him at the club next seasson and they can now
either order him back for pre-seaon training or demand a huge slice of any
transfer fee for Tevez. And with Joorabchian and his MSI group believing
they own the sole rights of the player, the matter could yet up in court.
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Come on down boyo - newham Recorder
13 June 2007
WEST HAM defender Danny Gabbidon has called on his Welsh team-mate Craig
Bellamy to come south and join the Hammers from Liverpool. Stories have
suggested that Alan Curbishley can land the new Wales captain for £9million
and for Gabbidon, that is a deal too good to miss. "He would love it at West
Ham," said the 27-year-old centre half, who was plagued by injury last
season, but after two games with Wales is slowly returning to full fitness."
"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 and I have never known him give less than 100 per cent." Bellamy had a
mixed season at Liverpool, scoring nine goals in his first campaign
following a £6million move from Blackburn Rovers. At £9million, he seems to
be a little overpriced, but with West Ham's attempts to sign Carlos Tevez on
a full-time basis, seeming to have hit the rocks, 27-year-old Bellamy may be
a sound investment. Gabbidon certainly thinks so: "Craig would be a great
signing for us and would definitely improve the squad," he said. "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." He continued: "We have got Dean Ashton returning
after missing last season and I think 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." Whether either Bellamy or
Curbishley would be interested in a move remains to be seen, but one thing
is for sure, if Gabbion himself can join Ashton back on the fit list for
next season, then West Ham have already got two top class players to improve
on last season's squad.
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Roma in town - Newham Recorder
13 June 2007
ITALIAN giants Roma will provide West Ham's final opposition before the
start of the new Premiership campaign.The Serie A stars, finished a distant
second to Inter Milan in the league this season. But they did beat Inter in
the Italian Cup Final and have also booked their place in the Champions
League, so they will provide a tough task for Alan Curbishley's men. The
Italians, who field the likes of World Cup winners Francesco Totti and
Simone Perrotta, will play at Upton Park on Saturday August 4, with a 3pm
kick off. Luciano Spall-etti's side will be hoping for a better result than
on their last visit to England when they were trounced 7-1 by Manchester
United in the quarter finals of the Champions League.
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West Ham to fight Joorabchian for Tevez
tribalfooball.com - June 13, 2007
West Ham United insist they won't give up Carlos Tevez without a fight. The
Argentina star is being touted with a £40m price tag, and advisor Kia
Joorabchian is in talks with several sides in a bid to move the 23-year-old
along. But the Daily Star says the Hammers are ready to clamp down on any
moves by Joorabchian - because they now own his registration. FIFA rules
state a switch can only be ratified once a buyer is in possession of a
player's registration and documents show that Tevez is registered to West
Ham until 2010. The West Ham board feel the player is theirs and want him at
the club next season and they can now either order him back for pre-season
training or demand a huge slice of any transfer fee for Tevez.
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Charlton set to swoop for £1m Mullins - Daily Mail
Last updated at 13:50pm on 13th June 2007
Charlton boss Alan Pardew is set to raid his old club West Ham in a £1m bid
for Hayden Mullins. The former Crystal Palace midfielder was Pardew's first
signing for the Hammers in October 2003 but is not in new boss Alan
Curbishley's plans. Mullins, 28, has been told he can leave Upton Park after
Scott Parker's £7m move from Newcastle.
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West Ham mega offer beats Spurs, Liverpool for Bent
tribalfooball.com - June 13, 2007
West Ham United are set to beat Liverpool and Tottenham for Charlton
Athletic striker Darren Bent. The Daily Star says the Hammers have offered
£80,000 a week to secure Bent's services, while Charlton will receive
£15million plus Marlon Harewood and Hayden Mullins, who are surplus to
requirements at Upton Park. Spurs and Liverpool had also been strongly
linked with moves for Bent, who is desperate to stay in the Premier League
following Charlton's relegation in order to enhance his England chances. A
move to Upton Park would see Bent reunited with former boss Alan Curbishley,
who signed Bent for the Addicks from Ipswich two years ago. And the Tractor
Boys will also be celebrating if the deal does go through, as they'll
receive a windfall of around £2.5million from a sell-on clause in Bent's
contract. West Ham's need for a top-class striker was thrown into yet
sharper focus when Inter owner Massimo Moratti confirmed they are keen to
sign the Hammers' Argentine star Carlos Tevez.
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West Ham, Portsmouth keep tabs on Arsenal's Ljungberg
tribalfooball.com - June 13, 2007
West Ham United and Portsmouth are keeping tabs on Freddie Ljungberg's
situation at Arsenal. The Daily Star says the Swede could be on his way this
summer, particularly if Gunners boss Arsene Wenger manages to snap up Ajax's
£6 million-rated winger Ryan Babel.
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Premiership Rumour Mill: Bent opts for West Ham - but he'd prefer White Hart
Lane - Daily Mail
Last updated at 09:24am on 13th June 2007
West Ham appear to have won their battle with Tottenham for Darren Bent -
even though the Charlton striker would prefer to ply his trade at White Hart
Lane. The Hammers have decided to meet the Addicks sky-high asking price of
£18million and are willing to pay the 23-year-old England international
£80,000 a week in wages. Bent's move to Upton Park means Jermain Defoe will
definitely not be sold this summer but with Egyptian forward Mido likely to
leave, Spurs are still in the hunt for a fourth striker to supplement a
strikeforce which hit the net more than 60 times last term.
Hammers striker Carlos Tevez, meanwhile, has will revealed he will decide
his futre in the next ten days.
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