16/06/2007 00:00
Chairman Eggert Magnusson admits that he was left frustrated by the collapse
of Darren Bent's proposed signing this week, but insists he has already
moved on and is busy working on other plans to strengthen Alan Curbishley's
squad this summer. "The whole situation has left me very frustrated," says
Mr Magnusson. "We were so close to signing Darren and thought everything was
in place to conclude what would have been the biggest transfer in West Ham
United's history for a player. "I was really looking forward to making an
announcement to our fans as we continue with our plans to take this club
forward and to challenge the best teams in England. "The deal we put in
place seemed to work for everybody concerned. Throughout the negotiations
all the signs were positive. Therefore I was surprised when I learned that
Darren had decided not to join us. I feel let down and disappointed. But it
is time to move on. "In the aftermath of this I have been encouraged by the
reaction of our supporters. They appreciate the efforts we made and some of
the feedback suggests they are less disappointed than I thought they might
be. "The view seems to be that perhaps this wasn't the best deal we could do
at this stage. I'd like to think the experience will eventually stand us in
good stead and there's no doubt about it, lessons have been learned."
Meanwhile, the Chairman once again expressed his dismay at some of the media
speculation surrounding player wages, and has moved to reassure supporters
that all transfer negotiations are carried out with the best interests of
West Ham United at heart. "West Ham United is very much in the spotlight at
the moment," he says. "I totally accept that as chairman of a Club with
ambition and drive. However, I am disappointed that there is a widespread
belief that the Club has a bottomless pit of money to spend on transfer fees
and player wages. "This is a great football Club which will be run on
sensible business lines to build a secure, long-term future. That includes
our policy on players wages, set at a ceiling of £55,000 a week. Despite
figures being circulated in the game, no player at West Ham United earns
more than that at present. "Of course, as an ambitious club we will react to
the marketplace, in common with most other football clubs. If the right
player comes along at the right price, then we will look at that, but we
want players who want to play for West Ham United. "I believe we are
bringing together a team on and off the pitch which will bring success to
West Ham United. It's been a tough week but you don't get involved with a
Premiership football club in order to have a quiet life."
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Sheringham won't quit yet - Sky
By Andrew Scurr - Created on 16 Jun 2007
Teddy Sheringham is determined to go on playing after being rewarded for his
services to football. The former England international striker received an
MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list, while former Manchester United
team-mate Ryan Giggs picked up an OBE. Sheringham's career has spanned over
23 years, where he has tasted glory in the Premiership, FA Cup and UEFA
Champions League. "It is fantastic to receive this award, I am hugely
honoured and still can't believe I get paid for doing something I love so
much," he said. "I have had a great career with so many people supporting
me. I won't name them, but they know who they are and I am very grateful.
This is their award as much as mine."
The 41-year-old began with Millwall back in 1984 before joining Nottingham
Forest for £2million in 1991. He became an England international following
his move to Tottenham a year later and scored 99 goals during his time at
White Hart Lane. Sheringham formed a famous partnership with Alan Shearer up
front for England during the '90s and the pair were key as Terry Venables'
men reached the semi-finals of Euro 96. United signed Sheringham ten years
ago and he enjoyed great success during his time at Old Trafford, including
being part of the famous Treble-winning team in 1998-99. A return to Spurs
followed before spells with Portsmouth and West Ham, where he spent the past
three seasons and became the Premiership's oldest outfield player and
goalscorer. Sheringham was released by The Hammers last month but has
confirmed his desire to continue his career for sometime yet. "I know how
lucky I am and I am determined to go on playing for as long as I can,"
Sheringham added.
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Coupet snubs Hammers - Report - TeamTalk
West Ham have missed out on signing France goalkeeper Gregory Coupet,
according to The Sun. Coupet, 34, who has just signed a new three-year
contract with Lyon, had reportedly considered a move to Upton Park, but
instead chose to commit his future to the French champions. Coupet said:
"Last weekend I was leaving. I believe my officials understood it. "I had a
proposition from a foreign club and I was tempted by that experience, even
if it would have been less prestigious than Lyon. "It was an opportunity to
discover a new league, a new world. "Sometimes, it is almost easier to leave
than to stay." It has been a frustrating week for the Hammers who have
already seen a potential £17million deal with Charlton for Darren Bent
collapse.
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Eggert: Darren let us down - the Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
June 16, 2007
EGGERT MAGNUSSON has promised West Ham fans more big-name signings, despite
missing out on Darren Bent. The Hammers chairman revealed his true feelings
after the England striker turned his back on a £17million move from Charlton
at the last minute. Magnusson admits he was choked when the deal collapsed
after outlining his plans to Bent on Thursday, but insists the reaction of
West Ham's supporters has been crucial. He said: "The whole situation left
me very frustrated. "We were so close to signing Darren and thought
everything was in place to conclude what would have been the biggest
transfer in West Ham's history. "I was really looking forward to making an
announcement to our fans as we continue our plans to take this club forward
and challenge the best teams in England. "West Ham acted in good faith in
discussions throughout with Charlton, the player and his representatives.
"The deal we put in place seemed to work for everybody concerned. Throughout
the negotiations all the signs were positive. Therefore I was surprised when
I learned Darren had decided not to join us. "I feel let down and
disappointed. But it is time to move on. "In the aftermath of this I have
been encouraged by the reaction of the West Ham supporters. I visited some
of their internet chat sites. "They appreciate the efforts we made and they
are less disappointed than I thought they might be. The view seems to be
that perhaps this wasn't the best deal we could do at this stage. "I'd like
to think this experience will eventually stand us in good stead. There's no
doubt about it, lessons have been learned."
Magnusson, 60, is eager to put behind him one of his most challenging
periods at the helm of the Hammers and continue with his mission. Boss Alan
Curbishley hoped England rookies Bent, 23, and Hammers striker Dean Ashton,
23, would spearhead his front line next season. But now the search moves on
to new targets. Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips has once again been
linked with a move across London. Magnusson has successfully rubber-stamped
the signing of seven players by West Ham at a cost of around £25m. Scott
Parker is the latest at £7m from Newcastle but Magnusson, who made his money
from a biscuit factory back home, says he is fiercely committed to
transforming West Ham into a team capable of sustaining a serious challenge
for the Champions League. He is backed by tycoon pal Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson's hefty wedge. They have held the keys to Upton Park since
December and Magnusson says West Ham will not be held to ransom in the
transfer market — and are not trying to gobble up football. He is new to
English football but laughed off suggestions the new Hammers board are
naive. He said: "West Ham is very much in the spotlight at the moment. I
totally accept that as chairman of a club with ambition and drive. "However,
I am disappointed there is a widespread belief West Ham have a bottomless
pit of money to spend on transfer fees and wages. "This is a great club
which will be run on sensible business lines to build a secure, long-term
future. "That includes our policy on players' wages, set at a ceiling of
£55,000 a week. "Despite figures being circulated in the game, no player at
West Ham earns more than that at present.
"Of course, as an ambitious club, we will react to the marketplace in common
with most other football clubs. "If the right player comes along at the
right price, then we will look at that. But we want players who want to play
for West Ham. "Our interest in Darren Bent is over. It is time for West Ham
to move on. We have been considering other options and will be looking at
those over the next few weeks. "This summer period is an important one for
the club. Working very closely with Alan Curbishley, the board of directors
want to get the best possible squad for next season. "We ended last season
in great form and want to build on that. I'm very excited about the
potential at this club."
Curbishley has until the first Premiership match of the season at home to
Manchester City on August 11 to get his plans in place. There are ambitious
long-term plans to move to a new stadium at a defunct ParcelForce site in
Canning Town, West Ham's original home in the East End. The club are also
considering moving their training ground lock, stock and barrel to a new
hi-tech sports complex in Barking. Curbishley even took a tour of Ford
United's old ground as a possible location. Ingredients on the pitch must be
right to complement those off it. After beating relegation on the last day
of last season, drama is never far away.
With Bent thought to have been lured by a move to either Liverpool or
Tottenham, there is also continuing uncertainty over midfielder Yossi
Benayoun's future after Liverpool lodged a £3m bid, which was rebuffed.
Magnusson was unable to answer questions relating to Argentine striker
Carlos Tevez. An independent arbitration panel sits on Monday to look into
the Premier League's handling of the investigation into the signing of Tevez
and Javier Mascherano. Curbishley's job is safe, despite the hair-raising
end to last season, and he is masterminding a clearout of dead wood while
constructing a team to make relegation battles a thing of the past.
Magnusson added: "I believe we are bringing together a team on and off the
pitch which will bring success to West Ham United.
"It's been a tough week but you don't get involved with a Premier League
football club in order to have a quiet life."
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Hammers move for £10m SWP - The Sun
By IAN McGARRY
June 16, 2007
SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS is a £10million target for West Ham after being told
he can leave Chelsea this summer. The Hammers agreed a £10.8m fee for the
England winger in January but he refused to leave and vowed to fight for his
place. But boss Jose Mourinho's summer squad review has put Wright-Phillips'
future in doubt again and Chelsea will listen to offers. Wright-Phillips,
24, was given a run of games towards the end of last season and a string of
impressive displays, coupled with injuries to Joe Cole and Arjen Robben, saw
him become a first-team regular. But Chelsea's cost- cutting plans mean they
have decided to recoup half of the £21m they paid to Manchester City 18
months ago and save his £3m-a-year salary. West Ham boss Alan Curbishley is
still smarting from the collapse of his £17m move for striker Darren Bent
and Wright-Phillips would boost his attacking options. West Ham are one of
the only clubs who can match his salary and allow him to stay in London.
Hayden Mullins is still set to join Charlton, despite the collapse of the
Bent deal. The midfielder, 28, agreed to being a makeweight in the switch
and Addicks boss Alan Pardew will bid £1m. Mullins has been told he can
leave after the £7m signing of Scott Parker from Newcastle United.
Curbishley also wants to prise striker Yakubu, 24, away from Middlesbrough
with a £10m bid. Boro boss Gareth Southgate has already lost Mark Viduka to
Newcastle and is desperate keep hold of the Nigerian. But Curbishley is
ready to offer Yakubu £65,000 a week. Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is also
keen on Yakubu. He wants to take the striker back to Fratton Park but is
unlikely to be able to compete financially with the Hammers.
Redknapp also wants Wigan striker Henri Camara and is willing to swap him
for Lomana Lua Lua.
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So £55,000 Per Week Is The Ceiling At West Ham - West Ham Fans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 16 June, 2007 - 00:13.
West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson has moved to dispel fears that Hammers
have started a fire sale on players wages by publicly declaring that media
reports of the sort of wages the club are offering players are wide of the
mark, he chortled or was it nearly choked when the signing of Liverpool's
Craig Bellamy at £100,000 per week was mentioned and stated for the record
that the top earner at West Ham is on £55,000! He fully accepts that West
Ham are the team of the moment as far as the Press are concerned and that
reporters will say what ever they can to ensure that their 'Irons' story
gets published, no matter if it is complete bull. Eggert's comments show an
endearing naivety on occasions, but he has been clearly 'monstered' by the
club's press coverage but said that you don't buy a Premiership club if you
want to enjoy the quiet life, however the refusal of Darren Bent to sign has
clearly upset the Icelander, but you get the feeling that he is learning
fast, after all in the Premier League 'it's a jungle out there' - Ed
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Benayoun asks to leave as Liverpool confirm £3m offer
Dominic Fifield and Daniel Taylor
Saturday June 16, 2007
The Guardian
The Israel midfielder Yossi Benayoun has indicated to West Ham United that
he wishes to leave the club, having been unsettled by confirmation that
Liverpool have made a bid of around £3m for him. Rafael Benítez hopes to add
Benayoun, whom he has tracked since his days at Racing Santander, to his
ranks as he seeks further midfield options with Liverpool's chief executive,
Rick Parry, confirming that a formal approach was made to West Ham last
week. That offer was immediately rejected as the Londoners value the
27-year-old at nearer £5m.
Benítez remains optimistic of reaching a compromise to land the Israeli but
the Merseysiders' long-standing interest in Darren Bent will only result in
a transfer if Charlton Athletic radically reduce their valuation of the
England forward. The Championship club had agreed to sell Bent to West Ham
for £17m, only for the striker to reject the move following talks over
personal terms at Upton Park.
Charlton have insisted that the valuation has effectively been set by West
Ham's offer but Liverpool - who are competing with Tottenham Hotspur for his
signature - would only be willing, and able, to offer around £10m for the
23-year-old. Furthermore, Benítez has other priorities to pursue in the
market, with any deal potentially reliant on the sale of his Wales striker
Craig Bellamy.
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Lyon signing Coupet reveals West Ham offer
tribalfooball.com - June 15, 2007
France goalkeeper Gregory Coupet claims to have turned down an offer from
West Ham before penning a new three-year contract with the French champions.
The 34-year-old has been with Lyon for a decade, helping the club to a
record six consecutive league titles since his arrival from St Etienne.
However, Coupet says that he was close to leaving his homeland for England
before opting to stay put. He told France Football: "Last weekend I was
leaving. I believe Lyon officials understood it. "I had a proposition from a
foreign club and I was tempted by that experience, even if it would have
been less prestigious than Olympique Lyonnais. "It was an opportunity to
discover a new league, a new world. Sometimes, it is almost easier to leave
than to stay."
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Boltons Nolan to The Hammers - worldcupengland2018.com
Hammers to make shock move for Bolton midfielder
Kevin Nolan could make a surprise move to West Ham early next week. It's
believed the midfielder wants out after the departure of Allardyce and West
Ham have offered a cash plus player deal for the attacking midfielder. West
Ham may have to fight Newcastle for his signature with the big man perhaps
favouring linking up with his old boss at St James.
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Spurs to lose Defoe to Hammers. - worldcupengland2018.com
Defoe could be on his way back to the East end despite the Boo boys at
Upton Park
Jermaine Defoe could make a shock return to the Hammers in a 7 million pound
deal. Defoe is unhappy with the lack of starts under Spurs manager Martin
Jol and with Spurs looking to sign Darren Bent Defoe will be pushed further
down the pecking order at White Hart Lane. Defoe may not be welcomed back
with open arms with many West Ham fans unhappy with the way he left the
Hammers after their relegation to the championship earning himself the
nickname of mini-judas. The management are aware of some of the fans
feelings towards Defoe but see him as the 20 goals a season striker that the
Hammers missed last season and would soon win back the fans support.
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West Ham Reject Deals For Bellamy And Benayoun - West Ham Fans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 15 June, 2007 - 16:52.
Fresh from being knocked back in their attempt to sign Darren Bent from
Charlton, West Ham have been doing their own 'knocking back', Liverpool have
been told to get on their bike with regards to their orchestrated approach
for Yossi Benayoun and they have also been told that Craig Bellamy is not a
transfer target and therefore could not be used as part of a swap deal.. To
be fair the offer that Rick 'the grass' Parry tabled was far in excess of
the derisory amount touted by the red tops, but Alan Curbishley is keen to
keep Benayoun at the Boleyn and sees him as an integral part of his team,
apparently the spat over Yossi playing for Israel after having declared
himself unfit to play for West Ham a couple of days earlier having been
resolved. Curbs is coming in for a lot of criticism for his man management
but he is no different to Ferguson at Man U except maybe less successful,
perhaps his time has come now? The point is a manager has to be tough, if
not the players run amok as was plainly obvious earlier on last season
before Pards got the boot. Yossi Benayoun is a very good footballer, and an
honourable man, the latter cannot be said for his agent who has been
niggling away at the player to leave in order that he can pick up his
percentage for ages.. From a fans point of view it is frustrating to see a
good player being tempted away from the club, but lessons need to be learned
as the club is bigger than any one player. The plus side of recent events is
that two mediocre transfer targets will not be arriving, Bellamy and Bent,
many fans are breathing a huge sigh of relief, particularly about Bent! If
Hammers are going to spend crazy money they might as well go for the very
best, not the nearly best.- Ed
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