31/07/2007 11:10
Alan Curbishley has named a 21-man squad for tonight's pre-season friendly
against Norwich City at Carrow Road. Striker Dean Ashton returns to face his
old club after being rested for Saturday's 3-1 victory at Southend United,
while Robert Green, Craig Bellamy and Calum Davenport will also be hoping
for a taste of the action against their former employers.
Squad: Green, Wright, Pantsil, Spector, Ashton, Davenport, Etherington,
Cole, Mullins, Neill, Bowyer, Upson, Boa-morte, Collins, Ferdinand,
Gabbidon, McCartney, Noble, Reid, Zamora, Bellamy.
A limited number of tickets in the visitors section will be available to
purchase (cash only) from the Norwich City ticket office this evening.
Prices are as follows:
Adults £12.00
Seniors £7.00
Under-16s £3.00
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Stadium Store to open on Sundays - WHUFC
31/07/2007 14:23
West Ham United is pleased to confirm that the Stadium Store at Upton Park
will now be open on Sundays, starting this weekend.
The store will be open from 10.00am to 4.00pm. The store will also be open
on Saturdays from 9.30am to 5.00pm.
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West Ham United FC Official Statement - WHUFC
31/07/2007 13:54
Official Club Statement
West Ham United will continue to work on achieving an out-of-court
settlement on the issues relating to Carlos Tevez. However, if a settlement,
to be agreed by all parties, is not possible then the Club will present a
very robust legal case to the High Court if the matter comes before the
court on August 22nd.
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Tevez court date set for August - BBC
The dispute over the future of Carlos Tevez is scheduled for the High Court
on 22 August, although West Ham are still hopeful of settling before then.
Tevez's representative Kia Joorabchian issued a writ to try and secure a
£30m move to Manchester United. The court date was set at a preliminary
hearing on Tuesday. It would mean the 23-year-old missing the first three
games of the season, but should secure his move before the transfer window
closes on 31 August. Tevez's transfer to the Premier League champions has
stalled over who will be paid the £30m transfer fee. But there appears to be
some light at the tunnel, with his future set to be decided before the end
of August. BBC Five Live's Nigel Adderley said: "Sources close to MSI have
said they understand it will take three days to hear the case in August.
"Tevez has said he's willing to appear, as is his representative Kia
Joorabchian while the Premier League's chief executive Richard Scudamore
will be subpoenaed to give evidence. "It's also understood MSI will claim
Tevez's contract with West Ham, which was torn-up by the club in April to
prove to the Premier League any third-party ownership had finished, should
have ended on 1 July and they'll also be seeking damages and legal costs
over that as well. "They are happy to pay West Ham £100,000 under the terms
of that deal but the club are believed to be seeking around £3m to surrender
his registration and allow Tevez's move to Manchester United to happen. "The
Hammers are still keen to discuss the possibility of a settlement and keep
the matter out of court, but if it goes that far and is sorted out within
the three day hearing, at least Tevez should be able to move on before the
transfer window shuts."
Third-party ownership of football players is common in South America but was
almost unheard of in England until West Ham signed Tevez and fellow
Argentine Javier Mascherano, who has since moved to Liverpool, in August
2006. Joorabchian's companies claim they own the economic rights to Tevez.
West Ham ripped up an agreement they had with Joorabchian - which broke
Premier League rules - and they now claim any deal with United can only go
ahead with their say-so. The Football Association and the Premier League had
asked Fifa to rule on the matter, but the world governing body recommended
it should go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. West Ham were fined
£5.5m in April for breaking Premier League rules over third-party ownership
when they signed Tevez. They were allowed to continue playing him after
satisfying the Premier League that the third-party agreement with
Joorabchian had been torn up. Tevez is registered as a West Ham player but
Joorabchian claims he still owns the striker's economic rights and is
therefore entitled to the transfer fee.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful the saga will soon be
over. "I am not worried because I am confident the player will eventually
arrive," he said. "But it has been dragging on and it has become a bit
frustrating. "At the moment it is going to the High Court. I am sure we will
get a final decision on the matter there. "But if something happens before
that, it is something we would welcome."
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West Ham pledge to seek out-of-court Tevez settlement - The Guardian
LONDON, July 31 (Reuters) - West Ham United will continue to seek an
out-of-court settlement with Argentine forward Carlos Tevez's
representatives after they started legal proceedings against the London
club. In a statement on their Web site on Tuesday, the Premier League club
said that if they failed to achieve an out-of-court agreement with all
parties involved, then they would present a robust case to the High Court on
August 22. Tevez's representative Kia Joorabchian, who claims that he and
his companies own the economic rights to Tevez, 23, applied to the High
Court after serving a writ on West Ham in a bid to ease his proposed
transfer to Manchester United. West Ham claim they are the true 'owners' of
Tevez as they hold his registration as a player after recruiting him in a
complex deal last year. "West Ham United will continue to work on achieving
an out-of-court settlement on the issues relating to Carlos Tevez," the club
said. "However, if a settlement, to be agreed by all parties, is not
possible then the Club will present a very robust legal case to the High
Court if the matter comes before the court on August 22nd." Tevez's move to
the Premier League champions has stalled over the question of who should be
paid that fee, estimated by the British media to be worth up to 30 million
pounds ($61.73 million).
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West Ham boss Curbishley desperate for Shorey
tribalfooball.com - July 31, 2007
West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley is desperate to prise Nicky Shorey away
from Reading. The Daily Express says Curbishley is willing to double any
offer Reading receive for Shorey in a bid to sign the left-back.
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Parker should be fit for glamour clash - Daily Mail
Last updated at 11:51am on 31st July 2007
Scott Parker should be fit to return for West Ham's glamour friendly clash
with Roma on Saturday. The former Newcastle, Chelsea and Charlton star has
been struggling with a knee injury but is making good progress and hopes to
be involved against the Italian giants.
PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES: Dagenham & Redbridge (a) W 2-0; Sigma Olmutz (in
Austria) 1-1; Lazio (in Austria) L 2-0; Leyton Orient (a) 1-1; MK Dons (a) L
3-2; Southend (a) W 3-1; Norwich (a) tonight; AS Roma (h) 4 Aug.
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Hammers hope to strike Gud transfer - TeamTalk
West Ham are reportedly aiming to sign Eidur Gudjohnsen for £10million after
his father and agent hinted a move to Upton Park could tempt him. Several of
Tuesday morning's papers have linked the Icelandic ace with a move to Upton
Park this summer as the Hammers continue their search for new faces. The
arrival of Thierry Henry at Barcelona has left Gudjohnsen well down the
pecking order and he is now highly expected to make a return to England,
where he last played for Chelsea. West Ham's approach for the 28-year-old
forward has been held up by the ongoing transfer saga of Carlos Tevez but
with his exit now in sight, chief executive Scott Duxbury can now turn his
full attention to the club's new target. According to the Daily Star,
Gudjohnsen would cost around £7million but the Daily Mirror and Daily
Express suggest the fee could be as much as £10million. Gudjohsen's father
and agent Arnor, said on Monday: "West Ham would be something Eidur would
consider, as there are some Icelanders there with the owners. "Barcelona
have always told him it is up to him what he wants to do, and they will not
stand in his way if he wants to go."
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Eidur would consider joining Hammers' Icelandic clan - Daily Mail
Last updated at 11:18am on 31st July 2007
West Ham are poised to make a £10m move for Eidur Gudjohnsen after the
Barcelona forward said he would be interested in going to Upton Park.
Gudjohnsen failed to secure a regular first-team place at the Nou Camp last
season and the signing of Arsenal's Thierry Henry is set to push him even
further down the pecking order. West Ham manager Alan Curbishley is keen to
sign another big name forward before the season gets underway as Carlos
Tevez remains determined to move to Manchester United. Gudjohnsen's father
and agent, Arnor, says Eidur is currently recovering from a knee injury, but
is weighing up all his options and would relish a move to West Ham as they
are owned by Icelandic tycoon Eggert Magnusson. Gudjohnsen senior said: "I
have heard about the interest from West Ham, but there have been no talks as
yet. "It would be something Eidur would consider as there are some
Icelanders there with the owners and all. If they are interested in Eidur, I
am sure they will contact me. "He is currently injured and he is focused on
getting fit again, but he will consider all options open to him. "Barcelona
have always told him it is up to him what he wants to do and they will not
stand in his way if he wants to go and they will be happy for him if he
wants to stay. "Eidur will not rush a decision on his future and we will
evaluate every option we have."
Curbishley is also keen on Newcastle's unsettled midfielder Kieron Dyer and
Reading full back Nicky Shorey.
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Premier League Rumour Mill: Hammers eye Smith and Eidur - Daily Mail
Last updated at 10:54am on 31st July 2007
West Ham intend to continue their summer spending spree by making swoops for
Manchester United striker Alan Smith and Barcelona forward Eidur Gudjohnsen.
The Hammers have already brought in Craig Bellamy from Liverpool but need to
further strengthen their attack as Carlos Tevez will sign for United once
the complicated wranglings surrounding the move are finally resolved. Smith
is surplus to requirements at Old Trafford and is also wanted by Aston
Villa, Middlesbrough, Everton, Newcastle, Sunderland and Manchester City
while Gudjohnsen playing opportunities have been limited following the
arrival at the Nou Camp of Thierry Henry.
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UPSON CAN'T WAIT TO BE GUILT FREE - Daily Express
Tuesday July 31,2007
By Matt Law Have your say(0)
MATTHEW UPSON is hoping his guilty conscience will help him to finally
justify his expensive price tag at West Ham. Alan Curbishley paid Birmingham
£6million for Upson in January but a calf injury meant the defender played
only 41 minutes of his new club's relegation battle. Upson is confident he
has fully recovered, though, and thinks a new squad and a new season give
him the chance to start afresh. "I'm feeling very good, I haven't missed
training since the start of pre-season and I'm finding my feet," he said. "I
just need to get my match fitness now. "It was massively important to get a
good pre-season under my belt and I'm looking forward to playing my first
few Premier League games because it's six or seven months since I've played.
"Because of my injury I couldn't really mix with the squad or train last
season. It was a real low point for me and I just kept myself to myself and
went about trying to get fit. "There was a feeling of guilt and pressure
that I came in for big money and needed to perform. That's the pressure I
wanted on myself as long as I was fit, but I wasn't. Every day I would come
in and people would ask about the injury. I was constantly talking about it
and it got on top of me. "I watched every game because I felt like that was
the only way I could contribute. I would go into the dressing room
beforehand and be as much of a help as I could, but it's difficult when you
can't put your boots on. I've got a new lease of life now, though, and with
lots of new faces there's a whole new feeling about the team."
In the past, Upson has sought advice from other sportsmen about how to keep
himself fit, but he rejects any suggestion that he is injury prone. "At
Birmingham I worked with people in other areas and sports who could offer
advice on both strengthening and conditioning," he said. "I've sought advice
from athletics in terms of weight training and running style, which has
really helped me. I'm sure it will make me a better athlete which can only
make me a better player. I'm looking to improve every aspect of what I do.
"The injuries don't play on my mind because you have to have a belief that
you are right in your body. In my first three years at Birmingham I played
every game and didn't have a hitch. "Sometimes you have to dig deep to
correct the underlying issue which wasn't just my calf – it was my whole
body. With games I'll be feeling in the best shape of my life and I'm
excited about that."
But Upson knows he faces a battle. Anton Ferdinand, Danny Gabbidon, James
Collins and Calum Davenport are providing competition for places, and Upson
believes it will come down to which pairing proves to be the most
successful. "There are five of us central defenders and only two places,"
said the 28-year-old. "Competition is healthy and gives the boss nice
problems. "It's difficult for us to form partnerships because we are mixing
it up, but the manager will know who he wants for the first game. "Playing
centre-back is all about partnerships, getting to know each other's game and
helping each other."
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West Ham Offer For Dyer 'Knocked Back'! - newcastlemad.co.uk
By Nu Mad Tuesday 31st July 2007
Sam Allardyce said last week "Kieron Dyer is available for transfer but only
at the right price", and that price was thought to be £5m. Not so. United
have rejected a £5m offer from West Ham. Dyer was arguably Newcastle's best
player when he came on as a second-half substitute against Juventus and,
although many fans would be delighted to see the back of him, we all know
how good a player he can be. Allardyce is a brave man to knock back £5m, and
he must be confident West Ham will go higher. The one thing Sam has in his
favour is that Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be in
the running. But, as yet, neither club has put cash on the table. But
obviously it is a gamble Newcastle are prepared to take. West Ham's Alan
Curbishley did not seem very enthusiastic last week when asked about his
interest in Dyer, but then again, he wouldn't be ... would he? Supposedly
Dyer has revealed a determination not to allow his critics to break his
spirit, but now that his home and car have been attacked by Toon fans,
personally I'd "get the hell out of Dodge" as soon as I could. The abuse
directed at him on Sunday appeared to motivate him, rather than dishearten,
as he guided a young side through the final 45 minutes of the friendly. But
the pitch is the safest place he has to hide these days. Have the Mags and
Hammers reached deadlock in their negotiations? Will Spurs or City come
forward with an offer? Allardyce revealed on Sunday that nobody had made a
bid that is "anywhere near the sort of money" he is looking for. And if an
auction takes place he will come away with great credit if he ups the money
received. But Dyer has a shocking injury record, and any deal is sure to
include add-ons for appearances. There is the chance Dyer could go out on
loan, as we reported yesterday, but Newcastle are unlikely to be happy with
that option because his market value will fall as he only has two years left
on his contract.
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Time for Ashton and Upson - edp24.co.uk
CHRIS LAKEY
31 July 2007
Dean Ashton and Matthew Upson should both return to the West Ham side for
tonight's Carrow Road friendly (7.45pm). Both were rested for the Hammers'
3-1 friendly win at Southend on Saturday, but manager Alan Curbishley is
keen for Ashton to improve his match sharpness. The Hammers' pre-season
began with a 2-0 victory over Dagenham & Redbridge, but they then failed to
beat Lazio, Sigma Olomouc, MK Dons or Leyton Orient before the trip to
Southend. New boy Freddie Ljungberg scored his first goal since joining the
Hammers from Arsenal - and says there are more to come. "It was nice to
score my first goal and get the win," he said. "I thought we put in a good
performance against Southend and it is starting to come together for the
team. "I am getting stronger each day and there is more to come from me.
"My first week has gone very well. We have some very good players and
they're a great bunch of lads. I'm really looking forward to the season."
Upson - a former Diss High School pupil - will be hoping to begin repaying
the faith which saw West Ham spend £6m on recruiting him last January. A
calf injury on his debut means he has played just 39 minuets of football for
West Ham. "I'm feeling as good as I've ever felt, got back a belief in my
fitness and can't wait to get into the matches," he said.
Tickets for tonight's game are on general sale, priced at £10 for adults, £6
for over-60s and students, £3 for under-16s and £1 for under-12s in the
family and standard areas. For the Jarrold and City stands the prices are
£12 adults, £7 60+ and students, £3 under-16s and under-12s.
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HAMMERS TO POUNCE FOR EIDUR - football365
Posted 31/07/07 09:07EmailPrintSave
West Ham are reportedly aiming to capture Eidur Gudjohnsen from Barcelona
for £10million. Several of Tuesday morning's papers have linked the
Icelandic ace with a move to Upton Park this summer as the Hammers continue
their search for new faces. The arrival of Thierry Henry at Barcelona has
left Gudjohnsen well down the pecking order and he's now highly expected to
make a return to the Premier League, where he last played for Chelsea. West
Ham's approach for the 28-year-old forward has been held up by the ongoing
transfer saga of Carlos Tevez but with his exit now in sight, chief
executive Scott Duxbury can now turn his full attention to the club's new
target. According to the Daily Star, Gudjohnsen would cost around £7m but
the Daily Mirror and Daily Express suggest the fee could be as much as £10m.
Gudjohsen's father and agent Arnor, said on Monday: "West Ham would be
something Eidur would consider, as there are some Icelanders there with the
owners. "Barcelona have always told him it is up to him what he wants to do,
and they will not stand in his way if he wants to go."
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Hammers hopeful of Tevez deal - metro.co.uk
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
The Carlos Tevez affair could end with West Ham picking up several million
pounds - if the Premier League and the striker's advisers agree to a deal
for an out-of-court-settlement put forward by the club's lawyers. Tevez's
representatives Media Sports Investment are suing West Ham for £30million
for breach of contract after they terminated third-party agreements
regarding the player in April. However, it would suit all parties if a deal
could be reached as a case in the High Court could take months to hear.
Talks are continuing between the three parties to see if an agreement can be
reached that would allow the Argentinian's move to Manchester United to go
ahead before the start of the season. West Ham's lawyers have put forward a
suggestion which would see the club receive a sum totalling several million
pounds in compensation for agreeing to release Tevez's registration. The
Premier League have to be satisfied that West Ham are receiving an adequate
sum and chairman Sir Dave Richards, chief executive Richard Scudamore and
general secretary Mike Foster spent several hours yesterday discussing the
proposal.
The league have to be able to demonstrate to the other 19 clubs that they
are operating under the scenario that Tevez's is contracted to West Ham and
that the club are not controlled by the original third-party agreements that
caused the Hammers to be fined £5.5million by an independent disciplinary
commission.
The original contracts only contained agreements for West Ham to be paid
£100,000 if Tevez moved on, but if the striker's agent Kia Joorabchian
agrees to the settlement they could get around half the amount they were
fined. West Ham have resigned themselves to losing Tevez but are keen to get
an agreement rather than continue paying £1.75million annual wages for a
player who will not turn out for them.
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Upson on high after injury low - The Mirror
By James Nursey 31/07/2007
Matthew Upson is desperate to justify West Ham's huge investment in him
after revealing his guilt and depression at playing just 41 minutes for the
club last term. The centre-back was signed by Alan Curbishley in January for
£6million to help the Hammers' relegation battle. But he played only twice,
against Aston Villa and Spurs, and was substituted in the first half of both
games with a calf injury. Upson, paid about £50,000 a week, admits his
plight got to him and he briefly questioned his decision to swap St Andrews
for Upton Park as Birmingham clinched promotion while his new club toiled.
But West Ham avoided the drop and now Upson wants to repay the east
Londoners by helping their push for Europe. "I was so disappointed I
couldn't play it got to me and I felt down about it," said the 28-year-old.
"There was a feeling of guilt and of pressure that I came in for big money
and needed to perform. "It's unfortunate I haven't had much input, but I
want to change that. "I'm feeling very good now, I've a new lease of life
and with lots of new faces in the dressing room it's like there's a whole
new feeling about the team."
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Hammers in double swoop - The Mirror
By Martin Lipton 31/07/2007
West Ham are closing in on a £10million double swoop for Eidur Gudjohnsen
and Kieron Dyer. Alan Curbishley has already splashed £24m to bring in Scott
Parker, Craig Bellamy, Freddie Ljungberg and crocked midfielder Julien
Faubert. But the Hammers boss, resigned to the eventual departure of Carlos
Tevez, is keen to get former Chelsea star Gudjohnsen back to the Premiership
after a year at Barcelona. And Curbishley fancies wantaway Newcastle
midfielder Dyer at £5m, although the England man is likely to have to trim
his £70,000-a-week demands, with West Ham determined not to pay 'silly
money' for a player looking to move nearer his family home in Ipswich.
Gudjohnsen's father and agent Arnor, said: "West Ham would be something
Eidur would consider, as there are some Icelanders there with the owners.
"Barcelona have always told him it is up to him what he wants to do, and
they will not stand in his way if he wants to go."
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Dyer hate campaignJul 31 2007
by Luke Edwards, The Journal
NEWCASTLE United have rejected a £5m offer from West Ham for Kieron Dyer,
but he seems unhappier than ever at St James's Park after his car and home
came under attack from disgruntled fans. Dyer was booed by sections of
Newcastle's crowd during the 2-0 victory over Juventus despite the fact his
performance was praised by manager Sam Allardyce – who is believed to have
had a £6m offer for Manchester United's Alan Smith accepted last night.
But worse was to follow for the England international when he left the
ground, as fans screamed abuse and then surrounded his car, banging on the
windows, as he tried to drive away from the stadium. The Journal also
understands that Dyer's home near Ponteland has had eggs thrown at its
windows since it emerged the 28-year-old is keen to leave the North-East so
he can move closer to his young family in Ipswich.
The news of the campaign against Dyer has not been greeted well inside St
James's Park and there is concern that the actions of a few mindless yobs
will hinder the club's attempts to attract players in the future. Chairman
Chris Mort said: "It's well known there has been interest in Kieron from
several clubs and that he might want to move on for family reasons. However,
he remains an important part of the squad and is working hard for the team
as he showed with his performance on Sunday.
"We have got to make all our current players and potential new signings see
Newcastle as a great place to live and it would be disastrous for the club
for this sort of behaviour to be repeated."
Dyer was arguably Newcastle's best player when he came on as a second-half
substitute against Juventus and he has privately revealed a determination
not to allow his critics to break his spirit. In fact, the abuse directed at
him on Sunday appeared to motivate him, rather than dishearten, as he guided
a young side through the final 45 minutes of the friendly.
However, the abuse would appear to make the possibility that the midfielder
can be persuaded to stay at the club even more remote, despite the fact
United and West Ham have seemingly reached deadlock in their negotiations.
The Hammers made a final bid last week, which is believed to include a
further payment once Dyer has played 50 games for the east London club as
well as another add-on if the Hammers qualify for Europe. That offer,
though, was turned down by the Magpies and Allardyce revealed on Sunday that
nobody had made a bid that is "anywhere near the sort of money" he is
looking for.
Whether the bid for Smith suggests that has now changed remains to be seen.
Although primarily a striker, the former Leeds player has been used as a
midfielder at Old Trafford.
If Dyer's move to West Ham does collapse it would leave Allardyce in a
tricky situation as he will have an unhappy player in his squad who sections
of the club's supporters cannot wait to see leave. There is the chance Dyer
could go out on loan, but Newcastle are unlikely to be happy with that
option because his market value will fall as he only has two years left on
his contract.
Allardyce will invest whatever money he receives for Dyer immediately in a
replacement and it could be that Smith has been lined up for that purpose,
although they face competition from Sunderland and Middlesbrough.
Allardyce held a meeting with Chris Mort yesterday to discuss what the club
are going to do next in the transfer market as there have not been any new
arrivals since Geremi signed on a free transfer last month. Newcastle
desperately need to sign three more defenders before the close of the
transfer window at the end of August, as well as a replacement for Dyer, and
that will not be cheap. However, Allardyce has actually spent less than £3m
since he became United manager as he also raised £7m from the sale of Scott
Parker to West Ham.
He is interested in Paris Saint Germain's Senegal international left-back
Boukary Drame, but faces competition from Sochaux. There will be support for
the manager from fans who want to see money invested in new players after
the initial excitement which greeted the removal of Freddie Shepherd begins
to fade.
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