18/09/2007 09:18
Coventry U18s 0
West Ham United U18s 2
West Ham United's Under-18's kept up their unbeaten run with a solid 2-0 win
away at Coventry at the weekend. Tony Carr's young team scored twice in the
first half to secure their second league victory of the season. Hammers were
dominant from the start and 20 minutes in, had taken the lead against their
hosts. Good movement down the right-hand side saw Jordan Spence, Junior
Stanislas and Freddie Sears involved with the ball being cut across the box
for Jack Jeffrey to net his first goal of the campaign. Just 10 minutes
later, West Ham increased their foothold on the game by grabbing a second.
The goal was similar to the first in that there was more good movement and
passing, before Sears finished well from 10 yards out. In the second half,
Hammers were once again strong, Stanislas went close with an effort and
despite a few long-range efforts from Coventry, it was West Ham who saw out
the match to go home with all the points. Youth Academy Director Carr was
full of praise for his side and said they could have won by a lot more. " A
great win, but quite simply we should have scored a few more goals. We saw
out the game without really hitting the heights of the first half, but it
was good enough on the day. "It was a good performance and sitting on the
coach at 7.30am on Saturday morning to travel there, we would have settled
for that result, so all in all, a good day."
The youth team has now won two games and drawn one, putting a little run
together and have recovered well from the two defeats suffered in the
opening games of the season. "We were unlucky to lose those first two games
narrowly, but each week we have progressed and have now scored nine goals in
three games. "We had been conceding a bit as well, so Saturday's win over
Coventry was made even better as we got a clean sheet to show for our
efforts as well," said Tony. "The boys are doing well. Jordan Spence has
returned from the World Youth Cup finals very fit and sharp and Freddie
Sears is hitting the net on a regular basis once again. "In fact, Freddie
wasn't shy in reminding me this morning that he has now scored four goals in
three games! "But the boys want to keep improving and they have a great
attitude. With the first team winning on Saturday as well, the training
ground on Monday morning was a very happy place to be!"
West Ham United: Street, Spence (O'Neill, 55), Fitzgerald, Fry, Ashman,
N'Gala, Harvey, Stanislas, Kearns, Sears, Jeffrey.
Unused subs: Gilbert, Blackwell, Miller
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West Ham United Offical Statement - WHUFC
18/09/2007 15:38
West Ham United today announced that the Board has agreed to strengthen the
management of the Club with some changes to the roles of the senior team.
The Board has decided that in order to move to the next stage of the Club's
development a broader management team will be put in place to support the
Club's owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson. With growing confidence and optimism
surrounding the Club's future and with significant progress being made in
delivering a new stadium, the Board feels it is the right time to strengthen
a management structure which will help secure the long term ambitions of the
Club. Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, the Club's owner, will continue to chair the
Club's holding Board and this body will direct the overall strategy of the
Club as well as developments such as the new stadium. Eggert Magnusson will
remain as chairman of the Club in a non-executive capacity with an executive
team responsible for day to day operations. Obviously these changes have no
impact on the playing side where Alan Curbishley and his coaching staff
remain in control of all squad and on the field matters. Commenting on the
changes Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson said: "I am so proud of what we have achieved
since becoming involved with the Club and I am grateful for Eggert
Magnusson's contribution to West Ham throughout this time. Of course there
have been challenges but we have made real progress and can be confident
about the future. "It is now vital for our longer term ambitions to become
one of the leading clubs in England playing for honours both at home and in
Europe that we strengthen the senior team at the Club and build a truly
professional management structure for the future."
Eggert Magnusson said: "We have worked hard to create stability and optimism
sometimes in very difficult and trying circumstances. I think it is now
important to broaden the management team so that we can deliver the bright
future that is opening up for the Club. I have enjoyed my time as Executive
Chairman but feel the moment is right to stand back a little as we move into
a new and exciting period."
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Reserves Beat Portsmouth 2-1 - WHUFC
18/09/2007 20:55
New signing Henri Camara was on the score sheet twice as West Ham United
reserves ran out 2-1 winners against Portsmouth at Upton Park tonight. The
win was the first of the season for Kevin Keens men and it was also a good
night for Scott Parker who got a welcome 90 minutes under his belt as he
continued his return from injury.
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Magnusson switches West Ham role - BBC
West Ham's billionaire owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson will take a more
hands-on role after Eggert Magnusson's decision to step down as executive
chairman.
The shake-up is the next stage of West Ham's plan to break into the Premier
League's top four, and includes moving the club to a new stadium.
Gudmundsson said: "It is vital we strengthen the senior team and build a
management structure for the future." Magnusson will stay on as
non-executive chairman and keep his West Ham stake. He said: "We have worked
hard to create stability and optimism, but I feel the moment is right to
stand back a little as we move into a new and exciting period."
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Changes afoot - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 18th September 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
West Ham United have announced sweeping changes at boardroom level. The club
confirmed this afternoon that Eggert Magnusson - whilst remaining as
Chairman - would be moving to a non-executive role overseeing a team (yet to
be confirmed) tasked with the day to day running of the club. Scott Duxbury
- who was heavily involved in the Tevez affair - is rumoured to be set to
replace Magnusson.
The statement read: "The Board has agreed to strengthen the management of
the Club with some changes to the roles of the senior team. "The Board has
decided that in order to move to the next stage of the Club's development a
broader management team will be put in place to support owner Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson. "Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson will continue to chair the Club's
holding Board and this body will direct the overall strategy of the Club as
well as developments such as the new stadium."
Meanwhile Magnusson told mbl.is tonight that it was always his intention to
step aside. "When we took over at the club last year it was never my
intention of running the club on a daily basis, 24 hours a day," he said.
"I however did this to begin with as it developed that way. A lot has
happened over the last few months but we think this is the right time to
make these changes. "In fact, I needed some time to breath. It has been
very busy but now I can concentrate on other things regarding the future
vision of the club."
At the top of the club's agenda would appear to be a move to a new stadium -
on which 'significant progress' has been made, according to the statement.
The existing Parcelforce site by West Ham station is currently pencilled in
as United's new home.
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Tommy in trouble ... again - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 18th September 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Former Hammer Tomas Repka is in hot water after lashing out at a cameraman
following a Czech league game. The current Sparta Prague captain had just
been sent off in the league fixture against Teplice deep into injury time
for abusing an official, before he sent the startled TV man sprawling. He is
likely to be heavily fined by the Czech FA. Repka - no stranger to
controversy - was also fined £4,000 by his club, whose defeat in the game
was their first reversal of the current campaign. Repka spent five years at
West Ham between 2001-06, playing almost 200 league games for the club. He
arrived in East London as an international outcast following a falling out
with the Czech manager, and further enhanced his reputation by receiving his
marching orders in his first game for United. Despite managing to knuckle
down for the latter part of his Hammers career his reputation continued to
proceed him - unfairly perhaps at times.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=PYdnMsi7aS0
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Repka sees red after red - SSN
Ex-Hammer fined after attacking cameraman
By Alex Dunn Last updated: 18th September 2007
Former West Ham star Tomas Repka is in the news back in Czech Republic after
lashing out at a cameraman upon being sent off during a league game. The
Sparta Prague captain, no stranger to seeing red during an oft robust
career, was shown his marching orders as his club lost for the first time
this season against Teplice on Sunday. Upon leaving the field Repka aimed an
impromptu attack in the direction of a Czech television cameraman; in an
incident which has culminated in him being fined 150,000 koruna (£3,800) by
his club. Repka in his defence has claimed he was 'under great stress' but
whether his pleas will be treated charitably by the Czech football
disciplinary commission remains subject to conjecture. In what was a
somewhat tempestuous contest Sparta midfielder Martin Abraham was also red
carded, and subsequently fined, for verbally abusing the referee and his
assistant.
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Eggert steps back at Hammers - SSN
Magnusson to step down as West Ham's executive chairman
Last updated: 18th September 2007
West Ham United have confirmed Eggert Magnusson is to step down from his
role as executive chairman. Magnusson, who has been the main figurehead
under the regime of Hammers' Icelandic owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, will
remain at Upton Park as the club's non-executive chairman. Although
Gudmundsson is to take a more hands-on role in the running of the club, he
has also outlined plans to appoint an executive team to handle day-to-day
affairs.
Gudmundsson has reassured manager Alan Curbishley that the restructuring
will have no impact on on-the-field affairs, while at the same time paying
tribute to what Magnusson achieved in his tenure as executive chairman. "I
am so proud of what we have achieved since becoming involved with the club
and I am grateful for Eggert Magnusson's contribution to West Ham throughout
this time," Gudmundsson said. "Of course there have been challenges but we
have made real progress and can be confident about the future. "It is now
vital for our longer-term ambitions to become one of the leading clubs in
England playing for honours both at home and in Europe that we strengthen
the senior team at the club and build a truly professional management
structure for the future."
Magnusson accepts that now is the ideal time to 'stand back'. He added: "We
have worked hard to create stability and optimism sometimes in very
difficult and trying circumstances. I think it is now important to broaden
the management team so that we can deliver the bright future that is opening
up for the club.
"I have enjoyed my time as executive chairman but feel the moment is right
to stand back a little as we move into a new and exciting period."
Gudmundsson will remain chairman of the board of West Ham United Holding,
with his close aide Thor Kristjansson as both vice-chairman of the holding
company and executive vice-chairman of the club. Scott Duxbury remains chief
executive and an expanded executive team will be announced in the near
future.
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Magnusson steps down as West Ham chairman -Soccernet
LONDON, Sept 18 (Reuters) - Billionaire Icelandic owner Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson is to tighten his control of West Ham, the English Premier
League club said on Tuesday as the club's executive chairman Eggert
Magnusson stepped down. 'Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, the club's owner, will
continue to chair the club's holding board and this body will direct the
overall strategy of the club,' West Ham said on its website. The London club
said Magnusson would move to a back seat role as non-executive chairman.
Former UEFA executive committee member Magnusson has been a figurehead at
West Ham since he came in as part the Icelandic consortium which took over
last November. I have enjoyed my time as Executive Chairman but feel the
moment is right to stand back a little,' Magnusson said. Gudmundsson,
chairman of Icelandic bank Landsbanki, bankrolled the 85 million pounds
($169.5 million) buyout of the club but has since kept a low profile. 'We
have worked hard to create stability and optimism sometimes in very
difficult and trying circumstances. I think it is now important to broaden
the management team,' he said. 'It is now vital for our longer term
ambitions to become one of the leading clubs in England playing for honours
both at home and in Europe that we strengthen the senior team at the club
and build a truly professional management structure.' West Ham are currently
sixth in Premier League after narrowly avoiding relegation last season.
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Eggert Magnusson to step down at West Ham - telegraph
By Richard Bright
Last Updated: 2:12am BST 19/09/2007
Eggert Magnusson is to relinquish his role as West Ham's executive chairman,
with Icelandic owner, Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, to take a more hands-on role
at Upton Park. Gudmundsson is to appoint an executive team to handle the
day-to-day running of the club, but Magnusson, who will remain as the
non-executive chairman, will continue to be heavily involved and will keep
his stake in the club. The shake-up is intended to take West Ham to the next
stage of their plan to break into the top four in the Premier League, which
includes moving to a new stadium.
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Hammers smash Egg - The Sun
By IAN McGARRY
September 19, 2007
EGGERT MAGNUSSON was elbowed sideways yesterday as West Ham grew
increasingly concerned about his power base — and spiralling players' wages.
The Hammers chairman lost his executive status — and his six-figure salary —
in a shock boardroom shake up. The move came after West Ham spent a fortune
offering players such as Craig Bellamy, Lucas Neill and Scott Parker wages
topping £60,000 a week. There was also increasing alarm at the way Magnusson
has been projected as the man in control, even though he only owns five per
cent of the club. An insider said: "It wasn't really Eggert's fault, but
everyone seemed to think he ruled the club and there was no one else in the
background."
Owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson will now be more hands-on and take specific
interest in building a new 60,000-seater ground near to West Ham tube
station.
That has moved a step nearer after club sources confirmed Hammers have been
granted exclusive negotiating rights to buy land for the £250million
stadium.
Gudmundsson said: "It is vital for our longer term ambitions that we build a
truly professional management structure. Magnusson said: "I have enjoyed my
time as executive chairman but feel the moment is right to stand back a
little as we move into a new and exciting period." Meanwhile, Bellamy will
miss Saturday's trip to former club Newcastle — but the striker has been
told he does not need surgery after a scan on his injured groin.
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Nugent strike isn't enough for reserves - www.portsmouth.co.uk
David Nugent was Pompey reserves' scorer at West Ham
David Nugent netted and Linvoy Primus got another game under his belt - but
Pompey reserves went down 2-1 at West Ham. Primus was included in a strong
Pompey reserve side that, with 85 minutes played and more than matching an
equally senior West Ham second-string, looked well worth a point at Upton
Park. But then calamity struck in the heart of the Blues defence as a poor
pass from Martin Cranie put Primus in difficulty and former Saint Henri
Camara was able to first win the ball and then the match with a strike that
gave trialist keeper Anton Silva no chance of saving.
Not for the first time this season, fortune failed to shine on Pompey as
efforts from Franck Songo'o and David Nugent came back into play off the
base of a post with Hammers keeper Richard Wright a mere spectator. Had they
counted the result may just have gone the way of coach Paul Groves side,
particularly if a fierce drive from Matt Ritchie had found the back of the
net - likewise a Marc Wilson header from a pin-point cross from the busy
David Nugent. Although still not making more of the chances that come his
way, Nugent nevertheless showed his predatory skills on 78 minutes when he
tucked in an equaliser after a rocket from Pedro Mendes was pushed out by
Wright. To their credit, Pompey's defence looked reasonably sound for the
first hour, apart from a couple of scares that trialist Italian keeper Anton
Silva dealt with, saving at point blank range to deny both Camara and Luis
Boa Morte.
With so many senior players on view, the match attracted the attention of
numerous scouts from both Premiership and Championship club. And among them
were the Pompey contingent of Harry Redknapp, Joe Jordan and Tony Adams, all
having made the journey to have a first hand view of the senior players that
could be involved in the forthcoming first-team squad for the trip to
Blackburn Rovers and Burnley. And while the main contenders did well, so too
did young Wilson who appears to have become a far better player as a result
of his loan spell at AFC Bournemouth last season. Next in the table of merit
was surely Cranie, who, apart from his lack of concentration that gifted
West Ham their winner, still did enough to be worth a place on the flight
north. It wasn't often that the impressive Camara got the better of Cranie
and Primus but it's goals that win matches and he had duly obliged on the
hour to put West Ham ahead, turning in a cross from Kyle Reid who had raced
clear along the line. When his second goal hit the back of Silva's net late
on, Pompey's hopes of putting their first points on the board from three
starts were gone - and must hope to turn things in their favour when Aston
Villa visit in a fortnight.
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West Ham feared Magnusson's strengthening power-base
tribalfooball.com - September 18, 2007
West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson was booted sideways yesterday over
concerns of his increasing power-base, it has been revealed. The Sun says
the Hammers chairman lost his executive status - and his six-figure salary -
in a shock boardroom shake up. The move came after West Ham spent a fortune
offering players such as Craig Bellamy, Lucas Neill and Scott Parker wages
topping £60,000 a week. There was also increasing alarm at the way Magnusson
has been projected as the man in control, even though he only owns five per
cent of the club. An insider said: "It wasn't really Eggert's fault, but
everyone seemed to think he ruled the club and there was no one else in the
background." Owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson will now be more hands-on and take
specific interest in building a new 60,000-seater ground near to West Ham
tube station. That has moved a step nearer after club sources confirmed
Hammers have been granted exclusive negotiating rights to buy land for the
£250million stadium.
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West Ham closer to landing Reading's Shorey
tribalfooball.com - September 18, 2007
Reading fullback Nicky Shorey appears set to join West Ham United in
January. The Sun says January move to West Ham now looks nailed on for the
England left-back. Royals boss Steve Coppell last night revealed: "The
situation with him is as it's always been . . . he wants to play at a higher
level. "That's his long-term goal and he fully understands our situation -
although, with the window closed, at the moment it is a non issue."
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Lee in line to join West Ham board
tribalfooball.com - September 18, 2007
Former communications chief of the Premier League, Mike Lee, is being lined
up for a board role at West Ham United. Eggert Magnusson is stepping down as
executive chairman at the Hammers, with Icelandic owner Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson taking a more hands-on role. The Daily Mail says Lee may be in
line for a director's role after advising Magnusson on PR strategy over the
last year.
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Camara nets twice for West Ham
tribalfooball.com - September 18, 2007
Henri Camara scored twice for West Ham reserves in last night's 2-1 defeat
of Portsmouth. Camara is on-loan from Wigan Athletic and struck his brace in
a game which also saw midfielder Scott Parker play 90 minutes.
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Gudmundsson's helping hand
Paul Kelso
Wednesday September 19, 2007
The Guardian
An unexpected beneficiary of Alisher Usmanov's decision to increase his
stake in Arsenal to 21% is the billionaire Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, the West
Ham owner whose bank Landsbanki acted as broker for Usmanov's investment
vehicle, Red & White Holdings.
Gudmundsson, who owns more than 90% of West Ham, became chairman of what was
previously Iceland's national bank in the 1990s, and its London subsidiary
is understood to have brokered Usmanov's purchase of an additional 6% of the
club's stock for more than £30m.
The role played by Landsbanki has prompted speculation that Gudmundsson was
instrumental in introducing Usmanov to David Dein, whose 14.6% stake gave
the Uzbek his initial foothold in the club. Gudmundsson, who said he is to
take a more hands-on role at West Ham, spent several years in Russia after
being charged with fraud in Iceland. He founded the Bravo brewery in Russia,
later selling it to Heineken for $400m.
In a restructuring of the West Ham executive announced yesterday Gudmundsson
is to take a greater interest in the day-to-day running of the club with
Eggert Magnusson taking a step back, though he will remain as non-executive
chairman. Gudmundsson's aide, Thor Kristjansson, becomes vice-chairman of
West Ham United Holding and executive vice-chairman of the football club.
Scott Duxbury remains as chief executive and Mike Lee, former communications
chief of London 2012, may be offered a directorship having advised Magnusson
on PR strategy for the past year.
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Billionaire takes control at Hammers - news.co.au
September 19, 2007 12:00am
BILLIONAIRE Icelandic owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson is to tighten his control
of West Ham United and play a bigger part in running the club. The London
Premier League club said today executive chairman Eggert Magnusson had
stepped down and would move to a back seat role as non-executive chairman.
"Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, the club's owner, will continue to chair the club's
holding board and this body will direct the overall strategy of the club,''
West Ham said on its website. Gudmundsson, chairman of Icelandic bank
Landsbanki, bankrolled the $204 million buy-out of the club but has since
kept a low profile.
"We have worked hard to create stability and optimism sometimes in very
difficult and trying circumstances. I think it is now important to broaden
the management team,'' he said. "It is now vital for our longer term
ambitions to become one of the leading clubs in England, playing for honours
both at home and in Europe that we strengthen the senior team at the club
and build a truly professional management structure.'' West Ham are
currently sixth in Premier League after narrowly avoiding relegation last
season.
- Reuters
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Eggert Has His Own Throat Cut At West Ham - West Ham Fans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 18 September, 2007 - 18:47.
Eggert Magnusson Famous for his "if those in control don't perform they may
experience having their throats cut in order for the good of the club"
statement which immediately preceded the sacking of Alan Pardew, West Ham
chairman Eggert Magnusson has had his own throat metaphorically cut. In an
official club statement owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson said: "I am so proud of
what we have achieved since becoming involved with the Club and I am
grateful for Eggert Magnusson's contribution to West Ham throughout this
time. Of course there have been challenges but we have made real progress
and can be confident about the future. It is now vital for our longer term
ambitions to become one of the leading clubs in England playing for honours
both at home and in Europe that we strengthen the senior team at the Club
and build a truly professional management structure for the future." Eggert
Magnusson said: "We have worked hard to create stability and optimism
sometimes in very difficult and trying circumstances. I think it is now
important to broaden the management team so that we can deliver the bright
future that is opening up for the Club. I have enjoyed my time as Executive
Chairman but feel the moment is right to stand back a little as we move into
a new and exciting period. Well, what is this all about? Has Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson decided that his pal of some thirty years is not up to the job
or has he decided that the stress of running such a demanding club could
have a detrimental effect on the health on his healthy but ageing pal?
Eggert Magnusson is not a young man and perhaps Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson has
decided that a younger person, possibly his son who is wealthier than his
father would be the right person to take the club forward. One thing that is
for sure, our recent request to do an article with Mr Magnusson was not
treated with the usual courtesy afforded to fan's sites from Hammer's press
department, the timing was obviously wrong. Is this a brave new dawn or the
destruction of the first visibly cohesive boardroom unit seen at the Boleyn
for many a year? - Ed
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Eggert Magnusson relinquishes West Ham role
Times Online and Agencies
Eggert Magnusson is to step down as West Ham United's executive chairman, it
was announced today. Magnusson will remain as the club's non-executive
chairman and the Hammers' Icelandic owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson is to take
a more hands-on role in the club. Gudmundsson is to appoint an executive
team to handle the day-to-day running of the club, but Magnusson will
continue to be heavily involved and will keep his own stake in the club. The
shake-up is the next step in West Ham's masterplan to break into the top
four in the Premier League, and includes moving to a new stadium. The club
insist the changes will have no impact on manager Alan Curbishley and his
coaching staff, who will remain in control of all football matters. "I am so
proud of what we have achieved since becoming involved with the club and I
am grateful for Eggert Magnusson's contribution to West Ham throughout this
time," Gudmundsson said.
"Of course there have been challenges but we have made real progress and can
be confident about the future. "It is now vital for our longer-term
ambitions to become one of the leading clubs in England playing for honours
both at home and in Europe that we strengthen the senior team at the club
and build a truly professional management structure for the future."
Magnusson said the time was right to "stand back a little". "We have worked
hard to create stability and optimism sometimes in very difficult and trying
circumstances," he said. "I think it is now important to broaden the
management team so that we can deliver the bright future that is opening up
for the club.
"I have enjoyed my time as executive chairman but feel the moment is right
to stand back a little as we move into a new and exciting period."
Gudmundsson will remain chairman of the board of West Ham United Holding,
with his close aide Thor Kristjansson as both vice-chairman of the holding
company and executive vice-chairman of the club. Scott Duxbury remains chief
executive and an expanded executive team will be announced in the near
future. It is thought that Mike Lee, the former communications chief of the
Premier League, Uefa and the London 2012 Olympic bid, may be in line for a
director's role after advising Magnusson on PR strategy over the last year.
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Hammers announce boardroom shake-up - Setanta Sport
by Tom Adams, 18 September 2007
West Ham have announced that Eggert Magnusson will step down as the club's
executive chairman, but the Icelandic supremo will continue to play a key
role at Upton Park in a shake-up of the club's management structure. The
Hammers have instigated the changes in order to 'move to the next stage of
the club's development', and the adjustments will see owner Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson's holding board take on more responsibility for the direction of
the club. Magnusson – the public face of West Ham's powerbrokers ever since
their takeover at the end of 2006 – will take a step back with an executive
team brought in to oversee day-to-day operations at Upton Park. However,
the man who had to deal with the Carlos Tevez controversy last season will
keep his stake in the club and continue to be involved in the development of
the London side. "We have worked hard to create stability and optimism
sometimes in very difficult and trying circumstances," said Magnusson in a
club statement. "I think it is now important to broaden the management team
so that we can deliver the bright future that is opening up for the club. "I
have enjoyed my time as executive chairman but feel the moment is right to
stand back a little as we move into a new and exciting period."
Gudmundsson added: "I am so proud of what we have achieved since becoming
involved with the club and I am grateful for Eggert Magnusson's contribution
to West Ham throughout this time. "Of course there have been challenges but
we have made real progress and can be confident about the future. "It is now
vital for our longer-term ambitions to become one of the leading clubs in
England playing for honours both at home and in Europe that we strengthen
the senior team at the club and build a truly professional management
structure for the future."
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Egg steps down as Irons supremo - TeamTalk
Eggert Magnusson is to step down as West Ham's executive chairman, with
Icelandic owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson to take a more hands-on role.
Magnusson will remain as the club's non-executive chairman - and is to
appoint an executive team to handle the day-to-day running of the club. But
he will continue to be heavily involved and will keep his own stake in the
club. The shake-up is intended to take West Ham to the next stage of their
plan to break into the top four in the Premier League, and includes moving
to a new stadium. The club insist the changes will have no impact on manager
Alan Curbishley and his coaching staff, who will remain in control of all
football matters. Gudmundsson said: "I am so proud of what we have achieved
since becoming involved with the club and I am grateful for Eggert
Magnusson's contribution to West Ham throughout this time. "Of course there
have been challenges but we have made real progress and can be confident
about the future. "It is now vital for our longer-term ambitions to become
one of the leading clubs in England playing for honours both at home and in
Europe that we strengthen the senior team at the club and build a truly
professional management structure for the future." Magnusson said the time
was right to "stand back a little". He said: "We have worked hard to create
stability and optimism sometimes in very difficult and trying circumstances.
I think it is now important to broaden the management team so that we can
deliver the bright future that is opening up for the club. "I have enjoyed
my time as executive chairman but feel the moment is right to stand back a
little as we move into a new and exciting period."
Gudmundsson will remain chairman of the board of West Ham United Holding,
with his close aide Thor Kristjansson as both vice-chairman of the holding
company and executive vice-chairman of the club. Scott Duxbury remains chief
executive and an expanded executive team will be announced in the near
future. It is thought that Mike Lee, the former communications chief of the
Premier League, UEFA and the London 2012 Olympic bid, may be in line for a
director's role after advising Magnusson on PR strategy over the last year.
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England call suits West Ham ace - Sportigo
Tue, Sep 18, 07 13:49
Mark Apostolou
Upton Park fans would have been buoyed with the return to fitness and form
of long-term injury-table occupant Dean Ashton. Now the West Ham striker has
been given a huge England boost. Former Norwich man Ashton is on standby for
an England SOS call – after being sent a suit by the FA yesterday (Daily
Mirror).
This is good news for all concerned, although sending a Three Lions jacket
round is an odd way to announce news of an international call-up. Let's hope
it's not tempting fate and and that the 23-year-old Ashton can remain
injury-free.
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Magnusson to step down as West Ham chairman - Daily Mail
Last updated at 16:32pm on 18th September 2007
Eggert Magnusson is to step down as West Ham's executive chairman, it was
announced today. Magnusson will remain as the club's non-executive chairman
and the Hammers' Icelandic owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson is to take a more
hands-on role in the club. Gudmundsson is to appoint an executive team to
handle the day-to-day running of the club, but Magnusson will continue to be
heavily involved and will keep his own stake in the club. The shake-up is
intended to take West Ham to the next stage of their plan to break into the
top four in the Premier League, and includes moving to a new stadium. The
club insist the changes will have no impact on manager Alan Curbishley and
his coaching staff, who will remain in control of all football matters.
Gudmundsson said: "I am so proud of what we have achieved since becoming
involved with the club and I am grateful for Eggert Magnusson's contribution
to West Ham throughout this time. "Of course there have been challenges but
we have made real progress and can be confident about the future. "It is now
vital for our longer-term ambitions to become one of the leading clubs in
England playing for honours both at home and in Europe that we strengthen
the senior team at the club and build a truly professional management
structure for the future." Magnusson said the time was right to "stand back
a little". He said: "We have worked hard to create stability and optimism
sometimes in very difficult and trying circumstances. I think it is now
important to broaden the management team so that we can deliver the bright
future that is opening up for the club. "I have enjoyed my time as executive
chairman but feel the moment is right to stand back a little as we move into
a new and exciting period."
Gudmundsson will remain chairman of the board of West Ham United Holding,
with his close aide Thor Kristjansson as both vice-chairman of the holding
company and executive vice-chairman of the club. Scott Duxbury remains chief
executive and an expanded executive team will be announced in the near
future. It is thought that Mike Lee, the former communications chief of the
Premier League, UEFA and the London 2012 Olympic bid, may be in line for a
director's role after advising Magnusson on PR strategy over the last year.
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I'm in the best form of my life, boasts West Ham midfielder - Daily Mail
Last updated at 14:15pm on 18th September 2007
Lee Bowyer believes he is back to his best as a goalscoring midfielder after
scoring his second of the season to spark West Ham's 3-0 win over
Middlesbrough.
Prior to his late equaliser against Wigan last month the former Charlton,
Leeds and Newcastle player had not managed to score in 35 matches for the
Hammers. Striker Dean Ashton's first goal since the 2005 FA Cup final after
recovering from a broken ankle may have grabbed the headlines but Bowyer,
30, is convinced he can now contribute more to the Upton Park cause. He
said: "I am getting a lot more chances now. Balls are getting laid in front
of me as I am making runs and I wasn't really getting that kind of service
last year. "I was making runs but no one was really seeing them. I had one
chance against Middlesbrough and I took it and it turned the game for us.
"It is a great feeling to be scoring again as it is a big part of my game. I
am pleased for Deano as well, as that has been a long time coming for him.
"Hopefully that will inject a bit confidence into him and he can start
scoring more goals as well."
West Ham are up to sixth in the Premier League after a hesitant start to the
season but Bowyer has reminded his team-mates there is still a long way to
go.
They face his former club Newcastle next Sunday at St James's Park and he
warned: "Although we have a very strong squad now - and with the likes of
Freddie Ljungberg and Scotty Parker still coming back from injuries - it
will be a tough game up there next week. "Sam Allardyce has made his mark on
the team. They will be hard to break down and have great support up there
and it can be quite intimidating for the visiting team."
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Are Finnan, Hleb, McCartney and Young-Pyo Lee the Premier League's most
underrated players? - Sportigo
Tue, Sep 18, 07 11:55
Ralph Little
The super strikers and the guys who score spectacular goals get all the
headlines. But Liverpool, Arsenal, West Ham and Spurs have lesser lights who
deserve to be recognised just as much as the big-shots.
'McCartney's appearances in the Hammers back four have helped his side to
eight clean sheets in the last dozen league games' Everyone thrills and
marvels over the twists and turns of Cristiano Ronaldo, more so now that he
doesn't seem to fling himself to the floor at any given opportunity. The
crowd love the sight of yet another master class in long-range strikes and
accurate passing from Steven Gerrard; even the masterful defending of Micah
Richards is getting armchair fans all a fluster. But what about the unsung
heroes of the game?
It's a question I've been thinking about whilst reading the latest
plaudit-ridden article about the joys of Cesc Fabregas. Don't get me wrong
the Arsenal midfielder deserves all the praise he gets but there are 11
players on the pitch and it seems most teams have an unsung hero. You know,
the hard-working guy who, because of his unfashionable positioning or
perceived lack of talent, doesn't get everyone's attention like the stars
who perform spectacular acts..
Steve Finnan is just that kind of player. A long-time servant to the Anfield
cause and a player who has almost certainly never been the focus of a
back-page tabloid story or broadsheet expose. The quietly-spoken Republic of
Ireland international, now 31, has been virtually ever-present throughout
Rafa Benitez's rotation obsession but is rarely talked about outside
Merseyside.
I guess full-back is not the most glamorous position in the world but there
are others in that position in the Premier League who get far more attention
than the Limerick man. I am at a loss as to why he doesn't get the accolades
he deserves.
Aliaksandr Hleb, although relatively new to the Premier League, is in danger
of becoming a similarly non-newsworthy player. I simply love to watch the
Arsenal midfielder play - he seems to move effortlessly around the pitch,
seldom losing the ball and more importantly never simply looking for the
obvious easy pass. Also, given his slight stature, he very rarely gets
pushed off the ball and, refreshingly, he hardly ever goes to ground when
under physical pressure.
George McCartney and Young-Pyo Lee also fall under the banner of players who
seem to attract little or no attention whilst playing for West Ham and Spurs
respectively. As with Finnan, both are defenders and players at the back are
always going to find it harder to get among the man-of-the-match awards
ahead of those who score last-minute winners or curling 25 yard free-kicks.
McCartney has made himself indispensable at Upton Park, where he is far more
central to Alan Curbishley's plans then he was under Alan Pardew. His
measured performances can be most easily be summed up in the stat that his
appearances in the Hammers back four have helped his side to eight clean
sheets in the last dozen league games.
Young-Pyo Lee is back in Martin Jol's good books. The 30-year-old South
Korean is beginning to recapture the form he showed in his first season at
the club back in 2005-06. Of course, with things not going too well for
Tottenham as a whole, not many players at White Hart Lane are generating
anything other than bad press. But I think Lee's form and that of the side
as a whole could be on the up and the former PSV left-back could help them
get back on track.
I am sure there are many other unsung heroes other than those mentioned. In
fact, every fan will point out that such-and-such is a far better player
than the man who gets interviewed post-match and has his face on the cover
of the magazines. Who is your team's underrated genius?
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West Ham rocked by Bellamy injury - Daily Mail
Last updated at 11:44am on 18th September 2007
Craig Bellamy is West Ham's latest big-money signing to be injured. The
£7.5m Welsh international is a doubt for Sunday's trip to Newcastle after
suffering a groin injury in the 3-0 victory over Middlesbrough.
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So How Much Is Mullins Worth To West Ham Now - West Ham Fans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 18 September, 2007 - 10:10.
While the plaudits for Hammers recent surge up the Premiership table have
been directed towards fit again England International hopeful Dean Ashton
and to the resurgent Lee Bowyer and Mathew Eherington, the man who has been
pulling the strings in midfield has almost crept under the radar. Hayden
Mullins was destined to join up with his mentor Alan Pardew at Charlton
during the transfer window and was supposedly going to be used as a make
weight in the aborted deal to bring Darren Bent to the Boleyn, unglamorous
and workman like he has made the midfield 'destroyer' role his own. Things
could have been so different had it not been for Hammers appalling injury
list, but now he is in the starting line up on a regular basis he will be
very hard to dislodge, not everyone's cup of tea but his OPTA stats show
that he is one of the club's most notable performers thus far.
Having seen off Javier Mascherano last season he now looks likely to keep
Scotty Parker on the bench, at least in the short term, how much would
Mullins be worth in the transfer market on his current form? As we have
mentioned before Alan Curbishley will have some difficult decisions to make
shortly, Bowyer and Mullins have stepped up to the mark and it will take all
of the manager's tact and skill to keep everyone happy and to maintain the
club's upward curve... These are good times to be a Hammer, and long may
they last! - Ed
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Curbishley tells West Ham fans to get real over player form
tribalfooball.com - September 18, 2007
Alan Curbishley has told West Ham United fans to stop their criticism of his
over-worked players. In his column for the Daily Express, Curbishley wrote:
"Do supporters fully understand this when they complain about some players'
performances? "Fans get frustrated when, from the comfort of their armchair,
they see players not performing as they would like them to. "Footballers get
criticised when saying they are tired and the public say, 'Let me do your
job, I'd love to train for just two hours a day and play on a Saturday'.
"But no sooner do we get a Premier League weekend out the way than it is the
start of the Champions League. "Let's look at what has happened so far.
Since the Premier League kick-off on August 11, we have had a round of the
Carling Cup, two internationals and the Champions League and now the UEFA
Cup. "Some players have been playing throughout the summer. Mark Noble, my
20-year-old midfielder, had a strenuous run-in last season, played in the
Under-21 European Championship and has been full-on since with club games
and international qualifying. "Is it a wonder we have a lot of injuries and
that players are lethargic and weary already? It is not just physical
pressure but mental pressure too at being asked to perform at the highest
level in every game."
He also said: "And what if you are a Wigan supporter? Your main
centre-forward, who excelled playing for his country last week, is now out
for a couple of months. Was Emile Heskey's broken foot due to wear and tear,
excess fatigue or mental tiredness? "Fans want to see performances, but
where on earth does anybody get any time to train and improve things?"
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West Ham's Ashton fitted for England
tribalfooball.com - September 18, 2007
West Ham United striker Dean Ashton has been given a huge England boost. The
Mirror says Ashton is on standby for an England SOS call - after being sent
a suit by the FA yesterday. West Ham's powerful hitman looks tailor-made as
a replacement for injury victim Emile Heskey and the biggest clue yet was
the surprise delivery at the club's training ground.
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Plane fracas duo hit with fine - TeamTalk
Keith Gillespie and George McCartney have been fined by the Irish FA
following an incident on last week's return flight from Iceland. The
governing body have also made it clear that "such behaviour would not be
tolerated in future". A fight broke out between Sheffield United winger
Gillespie and West Ham defender McCartney in front of shocked passengers as
the Icelandair flight was about to depart Reyjkavik for London Heathrow.
Gillespie later apologised for his part in the incident which occured in the
wake of Northern Ireland's 2-1 defeat by Iceland. Their winner in the last
minute came from his own goal. In a statement the IFA said: "Issues
surrounding the incidents which occurred involving certain players within
the Northern Ireland squad during the trip to Iceland have now been
addressed and resolved. "The IFA wishes to apologise to any members of the
public who were affected in any way by the behaviour of these players."
IFA president Raymond Kennedy added: "The IFA has been shown up in a poor
light as a result of behaviour, which of course is unacceptable. "While the
public apology from Keith Gillespie goes some way towards a recognition of
that, the players concerned have been told quite categorically that such
behaviour has caused unnecessary embarrassment to the IFA in the eyes of the
football world and the public as a whole and will not be tolerated in
future." The money from the fines will be allocated to a charity of the
IFA's choice.
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