Club announces Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson becomes the sole owner of West Ham
United
13.12.2007
West Ham United has today announced changes in share ownership and a number
of changes to the governance of the Club as part of the long-term
development of the Club and its plans for the future, including a new 60,000
seat stadium.
The changes were agreed at a shareholders meeting of WH Holding, the UK
holding company of West Ham United Plc.
The key changes are as follows:
# Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson has bought the five per cent of shares held by
Eggert Magnusson in West Ham United and is now the sole owner of West Ham
United.
# Mr Gudmundsson has invested a further £30.5m into the company in order to
bolster the financial base of the Club.
# WH Holding and West Ham United Plc will form a joint Board to oversee all
activities of the Club, including the new stadium development project.
# The new Board will be chaired by Mr Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson.
# Mr Eggert Magnusson has decided to stand down as Club Chairman in order to
pursue his wider business and football interests.
# The new Board will comprise: Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson (Chairman), Asgeir
Fridgeirsson (Vice-Chairman), Thor Kristjansson, Mike Lee, Gudmundur Oddsson
with Executive Directors Scott Duxbury (CEO) and Nick Igoe (Finance
Director).
At the first meeting of the new Board it was agreed to continue the process
of investigating the potential development of a new 60,000 seat stadium for
West Ham United.
Commenting on today's changes, Mr Gudmundsson said: "We are seeking to build
some truly solid foundations for the future ambitions of West Ham United FC.
This is a great football club with tremendous heritage and tradition and the
most wonderful set of supporters.
"My job as owner is to help plan for the future and create the right
conditions off the field to help Alan Curbishley and the playing squad
deliver success on the field.
"I am particularly delighted that we have been able to take the first real
step in our plans for a new stadium, which is crucial to the long-term
ambitions of the Club.
"As we move forward I want to pay tribute to Eggert Magnusson, who has done
a tremendous job as Chairman, often in difficult circumstances, since our
consortium bought the Club twelve months ago. Eggert has decided to move on
to new pastures and to pursue his other interests. We wish him well for the
future and express our thanks for all that he has done for West Ham.
"As incoming Club Chairman I recognise the responsibility that comes with
this role and I know that view is shared by all the members of the Board.
Today marks the next step in the development of this great Club and we are
all proud to be part of something so special."
Outgoing Chairman, Eggert Magnusson said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time
here at West Ham. From the moment that Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson and I formed
the consortium to bid for the Club, it has been an honour to be involved.
Now that I have sold my financial stake in the Club and I need to focus a
little more on my interests overseas, I think it is the right time to stand
down as Chairman.
"The last twelve months have not been without their challenges but I feel
that we have emerged stronger and fitter as a Club. Bjorgolfur has always
supported me as Chairman and I am pleased that he has decided to take over
the role to help the Club move on to the next level.
"I would like also to pay a special tribute to the West Ham fans who, I
believe, have shown themselves over many years to be the best in the
country. My thanks to everybody who has worked with me in my time here and I
wish the Club every success for the future. I will still be cheering on the
team whenever time permits."
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Reid reaping the rewards - WHUFC
Kyel Reid has got more valuable first-team experience under his belt
13.12.2007
Kyel Reid has spoken of his delight at getting another run-out in the West
Ham United first team although was "upset" by Carling Cup elimination
against Everton.
"I enjoyed it," he said of his 23 minutes as a second-half replacement for
Luis Boa Morte. "It was good to get out there and get a run out. It's a
dream come true playing at Upton Park. I just want a bit more of that. There
are a few injuries in the squad so hopefully I'll get a chance to come in
and do my bit if needed."
The left-winger, who turned 20 last month and has just signed a new contract
until 2009, had already made an impact in the competition when he came on in
the third-round defeat of Plymouth Argyle, making the only goal of the game
for Dean Ashton in the final minute. Unfortunately, he was unable to repeat
his heroics in the 2-1 quarter-final defeat .
"We were very disappointed to lose to a goal like that," Reid said of the
rare defensive mix-up that led to Yakubu's late winner. "We didn't deserve
it. The boys played well and deserved more than a defeat out there so I just
feel upset really.
"The beginning of the game they came at us fast and tough. You could tell
they were up for a battle. Towards the end of the game I thought it was
quite open. Both teams were attacking each other on the counterattack so it
was just opening up and it was a matter of who got the goal first really."
Reid is the latest Academy player to graduate to the first team after the
likes of Anton Ferdinand and Mark Noble. Following his steady rise, he knows
only too well how important it is for first-teamers to support those coming
through. So, on a freezing night last Monday, he went along to Bishop's
Stortford to watch a young reserves side play out a goalless draw against
Chelsea.
"It's not far from my house so I went down to give the boys some support,"
he said. "Where I've been here from a very young age and come through the
ranks it's always good to show support to the youngsters as well." No doubt
they will feel the same way about Reid and will hope to cheer him on if he
gets the chance for more action over the busy Christmas period.
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Curbs reflects on cup exit - WHUFC
Despite the pain of defeat, Alan Curbishley commended his side's commitment
12.12.2007
Alan Curbishley paid tribute to the efforts of his players after the
disappointment of going out of the Carling Cup quarter-finals to a late
Everton goal.
A rare defensive lapse ultimately let in Yakubu Aiyegbeni for the
88th-minute winner but the manager was proud of the commitment shown against
strong opposition on a freezing night at the Boleyn Ground. "We are bitterly
disappointed but the players have given everything they have got," he said.
In reflecting on the decisive strike which came about after a long clearance
was knocked into the area, Curbishley said: "Once it turned us around both
Danny and Greeny got caught in between - and as Greeny was going to go for
it, Danny headed it and that was it. They have been so strong all season -
we will have to take that and get on with it. It was a mistake and we know
that."
The contest had promised much with Freddie Ljungberg and Dean Ashton looking
assured on their return as part of a positive 4-4-2 formation. It paid off
when Carlton Cole scored the opener on 12 minutes. However, Everton,
unbeaten in their ten previous matches, were always a threat and put
together a fine move to equalise through Leon Osman just before half-time.
"We started ever so well and got the goal. Unfortunately I think Everton
took over after that. The big difference in the first half was they were a
bit sharper and a bit more physical," Curbishley added, before expressing
his disappointment that a free-kick was not awarded to Dean Ashton in the
build-up to the winning goal.
The manager, who had to substitute both Luis Boa Morte and Carlton Cole and
was without Matthew Etherington after his groin injury suffered on Sunday,
did not want to dwell on excuses and gave credit to Everton for their
display. "They got on top in the first half and I think that the second half
was much more even without anyone carving anything out. It was either going
to be something special or a mistake either end that was going to finish the
game. It looked as if it was drifting into extra time and they got the
result."
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Magnusson steps down at West Ham - BBC
Eggert Magnusson has stepped down as chairman of West Ham and sold his stake
in the Premier League club. Magnusson, who was part of the Icelandic
consortium that bought the Hammers a year ago, had already quit as executive
chairman in September. "Now that I need to focus a little more on my
interests overseas, I think it is the right time to stand down," he said.
Owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson has become chairman and executive chairman and
has bought Magnusson's 5% shareholding. "Eggert Magnusson has done a
tremendous job as chairman, often in difficult circumstances, since our
consortium bought the club 12 months ago," said Gudmundsson, who the club
says has invested a further £30.5m. "Eggert has decided to move on to new
pastures and to pursue his other interests. We wish him well for the future
and express our thanks for all that he has done for West Ham."
Magnusson has had an eventful time with the Hammers over the last 12 months.
Within weeks of taking over, manager Alan Pardew was sacked and, with Alan
Curbishley at the helm, the club survived relegation by three points.
Magnusson also had to deal with the long-running Carlos Tevez saga, which
drew to a close when the Argentine striker completed his move to Manchester
United after months of legal rows. However, Magnusson insisted: "I have
thoroughly enjoyed my time here at West Ham. From the moment that Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson and I formed the consortium to bid for the club, it has been an
honour to be involved.
"The last 12 months have not been without their challenges but I feel that
we have emerged stronger and fitter as a club. "I would also like to pay
tribute to the West Ham fans who, I believe, have shown themselves to be the
best in the country. "My thanks to everybody who has worked with me in my
time here and I wish the club every success for the future."
Gudmundsson has expressed his determination to push ahead with a move to a
new £250m, 60,000-seater stadium, with a site having been identified at an
old Parcelforce depot next to West Ham tube station. "We are seeking to
build some truly solid foundations for the future ambitions of West Ham," he
added. "This is a great football club, with tremendous heritage and
tradition and the most wonderful set of supporters. "My job as owner is to
help plan for the future and create the right conditions off the field to
help Alan Curbishley and the playing squad deliver success on the field. "I
am particularly delighted that we have been able to take the first real step
in our plans for a new stadium, which is crucial to the long-term ambitions
of the club."
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Taking the Mike - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 13th December 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
West Ham's newest board member, Mike Lee, is a former UEFA director and the
former Director of Communications and Public Affairs for the London 2012
Olympic bid. Lee was confirmed as the latest board member of West Ham United
in today's reshuffle, which saw another former UEFA man, Eggert Magnusson
leave the club just a year after being instrumental in it's purchase. The
Oxford-educated Lee, who completed a BA (Hons) in Politics, Philosophy and
Economics at St Peter's College has spent his career in media relations, and
was heavily involved in the bid to bring the 2012 Olympics to London. Voted
PR Week's 'PR Professional of the Year' in 2005, Lee has more recently spent
time running Vero Communications Ltd, a company he formed after leaving his
role within the 2012 team two years ago this month. As well as being a
former advisor to the Rt Hon David Blunkett MP, Lee has also been involved
in consultancy, during which he enjoyed a stint as Press Chief for the
Premier League. Prior to becoming involved with London's bid for the 2012
games, he was Director of Communications and Public Affairs for UEFA. He was
awarded an OBE in the 2005 New Honours List, and is expected to play a major
role in West Ham United's move to the new stadium.
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Spurs on their way - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 13th December 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
West Ham are thought to be ready to agree to plans to ground share with
London neighbours Tottenham. News of the proposals were generally laughed
off when the plans first emerged last month. But it is now believed that
United's new board are ready to sanction the move - a decision likely to
disappoint thousands of Hammers fans angry at the prospect of sharing The
Boleyn Ground with their local rivals. It is unknown whether or not the
plans to ground share with Tottenham was partly responsible for the
departure of Eggert Magnusson, whose shock departure from the club today has
stunned supporters.
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Magnusson: the right time to go - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 13th December 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
The outgoing Eggert Magnusson has said that he feels it is 'the right time
to step down'. The popular former Chairman officially parted company with
West Ham United FC today just one year after taking control of the club from
former Chairman Terry Brown. The shock news of his departure was revealed
earlier today, with the announcement that Magnusson's former partner -
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson - would be taking full control.
Talking via whufc.com, Magnusson said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time
here at West Ham. From the moment that Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson and I formed
the consortium to bid for the Club, it has been an honour to be involved.
"Now that I have sold my financial stake in the Club and I need to focus a
little more on my interests overseas, I think it is the right time to stand
down as Chairman. "Bjorgolfur has always supported me as Chairman and I am
pleased that he has decided to take over the role to help the Club move on
to the next level."
And the popular 60-year-old also had special praise for the Hammers fans,
with whom he was an extremely popular figure. "The West Ham fans, I believe,
have shown themselves over many years to be the best in the country," he
added. "I will still be cheering on the team whenever time permits."
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Eggy out - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 13th December 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Eggert Magnusson has left West Ham United, it has been revealed. A club
statement released this lunchtime confirmed that Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson has
become the club's sole owner after buying out the popular Magnusson's stake.
Magnusson, who previously owned 5% of the club is expected to return to UEFA
where, KUMB understands, he had been offered a position similar to his
previous role. Talking about the sweeping changes - which involve the
addition of new members to the club's board, Gudmundsson told whufc.com: "We
are seeking to build some truly solid foundations for the future ambitions
of West Ham United FC. This is a great football club with tremendous
heritage and tradition and the most wonderful set of supporters. "My job as
owner is to help plan for the future and create the right conditions off the
field to help Alan Curbishley and the playing squad deliver success on the
field. "I am particularly delighted that we have been able to take the first
real step in our plans for a new stadium, which is crucial to the long-term
ambitions of the Club. "As incoming Club Chairman I recognise the
responsibility that comes with this role and I know that view is shared by
all the members of the Board. Today marks the next step in the development
of this great Club and we are all proud to be part of something so special."
The new Board line-up is as follows:
Chairman: Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson
Vice-Chairman: Asgeir Fridgeirsson
Directors: Thor Kristjansson; Mike Lee; Gudmundur Oddsson
Executive Directors: Scott Duxbury (CEO); Nick Igoe (Finance Director).
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Here we go again - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 13th December 1987
By: Matthew O'Greel
Sheffield United have launched a multi-million pound compensation bid
against West Ham as a result of their relegation last season. The Blades are
seeking compensation after claiming that relegation cost them £50m. Their
argument is thought to be based on a number of statements made by the
newly-departed Eggert Magnusson which, they claim, contain several
inaccuracies. A statement released by the Hammers in reaction to Sheffield
United's latest bid to pass the blame for their failure to avoid relegation
read: "West Ham United is extremely disappointed that Sheffield United has
seen fit to embark on this latest desperate action. "Not only does Sheffield
United's claim lack legal merit, but it is also based on Sheffield United's
incorrect belief that West Ham United withheld an agreement from the Premier
League and the April Disciplinary Commission. "Sheffield United's latest
assertions clearly demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of the
situation and any proceedings brought by them will be vigorously defended.
"West Ham United and its new owners will not permit these repeated slurs to
go unchallenged and are in discussions with their legal advisers in relation
to the action they might take."
The dispute will be overseen by a three-man panel to be appointed by the
Football Association. Fulham are thought to be considering whether or not
join Sheffield United in their bid for compensation. Following West Ham's
1-0 win at Blackburn last weekend, the Hammers sit in tenth spot in the
Premier League.
Sheffield United's 1-0 defeat at bottom club Norwich City - now managed by
former Hammers manager Glenn Roeder - leaves them languishing in 13th spot
in the Football League Championship, just seven point above the relegation
zone.
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Magnusson leaves Hammers -SSN
Gudmundsson becomes sole owner at Upton Park
Last updated: 13th December 2007
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson has become sole owner of West Ham United after buying
Eggert Magnusson's stake in the club. Magnusson has sold his five per cent
stake in the Hammers to his fellow Icelander and has also stepped down as
the chairman. Gudmundsson has now become chairman of the board and explained
the reasoning behind the changes at Upton Park. "We are seeking to build
some truly solid foundations for the future ambitions of West Ham United
FC," Gudmundsson told the club's official website. "This is a great football
club with tremendous heritage and tradition and the most wonderful set of
supporters. "My job as owner is to help plan for the future and create the
right conditions off the field to help Alan Curbishley and the playing squad
deliver success on the field. "I am particularly delighted that we have been
able to take the first real step in our plans for a new stadium, which is
crucial to the long-term ambitions of the club. "As incoming club chairman I
recognise the responsibility that comes with this role and I know that view
is shared by all the members of the board. Today marks the next step in the
development of this great club and we are all proud to be part of something
so special."
Magnusson is confident he has helped West Ham to become stronger during his
12 months at the club, but is leaving to focus on other business interests.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here at West Ham," said Magnusson. "From
the moment that Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson and I formed the consortium to bid
for the club, it has been an honour to be involved. "Now that I have sold my
financial stake in the club and I need to focus a little more on my
interests overseas, I think it is the right time to stand down as chairman.
"The last 12 months have not been without their challenges, but I feel that
we have emerged stronger and fitter as a club. Bjorgolfur has always
supported me as chairman and I am pleased that he has decided to take over
the role to help the club move on to the next level."
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Carlisle look at Hammer - SSN
Widdowson to spend a week with League One club
Last updated: 13th December 2007
West Ham United youngster Joe Widdowson has linked up with Carlisle United
for a week's trial. Widdowson has yet to make a first-team appearance for
the Premier League club and is aiming to impress Carlisle. He is expected to
feature for the reserves early next week and Carlisle boss John Ward is keen
to assess the defender. "He'll stay with us for just over a week," Ward told
the club's official website. "We'll have a look at him and then it'll be a
question of whether we take it any further. "We'll see if he likes us and if
we like him, and then we can take it from there. We're looking forward to
working with him."
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Where has it gone wrong - or has it ? - West Ham Online
Yarmouth - Thu Dec 13 2007
Where has football gone wrong – or has it ? I've been reading a lot of posts
this morning about the game, the attendance, bigger stadium or not etc and
there's some brilliant posts by the guys.
I'm gutted that we lost last night, always am when we do, but my question is
more basic but I think a huge question that doesn't just sit with our club.
What's happened to our game ? I live in Oman most of the time and we get
every single prem game every week + cup games, internationals etc etc. How ?
Sponsorship and money. The desire for our game in places other than just the
UK is enormous, kids walk the streets here wearing the shirts with the names
on because they're fashionable, nothing to do with the game itself or
supporting a club. The recent Man U vs Arsenal game, kick off at 12.30 UK or
something similar simply because that's the catchment time for the far East
where they were estimating something like a billion people tuning in to
watch it across Asia.
Calculate that into advertising revenue that is filtered down to the clubs
at board level and throughout the game and is it any wonder that our game
has changed at an alarming pace and will continue to do so.
Look at the players themselves. Most prem players are just above average at
best, their main asset to a coach or club nowadays being their ability to
run some 8-9 miles twice a week and keep it up for 90 minutes. Skill factor,
talent ? Important yes, but not the overriding factor as the game has moved
in a more physical, fast type of game rather than pure skill.
These lads are plucked out of school with little or very limited education
and suddenly they have thousands upon thousands of pounds unloaded onto them
per week. Who could blame them for living it up, but do we honestly expect
them to be loyal to us as fans when the type of money available nowadays
makes them mercenary ? Add money grabbing agents into the equation and we
have recipe for greed running through the game.
We get our players kissing the badge, running to our fans to celebrate a
goal etc but do they really care about the fans or are they simply caught up
in the excitement of the moment and craving adulation ? We know the answer.
Very rarely nowadays are players actually passionate about their club and
fans. My most recent example of this was Di Canio who clearly loved the
fans. Joe Cole too, worked his heart out but is now a Chelsea player, a
professional and is giving his best to them. Going back a bit there was
Brooking, Bonds Devonshire, Martin and that era (my era, just turned 50!),
but lets be frank here lads, the money was not around to corrupt and tempt
them off the beaten track was it. Now we have morons like Rooney and the
usual suspects surrounded by these so called WAGS – slags would be a better
description, who large it up almost in contempt of us. Why ? Because they
know that no matter what they do, no matter how they play, they have
contracts put together that pay them huge fee's week in week out whether
they're warming the bench or not. They couldn't really care less.
Do we honestly think that any English player who was boo'ed on the Saturday
after Croatia really cared ? Let's not be naïve.
Foreign players, albeit very good ones, have f*cked our national game up and
we all know it. This is driven by clubs who crave success to maintain the
financial foothold they have achieved and will do almost anything to keep
it.
Any takers that UP will become a couple of high rise, yuppie apartment
blocks within 2 yrs of the bulldozers coming in ? Ant the Icelanders have
brought the club coz they love West Ham, or is it that we are just up the
road from the Olympics in a few years and they can coin it in on the back of
millions of tourists coming into East London for a few weeks ?
Ching f*ckin ching..
As I said, I've just turned the big 50. It still gives me a buzz, a real
buzz parking the car and walking up Barking road on a Saturday. The feeling
has never gone and the old lump in the throat always comes back when bubbles
is sung at a point when we are really flying. Do the players feel the same ?
No. Does anybody under 25 feel the same ? No. Why ? Because they have been
brought up a different way to my age group. Rightly so too, it's evolution
(I was loath to say progress..) but I was brought up in a jumpers for
goalposts society, they haven't – hence the Bentley boys at Chadwell Heath.
I don't blame them, I also don't think there's a solution as it is the
natural order of things, but we are destined to become a middle of the table
club and that's the long and short of it.
For me the game at UP is always about the passion, the emotion, the love of
my club. Don't know where it came from, can't explain it. But for most who
attend the games now it's akin to something that happens during a day out.
I think the players are like minded too. Do they really care about the
result unless it's a dire straights game ie a cup final, semi, or a huge
relegation battle. Did Carrick, Defoe, et al really care when we went down ?
Their agents had already lined them up as a contingency. It's a natural way
of doing 'business'.
Trouble is, for a lot of guys in my age group, football was never a
business, it was (and still) is something we belong to, love, and are
passionate about.
We're a dying breed..
RM
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Eggert Magnusson stands down at West Ham - Telegraph
By Giles Mole and agencies
Last Updated: 1:05pm GMT 13/12/2007
Eggert Magnusson has stepped down as chairman of West Ham after selling his
stake in the club. The club's owner, Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, has become West
Ham's club chairman as well as executive chairman and has bought Magnusson's
five per cent shareholding. Magnusson was part of the Icelandic consortium
that bought the club a year ago in a deal worth £108 million, with
Gudmundsson, a banker and businessman, putting up most of the money.
Gudmundsson, who is investing a further £30.5m in the club, said: "Eggert
Magnusson has done a tremendous job as chairman, often in difficult
circumstances, since our consortium bought the club 12 months ago. "Eggert
has decided to move on to new pastures and to pursue his other interests. We
wish him well for the future and express our thanks for all that he has done
for West Ham." Magnusson admitted there had been tough challenges over the
last year. The club was nearly relegated last season and the Carlos Tevez
affair is still not completely over. He said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my
time here at West Ham. From the moment that Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson and I
formed the consortium to bid for the club, it has been an honour to be
involved. "Now that I have sold my financial stake in the club and I need to
focus a little more on my interests overseas, I think it is the right time
to stand down as chairman. "The last 12 months have not been without their
challenges but I feel that we have emerged stronger and fitter as a club."
Gudmundsson now wants to push ahead with a move to a new £250m,
60,000-seater stadium. A site has been identified at an old Parcelforce
depot next to West Ham tube station. Gudmundsson, who is now the sole owner
of the club, said: "We are seeking to build some truly solid foundations for
the future ambitions of West Ham United FC. This is a great football club
with tremendous heritage and tradition and the most wonderful set of
supporters. "My job as owner is to help plan for the future and create the
right conditions off the field to help Alan Curbishley and the playing squad
deliver success on the field.
"I am particularly delighted that we have been able to take the first real
step in our plans for a new stadium, which is crucial to the long-term
ambitions of the club."
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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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West Ham vow to fight £50m compensation bid
Times Online and Agencies
Gary Jacob
West Ham United are prepared to mount a "vigorous defence" against an
unprecedented multimillion-pound compensation proceeding brought against
them by Sheffield United last night. The East London club, who survived
relegation from the Barclays Premier League on the final day of last season,
said in a statement that they are "extremely disappointed" about the stance
that Sheffield United have taken, but are convinced that the Yorkshire
club's claims have no merit.
Sheffield United are seeking compensation after estimating that relegation
cost them £50 million. Central to their argument is the claim of
inconsistencies in the sworn witness statements submitted by Eggert
Magnusson when the West Ham chairman was defending his club against a charge
of breaching Premier League rules in relation to the transfers of Carlos
Tevez and Javier Mascherano.
"West Ham United is extremely disappointed that Sheffield United has seen
fit to embark on this latest desperate action," the statement from Upton
Park read. "Not only does Sheffield United's claim lack legal merit, but it
is also based on Sheffield United's incorrect belief that West Ham United
withheld an agreement from the Premier League and the April Disciplinary
Commission.
"Sheffield United's latest assertions clearly demonstrate a fundamental
misunderstanding of the situation and any proceedings brought by them will
be vigorously defended. West Ham United and its new owners will not permit
these repeated slurs to go unchallenged and are in discussions with their
legal advisers in relation to the action they might take."
The dispute will be considered by a three-man panel, appointed by the FA,
which has the authority to award any penalty, including compensation.
Sheffield United have asked that Robert Englehart QC sits on the panel.
Fulham may also join the proceedings against West Ham, who have 14 days to
respond to the accusations.
Peter Coyle, an expert in sports litigation, who is a partner at Coyle White
Devine, the legal firm, said that Sheffield United do not have a case. "I
think they are on a hiding to nothing," he said. "Sheffield didn't beat
Wigan on the last day. That is a bigger reason for their relegation than
Tévez and West Ham."
Kevin McCabe, the Sheffield United chairman, wrote to the Premier League
chairmen to outline his argument that West Ham had committed further
offences that warranted investigation. Chief among them was that the East
London club's owners had signed a second agreement with the owners of Tévez.
West Ham are believed to have shown an unsigned version of the document to
the commission and claimed that they never entered into the agreement. "With
respect, that is nonsense," McCabe said in the letter. "By failing to
disclose the existence of the agreement, West Ham allowed the commission to
be misled into believing that they had come to the whole affair with 'clean
hands'."
Sheffield United will make several arguments, including that the
registration of Tévez was invalid because it was obtained through
dishonesty. Sheffield United may also argue that that the agreement to act
in good faith with other clubs was broken.
The Yorkshire club will also argue that West Ham did not behave in line with
the promises given to the Premier League after they were fined – namely that
the East London club owned Tévez. Sheffield United have queried why West Ham
then made an offer in June to sign Tévez for a fee rising to £40 million.
Sheffield United claim that they have documents to support the case and are
willing to subpoena Kia Joorabchian, who fronts the two companies that hold
Tévez's "economic rights", to provide additional paperwork.
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Eggert loses chairman's role at West Ham as owner Gudmondson closes in on
new 60,000-seater stadium - Daily Mail
Last updated at 13:45pm on 13th December 2007
Eggert Magnusson's reign as West Ham chairman is over after a year at Upton
Park. The Icelandic businessman has left after majority owner Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson bought out Magnusson's five per cent stake in the East London
club. Gudmundsson, a billionaire and the 799th richest man in the world, is
now the sole owner of the Hammers and will be the new chairman. The club's
three boards will be amalgamated with 'BG' in charge. Gudmundsson, chairman
of Icelandic bank Lansbanki and the second richest man in his country behind
his son Thor, is also planning a new cash injection into the club as they
seek a new stadium. West Ham fans will be sorry though, to see the departure
of Magnusson. With his distinctive bald head and his agonised facial
expressions, the club's supporters made a connection with the Icelander that
they never could with his predecessor, Terry Brown. His period at the club
co-incided with a roller coaster few months when, after sacking Alan Pardew
and appointing Alan Curbishley, the team miraculously escaped relegation
while dealing with the Carlos Tevez affair. Recently though, Magnusson had
been marginalised, being reduced to a non-executive chairman amidst
speculation that Gudmundsson, who had bankrolled the club, was unhappy with
some financial aspects of the new set-up. Magnusson, a former executive
committee member of UEFA, is reported today to be pursuing "other business
interests". Gudmundsson meanwhile wants to push ahead with a move to a new
£250million, 60,000-seater stadium - a site has been identified at an old
Parcelforce depot next to West Ham tube station. He said: "We are seeking to
build some truly solid foundations for the future ambitions of West Ham
United FC. This is a great football club with tremendous heritage and
tradition and the most wonderful set of supporters. "My job as owner is to
help plan for the future and create the right conditions off the field to
help Alan Curbishley and the playing squad deliver success on the field.
"I am particularly delighted that we have been able to take the first real
step in our plans for a new stadium, which is crucial to the long-term
ambitions of the club."
Gudmundsson has appointed his trusted aide Asgeir Fridgeirsson as
vice-chairman and Mike Lee, the former Premier League, UEFA and London 2012
Olympic bid communications director, to be a board member. The new board
will comprise: Gudmundsson (chairman), Fridgeirsson (vice-chairman), Lee,
Thor Kristjansson, Gudmundur Oddsson with executive directors Scott Duxbury
(chief executive) and Nick Igoe (finance director).
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Faubert making good progress on the comeback trail for West Ham - Daily Mail
Last updated at 13:44pm on 13th December 2007
West Ham winger Julien Faubert has resumed light training at Chadwell Heath
as he battles his way back to fitness from the ruptured Achilles he suffered
in the summer. The Frenchman said: "It's great to be back with my
team-mates. "My focus now is on getting back to full fitness."
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£30million pledge to Hammers as Eggert sells out - Daily Mail
Last updated at 15:16pm on 13th December 2007
West Ham's new chairman, billionaire Icelandic businessman Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson, is to pump more than £30million extra into the club after
buying out Eggert Magnusson. Gudmundsson, who is chairman of Icelandic bank
Landsbanki, has purchased Magnusson's five per cent shareholding and is now
the sole owner of the club. The new cash injection will be spent, according
to a club statement today, on bolstering "the financial base of the club"
and not on new players in the January transfer window. Magnusson, who steps
down as non-executive chairman, is to pursue other business avenues and is
likely to maintain his football interest, possibly in a post with UEFA or
FIFA. Gudmundsson, the second richest man in Iceland behind his son, Thor,
will be chairman of a reorganised board while Magnusson departs following a
tumultuous year at the club. With his distinctive bald head and his agonised
facial expressions, Hammers fans made a connection with the Icelander that
they never did with his predecessor, Terry Brown. His period at the club
coincided with a roller-coaster few months when, after sacking Alan Pardew
and appointing Alan Curbishley, the team narrowly avoided relegation.
Magnusson also inherited the fallout from the Carlos Tevez transfer which
threatened West Ham's Premier League status. Meanwhile, Gudmundsson was
today optimistic about taking the club forward. He said: "We are seeking to
build some truly solid foundations for the future ambitions of West Ham.
This is a great football club."
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Changes on and off the field leave Hammers manager with more worries - Daily
Mail
Last updated at 14:24pm on 13th December 2007
Alan Curbishley wanted a nice quiet season but - on the pitch and in the
boardroom - the goalposts keep moving. Curbishley's first anniversary as
West Ham manager was hardly an auspicious occasion as his patched-up team
went out of the Carling Cup to an 88th minute Yakubu winner following a
comical cock-up between goalkeeper Robert Green and defender Danny Gabbidon.
In the boardroom there was another exit as Eggert Magnusson said goodbye
after presiding over one of the most tumultuous periods in the club's
history. Magnusson was Curbishley's main ally 12 months ago, when, thrown
together, they helped the Hammers avoid relegation. The West Ham manager
paid tribute to the Icelandic biscuit manufacturer before this quarter-final
when he said that Magnusson had remained positive through the bad times. Now
Curbishley will have to build a rapport with the new man at the helm, the
seriously rich Bjorgulfor Gudmundsson. It's not known yet whether the
billionaire will be as demonstrative as his predecessor - but he definitely
has more hair. For the moment though, Curbishley has enough on his plate
just trying to scrape a semi-fit team together, let alone worry about his
new employer. Just when it seemed as though West Ham's serial injury
problems were easing slightly, a new wave of wounded appeared in the Upton
Park treatment room. "We were playing in a quarter-final," moaned
Curbishley, "and I couldn't even find a forward to put on the bench.
"Everton had Andy Johnson ready to come on while I had seven or eight in the
stands."
In the end though, it was at the other end of the pitch that West Ham lost
this torrid cup tie. With the score at 1-1 and neither side looking as
though they were capable of avoiding extra-time, a ball down the middle
found both Gabbidon and Green hesitant for a fateful second. The ball
escaped Green's clutches and a grateful Yakubu slipped the ball into an
empty West Ham net. "It's difficult in a fraction of a second to tell Danny
not to head the ball because I'm coming to collect it," said Green.
"Sometimes these things happen in football."
It was a cruel way to go out of the Carling Cup though. Curbishley was
naturally disappointed and referee Mark Halsey will certainly not be offered
a slice of anniversary cake . "I was disappointed with the ref," said
Curbishley. "I thought he had a torrid time all night. There was a clear
foul on Dean Ashton in the build-up to their goal but it was the sort of
thing he missed all night. I was disappointed with his performance."
Despite his injury problems, Curbishley picked a positive lineup, deciding
on a 4-4-2 formation. The West Ham manager gave Ashton his wish by starting
him alongside Carlton Cole but the former Norwich striker looked way off the
pace, understandably for one whose career has been so severely disrupted
over the last 16 months. With Scott Parker and Freddie Ljungberg also easing
their way back, West Ham struggled to keep pace with Everton at times,
especially in the first half. Carlton Cole, himself suffering with a sore
hip, had opened the scoring for West Ham in the 11th minute, only for Leon
Osman to equalise after a sweet passing routine from Everton. From then on
it was largely attritional stuff, with neither side looking really capable
of breaking the deadlock until that fateful late blunder. "It was a mistake
but both players have been so strong for us this season so we just have to
get on with it," said Curbishley. "It's not ideal at the moment because it's
difficult to get fit playing in the first team and that was there for all to
see."
Curbishley will be hoping that Matthew Etherington (groin), will be fit for
Saturday's rematch while Nobby Solano and Henri Camara will also be
available - both were cup-tied last night. Cole will have intensive
treatment on a hip problem which has affected him for several matches while
George McCartney, with a calf strain, and Gabbidon, who has a sore groin,
are also less than one hundred per cent. "At the moment our style of play
seems to suit us more away from home," admitted Green. "Nobby will be back
in contention which will give us more quality at dead ball situations
because we had a few corners in the second half and we failed to exploit
them. "This is the first time in my career that I've played the same side
twice in such a short space of time, so it will be interesting. "Hopefully
we will put in a better performance against Everton on Saturday because from
back to front, it wasn't good enough the first time around."
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West Ham Complain About Everton Dirtiness - caughtoffside.com
December 13, 2007
While Curbishley's opposite number was comparing his boys playing style to
high-flying Arsenal - such was their class and panache; West Ham boss Curbs
belched out some accusations that suggested that Everton were more Wimbledon
circa 1996 than Arsenal circa 2007. After his teams 2-1 loss, suffering the
indignity of conceding a last minute goal, Curbishley was obviously in a
rotten mood. Curbs said of Everton's supposedly overly physical style:
'It is the professional things. The players were going up with their arms,
putting us off balance and getting their bodies across us. I'm not saying
that every time that's a foul but if you see the challenge for the second
goal, Ashton is clearly pushed and the referee was about five yards away.'
Moyes meanwhile, having already confessed he fancies his team as an Arsenal
of the north was more busy trying not to get too excited about still being
in four competitions in December; Moyes said:
'We've never been here before but we've got a stronger squad, I'm not going
mad, we've only won a quarter-final. You'll have to beat one of the top
teams to win the Cup and at the moment the best we have is a semi-final.'
So are Everton dirty gits, or the Arsenal of the north west?
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If Arsenal had played like we did people wouldn't stop talking about it,
says Everton boss Moyes - Daily Mail
Last updated at 15:07pm on 13th December 2007
David Moyes has demanded a repeat performance when Everton meet West Ham in
the league on Saturday after their win in the Carling Cup last night.
Victory extended Everton's unbeaten streak to 11 games and Moyes wants to
make that 12 when his side return to Upton Park. "We've never been in this
position before, challenging for honours on four fronts," said Moyes. "This
was a good result for us, to come to Upton Park in a cup tie is a hard thing
to do, and this was our third draw away from home. "But the league is our
priority and I'm looking forward to coming back on Saturday. Hopefully we'll
do the same again. "If Arsenal had played the way we played in the first
half people would all be talking about it. We were very good." Moyes hailed
matchwinner Yakubu's impact and indicated just how much Everton will miss
the Nigerian when he heads off to the African Nations Cup in the new year.
Yakubu continually tested West Ham and was Everton's brightest asset in a
turgid second half. "He brings people into the game, his link-up play and
his movement is fantastic. He's done a great job for us," said Moyes.
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