West Ham United will play Columbus Crew in Ohio on 20 July before taking on
the MLS All-Stars in Toronto
29.05.2008
West Ham United can confirm the club will be taking on Major League Soccer
side Columbus Crew in a pre-season friendly in the United States on Sunday
20 July.
The match, which will take place from 5pm local time at the 20,145-seater
Crew Stadium in Ohio, will be a high-profile fixture ahead of the
prestigious MLS All-Star Game in Toronto, Canada on Thursday 24 July.
Columbus have the joint-best record of any team in the United States top
flight to date in the 2008 season, having won six of their first nine games,
and are riding high in the Eastern Conference. They also advanced this week
in the national US Open Cup with a 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake.
West Ham United and United States defender Jonathan Spector is looking
forward to the challenge. He said: "It is really exciting news to hear we
are playing Columbus Crew as part of our pre-season tour. They are one of
the most highly supported teams in the MLS and were the first to have a
purpose built stadium to meet the demand of supporters. They have some
talented players, so it will be a challenging test for us as well."
Columbus, who play in yellow and black and were one of the MLS's inaugural
clubs when founded in 1994, are managed by Sigi Schmid. The club have
several leading names including highly-rated young United States midfielders
like Robbie Rogers and Eddie Gaven, both 21, along with veterans such as
75-times capped US defender Frankie Hejduk, who played against England this
week, and former Boca Juniors and Argentina striker Guillermo Barros
Schelotto. Crew President Mark McCullers said: "We are pleased once again to
bring the best soccer from across the globe right here to Columbus and to
provide the best competitive challenge for our team. The English Premier
League is arguably the best league in the world."
West Ham United are set to arrive in the United States on Friday 18 July,
with the Columbus fixture following two days later. The team will then head
direct to Toronto. In the high-profile MLS All-Star Game, the club will take
on a selection of Major League Soccer's best players. These will be chosen
from the 14 clubs, under the name of the MLS All-Stars and could potentially
feature LA Galaxy's David Beckham. The fixture will be played at BMO Field,
home of Toronto FC, and will see Alan Curbishley's team looking to achieve
what Celtic, Chelsea and Fulham have not managed in the past three seasons
and earn victory.
The club are awaiting ticketing news for both fixtures on the North American
tour, please return to whufc.com for further information as and when
available. For more, go to the official Columbus Crew and Major League
Soccer websites.
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Deano determined for Sunday - WHUFC
Although an unused substitute on Wednesday night, Dean Ashton still has high
hopes for his first cap
29.05.2008
Dean Ashton has said he will continue to work hard in training to show what
he can bring to the England team ahead of the friendly against Trinidad and
Tobago on Sunday night.
The in-form striker was unlucky not to have got off the bench on Wednesday
night in the 2-0 win against the United States, but regardless is making the
most of the chance to be back on the international scene. "It has been great
to be involved in a squad with such great players and I think it is only
going to be good for me in the long run," said Ashton who was among the
unused substitutes at Wembley. "It is all experience whether I play or don't
play, but obviously it would be lovely to get some minutes this weekend."
Ashton added he has enjoyed the week's training and has particular reason to
be glad about being part of the England set-up again after twice being
called up before only to be ruled out because of injury. The striker broke
his ankle in August 2006 on the first day of training with Steve McClaren's
squad and then a knee injury prevented him from even joining up with the
national team in October last year. "I was glad to have got past the first
day in training, unlike the last time," he said with a smile. "But it was a
long time ago now and I was just pleased to be picked again. Hopefully I can
show I am worthy of some minutes on the pitch."
The 24-year-old is part of the new England set-up under Fabio Capello for
the first time and said the spirit is good. Personally, he still feels fresh
having finished off the Premier League season strongly for West Ham United,
notching his eleventh goal of the campaign in the final game against Aston
Villa. "I had a little break straight after the season finished, but it was
no problem getting back into training again and I have been pleased with how
it has gone. It is a really good set-up here, all the players are high
quality and the staff just wants the best from them, so it has been good."
Ashton also wished his club-mate Jonathan Spector well for his summer of
World Cup and Olympic action after the American defender had to miss
Wednesday's game because of a hip injury. He was ruled out earlier in the
week, which meant there was never going to be a chance of the two playing
against each other. "Jonathan has been struggling with a hip injury, so it
was a shame for him. I am sure he would have loved to have played at Wembley
and obviously it was the same for me."
Undeterred by that frustration, Ashton is looking ahead to the next fixture
against Trinidad and Tobago - the final England action of the 2007/08 season
- and will be working as hard as ever to try and grab his chance. He was
named in the traveling party by Capello today, with only seven of the squad
who were involved in the Champions League final spared the trip to the
Caribbean. "I would have loved to have got on [against the US], but I will
continue to work hard and it would be lovely to get on and play a part on
Sunday."
Revised England squad
David James (Portsmouth), Joe Hart (Manchester City), Joe Lewis
(Peterborough United), Wayne Bridge (Chelsea), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester
United), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Portsmouth), Stephen Warnock
(Blackburn Rovers), David Wheater (Middlesbrough), Jonathan Woodgate
(Tottenham Hotspur), Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), David Beckham (LA Galaxy),
David Bentley (Blackburn Rovers), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Steven
Gerrard (Liverpool), Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham Hotspur), Ashley Young
(Aston Villa), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa),
Dean Ashton (West Ham United), Peter Crouch (Liverpool), Jermain Defoe
(Portsmouth).
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Bellamy comeback boosts Wales - WHUFC
Craig Bellamy is back playing again and John Toshack has spoken of his
delight at seeing his skipper again
29.05.2008
Wales manager John Toshack has spoken of his satisfaction at having Craig
Bellamy back and predicts he will be flying when he resumes West Ham United
duties.
Bellamy played just under half-an-hour as a second-half substitute in
Reykjavik on Wednesday night for his first competitive action since early
February - having been bothered by a persistent abdominal problem during the
2007/08 campaign. Toshack's team - also featuring Bellamy's club-mate Jack
Collison on his debut - won 1-0 in Iceland through Ched Evans' goal to
continue their fine run of form. "That's six games unbeaten and we have used
another batch of youngsters," he said. "Ched did very well but I was so
pleased to see Craig back on the pitch.
"He has been a very unlucky boy with injuries and we have certainly missed
his Premier League quality. I just hope he now has one more game in him and
then goes away for a nice summer break, hopefully to return to pre-season
training at West Ham raring to go. We need him as much as they do." Bellamy,
who has now made 50 international appearances for his country, and Collison
will both hope to figure again when Wales go to Rotterdam for the final
friendly of the season against the Netherlands on Sunday night.
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Crew game confirmed - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 29th May 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have confirmed they will be playing Columbus Crew this July
- as revealed here on KUMB.com yesterday. The match takes place on Sunday,
20th July - four days ahead of United's clash with the MLS AllStars in
Toronto. President of Columbus Crew, Mark McCullers, said: "We are pleased
once again to bring the best soccer from across the globe right here to
Columbus and to provide the best competitive challenge for our team."
Ticket details for both games are yet to be confirmed; those wishing to
travel to North America for the fixtures should check out KUMB's official
tour schedule.
For more details on our oppenents, visit their website.
Confirmed pre-Ssason programme (latest)
Hampton & Richmond Borough (a): Thursday, 17th July
Columbus Crew (a): Saturday, 20th July
MLS AllStars XI (a): Thursday, 24th July
Thurrock (a): Saturday, 26th July
Peterborough (a): Tuesday, 29th July
Southampton (a): Friday, 1st August
Ipswich Town (a): Monday, 4th August
The 2008/09 Premier League season commences on Saturday, 16th August.
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Deano dumped in England snooze-fest - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 29th May 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Dean Ashton was left kicking his heels on the bench last
night as a lacklustre England overcame an even more lacklustre USA at
Wembley. Ashton had been widely tipped to make his international debut
alongside Wayne Rooney in a new look England striker force. However England
manager Fabio Capello decided instead to go with former Hammer Jermain
Defoe, then replacements Peter Crouch and another former Hammer in Joe Cole.
United target Michael Bradley, who played in a defensive midfield role for
the States had the kind of game he would wish to forget as England ran out
2-0 winners. Elsewhere there was better news for West Ham United's Jack
Collison who made his full debut in Wales' 1-0 win in Iceland. The Hammers
reserve captain gave a good account of himself and was joined by Craig
Bellamy for the last half hour. Bellamy looked sharp during his brief cameo
- welcome news for all Hammers fans ahead of the new season. * The England
squad for this weekend's friendly with Trinidad & Tobago has just been
named; Ashton is West Ham United's only representative:
Goalkeepers: David James (Portsmouth), Joe Hart (Manchester City), Joe Lewis
(Peterborough)
Defenders: Wayne Bridge (Chelsea), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Phil
Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Portsmouth), Stephen Warnock (Blackburn),
David Wheater (Middlesbrough), Jonathan Woodgate (T*ttenham)
Midfielders: Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), David Beckham (LA Galaxy), David
Bentley (Blackburn), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Steven Gerrard
(Liverpool), Tom Huddlestone (T*ttenham), Ashley Young (Aston Villa)
Forwards: Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Dean
Ashton (West Ham), Peter Crouch (Liverpool), Jermain Defoe (Portsmouth).
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Tom Tom turnaround - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 29th May 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are understood to have asked to be kept informed of the status of
Tottenham's Tom Huddlestone. The Spurs midfielder has been tipped to be one
of a number of Martin Jol signings set to leave White Hart Lane this summer
as Juande Ramos looks to stamp his mark on the squad. According to reports,
the Hammers have registered their interest in the former Derby player by
asking to be kept up to date on his situation. Rumours of a firm bid are
thought to be wide of the mark. 21-year-old Huddlestone made his debut for
the Rams on the opening day of the 2003/04 season as a 16-year-old. He moved
to Tottenham two years later in a deal worth around £2.5 million. Three
months after making his debut for Tottenham, Huddlestone put pen to paper on
a four-year deal that would see him remain at White Hart Lane until 2011.
However that was before the sacking of Jol, and new boss Ramos is said to
have been unimpressed with the former England under 21 leading to United
registering their interest. Huddlestone was this morning named in the
England squad to face Trinidad & Tobago this weekend.
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Hammers in Pole position - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 29th May 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are being linked with a move for Brescia's Polish teenager
Bartosz Salamon, according to Setanta Sports. The 17-year-old midfielder
made his first team debut for the Serie B outfit earlier this month in a 3-0
win over Modena, two days after his 17th birthday. Salamon has been linked
with a string of Europe's top clubs in recent months, including Spanish
giants Real Madrid. West Ham's interest is thought to have been raised by
Gianluca Nani, United's new technical director who officially begins work at
the club next Monday (2nd June). Salamon began his career in Poland with
local club Lech Poznan before moving to Italy last year.
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Bellamy happy with fitness - SSN
Striker wins 50th cap for Wales in friendly win over Iceland
Last updated: 29th May 2008
Craig Bellamy is confident he can still hit peak fitness after winning his
50th cap for Wales. The 28-year-old appeared as a second-half substitute
during Wales' 1-0 success in Iceland on Wednesday to reach the notable
landmark. The run-out was only Bellamy's second appearance since the end of
October due to the West Ham United forward's ongoing injury problems. Now
back to fitness, Bellamy is optimistic that he can return to being a regular
fixture for both club and country over the coming seasons. "If I am honest
it does not matter which game the 50th cap came in, and in which minute,"
said Bellamy. "It is just an achievement to get there for any player and I
am no exception. "I would have liked it to happen a lot earlier in my
career, but the way it has been for me I am happy just to get there. To win
my 50th cap is a massive honour. "It has been a tough season, and not just
injury-wise because there has been other stuff as well. But I have worked as
hard as I have ever done to get fit again and I think that was evident
against Iceland. "I am 28 now and if I want to attack my career and have my
best couple of years still to come, I knew this injury problem could break
me, so I have been working extremely hard for this. "If I had taken it easy
I would not have come back at the level I want to be at, but that is not the
case and hopefully I will get the benefits in the future. "Important as my
50th cap was from an individual point of view, the main thing was that a lot
of players made their debuts in Iceland and that is very pleasing."
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Nobby prefers England to Boca - Setanta
by Tom Kell, 29 May 2008
Nolberto Solano has distanced himself from a return to former club Boca
Juniors and dropped a hefty hint that he would like to remain in The Premier
League, even if he is not awash with interest from English clubs. Solano
signed for West Ham on deadline day last August but only penned a one-year
contract with a view to a 12-month extension. As has been the case with many
of Alan Curbishley's acquisitions, the Peru international has struggled to
establish himself at Upton Park for one reason or another, prompting
suggestions his stay will prove short-lived. He reputedly turned his back on
a move to the MLS earlier this year and could now do the same with Boca, who
recently opened the door on a move for The Hammers' midfielder. "If the
offer is too good, it is clear that I would be interested and would
sacrifice," he said. "My children live there (in England) and I want to be
near them, it is true I have no concrete offers, but for now it is not my
intention to return to South America."
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West Ham battle Fulham and Newcastle for £3m striker: Could be a good bit of
business - CaughtOffside.com
May 29, 2008
It seems that West Ham have given Dean Ashton the contract he was after. Now
Alan Curbishley is setting about getting more attacking options for his
Upton Park side, and with that in mind, he has been keeping a close eye on
this Rangers man.
West Ham United, Newcastle and Fulham are after £3m rated Rangers striker
Daniel Cousin. (various)
Daniel Cousin was very close to completing a move to Craven Cottage but now
may feel that West Ham are a better bet. However, with Kevin Keegan steering
Newcastle back in the right direction, the Gabon international may feel a
move to St James' Park would be preferable? The 31-year-old has been a
partial success north of the border and has irritated many of his team-mates
with some of his comments, and this leads me to ask fans of West Ham, Fulham
and Newcastle, is he worth signing?
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West Ham prepared to break the bank for £16m Romanian striker: This guy is
pure class! - CaughtOffside.com
May 29, 2008
Word coming out of East London is that West Ham manager Alan Curbishley
could be on the verge of what could be their biggest signing of the summer.
Apparently Curbs is in the process of trying to bring some Serie A class to
the squad by adding Fiorentina ace Adrian Mutu to an already-promising front
line.
Fiorentina striker Adrian Mutu is on the verge of signing for West Ham in a
£16 million pound deal, after rejecting a new contract from Fiorentina last
week. (various)
Who knows if the word coming out of East London is sound, but if this deal
were to happen, it would be a massive signing for the Hammers. The
Fiorentina striker has scored 17 goals in 26 appearances for the club this
past season, and was instrumental in helping La Viola make the Champions
League qualification round.
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Capello tells Echo – No decision on Dean - Echo news
By Rob Pritchard
FABIO Capello has refused to confirm whether Dean Ashton will make his
England debut in Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday. The West Ham striker was
expected to make his full international bow in Wednesday evening's 2-0
friendly win over the United States at Wembley, only for the Italian to call
on Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch instead. The 24-year-old is now in line to
feature at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, but head coach Capello is remaining
tight-lipped over whether Ashton will start the game. "I don't know. We need
to wait because the trip is very long and the weather will be very warm," he
told the Echo. "We will decide when we are in Trinidad and Tobago."
Should Ashton earn his first England cap, he will be the first Hammers
frontman to pull on the Three Lions since Tony Cottee played in a Euro 1988
warm-up game against Hungary on April 27, 1988. But the £7.25m forward, who
featured for his country at Under-17, Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 level,
would surely have made his debut earlier had it not been for a pair of
unfortunate injuries. First, on August 15, 2006, a tackle from Chelsea's
Shaun Wright-Phillips in training shattered both his left ankle and his
dreams of lining up against Greece in Steve McClaren's first game in charge
at Old Trafford.
Then, on October 6 last year, Ashton strained his medial knee ligaments in a
Premier League defeat at Aston Villa, ruling him out of the crucial Euro
2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia. On Wednesday evening, Capello
made him wait even longer by leaving him on the substitutes' bench against
the Americans. However, with Wayne Rooney not travelling to the Caribbean,
Ashton could start up front alongside either Aston Villa's Gabriel
Agbonlahor or Arsenal teenager Theo Walcott. Seven of the nine players who
featured in the UEFA Champions League final did not travel with the squad on
Thursday, with only Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand and Chelsea full-back
Wayne Bridge making the trip. Alongside Ashton, Manchester City goalkeeper
Joe Hart is also expected to make his full debut, while former Iron Jermain
Defoe could also be involved again after impressing against the US.
England: (from) James, Hart, Lewis, Bridge, R.Ferdinand, Jagielka,
G.Johnson, Warnock, Wheater, Woodgate, Barry, Beckham, Bentley, Downing,
Gerrard, Huddlestone, Young, Walcott, Agbonlahor, Ashton, Crouch, Defoe.
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Wigan's Camara in furious swipe at West Ham, Curbishley
tribalfootball.com - May 29, 2008
Wigan Athletic striker Henri Camara has taken a new swipe at his time with
West Ham last season. "It has been a difficult season," Camara told Alpha-2.
"I virtually did not play. "When I returned from the African Cup of Nations,
I thought that, despite the elimination, after the goal I scored against
South Africa, I would be back on the pitch. Besides, the coach congratulated
me and spoke about it. At this moment, my hope was back again, but in vain.
Nobody understood me. Even certain players did not understand why I stayed
on the bench for so long. I came to play for West Ham. I gave my best at
training. I was sharp. Apparently, the coach did not want to understand
anything. So I did not hesitate to come and see him to tell him what I
thought. I was so frustrated that I told him in the face that I regretted
coming to West Ham, and that, if I could, I would return to Wigan.
Unfortunately, it was not possible. "He just told me he could not change the
team because the results were good and that I had to wait. I knew I was not
part of his plans. So I had to cope with it until the end of the season. Two
months were remaining. "But it was two endless months. I continued to work
at training with regard for the national team. Next time, I will pay more
attention when I move to a club. I will take the precaution to speak with
the manager before I sign. "And most of all, I'll take my time before I sign
because, for West Ham, it happened at the very last moment. I have not had
the time to get closer to the manager. I wanted to move on. West Ham are a
great club. "It was a catastrophic year. I am not ashamed to say it. I did
not understand anything. The coach made me lose a lot. Players I sometimes
met asked me if I was still at West Ham. "Every time it was the same
questions. It made me sick."
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West Ham's Ashton delighted with England chance
tribalfootball.com - May 29, 2008
West Ham United striker Dean Ashton is delighted to be involved in Fabio
Capello's England squad. "It has been great to be involved in a squad with
such great players and I think it is only going to be good for me in the
long run," said Ashton who was among the unused substitutes at Wembley. "It
is all experience whether I play or don't play, but obviously it would be
lovely to get some minutes this weekend." He also told whufc.com: "I would
have loved to have got on [against the US], but I will continue to work hard
and it would be lovely to get on and play a part on Sunday."
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Newcastle, West Ham join race for Fulham's Davis
tribalfootball.com - May 29, 2008
No less than four Premiership clubs are chasing Fulham midfielder Steven
Davis. The Daily Mail says Kevin Keegan's Newcastle have joined the chase
for the Fulham midfielder, while West Ham could make a £30,000-per-week
pitch for the Northern Ireland international. Blackburn and Middlesbrough
are already in the race, although the player himself remains tempted by the
thought of making a permanent switch to Rangers.
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No England debut for Ashton but Hammers striker insists: Am I bovvered? -
Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 11:07 AM on 29th May 2008
Dean Ashton has played down his disappointment at not making his England
debut, insisting he is happy just to be part of the Fabio Capello
revolution.
The West Ham striker had been expected to play a role in last night's 2-0
win over the USA at Wembley but was forced to watch on as Jermain Defoe and
Wayne Rooney started the match. The never-ending warm-up: Dean Ashton spent
much of last night trotting up and down but never got on the pitch
Peter Crouch and Joe Cole came on as late attacking substitutions, but
Ashton claims he is delighted to be considered after overcoming a season
blighted by injury at Upton Park. He said: "I'm pleased to be in the squad.
Of course I would have loved to have got on, but I wouldn't say I'm bitterly
disappointed not to have done. This is my first squad back. "You can't
expect to be playing straight away in a team like this."
Ashton, 24, will continue talks this week with a view to securing his future
at West Ham. Newcastle were keen to sign the striker but the Hammers are
close to tying up Ashton to a five-year contract.
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Hammers youngsters help take England to the brink - Guardian Series
WEST Ham youngsters Freddie Sears and James Tomkins played their part as
England moved to within a point of reaching this summer's U19 European
Championship finals with a 1-0 win over Serbia last night. Reading's James
Henry grabbed the only goal of the game against a strong opponent. It was
the Young Lions' second victory in the four-team Elite Qualifying campaign
in Borisov, Belarus. Sears scored both goals in the 2-0 over Poland in the
first game on Monday, while the team have yet to concede thanks in part to
Irons centre back Tomkins. Brian Eastick's side finish their campaign
against mini-tournament hosts Belarus in Minsk on Saturday. They need just a
point to top the group and secure their place in the eight-team finals
tournament in the Czech Republic in July.
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Polish whizz-kid eyed by Hammers - Setanta
by Adam Marshall, 29 May 2008
Brescia midfielder Bartosz Salamon is the latest player to be linked with a
summer switch to West Ham. The Polish youngster is known to Hammers
technical director Gianluca Nani and could be the subject of an ambitious
raid on the Italian side. After leaving Lech Poznan to learn his trade in
Italy, the 17-year-old has already broken into the Brescia first team. Real
Madrid have previously been credited with an interest in Salamon but Nani
could steal a march on any other suitors as the talent-spotter was
previously employed at Brescia, where he helped find the likes of Roberto
Baggio and Andrea Pirlo.
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley has yet to make any concrete moves in the
market as the East Londoners make tying down Dean Ashton to a new contract
their priority, but the signs are that they have been casting their net far
and wide for fresh blood.
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Davis deal in doubt: Newcastle, West Ham, Blackburn and Boro set to attempt
Rangers' bid hijack - Mail On Sunday
By Peter Jardine
Last updated at 10:32 AM on 29th May 2008
Steven Davis is a target for four Premiership clubs who are ready to offer
him big money to turn his back on Rangers. Kevin Keegan's Newcastle have
joined the chase for the Fulham midfielder, while Sportsmail understands
West Ham could make a £30,000-per-week pitch for the Northern Ireland
international. Blackburn and Middlesbrough are already in the race, although
the player himself remains tempted by the thought of making a permanent
switch to Ibrox. A boyhood Rangers fan, Davis is hurting badly after SPL
title-race heartache and may fancy the chance to make amends - if the right
deal can be struck. Walter Smith confirmed after the Scottish Cup Final that
he wants to sign 23-year-old Davis, who impressed so much on loan since
January, even though Fulham are liable to ask in excess of £3million. Daniel
Cousin could be used as a makeweight in any move, with his agent Willie
McKay adamant yesterday that the Gabon striker will move on in the summer.
Newcastle boss Keegan came to Ibrox twice during the UEFA Cup run and,
while Carlos Cuellar was a primary target, he is believed to also have been
smitten by Davis, who scored against Werder Bremen in a 2-0 win. The danger
for Rangers is that Fulham become tempted by so much Premiership interest
they start an auction for the player which would price the Ibrox side out of
the bidding. Smith, speaking in general terms, said yesterday: "It is
difficult. If you go for some top players and then English clubs come in,
then you have no chance, really."
Meantime, Old Firm signing target Kyle Lafferty yesterday insisted he has
had enough of life at Owen Coyle's Burnley and desperately wants a move.
Without any Premiership experience to justify the £5m asking price being
spoken about by Coyle and Burnley, the 20-year- old said: "I have given my
all to Burnley but don't feel wanted. I understand Wolves and Rangers want
to sign me. I would be thrilled to move to either club. "I've heard Celtic
will also be making a bid, but I don't think that move will ever
materialise. I have enjoyed my time at Burnley but I now feel it's time for
me to move on. And I need a fresh challenge at this stage of my career. "I
was happy under previous manager Steve Cotterill. Things have changed though
and, to be honest, I don't feel the same way. "If I had been given the
opportunity to leave during the last two transfer windows I would have
left."
Lafferty has watched countryman Davis impress at Ibrox and added: "It would
be a dream to follow in his footsteps to Rangers and play for a club I've
supported since I was a boy."It is also an honour to be linked to a club
with the proud history and stature of Celtic. I just hope Burnley can come
to some sort of financial agreement." But Coyle said: "I have spoken to Kyle
and he reiterated he is happy working at Burnley. I think he feels if there
are clubs out there then he wants a move - but nobody has met our valuation.
He's probably gone about it in a misguided way but I still like the kid. We
won't fall out over it."
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Hammers keep faith in homegrown talent - Guardian Series
WEST Ham topped the table for fielding the most Englishmen in a Premier
League season, according to a report. The Irons had on average 6.61
homegrown players in every starting line-up during the last campaign. Aston
Villa (6.42) were the only other club to average more than six English
starters, while Middlesbrough were third with 5.26. Perhaps unsurprisingly,
Arsenal fielded the least English players - just 0.34 - which was way short
of Liverpool (2.34) and Fulham (2.42). Premier League champions Manchester
United were ninth in the list with an average of 4.28. The report was just
one of two compiled by the BBC; the other highlighting that the number of
England-qualified players starting in the Premier League dropped to an
all-time low last season. Only 170 of the 498 players who started matches in
the top flight in 2007-08 were English - just 34.1 per cent of the total.
That was almost four per cent lower than in 2006-7. Yet, despite showing the
most faith in English talent, West Ham currently has just one representative
in the England national team - striker Dean Ashton, who is expected to make
his debut in Sunday's friendly match with Trinidad and Tobago.
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Ashton's new West Ham contract worth £70,000-a-week
tribalfootball.com - May 29, 2008
Dean Ashton is set to put pen to paper on a bumper contract with West Ham
United. The Daily Star says Ashton has agreed a £70,000-a-week new five-year
deal to stay at the club until 2013.
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Injury-jinxed Hammers star makes comeback with Wales - Guardian Series
CRAIG Bellamy made his long-awaited return to action with a 28-minute cameo
appearance in Wales' 1-0 friendly win over Iceland in Reykjavik last night.
The 27-year-old West Ham forward has been plagued with groin and stomach
trouble following his £7.5 million switch from Liverpool last summer, which
restricted him to just seven starts for the Irons last term. His last
appearance came as a 68th minute substitute against Wigan in February. But
he made a positive stride towards full fitness by winning his 50th cap last
night, and is set to continue his bid for full fitness by leading out his
country in the high-profile friendly with the Netherlands in Rotterdam on
Sunday. And, although it was teenager Ched Evans who stole the headlines by
bagging the winner on his debut, it was Bellamy's brief appearance that most
pleased Wales boss John Toshack. "Ched did very well but I was so pleased to
see Craig back on the pitch," said Toshack. "He has been a very unlucky boy
with injuries and we have certainly missed his Premier League quality. "I
just hope he now has one more game in him and then goes away for a nice
summer break, hopefully to return to pre-season training at West Ham raring
to go. We need him as much as they do."
Meanwhile, the game in Iceland marked another step forward in the budding
career of Hammers youngster Jack Collison. The 19-year-old midfielder was
handed his full international debut and gave an assured display to cap a
fine season for both club and country. He should figure again in the
weekend's match in Rotterdam.
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West Ham know price for Reading's Shorey
tribalfootball.com - May 29, 2008
West Ham United must cough up for Reading fullback Nicky Shorey. After a
fresh enquiry, West Ham have been informed they must pay around £5 million
for the England international.
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