Freddie Ljungberg turned in a captain's performance as Sweden got started in
Austria with a solid success
10.06.2008
Freddie Ljungberg played the full 90 minutes as Sweden began their Euro 2008
campaign with a deserved 2-0 victory against holders Greece on Tuesday
night.
Ljungberg, looking lively in his most familiar left-wing role, was making
his first start since limping out of West Ham United's home match against
Newcastle United on 26 April with a rib injury. He returned to action for
the Scandinavian nation in their 1-0 warm-up defeat by Ukraine on 1 June
but, wearing a special protective guard, was able to stay on for the full
match in a noisy stadium in Salzburg.
The Group D contest was the last of the opening round of fixtures at the
European Championship being staged jointly by Switzerland and Austria.
Greece quickly showed they were more than content to adopt again the
defensive approach that had taken them all the way in Portugal four years
ago. Sweden had their moments in the first half though, notably when captain
Ljungberg exquisitely picked out Zlatan Ibrahimovic for a flicked header
that just cleared the crossbar.
It was a similar story of Greek defending and Swedish probing in the second
half, until a moment of magic from Ibrahimovic saw him fire in an
unstoppable shot from 20 yards in the 67th minute. Ljungberg then had a
major hand in the second five minutes later. Showing good fitness into the
closing stages, he found space in the penalty area before receiving the ball
and firing in on goal. The effort was blocked but from the resulting
scramble, Petter Hansson forced the ball over the line.
Sweden, also featuring 36-year-old midfielder Niclas Alexandersson who made
eight appearances for West Ham United in 2003, are next in action on
Saturday evening against Spain. The Spanish are among the tournament
favourites, having begun their own Group D campaign earlier on Tuesday with
a resounding 4-1 defeat of Russia, who Sweden conclude their group campaign
against on 18 June..
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TV date for Tomka and Sears - WHUFC
James Tomkins and Freddie Sears will help England kick off the 2008 U19 Euro
on 14 July live on TV
10.06.2008
West Ham United fans will be able to keep track of the progress of James
Tomkins and Freddie Sears via television at the European Under-19
Championship later this summer.
The homegrown duo both played major roles last month in a mini-tournament
held in Belarus to help the Young Lions to qualify for the eight-team Euro
in the Czech Republic between 14-26 July. England have been drawn in Group B
and will have the honour of kicking off the finals campaign against the host
nation in Jablonec. That match will be shown live on Eurosport as will eight
other fixtures from the high-profile UEFA event with whufc.com also keeping
you up to date as ever.
Brian Eastick's side will then be in action on Thursday 17 July against
Italy in the same venue before taking on Greece in Liberec on Sunday 20
July. The top two teams will progress to the semi-finals on Wednesday 23
July, where they could meet any two of the sides from Group A. That section
boasts Spain, Germany, Hungary and Bulgaria. The final will be staged in
Jablonec on Saturday 26 July.
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New training range arrives - WHUFC
Dean Ashton has been among the first to wear the new 2008/09 West Ham United
training range
12.06.2008
West Ham United are pleased to announce the club has taken the first
delivery of selected styles from the new Umbro training range for the
2008/09 season.
The items are available at both the Lakeside and Stadium stores with more
from the exclusive range due to arrive by the end of June. As pictured,
England striker Dean Ashton has been among the first to wear the new athlete
inspired range which will be worn by the team at Chadwell Heath from July as
Alan Curbishley puts them through the paces during the new campaign. While
in store, you can also get your hands on the hugely popular new sky blue
away shirt, with all sizes available for men, women and kids.
The latest Umbro training wear could be a perfect Father's Day gift. Dads
everywhere will be in the spotlight this coming Sunday and there are also
plenty of other great ideas in the club shops. For example, the 'Dad's goody
bag' is proving a hit so far this week. Available for just £10, it contains
a West Ham United mug, tie and Umbro wallet. Fans can also take advantage of
a number of special offers on individual gift ideas including key rings,
pens and wallets - with up to 30 per cent off some items.
If you are heading to the Lakeside store on Sunday itself, then you can also
join in the activities at the club's Community stand just outside between
9.30am and 5pm as part of the shopping centre's support of National Men's
Health Week. Visitors will be able to take part in a mini assault/skills
course to test themselves and also get a 'before and after' heart rate
check. Those getting involved can also pick up a voucher that entitles them
to a free Umbro waterbottle with all purchases in the Lakeside store over
£20.
Supporters are advised that normal opening hours will apply this weekend,
meaning the Stadium store will not be open on Sunday.
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Trainees take the lead - WHUFC
Sir Robin Wales, the mayor of Newham, has paid tribute to a week-long
Community initiative
12.06.2008
Six trainees from the West Ham United Community Sports Trust got a taste of
what life is like for Alan Curbishley when they took on coaching duties in a
prestigious friendly involving the Mayor of Newham at the Boleyn Ground
The match featuring Sir Robin Wales and senior councillors was the closing
event of a week which saw more than 3,000 Newham residents taking part in
various tournaments and events at the stadium. Before kick-off, the young
trainees gave the two teams a tactical briefing and led structured warm ups.
During the game they took responsibility for managing the teams, making
tactical changes and substitutions.
Despite only joining the scheme three months ago, the trainees handled the
pressure of such a high-profile event with ease, and the Mayor was quick to
offer his praise. "I would like to thank the young people who did a great
job in helping me and the team," he said. "They did a fantastic job in
getting us into shape."
Sir Robin was also keen to stress the importance of the work done by the
Community Scheme in developing the leadership skills of local youth. "The
trainee scheme run by West Ham is a great way to get young people involved
in sports. It also provides them with the experience and discipline that
will not only improve their employability but also gives them essential life
skills."
Chief Executive of Community Mick King said "The Mayor's event reflects the
effective partnership rapidly being built between the Club, its community
scheme and the London Borough of Newham. It has been a pleasure to see so
many young people taking part in events at the Boleyn Ground over the past
few days, and we will continue to develop new initiatives with the Borough
during the coming months."
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Pre-season friendly update - WHUFC
West Ham United have a busy programme of fixtures in July and early August
ahead of the new season
11.06.2008
West Ham United can confirm the latest schedule for the 2008/09 pre-season
campaign ahead of the traditional curtain-raiser at the Boleyn Ground which
has yet to be finalised.
The highlight of the summer programme will be the North American tour
between 18-25 July when the club will play in-form Major League Soccer side
Columbus Crew in Ohio, USA on Sunday 20 July before travelling across the
Canadian border to face the MLS All-Stars in Toronto in a prestige friendly
on Thursday 24 July. Before that trip, Alan Curbishley will put his players
through their paces for the first time with a visit to Alan Devonshire's
Hampton & Richmond Borough on Thursday 17 July.
Ticket information will follow for all games as and when available in the
ticket office section, with details added on Wednesday regarding the
Peterborough United fixture. The new Premier League fixtures will be
announced via whufc.com on Monday 16 June.
2008/09 pre-season schedule
Thursday 17 July, 7.30pm - Hampton & Richmond Borough v West Ham United
Saturday 19 July, 3pm - Billericay Town v West Ham United XI
Sunday 20 July, 5pm - Columbus Crew v West Ham United (Columbus, USA)
Thursday 24 July, 7.20pm - MLS All-Stars v West Ham United (Toronto, Canada)
Saturday 26 July, 3pm - Thurrock v West Ham United XI
Tuesday 29 July, 7.45pm - Peterborough United v West Ham United
Wednesday 30 July, 7.45pm - Cambridge United v West Ham United XI
Friday 1 August, 7.45pm - Southampton v West Ham United
Saturday 2 August, 3pm - Grays Athletic v West Ham United XI
Monday 4 August, 7.45pm - Ipswich Town v West Ham United
Tuesday 5 August, 7.30pm - Bishop's Stortford v West Ham United XI
Saturday 9 August, 3pm - West Ham United v TBC
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Fans vote for MLS All-Stars - WHUFC
US football fans are getting the chance to determine who will line up
against West Ham United on 24 July
11.06.2008
Dean Ashton and David Beckham look like turning from team-mates to opponents
in the Major League Soccer All-Star Game in Toronto on 24 July.
Ashton will hope to figure in the West Ham United attack while England
colleague Beckham is leading the way in the MLS online supporters' poll. The
MLS All-Stars are picked by a combination of fans, players, coaches and
media, with votes cast by each of the four groups accounting for 25 per cent
of the overall ballot. US fans can take part by visiting mlsnet.com until
the deadline on 2 July.
The MLS All-Stars that take to the BMO Field, the home of Toronto FC, at 7pm
local time in Canada will consist of one goalkeeper, three defenders, five
midfielders and two forwards. Beckham has been in good form for LA Galaxy
this season, with four goals and five assists, and could be providing the
ammunition for his club-mate and US international Landon Donovan and another
former Premier League player in Danny Dichio.
Other names in the frame including the Mexcio midfielder Cuauhtemoc Blanco,
now of Chicago Fire, and Houston Dynamo's leading Canadian international
Dwayne DeRosario - with each renowned for their creative play. In defence,
Columbus Crew - who will take on Alan Curbishley's side in a high-profile
friendly four days before on 20 July, have several contenders including
veteran Frankie Hejduk, who played at Wembley for the US last month, and
promising young talent Marvell Wynne.
The manager of the MLS All-Stars will be determined by which club has the
most points on the 30 June deadline day with the likes of the Galaxy's Ruud
Gullit sure to be in with a shout. West Ham United will learn the names of
the All Star side on 10 July, with the squad players following five days
later. whufc.com will keep you posted on all the latest news
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Hammers live - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 11th June 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham supporters starved of action will be able to watch youngsters Fred
Sears and James Tomkins live at July's Euro under 19 Championships.
Satellite channel Eurosport have announced that they will be covering the
event, which takes place between July 14th and 26th, live. England - for
whom the duo will be starring barring injury - kick off their campaign in
Jablonec against host nation the Czech Republic in the tournament's opening
fixture on Monday, 14th July. Next up is the clash against Italy - also
being played in Jablonec - on Thursday, 17th July, whilst Brian Eastick's
side wrap up their Group B commitments with a match against Greece in
Liberec three days later (Sunday, 20th July). The top two teams from Groups
B and A (which consists of Spain, Bulgaria, Hungary and Germany) progress
through to the semi-finals, which take place on Wednesday, 23rd July. The
semi winners will contest the final on Sunday, 26th July. If you don't have
access to Eurosport, keep an eye on KUMB.com for all the latest from the
tournament.
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Freddie off to a flyer - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 11th June 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's only representative at the European Championships started
his campaign with a win last night. Freddie Ljungberg's Sweden beat holders
Greece 2-0 in the final match of the first round of fixtures thanks to
second half goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Petter Hansson. Ljungberg -
whose future remains shrouded in mystery following a succession of stories
claiming that West Ham are looking to offload him - had a reasonable game
for the Swedes, although should have got himself on the scoresheet when put
clean through on goal in the move that led to the second goal. The Swedes
also featured Niclas Alexandersson, signed by Trevor Brooking on loan for a
month from Everton back in 2003. Next up for Ljungberg this coming Saturday
is the challenge of group leaders and favourites Spain, who demolished
Russia 4-1 yesterday thanks to a David Villa hat-trick. Sweden's final game
of the group phase, against the hapless Russians takes place next Wednesday,
June 18th. Kick off 7:45pm GMT.
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Gray day - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 11th June 2008
By: Staff Writer
Grays Athletic have announced details of their pre-season clash with West
Ham United.
The game will take place at the Recreation Ground on Saturday, 2nd August
and will be an all ticket affair. Tickets for the match can be purchased
from Grays' ticket office on (01375) 377753.
The non-league side have claimed that West Ham will be sending a 'very
strong side' along for the game. However it is likely to be mainly a second
string selection as the first team are due to face Championship outfit
Southampton at St Mary's the night before - and Ipswich the following Monday
(4th August).
Tickets for the match are priced at £13 for adults, £10 for students, £8 for
children aged 11-16, £4 for children under 11 and £8 for senior citizens.
Pre-Season programme (latest)
First Team
Hampton & Richmond Borough (a): Thursday, 17th 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
TBC (h): Saturday, 9th August
Reserves/Youth
Grays Athletic (a): Saturday, 2nd August
Thurrock (a): Tuesday, 5th August
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Anton-no-no - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 11th June 2008
By: Staff Writer
Tottenham are said to have denied reports that they are interested in
signing Anton Ferdinand. The United defender was linked with a move across
the City in a deal purported to be worth around £6 million. However an
unnamed spokesman from the Lilywhites is understood to have told reporters
that the link is nothing more than pure speculation. Ferdinand's position at
West Ham is said to be under threat after he was reportedly told that he
would be made available for transfer this summer.
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Galaxy's Beckham leads fan voting for All-Star clash against West Ham -
Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 4:20 PM on 11th June 2008
David Beckham is the overwhelming leader in fan voting for the 2008 Major
League Soccer All-Star Game. Nearly a month into the balloting, the Los
Angeles Galaxy midfielder and former England captain leads the voting which
closes on July 2 and helps to determine the team to play West Ham at BMO
Field in Toronto on July 24 in the 13th annual MLS All-Star Game. The
online fan balloting accounts for 25 per cent of the MLS All-Star First XI
selections, with coaches and general managers (25 per cent), players (25 per
cent) and media (25 per cent) also having a say on which players are named
in the starting line-up. Beckham has four goals and five assists for the
Galaxy this season. In the management stakes New England Revolution coach,
former Liverpool full-back Steve Nicol is the front runner with 1.92 points
per game, followed by Denis Hamlett of the Chicago Fire (1.90) and Sigi
Schmid of the Columbus Crew (1.73). The All-Stars will be announced on July
10, while seven reserves will be selected on July 15.
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Latics boss set to pass Mensah test - TeamTalk
Wigan have reportedly moved ahead of four Premier League rivals and Celtic
in the race to sign Rennes defender John Mensah. The Ghana international
revealed last month that he was dreaming of a move to England's top tier.
He said: "I would prefer the Premier League to any other league. I already
speak the language and the game is physical." Portsmouth, Blackburn, Bolton
and West Ham have all been linked with Mensah in recent months, while
Scottish champions Celtic are also understood to be interested. Mensah is
under contract until 2010 but Rennes could be prepared to part with him for
a fee in the region of £7.1million. And Wigan now appear to be the
favourites to sign the giant centre-back, with Steve Bruce expected to bring
in a number of new faces this summer
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West Ham's Bobby Zamora on verge of signing for QPR - The Mirror
By Mirror.co.uk 12/06/2008
Bobby Zamora is on the verge of signing for QPR. Fulham and Birmingham have
been chasing the West Ham striker, but Zamora is keen to join the ambitious
Championship side with big money to spend. The 27-year-old (above) will join
Rangers on an initial one-year loan, with QPR and West Ham splitting his
£15,000-a-week wages. The West Londoners are also hoping to wrap up a
£250,000 deal for Blackpool defender Kaspars Gorkss.
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Everton plan cheeky £3.5million Anfield bid - FansFC.com
06:17 June, 12, 2008
Everton Football Club are planning a cheeky bid for one of their rivals
players. The man in question is Israel's international midfield player Yossi
Benayoun, who signed for Liverpool from West Ham United two years ago in a
deal worth around £5million. The 28-year-old has thus far failed to nail
down a regular starting place in Rafael Benitez's side, and has been
included thirty times in the two years he has had on Merseyside. It is now
being rumoured that David Moyes will make a cheeky enquiry for Benayoun as
he looks to bolster his midfield, and if given any encouragement, will offer
around £3.5million.
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Portsmouth to beat West Ham for Reading's Shorey
tribalfootball.com - June 11, 2008
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is ready to move for Reading fullback Nick
Shorey. Redknapp hopes to tie up a cut-price £3.5million deal. West Ham had
a £5m bid turned down last January. But twice-capped Shorey, 27, is keen to
move to keep his international dream alive. Hammers are still interested but
Redknapp is confident he can land the left-back.
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Upton Park dream is a reality for kids - newham Recorder
11 June 2008
Newham's talented footballers had a taste of stardom when they took to
hallowed Upton Park turf in the final of the inter-community forum
challenge.
The event was the culmination of heats in each forum area where more than
3,000 young people and adults took part. In the grand final, 432 competitors
showed off their five-a-side fancy footwork before more than 2,000
spectators. Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales, said: "The response to this
competition has been phenomenal and I was impressed with the enthusiasm and
skill level of players. "For local people to play at West Ham United is
something special and we're very grateful for their support." Winners in the
eight to 11-year-old mixed girls and boys were Real Ma Kidz from Green
Street, with the 12 to 14 year-old boys' category taken by TMT from
Stratford and West Ham. The 12 to 16-year-old girls category saw East Ham's
Newham Raiders scoop first prize, while the 15 to 17-year-old boys' category
was won by All Stars from Custom House and Canning Town. Green Street's
Newham Ladies were victorious in the women's category and Genesis from
Custom House and Canning Town triumphed in the men's competition. Laura
Bryant, 29, played in the winning women's team and said: "It was amazing to
play at West Ham because I'm a huge fan. "To go in the changing room and
run out of the tunnel was such a privilege. "The whole tournament was a real
buzz.
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Here we go again - Newham Recorder
11 June 2008
WEST HAM'S new technical director Gianluca Nani officially began his role
this month and already he seems to be making waves on the continent, writes
DAVE EVANS. The Italian, who discovered Italy's current centre forward Luca
Toni during his time at Brescia, is currently scouting around mainland
Europe and the Hammers have already been linked with two high profile
players. However, the problem that Nani seems to have is that the goalposts
have been moved since he accepted the job at Upton Park back in March. Then,
his remit was to scour Europe and South America for the best talent,
particularly young talent, and then use his experience and charms to entice
the players to come to this particular part of east London. But since he
accepted the post, West Ham have stepped back from their big-spending plans
to the point where they are even looking to offload some of their
high-earning players before they can bring in fresh talent. Perhaps the
writing was on the wall on the very day that Nani held his first press
conference at Upton Park. After the conference, in an exclusive interview
with the Recorder, chief executive Scott Duxbury hinted that the board were
happy with the squad that manager Alan Curbishley had assembled and that
there did not need to be another bout of big spending by the club. He
stressed that when all the players were fit, West Ham already had a team
that was capable of a place in Europe, which sort of begs the question - why
did they appoint Nani?
One of his new responsibilities seems to be touting around West Ham players
on the continent with Swedish international Freddie Ljungberg apparently
being offered to Roma as the Hammers look to get him off the wage bill. The
story was denied by Duxbury, but there does seem to be some ring of truth to
it, especially after Nobby Solano - one of the stars of last season - was
released after his contract ran out. Despite apparent restrictions, Nani has
still been looking and showing an interest in players with perhaps the most
exciting being the prospect of picking up Barcelona's Icelandic striker
Eidur Gudjohnsen for just £4million. The 29-year-old has been told he can
leave the Spanish giants after two years of frustration and though Newcastle
are also said to be interested, West Ham's Icelandic connection, as well as
their interest in the past, has put them in pole position.
Similarly, West Ham's recent connections with Italian side Palermo may give
them the nod when it comes to signing Uruguayan international striker Edison
Cavani. The 22-year-old recently made his debut for the full international
team, scoring one goal in his first two games, and though he has not been
prolific for Palermo, Nani regards him very highly. Closer to home, James
Harper and Nicky Shorey at relegated Reading are said to be still on the
shopping list, but perhaps more exciting to West Ham fans could be the link
with former Hammer Jimmy Bullard. The Fulham midfielder signed for West Ham
in 1999 from Gravesend, but failed to make a single appearance before moving
on to Peterborough and then Wigan, where he made his name. He almost
single-handedly kept Fulham up last season, and is the sort of player that
can unlock defences in tight home games - something that West Ham invariably
failed to do last term. £3million may secure his services.
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Court verdict may not come until end of June - Newham Recorder
11 June 2008
IT IS the problem that never seems to go away for West Ham. Despite Carlos
Tevez being just a memory, the repercussions continue unabated and could
affect West Ham's potential to buy players this summer. On Monday, Sheffield
United began their High Court claim for compensation from West Ham after
they were relegated on the final day of the 2006-07 season. They claim that
West Ham acted illegally in playing Tevez after the club were fined
£5.5million, though the Hammers vociferously deny the charge. The Blades are
looking for between £25 and £30 million in compensation and if they win
their case then it is likely to mean an appeal, but also a hold on transfer
activity for West Ham. The case, which is being held by a three-man panel
behind closed doors, is set to last around 10 days, but the result is
unlikely to be announced before the end of the month. Meanwhile West Ham's
final friendly match of the pre-season campaign is set to be against a
Champions League team. The original plan was to take on Porto, but their
exclusion from Europe has caused a rethink at Upton Park.
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Cisse likely to snub the Hammers - Guardian Series
WEST Ham look set to miss out on Djibril Cisse after his agent insisted that
the player would only consider a move to a team playing European football
next season. After being overlooked by Raymond Domenech for France's Euro
2008 squad, Cisse is keen to leave Ligue 1 outfit Marseille for the Premier
League in an effort to rebuild his career. The Irons were thought to be in
pole position to snap up the powerful ex-Liverpool frontman as they look to
bolster their attacking options ahead of next season. However, Tottenham and
Portsmouth have since emerged as more likely destinations for the
26-year-old. "Djibril's main priority is to come back to England," Cisse's
agent Ranko Stojic told the Portsmouth News. "We've had some very
interesting offers from Spain but he is very motivated to play in the
Premier League again. "There are maybe three or four teams like Portsmouth
and Tottenham who he would play for. "He wants to play at the highest level
and have European football. "The Champions League would be good, but so
would a team in the UEFA Cup now with ambitions of playing in the Champions
League."
Cisse scored 19 goals in over 50 appearances during his spell on Merseyside,
despite often being played out of position and suffering a horrific double
leg break.
12:34pm today
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