The European Under-19 Championship begins on Monday afternoon and James
Tomkins is fired up
14.07.2008
James Tomkins is looking forward to getting started as England begin their
campaign at the European Under-19 Championship against the Czech Republic
this afternoon.
Tomkins and fellow West Ham United academy graduate Freddie Sears are hoping
to be involved in the opening game of the tournament against the host
nation. With the rest of his club-mates training hard back home, the 19-year
old thinks that playing in such an important competition will have its own
plus-points. "I don't feel this will affect my pre-season, if anything it
will benefit me and I'm looking forward to getting back into the
international set-up," he said. "There will be more football than I would
have had with pre-season training but it all helps towards my fitness and
sharpness for the new season."
Tomkins' involvement at the Euros means he will miss West Ham United's
prestigious pre-season tour of North America. The central defender admits he
is frustrated at not going, but thinks that playing in the championship will
give him valuable experience to take forward into the league season. He
said: "It was in the back of my mind that I'm missing out on the tour to
America but this is a good tournament with good coverage on the television
and a great test against some of the best players in Europe in my age
group."
Both youngsters enjoyed successful runs in the first team towards the end of
last season and although Tomkins' mind is fixed on his country for now, he
cannot wait to join the rest of the squad at Chadwell Heath to push for a
regular first-team place. He said: "When I get back from England I will keep
working hard in training and see where it leaves me."
England, who have not qualified for the tournament since finishing as
runners-up in 2005, kick-off against the Czech Republic in Liberec at 4.30pm
London time, live on Eurosport. After today's game, the Young Lions play
Italy on Thursday followed by Greece on Sunday. If England finish in the top
two of Group A, they will go on to play the winners or runners-up from Group
B, which contains Spain, Germany, Bulgaria and Hungary.
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Freddie ready for finals - WHUFC
Homegrown striker Freddie Sears could be spearheading the attack for England
U19s on Monday
12.07.2008
Freddie Sears is eager to play his part for the England U19's as they
prepare for Monday's European Championship opening fixture against the Czech
Republic.
The young West Ham United striker flew out on Friday with team-mate James
Tomkins and the rest of the 18-man England squad, after training at the
National Football Centre in Burton-on-Trent this week. Sears says he has
enjoyed being involved in the England set-up and has been keeping his
fitness levels up, even in his spare time.
The 18-year-old was enjoying a few sets of tennis when he spoke about his
aims of hitting the target on the international stage next week and said
there was a good spirit in the camp. "Training has been really good, it's
been mainly about getting our fitness levels up and a bit of football mixed
in, but in our spare time, we have been having a few games of tennis between
ourselves," said Sears.
"There is a good bunch of lads here, a few new faces and then the rest of
the lads who have been in the squad during the summer, so we have had a
laugh while still working hard in training." The starting eleven to face the
Czechs on Monday will not be revealed until Sunday evening but Sears is
raring to go, whatever role he is to play.
"I am just aiming to play my best and score whether I come on as sub or
start the game, he said "We are all really confident that we can do well
enough to win the tournament, there is good belief in the team that we can
go all the way."
Sears is pleased to have team-mate Tomkins with him on the international
trip and said he is proving to be a good room-mate. "Tomka's been alright to
share with so far," joked Sears "No one has to get up to make a cup of tea
because we don't have this in our room! We get on well and we're just really
looking forward to playing well for our country."
Following Monday's game, the Young Lions will face Italy and Greece in
further Group B games on Thursday and Sunday week respectively. Should
England finish in the top two, they will go on to meet one of the two sides
that make it through from Group A in the semi-finals on 23 July. That
section contains Germany, Spain, Bulgaria and Hungary.
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Out of Africa - KUMB
Filed: Saturday, 12th July 2008
By: Staff Writer
Ugandan international David Obua has landed a trial with West Ham United.
The former Kaizer Chiefs full-back spent his first day at Chadwell Heath on
Friday where he trained with his prospective new team-mates. 24-year old
Obua, a left-back by trade parted company the South African champions at the
end of last season after three years with the club. Being out of contract he
is currently available on a free transfer. "As a professional, I have to
weigh my options and make a decision," he said earlier this week. "I have
many offers but I'm not about to rush. "I'm not returning to South Africa
because I believe I've won everything as an individual. I need a new
challenge that will only be realised in Europe."
Obua began his career in the United States Soccer League system before
joining Wilmington Hammerheads. After spells back in his native Uganda with
Port Louis and Express FC he moved to South Africa where he became a firm
fixture in the Kaizer Chiefs team. Obua comes from something of a sporting
family; his father Denis is considered to be Uganda's finest ever footballer
whilst his uncle, John Akii-Bua was an Olympic champion at the 400-metre
hurdles back in 1972.
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Zamora in Fulham medical - SSN
Striker edges closer to Craven Cottage switch
Last updated: 14th July 2008
Fulham are closing in on the signing of West Ham striker Bobby Zamora with
the player undergoing a medical at Craven Cottage. The Cottagers agreed a
fee with West Ham for Zamora and Hammers team-mate John Pantsil last week as
they look to bolster their squad ahead of the new season. West Ham gave
Zamora and Pantsil permission to talk to Fulham and it appears the former
has agreed personal terms with Roy Hodgson's men. Zamora moved to Upton Park
from Tottenham in 2004 and has gone on to score 30 goals in 130 appearances
for the club. The former Brighton striker could fill the void left by Brian
McBride's departure from Craven Cottage earlier this summer.
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Wilhelmsson looks for new club - SSN
Midfielder returns to Nantes to train and await firm offers
By Kent Hedlunch Last updated: 13th July 2008
Former Bolton midfielder Christian Wilhelmsson is looking for a new club -
with West Ham thought to be among possible suitors. The Swedish
international, who has one year left on the contract with Nantes, has
confirmed 'many' clubs are interested in signing him. The Hammers are
thought to be among those chasing his signature, but until this interest
firms up, he will return to Nantes to train. Wilhelmsson told Sportbladet:
"I will return to France after the weekend. "It's mostly for my own sake, I
want to start training myself. I don't know if it will be Nantes in the
future. "They want to find the best possible solution. There are still many
interested clubs who wants to talk."
Wilhelmsson moved from Anderlecht to Nantes in 2006 but failed to establish
himself at the Stade de la Beaujoire. He was loaned out to Italian outfit
Roma in January 2007 for the remainder of that season before joining Bolton
on a 12-month loan last term. But he failed to impress new boss Gary Megson
and so moved to Spanish outfit Deportivo La Coruna in January this year.
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Sears out to impress - SSN
Starlet eager for Hammers chance
Last updated: 13th July 2008
Freddie Sears is desperate to prove to West Ham boss Alan Curbishley there
is no need to invest in a new centre-forward. With Bobby Zamora reportedly
close to agreeing a move to Fulham, Curbishley must now weigh up whether a
replacement is needed. Sears, still just 18, broke into West Ham's first
team at the close of last season and quickly adapted to the pace of the
Premier League, going on to score his first goal in claret and blue against
Blackburn. While the rest of his team-mates are gearing themselves for
pre-season training, Sears will be away with the England Under 19 side in
the Czech Republic ahead of the European Championship. Curbishley will be
kept abreast of how his starlet performs on international duty and Sears is
eager to prove he is ready for another chance in West Ham's starting XI.
"I've been looking forward to the Euros all summer. I went to Turkey and got
away for a bit, but in the back of my mind I was thinking about coming back
and looking good for the Czech Republic," he told The People. "Scoring my
first goal for West Ham was an unbelievable feeling and hopefully next
season I'll get a few more chances. "The manager has told me he'd like to
involve me even more, and I've just got to keep playing well. "I can't start
slacking or else he won't play me. I've just got to keep doing what I'm
doing and it will get me noticed. "Being with the first team so much last
season really helped my confidence. "You're training with some of the best
players in England, so you get better."
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Skipper out striker in? - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 13th July 2008
By: A Different Staff Writer
This weekend's transfer rumours link Lucas Neill with Manchester City and
Everton's Andy Johnson with a move to the Boleyn. Newspaper reports this
weekend suggest that Neill is unhappy that an extension to his current
contract has yet to be agreed, with the club reportedly being reluctant to
increase Neill's salary - which is currently in the region of
£50,000-£70,000 per week depending on which particular newspaper you want to
believe.
Neill has been the subject of interest from Turkish club Galatasaray but
would presumably prefer to stay in England where Manchester City are said to
be considering a bid of £1.6m for the full-back's services. Such a move
would see Neill reunited with former boss Mark Hughes who, as manager of
Blackburn Rovers, sold him to United in January 2007.
Further gossip suggests that United still have hopes of signing Swiss
midfielder/full-back Valon Behrami, presumably as a replacement for Neill
should the Aussie depart. Lazio are said to be looking for £9-11m (depending
on newspaper and exchange rate) for the player who currently wears the
coveted no.85 shirt for the Aquilotti.
Meanwhile, closer to home, with Bobby Zamora seemingly on his way to Fulham,
there are new rumours suggesting that Andy Johnson will be on his way down
the M6/M1 to replace him. Wigan were thought to be favourites for the
striker's signature - Steve Bruce was one of his former managers at
Birmingham City - but Hammers are said to be ready to gazump the Latics. It
remains to be seen whether the attraction of playing in front of a
half-empty JJB stadium every other week will prove more attractive to the
sometimes unsteady striker, who has 8 England caps to date.
Apparently following Zamora on his way to Craven Cottage will be John
Paintsil who, if he goes, will add a reported £1.5m into the transfer kitty.
Some of this may apparently go towards Swedish international midfielder
Christian Wilhelmsson who spent an unhappy 8 matches at the Reebok Stadium
last term, a spell which apparently gained him the nickname "The Feather" in
view of his "lightweight" performances (such wags those northerners).
Wilhelmsson is currently registered as a player with Nantes but he appears
to be either out of favour or too expensive to play as, since joining the
French side in 2006 he has spent most of the time out on loan with spells at
Roma, and, latterly Deportivo La Coruna as well as Bolton.
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Sunday Paper Review - Just Like My Dreams
It is a depressingly quiet Sunday paper round-up with a couple of the
grubbier tabloids omitting to include West Ham United within their desultory
transfer rumour pages. While the subjects of shady Iranians, illegal
contracts and law suits last summer caused me to doubt the wisdom of Oscar
Wilde's famous saying; in the aridity of a more humdrum pre-season it is
most definitely better to be talked about than not.
Thankfully you can nearly always rely on the News of the World to slake your
guilty thirst for inane transfer tittle-tattle. They insist Manchester City
are set to bid £1.6million for United skipper Lucas Neill. The Hammers
captain is reportedly in dispute with the club over a new deal and wants an
extension plus improved terms. The club are understandably reluctant to
better his £55,000-a-week salary, which they consider to be more than
generous for a 30-year-old.
As reported elsewhere, Galatasaray have made a firm offer but Neill is
unsure about a move to Turkey. Now the Aussie is waiting for City manager
Mark Hughes to swoop. Neill played under Hughes at Blackburn before joining
West Ham United in January 2007. At the time Liverpool wanted him as well
but the Hammers, who were then in the Premier League drop zone, offered
Neill a substantially bigger salary for which they are now paying the price.
According to the article, the club's lavish spending has caused an urgent
need to trim both the squad and wage bill.
Elsewhere, Alan Curbishley is described as 'still hopeful' of completing the
£9 million signing of Swiss star Valon Behrami from Lazio, who would replace
Neill at right-back. This is despite the comments attributed to the player's
agent last week suggesting that Behrami was not interested in moving to the
Premiership. With Bobby Zamora poised for a £6 million switch to Fulham, the
Hammers have funds coming in and hope defender John Pantsil, although
reticent, will follow the striker to Craven Cottage for £1.5million. The
club have also recently turned down a £4.5 million offer from Sunderland for
George McCartney but, insists the paper, would find it 'hard to resist' an
improved £6 million bid for the left-back.
In a separate little piece, the club are reported to be keen on signing
Christian Wilhelmsson — the Swedish star gleefully dubbed 'The Feather'
after his lightweight displays while on loan at Bolton last year. The
experienced midfielder, 28, has 52 caps but still has a year left on his
contract with French side Nantes.
A final flight of fancy has the Hammers offering in excess of £11 million
for unsettled Everton striker Andy Johnson. It is 'understood' that Johnson
would prefer a return to London over a further stint up north. The Sunday
People disagree, and insist United are out of the running for the forward.
They put Fulham as his likely destination, despite the imminent capture of
Zamora.
The same paper has Newcastle offering Damian Duff to United in a
player-plus-cash bid for Anton Ferdinand. They say Toon boss Kevin Keegan is
keen to land Ferdinand and thus re-create his Under-21 central defensive
partnership with Steven Taylor. Tottenham are also credited with an interest
in Ferdinand, but as yet neither club have come close to Hammers' £10
million valuation. Alan Curbishley is said to want to bring in a left
winger; with and Luis Boa MorteMatty Etherington both tipped to leave Upton
Park. Newcastle believe Republic of Ireland man Duff, 29, could tempt the
West Ham manager to part with Ferdinand. Duff, once signed by Chelsea for
£17 million, returned from a serious ankle injury last season but has failed
to nail down a regular first team place.
In a final throw-away piece, Tottenham are also linked with a move for
Matthew Upson amid growing concerns for the long-term fitness of Ledley
King; while several papers picked up the story of our interest in Leicester
City defender Joe Mattock.
Posted by Trilby at 01:58
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2008 European Under-19 Championship Preview - Just Like My Dreams
James Tomkins is getting ready to play an integral part in England's bid to
win the 2008 European Under-19 Championship when the finals begin against
the host nation Czech Republic this afternoon. The young defender has kept
himself sharp since the end of the season and has stepped up his training
since returning to Chadwell Heath. In good shape then for the Young Lions,
Tomkins insists: "I am looking forward to going away with England, it will
be a good tournament. But we are not going there to make up the numbers we
are going out to win it. We did well in the qualifiers so we are full of
confidence." England coach Brian Eastick named Tomkins and club-mate Freddie
Sears in his 18-man selection, with both players having been instrumental in
qualifying. It is thought the duo will start when things get under way at
4.30pm London time. "There have been a few changes to the side but the
people coming in have done well so there is no reason why we can't do well,"
Tomkins added. "It is obviously nice to have a club team-mate there in the
shape of Freddie but we are a close-knit bunch who all get on well
together."
Freddie Sears is also eager to impress on the international stage. The young
West Ham United striker flew out on Friday with Tomkins and the rest of the
18-man England squad, after training at the National Football Centre in
Burton-on-Trent this week. Sears says he has enjoyed being involved in the
England set-up and has been keeping his fitness levels up, even in his spare
time. "Training has been really good, it's been mainly about getting our
fitness levels up and a bit of football mixed in, but in our spare time, we
have been having a few games of tennis between ourselves," said Sears.
"There is a good bunch of lads here, a few new faces and then the rest of
the lads who have been in the squad during the summer, so we have had a
laugh while still working hard in training. I am just aiming to play my best
and score whether I come on as sub or start the game, he said. "We are all
really confident that we can do well enough to win the tournament, there is
good belief in the team that we can go all the way."
Sears is pleased to have team-mate Tomkins with him on the international
trip and said he is proving to be a good room-mate. "Tomka's been alright to
share with so far," joked Sears. "No one has to get up to make a cup of tea
because we don't have this in our room! We get on well and we're just really
looking forward to playing well for our country."
The West Ham United striker was a key man in qualification, not least with
his double strike in the 2-0 win against Poland that helped the Young Lions
win the decisive Elite round mini-tournament played in Belarus back in May.
"It's been a good year and we've done well and stuck together as a group,"
he stated. "There have been a few injuries and different people coming in,
but overall it's a good squad. Tournaments are different because you play so
many games in a short space of time, so it's all about recovery really and
Belarus should set us up well for the finals," the 18-year-old added.
"Obviously we are going to see great players out there because a few of the
best players in the world have played at this tournament. You expect
different things from different teams, so it should be good."
Tony Carr earlier spoke of his pride as Tomkins and Sears prepared to help
England's quest for glory in the Czech Republic. The duo's inclusion in the
prestigious UEFA tournament for the continent's most talented teenagers is
just reward for the progress they have made from the West Ham United academy
through to the first team. "They are playing in a terrific tournament and
they will only come back better players for it," Academy director Carr said.
"Club football and international football even at U19 level does present
different problems. It tends to be more tactical and there tends to be more
opportunities for individuals to shine and be match-winners. It is different
from the cut and thrust of club league football really and it will be
terrific for their development."
The call-up means Tomkins and Sears will not be able to travel with West Ham
United on the high-profile North American tour. Carr said they have mixed
feelings about missing out on the trip but the benefits were there for all
to see. "After representing the first team last season, they would have
wanted to stay and be part of Alan Curbishley's plans for the early part of
pre-season and have an opportunity to shine but you can't turn down
representing your country."
Speaking to the FA.com, England coach Noel Blake, who works with head coach
Brian Eastick, said: "We're taking a strong squad over to the Czech Repubic
and a few of the players in the 18 have played first team games for their
clubs, such as Victor Moses at Crystal Palace and both Tomkins and Sears
with West Ham, so that's good experience for them."
England finished runners-up to France three years ago in Belfast only to
lose out in the Elite round in each of the next two seasons. This time they
won Group 1 ahead of Belarus, Serbia and Poland at the end of May. "When you
get to this stage there are no easy draws so I'm fairly open-minded,"
Eastick told uefa.com after the finals draw in Prague on 1 June. "You have
to be philosophical about it; some might think it's easier than the other
group, some might think it's more difficult. It doesn't matter which group
you're in, it's going to be difficult when you get to this level."
England have not lifted a youth trophy since claiming the U18 title in 1993
but Eastick believes in looking at the bigger picture. "Obviously we hope to
do well," he said. "This is going to be fantastic, we believe all our
players need more tournament experience. If you spoke to the previous three
or four senior England managers they would all say the one thing they would
have liked the players to have had is more of that. You want the best
players for the finals to give them that experience, because it's very
different. It's a fantastic opportunity for the players – and for me and the
staff too. It's the chance to play against some of the best young players in
Europe, and under a bit of pressure too."
Having missed out in the last two seasons, Eastick is keen for his players
to make the most of their time in the Czech Republic, and admits this squad
has different qualities to those which have preceded it. "Last year we had a
very strong team, but we didn't get the players for the Elite round and
didn't qualify," he said. "This year, without being disrespectful to the
players, there perhaps isn't as much quality in depth but what we have
developed is a very good team spirit. They're a very hungry group of players
to work with and have bonded together very well – and that's reflected in
the results so far."
In Group B of the eight-nation tournament, England will take on Italy on 17
July and Greece on 20 July in Jablonec and Liberec respectively. The opening
game today against the Czechs is being shown live on Eurosport, and is in
fact the only England group game to be screened. Should they finish in the
top two, England will go on to meet one of the two sides that make it
through from Group A in the semi-finals on 23 July. That section contains
Germany, Spain, Bulgaria and Hungary.
Although defender Jordan Spence and Czech goalkeeper Marek Stech did not
make the final selections for the tournament, there are still a couple of
other points of interest. Leicester City defender Joe Mattock, a long time
target of Alan Curbishley, should be on display alongside Tomkins. Also,
imposing striker Balint Bajner, our possible latest but as yet unconfirmed
signing, could feature for Hungary.
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Hammers face fight for 'target' - Setanta
by Ben Blackmore, 13 July 2008
West Ham have been linked with a move for Sweden international Christian
Wilhelmsson after he revealed he has 'many interested clubs'. Wilhelmsson
spent an unhappy time in England during a brief stint with Bolton, where he
told setantasports.com he was astounded by the lack of importance given to
technical ability. The right midfielder is now playing his football at
Nantes, where he will begin training ahead of the new season. Wilhelmsson
has previously stated he would not be against a return to The Premier
League, and West Ham are reported to be interested. "I will return to France
after the weekend," he told Sportbladet. "It's mostly for my own sake, I
want to start training myself. I don't know if it will be Nantes in the
future. "They want to find the best possible solution. There are still many
interested clubs who wants to talk."
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Striker has Cottagers medical - Setanta
by Tom Adams, 14 July 2008
West Ham striker Bobby Zamora is reported to be having a medical at Fulham
ahead of a £6.5 million move to Craven Cottage. The striker and his Hammers
team-mate John Pantsil have been given permission to speak to Roy Hodgson's
side about a move across the capital having been deemed surplus to
requirements at Upton Park. It is now believed that Zamora, 27, has agreed
personal terms with The Cottagers and is undergoing a medical in West
London. Fulham will become the striker's third London club after he kicked
off his time in the capital with a £1.5 million move from Brighton to
Tottenham in 2003. He failed to score in 16 Premier League games with Spurs
though and joined West Ham in February 2004 in a swap deal for Jermain
Defoe. Zamora is now poised to join Fulham after scoring only once last
season in a 2-1 win over Derby in April.
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Uganda fullback Obua in West Ham trials
tribalfootball.com - July 12, 2008
Uganda left-back David Obua is set for trials with West Ham United. Obua is
available from South African giants Kaizer Chiefs and is understood to have
trained with the Hammers on Friday in a bid to impress Alan Curbishley. Obua
recently told reporters: "As a professional, I have to weigh up my options
and make a decision. I have many offers, but I'm not about to rush. "One
thing is for sure, I'm not returning to South Africa. I have nothing to
prove in South Africa because I believe I've won everything as an
individual. I need a new challenge that will only be realised in Europe."
Obua has won over 20 caps for Uganda, even scoring a hat-trick for the
Cranes in an African Nations Cup qualifier against Niger in September 2007.
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West Ham academy boss Carr proud of duo's England call-up
tribalfootball.com - July 12, 2008
West Ham academy boss Tony Carr is delighted to see youngsters James Tomkins
and Freddie Sears part of England's U19 European Championship squad. "They
are playing in a terrific tournament and they will only come back better
players for it," Academy director Carr said. "This is only going to be good
for their education and they will come back better players for it." He also
told whufc.com: "After representing the first team last season, they would
have wanted to stay and be part of Alan Curbishley's plans for the early
part of pre-season and have an opportunity to shine but you can't turn down
representing your country. "Club football and international football even at
U19 level does present different problems. It tends to be more tactical and
there tends to be more opportunities for individuals to shine and be
matchwinners. It is different from the cut and thrust of club league
football really and it will be terrific for their development."
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West Ham target Wilhelmsson ready for move
tribalfooball.com - July 13, 2008
Christian Wilhelmsson admits he's seeking a move away from Nantes. The
former Bolton Wanderers midfielder has been linked with West Ham United and
told Sportbladet: "I will return to France after the weekend. "It's mostly
for my own sake, I want to start training myself. I don't know if it will be
Nantes in the future. "They want to find the best possible solution. There
are still many interested clubs who wants to talk."
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Man City plan bid for West Ham skipper Neill
By Andrew Slevison - July 13, 2008
New Manchester City manager Mark Hughes is believed to be chasing Australian
defender Lucas Neill, just days after Turkish giant Galatasaray made a play
for him. Neill played under Hughes at Blackburn Rovers before his move to
West Ham and it is reported the two may yet be reunited. The Socceroo is
apparently in a pay dispute with the Hammers, the club he captains, and a
deal is expected to be offered to him by City very soon. The deal is
believed to be worth £2 million.
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Newcastle to offer Duff for West Ham's Ferdinand
tribalfootball.com - July 13, 2008
Newcastle United are planning a bid for West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand.
The People says Newcastle will offer Damien Duff to West Ham in a
player-plus-cash bid for Ferdinand. Toon boss Kevin Keegan is keen to land
Ferdinand and re-create his England Under-21 central defensive partnership
with Steven Taylor. Tottenham have also registered interest in Ferdinand but
neither club has come close to Hammers' £10m valuation.
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West Ham try again for Leicester's Mattock
tribalfooball.com - July 14, 2008
West Ham United won't give up on prising Joe Mattock away from Leicester
City. West Ham boss Alan Curbishley is to make a second attempt to sign
Mattock for £2m. Curbishley, who failed with a £1.25m bid in January, will
rival Aston Villa and Everton in a scrap to sign the England Under - 21
international defender this summer.
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Spurs eyeing West Ham defender Upson
tribalfooball.com - July 13, 2008
West Ham defender Matthew Upson is being linked with Tottenham. The People
says the White Hart Lane club are ready to bid for the centre half as doubts
remain over the long-term fitness of Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate.
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West Ham eye £1m bid for Rangers hero goalkeeper Neil Alexander -
DailyRecord.co.uk
Jul 14 2008
WEST HAM are eyeing a £1million offer for Rangers keeper Neil Alexander.
Hammers boss Alan Curbishley could soon be left without an experienced
stopper as first choice Robert Green is interesting a number of clubs.
Understudy Richard Wright is also set to quit Upton Park with Ipswich close
to finalising a £500,000 deal. Should both moves go through it would leave
Curbishley without and experienced keeper and Alexander is on his radar
after an impressive campaign at Ibrox. With Allan McGregor nearing
full-fitness for the start of the new season Alexander will be back as
second choice at Ibrox and therefore may be tempted to return south. Rangers
still have former Kilmarnock keeper Graeme Smith on their books as their
third pick.
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Jim sets deadline on doing Wright deal - eadt24.co.uk
14 July 2008 | 07:00
BLUES boss Jim Magilton will give West Ham until the end of this week before
calling time on a Richard Wright switch. Although extremely keen to bring
the former Town favourite back to Portman Road, Magilton is not prepared to
wait much longer and has another keeper lined up, who could even join up
with the squad in Belfast this week. Wright has made it clear he would
welcome a move back to Ipswich but West Ham are uncertain of the future of
their number one Robert Green and so are reluctant to allow the former
England keeper to rejoin his old club. Magilton said: "We are not prepared
to wait too much longer. We would like to get something tied up by the end
of the week at the latest. "I will give it a few more days and see how the
land lies and I hope a deal can be concluded, if not we will look elsewhere.
"We have to have other irons in the fire and we are constantly on the look
out for then right sort. If it is not Richard it will be someone else.
"There is another goalkeeper we are in talks with."
Town have been linked with a number of keepers during the summer, including
Wolfsburg's Simon Jentzsch but that deal is dead. He has wanted to bring
back Wright since last year when he chose to go to Upton Park and the Blues
boss can understand Alan Curbishley's stance. Magilton said: "Richard Wright
coming back ticks all our boxes. We are a club he knows well and I would
like to take him back but it is not ticking West Ham's boxes at the moment,
because if they lose a keeper they need a replacement and until they get a
replacement, Richard is not going anywhere. "I totally understand and
respect West Ham's position, they do not want to lose a top-class keeper
like Richard but if they can get in a replacement it may help, although even
then they may turn round and say 'definitely not'. But if they can get
someone in and it frees up Richard, then we are in a position to take him."
Town are hoping they can open talks with Greek striker Angelos Charisteas
today after he returns from his summer holidays. Nuremburg have given Town
permission to speak to the 6'4'' striker and things should move on one way
or another today. Magilton added: "We want to know if he is interested and
if he is fantastic, we will sit and have a chat, if not we move on to other
targets. "If we can sit round the table and entice him to join to us then
great because he is the sort of quality player that can help us."
Magilton is also waiting to hear from Rudi Skácel, the left-sided player he
is hoping to fill the left-back berth. Magilton said: "Rudi has one or two
things to weigh up. The last Czech Republic manager made it a policy that he
would not play players playing in the second tier of their respective
leagues. Whoever the new manger is Rudi would like a chat and see how it
affects him and if it was a possibility that he could come to us and it not
affect his international chances, then we would welcome him. "I understand
his reasons because when I left Sheffield Wednesday at 28 and I had a
conversation with my international manager so I respect it, it shows the
lad's ambition. He is a good player and someone who could take us to the
next level."
Magilton also confirmed his interest in Crewe striker Nicky Maynard who is
valued at £2.5m by the Cheshire club, with Ipswich reluctant to go that high
for a relatively inexperienced player. Magilton said; "Nicky Maynard is a
very good player and we have had a conversation with his agent but he is
under contact at Crewe. If there was an opportunity to take Nicky to our
football club I would take it. "At the minute he is one of many targets and
we have not made a firm offer as yet."
Kevin Lisbie is also high on the list of Town targets but Magilton revealed
a move for Shola Ameobi has hit a brick wall. He added: "We have not heard a
dickie bird from him, his agent or Newcastle so I imagine he has gone back
to Newcastle. "I had a conversation with his agent about him as part of the
search to bring in the right sort of people who can take us to the next
level."
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HAMMERS EYE WILHELMSSON DEAL - Sporting Life
By Kent Hedlunch
Former Bolton midfielder Christian Wilhelmsson is looking for a new club,
with West Ham thought to be among the possible suitors. The Sweden
international, who has got one year left on his current contract with FC
Nantes, has confirmed "many" clubs are interested in signing him. The
Hammers are thought to be among those chasing his signature, but until the
interest firms up, he will return to Nantes to train. Wilhelmsson told
Sportbladet: "I will return to France after the weekend. "It's mostly for my
own sake, I want to start training myself. I don't know if it will be Nantes
in the future. "They want to find the best possible solution. There are
still many interested clubs who wants to talk."
Wilhelmsson moved from Anderlecht to Nantes in 2006 but failed to establish
himself at the Stade de la Beaujoire. He was loaned out to Italian outfit
Roma in January 2007 for the remainder of that season before joining Bolton
on a 12-month loan last term. But he failed to impress new boss Gary Megson
and so moved to Spanish outfit Deportivo La Coruna in January this year.
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Manchester City out to court Lucas Neill - news.com.au
July 14, 2008
ENGLISH Premier League club Manchester City is expected to launch a $(3.29m)
bid for West Ham's Australian captain Lucas Neill. Neill, 30, is reportedly
in dispute with the Hammers over a new pay deal and has demanded an
extension to his contract along with a boost to his weekly pay .of 55,000
pounds.
However, West Ham considers Neill's conditions to be more than generous and
is reluctant to meet his demands, The News of the World reported.
"And now he is waiting for City manager Mark Hughes to swoop," the newspaper
said. "Neill played under Hughes at Blackburn before joining West Ham in
January last year."
Turkish club Galatasaray, which recently signed fellow Socceroo Harry Kewell
on a two-year contract, is also believed to be interested in Neill.
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Z Man Deal Hits A Snag - West Ham Fans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 13 July, 2008 - 07:45.
The proposed move by Bobby Zamora from West Ham to Fulham has hit an
unexpected snag, John Paintsil, who was the additional player involved in
the £6.5 Million 'buy one get one free' transfer, has expressed reservations
about a move to Craven Cottage. Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is a keen admirer
of Zamora who he sees as a natural replacement for departed USA
International Brian McBride, the addition of John Paintsil would give him
back up in defence, however the Hammer's Ghana International defender does
not want to travel from East to West London just to sit on the bench! If the
impasse fails to be negotiated, then Hammers can expect the Z man's price to
drop to £4.75 Million. (still eye wateringly high!) Interestingly much has
been made of West Ham United's need to reduce the club's massive wage bill,
however Zamora and Paintsil are among the lowest earners, so it seems that
the club's desire to sell the Z man is based on the fact that he has given
his all for the club that he has supported since he was a boy and it has
been decided that it would be fairer to allow him to move to a club where he
will be guaranteed first team football, So far so good, but what happens if
there is another injury crisis in the forwards department? Lightning doesn't
strike twice does it? But this is West Ham isn't it? - Ed
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Sunday Paper Transfer Rumours - West Ham Till I Die
I have just been doing the newpaper review on the BBC News Channel and have
had a chance to rifle through some of the Sunday paper back pages. There are
some weird and wonderful rumours, the most unlikely of which is that we will
be selling Anton to Newcastle and taking Damien Duff in part exchange, with
Matty and Boa Morte also being flogged elsewhere. Spurs want Matthew Upson
and we are also chasing Joe Mattock of Leicester City.
There doesn't seem to be anything new regarding Zamora and Pantsil's moves
to Fulham. Fulham are now also trying to get Andy Johnson.
There are also now rumours that Sunderland are trying for McCartney and
Carlton Cole for a joint fee of £10 million. While I don't want to see
Stella go, that's not bad money.
Rumour is that Stephen Carr, who is out of contract at Newcastle, has been
training at Chadwell Heath this week. He's a decent player who would be good
cover at right back. However, Faubert can play there too, so I am not sure
we need another one.
There, is that enough to be going on with?
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West Ham Captain Lucas Neill: Man City come and get Me! - Cmon Yu Irons
July 13, 2008
According to the Australian News Media & a Well known British Sunday Rag,
Man City are to make a bid of £1.6m after a plea from the Hammers captain
Lucas Neill. West Ham are looking at ways to cut the extreme wage bill down,
and Lucas Neill is one of the high wage earners with earnings of around £55k
a week. It is beleived that Curbishley is trying to comprimise with Lucas
over a new wage agreement but with offers coming from clubs such as
Galatasaray & Man City it may prove to be a mission just to keep Lucas at
Upton Park. Lucas Neill used to play under Mark Hughs at Blackburn and will
have first hand knowledge of his old star player, so if the rumours turns
out to be true, it could be Neill wearing a sky blue Man City kit instead of
the Sky Blue Hammers away kit in the new season.
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Curbs weighs up £1m move for Rangers stopper - Guardian Series
WEST Ham are believed to be running tabs on Rangers keeper Neil Alexander.
Irons number one Robert Green has been linked with a move away from Upton
Park and has been interesting a number of Premier League clubs, while
understudy Richard Wright is close to a £500,000 switch back to former club
Ipswich. That would leave Alan Curbishley short of experienced stoppers at
the club. Now, according to reports, the Hammers boss is weighing up a
possible £1 million offer for Alexander. The 30-year-old former Cardiff City
and Ipswich keeper is second choice at Ibrox and could be tempted by a move
back south.
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Magpies offer Duff in exchange for Ferdinand - Guardian Series
NEWCASTLE could be prepared to offer Damien Duff plus cash for West Ham
defender Anton Ferdinand, according to internet reports. Goal.com
understands that Kevin Keegan sees Ferdinand as an ideal player to stabilise
his defence, and is reportedly willing to part company with Duff in order to
help broker a deal. Republic of Ireland international Duff has endured two
injury-ravaged seasons at St James' Park and Keegan is keen to cut his
losses.
Ferdinand has been consistently linked with a move away from Upton Park this
summer, with Spurs and Aston Villa the most interested parties, but he has
made it clear that he wants to stay with the Irons.
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