Craig Bellamy linked up superbly with Dean Ashton on a lively first run-out
of the summer for the squad
17.07.2008
Hampton and Richmond Borough 2-4 West Ham United
Craig Bellamy was the star of the show with two goals as West Ham United
edged to victory against non-league Hampton and Richmond Borough in the
first pre-season fixture of 2008.
Bellamy struck in each half, sandwiching an effort from Mark Noble, although
the visitors had gone behind to a wonder volley from home midfielder Francis
Quarm. The part-time midfielder Quarm is also a West Ham United employee and
celebrated in fitting style after beating the England goalkeeper Robert
Green. Laurence Yaku gave Alan Devonshire's side further cheer in the 72nd
minute but the visitors had the last laugh as Zavon Hines raced through to
score after good work by Tony Stokes.
After a competitive opening half-hour in front of a strong travelling
Hammers contingent at the Beveree Stadium, IT support specialist Quarm
hooked the ball over Green to get the scoring under way before Bellamy
levelled matters moments later. Bellamy looked sharp on his return to
action. The Wales international was making his first appearance for the club
since February and combined well with Dean Ashton to fire the equaliser past
goalkeeper Matt Lovett.
Ashton was also involved in the second West Ham United goal after going
close to scoring himself, first with a header, then a strike which bounced
off the post. Lucas Neill played a perfect pass to the 23-year-old forward
who knocked it unselfishly into the path of Noble and he poked it past
Lovett. Bellamy added a second to his tally early in the second half, this
time from Julien Faubert's cross which he struck first time with trademark
precision.
Yaku cut the deficit to one with a neat finish beyond Jimmy Walker, who had
just entered the fray for Green as one of several changes by Alan
Curbishley. However, substitute Hines restored the two-goal lead in the 81st
minute when he raced on to a good pass from fellow replacement, and academy
graduate, Stokes.
Also getting a second-half run-out were Scott Parker and Jack Collison for
midfield duo Hayden Mullins and Noble. Ashton was the other interval change,
earning a deserved rest after two excellent assists as Carlton Cole joined
Bellamy in attack. Other positives were a run-out for Calum Davenport, back
after breaking a bone in his neck back in January, alongside Anton Ferdinand
while England Under-17 star Jordan Spence got a late appearance in place of
captain Neill.
West Ham United: Green (Walker 70), Neill (Spence 83), Ferdinand, Davenport,
Widdowson, Faubert (Stanislas 65), Mullins (Parker 46), Noble (Collison 46),
Reid (Stokes 79), Bellamy (Hines 79), Ashton (Cole 46)
Subs: Miller, N'Gala
Hampton and Richmond Borough: Lovett, Harper, Jeffrey, Scarborough, Lake,
Wells, Harris, Quarm, Hodges, Yaku, Matthews
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BB9? - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 17th July 2008
By: Staff Writer
New signing Balint Bajner has called his move to West Ham 'a dream come
true'. The 17-year-old striker, currently on duty with Hungary in the
under-19 European Championships said that he chose to move to England
despite strong competition from some of Europe's biggest clubs. "I was on
trial at Lazio and Inter Milan but in May I had the chance to go to West
Ham," he said. "The atmosphere and conditions were great at all the places,
but English football had the biggest affect on me. "In my trial we won 5-1;
I scored twice and had two assists. After this Liberty and West Ham agreed
about my transfer."
Bajner is just one of a trio of foreign youngsters to join the Hammers in
the past fortnight, alongside 17-year-old Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson (Iceland)
and 15-year-old Pole Filip Modelski
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
We're not skint, say Hammers - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 17th July 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have denied claims of a financial crisis in the wake of comments
made by Bobby Zamora yesterday. The outgoing striker claimed that he was
sold to Fulham because West Ham United 'needed the money' - comments that
followed earlier tabloid stories regarding the club's purportedly perilous
financial position. Those claims were dismissed today by an unnamed 'senior
club source', who told the BBC: "We effectively have four teams on the
payroll - that is far too big a squad. We will be signing players and have
specific requirements. We don't have to sell before we buy necessarily.
"The optimum squad size is probably 26/27 players. Our squad has become so
big for a couple of reasons - the relegation battle we had in 2006/7 and the
spate of injuries of 2007/8."
The club insider went on to talk about the club's goals for the forthcoming
season, with special emphasis placed upon the improvements made to the
club's medical side with view to reducing the unprecedented number of
injuries suffered last year. "We are trying to make the best of the know-how
and expertise that we have at the club," the source added. "The aim is to
have first-class medical and training facilities, to rival those at the
biggest European clubs. "At best, we managed to field six or seven of our
first team at any one time last season. Just imagine how well we could have
done had the likes of Kieron Dyer, Craig Bellamy, Julien Faubert and Dean
Ashton available all season."
Fire sale? Pah ...
Former club MD Paul Aldridge dismissed rumours of a 'fire sale' in May 2003
following West Ham United's relegation from the Premiership - just weeks
before the club's crown jewels were sold en masse. In stark contrast, the
current administration has already signalled its intentions by capturing
fans-favourite Dean Ashton on a long-term contract, whilst talk of a new
deal for current HotY Rob Green, if proved correct, would go another step
further in assuaging the minds of concerned supporters.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers defeat Dev's Hampton - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 17th July 2008
By: A Different Staff Writer
Hammers warmed up for the forthcoming trip to the USA and Canada with a 4-2
win against Hampton & Richmond Borough. The home side took a shock lead on
36 minutes Francis Quarm put away a 20 yard volley. Quarm is employed at the
Boleyn Ground as an IT specialist, so at least we now have the name of
someone to blame next time we can't get tickets online! A lively looking
Craig Bellamy restored parity a minute later, putting away a shot from an
Ashton header after Faubert had crossed from the right. Mark Noble put
United into the lead on 41 minutes just beating Beavers' 'keeper Lovett to
the ball to slot home. Noble needed treatment on his knee after colliding
with the 'keeper in scoring. However, the England U21 international appeared
to have run-off the knock before being replaced by Jack Collison for the
second half.
Bellamy then made it 3-1 on the hour with a first time effort from another
Faubert cross. Alan Curbishley, unsurprisingly, rang the changes throughout
the second half and one of Jimmy Walker's first actions on replacing Rob
Green was to pick the ball out of the net on 72 minutes having been beaten
by a Laurence Yaku effort from close-range. Craig Bellamy left the fray with
ten minutes to go after which subs Tony Stokes and Zavon Hines combined for
Hines to make it 4-2 on 81 minutes to close the scoring. The match was
watched by a capacity 3,000 crowd which will have swelled the coffers of
Alan Devonshire's part timers. Hammers now cross the Atlantic for matches
against Columbus Crew and an MLS "All Star" XI.
United: Green (Walker 70), Neill (Spence 83), Ferdinand, Davenport,
Widdowson, Faubert (Stanislas 65), Mullins (Parker 46), Noble (Collinson
46), Reid (Stokes 79), Bellamy (Hines 79), Ashton (Cole 46)
Subs not used: Miller, N'Gala
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green Hammers club - SSN
Keeper unhappy with his current contract
Last updated: 18th July 2008
Robert Green's West Ham future has been cast into doubt after he revealed
his unhappiness about not been offered a new contract. The 28-year-old was
hoping to have talks over a new contract after a successful campaign last
season, which saw him voted Player of the Year. However, the club have not
come forward to open talks - something which has left Green stunned and
unhappy. "No matter what the figures are in the workplace in terms of wages,
you either feel a valued member of your staff or you don't," Green told The
Sun. "At the moment, I don't and clearly West Ham don't care about me.
"We've a whole host of players who have arrived on a lot of money since the
takeover and, fair play, you take what you can get and I have no problem
with that. "Some of them have played, others have been injured, but I feel
I have played a part and been good value. "If you put the strongest West Ham
XI out, I'd be the lowest earner by a long, long way. I do not even want to
be close to the top earner at the club - I don't care about that. I would
just like some parity. "Other guys are getting rewarded but I'm not. It's
been reported that one player has been offered so many millions to go away.
"He could be rewarded with a £3m pay-off while I would like to tie myself
down to the club and they have turned around and said 'no thanks'. "I am
not getting in the England squad at the moment and I'm not getting European
football, but I love it here, which is why I want to sign a long contract.
The fans here are fantastic. Why would I want to leave? "After asking for a
long-term contract, the club turned around and said 'no' without a real
explanation. "It wouldn't have been as bad if they had said no and then
given their reasons. "The club might say 'you don't need to sign a new
contract as you've got three years left'. Fine. But how highly do they value
me as a player? Realistically, look at Dean (Ashton) who has signed a new
contract this summer. Good luck to him. Brilliant. "He's a great player and
I have no doubts he will become an England regular. "Obviously, West Ham
value him a hell of a lot more than they value me. In fact, I feel
completely under-valued. "Generally, the situation here leaves a question
mark whether the club are rewarding success and you end up questioning
yourself and questioning your future "I'm the same as anyone else. If you
are as good at a job as someone else but they get three or four times more,
you get a bit frustrated. If I wasn't a relatively successful player I
wouldn't mind, but I think I've done well here. I don't want to play for
another club. "I was a professional at Norwich for 10 years and associated
with the club for nearly 15. So I think I have proved I am loyal. I am not
looking to jump ship for an extra fiver."
Green admits he has not spoken about the issue to manager Alan Curbishley.
"I have not spoken to the manager about it. He takes charge of first-team
matters and does not deal with contracts, which is fair enough," he
continued. "I know there are clubs interested in me. If it turns out they
value me more, then I will have to make a decision. "It is strange because
if it was the other way round, and I was holding fire after being offered a
new contract from West Ham, the club would be making sure I was getting
hammered by the fans. Surely, it works both ways."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bellamy stars in Hammers win - SSN
West Ham see off Hampton and Richmond Borough in friendly
By Lewis Rutledge Last updated: 17th July 2008
West Ham were made to fight for victory in a thrilling pre-season friendly
against Hampton and Richmond Borough. Alan Curbishley's side eventually ran
out 4-2 winners in front of a 3,000 crowd at Beveree Stadium, with Craig
Bellamy scoring twice. Hampton striker Francis Quarm, who works in the IT
department at Upton Park, broke the deadlock with a sensational volley after
36 minutes. Bellamy drew the Hammers level just a minute later after good
work from Dean Ashton, before Mark Noble made it 2-1 to the Premier League
club. Julien Faubert set up Bellamy on the hour mark but Laurence Yacu then
pulled a goal back with a close-range shot. The Conference South team
continued to push forward but Zavon Hines made the win safe for West Ham
nine minutes from time.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
All-Star Replacements Named by Nicol - goal.com
17/07/2008 16:58
Chivas USA defender Jonathan Bornstein, New England Revolution midfielder
Steve Ralston and FC Dallas midfielder Juan Toja were added to the MLS
All-Star Team that will face West Ham United on July 24. Steve Nicol made
the selections to replace Sacha Kljestan, Michael Parkhurst and Robbie
Rogers, all of whom were named to the U.S. Olympic Team roster on Thursday
and will be with the team in California when the MLS All-Stars are in
Toronto.
While Bornstein and Toja's selections may come as a surprise, Ralston is a
player who is very deserving, as he is tied for the New England Revolution
lead in goals with six, along with four assists for the Eastern Conference
leaders. With Taylor Twellman out for all but a few minutes of the first
half of the season, the veteran midfielder has been one of Nicol's true
standouts.
In addition, an inactive group of all-stars were named on Thursday, as well.
The complete list of 2008 MLS All-Stars are as follows:
18-Player Game-Day Roster:
Goalkeepers: Pat Onstad (Houston Dynamo), Matt Reis (New England
Revolution).
Defenders: Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Jim Brennan (Toronto FC), Jimmy
Conrad (Kansas City Wizards), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew).
Midfielders: David Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy), Cuauhtémoc Blanco
(Chicago Fire), Dwayne De Rosario (Houston Dynamo), Christian Gomez
(Colorado Rapids), Shalrie Joseph (New England Revolution), Pablo Mastroeni
(Colorado Rapids), Steve Ralston (New England Revolution), Juan Toja (FC
Dallas).
Forwards: Juan Pablo Angel (forward, New York Red Bulls), Edson Buddle
(Los Angeles Galaxy), Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Landon Donovan (Los
Angeles Galaxy).
Inactive Roster:
Goalkeepers: Jon Busch (Chicago Fire), Greg Sutton (Toronto FC).
Defenders: Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution), Gonzalo Segares
(Chicago Fire), Bakary Soumare (Chicago Fire), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC).
Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Maurice Edu (Toronto FC),
Amado Guevara (Toronto FC), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Guillermo Barros
Schelotto (Columbus Crew), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew).
Forwards: Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Luciano Emilio (D.C. United).
-- Goal.com USA
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wright Left Out of West Ham Squad - TWTD
Thursday 17 Jul 2008 22:01:44 by Phil
Richard Wright was left out of the West Ham first team squad which played a
friendly with Hampton and Richmond Borough on Thursday evening, prompting
speculation that the former Blue could be closing in on his return to
Portman Road. Robert Green started the Hammers' 4-2 victory over the
non-leaguers with Jimmy Walker replacing the former Canary in the second
half. TWTD understands that Town hope to complete two deals on Friday,
although it seems more likely that Kevin Lisbie and Rudi Skácel's signings
are nearer to being finalised than Wright's move from Upton Park. A fee of
£500,000 has been mentioned in recent weeks with TWTD first breaking the
news that Town were again keeping an eye on Wright back in March.
Meanwhile, Jim Magilton says Crewe Alexandra may be in danger of valuing
striker Nicky Maynard at a figure higher than clubs are willing to pay:
"Nicky is someone we like and someone we feel has a lot of potential, but it
may be that Crewe price him out of the market. "It is an inflated market as
we know and, no disrespect to any lads that have gone for big money, but
look at the prices paid for Iain Hume and Martin Paterson. "Championship
clubs are spending money and in order to be in the mix we need to spend. We
are not frightened of doing that, but we have to make sure it is the right
one. "Nicky has scored a lot of goals at that level [League One] and it
could be he can step up - it is something we have to consider. "But either
way we are not going to pay over the odds for any player." Crewe have
reportedly valued Maynard at between £2 million and £2.5 million.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers hit back after Quarm's stunner - Guardian Series
By Stuart Amos
Hampton & Richmond 2 West Ham United 4
A wonder goal from Francis Quarm lit up Hampton & Richmond's pre-season
friendly with a strong West Ham United side at the Beveree tonight. A
Beveree record crowd of more than 3,000 saw West Ham United hit back to win
4-2 - with Welsh international Craig Bellamy scoring twice. But Hampton had
drawn first blood in the pre-season friendly with Quarm scoring with a
fabulous volley from the edge of the box in the 36th minute - leaving Robert
Green grasping at air. It was a dream moment for IT support specialist
Quarm, who works for the Hammers. Hampton's celebrations were short-lived,
however, and Bellamy equalised a minute later with a shot from inside the
box. England striker Dean Ashton may have been carrying some excess weight,
but Hammers supporters were able to get a promising first glimpse of a what
an Ashton-Bellamy partnership could produce. However, it was Mark Noble who
benefitted from Ashton's knockdown to give West Ham the lead before
half-time. The Hammers stretched their lead in the second half when Bellamy
poked home a right-wing cross from close range. Lawrence Yaku brought
Hampton back into the match inside the last 20 minutes. But Alan Curbishley
had kept his promise to former Hammers legend Alan Devonshire, the Hampton
boss, to field a strong side and they completed the scoring through sub
Havon Vines late on.
11:16pm Thursday 17th July 2008
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vinny's Hampton & Richmond Borough Report - West Ham Online
Vinny - Fri Jul 18 2008
Hampton & Richmond Borough 2 West Ham United 4
West Ham recorded a victory in the first pre season game of the 2008/09
campaign thanks to goals from Craig Bellamy, Mark Noble and youngster Zavon
Hines.
It was a game which fitness won in the end after a spirited opening 25
minutes from the hosts who were playing Premiership opposition for the first
time in their history. It was a capacity crowd with over 3,000 packed in the
tiny stadium to see West Ham run out 4-2 winners.
Having grown up in nearby Sunbury this was a game I did not want to miss
despite not going to many pre-season friendlies over the years. I have
always felt that the outcome of the games mean little to the upcoming season
and although my opinion has not changed it was a nice evening and something
different from the usual sanitized premiership stadia.
Alan Curbishley had promised a strong starting line up and he kept his word
with a number of first team players beginning the game.
In goal was Robert Green and in front of him were captain Lucas Neill at
right back, Callum Davenport and Anton Ferdinand in the center and youth
team player Joe Widdowson at left back.
In midfield, Julien Faubert was on the right wing with Kyel Reid on the
left. In the center of midfield was Mark Noble and Hayden Mullins.
Up front saw Craig Bellamy alongside Dean Ashton.
The opening fifteen minutes were pretty mundane with both sides looking
tired and feeling themselves into football once again after a summer off.
The first attempt on goal came from H&R with a low shot unorthodoxly palmed
away by Green.
We were focusing a lot of our play down the right hand side with the intent
to get Faubert into the game obvious. H&R were dealing with anything we had
to offer easily as our passing appeared rusty.
There were lots of West Ham fans in the ground although with some of the
comments leaving their mouths it is hard to imagine that they have been to
many games before. For them, us not leading 5-0 in opening half hour meant
that were crap.
Our first good chance fell to Ashton after some excellent work from Bellamy.
The ball was at Ashton's feet just a few yards away with his back to goal,
but the turn and shot saw the ball go wide when it had seemed certain that
Ashton would turn and score.
Hampton started to get at us and a few missed headers by Lucas Neill seemed
to breath confidence into the hosts as they forced a few free kicks and
corners.
With 36 minutes on the clock, Hampton & Richmond took the lead with a
stunning striker from Francis Quarm. The ball fell to him about 30 yards
from goal and he hit a sweet volley past Green. Just about everyone in the
ground applauded the goal and with Hampton just edging it in the first half
it was hard to begrudge them the lead.
Straight from the kick off we went down the other end and equalised with
Craig Bellamy scoring the goal. It was a close range shot after a move which
had started on the right wing with Dean Ashton setting up the Welsh striker
who was starting his first game since February.
The goal so soon after H&R taking the lead seemed to deflate the hosts who
with their heads down saw their side go 2-1 down just before the half time
whistle as Ashton's knock down saw Mark Noble prod the ball past the keeper
as well as being clattered himself.
The longer the half had gone on the more we had seen our quality players get
a grip on the game and the Hampton spirit was not enough to stop us from
taking a lead through a very neat piece of play.
Half time saw a few changes with Carlton Cole replacing Dean Ashton and
Scott Parker replacing Mark Noble. Hayden Mullins was also removed and
replaced by Jack Collison.
We took control of the game from the start of the half, putting pressure on
a frail Hampton defence who could not contain Bellamy who was by far the
best player on the pitch. His pace was the main threat but also his
positional play as he always found a gap to exploit.
Space down the right was made by Faubert who crossed for Bellamy to smash
past the keeper from close range to take the score to 3-1.
Just over ten minutes later we had another goal but this time it was for the
hosts who reduced the deficit through substitute Laurence Yaku who scored
from close range as he was afforded far too much time as the defence go
themselves in a mess. Picking the ball out of the net was Jimmy Walker who
had just come on in place of Robert Green a couple of minutes before.
With both sides now making multiple substitutions the flow of the game was
interrupted but there was still time for one more goal with youngster Zavon
Hines getting on the score sheet. He was put through by Tony Stokes down the
right hand side one on one with the keeper and despite looking up to see if
a pass was on, he calmly rolled the ball through the keeper's legs to make
it 4-2.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
A few decent saves were made in the first half and he came for crosses and
corners very well winning anything he attempted to catch. Could do nothing
about the wonder strike which put the hosts a goal up.
Lucas Neill
Even against Hampton & Richmond he still found it in him to make silly
mistakes and lose his concentration when making a header or doing a simple
pass. Maybe I am being too critical but I couldn't help but notice similar
frustrations with his play in the premiership being evident in this game.
Callum Davenport
Having being injured for so long, you could have been forgiven to think that
Davenport had been killed a long time ago for if he was a horse the would
have taken him around the corner and shot him thus are the amount of
injuries he has had since joining the club. Was the only player to complete
90 minutes and needs all the match practice he can get. A forgotten man at
the club, but this appearance has reminded us of him once again.
Anton Ferdinand
The longest serving player is about to enter his 6th season at the heart of
our defence. He looked sharp and doesn't seem short of fitness. Showed his
recovery skills at times as he was stronger and cleverer that his
opposition.
Joe Widdowson
Having been on loan at Rotherham, he has had first team experience before
but as of yet had not broken into the first team. With calls for another
left back to be brought in it was interesting to have a look at a player who
has not been mentioned at all with regards to being an able replacement if
McCartney was to get injured or even sold. He did a good job tonight and was
very strong in the tackle with a few crunching tackles being administered by
him.
Julien Faubert
A player who I am sure is one which the fans are looking forward to seeing
at full fitness this season. A lot of hype had surrounded him when he signed
for the club and he is billed as being a very good winger with bags of
ability. Tonight we saw this in flashes and when he does have that turn of
pace and knocks the ball past the defender it seems very promising. His
assist for our third goal is something I wish too view a lot this season.
Hayden Mullins
Tidy throughout his first half on the pitch without being spectacular.
Pretty much your standard Hayden Mullins performance.
Mark Noble
Scored a brave goal which saw him take a knock to worry a number of the
fans. He was taken off at half time and this sparked further worry to
whether he was serious injured but from a number of reports it seems as
though it was just a slight knock and nothing to worry about.
Kyel Reid
A lot of effort, a lot of running, his pace causes the opposition a bit of
bother but when on the ball he does little with it apart from some poor
crosses. Pretty much what he has been doing since he first broke in the
first team in 2006.
Dean Ashton
Looked very leggy in his 45 minutes but that is sort of what Dean Ashton
looks like when he is playing anyway. Despite being a bit rusty he did
manage to set up two goals.
Craig Bellamy
The best player on the pitch and not just for his two goal but for his sheer
determination. You would have never known this was a friendly against
Hampton & Richmond as Bellamy was playing it like it was a cup final. A big
player for us and one who we must keep fit.
Subs Used
Carlton Cole (on for Ashton 45 mins)
Some excellent hold up play and his pace was a problem for the hosts. Was
unlucky not to score with a close range turn and shot which was well saved
by the keeper.
Scott Parker (on for Noble 45 mins)
Calm and assured in the center of midfield which we have come to expect from
the little man.
Jack Collison (on for Mullins 45 min)
A big positive from the evening as the Welsh international looked excellent,
spraying some nice passes around and being very reminiscent of Michael
Carrick at times.
Junior Stanislas (on for Faubert 65 mins)
Jimmy Walker (on for Green 70 mins)
Tony Stokes (on for Reid 79 mins)
Zavon Hines (on for Bellamy 79 mins)
Took his goal very well.
Jorden Spence (on for Neill 83 mins)
Overall
The Pre Season campaign has kicked off exactly as we would have hoped and a
victory has been notched up which should send us in to the games in Toronto
with confidence and a bit of sharpness.
With no major signings made so far it will be interesting to see what
positions Alan Curbishley thinks need strengthening. With the sale of Bobby
Zamora to Fulham it is obvious to me that another striker is a must as Cole
and Sears cannot be relied on for various reasons.
I would like to see a right back signed whether Lucas Neill leaves or not
and a creative midfielder wouldn't go amiss either (although maybe Dyer is
the player).
Although a strong squad was there tonight there were still many players who
were absent such as Collins, Gabbidon, Etherington, Boa Morte and McCartney.
These are all players who have linked with moves away from the club and
maybe truth to these rumours are why they played no part in this tie.
The next few weeks will be very interesting.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hampton 2 West Ham 4 - The Sun
CRAIG BELLAMY hit two goals as Hammers beat Conference South side Hampton
and Richmond last night. Francis Quarm, who works in the Upton Park IT
department, put Hampton ahead with a 36th-minute volley. Bellamy levelled a
minute later, cashing in on Dean Ashton's knockdown. Then Mark Noble put the
Premier League side in front before half-time. Welsh star Bellamy crashed in
his second from Julien Faubert's cross to make it 3-1 on the hour. Lawrence
Yacu pulled a goal back before sub Zavon Hines made the game safe after 81
minutes.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Economy Class Hammers - Just Like My Dreams
There's more than a hint of the Carry On Abroads as West Ham United's 'tour
from hell' lurches from one shambolic crisis to the next. The Hammers are
due in Canada to play prestigious friendlies against MLS All Stars and
Columbus Crew but the players and staff are reportedly fuming after it was
revealed the travel travel firm organizing the trip had gone bust. Now the
squad is being flown economy class in two separate planes despite being led
to believe they would get extra room for the long-haul journey in business
class.
An article in today's Sun says United expect to pocket £500,000 from the two
games but the players are upset at the new travel arrangements. The MLS told
Alan Curbishley they would get business class flights but after the travel
firm went under, it all went wrong. After tonight's friendly with non-league
Hampton the players will stay overnight at a hotel near Heathrow and
tomorrow half the squad fly to Chicago on one scheduled flight, with the
remainder flying out hours later. After that nine-hour trip, plus the wait
at Chicago's O'Hare airport, they catch another plane for the three-hour
flight to Columbus before facing Crew on Sunday. The following Thursday, the
MLS All Star team provide the opposition in Toronto. To add insult to
injury, this game will be played on astroturf and many of the players are
reluctant to turn out because of injury fears.
There was more unwelcome publicity for the Club when Bobby Zamora
unwittingly stoked the rumours of West Ham United's increasingly parlous
financial state. Zamora - along with full-back John Paintsil - joined Fulham
yesterday in a £6.3million switch from the Hammers. Talking about his move
earlier today, he suggested that it was a decision based not upon
footballing factors but to ease cash-flow worries within the club. "I got on
well with Curbs and I think he liked me as a player. But the clubs agreed a
fee and I guess that says something, he said. "Football is a business and
selling players is part of that. Will other players also have to leave?
Possibly yes. I don't really know the ins and outs of what the club needs to
do but it is a possibility. I understand that they need the money but how
much is anyone's guess. It was a lot of money that Fulham paid. I had a lot
of great times at West Ham and I love the club to bits but I have had to
turn another page now. West Ham are my club and always will be but they
needed the money and that's part and parcel of football nowadays."
As if to assuage growing fears swirling around Upton Park , a 'senior club
source' let it be known to the BBC that there are plans to buy new players
this summer despite a desire to trim the 42-man squad to a more manageable
26 or 27 players. "We effectively have four teams on the payroll - that is
far too big a squad," stated the insider. "We will be signing players and
have specific requirements. We don't have to sell before we buy
necessarily." West Ham United have one of the biggest first-team squads in
the Premier League and a wage bill approaching £50 million a year. Chairman
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson seems determined to make the club "self sustaining"
and has made trimming salaries a key aim for manager Alan Curbishley and
chief executive Scott Duxbury this summer.
There has also been a focus on improving training and medical facilities in
an attempt to improve the team's record with injuries. Several new
appointments have been made to the medical staff and the club is reportedly
in the final stages of purchasing land for a new training complex in
Romford, Essex. "We are trying to make the best of the know-how and
expertise that we have at the club," the source said. "The aim is to have
first-class medical and training facilities, to rival those at the biggest
European clubs. At best, we managed to field six or seven of our first team
at any one time last season. Just imagine how well we could have done had
the likes of Kieron Dyer, Craig Bellamy, Julien Faubert and Dean Ashton
available all season. We have to try to keep these players fit. We also have
a lot of good young players coming through, such as Freddie Sears and James
Tomkins. The optimum squad size is probably about 26 or 27 players. Our
squad has become so big for a couple of reasons - the relegation battle we
had in 2006/7 and the spate of injuries of 2007/8."
When Gudmundsson bought the Hammers in 2006, he laid out a five-year plan
that, he hoped, would ultimately culminate in qualification for the
Champions League. United finished 10th last season and the target for the
coming season will be to challenge for a UEFA Cup spot.
One new face already signed is promising young Hungarian striker Balint
Bajner. Although still no official word on his signature, Bajner expressed
delight at winning a move to West Ham United, having impressed during a
trial in East London. The teenager claims the Hammers and Romanian second
division outfit Liberty Arad have agreed on a deal and he will move to Upton
Park following the European Under-19 Championship. If sealed, the deal could
prove to be a notable coup for United as Italian giants Inter and Lazio have
also been linked to the 17-year-old. "I'm very happy, but I want to focus on
the European Championship at the moment," said Bajner. "My dream came true
with this transfer. I was on trial at Lazio and Inter Milan, but in May I
had the chance to go to West Ham. In my trial we played a friendly game
against Preston and we won 5-1. I scored twice and had two assists. After
this Liberty and West Ham agreed about my transfer."
Posted by Trilby at 08:08
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Hammers Don't Care About Me - the Sun
By CHARLIE WYETT
ROBERT GREEN last night revealed he feels 'completely under-valued' at West
Ham and is now considering his future at the club. The highly-rated keeper,
voted Hammer of the year last season, was hoping to sign a new long-term
deal at Upton Park. But he was stunned when officials told him to take a
running jump without offering an explanation. One of the lowest earners in
the first team, 28-year-old Green was hoping to follow in the footsteps of
Dean Ashton who, when on similar wages, agreed a new deal to double his
money to £50,000 a week. West Ham refused to even enter into talks and Green
could now end up as part of the Premier League's great goalkeeping
merry-go-around with Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, Blackburn, Arsenal and
Manchester City all in the market for keepers. Green, a £2million arrival
from Norwich two years ago, said: "No matter what the figures are in the
workplace in terms of wages, you either feel a valued member of your staff
or you don't. "At the moment, I don't and clearly West Ham don't care about
me. "We've a whole host of players who have arrived on a lot of money since
the takeover and, fair play, you take what you can get and I have no problem
with that. "Some of them have played, others have been injured, but I feel I
have played a part and been good value. "If you put the strongest West Ham
XI out, I'd be the lowest earner by a long, long way. I do not even want to
be close to the top earner at the club — I don't care about that. I would
just like some parity.
"Other guys are getting rewarded but I'm not. It's been reported that one
player has been offered so many millions to go away. "He could be rewarded
with a £3m pay-off while I would like to tie myself down to the club and
they have turned around and said 'no thanks'. "I am not getting in the
England squad at the moment and I'm not getting European football, but I
love it here, which is why I want to sign a long contract. The fans here are
fantastic. Why would I want to leave? "After asking for a long-term
contract, the club turned around and said 'no' without a real explanation.
"It wouldn't have been as bad if they had said no and then given their
reasons. "The club might say 'you don't need to sign a new contract as
you've got three years left'. Fine. But how highly do they value me as a
player? Realistically, look at Dean (Ashton) who has signed a new contract
this summer. Good luck to him. Brilliant. "He's a great player and I have no
doubts he will become an England regular. "Obviously, West Ham value him a
hell of a lot more than they value me. In fact, I feel completely
under-valued. "Generally, the situation here leaves a question mark whether
the club are rewarding success and you end up questioning yourself and
questioning your future "I'm the same as anyone else. If you are as good at
a job as someone else but they get three or four times more, you get a bit
frustrated. If I wasn't a relatively successful player I wouldn't mind, but
I think I've done well here. I don't want to play for another club. "I was a
professional at Norwich for 10 years and associated with the club for nearly
15. So I think I have proved I am loyal. I am not looking to jump ship for
an extra fiver."
Green, set to head out to the United States on a pre-season trip, has not
spoken about the situation to manager Alan Curbishley, who this week trimmed
the wage bill by selling Bobby Zamora and John Pantsil to Fulham for £6.3m.
The keeper added: "I have not spoken to the manager about it. He takes
charge of first-team matters and does not deal with contracts, which is fair
enough. "I know there are clubs interested in me. If it turns out they value
me more, then I will have to make a decision. "It is strange because if it
was the other way round, and I was holding fire after being offered a new
contract from West Ham, the club would be making sure I was getting hammered
by the fans. Surely, it works both ways."
Green, meanwhile, has raised nearly £10,000 after climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
to raise money for the African Medical and Research Foundation. He said:
"The climb was something I really enjoyed doing — but I'd never do it again!
It made me feel so tired. I felt ill. "I got the worst out of it in the
group. But I'm glad to have raised so much money for a good cause."
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Green slams Hammers - Setanta
by Ciaran Baynes, 18 July 2008
Robert Green has slammed West Ham for not offering him a new contract and
claims to be completely under-valued by the East London outfit. Green is the
reigning Hammer of the Year, but finds himself on far less money than most
of his team-mates. His team-mate Dean Ashton recently was reported to have
upped his wages to around £50,000 a week, but Green says The Hammers have
refused to even enter talks with him about a new deal. The 28-year-old
shot-stopper says he would be happy to commit himself to the club but does
not feel the powers that be at West Ham feel the same way. "No matter what
the figures are in the workplace in terms of wages, you either feel a valued
member of your staff or you don't," Green told The Sun. "At the moment, I
don't and clearly West Ham don't care about me. "We've a whole host of
players who have arrived on a lot of money since the takeover and, fair
play, you take what you can get and I have no problem with that. "Some of
them have played, others have been injured, but I feel I have played a part
and been good value. "If you put the strongest West Ham XI out, I'd be the
lowest earner by a long, long way. I do not even want to be close to the top
earner at the club — I don't care about that. I would just like some parity.
"Other guys are getting rewarded but I'm not. It's been reported that one
player has been offered so many millions to go away. "He could be rewarded
with a £3m pay-off while I would like to tie myself down to the club and
they have turned around and said 'no thanks'. "I am not getting in the
England squad at the moment and I'm not getting European football, but I
love it here, which is why I want to sign a long contract. The fans here are
fantastic. Why would I want to leave? "After asking for a long-term
contract, the club turned around and said 'no' without a real explanation.
"It wouldn't have been as bad if they had said no and then given their
reasons. "The club might say 'you don't need to sign a new contract as
you've got three years left'. Fine. But how highly do they value me as a
player? Realistically, look at Dean (Ashton) who has signed a new contract
this summer. Good luck to him. Brilliant. "He's a great player and I have no
doubts he will become an England regular.
"Obviously, West Ham value him a hell of a lot more than they value me. In
fact, I feel completely under-valued. "Generally, the situation here leaves
a question mark whether the club are rewarding success and you end up
questioning yourself and questioning your future. "I'm the same as anyone
else. If you are as good at a job as someone else but they get three or four
times more, you get a bit frustrated. If I wasn't a relatively successful
player I wouldn't mind, but I think I've done well here. I don't want to
play for another club."
Green hinted that this situation could change if West Ham's money-men do not
change their way of thinking. "I know there are clubs interested in me,"
Green added. "If it turns out they value me more, then I will have to make a
decision. "It is strange because if it was the other way round, and I was
holding fire after being offered a new contract from West Ham, the club
would be making sure I was getting hammered by the fans. Surely, it works
both ways."
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