Kevin Keen played a key role as a team of West Ham United veterans won a
major indoor event
23.07.2008
Kevin Keen's winning goal at the London Masters means West Ham United will
be competing in the national finals in September.
The reserve team manager was part of a nine-man strong squad of former
players taking part in the capital's heat of the high-profile indoor event
held at Wembley Arena. After winning their group, West Ham United met
Watford in the final. They ran out 3-1 winners, thanks to goals from Kevin
Horlock, Mark Robson and Keen, evoking memories of the midfielder's
decade-long spell at the Boleyn Ground.
The trio were joined in the squad by Allen McKnight, Rufus Brevett, Kenny
Brown, Keith Rowland, Simon Webster and Martin Allen. Now the team will take
part in the grand final, which is set to take place at the Birmingham NEC
Arena on 7 September. They will come up against the likes of Middlesbrough,
Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester City after they won their regional
heats.
Keen - who shared the 'golden boot' award with two other players for
notching three goals in three games - said: "It was a really good event, we
all enjoyed it and were delighted to win our group, then beat Watford in the
final and make it through to the big finale later this year. I think having
the likes of Rufus meant we had a pair of slightly younger legs in the team
than we've had before, so that helped. It was nice to see a few old mates
and play together again. I also pretty pleased to get the winning goal, it
was not bad by my standards."
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Kyel turns on the style - WHUFC
A fine goal has set Kyel Reid up for the MLS All-Star Game and
23.07.2008
A stunning strike on the first game of the club's North American tour has
left Kyel Reid in confident mood before the high-profile conclusion against
the MLS All-Stars.
Left winger Reid took full advantage of the fact Alan Curbishley was without
Luis Boa Morte and Matthew Etherington in last Sunday's 3-1 win at Columbus
Crew. He put the seal on a polished team performance with a fiercely taken
goal after outstanding support play by Craig Bellamy. He will hope to figure
again when West Ham United step firmly into the soccer spotlight against the
cream of US and Canadian talent, although he may have more competition for a
starting berth.
"I am really enjoying the trip," Reid said, with the squad having left
behind the heat and sunshine of Columbus for the thunder and lightening of
Toronto. "We started against Hampton and Richmond last Thursday. I didn't
really have a great game so I was hoping I could come out here and get
another chance to prove to the manager that I can help the team progress. I
want to show the fans that I am a good player. It is nice to see them all
here and we are getting good support."
Reid, still only 20 and who finished last season on loan at Crystal Palace,
certainly did give the fans plenty of food for thought. He linked up well
with fellow Academy product Joe Widdowson in an inexperienced but
hard-working left-hand side. Talking of that goal, he added: "I saw the ball
coming nicely to me. I just hit it as hard as I could and aimed for the top
corner. That was where it went and I was delighted to get my first goal of
this pre-season. I thought Carlton [Cole] was going to take it and I was
pleased when he let me have it."
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All go in Toronto - WHUFC
Lucas Neill and his West Ham United team-mates have been putting in the
effort on and off the training pitch
22.07.2008
West Ham United are hard at work in Toronto and not just during their
intensive pre-season training sessions.
The 22 players and coaching team, including Tony Carr and his academy staff,
have been down to business in the Canadian city with some gruelling
sessions. Monday afternoon saw a first work-out at the BMO Field home of
Toronto FC where Thursday night's MLS All-Star Game will be taking place. On
Tuesday morning, everyone decamped to Ontario Soccer Centre for a longer
workout.
Luis Boa Morte and Matthew Etherington have been stepping up their sessions
as they look for a first pre-season appearance while the club's
strengthening and conditioning coaches have also been busy with gym sessions
to complement the work out on the training pitches. Lucas Neill said: "We
are here for hard work and we have to look at the bigger picture. We have a
season to be preparing for.
"We worked hard on Tuesday and on Wednesday will work harder than we
normally would leading up to a big game. Thursday we will have the day off
waiting for the game at night. We are all really excited. It is the biggest
and best players in America and we are getting to take them on in what is a
really well promoted event. We are just privileged to be part of it."
"It will be great to test ourselves so early in the pre-season with a
sold-out crowd against all the best players in North America live on TV to
millions all over the world. What more could you ask for? It is the kind of
game that excites every player." Neill has been pleased by "how fit and
strong" the squad is, as was shown in Sunday's 3-1 win against Columbus Crew
in Ohio.
He added: "We have got the nucleus of the team that we wanted to play last
year and it never happened. With Scott Parker, Julien Faubert and Craig
Bellamy back the pace and the threat is there. These guys are starting to
look fit and sharp and with three or four more weekends to go before the
first game I am really excited about what could possibly be a very good
season."
With the news from back home that Kieron Dyer is back in full training and
George McCartney has signed a new five-year contract, the players in Toronto
are firmly in the spotlight. Neill has led the way with players signing
autographs and posing for pictures after Tuesday's session. It was open to
the media and the captain joined the likes of Anton Ferdinand, Scott Parker
and Dean Ashton in talking to broadcasters and press from the US and Mexico,
as well as Canada.
Neill said: "We are really delighted to be here and the football exposure we
are going to get is great. We didn't realise how many West Ham fans there
are over here which is pleasing and obviously Major League Soccer is trying
to take off. You can see it is working by the crowds coming out to see us.
There is a lot of work to do but the more times high-profile teams from
England and all over the world come and play the bigger soccer is going to
get."
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Become a club member today - WHUFC
Fans can register now to be an Academy or Youth Academy member today via our
online booking service
23.07.2008
West Ham United are taking bookings for the official Academy and Youth
Academy club membership packages for 2008/09.
The Academy and Youth Academy are the official membership schemes of West
Ham United and prices have been held from last season. There are also
additional savings and benefits on offer to all who renew or apply. With all
supporters catered for whatever their age, we are sure you will relish the
chance to be a part of it and follow Alan Curbishley's side during what
looks set to be an exciting season of Barclays Premier League football at
the Boleyn Ground.
Not only do Academy and Youth Academy members receive priority when
purchasing match tickets, we are also pleased to announce the process of
booking tickets is cheaper as well. All members purchasing tickets either
online or via the telephone will pay just 50p per ticket as opposed to £1.70
for non members.
For more information and online bookings, click here
The Academy - All age ranges - £30.00
With all Premier League matches selling out during last season and the same
level of demand expected for 2008/09, Academy membership is a must for those
wanting to attend games. The Academy is also beneficial for those supporters
that are unable to attend matches but still want to be close to the club as
demonstrated by the benefits listed below. Membership is to be capped at
30,000 so make sure you enroll today.
Benefits include
Match ticket priority
Reduced booking fees
Personalised access card
Members joining pack featuring exclusive DVD
2 x £5 West Ham United shop vouchers + exclusive online offers.
Travel club membership and reduced price coach travel.
Youth Academy - £25.00
Youth Academy membership is the ideal chance for all our younger supporters
to get involved. With your patron continuing to be fans' favourite Mark
Noble, whether attending matches or just wanting to show your support in the
playground, being a Youth Academy member is a must for 2008/09. We are
pleased to confirm that the number of Youth Academy matches has been
increased from 2007/08 and you will now be given the opportunity to apply
for two free Premier League matches during next season. In addition to this
you will receive all the exciting benefits shown below.
Benefits include
Match ticket priority
Reduced booking fees
Personalised access card
Members joining pack featuring exclusive DVD
2 x £5 West Ham United shop vouchers + exclusive online offers
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McCartney signs new West Ham deal - BBC
Northern Ireland defender George McCartney has signed a new five-year
contract with West Ham. Earlier this month, the Hammers turned down a £4.5m
offer from Sunderland for the defender. The 27-year-old full-back joined the
Upton Park club from Sunderland in 2006 in a four-year deal worth £1m.
Roy Keane wanted McCartney to return to the Black Cats but the Northern
Ireland player made clear his desire to stay at the London club.
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Five more years for Linda - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 22nd July 2008
By: A Different Staff Writer
George McCartney has signed a new extension to his contract. The 27
year-old full-back today put pen to paper on a new five-year deal. McCartney
joined United from Sunderland for £1m in 2006 and had been linked with a
return to the North-East following a recent £4.5m bid from Mackems' boss Roy
Keane.
There had been further speculation that the Northern Ireland international
might be on his way if an improved bid were received when it was revealed
that he would not be making the trip to the US and Canada with the rest of
the first team squad as a "precautionary measure" following an injury.
However today's announcement of a deal that will keep McCartney at the
Boleyn until 2013 will put paid to those rumours.
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Not guilty - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 22nd July 2008
By: Staff Writer
The fan who was arrested in Columbus following West Ham United's 3-1 win
over the Crew has been speaking on KUMB. The 34-year-old American Hammers
fan, who posts under the psuedonym of 'Esher', was the only spectator
arrested after a scuffle between the two sets of supporters broke out during
the game. Talking on the KUMB.com forums tonight 'Esher', freshly released
from jail, claimed that his arrest came after he leapt to the defence of a
fellow United fan. "I was walking through the concessions area when a
15-year-old kid in a West Ham top told me about a Crew supporter punching
him in the face," he said. "He pointed him out and I punched him. The kid
is 15 and the guy was in his 30s. I got pepper sprayed and beaten by the
cops and have just got out of jail having slept on the cold floor for 40
hours. "To all the English who chipped in on bail I offer thanks, but I got
out without needing it."
Much of the media leapt to blame West Ham United's travelling fans for the
trouble; however it was later revealed that not a single UK-based United
supporter had been involved
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McCartney inks Hammers deal - SSN
Hammers defender signs five-year contract
By Chris Burton Last updated: 22nd July 2008
Northern Ireland international George McCartney has signed a new five-year
contract at West Ham. The defender had been the subject of a £4.5million
approach from former club Sunderland earlier this month, but saw the Hammers
reject that bid. The 27-year-old is a popular figure at Upton Park with his
reliable and consistent performances making him a virtual ever present in
Alan Curbishley's side. In the wake of the bid from the Black Cats,
McCartney had reiterated his desire to remain in London, stating that he was
happy at West Ham. Roy Keane was keen to take the full-back back to the
Stadium of Light just two years after he had left the club, but will now
have to turn his attentions elsewhere. McCartney's new deal ensures that he
will remain with the Hammers until at least 2013.
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Neill committed to Hammers - SSN
Australian wants West Ham stay
Last updated: 22nd July 2008
Lucas Neill insists he is fully committed to West Ham. The Australian, who
is believed to be one of the highest earners at Upton Park, has been
strongly linked with a move away from the club this summer. Turkish club
Galatasaray have made an offer - a story exclusively revealed by
skysports.com - whilst Neill's former Blackburn boss Mark Hughes, now in
charge at Manchester City, has also been strongly linked. West Ham's
interest in Swiss star Valon Behrami - who can play at right back - has also
cast doubt over Neill's place in Alan Curbishley's plans. But Neill himself
is insistent he will not be moving.
"I'm a West Ham player," Neill toldThe Sun. "That's the start and finish of
it."
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Man City boss Hughes weighs up £8m bid to be reunited with striker Bellamy
from West Ham - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 9:59 AM on 23rd July 2008
West Ham are bracing themselves for an £8million bid from Manchester City
for striker Craig Bellamy. The 29-year-old is thought to be wanted by new
City manager Mark Hughes, who worked with the forward while he was manager
of Wales. Hughes also knows Bellamy from his previous spell in charge of
Blackburn and is keen to re-sign the player he sold to Liverpool. City are
short of attacking options ahead of the new Premier League season. Record
£19m signing Jo is not expected back from international duty with Brazil
until after the Olympic Games and Benjani Mwaruwari will miss the opening
month after rupturing a thigh muscle in training. City have sold Georgios
Samaras to Celtic and released Emile Mpenza and Paul Dickov, leaving only
Darius Vassell and youngsters Ched Evans and Daniel Sturridge as their
attacking options. But West Ham are keen to hold on to Bellamy. They have
already sold Bobby Zamora to Fulham and boss Alan Curbishley sees Bellamy as
one of his four main strikers along with Dean Ashton, Freddie Sears and
Carlton Cole. Hughes is also trying to sign West Ham captain Lucas Neill but
has been unsuccessful in his attempts to lure the 30-year-old to Eastlands.
West Ham insist the Australian is not for sale but they could be willing to
do business once they have secured the £5m full-back Valon Behrami. The
23-year-old Swiss international has performed a U-turn on his decision not
to play in England and is now close to completing his move from Lazio.
Behrami, who played in all his country's matches in the European
Championships, is expected to complete his transfer within days.
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City target Bellamy to solve striker crisis
By Jason Burt
Wednesday, 23 July 2008
Independent.co.uk Web
Manchester City are considering making a bid for West Ham's Craig Bellamy
after Benjani Mwaruwari broke down in training, rupturing a thigh muscle,
which means the Zimbabwean striker will miss the first month of the season.
With new record £19m signing Jo not expected back from the Olympics, where
he is with the Brazil squad, until September, it means that City are due to
go into the first games of the new campaign with their attacking options
severely limited.
The City manager, Mark Hughes, has already spoken to the club's board about
making an offer for another West Ham player, Lucas Neill, but they are
understood to have resisted his request for the right-back whose form has
dipped badly in the past year.
While West Ham may be prepared to sell Neill, they have no intention of
parting with Bellamy, their £7.5m signing from Liverpool last summer, who
spent most of last season on the injury list. Hughes is a great admirer of
Bellamy, 29, having managed him for both Wales and Blackburn Rovers – where
he also coached Neill. Bellamy has told his present club that he is happy to
stay where he is.
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Hammers boss Curbishley explains pair's departure - Guardian Series
9:31am Wednesday 23rd July 2008
WEST Ham manager Alan Curbishley has claimed that Bobby Zamora and John
Pantsil moved to Fulham due to a lack of first-team opportunities at Upton
Park. Striker Zamora played an influential role in helping the Irons stave
off relegation from the Premier League in 2006/07, but struggled for both
form and fitness last term, scoring just once in 14 appearances. Ghanaian
full-back Pantsil, meanwhile, started just nine matches in two seasons after
joining from Israeli side Hapoel Tel Aviv following the 2006 World Cup. And
Curbishley admitted both players would not have been first choices again
this term, leading them to move to Craven Cottage for a combined £6.3million
fee last week. "I think the lure of first team football was big for both of
them," said the Hammers boss. "I think John Pantsil was very happy at the
club, but didn't play many games last year, while Bobby may have looked at
Craig Bellamy coming back, I don't know. "But I think it was a good deal for
everybody really. "Bobby has left on great terms with everybody and so has
John and I wish them well. "We all move on, so you will have to see what we
do. "People are talking about us and what we are doing, but just have a look
at what we do by the time the window closes, and see where we are at."
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West Ham seek new keeper signing
tribalfootball.com - July 23, 2008
West Ham United are seeking a new goalkeeper signing. The Independent says
the club are in the market for a new goalkeeper having allowed Richard
Wright to rejoin Ipswich Town, while Robert Green's future is in doubt with
the player keen on a move away from West Ham. Fulham have shown a tentative
interest.
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Behrami Signs Today - Cmon Yu Irons
July 23, 2008
According to transfermarketweb.com West ham will get the signiture of Valon
Behrami today 23nd July.
The article reads as follows: Lazio's Valon Behrami (23), during next hours
will become an official player of West Ham. For the transfer lack only the
sign for the five years deal. I couldnt figure out what the article means by
Transfer lack, So lets hope this rumour is true, and 6pm today we will have
news that Behrami is wearing Claret & Blue next Season.
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