Filed: Thursday, 24th July 2008
By: Upton Girlie
KUMB regular Upton Girlie - whose son Tomas will be leading out the Hammers as head mascot when United face the MLS AllStars at the BMO Stadium tonight - brings us the latest from Canada as the Hammers prepare for their second and last game of the North American Tour ...
Well it's the night before the game here in Toronto and deserved of an alternative pre-match report.
It's been an eventful few days here 'downtown' and many sights have been seen, talked about and discussed over many a beer. The players are on an alcohol ban whilst here and it seems the men behind the scenes, ie physios and the like, are included in this too. All except for one... Ludo - you have been found out!
It has been fantastic meeting up with both registered KUMBers and 'browsers' (of which there seem to be tons). We worked out that the miles travelled by all of us for the two matches would take one of us around the world. Of course, mathematical abilities were somewhat numbed with alcoholic consumption, but that statistic sounded good at the time.
The last two days were set aside for meeting people as they flew/drove in to Toronto and for people to explore this rather lovely, multicultural city and it's touristy bits and bobs. Today however, a few of us ventured down to the BMO ground for the promised afternoon of MLS pre match events and goodies.
Ray and Tammy (aka Maxie) had driven to Toronto and offered us a lift to the ground in their enormous thing called a car. it looked like a truck to me but it had enormous seats so I sat down and smiled, grateful not to be getting the tram (streetcar) in the pouring rain. Loved the sign on the rear window of the truck/car thing that said 'Following West Ham and Obama'. Plenty of rather obscene comments later and despite having no map, we arrived at the BMO.
The place was deserted. Threre were plenty of activities going on but it seemed like the millions of Toronto residents and visitors had decided to give this entertainment a miss. After Coley and (my son) Tomas challenged each other on speed 'soccer' events we decided to have a look at the outside of the ground through the gates. Well... just as we walked by the delivery gates an opportunity arose.
Someone had left a gate open. We swaggered on through it as if we went there every day; onto the pitch go the lot of us. We decided that if caught, we would say that we were representing the British fans back home and needed to report back on the state of the pitch to ease anxieties.
After a wander around we saw a security guy head our way and we 'politely' left the ground as expected. Not before photos and the burying of the £1 coin.
Coley and Tomas running from the hunky security guards: A quick trip in a cab back to our hotel (after a visit to the Bud beer tent) gave us the chance to shower and change ready for the night events. On arrival at the Imperial pub we were greeted by many Hammers dressed up for the 'Muzik' pre-match party. Some WHU flags adorned the outside of the pub ensuring we were at the correct establishment. Plenty of beers and introductions were made and after 20 minutes we were all the best of friends.
A certain amount of p*ss-taking was taken when someone who shall remain nameless, turned up in these: The evening drew on rather quickly and by 8:45pm people started departing for the pre-match party and promises of our boys and Beckham's lot (he only flew into Toronto this morning, by the way). Off they went with their pens and player's photos for autographs for people and kids back home (themselves!) leaving us child-burdened ones to enjoy the rest of the night consuming some more beer and awaiting garbled drunk texts from those who went.
I have quite a few more photos and expect to get alot more tomorrow when Tomas plays his mascot's role, leading our lot onto the pitch. He reckons he is going to 'high-five' Beckham tomorrow instead of the customary handshake but I am sure he will behave in a respectable way however he chooses to meet and greet the MLS AllStars.
I have had many questions asking how Tomas managed to get this rather esteemed role and many people seem to assume that we had to pay for the privilege. That is not so. He actually wrote a letter to 'Dear Mr Alan Curbishley' way back in April saying he was going to the Toronto match and wondered if he could be put on a waiting list to be a mascot there. Miranda Nagalingam contacted us some while after and confirmed that, yes indeed Tomas, we would love you to be a mascot. She has been the one who has taken the time to sort it all out with the MLS guys and it is much appreciated by Tomas and myself. Thank you Miranda; I will work on KUMB.com getting its position back in the press room tomorrow afternoon!
Anyway, I managed to blag a souvenir poster for Tomas today but gawd knows how I am gonna get it back through customs
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Behrami took advice from Di Canio - Setanta
by Alex Livie, 24 July 2008
West Ham new boy Valon Behrami has revealed that Hammers legend Paolo di Canio encouraged him to head to East London. Behrami sealed his £5 million move from Lazio on Wednesday and big things are expected of the Switzerland international. Behrami is champing at the bit to get his West Ham career underway, having been given rave reviews of life at Upton Park by his former Lazio team-mate Di Canio. "I talked to Paolo many times," Behrami told the club's official website. "He talked a lot about West Ham but also about football in this country and in particular The Premier League. "So that is why it is a dream come true for me and I am very happy to be here."
West Ham flattered to deceive last term in finishing 10th, but Behrami is convinced they can step up next season. "West Ham have brilliant prospects for the future and that was one of the very important things for me in making the decision to come here and play," said Behrami. "I am an ambitious person who has goals and I want to play for a team who wants to win things and I can see that ambition is here at the club."
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West Ham signing Behrami: I had Italy offers
tribalfootball.com - July 24, 2008
Former Lazio midfielder Valon Behrami admits he chose West Ham over several Italian offers. The Swiss midfielder, who signed with the Hammers yesterday, revealed: "Well, I felt the need for a change and I decided to try the English experience. "I hope to do well, I am glad. "Yes, there were several teams from Italy which asked for me." Behrami added: "I would like to continue working with my old sports director Walter Sabatini, now at Palermo. He's a person I have a lot of time for, I would like to work with him again, perhaps in the future, I do not know."
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West Ham's Collins rejects West Brom move
tribalfooball.com - July 24, 2008
West Brom have failed with a bid for West Ham defender James Collins. The Wales international is reluctant to leave Upton Park, says the Birmingham Mail.
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Keegan targets West Ham's Ferdinand for Newcastle
tribalfootball.com - July 24, 2008
Newcastle United boss Kevin Keegan wants to bring West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand north to Tyneside. The Mirror says Keegan wants West Ham's Ferdinand but an enquiry was knocked back.
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It's a clash of Eastenders as Becks relishes reunion against West Ham in All-Stars clash - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 12:31 PM on 24th July 2008
David Beckham is looking forward to the chance to lock horns with West Ham again when the Major League Soccer All-Stars play the Barclays Premier League side at BMO Field tomorrow night. Beckham, 33, grew up close to Upton Park but supported Manchester United as a boy before signing for them as an apprentice and becoming a legend at Old Trafford and moving to Real Madrid in 2003. 'It's great, being an East End boy playing against West Ham,' said Beckham, now in his second season as a Los Angeles Galaxy player. 'I played against them so many times for Manchester United and scoring against them didn't go down well with a few friends but it's always nice to play against a quality team. 'They've got some good players and they're working towards the start of the Premier League and, of course, it's great to play against good opposition. 'It will be a tough game and we're looking forward to that. You always want to play against good players and good teams and we're going to be up against that.' England star Beckham, who was second in the overall All-Star voting behind Galaxy team-mate Landon Donovan, believes his MLS colleagues were ready for the challenge. He said: 'Any players that are involved in All-Star games want to play well and you're always going to come up against good teams. 'West Ham are a good team and I'm sure they're going to be running around a lot trying to get their fitness for the start of the Premier League. 'But all (MLS) players that are here are experienced and good enough players to realise that it's not going to be a walk in the park. It's going to be a tough game and one that, as an East End boy, I'm looking forward to.' History is with the All-Stars, who have beaten Fulham, Chelsea and Celtic in successive seasons and Beckham, who had an injury-hit start to his American career when arriving last year, was happy to beat the drum for the state of the game in MLS. 'It's a higher level than everyone thinks. I realised that when I came here, because I had a lot of time, having sat and watched a lot of games last season,' he said. 'This season, the level of play has gone up. Every league in the world is different. The Premier League's fast and furious, La Liga is similar and very technical, so every league is different. This is an entertaining league.'
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West Ham United v MLS All-Stars On ESPN Tonight - epltalk.com
July 24th, 2008
Tonight West Ham United plays the Major League Soccer All-Star Team in Toronto, Canada. The match will be shown live on ESPN and ESPN360.com beginning at 7pm ET.
I'm intrigued by this match but it's hard to get excited. West Ham is one of the most vanilla football clubs in the Premier League. The club has few players that spark a lot of emotion other than Dean Ashton. Then there's boring old manager Alan Curbishley. And lastly, you have to wonder how different everything may have been if the original choice for the opposition was selected instead of West Ham: Liverpool.
Still, the passionate Toronto fans should make the atmosphere better than previous MLS All-Star games. And it'll be fun to see the increased police presence surrounding the Hammers fans.
Let's hope that both teams come out with a commitment to win this one. Keeping my fingers crossed, I'm hoping this will be an entertaining game to watch. We'll see.
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What do you Think of the Management? - West Ham Till I Die
A reader, Rob Shirley, just sent me this…
As the summer has progressed and since the departure of Eggy ( i'll call him that as his name always escapes me) I am becoming more and more impressed with the way the business management at West Ham is carried out. Everything is, it seems, done in a calm manner with no media frenzy, statements are put out in a very business like " believe what you read in the Sun..if you like, but these are the facts". I quite like it, it seems to elevate our club into a superior level. The way they dealt with Kia and Brown was, lets just sort it, get the problem out of the way and get on with running the club, no big deal, no mass media reporting just cool and calm. I think this is the reason that the media is getting fed up with West Ham and putting out stories such as mass exodus and financial problems, it really is that the management hold their own council and refuse to get drawn into a media free for all like last years Tevez saga.
I reckon he makes a good point. What say you?
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Hammers refuse Baggies permission to secure Welsh defender Collins on loan - Daily Mail
Last updated at 11:18 AM on 24th July 2008
West Ham have refused West Bromwich Albion permission to take defender James Collins on loan this season. The Premier League new boys had hoped to sign the Wales international on a short-term deal, with the option to make the switch to the Hawthorns permanent. However, West Ham manager Alan Curbishley has assured Collins he features in his first-team plans this season. With australian right-back Lucas Neill still a target for Manchester City, Curbishley is unwilling to allow any of his defenders to leave.
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Doyle happy at Royals - Setanta
by Chris Stanton, 24 July 2008
Reading striker Kevin Doyle maintains he is happy at The Madejski Stadium despite reports of sides willing to offer the player an immediate return to The Premier League. Sunderland and West Ham have been linked to the Republic of Ireland international who is contemplating life back in The Championship.
Doyle admits Reading's relegation still rankles but the 24-year-old, who was a bargain buy from Cork three years ago, is determined to help his team back up to the top flight. "You always want to play in the Premier League and we're all disappointed we're not there, but the aim is to get back there," said Doyle. "But as long as I'm at Reading then I'm very happy here. I have really enjoyed my three years here, even though the last six months haven't been great. "It has been a very enjoyable time and I'll continue to enjoy it for as long as I'm here. "I think when I first came we would have all taken what's happened, although once you get in the Premier League you want to stay there. "But we're not, that's life and we now have to bounce back. "The whole hype about the Premier League is bigger, but when you are playing in matches, it all seems the same to me. They are all nice grounds in the Championship."
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Richardson eyes Hammers starlet - TeamTalk
Chesterfield manager Lee Richardson is running the rule over young West Ham United striker Jack Jeffrey, who is on trial at Saltergate. The 18-year-old was one of a handful of trialists to be given a run-out during the Spireites pre-season friendly defeat to Hull on Tuesday evening. Richardson said: "Jack Jeffrey is available on loan and it adds to the competition within the squad. It is good to take a look at him."
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Mark Bresciano: Socceroos Serie A Star to Join West Ham, Blackburn, Newcastle or Fulham - New Football Pools.com
West Ham are looking to follow up the signing of Swiss star Valon Behrami with Australian left-sided midfielder Mark Bresciano but face competition from Blackburn, Newcastle and London rivals Fulham. The 28-year-old is available after spending the last two seasons with Serie A side Palermo where he's frequently become a bit-part player.
The Melbourne born midfielder began his career with Carlton in his homeland before moving to Italy where he's remained ever since. He moved to Serie B side Empoli in 1999. After 3 seasons at the club and 80 League appearances (16 goals) he moved to Parma for a then record €7m fee for an Australian player after guiding Empoli back to the top flight.
Bresciano endured a difficult first season with Parma due to a number of injuries that limited his League appearances to just 7 starts and 17 as substitute without scoring. However, the following season he made 33 League appearances (32 starts) and scored 8 goals. This was the highest amount of goals scored by any midfielder in Serie A. His overall record in 4 seasons with the club was 19 goals in 123 League appearances.
The 5 ft 11 star moved to Palermo in 2006 and enjoyed a good first season making 34 League appearances (32 starts) and scoring 6 goals. However the following summer new manager Stefano Colantuono looked set to sell Bresciano to Man City for a fee of £5m and even announced the deal to the press. Despite this, the deal fell through due to delays in payment and the transfer window closing. Thus the Australian carried on playing for Palermo though only made 12 starts and 14 substitute League appearances last season (1 goal).
Bresciano has now played 42 times for his country whilst scoring 10 goals. He also played in the 2006 World Cup when Australia progressed through the group stages. The player is renowned for his versatility and can play anywhere across midfield though he prefers the left-flank. He is renowned for being a set-piece specialist as well as being one of the hardest working midfielders in Serie A. The player is often referred to as Marco though despite his father being Italian he is actually named Mark.
His Club side Palermo are allowing the midfielder to leave after Director of sport Walter Sabatini told Radio Kiss Kiss: "There is a great deal of interest in Bresciano at European level.
"Despite being in the shade last season, he is held in a lot of esteem and there will be no problems finding him a new club in the coming days."
Bresciano himself when quizzed on a move to England said, "I'd love to give it a go, because it's come to the stage where I would like to try it out just to try something different."
"Obviously because a lot of my team-mates in the Aussie team are there so I think there'd be a good chance to get there."
He has the option to link up with Aussie team-mates Lucas Neill at West Ham, Mark Viduka at Newcastle or Brett Emerton at Blackburn so expect the battle for the exciting Oz star to hot up in the next few days.
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Newcastle linked with Ferdinand again - Guardian Series
3:24pm Thursday 24th July 2008
NEWCASTLE manager Kevin Keegan is lining up a new offer for West Ham's Anton Ferdinand according to reports, writes Craig Rodhouse. The Magpies have been continuously linked with the 23-year-old throughout the summer and it is believed that Keegan is now preparing an improved bid for the player after already having an enquiry knocked back for the defender from Irons boss Alan Curbishley. It is thought that Curbishley wants to keep Ferdinand at Upton Park - who has played 138 times for the hammers -, but could be forced to sell the England U21 international as he tries to reduce the club's wage budget. Curbishley has seen already seen Bobby Zamora, John Pantsil and Richard Wright leave The Boleyn Ground this summer and it is rumoured in the Mirror that Ferdinand could follow suit.
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Hammers legend Di Canio helped net new boy - Guardian Series
2:36pm Thursday 24th July 2008
WEST Ham legend Paolo di Canio played a major role in persuading Hammers new boy Valon Behrami to join the east Londoners. The Switzerland international completed a £5 million move from Lazio yesterday, after having positive talks with former team-mate Di Canio. "I talked to Paolo many times," Behrami told the club's official website. "He talked a lot about West Ham but also about football in this country and in particular The Premier League. "So that is why it is a dream come true for me and I am very happy to be here." And Behrami hopes he can play a major role in helping the Hammers end their search for silverware. He added: "West Ham have brilliant prospects for the future and that was one of the very important things for me in making the decision to come here and play. "I am an ambitious person who has goals and I want to play for a team who wants to win things and I can see that ambition is here at the club."
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