The club has parted company with the 31-year-old midfielder Fredrik
Ljungberg
06.08.2008
West Ham United and Fredrik Ljungberg have reached agreement about the
termination of his contract on undisclosed terms with immediate effect.
The 31-year-old midfielder, who captained Sweden at the 2008 European
Championship, is assessing his options. These include whether he will
continue his career in football or not. There is interest in his services
from leading clubs at home and on the continent as well as the United States
and Asia. The decision to part company has been taken jointly and has no
bearing on Ljungberg's fitness, which he proved during Euro 2008.
Scott Duxbury, West Ham United CEO, said: "We respect Freddie Ljungberg's
position and are pleased we could reach agreement and wish him all the best
in the future. This deal is mutually acceptable to both parties."
Freddie Ljungberg said: "I gave my all at West Ham and enjoyed my time there
but the decision is the best for the both of us. Now I will take my time to
consider my football future."
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Ljungberg agrees to leave Hammers - BBC
West Ham have released midfielder Freddie Ljungberg after an agreement was
reached to terminate his contract. Former Sweden international Ljungberg,
31, may now decide to retire from football, according to a statement on the
club's official website. He was just a single season into a lucrative
four-year deal, having joined the Hammers from Arsenal in July 2007 for a
fee approaching £3m. "This is mutually acceptable," said West Ham chief
executive Scott Duxbury. Ljungberg only managed to start 22 of West Ham's 38
Premier League matches last season after enduring injuries that included a
cracked rib.
In its statement, the club was keen to stress that the player's fitness was
not in question. "The decision to part company has been taken jointly and
has no bearing on Ljungberg's fitness, which he proved during Euro 2008," it
read. "We respect Freddie Ljungberg's position and are pleased we could
reach agreement and wish him all the best in the future," added Duxbury.
Ljungberg, who captained Sweden at the European Championship in June before
retiring from international football, is also considering offers to play in
the United States and Asia. "I gave my all at West Ham and enjoyed my time
there but the decision is the best for the both of us," he said. "Now I will
take my time to consider my football future."
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Ljungberg departure confirmed - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 6th August 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have confirmed the departure of Freddie Ljungberg with
immediate effect. The 31-year-old Swede failed to return from Euro 08 seven
weeks ago and speculation regarding his future has been rife since. West Ham
had virtually wiped Ljungberg from their records with no mention of him at
all since the end of last season - until this afternoon when a brief
statement posted on whufc.com confirmed that the former Arsenal man will not
be returning to the club. The club claim to have 'reached agreement about
the termination of his contract on undisclosed terms' - terms which are
likely to cost United millions for cancelling the remaining two years of the
former Swedish international captain's three-year contract, signed just a
year ago. United CEO Scott Duxbury, who has been charged with reducing
United's spiralling wage bill this summer said: "We respect Freddie
Ljungberg's position and are pleased we could reach agreement and wish him
all the best in the future. This deal is mutually acceptable to both
parties."
Somewhat embarrassingly for the club, Alan Curbishley was quoted in this
morning's papers claiming that Ljungberg was set to return to the club
imminently.
Bye bye Fred: how the story of Ljungberg's departure unfurled
9th May: 'Freddie is not thinking of leaving West Ham' says agent Claes
Elefalk. 'This story is complete nonsense.'
12th May: Curbishley dismisses rumours regarding the Swede's future, saying
'we've had no discussions with Freddie; some things get put in papers and
we've just got to get on with it.'
8th June: West Ham are rumoured to have offered Ljungberg to a string of
clubs
23rd June: The player's agent once again dismisses rumours of interest from
AC Roma
28th June: Ljungberg announces his international retirement in order to
'concentrate on playing for West Ham United'
5th August: Stories appear in the media claiming that Ljungberg has left
West Ham
6th August: Alan Curbishley insists Ljungberg is set to return to the club
soon
6th August: Ljungberg's departure is confirmed by the club in a brief
statement
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Hammers release Ljungberg - SSN
Swedish midfielder leaves Upton Park with immediate effect
Last updated: 6th August 2008
West Ham United have reached an agreement to terminate the contract of
Fredrik Ljungberg with immediate effect. The midfielder has been linked with
Roma and Olympiakos this summer, but the Swede's agent recently announced he
was happy at Upton Park. However, the Hammers have now agreed to end the
31-year-old's contract to allow him to consider his future. A statement on
West Ham's official website said: "West Ham United and Fredrik Ljungberg
have reached agreement about the termination of his contract on undisclosed
terms with immediate effect."
Scott Duxbury, West Ham CEO, added: "We respect Freddie Ljungberg's position
and are pleased we could reach agreement and wish him all the best in the
future. This deal is mutually acceptable to both parties." A number of clubs
are believed to be tracking Ljungberg, who retired from international
football at the end of Euro 2008, and there is interest in his services in
Europe, the United States and Asia. However, Ljungberg says he will now
take time to think about his options before making a decision on his next
move. Ljungberg said: "I gave my all at West Ham and enjoyed my time there
but the decision is the best for the both of us. "Now I will take my time
to consider my football future."
Ljungberg made 25 starts for the Hammers after his £3million move from
Arsenal last summer.
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The Ljungberg U-Turn - West Ham Online
Alex V - Wed Aug 6 2008
I am shocked to see that Freddie Ljungberg has been paid off to leave the
club. I am a big fan of the Swedish International - I thought his finesse
and experience might have been a big factor for West Ham this season, and I
am extremely dubious whether the correct footballing decision has been taken
here. Was it a 'football' decision at all, or just part of the internal
politics at the club?
Firstly, it's important to stress that every club makes mistakes in the
transfer market - every transfer involves an element of risk, and you hope
that your club has more hits than misses. If Curbishley felt that Ljungberg
was not part of his first-team plans this season, then fine, I can live with
decisions like that, and time would tell if the risk of letting him go would
pay off.
But I just don't think Ljungberg looked like a mistaken purchase last season
- in my opinion, he was undoubtedly our best attacking option from midfield
last season, and his ability speaks for itself. While he has lost that yard
of pace that would make him an essential selection on the flank, he still
has guile, and a footballing brain capable of unlocking tight defences.
And I'm worried that, similar to last season, we are in danger of becoming
one-dimensional again - creativity was our big problem last season, and this
Summer we have discarded two players, in Solano and Ljungberg, with that bit
of class in picking out that crucial pass. I'm concerned that we will see
matches with Faubert and Etherington thundering down the wings to little
effect, and when we want that bit of something different, the cupboard will
be bare. Is our only plan B to be Luis Boa Morte again this season?
I just struggle to understand, in purely football terms, why you would ditch
Ljungberg at this time - there are obviously other factors at work here.
Maybe Ljungberg was a nightmare off the field - if so I never saw or heard
of any sign of it. Maybe these migraines and niggling injuries were
unsettling for the squad - however the club have announced that fitness is
not an issue here.
My worry is that the decision is simply a political one to lower the wage
bill. There is no doubt that Ljungberg's bumper contract caused 'ripples'
behind the scenes at West Ham over the last year - perhaps it set a
precedent that the club are keen to backtrack on. Problems with Ashton,
Green and Ferdinand this Summer seem simply to centre on wages - these
players have presumably looked at other players in the squad, and thought
"Why aren't I getting the same?". Perhaps by removing the highly-paid
Ljungberg from the squad, West Ham feel they are calming down the dressing
room, and saving money on future contract demands.
No doubt removing Ljungberg works wonders on the office spreadsheet of
player wages, but if you have to pay him off to do it then you haven't
necessarily saved any money. Is this simply creative accounting?
And where is the consistency here - if Ljungberg's wages are too high this
Summer, why was he ever given the contract last Summer? My gut feeling is
that this is another sign of the gulf between the current chairman and the
previous one - more of Magnusson's mess having to be tidied up at extreme
cost. If you add court cases into the mix, was Eggy's year at West Ham the
most financially disastrous in our history?
Whatever has gone on behind the scenes, Ljungberg has been an extremely
costly 'mistake'. Funds that could have been used for new signings have had
to be diverted to pay off bad signings. And in my opinion Ljungberg will be
missed on the pitch - we have paid off a first-team player to save money,
and the whole affair appears a rather embarrassing u-turn. Not a great day
for West Ham.
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What is he thinking? - Cmon Yu Irons
I'm normally a quite patient guy, but after reading about Curbishley
bringing Ben Thatcher to our club on trial my patience is wearing thin.
Here is another player who has a temperament and topped with a past severe
knee injury. What is Curbs thinking by even contemplating having this guy at
our ground-haven't we got enough of these problems going on already.
I'm not normally a Curbishley basher, but after this I am wondering what is
going through this guys head. He's already distanced himself considerably
from many fans, and now he is pushing himself further away. Do us fans a
favour Curbs, please don't sign Thatcher and get your head on straight.
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HOW FREDDIE'S STAR CAME FALLING DOWN - Express
Thursday August 7,2008
By Nigel Clarke
It will always be a source of regret to Freddie Ljungberg that he became
more famous for posing in his underpants than playing for West Ham. One of
the 'Invincibles' from the Arsenal team who went unbeaten in the Premier
League throughout the 2003-04 season, midfielder Ljungberg never reached
such heights again in a Hammers team cruelly depleted by injuries last
season. Now he and West Ham have come to an amicable agreement to terminate
his contract and Swede Ljungberg, 31, may quit as a player altogether. His
black Ferrari was a familiar sight roaring down the A12 and home from
another session in the Chadwell Heath medical room. He was on the treatment
table after his first match for them at the start of the season and back on
it in the final match last May. And it remains a source of frustration to
him that he was never able to show the West Ham fans the football he
produced for the Gunners. There were suggestions the Hammers might give him
a stay of execution following injuries to strikers Craig Bellamy and Kieron
Dyer, for Ljungberg can play through the middle, or on either flank. But
instead they will pay up his £85,000-a-week contract that has two years
still to run. West Ham paid £3million for him last summer after he had spent
nine years at Arsenal, where he won two Premier League titles and three FA
Cups. Ljungberg said: "I gave my all at West Ham and enjoyed my time there,
but the decision is the best for both of us. Now I will take time to
consider my future."
The Hammers have been trying for some time now to reduce their wage bill and
there have been suggestions that they will listen to offers for all but
their star men.
Lucas Neill has been linked with a move to Manchester City and Anton
Ferdinand has allegedly drawn interest from Newcastle. But Neill is popular
as a captain and offers the team versatility by being able to play across
the back four. He could even fill in as an emergency left-back, where George
McCartney is another injury concern.
Ferdinand has his admirers, but allegedly did not want to move to the
North-east and now Newcastle are closing in on the Argentinian Fabricio
Coloccini. Yet West Ham manager Alan Curbishley has adequate centre-half
cover with James Tomkins, James Collins and Danny Gabbidon and may listen to
enquiries.
West Ham have also had a look at Ben Thatcher, who was released by Charlton.
The former Manchester City defender played 75 minutes for them in a friendly
at Bishop's Stortford on Wednesday night. But the club have categorically
denied that Dean Ashton has a price on his head. There have been rumours
Tottenham have made a bid and now West Ham are becoming increasingly
concerned that destabilising reports are beginning to surface again.
Chief executive Scott Duxberry said: "Hell would have to freeze over for us
to sell Dean to a major rival."
It is not the first time striker Ashton has been linked with a move from
east to north London, but he has just signed a long-term deal and is happy
at Upton Park. He knows, too, the value of regular first-team football,
especially as England manager Fabio Capello has been a regular observer of
West Ham games and sees him still as a potential line leader.
Curbishley has so far signed only two players, Valon Behrami from Lazio, who
cost £5m, and goalkeeper Jan Lastuka on loan from Shakhtar Donetsk. But
there is money still in the kitty. What the club want to see is how
successful they can be with a full-strength squad giving Curbishley the
chance to play his strongest side. He was unable to do that for the whole of
the Premier League programme last term.
Curbishley has already lost Bellamy and Dyer for the opening weeks,
restricting his attacking options. Results of a scan on the hamstring
Bellamy damaged on Monday night confirmed he will be out for about six
weeks.
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Roma Eyeing Free Freddie? - Goal.com
Roma continue to look for offensive options and Freddie Ljungberg seems to
be next on the list for the owning Sensi family.
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The winger, who took part in Euro 2008 for Sweden, has left West Ham via
mutual consent to become a free agent. He still had 3 years left on his
contract, but the player and club decided to go their separate ways.
"I gave the best of myself at West Ham and I enjoyed it, but the decision is
best for both sides," said Ljungberg, who spent nine years at Arsenal, but
managed just one at West Ham. The midfielder's season was constantly
disrupted by injuries and he only took part in 22 games for West Ham, who
finished 10th in the Premier League last season.
Roma are thought to be seeking two wide players and may wish to act on the
news as they continue their search to replace Amantino Mancini (now at
Inter) and Ludovic Giuly (now at PSG), especially as they have done little
to reinforce the squad so far in the transfer market.
Ljungberg would certainly fit Roma's style of play and system, as well as be
closer in line with Roma's financial resources than some of the other names
that have been associated with the club lately. Roma, who finished just
three points behind Inter last season, have been trying to make deals for
Chelsea's Florent Malouda and Real Madrid's Julio Baptista but neither
player seems any closer to joining the capitol club. They also had a
substantial bid for Romanian star Adrian Mutu turned down by Fiorentina in
advanced stages of negotiations. Roma would only have to worry about
negotiating salary as Ljungberg is available on a free transfer.
31-year-old Ljungberg would likely be looking for a new challenge and could
find the prospect of joining an attacking side like Roma very interesting as
he nears the end of his playing career.
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LJUNGBERG PONDERS PREMIER PROSPECTS
By Bill Pierce, PA Sport
Freddie Ljungberg is pondering whether to stay in England, after his
contract with West Ham was cancelled by mutual consent on Wednesday. The
31-year-old Swede leaves the Hammers 12 months after moving to Upton Park
from Arsenal and has thrashed out "undisclosed terms" over the termination
of his contract, which had one year and an option for another to run.
Ljungberg, who has asked his agent to see what offers could now come his way
in England, Italy and Spain, explained: "I gave my all at West Ham and
enjoyed my time there, but the decision is the best for the both of us. "Now
I will take my time to consider my football future."
Ljungberg made 25 starts for the Hammers after his £3million move across
London last summer but failed to make much impact following a largely golden
nine-year spell at Highbury, where he helped the Gunners win two Premier
League titles and three FA Cups. Injuries slowed down his career under
Arsene Wenger, and he was on the treatment table after his opening match for
West Ham last August. He finished the season with a cracked rib, threatening
his participation in the Euro 2008 finals, but was eventually passed fit for
Sweden's campaign. West Ham have denied the decision to let him go had
anything to do with his seemingly unreliable fitness, insisting in a club
statement "he proved himself fit at Euro 2008".
Hammers chief executive Scott Duxbury said: "We respect Freddie Ljungberg's
position and are pleased we could reach agreement and wish him all the best
in the future. "This deal is mutually acceptable to both parties."
To West Ham fans, it will look like the first instalment in clearing the
decks after the massive spending on new players under former chairman Eggert
Magnusson last season. Although West Ham have since disputed claims manager
Alan Curbishley is under pressure to drastically cut the squad and the wage
bill this season, their only significant buy this summer has been
Switzerland left-back Valon Behrami for £5million from Lazio - following the
sale of striker Bobby Zamora and defender John Pantsil to Fulham for a
combined £6.3million. The Hammers have now been linked with a bid for
Manchester United's French forward Louis Saha, and Curbishley could find
himself short up front after more injury problems for Craig Bellamy and
Kieron Dyer.
The pair cost £13.5million between them a year ago but missed most of the
season after Bellamy needed groin surgery and Dyer suffered a double
fracture of his right leg. Comeback man Dyer has since been sidelined again
for an estimated two more months after a stress fracture, while Bellamy
damaged a hamstring against Ipswich in a friendly on Monday night.
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West Ham to sign French defender Gael Givet for £1.75m - The Mirror
By Football Spy 7/08/2008
West Ham are poised to sign France defender Gael Givet. The centre-back, who
has 13 caps, helped Marseille to third place in Ligue 1 last season, but the
club have signed two new central defenders and will sell h im for £1.75m.
Panathinaikos offered £1.35m and failed to meet the 26-year-old's wage
demands and sources close to Givet say he favours a move to Upton Park.
Marseille president Pape Diouf said: "Panathinaikos have got closer to us in
financial terms, but we haven't reached an agreement.
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Freddie Ljungberg gets £4m pay-off from West Ham - The Mirror
By James Nursey 7/08/2008
Freddie Ljungberg is considering a move to the US or Asia after after
agreeing a £4million pay-off from West Ham. He was on about £70,000 a week
at Upton Park following his £3m transfer from Arsenal 12 months ago. But the
31-year-old was hampered by injuries during his time in east London and
scored just twice in 22 league starts last term. The cash-strapped Hammers
have decided to cut their loses on the Sweden international, who had 12
months left on his contract and the option of another year.
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Goals mean Euro glory, says Hammers boss - Guardian Series
8:50am Thursday 7th August 2008
ALAN CURBISHLEY has challenged his forward line to fire West Ham into Europe
this season. Dean Ashton, Carlton Cole and Bobby Zamora managed just 16
Premier League goals between them, while Craig Bellamy - who served most of
his debut season on the treatment table - notched two goals. Zamora has
since moved onto Fulham but Curbishley has told his remaining frontline that
now is the time to start contributing if the club is to challenge for a top
six or seven spot. "I think for us to make some sort of challenge the two up
there have got to get us 30 goals at least," said the Irons boss. "We were
nowhere near that last year and having it is a great help. "I think what we
have got - when everything is right - is a lot of pace about us, all over
the park. We can counter attack and defend when we have to."
After a season dominated by a crippling injury crisis, Curbishley is
certainly hoping for better luck. Some 50 injuries were sustained by the
first-team squad throughout the campaign, including notable long-term
absences from key players such as big-money summer signings Julien Faubert,
Bellamy, Scott Parker and Keiron Dyer. As such, the Hammers chief - as has
been the case during his 18 months in charge - has yet to be given the
chance to field his perceived best eleven. And so he is proud to have led
the team to a creditable tenth place finish in his first full season. "I
think people forget what happened to us last year," he said. "I've been told
that we were boring in midtable but some people need a reality check. We
overcame a lot of problems. "Obviously Craig, Julien and Kieron were some of
those big losses, while Scotty had half a season. "So I think it was a great
achievement to get tenth because I knew what was going on and how difficult
the Premier League is."
But the situation doesn't look like easing, with as many as 11 players
likely to be unavailable for the season's curtain raiser against Wigan on
August 16.
Danny Gabbidon, James Collins, Nigel Quashie, Jon Spector and Dyer are
definately be out, while George McCartney, Lee Bowyer and James Tomkins are
doubtful. Perhaps more significantly, Bellamy could also be on the sidelines
after pulling up with a hamstring problem during the 5-3 friendly win with
Ipswich on Monday. And all that despite the club stoking up its medical
set-up in a bid to ease the problem. Into the staff has come chief medical
officer Nikos Touroudis - who has experience working at Panathinakos,
Fiorentina, Verona and Steaua Bucharest - to take a strategic overview of
operations, leading Serie A osteopath Marco Cesarini and rehabilitation
physiotherapist Giorgio Gasparini. The board has also claimed it is to step
up the search for a new training ground and install state of the art
equipment at the existing site at Chadwell Heath. It is all designed to give
the coaching and playing staff the best support. With that in mind it is
time for Curbishley - and his troops - to deliver. The Irons boss seesm to
be more hopeful than confident. "If we can get ourselves right, and get
everyone in contention, then we've got a bit of a squad that can attack the
top seven. And if Europe goes down to that then fine," he said. "But that
has got to be our next step - to try and push them teams above us for the
European spots."
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Hammers defender facing a fight for fitness - Guardian Series
9:01am Thursday 7th August 2008
GEORGE McCartney admits it is touch-and-go whether or not he will be ready
in time for West Ham's opening Premier League encounter. The left back
featured in every league and cup game for the Irons last season. But he is
struggling with a hamstring problem that has seen him miss most of
pre-season training and all the games. And the 26-year-old admits he will
need to put in the hours on the training pitch in order to be make the
curtain raiser against Wigan on August 16. "To be honest I need some fitness
because obviously I haven't played many games," said McCartney. "Whether or
not I can be part of the squad for the Wigan game is up to the manager. He
may decide that I need extra sharpness and fitness. "We'll judge it nearer
the time but the next week or so is going to be important. "I'll certainly
be working hard to give myself every chance of being involved. Fingers
crossed I will make it."
The optimism surrounding the new season at Upton Park has been a far cry
from that of last year. Then, big-money signings Kieron Dyer, Scott Parker,
Craig Bellamy and Julien Faubert caught the eye and sparked excitement of
what could be. However, the quartet spent most of the season on the
treatment table, managing just 30 league starts between them which, coupled
with a crippling injury crisis throughout the squad, made for unpleasant
showing towards the end of the season. Yet McCartney sees it as a positive
that the club still claimed a creditable tenth place finish. "There was a
lot of expectation last season because the manager made a lot of signings
and spent some money but the fans never saw the best of them," he said. "But
if we can finish midtable with the small squad we had because of injury,
then we can only improve with them involved." He added: "People say it was a
disappointing season, but to finish tenth after being involved in a
relegation the year before was a big improvement. "Now it is up to the team
to improve again - and that means challenging for the top six or seven. We
must give ourselves a chance of qualifying for Europe to give the fans
something to shout about."
On a personal level, McCartney's future had been clouded in doubt during the
summer, despite an impressively consistent season in which he finished
runner-up in the club's Hammer of the Year awards. Sunderland were keen to
take the defender back to the Stadium of Light and had several bids - the
highest rumoured to be £4.5million - knocked back by the Hammers. After
spending nine years with the Wearsiders, the offer of a return 'home' was no
doubt a tempting one for the Northern Ireland international. However,
McCartney has tied up his long-term future with the Irons by signing a new
five-year contract and has vowed to repay his manager, team mates and fans
with improved performances on the pitch. "I wasn't happy with some of things
last season and I'll be looking to improve in certain areas, such as trying
to get two or three more goals to help the team out more," he said. "It was
nice to get the contract situation sorted out. Now for the foreseeable
future I can help the club get to where it belongs. "Sunderland made a
couple of bids but I never had any intention of going back there. I had a
good couple of years but ever since I came to West Ham I've been really
happy here."
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Hammers star Behrami: Less conversation please - Guardian Series
8:53am Thursday 7th August 2008
NEW signing Valon Behrami has stressed the need for 'less talk, more action'
as West Ham set about mounting a European challenge this season. The
much-travelled 15-capped Swiss international is the club's most notable
signing of the summer after arriving at Upton Park in a £5million deal from
Italian giants Lazio. The player revealed it is a "dream come true" to sign
for the East Londoners and to be playing in the Premier League, and has
immediately set about laying down his marker for the team. "I think West Ham
have the possibility to push on from last year and definately improve," said
Behrami. "But we have only to work - and not so much talk. "We have a lot of
good players but need to start the season well. There two weeks or so to go
(until the start of the season) and there is time to work together and to
improve things. "Maybe if everything goes right for us we can spring a
surprise this season."
It is a mark of Behrami's exciting potential that the Hammers had to fight
off a number of clubs - including reports that Spurs and Liverpool were keen
- to land him. And he already looks a shrewd acquisition.
Athletic, versatile - he is adept at playing right back and across the
midfield line - and with a willingness to work for the team, the 23-year-old
possesses all the modern-day qualities of a Premier League footballer. The
player himself admits that the style of play in England's top flight was one
of the factors that lured him to the East End. "The pace of the English game
is very different," he observed. "It's quicker and more physical and not so
tactical. "When I'm in good condition I think it is very fun to play here.
It's certainly a style of play that I like."
However, with Julien Faubert and skipper Lucas Neill seemingly Alan
Curbishley's first choice right-hand side, as well as a fit Kieron Dyer and
Freddie Ljungberg challenging for a berth in midfield, and Jon Spector also
cover as full back, Behrami faces a fight on his hands to get into the first
XI. Yet, he can also play on the left and it was this versatility that
prompted Curbishley to bring him to the Boleyn Ground. "Valon played
regularly at right-back at Lazio. But he can play wide right, wide left or
he can play in a middle three too," noted the Irons boss. "I felt that he is
a player with that versatility who was desperate to come to us - he had lots
of other options. "I've brought in someone who I know is a good player, a
top athlete and can play in various positions."
For Behrami, he is keen just to pull on the claret and blue shirt. "I prefer
to play. And then whether the manager wants me," he said. "When I have the
option then its midfield, but the more important thing is to play. "There's
a lot of competition for places and that is a good thing. It's better when
the manager has more options, it is better for the team. I enjoy the
competition."
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Hammers winger praying Bellamy stays fit - Guardian Series
8:58am Thursday 7th August 2008
WEST HAM winger Matthew Etherington is praying striker Craig Bellamy makes a
quick recovery from his latest injury setback as he believes the Welshman
will play a pivotal role in West Ham's season. Bellamy limped off during
Monday's game against Ipswich and is unlikely to be fit for the start of the
new campaign, which kicks off against Wigan next Saturday. And Etherington
knows that his absence could cost the team a strong start, as the
29-year-old has been on fire during pre-season and provides the Irons with
an extra dimension in attack. "We're obviously gutted that Bellars got
injured because he's a big player for us and we need him in the team," said
Etherington. "He's been looking really good and banging in the goals.
"Obviously you want him out there because he's a big player and he gives us
something we haven't really got otherwise - he's sharp and he's quick, he
drops off and links other players up. We will miss him."
Etherington has not had the rub of the green with injuries himself, as last
year his season was cut short in February after sustaining a groin injury in
the match against Birmingham City. And the midfielder faces a battle to be
fit for the first game of this campaign, as he has been out of action for
two weeks with blisters. The 26-year-old's only first-team appearance in
between was 45 minutes in the Hammers' match against an MLS All-Star team on
July 24.
It is thought that Etherington will be Alan Curbishley's number one choice
on the left side of midfield, after an injury to Luis Boa Morte, while the
other obvious contender for the position, youngster Kyel Reid, is not
thought to feature in the manager's immediate first-team plans. And the
former Tottenham player knows he must grab his chance with both hands, as he
looks to hold down a regular place in Curbishley's starting XI. "I'm getting
there now. I had one little setback in pre-season but I'm feeling good and I
just want to get minutes under my belt," added Etherington. "I'd like to
think I've got a good chance of playing this year. You'll have to ask the
manager but I'd like to think that if I'm doing well, then I'll play."
The Irons were plagued by injuries to key members of the squad for much of
last season, and Etherington is convinced that if everyone can stay fit, the
team can achieve big things next year. "It's unbelievable, really," he said.
"It only seems to happen to us at this club. All the important players are
injured.
"If we've got a full squad, I think we've got a very good team and we can do
things here, but it seems that not everyone's fit all the time. "No one's to
blame for it. It's just one of those things. You can't let it affect you as
a player." Etherington also paid tribute to club legend Bobby Moore, after
it was announced that the former defender's number six shirt will forever be
retired on Saturday. "It's a more than fitting tribute to an absolute
legend. I know how much he means to West Ham and West Ham's fans. It's good
of the club to do that."
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Hammers striker out for at least four weeks - Guardian Series
9:05am Thursday 7th August 2008
WEST Ham striker Craig Bellamy will be out of action for at least four
weeks. The 29-year-old suffered a hamstring injury in the Irons' 5-3
pre-season friendly win at Ipswich Town on Monday. The Wales captain has
since had a scan on his injured right leg - and he is expected to be out of
action for between four and six weeks. As a result, Bellamy is likely to
miss West Ham's opening three Premier League fixtures against Wigan,
Manchester City and Blackburn, as well as the club's Carling Cup second
round clash. He will also be absent from Wales' friendly clash with Georgia
on August 20 and struggling to be fit for his country's opening World Cup
qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Russia in early September. The forward
made just nine first team appearances for the Hammers last season after
suffering a persistent groin injury. However, he had been looking in good
form in pre-season, scoring five goals.
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Sweden star Ljungberg calls time on his West Ham career - This Is London
Last updated at 18:33pm on 06.08.08
West Ham have come to an agreement with Fredrik Ljungberg to terminate his
contract. Ljungberg made 25 starts for the Hammers after his £3million move
from Arsenal last summer. A statement on West Ham's website said Ljungberg
is now deciding whether to retire or follow up interest from clubs in Asia
and the USA. The 31-year-old Swedish midfielder failed to make an impact at
Upton Park after an impressive nine-year spell with Arsenal, where he helped
the Gunners win two Premier League titles and three FA Cups. Ljungberg said:
'I gave my all at West Ham and enjoyed my time there but the decision is the
best for the both of us. Now I will take my time to consider my football
future.' Hammers chief executive Scott Duxbury said: 'We respect Freddie
Ljungberg's position and are pleased we could reach agreement and wish him
all the best in the future. This deal is mutually acceptable to both
parties.'
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Arsenal again linked with £6million Hammers star - FansFC.com
06:32 August, 7, 2008
Not for the first time, Arsenal Football Club are being linked with a move
for Robert Green. Manuel Almunia may have been handed the number one shirt
at the Emirates Stadium following Jens Lehmann's exit, but the Gunners
continue to be linked with goalkeepers. And according to reports, Arsene
Wenger is willing to pay around £6million for West Ham United's England
international shot-stopper Green.
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West Ham in talks with Marseille's Givet
tribalfootball.com - August 06, 2008
West Ham are in talks for Marseille defender Gael Givet. The Daily Mail says
Hammers boss Alan Curbishley has set his sights on the Marseille centre
back, who has won 13 caps. Givet, 26, helped Marseille finish third last
season but the club are ready to sell the ex-Monaco captain for
£1.75million.
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West Ham boss Curbishley: Dyer OK
tribalfootball.com - August 06, 2008
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley has rejected claims Kieron Dyer will miss
another four months of football. A CT scan revealed the midfielder suffered
a hairline fracture in the same leg he broke last August, but Curbs said:
"He just felt a little bit sore, so we had him scanned. They have said that
he can carry on running, but not join in with us for four to five weeks."
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