Uruguayan international Walter Lopez has become the latest new signing at
the Boleyn Ground
05.09.2008
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Uruguay left-back
Walter Lopez on a one-year contract.
After deciding to leave River Plate in his homeland, the 22-year-old was a
free agent and had attracted the attention of leading clubs across Europe.
However, he agreed to sign for West Ham United after impressing in training
and a behind closed doors practice game. Capped three times by his country,
Lopez is an attack-minded defender who can also play further forward in a
midfield role.
He has been given the No5 shirt and has already impressed caretaker manager
Kevin Keen in training. "Walter is a very attacking full-back who can get
forward," he said. "Like David Di Michele, he is another West Ham-type
player who will hopefully show everyone at the club what he can do." Lopez
could well compete with Herita Ilunga for a starting place, with the
Congolese defender due at the Boleyn Ground next week after international
duty.
Lopez, who hails from Montevideo and has also had spells in Spain and
Mexico, said: "I am really happy to be here and I hope to have a good
career. Upton Park is a beautiful stadium and it will be great to play for
West Ham. I am looking forward to it. It is a great club and there are some
great players at the club. I know about many of them like Lucas Neill and
Craig Bellamy. Everyone here has made me feel very welcome."
Although new to this country, Lopez is well aware what the English game is
all about. He said: "I watch the Premier League all the time on TV. It is
the No1 league in the world, the best and it is great to be a part of it. I
am very happy that I am here and I get to play for West Ham. The fans are
very passionate and I hope to show them what I can do." He added that he has
ambitions to establish himself as an international regular but "first my
priority is to show what I can do at West Ham. This is my team and where I
will play".
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Walter under the bridge - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 5th September 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have made their third signing of the week - Uruguayan international
Walter Alberto Lopez. The 22-year-old left-sided full-back can also play in
midfield and gives the incoming manager - whoever that may be - further
options in defence. A free agent having left former club River Plate (of
Uruguay, as opposed to the famous Argentinian club of the same name)
recently, the thrice-capped Lopez is said to have landed a contract with the
club after impressing during a recent trial.
Talking via whufc.com, he said: "I am really happy to be here and it will be
great to play for West Ham. I am looking forward to it. It is a great club
and there are some great players. "I watch the Premier League all the time
on TV and it is great to be a part of it. I am very happy that I am here and
I get to play for West Ham. The fans are very passionate and I hope to show
them what I can do."
Acting manager Kevin Keen added: "Walter is a very attacking full-back who
can get forward. Like David Di Michele, he is another West Ham-type player
who will hopefully show everyone at the club what he can do."
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CFA on the defensive - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 5th September 2008
By: Staff Writer
The Croatian FA have said that any attempt by West Ham United to lure Slaven
Bilic to Upton Park will be 'mission impossible'. Bilic, hot favourite to
land the vacant managerial position refused to rule himself out of the
running yesterday when questioned by supporters. But his current employers,
the Croatian FA - to whom Bilic is contracted until 2010 - are in no doubt
that their man will not be moving to England. "Bilic can't go because there
will be a big political problem with Croatia," Croatian FA president Vlatko
Markovi told the Daily Express. "This is the usual speculation. It will be
mission impossible." "Bilic can't go and, even if he loses against England,
he is not going to leave as we are very happy with him. They [West Ham]
might have money, but so do we - and the Croatian FA has enough money to buy
West Ham."
* A KUMB poll has former Inter boss Roberto Mancini as the clear favourite
of supporters to succeed Alan Curbishley. With almost 500 votes in already
Mancini has 52% of the vote (at time of writing). Bilic lies in second place
with 28%.
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Agent says Mancini unlikely to join West Ham
Friday, 5 September 2008
Independent.co.uk Web
Roberto Mancini's agent believes his client would be interested in working
in England but claims the time is not right for him to consider the vacant
West Ham managerial position. Mancini was sacked by Inter at the end of last
season despite guiding the Nerazzurri to a hat-trick of Serie A titles and
still having five years left on his contract at the San Siro. The
43-year-old's name is one of a handful to be linked with the West Ham job,
replacing Alan Curbishley who resigned on Wednesday, and is thought to be on
a shortlist of possible candidates. However, Giorgio De Giorgis claims
Mancini will not take on a new team until finalising his compensation
package with Inter. "Until his contract situation is resolved with Inter,
Roberto Mancini won't talk to other clubs: that's the way he is," De Giorgis
told Radio Kiss Kiss.
"Roberto loves England and London in particular, something which he has
never denied." West Ham technical director Gianluca Nani is thought to
favour an Italian coach as Curbishley's successor and the shortlist
reportedly includes two more of his compatriots - former Chelsea star
Gianfranco Zola and ex-Italy coach Roberto Donadoni.
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Hammer time all wrong for Roberto - TeamTalk
Roberto Mancini's agent believes his client would be keen on working in
England but claims the time is not right for him to manage West Ham. Mancini
was sacked by Inter Milan at the end of last season despite guiding the
Nerazzurri to a hat-trick of Serie A titles and still having five years left
on his contract at the San Siro. The 43-year-old's name is one of a handful
to be linked with the Hammers job, replacing Alan Curbishley who resigned on
Wednesday, and is thought to be on a shortlist of possible candidates.
However, Giorgio De Giorgis claims Mancini will not take on a new team until
finalising his compensation package with Inter. "Until his contract
situation is resolved with Inter, Roberto Mancini won't talk to other clubs:
that's the way he is," De Giorgis told Radio Kiss Kiss. "Roberto loves
England and London in particular, something which he has never denied."
Mancini famously made five appearances for Peter Taylor's Leicester in early
2001. West Ham technical director Gianluca Nani is thought to favour an
Italian coach as Curbishley's successor and the shortlist reportedly
includes two more of his compatriots - former Chelsea star Gianfranco Zola
and ex-Italy coach Roberto Donadoni.
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Mancio likes London, admits agent Friday 5 September, 2008 - CH4
The agent of ex-Inter Coach Roberto Mancini has hinted that the unemployed
tactician is interested in the vacant West Ham hot seat. The Hammers parted
company with manager Alan Curbishley this week and the presence of sporting
director Gianluca Nani makes an Italian appointment more likely. Mancini was
sacked by Inter at the end of last season but is yet to legally resolve his
contract with the club. However, his representative has hinted that he would
relish the chance to ply his trade in the Premier League. "Roberto won't
talk to any other club before he sorts out his contract situation with Inter
because that's the way he works," Giorgio De Giorgis told Radio Kiss Kiss.
"But Mancini really likes England and London in particular - that is
something that he has never denied." Former Juventus boss Didier Deschamps
and ex-Lazio ace Paolo Di Canio are also said to be in the frame for the
Upton Park job.
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Hammers snap up Lopez - SSN
South American defender arrives at Upton Park
By Chris Burton Last updated: 5th September 2008
West Ham have confirmed the signing of Uruguayan defender Walter Lopez on a
one-year contract. The 22-year-old was a free agent after leaving River
Plate and had attracted interest from across Europe. However, having
impressed during a recent trial period at Upton Park, he has decided on a
switch to England. He has already earned three caps for his country, while
his attacking instincts mean he is equally comfortable operating in a
midfield role if required. Hammers caretaker manager Kevin Keen admits he
has been impressed by the youngster during his time at the club and is
tipping him to be a success. "Walter is a very attacking full-back who can
get forward," Keen told the club's official website. "Like (fellow new
recruit) David Di Michele, he is another West Ham-type player who will
hopefully show everyone at the club what he can do."
Lopez has previously enjoyed spells in Spain and Mexico but is delighted to
have arrived in the Premier League. "I am really happy to be here and I hope
to have a good career," he said. "Upton Park is a beautiful stadium and it
will be great to play for West Ham. I am looking forward to it. "It is a
great club and there are some great players at the club. I know about many
of them like Lucas Neill and Craig Bellamy. Everyone has made me feel very
welcome. "I watch the Premier League all the time on TV. It is the No.1
league in the world, the best and it is great to be part of it. "I am very
happy that I am here and I get to play for West Ham. The fans are very
passionate and I hope to show them what I can do."
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Mancini likes England idea - SSN
Potential Hammers target open to Premier League challenge
By Chris Burton Last updated: 5th September 2008
The agent of Roberto Mancini admits his client would welcome the opportunity
to work in the Premier League. The Italian has been out of work since
parting company with Inter Milan over the summer and has been consistently
linked with a host of vacant positions. The latest round of speculation
suggests Mancini could be on the shortlist of candidates to replace Alan
Curbishley at West Ham. The Hammers are in the market for a new coach after
Curbishley handed in his resignation earlier this week. With Gianluca Nani
currently employed as sporting director at Upton Park, the appointment of an
Italian manager appears to be a distinct possibility. Mancini is yet to
resolve the financial issues following his split from Inter, but his
representative has hinted that the former Italy international striker would
relish the challenge of working in England. "Roberto doesn't want to talk to
any other club until he has sorted out his contract situation with Inter
because that's the way he works," Giorgio De Giorgis told Radio Kiss Kiss.
"But Mancini really likes England and London in particular - that is
something that he has never denied."
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Hammers must wait for Bilic - SSN
Former Upton Park defender committed to Croatia
By Rob Parrish Last updated: 5th September 2008
Slaven Bilic has reiterated his desire to one day manage West Ham, but
intends to stay at the helm of Croatia until 2010. Bilic remains among the
frontrunners tipped to take charge at Upton Park following Alan Curbishley's
decision to step down just three games into the new Premier League season.
But the former Hammers defender has no plans to walk away from his current
post leading his homeland as they bid to qualify for the World Cup in South
Africa. Croatia, who reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2008, have been
paired with England once again in qualification, with the first meeting
between the two clubs taking place on Wednesday night in Zagreb. Bilic told
Croatian sports daily Sportske Novosti: "I always said West Ham will be my
choice when I return to England. "However, my contract with the Croatian FA
expires in 2010 and I am intending to lead Croatia in this period."
Several names have been linked with the post including Roberto Mancini,
Gerard Houllier, Gianfranco Zola, Sam Allardyce and Roberto Donadoni. One
former West Ham player who has thrown his hat into the ring is controversial
Italian striker Paolo di Canio, according to his agent Phil Spencer. Spencer
said: "We have made moves to talk to West Ham and advised them that he [Di
Canio] wants to be considered. "He wouldn't be putting himself up for the
job if he didn't think he was capable of doing it. "He just wants the
opportunity to sit in front of the decision-makers at West Ham to tell them
what he would do and how he would take them forward."
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BREAKING NEWS: Hammers sign Uruguayan International.. - BubblesInTheAir.com
Friday 05 Sep 2008 15:03:27 by Admin
West Ham have completed the signing of left back Walter Lopez. Lopez has
signed a one year deal in East London after deciding to leave River Plate.
Reports suggest the 22 year old had been the subject of interest from
numerous clubs across Europe. Lopez who has made 3 appearances for his
country had been training with West Ham for the last couple of days and has
already featured in action at Upton Park in a behind closed doors friendly
against QPR. The latest signing is thought to be an attacking full back and
is the second left back to sign in the past few days following the arrival
of Congolese international Herita llunga.
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Arsenal Offered West Ham Target Appiah? - premeirshiplatest.com
Submitted by Jake Briggs on Fri, 2008-09-05 15:42.
Ghanaian International Stephen Appiah has reportedly been offered to Arsenal
manager Arsene Wenger as an emergency midfielder, according to The Mirror.
27-year-old Appiah is a free agent after having his deal at Turkish side
Fenerbahce annulled earlier this summer. The Ghanaian known as the 'Tornado'
for his combative style of play was believed to have favoured a move back to
Serie A with his former club Juventus. Along with the Gunners Premier League
rivals West Ham United, who Appiah is understood to have held talks with.
Wenger, who is keen to bolster his young midfield at the Emirates Stadium,
having failed with a late £14million offer for Liverpool's Xabi Alonso, was
linked with a move for Appiah last summer, with the midfielder claiming to
be '50%' an Arsenal player before deciding to stay with Fenerbahce. However,
despite holding talks with the Hammers about a move to Upton Park, it is
uncertain if Appiah is still in demand at the East London side following the
resignation of boss Alan Curbishley earlier this week. Which leaves North
London as the likely destination for Appiah. If Wenger should decide to take
a gamble on a player, who is still on his way back from a long-term injury.
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EXCLUSIVE: Former Italy boss Roberto Donadoni jets in for West Ham interview
- Daily Mail
By Dan Francis
Last updated at 2:48 PM on 05th September 2008
Former Italy head coach Roberto Donadoni was in London this afternoon being
interviewed for the vacant West Ham manager position. The 44-year-old, who
was sacked after Italy failed to progress past the quarter-finals at Euro
2008, was spotted arriving at London's City airport before taking a taxi to
Upton Park. Alan Curbishley resigned as West Ham manager earlier this week
after several of his top players were offered for sale by the Hammers' board
without his consent.
Sportsmail online understands that former Hibs manager John Collins was also
being interviewed for the post today and it will come down to a straight
choice between the two for the job. Donandoni managed Livorno (twice), Genoa
and Lecco before being taking charge of the Italian national side for two
years.
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Pardew to West Ham / Curbs to Charlton? Surely not... - Sit Down Shut Up
The mind boggles. But if the Oooh Aaah Daily Star is to believed this
morning, not only has Nikalaah from Braintree lost her bikini top, Alan
Pardew could be making a shock move back to Upton Park.
Pards hasn't seemed his normal uber-positive self of late. He seems to be
struggling with the financial restrictions being placed on him (where have
we heard that one before) and has barely mustered a smile in six months.
He's doing a sterling job at the Valley, but if one team could tempt him to
escape on the Woolwich ferry, you'd have to think it'd be West Ham.
If he did go, surely Curns would be the red hot favourite to be the next
manager of Charlton. If that did happen it would be the most barking circle
of events in football history. So it went West Ham took Charlton's manager,
so Chartlon took West Ham's manager, who then took Charlton's manager, so
they took West Ham's manager. Ridiculous.
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McCartney insists he didn't put in transfer request but West Ham say they
can prove he did - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 10:07 AM on 05th September 2008
West Ham have become embroiled in an ugly row with former left-back George
McCartney over his move to Sunderland and the part the transfer played in
Alan Curbishley's resignation. Curbishley quit on Wednesday because he felt
he had been undermined by McCartney's £6million deadline-day switch back to
the North East after, the former manager claimed, he had been told no more
players would be sold. The club then issued a statement saying that the
defender had been allowed to leave because he put in a transfer request
which said his wife was homesick and wanted to go back to Sunderland. But
McCartney has now insisted he did no such thing and blasted the Hammers
board yesterday for making him the "scapegoat" for Curbishley's resignation.
Speaking from Bratislava, where he is preparing for Northern Ireland's World
Cup qualifier against Slovakia, he said: 'I have seen on the West Ham
website I handed in a written transfer request. 'I never did anything of the
sort. Probably the board at West Ham are trying to cover their tracks. 'I
did propose that for family reasons I would like to move back north. But the
manager said 'no' I wasn't leaving and told me just to concentrate on West
Ham. 'I was happy to stay. That was on the Friday and I played my part in
the Blackburn game on the Saturday. The thought of leaving was finished as
far as I was concerned but then something changed. I got an indication on
Sunday that I could be on my way. 'These are strange times at West Ham and
no-one really knows what is going on at boardroom level.'
But Chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson and the board hit back today, and
insisted they have evidence that proves McCartney wanted to leave once he
became aware of Sunderland's interest. A statement on the club's website
read: 'West Ham United are astonished by the claims made subsequently by the
player that there was no written request to leave - with McCartney having
also repeatedly spoken of his desire to return to Sunderland to both the
manager and senior club officials. 'On Sunday 31 August, a senior official
wrote to McCartney stating: 'No one wants to sell. If you are happy to stay,
great, it ends here. I thought you were unhappy and wanted to go'. 'The
player then restated his desire to leave before handing in the written
transfer request on Monday.'
The club claim they have the letter and several text messages proving the
player wanted out of Upton Park. The unseemly row has clouded efforts to
recruit a new manager. Slaven Bilic is still on the wanted list but his
commitment to Croatia is proving difficult to overcome. That has led club
officials to focus their attentions on three Italians; Roberto Mancini,
ex-Chelsea star Gianfranco Zola and Roberto Donadoni, who was in charge of
Italy in Euro 2008.
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West Ham midfielder Mark Noble reveals Alan Curbishley disappointment -
Telegraph
Mark Noble extended sympathy to former manager Alan Curbishley and urged the
club to find a replacement before next weekend's game against West Bromich
Albion.
By Matt Lawless
Last Updated: 10:55AM BST 05 Sep 2008
The England under-21 international admitted he was disappointed by
Curbishley's resignation, believing that the club were going places under
his guidance. Curbishley, with the help of the mercurial Carlos Tevez,
mastered West Ham's last-day Premier League survival in 2007, before
steering the east London club to a top 10 finish last season. So far this
term, despite the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, West Ham have enjoyed their
best start in nine years after home wins over Wigan and Blackburn Rovers.
Noble said: "Alan is a proud man and I don't know what was going on. But it
is important for us to get it sorted soon. "Without the injuries last year
and if a couple of results had gone our way, we could have changed things.
"We finished 10th and that was always going to be a stepping stone - we've
had a our best start in nine years and hopefully that will continue."
With the club's Icelandic owners set to appoint West Ham's first ever
foreign manager, there is a growing concern that the club's proud tradition
of successfully nurturing academy prospects for the first team will soon be
over. Noble, who plays for the under-21s at Wembley this evening against
Portugal, admits he is glad to be on international duty, escaping the
current troubled climate at Upton Park. "Perhaps it's better that I am with
the under-21s so I don't have to worry about anything going on at the club,"
he said. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland defender George McCartney has provoked
a terse statement from his former club after he revealed that he did not
hand in a written transfer request to join Sunderland, as suggested by the
club's official website following his departure. McCartney said: "I noticed
on the West Ham website that I handed in a written transfer request - I
never did anything of the sort. "They are just trying to cover their tracks
with the supporters. These are strange times at West Ham. "No-one really
knows what is going on at boardroom level - what happened with Alan
Curbishley is very disappointing."
West Ham responded to the claims, saying: "West Ham United are astonished by
the claims subsequently made by the player that there was no written
transfer request to leave with McCartney having also repeatedly spoken of
desire to return to Sunderland to both the manager and senior club
officials."
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Croatia coach Slaven Bilic confirms desire to manage West Ham - Telegraph
Slaven Bilic has refused to rule out the possibility of becoming the new
West Ham manager, despite reaffirming his commitment to Croatia.
By Matt Lawless
Last Updated: 11:01AM BST 05 Sep 2008
The former West Ham defender is one of the leading names tipped to be in the
front running to replace Alan Curbishley in the Upton Park hot seat. Bilic
has impressed on the international scene, while his open desire to one day
return to England and manage West Ham has fuelled the club's interest.
Speaking to Croatian sports daily Sportske Novosti, the 39-year-old said:
"I've always said West Ham will be my choice when I return to England -
however, my contract with the Croatian FA expires in 2010 and I am intending
to lead Croatia in this period."
The fiercely patriotic Bilic attempted to further play down the speculation
after admitting reports had concerned his Croatia squad ahead of their
forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and England. He said:
"The players asked about it - they read it on the internet or the papers or
whatever. But we are playing Kazakhstan on Saturday and are just
concentrating on that game."
West Ham are set to begin interviewing for their vacant managerial post
today with Italian trio Gianfranco Zola, Paolo Di Canio and Roberto Mancini
touted as the other prime candidates. Di Canio, 40, is desperate to land the
position having spent the summer working closely with Inter Milan manager
Jose Mourinho as he completed his relevant coaching qualifications. An
eternal fans favourite in east London, it is understood Di Canio was
instrumental in convincing new recruit David Di Michele to join from Torino,
while his agent, Phil Spencer, confirmed the controversial Italian has
applied for the vacancy. Spencer said: "Paolo just wants the opportunity to
sit in front of the decision-makers at West Ham to tell them what he would
do and how he would take them forward."
West Ham vice-chairman Asgeir Fridgeirsson, meanwhile, has rejected claims
that an appointment is already in place. "It is totally inaccurate to say we
have anyone lined up for the job already," he said. "I have asked for a
comprehensive list, in terms of nationality, experience and qualifications -
the parameters go along with what we are trying to achieve at the club."
Despite publicly refuting interest in the job, it has been reported that
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp would consider a dramatic return to the
club if the board were willing to give him full control of player
recruitment and sales - a role supervised by technical director Gianluca
Nani.
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Spurs and West Ham bid for new homes as 2012 venues up for grabs - Daily
Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 11:45 AM on 05th September 2008
London 2012 chiefs were plunged into a battle over the legacy of the two key
Olympic venues. They are facing a crisis after it emerged that the
£525million Olympic stadium may be demolished to build a new venue for a
Premier League football club - with Tottenham widely-touted as an interested
party. Meanwhile, the future of the £1billion athletes' village was put into
further doubt by the resignation of two key figures from its developer Lend
Lease. Emergency plans for a purpose-built football stadium in the Olympic
Park are being drawn up amid concerns that the venue will otherwise become a
white elephant. The London Development Agency may ditch the original plan to
convert the 80,000-capacity stadium to an athletics venue holding 25,000
people. Planners for Mayor Boris Johnson believe it could be cheaper in the
long run to build a new stadium in partnership with a football club rather
than subsidise its use as a predominantly athletics venue. That could pave
the way for West Ham who are sceptical about moving to a former Parcelforce
depot site suggested by the LDA. Or could the Hammers walk away from Upton
Park? West Ham's initial talks with 2012 chiefs about a move to the Olympic
stadium broke down two years ago over disagreement about the cost of
converting the venue after the Games. Tottenham Hotspur currently plan to
redevelop their own White Hart Lane stadium to boost capacity but sources
say they would not rule out a move to Stratford if the price was right. Mr
Johnson is become increasingly concerned that no 'anchor tenant' has come
forward to occupy the venue. Responsibility for making it pay its way has
been given to Tom Russell, the LDA director of Olympic legacy, and the man
who was a key figure in the building of Manchester City's Eastlands stadium
when he was at Manchester City Council.
The issue will be the first major matter dealt with by Johnson's legacy
advisory board which is to be launched later this month. Progress on the
£1billion athletes' village was plunged into further doubt this week when
Nigel Hugill announced he was resigning as chairman of Lend Lease.
Development director Robin Butler is also going. The troubled Australian
firm has struggled to raise its £450 million stake in the project with a
deal not expected until later this year. However, the planners are not
looking to change the existing design for the 80,000-seat Olympic Stadium,
and have also been told that whatever is there afterwards must have the
capability to stage major athletics events. An LDA spokesperson said: 'The
LDA has left no stone unturned in examining all legacy options for the
Olympic venues and is still looking at a range of potential sporting uses
including athletics, football and rugby for the Olympic stadium.' Mr
Johnson's Olympics watchdog David Ross has warned that the 2012 stadium's
cost now is £525million and there would have to be significant private
investment into building a completely new stadium after the Games. London
2012 chiefs have also insisted that having an athletics facility after the
Games is non-negotiable because that was one of the promises made to the IOC
in the bid.
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Slaven Bilic ready to reject West Ham United
Bilic is happy to stay as manager of the Croatia national team (EPA/Kerim
Okten)
Times Online
Slaven Bilic has distanced himself from the vacant manager's job at West Ham
United, insisting he intends to see out his contract as manager of Croatia.
Bilic, who led the team to Euro 2008, is understood to be among a number of
potential candidates to succeed Alan Curbishley who resigned on Wednesday.
However, the former West Ham defender says he intends to lead his country
through to the end of qualification for the 2010 World Cup. "I always said
West Ham will be my choice when I return to England," Bilic said. "However,
my contract with the Croatian FA expires in 2010 and I am intending to lead
Croatia in this period."
Several names have been linked with the post including Gerard Houllier,
Gianfranco Zola, Roberto Donadoni and Roberto Mancini. "I have asked for a
comprehensive list, in terms of nationality, experience and qualifications,"
Asgeir Fridgeirsson, the West Ham vice-chairman, said. "The parameters go
along with what we are trying to achieve at the club. The key element is
that we want this to be a sustainable club.
"It is totally inaccurate to say we have anyone lined up for the job already
- we want a strong English club with English players, with its roots in the
academy."
Paolo di Canio is among a number of former players to have expressed an
interest in the West Ham job. Phil Spencer, the Italian's agent, said: "We
have made moves to talk to West Ham and advised them that [Di Canio] wants
to be considered. He wouldn't be putting himself up for the job if he didn't
think he was capable of doing it. "He just wants the opportunity to sit in
front of the decision-makers at West Ham to tell them what he would do and
how he would take them forward."
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Could Gunners Hammers down West Ham target? - Guardian Series
7:39am Friday 5th September 2008
MEDIA reports suggest that Arsenal having missed out on several targets
during the transfer window could make a move for long-term West Hammers
target Stephen Appiah. The midfielder, who is a free agent after agreeing
his release from Fenerbahce has been heavily linked with a move to Upton
Park, although following Alan Curbishley's departure the Irons may no longer
be in the running for him. And according to reports in Italy the former
Juventus man may appeal to Arsene Wenger as he looks to strengthen his
squad. Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has also been linked with a move for
the 27-year-old, who has stated that he would love to play in the Premier
League. "There are contacts, there are talks - I can't say anything yet," he
told skysports.com. "I am not going to put people off, my agents are talking
so I have nothing else to say. "My dream is to play in the Premier League
and with the help of God, I will realise that dream."
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Di Canio Latest, One Egg and Several Biscuits - The West Ham Process
09.05.08
It has taken me a while to really come to terms with what we have
experienced from West Ham these past few months. I personally was never
Curbishley's biggest fan, I felt that his methods were out-dated and his
tactics misguided. I realise that he was a Hammer, but I never really felt
he quite understood us fans. Maybe an odd thing to say, but I think Pardew
just 'got' us. I was reminded of the home-leg of our first play-off
semi-final against Ipswich (the year we failed in the final), Pardew
organised the bugle player to play the teams out. He excited the crowd, he
drummed up the support and got the team playing attractive football that won
us games and got us to three finals.
Pardew understood what we expected from a group of people representing West
Ham. I know sometimes he got it wrong and when he finally departed we really
wasn't playing our best football….but he was a young manager and will learn
from that. I suppose I expected more from Curbishley being that he was
vastly more experienced.
I remember the year that we nearly got relegated and for a period of the
season (namely the beginning of Curbishley's employment) I was left
wondering why Carlos Tevez was not on the pitch….we had a world-class
striker at our disposal and Curbishley wasn't playing him. When he did
finally play him, our seson began to slowly turn around. So to the people,
mainly in the press, who always like to remind us 'fickle' West Ham fans
that Curbishley has done a brilliant job with us, keeping us up and steering
us towards 10th, I like to mention that Curbishley was in no rush to field
Tevez and was it not for the fans, I'm not sure he would have done. As for
finishing 10th, yes it was a respectable position, but the manner in which
we achieved it was not encouraging in the slightest. Had the 10 teams below
us been of a better standard (as in the year we did actually go down), I
really think we would have been in real trouble.
All in all, based on what I knew about Curbishley as a manager, I didn't
want him. Had I known what is now coming out of the wordwork regarding the
board decisions and attitude towards our club, I would have been far more
sympathetic to his cause. So Curbisley, I apologise. I apologise for the
criticisms you have unduly taken for things that were well out of your
control.
My mind hasn't changed with regard to Curbishley not really being the right
man for the job, but the manner in which he continually had his legs swiped
from beneath him is unacceptable.
Ambition and Eggs
I have mentioned this before, but I will say it again because I think it
holds even truer with what we know now. There is currently a lot of
cristicism floating about for Eggert Magnusson, but what is so clear now is
that he oozed ambition. Eggert wanted Alan Curbishley and West Ham to
succeed, so he parted with his (probably BG's actually!) cash. The problem
unfortunately once again lies with Curbishely…he famously said "I only
recommend the players", as if to try and pass the blame onto the board for
the signings of players like Dyer, Ljungberg and Quashie. I'm sorry Curbs
but those players that were quite frankly awful signings are solely your
responsibility….is there any wonder whatsoever that BG didn't want to give
him anymore money?
What we need really is someone like Eggert to be the face (ha!) of the
Icelandic board and fro BG to be responsible for handing out sweets. I don't
think BG would have agreed as readily as Eggert did when Curbishley
recommended the signing of Quashie. Raw ambition without control is a
dangerous as well, someting really dangerous. And too much control without
any ambition (the situation we find otutselves in now) is equally
devestating.
What we need is a manager who actually has a pair. A manager who has
ambition and passion. Someone who will get the very best out of a depleted
squad. And a manager who adopts a zero tolerance policy towards the board.
Someone who's first priority is West Ham Football Club.
The team we have currently isn't actually that bad at all, infact when fully
fit is pretty good (on paper). Any team that includes Ashton, Bellamy,
Parker, Upson and Green is off to a good start….get someone in who can
motivate and inspire these sort of players to perform to their very best.
(Dyer is also a pretty decent player too, we just forget that because we
have never seen him play!)
It's Science
Unfortunately, Curbishley was in the dark ages when it come to Sports
Science. It is such a major factor in equipping players for performing to
their peak. (I know I am a little biased on this!) What Pardew installed at
our club was an ethic for hard work alongside the very latest in Sports
Science techniques. How many injuries did we have under Pards? Not many at
all. Infact this was the main reason I think that we performed so well in
our first year back….a stable team.
Curbishley stepped up and took all that away…it's a real shame he didn't
know what he was destroying. Look at the impact that had on our injury
record. Maybe it is just a massive coincidence, but that does not rub well
with me at all.
We need to invest in an extremely high quality team of people who work
behind the scenes, preparing players each week. So important.
Biscuits
As for the recent behaviour of BG and the gang….disgraceul. Horrendus
treatment of the manager and lying to the fans, two things you really don't
want to do at West Ham. I don't think much more needs to be said than that,
and unless their PR skills dramatically improve, I can just say now that BG
you should expect to recieve a welcome of 'David Beckham' (when he came back
from the world cup) proportions. We need to see that you are making steps to
employing a manager who can take us to the next level, we need to hear
truthful reasons for flogging off some of our valuable assests, It is
unacceptable and Curbishley I really do feel sorry for you.
And as 'Mrs. Curbishley' said in yesterday's post, I just hope this isn't
the beginning of a demise for our beautiful club.
Sam
The latest situation on Di Canio becomming our next boss is that he has said
that he would "love to manage West Ham". He has the relevant coaching badges
but no top flight experience. It's a very interesting possibility, I
personally feel he fits the bill I described earlier pretty well….but lack
of experience is a big problem. Hhmmmmm. Di Canio is also currently the
bookies favourite
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Zola eyes West Ham job: Italian legend wants to succeed Curbishley - Daily
Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 10:23 AM on 05th September 2008
Gianfranco Zola has joined Paolo Di Canio in admitting interest in becoming
the new manager of told West Ham. The Italian is reportedly on a short-list
of six foreign names to succeed Alan Curbishley, who resigned on Wednesday.
Croatia boss Slaven Bilic is on the short-list along with former Liverpool
and France boss Gerard Houllier, Roberto Mancini and Roberto Donadoni.
Italian technical director Gianluca Nani now has the task of establishing
the availability of the candidates. Zola, 42, has said he is interested in
returning to English football after becoming a Chelsea legend in his seven
years at Stamford Bridge, reports The Mirror. He is assistant to another
former Chelsea player, Pierluigi Casiraghi, with the Italian Under-21s. The
Irons hope to have a new manager in place by the time they face West Brom on
September 13.
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I Don't Want an Italian Manager - West Ham Till I Die
I've thought about this a lot, and I don't want my words to be
misinterpreted in any way, but I am horrified that five people on the
shortlist of six are said to be Italians. I have nothing against Italians,
but would say the same whatever their nationality. I don't want West Ham to
be turned into another Liverpool or Arsenal where British born players are a
novelty item and the team consists almost entirely of foreigners. I am not
being at all xenophobic, but I just want the owners of the club to recognise
that West Ham has traditionally recruited from within its own and attracted
players from the local area. Maybe now is the time to recruit someone from
outside that gene pool, but are we really saying that the only good managers
are Italian managers?
If reports are to be believed, Zola and Di Canio are two of the leading
contenders. I'd love to see Paolo Di Canio back here, although possibly as a
number two. We cannot take chances over this appointment and need someone
with some managerial experience, which both Zola and Di Canio lack. At least
Roberto Mancini has buckets of it. But if he came I would bet you anything
you like that within two years a British player would be a rarity in a West
Ham first eleven.
I know who I would like to see offered the job and I will be telling you
later!
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Bilic - The New Special One? Goal.com
With the current managerial vacancy at West Ham United, Cian Hegarty
weighs-up whether it may pave the way for a new 'Special One' in the shape
of Slaven Bilic, and examines what the Croatian would bring to the Premier
League...
There was a lot of expectancy when José Mourinho burst on the Premier League
scene in June 2004. Though he had just clinched the Champions League with
Porto and had a mountainous stack of money to spend, it was not just the
performance of his team on the pitch that people were looking forward to
witnessing. It was the character of Mourinho himself - the persona that
people were excited about.
He proved to be a headline writer's dream, as he was expected to be. His
personality was that of a continental James Bond, he was eccentric, slick
and classy. His press conferences verged on the absurd, he was a source of
entertainment every time he spoke, he threw two championship medals into the
stands, and he even had a hit song in his honour.
It was Mourinho's style and panache that made him popular. His interviews
were comical, controversial, irreverent and always entertaining. Whether he
was talking about withholding his fury regarding a referee after a league
game, because he wanted to keep his money for Christmas gifts, accusing
Arsené Wenger of being a voyeur or that he feared bird-flu more than
Manchester United closing the gap at the top of the league table, José never
ceased to amuse critics and fans alike.
And though he may have made a lot of enemies in his three season reign, love
him or hate him, he did add something to the Premier League that has yet to
be replaced.
His departure a little over a year ago has left a gaping hole in the soap
opera appeal of the Premier League. Arsene Wenger is quieter now than he
ever has been, Sir Alex Ferguson has become more relaxed and less outspoken
with age and Rafa Benitez is about as classy and slick as Mr. Bean. No
top-flight boss comes close to Mourinho's appeal, but the latest news from
Upton Park could change all that.
Hammers' boss Alan Curbishley has departed the hot-seat at the Boleyn
Ground. He had been under pressure from fans and board alike for his
pragmatic tactics and caution, two aspects of the game which fly in the face
of the footballing philosophies championed in east London. His team had been
underperforming, needing extra-time to squeeze part League One side
Macclesfield town in the Carling Cup last week, and Curbishley bore the
brunt of it, despite West Ham's best start to a top-flight season in nine
years.
Curbishley was dismayed about the so-called 'fire-sale' at the club, with a
number of first-team players being sold from under his feet; Anton Ferdinand
went to Sunderland against the manager's wishes after the 'men upstairs'
accepted a bid and he was followed, crucially and fatally, by George
McCartney. The Northern-Irish left-back's exit was the straw that broke the
camel's back for Curbishley and he walked out on Wednesday afternoon,
disillusioned with the structures at the club.
COMETH THE HOUR?
Enter Slaven Bilic, manager of Croatia, the man who masterminded home and
away defeats against England last season - preventing them from qualifying
for a major international tournament for the first time in 14 years. If he
expresses an interest in the vacancy at West Ham, he would most certainly
relish a challenge of this nature.
No stranger to English soil having played for the Upton Park side as well as
Everton, Bilic has been known to be as outspoken and charismatic as his
Portuguese counterpart Mourinho. A multi linguist like José (speaking
English, German, French as well as his native Croatian), Bilic holds a law
degree and his band, Rawbau, for whom he plays guitar, had a number one hit
in Croatia with its Euro 2008 anthem, "Vatreno Ludilo" ("Fiery Madness").
It is Bilic's performance at those championships that have earned him so
much international respect as a coach. At 39, he was the youngest coach at
the tournament and, after winning all three of his group games, was
extremely unlucky when his side lost out on a semi-place in a penalty
shootout with Turkey.
His swashbuckling style of play, reliant on exciting wingers and playmakers,
won him favour aming neutrals and his desire and will to win made his
Croatia side extremely hard to beat.
Though it has been established that he is interested in managing in the
Premier League further into his career, West Ham would provide the perfect
opportunity for him in the present. However, it is as yet unclear as to
whether or not he would surrender his duties as Croatian manager.
He is intensely patriotic and enjoys a close relationship with the majority
of his players, something that was evident when he was seen jumping up and
down with them following Ivan Klasnic's 119th minute goal against Turkey,
and consoling them when that dream was not realised.
Critics will point out that Bilic's club management history consists solely
of five games with his home town side Hajduk Split and that he may find the
day-to-day running of a football club a bit tedious, but this should not
prevent him from getting a chance at a club where he is already
well-admired. The Hammers' fans remember Bilic delaying a lucrative contract
deal with Everton in his playing days so he could he keep West Ham in the
Premier League
Bilic's arrival would ensure a bit added spice to a league that needs to add
to the dour lot filling our screens and newspapers at the moment.
Cian Hegarty
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Hammers Retaliate To McCartney Claims - Goal.com
In response to George McCartney's damning allegations made recently toward
the actions of the West Ham United board, the east London outfit have
retaliated by making a public statement. Towards the close of the summer
window Sunderland swooped for West Ham duo Anton Ferdinand and George
McCartney. Alan Curbishley, it has been reported, wanted to keep hold of the
pair, in particularly though the latter. The sale of McCartney to Sunderland
is said to have set the wheels in motion in Curbishley's resignation.
McCartney, a full Northern Ireland international, supported his former
manager but had reservations over the motives of the board, he is quoted by
the Guardian as saying: "They have not been behind Alan Curbishley since the
start of the season... they did not trust him to spend. I saw on the club
website that I handed in a transfer request, this is not true."
In response to this a statement then appeared on whufc.co.uk: "Having
previously declared their interest, Sunderland approached West Ham United at
the end of last week with a renewed offer to sign the player... Both
McCartney and his agent were made aware of this development. However, as was
demonstrated by the rejection of a previous bid and with the subsequent
agreement of a new five-year contract, West Ham United had no intention of
selling McCartney."
"Following this offer from Sunderland, McCartney handed in a signed written
transfer request on Monday, 1st September, which stated 'due to private,
family reasons I wish to accept the offer to move back to Sunderland AFC'.
"West Ham United are astonished by the claims made by the player that there
was no written request to leave with McCartney having repeatedly spoken of
his desire to return to Sunderland to both the manager and senior club
officials.
"On Sunday, 31st August, a senior club official wrote to McCartney stating
'no-one wants to sell. If you are happy to stay, great, it ends here. I
thought you were unhappy and wanted to go'.
"The player then restated his desire to leave before handing in the written
transfer request on Monday."
Alan Dawson
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Bilic dismisses Hammers rumours - ITN News
Updated 10.05 Fri Sep 05 2008
West Ham are planning talks with Roberto Mancini to fill their managerial
vacancy after Slaven Bilic ruled himself out of the running. Former manager
Alan Curbishley resigned following a dispute with the club's board over
transfer policy. "My contract with the Croatian FA expires in 2010 and I am
intending to lead Croatia in this period." - Slaven BilicThe final straw for
Curbishley is believed to have been the sale of George McCartney to
Sunderland on transfer deadline day. Curbishley claimed "significant player
decisions" were made without involving him, constituting a "breach of trust
and confidence".
McCartney yesterday spoke of his dismay at being dragged into the whole
affair, but had nothing but admiration for his former gaffer. The defender
said: "These are strange times at West Ham and no-one really knows what is
going on at boardroom level." He added: "They (the board) have not been
behind Alan Curbishley since the start of the season."
Croatia manager Bilic, a former Hammers defender, was believed to be on top
of the club's shortlist, but it appears he intends to lead his national side
through to the end of qualification for the 2010 World Cup at least. He
said: "I always said West Ham will be my choice when I return to England.
"However, my contract with the Croatian FA expires in 2010 and I am
intending to lead Croatia in this period."
Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier, ex-Inter Milan coach Mancini and
former Italy boss Roberto Donadoni are also thought to be contenders along
with Gianfranco Zola. No approaches have been made to Harry Redknapp or
Stuart Pearce while Sam Allardyce and Paolo di Canio have been ruled out.
Others on the fringes include John Collins, former Ajax and Denmark coach
Morten Olsen, Martin Jol, David O'Leary and Glenn Hoddle.
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Curbs' Waved the White Flag along Time Ago!!! - BubblesInTheAir.com
Friday 05 Sep 2008 09:36:46 by Joshua Brain
First off, let me say that I am sincerely disappointed Curbs has left,
especially after a promising start.
He is a good man, and has left with a shred of dignity and integrity. I
understand his views and respect his decision. However, rather than go along
with the majority of 'sack the board' calls that rampage through the
airwaves on Five Live or Sky Sports News, I will attempt to justify the
boards' position and play devil's advocate.
As reported McCartney handed in a written transfer request. Why then does
Curbs' feel the club betrayed him over selling the player to Sunderland?
Curbs' should have been lining up a replacement and expecting McCartney to
move. If a player is unhappy at the club for personal reasons, then it can
come as no surprise that the club decides to sell.
Reportedly, McCartney handed in the request towards the end of last week –
giving significant time for Curbs to find a replacement. In the end,
Gianluca Nani appears to have orchestrated the signing of McCartney's
replacement, Ilunga. The board should also feel vindicated in selling Anton
– he rejected a bumper pay rise, refusing to commit his long-term future to
the club, so he was sold. £8 million is a good price too. Collins and
Gabbidon are just as good, if not better… when fit.
As discussed in a previous article of mine, transfer deadline day was always
going to reveal the power struggle behind the scenes, and it didn't
disappoint. If we go back 6 months or so, Curbs backed the appointment of
Nani - conceding that his own knowledge of European talent was rather scant
( hypothetically speaking, would we receive any significant profit on any
Curbishley purchase?).
From that moment Curbishley effectively severed his ties as a manager,
demoting himself to a little more than head coach. Thus, Curbs' argument of
betrayal has no validity – he simply cannot defend the salaries and transfer
fees of his recruits. Curbs' was extremely naïve in taking no record of
players' wages at the club. There is no excuse as to why Curbs' and Eggert
failed to communicate information relating to players wages. A recruits
salary must influence the next transfer – was Curbs not inquisitive to ask
how much funds would be available after Ljungberg signed? "Oh it grows on
tress Alan" Eggert said. Yet, jealously amongst the players has clearly been
an evident source of unrest within the dressing room. Ask Rob Green. Eggy
and Curbs'have now paid for their hazardous spending.
So who is next for the Hammers? The job description of Nani must play an
integral role in determining who we go for. Are we after a manager or a
coach? Time will tell. My outside bet would be Mancini.
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Hammers hit back over McCartney move - shieldsgazette.com
CONTROVERSY was raging today over whether or not George McCartney asked to
leave West Ham to join Sunderland on transfer deadline day. The London club,
seeking to appease their supporters over the loss of Anton Ferdinand and
McCartney to Sunderland and the subsequent resignation of manager Alan
Curbishley, released a statement saying McCartney asked to leave. McCartney,
currently on international duty with Northern Ireland, spoke to reporters
yesterday saying that was nonsense. But the Hammers hit back with an
official statement saying they had the documentation. The club said: "Having
previously declared their interest, Sunderland approached West Ham United at
the end of last week with a renewed offer to sign the player. "Both
McCartney and his agent were made aware of this development. "However, as
was demonstrated by the rejection of a previous bid and with the subsequent
agreement of a new five-year contract, West Ham United had no intention of
selling McCartney. Following this offer from Sunderland, McCartney handed in
a signed written transfer request on Monday, 1 September which stated "due
to private, family reasons I wish to accept the offer to move back to
Sunderland AFC".
West Ham United are astonished by the claims made subsequently by the player
that there was no written request to leave, with McCartney having also
repeatedly spoken of his desire to return to Sunderland to both the manager
and senior club officials. On Sunday , a senior club official wrote to
McCartney stating: "No one wants to sell. If you are happy to stay, great,
it ends here. I thought you were unhappy and wanted to go."
The player then restated his desire to leave before handing in the written
transfer request on Monday. McCartney tells a different story and believes
he has been made a scapegoat following Curbishley exit in disgust at the
club's transfer policy. He said: "I have seen on the West Ham website I
handed in a written transfer request. "I never did anything of the sort.
Probably the board at West Ham are trying to cover their tracks. "I did
propose that for family reasons I would like to move back north. But the
manager said 'no' I wasn't leaving and just to concentrate on West Ham. "I
was happy to stay. That was on the Friday and I played my part in the
Blackburn game on the Saturday. "The thought of leaving was finished as far
as I was concerned but then something changed. I got on an indication on
Sunday that I could be on my way. "These are strange times at West Ham and
no one really knows what is going on at boardroom level. "The board have not
been behind Alan Curbishley since the start of the season. "It was a
difficult time for him - they did not trust him with any money to spend. "I
cannot understand how a manager can be under so much pressure. He saved us
from relegation and we finished 10th last year. This season has been the
club's best start for years. "I loved my time under Alan Curbishley, got on
well with him and never had any problems with him. West Ham was the place to
be and I loved my two years there."
While mystery might surround McCartney's Upton Park departure, he is
determined to put that behind him and focus on his new Sunderland career.
"Maybe I can help get Sunderland to a higher level," he said. "That is the
challenge and one I am looking forward to. "Roy Keane did a good job getting
the team promoted and then establishing them in the Premier League. "He asks
for 100 per cent effort and commitment but that is not something I am afraid
off. I am looking forward to getting started."
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