Matthew Upson reached double figures in England caps with a strong showing
against Kazakhstan
11.10.2008
Matthew Upson won his tenth England cap on Saturday as England finished
strongly to record a 5-1 home win in World Cup qualifying against Kazakhstan
at Wembley.
The central defender got the nod ahead of Joleon Lescott in the absence of
the injured John Terry and turned in a solid display alongside Rio Ferdinand
in a contest that saw Wayne Rooney take the man of the match plaudits. Upson
was fittingly wearing the No6 - the shirt he has proudly handed back at the
Boleyn Ground at the start of the season in honour of the country's greatest
international Bobby Moore.
In a goalless first half, Upson figured most prominently in the visitors'
penalty area - going close with three headers when up for set-pieces.
Stand-in captain Ferdinand finally broke the deadlock seven minutes after
the interval and an own goal on 68 minutes seemed to suggest the game was
safe for Fabio Capello's men.
However, an Ashley Cole mistake let Zhambyl Kukeyev in to score past David
James three minutes later and give the Kazakhs hope of a fightback. On 76
minutes, Rooney restored normal service with a header from Wes Brown's
cross and then got a second eight minutes later after Upson had caused
confusion in the area. Jermain Defoe wrapped up the win with a breakaway
goal to leave England with nine points from nine at the top of Group 6.
Upson will hope to keep his place when England go to Belarus on Wednesday
night, while Robert Green - who was beaten to a place on the bench by Scott
Carson on Saturday - will look to stake his claim as well. In the European
zone, the winners of each group will progress to the 2010 World Cup. The
eight best runners-up will then be drawn into four play-off matches with the
winners of each two-legged tie joining the pool winners in South Africa.
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Bellamy and Collins boost - WHUFC
West Ham United fans will be delighted that Craig Bellamy and James Collins
are both on a high
11.10.2008
Craig Bellamy and James Collins gave West Ham United a double boost on
Saturday as they both featured in a 2-0 win for Wales against Liechtenstein
in World Cup qualifying.
Bellamy, who was unlucky with several good opportunities including a missed
spot-kick, made his first start this season and got 81 minutes of
competitive action before being rested in place of his club-mate Collins.
While Bellamy has made three substitute appearances for West Ham United this
season after recovering from a hamstring problem, Collins has not played a
senior game since last December after suffering a serious knee injury in a
January reserve game.
Wales had to be patient to wrap things up in their third Group 4 encounter.
They had opened up the World Cup campaign with a 1-0 home win against
Azerbaijan but then lost 2-1 in Russia. David Edwards finally opened the
scoring just before half-time at the Millennium Stadium and it could have
been two almost immediately had Bellamy's penalty not been saved. It
mattered not as Ched Evans' deflected shot went in on 80 minutes - prompting
Bellamy's departure with the job done and that welcome run out for Collins.
John Toshack's men are next in action on Wednesday when they go to
Monchengladbach to take on the might of Germany. Collins may well find
himself in the starting eleven for a match that could prove decisive to
Welsh hopes. In the European zone, the winners of each group will progress
to the 2010 World Cup. The eight best runners-up will then be drawn into
four play-off matches with the winners of each two-legged tie joining the
pool winners in South Africa.
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Behrami buoyed by Switzerland - WHUFC
After a shock defeat in his absence last month, Valon Behrami was back to
help his country to a vital win
11.10.2008
Valon Behrami played the full 90 minutes as Switzerland got back to winning
ways with a 2-1 home win against Latvia.
The result in St Gallen means Ottmar Hitzfeld's team have their first win as
they bid to qualify from Group 2 for the 2010 World Cup after they lost 2-1
at home last month to minnows Luxembourg following a 2-2 draw in Israel. The
23-year-old Behrami, who was winning his 22 cap, had missed the Luxembourg
match with a slight knock but was back in the starting lineup on Saturday.
After a nervy first hour, captain Alexander Frei broke the deadlock in a
close game on 63 minutes. The home task seemingly became easier six minutes
later when the visitors' Juris Laizans was sent off for his second yellow
card. Deniss Ivanovs struck a surprise equaliser on 71 minutes to stun the
home crowd but Blaise N'Kufo restored the advantage within two minutes much
to the relief of the AFG Arena.
Despite the weekend victory, with just four points from three games
Switzerland still know they must win in Greece on Wednesday. In the European
zone, the winners of each group will progress to the 2010 World Cup. The
eight best runners-up will then be drawn into four play-off matches with the
winners of each two-legged tie joining the pool winners in South Africa.
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Heartbreak for Ilunga - WHUFC
Herita Ilunga's hopes of playing at the 2010 World Cup and that year's
Africa Cup of Nations are over
11.10.2008
Herita Ilunga was part of the Congo DR side that lost 2-1 in Malawi and saw
their World Cup qualification dreams end on Saturday.
The West Ham United left-back played the whole 90 minutes in Blantyre when
Lomana LuaLua's superb 12th-minute solo effort opened the scoring before the
hosts' second-half equaliser through Russel Mwafulirwa. Congo DR - who
reached the 1974 World Cup as Zaire - had only to avoid defeat against their
Group 12 rivals to make sure of second place and looked likely to achieve it
until a late home winner from Mwafulirwa dashed their hopes.
DR Congo, who''s task had been made more difficult by the absence of striker
Shabani Nonda, the Galatasaray forward, finished third and missed out on
being one of the 20 teams progressing to the third and final stage of World
Cup qualifying in the African zone. The defeat also means DR Congo will not
play at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations as the World Cup qualifiers were
being used as the qualification programme for the continental championship.
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Carr happy with clean sheet - WHUFC
Oliver Lee came the closest to scoring but West Ham United U18s had to
settle for a weekend point
11.10.2008
West Ham United Under-18s 0-0 Crystal Palace Under-18s
Tony Carr was happy to see his youthful side stop a run of three successive
defeats with a goalless draw against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The academy director was particularly pleased with how United coped with
set-pieces against a physical Eagles team and also showed good fitness,
despite several having been involved with the reserves in midweek. The
lively Oliver Lee had the best of the home side's moments at Little Heath,
spurning a good opportunity when a goal seemed certain. Among the unused
substitutes was schoolboy forward Daniel Subuola and Austrian midfielder
Georg Grasser, who had a good 70 minutes in the reserves 4-1 defeat at
Fulham on Tuesday.
Full report to follow
West Ham United: Street, Miller, Brown, McNaughton, Fry, Edgar, Lee, Okus,
Kearns, Bajner, Abdulla (Montano 70)
Subs not used: Loveday, Barrett, Grasser, Subuola
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More success for Spence - WHUFC
Jordan Spence has enjoyed yet another memorable evening as captain of the
Young Lions
11.10.2008
Jordan Spence's dream of captaining England to the 2009 European Under-19
Championship took a major step forward with qualification for the Elite
round.
The West Ham United defender, who previously skippered the Young Lions to
the 2007 U17 World Cup, helped marshall the team to a 3-1 win against
mini-tournament hosts Northern Ireland on Friday. Still only 18, Spence is
on the verge of first-team contention having travelled on the summer tour of
North America and been on the bench for the first three games of the season.
An athletic and imposing centre-back, he spent much of the last campaign as
the regular right-back in the reserves.
In Friday night's victory, Henri Lansbury equalised and then put England in
front before Rhys Murphy rounded out the scoring. Having opened the
four-team section with a 3-0 victory against Albania, it meant two wins from
two in the Group 9 qualifying pool and ensured England would go through to
the next stage along with Serbia who also have six points. The two nations
will meet on Monday to decide who will be group winners.
The Elite round will be staged in the spring next year and could also
feature club-mates like Junior Stanislas and Freddie Sears, who missed out
on this mini-tournament because of club commitments. The finals will be
played in Ukraine next June. The West Ham United contingent will also hope
to earn a place in the 2009 U20 World Cup in Egypt, with England already
qualified for the September finals after playing at the 2008 U19 Euro
earlier this summer.
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Noble inspires England win - WHUFC
Mark Noble helped England to victory in the U21 play-off against a Wales
side featuring Jack Collison
10.10.2008
Mark Noble's England hold the advantage over Jack Collison's Wales after a
3-2 victory in the first leg of their European Under-21 Championship
play-off on Friday night.
The 21-year-old Noble was involved in all three England goals in Cardiff
and, with the return to come at Villa Park on Tuesday night, the Young Lions
will feel confident of progressing to next summer's U21 Euro in Sweden.
Collison, who only turned 20 last week, was an industrious performer in a
more withdrawn midfield role than his club-mate and played his part in a
rousing contest.
Wales took the lead on 13 minutes through Simon Church only for Noble to
inspire an England fightback. His sublime flicked pass led to Wales
conceding a corner and from it, David Wheater headed in the equaliser on 19
minutes. Then, a quarter of an hour later, Noble slid a superb through-ball
for Adam Johnson to collect and then put the visitors in front.
Church ensured parity with a well-taken second just before the interval but
Noble was not finished. His excellent run and cross on the right wing led to
Gabriel Agbonlahor back-heeling in a delightful winner just after the hour
for Stuart Pearce's side. Both West Ham United players got the full 90
minutes, a real plus for Collison after his recent knee trouble.
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Zola hopeful of Tristan deal 0 SSN
Financial problems no hurdle for Hammers boss
By Ashley Marshall Last updated: 11th October 2008
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is confident he can defy the credit crunch to
bring out-of-favour Spanish striker Diego Tristan to Upton Park. Tristan
failed to make a mark at Italian club Livorno after joining from Real
Mallorca last summer, and the new Hammers manager insists the club are keen
to bring the 32-year-old to East London. Zola has reportedly been told he
can only bring in new players if he sells other squad members first after
Hammers owner Bjogolfor Gudmundsson lost a reported £230million following
the collapse of Icelandic bank Landisbank. Free agent Tristan arrived at
Upton Park at the end of September and Zola has extended the former Spanish
international talisman's trial to get a closer look at the experienced
forward.
Tristan scored 78 goals in 177 games for Depotivo La Coruna from 2000-2006
but scored just once in his 21 appearances for Livorno last season and is
now looking for a new club following his release. Zola said: "Diego's
working very hard and we're pleased with him. "He could be a good
alternative. He's got a lot of experience and skills. "He can do well as
long as he gets fit." Zola is looking to bolster his attacking options with
West Ham hitman Dean Ashton set to be out until at least the New Year with
an ankle injury.
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West Ham sharpen blades in Tevez saga
By Jason Burt
Monday, 13 October 2008
Independent.co.uk Web
West Ham United have strongly criticised, as irrational, perverse and wrong
in law, the findings of the independent tribunal which ruled against them in
the Carlos Tevez affair. They are confident the Court of Arbitration in
Sport will hear their appeal against the judgement, which could cost them
tens of millions of pounds. The Premier League club submitted a legal
document condemning the ruling of Lord Griffiths' panel in favour of
Sheffield United. West Ham argue that they have the right to appeal to CAS
because the body is recognised by Fifa as the ultimate forum for such
disputes to be resolved.
It had been claimed that West Ham might be unable to appeal the tribunal's
decision, with the Football Association's rule K5c stating that by signing
up to arbitration, "the parties shall be deemed to have waived irrevocably
any right to appeal, review or any recourse to a court of law". West Ham
argue that CAS is not a court of law but a court of arbitration – a tribunal
– and that, so far, they have not had the chance to appeal. West Ham state
that CAS should examine the case because of the wide-ranging ramifications
for world football and because it believes a point of principle is at stake.
The club believe the Griffiths ruling is full of errors and it is
fundamentally wrong for there not to be a forum through which this can be
challenged.
CAS, having initially appeared to doubt whether West Ham had a case, is
receptive to their arguments and will allow a preliminary hearing to take
place. In theory, this has to be done with Sheffield United's agreement and
the club had until last Friday to respond. However, CAS may go ahead in any
case because of the importance of the matter.
Initially, United submitted a demand for £30m in compensation over the Tevez
(below) affair but that figure has risen to closer to £50m. If West Ham
fought the financial claim, they would demand access to the Championship
club's books and their accounts, and challenge whether such money as
parachute payments and reduction in costs should be deducted. It could be a
painful process and one United will not welcome.
West Ham are furious at suggestions they face the threat of administration
because of the economic crisis. The club's chairman and owner, Björgólfur
Gudmundsson, who is the single shareholder, was hit hard by the collapse of
the financial markets.
However, Gudmundsson has again reassured the club that he has no intention
of selling West Ham and neither has he appointed the investment house
Seymour Pierce to field inquiries from prospective bidders. There is
interest in buying the club but this has been rebuffed by Gudmundsson, who
has stressed that he remains fully committed to West Ham and would rather
sell his other assets if he is forced to. Understandably, and despite those
reassurances, there is nervousness at the club.
At the same time, West Ham are annoyed that they have been deemed a crisis
club and claim that they have worked hard, after the over-spending and lack
of accountability that dogged the Eggert Magnússon regime, to balance their
books and behave with greater financial awareness. There are players, such
as Nigel Quashie and Calum Davenport, who are up for sale and although there
may not be funds available to manager Gianfranco Zola in the January
transfer window, that would change if he generated money from selling
unwanted players which is his intention.
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Sheffield Utd to use West Ham cash to clear debts
13.10.08 | tribalfootball.com
Sheffield United plan to use the Carlos Tevez windfall to wipe out their
debts. West Ham face having to pay United up to £50m in compensation. That
has left Blades fans baying for a spending spree to help ensure a return to
the top flight. But United chairman Kevin McCabe, whose club owes around
£8m, said: "We intend to make Sheffield United sound as a pound financially,
to clear bank issues and have cash in hand. "When we have the settlement
we'll be looking to run the club ambitiously but also cautiously in this
climate."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Zola: Chance for kids to shine
13.10.08 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola says the club's financial problems will give
his talented Academy youngsters a chance to establish themselves. "I believe
every club should have a strong youth foundation," said the little Italian.
"This is what I want at the club. I believe very strongly that there should
always be a possibility of allowing young players to come through the first
team. I know there are some good young players here and that the academy has
produced many."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tottenham ready to bid for West Ham defender Upson
13.10.08 | tribalfootball.com
Tottenham are chasing West Ham defender Matthew Upson. The People says Spurs
boss Juande Ramos wants West Ham centre-half Upson to shore up his defence
and may get him for about £5m.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
HAMMERS TALK: Irons defender linked with Spurs - Guardian Series
7:55am Monday 13th October 2008
WEST HAM defender Matthew Upson is a target for London rivals Tottenham,
according to reports. The 29-year-old has shrugged off a series of injury
problems to emerge as one of the Hammers' most consistent performers
following his £6million switch from Birmingham in January 2007. That has
seen him propelled into the England reckoning and he was rewarded with a
first international cap in a competitive fixture in Saturday's 5-1 win over
Kazakhstan at Wembley. However, Spurs boss Juande Ramos is desperate to
shore up his leaky defence. And, according to The People, the Spaniard is
weighing up a £5millon offer for the former Arsenal centre back in the
January transfer window.
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FA to investigate Sheffield United over Kabba Clause? - Cmon Yu Irons
11 October 2008
West Ham agreeably broke the rules of football and paid a massive sum of
£5.2m a record fine for any club, and are still suffering to this day. The
FA should now hold inquiries into every club in all leagues regarding
transfers and rules that have been broken, and especially rule U18.
Sheffield Utd without doubt broke this rule and influenced the outcome of
the game between Watford and Sheffield Utd a clause was inserted into the
transfer contract that Steve Kabba could not play for Watford in the game
against Sheffield Utd. The U18 rules says: "No club shall enter into a
contract which enables any other party to that contract to acquire the
ability materially to influence its policies or the performance of its teams
in league matches or in any (other) competitions." So rule U18 was breached
under this contract, McCabe has stated recently that Kabba not playing for
Watford in that game was only a gentlemen's agreement. Both clubs Websites
Sheffield Utd and Watford at the time had stated that Kabba was not playing
in that game and the page has since been removed from Sheffield's Website it
did state: Meanwhile, in the Watford camp, striker Steven Kabba is
ineligible to play in this weekend's fixture due to a clause in his £500,000
move from Bramall Lane in January. Sheffield United went on to win the game
1-0 and in the view of the FA Kabba not being involved in the game was a
direct influence on the win. Rule U18 was breached and investigations should
commence by the FA into not only Sheffield Utd but also every club that made
an agreement and clause that influences the outcome of a game by not
fielding an important player after a transfer.
This post was submitted by Mike DiAntoni.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
It's Tristan Shout for the Hammers - the Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: 11 Oct 2008
GIANFRANCO ZOLA insists he can still beat West Ham's credit crunch and sign
Diego Tristan. The new Hammers boss has extended the Spanish veteran's trial
at Upton Park. Striker Tristan, 32, is a free agent after failing to impress
in a recent spell with Italians Livorno, where he scored only one goal in 21
games. Zola has been told he must sell before he can buy after Hammers'
owner Bjogolfur Gudmundsson's fortune took an estimated £230million knock
with the collapse of Icelandic bank Landisbank. But Zola said: "Diego's
working very hard and we're pleased with him. "He could be a good
alternative. He's got a lot of experience and skills. "He can do well, as
long as he gets fit." West Ham striker Dean Ashton's ankle injury will keep
him out until January. Former Spain hitman Tristan netted 78 goals in 177
games for Deportivo La Coruna from 2000-2006.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham for sale at £50m as Icelandic chairman battles the financial crisis
in his homeland - Daily Mail
By Rob Draper and Daniel King Last updated at 10:09 PM on 11th October 2008
West Ham are up for sale again - and Icelandic owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson
may have to accept as little as £50million within the next few weeks as he
battles to save his business empire from the financial crisis gripping his
homeland. Only days ago, Gudmundsson and the club were insisting that the
collapse and nationalisation of Landsbanki, in which the West Ham chairman
is the largest sharedholder, would have no effect on his involvement with
the club. But in the last 24 hours, it is understood that the situation has
changed to such an extent that he has privately indicated he is willing to
sell. Although the value of West Ham's shares is thought to have soared as
high as £150m since he bought them less than two years ago for £85m, the
club's debts and the possibility of having to pay Sheffield United up to
£50m will reduce the price. The potential buyer, whose approaches
Gudmundsson rebuffed last month, remains on the scene, lessening the
prospect of further problems at Upton Park after shirt sponsor XL folded,
and West Ham are not the only Premier League club who could soon be changing
hands. The field of contenders to take over at Everton has now narrowed to a
single Middle Eastern royal family following talks last week with Keith
Harris, the football dealmaker from investment bank Seymour Pierce.
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Anil Ambani will try to buy West Ham on the cheap in January - The Mirror
12/10/2008
Anil Ambani has put his efforts to buy West Ham on hold as the financial
crisis takes a heavy toll on the Hammers. Sunday Mirror Sport revealed last
week that the Indian tycoon, the sixth richest man in the world, was poised
to make a £150million bid for the club. But Ambani has instructed his
financial advisers to delay making an immediate move. He now believes he
could snap up the Hammers for half that amount – and could wait until the
New Year to make a move. West Ham's majority shareholder, Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson, is in financial meltdown. A source close to Ambani said: "He is
in no immediate rush to make a move for West Ham given their present
financial plight. As things stand he believes the club is overpriced and
will eventually be forced to sell for a great deal less than the current
asking price." Gudmundsson's financial problems continue to increase. The
club could face a £30m bill over Sheffield United's claim relating to the
Carlos Tevez affair. And supporters fear a fire sale of players when the
January transfer window opens to stave off crippling debts. Gudmundsson, 66,
is also a majority shareholder in Iceland's second biggest bank, Landsbanki.
He was removed as chairman when it went into receivership last week.
Meanwhile, manager Gianfranco Zola insists he will turn to the next
generation of rising stars to save the club. "I believe every club should
have a strong youth foundation," said the Italian. "One of my main
aspirations when I came here to be manager was that this is what I want at
the club. I believe very strongly that there should always be a possibility
of allowing young players to come through the first team. "I know there are
some good young players here at the club and that the academy here has
produced many top players over the years. "So for me, it's definitely one of
my ideas, my dream of giving the chance to our young players to play in our
first team and become wonderful players for this club. It is part of the
project I have taken on here as manager."
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ZOLA PUTTING FAITH IN HIS GUD YOUNGSTERS - The People
WEST HAM CREDIT CRUNCH CRISIS How financial mayhem is hitting football
Gianfranco Zola insists West Ham's financial meltdown will not burst his
Upton Park bubble and says he will turn to the next generation of rising
stars to save the club.
The east Londoners are in the midst of a crisis after club owner Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson's bank was put into receivership by the Icelandic government
last week.
The self-made billionaire, who bought the club for £85million in November
2006, is expected to sell up in the coming weeks - despite a shortage of
willing buyers.
Gudmundsson, who owns 42 per cent of Landsbanki in his position as a major
shareholder and chairman, has already seen his £100million shareholding in
XL Airways bite the dust. The 66-year-old, recently ranked the 799th richest
man in the world, is determined to keep hold of West Ham but is now unlikely
to be able to finance any transfers in January. But boss Zola, who fans fear
could be forced to sell the likes of Dean Ashton (right), Matthew Upson and
Rob Green to add new faces, says he is determined to blood some of the young
talent. "I believe every club should have a strong youth foundation," said
the little Italian. "This is what I want at the club. I believe very
strongly that there should always be a possibility of allowing young players
to come through the first team. I know there are some good young players
here and that the academy has produced many."
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Tevez Deal In Doubt As United Eye Costa - Goal.com
Doubts over Carlos Tevez's future at Manchester United continue to grow with
the latest reports suggesting that Sir Alex Ferguson will attempt to sign
Brazilian teenager Douglas Costa instead of tying down a deal for Tevez.
The Argentinean striker joined United from West Ham on a two year loan deal
in 2007 and, despite both parties claiming a permanent contract would be
forthcoming, no contract has yet been put in place. This despite the former
Hammer enjoying a successful first season at Old Trafford. He was a virtual
ever present in the squad and scored 14 league goals as United claimed both
the Premier League and the Champions League title last season. However,
according to the News of the World, Sir Alex Ferguson is determined to sign
18-year-old Costa who currently plays for Brazilian side Gremio. Any
transfer fee for the young Brazilian is likely to be in the region of £20
million which, claims the paper, would leave no funds available to secure a
deal for Tevez. However, United are likely to face stiff competition in the
race for Costa. Both Real Madrid and Barcelona are also reported to be
interested in signing the teenager who looks to have his pick of the top
clubs. Yet the Red Devils already have number of Brazilians installed at
Old Trafford, including Anderson, Rodrigo Possebon and Rafel and Fabio Da
Silva, which means a move to the Premier League could tempt the young Gremio
star. Of course should he decide to move to Old Trafford, there would be no
shortage of takers for Tevez who has proved an excellent signing both at
West Ham and Manchester United.
Gill Clark
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Cash-hit Hammers ready to sell up on the cheap? - Echo
7:27am Sunday 12th October 2008
CASH-HIT West Ham have just one month to find a buyer or risk going into
administration, according to media reports this morning. The News of the
World suggests that the club's hiearchy are fearful of going to the wall and
are desperate for a takeover following the collapse and nationalisation of
Icelandic back Landsbanski, in which Hammers chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson
is the largest shareholder. And, although the club insisted last week that
the situation would have 'no impact' on the club, reports have now emerged
that the 66-year-old - who bought the club for £85million two years ago - is
willing to sell up for a knockdown fee. With mounting debts and the
possibility of having to pay out to Sheffield United over the Carlos Tevez
affair, Gudmundsson could ask for as little as £50m, despite the club's
shares soaring to as high as £150m. The source adds that, although the club
is not officially up for sale, brokers have made contact with a prospective
'cash rich' buyer.
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West Ham ready to sell for knockdown £50M
12.10.08 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United are up for sale for a knockdown fee. The Mail on Sunday says
Icelandic owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson may have to accept as little as
£50million within the next few weeks as he battles to save his business
empire from the financial crisis gripping his homeland. Only days ago,
Gudmundsson and the club were insisting that the collapse and
nationalisation of Landsbanki, in which the West Ham chairman is the largest
shareholder, would have no effect on his involvement with the club. But in
the last 24 hours, it is understood that the situation has changed to such
an extent that he has privately indicated he is willing to sell. Although
the value of West Ham's shares is thought to have soared as high as £150m
since he bought them less than two years ago for £85m, the club's debts and
the possibility of having to pay Sheffield United up to £50m will reduce the
price.
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West Ham fear administration
12.10.08 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United are facing the threat of administration, it has been
revealed. The News of the World says the Hammers have just a month to find a
buyer willing to bail them out or face the threat of administration. The
financial crisis at Upton Park is so acute following the collapse of
Icelandic owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson's Landsbanki that several members of
the club hierarchy believe the Hammers could go to the wall unless a
takeover can be engineered. An Upton Park insider said: "Nobody knows what's
going on except that the place is in turmoil. "The players are now wondering
if their wages are guaranteed, boss Gianfranco Zola knows he's going to have
to sell in January and people believe Gudmundsson will have no other choice
but to sell the club. "We've been told there is somebody waiting to buy but
also that it has to happen quickly or the club is in a desperate situation."
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Race hots up for Fulham's Bullard
13.10.08 | Ian Ferris
Middlesbrough, Sunderland and West Ham have joined Everton and Bolton in the
race to sign Jimmy Bullard. Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson reportedly does not
fancy him, refuses to discuss a new deal and will listen to offers of around
£4million for the 29 year old when the transfer window reopens, according to
the News of the World.
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