Diego Tristan has signed for West Ham United to give Gianfranco Zola plenty
of striking options
14.10.2008
West Ham United have completed the signing of Diego Tristan on a permanent
contract with the Spanish striker becoming the first new recruit under
Gianfranco Zola.
The 32-year-old, capped 15 times by his country, has been without a club
since leaving Serie A side Livorno at the end of last season and is
determined to hit the heights of his spells at Mallorca and Deportivo La
Coruna. "I am really happy to be at West Ham. They are a big club and London
is a great city," he said. "I want to show the fans that I can score goals
and help the team to go up the league. I am excited to be here."
Tristan put pen to paper with Scott Duxbury on Tuesday evening after the CEO
had flown to Rome to finalise negotiations with his representatives, with
several leading clubs having also expressed their interest. The club's new
No25 had particular words of praise for the manager, who has been running
the rule over Tristan for the past fortnight at Chadwell Heath.
"The manager has spent lots of time working with me," he said. "He has
helped me a lot and I want to say thanks to him by scoring lots of goals and
doing well for the club. I am very grateful to the manager for giving me the
opportunity to play here.
"I have been really impressed from the moment I arrived at the training
ground. The coaching staff and the players have all helped me to settle in.
I had a lot of offers to go to other countries and play for a lot of money
but I feel that I still have lots to offer and I want to show West Ham fans
that I can still play at the highest level. That is why I am here."
The 6'1 forward could make his debut away to Hull City this Sunday. He is
well aware of English football, having made a particular impression in the
Champions League back in October 2001 when he scored twice to help Depor to
a memorable 3-2 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford. A month later
he followed that with a goal in a 2-0 home win against Arsenal.
He said: "I have always been impressed by English football whenever I have
played here. The stadiums and the fans are great and it was always a dream
of mine to come here and play. Now my dream is going to become reality. I am
at a great club and I want to see if I can help West Ham get into Europe and
play at that level."
Tristan, who played at the 2002 World Cup and has scored four goals for his
country, expects the English game to better suit his style after his year in
Italy. He will be hoping to match the heights of previous years in the
Primera Division when he scored 78 goals in 177 league games overall for
Deportivo, having hit 18 from 35 games in the 1999/00 campaign for Mallorca.
"English football is very similar to Spanish in that it is very quick and
technical. There is more of an emphasis on attacking football so I will have
more chances to score goals. In Italy, it was more defensive, and not easy
for forwards to get scoring opportunities. West Ham play the right way and
that should help me to do well."
West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury said: "I am delighted that we have been
able to secure the services of Diego Tristan, who is an experienced striker
and has already had a positive impact. Diego will provide extra competition
in attack and the manager has been impressed with his attitude and ability
in training.
"The focus for our squad is about quality not quantity and we are sure that
Diego is a quality addition. This signing indicates that we are thinking
only of the future progress of West Ham United."
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Noble off to finals - WHUFC
Mark Noble has played a major role as England won through to next summer's
U21 Euro in Sweden
14.10.2008
England have won through to the 2009 European Under-21 Championship after a
2-2 home draw against Wales secured a 5-4 aggregate success in their
play-off.
The victory means Mark Noble is contemplating a second successive trip to
the Euro finals after helping the Young Lions to the 2007 semi-finals.
England have not lost in 90 minutes from 27 matches but they were pushed all
the way at Villa Park by a Wales side featuring an impressive Jack Collison.
However, they held firm after a 3-2 success in Cardiff and can look forward
to the eight-nation tournament in Sweden next summer
Tom Huddlestone put the home side on their way with a free-kick before Aaron
Ramsey's stunning goal levelled matters. Ramsey then set up Simon Church to
put the visitors in front midway through the half before a Sam Vokes own
goal ensured parity at the break. England's task was made more difficult in
the second half with Huddlestone's late dismissal but, with Noble adopting
more defensive duties, Stuart Pearce's men hung on.
Talking to Setanta Sports, Noble said: "[After the sending off] we had 25
minutes of sitting behind the ball but in spells we thought we were going to
score again. As a team we do that so well. We are disappointed with the
goals we have conceded in the last two legs. We can learn from that and
hopefully take that learning curve into the Championship.
"We got so close [in the 2007 finals] and were so disappointed. Hopefully
the players we have got, we can really kick on. Some big teams have gone out
and we think we have got a chance."
As well as England and hosts Sweden, the other teams through so far are
Finland and Belarus with four other nations yet to be decided.
The Street is Moving
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West Ham complete Tristan signing - BBC
West Ham have signed veteran striker Diego Tristan on a free transfer
following a two-week trial. The 32-year-old former Spain international was a
free agent after being released by Italian side Livorno at the end of last
season. Tristan becomes new manager Gianfranco Zola's first signing since
taking charge in September.
"Zola has helped me a lot and I want to say thanks by scoring lots of goals
and doing well for the club," he said. "I am very grateful to the manager
for giving me the opportunity to play here. "I have been really impressed
from the moment I arrived at the training ground. The coaching staff and the
players have all helped me to settle in. "I had a lot of offers to go to
other countries and play for a lot of money but I feel that I still have
lots to offer and I want to show West Ham fans that I can still play at the
highest level. That is why I am here."
Tristan, who won 15 caps for Spain between 2001 and 2004, also played for
Deportivo La Coruna and Real Mallorca and could make his Hammers debut away
to Hull City on Sunday.
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Tristan signs - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 14th October 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have confirmed the signing of 32-year-old journeyman Diego
Tristan. The veteran striker - out of football since the summer having been
released by relegated Livorono - had spent the last two weeks on trial at
Chadwell Heath in order to allow Steve Clarke and Gianfranco Zola to run the
rule over the former Spanish international. Tonight the club confirmed that
a deal had been agreed and signed, with the 15-times capped striker landing
a permanent deal of undisclosed length.
Talking to whufc.com, Tristan said: "I am really happy to be at West Ham.
They are a big club and London is a great city. "I have been really
impressed from the moment I arrived at the training ground. The coaching
staff and the players have all helped me to settle in. I had a lot of offers
to go to other countries and play for a lot of money but I feel that I still
have lots to offer and I want to show West Ham fans that I can still play at
the highest level. "That is why I am here. I want to show the fans that I
can score goals and help the team to go up the league. I am excited to be
here."
United CEO Scott Duxbury, speaking having overseen the fourth incoming free
transfer since the closure of the summer transfer window added: "I am
delighted that we have been able to secure the services of Diego, who is an
experienced striker and has already had a positive impact. He will provide
extra competition in attack and the manager has been impressed with his
attitude and ability in training. "The focus for our squad is about quality
not quantity and we are sure that Diego is a quality addition. This signing
indicates that we are thinking only of the future progress of West Ham
United."
Cheap and Cheerful? West Ham United's other 2008 signings
David Di Michele (free)
32-year-old striker signed on a free from Torino. Scored a brace on his home
debut.
Herita Ilunga (free)
Committed left-back who is probably the pick of the summer signings so far.
Jan Lastuvka (free)
Error-prone goalkeeper who had a torrid time on loan at Fulham two years
ago. Conceded a soft goal in his one appearance (Watford) this season.
Valon Behrami (£5m)
Versatile right-sided player who has had a decent start to his United
career.
Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson (nominal fee)
Highly-rated Icelandic teenager who has settled in well.
Balint Bajner (nominal fee)
Hungarian youth striker whose capture was instigated by Gianluca Nani.
Georg Grasser (nominal fee)
Austrian under-19 international signed from Graz in August. Can play in
either defence of midfield.
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Zola To Swoop For Chelsea Starlet - Goal.com
Recently appointed West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola has been tipped to
snap up Chelsea youngster Michael Mancienne...
The collapse of both West Ham's shirt sponsor XL and Icelandic bank
Landsbanki, which is owned by Hammers' chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, has
left the club with an ultra-tight budget. The East London outfit are also
poised to fork out a huge sum of money to Sheffield United over the Carlos
Tevez saga. Rookie boss Gianfranco Zola recently said he was reasonably
happy with his squad in any case and was looking forward to seeing the Upton
Park injury list start to diminish.
However, the former Italy U21 No.2 is always keen to consider exciting young
talents and believes Chelsea starlet Michael Mancienne is ready for
Premiership football. The 20-year-old is unsurprisingly struggling to break
into the Blues first team plans, despite having been invited along for
pre-season training, and cash-strapped Zola has been tipped to grab him on
loan in January. The enthusiastic former Chelsea striker is hoping his
former club will allow the flexible England U21 defender to join his Hammers
revolution in the New Year. Impatient Mancienne told The Sun: "My education
at Chelsea has been top class, but I am at a stage now where I need to play
first-team football. I feel ready to test myself at the highest level."
Liam Black, Goal.com
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Wales striker Craig Bellamy determined to make up for lost time against
Germany - Telegraph
When Craig Bellamy leads Wales out against Germany in Moenchengladbach the
West Ham striker will wear his heart under his sleeve.
By John Ley in Dusseldorf
Last Updated: 8:37AM BST 15 Oct 2008
Bellamy wants to evoke the spirit and passion for his country, as depicted
in a tattoo on his right arm, by Owain Glyndwr during the Welsh Revolt
against the rule of Henry IV. Wales held Germany to a goalless draw in
Frankfurt in November, and following a promising start to their World Cup
campaign, a similar result would put the Principality in a strong position.
Bellamy returned to international duty on Saturday, after a year out through
injury, and inspired Wales to a 2-0 win over Liechtenstein. Facing Germany
may be a daunting prospect but there is an air of confidence about the Wales
party here, with Bellamy determined to make up for lost time. "Owain Glyndwr
is a big Welsh hero, the biggest Welsh hero we've ever had," said Bellamy,
"I've been out injured for a while, so I had the tattoo done then. I'm
massive on him. I've done my Welsh history and he's sort of my hero – with
what he stood for."
Bellamy's arm depicts a famous battle involving his hero and he added: "I've
been working on it for about two-and-a-half years. I'm Welsh, so I want to
know about how we are where we are in the world. I enjoy history. I think we
need to do more of it in Wales."
Bellamy could go some way to shaping the future annals of Welsh sport in
Moenchengladbach but he accepts the task is huge, particularly against a
country with 11 goals to their credit in three games. "It's a huge task,
they are an outstanding side," added Bellamy. "People say this isn't the
best German side they are doing really well in tournaments. They qualify.
"It's a tough ask. They may say they took their foot off the gas in
Frankfurt but a lot of our boys will take confidence from that match.
Hopefully, we can go one better."
It may come as little surprise to discover that, with 20 months to go to the
finals, Germany are to send a three-man delegation to South Africa on a
fact-finding mission, where they will select their hotels and training
headquarters. But Wales's confidence emanates from the fact that John
Toshack's side created 23 goalscoring chances against Liechtenstein –
England managed only 20 against Kazakhstan. Toshack is expected to revert to
a five man defence and that may involve West Ham's James Collins, who has
not started a game since January. Germany, meanwhile, are expected to be
without influential captain Michael Ballack, after the Chelsea midfielder
injury a calf during Saturday's 2-1 win over Russia.
Team details
Germany (4-4-2): Adler (B Leverkusen); Friedrich (Hertha Berlin),
Mertesacker (Werder Bremen), Westermann (Schalke 04), Lahm (Bayern Munich);
Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich), Hitzlsperger (Stuttgart), Frings (Werder
Bremen), Trochowski (Hamburg); Klose (Bayern Munich), Podolski (Bayern
Munich).
Wales (5-4-1): Hennessey (Wolves); Gunter (Tottenham), Williams (Swansea),
Nyatanga (Derby), Morgan (Peterborough), Ricketts (Hull); Davies (Fulham),
Edwards (Wolves), Koumas (Wigan), Bale (Tottenham); Bellamy (West Ham).
Referee: L Duhamel (France).
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Stanislas wants to "go beyond" young West Ham pals
15.10.08 | tribalfootball.com
Junior Stanislas hopes to he can break into West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola's
first team.
The young winger told whufc.com: "I want to break into the first team and do
well and keep working hard. I want to follow in the footsteps of Freddie
[Sears] and Kyel [Reid] and go beyond them."
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Zabeel dismiss talk of West Ham Utd takeover - ArabianBusiness.com
by Andy Sambidge
Wednesday, 15 October 2008
HAMMER TIME: Zabeel denied reports linking the company to a buyout of West
Ham United. (Getty Images)Dubai-based company Zabeel Investments have denied
reports that they will launch a takeover bid for troubled Premier League
club West Ham United. The group, which is currently in talks with
Championship side Charlton Athletic and has made an indicative offer for the
club which is being considered, has denied that they are interested making a
move for the Hammers. A statement released by the group said: "There is no
truth to media reports that Zabeel Investments made an approach to West Ham
Football Club. "Zabeel Investments has not approached any club since it made
an indicative offer for Charlton Athletic last Friday, nor has it authorised
any approach on its behalf. Zabeel Investments is currently in the due
diligence phase of its offer to Charlton Athletic and it is therefore
inappropriate to comment further at this stage."
Speculation has been rife surrounding a number of potential suitors for West
Ham after club owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson was sacked from his position as
chairman of Icelandic bank Landsbanki after it was taken into receivership,
in which he was a major shareholder. The Hammers chairman has confirmed that
the developments will bare no consequence on the club, although reports
continue to suggest it may be put up for sale.
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Craig's call to arms: Bellamy will wear his heart under his sleeve for Wales
By Neil Moxley - Daily Mail
Last updated at 12:24 AM on 15th October 2008
Craig Bellamy has often been accused of wearing his heart on his sleeve. on
Wednesday night, he will wear his heart under it. On the eve of Wales's
World Cup qualifier in Germany, the country's skipper chose the perfect
moment to issue his call to arms by unveiling a spectacular example of body
art. Bellamy's tattoo tribute to medieval Welsh nationalist Owain Glyndwr
was two years in the making and is designed around the name of his son,
Cameron, which was already emblazoned on his arm. The West Ham striker, who
grew up on a tough council estate in Cardiff, is a confirmed patriot. He
said only last week he will never retire from international football and
after unveiling the artwork, he was keen to stress just how much his country
means to him. When asked, he said: 'It's Owain Glyndwr. I've studied my
Welsh history and he's my hero, what he stood for and who he was. 'So I've
had the Battle of Pilleth depicted on my arm. It's my own design, but the
artist came up with his ideas, too. We sort of bounced them off each other.'
The Battle of Pilleth was fought in 1402 and won by the Welsh, but the
English triumphed in the return leg, so to speak. Bellamy was not part of
the Wales team who pulled off a goalless draw in Frankfurt last season, when
Germany had already qualified for the European Championship. Wales boss John
Toshack laughed off news that tonight's hosts are already planning to run
the rule over potential bases for the 2010 World Cup. He said before the
game in Moenchengladbach: 'The Germans are an outstanding side. It's a tough
ask here. They may say they took their foot off the gas in Frankfurt but a
lot of our boys will take confidence from that match.'
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