Marek Stech is looking to build on his his involvement with the first team this season
16.10.2008
Marek Stech has made some giant strides forward this season and is looking forward to another awayday trip with the senior squad.
The 18-year-old is set to travel with the first team again to Hull City this weekend, having been involved in the matchday set-up against Bolton Wanderers before just missing out on the 18 - although Robert Green will retain the No1 jersey on Sunday after resuming full training following his withdrawal from the England squad with a sore knee.
Stech has started for the reserves in their previous two matches against West Bromwich Albion and Fulham and is focused only on applying pressure on Green and Jan Lastuvka in the West Ham United pecking order. "It's great training with the first team as you get good experience," said Stech, who signed a new five-year deal in the summer to underline how highly regarded he is at the Boleyn Ground. "You see the atmosphere on the pitch. It's great to train with the first team and to be with the players before and after the game. It's a nice experience even just to warm up before the game."
The Czech youth international had the experience of playing with several full internationals in the West Brom game, before lining up with some of his peers in a more youthful side for the Fulham match. "For the Fulham match we had a young squad and it is good for us. We want to play for the reserves to get more experience. If we can do well, the manager will give us a chance to play in reserve games, push ourselves on and see what happens."
The 6'4 goalkeeper, who more than impressed in playing three times for the first team during pre-season, is being mentored at the club by his compatriot Ludek Miklosko and is learning a lot from the goalkeeping coach. "Ludo's unbelievable. Every day we work hard and on the training pitch and he is a fantastic coach."
Miklosko watched Stech play in the defeat by Fulham and the former United No1 was pleased by what he saw, despite the wet weather not making it an ideal night. "The conditions and lighting made it very difficult for the players and goalkeepers as well. I cannot blame him for any of the goals as it was just one of those games," Miklosko said.
"There are definitely some positives to take and it was a good experience for him. We had a very young team up against a much more experienced side. The boys need to learn and this was a game from which they really could learn."
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Travel information for Hull - WHUFC
Supporters travelling to Hull for Sunday's match should take note of the following travel news
16.10.2008
Fans planning to travel to the Hull City match on Sunday by train should be aware of planned engineering works on the route. Maintenance is taking place all weekend which means there will be no service in or out of Hull Station. Services will be terminating at Selby where replacement bus services will be operating - with an expected journey time of around 60 minutes. This may mean supporters will need to leave extra time for their journeys so please check before travelling.
For information and an updated timetable for First Hull Trains company click here http://www.hulltrains.co.uk/
For alternate travel operators to the Hull area, click here http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ or call 08457 48 49 50.
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McLeish defers Quashie decision - BBC
Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish will wait a little longer before deciding whether to sign Nigel Quashie on loan. A decision had been expected on a possible loan move to St Andrew's for the West Ham United midfielder, who has been training with Blues. McLeish told BBC WM: "Nigel's had a difficult couple of weeks. "We want to wait until we can see him in a much sharper vein over the next couple of weeks. We'll make decisions later on, maybe not right now."
Quashie joined West Ham in January 2007 following the fourth of his relegations from the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion (he also went down with QPR, Nottingham Forest and Southampton). He has made just seven starts in almost two years at Upton Park, largely down to a nagging foot injury which kept him out all of last season. McLeish gave him the last of his 14 caps for Scotland in June 2007 against the Faeroe Islands. The Blues boss has also deferred a decision on whether to sign another recent trialist, the Togolese midfielder Souleymane Mamam.
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Bellamy bemoans brave Welsh loss - BBC
Craig Bellamy bemoaned Welsh football history continually repeating itself after brave Wales were beaten 1-0 by Germany in their World Cup qualifier. Piotr Trochowski broke Welsh hearts with a 72nd-minute screamer as the Euro 2008 finalists edged past Wales. "It seems to be the same old story, we're doing well but that final little bit, we just seem to be falling short," Wales captain Bellamy told the BBC. "We play as a team but it's a shame - it took something special to beat us."
John Toshack's plucky Wales side produced a heroic performance in Russia last month only to lose 2-1 in Moscow. Wales were again close to holding the mighty Germans in Monchengladbach until Hamburg star Trochowski struck late on. Bellamy said: "It was a great strike but he had threatened to do that all game. "We fought the Czech Republic all the way in the last qualification group, we played well in Russia and now in Germany but we keep falling short. "If you look at the table we've probably played the two toughest games, Russia and Germany away from home, and we can take heart from that but we have lost twice and that is disappointing. "I just don't know how to start turning glorious failure into glorious success, if we knew that it wouldn't have taken us 50 years to qualify for a major tournament. "There have been better Welsh teams than this one who haven't done it. "But we are a decent side as I've been in Wales teams who've struggled to get anything together away from home whereas we are turning up and having a good go. "No-one wants to feel the hurt and we're not too far away, I just hope the experience the younger players are gaining from these tough results might do us good in the long term. "We need a bit of experience but credit to Germany they kept going here, they kept knocking at the door and we rode our luck a bit but in the end it ran out."
Bellamy singled out defender James Collins for praise after his heroic performance in his first competitive start since December. The West Ham striker acknowledged: "James was outstanding, his blocks were excellent and he deserved more."
Collins, himself, added: "I knew I was fit and I was pleased with my personal performance. "But it is not about me, I'm disappointed we didn't get a result here because we deserved it. "It was tough, we knew it would be but we defended well and it has taken a wonder goal to beat us."
Wales manager John Toshack praised his team following their second defeat of this 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign. "Of course we are very disappointed, to have come so close against two of the top four countries in Europe," said Toshack. "But I could not have asked for any more from the lads. They gave everything, but just came up short again. "I had players out there like James Collins and Craig Bellamy who neither had played for a year. "I worried about even putting Collins into the match under such circumstances. But they were magnificent. "Germany had a lot of the ball and some good chances, but we made two or three good openings too and could easily have got something. "But it means in terms of qualification, we now know we must win our next two home games or we are wasting our time. "We play Finland and Germany in Cardiff in a five-day period at the end of next March. Those two games must be won. "In fact, we really cannot afford to lose any more of our qualifiers now. We have played our hardest two matches, both away, so we must look to get something from every other game we play."
Germany retained top spot in the group with the win, their second in five days, while Russia took over second place with a victory over Finland. Toshack said: "We have always known this was going to be a very hard group to qualify from. But we have given it our best shot. "We needed to win our two home games against Azerbaijan and Liechtenstein and we were looking to maybe nick a point away to Russia or Germany. "I actually felt we played a lot better in Moscow, certainly in that second-half when we were really going for it. "But the Germans are a fine side, they kept possession and controlled the ball. "They had us pushed back in the second period and it was hard for the lads. "But Craig had a couple of great runs and almost set-up goals for us. In the end it was very close, but still so disappointing to get nothing."
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Hammers reject Behrami link - SSN
Swiss star staying put; no bid for Argentine
Last updated: 16th October 2008
West Ham's technical director Gianluca Nani has denied that the club are gearing up to sell Valon Behrami in January. The Swiss international only arrived at Upton Park in the summer from Lazio, but now their city rivals Roma are being linked with a move. Behrami's agent has claimed that contact has been made, but Nani has insisted that the club have no intentions to sell - despite off the field concerns of owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson. "I am tired of responding to questions on Behrami," Nani stated. "I repeat - Behrami is not for sale and Roma have never asked for the player. "Before you start any kind of transfer, Rome must speak with West Ham, which has not happened. Behrami is our player, we have high hopes for him so I see no reason to sell. "Even if an offer arrived from Rome for €50million (£39million) we would not sell. It is not a matter of numbers but of will on our part to keep the player."
Nani also distanced the club from a bid for Fiorentina star Pablo Daniel Osvaldo. The 22-year-old Argentine has been linked with a move to East London and although Nani admits he is a 'great striker', he insists that no move is planned. "We do not want a team that is too 'Italian'," Nani told Viola News. "Our plan is to build players at home, taken when they are still young. "Osvaldo is a great striker but is already an important player and falls outside the type of player we are looking for - because we are covered in that role."
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Roma tracking Behrami - SSN
Hammers ace linked with swift Serie A return
Last updated: 16th October 2008
Valon Behrami's agent claims Serie A giants Roma are interested acquiring the West Ham ace. The Switzerland international only joined the Hammers from Lazio last summer and has made an immediate impact in England's top flight. However, with the possibility of West Ham needing to raise funds to pay Sheffield United compensation over the Carlos Tevez affair, they could be forced to sell. Behrami's agent Alessandro Beltrami claims the Giallorossi have contacted him over the 25-year-old, although it is too early to say whether a deal will be done in the January transfer window. "Roma have enquired after Valon," Beltrami told the Daily Star.
"They have given me their word that they are keen on the lad and willing to close the deal. "However, we are just in the early stages."
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Hammers happy with CAS move - SSN
West Ham continue their battle to have FA ruling overturned
Last updated: 16th October 2008
West Ham have welcomed the involvement of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in the Carlos Tevez affair. The Hammers are fighting an independent Football Association tribunal ruling which ordered the club to pay compensation to Sheffield United following the Blades' relegation at the end of the 2006/07 season. West Ham want CAS to adjudicate on the decision and reach a definitive conclusion to the case. The court, based in Lausanne, Switzerland, confirmed on Wednesday that they have started an arbitration procedure despite opposition from Sheffield United. That news has come as a relief to the Hammers, although there remains the possibility that the Premier League club will face a multi-million pound pay-out. A spokesman for West Ham said: "West Ham United welcome the statement by CAS that they have initiated an arbitration procedure. "This is the start of the CAS process and we hope that it will be the first step toward a full arbitration hearing in due course. "West Ham are doing no more that Sheffield United have already done in seeking a right of appeal and we believe that CAS is the appropriate body for this." An independent tribunal, convened under Football Association rules last month, deemed West Ham to have won at least three points due to Argentina striker Tevez - whose registration broke Premier League rules on third-party ownership.
The tribunal ruled Sheffield United were due compensation as a result, with the Blades claiming around £50million. FA regulations also state that no appeal to the decision is permitted to a court of law. However, in their legal submission to CAS, West Ham argue that English football's governing body would be in breach of Fifa statutes if they did not allow an appeal to be made to the Swiss-based court.
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Lucas Neill says delay helped Aussies crush Qatar
News.com.au
October 17, 2008 12:00am
SOCCEROOS captain Lucas Neill has revealed how Australia took advantage of the storm that threatened to postpone Wednesday's World Cup qualifier with Qatar.
As the heavens opened, both teams were summoned from the pitch in the middle of their warm-up by the match officials, and Neill revealed how the team's senior men used the delay to rouse the players to attack Qatar from the outset once the game eventually began. Two goals in the first 17 minutes crushed Qatar's resistance, and the West Ham captain said the Socceroos had realised how the uncertainty over the game could be turned to their advantage, adding that the wet pitch also aided the home team's plans. "There were rumours that Qatar wanted the game to be called off so that gave us an advantage straight away," Neill said after the 4-0 win.
"In the end I think it played into our hands. We knew that if we had a fast start as in the Melbourne game (3-0 in February), we could get on top and it turned out exactly that way. "We had to warm up twice but mentally we were very strong. It's easy to let your mind drift, wondering if you'll be playing or whether the weather will call it off. "Everyone goes into a lull so it was important for Craig Moore, Mark Schwarzer and me to rally the troops and get everyone's heart rate up. "We knew we only had seven or eight minutes of warm-up to get going again, but if we could be warmer than them it would make all the difference. "The pitch turned out to be brilliant, nice and zippy and easy to pass the ball on. It suited our quick passing and where it did slow up we could hit one or two long."
The 4-0 thrashing, allied to Japan's surprising 1-1 draw with Uzbekistan in Tokyo later the same night, sent Australia to the top of Group 1 and affirmed their status as the dominant team in the group. With Brett Emerton scoring twice and Josh Kennedy on target again, not to mention Tim Cahill's goalscoring return to the side after an eight-month absence, Neill conceded the result had left the Socceroos favourites to qualify. But he said such a tag meant nothing without continued good results. "We have to say that we are (favourites)," Neill said. "We have won two from two and we're leading the group. We've got a lot of home games to come late on, we're strong home and away and we've got a goal difference of five goals. So yes, all this means that we've made a statement today. But it will count for nothing if we do not win the next game in Bahrain or at least get a point."
After three rounds have been completed - Australia had a bye in the second - Pim Verbeek's men sit top of the group with six points from two games. Japan is second with four points, also from two games, with Qatar third on four points from three games and Uzbekistan and Bahrain on a point each. With the Australian dressingroom's mood lifted even higher when news of Uzbekistan's draw in Japan filtered through, Neill said the group dynamics were unfolding in Australia's favour.
"It was a good night for us. It really could not get any better," he said. "Uzbekistan are still in it and they will need to win all their games at home, which is going to be great for us," he added, knowing all the other teams in the group are still to visit Tashkent. "Our three points in Tashkent are looking fantastic now."
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Exclusive: Behrami has options - Setanta
by Laurent Picard, 16 October 2008
Valon Behrami's agent has exclusively told setantasports.com that the West Ham player is content at Upton Park and does not plan to return to Italy despite there being interest in his services and the economic turmoil surrounding the club. West Ham's chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson was sacked by Landsbanki, the second biggest bank in Iceland, at the start of October and his future at the club is the subject of speculation. As a consequence, Italian press sources have hinted former Lazio star Behrami is tempted by a return to Italy, where Roma, Palermo and Juventus are keen on his services. His representative Alessandro Beltrami has confirmed the Serie A sides' interest, but declared his client is fine in London and revealed he is due to meet with sporting director Gianluca Nani before the end of the month to discuss his player's future. "The rumour saying the player is unsettled at West Ham is wrong; it comes from Italy, where several clubs have always been interested in him – Roma, Palermo and Juventus," Beltrami told setantasports.com. "People say West Ham have money problems and want to re-sell Behrami quickly in order to earn money, but I don't believe this. "I am due to meet with Nani before the game with Arsenal, but he told me there's no issue with the player at all. "As far as the player is concerned, he loves London life and likes being a West Ham player."
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Hammer wanted Liga move - Setanta
by Laurent Picard, 16 October 2008
Diego Tristan has revealed to the Spanish press that he only joined West Ham because he could not find a team in La Liga. The 32-year-old admits his age and his poor spell with Mallorca in the 2006/2007 season did not help him attract the interest of Spanish sides this summer despite being a free agent. Tristan added that he undertook a number of trials, something that was tough to accept, and rejected some propositions in to favour a top challenge. The striker also revealed Gianfranco Zola wants to add more technique to his attack, as he does not believe Carlton Cole can play this role. "My priority was staying in La Liga," Tristan told Marca. "I rejected important offers because I was waiting to find a team in the first or second (Spanish) division in order to remain close to home. "I don't understand why the doors are closed to me because I'm in my thirties. My return to Mallorca (in 2006) didn't prove positive but people only remember a poor year rather than eight good ones. "Being unemployed was a pain because I worked hard in Italy and the fact I played as second striker was an issue. "I decided I would only go abroad to play in a competitive league because football is not finished for me, and I agreed to experience a trial period. "I also offered to do it in Spain as well, which can damage your confidence. "I'm very happy to play in The Premier League as it's a dream come true. The stadiums and the supporters are amazing. "Zola was a top footballer and will achieve a great career as a coach. "As far as I'm concerned I must settle in London and learn the language, but within two or three weeks I will be able to fight for the position like everyone. "Carlton Cole plays well with his back to goal and they wanted a more technical footballer. For that reason Zola, who already knows me, decided to hire me. "Hopefully we will qualify for a European Cup."
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West Ham set to clinch lucrative shirt sponsorship deal
16.10.08 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United are set for a massive financial boost by landing a new shirt sponsorship deal before the weekend. The Mirror says West Ham are close to announcing some good financial news - for a change - with the signing of a £3.5million sponsorship deal. The imminent announcement of a new shirt sponsor will be very welcome news after travel company XL went into administration last month, leaving a £5m gap in their finances. A £7.5m deal, worth £2.5m a year, was signed in February 2007 but only one year of the contract had been paid into the East Londoners' coffers. Since then the Hammers have played with patches sewn over the XL logos on the first-team shirts. A club source said: "We hope to have the new sponsor on our shirts on Sunday for the match at Hull City."
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Roma want West Ham's Behrami, admits agent
16.10.08 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United midfielder Valon Behrami is a target by Roma, says his agent. Behrami's agent Alessandro Beltrami claims the Giallorossi have contacted him over the 25-year-old, although it is too early to say whether a deal will be done in the January transfer window. "Roma have enquired after Valon," Beltrami told the Daily Star. "They have given me their word that they are keen on the lad and willing to close the deal. "However, we are just in the early stages."
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Nani: West Ham will target English talent
16.10.08 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham chief Gianluca Nani says they want to buy English talent. "But if in Italy they say we are bankrupt how can we buy? Joking aside, our situation is calm but we do not want a team that is too 'Italian'," Nani told violanews.com. "And moreover our plan is to build players at home, taken when they are still young."
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West Ham chief Nani cools talk over Fiorentina pair Osvaldo, Montolivo
16.10.08 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham chief Gianluca Nani has cooled talk of interest in Fiorentina pair Daniel Pablo Osvaldo and Riccardo Montolivo. He said: "Osvaldo is a great striker but is already an important player and falls outside the type of player we are looking for because we are covered in that role. [Fiorentina team-mate Riccardo] Montolivo? The same."
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We don't need Fiorentina's Osvaldo as we're covered for strikers and don't want to be too Italian, says West Ham chief Nani - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 12:03 PM on 16th October 2008
West Ham claim they have no interest in signing striker Pablo Daniel Osvaldo from Fiorentina. The Hammers had been linked with a transfer-window move for the 22-year-old Argentinian, but their technical director Gianluca Nani has explained otherwise. 'We do not want a team that is too "Italian", Nani told violanews.com.
'Our plan is to build players at home, taken when they are still young. 'Osvaldo is a great striker but is already an important player and falls outside the type of player we are looking for - because we are covered in that role.'
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FA ready to shut down West Ham's appeal By Steve Turner - fansonline.net
Posted on Thursday 16 Oct 2008 11:35:00
Despite being granted the right to appeal to CAS over the Sheffield United affair, the FA could be set to shut it down. The decision was expected at the end of the month over the billions and billions of pound fine that was going to get every other team in the world a slice of compensation from the Hammers, and inevitably lead to a credit crunch meltdown. We're paraphrasing, but it seems some people believe playing Tevez is responsible for the credit crunch. However, the FA does not believe CAS has the authority to judge in such matters, especially as Sheffield United have pointed out West Ham agreed to be bound by the findings of the ruling.
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Hammers rebuff Osvaldo reports - TeamTalk
West Ham United have claimed they have no interest in signing striker Pablo Daniel Osvaldo from Serie A outfit Fiorentina. The Hammers had been linked with a transfer-window move for the 22-year-old Argentinian, but their technical director Gianluca Nani has explained otherwise. "We do not want a team that is too 'Italian'," Nani told violanews.com. "Our plan is to build players at home, taken when they are still young. "Osvaldo is a great striker but is already an important player and falls outside the type of player we are looking for - because we are covered in that role."
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Italians eye West Ham's Behrami - The Sun
Published: Today
ROMA are set to take advantage of West Ham's cash crisis by swooping for Valon Behrami. The Hammers' Icelandic owners are refusing to put more money into the club and boss Gianfranco Zola has been told he must sell players before he makes any moves in the transfer market. Behrami, who only joined the East Londoners from Lazio this summer, could be the first out of the door. The Swiss star's agent Alessandro Beltrami said: "Roma have enquired after Valon. "They have given me their word that they are keen on the lad and willing to close the deal. "However, we are just in the early stages.
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Brown: Tigers hoping to mete out further capital punishment - CityIndependent
By CI Reporter - 16/10/2008 11:07
Manager Phil Brown has been speaking ahead of the critical West Ham United home clash this Sunday, with the Tigers hoping to extend their winning streak against London opposition...
Hull City boss Phil Brown is keen to see his side continue their fine form against capital opposition in the Premier League this Sunday, when the Tigers host West Ham United at the Circle. So far, Brown's troops have recorded a 100% record against London clubs this season with victory at home to Fulham on the opening day - and then incredibly - recording back-to-back wins at Arsenal and Tottenham in their last two fixtures. And the manager was hopeful the run would continue stating - "It would be nice to remain undefeated against London clubs, especially with Chelsea on the horizon as well. But we're concentrating on West Ham for now and we'll judge the game on its merits."
Adding - "There's been a lot of speculation surrounding them lately about boardroom unrest and things. They also have a new manager who is being tested at the highest level. But like I say, we'll judge this game on its merits and hopefully we'll come out of it with something in the bag."
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Hammer blow to West Ham's appeal over Tevez affair - Daily Mail
By Raoul Simons
Last updated at 9:59 AM on 16th October 2008
A villian in the eyes of Arsenal and England fans, Ashley Cole is now in danger of irritating West Ham. The Hammers are trying to convince the Court of Arbitration for Sport to hear their appeal over the latest Carlos Tevez decision, even though their case doesn't fulfil the criteria for Lausanne intervention. Those involve either both parties agreeing to CAS arbitration or a clause in the Football Association's rules allowing such appeals. Since Sheffield United won't endorse the CAS move and the FA have no such clause, the club are left arguing that the court should be used because it is FIFA's ultimate forum for resolving disputes. It is a view similar to the one expressed by Cole in 2005, when his legal team asked CAS to hear an appeal against the Premier League's £75,000 fine over the Chelsea 'tapping up' incident. On that occasion, CAS refused and a well-placed insider has suggested the Cole precedent could work against West Ham.
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West Ham lodge appeal to CAS over Tevez affair - metro.co.uk
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Carlos Tevez The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) have opened proceedings to determine if they can hear West Ham's appeal against a ruling which could see them pay out millions over the Carlos Tevez affair. CAS confirmed that a "statement of appeal" had been filed by the Hammers, asking the Lausanne court to adjudicate on an independent tribunal's assertion that they should pay compensation to Sheffield United for their relegation from the Premier League in 2006/07.
A statement from CAS read: "The CAS has initiated an arbitration procedure and will first examine its jurisdiction as a preliminary issue after both clubs have had the opportunity to file written submissions on this point." "For the moment, no decision has been made with respect to the holding of a hearing. In any event, a decision on jurisdiction is not to be expected before the end of November 2008."
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Cole eyes a goals boost - E24
16 October 2008
By JONATHAN CLEGG
CARLTON COLE might be the most improved player at Upton Park over the past year - but the West Ham striker believes he is capable of making further progress under Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola. Cole has undergone a dramatic transformation in the last 12 months, earning the respect of the club's supporters, who used to jeer his arrival from the substitutes bench. With four goals in eight appearances already this season, the in-form forward has emerged as a key player for the Hammers and has shown signs of finally developing a more clinical touch in front of goal, prompting Zola to talk up his England credentials last month. But the 24-year-old, who has scored in each of the past two games, insists he can further increase his scoring record and become a deadlier finisher - after revealing that he has been hobbled by ankle injuries during his impressive recent run. Cole suffered a knock to his left ankle in last month's home victory against Newcastle but played through the pain to score a crucial goal in the 2-1 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage.
And despite suffering a freak injury to his right ankle the following week, Cole again took his place in the starting line-up against Bolton, scoring West Ham's sole goal in a 3-1 defeat at Upton Park. The striker has since been working with the club's medical staff to shake off the nagging injuries - and he is confident he will be a better player when he regains peak fitness. He said: "I've been playing with an injury during the last two games. I already had an ankle injury and [on the day before playing Bolton] I turned over on my other ankle so I've had a bit of bad luck. "I first did it against Newcastle at Upton Park and I was lucky to be playing against Fulham the following week but I got a goal. "I shouldn't have been playing [against Bolton] really but the medical staff have been quality and they got me on track and I was happy to play. "Hopefully I can get my ankle right and I'll get more goals in our next games."
Cole knows that he could be in line for more hard knocks when West Ham travel to Hull on Sunday, with the former Chelsea striker expecting a physical encounter at the KC Stadium. But he believes the Hammers can bounce back from defeat against Bolton and predicts that the squad's superior skill will shine through. He said: "Obviously they're a physical side but we just need to counteract that with the qualities that we've got. "We know they're in good form at the moment, they did well against Spurs so we know they're a good outfit and they're going to be solid. "We just need to break them down and I think we can go up there and get a result because we've got good talent.
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Green in an injury scare - E24
16 October 2008
ROBERT GREEN has given West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola a major injury scare after the Hammers No1 was forced to pull out of the England squad with a knee injury. Green withdrew from Fabio Capello's squad ahead of last night's World Cup qualifying match in Belarus after complaining of soreness in his knee. The 28-year-old did not travel to Minsk with the rest of the squad and was replaced in the travelling party by Under-21 keeper Joe Hart. Green has returned to Upton Park for treatment on the injury and his fitness for West Ham's Premier League match at Hull on Sunday is uncertain. The former Norwich goalkeeper, who was voted West Ham's player of the year last season, could be replaced by Jan Lastuvka if he fails to recover for the trip to the KC Stadium. Lastuvka has made one appearance since joining West Ham on loan from Shakhtar Donetsk in August. The Czech Republic international made his debut under Zola in the Carling Cup match at Watford and committed a costly error as the Hammers crashed out in the third round. Czech youth international Marek Stech will be promoted to the first-team squad as second-choice keeper if Green is unable to participate.
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Hammers deny Osvaldo link - Setanta
by Tom Adams, 16 October 2008
West Ham's technical director Gianluca Nani has ruled out a January move for Fiorentina forward Pablo Daniel Osvaldo, claiming the Argentinian does not fit the profile of player that The Hammers are searching for. Osvaldo recently voiced his frustration with life as a substitute in Italy and West Ham, with their obvious links to Serie A through Nani and manager Gianfranco Zola, were linked with a move for the 22-year-old who has made only one league start this season. But West Ham completed the free transfer signing of Diego Tristan on Tuesday and Nani has made clear they will not pursue Osvaldo come January as they are looking to avoid a situation where imports take precedence over young talents. In a nod to recent reports claiming a financial crisis is brewing at Upton Park, Nani also laughed off suggestions that the troubles of owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson would restrict the club's transfer plans. "But if in Italy they say we are bankrupt how can we buy? Joking aside, our situation is calm but we do not want a team that is too 'Italian'," Nani told violanews.com. "And moreover our plan is to build players at home, taken when they are still young. "Osvaldo is a great striker but is already an important player and falls outside the type of player we are looking for because we are covered in that role. [Fiorentina team-mate Riccardo] Montolivo? The same."
Meanwhile, Nani has been forced to deny suggestions that Roma could be poised to sign Switzerland international Valon Behrami in January. The defender's agent has recently been quoted as claiming that the Giallorossi have enquired about the summer signing from Lazio but Nani has forcefully denied that Behrami will be leaving Upton Park. "I am tired of responding to questions on Behrami," Nani added. "I repeat - Behrami is not for sale and Roma have never asked for the player. "Before you start any kind of transfer, Rome must speak with West Ham, which has not happened. Behrami is our player, we have high hopes for him so I see no reason to sell. "Even if an offer arrived from Rome for €50 million (£39 million) we would not sell. It is not a matter of numbers but of will on our part to keep the player."
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FA believe arbitration court have no authority - The Sheffield Star
Published Date: 16 October 2008
By James Shield
THE COURT of Arbitration for Sport, who yesterday announced their will consider the legitimacy of West Ham's efforts to appeal against Sheffield United's victory in the Carlos Tevez Affair, could incur the FA's wrath if they decide to hear the Premier League club's case. Officials in Lausanne, where CAS is based, expect to announce their decision towards the end of the next month after receiving submissions from both Upton Park and Bramall Lane. United won a landmark legal ruling last month when an independent tribunal headed by Lord Griffiths ordered West Ham to pay them damages for illegally fielding the Argentine striker during season 2006/07. Like United, the FA, whose laws provided the framework for the latest hearing, do not believe CAS have any authority to intervene. Despite refusing to comment publicly on the matter - other than to stress they had no influence over Griffiths and his team - Soho Square could take the view that CAS is eroding its authority if it gives West Ham the green light. United have also declined the invitation to elaborate on the details of the documentation they forwarded to Switzerland on Friday. But it is believed to focus on two areas. The first is that that both they and West Ham agreed to be bound by the findings of Griffith and his colleagues beforehand.The second centres on FIFA's statute book which, outlining CAS' role, appears to suggest that their verdict is impossible to overturn. Meanwhile, United will not be signing former Spain international Gerard Lopez. The ex-Barcelona midfielder, who completed a trial at United last week, is now expected to pursue a career on North America's MLS.
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West Ham set to have new shirt sponsors in time for Hull City match - The Mirror
By Neil McLeman 16/10/2008
West Ham are close to announcing some good financial news - for a change - with the signing of a £3.5million sponsorship deal. The Upton Park club has suffered a torrid time in recent weeks with the collapse of previous sponsor XL, Icelandic chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson losing a fortune in the credit crunch and Sheffield United also winning the right to claim compensation over the Tevez Affair. The bill for Tevez alone could total £30m although the Hammers have lodged an appeal.
West Ham have already been fined £5.5m by the FA for the invalid registration of the Argentinian striker during the 2006-07 season, while they paid off Freddie Ljungberg's £6 contract in the summer. New boss Gianfranco Zola has been told to sell before he can buy in the January transfer window. West Ham insist that Gudmundsson remains "fully committed" to the long-term success of the club he bought for £85m in 2006. But the imminent announcement of a new shirt sponsor will be very welcome news after travel company XL went into administration last month, leaving a £5m gap in their finances. A £7.5m deal, worth £2.5m a year, was signed in February 2007 but only one year of the contract had been paid into the East Londoners' coffers. Since then the Hammers have played with patches sewn over the XL logos on the first-team shirts. A club source said: "We hope to have the new sponsor on our shirts on Sunday for the match at Hull City." The Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland yesterday confirmed West Ham had lodged an appeal against the FA's £5.5m fine over Tevez. Cas will now accept written evidence from Sheffield United and West Ham before deciding before the end of next month whether they will hear the case.
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Nigel Quashie wants Birmingham City lift - The Mirror
By Football Spy 16/10/2008
West Ham midfielder Nigel Quashie is hoping a loan move to Birmingham will help him get over his personal agony. Quashie, 30, has not played a senior game for 16 months due to an ankle injury and mum Caroline died recently. He said: "It has been the hardest time of my life."
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