WHUFC.com
West Ham United are supporting the Kick It Out campaign with a day of action
on Sunday
23.10.2008
West Ham United are pledging commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
by backing Kick It Out's One Game, One Community week of action which runs
until 28 October. The club is holding its very own day of action on Sunday
at the Boleyn Ground as part of a 12-day, nationwide celebration of
diversity. Kick It Out, the game's equality and inclusion campaign, is
co-ordinating the initiative as part of football's ongoing contribution to
promote greater inclusion. To demonstrate support of the One Game, One
Community message West Ham United will give coverage in the club's programme
and website, while on Sunday there will be a special half-time performance
from the Newham-based Ascension Eagles, one of the UK's most successful
youth programs. West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury said: "West Ham United are
delighted to once again be involved in the One Game, One Community week of
action. We are based in one of the most ethnically diverse areas in Europe
and we take the issue of equality for all very seriously at every level of
the club."
West Ham United captain Lucas Neill said: "Football is recognised as a
universal game played by every colour, creed and race therefore there is no
room on the pitch and on the terraces for racism. "We as players are in a
position of leverage have a responsibility to get that message across.
Everybody associated with West Ham United takes this campaign very
seriously."
The Kick It Out campaign will also be supported on Sunday on the LED boards
and video walls around the pitch. On the field of play, the players will be
wearing special One Game, One Community T-Shirts during the warm-up - as
they have during training this week. Lord Herman Ouseley, Chairman of Kick
It Out, said: "The One Game, One Community weeks of action provides a focal
point for everyone connected to football, from supporters to players to
stand up against discrimination in all its forms. "The game flourishes when
people from all communities, and from all walks of life, are able to
participate in it. Club activity like this reinforces the One Game, One
Community ethos and is a vital part of the drive for equality at all levels
of the game."
West Ham United's efforts have also seen the club awarded the preliminary
level of the Racial Equality Standard. The important initiative, which has
been developed by Kick It Out with the support of the Premier League, will
help West Ham United to promote equality in all areas of the club's
operations, such as stewarding to the recruitment of young players.
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H biding his time
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 23rd October 2008
By: Staff Writer
Hayden Mullins says that he will sit tight before making a decision on his
future. The United midfielder has barely featured for the first team since
Gianfranco Zola succeeded Alan Curbishley last month. Now considered a
back-up to first choice Scott Parker and Mark Noble, Mullins - who was Alan
Pardew's first signing five years ago this month - admitted that he is
unhappy at not playing but not yet ready to go banging on the manager's door
demanding answers. "For me its just a case of waiting for a chance to get
back in," he told the local press. "When the manager came in we was on the
back of some good results and we were fourth in the league. I wasn't first
choice then. "Since he's come in we've had two good results - the Newcastle
and Fulham games - but it was a blip against Bolton so there was no need for
him to change it really. "I'm just knocking on the door and if I get my
chance I've got to put in a performance."
Surprisingly perhaps, Mullins also revealed that he was yet to have the
chance to speak one on one with Zola - despite the manager having been in
place for just over a month. "I haven't spoke to him personally as yet
because he's got to get his feet under the table first and get to know
everyone," he confirmed. "I don't really want to go and knock on his door
and ask why I'm not playing. It's just a case of waiting for my chance.
"Hopefully it'll come soon. If I get my chance I have to take it, and if I
don't we'll have to see where that leaves us."
Mullins joined the Hammers from Crystal Palace in a £600,000 switch in
October 2003, and has since made 199 appearances for West Ham United. Only
Mark Noble and Matthew Etherington from the current squad have been at the
club longer.
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Twelve is not enough
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 23rd October 2008
By: Staff Writer
Mark Noble has suggested that it could take Gianfranco Zola up to two years
to impress his style on the United squad. Noble, talking to the Ilford
Recorder earlier this week revealed that he was delighted to be playing for
the former Italian international - whilst suggesting that it will take some
considerable time for the squad to gel and play in the manner which Zola is
trying to impress upon them. "The formation is a good one, and I think it is
working," Noble said of Zola's attack-minded 4-3-3 format. "It's going to
be a slow process though. It's not going to work over months, it's going to
be a couple of years before he finally gets it going. "I'm really enjoying
the role I have been given. But then again, it is only enjoyable if you're
winning. We haven't in the last two games, so you can't laugh and smile. The
Hammers currently sit eighth in the Premier League with 12 points from their
opening eight games, and just five points clear of the relegation zone. But
with an extremely tough run of games ahead, Noble, like many United
supporters, feels that 12 points from a gentle opening run is a lower tally
than was expected. "It's not enough," he admitted. "We thought we should
have won last week [against Bolton] although it was a bit of bad luck with
Greeny dropping the first one. It's unlike him.
"Again we felt we should have taken the three points [at Hull] but it hasn't
happened and now we've got Arsenal and Manchester United in the next two
games. We've got a big job to try and do our best to get some points out of
them."
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Takeover back on?
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 23rd October 2008
By: Staff Writer
Zabeel Investments have this morning announced that they are pulling out of
talks with Championship side Charlton Athletic - leaving the door open for a
fresh bid for West Ham United. The Dubai-based sovereign-wealth fund had
been in negotiations with the Addicks board with view to a possible
takeover. However they confirmed this morning that they no longer intend to
pursue their interest, lending weight to rumours that the Charlton bid was
little more than a smokescreen for a bigger takeover bid.
A statement posted on Charlton's website this morning stated: "The board was
informed by Zabeel Investments on Thursday that it will not be proceeding
with the proposed acquisition of Charlton Athletic plc. "Zabeel Investments
has informed Charlton that the decision not to proceed was taken on the
basis that its focus moving forward will be on domestic opportunities in
Dubai that complement the current Zabeel Investments portfolio. "In
addition, Zabeel Investments has confirmed it has no current intention to
acquire any English football club for the foreseeable future."
Whilst a spokesman for Zabeel added: "Zabeel Investments has the highest
regard for both the supporters of Charlton and the way in which Charlton is
managed, and wishes the team every success in its quest for promotion this
season and moving forward."
Zabeel have been linked with both West Ham and Everton in the past
fortnight, with one approach already said to have been rejected by current
Hammers owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson - despite that being denied by a
spokesman last Tuesday. United chairman Gudmundsson has strenuously denied
that he is being forced to sell the club, despite his business empire
collapsing earlier this month with the fall of Icelandic bank Landsbanki. *
Former Hammers boss Alan Pardew - currently in charge at the Valley - is
facing the sack after his side were left in 20th place in the Championship
following a 2-0 home defeat against Bristol City on Tuesday evening.
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Tristan shout
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 23rd October 2008
By: Staff Writer
Diego Tristan is expected to make the bench for this Saturday's Boleyn clash
with Arsenal. The former Spanish international was signed on a free transfer
last week but omitted from the squad that lost 1-0 at Hull due to fitness
concerns. However Gianfranco Zola is set to select the 32-year-old striker
in his eighteen man squad to face the high-flying Gunners, who go into the
game on the back of a 5-2 win in Turkey earlier this week. Fit again Craig
Bellamy and Carlton Cole are likely to start the game, as they did at Hull
last weekend. Also in contention for a return to the first team squad is
centre-half James Collins, who, despite playing for the Wales the week
before, was another left out of the squad that travelled to Hull. Welsh team
mate Jack Collison is also fit again after a recent injury. Of the long term
injuries, Kieron Dyer - who is still on schedule for a return by the end of
this month/early next month - is still working his way back to full fitness,
as are Danny Gabbidon and Jon Spector. Dean Ashton, who is not expected to
play until the final third of the 2008/09 season is currently in recovery
following a recent operation.
* Nearly 1,000 tickets are still thought to be available for this weekend's
match. Prices (for adults) start at a whopping £45.
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West Ham Utd v Arsenal: match preview
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 23rd October 2008
By: Preview Percy
Next up is Arsenal. Let's face it - there's not much to like about this
club.
The bribery and corruption that got them promoted, the manager whose
eyesight problem is suspiciously selective, the authorities' lenient
approach to consistent breaches of regulations and a fan base that contains
more than its fair share of the ignorant all contribute to a club that only
its supporters could love.
They have been trophy-free for a few seasons now and this has led to a
mini-exodus of more experienced players over the past few seasons. In this
season's window they were unable to persuade the likes of Flamini and Hleb
to stay. The frankly bonkers Lehmann was probably past his sell-by date
anyway – not that he'd admit it – and departed for Stuttgart having lost his
place to Almunia last season. Others, such as Senderos, departed on loan,
presumably never to return. On the incoming front Wenger found himself
unable to compete financially with Liverpool over Gareth Barry and,
presumably upset that he hadn't thought of illegally approaching the Villa
midfielder first, Wenger found himself pulling out of the bidding well
before the point at which the scousers themselves withdrew.
Instead we saw a strange transfer with the arrival of Silvestre who was
deemed to be surplus to requirements up at Salford. This was apparently the
first transfer between the two clubs since Chalks last bought a round. The
most notable arrival was probably that of French midfielder Nasri from
Marseilles for a reported fee of about £12.5m. All of which means that the
current Arsenal squad is more dependent than it used to be on a youth policy
that relies heavily on snapping up players produced by other clubs across
Europe.
Almunia will start in goal on Sunday. In the absence of Gallas and Toure he
has been skippering the side and has amusingly suggested that he would like
to play for England when he qualifies next year for a UK passport. It's a
shame really because had he signed for Arsenal a few years previously he
might have got into the England side on a passport made out of a John Bull
printing set, such documents being par for the course at Highbury in those
days.
The starting line-up the other night against Fenerbahce contained an
unfamiliar back four in front of Almunia. Injuries to the likes of Gallas,
Sagna and Toure saw Song partner Silvestre in the middle with Eboue at right
back and Clichy on the left. Eboue arrived a few years back from the Ivory
Coast by way of Belgium where Arsenal had a much-criticised "arrangement"
with Beveren that exploited the less stringent immigration and football
registration laws applicable in Belgium, where African footballers have been
mercilessly exploited by clubs, management and agents. Elsewhere across the
back, Gallas' hamstring and Sagna's ankle are both expected to have
recovered in time for Sunday, though Toure's shoulder is still likely to
rule him out.
In midfield, another medium-term absentee is Rosicky who has one of those
hamstring chappies. A return by those missing from the defence in midweek
may see Eboue move into midfield. Flavour of the month Theo Walcott has been
playing on the wing though he does have an eye for goal, though those raving
about his hat-trick against Croatia have a habit of going a bit quiet when
his performances in the subsequent internationals are raised. Wenger started
the kid poached from a cash-strapped Southampton on the bench against
Everton, where Fabregas, Denilson, Fabregas and Nasri played across the
middle. Walcott had returned for the Fenerbahce match alongside Diaby in a
five-man midfield that saw Adebayor up front on his own – though Walcott's
role was more advanced.
Adebayor is a player who ticks at least two of the boxes applicable to the
traditional Arsenal striker. Firstly there is the dodgy transfer dealing
that saw his club Monaco withdraw from a deal that would have taken him to
the Boleyn a few years back despite having agreed a fee and despite the
player having agreed personal terms. Any contact between Wenger and his old
club at that time was, of course, purely coincidental as was the fact that a
few months later Adebayor signed for Arsenal. Adebayor, like his fellow
striker Van Persie also enjoys a bit of what the authorities refer to as
"simulation" – a tradition that goes back a long way with Arsenal.
Interestingly, Adebayor picked up a yellow card for a dive last week against
Everton so maybe referees are starting to do their jobs at last.
Van Persie is likely to partner Adebayor up front, with Croatian-Brazilian
Eduardo still a month or two away from a return following the horrific
broken leg sustained up at Birmingham last season – one incident that was
seen in perfect 20-20 vision and Hi-Definition by Arsene Wenger. Also in
contention will be Nicklas Bendtner with whom Adebayor had a hilarious row
during the 5-1 Carling Cup defeat to Spurs a while back after which they
went through a spell where it appeared that they wouldn't pass to each
other.
And what of ourselves? Well personnel-wise I expect us to remain unchanged
from the eleven that started up at Hull though there must be a temptation to
add James Collins into the squad at least. I would have expected there to
have been an emphasis on finishing practice in training this week given the
chances that were spurned up on Humberside. The big question is whether Zola
is likely to change the formation that he has employed since his arrival
that has seen Etherington, Di Michele and latterly Bellamy playing as
auxiliary strikers behind Cole, as opposed to a more orthodox 4-4-2 that
would see Etherington drop back into the left of midfield. If I had to make
a guess I'd expect us to start with the 4-3-2-1 but wouldn't be at all
surprised if we switched at some time during the match if numbers were
required in midfield.
This fixture has, of course seen some fun in the past, Viera's spitting at
Neil Ruddock, Bergkamp's penchant for throwing the elbow about, and of
course the stand-up argument between Wenger and Alan Pardew that cost the
Frenchman a £10,000 fine for improper conduct. There had been bad blood
between the two managers for a few months following comments from Pardew
that suggested that Arsenal's habit of selecting UK player-free teams might
not be a particularly good thing for British football. Wenger disgracefully
played the "racism" card in response to Pardew's comments – something that
was a bit rich given his club's aforementioned Belgian connections.
Predictions? Well few outside E13 will be going for a home win for this one
– especially given the form shown by the visitors in Europe in midweek.
However, there is always an extra unquantifiable edge to a derby match and,
against an ordinary Fulham side and a spirited Hull, Arsenal have proved
that they are far from invincible. Sunderland too were unlucky to come away
with only a point so this is not the mission impossible that many are
saying. Of course there have been a few defensive hitches of late in our own
defence and the prospect of us winning may depend on our being able to keep
an all-too-rare clean sheet. I'll therefore plump for a 1-1 draw on this
occasion in the hope that the officials will keep an eye on the diving!
Enjoy the game!
Last season: Lost 0-1. Robert Green kept Arsenal at bay as yet another
terrible decision by the officials against this opponent denied us a share
of the points as Ljungberg's valid equaliser was wrongly chalked off for
offside.
Danger men: Fabregas, Walcott.
Look out for: Dives, punch-ups in the technical area and just about anything
else that their manager might have difficulty in making out.
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Mullins to fight for future
SSN
Midfielder waits on chance to impress Zola
Last updated: 23rd October 2008
Hayden Mullins has vowed to fight for his place in the West Ham side despite
being linked with a move away from Upton Park. The 29-year-old has found
first-team opportunities hard to come by since the arrival of Gianfranzo
Zola. The news has alerted a host of clubs to Mullins' possible availability
with former Hammers boss Alan Pardew thought to be keen to lure the
midfielder to The Valley. Mullins has played down the rumours and says he is
willing to wait for his chance to impress Zola "For me its just a case of
waiting for a chance to get back in," Mullins told the Echo. "When the
manager came in we was on the back of some good results and we were fourth
in the league. I wasn't first choice then. "Since he's come in we've had two
good results - the Newcastle and Fulham games - but it was a blip against
Bolton so there was no need for him to change it really. "I'm just knocking
on the door and if I get my chance I've got to put in a performance."
Mullins added: "I haven't spoke to him personally as yet because he's got to
get his feet under the table first and get to know everyone. "I don't really
want to go and knock on his door and ask why I'm not playing. It's just a
case of waiting for my chance. "Hopefully it'll come soon. If I get my
chance I have to take it, and if I don't we'll have to see where that leaves
us."
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Pizza is the order of day for big Ashton as West Ham cater to striker's
needs
By Raoul Simons
Daily Mail
Last updated at 10:53 AM on 23rd October 2008
Pizza is the order of the day at West Ham under Gianfranco Zola's new
Italian regime. After a recent home match, striker David Di Michele was
spotted taking four 12-inch boxes into the home dressing room. Such
deliveries will be most welcomed by striker Dean Ashton, who famously lists
Domino's pepperoni variety as his favourite food. It is a similar Jamie
Oliver nightmare at Watford, where away teams' post-match meals regularly
consist of battered fish, fried chicken and chips ordered from a takeaway.
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Charlton will spend takeover cash on West Ham's Hayden Mullins
The Mirror
By Football Spy 23/10/2008
Alan Pardew hopes Charlton's potential takeover happens soon after being
promised £10million to spend in January. The Addicks' boss got flak from
fans after the defeat to Bristol City left them two points off the dropzone.
But Pardew has held talks with Zabeel Investments ahead of the proposed £50m
buy-out. He hopes to sign West Ham's Hayden Mullins
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Mullins vows to stay and fight - for now
8:30am Thursday 23rd October 2008
Echo
By Rob Pritchard »
WEST Ham United midfielder Hayden Mullins has vowed to remain and fight for
his place at Upton Park - for now. The 29-year-old, who celebrates his fifth
anniversary as a Hammers' player today, has found himself frozen out of new
manager Gianfranco Zola's starting line-up in recent weeks. And while
Mullins - Alan Pardew's first Irons' signing in October 2003 - is willing to
wait for his opportunity to impress, he has admitted he may consider packing
his bags if a chance does not come along before the January transfer window.
"For me its just a case of waiting for a chance to get back in," the former
Crystal Palace player told the Echo. "When the manager came in we was on the
back of some good results and we were fourth in the league. I wasn't first
choice then. "Since he's come in we've had two good results - the Newcastle
and Fulham games - but it was a blip against Bolton so there was no need for
him to change it really. "I'm just knocking on the door and if I get my
chance I've got to put in a performance."
And Mullins is conscious of the fact that he does not want to run the risk
of upsetting new boss Zola by making immediate demands on the Italian. "I
haven't spoke to him personally as yet because he's got to get his feet
under the table first and get to know everyone," he added. "I don't really
want to go and knock on his door and ask why I'm not playing. It's just a
case of waiting for my chance. "Hopefully it'll come soon. If I get my
chance I have to take it, and if I don't we'll have to see where that leaves
us."
Zola himself is known to be keen to trim his huge first-team squad by as
many as eight players in January, but the Sardinian is believed to be keen
to keep hold of Reading-born Mullins as cover. Defenders James Collins and
Calum Davenport and midfielders Luis Boa Morte and Lee Bowyer are favourites
to lead the exodus.
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Sunday's key battles: West Ham Utd v Arsenal
Arsenal.com
Arsenal will make the short trip to Upton Park on Sunday to face Gianfranco
Zola's new-look West Ham United. This season Arsenal.com will be identifying
the key battles for the game. We will bring you all the statistics and
information a fan could need so swot up now and come Saturday you will be
impressing anyone who will listen with your new-found knowledge.
Matthew Upson v Robin van Persie
On Sunday, former Gunner Matthew Upson will find himself face-to-face with
last season's Upton Park match-winner. Robin van Persie, who headed the only
goal of the game in that fixture, will be raring to go after sitting out the
Istanbul goal-fest but in Upson he faces one of the Premier League's form
centre-halfs. The 29-year-old is a player with a long list of injury
problems but he has played every minute of the Hammers' season so far and
has only failed in one of his eight tackles, racking up 12 clearances in the
process.
UPSON V VAN PERSIE Matthew Upson Robin van Persie
Appearances 8 7
Minutes played 720 528
Assists 1 1
Clearances 12 1
Goals 0 4
Passes completed 32 25
Passes not completed 14 12
Shots on target 0 15
Shots off target 1 16
Tackles lost 1 2
Tackles won 7 0
Matthew Etherington v Emmanuel Eboue
Emmanuel Eboue is expected to continue his spell at right-back on Sunday and
he is assigned the task of shackling the reinvigorated Matthew Etherington.
The ex-Spurs wideman has enjoyed a new lease of life under Gianfranco Zola,
playing in an advanced left-wing role. Etherington has scored twice in the
last four games but he will have to get the better of the Ivorian who has
looked efficient so far, winning five of his seven tackles at one end, while
assisting twice and scoring once at the other.
ETHERINGTON V EBOUE Matthew Etherington Emmanuel Eboue
Appearances 8 7
Minutes played 580 578
Assists 1 2
Successful dribbles 2 6
Unsuccessful dribbles 4 2
Goals 2 1
Passes completed 29 30
Passes not completed 17 16
Shots on target 3 6
Shots off target 1 5
Tackles lost 2 2
Tackles won 3 5
Scott Parker v Cesc Fabregas
Scott Parker is another Hammer who has excelled under the new management
team at Upton Park but the 28-year-old faces a busy Sunday afternoon. Cesc
Fabregas has registered a goal and an assist in his six appearances and
boasts a 100 per cent success rate in his dribbling. Parker's passing record
is marginally better than the Spaniard's and the tenacious midfielder has
won five of his six tackles so far. The England international has hit the
target three times but is yet to open his goalscoring account for 2008/09.
PARKER V FABREGAS Scott Parker Cesc Fabregas
Appearances 8 6
Minutes 684 540
Assists 1 1
Successful dribbles 2 4
Unsuccessful dribbles 1 0
Goals 0 1
Passes completed 35 34
Passes not completed 23 23
Shots off target 2 7
Shots on target 3 13
Tackles lost 1 1
Tackles won 5 0
[Wednesday, October 22, 2008]
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Zabeel drop Charlton takeover bid·
Dubai investors to concentrate on domestic opportunities
Worsening economic climate also contributed to decision
Staff and agencies guardian.co.uk, Thursday October 23 2008 10.09 BST
Zabeel Investments have pulled out of a deal to buy Charlton, the
Championship club confirmed today. The Dubai-based investors - who had also
been linked with a takeover bids for Newcastle, West Ham and Everton - made
an indicative offer for the club earlier this month. However a Charlton
statement today said: "Zabeel Investments has informed Charlton that the
decision not to proceed was taken on the basis that its focus moving forward
will be on domestic opportunities in Dubai that complement the current
Zabeel Investments portfolio. "This combined with the current debate around
foreign ownership of football clubs and the worsening economic climate in
the UK contributed to the decision of Zabeel Investments to pull out."
The news will be extremely disappointing for Charlton, who have reported
debts of £20m and are currently languishing in 20th place in the
Championship table, following Tuesday night's home defeat by Bristol City.
Manager Alan Pardew is already thought to have earmarked certain signings
with the finances the Dubai group would have provided. Zabeel have insisted
that they will not be turning their attention to any other English club
following the decision not to invest in Charlton. "Zabeel Investments has
made it clear to Charlton that this decision was not made as a result of any
discoveries during the due diligence process," the statement continued.
"Contrary to recent press reports, Zabeel Investments has confirmed to
Charlton that it has not approached any other club since it made an
indicative offer for Charlton Athletic on October 10, nor has it authorised
any approach on its behalf. "In addition, Zabeel Investments has confirmed
it has no current intention to acquire any English football club for the
foreseeable future." "Zabeel Investments has the highest regard for both the
supporters of Charlton and the way in which Charlton is managed and wishes
the team every success in their quest for promotion this season and moving
forward."
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Hammers youngster desperate to make an impression on Zola
9:37am Thursday 23rd October 2008
Echo
WEST HAM starlet Zavon Hines admits he can't wait to finally start making an
impression on boss Gianfranco Zola. While the Italian's appointment into the
Upton Park hot seat last month sparked excitement in the East End, for Hines
it has been a frustrating time - a knee injury has kept the 19-year-old out
of action for the last seven weeks. Now the pacy young striker is desperate
to make up for lost time and to show what he can do. "I want to start
playing again as soon as possible," Hines told the local Guardian. "It has
been a bit frustrating because watching the reserve team matches, I feel I
could do the same as the others or perhaps even better, but I want to play
in the first-team. "I got injured as soon as the new manager came in so he
hasn't even seen me train yet. I just can't wait to start again and show him
what I'm about."
The injury came at a particularly inappropriate time for Hines. He had just
made a real impression in pre-season with six goals, while his career took a
major step forward when he made his senior debut in a Carling Cup second
round tie against Macclesfield in August - a game in which he also scored.
However, he has shrugged off his recent disappointment and is fast closing
in on a return to action. "I started off alright in pre-season but I've had
a little setback," said Hines. "But I'm alright now and I'm hoping to start
training again within the next week."
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Gudmundsson says he is unscathed by Landsbanki's meltdown in Iceland.
Very interesting article in the Guardian, comparing turnover, debt, etc for
all Premier clubs (we don't come out too badly):
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2008/oct/22/premierleague-creditcrunch
of today's paper, if you can - it's much easier to read on a double page
spread.
What the credit crunch means for the Premier League
A recession could prove costly for debt-ridden Premier League clubs despite
the bonus of television money.
Whisper it amid the current furore: top-level football is not savagely
debt-ridden and it is unlikely to implode. The clubs generally look able to
ride the economic downturn because, unlike other industries worrying if
their customers will disappear tomorrow, they have the cushion of the
Premier League's £2.7bn television deal until the end of the 2009-10 season.
Global popularity is growing and at home, for all the dissatisfaction about
high prices, erratic kick-off times, overpaid players and commercial
overkill, fans are turning up - and paying up - in huge numbers.
As an uncertain future comes into view, however, we must qualify that sunny
picture. If we have a serious recession in which hundreds of thousands of
people lose their jobs, many will be football fans and they will no longer
be able to fork out for boomtime-priced tickets or multiple pay-TV
subscriptions. If that happens, the clubs will be more vulnerable, as will
every industry. Football fans are unlikely to give up match-going first, but
perhaps more clubs will finally have to think sensitively about ticket
prices, after years of merciless inflation.
The Football Association's chairman, Lord Triesman, warned a fortnight ago
that the Premier League clubs' £3bn total debts are "high risk". Yet the
clubs look more robust than several years ago.
True, a majority rely on owners to augment earnings with cash or "soft"
loans. The most recently published accounts, which mostly date as far back
as May or June 2007, show that 12 of the 20 clubs - Aston Villa, Blackburn
Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Chelsea, Fulham, Manchester City, Middlesbrough,
Newcastle United, Stoke City, Sunderland, West Ham United and Wigan Athletic
- relied on owners putting in cash or loans or guaranteeing borrowings. A
large chunk of that headline £3bn debt is accounted for by interest-free
loans from owners: Roman Abramovich (£578m to Chelsea); Mohamed Al Fayed
(£165m to Fulham); and Dave Whelan (£31m to Wigan).
It is legitimate, certainly, to question how sustainable this is, although
all the owners are very wealthy individuals under no evident pressure -
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, West Ham's owner, says he is unscathed by
Landsbanki's meltdown in Iceland. Manchester City's new owner, Sheikh
Mansour, is as gold-plated as possible; Villa's Randy Lerner is a
billionaire from selling the MBNA credit card company; and Whelan and
Newcastle's Mike Ashley pocketed hundreds of millions when they sold their
respective sports retail chains.
Middlesbrough's Steve Gibson has an industrial fortune - according to its
latest accounts his container company turned over £196m, and made £15m
profit, after absorbing Middlesbrough's losses. A downturn would have to be
vicious to seriously affect his ability to support the club. Less is known
about Edwin Davies, Bolton's owner, who made his money in the kettle
components company Strix. So far he has funded survival at the Reebok.
Everton and Portsmouth, the clubs who are struggling to keep up, are
publicly seeking buyers. Money is tight, but there is no equivalent of the
Leeds of 2001-02, "living the dream" on the high wire of foreseeable
collapse, or of any recently promoted clubs spending like Bradford City did
in the "six weeks of madness" in 2000 which resulted in double
administration and relegation to League Two. Broadly, clubs have wrestled
their wage bills into order, albeit with a reliance on owners' money.
The gap between the Premier and Football leagues means relegation can still
be catastrophic, especially to a big club. But the real squeeze is likely to
be felt lower down, where there are no big TV deals, where the banks are
reluctant to lend and where crowds, corporate entertaining and sponsorship
are more difficult to sustain.
In the Premier League, Arsenal are the only club carrying large borrowings
from a major building project. The debts of Manchester United and Liverpool,
loaded on by the clubs' owners, stand out as exceptional and wasteful. In a
league which has many clubs genuinely supported by benefactors, these North
American owners are extracting huge sums from their clubs just to finance
buying them in the first place.
The culture secretary, Andy Burnham, asked last week for greater
transparency. This is not a big problem. Published accounts reveal who the
owners are. More legitimate is to question those owners' conduct and
motives, and, as Burnham implicitly did, query the debts which the Glazer
family and Tom Hicks and George Gillett brought to Old Trafford and Anfield.
The ownership picture illustrates how odd it is that more forceful
complaints are not made about wealthy people locating their assets in tax
havens. The Premier League provides an offshore tour, from the British
Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, the Bahamas, Nevada and Delaware to Jersey
and the Isle of Man. Mike Ashley might feel hard done by: he is UK-resident,
owns Newcastle via a British-based company and has put millions into the
club, yet after a couple of poor appointments and four defeats, the fans
want to run him out of Toon.
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Quashie thankful for Blues loan move - TeamTalk
Loan signing Nigel Quashie has revealed his gratitude to Birmingham for
helping to get his career back on track after his move from West Ham. The
30-year-old signed a one-month deal on Tuesday and was thrown straight into
action merely hours later against Crystal Palace. And after experiencing
extremely tough times of late both on and off the pitch, Quashie is thankful
for being handed a chance at St Andrew's. He told the club's official
website: "There are some fantastic players here and it gives me an
opportunity to be here for a month and be part of a good squad pushing for
promotion. "I'm looking forward to it and it's a relief on my part after
everything that I have been through in my personal life over the last month,
with my mother passing away. "I wanted to get back to playing football and
it was great to be back out on a football pitch and playing in a competitive
game. It is a step along the way to getting back to full fitness and
hopefully I'll be here for a period of time and go from there. The most
important thing I can say is that I'm grateful that Birmingham have given me
an opportunity to get my career back on track."
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Golf day raises 2k for children's hospice
11:28am Thursday 23rd October 2008
Echo
By Dick Marshall
FORMER West Ham United star Tony Gale was guest of honour when the Southend
Borough Combination Veterans League held their annual golf day at Rochford
Hundred. The day was in aid of the Little Havens Children's Hospice and was
organised by Billericay-based Leisure Link. With £1,000 raised by the
raffle, Gale, now a SkySports pundit, staged an auction with two directors'
box tickets for Sunday's big Upton Park clash with Arsenal on offer and
collected a further £1,050.
He also managed to predict not only the score, but also the first scorer, as
golfers settled down in the evening to watch England's clash in Belarus.
On the golfing front those present were treated to some splendid play on
what was a superb course.
Said League Secretary Tony Hoskins: "The staff at Rochford Hundred made
everyone very welcome and the evening meal was superb. "Leisure Link put on
a really good day's golf for everyone and the whole event ran like clockwork
from beginning to end."
Winners of the SBCVL Shield were Old Southendian, who had Gale playing for
them on the day.
Added Hoiskins: "Last year's event was a tester to see if it would become an
annual event. After this second golf day I think we can safely say it will
continue for a good number of years to come. Let's hope so.
"On behalf of the SBCVL I'd like to say a big thank you to Garry Nelson and
Doug Fisher from Leisure Link for their efforts to get this all arranged and
to run it so smoothly on the day."
>THREE Rivers held their annual Veterans v Midweek School day, which was
organised by vets' president Ted Langley.
The day consisted of a shotgun start fourball betterball Stableford.
Although the weather could have been kinder, the day was well supported with
64 mature golfers braving the elements.
The winners were Rob Gowlett and Dave Palmer, representing the midweek
school, with 44 points on countback, and John Musson and Tony Burton with 46
points for the vets. Nearest the pin prizes were won by Dave Palmer on the
ninth, John Powell on the 15th and Ron Firmin on the 16th. Overall the match
ended in a draw.
Other prizes given out on the day for the 2007/2008 competition winners were
as follows: Spring Cup – 1 Peter Wyatt; 2 Innis Coulter; 3 Ken Webster.
Summer Cup Pairs – 1 Barry Champion and David Bailey; 2 Gus Souto and Ken
Bullock; 3 Dennis Marshall and Peter Smith.
Jubilee Trophy – 1 Doug Mullen; 2 David Bailey.
Winter League – 1 David Palmer; 2 Innis Coulter; 3 Ron Ilett.
Summer Stableford – 1 Barrie Babbs; 2 In
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Ashton loves new West Ham gaffer ... thanks to pizza diet!
23.10.08 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola has no problem with his players
scoffing down pizzas. The Daily Mail says after a recent home match, striker
David Di Michele was spotted taking four 12-inch boxes into the home
dressing room. Such deliveries will be most welcomed by striker Dean Ashton,
who famously lists Domino's pepperoni variety as his favourite food.
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Mullins biting lip at West Ham
23.10.08 | tribalfootball.com
Hayden Mullins is prepared to stay at West Ham and fight for his place - for
now. The midfielder, who has been linked with Charlton Athletic, told the
Echo: "For me its just a case of waiting for a chance to get back in. "When
the manager came in we was on the back of some good results and we were
fourth in the league. I wasn't first choice then. Since he's come in we've
had two good results - the Newcastle and Fulham games - but it was a blip
against Bolton so there was no need for him to change it really. "I'm just
knocking on the door and if I get my chance I've got to put in a
performance." And Mullins is conscious of the fact that he does not want to
run the risk of upsetting new boss Gianfranco Zola by making immediate
demands on the Italian. "I haven't spoke to him personally as yet because
he's got to get his feet under the table first and get to know everyone," he
added. "I don't really want to go and knock on his door and ask why I'm not
playing. It's just a case of waiting for my chance. "Hopefully it'll come
soon. If I get my chance I have to take it, and if I don't we'll have to see
where that leaves us."
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Hines hopes to catch eye of West Ham boss Zola
23.10.08 | tribalfootball.com
Zavon Hines hopes to catch West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola's eye after
returning to the training pitch. "I want to start playing again as soon as
possible," Hines told the Guardian. "It has been a bit frustrating because
watching the reserve team matches, I feel I could do the same as the others
or perhaps even better, but I want to play in the first-team. "I got injured
as soon as the new manager came in so he hasn't even seen me train yet. I
just can't wait to start again and show him what I'm about."
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Hot-shot Hines ready to return
12:49pm Thursday 23rd October 2008
Echo
By Rob Pritchard »
TEENAGE striker Zavon Hines is ready to return to training and show West Ham
United manager Gianfranco Zola what he can do. Hines, who scored six goals
in pre-season, has been ruled out of action for the past two months with a
knee injury, but will return to training next week. And the 19-year-old is
itching to give Zola a reminder of his talents. "I started off alright in
pre-season but I got a little setback with a knee injury so I've been out
for about seven weeks now," Hines told the Echo. "I have done my cartilage
in my knee, but I'm alright now and I'm hoping to start training again
within the next week. "I want to start playing again as soon as possible.
"I've had a worse injury than this before, though, as I did my knee and was
out for practically the whole season. "It has been a bit frustrating because
watching the reserve team matches, I feel I could do the same as the others
or perhaps even better, but I want to play in the first-team. "I got injured
as soon as the new manager came in so he hasn't even seen me train yet. I
just can't wait to start again and show him what I'm about."
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