WHUFC.com
Scott Parker is in contention to return to action on Saturday after sitting
out the last two away games
06.11.2008
Gianfranco Zola has been boosted by the return to fitness of Scott Parker
for the visit of Everton to the Boleyn Ground this weekend.
The West Ham United manager will have a tough choice to make after Hayden
Mullins and Jack Collison impressed in central positions in last Saturday's
1-1 draw at Middlesbrough. Parker sat out that game and the previous
Wednesday's 2-0 defeat away by Manchester United but has worked hard to
recover from his calf problem at Chadwell Heath. Indeed, the entire squad
have been putting in the hours to help get back to winning ways after four
losses and a draw.
Zola said: "Most of the time in those [past five] games we had the momentum
going for us but we didn't take our chances and that cost us very much. I'm
focusing the team so that next time they will be more ready when we have
opportunities. [The Middlesbrough game] was very good. It was important not
to lose that game. I think it has produced something because the players are
much more confident this week."
Also hoping to be in contention is Diego Tristan, with the striker having
got a valuable 45 minutes under his belt in Monday night's reserve game at
Tottenham Hotspur. The striker had been an unused substitute against
Middlesbrough but there was some initial doubts about his availability this
time after he felt the full force of a strong Spurs challenge. As is the
case with Collison, Gianfranco Zola will also give consideration to playing
young striker Freddie Sears again.
Definitely out are Mark Noble and Valon Behrami (both calf), while Carlton
Cole will be serving the third and final game of his three-match ban after
being sent off at Arsenal. Everton also have issues, with key summer recruit
Marouane Fellaini suspended for one game after incurring five yellow cards -
a fate that could befall the fit-again Parker were he to be cautioned by
Mark Halsey at the weekend.
"Fellaini's going to be a big miss for them because, in their formation, he
is an important player," Zola said. "They paid a lot of money for him as
well so it means they have a lot of faith in him. He's a threat, especially
in set plays and when the ball is out wide he gets in the box. For them he's
going to be a big miss."
For all his respect for the talent within the Everton ranks, it is the
fortunes of West Ham United that are occupying the manager's thoughts. "My
job is to work with these players and make a better team ... everything I
need is in this squad. I'm focused on making them play and perform as well
as they can."
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Everton match preview
WHUFC.com
All the early team news and background ahead of the visit of Everton to the
Boleyn Ground on Saturday
06.11.2008
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United v Everton
The Boleyn Ground
Saturday 8 November
3pm
Referee: Mark Halsey
WHUTV - Full audio commentary
Introduction
* West Ham United return to home soil after two away trips to Middlesbrough
and Manchester United. The team will be hoping to carry on where they left
off at the Riverside when they ended a run of four straight defeats by
collecting a well-deserved point. A minute's silence will be observed before
kick-off to mark Remembrance Sunday this weekend.
* A home win on Saturday would see the hosts climb one point above the
visitors in the Barclays Premier League standings.
* The draw at Middlesbrough - the team's first this season - combined with
the four wins and six defeats so far leave West Ham United on 13 points with
a goal difference of minus four. The visitors are on 15 points after four
wins, three draws and four defeats with the same goal difference as their
hosts.
* Honours have been pretty even between the two sides of late. In the last
three seasons in the Barclays Premier League each side have won two with two
finishing all square. They only major advantage gained was last season in
the December quarter-final of the Carling Cup when Yakubu scored an 88th
minute winner to send the Toffees through.
* That month proved to be a good one for the team from Merseyside. After
Yakubu's late intervention to earn a semi-final place, the teams met again
at the Boleyn Ground with the Nigerian striker getting on the scoresheet for
a second time in a 2-0 win.
* Only a late Mido strike in their last game prevented West Ham United from
keeping their first clean sheet since February's 1-0 win at Fulham - they
will be hoping to go one better on Saturday
* The highest the home side could climb is seventh, while a win for Everton
would only solidify their hold on that position.
* West Ham United are next in action on 15 November as they play host to
Portsmouth in the Barclays Premier League. Everton are at home to
Middlesbrough the same day.
Last time out
Saturday 1 November 2008 - Middlesbrough 1-1 West Ham United
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Faubert, Collison,
Mullins, Boa Morte (Bowyer 84), Bellamy, Sears (Etherington 73)
Subs not used: Walker, Lopez, Tristan, Tomkins, Di Michele
Goal: Mullins 21
Saturday 1 November 2008 - Everton 1-0 Fulham
Everton: Howard, Neville, Yobo, Jagielka, Lescott, Arteta, Osman, Fellaini
(Saha 61), Pienaar (Anichebe 76), Cahill, Yakubu (Vaughan 84)
Subs not used: Nash, Hibbert, Baines, Rodwell
Goal: Saha 87
Team news
* Scott Parker is fit to return after his calf injury so Gianfranco Zola
must decide whether to recall him or keep faith with the central midfield of
Jack Collison and Hayden Mullins who performed admirably at Middlesbrough.
* Parker is one yellow card away from an automatic one-match suspension.
* Valon Behrami is still not available with the calf injury picked up
against Manchester United. Diego Tristan will hope for his debut although he
suffered a kick to his foot during a reserve game in the week. Freddie Sears
will hope to keep his place but David Di Michele is also itching for a
return.
* Carlton Cole will serve the last game of his three-match suspension so
Zola may stick with the partnership of Freddie Sears and Craig Bellamy in
the 4-4-1-1 used at the Riverside.
* Mark Noble is recovering well from his calf injury but is not expected to
be ready for the game while Calum Davenport is also on the sidelines. In his
place, James Tomkins was an unused substitute against Boro.
* Of the long-term quartet. Jonathan Spector is edging ever closer to full
fitness after training with the first team this week following his hip
injury. Kieron Dyer is hoping to step his training up within the next few
weeks. Danny Gabbidon continues to work hard at Chadwell Heath on his
abdominal injury while Dean Ashton's rehabilitation from his ankle surgery
is also ongoing.
* Robert Green and Matthew Upson are the only West Ham United players to
have played every minute of every Barclays Premier League game this season.
Only Phil Jagielka can claim that in the Everton ranks.
* Everton are without the suspended Marouane Fellaini after picking up a
one-match ban for five yellow cards this season. Leon Osman will be looking
to score against the Hammers for the fourth season in a row.
* West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola said: "It was important not to
lose that game [against Middlesbrough]. I think it has produced something
because the players are much more confident this week and I'm pleased.
Sometimes it's not enough to play good football. You need confidence and the
result was a good one and it will help us."
* Speaking to Everton's official website, defender Phil Jagielka said:
"Hopefully we've turned a corner. We knew it wasn't going to be that far
away, it was just a case of eradicating those little mistakes that ended up
being big mistakes?.But we know that if we don't get the result we need on
Saturday we could be back in the bottom half of the league - that's just the
way it is at the moment."
Background
* The last meeting between the clubs was a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park on 22
March this year. Yakubu put the home side ahead within ten minutes before
Dean Ashton equalised with a thunderous header in the 68th minute.
The lineups were:
Everton: Howard, Neville, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Arteta, Carsley, Cahill
(Fernandes 10), Osman, Yakubu, Anichebe
Subs not used: Wessels, Hibbert, Gravesen, Nuno Valente
Goal: Yakubu 8
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Tomkins, McCartney, Ljungberg
(Solano 80), Parker (Spector 82), Mullins, Noble, Boa Morte (Sears 50),
Ashton
Subs not used Walker, Cole
Goal: Ashton 68
Head to head (last six meetings, league unless stated)
22 March 2008 - Everton 1-1 West Ham United
15 December 2008 - West Ham United 0-2 Everton
12 December 2008 - West Ham United 1-2 Everton (Carling Cup)
21 April 2007 - West Ham United 1-0 Everton
03 December 2006 - Everton 2-0 West Ham United
04 March 2006 - West Ham United 2-2 Everton
Overall record v Everton (all competitions): W 36, D 24, L 58
Barclays Premier League fixtures
Saturday 8 November 2008
Arsenal v Manchester United (12.45pm)
Hull City v Bolton Wanderers
Sunderland v Portsmouth
Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion (5.30pm)
Wigan Athletic v Stoke City (12.45pm)
Sunday 9 November
Blackburn Rovers v Chelsea (1.30pm)
Aston Villa v Middlesbrough
Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur
Fulham v Newcastle United (4pm)
General information
For ticket information click here. For details on getting to the Boleyn
Ground, click here
Weather: The forecast is for a cloudy and rainy day with a top temperature
of 13C.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Owner torn over West Ham future
BBC.co.uk
By Simon Austin
West Ham owner and chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson could consider selling
the club, his vice chairman has admitted. The Icelandic businessman had
previously insisted he would not sell, but he has been severely hit by the
credit crunch. "He is evaluating all of his business interests, including
West Ham," Ausgeir Fridgeirsson told BBC Sport. "West Ham is a well-run club
with no debt and is one of Mr Gudmundsson's most important investments." The
67-year-old's business empire has suffered a series of setbacks in recent
months. Samson Holdings, the holding company for shares in Landsbanki, are
understood to have filed for bankruptcy on Thursday. West Ham's shirt
sponsor, travel company XL, had gone bust a month earlier and it later
emerged that Gudmundsson had been the guarantor of a £163m loan given to the
company. And the Hammers could be liable to pay Sheffield United £30m in
compensation after an independent tribunal ruled in favour of the Yorkshire
club in the Carlos Tevez affair. Gudmundsson bought West Ham for £85m in
November 2006 and has invested a further £30m in the club. Meanwhile,
Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola has admitted he intends to sell players in the
January transfer window, even though he has not been given an ultimatum to
cut costs.
"We will have a big squad when we have everybody back from injury so I may
need to sell some players because not everyone will get a game but I don't
have concerns. "My job is to work with this team and improve it. For this
year everything I need is in this squad."
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West Ham extend Obama invitation
BBC.co.uk
West Ham are to invite US President-elect Barack Obama to watch a game at
Upton Park when he next visits the UK. Obama saw West Ham play during a
visit to see his half-sister Auma in 2003. "We are very proud of what Barack
Obama has achieved and respect what he has done," West Ham director Mike Lee
told BBC Sport.
"We plan to send him a letter of congratulations and invite him to come to
game at Upton Park the next time he is in London," added Lee. Obama was
elected the first African-American US president on Tuesday with a resounding
win over Republican rival John McCain. A keen sports fan, Obama's
10-year-old daughter Malia plays for a girls' football team in Chicago. The
President-elect last visited Britain in July when he met Prime Minister
Gordon Brown and Conservative leader David Cameron.
At that time he would have been unable to have watch West Ham as the club
were preparing for the start of the current season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Everton
BBC.co.uk
PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday 8 November Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live & highlights on Match of the
Day
BIG-MATCH FACTS
West Ham, bottom of the Premier League 'form' table face Everton, who are on
their best sequence of the season so far. But victory for the Londoners will
see them leapfroging their Merseyside opponents.
The Hammers have claimed seven points out of 21 under Gianfranco Zola, but
just one point from the last five outings.
The Toffees have achieved back-to-back 1-0 wins away to Fulham and home to
Bolton, and are hoping to gain three victories in a row for the first time
in eight months.
Both clubs have scored 15 league goals and conceded 19, yet Everton are two
points and four places better off.
The Merseysiders have failed to pick up any points in London since they beat
West Ham 0-2 on 15 December last year.
Everton have won more matches (13), scored more goals (45) and gained more
points (46) against West Ham than any other club in the Premier League.
Distance between the clubs: 228 miles (367 kilometres)
CLUB FORM
WEST HAM UNITED
Club stats
11th 13 points
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 7th
Lowest could fall: 15th
2008-09 Premier League performance - best and worst categories in the league
- best and worst categories in the league
1. Last Saturday's 1-1 draw away to Middlesbrough followed four straight
defeats, and was their first goal in four games.
2. Not won since the 1-2 London derby triumph over Fulham at Craven Cottage
on 27 September.
3. Completed 39 Premier League matches since a goalless draw; the most
recent being away to Portsmouth on 27 October 2007.
4. The only club without a clean sheet in this Premier League campaign, and
not managed a block-out in any competition so far this term.
5. On the longest current run by any club in the Premier League of 23
matches since a clean sheet; the 0-1 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage on 23
February being the most recent. The next longest such sequence is Wigan,
with six.
6. Would be third in the table, behind Chelsea and Manchester United, if
only first-half performances counted.
7. Won the first three home league games this season, but lost the
subsequent two.
8. Won five home Premier League matches in a row against North-West clubs
(two this season), prior to the 1-3 reverse, home to Bolton on 5 October.
9. Everton were one of five clubs that left Upton Park with maximum points
last season.
Fixtures
EVERTON
Club stats
7th 15 points
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 7th
Lowest could fall: 10th
2008-09 Premier League performance - best and worst categories in the league
- best and worst categories in the league
1. Keen to add to their 100 Premier League wins under David Moyes.
2. Last Saturday's 1-0 win against Fulham was their fourth single goal
victory of the league season, and first at home.
3. On their longest winning sequence since completed four on the spin
between 9 February and 9 March 2008.
4. Last weekend's triumph over the Cottagers was their only maximum in eight
Premier League games against London clubs (two this season).
5. Lost their last three league trips to the capital (v Fulham, Arsenal and
Arsenal).
6. West Ham was one of eight clubs they beat on their Premier League travels
last term.
Fixtures
KEY PLAYER NOTES
WEST HAM UNITED
Squad profiles
Robert GREEN and Matthew UPSON are the only remaining players to have been
on the field for every minute of every one of West Ham's Premier League
matches this season.
Lee BOWYER is a double shy of 50 career Premier League goals (Leeds,
Newcastle and West Ham).
If selected:-
Dean ASHTON will be making his 250th career league appearance (Crewe,
Norwich and West Ham).
Luis BOA MORTE will be making his 50th Premier League appearance in West Ham
colours.
EVERTON
Squad profiles
Phil JAGIELKA is the only remaining outfield player to have been on the
field for every minute of every one of Everton's league and cup matches this
season.
If selected:-
JAGIELKA will be making his 300th career league appearance (Sheffield United
and Everton).
Tim HOWARD, who's also been an Everton ever-present in all competitions this
season, will be making his 100th appearance in goal for the Toffees.
Jolean LESCOTT will be making his 300th career league appearance (Everton
and Wolves).
If on the field from the outset:-
YAKUBU, who scored in all three Premier League and Carling Cup matches
against West Ham last season, will be making his 50th start in an Everton
shirt.
Mikel ARTETA will be making his 200th start for British clubs (Rangers and
Everton).
Leon OSMAN will be making his 150th career league start (Everton, Carlisle
and Derby).
Suspended:-
Marouane FELLAINI (one match)
HEAD TO HEAD
Everton won twice at Upton Park within three days last season; a 1-2 victory
in the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup on 12 December was followed by the
0-2 league victory.
The Toffees are chasing their fifth league maximum in eight visits to Boleyn
Road, and second in succession.
Home and away
League (inc PL): West Ham 32 wins, Everton 52, Draws 22
Prem: West Ham 6 wins, Everton 13, Draws 7
at West Ham only
League (inc PL): West Ham 22 wins, Everton 18, Draws 13
Prem: West Ham 4 wins, Everton 5, Draws 4
LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
West Ham United 0-2 Everton
15 December 2007 - Ref: Steve Tanner
Everton scorers: Yakubu 45, Johnson 90
REFEREE
Mark Halsey (Lancashire)
Premier League referees' table
Mark Halsey's 2008-09 Premier League card count
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New sponsor - all bets off
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 7th November 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are set to announce a three-year sponsorship deal with
betting firm SBOBet, according to reports. The Hammers, without a sponsor
since XL went bust back in September have been playing recent matches with
players' squad numbers featured in the space vacated by the travel company.
However that is all set to change with SBOBet, who describe themselves as
'Asia's leading online sportbook' set to announce a deal with United within
the next week. The company, who are licenced by the Philippines to operate
globally have been operating since 2003.
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Compo case rumbles on
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 6th November 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are to take their case to the High Court next week in the latest
attempt to overturn the decision to allow Sheffield United to sue for
damages in the wake of their relegation from the Premier League two season
ago. United's latest visit to the courts comes as an attempt to prevent the
Blades from taking out an injunction which in turn would prevent West Ham
from taking their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne,
Switzerland. Sheffield United claim that West Ham have no means of recourse
given that the FA do not recognise the CAS or their ability to arbitrate in
such matters. However both FIFA and UEFA, the games rulings bodies DO
recognise the CAS, a point that the Hammers will make in their submission.
Talking about the case earlier this week, chief hypocrite and Chairman of
Sheffield United Kevin McCabe said: "we are determined not to be pushed
aside over this sporting injustice. They [Premier League] are under-managed.
They hide behind setting up an independent panel to penalise a club that's
breached the rules and believe that alleviates their job to govern the game.
"We've got to accept the commerciality and business that's attached to
football now, but it should never overtake sport itself, and that's where
governance has got to be improved. "We really need to get a restructure of
the governance of the FA Premier League to stop what happened to us ever
happening again."
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Today's round-up
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 5th November 2008
By: Staff Writer
The latest titbits from the world of West Ham ...
* Samson Holdings, the company owned by Hammers Chairman Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson has filed for bankruptcy lending more weight to suggestions that
the under-pressure Chairman will be forced to sell the club.
* Sheffield United Chairman Kevin McCabe still believes his club have a
chance of being reinstated to the Premier League. "A season and a half has
gone by now since relegation", he said. "It would be difficult, not
impossible, but difficult for reinstatement."
* Jack Collison is looking to start his second game in succession against
Everton this weekend. the young midfielder told whufc.com: "It would be nice
to start on Saturday because I remember from the very first time I came to
Upton Park as a child and heard the crowd singing 'Bubbles' it sent shivers
down my spine."
* West Ham United's youth team entertain Ipswich Town at Little Heath on
Saturday morning. The game is due to kick off at 11am; entrance is free.
* Hayden Mullins has praised midfield partner Collison for his performance
in Saturday's draw at Middlesbrough. "We always knew Jack could go out there
and play in the Premier League," he said. "It was just a matter of him
having his chance."
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Must-win game, say defender
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 3rd November 2008
By: Staff Writer
Herita Ilunga has called this weekend's Premier League clash with Everton a
'must win' game. The Hammers stopped the rot at Middlesbrough last wekeend
by drawing 1-1 - their first point in five following four successive
defeats. And the Cogolese full-back - who is entering his third month at the
club after joining on loan from Toulouse at the beginning of September -
says that his team mates need to use the 'Boro result as a springboard. "We
came back from Middlesbrough with one point on Saturday which was a great
thing after the bad series of matches in the past weeks," he said on his
personal blog. "But there is only one regret and that is that we did not
maintain our lead and score a winning goal right at the end. "There is no
choice. The Hammers have to win against Everton on Saturday."
Ilunga, who has impressed supporters with a string of decent performances
also sent out a special 'thank you' to the Hammers fan who bore the flag of
Congo at the 'Boro game. "I want to thank the person," added Ilunga. "I was
very touched by this attention, because I am very sad with all the problems
that are happening in the country of my birth."
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Threesy does it
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 2nd November 2008
By: Staff Writer
Young striker Balint Bajner recorded his second hat-trick in recent weeks as
West Ham United's youth team went goal crazy at Southampton. The Hammers -
who went into the game bottom of the Academy League - recorded an impressive
6-1 victory against a Southampton side thanks in main to Bajner's trio of
goals. Daniel Cearns put Tony Carr's Hammers ahead after just 15 minutes
before Bajner added his name to the scoresheet ten minutes from half-time.
The young Saints pulled one back on 55 minutes before the Hammers went goal
crazy with further goals from Bajner, Oliver Lee and Anthony Edgar. Stewart
Henderson, the bemused Saints boss said: "If we had held on for five or ten
minutes when we got it back to 2-1 then maybe we might have got something
from the game. Every now and then you get results like this and the best
thing to do is just to get on with it."
West Ham United: Street, Spence, Fry (Brown 75), Eyjolfsson (Brooks 78),
McNaughton, Edgar, Abdulla (Okus 45) , Lee, Bajner, Grasser, Kearns.
Subs not used: Mehmet, Montano, Barrett.
Southampton: Pernecky, Martin, Reeves, McNish, Stiklakis, Tafazolli, Preen
(McLean 55), Doble (Scott 55), Garrod, Dunford, McLaggon.
Subs not used: Dovey, Argent, Foot.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tristan out?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 4th November 2008
By: Staff Writer
Diego Tristan is a doubt for this weekend's clash with Everton after
suffering a knock during last night's reserve team defeat against Tottenham.
The 32-year-old former Spanish international striker limped off shortly
before half-time in a game won courtesy of a brace from Tottenham youngster
Charlie Daniels. Reserve team boss Alex Dyer said: "It was his first 45
minutes and he worked hard. He got a kick so we brought him off as a
precaution, but he has a good touch and is a good player."
Gianfranco Zola has something of a striker dilemma ahead of Saturday's
clash. With Dean Ashton (ankle) and Carlton Cole (suspended) definitel ruled
out, Tristan's ommision would leave him with only Craig Bellamy, rookie
Freddie Sears and veteran David Di Michele to choose from.
West Ham United: Street, O'Neill, N'Gala, Spence, Widdowson, Kearns, Harvey,
Reid (Lee 77), Lopez, Stokes, Tristan (Bajner 46, Edgar 86).
Subs not used: Loveday, Brooks, Grasser.
Tottenham Hotspur: Sanchez, Stalteri, Gilberto, Maghoma, Dervite, Ricardo
Rocha (Mtandari 46), Fraser-Allen, Ghaly, Taarabt (Hutton 46), Boateng,
Daniels.
Subs not used: Butcher, Hutchins, Berbiche.
Goals: Daniels (54, 60).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham owner hit by more cash woes
Ken Dyer, Football Correspondent
This Is London
West Ham's billionaire owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson looks increasingly
likely to sell the club after it emerged that his main business interest in
Iceland is on the verge of collapse. Gudmundsson bought West Ham for
£85million two years ago and has since invested a further £30m in the
Premier League club. But he has run into financial difficulties in his
homeland cuminating in reports today that one of his key companies, Samson
Holdings, has filed for bankruptcy. The move follows a series of blows to
have hit Gudmundsson since Iceland went into economic meltdown in the wake
of the credit crunch. Another of Gudmundsson's vehicles, Elmskip, was a
backer of West Ham's sponsors, the travel company XL, which went into
administration in September. This was followed by the collapse of Icelandic
bank Landsbanki, in which Gudmundsson held a 45 per cent shareholding, The
67-year-old's advisers had previously insisted the troubles would have no
impact on his West Ham investment but that stance has now changed. One buyer
has already shown interest and it now seems a matter of time before the club
is sold. Despite the global financial crisis, West Ham are still an
attractive proposition. They have a sizeable fanbase, a celebrated former
player, Gianfranco Zola, as manager and a London location. Also, West Ham
remain on a firm financial footing because Gudmundsson did not subject it to
heavy debts when he bought the club.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tristan hoping to repay faith
West Ham striker happy with fitness
Last updated: 6th November 2008
SSN
Diego Tristan is happy with his fitness and hopes to make a major impact in
the Premier League. The Spanish striker joined West Ham on a free transfer
in October after being released by Livorno at the end of last season. He has
yet to play for Gianfranco Zola's side as he needed time to regain his full
fitness. Tristan has featured for the reserves and was an unused substitute
in the 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough at the weekend. He could make an
appearance against Everton this Saturday and is relishing the challenge of
trying to make a name for himself in the Premier League. "I have played with
the second team and my personal performances have been positives," he told
skysports.com. "I have not noticed physical problems and that is very
important. "Game by game I am getting to the level necessary to play in the
Premier League but the decision is down to the coach. "For me to play in
England is a personal challenge but it is obvious that I have to work hard
to get in the team.
"Zola has confidence in me and I hope to repay that with games and goals."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham go to court angry with FA over refusal to allow Tevez- affair CAS
appeal
By Raoul Simons Last updated at 11:19 AM on 06th November 2008
Daily Mail
West Ham head to the High Court next week for their latest Carlos Tevez
battle amid growing anger at Upton Park with the Football Association. While
FIFA and UEFA recognise the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne as
the game's ultimate dispute resolution chamber, the FA do not and use
arbitration panels to avoid court action. Hence, West Ham have no automatic
right of appeal to CAS over the FA's decision that they must compensate
Sheffield United. The Hammers are fighting an injunction sought by the
Blades to stop them going to CAS but believe the FA should have rendered
next week's hearing obsolete by allowing clubs the Lausanne option. An FA
spokesman said: 'The parties agreed to the terms of the FA arbitration
process when they decided to use the system to resolve this dispute.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
No restraints on Zola
SSN
Italian will only sell players he wants to
Last updated: 6th November 2008
Gianfranco Zola insists he is under no pressure to sell any players to cut
costs at West Ham. The financial future of the Hammers has been the subject
of speculation since owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson saw his personal fortune
hit hard by the global credit crunch. It has been suggested Gudmundsson will
try to sell the club after a series of financial setbacks, relating to a
number of companies in Iceland, including the Landsbanki bank and his main
business, Samson Holdings. Reports have also claimed a number of players may
be sacrificed during the January transfer window to bring in much-needed
funds, but Zola insists he has not been given any ultimatum from the club to
cut costs. "The situation hasn't changed even though it seems there is a
story about this every day. I have been assured that the club hasn't got any
problems," said Zola. "I am going to be working with my players and focusing
on helping them to play as best as they can. "We will have a big squad when
we have everybody back from injury so I may need to sell some players
because not every one will get a game but I don't have concerns. "My job is
to work with this team and improve it. For this year everything I need is in
this squad."
Zola also called for the transfer window to double as a winter break as the
Italian is convinced Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was correct when he
claimed the top English teams had too many fixtures. "It is one of the
issues that everybody should be looking at. We have had a lot of injuries
and they happen when the body is stressed from extra work," added Zola. "In
this country the top teams play too many games. Then you get injuries and
you don't perform as well as you could. "I agree with Wenger, they are
playing at a high level in the league and also have to compete in the
Champions League. "I did that with Chelsea and it is very demanding
physically. There should be a mid-season break. "Everywhere else they have
it so they should have it in this country as well. "I am talking especially
about those who are involved in Europe, for us it is not such a problem
although we also have to play in the cups, which makes it a lot of games.
"The rotation system is not perfect because then you get a big squad that
has players who don't play much. That is no the perfect situation. "Even if
you have a big squad the important players are the same, you can change one
or two but not all of them. "At the end of the day there are still too many
games so don't be surprised if you get too many injuries. "You need to play
games obviously but a player also needs to train and it is a problem if you
are always playing."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Time to trim?
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 6th November 2008
By: Paul Turner
Samson lost his strength when his hair was cut. Has our owner and chairman,
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson lost his financial strength with Samson Holdings
filing for bankruptcy?
The Daily Mail (boo hiss) is reporting that Gudmundsson has lost between
£200-£250 million of his own personal wealth with the collapse of Icelandic
banks, companies and in general his homeland's economy. Even to a
billionaire that's going to cause a bit of a problem.
Whenever someone's wealth is calculated the value of the companies they own,
the value of shares in those particular companies and personal property like
houses or yacht etc are always added in to make the grand total. I wonder
how much of BG's wealth is tied up in investments which have gone south in
the current financial climate?
In my last piece for KUMB.com I ended by saying that our Icelandic owner
should look to sell to save himself the potential hassle of being asked by
his Government to sell up foreign investments and also to pass the club on.
At the moment there is no real scope for growth or development for the club
due to the tightening of credit and financial markets - unless we are handed
the keys to the Olympic Stadium for free with all bills paid for.
So the question that has to be asked is - should Bjorgolfur cut his loses
and walk away?
The answer in the long term, I feel is yes.
In my opinion, BG should now look to bring in another investor - be that his
son or someone else who can buy shares from BG's holding company. I don't
type this as a knee-jerk reaction to headlines of "Hammers Financial Crisis"
but because it makes sense. BG would receive money to shore up his other
investments by selling a stake and it would also stabilise the club by
bringing on board another business man/group that can provide the club with
a way forward both on and off the pitch.
If the time came to sell up then the option of buying the remaining stakes
could be offered to the new partner. It does not have to be a 50/50 split.
70/30 should be fine for our Icelandic owner to still remain control but to
also have a get out clause. However selling any stake in the club would be
widely reported as a massive indication of financial peril at the club and
more "proof" that everything has gone belly up.
Does that mean our leader wont sell because of a lashing from the Fourth
Estate? Not in the slightest, but the time will come when Bjorgolfur has to
weight everything up and ask himself - is West Ham really worth it?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Utd v Everton
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 6th November 2008
By: Preview Percy
Next up we play host to the less irritating half of Liverpool as Everton
make the journey south to the Boleyn. The Toffeemen sit in 7th place at the
moment, two points ahead of ourselves. It is indeed a strange league and a
strange season where a team sitting one place outside the European places
can be a mere four points off the relegation zone but there you go.
The visitors' season has been a little like ours in many respects. Like us
they have missed out on points in matches where they might reasonably have
expected to do a little better – defeats to Blackburn and Pompey spring to
mind. However, they have managed to pick up a few draws from matches they
might have lost in contrast to our own form which, until last week was
either win or lose.
Everton fans have been concerned with the way the side have been playing of
late and it appears that they have been less than convincing in victory,
though since the creditable draw against Man Utd the mood has improved even
if the subsequent wins against Bolton Wanderers and Fulham were less than
pleasing on the eye. Last weekend's win against Fulham came with a late
winner that went in about the same time we were conceding to Boro' and a
brief undercover visit to Evertonian discussion forums suggests that the
fans would like to see a bit more creativity.
The Toffees' custodian this weekend will be former Man Utd 'keeper Tim
Howard whose original loan deal breached certain transfer regulations
concerning third party influence on team selection. Both Everton and Man Utd
escaped punishment when the authorities realised that the destination of
that season's Premiership trophy might have to be changed and a hastily
cobbled-together non-investigation concluded that so-called gentlemen's
agreements didn't count so that's all right then.
The (n)ever popular Phil Neville appears to have been deputising at
right-back for academy product Tony Hibbert whose recent career wasn't
helped by a medial ligament injury. Phil Jagielka has been playing on the
left. We know two things about Jagielka. Firstly the mysterious and
unnecessary handball he perpetrated in Sheffield United's infamous final
match against Wigan a couple of years ago was in no way responsible for
their relegation, the resulting lack of points from the match being mere
coincidence. Secondly, right up to the relegation that he had nothing to do
with he was a player worth upwards of £8m. Yeah, right.
In the middle is Joseph Yobo, a strong player who always seems to have a
stormer of a match against us. Yobo's pre-season was disrupted for the
entirely understandable reason that his older brother had been kidnapped
back home in Nigeria. Thankfully the lad was released unharmed after a
reported ransom of £20,000 was paid. Joleon Lescott completes the back four
having yet to reach the goalscoring heights of last season.
The visitors will have to make at least one change to the starting line-up
this week as record signing Fellaini picked up a yellow at Bolton the other
week thus becoming the first player of the season to receive the automatic
suspension that five cards brings. Nuno Valente may make a return to the
side following recent injury. In the past the creative focus of the midfield
has focused on Mikel Arteta. However there has been some disquiet in the
ranks of Everton fans at a perceived lack of work-rate and some have
suggested that the former Rangers man hasn't been the same since an
operation to cure a persistent stomach problem that hampered him towards the
end of last season which is probably a cue for him to have the match of his
life against us.
Steven Pienaar will also give attacking options having had his original loan
deal from Borussia Dortmund made permanent during the summer. Aussie Tim
Cahill has had an injury packed last couple of years at Goodison. Cahill has
a habit of picking up goals and managed 10 last term despite missing a large
chunk of the season in the physio room – his foot appears to be broken at
regular intervals. Cahill is deceptively good in the air for someone of his
height and he'll need to be watched, especially at set pieces. Another
academy graduate, Leon Osman is also likely to play a part in proceedings
and it's worth pointing out tha he's picked up a goal against us in each of
the last three seasons.
Up top the choices include Louis Saha – whose late winner brought home the
points against Fulham, Nigerian international Yakubu and two more academy
graduates in Vaughan and Anichebe. The latter two appear to be used more as
late subs rather than in the starting line-up.
What about us? Well Scott Parker may be available after the calf muscle
strain that seems to be this season's "in" ailment – though Behrami and
Noble will need a few more weeks yet. Following last week's rot-stopping
draw up at Boro' I wouldn't expect to see too many changes though –
especially as there were signs that a strike force of Bellamy and Sears
might just have something going for it so don't be too surprised if we're
unchanged.
There were some encouraging signs up at Boro' though the failure to make the
most of the chances we created eventually cost us two points. I'm fairly
optimistic about this and for some bizarre reason I can see us keeping a
first clean sheet since the US Election started all those years ago. Let's
call it 2-0 to send us into Remembrance Sunday with a smile on our face.
Enjoy the game!
Last season: 0-2 Despite dominating for large periods of the match we fall
foul to a couple of sucker punches….
Danger Man: Yakubu is the sort of player that traditionally gives us
problems. Cahill picks up a goal or two as well.
Look out for: Away fans delivering a selection of arias from their favourite
operas in celebration of Liverpool's "City of Culture" status. Probably.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola plays down talk of Upton Park crisis
Telegraph
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has admitted his intention to sell players
in January, but insists he has received no ultimatum to cut costs.
By James Masters
Last Updated: 9:24PM GMT 06 Nov 2008
The club's owner, Icelandic financier Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, has been hit
hard by the global credit crunch, but Zola insisted last night he had
received no information to suggest that his plans to move West Ham up the
Premier League table would be affected. "The situation hasn't changed even
though it seems there is a story about this every day. I have been assured
that the club hasn't got any problems," Zola said. "I am going to be working
with my players and focusing on helping them to play as best as they can. We
will have a big squad when we have everybody back from injury so I may need
to sell some players because not everyone will get a game, but I don't have
concerns. "My job is to work with this team and improve it. For this year
everything I need is in this squad."
Zola also called for the transfer window to double as a winter break. He is
convinced Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was correct when he claimed that the
top English teams had too many fixtures. The Italian said: "It is one of the
issues that everybody should be looking at. We have had a lot of injuries
and they happen when the body is stressed from extra work. "In this country
the top teams play too many games. I agree with Wenger, they are playing at
a high level in the league and also have to compete in the Champions League.
"I did that with Chelsea and it is very demanding physically. There should
be a mid-season break. "Everywhere else they have it, so they should have it
in this country as well."
Zola added: "I am talking especially about those who are involved in Europe,
for us it is not such a problem although we also have to play in the cups,
which makes it a lot of games. "The rotation system is not perfect because
then you get a big squad that has players who don't play much. That is not
the perfect situation."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United 'back on the market'
The prospect of West Ham being sold moved a step closer last night after
club directors admitted for the first time that Icelandic owner Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson was reviewing his position at Upton Park.
Telegraph
By Jeremy Wilson
Last Updated: 6:46AM GMT 07 Nov 2008
"Because of the global crisis and the complications in Iceland, BG is
reviewing all his assets," vice-chairman Asgeir Fridgeirsson told Telegraph
Sport. When asked whether that included West Ham, Fridgeirsson replied
"yes". Gudmundsson lost an estimated £230 million last month following the
nationalisation of Landsbanki and this week one of his companies, Samson
Holdings, filed for administration. The global crisis has had a particularly
severe impact on the Icelandic economy and is now placing a question mark
over many of Gudmundsson's assets. Fridgeirsson said: "He needs to review in
light of what is going on. If you give a call to the owners of all clubs,
60-80 per cent would be considering their stance in the present climate."
Fridgeirsson said selling West Ham was only "an option" at this stage and
had not yet been considered. He described Samson Holdings' filing for
administration as "inevitable" given that the company held many shares in
Landsbanki. "[It is] processing events in early October," he said. "It is
nothing newsworthy. What's happening now has no direct impact on BG or his
standing."
Gudmundsson held a 40 per cent stake in Landsbanki with his son Thor, and
there are also fears that his other companies have been affected
significantly by the global economic downturn. Fridgeirsson, though, played
down the suggestion that Gudmundsson would be forced to sell West Ham
quickly. "[He is] not in any desperation," he said. "He has a portfolio of
assets. Samson was one." West Ham have already attracted the interest of
several major foreign investors and would cost around £150 million, although
any potential buyer would surely want reassurances about Sheffield United's
compensation claim of more than £30 million over the Carlos Tevez affair.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham sale hinges on Carlos Tevez appeal
The timing of a possible sale of West Ham could hinge on a High Court
hearing next week that is expected to rule on whether the London club can
continue with their appeal over the Carlos Tevez affair.
Telegraph
By Jeremy Wilson
Last Updated: 8:34AM GMT 07 Nov 2008
West Ham are facing a compensation claim of more than £30 million from
Sheffield United and, according to City sources, potential investors are
likely to await the conclusion of the latest twist in this saga before
deciding whether to come forward with firm offers for the club. Sheffield
United have filed an injunction against West Ham's appeal to the Court of
Arbitration for Sport, following the ruling in favour of the Yorkshire club
by an FA independent arbitration panel. West Ham remain hopeful that they
can take the case to the CAS and will also insist on a forensic examination
of the real losses of relegation in an attempt to reduce the claim against
them. It has all come at a dreadful time for West Ham, whose owner
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson has been significantly affected by the Icelandic
economic crisis. Gudmundsson and his son, Thor, owned a 40 per cent stake in
Landsbanki but they still have a 34 per cent share in investment bank
Straumur. Thor's main investment company is London-based Novator and it is
believed that he has successfully cushioned the impact of the credit crunch
by making a number of major disposals for cash over the past two years. As a
British-registered company, it is understood the club are insulated from any
attempts by the Icelandic government to freeze the overseas assets of
leading businessmen. Gudmundsson paid cash up front for West Ham and one
cash-rich foreigner is said to have shown great interest in buying the club.
Fans will still look to the January transfer window with some trepidation,
as the club intend to sell before they buy and it is believed that as many
as eight senior squad players will be available for sale. Gudmundsson led a
consortium that bought West Ham for around £85 million in 2006, although it
is understood that he paid a further £22.5 million to clear the club's
debts. He has also invested £40 million more in the club over the past two
years. The club's most recent set of accounts, to the year end May 31, 2007,
show West Ham had a net debt of £51 million. The club have loans with a
consortium of five banks and have also been left with a potential £5 million
shortfall after their shirt sponsor XL went bust. There was one happy
development yesterday when the club extended an invitation to the American
president-elect, Barack Obama, to attend a game at Upton Park.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
New sponsor lift for beleaguered West Ham ahead of court date
The Times
West Ham are set to appeal an arbitration panel's ruling over their signing
of Carlos Tevez
Gary Jacob
West Ham United's finances are to be boosted by a new shirt sponsor as they
up the ante in their multimillion-pound damages dispute with Sheffield
United over the next week. The club are close to agreeing a deal with
SBOBet, a betting company, to replace XL, the airline that went out of
business in September, little more than 12 months into a three-year deal
that was worth about £2.5 million a season. West Ham had intended to bear
the name of the Bobby Moore Fund, a cancer charity, but were denied
permission by the FA. SBOBet's 18-month deal would be worth closer to £1.9
million, reflecting the depressed state of the sponsorship market. A
contract may be signed as early as next week, when the club will also try to
overturn a decision to award Sheffield United compensation after their
relegation from the Barclays Premier League two years ago. An arbitration
panel ruled in September that West Ham were liable for compensation on the
basis that Carlos Tévez, the Argentina forward whose transfer was in breach
of Premier League rules, played an influential part in keeping West Ham up
in the 2006-07 season, at the expense of Sheffield United.
West Ham, who finished the season three points above Sheffield United, were
fined by the Premier League and have appealed to the Court of Arbitration
for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne. Failure to have the panel's decision reversed
in Switzerland next week could lead to the Yorkshire club claiming £60
million in compensation.
The exact figure will not be known until after a case that will be heard
almost simultaneously in the High Court, brought by West Ham, in which the
arbitration panel may be asked to explain how it arrived at its decision to
punish the East London club. Mike Lee has stepped down as a non-executive
director at West Ham, but will continue in his role as director of
communications.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham owner on brink of selling up
Reluctant Gudmundsson orders review of business empire after credit crunch
By Jason Burt
Friday, 7 November 2008
Independent.co.uk Web
West Ham United could finally be put up for sale by its beleaguered owner
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson after the Icelandic billionaire ordered an immediate
review of all his assets following the crisis that has decimated his
country's economy.
Up until now Gudmundsson has been adamant that he does not intend to sell
West Ham, which he acquired in November 2006 for £85m, investing a further
£30m, but the crippling economic climate has finally forced him into
considering the option.
No decision has been made as yet as to whether Gudmundsson will sell, and he
has told friends and club executives that West Ham, managed by Gianfranco
Zola, is the last of the assets he would want to part with, but he could be
persuaded by his advisers that a sale, if the right price is offered,
represents the best option for him.
The 67-year-old — known as "BG" - is West Ham's sole owner having bought out
the five per cent held by Eggert Magnusson who he replaced as chairman one
year after his takeover. The businessman paid cash up front for West Ham,
which he is free to sell as quickly as he wants as the club is not part of
the British Government's freeze on Icelandic assets in the United Kingdom.
West Ham has debts of £40m and Gudmundsson will hope to realise up to £150m
if he sells given the club's good revenue streams, guaranteed television
income and its location in London. However any buyer would also want to
factor in the potential costs of the Carlos Tevez case which could result in
millions being paid to Sheffield United who are demanding upwards of £30m.
Nevertheless a sale is a tempting option, and West Ham a good buy, as the
club's vice-chairman, Asgeir Fridgeirsson admitted yesterday. "He
[Gudmundsson] is evaluating all of his business interests, including West
Ham," the Icelander said. "West Ham is a well-run club with no debt and is
one of Mr Gudmundsson's most important investments."
It is indeed. West Ham, despite the economic downturn, is, like a number of
Premier League clubs, an attractive proposition for investors but while
there has been significant interest there has, as yet, not been a bid for
Gudmundsson to consider. He now appears to be inviting that possibility and
there is understood to be one cash-rich billionaire in particular who is
closely monitoring developments.
Pressure has grown on Gudmundsson since the collapse of Landsbanki, of which
he was a major shareholder with a 45 per cent stake, while it is understood
that his main business in Iceland, Samson Holdings, is in severe
difficulties and has filed for bankruptcy. The demise of the XL travel
company, who sponsored the club, was also a blow, as another of
Gudmundsson's companies, Elmskip, had lent the firm around £150m.
Sources at West Ham have continued to insist that, despite the set-backs,
Gudmundsson's business portfolio is strong enough to survive. However that
certainly has lessened in recent days though there is no immediate threat to
the club's future. West Ham have, in the past, insisted that Gudmundsson is
able to make further funds available but that certainty has decreased, and
funds for player transfers in January will have to be generated from sales
by Zola.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
HAMMERS TALK: Irons keep track of Swiss midfielder
8:30am Friday 7th November 2008
Echo
WEST HAM are keeping tabs on Basel defensive midfielder Beni Huggel,
according to reports. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola is thought to be keen to
bolster his squad and 31-year-old has emerged as a target. The East
Londoners are thought to be locked in a race with Fulham for the £2.5
million-rated Swiss international. If former Eintracht Frankfurt star Huggel
were to join the Irons, he would link up with fellow countryman Valon
Behrami at Upton Park.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers sale 'an option'
SSN
Vice-chairman confirms owner will review his position
Last updated: 7th November 2008
West Ham United vice-chairman Asgeir Fridgeirsson has conceded owner
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson is to review his position at the club. The financial
future of the Upton Park outfit remains the subject of speculation amid
Gudmundsson's personal involvement in a number of companies in Iceland,
including the Landsbanki bank, which has been placed into receivership, and
his main business, Samson Holdings. It has been suggested Gudmundsson, who
took over as West Ham chairman in December 2007 from Eggert Magnusson, could
look to sell amid the fragile financial climate. Fridgeirsson has said that
selling West Ham is only 'an option' at this stage and had not yet been
considered. "Because of the global crisis and the complications in Iceland,
BG is reviewing all his assets," he told Telegraph Sport. When asked
whether that included West Ham, Fridgeirsson replied 'yes'. Fridgeirsson
continued: "He needs to review in light of what is going on. If you give a
call to the owners of all clubs, 60-80 per cent would be considering their
stance in the present climate. "(He is) not in any desperation. He has a
portfolio of assets. Samson (Holdings) was one."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MATCH PREVIEW: West Ham v Everton
8:17am Friday 7th November 2008
Guardian Series
Barclays Premier League, Saturday, November 8, 3pm.
LAST MEETING: Everton 1 West Ham 1 (Barclays Premier League, 22-08-08)
LAST TIME AT UPTON PARK: West Ham 0 Everton 2 (Barclays Premier League,
15-12-07)
HEAD-TO-HEAD: West Ham 36 wins, Everton 58 wins, 24 draws
FORM: After an indifferent start to the season - which also saw them crash
out of the UEFA Cup - Everton are back to winning ways having recorded back
to back 1-0 wins, over Bolton and Fulham respectively.
The Blues are currently seventh in the Premier League table.
DANGER MAN: Tim Cahill has forged a reputation for popping up and scoring
vital goals for Everton in recent seasons.
The Australian international midfielder has hit the back of the net twice
this season and is a constant danger from set pieces.
FUN FACT: National and Olympic ski-jumping hero Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards is
believed to be a Toffees fan.
PREDICTION: West Ham 2 Everton 1
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Speaking with the enemy: West Ham v Everton
Nov 7 2008 Liverpool Daily Post
Gordon Thrower, co-editor of the Knees Up Mother Brown fanzine
What have you made of West Ham's start to the season?
A bit of a strange one. We've picked up points in matches where we haven't
played well and lost games were we were the better side. All we need is to
play well and win at the same time and we're sorted!
Alan Curbishley saved you from the drop and got you to 10th. What did he do
so wrong?
That's one for the club's owners – they seemed intent on contradicting every
public statement he made so that if he said that a player was staying they'd
rush straight home and pack a suitcase. It has to be said that last season
we played some rather uninspiring stuff and we ended up clinging on to 10th
on the last day.
What are your ambitions for this season and can Gianfranco Zola achieve
them?
Realistically I'd like to see a top 10 finish, a good cup run and decent
attacking football. Zola at least seems to be trying to get the team to play
in the right way.
Who is your main danger man?
Bellamy has been showing signs of a return to match fitness and Sears also
impressed when given a start up at Middlesbrough last weekend.
Any new Upton Park songs the Evertonians should listen out for?
Not really – I expect you'll get the usual stuff that implies that the TV
show "Bread" was a documentary rather than a terribly unfunny comedy.
What have you made of Everton's start?
A bit like ours from what little I've seen – Everton seem to have lost some
games from which more might have been expected. However unlike us Everton
have picked up a couple of draws in matches that might have been lost.
Any Everton players you wish you had in your side?
Arteta is usually worth watching – and Fellaini seems to be settling down in
recent weeks. Shame he's suspended for our match!
And finally – how do you see Saturday's game going?
The last time we kept a clean sheet was so long ago there wasn't an election
going on in the States. I'll plump for a 2-1 win for us.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Segundo Castillo in reckoning for Everton's West Ham trip
Nov 7 2008 by Nick Smith, Liverpool Daily Post
SEGUNDO CASTILLO is set to come back into the reckoning for tomorrow's trip
to West Ham. Everton go into the Premier League game on the back of two 1-0
victories over Bolton and Fulham but the absence of Marouane Fellaini at
Upton Park leaves a significant void in the midfield. The Belgian
international made it three goals in four league games when he headed the
winner at Bolton last week and he was also impressive in Saturday's win over
Fulham before he was taken off.
Manager David Moyes has the option of starting with the side that took on
the Cottagers after Fellaini was removed, with Louis Saha supporting Yakubu
up front in pursuit of a winner. But the temptation to go for a 4-4-2
formation may be resisted for an away fixture with a Hammers side that would
overtake Everton in the table if they claimed three points. A return to one
up front could leave Everton having to push Leon Osman further forward and
abandon the holding role he has adopted in recent games, which has allowed
Fellaini to push on and get among the goals. And with Moyes confident that
Castillo is close to the level he needs to reach to make a return after a
frustrating spell on the sidelines, he is under consideration. The Ecuador
international hasn't played a first team game since September after an
initially promising start to his one-year loan, including a goal in the UEFA
Cup tie with Standard Liege. He was injured while on internat-ional duty
last month and has struggled to regain full fitness, but did complete 90
minutes for the reserves in their 2-1 defeat to Blackburn earlier this week.
Having a player who can break play up in front of the back four is also one
of Moyes's priorities due to the tightening-up of his side's defensive work
in recent games. It's more than four hours since Darren Fletcher was the
last player to break the Everton rearguard, which has enjoyed back-to-back
clean sheets. And Moyes feels the return to sharpness, both mentally and
physically, of centre-back Joseph Yobo has been integral to that
improvement.
The Nigerian had a disrupted build-up to the new campaign following a
gruelling World Cup qualifying schedule and the kidnapping of his brother –
but Everton's woeful shortage of numbers meant he was pressed into action
before he was fully prepared. "Joe has started to play much better in the
last couple of weeks," said Moyes. "He had a long summer playing for Nigeria
then he had those problems with his brother. "An issue like that is bound to
have an impact and prey on your mind but everything turned out well and I
think Joe has refocused on things now."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fulham, West Ham keen on FC Basle's Huggel
07.11.08 | tribalfootball.com
FC Basle midfielder Beni Huggel is being chased by Fulham and West Ham
United. The Sun says Huggel is rated at £2.5 million by his Swiss club.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Payments battle looms for Blades
SheffieldTelegraph.co.uk
Published Date: 07 November 2008
Parachute payments are looming as possibly the next battleground for
Sheffield United in their compensation war with West Ham. United are totting
up the cost of a second season outside the top flight for a new claim that
could go beyond £50m in the club's fight for damages over the Carlos Tevez
affair. Relegated clubs are automatically cushioned by the Premier League
and ADVERTISEMENTthe Blades will have received £11.2m last year with a
second similar amount due for this season. . . after which the cash buffer
is removed.
Will United have to deduct £22.4m from their claim? Or will the Premier
League try to reclaim the money if - or more likely when - damages are
ordered to be paid by West Ham?
These are key questions in the next stage of the saga and United's
calculations will be finely tuned. The rewards of membership of the elite
have become so great - especially in television revenue - that United could
post a legitimate claim for £50m even with the parachute payments, taken
from the tv money, removed from the equation.
It should be emphasised that the £30m claim they carried into the FA
arbitration procedure that awarded in their favour was based only on one
season in the Championship. Chairman Kevin McCabe will argue that the
overhang of the relegation injustice triggered an extended absence from the
top division. For now, United are awaiting the result of their application
for a High Court injuction to prevent West Ham appealing through the Court
of Arbitration for Sport. The FA are in their corner, having made clear that
the outcome of last summer's hearing was legally binding on both clubs.
Meanwhile, former Blades boss Neil Warnock has been contacted by Chris
Farnell, the lawyer pressing a £5m claim on behalf of 15 players affected by
the events of May, 2007.
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Irons to sign new £2m sponsorship deal
11:50pm Thursday 6th November 2008
Echo
By Rob Pritchard »
WEST Ham United are on the verge of signing a new £2million sponsorship
deal. The club have been without a principal partner since tour operator XL
went into liquidation in September. Now, however, the Irons are close to
completing a contract that will see the club sponsored by Asian-based online
sportsbook SBOBet until the end of the 2009/10 season. The contract is
believed to be worth in the region of £2million – a much smaller figure than
the £2.5million a season deal the Hammers had with XL. The new sponsorship
package will provide some much-needed relief for chairman Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson, who had invested heavily in XL and also suffered when Icelandic
bank Landsbanki was nationalised a month ago. The new sponsors' logo could
be on the club's shirts in time for next Saturday's Premier League fixture
against Portsmouth at Upton Park. Meanwhile, manager Gianfranco Zola has
called on his side to emulate Everton and break into the Premier League's
big-four. The Toffees, who visit the Boleyn Ground tomorrow, were the last
team to break the monopoly of Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and
Liverpool in 2005 and Zola wants his team to do likewise. "I like their
manager (David Moyes). He did a great job last year and he can be one of the
examples we can use," said the Italian. "They're a smaller team who got good
results and it would be great for us to emulate them or maybe do even
better." However, Zola does not want to emulate Moyes' brand of physical
football, instead pledging to play a "spicy" entertaining, passing,
attacking style. "I like to play spicy," he said. "We have conceded a lot of
goals and in the last few games we were quite solid. But having said that I
won't give up on my idea and I would love to play attacking football. "Now I
won't change my attitude. The fans have a lot of confidence in us and they
are happy with what we're trying to achieve here. l ZOLA joins calls for
winter break at www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/football/west ham
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West Ham owner Gudmundsson may sell, admits vice chairman
By Matt Lawless
Last updated at 10:24 PM on 06th November 2008
Daily Mail
West Ham's troubled Icelandic owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson is considering
selling the east London club, according to vice chairman Ausgeir
Fridgeirsson. The 67-year-old credit crunch victim has strenuously denied
recent speculation suggesting he is on the verge of quitting the club. But
for the first time, a senior figure at Upton Park has officially conceded
concerns that the club could soon be under new ownership, revealing
Gudmundsson has been forced to 'evaluate' all of his remaining assets.
Pressure has mounted on the beleaguered businessman to sell the Premier
League club following the recent collapse of his main business in Iceland,
Samson Holdings, who have reportedly filed for bankruptcy, as exclusively
revealed by Sportsmail. 'He is evaluating all of his business interests,
including West Ham,' Fridgeirsson admitted in an interview with BBC Sport.
'But West Ham is a well-run club with no debt and is one of Mr Gudmundsson's
most important investments.'
Gudmundsson bought the Hammers for £85 million in 2006, investing a further
£30 million, but Iceland's second richest man, behind his son Thor, has
suffered a severe cash crisis, seeing an estimated £230 million slashed from
his personal fortune to cast doubts over whether he is able to financially
sustain West Ham any longer. The closure of his homeland bank Landsbanki, of
which he was their largest shareholder with a 45 per cent stake and biggest
loser when they were forced into liquidation, was merely compounded by the
initial demise of West Ham's erstwhile principle sponsors XL Airways,
another of Gudmundsson's prime business interests.
And with a potential £50 million to be owed to Sheffield United over the
Carlos Tevez transfer affair, Gudmundsson may finally be forced to accept a
cut-price fee to offload the club in a desperate bid to prevent any further
losses. Yet despite considerable financial constraints placed upon manager
Gianfranco Zola, the Italian insists he is not under any orders from the
embattled Icelandic chief to cut costs when the transfer window re-opens in
January. Although Zola knows he must sell first before bringing in any fresh
blood, the former Chelsea legend has rejected talk of a pending fire-sale,
which would see several senior players depart in the New Year to ease the
financial burden at the Boleyn. England international Matthew Upson and
midfielder Scott Parker have both been linked with a possible switch to
London rivals Spurs, while striker Craig Bellamy attracted summer interest
from mega-rich Man City.
But Zola said: 'The situation hasn't changed even though it seems there is a
story about this every day. 'I have been assured that the club hasn't got
any problems,' he added. 'We will have a big squad when we have everybody
back from injury so I may need to sell some because not every one will get a
game. But I have no concerns.' Meanwhile, it has been reported that West Ham
are close to agreeing a new 18-month sponsorship deal, worth £1.9 million,
with leading Asian betting company SBOBet. It is said, by The Times, that
the money-boosting deal will be concluded next week as the club seek to fill
the void left by XL on their shirts.
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Toffees boss wants to Hammer out another clean sheet
2:22pm Thursday 6th November 2008
Echo
EVERTON manager David Moyes has called on his improving side to keep a clean
sheet at West Ham United on Saturday. The Toffees have not conceded a goal
in each of their last two Premier League fixtures, beating Bolton Wanderers
and Fulham by identical 1-0 scorelines. And Moyes, whose side made a slow
start to the new campaign, is calling on his players to make it a clean
sheet hat-trick at the Boleyn Ground. "I think the wins were more to do with
the clean sheets," Moyes told evertonTV. "We didn't concede any goals and
it's given us a chance to win the game in the last couple of minutes in
those games. "In other games we've conceded goals, so it didn't give us that
opportunity. "I think in these games because we've defended better - and
maybe had a little bit of luck as well - it's allowed us to take all three
points."
Under Moyes, Everton have built a reputation as a team that is both hard to
beat and difficult to score against. However, that has not been the case
this term, with the Toffees conceding 19 goals in 11 league fixtures so far
this season. For that reason, the Scot is desperate to maintain the
Merseysiders' current improvement at Upton Park. "Keeping clean sheets is
something we've done regularly over the last couple of years and it's been
brought to our attention many times [this year] that we haven't been able to
do it," he said. "It's good we've been able to put that away but we probably
need to get another four or five in the coming weeks to earn us some more
points. "I think the team is playing better as a group. There are still bits
where individuals can improve but there are signs, and because we're not
conceding goals we feel better."
Moyes will be without Portuguese left-back Nuno Valente (knee) and Danish
defender Lars Jacobsen (shoulder) on Saturday.
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It's smiles better with Zola as Mullins leads charge for vital win
1:42pm Thursday 6th November 2008
Echo
WEST Ham midfielder Hayden Mullins has revealed the players are desperate to
get that elusive win to ease the pressure on manager Gianfranco Zola. After
a storming start to his managerial career which saw the side win their first
two games under the new regime, the Italian had endured a run of four
defeats prior to Saturday's 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough. It was Mullins who
got that all-important goal with a stunning first-half strike – the Hammers
first goal in three matches – but the midfielder was disappointed the side
couldn't hold on for the win he feels his boss's efforts deserve. "I think
all the boys are disappointed," he said. "We knew it was going to be hard
because Boro are a good side, but we created a lot of chances and are
disappointed to come away with only a point. "We had two tough games against
Arsenal and Man United and we knew that it was going to be very difficult,
but the manager has come in every week and is still smiling and is bringing
all his experience on to the training pitch. "That's brilliant for all the
boys and we just want to repay him. That's why we tried so hard." Mullins
insists Zola has become an instant hit at Upton Park since his appointment
in September, despite the fact the midfielder had largely been forced to
settle for a place on the bench. He admits the run of defeats was beginning
to get to the players and is keen to play a role in turning that record
around. "I think it does, [affect you] you know, having lost so many in a
row," he added. "Knowing that the manager is doing his best, all the players
are working so hard for him. "He's a brilliant manager and brings a lot to
the side."
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Ashton goes Dutch in bid to overcome latest injury setback
11:41am Thursday 6th November 2008
Echo
By Rob Pritchard »
DEAN Ashton has revealed that he went Dutch in a bid to overcome his latest
injury problems. The West Ham United striker visited Van Dyke, the same
surgeon who operated on Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer,
after breaking down in training early September. Ashton, who missed the
entire 2006/07 season after breaking the same ankle while on England duty,
has also revealed that he is battling to return to competitive action this
term. The forward, who turns 25 later this month, has scored twice in five
league and cup appearances this term. "I have had ankle problems in the past
but I'm not sure if this is a flare-up of the old injury, even though it is
the same ankle I broke in England training," he told his official website.
"I don't know if it was the recent sprain that exacerbated it either. It's
not anything that can be explained to be honest. "Basically there were
pieces of bone floating around inside my ankle and they had to come out.
Surgery was the only option. "I saw James Calder, the ankle specialist here
in England. I've also seen Van Dyke in Holland. He did the surgery on
Cristiano Ronaldo's ankle over the summer. So I have been in good hands."
Having gone under the knife, Ashton is now splitting his time between West
Ham's Chadwell Heath training ground and the Total Fitness centre in
Manchester, where is using swimming and cycling to gain strength in his
injured joint. But despite the progress he is making, the England
international downplayed tabloid speculation that he could return to
first-team action in March 2009. "The papers have said I'll be returning in
March but I don't know where they have got that from," he added. "I've not
been given a date as to when I'll return. It's more a case of it being at
the end of the season and I'll be really happy if I can play my part in the
team then. "That's looking more likely at the moment."
Ashton has made 57 league and cup appearances since arriving from Norwich
City in January 2006, scoring 19 goals. In that time, the former Crewe
Alexandra man has also missed a total of 63 matches through a variety of
ankle, hamstring and groin injuries.
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