Although denied the chance of going all the way in the Soccer Sevens, Tony
Carr was more than content
25.05.2008
West Ham United's youngsters came up short in their bid to win the Hong Kong
Soccer Sevens on Sunday - losing their decisive quarter-final tie against
the Australian Institute of Sport.
The 2-0 defeat by a side made up of the Socceroos' best Under-20 players
meant Tony Carr's inexperienced team including the likes of 17-year-old
defender Jordan Spence and 16-year-old midfielder Oliver Lee could no longer
win the competition. They instead moved into a separate event for the losing
last-eight sides and then won 1-0 against Eastleigh, thanks to a Tony Stokes
goal, before a 'shield final' against Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds,
going down 3-2 to a team they had beaten 2-0 in Saturday's group stage.
West Ham United academy director Tony Carr said: "We scored very two good
goals again - both from Tony Stokes - but we run out of legs and we ended up
losing 3-2. Once they pulled one back, they really kept it and worked us and
we couldn't hang on. We are very pleased overall. We played six games in a
very short space of time. The heat and humidity you can't explain unless you
have experienced it. We have ended up winning three games and losing two out
of six. Overall, in the tournament we finished sixth out of 16 which I
thought was quite creditable considering the team we had."
Carr explained his side were probably the youngest squad taking part with
his side all from the 2007/08 Under-18 set-up except for captain Stokes
while most of the other teams on view were made up of U20 players. "They
were a lot older than us which made life a bit tough when it is just seven a
side and you are playing in difficult conditions as well. It was a good
experience and we really enjoyed it." Having taken much from the experience,
the team will fly back on Monday and arrive back in London early on Tuesday
with all involved then getting the chance to go on holiday.
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Pantsil eyes World Cup - WHUFC
John Pantsil is getting ready to help Ghana in four 2010 World Cup
qualifiers taking place in June
23.05.2008
John Pantsil figured as Ghana lost 1-0 to Australia in an international
friendly played in Sydney on Friday.
The full-back was the only West Ham United player on view as club captain
Lucas Neill was absent from the Socceroos squad for this match and possibly
the World Cup qualification double-header against Iraq early next month. In
this warm-up encounter, Pantsil's Ghana had plenty of pressure but were
undone by a solitary strike by Australia's Mile Sterjovski. Early in the
second half, the Derby County forward made the most of a John Mensah mistake
to score from just outside the penalty area. Sterjovski did not finish the
match as he was shown a late red card.
While Australia are well into their World Cup qualifiers in the Asian zone,
Ghana begin their African campaign on 1 June at home to Libya before
travelling to Lesotho on 8 June and then on to Gabon on 14 June who they
then play again at home on 22 June. The reverse matches against Libya and
Lesotho will follow on 7 September and 12 October respectively. In all 20
African sides will win through from this stage to the second group round,
with the teams split into five groups of four. The teams that top each
section in that stage will then get a place in the 2010 finals in South
Africa. Both Pantsil and Neill played at the 2006 World Cup and helped their
teams reach the second round.
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Hong Kong Sevens: youths progress - KUMB
Filed: Saturday, 24th May 2008
By: Staff Writer
A great opening day performance from Tony Carr's young Hammers saw them top
Pool A of the Hong Kong Sevens. United won the group with two wins and a
draw; the victories coming against Eagles FC (Hong Kong) and one of the
tournament favourites Uwara Red Diamonds (Japan). Hong Kong FC - the only
team to hold the Hammers to a draw - finished bottom of the group whilst
Uwara join the Hammers in the next stage after pipping Eagles to second
spot. The 16-team tournament features 16 teams from around the world
including fellow Premier League representatives Aston Villa, who are the
current holders after winning last year's competition. The finals take place
tomorrow; check back then for all the news from Hong Kong. In the meantime
yo ucan keep up with the latest details at the tournament website.
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Camara looks for new club - SSN
Striker angry about his loan spell at West Ham
Last updated: 25th May 2008
Henri Camara claims he is wanted by Marseille following his 'worst season'
on loan at West Ham United. The Senegal forward has spent the campaign at
Upton Park from Wigan Athletic, but started just three Premier League games.
He admits he confronted Hammers manager Alan Curbishley about his lack of
football and is now looking for a new club. French giants Marseille have
shown an interest, but Camara is keen to stay in England, having also played
for Wolves and Southampton. "This has been my worst season in England," said
Camara in the Sunday Mirror. "I have few words to describe what I have been
through - I have barely played. "I was so frustrated I went to see the
manager and shouted in his face that I was sorry I'd ever joined West Ham.
"I was completely buried underground and I'm looking to find another club.
"Marseille want to sign me, but it is my aim to spend two or three more
seasons in England."
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Royals wait for Hammers Shorey bid - TeamTalk
West Ham are the clear favourites to sign Reading full-back Nicky Shorey but
the Royals insist they have yet to receive a bid. The Hammers have been
linked with a move for the 27-year-old since last summer but Steve Coppell
constantly rebuffed any approach. But due to the financial consequences of
relegation and Shorey's desire to retain his place in Fabio Capello's
England squad, a move back to the Premier League appears certain. Reading
director of football Nicky Hammond however insists that West Ham have yet to
make their move. Hammond said: "I have not had bids for any of our players
yet.
"I have not spoken with Nicky Shorey since the end of the season, but I will
speak to his representatives."
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Spurs look to exploit transfer loophole - Vital Football
Tottenham are rumoured to be amongst a host of clubs including Liverpool and
West Ham for the signature of Lazio's Swiss International Valon Behrami.
23 year old Behrami happily plays on either flank at full back or wide
midfield, at 6'1' he also adds some height to the team. The interesting
scenario with this deal is that the player is expected to buy out his
existing deal, under the 'Webster clause' this clause came about by Andy
Webster's move from Hearts to Wigan at the start of the 2006/07 season.
Behrami's representative Alessandro Beltrami told Setanta Sports: 'Behrami
will play Euro 2008 as a free player because he will buy-out his contract,'
He added: 'Do you know what the Webster clause is? Well, he will use it.'
Just in case you didn't know, The Webster clause allows a player who is
between the ages of 23 and 28 to move in the final year of a four or five
year contract provided he hands in a request to the club no more than 15
days after the end of the previous season. The club would be entitled to
compensation, but only equalling the amount of the final year's wages as per
the contract. Beltrami continued:'Lazio wanted £9 million for him and we had
contacts, but now he will be able to decide where he goes and he wants to
play the Champions League,' added Beltrami. 'We will not contact clubs -
believe me, they are going to call us.'
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Italian star adds to reputation - ESS
Last Updated: Sat, 24 May 2008 14:26
Hammers target Davide Lanzafame added to his growing reputation with a goal
for Italy Under-21s in Toulon last night. The 21-year-old Juventus winger is
pondering his options while playing for Italy in the prestigious Toulon
tournament this month. The right-sided wide-man fired in the opening goal as
the Azzurri overcame nine-man Turkey in a fiery Group B clash in La Seyne.
Lanzafame was one of the few players to keep his head in a match which
featured seven yellow cards and three red cards, won 2-1 by the Italians
after Claudio Marchisio's late winner. West Ham and Palermo are currently
battling it out for the signature of Lanzafame, who spent last year on loan
at Bari, for next season.
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Spector fears Ashton hammer blow - Setanta
by Toby Davis, 24 May 2008
USA defender Jonathan Spector has warned his international team-mates to be
on their guard against fellow West Ham star Dean Ashton. Ashton looks set to
make his international debut for Fabio Capello's side at Wembley against the
Americans on Wednesday night. The Hammers striker has been tipped to play
for England since 2006 when a broken ankle robbed him of a chance to
establish himself in then boss Steve McClaren's squad. But after overcoming
a series of further setbacks, Ashton is ready to take his chance against the
USA and Spector believes his first international appearance will be well
worth the wait. He said: "It was really disappointing for him to get such a
serious ankle injury. "It took him a long while to get back from it but in
the last few games of the season he was in great form and it is great to see
him back in the England set-up. "He is very nearly back to his best, if not
there yet. He is a great finisher - so who wouldn't want that on their team?
He has great technical ability as well."
Although England have no competitive fixtures to look forward to this summer
following their failure to qualify for Euro 2008, the USA begin their World
Cup qualifying campaign against Barbados next month. And Spector insists
the England clash will be perfect preparation for their upcoming qualifiers.
He said: "This game is really important to us. We don't get together very
often and it is a great stage."We were disappointed with our last showing in
the World Cup and we want to move on."
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Clubs fight to sign Carr - lep.co.uk
Stephen Carr is being chased by Everton, Aston Villa and West Ham. The
ex-Tottenham full-back, 31, has been released by Newcastle. Everton boss
David Moyes is a big admirer and is ready to lure Carr with the best
personal terms, the News of the World says. But Carr may wish to return to
the capital, putting West Ham in pole position.
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Sinclair bound for Elland Road - lep.co.uk
Former Blackpool, QPR, West Ham and Manchester City winger Trevor Sinclair
could become a Leeds United player - if they beat Doncaster in the play-off
final. Leeds United boss Gary McAllister is to offer the midfielder, 35, a
two-year deal if his side beat Doncaster in today's League One play-off
final. Sinclair played in Cardiff's FA Cup final defeat to Portsmouth but
has now been released by the club.
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West Ham's Spector backs Ashton for England recall
tribalfooball.com - May 25, 2008
West Ham's USA defender Jonathan Spector hopes England boss Fabio Capello
selects clubmate Dean Ashton for their looming friendly. He said: "It was
really disappointing for him to get such a serious ankle injury. "It took
him a long while to get back from it but in the last few games of the season
he was in great form and it is great to see him back in the England set-up.
"He is very nearly back to his best, if not there yet. He is a great
finisher - so who wouldn't want that on their team? He has great technical
ability as well."
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Everton, Blackburn, West Ham to check on Bradley
tribalfootball.com - May 25, 2008
A host of Premiership clubs are ready to make a check on Heerenveen
midfielder Michael Bradley. The Daily Express says Everton, Blackburn, West
Ham and Sunderland will all watch USA international Bradley in action
against England.
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