The climax of the Bobby Moore Fund Championship at the Boleyn Ground did
much for the charity's profile
04.06.2008
The Liberty five-a-side team have claimed the first Bobby Moore Fund
Championship but the real winner on the day was the charity itself with
vital funds and awareness raised in the fight against bowel cancer.
The finals at the Boleyn Ground this week followed regional heats across the
country with scores of five-a-side teams taking part in the nationwide
competition. Liberty had won the Southampton event and then emerged
victorious on a day when the wet weather in east London failed to dampen the
enthusiasm of all taking part. The West Ham United legend's widow Stephanie
Moore and his World Cup-winning team-mate George Cohen were on hand to
present the trophies to the victorious team and plans are already afoot for
the 2009 event.
"It has been terrific," said Stephanie after the trophy ceremony. "There has
been a marvellous atmosphere and very good quality of football. We hope to
have raised £15,000 for Bobby Moore Research for Cancer UK so football is a
winner and Cancer Research has raised this money. To be able to play here at
West Ham is most mens' dream so once again the charity is very grateful to
West Ham and the board for allowing us to have this final here.
"It really is a tremendous draw for the teams to be able to come and play
here. We are building and building our relationship with West Ham and it is
going from strength to strength. This is absolutely integral to our
success." Stephanie set the Bobby Moore Fund up with the support of Cancer
Research UK after his tragic death at the age of just 51 in 1993. The club
has been fully committed to supporting the campaign and has backed many
fundraising initiatives - particularly in this past season.
"If we can make bowel cancer glamorous by being involved with West Ham we
can save lives on many different levels. It is very important for the
charity. Of course on a personal level, it was Bobby's home and he played
here his entire career bar just a bit at the end." As well as the club's
backing, Stephanie had special words for the encouragement she gets whenever
she meets fans. "It is marvellous. I am totally indebted to the supporters
at West Ham. They have always supported the charity. I can't say thank you
enough."
She added: "One in three people will have cancer at some point in their
lives and one in four of us will die from cancer so there is no family that
is not touched by cancer. So it is very important that we all do our bit to
raise funds for research." It is clear to Stephanie that the money being
raised is making a difference. "We are making headway. I have seen
incredible changes in the 15 years since Bobby died and I think Bobby would
be really touched to see West Ham get behind the charity in his memory."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Delighted dad Neill on a high - WHUFC
Lucas Neill may still get the chance to play for Australia this month after
two new arrivals in his family
04.06.2008
Lucas Neill could feature for Australia in their final two 2010 World Cup
qualifiers later this month after becoming the proud father of twins.
The West Ham United captain, who is also skipper of the national side, had
remained in England to be with his partner - ruling him out of last Sunday's
1-0 win against Iraq in Brisbane and the return match against the same
opposition to be played in Dubai this Saturday. Austraila then conclude
their Group 1 campaign in the first stage of Asian zone qualifying with a 14
June game in Qatar before taking on China seven days later in Sydney.
Speaking earlier this week, Australia coach Pim Verbeek said: "Lucas will be
with us from Sunday - we're planning to let him come then. They expect the
babies to come this week, but we don't want to put pressure on him and his
wife. If he arrives on 8 June, he will have a week to prepare for the Qatar
game and then the China game." The Socceroos are three points clear at the
top of the four-nation section with the top two advancing to the final stage
of qualifying later this year for the finals in South Africa.
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Ashton signs for five years - WHUFC
Dean Ashton has committed his future to West Ham United and revealed he
cannot wait for next season
04.06.2008
West Ham United are happy to confirm that Dean Ashton has signed a new
contract with the club that will keep him at the Boleyn Ground until June
2013.
The England striker put pen to paper on the new deal on Wednesday evening,
bringing to an end the negotiations that had begun as soon as the curtain
fell on the 2007/08 season. Speaking exclusively to whufc.com, Ashton said:
"I am delighted. I said all along that I wanted to sign. I feel I have still
got a lot to show the football club and the fans. I am really happy that I
have signed and now I can look forward to next season."
Having just made his international breakthrough last Sunday away to Trinidad
and Tobago and scored five goals in his last eight appearances for the club,
Ashton was particularly pleased the deal was struck so swiftly in the
close-season. "It is a fantastic way to end the season for me. It is not
going to be on my mind and now with a five-year contract, the future is
here. I said I wanted to stay at the end of the season and I am really glad
it has been done so professionally and sorted now."
West Ham United Chief Executive Scott Duxbury said: "I am delighted that we
have agreed this new contract with Dean. It underlines the ambition of the
club to progress and challenge at the top end of the Premier League. Dean is
an important part of our plans for the new season and beyond. We are looking
forward to seeing him scoring plenty of goals for West Ham United in the
future."
Ashton has been at the Boleyn Ground since signing from Norwich City in
January 2006 and played a key role in the run to that season's FA Cup final,
when he scored at the Millennium Stadium. However, an ankle injury the
following August cost him the entire 2006/07 campaign. Upon regaining form
and fitness, Ashton established himself back in the side - ultimately
scoring ten Premier League goals in 20 starts and eleven substitute
appearances. The 24-year-old is determined to do even better next time
around.
"I didn't play as many games as I wish I could and obviously I missed the
season before," said the forward, who had two years left to run on his
previous deal at the Boleyn Ground. "I am really excited about next season.
I feel I can only get better so I am really glad that I have signed and can
look forward to the future. I think after the injury I had as well, it is
nice the club have managed to agree with me on a new deal. We are really
looking to the future.
"At the start of the season the fans didn't see the best of me. Towards the
end, they hopefully saw that I was back to what they expect. I know I had a
few fans who were perhaps weren't sure that I would get back to my best but
I feel like I am only going to get better. Hopefully I can again play even
better next season, score more goals and play more games."
He added that he also could not wait to see the return to fitness of key men
such as Kieron Dyer and Craig Bellamy, and the increased attacking options
that will bring, although he recognises competition for places will be
fierce. "I am really excited about that. I am sure there are quite a few of
the players at the club that have missed more games than they would have
liked - especially the new signings. Again, it is going to be an exciting
pre-season and we will look to challenge."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashton signs long-term contract - BBC
West Ham striker Dean Ashton has pledged his future to the club by signing a
new five-year deal. The 24-year-old, who had been linked with Manchester
United, Portsmouth and Newcastle won his first England cap in the friendly
against Trinidad & Tobago. "I said all along I wanted to sign, I feel I have
still got a lot the club and the fans," the former Norwich striker told the
club website. "I am really happy that I have signed, now I can look forward
to next season."
Ashton, who scored 11 goals last season, joined West Ham from Norwich for
£7.25m in January 2006 and helped the club to the FA Cup final, where they
lost on penalties to Liverpool. His performances that season earned him an
England call-up for the friendly with Greece in August 2006. But he broke
his ankle in training for that game and missed the whole of the 2006-07
season, and also suffered injuries in the 2007-08 season. "I didn't play as
many games as I wish I could and obviously I missed the season before," he
said. "I am really excited about next season. I feel I can only get better
so I am really glad that I have signed and can look forward to the future.
"I think after the injury I had as well, it is nice the club have managed to
agree with me on a new deal. "We are really looking to the future."
Hammers chief executive Scott Duxbury said: "I am delighted that we have
agreed this new contract with Dean. It underlines the ambition of the club
to progress and challenge at the top end of the Premier League."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A good day to bury bad news? - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 4th June 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are reported to have reached an out-of-court settlement with
Kia Joorabchian - on the day the club announced that fans favourite Dean
Ashton had signed a new five-year deal.
According to The Times, Joorabchian has instructed his legal team to
withdraw a High Court claim made against the club for fees totalling £7.1
million, which the Iranian had insisted he was owed by United for his
involvement in the Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano transfers.
And in a bizarre turn of events, Joorabchian will now act on behalf of the
club as a consultant in future transfers. The paper claims that it is from
these deals that he will receive fees to settle the figure agreed out of
court; additionally he will benefit from deals involving players moving to
West Ham United that he maintains financial interest in.
It is thought that the club wanted to have Joorabchian 'on board' ahead of
further damaging litigation involving Sheffield United - on which
arbitration proceedings begin next Monday - and former club Chairman Terry
Brown, who is sueing West Ham for over £5 million that he claims he is owed
by the club.
The surprise move to bring Joorabchian - who was voted runner-up 'Hackett of
the Year' in KUMB's 2007/08 Awards with 22% of the vote - closer to the club
could prove to be a smart one, for he was likely to be a key witness in
Sheffield United's case against the Hammers.
And the Iranian still maintains a healthy interest in Carlos Tevez who is
currently on loan at Manchester United, leading to the possibility that he
may return to West Ham one day.
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Deano deal confirmed - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 4th June 2008
By: Staff Writer
Dean Ashton has committed his future to West Ham United by signing a new
five-year deal. As revealed on KUMB.com last night, Ashton has ended weeks
of negotiations by putting pen to paper on a contract that ties him to the
club until 2013. Talking to whufc.com tonight, the 24-year-old striker
revealed that he was 'delighted' to commit himself to the club. "I said all
along that I wanted to sign," he said. "I feel I have still got a lot to
show the football club and the fans. I am really happy that I have signed
and now I can look forward to next season. I feel I can only get better so I
am really glad that I have signed and can look forward to the future. I
think after the injury I had as well, it is nice the club have managed to
agree with me on a new deal. "At the start of the season the fans didn't
see the best of me. Towards the end, they hopefully saw that I was back to
what they expect. I know I had a few fans who were perhaps weren't sure that
I would get back to my best but I feel like I am only going to get better.
"Hopefully I can again play even better next season, score more goals and
play more games."
Hammers CEO Scott Duxbury welcomed the news by stating: "I am delighted that
we have agreed this new contract with Dean. It underlines the ambition of
the club to progress and challenge at the top end of the Premier League.
"Dean is an important part of our plans for the new season and beyond. We
are looking forward to seeing him scoring plenty of goals for West Ham
United in the future."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashton commits to Hammers - SSN
New five-year deal for England cap
Last updated: 4th June 2008
Dean Ashton has ended speculation over his long-term future by signing a new
five-year deal at West Ham. The talented striker won his first England cap
against Trinidad & Tobago on Sunday and has now capped a good week by
agreeing fresh terms at Upton Park. It had been suggested the likes of
Manchester United and Newcastle were weighing up an approach for the
24-year-old. However, having committed to the East End club until 2013,
Ashton has spoken of how his first choice was always to stay at The Hammers.
"I am delighted. I said all along that I wanted to sign," he told the club's
official website. "I feel I have still got a lot to show the football club
and the fans. I am really happy that I have signed and now I can look
forward to next season.
"It is a fantastic way to end the season for me. "It is not going to be on
my mind now and with a five-year contract, the future is here. "I said I
wanted to stay at the end of the season and I am really glad it has been
done so professionally and sorted now."
Hammers chief executive Scott Duxbury said: "I am delighted that we have
agreed this new contract with Dean. It underlines the ambition of the club
to progress and challenge at the top end of the Premier League. "Dean is an
important part of our plans for the for the new season and beyond. "We are
looking forward to seeing him scoring plenty of goals for West Ham United in
the future."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ljungberg denies Wenger attack - SSN
Midfielder had excellent relationship with Wenger
By Lewis Rutledge Last updated: 4th June 2008
Freddie Ljungberg has insisted he enjoyed an excellent relationship with
Arsene Wenger and has denied leaving Arsenal on bad terms. Ljungberg was
quoted on Wednesday as saying that he was unhappy with certain aspects of
his time at Arsenal and joined West Ham to prove to his former employers
that he still had a lot to offer. However, the Swedish midfielder has now
rubbished the story and stressed that he never had any problems with Wenger.
A statement read: "Freddie Ljungberg wishes to make it clear that he
absolutely refutes suggestions made by Russian Daily Sport paper Den Za Dnem
that he enjoyed anything but an excellent relationship with Arsene Wenger
during his time at Arsenal. "His move to West Ham was inspired by the vision
for the club and the strong interest from Alan Curbishley.
"The suggestion that Freddie left Arsenal in order to stay in the
Premiership and play against them is not only utter rubbish but is a
complete falsehood."
Ljungberg also emphasised his good relationship with the Gunners, adding: "I
get on very well with everyone from Arsenal and enjoyed my visit to the
Emirates Stadium recently when Sweden played Brazil and I saw a lot of old
friends.. "I haven't done an interview with this Russian newspaper and none
of the quotes have any substance, I certainly didn't make those comments."
Ljungberg is currently gearing up for Euro 2008 and will be fit to face
Greece next Tuesday.
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What positive change has been evidenced since Brown was finally outed? -
WestHamOnline
Admiral Lard - Wed Jun 4 2008
It's been 2 years now and I'm still glad to have seen the back of Brown and
his appalling regime, however what we have now has not, in my opinion, made
a shred of difference to the infrastructure of the club or the standard of
football. Let's be clear "I DONT WANT BROWN BACK!" or anyone remotely like
him, however I do feel very underwhelmed by the new regime and our somewhat
anonymous Chairman. A big man in many ways but not the charismatic man I'd
hoped for. At least the last regime did their average best to improve UP,
nothing further has been decided on either a new ground or the completion of
UP under the original scheme. The training facilities are in the process of
being upgraded. What difference will that make, if any, to our injury list?
Our medical staff had a dreadful year. Is it their fault, the players, the
way we train or Curbs for bringing in a load of crocks? We have finished
15th and 10th under the new regime though it should be noted that form over
the last 3 months would have seen us relegated had that been the form for
the season, we finished the season very, very weakly.
There is little or no money for transfers it would seem and if the money was
available who would come? Could we attract a berbatov or Michael Owen?
We'd most likely end up with another expensive, injury prone signing.
I want the best for West Ham and thought with some optimism, this could be
it, when Brown and co left. I am struggling to see any tangible benefit to
the new regime taking over and I restate the point, it's been 2 Years – Not
6 months or a year these guys have had time to show us what they can do.
I would like to see a plan, a road map in "corporate" terms. I'd like to see
this road map include the Playing standard, the club infrastructure and the
expansion and development of West Ham United as a brand and a business.
This is not too much to ask from a PLC business, in fact it's a right of
customers and shareholders alike. For the avvoidance of doubt West Ham
United PLC is a PLC - last years report and accounts
http://www.whufc.com/staticFiles/26/cf/0,,12562~118566,00.pdf
The club's PR is worse than ever, very little news is given to the press or
to it's customers. If I were to make a choice to part with £650 for a season
ticket I'd want to know whether I have a season of West Ham V Pompey's to
look forward to or West Ham V Man United's? (Worst and Best games of last
season IMHO)
It maybe things are in place or being put in place, wouldn't it be great to
know about them and get behind them – Unlike the bond scheme!!
Nothing appears to have improved, but then I maybe wrong, the problem is a
lack of information from which to make an informed opinion. What I do know
is many more performances like the last 3 months of last season and whatever
good will is there with BG is bound to start eroding
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dean Ashton signs five-year deal at West Ham - Telegraph
By Richard Bright
Last Updated: 1:39am BST 05/06/2008
West Ham striker Dean Ashton last night signed a new five-year contract to
keep him at Upton Park until 2013. The 24-year-old England forward, who made
his debut against Trinidad and Tobago last Sunday, started discussions with
the club as soon as the season finished last month. Ashton told the club's
website, whufc.com: "I am delighted. I said all along that I wanted to sign.
I feel I have still got a lot to show the football club and the fans. I am
really happy that I have signed and now I can look forward to next season."
He added: "It is a fantastic way to end the season for me. "It is not going
to be on my mind now and with a five-year contract, the future is here. I
said I wanted to stay at the end of the season and I am really glad it has
been done so professionally and sorted now."
Ashton - who had two years left on his existing deal - missed much of last
season through injury and is keen to feature more prominently. West Ham
chief executive Scott Duxbury said: "I am delighted that we have agreed this
new contract with Dean. It underlines the ambition of the club to progress
and challenge at the top end of the Premier League. Dean is an important
part of our plans for the new season and beyond. "We are looking forward to
seeing him scoring plenty of goals for West Ham United in the future."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
No One Hates us, We Don't Care - West Ham Till I Die
Well, apart from Millwall. The Evening Standard has polled fans from all
London;s football clubs and asked which other London clubs they hate most.
We don't figure in any of the lists, amazingly enough, apart from
Millwall's. As if we care.
Our top three hates are Tottenham, Chelsea and Millwall.
Mine are Fulham, Chelsea and Arsenal. For some reason I have never been able
to bring myself to hate Tottenham, although my one and only visit to White
Hart Lane eighteen months ago brought me very close.
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West Ham agree settlement with Kia Joorabchian - the Times
Gary Jacob
West Ham United's protracted dispute with Kia Joorabchian ended last night
when the parties reached an out-of-court settlement. Joorabchian took legal
action against the Barclays Premier League club in March, claiming that he
was owed payments totalling £7.1millon. The agent has withdrawn his High
Court claim against the club and will act as a consultant for them on future
transfers, for which he will be paid a fee. The club have said that the
agreement had been lodged with the Premier League, but declined to reveal
the length or structure of the deal.
It is likely, however, that Joorabchian will recover the £7.1million, which
he claimed he was owed, in transfer dealings over the next few years. An
agent can expect to receive commission of 5 per cent of the transfer fee.
Joorabchian will receive a fee from West Ham in two ways: when the club buy
a player he "owns" or is the agent of, or if he acts on behalf of the club
in the sale of players. West Ham, who were tenth in the Premier League, are
expected to sell between six and ten players this summer.
West Ham described the settlement as "amicable". It is beneficial for them
to have Joorabchian "on their side" before separate legal claims from
Sheffield United and Terence Brown, West Ham's former chairman. The
Yorkshire club believe that they were relegated at the end of the 2006-07
season as a result of West Ham's admitted breach of Premier League rules in
the transfer of Carlos Tévez from Corinthians, the Brazilian club. The
arbitration proceedings, which come under FA rules, begin on Monday.
Brown is claiming that he is owed £5million in wages and other proceeds
after he was asked to leave as director last year. West Ham are considering
a countersuit because they are upset that they were fined £5.5million for
breaching league rules in the signing of Tévez, which Brown had overseen.
West Ham have said that their arguments in both disputes were not affected
by the previous disagreement with Joorabchian.
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Youngsters shine on Italian job - Newham Recorder
04 June 2008
WHILE England under-19 stars James Tomkins and Freddie Sears were booking
their countries place in the finals of the European Championships with a 0-0
draw in Belarus, there were another group of youngsters showing that West
Ham have a rosy future. The West Ham under-14s travelled to Italy for the
prestigious Citta di Cairo Montenotte where they were the only English
representatives. Their group games proved a walk in the park as they
hammered Cairese 95 15-0 and then followed it up with a 5-0 win over CSKA
Moscow and a 3-0 triumph against Chisola to ease into the quarter-finals.
There they beat Torino 2-0 to put them into a three-team semi-final group,
where they lost their first match - 2-0 against AC Milan. They bounced back
with a 1-0 win over Sampdoria, but it was no quite enough as Sampdoria made
the final where they lost out to Inter Milan. West Ham went into a play-off
for fifth place with CSKA Moscow, where Elliott Lee, brother of Academy
player Oliver and son of former West Ham star Robert, struck both goals in a
2-0 win.
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Devonshire signs up for the Derby! - Newham Recorder
04 June 2008
NO, the great West Ham winger is not making a comeback after all these
years, though no doubt he could still do a job. Instead it will be Epsom
that will play host to Alan Devonshire when a horse of the same name takes
part in The Derby this Saturday. The owners of the horse received permission
from the great man to name the horse after him, and they are likely to get
the West Ham fans' money went it comes to a little flutter. It could be a
nice little earner as Alan Devonshire is currently 200-1 in the betting!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dean Ashton factfile - TeamTalk
TEAMtalk looks at the career so far of England striker Dean Ashton after he
signed a new five-year contract to stay with West Ham.
1983: Born in Crewe on November 24.
2000: October 28 - Makes his competitive debut for Alex in a 1-0 league win
over Gillingham.
2001: February 2 - Given full professional status by Crewe.
February 3 - Scores his first senior goal in a 4-2 win over Burnley at
Gresty Road.
2003: May - Finishes the 2002-03 campaign with 16 goals as Crewe win
automatic promotion back to English football's second tier.
2004: February 17 - Makes a goalscoring debut for England Under-21s in a 3-2
win over Holland in Hull.
January 11 - Completes a £3million move to Norwich.
January 22 - Scores on his home debut for the Canaries in 4-4 draw with
Middlesbrough.
May - Scores seven goals for Norwich in 16 games, finishing the season with
27 goals in all competitions, but the East Anglian side are relegated to the
Championship.
2006: January 22 - Joins West Ham in a £7.25million deal.
February 4 - Scores first goal for the Hammers as they beat Sunderland 2-0
at Upton Park.
May 13 - Scores West Ham's second goal in FA Cup final against Liverpool,
but after the match ends 3-3 following extra-time the Reds win 3-1 on
penalties.
August 11 - Called up to England squad for friendly international with
Greece.
August 15 - Breaks ankle in training the day before the match at Old
Trafford.
December 18 - Hammers manager Alan Curbishley admits he fears it will be
February before the striker returns.
2007: July 14 - The wait proves longer and Ashton finally makes his
long-awaited return in a pre-season friendly against Dagenham & Redbridge.
August 11 - Makes first Premier League appearance against Manchester City,
coming on as a substitute for George McCartney in the second half.
September 15 - Scores first goal of the season in 3-0 victory over
Middlesbrough at Upton Park.
October 5 - Ashton is named in England's squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers
with Estonia and Russia.
2008: June 1 - Makes England debut in friendly victory over Trinidad and
Tobago.
June 4 - Signs new five-year contract.
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Ashton excited by potential of full-strength West Ham team
tribalfooball.com - June 04, 2008
After inking his new five-year contract, West Ham striker Dean Ashton is
excited about taking part in a full-strength team next season. Ashton says
he could not wait to see the return to fitness of key men such as Kieron
Dyer and Craig Bellamy, and the increased attacking options that will bring,
although he recognises competition for places will be fierce. He told
whufc.com: "I am really excited about that. I am sure there are quite a few
of the players at the club that have missed more games than they would have
liked - especially the new signings. Again, it is going to be an exciting
pre-season and we will look to challenge."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Brom to land West Ham keeper Wright
tribalfooball.com - June 04, 2008
West Ham goalkeeper Richard Wright is set for a move to West Brom. The Sun
says the Baggies are about to capture the former England international.
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Hammers on the trail of Austrian stopper - Guardian Series
WEST HAM are reported to be interested in Austrian striker Roland Linz.
According to Sky Sports, the Hammers had the player watched in recent months
and will be keeping a keen eye on his progress for Austria in the upcoming
European Championships. Linz, who notched 11 goals for Portuguese side
Sporting Braga last season, will lead the line for his country in
Switzerland and Austria. And the likes of Middlesbrough, Newcastle and
Fulham will also be seeing how he fares against some of the world's top
defenders with top sides Germany and Croatia both in Austria's group. The
26-year-old impressed under the gaze of various clubs in his country's
recent match with Malta, as he scored two goals in a 5-1 victory. A
spokesman for agency FN Sports spoke on behalf of the player: "There has
been interest in Roland from the Premiership and a number of clubs were
watching him again at the Malta game," they told Sky Sports. "But he is
focused on the Euros at the moment and we will see what happens after the
tournament."
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Hammers hit back at suggestions season-ticket sales could take a hit -
Guardian Series
Season-ticket renewals at Upton Park are already up on last season,
according to the club (E4746-535) WEST HAM have refuted claims that season
ticket sales could take a hit by insisting that renewals have already shown
an increase on last year. A poll by Virgin Money suggested up to 25 per cent
of Hammers fans would not be renewing their season tickets after the club
announced an average four per cent rise in prices for the upcoming campaign.
The survey, which questioned 3,567 football fans, found that more Irons
supporters had threatened action than any other Premier League club.
But the club have dismissed the reports as inaccurate, citing improved
online services which give fans more flexibility when booking tickets as one
reason they have enjoyed improved sales on last year. "Season ticket
renewals are going well and we are already ahead of where we were at this
time last season," said a West Ham spokesman. "We have also implemented a
new online ticketing service as part of our ongoing commitment to offer
supporters as high a level of service as possible. "This includes reduced
booking fees, a ticket trade-in service and the chance for fans to view
available seats."
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West Ham, Chelsea battle for Bursaspor prospect Demir
tribalfooball.com - June 04, 2008
West Ham United and Chelsea are battling for Turkey youth international
Muhammet Demir. The Turkey U17 international striker is currently tied to
Bursaspor and has already attracted a firm offer from West Ham for his
services. Chelsea are also keen, who was part of Turkey's squad for last
month's U17 European Championships.
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England striker rejects Newcastle's advances, and signs new £13m deal with
West Ham - CaughtOffside.com
June 4, 2008
The Sun reports that 24 year-old West Ham United striker Dean Ashton will
sign a new 5-year deal worth £13 million (£50,000 per week). "The striker is
expected to OK a five-year deal worth around £50,000 a week. Ashton, 24, is
finally ready to commit himself after lengthy negotiations and it will
confirm he has settled his differences with boss Alan Curbishley. The
player, who has battled back from a serious broken ankle, had two years left
on his current deal — worth around £13,000 a week."
Though he may not be the most exciting striker in the league to watch, he
had quite an effective season for the Hammers. He netted an average of about
1 goal per 3 matches, highlighted by that fantastic overhead kick against
Man United. Rumours were swirling around Ashton this summer, and many papers
fancied an £11 million switch to Newcastle for the promising player. He was
clearly unhappy with the deal he had, which had players such as super-flop
Freddie Ljungberg earning substantially more money. There were also stories
that he was not seeing eye-to-eye with boss Alan Curbishley. This report
surely puts all those rumours to bed.
The more interesting question is whether he is worth the money he is making.
With the way that footballers get paid today, I think this is a decent deal
for West Ham. When compared to the £80,000 that Portsmouth are reportedly
prepared to pay Liverpool benchwarmer Peter Crouch, some might even call
this a bargain. I would not go that far. So, what's the word on Ashton? Good
signing? Overpaid? Bargain?
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