The West Ham United youth side will play their first competitive game of the new season on 23 August
10.07.2008
Tony Carr is building up for the new Under-18 season in Group A of the FA Premier Academy League with the success of last year's campaign still fresh in the mind.
The U18s have all been back in this week, including the new intake stepping up from the U16s, for fitness tests before getting down to full training. There is just over six weeks to go until the first competitive game - a glamour home match against Group C's Manchester United at Little Heath on Saturday 23 August before a trip to Leeds United a week later. Both of these matches are among ten games over the course of the campaign that will see Carr's team test themselves against teams from outside their league although the results do count for the final standings.
The remaining 18 games will see West Ham United play home and away against Group A rivals Arsenal, Charlton, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Ipswich, Norwich, Portsmouth and Southampton. Last season, Carr's youngsters enjoyed a tremendous run and were only just pipped by Arsenal to the title. The season is scheduled to conclude away to Tottenham Hotspur, who compete in Group B, on Saturday 2 May. The team will also compete in the FA Youth Cup from the third-round stage. Click here for fixtures, although please note all are subject to change.
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Blades set to hear Tevez outcome - BBC
Sheffield United will find out in September if they will be compensated after their complaints over West Ham's registration of Carlos Tevez. The Hammers survived in the Premier League in 2007 at the Blades' expense after being fined £5.5m instead of being docked points. Chairman Kevin McCabe said he remains hopeful about the upcoming verdict. "It's down to the panel to make their award which should be September," he told BBC Radio Sheffield. "The formal arbitration hearing was concluded last month but there'll be one more day at the end of July for further oral submissions."
The Blades said they were unfairly demoted from the top flight after West Ham were found guilty of breaching Premier League regulations in the signing of Argentine Tevez and his compatriot Javier Mascherano. Rather than being docked points by the three-man arbitration panel, the Hammers were fined £5.5m and went on to survive the drop on the final day, while United were relegated. In July 2007 the High Court refused United leave to appeal the panel's decision over the affair. But McCabe has continued the club's fight for a financial settlement and it is being heard by a Football Association tribunal.
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Further delay in hypocrites case - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 10th July 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United will now have to wait until September before finding out whether or not the club will be forced to pay 'compensation' to Sheffield United as a result of the Tevezgate case. The Blades have taken the Hammers to a tribunal as a result of their relegation from the Premier League at the end of the 2006/07 season - despite having nobody to blame but themselves after fielding weakened sides at certain points of the season and, crucially, losing at home to Wigan on the final day - a result which condemned them to the Championship, regardless of results elsewhere. Despite these (and other) facts irksome Blades Chairman Kevin McCabe has refused to accept responsibility, claiming instead that SHeffield United's relegation was the fault of Carlos Tevez for doing what he was paid to do - score goals.
Talking to BBC Radio Sheffield this morning, McCabe said: "It's down to the panel to make their award which should be September. "The formal arbitration hearing was concluded last month but there'll be one more day at the end of July for further oral submissions."
* Sheffield United were charged with hypocrisy after it was revealed that a 'gentlemen's agreement' between the Blades and Watford prevented Steve Kabba from playing against his old team when the two clubs met just months after Kabba joined the Hornets - a clear infringement of rules regarding third-party influence, which the Blades are basing their case against West Ham United on.
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One better this year? - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 10th July 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's under 18s will kick off next season with a home tie against Manchester United. Tony Carr's side, boosted by the arrival of several new players from the under 16s age group - but weakened by the departure of last season's top scorer Freddie Sears, now part of the first team set-up - kick off the 2008/09 campaign against the Mancunians at Little Heath on Saturday, 23rd August. That game is one of ten matches the under 18s play against teams from outside of their local group (Group A); the other opponents being Leeds United, Reading, Aston Villa and Birmingham. All results count towards the final table with the winners going through to the national play-offs. The Hammers finished second in last season's Group stage, behind winners Arsenal. The national title was eventually won by Group B's Aston Villa. Carr's side are scheduled to end the 2008/09 campaign - 28 games in all - away to Tottenham on 2nd May. Keep an eye on KUMB.com for extensive coverage of all under 18s news and results.
Group A teams
Arsenal; Charlton; Chelsea; Crystal Palace; Fulham; Ipswich; Norwich; Portsmouth; Southampton; West Ham Utd.
West Ham United under 18s: first three fixtures
23rd August: Manchester United (h)
30th August: Leeds United (a)
6th September: Reading (h)
All home matches to take place at Little Heath. Kick off 11am.
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Bob and Ted's excellent adventure (not) - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 10th July 2008
By: Staff Writer
Bobby Zamora was in court yesterday to answer charges that he paid a former team mate to accept responsibility for a driving offence. Zamora - set to finalise a move to fellow Premier League outfit Fulham this week - was in court along with former team mate Teddy Sheringham, who is charged with the same offence. Both players have been charged with allowing former Hammer Shaun Newton to take responsibility for the speeding ticket, which arose after Sheringham's car was recorded travelling at 64mpg in a 40mph zone. Newton - who was banned from football after a routine drugs test found cocaine in his system back in 2006 - is said to have accepted £50 to take the blame for the incident.
Sheringham told Croydon Crown Court: "I was moaning about getting the ticket and Shaun Newton said, 'Give me £50 and I'll sort it out'."
Newton - who left West Ham in March last year - denied nine charges of attempting to pervert the course of justice. The case continues today.
You're nicked: top five Hammers in trouble
1. Bobby Moore
The 1970 World Cup Finals couldn't have got off to a worse start for England captain Bobby Moore when he was arrested for the alleged theft of a bracelet from the Green Fire jewellers shop in Bogota, Columbia, where the England team were preparing for the Mexican tournament. England boss Alf Ramsay claimed it was a stich up but Moore still had to endure a Columbian court before being released after the shop assistant who originally blew the whstle claimed that she saw Moore put the bracelet in a jacket pocket - it was later proved that Moore's training top, which he wore at the time had no pockets.
2. Mark Ward
Mark Ward spent three years at West Ham between 1985 and 1988 but is currently spending time at Her Majesty's Pleasure after receiving an eight-year sentence for drug dealing in 2005. Ward claims that the house he rented that was used to stash drugs was done so on behalf of someone else. Police - who found more than half-a-million pounds worth of cocaine at the property during a raid - disagreed.
3. Anton Ferdinand
Young Anton fell foul of the law in November 2006 when he was charged with assault and violent conduct following an incident outside Faces nightclub two months earlier. A jury cleared him and friend Edward Dawkins of all charges a year later.
4. Harry Redknapp
Wheeler-dealer 'arry was nicked in November 2007 by Police conducting a dawn raid on his house after he was accused of corruption. The 60-year-old former Hammers player and manager was eventually released without charge but the timing of the arrest - coincidentally when England were looking for a new manager, a position which Redknapp was one of the favourites to land - was enough to scupper his chances of leading the national team.
5. Glen Johnson
The former Academy trainee was nicked in January 2007 after being accused of stealing a toilet seat and other bathroom accessories from his local B&Q. He was fined £80 on the spot for the misdemeanour.
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Frankie nicked (again) - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 10th July 2008
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammers star Frank McAvennie is once again in trouble with the law after being arrested for affray and disorderly conduct. McAvennie, 48, was nicked on the Isle of Man in the early hours of Saturday morning after a punch-up with 23-year-old local Ian Moffat. Lee Watson, the event organiser claimed that Moffat has been harrassing McAvennie and former goalkeeper Andy Goram, who were on the Isle of Man to take part in a charity football match.
Talking to the Daily Record, he said: "Both Andy Goram and Frank McAvennie were perfect gentlemen in the way they agreed to take part. The problem was a local man wanted to get involved with these two football legends. He probably thought that because he is a customer of ours, that gave him licence to do as he pleased. "At first, both ex-players were happy to talk to him and sign autographs but as the night wore on, he was getting louder and louder and basically overstayed his welcome. "Yes, there were a couple of incidents that led to police action. But this whole thing was down to the behaviour of one man, and that man was not Frank McAvennie or Andy Goram."
Another unnamed source backed Watson's version of events, adding: "McAvennie and Goram went out for the night on Friday and they were happily playing pool and signing autographs for fans. But there was a local guy with them and no one seemed to know what he was doing there. "Frankly, he looked to be a hanger-on and both Macca and Goram were getting agitated by some of this guy's antics. "At some point, an argument began and things turned sour. They had visited several pubs and it is possible they had asked the guy to leave but he refused. "There was an incident in the toilet of a pub, followed by another when Macca was the victim of an alleged assault as he tried to get into a taxi."
McAvennie and his cohorts spent the night in jail before being released. No charges are thought to have been brought against them.
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George on Mackem bid - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 10th July 2008
By: Staff Writer
George McCartney has said that he would like to remain a West Ham player despite former club Sunderland making a £4.5million bid for his services earlier in the week. The 27-year-old left-back was a virtual ever-present for United last season and was voted runner-up KUMB.com Player of the Year by supporters. It was revealed yesterday that Sunderland had made a £4.5million bid for the Irish international. But talking in the Belfast Telegraph today, McCartney rejected claims that he was looking for an escape route, claiming that he is happy to remain a Hammer. "I would like to stay at West Ham," he said. "I have no desire to leave. I haven't really given the thought of going back to Sunderland much consideration because I am still a West Ham player.
"When clubs show an interest in you it is flattering but I have enjoyed my time at West Ham and I have played in every league game for them since February last year. "It's really up to the two clubs and what West Ham want to see happen. If they choose to sell me then it's up to both clubs to agree a fee. We'll see if that happens, but I have no desire to move. "I had a lot of good times there but it was time for me to move on and I embarked on a new challenge. In football you never say never but at the minute I can't say that will happen to me."
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Behrami's Hammers link denied - SSN
Agent claims midfielder favours Bundesliga
Last updated: 10th July 2008
Switzerland midfielder Valon Behrami will not be joining West Ham this summer, according to his agent. The versatile Lazio player, who is eager to leave the Serie A side, had been linked with a summer switch to Upton Park. Behrami has attracted interest from a number of clubs throughout Europe following his displays in Switzerland's brief Euro 2008 campaign. Agent Alessandro Beltrami insists that his client's first choice destination would be Germany, while rejecting reports of a possible switch to the Hammers. Beltrami said: "The stories linking Valon with West Ham have no basis. "He has his heart set on playing in the Bundesliga, so therefore England is not a priority for him. "The player will return from vacation this week after which we will decide his future. "We have received offers from Germany, Spain and England, but so far there are no meetings scheduled."
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McCartney a happy Hammer - SSN
Defender cools Sunderland link
Last updated: 10th July 2008
George McCartney has played down reports linking him with a return to Sunderland, saying he is happy at West Ham. West Ham are reported to have turned down a bid in the region of £4.5million from Sunderland for the Northern Ireland international. McCartney was one of West Ham's most consistent performers last season and his performances caught the attention of Black Cats boss Roy Keane, who is keen to lure him back to Wearside. The 27-year-old arrived at Upton Park from Sunderland in 2006 in a swap deal with Clive Clarke and he quickly established himself in East London. McCartney admits he is flattered to be linked with a return to Sunderland, but insists he is more than content to stay at Upton Park. "I would like to stay at West Ham," McCartney told the Belfast Telegraph. "I have no desire to leave. When clubs show an interest in you it is flattering but I have enjoyed my time at West Ham and I have played in every league game for them since February last year. "But it's really up to the two clubs and what West Ham want to see happen. If they choose to sell me then it's up to both clubs to agree a fee and we'll see if that happens but I have no desire to move." "I haven't really given the thought of going back to Sunderland much consideration because I am still a West Ham player. "I had a lot of good times there but it was time for me to move on and I embarked on a new challenge. In football you never say never but at the minute I can't say that will happen to me."
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Keane's frustrations continue as Hammers turn down Sunderland bid for McCartney - Daily Mail
By Colin Young
Last updated at 2:18 PM on 10th July 2008
West Ham have turned a £4.5million bid for George McCartney from Sunderland. The Northern Ireland international, who started his career on Wearside and was sold for £1.6 million two years ago, was a near ever-present at Upton Park last season. And he is seen as the ideal solution to Sunderland's problem left-back area where manager Roy Keane used Wales international Danny Collins for the majority of games last season. But Hammers boss Alan Curbishley is unwilling to part company with McCartney, 27, who was sold within weeks of Niall Quinn returning to Sunderland as chairman. Although he has given permission to Fulham to speak to Bobby Zamora and John Pantsil, Sunderland may have to increase their offer considerably to force Curbishley to do the same with McCartney. It has been a frustrating start to the latest transfer window for Keane who has so far failed to lure Darren Bent, Andy Johnson, Stephen Hunt, Aiden McGeady and Kevin Doyle to the Stadium of Light, despite being armed with a £50 million budget.
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Cats' McCartney bid hanging on Hammers swoop
Jul 10 2008 by James Hunter, Evening Chronicle
SUNDERLAND'S chances of bringing George McCartney back to Wearside hinge on West Ham being able to sign a replacement for the Northern Ireland international. Reports from the capital suggest that Sunderland have had a £4.5m bid for McCartney turned down by the Hammers. But if West Ham can persuade relegated Reading to part with England full-back Nicky Shorey, McCartney could be allowed to leave. West Ham could not convince Reading to sell Shorey with a bid of £5m last summer, but the fact that the Royals are now facing up to life in the Championship may change things – although Reading have already warned that the 27-year-old will not be allowed to leave on the cheap. Reading director of football Nicky Hammond said recently: "People are working on the assumption that Nicky Shorey will move on during the summer. "But it simply has not gone that far. "Nobody has made us an offer for the player and even if they do, it does not mean he will go."
West Ham face competition for Shorey, however, with Portsmouth also keen. The Chronicle understands that McCartney (pictured) would be keen on a return to Sunderland – the club where he started his career after coming through the ranks on Wearside – if a deal can be worked out between the clubs.
McCartney, 27, made his debut for Sunderland in 2000 and went on to make 157 appearances for the Black Cats in all competitions, before joining West Ham two years ago in a player-plus-cash deal which saw Clive Clarke and £600,000 come to Wearside. Roy Keane has made signing a left-back one of his priorities this summer after being forced to use versatile centre-back Danny Collins in that role for virtually the whole of last season.
Collins proved himself more than capable of playing in that position – and his consistent displays were recognised by being named as Player of the Year by the club's Supporters' Association – but Keane wants to bring in a specialist. Meanwhile, Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon says the Black Cats must set their sights high next season by aiming for a top-10 finish. Sunderland finished sixth-bottom in their first season back in the Premier League, but Scotland international Gordon is looking for the club to push on from there. He said: "I'm not sure it will be more difficult. "I think it will be a challenge for us, but we've got to set our sights a bit higher than that this season. "We've got to look to break into that group of clubs just above that and steer well clear of relegation and push for the top half of the league."
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West Ham's Pantsil and Zamora talk to Fulham - icons.com
West Ham have given striker Bobby Zamora and full-back John Pantsil permission to speak to Fulham about possible moves. Neither player was a first-team regular last season. West ham chief executive Scott Duxbury felt a move would be in the club's and their best interests. Duxbury said: "We recognise they had limited first-team opportunities last season. They want regular football. We have given them permission to speak to Fulham with a view to a move." Pantsil has failed to establish himself in his two seasons at the club, making just seven appearances. Zamora moved to Upton Park in 2003 but found himself sidelined last season, making 14 appearances. A statement on West Ham's official website reads: "The club are looking forward to an exciting new season with a fully-fit squad, including the return of Kieron Dyer and Craig Bellamy along with Dean Ashton secured on a long-term contract.
"Added to the form of Carlton Cole and the emergence of Freddie Sears, the decision has been made to let Fulham speak to the two players."
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McCartney intent on staying with the Hammers - Guardian Series
WEST Ham defender George McCartney has insisted that he is happy with life at Upton Park and has no intention of leaving. Speculation has been mounting that Sunderland boss Roy Keane is eager to take the 27-year-old back to the north-east. The Black Cats boss is believed to have tabled a £4.5million bid for the Northern Ireland international and, after seeing it rejected by the Hammers, is ready to go back with an improved offer. However, McCartney - who played in every league and cup game for the Irons last season and came second in the club's player of the year awards - says that he wants to stay with the east Londoners. "I would like to stay at West Ham, I have no desire to leave," he told the Belfast Telegraph. "When clubs show an interest in you it is flattering but I have enjoyed my time at West Ham and I have played in every league game for them since February last year. "But it's really up to the two clubs and what West Ham want to see happen. "If they choose to sell me then it's up to both clubs to a agree a fee and we'll see if that happens - but I have no desire to move." McCartney spent spent eight years with the Mackems before heading to the Boleyn Ground for £1million in 2006.
2:42pm today
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West Ham Keen on South American Supremo - Cmon Yu Irons
July 10, 2008
WEST Ham are reportedly Making enquiries about the Real Mallorca midfielder Juan Arango after he admitted a Premier League move would interest him.
The 28 year old has scored 38 goals in 146 games for Mallorca and has proved to be an excellent midfielder, but his desires to work in England have overcome any desires to stay in Spain. He told the the Spanish media ABN: "The transfer window will close his doors in two months and many things can happen," "At the moment the English league is the best in the world, above all I would welcome moving there if it's good for me." Hammers boss Alan Curbishley will be impressed with Arango's scoring record and could move for the midfielder in an attempt to add more attacking flair to his side.
Source The Guardian
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Wright heading back to Tractor Boys - Guardian Series
WEST Ham shot-stopper Richard Wright is expected to leave Upton Park and re-join the club he started his career with, Ipswich Town. Reports have suggested that a £500,000 deal will be completed within a fortnight. The ex-England international spent six years with the Tractor Boys and made almost 300 appearances before a £6million switch to Arsenal in 2001. But he failed to make the grade with the Gunners and moved to Everton a year later.
However, despite starting his career as number one choice at Goodison Park, a series of injuries has since blighted his career. Alan Curbishley signed the 30-year-old last summer after he was released by Everton but,with Robert Green in fine form, the stopper's chances were limited. He was shipped out on loan to Southampton in March for the remainder of the season. Now it looks as though Wright - who has not played in a single Premier League game for the Irons - is on his way back to Portman Road.
1:28pm today
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West Ham's McCartney fancies Sunderland return
tribalfootball.com - July 10, 2008
West Ham defender George McCartney is keen on a return to Sunderland. The Black Cats have had a £4.5 million bid for McCartney rejected, but the Ulsterman is willing to return to the Stadium of Light after two years in the capital, says The Journal.
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Reading's Shorey favours West Ham over Portsmouth
tribalfooball.com - July 10, 2008
West Ham remain favourites for Reading fullback Nicky Shorey. Portsmouth are also interested in Shorey, but the defender, who began his career at Leyton Orient, was a West Ham fan as a youngster and is keen to move to Upton Park, says The Journal.
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Fulham, West Ham eyeing Gooch
tribalfootball.com - July 10, 2008
Oguchi Onyewu missed the start of preseason training at Standard Liege this week. The USA international is said to be angling for a move away and is highly admired in England, where Fulham, West Ham and Blackburn Rovers are among clubs following his situation.
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Defender rules out Black Cats return - Setanta
by Tom Adams, 10 July 2008
West Ham defender George McCartney claims he has no intention of returning to Sunderland, despite talk of a £4.5 million offer from The Black Cats.
The Northern Ireland international swapped the North East for the East End of London in the summer of 2006 and in his two seasons at Upton Park has become one of the club's most dependable performers. Such was his form last season, the 27-year-old was even linked with a shock move to Italian giants Milan as well as Rangers of The SPL. It is rumoured that Sunderland manager Roy Keane has now tabled a £4.5 million bid for the left back but he insists he is not looking to leave The Hammers at present. "I would like to stay at West Ham," McCartney told the Belfast Telegraph. "I have no desire to leave.
"When clubs show an interest in you it is flattering but I have enjoyed my time at West Ham and I have played in every league game for them since February last year. "But it's really up to the two clubs and what West Ham want to see happen. If they choose to sell me then it's up to both clubs to agree a fee and we'll see if that happens but I have no desire to move. "I haven't really given the thought of going back to Sunderland much consideration because I am still a West Ham player. "I had a lot of good times there but it was time for me to move on and I embarked on a new challenge. In football you never say never but at the minute I can't say that will happen to me."
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Wright to Sign From West Ham in Days - Report - thise Were The Days
Thursday 10 Jul 2008 12:12:52 by Phil
Keeper Richard Wright is expected to leave West Ham to join the Blues within the next 10 days, according to a report this lunchtime. Wright is not quoted in the piece but is said to see no obstacles preventing him from returning to his old club.
TWTD first reported that the 30-year-old was back on Town's radar in March when former keeper-coach Andy Rhodes was spotted watching West Ham's reserves. The Blues are believed to be paying West Ham a fee of £500,000 for the Ipswich-born stopper, with the deal likely to go ahead once Robert Green's Hammers' future is sorted and perhaps after another keeper is added to the Premier League side's ranks. Wright's return to Portman Road has stalled in recent weeks due to interest in Green from Aston Villa and Blackburn and the Blues had looked at other options. Preston confirmed that an enquiry had been made regarding Andrew Lonergan last week, although they denied claims of a Town bid. German sources reported over the weekend that Wolfsburg keeper Simon Jentzsch was interesting the Blues. A local newspaper report this morning claimed that Wolfsburg boss Felix Magath was now unlikely to allow Jentzsch to leave his club, at least not for a very large fee, although there have been no reports along those lines in Germany. The 32-year-old is very much out of favour at his current club and had been offered out on loan to Turkish side Antalyaspor for a fee believed to be €200-€300,000 (£160-£240,000), but the former German U21 international turned the move down. Meanwhile, released Town keeper Nick Colgan says he's still looking for a new side: "I have been in the UK now for 17 years and I have never been in this position where I was not fixed up with a club in July. When I left Chelsea, I joined Bournemouth straight away. "I am officially unemployed. The mortgage and other bills need to be paid, so I am open to offers and I hope something rears its ugly head soon."
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George McCartney 'happy to stay' at West Ham - Belfast Telegraph
Thursday, July 10, 2008
George McCartney last night insisted he has no desire to leave West Ham - even though Sunderland have tabled an improved £4.5million offer for the left-back. The Hammers have rejected the bid from the Black Cats and the 27-year-old says he's happy to stay put at Upton Park. The Northern Ireland defender, who has also been linked with Rangers, has been one of the most consistent performers at the east London club but now his former club want him back. McCartney has clearly won the admiration of Sunderland manager Roy Keane but he is loving life at West Ham. "I would like to stay at West Ham," he said. "I have no desire to leave. When clubs show an interest in you it is flattering but I have enjoyed my time at West Ham and I have played in every league game for them since February last year. "But it's really up to the two clubs and what West Ham want to see happen. If they choose to sell me then it's up to both clubs to a gree a fee and we'll see if that happens but I have no desire to move."
McCartney arrived at Upton Park from Sunderland in 2006 in a four-year deal worth £1million. The Hammers paid £600,000 for the Belfast man in a swap deal which saw Clive Clarke move in the opposite direction. A former Black Cats skipper, he played 157 times for the team during an eight-year spell. "I haven't really given the thought of going back to Sunderland much consideration because I am still a West Ham player," he added. "I had a lot of good times there but it was time for me to move on and I embarked on a new challenge. In football you never say never but at the minute I can't say that will happen to me."
Sunderland are also hoping to secure a deal for Northern Ireland defender Jonny Evans.
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Money (that's what West Ham want) as they look to sell McCartney back to Sunderland - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 10:47 AM on 10th July 2008
West Ham could make a big profit on George McCartney with his former club Sunderland expected to raise their £4.5million offer for the left-back.
Sunderland sold him for £1.5m two years ago but now want him back and although their opening bid was rejected a larger one could be successful as Alan Curbishley has been told he must trim his squad this summer. McCartney was sold following their relegation but a return to Wearside under Roy Keane is thought to appeal to the player although he signed a new contract last year. Among other players likely to be leaving are defender John Pantsil and striker Bobby Zamora, who have both been given permission to talk to Fulham.
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Christian not keen on England - Setanta
by Billy Leahy, 10 July 2008
Nantes winger Christian Wilhelmsson has dismissed speculation that he could sign for West Ham. The Sweden international has no intention of returning to England after an unhappy spell with Bolton Wanderers. Following another loan stint, with Deportivo La Coruna, the wide man has his sights firmly fixed on a transfer to Spain or Italy. "I'm going back to Nantes," said Wilhelmsson to Sportbladet. "I'll be back in France after the weekend. It is mostly for my own sake. "I, myself, want to start training. I cannot be on holidays all of the time! "Nantes want to come to the best possible outcome for all parties. They understand that I am not happy there. "There are still a lot of interested clubs that want to talk. "Spanish and Italian football suits me best. It is there that I absolutely want to continue my career."
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FUL SPEED AHEAD AS ZAMORA SIGNS - Daily Express
Thursday July 10,2008
By Frank Wiechula
BOBBY Zamora is to quit West Ham and join Fulham for £6.5 million as the club splash out after their great escape on the final day of last season. Striker Zamora's transfer, which is subject to a medical, should be completed within the next 48 hours. It means that Fulham, who survived in the Premier League thanks to their goal difference, have a ready-made replacement for Brian McBride, who has returned to America. Fulham had been looking to sign Zamora, 27, for some time and beat off competition from a number of other clubs to secure his services. West Ham will also be happy with the money for a player who was injured for six months of last season and who scored just once in 14 appearances. They are also well stocked in attack. Dean Ashton recently signed a new long-term deal and Craig Bellamy, who made only nine appearances last season due to injury, is back to full fitness. Carlton Cole showed signs of class last term and there was also the emergence of exciting young forward Freddie Sears. West Ham will continue to look for new additions too, but fans will not forget the priceless contribution of Zamora, who scored 40 goals in his 152 appearances. He joined from Tottenham in February 2004 in the deal which took Jermain Defoe to White Hart Lane. Zamora scored four goals in the last three matches of that season – including the winner in the Championship play-off final victory over Preston, which returned West Ham to the Premier League. Then, aided and abetted by Carlos Tevez, Zamora scored five times in 10 games, as West Ham won seven of their last nine Premier League matches in the 2006-07 campaign to just avoid relegation. Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has also been given permission to talk to West Ham defender John Pantsil. Hodgson has also opened talks with Rosenborg for their right-back Fredrik Stoor, 24, who played in each of Sweden's three games at Euro 2008. Rosenborg head of media Nils Heldal said: "Fulham came to talk about him yesterday and there is still an open channel [of communication]. "The clubs don't agree on the valuation of the player at the moment but something could happen very shortly."
Collins John, Fulham's Dutch striker loaned to Leicester and Watford last season, will be given one final chance to make it alongside Zamora, following McBride's departure and injury to Diomansy Kamara. Hammers manager Alan Curbishley, meanwhile, hopes for a massive fitness boost to his squad this season, after they suffered with nightmare injury troubles last term. None of his new signings at the time, midfielders Kieron Dyer (three) and Julien Faubert (eight) or striker Bellamy (nine), managed double figures in appearances and there were other enforced senior absences. Curbishley, who was speaking in the club's review of the 2007-08 season DVD, said: "It has been a very difficult season. I've been at the club 18 months and I feel as if every week has been tough. "But I've got to get on with it and I'm one of those people who believes that the next game is another opportunity to send everybody home happy. "And my big thing is that, this summer, I need to get those injured players fit, to have return dates for them so that I can plan for next season. "If you're asking me what I'm looking forward to, with regards to next season, I am looking forward to a fully-fit squad. So let's see what we've got because I know that we're going to enjoy better times. "I've got a squad – when they are fit – that can compete in the Premier League and I'm very enthusiastic about that."
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Hammers striker Bellamy under lock and key? - Streatham Guardian
By Stuart Amos
Hampton & Richmond skipper Dean Wells reckons he may need a lock and key to keep West Ham United striker Craig Bellamy under wraps when they line up against each other next week. Hammers boss Alan Curbishley has promised to bring his full Premier League starting line-up to the Beveree for Thursday's friendly against former Boleyn Ground favourite Alan Devonshire's Beavers. The game has been arranged as a reward for Hampton's run to the Blue Square South play-off final last season, which ended in a 2-0 defeat to Eastbourne Borough. Welsh international Bellamy - and his illustrious team mates - are expected to start their pre-season programme in front of a record crowd at Station Road before heading off on a North American tour. Hampton have performed well against professional outfits from Chelsea, Arsenal and near-neighbours Brentford in recent years, as they have climbed up the leagues. And Wells, who expects to sweat some of his eight pound target weight-loss off against the Premier League stars, is prepared for another busy night. "We don't tend to be star struck when it comes to playing big teams, but on this occasion I expect to be chasing the ball around for 90 minutes to be honest," he said. "It is fair enough playing against professional reserve and youth teams, but this will be a totally different ball game. "It will be a good test and we are looking forward to it, but if I got into a race with Bellamy there will be only one winner. "I think the only way I'll get close to him as if I handcuff myself to him. I'll bring a pair with me in case."
The euphoria surrounding the big match has been tempered by news Kelvin MacIntosh has followed Alan Inns and Elliott Godfrey out of the Beveree exit door. The experienced midfielder is to take a year out of the game having taken a job in Staffordshire. And with Chelmsford City, AFC Wimbledon, Havant & Waterlooville and Newport County splashing the cash in the Blue Square South this summer, Wells is expecting a tough campaign ahead. "Because of our success last year teams know more about us and we will be one of the teams to beat," he added. "Dev has brought in some quality signings, but we have lost some big players as well. It is going to be tough to repeat or better last season. "Other teams are throwing a lot of money at it. I'm sure if Dev had their sort of budget we would win the league by 30 points"
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Teddy Sheringham implicated in speeding ticket scam - the spoiler.com
July 10th, 2008 · No Comments
During his days at West Ham, Shaun Newton received a seven month ban for lapping up a little too much tasty cocaine. The midfielder, who is currently unemployed, now finds himself in more trouble, as he stands accused of nine charges of attempting to pervert the course of justice: [Teddy Sheringham], 42, said ex-West Ham colleague Shaun Newton offered to "get rid" of the ticket after he was clocked at 64mph in a 40mph zone in 2005. Sheringham told Croydon Crown Court: "I was moaning about getting the ticket, and Shaun Newton said, 'Give me £50 and I'll sort it out'."
Ex-West Ham player, Bobby Zamora, 27, said he paid Newton to "have a look" at a ticket. Allegedly, Newton helped teammates escape fines by claiming fictitious drivers were actually behind the wheel. We can't say too much, as legal proceedings are still active on this case, but if any illegal activity is proven, let's hope the judge throws the book at them. All too often, cocky footballers believe they are above the rules that govern the rest of society, and this would bring them right back down to earth.
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Sunderland in for George - think carefully Curbs - clubfanzine.com
Thursday 10 Jul 2008 10:34:08 by Tony Watson
Sunderland have had a £4.5 million bid for George McCartney turned down. The Black Cats are thought to be keen on bringing the Irish defender back to The Stadium of Light after selling him to the Hammers 3 years ago. McCartney was a consistent performer last season and he won runner-up Hammer of the Year. Also, being the only left back at the club Curbs has decided he wants to keep him. However, an increased bid may tempt Curbs to sell up, many have touted Reading full back Nicky Shorey as a replacement – Romford born Shorey is a Hammers fan and would welcome a move back to the Premiership with his boyhood club.
Having heard the news of the offer from Sunderland for McCartney I have to admit I nearly fell off my chair and I was even more surprised to see we rejected it. It should have accepted surely! He is an OK full back and done well for us last season but he is not a top calibre player and in order to progress we have to sell the mediocre players and bring in better and there are better for that price tag.
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Irons turn down Black Cats bid for McCartney - Guardian Series
WEST HAM have rejected an approach from Sunderland for defender George McCartney. Reports from Wearside claim Roy Keane tempted the Hammers board with a bid of £4.5 million, but was told that the ex-Mackem was not for sale. McCartney spent nine years with Sunderland, and made over 150 appearances, before a £1m move to Upton Park in 2006. The Northern Ireland international was one of the Irons' most consistent performers last season - he played in every league and cup game and came runner-up in the club's player of the year awards. That has put McCartney at the top of Keane's wanted list, and it is expected that the former Manchester United man will wade back in with an improved offer. But Irons boss Alan Curbishley is unlikely to let McCartney leave until a replacement is brought in.
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West Ham to bid for Barcelona striker Gudjohnsen
tribalfooball.com - July 10, 2008
West Ham are eyeing Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen. With Bobby Zamora and John Pantsil on the brink of a surprise £6.5 million move to Fulham, Hammers boss Alan Curbishley can use the cash raised to bid for Iceland international Gudjohnsen.
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