Matthew Upson has been training under the watchful eye of Fabio Capello with
the England squad
19.08.2008
Matthew Upson will hope to figure for England when they take on the Czech
Republic in an international friendly on Wednesday night.
All the attention on Tuesday was understandably on who would get the nod for
the captain's armband between John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, with the former
ultimately chosen. Although it would appear Terry and Ferdinand are Upson's
direct rivals for a place in the team, the West Ham United defender has been
working hard in training while fellow central defender Jonathan Woodgate was
forced to miss an initial session but should be in contention to play.
The match will be the last chance for Fabio Capello to assess his players on
national-team duty before the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers get under way
in earnest in September. While Upson naturally hopes to figure at Wembley,
new recruit Valon Behrami has headed back to Geneva to help Switzerland in
their friendly match against Cyprus while Lucas Neill should lead out
Australia for their friendly against South Africa on Tuesday night.
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Mascot chance for Macclesfield - WHUFC
An opportunity has arisen for any young fans who want to lead the team out
against Macclesfield Town
19.08.2008
Applications are now being accepted for Matchday Mascots for the Carling Cup
second-round tie against Macclesfield Town.
A day to remember awaits young fans aged between six and 12 as they go
behind the scenes at the Boleyn Ground for the ultimate matchday experience.
Benefits include:
* Walk on to the pitch with the starting lineup prior to kick-off
* Take part in the pre-match warm-up
* Exclusive book and photo album containing pictures of the day
* DVD featuring highlights of the mascots activities and the match
* Photograph and details to appear in the matchday programme
* Complimentary match tickets for two guests plus the mascot (also the
opportunity to apply for two additional tickets at full price)
* Matchday mascot certificate signed by the manager
To find out more or to book this once in a lifetime experience either email
our mascot coordinator with your contact details or simply download the
application form available here and return by 5pm Thursday 21 August to:
Matchday Mascot Coordinator
PO Box 6731
London
E13 9RA
The opportunity to become a Matchday Mascot for away fixtures is also
available free of charge, though strictly open to Youth Academy members. The
selected member will have the chance to meet the West Ham United squad and
walk out on to the pitch at the away venue. The mascot will receive a
complimentary ticket for themselves and two guests. For the chance to become
a mascot at an away fixture, please send your entry along with a photo of
yourself to the following address:
youthacademymembership@westhamunited.co.uk
For general enquiries regarding the Matchday Mascot experience, please
contact youthacademymembership@westhamunited.co.uk.
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United face QPR - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 19th August 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham will face Queens Park Rangers in a specially-arranged friendly this
afternoon. With no league fixture until next Sunday, Alan Curbishley has
arranged the match in order to check on the fitness of one or two players
returning from injury - most notably James Collins and Nigel Quashie, who
has been out of action for over 17 months with a mystery foot injury (bar
one brief comeback earlier this year). Collins - who career in East London
has been chequered by injury - tore cruciate ligaments during a reserves
match against Portsmouth back in January and has barely kicked a ball since.
Talking about his injury at the time he revealed his frustration when he
said: "I keep getting niggly injuries that have constantly kept me out for
weeks at a time. I just can't get myself into a run of games."
However one player definitely not featuring is Anton Ferdinand who, despite
declaring himself fit at the tail-end of last week, was pulled out of the
squad that faced Wigan on Saturday. He was the subject of an £8million bid
by Sunderland at the weekend which was accepted by United. However latest
rumours suggest that Tottenham are considering a bid to scupper the
Sunderland deal, whilst Ferdinand is already thought to have rejected one
move to the North East - Newcastle - this summer.
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Anton mulling Keane offer - Report - TEAMTALK
Tottenham will not offer Anton Ferdinand the chance to stay in London so the
West Ham defender will decide on a move to Sunderland in 48 hours. The Black
Cats are refusing to comment on claims they have tabled an £8million offer
for Ferdinand after drawing a blank in their long-standing pursuit of
Manchester United's Jonny Evans. However, there have been reports Ferdinand
has promised Roy Keane an answer within the next 48 hours. Keane has been
away from the club and it would be no surprise if that has involved an
attempt to try to sell his vision for the club to the 23-year-old
centre-half.
However, that could prove problematic with Ferdinand understood to have
rejected the chance of a move to derby rivals Newcastle earlier this summer
because of his unwillingness to leave the capital. There have been
suggestions that Tottenham could solve that problem by offering him a way
out of Upton Park, although that was played down by sources in the south on
Tuesday. The Londoners are in the market for defensive recruits after
selling Younes Kaboul and Anthony Gardner this summer, but it is understood
that Ferdinand's name is not currently on their wish-list. The anticipated
return from injury of Wales centre-back James Collins could help speed the
departure of Ferdinand. Collins missed virtually all last season with groin
and knee problems and eventually needed surgery in February for cruciate
ligament damage. But if he comes through a private practice match this week,
Alan Curbishley will have an abundance of options in central defence and
Ferdinand's move to Sunderland should go through. Meanwhile Curbishley has
not ruled out diving into the transfer market again before the close of the
August window, having bought only £5million Swiss right-back Valon Behrami
from Lazio and reserve goalkeeper Jan Lastuvka from Shakhtar Donetsk in the
summer - and seeing Swedish midfielder Freddie Ljungberg being paid to tear
up his contract. He said: "Like everybody else we are trying to see if we
can sign people but the hardest thing at the moment is to get somebody to
say yes. "I'm hopeful one or two of the injured will be back in contention
for Sunday's game at Manchester City and so we'll see, but we've got two
weeks left before the window shuts and it will probably go right to the end
for us."
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Keane keeps tabs on Ferdinand - metro.co.uk
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Sunderland boss Roy Keane is having to remain patient as he attempts to step
up his interest in West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand. The Black Cats were
not commenting today on claims they have tabled an £8million offer for the
23-year-old centre-back after drawing a blank in their long-standing pursuit
of Manchester United's Jonny Evans. However, there have been reports that
the two men have already met and that Ferdinand has promised the Irishman an
answer within the next 48 hours.
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Former Celtic and West Ham star Hartson set for coaching role in Scotland -
Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 3:26 PM on 19th August 2008
Former Celtic striker John Hartson could be set for a coaching role at
Hamilton. Manager Billy Reid sees Hartson, who won 51 caps for Wales and is
now a pundit for Setanta, as the man to improve the SPL new boys' fire-power
for the season ahead. The Lanarkshire club sit top of the Clydesdale Bank
Premier League with two wins but are keen to boost their top-flight survival
hopes. The Accies boss told the Daily Record: 'We knew John was interested
in the
coaching side and we'd love to have him on board. 'He has vast experience
and it would be great to bring in someone of his calibre. 'His work and
family commitments would restrict it to one day a week but the young players
will learn a lot. 'Hopefully they can do some finishing exercises and
benefit from a guy whose goal record and movement was fantastic. 'I think he
feels this is the right place for him as we have so many good youngsters.'
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Way clears for Ferdinand exit - The Independent
Tuesday, 19 August 2008
Independent.co.uk
The anticipated return from injury of Wales centre-back James Collins could
help speed the exit of Anton Ferdinand from West Ham after reports of a £6m
bid by Sunderland. Collins missed virtually all last season with groin and
knee problems and eventually needed surgery in February for cruciate
ligament damage.
But if he comes through a private practice match this week, manager Alan
Curbishley will have an abundance of options in central defence and is
likely to let former England Under-21 star Ferdinand go to further ease the
inflated wage bill at Upton Park.
Ferdinand missed the start of the season with a hamstring injury but Matthew
Upson and Calum Davidson formed a formidable pair at the back in Saturday's
2-1 win over Wigan - with an obviously impressed Fabio Capello promptly
naming Upson in the England squad.
And Curbishley is also awaiting the return of outstanding young prospect
James Tomkins who has been injured for three weeks after returning from duty
with England's Under-19 squad.
With former Wales captain Danny Gabbidon, Collins' former partner for both
club and country at Cardiff, recovering from a long-term groin injury, the
Hammers boss knows he has a strong playing staff - when they are all fit.
American defender Jonathan Spector is also on the mend after a hip injury
and striker Dean Ashton is back in training after the suspected calf injury
which forced his early exit after a two-goal performance on Saturday, and
ruined his chances of an England call-up, turned out to be no more than
severe cramp.
But Curbishley has not ruled out diving into the transfer market again
before the close of the August window, having bought only £5m Swiss
right-back Valon Behrami from Lazio and reserve goalkeeper Jan Lastuvka from
Shakhtar Donetsk in the summer - and seeing Swedish midfielder Freddie
Ljungberg being paid to tear up his contract.
He said: "Like everybody else we are trying to see if we can sign people but
the hardest thing at the moment is to get somebody to say yes.
"I'm hopeful one or two of the injured will be back in contention for
Sunday's game at Manchester City and so we'll see, but we've got two weeks
left before the window shuts and it will probably go right to the end for
us."
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Sears desperate to take advantage of Bellamy absence - Echo news
2:27pm Tuesday 19th August 2008
By Rob Pritchard »
FREDDIE Sears is learning a lot from Craig Bellamy, but the West Ham United
youngster admitted the Wales captain's absence through injury has given him
the chance to shine. The England Under-19 international burst on to the
scene at the end of last season, banging in more than 20 goals for the
Hammers' reserve and youth teams before scoring the winner against Blackburn
Rovers on his Premier League debut. Sears made seven first team appearances
in total last term before notching up his eighth as a late substitute in
Saturday's 2-1 opening day win over Wigan Athletic at Upton Park.
And the Hornchurch-based striker admitted he is itching to take advantage of
Bellamy's absence by enhancing his reputation still further. "Bellars being
injured will give me more of a chance of maybe a start," admitted the
19-year-old, who spent the summer with England at the UEFA European Under-19
Championship finals in the Czech Republic. "That's a good thing from me, but
hopefully Craig will be back soon to strengthen the squad."
However, Bellamy's hamstring strain has prevented Sears from training
alongside the former Liverpool and Newcastle United star, whose direct,
speedy style has often been compared to his own. "In training, we work well
together. He is a similar sort of build and stature to me, so it is good to
watch him and when you think of where he has been and how far he has
reached, it is obviously a good learning process for me," added the
youngster. For now, though, Sears is just concentrating on keeping the
attention of Hammers manager Alan Curbishley and adding to his growing
number of first team appearances - and goals. "It was nice to get out on the
pitch in the first game of the season and get a little run-out and
obviously, for the team, it was great to get the three points," said the
lifelong West Ham fan. "We've been waiting for it for so long, so it is good
to get off the mark. "Personally, I just want to play as many games as I
can, score as many goals as I can and keep doing well for the club."
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R'S FACE HAMMERS - qprpremiumtv.co.uk
Posted on: Tue 19 Aug 2008
A strong QPR team takes on West Ham this afternoon in a behind-closed-doors
friendly at Upton Park. R's First Team Coach Iain Dowie is using the
opportunity to give a number of his players some valuable match time ahead
of Saturday's Championship encounter with Doncaster Rovers. Martin Rowlands
- who was forced to miss the opening three matches of the season due to
suspension - is expected to be involved this weekend, and will be starting
this afternoon in East London. Fellow midfielder Hogan Ephraim hasn't played
yet this season owing to shin splints, but he too is raring to go and is
expected to start against the Hammers.
Damion Stewart, Adam Bolder, Matteo Alberti and Samuel Di Carmine are also
expected to feature in the match, which kicks off at 2.00pm.
QPR Squad: Crowther, Oastler, Stewart, Harris, Femy, Alberti, Rowlands,
Bolder, Di Carmine, Ephraim, Rose, Bulmer, Flood, Arthur, Maguire, Nanetti,
Ford.
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HAMMERS TALK: Irons still in the frame for Uruguay ace? - Guardian Series
12:32pm Tuesday 19th August 2008
WEST HAM could yet tie up a deal for highly-rated Palermo striker Edison
Cavani. The Hammers are one of a number of Premier League clubs to have been
linked with a move for the 21-year-old starlet this summer. The speculation
appeared to have cooled after the player's agent and club president Maurizio
Zamparini insisted he will remain with the Sicilian side next season.
However, Palermo chiefs are said to be jetting into London on other business
today and would be willing to talk to parties interested in the young
Uruguay ace. Cavani moved to the Rosanero in January last year from home
club Danuvio, although recent reports suggest that Genoa are keen to snap up
the youngster in a £10million deal.
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Teenage striker Evans takes aim at Hammers - Echo news
10:43am Tuesday 19th August 2008
By Rob Pritchard »
MANCHESTER City striker Ched Evans has vowed to shoot down West Ham United
on Sunday. The Wales Under-21 forward is likely to be handed a first team
start after Valeri Bojinov suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon. The
Bulgarian was injured during the warm-up before Sunday's 4-2 defeat at Aston
Villa, handing the 19-year-old an unexpected first Premier League start.
Now, with Bojinov, Benjani and Darius Vassell all sidelined, Rolando Bianchi
out-of-favour and £19million Brazilian Jo away on Olympic duty, Evans is set
to keep his place for the Hammers' visit to Eastlands. "On Sunday against
Villa I was told three minu tes prior to kick-off that I was playing, but I
was prepared," the teenager, who scored 10 goals in 28 games on loan at
Championship side Norwich City last season , told mcfc.co.uk "You have to
be, even in the warm-up, for an emergency – and that's what happened. "But,
working with Mark Hughes, I have a lot of confidence and that follows on
from having a good loan spell at Norwich last season. "I have been doing
well during training and all that has been building up to playing in the
Premier League for Manchester City."
Evans is an international team-mate of West Ham youngster Jack Collison and
will play in Wales' UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifier against
Romania on Wednesday evening. And he now plans to cement his place in
another Welshman's first team squad at City. "You need regular first team
football as a player and I am beginning to get that, having also had a few
chances in the UEFA Cup [qualifying] games," he added. Midfielder Collison
will miss both matches with a medial knee ligament injury, but is expected
to return to action within a month. Meanwhile, City have reportedly taken
out a £30million loan – secured against future TV revenue payments – to
spend on new players before the closure of the summer transfer window. Owner
Dr Thaksin Shinawatra is facing corruption charges and has had his assets
frozen in his homeland of Thailand, leaving the club to look elsewhere for
funds to buy a new left-back, midfielder and a striker.
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HAMMERS TALK: Ferdinand to Sunderland link hots up - Guardian Series
8:38am Tuesday 19th August 2008
MEDIA speculation has intensified linking West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand
with a move to Sunderland. Black Cats boss Roy Keane is keen to bolster his
back lline and has earmarked former under-21 star Ferdinand as the ideal
signing. Rumours are circulating that the Irons have already accepted a
£8million bid for the 23-year-old. Ferdinand is in the last year of his
contract at Upton Park and has reportedly turned down a lucrative new deal.
The Hammers, while reluctant to sell their current longest-serving player,
would not risk losing him for nothing. The centre back is expected to make a
decision on a possible move to Wearside within the next 48 hours.
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HAMMERS TALK: London rivals join the chase for Irons defender - Guardian
Series
9:14am Tuesday 19th August 2008
WEST HAM defender Anton Ferdinand is now attracting the attention of
Tottenham, according to reports. Sunderland have been strongly linked with
a move for the 23-year-old in the past few days and have reportedly had a
£8million bid accepted by the Hammers. However, London rivals Spurs are also
keen and are set to steal a march by making an offer of their own for the
centre back. Spurs sporting director Damien Comolli is said to be a huge
admirer of Ferdinand, while boss Juande Ramos is eager to add experienced
cover to his defence. Ferdinand is said to be seriously considering his
future after reportedly turning down an improved contract offer earlier this
summer. And the short switch across London - as opposed to a move to the
north east - could prove a tempting offer.
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West Ham's Ferdinand asks Sunderland for time
tribalfooball.com - August 19, 2008
West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand has asked Sunderland for time to consider
a move north. Former England Under-21 star Ferdinand, 23, is considering his
options and will give Sunderland an answer within the next 48 hours. But
Black Cats boss Roy Keane is hopeful of landing his man.
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Hammers pair to make comebacks today - Echo News
10:08am Tuesday 19th August 2008
By Rob Pritchard »
WEST Ham United pair James Collins and Nigel Quashie will make their
long-awaited returns from injury in a specially-arranged friendly match this
afternoon. The duo are both set to start in a behind-closed-doors fixture
against an un-named Championship club today. Wales defender Collins, who
turns 25 on Saturday, has been out of action since tearing knee ligaments in
a reserve match against Portsmouth in January. 30-year-old midfielder
Quashie, meanwhile, has not made a first team appearance since injuring his
foot in the 4-3 Premier League defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on March 4, 2007.
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Spurs preparing Ferdinand swoop after West Ham reject £6m Sunderland bid -
Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 10:31 AM on 19th August 2008
Long-term Spurs target Anton Ferdinand could finally make his
much-speculated move to White Hart Lane after West Ham rejected a £6million
bid for the defender from big-spending Sunderland. With West Ham needing to
slash their budget, 22-year-old Ferdinand is favourite to leave the Hammers
after rejecting a new contract. And Spurs are favourites to land the young
defender, with the club eager to bolster a back four that contains
injury-prone defenders Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King.
Meanwhile, the Hammers and Portsmouth will battle it out to sign ex-Juventus
midfielder Stephen Appiah, after the Ghanaian midfielder turned his back on
Fenerbahce after a spat with club directors. Pompey boss Harry Redknapp is a
long-standing admirer of 27-year-old Appiah, who remarked: 'I am a free
agent. There are a few offers but I want to make the right choice,' he told
local radio station Happy FM in Accra.
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HAMMERS TALK: Cole wont be rejoining the Hammers - Guardian Series
8:04am Tuesday 19th August 2008
MEDIA reports linking Joe Cole with a shock return to West Ham appear wide
of the mark after the midfielder claimed he was happy at Chelsea. The
26-year-old has yet to sign a new contract at Stamford Bridge despite only
having two years left on his current deal. And with Cole facing a real fight
to secure regular first team football under new boss Luiz Felipe Scolari,
sections of the media linked the former Hammers favourite with a return back
to east London, especially with West ham manager Alan Curbishley looking to
strengthen his squad before the transfer window shuts at the end of thee
month.
But the England international claims he is more than happy to fight for his
place at Chelsea, and has no plans of moving on. He said: "I love it here,
the club wants to sign me and there won't be any problems on that front. "I
just want to concentrate on my performances and play well because it's not
nice for the fans to have an ongoing thing. But I will be a Chelsea player
for the rest of my career. "I just wanted to put it to bed now. Obviously we
wanted to get it sorted out this year but with the new manager coming in and
players coming in and out there wasn't enough time."
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