Anton Ferdinand has left West Ham United to sign for Sunderland for an
undisclosed fee
27.08.2008
West Ham United have finalised the transfer of Anton Ferdinand to Sunderland
on Wednesday afternoon for an undisclosed fee.
The club accepted the bid after failing to reach agreement with the defender
over a new long-term contract. The 23-year-old, who missed the first two
league games this season with a hamstring injury, also had just two years
left on his existing deal. As such the transfer was felt in the best
interests of the club - especially with the number of defensive options
available and the emergence of promising youngsters.
England international Matthew Upson and Calum Davenport have begun the
season in Alan Curbishley's side while the Wales defender James Collins is
back in full training. The club also have several other options at
centre-back including the versatility offered by Lucas Neill and the former
Hammer of the Year Danny Gabbidon who is working his way back to fitness.
Crucially, the club has two of the most promising young centre-backs in the
country coming through the Academy ranks in James Tomkins and Jordan Spence,
who are both regulars at Under-19 level for England. Then there is Icelandic
U21 talent Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson waiting in the wings after he arrived in
the summer.
Curbishley said: "I wish Anton well in the future. There has been a lot of
speculation over the transfer but the bottom line is that we have a lot of
defenders at the club and the circumstances around the deal mean it was the
right decision. As I have said previously, I am confident we have a strong
enough squad and this will especially encourage James Tomkins to show me
what he is capable of doing.
"I am also looking to bring in one or two players to go with Jan Lastuvka
and Valon Behrami who we have signed this summer. We also made sure we
secured the likes of George McCartney and Dean Ashton long term and any
suggestion that we want to sell Craig Bellamy is nonsense. He is back in
full training and he and one or two others should be in contention soon."
West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury said: "I would like to wish Anton all the
best in the future and thank him for his loyal service. We know that our
fans have a particular affinity with players that have come through the
academy system but we think this should help us to promote even more young
talent through the ranks. This deal was also the right one for the club,
given we could not agree a new contract and that there were just two years
left to run on the existing one."
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We're in the money! - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 27th August 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have recorded a £10million transfer profit - thus far - in
the current transfer window.
With less than a week to go until the window closes (1st September) the
Hammers show a healthy profit in terms of transfer fees this summer. The
sales of Anton Ferdinand, Bobby Zamora and John Paintsil have generated an
estimated £14.3million - whilst the only major outlay, so far, was the
£5million purchase of Valon Behrami from Lazio.
These figures are in stark contrast to last year when the club recorded a
deficit of £24.6million in the transfer market thanks to the purchase of
players such as Craig Bellamy, Kieron Dyer, Julien Faubert, Matthew Upson
and Scott Parker. The total outlay of (an estimated) £46.6million was
however countered by a number of player sales - including Nigel Reo-Coker,
Yossi Benayoun, Marlon Harewood and Paul Konchesky - worth approximately
£22million.
Since the new Board took control of the club in November 2006, West Ham
United have recorded a total transfer outlay of an estimated £14.8million
(excluding player salaries) despite having received nearly £60million in
prize money and TV funding.
The club's Icelandic owners, led by Chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson have
been forced to vastly reduce spending in this summer's transfer window
thanks to a number of costly off-field issues. United have reached out of
court settlements with both Terry Brown and Kia Joorabchain, who were suing
the club for £5million and £7million respectively with regard to contractual
issues, whilst paying off Freddie Ljungberg's lucrative deal is estimated to
have cost Gudmundsson somewhere between £3-6million.
Added to which is the impending decision relating to compensation for
Championship club Sheffield United who recently took the Hammers to a court
of arbitration in respect of their relegation from the Premiership two
seasons ago.
Transfers - Ins
August 2008: Jan Lastuvka - loan
July 2008: Valon Behrami - £5m; Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson - nominal fee
August 2007: Nobby Solano - free transfer; Henri Camara - loan; Kieron Dyer
- £6m
July 2007: Freddie Ljungberg - £3m; Craig Bellamy £7.5m; Richard Wright -
free transfer; Scott Parker - £7m; Julien Faubert - £6.1m
January 2007: Matthew Upson - £6m; Kepa Blanco - loan; Lucas Neill - £1.5m;
Nigel Quashie - £1.5m; Calum Davenport - £3m; Luis Boa Morte - £5m
November 2006: Gabor Kiraly - loan
Transfers - Outs
August 2008: Anton Ferdinand - £8m*; Freddie Ljungberg - free transfer
July 2008: Richard Wright - £500k; Bobby Zamora - £4.8m*; John Paintsil -
£1.5m*
June 2008: Henri Camara - end of loan
May 2008: Nobby Solano - free
August 2007: Carlos Tevez - £2m*
July 2007: Marlon Harewood - £4.5m; Paul Konchesky - £2m; Yossi Benayoun -
£4m*; Nigel Reo-Coker - £8.5m; Tyrone Mears - £1m; Teddy Sheringham - free
transfer; Roy Caroll - free transfer; Shaun Newton - free transfer; Kepa
Blanco - end of loan
January 2007: Javier Mascherano - free transfer
December 2006: Gabor Kiraly - loan ended
Totals
Expenditure 2008: £5m
Expenditure 2007: £46.6m
Total Expenditure: £51.6m
Receipts 2008: £14.8m
Receipts 2007: £22m
Total Receipts: £36.8m
Transfer Expenditure 2008: -£9.8m
Transfer Expenditure 2007: £24.6m
Total Transfer Expenditure: £14.8m
* Best estimates of undisclosed fees.
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The right move? - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 27th August 2008
By: Staff Writer
Alan Curbishley has claimed that his squad will not miss the newly-departed
Anton Ferdinand due to his squad's strength in depth. Talking on whufc.com
this lunchtime, Curbishley revealed that he now expected youngster James
Tomkins - who had made just six first team appearances - to step up to the
plate, whilst maintaining that Ferdinand's sale was the right decision for
West Ham United. "I wish Anton well in the future," he said. "There has been
a lot of speculation over the transfer but the bottom line is that we have a
lot of defenders at the club and the circumstances around the deal mean it
was the right decision. "As I have said previously, I am confident we have a
strong enough squad and this will especially encourage James Tomkins to show
me what he is capable of doing. I am also looking to bring in one or two
players to go with Jan Lastuvka and Valon Behrami who we have signed this
summer."
Curbishley, who refuted reports that Ferdinand would be leaving United only
last Friday reiterated that reports linking Craig Bellamy with the exit door
were 'nonsense'. Meanwhile Scott Duxbury thanked Ferdinand for his 'loyal
service', before suggesting that Ferdinand's departure would aid the
development of future stars through the club's Academy. "We know that our
fans have a particular affinity with players that have come through the
academy system but we think this should help us to promote even more young
talent through the ranks," he said. "This deal was also the right one for
the club, given we could not agree a new contract and that there were just
two years left to run on the existing one."
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Anton: it was hard to go - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 27th August 2008
By: Staff Writer
Anton Ferdinand has expressed his disappointment at leaving West Ham United.
The former England under-21 finalised his move to the North East earlier
today - but said he leaves London with a heavy heart. "It was hard leaving
West Ham because I have been there for 16 years," he said. "But after
meeting Roy Keane I knew it was time for a change. "This is a great
challenge for me and I feel it is an exciting time at Sunderland. I think
the move will do me good."
Roy Keane called Ferdinand a 'great signing', adding: " Anton is still young
but he has over 160 games under his belt so he has experience, he's learning
his trade. He'll bring quality and competition for places which is what we
want, hopefully we can take him to another level here at Sunderland. "He has
come through the ranks at West Ham and maybe just needs a change."
West Ham United confirmed that Ferdinand was allowed to leave after refusing
to accept the club's most recent contract offer. "The club accepted the
[Sunderland's] bid after failing to reach agreement with the defender over a
new long-term contract," read a statement on the club's website. "The
23-year-old also had just two years left on his existing deal. "As such the
transfer was felt in the best interests of the club - especially with the
number of defensive options available and the emergence of promising
youngsters."
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Transfer latest - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 27th August 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are close to securing the signing of former Fenerbache star
Stephen Appiah on a free transfer. The Sun - amongst others - reports today
that a party from West Ham have travelled to Italy in order to finalise a
deal with Ghanaian midfielder Appiah, who has been allowed to leave his
former club following contractual complications. Elsewhere the Independent
claims that Alan Curbishley is looking at French duo Gael Givet (Marseilles)
and PSG striker Peguy Luyindula. Givet, a centre half is thought to be
available for around the £4million mark whilst Luyindala would be brought in
on loan.
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Toshack warned about double blow - BBC
John Toshack has been told captain Craig Bellamy and defender James Collins
will not be available for Wales' opening World Cup qualifiers. West Ham boss
Alan Curbishley says his Welsh Hammers will not have recovered in time to
represent their country. Curbishley said: "I don't know what's happened
there with the selection of these two players. "I think the two players are
going to be best served remaining with us and we will let John Toshack know
that."
Welsh boss Toshack is desperate to have his star striker and key defender
playing when Wales open their 2010 World Cup campaign against Azerbaijan in
Cardiff on 6 September before his team travel to Russia on 10 September.
Injury-prone Bellamy has not played a full 90 minutes of competitive
football since scoring in West Ham United's 3-1 victory against Sunderland
at Upton Park on 21 October last year. The West Ham forward has suffered
with abdominal and groin problems in the last year but Bellamy is currently
recovering from a hamstring injury he picked up in a pre-season friendly win
at Ipswich Town. The 29-year-old had been in excellent pre-season
goal-scoring form for West Ham before his latest injury blow on 4 August.
Toshack had conceded Bellamy only had an "outside chance" of playing in the
World Cup double-header but Curbishley did reveal the former Liverpool
hitman - a transfer target for Manchester City - is back in full training.
Curbishley had been hoping Bellamy would be fit for West Ham's Premier
League clash with his former club Blackburn Rovers on Saturday. But the West
Ham boss told the Essex Echo: "If he doesn't make Saturday then obviously
we've got the international break. "I don't think it's a question of letting
him with Wales. It's a question of being sensible because he's been out for
four weeks. "I don't know if he'll be playing on Saturday. He's so fit as a
person so we'll have to see how he gets on this week."
Centre-back Collins was expected to be out for 12 months when he suffered
serious knee ligament damage in a reserve game in January. But the
25-year-old played 45 minutes in a specially-arranged friendly against
Queen's Park Rangers last week and is expected to play in another
behind-closed-doors match this week as Collins continues his rehabilitation.
However, the former Cardiff City defender is not expected for a first-team
return for another fortnight. Curbishley added: "James Collins has been out
for nigh-on six months and is nowhere near available."
Wales, though, reserve the right for their medical team to assess Bellamy
and Collins before the all-important World Cup qualifiers. Toshack, who is
already without Collins' club and country team-mate Danny Gabbidon, has
recalled Rob Earnshaw as a potential stand-in for Bellamy and crocked
Coventry striker Freddie Eastwood. While Middlesbrough defender Rhys
Williams has also been brought in as possible cover for Collins.
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Ferdinand seals Sunderland switch - BBC
Sunderland have completed the signing of defender Anton Ferdinand from West
Ham for a fee of about £8m. The England under-21 centre-half has signed a
four-year deal at the Stadium of Light, and becomes manager Roy Keane's
ninth signing of the summer. "We needed to strengthen our defence and Anton
is a great signing," said Keane. "He'll bring in quality and competition for
places, which we need." Ferdinand, 23, added: "After meeting Roy I knew it
was time for a change." The signing follows those of Teemu Tainio, Steed
Malbranque, Pascal Chimbonda, Nick Colgan, David Meyler, El-Hadji Diouf,
David Healy and Djibril Cisse this summer. "It was hard leaving West Ham
because I have been there since I was 16," said Ferdinand. "But this is
great challenge for me and I feel it is an exciting time at Sunderland. I
think the move will do me good."
Ferdinand will be in direct competition with Nyron Nosworthy, Danny Collins
and Danny Higginbotham for a place in the centre of defence. It is a
position that Keane has been looking to strengthen over the summer, with
Jonny Evans having returned to Manchester United after his loan ended. And
Keane also revealed that he is keen to make one more signing, saying: "I
have one more player in mind and then that is the end of it for a few months
at least. "I will be delighted if I can get him and then we can concentrate
on the season."
Ferdinand, the younger brother of Manchester United star Rio, is recovering
from a hamstring strain and will therefore have to wait until the Wigan game
on 13 September to make his Black Cats debut.
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Manager in the dark about Welsh call-ups - Newham Recorder
27 August 2008
WEST HAM boss Alan Curbishley has been left perplexed by the Welsh FA after
two of his injured players were called up for international duty. Craig
Bellamy and James Collins have not played at all this season, but that did
not prevent John Toshack from calling up the pair for the World Cup
qualifying clashes with Azerbaijan on September 6 and in Russia three days
later. It certainly took the West Ham manager by surprise. "I don't know
what's happened there," he confessed. "Craig Bellamy has obviously been out
for three weeks and has only just got back in training and James Collins has
been out for nigh-on six months and is nowhere near available."
At least Toshack didn't call up West Ham's other Welsh international
defender Danny Gabbidon. The centre half is likely to be out until the new
year, while Collins may not be back much earlier than that. "I think both
players will be best served by staying with us and we'll let John Toshack
know that in the week," concluded Curbishley.
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Sunderland move will do me good - Ferdinand - Echo
1:37pm Wednesday 27th August 2008
By Rob Pritchard »
ANTON Ferdinand has completed his long-awaited move to Sunderland. The West
Ham United defender successfully passed a medical at the Stadium of Light on
Monday before putting the finishing touches to his personal terms and
signing a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee believed to be around
£8million. Ferdinand's departure ends a decade-long association with the
Hammers, who he joined as a schoolboy and went on to make 163 league and cup
appearances for, scoring five goals. However, the 23-year-old Academy
graduate has found his career blighted by injuries and inconsistent form
since his missed penalty saw the Irons lose the 2006 FA Cup final to
Liverpool in heart-breaking circumstances. Ferdinand's final two seasons at
Upton Park were also blighted by off-field incidents. In February 2007, he
was fined for traveling to the United States for a friend's birthday party
when he had told manager Curbishley he was visiting his sick grandmother on
the Isle of Wight. Last November, the defender was cleared of assault
occasioning actual bodily harm and affray following an incident at an Ilford
nightclub. And when the player turned down an improved £35,000-a-week
contract earlier this summer, the Irons decided to cash-in on the former
England Under-21 international. Irons manager Alan Curbishley said the
club's other central defensive options, including England's Matthew Upson,
Wales pair James Collins and Danny Gabbidon, Calum Davenport and youngsters
James Tomkins, Jordan Spence and Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson, meant Ferdinand was
expendable. "There has been a lot of speculation over the transfer but the
bottom line is we have a lot of defenders at the club and the circumstances
around the deal mean it was the right decision," said the boss, who has
challenged Basildon-based Tomkins to fill Ferdinand's boots. "As I have said
previously, I believe we have a strong enough squad and this will especially
encourage James Tomkins to show me what he is capable of doing"
Sunderland manager Roy Keane admitted his new signing was far from the
finished article but said he was looking forward to ironing out the player's
deficiencies. "We needed to strengthen our defence and Anton is a great
signing," said the Irishman. "He'll bring quality and competition for places
which is what we want – hopefully we can take him to another level at
Sunderland. "He has come through the ranks at West Ham and maybe just needs
a change."
Ferdinand, who becomes Sunderland's ninth transfer window signing, is the
sixth senior player to leave the Boleyn Ground this summer following the
departures of Freddie Ljungberg, Nobby Solano, Bobby Zamora, John Pantsil
and Richard Wright. The player himself is excited about linking up with
Keane, who played alongside his older brother Rio at Manchester United. "It
was hard leaving West Ham because I had been there for 16 years, but after
meeting Roy Keane I knew it was time for a change," he said. "I think the
move will do me good."
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Would West Ham boss be tempted to jump before he's pushed? - fancast.com
Posted by: Rob Facey, today
Football FanCast columnist Rob Facey looks at the current situation at West
Ham and wonders whether it is time for Alan Curbishley to start panicking,
despite being just a few games into the new season.
Alan Curbishley was the bookie's favourite to be the first Premier League
manager to be given the boot this season but it looks as though the West Ham
manager is becoming more and more tempted to jump before he gets pushed.
West Ham have been a club in a state of flux ever since Eggert Magnusson's
time at the club. They seem to be unsure whether they are happy as a Premier
League team and are keen to consolidate this position, or whether they
should be pushing on for Europe. Magnusson famously said that West Ham
should be targeting Champions League football, despite the club staying in
the top flight by the skin of their teeth just weeks before.
"The club is being run on sound football and business principles in order to
develop a squad which can deliver success this season," said Scott Duxbury,
West Ham's Chief Executive, as reported in the Guardian.
"No player would be bought or sold unless that helped to achieve that aim.
We are not interested in selling players who are committed to the club and
essential to our first-team squad. If a player refuses to sign a new
contract or is not crucial to the manager's plans then we will look at
offers on a case-by-case basis. It is the only sensible way to build for the
future."
If that is the case, then why is Anton Ferdinand being sold today? Why was
Bobby Zamora sold to Fulham when he was on the verge of signing a new deal
at Upton Park? The club have issued this statement in response to rumours
circulating about Craig Bellamy's future, but how many times have clubs
issued statements like this only for the player to leave regardless.
West Ham are a popular Premier League club and one that most fans would like
to remain in the top flight. However, selling first teamers and releasing
players to balance the books is only making things harder for manager Alan
Curbishley.
He is operating with an expensively assembled squad including the likes of
Dyer, Neill, Parker and Bellamy, all of whom command high wages. With
players of this calibre he is expected to move the club up the Premier
League table, but the board don't seem to realise that he is working under
intense pressure from both ends.
The want him to succeed but at the same time take care of the club's
finances and in football the two rarely go hand in hand. Curbishley is under
intense pressure a West Ham, how long will he put up with the boards
constant nagging regarding the wage bill, the transfer deals, the clubs
finances?
He should be in charge of the football side of things; otherwise he will
surely walk before he is pushed.
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HAMMERS TALK: Ferdinand reported to have turned down bumper deal to stay at
West Ham - Guardian Series
8:57am Wednesday 27th August 2008
MEDIA reports claim that Anton Ferdinand turned down the chance of
quadrupling his wages at West Ham to join Sunderland. The Sun claims that
the 23-year-old former England Under-21 player was offered a bumper new deal
in the region of £45,000 to remain at Upton Park, but has chosen to seek a
fresh challenge at the Stadium of Light. A source revealed: "The situation
was very simple. Anton was offered a big contract and he refused. "It is
policy for a player his age, who we want to keep, not to allow them to go
into the final year unsigned. "The board spoke with the manager over the
weekend and a decision was taken to sell him."
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Curbishley admits he needs Hammers to fire against Macca to lift pressure on
his job - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 9:20 AM on 27th August 2008
Alan Curbishley hopes tonight's Carling Cup clash with Macclesfield will
restore confidence at West Ham. The Hammers were thrashed 3-0 by Manchester
City on Sunday in a result that has increased the pressure on sack-race
favourite Curbishley. A setback against struggling Coca-Cola League Two
outfit Macclesfield would further undermine Curbishley's position and the
Hammers boss will not take any chances tonight. 'It was a disappointing
defeat by City so we're looking forward to this game,' he said. 'We'll
attack the competition because I believe a Premiership team will win it. We
want to progress as far as we can. 'Anyone outside the top four must attack
the cup because we know it's a competition that is a route into Europe. A
good cup run will lift everyone. 'The players were critical of themselves
after the Man City game. I asked for some observations and the players
admitted it was down to them.
'We need to bounce back and Macclesfield is the first opportunity to do
that. 'I'll put the strongest possible team out to start with because I
think we need the game after what happened on Sunday.'
Macclesfield have lost all three league matches so far this season but
Curbishley knows they will be eager to claim a prized Premier League scalp.
'We realise Macclesfield haven't had the best of starts as we've had a
couple of their games looked at,' he said. But they'll be looking forward
to coming to Upton Park and will make it as difficult as they can. 'Being a
Premier League side we'll have to overcome them. They'll relish the chance
to knock a Premier League side out of the cup. 'They're a big team who play
three at the back. They're decent at set plays and work hard so we know we
have a game on our hands.'
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Curbs tells board : I need cash - BubblesInTheAir.com
Wednesday 27 Aug 2008 09:17:16 by Tony Watson
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley has told the clubs board he will need cash
investment to improve the squad.
Curbishley has just seen Anton Ferdinand sold for £8 million to Sunderland
against his will and now the Hammers boss knows if his team are to improve
on their poor performances he will need to improve the quality of the squad.
Rumours are circulating that Steven Appiah will be having a medical later
this week and a number of incoming centre halves have been mentioned. A few
things are for sure though, Davenport cannot carry on at the back and we
need a creative midfielder desperately.
Curbs' latest comment fail to spark confidence in the running of the club
and the strength of the relationships over at Upton Park, he said "We're
actively looking, like anyone. We're jostling around like other clubs are.
"We're under pressure as we're short at the back because of injury. That has
left us a bit stretched.
"I've made my feelings known about transfers. We need to back up the squad
if we can.
"We're looking in all areas, but I need to check what budget is available."
With Shaun Wright Phillips seemingly leaving Chelsea would it hurt to go for
a player of that calibre? Or even bringing Jimmy Bullard back from Fulham?
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Hammers need fresh blood - Curbs - TeamTalk
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley has warned the Hammers board that the club
must strengthen their squad before the transfer window closes. The
encouraging news that Craig Bellamy could be fit to face Blackburn on
Saturday has been tempered by reports of an approach from Manchester City
for the Wales striker. Curbishley dismissed the story as "nonsense" but the
club were sufficiently stung to issue a statement declaring he would not be
leaving Upton Park under any circumstances. West Ham may be digging in over
Bellamy but centre back Anton Ferdinand is poised to join Sunderland in a
move which will further weaken their injury-stricken defence. Curbishley is
eager to recruit new faces before the transfer window closes, but has been
made no promises amid a climate of financial uncertainty at Upton Park.
We're actively looking, like anyone. This week is notorious for things being
done and we'll have to see what happens," he said. "We're jostling around
like other clubs are. We're under pressure as we're short at the back
because of injury. "That has left us a bit stretched. I've made my feelings
known about transfers. We need to back up the squad if we can. "David Moyes
is finding it very difficult as well. We'll see what this week brings.
"We're looking in all areas but I need to check what budget is available."
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We need to strengthen in all areas - Curbishley - Guardian Series
10:26am Wednesday 27th August 2008
By Rob Pritchard »
ALAN Curbishley is looking to strengthen his squad "in all areas" before the
transfer window closes on Monday. The West Ham United manager has brought in
just one senior player this summer in Switzerland international Valon
Behrami, while Freddie Ljungberg, Nobby Solano, Bobby Zamora, John Pantsil
and – imminently – Anton Ferdinand have all left Upton Park. The departures
have raised speculation that Curbishley is being forced to sell players
against his wishes as the club's Icelandic owners seek to balance the books
as the credit crunch begins to bite - a suggestion the club has strongly
denied.
The Irons have been linked with a host of names in recent days, including
Marseille defender Gael Givet, Paris St Germain striker Peggy Luyindula, but
so far the arrivals at the Boleyn Ground have been few and far between. But
despite the lack of spending Curbishley – who admitted earlier this month
that he "only recommends" new signings to the club's board – revealed that
he had no idea what his budget for reinforcements is. "I think we've been
actively looking like everybody else but I think this week is notorious for
things being done near the end of the window. We'll have to see what
happens," the manager admitted, claiming the market favoured selling clubs
as the window began to close. "We're like every other club jostling around.
"I think we need to back it up if we can but it's very difficult. We'll see
what this week brings. "We're just looking in all areas, in all three
departments. "I'd have to check that (the budget) once we can sit down."
Curbishley is currently running the rule over a South American forward, who
is currently training with the first-team squad. But it is in defencer that
the manager feels his squad is thinnest with the absences of James Collins,
James Tomkins and Danny Gabbidon through injury. "I think we're under
pressure at the back because George McCartney hasn't played a game all
season, Jon Spector's going to be out for at least another month and then
you've got James Collins and James Tomkins (injured)," he conceded. "We've
got a lot of defenders that are missing at the moment so it's left us a bit
stretched.
"I've made my feelings felt that if they do get themselves fit then we'll
have enough cover. "Tomkins was excellent near the end of last season and
it's been a big blow for everybody. He went off with the England Under-19s
and got himself injured and has been out for five weeks. "Collins is
recovering from a long-term injury and Danny Gabbidon is still out. "We need
Tomkins and Collins to be back in the next couple of weeks."
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West Ham morale at an 'all-time low' as Hammers face a loss of confidence
over sale of players - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 11:14 AM on 27th August 2008
West Ham go into tonight's must-win Carling Cup clash against Macclesfield
with an increasing sense of disillusionment among the players over the
apparent rift between their manager and the board of directors. The Upton
Park club, out to save money and trim their squad, have already sold Anton
Ferdinand to Sunderland for £8million against the wishes of boss Alan
Curbishley and there are suggestions that other players have been made
available for what looks like a fire sale before the transfer window closes.
Chief executive Scott Duxbury moved quickly to deny speculation that Craig
Bellamy would be offloaded to Manchester City. Yet, it is understood that
the constant negative atmosphere emanating from West Ham in recent weeks is
now affecting the players. Curbishley is desperate for his team, who are low
on confidence after Sunday's 3-0 defeat at City, to bounce back in tonight's
Carling Cup tie at Upton Park but club insiders are saying that the morale
of his squad has hit rock bottom. Just a year ago, the then chairman Eggert
Magnusson was talking bullishly about West Ham no longer being a selling
club. But now the Hammers have sold three players and there are still six
days left before the transfer window closes. The squad, some of whom joined
the club on the back of Magnusson's positive words, have looked on with
dismay at the Ferdinand sale and some are wondering who will be next.
Curbishley, who had some strong words to say about his team's tepid display
at Eastlands on Sunday, says he is looking to add to his squad before the
window shuts but the reality is that it is likely to be just one loan
signing. 'We're looking in all three areas of the team but I'll have to
check to see if we have the budget when we can sit down,' said Curbishley.
It was so different when he came into the job in December 2006. The team
then were already deep in relegation trouble but Curbishley said then: 'If
we can survive this season then I believe there are exciting times ahead.'
That mood was reinforced in the winter transfer window when Magnusson spent
£16m signing Lucas Neill, Matthew Upson, Calum Davenport and Nigel Quashie.
The following summer Craig Bellamy, Kieron Dyer, Julien Faubert, Freddie
Ljungberg and Scott Parker arrived for around £28m. Soon, though, West Ham
were suffering from a terrible injury list which stayed with them throughout
the season and still impacts upon them today with Dyer and Danny Gabbidon
out long term and James Collins only now making a comeback. Owner and
billionaire Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson ran out of patience with Magnusson's
profligacy last season. He replaced him as club chairman and tried to get
the club back onto a sound financial foooting. That has led to the sale of
Bobby Zamora, John Pantsil and now Ferdinand with only Valon Behrami coming
in. For Curbishley, it has been a difficult balancing act. Last season he
guided the club to a creditable tenth spot in the Premier League despite, by
his own admission, often playing unattractive football. He was able, by
virtue of a big playing squad, to cope with the injuries. This summer he has
been told to reduce that squad but fit players have left. It is also a
deeply disappointing scenario for West Ham fans who were told to expect a
new stadium and a bright new future. With just two matches gone, it is not
yet a crisis for West Ham. A defeat tonight, though, followed by another at
the hands of Blackburn on Saturday, and panic could really set in down in
the East End.
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Hammers looking for confidence boost - metro.co.uk
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
The Hammers were thrashed 3-0 by Manchester City on Sunday in a result that
has increased the pressure on sack-race favourite Curbishley. A setback
against struggling Coca-Cola League Two outfit Macclesfield would further
undermine Curbishley's position and the Hammers boss will not take any
chances tonight. 'It was a disappointing defeat by City so we're looking
forward to this game,' he said. 'We'll attack the competition because I
believe a Premiership team will win it. We want to progress as far as we
can. 'Anyone outside the top four must attack the cup because we know it's a
competition that is a route into Europe. A good cup run will lift everyone.
'The players were critical of themselves after the Man City game. I asked
for some observations and the players admitted it was down to them. 'We need
to bounce back and Macclesfield is the first opportunity to do that. 'I'll
put the strongest possible team out to start with because I think we need
the game after what happened on Sunday.' Macclesfield have lost all three
league matches so far this season but Curbishley knows they will be eager to
claim a prized Premier League scalp. 'We realise Macclesfield haven't had
the best of starts as we've had a couple of their games looked at,' he said.
'But they'll be looking forward to coming to Upton Park and will make it as
difficult as they can. 'Being a Premier League side we'll have to overcome
them. They'll relish the chance to knock a Premier League side out of the
cup.'
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Strong squad for Macca tonight - Romford Recorder
27 August 2008
WEST HAM boss Alan Curbishley will resist the temptation of throwing in some
youngsters for tonight's Carling Cup clash with Macclesfield Town.
Despite their lowly League Two opponents, the manager feels that the players
who failed so miserably against Manchester City on Sunday need to redeem
themselves. "I will be going with the strongest side I can put out to start
with," insisted the manager. "If you have seen the squad recently, a lot of
the youngsters have been in or around it anyway, but we've got to look to
bounce back and Macclesfield is the first chance to do that."
Freddie Sears will start in place of the injured Carlton Cole, but otherwise
it is business as usual for the rest of the team, with only George McCartney
of the injured players getting closer to a return to the team. Curbishley is
playing it slowly with the full back though. "He is in full training, but he
has had no pre-season and I think he will need a couple of games before he
comes back."
As he did last season, when West Ham reached the quarter-finals, the boss is
taking the competition very seriously. "We are looking forward to the game
and as we did last year we are going to attack it, because I definitely
think a Premier League team is going to win it," he said. "We will try and
progress as far as we can.
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Hammers boss expecting an aerial attack - Guardian Series
11:00am Wednesday 27th August 2008
ALAN Curbishley is expecting an aerial bombardment when Macclesfield Town
arrive at Upton Park for tonight's Carling Cup second round tie. The Silkmen
have yet to gather a single goal or point from their three league games so
far this season and sit 20th in the League Two table. But the Cheshire side
did overcome Championship outfit Blackpool 2-1 in the first round and
Curbishley is fully aware of the potential banana skin that Keith
Alexander's minnows represent. "They've not had the best of starts. We've
had a couple of their games looked at," revealed the Hammers manager. "In
the cup competitions they come to Upton Park really looking forward to it
and they're going to make it as difficult as they can. We know that and need
to make sure we overcome that. "Being a Premier League side, that's what
we've got to do. "I'm sure they will relish the opportunity of knocking us
out of the cup, so we've got to make sure that doesn't happen. "They're a
big side, play three at the back and are decent on set plays and work ever
so hard so we know we've got a bit of a game on."
Despite his side's poor start to the season, Macclesfield boss Keith
Alexander has urged his players to enjoy their big night out at the Boleyn
Ground.
"West Ham should be a good experience for everybody," said the former
Lincoln City and Peterborough United chief. They've not had the best of
starts and will have been disappointed with their result at Manchester City
on Sunday. "So we can expect a stronger team than perhaps the manager wanted
to put out. "But whatever side they put out, I want us to go out there and
match them in terms of effort and do ourselves justice."
Macclesfield are likely to line-up in a 5-3-2 formation. However, manager
Alexander will be without captain Terry Dunfield, who is serving the last
game of a three-match ban for being sent-off for fighting in Town's second
round victory over Blackpool. Wayne Rooney's younger brother, John, is
likely to be among the substitutes.
Macclesfield Town: (from) Brain, Morgan, McDonald, Brightwell, Brisley,
Hessey, Flynn, Dean, Hessey, Jeffries, Jennings, Walker, Bell, Blackman,
Ashmore, Thomas, Tolley, Millar, Reid, Hadfield, Harvey, Dennis, Evans,
Gritton, Green, Yeo, Rooney.
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West Ham United Preview - Silkweb.co.uk
Wednesday 27 Aug 2008 10:49:23 by GaryJ
Keith Alexander won't make too many changes to the side that played at
Accrington at the weekend for tonight's match at Upton Park. West Ham will
welcome back Lee Bowyer. The Silkmen have a tough old night ahead down in
London. West Ham will be wanting to put Sunday's 3-0 defeat at Man City
behind them and put a performance on for the expecting home crowd. Macc
won't make it easy for them though and Keith Alexander will no doubt tell
his team to be strong and use our strenghs - height. So it might not be
pleasent viewing for the Silkmen fans but hopefully it will be effective.
Terry Dunfield misses the game due to his suspension. Young Clayton
McDonald hopes to recover from injury and keep his place at the back. Keith
Alexander is looking forward to the game. "West Ham should be a good
experience for everybody." "They've not had the best of starts and will have
been disappointed with their result at Manchester City on Sunday. So we can
expect a stronger team than perhaps the manager wanted to put out." "But
whatever side they put out, I want us to go out there and match them in
terms of effort and do ourselves justice."
West Ham have Lee Bowyer back in the side after recovering from a bad
injury. Young Freddie Sears will start in place of the injured Carlton
Cole.
Manager Alan Curbishley has said that he will play his strongest side
tonight. "I will be going with the strongest side I can put out to start
with," insisted the Hammers manager. "If you have seen the squad recently, a
lot of the youngsters have been in or around it anyway, but we've got to
look to bounce back and Macclesfield is the first chance to do that."
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Alexander fears Hammers backlash - Manchester Evening News
27/ 8/2008
MACCLESFIELD manager Keith Alexander could be in for a reality check in the
Carling Cup at West Ham tonight. He was hoping that home manager Alan
Curbishley would field an inexperienced squad against his League Two
strugglers. But Curbishley proclaimed his intentions by calling up all his
available first-team players. West Ham, who looked sluggish in a 3-0 defeat
at Manchgester City, will be without the injured Dean Ashton and Mark Noble,
who is suspended, but George McCartney may return after shaking off a virus.
The Silkmen travel to Upton Park following three successive league defeats –
in which his team have concededing eight without reply. Alexander said: "I
hope he sticks in all the young ones and gives us a chance to get going. "We
simply haven't started this season yet and the only time we have played
anything like we can was against Blackpool in the first round of the Carling
Cup.
"It's really a game I want to try and get out of the way so I can get on
with the real stuff. Whether it has been on their minds I just don't know,
but the players haven't been performing and some of them could find
themselves missing the tie anyway. "I don't think the game will intimidate
my players. We're not expected to go down and win and if you can't get
yourself up for West Ham at Upton Park, when can you get yourself up."
Alexander is without Terry Dunfield, who is suspended, and 19-year-old
on-loan Manchester City on-loan centre-back Clayton McDonald, restricted
from Carling Cup ties. Youngsters Jordan Hadfield, Neil Harvey, James
Jennings and Shaun Brisley will be hoping for a call-up, while Francis Green
may return up front for Martin Gritton.
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Hammers skipper called into Oz squad - Guardian Series
11:33am Wednesday 27th August 2008
WEST Ham captain Lucas Neill has been called into the Australia squad for
the friendly with The Netherlands and the World Cup qualifier with
Uzbekistan.
Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek has called up 27 players for the match in
Eindhoven on September 6, and will then cut the squad back prior to the
qualifying game in Tashkent four days later. Irons defender Neill is one of
the 11 British-based players to be included in Verbeek's squad. After
qualifiying for the 2006 World Cup Finals in Germany through the Oceania
route - the first time in 32 years - Australia will now make their first
appearance in the Asian campaign. They received a bye on the opening
matchday of the fourth and final round of the qualifiers and they have been
placed in Group A alongside Bahrain, Japan, Qatar and Uzbekistan.
Australia squad: Ante Covic (Newcastle Jets), Brad Jones (Middlesbrough),
Michael Petkovic (Sivasspor), Mark Schwarzer (Fulham), Michael Beauchamp
(AaB), Chris Coyne (Colchester), Lucas Neill (West Ham), Jade North
(Newcastle Jets), Shane Stefanutto (Lyn Oslo), Mark Bresciano (Palermo),
Jacob Burns (FC Unirea Valahorum), David Carney, Mark Milligan
(uncontracted) (Sheffield United), Scott Chipperfield, Jason Culina, Brett
Emerton (Blackburn Rovers), Harry Kewell (Galatasaray) Matthew Spiranovic
(Nurnberg), Mile Sterjovski (Derby County), Carl Valeri (Grosseto), Luke
Wilkshire (Dynamo Moscow), Vincenzo Grella (Blackburn Rovers), Bruce Djite
(Genclerbirligi), Richard Garcia (Hull City), Brett Holman, Josh Kennedy
(Karlsruhe), Scott McDonald (Celtic).
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