West Ham United Ladies are second in the league after a fantastic 6-1 win
over Truro Ladies
14.10.2008
Truro Ladies 1-6 West Ham United Ladies
Sam Pittuck scored five goals to help West Ham United to an emphatic win
away to Truro which leaves them second in the FA Tesco Women's Premier
League South.
Sam Pittuck scored a sensational hat-trick inside 27 minutes - two
long-range efforts were complemented with a header - to put United three up
early on. Just after half-time, Lyndsey Morgan scored the goal of the game
with a fourth from distance before Pittuck added two more - a one-on-one
with the keeper and a header. The home side scored a late consolation.
The ladies travelled to Cornwall for the Sunday afternoon contest with the
intention of cementing their place in the top three of the league after some
frustrating draws. After several solid defensive performances, the squad had
been working hard in training on their performance in the final third of the
pitch.
The extra preparation almost bore instant reward as Nat Grafton just failed
to connect with a superb cross from Clare Rogers. United did not have to
wait long to take a chance though as soon after Tracey Duxbury flicked the
ball to Pittuck, who drove an unstoppable shot into the top right-hand
corner.
Truro showed they were not going to roll over as straight from the restart
they won a free-kick after Jade Dempster was alleged to have pushed a Truro
striker. Paris Smith had to be alert to tip the resulting set-piece around
the post.
The home side appeared to be motivated by the close call and immediately
broke to the other end of the pitch. If the watching crowd thought that
Pittuck's first was good, there was better still to come as the midfielder
picked up the ball from an almost identical spot as the first and unleashed
a 30-yard thunderbolt that cannoned in off the underside of the crossbar.
Pittuck completed a memorable hat-trick moments later as she chased a
Dempster through-ball and just got to it before the onrushing keeper to head
into the net.
United were dominant with the home side looking thoroughly shell-shocked,
but worse was yet to come for them. Captain Morgan, who along with Rogers
and Grafton had been so crucial to the great start, picked up a poor
clearance from the Truro goalkeeper and duly returned it over her head and
into the net from all of 40 yards, meaning her side went in 4-0 up at the
break.
The second half began as the first had ended as this time Duxbury fed
Pittuck, who rounded the keeper and then tapped into an empty net. The
striker added a fifth just a few minutes later when she rose highest to
power a header in at the far post.
Rosy Sullivan could have made it seven but blasted over from a few yards out
and then Rogers fired straight at the keeper when well placed. Manager Tony
Marshall then made a triple change, bringing on Julia Setford, Jay Blackie
and Jo Wasahlo in place of impressive youngsters Zoe Marshall, Sullivan and
the creative Rogers.
Truro were awarded a penalty when the referee blew for a handball against
Dempster, even though it appeared she could do little to get out of the way
of the ball. The spot-kick was converted and the visitors had their
consolation.
Marshall was understandably delighted with his side's performance. He said:
"The first 45 minutes were our best this season. We knew we were going to do
this to someone as we have created so many chances in every game.
"The movement and pace we played at was really good to see. Everyone wanted
the ball and the communication was excellent. Special mention must go to our
two 16-year-olds Rosy [Sullivan] and Zoe [Marshall] who probably have never
been in such a physical encounter but kept going and their superior
technical ability really showed."
West Ham United: Paris Smith, Jess Barling, Jade Dempster, Rosy Sullivan
(Jay Blackie), Zoe Marshall (Julia Setford), Lindsey Morgan, Sam Pittuck,
Clare Rogers (Jo Wasahlo), Nat Grafton, Tracey Duxbury
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Junior joy at new role - WHUFC
Junior Stanislas is determined to build on his exciting start to the season
and take the next step forward
14.10.2008
While Jordan Spence is doing his club and county proud by captaining England
in the European Under-19 Championship qualifiers, another Young Lion is
continuing to impress at club level for West Ham United.
Junior Stanislas played for the U19 side in a friendly in November last year
and has built on his promise with some fine performances for the reserves
this season. Stanislas has been used in the same position that Matthew
Etherington fills for the first team, and, like the whufc.com player of the
month for September, thinks it brings more to his game.
"I feel it benefits me as when you play in a 4-4-2, you are working up and
down all the time. In this system you do less work but you can have more
effect on the game. It's not a free role as you are playing as a three with
the wide men tucked in a little hole behind the striker. You see more of the
ball and you can look a good player in that role."
Stanislas has moved up from the youth side this season and enjoyed his first
involvement with the first XI when he was named on the bench against Watford
in the Carling Cup. "I want to break into the first team and do well and
keep working hard. I want to follow in the footsteps of Freddie [Sears] and
Kyel [Reid] and go beyond them."
During his latest reserve team outing against Fulham, the 18-year-old showed
his prowess in dead-ball situations. As well as several useful looking
corners, Stanislas forced two good saves from the goalkeeper with
free-kicks. "I like any dead-ball situation - corners, free-kicks - and I
work on them after training so it was nice to hit a couple of good ones.
"I watched [Gianfranco] Zola on television and I watch him in training
showing the first-teamers the techniques and how to take them. Hopefully he
will show me and I can score one next time."
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Moore memories on DVD - WHUFC
A brand new DVD looking back at Bobby Moore's career is available now in the
club stores
14.10.2008
A DVD to help mark the 50th anniversary of Bobby Moore's debut for West Ham
United has gone on sale in the club stores.
The aptly named 'Hero' DVD looks back at Bobby's career and features
comments from the men he played with, the people he loved and the future
England captains he inspired. The documentary contains footage of some of
the No6's greatest games for club and country including the World Cup , FA
and European Cup Winners' Cup finals.
Some of Bobby's team-mates and his greatest rivals including Sir Geoff
Hurst, Sir Bobby and Jack Charlton, Pele and Franz Beckenbauer all share
their memories. Harry Redknapp, Terry Venables, Michael Caine and Jimmy
Tarbuck also feature and Bobby's widow, Stephanie, reveals the private side
of the man who shunned the limelight and refused to give in during his final
battle against cancer.
An added bonus on the disc is a feature on the unveiling of Bobby's statue
on 11 May 2007 at the entrance of the new Wembley Stadium in front of a list
of dignitaries including Sir Trevor Brooking and Tony Blair.
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Zabeel link denied - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 14th October 2008
By: Staff Writer
A spokesman for Zabeel Investments had denied reports that they have made
enquiries into purchasing West Ham United. The Dubai-based sovereign-wealth
fund were linked with a move for West Ham in this morning's broadsheets,
despite having made a provisional offer for Charlton Athletic last weekend.
However that report is wide of the mark according to the spokesman for
Zabeel, who told the Evening Standard: "There is no truth to reports that
Zabeel Investments made an approach to West Ham yesterday. "Zabeel
Investments has not approached any club since it made an indicative offer
for Charlton Athletic last Friday, nor has it authorised any approach on its
behalf. "Zabeel Investments is currently in the due diligence phase of its
offer to Charlton Athletic."
Representatives from Charlton met with their counterparts from Zabeel over
the weekend to discuss the potential deal. They were said to have made a
'tentative approach' to Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson with regards to West Ham
United's availability also at the weekend.
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Neill enjoying life under Zola - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 14th October 2008
By: Thomas Rooney
I suppose it is no surprise that a captain comes out in support of their new
manager. However Lucas Neill's words regarding Gianfranco Zola really do go
someway to highlighting how much the players are enjoying life under the
Italian. The West Ham skipper says that Zola is a 'fantastic guy' and that
he is' really pleased with how things are going so far.
Of course, these comments from Neill come on the back of speculation
regarding the Australian's future. After joining from Blackburn in 2007,
Neill is now in the last year of his current deal at Upton Park. This has
led to some murmurs regarding him moving on, however he has moved to end
such reports by voicing his ambitions to secure a new long term contract at
the club.
Neill said that he would 'love a long term commitment' and that he is
determined to secure a 'few more years' at the club. This is exactly what
you want to here from your captain and it really is encouraging that he is
so keen to remain at the club. Neill has often been accused of lacking some
loyalty in the past, but there is no doubt in my mind that he is proud of
being West Ham's captain right now and wants to remain so for many years to
come.
In reality though, it seems that things could have been a lot different had
Alan Curbishley remained at the club. Neill said that things can often
become 'stale' when you remain at one club too long. However, the arrival of
Zola has prevented this happening. He has brought renewed enthusiasm to the
training ground and as a 'footballing man' is really enjoyable to work for.
One thing that may concern West Ham fans about this is that Zola is being
'one of the lads' a bit too much. However, I don't think this is the case.
Yes, he may share a joke with them or exchange in some banter. When it comes
to the serious stuff though – the players will know who is boss. Zola is a
very respected man and like Neill comments suggest, it is always best to be
led by someone who you respect.
Referring back to West Ham's skipper himself, he has always struck me as a
rather arrogant man. Whether this is just the characteristics of an
Australian, I'm not sure – but his comments about being 'one of the most
important people at the club' certainly suggest that he is somewhat fond of
himself. What he means though, really, is that he is honoured to be the
captain of a team sitting 6th in the Premier League and managed by a man as
likeable as Zola. Neill is relishing the responsibility and that's why he is
so keen to extend his stay at the club.
I mean, why exactly would he want to move on? It would be one the most
irresponsible things he has ever done. Some reports suggest that Tottenham
are interested and regardless of how much money they would offer, Neill
knows that West Ham is his home right now. At this stage, the football odds
are favouring the Hammers having a far more successful season than
Tottenham, after all. So, I fully expect Neill to announce that he has
signed a new deal before long.
Finally for today, a brief word on the team as a whole. The result against
Bolton was disappointing, but overall – things are looking ok. After the
final round of international matches, it is a trip to 3rd place Hull City.
Now, although Zola would have been without a number of players who are
playing for their country – I think the preparation for the game would have
been top drawer. In actual fact, it is my opinion that Hull are due a
reality check. Therefore, I will be sticking a football bet on a West Ham
victory.
In this Zola era, the players won't be allowed to feel sorry for themselves
and more often than not a defeat will be followed with a much more
impressive performance. Zola is a positive man and this will be reflected in
the Hull game. Should this be the case, a win could move the Hammers up to
3rd in the league – good times.
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New sponsors on the way? - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 14th October 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are close to announcing a deal for a sponsor to replace XL,
according to reports. The deal, said to eclipse the £2.5million per year
deal struck with fallen travel firm XL is close to being clinched, according
to a story in today's Telegraph. XL - who signed a three-year deal to
sponsor the Hammers back in 2007 - went bust last month, leading to West Ham
removing the company's logo from the front of their shirts. That prompted a
move by supporters to have the logo for the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer
Research replace XL. However a petition that gathered more than 10,000 names
was ignored by the club who claimed that it was not 'financially viable' to
have a charitable organisation on the club's shirts. West Ham launched the
BM6 range of Bobby Moore mechandise last month. Just 10% of sales goes to
charity with the club pocketing the rest.
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All guns blazing - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 14th October 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are set to step up their attempts to have an arbitration
panel's decision overturned later this week. The Hammers are set to take
their case against the Lord Griffiths-led panel's universally-panned
decision to allow Sheffield United to claim compensation from West Ham as a
result of their relegation from the Premiership in 2006/07 to the High Court
later this week. The Hammers will now be making a two-pronged attack against
what the vast majority of commentators have decreed an unfair ruling. The
club's appeal for a hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport was lodged
last week, with pressure being placed on Sheffield United to meet West Ham
United in SWitzerland. Meanwhile the Blades are set to raise their
compensation claims to around £50million to include losses incurred by a
second season spent in the Championship. However neutral observers have
suggested that by doing so the Yorkshire-based club are weakening what is
already considered to be a weak position given the ludicrous nature of some
aspects of their original submission for damages. The arbitration's panel
hearing to determine how much the Blades can claim for has been deferred
indefinitely.
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Sovereign fund bid rejected? - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 14th October 2008
By: Staff Writer
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson has rejected a fresh bid for West Ham from a
Dubai-based sovereign-wealth fund. Zabeel Investments - who claimed last
weekend that they were close to purchasing Championship strugglers Charlton
- are understood to have switched their attention north of the river,
according to a report in today's Guardian. A tentative approach by Zabeel is
said to have been made to Gudmundsson at the weekend, but the Icelandic
owner is thought to have rejected the group's overtures. Despite having told
staff at West Ham that he is determined to stay in charge, Gudmundsson is
coming under increasing pressure to sell up in order to recoup some of the
massive losses incurred by the collapse of Landsbanki last week.
Negotiations with Zabeel - and other potential investors who have expressed
an interest in the Hammers in recent days - are said to be being conducted
privately without the presence of Gudmundsson's fellow board members. Zabeel
- who were previously linked with a £300million bid for Newcastle United -
are led by Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, the son of the late ruler of Dubai,
Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. Al Maktoum - whose main sporting interest is
horse racing - is the Deputy Ruler of Dubai. Educated at Cambridge, he and
his elder brother (Sheik Mohammed) control the state's vast multi-billion
dollar fortune.
Whilst considered to be the poorer brother of Abu Dhabi - whose very own
sovereign-wealth fund, United Group Investment and Development Limited
recently took control of Manchester City - Dubai is still a cash-rich
nation. Zabeel already boast a number of European-based companies in their
portfolio from a wide range of sectors including the leisure, defence and
electronics industries.
* Former shareholder David Gold, now on the Board at Birmingham City last
night ruled himself out of the running to succeed Gudmundsson.
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Green doubtful for Hull visit - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 14th October 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Robert Green has withdrawn from the England squad to face
Belarus in Minsk tomorrow night. The goalkeeper has returned to England
after sustaining a knee injury during training. He will be assessed by the
club's doctors laster today to ascertain the extent of the damage. Green has
been United's undisputed number one for nearly two years. Signed by Alan
Pardew, he joined the Hammers in August 2006 in a £1.5million switch from
Norwich City. Fellow Hammer Matthew Upson is set to play tomorrow night
however as national captain John Terry has once again been ruled out through
injury.
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Collins hopes for Wales start - SSN
Defender confident he is fit for first start in 10 months
Last updated: 14th October 2008
James Collins insists it will not be a gamble to start in Wales' 2010 World
Cup qualifier with Germany on Wednesday. The West Ham United defender was a
late substitute in the weekend's win over Liechtenstein - his first senior
appearance since December last year. He has recovered from a serious knee
injury and is confident he is fit enough to start against Germany, if he is
selected by Wales coach John Toshack. "It is not a gamble to play me
against Germany despite the time I have been out," said Collins. "I have
been training at West Ham now for two months and played a few reserve games.
"I had the operation and pretty much three weeks after that I was working.
It has paid off because I am slimmer, fitter and stronger than ever. "If I
am not ready to play now I will never be. I am fit enough to play, whatever
way the manager wants to go." He added: "West Ham knew I was coming away to
play games, so fingers crossed I do. "I need as many games as possible now
after being out for almost a year. "It is a tough game for us here, but
hopefully if I do play I will be able to make a real contribution. "It was
nice to get on the pitch on Saturday and put on that red shirt again, and
now I am looking forward to playing in Germany. "It is a tough game, but
hopefully we will get a good result and stay up there in the group."
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Gold rules out Hammers bid - SSN
Blues chairman has no plans to inject money in West Ham
By James Dall Last updated: 14th October 2008
Birmingham City chairman David Gold has ruled out making a bid for Premier
League side West Ham United. The Hammers' financial security remains
uncertain amid owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson's involvement with Icelandic
bank Landsbanki, which has been placed into receivership. West Ham chief
executive officer Scott Duxbury has since played down the fears surrounding
the club, although vice-chairman Asgeir Fridgeirsson announced that no more
funding will be made available to manager Gianfranco Zola for the
foreseeable future. Boyhood Hammers fan Gold, who previously had a 28 per
cent stake in the East London outfit, had been mooted as a potential suitor
for investment, however he has dismissed the rumours. He said in The Sun:
"It won't happen. I couldn't cause more worry among our fans. "I demand
loyalty from supporters, manager, players and employees so how could I
possibly go off and make a bid for West Ham? "I can't and I won't."
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Tonge - Right to be Hammered - SSN
Relegation wrangle should have been sorted out, says Stoke midfielder
Last updated: 14th October 2008
Michael Tonge has welcomed Sheffield United's compensation victory over West
Ham in the Carlos Tevez affair. Tonge is focusing his attention on new club
Stoke City after leaving the Blades in August but has welcomed sanctions
against the Hammers - which could yet lead to a pay-out for the United
players who suffered relegation in 2007. "I am not entirely sure what's
going on with the West Ham thing. I am a Stoke City player now and I am
trying to help us do well this season," Tonge told the Sentinel. "But my
thoughts on the Sheffield United-West Ham thing are that if the club is paid
then that is basically saying something was wrong. They wouldn't be giving
them £30m for nothing. "Sheffield United lost out, as did the players, and
so did a lot of people. Time will tell what will happen, but it was a messy
situation which should have been sorted out some time ago. "They tried to
brush it under the carpet, but it is only right for the game and those
involved that this shouldn't happen."
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Hammers to deal in Tristan - SSN
Spaniard to sign deal until the end of the season
Last updated: 14th October 2008
Skysports.com understands West Ham are poised to sign Diego Tristan after he
impressed on trial. As exclusively revealed by skysports.com last month the
former Spain international has been training with West Ham for the last few
weeks as he looks for a new club. Tristan is a free agent after being
released by Livorno at the end of last season and he is keen on trying his
luck in England. The former Deportivo La Coruna striker is believed to have
done enough to impress Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola, who is in the market
for attacking reinforcements after losing Dean Ashton to injury. West Ham
are ready to offer Tristan a deal until the end of the season and he will
become Zola's first signing since he took charge at Upton Park.
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Zabeel rejects Hammers rumours - SSN
Dubai-based investment company has not made Upton Park offer
Last updated: 14th October 2008
Zabeel Investments has rubbished rumours suggesting it has shown an interest
in buying West Ham United. It has been reported that Dubai-based Zabeel,
which declared a curiosity in Charlton Athletic on Friday, has contacted
Hammers owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson. Recent speculation suggested Zabeel,
controlled by Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, has tested the water after
Gudmundsson's assets suffered when Iceland's Landsbanki bank was hit by the
current worldwide financial turmoil.
Gudmundsson is a major shareholder in Landsbanki and it is thought that he
could be open to offers for West Ham following the recent credit crunch.
However, a spokesperson for Zabeel insists that conjecture linking the
company with an Upton Park bid is false, saying: "There is no truth to media
reports that Zabeel Investments made an approach to West Ham football club.
"Zabeel Investments has not approached any club since it made an indicative
offer for Charlton Athletic last Friday, nor has it authorised any approach
on its behalf. "Zabeel Investments is currently in the due diligence phase
of its offer to Charlton Athletic and it is therefore inappropriate to
comment further at this stage."
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Zabeel decide not Dubai The Hammers -Setanta
by Tom Kell, 14 October 2008
Despite reports to the contrary, Zabeel Investments will not be turning
their attentions to buying West Ham, the Dubai-based group have insisted.
Zabeel lodged a bid for the financially unstable Charlton last week, but
claims in Tuesday's newspapers suggested that the group might now look to
bail out West Ham. It is no secret that The Hammers' financial state is
uncertain after the nationalisation of Landsbanki, Iceland's second-biggest
bank, of which the club's owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson was a major
shareholder. Gudmundsson could still be forced to sell the club on, but it
seems unlikely that Zabeel will be the ones to take it off his hands. "There
is no truth to media reports that Zabeel Investments made an approach to
West Ham Football Club yesterday [Monday]," said a spokesperson for the
group. "Zabeel Investments has not approached any club since it made an
indicative offer for Charlton Athletic last Friday, nor has it authorised
any approach on its behalf. "Zabeel Investments is currently in the due
diligence phase of its offer to Charlton Athletic and it is therefore
inappropriate to comment further at this stage."
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West Ham wanted me - Palermo coach Ballardini - Echo
1:27pm Tuesday 14th October 2008
By Rob Pritchard »
PALERMO coach Davide Ballardini has claimed that West Ham United wanted to
appoint him as their new coach following the resignation of Alan Curbishley.
The Irons immediately drew up a shortlist of candidates to replace him, with
Italian Gianfranco Zola eventually beating off the challenge of countryman
Roberto Donadoni and former Scotland international John Collins to take the
role. Hammers' technical director Gianluca Nani, who joined chief executive
Scott Duxbury in selecting the new boss, revealed that he had also
considered fellow Italians Mario Somma and Francesco Guidolin for the role,
but did not mention Ballardini. At the time, the former Cagliari coach
claimed to have received "no contact" from the Londoners, but he has now
revealed that the club did approach him about becoming their first-ever
non-British manager. Speaking to the Giornale di Sicilia, he said: "I never
thought of Palermo as a stage of transition. "I only said that after having
been measured in Italy at somewhere as important as Palermo that I would try
working abroad. "Moreover, I also speak good English. "I had had some
contact with West Ham but it was not the right time time. For me Palermo
today is the maximum." Ballardini has led unbeaten Palermo to fourth in the
Serie A table after six matches this season, including a 2-1 victory at
Juventus in their most recent fixture.
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Hammers defender Upson is a '£5m target for Tottenham' - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 1:37 PM on 14th October 2008
West Ham defender Matthew Upson is a reported target for Spurs. The
29-year-old England centre half could move for a cut-price £5m fee in the
January transfer window as Spurs look to plug their leaky defence. Upson,
who joined the Hammers in January last year, could be the first major
casualty of West Ham's biting credit crunch, with owner Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson reportedly putting the club on the market for £50m after his
assets were frozen due to the banks crisis. Tottenham currently have
injury-prone skipper Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate as their first-choice
central defenders, with Michael Dawson and Vedran Corluka as cover.
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Dubai investors deny West Ham link- Guardian
Zabeel maintains it is focused on Charlton bid
'We have not approached any club'
Staff and agencies guardian.co.uk, Tuesday October 14 2008 12.48 BST
The Dubai sovereign wealth fund that has lodged a bid to buy Charlton
Athletic has denied today's reports that it is also interested in purchasing
West Ham United.
Zabeel Investments has been linked with the Premier League club after the
Hammers owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson's assets were hit by the financial
turmoil in Iceland. Gudmundsson was a major shareholder in Iceland's
second-biggest bank, Landsbanki, before it was nationalised last week.
That led to suggestions that Gudmundsson could be forced to sell the club,
but Zabeel today maintained it is not interested in buying West Ham. The
group lodged a bid for Charlton on Friday and have insisted they are
committed to buying the Championship club and will continue to press ahead
with the due diligence process.
In a statement released today, a Zabeel spokesperson said: "There is no
truth to media reports that Zabeel Investments made an approach to West Ham
football club yesterday. Zabeel Investments has not approached any club
since it made an indicative offer for Charlton Athletic last Friday, nor has
it authorised any approach on its behalf.
"Zabeel Investments is currently in the due diligence phase of its offer to
Charlton Athletic and it is therefore inappropriate to comment further at
this stage."
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Hammers hope for financial boost as they close in on new shirt deal - Daily
Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 10:31 AM on 14th October 2008
West Ham are believed to be close to securing a new £4m-a-year shirt
sponsorship deal. The club have been without a sponsor since the collapse of
travel company XL last month. West Ham also plan to appeal to the High Court
this week against the ruling that they must pay compensation to Sheffield
United over the Carlos Tevez affair. An independent tribunal ruled in
United's favour last month, leaving West Ham open to a claim of £30m from
the Championship club.
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Charlton concern as Dubai royals 'talking' to Hammers over possible takeover
- Daily Mail
By Tom Collomosse
Last updated at 10:28 AM on 14th October 2008
West Ham are reported to have been approached about a takeover by the Dubai
company in talks with Charlton. Zabeel Investments, owned by the Dubai royal
family, made an 'indicative offer' for Charlton last Friday, but Premier
League rules dictate they would have to abandon their interest in the
Championship club were they to buy the Hammers. West Ham owner Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson is said to have rejected Zabeel's offer, although it is believed
the Icelander is still in talks with the investment group. Football business
expert Amanda Staveley is understood to be in Dubai discussing a possible
deal. Gudmundsson's personal finances have been affected by the collapse of
Landsbanki, Iceland's second-biggest bank, and he is under pressure to cash
in on his £85million investment in West Ham
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Dubai-based investment group deny West Ham takeover reports - The Mirror
By Chris Wilson, Mirror.co.uk 14/10/2008
Zabeel Investments have issued a statement rejecting claims they are
interested in buying West Ham. Reports suggested that the Dubai-based group
had switched their attentions from Charlton to the Barclays Premier League
outfit after Hammers owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson's assets were hit by the
financial turmoil in Iceland.
Gudmundsson was a major shareholder in Iceland's second-biggest bank,
Landsbanki, before it was nationalised last week. "There is no truth to
media reports that Zabeel Investments made an approach to West Ham Football
Club yesterday," reads a statement from Zabeel Investments. "Zabeel
Investments has not approached any club since it made an indicative offer
for Charlton Athletic last Friday, nor has it authorised any approach on its
behalf. "Zabeel Investments is currently in the due diligence phase of its
offer to Charlton Athletic and it is therefore inappropriate to comment
further at this stage".
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West Ham are new takeover target of Dubai-based firm linked with Charlton -
The Mirror
By Chris Wilson, Mirror.co.uk 14/10/2008
West Ham are reported to be the subject of a takeover from a company owned
by the Dubai royal family. Zabeel Investments, who were last week linked
with a takeover at Charlton, have turned their attentions to West Ham and
are said to have tabled a bid to Hammers owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson. The
Icelandic businessman is believed to have knocked back the offer, but may be
forced to reconsider his position after his personal finances were hit by
the collapse of Landsbanki last week. If Zabeel Investments' bid succeeds
they would have to abandon their interest in the Charlton under Premier
League ownership rules. In related news, West Ham said to be close to
securing a new £4m-a-year shirt sponsorship deal after their previous
sponsor XL Leisure went bust.
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Dubai Investor could be changing his interest from Charlton to West Ham -
West Ham Online
Alan - Tue Oct 14 2008
Reports were circling yesterday that West Ham were yesterday the subject of
a takeover approach by Dubai's sovereign-wealth fund Zabeel Investments. The
same company, controlled by Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, declared its interest
in Charlton Athletic last Friday in the form of an "indicative bid", however
yesterday's approach was far more discreetly conducted.
Sources close to the Club confirmed that contact had been made but insist
there were "no talks" after the owner, Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, rejected the
offer. Twenty-four hours earlier BG had informed high-level staff that his
commitment to West Ham was as strong as ever and that he would remain with
the club in the long term.
However, it is believed that talks are continuing with Gudmundsson on a
personal level as he faces increased pressure to cash in on his £85m
investment. Dubai's bid is serious and Amanda Staveley, the dealmaker who
introduced the Abu Dhabi United Group to Manchester City, is understood to
be in the Emirate to talk through the potential purchase.
Although West Ham continue to insist that they are viable - unlike several
other clubs to have changed hands in recent years, no takeover debt was
loaded on to them- Gudmundsson's personal finances have been hit by the
financial crash. He and his son Thor Bjorgolfsson were, until last week at
least, Iceland's two richest men. But as 41% shareholders in the collapsed
Landsbanki, the country's second-biggest bank, and having guaranteed loans
in the charter airline XL, which folded a month ago, they have been heavily
exposed to the meltdown of their nation's economy.
West Ham, an attractive proposition given their proximity to the 2012
Olympic stadium, face a potential eight-figure liability in the shape of
Sheffield United's compensation claim in the Carlos Tevez case. They are
contesting this through the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
There have been two approaches for West Ham from the Gulf and another from
China in recent days, but Dubai's appears to be the most likely to succeed.
If it does, Premier League ownership rules will forbid Zabeel's takeover of
Charlton.
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Irons on verge of new sponsorship deal - Echo
10:06am Tuesday 14th October 2008
By Rob Pritchard »
WEST Ham United are on the verge of signing a new £4million-a-year shirt
sponsorship deal. The Irons have been without a title sponsor since tour
operator XL went under last month, but the Londoners hope to complete a deal
with an un-named business within the next few days. An airline and an
on-line bookmaker have been among those rumoured to be interested in linking
up with the Hammers but, as yet, the club have remained tight-lipped over
their new partner. The arrival of a new sponsor would be a boost to a club
that has endured a host of financial hits over the past 18 months. First, in
April 2007, West Ham were fined £5.5million by an arbitration panel after
admitting to breaking two Premier League rules over the illegal
"third-party" signings of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. Next, this
summer, the club paid former Sweden captain Freddie Ljungberg around
£5million to cancel his contract. Then, last month, an independent tribunal
found in favour of Sheffield United's £30million compensation claim over the
Tevez saga - although a final figure will not be set until the new year and
the club have launched an appeal against the decision. September also saw
the Hammers lose the £2.5million-a-year deal after XL went to the wall -
causing Irons chairman and the company's major investor Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson too reportedly write-off in excess of £100million he had loaned
the ailing travel company. Finally, this month, the worldwide credit crisis
has had huge repurcussions in Gudmundsson's native Iceland. There, the
chairman has lost tens of millions more after Landsbanki - the bank in which
he had a 41 per cent stake - was nationalised by the Icelandic government.
It would therefore be fair to say that any sponsorship deal would be warmly
welcomed at Upton Park. A new logo would also see the end of the squad
number patches that have been sewed on to the club's shirts to cover their
now obsolete XL counterparts in recent weeks.
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West Ham hit back - Echo
9:53am Tuesday 14th October 2008
WEST HAM are aiming to shake off any image of the club being in crisis by
stepping up their legal fight against Sheffield United and announcing a new
signing. The club have sent a legal submission to the Court of Arbitration
for Sport (CAS) claiming that FIFA rules will be breached if they do not
agree to hear their appeal over the Carlos Tevez affair. The club are also
hopeful of agreeing a deal with 32-yearold Spanish striker Diego Tristan,
who is a free agent, to show there are signs of stability amid the financial
crisis that has struck hard at the club's Icelandic owner Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson. In relation to the Tevez affair, the Hammers are disputing the
independent tribunal ruling against them, which could see the club forced to
pay millions in compensation to Sheffield United. That tribunal was brought
under Football Association rules, which also state that no appeal is
permitted to a court of law. But in their legal submission to CAS, West Ham
have argued that the FA rules would be in breach of FIFA statutes if they
did not allow for an appeal to the Swissbased arbitration court. Sheffield
United are disputing whether CAS have jurisdiction and the court in
Lausanne, Switzerland, will now hold a preliminary hearing to decide whether
they are able to deal with the case. Gudmundsson is continuing to insist he
views West Ham as a personal investment that will not be affected by the
Icelandic crisis.
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Hammers to take Tevez battle to High Court - Echo
9:42am Tuesday 14th October 2008
By Rob Pritchard »
WEST Ham United intend to turn up the heat on Sheffield United's £50million
compensation claim by lodging an appeal in the High Court later this week.
The Hammers have already submitted a statement of appeal to the Swiss-based
Court of Arbitration in Sport over an independent tribunal's decision to
find in favour of the Yorkshire club over the Carlos Tevez affair. The
three-man tribunal, who will decide on a final compensation figure in the
new year, decreed that Argentine Tevez - signed by West Ham on an illegal
"third-party" contract in August 2006 - had played an influential role in
keeping the Londoners in the Premier League at Sheffield United's expense at
the end of the 2006/07 season. The Irons will try to show the court that the
panel made an error of law in its judgment and it will force the arbitration
panel to further delay their deliberations on the level of compensation.
Sheffield United had originally claimed a little over £30million in
compensation for lost revenue caused by the club's relegation, but that
figure has now been revised to nearer £50million. Any appeal must be
submitted by Thursday. West Ham were originally fined £5.5million in April
2007 after admitting to breaching two Premier League rules over the signings
of Tevez and compatriot Javier Mascherano.
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