WHUFC.com
The date for the FA Cup third round tie with Barnsley at the Boleyn Ground
has been confirmed
02.12.2008
West Ham United's FA Cup third round tie with Barnsley will be held on
Saturday 3 January 2009.
The Tykes will visit the Boleyn Ground three days into the new year for the
3pm kick-off and goalkeeper Robert Green is already relishing the prospect
of the cup campaign getting under way.
The West Ham United No1, who was outstanding in the 0-0 draw with Liverpool
on Monday night, was most pleased about the prospect of having home
advantage for the tie. "It is good to have a home draw, especially at this
early stage of the competition," he said. "It will be a tough match though,
as Barnsley beat the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea last season in the FA
Cup to reach the semi-finals, so they will be a team to look out for."
Green, the only player to play every minute of every top-flight game, is a
big fan of the competition and believes the chance to dream of Wembley is
matched by the boost a good cup run can give to league form.
He added: "The FA Cup is great to be involved in. It's a break from league
action and can bring up some interesting fixtures and results. Hopefully we
can do well and enjoy a good run in the cup this season."
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Loan stars shine
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins and Josh Payne both had nights to remember with their loan
teams
03.12.2008
West Ham United youngsters James Tomkins and Josh Payne enjoyed cup success
with their respective loan clubs on Tuesday evening. Central defender
Tomkins, on a month's loan at Derby County, played the full 90 minutes as
the Championship side reached the Carling Cup semi-finals for the first time
since 1968. Making just his second appearance for the Rams, the 19-year-old
was in typically strong form as Nathan Ellington's late penalty saw Paul
Jewell's side clinch a narrow 1-0 win over Premier League Stoke City.
Partnered by veteran Darren Powell at the heart of the Derby defence,
Tomkins expertly shackled a three-pronged Potters attack including Jamaica
international Ricardo Fuller and powerful Mali striker Mamady Sidibe. Derby
will take on either Championship rivals Burnley or the winners of Wednesday
evening's quarter-finals between Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers and
Watford and Tottenham Hotspur. The first leg of the Rams' semi-final will
take place in the week commencing 5 January, with the second leg a week
later. Tomkins, whose initial loan spell ends on 31 December, will return to
competitive action when the east Midlands side host Crystal Palace at Pride
Park on Saturday afternoon.
Meanwhile, Payne was re-called to Cheltenham Town's starting line-up by
former Hammer Martin Allen as the Robins twice came from a goal down to beat
Morecambe 3-2 in the FA Cup second round. The 18-year-old, who is in his
third month at Whaddon Road, has now made 10 league and cup appearances for
Allen's side. The Robins host the Championship's bottom side, Doncaster
Rovers, in the third round on Saturday 3 January . Payne will hope to keep
his place for Cheltenham's home League One clash with Crewe Alexandra on
Saturday.
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West Ham United and SBOBET
WHUFC.com
The club can confirm a new shirt-sponsorship agreement with SBOBET until the
end of next season
03.12.2008
West Ham United are pleased to announce a shirt-sponsorship agreement with
Isle of Man licensed and regulated SBOBET until the end of the 2009/10
season that will also mean increased exposure for the Bobby Moore Fund for
Cancer Research UK.
The partnership with the online sports bookmakers will see the SBOBET logo
worn by the first team - replacing the squad numbers used since 20 September
- and it will also be featured on all adult replica strips. The new-look kit
will be seen for the first time when West Ham United play Tottenham Hotspur
at the Boleyn Ground on Monday 8 December.
The lucrative deal - the terms of which are undisclosed - concludes a
detailed bidding process over the past ten weeks that saw the club meet with
several interested parties and hold extensive negotiations.
Bill Mummery, Isle of Man Executive Director for SBOBET, said: "We are
delighted to join West Ham United as Principal Sponsor in launching our UK
and European operations. Our key strength is in football - offering value,
content and service to a global audience and we are delighted to be given
the opportunity of working with such a prestigious club.
"We see great value in the sponsorship and strongly believe that this
partnership will provide both parties with unique opportunities to explore
new and exciting ways of working together. We are very impressed with the
professionalism of West Ham United, their strong relationship with the fans,
local community and of course the work of the Bobby Moore Fund and look
forward to supporting West Ham United with all of these groups."
West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury said: "This is a great deal for West Ham
United and I am looking forward to a successful partnership with SBOBET.
Finding a new shirt sponsor usually takes up to six months but a lot of
effort and hard work has gone into this process. I would also like to thank
the fans for their understanding and patience during this time."
SBOBET was also an attractive option for West Ham United because of the
understanding shown towards the club's long-standing commitment to the Bobby
Moore Fund, which reached a new level last summer with the signing of a
formal three-year partnership.
The Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK (Registered Charity No. 1089464)
logo is to be carried on all kit worn by the club's academy sides as well as
on child replica strips. whufc.com will have full details as soon as
possible of how supporters with 2008/09 season home and away shirts will be
able to update them free of charge.
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Victory for campaigners
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 3rd December 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have confirmed their new sponsor as betting firm SBOBET, as
first revealed on KUMB.com last month. The betting company, who are thought
to have agreed an eighteen month deal worth around £2million to the Hammers
describe themselves on their website as 'Asia's Leading Online Sportsbook'.
Their logo will be worn on United's first team shirts and replica adult
kits.
Meanwhile the club's youth team and children's replica kit will carry the
Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research logo - a victory for the thousands of
supporters who urged the club to replace XL - who went bankrupt earlier this
year - with the Bobby Moore Fund logo on the club's shirts.
Bill Mummery, an Isle of Man-based director of SBOBET (aka Sports Betting
Online) who are expanding their European operations told the club's website:
"We are delighted to join West Ham United as principal sponsor in launching
our UK and European operations. Our key strength is in football - offering
value, content and service to a global audience and we are delighted to be
given the opportunity of working with such a prestigious club. "We see great
value in the sponsorship and strongly believe that this partnership will
provide both parties with unique opportunities to explore new and exciting
ways of working together. We are very impressed with the professionalism of
West Ham United, their strong relationship with the fans, local community
and of course the work of the Bobby Moore Fund and look forward to
supporting West Ham United with all of these groups."
West Ham revealed that it was SBO's willingness to work alongside the BMF
that gave them the edge during negotiations. Detals of how owners of replica
kits can apply the new sponsor to their shirts will follow soon.
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Determined West Ham make Zola a Happy Hammer
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 3rd December 2008
By: Thomas Rooney
Gianfranco Zola couldn't hide his delight last night after watching his side
record their third clean sheet in a row to draw 0-0 at top of the table
Anfield. The West Ham boss described it as the team's 'best performance'
since he arrived at the club and it wasn't hard to see why.
The determination of the players to get something was very commendable and
for the first time under Zola, the team spirit looks right up there with the
best it has ever been.
Even though it was an excellent team performance, there were one or two
individuals that stood out from the rest. Robert Green was superb throughout
and made some key saves. Most notably, the one from Yossi Benayoun just
after half time – that was world class. Remind me why this guy isn't in the
England squad again?
Zola – who has been a big promoter of Green's qualities since arriving at
Upton Park – was, once again, full of praise for his goalkeeper. He said
that Green has been 'outstanding' in recent weeks and that he looks 'very
comfortable' in his game right now.
Another man that shone for the Hammers was Craig Bellamy. On his return to
Anfield, the Wales captain was a constant nuisance for the Liverpool defence
and almost grabbed the winning goal as he struck the post from 25 yards out.
Zola agreed that Bellamy was an impressive performer and said that he was
'awesome' from start to finish.
Bellamy obviously felt he had something to prove going back to Liverpool and
that could be why he performed as he did, but at the end of the day, he
showed exactly what he can do. The former Norwich striker can be one of the
most threatening forwards in this league on his day and overall, West Ham
are lucky to have him. Hopefully he can really kick on in the next few
weeks.
Speaking of kicking on, that is exactly what West Ham need to do now. Three
clean sheets have consolidated their place in the middle of the table, but
it is important that this resilience is continued over the Christmas period.
Next up is Tottenham at Upton Park – which is another Monday night fixture –
and this is a huge game. A win for Spurs would put them level with the
Hammers and considering the start they made to the season – this wouldn't be
a great sign.
Another clean sheet and another win for Zola's men on the other hand, would
see them climb to 21 points and confirm the fact that their season is back
on track. The players do finally seem to be playing like a Gianfranco Zola
team would and this needs to continue. A decent Christmas period and
suddenly the football odds are favouring a European push as opposed to a
relegation battle. It's a fine line this year isn't it?
Finally for today, the recent cup draw really got me thinking. Barnsley at
home is a game that West Ham should win and beyond this, a cup run would be
absolutely superb. Zola has always had a good relationship with the
competition and I might even stick a football bet on the Hammers making the
final. Perhaps I am getting slightly ahead of myself, but it's just a hunch.
If the determination and resilience shown in recent weeks becomes the norm –
why can't West Ham win a trophy?....
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Fancy a cuppa?
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 3rd December 2008
By: Kyle Marvell
After the recent third round draw, everyone has started to get in the mood
for the FA Cup. Now we as West Ham fans have many memories of the FA Cup;
some gave us joy but some gave us heartbreak. But what are we expecting this
year? Yet another disappointing 3rd or 4th round exit - or maybe a heroic
adventure all the way to Wembley?
The third round draw saw us being drawn at home to Barnsley whom last year
beat Liverpool and Chelsea and got all the way to the semi final at Wembley.
That spirit, that determination is what got them there. I mean, who would
have thought a team some pundits call an average Championship side could
beat the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea in the grand manner they did?
I know we were runners-up a few of seasons ago but I would just like to see
a cup run full of belief, and confidence that we can lift the cup. Barnsley
deserved every compliment they got last season as they simply told
themselves they can do it; they showed the bookies that fairytales can
happen. Reaching the semi-finals for any club is brilliant, but to reach the
semi-finals whilst struggling in the Championship is even better (and we all
know who the last team to win the FA Cup outside the first division were).
The 2006 FA Cup Final against Liverpool will live long in the memory of
every West Ham fan whether you were there or not. The atmosphere was
electric, the sun was shining but the penalty was saved....for what could
have been the perfect day turned into ifs and buts. That day has given me
many sleepless nights and flashbacks but the one memory of that sunny day in
Cardiff I remember the most was when every single one of us sung bubbles
after Riena saved Ferdinand's penalty.
It was the proudest moment of my life; a tear came running down the side of
face as I knew the players, the manager and our fans were full of pride and
passion. The players and Pardew put in 100 per cent and we all sung our
hearts out from the 3rd round to the final. Even if the floodlights went out
or flames were thrown we dug in and played like a team full of spirit.
Last year's FA Cup saw us get knocked out by Man City in a third round
replay. Although they are a Premier League team it was very disappointing
getting knocked out at the first hurdle. We don't want that to happen again
as it's always difficult seeing clubs in lower divisions going further than
us; and we've had to deal with that a lot in recent years.
Hopefully the players will treat the FA Cup with more respect than they did
with the League Cup. It was a very disappointing performance from Zola's
boys. Even though this game is at home I feel that we should put out a
strong squad with players like Green, Upson, Parker and Bellamy as our
spine, instead of playing Lastuvka, Upson, Noble and Sears through the
middle. We need to take this opportunity seriously as we haven't won a major
trophy since 1980 - and that's not good enough. Obviously we need to focus
on our League position as at the moment we are sitting in the bottom half of
the table. You have to go out and treat every cup and competition with
respect; especially the FA Cup as its one of the oldest and most famous Cup
Competitions in Europe.
It would almost be a relief if we get far in this season's FA Cup as we
haven't always gone into the FA Cup believing that we could end up winning
it. Every single West Ham fan awaits the FA Cup every year but our players
too often fail to turn up. To carry on this tradition of playing great
football and winning trophies we need to win something soon; otherwise
holding onto this tradition is going to slip away.
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Zola backs Green for recall
Hammers boss piles praise on consistent keeper
By Chris Burton Last updated: 3rd December 2008
SSN
Gianfranco Zola is confident that Robert Green's recent fine form will earn
him an England recall. The West Ham keeper has struggled to force his way
into Fabio Capello's plans over the course of the last year. However, he
remains one of the Premier League's most consistent shot-stoppers and
continues to put himself in the frame. His boss at Upton Park certainly
believes the 28-year-old is deserving of international recognition, with the
former Norwich man putting in a virtuoso display during the Hammers' 0-0
draw with Liverpool on Monday. "I have told Robert that if he continues to
perform the way he is, he will be back in the England squad," said Zola.
"The England manager Capello knows what is the right thing to do, and Green
knows he must continue to perform every week like he is now, and then he
will be rewarded. "I am delighted with Robert. He is looking very
comfortable now. He was getting some stick but now he is getting the rewards
he deserves. "He is working very hard during the week and I am very pleased
with him."
With the Anfield stalemate helping to stretch West Ham's unbeaten run to
three matches, Zola believes his ideology is beginning to pay dividends. "My
ideas are starting to produce results," added the Italian. "When I first
arrived I wanted to improve the way we played, to be more offensive. But we
discovered that we needed to improve in defence, and that is what we are
trying to do. "Our objective is to keep clean sheets and to score more
goals. We will be working on that. "The team is responding to what my staff
and I are saying. They are keen to react and follow what we want, and that
gives us hope for the future. "My players are going through a good spell, we
must not lose this momentum. Things had not been going well but things are
now improving on our side of things, we must keep it going."
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West Ham unveil new shirt sponsor SBOBET
West Ham United have signed a new shirt sponsorship deal with online
bookmakers SBOBET, which will run until the end of next season.
By Telegraph staff and agencies
Last Updated: 9:52PM GMT 03 Dec 2008
The Hammers had been without an official sponsor since the collapse of XL
Holidays in September midway through a £7.5 million three-year contract. The
SBOBET logo will appear on West Ham shirts for the first time in Monday's
Premier League clash with Tottenham. The deal - described by West Ham as
"lucrative" - will also ensure increased exposure to the Bobby Moore Fund
for Cancer Research UK. The charity's logo will appear on kit worn by West
Ham's academy sides and all junior replica shirts. West Ham chief executive
Scott Duxbury said: "This is a great deal for West Ham United and I am
looking forward to a successful partnership with SBOBET. "Finding a new
shirt sponsor usually takes up to six months but a lot of effort and hard
work has gone into this process. "I would also like to thank the fans for
their understanding and patience during this time."
The club will provide details to supporters on the official website,
www.whufc.com, of how supporters will be able to update their 2008/09 shirts
free of charge.
XL went into administration earlier in the autumn, with the economic
downturn and rising fuel prices blamed for the company's failure. Since then
West Ham have worn squad numbers in the space usually filled by a shirt
sponsor.
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Hammers sign "lucrative" new shirt sponsorship deal
9:55pm Wednesday 3rd December 2008
Guardian Series
WEST Ham United have signed a "lucrative" new shirt sponsorship deal with
online bookies SBOBET. The Irons have been without an official sponsor since
the collapse of travel firm XL Holidays. That deal was halfway through a
£7.5million three-year contract. The new deal, which brings an end to ten
weeks of a detailed bidding process, will run until the end of next season.
And the new-look kit, together with the SBOBET logo, will appear on West Ham
shirts for the first time in the London derby clash with Tottenham on
Monday. The terms of the deal are undisclosed, but it will also ensure
increased exposure to the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK. The
charity's logo will appear on kit worn by the club's academy sides and all
junior replica shirts. Hammers chief executive Scott Duxbury said: "This is
a great deal for West Ham United and I am looking forward to a successful
partnership with SBOBET. "Finding a new shirt sponsor usually takes up to
six months but a lot of effort and hard work has gone into this process. "I
would also like to thank the fans for their understanding and patience
during this time."
The club's official website, whufc.com, will provide details to supporters
of how they will be able to update their 2008/09 shirts free of charge.
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West Ham will sell striker Dean Ashton and six others in January
The Mirror
By Darren Lewis 4/12/2008
West Ham are ready to cash in on Dean Ashton in the January transfer window.
The 24-year-old striker is out injured but is known to be a target for
several Premier League clubs. The Hammers are desperate to raise funds
following the cash crisis being suffered by their Icelandic owners and an
impending legal battle with Sheffield United over the Carlos Tevez affair.
The striker only signed a new five-year contract in June but his poor injury
record – which saw him sprain an ankle in boss Gianfranco Zola's first
training session at the club – has tested the patience of the club's
hierarchy. Spurs had a £15million offer for Ashton turned down in the
summer, with the Hammers wanting £18m. Other players who the Hammers are
prepared to offload include Nigel Quashie, Lee Bowyer, Luis Boa Morte, Calum
Davenport, Danny Gabbidon and Jonathan Spector. West Ham yesterday announced
a new shirt sponsorship deal with online bookmakers SBOBET. The bookies, who
signed a "lucrative deal" that will run until the end of next season, take
over from collaped holiday giant XL.
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Sponsorless West Ham iron out new shirt deal with internet bookies SBOBET
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 1:24 AM on 04th December 2008
Daily Mail
West Ham United have signed a new shirt sponsorship deal with online
bookmakers SBOBET, which will run until the end of next season. The Hammers
had been without an official sponsor since the collapse of XL Holidays in
September midway through a £7.5million three-year contract. The SBOBET logo
will appear on West Ham shirts for the first time in Monday's Barclays
Premier League clash with Tottenham. The deal - described by West Ham as
"lucrative" - will also ensure increased exposure to the Bobby Moore Fund
for Cancer Research UK. The charity's logo will appear on kit worn by West
Ham's academy sides and all junior replica shirts.
West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury said: "This is a great deal for West
Ham United and I am looking forward to a successful partnership with SBOBET.
'Finding a new shirt sponsor usually takes up to six months but a lot of
effort and hard work has gone into this process. 'I would also like to thank
the fans for their understanding and patience during this time.'
The club will provide details to supporters on the official website,
www.whufc.com, of how supporters will be able to update their 2008/09 shirts
free of charge.
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West Ham United Land Shirt Sponsor
Goal.com
The Hammers' financial woes have been eased somewhat after they finally
secured a new shirt-sponsor...
Some of you may have been wondering over the past few months why the 'XL
Holidays' logo that used to adorn the front of West Ham United's kit was
replaced by a rather tacky-looking squad number. The reason is that the
company, which specialised in budget trips, folded earlier this year,
leaving the Hammers without a shirt sponsor - and, even worse, without the
funding that such a deal provides. When XL collapsed in September they were
only halfway through their three-year, £7.5 million contract with the Upton
Park club, who were by then already feeling the effects of the credit
crunch. But help has arrived, as the Daily Mail reports that the Irons have
at last wrapped up a deal with SBOBET, the Asian-based online bookmaking
firm. "This is a great deal for West Ham United and I am looking forward to
a successful partnership with SBOBET," said Scott Duxburry, the West Ham
chief executive. "Finding a new shirt sponsor usually takes up to six
months but a lot of effort and hard work has gone into this process. "I
would also like to thank the fans for their understanding and patience
during this time."
It is unclear exactly how much the 18-month deal is worth, but it was
reported that a figure in the region of £2 million was being discussed when
negotiations kicked off last month. A bonus for Hammers fans is that they
will be able to update their 2008-09 XL shirts free of charge. Details are
to be posted on the club's official website.
Cecil Braun, Goal.com
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Ashton To Head List Of West Ham Departures?
Goal.com
The Hammers might have to sell up to seven first-team players, including
Dean Ashton, as the club feels the force of the credit crunch...
Despite West Ham United agreeing a fresh 18-month shirt sponsorship deal
worth approximately £2 million with SBOBET, it seems that the Hammers are
still feeling the pinch of the current economic climate. According to a
report in the British tabloid the Daily Mirror, the East London-based club
may have to sell up to seven first-team players as soon as January. Hammers
fans might not be too disheartened to learn that fringe players Nigel
Quashie, Lee Bowyer, Luis Boa Morte, Calum Davenport, Danny Gabbidon and
Jonathan Spector are all expected to leave. However, they might be a little
more concerned when they hear that star striker Dean Ashton is also
allegedly being put on the transfer list. The England international has been
plagued by injury during his time at Upton Park and has been restricted to
only four Premier League appearances this campaign. He is still regarded as
one of the most lethal forwards in Britain, which could generate some
much-needed cash for the Irons. The news may well alert London neighbours
Tottenham Hotspur, who had a bid of £15 million rejected only this summer as
West Ham wanted £18 million, but he could now be available for a bargain
price.
Ricky Brooks, Goal.com
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New contracts a sign of intent
Newham Recorder
03 December 2008
THERE was some news to smile about at Upton Park this week as striking duo
Freddie Sears and Carlton Cole signed five-year contracts with the east
London club, writes MATT DINER. England under-19 international Sears hit the
headlines back in March, with a debut winner against Blackburn Rovers and
although the teenager's first team opportunities this campaign have been
limited, there is no doubting the youngster's talents. "I am obviously
delighted to have signed for another five years with West Ham," Sears told
the official Hammers website. "I am looking forward to concentrating on
football now and getting ready for the next game that is coming up. "It's
nice to know the club wants you here, for that long as well. "I am enjoying
my football and all that I have been doing and hopefully I can now show
there is more to come."
There is a lot of hope for the young star at Upton Park, but the
Romford-born hit man is determined to keep his feet on the ground and take
each game as it comes.
"Obviously I am learning every day," he said. "I have just turned 19, and am
trying to get better all the time and see how far I can go. "It's been great
to be in and around the first team, travelling to games and all of that, now
to be part of the team itself is great and something I am determined to
continue. "The team spirit is really good, we win together and lose
together and I am enjoying being part of it all."
Hammers' fans will no doubt be just as happy with the news that Cole has
signed on until 2013. The 25-year-old was previously the subject of booing
from the Upton Park faithful, but the former Chelsea man's hard work and
dedication to the cause has soon turned the jeers to cheers. "I am very
pleased to sign," he beamed. "It is nice that I can just focus on playing
good football for the club. "I know now I am here for quite a while so it is
time to knuckle down. "The manager has 100 per cent faith in me and I have
got 100 per cent faith in him and our team as well. "It is good that I have
got this opportunity to show West Ham supporters, and prove to myself, that
I can be a big part of the prospects to come. "We are playing some good
football, the results are starting to turn in our favour and the only way is
up from now. "Hopefully the manager can get the team where he wants us to be
and I reckon we will do really well.
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Upson sparks
Newham Recorder
03 December 2008
WEST HAM defender Matthew Upson has hinted that he may leave Upton Park in
the summer if the club sell key players in the January transfer window,
writes NEIL TRAINIS. The 29-year-old, who has recently become a fixture in
the England squad under Fabio Capello after a string of impressive displays
at club level, believes the Hammers must keep together the current crop of
players if they are to not only stave off relegation this season, but fulfil
ambitions of future success. "In the current climate there hasn't been any
assurances and I wouldn't expect any, but if I'm to stay at West Ham and we
sell key players in January, then that would frustrate me," insisted Upson,
whose contract expires in the summer of 2011. "I signed for the club because
of the vision they had and if players went now that would disappoint me."
Upson's statement could be construed by West Ham officials and supporters as
one designed to hold the club to ransom, but his position is unlikely to be
met with fury by manager Gianfranco Zola, who would love nothing more than
to see important first team players remain during the mid-season transfer
window. Upson also suggested that West Ham's goalless draw against Liverpool
at Anfield on Monday night, the Hammers' first Premier League point there
since the 1998/99 season, should provide the base for the club to drag
itself away from the relegation places. They are three points ahead of
third-bottom Sunderland. "We're not going to get carried away on the back of
three clean sheets but, hopefully, we can build on this, because this is a
good football club," Upson said, referring to the three-game sequence in
which they kept out Portsmouth, Sunderland and Liverpool. Upson's stock rose
sharply during those fixtures, as has that of goalkeeper Robert Green,
regularly overlooked by Capello for England but who continues to impress,
his second half save from former West Ham midfielder Yossi Benayoun,
providing another illustration of his form. "We could've nicked it against
Liverpool. On terms of possession we were well overshadowed but if you
analyse chances in the game, then we certainly had one of the best," Upson
said of Luis Boa Morte's hashed attempt late on when in the clear. "We now
seem to have a settled base which is important. It's the reason we're
looking a more difficult team to beat.
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Rob keeping himself in Capello's thoughts
Newham Recorder
03 December 2008
WEST HAM goalkeeper Robert Green has insisted he can do no more than
maintain his form for his club as he attempts to finally catch the attention
of England coach Fabio Capello, writes NEIL TRAINIS. The 28-year-old turned
in another impressive performance on Monday night as his side held Liverpool
to a goalless draw at Anfield, which included a finger-tip save to divert a
Yossi Benayoun strike over the bar. A string of solid showings have inspired
West Ham to three consecutive Premier League clean sheets and further
bolstered his reputation as one of the country's most efficient players in
his position, although the England manager has yet to be convinced of that.
Time and again Green has been ignored for the national side, most recently
for the 23-man squad for the friendly against Germany in Berlin last month,
despite the fact that Capello had been at Upton Park to watch the goalkeeper
deny Jermain Defoe on three occasions against Portsmouth. There have been
other England squads that Green has failed to make to the surprise of
supporters and coaches alike, not just those connected with West Ham, but he
remains philosophical about his international prospects. Or lack of them. "I
was disappointed not to be involved in the last England squad, but there is
not a lot I can do about it. All I can do is keep working hard," said Green,
who has a solitary England cap to his name, won as a second half substitute
for David James during a win over Colombia in June 2005. Newly-crowned
consecutive Premier League games record holder Brad Friedel apart, Green has
arguably been the most consistent goalkeeper in the division in recent
seasons, but his focus appears to be on helping his club avert a relegation
struggle rather than on forcing his way into the England reckoning.
"If you are keeping clean sheets you won't lose matches. We've played three
games and got five points and that's made a big difference to everyone," he
insisted, going on to reveal he has upped his game in training. "I've been
working on my speed and power. Sometimes the hard work pays off as it did
with that save (from Benayoun). Within the training ground it's a happy camp
and a hard-working one which can hopefully get better." If he maintains his
form, so too will his chances of pulling on an England jersey again
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Franco keen on signing young Juventus star
Newham Recorder
03 December 2008
WEST HAM manager Gianfranco Zola has admitted he is keen on signing
Sebastian Giovinco from Juventus after reports linked the young attacking
midfielder with a move to Upton Park, writes NEIL TRAINIS. Zola has his
doubts as to whether the 21-year-old can be prised from the Serie A club,
but knows Giovinco from his time as assistant coach of the Italy under-21
side and confirmed he would love to have him in his side. "He's a player I
know very well," Zola said. "He's one of those players who can change a
game. I don't think Juventus would be willing to give him up because they
need him." However, Giovinco (pictured right) is not a regular in Claudio
Ranieri's starting XI and reports in Italy suggested he would be allowed to
leave, perhaps on a season-long loan. Spanish sides Atletico Madrid and
Sevilla were both said to be keen on the player and Zola has apparently
identified Giovinco as the type of playmaker West Ham desperately lack as
they continue to struggle to score goals. Giovinco's agent, Claudio
Pasqualini, added weight to the suspicion that Zola may try to bring him to
east London on loan at least in the January transfer window by also
admitting that Zola is keen on the youngster, but conceded that a move is
unlikely. "A move in January? I don't think there's any point to this as we
only renewed with Juve a short time ago," Pasqualini told Radio Kiss Kiss.
"Any move would have to be decided by Juve, but I can only see it if some
attitudes at the club change. There is interest abroad, he has many
admirers. Gianfranco Zola has always admired him and has said he would like
him."
One reason Giovinco could be allowed to leave Juventus is that the Turin
club are looking at adding to their squad in January, with reports in Italy
naming Gaetano D'Agostino and Cristian Zaccardo as their top targets.
* WEST HAM'S injury-prone forgotten man Kieron Dyer is determined to play in
the claret and blue before Christmas, writes MATT DINER. The 29-year-old
former Newcastle star has been missing from first team action since breaking
his leg 15 months ago in a Carling Cup match against Bristol Rovers. Three
operations after the incident and a stress fracture picked up in training
later, Dyer, and fellow injured team-mate Jonathan Spector, are likely to
make an appearance in a behind-closed-doors friendly arranged for them this
week. "It will be great to get that first game under my belt," he told The
Sun. "I'm not going to say I'm going to be thrown straight back into the
first team. "Ideally I will have three or four preparation games and then
be ready, perhaps for the Christmas period. "Every day I feel sharper and I
do believe now I need to make up for lost time. "My 30th birthday is coming
up later this month and some players start to look toward the end of their
careers when they reach that milestone. "With the amount of football I've
missed though, I feel I have a good five years still left in me.
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HAMMERS TALK: Irons join the race for Heskey
3:40pm Wednesday 3rd December 2008
Guardian Series
WEST HAM have reportedly entered the race to sign Wigan forward Emile
Heskey. Aston Villa, Manchester City, Everton and Tottenham are all
currently linked with the powerful England frontman. Wigan have conceded
that the player is likely to leave the JJB Stadium in the summer when his
contract is up, but sources are now suggesting that they would also accept a
knockdown price of around £4million when the transfer window opens in
January. Reports of the Hammers interest in the 30-year-old seem to counter
speculation that they are looking to sell off their best stars to raise
funds.
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Matthew Upson warns he may be forced to leave if West Ham sell key players
in January
West Ham and England defender Matthew Upson has indicated that should the
club be forced to sell important players in the January transfer window he
would consider his future at Upton Park.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Steve Wilson
Last Updated: 8:51AM GMT 03 Dec 2008
Since joining West Ham from Birmingham City in January 2007 for an initial
fee of £6 million, Upson has become a pivotal figure at the heart of their
defence and in recent months has become a regular in Fabio Capello's
national squad. The former Arsenal player earned rave reviews and a
man-of-the-match award in England's victory over Germany, in which he scored
England's opening goal, and has become Capello's first choice central
defender in the absence of either Rio Ferdinand or John Terry. And in the
light of his own good form, Upson has expressed concern that, were the club
to be forced to sell important players next year, the ambition of the club
would no longer match his own. "In the current climate there haven't been
any assurances and I would not expect any," said Upson. "But if I am to stay
at West Ham and we sell key players in January, then that would really
frustrate me. "I signed for the club because of the vision they had and if
players went now, that would really disappoint me."
The global financial downturn has impacted on West Ham, with Icelandic owner
Bjorgofur Gudmundsson looking for offers to buy him out after the collapse
of that country's banking system, as well as main sponsors XL having gone
bust in the early stages of the season. The club are also facing a potential
compensation bill of around £30 million to be paid to Sheffield United as
settlement for their claim against West Ham in relation to the Carlos Tevez
affair. Upson's team-mate, goalkeeper Robert Green, also urged West Ham's
owners not to break up their squad to solve their financial difficulties.
Green said: "It's not down to us what happens in the future but from a
player's point of view, every time we go out there we're all showing we want
to play for the club and we want to do well. "Within the training ground
it's a happy camp and a hard-working one which hopefully can only get
better."
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West Ham boss Zola backs keeper Green to win England place after Liverpool
shut-out
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 10:01 AM on 03rd December 2008
Daily Mail
Gianfranco Zola has told goalkeeper Robert Green his improvement in form
will win him an England recall. West Ham manager Zola witnessed a stunning
performance from Green in Monday night's goalless draw at Liverpool, which
lifted the Hammers to 13th in the Barclays Premier League table. It also
produced their third consecutive clean sheet. Zola said: 'I have told Robert
that if he continues to perform the way he is, he will be back in the
England squad. 'The England manager (Fabio) Capello knows what is the right
thing to do, and Green knows he must continue to perform every week like he
is now, and then he will be rewarded. 'I am delighted with Robert. He is
looking very comfortable now. He was getting some stick but now he is
getting the rewards he deserves. He is working very hard during the week and
I am very pleased with him.'
West Ham are unbeaten in three games and Chelsea legend Zola said: 'My ideas
are starting to produce results. 'When I first arrived I wanted to improve
the way we played, to be more offensive. But we discovered that we needed to
improve in defence, and that is what we are trying to do. 'Our objective is
to keep clean sheets and to score more goals. We will be working on that.
The team is responding to what my staff and I are saying. They are keen to
react and follow what we want, and that gives us hope for the future. 'My
players are going through a good spell, we must not lose this momentum.
Things had not been going well but things are now improving on our side of
things, we must keep it going.'
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HAMMERS TALK: Brummies in for Bow
9:04am Wednesday 3rd December 2008
Guardian Series
WEST HAM midfielder Lee Bowyer is being chased by Birmingham City, according
to reports. Blues manager Alex McLeish already has Hammers midfielder Nigel
Quashie on loan, and is thought to be keen on taking Bowyer to St Andrews
aswell. Reports are suggesting that the Brummies can land the 31-year-old
for £1million.
Bowyer joined the club from Newcastle in 2006 and has made 48 appearances.
The former Charlton and Leeds United man also had a brief loan spell with
the east Londoners in the 2002-3 season.
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Hammers stars warn against fire sale
9:52am Wednesday 3rd December 2008
Guardian Series
WEST HAM'S owners have been urged to keep hold of their best players by two
its most influential stars. Speculation is mounting that owner Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson is set to orchestrate a fire-sale of the squad, despite boss
Gianfranco Zola insisting that is not to be the case. But Icelandic
businessman Gudmundsson has seen his financial interests severely hit by the
global downturn in the economy. Alongside the collapse of his country's
banking system, the 61-year-old has seen the club lose its main sponsor,
bust travel firm XL, and faces forking out a potential bill of around
£30million to Sheffield United over the Carlos Tevezs affair. As such he is
believed to be courting potential buyers for the club. However, Matthew
Upson and Robert Green - both of whom have been in sensational form for the
team - have warned that breaking up the squad would not be a productive
long-term solution. Ironically, both are among the players tipped for a move
away from Upton Park when the transfer window opens next month. Defender
Upson, who has also become a regular fixture in Fabio Capello's England
set-up of late, even warned that he would consider walking away from the
east London club should players be sold off in January. "In the current
climate there have not been any assurances and I would not expect any," said
the 29-year-old, a £6million signing from Birmingham City. "But if I am to
stay at West Ham and we sell key players in January, then that would really
frustrate me. "I signed for the club because of the vision they had and if
players went now, that would really disappoint me."
Keeper Green - arguably the Hammers' most saleable asset and a player
heavily linked with a move to rivals Tottenham - also told the club not to
break up the squad to solve their financial problems. "It's not down to us
what happens in the future but from a player's point of view, every time we
go out there we're all showing we want to play for the club and we want to
do well," he said. "within the training ground it's a happy camp and a
hard-working one which hopefully can only get better."
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Zola Sure West Ham Form Will Win Robert Green England Recall
Goal.com
There's an opportunity for a shot-stopper to win the England jersey and
Gianfranco Zola believes Robert Green can grab it woth both gloved hands...
Robert Green has been one of the most solid goalkeepers in England over the
past couple of seasons and, despite West Ham United's period of adjustment
under new boss Gianfranco Zola, the player is showing some of his top drawer
form. In particular, he was unbeatable at Anfield on Monday night,
frustrating Liverpool during the goalless draw with some fine stops. Now,
Zola thinks countryman and England boss Fabio Capello won't be able to
ignore the goalie if his form continues and will have to involve him in the
England set-up. The rookie boss said of the once-capped Green: "I have told
Robert that if he continues to perform the way he is, he will be back in the
England squad. "Capello knows what is the right thing to do and Green knows
he must continue to perform every week like he is now, and then he will be
rewarded. "I am delighted with Robert. He is looking very comfortable now.
He was getting some stick, but now he is getting the rewards he deserves.
"He is working very hard during the week and I am very pleased with him."
Zola breezed into Premier League management promising stunning attacking
football, but has learned his lessons quickly, it would appear. He
previously hailed the defensive performance on Merseyside as his side's best
yet and insists that things are starting to click into place for the east
London outfit. "My ideas are starting to produce results," he smiled. "When
I first arrived I wanted to improve the way we played - to be more offensive
- but we discovered that we needed to improve in defence first. "Our
objective is to keep clean sheets and to score more goals."
The Hammers have another Monday game next week, when they'll welcome city
rivals Tottenham Hotspur to Upton Park.
Greg Ptolomey, Goal.com
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I'LL UP STICKS IF HAMMERS SELL
Daily Star
3rd December 2008 By Paul BrownYour Shout ( 0 )
MATTHEW UPSON has warned West Ham he will be forced to consider his future
if they start selling players in January. England defender Upson fears a
fire sale to balance the books at the cash-strapped club, which is for sale.
He warned Hammers owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson not to ruin his side's
revival by selling the best players. Upson said: "In the current climate
there have not been any assurances and I would not expect any, but if I am
to stay at West Ham and we sell key players in January, then that would
really frustrate me. "I signed for the club because of the vision they had.
If players went now, that would really disappoint me. "We're not going to
get carried away on the back of three clean sheets, but, hopefully, we can
build on this."
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Hammers boss praises "awesome" Bellamy
12:29pm Wednesday 3rd December 2008
Guardian Series
WEST Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has hailed Craig Bellamy's performance against
Liverpool as "awesome". And the Italian is now hoping the striker can turn
it on again for the clash with Tottenham. Wales skipper Bellamy was
excellent against his former team mates on Monday evening, on what was his
first return to Anfield since completing a £7.5million move to east London
17 months ago. His pace and work rate caused the Merseysiders' defence no
end of problems, and he also went closest to breaking the deadlock with a
swerving 30-yard effort that rattled a post. Now Zola is hoping that the
29-year-old can channel that energy into the London derby this coming
Monday. "Craig Bellamy had an awesome performance and he was unlucky not to
get a goal," said Zola. "I like him because he's a threat going forward and
he helps the midfield run and chase everybody. "I think he had something to
prove against Liverpool but he does it all the time and as his conditioning
gets better he's going to be even more effective. I'm looking forward to
seeing him against Tottenham."
Zola claimed that the display at Liverpool - the Irons' first in nine
attempts at Anfield - was the most impressive of his short spell as manager.
The result sealed a third straight clean sheet and moved the club away from
the Premier League's bottom three. And the Italian revealed that fitness has
been the key to the side's recent success. "I've congratulated my fitness
coach," said Zola, who has been at the helm at Upton Park for 12 matches.
"Against Liverpool – and last week – you can see that the team is not
dropping in the last 20 minutes like they did at the beginning. "They're
lasting longer and the sharpness is much better. It's very, very encouraging
for me."
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