WHUFC.com
Frank McAvennie and Tony Cottee remember the day West Ham United won 4-0 at Stamford Bridge
10.12.2008
Saturday 29 March, 1986 is a date that will live long in the memories of every single West Ham United supporter. That wet, muddy, Easter weekend, the Hammers went up west and turned onthe style. The Blues' chief tormentors that day were the usual suspects - Tony Cottee, Frank McAvennie and the mercurial Alan Devonshire. All three got their names on the scoresheet as John Lyall's Boys of '86 romped to a never-to-be-forgotten 4-0 victory. McAvennie's 68th minute goal completed the scoring and the Scot, now 49, has a fond recollection of his afternoon out at Stamford Bridge. The Glaswegian is dreaming of a repeat performance when Gianfranco Zola takes his side to face the Blues this Sunday."We had a white strip on and were playing in mud about a foot thick but Dev just didn't have a mark on him. His balance was unbelievable," recalled McAvennie, who was back at the Boleyn Ground for Monday night's London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. "He was involved in everything. That was the sort of player he was. Hopefully we'll get a good result there again because they've not been doing too well at home. "We should have won at Liverpool when Craig Bellamy hit the post. He's one of those special players who can create something out of nothing and I think he will cause John Terry problems because he's a lot quicker than John. It'll be a good day and we'd take a draw."
Strike partner Cottee, scorer of two goals that famous day 22 years ago, believes his former side can hold their own against a Chelsea side that have failed to win their last two Premier League home matches. "It'll be a tough match for the lads but all the pressure is on Chelsea," said the 43-year-old. For those supporters too young to remember United's vintage performance, here is a brief summary. Having dominated the opening stages, West Ham United finally took the lead on 23 minutes when Devonshire netted a spectacular 30-yard strike. The second half, which began with driving rain falling on an already heavy Stamford Bridge pitch, saw the Hammers play some vintage football. The visitors' second goal was a prime example as Geoff Pike, George Parris, Devonshire and Alan Dickens combined to hand Cottee the easiest of chances. By midway through the second period, the game was over as Lyall's team completely over-ran their hosts. First, McAvennie sent Cottee through to slide home the third. Then, the Scot latched on to Phil Parkes' long clearance before lashing in a fourth to ensure the afternoon would go down in West Ham United folklore.
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Upson focused on 'important run'
WHUFC.com
Matthew Upson's thoughts have already shifted towards Sunday's trip to west London
09.12.2008
Matthew Upson was as disappointed as anyone in the Boleyn Ground as Tottenham Hotspur struck a late second to kill off any hope of a West Ham United comeback in the London derby.
The England international led a solid defensive unit that stood firm until Spurs captain Ledley King headed his side in front with 22 minutes remaining before Jamie O'Hara added a killer second at the death late on Monday night.
The central defender believes that as frustrating as the result was, a small change of luck could lead to a big shift in fortune for the team.
"We've not really had the rub of the green at home this season and I thought the first-half was quite level," he said. "It was a bit of a scrappy affair but there wasn't a lot in it and it could have gone either way. We're just disappointed we've not taken anything - we were so close to levelling up and taking a point apiece but it wasn't to be and it's just a disappointing evening for us."
The 29-year-old believes the upcoming 'important run' of games are crucial to defining West Ham United's season, with thoughts already turning to Sunday's second consecutive London derby against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
"There are a lot of teams right in the thick of it. This period building up to and through Christmas is really going to put distance between teams who are looking good and heading for the top and those who are going to be at the bottom of the table. So it's going to be an important run of results for us, we have to work hard and stick to what we believe in and grind some results out."
"Chelsea is definitely a game we want. We've been solid enough to go to places like that and get something from the game so I've got belief that we can do that and I'm sure the players and the manager do too. It's a huge game and they way we've been playing defensively and our organisation has been good there's no reason why we can't get something."
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Fitter, happier?
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 10th December 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have the fourth-best first half record in the Premiership this season - but the worst second half record. If this season's Premier League matches ended after 45 minutes the Hammers would have lost just two of their sixteen outings this season, winning six and drawing eight - a record bettered only by Man Utd, Man City and Chelsea, whom Gianfranco Zola's side face this weekend. However United's second half record - the worst in the Premier League at present - is awful by comparison, with just one game being won in the final 45 minutes this season. Six others would have ended in draws with the remaining nine ending in defeat - including Monday night's 2-0 reversal against Tottenham, which saw goals arrive in the 68th and 90th minute. Much has been made of the recent advances in the medical set-up at the club although that would appear to be challenged by the figures, which can be seen below, that clearly illustrate the Hammers' form dipping drastically after the break. However it would perhaps be too simplistic to blame the numbers on one thing alone, as a number of factors are likely to be involved (use of substitutions/tactical changes/referees decisions etc).
To make matters worse, the Hammers have one of the league's worst 'shot accuracy' records, with just 39% of their 189 shots being on target - a record that betters just two other Premier League sides, West Bromwich Albion (38%) and current league leaders Liverpool (37% - although they have managed 223 shots in total).
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Neill upsets West Ham by asking for pay rise
Matt Hughes
The Times
Lucas Neill has angered the West Ham United board by demanding a pay rise to stay at Upton Park. The West Ham captain is already one of the highest-paid players at the club, on £70,000 a week, but wants improved terms for a further two years to sign an extension to a contract that runs out in the summer.
Neill rejected a £40,000-a-week offer from Liverpool when leaving Blackburn Rovers to sign for West Ham two years ago while insisting his decision was not motivated by money, a claim seemingly at odds with his latest actions. The 30-year-old's representatives attempted to open negotiations on a new contract last summer without making any progress, but were finally granted a meeting this week.
West Ham were stunned to learn of the player's demands for a pay rise in the midst of their financial crisis and rejected them flatly, with Neill likely to be forced to accept a huge pay cut if he wants to stay at the club. The former Blackburn and Millwall right back will be offered no more than £30,000 a week and if he rejects the terms be allowed to leave on a free transfer next summer.
The Australia defender could even be sold in next month's transfer window if West Ham receive a suitable offer, with the club certain to offload players to raise funds in the light of the financial problems of their owner, Björgólfur Gudmundsson, after the collapse of the Icelandic economy. Gianfranco Zola's priority is to keep hold of key players such as Robert Green and Matthew Upson as he braces himself for a relegation battle, but the manager is happy to sell fringe players such as Hayden Mullins, Danny Gabbidon and Luís Boa Morte. As club captain and a regular starter, Neill does not fall into that category, but with just six months remaining on his contract, West Ham could be tempted to cash in rather than lose him for nothing in the summer.
Neill wants to earn one more lucrative contract before returning to Australia to play for Western Sydney, who are in the process of applying for an A-League licence.
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More than a Pazzing interest?
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 10th December 2008
By: Staff Writer
Giampaolo Pazzini has admitted that he may be tempted by a move to the Premier League. KUMB.com revealed earlier this week that Gianfranco Zola was keeping tabs on the former Italian under-21 star, with whom he worked during his tenure as co-manager of the Azzurini. And now the Fiorentina striker has revealed that he may be willing to leave the Italian giants if offered the chance to perform in the English top flight. "The Premier League is a great league and any footballer in the world would love to play there," he said. "I know Zola very well and I am not surprised that he is interested in taking me to West Ham. "My future is my responsibility and I am ready to leave Fiorentina if it is for a great club and a great project."
Pazzini, now 24, made 22 appearances for the Azzurini between 2004 and 2007, scoring five goals. The powerful striker began his career at Atalanta but joined La Viola in 2005 as a replacement for the outgoing Luca Toni. Despite making over 50 appearances in the last two seasons Pazzini has scored just 12 goals, one of the reasons he has found himself mostly on the bench of late. The chance to move to London would give him the perfect opportunity to resurrect a career that appears to be stalling. He is likely to be available for around £5million, although Gianfranco Zola will almost certainly look to take Pazzini on loan initially.
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Zola sets sights on £7m striker Pazzini
Dual boost for Hammers as Dyer nears return with match behind closed doors
By Jason Burt
Thursday, 11 December 2008
Independent.co.uk Web
West Ham United are interested in signing the £7m-rated Italian striker Giampaolo Pazzini, but it is the return today of Kieron Dyer, out of action since a double-break to his right leg in August 2007, which is causing excitement at Upton Park.
A specially-arranged, behind-closed-doors practice match at the club's training ground is scheduled to take place today with the England international, if he comes through the game unscathed, hoping to return to first-team action in time for the busy Christmas schedule. "It's like we are signing a £6m player," said one West Ham source in reflection of the fee that was paid for the player.
Dyer, who turns 30 this month, was injured in a pre-season friendly away to Bristol Rovers less than two weeks after he joined the club from Newcastle United in a four-year deal. It had been hoped that he would return in six to nine months but the midfielder, who can also play as a striker, suffered a series of setbacks and underwent a number of operations as his injury persisted. Having returned to training in the summer it was hoped he would start this campaign but he suffered pain in his shin.
Dyer's expected return will provide a major boost to West Ham who are, at last, seeing their crippling injury list clear up in the face of their worrying league form. Mark Noble and Matthew Etherington are back in training and while although Danny Gabbidon and Dean Ashton are still out the latter has, at least, started jogging again on a gym treadmill after yet another ankle injury and it is hoped he will return next year.
West Ham would, nevertheless, like to sign Pazzini who is well-known to the manager Gianfranco Zola from his time with the Italian Under-21 side. He has struggled to make an impression in the Fiorentina first-team, especially after the signing of Alberto Gilardino from Milan and, now aged 24, is understood to be keen to again link up with Zola and try his luck in the Premier League.
Understandably, given West Ham's financial predicament, with the owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson hoping to sell the club, Zola has been told that he needs to sell before he can buy. At the same time the Italian has made clear that he wants to trim the unwieldy squad he inherited from his predecessor Alan Curbishley, and the names of a number of players has been circulated to other clubs. West Ham already have eight players out on loan.
Those up for sale include Calum Davenport, Nigel Quashie, Jonathan Spector, Luis Boa Morte, Lee Bowyer and Hayden Mullins with Zola wanting to reduce the size of the first-team squad to around 26 rom its current total of around 32. West Ham have a number of highly promising young players, including Freddie Sears, Jack Collison and James Tomkins.
The club have also not received any inquiry from Tottenham Hotspur over their goalkeeper Robert Green – who caused some friction last summer over his demands over a new contract but who is wanted by the club – or Matthew Upson who, equally, is not for sale.
Executives have dismissed claims that they want to sell either Craig Bellamy or Carlton Cole, who recently signed a new five-year deal, despite the financial crisis and the potentially damaging compensation owed to Sheffield United over the Carlos Tevez affair which is pre-occupying the club. West Ham say they need to hang on to their most important players if they are to avoid relegation.
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West Ham matches missed by Kieron Dyer since breaking his leg in August 2007.
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Strachan To Ring for Bell Boy
The Sun
By VIC HOLLY
Published: Today
CELTIC are ready to make a cut-price £5million move for West Ham striker Craig Bellamy. Gordon Strachan has been eyeing the player since the Londoners' current cash problems developed. And the Hoops boss means to be first in the queue as a host of clubs cast their eyes over the Hammers' prize assets. Bellamy, who spent four months on loan at Celtic Park under Martin O'Neill in 2005, is likely to be released in the New Year because of the Hammers' financial difficulties. And he would jump at the chance of a return to the Scottish champions, where he became a crowd hero during his loan spell. Bellamy, 29, has cost £31m in transfer fees since Strachan took him to Coventry from Norwich for £6.5m in August 2000. But the player's reputation is not a worry. A Celtic source revealed: "Gordon is desperate to land him. He isn't concerned by his reputation, having handled the younger version and others like Noel Whelan. "Bellers was a huge hit when he was on loan up here and, at around £5m, the signing would be good business."
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Celtic to bid for West Ham striker Bellamy
11.12.08 | tribalfootball.com
Celtic boss Gordon Strachan is ready to offer £5 million for West Ham United striker Craig Bellamy. Strachan has been eyeing the player since the Londoners' current cash problems developed, says The Sun. And the Hoops boss means to be first in the queue as a host of clubs cast their eyes over the Hammers' prize assets. Bellamy, who spent four months on loan at Celtic Park under Martin O'Neill in 2005, is likely to be released in the New Year because of the Hammers' financial difficulties. And he would jump at the chance of a return to the Scottish champions, where he became a crowd hero during his loan spell. Bellamy, 29, has cost £31m in transfer fees since Strachan took him to Coventry from Norwich for £6.5m in August 2000. But the player's reputation is not a worry. A Celtic source revealed: "Gordon is desperate to land him. He isn't concerned by his reputation, having handled the younger version and others like Noel Whelan. "Bellers was a huge hit when he was on loan up here and, at around £5m, the signing would be good business."
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Upson up for Bridge battle
TeamTalk
West Ham defender Matthew Upson insists there is no reason why his side cannot get a result against Chelsea this weekend. The Hammers travel to Stamford Bridge having seen their three-match unbeaten run end with a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham on Monday. Chelsea remain title challengers despite home defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal this season and Upson knows his side will have to be at their best. "Chelsea is definitely a game we want," he said. "We've been solid enough to go to places like that and get something from the game so I've got belief that we can do that and I'm sure the players and the manager do too. "It's a huge game and they way we've been playing defensively and our organisation has been good there's no reason why we can't get something."
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Tottenham target West Ham pair Robert Green and Matthew Upson
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is reported to be preparing a £16 million bid to land West Ham duo Matthew Upson and Robert Green in January.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Emily Benammar
Last Updated: 11:13AM GMT 10 Dec 2008
The news will not be welcomed by out-of-form and blunder-prone goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes, but Redknapp is more than aware that West Ham are in desperate need of funds to strengthen their own squad. The Daily Mail suggests that £10 million of the total amount is likely to go on Upson who will be an essential addition for Tottenham, with Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate suffering fitness problems. Upson, who has become an established member of Fabio Capello's England squad, recently spoke of the uphill battle West Ham face over the festive period, and this could be enough to tempt the 29-year-old into a move away. "It's been very disappointing," he said after Gianfranco Zola's side lost 2-0 to Tottenham at the start of the week. "Result-wise, we've not really had too much of the rub of the green at home this season. We were so close to levelling up against Spurs and taking a point apiece, but it wasn't to be."
Tottenham have also been linked with signing Portsmouth defender Glen Johnson and Fenerbahce midfielder Stephen Appiah. Meanwhile, ahead of their clash at with Manchester United at the weekend, Ledley King has said he is desperate to be passed fit so he can play against former team mate Dimitar Berbatov at the weekend.
"Until the match comes along, I won't be counted out. I have niggles, but I just leave it and wait for the day. I have no problem doing that," he said. "Dimitar Berbatov was brilliant for the club, and he was a fans' favourite, but hopefully we can keep him quiet on Saturday. "There will be no animosity between us. We will say hello to him and shake his hand but once we are on the pitch, we have a job to do. "It happens a lot that you face your former team-mates, and I am used to playing against people I know, so facing Dimitar won't be an issue."
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Craig Bellamy set to leave West Ham in January
West Ham United's financial plight has forced them to put Craig Bellamy on the transfer market for £6 million, according to reports.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Emily Benammar
Last Updated: 10:55AM GMT 10 Dec 2008
Manager Gianfranco Zola could lose a number of his players as West Ham's Icelandic owners attempt to deal with the severity of the financial crisis. Defender Matthew Upson and goalkeeper Robert Green are thought to be strictly off limits to potential buyers, leaving the likes of Bellamy, Dean Ashton and Carlton Cole as the money-making opportunities. Since he signed from Liverpool in 2007, Bellamy has only scored five times in 17 starts, which the Mirror claims has prompted the Upton Park board to question whether he is really worth his £60,000-a-week salary. A string of other players have been mentioned as possibly leaving during the transfer window. Julien Faubert, Nigel Quashie, Lee Bowyer, Luis Boa Morte, Calum Davenport, Danny Gabbidon and Jonathan Spector are all supposedly up for grabs, while the only name to be linked with a move to West Ham is Juventus star Sebastien Giovinco. With his team sitting two places above the relegation zone, Upson has said that their next four matches are crucial in deciding their fate come May. "There are a lot of teams right in the thick of it," he said. "This period building up to Christmas and the matches around that time will put a bit of distance between the teams who can move towards the higher reaches of the table and those who will be struggling at the bottom. "So the next four games are all important for us. We have to make sure we get back to working hard."
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DESPERATE ZOLA SET FOR STRIKING FIRE SALE
Daily Express
Zola wants to revamp his misfiring attack
Wednesday December 10,2008
By Matt Law
GIANFRANCO ZOLA will listen to bids for all his senior West Ham strikers in January in an attempt to revamp his misfiring attack. With the Hammers teetering just above the Premier League relegation zone, Zola is desperate to shake up a strikeforce that has managed just seven goals all season. He has been told he must sell to buy and is open to offers for Craig Bellamy, Dean Ashton and Carlton Cole, who signed a new five-year contract only last month. Zola hopes to raise cash by sacrificing fringe players but knows selling Lee Bowyer, Nigel Quashie, Calum Davenport and Luis Boa Morte will not fund a bid for £7million-rated Fiorentina striker Giampaolo Pazzini. Bellamy's form in front of goal – he has scored once all season and has not hit the back of the net under Zola – is a particular concern and an offer in excess of £5m would be tempting. Ashton would attract the highest bids when fit and firing. But he is not due to return from injury until the end of January, which could rule out a transfer window switch. Zola has declared himself a fan of Cole, but would cash in on his former Chelsea club-mate if it gave him some leverage to bring in players. England central defender Matthew Upson, who, along with goalkeeper Robert Green, could also attract January bids, believes the Christmas period could decide the club's Premier League future.
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Hammers defender: We'll beat the Blues for boss Zola
11:14am Wednesday 10th December 2008
Guardian Series
MATTHEW Upson insists the West Ham players are desperate to get a result for boss Gianfranco Zola at his former club Chelsea on Sunday. The 42-year-old returns to Stamford Bridge for the first time as a manage. He is still revered by the club having spent seven glorious years there as a player. During that time the Italian won two FA Cups, the League Cup, UEFA Cup Winners' Cup and the Super Cup, and also scooped a number of personal accolades including the FWA Footballer of the Year award in 1997. However, his short spell in management is so far proving to be a somewhat different experience. Zola's role in the Upton Park hotseat was already under the spotlight prior to Monday night's dismal derby defeat at home to bitter London rivals Tottenham. That leaves the club just three points above the relegation zone, and four goals in ten games highlights the Hammers' worrying lack of a cutting edge in front of goal. Yet Upson insists the team are in good shape, and is confident they can get a positive result against the Premier League title favourites for the boss. "It's massive for the manager and we'd like to go there and do it for him," said the 28-year-old. "It's a huge game and, the way we've been playing defensively and the fact our organisation has been good, there's no reason why we can't get anything." He added: "Chelsea is definitely a game we want. We've been solid enough to go to places like that and get something from the game so I've got belief that we can do that and I'm sure the players and the manager do too." Upson has also picked out the game as the first in a four-game Yuletide run that could make of break the Hammers season. After the trip to west London, the club host Aston Villa on December 20, followed by a trip to Portsmouth on Boxing Day and another home tie, against Stoke Citytwo days later. A decent return on those games could push the Irons well into the top half of the table – a run of defeats could leave their Premier League survival hanging by a thread. Upson, for one, is calling on the team to make sure they deliver the right response. "There are a lot of teams right in the thick of it," explained Upson. "This period building up to Christmas and through Christmas is really going to put distance between teams who are looking good and heading for the top and those who are going to be at the bottom of the table. "So it's going to be an important run of results for us, the next few games so we have to work hard and stick to what we believe in and grind some results in."
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West Ham's Next Two Matches Are Decisive - Upson
Goal.com
It's not all been a bowl of cherries for Gianfranco Zola since taking the reins at the Boleyn Ground, and one of his more consistent performers knows that wins need to come, and fast...
West Ham United defender Matthew Upson admits that the club's next two fixtures could go a long way towards deciding the Hammers' relegation or survival fate this season. After Monday night's loss at home to Tottenham Hotspur, the east London side remain mired in the dogfight at the tail end of the Premier League table, with only one win from their previous ten attempts. The Irons have won only five league matches all season and have slumped to 16th in the table, just three points clear of the drop zone. On the next two top-flight matchdays, Gianfranco Zola's side face a London derby at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea and a daunting task at home to Champions League contenders Aston Villa. England international Matthew Upson recognises the urgency of the club's current plight, and knows that the next two games could be pivotal points in West Ham's season. He told the press: "There are a lot of teams right in the thick of it. "This period building up to Christmas will put a bit of distance between the teams who can move towards the higher reaches of the table and those who will be struggling at the bottom. "These games are huge. If we can get some good results on the board, we can put a distance between ourselves and that area of the table."
Peter Staunton, Goal.com
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MATT'S ONLY WAY IS UP
The Mirror
MATTHEW UPSON fears West Ham face a make-or-break Christmas that will decide their season. The Hammers are only three points above the drop zone with just one win from their last 10 matches after Monday night's big derby defeat by Tottenham. And Upson claims they are facing another relegation battle unless they turn things around over the busy festive period. He said: "It's huge. If we can get some good results on the board, we can put a distance between ourselves and that area of the table. There are a lot of teams right in the thick of it. "This period building up to Christmas will put a bit of distance between the teams who can move towards the higher reaches of the table and those at the bottom. "So the next few games are all important for us. We have to make sure we get back to working hard and grind out some results."
Goals from Ledley King and Jamie O'Hara won a tight game for Spurs and saw Gianfranco Zola's side booed off by the home fans. Upson said: "It was disappointing. We've not really had much of the rub of the green at home this season."
* West Ham's next six games: Dec 14 – Chelsea (a); Dec 20 – Aston Villa (h); Dec 26 – Portsmouth (a); Dec 28 – Stoke (h); Jan 10 – Newcastle (a); Jan 18 – Fulham (h).
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West Ham ready to offload Bellamy as Zola seeks to raise transfer funds
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 12:49 PM on 10th December 2008
Daily Mail
West Ham are ready to listen to offers for striker Craig Bellamy in the January transfer window. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola needs to raise funds to strengthen his squad and £6m-rated Bellamy would attract plenty of interest from Premier League rivals despite his dismal injury record, reports the Mirror. Spurs have been linked with a £16m swoop for keeper Robert Green and defender Matthew Upson. Aston Villa and Everton are also tracking Dean Ashton but the Hammers board believe it makes more sense to sell Bellamy, who has netted just five times in 17 starts since his £8million switch from Liverpool two years ago.
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West Ham Move Closer To Fiorentina Striker Pazzini
The English club have upped the ante for Pazzini and a January exit could be looming...
Goal.com
Fiorentina may find it difficult to hold onto striker Giampaolo Pazzini as Premier League side West Ham United have stepped up their interest in the player. Pazzini has always been admired by current Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola and a January move could be waiting for the underfire striker. The Daily Express claims Zola is looking to get rid of some deadwood at Upton Park in order to raise the funds for 'Pazzo'. Fiorentina have always denied rumours of an exit for the underfire striker but they could be forced to part company with their man if the price is right. An €8 million deal could see Pazzini join his former Azzurrini coach in London as soon as January. The Italian has been left to rot on the bench by coach Cesare Prandelli. Alberto Gilardino's arrival has seen Pazzini's career take a downward spiral. The Premier League could help him reverse that trend.
Salvatore Landolina,Goal.com
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Di Michele: Roma can't tempt West Ham pal Behrami
10.12.08 | tribalfootball.com
Davide di Michele admits West Ham United teammate Valon Behrami isn't interested in a move to Roma. "I tried to convince him after reading the news in the newspapers," admitted Di Michele, who is on-loan at West Ham from Torino. "But Valon is settled now in London and wanting to prove himself here."
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West Ham keep tabs on Siracusa prospect Gaudio
10.12.08 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United are following young Italian striker Gianluca Gaudio. Gaudio plays with Sicilian Serie D club, Siracusa, and his representatives have courted interest from West Ham, QPR, Palermo and Catania.
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Tristan: West Ham are too good to go down
Sport.co.uk
Author: Charlie Coffey
Posted on: 10 December 2008 - 9:39 PM
Diego Tristan insists West Ham are too good to go down and says he has total faith in boss Gianfranco Zola. The Hammers are in turmoil off the pitch with club owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson desperate to sell the club and rumoured to be ready to cash in on star players Craig Bellamy and Matthew Upson during the January transfer window.Meanwhile, Zola has won just three of his first 12 Premier League games since taking charge in September and was left visibly deflated following Monday's London derby defeat by Tottenham.
But Tristan, who made his West Ham debut as a second-half substitute in that game, reckons the east London club has far too much quality to be dragged into the Championship. "We are in the danger zone but I insist that this team is not going to be relegated," said the Spanish striker. "The manager has spoken to us and he is a real psychologist. He doesn't want anybody with low morale and he is a real Italian, who never gives up, even on a lost cause. "I am sure he will lift us out of trouble and we'll see that in the next few games. I am not worried because I know why I came to West Ham."
West Ham are just three points outside the relegation zone and face a daunting trip to Zola's old club Chelsea at the weekend. But after finally making his first appearance in a Hammers shirt, Tristan is now hoping to make his presence felt at Upton Park. "It has been frustrating after the injury problems but at least I can say I've played in the Premier League now," he added. "It is up to the coach to decide when he thinks I am ready to play but I am desperate to be involved. "It's a step by step process and hopefully when he has full confidence in me then he'll select me."
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West Ham's Neill demands wage increase
11.12.08 | Andrew Slevison
West Ham skipper Lucas Neill has bewildered club owners by asking for a wage increase. The Hammers are in financial turmoil at present so it seems that Neill's demands are nonsensical. He has reportedly asked for an increase on the £70,000 he earns per week and if he doesn't receive it has threatened to quit the club when his contract expires. West Hams Icelandic owners are expected to offer the Socceroos captain around £30,000 a week instead.
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Lucas Neill Shocks West Ham With Wage Demands
Goal.com
Lucas Neill has reportedly flabbergasted the owners of West Ham by demanding an increase in his wages if he is to stay at the club. When Lucas Neill signed for West Ham United rather than Liverpool back in 2006 from Blackburn Rovers it was for, he insisted, reasons other then money. He turned down the £40,000 a week he would have received on Merseyside and decided instead to move to East London, where he reportedly earns £70,000 a week. That is not enough for the 30-year-old Australian now though, as he has asked his representatives to demand a pay-rise from the West Ham board. Otherwise, reports The Times, he will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season. The Hammers Icelandic owners, stricken with a financial crisis of their own due to the collapse of Iceland's national bank, were apparently stunned to hear of the player's demands and told him that he could expect an offer of no more than £30,000 a week. If he doesn't accept that offer, then Neill will be allowed to leave on a free transfer. West Ham are facing having to sell many fringe players, such as Luis Boa Morte or Hayden Mullins, in order to make ends meet for this season, though manager Gianfranco Zola expects to be able to hang on to key man such as Robert Green and Matthew Upson. Whilst Neill is hardly a fringe player, he is club captain after all, this is th efinal year of his contract. If the Hammers receive a suitable offer, the player could well be on his way as they will not want to lose him for nothing in the summer. The defender is apparently keen on receiving one last lucrative European contract before heading home to Australia to play for Western Sydney, who are currently applying for an A-League licence.
Zack Wilson, Goal.com
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Bellamy Out, Pazzini In At West Ham United?
Goal.com
The Hammers are reportedly considering the possibility of selling their fiery Welsh forward in favour of yet another Italian import...
West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola is preparing a €7.9 million bid for Fiorentina striker Giampaolo Pazzini, according to the British broadsheet The Independent. Zola knows the 24-year-old from his time with the Italy Under-21 set-up and with the former Atalanta striker playing second-fiddle to Adrian Mutu and Alberto Gilardino, a move away from the Stadio Artemi Franchi could be on the cards. It is likely that the Hammers would have to sell before they can purchase but West Ham executives have dismissed reports that either Craig Bellamy or Carlton Cole will be leaving Upton Park. However, the British tabloid The Sun reports that Celtic manager Gordon Strachan is keen to bring Bellamy back to Scotland, where he enjoyed a loan spell in 2005. A Celtic 'insider' said: "Gordon (Strachan) is desperate to land him. He isn't concerned by his reputation, having handled the younger version and others like Noel Whelan. "Bellers was a huge hit when he was on loan up here and, at around £5m, the signing would be good business."
While the Bhoys are thought to be readying a €5.6 million bid for the Welsh international, the Daily Mirror claims that Manchester City are preparing a €6.8 million offer.
Ricky Brooks, Goal.com
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