WHUFC.com
Jonathan Spector is set for a starting place when the United States take on
Costa Rica this evening
03.06.2009
United States coach Bob Bradley has every faith in West Ham United defender
Jonathan Spector ahead of Wednesday evening's 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier
against Costa Rica. Chicago-born Spector is in line to win his 13th senior
cap in San Jose after Columbus Crew's Frankie Hejduk and Hanover 96's Steve
Cherundolo were both ruled out through injury. Coach Bradley believes the
23-year-old has all the right attributes to cope with the Costa Ricans, who
have never lost at home to the Americans in seven previous meetings and go
into the match a point behind their opponents at the top of the CONCACAF
final qualifying round table. Having missed the second half of 2008 - and
the Beijing Olympic Games - with a serious hip injury, tonight's match would
mark Spector's first appearance for his country since the 3-0 friendly
victory over Poland in Chorzow on 26 March 2008. "It's very good to have
Jonathan back in our team," said Bradley. "He's always a guy that we
appreciate what he brings in terms of his experience, his versatility. He
has done very well to overcome some injuries and to deal with some of the
tough moments that have come his way. "He's a very good player, just as a
person, one who makes the group better. So we're excited that he's back with
us and look forward to seeing him on the field."
One of five English-based players in Bradley's squad, Spector is expected to
start at right-back on Wednesday. "He is a versatile player, a guy who does
a lot of the little things to help his team," said Bradley. "Anybody that
knows Jonathan sees the maturity that he possesses. He's an intelligent
young man, he's got a great family, and when you're a player at a high level
there are going to be tough situations."
The United States go into the match having won two and drawn one of their
opening three group matches. Following their trip to Costa Rica - nicknamed
the 'Ticos' - Spector will head for his home city of Chicago to face
Honduras at Soldier Field on Saturday. Bradley knows two victories will see
the Americans take a giant step towards reaching next summer's tournament in
South Africa, a country they will visit later this month to compete in the
FIFA Confederations Cup. "We know that these are important games," said
Bradley. "It's a big challenge but one that we're very excited about."
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Cole eager for more
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole is hoping to win his third cap for his country on Saturday
03.06.2009
Carlton Cole has travelled to Kazakhstan having already experienced the
highs and lows of playing for England in his fledging international career.
The West Ham United striker Cole made an impressive debut against Spain in
Seville in February, but then suffered the frustration of a groin injury
less than 20 minutes after coming on for his second cap against Slovakia at
home a month later. The setback in the Wembley game has certainly not
tempered Cole's pride at being called up to represent his country, an
experience he remembers fondly.
"I didn't actually get a call, I saw it on Sky Sports News and it was a very
emotional time for me and my family. Everyone was phoning me and my phone
was ringing constantly so it was a really moving time for me.
"I'm happy I got the chance and Mr Capello thought that I was good enough to
get there and play at that level. And then when I went there, training was
fiery. Obviously there were some great quality players and to be shown as
one of the best players in the country, just being in the set-up was great."
Cole is now hoping to go one better to help the Three Lions move a step
closer to qualification to the FIFA World Cup in South Africa in 2010 by
beating Kazakhstan on Saturday and then Andorra four days later. Having won
five games out of five, confidence is understandably high.
Against Spain, the West Ham No12 came so could not have come closer to
marking his presence at international level with a debut goal. After
collecting a David Beckham pass, Cole cleverly rounded the goalkeeper only
to see his goal-bound shot hacked off the line by Gerard Pique.
"[Making my debut] was a bit surreal. It was a weird one. I can't even
explain the feeling that overcame me at the time. I was happy to be there
and I nearly scored and that would have been the icing on the cake but it
wasn't to be."
England manager Fabio Capello has spoken to the 25-year-old about the areas
where he believes he can improve his game even further and Cole has eagerly
taken his comments on board. "Yes it's very encouraging. If you look around
the world there are not many players that are big, strong, powerful and
quick.
"So if I can work on all of those attributes and try and make my game a
certain way that would suit a player playing off me ... that would be a
thing to have in my locker."
Cole signed a new five-year deal in November to keep him to the Boleyn
Ground until 2013 and the forward is certain there is still plenty more to
come from him yet. "I've just got to keep working hard as I'm far from the
finished article and I know what I need to work on and I'm going to keep on
fighting tooth and nail to where I want to get to."
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US setback for Specs
WHUFC.com
A surprise 3-1 defeat in Costa Rica has left Jonathan Spector and the United
States needing a home win
04.06.2009
Jonathan Spector is heading for his home city of Chicago hoping to play his
part as the United States look to bounce back from the 3-1 defeat in Costa
Rica.
The US welcome Honduras to Soldier Field on Saturday smarting from their
first defeat in the final stage of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2010 FIFA
World Cup, when only Landon Donovan's late penalty gave any respectability
to a match played in the early hours of Thursday morning London time.
Spector had been tipped to figure at right-back but that berth went to
Marvell Wynne, the Toronto FC full-back, and he had to be content instead
with a watching brief in San Jose. The West Ham United youngster will hope
for better this weekend, with the 23-year-old having fond memories of
playing in the Windy City.
"I played against Mexico in Chicago in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final in 2007
and that was very special. Chicago is where I'm from and I hope to again
play in front of my family and friends. It's a good opportunity for me and
I'm looking forward to it. I've certainly had more than my fair share of
ticket requests!"
The US find themselves two points behind leaders Costa Rica in the CONCACAF
standings, and two ahead of third-placed Honduras who have a game in hand.
Only the top three nations in the six-team group are guaranteed a place in
next summer's finals and the US still have to travel to Mexico and Trinidad
and Tobago.
More than 40,000 tickets have been sold for this weekend's match at the home
of the Chicago Bears NFL franchise, showing soccer is popular in a city
famed for its American Football heritage. "Soccer is pretty well-supported
in Chicago and the city is also the home of the US Soccer Federation,"
Spector added.
Following his trip home, the versatile 23-year-old will be eager to make up
for lost time by being named in the US's 23-man squad for the 2009 FIFA
Confederations Cup in South Africa. Spector missed both the 2006 FIFA World
Cup and last year's Beijing Olympic Games through injury and is desperate to
be involved this time around.
The US face world champions Italy, five-time World Cup winners and Copa
America holders Brazil and African Cup of Nations winners Egypt at the group
stage, kicking off with a mouth-watering clash with the Italians in Pretoria
on 15 June. Bradley's team will take on Brazil at the same venue three days
later before facing Egypt in Rustenburg on 21 June.
"I'm certainly looking forward to that," said Spector. "We have three tough
games in Brazil, Italy and Egypt so it's a very difficult group, but it's a
good way for us to test ourselves going into, hopefully, next year's World
Cup. We've no idea who Italy or Brazil will bring in their squads but,
whoever they bring, I'm sure they'll be pretty good players."
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Green going for goal
WHUFC.com
Robert Green is looking forward to the possibility of making his first start
for England on Saturday
03.06.2009
Robert Green has been speaking about the "massive chance" to stake his claim
for the England No1 spot with the weekend international in Kazakhstan.
The West Ham United goalkeeper will be competing with Paul Robinson and
Scott Carson for the chance to replace David James in Saturday's FIFA World
Cup qualifier in Almaty. He has just enjoyed another tremendous season for
the club, making it 88 successive league outings and earning the Hammer of
the Year runner-up award to go with claiming the overall prize for the
previous campaign.
"I think it's a massive chance for one of the three of us," said Green.
"Between us we've obviously got to work hard in training and try and
impress. "With Jamo being out for these two games it's an opportunity.
Whether it comes to myself, or Robbo or Scott is another matter, it's down
to the manager. But in the overall scheme of things it's a massive chance
for one of us."
The 29-year-old has been capped twice previously, including in the friendly
defeat in Spain back in February, and would relish the chance to make it
four appearances, with next Wednesday's home qualifier against Andorra also
on the horizon. "I feel like I'm ready, I feel like there is a step to be
taken and you should never deny yourself that step up.
"I've looked and watched and taken part, on a few occasions, to be involved
with the first team and it's a tremendous honour to be there. It feels like
it's an opportunity that's there and it's ready to be taken."
Green has had to be patient in his international career, with only the two
substitute appearances to his name thus far. The challenge of forcing his
way into the England set-up once prompted him to jokingly have 'England's
Number 6' stitched on to his gloves.
"It was 18 months ago. It was just a gag started up by the West Ham fans, a
light-hearted jibe, a bit of self-depreciation on my part.
"But I never seriously thought my England chance had gone. I'm still fairly
young. I've not his 30 yet. You look at someone like David James, who has
done tremendously well for his country and he is now in his late 30s."
West Ham fans can look forward to Green getting better and better, and with
three years left to run on his existing contract at the Boleyn Ground, the
keeper feels he can improve even further for club and country. "I don't
think I've reached my peak, I think there's more to be learnt and I think
there's more to improve on in my game.
"But there's not a day that goes by when I don't do that, when I don't work
on things that need to be improved on. That's one of the great things about
football; there's always time and a chance to improve so in terms of that I
feel I'm ready to take a chance but until you take that step up you don't
know what you need to improve on and that's something that I'm ready and
willing to learn from.
"You always keep the belief and there's a large part where you believe if
you do everything you can then, when the time comes, you're ready. If it
never comes you can't sit there and say well, what if? If it comes I'll feel
like I'll be ready. There are tough games coming up but ones in which I'm
itching to play in.
"It's a chance I've been waiting for since I became involved in the England
squad and it's a determination to want to improve myself as a player and a
person, and gain experience from. If I can do that in any games then I'll be
determined to do it and it's a personal pressure more than anything and any
pressure from outside."
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Neill turns down new Hammers deal
BBC.co.uk
West Ham United defender Lucas Neill has rejected the offer of a new
one-year contract. The Hammers confirmed that the 31-year-old Australian,
who arrived from Blackburn for £1.5 million in January 2007, was now seeking
another club. Neill's agent Darren Jackson said on Monday that his client
had hoped to extend his stay at West Ham, but added there was interest from
other clubs. The club website also revealed a list of 12 players remaining
with West Ham. These include Herita Ilunga, whose permanent transfer from
Toulouse for an undisclosed fee comes into force this summer, Jack Collison,
Mark Noble, Savio Nsereko and Freddie Sears. Junior Stanislas, Marek Stech,
James Tomkins, Dean Ashton, Valon Behrami, Carlton Cole and the club's
player of the year Scott Parker will also be featuring for the Hammers next
season.
Manager Gianfranco Zola is looking to build on his impressive start at Upton
Park after finishing ninth in the Premier League. But the Italian now has
the task of finding a new full-back following the news of Neill's departure.
Neill had been seeking a new settlement, but the signs were ominous two days
ago when Jackson (his agent), talking about the ongoing negotiations, said:
"The longer it goes on, the more likely it's not going to happen." Jackson
also revealed that his client had rejected an initial offer because he
"didn't feel it reflected his value as a player and captain". As well as
eyeing new employers, Neill is on international duty this month. Australia
have three World Cup qualifiers - away to Qatar and then at home against
Bahrain and Japan - and they require just a single point to guarantee
participation in South Africa next summer. The West Ham website also
revealed that Diego Tristan, Lee Bowyer, Walter Lopez, Kyel Reid, Tony
Stokes and Jimmy Walker were all free to leave the club. It added that the
loans spells of Jan Lastuvka (from Shakhtar Donetsk), Radoslav Kovac
(Spartak Moscow) and David Di Michele (Torino) had come to an end.
Meanwhile, it was announced on Wednesday that goalkeeper Peter Kurucz had
signed a four-year deal. The Hungary Under-21 keeper has been on loan from
Budapest side Ujpest FC since February, making his debut for the reserve
team against Aston Villa in March. The 21-year-old was also named as a
substitute in the senior squad for the first time at Everton last month.
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Hammers sign up Hungarian keeper
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have secured the services of Hungary Under-21 goalkeeper Peter
Kurucz on a four-year deal from Ujpest FC for an undisclosed fee. The
21-year-old has been on loan with the Hammers from the Budapest side since
February. Kurucz was named as a substitute in the senior squad for the
first time at Everton last month. Marek Stech, Adam Street, Deniz Mehmet and
Kurucz are all behind Robert Green in the West Ham pecking order. Kurucz has
been under the guidance of goalkeeper coach Ludek Miklosko and quickly made
his mark with a debut for the reserve team against Aston Villa in March. His
career began with Ujpest, making 11 appearances for the club and also spent
a loan period with Hungarian side FC Tatabanya.
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'Keeper lands permanent deal
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 3rd June 2009
By: Staff Writer
Hungarian goalkeeper Peter Kurucz is set to join the Hammers on a permanent
basis following a successful loan spell. 20-year-old Kurucz - who was on
duty for Alex Dyer's youngsters in Hong Kong at the weekend - is set to land
a four year deal having impressed since signing on loan at the beginning of
February. West Ham took the player on loan initially with view to a
permanent deal - an option which, according to Kurucz's current club Ujpest
FC, the Hammers have triggered. A statement on the club's website read:
"The talented Újpest goalkeeper will continue his career with the London
club. The player's performance in recent months has convinced the Premier
League club to offer a four-year contract to Peter."
Kurucz is set to replace the outgoing reserve 'keeper Jan Lastuvka, who
returned to his club last week having completed his season-long loan spell.
Meanwhile striker Tony Stokes - currently on loan with Ujpest as part of the
deal which brought Kurucz to London - has revealed that he would like to
extend his stay in Hungary. Talking to Ujpest FC Online, the 22-year-old
Academy product said: "I feel like I could fit in the team, and I feel very
well in Budapest. Hungarian football is good."
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Goodbye, BG
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 3rd June 2009
By: Staff Writer
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson could relinquish control of West Ham United as early
as next week. Despite reports of several interested parties KUMB understand
that Straumer are finally set to complete their takeover of the club
sometime next week, meaning the end for the Icelander who purchased West Ham
less than three years ago. Once the takeover is completed Straumer will
appoint a new Chairman and Vice Chairman, meaning that Gudmundsson's right
hand man Asgeir Friedgeirsson will also depart - although the remaining
board members, including CEO Scott Duxbury and Financial Director Nick Igoe
are set to remain. Straumer today applied to the US courts for a Chapter 15
proceeding, a mechanism for dealing with insolvency cases involving parties
with interests in more than one country. This is thought to be part of the
investment bank's restructuring ahead of next week's proposed takeover.
Tomorrow creditors of Straumer will attend a meeting in Reykjavik where the
bank's reorganisation plans will be outlined. That meeting, which will begin
at 10am local time, can be viewed live via a webcast here.
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Kovac may stay
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 3rd June 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are interested in signing midfielder Radoslav Kovac on a permanent
deal. The 29-year-old Czech midfielder moved to London in January on loan
for the rest of the season and has now returned to his current club, Spartak
Moscow, having featured for the Hammers on 10 occasions. However KUMB
understand that West Ham will seek to bring the player back to the club next
season - but only if they can reach an agreement with the Russians. Kovac's
loan deal included a future fee of £4million but United are thought to value
the player at around half that. Should that move fall through Gianfranco
Zola is understood to be looking at a possible replacement midfielder - just
one of number of positions set to be strengthened this summer.
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It's up to you
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 3rd June 2009
By: Staff Writer
Club captain Lucas Neill says he may yet stay at West Ham - despite
rejecting the club's latest offer. KUMB understands that the 31-year-old has
rejected a one-year contract that whilst worth less than his existing deal
is still considerably larger than the 50% pay cut mooted by at least one
newspaper earlier today. Neill, who is looking to play in the UK for one
more season before returning to Australia's A League is understood to be
seeking an extra year on the same terms as his current contract - a demand
that the Hammers are not prepared to meet. Although he has rejected the
club's offer it remains on the table, leaving the ball firmly in the
Australian full-back's court - something confirmed tonight by Neill,
speaking from Dubai where he is preparing for the Socceroos' World Cup
qualifier against Qatar this weekend. "The door is open for us to come to
an agreement but while I'm here I'm not even thinking about it," he said. "
Of course [I want to stay], I'm the captain of the club, I've had a good
season and no doubt we'll have another good one - so hopefully something
happens. My management are doing what they do; I can just relax. "I'm very
comfortable about the situation and I'm sure something will be sorted out.
On the 17th of June I'll start worrying about myself again. If the option is
still there to stay with West Ham, great. If not, I'll have to look at other
options."
News of the breakdown in talks will however alert other clubs, with
Manchester City - now managed by Neill's former boss Mark Hughes - just one
club linked with the player in recent days. Elsewhere today the Hammers
confirmed that nine first team squad players have been allowed to leave the
club.
Diego Tristan, Lee Bowyer, Walter Lopez, Kyel Reid, Tony Stokes and Jimmy
Walker, one of the few remaining players from United's brief sojourn into
the Championship have all been released - whilst Jan Lastuvka, Radoslav
Kovac and David Di Michele have returned to their clubs following the
completion of their loan deals.
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Neill to depart Hammers
Aussie rejects contract offer and becomes free agent
By Jamie Casey Last updated: 3rd June 2009
SSN
West Ham United have confirmed that captain Lucas Neill will be leaving the
club after rejecting their contract offer. A statement on the club's
official website confirms the inevitable departure, as Neill is not included
on the list of retained players for the 2009/10 season. The Australian
rejected a one-year extension to his current deal, which has now expired.
The club claim to have made him a significant offer, which has officially
been rejected and the full-back can speak to other clubs. The 31-year-old is
expected to attract interest from other clubs, including Manchester City,
and West Ham have wished him well after two-and-a-half years service at
Upton Park. Among others leaving the club appear to be Diego Tristan, Lee
Bowyer and Walter Lopez while loan signings David Di Michele and Radoslav
Kovac have returned to Torino and Spartak Moscow respectively. Meanwhile
Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola has enhanced his goalkeeping options with the
signing of Hungary Under 21 international Peter Kurucz from Ujpest FC. The
21-year old has been on-loan at the club since February and has impressed
enough to earn a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee. Kurucz joins Czech
shot-stopper Marek Stech as competition for number one Robert Green, as Zola
prepares to build on a successful first season as manager.
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Walker's quiet exit leaves a sad hole
Biscuits - Thu Jun 4 2009
West Ham Online
It is unusual for a reserve goalkeeper quietly released by his club at the
end of the season to stir the fans' emotions. Yet no West Ham supporter will
forget the contribution made by Jimmy Walker after his departure from Upton
Park yesterday. The game is full of footballers who take themselves far too
seriously; he does not belong to that group.
A goalkeeper who is second-choice for his team can have cause to become
sullen with opportunities for matches rare. With West Ham approaching their
second season in The Championship, their manager Alan Pardew signed Walker
from Walsall in the summer of 2004 as back-up to Stephen Bywater. Little was
known about a man whose football had been played exclusively in the lower
leagues.
Yet fans looking for a reference point had one. In January 2001, West Ham
were given an away draw at Walsall in the third round of the FA Cup. Michael
Carrick, Joe Cole, Frank Lampard, Trevor Sinclair and Fredi Kanoute each
started and the Premier League side won an engrossing match 3-2. One
performance stayed in the memory however - that of the home goalkeeper,
Jimmy Walker, whose many saves kept the final score respectable.
How, one wondered, could this excellent goalkeeper not be plying his trade
in the top flight? The answer was simple: size. Walker suffered from
Napoleon syndrome. At just 5ft11, he was judged too small. A goalkeeper can
work on his catching, kicking or shot-stopping. Growing taller is a physical
impossibility.
Walker had to wait his turn at West Ham. Bywater was first choice, although
many were unsure whether he was truly capable. Hesitancy off his line and
poor kicking were worrying features in his make-up.
So when Walker was picked for a Carling Cup match, interest in him was high.
His only problem was that the tie was away to Jose Mourinho's Chelsea. Yet
he performed as if his very life depended on it. There were 6,000 West Ham
fans at Stamford Bridge that night and none will ever forget it.
Predictably shot after shot rained in on the West Ham goal. Joe Cole, by now
a Chelsea player, was in a threatening mood and appeared determined to
score. He could not beat Walker. Only Mateja Kezman could, and only the
once.
Kezman's goal turned out to be the winner, but the game's narrative swung
away from the outcome of the match near its end. With 15 minutes remaining,
Tomas Repka fouled Arjen Robben in the box and a penalty was awarded - at
the West Ham end. Immediately Frank Lampard grabbed the ball. This was his
moment to finally silence the taunts of the West Ham support. This was his
penalty.
He struck the ball hard and slightly of the ground, down the middle, almost
as if he was hoping to burst the net and send the ball into the crowd.
Walker dived to his left. He had been tricked by simple bludgeonry. Yet the
net did not burst. Lampard was lifting his hands, but not in celebration, to
put them to his head. The ball had spun high up in the air and away from the
goal. Somehow Walker had saved the penalty with a combination of knee, leg
and luck.
The away support erupted, their foe beaten, a cult hero spawned. In one
moment, in his short West Ham career, Walker had sealed his place in the
hearts of every West Ham fan for ever. If he didn't appreciate it at the
time, he soon would.
He was back on the bench in the next game however. There were no complaints.
He simply waited. He earned a run in the side in January, but an
error-strewn display in a 4-2 defeat against Wolves let Bywater back in.
Walker did not feature again until April.
By then Pardew was desperate. West Ham were in serious danger of not making
the Play-offs and the financial consequences did not bear thinking about.
Walker was thrown in for a crucial match at the league leaders, Wigan
Athletic, that West Ham did not dare lose. Pardew never did make it easy for
him.
With Walker sure of himself in goal, West Ham won the match 2-1. Walker was
not dropped again and West Ham eventually reached the Play-off final, where
they faced Preston North End. The better side throughout, Bobby Zamora gave
the Hammers a merited lead after 57 minutes.
West Ham had performed so well that Walker had barely been called upon -
then, out of nowhere, disaster struck. Coming well off his line to catch a
high ball from Preston's defence, in mid-air Walker realised he had left his
area. In an attempt to end his descent in the box, he twisted his leg back,
inevitably tearing the cruciate ligament in his knee upon landing. To
compound matters, he had landed outside the box. He was spared a red card
for deliberate handball by a sympathetic referee and after seven minutes of
injury time, West Ham held on.
For Walker, though, his Premier League career was over before it had even
begun. Few doubted he would have been West Ham's goalkeeper in their first
season back. Roy Carroll was signed from Manchester United instead.
The day after the Play-off final, I headed to an open-top bus parade to
celebrate West Ham's promotion. Near enough to the bus to speak to the
players, I chanced upon Walker. "How's the knee, Jimmy?" I shouted. His
answer, delivered humorously and with a wide smile, was cheerily blunt:
"Fucked!" Not many players are so open or self-deprecating. On a day of
great celebration, that memory stands out.
Having recovered from his lengthy injury, Walker made only two more
appearances for West Ham. Indeed his final memorable act came after a match
in which he had not been involved. West Ham qualified for the Uefa Cup in
2006 but their campaign ended with a heavy first round defeat to Palermo.
After the second leg, lost 3-0 in Italy, the away support were kept in the
stadium for some time. In an empty stadium, Walker took it upon himself to
lift what had been a miserable night. Shooting against a vacant goal, he met
a cross with a stunning bicycle kick which cracked against the crossbar. To
cheers, he eventually put in the rebound before accepting his fans' chants
of appreciation.
Funny and down-to-earth, he will be sorely missed. Everyone liked Jimmy
Walker. Maybe just not Frank Lampard.
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Debt, Turnover and Wages of PL Clubs
Armchair Supporter - Thu Jun 4 2009
West Ham Online
Very interesting breakdown of the PL debt, wages and turnover figures in
yesterday's Guardian Sports section -
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/jun/03/english-premier-league-debt -
but get hold of the paper, if you can, as the printed version is a lot
easier to digest.
According to the article, we have debts of £36m, a turnover of £57m and a
wage bill of £44m (so our wage bill as a percentage of our turnover is 76%).
However, although these figures might look worrying, they are actually
(mostly) pretty good by PL standards.
Debt:
We are nicely placed at 16th in the debtors table, with only 1.2% of the
total PL debt. The only clubs with less debt than us are Blackburn (£17m),
West Brom (£9m), Stoke (£2m) and Hull (£1m)
As you might expect, the clubs with the worst debts are the 'big 4' -
Chelsea (£701m - 22.4% of the total PL debt), Man U (£699m - 22.4%), Arsenal
(£416m - 13.3%) and Liverpool (£280m - 9%). 67% - over two thirds - of the
PL's collective debt is owed by just the top 4 clubs.
Oddly, the next most indebted club is Fulham (£197m - 6.3%), but (as with
their neighbours) this is interest free.
Worrying figures for North-Eastern football though, at 7th and 8th in the
table, with Newcastle owing £106m and Boro in debt to the tune of £93m.
Three times our debt and playing Fizzy Pop footy...
Turnover:
Much sadder figures here. We are down at 13th, with Bolton (£59m),
Sunderland (£64m) and Portsmouth (£71m) all managing to earn more than us,
and below us only Blackburn (£56m), Fulham (£54m), Boro (£48m), Wigan
(£43m), West Brom (£27m), Stoke (£11m) and, rather sweetly, Hull on just
£9m.
Our turnover breaks down as: £17m match day income, £24m TV, £5m
catering/corporate hospitality, £9m commercial activities and just £2m
retail and merchandising. How does a club of our history, fan base and
popularity only manage to earn a paltry £2m from merchandising??
Again, the top 4 have the highest turnover, with Man U raking in £256m,
Arsenal £223m, Chelsea £214m and Liverpool £159m. Rather depressingly, Spurs
are 5th with a turnover of £115m - over twice ours.
Newcastle raked in an impressive £101m - it will be interesting to see how
that holds up in the so-called Championship.
Wages:
Better news here, as we are comfortably mid-table at 11th, with a wage bill
of 'just' £44m.
Predictably, once again at the top are the big 4 (3 actually, as there are
no figures for Liverpool): Chelsea £149m, Man U £121m and Arsenal £101m
(what happened to buying kids and bringing them on being cheaper?) .
And, again, bad news for Newcastle fans - their wage bill comes in 5th (or
possibly 4th!) at £75m. £75m for what??? It can't all be Michael Owen. And
no relegation clauses apparently, so, boy, are they going to have fun in the
Fizzy Pop. The next Leeds?
Below Newcastle, it's much of a muchness, with 13 teams in a band between
£29m (West Brom) and £55m (Portsmouth). But, with big spending clubs like
Man City and Spurs only paying out £54m and £53m, it has to be asked how on
earth Portsmouth manage to end up topping them with a wage bill of £55m!
At the bottom of all this high living are once again little Stoke and Hull -
with £12m and £7m wage bills. Lowest debt, lowest turnover and lowest wage
bill - and yet both survived their first year in the Premier, Stoke quite
comfortably. West Brom, Boro and Newcastle collectively paid out nearly
£140m in wages, only to go down. Food for thought.
Wages as a Percentage of Turnover:
Perhaps a better indicator of the amount clubs spend on wages is to look at
how their wage bill compares to their turnover.
And here the figures are possibly not as you would expect, with only 2 of
the top 4 featuring at the top of the table (percentage for Liverpool not
known).
Arsenal top the table with the lowest proportion of wages to turnover at
45%, but (unfortunately, once again) Spurs come second with 46% and Man U
only manage 3rd with 47%.
Rather surprisingly, City are only joint 6th (with Bolton!) with 66%, and
Chelsea are right down at 9th with 68%.
We are at a rather worrying 14th with 76% (three quarters of our turnover
goes on paying wages - as opposed to less than half at Arsenal, Spurs, Man
U, and, more tellingly, Sunderland).
For once Hull aren't propping up the table as they only do one point worse
than us at 77%, but Stoke manage an auditor-numbing 106%! On a turnover of
£11m, they managed to pay out £12 in wages, but their debt is only just over
£2m - and remember they finished in a comfortable 12th place, just three
places and 6 points below us.
Looking at the wages table (see below), you could conjecture that, if we
want to seriously challenge for Europe, we need to be paying around the same
wages as clubs like Man City, Spurs and Villa - around the £50-£55m mark.
and that would give as a wages as percentage of turnover figure of nearly
100% - we would have no money left for anything else. Baring Zola/Clarke
miracles, to progress in the PL, we have simply got to increase our income.
The stats in full:
Debt:
Chelsea - 701
Man U - 699
Arsenal - 416
Liverpool - 280
Fulham - 197
Man City - 147
Newcastle - 106
Boro - 93
Villa - 73
Sunderland - 69
Wigan - 66
Spurs - 65
Portsmouth - 58
Bolton - 52
Everton - 39
West Ham - 36
Blackburn - 17
West Brom - 9
Stoke - 2
Hull - 1
Turnover:
Man U - 256
Arsenal - 223
Chelsea - 214
Liverpool - 159
Spurs - 115
Newcastle - 101
Man City - 82
Everton/Villa - 76
Portsmouth - 71
Sunderland - 64
Bolton - 59
West Ham - 57
Blackburn - 56
Fulham - 54
Boro - 48
Wigan - 43
West Brom - 27
Stoke - 11
Hull - 9
Wage Bill:
Chelsea - 149
Man U - 121
Arsenal - 101
Newcastle - 75
Portsmouth - 55
Man City - 54
Spurs - 53
Villa - 50
Everton - 45
West Ham - 44
Blackburn - 40
Fulham - 39
Bolton - 39
Wigan - 38
Sunderland - 37
Boro - 35
West Brom - 29
Stoke - 12
Hull - 7
(all figures are £m and some have been rounded to the nearest whole number)
Wages as a Percentage of Turnover:
Arsenal - 45
Spurs - 46
Man U - 47
Sunderland - 57
Everton - 59
Bolton/Man City - 66
Villa - 67
Chelsea - 68
Blackburn - 70
Boro/Fulham - 73
Newcastle - 74
West Ham - 76
Hull - 77
Portsmouth - 78
West Brom - 80
Wigan - 89
Stoke - 106
(no figures available for Liverpool)
All mistakes are Stoat's
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West Ham captain Lucas Neill has left the club after failing to agree new
deal
Hammers defender leaves Upton Park with Manchester City reportedly
interested in Australian
The London Paper
by: Philip Duncan
4 June 2009
LUCAS NEILL has played his last game for West Ham after the club confirmed
their skipper would be leaving Upton Park. The Australian defender rejected
a one-year extension to his current deal, which has now expired. According
to reports, Neill, who played more than 70 games for the Hammers, was
unwilling to take a 50% pay cut as the West Ham board look to balance the
books. And although Neill's agent said he was keen to stay at Upton Park,
the defender's absence from West Ham's list of players for the 2009/10
season confirms his status as a free agent. Neill is not the only player set
to leave West Ham this summer as the club confirmed Diego Tristan, Lee
Bowyer and Walter Lopez are free to move on, while loan signings David Di
Michele and Radoslav Kovac have returned to Torino and Spartak Moscow
respectively.
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Robert Green planning to make big impression on England coach Fabio Capello
Robert Green has said he is totally focused and ready to stake his claim to
become England's first choice goalkeeper at the World Cup finals.
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Ley
Published: 2:03PM BST 03 Jun 2009
David James, England's first choice goalkeeper under Fabio Capello,
underwent a shoulder operation a fortnight ago, leaving the way open for
Green to face Kazakhstan, on Saturday in Almaty, before Andorra visit
Wembley next Wednesday. Another potential replacement, Manchester United's
Ben Foster, is also recovering from injury, so the West Ham first choice
will compete with Blackburn's Paul Robinson and Scott Carson, of West
Bromwich Albion, to face Kazakhstan. Robert Green: England selection won't
be for granted"I think it's a massive chance for one of the three of us,"
said Green, outstanding for West Ham this season. "Between us we've
obviously got to work hard in training and try and impress. "With Jamo going
for these two games it's an opportunity. Whether it comes to myself, or
Robbo or Scott is another matter, it's down to the manager. But in the
overall scheme of things it's a massive chance for one of us."
Green, 29, has been involved in England squads for more than five years but
has so far won just two caps and has yet to start for the Three Lions. In
June 25 he came on, for James against Colombia, then had to wait until
February for his second game, again as a half-time replacement for James.
But Green accepts patience is an occupational hazard, adding: "It's the
position of a goalkeeper. It's the life that you lead. I've been involved
with England for the best part of five years but I've not had the most
amount of minutes on the pitch. "But it's experience all the same. You take
it on board and you learn stuff. In doing that, in the travelling and
everything else you are learning all the time, you're learning the life of
being the understudy, and that's where you gain your experience from."
And now Green is determined to take his chance. He added: "I feel like I'm
ready, I feel like there is a step to be taken and you should never deny
yourself that step up. I've looked and watched and taken part, on a few
occasions, to be involved with the first team and it's a tremendous honour
to be there. It feels like it's an opportunity that's there and it's ready
to be taken. "I don't think I've reached my peak, I think there's more to be
learnt and I think there's more to improve on in my game. "But there's not a
day that goes by when I don't do that, when I don't work on things that need
to be improved on. That's one of the great things about football; there's
always time and a chance to improve so in terms of that I feel I'm ready to
take a chance but until you take that step up you don't know what you need
to improve on and that's something that I'm ready and willing to learn from.
"You always keep the belief and there's a large part where you believe if
you do everything you can then, when the time comes, you're ready. If it
never comes you can't sit there and say well, what if? If it comes I'll feel
like I'll be ready. There are tough games coming up but ones in which I'm
itching to play in. "It's a chance I've been waiting for since I became
involved in the England squad and it's a determination to want to improve
myself as a player and a person, and gain experience from. If I can do that
in any games then I'll be determined to do it and it's a personal pressure
more than anything and any pressure from outside."
Now Green is hoping he can make a sufficient impression in the next two
games to sway Capello into making him England's first choice. "I hope to get
picked first. That'll be first and foremost. Being involved is a tremendous
honour and getting to play will be an even bigger one and one that I've been
working towards a lot of days, a lot of afternoons during the winter in the
sun and the rain. "It's important that when the opportunity comes you're
ready for it and that'll be a personal ambition as much as anything."
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Premier League - Neill leads West Ham exodus
Eurosport - Thu, 04 Jun 09:57:00 2009
Yahoo Sport
Manchester City are among the clubs rumoured to be chasing Lucas Neill's
signature after the Australia defender opted to leave West Ham. The Hammers
made a "significant offer" to the out-of-contract full-back, 31, who was
keen to secure a 12-month deal in order to take him up to next summer's
World Cup in South Africa.
However, Neill, who controversially turned down an offer from Liverpool to
join the London club in January 2007, rejected their proposal in order to
pursue "other opportunities", according to West Ham's website. Joining the
former Blackburn player through the Upton Park exit are Diego Tristan, Lee
Bowyer, Walter Lopez, Kyel Reid, Tony Stokes and Jimmy Walker. In addition,
the loans of Jan Lastuvka, Radoslav Kovac and David Di Michele have ended
and will not be renewed. Coming the other way are Calum Davenport and Julien
Faubert, whose respective loan spells at Sunderland and Real Madrid have
ended.
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Neill leads West Ham Clearout
The Sun
Published: 03 Jun 2009
LUCAS NEILL has walked out on West Ham after failing to agree terms on a new
one-year deal. The Hammers club captain had been looking to remain at Upton
Park up to the 2010 World Cup, but has rejected what the club has called a
"significant offer" to pursue other offers. Manchester City are one of
several interested clubs expected to speak with the the Australia captain's
representatives in the next few days. Neill is one of 10 squad players who
have been released by West Ham and the only one of those 10 who the club had
tried to retain. Diego Tristan, Lee Bowyer, Walter Lopez, Kyel Reid, Tony
Stokes and Jimmy Walker have all been told they will not be offered new
deals. Loan players Jan Lastuvka, Radoslav Kovac and David Di Michele have
been returned to their clubs. Boss Gianfranco Zola has made one signing.
Hungary Under-21 goalkeeper Peter Kurucz has put pen to paper on a four-year
deal after a successful loan spell at West Ham from Ujpest FC.
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Green shoots of recovery as West Ham keeper earns Capello's respect
By NEIL ASHTON
Last updated at 7:37 AM on 04th June 2009
Daily Mail
The first time Fabio Capello watched Robert Green play for West Ham he was
not convinced he was good enough for England. The second time he was sure of
it. West Ham's keeper has come a long way since November 2007, when a
mistake in the London derby against Tottenham along with another error, when
he was lobbed by Everton striker Andy Johnson from 30 yards the following
month, counted against him. Capello left him out of his first squad for a
friendly against Switzerland in February, prompting Green to wear 'England's
No 6' on his goalkeeping gloves. However, he has recovered and performed
well enough for West Ham to be considered for Saturday's World Cup qualifier
against Kazakhstan in place of the injured David James. Green said: 'There
is no point turning up if you think you're going to be the understudy. David
James has done tremendously well since getting back into the side. His form
is something I aspire to. 'Under the new regime, or not so new now, there
is a belief that people will be picked on merit.'
Green is part of a long line of England players who felt hard done by under
Sven Goran Eriksson, who picked him for the World Cup 2006 before an injury
in a B game against Belarus ruled him out, and his successor Steve McClaren.
The prospect of playing against Kazakhstan on Saturday is recognition for a
decent season at West Ham, yet he accepts he is unlikely to play for a
top-four team. 'The emphasis in England is to spend money on forwards,' he
said. 'If you can pick up an experienced keeper on the continent for a
little amount, you are going to do it. I don't think it's a statement on an
English goalkeeper's ability.'
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West Ham's Green would welcome England competition from Almunia
04.06.09 | tribalfootball.com
As he prepares for his first England cap, West Ham United goalkeeper Robert
Green says he would welcome competition from Arsenal's Manuel Almunia.
Almunia, the Spanish-born player, qualifies for British citizenship next
month. But Green will have no problem in competing with the 32-year-old
should he get the call after five years residing in the United Kingdom.
Green said: "There is a lot of speculation. Almunia has done tremendously
well at Arsenal and it is a decision he has to make. "It is very
hypothetical but I am sure he will have a long hard think about it. It (the
England goalkeeping role) is a high-pressurised position and, if you are
Spanish, it could be even more so. "That is something for him to take stock
of. It is a difficult one to call. "As a player, you want the best players
available and as a manager it is the same. If that comes around, it is
something for the FA to take stock off. "People have done it in the past
and, if he were to do it, I wouldn't have a problem with it. It's a
challenge. "You are here for challenge. It is enough of a challenge for the
guys to get a position in the team and, if another one were to come along,
then so be it. "It is one you can sulk about or get on and deal with it."
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West Ham cut loose Academy quartet
04.06.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United have cut loose four of their young players. The Hammers have
announced Jack Jeffery, Ashley Miller, Tom Harvey and Ryan O'Neill have not
been offered new professional deals while Joe Widdowson has joined Grimsby
Town.
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Tristan, Lopez shown door at West Ham
04.06.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United have decided against offering a new deal to Diego Tristan.
The Hammers have announced Tristan, Lee Bowyer, Walter Lopez, Kyel Reid,
Tony Stokes and Jimmy Walker are free to leave the Boleyn Ground this
summer.
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West Ham turn to Rennes fullback Fanni as Neill replacement
04.06.09 | tribalfootball.com
Rennes fullback Rod Fanni is a target for West Ham United. Hammers boss
Gianfranco Zola is keen on Fanni as a replacement for Lucas Neill, who is
leaving the club after refusing a new contract offer. Fanni, 27, has been
capped twice by France.
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Neill to leave Hammers
Teletext.co.uk
West Ham have confirmed Lucas Neill is set to leave after the captain
rejected the offer of a new one-year contract The Australian wanted a new
12-month deal to take him to the 2010 World Cup, but the Hammers claim the
defender rejected a "significant" offer. A club statement read: "West Ham
wish him well after two-and-a-half years' service, and will focus on
improving the first-team squad for next season."
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Green ready to seize chance
by Alex Livie , 03 June 2009
setanta.co.uk
West Ham keeper Robert Green has signalled his determination to take his
chance for England if he is given the nod by Fabio Capello at the weekend.
England's trip to Kazakhstan is exclusively live on Setanta Sports on June
6. Click here for details on how to sign up to Setanta Sports on Satellite,
Freeview or Setanta-i. England head to Kazakhstan for a World Cup qualifier
on Saturday and Capello is without arguably his number one and two keepers
in David James and Ben Foster. Both are sidelined with injuries and Green
has been joined on the trip by Paul Robinson and Scott Carson. It is likely
that Green will be given the nod for Saturday's World Cup qualifier with
Kazakhstan and Wednesday's home game with Andorra. Green admits it has been
a source of frustration having to watch on from the sidelines, but concedes
it is par for the course for goalkeepers. "It is an opportunity, whether it
comes to myself, Scott or Robbo is another matter," Green said on Setanta
Sports News. "But it is a massive opportunity. "I have been involved with
England for five years and not had the most amount of minutes on the pitch,
but it is experience and you learn stuff by being involved and travelling
and learning the life of being the understudy. "It is part and parcel of
being a keeper. When you are 18, 19, 20 and not being first choice for your
club that is frustrating. It is a similar thing with the national side and
it is all about learning. "Being involved is an honour and playing will be a
bigger one. I have been working towards this for a long time and when the
opportunity comes along I have to be ready for it. "I feel like I am ready.
There is a step to be taken and I have looked and watched and taken part on
a few occasions, it feels like the opportunity is there."
Green has two England caps to his name at the age of 29, but he feels his
career has not peaked. He added: "I don't think I've reached my peak. There
is more to learn and be improved on. But there is not a day goes by when I
work on something. I feel like I am ready to take the chance. "I have always
had belief. If you do everything you can then when it comes you are ready.
It is going to be tough, but I am itching to play. "It is a chance I have
been waiting for since I got involved with the England squad. I want to
improve myself as a player and a person and I am determined to do it."
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Capello to give Hammers keeper the Green light
1:46pm Wednesday 3rd June 2009
Guardian Series
ENGLAND manager Fabio Capello is reportedly close to announcing West Ham
goalkeeper Robert Green as his number one, with the 29-year-old set to start
between the sticks for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan.
The Daily Mail claims Capello is ready to put his faith in Green, who was
instrumental for the Hammers this season, and was voted as runner-up in the
club's player of the year vote. An injury to regular Three Lions keeper
David James means the number one jersey is up for grabs, with Blackburn
Rovers' stopper Paul Robinson and West Brom's Scott Carson also in the squad
for the matches against Kazakhstan and Andorra next Wednesday.
The promotion would surely come as a surprise to Green, who recently wore
gloves emblazoned with the words 'England's number six'.
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Hammers linked with Inter defender
1:25pm Wednesday 3rd June 2009
Guardian Series
WEST HAM are reported to be lining up a move for Chilean defender Luis
Jimenez, according to the Daily Telegraph. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola is
keen to bring in some new faces over the summer for a fresh bid for European
football next season, and Inter Milan's Jimenez is understood to be on his
wish list. It is thought the Italian manager would be keen to bring the
defender in on a season-long loan deal.
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