WHUFC.com
The manager is happy with his lot and would not swap his team for any other at home or abroad
22.08.2009
Gianfranco Zola has emphasised his faith in his West Ham United squad on the eve of the derby meeting with table-topping Tottenham Hotspur.
The manager has every confidence his players can build on the fine opening-day win at Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend when they welcome Spurs on Sunday and said the positive atmosphere was not just down to himself. Certainly the attempts to improve the squad and lay the foundations for future success rely on cooperation at every level.
"I have had a perfect understanding with [CEO] Scott Duxbury and [technical director] Gianluca Nani. We work very well. All that you see here is a creation of all of us. It is not just me or Steve Clarke or whatever. It is a creation of everybody.
"It has been a very good relationship and I have trust. If we do anything it is just because we would like to try and reinforce the team and it will be done all together."
Clearly focused only on making it six points out of six, Zola said his main role was to coach and pick a side capable of challenging every week. He added: "That is what I want to do. If someone has to be sold or bought they ask me … but I don't want to interfere in other things. I believe my main strength is to work on players out on the pitch."
The manager is fast approaching a year in the Hammers hot-seat and has revealed he would not swap his squad for any other in the game. The response came in answer to a question about whether he was envious of managers, like his opposite number this weekend, who have had significant resources to spend in recent months.
"I am not jealous of Harry Redknapp," he said. "I do admire him, I do respect him. He has done a great job and has a good team but I wouldn't change my team with any other team.
"I like my players, I trust them. They are improving. They are working hard they are doing everything to be successful and I admire these qualities in the players."
Zola admitted that he was not a big fan of the transfer window and was clear that he has faith in the players that have served him so well since his first day at Chadwell Heath on 15 September 2008. "If we are all fit we can compete with anybody, I could write that team down but the problem is in the Premier League you have got 38 games to play plus the cup.
"It is a very competitive and condensed schedule so you can't rely on them all the time plus in the team we have players that have been coming back from a long time out injured. Kieron Dyer and Danny Gabbidon are like that so you can't really expect that they are going to play 40 or 50 games."
Along with Dyer and Gabbidon, who are being treated carefully on their return to regular action, Zola could have Valon Behrami back in first-team contention by early September. Herita Ilunga's fractured jaw will keep him out for at least Sunday's game though but the manager has not been surprised by his resilient attitude.
"Herita should have been in bed but he was here today working around us. He is a very determined and strong guy. I wouldn't be surprised to see him coming back earlier."
Injuries naturally give chances for others and the manager is predicting one or two unexpected gems to emerge from the Academy or elsewhere this season. "We have some young players that are doing very well and we have some others that might be surprises but among them we have some certainties.
"My duty is to try and rely on the resources that I have got and try to make the best out of that. The challenge for me is to do the best I can with these players."
New faces may well arrive sooner rather than later though to give extra options with Zola admitting "we are trying to reinforce the team and in order to do that we might need some other operations. That is the idea, it is as simple as that".
While he would love to bid for a Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi, he is realistic and more than content.
"The project was to work on this team and make it better and improve the players and also to allow the possibility for young players [to come through]. Last year it worked very well, this year we want to improve. We are trying very hard and it is not finished yet. We will see what happens in the next few days."
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Ilunga out for a month
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 21st August 2009
By: Staff Writer
Herita Ilunga has been ruled out of action for around a month with a fractured jaw. The Congolese left-back was involved in a sickening clash of heads with Wolves' Kevin Foley during last weekend's Premier League clash and was immediately substituted. Ilunga - who appeared in some distress at the time, having rose immediately to his feet following the challenge before collapsing again seconds later - had hoped that the diagnosis would be nothing more than serious concussion. However his worst fears were confirmed as it was revealed that he had indeed suffered a fractured jaw. The news was confirmed by whufc.com this afternoon, who said: "The left-back was initially thought to have escaped relatively unhurt from a clash of heads at Wolves but subsequent examination by club doctors and further tests revealed the extent of his problem."
Ilunga is set to be replaced by Jonathan Spector, who despite being naturally right-sided has featured at left-back for the Hammers on several occasions - most notably at Old Trafford on the day West Ham secured their Premiership survival with a 1-0 win back in May 2007. Other challengers for the role are new signing Fabio Daprela - who featured in a behind-closed-doors win at Watford in midweek - although Gianfranco Zola is thought to favour a more gentle introduction for the youngster. Also in the frame is Danny Gabbidon, who could switch from centre half.
The games Ilunga could miss
Sunday, 23rd August: Tottenham (h) Premier League
Tuesday, 25th August: Millwall (h) Carling Cup 2nd Round
Saturday, 29th August: Blackburn (a) Premier League
Saturday, 12th September: Wigan (a) Premier League
Saturday, 19th September: Liverpool (h) Premier League
w/c 21st September: Carling Cup 3rd Round
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Goldie's looking again
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 21st August 2009
By: Staff Writer
David Gold is the latest name to be linked with the potential purchase of West Ham United FC. Gold, the current Chairman of Birmingham City has, according to reports, agreed to sell his 50% stake in the Blues to Hong Kong businessman Carsen Yeung, who has long been linked with a move for City. That sale is likely to boost Gold's personal coffers by around £40million - a figure, which it is claimed, the 72-year-old entrepreneur is set to reinvest in the Hammers - a club he once held a 30% stake in. Talking about a rumoured bid for the Hammers last week, he said: "Does it surprise me that there's speculation? I've had great ties as a young man [to West Ham] and as a boy. I played for them as a boy, so it's not surprising. "I did, at one time, own 30% of the football club along with my partner, David Sullivan. All of my young life I spent there, so I'll always have an affiliation with West Ham until the day I die - I can't not have that."
Gold, born in East London during the 1930's to a poor family once harboured hopes of playing for his beloved West Ham as a pro but, according to his autobiography, was prevented from doing so by his father. Along with his stake in Birmingham City, he is head of Gold Group International, the parent company of such famous brands as Ann Summers and Knickerbox. CB Holdings, the group set up to control West Ham United in the wake of Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson's departure have publically maintained that they will sell the club once a reasonable price could be obtained. That price has however deterred any interested parties up to this point - much to the frustration of the club's supporters and, no doubt, the management team of Gianfranco Zola and Steve Clarke, who have been forced to work on a shoestring as a result of zero investment and disappearing transfer receipts.
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Zola rejects 'quit' rumours
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 21st August 2009
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola has scotched the latest batch of rumours suggesting that he may be ready to quit West Ham. Zola, talking ahead of this weekend's clash with Tottenham was speaking in the wake of a string of stories suggesting that he would walk due to the board's failure to invest in his playing squad this summer. Not so, according to the normally placid Italian - who also told reporters that rumours of impending sales were wide of the mark. "There has a lot of talk about that but it's not true," he said. "I know the club is working and trying to make the team better but we are short. I haven't threatened the club that I would leave. It is not true. "We're not really under pressure to sell players. Not for the moment. As far as I know, we are trying to reinforce the team. If we do anything, it is because we'd like to reinforce the team - it's as simple as that." "So far at this club I have a perfect understanding with Scott Duxberry and Gianluca Nani - we work very well [together]. All that you see here is a creation of all of us. It's a very good relationship and I trust this relationship."
However Zola warned that should the club go behind his back with regards to making decisions over his players - as is said to have happened with his predecessor Alan Curbishley - his stance would almost certainly alter. "If something happens and I am not called to be asked, then it is going to be a different story," he warned. "But then I will tell you. "To clarify, I have been brought here to work on the pitch. That is my main concern. That is what I have been doing for 11 months. That is what I want to do. "If someone has to be sold or bought, they ask me."
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So long, Marouane
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 21st August 2009
By: Staff Writer
Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh has told French media that he will not be joining West Ham United. The Moroccan international, speaking in an interview with French TV station France 3 Aquitaine earlier this evening revealed that he has rejected the opportunity to join the Hammers, after United's latest bid of around £7million was apparently accepted by his club.: "I have chosen my current club over a move to England, " he said. "I'd prefer to remain with Bordeaux rather than go to West Ham."
The player - whose contract expires a year from now, meaning that he will be able to negotiate with interested parties as early as January 2010 - had previously expressed his interest in moving to East London but appears to have had a change of heart since last speaking to the press 48 hours ago. Chamakh's rejection was predicted last night by Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc, who insisted that he would remain at the club despite strong in terest from United, for whom the search for that elusive striker continues. * Elsewhere Icelandic striker Eidur Gudjohnsen is set to announce his new club by early next week. The Hammers, who have long courted the former Chelsea star are thought to be one of the front runners.
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Liverpool join Upson tug of war
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 21st August 2009
By: Staff Writer
Liverpool are the latest club being linked with a move for West Ham's Matthew Upson. According to today's Irish Independent, The cash-strapped Reds were reported to be readying a £15million bid for the England defender before the club's banks refused to sanction the deal due to the size of the fee and Upson's age. Rumours claiming that Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez had left his post as a result of the financial situation at the club spread like widlfire earlier on Wednesday - something that was proved to be wide of the mark when he scotched reports later that day.
It was claimed by several sources yesterday that Aston Villa were set to make a bid for 30-year-old Upson, although that has thus far failed to materialise. West Ham are understood to be holding out for around £15million for a player who has thus far refused to extend his current contract, which has two years left to run. Villa have also been linked with United's James Collins, although once again no concrete bid has been made. Stoke failed to land Collins earlier in the week despite having a £3.5million + bonuses bid accepted by West Ham. Elsewhere today the Daily Record suggest that West Ham may be tempted into a deadline-day move for Celtic striker Georgios Samaras. The out-of-favour forward was a £2million signing from Manchester City, where he bombed following a £6million switch from Dutch club Heerenveen. The Record claim that West Ham 'have made discreet enquiries' into his availability.
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Zola calls for end to hostilities
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 21st August 2009
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola has called upon West Ham supporters to stop booing former Hammer Frank Lampard. Zola, who featured alongside Lampard at Stamford Bridge towards the end of his playing career called the booing 'unproductive', adding that it was time for it to cease. "Obviously, I will always have a special place in my heart for Chelsea," he said. "The reception I had from the fans at Stamford Bridge when I went back as West Ham manager last season was amazing. "It would be good if others supporters could look at that and realise booing old players is not so productive. Maybe the West Ham fans will continue to boo Frank Lampard as they tend to do, but I think it is time to stop all of this.
"If someone takes a different career path, you have to accept it - and I hope everyone does this with Frank and me from now on."
The United boss, talking ahead of this weekend's visit of high-flying Tottenham also insisted that he is still enjoying his challenge in East London - although he admitted that the constraints imposed upon him as a result of the club's parlous financial situation were proving a major 'disadvantage'. "The idea when I came here was that this would be a club to discover fresh, young talent and build it into a great team," added Zola. "Obviously a lot of things have happened off the field since we [initially] spoke about this project and we will have to wait to see if the rules are still the same. At this moment, I believe they are. This was never about spending £20million to sign the best players in the world as that will never be possible for West Ham. The reason I'm here is because I like the project. I'm not here to make lots of money or to try and become the manager of Chelsea, Manchester United or Real Madrid; I just want to work on a project that appeals to me. "We do not have the financial power of our rivals, but it is interesting to test ourselves against them on the pitch with this disadvantage. The exciting thing is we have proved we can compete."
Zola takes his team into Sunday's derby with a dismal record of played three, lost three, scored none against our nearest Premier League neighbours. In December last year goals from Ledley King and Jamie O'Hara saw Spurs secure a 2-0 win at The Boleyn, whilst a 65th minute Roman Pavlyuchenko strike was enough to take all three points for Tottenham in the return fixture back in April.
Last month the two teams met in China for the semi-final of the Asia Cup which was won by a 75th minute strike from former Hammer Jermain Defoe. The diminutive striker, who left West Ham under a cloud in February 2004 followed up a recent brace for England with a hat-trick at Hull in midweek and will be the main threat to Zola's side.
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Zola eyes bright future at Upton Park
By Kevin Palmer
ESPN.com
August 21, 2009
Gianfranco Zola is doing his best to dispel the myth that good guys cannot succeed in the harsh world of Premier League management. The Italian has impressed in the hotseat.
It is hard to find anyone who has a bad word to say about the little Italian, whose cheeky smile and boyish enthusiasm for the sport he mastered as a player looks set to continue into what may soon be hailed as a successful coaching career.
A top-half finish in his first season as West Ham boss represented a fine achievement and he has already pocketed his first win of the new campaign after a hard-fought victory at Wolves last weekend, yet this is a tale that few would have predicted 12 months ago.
Given his status as a Chelsea legend and West Ham supporters' long-standing aversion to all things associated with Stamford Bridge Blue, Zola was a surprise candidate to take over as Hammers boss following the departure of Alan Curbishley last September.
It meant he had less time than he might have expected to win over his doubters and he did that by introducing a brand of attractive football the Upton Park regulars claimed they had not seen during Curbishley's turbulent stint as manager. Quite simply, West Ham fans demand passing football and Zola has given them just that.
His long-term plan is clearly defined. Turn West Ham into the new home for the world's brightest young football talents and build a squad to replace the potentially magical team that has passed through the club over the last decade.
Joe Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Jermain Defoe, Michael Carrick and Frank Lampard have all emerged through the West Ham ranks in recent years before achieving success elsewhere, so the plan being carried out by Zola and trusted assistant Steve Clarke was merely to continue in the long-standing traditions of the club.
However, the duo could not have anticipated a global economic crisis that has hit West Ham harder than most sporting institutions. With the Icelandic backers of the club, the very men who had promised to finance Zola's vision, running into severe cash flow problems, the manager admits his patience with the project he has started in such promising fashion may need to be extended beyond his original timescale.
"The idea when I came here was that this would be a club to discover fresh, young talent and build it into a great team," begins the 43-year-old who quit his job within the Italian Under-21 set-up to take over at Upton Park. "Obviously, a lot of things have happened off the field since we spoke about this project and we will have to wait to see if the rules are still the same. At this moment, I believe they are.
"This was never about spending £20m to sign the best players in the world as that will never be possible for West Ham. The reason I'm here is because I like the project. I'm not here to make lots of money or to try and become the manager of Chelsea, Manchester United or Real Madrid. I just want to work on a project that appeals to me.
"I will be the first one to hold up my hands and say I made a mistake to come West Ham and I'm not good enough to do the job if it does not work out. At the moment, I won't think so negatively as my aim is to finish the job we have only just started."
Rumour has it that West Ham are under financial pressure to sell star defender Matthew Upson before the transfer window closes at the end of the month, but Zola has to put such worrying rumours to one side as he prepares for Sunday's ESPN televised game against old foes Tottenham.
Having done a fine job of ignoring the boardroom unrest at Upton Park so far, Zola now has to push the club on to the next level and his summer captures of Swiss youngster Fabio Daprela and Chilean midfielder Luis Jimenez suggested he is still being given funds, albeit at modest levels, to carry out the original scheme.
Whether Zola has the raw materials to finish in the top half of the Premier League this term remains to be seen, but there will be those who believe his next logical step will be a defection back to the club where his heart may always lie should he continue to defy logic and push the Hammers forward with little or no money behind him.
Such was the love affair Zola enjoyed with Chelsea that many suspect he is destined to take the managerial hot-seat at Stamford Bridge at some stage in his career, yet the Blues icon insists that chapter of his football career has been closed.
"West Ham took a gamble when they gave me the chance to become their manager and I will stay here as long as the conditions remain the same and they still want me," he said. "The West Ham people have been so nice to me and I owe them something in return.
"Obviously, I will always have a special place in my heart for Chelsea. The reception I had from the fans at Stamford Bridge when I went back as West Ham manager last season was amazing and it would be good if others supporters could look at that and realise booing old players is not so productive.
"Maybe the West Ham fans will continue to boo Frank Lampard as they tend to do, but I think it is time to stop all of this. If someone takes a different career path, you have to accept it and I hope everyone does this with Frank and me from now on.
"I enjoy the challenge I have at West Ham. I have already lasted a little longer in the job than some people expected and hope to be here for much longer. We do not have the financial power of our rivals, but it is interesting to test ourselves against them on the pitch with this disadvantage. The exciting thing is we have proved we can compete."
As Zola returns to the Upton Park touchline on Sunday for a game against a Tottenham side West Ham fans have long loathed with a passion, it is hard to imagine this placid, polite man being anything less than a gentleman before, during and after a game.
Touchline scuffles with managers or dressing room dust-ups with his players are never likely to be the way for flyweight Franco, but he claims to have a sterner side hidden within. "I was successful as a player because I followed my own path and I will never tell experienced professionals that they need to be like me," he adds. "I always tried to have control of my emotions and wanted to make sure I was always a good professional, but not everyone is born like me.
"I have an angry side to my personality, but it's better that the public do not see it. My attitude has always been that getting angry is not a good plan because you lose control. You have to remain focused on the job and this will not be possible if you are running around screaming at people."
The days of football managers at top clubs needing to succeed in a bid to put food on the table for their families are long gone, so it may be that the modern breed of coaches will bring the same calm and composed logic that Zola has with them into the job. When you are a millionaire, before you start a new job, sporting ambition can be placed firmly ahead of personal fortunes.
Time will tell whether Zola's promising start as a Premier League manager can flourish into something more productive, but you can be assured that the Italian will do it all with his trademark smile permanently etched on his face.
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20090821 Chamakh snubs Hammers
Striker prepared to spend the 2009/10 campaign in France
By Chris Burton Last updated: 21st August 2009
SSN
Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh has ruled out the possibility of him securing a move to West Ham. Speculation had been mounting of late that the Hammers were looking to land the Moroccan frontman in an effort to ease their attacking problems. With a number of forwards currently sidelined, Gianfranco Zola was known to be keen on Chamakh.
He will, however, be unable to bring the African ace on board as the player has distanced himself from a proposed switch to Upton Park. "From a sporting point of view, I prefer to stay at Bordeaux than go to West Ham," Chamakh told France 3 Aquitaine.
The 25-year-old also told of how he is still "in the process of mourning Arsenal" after intense speculation regarding a move to the Gunners this summer came to nothing.
He insists he is now looking forward to spending the 2009/10 campaign in France and helping Bordeaux defend their Ligue 1 title. "Instead of joining another Premier League club, I'm going to opt for the very interesting year which Bordeaux is proposing on a sporting level," he said. Finally, he dismissed suggestions that he is planning an imminent trip to London to meet with West Ham officials. "This is just nonsense. I was aware of the West Ham rumours recently but it wasn't a priority," he added.
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Zola refutes quit talk
Hammers boss happy in current role
By Chris Burton Last updated: 21st August 2009
SSN
Gianfranco Zola insists he has no intention of quitting West Ham following speculation regarding his future. The Italian was reported to be weighing up his options after being informed that he would be forced to part with key players. The Hammers' Icelandic owners were said to be keen on trimming the Upton Park squad in an effort to ease their financial woes. Zola, though, claims he has been told of no such demands and is adamant that sales will only be sanctioned if they are beneficial to all concerned. "There has a lot of talk about that (quitting). It's not true," he said. "I know the club is working and trying to make the team better but we are short. "I haven't threatened the club that I would leave. It is not true. "We're not really under pressure to sell players. Not for the moment. As far as I know, we are trying to reinforce the team. "If we do anything, it is because we'd like to reinforce the team - as simple as that."
Zola went on to reveal that he enjoys a positive working relationship with West Ham's sporting director Gianluca Nani and chief executive Scott Duxberry, the men in charge of transfer activity at the East End club. "So far at this club I have a perfect understanding with Scott Duxberry and Gianluca Nani - we work very well," he said. "All that you see here is a creation of all of us. It's a very good relationship and I trust this relationship. "If something happens and I am not called to be asked, then it is going to be a different story but then I will tell you. "To clarify it completely, I have been brought here to work on the pitch. That is my main concern. "That is what I have been doing for 11 months. That is what I want to do. If someone has to be sold or bought, they ask me. "I don't want to interfere in other things because I believe my main strength is working out there with the players."
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Collins urged to join Stoke
Etherington hopes West Ham defender makes Potters switch
Last updated: 21st August 2009
SSN
Matthew Etherington admits he has been trying to persuade James Collins to make the move to Stoke. The Potters are interested in signing the Welsh defender from West Ham and the two clubs agreed a fee of around £5million earlier this week. The deal stalled over personal terms but Tony Pulis remains hopeful of bringing Collins to the Britannia Stadium. Etherington would also like the transfer to go ahead and has recommended Stoke to his former Hammers team-mate "I'm very good friends with James and I've kept in touch with him ever since leaving West Ham," Etherington told The Sentinel. "He was up at the weekend with me when I told him about everything here at Stoke. I spoke highly of the club, but at the end of the day it's down to him."
Collins has established himself as a key member of the Wales side as well as the West Ham team and Etherington is convinced he would be successful for Stoke. He added: "I don't really know what the situation is at the moment between Stoke and James but he would definitely be a great addition for us if we can sign him. "He's an international centre-half with great attributes and he would certainly provide great competition in there at centre-half alongside Ryan (Shawcross) and Abdoulaye (Faye). "As I say, the decision is down to him, but of course I hope he joins us because he will definitely strengthen the squad."
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Boselli interest mounts
English clubs eye Argentine hit-man
Last updated: 21st August 2009
SSN
A host of Premier League clubs are battling to sign Argentine striker Mauro Boselli, skysports.com understands. The 24-year-old front-man is currently plying his trade with Estudiantes - who he helped to the Copa Libertadores title earlier this year. Boselli finished as top scorer in the tournament with eight goals and he impressed a host of scouts as he scored the winner in the final against Cruzeiro of Brazil, with Manchester City even linked with a move earlier this year. Boselli has an Italian passport which means he does not need a work permit to play in England, and that has seen him attract a great deal of attention. Blackburn and Sunderland had been keen, but they now look to have satisfied their striking options for the new season, which has left the likes of Bolton, West Ham, Hull City and Wigan to battle it out for the player. Boselli's British representative Barry McIntosh confirmed there was substantial interest in the player. "Mauro is one of the best strikers in Argentina and it is little surprise there is such interest in him," he told skysports.com. "We cannot go into details at this point, but a move before the transfer window shuts does look possible."
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David Gold in West Ham frame after Birmingham sale
Ken Dyer
Evening Standard
21.08.09
David Gold could launch a bid for West Ham after agreeing to sell his stake in Birmingham City to Hong Kong businessman Carsen Yeung. Gold was linked with the Hammers last week, having once owned 30 per cent of the club with business partner David Sullivan. At the time he said the speculation was "not surprising", adding when pressed on the matter, "you can understand how difficult it is for me, I'm sure, to talk about this". Now, though, the way is clear for Gold to make a bid after he and Sullivan, who jointly own 50 per cent of Birmingham, accepted a £40.75m offer to sell their stake to Yeung. West Ham are owned by asset management company CB Holding, a business set up by the major creditors of former owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson after he fell heavily into debt. In June, CB Holdings said it intended to sell the club once the financial markets recovered and a reasonable price could be found. Meanwhile, West Ham full-back Herita Ilunga could be out for more than a month after fracturing his jaw in the 2-0 win over Wolves. United States international Jonathan Spector is expected to replace him against Tottenham on Sunday. The sides should at least be familiar with each other, having met in the pre-season Barclays Asia Cup last month with Spurs winning 1-0. West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola said: "I took a lot away from that game. I don't view it negatively at all because I was able to identify some problems and we have been working to put them right. "Sunday's match will be a different story. We know that Tottenham are full of confidence but we are optimistic that the result can go in our favour this time."
Radoslav Kovac, signed permanently from Spartak Moscow following a loan spell last season, played in a special practice match at Watford on Wednesday and Zola is delighted the midfielder has returned. "It has been great to have Radoslav back," he said. "He was an important player for us last season with his experience. He is a wonderful character around the training ground and we are so pleased to have him with us once more."
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David Gold plots £40m West Ham takeover
David Gold has indicated to West Ham United that he is interested in buying the club – but is prepared to offer only £40 million.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Jason Burt and Sandy Macaskill
Published: 10:19PM BST 21 Aug 2009
Such a bid will be firmly rejected by West Ham's owners, who insist they will not accept less than £120 million. Gold has been linked with a move for West Ham for some time, having once owned 30 per cent of the club with business partner David Sullivan. West Ham given Chamakh deadline The pair are close to ending their 16-year association with Birmingham City after accepting an offer, which values the club at £81.5 million, from Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung. West Ham are owned by asset management company CB Holding, a business set up by creditors – including the bank Straumur – of former owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson after his business empire collapsed. In June CB Holdings confirmed it would be prepared to sell the club once a reasonable price was offered but didn't expect that to happen for two to three years. Until then it will be self-financing.
Gold has not made an offer but it is understood there has been some initial contact which has been dismissed by West Ham. Although the club has financially difficulties it has a strong turnover and significant assets. Numerous parties have expressed an interest in buying West Ham but none has come close to the valuation placed on it. Yeung, meanwhile, has submitted his offer for Birmingham despite some suspicion that the approach would die a similar death as his interest in 2007, when he was unable to secure sufficient finances. This time the 49 year-old has already paid a £3 million deposit, and has now revealed that he has raised the required £57 million in bridging loans to increase his shareholding in the club to almost 80 per cent. Yeung is already the largest individual shareholder with a 29.9 per cent stake. He has stated that he will not be looking to replace manager Alex McLeish or managing director and Karren Brady.
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Yeung bid could free Blues owners to buy West Ham
By Nick Harris
Saturday, 22 August 2009
Independent.co.uk
The Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung yesterday tabled an £81.5m cash offer to buy Birmingham in a deal that, if completed, could also see the ownership of West Ham change hands. The phrase "if completed" is key in an intriguing episode of potential Premier League merry-go-round. The Independent understands that Birmingham's current major shareholders, David Sullivan and David Gold, are actively interested in West Ham, which is up for sale, but a source stressed last night, "that there's a huge difference between an offer for Birmingham and a done deal".
Little is confirmed about Yeung's wealth. His main investment vehicle, Grandtop International Holdings, is registered in the Cayman Islands and is a small, loss-making firm which already owns 29.91 per cent of Birmingham but little else. Grandtop's accounts to 31 March 2009 showed annual revenue of £828,000, and losses of £7.16m.
Yeung, 49, a former chairman of Hong Kong Rangers FC, will initially borrow the £57m he will need to seal the deal then raise funds to repay that via a share issue. His fellow directors at Grandtop include an eclectic mix of former footballers but none will invest heavily in Birmingham, if at all. Yeung has, however, paid a non-refundable £3m deposit on his buyout.
Grandtop's directors include Steve McManaman, 37, once of Liverpool and England, Christian Karembeu, 38, formerly with Middlesbrough and France, and Fan Zhiyi, 39, once of Crystal Palace and China. They are "expert advisors".
McManaman and Zhiyi have both expressed an interest in management careers although a statement by Grandtop to the Stock Exchange yesterday stressed that if the takeover goes ahead: "It is intended that the current first team manager, Alex McLeish, will continue in this role, supported by his existing backroom team."
Grandtop's masterplan for Birmingham is to achieve something that many bigger clubs have failed to do to date, namely become hugely, lucratively, popular in China. The firm says it wants to "significantly increase its global fan base", especially in Hong Kong and China, and "develop the club by investing in and strengthening the squad and infrastructure of the club over time".
While claiming TV audiences in China have risen, Grandtop seems not to have realised that ratings have fallen to almost zero for Premier League games since a minor pay-TV station, Win, acquired the rights. And while a free-to-air broadcaster, Guandong, will show games this season, they will be limited to one per week, most often featuring the "big four".
But Yeung is nothing if not optimistic. Despite failing to buy Birmingham in 2007 after not raising the funds, he has returned with this new bid and with loans in place.
He is also confident he can pass a Premier League fit and proper persons test, required if he owns 30 per cent of the club or becomes a director. One hurdle could be that he was prosecuted and fined by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission in September 2004 for offences related to share holdings and trading, but he escaped with a £3,300 fine and his misdemeanours are likely to be regarded as minor.
If Yeung buys Birmingham – and completion or failure is expected within six weeks – that will mean 10 Premier League clubs – half of them — would be in foreign hands, though probably not for long. Sullivan and Gold would then bid for West Ham, currently owned by CB Holdings, in turn 70 per cent owned by an Icelandic bank, Straumur.
Gold, a schoolboy footballer with West Ham, has never hidden his affection for the club, and if he sold Birmingham he would certainly want to reinvest elsewhere.
On the block: Top clubs seeking suitors
*West ham are owned by CB Holdings, an offshoot of a troubled Icelandic bank, Straumur, whose spokesman, Georg Andersen, has said: "Every club is for sale at the right price."
*Fulham are owned by Mohamed Al Fayed, who once dreamt of making them "the Manchester United of the south" but who would now walk away if he could recoup anything near the £200m he has invested. Unlikely.
*Blackburn are owned by the Jack Walker Trust, who have made no secret of their desire to sell.
*Portsmouth are in limbo, waiting to see if Alexandre Gaydamak can offload the loss-making strugglers to Sulaiman Al Fahim or AN Other buyer.
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The Times Transfer Bulletin: West Ham confident of signing Chamakh
The Times
THE NEWS
West Ham are confident of agreeing a deal to sign Marouane Chamakh after raising their offer to about £7 million plus a 20 per cent sell-on clause. The Bordeaux forward, who has been offered a five-year contract, has become more inclined to agree to a move to Upton Park since Arsenal dropped out of the race at the weekend.
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West Ham set to agree £6m fee for Marouane Chamakh as the striker calls Julien Faubert for inside track on Upton Park
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 11:54 AM on 21st August 2009
Daily Mail
Bordeaux are ready to accept a £6million bid from West Ham United for Marouane Chamakh - the same amount offered by Arsenal just a month ago. The French champions have capitulated after failing to spark a bidding war and are on the verge of striking a deal that would see their 25-year-old leave for less than half the £15m asking price quoted to the Gunners. However, Chamakh could yet reject the move despite agitating for a move to England all summer. He has concerns that Upton Park may not be the right place for him and has called his former Bordeaux team-mate Julien Faubert for advice.
Chamakh is likely to play for Bordeaux against Nice on Sunday before travelling to West Ham on Monday to meet Gianfranco Zola. But his representatives will try to establish the chances of Arsenal coming in for him next summer, when he would be a free agent, or even renewing their interest now, given the lower asking price. Fulham may also re-enter the race after having Andrew Johnson ruled out for up to eight weeks with an injured collarbone. West Ham are prepared to pay £6m up front, plus add-ons and a cut of any future transfer fee they receive. Zola has lined up Livorno striker Alessandro Diamanti as an alternative, according to the Italian club's president, Aldo Spinelli. The 26-year-old scored 16 goals in Serie B last season and the Hammers are said to have already had a bid rejected. Spinelli said: 'Diamanti would like to play in the Premier League and we are in negotiations with West Ham, but the offer is not satisfactory. 'We also received a proposal from Parma for co-ownership worth £3m, but we value him at around £8m. It is not out of the question that Diamanti could remain with us, though.'
Either deal seems dependent on Zola raising cash first and £5m bids have been accepted from Aston Villa and Stoke City for Wales defender James Collins.
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West Ham boss Zola: I wouldn't swap my team with Real Madrid
22.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
Ahead of the derby against Tottenham, West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola says he wouldn't swap his players with any club. "I'm not jealous of Harry Redknapp. I do respect and admire him, he had done a great job, but I wouldn't change my team with any other team," he said. "To make it clear I wouldn't even change my team with Real Madrid or Barcelona - maybe! I like my players and I trust them. "They are improving, working hard and doing everything to be successful. I admire these qualities in players."
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West Ham confident of landing Bordeaux striker Chamakh
21.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United are confident of closing a deal for Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh. The Times says the Hammers are confident of agreeing a deal to sign Chamakh after raising their offer to about £7 million plus a 20 per cent sell-on clause. The forward, who has been offered a five-year contract, has become more inclined to agree to a move to Upton Park since Arsenal dropped out of the race at the weekend.
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Premier League tussle begins for Copa Libertadores hero
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on:21 August 2009 - 11:28
A four way Premier League tussle has opened up for highly-rated Argentine striker Mauro Boselli, according to Sky Sports. The 24-year-old Estudiantes forward, who had previously attracted interest from Manchester City, Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland is now being tipped as a potential recruit for Bolton Wanderers, West Ham United, Hull City and Wigan Athletic. Boselli, who scored the winning goal in the final of the Copa Libertadores earlier this year, has an Italian passport which would allow him to bypass Britain's strict work permit restrictions. Boselli's British representative Barry McIntosh confirmed there was substantial interest in the player. "Mauro is one of the best strikers in Argentina and it is little surprise there is such interest in him," he told skysports.com. "We cannot go into details at this point, but a move before the transfer window shuts does look possible."
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L'Equipe: Faubert contacted as Chamakh deal edges closer
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on:21 August 2009 - 12:19
French publication L'Equipe claims that Bordeaux star Marouane Chamakh has contacted former teammate Julien Faubert as he weighs up a move to West Ham United. The French defender, who has recently returned after a six month loan spell with Real Madrid, is thought to have spoken warmly of the East End club as Gianfranco Zola desperately attempts to snap up the striker ahead of Premier League rivals Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur.
According to the latest report the Hammers have placed on Bordeaux's table a bid of €7 million, which also has certain bonuses attached to it that would see les Girondins pocked at least a further €1m per season. It is also claimed that the reigning Ligue 1 champions would pocket 20 percent of any future transfer fee, should Chamakh eventually move from the East End.
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Samaras for West Ham? Latest Celtic rumours...
Celtic's Georgios Samaras is being considered as a transfer target by West Ham, according to reports today.
.21 August 2009 11:52 AM
Sport.stv.tv
Celtic's Georgios Samaras is being considered as a transfer target by West Ham, according to reports today. Gianfranco Zola has made "discreet enquiries" about the striker's interest in a return to English football, says the Daily Record. The reports say the 6' 4" striker is one of a host of names on Gianfranco Zola's shopping list, which also included Luca Toni, Eidur Gudjohnsen and Maroune Chamakh.But after watching those deals fall through and learning that his latest preferred target, Chamakh, seems set to stay at Bordeaux, Zola has cast his attention north. Celtic's Champions League tie with Arsenal has prompted speculation over a number of players. Scott Brown and Aiden McGeady are now also being discussed as Spurs targets as the transfer window draws to a close. Samaras joined Celtic from Manchester City on loan in January 2008 before making a permanent swap six months later. Since then he has enjoyed mixed fortunes, with injury and changeable form. New manager Tony Mowbray signed Marc Antoine Fortune for £3.8million, but the Greek international was given a start in Tuesday night's clash with Arsenal.
Last updated: 21 August 2009, 11:57
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Bolton, West Ham chasing Estudiantes striker Boselli
22.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
Argentine striker Mauro Boselli is attracting major Premiership interest. The 24 year-old Estudiantes striker has Bolton, West Ham, Hull City and Wigan all chasing his signature.
"Mauro is one of the best strikers in Argentina and it is little surprise there is such interest in him," agent Barry McIntosh told skysports.com. "We cannot go into details at this point, but a move before the transfer window shuts does look possible."
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Etherington urges West Ham's Collins to join him at Stoke
22.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
Stoke City winger Matthew Etherington has urged former West Ham teammate James Collins to join at the Brit. "I'm very good friends with James and I've kept in touch with him ever since leaving West Ham," Etherington told The Sentinel. "He was up at the weekend with me when I told him about everything here at Stoke. I spoke highly of the club, but at the end of the day it's down to him."
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Bordeaux's Chamakh in contact with Faubert about West Ham move
22.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh has contacted Julien Faubert about life at West Ham United. L'Equipe says Chamakh has pumped Faubert for information about life in London and working for Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola. Faubert gave Chamakh a glowing report on the Hammers as the Morocco international prepares to make the move across the Channel.
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