WHUFC.com
All at West Ham United are focused only on moving on up and have rejected
rumours of player sales
13.11.2009
Gianfranco Zola has had a productive week with his West Ham United squad as
they look to finish November on a high. The manager was in positive mood as
the club reiterated again on Friday that - despite press speculation to the
contrary - there is no need to sell any players in the January transfer
window. Without his internationals ahead of the weekend but with the likes
of Jack Collison and Carlton Cole making good progress, Zola and his staff
put a smaller group through their paces with some good sessions at Chadwell
Heath. The only frustration is that there is another week to go until the
Barclays Premier League resumes. The Hammers are just three points off the
total they had at this stage last season, having played six of last season's
top eight in their first half-dozen matches at home. Zola is not thinking
about statistics though - only about the task in hand starting with the trip
to Hull City on Saturday week before top-flight newcomers Burnley arrive at
the end of the month. He is also positive about the international programme,
especially as it gives the likes of Danny Gabbidon and Fabio Daprela
much-needed match action. "It is part of the job and for them it is
important they play for their countries," he said. "I was very proud when I
was doing that. All I will do is ask them to be very careful. We didn't want
to be in this league position for the international break. It is not good
for us but we are determined not to stay there for long."
Reflecting further on the club's positive performances so far in 2009/10 and
the fact they have competed in every single one of their 12 league games,
Zola added: Performance-wise we are doing OK," he said." We are improving
and I have no doubt we will convert this into points. "The commitment is
very good. The attitude is very good. We just need to make sure we are not
chasing the games all the time. It is down to me and my staff to find
solutions. We have all been working hard on that. We are determined to give
the fans what they deserve and will not stop until we do. "It is a fantastic
game and sometimes it makes us very upset. Obviously I am feeling for the
team and for all people that work around the team. We put in a lot of work
and when we lose we are not happy. We are all fighters and working for the
solution."
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Six set for action
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's international representatives are set for a busy Saturday
of action
14.11.2009
Six West Ham United players are expected to be called into action for their
respective nations on Saturday.
Goalkeeper Robert Green and central defender Matthew Upson could both be
handed starts by England manager Fabio Capello when the Three Lions take on
Brazil in a friendly in Doha, Qatar.
Green has established himself as England's No1 and should earn his ninth
cap, while the absence of the injured Rio Ferdinand and doubts over the
fitness of John Terry could see Hammers captain Upson given his 13th senior
start and 18th cap in total.
England are seeking their first victory in eight attempts against the South
Americans, having not beaten the five-times FIFA World Cup winners since a
1-0 success at Wembley on 28 March 1990.
The national stadium has been completely rebuilt since then, and Zavon Hines
will hope to experience the new Wembley with England's Under-21s.
Stuart Pearce's youngsters face Portugal in a 2011 UEFA European U21
Championship qualifier, with Hines eager to make his first start at that
level after scoring twice as a substitute on his debut against FYR Macedonia
last month.
Unfortunately, fellow Hammers James Tomkins and Junior Stanislas will not be
able to join him at the Home of Football after being ruled out of Saturday's
fixture with a slight knock and a virus respectively.
England's U21s sit second in Group 9 going into the weekend, six points
behind leaders Greece but with two games in hand.
Back at senior level, Danny Gabbidon is set to earn his 43rd cap for Wales
when John Toshack's side take on Scotland at Cardiff City Stadium.
Further afield, Valon Behrami could feature for Switzerland for the first
time in a year when Ottmar Hitzfeld's team face Norway in Geneva.
Finally, Jonathan Spector is in the US squad for the friendly international
with fellow 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers Slovakia in Bratislava. The
fixture will be the first meeting between the two nations.
Closer to home, on-loan midfielder Josh Payne could return to Colchester
United's starting lineup for Saturday's League One visit of Exeter City.
Payne missed last weekend's FA Cup first-round win over Bromley as he was
not allowed to play in the competition as part of the loan deal.
In the same division, defender Matt Fry is expected to keep his place when
Gillingham take on Oldham Athletic.
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Carr targets win double
WHUFC.com
Academy Director Tony Carr is eager to record victories over Chelsea and
Plymouth Argyle
13.11.2009
Academy Director Tony Carr is looking forward to taking his young team to
Plymouth Argyle in the FA Youth Cup third round. Before then, however,
Carr's West Ham United team face a tough FA Premier Academy League fixture
with Chelsea on Saturday morning. The Hammers go into their clash with the
Blues unbeaten in five league matches, and Carr said he and his players will
be full of confidence when they run out at Little Heath. "Chelsea will be
another tough game for us against one of the top teams in the league.
However, we are on a good run at the moment and have conceded just one goal
in our last three games. We are playing quite well and we are feeling
confident at the moment.
"The weather might play a part, as we've had a lot of rain over the past day
or two, but both myself and the players are looking forward to it and
hopefully it will be a good game."
Saturday's match kicks off at 11am. Admission and parking at Little Heath
are free. Looking forward to the cup tie, Carr said he was looking forward
to the prospect of travelling to Devon and coaching a side against the
Pilgrims for the first time in his 36-year career. "It's an interesting
draw. I cannot remember a team of mine playing against Plymouth at youth
level before in all the time I have been at the club. "I remember, as a
player, going down there and playing a reserve match and coming back on the
overnight sleeper train, but I've never managed a team against them."
With Plymouth competing in the Puma Youth Alliance South Western Conference,
Carr admitted he would have to do plenty of research ahead of the meeting,
which must take place before Saturday 12 December. "I don't know anything
about them to be honest, as we don't get to see their games, so we will have
to do a bit of homework."
West Ham have failed to get past the third round in each of the past two
seasons, losing to Bolton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest, so Carr is eager
to improve on that showing this term. "We will treat them with the utmost
respect, but we can go down there and secure the victory, which is what we
all want to do after not doing so well in the competition in recent years."
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Youths off to Plymouth
WHUFC.com
Tony Carr's youngsters have been drawn away to Plymouth Argyle in the FA
Youth Cup third round
13.11.2009
West Ham United have been drawn away to Plymouth Argyle in the third round
of the FA Youth Cup. The Hammers, who won the competition in 1963, 1981 and
1999, will make the long trip to Devon for the tie, which must be played
before Saturday 12 December. Tony Carr and his side are eager to put in a
good showing in the prestigious competition, having been knocked out at the
first hurdle in each of the last two seasons. Last December, the Hammers
were frozen out 3-1 by Nottingham Forest on a wintry night at the City
Ground. However, the Academy youngsters will make the 260-mile journey to
Home Park in good spirits, having remained unbeaten in their last five FA
Premier Academy League matches. Plymouth have enjoyed good runs in the
tournament in each of the last two seasons, reaching the fifth round last
term before being knocked out by Tottenham Hotspur. Two years ago, the
Pilgrims progressed to the quarter-final stage before being beaten by
eventual winners Manchester City. Argyle are not part of the FA Premier
Academy League set-up, instead fielding their youngsters in the Puma Youth
Alliance South West Conference, which they won in 2007/08. Managed by former
Stoke City and Everton defender Mike Pejic, Plymouth have won just one of
their six league and cup fixtures so far this season. Full details on the
date and ticket arrangements will be announced shortly.
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Carlton's Christmas target
WHUFC.com
In-form Carlton Cole is aiming to bag ten Barclays Premier League goals
before Christmas
13.11.2009
Carlton Cole has set himself a target of scoring ten Barclays Premier League
goals before Christmas after being voted SBOBET Player of the Month for
October. The 26-year-old striker bagged three goals in four matches last
month, netting against Fulham, Arsenal and Sunderland to take his tally to
six in eleven league games in 2009/10. Now, after receiving his accolade
from the club's supporters, the England forward has stated his intent to
give them yet more reason to cheer by firing West Ham United up the Premier
League table. "I'm trying to play well and stay up there with the top
scorers in the Premier League," he told WHUTV. "All I can do is keep tucking
them away and hopefully I can progress and get to ten before Christmas,
because that is my target. "I always appreciate the fans. The fans are
obviously happy and I can feel the vibes when I'm at Upton Park. I'm pleased
that they appreciate what I'm doing."
Cole has put his improved goalscoring form down to a combination of factors,
including the number of chances being created by his team-mates, his
flourishing partnerships with Guille Franco and Zavon Hines, as well as his
own work ethic. "I am always trying to improve my game. I look at videos and
see where I should be and where I should have been at the time. I'm trying
to increase my threat in front of goal by getting into the right places at
the right times. "There's a lot of improvement in my game to be done, but
I'm getting there."
Cole also revealed that he fully expects to be fit for the Barclays Premier
League trip to Hull City on 21 November after stepping up his rehabilitation
from the hamstring injury he suffered against Aston Villa last week. "I've
got a couple of days off now. I started running on Thursday and it's gone
well. The Everton game was a bit too soon, but now I can just focus on Hull
and try and get a result there. I'll be back fit."
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Internationals impress Sir Trevor
WHUFC.com
Sir Trevor Brooking has praised West Ham United's contribution to the
national team
13.11.2009
Sir Trevor Brooking has been speaking about the club's England connections
ahead of a major weekend for the Under-21s and senior squad. The FA's
director of football development is in Qatar ahead of the full international
friendly against Brazil on Saturday evening but will first be keeping track
of the Young Lions when they take on Portugal earlier in the day at Wembley.
With regard to the U21s, Sir Trevor said the latest 2011 UEFA European
Championship qualifier was a big chance for Zavon Hines to test himself.
"It is an important game for the European Championships. Tournament
experience at international level is really important and there's nothing
better than tournament football where you play games in quick succession
against different types of opposition. Anyone who gets a chance to play in
one of those teams enjoys the experience."
Robert Green and Matthew Upson will be flying the Hammers flag for England
against the might of Brazil, but as ever there will be many on view with
connections to the club's Academy. "Against Holland this year, there were
about nine players that had come through the West Ham system. We've got a
great reputation.
"The tradition of playing the 'West Ham way' that Ron Greenwood really put
in place [back in the 60s] is something now that Fabio Capello wants in the
future - where you have ten outfield players who are comfortable on the ball
and the goalkeepers throwing it out to the back and playing it up through
the midfield.
"That's something we've been doing here [at West Ham] for 30 or 40 years.
Any youngster who gets his chance to learn his trade here will have basic
ingredients to play anywhere and I think that is a great encouragement and
why we've got so many youngsters that want to play here."
The former England midfielder has also been keeping a close eye on the
Hammers interest in the lower international age levels. He was present when
the Under-16s won 2-0 against Northern Ireland in Chester earlier this month
thanks to goals from Academy youngsters Blair Turgott and Matthias Fanimo.
"Fanimo scored the second goal and was very quick," said Sir Trevor. "That
age group is about looking at different players and getting experience and
then they will have an oversees tournament in the New Year as they look to
get ready for the European Under-17 Championships. This year is where you
are giving them their first international experience."
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Pair withdraw from U21s
WHUFc.com
James Tomkins and Junior Stanislas have had to withdraw from the England
Under-21 squad
12.11.2009
West Ham United can confirm James Tomkins and Junior Stanislas have
withdrawn from the England Under-21 squad for the UEFA qualifying matches
against Portugal and Lithuania. Tomkins suffered a slight problem during
preparations on Thursday while Stanislas was sent home with a virus. Both
had been hoping to feature in Saturday's home match against Portugal at
Wembley before the squad head to Lithuania for Tuesday's away encounter in
Vilnius. Club-mate Zavon Hines remains with the squad, having scored twice
in the last outing - a 6-3 home win against FYR Macedonia last month. An FA
statement said: "While Tomkins picked up an knock in training, which will
see him return to West Ham for further assessment, Stanislas has been
suffering from a virus and has shown no signs of improving so has also
returned home."
England are going well in qualifying for the 2011 UEFA European Under-21
Championship, having won two and drawn one of their first three Group Nine
matches. The Young Lions are six points behind leaders Greece with two games
in hand.
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Wonder goal for Daprela
WHUFC.com
Fabio Daprela showed off his attacking ability with a great strike for
Switzerland Under-19s
12.11.2009
Fabio Daprela scored a wonder goal for Switzerland Under-19s as they won 3-1
against Greece in the opening match of a four-nation friendly tournament in
France. The promising West Ham United defender struck just before the hour
mark of the match being played in Limoges. He surged forward from left-back,
dribbled past four opponents and then showed great composure to score past
the Greece goalkeeper. It was a match-clinching strike after two earlier
goals from FC Zurich forward Admir Mehmedi had sandwiched an equaliser from
the visitors.
Switzerland are next in action on Friday afternoon against Poland before
taking on France this Sunday evening. Daprela's strike followed on from his
first goal for West Ham last month during a 2-2 draw for the reserves away
in Poland against Arka Gdynia. Still only 18, he has yet to appear for the
Hammers first team although was an unused substitute last Sunday against
Everton. Switzerland have already qualified for next spring's Elite round
UEFA European U19 Championship qualifying. Seven group winners from the
Elite round will progress to the final tournament, which will be held in
northern France next summer.
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Duo looking to Brazil
WHUFC.com
West Ham United could have two players in Fabio Capello's starting lineup to
face Brazil on Saturday
12.11.2009
Robert Green and Matthew Upson both trained on Thursday morning with England
in Doha on Thursday ahead of Saturday afternoon's glamour friendly against
Brazil. The West Ham United duo made the seven-and-a-half hour flight on
Wednesday arriving late in the evening local time before travelling to the
team hotel. The pair, who both are thought to have a good chance of starting
the match this weekend, were then put through their paces along with the
rest of the squad the following morning. Having been sent off against
Ukraine last month, Green missed the final FIFA World Cup qualifier against
Belarus through suspension. With David James absent, he will hope to earn a
recall and win his ninth cap in the process. Upson has 17 caps for his
country and is in line to potentially partner captain John Terry with Rio
Ferdinand injured.
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Upson leads the way
WHUFC.com
The club followed its Remembrance Sunday tributes with a mark of respect for
Armistice Day on Wednesday
11.11.2009
West Ham United came to a standstill at 11am today in honour of Armistice
Day. Staff at Chadwell Heath and the Boleyn Ground marked two minutes
silence to remember those who had given their lives in service of the
country. It followed on from the activities around Remembrance Sunday when a
special plaque was unveiled in memory of the 13th Battalion (West Ham) of
the Essex Regiment which fought in the First World War. A minute's silence
and ceremonial wreath-laying was also staged before kick-off against
Everton. After the match, captain Matthew Upson may have been disappointed
with the result but it did not stop him meeting with soldiers from the Royal
Anglian Regiment.
Upson met with the troops in the Legends Lounge at the Boleyn Ground. The
England defender was only too happy to meet chat, sign autographs and pose
for pictures. He said: "It was good to acknowledge the sacrifices made by
the soldiers, of which everyone is very grateful for. It is also very
important that we remember those who have given so much for this country in
the past."
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TC frustrated by talent squeeze
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 13th November 2009
By: Staff Writer
Tony Carr has admitted that the Academy are finding it even more difficult
to recruit local youngsters as a result of recent changes to the rules
governing club recruitment.
Clubs are now only allowed to sign footballers up to the age of 12 who live
within an hour's travelling time from the club's headquarters - something,
which Carr readily admits, is proving to be a major problem. "It is becoming
more difficult to recruit young local talent," Carr told the Evening
Standard. "Young players between the ages of nine and 12 have to live within
an hour's travelling time of their club's training ground and 90 minutes
between the ages of 13-16. "At the moment, we can sign players from other
countries during that time. I know, though, that there are moves to ban all
international transfers under the age of 18. "I understand why the rules
were introduced, to avoid youngsters travelling long distances to and from
training and to prevent disruption to their schooling, but the regulations
should be relaxed. As it is, we could never develop another Michael Carrick
or Manchester United another David Beckham. "Clubs like ours should be able
to scout other parts of the country. If a young player in Birmingham, for
example, wanted to come to us and we fulfilled strict criteria about
education and home life, then I believe he should be allowed to move. There
is a feeling among some Premier League clubs that the present rules are
effectively a restraint of trade."
Despite the issues faced by the current rules Carr - ably assisted by
right-hand man Jimmy Hampson - has continued to provide a steady stream of
home-grown talent for the first team. Already this season, striker Zavon
Hines has begun to stake a claim for a regular first team spot whilst
16-year-old England international Robert Hall continues to earn plaudits.
James Tomkins, Mark Noble and Jack Collison have already made the grade and
are considered essential members of Gianfranco Zola's first team squad.
However a recent shift in policy has seen the introduction of a number of
non-British youngsters to at the club - players such as Ahmed Abdulla (Saudi
Arabia), Filip Modelski (Poland), Sergio Sanchez (Spain), Holmar Orn
Eyjolfsson (Iceland), Eoin Wearan (Ireland) and Georg Grasser (Austria), all
of whom have joined West Ham in the last 18 months.
* Carr's Academy side have been drawn away to Plymouth in the second round
of the FA Youth Cup. The tie will take place in early December (details to
be confirmed).
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A legend remembered
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 13th November 2009
By: Staff Writer
A Cambridgeshire-based Hammers fan is campaigning for a memorial to be
erected in honour of the club's greatest ever goalscorer, Vic Watson. Chris
Horton, the chair of Girton Colts Football Club is a lifelong Hammer and
resident of Girton, a small Cambridgeshire village where Watson was born and
spent much of his life. Currently, there is no memorial in place to
recognise the achievements of Watson - but that is all set to change should
Horton's plans prove successful. "There does not appear to be a road named
after him, such as a 'Watson Way', and there is no bar, plaque, statue, or
even a sign," Mr Horton told cambridge-news.co.uk. "This seems extremely
unjust to me. How many other born and bred village people have played
football for their country? "Here we have had a very local sporting hero,
someone that could inspire the kids and show them that anything is possible
in sport. Vic's career shows it doesn't matter where you are from, you can
still reach the top."
Watson was born in Girton in November 1897 and was signed by the Hammers in
1920 for just £50. Effectively replacing fans' favourite Syd Puddefoot, who
was sold to Falkirk two years later, Watson went on to make 505 appearances
for West Ham over the course of the next 15 years - a record that, to this
day, has only been beaten by Billy Bonds (793), Frank Lampard (674), Bobby
Moore (646), Trevor Brooking (635), Alvin Martin (601) and Watson's former
team mate Jimmy Ruffell (548).
But it was for his incredible goalscoring record that he is best remembered;
Watson, an old-fashioned centre forward scored an incredible 326 goals for
United - some 74 goals more than his nearest rival, Geoff Hurst (252) - and
holds the record for the most number of goals scored in a single game (six
in an 8-2 win over Leeds in 1929, a record later equalled by the
aforementioned Hurst against Sunderland in 1968). His best season came in
the 1929/30 campaign in which he scored an incredible 50 goals in just 44
appearances.
Talking about his career some years prior to his death in 1988, Watson - who
also won seven caps playing for England - recalled:
"I came home [from the First World War] and there wasn't any work about
here, so I went to Peterborough. I lasted five weeks before I went to West
Ham to play football - and they kept me.
"When I got into the game, I always felt I would like to top the First
Division goalscorers. Well, I managed it, with 42. I scored six goals in a
match for Cambridge City, Cambridge Town, West Ham Reserves and then West
Ham in the First Division."
Victor Martin Watson, Hammers legend: playing stats
1920/21: Played 9, Gls 2 (all league). West Ham finish 5th in Division Two.
1921/22: P40, Gls 13 (12 league, 1 cup). West Ham finish 4th in Division
Two.
1922/23: P50, Gls 27 (22 league, 5 cup). West Ham finish 2nd in Division Two
and reach the FA Cup Final (Losing 2-0 to Division One Bolton).
1923/24: P11, Gls 3 (all league). West Ham finish 13th in Division One.
1924/25: P47, Gls 23 (22 league, 1 cup). West Ham finish 13th in Division
One.
1925/26: P47, Gls 23 (22 league, 1 cup). West Ham finish 18th in Division
One.
1926/27: P45, Gls 37 (34 league, 3 cup). West Ham finish 6th in Division
One.
1927/28: P35, Gls 16 (all league). West Ham finish 17th in Division One.
1928/29: P39, Gls 30 (29 league, 1 cup). West Ham finish 17th in Division
One and reach the FA Cup quarter finals (losing 3-2 to Portsmouth).
1929/30: P44, Gls 50 (42 league, 8 cup). West Ham finish 7th in Division One
and reach the FA Cup quarter finals (losing 3-0 to Arsenal).
1930/31: P18, Gls 14 (all league). West Ham finish 18th in Division One.
1931/32: P40, Gls 25 (23 league, 2 cup). West Ham finish 22nd in Division
One.
1932/33: P41, Gls 28 (24 league, 4 cup). West Ham finish 20th in Division
Two and reach the FA Cup semi finals (losing 2-1 to Everton).
1933/34: P32, Gls 29 (26 league, 3 cup). West Ham finish 7th in Division
Two.
1934/35: P15, Gls 9 (all league). West Ham finish 3rd in Division Two.
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Intermarket: we're serious players
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 11th November 2009
By: Staff Writer
The group linked with a takeover bid for West Ham United have claimed that a
non-disclosure agreement has been signed with agents Rothschilds. The
Intermarket Group, who first announced their intentions to buy West Ham last
month claim that a confidentiality agreement has been signed between the two
parties after proof of funds were provided to the investment bankers,
appointed recently by CB Holdings to investigate the possibility of a sale.
"Some people were dismissing us as not being serious bidders but we are,"
Intermarket company secretary David Byrne is quoted as saying in today's
Telegraph. "We have satisfied them [Rothschilds] that we have proof of
funds. "We have definitely got the interested parties with the money needed
to do what we need to do, and get in some funding to stop West Ham having to
sell players and make sure they can strengthen to be able to avoid
relegation."
Whilst the identities of those involved in Intermarket remains a
closely-guarded secret - something that has led to the group's interest
being viewed with a certain amount of scepticism - Byrne once again
reiterated an earlier statement in which it was claimed the backers were all
wealthy Hammers fans. "[We're] a group of investors from institutional level
down to high net-worth individuals," added Byrne. "We are West Ham
supporters and are deadly serious - and we believe we have satisfied
Rothschilds that we are serious. "This has been portrayed as an American
bid but that's not the case. The Intermarket Group is London based."
Intermarket are said to be keen to cut a deal before December 11th, when a
Straumur creditor's meeting could potentially force the sale of the club (to
either Intermarket ore one of a number of other parties said to be
interested). However it is also not beyond the realms of possibility that
Straumur, who are under increasing pressure from within Iceland could pass
ownership of the club on in order to appease their own creditors.
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Di Canio: The skin would burn every time I stepped out at Upton Park
Sport.co.uk
Author: Ben Moss
Posted on:13 November 2009 - 15:12
West Ham legend Paulo Di Canio has urged the Upton Park faithful to get
behind Gianfranco Zola's side in order to drag them away from the Premier
League relegation zone. The charismatic Italian still holds West Ham fans
very dear to him and claims they are more than capable of inspiring his
former side. Di Canio told WHUTV: "For me I still have great memories. The
skin would burn every time I stepped out at Upton Park." "I am the kind of
person who thinks that what I did, what I gave to the people, is nothing to
compare with what they did for you." "They are fantastic fans and they are
so special and they deserve only satisfaction." "Now is the moment to stay
close to the team, try to help them and let them play the best they can to
get out of the situation."
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Tired Tevez ponders retirement
Reuters - Yesterday, 17:19
442.com
BUENOS AIRES - Disappointment at losing his first choice place for Argentina
and exhaustion have led Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez - formely of
West Ham and Manchester United - to consider retirement after the World Cup,
despite being only 25, usually a peak age in a footballer's career. "My
chance passed. I had my possibility and I couldn't take advantage of it.
When the team needed goals I couldn't provide them," Tevez said. "So it's
logical that other lads should be in front of me," he added of players like
Gonzalo Higuain, now coach Diego Maradona's first choice as central striker.
Tevez, speaking to Argentine reporters in Madrid where Maradona's team face
Spain in a friendly on Saturday, said retirement had crossed his mind. "It's
complicated, there's my family, the desire to return to Boca Juniors, but I
think about it. It crosses my mind to hang up my boots if we win the World
Cup, although I have a contract (with Manchester City) until 2014," he said.
"I'm a bit tired of so much football, so much football. I want to enjoy my
family a bit. I'm very keen to stop and get a bit of calm. I've already won
a lot. Living for football has saturated me."
Tevez has been very successful already, being voted South American
footballer of the year three times in a row, winning the Libertadores Cup
and the world club title with Boca in 2003, the Brazilian league title with
Corinthians in 2005 and an Olympic gold medal with Argentina in 2004. In
England, he helped West Ham avoid relegation in 2007 and Manchester United
lift two Premier League titles and be crowned European and world club
champions last year. Tevez, who last month said he sometimes wanted to quit
the national team, added that he got fed up with criticism of Maradona's
side as they struggled in the World Cup qualifiers. "We were criticised a
lot, sometimes rightly so, but to have people say we didn't play well
because of the money or we don't love the (Argentina) shirt, don't sing the
national anthem, there's a lot of ill will," Tevez said.
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Gills keep Hammers teenager
Nineteen-year-old to continue Gowling partnership
Last updated: 13th November 2009
SSN
Gillingham have extended West Ham teenager Matt Fry's loan spell by a second
month. The 19-year-old centre-half has made a big impression at Priestfield
since his arrival in mid-October. He has been an ever-present forming a good
understanding with Josh Gowling at the heart of the Gills defence. The new
arrangement will keep Fry at the League One club for a further seven league
and cup fixtures, up to and including the away game at Huddersfield on 12th
December.
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HOME > SPORT > FOOTBALL > Gold in £80m West Ham bid
FOOTBALLGOLD IN £80M WEST HAM BID
Daily Express
Saturday November 14,2009
By Daily Express Reporter Have your say(0)
DAVID GOLD is ready to show his hand in the chase to buy stricken West Ham,
with an £80million bid for the club. Gold, a multi-millionaire and former
Birmingham co-owner, has long been expected to make a move for the
struggling Hammers and is ready to make an offer which includes taking on
some of their £100m debt. He was chairman at St Andrews until being bought
out last month, but he has said he wants to get back into football soon and
wants to buy into the club where he was once a youth team player. He has had
several offers from clubs since leaving Birmingham, but has rejected them
all – the latest being a deal to buy into Crystal Palace. Instead it is his
beloved West Ham that Gold is really interested in and informal talks have
already begun with representatives of CB Holdings, the company who run West
Ham on behalf of troubled Icelandic bank Straumur. Gold's former Birmingham
partner, David Sullivan, had mooted a £40m takeover of the club last month,
but pulled out of talks because of concerns over the size of their debts.
The new offer, though, is structured in such a way that will see Gold take
over some of the debt while placing an offer of about £40m in cash for the
club. It is still likely to prove unacceptable to Straumur, who want about
£120m and the debts covered. However, the bank are anxious to get a deal in
place before Christmas in order to try to avoid a fire-sale of the club's
best players to cut losses. Rival bidders Intermarket, the London-based
financial group, value the club at £100m, including what they estimate as
about £45m worth of debts.
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Greenwood's Legacy, Upson, Cole and the January Transfer Window!
West Ham Till I Die
There were some interesting comments by Sir Trevor Brooking, this week, on
West Ham's unique contribution to the England set up. He argued that
Capello was implementing a system where players throughout the team were
comfortable on the ball, could play the ball out from the back and pass
through midfield. Within that context, Sir Trevor argued that the 'West
Ham way' of doing things fitted in perfectly with that ethos. And the
Hammers had over 40 years experience of playing that way, since Greenwood
embedded his footballing philosophy at the club in the early 1960s.
This observation illustrates the strength and continuing relevance of
Greenwood's ideas. He was probably the most innovative coach that England
has ever produced and his ideas revolutionised coaching in this country.
His indirect contribution to the 1966 World Cup victory cannot be
over-estimated. Indeed, one could argue that the 1966 Final was won on the
training pitches of Chadwell Heath! However, what a tribute to the man
that his way of doing things is still contributing to England's challenge
for world football's biggest prize in 2010!
Matt Upson is a quality centre back, there is no doubt about that. There
has been some criticism of his recent performances. However, I think part
of it is that he has been so consistently good over the last couple of
seasons that if he has a dip in form then it is noticable. Ideally, we will
retain all of our best players in January and the funds will be made
available to further strengthen the squad (fingers crossed!).
However, it has been suggested that with Upson's current contractual
situation, and the possible need to raise transfer funds, he should be sold
in January. Fair enough, but the issue for me is who is to be brought in to
replace him? Where are we going to find an experienced, left sided central
defender of comparable class, for the mooted £10-12m? It should also be a
player that is used to the demands to the PL and can make an instant
positive impact!
If we can pull that off then fine, if not then Upson should be retained
until the summer at least. The summer is obviously the time to carry out a
radical overhaul of your squad, not the winter transfer window. But I
recognise that major surgery, and the upheaval that it entails, is sometimes
unavoidable. The trick, however, is to improve the quality of the squad and
not just make changes for the sake of change. If Upson's sale does that
then ok, but practically it is going to be a tough ask to replace him with
someone better in January!
Predictably, rumours have started doing the rounds about possible Liverpool
and Man Utd c.£20m bids for Carlton Cole. Well, I can understand why they
would be interested in the most improved striker in the PL. However, West
Ham need to firmly reject any such offer. Cole is going to be vital to our
immediate plans to move up the PL and Zola and Clarke's longer term
strategies to bring success to the club.
Interestingly, in an interview with Zola on the club website, he states that
the club has no intention of selling its best players in January and there
is no compulsion to do so. There has been no separate club statement on
this, but Zola was probably imparting assurances that have been given him in
discussions with the CE and board. Heard that one before? Well yes, but
last January they took a similar stance and, Bellamy aside, they were true
to their word. Time will tell!
Obviously, our activity in the January tranfer window is tied up with the
ongoing situation regardng the ownership of the club. Whether there is a
takeover before Christmas, necessity dictates that C&B Holdings find the
monies to invest in the squad or we have to sell to buy? Again, time will
tell!
SJ Chandos.
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