WHUFC.com
Monday's reserve team fixture against Aston Villa has been called off
05.01.2009
West Ham United reserves' match away to Aston Villa has fallen victim to the cold weather. The game was postponed after a midday pitch inspection, meaning Alex Dyer's side will now play their first game of 2009 on Tuesday 20 January when they host Fulham. whufc.com will bring you full details of the date for the re-arranged fixture when they are announced.
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Parker sale vetoed?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 5th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
Scott Parker is 'not for sale' despite having held initial discussions with Manchester City, according to a Hammers source. Sky Sports claimed this morning that the unnamed source has said that Parker is unavailable, despite reports suggesting that the Hammers have already accepted a £12million bid. Or course, being 'not for sale' does not necessarily equate to 'not being sold' - although one possibility is that Gianfranco Zola may have blocked the deal. Hammers boss Zola was told upon his appointment that he would have final say on all potential transfers both in and out of the club - a position confirmed by club CEO Scott Duxbury in a statement last week.
Zola is thought to have held discussions with Duxbury regarding Parker's future on Saturday. The Italian left the Boleyn Ground immediately after the final whistle in Saturday's 3-0 win over Barnsley and jetted off to Sardinia where, it his claimed, he has flown on a family break. Zola, who has been at West Ham since September has always insisted that should the club undermine him in the same way as they did Alan Curbishley by selling players without his consent he would resign from his position.
* Reaction to news of the possible arrival of Parker at Manchester City has been generally negative amongst blues fans. One supporter, speaking on the Blue Moon forum said: "we're the richest club in the world and want to be the best. Signing Scott Parker would not achieve the latter."
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Hammers deny Parker sale
West Ham insists midfielder is staying put
Last updated: 5th January 2009
SSN
West Ham United have told Sky Sports News that Scott Parker is not for sale. Parker is just one of a number of Hammers stars being linked with a move away from Upton Park. Reports had suggested that Manchester City were about to seal a deal worth around £12million for the England international. With Parker known to be one of the club's top earners, and West Ham struggling to cope in the current financial climate, it seemed the club would be ready to let the former Chelsea and Newcastle man move on. But now The Hammers have told Sky Sports News that Parker will not be leaving the club.
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Cole hopes for Bellamy stay
Striker wants to continue partnership
Last updated: 5th January 2009
SSN
Carlton Cole is hoping that West Ham hold on to his strike partner Craig Bellamy. The Welsh international is being strongly linked with a move away from Upton Park as the East London club continue to struggle with the current financial climate. A host of West Ham's squad are being targeted by rivals, but Cole is desperate for Bellamy to stay put. "I'd love him to stay here for a very long time," said Cole. "I don't know what's going to happen but everyone at the club wants him here. The manager wants him here, the players want him here. "He's a great asset to the club and hopefully he stays with us. "He's passionate about the game. If I've done something wrong he'll let me know. I say it the same way - but he'll say it louder than me! It's very constructive criticism. He reminds me of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. "We're totally different people. I don't get annoyed. I'm a patient guy. I can't be bothered with all the palaver. I just like to live my life and chill. I don't want to get into arguments. "Craig's a fiery character. You just have to respect how he feels sometimes. He's a really nice guy. I respect him and he respects me. That's how life is."
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Di Michele happy with Hammers
Italian striker keen to prove his worth
Last updated: 5th January 2009
SSN
Italian striker David Di Michele is eager to force his way back into Gianfranco Zola's plans at West Ham. Di Michele, who arrived at Upton Park in September on a season-long loan deal from Torino, has been linked with a swift return to the Serie A outfit. With Craig Bellamy the first choice up front for Zola, the former Palermo, Udinese and Reggina man knows he has his work cut out to secure a starting berth. But Di Michele, who has scored twice in six starts for the club, has no plans to turn his back on the Premier League in January. He said: "I am at West Ham. I hope to do well, to return to play and to score as many as possible. "Then it's down to the two clubs to speak about my loan deal. "My limited playing time is perhaps due to the fact that I have a player like Bellamy, who is not just anybody, ahead of me. "Or maybe that having started strongly I have also been affected by the team's drop in form in a difficult tournament."
Di Michele has great admiration for Zola and is happy to play the waiting game. "Zola is a very respected person, calm and available to everyone," he added. "He always gives me advice. "It is not easy not to play but I trust him, he knows English football and he helps me." Di Michele does not believe the reported financial problems which have hit the club and led to several West Ham stars being linked with a move away from Upton Park is affecting the team. "We don't speak about the crisis at the club and within the team," he said. "Everything works fine: we get paid on time, everyone gives their best and no-one demands to be transferred. "We only hear about the crisis in the press but we don't talk about it because here we only think about playing."
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Faubert's wage demands scupper Nantes move
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on: 05 January 2009 - 15:42
Sport.co.uk
West Ham's Julien Faubert could have priced himself out of a return to Ligue 1 according to reports in France. Sud-Ouest suggests that the midfielder was close to a move to FC Nantes but having demanded they match the €50,000 a week he receives at Upton Park the deal will now not proceed. 25-year-old Faubert has struggled with a series of injuries since he arrived from Bordeaux and has failed to live up to the £6.1m transfer fee the Hammers paid in 2007. With Keiron Dyer on the mend it is thought that Gianfranco Zola would allow the Frenchman to leave as part of a drive to lower the exorbitant wage bill at Upton Park. The Hammers boss faces a tough January with other high-profile players Craig Bellamy, Scott Parker and Matthew Upson all apparently the subject of bids from Premier League suitors.
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'Dyer return is like a new signing', says Hammers coach
2:41pm Monday 5th January 2009
Guardian Series
HAMMERS assistant manager Steve Clarke claims having Kieron Dyer back is 'like a new signing' for the club after the midfielder made his long-awaited return from injury when he came on as a second-half substitute during the team's 3-0 FA Cup win over Barnsley on Saturday. Dyer's appearance was only his third in the famous claret and blue since his £6million move from Newcastle in the summer of 2007, after breaking his leg in two places during a Carling Cup match against Bristol Rovers in August that year. However, the England international showed no signs of any ill-effects from the injury as he was a constant threat during his brief outing at the weekend, and Clarke was delighted to have one of the club's prize assets back in contention. "It was good to get Kieron back. He's obviously had a terrible time with injury. We all feel for him and he's been working ever so hard just to get on the pitch again," said the ex-Chelsea coach. "Today was good for him. I thought he showed some good touches. But now we can work on building up his fitness and he is like a new signing."
Dyer's return is a timely boost for the Irons, whose owners are expected to sanction the sale of several players, with striker Craig Bellamy, midfielder Scott Parker and defender Matthew Upson all linked with moves away from Upton Park during the January transfer window. But Clarke is confident those players will still be at the club when the window slams shut on February 2, while he insists he and manager Gianfranco Zola will play a part in deciding the future of the club's players, contrary to reports which have suggested the wheels may already be in motion above their heads. "I would hope (Bellamy and Parker) will stay. Expect, I would expect so yes," continued Clarke. "I don't know if there has been a bid from Manchester City for them, I read in the papers that there had been, but I don't know if there has been a bid. "The January transfer window is something that is there and you just have to put up with it. There is going to be a lot of speculation about players coming and players going."
Asked whether he and Zola would have a say in who stays and who goes, Clarke said: "It's probably better to ask Franco that, because he is in closer contact with Scott Duxbury and Gianluca Nani. Obviously I am asked my opinion on players coming and going, so we have an opinion, yes."
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Wenger's affections turn to Parker
Author: Nigel Brown
Posted on: 05 January 2009 - 15:04
Sport.co.uk
Sport.co.uk sources have revealed that Arsene Wenger has contacted West Ham regarding the availability of Scott Parker. The midfielder has been linked with a £12 million move to Manchester City and Tottenham following West Ham's financial crisis. However Wenger has earmarked Parker as the perfect acquisition being both value for money and eligible for the Champions League, while also possesing valuable experience in the Premier League and Europe for Chelsea. Arsene Wenger moved for Parker when he was at Charlton however Chelsea outbid the Gunners to secure the England international's signature. The Arsenal boss could even launch a two pronged attack on the Hammers by also bidding for former stopper Mathew Upson. Speculation has been growing in the press for months regarding the future of Mathew Upson, with Arsene Wenger admitting he never wanted to sell the centre half. Wenger said before Arsenal's game at Upton Park: "He is one of the players that I would have loved to hang on to," "If you take the players in the Premier League who have been educated here there are plenty of them. Steve Sidwell, David Bentley, Fabrice Muamba, Matthew Upson... but at some stage if you don't play them you have to let them go.' "What is important is that they make a career. Upson has made a fantastic career and I knew he was at the age where I had to give it to him or let him go.' "I felt he had, for a very tall guy, quick feet, good pace, a good left foot, a good long ball and he was good in the air. For a centre back that is not bad. He was good on the ball and that is why I am not surprised he has made a good career."
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Mullins gunning for regular Hammers place
2:36pm Monday 5th January 2009
Guardian Series
WEST Ham midfielder Hayden Mullins insists he is doing all he can to establish himself as the permanent partner to Mark Noble in the centre of midfield, at the expense of the position's current occupier Scott Parker. The 29-year-old is currently third in line behind his two team-mates, but he will have given manager Gianfranco Zola a selection headache for the trip to Newcastle on Saturday after an accomplished display in the Hammers' 3-0 FA Cup third round win over Championship side Barnsley at Upton Park at the weekend. Mullins, a veteran of over 170 games for the club since he was signed by Alan Pardew in 2003, has fallen down the pecking order following the emergence of 21-year-old midfielder Noble and the signing of Parker from Newcastle United 18 months ago. But despite having to settle largely for a place on the bench this season, the former Crystal Palace player is keen to break into Zola's first-team plans, and he knows he must make the most of every opportunity he is afforded. He said: "I'm just waiting for my chance at the moment. Me and Scott are fighting for the one place and it's hard, but you've just got to try and get on with it. "It's a case of trying to do well in training and when I get a chance on the pitch. The manager's trying to keep everyone happy and it's difficult. Scotty has the shirt at the moment but I've just got to keep working hard and doing well when called upon."
Ironically, Mullins may gain promotion through the back door, as Parker is one of a number of the team's players to have been linked with moves away from East London, with the the midfielder attracting several longing gazes from Manchester City's oil-rich owners, despite West Ham's indignant claims that the former Chelsea player is not for sale. However, Mullins is keen to earn his stripes and is reluctant to see any of his team-mates leave during the January transfer window as the team bid to continue their recent good run of form, which has seen them win each of their last three games. "Things like that appear in the papers and a lot of the lads have had to deal with that in the past, but they're just things you have to deal with and put out of your head," he added. "We just have to focus on getting as high as we can up the league and get as far as we can in this competition (the FA Cup). "Obviously we got to the final a couple of years ago so we know it's possible and we want to get there again. That's a realistic target for us."
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No fire sale as West Ham only want those with money to burn
Last updated at 1:09 PM on 05th January 2009
Daily Mail
West Ham have been telling anyone who would listen that they won't be staging a fire sale in this transfer window. Other clubs are taking a close interest in some of their players, knowing that the club's Icelandic owner has suffered badly in the credit crunch. But the apparent asking prices of £12million each and more for Craig Bellamy, Scott Parker and Matthew Upson could be enough to put out the smoke signals which have reached the predators. If West Ham can really afford to reject offers below those price levels they will only be left with buyers who have money to burn.
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West Ham insist they will reject Arsenal bid for Upson
Monday, January 5, 2009
Sport.co.uk
West Ham insist they will reject any bid from Arsenal for their England defender Matthew Upson. Reports suggest West Ham must sell players in order to ease their financial problems. And the Gunners are believed to be keen to bring Upson back to the club he left for Birmingham in a £1million deal in 2003. Upson then signed for West Ham for £6m last year. Arsenal are also willing to throw striker Nicklas Bendtner as part of the deal but chief executive Scott Duxbury today insisted the club's top stars will not be leaving but did admit '"each approach will be considered in terms of fee, fitness, form and where the manager thinks the player is in his career'.
Manchester City are also keen on the player while Mark Hughes hopes to continue his raid on West Ham with moves for Scott Parker and Craig Bellamy.
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Dubai Australians? West Ham skipper Neill reminds Ancelotti he's up for grabs - and for free
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 9:45 AM on 05th January 2009
Daily Mail
West Ham skipper Lucas Neill kept himself in the shop window at the weekend as the day of his anticipated Upton Park exit draws nearer. The Australia defender is top of the chops for the Hammers who can no longer afford his £70,000-a-week wages so he decided to mingle with the beautiful people in Dubai on Saturday - namely Milan. Neill was happy to sign autographs as he watched the superstars of AC Milan train in the sun, possibly giving Rossonieri boss Carlo Ancelotti a little reminder that he is free for a Serie A switch if needed. However, the 30-year-old is far more likely to stay closer to home. He turned down Liverpool to join big-spending West Ham a year ago but could now be on his way to Merseyside with Everton reported to be leading the chase along with Newcastle.
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Manchester City bid £12m for Scott Parker
Manchester City have reportedly lodged a £12 million deal for West Ham midfielder Scott Parker.
By Telegraph staff
Last Updated: 8:48AM GMT 05 Jan 2009
Manager Mark Hughes is eager to bring in new recruits as quickly as possible following the embarrassing 3-0 FA Cup defeat against Nottingham Forest. Wayne Bridge was paraded to City fans before the Forest game following his move from Chelsea, and the Guardian has reported that Parker will finalise his transfer to Eastlands within the next 48 hours. Roque Santa Cruz, the Blackburn striker who has long been linked with City, is also expected to be the subject of a formal bid this week. By sanctioning such significant spending this month, City's Emirati owners are giving Hughes their public backing despite the club's disappointing season. And chief executive Garry Cook insists Sheikh Mansour is not panicking over results. "Mark is part of building the club, from the playing side right through to making this a great place for employees," said Cook said in the Sun. "What we don't do is sit around worrying about what happens if it goes wrong."
"Once we get through the first window, when Mark's impact will be able to advance the future of the football club, things will start to settle down," Cook added. "Mark's plans and the way he is running the team are going to build and change and the confidence will start to build. "We will bring people here who want to see the club move forward and the fans will ideally take to them because they're committed to the club."
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Cole revelling in partnership
Jan 5 2009
Journallive.co.uk
Ice-cool Carlton Cole is desperate for West Ham to keep hold of firebrand strike-partner Craig Bellamy because he is a firm believer in the theory that opposites attract. Bellamy is a January transfer target for a number of West Ham's Barclays Premier League rivals and Cole has urged the club to continue to stand firm in the face of any interest. "I'd love him to stay here for a very long time," said Cole. "I don't know what's going to happen but everyone at the club wants him here. The manager wants him here, the players want him here." He added: "He's a great asset to the club and hopefully he stays with us. "He's passionate about the game. If I've done something wrong he'll let me know. I say it the same way - but he'll say it louder than me! It's very constructive criticism. He reminds me of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. "We're totally different people. I don't get annoyed. I'm a patient guy. I can't be bothered with all the palaver. I just like to live my life and chill. I don't want to get into arguments. "Craig's a fiery character. You just have to respect how he feels sometimes. He's a really nice guy. I respect him and he respects me. That's how life is."
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West Ham adamant they will not be forced to sell Upson to Arsenal
By Ken Dyer Last updated at 9:58 AM on 05th January 2009
Daily Mail
West Ham insisted on Monday they will reject any bid from Arsenal for England defender Matthew Upson as they come under increasing pressure to sell their top players in the transfer window. It is thought the Gunners are preparing a move for Upson with striker Nicklas Bendtner being offered to Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola as part of the deal. West Ham have denied they are planning a fire sale of their most valuable players but, with Manchester City manager Mark Hughes expected to complete the signing of Scott Parker before upping his bid for Craig Bellamy, teams are preparing to test their resolve. Upson, who missed West Ham's 3-0 FA Cup win over Barnsley with a virus, is also rumoured to be wanted by Aston Villa but, despite the club's financial problems, chief executive Scott Duxbury is adamant that Upson will not be leaving during this month's transfer window. Duxbury has maintained that he is under no pressure to sell any of his star players although he has said that "each approach will be considered in terms of fee, fitness, form and where the manager thinks the player is in his career".
Duxbury, though, has had talks with both Upson and his agent, during which the former Arsenal and Birmingham defender has made it clear he is enjoying his football and is happy to stay. Zola is also keen to keep Upson, who has been West Ham's most consistent performer this season. The club, who are up for sale and attracting interest from potential investors, are expected to sell Parker to City for around £12million and Hughes may also try his luck by offering £20m for Bellamy. Tottenham are keen to sign the Wales striker but can't compete with City. Hughes, desperate to bolster his under-achieving squad after their FA Cup exit to Nottingham Forest, has already had an earlier bid of £15m rejected for Bellamy and Parker. West Ham, though, have also made it clear that none of their players will leave without first a replacement being lined up. Zola and assistant manager Steve Clarke, meanwhile, will see the long-awaited return of Kieron Dyer against Barnsley as akin to signing a new player.
Dyer, who has been out for 18 months after breaking a leg, came on for the last 20 minutes of the third-round win and Clarke said: "You saw against Barnsley when Kieron came on that he has quality but that he was struggling because he is lacking condition. "We knew he was not fully match fit and we knew it would be a little gamble putting him on the bench."
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Bolton talking to West Ham about a move for misfit defender Davenport
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 10:45 AM on 05th January 2009
Daily Mail
Calum Davenport is a target for Bolton Wanderers as West Ham look to cut their losses on a central defender they signed for £3million from Tottenham two years ago. The 26-year-old has only played 13 League matches for West Ham and has not impressed alongside Matthew Upson, though he missed the second half of last season after joining Watford on loan but breaking a bone in his neck in his first game. Bolton are in talks with West Ham, who desperately need to cut costs and have six other players who can feature at centre-back including promising youngster James Tomkins. Davenport, who was on loan at West Ham from Tottenham in 2004, has featured just eight times for the Upton Park side this season.
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Dyer Can Star - Clarke
by Richard Field , 05 January 2009
West Ham coach Steve Clarke says the returning Kieron Dyer will be a 'big addition' to the squad for the second half of the campaign. Dyer – who had been out for 16 months following a broken leg suffered in the 2007 Carling Cup tie against Bristol Rovers – came on for the final 20 minutes of the FA Cup win against Barnsley and almost made the dream return with a goal. The England player would love to play against his former club Newcastle this weekend, but his comeback will be carefully administered with a reserve team run out next for the player on Monday. Clarke says part of the reason to bring Dyer on against Barnsley was to 'give him a lift' and he responded in kind. "You can see that when Kieron came on to the pitch he's got quality. He could have got a couple of goals and he will be a big addition to our squad when fully fit," Clarke said on the club's official website. "But we also saw when he's made two or three forward runs he's struggling to get back so he's lacking condition but that will take time. "He's been working on his rehabilitation and only joined up with the group three weeks ago and we are just trying to integrate him into the sessions and work him as hard as we can in the way we like to work."
The FA Cup success was West Ham's third consecutive win and Clarke believes Dyer's adaptability will be a useful tool. "I'm not going to give any secrets away but when you've got a player like Kieron Dyer you can make many positions for him and many different systems."
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Tottenham join battle for West Ham defender Upson
05.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
Tottenham have joined the race for West Ham United defender Matthew Upson. The Mirror says Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has made an enquiry for West Ham's wantaway Upson. Manchester City and Aston Villa have also made approaches for the England defender, 29, who is likely to be sold by the hardup Hammers this month. Despite his interest, Redknapp is unlikely to match the spending power of City and Villa, who could meet the £12million asking price for Upson.
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West Ham turn to Palace youngster Watson
05.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United are moving for Crystal Palace midfielder Ben Watson. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola sees Watson as a cut-price replacement for Manchester City target Scott Parker. Watson is also wanted by Middlesbrough and Everton.
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Dicks fears West Ham could do a Leeds
05.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
Former West Ham United captain Julian Dicks fears his old club could go the same way as Leeds. He said: "I was at West Ham for nearly 12 years and I'm worried that, if they don't hold on to their best players, they could follow the example of Leeds United." The Yorkshire club languish in League One after plummeting down the divisions following various fire sales. And Dicks thinks the Upton Park outfit could also spiral downwards if owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson fails to sell the club quickly.
"The board needs to sell to someone determined to keep them in the Premier League," Dicks said. "In the meantime they shouldn't dictate to Zola who he can and can't sell. A fire-sale would be a disaster. "Leeds were a massive club and they went into freefall. It proves what can happen."
Dicks also said: "I hate the way a lot of players in the Premier League just don't seem to care about their clubs. They get their 50 to 60 grand a week and just go through the motions. "And the physical side of the game is going. "Football should be a man's game but it's become non-contact. Even if you make a good hard tackle now you can get a red card!"
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West Ham reject Chelsea offer for Behrami
05.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
Chelsea have failed with a surprise offer for West Ham United midfielder Valon Behrami. The People says West Ham have rejected an £8million bid from Chelsea for Switzerland international Behrami.
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Di Michele is a Happy Hammer
The Sun
Published: Today
DAVID DI MICHELE insists he is happy at West Ham — despite just six league starts this season. The Italian striker, who joined on a 12-month loan deal from Torino, had been linked with an early return to the Serie A side. But Di Michele is relishing working under fellow countryman Gianfranco Zola at Upton Park. He sad: "I am at West Ham. I hope to do well, to return to play and to score as many as possible. "Then it's down to the two clubs to speak about my loan deal." "My limited playing time is perhaps due to the fact that I have a player like Craig Bellamy, who is not just anybody, ahead of me. Or maybe that having started strongly I have also been affected by the team's drop in from in a difficult tournament. "Zola is a very respected person, calm and available to everyone — he always gives me advice. "It is not easy not to play but I trust him, he knows English football and he helps me."
Di Michele has also revealed the players are not discussing the club's reported financial prolems. He added: "We don't speak about the crisis at the club and within the team. "Everything works fine. We get paid on time, everyone gives their best and no-one demands to be transferred."
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Semioli's Agent Sceptical About West Ham Move
Goal.com
The winger has allegedly attracted interest from the Hammers, but his representative admits that his recent fatherhood might prove a stumbling block. Franco Semioli moved to Fiorentina last summer, but has been unable to replicate the form which shot him to fame while at Chievo Verona. Press reports have alleged that the Italy international might hand in a transfer request this month, and other whispers claim this morning that the Gigliati might use him as a bargaining chip to capture West Ham midfielder Valon Behrami, as Gianfranco Zola would relish the opportunity to bring Semioli to Upton Park. "There is nothing new at the moment, but I'm sure that something will happen in a few days," agent Marcello Bonetto told Firenzeviola.it "As for a move abroad, you cannot forget that he has recently become a father and this could make a move to a foreign club difficult. "At the same time, much would depend on the team in question and their offer, so I would just answer 'maybe' right now. But I repeat, it is too early to jump to conclusions."
Vince Masiello, Goal.com
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Di Michele happy at Hammers
ESPN
January 5, 2009
David Di Michele insists he is happy at West Ham despite his lack of playing time this season. The Italian striker, who joined the Premier League outfit in September on a 12-month loan deal from Torino, has been linked with an early return to the Serie A side. But he said: "I am at West Ham. I hope to do well, to return to play and to score as many as possible. "Then it's down to the two clubs to speak about my loan deal." Di Michele, who was a starter at former clubs Palermo, Udinese and Toro, has scored twice in six league appearances for West Ham this campaign. Wales forward Craig Bellamy is coach Gianfranco Zola's preferred choice in attack and Di Michele, who turns 33 tomorrow, knows he has a lot of work to do to earn a starting place. "My limited playing time is perhaps due to the fact that I have a player like Bellamy, who is not just anybody, ahead of me," said Di Michele. "Or maybe that having started strongly I have also been affected by the team's drop in from in a difficult tournament." Di Michele has great admiration for Zola and is happy to play the waiting game. "Zola is a very respected person, calm and available to everyone," he said. "He always gives me advice. "It is not easy not to play but I trust him, he knows English football and he helps me."
Di Michele does not believe the reported cash crisis which has hit the club and led to several West Ham stars being linked with a move away from Upton Park is affecting the team. "We don't speak about the crisis at the club and within the team," he said. "Everything works fine: we get paid on time, everyone gives their best and no-one demands to be transferred. "We only hear about the crisis in the press but we don't talk about it because here we only think about playing."
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West Ham fans' bad year is about to get a lot worse
The Mirror
By Steve Anglesey 5/01/2009
West Ham's owners know all about risky investments and now fans can enjoy one too if they choose to buy the club's official calendar. For just £4.99 it's an edge-of-your seat thrill ride, virtually inviting buyers to guess how many of the featured players will still be with the club by the end of January. The cover features Matthew Upson, who was - ahem - "rested" in the FA Cup, and Mr January is seemingly Man City-bound Scott Parker. February's star is Craig Bellamy - wanted by City and Spurs - while in March it's back to Eastlands target Upson. And it will be truly amazing if Lucas Neill is at Upton Park by his featured month of November after he was spotted at AC Milan's training camp in Dubai on Saturday. The Hammers don't have a monopoly on the problem, however. The front page of Portsmouth's calendar features likely leavers Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe, who claims to have received death threats from Pompey fans. And the cover of Man City's official 2009 annual bears the image of Eastlands boo-boy Darius Vassell, whose low standing among City fans was reduced to subterranean status in Saturday's Nottingham Forest debacle when he could not replace Shaun Wright-Phillips immediately as he had forgotten to remove his earrings.
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BELLAMY'S THE MAN AS ZOLA FLIES FOR COVER
Daily Express
Monday January 5,2009
By Gideon Brooks Have your say(0)
WEST HAM 3 BARNSLEY 0
EVENTS off the pitch were always going to overshadow those on it at Upton Park. Victory over Barnsley, last season's giant-killers and semi-finalists no less, was as comfortable as the subsequent grilling was not over who played, who didn't, and who would still be around to travel to Hartlepool in the fourth round in three weeks' time. Manager Gianfranco Zola chose to depart early after victory to catch a flight to visit family in Sardinia. His assistant Steve Clarke was left to try to explain why Matthew Upson's name was not on the teamsheet (a virus which stopped him training but did not stop him being at the game), nor Valon Behrami's (rested) and why Craig Bellamy's was. After West Ham turned down a £9million offer for Welshman Bellamy from Spurs, it appears it is going to take the financial clout of Manchester City to prise him away.
Zola's short trip to Italy – he will be back on Tuesday night – may well incorporate a detour to Florence for face-to-face talks with a possible replacement for Bellamy in Fiorentina striker Giampaolo Pazzini. Or Turin in an effort to persuade midfielder Sebastian Giovinco of the merits of a loan spell. Clarke toed the company line about only fringe players leaving the club in the transfer window and chose instead to point to green shoots of recovery like the return of Kieron Dyer after 16 months out with a broken leg. "We had always hoped we would be in a position to bring Kieron on to give him a lift and let him see that everyone is thinking about him," said Clarke. "Now he will play in the reserves on Monday [against Aston Villa] to gain fitness."
Dyer's 20-minute cameo – along with another returning favourite in Matthew Etherington who was enjoying his first action since mid-November – provided a boost to the interest of a game that was flagging at 2-0. Etherington provided the framework on which the third goal was constructed – Carlton Cole heading in a cross from Herita Ilunga after the hour mark to add to first-half hits from Ilunga and a penalty from Mark Noble. Cole, for whom a third in as many matches represented the best run since he was a Chelsea youth team player, enthused not about his form but about the return of Dyer. "I am so happy Kieron is back. He looked sharp," said Cole. "He is such a good player. He will be a great asset on the pitch."
Bellamy also came in for praise even if his moaning on the pitch when he does not get the ball exactly where he wants it takes some getting used to. "That's just Craig – he reminds me of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink," said Cole. "It's constructive criticism though. He's passionate about the game. That's how he is. "I don't know what's going to happen but I'd love him to stay here for a very long time."
The board and the player, however, appear to have other ideas.
WEST HAM (4-4-2): Green; Faubert, Collins, Tomkins, Ilunga; Collison (Dyer 70), Mullins, Noble, Boa Morte (Etherington 66); Cole (Tristan 75), Bellamy. Booked: Mullins, Faubert. Goals: Ilunga 10, Noble pen 39, Cole 68.
BARNSLEY (4-4-2): Muller; Hassell, Foster, Guedes, Van Homoet; Campbell-Ryce, Colace, Leon (Butterfield 89), El Haimour; Odejayi (Coulson 86), Rigters (Adam 86). Booked: Colace, Odejayi, El Haimour.
Referee: M Oliver (Northumberland).
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West Ham fans are right to worry about club becoming the next Leeds United
The Mirror
By Stan Collymore 5/01/2009
I was deluged by worried West Ham fans calling my phone-in on Saturday night and I can understand their concerns. The club clearly have huge financial problems following their ill advised spending spree and collapse of the Icelandic economy. And the icy financial chill engulfing the world threatens to destroy Upton Park.
Despite repeated denials from the club and claims from boss Gianfranco Zola that he doesn't have to sell, several top stars are set to leave. I will be very surprised if Lucas Neill, Matthew Upson, Craig Bellamy and Rob Green are all still at the club in February. And with the Hammers just five points off the drop zone, relegation is a definite possibility. Once the players start going, I think rookie manager Zola himself will also consider quitting. There is seemingly no buyer lined up for the cash-strapped club, so troubled Icelandic owner Bjorgol fur Gudmundsson could even be forced to put West Ham into administration. Their problems are so huge that if they go down they could be the next Leeds.
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Rednapp moves for Upson
Sportuk.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on: 05 January 2009 - 09:39
Harry Redknapp looks set to move for West Ham defender Matthew Upson as doubts linger over the fitness of Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate. The Daily Mirror claims that Spurs could make a bid as high as £12m for the England international as they attempt to repair their leaky defence. It is thought that the cash-strapped Hammers would be forced to accept a deal if a suitably attractive offer was made by the North London club. Indeed, such is the situation at Upton Park that chief executive Scott Duxbury announced on the club's official website that: "We must not be afraid of interest in or bids for our leading players. "Each approach will be considered in terms of fee, fitness, form and where the manager thinks the player is in his career. "We have to consider the will of the player and whether he is committed to what we are trying to achieve. "A bid may be evaluated by the manager as allowing him to significantly improve his team."
Tottenham currently languish in 16th position having failed to win any of their last three league games and despite a revival in fortunes since the sacking of Juande Ramos, new boss Redknapp has accepted that hard work is still to be done.
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West Ham deny Parker on way to Man City
05.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United have denied reports Scott Parker is on his way to Manchester City. The former Chelsea midfielder is one of a number of Hammers stars being linked with a move away from Upton Park. Reports had suggested City were about to seal a deal worth around £12million for the England international. But the Hammers have told Sky Sports News Parker will not be leaving.
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Premiership clubs queue for West Ham skipper Neill
05.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United skipper Lucas Neill has a host of Premiership clubs chasing his signature. Newcastle United, Spurs and Everton are weighing up moves for Australia defender Neill. The Hammers will listen to offers for any of their players and the Aussie defender, 30, is out of contract this summer. Neill has been told he must take a 50 per cent pay cut on his current deal – understood to be worth £60,000-a-week – if he wants to stay at Upton Park.
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Tottenham make enquiry about West Ham defender Matthew Upson By Football Spy 5/01/2009
The Mirror
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has made an enquiry for West Ham's wantaway Matthew Upson. Manchester City and Aston Villa have also made approaches for the England defender, 29, who is likely to be sold by the hardup Hammers this month. Despite his interest, Redknapp is unlikely to match the spending power of City and Villa, who could meet the £12million asking price for Upson.
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