WHUFC.com
West Ham United have responded to today's announcement by The FA and the
Premier League
08.01.2009
In response to today's announcement from The FA and the Premier League, West
Ham United in a statement said: "West Ham United will co-operate fully with
the joint inquiry convened by The FA and Premier League. "We have acted in
good faith throughout the various inquiries and investigations into this
matter and fulfilled the undertakings given to the Premier League following
the initial penalty. "We have nothing to hide and will ensure that this is
once again reflected in our evidence to The FA and Premier League."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Etherington off to Stoke
WHUFC.com
Matthew Etherington has left West Ham United after five and a half years of
loyal service at the Boleyn Ground
08.01.2009
West Ham United can confirm that Matthew Etherington has left the club to
join Stoke City for an undisclosed fee. The 27-year-old winger has agreed a
contract until summer 2012 and could make his debut for Tony Pulis' side at
home to Liverpool on Saturday. Etherington was the club's longest-serving
player, having signed in August 2003 and being named Hammer of the Year in
his first season. He was instrumental in promotion back to the top flight at
the end of the 2004/05 season and made his mark in the following campaign's
run to the FA Cup final. Despite injury and illness this season, Etherington
had made 15 appearances for the club, scoring two goals, but faced stiff
competition for a first-team place. West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury said:
"This is a good deal for everyone concerned. Matthew has been a loyal
servant to the club. We thank him for all his efforts and wish him well for
the future at Stoke." West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola said: "It was
the best deal for everyone. He is going to be playing regularly. We left on
very good terms and we wish him all the best."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
New inquiry into Tevez transfer
BBC.co.uk
The Premier League and the Football Association say they will launch a fresh
inquiry into the conduct of West Ham over the Carlos Tevez affair. The new
joint investigation will look into the London club's dealings with Tevez's
representatives. West Ham were fined £5.5m in April 2007 by the Premier
League for breaking rules over third-party agreements. An independent
tribunal later ruled that Tevez was ineligible to play for West Ham in the
2006-07 season. More to follow.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dicks warns against mass exodus
BBC.co.uk
Julian Dicks has warned West Ham they will risk their Premier League status
if they sell their top stars. The new Wivenhoe boss had two spells at West
Ham as a player and believes the club must not allow a mass exodus. The
ex-defender told BBC London 94.9: "Bellamy, Upson, Parker and Green are the
best players at West Ham. "If you are going to build a side, you have to
build it around players like that. You can't sell them, you would like them
to keep the best." He added: "If they had to sell all four of them I would
[fear relegation] - I think you could probably get away with Upson or Parker
going but you need to hold on to Bellamy and Green." Dicks made more than
300 appearances in his two spells at Upton Park, either side of a stint at
Liverpool. He added: "If the club are really financially stuck and have to
offload players because of their wage demands then that's another story."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Megson on Davenport
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 8th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
Bolton boss Gary Megson has confirmed that a deal has been struck with West
Ham for Calum Davenport. Megson, talking to the press in this morning's
pre-match press conference confirmed reports that the two clubs had agreed a
deal worth around £3million for the former Coventry defender. However the
Bolton manager added that he was also looking at alternative options
including a French centre half. "We've spoken to West Ham about Calum and
there is an agreement," he said, "but there's not just one player we're
looking at. "So that one remains to be seen whether it actually goes
through."
Meanwhile today's Mirror claims that Davenport was issued his marching
orders after he told Gianfranco Zola that he was not prepared to sit on the
bench for the recent 2-1 home win against Stoke City. Davenport, who had
played in the three matches prior to the Stoke match was dropped for the
game in favour of the returning James Collins. The Mirror claim that the
centre-half told a 'shocked' Zola 'I'm not f*****g playing for you'.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Etherington makes Stoke switch
Winger arrives on a three-and-a-half year contract
By Chris Burton Last updated: 8th January 2009
SSN
Stoke City have completed the signing of West Ham United winger Matthew
Etherington for an undisclosed fee. The winger has completed a move to the
Premier League rookies, believed to be worth in the region of £3million, and
has signed a three-and-a-half year deal. The 27-year-old has been troubled
by gambling problems in the past and has seen his performances dip over the
past few seasons. However, he has shown that he is a competent top-flight
playmaker and Pulis is hoping to get the best out of a man he admits has
lost his way of late. "No disrespect but we are at a club where we can't
deal in the top bracket of players we would like to bring here," said the
Potters boss. "You are always working below that. We are not at Crufts, we
are at Battersea Dogs Home. We are looking for strays. We are looking for
people who have gone astray with the aim of bringing them back. "You look
for players who have gone off the rails and for whatever reason have not
fulfilled their potential."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Megson May Do the Dirty on Davenport
West Ham Till I Die
You've got to feel sorry for Calum Davenport. Gary Megson is now playing
silly buggers. Having agreed a £3 million fee with West Ham for Davenport,
he now says they may be looking elsewhere. Here's what Megson had to say…
"We've got an agreement with West Ham but we're also looking at other
players in that position. We've also got another player that we're close to
coming to an agreement with, so it's decision time. We may get accused of
messing somebody about but we've got to do what's right for the football
club. It still may happen that Calum joins Bolton but we'll need another 24
hours before we decide what we're going to do."
I always thought Megson was a complete scumbag. Now I know I was right.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Breaking News: New FA Tevezgate Inquiry Launched!
West Ham Till I Die
THIS has just been posted on the Premier League website…
The Premier League and the FA are to institute a joint inquiry into the
views expressed by the Independent Arbitral Tribunal chaired by Lord
Griffiths in September 2008, which dealt with a compensation claim by
Sheffield United against West Ham United brought under FA rules. The joint
inquiry will examine whether the conduct of West Ham United immediately
after the Independent Disciplinary Commission's decision of 27th April 2007
amounted to further breaches of Premier League or FA rules.
I don't mind admitting that I am totally baffled by this. What on earth do
they mean by "the conduct of WHU after 27 April". Can anyone shed any light?
Will this nightmare ever end? It seems to me that someone, somewhere is
determined that we're going to be docked points at some stage or other.
UPDATE: I understand this all relates to verbal promises allegedly made by
Scott Duxbury to Kia Joorabchian. I'm very depressed on a number of fronts.
Firstly that the question of points being docked raises its ugly head again.
Secondly, while the very fact that the inquiry is being launched will make
our star players have second thoughts about staying. And thirdly we may now
be getting rid of a couple of players who we may well need if the worst
happens.
Fun being a Hammers fan, innit?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pulis expects Etherington move
Wide man set to undergo medical at Britannia Stadium
Last updated: 8th January 2009
SSN
Stoke manager Tony Pulis expects to complete the signing of Matthew
Etherington on Thursday and hopes the West Ham player will solve a lack of
width at the Britannia Stadium. Sky Sports revealed on Tuesday that the two
clubs were in talks and Pulis has now confirmed that a fee has been agreed
and Etherington is set to undergo his medical. Pulis is eager to guide Stoke
to Premier League survival this term and admits he has been on the look out
for an attacking winger to provide an extra dimension in the battle to avoid
the drop. And the Potters boss is confident Etherington - who has suffered
off-field problems in the past - will prove a success.
Pulis said: "The two clubs have done a deal without too many problems. I am
hoping things will be finalised today after he has a medical. "I think
Matthew feels it is right to get out of London and start again. I have had
to solve problems with players before and we do our best at Stoke to look
after them. "I have really got a feeling from him. If we can get him back to
his best, he will be a really exciting player for our supporters. "We have
been looking for a wide player with pace. Matthew has the ability to beat a
player and run the ball from one end of the pitch to another. "He scores
goals and his set pieces are good as well. If we can seal the deal we will
be very pleased."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers know way to Amarilla
West Ham keen on young Paraguay duo
Last updated: 8th January 2009
SSN
West Ham have handed trials to Paraguayan starlets Nelson Amarilla and Juan
Aguilar, skysports.com understands. The South American duo have travelled to
England and are currently training with the Hammers with a view to sealing
moves to Upton Park. Both players currently play for Guarani in their
homeland, but are keen to secure switches to the Premier League. The duo
trained with Wigan last summer, but a deal was not finalised and now they
are hoping they can do enough to impress West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola.
Amarilla is a 21-year-old defender, while Aguilar is a 19-year-old
midfielder.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Premier League and FA to reopen Tevez case
Soccernet.com
January 8, 2009
The Premier League and the Football Association have announced they will
launch a fresh inquiry into the conduct of West Ham over the Carlos Tevez
affair. The new investigation, into West Ham's dealings with the striker's
representatives after the club had initially been fined £5.5million for
breaching league rules over third-party agreements, will be conducted
jointly by the FA and the Premier League. It follows the findings of an
arbitration tribunal in favour of Sheffield United and against West Ham last
year which decided Tevez should not have been able to play for the Hammers
at the end of the 2006-07 season. A joint statement said: ''The Premier
League and the FA are to institute a joint inquiry into the views expressed
by the Independent Arbitral Tribunal chaired by Lord Griffiths in September
2008, which dealt with a compensation claim by Sheffield United against West
Ham United brought under FA Rules. ''The joint inquiry will examine whether
the conduct of West Ham United immediately after the Independent
Disciplinary Commission's decision of 27 April 2007 amounted to further
breaches of Premier League or FA Rules.''
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers starlet Collison 'almost joined Posh'
PeterboroughToday.co.uk
Published Date: 08 January 2009
DARREN Ferguson has revealed that Posh almost signed West Ham youngster Jack
Collison earlier this season. Collison was at Posh as a 10 year-old, but
moved to Cambridge United to follow former London Road Academy Director Kit
Carson. From there he moved to West Ham. The 20-year-old had agreed to come
on loan to London Road, but a Hammers injury crisis saw the deal scuppered.
Collison is now a regular member of the West Ham first-team squad and the
Welsh senior squad.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mark Lawrenson's latest brilliant prediction
January 8th, 2009 · No Comments
The Spoiler
As you may have gathered by now, The Spoiler is a huge fan of Mark
Lawrenson's BBC prediction column. And while this week's edition didn't
contain quite as much nonsense as we have become accustomed to, he more than
made up for it with the above gem about West Ham. Lawro claims that West Ham
are unpredictable, but then goes on to predict that they will remain
impossible to predict for the rest of the season. Hmm. At least he stayed
true to the unpredictability theme with his verdict for Saturday's match,
highlighting West Ham's recent wins and Newcastle's losses before
prophesying that Joe Kinnear's side will come out on top.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Everton and West Ham give Makinwa hope
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on: 08 January 2009 - 13:52
Stephen Makinwa's proposed transfer from Lazio to Chievo has once again hit
a stumbling block opening the door to a move to either West Ham or Everton.
Both Premier League sides have been linked with a short-term loan deal for
the 25-year-old Nigerian in an attempt to bolster their beleaguered strike
forces. Speaking to the press in Italy the player's agent, Paolo Fabbri
claimed: "The transfer is at a standstill right now, as Lotito wanted
conditions that Chievo did not accept. There is still time to fix this. I
have not received any serious offers from abroad. "Chievo remains our best
option, as they would guarantee that the player has a starting place in the
line up. "I think that the two teams may eventually agree on a loan deal,
because Lazio considers Makinwa to be an important option, but at the moment
a transfer is unthinkable."
David Moyes and Gianfranco Zola have been linked with a host of players
since the January transfer window opened, but with funds tight for both
clubs short-term loan deals could offer some light at the end of the tunnel.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stoke City close in on Matthew Etherington
Times Online
Tony Pulis, the Stoke City manager, expects to complete the signing of
Matthew Etherington from West Ham United later today, after a £3million fee
was believed to have been agreed between the two clubs. The 27-year-old
winger could make his debut on Saturday against Liverpool at the Britannia
Stadium if it goes through.
"The two clubs have done a deal without too many problems," Pulis said. "I
am hoping things will be finalised today after he has a medical."
Etherington has been troubled by well-documented gambling problems and Pulis
believes he will thrive in new surroundings. "I think Matthew feels it is
right to get out of London and start again," he said. "I have had to solve
problems with players before and we do our best at Stoke to look after them.
"I have really got a feeling from him. If we can get him back to his best,
he will be a really exciting player for our supporters. We have been looking
for a wide player with pace. Matthew has the ability to beat a player and
run the ball from one end of the pitch to another. He scores goals and his
set pieces are good as well. If we can seal the deal we will be very
pleased."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pulis Waiting On Etherington Medical
Setanta.co.uk
by Joseph Caron Dawe , 08 January 2009 RELATED
Stoke boss Tony Pulis is optimistic his side will complete the signing of
Matthew Etherington from West Ham by the close of play on Thursday. The
Potters boss has been on the hunt for a winger and believes the former
Tottenham wideman could be the solution to his problem. Pulis is waiting on
a successful medical before he can begin to factor Etherington into his
plans at The Britannia Stadium, and he is confident there will be no
problems to hinder the switch. "The two clubs have done a deal without too
many problems," said Pulis. "I am hoping things will be finalised today
after he has a medical. "We have been looking for a wide player with pace.
Matthew has the ability to beat a player and run the ball from one end of
the pitch to another. "He scores goals and his set pieces are good as well.
If we can seal the deal we will be very pleased."
Etherington has struggled with personal problems of late, with a publicised
gambling problem having disrupted his form. Pulis said: "I think Matthew
feels it is right to get out of London and start again. "I have had to solve
problems with players before and we do our best at Stoke to look after them.
"I have really got a feeling from him. If we can get him back to his best,
he will be a really exciting player for our supporters."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Etherington on the verge of Stoke move
11:39am Thursday 8th January 2009
Guardian Series
HAMMERS winger Matthew Etherington is on the brink of being sold to Stoke
City, according to reports. BBC Sport understands that the 27-year-old, who
is the longest-serving member of the current West Ham squad, is likely to
complete a move to the Britannia Stadium in the coming days for an
undisclosed fee. Etherington made a successful return from injury in front
of the Irons' faithful in the 3-0 FA Cup third round win over Barnsley on
Saturday. But with the club reportedly willing toi listen to offers for a
number of their players, the midfielder may have played his last game for
Gianfranco Zola's men. Etherington moved to Upton Park in 2003 when he
joined from Tottenham and was a key figure in the side's successful
promotion bid in 2005, while he was also voted Hammer of the Year the
previous season.
Should the transfer go through, it could mark the first in a chain of deals,
with the likes of Craig Bellamy, Scott Parker and Matthew Upson attracting
interest from Manchester City, amongst others.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hull on verge of capturing Boa Morte
This Is London
Hull City are believed to have agreed a £2million fee to sign Luis Boa Morte
from West Ham. The forward arrived from Fulham two years ago for £5m but has
failed to sparkle at Upton Park. He could be joined out of the exit door by
French star Julien Faubert, who is wanted by Rangers; Matthew Etherington,
due to sign for Stoke for £4m; Calum Davenport, who could move to Bolton for
£3m and Lee Bowyer, likely to go to Birmingham for an undisclosed fee. The
Hammers hope that by selling these players they will be able to hang on to
Craig Bellamy, Scott Parker and Matthew Upson.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stoke near Etherington swoop
By Ken Gaunt, PA
Thursday, 8 January 2009
Independent.co.uk Web
Stoke manager Tony Pulis expects to complete the signing of Matthew
Etherington from West Ham later today. A fee, believed to be around £3m, has
been agreed between the two clubs for the 27-year-old midfielder.
Etherington could make his debut on Saturday against Liverpool at the
Britannia Stadium if all goes well. Pulis said: "The two clubs have done a
deal without too many problems. I am hoping things will be finalised today
after he has a medical." Etherington has been troubled by well-documented
gambling problems and Pulis believes he will thrive in new surroundings.
Pulis said: "I think Matthew feels it is right to get out of London and
start again. "I have had to solve problems with players before and we do our
best at Stoke to look after them. "I have really got a feeling from him. If
we can get him back to his best, he will be a really exciting player for our
supporters."
Pulis added: "We have been looking for a wide player with pace. Matthew has
the ability to beat a player and run the ball from one end of the pitch to
another. "He scores goals and his set pieces are good as well. If we can
seal the deal we will be very pleased."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U's boss hoping for Walker deal
TeamTalk
Colchester United boss Paul Lambert is hoping to extend goalkeeper Jimmy
Walker's loan spell from Premier League outfit West Ham United. The
35-year-old's initial one-month stint came to an end last weekend but
Lambert wants him to stay on in Essex, possibly until the end of the season.
"We're trying to get something sorted," said Lambert. "I've spoken to Jimmy
and to the chairman and we are doing our best to get him here. "It's never
a simple process but Jimmy has been a big part of what we have achieved and
we want to keep him with us. "He is keen to come here which is always half
the battle. He knows what we want to do and we are working hard on getting
something done."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hull close in on £2m West Ham forward Luis Boa Morte as Hammers make
sacrifices to hold on to Upton Park stars
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 11:47 AM on 08th January 2009
Daily Mail
Hull City are believed to have agreed a £2million fee to sign Luis Boa Morte
from West Ham United. The forward arrived from Fulham two years ago for £5m
but has failed to sparkle at Upton Park. He could be joined out of the exit
door by French star Julien Faubert, who is wanted by Rangers; Matthew
Etherington, due to sign for Stoke for £4m; Calum Davenport, who could move
to Bolton for £3m and Lee Bowyer, likely to go to Birmingham for £1m. The
Hammers hope that by selling these players they will be able to hang on to
Craig Bellamy, Scott Parker and Matthew Upson.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hughes cools interest in Irons duo
Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has cooled his interest in West Ham's Scott
Parker and Craig Bellamy - and has not made a bid for Shay Given.
TeamTalk
Hughes made formal approaches for Parker and Bellamy when the transfer
window opened earlier this month, but has revealed those deals have put been
on hold after the Hammers rejected his advances. "We made an initial enquiry
(for Parker) and I think it's well documented that we made an enquiry about
Craig Bellamy as well," he said. "We made a double bid which was rejected
and we haven't got back to the table on that one." While Hughes remains
optimistic that he will be able to bolster his squad in the coming weeks, he
did dismiss speculation linking City with a move for Newcastle goalkeeper
Given. "No, I don't think there has been an offer for Shay Given," he said.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ilunga poised to sign permanent deal
E24
08 January 2009
Herita Ilunga is ready to turn his loan switch into a permanent deal at West
Ham after the defender's agent revealed that he expects to finalise an
agreement with the club this month. Ilunga joined the Hammers on a year-long
loan from Toulouse in September and has produced a series of impressive
displays since moving to Upton Park. The Congo international scored his
first goal for the club in last weekend's 3-0 FA Cup defeat of Barnsley and
he is now poised to agree a permanent stay in East London, according to his
agent Daniel Striani. The Hammers agreed a buy-out clause with Toulouse when
they opted to take the 26-year-old on a temporary basis in September and are
set to secure Ilunga on a long-term deal this month. "The situation is
crystal clear - Herita is on loan from Toulouse to West Ham, who have an
option to sign him until April," said Striani. "West Ham fully intend to use
their buy-out clause and as far as Herita is concerned, he is happy to stay
at the club and is waiting for them to use their option to sign him on a
permanent basis. "West Ham have the situation under control and he could
commit his future to the club in January.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Megson Confirms Davenport Offer
by Joseph Caron Dawe , 08 January 2009
Gary Megson has confirmed Bolton have reached an agreement with West Ham
over Calum Davenport, but that he is still waiting to see if a deal will go
through.
The Trotters boss revealed on Thursday he had been in contact with The
Hammers over the former Tottenham centre back, and that the sides had been
able to reach an accord over Davenport. However, Megson also stated that he
was looking at other options and that a transfer was still some way off
being completed. "We've spoken to West Ham about Calum and there is an
agreement, but we are looking in certain positions and there's not just one
player that we're looking at," said Megson on Setanta Sports News. "So that
one remains to be seen whether it actually goes through."
Reports earlier in the week suggested that Brazilian World Cup winner
Denilson was on trial at The Reebok Stadium, and Megson confirmed the
31-year-old was being put through his paces. "Obviously he's a fantastic
talent but we've not seen him for quite a while, so he's just arrived
yesterday and will do some training with us, and we'll see how we go from
there," said the Bolton manager, who rejected suggestions Denilson would
struggle to fit into his side's style of football. "He's a good player, and
good players can do. It's not a case of fitting him into a system here it's
a case of us looking at him and him looking at us, and that's as far as it's
come."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
View From The Opposition - Newcastle United
Vinny - Thu Jan 8 2009
West Ham Online
Newcastle United are next up and Ben Woolhead of
http://www.blackandwhiteandreadallover.blogspot.com/ has kindly answered
some questions about the upcoming fixture.
Since last time we spoke many things have happened at St James' Park since
September. How is your season going so far?
We've been as mystifyingly inconsistent and tragicomic as ever. For every
encouraging win (home to Villa, away to Pompey) we've suffered a thoroughly
miserable defeat (home to Hull, home to Liverpool). Prior to the game at
Wigan on Boxing Day, we'd kept three consecutive clean sheets away from
home, including one at Stamford Bridge - and yet we could have conceded 12
against Liverpool, and would have done if it wasn't for Shay Given.
We threw away crucial points in consecutive home games against Wigan and
Stoke, on both occasions conceding injury-time equalisers to central
defenders we used to own. And we lost to the sodding Mackems. Our
consolation (and that of everyone else, including West Ham) is that the
league is so tight it only takes a couple of good results to propel
yourselves out of trouble - but by the same token it only takes a couple of
bad ones to land yourselves deep in the brown stuff.
What are your hopes for the remainder of the season?
Avoid relegation. And beat the Mackems, preferably condemning them to
relegation.
Who has been your best player this season so far?
Nothing's changed since the last time we spoke. Gutierriez continues to
impress on occasions, though there's not enough end product; Owen has scored
some important goals and continues to do the business when given the
opportunity; Martins has been his usual mercurial self, hitting the corner
flag one minute and the back of the net the next (as indeed he did at
Fratton Park). Bassong has been quietly effective in the last couple of
months, forming a half-decent partnership with Coloccini. But head and
shoulders above them all is Shay Given - week in week out he bails our
defenders out and gives our forwards something to build on. The man's a
legend and, should he choose to leave this month, we'll be sorry but not
angry - he owes us absolutely nothing.
And who has been the worst?
Jose Enrique, no contest. In possession he seems incapable of anything other
than giving it away with an overambitious pass or slicing it out, and
without the ball he dozes off like Titus Bramble with narcolepsy. Kinnear
made the fatal mistake of praising him last month after a few so-so
performances - he's been shocking ever since.
What do you make of West Ham so far this season?
Much like us - inconsistent, though from what I recall you've gone through
longer good or bad spells rather than lurching from good to bad from game to
game as we seem to have done. We're very much on a par these days, I think -
not only have you got half of our ex-players on the pitch, you've also got a
whole load of turmoil and financial uncertainty off it.
Any West Ham players who have impressed you this season?
Not especially. I've always rated Rob Green. As much as I despise the
poisoned dwarf Bellamy, he's a good player, as is Matthew Upson, so it's no
surprise they're both being linked with moves away from Upton Park this
month. More eye-opening to me is the sums being talked about for our old boy
Scotty Parker, both in terms of transfer fee and wages. While I thought he
was a solid performer for us, he wasn't amazing and I haven't seen much
evidence since he's moved south that he's recaptured the form that made
Chelsea pay £10m for him - perhaps you know differently, though?
What has been the reaction to Mike Ashley's decision not to sell the club?
When Keegan went everyone was baying for blood, both of us at Black & White
& Read All Over included, so it was inevitable he'd have to bow to fan
pressure and put the club up for sale, even if it was a reluctant move. But
now both he and we have seen the club's not as attractive a proposition as
we had hoped, there doesn't seem to be any option for either party but to
get on with "driving the club forward together", as he put it.
To be fair to him, in the statement he put out when putting the club on the
market, he made some good points about the strategy he had put into place
and the way he'd hoped to take the club forward (our annoyance, of course,
was that this clearly hadn't been communicated to Keegan, or that it could
have been easily tweaked so Keegan retained control over transfers, and Wise
and the other clingers-on only operated in an advisory capacity). So I think
that while he's not been forgiven, he's done the right thing in keeping a
very low profile since Keegan's departure and generally we're resigned to
him being in charge for the foreseeable future. What we want to see now,
though, is some decent investment this month to ensure our survival.
Joe Kinnear - Are you happy with him? Is this reflective of most Newcastle
supporters?
I think the situation is similar with JFK (you can guess what the middle
initial stands for): we're stuck with him for the time being so might as
well get on with it. To give him some credit, he has at least ensured things
have picked up slightly since that awful September run during which we lost
to you and everyone else. We've become harder to beat, but we've also
squandered points when we should have won or drawn. He's not a likeable
figure, though, and that's just illuminated by the fact that he's come in to
replace Keegan.
We have a terrible record at St James' Park but have not lost in our last 5
away games (two of those were at Anfield & Stamford Bridge). What is your
prediction?
Last time we played you at home we'd just lost 1-0 to Derby, which turned
out to be the Rams' only league win of the season, and you were good enough
to roll over and let us get some confidence back. I'm hoping you'll help us
out of another sticky patch, so I'd gladly take 2-1.
Many thanks again to Ben Woolhead over at
http://www.blackandwhiteandreadallover.blogspot.com Getting clubs to take
part in this is usually quite difficult as no one will reply. Mr Woolhead
has kindly done this twice this season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons' goals is what Noble prizes
9:00am Thursday 8th January 2009
Guardian Series
WEST Ham midfielder Mark Noble hopes the team can keep up their recent
prolific form in front of goal and continue to distance themselves from the
threat of relegation. The 21-year-old has been one of the Hammers' most
consistent performers this season, and he even managed to get himself
amongst the scorers in the 3-0 FA Cup third round win over Barnsley last
week with a well-taken penalty. After a run of only four goals in 11 games
the Irons have struck a purple patch by winning their last three matches,
with nine goals arriving from six different players in that time. And Noble
insists the impressive recent record has come as no surprise, given the
'unbelievable' football he feels the team have been producing this year,
while he was keen to reserve special praise for striker Carlton Cole, who
has scored in each of the last three games. "We've been playing some
unbelievable football and passing teams off the pitch, but if you don't
score goals you don't win games," he observed. "But we've been doing that
the last three games. I'm pleased for Coley to have got himself of the
scoresheet lately and he's getting in the right positions now. "There was a
full range of goalscorers (on Saturday), which is also encouraging."
While the team have muscled their way up to tenth in the league, Noble
warned that a lapse in concentration would see them slip right back into the
relegation dogfight. "We've managed to put three wins together now," he
added. "We've got some good games coming up but we've said this before and
then we went on a losing streak, so we just have to keep working hard and
get the points on the board."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Agent expects West Ham move for Brescia starlet Nsereko
08.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
The agent of Brescia starlet Savio Nsereko admits he is close to joining
West Ham United. Germany youth international Nsereko is rated among the best
in the world for his age and agent, Patrick Bastianelli, revealed: "West Ham
are the one club that has made a real offer - through Gianluca Nani. "They
like him a lot and Gianfranco Zola knows him and rates him highly. "I think
the player could be sold to West Ham in January, but be left on-loan with
Brescia until June."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers girls are in rhapsody after they see off Bohemians
Illford Recorder
08 January 2009
ESSEX GIRLS' LEAGUE
Bohemians Girls 2 West Ham Girls 4
West Ham United girls under-14s remain top of the Essex Girls' League after
a solid away performance at Bohemians. Shadai Miller and Faye Cook both saw
early chances go wide before Bohemians grabbed the lead. Shortly before half
time, the Hammers were level, when Miller showed a fine turn of pace coupled
with some quick footwork to skip clear of her markers and slip the ball past
the keeper. With the second period only minutes old, the Hammers fell
behind for a second time.
Again they rolled up their sleeves and were soon back on level terms, when
Leigh Houlihan's clever switch allowed her to play the ball into the path of
Cook, whose first touch took her clear of the defender before tucking the
ball into the back of the net. Samantha Mitchell threaded a majestic pass
into the path of Miller, who sent over an inch-perfect cross for Cook to
powerfully head back low across the keeper, to give the Hammers the lead for
the first time in the game. West Ham were in no mood to surrender the
advantage and Katie Sorenson, Lillie Kershaw and Mitchell all rose to the
occasion keeping the Bohemians attack at bay with some tenacious tackling
and excellent covering. The Hammers needed a fourth goal to kill off the
game and Naomi Hayes was able to cap an excellent captain's performance by
breaking clear from the halfway line before slotting home.
THE CHRISTMAS period has been a busy time for the West Ham Ladies under-16
squad after they won through to the London County Cup final with a 6-1 win
against Athenlay FC.This weekend they have a home game against local rivals
Redbridge.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carlos Tevez affair timeline
The Times
August 31, 2006: West Ham pull off a major coup by signing Carlos Tevez and
his Argentina team-mate Javier Mascherano, whose contracts were previously
held by Kia Joorabchian's MSI company.
January 31, 2007: Mascherano signs for Liverpool.
March 2: West Ham are charged by the Premier League for breaching their
rules in relation to the signings of Tevez and Mascherano.
April 4: A three-man panel is appointed by the Premier League to investigate
the signings of Tevez and Mascherano.
April 27: West Ham are fined £5.5million but spared a points deduction after
pleading guilty to breaking Premier League rules. The verdict also rules
"the registration of Carlos Tevez can be terminated by the FA Premier
League" but Tevez is later cleared to play on for the Hammers.
May 13: Tevez scores the winning goal in 1-0 victory over Manchester United
which ensures West Ham avoid relegation.
May 15: FIFA say they will investigate Premier League ruling.
May 16: Sheffield United file "arbitration proceedings" against the Premier
League in a bid to overturn the decision not to deduct points from West Ham.
May 22: The Premier League agree to set up an arbitration tribunal to rule
on Sheffield United's complaints over the affair.
June 2: Premier League chairmen agree a new rule forcing clubs to disclose
every document connected to player transfers to improve "clarity".
July 3: Sheffield United lose their legal challenge against the Premier
League after an arbitration panel dismiss their claim over the Tevez affair.
July 4: The Blades investigate the possibility of a High Court appeal, on
the basis that the arbitration panel made an "error in law" in not referring
the Tevez case back to the original independent three-man panel which fined
West Ham in May.
July 6: Tevez agrees personal terms with Manchester United. The deal is held
up as the Premier League insist proceeds of the deal must go to West Ham and
not to Joorabchian or MSI.
July 11: West Ham reject an official request from Tevez to cancel his
contract with the club.
July 13: Following a private hearing at the High Court, Sheffield United's
attempt to gain leave to appeal the arbitration panel's decision is refused.
July 18: Manchester United chief executive David Gill announces the club
will ask Fifa to arbitrate on the Carlos Tevez transfer.
July 24: Fifa recommend case to be referred to Court of Arbitration for
Sport after deciding not to become involved. However, Joorabchian opts to
issue High Court proceedings against West Ham.
August 1: Newspaper reports claim a document was produced in the High Court
showing West Ham agreed to Tevez's third-party ownership after the Icelandic
takeover, although the club question its authenticity.
August 3: West Ham confirm they have reached a £2million settlement with
Carlos Tevez's representatives which will allow the Argentinian to leave the
club for United.
August 10: Tevez is confirmed as a United player.
August 16: Sheffield United announce their intention to sue West Ham for
cost of relegation from Premier League. West Ham describe the action as
"desperate".
September 23, 2008: An independent arbitration hearing rules in favour of
Sheffield United in their claim for compensation from West Ham.
January 8, 2009: The Premier League and the Football Association announce
they will launch a fresh inquiry into the conduct of West Ham over the
Carlos Tevez affair.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers Face New Tev Probe
The Sun
Published: Today
WEST HAM face a fresh inquiry over the Carlos Tevez controversy. The Premier
League and the Football Association have announced they will launch a new
investigation into the Hammers' dealings with the striker's representatives.
The club was initially fined £5.5million for breaching league rules over
third-party agreements. But they could be hit by further punishments by the
FA and the Premier League. It follows the findings of an arbitration
tribunal in favour of Sheffield United and against West Ham last year. It
decided Tevez should not have been able to play for the Hammers at the end
of the 2006-07 season. A joint statement read: "The Premier League and the
FA are to institute a joint inquiry into the views expressed by the
Independent Arbitral Tribunal chaired by Lord Griffiths in September 2008,
which dealt with a compensation claim by Sheffield United against West Ham
United brought under FA rules. "The joint inquiry will examine whether the
conduct of West Ham United immediately after the Independent Disciplinary
Commission's decision of 27 April 2007 amounted to further breaches of
Premier League or FA rules." The arbitration tribunal heard evidence from
lawyer Graham Shear, solicitor for Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian, that West
Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury provided verbal assurances that the third
party agreement still existed despite having informed the Premier League
that the agreement had been terminated. After being told the agreement had
been terminated, the Premier League allowed Tevez to play for the Hammers in
the crucial relegation battle that led to Sheffield United's eventual drop
out of the top flight. The Blades are claiming up to £50m in compensation
from West Ham as a result. A statement from the Hammers today read: "West
Ham United will co-operate fully with the joint inquiry convened by the FA
and Premier League. "We have acted in good faith throughout the various
inquiries and investigations into this matter and fulfilled the undertakings
given to the Premier League following the initial penalty. "We have nothing
to hide and will ensure that this is once again reflected in our evidence to
the FA and Premier League."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola vows to improve wanted stars
This Is London
Gianfranco Zola has told Craig Bellamy and Scott Parker he will make them
better players if they stay at West Ham. Manchester City have already had a
double bid worth a reported £20million rejected by the Hammers, who are
determined not to lose any of their big-name stars. England defender Matthew
Upson is also a potential target for the Hammers' Barclays Premier League
rivals. "I know the players have had big offers but on the other hand we
believe we are offering them the possibility to improve, to get better and
better. Hopefully our players will see that and consider it," said Zola.
"The club is determined to keep the best players because we want to take the
team to a better level. "Sometimes you have to accept certain things - but
at the moment we are determined to do this. "We want to keep our players. We
have targets to achieve and we know if we want to achieve them, then we have
to keep our best players. We hope we can keep them."
Zola made clear on the day he took over that he wanted to trim West Ham's
swollen squad and that began today with confirmation that winger Matthew
Etherington is bound for Stoke in a deal believed to be worth £3million.
Midfielder Lee Bowyer has held talks with Birmingham, defender Calum
Davenport has received an offer from Bolton and forward Luis Boa Morte is
reportedly a target for Hull. "We are trying to create a situation where
everybody is happy. I said from the first day, this team has a big squad
when everyone is fit," said Zola. "I don't want to have players who train
and are not playing. I want to have a situation where everyone can get a
game, so some players might have to go."
Etherington came off the bench in last weekend's FA Cup win against Barnsley
but has not featured in the league for West Ham since mid-November. Zola
said: "We chose to do the best for all parties involved. It is good for him.
He will be playing regularly. We left on very good terms. We wish him all
the best. He is a player we want to do well. "(Davenport) has had an offer
from a club. Now it is down to him to decide whether it is good enough. "Lee
Bowyer spoke to a club and we will see. He is not playing enough in this
club and he may want to go and play some more football. We will see what
happens. If he decides to stay we will be very happy to keep him."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Posts
