WHUFC.com
West Ham United and Sheffield United have issued a joint statement on Monday
morning
16.03.2009
West Ham United and Sheffield United have reached an out-of-court settlement
with regard to the dispute between the two clubs - agreeing that it is time
to move on and bring the matter to an end.
The agreement means the independent tribunal in relation to Carlos Tevez,
chaired by Lord Griffiths, that was due to reconvene today (Monday 16 March)
will no longer proceed.
In a joint statement, West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury and Sheffield United
Chairman Kevin McCabe said: "Both clubs are pleased to announce that a
satisfactory settlement for compensation has been reached which brings the
dispute between Sheffield United and West Ham United to an end. The tribunal
will not be resuming."
Mr Duxbury said: "For everyone concerned, the time was right to draw a line
under this whole episode. We have had very positive discussions over a
number of days with Sheffield United and acknowledge their willingness to
resolve this in the best interests of both clubs.
"This now allows us to concentrate on our immediate ambitions, which include
a strong finish to the Premier League season and possible European
qualification, without any negative impact on our long-term project. We wish
Sheffield United well in their bid to secure promotion from the
Championship."
Mr McCabe said: "We are happy and satisfied with the settlement with West
Ham. Throughout the finalisation of the terms for the agreement, the
discussions were friendly, co-operative and in the best of spirit with both
the Blades and Hammers advisory teams.
"We are two clubs with a fantastic footballing history who now want to move
on and focus on the business of playing football - hopefully for us against
the Hammers in the Premier League next season. We look forward to a positive
ongoing relationship with West Ham at all levels."
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Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Freddie Sears could get his first Premier League start for nearly four
months against West Bromwich Albion
16.03.2009
Gianfranco Zola is looking forward to giving some of his promising
youngsters the chance impress against West Bromwich Albion on Monday
evening. With Carlton Cole suspended and Jack Collison and Valon Behrami
both out through injury, the West Ham United manger has the opportunity to
field some of the younger members of his squad. Freddie Sears and January
signing Savio are possible contenders to come into the team, with the likes
of Junior Stanislas and Josh Payne also waiting in the wings. Indeed, if
Sears is named in Zola's starting XI it would be his first Barclays Premier
League start since the 0-0 draw with Portsmouth in November. The manager
said: "Carlton Cole will be a big miss for us as he is a reference for
everybody and one we will miss. But I like to take things as an opportunity
all of the time so it is an opportunity to try to play a different way and
to try a young player in his position and see what how he will cope.
"Freddie Sears has worked very hard over the last few days and he knows he
has an opportunity and will try to take it and I am very confident he will
take it."
With some players allowed to leave in January to gain more first-team
football, the manager now has the option of blooding the next generation
West Ham youngsters in the first team. The likes of James Tomkins and Jack
Collison have already benefitted from a run of games and Sears and Savio
could now follow suit. "I don't like having players that were not playing
regularly. That's why we decided to sell some players and give some players
the opportunity to play elsewhere. "I didn't plan that I was going to have
Behrami injured or Collison injured, that is part of the football. But I
believe that the team is good enough and the squad is good enough to end the
season and achieve our objectives. It is an opportunity for me to see some
young players and plan for the future. It is a good opportunity for me."
Since arriving in September, Zola and his coaching staff have been working
hard on the fitness of the squad and the Italian is pleased by the results
he is now seeing during matches. "For what I was asking to do maybe they
weren't ready. They used to be able to do it for 70 minutes but then the
last 20 minutes they would drop it. There was a statistic that if West Ham
games had ended in the 70th minute we would be third in the league. We are
talking about five or six points that we dropped and it you add five or six
points then you can get the right idea. "The players are now more used to
what we do. They respond well and have the mental strength and the physical
strength to carry on until the end and that is making a big difference for
us."
The club have the chance to reinstate their four-point cushion in seventh
position in the table with a win tonight and Zola is keen for his side to
grasp the possibility of UEFA Europa League spot with both hands. "When I
arrived the aim was to finish ninth. Last year they came tenth and this year
we want to arrive ninth. So far we are improving but we have an opportunity
in front of us. When you have an objective you have to re-asses and set new
objectives. Now we have the possibility to get seventh and to be in Europe
and we will try to do that."
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Tony Carr granted testimonial
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's legendary Academy director Tony Carr has been rewarded for
his outstanding service to the club
16.03.2009
West Ham United are delighted to confirm that Academy director Tony Carr is
to be acknowledged for his 36 years of long and outstanding service with a
testimonial.
Having played a major role over three decades and more, the club believed
the time was right to recognise and pay tribute to the achievements of a man
who began as an apprentice at the club in the 1960s. From Ron Greenwood to
Gianfranco Zola, manager after manager at the Boleyn Ground has felt the
benefit of Carr's unstinting commitment to excellence and developing the
stars of tomorrow.
West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury paid tribute to Carr's terrific
achievement and his ongoing commitment to finding the Hammers greats of the
future. He said: "Tony Carr fully deserves to have a testimonial and I am
sure all of our fans would agree that this is long overdue. He is an
institution at West Ham United and rightly holds a special place in the
club's history.
"Tony has helped establish West Ham United as a club committed to producing
young talent that can rise all the way through the ranks to our first team.
It is also not just about furthering their football ability on the pitch but
also the way he and his staff help prepare the players to be the best they
can be - at whatever level they may ultimately reach."
With a golf day in May set to get things rolling on Carr's testimonial,
further events including a special match and gala evening in his honour are
in the pipeline for the coming months. Carr was delighted to be awarded the
testimonial and is looking forward to having the chance to reflect on his
career - although there is no sign of him resting on his laurels just yet.
The 58-year-old Carr said: "This is a really fantastic award and I would
like to thank the board and especially Scott Duxbury and Nick Igoe for
granting me this testimonial. I have spent nearly all my working life at
West Ham United and I am very pleased that they have rewarded me for my
service to the club.
"I have many targets still to achieve at West Ham but this testimonial will
be a welcome distraction during this coming year."
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Hammers back in for Black Star?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 16th March 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are once again being linked with a move for Ghanaian
international Stephen Appiah. The 28-year-old midfielder, currently out of
contract was strongly linked with a move to the Hammers at the end of last
year but the move failed to materialise. Since then he spent a month on
trial at Tottenham and was also linked with a move to Russia but has since
returned to his base in Italy. However speaking on his personal website,
Appiah admitted that he was looking at a couple of fresh offers - one of
which is rumoured to be from the Hammers. "I feel good and I am very well,"
he said in a message on his personal website. "I went to England as everyone
knows and trained with Tottenham. I was supposed to be there for a week but
it got extended for various reasons. Then I had another offer from the
Russian champions but that did not materialise. "I can definitely say that
it wasn't about my wage demands and both clubs will confirm that. I wasn't
demanding what has been stated in some quarters of the media. My fitness
levels were good given that I have been injured and out of the game for over
18 months - however those deals with Tottenham and Rubin didn't materialise
and I have to move on. "There are a couple of offers I received which I
didn't consider - so I will be exploring them in the coming weeks."
Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola has lost both Jack Collison and Valon Behrami
to injury recently, whilst doubts remain over the long-term fitness of
Kieron Dyer who could return to the squad for tonight's clash with West
Bromwich Albion.
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West Ham & Blades end Tevez saga
BBC.co.uk
West Ham and Sheffield United have reached an out-of-court settlement over
the long-running Carlos Tevez saga. Tevez helped West Ham achieve Premier
League survival in 2006/2007 while the Blades were relegated. The Blades
argued Tevez was ineligible to play and an independent hearing ruled in
favour of their claim for compensation from West Ham. A compensation figure
has not been disclosed but the BBC understands it is in the region of £15m
in instalments. Championship side Sheffield United's chairman Kevin McCabe
said: "We are happy and satisfied with the settlement with West Ham.
"Throughout the finalisation of the terms for the agreement, the discussions
were friendly, co-operative and in the best of spirit with both the Blades
and Hammers advisory teams. "We are two clubs with a fantastic footballing
history who now want to move on and focus on the business of playing
football - hopefully for us against the Hammers in the Premier League next
season."
A tribunal into the level of compensation Sheffield United would receive was
due to start on Monday but will now not be needed. West Ham chief executive
Scott Duxbury said: "For everyone concerned, the time was right to draw a
line under this whole episode. "We have had very positive discussions over a
number of days with Sheffield United and acknowledge their willingness to
resolve this in the best interests of both clubs."
The Hammers were fined £5.5m in April 2007 by the Premier League for
breaking rules over third-party agreements when bringing striker Tevez and
Argentine compatriot Javier Mascherano to Upton Park. They were not docked
points and, ultimately, went on to ensure their Premier League survival with
Tevez playing a key part with his goals, including three in the last two
games. He has since moved on to Manchester United, while midfielder
Mascherano is now at Liverpool. A Premier League and Football Association
inquiry launched in January continues to investigate the conduct of some
West Ham representatives into the affair.
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Blades settlement confirmed
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 16th March 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have confirmed that a settlement in the long-running dispute
with Sheffield United has been reached. The club announced this morning that
an out-of-court deal had been struck, meaning that this week's planned
hearing to determine damages will no longer take place. Scott Duxbury,
speaking on behalf of the club said: "For everyone concerned, the time was
right to draw a line under this whole episode. We have had very positive
discussions over a number of days with Sheffield United and acknowledge
their willingness to resolve this in the best interests of both clubs. "This
now allows us to concentrate on our immediate ambitions, which include a
strong finish to the Premier League season and possible European
qualification, without any negative impact on our long-term project. We wish
Sheffield United well in their bid to secure promotion from the
Championship."
However Duxbury's comments - which are in stark contrast to his August 2007
view in which he stated that the Championship club's case 'lacked legal
merit' and that 'Sheffield United's latest assertions clearly demonstrate a
fundamental misunderstanding of the situation' - have angered many
supporters who feel that the club had failed them by agreeing to pay
Sheffield United any compensation whatsoever.
One fan, speaking on the KUMB.com forums said: "I can't help feeling that it
tarnishes us. We will be labelled cheats through no fault of our own. "More
than anything the travesty of what is perceived as justice is what galls
most. Taking this all into account, I find it unconscionable that we have to
pay even one penny in damages, whether or not 'no admission of guilt' is
attached."
A fellow member added: "This is very difficult to swallow. Through all this
I've always felt that those whining hypocrites would never get a penny -
exactly what they deserve. "The loathing they reserve for us is bordering on
the ridiculous, and any monies we pay out to them will only go to further
that sentiment, and make us look more guilty in the eyes of everyone else."
The settlement figure, although undisclosed by either club has been reported
to be anywhere between £15-£25million. Added to the £5million fine already
paid to the Premier League in respect of the same case, Carlos Tevez could
end up costing the Hammers almost exactly the same figure Manchester United
were quoted last summer for making his current loan deal permanent.
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Progression
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 16th March 2009
By: Paul Turner
On Newsnow this morning, sandwiched inbetween numerous news sources
reporting on the Sheffield United and West Ham United settlement over Carlos
Tevez was the following headline: "Zola sets his sights on the future as
West Ham launch their mission to Europe (Daily Mail)."
It says a lot about how far we have progressed this season that the
management of West Ham are dangerously talking about what could be come the
end of the season. Even though Carlton Cole is suspended for tonight's game
and the Blackburn away game, and Behrami and Collinson are out for long
periods of time there is optimism around the Boleyn. In true West Ham style
tonight's game against West Brom, cut adrift at the bottom of the table,
will either be a major struggle or a loss but the sense of achievement for
all at the club is palpable.
Granted, we meekly dropped out of both domestic cups but Zola and Clarke as
said may times in many different places online have finally stamped their
authority on the playing side of things and the rewards are starting to
come. The same applies for West Ham United as a whole; when I typed in my
Carlton Cole article that now was not the time to reflect on a better then
expected season and think you have made it and achieved everything possible.
Rather it is a platform on which you can achieve even better things and that
you should not be afraid of what can be done. Even though the amount has not
been disclosed in a way the settlement with Sheffield United also adds to
the good feeling currently being experienced in a corner of East London.
In the joint statement by West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury and
Sheffield United PLC chairman Kevin McCabe, they said that the clubs have
reached a "satisfactory settlement for compensation" that "brings the
dispute between Sheffield United and West Ham to an end". Obviously the size
of the payment and the schedule of installments are to Sheffield United's
liking but this can be seen as a deal that suits both parties.
Sheffield United get their blood money and West Ham can bring this part of
proceedings to a close. From suggesting the ridiculous idea of replaying
games, to a 21-team league and finally relegation for the Hammers, Sheffield
United have been very vocal on the whole matter. McCabe from time to time
has appeared on Sky Sports News and has never been frightened to express his
opinion, no matter how hypocritical (at one point calling his own clubs
match day program and website "liars" after they reported Steve Kabba would
not play against Sheffield United for Watford due to "contractual
agreements").
This has been in stark contrast to West Ham United's position. Under Eggert
Magnusson's Chairmanship the club did make statements about the matter quite
readily which could have been considered inflammatory. Under Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson there has been from time to time comments made by Mike Lee (to
the BBC), Asgeir Fridgeirsson and Scott Duxberry. These were not reactionary
but proactively at significant points of the process. This settlement and
the kind words shared between the two representatives of each club seem to
signal an end to the sniping and public comments.
When the ruling from the joint FA and Premier League investigation into
Duxbury's "oral cuddles" comes in, this should see closure of this ongoing
saga in a financial sense and also help to facilitate the sale of the club.
With Hansa's continued moratorium until early June, Bjorgolfur now has his
breathing space to properly move forward with the club's sale and to save
his own skin in his native homeland. Fridgeirsson has said previously there
are 5 to 10 interested parties but there is an obvious difference between
interest and actually having the financial clout to make a formal bid (much
like Kia Joorabchian when he made his interest in the club known in autumn
2006).
With the current global financial climate biting it will be difficult to
find someone willing to spend a large amount of money to buy an English
football club and then to invest the money needed to move the club onwards
(unless you are a Middle Eastern or Russian oil Billionaire) but West Ham in
comparison to someone like Portsmouth have some obvious advantages like a
bigger fan base, the club owning the stadium which could potentially be
expanded, based in London and so on.
Tonight the terraces will be filled with people discussing the upcoming
game, formations and so on but also today's proceedings and how much affect
will this have mentally on the players and also in the board room and on the
balance sheet. It is an important event in the history of this football club
and one that will be looked back upon in future years with sadness and anger
but also relief that the club could then move into its impending sale and
potential European football without the prospect of a larger payout based on
if's and but's - but that's another article for another day.
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Trouble on the cards for Pards
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 16th March 2009
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammers boss Alan Pardew is in hot water today following comments he
made on the BBC's Match of the Day 2 programme last night. Pardew, who
managed United between 2004 and 2006 and led the Hammers to their first FA
Cup final for 26 years during his tenure was a guest pundit on the Sunday
night show, which featured highlights of the Aston Villa/Tottenham and
Chelsea/Man City matches. Commenting on the latter, Pardew - currently out
of full-time employment since being fired by Charlton earlier this season -
recounted a Michael Essien tackle on Ched Evans by saying: "Essien's knocked
him off the ball - he absolutely rapes him there." The comment was ignored
at the time by Pardew's fellow commentators although the BBC have since been
forced to issue an apology after numerous complaints were made. One who
didn't see the show but felt compelled to comment was Rape Crisis' Lee
Eggleston, who said this morning: "The use of this language is completely
inappropriate and I'm shocked to hear about it - I can't imagine why Pardew
has said it. That something as serious as sexual assault has been mis-used
to describe football is appalling. "We have spent 25 years making sure
sexual violence is not acceptable and rape is a serious crime and this can
only hurt that."
Pardew's appearance on last night's Match of the Day is thought to have been
his first - and almost certainly his last - on the show.
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Testimonial for Carr
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 16th March 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have announced that Tony Carr's 36 years of unbroken service
will be rewarded with a testimonial later this year. Carr - who took on his
first coaching role on the recommendation of John Lyall back in 1973 - has
produced a string of top-class talents for both West Ham and England,
including virtually half of Fabio Capello's current first team. Speaking in
a recent interview with Talksport, 58-year-old Carr, a West Ham fan since
childhood, revealed that he had no plans to retire from the game - and still
loved his role as the club's Academy director. News of the impending
testimonial was announced on whufc.com this morning; club CEO Scott Duxbury
stating: "I am sure all of our fans would agree that this is long overdue.
He is an institution at West Ham United and rightly holds a special place in
the club's history."
Whilst Carr, responding to the news added: "This is a really fantastic
award. I have spent nearly all my working life at West Ham United and I am
very pleased that they have rewarded me for my service to the club. "I have
many targets still to achieve at West Ham but this testimonial will be a
welcome distraction during this coming year."
The club have announced plans for a golf day in May to kick off proceedings,
with a match and gala evening to follow.
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Tevez settlement reached
Compensation package finalised by Hammers and Blades
Last updated: 16th March 2009
SSN
West Ham and Sheffield United have brought an end to the Carlos Tevez saga
by agreeing an out-of-court settlement for compensation. The two clubs have
been in dispute ever since Tevez helped secure the Hammers' Premier League
status at the Blades' expense in 2007. However, with the affair having
dragged on for almost two years a conclusion to the matter has finally been
found. Sky Sports News understands that the Hammers have agreed to pay an
initial £15million to the Blades in installments, with the final
compensation package believed to be in the region of £25million. The
agreement now means an independent tribunal which was due to reconvene on
Monday will no longer proceed. In a joint statement, West Ham chief
executive Scott Duxbury and Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe said:
"Both clubs are pleased to announce that a satisfactory settlement for
compensation has been reached which brings the dispute between Sheffield
United and West Ham United to an end. The tribunal will not be resuming."
Duxbury said: "For everyone concerned, the time was right to draw a line
under this whole episode. "We have had very positive discussions over a
number of days with Sheffield United and acknowledge their willingness to
resolve this in the best interests of both clubs. "This now allows us to
concentrate on our immediate ambitions, which include a strong finish to the
Premier League season and possible European qualification, without any
negative impact on our long-term project. We wish Sheffield United well in
their bid to secure promotion from the Championship."
McCabe added: "We are happy and satisfied with the settlement with West Ham.
Throughout the finalisation of the terms for the agreement, the discussions
were friendly, co-operative and in the best spirit with both the Blades and
the Hammers advisory teams. "We are two clubs with a fantastic footballing
history who now want to move on and focus on the business of playing
football - hopefully for us against the Hammers in the Premier League next
season. "We look forward to a positive ongoing relationship with West Ham
at all levels."
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West Ham v West Brom preview
Hammers can pile pressure on struggling Baggies
By Chris Burton Last updated: 16th March 2009
SSN
PREDICTIONS:
Skysports.com prediction: West Ham 2 West Brom 0
SKY BET odds: West Ham 4/6, Draw 13/5, West Brom 9/2
One to Watch: Savio
West Ham will be looking to push West Brom closer to the drop when they meet
on Monday night. The Hammers have been in sparkling form since Christmas,
losing just two of their last nine fixtures. That run has lifted them into
seventh spot in the Premier League table, with European qualification now
within their reach. They have also won four of their last five games at
Upton Park and will be confident of further success against the rock-bottom
Baggies. Tony Mowbray's side are now seven points adrift of safety and have
failed to win any of their last six matches - taking just one point. They
have conceded two or more goals in each of those outings and have kept only
two clean sheets in their last 21 league games. The men from the Hawthorns
have also struggled on the road this term, with only one point taken from
their last 11 away trips.
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is set to make two enforced changes to his
starting XI ahead of the crunch contest. Midfielder Jack Collison damaged
his right knee during last week's win over Wigan and has been ruled out for
six to seven weeks and striker Carlton Cole serves a suspension after his
red card in the same game. Swiss midfielder Valon Behrami is out for six to
seven months with a serious knee injury, while James Collins (hamstring),
Danny Gabbidon (stomach/back) and Dean Ashton (ankle) remain sidelined. Luis
Boa Morte could be involved after recovering from a groin injury, while
Kieron Dyer and Diego Tristan have returned to training after calf and groin
problems respectively.
Central defender Jonas Olsson is recalled to the West Brom squad for their
trip to the capital. Olsson has been sidelined since early January with a
knee problem but has returned to training and will be looking to shore up a
defence which has conceded 17 goals in the last six league games. On-loan
Arsenal striker Jay Simpson is available after being ineligible for the 3-1
defeat to the Gunners last time out. Fellow forward Roman Bednar is also in
contention after missing the last two games with a back problem. Neil
Clement and Ishmael Miller are long-term absentees with knee injuries and
will miss the remainder of the season.
Possible starting XIs
West Ham: Green, Neill, Tomkins, Upson, Ilunga, Savio, Parker, Kovac, Boa
Morte, Di Michele, Sears.
West Brom: Carson, Zuiverloon, Meite, Donk, Robinson, Morrison, Greening,
Koren, Brunt, Simpson, Fortune.
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Tristan rediscovers 'desire'
Striker playing with a smile on his face at Upton Park
By James Dall Last updated: 16th March 2009
SSN
Diego Tristan has revealed he feels reborn under West Ham United manager
Gianfranco Zola. The experienced Spanish striker joined the Hammers on a
free transfer from Livorno last October. Tristan has so far failed to start
since signing for the club, but insists he has rediscovered his love for the
game as he pushes for a chance against West Brom on Monday, in the absence
of the suspended Carlton Cole. "I have recovered my desire to play and I
look forward to training every day," said Tristan in the Daily Mirror. "It
was not so much I had lost the desire, but my last few months with Deportivo
were not good, nor my time with Mallorca either. "People in Spain thought I
was finished at the top level but I knew it wasn't true. The change of air
has done me good and it is like starting my career again. "Now I am enjoying
a new experience. My coach here, Gianfranco Zola, keeps saying I have plenty
more goals in me. "I have to work hard because Carlton Cole is doing well
and has even been called up by England. So I have to take my chances when I
get them. "But despite picking up a knock, I have scored my first league
goal and, at 33, there is a lot of football left in me."
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Tevez saga timeline
Distracting episode comes to an end as settlement is reached
Last updated: 16th March 2009
SSN
With West Ham and Sheffield United having reached an out-of-court
compensation settlement regarding the Carlos Tevez affair, skysports.com
takes a look back at how the episode unfolded.
August 31, 2006: West Ham sign 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 Tevez transfer.
July 24: Fifa recommend case to be referred to the 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 Manchester United.
August 10: Tevez is confirmed as a Manchester 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 Tevez
affair.
March 16: West Ham and Sheffield United agree an out-of-court settlement to
end their dispute over Tevez.
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West Ham United and Sheffield United reach agreement to end Carlos Tevez
affair
West Ham will pay Sheffield United up to £25 million to draw a line under
the Tevez affair
Kaveh Solhekol
The Times
One of the longest-running disputes in English football ended this morning
when West Ham United agreed to pay Sheffield United up to £25 million to
draw a line under the Carlos Tevez affair. In a statement the clubs said
that they had reached an out-of-court settlement and agreed that it was time
to move on and bring the matter to a close.
The agreement means today's meeting of the independent tribunal, chaired by
Lord Griffiths, that was due to rule on how much compensation Sheffield
United should receive from their Barclays Premier League rivals has been
cancelled. In a joint statement, Scott Duxbury, the West Ham chief executive
officer, and Kevin McCabe, the Sheffield United chairman, said: "Both clubs
are pleased to announce that a satisfactory settlement for compensation has
been reached which brings the dispute between Sheffield United and West Ham
United to an end. The tribunal will not be resuming."
Duxbury said: "For everyone concerned, the time was right to draw a line
under this whole episode. We have had very positive discussions over a
number of days with Sheffield United and acknowledge their willingness to
resolve this in the best interests of both clubs. "This now allows us to
concentrate on our immediate ambitions, which include a strong finish to the
Premier League season and possible European qualification, without any
negative impact on our long-term project. We wish Sheffield United well in
their bid to secure promotion from the Championship."
McCabe said: "We are happy and satisfied with the settlement with West Ham.
Throughout the finalisation of the terms for the agreement, the discussions
were friendly, co-operative and in the best of spirit with both the Blades
and Hammers advisory teams. "We are two clubs with a fantastic footballing
history who now want to move on and focus on the business of playing
football - hopefully for us against the Hammers in the Premier League next
season. We look forward to a positive ongoing relationship with West Ham at
all levels."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola sets his sights on the future as West Ham launch their mission to
Europe
By Ken Dyer
Last updated at 10:48 AM on 16th March 2009
Daily Mail
With West Ham seventh in the Premier League and looking towards Europe,
Gianfranco Zola is certainly keeping his side of the bargain. Now, though,
the ambitious Italian is hoping the club which gave him his big chance in
management, can keep their half of the deal. Tonight at Upton Park, Zola's
buoyant West Ham take on West Brom looking to maintain their push for a
European place. On the pitch it could hardly be going better. Off it,
though, there are still important issues to be decided before Zola can
realistically begin planning to go even higher. One long-standing problem
may be nearing a solution with West Ham and Sheffield United agreeing on
compensation over the Carlos Tevez saga, thought to be around £20million
over five years. With the Sheffield United problem settled, the club are
more likely to be sold this summer with an English consortium said to be
willing to pay around £100m. The consortium are reported to be prepared to
invest £30m on the squad for next season but that sum could be affected by
the Tevez settlement. Zola is understandably keen for the club's future to
be settled as soon as possible so that he can look towards the future with
some certainty. 'I have to focus on the work out on the pitch,' he said.
'This is why the club employed me and if I can make things work on the pitch
I can help the club in the process. 'Hopefully the Carlos Tevez situation
will be resolved soon and that will be a good because then we can sit down
and plan for the future knowing exactly what we are dealing with. 'I am told
the club will pay the money to Sheffield United over a period of years and
it will not affect our spending. If we want to strengthen the team in the
summer I will be able to do that.'
When Zola joined West Ham, his immediate ambition was to improve upon last
season's 10th-place finish. 'There was a time we were two points from the
bottom but even then the team believed in what we were doing and stayed
together,' he said. 'The aim this season was to finish ninth. So far we are
doing better and now we have another opportunity. When you achieve your
objective you have to reassess things.'
Which is why Zola is now aiming higher. Despite a recent crop of injuries
and a two-match suspension for main striker Carlton Cole, the manager
believes a UEFA Cup place beckons at the end of the season and from there,
perhaps even the Champions League further down the line. 'I hope that one
day I will be competing with those big teams in the Champions League and I
hope it will be soon,' he said. 'We will see how well I do my job and how
well the team does the job. That is one of the targets we have.
'If I didn't stick to what I believe then I would not do this job. I would
rather do something else. I'm not manager here because I need the money. I'm
here because I like it and because I want to follow my philosophy.'
With that in mind, it is easy to understand why Zola wants the club's future
to be settled soon. 'Once the matter is settled then it will give us the
possibility to plan for next season. So far that has been difficult,' he
said. "If we do qualify for Europe we will need to strengthen the squad.'
Defender James Tomkins is hopeful that the Hammers will be in the UEFA Cup
next term 'There is a lot to play for between now and the end of the
season,' he said. 'If we can achieve that European place it will be great.
That is what the manager has us aiming for.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham and Sheffield United reach out-of-court settlement over Carlos
Tevez affair
The long-running dispute between West Ham United and Sheffield United over
Carlos Tevez is finally over after the clubs reached an out-of-court
settlement.
Telegraph
By Paul Kelso, Chief Sports Reporter
Last Updated: 10:52AM GMT 16 Mar 2009
In a joint statement, the agreement was described as a "satisfactory
settlement for compensation" but the figure paid by West Ham - which has
been reported to be as high as £25million - was not confirmed. It means the
independent tribunal chaired by Lord Griffiths to rule on the controversy
will not reconvene. Sheffield United demand £45m over Carlos Tevez affairThe
statement from United chairman Kevin McCabe and West Ham chief executive
Scott Duxbury said: "Both clubs are pleased to announce that a satisfactory
settlement for compensation has been reached which brings the dispute
between Sheffield United and West Ham to an end. "The tribunal will not be
resuming."
United had originally claimed £45m as compensation for their relegation in
the 2006-07 season. The compensation claim began after United successfully
argued that Tevez's participation in crucial matches in the 2006-07 season,
while in breach of Premier League third-party rules, played a material role
in their eventual relegation. West Ham rejected the claim but an independent
FA arbitration panel chaired by Lord Griffiths found in Sheffield United's
favour, ruling that Tevez, who scored the winner in the decisive game of the
2006-07 season, had had a decisive effect on the Blade's fate. With West
Ham's parent company facing acute financial difficulty in Iceland they would
only have been able to meet any immediate demand for payment by selling
players. By paying in instalments they have removed that threat, though
Sheffield United are understood to have extracted a higher price in exchange
for the five-year payment schedule.
As reported by Telegraph Sport on Friday, the settlement brings to an end a
corrosive saga that began in April 2007, when West Ham were fined £5m by an
independent Premier League inquiry for breaching rules governing third-party
ownership. No points were deducted and controversially Tevez was permitted
to play in the final three games of the season after West Ham claimed they
had unilaterally terminated their third-party agreement with the players'
advisors, a consortium headed by Kia Joorabchian. Sheffield United lost a
High Court challenge to the Premier League panel's decision and then
persuaded the FA that it should convene an arbitration panel to rule on the
decision. Lord Griffiths's ruling was hugely controversial but ultimately
decisive, and the agreed settlement finally brings the case to a close.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola bids to keep Hammers on a high despite fears for future
Ken Dyer
Evening Standard
16.03.09
With West Ham seventh in the Premier League and looking towards Europe,
Gianfranco Zola is certainly keeping his side of the bargain. Now, though,
the ambitious Italian is hoping the club which gave him his big chance in
management, can keep their half of the deal. Tonight at Upton Park, Zola's
buoyant West Ham take on West Brom looking to maintain their push for a
European place. On the pitch it could hardly be going better. Off it,
though, there are still important issues to be decided before Zola can
realistically begin planning to go even higher. One long-standing problem
may be nearing a solution with West Ham and Sheffield United agreeing on
compensation over the Carlos Tevez saga, thought to be around £20million
over five years. With the Sheffield United problem settled, the club are
more likely to be sold this summer with an English consortium said to be
willing to pay around £100m. The consortium are reported to be prepared to
invest £30m on the squad for next season but that sum could be affected by
the Tevez settlement. Zola is understandably keen for the club's future to
be settled as soon as possible so that he can look towards the future with
some certainty. "I have to focus on the work out on the pitch," he said.
"This is why the club employed me and if I can make things work on the pitch
I can help the club in the process. "Hopefully the Carlos Tevez situation
will be resolved soon and that will be a good because then we can sit down
and plan for the future knowing exactly what we are dealing with. "I am told
the club will pay the money to Sheffield United over a period of years and
it will not affect our spending. If we want to strengthen the team in the
summer I will be able to do that."
When Zola joined West Ham, his immediate ambition was to improve upon last
season's 10th-place finish. "There was a time we were two points from the
bottom but even then the team believed in what we were doing and stayed
together," he said. "The aim this season was to finish ninth. So far we are
doing better and now we have another opportunity. When you achieve your
objective you have to reassess things."
Which is why Zola is now aiming higher. Despite a recent crop of injuries
and a two-match suspension for main striker Carlton Cole, the manager
believes a UEFA Cup place beckons at the end of the season and from there,
perhaps even the Champions League further down the line. "I hope that one
day I will be competing with those big teams in the Champions League and I
hope it will be soon," he said. "We will see how well I do my job and how
well the team does the job. That is one of the targets we have.
"If I didn't stick to what I believe then I would not do this job. I would
rather do something else. I'm not manager here because I need the money. I'm
here because I like it and because I want to follow my philosophy."
With that in mind, it is easy to understand why Zola wants the club's future
to be settled soon. "Once the matter is settled then it will give us the
possibility to plan for next season. So far that has been difficult," said.
"If we do qualify for Europe we will need to strengthen the squad."
Defender James Tomkins is hopeful that the Hammers will be in the UEFA Cup
next term "There is a lot to play for between now and the end of the
season," he said. "If we can achieve that European place it will be great.
That is what the manager has us aiming for."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Appiah For West Ham
Ghanaweb.com
Ghana captain Stephen Appiah could finally be signing for a Premier League
London club, by agreeing a deal with West Ham United. Hammers boss
Gianfranco Zola is believed to be considering a move for the powerhouse
midfielder, who is thought to have already taken part in a trial at Upton
Park, with a second one due to take place before the east London outfit make
any decision on whether to offer him a deal. The former Parma and Juventus
midfielder has been a free agent since parting with Fenerbahce last year,
and has been on trial with Tottenham Hotspur and Russian champions Rubin
Kazan, while Arsenal were reported to be interested in offering Appiah a
deal. However, none of the above have resulted in the Ghanaian signing a
contract, with some media reports suggesting Appiah's large wage demands
have been the reason behind the succession of failed moves. While others
have cited a lack of fitness, with the 28-year-old suffering a lengthy knee
injury while at his previous club.
But Appiah has stressed that neither are true. "I went to England as
everyone knows and trained with Tottenham for about four weeks," he told his
personal website. "I was supposed to be there for a week, but it got
extended for various reasons. Then I had another offer from the Russian
champions, Rubin Kazan, and started talking to them, but that did not
materialise. "I can definitely say that it wasn't about my wage demands and
both clubs will confirm that. I wasn't demanding what has been stated in
some quarters of the media. "My fitness levels were good given that I have
been injured and out of the game for over 18 months. However, those deals
with Tottenham and Rubin didn't materialise and I have to move on. "The
future still looks good. I will be carrying on with my training as usual.
There are a couple of offers I received which I didn't consider, so I will
be exploring them in the coming weeks. "I will also be training hard so
that, if the Black Stars call on me, I will be ready."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Will this be the icing that caps a great year at West Ham?
Posted by: Rob Facey , on Mon 16 Mar 2009
West Ham Football FanCast
Gianfranco Zola has spoken of his desire to lead West Ham to European
football and stated that finishing seventh this season is not out of the
question. Relegation favourites West Brom travel to Upton Park tonight and,
after Man United's Carling Cup victory opened up another European spot, Zola
has high hopes for his Hammers. "Of course I hope one day to be there,
competing in the Champions League," Zola said, as reported in The Daily
Telegraph. "We will see though, it depends how well I do my job and how well
the team does their job but that is one of the targets. It might be possible
that seventh is enough for Europe this season and that would be great for
this club. Not just for the club to be in Europe, but for the players to
play internationally makes them better. "I played many times as a player in
European competition and I know how it can make a player better to play
those kind of games."
Who would have thought at the start of the season that West Ham that this
would even be a possibility for the club?
Struggling with finances and injuries, not to mention the lingering Carlos
Tevez affair, it was the management partnership of Zola and Steve Clarke
that provided some stability and drive. Although finishing seventh this
season may be a little optimistic, the club are undoubtedly moving in the
right direction. A win tonight would put them six points behind Everton in
sixth place with 9 games to go. However, West Ham travel to Goodison Park in
the penultimate game of the season and have ample opportunity to pick up
points between now and then meaning that the clash on May 16 could prove
decisive. It is imperativethat they do not drop any necessary points between
now and then if Zola is to fulfil his European dream and that starts tonight
against the Baggies. If West Ham did manage to sneak into seventh, would
this go down as one of their greatest Premier League seasons? And what would
it say about next year's prospects under Zola, arguably the most promising
young manager working in England?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers looking at Argentinian ace
by Laurent Picard , 16 March 2009
Setanta.co.uk
Reports suggest West Ham are the latest club to express interest in
Argentinian defender Marcos Angeleri. The player's representative Miguel
Pires has declared that Angeleri will not sign a new deal at Estudiantes and
he will be transferred to another club at the end of the season, with The
Hammers believed to be on of a list of possible suitors. Inter, Lazio and
Porto have also emerged as possible destinations for the 25-year-old, who
has played his entire career with Estudiantes. Angeleri is expected to turn
his back on a new deal in order to seal a transfer to a European club next
summer. Miguel Pires told El Clasico: "I will sit down with [Estudiantes']
Ruben Filipas and directors from the clubs that are interested in signing
him. There won't be any intermediaries, just Filipas. "Estudiantes are going
to sell him. He will not become a free-agent and will not extend his
contract."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham News: Hammers' boss Gianfranco Zola says he will stick to his
philosophy of playing football the right way ahead of West Brom's visit to
Upton Park
Monday, 16 March 2009
ViewLondon.co.uk
GIANFRANCO ZOLA insists it's a case of "I'll do things my way or I'll hit
the highway" as he looks to consolidate West Ham's future. The Italian, who
took charge at Upton Park last September, has lifted the Hammers to seventh
– a potential European place. And he is adamant that he will stick to his
philosophies – or find something else to do.
The former Chelsea star said: "It's about playing football the right way.
That's why I'm a manager here, because I believe in what I do and I stick to
that. I'm not managing West Ham because I need the money. I'm here because I
want to follow my philosophy. If I couldn't do that I'd rather do something
else."
The Hammers this morning confirmed they have agreed a compensation figure
with Sheffield United – believed to be in the region of £15m, as previously
reported – over the Carlos Tevez affair. But Zola has no sympathy for the
Blades, who blamed their relegation two years ago on the impact of Tevez,
whose signing breached third-party ownership rules. He said: "The whole case
seems strange. Football is not about one player, it's a team game. That's
all I will say." Zola also warned that his players should not underestimate
the bottom-of-the-table Baggies tonight. He said: "West Brom play good
football and have been a bit unlucky in some games. Their boss Tony Mowbray
is doing a good job."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BREAKING: Blades confirm Tevez Affair settlement
Sheffield Star
Published Date: 16 March 2009
By James Shield
SHEFFIELD United and West Ham today confirmed they have reached an out of
court settlement over the Carlos Tevez Affair. The agreement, believed to be
worth around £25m to the Championship club, means that today's independent
tribunal, charged with deciding the amount United will receive following
last autumn's landmark legal victory, has been cancelled. In a joint
statement, Sheffield United Chairman Kevin McCabe and West Ham United's
Chief Executive Officer Scott Duxbury said: "Both clubs are pleased to
announce that a satisfactory settlement for compensation has been reached
which brings the dispute between Sheffield United and West Ham to an end.
The tribunal will not be resuming."
Mr McCabe said: "We are happy and satisfied with the settlement with West
Ham. Throughout the finalisation of the terms for the agreement, the
discussions were friendly, co-operative and in the best of spirit with both
the Blades and Hammers advisory teams. "We are two clubs with a fantastic
footballing history who now want to move on and focus on the business of
playing football – hopefully for us against the Hammers in the Premier
League next season. We look forward to a positive ongoing relationship with
West Ham at all levels."
Mr Duxbury said: "For everyone concerned, the time was right to draw a line
under this whole episode. We have had very positive discussions over a
number of days with Sheffield United and acknowledge their willingness to
resolve this in the best interests of both clubs. "This now allows us to
concentrate on our immediate ambitions, which include a strong finish to the
Premier League season and possible European qualification, without any
negative impact on our long-term project. We wish Sheffield United well in
their bid to secure promotion from the Championship."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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