Daily WHUFC News: 04/01/09

Wednesday, April 1

Daily WHUFC News - 1st April 2009

Busy evening for internationals
WHUFC.com
Several West Ham United youngsters could be representing their countries on
Tuesday night
31.03.2009

Mark Noble is set to return for England Under-21s as they play host to
France in a friendly in Nottingham tonight.

The 21-year-old Noble is expected to be named in Stuart Pearce's starting XI
after being rested for the 5-0 win against Norway on Friday. Although the
match in Sandefjord was played in the face of some extreme wintery weather,
Noble is expecting a tougher test at Nottingham Forest's City Ground this
evening.

"People say they are friendlies but they aren't really because we have got a
major tournament coming up in the summer and we need to keep the momentum
going and keep winning games leading up to the championships," Noble said.

"No disrespect to Norway, but France is going to be a tougher game.
Personally, I haven't lost a game since the penalty shoot-out in Holland and
I want to keep that record up until we get to the championships and then I
want to get to the final and win it. It'd be silly for us not to aim for
that given the squad we have got."

Noble is aiming to use the match as an indicator of how the team may do in
the UEFA European Under-21 Championship finals in Sweden in June.

"The game could give us an idea of how we might do in the summer because
France are going to be a similar test to the sides that we have got in our
group, who are all top nations and great footballing sides.

"If we put in a performance and beat one of the best sides in Europe then we
will be sure that we can go there and win the tournament."

Meanwhile, Freddie Sears, James Tomkins and Junior Stanislas could be
involved in England Under-20s' friendly with Italy at Loftus Road, as they
look to begin preparations for this summer's FIFA Under-20 World Cup in
Egypt. For more on that game click here.

Young goalkeeper Deniz Mehmet also faces a big night with his Turkish
Under-17 team-mates as they look to secure qualification to the European
Under-17 finals in Germany this summer. Click here for more on that game.

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Reserves going strong
WHUFC.com
Alex Dyer was delighted to see his reserve side make it two wins in the
space of four days against Stoke City
31.03.2009

Alex Dyer has reflected on another strong performance from his youthful
reserves after an excellent 2-0 win at Stoke City on Monday night.

It was a second impressive display in four days after the behind closed
doors friendly success against Chelsea last Friday when Junior Stanislas
stole the show with a hat-trick. The other goalscorer was substitute Anthony
Edgar with a tremendous effort and the young midfielder set the side on
their way at Stoke with an unstoppable 25-yarder on the hour before Zavon
Hines sealed the win with a late penalty.

"We were happy to come in at half-time nil-nil and doing well. I said to
them to keep doing what you are doing, be patient and it will pay off. We
thought they might switch off a little bit and then Anthony scored a great
goal. We played a diamond shape like the first team and he was at the point
as he was the other day at Chelsea when he came on for Kieron Dyer.

"Anthony has been among the goals this season and is growing in confidence,"
said Dyer of the 18-year-old from Plaistow who has been with the club since
he was nine. "He has got good ability and he can find the little pockets
where he can get the ball and turn. That's what he did against Stoke. He
found a gap and let rip with a strike. It was sheer power and speed that
beat the keeper."

Dyer said there was confidence throughout his side with the younger
performers like Oliver Lee, who reverted to his usual midfield role after a
rare turn at right-back against Chelsea, and Balint Bajner showing the form
they have displayed in the U18s this season

"The more games they play, the more they are getting comfortable at this
level. They have been away all day travelling together but they were ready
for action. There were a lot of plusses. Balint played well and he worked
harder than I have ever seen him. His control was good and he won his fair
share of headers.

"Many of them played on Friday and it gave them a little bit of extra
confidence. You could see at Stoke that they felt part of a team. They were
good again and you can see they know what each other is about."

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Tomkins poised for national service
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins could be one of four West Ham United players to don the Three
Lions tonight
31.03.2009

James Tomkins is set to get his first taste of international football since
last summer's European Under-19 Championship Finals when England Under-20s
meet Italy in west London tonight. The defender, who turned 20 on Sunday,
was part of the Under-19 squad that secured their place at the FIFA Under-20
World Cup in Egypt in September through their performance in the European
competition. He was not worn the Three Lions since, though, after injuring
his calf at the tournament. But, having now returned to full fitness with
some assured displays for West Ham United, Tomkins is eager to make up for
lost time. "You always look forward to getting involved and playing for your
country," said Tomkins. "For the U20s, we've obviously got the World Cup
coming up in September, so it's a good chance for all of the boys to
impress. Basildon-born Tomkins has represented England at U16, U17, U18 and
U19 level and is now hoping to cement his place with Noel Blake's U-20s
before the showcase in Egypt. "It will be a great experience, playing
against different countries from all around the world. It's a World Cup and
everyone wants to impress and make sure that they're in the squad for it.
"There are no guarantees of a position in there so we do need to go out
there and impress to work towards it."

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Trio shine for England
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins, Freddie Sears and Junior Stanislas all impressed as England
Under-20s beat Italy 2-0
31.03.2009

Freddie Sears, James Tomkins and Junior Stanislas were all involved as
England Under-20s were comfortable 2-0 winners against Italy.

Sears and Tomkins both started the match, while Stanislas came on as a
65th-minute substitute - and all had a part to play in the victory. Sears
won the corner from which captain Ciaran Clark opened the scoring with a
header in the 20th minute. Tomkins was dominant at the back in a 45-minute
run-out, before being taken off in a pre-planned withdrawal at half-time.
Stanislas excelled in his 25 minute cameo and was desperately unlucky not to
have at least one assist to his name after several superb bits of play.

The contest at Loftus Road in west London got off to slow start and the
Young Lions had Tomkins to thank for two crucial interceptions to keep the
game goalless. In the 13th minute, he showed his pace and poise to race back
and intercept the danger as the imposing Italian forward Stefano Okaka Chuca
threatened.

Sears then made his mark on the game seven minutes later when he picked up a
short pass in the area, beat one man before being thwarted by a last-ditch
tackle. England were to get their reward seconds later though as Clark
headed the set-piece in. Moments later, Tomkins, who celebrated his 20th
birthday on Sunday, demonstrated his leadership by heading clear another
dangerous Italian cross

On the half-hour mark, Manchester City's Daniel Sturridge added a second,
firing in from just inside the penalty area. Two minutes later Sears came
close to adding a third after some superb build-up play. The 19-year-old
played a neat one-two with Sturridge, which sent him racing clear and, after
out-pacing his marker, he was denied only by another vital Italian tackle.

Half-time saw Tomkins leave the pitch and England looked far less assured
without his presence at the back. However, the match was livened up once
more by Stanislas' introduction and the 19-year-old, who made his debut for
the first team against West Bromwich Albion earlier this month was involved
straight away - showing off some customary neat footwork to bamboozle his
marker by the halfway line. Seconds later his deft flick sent Ryan Bertrand
scampering down the left touchline and his centre fell to Sears, who was
crowded out at the last moment.

Minutes later, Stanislas was involved once more as his inch perfect-centre
was headed agonisingly wide by Sturridge. The crowd of 6,297 - including a
watching Gianfranco Zola and Steve Clarke - will no doubt have been
impressed by the West Ham trio, who will now look to carry the momentum into
Saturday's match with Sunderland.

It was the first time the group of players had been together since reaching
the UEFA European Under-19 Championship last summer and will have acted as
excellent preparation for the FIFA U-20 World Cup to be help in Egypt in
September.

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Good work-out for Noble
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble's England Under-21 team succumbed to a 2-0 defeat by France in
Nottingham on Tuesday
31.03.2009

West Ham United midfielder Mark Noble had an extended run-out as England's
Under-21 side went down to a 2-0 friendly defeat by France.

England, coached by former Hammers defender Stuart Pearce, struggled for
long periods against a French team who, unlike the Young Lions, failed to
qualify for this summer's UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Sweden.

Noble, who earned his 15th Under-21 cap by lining up in a five-man midfield
after being rested for last Friday's 5-0 victory in Norway, completed 71
minutes at Nottingham Forest's City Ground before being replaced by Aston
Villa's Craig Gardner. However, it was the visitors who ended the night the
happier of the two teams.

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart - replaced at club level by Republic of
Ireland international Shay Given - pulled off three fine saves before the
pressure on England finally told in the shape of a French opener.

Hart had repelled efforts from Liverpool's David N'Gog, twice, and Gabriel
Obertain before the right winger, who is on loan at FC Lorient from
Bordeaux, put France ahead with a neat finish from Moussa Sissoko's pass on
26 minutes.

Toulouse midfielder Sissoko then took advantage of a mistake by
Middlesbrough defender David Wheater, latching on to Younousse Sankhare's
through ball before lifting the ball over the advancing Hart ten minutes
before half-time.

Portsmouth's Armand Traore could have made it 3-0 eleven minutes after
half-time, but his finish was off-target after he had rounded Hart outside
the penalty area.

A minute later, Tottenham Hotspur's Tom Huddlestone glanced a header wide
from Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson's right-wing free-kick. Traore then
tested Hart again with a rasping low shot as France regained the upper hand.

Pearce withdrew Noble as he reverted to a more conventional 4-4-2 formation
with a little less than 20 minutes remaining, but the decision failed to
spark a late England revival. The home side lost at home for the first time
in 18 matches, although Johnson did go close with a curling free-kick late
on.

The loss also marked the first time Noble had tasted defeat in normal time
in an Under-21 shirt. The only previous time the 21-year-old had failed to
avoid defeat was when England crashed out of the 2007 UEFA European Under-21
Championship on penalties to the Netherlands at the semi-final stage.

England get their 2009 Euro campaign under way when they take on Finland in
their opening match at this summer's tournament in Halmstad on Monday 15
June. Pearce's team will face Spain in Gothenburg on 18 June before
completing their Group A fixtures against Germany on 22 June.

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Mixed news for Cole and Savio
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole will be assessed over the next few days while there is more
positive news on Savio's progress
31.03.2009

West Ham United can confirm that Carlton Cole is due to have more tests on
the groin injury suffered while on international duty with England.

The 25-year-old striker pulled up 20 minutes after coming on in the 15th
minute of Saturday's friendly against Slovakia. Cole has been back at
Chadwell Heath this week for treatment and will have a further scan to
assess the extent of the problem. It is a blow for the forward who has
scored eleven goals in 30 games this season - form which has led to two caps
for his country

Meanwhile, with James Collins and Matthew Upson already showing their
fitness with Wales and England respectively after missing the draw at
Blackburn Rovers, there was positive news on Savio when he reported back to
the training ground on Tuesday. He showed he has fully recovered from a
minor knee injury suffered in the goalless home Premier League draw with
West Bromwich Albion by coming through 87 minutes for the Germany Under-20
side.

The Uganda-born forward was part of the team that went down to a 2-0
friendly loss to a Switzerland Under-21 selection in Lugano on Saturday. The
speedy 19-year-old played a full part in training ahead of Premier League
visit of Sunderland to the Boleyn Ground. Also hoping to figure this
Saturday is Kieron Dyer, who came through a reserve-team friendly with no
ill-effects after his cameo last week at Blackburn.

Jack Collison is on target to return before the end of April from his
kneecap problem while Danny Gabbidon and Dean Ashton are both making good
progress in their respective rehabilitations - including stepping up their
running programmes. Valon Behrami is doing light work on his long road back
to fitness from a knee ligament injury.

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Now the mascots have a go!
WHUFC.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st March 2009
By: A Different Staff Writer

Sheffield United's matchday mascots are the latest group to try to make
money out of West Ham United in the wake of the so-called Tevez affair.

A group of angry parents have banded together to try to sue the club for the
"disappointment and distress" caused by their offspring having to lead out
their club against Championship opponents rather than Premiership clubs.

Eric Higginthorpe, chairman of the Justice For Mascots pressure group
commented, "I promised my lad he'd be able to lead (the) lads out against
Man Utd, which is his other team. Imagine the poor lad's disappointment when
he ended up walking out alongside some nobodies from Crystal Palace. If that
Lord Griffiths says that Tevez was responsible that's good enough for us."

Another disgruntled father said: " I saved for weeks for my lad to be a
mascot. It was going to be the proudest day of my life - his too, possibly.
We went for an away match and were hoping for somewhere like Anfield or Old
Trafford. Instead all we got was a trip up the road to Oakwell to watch
Barnsley forwards feigning injury. No 10 year-old should have to watch that
sort of thing."

No figures have been released by JFM as yet though solicitor Ian Firth of
Yorkshire firm Raleys commented: "We'd be looking for damage claims for hurt
feelings and playground-related trauma to run into the thousands for each
individual case. We'll be working hard with our claims partners Zuko Legal
to press for a just settlement for all the little children who have been
affected by West Ham's flagrant breach of transfer regulations. Maybe if we
can make just one Premiership club think again about the wider consequences
of illegal transfer activities, and spare one child from having to be a
mascot against Derby County it will all have been worthwhile – though if not
the money will at least soften the blow".

More comment on this as it comes in..

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Settle - or go under
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st March 2009
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United were forced to reach an out-of-court settlement with
Sheffield United as the club's auditors refused to sign off the annual
accounts otherwise, it has been claimed. An article by Matt Scott in today's
Guardian suggests that auditors Deloitte forced the settlement having not
been prepared to risk a £45million pay-out in the event of the arbitration
panel awarding Sheffield United the full compensation claimed. Had the
Hammers not reached an agreement with the Championship outfit the auditors
would have refused to complete the accounts, added Scott - with
administration the likely outcome in that particular scenario.
It was further claimed that the club only managed to stay solvent by selling
the likes of Matthew Etherington (to Stoke), Hayden Mullins (Portsmouth) and
Craig Bellamy (Man City) in the January transfer window. There is still no
concrete news on a potential successor to owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson
despite a multitude of parties being linked with the purchase of the club in
recent months.

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Dirty Sanchez
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 30th March 2009
By: Staff Writer

Lawrie Sanchez has added his name to the list of those seeking to sue West
Ham United for compensation. The currently-unemployed former Fulham manager
was in charge at Craven Cottage for just eight months before being sacked
with his team loitering just above the relegation zone, having won just four
of his 24 games in charge.
Yet Sanchez - whose team only secured their own safety in the 2006/07 season
by virtue of a win against a second-string Liverpool side missing several
key players rested for a Champions League tie - feels that he too may be in
a position to claim damages. "I'm going to look at my contract and see if it
did injustice me in some way, shape or form," Sanchez said in a Football
Pools Podcast. "If everyone else is sticking their nose in the trough then
perhaps I need to have a look at it. "As manager of the team, I must have
lost out financially in some way. If West Ham feel they got away with
something and that paying £20m to Sheffield United is a way out of it, then
I have no problem with anyone else who feels they were unjustly treated
taking legal action."

Ponce watch - who's on board the Sheffield United gravy train

Fulham FC: Premier League ponces on whom the irony of Liverpool's weakened
side in the Craven Cottage debacle is clearly lost.

Lawrie Sanchez: Former manager of Sligo Rovers, Wycombe, Northern Ireland
and Fulham. Lasted just eight months as a Premier League manager. Out of
work since.

Neil Warnock: Crystal Palace manager and fantasist for whom it's always
someone else's fault.

Phil Jagielka: Everton defender who has coined it in since leaving Bramall
Lane.

Michael Tonge: Stoke City reserve player.

Geoff Horsfield: second-rate striker who never featured for Sheffield United
in the Premier League.

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Cole reflects on England injury
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st March 2009
By: Thomas Rooney

When Carlton Cole was getting ready to replace the injured Emile Heskey
during the first half of England's 4-0 win over Slovakia on Saturday, there
were mixed feelings for West Ham fans. On the one hand, it was great that
Cole was considered as a better option than Peter Crouch and that he was
being given a huge chance to shine for his country. It was reward for an
excellent season's work. However, the other side of the mindset was just
thinking about the possibility of the club's No.1 striker picking up an
injury. Cole had picked up the odd injury in recent weeks, after all. Then,
the almost inevitable happened – Cole pulled up almost immediately after
coming on. He lasted only 19 minutes of the game before suffering a groin
injury that will definitely rule him out of England's game on Wednesday.
There are increasing fears that it will disrupt his chances of playing for
West Ham in the next few weeks as well. This weekend's clash with Sunderland
is almost certainly a no-go for the former Chelsea man. Speaking about the
injury, Cole has revealed how disappointed he is at the fact that he can't
now capitalise on the chance that Heskey's injury presented him with.
The West Ham striker said it was a 'great opportunity' to show Fabio Capello
what he could do. Instead though, he is forced to come to terms with the
fact that someone else will be leading England's line alongside Wayne Rooney
on Wednesday night. As for the injury itself, Cole says that he felt a sharp
strain in his groin as he tried to shoot. It is an injury that he has 'never
had' before and this makes it all the more frustrating for him. Overall, he
admits that he is 'really disappointed' with the situation because he 'felt
good' in the build-up to the game. Not so long ago though, Cole wouldn't
have had the worry of being injured while being on international duty with
the senior England team, so he should be proud of how far he has come.
Putting his injury aside, it was a game which suggested that Cole is
Capello's second choice 'big striker' behind Heskey. This should please the
West Ham man very much because he has firmly established himself in the
England squad.
All of this means that there is a real possibility that Cole could be
representing England in the World Cup next year. He has scored 11 goals this
season, has arguably been Gianfranco Zola's most important player and has
made his way into the future thinking of Capello. So, even though he will be
disappointed with this latest injury, Cole should be aware that he has made
many steps forward in the last few months. A groin injury may well delay
further progression, but it
won't prevent it.

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Cole: season over?
WHUFC.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st March 2009
By: Staff Writer

Carlton Cole could miss the rest of the season as a result of the groin
injury sustained whilst on England duty last weekend.

The 26-year-old striker pulled up less 20 minutes into his home
international debut on Saturday and was immediately substituted. Hopes were
that the injury would be proved to be a minor one - however initial tests
have highlighted a problem that could take several weeks from which to
recover.

The club confirmed tonight that Cole was being sent for further tests; a
statement released on whufc.com stating that: "Cole has been back at
Chadwell Heath this week for treatment and will have a further scan to
assess the extent of the problem."

Better news for Gianfranco Zola is the return to action of Savio Nsereko,
who played virtually the whole of the German under-20s' defeat against their
Swiss counterparts last weekend. Having returned to training today he is
fully fit for Sunday's home clash with Sunderland.

Also likely to be back this weekend is Kieron Dyer, who came through last
Friday's reserve team win against Chelsea unscathed. He is set to be joined
by Matthew Upson and James Collins, both of whom featured for their
countries at the weekend.

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Pards on Deano
WHUFC.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st March 2009
By: Staff Writer

Alan Pardew says that Dean Ashton is the natural answer to England's striker
problem. Former Hammers boss Pardew signed Ashton from Norwich in January
2006 and was still in charge at West Ham when the striker received his first
England call-up in August of the same year. Despite Ashton having been out
of action since last year Pardew, who was fired by the Hammers just six
months after leading his team to the FA Cup final believes that his former
target man is the best option for Fabio Capello.
"We are lacking a top-line striker," Pardew told Five Live's Monday Night
Club. "If Alan Shearer was fit and able we would be World Cup contenders.
"The one player for me - and I've managed a few of these [England] players -
is Dean Ashton. If he can get himself fit he would give us everything we
need in that role. He is the one player that could link it all up and get us
the goals. "However you need players to do themselves justice at that
level, the highest possible level - and he needs a good pre-season and at
least ten games under his belt to make the chance happen."
Pardew also praised Carlton Cole, another of his signings, who made his home
debut in the 4-0 win over Slovakia - a debut that lasted just 20 minutes
before he was forced to come off with a groin injury. "I thought that was
tough for him to come on [even though] he's had a good run at West Ham,"
added Pardew. "He's in top form but it's still a tough agenda to wear that
England shirt on your [home] debut, even if it's a friendly."

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Board's hand forced?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st March 2009
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United were forced to reach an out-of-court settlement with
Sheffield United as the club's auditors refused to sign off the annual
accounts otherwise, it has been claimed. An article by Matt Scott in today's
Guardian suggests that auditors Deloitte forced the settlement having not
been prepared to risk a £45million pay-out in the event of the arbitration
panel awarding Sheffield United the full compensation claimed. Had the
Hammers not reached an agreement with the Championship outfit the auditors
would have refused to complete the accounts, added Scott - a situation that
would have left the club facing serious difficulties. It was further claimed
that the club only managed to stay solvent by selling the likes of Matthew
Etherington (to Stoke), Hayden Mullins (Portsmouth) and Craig Bellamy (Man
City) in the January transfer window.
There is still no concrete news on a potential successor to owner Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson despite a multitude of parties being linked with the purchase of
the club in recent months.

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Noble eyes European finish
Hammers midfielder hoping for successful climax to campaign
By Chris Burton Last updated: 31st March 2009
SSN

Mark Noble believes West Ham are capable of securing a top-seven finish in
the Premier League this season. The Hammers are well-placed in the race for
Europe, sitting behind seventh-placed Wigan by virtue of goal difference.
They now have eight games in which to overhaul the Latics and seal a place
in next season's inaugural Europa League. Noble is confident about achieving
that target, especially as Gianfranco Zola has the club playing attractive,
attacking football. "If you see the way we are playing, the football we are
playing, even if we go 1-0 or 2-0 down we still play the right way and I
think that's the only way he wants us to play," said the England U21
international. "Some of the goals we have scored lately, the movement and
the passing, have been fantastic and at the moment it's a pleasure to play
in this team. "The last two games (against West Brom and Blackburn), even
though we haven't lost them, six months ago we might have lost them. But we
didn't, we have drawn them. "We have got so many injury problems at the
minute, but we have got on with it and dealt with it. I think we had six
youth team players on the bench last weekend and we managed to come away
with a draw, so I think that's credit to the manager. "As players we are
sticking by him and hopefully when we get a few players back we can have
another go at securing seventh place."

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West Ham settle for quick sign-off on Tevez
Matt Scott The Guardian, Tuesday 31 March 2009

Deloitte auditors told West Ham United that they would not sign off the
club's accounts unless a settlement was reached with Sheffield United over
the Carlos Tevez affair.
Until a fortnight ago the Hammers were operating under threat of a £45m
legal action from Sheffield United. That followed a tribunal verdict that
West Ham's illegal use of Tevez had led to the Blades' relegation from the
Premier League in 2007. The magnitude of the potential liability spooked the
auditors who told West Ham's directors that greater financial certainty
would be required before they could confirm the business as a going concern.
Failure to sign off the accounts would have presented enormous problems for
the Hammers, who kept their lenders at bay only with the January sales of
Craig Bellamy, Matthew Etherington and Hayden Mullins, raising nearly £20m.
It was a close thing. The registration deadline for their accounts was to be
today but the club were able to shorten their accounting period by 48 hours,
a change that paradoxically defers the filing deadline by three months. In
the meantime the Hammers agreed to a £26.5m settlement with Sheffield
United, the payment schedule of which is comfortably affordable for West Ham
and thus provides the accountants with the certainty they demanded.

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Di Canio: Young players today lack drive
442 Staff - Yesterday, 14:27
Fourfourtwo.com

Premier League legend Paolo Di Canio has spoken out against English
football's celebrity culture, claiming it tempts young players into caring
too much about money and not enough about football. In an exclusive
interview with FourFourTwo, Di Canio echoes the words of Frank Lampard in
saying the financial excess of the English game lowers young players'
motivation. The full interview can be read in the new issue of FourFourTwo,
out now. "All this money does make things difficult, especially with young
players," he says. "You earn £70,000 a week and maybe motivation becomes a
problem. That's natural. When you're 18 or 19 there are distractions anyway,
whether you're earning that sort of money or not." Lampard has been less
forgiving about football's young stars, saying, "Not enough of them have the
dedication" and suggesting a return to the days of players cleaning the
elder statesmens' boots. But Di Canio blames the culture of modern
football, not individual malaise. "It's the same in Italy," he says.
"They're part of this celebrity culture. If there aren't players out and
about at two in the morning, people think there's something wrong. "This is
the modern way of life for a footballer, with all the media attention. That
wasn't there when I was playing."

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The £5m claims against West Ham provide a new low
Posted by: Rob Facey , on Tue 31 Mar 2009
West Ham Football Fancast

Football FanCast columnist Rob Facey wonders just how long Sheffield United
can keep up their protests as the Carlos Tevez saga somehow continues.
Sheffield United players are asking for £5m each in compensation for
personal losses as the Carlos Tevez saga rumbles on. Despite a deal being
struck between the two clubs, certain players who were relegated in 2007
have been given the green light by the FA to seek legal advice regarding
claiming back money from the Hammers. Lincoln City sriker Geoff Horsfield,
who was relegated with the Blades, is leading the players' battle. "There
are no personal grudges against West Ham from any ofthe Sheffield United
players involved, myself included," said Horsfield, as reported inThe
Guardian. "But the fact is we lost considerable sums of money as a result of
being relegated to the Championship because our wages dropped as a
consequence. It is nothing personal or about being bitter, but about
justice."

WILL THIS NEVER END?

Horsfield did not even appear for the first team that season, yet he still
feels he is worthy of a few million; are the players not slightly taking the
biscuit now? They are chasing promotion to the Premier League this season
and should qualify for the playoffs, meaning that there will be one hell of
a grudge match if the sides meet next season. If they carry on like this
then all sympathy that outsiders currently have for them will be lost.
Because the whole affair is still shrouded in mystery, such is the
incompetency within the FA's dealing with things, nobody really knows who
and what the issues are anymore. It is a credit to West Ham how well they
have done this season, not to mention the fact they changed managers and
went up for sale after going bust, that the Tevez saga has not totally
disrupted Gianfranco Zola's men. But what can they do to truly appease the
Championship side and their players? Also, why is it the players dictating
how much they want rather than a real governing body? It is likely that the
FA will call another independent tribunal, although, again, it is likely
that West Ham will settle out of court. Just how low is this latest blow
from Sheffield United? Is there anyway they can be talked out of trying to
squeeze more money out of the club? But, more importantly, when will this
whole thing just end?

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Cole ruled out for a fortnight
Sport.co.uk
Author: Nigel Brown
Posted on: 31 March 2009 - 7:22 PM

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has suffered a hammerblow after learning that
Carlton Cole's hamstring problem is likely to rule the striker out for at
least a fortnight. The 25-year-old lasted just 19 minutes of England's 4-0
win over Slovakia at the weekend before being forced to limp out of the
action.Cole is expected to undergo a number of tests at the club's training
ground with Zola anxious to discover the extent of the problem ahead of such
a crucial period.

The Hammers face a home clash with Sunderland before going into the London
derby against Tottenham at White Hart Lane on April 11 with seventh spot
still up for grabs.
Cole has scored 11 goals this season to help Zola's men launch a bid for a
UEFA Cup spot, but the Italian may now be forced to turn to Diego Tristan
for this weekend's home clash against the Black Cats. Zola could also hand a
start to midfielder Kieron Dyer after the former Newcastle man came through
a recent reserve game unscathed.
The 30-year-old, who broke his leg in August 2007, underwent a further
operation in January before making a rare appearance in the recent 1-1 draw
at Blackburn. And Zola could turn to the England man this weekend, while
winger Savio Nsereko is also set to return to action after missing the game
at Ewood Park through injury.

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Fulham fullback Pantsil happy to be away from West Ham
01.04.09 | tribalfootball.com

Fulham fullback John Pantsil is pleased he was able to get away from West
Ham United last summer. The Ghana international told fulhamfc.com: "I was
disappointed that I didn't really work out at West Ham. It was a difficult
period of my career, but I'm a Fulham player now so that is all that
matters. "I prayed to God that I could prove what I can do in football and
I think I have shown that this season. Hopefully I can help Fulham achieve
what they have never achieved before. I like to think the Club and fans are
happy with how I have played and performed as well - everything is good and
I'm enjoying playing week-in week-out."

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West Ham coach Dyer delighted with Edgar progress
01.04.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United reserves coach Alex Dyer is delighted with the progress of
young midfielder Anthony Edgar. Edgar struck this week in their 2-0 victory
over Chelsea and Dyer told whufc.com: "Anthony has been among the goals this
season and is growing in confidence. "He has got good ability and he can
find the little pockets where he can get the ball and turn. That's what he
did against Stoke. He found a gap and let rip with a strike. It was sheer
power and speed that beat the keeper."

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COLE'S HAMMER BLOW 1/04/2009
The Mirror

Carlton Cole fears he will be out for three weeks in a major blow to West
Ham's European hopes. Cole (left) will see a specialist today about the
groin injury he suffered during England's friendly win over Slovakia on
Saturday. Hammers striker Cole, 25, already faces a two-match ban after
being sent off in their last game at Wigan. Tottenham's Darren Bent, who
pulled out of the England squad with a knee injury yesterday, is still
hoping to be ready for Saturday's trip to Blackburn after being assessed
today by his club's medical staff..

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West Ham striker Cole out for season
01.04.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United striker Carlton Cole is out for the season after being
crocked on England duty. The centre-forward, who has netted 11 goals this
term, injured his groin after coming on as a sub in Saturday's 4-0 win over
Slovakia.

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Pardew backs West Ham's Ashton to make difference for England
31.03.09 | tribalfootball.com

Former West Ham boss Alan Pardew believes Dean Ashton will make England's
World Cup squad next year. Pardew said: "If he can get himself fit, he would
give us everything in that role - he is that good. He is the one player that
can link all the play up and give us goals as well. "I don't think he can
come in for a while because you need players in top condition to do
themselves justice and we are talking about the highest possible level.
"Dean needs a good pre-season and at least 10 games under his belt to show
he can play in South Africa. "At the moment we are missing one ingredient
and that is a real top forward to lead the line up front, someone with the
quality of Alan Shearer. "If we find someone, we would be serious World Cup
contenders. I think the man for the job is Dean."

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Mark Noble: West Ham On Verge Of European Qualification Thanks To Gianfranco
Zola
The England Under-21 midfielder claims the Hammers are on the up because of
they style of football their Italian boss encourages them to play...
31 Mar 2009 12:26:27
Goal.com

West Ham United midfielder Mark Noble believes that manager Gianfranco Zola
is capable of guiding the club to qualification for European football. A
seventh place finish in the Premier League this season should secure a spot
in next season's Europa League (currently the UEFA Cup), and the Hammers are
level on points with Wigan Athletic who occupy that position at present.
With eight league games left to play, Noble insists the Irons can pick up
the points required to achieve their objective, thanks to the style of
football their manager has encouraged them to play. "If you see the way we
are playing, the football we are playing, even if we go 1-0 or 2-0 down we
still play the right way and I think that's the only way he [Zola] wants us
to play," Noble is quoted as saying by Sky Sports. "Some of the goals we
have scored lately, the movement and the passing, have been fantastic and at
the moment it's a pleasure to play in this team. "The last two games
[against West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers], even though we haven't
lost them, six months ago we might have lost them. But we didn't, we have
drawn them. "We have got so many injury problems at the minute, but we have
got on with it and dealt with it. I think we had six youth team players on
the bench last weekend and we managed to come away with a draw, so I think
that's credit to the manager. "As players we are sticking by him and
hopefully when we get a few players back we can have another go at securing
seventh place."

Ricky Brooks, Goal.com

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Premier League clubs face competition for Eliseu
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on: 31 March 2009 - 10:18

Reports on the continent claim that Malaga winger Eliseu has become a top
priority for Atletico Madrid amid speculation that Wigan, Middlesbrough and
West Ham United are tracking the 25-year-old. Spanish publication AS claim
that the Vicente Calderon outfit now lead the chase for the Portuguese squad
member. The player is out of contract at the end of the season and Malaga
are keen on retaining Eliseu's services. Despite the desire to hold onto
their star man, Malaga president Fernando Sanz spoke realistically last
month about the situation: "We are not interested in a sale because we want
to build a good project. "But if any club arrives with this money and Eliseu
accepts then it is likely that he will leave the club."
Carlos Quieroz recently called-up the speedy attacker to the Portuguese
national squad and he has spoken openly about the speculation linking him
with a move abroad.
"I am only thinking about Malaga. We are having a great campaign and want to
continue at this level and fight for a place in Europe. "At the end of the
season I will decide about my future. I have heard that some Spanish and
foreign clubs are following my progress and that is a compliment to me. "I
was motivated to make the move to Spain and I believe this has been a
success. I am enjoying my football more than ever and I want to progress
further."