Daily WHUFC News: 04/16/09

Thursday, April 16

Daily WHUFC News - 16th April 2009

Ilunga deal completed
WHUFC.com
Herita Ilunga will join West Ham United permanently this summer after a
successful loan spell
15.04.2009

West Ham United are pleased to confirm the club has completed the transfer
of Herita Ilunga on a permanent basis until July 2013.

The left-back, 27, had put pen to paper on his contract in January and it
will now take effect this summer, with West Ham United finalising the
financial terms of his switch for an undisclosed fee from French club
Toulouse. Ilunga has been a revelation in his first season in English
football, not missing a single league match since his debut at West Bromwich
Albion on 13 September. In all, he has played 33 times for the club, scoring
two goals in the FA Cup ties against Barnsley and Middlesbrough.

Such was the DR Congo defender's fine form, the club were determined to
exercise the option that was agreed when he first moved on a season-long
loan. Ilunga is the latest player to commit his future in view of the club's
positive direction under Gianfranco Zola alongside Scott Parker, Mark Noble,
Dean Ashton and Carlton Cole, who have all agreed new deals this season, as
have youngsters James Tomkins, Junior Stanislas, Jack Collison and Freddie
Sears.

Ilunga, who has played in both the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup, is
eager to bring European football back to the Boleyn Ground, said: "It is a
great joy for me to have signed permanently for a club that believed in me
and gave me the opportunity to play in the Premier League. My goal is to
keep developing as a player here, working for the manager and his staff. I
am very happy to be here and there is a great atmosphere with my team-mates.

"The fans here are incredible because they are always behind the team.
Sometimes they help us to get the victories but even when we lose they are
always there for us. They have played an important part this season and we
hope to give them a special present at the end of this season by qualifying
for Europe."

West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury said: "Having agreed everything with
Herita at the turn of the year, it is great that we have been able to
finalise his transfer from Toulouse. Herita was a proven performer in France
and there was no doubt about the quality we were getting when he arrived at
the club. He has performed tremendously for us this season and Gianfranco
was clear he wanted us to keep him for the long term."

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Dyer drawing on positives
WHUFC.com
Alex Dyer believes his reserve side will have taken a lot from their 4-2
defeat at West Bromwich Albion
15.04.2009

Alex Dyer was in philosophical mood after watching his young reserve side
lose out to a vastly more experienced West Bromwich Albion team on Tuesday
evening.

The 4-2 defeat at The Hawthorns was the reserves' first in three matches,
but their manager believes the game will form a vital part of the learning
curve his youngsters must undertake when making the transition from youth to
reserve-team football.

"It was good experience to come and play at this stadium. I was a bit
disappointed because we didn't start the game well and came in 2-0 down at
half time," Dyer said.

"We're disappointed but they're young lads and they need to go through this
if they want to carry on with their career it's going to happen. This isn't
going to be the first time and hopefully they've learnt from it. I've learnt
from it as well and we'll go on and next week play again."

The home side dominated proceedings in the opening period but, after finding
themselves two goals down at the interval, the visitors rallied in the
second half and hit back through goals from Zavon Hines and Matt Fry. Dyer
explained that some strong words at half-time helped get team back into the
game.

"We came in at half-time and sorted a few things out in the changing room. I
just wanted to point out a couple of tactical things as well as the
work-rate of the team. I think for the first time since I've taken over they
did not compete. No matter what tactics you play you've got to be able to go
with runners and give 100 per cent every time and we didn't do that.

"The second half we came out and we improved. We still made little mistakes,
but we can live with that. All I was looking for was a good attitude, which
they showed in the second half."

As well getting the goals on the night, Fry and Hines' all-round
performances particularly pleased their manager, on a night of development
in the Midlands. Dyer said: "Matty [Fry] played well I thought. Both he and
Zavon Hines both worked hard and they were plusses on the night.

"But it's hard to pick out too many positives. It's not about the result as
I keep saying every week, but you want the lads to feel well that they have
done well. They haven't done that but they are young and they have to learn
and hopefully they have learnt a lesson."

The reserves will finish their season with a trip to Portsmouth next
Tuesday, where Dyer is hoping his side can end their campaign strongly.

"I hope we can end on a high as they have done well this year. I've enjoyed
the experience of taking charge of a team and I'm hoping that come next week
we carry on playing as we have been doing and once that happens they can go
away feeling that they have done well this season.

"They are young lads. Most of them have only played in the youth team, but
now they've stepped up and they've had the opportunity to play reserve-team
football and they've done well. Tuesdaywas just a bridge too far."

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Ladies to run marathon
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies players Katie Holmes and Gemma Shepherd will run the
London Marathon
15.04.2009

Two of West Ham United Ladies' senior players will run this year's Flora
London Marathon on Sunday 26 April.

Midfielder Katie Holmes, who is also the club's women's and girls'
development officer, and forward Gemma Shepherd will be among the
35,000-plus runners taking to the streets of the capital.

The pair will be running in aid of Nightingale, a charity that provides
residential and nursing home care in Clapham for older people suffering from
Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. For more information about the
charity, visit nightingale.org.uk

With the Ladies facing an important away match at Charlton Athletic the same
afternoon, coach Tony Marshall and the girls' team-mates have joked that
they are the pair can set a record-breaking time before turning out for the
team!

To make a donation to either of the girls, visit
www.justgiving.com/gemmashepherd or www.justgiving.com/kholmes

West Ham are up to third in the Tesco FA Women's Premier League South table
after beating Keynsham Town 4-2 at Thurrock on Sunday. Leading scorer Sam
Pittuck netted a brace, while further goals were added by Shepherd and
Toni-Anne Wayne. The victory took the Hammers level on 33 points with
second-placed Barnet with two games remaining.

Charlton, who West Ham face in their next fixture, are fourth and have also
mustered 33 points. However, the Addicks and the Bees both have a game
in-hand over Marshall's team. The Hammers will be confident of victory at
Charlton, though, having won six and drawn four of the ten away league
matches they have contested this season.

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Ilunga commits future to West Ham
BBC.co.uk

West Ham have announced the permanent signing of defender Herita Ilunga. The
27-year-old left-back joined from Toulouse on a season-long loan in
September but has now signed a deal keeping him at the club until 2013.
Ilunga has featured in every Premier League game since arriving at Upton
Park, playing a key role in the club's resurgence under Gianfranco Zola. He
told the West Ham website: "It is a great joy to have signed for a club that
believed in me." In December, Ilunga, a Democratic Republic of Congo
international, reportedly described West Ham as "second-rate", adding that
he saw the club as a stepping stone in his career. But Zola immediately
defended the player, and spoke of his plans to sign the full-back. The deal
was agreed in January and will take effect when the summer transfer window
opens. "My goal is to keep developing as a player here, working for the
manager and his staff," added Ilunga. "I am very happy to be here and there
is a great atmosphere with my team-mates."

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Ilunga on permanent switch
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 15th April 2009
By: Staff Writer

Herita Ilunga has revealed his 'great joy' at signing a permanent four year
contract with the Hammers. 27-year-old Ilunga has been one of the surprises
of the season having joined the club as a virtual unknown on loan last
September with view to a permanent deal - an option that the club decided to
trigger in January, as revealed here on KUMB.com. Talking to whufc.com this
morning about his new contract, a delighted Ilunga said: "It is a great joy
for me to have signed permanently for a club that believed in me and gave me
the opportunity to play in the Premier League. "My goal is to keep
developing as a player here, working for the manager and his staff. I am
very happy to be here and there is a great atmosphere with my team-mates.
"The fans here are incredible because they are always behind the team. They
have played an important part this season and we hope to give them a special
present at the end of this season by qualifying for Europe."

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Upson on his way?
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 15th April 2009
By: Staff Writer

Matthew Upson could leave West Ham if the club fail to qualify for Europe
next season, according to reports. The central defender is yet to commit
himself to a new contract despite a solid season in the heart of the United
defence and rumours are now emerging that unless the Hammers achieve a
Europa League berth next season Upson could be on his way. The former Luton
and Arsenal player is said to be desperate to hang on to his international
place but feels that another season outside of European competition could
leave him on the fringes - or out altogether - of Fabio Capello's squad.
Upson, who currently plays second fiddle to ex-Hammers Rio Ferdinand and
John Terry in the England team is desperate to be part of the next summer's
World Cup squad. It has been reported elsewhere that the club would not
prevent him from leaving if he decided to leave. Talking about this
weekend's visit to Aston Villa, the 29-year-old said: "It is another big
test. We go there missing quite a lot of players, so our strength in depth
is being really tested. "I think we've come through it really well and the
players have come in and done a good job. We can go there and get a result."

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Clarke to follow Zola
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 15th April 2009
By: Staff Writer

Assistant manager Steve Clarke is set to sign a new deal with the Hammers.
It was revealed last week that manager Gianfranco Zola was set to sign a new
three-year deal following a reasonably successful first six months in the
job. Now it seems that Clarke, who Zola brought in as his number two just
days after landing the United post will follow the Italian by penning a new
deal himself. Clarke's capture was viewed as something of a coup for the
Hammers, who are said to have paid around £1.2million in compensation to
Chelsea for the former Scottish international defender's services. Of
Clarke's move to West Ham, current Milan boss Jose Mourinho said of his
former number two: "He is an intelligent guy and always looking to improve.
I think he is much, much better than many managers who are in charge of
teams at the moment. "I'm not a West Ham fan, but with Steve having this
responsibility there, I want them to succeed. Steve is a really top coach
and a really top man."

Steve Clarke - career stats

1982-1987 Made over 20 appearances for St Mirren
1987-1988 Made over 330 appearances for Chelsea
1987-1994 Made a handful of apeparances for the Scottish international side
1999 Named assistant to Ruud Gullit at Newcastle - also caretaker manager
following Gullit's resignation
2004-2008 Assistant manager of Chelsea
2008- Named assistant manager at West Ham

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Hillsborough
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 15th April 2009
By: Neil Baker

Considering it is the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough Disaster, and not
meaning to deflect any attention away from it, but to instead support
remembering it, does anyone remember when we visited Hillsborough for the FA
Cup quarter final on the evening of Wednesday, 12th March in 1986, three
years before the tragic events of 1989? Many of the events of that evening
were remarkably similar to those that happened three years later - but
thankfully with a different outcome. Those that were there will recall being
herded like cattle (well it was 1986) into the three small pens on the
Leppings Lane End as the stewards and the police seemed determined to keep
two open pens between us and the Wednesday fans, and seemed keen to rush us
into the ground with no delays. Fans at the back were being shoved to crush
those in the front. The flow was very fast as tickets were only inspected
with a cursory glance and I don't recall the turnstiles being in use.
Vehement responses from those on the receiving fell on deaf ears as the
stewards and other officials instead reacted in an aggressive manner,
thinking the West Ham fans were showing signs of portraying a violent
temperament, seemingly judging that to be the nature of all fans.
Thankfully there were some fans who were more lucid and so carefully
articulated the reasons, and they were thankfully persistent. I recall a
young lad next to me, clearly being crushed further each time he breathed
out. The fear in his eyes was alarming.
Eventually, with an appalling lack of urgency a steward ambled to the gate
that opened up the next pen, and took his time opening it (initially he was
too lazy to bend down, kicking at the bolts that secured it as if that would
free them). When the gates were opened the fans tumbled onto the steward and
his mates rushed to help him, complaining that the West Ham fans would not
let him get to his feet as he was trampled on, but that was because they
were in turn being accidentally tripped up and were falling too. Thankfully,
the fans quickly organised themselves to enter into the next pen in a
controlled manner and the situation was defused.
Afterwards I know some fans wrote to Sheffield Wednesday to complain (I did,
and received no response) and I'd hate to think what could have happened if
there were not those there with a presence of mind to know how to get
through to those supposedly in control. Sadly it seems that those there
three years later did not manage to get the officials to listen. What angers
me is that those events in March 1986 were no doubt not the first to occur
in that ground, and nobody in control there heeded the warning they were
given from that occasion and doubtless regards other occasions around that
time.

Subsequently 96 people paid the ultimate price for that.

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Bobby Moore Cup date announced
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 14th April 2009
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United will face as yet unnamed opposition on Saturday, 8th August
in the Bobby Moore Cup. The Bobby Moore Cup, first contested some years ago
was ressurected last year when the Hammers met Villareal at the Boleyn
Ground. Although the club are yet to confirm details, the match will take
place on the final Saturday ahead of the 2009/10 season. Last year's match
ended up with both teams sharing the trophy after a 1-1 draw. Carlton Cole
put the Hammers ahead after just two minutes before Santi Cazorla -
currently out of action with a broken leg - notched a 36th minute equaliser
for the Spaniards.

Bobby Moore Fund - Forthcoming Events

29 April: Celebrity Golf Day, Wentworth Club, Surrey
27 May: Kyran Bracken Golf Day, The Shire Golf Club
18 June: Ashes Briefing Dinner with Graham Gooch OBE, Lord's Cricket Ground
5 July: Run for Moore 5k, Blackheath Common, London
10–12 July: Nesbitt Dawson Golf Day, Arcos Gardens, Spain
8 August: Bobby Moore Cup at West Ham United
24 September: Clay Shoot, EJ Churchill Shooting Ground, Buckinghamshire
27 September-7 October: Project Brazil
10 October: The Pavilion Charity Ball, Ascot Race Course
14 November: Sports Ball, The Royal Lancaster Hotel, London
26 November: Bobby Moore Fund Sports Quiz, London
7–17 March: Project South Africa

If you would like information regarding a specific Bobby Moore Fund event,
please call 020 7009 8881.

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Stranzl unhappy at Spartak
Austrian defender wants to leave Russian club in the summer
By James Appell Last updated: 15th April 2009
SSN

Spartak Moscow defender Martin Stranzl has declared that he wants to leave
the Russian club in the summer. The news should alert a whole host of clubs
including Celtic, Rangers, West Ham and Everton after all were thought to be
preparing bids in the January transfer window. Spartak managed to hold on to
the Austrian international but since then the 28-year-old has struggled to
secure a first-team berth. The former Stuttgart man joined the club in 2006
but has found his opportunities dwindle under new boss Michael Laudrup. "I'm
not in the team, I don't get on as a substitute, and nobody can explain to
me why," he told Sovetsky Sport. "I am continuing to train and to practise
Russian, but my opportunities at Spartak are zero. "I wanted to leave the
club in the winter but the club wanted me to stay. In the next few days I
plan to speak to the management and make clear that I want to leave in the
summer."
Despite most of the clubs interested in his services coming from Britain,
Stranzl does not have a preference over his next destination. "I am not
excluding the possibility of returning to Austria - that depends on the
offer," he added. "For me financial terms are not that important. Now I just
want to play football."

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Ilunga seals Hammers move
Left-back signs from Toulouse on a permanent basis
By James Dall Last updated: 15th April 2009
SSN

West Ham United have completed the signing of Herita Ilunga on a permanent
basis. Congo international Ilunga joined the Hammers from Toulouse on a
season-long loan last summer. The 27-year-old left-back has impressed
manager Gianfranco Zola at Upton Park and now the club have moved to acquire
his services long-term. West Ham confirmed on Wednesday that Ilunga has
penned a contract that will keep him in London until 2013. He told the
club's official website: "It is a great joy for me to have signed
permanently for a club that believed in me and gave me the opportunity to
play in the Premier League. "My goal is to keep developing as a player here,
working for the manager and his staff. I am very happy to be here and there
is a great atmosphere with my team-mates. "The fans here are incredible
because they are always behind the team. Sometimes they help us to get the
victories but even when we lose they are always there for us. "They have
played an important part this season and we hope to give them a special
present at the end of this season by qualifying for Europe."
West Ham CEO Scott Duxbury added: "Having agreed everything with Herita at
the turn of the year, it is great that we have been able to finalise his
transfer from Toulouse.
"Herita was a proven performer in France and there was no doubt about the
quality we were getting when he arrived at the club. "He has performed
tremendously for us this season and Gianfranco was clear he wanted us to
keep him for the long term."

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Uncertain future for Quashie
Midfielder keen to play regularly
By Chris Galea Last updated: 15th April 2009
SSN

Nigel Quashie has admitted he does not know where he will be plying his
trade next season, but insists his only concern is getting regular football.
The West Ham midfielder has spent time on loan at Birmingham and Wolves this
term after recovering from a serious foot problem that kept him out for 16
months. He is still at Wolves and is unsure whether he will be wanted back
at West Ham in the summer. But Quashie is just hungry to play as often as
possible, telling skysports.com: "I've got another year at West Ham and I
just want to be playing football again. "I've enjoyed my career for the
last 13 years, but when you get to the stage that you are out of the game
for 16 months then you just want another crack at it and I'm grateful to
both managers for giving me that chance. "Being involved in football again
at the two clubs has given me great satisfaction knowing that I can play
again. "Whether I go back to West Ham and play again or not doesn't matter
as long as I get back to playing football on a regular basis.
"I just want to go out and enjoy playing football again because I really
missed it while I was out injured."
Quashie has not featured for Mick McCarthy's side since the defeat to
Burnley over two months ago due to injury, but he is now keen to earn a
recall to the in-form Championship leaders. He said: "I've played a couple
of games behind closed doors and I'm just waiting for the nod really. "The
gaffer has been first class with me and has told me that I haven't been
doing anything wrong, but he doesn't like to tinker with things if the lads
keep winning, which is totally understandable. "I'm just happy to be here
waiting in the wings and training hard to earn a place in the side."

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West Ham fans hailed as 'incredible'
Posted by: FFC Towers News Desk , on Wed 15 Apr 2009
West Ham Football Fancast

Congo International Herita Ilunga has hailed the West Ham fans as
'Incredible' as he secured a permanent move from Toulouse. The 27 yr old,
who has been an absolute sensation this season at Upton Park, was delighted
to sign for a club that believed in his abilities and gave him the
opportunity to play in the Premier League. He also took the time out to pay
tribute to West Ham supporters who have amazed Ilunga with their continued
backing even if they lose.
Speaking to the Times Ilunga said: "It is a great joy for me to have signed
permanently for a club that believed in me and gave me the opportunity to
play in the Premier League. My goal is to keep developing as a player here,
working for the manager and his staff. I am very happy to be here and there
is a great atmosphere with my team-mates,"
When asked about the club's supporters, he added. "The fans here are
incredible because they are always behind the team, "Sometimes they help us
to get the victories but even when we lose they are always there for us.
They have played an important part this season and we hope to give them a
special present at the end of this season by qualifying for Europe."

There is no doubt that West Ham are in the box seat with six games to go and
you can't help feel that qualification for the UEFA Cup will be a real
consolation for supporters who really have been run through the mill this
season.

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Zola believes West Ham ideally placed for seventh place finish
16.04.09 | Ian Ferris

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is confident his team will finish the campaign
in seventh position, reports the Newham Recorder. Both Tottenham and Fulham
closed the gap on the Hammers at the weekend. "Of course we are
favourites," said Zola. "We are still three points clear of Spurs and we are
going to defend those points with everything we can. "You could see the
team is determined and together, and to be honest, it would be a pity if
they don't do it because they give everything in every single game, and that
is very good for me."

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PREMIER LEAGUE - WEST HAM
KAZIM-RICHARDS DENIES HAMMERS LINK
ComeOnBoro.com; Wed 15 Apr 2009

Colin Kazim-Richards has played down rumours he is set for a return to
England with West Ham. The Hammers are reported to be one of several
Barclays Premier League clubs tracking the former Sheffield United forward,
who was born in Leytonstone, east London but played at Euro 2008 for Turkey.
Kazim-Richards, though, maintains he is happy at Fenerbahce, but refused to
rule out a move to the English top flight one day. "I am very thankful that
there might be an interest but nobody has spoken to my camp," he said on Sky
Sports. "I haven't got a problem with [manager] Mr [Luis] Aragones."
Kazim-Richards added: "I am a very ambitious person and I have a lot of
dreams. I want to be playing at the highest level I possibly can. "If it
comes around that somebody did come in and my club did agree to it then we
would look into it, but to say that I'm coming back at this moment in time,
nothing has been said about that. "The Premier League is one of the best
leagues in the world and I think anybody in the world would like to play in
the Premier League."

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Stanislas promised to reward Hammers for new deal
East London Advertiser
15 April 2009

Junior Stanislas has vowed to keep working hard after his first-team
breakthrough was rewarded with a new contract that keeps the teenager at
Upton Park until 2013.
The 19-year-old scored on his first West Ham start in the club's 2-0 win
over Sunderland a fortnight ago and kept his place in the starting line-up
for the club's derby defeat against Spurs last weekend. Now he has pledged
to continue his rapid ascent to the first-team reckoning after finalising a
new long-term deal. He said: "It's good to have signed. I've been working
hard and doing well on the training ground so the new contract is a bonus.
"It's a great show of faith and I've just got to keep working hard."
England Under-20 winger Stanislas has become the third academy graduate to
sign a new contract this month following similar agreements with homegrown
duo Mark Noble and James Tomkins. Stanislas said: "James and I have been
together quite a lot recently, with England as well, so for him to sign and
me to sign a few days later is obviously great." The midfielder, who spent a
month on loan at Southend in December, added that he is now focused on
helping the club in the race for European qualification. "We're chasing that
European spot in seventh and we've got quite a few games so hopefully we'll
get that spot," he said.

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Tomkins can be a new Terry, says Zola
Easst London Advertiser
15 April 2009
By JONATHAN CLEGG

James Tomkins can become West Ham's answer to John Terry, according to
Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola. England Under-20 ace Tomkins produced another
assured display in West Ham's defeat against Tottenham last weekend. The
homegrown defender, who signed a new long-term contract at Upton Park last
week, nullified the threat of Spurs playmaker Luca Modric - despite being
deployed as a makeshift right-back. Now Zola has backed the 20-year-old to
emulate Three Lions skipper Terry by establishing himself as a world-class
performer for club and country. "James is the complete, modern defender. He
is 20 but he plays like a veteran," Zola said. "His attitude is very good
and he has a lot of good competition for a place here and that has made him
a better player. "I am sure England are following his progress. He will be a
top player if he keeps on progressing and I am sure he will hear from them."
Former Chelsea star Zola saw England defender Terry develop from a raw
prospect in the club's reserves to England captain and Champions League
stalwart for the Blues.
And the Italian sees similar potential in Tomkins, who committed his future
to West Ham last week by signing a new long-term contract. "John Terry was a
different story - he was more energetic and had to learn how to control
himself, whereas Tomkins is calmer and more in control. He is an intelligent
player and he's more composed. He can be very good."
Tomkins is one of eight academy graduates to have appeared for the Hammers
this season and Zola insists the current group can match the achievements of
the club's last generation of top-class talents - including Rio Ferdinand,
Frank Lampard and Joe Cole. "We have a group of good young players coming
through and that is the key for us," Zola said. "It creates the kind of
environment where everybody is at their best and the results are proving me
right. "We have players here who potentially can be as good as the others
who have become champions now.

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West Ham's Noble aiming for England cap
By Simon Hayes on April 15, 2009 3:29 PM
Wharf.co.uk

West Ham star Mark Noble believes staying at West Ham will help him achieve
his ambition of a full England cap. The 21-year-old midfielder signed a new
contract last week, keeping him at Upton Park until 2013, and he feels it
will help him make the step up to Fabio Capello's squad. Speaking
exclusively to The Wharf he said: "That's every young English player's
dream, to play for the full national team. I'll keep working hard, keep
playing my football for West Ham and hopefully get there one day."
Noble, who has 15 under-21 caps, takes heart from team-mate Carlton Cole,
who was called up by Capello earlier this year. He feels it reflects well on
the club's growing stature under Gianfranco Zola. He said: "Definitely. With
the manager having been such a high profile player and the Italian side of
it, you get quite a lot of exposure. It's nice for the players like Coley.
I'm buzzing for them and hopefully it'll be me sooner rather than later."
Noble believes he has found his best form, just in time for the Premier
League run-in, and he's pleased to play his part as the Hammers play Zola's
entertaining brand of football. "You can see with the players how happy they
are in the way we are playing at the minute," he said. "The goal at Wigan -
a one touch, six passes move - just sums up the way he wants us to play.
What he's done for Carlton Cole and players like that who were low on
confidence, he's been fantastic for them. "Obviously we're not going to be
unbelievable every game. We're going to have ups and downs, like the West
Brom game when we were nowhere near our best. People have to understand we
had a lot of injuries, so the way we've gone about our stuff, with quite a
few problems, has been fantastic. "It's really good at the minute and we've
just got to carry on doing what we're doing and get into that European
spot."
Noble has made over 100 appearances for West Ham. He admitted he finds it
strange being the club's longest-serving player at just 21. He said:
"Sometimes it's a little bit strange when you see the likes of Rob Green,
Matty Upson and Scott Parker but it's a good thing. It shows I've got into
the team at a young age and not petered out. I've stuck by it and it's just
the start of things to come."
And he is delighted to be part of an English core pushing the club forward.
He said: "We've got some fantastic players and English players as well,
which is important. You need that drive and spirit of English football. It's
nice to be at the club at the minute. We're looking up and hopefully we can
get into that European place."
Also signing new contracts at West Ham were defenders James Tomkins and
Herita Ilunga, who both pledged their futures to the Hammers until 2013.
Ilunga, who has been on loan from French side Toulouse since last summer,
signed his contract as far back as January but the news has only been made
public today. The 27-year-old Congolese left-back has been a revelation in
his first season in the Premier League and Gianfranco Zola was keen to bring
him in permanently. Negotiations with skipper Lucas Neill are ongoing but
the Australian is expected to put pen to paper on a new deal soon.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United complete permanent signing of Herita Ilunga
Ilunga joined the club on loan last summer
Adam Shergold
The Times

West Ham United have completed the signing of Herita Ilunga from Toulouse on
a permanent basis. The Congo international, 27, has signed with the Upton
Park club until July 2013 for an undisclosed fee after initially joining on
loan last summer. Ilunga has been an ever-present in the club's Barclays
Premier League fixtures since his debut against West Bromwich Albion on
September 13, contributing two goals in FA Cup ties against Barnsley and
Middlesbrough. Ilunga expressed his delight that Gianfranco Zola, the
manager, had made the decision to extend the deal.
"It is a great joy for me to have signed permanently for a club that
believed in me and gave me the opportunity to play in the Premier League. My
goal is to keep developing as a player here, working for the manager and his
staff. I am very happy to be here and there is a great atmosphere with my
team-mates," Ilunga said.
Ilunga praised the club's supporters for their backing during the European
push: "The fans here are incredible because they are always behind the
team," he said.
"Sometimes they help us to get the victories but even when we lose they are
always there for us. They have played an important part this season and we
hope to give them a special present at the end of this season by qualifying
for Europe."

West Ham currently sit seventh in the Premier League ahead of this weekend's
trip to Aston Villa, retaining an outside possibility of qualification for
the Uefa Europa League. Zola has shown his commitment to young players this
season by offering contracts to James Tomkins, Junior Stanislas, Jack
Collison and Freddie Sears.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham linked with Edinson Cavani
A man nicknamed "El Matador" is being tracked by West Ham, who are
understood to be one of several clubs watching the progress of Palermo
striker Edinson Cavani ahead of the summer transfer window.
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Ley
Last Updated: 8:33AM BST 15 Apr 2009

The 22-year-old Uruguayan international attracted interest from West Ham
last summer and that has resurfaced as the Hammers, short of attacking
options, plan for the 2009-2010 campaign, one that could include European
football. If West Ham reach the Europa League, they will need additional
players and, as witnessed recently, their lack of players, with at least six
first-team men absent last weekend at Spurs, proved costly.
Manchester City linked with Franck Ribery and Thierry HenryCavani is aware
of the interest but played the speculation down, saying: "I know that
several foreign teams, but also Italian ones, are following me. "But
honestly, I am not in a hurry to change clubs. I am in Palermo. We still
have great things to do together. I'm under contract until June 2012."
West Ham sold Craig Bellamy to Manchester City in January and though Savio
was signed, he is one for the future and more of a midfielder than a
striker. Carlton Cole is out for most of the season while David Di Michele
and Diego Tristan have yet to make their mark.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ARSENAL TARGET UPSON
By Darren Lewis 16/04/2009
The Mirror

Arsenal are monitoring West Ham's Europa League bid with a view to a summer
move for Matthew Upson. The former Gunners defender has made it clear that
he wants to play in Europe again to enhance his England World Cup chances.
The Gunners, along with Manchester City, made it clear to West Ham back in
January that they were interested in the player. Should West Ham fail to
make it into next season's Europa League then they could be forced to sell
their star centre-back. Upson, 29, joined Arsenal in 1997 from Luton for
£2million. He failed to establish himself and was sold to Birmingham for £1m
in 2003 and joined the Hammers four years later for £6m.
West Ham have completed the permanent signing of Toulouse defender Herita
Ilunga until 2013. The 27-year-old Democratic Republic of Congo player
joined the Hammers on a season-long loan last summer but he will now make
the move permanent for an undisclosed fee..

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
HERITA SEALS £3M DEAL
Daily Star
16th April 2009 By Paul Brown

West Ham defender Herita Ilunga has finally signed a permanent contract –
after snubbing interest from Liverpool and Newcastle. Left-back Ilunga, 27,
joined the Hammers on a season-long loan from Toulouse last summer, but his
long-term future had been in doubt. The Congo international agreed a
permanent switch in January, despite attracting interest from Anfield and St
James's Park, but last night he committed himself to West Ham until 2013
after the Hammers agreed a fee of around £3m.
Ilunga said: "It's a great joy for me to have signed permanently for a club
that believed in me and gave me the opportunity to play in the Premier
League. "My goal is to keep developing as a player here. I am very happy
and there is a great atmosphere with my team-mates."
Ilunga has become a fans' favourite in east London and scored two goals for
the club in the FA Cup against Barnsley and Middlesbrough. Chief Executive
Scott Duxbury added: "He has performed tremendously for us. Gianfranco Zola
was clear he wanted us to keep him for the long term."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ilunga commits himself to ´second rate´ West Ham
AFP - 15 April 2009 21:45
Soccerway.com

Democratic of Republic of Congo international defender Herita Ilunga, seen
here in January 2009, signed a permanent deal with English Premiership side
West Ham on Wednesday just months after he described them as being a ´second
rate team´. LONDON (AFP) - Democratic of Republic of Congo international
defender Herita Ilunga signed a permanent deal with English Premiership side
West Ham on Wednesday just months after he described them as being a 'second
rate team'.

The 27-year-old had joined from French First Division side Toulouse on a
season-long loan to replace left back George McCartney - who was sold to
Sunderland - but has since played every Premier League game and scored his
only goal in an FA Cup third round match with Barnsley.

Ilunga, who also played for Toulouse's championship rivals St Etienne after
arriving from Spanish outfit Espanyol B, made his remarks about the Hammers
in December adding that he saw them as a stepping stone in his career.

However, the 18-times capped left back received the full support of manager
Gianfranco Zola, who has made good on his promise of signing him permanently
on a contract which runs till 2013. "It is a great joy to have signed for a
club that believed in me," Ilunga told the West Ham website. "My goal is to
keep developing as a player here, working for the manager and his staff. "I
am very happy to be here and there is a great atmosphere with my
team-mates."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United complete signing of Herita Ilunga
West Ham have completed the permanent signing of Herita Ilunga on a
four-year deal for a fee that could rise to close to £3 million.
Telegraph
By Jason Burt
Last Updated: 7:17PM BST 15 Apr 2009

The 27-year-old left-back arrived on a season-long loan from Toulouse last
summer and has been a significant success. Ilunga replaced George McCartney,
who was sold to Sunderland for £6m in a deal which the then West Ham manager
Alan Curbishley claimed was completed behind his back. Curbishley
subsequently walked out of the club and accused West Ham of interfering with
his transfer plans - a claim that has been vehemently denied by the club,
who pointed out that McCartney had asked for a transfer.
West Ham sign Freddie LjungbergThe issue has rumbled on for most of this
season, with Curbishley claiming compensation through constructive dismissal
and understood to be demanding up to £3 million. West Ham maintain he is not
entitled to a pay out because they did not breach the terms of his contract.
A hearing is set to take place on Friday and lawyers from both sides will
discusswhether it should proceed to a tribunal. Given that West Ham are
committed to paying more than £20 million in damages to Sheffield United
over the Carlos Tevez affair, they will not want to incur any further costs.
However they are confident that they have no case to answer. Terms were
agreed on the Ilunga deal in January but it was not announced until
yesterday after further financial discussions. Toulouse will receive an
initial £1.3m for the player, who has made 33 appearances for West Ham this
season, which could double depending on performances.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham defender Collins: They've been talking about Tomkins for years
16.04.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United defender James Collins has hailed the progress this season
of young centre-half James Tomkins. The Wales international told whufc.com:
"I've been here for four years and as soon as I came in, everyone was
talking about Tomka and when I've been out he's been fantastic. "If Specs
(Jonathan Spector) had been available at Spurs I'd have been on the bench as
he's performed so well. Unfortunately for Jon, he's got injured but it's
given me a chance to get back into the team. Tomka is a fantastic player and
he's got a really bright future in front of him."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham management delighted with Ilunga deal
16.04.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham management were delighted to hand Herita Ilunga a new contract
yesterday through to 2013. Hammers chief Scott Duxbury told whufc.com:
"Having agreed everything with Herita at the turn of the year, it is great
that we have been able to finalise his transfer from Toulouse. Herita was a
proven performer in France and there was no doubt about the quality we were
getting when he arrived at the club. "He has performed tremendously for us
this season and Gianfranco was clear he wanted us to keep him for the long
term."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collins: Zola desperate to take West Ham into Europe
16.04.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United defender James Collins says manager Gianfranco Zola is
desperate to qualify for the Europa League. Collins told whufc.com:
"Everyone is disappointed and no-one more so than the manager. Obviously he
cannot be too down in the dumps because we've got lots of important games
coming up and we've got to pick up points. "He gets his message across and
then it's on to the next game."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers defender signs permanent deal
by Joseph Caron Dawe , 15 April 2009
setanta.co.uk

West Ham have confirmed that on-loan defender Herita Ilunga will join on a
permanent deal in the summer after impressing during his time to date at
Upton Park. The 27-year-old signed a contract which commits him to the club
until 2013 back in January, but The Hammers have only now announced details
of the deal after finalising terms on an undisclosed fee with Toulouse.
Ilunga – who arrived on loan from the French side last September – joins the
swelling number of West Ham players to have committed his long-term future
to the club this season, with Scott Parker, Mark Noble, Dean Ashton and
Carlton Cole all having penned new deals. "It is a great joy for me to have
signed permanently for a club that believed in me and gave me the
opportunity to play in The Premier League," Ilunga told West Ham's official
website. "My goal is to keep developing as a player here, working for the
manager and his staff. I am very happy to be here and there is a great
atmosphere with my team-mates. "The fans here are incredible because they
are always behind the team. Sometimes they help us to get the victories but
even when we lose they are always there for us. They have played an
important part this season and we hope to give them a special present at the
end of this season by qualifying for Europe."
West Ham CEO Scott Duxbury said: "Having agreed everything with Herita at
the turn of the year, it is great that we have been able to finalise his
transfer from Toulouse.
"Herita was a proven performer in France and there was no doubt about the
quality we were getting when he arrived at the club. He has performed
tremendously for us this season and Gianfranco (Zola) was clear he wanted us
to keep him for the long term." Ilunga has featured 33 times for The Hammers
this season, scoring twice, since making his debut against West Brom last
September.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
No plans for Black Cats to parachute Curbishley in
10:25am Wednesday 15th April 2009
Northern Echo
By Scott Wilson »

SUNDERLAND will not be appointing Alan Curbishley as an interim manager – no
matter what happens in Saturday's crunch relegation clash with Hull City.
It was reported that Curbishley is being lined up as an experienced
alternative to current boss Ricky Sbragia as the Black Cats battle to avoid
the drop in the final six games of the season.
The former Charlton and West Ham boss, who will be in court on Friday
resolving a £1m compensation claim against the Hammers, has been linked with
the Stadium of Light in the past and was one of the candidates considered
after Roy Keane resigned in December. But sources close to Niall Quinn have
dismissed any possibility of the 51-year-old being drafted in before the end
of the season. Buoyed by Sunderland's spirited showing in last weekend's 2-1
defeat to Manchester United, and satisfied with Sbragia's handling of team
affairs in recent weeks, Quinn intends to support his current manager
despite the Black Cats' perilous position. He will then reassess the
situation in the close season, with Sbragia likely to be one of a number of
options considered as the Sunderland board discuss how best to take the club
forward next season. While an immediate change of manager could have a
short-term impact, Quinn is aware of the longterm repercussions of
appointing a new boss, and would prefer to take a more measured view in the
summer. C u r b i s h - ley's name has been m e n t i o n e d with increased
regularity in recent weeks, with Friday's court proceedings representing a
pivotal moment in his possible return to management. Had the Londoner
accepted another job while his court case was ongoing, it would almost
certainly have affected the level of any pay-out. That caveat will not apply
if a judgement is passed on Friday, and given his successes at both The
Valley and Upton Park, Curbishley, left, is likely to be the subject of a
number of approaches in the summer.
One of those could yet come from Sunderland as Quinn is a known admirer, and
is unlikely to retain Sbragia in his current position beyond the end of the
campaign, despite the Scotsman still having another year of his contract to
run. Earlier this season, Quinn hinted that Sbragia's position would be
called into question if the Black Cats "scraped to survival on the final day
of the season". Such a scenario remains a strong possibility, but barring an
unexpected change of heart, a managerial reshuffle will not take place
before the end of May. Sunderland are two points clear of the drop zone with
six games to play, but victories in their next two matches – against fellow
strugglers Hull and West Brom – would go a long way towards securing the
club's top-flight status.