WHUFC.com
West Ham United will travel to Grays Athletic and Kingstonian ahead of the 2009/10 campaign
28.05.2009
West Ham United are delighted to be able to confirm pre-season friendlies against non-league Grays Athletic and Kingstonian.
Aside from players late back after international duty this summer, the club are due to send a strong squad to take on Blue Square Premier outfit Grays Athletic at the New Rec on Sunday 12 July, with kick-off at 3pm.
Tickets, priced at £20 adults and £10 concessions, will go on sale through both West Ham and Grays Athletic in mid-June. The match will be all-ticket, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Last season, a West Ham United XI made the short trip along the A13 to Grays, going down to a 2-1 defeat. Zavon Hines was on target for the Hammers, while former West Ham trainee Ishmael Welsh was among the scorers for the home side.
Gianfranco Zola will send a West Ham United XI to face Ryman League Division One (South) champions Kingstonian at Kings Meadow on Friday 31 July, kick-off 7.45pm.
Division One (South) manager of the year Alan Dowson's side won their league by seven points to secure promotion to the Ryman League Premier Division, three steps below the Football League.
The club's pre-season tour arrangements will be confirmed in the near future. The Hammers will also stage the Bobby Moore Cup at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday 8 August against yet to be confirmed European opposition.
Fixtures for the 2009/10 Barclays Premier League season will be announced first on whufc.com at 10am on Wednesday 17 June. The new season will commence on Saturday 15 August.
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Tomkins revels in U21 call
WHUFC.com
England Under-21s will feature Mark Noble and a delighted James Tomkins at the 2009 UEFA Euro
28.05.2009
James Tomkins was "very chuffed and proud" to be named in the England squad for next month's UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
The young defender, who has had a great season for West Ham United, was one of 23 players who have been called into Stuart Pearce's squad for the finals in Sweden between 15 and 29 June. Before the curtain-raiser on the opening night against Finland in Halmstad, the centre-back, still uncapped at this level, could make his U21 debut against Azerbaijan in Milton Keynes on Monday week.
Tomkins, who has competed for his country at U15, U16, U17, U19 and U20 levels, is determined to take the chance alongside Mark Noble, who will play at his second U21 finals after being a key man in the Young Lions run to the 2007 finals in the Netherlands.
"I am very proud - I was well chuffed when I received the call," Tomkins told whufc.com. "It is obviously something I am very much looking forward to, joining up with the squad and hopefully getting the chance to represent my country at a higher level. It's exciting and all I hope is that I may get a chance and show what I can do."
Being given the chance to shine by ex-Hammers left-back Pearce is a fitting reward for the mature performances this season that have belied Tomkins' relative inexperience. The 20-year-old credits the chance Gianfranco Zola has given him in the first team for leading him to be considered for national duty. He played 15 times in all this campaign, having also got eight games under his belt during a loan spell at Derby County.
"I do feel with every match I played for West Ham this season, I grew into my game more and more and this has helped me get a chance to play a higher level for England. As well as trying to play my best, I am also surrounded by experienced and quality players here who have helped me no end and have given me more experience myself to push on."
Tomkins added he was still learning in each match and, having scored his first goal in the April win against Sunderland, is eager to keep adding other attributes to his game. "I was delighted to score a goal this season and if I can pop up and grab a goal to help the team get a result, then I will strive to do that.
"But my main job is as a defender and my priority will always be to try and stop the opposition scoring against us and that is what I will concentrate on first with the rest of the lads at the back.
"I am looking forward to the experience with the U21s this summer and it would be great to get a chance and relish the experience even more. It will also hopefully allow me to push on further, both for West Ham and England."
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Collison a proud Welshman
WHUFC.com
West Ham United midfielder Jack Collison cannot wait to play in his first competitive fixture for Wales
28.05.2009
Proud Welshman Jack Collison has admitted West Ham United club-mates James Collins and Danny Gabbidon would never have forgiven him had he switched international allegiance to England.
Unfounded rumours recently surfaced suggesting the midfielder, who has yet to play a competitive international for Wales, may choose to represent the country of his birth instead. The young Hammer was born in Watford and qualifies to represent his adopted nation through his grandfather, former Wales rugby union captain John Gwilliam
However, the midfielder is planning to dismiss the speculation once and for all by lining up for Wales in their FIFA 2010 World Cup Group 4 qualifier against Azerbaijan in Baku on 6 June.
Before then the 20-year-old, who has made seven Under-21 and four senior friendly international appearances for John Toshack's side, is expected to be in the starting eleven when Wales take on Estonia in a friendly in Llanelli on Friday evening.
"There was nothing in suggestions that I could decide to play for England, certainly not from me," he said.
"Next weekend I can put an end to all that speculation by pulling on a red shirt and playing for Wales in my first competitive international. Then it will be over, I will have made it clear who I want to play for.
"There's such a big Welsh contingent at West Ham, if I'd done something like change my mind, I wouldn't have dared go in for training!
"There has never been any doubt in my mind, I have enjoyed being with Wales and I have been proud to play for the country of my grandfather."
Another player delighted to be part of Toshack's squad is Gabbidon. The 29-year-old has recently battled back from 18 months out with a complicated abdominal problem, returning to full training with the Hammers a week ago.
This week, to aid his return to match-fitness, Gianfranco Zola allowed Gabbidon to join up with Toshack's squad, a move welcomed by club colleague Collison.
"It's great to see Danny back from injury after all this time," said Collison. "It's a massive boost for everyone in the Wales squad, and for West Ham, too.
"He's here training with us. He has had a terrible time, and people who know him are aware that he has been very strong throughout and worked really hard to get back.
"Being at West Ham I have seen it at first hand how hard he has had to work. But he will be a stronger person for it. He's been out on the training pitch with us, with the rain pouring down, and he's loved it. You can't get the smile off his face.
"He's glad to be back and it will be a boost for club and country. He's missed a lot but people should not forget that in his first full season for West Ham he won the player-of-the-year trophy, so everyone knows what he can do.
"He brings quality to any team. He needs a full pre-season under his belt and then he will become a major player again for Wales and West Ham."
West Ham supporters who would like to cheer on Collison and his team-mates in the first international played at Parc y Scarlets can buy tickets by calling 0871 871 8088. Tickets are priced at £10 adults and £5 under-16s (plus booking fee). Kick-off is at 7.30pm.
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Dyer targeting Sevens success
WHUFC.com
Alex Dyer's side will go for glory this weekend at the Hong Kong FC IP Global Soccer Sevens
28.05.2009
Alex Dyer is hoping his West Ham United side will do the club proud at this weekend's Hong Kong FC IP Global Soccer Sevens. Reserve team coach Dyer and his squad jetted out to the Far East earlier this week ahead of the 16-team tournament, which will be held in Happy Valley between Friday and Sunday. West Ham will not be in action on the opening day of competition but will begin their challenge with a Group B fixture against Hong Kong FC Captain's Select on Saturday morning. Further games against Sheffield FC and the Australian Institute of Sport Under-18s will follow, with cup and plate competitions to follow on Sunday. With clubs of the stature of Glasgow Rangers, Glasgow Celtic, Aston Villa and Birmingham City also involved, Dyer knows his side will face a tough task to win the tournament, but he is aiming high. "We're hoping to go out there and win the tournament and see how the lads adapt to a differing style of play in a different tournament," said Dyer. "It's seven-a-side, so it's going to be a lot of work but they're only on the pitch for seven-and-a-half minutes each half. It's going to be frantic with the weather and the humidity and they're going to encounter all of the conditions they've not had before in their careers. I'm going out there and hoping to do well and go as far as we can go. "You've got Celtic and Rangers, Birmingham City and Sheffield FC, the oldest club in the world. We've then got the Hong Kong Select and an Australian Under-18s so it's going to be a good tournament. "Hopefully the boys will go out there and give it their all as it's not just a jolly up. It's a good opportunity to see the world as there are not many times in their life they will get to see Hong Kong and I'm hoping that they take it on board and enjoy the sights and respect the people and culture of Hong Kong and hopefully we can come back with the trophy."
Dyer revealed that West Ham, who took part in the tournament last summer, will field a young squad in Hong Kong, with first-teamers Marek Stech, Junior Stanislas, Josh Payne and Freddie Sears being withdrawn in order to ensure the best preparation for next season. However, with the likes of the promising Under-18 captain Matthew Fry, Oliver Lee, Daniel Kearns, Anthony Edgar and Georg Grasser at his disposal, the coach is confident of success. "I've got a good squad. Matty Fry and Olly Lee, who have stepped up and given great account of themselves in the reserve team," said Dyer. "We've also got one of the lads we did release, Ashley Miller, who has played well this year so we though it would be nice to get him to come out with us as well. I'm hoping that we've got a bit of experience and enough talent to go out there and win the tournament."
To taste success Dyer will need to prepare his players, who are used to the eleven-a-side game, to seven-a-side football. To do so, he will speak to the likes of Edgar, who took part in the tournament 12 months ago. "A lot of the young lads have got their own opinions on how we should play as a few of them were out there last year and I will take that on board," he added. "Then I will sit down and work out which is the best way that suits the players I have. We want to go out there and do the best and not make up the numbers. We're representing West Ham United Football Club and we want to do well."
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Spector heading home
WHUFC.com
Jonathan Spector is returning to his home city of Chicago after being named in the US squad
28.05.2009
Jonathan Spector will head for home after being named in the United States' 24-man squad for next month's FIFA 2010 World Cup qualifiers against Costa Rica and Honduras. The West Ham United defender will be keen to add to his haul of 12 caps when the United States arrive in Spector's home city of Chicago to take on the Hondurans at Soldier Field on 6 June. Before that fixture, however, Bob Bradley's side will be seeking their first away victory in Costa Rica when they meet at Estadio Saprissa in San Jose on 3 June. Bradley's squad go into next month's fixtures top of the North, Central America and Caribbean qualifying group, having won two and drawn one of their opening three matches.
Spector is looking forward to both matches, but admitted the prospect of lining up in the first World Cup qualifier ever to be played in his home city is extra special. "We're meeting up in Miami and we have a qualifier in Costa Rica, then a qualifier in Chicago and then we have the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa. "If we win the next three games we'll be pretty secure when it comes to qualifying for the World Cup, so we'll be looking to do that. "I played against Mexico in Chicago in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final in 2007 and that was very special. Chicago is where I'm from and I hope to again play in front of my family and friends. It's a good opportunity for me and I'm looking forward to it. I've certainly had more than my fair share of ticket requests!"
More than 40,000 tickets have been sold for the match at the home of the Chicago Bears NFL franchise, showing soccer is popular in a city famed for its American Football heritage. "Soccer is pretty well-supported in Chicago and the city is also the home of the US Soccer Federation," Spector added. Following his trip home, the versatile 23-year-old will be eager to make up for lost time by being named in the US's 23-man squad for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa. Spector missed both the 2006 FIFA World Cup and last year's Beijing Olympic Games through injury and is desperate to be involved this time around. The US face world champions Italy, five-time World Cup winners and Copa America holders Brazil and African Cup of Nations winners Egypt at the group stage, kicking off with a mouth-watering clash with the Italians in Pretoria on 15 June. Bradley's team will take on Brazil at the same venue three days later before facing Egypt in Rustenburg on 21 June. "I'm certainly looking forward to that," said Spector. "We have three tough games in Brazil, Italy and Egypt so it's a very difficult group, but it's a good way for us to test ourselves going into, hopefully, next year's World Cup. We've no idea who Italy or Brazil will bring in their squads but, whoever they bring, I'm sure they'll be pretty good players."
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Dav dumped
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 28th May 2009
By: Staff Writer
Calum Davenport has returned to West Ham after being released by Sunderland. The centre-half joined the North East club during the January transfer window on loan for the rest of the season with view to a permanent deal, having fallen out with Gianfranco Zola. However with Sunderland having recently confirmed a takeover by American investor Ellis Short, Davenport is one of seven first team squad members dumped by the club along with Arnau Riera, Nick Colgan, Darren Ward, Peter Hartley, Niall McArdle, fellow loanee Tal Ben Haim and former Hammer David Connolly.
One possibility for Davenport is that Wolves, newly promoted to the Premier League may ressurrect their interest in the former Coventry and Tottenham player. The Molineaux-based club were vying with Sunderland for Davenport's signature back in January but lost out as the defender opted to remain in the Premier League. Davenport joined the Hammers in January 2007 as part of Alan Curbishley's (ultimately successful) bid to avoid relegation. The following season he joined Championship Watford on loan but sustained a broken neck on his debut which kept him out of the game for six months. This season he featured eight times for United before moving to Sunderland.
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That Was The Season That Was - Part 3
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 28th May 2009
By: Gordon Thrower
We conclude our look at 2008/09 with tales of "degenerated sexual behaviour", drink driving bans and out of court settlements. There was also a rather good goal at Wigan.....
February 2009
The transfer window closes and as the dust settles down the club sign young 'keeper Peter Kurucz from FC Ujpest who us old 'uns remember as Ujpest Doza, As part of the deal youngster Tony Stokes goes out to Hungary on loan. Website boss Graeme Howlett has a gander at the Hungarian club's website and is assaulted by some easy listening sounds and turns his computer off before the inevitable Build Me Up B*ttercup comes on.
It is revealed that the club were in negotiations with right-backs Bryce Moon, of Panathanaikos and Sergiu Homei of Bucharest. Neither deal was completed in advance of the 5pm deadline, though Kumb had hoped to see the South African Moon in a Hammers shirt if only to see the confusion on his face when Jeremy announces his arrival and departure from the ground part way through the match.
Irons remain in 8th spot as they go down to a fine individual goal from Ryan Giggs at home to Man Utd. Behrami has a fine match and keeps Ronaldo quiet. Well quietish anyway - there was a fair bit of whining.
Phil Scolari gets the sack at Stamford Bridge and, predictably, the lazier elements of the press gang start to put the names of Zola and Clarke in the frame. Harry Harris goes a bit further and claims on live radio that the managerial team has gone as far as having had talks with Chelsea. This turns out to be utter rubbish and it is something that later turns out to cost the BBC a few bob in damages – nice to see our licence fees being well spent.
Carlton Cole is on the losing side on his England debut as England go down 2-0 to Spain in Seville.
Hammers make another signing as 19 year-old striker Terry Dixon. Dixon has already made an appearance in the full Republic of Ireland squad as a 16 year-old Spurs academy player. However his career has hit the buffers following serious knee problems and he arrives as a free agent having been released by Spurs. Hammers take a chance on the youngster following a spell working with the club's medics.
Hammers are still in the Cup – just – following an off day at home to Boro'. Herita Ilunga celebrates his permanent deal with a late header. Everton await the eventual winners of the tie.
Still up north Hammers lose on the road for the first time in nearly 4 months at the Reebok. Two early goals and an injury to James Collins make up a nightmare start. The visitors proceed to batter Bolton and a Scott Parker goal gives the side hope but Jaaskelainen has another fine match between the sticks to deny us a share of the points.
Cup dreams are over for another year as an uncharacteristic display at the Riverside sees us go down 2-0. Bolstered by free coach travel, the only part of the ground that is full is the away section as, once more, Boro' fans find something better to do.
Dinamo Bucharest apparently claim that Sergui Homei has signed a pre-contract deal to take the right back to the Boleyn from 30 June. We have yet to see anything official and since this appears only on Wikipedia we treat the information with the same suspicion as a statement from Kevin McCabe.
March 2009
Winning ways are restored as Man City are defeated 1-0 with a late Collison goal. Bellamy plays but is so ineffective nobody actually notices. More worrying is Behrami's injury which is serious enough to require six minutes of on-pitch treatment and oxygen. It turns out to be a cruciate ligament job which will put an end to what has been a decent first season.
Carlton Cole's magnificent goal of the season at Wigan is overshadowed by the antics of ref Stuart Atwell who, as Keith Hackett's protégé has shown himself to be out of his depth time and time again. This time Cole sees red becoming the first player to be sent off twice in a season without actually committing a red card offence. Other players from both sides who could have walked don't as Cole's effort earns all three points.
The Wigan win is followed-up by a turgid 0-0 draw at home to West Brom which we'd banished from our minds until we had to review the season.
An out of court settlement is finally agreed with Sheffield United as the Blades avoid having the full extent of their dodgy claims made public. The figure remains undisclosed but is well below the amounts originally sought. Just to add to the mix, it is believed that the final amount will be payable in instalments.
In other financial news, the Icelandic courts grant West Ham's holding company a moratorium against being wound up, the issue to be revisited in June.
More fourth rate players come out of the closet as more Blades and former Blades make self-delusional claims as to how their careers would have panned out. Neil "Colin" Warnock seems especially schizophrenic, seeming to believe that, despite all the evidence to the contrary, he should be a Premiership manager.
On the road the team takes a point from Ewood Park. Mark Noble's first half strike is enough to earn a 1-1 draw against a side for whom route one is considered too subtle. Most commentators remark on Blackburn's reliance on hoof and long throw. Hilariously Sam Allardyce uses the club's official website to publish what appears to be a set of logarithm tables as statistical proof that watching Blackburn is better than watching the Brazil 1970 World Cup winning side. Nobody is fooled.
Thousands check the date as the club announces a welcome cut in season ticket prices with a freeze and further cut for long term ticket holders in future years to come.
The injuries start to rack up as Carlton Cole, himself a substitute for Emil Heskey, limps off in the first half of England's friendly against Slovakia. A troublesome groin is the problem.
April 2009
Kumb announces that Sheffield United's mascots are to sue West Ham for some reason or another. A number of people fall for the gag, though frankly nobody would be in the least bit surprised were it to come true.
A patched up side defeats Sunderland 2-0. Junior Stanislas finishes off a fine end-to-end move in the first half and James Tomkins heads home from a corner to give the home side a comfortable three points. Spector becomes the latest player to be given oxygen on the pitch as he lands awkwardly and gets concussed. Thankfully he recovers before Ges Steinbergs is forced to give him mouth to mouth.
Diego Tristan gets a 32 month driving ban for crashing his Porsche whilst three times over the limit. 32 months seems rather a harsh given that few expect him to be in the country that long. The ban causes a mini logistical problem as both Cole and Tristan struggle for lifts to training.
Radoslav Kovac is kicked out of the Czech Republic set-up after being caught "cavorting" with prostitutes following defeat to former country-mates Slovakia. Apparently there was some sort of row as he got into an argument with one of the girls over whose hair was nicest. The incident followed what the Czech press referred to "degenerated sexual behaviour" with a female reporter in 2008. If anyone could tell us what "degenerated sexual behaviour" actually is we'd be grateful. Just for professional purposes of course.
A Hammers side bereft of six first choice players go down 1-0 at White Hart Lane. Spurs fans celebrate as if they'd won the Champions League rather than having beaten someone's reserve XI. Still they're never likely to know the difference.
Post-match the sad news arrives of the death of former Hammer Jimmy Neighbour at the ridiculously young age of 58. Neighbour was a member of the all conquering 1981 promotion side and played a vital part in the League Cup run that season. A sad loss.
On the pitch Diego Tristan manages to deflect one of the multiple balls he can see past Brad Friedel to earn a point at Villa Park as people start to take the idea of a place in Europe seriously.
Frank Lampard junior hits the headlines over something to do with his private life, something that results in chants of "you've got no family" at the match at the Boleyn that week. John Terry comes in for similar stick following revelations that his mother is a thief. "John Terry, your mum's a thief" is the accurate if somewhat unimaginative chant. The chants seem to upset Sun hack Ian McGarry who refers to the Hammers faithful as "cowards and morons". So upset is McGarry at the chants that it completely slips his mind to mention that he is Lampard's ghost writer and responsible for the lie that Hammers fans cheered when the fat one broke his leg. There are words to describe journos who abuse their position to pursue personal agendas. "Cowards and morons" to name but two.
Chelsea scrape an unconvincing 1-0 win as Terry hilariously spouts off in print that "you can't buy that". That'll just be coincidence then John that Chelsea's success started just after Abrahamovic arrived then. And that M&S cardigan was just resting in Mummy's shopping bag as well I expect.
May 2009
The month starts with another away win, this time at Stoke whose home record had previously been excellent. Diego Tristan's fine free-kick is good enough as Neill incurs the wrath of the officials by demanding the same use of the pitchside towels as is afforded to the home side. Skirmishes in the crowd are referred to as "a return to the bad old days of the 1970s" by journos who clearly weren't born during the "bad old days of the 70s."
BG announces that his personal debt is something of the order of £300m. We'd suggest Ocean Finance or that lot Carol Vorderman used to advertise, but we suspect that they might not return BG's calls.
Liverpool take three goals and three points from the Boleyn, benefiting for the third match running from refereeing generosity as the officials do their best to make the premiership a two-horse race. A referee costs us again a week later up at Everton as Tomkins sees red following Cahill's dive. Saha scores twice again as what's left of the first team go down 3-1 at Goodison. Kovac takes time off cavorting to score with a 30 yard drive.
The Goodison defeat finally puts paid to hopes of European qualification but confirms the club's participation in the pre-season Asia Cup in China. That'll be us having to take time off to watch it on Setanta if it still exists then.
In further journo news Oliver Holt writes an article praising "Neil Warnock" for his "integrity". No really. Holt presumably sees his position as Britain's most hypocritical sportswriter as being under threat from arriviste Ian McGarry. Clearly Hackett of the year is going to be a toughie this year.
The season ends with a 2-1 home win over a poor Boro' side who show precisely why they are going down. Carlton Cole nets on his return to the starting line-up after injury, showing us what we've missed. The winner goes to Junior Stanislas. Kieron Dyer makes an appearance as sub and Danny Gabbidon resumes full training, both just in time for the season to end. Still there's always pre-season for them to pick up a knock in.
We finish up in 9th position – one up on last season with much improved football on show.
And finally – the heartwarming story without which no news story would be complete:
Sheffield United lose 1-0 to Burnley in the play-off final. You can't buy that!
Have a good summer and, if Nigel Quashie turns up tell him we've gone on our hols!
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Welsh through and through
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 28th May 2009
By: Staff Writer
Jack Collison has ended any speculation over his international future by pledging himself to Wales. The United midfielder had been rumoured to be thinking about changing allegiances to England - but not so, according to Collison. "I've had a lot of people saying that but I'm really happy ever since I've had the opportunity to play for Wales," he told the BBC. "It's been brilliant and I'm proud every time I put the shirt on. "There's a lot of competition but that can only be good for the team; a few players have had really good seasons. The competition can only be good for us and will help us progress as a team. I'm just enjoying the games and the experience that comes with it. "As an under-21 team we felt we had a really good run and good team spirit. It's nice to have a lot of familiar faces about. Now we've got to take what we did in the 21s and put it in the senior team and see if we can push forward."
Collison also revealed that he was looking forward to the new Premier League campaign, having missed most of the final third of the last campaign through injury. "I've missed a large chunk of the season which was unfortunate - but I've managed to take part in the last couple of games and hopefully can get involved in the next two games for Wales," he added. "At the end of the season we were a little bit disappointed not to finish in a European spot. We felt we had the players to do it but just missed out. But we're going to go into next season really confident and looking to push on and progress. "For me, personally, I just really enjoy playing football. I had a really good season and didn't want it to end."
* United defender Danny Gabbidon - whose last game for West Ham was back in December 2007 - has joined Collison in the Welsh squad to face Azerbaijan next week.
"It's been a long hard road back, but I never doubted myself," he told faw.org.uk. "These last few weeks have seen a real improvement and I can't wait to get back to full training - something that I thought I would never say!'
Full Welsh squad
Hennessey (Wolves), Myhill (Hull), Price (Derby), Bale (Tottenham), Gabbidon (West Ham), Eardley (Oldham), Gunter (Tottenham), Morgan (Peterborough), Nyatanga (Derby), Ricketts (Hull), A Williams (Swansea), Allen (Swansea), Collison (West Ham), Cotterill (Sheff Utd, pulled out), D Edwards (Wolves), Tudur Jones (Swansea), King (Leicester), Ledley (Cardiff), Ramsey (Arsenal), Church (Reading), Earnshaw (Nottm Forest), Evans (Man City), Vokes (Wolves).
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Player reviews 2008/09
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 28th May 2009
By: Graeme Howlett
Join us as we take a look back at the first team squad's performances over the last nine months...
1. Rob Green (Goalkeeper)
Ever present (when selected) and a shoe-in for the vacant England spot now that David James is injured, it's been a fine season for the former Norwich man. Bar one game (Bolton at home) he's been in great form for practically the entire season and enhanced his stock further with yet more penalty saves (even if Steven Gerrard managed to convert one on the rebound).
Appearances: 43
Yellow/red cards: 0/0
Goals: 0
Man of the Match: Man City (a); Macclesfield (h); Blackburn (h); Portsmouth (h); Middlesbrough (a); WBA (h)
Overall Rating: 9/10
2. Lucas Neill (Defender)
The club captain's future has been the source of much speculation with his current deal set to expire this summer - but that has not prevented him from finding the kind of form that persuaded Alan Curbishley to bring him to West Ham two-and-a-half years ago. A reasonable first half of the season has been followed by an excellent final half and many are now calling for his contract to be extended - none more so than Gianfranco Zola who recognises the important contribution his captain has made this term.
Appearances: 37
Yellow/red cards: 8/0
Goals: 1
Man of the Match: None
Overall Rating: 7/10
3. Herita Ilunga (Defender)
With George McCartney sent to Sunderland the Hammers had to act fast to find a replacement before the summer transfer window closed - but Gianluca Nani managed to pull a rabbit out of the hat with the signing, on loan, of Ilunga. After a tricky start in which he sometimes looked a yard off the pace the full-back went on to become one of Zola's most consistent players. His attacking forays on the left flank were, at times, a joy to behold - and he managed to grab the headlines for himself on the rare occasion with a couple of goals. Popular with supporters thanks mainly to his willingness to engage (there's a lesson to be learned there Radoslav) he signed a permanent deal back in January.
Appearances: 39
Yellow/red cards: 3/0
Goals: 2
Man of the Match: Bolton (h)
Overall Rating: 8/10
4. Danny Gabbidon (Defender)
It's now getting on for two years since the Welshman last featured for the Hammers - but he expects to be back in contention next season having finally recovered from injury.
Appearances: 0
Yellow/red cards: 0/0
Goals: 0
Man of the Match: None
Overall Rating: 0/10
5. Walter Lopez (Defender)
A curious case - having been rejected by Alan Curbishley the club (Nani) ressurected the deal to sign Lopez in order to provide cover for Herita Ilunga (the club's only left back following the sale of George McCartney). A lovely fella but his appearances have been few and far between with his only start coming in that ill-fated fixture Carling Cup against Watford - something that lends weight to the suggestion that Curbishley may have called this one right.
Appearances: 6
Yellow/red cards: 0/0
Goals: 0
Man of the Match: None
Overall Rating: 2/10
7. Kieron Dyer (Midfielder)
With more comebacks behind him than The Who, the former Ipswich winger managed to make just eight fleeting appearances for United this term. The broken ankle suffered nearly two years ago led to a series of minor niggles from which Dyer still doesn't appear to have fully recovered. However Hammers fans should get the opportunity to see him try again next term as he still has two years remaining on his current (lucrative) contract.
Appearances: 8
Yellow/red cards: 0/0
Goals: 0
Man of the Match: None
Overall Rating: 3/10
8. Scott Parker (Midfielder)
Previously written off by many as an expensive waste of money, Parker was enjoying just about the best season of his career before it was cut short by injury in March - something that kept him out for the remainder of the season. Gianfranco Zola had seen enough however to offer Parker a new five-year deal which he signed despite some strong interest from Manchester City. At 28 he is entering the peak years of his career - now all he needs to do is stay fit.
Appearances: 32
Yellow/red cards: 8/0
Goals: 1
Man of the Match: Everton (h); Newcastle (a); Hartlepool (a); Hull (h); Arsenal (a); Man Utd (h); Bolton (a); Man City (h)
Overall Rating: 8/10
9. Dean Ashton (Striker)
The season started so promisingly for Ashton with a cracking goal in the 2-1 win over Wigan, and hopes were high amongst fans that he could once again become the force that he had hinted at for so long. However those dreams were shattered just weeks into the season when it was announced that his long-standing ankle issue was causing problems again, and nobody was that surprised when it was (eventually) announced that he would not play again this year.
Appearances: 5
Yellow/red cards: 0/0
Goals: 2
Man of the Match: Wigan (h)
Overall Rating: 3/10
10. Savio Nsereko (Midfielder)
The Ugandan-born German's capture has probably caused more controversy than any Hammers signing in recent years - not because of his obvious talent, but because of the circumstances in which he arrived. Billed by Jason Burt of the Independent as West Ham's record signing (something later denied by the club as fans wondered 'just where did West Ham get £9million from?') Hammers fans were looking forward to watching this huge talent strut his stuff at the Boleyn. In the end we were treated to a handful of cameo appearances as our Euro hopes faded. Next season should be a different story entirely.
Appearances: 5
Yellow/red cards: 0/0
Goals: 0
Man of the Match: None
Overall Rating: 4/10
12. Carlton Cole (Striker)
What a season it's been for the big striker. Featuring a new-found confidence attributed to his new boss, a player whose career has stuttered along for years finally found the form that most of his many managers believed he was capable of. A goal tally of 12 would no doubt have been increased had he not been forced to endure spells on the sideline as the result of injury and suspension; a call-up and first cap for England was the icing on the cake. Another who is entering the peak years of his career and a potential huge asset to the club.
Appearances: 32
Yellow/red cards: 3/2
Goals: 12
Man of the Match: WBA (a); Newcastle (h); Barnsley (h)
Overall Rating: 9/10
13. Luis Boa Morte (Midfielder)
It looked as if Boa Morte's spell at West Ham was over back in January when it was announced that the club had given him permission to speak to Hull. But with the deal breaking down over personal terms (the Portugeezer apparently asking for far more than Hull could reasonably offer) he returned to East London where he performed a fairly astonishing u-turn in form - so much so that those very same fans who had previously booed him from the terraces ended the season doffing their caps. Whether he gets another opportunity to impress next term remains to be seen.
Appearances: 32
Yellow/red cards: 8/0
Goals: 0
Man of the Match: Chelsea (h)
Overall Rating: 6/10
14. Radoslav Kovac (Midfielder)
Brought in on loan due mainly to his areal ability and experience the Czech midfielder appeared to have a propensity to pass to anyone not in claret and blue during his short spell at the club. Passing ability aside however he put in some good shifts in the heart of midfield mainly as cover for the injured Scott Parker. Whether or not Zola and Clarke feel he is worth the £4million permanent deal the Hammers insisted upon as a condition of his loan deal remains to be seen.
Appearances: 10
Yellow/red cards: 2/0
Goals: 1
Man of the Match: None
Overall Rating: 6/10
15. Matthew Upson (Defender)
The big centre-half has grown in stature this season and has been at the heart of West Ham's mean defence whilst having forced himself into England manager Fabio Capello's thinking. No doubt there will be plenty of potential suitors this summer with him thus far having failed to agree an extension to his current contract (which has two years left to run).
Appearances: 41
Yellow/red cards: 2/0
Goals: 0
Man of the Match: None
Overall Rating: 9/10
16. Mark Noble (Midfielder)
A up and down season for the home grown Noble - something that is becoming symptomatic of his early career. Whilst he has performed admirable in many games consistency appears to be the issue for the England under 21, who is still some way short of nailing a first team spot when everyone is fit.
Appearances: 34
Yellow/red cards: 8/1
Goals: 5
Man of the Match: Fulham (a); Liverpool (h)
Overall Rating: 6/10
18. Jonathan Spector (Defender)
The American utility man saw the first half of his season written off through injury (the long-standing hip problem that threatened to end his career) but as per last season, Specs filled in ably when called upon thereafter. Having featured at right-back, centre half and centre midfield it seems that the super-sub role is where Zola and Clarke currently see him.
Appearances: 9
Yellow/red cards: 1/0
Goals: 0
Man of the Match: None
Overall Rating: 5/10
19. James Collins (Defender)
With the start of his season curtailed by serious injury (knee ligaments) it took the Ginger Pele a awhile to get going but he was a rock at the heart of a mean Hammers defence throughout January and February. Sadly his season was to end as it had finished, with Collins yet again back on the treatment table - which seems to be the story of career at the club so far.
Appearances: 21
Yellow/red cards: 4/0
Goals: 0
Man of the Match: Arsenal (a)
Overall Rating: 6/10
21. Valon Behrami (Midfielder)
Thw Swiss midfielder was linked with a number of clubs before finding his way to East London last summer in a deal said to be worth around £5million. After a fairly quiet start Behrami soon found his feet and was considered one of the first names on Zola's team sheet before the unfortunate injury which wrecked his season at the beginning of March. Had it not done so the chances are he would be vying for Hammer of the Year.
Appearances: 27
Yellow/red cards: 5/0
Goals: 2
Man of the Match: Stoke (h); Man Utd (h)
Overall Rating: 7/10
24. Jan Lastuvka (Goalkeeper)
The former Fulham 'keeper made only made one appearance during his season-long loan spell - that being in the Carling Cup defeat at Watford where he made a ricket for the only goal of the game. Now on his way back to Shaktar having been told he has no future at the club.
Appearances: 1
Yellow/red cards: 0/0
Goals: 0
Man of the Match: None
Overall Rating: 1/10
25. Diego Tristan (Striker)
Drafted in an emergency back-up to Cole and Ashton, even the veteran Tristan would have been surprised to have featured so often. A nice goal at Stoke aside, the most notable episode of his stay in London was when his car piled into the side of a taxi during the early hours with Tristan over the limit. Unless things are really desperate, the Spaniard is unlikely to be here next term.
Appearances: 17
Yellow/red cards: 0/0
Goals: 3
Man of the Match: None
Overall Rating: 4/10
30. James Tomkins (Defender)
Drafted into the side in February following the injury to James Collins, the youngster has performed well in the final third of season having began it on loan at Derby. Some mature performances at the heart of the Hammers defence have led to a timely call-up for the England under 21s.
Appearances: 15 (plus 8 for Derby)
Yellow/red cards: 1/1
Goals: 1
Man of the Match: WBA (h); Sunderland (h); Blackburn (a); Stoke (a)
Overall Rating: 7/10
31. Jack Collison (Midfielder)
A real ray of sunshine and proof once more than the fabled Academy is back to producing the very best. Collison had featured under Alan Curbishley but offered not a glimpse of the kind of form he has enjoyed this season. That form to led to a full international debut for Wales and he finished the season rejecting overtures to switch allegiances to England. Sadly the end of Collison's season was ruined by a freak injury at Wigan although he came back to feature in the final couple of games.
Appearances: 24
Yellow/red cards: 2/0
Goals: 3
Man of the Match: Fulham (h)
Overall Rating: 8/10
32. David Di Michele (Striker)
The diminutive Italian couldn't have got off to a better start than when hitting a brace against Newcastle in fellow Italian Zola's first home game. Sadly that was as good as it got for the veteran striker who went on to miss a fair few howlers thereafter, and he will probably be remembered more for tying his shoelaces up in the opposing penalty area than some decent link-up play in and around the box.
Appearances: 34
Yellow/red cards: 5/0
Goals: 4
Man of the Match: Newcastle (h)
Overall Rating: 5/10
33. Freddie Sears (Striker)
Possibly the biggest disappointment of the season. Sears burst onto the scene at the tail end of last year kicking off his first team career with a debut goal against Blackburn before hitting the woodwork at Everton the following week. Sadly, despite having featured on 22 occasions this term (although mostly only for a few minutes here and there) he hasn't been as close since and is set for a loan spell, presumably to the Championship, next season in an attempt to recapture the kind of form that once saw him billed as the country's brightest young prospect.
Appearances: 22
Yellow/red cards: 0/0
Goals: 0
Man of the Match: None
Overall Rating: 4/10
46. Junior Stanislas (Midfielder)
Another bright spark, Stanislas' name is no secret to those who keep a keen eye cast on the reserve and youth teams even if it was at Southend where he first began to capture attention with a sterling display against Chelsea in the Cup. Having returned to West Ham at the conclusion of his loan spell a series of injuries saw him thrust into the limelight - where he has never looked out of place. A couple of goals will no doubt have helped his confidence; he is another of whom much is expected next season.
Appearances: 9 (plus 9 for Southend)
Yellow/red cards: 1/0
Goals: 5 (2 for West Ham, 3 for Southend)
Man of the Match: None
Overall Rating: 6/10
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New Owner Revealed
West Ham United - The Games Gone Crazy
http://thegamesgonecrazy.blogspot.com
I believe I have followed a trail to discover just who the new owner of West Ham is. Firstly, let's go back a stage or two to set the scene. It has been openly discussed in the media that Straumur Burdaras and a consortium of banks that BG borrowed from, have got together in order to acquire West Ham. So how does that work?
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson bought West Ham with loans from the Icelandic investment bank, Straumur Burdaras and then he injected a further £30m borrowed from other banks. Straumur were a well run bank but got into trouble when the Icelandic economy drove over a cliff and many of their investments went bust including the £85m borrowed from them by BG's holding company Hansa, for him to buy West Ham.
Straumur Burdaras are currently in moratorium themselves. The moratorium is not bankruptcy, administration or nationalisation but merely provides for a 'breathing space' during which Straumur's management can restructure its financial position under the supervisory eye of the Financial Supervisory Administration (FSA) in Iceland. The credit crunch saw Straumur lose 700 million Euros last year but they were only very marginally insolvent by around €20m and the big straw that broke their back was the £85m owed by BG's holding company Hansa.
The moratorium process expires on 11 June 2009 and by that date, a newly structured Straumur will be up and running on approval from Iceland's FSA board who will then step down. A completely new, self-financing business plan which includes the asset of West Ham United, instead of the whopping great hole of a bad debt of £85m in their accounts. Two weeks ago Straumur announced that they had sold their shares in eQ Bank in Finland for just over €37 million further improving their liquidity situation.
It seems a strange decision to us in the UK, that a bank should invest in and run businesses. It just doesn't happen here but Straumur Burdaras have a history of acquiring and running businesses very successfully. For example, their ownership of eQ Bank that they just sold. A few months earlier they acquired a retail furniture chain in Denmark. Just this week, it was announced that they financed a management buy-out of London based H&B Foods, a large speciality cheese wholesaler and supplier in the UK with a near £80m turnover. A spokesman for Straumur Burdaras said: "The Cheese Company will be profitable from day one. We agreed to help finance the deal because we believe in the management's vision for the business and its future prospects. We are delighted that PHA Media are advising us on all aspects of our communications strategy". What and/or who is PHA Media I hear you say?
Well, Phil Hall was West Ham's Communications Director until he resigned his directorship last year. His problem was that as a successful owner of PHA Media (Phil Hall Associates Media), he had a fear of getting struck off from holding any directorships should problems arise with West Ham's finances. That was one of the things that alerted me to the possibility that BG was up to his old, fraudulent shenanigans. Phil Hall remained as an advisor to West Ham but stopped sitting in on board meetings as a director. Another director resigned at the same time for the same reasons.
Phil Hall's clients includes – West Ham United still, Portsmouth FC, Carlos Tevez, Kia Joorabchian, Manchester City, Paul Gascoigne and Avram Grant! Now there are some names to conjure with. Joorabchian is our transfer consultant? He was also involved in trying to get Kaka to go to Manchester City for £100m in January. Portsmouth have just been sold to an Arabian billionaire who admits to having discussed the possibility of buying West Ham before opting for Portsmouth. A strange set of coincidences that doesn't end there.
At the moment Straumur are being run by an Icelandic government appointed committee but the owners of Straumur are devising the strategy to get them back up and running on a self-financing basis. On June 11 when Straumur comes out of moratorium, the directors of Straumur will return and effectively they will be the ones that are to run West Ham! One of them will almost certainly be our new chairman.
According to the shareholder list from Straumur's website, Samson Global Holding are Straumur's largest shareholders. The main owner of Samson Global Holding is -
Bjorgolfur Thor Björgolfsson - Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson's son!
BG also has shares in Samson but the company is mostly owned by Bjorgolfur Thor who was also Straumur's Chairman before the Icelandic government's intervention. Thor does not have a criminal record for fraud like his father has and I have heard that he has become an avid West Ham fan so he cannot be all bad! He is also the Chairman of Actavis, a pharmaceuticals giant involved all around the world so he was a very much richer man than his father was . Whether he is still very rich or not is another matter.
So BG is to no longer be our Chairman but guess what? His son Thor probably will be any time soon!
Billbansky
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West Ham United: Should the Hammers sell Dean Ashton?
SquareFootball.com
When he's fit and in the mood Dean Ashton is one of the best in the business. However, since moving to Upton Park his career has been blighted with injuries. In four seasons at the Boleyn Ground Ashton has made just 51 appearances. That's a record that makes Michael Owen seem healthy! So it's no surprise to hear in the Press that Gianfranco Zola may consider selling the former Crewe Alexandra and Norwich City striker in the summer. But is that really a wise move?
Ashton is only 25 and has a fantastic future ahead of him in the game both domestically and internationally if he can stay off the treatment table. But it's that if, and it's a big if, which may prompt Zola to cash in on the Hammers' £7 million star.
There's no doubt that on his day Ashton is a major handful for defenders. He's strong, has quick feet and possesses an unstoppable shot. He knows where the goals are and is a great team player. But how long do you continue to pay the wages of a player who spends more time with the physio than on the pitch?
Carlton Cole has taken full advantage of his team-mate absence from the first team by cementing his place in Zola's plans for the future and his displays have even earned him a call-up to Fabio Capello's England squad. Cole, who has had his fair share of criticism from the West Ham fans during his time at the club, has played well since his former Chelsea colleague took over at Upton Park and is brimming with confidence. But who would West Ham fans prefer to have leading the line, Ashton or Cole?
Ashton did have a spell a few years ago where he looked overweight and unwilling to work for the team. I remember seeing him against Wigan Athletic at the JJB Stadium and he was getting pelters from the fans for his lack of movement and urgency. However, when he's motivated and in the zone Ashton could play for almost any team in the top flight. He has been the target for a number of clubs during his time at West Ham with Tottenham Hotspur and the now relegated Newcastle United favourites for his signature. They were rumoured to be prepared to pay more than £15 million for the hitman, but the club turned them down. It will be interesting to see what the board would do if a similar bid was made this summer.
West Ham United have certainly progressed under Gianfranco Zola and the team have managed to cope without their top striker. With that in mind, Zola may prefer to have £15 million in his pocket to strengthen the squad instead of worrying over the long-term fitness of Ashton. The powerful striker signed a five-year deal with the club in 2008 so he would command a decent transfer fee, but I believe that West Ham United would be much more of a force next season with Deano in the team
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No Hammers bid for Djemba-Djemba
by Robin Hackett , 28 May 2009
setanta.co.uk
West Ham have not made an offer for Odense midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba, according to his agent. The former Manchester United and Aston Villa man, 28, is currently enjoying a revival in Denmark after a difficult few years, and he has been linked with both West Ham and Parma. However, while agent Charles Collymore admits the Cameroon international would welcome a move to a bigger club, he says there have been no offers and that the player is happy to stay. "Neither Odense nor I know anything about any offers," he told Bold. "There are a lot of rumours about Eric, but that is to be expected. "He has had a good season with Odense and has regained his place with the national team and, for the first time in a long time, he seems happy. "I would be lying if I said that Eric would not like to play for a bigger club, like those he has played for in the past, but Odense have really helped him and been good for him. "If someone comes in with a good offer that suits both Odense and Eric, that's great, but, if not, Eric is happy at Odense."
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Collison bemused by England snub
by Tom Kell , 28 May 2009
setanta.co.uk
Jack Collison is nonplussed as to why he has been ignored by England and subsequently been forced to represent Wales. Collison has been indicative of everything that Gianfranco Zola has brought to West Ham this season, showing himself to be an youthful, exuberant and energetic presence in midfield. The 20-year-old was born in England but has never been approached by The Football Association and, having already represented Wales' Under-21s, is now on the brink of making his competitive international debut against Azerbaijan next week. "I'm not sure what happened with England," said Collison, who has a Welsh grandfather. "I was just concentrating on getting into the West Ham team and Brian Flynn came down and offered me the opportunity to go and play with the Under-21s. "I jumped at the chance. There are 11 players in this squad who can still play in the Under-21s. We are looking to do things at a senior level now. "I wasn't tempted to wait and see if England did come in for me. I am very proud to play for Wales. If I play against Azerbaijan, it will put an end to all the speculation."
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West Ham youngster eager to make his mark
8:00am Thursday 28th May 2009
Guardian Series
HAMMERS youngster Junior Stanislas insists he will be knocking on the door of regular first team football next season after scoring his second goal for the club in the 2-1 win over Middlesbrough on Sunday. The 19-year-old winger capped a fine passing move by unleashing a fierce shot from the edge of the box, which Boro keeper Brad Jones could only help into the net. Stanislas was given the chance to impress by Zola after a raft of injuries to key players created vacancies along the midfield. His blistering pace and eagerness to get forward has caused plenty of headaches for opposing defenders, and he is determined to improve so that his name is the first on the teamsheet, rather than a strong option to call on from the bench. "It's disappointing (the season has come to an end) for me because I've been involved and been doing all right," he said. "But obviously some of my starts are down to injuries to certain other players. Hopefully they'll come back to better the team and I've just got to keep pushing on myself and just keep pushing to keep my place in the team. "I'll just keep working hard over the summer and I'll come back trying to find my feet more, get more confident and get better. "My goal for next season is just to cement my spot in the team and grow as a player. I can definitely make more of an impact next year. I've played seven or eight games this year and hopefully if I do well and have a good pre-season I can push on next year."
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Birmingham continue West Ham talks for Bowyer
29.05.09 | tribalfootball.com
Birmingham City are continuing talks with West Ham United over midfielder Lee Bowyer. Brum boss Alex McLeish hopes to sign Bowyer after his successful loan at St Andrews last season.
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West Ham's Collison has no England regrets
28.05.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United midfielder Jack Collison has no regrets committing his international future to Wales. "I'm not sure what happened with England," said Collison, who has a Welsh grandfather and relations on his mother's side who played rugby for Wales. "I was just concentrating on getting into the West Ham team and Brian Flynn came down and offered me the opportunity to go and play with the Under-21s," said Collison, speaking at an event organised by the official sponsors of the Welsh team, Nationwide Building Society. "I jumped at the chance. There are 11 players in this squad who can still play in the Under-21s. We are looking to do things at a senior level now. "I wasn't tempted to wait and see if England did come in for me. I am very proud to play for Wales. If I play against Azerbaijan, it will put an end to all the speculation."
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