Green day at last
WHUFC.com
Having finally lined up from the start for England, Robert Green is already looking to taste it again
07.06.2009
Robert Green is delighted to have finally made his first start for England and is firmly focused on repeating the feat and making his Wembley bow on Wednesday.
The West Ham United shot-stopper's three caps have all come away from home, although none pleased him as much as the 4-0 win in Kazakhstan on Saturday. It came more than five years after his first call-up to a squad in March 2004. "It's been an ambition and a dream and to get it done and have the memories of winning is more than pleasing," he told theFA.com.
"It was a difficult game, but one we've come through with a good result. Maybe not the greatest of performances, but one we'll take. We kept chances down to a minimum, but we knew there would be a storm to ride and we've done that."
Green, who flew back into England with the squad including club-mates Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole in the early hours of Sunday morning is relishing the chance to make it seven wins out of seven in 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying against Andorra this midweek. He added: "If we win on Wednesday we know we will be a long way ahead of the rest of the group and we'll know that we've done our job over the last ten days."
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Specs leads the way
WHUFC.com
Jonathan Spector's international commitments are not quite over with a major FIFA event coming up
07.06.2009
Jonathan Spector is heading to South Africa on Monday for the FIFA Confederations Cup having helped the United States to take a significant step towards next year's FIFA World Cup in the same country.
Spector played the full 90 minutes in a lively attacking display on Saturday as the US came from behind to win 2-1 against Honduras in the West Ham United defender's home city of Chicago. It was the perfect response from the US who, minus Spector, had lost in Costa Rica on Wednesday night. Landon Donovan's penalty and a Carlos Bocanegra header made it ten points from five games in CONCACAF qualifying. The US are second in the standings, with the top three guaranteed a place.
The US travel to South Africa this week to prepare for their opening Confederations Cup fixture against Italy on 15 June. They then play Brazil three days later before finishing their group-stage campaign on 21 June against Egypt. Meanwhile, Lucas Neill's Australia became the second team to qualify for the World Cup with a goalless draw in Qatar, with Japan the first through to join the hosts before South Korea and the Netherlands added their names to the early confirmed nations.
Elsewhere, Luis Boa Morte played 45 minutes as Portugal won 2-1 in Albania thanks to a last-gasp clincher. The Hammers attacker was making his first start for his country since November 2005. Portugal face an uphill battle to qualify for the World Cup as do Wales who were without James Collins, Danny Gabbidon and Jack Collison but still managed to win 1-0 in Azerbaijan. Both countries are off the pace in their respective qualifying groups and still have a lot to do if they are to reach next summer's tournament.
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Grays friendly update
WHUFC.com
Details of West Ham United's pre-season friendly with Grays Athletic have been confirmed
05.06.2009
Fans are reminded that West Ham United will kick off the 2009/10 pre-season campaign against non-league Grays Athletic on Sunday 12 July.
Aside from players late back after international duty this summer, Gianfranco Zola is due to send a strong squad to take on Blue Square Premier outfit Grays Athletic at the New Rec, with kick-off at 3pm. It could even be the first chance to see any new signings in the claret and blue - depending on summer developments.
Grays chairman Mick Woodward said: "We are delighted that Gianfranco has agreed to bring such a strong squad to Grays for what will be one of only two games the first team play in England this summer. The other will be the Bobby Moore Cup in August so it is a real honour for us to welcome West Ham. We have already been inundated with people wanting to come to the game so we expect it to be a sell-out."
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.
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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Green keeps it clean
WHUFC.com
Robert Green and Matthew Upson both played the full 90 minutes as England won well in Kazakhstan
06.06.2009
Robert Green capped his first international start with a comfortable clean sheet as England cruised to a 4-0 victory in Kazakhstan to make it six wins out of six in 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying.
The West Ham United No1 had made two previous substitute appearances but proudly took his place in Fabio Capello's lineup with David James absent through injury. In truth, he was hardly tested - aside from a close-range stop after just 19 seconds - as England stood firm in defence against the Kazakhs. Ahead of Green, club-mate Matthew Upson earned his 15th cap with a solid display while Carlton Cole missed out on a place on the substitute's bench.
Green had to be on his toes inside the opening minute when a Glen Johnson error allowed the home side a quick break down the right flank. The keeper spread himself well to block Sergei Ostapenko's shot before John Terry cleared the danger. Ostapenko then had the ball in the net after a quarter-of-an-hour but, with Green stranded after the defence failed to track the striker's run, the assistant referee correctly flagged for offside.
After that England dominated, although it was only in the closing stages of the first half that they took control. Steven Gerrard crossed for Gareth Barry to head in the opener before Gerrard's deflected shot found itself at Emile Heskey's feet and he converted. In the second half, Wayne Rooney hooked in acrobatically before Frank Lampard concluded the scoring with a late penalty after Heskey was fouled. Both Green and Upson, along with the rested Cole, will hope to figure again when England welcome Andorra to Wembley on Wednesday.
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Masters time again
WHUFC.com
Kenny Brown and Rufus Brevett will be among those pulling on the claret and blue once more on 20 June
06.06.2009
The London Masters event is back and Hammers fans can once again go along to show their support after last year's triumph.
A team of West Ham United veterans will be out to defend their crown at Wembley Arena on Saturday 20 June against Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Chelsea, Fulham and Queen's Park Rangers. Although the full lineup is yet to be confirmed, the squad is set to include Kenny Brown and Rufus Brevett again along with the likes of Steve Lomas, Ian Pearce and Michael Hughes.
Last year, West Ham progressed to the Grand Masters Final after winning the London event only to be knocked out in the first round. Doors for this year's capital contest open at 6.30pm with kick-off from 8pm.
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Hammers poised to strike?
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 6th June 2009
By: Staff Writer
Are West Ham about to make their first move in the summer transfer market? Rumours abound in our round up of the very latest transfer gossip. With Freddie Sears thought to be on his way to Sheffield Wednesday on a season-long loan rumours of a player swap involving defenders Mark Beevers and Tommy Spurr have arisen.
Left-back Spurr, the Wednesday fans' Player of the Year and centre half Beevers are two of the Championship's most highly rated youngsters. The pair are both rated at around £2million. Meanwhile fresh rumours regarding Cardiff City's Joe Ledley are suggesting a firm bid has been made by the Hammers this weekend. The midfielder is thought to have been on United's 'wish list' for some time and he would cost in the region of £5million. Further rumours suggest than Danny Gabbidon, just back from an 18-month lay off could be going the other way as a makeweight in the deal to bring Ledley to East London. Other names mentioned by the papers as possible signings in recent days include Rennes full back Rod Fanni (the perfect partner for Beevers), 24-year-old Inter striker Luis Jiminez and Middlesbrough's injury-prone defender Matthew Bates.
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The Respect campaign
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 6th June 2009
By: Liam White
To: All Football Fans.
The FA have called for respect in football. Respect referees, respect competitions by not fielding weakened teams, they've used the tag line 'Lose Respect, Lose the Game'.
As an Everton fan, having seen many Evertonians being forced to pay hundreds of pounds above face value to touts to see their team in the FA Cup Final and having heard stories of more being conned by fake tickets, seeing such a tag line flash up in Wembley before the final was laughable, considering the FA had supplied every single one of these touts with the tickets in the first place. A pitiful 25,000 was given to each club out of 90,000, leaving a 40,000 supply of tickets potentially available to touts.
This is not a problem that only affects the 'top four' club's fans, it will affect many fans in the future. In the last decade 12 teams outside the top four and four outside the top flight appeared in Carling and FA Cup finals, a total of 20 different teams have appeared in the two major finals, and any club from 60 clubs in England has a chance to get to a major final in the next decade. This is an issue which affects most fans.
We understand the financial problems with the FA, and we understand the need for Club Wembley, but what is unexplainable is the 23,000 tickets given out to people who have little interest in the game itself and inevitably via an extortionate price tag, the tickets go back into the hands of the fans of the clubs playing. If most of these tickets will be taken up by fans anyway via touts, then surely the FA should cut out this extortionate middleman and supply the tickets directly?
The Respect Campaign is calling for a rethink from the FA about a fairer allocation, a look into who deserves to be counted as the football family, a greater protection of fans from touts, and a general show of more respect to the life blood of English football, the fans.
So if you want to support the Respect Campaign, please sign the online petition part of our campaign.
Thank You For Your Support.
http://www.petitiononline.com/facup71/petition.html
There is also a facebook group just been set up where any updates will be posted. The campaign will go beyond the online petition and we aim to get the backing of the clubs who have complained about allocations and have contacted several newspapers. Any ideas are welcome.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=87769364695
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Agent reveals Hammers interest
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 7th June 2009
By: Staff Writer
Representatives of Rennes defender Rod Fanni have claimed that West Ham have been in contact. Dominique Six, the 27-year-old French international full back's agent told the Daily Star that Roger Cross had contacted him recently ahead of a possible move. "It's true that we have spoken to Roger," he said. "But we have had no offers for Rod and West Ham would need to speak to Rennes if they want to do that. "We believe England would be a good option for Rod but it depends on Rennes. There's also interest from Bayern Munich and Spanish clubs." Fanni began his career in the lower French leagues with FC Martigues, before landing a move to Lens in 2002. Having failed to secure a first team spot with Les Sang et Or he spent time on loan with second division Chateauroux before securing a move to Nice in 2005. After two impressive seasons at Nice, Fanni was snapped up by current club Stade Rennais in 2007 since when he had gone on to win two caps for France.
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Viva Ash Vegas
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 7th June 2009
By: Staff Writer
Dean Ashton has been speaking about his bid to return to full fitness ahead of the forthcoming season. The 25-year-old United striker, who was spotted looking fit and lean in Las Vegas last week (see picture* above) admitted that he was unsure just when he would be ready to play again - but confirmed that his main target remains the beginning of next season. "I'm looking to get myself back for pre-season now," he said. "But I don't want to come back unless I'm right." Ashton, who missed the entire 2006/07 season after breaking an ankle whilst on England duty only managed a handful of games this season before the same problematic ankle prevented him from featuring on more than a couple of occasions for Gianfranco Zola. With the striker only one year into a five-year contract it would perhaps be too early to suggest that next season represents the 'last chance saloon' for the former Crewe forward. But with just 33 Premier League starts for West Ham since signing from Norwich three-and-a-half years ago under his belt another season of inactivity for Ashton would almost certainly result in the supporters, who have shown great patience with his unfortunate injury record, calling for a replacement.
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Boa constricted
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 6th June 2009
By: Staff Writer
Luis Boa Morte returned to the international fold tonight with a starting berth in Portugal's World Cup qualifier against Albania. However it was to be a short-lived return for the United winger who was replaced at half time - with the score at 1-1 - by Athletico Madrid's Simao. Despite the presence of Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo on the opposing flank to Boa Morte and Simao the Portuguese continued to struggle aganst the Group 1 minnows, and were more than a touch fortunate to grab a winning goal deep into injury time (courtesy of Bruno Alves). Elsewhere today Lucas Neill - whose future at West Ham is very much in the balance - led the Socceroos through to next year's World Cup finals with a goalless draw in Qatar. The current Hammers captain played a full 90 minutes in Doha. As mentioned elsewhere Robert Green and Matthew Upson both starred in England's 4-0 rout of Kazakhstan (no such luck for Carlton Cole who failed to make the 18-man match squad) whilst Jack Collison missed out on Wales' 1-0 win in Azerbaijan with a knee injury.
* James Tomkins has revealed that he has been preparing for the England under-21's forthcoming fixture with Azerbaijan by teaching Hammers team mate Mark Noble a lesson on the golf course. Speaking to thefa.com from the squad's Spanish training camp, he said: "It's great to be here and to be involved with this side. I got the call-up after a good season with my club and I'm trying to enjoy every moment, training with and getting to know the lads. "They are a very good group and have helped me settle in pretty easily. I obviously know Nobes so he's been great, but it's really not been difficult, the lads have welcomed me in. I've just loved having this opportunity.
"We have a bit of spare time in the afternoon. It gives us a chance to relax ready for what we have to come. A few of us have had a couple of games of golf and I've been playing against Nobes and beating him! I'm playing off around 20, but hopefully I can bring it down. "Everyone's buzzing about Sweden now, and we're really looking forward to getting started. Yes we have a tough group but we are confident that we can have a good Championship."
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Two out of three ain't bad
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 6th June 2009
By: Staff Writer
Robert Green and Matthew Upson both played a full 90 minutes as England beat Kazakhstan 4-0 in Almaty this evening. Fabio Capello's side kept up their 100% winning record in Group 6 with a comprehensive victory over the Eastern European minnows - a win that puts them eight points clear of second-placed Croatia. Despite a nervous opening - in which Green, making his first start for England was beaten by a header that was thankfully disallowed - Capello's side were never in any trouble once new Manchester City signing Gareth Barry put them ahead with a header shortly before the half time break. Upson, deputising for the injured Rio Ferdinand at centre-half had a part in the second goal, starting the move which led to Emile Heskey making it 2-0. Second half goals from Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard (penalty) ensured all three points went to England. Carlton Cole, the third Hammer in the squad failed to make the final 18-man match day squad, with Capello preferring Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch.
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Ashton eyes early return
Striker keen to be back in pre-season
Last updated: 7th June 2009
SSN
West Ham striker Dean Ashton is confident he will be able to play a full part in pre-season training. The 25-year-old has been blighted by injuries throughout his career and admits it does sometimes feel as though he is cursed. He missed the majority of the 2008/9 campaign with an ankle problem but is staying upbeat about his chances of returning to fitness. Ashton insists he will not take risks by rushing back too quickly, but he believes he should be ready for the start of the new season. "I'm looking to get myself back for pre-season now," he told the Daily Star Sunday. "I don't want to come back unless I'm right. Sometimes it almost seems as if there's something against me."
Meanwhile, West Ham have been linked with a summer move for Rennes full-back Rod Fanni. Agent Dominique Six claims the Hammers are interested but have yet to lodge an official bid with Rennes for the France international. The highly-rated 27-year-old has also been connected with Everton, as well as several clubs across Europe.
"It's true that we have spoken to West Ham scout Roger Cross, who has asked for information on Rod," said Six in the Daily Star on Sunday "We have had no offers for Rod and West Ham would need to speak to Rennes if they want to do that. "We believe England would be a good option for Rod but it depends on Rennes. There's also interest from Bayern Munich and Spanish clubs."
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Pompey reveal hijack claim
Rivals attempted to hijack takeover bid
By Carla Hilton Last updated: 7th June 2009
SSN
It is reported that two high-profile clubs attempted to hijack Portsmouth's takeover by Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim. Third parties claiming to represent the interests of Newcastle United and West Ham approached Al-Fahim when hearing of his planned investment. The billionaire property tycoon confirmed that he had been contacted by connections from both clubs when formal negotiations to buy Pompey had commenced. Unfazed by such an approach, Al-Fahim insisted he would not be deterred and confirmed his planned investment will go ahead as planned. "I was contacted by groups claiming to represent two major clubs, but I had no interest in walking away from Portsmouth," he told the Sunday Mirror. "I went to meticulous lengths to find a club that suited my future needs and I have a moral obligation to see the deal through. "Over the last 12 months I have been offered numerous opportunities to invest in English clubs, but everything felt right about the investment in Portsmouth. Pompey chief executive chairman Peter Storie spoke to quash rumours of third party involvement, saying: "We are puzzled by inaccurate claims of third party involvement. "There are no Middle East or Asian consortiums involved. It is being solely financed by Dr Al-Fahim."
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Kovac - Hammers stay possible
Czech midfielder's future remains up in the air
By Vasek Kadlec Last updated: 6th June 2009
SSN
Radoslav Kovac claims there is still a possibility his loan deal at West Ham will be made permanent. The Czech Republic international joined the Hammers on a short-term agreement from Spartak Moscow in January. He played a regular role in Gianfranco Zola's plans towards the end of the 2008/09 campaign and did not look out of place among the Premier League elite. Speculation has suggested that West Ham are unwilling to meet Spartak's asking price, despite his impressive showings, but Kovac insists an agreement could yet be struck. "Let's not make conclusions yet," he told deniksport.cz. Spartak's valuation is said to be around €4million (£3.5m), a figure the Hammers are reluctant to pay. However, Kovac's agent claims his client has plenty of other options to consider, should his time at Upton Park come to an end. "It is still open (with West Ham)," said Pavel Zika. "Radek's loan spell at West Ham is to expire at the end of June and, should the two sides fail to reach an agreement, he will start pre-season training with Spartak Moscow on 1st July. "We have also received approaches from England, Germany and Turkey."
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Neill strikes gold with his 'tactical' yellow
Email Printer friendly version Normal font Large font Michael Lynch in Doha
June 8, 2009
Smh.com.au
SOCCEROOS skipper Lucas Neill will miss leading out the national team in his home city of Sydney on Wednesday night because he got himself booked deliberately against Qatar. Neill did not want to risk a suspension that would keep him out of the Japan game at the MCG or the World Cup itself. There was also speculation yesterday Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill might also miss the match against Bahrain, meaning the Socceroos could be without three of their big drawcards for a game that was rendered a dead rubber when Australia picked up the point they needed in Doha on Saturday to qualify for next year's World Cup. Neill was one of the high-profile Socceroos who came into the game against Qatar carrying a yellow card on his record. If he had escaped a booking in that game but got one in the Sydney match against Bahrain he would have been suspended for the MCG clash with Japan on June 17. A yellow against Japan, combined with the earlier yellow he had picked up in the final qualifying phase, could have resulted in him being suspended for the World Cup opening match in South Africa. Hence what he called a "tactical" decision to pick up a card in the dying minutes of the Doha game, when his heavy challenge sparked a mini scuffle between the teams. "That was tactical, obviously the carry-over in the Japan game to the World Cup [was something to be considered]. I left it as late as I could, it was probably a borderline orange but I want to play the Japan game and the only way to do that was to make sure I miss the Bahrain game."
Australia will be forced to make other changes to their starting line-up for the clash with Bahrain because of injuries, suspensions and the fear of possible bans to players who are sitting on a yellow card. Neill's absence leaves Australia with little international experience in the centre-half positions. Chris Coyne, who played alongside Neill in Doha, is also on tenterhooks with a yellow card, as are defenders Scott Chipperfield and David Carney, the absent Craig Moore, the injured Brett Emerton, attacking midfielders Mark Bresciano and Brett Holman and holding midfielder Carl Valeri, who will not be in Sydney as he is flying back to Italy to help his club team, Grosseto, in its play-off bid for a place in Serie A. Chipperfield is also carrying an injury, having not been fully fit when he played against Qatar. Coach Pim Verbeek was also concerned about the condition of Cahill, substituted late in the match in Doha. "I have to find out first which players are fit or not fit," he said. "Chippers was not fit at the start of the game. I have to see how Timmy feels. I had to take him off, but he did a great job and worked hard for the team. The rest of the group is more or less fit. We have a very tough flight back, but a very happy flight back. We will see who is ready and fit to play the game. But we do have several players with cards."
Bresciano is prepared to miss out on a cap to give someone else a chance - and to avoid the risk of suspension for the World Cup. "I think this is a chance for the coach to experiment," Bresciano said. "We've got nothing else to play for, we've qualified. This is a chance for the boys that haven't played as much or the younger boys coming through to get the chance to play. "I'm happy to let someone play in my position and get more experience playing national football. The most beautiful thing a footballer can do is represent their country, especially on home soil. "I'm on a yellow card. If I get booked on Wednesday night, I miss the game in Melbourne. It's a funny one. If anything, I should have got a yellow card tonight, miss the Bahrain game, and then I could have played the Melbourne game [against Japan]."
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West Ham United's Dean Ashton Targets Summer Comeback
The Hammers striker has said he will not return from injury too quickly...
7 Jun 2009 12:41:33
Goal.com
West Ham United striker Dean Ashton has stated that he has high hopes of returning to first team action in the summer, in time for the club's pre-season campaign.
The former Norwich City man missed the majority of last season with an ankle injury, and has become very injury prone since his move to Upton Park. There have been fears that he may have to retire from the game altogether, but this has been rejected by the player, who has said he will make his comeback when the time is right.
The 25-year-old is hoping to be fit in time for the the new season, but may return earlier than that for the club's pre-season games. Speaking to Daily Star Sunday, Ashton said, "I'm looking to get myself back for pre-season now. I don't want to come back unless I'm right. Sometimes it almost seems as if there's something against me."
The England international has been at Upton Park since making the move from Norwich in a £7.25 million three years ago, and has since made just 46 Premier League appearances, scoring 15 goals. Ashton's international career has been even more blighted by his injury problems, with an injury sustained during training with the England squad leading him to earn just one international cap.
Nick Turner, Goal.com
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ROB PLANS FUTURE AT HAMMERS
Express
Sunday June 7,2009
By Tony Paskin Have your say(0)
ROBERT GREEN insists he has no intention of leaving West Ham and is determined to help the club challenge for a European spot. Green was strongly linked with a move away from Upton Park last summer after he made his feelings known that he was unhappy with how much he was earning. Last season the England keeper was again singled out as one of the best stoppers in the Premier League and played a major role in helping the Hammers to a top-half finish. Green is set to review his contract during the summer, but admits he loves playing under Gianfranco Zola and is ready to pledge his long- term future to the club. Green said: "There are no problems at West Ham. I love it there and enjoy playing in front of the fans and for the manager. Realistically that's all there is. "Zola has been a tremendous help to me personally, to the team and to the club. It didn't take him too long to be offered a longer-term or improved contract. "He's helped me as a player and each individual at the club. You look at someone like Carlton Cole who has come on a great deal since he's taken over." West Ham captain Lucas Neill has already rejected a new deal and is set to leave the club during the summer. But despite the east London club failing to reach the Europa League next season, Green believes he can keep his World Cup hopes alive playing for West Ham in the top flight every week. He added: "In the Premier League you're up against the best players in the world. You're getting tested every week."
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Zola talks tough
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on: 07 June 2009 - 8:03 PM
Gianfranco Zola has warned West Ham's misfiring strikers that they could face the chop next season. While Dean Ashton is set to return from injury in time for pre-season and Carlton Cole enjoyed his most successful season to date, Hammers boss Zola is still concerned with his side's lack of goals.Diego Tristan and David di Michele have both been sent packing, while Freddie Sears is expected to move out on a season-long loan. And the Italian says he will make plenty of changes in the final third as he looks to propel the Hammers towards a place in Europe next season. "We are going to improve the squad for next year," said Zola. "One of the parts we need to improve is scoring more goals so we'll be looking there first of all. "The gap between the middle and top teams is still big because of the financial resources. We need to be challenging them soon and, as a manager, I want to develop players and take them to a higher level.
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ZOLA PLAN OF ATTACK TO FRONT UP
Daily Express
Sunday June 7,2009
IT will be all change up top for West Ham next season. Of his misfiring hitmen, boss Gianfranco Zola expects to keep only Dean Ashton and Carlton Cole, sending Diego Tristan and David di Michele packing and Freddie Sears out on a season-long loan. Zola, who wants his side to challenge for Europe, said: "One area where we need to improve as a squad is scoring more goals."
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UPSON'S GREEN LIGHT
Daily Express
Monday June 8,2009
By Matt Law Have your say(0)
MATTHEW UPSON believes his West Ham team-mate Robert Green seized his chance to claim the England goalkeeper's spot – and has the capability to hold on to it.
With David James injured, Hammers keeper Green got his first competitive game for England and his first start on Saturday, as Fabio Capello's team moved closer to the 2010 World Cup finals with their win produced one fine early save and looked confident thereafter, although escaped when Sergey Ostapenko had a header disallowed for offside. Green is almost certain now to keep his place for Wednesday's game against Andorra at Wembley, and Upson said: "Rob did well. Those sort of games are difficult for a goalkeeper. "There are big patches of the game where you don't do anything and all really focused. It was good for him. He played the ball very well, passed the ball out from the back well and must be pleased. "There are chances for people to come into this squad and stake a claim for a position. That keeps everyone hungry. "Maybe in the past you could pick the fi rst XI. But you can't do that now. The manager can surprise people sometimes."
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Green keeps it clean as England win
10:49am Sunday 7th June 2009
Guardian Series
ROBERT Green kept a clean sheet as England boosted their World Cup hopes by beating Kazakhstan. Fellow Hammer Matthew Upson also played the full 90 minutes, helping England win 4-0 against their hosts to secure three precious points and a sixth successive win in Group Six. The West Ham goalkeeper, who was making his first international start, was called into action immediately when Glen Johnson's backpass put the unmarked Sergei Ostapenko in the clear. Green spreadhimself to block the Kazakh striker's shot before John Terry cleared the danger. However, Green was beaten by Ostapenko after 15 minutes but the goal was ruled off-side. England began to make the gulf in class tell and were soon ahead when Steven Gerrard crossed for Gareth Barry to head home. The Three Lions grabbed a second when Emile Heskey pounced on a deflection from Gerrard's long-range shot to stab home. In the second half a moment of magic from Wayne Rooney added a third for the visitors. The Manchester United striker demonstrated his class with a stunning overhead kick 18 minutes from time. Frank Lampard added a fourth by converting a penalty after Heskey was chopped down in the area. The Hammers duo will be hoping to be selected again when England play Andorra at Wembley on Wednesday.
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Matty Sees Green Shoots
The Sun
By IAN McGARRY
Published: Today
MATTHEW UPSON has backed West Ham team-mate Robert Green to shine for England. Despite a couple of early scares, Green kept a clean sheet on his competitive debut while standing in for crocked David James. The keeper, 29, misjudged the flight of a free-kick but received a let-off as Sergey Ostapenko's header for Kazakhstan was ruled out for offside. Centre-back Upson insisted: "Robert did well. Those sort of games are really difficult for a keeper. "There are big patches where you don't do anything then all of a sudden you have to be focused. "There are a lot of places up for grabs in the England team. "And if people have a bad run of form, or there are injuries, there are opportunities to stake a claim for a position. That keeps everyone hungry."
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West Ham's Upson delighted for Green after England cleansheet
08.06.09 | tribalfootball.com
Matthew Upson was delighted to see West Ham teammate Robert Green keep a cleansheet on his England debut in Kazakhstan. Upson said: "Robert did well. Those sort of games are really difficult for a keeper. There are big patches of the game where you don't do anything. "Then, all of a sudden, you have got to be really focused and concentrated. It was good for him. He played the ball very well, passed the ball out from the back very well, and has got to be pleased. "As for Emile, there is so much more to his game than goals. He creates so many opportunities for other players. He wins a lot of balls in the air. "His contribution to the team is massive. It is great to see him get on the score-sheet and hopefully he can get some more for us."
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West Ham defender Upson: No England place guaranteed
08.06.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United defender Matthew Upson feels there is no guaranteed place in England boss Fabio Capello's team. Upson said: "We made three or four changes and still won comfortably. It showed the quality and depth we have in the squad. We have some fantastic players in the squad. "I think the team is growing with every game and every get together and it looks very positive. "I've been really enjoying coming in and playing. It is a great experience for me and I feel really ready for the challenge now.
"I really feel a part of the squad now and I want to keep maintaining that and progressing and improving as a player." Upson added: "Do I sense there is no automatic first eleven? I think so. I think there are a lot of places up for grabs. "If people have a bad run of form, or there are injuries, there are opportunities for people to come in and stake a claim for a position. "That keeps everyone hungry. Maybe in the past you could pick the first eleven. There is an element at the moment where I don't think you can do that. "The manager can surprise people sometimes with his selection."
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West Ham set for American buy out
08.06.09 | Ian Ferris
West Ham's chaotic ownership is likely to be solved by a £70million American buyout brokered by prominent banker, Keith Harris, which will be completed before the start of the season. With debts of about £50m and a £26m compensation package due to Sheffield United over the Carlos Tevez affair, Harris is talking with an American corporation to bring together yet another financial package, reports the Daily Mail.
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West Ham closing in on deal for Middlesbrough's Bates
07.06.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United hope to clinch a deal for Middlesbrough's off contract fullback Matthew Bates. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola is looking to fill the right-back spot next season. And the Italian sees relegated Middlesbrough's Bates, 22, as the perfect candidate to replace departing captain Lucas Neill.
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Green insists he's happy at West Ham
07.06.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United goalkeeper Robert Green insists he's happy at Upton Park. Green told the Sunday Express: "There are no problems at West Ham. I love it there and enjoy playing in front of the fans and for the manager. Realistically that's all there is. "Zola has been a tremendous help to me personally, to the team and to the club. It didn't take him too long to be offered a longer-term or improved contract. "He's helped me as a player and each individual at the club. You look at someone like Carlton Cole who has come on a great deal since he's taken over."
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American group set for £70M West Ham takeover
07.06.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United are set to be bought out by an American group. The Mail on Sunday says West Ham's ownership is likely to be solved by a £70million American buyout brokered by football's most prominent banker, Keith Harris, which will be completed before the start of the season. Harris, also negotiating the sale of Newcastle to a local businessman backed by foreign investors, is talking with an American corporation to bring together yet another financial package.
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Kovac won't give up on West Ham return
07.06.09 | tribalfootball.com
Spartak Moscow midfielder Radoslav Kovac remains hopeful of signing permanently with West Ham United. Let's not make conclusions yet," he told deniksport.cz. Spartak's valuation is said to be around €4million (£3.5million), a figure the Hammers are reluctant to pay. However, Kovac's agent claims his client has plenty of other options to consider, should his time at Upton Park come to an end. "It is still open (with West Ham)," said Pavel Zika. "Radek's loan spell at West Ham is to expire at the end of June and, should the two sides fail to reach an agreement, he will start pre-season training with Spartak Moscow on 1st July. "We have also received approaches from England, Germany and Turkey."
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Rijkaard to make West Ham's Neill first signing as Galatasaray coach
06.06.09 | tribalfootball.com
Galatasaray are emerging as a likely destination for released West Ham United defender Lucas Neill. The Turkish club, who yesterday appointed Dutchman Frank Rijkaard as coach, had tried to lure Neill twice before but are confident this time, even though Olympiakos are also interested. Harry Kewell is already on Gala's books.
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West Ham keen on Inter Milan's Jimenez
06.06.09 | tribalfootball.com
Inter Milan midfielder Luis Jimenez is interesting West Ham United. The Times says the Chile player, 24, can play in several positions up front, including as a second striker or as part of a three-pronged attack. Jiménez, who was plagued by injuries last season, is also wanted by Parma and Fiorentina. "I need the trust of a manager to play with continuity and I cannot allow myself another year like this," he said. He is co-owned by Inter and Ternana after moving to the San Siro two years ago.
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