WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola's team will head to Austria for a two-week training camp
including up to four matches
24.06.2009
West Ham United can confirm provisional details of the club's summer
training camp in Austria.
Gianfranco Zola will take his squad to Bad Radkersburg following the
pre-season friendly against Grays Athletic on Sunday 12 July.
Following their arrival, the first friendly match is set to see the Hammers
take on local side SC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld on Wednesday 15 July before
tackling German giants Werder Bremen in Bad Waltersdorf on Saturday 18 July.
West Ham could return to Bad Radkersberg to face Turkish outfit Bursaspor on
Wednesday 22 July before finishing up on Thursday 23 July with the potential
of a short trip across the border to the Slovenian town of Murska Sobota to
take on ND Mura 05. Both these matches are still to be finalised, with any
changes to be communicated via whufc.com as soon as possible.
Zola believes the trip will act as perfect pre-season preparation for his
players. "I am looking forward to the pre-season camp and it should be very
good for us," he said. "It is an important part of the season and it will be
good to get everyone together and preparing in the right way. We are
determined to improve next season and this will help us a lot."
The manager and his squad will then return to England ahead of the trip to
China for the Barclays Asia Trophy the following week when they will take on
Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-finals on Wednesday 29 July. Hull City and
Chinese Super League team Beijing Guoan will meet in the other semi-final,
with the final being held on Friday 31 July.
Summer training camp opponents
SC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld
SC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld compete in the regional Styrian League, the fourth
tier of Austrian football. The club finished third last season, just a point
behind champions Flavia Solva.
Formed in May 1929, the club has spent the entirety of its 80-year history
in the regional leagues. In 2004, the club took on Glasgow Rangers to mark
its 75th anniversary, going down 4-0 to the Scottish club.
Werder Bremen
Werder Bremen enjoyed a successful 2008/09 season, beating Bayer Leverkusen
to win the German Cup and reaching the final UEFA Cup final before going
down to Ukranians Shakhtar Donetsk.
At domestic level, Werder finished tenth in the Bundesliga under
long-serving coach Tomas Schaaf. Bremen's squad contains a host of
well-known players including Germany defenders Clemens Fritz and Per
Mertesacker, playmaker Torsten Frings and Under-21 star Mesut Ozil, as well
as Sweden striker Marcus Rosenberg and Portugal forward Hugo Almeida.
Bursaspor (provisional)
Bursaspor, from the Turkish city of Bursa, finished their 2008/09 campaign
sixth in the Turkcell Superlig. Formed in 1963, the club lifted the Turkish
Cup in 1986 and has been coached in the past by former West Ham player Ralph
Milne and Romania legend Gheorghe Hagi.
Coached by Ibrahim Yazici, Bursaspor's squad is made up almost exclusively
of Turkish players, including wonderkid Sercan Yildrim. Bulgaria goalkeeper
Dimitar Ivankov, South Korea forward Shin Young-Rok and Brazilian striker
Tadeu add international flavour.
ND Mura 05 (provisional)
Coached by Slobodan Djuric, Nogometno Drustvo Mura 05 hail from the
Slovenian town of Murska Sobota. The town is situated on the banks of the
river Mura in the north west of the country, hence the club's name.
ND Mura 05 was formed in 2005 following the demise of the town's former
Slovenian 1.SNL Liga club NK Mura earlier the same year. In their previous
guise, Mura lifted the Slovenian Cup in 1995.
Pre-season schedule (including reserves)
Sunday 12 July, 3pm - Grays Athletic v West Ham United
Wednesday 15 July, 5.30pm (6.30pm local) - SC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld v West
Ham United (Furstenfeld, Austria)
Saturday 18 July, 5pm (6pm local) - Werder Bremen v West Ham United (Bad
Waltersdorf, Austria)
Saturday 18 July , 3pm - Cambridge United v West Ham United XI
Wednesday 22 July, 5pm (6pm local) - Bursaspor v West Ham United (Bad
Rakersburg, Austria) TBC
Thursday 23 July, 5pm (6pm local) - ND Mura 05 v West Ham United (Murska
Sobota, Slovenia) TBC
Friday 24 July, 7.45pm - Thurrock FC v West Ham United XI
Wednesday 29 July, 6pm (11am London)- West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur
(Barclays Asia Trophy, Beijing, China)
Friday 31 July - (West Ham United v Hull City/Beijing Guoan (Barclays Asia
Trophy, Beijing, China)
Friday 31 July, 7.45pm - Kingstonian v West Ham United XI
Saturday 8 August, 3pm - West Ham United v SSC Napoli (Bobby Moore Cup)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spain in sight for Specs
WHUFC.com
Having played a major part in their push to the last four, Jonathan
Spector's US have the trickiest of tests on Wednesday
24.06.2009
Jonathan Spector's United States will have to do something no other team has
done since November 15 2006 if they are to reach the FIFA Confederations Cup
final in South Africa on Wednesday - beat Spain.
The reigning European champions have not lost since going down to a 1-0
friendly defeat by Romania more than two-and-a-half years ago. Since then,
Spain have not been beaten in 35 matches.
Among those 35 games was a friendly international between the Spanish and
the US in Santander on 4 June 2008, which the Spanish won 1-0 ahead of their
success at UEFA Euro 2008.
At this summer's tournament, which pits the winners of FIFA's various
continental competitions against one another, Spain have yet to concede a
goal in the three matches they have contested so far. The Spanish cruised
through Group A, beating New Zealand 5-0, Iraq 1-0 and South Africa 2-0.
However, the 16-times capped West Ham United defender Spector and his fellow
Americans will go into the semi-final in confident mood, having already
upset the odds once to reach the last four.
After losing their opening two Group B matches, Bob Bradley's team needed to
overcome Egypt and hope Brazil beat Italy in the final round of group
matches, complete with a six-goal swing in their favour, to advance.
Brazil's 3-0 victory and the Americans identical success against the
Africans - capped by Spector's pinpoint cross for his nation's third goal
scored by Clint Dempsey - saw Bradley's side move into the knockout stages.
The West Ham right-back is likely to be marking a familiar foe at the Free
State Stadium in Mangaung/Bloemfontein in Liverpool left-winger Albert
Riera, while Vicente Del Bosque's team could also include Spector's former
Manchester United team-mate Gerard Pique, who he played alongside in the Red
Devils' Barclays Premier Reserve League title-winning side in 2004/05.
Team-mate Dempsey, who also plies his trade in London with Fulham, has been
impressed with the form of 23-year-old Spector, who has played every minute
of the Americans' campaign.
"Spector hit a great ball in and I happened to be on the right side of the
defender," said Dempsey. "I used my body to get a little bit of space and
tried to get my head on it. I put it towards goal, kept it low and it found
the back of the net."
Brazil take on hosts South Africa in the other semi-final in Johannesburg on
Thursday, with the winners meeting in the final on Sunday 28 June in
Johannesburg. A third-place match will be held the same day in Rustenburg.
The US have reached the Confederations Cup semi-finals once before in their
history, losing to Mexico in 1999. The Americans also finished third in
Saudi Arabia in 1992, but the competition included only four teams that
year.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Specs success with US
WHUFC.com
Against all the odds, Jonathan Spector's United States are to play in the
FIFA Confederations Cup final
24.06.2009
Jonathan Spector has helped the United States to the FIFA Confederations Cup
final after a stunning 2-0 victory against European champions Spain.
The West Ham United defender has played every minute of the US's campaign in
South Africa and turned in a professional display in Wednesday night's
success in Bloemfontein. The Americans had lost 3-1 and 3-0 to Italy and
Brazil respectively in their first two group games of a tournament held for
FIFA's continental champions - but a 3-0 defeat of Egypt in their final
fixture booked their place in the semi-finals.
Few had given them a chance though against Spain, with the Euro 2008 winners
having won a record-breaking 15 straight games and been unbeaten for a total
of 35 matches. Yet the US coped admirably with the predictable Spanish
pressure and then took the lead in the 27th minute through Josy Altidore's
good turn and shot. Clint Dempsey doubled the advantage in the 74th minute
after a quick US counterattack.
The US had to survive the late scare of having the outstanding Michael
Bradley sent off as Spain searched for a way back into the contest. However,
the back-four - with the 23-year-old Spector a key part at right-back on his
17th international appearance - stood firm to book a place in Sunday night's
final against either Brazil or South Africa, who meet on Thursday night.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola sharing his experience
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola was on hand share his footballing philosophy with Fleetwood
Town's manager
24.06.2009
West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola could play an unlikely role in
helping non-league Fleetwood Town gain promotion this season.
Fleetwood, who will line up in the Blue Square North in 2009/10, are managed
by former Blackpool, Burnley and Tranmere Rovers midfielder Micky Mellon,
who recently joined Hammers boss Zola on a UEFA A licence coaching course at
Lilleshall.
There, Mellon admitted to spending the two-week course speaking to Zola
about his footballing philosophy and coaching methods.
"There were 42 ex-professional footballers on the course, including Zola and
[former Netherlands striker] Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink," said the Fleetwood
manager. "There were lots of interesting guys and lots of interesting ideas.
We picked each others' brains in the evenings."
Whether it is down to Zola's influence or not, Fleetwood have been placed
among the Blue Square North promotion favourites alongside Southport and AFC
Telford.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Specs' Spanish archer
Kumb.COM
Filed: Wednesday, 24th June 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Jonathan Spector starred for the USA tonight as they
overcame the odds to send Spain tumbling out of the Confederations Cup. The
unfancied Americans defied the pre-match odds to win 2-0 through goals from
Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey, and put themselves into this weekend's
final where they should face South American champions Brazil (they face host
nation South Africa in tomorrow night's second semi-final). Despite having
sent world champions Italy packing in the Group stage the US remained a
massive underdog for this evening's encounter, with most pundits expecting
this first semi-final to be a walk in the park for the reigning European
champions. However the Spaniards had no answer to a stubborn defensive
performance in which the 23-year-old Hammer more than played his part.
Despite raining 29 shots down on Tim Howard's goal the Spanish somehow
failed to convert a single opportunity. Iker Casillas faced just nine
efforts at the opposite end but saw his goal breached twice - first by
Altidore on 27 minutes and then by Dempsey, who wrapped up an unlikely win
16 minutes from time after pouncing on an error by the unfortunate Sergio
Ramos. Spector, who started the tournament quietly has impressed in the US's
two most recent games. With Lucas Neill still to make a decision over his
immediate future, the likeable American is doing his chances of first team
football under Gianfranco Zola next season no harm at all.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Potters eye Ashton
Stoke consider bid for England star
Last updated: 24th June 2009
Ssn
Stoke City are ready to move for England striker Dean Ashton, Sky Sports
News understands. The Potters are looking to add to their squad and build on
their successful first season in the Premier League. City boss Tony Pulis
has already confirmed he would love to bring Michael Owen to The Britannia
Stadium - but a move for Ashton could be more viable. Ashton missed most of
last season through injury, but Pulis is keen to make a move for the former
Crewe man, and it is believed West Ham would consider selling. Ashton has
stated that he is ready to return to pre-season training early to ensure he
is fully fit for the new Premier League season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chase on for Caicedo
City forward to consider offers
Last updated: 24th June 2009
SSN
Skysports.com understands a host of clubs are stepping up their interest in
Manchester City striker Felipe Caicedo. A number of clubs are monitoring
Caicedo's situation at Eastlands with the arrival of Roque Santa Cruz and
the possible signing of Carlos Tevez expected to push the Ecuador
international further down the pecking order. The Ecuador international
impressed for Mark Hughes' side at the back end of last season after getting
a run in the side, scoring nine goals in 14 starts. His performances have
not gone unnoticed with West Ham, Wigan and Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon
all credited with an interest in him in recent weeks Caicedo's agent Saif
Rubie admits interest is growing in the player and that the 20-year-old will
weigh up his options when he returns from holiday. "There is a huge amount
of interest in Felipe across the world," Rubie told skysports.com. "There
are offers on the table and we will look at all the scenarios when Felipe
returns from holiday in Ecuador. "At this point of his career Felipe wants
to be playing regularly and he did very well when he was given the
opportunity last season. "Everyone knows Sporting Lisbon are ready to take
Felipe as are other clubs in the Premier League and elsewhere in Europe and
we will look at all options open to us before a decision. "If a suitable
offer arrives we will look at it, but if Manchester City want to keep him
and offer Felipe a new deal he would consider that also. "We will sit down
and try and resolve Felipe's future very soon."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Julien Faubert Anticipates West Ham Exit
After a disappointing loan spell in Spain, the Frenchman now expects to
leave Upton Park...
24 Jun 2009 19:45:58
GOAL.COM
Julien Faubert has claimed that he is unwanted at West Ham United and he
expects the club to sell him this summer, after he spent a deflating
half-season spell on loan at Real Madrid last campaign. He played just 52
minutes for los Blancos, after a move that qualified as one of the more
surprising of the winter transfer window. He also seems to be surplus to
requirements at Upton Park now, as manager Gianfranco Zola continues
building a side in his own image, with the latest addition being Luis
Jimenez, signed from Inter on a season-long loan yesterday. "I don't think
the bosses at West Ham want to keep me," he told France Football. "I learnt
that the club have been looking for right-wingers, and that is the position
I want to fill. But I want to settle down somewhere, become established and
stop moving continuously, for me and my family."
And Faubert insisted that he just wanted to play regularly, with his lack of
first-team opportunities at the Bernabeu baffling him. "I don't want to lose
any more time. I want to get the taste back for football because for a
moment I had lost it," he added. "It was complicated because I never had any
explanation for my lack of game time at Real Madrid. "It was necessary to
be patient, but it was so much easier to attack me, the Frenchman who never
played. I was made the scapegoat."
Zack Wilson, Goal.com
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Valon Behrami To Miss Start Of West Ham United's Season - Report
The Swiss international is recovering well from injury, but will still not
be fit for August's big kick-off, it appears...
24 Jun 2009 17:28:40
Gola.com
West Ham United midfielder Valon Behrami's knee ligament injury will not
have recovered sufficiently in time for him to begin the Hammers' Premier
League campaign on August 15, but he does expect to be back in full training
by that date, if not match fit.
Currently back home in Switzerland undergoing rehabilitation, the player has
been using the swimming pool and exercise bike to build his fitness, and has
had close personal attention from a member of the Hammers' medical staff
during his time away from east London. "My work is going very well and if I
continue like this on 10 August I will start back with the team, try to kick
the ball and join in with my team-mates," the player told West Ham's
official website. "After two or three weeks working at a high intensity, in
the last week of August I hope to be back in the team for a game."
As for his prospects of returning to the international fold, Behrami
insisted that his priority was still returning for his club side, and the
Swiss team was something to think about once he was back fit and firing in
claret and blue. "The first thing is to make a proper return with West Ham
and only then can I think about the national team," the 24-year-old added.
"I have to thank West Ham because they said I can go home and someone will
come to work with me. They are a good club and this shows that."
Zack Wilson, Goal.com
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sibling rivalry
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 24th June 2009
By: Graeme Howlett
West Ham United have long been known as a family club - so it's no surprise
to find out that so many brothers have worn the famous claret and blue.
Whilst names like Anton and Rio will be familiar to most of us, how many can
say they've heard of David and Norman Corbett? Read on as we take a look at
those siblings who have featured for West Ham United.
George & Jack Hilsdon
George - whose nickname 'Gatling-Gun George' came from a 1906 club programme
(and was attributed to his shooting prowess) - enjoyed two spells with the
Hammers between 1904-06 and 1912-16. Fearsome on his day, George hit four
goals in his first seven games (including one on his debut) before
sustaining an injury which kept him out for the rest of the season.
Despite returning briefly at the start of the 1905/06 campaign he was soon
replaced and made just one more appearance before joining Chelsea on a free
transfer at the end of the season. Having enjoyed the best years of his
career at Stamford Bridge (a spell that led to him being immortalised in a
weather vane that can still be seen at the Bridge today, see left) he
returned to Upton Park following Chelsea's relegation from Division One
amidst rumours of a serious drink problem, something that led to him being
one of the first Hammers to be booed by a less-than-impressed Boleyn crowd!
Despite enjoying something of a renaissance at the Boleyn over the next four
years the outbreak of war halted George's career; a mustard gas attack at
Arras in 1917 that left him with irrepairably damaged lungs permanently
ended it.
Brother Jack, also a striker, made a single appearance for the Irons against
former club Luton in 1903.
Albert & Frank Denyer
Albert Denyer, a centre forward by trade was snapped up by then-manager Syd
King in 1912 having been spotted playing amateur football. Despite only
spending two years with the club he managed 17 goals from 50 appearances -
including 12 in the 1912/13 season which helped the Hammers to third in the
Southern League, the club's highest ever finish at the time.
Brother Fred (more commonly known as 'Frank'), a defender by trade, joined
the Hammers a year later - his arrival assisted no doubt by the success of
his younger brother (born three years after Albert in 1894). However he
failed to impress manager King and after just two games returned to
footballing obscurity.
Ted & Benny Fenton
The Forest Gate-born Fentons' influence loomed large over West Ham United
for much of the mid-20th century. Ted, whose playing career at the Boleyn
lasted 14 years between 1932-1946 briefly left the club for a player/manager
role with the now defunct Colchester Town before returning to Upton Park in
1950 to succeed his former boss, Charlie Paynter.
Fenton (pictured left) - who always maintained that he failed to get the
credit he deserved for leading the Hammers back to the top flight for the
first time in 25 years - oversaw United's return to Division One in 1959 but
was replaced by Ron Greenwood less than 18 months later.
Ted's far-less-known sibling Benny played up front for the Hammers during
the Second World War. Upon the end of hostilities he moved across the river
to join Millwall before later joining Charlton and Colchester. Like Ted he
too moved into management and enjoyed spells at the final three clubs he had
previously played for.
Benny died in Dorset aged 81 in 2000; Ted, 78, had been killed in a car
crash eight years earlier.
David, Willie & Norman Corbett
Norman 'Norrie' Corbett was a no-nonsense Scottish right-half who spent 14
years with the Hammers between 1936-1950. Signed from Hearts for whom he
made his debut at the age of just 15, Corbett donned the claret and blue
shirt on 166 occasions and was briefly appointed first team coach.once his
playing career ended.
David Corbett, also a right half made four first team appearances in the
1936/37 season whilst third brother Willie made a couple of guest
appearances for the club during the Second World War.
Andy & Bill Nelson
Andy Nelson, a midfielder, made just 15 first team appearances under Ted
Fenton between 1957-59. He was to prove more successful at Ipswich Town,
with whom he won the First Division in 1962. Yet another ex-Hammer who
turned to management, Nelson later enjoyed great success
in the lower leagues with Gillingham and, most notably, Charlton.
Older brother Bill was a full-back who made just two appearances in the
1954/55 season. He later joined QPR.
John & Clive Charles
John (pictured left), the first black player to appear in West Ham United's
first team was born in 1951 and starred for the Hammers between 1962-1970.
He went on to make 142 appearances, scoring two goals before being forced to
retire at the age of just 26.
Younger brother Clive, born seven years after John in 1951 made just 15
appearances under Ron Greenwood between 1971-1974 before joining Cardiff
City and later moving to the USA. His management career was rather more
successful and he spent three years as assistant head coach to the American
national team.
John, who remained in or around the East End all his life died in 2002.
Clive, who remained in the USA died in Portland less than a year later.
Rio & Anton Ferdinand
Some 30 years after the Charles brothers had played their last game for the
club Anton Ferdinand became the most recent sibling to feature for West Ham
United. Some three years prior to his debut, elder brother Rio had joined
Leeds United for £18million - a then-world record fee for a defender.
Anton, like Rio featured in West Ham's first team for four years before
moving on; the former England under 21 is currently at Sunderland following
an £8million switch last year, whilst Rio regularly features for both
Manchester Utd and England.
* Several other brothers - including Hugh & George Mills and Michael &
Graeme Carrick - have been on West Ham's books, but only one has featured
for the first team.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former Hammer Kovac keen on Black Cats
3:26pm Wednesday 24th June 2009
Guardian Series
RADOSLAV Kovac admits he would be interested in joining Sunderland after
getting a taste of English football with West Ham United. The Czech
Republic midfielder enjoyed a successful loan spell at West Ham last season
and is determined to move back to England. However, a move to the north
east is not certain because it is unclear if Sunderland will want or be able
to meet the £4m asking price his current club Spartak Moscow has set. Black
Cats boss Steve Bruce has not yet made an official offer for the 29-year-old
but is said to be monitoring the situation. Agent Viktor Kola told the
Newcastle Journal: "Radoslav would be interested in a move. It would
certainly be a solution that he would welcome. He knows the history of the
club so I believe that from his perspective there would certainly be
interest if Sunderland did make a bid.
"He realised that he can handle the level of English football and could make
an impact in the Premier League. He enjoyed his time in England and ideally
wants to come back - if Sunderland made an offer of course he'd be
interested."
Kovac joined West Ham on-loan last season for an undisclosed fee with a view
to the transfer becoming permanent but the Hammers decided against keeping
him. Kola added: "The contract with West Ham has run out so Radoslav will
return to pre-season training with Spartak Moscow if nothing else happens.
But England would be his preferred place to play." Kovac played nine time
for the Hammers and scored one goal during his spell in east London. The
midfielder made his international debut against Romania in October 2004 and
has since played in the World Cup in 2006. He has won more than 25 caps for
his country.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wizard's West Ham Spell
The Sun
Published: Today
WEST HAM have landed Inter Milan striker Luis Jimenez on loan for a year.
The Chilean, 25, is nicknamed The Wizard for his playmaking skills and may
stay permanently if all goes well. He will join Gianfranco Zola's Hammers on
July 1 if he passes a medical. Jimenez said: "I am very happy, very excited
and very determined to show what I can do. I am a player who loves to play
football, to be in a team that keeps the ball, to create opportunities and
also score goals. "I can't promise anything but I am going to do everything
possible to do a good job for the club. "I know West Ham are a fantastic
club who have had a lot of great players. I had options to join other clubs
but I watched West Ham's last game of the season and I liked it a lot.
"Gianfranco Zola was one of the things that drew me to West Ham — I can
identify with the type of football he wants to play."
Jimenez has not played for Chile since March 2008, meaning he did not
immediately meet FA work permit rules. But Hammers chief executive Scott
Duxbury talked the FA round earlier this month. Duxbury then flew to Milan
to begin the negotiations last week alongside technical director Gianluca
Nani, before the deal was finalised. Duxbury said: "I am pleased we have
been able to secure the services of Luis. "Many clubs were after him, so we
have had to work quickly. We were determined to get the deal done, because
Gianfranco sees him as a player that can add much to our attack next
season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Luis Jimenez to join West Ham from Inter Milan
This Is London
24.06.09 West Ham have completed the signing of forward Luis Jimenez from
Inter Milan on a season-long loan, with a view to a possible permanent
transfer. The Hammers moved quickly to fend off interest from other teams
for the player, who will officially join on July 1 provided he passes a
medical. Jimenez told the club's official website, www.whufc.co.uk: "I am
very happy, very excited and very determined to show what I can do." The
25-year-old Chilean, nicknamed El Mago (The Wizard) for his playmaking
abilities, continued: "I am a player who loves to play football, to be in a
team that keeps the b all, to create opportunities and also score goals. "I
can't promise anything but I am going to do everything possible to do a good
job for the club. "I know West Ham are a fantastic club who have had a lot
of great players. I had options to join other clubs but I watched West Ham's
last game of the season and I liked it a lot. "(Manager) Gianfranco Zola was
one of the things that drew me to West Ham - I can identify with the type of
football he wants to play."
Jimenez has not played for his country since March 2008, meaning he did not
immediately meet Football Association work permit rules. However, Hammers
chief executive Scott Duxbury led a successful delegation, including Zola,
to the FA earlier this month. Duxbury then flew to Milan to begin the
negotiations last week alongside technical director Gianluca Nani, before
the deal was finalised this afternoon. He said: "I am pleased we have been
able to secure the services of Luis. "Many clubs were after him, so we have
had to work quickly. We were determined to get the deal done, because
Gianfranco sees him as a player that can add much to our attack next
season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Everton, West Ham following Rennes fullback Fanni
( surely that should read Everton, West Ham chasing Fanni :) - Peter R )
24.06.09 | tribalfootball.com
Everton are tracking Rennes fullback Rod Fanni. Blues boss David Moyes is in
the market for a new right-back and 28 year-old Fanni is on his shortlist.
West Ham United, Bayern Munich and Olympique Marseille are also keen on
Fanni.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
No West Ham return for Di Michele
24.06.09 | tribalfootball.com
Davide di Michele is set to leave West Ham United. Tutto Mercato Web says
Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola won't be offering Di Michele a permanent deal
at Upton Park.
Di Michele could now start next season in Serie B with parent club Torino.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Posts
