WHUFC.com
The 19-year-old Terry Dixon is spending the summer months working tirelessly
on his fitness
01.07.2009
While his West Ham United team-mates have either been representing their
respective countries or sunning themselves on faraway beaches, Terry Dixon
is working hard at Chadwell Heath. The Republic of Ireland Under-21
international joined the Hammers on a three-year contract in February after
battling back from a long-term knee injury. Dixon, who has spent endless
hours in the gym at the club's training ground in a bid to regain full
fitness, recently travelled to Belgium with physiotherapist Stijn
Vandenbroucke to continue his rehabilitation under the watchful eye of
renowned knee specialist Dr Marc Martens. Martens, who has worked with AC
Milan's Gennaro Gattuso and Kakha Kaladze in Antwerp, examined Dixon before
giving him the all-clear to step-up his fitness work. Now, the 19-year-old
is back at Chadwell Heath and working hard with Vandenbroucke and other
members of the club's medical department. "It's just a case of getting fit
for pre-season, which is why I'm in early," explained Dixon. "Hopefully,
come next month I'll be ready because I haven't played football in ages and
I just want to start playing again. Whenever I train I feel normal so I just
need to work on my fitness now. "Stijn from West Ham came with me to
Belgium. He is from Belgium so I underwent some procedures with Dr Martens
and then I did a week of rehab with Stijn. I then went on holiday to
Bulgaria but I had a fitness programme to follow while I was over there.
"Touch wood, I'm physically right now and I'm back in to work on getting my
muscles physically strong and then I'll start running when the boys come
back in. I will be ready for the start of the new season."
Having been out of action for an extended period of time, Dixon is well used
to working without the company of his team-mates. Since returning to the
training ground the teenager has had only Hammer of the Year Scott Parker,
who is recovering from a groin problem, for company. "I would rather be here
than on holiday to be honest, just to get ready for the new season," he
added. "Scott Parker has been in this week, but other than that I haven't
seen any of the other players since the end of the season."
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Luis ready to roll
WHUFC.com
Chile international forward Luis Jimenez is raring to go after joining West
Ham United
01.07.2009
Luis Jimenez will recognise a pair of familiar faces when he joins up with
his new West Ham United team-mates later this month. The Chile forward, who
has joined the Hammers on a season-long loan from Italian Serie A champions
Internazionale, has already spoken of his excitement at working under
manager Gianfranco Zola, focussing on the duo's shared love of attacking
football. However, there were other factors behind Jimenez's decision to
swap Milan for London. "Gianluca Nani, the Technical Director, tried to sign
me about six years ago for Brescia, when I first came through," said
Jimenez, who moved from South America to Italian Serie B club Ternana at the
age of 18 before enjoying spells with ACF Fiorentina and SS Lazio. "I also
played with Valon Behrami. He was my team-mate at Lazio. Valon is a great
person and as a player I knew he had all the qualities to do well wherever
he went. I am looking forward to playing with him once again and helping
West Ham do well."
The 25-year-old's decision to join West Ham came with endorsement from the
Internazionale manager Jose Mourinho, while team-mates Luis Figo and Patrick
Vieira also spoke positively about the switch, which was finalised last
week. Vieira was particularly upbeat, encouraging Jimenez to replicate the
success that brought him three Premier League titles and four FA Cups during
his time at Arsenal. "I've spoken to Patrick about the Premier League and
heard how much he loves it," revealed Jimenez. "He told me the fans in
England are great and that if I ever had the chance to come here I should
take it. Now I have that chance with West Ham."
Jimenez, who speaks only a little English, will be the second Chilean player
to represent West Ham after Javier Margas, the central defender who played
at the Boleyn Ground between 1998 and 2000. Naturally, he expected a
positive reaction from his compatriot about his move. "I know him quite well
now. He's going to be happy that I've signed for West Ham!"
In order to prove himself in Europe, Jimenez has not played for his country
since March 2008, but he has kept a close eye on the team's fortunes as they
stride towards the 2010 FIFA World Cup with arguably their best crop of
players in years. "The national team are playing well very," said Jimenez.
"They have an Argentine coach, Marcelo Bielsa. Right now I think they're the
team that are playing the best football in South American qualifying. When I
signed for Inter, I wanted to do well there and I spoke to Bielsa and we
agreed the best thing was I stayed there. I've been out of the national team
but he took it well."
The West Ham forward has not ruled out a return to the international fold,
but is first eager to show what he can do in English football with his new
club. "It depends on how I get on with my team, but I can imagine with West
Ham everything will work out fine. I am looking forward to the challenge,"
he concluded.
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Gale lauds U21 pair
WHUFC.com
Tony Gale hailed the efforts of Mark Noble and James Tomkins at the European
U21 Championship
30.06.2009
Tony Gale believes West Ham United youngsters Mark Noble and James Tomkins
will take a huge amount from England's run to the European Under-21
Championship final. Noble captained the side coached by former Hammer Stuart
Pearce, while Tomkins continued his meteoric rise by completing a full 90
minutes in the group stage draw with eventual winners Germany. Despite going
down 4-0 at the final hurdle to the Germans in Sweden on Monday evening,
Gale insists both Noble and Tomkins should hold their heads high. "I think,
at the end of a long season, it is very difficult to try and peak for a
final," said the former West Ham defender. "We did okay in the rounds
leading up to the final but I think you saw a tired performance in the final
itself. "Mark Noble and James Tomkins have been excellent for us this past
season, but I thought Nobes looked a bit tired in the final. That's not
saying that I don't think he's a good player. I think he's an excellent
player and I think he's going to be great for us next season. "The
experience will stand both of them in good stead."
Noble, who played his 20th and final match for the U21s in the final, was an
influential figure both on and off the pitch, inspiring his team-mates with
his fine midfield play and exuberant attitude. Gale believes the 22-year-old
could have a similarly important role to play for Gianfranco Zola's side
this coming Barclays Premier League season.
"I'm looking forward to seeing Nobes kicking on next season because he's got
it in his locker to be a top-class midfield player, wherever he plays," said
Gale. "He played at the tip of the diamond system last season but he can
play anywhere because he's a good footballer."
Likewise, Gale also tipped fellow central defender Tomkins to kick-on from
his experiences in Scandinavia, urging the 20-year-old to show more of his
undoubted talent with the ball at his feet in 2009/10. "James Tomkins has a
chance this season to cement his place alongside whoever he partners,
whether it be James Collins, Matthew Upson or Danny Gabbidon," added the Sky
Sports pundit. "We have got four players vying for those two places but I'm
expecting another good season from James. "I'd like to see him do more with
the ball. He's a good defender and quick across the floor and doesn't mind
putting his body on the line, but I'd like to see him bring it out in the
tradition of West Ham defenders. Believe you me, I think there is more to
come from James, because he's a good footballer as well."
While Noble and Tomkins are Gale's primary concerns, he also had words of
support for coach Pearce, who spent two seasons at the Boleyn Ground between
1999 and 2001. Gale believes the 47-year-old, who has signed a new two-year
deal to manage the U21s, can play his own role in turning youngsters like
Tomkins into international stars of the future. "Pearcey is important to
their development," said Gale. "He took a little bit of stick over the final
but I thought that was out of order. I think the FA must be grooming him for
the England job after Fabio Capello, and this was a good way of looking at
him under a pressure situation. This was one and he dealt with it well in
his post-match interviews. "There is not a lot you can do as they say goals
change games and they did in that final. Once we were chasing the game at
2-0, the Germans picked us off. Stuart will have learned from that and he
was big enough to admit that afterwards - not that he made mistakes but that
it was a learning curve for him. If you're going to learn, you want to do it
in those tournaments and not the real World Cup."
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Sheffield United sign winger Reid
BBC.co.uk
Sheffield United have completed the signing of former West Ham winger Kyel
Reid on a two-year contract. The Blades are believed to have beaten off
competition from several clubs, including Crystal Palace and Blackpool, to
sign the 21-year-old. Reid was part of the Hammers first-team squad at 18,
and has played for England at Under-17, 18 and 19 level. He found first-team
opportunities limited at Upton Park and has spent time on loan at Barnsley
and Wolves.
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Blades confirm Reid deal
Championship club win battle to snap up ex-Hammers winger
Last updated: 1st July 2009
SSN
Sheffield United have confirmed the signing of former West Ham United winger
Kyel Reid. The ex-England youth international was available on a free
transfer after his contract with the Hammers expired at the end of last
season. A clutch of clubs had been seeking a permament deal for Reid,
including Wolves, where he spent the end of last term on loan. Fellow
Premier League new boys Birmingham City and Burnley had shown an interest,
while relegated trio Middlesbrough, Newcastle and West Brom were also keen.
However, skysports.com revealed in June that the Blades had won the battle
to capture Reid following his departure from Upton Park. The Championship
club have now confirmed the deal has been completed, with the 21-year-old
understood to have signed a two-year contract
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West Ham boss Zola maintains contact with agent of Mancini
02.07.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola has maintained talks with the agent of
Amantino Mancini over the last fortnight. The Inter Milan winger is a loan
target for the Hammers, but isn't sure about a move to Upton Park. Zola has
been working on Gilmar Veloz, Mancini's agent, about the deal and hopes he's
done enough to convince the Brazilian he can benefit from moving to the
Hammers. Inter are willing to do business over a 12-month loan with the
option of an outright deal for £12 million.
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Jimenez determined to be a hit for Hammers
01 July 2009
Luis Jimenez
By JONATHAN CLEGG
East London Advertiser
New Hammers signing Luis Jimenez has vowed to make a major impact in the
Premier League after joining West Ham on a season-long loan deal from Inter
Milan. Jimenez, 25, became boss Gianfranco Zola's first summer signing last
week after turning down offers from Parma and Wolfsburg in favour of a
switch to Upton Park.
And the Chile star, nicknamed 'El Mago' - the Wizard - for his eye-catching
skills, has revealed that he chose to join West Ham because he is determined
to become a big hit in England. He said: "I had options to change team but
the one that most excited me was West Ham. It's what I wanted, going to
England. And Inter respected this.
"I am determined to be a success. I want to play and leave the substitutes
bench behind because in Inter I was not playing much. After eight years in
Italy, it's good to change your surroundings. "I have heard good reports of
English football. Newcastle were relegated [to the Championship] and the
fans applauded them just the same, the entertainment is another thing."
Jimenez, who is rated at £10m on the open market, has joined the Hammers on
a year-long loan with view to a possible permanent move. But the Chilean
admits he faced an anxious wait to complete his switch to England after work
permit problems threatened to scupper the deal. "It was not easy because I
did not fulfil all the requirements necessary to gain a work permit,"
Jimenez said. "But even though I haven't played for the national team in two
years and I don't have an EU passport, I was given a special permit for
players of international quality, so there was no problem."
Now the midfield ace is hoping to impress Chile boss Marcelo Bielsa and
regain his place in the national side ahead of next year's World Cup in
South Africa. Jimenez said: "First I have to make sure of my place in the
[West Ham] team, because the national side will be a product of the work I
do in England. "Without playing I can't be [selected]. Now that option is
open and everything is good with Bielsa. If all goes well, it stands to
reason that I will be at least in the squad.
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Hammers striker Ashton could be on the move if Stoke come up with an
improved offer
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 12:13 AM on 02nd July 2009
Daily Mail
Dean Ashton move to Stoke is back on after both sides moved to reach a
compromise over the England striker's personal terms. Stoke's reluctance to
match Ashton's current £65,000-a-week contract at West Ham looked to have
ruled out a deal, but it is now hoped they will come up with an improved
package. Meanwhile Stoke midfielder Liam Lawrence insists he is not being
greedy as he looks to sign a new long-term deal with the club. He said:
'I've read stuff about me wanting to be on £30,000-a-week but that's just
not true. I can't expect to go from less than £10,000 and ask for a 200 per
cent increase. 'I'm not greedy and this is not just about the money. Stoke
are writing to me with an official offer, so I'm waiting to find out what
the terms are.'
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Premier League clubs in chase for Championship top forward
Wigan, West Ham, Stoke and Wolves ready to pay £2million price
SOCCERVOICE.COM, 01.07.2009
Daily Express reports that Swansea forward Jason Scotland is a close target
for a number of Premier League clubs. Wigan could be in front to sign the
Trinidad & Tobago international. Stoke, Wolves and West Ham are other clubs
also eager to bolster their attack and could move for Scotland.
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West Ham United's Dean Ashton Still Open To Stoke City Move - Report
A deal had looked dead in the water, but both sides are now willing to
compromise...
2 Jul 2009 02:43:22
Dean Ashton's move from West Ham United to Stoke City is back on the cards,
as both parties attempt to reach a compromise. A deal had looked out of the
question after Stoke refused to match Asthon's current wages, which stand at
£65,000 per week. However, according to The Daily Mail, the club and the
player are willing to negotiate.
Ashton's contract at West Ham doesn't expire until 2013, but after four
injury-plagued seasons in which he has made just 46 appearances, neither the
London side nor the striker are averse to a move. The 25-year-old, who has
won one international cap for England, made just four appearances last
season, scoring twice, in a 2-1 win over Wigan on the first day of the
campaign.
Arjun Miglani, Goal.com
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Fiorentina, West Ham chasing Brescia junior pair
02.07.09 | tribalfootball.com
Brescia prospect Andrea Salvi is in the sights of Fiorentina. Viola sports
chief Pantaleo Corvino is attempting to thrash out terms with Brescia for
the 17 year-old. Fiorentina had a £2 million offer for Salvi's teammate
Gabriele Sacchi rejected by Brescia in January. It's understood both Allievi
youngsters are also interesting West Ham United chief Gianluca Nani.
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West Ham in Panathinaikos talks for Moon
02.07.09 | tribalfootball.com
South African right-back Bryce Moon is in the sights of West Ham United.
Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola is keen on Moon and has asked Panathinaikos for
a price for the 23 year-old. Moon could arrive at Upton Park as a direct
replacement for off contract skipper Lucas Neill.
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Hull, Celtic, West Ham target Fortune to make decision today
02.07.09 | tribalfootball.com
Nancy striker Marc-Antoine Fortune is expected to make a decision over his
future today. The Scottish Sun says Celtic yesterday agreed a £3.8million
fee with AS Nancy for the French frontman. The 27-year-old has now got to
choose between the Hoops and going back to England's top flight. Nancy
sporting director Nicolas Holveck said: "We have met Celtic and have
formally accepted their offer for Fortune. "It's now down to the player to
decide his future and I hope he can do this over the next few days."
Hull, West Ham, Fulham and Portsmouth are all keen on Fortune, who played
for Celtic boss Tony Mowbray on loan at West Brom last season.
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Wigan, West Ham lead race as Newcastle axe Lovenkrands via cold letter
02.07.09 | tribalfootball.com
Newcastle United have released Peter Lovenkrands - via letter! A source
close to former Rangers ace Lovenkrands told the Evening Chronicle: "Peter
was keen to stay on and help fight for the cause. "Instead he received a
letter telling him not to bother turning up for the first day of pre-season
training today. "He is devastated and upset by this. "Despite the pain of
relegation he wanted to talk about a new deal and put some wrongs right from
last season. "You would have thought that was the sort of player Newcastle
needed this season, but clearly they have other ideas."
It's understood Sunderland are not one of the front-runners to win the race
for his services. Indeed, Wigan Athletic and West Ham United are keen on the
Danish international who scored three times for the Toon last season.
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Ex-Spurs striker Dixon ready for West Ham breakthrough
02.07.09 | tribalfootball.com
Former Tottenham striker Terry Dixon hopes to see action for West Ham United
next season. The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international joined the
Hammers on a three-year contract in February after battling back from a
long-term knee injury. "It's just a case of getting fit for pre-season,
which is why I'm in early," explained Dixon to whufc.com. "Hopefully, come
next month I'll be ready because I haven't played football in ages and I
just want to start playing again. Whenever I train I feel normal so I just
need to work on my fitness now. "Stijn (Vandenbroucke) from West Ham came
with me to Belgium. He is from Belgium so I underwent some procedures with
Dr Martens and then I did a week of rehab with Stijn. I then went on holiday
to Bulgaria but I had a fitness programme to follow while I was over there.
"Touch wood, I'm physically right now and I'm back in to work on getting my
muscles physically strong and then I'll start running when the boys come
back in. I will be ready for the start of the new season."
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West Ham's Neill expected to sign with Galatasaray soon
02.07.09 | Andrew Slevison
West Ham skipper Lucas Neill looks set to sign with Turkish club
Galatasaray. It is believed that a two-year deal has been agreed upon, with
Neill's salary likely to be around $A7 million per season. The Socceroos
defender recently rejected a new deal from the Hammers believed to be in the
vicinity of $60,000 a week. A source in Turkey says the deal is imminent.
"The fact that Harry Kewell is there and Johan Neeskens (former Australia
assistant) also is a big plus for him and quite significant," the source
said. "Lucas Neill will get a shock at just how big the club is when he
arrives here. "There's a fan base of over 20 million and they are fanatics.
He will be widely appreciated."
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