WHUFC.com
Luis Jimenez was the first signing during pre-season and work is ongoing to
bring in more new recruits
07.08.2009
West Ham United are working hard on securing the forward targets identified
by Gianfranco Zola ahead of the 2009/10 season.
CEO Scott Duxbury has given whufc.com an update on the latest transfer
situation with just over a week to go until the big Barclays Premier League
kick-off. This summer, the club has signed the attack-minded Luis Jimenez
from Internazionale as well as young prospect Frank Nouble.
"I know the fans are waiting for us to sign at least one more forward and
that is what we are working to do," said Duxbury. "Gianfranco, Gianluca Nani
and I are absolutely aware that we need to bring at least one more into the
squad as soon as possible. We are talking every day and working very hard to
make this happen. The reality is we are looking at top-quality players and
these deals can take time."
With left-back Fabio Daprela's arrival, the manager has a strong pool of
defenders including Danny Gabbidon's return and the midfield has been
boosted by the fitness of Kieron Dyer, Jack Collison and Scott Parker.
Although Luis Boa Morte is out for several months after suffering his injury
in China, Valon Behrami has stepped up his rehab and is getting close to a
return to full training while Dean Ashton continues to make good progress.
Duxbury added: "It is important we keep the supporters updated as much as we
can with the squad and what we are doing during the transfer window. We all
recognise your concern with regard to striker recruitment and this is our
top priority. As the manager has also said in the press, we are trying to
add more attacking options.
"Luis Jimenez was an important signing for Gianfranco and it was good to get
the deal done so early in the summer. Not all transfers are as
straightforward and the other high-profile targets we have been following
have required us to be patient. Rest assured everyone at the club is working
hard to bring further recruits to the squad - especially a forward."
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Napoli preview
WHUFC.com
All the early team news and background for Saturday's season curtain-raiser
against the Serie A giants
07.08.2009
Bobby Moore Cup
West Ham United v SCC Napoli
Saturday 8 August
3pm
Referee: Keith Stroud
Introduction
West Ham United play host to SCC Napoli in the second annual Bobby Moore Cup
on Saturday - the club's final pre-season friendly before the start of
2009/10 Barclays Premier League season. Tickets will be available on the
day.
* The new campaign will begin with a trip to top-flight newcomers
Wolverhampton Wanderers next Saturday. The first home game will be against
Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 23 August, the same day as Napoli begin their
Serie A programme away to Palermo.
* If the scores are level after 90 minutes then a penalty shoot-out will be
held to decide the winner. Stephanie Moore MBE will present the trophy to
the victorious captain. Last year's inaugural Bobby Moore Cup against
Villarreal finished in a 1-1 draw, with the teams sharing the trophy.
* Before the match, guest of honour Sir Trevor Brooking will be presented to
the teams. The match marks the official renaming of the Centenary Stand in
his honour, joining the Bobby Moore Stand at the Boleyn Ground in being
named after a club great.
* It will be the first meeting between the two teams and it is sure to be a
special day for manager Gianfranco Zola as he leads the Hammers against the
club he represented for four years, making 105 appearances and scoring 32
goals.
* Zola played alongside Diego Maradona in the Napoli team that won the
Scudetto in 1989/90. He said: "I have so many wonderful memories about
playing with Maradona. The first time I trained with him was fantastic for a
young player like me. He just started juggling the ball and keeping it up
using every single part of the body. He was such an unbelievable player, he
could do whatever he wanted with the ball and he had total control."
* Zola's men have enjoyed a promising pre-season so far, winning two,
drawing three and losing one. After a young side opened the campaign with a
2-1 win at Grays Athletic, the Hammers drew all three games on the Austrian
tour before defeat by Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-final of the Barclays
Asia Trophy ended their unbeaten start. A 2-0 win against Beijing Guoan
eight days ago ensured West Ham secured third place in the Asian showpiece.
* Napoli have been in good shape themselves with three wins and a draw in
their pre-season games. The most recent was a goalless draw with Spanish
side Espanyol in Naples on Thursday.
Last time out
31 July 2009
Beijing Guoan 0-2 West Ham United
West Ham United: Green, Spector, Tomkins, Gabbidon, Ilunga (N'Gala 66), Dyer
(Savio 85), Noble (Spence 90), Parker, (Payne 79) Collison (Stanislas 72),
Jimenez (Hines 79), Cole
Subs: Kurucz, Stech, Upson, Collins, Faubert
6 August 2009
SCC Napoli 0-0 Espanyol
Napoli: De Sanctis, Campagnaro (Aronica 57), Cannavaro, Contini (Rinaudo
46), Grava (Maggio 46), Gargano (Blasi 57), Cigarini (Bogliacino 46), Hamsik
(Datolo 57), Vitale (Rullo 57), Lavezzi (Hoffer 46), Quagliarella (Denis 64)
Team news
* Luis Jimenez is in line to make his first appearance at the Boleyn Ground
after his loan move from Internazionale with a view to a permanent transfer
back in June. The Chilean attacker has spent his first week training at
Chadwell Heath after the trips to Austria and China.
* Two others who could make their Boleyn bows are left-back Fabio Daprela
and striker Frank Nouble who have signed permanent long-term deals from
Grasshopper Club Zurich and Chelsea respectively.
* Danny Gabbidon, on his 30th birthday, could be set to make his first
appearance at the Boleyn Ground since December 2007. The Wales international
has been sidelined with abdominal and back injuries for the last 18 months
but has played a full part in pre-season.
* Hammer of the Year Scott Parker is also fit to return alongside Kieron
Dyer and Jack Collison, meaning Zola has a fully-fit midfield to choose from
aside from Luis Boa Morte, who is out until the New Year with a knee injury
suffered in China, and Valon Behrami who is close to a return from his own
knee problem.
* In attack, Carlton Cole is expected to lead the line, but promising
youngsters Zavon Hines and Nouble, who have both been in goalscoring form so
far this pre-season are in with a chance of featuring. Dean Ashton and Terry
Dixon will miss out but they are making good progress.
* Freddie Sears is on a season-long loan to Crystal Palace.
General information
For ticket information, click here. For latest travel information click
here.
Weather
The forecast is for a mainly sunny, warm day in London with top temperatures
of 25 degrees.
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Three named in Wales squad
WHUFC.com
James Collins, Danny Gabbidon and Jack Collison have been called up for
Wales' game with Montenegro
07.08.2009
West Ham United will be well represented when the Wales squad assemble in
preparation for their friendly game in Montenegro next Wednesday.
Central defenders James Collins and Danny Gabbidon are joined by midfielder
Jack Collison in Josh Toshack's squad for the game in Podgorica. Collins
could win his 30th cap for his country, Gabbidon his 41st, while Collison is
in line to pick up his sixth cap.
The match, the first between the two countries at senior level, will be held
at the Gradski (City) Stadium and will kick-off at 7.30pm UK time.
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A plea for patience
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 7th August 2009
By: Staff Writer
Scott Duxbury has spoken out to reassure supporters concerned with the first
team squad's current lack of firepower. The United CEO, who has been
travelling all over Europe this summer in the hunt for new faces has been
frustrated by a lack of success thus far, but insists that he and his team
are doing all they can to boost Gianfranco Zola's attacking options. "We all
recognise your concern with regard to striker recruitment and this is our
top priority," Duxbury told whufc.com. "As the manager has also said in the
press, we are trying to add more attacking options. "Gianfranco [Zola],
Gianluca Nani and I are absolutely aware that we need to bring at least one
more [striker] into the squad as soon as possible. We are talking every day
and working very hard to make this happen. The reality is we are looking at
top-quality players and these deals can take time. "Luis Jimenez was an
important signing and it was good to get the deal done so early in the
summer. Not all transfers are as straightforward and the other high-profile
targets we have been following have required us to be patient. Rest assured
everyone at the club is working hard to bring further recruits to the squad
- especially a forward."
The Hammers continue to be linked with Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen and
Bayern's Luca Toni, although both are on vastly superior contracts to those
which United could offer. With the new season kicking off in eight days and
the transfer window closing in just over three weeks, time is most certainly
of the essence.
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Hammers confirm striker search
Chief exec insists club determined to bring in top-class frontman
By Ben Collins Last updated: 7th August 2009
SSN
West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury has assured fans that signing another
striker is the club's top priority before the transfer window closes. Luca
Toni's agent has said the Bayern Munich striker could move to Upton Park
while Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola has admitted his interest in bringing
Barcelona's ex-Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohnsen back to England. Chile
international Luis Jimenez is West Ham's only significant signing so far
this summer but Duxbury insists that the Hammers' hierarchy is doing its
utmost to bolster the Zola's attacking options. "I know the fans are waiting
for us to sign at least one more forward and that is what we are working to
do," he told the club's official website. "Gianfranco, (technical director)
Gianluca Nani and I are absolutely aware that we need to bring at least one
more into the squad as soon as possible. "We are talking every day and
working very hard to make this happen. The reality is we are looking at
top-quality players and these deals can take time."
Jimenez has arrived on a season-long loan from Inter Milan but Dean Ashton
is yet to regain full fitness and Freddie Sears has been loaned out to
Crystal Palace. That leaves Carlton Cole short of support as youngsters
Savio Nsereko and Zavon Hines are the Hammers' only other strikers. "It is
important we keep the supporters updated as much as we can with the squad
and what we are doing during the transfer window," Duxbury added. "We all
recognise your concern with regard to striker recruitment and this is our
top priority. As the manager has also said in the press, we are trying to
add more attacking options. "Luis Jimenez was an important signing for
Gianfranco and it was good to get the deal done so early in the summer. "Not
all transfers are as straightforward and the other high-profile targets we
have been following have required us to be patient. "Rest assured everyone
at the club is working hard to bring further recruits to the squad -
especially a forward."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Toshack reveals Gabbidon fears
Wales boss thought centre-back may never play again
Last updated: 7th August 2009
SSN
Wales manager John Toshack has revealed that he thought Danny Gabbidon may
never represent his country again during the height of his injury troubles.
The West Ham centre-back has been included in Toshack's squad to face
Montenegro in a friendly on Wednesday, the first time he has been picked for
Wales since November 2007.
Gabbidon has suffered numerous complications stemming from an abdominal
injury that has kept him from appearing in any form of competitive football.
But he managed to handle a full 90 minutes for the first time since the
injury when playing against Beijing Guoan during the Hammers' tour of China.
The 29-year-old even grabbed a goal in that match, news which was welcomed
by Toshack, who feared he may never play again at one point. "Having Danny
back is pleasing for us all, as well as for Danny," he said. "There were
doubts even about his future some six months ago, so to have him back is a
great step forward for him. "He has been involved at West Ham during
pre-season and yes, it is a big plus for Wales, but an even bigger plus for
Danny. It has been a long time. "We all thought six months ago that we may
not see Danny again. His injury was not improving and he was not making
progress. "So it was great to have him training with us at the end of last
season and he has carried that on through the summer. "He even managed a
goal for West Ham when they were in China, so it's great to see him feeling
well and he will want to make up for lost time."
Gabbidon himself admitted that he became very disheartened during periods of
his rehabilitation, and at times doubted if he would return. But he says
that he has new-found hope after some extra training sessions last season
and now his performance in China. "The game and the goal made me feel better
about myself, it was good to be back," he said. "You do get down and wonder
when you're going to get back. But you have to stay positive as negative
thoughts don't help. "Obviously you do get days where you are doing the same
(rehabilitation) work all of the time and wondering if you're getting
anywhere, and some days you just don't want to do it. "I had a couple of
days at the end of last season training with Wales, with West Ham's
permission, and that was a really big boost after what has been my hardest
time in football."
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Positive thinking
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 7th August 2009
By: Ben Fitchett
Looking around the forums it appears there are a number of concerns with
regards to the start of the new season. The major ones seem to be our
current financial situation with our parent company attempting to
restructure their finances, the lack of squad strengthening, the lack of
competitive pre-season football, the fitness and sharpness of our boys and
most importantly who is going to find the net for us next season.
However, there are a number of positives to take into the new season. For
one, our defence is probably as strong as I have ever witnessed in my West
Ham supporting days thanks to the great talent we now possess at the back
and no doubt the fantastic defensive coaching of the magnificent Steve
Clarke.
We made a great acquisition in Herita Ilunga last season whom has fitted
straight in, always looks solid and doesn't mind going forward. Our back
two, well you could probably play any one of three players (Collins,
Tomkins, Gabbs) alongside Matthew Upson who has been the rock at the heart
of our defence and will most likely and deservedly inherit the captain's
armband for next season.
Our right back position has yet to be resolved with Lucas Neill looking more
and more likely not to be with us next season. However, if he is not
replaced we have Jonathan Spector who enjoyed a superb Confederations Cup
and is a much improving young talent and Julian Faubert (if he stays) who
appears to have re-found his hunger to play football since spending half a
season watching Real Madrid. We could also see young Jordan Spence making
some appearances from the bench as he is yet another up and coming talent
produced by our world renowned youth academy.
Our midfield has been improved from last season with some creativity in Luis
Jimenez. Although it may take him a few games to adjust he will no doubt be
a very useful player for us this season. Collison has a full season under
his belt now and will be looking to take another step in the right
direction, along with Mark Noble who is always improving and he also enjoyed
captaining the England Under 21's through the summer tournament.
Hopefully we can keep Kieron Dyer fit for a full season which can add a
great deal of pace and trickery to our midfield options. We also still have
Valon Behrami to come back who I think along with Scott Parker are the two
players we missed most at the end of last season. The combination of these
two are the key to our battling and yet also short, neat passing midfield.
Unfortunately Luis Boa Morte picked up an injury in pre-season and looks to
be out for some time so we wish him well. On the fringes of the first team
we have Savio who still has a great deal to prove and win over the West Ham
fans, Junior Stanislas who finished last season on a high and also looked
pretty sharp in pre-season and Josh Payne who is highly rated by Tony Carr
(The Godfather of judging and training young talent).
It appears up front is where the main problem lies. Carlton Cole was one of
the most improved players in the Premier League last season but he still has
some composure to add to his game which hopefully Gianfranco Zola will help
him find. Dean Ashton has had no pre-season so (if he is still with us) when
he does get back to fitness, he will no doubt take several games to get back
into the groove.
Nouble looks like a good signing and I think he could make a push in the
first team. He can score goals, is quick and very strong. Zavon Hines is
another youngster who can score goals so we may well see him push for a
place on the bench at some point next season. If we do only manage to add
one striker by the start of the season then I don't think it is all that bad
as we will probably play one up front with Jimenez or Dyer behind, so to
have three decent options (Cole, Nouble, new signing) and possibly Ashton,
then all is not lost. It is a shame that we could not turn interest into
acquisition with the likes of Balotelli, Gudjohnson, Mancini and Toni, as
with this crop of players we could easily be heading for a top six finish!
I for one cannot wait for the season to start and hope our "Project"
continues to develop and we see more attractive football under the gem of a
manager in Gianfranco Zola.
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West Ham 'to sign' Luca Toni
Independent.co.uk
Friday, 7 August 2009
West Ham United are likely to sign Luca Toni ahead of the new Premier League
season, according to the agent of the Bayern Munich and Italy striker. Toni,
32, ended last season - his second in Germany - as Bayern's leading
goalscorer. However, the summer arrivals of Ivica Olic and Mario Gomez are
expected to push him down the pecking order at the Allianz Arena. Bayern
claim the striker remains an integral part of their squad, but agent Jose
Alberti believes a move to England with the Hammers is a real possibility.
Toni is keen to play as much first-team football as possible in the hope of
playing his way into Italy's World Cup squad for next summer. Referring to
possible season-long loan move to Upton Park, Alberti claimed: "I think it
will happen. "At Bayern he is not playing and (West Ham boss Gianfranco)
Zola is a great friend of his."
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Napoli Boss Roberto Donadoni Excited By West Ham United Friendly
The Partenopei boss cannot wait until kick-off at the Boleyn Ground...
7 Aug 2009 15:25:07
Napoli coach Roberto Donadoni is looking forward to facing West Ham United
on August 8, a match he believes will be an exciting experience. "Playing in
London has a special charm to it. Dealing with English football always gives
you strong motivation and emotion," the former Italian national team boss
told Il Corriere dello Sport.
"These matches [against West Ham, Racing Santander and Espanyol] will
certainly give us an indication [of where we are], but we must interpret
them as a natural continuation of our preparation, holding ourselves to our
program."
Donadoni will be against Gianfranco Zola, a former team-mate in the Italian
national team, on the opposite bench. "I will encounter Gianfranco Zola, who
is a friend and a great professional. Today, I am very glad he is having a
brilliant career as a coach," Donadoni said. Donadoni took over as coach of
Napoli in March 2009 from Edy Reja, who was fired after a string of poor
results.
Adam Scime, Goal.com
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Manchester City's Mark Hughes switches attention to West Ham's Matthew Upson
Last modified 19:55 07/08/09 By Darren Lewis
Mirror Football
Manchester City fear they have missed out on long-term transfer target
Joleon Lescott and have switched their attention to West Ham defender
Matthew Upson. Talks have already taken place between the two clubs with
City sounding out the Hammersl. That could leave Everton with an unhappy
player as Lescott has already risked the ire of his own fans by indicating
he wants to join City. Goodison boss David Moyes wants £30million for
England defender Lescott while City, who have had bids of £15m and £19m
rejected, are expected to return with a final offer of just £22million. That
is expected to be dismissed by Everton leaving City to seek Engand defender
Upson as a back-up. City boss Mark Hughes is keen to have the Lescott saga
resolved, one way or the other, by the end of this weekend. West Ham remain
determined to hold on to Upson but it is understood they could be tempted to
talk at the kind of figures already rejected by Everton.
Fulham's Brede Hangeland, Chelsea's Alex and Portsmouth stopper Sylvain
Distin have all been mooted as alternative targets for City. But Hughes is
keen on left-sided defender Upson who in turn is keen to enhance his
prospects of going to the World Cup by playing in a team battling for the
title. Despite the wealth of attacking talent at their disposal, City have
won just one of their five pre-season matches so far this summer,
highlighting their need for a settled back four. West Ham boss Gianfranco
Zola has a clutch of defenders in whom he is ready to place his faith going
into the new season, including Danny Gabbidon, James Collins and James
Tompkins.
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Brazilian Mancini aims to fight for his place at Inter Milan rather than
join West Ham
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 11:36 AM on 07th August 2009
Daily Mail
Mancini looks set to snub a move to West Ham and fight for his place at
Inter Milan if he can convince boss Jose Mourinho to give him the chance.
The Brazilian, 29, has held talks with the Hammers as Mourinho is said to be
keen to offload the player with a loan move to Upton Park a real
possibility. West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is still keen on signing former
Chelsea team-mate Eidur Gudjohnsen. The Hammers go into Saturday's Bobby
Moore Cup game against Napoli with Carlton Cole the only fit and experienced
striker.
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Luca Toni will sign for West Ham according to his agent
The Bayern Munich and Italy striker could be set for Upton Park, according
to his agent Jose Alberti
The London Paper
by: Philip Duncan
7 August 2009
LUCA TONI could be on the verge of joining West Ham United on a season-long
loan, after his agent revealed he thinks the move will go ahead. The Bayern
Munich striker is desperate to play regular first-team football in a bid to
land a spot in Italy's 2010 World Cup squad. Despite finishing last season
as Bayern's top goalscorer, Toni has fallen down the striking pecking order
and is believed to be looking for a route out of Munich.Toni's agent, Jose
Alberti, said: I think it will happen. At Bayern [Toni] is not playing and
[Hammers boss Gianfranco] Zola is a great friend of his."During two years at
Bayern, the 32-year-old has scored 57 goals in 81 appearances.
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Bruce explains Lucas Neill approach
Sunderland Echo
Published Date: 07 August 2009
Steve Bruce spoke of his approach for former West Ham defender Lucas Neill
today. Bruce sounded out free agent Lucas Neill earlier this week but the
Black Cats boss insisted: "It was really just a case of finding out his
situation. "He's without a club at the moment but says he has two or three
options. "I was aware he hasn't signed with anyone so we arranged to meet up
and have a chat. There's nothing certain on that one."
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West Ham won't comment on Clark but club's future is in doubt once again
07 August 2009 | By Adam Fraser
SportsProMedia.com
West Ham have refused to discuss the possibility of the club being sold to
US billionaire Clark Hunt, as reports raise concerns about its future once
again. 'West Ham United's owner was forced yesterday to admit to
"significant uncertainty" over its own future, plunging the future of the
club into fresh doubt,' reports Friday's edition of The Guardian newspaper.
The English newspaper adds that should Straumur, the Icelandic bank that
took control of West Ham earlier this summer, fail to reach agreements with
its own creditors by December 11th, it will be liquidated under Icelandic
law, with its assets - including the English soccer club - sold off in a
firesale. Meanwhile, the club has refused to comment on rumours that Hunt
has expressed an interest in becoming the latest American owner of an
English soccer club, following the Glazer family at Manchester United, Randy
Lerner at Aston Villa, Ellis Short at Sunderland and Tom Hicks and George
Gillett at Liverpool. Hunt, the owner of both the Columbus Crew and FC
Dallas in Major League Soccer, was reported this week to have made enquiries
interested in paying more than US$200 million for the club. "I won't comment
on any issues of a sale," said management consultant Bob Ellis, recently
appointed a non-executive director at Upton Park. "We are in a managed
work-out and this is one of the assets we are looking to sell in time."
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Striker tops West Ham wish list
08.08.09 | Ian Ferris
The priority for West Ham is a striker, asserts chief executive Scott
Duxbury. "I know the fans are waiting for us to sign at least one more
forward and that is what we are working to do," said Duxbury. "Gianfranco,
Gianluca Nani and I are absolutely aware that we need to bring at least one
more into the squad as soon as possible. We are talking every day and
working very hard to make this happen. The reality is we are looking at
top-quality players and these deals can take time." Duxbury added on
whufc.com: "It is important we keep the supporters updated as much as we can
with the squad and what we are doing during the transfer window. We all
recognise your concern with regard to striker recruitment and this is our
top priority. As the manager has also said in the press, we are trying to
add more attacking options. "Luis Jimenez was an important signing for
Gianfranco and it was good to get the deal done so early in the summer. Not
all transfers are as straightforward and the other high-profile targets we
have been following have required us to be patient. Rest assured everyone at
the club is working hard to bring further recruits to the squad - especially
a forward."
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