WHUFC.com
Kieron Dyer is back but will be eased in carefully as West Ham United look
to challenge in 2009/10
16.08.2009
Kieron Dyer is on a high again after playing his part in the win at
Wolverhampton Wanderers but knows patience is the key. His impressive
contribution in the 2-0 opening-day success at Molineux on Saturday came on
only his tenth league appearance for West Ham United. As such, Dyer is
focused on adding to that tally of games above anything else and is already
looking forward to the next match against Tottenham Hotspur this coming
Sunday. "Since the new manager has come in, he has been great for me," the
30-year-old said. "He has given me the confidence and told me is part of his
plans and I just can't wait to get the season going."
Adding to his 33 international caps is certainly not on his mind, as he
feels he has a job to do first with the club in terms of form and fitness.
"I have had the question numerous times and I haven't even played 90 minutes
in two years so to be even labelled with England is ludicrous. "My job is to
just get on the pitch with West Ham. They employ me and they haven't seen me
on the pitch, the fans haven't seen me on the pitch so I just want to play
for West Ham. England doesn't even come into it - I don't even think about
England. I just want to play for West Ham."
Tellingly the 73 minutes he played at Wolves before Gianfranco Zola replaced
him with Junior Stanislas was his longest run-out in a competitive match
since a tackle by Bristol Rovers' Joe Jacobson on 28 August 2007 saw his leg
broken in two places. His recovery was hampered by setbacks out of his
control that delayed his return more than once. "To think to not play 90
minutes in two years and it was a new move for me [from Newcastle United]
and a new start and to have my leg broken was hard to take," he said. "Touch
wood, I am due a bit of luck now. I have got a big season to look forward
to."
"I haven't played 90 minutes in two years so it is just easing me back into
it and trying to keep me fit. The plan was always to play 60 minutes and I
thoroughly enjoyed it out there. To come off when it was 2-0 was perfect.
"We really enjoyed it apart from the first five minutes of the second half
when Wolves gave it a good go and Greenie, all credit to him pulled off a
couple of saves. We were trying a new formation with a diamond and it seemed
to go really well. We are pleased with it."
In fact, Sunday was exactly two years since he joined the club from
Newcastle United and the midfielder is feeling good about his prospects of
showing West Ham United fans what he can do. The club's tough summer in
Austria and China will be positive to his hopes of staying fit.
"We have done a really hard pre-season and I think you see the benefits of
that. I think a lot of the Wolves players were cramping up and we looked
fresh and raring to go and that is a good sign. "It is the best I have felt
for a while but I haven't played 90 minutes yet so that the manager and
Clarkie are going to ease me in and play 60 minutes here, 65 minutes there
and maybe do that for the first six or seven games of the season. "They
maybe even take me out of a game and give me a whole weekend off and ease me
in back like that. Obviously I would be frustrated and I don't want to miss
any football but it is the right way to go. "You have seen with [Arsenal
pair] Eduardo and Tomas Rosicky who now has pulled another muscle,
especially when you have been out for so long, you get loads of muscle
strains and stuff. You have to be sensible with injuries like this. Two
years is a long time."
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Roma make Toni approach
Agent confirms Roma interest in Italy forward
Last updated: 16th August 2009
SSN
Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni could be set to seal a switch to Roma,
according to the player's agent. The 32-year-old Italy international is
understood to be surplus to requirements at the Allianz Arena following the
arrivals of Mario Gomez and Ivica Olic, and he has been strongly linked with
West Ham and Monaco. However, it now appears he is closing in on a return to
his homeland after agent Jose Alberti revealed he expected Toni to complete
a move to Roma. "It's a situation that is 80 per cent likely to be concluded
successfully," he told Roma Giallo Rossa. "At the moment, there is no
negotiation - only an interest on Roma's part. "Both the club and the player
have been informed and Roma are awaiting a response from Bayern Munich.
"Toni is very willing to return to Italy, particularly because he played in
the World Cup in Germany alongside [Francesco] Totti, so that would be an
extra incentive for him." He added: "He wants to regain the faith of those
who didn't believe in him in Germany."
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Chamakh ready to run down deal
Girondins star could wait for Bosman switch
Last updated: 16th August 2009
SSN
Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh has hinted that he is prepared to run down
the final year of his contract if he is not allowed a summer move to
England. The Morocco striker, 25, has been strongly linked with a move to
the Premier League, with Arsenal, Sunderland and West Ham having shown
interest. However, no deal has yet been agreed and, with Arsene Wenger
having suggested he is unwilling to pay over the odds for a player who will
soon be out of contract, Chamakh has warned his employers that he will
consider moving on a Bosman next year. "We will try to sort out a transfer,"
he told Canal Plus. "Maybe I will stay, but for me there is no question of
signing an extension."
Bordeaux boss Laurent Blanc has already stated that he is happy to allow
Chamakh to leave for a top English side, but he insists that they have yet
to receive any offers that he would consider suitable. "This is not about
whether we let him go or not but about where we let him go," he said in
L'Equipe. "We had a deal - if a large English club really wanted him, we
would find an agreement, but the large English club is not there."
Blanc previously caused offence when he said Chamakh would not be allowed to
join Sunderland as he 'deserved better', leading Steve Bruce to accuse Blanc
of being 'disrespectful'. Bruce highlighted the relative attendances of the
two clubs in his response, but Blanc has apologised and said his comments
were misunderstood. "I certainly did not communicate my thoughts well at
all," he said. "My remarks were misunderstood by the people of Sunderland.
"When I say he deserves better, it is in sporting terms - and only in terms
of sport. "I am not here to discuss the size of a club. All the clubs, I
respect them."
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Vinny's Wolves Report
Vinny - Sun Aug 16 2009
West Ham Online
Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 West Ham United 2
It is always a joyous occasion when football comes back after months of
being away. With the withdrawal symptoms just beginning to ease August comes
back around and we are back in the swing of things yet again.
What is even better is when your team surprises you with a comfortable
victory as we achieved against Wolves at Molineux with Mark Noble and
Matthew Upson getting the goals.
There has been much doom and gloom over the last few weeks due to a tepid
pre season which saw a few indifferent performances with weaknesses in the
team there for everyone to see. It is odd because as last season ended there
was much positive vibes coming from the club and the supporters with season
2009/10 being one to look forward to.
But as it became apparent that we could not sign any players for substantial
amount of moneys with only season long loans being a option the negativity
started to grow and getting beat by Tottenham in a Pre Season friendly in
China only added to the frustration.
This is why getting a victory on the opening day was so important and
despite Wolves being a recently promoted team no one would have seen this as
an easy game so to win with relative ease was very pleasing.
The team saw Robert Green in goal with Julien Faubert at right back after
the summer departure of Lucas Neill. This saw Matthew Upson take the
Captains armband as he lined up at Centre half alongside James Collins with
Herita Ilunga at left back.
In midfield there was Scott Parker, Jack Collison and Mark Noble with Kieron
Dyer and summer signing Luis Jimenez playing more as attacking midfielders
with Carlton Cole up front on his own.
The Wolves supporters would have thought West Ham at home was a very good
game to start the season and there was a definite sense of confidence coming
from their supporters, but for me it was clear from the first ten minutes
that we had that bit extra especially in our midfield which if I may add is
looking as good as it has looked in many a season.
Both sides looked confident in the early stages but as the half went on we
began to get on top. Our best play was coming down the right hand side with
the full back Faubert putting in two superb crosses which Cole failed to
connect with.
It was clear that Zola has instructed the players to get more shots off as
their were many more than an average game from last season. Of course a few
of them went wild and a pass to Dyer from Noble saw the midfielder hit a hot
high and wide to the amusement of the Wolves support.
It wouldn't be long until we did manage to take the lead and the goal was
quite brilliant. It came out to Cole on the left and he crossed to the edge
of the area to Noble where it looked as though he would simply play Jimenez
in on goal but instead he took a shot and scored a quite stunning goal. It
was wonderful technique from a player who we all expect more goals from this
season.
Wolves tried to hit back straight away with Jarvis having a half chance
after good work from the tireless Keogh but we took over from then on and
really should have managed to double our lead with chances falling multiple
times.
One of these chances saw Carlton Cole springing the offside trap only for
his shot to be kept out by Hennessey. The rebound then came out to Dyer who
shot low but it was cleared off the line by Craddock. Thinking back on it
now, Dyer should have done better as a proper blast of the ball would have
likely to seen a second goal.
How we didn't manage to score a few moments later was quite remarkable as a
corner swung in was met by Ilunga but the header was blocked on the goal
line and the ball eventually made its way to Dyer who from a few yards out
with his back to goal tried to back heel it but again it was cleared off the
line and eventually away for a corner.
We had Wolves on the ropes and this is exactly what we want to see more of
this season and what we lacked last season - spells of dominance and not
just catching teams on the break.
The home side had moments where they looked decent and they exploited the
defensive frailties of Julien Faubert at right back but they did not manage
to significantly test Green in the first period and we went in at half time
pretty please at what we had just seen.
In Typical West Ham style we failed to come out for the opening ten minutes
of the first half as Wolves lay siege on our goal and were unfortunate not
to have had more success with Robert Green (who had virtually been a
spectator for most of the game) being called into action.
It was the Wolves player Milijas who saw an excellent strike tipped over the
bar by Green and from the resulting corner Green was again equal to the
attempt which this time came from Jody Craddock.
As the West Ham supporters shifted uncomfortably the players managed to get
themselves together and a terrible mistake from Craddock let Collison in on
goal and the midfielder rounded the goal keeper but somehow his shot was
saved on the line by Foley when Collison just had to knock it either side of
the defender. That really should have been a goal and I was beginning to
become concerned that the golden chances that we had created had not been
taken and with Wolves looking marginally better we may be made to pay.
The hosts did have a good chance to equalise when a pass was played through
to Ebanks-Blake with Collins being caught out by the pass. The striker saw
his shot well saved by Green.
The Wolves resurgence began to wane and we started play the flowing passing
football that we saw at times last season and it wouldn't be long until we
finally found that all important second goal. It came from a corner which
was drifted in by Noble. The cross was played quite high in the air and it
was a surprise that neither the Wolves keeper or defender got to the ball
first because Matthew Upson easily rose to head past the static keeper.
Wolves were obviously knocked back by this goal and the game began to slow
down which suited us and we maybe should have added a third when a superb
break which was all down to Parker's interception and the pass was played
through to Jimenez but he decided to take the shot early and it was easily
kept out.
We continued to press forward and we never really looked like letting the
lead slip and when Wolves had to take off Ebanks-Blake despite having
already used their three allocated subs it became an exhibition for us as we
knocked the ball about frustrating the home crowd but this just made the day
even more enjoyable.
This was a thoroughly professional performance with many positives and yes
of course we need another striker but I urge everyone to take the positives
out of this game because there were quite a few and that midfield we have
really is something. Parker, Collison, Noble, Dyer and Jimenez for me is a
real classy midfield which is capable of taking on the best the Premiership
has to offer.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
England's Number One showed why he is just that as he put in another top
performance which Mick McCarthy has even commented on as being excellent.
Green made some really good saves and when Wolves got on top in the early
stages of the second half his stops kept us from conceding a equaliser which
would have changed the game completely. It is reassuring to know that we
have a goal keeper like him.
Julien Faubert
The return of the forgotten man - or at least someone who many have tried to
forget. Back at the club and in at right back with Lucas Neill having
departed. I was a little surprised that Spector had not been chosen ahead of
him but Faubert put in a decent shift and when he got forward he looked
quite good. But once again his defensive frailties were exposed at it is not
so much his tackling but the fact that he seems to have no idea where to
position himself. He is clearly not a defender but then again we worked that
out last season. Better teams will punish us for this weak link in defence.
James Collinsbr>A solid performance from Collins who was starting with James
Tomkins out injured. It remains to be seen who will be the first choice when
Tomkins is available but Collins will be happy to have been part of the
defence which kept the first clean sheet of the season. Apart from one
mistake in the second half which nearly led to Ebanks-Blake scoring Collins
will be pleased enough with his performance.
Matthew Upson
The speculation regarding his future still ongoing a performance like this
shows us just what we will be missing if he does leave. This was a top
defensive performance where he made things look easy which quality defenders
have the ability to do. Of course he capped the performance with a goal
which will only add to the disappointment if he leaves.
Herita Ilunga
Last seasons WHO player of the year started the season well with another
solid if unspectacular performance. He was rarely trouble and it was a shame
his day ended early when a nasty clash of heads forced him to come off.
Mark Noble
Scoring a great goal is always something I feel Noble is capable of
(Blackburn away last season) but it wasn't just the goal which was excellent
but his whole display was very classy. He looked comfortable on the ball and
some of his passing was quite fantastic. The pass through to Cole in the
first half which ended with a Dyer shot being cleared off the line is just
an example of how much technical quality he possess. The task for young
Noble is doing it consistently.
Scott Parker
We simply have to keep this man fit if we are to do well this season. He is
vital to everything in our midfield because he breaks everything up and
starts moves. His cross field passing isn't great but his low accurate
passes into feet to Cole seem to start everything. This was a quality
display.
Jack Collison
Collison was in and out of this game and never really managed to get a real
foothold on proceedings. He did have two attempts on goal with the second
one being a pretty bad miss as he rounded the keeper but could not manage to
miss the defender on the line. Collison doesn't look out of place though and
he is always eager to get forward.
Luis Jimenez
A good game to make your debut in as he got a lot of space and time when he
had the ball. Wasn't as easily brushed off the ball and played some nice
passes. I would think as the match fitness builds up we will see more and
more from our main summer signing.
Kieron Dyer
Wolves struggled at times to cope with him as his running both on and off
the ball caused the hosts to lose him time and time again. He was clever in
possession and should have scored in the first half. I don't want to sound
clichéd (but I'm going to) but if he can stay fit he is like a… well you
know the rest.
Carlton Cole
There weren't many chances for him to be able to convert and only one in the
first half when he was played in by Noble sticks out. Still, Cole worked
very hard despite having two men marking him whenever the ball came near
him. His control as he showed for England a few nights ago is getting better
and better and he looks a real threat. He is going to be a big player for us
this season with many of our hopes riding on him.
Subs Used
Jonathan Spector (on for Ilunga 65 mins)
Made a few early mistakes but after the second goal any tempo Wolves had
soon faded and Spector saw his afternoon get much easier.
Junior Stanislas (on for Dyer 73 mins)
Looked sharp when he came on and saw quite a bit of the ball. Despite having
many attempts he was unable at every attempt to beat his man and for a right
footed player I cannot understand his persistence with going outside the
player when cutting inside would give him a chance to shoot.
Frank Nouble (on for Cole 90 mins)
Seems to take an age for a break in the play so he could come on
Subs Not Used
Kurucz, Hines, Gabbidon, Payne
Bookings - None
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Hennessey, Foley (Vokes 75), Mancienne (Stearman
67), Craddock, Ward, Halford, Henry, Milijas (Edwards 80), Jarvis,
Ebanks-Blake, Keogh
Subs: Hahnemann, Elokobi, Surman, Jone
Overall
There were not too many optimistic views about this game being thrown around
and I think because of the lack of signings and a very uneventful Pre Season
there was a worry that like previous seasons when we did not strengthen the
team that we might struggle.
Hopefully this has eases some of those fears and although it is just one
game we have to take some confidence from a hard working performance which
saw our quality shine through. Wolves were not that bad and on another day
may have found that equaliser in the opening stages of the second half.
It is clear that we need another option up front as our bench saw two young
strikers who have never started a Premiership game. Faubert's performance
did not exactly fill me with too much hope but he did look quite decent
going forward which of course is what we purchased him for.
I have to mention the upcoming League Cup tie against Millwall. I like many
others was delighted that we were drawn against our oldest and most bitter
rivals. Millwall should always be considered our main rivals and this game
is one I really cannot wait for.
It seems that Millwall are also very excited about the game and no doubt the
caravan convoy will come rolling into east London very soon.
Millwall fans are incensed about only being given 1500 tickets despite being
in a stand which holds 7000! But then again, you always have to confine
animals.
Next Game
Tottenham Hotspur (h) Sunday 23rd
Our recent record against Spurs is pretty awful. We haven't even taken a
point off them the last three times we have played and this is surely time
for change.
If we play the football I know we are capable of I am sure this time we can
get a result.
Most West Ham fans will be dreaming of beating both Spurs and Millwall in a
space of three days but I wouldn't count it out because Tottenham for all
the money they spend are not unbeatable.
So another season begins. With West Ham you really can never predict what is
going to happen as this club never do things simply.
The Thoughts of Gianfranco
It was a good game for us. We conceded some chances to them but, on the
other hand, we created so many opportunities to score. The team looked in
control of the game but when you're winning 1-0, you fear that something
could happen but, fortunately, the team was focused and we kept our
composure, when they were coming at us.
"I'm pleased, it's been a good performance. It was the perfect way to start
the season.
"I am pleased for Matthew's performance and his goal. It's quite funny
because we were talking during the week and he said to me: 'I would like to
score more goals this year.' Now, he has just said to me: 'We have to talk
more often.' I told him: 'Any time!"
"We can produce good football this year but we just need to make sure that
the goals come from players other than Carlton Cole. Today has been good.
Two goals - one from a defender and one from midfield.
"I'm looking forward to seeing more goals in the future from other
midfielders. That's a part of the game upon which we need to improve."
"We have to assess Herita Ilunga - he took a knock on the jaw but I don't
think that it's going to be too bad,"
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Kieron Dyer hands West Ham cutting edge
Wolves were not the only ones trying to make up for lost time at Molineux.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Phil Shaw
Published: 7:00AM BST 17 Aug 2009
In only his fourth start since West Ham ventured £6 million on his lavish
talents two years ago, Kieron Dyer showed why he could yet make an
extraordinary and timely return to the global stage. At 30, Dyer is
England's forgotten man. Capped 33 times by Kevin Keegan, Sven-Goran
Eriksson and Steve McClaren, yet restricted by injury to 10 appearances
overall for West Ham, he sparkled in the Black Country sunshine like the
diamond ear-studs he once left in an away dressing-room before imploring Sir
Bobby Robson to turn the Newcastle bus around. The 73 minutes Dyer played as
the apex of a midfield diamond was his longest time on the pitch since he
had a leg shattered in two places by a Bristol Rovers player's challenge 12
days after joining West Ham. Asked whether a problem-free Dyer could make
next year's World Cup, manager Gianfranco Zola replied: "I'm sure Fabio
Capello is aware of Kieron and will keep an eye on him. "If he plays
consistently throughout the season, he can be as good as anybody."
Goals by Mark Noble – curled in as defenders stood off – and Matthew Upson,
from a free header, ensured Wolves' Premier League comeback was less
auspicious. However, in Serbia's Nenad Milijas, manager Mick McCarthy may
have found a midfielder as talented as Dyer. "His technique is very good,"
McCarthy said. "He can play in behind the striker or sit in; he's an
intelligent footballer."
The agility of England's Robert Green kept the £2.6m Milijas off the
scoresheet. But for McCarthy, who lost Sylvan Ebanks-Blake to a hamstring
strain and may not be able to give striker Kevin Doyle his debut until
Saturday due to a groin injury, it was scant consolation. "We don't want to
be saying 'we created chances'," he sighed. "We want to be saying 'we've
won'."
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I Don't Even Think About England - West Ham's Kieron Dyer
The attacker believes that playing for the Three Lions is not his priority
at the moment...
17 Aug 2009 07:00:49
Kieron Dyer insists that playing for England is far from his thoughts, and
is looking to concentrate on his West Ham United career for now. Speaking
after the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers, the 30-year-old pledged his
allegiance to Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola. "Since the new manager has come
in, he has been great for me," Dyer told the club's official website. "He
has given me the confidence and told me [I am] part of his plans and I just
can't wait to get the season going." The attacking midfielder then turned
his gaze to the question of his international future, and proclaimed that he
is currently concentrating on playing well for the Irons. "I have had the
question numerous times and I haven't even played 90 minutes in two years,
so to be even labelled with England is ludicrous," he said. "My job is to
just get on the pitch with West Ham. "They employ me and they haven't seen
me on the pitch, the fans haven't seen me on the pitch, so I just want to
play for West Ham. "England doesn't even come into it - I don't even think
about England. I just want to play for West Ham." Dyer moved Upton Park in
2007, but has made only a handful of appearances for the club due to
persistent injuries.
Adithya Ananth, Goal.com
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Upson admits he may be on his way
Wolverhampton W 0 West Ham United 2
By Ian Edwards
Indelendent.co.uk
Monday, 17 August 2009
Gianfranco Zola never seems to have a smile far away from his face.
Predictably he was beaming after this, but inwardly he will be ticking off
the days of August on the calendar in his West Ham office in the hope that
the financial situation the club is in does not mean there will be further
departures before 1 September.
Zola has been a pauper in the transfer market this summer, only able to
bring in Luis Jimenez on loan from Internazionale, while rumours continue
about the club's Icelandic owners and the necessity to sell more players to
raise funds in the region of £10m.
The most likely candidate for such an exercise would be Matthew Upson.
Manchester City have him firmly installed as plan B, if their aggressive
pursuit of Joleon Lescott cannot break through the brickwall that is David
Moyes.
Zola is not of a mind to sell and there was the usual rhetoric from the
Italian about Upson being happy as a West Ham United player. Apparently he
is unaware of the need to generate money through the transfer market,
saying: "I have not been told that players have to leave."
Upson scored West Ham's second goal as Wolves were given a swift and painful
lesson in how crucial it is to accept opportunites at this level following
their elevation as Championship champions in May. If Zola is unaware of the
full financial situation, the England defender does not seem to be as
ignorant.
He readily concedes there is a worry and that he would have to decide his
best option should a For Sale sign be hung around his neck any time soon. He
said: "West Ham's financial predicament is quite well noted. Whether or not
that means someone will have to be sold, I don't know, but I don't think the
outlook is great financially. It hasn't been mentioned to me that we need to
sell but if there was a situation where they accepted an offer and it was
down to me whether I wanted to move, I would have to look at the club in
question and make a decision."
Eastlands would be his preferred destination, although Aston Villa are also
keeping a close watch on developments as their need for central defensive
reinforcements was exposed by Wigan on the opening day.
For now, Upson will have to sit and wait and reflect on the satisfaction of
only his second goal in 77 appearances for West Ham, which doubled the
advantage provided by Mark Noble's wonderful effort from the edge of the
area and rewarded the industry of Kieron Dyer, who rekindled memories of his
early days at Ipswich and Newcastle with his direct running and quicksilver
feet.
Dyer has been the victim of some terrible injuries so it was a relief to see
him relishing his new found rude health, even if the lungs gave out after 65
minutes.
Zola now has the task of keeping him fit and he would not presume to "step
on the toes of [Fabio] Capello", as a fit Dyer in this mood "would be an
asset to an England squad this summer. When Kieron plays consistently, he
can be as good as anyone."
In two seasons at Sunderland, Mick McCarthy finished bottom of the Premier
League on both occasions. If he was, by his own admission, naïve there, his
players were guilty of a similar charge here. They more than played their
part and were a little unfortunate to run into Robert Green in true England
form. "He is the England goalkeeper in waiting and he showed why," said
McCarthy.
Wolverhampton Wanderers (4-4-2): Hennessey; Foley (Vokes, 74), Craddock,
Mancienne (Stearman, 66), Ward; Halford, Henry, Milijas (Edwards, 80),
Jarvis; Keogh, Ebanks-Blake. Substitutes not used: Hahnemann (gk), Elokobi,
Surman, Jones.
West Ham United (4-1-2-1-2): Green; Faubert, Collins, Upson, Ilunga
(Spector, 65); Parker; Collison, Noble; Dyer (Stanislas, 72); Jiminez, Cole
(Nouble, 89). Substitutes not used: Kurucz (gk), Gabbidon, Payne, Hines.
Referee: C Foy (Merseyside).
Man of the Match: Dyer.
Attendance: 28,674.
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EXCLUSIVE: Hammers to lose James Collins to Stoke in £5m deal
By Simon Jones
Last updated at 12:15 AM on 17th August 2009
Daily Mail
West Ham are preparing to sell central defender James Collins to Stoke for
£5million as fears grew among fans that the club are being plunged back into
a financial crisis.
Though they are not short of central defenders — manager Gianfranco Zola can
call on internationals Matthew Upson and Danny Gabbidon and top prospect
James Tomkins — a sale will once again expose their fragile financial
underbelly. Collins, a towering Wales international, has been first choice
under Zola.
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Wolves 0 West Ham 2: Kieron Dyer back in the groove as Hammers cruise
By Laura Williamson
Last updated at 1:32 AM on 17th August 2009
Daily Mail
Remember Kieron Dyer? A talented prospect at Ipswich, inconsistent at
Newcastle and a former England international with 33 caps to his name, Dyer
was back in West Ham's starting line up. The midfielder has not played 90
minutes since breaking the fibula and tibia in his right leg in a 2-1
Carling Cup victory against Bristol Rovers in August 2007 — in just his
third appearance after a £6million move south. 'I was told at first that I'd
be back within nine months to a year, so to be out for nearly two years was
hard to take,' he said. 'There was a lot of things that went wrong with the
operations — wrong pins being put in my legs and stuff that's out of your
hands. It's very hard when somebody breaks your leg to be called
injury-prone, but I suppose that's life.'
The 31-year-old, who represented England at the 2002 World Cup and Euro
2004, will have watched West Ham team-mates Robert Green, Matthew Upson and
Carlton Cole return from England duty last week, but insists an
international comeback is the last thing on his mind. 'I haven't played 90
minutes for two years so to even be labelled with England is ludicrous,' he
said.
'My job is just to get on the pitch with West Ham. England doesn't even come
into it. I don't even think about England — I just want to play for West
Ham.' Dyer certainly seemed intent to show Hammers fans what they've been
missing as he enjoyed a seemingly free role in West Ham's midfield diamond,
but was denied the chance to score on his return when Wolves captain Jody
Craddock cleared off the line on the half-hour mark.
Match facts
WOLVES (4-4-2): Hennessey 6, Foley 6 (Vokes 75min, 6), Craddock 7, Mancienne
6 (Stearman 66, 6), Ward 6, Halford 6, Henry 7, Milijas 8 (Edwards 80),
Jarvis 7, Ebanks-Blake 6, Keogh 6.
WEST HAM (4-4-2): Green 7, Faubert 6, Collins 6, Upson 6, Ilunga (Spector
65, 6) 6, Collison 6, Parker 7, Dyer 6 (Stanislas 73, 6), Noble 8, Jimenez
6, Cole 6 (Nouble 90+3).
Man of the Match: Mark Noble
Referee: Chris Foy
West Ham had gone ahead after 22 minutes through the exquisite touch of Mark
Noble, the England Under 21 international sending a dipping right-footed
shot into the top left-hand corner to show Wolves just how daunting their
task will be this season. The goal certainly seemed to rock the 2009
Championship winners and the enthusiastic 28,000 Molineux crowd as they
realised the folly of failing to capitalise on early possession and chances
for Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Andy Keogh. New signing Nenad Milijas was denied
twice by West Ham goalkeeper Green after the re-start and, although Wolves
always looked threatening on the break, Matthew Upson was allowed to head
home Noble's corner at the far post on 69 minutes to seal three points for
the Hammers. Manager Mick McCarthy took scant consolation from the positives
of his team's performance, saying: 'I just said to the players, I don't want
to be stood here saying we played well and created chances, I want to be
stood here saying we won.'
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West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola: I don't want to sell Matthew Upson
Last modified 19:16 16/08/09 By Neil McLeman
The Mirror
Gianfranco Zola has insisted West Ham are a buying and not a selling club -
and told Matthew Upson he should stay at Upton Park to realise his World Cup
ambitions.
The England defender admitted yesterday he would be willing to move to "the
right club" to help the Hammers' financial plight. Craig Bellamy was sold to
Manchester City in January to help West Ham's cash flow with the manager's
approval. But Zola, who saw Upson score the second goal in their opening win
at Wolves, is opposed to the further sale of key players in a squad which is
already paper thin. And Zola and chief executive Scott Duxbury are trying to
wheel-and-deal to bring in at least one more striker before the transfer
window closes. With England Under 21 international James Tomkins highly
rated by the club, selling Upson could release funds to bring more depth to
the squad and help pay debts. But Zola reiterated today that he wants the
30-year-old, who has established himself as a regular in the England squad,
to stay and push West Ham forward. How much influence the manager has over
transfer policy will be revealed over the next fortnight.
"Matthew Upson realises that he is a good player and that there might be
teams who are looking at him," said the Italian. "We have had no offers for
him and we are very pleased that he is here. We want to keep him. I think he
is enjoying his football and he's looking forward to this season because
it's going to be vital for his career. "As far as I'm concerned we are
looking to buy some players not to sell them." After previous heavy
spending, the club has been told to be self-financing by new Icelandic
owners Straumur. West Ham have made bids or held talks with Eidur
Gudjohnsen, Luca Toni and Marouane Chamakh without closing a deal leaving
Zola's side over-reliant on England striker Carlton Cole. "I am sure that it
would not do us any harm if we had some more striking force," said Zola. "I
am sure that the club is doing everything they can to fill that space for a
striker. I rely on them and we'll see what happens."
Last week, non-executive chairman Andrew Bernhardt said: "As I said earlier
in the summer, the club is on a sound financial footing and Straumur
creditor meetings have no bearing on the operations of West Ham United. This
remains unchanged. "We fully support Scott and Gianfranco and endorse their
continued efforts in strengthening the squad as quickly as possible, with a
new striker their top priority. We are looking forward to a great season."
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West Ham star Kieron Dyer says he deserves some luck after all his injury
woes
Last modified 16:35 16/08/09 By Neil McLeman
The Mirror
Wolves 0-2West Ham
West Ham are off to a lightning-fast start but Kieron Dyer wants to take it
slow. Next week marks the second anniversary of the tackle by Bristol City's
Joe Jacobson which left the England midfielder's right leg shattered in two
places. Dyer, now 30, has not played a full match since as he finds his way
back to the form and fitness which saw him play in two major championships
and gain the last of his 33 caps the week before his career-threatening
injury. At Molineux, the former Ipswich and Newcastle star shone at the tip
of a midfield diamond in a Hammers team which had too much class for Wolves.
And his tireless running for 73 minutes suggested he will be an important
addition to a squad which badly needs extra firepower to complement Carlton
Cole. But after making his 10th appearance since joining for £6m two years
ago - and only his second start since his injury - Dyer is not ready to be
rushed back as a goalscoring saviour. "It is the best I have felt for a
while but I haven't played 90 minutes yet so that the manager and Steve
Clarke are going to ease me in," he said. "To think it was a new start for
me at West Ham and to have my leg broken was hard to take. Touch wood, I am
due a bit of luck now. I have got a big season to look forward to. "But it
is about doing what is best for me. When you have been out for so long you
get loads of muscle strains and stuff. You have to be sensible with injuries
like this. Two years is a long time."
Dyer had been ruled out for a year but his injury had further complications.
"There were a lot of things that went wrong," he explained. "The operation
was wrong, pins being put in my legs and stuff that is out of your hands. I
was told I would be back in nine months to a year so then to be out for
nearly two years is hard to take. "Then you get labelled injury prone and
that is very hard when someone breaks your leg to be called injury prone.
But I suppose that is life. "Since the new manager has come in, he has been
great for me and he has given confidence and told me I'm part of his plans
and I just can't wait to get the season going. We were trying a new
formation with a diamond and it went really well. To come off when it was
2-0 was perfect."
As long as West Ham keep a starting team including ten full internationals
and former England U21 captain Mark Noble on the pitch, they will be fine
this season. Their problem is a lack of depth, especially in the striking
department. Zola was delighted that Noble and captain Matthew Upson scored
in each half against Wolves to take the goalscoring burden shouldered by
Carlton Cole. And with the performance of Dyer. "Kieron is doing very well
and I'm sure that Fabio Capello is aware of everyone and that he'll keep an
eye on him," said the Italian. "If Kieron can find that consistency then it
will be up to him. But Dyer insisted his priorities are closer to home. "I
haven't even played 90 minutes in two years so to talk about England is
ludicrous," he said. "My job is to just get on the pitch with West Ham. They
employ me and they haven't seen me on the pitch, the fans haven't seen me on
the pitch so I just want to play for West Ham. England doesn't even come
into it - I don't even think about England. I just want to play for West
Ham."
Wolverhampton: Hennessey 7, Foley 6 (Vokes 75,4), Mancienne 6 (Stearman 66,
5), Craddock 7, Ward 6, Halford 6, Henry 5, Milijas 6 (Edwards 80,4), Jarvis
5, Keogh 6, Ebanks-Blake 6
West Ham: Green 8, Faubert 6, Collins 6, Upson 7, Ilunga 6 (Spector, 65,6),
Collison 7, Parker 7, Noble 8, Dyer 8 (Stanislas 73,5), Jimenez 7, Cole 7
(Nouble 90,2)
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Calum Davenport Becomes New Forest Target
Vital Football
West Ham United central defender Calum Davenport is the new target for
Nottingham Forest, as manager Billy Davies attempts to bolster the defence.
Davies has been thwarted in his efforts to bring in the quality needed to
strengthen the backline, after failing at the death to sign Matt Mills from
Doncaster. Davenport is 26 years old and was signed from Spurs in 2007. The
6ft, 3ins defender spent the end of last season on loan at Sunderland and is
stuggling to get in the current Hammers side. He has a year and a half to
go on his current contract with the Londoners and would command a fee, but
with his chances of getting into the side slim at present, a move away
should appeal. Forest also have an interest in Jon Harley at Watford, but
the Hornets aren't too keen on him moving to us, despite the players desire
to do so. The Reds' are still keen on Millwall's Zac Whitbread, but are
being outbid at the moment by Championship rivals Swansea. Coventry City's
Elliott Ward is also on the radar, although he's currently out with an
injury at present. Billy Davies apparently wants all his signings done and
dusted well in advance of the game with the Sheep on August 29.
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West Ham, Wolves chasing Newcastle striker Carroll
17.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
Newcastle United are ready to cash in on centre-forward Andy Carroll. The
News of the World says Toon are ready to offload several players, including
Carroll.
Wolves and West Ham United are chasing the big Geordie striker.
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West Ham in talks with Barcelona's Gudjohnsen
17.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United have opened talks with Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen.
The Observer says the Hammers have entered negotiations with Gudjohnsen
about a return to London. The former Chelsea striker knows he has little
chance of regular football at Barca this season.
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Fiorentina eyeing West Ham defender Spector
17.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
Fiorentina are eyeing West Ham United fullback Jonathan Spector. Viola
scouts have tipped off sports director Pantaleo Corvino about Spector after
watching the USA international over the summer in World Cup qualifying
action. West Ham could be ready to sell with concerns that the club's
owners need to raise cash quickly to cover debts.
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West Ham ready to sell Collins to Stoke
17.08.09 | Andrew Slevison
West Ham defender James Collins is on the verge of becoming a Stoke City
player according to recent reports. Fears continue to grow that the Hammers
are again in financial trouble and may be forced to sell the central
defender for £5million. The Wales international has been first-choice under
Gianfranco Zola but it seems he is about to be lost to the Potters who have
also been linked to Middlesbrough centre-half Robert Huth.
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Neill holds out for more
Brought to you by
17 August 2009 | 12:25 - SBS EXCLUSIVE
Sbs.com.au
The future of Lucas Neill remains clouded with the Socceroo skipper's
refusal to accept a $A60,000-a-week deal at West Ham, narrowing his options
to Sunderland and Galatasaray - unless he has a late change of heart. West
Ham's technical director and chief negotiator, Gianluca Nani, is playing
hardball with the 31-year-old defender by declining to budge on an offer
still considered generous by a club operating under the strict financial
guidelines of new owners, the asset management group CB Holding.
It is believed former Upton Park skipper Neill, rested by Pim Verbeek from
the Socceroos' 3-0 thumping of Ireland in Limerick, is holding out for
$A100,000-a-week.
Sources close to West Ham claim that Nani is no longer willing to talk to
Neill's agent, Darren Jackson, over wages and conditions and has simply left
him with the take-it or leave-it offer. Sunderland boss Steve Bruce, who has
had preliminary discussions with Neill, has tabled a similar offer to the
player who commanded $A140,000-a-week during the heady days of Icelandic
sugar daddies Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson and Asgeir Fridgeirsson before the
banking crisis forced them to depart the scene. Even Neill's other prime
option, Galatasary, who had been offering a $A7million-a-season deal six
weeks ago, have recently shaved $A1 million from the carrot as their
patience wares thin with the procrastinating free agent.
"Coach Gianfranco Zola wants Lucas back and he has a lot of sway. But the
offer is simple: $A60,000-a-week and $A10,000 per-match appearance money.
They are not willing to budge an inch," the West Ham source explained.
"Lucas can still be a West Ham player again but he must accept that the
financial landscape has changed at the club, and elsewhere."
The offer appears healthy, especially when contrasted with the wage
structure at London rivals Tottenham, whose best paid player Robbie Keane
earns $A100,000-a-week and the best paid defender, Ledley King, commands
$A60,000-a-week. With no pre-season behind him, Neill will be struggling to
push himself into contention for Australia's next World Cup warm-up against
South Korea in Seoul on September 5, even if his future is resolved in the
coming days.
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Blanc says West Ham target Chamakh will only leave Bordeaux for major club
17.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc has called on interested Premiership clubs to
make a serious offer for Marouane Chamakh. West Ham and Arsenal have both
failed with bids for the Morocco international and Blanc says: "This is not
about whether we let him go or not but about where we let him go. "We had a
deal - if a large English club really wanted him, we would find an
agreement, but the large English club is not there."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dyer delighted to see West Ham action in Wolves win
17.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
Kieron Dyer was delighted with his contribution for West Ham United in their
victory over Wolves. "Since the new manager has come in, he has been great
for me," the 30-year-old told whufc.com. "He has given me the confidence and
told me is part of his plans and I just can't wait to get the season going."
Adding to his 33 international caps is certainly not on his mind, as he
feels he has a job to do first with the club in terms of form and fitness.
"I have had the question numerous times and I haven't even played 90 minutes
in two years so to be even labelled with England is ludicrous. "My job is to
just get on the pitch with West Ham. They employ me and they haven't seen me
on the pitch, the fans haven't seen me on the pitch so I just want to play
for West Ham. England doesn't even come into it - I don't even think about
England. I just want to play for West Ham."
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Neill holds out for improved West Ham offer
17.08.09 | Andrew Slevison
Lucas Neill is holding out for an improved offer from West Ham United,
according to reports. The Australian international's future at the club is
still in doubt after he refused a $AUD60,000-per-week deal and is believed
to be holding out for $AUD100,000. Sources close to the club say that
Hammers techncial director, Gianluca Nani, is no longer willing to negotiate
over wages meaning Neill could still have to find himself another club.
"Coach Gianfranco Zola wants Lucas back and he has a lot of sway. But the
offer is simple: $A60,000-a-week and $A10,000 per-match appearance money.
They are not willing to budge an inch," the West Ham source said. "Lucas
can still be a West Ham player again but he must accept that the financial
landscape has changed at the club, and elsewhere." Sunderland are still
believed to be interested as are Turkish club Galatasaray.
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