WHUFC.com
Julien Faubert told WHUTV he was in an upbeat mood after a strong performance at Wolves
18.08.2009
A lean Julien Faubert was happy to be back in a West Ham United shirt for the first time in six months in Saturday's opening-day win at Wolverhampton Wanderers. After spending the second half of last season on loan at Real Madrid, the 26-year-old returned to the Hammers in superb physical condition, having put himself through a strenuous personal fitness programme during the close-season. The France international put in a strong performance at right-back, defending stoutly and getting forward to good effect. Having made his last competitive appearance in claret and blue against Hull City in January, Faubert told WHUTV he is now eager to make up for lost time and establish himself in Gianfranco Zola's starting eleven. "It was good. It was the beginning of the season and we played well and got two goals, so everyone is happy. "I think it was a strong performance from the whole team, but I felt good on the pitch. I can run and I can defend so I was happy for my own game and I was happy to win for the team."
The Le Havre-born player revealed that he had taken the decision to shape up after making just two La Liga appearances during his time in Madrid. "I was careful about my food and what I ate. I did some big work and worked hard. I knew I had too much weight and I had to lose some. I have done some big work and come back strong and I felt good on the pitch. "I went to the gym and I pushed some weights, I went running and did some weights."
Having got the season off to a flying start at Molineux, Faubert is hoping for big things in 2008/09. "I think we are ready for the season. I know it is a long season and this was just the first game so we can't say it is done, but we can work to maybe finish in the top eight or seven teams. We have to work and be aware of the next game and we can do well. "I am here and I am happy to be playing a lot of games and playing well. I hope to be back in the national team, so I need to do this. I went to Real Madrid, which was a different experience, but now I am back in London and I am ready to work for West Ham."
While the Barclays Premier League is Faubert and West Ham's priority, the full-back is also acutely aware of the importance of beating Millwall in the Carling Cup second round a week on Tuesday. "I was talking with some players about this game and we are ready. We have to win. We are happy because we will be at home and we will have the fans with us, so we can win."
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Millwall date excites Zola
WHUFC.com
The significance of the chance to take on Millwall next week is not lost on Gianfranco Zola
18.08.2009
West Ham United welcome Millwall in the Carling Cup second round next Tuesday and Gianfranco Zola is well aware of the rivalry between the clubs. "There is a very strong connection with Millwall," he said. "It is funny. Last year in October when things weren't going very well for us, I stopped at a petrol station and this big bloke came up to me. "He was huge. It was two degrees outside and he was in short sleeves. He came to me and said 'Franco, you are my hero!' I thought, this man must be a West Ham supporter or maybe a Chelsea supporter. "He said: 'Look, I am Millwall. I am very pleased because you are taking West Ham down!' I realised then about the relationship between the two clubs…."
Zola, who had the last laugh in the end over that supporter, is certain the fans will relish the experience. "It is a competition we would like to stay in until the end and also it gives you the opportunity to play European football. We are going to be up for it."
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Ladies open with draw
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies began the new season with a 2-2 draw with Keynsham Town Ladies
18.08.2009
West Ham United Ladies kicked off their 2009/10 FA Tesco Women's Premier League South season with a 2-2 with Keynsham Ladies. The Hammers began the campaign with an impressive performance and were unlucky not to leave the West Country with all three points. Tony Marshall's side raced into an early two goal lead before the break through goals from Gemma Shepherd and Jess Barling, only to see the hosts hit back with two goals of their own after the break. West Ham had their chances to win the game late on, but in the end had to be content with taking a point back down the M4. The Hammers are next in action when they host Queen's Park Rangers at Thurrock on Sunday.
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Hammers accept Stoke Collins bid
BBC.co.uk
Stoke City have had a bid of about £3.5m accepted by Premier League rivals West Ham United for defender James Collins, reports BBC Radio Stoke. The 25-year-old Wales international was at the Britannia Stadium on Tuesday discussing personal terms on a deal that could rise to £5m. "He's one of a number of players I'm looking at," said manager Tony Pulis. "If we do any business, we'll do it through the football clubs and not through the media." Collins has spent four seasons at Upton Park, although injuries have limited him to only 49 league starts for the Hammers. He played the full 90 minutes as Gianfranco Zola's side won their opening Premier League of the season 2-0 against promoted Wolves at Molineux on Saturday. Meanwhile, Pulis wants to keep defender Ryan Shawcross at the Britannia Stadium, despite reports linking him with Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. "Ryan's done fantastically well for us and we want to keep him at Stoke City," stated the manager. "He's one of the younger players that we've got in the group and he's a big asset to us. "This club is looking to push on and you don't do that by selling your best players."
Stoke, who won their opening game of the season against Burnley on Saturday, travel to Anfield on Wednesday to take on Liverpool.
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Collins rejects Stoke
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 19th August 2009
By: Staff Writer
James Collins has turned down a move to Stoke City, according to reports. The 25-year-old centre half held talks with the Potters after the Hammers accepted a bid - worth around £5million with clauses - for the Welsh international yesterday. However a number of sources are reporting this morning that negotiations have broken down after Collins failed to agree personal terms.
Newport-born Collins was signed for £1million by Alan Pardew in July 2005 as the Hammers prepared for their first season back in the Premiership. Having impressed during his first two seasons he signed an extended contract in 2007 tieing him to West Ham until summer 2011.
Despite playing a major role in United's 'Great Escape' at the end of the 2006/07 season the popular Collins failed to cement a place in the first team - not through poor form, but as a result of a series of both minor and major injuries; the most serious of which occured in January 2008 when cruciate ligament damage resulted in seven months on the sidelines.
West Ham - who have made it clear that for this summer, any transfer funds must be generated by player sales - are understood to have rejected rumours that the proposed purchase of Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh from Bordeaux is dependent on the sale of Collins.
Despite the breakdown in talks, Stoke are understood to remain optimistic of reaching an agreement with Collins ahead of the transfer window deadline.
James Collins - stats
Signed: July 5th 2005 (£1m, Cardiff City)
2005/06: 19 appearances; 1 yellow card; 2 goals.
2006/07: 17 appearances; 4 yellow cards.
2007/08: 5 appearances; 2 yellow cards.
2008/09: 21 appearances; 4 yellow cards.
2009/10: 1 appearances.
Total appearances: 63
Average games per season: 16
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Baptista Hammers talk rejected
Former Arsenal forward staying at Roma
Last updated: 18th August 2009
SSN
Julio Baptista's agent has rejected reports linking the Roma forward with a possible move to West Ham. Reports in England have claimed West Ham are lining up a move for the former Arsenal loanee as they look to bolster their attacking options. Baptista's representative, Herminio Menendez, insists there have been no enquiries for the player and that the South American will stay at the Stadio Olimpico. "There is a lot of talk about nothing," Menendez told Romanews.eu. "There are no negotiations surrounding Julio. As a result, we should all expect Baptista to remain in Giallorosso. "At this moment in time, I can confirm that Julio Baptista will 100 per cent stay with Roma. "I have no news about Julio. I haven't spoken to anyone and I don't understand why so much is being discussed about Julio leaving Roma. "I've heard from nobody, not even Inter."
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Forest weigh up Davenport bid
Davies remains keen to strengthen squad
Last updated: 18th August 2009
SSN
Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies has confirmed he is considering a move for West Ham United defender Calum Davenport. The 26-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Sunderland, is currently out of favour at West Ham and was not in the squad for Saturday's opening game at Wolves. He has been linked with a £1.5million move to Forest, although reports suggest Davies will initially try to sign the centre-half on loan. Davies is still keen to strengthen his squad before the close of the transfer window and admits Davenport is among the Championship club's targets. "It is a possibility," Davies told the Nottingham Evening Post. "Davenport is a name we have thought about. "I am sitting down with my staff and putting together names to put to the board to recommend we should bring in. "Let me say again, we will make sure that we are getting good value and that we are getting the right type of player. "We are not going to bring players in for the sake of it."
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Hammers submit second Chamakh bid
442 Staff - Yesterday, 21:55
FourFourTwo.com
West Ham United are reportedly closing in on the signing of in-demand Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh, after making an improved bid for the front-man. The Moroccan international, who has netted 15 times for his country, has been linked with a move to the Premier League throughout the close-season. His 13 goals last term helped secure a first league title in 10 years for les Girondins, but Chamakh has made no secret of his desire to leave the Stade Chaban Delmas. He has previously claimed to have agreed terms with Sunderland, Fulham, Blackburn Rovers and Tottenham Hotspur, while Arsenal are now believed to have withdrawn their interest in the striker after refusing to up their offer of £5 million. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola has already been linked with several high-profile forwards this summer, including Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen, Inter Milan's Mario Balotelli and Bayern Munich talisman Luca Toni, as he bids to bolster his front-line.
And according to the Telegraph, Bordeaux will accept an €8.2 million offer from the Hammers for Chamakh, with the French champions keen to receive a respectable fee for his services after the striker hinted that he will depart for free next summer when his contract expires. The report claims that West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury is due to fly to France to finalise an agreement with both the club and player, who has already netted three times in his opening two Ligue 1 fixtures this season. James Collins' expected switch from West Ham to Stoke City for around £3.5 million will help finance the deal.
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West Ham star rejects Stoke move due to pay demands
Last modified 23:23 18/08/09 By Alan Nixon
The Mirror
Stoke City boss Tony Pulis is reeling after missing out on West Ham centre half James Collins - who walked out on talks over personal terms yesterday. Welsh international Collins was at the Britannia Stadium after a £5 million fee was agreed but he could not sort out a wage deal and left the Potteries without signing. Pulis is stunned as Collins's move - along with a swoop for Middlesbrough's Robert Huth - are key to his planning for the season ahead. The Stoke chief wants the pair, but financial restictions are hurting him, with Collins joining Cameroon star Stephane M'Bia in failing to agree terms. Frustrated Pulis has had no problem agreeing prices for his targets but Stoke are reluctant to pay the wages being demanded by the men they want and that is leaving them with a lost of transfer failures.
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James Snubs Stoke Switch
The Sun
Published: Today
JAMES COLLINS has rejected a £5million move from West Ham to Stoke. The Hammers agreed a fee with their Premier League rivals and sent the Wales international centre-back to the Britannia Stadium to discuss personal terms. But Collins, who is 26 on Sunday, could not agree terms and rejected the deal. West Ham insist their improved £6.5m bid for Bordeaux's Morocco striker Marouane Chamakh is not dependent on selling Collins.
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Toni agent lambasts imposter
442 Staff - Today, 01:00
Four FourTwo.com
The genuine agent of Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni has threatened to take legal action against an imposter who has been speaking to the media regarding the Italian front-man's future at the Allianz Arena. The 32-year-old has netted 38 league goals in just 56 outings for the German giants since arriving in 2007, having bagged 47 and 50 league goals for previous clubs Fiorentina and Palermo respectively. However, the prolific Italian is believed to be concerned about his first-team opportunities at the Allianz Arena in 2009/10 following the arrival of new coach Louis van Gaal and strikers Mario Gomez and Ivica Olic. And as a result, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham have been linked with a move for the front-man, with Hammers' boss Gianfranco Zola desperate to bolster his forward line before the end of the month. Jose Alberti, claiming to be Toni's agent, recently revealed that the striker was close to sealing a return to his homeland by signing for Roma.
However, Tullio Tinti has since announced that he is Toni's one and only representative, and that there have been no negotiations regarding a transfer for the Italian.
"I don't know Jose Alberti. The player's affairs are managed only by me," he said. "Alberti's words are untrue and I distrust this person, who I don't know, to talk about a situation which does not concern him. "Should he continue, I'll use legal action. A person who presents himself as a manager of a person who they don't represent damages their credibility. "At this moment, there are no negotiations. "Luca is a Bayern Munich player and he's currently recovering from an inflamed tendon."
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West Ham legend Dicks hits out at Lucas Neill
By DANNY GRIFFITHS - Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Metro.co.uk
West Ham legend Julian Dicks has launched a scathing attack on current Hammers defender Lucas Neill for his lack of loyalty to his old club. Neill has been linked with a move away from Upton Park with Sunderland interested in signing the Australia international although it is possible he will stay with the East Enders. But Dicks is fuming that Neill even considered quitting Gianfranco Zola's team and said: 'Lucas Neill looks like he will re-sign for West Ham after seemingly ending his stay at the club in a row over money. Is it me, or am I missing something here? He's 31. Hardly in his prime but he does a job at right back. 'He gives the team a bit of steel. He's an uncompromising figure and knows the Premier League very well. But he's 31! I am told he was offered a two or three-year deal with the Hammers on about £40,000 a week. The word is that he was on £75,000 a week and was obviously unhappy at the reduced wages. But, come on, £40,000 a week! It's time he showed the club a little loyalty. I can understand that every player must look out for himself financially and I know only too well that a career can be a short one but £40,000 a week for the next couple of years ain't bad, is it?' And Dicks, who has been linked with the manager's job at Cambridge United as he seeks to further his young career as a boss, added: 'I used to earn £650 a week and thought I was rich! 'Mr Neill needs to get a reality check. As I have said, he is 31 not 35. Presumably he has come round to the idea as I am told he will re-sign and he is a solid right-back and will do a job for us. And we certainly need players who can do their jobs if we are to better the ninth spot in the league last season.' Dicks believes Zola is the right man to keep the Hammers afloat while they suffer during their current financial difficulties. 'With clubs such as Manchester City throwing money around like confetti, Everton, Villa and Spurs all in the race for higher league placings, it is going to be tough for Gianfranco Zola and Steve Clarke but, believe me, they are up for the job,' the former Liverpool star insisted. 'I like what they are doing down at Upton Park and enjoy the style of play they insist upon.'
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West Ham and Zola are not heading for a parting of the ways because they each need the other
By Darren Lewis
The Mirror
Last modified 13:16 18/08/09
Fortunately Gianfranco Zola is keeping his head while all about him are losing theirs. Somewhere, at some stage, the myth has been perpetuated that the West Ham boss is on a short fuse, seething as the club sell players from under him. Burning with rage as the West Ham hierarchy plot behind his back like Duke and Duke in Trading Places.
Ready to stamp his feet and stomp out in a hissy fit, fighting back tears at having the rug pulled from under him. Yet nothing could be further from the truth.
The banks do indeed need to be kept happy but Straumur, who have a 70 per cent stake in West Ham's parent company CB Holding, have a moratorium on debt payments in place until December and are under no obligation to hand over funds to their creditors. The West Ham team, however, are in desperate need of a striker, so Stoke being willing to stump up the £5million for defender James Collins keeps everybody happy. Zola desperately needs a new striker with Dean Ashton's injury seemingly never-ending and Carlton Cole the only fit forward at the club. There are grave doubts about the ability of African striker Savio to cope with the intensity of Premier League football, while Junior Stanislas is seen very much as one for the future along with the exciting young ex-Chelsea star, Frank Nouble. But the Bordeaux striker Maroune Chamakh is a different prospect altogether, as is Eidur Gudjohnsen and also Bayern's Luca Toni, who is still scoring goals for Italy at 32.
More to the point, if Zola is to succeed as a Premier League manager, these are the choppy waters through which he has to navigate the West Ham ship. When another Italian, Gianluca Vialli, tasted the realities of English football at Watford, away from the riches of the Champions League at Chelsea, he couldn't cope. Yet Zola has gone into the situation at West Ham with his eyes wide open. But knowing that it could be the making of him as a top-flight manager. For him it is a benefit that he is working with hungry young players rather than at a club top-loaded with expensive has-been mercenaries. For him it is a benefit that the club are sensibly working on loan deals for players with mileage on the clock and points to prove, rather than much-vaunted misfits whose lack of talent is disguised by their exploits in inferior leagues. For Zola it is a huge benefit that his most significant acquisition is someone else hungry to eventually make a name for himself in management - Steve Clarke. Because between them, they know that if they make this work, it will enhance their managerial CV's to such a degree that their stock will go through the roof. In short, while the talk has been about fears that Zola will walk, the much-loved Italian is well aware that he needs West Ham as much West Ham needs him.
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Cascarino: He reminds me a little of Paul Scholes
Sport.co.uk
Author: Ben Moss
Posted on:18 August 2009 - 14:09
The former Aston Villa and Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino believes West Ham star Mark Noble could be called up to Fabio Capello's squad before long, as he reminds the Republic of Ireland legend as Manchester United's Paul Scholes. The colourful football pundit suggests Noble would offer a different option from others already in the squad.
Cascarino told the Times: "Mark Noble could get an England call-up before long." "He's a talented lad who's just that bit different from England's other midfield options." He added: "He reminds me a little of Paul Scholes, but he needs to emulate Scholes's ability to come up with important goals." "Saturday's strike against Wolves was a good start."
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West Ham won't up contract offer to Neill
18.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United have returned to talks with Australia captain Lucas Neill.The Sun says West Ham still hope to re-sign last season's captain Neill but are refusing to improve the personal terms recently offered to the out-of-contract right-back. The Australia international's delay in sorting out a new club would suggest he would prefer to stay at Upton Park but neither side is backing down in negotiations so far.
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West Ham willing to go to £7M for Bordeaux's Chamakh
18.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United will up their bid to £7 million for Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh. The Sun says the Moroccan, 25, was a target of Arsenal this summer but Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has refused to budge over the £5m mark for a player in the final year of his contract. A move could be tied up later today after West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury travelled to France to meet representatives of the player and the Ligue 1 champions. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola is having to make some tough decisions about his existing squad in order to bring in new faces.
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West Ham turn to Roma attacker Baptista
18.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United are eyeing Roma attacking midfielder Julio Baptista. The Mirror says the powerful Brazilian is just 12 months into a four-year contract at the Italian club but the club are willing to sacrifice him to free up some cash to strengthen their squad. West Ham's striker crisis means they are scouring Europe for reinforcements up front but their cash crisis means they could only afford a loan deal. Roma are more interested in a straight cash deal rather than a loan deal for the 27-year-old who moved to the club for £8million last summer.
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Forest boss Davies confirms interest for West Ham's Davenport
18.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies has confirmed interest in West Ham United defender Calum Davenport. It is a possibility," Davies told the Nottingham Evening Post. "Davenport is a name we have thought about. "I am sitting down with my staff and putting together names to put to the board to recommend we should bring in. "Let me say again, we will make sure that we are getting good value and that we are getting the right type of player. "We are not going to bring players in for the sake of it."
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West Ham's Boa Morte fears missing season
18.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United midfielder Luis Boa Morte fears he's out for the season. He suffered cruciate knee ligament damage playing against Spurs during the Asia Trophy in Beijing last month. Boa Morte, 32, had originally hoped to be back in the New Year. But he revealed: "I believe this season has completely gone for me. "I thought it was a serious injury as I have never felt such pain in my entire life."
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Barcelona's Gudjohnsen pricing himself out of West Ham move
18.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen is pricing himself out of a move to West Ham United. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola has confirmed a push to reunite himself with his former Chelsea teammate. But the Daily Mail says for Gudjohnsen, who is available for about £5m, matching his £60,000-a-week wages would prove difficult.
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West Ham board confident Zola happy
18.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United insist manager Gianfranco Zola is happy at the club. The Daily Mail says reports have been dismissed that Zola was on the brink of quitting after being told he must sell key players to ease the financial worries of West Ham's majority stake holder, Straumur. Zola met West Ham's board two weeks ago and accepted that any recruitment would have to be funded by player sales. At present it would seem unlikely that Matthew Upson will be one such sale but a bid in excess of £15m would be hard to resist. Any cash from transfers would be reinvested in the team as Straumur, who have a 70 per cent stake in West Ham's parent company CB Holding, have a moratorium on debt payments in place until December and are under no obligation to hand over funds to their creditors.
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