Daily WHUFC News - Calum Davenport

West Ham United statement
WHUFC.com
The club's thoughts are with Calum Davenport and his family after an
incident late on Friday night
22.08.2009

West Ham United can confirm that Calum Davenport was being treated in
hospital on Saturday afternoon after an incident late on Friday night. The
26-year-old defender and his mum both suffered stab wounds at home in
Bedford. His mum is recovering while Calum underwent surgery this morning
and his injuries were described as serious by doctors.
The club's medical team are in contact with hospital staff. The thoughts of
everyone at West Ham are with Calum and his family and, due to the ongoing
police investigation, no further information will be released at this time.

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Two held over footballer stabbing
BBC.co.uk

Two men have been arrested over the stabbing of West Ham United footballer
Calum Davenport and his mother, police have said. Mr Davenport, 26, had
emergency surgery on both legs following the attack at their home in
Kempston, near Bedford. A 25-year-old man has been arrested in Derby on
suspicion of attempted murder, and is being brought to Bedford, Bedfordshire
Police said. A man, 19, who was arrested earlier, remains in police custody.
Police said the mother and son were set upon in the early hours in
Springfield Avenue. West Ham said its thoughts were with the player and his
family. Mr Davenport is reportedly being treated at Bedford Hospital South
Wing, with his girlfriend Zoe at his bedside.
A West Ham spokesman said Mr Davenport's mother, 49, was recovering but the
player was in a serious condition. The road has been cordoned off as police
carry out house-to-house inquiries and a forensic examination of the scene.
Ann Desics, 61, who lives in Springfield Avenue, said she was woken by
people arguing in the road outside the house shortly before 0500 BST. "I
just thought it was people passing by but then the ambulances came," she
said. "I didn't see the incident, I just heard all this shouting. The main
person shouting had a very strong Caribbean accent."
She added that the street was cordoned off for some time after Mr Davenport
was taken to hospital and there was "quite a lot" of blood on the road.
Another neighbour said: "The police would not tell us what was going on, but
I saw a lot of blood." A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said:
"There was some sort of row early this morning.
"We heard some shouting. He was stabbed in the leg several times. His mum
was there and was attacked as well."
The former England under-21 international defender joined West Ham from
Tottenham for £3m in 2007. He did not figure in West Ham's first game of the
season at Wolves last week and had been linked to a move away from the club
after struggling to maintain a first-team place. He had a spell on loan at
Sunderland last season and has also played for Coventry City. He also had
loan spells at Norwich City and Southampton while at Tottenham. A West Ham
spokesman said: "The club's medical team are in contact with hospital staff.
"The thoughts of everyone at West Ham are with Calum and his family and, due
to the on-going investigation, no further information will be released."

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Davenport 'serious' after stabbing
Hammers defender undergoes surgery following incident
Last updated: 22nd August 2009
SSN

West Ham defender Calum Davenport has undergone surgery after suffering
serious stab wounds. The 26-year-old and his mother were involved in an
incident late on Friday night at his home in Bedford. They were taken to
hospital and Davenport's injuries to both his legs required surgery on
Saturday morning, while is mother is reported to be recovering. The Hammers
have released a brief statement on their official website and are in
continuous contact with the hospital where Davenport is being treated. The
statement read: "West Ham United can conform that Calum Davenport was being
treated in hospital on Saturday afternoon after an incident late on Friday
night. "The 26-year-old defender and his mum both suffered stab wounds at
home in Bedford. "His mum is recovering while Calum underwent surgery this
morning and his injuries were described as serious by doctors. "The club's
medical team are in contact with hospital staff. "The thoughts of everyone
at West Ham are with Calum and his family and, due to the ongoing police
investigation, no further information will be released at this time."
A 25-year-old man was later arrested in Derby on suspicion of attempted
murder by detectives investigating the stabbing of Davenport and his mother.
Bedfordshire Police said the man was due to be escorted to Bedford for
questioning.A spokeswoman for the force said a 19-year-old man arrested
earlier remains in custody in the town's Greyfriars police station.

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Davenport 'lucky to be alive'
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 22nd August 2009
By: Staff Writer

Calum Davenport is understood to have received multiple stab wounds in the
attack which could have killed him last night. According to a source, the
Hammers defender is thought to have sustained a series of injuries - to both
legs, his groin and his neck - during the frenzied attack which is said to
have taken place at his home in Bedford last night.
The former England under-21 is understood to have intervened in a row
between a family member and a close acquaintance during a evening out in
Bedford last night. It is said that the row esculated at the family home
which ended up with both Davenport and his mother receiving numerous knife
wounds. The 26-year-old centre half - who has only recently recovered from a
broken neck sustained whilst playing for Watford (on loan) last season - was
initially placed on the critical list but is thought to be responding well
to treatment at Bedford Hospital, despite being told that he is lucky to be
alive. As mentioned in our earlier report, a 19-year-old man is helping
police with enquiries. A 25-year-old has since been arrested in connection
with the attack, which is being treated as attempted murder.

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Footballer Davenport stabbed at home
Independent.co.uk
Saturday, 22 August 2009

A teenager was being quizzed by detectives tonight after a Premier League
footballer was stabbed in both legs in a "bloody" attack at his family home.
Doctors said West Ham United defender Calum Davenport, 26, was in a serious
condition after being set upon along with his mother at their property in
Bedford late last night. The 26-year-old, who was a multi-million pound
signing and an England Under 21 international, underwent emergency surgery
this morning. His mother is thought to have suffered lesser injuries.
Neighbours on leafy Springfield Avenue described "noisy" scenes before
emergency services arrived. A 19-year-old man was arrested later and taken
into custody. Ann Desics, who lives in Springfield Avenue, said she was
woken up by people arguing in the road outside the footballer's mother's
house shortly before 5am. "I just thought it was people passing by but then
the ambulances came," she said. "I didn't see the incident, I just heard all
this shouting. "The main person shouting had a very strong Caribbean accent.
"It's an awful thing to happen - I hope he's okay."
Mrs Desics, 61, said the road was cordoned off for some time after Davenport
was taken to hospital while the scene was examined. There was "quite a lot"
of blood on the road, she added. Davenport cost the east London club
£3million when he joined them from Tottenham during the summer of 2007. He
did not figure in West Ham's first game of the season, at Wolves last week,
and, after struggling to hold down a first-team place, has been linked with
a move away from the club. The Hammers said the club's thoughts were with
the family in a statement. It added: "His mum is recovering while Calum
underwent surgery this morning and his injuries were described as serious by
doctors. "The club's medical team are in contact with hospital staff. "The
thoughts of everyone at West Ham are with Calum and his family."
A spokeswoman for Bedfordshire Police said: "Police were called to
Springfield Avenue in Kempston at 5am after a report of a person being
stabbed. "A 26-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment for serious
injury which is not thought to be life-threatening at this time. "A
19-year-old man was arrested shortly after the incident in connection with
the assault. "But the investigation is still ongoing and house to house
inquiries, scenes of crime officers and a cordon are at the scene at this
moment in time."
The teenager was taken into custody for questioning, officers added.
Bedford-born Davenport spent a spell on loan at Premier League rivals
Sunderland last season and has also been loaned out to Watford. The
centre-back started his career at Coventry and has also played on loan at
Southampton and Norwich. A Scotland Yard spokesman said the London force had
been contacted about the attack but was not involved in the investigation. A
resident of the quiet suburban street where the stabbing took place said:
"We are all a bit shocked to tell the truth. "You just don't expect
something like this to happen here, it's a peaceful, quiet spot normally."
Davenport was a "mad keen" footballer from a young age, according to Mrs
Desics, who had known him when she worked as a dinner lady at his primary
school, Camestone.
Mrs Desics said she had not seen him "for years" until his mother moved into
the street around a year ago and Davenport became a regular visitor.

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West Ham's Calum Davenport suffers 'serious' injuries after being stabbed
Calum Davenport's mother also wounded in attack
Two men in police custody related to incident
Mark Townsend guardian.co.uk, Saturday 22 August 2009 16.58 BST

A Premier League footballer has been stabbed in both legs and is described
in a "serious" condition after an attack on him and his mother at their
home. The West Ham central defender Calum Davenport required emergency
surgery today on his injuries after the knife attack in the home in Bedford.
Doctors described the Bedford-born player's injuries as severe, but it is
too early to speculate whether they have curtailed or could damage the
26-year-old's career. His mother was also described by police as being in a
serious condition.
Two men have been taken in to custody in connection with the incident. A
25-year-old man was arrested in Derby on suspicion of attempted murder,
while a 19-year-old man arrested earlier remains in custody, said
Bedfordshire police. Detectives from Scotland Yard have also been notified
of the incident. In addition, West Ham's medical team are liaising with
hospital staff over the extent of the wounds.
A statement by West Ham read: "The club's thoughts are with Calum Davenport
and his family. His mum is recovering while Calum underwent surgery this
morning and his injuries were described as serious by doctors. "The thoughts
of everyone at West Ham are with Calum and his family and, due to the
ongoing police investigation, no further information will be released at
this time."
Davenport is a former England Under-21 international, who cost the Hammers
£3m when he joined them from Tottenham during the summer of 2007. However,
he did not figure in West Ham's first game of the season at Wolves last week
and recent transfer speculation has linked the defender with a £1.5m move to
Nottingham Forest. Davenport spent a spell on loan at Premier League rivals
Sunderland last season and has also been loaned out to Watford. The
centre-back started his career at Coventry and has also played on loan at
Southampton and Norwich. Gianfranco Zola's side are due to play Tottenham
tomorrow.

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West Ham footballer Calum Davenport seriously injured in stabbing attack
The West Ham United footballer Calum Davenport has been seriously injured
after he and his mother were stabbed in an attack at their family home.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Roya Nikkhah
Published: 6:02PM BST 22 Aug 2009

The 26-year-old defender has undergone surgery on both legs after being
attacked at his mother's home in Bedford in the early hours of the morning.
Both he and his mother, Kim Stupple, 49, are described as being in a serious
condition, although their injuries are not thought to be life threatening.
A-level student arrested in murder probe Officers were called to Ms
Stupple's home in the Kempston area of the town, at 5am. Davenport lives
nearby with his wife, Zoey and their daughter, Angel-Skye. Two men, aged 19
and 25, have been arrested in connection with the attack. Sources close to
the footballer said that the attackers were "not unknown" to the family. Ann
Desics, who lives near the scene, said that she was woken up by people
arguing in the road outside the footballer's mother's house shortly before
5am. I just thought it was people passing by but then the ambulances came,"
she said. "I didn't see the incident, I just heard all this shouting. "The
main person shouting had a very strong Caribbean accent. It's an awful thing
to happen - I hope he's okay."
Mrs Desics, 61, said the road was cordoned off for some time after Davenport
was taken to hospital while the scene was examined. There was "quite a lot"
of blood on the road, she added. Davenport was a "mad keen" footballer from
a young age, according to Mrs Desics, who had known him when she worked as a
dinner lady at his primary school, Camestone. Mrs Desics said she had not
seen him "for years" until his mother moved into the street around a year
ago and Davenport became a regular visitor. Another resident of the quiet
suburban street where the stabbing happened, said: "We are all a bit shocked
to tell the truth. You just don't expect something like this to happen here,
it's a peaceful, quiet spot normally."
The man who did not wish to be named added: "You can't get near the house
now, it's all been taped off by the police." Davenport, a centre half for
West Ham, is a former England Under-21 international, who cost the Hammers
£3 million when he joined from Tottenham Hotspurs in 2007. He did not play
in West Ham's first game of the season, against Wolverhampton Wanderers, and
has recently been linked with a move away from Upton Park.
In a statement, the club said: "The thoughts of everyone at West Ham are
with Calum and his family." Born in Bedford, Davenport spent a spell on loan
at Premier League rivals Sunderland last season and has also been loaned out
to Watford. The centre-back started his career at Coventry and has also
played on loan at Southampton and Norwich. Last year, while on loan to
Watford, Davenport broke his neck after a collision with two other players
during a match with Charlton Athletic.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 22nd August 2009

Zola loving the challenge
WHUFC.com
The manager is happy with his lot and would not swap his team for any other at home or abroad
22.08.2009

Gianfranco Zola has emphasised his faith in his West Ham United squad on the eve of the derby meeting with table-topping Tottenham Hotspur.

The manager has every confidence his players can build on the fine opening-day win at Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend when they welcome Spurs on Sunday and said the positive atmosphere was not just down to himself. Certainly the attempts to improve the squad and lay the foundations for future success rely on cooperation at every level.

"I have had a perfect understanding with [CEO] Scott Duxbury and [technical director] Gianluca Nani. We work very well. All that you see here is a creation of all of us. It is not just me or Steve Clarke or whatever. It is a creation of everybody.

"It has been a very good relationship and I have trust. If we do anything it is just because we would like to try and reinforce the team and it will be done all together."

Clearly focused only on making it six points out of six, Zola said his main role was to coach and pick a side capable of challenging every week. He added: "That is what I want to do. If someone has to be sold or bought they ask me … but I don't want to interfere in other things. I believe my main strength is to work on players out on the pitch."

The manager is fast approaching a year in the Hammers hot-seat and has revealed he would not swap his squad for any other in the game. The response came in answer to a question about whether he was envious of managers, like his opposite number this weekend, who have had significant resources to spend in recent months.

"I am not jealous of Harry Redknapp," he said. "I do admire him, I do respect him. He has done a great job and has a good team but I wouldn't change my team with any other team.

"I like my players, I trust them. They are improving. They are working hard they are doing everything to be successful and I admire these qualities in the players."

Zola admitted that he was not a big fan of the transfer window and was clear that he has faith in the players that have served him so well since his first day at Chadwell Heath on 15 September 2008. "If we are all fit we can compete with anybody, I could write that team down but the problem is in the Premier League you have got 38 games to play plus the cup.

"It is a very competitive and condensed schedule so you can't rely on them all the time plus in the team we have players that have been coming back from a long time out injured. Kieron Dyer and Danny Gabbidon are like that so you can't really expect that they are going to play 40 or 50 games."

Along with Dyer and Gabbidon, who are being treated carefully on their return to regular action, Zola could have Valon Behrami back in first-team contention by early September. Herita Ilunga's fractured jaw will keep him out for at least Sunday's game though but the manager has not been surprised by his resilient attitude.

"Herita should have been in bed but he was here today working around us. He is a very determined and strong guy. I wouldn't be surprised to see him coming back earlier."

Injuries naturally give chances for others and the manager is predicting one or two unexpected gems to emerge from the Academy or elsewhere this season. "We have some young players that are doing very well and we have some others that might be surprises but among them we have some certainties.

"My duty is to try and rely on the resources that I have got and try to make the best out of that. The challenge for me is to do the best I can with these players."

New faces may well arrive sooner rather than later though to give extra options with Zola admitting "we are trying to reinforce the team and in order to do that we might need some other operations. That is the idea, it is as simple as that".

While he would love to bid for a Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi, he is realistic and more than content.

"The project was to work on this team and make it better and improve the players and also to allow the possibility for young players [to come through]. Last year it worked very well, this year we want to improve. We are trying very hard and it is not finished yet. We will see what happens in the next few days."

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Ilunga out for a month
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 21st August 2009
By: Staff Writer

Herita Ilunga has been ruled out of action for around a month with a fractured jaw. The Congolese left-back was involved in a sickening clash of heads with Wolves' Kevin Foley during last weekend's Premier League clash and was immediately substituted. Ilunga - who appeared in some distress at the time, having rose immediately to his feet following the challenge before collapsing again seconds later - had hoped that the diagnosis would be nothing more than serious concussion. However his worst fears were confirmed as it was revealed that he had indeed suffered a fractured jaw. The news was confirmed by whufc.com this afternoon, who said: "The left-back was initially thought to have escaped relatively unhurt from a clash of heads at Wolves but subsequent examination by club doctors and further tests revealed the extent of his problem."

Ilunga is set to be replaced by Jonathan Spector, who despite being naturally right-sided has featured at left-back for the Hammers on several occasions - most notably at Old Trafford on the day West Ham secured their Premiership survival with a 1-0 win back in May 2007. Other challengers for the role are new signing Fabio Daprela - who featured in a behind-closed-doors win at Watford in midweek - although Gianfranco Zola is thought to favour a more gentle introduction for the youngster. Also in the frame is Danny Gabbidon, who could switch from centre half.

The games Ilunga could miss

Sunday, 23rd August: Tottenham (h) Premier League
Tuesday, 25th August: Millwall (h) Carling Cup 2nd Round
Saturday, 29th August: Blackburn (a) Premier League
Saturday, 12th September: Wigan (a) Premier League
Saturday, 19th September: Liverpool (h) Premier League
w/c 21st September: Carling Cup 3rd Round

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Goldie's looking again
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 21st August 2009
By: Staff Writer

David Gold is the latest name to be linked with the potential purchase of West Ham United FC. Gold, the current Chairman of Birmingham City has, according to reports, agreed to sell his 50% stake in the Blues to Hong Kong businessman Carsen Yeung, who has long been linked with a move for City. That sale is likely to boost Gold's personal coffers by around £40million - a figure, which it is claimed, the 72-year-old entrepreneur is set to reinvest in the Hammers - a club he once held a 30% stake in. Talking about a rumoured bid for the Hammers last week, he said: "Does it surprise me that there's speculation? I've had great ties as a young man [to West Ham] and as a boy. I played for them as a boy, so it's not surprising. "I did, at one time, own 30% of the football club along with my partner, David Sullivan. All of my young life I spent there, so I'll always have an affiliation with West Ham until the day I die - I can't not have that."
Gold, born in East London during the 1930's to a poor family once harboured hopes of playing for his beloved West Ham as a pro but, according to his autobiography, was prevented from doing so by his father. Along with his stake in Birmingham City, he is head of Gold Group International, the parent company of such famous brands as Ann Summers and Knickerbox. CB Holdings, the group set up to control West Ham United in the wake of Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson's departure have publically maintained that they will sell the club once a reasonable price could be obtained. That price has however deterred any interested parties up to this point - much to the frustration of the club's supporters and, no doubt, the management team of Gianfranco Zola and Steve Clarke, who have been forced to work on a shoestring as a result of zero investment and disappearing transfer receipts.

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Zola rejects 'quit' rumours
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 21st August 2009
By: Staff Writer

Gianfranco Zola has scotched the latest batch of rumours suggesting that he may be ready to quit West Ham. Zola, talking ahead of this weekend's clash with Tottenham was speaking in the wake of a string of stories suggesting that he would walk due to the board's failure to invest in his playing squad this summer. Not so, according to the normally placid Italian - who also told reporters that rumours of impending sales were wide of the mark. "There has a lot of talk about that but it's not true," he said. "I know the club is working and trying to make the team better but we are short. I haven't threatened the club that I would leave. It is not true. "We're not really under pressure to sell players. Not for the moment. As far as I know, we are trying to reinforce the team. If we do anything, it is because we'd like to reinforce the team - it's as simple as that." "So far at this club I have a perfect understanding with Scott Duxberry and Gianluca Nani - we work very well [together]. All that you see here is a creation of all of us. It's a very good relationship and I trust this relationship."
However Zola warned that should the club go behind his back with regards to making decisions over his players - as is said to have happened with his predecessor Alan Curbishley - his stance would almost certainly alter. "If something happens and I am not called to be asked, then it is going to be a different story," he warned. "But then I will tell you. "To clarify, I have been brought here to work on the pitch. That is my main concern. That is what I have been doing for 11 months. That is what I want to do. "If someone has to be sold or bought, they ask me."

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So long, Marouane
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 21st August 2009
By: Staff Writer

Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh has told French media that he will not be joining West Ham United. The Moroccan international, speaking in an interview with French TV station France 3 Aquitaine earlier this evening revealed that he has rejected the opportunity to join the Hammers, after United's latest bid of around £7million was apparently accepted by his club.: "I have chosen my current club over a move to England, " he said. "I'd prefer to remain with Bordeaux rather than go to West Ham."
The player - whose contract expires a year from now, meaning that he will be able to negotiate with interested parties as early as January 2010 - had previously expressed his interest in moving to East London but appears to have had a change of heart since last speaking to the press 48 hours ago. Chamakh's rejection was predicted last night by Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc, who insisted that he would remain at the club despite strong in terest from United, for whom the search for that elusive striker continues. * Elsewhere Icelandic striker Eidur Gudjohnsen is set to announce his new club by early next week. The Hammers, who have long courted the former Chelsea star are thought to be one of the front runners.

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Liverpool join Upson tug of war
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 21st August 2009
By: Staff Writer

Liverpool are the latest club being linked with a move for West Ham's Matthew Upson. According to today's Irish Independent, The cash-strapped Reds were reported to be readying a £15million bid for the England defender before the club's banks refused to sanction the deal due to the size of the fee and Upson's age. Rumours claiming that Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez had left his post as a result of the financial situation at the club spread like widlfire earlier on Wednesday - something that was proved to be wide of the mark when he scotched reports later that day.
It was claimed by several sources yesterday that Aston Villa were set to make a bid for 30-year-old Upson, although that has thus far failed to materialise. West Ham are understood to be holding out for around £15million for a player who has thus far refused to extend his current contract, which has two years left to run. Villa have also been linked with United's James Collins, although once again no concrete bid has been made. Stoke failed to land Collins earlier in the week despite having a £3.5million + bonuses bid accepted by West Ham. Elsewhere today the Daily Record suggest that West Ham may be tempted into a deadline-day move for Celtic striker Georgios Samaras. The out-of-favour forward was a £2million signing from Manchester City, where he bombed following a £6million switch from Dutch club Heerenveen. The Record claim that West Ham 'have made discreet enquiries' into his availability.

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Zola calls for end to hostilities
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 21st August 2009
By: Staff Writer

Gianfranco Zola has called upon West Ham supporters to stop booing former Hammer Frank Lampard. Zola, who featured alongside Lampard at Stamford Bridge towards the end of his playing career called the booing 'unproductive', adding that it was time for it to cease. "Obviously, I will always have a special place in my heart for Chelsea," he said. "The reception I had from the fans at Stamford Bridge when I went back as West Ham manager last season was amazing. "It would be good if others supporters could look at that and realise booing old players is not so productive. Maybe the West Ham fans will continue to boo Frank Lampard as they tend to do, but I think it is time to stop all of this.
"If someone takes a different career path, you have to accept it - and I hope everyone does this with Frank and me from now on."

The United boss, talking ahead of this weekend's visit of high-flying Tottenham also insisted that he is still enjoying his challenge in East London - although he admitted that the constraints imposed upon him as a result of the club's parlous financial situation were proving a major 'disadvantage'. "The idea when I came here was that this would be a club to discover fresh, young talent and build it into a great team," added Zola. "Obviously a lot of things have happened off the field since we [initially] spoke about this project and we will have to wait to see if the rules are still the same. At this moment, I believe they are. This was never about spending £20million to sign the best players in the world as that will never be possible for West Ham. The reason I'm here is because I like the project. I'm not here to make lots of money or to try and become the manager of Chelsea, Manchester United or Real Madrid; I just want to work on a project that appeals to me. "We do not have the financial power of our rivals, but it is interesting to test ourselves against them on the pitch with this disadvantage. The exciting thing is we have proved we can compete."

Zola takes his team into Sunday's derby with a dismal record of played three, lost three, scored none against our nearest Premier League neighbours. In December last year goals from Ledley King and Jamie O'Hara saw Spurs secure a 2-0 win at The Boleyn, whilst a 65th minute Roman Pavlyuchenko strike was enough to take all three points for Tottenham in the return fixture back in April.

Last month the two teams met in China for the semi-final of the Asia Cup which was won by a 75th minute strike from former Hammer Jermain Defoe. The diminutive striker, who left West Ham under a cloud in February 2004 followed up a recent brace for England with a hat-trick at Hull in midweek and will be the main threat to Zola's side.

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Zola eyes bright future at Upton Park
By Kevin Palmer
ESPN.com
August 21, 2009

Gianfranco Zola is doing his best to dispel the myth that good guys cannot succeed in the harsh world of Premier League management. The Italian has impressed in the hotseat.
It is hard to find anyone who has a bad word to say about the little Italian, whose cheeky smile and boyish enthusiasm for the sport he mastered as a player looks set to continue into what may soon be hailed as a successful coaching career.

A top-half finish in his first season as West Ham boss represented a fine achievement and he has already pocketed his first win of the new campaign after a hard-fought victory at Wolves last weekend, yet this is a tale that few would have predicted 12 months ago.

Given his status as a Chelsea legend and West Ham supporters' long-standing aversion to all things associated with Stamford Bridge Blue, Zola was a surprise candidate to take over as Hammers boss following the departure of Alan Curbishley last September.

It meant he had less time than he might have expected to win over his doubters and he did that by introducing a brand of attractive football the Upton Park regulars claimed they had not seen during Curbishley's turbulent stint as manager. Quite simply, West Ham fans demand passing football and Zola has given them just that.

His long-term plan is clearly defined. Turn West Ham into the new home for the world's brightest young football talents and build a squad to replace the potentially magical team that has passed through the club over the last decade.

Joe Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Jermain Defoe, Michael Carrick and Frank Lampard have all emerged through the West Ham ranks in recent years before achieving success elsewhere, so the plan being carried out by Zola and trusted assistant Steve Clarke was merely to continue in the long-standing traditions of the club.

However, the duo could not have anticipated a global economic crisis that has hit West Ham harder than most sporting institutions. With the Icelandic backers of the club, the very men who had promised to finance Zola's vision, running into severe cash flow problems, the manager admits his patience with the project he has started in such promising fashion may need to be extended beyond his original timescale.

"The idea when I came here was that this would be a club to discover fresh, young talent and build it into a great team," begins the 43-year-old who quit his job within the Italian Under-21 set-up to take over at Upton Park. "Obviously, a lot of things have happened off the field since we spoke about this project and we will have to wait to see if the rules are still the same. At this moment, I believe they are.

"This was never about spending £20m to sign the best players in the world as that will never be possible for West Ham. The reason I'm here is because I like the project. I'm not here to make lots of money or to try and become the manager of Chelsea, Manchester United or Real Madrid. I just want to work on a project that appeals to me.

"I will be the first one to hold up my hands and say I made a mistake to come West Ham and I'm not good enough to do the job if it does not work out. At the moment, I won't think so negatively as my aim is to finish the job we have only just started."

Rumour has it that West Ham are under financial pressure to sell star defender Matthew Upson before the transfer window closes at the end of the month, but Zola has to put such worrying rumours to one side as he prepares for Sunday's ESPN televised game against old foes Tottenham.

Having done a fine job of ignoring the boardroom unrest at Upton Park so far, Zola now has to push the club on to the next level and his summer captures of Swiss youngster Fabio Daprela and Chilean midfielder Luis Jimenez suggested he is still being given funds, albeit at modest levels, to carry out the original scheme.

Whether Zola has the raw materials to finish in the top half of the Premier League this term remains to be seen, but there will be those who believe his next logical step will be a defection back to the club where his heart may always lie should he continue to defy logic and push the Hammers forward with little or no money behind him.

Such was the love affair Zola enjoyed with Chelsea that many suspect he is destined to take the managerial hot-seat at Stamford Bridge at some stage in his career, yet the Blues icon insists that chapter of his football career has been closed.

"West Ham took a gamble when they gave me the chance to become their manager and I will stay here as long as the conditions remain the same and they still want me," he said. "The West Ham people have been so nice to me and I owe them something in return.

"Obviously, I will always have a special place in my heart for Chelsea. The reception I had from the fans at Stamford Bridge when I went back as West Ham manager last season was amazing and it would be good if others supporters could look at that and realise booing old players is not so productive.

"Maybe the West Ham fans will continue to boo Frank Lampard as they tend to do, but I think it is time to stop all of this. If someone takes a different career path, you have to accept it and I hope everyone does this with Frank and me from now on.

"I enjoy the challenge I have at West Ham. I have already lasted a little longer in the job than some people expected and hope to be here for much longer. We do not have the financial power of our rivals, but it is interesting to test ourselves against them on the pitch with this disadvantage. The exciting thing is we have proved we can compete."

As Zola returns to the Upton Park touchline on Sunday for a game against a Tottenham side West Ham fans have long loathed with a passion, it is hard to imagine this placid, polite man being anything less than a gentleman before, during and after a game.

Touchline scuffles with managers or dressing room dust-ups with his players are never likely to be the way for flyweight Franco, but he claims to have a sterner side hidden within. "I was successful as a player because I followed my own path and I will never tell experienced professionals that they need to be like me," he adds. "I always tried to have control of my emotions and wanted to make sure I was always a good professional, but not everyone is born like me.

"I have an angry side to my personality, but it's better that the public do not see it. My attitude has always been that getting angry is not a good plan because you lose control. You have to remain focused on the job and this will not be possible if you are running around screaming at people."

The days of football managers at top clubs needing to succeed in a bid to put food on the table for their families are long gone, so it may be that the modern breed of coaches will bring the same calm and composed logic that Zola has with them into the job. When you are a millionaire, before you start a new job, sporting ambition can be placed firmly ahead of personal fortunes.

Time will tell whether Zola's promising start as a Premier League manager can flourish into something more productive, but you can be assured that the Italian will do it all with his trademark smile permanently etched on his face.

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20090821 Chamakh snubs Hammers
Striker prepared to spend the 2009/10 campaign in France
By Chris Burton Last updated: 21st August 2009
SSN

Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh has ruled out the possibility of him securing a move to West Ham. Speculation had been mounting of late that the Hammers were looking to land the Moroccan frontman in an effort to ease their attacking problems. With a number of forwards currently sidelined, Gianfranco Zola was known to be keen on Chamakh.
He will, however, be unable to bring the African ace on board as the player has distanced himself from a proposed switch to Upton Park. "From a sporting point of view, I prefer to stay at Bordeaux than go to West Ham," Chamakh told France 3 Aquitaine.
The 25-year-old also told of how he is still "in the process of mourning Arsenal" after intense speculation regarding a move to the Gunners this summer came to nothing.
He insists he is now looking forward to spending the 2009/10 campaign in France and helping Bordeaux defend their Ligue 1 title. "Instead of joining another Premier League club, I'm going to opt for the very interesting year which Bordeaux is proposing on a sporting level," he said. Finally, he dismissed suggestions that he is planning an imminent trip to London to meet with West Ham officials. "This is just nonsense. I was aware of the West Ham rumours recently but it wasn't a priority," he added.

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Zola refutes quit talk
Hammers boss happy in current role
By Chris Burton Last updated: 21st August 2009
SSN

Gianfranco Zola insists he has no intention of quitting West Ham following speculation regarding his future. The Italian was reported to be weighing up his options after being informed that he would be forced to part with key players. The Hammers' Icelandic owners were said to be keen on trimming the Upton Park squad in an effort to ease their financial woes. Zola, though, claims he has been told of no such demands and is adamant that sales will only be sanctioned if they are beneficial to all concerned. "There has a lot of talk about that (quitting). It's not true," he said. "I know the club is working and trying to make the team better but we are short. "I haven't threatened the club that I would leave. It is not true. "We're not really under pressure to sell players. Not for the moment. As far as I know, we are trying to reinforce the team. "If we do anything, it is because we'd like to reinforce the team - as simple as that."
Zola went on to reveal that he enjoys a positive working relationship with West Ham's sporting director Gianluca Nani and chief executive Scott Duxberry, the men in charge of transfer activity at the East End club. "So far at this club I have a perfect understanding with Scott Duxberry and Gianluca Nani - we work very well," he said. "All that you see here is a creation of all of us. It's a very good relationship and I trust this relationship. "If something happens and I am not called to be asked, then it is going to be a different story but then I will tell you. "To clarify it completely, I have been brought here to work on the pitch. That is my main concern. "That is what I have been doing for 11 months. That is what I want to do. If someone has to be sold or bought, they ask me. "I don't want to interfere in other things because I believe my main strength is working out there with the players."

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Collins urged to join Stoke
Etherington hopes West Ham defender makes Potters switch
Last updated: 21st August 2009
SSN

Matthew Etherington admits he has been trying to persuade James Collins to make the move to Stoke. The Potters are interested in signing the Welsh defender from West Ham and the two clubs agreed a fee of around £5million earlier this week. The deal stalled over personal terms but Tony Pulis remains hopeful of bringing Collins to the Britannia Stadium. Etherington would also like the transfer to go ahead and has recommended Stoke to his former Hammers team-mate "I'm very good friends with James and I've kept in touch with him ever since leaving West Ham," Etherington told The Sentinel. "He was up at the weekend with me when I told him about everything here at Stoke. I spoke highly of the club, but at the end of the day it's down to him."
Collins has established himself as a key member of the Wales side as well as the West Ham team and Etherington is convinced he would be successful for Stoke. He added: "I don't really know what the situation is at the moment between Stoke and James but he would definitely be a great addition for us if we can sign him. "He's an international centre-half with great attributes and he would certainly provide great competition in there at centre-half alongside Ryan (Shawcross) and Abdoulaye (Faye). "As I say, the decision is down to him, but of course I hope he joins us because he will definitely strengthen the squad."

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Boselli interest mounts
English clubs eye Argentine hit-man
Last updated: 21st August 2009
SSN

A host of Premier League clubs are battling to sign Argentine striker Mauro Boselli, skysports.com understands. The 24-year-old front-man is currently plying his trade with Estudiantes - who he helped to the Copa Libertadores title earlier this year. Boselli finished as top scorer in the tournament with eight goals and he impressed a host of scouts as he scored the winner in the final against Cruzeiro of Brazil, with Manchester City even linked with a move earlier this year. Boselli has an Italian passport which means he does not need a work permit to play in England, and that has seen him attract a great deal of attention. Blackburn and Sunderland had been keen, but they now look to have satisfied their striking options for the new season, which has left the likes of Bolton, West Ham, Hull City and Wigan to battle it out for the player. Boselli's British representative Barry McIntosh confirmed there was substantial interest in the player. "Mauro is one of the best strikers in Argentina and it is little surprise there is such interest in him," he told skysports.com. "We cannot go into details at this point, but a move before the transfer window shuts does look possible."

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David Gold in West Ham frame after Birmingham sale
Ken Dyer
Evening Standard
21.08.09

David Gold could launch a bid for West Ham after agreeing to sell his stake in Birmingham City to Hong Kong businessman Carsen Yeung. Gold was linked with the Hammers last week, having once owned 30 per cent of the club with business partner David Sullivan. At the time he said the speculation was "not surprising", adding when pressed on the matter, "you can understand how difficult it is for me, I'm sure, to talk about this". Now, though, the way is clear for Gold to make a bid after he and Sullivan, who jointly own 50 per cent of Birmingham, accepted a £40.75m offer to sell their stake to Yeung. West Ham are owned by asset management company CB Holding, a business set up by the major creditors of former owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson after he fell heavily into debt. In June, CB Holdings said it intended to sell the club once the financial markets recovered and a reasonable price could be found. Meanwhile, West Ham full-back Herita Ilunga could be out for more than a month after fracturing his jaw in the 2-0 win over Wolves. United States international Jonathan Spector is expected to replace him against Tottenham on Sunday. The sides should at least be familiar with each other, having met in the pre-season Barclays Asia Cup last month with Spurs winning 1-0. West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola said: "I took a lot away from that game. I don't view it negatively at all because I was able to identify some problems and we have been working to put them right. "Sunday's match will be a different story. We know that Tottenham are full of confidence but we are optimistic that the result can go in our favour this time."
Radoslav Kovac, signed permanently from Spartak Moscow following a loan spell last season, played in a special practice match at Watford on Wednesday and Zola is delighted the midfielder has returned. "It has been great to have Radoslav back," he said. "He was an important player for us last season with his experience. He is a wonderful character around the training ground and we are so pleased to have him with us once more."

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David Gold plots £40m West Ham takeover
David Gold has indicated to West Ham United that he is interested in buying the club – but is prepared to offer only £40 million.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Jason Burt and Sandy Macaskill
Published: 10:19PM BST 21 Aug 2009

Such a bid will be firmly rejected by West Ham's owners, who insist they will not accept less than £120 million. Gold has been linked with a move for West Ham for some time, having once owned 30 per cent of the club with business partner David Sullivan. West Ham given Chamakh deadline The pair are close to ending their 16-year association with Birmingham City after accepting an offer, which values the club at £81.5 million, from Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung. West Ham are owned by asset management company CB Holding, a business set up by creditors – including the bank Straumur – of former owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson after his business empire collapsed. In June CB Holdings confirmed it would be prepared to sell the club once a reasonable price was offered but didn't expect that to happen for two to three years. Until then it will be self-financing.
Gold has not made an offer but it is understood there has been some initial contact which has been dismissed by West Ham. Although the club has financially difficulties it has a strong turnover and significant assets. Numerous parties have expressed an interest in buying West Ham but none has come close to the valuation placed on it. Yeung, meanwhile, has submitted his offer for Birmingham despite some suspicion that the approach would die a similar death as his interest in 2007, when he was unable to secure sufficient finances. This time the 49 year-old has already paid a £3 million deposit, and has now revealed that he has raised the required £57 million in bridging loans to increase his shareholding in the club to almost 80 per cent. Yeung is already the largest individual shareholder with a 29.9 per cent stake. He has stated that he will not be looking to replace manager Alex McLeish or managing director and Karren Brady.

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Yeung bid could free Blues owners to buy West Ham
By Nick Harris
Saturday, 22 August 2009
Independent.co.uk

The Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung yesterday tabled an £81.5m cash offer to buy Birmingham in a deal that, if completed, could also see the ownership of West Ham change hands. The phrase "if completed" is key in an intriguing episode of potential Premier League merry-go-round. The Independent understands that Birmingham's current major shareholders, David Sullivan and David Gold, are actively interested in West Ham, which is up for sale, but a source stressed last night, "that there's a huge difference between an offer for Birmingham and a done deal".

Little is confirmed about Yeung's wealth. His main investment vehicle, Grandtop International Holdings, is registered in the Cayman Islands and is a small, loss-making firm which already owns 29.91 per cent of Birmingham but little else. Grandtop's accounts to 31 March 2009 showed annual revenue of £828,000, and losses of £7.16m.

Yeung, 49, a former chairman of Hong Kong Rangers FC, will initially borrow the £57m he will need to seal the deal then raise funds to repay that via a share issue. His fellow directors at Grandtop include an eclectic mix of former footballers but none will invest heavily in Birmingham, if at all. Yeung has, however, paid a non-refundable £3m deposit on his buyout.

Grandtop's directors include Steve McManaman, 37, once of Liverpool and England, Christian Karembeu, 38, formerly with Middlesbrough and France, and Fan Zhiyi, 39, once of Crystal Palace and China. They are "expert advisors".

McManaman and Zhiyi have both expressed an interest in management careers although a statement by Grandtop to the Stock Exchange yesterday stressed that if the takeover goes ahead: "It is intended that the current first team manager, Alex McLeish, will continue in this role, supported by his existing backroom team."

Grandtop's masterplan for Birmingham is to achieve something that many bigger clubs have failed to do to date, namely become hugely, lucratively, popular in China. The firm says it wants to "significantly increase its global fan base", especially in Hong Kong and China, and "develop the club by investing in and strengthening the squad and infrastructure of the club over time".

While claiming TV audiences in China have risen, Grandtop seems not to have realised that ratings have fallen to almost zero for Premier League games since a minor pay-TV station, Win, acquired the rights. And while a free-to-air broadcaster, Guandong, will show games this season, they will be limited to one per week, most often featuring the "big four".

But Yeung is nothing if not optimistic. Despite failing to buy Birmingham in 2007 after not raising the funds, he has returned with this new bid and with loans in place.

He is also confident he can pass a Premier League fit and proper persons test, required if he owns 30 per cent of the club or becomes a director. One hurdle could be that he was prosecuted and fined by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission in September 2004 for offences related to share holdings and trading, but he escaped with a £3,300 fine and his misdemeanours are likely to be regarded as minor.

If Yeung buys Birmingham – and completion or failure is expected within six weeks – that will mean 10 Premier League clubs – half of them — would be in foreign hands, though probably not for long. Sullivan and Gold would then bid for West Ham, currently owned by CB Holdings, in turn 70 per cent owned by an Icelandic bank, Straumur.

Gold, a schoolboy footballer with West Ham, has never hidden his affection for the club, and if he sold Birmingham he would certainly want to reinvest elsewhere.

On the block: Top clubs seeking suitors

*West ham are owned by CB Holdings, an offshoot of a troubled Icelandic bank, Straumur, whose spokesman, Georg Andersen, has said: "Every club is for sale at the right price."

*Fulham are owned by Mohamed Al Fayed, who once dreamt of making them "the Manchester United of the south" but who would now walk away if he could recoup anything near the £200m he has invested. Unlikely.

*Blackburn are owned by the Jack Walker Trust, who have made no secret of their desire to sell.

*Portsmouth are in limbo, waiting to see if Alexandre Gaydamak can offload the loss-making strugglers to Sulaiman Al Fahim or AN Other buyer.

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The Times Transfer Bulletin: West Ham confident of signing Chamakh
The Times
THE NEWS

West Ham are confident of agreeing a deal to sign Marouane Chamakh after raising their offer to about £7 million plus a 20 per cent sell-on clause. The Bordeaux forward, who has been offered a five-year contract, has become more inclined to agree to a move to Upton Park since Arsenal dropped out of the race at the weekend.

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West Ham set to agree £6m fee for Marouane Chamakh as the striker calls Julien Faubert for inside track on Upton Park
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 11:54 AM on 21st August 2009
Daily Mail

Bordeaux are ready to accept a £6million bid from West Ham United for Marouane Chamakh - the same amount offered by Arsenal just a month ago. The French champions have capitulated after failing to spark a bidding war and are on the verge of striking a deal that would see their 25-year-old leave for less than half the £15m asking price quoted to the Gunners. However, Chamakh could yet reject the move despite agitating for a move to England all summer. He has concerns that Upton Park may not be the right place for him and has called his former Bordeaux team-mate Julien Faubert for advice.
Chamakh is likely to play for Bordeaux against Nice on Sunday before travelling to West Ham on Monday to meet Gianfranco Zola. But his representatives will try to establish the chances of Arsenal coming in for him next summer, when he would be a free agent, or even renewing their interest now, given the lower asking price. Fulham may also re-enter the race after having Andrew Johnson ruled out for up to eight weeks with an injured collarbone. West Ham are prepared to pay £6m up front, plus add-ons and a cut of any future transfer fee they receive. Zola has lined up Livorno striker Alessandro Diamanti as an alternative, according to the Italian club's president, Aldo Spinelli. The 26-year-old scored 16 goals in Serie B last season and the Hammers are said to have already had a bid rejected. Spinelli said: 'Diamanti would like to play in the Premier League and we are in negotiations with West Ham, but the offer is not satisfactory. 'We also received a proposal from Parma for co-ownership worth £3m, but we value him at around £8m. It is not out of the question that Diamanti could remain with us, though.'
Either deal seems dependent on Zola raising cash first and £5m bids have been accepted from Aston Villa and Stoke City for Wales defender James Collins.

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West Ham boss Zola: I wouldn't swap my team with Real Madrid
22.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

Ahead of the derby against Tottenham, West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola says he wouldn't swap his players with any club. "I'm not jealous of Harry Redknapp. I do respect and admire him, he had done a great job, but I wouldn't change my team with any other team," he said. "To make it clear I wouldn't even change my team with Real Madrid or Barcelona - maybe! I like my players and I trust them. "They are improving, working hard and doing everything to be successful. I admire these qualities in players."

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West Ham confident of landing Bordeaux striker Chamakh
21.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United are confident of closing a deal for Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh. The Times says the Hammers are confident of agreeing a deal to sign Chamakh after raising their offer to about £7 million plus a 20 per cent sell-on clause. The forward, who has been offered a five-year contract, has become more inclined to agree to a move to Upton Park since Arsenal dropped out of the race at the weekend.

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Premier League tussle begins for Copa Libertadores hero
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on:21 August 2009 - 11:28

A four way Premier League tussle has opened up for highly-rated Argentine striker Mauro Boselli, according to Sky Sports. The 24-year-old Estudiantes forward, who had previously attracted interest from Manchester City, Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland is now being tipped as a potential recruit for Bolton Wanderers, West Ham United, Hull City and Wigan Athletic. Boselli, who scored the winning goal in the final of the Copa Libertadores earlier this year, has an Italian passport which would allow him to bypass Britain's strict work permit restrictions. Boselli's British representative Barry McIntosh confirmed there was substantial interest in the player. "Mauro is one of the best strikers in Argentina and it is little surprise there is such interest in him," he told skysports.com. "We cannot go into details at this point, but a move before the transfer window shuts does look possible."

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L'Equipe: Faubert contacted as Chamakh deal edges closer
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on:21 August 2009 - 12:19

French publication L'Equipe claims that Bordeaux star Marouane Chamakh has contacted former teammate Julien Faubert as he weighs up a move to West Ham United. The French defender, who has recently returned after a six month loan spell with Real Madrid, is thought to have spoken warmly of the East End club as Gianfranco Zola desperately attempts to snap up the striker ahead of Premier League rivals Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur.

According to the latest report the Hammers have placed on Bordeaux's table a bid of €7 million, which also has certain bonuses attached to it that would see les Girondins pocked at least a further €1m per season. It is also claimed that the reigning Ligue 1 champions would pocket 20 percent of any future transfer fee, should Chamakh eventually move from the East End.

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Samaras for West Ham? Latest Celtic rumours...
Celtic's Georgios Samaras is being considered as a transfer target by West Ham, according to reports today.
.21 August 2009 11:52 AM
Sport.stv.tv

Celtic's Georgios Samaras is being considered as a transfer target by West Ham, according to reports today. Gianfranco Zola has made "discreet enquiries" about the striker's interest in a return to English football, says the Daily Record. The reports say the 6' 4" striker is one of a host of names on Gianfranco Zola's shopping list, which also included Luca Toni, Eidur Gudjohnsen and Maroune Chamakh.But after watching those deals fall through and learning that his latest preferred target, Chamakh, seems set to stay at Bordeaux, Zola has cast his attention north. Celtic's Champions League tie with Arsenal has prompted speculation over a number of players. Scott Brown and Aiden McGeady are now also being discussed as Spurs targets as the transfer window draws to a close. Samaras joined Celtic from Manchester City on loan in January 2008 before making a permanent swap six months later. Since then he has enjoyed mixed fortunes, with injury and changeable form. New manager Tony Mowbray signed Marc Antoine Fortune for £3.8million, but the Greek international was given a start in Tuesday night's clash with Arsenal.

Last updated: 21 August 2009, 11:57

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Bolton, West Ham chasing Estudiantes striker Boselli
22.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

Argentine striker Mauro Boselli is attracting major Premiership interest. The 24 year-old Estudiantes striker has Bolton, West Ham, Hull City and Wigan all chasing his signature.
"Mauro is one of the best strikers in Argentina and it is little surprise there is such interest in him," agent Barry McIntosh told skysports.com. "We cannot go into details at this point, but a move before the transfer window shuts does look possible."

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Etherington urges West Ham's Collins to join him at Stoke
22.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

Stoke City winger Matthew Etherington has urged former West Ham teammate James Collins to join at the Brit. "I'm very good friends with James and I've kept in touch with him ever since leaving West Ham," Etherington told The Sentinel. "He was up at the weekend with me when I told him about everything here at Stoke. I spoke highly of the club, but at the end of the day it's down to him."

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Bordeaux's Chamakh in contact with Faubert about West Ham move
22.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh has contacted Julien Faubert about life at West Ham United. L'Equipe says Chamakh has pumped Faubert for information about life in London and working for Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola. Faubert gave Chamakh a glowing report on the Hammers as the Morocco international prepares to make the move across the Channel.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - West Ham v Tottenham 23rd August 2009

Green targets Tottenham
WHUFC.com
A superb start to the new season for club and country has left Robert Green optimistic for the road ahead
21.08.2009

Robert Green will look to make it two clean sheets out of two against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon - his 90th consecutive top-flight appearance for the club. The England No1 had a fine start to the season, after helping his country to a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands ten days ago and then playing a key role as West Ham United won 2-0 at Wolverhampton Wanderers last Saturday. "It's been a fantastic few months for myself and I am really enjoying it," he said. "You know, you work hard and hope to get those rewards, with West Ham and now, England, it has been the icing on the cake."

When asked about his chances of appearing at the FIFA World Cup, Green was in cautious mood despite his outstanding form. "We'll have to wait and see, I just want to keep going and keep playing and help to take West Ham as far as we can."

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy singled Green out for special praise last weekend and he will need to be at his best to deny a free-scoring Spurs side led by Jermain Defoe. The 29-year-old said there was plenty of confidence gained from the victory at Molineux. "It was good performance and a good win. From the chances we had in the first half, we could have been a few more up, but on the whole we felt fairly comfortable in the match. We are creating chances, we certainly showed we can score from them and all in all, it was a good win for us. "All the boys who were here last season and are still here, know what we can do as we proved last season. It's a case of hopefully adding to that if we can but the manager has great faith that what he has got and is good enough, so it is about getting points on the board early and seeing where that takes us. "We want to improve on last season, build on from there. We have made a good start and want to go on from there. We've given ourselves a little platform."

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Tottenham Hotspur preview
WHUFC.com
All the early team news and background for Sunday's visit of the early Premier League pace-setters
21.08.2009

West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur
Barclays Premier League
Boleyn Ground
Sunday 23 August
1.30pm
Referee: Mark Clattenburg

WHUTV - LIVE COMMENTARY I whufc.com - Live text updates

Introduction

• West Ham United kick-off the 2009/10 Barclay Premier League home campaign with a visit of Tottenham Hotspur after an opening-day 2-0 win at newly-promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers last Saturday.

• Unlike their visitors, West Ham were not in action in midweek because their proposed opponents Aston Villa were in European action.

• Supporters should note that Upton Park station is open as normal after Transport for London delayed proposed engineering work that would have led to the closure of the station.

• Gianfranco Zola's side are in good form but so are Tottenham, after their 2-1 and 5-1 wins against Liverpool and away to Hull City last Sunday and Wednesday respectively. West Ham are next in league action on Saturday 29 August at Blackburn Rovers when Tottenham welcome newcomers Birmingham City.

• The clubs met as recently as 29 July at the Barclays Asia Trophy in Beijing. Tottenham won 1-0 thanks to a Jermain Defoe strike in the 75th minute.

The lineups were:

West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Upson, Collins, Ilunga, Boa Morte (Noble 14), Dyer (Parker 46), Collison (Spector 81), Jimenez (Hines 81), Stanislas (Savio 66), Cole
Subs: Stech, Kurucz, Spence, N'Gala, Tomkins, Gabbidon, Payne

Tottenham Hotspur: Cudicini, Hutton, Huddlestone, Corluka, Assou-Ekotto, Naughton (Lennon 70), Palacios (Livermore 82), Modric, O'Hara, Pavlyuchenko (Keane 46), Defoe
Subs: Gomes, Chimbonda, Dervite, Jenas, Bostock, Rose

• Gianfranco Zola is calling on his team to avoid complacency. He said: "We have to say 'OK, it was good to win at Wolves' but we must move on and think only about Tottenham. Now is already another chapter in the season and Harry Redknapp will make sure his team are a difficult side to play against. They have won their first two games and last season Tottenham caused us a lot of problems."

• Harry Redknapp has a welcome headache of four strikers to choose from. He said: "We've got four top strikers. It's difficult when you have top players like Peter and Roman Pavlyuchenko. They are not used to not playing and I understand that. They will play. It is a long season and at times we may change and play three forwards. They give me options."

• This is the 115nd league meeting between the two sides. Tottenham have won 46, West Ham have won 39 and there have been 29 draws.

West Ham United

• West Ham were in pretty good form in pre-season after just two defeats in seven matches. Unbeaten in their first four warm-up games, the Hammers then lost that game to Tottenham in the semi-final of the Barclays Asia Trophy before beating Beijing Guoan in the third/fourth play-off. Their final warm-up match last Saturday saw SCC Napoli leave the Boleyn Ground with the Bobby Moore Cup after a 1-0 win.

• Following Sunday's match, West Ham have a mouth-watering home game against local rivals Millwall in the Carling Cup. Two away trips in the league follow with Blackburn Rovers on 29 August and Wigan Athletic on 12 September.

• West Ham started last season strongly, winning four of their first six games in the league including an opening-day 2-1 win against Wigan Athletic, with Dean Ashton getting both of the goals.

• West Ham have not won their first two top-flight fixtures in a season since the 1997/98 campaign when they beat Barnsley and then Tottenham.

• The Hammers finished last season in ninth in the Barclays Premier League with 51 points, a place and two points higher than they managed in the previous season. They were level on points with eight-placed Tottenham.

• Carlton Cole was West Ham's leading scorer last season with ten Premier League goals, one in the FA Cup and one in the League Cup.

• Robert Green topped the appearance charts for the last campaign, playing every minute of every Premier League game. After his impressive display at Wolves, he has played 89 consecutive top-flight matches.

• James Collins is celebrating his 26th birthday on Sunday.

Last time out

Barclays Premier League, Saturday 15 August
Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-2 West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Upson, Collins, Ilunga (Spector 65), Parker, Noble, Collison, Dyer (Stanislas 73), Jimenez, Cole (Nouble 90)
Subs unused: Kurucz, Gabbidon, Spector, Payne, Hines
Goals: Noble 22, Upson 69

Tottenham Hotspur

• Tottenham go into the match at the top of the Barclays Premier League after an excellent start to the season.

• Spurs are traditionally slow starters but are enjoying their best opening to a campaign since 1965. Jerman Defoe has summed up the confidence in the camp with five goals in his last three outings for Spurs and England.

• Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp made 175 appearances for West Ham between August 1965 and April 1972, scoring eight goals. Redknapp served as assistant manager under Billy Bonds before taking charge in August 1994. He remained as manager until May 2001, overseeing 327 matches.

• Tottenham have only lost twice in the last 15 meetings with West Ham and did the double over the Hammers last season for the first time since 1994/95.

• After this match, Tottenham travel to take on Doncaster in the Carling Cup second round on Wednesday.

Last time out

Barclays Premier League, 19 August 2009
Hull City 1-5 Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham: Gomes (Cudicini 16), Hutton, Corluka, Bassong, Assou-Ekotto, Lennon, Palacios, Huddlestone, Modric (Bentley 85), Keane (Crouch 81), Defoe
Subs not used: Pavlyuchenko, Naughton, Chimbonda, O'Hara
Goals: Defoe 10, 45, 90, Palacios 14, Keane 78

Referee

• Saturday's referee will be Mark Clattenburg. The 34-year-old was the man in the middle for the Championship play-off semi-final first leg in May 2004 when Ipswich Town won 1-0 against the visiting Hammers. He has been on the Premier League list since 2004.

Head to head

• West Ham United have not won in the last six competitive meetings between the clubs. The last time the Hammers tasted success was the 2-1 home defeat of Spurs on 7 May 2005 when goals from Carl Fletcher and Yossi Benayon sandwiched Jermain Defoe's goal. That victory stopped Tottenham earning a UEFA Champions League place.

• Tottenham have also won on two of their past three visits with last season's closely-fought contest ending in a 2-0 success for the visitors. Roman Pavyluchenko scoed the only goal in the 65th minute. The lineups were:

Tottenham Hotspur: Gomes, Corluka, Woodgate, King, Assou-Ekotto, Lennon, Huddlestone, Jenas (Zokora 46), Modric, Bent (Pavlyuchenko 56), Keane
Subs not used: Cudicini, Bale, Bentley, Dawson, Chimbonda.

West Ham United: Green, Collins, Tomkins (Nsereko 81), Upson, Ilunga, Stanislas, Neill, Noble, Boa Morte (Dyer 71), Tristan (Sears 85), Di Michele
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Payne, N'Gala.

• West Ham defender Calum Davenport, who is on loan at Sunderland, made 20 appearances for Tottenham between August 2004 and January 2007, scoring one goal.

• Spurs striker Jermain Defoe came through the ranks at West Ham before scoring 29 goals in 93 league appearances between 1999 and 2004. He is in his second spell at White Hart Lane after returning in January 2009

• Among the other players who have represented both clubs are Ilie Dumitrescu, Dave Dunmore, Matty Etherington, Les Ferdinand, Jimmy Greaves, Fred Griffiths, Pat Holland, Chris Hughton, Bill Joyce, Bill Kaine, Frederic Kanoute, Kenny McKay, Fred Massey, Fred Milnes, John Moncur, Jimmy Neighbour, Tony Parks, Martin Peters, Sergei Rebrov, Mark Robson, Peter Shearing, Teddy Sheringham, Mauricio Taricco, Mitchell Thomas and Bobby Zamora.

Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)

11 April 2009 - Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 West Ham United
8 December 2008 - West Ham United 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur
9 March 2008 - Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 West Ham United
25 November 2007 - West Ham United 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
4 March 2008 - West Ham United 3-4 Tottenham Hotspur
22 October 2006 - Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 West Ham United

Overall record v Tottenham Hotspur (all competitions) W 43 D 34 L 55

Team news

• Gianfranco Zola will be without Herita Ilunga because of a fractured jaw. The left-back was initially thought to have escaped relatively unhurt from a clash of heads at Wolves but subsequent examination by club doctors and further tests revealed the extent of his problem.

• Zola has several choices to replace him including Jonathan Spector who replaced Ilunga at Molineux. The 18-year-old Fabio Daprela, a Swiss Under-19 international, is also standing by while Danny Gabbidon could also get his first Premier League appearance for 18 months by moving over from his usual centre-back berth.

• Luis Jimenez is set to get his first taste of Premier League football at the Boleyn Ground since arriving on a season-long loan deal from Internazionale.
• Frank Nouble made his West Ham debut in the closing stages against Wolves. The striker then featured in a midweek behind closed doors game at Watford. Radoslav Kovac and Daprela, both yet to figure this season since their transfers, also played while the goals came from Josh Payne's penalty and a Zavon Hines strike.

• Long-term absentees Valon Behrami, Luis Boa Morte, Terry Dixon and Dean Ashton will miss out.

• Switzerland midfielder Behrami has been working hard at Chadwell Heath as he continues his recovery from the cruciate knee ligament injury he suffered against Manchester City on 1 March. Such is his progress that he could be back in full training next week.

• Dixon is also progressing well and has started full training with the reserves.

• Boa Morte is recovering after undergoing knee surgery in Portugal and is yet to begin his rehabilitation work. He is not expected to return much before the end of the season.

• Ashton continues to work on his fitness as he recovers from an ankle injury.

• Carlo Cudicini is expected to start as Spurs are set to be without Heurelho Gomes after the goalkeeper suffered a groin injury at Hull City in midweek. David Button has been recalled from his loan at Crewe.

• Ledley King is expected to return after sitting out in midweek. Gareth Bale (foot), Jonathan Woodgate (achilles) and Jermaine Jenas (calf) are all unlikely to figure.

Travel information

• For directions for the Boleyn Ground, click here

General information

• For ticket news, click here.

• Sunday's weather forecast is for a sunny day with the temperature expected to be around the 22C mark.

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'Tasty' game in store
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola is looking forward to the visit of Tottenham Hotspur to the Boleyn Ground
21.08.2009

Gianfranco Zola was in an upbeat mood ahead of Sunday's big London derby with Tottenham Hotspur.

An impressive 2-0 opening day win at Wolverhampton Wanderers, combined with several key players making returns from the treatment table have left spirits in the camp high. Zola further endorsed that mood by revealing he has a virtually fully-fit squad to choose from for the visit of Harry Redknapp's north Londoners after James Tomkins' recovery from a minor foot injury and Fabio Daprela and Radoslav Kovac available for selection.

Indeed, that opening day win could not have gone any better for Zola's side. With two goals scored and a clean sheet to boot, the West Ham United manager would also have been pleased to see Kieron Dyer and Scott Parker back in the starting lineup and Danny Gabbidon named in a Premier League 18 for the first time in 18 months.

"It was a very mature performance [against Wolves], " Zola said. I"t was a tricky game, it was the first game of the season in front of their crowd and they had just been promoted so we had to be very careful. But the maturity of the team and the organisation was excellent. What I enjoyed the most was that we scored two goals and we could have scored at least two more so that was encouraging. We said we need to work on scoring more goals in the last 20 metres and it was encouraging."

The only slight blotch on the copy book was the facial injury to Ilunga, which was later confirmed as a fractured cheekbone and will rule the DR Congo international out of Sunday's encounter. His absence could free up room in the back four for Jonathan Spector or Daprela, although it is thought the former would be the more likely to start.

"My back four did an excellent job the other day and I am not concerned about my back four, I'm sure they will be all right."

Despite his confidence in his defensive unit, Zola knows his side must remain focused for the full 90 minutes on Sunday, with the dangers posed by the current table-toppers Tottenham only too clear after seven goals in their first two games.

"The concern is that when you are playing against a team that has a lot of quality you know that you can work hard for a long time and then in a second they can produce some quality necessary to score a goal.

"It is a game where we will need to raise our attention and step up our game. They are a wonderful team and don't forget that Tottenham are as good as the top four and they will be competing with them until the end of the season. They have spent £60m enforcing the team and they have done a wonderful job."

Further good news for Zola is that Switzerland international Valon Behrami could be back in full training next week, while former Tottenham forward Terry Dixon has started training with the reserves this week.

After once again re-affirming the club's commitment to bringing in a new striker, Zola pointedly highlighted how his focus at present is only emerging victorious from Sunday's game.

"We know that we are looking for a couple of strikers. But that is it. I would rather focus on the game on Sunday as there has been too much talking about this.

"So for two days at least, I know I am going to go into this game with the team I've got so let me focus on this. Now it is important to focus on the game we have on Sunday."

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Zola backs Spurs credentials
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Sport.co.uk

Gianfranco Zola Gianfranco Zola is backing Tottenham to challenge the Barclays Premier League top four this season. West Ham host their big-spending London rivals at Upton Park on Sunday when both teams will attempt to build on opening-day victories. "I've been very impressed with Tottenham, they are a wonderful team," said the Hammers boss. "In my opinion they are as good as the top four and they will certainly be competing with them until the end of the season." He added: "But don't forget that they have spent £60million this summer. "I have to congratulate Harry Redknapp, he has done a wonderful, wonderful job. "I watched them against Liverpool live last weekend and I was impressed. It is a tough game for us. "They have improved their quality - when you spend money it's the quality of the players that you improve. "But the organisation of the team has been excellent and there seems to be a good spirit there."

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West Ham v Tottenham
Bbc.co.uk
Sunday, 23 August 2009
Premier League
West Ham v Tottenham 1330

Venue: Upton Park Date: Sunday, 23 August 2009 Kick-off: 1330 BST
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live, local radio & highlights on Match of the Day 2 and live on ESPN

TEAM NEWS
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is likely to name the same team that notched an impressive opening-day win at Wolves. The Hammers remain without long-term absentees Dean Ashton, Valon Behrami and Luis Boa Morte.

An MRI scan confirmed Tottenham keeper Heurelho Gomes suffered a groin injury against Hull so David Button has been recalled from Crewe Alexandra as cover. Boss Harry Redknapp is confident Ledley King will be fit enough to play after being rested for the match with Hull.

West Ham

Suspended: None Doubtful: None
Injured: Ashton (ankle), Behrami & Boa Morte (both knee)

Tottenham

Suspended: None Doubtful: None
Injured: Gomes (thigh), Woodgate (groin), Dawson (Achilles), Jenas (calf), Bale (foot)

MATCH PREVIEW
West Ham did not have a midweek match so they will be champing at the bit to build on their impressive away win at Wolves. And few matches get their fans motivated more than a clash against bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur. But beware the Harry Redknapp revolution. Having made their worst-ever start to a season last year, Spurs' 5-1 thumping of Hull on Wednesday gave them their best start since 1965. And they look a side full of goals, with Upton Park hate figure Jermain Defoe bang in form, having scored five goals for club and country in his last three games. Their recent run of results against West Ham have been excellent, suffering only two defeats in their past 15 encounters. It is just a shame for Tottenham fans that one of those defeats denied them a Champions League spot in 2006. But how about this for an interesting omen for Gianfranco Zola's men: the Hammers have not won their opening two Barclays Premier League fixtures since 1997 - when they followed up a win at Barnsley with a home victory against Tottenham.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

• Tottenham are undefeated in their last three matches at Upton Park, since a 2-1 defeat to West Ham on the last day of the 2005/06 season.

• Tottenham have not conceded a goal in their last three Premier League encounters against West Ham.

• Honours are almost even in the Premier League matches at Upton Park between the two sides - with West Ham winning six times, Tottenham five times and three draws.

West Ham

• West Ham have only won the first two matches of a Premier League season once (1997/98).

• They have won 13 and lost 13 of their 35 PL games under Gianfranco Zola.

• If selected, James Collins will be playing on his 26th birthday and would be making his 150th club career appearance.

Tottenham

• Tottenham claimed the double over West Ham last season for the first time since 1994-95.

• Spurs have never won their first three matches of a Premier League season. Their previous best is two wins and draw which they achieved in 2002 and 2005.

• Harry Redknapp celebrates 300 days in charge of Tottenham on Sunday.

LEADING GOALSCORERS

West Ham

Noble: 1 goal (1 league); Upson: 1 goal (1 league)

Tottenham

Defoe: 3 goals (3 league); Keane, Bassong, Palacios, Assou-Ekotto: 1 goal (1 league)

MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Assistant referees: Mike Mullarkey & Martin Yerby
Fourth official: Lee Probert

LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
West Ham (W2-0 v Wolves, a): Green, Faubert, Collins, Upson, Ilunga (Spector 65), Noble, Parker, Collison, Dyer (Stanislas 73), Cole (Nouble 90), Jimenez. Subs Not Used: Kurucz, Gabbidon, Payne, Hines.

Tottenham (W5-1 v Hull City a): Gomes (Cudicini 16), Hutton, Bassong, Corluka, Assou-Ekotto, Huddlestone, Lennon, Palacios, Modric (Bentley 85), Keane (Crouch 81), Defoe. Subs not used: Cudicini, Naughton, Chimbonda, O'Hara, Pavlyuchenko.

MOST RECENT MEETING

Tottenham 1-0 West Ham (11 April, 2009)
Tottenham scorer: Pavlyuchenko 65

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West Ham United Vs Tottenham Hotspur - DARE YA!!!
Admiral Lard - Fri Aug 21 2009
West Ham Online

West Ham United Vs Tottenham Hotspur, one of West ham's most played fixtures against one our nearest rivals. The record between us stands slightly in Tottenham's favour but not as much as many Tottenham fans would have you believe. P186 W66 D47 L73 F261 A293 (Courtesy West Ham Stats)

Over the last ten years though the story has been quite different. Tottenham have become something of a bogey team, whilst we were doing the double over man Utd and Arsenal we went to some of the lesser teams and lost, as we have at White Hart Lane. The recent record stands P18 W3 D5 L10 F15 A25

Worse still the last four premiership outings with Tottenham yielded 3 defeats and a draw with 8 conceded to just 1 scored. Something has to Change! This is not, as many "Spuds" like to believe, our cup final, it's just another of the many derbies twixt London premiership clubs, and no one likes to lose a derby!

Tottenham's form going into the new season and their first two games has been mighty impressive, at least on paper. It should be remembered they played a wholly out of sorts Liverpool at the weekend and a very poor Hull City on Wednesday night. Credit to Tottenham, they took what was on offer and dealt with it well.

West Ham's pre season, by comparison appeared very poor indeed, including an embarrassing display in China against Sunday's opponents. In the Napoli game we saw some "Box to Box" improvement but no cutting edge, so it was a surprise to some including me that we played so well against Wolves, winning well with 2 good goals from Midfield and Centre Back.

Sunday will most certainly prove to be a far sterner test for Tottenham. West Ham have to shackle their forwards and keep MJ out of our six yard box where is at his most lethal. I expect Kovac to make our starting line up, though what ever happens with our prospective new striker it will likely come too late for Sunday.

Our formation is likely to be much the same as last weekend, though if Kovac does start it will be interesting to see who drops to the bench. GTHC has predicted a 1-1 draw, so clearly that's not going to happen. I have to be bullish here and in any case I think there is a glimmer of a possibility we could surprise the "Spuds" with a cheeky win

West Ham United 2 Tottenham Hotspur 1

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Tottenham Hotspur preview
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 20th August 2009
By: Preview Percy

Next up we have an early London derby against Spurs. Of course it's all too easy to laugh at Spurs fans and their obsession with the size of their club. Which is why we'll carry on doing so.

Not nearly as successful as their nearest neighbours and bereft of the class and intelligence that you'd associate with, say, Dagenham & Redbridge, size is just about all they usually have to boast about. Which is why, no doubt, any of you unfortunate to have acquaintances who happen to support them will have had your ear bent about how after all of two games they are top of the league at the time of writing.

Their opening fixture saw them overcome a dreadful Liverpool side 2-1, though had the ref been in the mood to give the sort of penalty that the Scousers take for granted at home they might have got an undeserved point or even three out of the match. Spurs' second win came up at Hull. Whilst five goals away from home is never to be sniffed at, it would appear that Hull have carried on where they left off at the end of last season when they were barely able to muster a point after the turn of the year. The suspicion must be, therefore, that Spurs are unlikely to be the last team to come away from the banks of the Humber having filled their boots.

There's been some interesting activity in the transfer market. Darren Bent left for the Stadium of Light having discovered that there was no room for both a twitter and a twitcher at White Hart Lane. Some of the money received was spent on buying up anyone at Bramall Lane called Kyle. Naughton was deemed decent enough to go into the squad whilst Walker was able to stay put as he was immediately loaned back to the Hypocrites.

Also arriving in defence was Sebastien Bassong, whose signing was designed to combat injuries to Michael Dawson, Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King. Bassong's debut had a touch of controversy about it as he had only served one game of a two match ban picked up whilst playing for the Geordies. Even though he had signed for Spurs before Newcastle had played the second of those matches, he was deemed to have served the ban as soon as Newcastle had played the extra game, a match that was conveniently played before the start of the Premiership season. This appeared to defy all logic and common sense, though as we know to our cost there is little point in mentioning common sense in the same breath as the words "football authorities".

The other major signing was the arrival of Peter Crouch from the disintegrating hulk that appears to be Portsmouth at the moment. The move marks a return to the club where Crouch started out as a kid. It's fair to say that the lanky one has his limitations as a top-level striker. Someone that tall ought by rights to be a lot better in the air, though as someone once pointed out to me, that may be because being so much taller than everyone else all his life he has never had to learn to time a jump like shorter mortals. However it's hard not to warm to the geeky charm of someone who, when asked what he would have been if he hadn't become a professional footballer, reportedly gave the answer "a virgin".

Of those players still with the club from last season ' keeper Gomes is a major injury doubt as we speak, having limped off after only 15 minutes of the midweek win at the KC with a thigh muscle problem. Early indications suggest that the injury may leave the Brazilian custodian of the onion bag on the sidelines for quite some time and, whilst former Chelsea net-minder Cudicini is a capable replacement, any prolonged absence for Gomes would leave Spurs short of cover in that department – or "down to the bare bones" as their manager is prone to saying.

Of course they could always enlist defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto to take over the goalkeeping duties with him probably having handled the ball more times in last season's corresponding fixture than Gomes did. B A-E (as we will refer to him) was on the scoresheet alongside Bassong on the opening day and will start on the left with Alan Hutton likely to start on the right.

Key man in the visitors' midfield will be Luka Modric, whose continued presence in the Spurs line-up is said to be being monitored by some of the bigger clubs. The "Croatian Cruyff", as nobody probably calls him, has benefited from a change of emphasis to a more advanced role as his career has progressed in England, and accusations of his being lightweight which surfaced during that hilarious spell when they faced relegation last year seem a long time ago.

David Bentley has been much in the news of late. Premiership footballers, even those who have sunk to the depths of playing for Spurs, are paid an absolute fortune these days. So every time I hear of one being caught drink-driving (yes you Carlton) I question the intelligence that that leads a player to think "I'll save myself £20 on a cab fare and drive home – after all nobody will notice me in my Ferrari/Porsche/insert name of whichever warp-speed buggy is the vehicle of choice for professional footballers these days". I know we all do daft things after a few jars (every time I see my ex-wife I wish I'd sobered up earlier) but really!

Up front they have gone with Defoe & Keane as the starting pair thus far. This has left Pavlyucenko and Crouch on the bench, the former having to date been limited to a few moments of stoppage time against the Scousers on the opening day. Whilst Crouch won't be too put out at this state of affairs, it's hard to see the Russian being overjoyed with the situation if the twitchy one maintains this selection policy rather than rotating his front men.

As for us, well the performance up at Molineux has been described by many observers as "thoroughly professional". It's fair to say that, with the exception of the first ten minutes of the second half when Rob Green was at his busiest, we looked fairly comfortable. In some ways it's a bit of a shame that we were unable to carry that momentum into a midweek match against a shell-shocked Villa, although injuries to Cole and Ilunga will have benefited from the extra recovery time. I was particularly impressed with Noble last weekend – and not just for his (admittedly superb) goal. My worry when we play Spurs is that the young midfielder can often let his natural fan's desire to put one over on them to get the better of him, which can cause him the odd disciplinary issue. However, if he can curb any over-enthusiasm he can be a key man this weekend.

The striker situation isn't any better of course and the sight of CC limping off at the end of the Wolves match last week didn't exactly inspire confidence though we assume he will be available this week. Another who will be there is Ginger Pele who couldn't agree terms with Stoke this week. Collins had a decent game against Wolves and, although we seem blessed in the central defence department, I'm not at all upset to see him stay.

I think this one will be a cracker. Both sides will have confidence after the opening fixtures and I have an inkling that we are in for a treat which, on past experience, will probably mean a 0-0 draw of the very worst kind. I'll therefore plump for an entertaining 2-2 draw this time round which will bring both clubs' 100% records to an end!

Enjoy the game!

Last season: Lost 0-2 - an awful performance not helped by Assou-Ekotto's handball on the line to clear a goalbound header from Cole.

Danger Man: Defoe - you know why.

Look out for: The usual anoraks may be in the wardrobe if the weather is ok, but there will still be shellsuits and dandruff a-plenty in the away end.

Referee: Mark Clattenburg - we didn't get him last season. Few clubs did as he was suspended from duty amid concerns about his business finances.

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WEST HAM V TOTTENHAM
Redknapp returns to Upton Park
By Chris Murphy
ESPN.com
August 21, 2009

ESPN's Sunday lunchtime offering finds two London teams in good form as Harry Redknapp takes high-flying Tottenham back to his former club, West Ham.

Gianfranco Zola v Harry Redknapp

Harry Redknapp will take Tottenham into their first London derby of the campaign brimming with confidence and beaming with pride after his side's excellent start to the new season. After a lacklustre Liverpool team were vanquished at White Hart Lane, Hull were then dispatched with some aplomb thanks to Jermain Defoe's lethal hat-trick. All parts of Harry's team are firing, with new signing Sebastien Bassong forming a solid partnership with the old warhorse Ledley King. Aaron Lennon looks lively and dangerous while Wilson Palacios has added bite to his midfield - a must-have quality for any capital showdown. Up front, Robbie Keane is getting better with each game and Defoe is on a roll. The Hammers have yet to be tested and Harry will be confident of sniffing out three points on his old stomping ground.

Gianfranco Zola won't be too displeased himself after West Ham's opening day win at newly promoted Wolves. Two goals and a clean sheet is no small feat given the fanfare and fervour surrounding Wanderers' big day back in the top flight. If the first 45 minutes were comfortable, the second half was anything but as Rob Green pulled off a string of superb saves. Zola relies heavily on the defensive solidity provided by the reliable Matthew Upson, and Scott Parker who runs the protective screen in midfield. In the attacking third Zola pins his hopes squarely on Carlton Cole and his good early season form should provide a test for Bassong and King. Despite countless operations and setbacks Kieron Dyer still possesses the pace to trouble any defence, while Jack Collison and Mark Noble are also keen to press and probe. Zola will hope to squeeze the life out of Keane and Defoe and bank on Cole to create openings at the other end.

Scott Parker v Wilson Palacios

Palacios has added the necessary snap to a Tottenham midfield that is more geared towards attacking players like Luka Modric, Lennon and Tom Huddlestone. A tireless runner he can be equally as effective at both ends of the field, as his spoiler-style display against Liverpool and goal against Hull in midweek testify. A tough tackler with a big engine, Palacios will run all day long and embodies the British bulldog spirit - via Honduras - Harry Redknapp is keen to instil at Spurs. The 25-year-old's job, in a nutshell, is to get it and give it.

Scott Parker is a similar player and one Zola puts as much trust in as Redknapp does Palacios. After an injury-hit first season at Upton Park, Parker managed 28 Premier League games last season. He is the vital link man between defence and attack. Together with Mark Noble (usually) he provides the protection in front of the Hammers' back four. The Boleyn crowd loves a tackle and Parker will be expected to make plenty, in the hope of putting Spurs' flair players off their game. His main focus will be shadowing Keane, and providing support to his full-backs, who will be attempting to shackle Lennon and Modric.

Carlton Cole v Ledley King

Ledley King was rested for Wednesday's mauling of Hull City, in line with his one game a week policy. It's a measure of King's class that he can play so many games at such a high level without any training at all - save for a few lengths of his own private swimming pool. There's no question Spurs are a far more cohesive unit with King than without. The same, of course, can be said of Jonathan Woodgate. King and his new partner Sebastien Bassong will have their hands full with Carlton Cole who seems to have morphed into an all-action Premier League centre-forward in the space of a year. King is rarely beaten in the air and his positional sense has always been sound, but his lack of fitness may be an issue as the game - and his knee - wears on.

For all the trumpeting about Cole's excellent form of last season he only scored ten Premier League goals in 26 games. A good return, but not a great one. What is not in doubt is his importance to the side, especially in the continued absence of Dean Ashton. As he proved in his fleeting appearance for England against Holland recently, his strength can prove a handful for any defence. Cole's hold up play has improved immeasurably and he converts more chances than he ever did - given the service he will score goals. If he manages to steer clear of injuries this could finally be the breakthrough season Cole has been threatening for five years.

Matthew Upson v Jermain Defoe

Defoe will always be afforded a spicy reception at Upton Park, largely due to the transfer request he slapped in within 24 hours of West Ham's relegation to the second tier at the end of the 2002-03 season. The best way to silence a vitriolic crowd is with goals, and with the form he is in, the chances of Defoe doing just that are high. In the mood he exhibited against Hull, Defoe will cause problems for any defence. His three goals were clinical, precise and powerful, and he carved enough opportunities to bag himself a double hat-trick. Defoe is hugely reliant on his service from Keane, who drops into the hole, and Tottenham's wingers. He's no mug in the air, but clearly, is more potent with the ball at his feet. His pace will undoubtedly pose Upson and the in-demand James Collins (a target for Aston Villa and Stoke) problems.

Upson is another Hammers defender linked with a move away from east London, with Martin O'Neill and David Moyes recently having made enquiries about him. At 30 he may have missed his chance of one last move, but is still a regular in Fabio Capello's England squad. Upson always manages to appear quietly assured without ever breaking into the totally convincing category. His record so far this season reads played one, scored one, one clean sheet, though keeping Wolves at bay proved a tougher task than many had predicted. Comfortable in the air, Upson's main aerial threat will come from advancing Spurs centre-backs at set pieces, a favour he is sure to return at the other end. He is certain to be tested by Defoe's pace, and the problem created by Keane's roaming role.

STATZONE:
• Spurs did the double over West Ham last season winning 1-0 at White Hart Lane and 2-0 at Upton Park. West Ham's last double over Spurs was in the 1998/99 season.
• Ledley King in the Premier League 08/09: Played: 24, Won: 11, Clean Sheets: 8, Goals: 1.
• King's only goal last season came at Upton Park, when Spurs won 2-0.
• West Ham v Spurs in the Premier League: Played: 28, Won: 9, Lost: 13, Drawn: 6.
• Since the 1946/47 season there have only been three 0-0 draws between the sides in 101 league and cup games.
• Biggest wins at Upton Park: 1962/63: West Ham 1-6 Spurs. 1963/64: West Ham 4-0 Spurs.

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West Ham v Spurs: Jermain Defoe buoyant for Upton Park return
Jermain Defoe can expect the hairdryer treatment from 30,000 West Ham fans when he arrives at Upton Park on Sunday.
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Ley
Published: 6:30AM BST 21 Aug 2009

Having scored a hat-trick at Hull to take Tottenham to the top of the Premier League, Defoe is charged with keeping Tottenham ahead of more fancied clubs. Defoe spent nearly four years at West Ham, scoring 29 league goals before moving to Spurs. A spell at Portsmouth was followed by his unexpected return to White Hart Lane in January, but the West Ham faithful find it hard to accept that he left for one of the club's keenest rivals. Redknapp rules out James move "If you speak to any player who goes back to their old team, especially when they get stick, it makes you want to do well even more," Defoe said. "At the end of the day I loved my time at West Ham. I had a fantastic time there. It does make you play better when you get booed. But it's not a problem. You blank it out anyway and just get on with it. So I look forward to it."
Defoe scored twice after coming on for England in Amsterdam last week, and at Hull he claimed an outstanding hat-trick. He has now scored six goals in only eight league starts in his second Spurs spell and insists that playing so well early on will only help his season. "If you watch someone like Thierry Henry, when he had his great seasons in the Premier League, scoring 25 goals, he always got off to a good start. To get your goals early helps you as a forward. It sets you on your way, confidence wise. "There's no such thing as peaking too early. I don't want to be relaxed and say, well it's a long season. I am getting my chances and I am taking them."

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West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur at Upton Park on Sunday, Aug 23 2009, kick-off 1.30pm BST.
Telegrapah.co.uk
Published: 6:00AM BST 21 Aug 2009

Sunday, August 23

West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur
Upton Park
Kick-off: 1.30pm
TV: Live, Sky Sports 2.
Highlights, BBC2 MotD2.

Two big London rivals clash at Upton Park, with popular former manager Harry Redknapp returning with Spurs. Redknapp's side arrive unbeaten in six successive Barclays Premier League meetings, with Tottenham enjoying five wins and a draw in the previous three years. Last season, Spurs won 2-0 with goals from Ledley King and Jamie O'Hara at Upton Park. And in the return, at White Hart Lane, a Roman Pavlyuchenko second-half strike allowed Spurs to claim their first double over West Ham for the first time since the 1994-95 season. West Ham's last win over Spurs at Upton Park came in May 2006 when Yossi Benayoun netted the 80th minute winner.

West Ham (Probable, 4-4-2): Green; Faubert, Gabbidon, Upson, Ilunga; Noble, Parker, Collison, Dyer; Cole, Jimenez.
Tottenham (Probable, 4-4-2): Cudicini; Corluka, Bassong, King, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Palacios, Huddlestone, Modric; Keane, Defoe.
Referee: Mark Clattenburg.

Last season: West Ham 0, Tottenham 2; Tottenham 1, West Ham 0.

Stat of the game: Spurs are unbeaten in six games against West Ham, winning five.
Betting tip: No love lost so take 3-1 on a penalty awarded and scored.

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WEST HAM v TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
MATCH PREVIEW
Sporting Preview 21 Aug 2009

Spurs go into the weekend top of the table following their impressive victories over Liverpool and Hull, with Jermain Defoe the star of the show in the latter game as he bagged a hat-trick in a 5-1 demolition at the KC Stadium. Harry Redknapp's side went for the jugular from the off in that match and another open game looks in prospect here between two sides who have been moving in the right direction for a while now. The Hammers' only match so far this season saw them run out 2-0 winners at Wolves but you have to go back to the 2005/6 season for their last victory over Tottenham which partly explains why they are the underdogs in this despite enjoying home advantage.

The bet we like most in this though is over 2.5 goals at evens with Sportingbet because having sorted Spurs' defence out, it's clear there's been a switch in emphasis to their attack from Redknapp (just look at Wilson Palacios' role this season compared to last) and that might not have been fully factored in by the bookies just yet. Another point to bear in mind for those going high on the goals is the injury suffered by Spurs keeper Heurelho Gomes on Wednesday which is going to force a key change at the back which the visitors could have done without. Finally, we can't resist backing Defoe to continue where he left off in midweek by scoring anytime at a whopping 2/1 with Coral.

Redknapp himself said of the former West Ham striker after Wednesday's performance: "Defoe looked almost unplayable, his form is absolutely electric. He looks stronger than I have ever seen him and I have known him since he was 14."

Take the hint and the 2/1.

Verdict: West Ham 1 Tottenham 3

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Tottenham striker Defoe tells West Ham fans: Bring it on!
21.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

Tottenham ace Jermain Defoe is ready to run the gauntlet of West Ham United fans in this weekend's big derby. "Getting stick makes you want to do well even more," said Defoe, 26. "I loved my time at West Ham. I had a fantastic time there and I am looking forward to going back. "Hopefully we can win. It does make you play better when you get booed. It happened a lot to Ronaldo and other players and they use that. "I will just blank it out and get on with it. I feel really good at the moment. I am getting my chances and taking them."

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Alan Hansen's Premier League Preview: West Ham v Tottenham
Communityfootballpools.com

Top of the league Tottenham make the short trip across London to face West Ham this weekend brimming with confidence after back to back wins. Harry Redknapp's outfit have won plenty of plaudits after impressive displays against both Liverpool and Hull. I'm sure most Spurs fans will be confident that they'll maintain leadership of the Premier League as their record against West Ham is very good.

Tottenham have won five and drawn once in their last 6 meetings with the Hammers, a record that includes a league double last season. In fact, West Ham have failed to score against the North Londoners in the last three clashes. This could be a problem again this season as Gianfranco Zola's team have not been prolific at Upton Park. The Hammers ended last season with just 4 goals in their last 5 at home which will need to be rectified as Tottenham look like they are more than capable of getting goals in East London with Jermain Defoe especially in electric form for club and country.

Defoe's hat-trick against Hull was the first time in his career that he'd scored more than a single goal in an away Premier League game. This may be down to the striker's gym work throughout the summer as he does look far stronger in his hold up play which can only improve his game. The diminutive striker has scored in two of his three visits back to his former club in a Spurs shirt and I wouldn't be surprised if he did so again. In fact, there are plenty of goal threats throughout this Tottenham side that took until October 26th last season so register the 7 goals they've netted already in this campaign.

Zola has made West Ham a strong defensive outfit which is emphasised by the fact that throughout 2009 they've conceded the same amount of goals as notoriously strong defenders Chelsea. I have a feeling the Hammers will prove to be a tough team for Spurs to beat with a draw looking the best bet for me in this one.

The home crowd will be more than up for it and Harry's team won't have it all their own way in midfield with Mark Noble and company ready to mix it. Tottenham have never started a Premier League season with 3 wins on the bounce and I don't think Harry's team will do it this time, so my Premier 10 prediction is an action packed draw.

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WEST HAM v TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR - SPURS FAVOURED TO MAKE IT THREE IN A ROW
Joe Dyer: Friday 21st August 2009
C'monSpurs.com

Whoa there Harry! As Spurs fans we are used to flashes of brilliance, but generally not twice in a row! So, can we make it three with what would be a sweet derby day victory over the Hammers? The Betfair odds say yes, and at 2.4 (7-5) we're only half a notch bigger than Wednesday night. The home side are 3.3 (9-4) with the draw marginally longer at 3.4 (12-5). Head-to-heads have been heavily in Spurs' favour in the last three seasons with the Lilywhites lording it over our claret and blue neighbours thanks to five wins in six. And in fact we are unbeaten since 2006, as the other game was a draw. That suggests the win price is a good one especially when you look at West Ham's average Upton Park record last year. As well as Spurs, the Big Four, Aston Villa and Everton were all victorious in E13. Fear of a hex prevents this Lilywhite to advise backing the win and my general preference is for the draw. Over-reaction is common following a big win and West Ham will surely be competitive on their own patch. Goals again must be likely, however, and a punt on over 2.5 goals at evens appeals.

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JERM'S OUT TO HAMMER THE HATERS
The Daily Star

JERMAIN DEFOE is on fire for Harry Redknapp and he is ready to scorch the West Ham boo-boys. Defoe has his heart set on a starting role against ­Slovenia in England's friendly next month, ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifier against Croatia that could clinch a place at the 2010 World Cup for Fabio Capello's side. His first hat-trick in five years against Hull on Tuesday night made it five goals in less than a week for the Spurs hitman after his England double against Holland. Defoe returns to his old club on Sunday at a career peak – and with his ear plugs at the ready for another assault from angry Hammers fans. He has watched Cristiano ­Ronaldo feed off the anger of opposition fans and ­destroy teams out of spite and aims to do the same at Upton Park. "Getting stick makes you want to do well even more," said Defoe, 26. "I loved my time at West Ham. I had a fantastic time there and I am looking ­forward to going back. "Hopefully we can win. It does make you play better when you get booed. It ­happened a lot to Ronaldo and other players and they use that. "I will just blank it out and get on with it. I feel ­really good at the moment. I am getting my chances and taking them."
Defoe (right) has been working closely with coach Les Ferdinand and he keeps in constant touch with Arsenal legend Ian Wright as he goes into one of the most important years of his ­career. And there is no concern that he has peaked too soon and will fade away when Capello is handing out squad numbers for South Africa. "If you watch someone like Thierry Henry, when he had his great seasons in the Premier League scoring 25 goals, he always got off to a good start. It helps you as a forward to get your goals early. It sets you on your way ­confidence-wise. "There's no such thing as peaking too early. At the end of the day you've got to perform. I hope I'm making it hard for Harry to drop me. The competition is good for the club. "You can see our depth from the fact that Roman Pavlyuchenko didn't come on against Hull."

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Lawro's predictions
By Mark Lawrenson
BBC Sport football expert

SUNDAY
West Ham v Tottenham (1330)

Some critics expected Wolves to turn West Ham over in the first game of the season, but Gianfranco Zola's side stood up to be counted and pulled off a very good win in impressive fashion. Tottenham, too, have got off to an absolute flier. They were very good against Liverpool and, even though Hull helped them, were good again on Wednesday night. Harry Redknapp returning to West Ham always makes for a good game I feel, and I expect both teams to carry on their good starts with a draw here.

Verdict: 1-1
Match preview

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