WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole wants to score the goals to fire England to the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals
03.09.2009
Carlton Cole has unveiled plans to score the goals he needs to force his way into Fabio Capello's England starting eleven. Speaking ahead of Saturday's friendly international with Slovenia and next Wednesday's FIFA World Cup qualifier against Croatia, both at Wembley, the West Ham United striker was in positive mood. Cole, who has three caps, earned rave reviews for his substitute appearance against The Netherlands in Amsterdam last month, but has yet to break his duck at senior international level. However, the striker, who scored a career-high 12 goals for the West Ham last season and netted six times for England's Under-21 side as a youngster, is desperate to replicate that form for both Capello and Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola. "I base my game on my physical presence in and around the penalty area and I like to think I've got something to offer the team, but I know that I've got to start to score more goals if I am to start in the England team. "I aim to start also doing that with West Ham and I am up for the challenge. I just want to put on that England shirt. "I was in the squad at the end of the season for the games with Kazakhstan and Andorra but I was only just coming back from injury then. There were also five strikers selected and I did not get a chance. But I'm hoping I can get a run out in the coming games."
Cole believes a positive result in Saturday's friendly against Slovenia will stand England in perfect stead ahead of next Wednesday's crucial clash with the Croats - who are managed by former West Ham defender Slaven Bilic. Should Capello's men overcome Croatia, they will cement their place at next summer's FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa - a tournament Cole is desperate to be involved in. "People talk about Saturday's match being a friendly but every game is important for your country and a good result there will stand us in good stead for the Croatia game. "We haven't quite qualified yet, we are taking it one game at a time, and we would love to make sure of our place in the World Cup finals. We need to keep our momentum up after winning every qualifier so far."
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Wearen enjoys debut
WHUFC.com
Republic of Ireland midfielder Eoin Wearen put in a strong performance on his reserve-team bow
03.09.2009
Former Gaelic football star Eoin Wearen thoroughly enjoyed his rough-and-tumble reserve-team debut for West Ham United. Wearen was a child-star in his native Republic of Ireland and was offered the chance to join Dublin's Gaelic football team before opting to pursue a career in English soccer a year ago. The midfielder, who turns 17 in October, put in an impressive display in Tuesday's defeat at Aston Villa, enjoying a physical battle with the hosts' Isaiah Osbourne. Wearen's strong performance earned praise from reserve-team manager Alex Dyer. "It was a feisty game and I enjoyed it," Wearen told WHUTV. "There were tackles flying in all over the pitch. It was the type of game I like. It showed a bit of passion and the physical part of the game. That's what you want as a player, especially when the referee lets the game flow. "Whenever you come into a game like that, my background in Gaelic football definitely helps because I'm physically able to cope with it."
Wearen grew up in the Irish capital, splitting his time between playing Gaelic football for Dublin-based St Fiachras and soccer for the famous St Kevins Boys club, who also produced the likes of former Hammer Liam Brady, Damien Duff, Ian Harte and Stephen Carr. "I come from north-central Dublin, not far from the centre of the city. I've been here just for a few months now and am enjoying every minute of it, particularly this season, I'm getting the chance to push on and show my worth to the people above me. "It was a great experience for someone my age to play at Villa Park. It's the type of thing you want, to be pushing on and making your name for yourself."
As well as showing his worth to West Ham, Wearen is also eager to continue making his mark at international level. Having appeared for Ireland at Under-17 level, the youngster is hopeful of being included in his country's squad for their upcoming UEFA European U19 Championship qualifiers against San Marino, Albania and Italy in November.
"This is my first Under-19 season and a European Championship season so I want to be pushing on and playing at the highest level possible."
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Green keen to be No1
WHUFC.com
The West Ham United shot-stopper is looking forward to another chance to represent his country
03.09.2009
Robert Green is relishing the chance to stake his claim for the England No1 spot against Slovenia with a potential fourth consecutive appearance on Saturday. The Wembley friendly will be vital for Fabio Capello as he considers his options ahead of next Wednesday's visit of Croatia for a FIFA World Cup qualifier that would see a victory book his team's place in the South Africa finals. Green may be the man in possession but he is taking nothing for granted. "My chances are the same as everyone else's who's playing," he said. "The manager has said before that we will pick his players on who is playing well for their club and who trains well and that's how it is. I'm not going to question that and that's all we can take from it."
His main rivals are Manchester United's Ben Foster and Blackburn Rovers' Paul Robinson with the latter watched along with Green by national-team goalkeeping guru Ray Clemence at Ewood Park on Saturday. "As I've always said with stuff like this there's stuff like this you can control and stuff you can't control," said Green. "The things I can control is how I play for West Ham."
It is clear that the 29-year-old is targeting next summer's finals when asked an offbeat question about which player in football he would most like to swap shirts with. "I would like to swap shirts with all the other goalkeepers in South Africa. I don't think I need to explain that one."
His club-mates Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole are similarly motivated and Green believed they could both figure for Capello in the next two fixtures. "I would rate their chances pretty highly. Matt's been a mainstay for quite a while and Carlton was a shining light in the last game against Holland."
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Night with the stars
WHUFc.com
Four West Ham United greats will appear at two special evenings later this month
03.09.2009
West Ham United supporters will be able to rub shoulders with four of the club's favourite sons at two special events later this month. Sir Geoff Hurst, Ray Stewart and Julian Dicks will entertain fans with stories of days gone by at Forever Blowing Bubbles 3, which will be hosted by former Hammers defender and popular Sky television pundit Tony Gale. The evenings will be held at the Cliffs Pavilion in Westcliff-on-Sea and the Orchard Theatre in Dartford on Wednesday 16 September at 8pm and Thursday 17 September at 7.30pm respectively.
Tickets have been selling fast for both events, but supporters still have a chance to attend either of the two evenings, which have been organised by PR Sports Entertainers Ltd.
Prices for tickets start at £16.50, with a chargeable autograph session and signed memorabilia sale taking place after each show.
For Cliffs Pavilion tickets, priced £16.50, £17.50 and £19.50, contact the box office by calling 01702 351135 or online here www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk
For Orchard Theatre tickets, priced at £18.50 or £17 for the over-60s, contact the box office by calling 01322 220000 or online here www.orchardtheatre.co.uk.
Please note that all telephone and internet bookings made for the Orchard Theatre show will be subject to a £1 booking fee per ticket.
For further information about both shows, call the information line on 01702 202036.
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Bolton date confirmed
WHUFC.com
West Ham United know when they will take on Bolton Wanderers for a place in the League Cup fourth round
03.09.2009
West Ham United can confirm the Carling Cup third-round tie at Bolton Wanderers will kick off at 8pm on Tuesday 22 September.
The match, which comes before the two clubs meet home and away in Barclays Premier League action this season, will not be televised. West Ham's last trip to take on Bolton came in a top-flight meeting on 21 February 2009 with the home side claiming a 2-1 victory. The winners this time around will enter the fourth-round draw on Saturday 26 September.
The Hammers reached the last-32 after overcoming Millwall 3-1 after extra time at the Boleyn Ground while Bolton won through to this stage with a 1-0 win at Tranmere Rovers. The League Cup runners-up in 1966 and 1981 have faced the Trotters four times before in the competition, winning 4-1 at the third-round stage in October 1967 and 7-2 in a second-round tie in September 1968.
More recently, Bolton won 3-1 in a fourth-round tie at the Boleyn Ground in November 1994, while Wanderers also tasted victory in October 2005, winning 1-0 in a third-round fixture at the Reebok Stadium.
The club's allocation for the third-round tie is for 2,000 seats. Tickets are priced at £12 for adult non-season ticket holders and £10 for adult season ticket holders. Concessions are £5.
Selling dates
Bondholders - Wednesday 9 September
Priority point post - Thursday 10 September
Season ticket holders - Saturday 12 September
Club members - Monday 14 September
General sale - Tuesday 15 September
Full third-round draw
Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion
Chelsea v Queens Park Rangers
Bolton Wanderers v West Ham United
Barnsley v Burnley
Hull City v Everton
Leeds United v Liverpool
Manchester United v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Manchester City v Fulham
Sunderland v Birmingham City
Peterborough United v Newcastle United
Carlisle United v Portsmouth
Nottingham Forest v Blackburn Rovers
Stoke City v Blackpool
Scunthorpe United v Port Vale
Preston North End v Tottenham Hotspur
Aston Villa v Cardiff City
Ties will be played in the week commencing Monday 21 September.
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Upson for sale, insists agent
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 3rd September 2009
By: Staff Writer
Football agent Vincenzo Morabito has claimed that West Ham were willing to sell club captain Matthew Upson on transfer deadline day. According to Morabito, Fiorentina had an initial bid rejected before being told that if they upped it to around £9million a deal could be done. - something which La Gigliati refused to do. "Fiorentina offered West Ham €7million plus Da Costa [for Upson]," Morabito told Lady Radio. "However, West Ham wanted €10million. "It's a shame as Upson is in the international set up and [Fiorentina sporting director Pantaleo] Corvino gave his all."
Fiorentina eventually took Savio Nsereko in exchange for Manuel Da Costa and £3million + clauses a day ahead of the window closure. However further speculation suggests that Upson was just one of a number of players West Ham were willing to part with as the deadline approached in order to appease the club's bankers who are said to have ordered further sales.
Fortunately for Hammers fans the only departure was fellow central defender James Collins - who, whilst being one of the most popular players at the club, was sold in order to allow the likes of Upson to remain at the Boleyn Ground. However other fringe players are also reported to have been offered to a numbre of clubs in the final 24 hours of the transfer window.
Despite the refusal of the football club's owners CB Holdings to provide a single penny with which to expand the squad - and with pressure coming from the banks - West Ham still managed to retain their most valuable players, including the team's 'spine' of Green, Upson, Parker and Cole. Tottenham Chairman Daniel Levy wase one of those who enquired about the England defender's availability but he was offered short shrift by West Ham. Sadly for the Hammers they could find themselves right back at square one in just four months time when the January transfer window opens for business.
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Atletico favourites for Neill
Spaniards set to land Australian
By Edwin Chong Last updated: 3rd September 2009
SSN
La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid are reportedly close to signing Australia international Lucas Neill. The free agent, who recently left West Ham after rejecting their latest contract offer, is mulling over offers from several clubs including Atletico, Galatasaray, Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers and Hull City. With the new tax rate of 50 per cent for Britain's high income earners set to be implemented next April, Neill is seriously considering a switch to Spain after 14 years in England. "I am in talks with a club outside of England," Neill told the Australian media. "That's been the hardest one because of the language barrier. It's a change of what I've been used to. "A decision will take a lot of courage so that's why I've taken my time." Atletico's offer of around £1.5million-a-year to the 31-year-old is less than what West Ham offered, but Neill will pocket more in Spain due to the country's lower tax rates.
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Green - I'm No.1
West Ham keeper determined to keep place
Last updated: 3rd September 2009
SSN
Robert Green is confident he will be England's first choice goalkeeper for next summer's World Cup. Green has started England's last three internationals and kept clean sheets in the World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Andorra. He faces competition from David James and Ben Foster, who were both absent for the recent friendly in Holland, while others will also hope to make the position their own. But Green insists he should keep his place after starting the season well for West Ham. "The manager has said he is taking it on club form, who's playing well and who is training well," the 29-year-old said in the Daily Mirror. "There is stuff you can control, and stuff you can control, and the thing I can control is how I play for West Ham. "I am thinking about going to the World Cup as England's No.1. "There is no point turning up if you think you're going to be understudy. There is no point turning up not to play."
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Cole sets goals target
Striker keen to improve scoring record ahead of World Cup
Last updated: 3rd September 2009
SSN
Carlton Cole has admitted he needs to improve his goalscoring record if he is to become a key member of Fabio Capello's England squad. Cole is with the current England squad ahead of Saturday's home friendly with Slovenia and the World Cup qualifier against Croatia at Wembley next Wednesday. The West Ham United striker has one goal to his name so far this season while he has yet to open his international account. Cole is aware he must improve his goalscoring ratio and is keen to impress ahead of the World Cup next summer. He said: "I base my game on my physical presence in and around the penalty area and I like to think I've got something to offer the team. "But I know that I've got to start to score more goals if I am to start in the England team. "I aim to start also doing that with West Ham and I am up for the challenge. I just want to put on that England shirt. "I was in the squad at the end of the season for the games with Kazakhstan and Andorra but I was only just coming back from injury then. There were also five strikers selected and I did not get a chance. "But I'm hoping I can get a run out in the coming games."
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Calf injury hampers Collison hopes
TeamTalk
A calf injury may stop West Ham youngster Jack Collison from playing for both the Wales under-21s and senior side in a week. Collison, whose father died in a motorcycle accident last month, was intent on playing in both Wales matches over the next few days. He will be given compassionate leave from the Wales camp to attend his father's funeral on Monday. The 20-year-old had insisted that he wanted to play for the Wales under-21s against Italy in Swansea on Friday as well as for John Toshack's senior side against Russia in a World Cup Group Four qualifier in Cardiff next Wednesday. But Collison "tweaked" a calf muscle in training on Thursday and is now doubtful for the Liberty Stadium match, a UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifier. Under-21 boss Brian Flynn said: "Jack has been fantastic in training this week, considering the pressure he is under and the emotions surrounding his dad's death. "But he wanted to play in both matches and we were happy for him to do that. Then he manages to pick up a calf injury in training and must be doubtful for the game against the Italians. "We are mindful that if he plays in the under-21, he may damage his chances of playing against Russia next week."
Flynn has other injury and sickness worries. Striker Ched Evans is suffering from a stomach bug, Simon Church has an ankle problem and Cardiff's Adam Matthews - a late call-up - has picked up a muscle injury. Flynn said: "This will be a very tough match, as difficult as when we played against England in the previous UEFA tournament last season. What we did not need was any more injury problems."
Flynn has already lost Nottingham Forest full-back Chris Gunter and Bristol City centre-back Lewin Nyatanga through injuries, although both will join up with the senior squad next week. Flynn also has a major doubt over Swansea midfielder Joe Allen with a hamstring injury. Collison's father Ian, 46, died in an accident on the M25 on August 23 when he was travelling to see his son play for the Hammers against Tottenham. Watford-born Collison, who qualifies for Wales through his grandfather, did not know of his father's death that day until after his side's 2-1 defeat. But he played against Millwall 48 hours later, and then at Blackburn on Saturday before joining joined up with Wales on Monday.
Collison will attend the funeral on Monday and then return to the Wales squad HQ near Cardiff the following day. Toshack will rearrange his training schedule to accommodate Collison's wishes. The seniors, who face a tough clash with the Russians, will now train on Tuesday afternoon rather than the morning. Wales will make a late decision on Collison's fitness tomorrow, and still have some hope that he will join Arsenal youngster Aaron Ramsey in the side to face the Italians, as Flynn attempts to use his most experienced players against one of the best under-21 sides in Europe. Wales are currently top of Group Three, and know that they must take points from Italy to qualify for the finals, having failed only in a play-off with England to reach this summer's finals.
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Tottenham announce surprise keeper capture
By Soccernet staff
September 3, 2009
Tottenham Hotspur have announced the surprise signing of former West Ham goalkeeper Jimmy Walker. The 36-year-old was available outside of the transfer window given that he was a free agent and has joined the North London club as cover for Heurelho Gomes and Carlo Cudicini. Established number one Gomes has been suffering from a groin injury and with a number of young goalkeepers out on loan, Cudicini was the only realistic option available to manager Harry Redknapp. Having been linked with a move for Portsmouth 'keeper David James on transfer deadline day, Redknapp has instead reinforced his squad with the signing of Walker. The 'keeper left Upton Park at the end of last season after making 16 league appearances during a loan spell with Colchester United during the campaign. He joined the Hammers in the summer of 2004 when ending an 11-year spell with Walsall and famously suffered a serious knee injury as West Ham won the Championship play-off final in 2005.
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Mark Viduka in talks to sign for West Ham
Sep 3 2009 by Lee Ryder, Evening Chronicle
MARK VIDUKA was today locked in talks with West Ham United over a possible last hurrah in English football. Viduka is hoping to secure a pay-as-you-play deal with the Hammers and still aims to play in the World Cup in South Africa for the Socceroos. Viduka was released by Newcastle at the end of last season and understood to be offered back to the Magpies on transfer deadline day. West Ham released this statement this morning which said: "Gianluca Nani (technical director) and Gianfranco Zola are now discussing the possibility of an out-of-contract striker joining the club who has been tracked in the past month."
Earlier, Viduka's close pal Josip Skoko had suggested the former Toon stiker was poised to quit football. Skoko, a long-time team- mate of Viduka's with the Socceroos, said: "I spoke to Mark and he said he had one (Premier League) option and it was all boiling down to that. "I think it will be a case of if he's finished with the Premier League, he'll be finished with football."
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Capital gains: London's top football teams demand U-turn on plan to snub Olympic Stadium in 2018 World Cup bid
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 1:11 PM on 03rd September 2009
Daily Mail
London's leading football clubs have teamed up to launch a campaign to use the Olympic Stadium as part of the bid for the 2018 World Cup. The long-term future of the stadium, which is currently being built in east London, has yet to be decided - with no football club attempting to secure it as their home ground. But it could now figure as a major selling point in England's bid to host the planet's biggest tournament in nine years time.
London United, comprising of a group of clubs in the capital working with mayor Boris Johnson, has put together a proposal for the FA's World Cup bid team. They will propose using four stadiums - Wembley, Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, Tottenham's proposed new ground and the Olympic Stadium - for matches. Chelsea's director of communications Simon Greenberg, who is the chair of London United, said: 'It is a one-plus-three stadium strategy. 'Wembley is guaranteed to be part of England's bid and we are putting forward three other venues for matches — Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, Tottenham's proposed new stadium and the Olympic Stadium. 'Together they will be four of the most advanced and modern stadiums in London and indeed the world. All the conversations we have had with the various stakeholders in the Olympic Stadium are that we should be putting it forward and they are very keen for it to be included in the bid.'
Using the 2012 Stadium as part of the World Cup bid is not a fresh idea and it has already been ruled out by Tessa Jowell. The Olympics Minister believes it would be too expensive to maintain an 80,000 arena for the six years between the two huge events. There are plans to use it as a centre of sporting excellence but Jowell may reconsider if the World Cup bid is successful.
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West Ham linked with Viduka deal
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Metro.co.uk
West Ham have been linked with a move for former Newcastle striker Mark Viduka after revealing they are in talks with a free agent. The Hammers are desperate for cover in attack as they lack back-up for Carlton Cole with Dean Ashton still a long-term casualty. Gianfranco Zola reportedly failed in a deadline-day swoop for Manchester City striker Benjani, but the club have now revealed they may still make an addition outside of the window. A club statement announced: 'Gianluca Nani (technical director) and Gianfranco Zola are now discussing the possibility of an out of contract striker joining the club who has been tracked in the past month.' Viduka would be cleared to join the Hammers as clubs are allowed to sign free agents outside of the transfer window.
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West Ham line up move for Mark Viduka
Published 09:46 03/09/09 Exclusive by Darren Lewis
The Mirror
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola could shore up his forward line with former Newcastle star Mark Viduka. The 33 year-old striker is out of contract after being released by Newcastle at the end of last season. Portsmouth tried to pick up the Australian marksman last month but talks also broke down over wages as well as the south coast club's perilous situation during their chaotic takeover. Viduka has already tried to engineer a move back to the north-east but while Newcastle have re-signed former striker and free agent Peter Lovenkrands neither they nor Middlesbrough were interested in welcoming back Viduka.
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Portsmouth and West Ham financial turmoil prove football still has money problems
By Laptop with Martin Lipton
The Mirror
Last modified 12:01 03/09/09
The looming internationals and World Cup qualifiers have caught the eye but Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie has revealed how close the club was to going pop over the summer. According to Storrie it was a narrow escape, with Pompey already looking like a potentially doomed ship, especially with no certainty over how much money new owner Sulaiman Al-Fahim really has. But at the club Storrie used to run as chief executive, West Ham, similar fears may be stalking supporters, especially if they realise the extent of the financial mayhem that still threaten the Upton Park outfit.
It all seems like a long time since Eggert Magnusson shocked football with a double signing that seemed to demonstrate West ham's new ambitions. All Hammers fans enjoyed the denouement to that remarkable season (below), but the price is still being paid by Gianfranco Zola, forced to shop in the bargain basement this summer and to sell key defender James Collins as a book-balancer. One case where they really shouldn't have gone to Iceland!
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I base my game on my physical presence
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on:03 September 2009 - 15:12
West Ham United striker Carlton Cole has revealed his ambition to make headway under the tutelage of Fabio Capello as he looks to secure a place on the England plane to next year's World Cup in South Africa. The towering presence, who was formally at Chelsea, has already netted an amazing effort against Tottenham Hotspur this time out and told media assembled before the Three Lions friendly against Solvakia:
"I base my game on my physical presence in and around the penalty area and I like to think I've got something to offer the team. "But I know that I've got to start to score more goals if I am to start in the England team. "I aim to start also doing that with West Ham and I am up for the challenge. I just want to put on that England shirt. "I was in the squad at the end of the season for the games with Kazakhstan and Andorra but I was only just coming back from injury then. There were also five strikers selected and I did not get a chance. "But I'm hoping I can get a run out in the coming games."
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Livorno chief Ricci insists West Ham have paid Diamanti fee
04.09.09 | tribalfootball.com
Livorno have moved to rubbish claims that West Ham United are struggling to meet the payments of Alessandro Diamanti's transfer fee. The club's sports director, Nelso Ricci, insisted: "They paid days ago. "The first payment arrived the day before yesterday, and it's all right. Diamanti is a player of West Ham."
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West Ham finance chief Igoe raps "investment in squad"
03.09.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United finance director Nick Igoe admits the club's past signings have not proven value for money. The Guardian says Igoe commented: "It is clear with the benefit of hindsight that not all of the investment undertaken in the playing squad in the period under review was prudent. "West Ham United purchased three high-profile players in 2007-08 at a combined cost of £20m with total annual wages in excess of £12m. Those players made 36 starting appearances between them in the season."
Those three players were Freddie Ljungberg, Bellamy and Kieron Dyer. While their arrivals characterised the profligacy of Gudmundsson's stewardship of the club, their injuries characterised the 2007-08 season and it was remarkable that the club finished in mid-table. However Igoe qualified that by adding: "Whilst creditable, the 10th place finish has to be viewed in the context of a £21m increase in wages [almost exclusively player wages] and a further £15.7m net investment in transfer fees, following the £29.9m investment in the previous season. Again ignoring exceptional expenses, the group recorded a loss before player trading and after interest of £7.4m."
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Fiorentina's Savio insists West Ham spell was no waste
03.09.09 | tribalfootball.com
Savio Nsereko insists his time at West Ham United was not a waste. The German winger, 20, joined West Ham from Brescia in January for a fee rising to £9million. But he was shipped out to Fiorentina on Monday after failing to impress Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola. Despite just making 11 appearances, Savio said: "The experience at West Ham went rather well but I know that English football is different. "I am happy to be in Florence. Fiorentina are a great team and when they called up I didn't think twice."
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England coach Capello to stick with West Ham keeper Green
03.09.09 | tribalfootball.com
England coach Fabio Capello will stick with West Ham United's Robert Green as his goalkeeper. The Times says Green is expected to make his fourth consecutive appearance for England against Slovenia on Saturday as Capello gives him another opportunity to stake a claim for next year's World Cup finals. Green has been self-deprecating in the past about his lack of openings with the national team, even having the phrase "England's No6" sewn into his gloves. But, with concerns growing about Portsmouth keeper David James's prospects for next summer's tournament in South Africa, Green is emerging ahead of Manchester United's Ben Foster as the leading contender in Capello's mind.
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