WHUFC.com
Homegrown defensive prospect Jordan Spence is gaining valuable experience at
Scunthorpe United
08.10.2009
Jordan Spence is relishing life on loan at Championship outfit Scunthorpe
United having become a regular in their side at centre-back. Still only 19,
the defender has stepped up to the second tier of English football without
fuss and not looked out of place at all. He has made eight league
appearances for Scunthorpe and also played a part in the club winning
through to a Carling Cup fourth-round tie at Manchester City later this
month. Scunthorpe may be a long way from east London but Spence is certainly
enjoying stepping up from the League One experience he had in 2008/09 just
down the road at Leyton Orient. "It's different in a number of ways. First
and foremost it's a higher league. The standard is better in terms of the
team I'm playing for and the teams I'm playing against. "I'm also living
away from home up here so it's my own life. Even though it's only a couple
of hundred miles away it's a different way of life. It's been good playing
football against different kinds of opposition. "I'm living just outside
Lincoln. I knew a couple of the players before, Josh Wright I went to school
with, but mainly it's new acquaintances. For me it's a bit out there as I'm
used to the city life but it's been a good experience. "The quality of
people we're playing against means you get punished a lot more than in
League One. The quality of player is certainly a step up and you play
against some really good players at some really good stadiums and some
football teams that are dying to get back into Premier League."
Spence has won plenty of admirers and knows that the club's coaching staff
are keeping a close eye on his progress. "Personally I've been pleased. I
was thrown right in the thick of things at Middlesbrough in the first game
so that was a good test. I've enjoyed it and liked thinking and getting the
feedback. I think I've coped with the challenge as I seek to improve my
game."
He is due to remain at Scunthorpe until mid-January and for now he is not
thinking beyond that - other than the long-term hope of establishing himself
at West Ham United. "It's nice to be playing football at this level but my
aim is to be playing as high as I possibly can be. Come January I'm sure
I'll sit down and talk with the club but we've got lots of games between now
and then and lots of things can happen."
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Behrami on the up
WHUFC.com
The sight of Valon Behrami in the first team has given everyone a lift at
the Boleyn Ground
08.10.2009
Valon Behrami has said he is "feeling good" as he puts in the hours at
Chadwell Heath to ensure he is fit and well for the rest of the season. The
hugely popular midfielder was back on the bench last weekend as he continues
to feel his way back from a long-term knee injury and played a part late on
in the club coming from behind to draw 2-2 with Fulham. "It was a good
feeling to be back," he said. "I am feeling good and my condition has
improved a lot but unfortunately we didn't win so I'm very disappointed with
that.
"We have to understand to see that sometimes this happens and we need to
have a good reaction so in the future this does not happen. I have a few
weeks off. It is good as I can improve my condition and the strength of my
left leg. "
The 24-year-old is hoping to be involved again at Stoke City on Saturday
week and welcomed the extra responsibility of helping to turn things around
under the guidance of Gianfranco Zola. "The manager is positive every time
but obviously he has given us a bit of pressure as he has to do. "Everyone
needs to give more, some more running and it's normal. We have to give an
answer to score from midfield and at the back and the first thing is to get
a point before we start thinking about individual things."
He was not quite ready this week for a return for Switzerland and their
final 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers away to Luxembourg and at home to
Israel. As Group 2 leaders and with a three-point advantage on nearest
rivals Greece, it looks likely that Behrami will get to match the feat of
playing at the 2006 finals. "It is OK," said Behrami, "I am disappointed to
miss out for Switzerland but that is normal as I didn't play any games. I
will just watch it on the telly and work harder with West Ham."
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Hines eager with England
WHUFC.com
Zavon Hines is hoping to make an impact after his first call-up by the
England U21 set-up
08.10.2009
Zavon Hines has been training with his England Under-21 team-mates this week
after being named in Stuart Pearce's squad for a major match this Friday
night. The West Ham United forward, fresh from being named SBOBET Player of
the Month for September, is in the squad with fellow homegrown Hammers James
Tomkins and Junior Stanislas. All three are hoping to figure in the 2011
UEFA European U21 Championship qualifier with FYR Macedonia in Coventry.
After working hard to earn his call-up, Hines is determined to make the most
of the opportunity by hopefully getting some time on the pitch at the Ricoh
Arena. The 20-year-old knows the stadium well after seven games with
Coventry City at the end of the 2007/08 season. "I'm excited," he said. "I
feel privileged to be called up by England to be honest. Who would have
thought last season when I was out injured this would have happened? I've
just got to keep on working hard as I know that if I keep on working hard
there will be someone watching. "Hopefully with James and Jack with me I can
settle in as quickly as possible and get a run-out on Friday."
It represents a quick turnaround for south Londoner Hines, who was proud to
be previously be called up by Jamaica, the county of his birth, for a senior
friendly against Nigeria in February. Having not featured for the Reggae
Boyz, the 20-year-old forward was still eligible to play for England, the
country where he has spent most of his life. "Jamaica will always be in my
heart," he added. "It's nothing to do with Jamaica not being a good team or
not going anywhere."
Hines has gone into the international 'break' on the back of another
promising display for the West Ham first team in last weekend's 2-2 draw
with Fulham. Reflecting on that, he has plenty of belief that things will
look up for the club in the weeks to come. "I thought we started well and in
the first half we played well. We got the early goal and started well. I
don't know what happened in the second but we didn't come out in the second
half I don't think. It was a bit frustrating. "Everyone in the dressing room
was disappointed as we started so well. We scored but then in the second
half we didn't play well but we've just got to push on now."
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Internationals in focus
WHUFC.com
Robert Green, Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole are leading the way for those
on national-team duty
08.10.2009
A number of West Ham United players are away on international duty ahead of
important fixtures over the coming week.
While the likes of Danny Gabbidon, Radoslav Kovac, Valon Behrami, Kieron
Dyer and Jack Collison work on their fitness at Chadwell Heath with the rest
of the squad, some of Gianfranco Zola's men have been called away for
internationals. Seven are on England duty at three different levels while
CONCACAF qualification for the FIFA World Cup finals is occupying the minds
of two club-mates.
Robert Green, Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole
Although Fabio Capello's men have already qualified for next summer's World
Cup, all three Hammers will be hoping to cement their places in his England
squad. Green has started the last five matches but will have to contend with
David James for a starting berth this Saturday in Ukraine and next Wednesday
at home to Belarus. Upson, on 17 caps, and Cole, on five, are also looking
to take advantage of some key absentees.
James Tomkins, Junior Stanislas and Zavon Hines
Tomkins is the only West Ham survivor from the 2009 UEFA European U21
Championship campaign as Stuart Pearce's side look to the third game of the
2011 qualifying programme. With the visit of FYR Macedonia on Friday night,
Stanislas could win his third cap at this level, while Hines is hoping to be
in line for his debut. Club-mate Freddie Sears is out of the squad with an
ankle problem.
Frank Nouble
Having been capped at U17 level, Nouble has travelled with the U19s to
Slovenia for the first qualifying stage of the UEFA European U19
Championship. The Young Lions will play their first match against Finland in
Murska Sobota on Friday. They then take on the mini-tournament hosts in the
same stadium two days later before rounding out the group against Slovakia
on Wednesday in Lendava.
Guille Franco
After arriving in Mexico on Tuesday, the newest member of the West Ham
United squad will be carefully put through his paces. Franco has yet to make
his Hammers debut and is not certain to figure this Saturday or next
Wednesday at home against El Salvador and away to Trinidad and Tobago
respectively. One win from either game will send Mexico to the World Cup
finals.
Jonathan Spector
A victory away to Honduras on Saturday will be enough to send Spector and
the United States through to next summer's showpiece in South Africa - with
the safety net of the visit of Costa Rica to Washington DC to come on
Wednesday should it be needed. Spector has won 20 caps already at the age of
just 23, having helped the US to the FIFA Confederations Cup final back in
the summer.
Manuel Da Costa
Having previously been named in senior squads, Da Costa is with the Portugal
Under-23 squad for a Sunday friendly against Poland. Meanwhile, he and the
injured Luis Boa Morte will be hoping the A team can win their home games
against Hungary and Malta and that results elsewhere go their way to give
them a chance of going to the World Cup.
Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson
After an impressive debut for loan club Cheltenham Town last weekend, the
highly-rated Icelandic Under-21 international has linked up with his country
for the 2011 UEFA European U21 Championship qualifiers at home against San
Marino and Northern Ireland on Friday and Tuesday respectively. He played in
a 6-2 win away to the Northern Irish last month.
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Straumur deny Magnusson claims
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 8th October 2009
By: Staff Writer
The Communications Director of Straumur has denied reports that former
Chairman Eggert Magnusson has made an approach with regards to purchasing
West Ham United.
The Sun reported this morning that Magnusson - who was fired by former
friend and colleague Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson in December 2007 - is planning
to become the club's new owner.
The story further claims that Magnusson - whose stake in West Ham was worth
around £5million when he and Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson purchased the club for
around £85million in 2006 - has made his interest known, with West Ham's
non-executive Chairman Andrew Bernhardt being notified of that interest.
However the story was refuted today by Georg Andersen, Straumur's
Communications Director, who has issued a statement denying any contact with
Magnusson - whilst adding that there are currently no plans to sell West Ham
United FC.
Never a dull moment: Magnusson at West Ham
10th October 2006: UEFA bigwig Magnusson is named as the head of an
Icelandic consortium bidding for control of West Ham United.
21st November: Magnusson states that 'we can build something very special
here' on the day the Icelandic consortium's £85million takeover is
confirmed.
1st December: Popular Managing Director Paul Aldridge - who backed the
alternative Kia Joorabchian-led bid - leaves the club 'by mutual consent'.
4th December: Magnusson slams his predecessor Terry Brown for the deal which
saw Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano arrive at West Ham.
11th December: Alan Pardew is sacked following a string of poor results that
leave West Ham in deep trouble at the foot of the Premiership.
13th December: Alan Curbishley is named as Pardew's replacement less than 48
hours after the latter is fired.
January 2007: Magnusson sanctions the signings of Luis Boa Morte, Lucas
Neill, Matthew Upson, Calum Davenport and Nigel Quashie in a desperate
attempt to stave off the looming threat of relegation.
27th February: Former Chiarman Terry Brown steps down from his role as
Honourary Life Vice-President in the wake of claims that the new owners are
set to sue him for damages relating to the Tevez/Mascherano signings.
22nd March: Magnusson admits that 'it is not West Ham who owns Tevez' but
adds 'my lawyers tell me there are no problems with the registration of
these two players'.
27th March: Magnusson tells KUMB.com in an exclusive interview that 'the
average salary of a West Ham supporter who comes to the games here is second
highest in the league - it's just below Chelsea, and I think it's around
£60,000 per year.'
26th April: A Premier League enquiry fines West Ham a world record
£5.5million in relation to the transfers of Tevez and Mascherano - but
crucially fails to deduct any points. Magnusson reveals plans to sue Terry
Brown for the full amount.
28th April: Tevez plays in West Ham's 3-0 win at Wigan - and for the rest of
the season after Magnusson cuts a deal with the Premier League.
4th May: Terry Brown prepares legal action to counter-sue his successors for
breaking contractual agreements.
13th May: West Ham survive with a 1-0 win at Old Trafford on the final day
of the season. Sheffield United, who lose at home to Wigan, are relegated
instead.
14th May: Magnusson reveals plans to 'spend big' in the summer. West Ham go
on to sign the likes of Scott Parker, Kieron Dyer, Craig Bellamy and Julien
Faubert.
14th June: Darren Bent rejects a move to West Ham after a £16million fee is
agreed with Chalrton. He eventually joins Spurs.
18th June: Sheffield United's 'Campaign For Fairness' (nobody mention Paddy
Kenny, Chris Morgan, Steve Kabba or Neil Warnock) rolls into London on the
day the Blades take their bid to have West Ham relegated in their place to
arbitration.
3rd August: Carlos Tevez signs for Manchester United following weeks of
legal wrangles and uncertainly.
9th August: Magnusson confirms his ambition to make West Ham a top four club
within five years. He also confirms that Terry Brown is no longer welcome at
the club.
25th August: Magnusson warns Sheffield United that he will 'not allow their
attacks on West Ham United to go unchallenged'.
18th September: The club issue a statement confirming that Magnusson will be
relinquishing his position as Chairman and moving to a 'non-executive role',
overseeing a new team charged with the daily running of the club.
13th December 2007: West Ham confirm Magnusson has left the club having sold
his 5% stake to Gudmundsson. The Carlos Tevez affair eventually costs West
Ham United a further £25million in damages whilst Gudmundsson is forced to
hand over the club to creditors in the wake of the world banking collapse.
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Why West Ham fans should pray David Sullivan and David Gold take over their
club
By Robbie Savage
The Mirror
Published 23:04 08/10/09
West Ham fans should be praying David Sullivan and David Gold launch a
takeover bid for their club. I played for them at Birmingham, and while it
didn't end well they were two men who commanded respect. David Gold was the
more visible of the two but I'm grateful to David Sullivan for finally
letting me go just as things looked like getting messy. I got his home
number and we sorted it out in a long conversation. I found out afterwards
that I'd been one of his three favourite players of all his Blues reign, so
maybe that swung it. David Gold was regularly down at the training ground
for a chat, often flying himself there in his helicopter. Once he even
landed his plane at the training ground - but he overshot a bit and ended up
running the little jet into a grass verge at the end of the pitches. We were
all worried about his safety but David just got out and walked away
completely unfazed. That's the kind of guy he is.
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Hammers fear more Tevez claims
The Sun
By SIMON HUGHES and PAUL JIGGINS
Published: Today
WEST HAM have hired one of the top legal eagles as they brace themselves for
further Carlos Tevez compensation claims. Sir Ken Macdonald QC, former
Director of Public Prosecutions, has joined the Hammers as a consultant to
help stave off more claims resulting from their controversial signing of
Tevez and fellow Argie star Javier Mascherano in 2006. West Ham were fined a
record £5.5million for breaching Premier League rules with the signings. But
Sheffield United were furious they were not handed a points deduction which
would have saved them from the drop in 2007. The Blades launched a legal
claim over the cost of their relegation and after a long battle, the Hammers
agreed to pay an out-of-court settlement of around £20m. But now Macdonald,
56, will help West Ham fight claims from other clubs who feel they were also
left out of pocket by the Tevez deal.
SunSport understands Fulham have submitted a claim after the Hammers
pocketed £700,000 more prize money for finishing 15th - one place ahead of
them - in 2007. Two other clubs are also believed to be considering legal
fights against West Ham. They claim the Blades' relegation cost them cash
through various transfer deals and tie-ins that depended on Sheffield United
staying up.
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