WHUFC.com
The club have issued a response following an FA statement on Wednesday
afternoon
13.01.2010
West Ham United have been cleared of two of the four FA charges issued as a
result of the disturbances at the Carling Cup match with Millwall on 25
August 2009.
An FA Regulatory Commission issued its findings on Wednesday morning after a
three-day hearing last week. The FA charges not proven against the club are:
* Failure to ensure their supporters refrained from racist behaviour.
* Failure to ensure their supporters didn't throw missiles, harmful or
dangerous objects on to the pitch.
The FA Regulatory Commission will reconvene on Friday to consider the
sanctions after finding against the club on two further charges of pitch
incursion and provocative behaviour by supporters. Click here for more
information. West Ham United are unable to comment further until the
conclusion of the legal process.
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Dyer drawing on positives
WHUFC.com
Alex Dyer was pleased to see Freddie Sears bag a brace for the reserves on
Tuesday evening
12.01.2010
Alex Dyer believes Freddie Sears will take great confidence from scoring
twice in Tuesday's 4-2 Barclays Premier Reserve League South defeat by
Arsenal. The 20-year-old marked his first start since returning from a loan
spell at Coca-Cola Championship outfit Crystal Palace by blasting two
penalties past Gunners goalkeeper Vito Mannone. Sears, who did not hit the
net in 18 games for the Eagles, many of which saw him playing out of
position on the wing, showed no signs of rust in confidently converting both
spot-kicks.
Manager Dyer, who was slightly disappointed to see his side lose after
battling back from a two-goal half-time deficit, was pleased with the
contribution of the Hornchurch-based hitman. "I watched him at Palace a few
times and kept an eye on him and his performances were good at times. He
just couldn't get on the end of things and hit the back of the net. "Every
time he has played in the reserves, he has been excellent. He started doing
the things he knows he can do, running the channels and putting defenders
under pressure. That's his game. He was also quick to grab the ball and
score two penalties, so it was a good night for him."
Dyer was also pleased with the reaction of his young side after they were
stunned by two Jay Thomas goals within the space of 60 first-half seconds.
Sears brought the Hammers level, only for substitute Emmanuel Frimpong and
Thomas to settle matters within the final eleven minutes. "Before half-time
they were better than us, but we passed the ball well. We had a few words at
half-time and ironed out a couple of things and came out in the second half
and started doing the things that we do in training. We passed and moved and
put people under pressure. We had two penalties but we could have had three.
"The lads did well and showed character. They dug in and we were
disappointed to concede two late goals at the end."
Dyer believes his players - in particular forwards Sears and Cristian
Montano - would also take something positive from the experience of coming
up against former England defender Sol Campbell. The 35-year-old turned out
for former club Arsenal with the view to signing a short-term deal with
Arsene Wenger's side, and showed glimpses of his international class with an
assured 45-minute display. "When good players come to play at West Ham it
inspires the lads. Sol Campbell is a name and has had a great career. He's
gone back to where it all started [in the reserves] and it made my teamtalk
easy before the game. I told them there would be a lot of people and media
there and they would be on Sky all day so they should go out and give a good
account of themselves, which they certainly did do. "In the second half they
worked very hard and I'm disappointed for them that they didn't come out of
the game with at least a point."
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Italian eyes Hammers takeover bid
BBC.co.uk
Italian Massimo Cellino has emerged as a fourth potential bidder for West
Ham, BBC Radio 5 Live understands. Cellino, the president of Serie A side
Cagliari, where Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola ended his playing career, is
thought to be plotting a takeover bid. Ex-Birmingham owners David Gold and
David Sullivan, finance company Intermarket and the Lotus F1 team boss Tony
Fernandes are also in the hunt. Cellino is in London and was sighted at
QPR's home match on Tuesday night. It is understood West Ham will not engage
in any activity in the January transfer window until the takeover situation
is resolved. Sources close to the east London club have indicated a deal
could be completed by the end of the week, but it is still not clear who
might be favourites to seal a successful deal. All four interested parties
claim to have connections with the Upton Park outfit, and it could be the
£100m asking price is reached. Gold and Sullivan say they are long-standing
Hammers fans and would make money available for Zola to spend on transfers.
Intermarket, which was hit by the death at the weekend of chief executive
officer Jim Bowe, is believed to have former West Ham striker Tony Cottee as
an adviser but must prove it has the funds to secure a deal. Air Asia
founder Fernandes, who is thought to have been flying into the UK from
Malaysia on Wednesday, has been a regular at home matches for many years.
And Cellino has made no secret of his admiration for former Italian
international Zola. "He left football with the same class he had on the
pitch," said Cellino after the striker retired from playing. The club are
currently owned by CB Holding, which has indicated West Ham are £38m in
debt. The main shareholder in CB Holding is Icelandic bank Straumur, which
has previously said it is in no hurry to sell the club although that was
before the various bidders became known. Zola has insisted he will not have
to sell his star players in the January transfer window. England goalkeeper
Robert Green, defender Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole have all been linked
with interest from big clubs.
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Millwall cleared as West Ham face crowd unrest sanction
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have been found guilty of two Football Association charges of
failing to control their fans after violence at a Carling Cup tie against
Millwall. The Hammers were cleared of two further charges, while all three
charges against Millwall were unproven. Allegations that both clubs failed
to prevent racist behaviour by supporters at the match at Upton Park in
August 2009 were found to be unproven. An independent commission will decide
on any West Ham punishment on Friday. A Millwall supporter was stabbed as
fans clashed outside the east London ground and pitch invasions by West Ham
fans followed each of their side's goals in the 3-1 extra-time win. More
than 50 people have been charged by police in connection with disorder
inside and outside the ground. The FA convened a disciplinary hearing where
an independent three-man panel, chaired by a QC, considered evidence for
three days last week. Wide-ranging sanctions are available, although it is
thought a heavy fine or suspended sentence is most likely.
West Ham were found to have failed to ensure their fans refrained from:
- Violent, threatening, obscene and provocative behaviour
- Entering the field of play
They were cleared of failing to ensure their fans refrained from:
- Racist behaviour
- Throwing missiles, harmful or dangerous objects on to the pitch
Millwall faced three of the four charges, as above except for entering the
field of play, and all were not proven. The Lions had complained about their
ticket allocation being reduced before the match and vigorously defended the
charges. "We have always maintained that we were innocent of the charges,"
said chief executive officer Andy Ambler.
"As ever this club condemns all misbehaviour within football stadia and
works tirelessly to eradicate misconduct and to continue to change an unfair
and distorted misconception of Millwall Football Club and its fans."
An FA statement said it would "await the full written reasons from the
independent commission before making any further comment". Police have said
the 44-year-old Millwall supporter who was stabbed did not suffer
life-threatening injuries. Hundreds of supporters were thought to have
turned up for the game without tickets. It was the first time the east
London rivals had played each other since April 2005. Eyewitness reports
suggested opposing fans threw bottles and bricks at each other and started
small fires as police moved in to try to quell the disturbances outside the
ground. Police said they arrested supporters of both sides outside the
ground. Inside the stadium, police and stewards battled to remove fans who
had invaded the pitch from the home sections of the crowd. It is understood
scores of seats in the visitors' section of the ground were damaged.
The FA would not comment on the commission's decision to find the charges
against both clubs of failing to prevent racist behaviour by fans
"unproven", although more may emerge when the full findings of the
disciplinary hearing are published. Both West Ham's England striker Carlton
Cole and Millwall's Jason Price claimed they had been racially abused.
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Cellino: no comment on rumours
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 13th January 2010
By: Staff Writer
Massimo Cellino has refused to comment on rumours that he is in London to
complete a takeover of West Ham United. The 54-year-old Italian - who is
thought to have jetted into the UK at the weekend - was revealed earlier
this evening as the latest party bidding for control of the club, joining
David Gold & David Sullivan, Intermarket and Tony Fernandes. However when
contacted by Italian news agency ANSA tonight, Cellino refused to confirm or
deny the speculation, saying only: "No comment. I can't say anything about
it."
It remains unclear at this stage whether the Miami-based businessman is
working on a fourth potential bid or in tandem with one of the three
established parties, although the former option appears the more likely.
* Further updates on this and other stories relating to the potential change
of ownership will follow throughout the day.
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Massimo attack
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 13th January 2010
By: Staff Writer
Cagliari president Massimo Cellino is reportedly in London with view to
making an eleventh hour bid for West Ham United FC. The wealthy Italian, who
is friends with current Irons boss Gianfranco Zola (Zola ended his playing
career at Cagliari) is reportedly in the capital tonight, with his lawyer,
in order to meet Rothschild, the company appointed by CB Holdings to deal
with potential bidders.
Respected Italian website tuttomercatoweb.com, who broke the news this
evening added that developments are expected within hours - whilst Cellino
is said to be optimistic that a deal can be struck. corrieredellosport add
that the bid is worth around £70million - although whether that is for full
control of the club or just a share as per the Gold & Sullivan offer is not
disclosed.
Miami-based Cellino made his fortune from marketing and processing cereal.
He spent five years working for his father in Australia between 1978-1983
before returning to Sardinia, where, within just five years, he was running
Group Cellino.
In 1992 the 54-year-old, who is married with three sons bought Cagliari
Calcio. The club, whom he still owns, are currently ninth in Serie A, just
six points behind third-place Juventus.
Cellino hit the news most recently last month when it was revealed that he
had been ordered to appear before a court in Naples as witness in a
corruption scandal involving referees and officials of several Serie A
clubs.
Prior to this evening's news it had been thought that a resolution to the
ownership issue could be expected within two to three days, with Intermarket
claiming earlier today that they were in pole position.
However news of Cellino's interest could delay the process even further -
not the best news (in the short term, at least) for Gianfranco Zola, for
whom time to enhance his squad during the current transfer window is
beginning to run out.
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Hammers guilty, Millwall free; Met absolved, FA useless
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 13th January 2010
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United has been found guilty by the FA on two counts relating to
the Carling Cup clash with Millwall in August 2009. The Irons - who had been
charged with four offences relating to the events of that evening - have
been charged with 'failure to ensure their supporters refrained from
violent, threatening, obscene and provocative behaviour' and 'failure to
ensure their supporters did not enter the field of play'.
The two other charges, namely 'failure to ensure their supporters didn't
throw missiles, harmful or dangerous objects onto the pitch' and 'failure to
ensure their supporters refrained from racist behaviour' were dropped.
Meanwhile Millwall, who had been charged on three counts somehow managed to
emerge completely scot-free despite their supporters having ripped hundreds
of seats out in the away end, smashed up one toilet cubicle and racially
abused West Ham striker Carlton Cole. West Ham responded to the news by
stating that it is "unable to comment further until the conclusion of the
legal process". Milwall CEO Andy Ambler said: "We welcomes the verdict in
respect of our club as we have always maintained that we were innocent of
the charges. "As ever this club condemns all misbehaviour within football
stadia and works tirelessly to eradicate misconduct and to continue to
change an unfair and distorted misconception of Millwall Football Club and
its fans."
Questions as to why the lower league club, who have a reputation for such
behaviour that stretches back more than 25 years, escaped without sanction
will inevitably be asked - and also why there has still been no mention of
the role played in the evening's events by the Metropolitan Police. The FA
commision will reconvene this Friday (15th January) to consider what penalty
will apply.
You wouldn't Met it lie: how they got it all wrong
1. Met Police insisted on a reduction in Millwall's allocation prior to the
game, much against the wishes of the League One club who made their feelings
clear on their website at the time. This led to a 500-strong mob of
ticketless Millwall followers being present at the Boleyn Ground on the
night in question.
2. Instead of simply turning the large mob away, the massively under-staffed
Met inexplicably allowed them to enter the Boleyn Ground free of charge
midway through the game. Some of the individuals involved were later
responsible for the damage caused inside the stadium.
3. Rather than policing the stadium itself, the Met left it to West Ham
whose tiny army of unprepared stewards were simply unable to prevent
supporters entering the field of play to celebrate Junior Stanislas' 87th
minute equalising goal.
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Italian joins Hammers bidding
Cagliari president wants West Ham
Last updated: 13th January 2010
SSN
Cagliari president Massimo Cellino has joined the bidding to buy West Ham
United. The battle for the Premier League club has intensified in recent
weeks with financial group Intermarket, Malaysian tycoon Tony Fernandez and
former Birmingham owners David Sullivan and David Gold all bidding to take
control. Now Cellino has emerged as a fresh bidder and reports suggest he
has flown to London to open talks with West Ham's current owners,
Iceland-based CB Holdings. Cellino, who has been in control of Cagliari
since 1992, is looking to become the first-ever Italian to own a Premier
League club. Cellino is known to be close friends with current West Ham boss
Gianfranco Zola - who played for Cagliari for two-years at the end of his
career. "I want to save the team," Cellino is quoted by La Repubblica.
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Behrami tipped for Hammers stay
Agent expects midfielder to stay at Upton Park
Last updated: 13th January 2010
SSN
Swiss international Valon Behrami could stay at West Ham because no club can
afford to meet his price tag, according to his agent. The versatile
midfielder, who joined the Hammers in July 2008, has been touted for a move
away from Upton Park. A return to Italy has looked a strong possibility for
the talented 24-year-old, who has been linked with both Roma and former club
Lazio in recent weeks. But his agent, Allessandro Beltrami, believes Behrami
is more likely to sign a new deal with West Ham, where he has struck up a
good relationship with boss Gianfranco Zola. "A return to Italy for Behrami
is a rumour," he told Itasport. "His price tag is high - only a few teams
can afford to spend 15million euros in January. "I don't think that, at this
time, either Roma or Lazio have this economic possibility. "Only one other
team in the Premier League (Manchester City) could spend so much in this
market."
Beltrami suggested that the most likely outcome for Behrami would be to pen
a new deal with the Hammers. "Valon is well at West Ham and we are
discussing the renewal of his contract," he said. "He is loved by the fans
and he has a good relationship with the manager."
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Intermarket still in hunt
Company insist they have 'best package' to buy Hammers
Last updated: 13th January 2010
SSN
Intermarket, the financial group in the race to sign West Ham, maintain they
have the 'best package' to buy the club, according to the company's owner.
David Byrne remains hopeful a deal can be agreed soon but admits that time
is running out. Byrne also stated that the company would be looking to take
complete control of the club, buying 100 per cent of the shares. Intermarket
are believed to be facing competition from former Birmingham owners David
Gold and David Sullivan and AsiaAir in their bid to buy the club.
"We are under pressure to get this done and we know time is short." Byrne
told Sky Sports News' chief news reporter Bryan Swanson. "But I believe
we've got the best package. We are proposing to take 100 per cent of the
shares of the club and that will be in the best interests of West Ham."
However, a deal could be scuppered after news that Intermarket have been
rocked by the death of their chief executive officer Jim Bowe. But Byrne
insisted the news would only drive the company on in their bid to buy the
club: "If we win this race, it will be because of, and for, Jim Bowe. "We
are finalising delivery of funds to our account and have shown evidence of
capability. "This has been delayed by unfortunate events. It's difficult
for me to give any more financial details, because we have signed
non-disclosure agreements, but we have already, to a degree, undertaken due
diligence."
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Quashie would 'love' QPR offer
Midfielder waiting for West Ham future to be resolved
By Chris Galea Last updated: 13th January 2010
SSN
West Ham United midfielder Nigel Quashie says there has been no contact from
Queens Park Rangers, but would 'love' to see an offer from his former club.
Skysports.com understands QPR are lining up a bid to bring Quashie back to
Loftus Road, where he started his career. He has recently completed a loan
spell in League One with MK Dons and is waiting to hold talks with West Ham
before finding out if QPR will firm up their interest. "There hasn't been
any contact from the club (QPR) so far, but the scenario at West Ham needs
to be sorted out first," Quashie told skysports.com. "I reckon it is just a
matter of time before I move on, but whether that will be going back to QPR
is another thing.
"It is a club that I love and where I started out as a kid, so it is a club
close to my heart. I still try and go to watch them play as often as I can
and have been a supporter since childhood. "The club means everything to me
and so to be linked with them is a great feeling. I know what the supporters
want there because I am a fan myself, so it is a fantastic football club and
I'd love to see an offer from them on the table."
The 31-year-old is keen to get his future sorted out, but understands the
Hammers' current worries are far greater than his own. He added: "I'm just
in the process of speaking to West Ham in respect to my long-term future.
"If that means leaving the club then so be it, but there is a lot of
speculation at the club in the moment in terms of takeover bids etc, so I'm
just going to have to be patient with that. "The club is going through a
transitional period at the moment and my future isn't at the top of their
priorities at the moment."
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Hammers face FA charge
Derby day violence blamed on West Ham
Last updated: 13th January 2010
SSN
West Ham have been found in breach of two FA charges in relation to crowd
disorder during their Carling Cup tie with Millwall in August. Millwall have
been cleared of any charges for their part in what was a violent night in
East London. It was alleged that both clubs failed to ensure that their
supporters conducted themselves in an orderly fashion, with an FA statement
having now pointed the blame at West Ham. The FA statement read: "The
independent Regulatory Commission, chaired by an Independent QC, found West
Ham United to be in breach of FA rules in the following respects: Failure to
ensure their supporters refrained from violent, threatening, obscene and
provocative behaviour; Failure to ensure their supporters did not enter the
field of play. "The Commission will reconvene on Friday 15 January to
consider the issue of sanctions. "The Commission found all charges against
Millwall not proven. "The FA will now await the full written reasons from
the independent Commission before making any further comment."
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Kieron: I owe Bryan so much
MIKE BACON
GreeenUn24
Last updated: 14/01/2010 07:14:00
ENGLAND international Kieron Dyer has paid tribute to outgoing Ipswich Town
coach Bryan Klug. The 49-year-old Klug left Portman Road this week after
almost 30 years with the club. Dyer, 31, was, and has remained, one of
Klug's biggest fans. "I will always be grateful to Bryan, I owe him so
much," he said. Dyer, now at West Ham United, was one of a succession of
young stars who came through the Portman Road youth ranks under the guidance
of Klug. He was eventually sold to Newcastle United for £6m in July 1999,
going on to gain 33 England caps. And Dyer has no doubts of Klug's influence
on his profesional career, if a little surprised Town have let him go.
"Bryan has been a big influence on my career," he said. "Sir Bobby Robson
was the biggest-ever influence on me, but Bryan is right up there. "I know I
will be speaking on behalf of Titus (Bramble) and Darren (Bent), although
they will say it themselves, that Bryan was a huge influence on all of us.
"We all had great affection for him. "He is just a very good coach, simple
as that, and I always remember training was great with him. "He loves
one-touch and two-touch football and we all benefitted so much. "George
Burley got much of the credit for giving the likes of me, Titus, Richard
Wright, Benty (Darren Bent) and Scowie (James Scowcroft), our big chances in
the game, and in many ways he should have. But it was Bryan in particular,
and Paul Goddard, who coached us. "The amount of youngsters he has brought
through at Ipswich and the club has sold on, has made, well I can't think
how much."
However Dyer is realistic about the game today and Klug's departure. "It
will seem weird without Bryan at Portman Road, he was part of the
furniture," he added. "But that's part and parcel of the game I suppose, a
new boss comes in and wants his own staff. "I'm sure Bryan will soon be back
in football with his track record."
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The Verdict, Now We Await the Punishment!
West Ham Till I Die
As confirmed by Iain yesterday, the Independent FA Tribunal has delivered
its verdict on the Millwall disturbances. It should be remembered that we
faced 4 charges and Millwall three. The verdict is as follows:
West Ham United were found guilty of the two charges of failing to ensure
their fans refrained from:
(1) violent, threatening, obscene and provocative behaviour and (2) entering
the field of play
They were cleared of the two charges of failing to ensure their fans
refrained from (3) racist behaviour and (4) throwing missiles, harmful or
dangerous objects on to the pitch
Millwall faced three of the four charges, the charge of entering the field
of play being omitted. All three were not proven.
An FA statement said it would "await the full written reasons from the
independent commission before making any further comment". The decision on
punishment is due to be made public by the FA on Friday or early next week.
The club have a further right of appeal should they choose to take it up.
So, Millwall, regardless of their prior record of involvement in similar
disturbances, are effectively exonerated of the role that their fans played
in these events, including the criminal damage to Upton Park (Was that
vandalism reported to the FA, one wonders?). Similarly, the inadequate
staffing and operational planning by the Metropolitan Police does not appear
to be an issue that the 'powers to be' are minded to pursue.
On the plus side of the balance sheet, the club has successfully contested
two of the charges. Also, the FA should take in to mitigation the way in
which the club has subsequently co-operated with the authorities and issued
multiple life time stadium bans to identified transgressors. Hopefully,
this should weigh in our favour.
The punishment should logically be a fine and a severe warning to future
conduct (effectively a suspension of the threat to close Upton Park). Much
depends on the imperative within the FA to make an example of West Ham over
these events. If the mood is particularly bullish then it could increase
the size of the fine and result in the imposed closure of the ground for a
specified home fixture. (Hopefully in next season's Carling Cup
competition).
It will be interesting to see how the FA deal with Man Utd over the rampage
by their fans at Barnsley earlier this season. I assume that case is still
in the pipeline or has it conveniently and quietly been dropped?
Talking of punishment, I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed Liverpool's FA
Cup replay defeat at the hands of mighty Reading! I am not usually
vindictive to other clubs, but the memory of the 2006 FA Cup Final result
still rankles. So, its nice to see the scousers suffer a bit of misfortune
for a change.
It also raises the question how severely the loss, this season, of their
Champion League and other cup revenue will adversely impact upon Liverpool's
ability to service their massive debts? What's next, slipping out of he
top 4 and failing to qualify for next season's CL? Could that spark a real
"financial meltdown', possibly even an player 'fire sale' ? Personally, I
would not wish that fate on any club, not even Liverpool!
SJ. Chandos.
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West Ham to be punished after being found guilty of failing to control their
fans
Ken Dyer and David Yuill
13.01.10
Evening Standard
West Ham were today found guilty by the Football Association of failing to
control their fans during the Carling Cup clash with Millwall. The Lions
escaped without punishment as the FA's independent Regulatory Commission
gave their verdict this afternoon, five months after the ugly scenes at
Upton Park on 25 August. West Ham can now expect a hefty fine after they
were found guilty of "failure to ensure their supporters refrained from
violent, threatening, obscene and provocative behaviour, and failure to
ensure their supporters did not enter the field of play." They escaped
further punishment for racial abuse and missile throwing during the 3-1
victory, while three charges against Millwall were "not proven". A Millwall
supporter was stabbed in a side street as fans clashed before, during and
after the game both inside and outside the Boleyn Ground. The Hammers will
learn the extent of their fine on Friday. They expect to escape more
serious penalties including a points-deduction or being forced to play a
game behind closed doors. Millwall's chief executive Andy Ambler welcomed
the verdict. He said: "We have always maintained we were innocent of the
charges. "This club condemn all misbehaviour within football stadia and work
tirelessly to eradicate misconduct and continue to change an unfair
misconception of Millwall and their fans."
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Cagliari President Massimo Cellino In London To Buy West Ham United - Report
The Rossoblu supremo is supposedly on the verge of acquiring the English
club...
Jan 13, 2010 5:46:39 PM
Goal.com
It has been reported that Cagliari president Massimo Cellino has been
spotted in London and is there to purchase Premier League side West Ham,
according to tuttomercatoweb.
The Isolani patron has traveled to England, accompanied by a lawyer, in
hopes of buying the Hammers, who have been struggling on and off the pitch.
Recently, West Ham coach Gianfranco Zola, a former Cagliari hero, revealed
that he may be forced to sell some of the club's star players due to their
financial situation during the winter transfer market. The report indicated
that Cellino's advances to buy the club are expected to be successful and
more developments will occur in near future. Goal.com contacted a West Ham
spokesman, who said of the rumoured takeover: "We cannot talk about any
specific bid. We have had one direct offer as far as I know but anything
else is just speculation and paper talk."
Adam Scime, Goal.com
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QPR hope to complete Nigel Quashie deal
BBC.co.uk
Quashie has played just eight times for West Ham since joining in 2007. QPR
are hoping to complete the signing of midfielder Nigel Quashie. The
31-year-old is set to be released by West Ham and is then expected to join
the R's on a contract until the end of the season. Quashie started his
career at QPR and made 58 league appearances for the club before leaving to
join Nottingham Forest for £2.5m in 1998. He played for Portsmouth,
Southampton and West Bromwich Albion before moving to West Ham three years
ago. Last season he was loaned to Birmingham before a four-month loan spell
at Wolves, where he suffered injury problems and made only three
appearances. He recently spent a month on loan at League One side Milton
Keynes Dons.
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Air Asia boss in Hammers takeover bid
By Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
ESPN
January 13, 2010
Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes is out to win control of West Ham in
the next 48 hours by pledging a "significant" transfer pot for Gianfranco
Zola to invest in a new team at Upton Park. Hammers fan Fernandes is trying
to hurry the deal through in time to make an impact in the January transfer
window. However, former Birmingham City owners David Gold and David Sullivan
are also in the bidding war with Fernandes, and haven't given up hope of
success. Gold and Sullivan have the experience of running Blues and would
probably want the equally knowledgeable Karren Brady - who was managing
director at St Andrew's - as part of their new management team at Upton
Park. In contrast, the man who owns Air Asia has no previous involvement in
football, but would maintain the high level of foreign ownership in the
Premier League. ESPN Soccernet has learned that the long-awaited Hammers
takeover is in its final stages, and could be concluded before the weekend
to provide an injection of much needed transfer cash for Zola, with the new
owners likely to be in place, ready for action on Monday morning. A City
source told ESPN Soccernet: "The way the transaction is being structured any
capital is going straight into the club. "The plan is for a new share issue
and this can mean a significant investment going into the club, which in
turn can stimulate the belief from the banks that over a period of time,
they can recoup the money owed to them. "The feeling is that Tony Fernandes
really does mean business and West Ham can end up with more capital if they
go with him."
The source insists that Intermarket - another company heavily linked with a
takeover bid for the Hammers - has never been able to show proof of funds to
the satisfaction of the banks, despite its protestations to the contrary.
The consortium of five banks that has loaned money to the Hammers is
believed to favour the takeover proposals tabled by Fernandes, but Gold and
Sullivan might make a last ditch attempt to improve their offer in the next
24 hours. Rothschild, the investment bank which was appointed in October to
sound out potential investors, together with representatives from Glitnir,
Standard Bank, Lloyds, Royal Bank of Scotland and Straumur, West Ham's five
main lenders, is on the verge of making its decision.
Fernandes, a lifelong West Ham supporter and Lotus F1 team boss, has been
locked in talks in with Straumur, in its capacity as the largest shareholder
in CB Holdings - the company set up by the creditors of West Ham's former
owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson.
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If there was no racism then who
called West Ham striker Carlton Cole a monkey?
By Simon Cass
Last updated at 10:34 PM on 13th January 2010
Daily Mail
West Ham and Millwall have been cleared of failing to prevent racist
behaviour by fans — despite strikers Carlton Cole and Jason Price claiming
that they were subjected to monkey chants during the riotous fixture between
the sides last August. The FA found the charges to be 'unproven' and refused
to comment on the commission's decision concerning the alleged racist
behaviour of fans. They did find West Ham guilty of two charges relating to
the crowd trouble which marred the Carling Cup tie with the south Londoners.
League One Millwall were cleared of all charges. England striker Cole, 26,
and Millwall centre forward Price, 32, will have to wait until the full
findings of the disciplinary hearing are published to discover why the
charges were unproven. The pair appeared very clear as to what they heard
from the stands at Upton Park on August 25.
After the 3-1 extra-time victory, which was marred by riots outside the
stadium and fighting within it, Cole said: 'Yeah, I heard it, but it's
football, you know. I know I'm not a monkey. I might be as strong as a
gorilla but I'm not a monkey. That's life, isn't it?'
West Ham will learn their punishment tomorrow after being found guilty of
failing to ensure their supporters refrained from violent , threatening,
obscene and pro-vocative behaviour, and failing to ensure their supporters
did not enter the field of play. A hefty fine is the most likely outcome
although the extreme sanction of forcing the Barclays Premier League side to
play behind closed doors is open to the FA. The Hammers maintain they did
all they could to prevent the crowd trouble. Once the punishment is handed
out they will have the right of appeal. The violent clashes led to 64
arrests and the stabbing of a Millwall fan outside Upton Park and there were
pitch invasions during the match.
Millwall chief executive Andy Ambler was understandably delighted the south
London club had been cleared of any wrongdoing, claiming the decision
vindicated their vigorous defence against the charges. 'Millwall FC welcomes
the verdict in respect of our club as we have always maintained that we were
innocent of the charges,' said Ambler.
Meanwhile, the West Ham takeover saga took yet another twist last night amid
reports that Cagliari president Massimo Cellino is ready to bid £60m for
West Ham and take on a substantial amount of the club's debt, which is
believed to be about £80m. He is quoted in the Italian press as saying: 'I
want to save the team.' Such an offer could prove tempting to West Ham's
owner CB Holding, whose major stake holder is stricken Icelandic bank
Straumur. The news of Cellino's interest will please West Ham manager
Gianfranco Zola as Cagliari is the club where he ended his playing days.
Cellino, 54, has made no secret of his admiration for Zola. Rival bidder
InterMarket claimed yesterday they remain the preferred choice, despite
competition from Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes, former Birmingham
owners David Gold and David Sullivan and now Cellino. Fernandes is also
understood to be in the country trying to finalise a deal.
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Cagliari president Massimo Cellini eyes up move for West Ham United
The battle to take control of West Ham United took a dramatic twist on
Wednesday night when Massimo Cellini, the president of Serie A club
Cagliari, held talks with the bank charged with handling the sale of the
Premier League club.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Jason Burt
Published: 7:30AM GMT 14 Jan 2010
Gianfranco Zola knows Cagliari president Massimo Cellini and now wants a
swift resolution to the West Ham ownership saga . With Malaysian
entrepreneur Tony Fernandes also expected in London on Wednesday night, it
is now hoped that West Ham's future will become far clearer on Wednesday.
Cellini's intervention, however, has come from left field. It is understood
he signed a non-disclosure agreement with Rothschild Bank after registering
his interest, though he did not follow that up until this week. Sport on
television He flew to London to present his proposals to Rothschild, who
have spent the past few days in detailed discussions with Fernandes's
representatives and with former Birmingham City co-owners David Sullivan and
David Gold, who are also vying for control. Fernandes, it is understood,
remains the favourite. But, clearly, Cellini's late intervention cannot be
discounted. He is believed to have been taken seriously by Rothschild and CB
Holdings, the company that owns West Ham. Given Gianfranco Zola ended his
playing career at Cagliari, where he is revered after leading them back into
Serie A, Cellini's move, if he were successful, would strengthen the
Sardinian's hand. Zola is also favoured by Fernandes, however, and the two
have held talks. Above all, Zola is anxious for a resolution, especially
with the clock ticking on the January transfer window and the need for
reinforcements. The Cellini family, who made their wealth through cereals
and grain, have been in control of Cagliari since the early 1990s and have
steadily built up the club. However, it is unclear what the financial
structure of his bid is and exactly how wealthy Cellini, who spends much of
his time living in Florida, is. The 53 year-old was at Loftus Road on
Tuesday as a guest of Flavio Briatore, and watched the FA Cup tie against
Sheffield United. His involvement – and that of Fernandes – would appear to
be good news for Zola, technical director Gianluca Nani and the club's chief
executive, Scott Duxbury. A fourth party, the Intermarket Group, have
claimed they are preferred bidders for West Ham but this has been met with
scepticism by sources at Straumur, the bank which is the biggest shareholder
in the company that owns the club. West Ham will find out tomorrow what
punishment they will receive after being found guilty of two Football
Association charges of failing to control their supporters after violence in
the Carling Cup tie at home to Millwall. West Ham were cleared of two
further charges with all three charges against Millwall were unproven. The
club can expect a fine of around £100,000, possibly suspended.
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