WHUFC.com
Young midfielder Jack Collison made an impact the last time the Hammers met
the Tigers
17.02.2010
Jack Collison is determined to fight for his place in the West Ham United
team in the hope of repeating his scoring feat against Hull City. The
midfielder struck the second goal of a thrilling 3-3 draw back on 21
November but the Hammers saw a two-goal advantage turn into a one-goal
deficit by half-time before a second-half equaliser. Collison said the aim
was to go one better this weekend at the Boleyn Ground and claim a second
successive victory. "I scored at Hull after we started that game really well
but unfortunately let them back in it. We are looking for a bit of revenge
on Saturday and to take the three points. They are coming to our place this
time and to win would be massive."
The 21-year-old said home support would be telling and issued a rallying cry
to the fans to be in full voice again. "Their support is what we need. It is
a huge game. It is very tight down the bottom and it will be great if they
can be our 12th man. "The fans haven't got on our back at all this season -
even at times when we haven't played too well, they have been superb
Hopefully we can pay them back."
Collison did not figure in last week's 2-0 home success against Birmingham
City but you will not hear him complaining after that morale-boosting
triumph. "Everyone is together. It has given the whole place a massive lift.
"It is hard not playing but the boys won and I was very happy for them. The
manager obviously made the right decision because we won but I am just going
to try and force my way back into the team. I'll have to drop in a little
word about my goal last time!"
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Zola calls for same again
WHUFC.com
A passsionate and noisy Boleyn is just what is required this weekend,
according to Gianfranco Zola
18.02.2010
Gianfranco Zola has spoken of the importance of the fans ahead of Saturday's
visit of Hull City as West Ham United look to make it two wins from two. The
squad is on the up after the 2-0 success against Birmingham City last week
and only limited tickets remain for this weekend. Hull are level on points
with the Hammers, although three places lower in the standings, and a home
win would push the club further away from the bottom three and towards
mid-table.
In a message to fans, the manager said: "I am sure we will have the boost
from the Birmingham match but we have to start all over again. Yet again,
the crowd will be massive. With passion and belief from the fans, it will
make a big difference. "This partnership is what it is all about. We will
try to do our part by playing good football and making you proud, you can do
yours by getting behind us. "We will never take your support for granted and
appreciate the efforts you make. All together we can make it a good day."
The previous meeting between the clubs back on 21 November was a thrilling
contest, ending in a 3-3 draw after a see-saw encounter. With this fixture
being classed a Category B match, tickets start from just £35 for adults,
£17.50 for over 65s and £17 for under-16s. Additional discounts are offered
to young adult and junior Academy Members. Tickets can be purchased either
by calling 0871 222 2700 via Option 3, in person at the West Stand ticket
office, or online by clicking the above link .
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Travel update for Saturday
WHUFC.com
Train and Underground services could disrupt fans' journeys to the home
fixture on 20 February
18.02.2010
Supporters travelling by train to the home Barclays Premier League fixture
with Hull City on Saturday 20 February should be aware of the following
information. Owing to planned engineering works, the c2c line between Pitsea
and Southend Central will be closed. Rail replacement bus services will
replace trains, with journey times increased by up to 45 minutes. Trains
will continue to run between London Fenchurch Street and Pitsea via Laindon
and Ockendon, between Fenchurch Street and Grays via Rainham, while a
shuttle service will run between Southend Central and Shoeburyness. Owing to
planned engineering works, the line between Pitsea and Southend Central will
be closed. Rail Replacement Bus services will replace trains.
National Express East Anglia services in and out of London Liverpool Street
will run to a normal Saturday timetable. The London Underground's Jubilee
line will also be suspended between Green Park and Stratford on 20 January,
with trains being replaced by buses. The Circle line will also be completely
closed.
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Meet Benni and Mido
WHUFC.com
Benni McCarthy and Mido are set to meet fans at a special signing session on
Thursday afternoon
17.02.2010
Benni McCarthy and Mido are set to a appear at a special half-term signing
session at the club's Stadium store at the Boleyn Ground on Thursday
afternoon. West Ham United's two new strikers are due to appear at the shop
on 18 February from around 1.30pm, where they will be signing West Ham
United merchandise bought in store that day. Anyone planning to attend is
advised to get to the stadium early to avoid missing out.
Please note that all player appearances are subject to change and any
updates will be provided as soon as possible via the club's official website
whufc.com. Due to capacity, time limits and exploitation by professional
autograph dealers, players can only sign items purchased from the shop on
the day. The event is the second signing session of the week, as Matthew
Upson and Jack Collison met hundreds of supporters at the club's Lakeside
Shopping Centre store on Tuesday afternoon.
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Carr backing for Academy awards
WHUFC.com
The Academy Director has spoken about the importance of this season's end of
season event
18.02.2010
Tony Carr has thrown his support behind the club's second annual End of
Season Awards dinner to be held at the London Hilton on Tuesday 4 May. The
Academy Director is delighted that all proceeds from the gala event will go
towards developing the club's youngsters. After the huge success of last
year's evening, when he was singled out for a special tribute, Carr hoped
this year's dinner would be as equally well attended. "It is nice we get the
share of the spotlight. We have our own awards trophy for most improved
player and young player of the year. They are going to be awarded at the
dinner along with the first team awards which is fantastic. It was a great
dinner last year and it was a great evening and I look forward to it again
this year. It should be a great night. "The Academy is the lifeblood of our
football club. It has set us in good stead for many years. From our point of
view at the football club it is important we keep producing young players
for the first team. In effect, that stops us having to go into the transfer
market so much."
The ceremony will take place in the beautiful surroundings of the Grand
Ballroom at the London Hilton on Park Lane. Guests of honour on the night
will be the 1980 FA Cup-winning squad, who will celebrate the 30th
anniversary of their unforgettable 1-0 victory over Arsenal at Wembley. The
evening will also see the unveiling of the 2009/10 Hammer of the Year -
sponsored by Vantis Business Recovery Services - the Young Hammer of the
Year, and the winners of the Best Goal and Best Team Performance of the
season awards.
Tickets for what promises to be a very special, star-studded evening are
available, costing £2,500 a table of ten. Alternatively, a limited number of
individual places are available at £250 per person. For more information,
including a number of exciting sponsorship opportunities, contact West Ham
United on 0871 221 2700.
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West Ham settle Alan Curbishley compensation claim
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have settled the compensation claim made against them by former
manager Alan Curbishley. The 52-year-old, who left the club in September
2008 won his case for constructive dismissal against the Hammers last
November. And an undisclosed compensation fee has now been settled by the
club's new owners David Sullivan and David Gold. "With my managerial record
intact, I am now looking forward to getting back into management," said
Curbishley. "It has taken many months to conclude this case but I am proud
of my record at West Ham. "I would like to thank David Sullivan for acting
quickly and concluding the settlement since his arrival at West Ham."
Last autumn, a Premier League managers' arbitration tribunal upheld
Curbishley's claim and dismissed a counter-claim by the Hammers but did not
decide on the amount of compensation. Curbishley resigned after defenders
Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney were sold against his wishes. The
former Charlton boss launched his case after the Hammers counterclaimed for
the cost of employing Curbishley's successor Gianfranco Zola and his
assistant Steve Clarke.
A statement from West Ham read: "West Ham United are pleased to confirm the
club has settled all outstanding matters with Alan Curbishley. "Upon taking
charge of the club last month along with David Gold, joint-chairman David
Sullivan acted straight away in order to reach a settlement that was in the
best interests of all parties. "An FA Premier League arbitration tribunal
had previously upheld Curbishley's claim of wrongful dismissal following his
resignation at the beginning of the 2008-09 season."
Sullivan added: "I am pleased this has all been settled. We moved as swiftly
as we could to resolve the matter in a positive manner with Alan and his
representatives. "As football people, we realise this had to be dealt with
from a moral and legal point of view as quickly and possible. It was best to
draw a line through what had gone on under the previous owners, allowing us
instead to focus fully on our challenge of taking West Ham United forward."
Curbishley made 85 first-team appearances for West Ham during his playing
career and rejoined the club as manager in December 2006, saving them from
relegation in his first season. In his first full campaign at Upton Park,
Curbishley steered West Ham to a 10th-place finish in the Premier League.
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Jowell plays down West Ham's Olympic Stadium hopes
BBC.co.uk
West Ham's hopes of moving to the Olympic Stadium after the London Games in
2012 have been dealt a blow by Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell. The club's
new owners have targeted a move from Upton Park to the 80,000 capacity
stadium as they try to improve West Ham's finances. But Jowell said: "It
will be a grand prix athletics stadium.
"We have made that commitment, that was one of the reasons that we bid to
win the Games and so that is a given."
David Sullivan and David Gold took over cash-strapped West Ham in January
and immediately confirmed an intention to relocate to the Olympic Stadium in
nearby Stratford.
A major stumbling block to the proposed move is that the running track at
the stadium would have to remain as part of the London organising
committee's commitment to leave a legacy to athletics in East London.
Sullivan said at the time of the takeover: "We hope to persuade the
government to let us move into the new Olympic Stadium and I believe the
people of east London would support that move. Asked whether they would be
happy to live with the track around the pitch, Sullivan said: "Ideally no,
but there may be a way we could lay the running track for three months or
something. "I don't think running tracks work, particularly behind the goal.
The customers are so far back it doesn't work."
Jowell was critical of Sullivan for making public comments about the Olympic
Stadium move. "I don't think you can jump from a press conference where the
new owners sit down and say we'd like to move to the to Olympic Stadium to
how it might work," she said. "In order to make sure we maximise the legacy
of the park, we have set up the Olympic Park Legacy Company and they will
shortly be inviting bids and business plans from any business that wants to
apply for a commercial stake in the stadium and if West Ham want to made a
bid at that time it will be considered alongside all the others."
Jowell is currently in the Canadian city of Vancouver, which is hosting the
Winter Olympics. The start of the Games was overshadowed by the death of
Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili and there have been ongoing problems
caused by unsuitable weather. But Jowell said: "I think that (Vancouver
organising committee) VANOC have done a really wonderful job. "They have had
some really big challenges, like the weather for instance, but what they
have really got going for them, and I think this is something that our media
back home doesn't quite get, is that these are Canada's Games and the people
of Vancouver are 1000% behind them. "Whatever carping there may have been in
the British media, it is not reflected here."
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Curbishley settles
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 17th February 2010
By: Staff Writer
Alan Curbishley has reached an out-of-court settlement with West Ham United
with regards to his claim for constructive dismissal. The ex-Irons boss sued
the club's former administration for wrongful dismissal after he walked out
on the club in Spetember 2008 citing the then board's decision to undermine
his authority by selling players without his consent. Curbishley, who won
the ensuing court case has agreed a figure worth in the region of
£1.5million according to unconfirmed reports. News of the settlement was
revealed by the LMA (League Manager's Association). A no-doubt delighted
Curbishley said: Commenting on the issue, Curbishley said: "It has taken
many months to conclude this case but I am proud of my record at West Ham
which included a win ratio of 40%, after initially keeping the club in the
Premier League and a 10th place finish in my only full season in charge. "I
would like to thank David Sullivan for acting quickly and concluding the
settlement since his arrival at West Ham. I would also like to thank the
LMA, Mike Morrison of Hill Dickinson and Paul Gilroy QC for their support,
hard work and confidence in my case."
Curbishley, who has been out of work since leaving his post at the club
revealed that he was looking forward to becoming involved in the game once
again, now that the case had been concluded. "With my managerial record
intact, I am now looking forward to the future and getting back into
football management," he said.
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Olympic blow for Irons
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 17th February 2010
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's chances of moving to the Olympic Stadium have suffered a
blow after Tessa Jowell insisted that it should remain an athletics arena
post-2012. Jowell, the Minister for the Olympics criticised West Ham
United's new joint-owners, David Sullivan and David Gold, for making public
their plans to move to Stratford - despite having failed to speak with the
committee charged with determining its legacy post the games. "Let's be
clear about this. It will be a grand prix athletics stadium because we need
one," said Jowell. "We have made that commitment, that was one of the
reasons that we bid to win the Games and so that is a given. "I don't think
you can jump from a press conference where the new owners sit down and say
we'd like to move to the to Olympic Stadium to how it might work. "In order
to make sure we maximise the legacy of the park, we have set up the Olympic
Park Legacy Company and they will shortly be inviting bids and business
plans from any business that wants to apply for a commercial stake in the
stadium.
"If West Ham want to made a bid at that time it will be considered alongside
all the others."
Gold and Sullivan have maintained that the club's future lies in Stratford,
which they insist is the only viable solution for the 80,000 capacity arena.
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Hammers settle Curbs claim
Former Upton Park boss keen to get back into management
Last updated: 17th February 2010
SSN
West Ham have settled their compensation case with former manager Alan
Curbishley. Curbishley has been seeking compensation after winning his case
for wrongful dismissal against West Ham last November. The former Charlton
manager claimed he had no option but to resign from his role at Upton Park
in September 2008 claiming he was not awarded sufficient control over
transfer matters. A Premier League managers' arbitration tribunal in
November ruled Curbishley was justified in his actions because the club sold
Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney to Sunderland against his wishes. The
tribunal, which dismissed a counter claim from West Ham, have now decided
how much compensation the club owe to Curbishley with the 52-year-old
reportedly claiming the loss of two years' salary. The compensation
agreement has now cleared the way for Curbishley to return to management
with a number of clubs linked with Curbishley's services in the past. "It
has taken many months to conclude this case but I am proud of my record at
West Ham which included a win ratio of 40%, after initially keeping the club
in the Premier League and a 10th place finish in my only full season in
charge," said Curbishley in a statement on the LMA's official website. "I
would like to thank David Sullivan for acting quickly and concluding the
settlement since his arrival at West Ham. "I would also like to thank the
LMA, Mike Morrison of Hill Dickinson and Paul Gilroy QC for their support,
hard work and confidence in my case. "With my managerial record intact, I
am now looking forward to the future and getting back into football
management."
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Hammers dealt stadium blow
Olympic Stadium must leave athletics legacy
Last updated: 17th February 2010
SSN
West Ham's hopes of relocating to London's Olympic Stadium have been dealt a
blow. The Hammers had been hoping to move into the state of the art stadia
once the 2012 Games have been completed. A switch to the 80,000 capacity
ground would allow the capital club to house considerably more supporters
than is possible at their current Upton Park home. However, Olympics
Minister Tessa Jowell has moved to warn West Ham that the venue's primary
purpose will be to stage grand prix athletics. Officials insist the Games in
2012 must leave a legacy to athletics in East London and are adamant
meetings will continue to be staged at the stadium. That news will
disappoint the Hammers' co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold, who would
prefer to host matches without an athletics track running around the pitch.
''Let's be clear about this. It will be a grand prix athletics stadium
because we need one,'' said Jowell. ''We have made that commitment, that
was one of the reasons that we bid to win the Games and so that is a
given.''
Jowell has also criticised Sullivan and Gold for openly declaring their
intention to relocate to the Olympic Stadium, as such a move would have to
be sanctioned by the Olympic Park Legacy Company. She said: ''I don't think
you can jump from a press conference where the new owners sit down and say
we'd like to move to the to Olympic Stadium to how it might work. ''In
order to make sure we maximise the legacy of the park, we have set up the
Olympic Park Legacy Company and they will shortly be inviting bids and
business plans from any business that wants to apply for a commercial stake
in the stadium and if West Ham want to make a bid at that time it will be
considered alongside all the others.''
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Hammers up for Mitch battle
The Sun
Published: Today
DAVID SULLIVAN is ready to make Kevin Mitchell's dream come true by staging
his world lightweight title shot at Upton Park. The West Ham co-owner is a
boxing nut and would love to see huge Hammers fan Mitchell, 25, take on
Aussie Michael Katsidis for the vacant WBO crown at the Boleyn. Sullivan,
who has sponsored former boxing world champions Lennox Lewis and Chris
Pyatt, said: "I'd like to accommodate Mitchell if it is possible. It would
be an event as well as a boxing show. "Early in the close season would be
ideal as it would give the pitch more time to recover. "The shorter the
length of time the pitch is covered over the better. "We have to weigh up
the cost against any potential profit. We don't want it wrecking the pitch."
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Curbishley's 2.5 million payday
The Sun
By PAT SHEEHAN
Published: Today
ALAN CURBISHLEY can start looking for a new job - after finally pocketing a
£2.5million payoff from West Ham. Curbs, 52, won his case for constructive
dismissal against the club last year after he quit as boss in September 2008
following the sale of players behind his back. While he was in dispute with
West Ham, he did not take a job as it could have affected his payout. New
co-owner David Sullivan made settling with Curbishley a priority when he
took over with David Gold last month. Sullivan said: "I am pleased this has
all been settled. We moved as swiftly as we could. "It was best to draw a
line through what went on under the previous owners, allowing us to focus on
taking West Ham forward."
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West Ham United settle £2.2m compensation claim with Alan Curbishley
The Times
Gary Jacob
West Ham United have agreed to pay Alan Curbishley £2.2 million to end their
dispute over his departure from the club 17 months ago. Curbishley, who
resigned after Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney, the defenders, were
sold to Sunderland against his wishes in 2008, won his case against the East
London club for constructive dismissal in November. The decision to conclude
the case was taken by David Sullivan, the West Ham joint-chairman, who met
Curbishley two weeks ago. Sullivan wants to put an end to the problems
hanging over from the previous regime after buying the club with David Gold
last month. He plans to tackle the outstanding money owed to Sheffield
United from the Carlos Tévez affair next.
Curbishley resigned in September 2008 and started a case for constructive
dismissal, claiming £3 million in compensation. A Premier League managers'
arbitration tribunal dismissed a counter-claim by the club for the cost of
employing Gianfranco Zola, Curbishley's successor, and Steve Clarke, the
Italian's assistant, but had yet to decide on the amount of compensation to
award Curbishley. West Ham had offered £1.2 million plus costs recently. The
52-year-old has set a target of returning to Premier League management. "It
has taken many months to conclude this case but I am proud of my record at
West Ham, which included a win ratio of 40 per cent, after initially keeping
the club in the Premier League and a tenth place finish in my only full
season in charge," he said. "I would like to thank David Sullivan for acting
quickly."
West Ham have paid Dean Ashton a year's salary, in accordance with his
contract, after the former England forward was forced to retire because of
an ankle injury in December. The club have lodged a compensation claim
against the FA because the original injury was caused by a tackle by Shaun
Wright-Phillips, during a training session while the pair were on
international duty in August 2006.
The FA's insurer has yet to respond, but the governing body has dismissed
Ashton's chances of making a successful claim. Ashton has also consulted a
lawyer about the possibility of claiming compensation from Chelsea, for whom
Wright-Phillips played at the time.
West Ham have said that they are aware of the pledges made by the Government
and the London 2012 Organising Committee regarding the Olympic Stadium,
which they would like to be their future home. Tessa Jowell, the Olympics
Minister, reiterated that an athletics track must be part of the legacy.
West Ham are drawing up various options, which will be presented to the
Olympic Park Legacy Company, possibly as early as April.
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West Ham launch new legal action over Tevez affair - Exclusive
Published 23:00 17/02/10 By James Nursey
The Mirror
West Ham's new owners have launched a legal challenge to claw back cash
after being unhappy with the handling of the Carlos Tevez affair. Joint
chairman David Sullivan and David Gold vowed to take drastic action after
inheriting a £110million debt at Upton Park last month. They have already
introduced widespread cost-cutting by axing annual retainers to match-day
ambassadors and ending club credit cards and mobile phones. And now the
Hammers' hierarchy have issued formal legal proceedings against the club's
former solicitors and the FA. Sullivan feels West Ham were badly advised by
their old legal team during the Tevez saga. And he is also trying to recoup
funds from the FA after Dean Ashton broke his ankle on England duty in
August 2006. Hitman Ashton subsequently had to retire at 26 just 18 months
into a five-year contract at Upton Park. While the Tevez fiasco landed the
club with a fine of £5.5million and compensation plus costs of around
£19million to Sheffield United. But Kieron Dyer has been given a final
chance to prove his fitness before possible retirement beckons for the
injury-prone midfielder. Dyer, 31, has only started five times for West Ham
since a £7million move from Newcastle in August 2007 on a four-year deal
worth £70,000-a-week. Both the club and player have given serious thought to
a settlement for the midfielder to retire. But Dyer is now back in light
training and has not given up playing again this season. Meanwhile, West Ham
have paid up the compensation claim made against them by ex-manager Alan
Curbishley, who left in September 2008 before winning a constructive
dismissal case. Curbishley had asked for £3.2million plus £500,000 costs and
although the final settlement was undisclosed, he is believed to have
received in excess of £2million.
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Dixon named in Givens' Under-21s
Wednesday, 17 February 2010 18:33
www.rte.ie
Striker Terry Dixon has been named in the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad
to take on Armenia in the Tallaght Stadium on 3 March. The 20-year-old, who
has overcome a series of serious knee injuries over recent seasons, makes
his return to the Ireland Under-21 set-up over three years after making his
debut at this level. Dixon made his Under-21 debut against Belgium in 2006,
the same year as he was named in the Republic of Ireland senior squad for
their match against Chile. After suffering from a series of injuries, Dixon
has recently returned to action at West Ham United, signing for the London
club in February 2009. Republic of Ireland Under-21 manager Don Givens
believes the striker's return to fitness should see him put a difficult
couple of years behind him. Givens said: "I have watched Terry at West Ham
and he seems to be beginning to show the sort of form that made him
stand-out so much before his injuries. 'He has been terribly unfortunate
over the last few years but he seems to be putting that behind him now.
'There is no doubt that he is a great talent. He was out of the game for a
long time but it is great to see him back playing and I'm really looking
forward to having him involved with the squad.' Givens named an 18-man squad
for the match against Armenia, with Stephen Gleeson (suspended) the only
forced absentee. Ian Daly, who plays his club football in Greece with Aris
Thessaloniki, is named in the Under-21 squad for the first time, having
previously represented his country at Under-19 level.
Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad to play Armenia at Tallaght Stadium on 3
March, kick-off 7.30pm.
Shane Redmond (Darlington), James McKeown (Peterborough United), Seamus
Coleman (Everton), Kevin Long (Burnley), Callum Morris (Newcastle United),
Olanrewaju Oyebanjo (Histon), Darren Dennehy (Gillingham), Cian Hughton
(Lincoln City), David Meyler (Sunderland), Seamus Conneely (Galway United),
Owen Garvan (Ipswich Town), Scott Davies (Reading), Conor Clifford
(Chelsea), Alan Judge (Plymouth Argyle), Cillian Sheridan (St Johnstone),
Ian Daly (Aris Thessaloniki), Sean Scannell (Crystal Palace), Terry Dixon
(West Ham United).
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