WHUFC.com
The West Ham United manager is up for playing again at Tony Carr's Testimonial match on Wednesday
29.04.2010
Gianfranco Zola is looking forward to "a very special night" when West Ham United take on Tony Carr's Academy All-Stars next Wednesday at the Boleyn Ground. The highly-regarded Academy Director has been honoured with a Testimonial match and the manager is keen that everyone come along to show their support for a game that could feature the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole. "I wish Tony all the best. He has been very supportive of me and his work has been brilliant at this club for so long.
"I really hope as many supporters as possible come along to support Tony. He really deserves this match for everything he has done. He has given so much to this club and I am really hoping that a lot of people will turn up. It will be a great night. I know it has been a hard season for the fans but it will be nice to have as many as possible there on Wednesday."
Zola, who revealed he "would be proud" to don his boots and represent West Ham United on the night, added that the two have a strong working relationship. "It has been good to work with Tony Carr. I have players in my team that are important players who come from the Academy. That tells you the good work he has been doing throughout the years and now.
"He is a person that has done very well for this club and his work ethic is very good. It has been a pleasure to work with him this season. He has done a brilliant job not only for West Ham but for the whole nation. So many important and influential players that are with the national team have started here and that tells you what he is all about."
In many ways, the two men have a similar approach, with Zola all about developing talent and giving it full chance to shine - just like Carr, who has been doing it for 37 years. "Working with young players is what I like. The policy we have at this club is ideal because I want that in my team, the chance for young players to come in and do the job. His principles and his work marries with what we are trying to do in the first team."
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Hammer of the Year update
WHUFC.com
There has been a huge response with 24,000 votes cast ahead of the poll closing on Friday morning
29.04.2010
There is just a day to go to have your say for the Hammer of the Year 2009/10 sponsored by Vantis in association with the West Ham United Supporters Club. The prestigious award, which has been won by so many famous faces over the years, will be presented to the player with the highest number of votes at the last home game of the season against Manchester City on Sunday 9 May, having been officially announced at the official End of Season Awards dinner. More than 24,000 votes have been cast by supporters already in the three available categories, and whufc.com users have until 10am on Friday to make sure they are included. Online votes will be added to those received by the club through the post and email. The vote is particularly close in two of the three categories, with little between the top two.
As an added bonus, fans can also vote for their whufc.com Goal of the Season from a selection of five great strikes and, new this year, is the Performance of the Season prize, with another five nominees shortlisted. As usual, the Young Hammer of the Year and the Doris Bell Most Improved Player awards will be selected by Academy Director Tony Carr, while there is also a Players' Player prize for the first time.
To help fans make their choices for the Hammer of the Year, Goal of the Season and Performance of the Season a little bit easier, there are two exclusive videos available through the homepage freeplayer, which highlight some of the best moments of the 2009/10 season. You can also read more about the different categories at the bottom of this page.
To cast your vote, simply watch the two videos, pick your top player and favourite goal and click here to be taken to the voting registration page. As always, Tony Carr will decide the Young Hammer of the Year.
Scott Parker was the last player to be honoured with the Hammer of the Year award and he knows how much it would mean to the players to be named the 2009/10 winner.
He said: "It is a fantastic award. It was a great achievement for me personally and I am honoured to have won. It is particularly pleasing to have won an award voted by your own fans. It was a great achievement for me."
The 2009/10 Awards
Hammer of the Year - sponsored by Vantis
Young Hammer of the Year - sponsored by Pubpals
Goal of the Season - sponsored by Floyd Investments
Performance of the Season - sponsored by Compass
Top Goalscorer - sponsored by Kinetics
Players' Player - sponsored by Winged Boots
Goal of the Season - The Nominees
MARK NOBLE v WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS (A)
The 2009/10 Barclays Premier League season was just 22 minutes old when Mark Noble opened West Ham United's account at Molineux on 15 August.
The midfielder took Carlton Cole's square pass before leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey with a delicious 25-yard curler that flew past the Wales stopper and into the top left-hand corner.
CARLTON COLE v TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (H)
Carlton Cole brought everyone inside the Boleyn Ground to their feet with a rasping 25-yard strike against local rivals Tottenham Hotspur on 23 August.
The England striker controlled Luis Jimenez's header before turning Sebastien Bassong and belting the ball past Heurelho Gomes with an unstoppable left-foot shot.
ALESSANDRO DIAMANTI v BIRMINGHAM CITY (H)
Alessandro Diamanti picked the perfect moment to send an inch-perfect free-kick past Birmingham City goalkeeper Joe Hart to send West Ham United on the way to a 2-0 Barclays Premier League victory on 10 February.
The Italian maestro's strike, which came 80 seconds into added-time at the end of the first half, led to wild celebrations involving manager Gianfranco Zola and the whole team on the touchline.
SCOTT PARKER v CHELSEA (A)
West Ham United's former Chelsea midfielder Scott Parker reminded Blues fans what they have been missing when he scored an unforgettable goal at Stamford Bridge on 13 March.
The 29-year-old collected Kieron Dyer's throw-in before smashing a dipping volley past Ross Turnbull from long-range, giving the debutant goalkeeper absolutely no chance.
ILAN v EVERTON (A)
Having opened his account at Burnley in early February, Ilan scored his second goal for the club with a magnificent diving header at Everton on Easter Sunday.
The Brazil international threw himself full-length to nod Julien Faubert's inch-perfect cross past Tim Howard to secure a 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.
Performance of the Season - The Nominees
MARK NOBLE v WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS (A)
Home-grown Hammer Mark Noble got the season up and running with a virtuoso performance in the 2-0 opening-day Barclays Premier League victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers on 15 August.
Not only did the 22-year-old score a sublime first goal, but he also provided the corner for Matthew Upson to head home the second to make the game safe and secure three important points.
ROBERT GREEN v ASTON VILLA (H)
England's No1 was in almost unbeatable form against Martin O'Neill's Aston Villa, paving the way for a hugely significant 2-1 Barclays Premier League win over the UEFA Champions League hopefuls on 4 November.
Robert Green had already produced a world-class stop to deny Stiliyan Petrov and also kept out a Gabriel Agbonlahor effort before he capped a fine night by saving an Ashley Young penalty.
ZAVON HINES v ASTON VILLA (H)
Substitute Zavon Hines could never have imagined the impact he would have on the game when he replaced an injured Carlton Cole 32 minutes into Aston Villa's Barclays Premier League visit to the Boleyn Ground on 4 November.
The 21-year-old striker announced his arrival by forcing Habib Beye to concede a 45th-minute penalty, which was converted by Mark Noble. Hines then completed an amazing night's work by stabbing a dramatic winner past Brad Friedel in the third minute of added-time.
ALESSANDRO DIAMANTI v BIRMINGHAM CITY (H)
The outpouring of emotion that greeted Alessandro Diamanti's inch-perfect free-kick against Birmingham City on 10 February showed just how much it meant to both the Italian and his team-mates.
On seeing his strike hit the back of Joe Hart's net, the 27-year-old raced 40 yards to embrace manager Gianfranco Zola before being engulfed by the rest of the squad. West Ham United would go on to win the match 2-0.
JULIEN FAUBERT v HULL CITY (H)
The France right-back marked his 50th appearance in a West Ham United shirt by producing the best performance of his three-year stay in east London, scoring one fine goal and providing another for Carlton Cole.
Faubert's assist came first as he curled an outstanding pass around Hull City left-back Andy Dawson and into the path of Cole, who needed just one touch to slot the ball past goalkeeper Boaz Myhill. Then, in added-time, the 26-year-old picked up possession before rifling an angled drive past the goalkeeper from 20 yards.
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Ladies going for promotion
WHUFC.com
Tony Marshall's team face four titanic matches to decide whether they can reach the Premier Division
29.04.2010
West Ham United Ladies go into this Sunday's match with last-placed Crystal Palace fighting fit and ready to push for promotion. With a reorganisation in the national game, there is a possibility of two promotion places to the Premier League from the Southern Division. The Hammers are third with four matches to play but are still to meet two of their rivals for the runners-up spot. Reading, who the club welcome on the last day, are currently second with three more points. After going to Palace this Sunday, Tony Marshall's team will travel to runaway leaders Barnet on the following Thursday. The season will finish with two home matches. The first is against Portsmouth, level on 32 points with the Hammers, at Thurrock on 9 May before the campaign ends with a huge match at Little Heath against Reading on 16 May. Looking ahead to perhaps the biggest month in the club's history, Marshall said: "It is all to play for as it will all come down to our last three games. We have a superior goal difference but we need at least three wins from the four matches overall."
The Ladies team are on a high after coming from behind last weekend to win 4-1 against Brighton and Hove Albion. The Hammers were a goal down at the interval but battled back through two goals from Gemma Shepherd (pictured) and further strikes from Carly Roache and Becky Merritt to turn the game around.
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Upson still up for it
WHUFC.com
The club captain has paid tribute to the fans as he and the squad prepare for Sunday's final awayday
28.04.2010
Matthew Upson has spoken of the determination in the squad to finish the season in the strongest possible way - starting with victory away to Fulham on Sunday. With top-flight status all but assured, the captain said the team owe it to the fans to give them as much as possible to cheer before the curtain closes on a "turbulent season". There have been many changes from the back four he marshalled to good effect in the previous campaign but Upson has paid tribute to the rearguard's resolve. "The defence has had to change a lot this season after last year's consistency but we have all got on with it," Upson said. "A lot of young players have come in and got experience that will really help them in the future. It has been a turbulent time with so many things happening but whoever has gone out there has done their best. "We have come through and, with all that has surrounded the club, we have achieved the main objective as the season progressed, which was survival. The campaign turned into a battle and it is good to come out on top from that. It would be nice not to experience that again and I am sure the club can build on this. "There has been a lot of pressure. Aside from the relegation battle, there is the general pressure of playing at West Ham United and what is expected from us every time we run out on that pitch. I have always said I enjoy that. "I would rather play for a club that is demanding and has the harsh realities that come with playing here. I enjoy it here because you have to give everything each time you play."
Upson will do just that on Sunday as the club look to move up the standings, with each league position bringing increased financial rewards to the club. "It is important that we carry on in the same fashion we have lately, with the same attitude and application. "The supporters need to see us do well in the last two games but we also know there is a financial incentive for the club for us to finish as high as we can. There is a lot of pride in the squad and management team to get more points and we will be up for it. "Even when things have not gone so well, the fans have always been there home and away. None of us take that for granted and there have been many games when we have been in awe of the support."
After Fulham and once the full-time whistle blows against Manchester City on Sunday week, Upson admitted his thoughts would turn to England and the summer. "On a personal note, I have the incentive to play well because I want to be involved in a World Cup squad. "It would be an honour to represent West Ham United at the finals but I know my performances have to be better than ever. Making sure we get the job done is the main thing but this is also an incentive for me to be at my best. "You have to have the expectation to win. That is what top-level sport is all about. The club has high standards and the fans demand it. "
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Matthew Upson confident of England place
BBC.co.uk
By Alistair Magowan
West Ham's Matthew Upson believes he is the number one contender to partner John Terry if Rio Ferdinand's injury problems resurface at the World Cup. England captain Ferdinand has suffered back and groin problems this season. And competition for the centre-back slot has seen calls for Tottenham's Ledley King and Michael Dawson to join the squad in South Africa. "Going on the last few internationals I'd have to say I do feel like I am the next in line," Upson told BBC Sport. "But football changes very quickly so you can never rest back and take that for granted, so I think it's important you keep on top of your game and keep wanting to improve to secure your place."
Ferdinand has played 19 matches for Manchester United this season, plus another seven for England, but his season has been a stop-start affair because of a succession of injuries. Under England boss Fabio Capello, Upson's emergence as Ferdinand's replacement has seen the former Birmingham defender start nine of England's 17 matches since the beginning of the World Cup qualifying campaign. And although he is still regarded as playing second fiddle to former England skipper Terry, England have been defeated only once when Upson has featured - the 1-0 loss in a friendly to Brazil. "I've really enjoyed playing and it has been a good run of games ever since Mr Capello took over as manager so I have enjoyed every minute of it," Upson told BBC Sport at the launch of the Football Association's England Football Day. "Getting back into playing football at this level is why I get out of bed in the morning. It drives me on and I've really enjoyed being in the squad again."
Upson's form for England has come at a time when the defender has suffered testing times at club level. Six straight defeats in February and March had West Ham staring relegation in the face and they only managed to effectively secure their Premier League status last Saturday after beating Wigan. The players, as well as manager Gianfranco Zola, have come under fire from co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold and the latest outburst by Sullivan saw him made it clear that the entire Hammers squad - with the exception of Scott Parker - was available for the right price.
Declining to answer questions about his future, the Hammers skipper said: "It has been a challenge to cope with the situations on and off the field at the club, it hasn't been easy at times but if anything it makes you a stronger character. "Having had that kind of adversity throughout the year, hopefully it will be nice to get some different kind of problems and a different feeling with England. "It's been a difficult time at West Ham, we're safe now and I'm pleased that that's happened and hopefully the club can build on that. But it will be nice to go into the tournament - hopefully at the other end of the scale."
Upson said he still harboured ambitions to play in the Champions League again, having tasted European football when he was a youngster at Arsenal. And he said he had responded to Capello's disciplined approach to give him belief to play at the highest level. "Capello knows what he wants and if players can't deliver that to him then he lets you know," Upson added. "Whether it's an arm around the shoulder to be told quietly or if it's in front of everyone in a meeting, he's got his style and his fashion of getting his message across and at times it's not for the faint-hearted. "If he's not happy with something then quite rightly he tells you and that level of discipline needs to happen and I think it brings the best out in the group. "He likes to see players work hard; he likes to see you play with confidence, belief and with discipline and that's the key thing he has brought to the team. "I'm not just talking about behaviour, I'm talking about tactically out on the pitch and I think that's a trademark of his management. "He has huge respect throughout the squad and throughout the football world. His winning capabilities have been shown in the past and it would be great to see those capabilities at international level for England."
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Back of the net
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 28th April 2010
By: Staff Writer
David Sullivan has insisted that West Ham United will be net-spenders in the transfer market this summer. The club's joint-chairman was speaking about the forthcoming summer transfer window in which West Ham are expected to be one of the busier clubs, given remarks made by Sullivan at the weekend in which he hinted that a great number of current squad players will be put up for sale.
However in the week in which it was announced that season ticket prices were being frozen, he insisted that any outgoings will be superseded by the number of new arrivals. "There are still many things to be decided, such as whether Matthew Upson wants to sign a new contract," he told the Evening Standard. "But there must not be a repeat of last season when the club sold an important defender right at the start of the season.
"Let's not kid ourselves, we haven't done well enough this season and I don't think anyone would disagree with that. What I would say, though, is there has been no lack of effort on that pitch. Now we need to sit down and formulate a plan to make things better next season.
"There will be changes. We will be net spenders on players this summer despite our debt. In our position, though, it is inevitable players will go. No-one in this squad is untouchable, except for perhaps Scott Parker. We have to temper ambition with reality. Our aims next season are to improve our league position, have a decent cup run and keep the club solvent."
Whether current managerial incumbent Gianfranco Zola remains at the helm come the start of next season is open to speculation - but Sullivan, who insisted that the manager will be involved with the key decisions regarding new arrivals for as long as he is employed by the club. "Part of that consultation process will involve Zola," Sullivan added. "We have always sat down with our managers and asked them what they want to do, how they will take things on in the future."
However in an earlier interview with the Telegraph, Sullivan - like fellow joint chairman David Gold earlier this week - intimated that Zola may be set to depart the club of his own volition. "He did indicate he might resign at the end of the season," said Sullivan, "but he might well have changed his mind. In interviews he has not committed his future to the club beyond the end of this season."
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Clubs eye Mido situation
Egyptian to have options
Last updated: 28th April 2010
SSN
Mido is set to be offered the chance to kick-start his career away from England, skysports.com understands. The Egyptian is a Middlesbrough player, but he has spent the whole season away from the club on loan. He first moved to Zamalek in his homeland, but he returned in January and West Ham signed him on transfer deadline day. The 27-year-old has made nine appearances for the Hammers, but is yet to register for them. Having already played in seven countries for ten different clubs, he again looks set to be on the move. And skysports.com understands that there is strong interest from both Greece and Turkey. Istanbul giants Fenerbahce and Galatasaray are both said to be showing an interest, whist Olympiakos and Panathinaikos are also understood to be keeping tabs on his situation.
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Sullivan - Zola might resign
Co-owner says no decision has been made over manager's future
Last updated: 28th April 2010
SSN
West Ham United's co-owner David Sullivan claims Gianfranco Zola has 'indicated' he may resign, but insists no decision has been taken on the manager's future. Zola's position at Upton Park has come under intense scrutiny this season following the Hammers' brush with relegation from the Premier League. The takeover of Sullivan and David Gold midway through the campaign prompted further rumours that the Italian could be axed in the summer. Sullivan says the board have not reached a conclusion regarding Zola's future, but believes the former Chelsea star has been considering his position at the club. "No decision has been made," Sullivan told the Daily Telegraph. "He did indicate he might resign at the end of the season, but he might well have changed his mind. "In interviews he has not committed his future to the club beyond the end of the season."
The Hammers are also braced for a summer upheaval after Sullivan revealed that he is prepared to listen to offers for every player, except influential midfielder Scott Parker.
He added: "Zola has repeatedly said he's a coach and doesn't want to be involved in the selection of players for the club. "I'm sure he'd accept the departure of any player if we brought in a better one. "We've had no offers for any players. This year's performances have not been good enough and some players will stay and others will go. "We will do deals that make financial sense for the club."
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Zola may leave - Gold
Hammers chief denies contact with manager candidates
Last updated: 29th April 2010
SSN
West Ham co-owner David Gold admits there is a possibility that his efforts to persuade Gianfranco Zola to stay on as manager may prove to be in vain. The future of the Hammers boss is in doubt after Gold's partner David Sullivan claimed that the Italian could resign at the end of the season. Zola has not enjoyed the best relationship with the former Birmingham City owners since their January takeover. Zola clashed with the pair over the club's decision to complain to the Premier League about Fulham's weakened team against Hull, while Sullivan's description of the team's performance against Wolves as "pathetic" did little to ease tensions between the two parties. With West Ham now all but assured of their top-flight status, Zola is thought to be considering leaving the club. Gold denied that Steve McClaren and Avram Grant had been contacted about taking over from Zola, but he concedes that the Italian may leave Upton Park after the club's remaining games against Fulham and Manchester City. "I have not spoken to, and am not speaking to, any other managers about taking over at West Ham," Gold said. "I haven't spoken to Franco since Sunday but what I do know is that he's preparing for the away match at Fulham (on Sunday). "I'm going to the training ground on Friday as usual. I'll talk to him then. "I hope he stays, but him leaving is a scenario, it is a possibility. "He has had a tough time. He's had two years at West Ham and for a good part of that time he didn't know who was running the club. He's had bad luck as well. "He could say 'I have done a fantastic job, I have got West Ham out of jail when I was given a chance and I have managed to go through all that and keep West Ham in the Premier League'. "You could make a case for it. Do I believe that he will? There's always a possibility."
Gold also sought to dampen fears that the likes of Matthew Upson, Robert Green and Carlton Cole could leave Upton Park as part of a fire sale this summer. "I hope our best players will be with us next season," Gold said. "I hope they sign new contracts and remain settled at the club.
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Zola winning the Boat race
The Sun
By MARK IRWIN
Published: Today
WEST HAM are leading the chase for Portsmouth midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng - but must fight off Birmingham, Sunderland and Stoke. Crisis club Pompey insist they will not sell their prize asset on the cheap as they plan a mass clearout this summer. Boateng, 23, has been one of the few successes of a dismal season at Fratton Park since his £4million move from Spurs last year. And Pompey administrator Andrew Andronikou is hoping to start a bidding war for the £6m-rated former German Under-21 star, who will play his final game for the club in next month's FA Cup final against Chelsea. Boateng, who managed just seven Premier League starts during two years at Spurs, is under contract until 2012. That makes him one of the few Portsmouth players who will command a transfer fee as the club look to reduce their £105m debts. Even Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has been surprised by Boateng's performances this season and admits he was too hasty to sell the controversial midfielder. No less than seven of Avram Grant's first-team squad are out of contract in the summer and will not be offered new deals.
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West Ham move for Portsmouth midfielder Kevin Prince Boateng - Exclusive
Published 23:00 28/04/10 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror
West Ham are set to cast a further cloud over the futures of their home grown midfielders by moving for Portsmouth's Kevin Prince Boateng. Hammers co-owner David Sullivan declared earlier this week that, with the exception of Scott Parker, the club will listen to offers for every player . As if to ram home the point, the east Londoners immediately moved for the freescoring West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans, with the Baggies confirming they had turned down a £4million bid. Now it is understood the Hammers want are lining up a cut-price move for Boateng, one of Pompey's most consistent players this season. Success in landing either - or both - players would reduce the first-team chances of both fans favourite Mark Noble and Jack Collison, who had been making good progress at Upton Park during the past season. Ironically the club's apparent move to end the tradition of blooding young talent from their famed academy comes just days before the testimonial of the man responsible for producing the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Jermain Defoe and Michael Carrick from those ranks. Most, if not all of those players are expected to feature in Tony Carr's testimonial next Tuesday.
But the indications are that the club could now focus more on ready made stars than prospects for the future. Hammers fans have a particular affinity with local players and while the Noble and Collison camps declined to respond to Sullivan's remarks the supporters of the club will be unhappy to see either player leave. They will be equally as disappointed should the club accept offers for central defender James Tomkins as both Liverpool and Spurs have already expressed an interest this season. It was rebuffed by former supremo Scott Duxbury who saw Tomkins as part of the club's future. But Sullivan's stance could now see the club perform a u-turn with the Reds in the market for young English talent having already snapped up Charlton's Jonjo Shelvey. German-born Boateng is highly-rated and will feature in the FA Cup Final against Chelsea on May 15.
He Joined Portsmouth from Spurs at the start of the season after failing to live up to the towering reputation he was saddled with on arriving from Hertha Berlin three years ago.
But while the Hammers squad is up for sale, so to is the Portsmouth squad with the cash-strapped club unable to meet the wages of their best players.
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Gold: Fulham appeal was a mistake
Thursday 29th April 2010 8:48
TeamTalk
David Gold admits West Ham made a mistake by complaining over Fulham's decision to field a "ladies team" in their 2-0 defeat against Hull. With one eye on a midweek Europa League quarter-final against Wolfsburg, Fulham manager Roy Hodgson decided to rest five key players for the match in March, which they lost thanks to goals from Jimmy Bullard and Craig Fagan. The Hammers hierarchy, fearing the potentially disastrous implications of the Hull win on their debt-ridden club, lodged an official complaint with the Premier League on April 2 but nothing has been made of the matter since and with survival now all-but certain, Gold admits the club now regret their actions. "I think we were upset at the time and we probably reacted in haste and passion," said Gold. "I have to say that we were very upset and that we were in such a scary position. "It's horrible being right down there when you are a club of such might as West Ham. "We were very disappointed about the decision to put that team out at the time. "Let me tell you though, I would have done the same thing. I would have put out the ladies team if I had been Fulham. "They were beaten 2-0 by Hull and you're thinking 'come on, how can that be?' but of course if you put out the ladies team then that's what's going to happen."
Bobby Zamora, Danny Murphy, Damien Duff, Aaron Hughes and Dickson Etuhu all missed Fulham's defeat to Hull, which allowed the Tigers to pull level with Gianfranco Zola's side. West Ham's 1-0 defeat against Stoke that weekend - their sixth on the bounce - ensured they only remained outside the relegation zone by virtue of goal difference. The Premier League earlier this week confirmed they were still to receive Fulham's response to the allegations, and Gold's fellow co-owner David Sullivan admitted this week he had attempted to withdraw the complaint. Gold's description of the Fulham team, which included the likes of Chris Smalling and Clint Dempsey, could anger the Cottagers ahead of the Premier League meeting between the two sides on Sunday.
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola disagreed with the club's complaint and admitted that it could add extra spice to Sunday's London derby. The two club are already at loggerheads after Fulham claimed they were owed £450,000 compensation because West Ham finished one position above them in the 2006-07 season when they included the illegitimately-registered Carlos Tevez among their ranks. Sullivan is reportedly ready to donate £100,000 to charity if Fulham scrap their bid for compensation and Gold now also hopes the two clubs can move on from the latest episode in their feud. "We're big boys and we'll move on now," he added.
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West Ham hope to strike deal with Tottenham to sign Jamie O'Hara
West Ham United are considering offering either captain Matthew Upson or James Tomkins to Tottenham Hotspur in return for Jamie O'Hara as the club begin the dramatic overhaul of their squad promised by co-chairman David Sullivan.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Jason Burt
Published: 7:00AM BST 29 Apr 2010
West Ham hope to strike deal with Tottenham to sign Jamie O'Hara, possibly in exchange for Matthew Upson or James Tomkins . Argentine striker Mauro Boselli is a prime target, with Portsmouth's Kevin-Prince Boateng also on a list of potential signings. West Ham will make an improved offer for West Bromwich Albion midfielder Graham Dorrans, having had a £4 million bid rejected this week. Now that West Ham's Premier League status is secure, Sullivan has already announced that every player is for sale – apart from Scott Parker – with Alessandro Diamanti, signed last year for £5.8 million, the first to be informed that he can leave.
Diamanti's agent, Luca Puccinelli, was called by West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady on Wednesday and told to find another club for his client, who has failed to impress Sullivan. Puccinelli has sought a meeting with Brady but has been told there is no point because Diamanti, who is close to manager Gianfranco Zola, is not wanted. Guillermo Franco has also been told he will not have his one-year contract renewed.
With Portsmouth still owing Spurs £3 million for Boateng and £500,000 in loan fees for O'Hara, it may mean that West Ham are at the centre of an interesting transfer merry-go-around. Intriguingly, Portsmouth manager Avram Grant is lobbying hard for the job at West Ham should, as expected, Zola leave at the end of this season. Zola is considering his options, with Sullivan confirming that the manager has told him he may walk out, although no final decision has been made and the two are planning to meet in two weeks' time.
Tottenham have long shown an interest in Upson, who was wanted by Liverpool last year, and who has just one-year left on his contract and has indicated that he does not want to sign a new deal and would like to leave. However given his age, 31, and wages, he earns £65,000-a-week, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy may not be interested. Tomkins, who is regarded as one of the best young English prospects, although he has struggled this season in a struggling team, may at 21 be a more attractive proposition. The two clubs have not done a deal since their spat over Tottenham's efforts to sign Craig Bellamy, with West Ham's then chief executive Scott Duxbury declaring he would not sell to Tottenham again. But Spurs are in the market for another central defender while O'Hara is not expected to stay at White Hart Lane after his successful loan spell at Fratton Park.
Portsmouth's administrators want £5 million for Boateng, who has attracted interest from Sevilla, but West Ham would expect to pay less than that. Room in the squad for new midfielders will be made with the departure of Valon Behrami.
A priority for Sullivan, as it was in January, is to increase West Ham's attacking options. With four goals this season, Sullivan does not believe Franco, who is also 33, is prolific enough while there are question marks over Carlton Cole with Arsenal and Aston Villa both interested. The signings of Benni McCarthy and Mido have not worked while Ilan's loan deal expires next month and it is unlikely that West Ham, who paid a fee of £600,000, will take up the option for the Brazilian striker. Boselli would be an exciting signing. The 24 year-old has one international cap but is tipped to be a surprise inclusion in Diego Maradona's World Cup squad having impressed for his club, Estudiantes, who recently retained the Copa Libertadores. The striker has scored 23 goals in his last 34 games and has attracted interest from other Premier League clubs, including Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers although, more recently, Manchester United were also mentioned as a possible suitor. Estimates on a fee range from £5 million to £1 million with a deal complicated by claims that Boselli's former club, Boca Juniors, are due 50 per cent of his transfer.
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West Ham United academy director Tony Carr: Youngsters should follow example of Bobby Moore
Hammers coach labels World Cup winning captain as ideal role model…
By Danny Hart
28 Apr 2010 21:11:00
Goal.com
West Ham United academy director Tony Carr believes the England team will go backwards unless youngsters follow the example of World Cup winning captain Bobby Moore.
The long-serving Hammers coach, who has seen the likes of Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, Jermain Defoe, Michael Carrick and Glen Johnson come through the ranks during his tenure, has been at Upton Park since 1966 and worked alongside the England legend. Moore is a West Ham hero, making over 500 league appearances for the club, while also earning 108 caps for England, and Carr believes he would be the ideal role model to youngsters trying to find their way in football today. He told the Telegraph: "He had an aura, not flash, he was just special. Bobby was captain, good-looking and a top, top player. It's like the Beckham syndrome, when he walks into a room, people go 'Look, David Beckham'. "Bobby had great dignity: he was very quiet, never demanding, and immaculate in the way he conducted himself. After training, I'd watch him take his socks off, put them the right way out and fold his kit just to make it easier for the kit-man. "Bobby's habit was always to put his shorts on last as he was walking down the tunnel, so the shorts stayed ironed and kept that smart front crease. When he went to get the World Cup, Bobby saw Her Majesty the Queen, saw the white gloves and thought 'I'll clean my hands'."
The percentage of Englishman playing in the Premier League in constantly decreasing, due to the influx of foreign players over the last couple of decades, but Carr believes that the FA need to develop players at a younger age to help them progress in the future. He said: "Wayne Rooney learned his trade in the park, on the street and in the playground. That shows in his game because he has a rawness and edge to him that makes him the player he is. There are talented players around but the pool is smaller. "We have gone backwards. If England are to stay as a top football nation, I'm concerned where the next generation are going to come from. The FA have to get players at six and help them develop so when they come into academies at under-9s they are better prepared. "We pick up kids to sign for the academy at eight, nine and most of the problems are the motor skills, the movement. Some are stiff and sedentary. The African players coming into the game have the motor skills from playing on the streets in townships. The FA have to influence government to influence schools. "Teachers are frightened to do anything adventurous in case a boy falls and breaks his arm and the parents sue the school. But we need more P.E. in schools, more jumping, twisting, climbing, so they will be better athletically."
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West Ham United legend Geoff Hurst wants Gianfranco Zola to remain as manager
World Cup winner keen for Italian to stay at Upton Park…
By Danny Hart
28 Apr 2010 19:45:00
Goal.com
West Ham United legend Geoff Hurst has urged the club to stick with manager Gianfranco Zola next season. There has been speculation since owners David Gold and David Sullivan joined the club in January that they could be looking to bring in a new manager. However, Zola has now secured Premier League survival for the Hammers with two games remaining and Hurst believes the Italian deserves to remain as boss. Hurst told reporters: "Whether Zola will stay, I'm not sure. It's been a great experience for him this year. "I'd argue that when he came he wasn't the right man for the job because he came with very little experience and that was a risk in itself. "I would argue that, having come through the two years - and he must have gained mountains of experience at the club - with the solidarity of the people now owning it, he could stay. "He was a great player and on balance now, having got through this year, he deserves another chance. The changing of managers, I don't agree with for the sake of it. "We've had problems at the club which are not all related to him, he has kept the club up and deserves another chance."
Hurst also backed the club's new owners, despite their recent outbursts on team matters, which have included David Sullivan insisting every player at the club is for sale except Scott Parker. He said: "It is a difficult position where the owners of the club make comments about the team, but there are arguments on both sides. "You could argue they should let the manager get on and manage. You could argue they are as frustrated as the fans and perhaps they shouldn't say so much, but it only illustrates they have a passion for the club. "That is good because, at the top level, people running clubs aren't always from the area. They certainly have their heart and soul in the club."
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'England will prosper if schoolboys follow Bobby Moore's example'
On the eve of his testimonial, West Ham's long-serving academy director Tony Carr warns that the England football team will go backwards unless the young generation of aspiring footballers are versed in the exemplary work ethic of Bobby Moore.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Henry Winter
Published: 5:59PM BST 28 Apr 2010
Ron Greenwood stepped into the middle, preparing to say a few words before pre-season training started in earnest. Tony Carr remembers the moment as if it were yesterday.
King's fitness headache for Capello Carr had just been promoted from the youth team to train with his idols. "What a magic time,'' recalled Carr, now the highly successful director of a West Ham Academy that has nurtured some of the heirs to Moore's great legacy in Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole, Glen Johnson, Michael Carrick and even John Terry for two years.
Like a proud teacher, Carr cannot wait to see all his celebrated former pupils again when they visit for his testimonial on May 5. For a while though, as he talked at Upton Park recently, Carr was back in 1966.
"I can remember Ron saying: 'Congratulations to Bobby, Geoff and Martin. What a fantastic achievement in the summer. I feel for Johnny Byrne who was in the shadow squad but didn't get picked for the final 22. He should have gone, he was good enough.'
"That was a nice touch by Ron. But that was the only reference to the World Cup. Bobby, Geoff and Martin were ordinary guys.
"Bobby was different of course. He had an aura, not flash, he was just special. Bobby was captain, good-looking and a top, top player. It's like the Beckham syndrome, when he walks into a room, people go 'Look, David Beckham'.''
Moore's spirit lives on at the academy. "We try to make them good people as well as good players,'' continued Carr.
"Bobby had great dignity: he was very quiet, never demanding, and immaculate in the way he conducted himself. After training, I'd watch him take his socks off, put them the right way out and fold his kit just to make it easier for the kit-man.
"Bobby's habit was always to put his shorts on last as he was walking down the tunnel, so the shorts stayed ironed and kept that smart front crease. When he went to get the World Cup, Bobby saw Her Majesty the Queen, saw the white gloves and thought 'I'll clean my hands'.
"That respect is less now generally in football but there are guys as polite and dignified as Mark [Noble] and Frank. They're not big-time Charlies, not massive egos.
"Michael is an everyday guy. Glen is an average guy. Joe is very down to earth, never forgotten his roots and his family wouldn't let him. They are portrayed as superstars with flash cars and big money but it's other people who put them on pedestals. Rio still has Peckham in his blood.
"Rio always had natural talent. He could jump, sprint, run, had two good feet and was very graceful. Frank had to work harder. I never had any doubt Frank would be a very good player but I didn't envisage at 14 he would have all these caps, Premier League titles and FA Cups.
"Frank always had the technical talent, always understood the game, but he's worked hard at the stuff he didn't do well, the physical side. His dad told him to 'go and buy spikes because you need to get quicker, get on your toes'. Frank would come in on his day off and just do sprints from box to box for 45 minutes. Sprint there, jog back.
"I spoke to him last week and said: 'I still use you as an example to our youth team.' Frank's the complete midfielder now. All those things didn't come naturally.''
A section of Upton Park has never forgiven Lampard for leaving and boo him mercilessly. "Without alienating myself from West Ham fans, I think it has gone on too long,'' Carr said.
"It's like the Paul Ince situation. Paul is a bit reluctant to come down to my testimonial because of the abuse he may get. That's sad. I hope on the night there's an amnesty and fans respect the reason why they are here.''
Next week's game pits the Academy All-stars against the current West Ham team.
"I could claim half a dozen of the first-team squad like Mark but they need to put out a team! Joe, Glen, Rio, Frank and Michael have all promised they will come along. Paolo di Canio is coming to guest for me. I had to guarantee him the No 10 shirt! Matt Holland, Kieran Richardson, Anton Ferdinand, Freddy Eastwood and Freddie Sears will play.''
For all his own success, Carr fears for England's future if the national production line of talent is not improved. "Wayne Rooney learned his trade in the park, on the street and in the playground. That shows in his game because he has a rawness and edge to him that makes him the player he is. There are talented players around but the pool is smaller.
"We have gone backwards. If England are to stay as a top football nation, I'm concerned where the next generation are going to come from. The FA have to get players at six and help them develop so when they come into academies at under-9s they are better prepared.
"We pick up kids to sign for the academy at eight, nine and most of the problems are the motor skills, the movement. Some are stiff and sedentary. The African players coming into the game have the motor skills from playing on the streets in townships. The FA have to influence government to influence schools.
"Teachers are frightened to do anything adventurous in case a boy falls and breaks his arm and the parents sue the school. But we need more PE in schools, more jumping, twisting, climbing, so they will be better athletically.''
More like Moore, in fact.
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Premier League clarifies "weakened team" rules
By Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
ESPNB
April 28, 2010
The Premier League has confirmed that top-flight clubs will be allowed to rest players if they have a number of games in quick succession after West Ham demanded a clarification of the rules about fielding a "weakened" side. The issue has been a contentious one, with the Hammers claiming earlier this month that Fulham fielded an under-strength side in their 2-0 defeat to Hull, four days before the Cottagers played Wolfsburg in the Europa League quarter-final first leg. At the time, West Ham were fighting it out with Hull for Premier League survival and the Hammers felt that the result could have affected the outcome of the relegation battle. Wolves were given a suspended fine earlier this season for fielding a weakened side against Manchester United at Old Trafford but Fulham were not punished, leading West Ham to demand clarification on the issue. The Premier League has confirmed that neither Fulham or their boss Roy Hodgson will be reprimanded, and informed Hammers co-owner David Sullivan that clubs are permitted to rest players if they have had a number of games in quick succession. "Even if our complaint was not upheld, we are extremely pleased the rule has been clarified and we know now the position," Sullivan told Soccernet. "We all now know that if players have had a number of quick games its now accepted that they can be rested."
"'By merely ruling in favour of Fulham, who rested nine players, it is clear you can rest players if you want to. On TV their manager, Roy Hodgson, said he was resting them. So by ruling in Fulhams favour, they accept the concept that players can be rested in large numbers."
Fulham meet West Ham this weekend and ironically, Gianfranco Zola's side will likely benefit from the Cottagers' Europa League exploits, with more changes expected after their semi-final second leg clash with Hamburg on Thursday. Although Fulham are still suing West Ham over the Carlos Tevez affair, and chairman Mohamed Al-Fayed said earlier this month: "I stick two fingers up to West Ham," Sullivan insists relations between the clubs are improving. Sullivan said: "We wish Fulham all the best on Thursday as they are a club we greatly admire for their achievements this season and their manager and chairman are really lovely people."
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