WHUFC.com
Julien Faubert admitted to being disappointed with collecting just a point from Everton on Saturday
24.01.2011
Julien Faubert is flying again and looking forward to Wednesday evening's Carling Cup semi-final second leg at Birmingham City. West Ham go to St Andrew's holding a 2-1 advantage and the No20 is desperate to help the club return to Wembley after a 30-year absence. He believed attack would definitely be the best form of defence, stressing the need to take the game to the hosts. "It is a nice semi-final and we have the chance to go to Wembley," he said. "It will be a hard game away in Birmingham, but I think we can go there and do something. "If we go there to play football and try to score, I think we have a chance. If we try to defend, we can concede a goal, so I think we have to go there and work hard and then we'll have every chance to win and go through."
Faubert should keep his place at right-back, having more than impressed in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Everton. He admitted West Ham United had dropped two Barclays Premier League points by conceding a late equaliser at Everton on Saturday. "We're a little bit disappointed because I thought we controlled the game. We scored twice and we had to win but we conceded a goal in the last minute. We had to win, but we didn't do it. It's a nice point away, but I think we should have taken the three points. "We controlled the game and after one goal, I think we could have scored twice more and killed the game. We didn't do it and that's why we have drawn. It's a nice point and a nice game for us because we played good football, but to concede in the last minute is a bit hard to take."
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Birmingham v West Ham (agg 1 - 2)
BBC.co.uk
Carling Cup semi-final, second leg
Venue: St Andrew's Date: Wednesday, 26 January Kick-off: 1945 GMT
Coverage: Watch live on Sky Sports 1 and highlights on The League Cup Show; listen on BBC Radio 5 live and BBC local radio; text commentary on the BBC
Sport website
TEAM NEWS
Birmingham's on-loan midfielder David Bentley is cup-tied having played for Tottenham in an earlier round. Striker Cameron Jerome could start at St Andrew's after recovering from a hamstring strain.
West Ham are without midfielder Victor Obinna, who completes a three-match ban after his red card in the first leg. Frederic Piquionne is also suspended following his controversial dismissal for celebrating with fans after scoring against Everton at the weekend.
MATCH PREVIEW
Bottom of the Premier League they may be, but West Ham are a different proposition in cup competitions this season. Their 2-1 win over Birmingham in the first leg at Upton Park was their sixth straight victory in cup competitions - two more than they have managed in the Premier League. West Ham manager Avram Grant took Portsmouth to the FA Cup final last season. If he books another Wembley trip on Wednesday it will provide welcome relief from the intense media speculation about his future. Alex McLeish's Birmingham stand in their way. Like the Hammers, they are struggling in the Premier League and Saturday's 5-0 drubbing by Manchester United left them only one place and one point above the relegation zone. Trailing 2-1 from the first leg, they must put their league form behind them and conjure up a win at St Andrews, something they have not managed since their quarter-final victory over Aston Villa on 1 December.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• This is the 91st competitive meeting of these clubs. Birmingham lead by 38 wins to 31, with 20 draws.
• West Ham have lost only one of their last nine games against Birmingham, winning five of those matches.
Birmingham
• Birmingham's 1963 League Cup triumph is the only major trophy in the club's history.
• The closest they have come to winning more silverware ended in disappointment when a Liverpool side managed by Gerard Houllier beat them on penalties in 2001.
• They are playing in the semi-finals for the fifth time, and their first in 10 years since finishing runners-up in 2001.
• Their two semi-final losses were in 1967 and 1996. Their overall semi-final record is W2, D1, L6.
West Ham
• The 1966 and 1981 runners-up are making an eighth appearance in the semi-finals, and their first since 1989/90.
• They have lost five of their previous seven semi-final ties.
• Their overall semi-final record is P17 W7 D2 L8 (including two replays in 1972).
• The Hammers have won six out of six matches in cup competitions this season.
LEADING GOALSCORERS
Birmingham
Gardner: 5 goals (1 in League Cup);
Zigic: 4 goals (2 in League Cup);
Ridgewell: 4 goals (1 in League Cup),
Jerome: 4 goals (0 in League Cup)
West Ham
Piquionne: 8 goals (1 in League Cup);
Cole: 6 goals (3 in League Cup);
Parker: 6 goals (2 in League Cup)
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Howard Webb
Assistant referees: Dave Bryan & Jake Collin
Fourth official: Lee Mason
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Middlesbrough accept West Ham's offer for Gary O'Neil
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have had an undisclosed offer for midfielder Gary O'Neil accepted by Championship side Middlesbrough. The Hammers have been given permission to discuss personal terms with O'Neil, 27, who joined the Teesiders from Portsmouth for £5 million in 2007. "Boro have accepted an undisclosed bid from Premier League club West Ham for Gary O'Neil," a statement read. O'Neil will follow David Wheater out of the Riverside, after the defender joined Bolton last week. Middlesbrough, who are just above the Championship relegation zone, have been forced to sell players following their failure to return to the Premier League after being relegated in 2009. O'Neil could be set to team up with Demba Ba at Upton Park after the Hoffenheim striker claimed he was joining the Londoners until the end of the season.
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O'Neil set for West Ham
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 24th January 2011
By: Staff Writer
Middlesbrough winger Gary O'Neil is on his way to West Ham, according to reports. The former England under-21 captain is said to be set to sign for the Hammers, with the Championship club having accepted an offer from United. O'Neil, 27, began his pro career at Portsmouth where he made his debut as a 16-year-old. After eight years with the south coast club he moved to Middlesbrough in August 2007 in a deal worth around £5million, where he has proved a success on the right side of midfield (occasionally playing centrally). According to reports, Neil has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal with the Hammers.
In other news, Valon Behrami is thought to be on the verge of signing for Fiorentina in a €4.5million (or £3.8m) switch.
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Duo set for Birmingham debut
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 24th January 2011
By: Staff Writer
Demba Ba and Gary O'Neil could make their West Ham debuts in Wednesday night's Carling Cup semi final, second leg clash with Birmingham. West Ham are hoping to push both signings through - Ba on loan, O'Neil on a permanent deal - in time to beat the registration deadline for Wednesday night's tie, into which the Hammers take a slender 2-1 lead.
Ba confirmed on his personal website earlier today that he had agreed to join West Ham on loan from Hoffenheim until the end of the season, whilst O'Neil is on his way to London after his current club, struggling Championship side Middlesbrough, agreed to part company with a player who cost them £5million three years ago.
Both players are eligible to feature for the Hammers against Birmingham as neither have played in a previous round of the ompetition. Although Middlesbrough played in two rounds of the Carling Cup this year - a 2-1 win at Chesterfield and a 2-1 defeat at Millwall in the following round - O'Neil featured in neither.
The former English under-21 captain is however ineligible for the FA Cup, having played in Middlesbrough's 2-1 shock third round defeat at Burton Albion.
The arrival of two attacking players will prove a huge boost to Avram Grant, who is without Frederic Piquionne and Victor Obinna (both suspended) for Wednesday night's game. With Carlton Cole also a serious doubt, Grant currently has only youngsters Zavon Hines, Freddie Sears and Zavon Hines at his disposal as attacking options.
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Olympic decision on hold
OPLC delay decision until after original Friday deadline
By James Riach Last updated: 24th January 2011
SSN
The decision on the future of the Olympic Stadium after the London 2012 Games has been put on hold. Premier League clubs West Ham and Tottenham are both vying to move into the ground and a decision on who wins the right to play their football at the venue was due to be made on Friday. However, the Olympic Park Legacy Committee now claim that they need more time to give further consideration to both bids. An athletics legacy was one of the key promises that London 2012 made to the International Olympic Committee when it won the right to stage the Games. However, Spurs, in a joint bid with sport and entertainment giants AEG, have pledged to create an athletics legacy elsewhere and plan to knock down the stadium in Stratford and instead concentrate on investing in the National Sports Centre at Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, West Ham and Newham Council want to create a 60,000-capacity venue that can be used for athletics, concerts and community use as well as football - therefore keeping a running track in place.
There is also the possibility of neither club running the ground, instead converting it into a 25,000-seater mixed-use venue. An OPLC spokesman said: "Given the detailed nature of both bids received, we need more time to seek further clarification with both bidders in order to identify a preferred bidder. "The stadium is a significant public asset and we have a duty to run a robust process.
Solution
"Securing the most appropriate solution for the stadium is vital to our long-term aspirations for the future Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the wider regeneration of the area. "In addition to the two shortlisted bids, the Legacy Company also has the option of the original plan to convert the Olympic Stadium to a 25,000 seats, mixed-use venue. "In going to market, the Legacy Company's aim was to consider options which would enhance and build on that plan."
The OPLC have not confirmed when they now expect the decision to be made, but it will now have to wait until after Friday. Certain figures have argued that awarding Tottenham the Olympic Stadium will put in jeopardy Britain's position on the world sporting stage, as Spurs intend to completely rebuild the ground and demolish the running track. London 2012 chairman Lord Coe said: "This is about our ability to be taken seriously again in the corridors of world sport.
"There is a bid that delivers against the vision that we took to Singapore and we have a moral obligation to make it work. The West Ham bid meets those commitments. I would have to vote West Ham."
However, football luminary Pele has backed Tottenham's bid with the argument that a football ground should not contain an athletics track which would serve to dampen the atmosphere.
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Hammers move for O'Neil
Midfielder agrees Hammers switch
Last updated: 24th January 2011
SSN
West Ham are closing in on the signing of Middlesbrough midfielder Gary O'Neil after agreeing an undisclosed fee for the player. O'Neil's future at Middlesbrough has been the subject of conjecture for some time with the Teessiders thought to be willing to let the former Portsmouth man leave the Riverside. Boro are prepared to offload O'Neil during this month's transfer window as they look to reduce their wage bill with the player thought to be one of the highest earners at the club. The likes of Wolves, Stoke and Blackburn have all been credited with an interest in O'Neil, but it appears West Ham are in pole position to land the 27-year-old. Middlesbrough have confirmed they have given O'Neil permission to open talks with West Ham. "Boro have accepted an undisclosed bid from Premier League club West Ham for midfielder Gary O'Neil," read a club statement. "The Hammers have been given permission to discuss personal terms with the former Portsmouth man."
West Ham have been keen to bolster their midfield options and had tried to sign Steve Sidwell earlier this month before they missed out to Fulham for the former Aston Villa man. Hammers boss Avram Grant feels they need new faces this month if they are to avoid relegation and he has sanctioned a move for O'Neil. O'Neil, who can play in central midfield or wide on the right, is believed to have agreed a two-and-a-half year deal to move to Upton Park. The former England Under 21 international could become West Ham's third signing of the transfer window following the loan arrivals of Demba Ba and Wayne Bridge.
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Hearn joins Olympic war
The Sun
By VIKKI ORVICE
Published: Today
SPURS and West Ham were left in limbo as a decision on what happens to the Olympic Stadium was delayed. And Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn is threatening to mount legal action that could put the outcome back by five years. The two Premier League clubs have waged a bitter battle over who should move into the £537million Stadium in East London after the 2012 Games. West Ham want to keep the athletics track but Spurs plan to replace it with a purpose-built football arena. A spokesman for the Olympic Park Legacy Company said: "Had we got all the information we needed and been comfortable with that we would have announced our preferred bidder on Friday. "We need more time to seek further clarification with both bidders. "The stadium is a significant public asset and we have a duty to run a robust process." Orient are the closest club to the Stadium - and Hearn fears the League One outfit will be put out of business if either of the Premier big-boys moves in. He threatened: "If someone or something upsets me I have all I need to take this to Court."
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We'll halt the stadium for 5 years
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: Today
LEYTON ORIENT have joined the Olympic Stadium war — and threatened to halt the entire redevelopment for FIVE YEARS. Chairman Barry Hearn says League One O's are being shoved aside while West Ham and Spurs fight over who gets the stadium after the 2012 Games. Orient is the closest club to the 80,000-seater arena, currently under construction in East London. Football League and Premier League rules state that in considering whether to allow clubs to move ground it must 'not adversely affect clubs having their grounds in the immediate vicinity'. Hearn said: "The legacy of the Olympic Games is supposed to be lasting memories of a fabulous sporting event and a stadium to be proud of to enrich the lives of the taxpayers who paid for it. "It's scary the real legacy may be putting one of London's oldest clubs out of business. I've had discussions with the Football League, the Premier League, the Government and Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London. "Yet I've heard nothing about how anyone is going to help Leyton Orient survive with a huge Premier League club on its doorstep. "We're about 700 yards from the Olympic Park. If West Ham move in and start giving away discounted or cheap tickets to attract people in, we're finished. "Orient is a community-based football club, not a multi-million pound Premier League 'brand'. "After 130 years in this neck of the woods we have earned our right to remain in East London. "I have all I need to take this to court. Even if we didn't win we could delay it by oh, four or five years. And I mean it." The Olympic Park Legacy Company were expected to announce their preferred bidder on Friday. But that decision has already been put back, possibly until March.
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Hammers do the double
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: Today
WEST HAM have made a double swoop to boost their depleted squad ahead of tomorrow's Carling Cup crunch at Birmingham. Middlesbrough midfielder Gary O'Neil is set to join Demba Ba in a race to be registered by midday today, allowing them to make immediate debuts in the semi-final, second leg.
Ex-Portsmouth wideman O'Neil had a medical last night, after a fee of around £2.5 million was agreed for a 2½-year deal. He may go straight into the side, with Victor Obinna serving the last of a three-match ban. Senegalese striker Ba, 25, on a six-month loan from Hoffenheim, has passed his medical despite worries over a knee. But his deal has yet to be rubber-stamped. West Ham, minus banned Freddie Piquionne and injured Carlton Cole, have big problems up front as they bid to defend a 2-1 lead at St Andrew's and may need to call on Ba off the bench.
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Ba claims Hammers deal is done
Published 18:30 24/01/11 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
Hoffenheim striker Demba Ba has claimed he is joining West Ham until the end of the season. The 25-year-old said the two clubs had agreed a six-month loan deal. "I'm really happy that the clubs have reached an agreement," Ba said on www.demba-ba.eu. "I was eager to join the club and meet my new team-mates. I'd like to thank Hoffenheim for allowing me to join that team. I thank my family and all my fans for their support." The website reported that, after signing his contract in the morning, Ba was due to train with his new team-mates in the afternoon. The Senegal international had earlier this month appeared set for a move to Stoke only for the deal to fall through because of a failed medical.
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West Ham make moves for Gary O'Neil and Tuncay Sanli after frustration with Robbie Keane transfer
By Jason Burt 11:00PM GMT 24 Jan 2011
Jason's Twitter
Telegraph.co.uk
West Ham United are set to sign winger Gary O'Neil from Middlesbrough for £1.5 million and are also considering a £4.5 million move for Stoke City striker Tuncay Sanli as they grow increasingly frustrated in their attempts to acquire Robbie Keane. O'Neil, 27, will replace Valon Behrami, who is desperate to move to Fiorentina. West Ham have been holding out for more than the €2 million offered by the Italian club for the Switzerland international, who has struggled to adapt to living in England, but are now resigned to losing the midfielder. The Premier League's bottom club on Monday completed the loan signing of Demba Ba from Hoffenheim and want to add another striker or an attacking midfielder to improve their goal threat. Although West Have have not given up hope of signing Keane, they have reached an impasse in their talks with Tottenham Hotspur with the two clubs far apart in their valuations.
West Ham are willing to pay a £1 million loan fee for the remainder of the season and will cover the 30 year-old's £65,000-a-week wages. However Spurs, it is believed, are insisting that West Ham must also guarantee to pay a £6 million fee to sign Keane permanently on a three-year deal should they avoid relegation.
Understandably, West Ham are unwilling to enter into such an arrangement for the striker who is desperate to leave Spurs but whose options have been limited by the demands being made to sign him. However, West Ham would like to acquire Keane, as they attempt to bolster their squad with just a week of the transfer window to go, but do not want to commit to £7 million in fees plus more than £10.5 million in wages. They argue it should be a loan or a permanent deal.
Spurs want to move Keane on to free up room in Harry Redknapp's squad although there also remains the possibility that they could sell Roman Pavlyuchenko, with Real Madrid the latest club linked with the Russian striker. The signing of Ba on loan is a gamble for West Ham given the Senegalese striker failed a medical at Stoke last week and has had a history of injury problems. It is understood he also failed his medical at West Ham but the club have reasoned that a £500,000 loan fee is worth paying for the powerful Hoffenheim striker with a deal understood to be "99 per cent complete".
West Ham know that Tuncay is hoping to leave Stoke City this month. The Turkey international has struggled to impress Stoke manager Tony Pulis since his move from Middlesbrough and was substituted after 58 minutes of Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Fulham.
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Valon Behrami on verge of leaving West Ham for Fiorentina
Valon Behrami's future at West Ham will become somewhat clearer this week after he landed in Italy on Monday to undergo a medical at Fiorentina.
Metro.co.uk
West Ham's Valon Behrami will know whether his move to Fiorentina is a done deal by this week (Getty Images) Sky Italia reported that Behrami had arrived in Florence and could sign for the club as early as Tuesday. Having missed out on Massimo Maccarone, who left Palermo for Sampdoria this week, Fiorentia have upped their attempts to secure Behram's signature. The 25-year-old has expressed an interest in returning to the Serie A for some time and is keen on a move to Fiorentina. He was left frustrated last week when his deal was in put limbo, telling Italian newspaper Corriere Fiorentina: 'Will I come to Florence? Good question. At the moment my arrival is far from certain,' The Switzerland international also said the move wasn't due to a bad relationship with his under-fire manager Avram Grant. Valued at £7 million, the right winger's price-tag is the only obstacle holding back his departure, with the Hammers only prepared to sell him at the right price. Upton Park's new arrival of Demba Ba on-loan from Hoffenheim offers club owners David Sullivan and David Gold a new striking option up front, and if he impresses they'll look to sign the 25-year-old Senegalese international on a permanent deal. Behrami's sale could fund Ba's acquisition after Stoke City were reported to have had secured a £6 million deal until he failed a medical.
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