Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 24th May 2007

Hi All , I'm back. Thanks to everyone who sent me messages of good wishes
and good luck, both to the list and privately. Much appreciated!
Thanks to Dave Witts for taking up digest duty while I was away. Apologies
for any duplicate stories this morning.

PeterR
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End of Season DVD on sale soon - WHUFC
23/05/2007 17:00

West Ham United supporters will soon be able to relive all the ups and downs
of our roller-coaster 2006-07 campaign thanks to the release of The Greatest
Escape - our official end of season DVD.

It was a season that no Hammers fan will ever forget. Crammed with incident;
tragedy, nobility, infamy and heroism in equal measures, all taking part in
the environs of E13.

A team who had lost the FA Cup Final by the vagaries of the spot kick
lottery made their way back from Cardiff in May 2006 in anticipation of a
European adventure and another season in the top half of the top flight,
where they belonged. The script that was being written for them had more
sub-plots than a Greek tragedy.

Robert Green, arguably England's number one goalkeeper, was bought from
Norwich City to join his ex-colleague, Dean Ashton at the club. Then, on the
eve of his England debut, Ashton broke his ankle, an injury that would
sideline him for the entire season. Jonathan Spector and George McCartney
were brought in to strengthen the squad after Anton Ferdinand suffered a
pre-season injury that, too, threatened his season.

Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, two of Argentina's World Cup stars from
the 2006 World Cup Tournament, decided that West Ham United was a club whose
future they wanted to be a part of. The future looked rosy.

And then, when it was least expected, the looming presence of defeat began
to cast a gruesome shadow over Upton Park. Now came a disappointing exit
from the UEFA Cup and a series of indifferent performances that had the
Boleyn Ground faithful staring up at the floodlit sky in disbelief. Into
this breach of despair, stepped an Icelandic businessman, Eggert Magnusson,
a lifetime football fan and believer in the Club, a man who did not
appreciate or understand the concept of failure.

Changes were immediately made at Upton Park. New international defenders
Lucas Neill and Matthew Upson were brought in to strengthen a defence
beleaguered by an injury list that stretched out further than the spiralling
list of Upton Park defeats. A new manager, Alan Curbishley, was appointed to
turn things round, but the two new defenders were almost immediately
sidelined. The club went on a three match run of defeats, and then a further
six defeats on the trot, including a 4-0 bashing at Alan Curbishley's former
club and fellow strugglers, Charlton Athletic.

Enter the cavalry. Rising from his mediocre early season form, Carlos Tevez
slammed in a wonder-goal free-kick against North London nemesis Spurs. Six
further goals were to follow, as Hammers ended the season with an
inconceivable seven wins out of their last nine games.

The climax of a final day win at the home of Sir Alex Ferguson's Premiership
Champions proved what no media clairvoyant had dared to predict…

This year's DVD will allow you to enjoy an experience, the like of which you
may never see again in your lifetime - watch soon as West Ham United stage
the Greatest Escape ever seen in footballing history!

The Greatest Escape will be available in our online store shortly...

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Tevez is our priority - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 23rd May 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel

Eggert Magnusson has reiterated that he will do his utmost to keep Carlos
Tevez at West Ham. Magnusson - speaking via the club's website this
afternoon - sent out a warning to other clubs interested in luring the
23-year-old away from East London that he will not allow Tevez to leave
without a fight. "There will be a particular focus on Carlos and I want him
to stay," said Magnusson. "A lot will be written about his future but he is
a West Ham player, registered with and contracted to the club with three
years remaining on a four-year contract. "Whatever happens next we will act
to protect the best interests of West Ham United".
Magnusson also promised fans a busy summer of transfer activity, adding: "We
are ambitious and want to strengthen the squad and to build on the positives
of the 2006/07 season. I'm proud of what the club has achieved".

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Appeals will not stop planning - Sky
By Robin Hackett - Created on 23 May 2007

The Premier League is set to publish its fixture list in mid-June as normal
despite agreeing that an arbitration tribunal will rule on the Carlos Tevez
affair.
Sheffield United have persuaded the Premier League to set up an arbitration
panel to investigate the details of the Argentinian's transfer, with The
Blades still adamant that West Ham should have been docked points. West Ham
were only fined, meaning they escaped relegation on the final day of the
season and Sheffield United were condemned to the Championship, but United
have not yet given up hope that the decision will be changed on appeal.
However, although the members of the three-man panel are due to be announced
on Friday, a final ruling is not expected until the end of June. And with
the fixtures for the new season due to be published on 14th June, that means
the league will have to press on with preparations for next term on the
assumption that their ruling will be upheld and West Ham will remain a
top-flight club. Sheffield United plc chairman Kevin McCabe, however,
remains adamant that the club is fighting a clear and just cause. "I'm here
to protect Sheffield United's position against what I firmly believe was an
irrational decision," he said. "I genuinely believe that the arbitration
proceedings will reverse decisions. Whether that means they are able to
reverse decisions to deduct points rather than fines I do not know. "But I
state very clearly, when you see the commission hearing minutes say, 'Points
should normally be deducted but, because it's April not January, we're going
to fine you', when you consider that there are 20 clubs in the Premier
League who only play for one thing every Saturday - points - I find it
absolutely irrational that you can fine and not deduct points. "If you
clearly breach the rules, surely you deduct points, because that's what the
commission says. "But the irrationality says that, because it's April and
not January, we're only going to fine you. I cannot work it out."

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Eggert keen to keep Tevez - Sky
By James Pearson - Created on 23 May 2007

West Ham United chairman Eggert Magnusson insists the club will do all they
can over the summer to retain Carlos Tevez. The Hammers terminated
third-party agreements with Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian in order to secure
his registration, which gave his company Media Sports Investment (MSI) the
right to sell the player. However, Magnusson insists Tevez is under contract
with them, regardless of whether Real Madrid are lining up a big-money move
for the Argentina international this summer. "There is bound to be a lot of
speculation over the summer about our playing squad. It is normal in a
transfer window," he told the club's official website. "We are ambitious for
this club and what we can achieve next season. We want to strengthen the
squad and to build on the positives of the 2006/07 season. "We will work
hard over the summer to prepare for next season and that includes keeping
our best players who want to play for us. "There will be a particular focus
on Carlos Tevez and I want him to stay. He is a West Ham player, registered
with and contracted to the club with three years remaining on a four-year
contract."

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England call for keepers - Sky
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 23 May 2007

Scott Carson and Robert Green have been drafted into the England B squad
after Ben Foster aggravated a knee injury. Manchester United goalkeeper
Foster, who spent the season on loan at Watford, has suffered a recurrence
of a knee problem. He has been sent home by England coach Steve McClaren,
who was left with just Paul Robinson for Friday's B game with Albania at
Turf Moor. To compensate for Foster's absence, McClaren has called up two
replacements in West Ham's Green and Liverpool's Carson. Either keeper could
now feature in Friday's friendly, although Green will hope for better
fortune than 12 months ago. Green ruptured his groin in the B game with
Belarus in May last year, with the injury forcing him out of England's World
Cup squad. Carson has been promoted from the Under 21s and could feature
against Albania, or in next Friday's senior friendly with Brazil.

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Report from the Fans Forum - West Ham Til I Die
May 23rd, 2007

THIS IS FROM THE WEST HAM MAILING LIST…

Firstly well done Nick Igoe (NI) and Scott Duxberry (SD) for an excellent
evening with free drink and sarnies for good measure!!

600 applied for the forum, 30 accepted 18 turned up.

NI and SD were good hosts and as honest and open as one could wish.

So it went like this….

Tevez is under contract for 3 more years, if he wants to stay he will the
same with any player. At the moment SD has many players and agents knocking
on the door looking for new deals or the exit.

They will meet Tevez in the next 14 days, we have first refusal and hope and
wish to keep him. SD admitted that this would be hard if Real Madrid etc
came in for him.
SD met Yossi on Monday and should be an announcement next week ref him
staying so good news there.

SEASON TICKETS, no more Student band just U21s U16s U10s OAP and normal.
Will be an increase but not has high as speculated on these forums. Alas
chap who asked me about mature student, no go - open to abuse so u21 replace
these.

PLAYERS Teddy has gone, so has Newton and Mears. More will follow TBC.

TRANSFER BUDGET Club has a 3yr biz plan SD kept coming back to this and hope
for Champions league in the 3yrs. Curbs, Eggy and SD meet tomorrow to
discuss signing s for new season - expect 2 or 3 "world class" players who
are more than likely all ready in the Prem but we will look abroad. Club
will evolve and not do a Chelsea and change overnight.

EAST STAND/NEW GROUND there will be no redevelopment of the East stand. The
club intend to move to a new 60000 all seater WITHIN 3 YEARS. Royal Mail
site at West Ham looks fav. This is basic requirement if we want Champions
League football.

DEAN ASHTON has had a one week holiday and is already back at the club. He
is nearing full training and will be fully fit for next season, if we had
got relegated HE WOULD HAVE STAYED

HAMMER SHOPS we have a new Retail Director so expect massive overhaul of the
commercial side of the shops with better online facilities as well as new
items to buy

STADIUM WILL BE SMOKELESS JULY 1st onwards - the law says so!

TEVEZ SITUATION LEGAL SIDE…..

SD was very pi $$ ed off with all this in the press, he felt the press had
been on a witch hunt and all had been blown out of al proportion.
Arbritration is misguided and we never feared points loss based on legal
advice given. He said the truth will never be fully known due to the press
spin. It was a simple dispute which we got hammered financially for. Club
have kept quite due to political climate Whe*an is ignorant to the FACTS.
Tevez was and always has been signed and registered since Aug 31st. This
never altered, he was never ineligable his registration never altered. SD
said he had never heard of rule U18- its under misc. in the handbook next to
the rule you have to have a advert in the programme for the football
foundation - thats how obsecure it is.
SD would not comment on sueing Brown and Aldridge - so that means they
probably will!!! Club is 100% we will stay up - not even in question. He
said this was all press selling papers and negative West Ham fans in the
press.

STANDING is not upto the club - its the law so no change on stance

NEW KIT
This will be Umbro - got view sponsor will be XL airlines. The deal is NINE
TIMES bigger than previous deal and will launched in June. The new away kit
to be launched on Aug 4th at Friendly - which will prob be against glamour
Spanish Team.

2 new screens to replace old screens at ground and WHUTV and Website to be
overhauled and made much better.

Historically we had no biz plan - club no focussed on commercial side and
have split this and the playing side to increase revenue from commercial
aspect. Arsenal have £2.m turnover per game ours is £900k - this to be
improved.

MUSEUM is to shut and items placed elsewhere in ground

We almost signed a right winger in JAN then due to injuries to defenders we
scrapped this deal and signed Davenport - player I think was Ashley Young.
He was actually with SD and Curbs etc and deal agreed before we pulled plug.

Pardew didnt play Mascharno for whatever reasons Curbs didnt think he was
fit. NO financial or contractural reasons just footballing from managers.

Reo Coker meeting soon with Agent - if he wants to stay great if not then he
can go.

The club purchase by Eggy is not secured on the clubs assets. Eggy hates
losing and loves the transfer window as he aims to bring in world class
players to take us to the next level.

Tevez signed on a Bosman - he is our player we do not have to sell him
unless player wants to go - same as any other. Hence club want him, if he
wants to stay he will be a West Ham player BUT if Real Madrid say come on
for him and he wants to go then nothing we can really do - same as anyother
player nowadays.

Expect more players out than in - certain players will leave before we bring
in, dont be alarmed no firesale, just the way the deals are going to work.
THERE HAVE BEEN NO FIRM BID FOR ANY WHU PLAYER.

The new kit will have a shelf life of only ONE YEAR and as mentioned home
kit launch June away at Aug 4th friendly.

Season ticket renewal packs out next week late, have to be done by 29th
June. Delayed due to uncertain of league we would be playing in

PRE SEASON we are going to Austria to use same training camp as Bolton use.

This season pre season was poor and we lost our edge and fitness hence poor
start and ta ta Pards. Need to get sharpness back and finish strongly in
games as per previous season.

Some side points……AND THESE ARE PERSONAL VIEWS FROM THINGS SAID AND BODY
LANGUAGE ETC

I got the impression Reo Coker is 100% going - prob to Sp*rs. NO CLUB CAME
IN FOR HIM IN AUGUST and none of the top 4 ever enquired.

Lucas Neil is seen as the main man - will also drive the club forward,
potential to tour Aussie next year as he is huge out there and WHUFC are
getting alot of press from him at the club.

SD also was quite defensive over Boa Morte, said he had been injured and
suffered from a virus and felt he would be prove to be a great player next
season. It seems him and Neill are the boys in favour! No mention of
Quashie?!!! Upson will be back next season and SD also mentioned when
talking tactics that dont forget Lucas Neil can play LB and Anton RB - maybe
the club have that in mind when looking to sign players.

The club will also carry out surveys in the summer over the fans perception
off the club and what we hope to see. One thing raised was the size and
content of the programme which seems to be under review. The programme WILL
NOT increase in price this season.

As I say SDs main target seems to be moving the commercial side regardless
of the success on the pitch and this 3yr plan sees very ambitious but he
seems very driven to deliever.

The shirts question is too keep the stock fresh so hence the change every
year. Also expect to see more improved leisure gear in stock as well as
other items as the whole club shop and online side is improved. He quoted
Man City and Everton raise £5m pa from their stores etc, we make £3m. Target
is to exceed these other clubs asap.

The issue of atmosphere at the new ground was raised and the club plan to
learn from other clubs mistakes BUT the board feel that our fans would make
an atmosphere anywhere (gave Millenium Stadium as best ever and thats a new
stadium) and that its our fans who will give us the edge as opposed to other
clubs like Arsenal where the atmosphere has always been quieter. It seems
all the stuff in the press about the fans wasnt just to keep us sweet, they
truly believe we made a difference.

The board also stated that there are no plans to price out the "traditional
fan" without us they wont fill a 60000 seater stadium so plan to use both
traditional and corporate fans alongside each other to drive the club
forward.

SD also said that the clubs corporate hospitality had a record year and
record profits.

I really dont recall anything negative - it does seem to be very exciting
moving forward as the club strive to improve on and off the pitch.

NI also stated more forums in the future including ones with Eggy and
possibly Curbs as well as more open days at the ground and also training
days which again will be at the ground and open to the fans.

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Egg is keen to hold on to Tevez - TeamTalk

West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson is desperate to keep Carlos Tevez and
insists the striker is contracted to West Ham for three more years. The
future surrounding the most controversial player in the Premiership remains
uncertain with a legal battle looming, but Magnusson is adamant he wants
Tevez to remain at Upton Park. West Ham unilaterally terminated their
third-party agreements with Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian which gave his
company Media Sports Investment (MSI) the right to sell the player.
Joorabchian could go to court to try to force the club to release the player
but Magnusson points out they still hold his registration. He said: "There
is bound to be a lot of speculation over the summer about our playing squad.
"There will be a particular focus on Carlos Tevez and I want him to stay.
"The starting point is that he is a West Ham player, registered with and
contracted to the club with three years remaining on a four-year contract.
"Whatever happens next we will act to protect the best interests of West Ham
United FC."
Magnusson also promised he would provide funds for Alan Curbishley to make
new signings this summer and try to keep the best players at the club. He
added: "We are ambitious for this club and what we can achieve next season.
"We want to strengthen the squad and to build on the positives of the
2006/07 season. I'm proud of what the club has achieved and now we can move
forward. "We will work hard over the summer to prepare for next season and
that includes keeping our best players who want to play for us."

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West Ham chairman wants to keep Tevez - Times Online and Agencies

Eggert Magnusson, the West Ham United chairman, says he wants to keep Carlos
Tevez, the Argentina striker, at the club. The future surrounding the most
controversial player in the Barclays Premiership remains uncertain with a
legal battle looming, but Magnusson is adamant he wants Tevez to remain at
Upton Park. West Ham unilaterally terminated their third-party agreements
with Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian which gave his company Media Sports
Investment (MSI) the right to sell the player. Joorabchian could go to court
to try to force the club to release the player but the Hammers chairman
points out they still hold his registration. "There is bound to be a lot of
speculation over the summer about our playing squad," said Magnusson. "There
will be a particular focus on Carlos Tevez and I want him to stay.
"The starting point is that he is a West Ham player, registered with and
contracted to the club with three years remaining on a four-year contract.
Whatever happens next we will act to protect the best interests of West Ham
United FC." Magnusson also promised he would provide funds for Alan
Curbishley, the manager, to make new signings this summer and try to keep
the best players at the club. "We are ambitious for this club and what we
can achieve next season," he added. "We want to strengthen the squad and to
build on the positives of the 2006/07 season. I'm proud of what the club has
achieved and now we can move forward. "We will work hard over the summer to
prepare for next season and that includes keeping our best players who want
to play for us."

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West Ham chairman: Curbishley will get transfer funds
tribalfooball.com - May 23, 2007

West Ham United chairman Eggert Magnusson has assured manager Alan
Curbishley of major funds for the summer market. He said: "We are ambitious
for this club and what we can achieve next season. "We want to strengthen
the squad and to build on the positives of the 2006/07 season. I'm proud of
what the club has achieved and now we can move forward. "We will work hard
over the summer to prepare for next season and that includes keeping our
best players who want to play for us."

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West Ham to perform massive clearout
tribalfooball.com - May 23, 2007

Teddy Sheringham is leading a West Ham United clearout this summer. The
Citizen says Sheringham has been released by the Hammers, while Paul
Konchesky will also leave with Rangers and Birmingham battling for the
fullback. Chairman Eggert Magnusson and Alan Curbishley have made little
secret of the fact that there will need to be changes and up to a dozen
players could be on their way including Nigel Reo-Coker, Carlton Cole,
Marlon Harewood, John Pantsil, Tyrone Mears, Calum Davenport, Danny Gabbidon
and Roy Carroll.

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Reading move for West Ham's Mullins
tribalfooball.com - May 23, 2007

Reading are chasing West Ham United midfielder Hayden Mullins. Hammers boss
Alan Curbishley has told Mullins he can leave Upton Park this summer.

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West Ham expanding profile in USA
tribalfooball.com - May 23, 2007

West Ham academy chief Tony Carr has revealed they're attempting to
establish a profile in the USA - but doesn't want his youth teams dominated
by foreign talent. He told the Citizen: "It's not me with my head in the
sand. I do realise that the game is now more global and I've just come back
from the United States where we're looking to expand our brand. "If there
was a player or two from there or anywhere else in the world who were going
to enhance our system and push on to be quality first team players I'd never
say no, but I wouldn't like to see it en masse. I wouldn't want our culture
changed. "You're never going to win them all, but you just hope to get your
fair share of success and we've certainly done that in the past."

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West Ham prepared to sell Wigan target Etherington
tribalfooball.com - May 23, 2007

West Ham United are ready to sell winger Matthew Etherington. Wigan
Athletic's £3 million bid fell short last week, but the Hammers will sell
for a higher offer.

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West Ham eyeing Copenhagen defender Gravgaard
tribalfooball.com - May 23, 2007

West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley is eyeing FC Copenhagen defender
Michael Gravgaard. The Hammers are planning a £2.5 million offer for the
Dane as chairman Eggert Magnusson admitted: "The team did very well this
year but we still want to strengthen. "West Ham United are a sleeping giant
and I want to awaken that giant slowly but surely and, over the next year or
two, achieve some positive things at Upton Park."

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West Ham's Sheringham to join Charlie at Palace
tribalfooball.com - May 23, 2007

West Ham United veteran Teddy Sheringham could be playing with son Charlie
next season. Sheringham Snr is leaving the Hammers and is attracting
interest from Palace, which has son Charlie on it's books.

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West Ham chairman Magnusson: We have Tevez contract
tribalfooball.com - May 23, 2007

West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson is desperate to keep Carlos Tevez and
insists the striker is contracted to West Ham for three more years. West Ham
unilaterally terminated their third-party agreements with Tevez's agent Kia
Joorabchian which gave his company Media Sports Investment (MSI) the right
to sell the player. Joorabchian could go to court to try to force the club
to release the player but Magnusson points out they still hold his
registration. He said: "There is bound to be a lot of speculation over the
summer about our playing squad. "There will be a particular focus on Carlos
Tevez and I want him to stay.
"The starting point is that he is a West Ham player, registered with and
contracted to the club with three years remaining on a four-year contract.
"Whatever happens next we will act to protect the best interests of West Ham
United FC."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] -

Statement from the Chairman - WHU Official Site

West Ham United Chairman Eggert Magnusson today issued the following
statement:
"There is bound to be a lot of speculation over the summer about our playing
squad. It is normal in a transfer window - who is going, who we want to
bring in.

"We are ambitious for this club and what we can achieve next season. We want
to strengthen the squad and to build on the positives of the 2006/07 season.
I'm proud of what the club has achieved and now we can move forward.

"We will work hard over the summer to prepare for next season and that
includes keeping our best players who want to play for us.

"There will be a particular focus on Carlos Tevez and I want him to stay. I
suspect a lot will be written about his future but the starting point is
that he is a West Ham player, registered with and contracted to the club
with three years remaining on a 4 year contract. Whatever happens next we
will act to protect the best interests of West Ham United FC".

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Green delighted with England call-up - WHU Official Site

Robert Green has been rewarded for his superb end-of-season form with a
call-up to the England B squad to face Albania in a friendly at Burnley's
Turf Moor stadium on Friday night.
The Hammers goalkeeper received the call from England manager Steve McClaren
and said: "I'm delighted to be called back into the squad. Hopefully, it's
recognition of a good run of form which I've had and which the Club's had."
Rob, 27, is hoping for his first taste of international football since May
2006, when he appeared against Belarus in a B friendly, but suffered a groin
injury that ruled him out of the World Cup finals.
"It's almost a year ago to the day since I got injured," he said. "Things
have changed since then. There has been a change of manager and he's brought
in a couple of his own people like Terry Venables, Steve Round and Bill
Beswick.
"Apart from that all the other backroom staff have remained, but it does
have a different feel to it. The surroundings are very familiar but it's all
slightly different."
It has been a tumultuous twelve months for Rob since his last involvement
with England. "Playing my second game for England was a high point, with the
intention of going to the World Cup and being named in the squad; then I
came in for a big fall by getting injured and almost losing the entire
summer because of it.
"After that I signed for West Ham, which was a huge moment in my career and
life and a massive boost to come to such a great Club. Then we had a real
yo-yo season full of ups and downs.
"To finish on such a high, after some real low points in the season, has
been capped off nicely by this call up."
And the experience so far has been a positive one - despite Rob having to
cut short his summer holidays!
"It's been really good," he said. "We trained yesterday, which was great. It
was the first time I've trained since before the Manchester United match and
I felt surprisingly sharp!
"We're all going to be watching the Champions League final tonight and I'm
looking forward to that.
"I did have a nice holiday lined up but this is an offer you can't turn down
and I'm delighted to be involved. I'm just hoping to play some part in the
action."

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Spend an evening with Bonzo! - WHU Official Site

Hammers fans are being offered the chance to spend an evening in the company
of one of our greatest living legends, Billy Bonds.
The former Upton Park player and manager will be appearing at a special
event at the Brentwood Centre, in Essex, on Friday, June 1, 2007. The
evening is hosted by two other Hammers legends, Tony Gale and Tony Cottee,
and promises to be a memorable night of entertainment.
Tickets are priced at £17.00 and £15.00, and can be purchased from the
Brentwood Centre on 01277 262616.

For further information visit the Brentwood Centre website

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Merv reflects on last season - WHU Official Site

Looking back over last season, Mervyn Day admitted it was probably the most
testing time of his career.

"Five months felt like about five years," he joked. "We came in December and
they were five tough months. We were brought in to make sure the club didn't
go down and by the skin of our teeth we managed to do that.

"Our major focus was on the players. We knew the Chairman was very ambitious
and we knew he had plans to take the club forward over a period of time.
Initially it was literally a case of making sure we got some results.

"We were fortunate enough in the first couple of games, against Manchester
United and Fulham, to get a couple of results. Then we had a bit of tough
time for nine or ten games.

"Thankfully we managed to turn it around and not only get some results but
play some really good football for the last few games."

Reflecting on the tough times, Merv said: "The worst time was after the
Charlton game. Luck was against us at that point, or so it seemed. We
prepared a side where we had to make four changes after the last training
session on the Friday because we had four players with niggly injuries.

"It's hard when you prepare for a game, you then go to Charlton, which is
against our old club and where we had a lot of good years and we basically
didn't turn up. We got beat 4-0.

"They had our old manager Alan Pardew and all our fans were singing 'We want
our manager back.' It was very hurtful, but understandable given the
circumstances of the game."

The turning point, according to Merv, came in the following game against
Tottenham. "It was definitely chalk and cheese because the game against
Charlton was so awful, then to play so well against Tottenham, even though
we didn't get a result, we went for it at the end.

"But it was the performance and it was the fact that we produced such a good
game for the telly, the fans and the players' self-belief. Then came the
Blackburn game where we got a little bit of luck and all of a sudden we were
on our way."

And the momentum the Hammers showed in the final part of the season has put
everyone at the Club in a positive frame of mind for the new season.

"I think we've proved that if we get our heads right and we're focused and
we put out a settled side that we are a match for anybody in the Premier
League," said Merv.

"There will be some comings and goings in the summer and we're excited about
that and sad about that in equal measure. But we're looking forward to it.

"In the meantime we're going to enjoy our break, I'm absolutely shattered,
as are most of the players and the staff because the last few weeks have
been incredibly stressful and tense.

"People say it's only a game but, believe you me, it's not. We're already
planning for next year in terms of our pre-season programme and we're
looking forward to it with renewed optimism and great hope."

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Go Hammers - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 23rd May 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel

West Ham United have tapped the US market in an attempt to find the best
young talent.
The club's new Football Academy USA website - opened recently - is seeking
clubs with which to form partnership programmes in order to develop players
capable of one day playing for the Hammers on the other side of the Atlantic
in the Premier League.

The programme represents the club's first major foray into North America, a
huge untapped market where football is likely to explode in the next few
years.

Tony Carr and several members of his coaching team spent some time in
Georgia last month giving lectures to local coaches and clubs. Topics on the
agenda included 'Player Development - the West Ham way' and 'Fixing Common
Team and Player problems'.

The Hammers are seeking two clubs, schools and colleges from each area with
which to partner with. Interested parties can apply to join the scheme by
visitng the US Academy's new website at whufc-usa.com.

Meanwhile the first product of the new scheme visited England last month to
get a taste of life in East London.

14-year-old Cobb FC striker Jack McInerney, a member of the USA under-15
national squad from Alpharetta, Georgia spent a week with Carr and his staff
gaining vital experience at Chadwell Heath.

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Green gets England call - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 22nd May 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel

West Ham United's Robert Green has been called up to the England 'B' squad
in place of the injured Ben Foster.
The Manchester United goalkeeper pulled out of the squad today after
aggravating an old knee injury; both Rob Green and Liverpool's Scott Carson
were drafted in as a result. They join Tottenham's Paul Robinson as the
goalkeepers in the 22 man squad.

Green will join up with his England team mates at their Carrington base
tomorrow in preparation for the friendly with Albania, which takes place at
Burnley's Turf Moor this Friday (25th) evening.

England B Squad

Robert Green (West Ham United), Paul Robinson (Tottenham Hotspur), Scott
Carson (Liverpool); Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), Joleon Lescott (Everton),
Phil Neville (Everton), Nicholas Shorey (Reading), Phil Jagielka (Sheffield
United), Michael Dawson (Tottenham Hotspur), Ledley King (Tottenham
Hotspur); Owen Hargreaves (Bayern Munich), David Bentley (Blackburn),
Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Kieron Dyer (Newcastle United), Scott
Parker (Newcastle United), Jermaine Jenas (Tottenham Hotspur), Aaron Lennon
(Tottenham Hotspur); Alan Smith (Manchester United), Michael Owen (Newcastle
United), David Nugent (Preston North End), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham
Hotspur).

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Chelsea linked with £35m Tevez - TeamTalk

West Ham's Carlos Tevez has been offered to Chelsea in a deal that would
cost the club £35million.
According to the Daily Express the Argentine striker could well move across
London from Upton Park to Stamford Bridge after preliminary talks began
between the FA Cup winners and the player's representatives.
Tevez has returned to South America to be with his wife and family but the
Hammers are still hopeful he will agree to stay with them for another
season, especially given their Premiership survival.
Kia Joorabchian is due to meet with West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson this
week about extending Tevez's deal but with his stock now at an all-time
high, the lure and financial power of the FA Cup winners might prove too
much.
Chelsea were offered Tevez last year but having seen what they missed out
on, the board will be keen for him to be part of Jose Mourinho's re-building
process.

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League will press ahead with fixtures - TeamTalk

The Premier League will go ahead with next season's fixture list despite
setting up an arbitration tribunal over the Carlos Tevez affair.
The three-man panel is due to be appointed on Friday but any final decision
is not likely before the end of June.
The League are to publish the fixtures for the new season on June 14 and are
preparing to do so on the basis that the Blades have been relegated and West
Ham remain in the top flight.
League chiefs are confident the arbitration tribunal will find they acted
strictly according to their regulations in both the disciplinary case
against West Ham and in regards to the registration of Tevez.
The Blades will pursue their claim that an independent commission should
have deducted points from West Ham and that the League should have cancelled
Tevez's registration.
It is more likely however that should they persuade the arbitration panel of
their case they would be awarded a compensation payment rather than the
commission's decision be overturned.
Sheffield United plc chairman Kevin McCabe said he believed the Blades'
stand would be justified.
McCabe said: "I'm here to protect Sheffield United's position against what I
firmly believe was an irrational decision.
"I genuinely believe that the arbitration proceedings will reverse
decisions.
"Whether that means they are able to reverse decisions to deduct points
rather than fines I do not know.
"But I state very clearly when you see the commission hearing minutes say
'points should normally be deducted but because it's April not January we're
going to fine you', when you consider there are 20 clubs in the Premier
League who only play for one thing every Saturday - points, I find it
absolutely irrational that you can fine and not deduct points.
"If you clearly breach the rules surely you deduct points because that's
what the commission says, but the irrationality says that because it's April
not January, we're only going to fine you. I cannot work it out."

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Blues plotting £3m Konchesky raid
By Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

BLUES are plotting a raid on West Ham United for £3million-rated left-back
Paul Konchesky.
The England cap, who has just turned 26, is thought by Hammers boss Alan
Curbishley to be surplus to requirements and Blues are interested.
Curbishley sold an unsettled Konchesky to West Ham from Charlton Athletic
for £1.5million in July 2005.
And since Christmas, Konchesky has made just three appearances for the
Hammers, the last of which was at the beginning of March.
A competitive player with a classy left-foot delivery, Konchesky enjoyed a
successful first season at his boyhood heroes.
He scored in the FA Cup final, but missed West Ham's third penalty as they
went down in a shoot-out to Liverpool.
Manager Steve Bruce has been searching for a replacement for Martin Grainger
for four seasons when it fell into his lap from within. But Mat Sadler,
despite impressively reviving his career after a two-year spell blighted by
foot and ankle problems, has yet to play a full season in the Premiership.
He was arguably Blues' most consistent player as they slid to relegation in
2005-06 after being given a chance in April.
And he was a sterling performer during Blues' promotion campaign until Bruce
decided he was in need of a break and took him out of the firing line at
Easter.
Bruce has not written off 22-year-old Sadler, but he is looking for a more
experienced left-back in the top flight.
Jeff Kenna, Jamie Clapham, Matthew Upson and Julian Gray, amongst others,
have all also been used in the position since Blues last gained promotion.
Konchesky has won two England caps and spent a spell on loan to Spurs when
he was frozen out at the Valley in 2003.
Although adept wide on the left of midfield, he prefers left-back and he is
very much in the mould of Grainger.

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West Ham plan £8M bid for Man Utd, Sunderland target Gudjohnsen
tribalfooball.com - May 23, 2007

West Ham United are planning a bid for Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen.
The Iceland international is being made available by Barca this summer after
a difficult season in Spain.
The Daily Express says West Ham are poised to make an £8 million bid to
Barcelona for Gudjohnsen, but Manchester United and Sunderland are also
interested.

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Reds talks on Reid return - The Star

KYEL Reid is eyeing a Premiership future although he would be happy to
continue his career at Barnsley.
The West Ham winger sealed his place in Oakwell boss Simon Davey's team at
the end of last season and settled into living in South Yorkshire.
He still has one year of his contract at Upton Park to run although Davey
has declared he wants the 19-year-old back next season.
He is planning talks with West Ham manager Alan Curbishley about the
possibility of another loan.
Reid's agent, Lara Southworth explained: "At the moment Kyel's future is in
the hands of Alan Curbishley. I know he loved his time at Barnsley, loved
the club and the fans.
"Anyone who saw him at the end of the season could see Premiership
qualities."
Barnsley could also work on a deal to bring Lewin Nyatanga back to Oakwell.
The Welsh international is with the Derby squad preparing for Sunday's
Championship play-off final with West Brom.
If Derby are promoted they could allow the 18-year-old out on loan again.
Kayode Odejayi has said he is looking forward to spending next season with
Cheltenham - despite being linked with a move to Barnsley
The 25-year-old, who was Cheltenham's top scorer this season with 15 goals,
is the subject of a £200,000-plus bid from a club - believed to be Barnsley.
Odejayi said in an interview: "The manager (John Ward) is aware I have
spoken to another club but I am still a Cheltenham player who is looking
forward to next season and that is the way it is at the moment.
"If you ask anyone in football they will tell you they want to play at the
highest level possible but it has been a great couple of years at Cheltenham
and I am happy and I am enjoying my football.
"I am living with my girlfriend and I am very settled so I will wait and
see, weigh up my options and see what is best for my career. It has all come
out of the blue and it is still in the early stages."

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West Ham green light for new stadium
tribalfooball.com - May 23, 2007

West Ham United could be moving to a new 60,000 all-seater stadium - thanks
to London Mayor Ken Livingstone.
Livingstone has told West Ham he'll back their plans to move from Upton Park
and the Mirror says the former Parcelforce depot adjacent to West Ham tube
station is a possible site and would be part of a £350million entertainment
and housing complex to be built by 2012.
A club source said: "There are still a few things to think about and the
club have to make sure the deal is right but it is looking very positive."

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'New Ronaldo` In West Ham Talks - Vitalfootball.co.uk

Hogan Ephraim, who spent much of last season on loan at Colchester United,
will today discuss the possibility of getting a new contract with West Ham
United, although has not ruled out a return to Essex.

The under-19 international, scoring the only goal for England as they lost
in a game against Holland last week, will possibly agree a long-tem deal
with Alan Curbishley`s Premiership side, before securing a loan deal to
bring him back to Colchester for another season.

Despite the fact that Hogan, who operated in midfield for the U`s last
season, only scored once against Barnsley, he has been a huge hit a Layer
Road, with coparisons to Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo being justly
made.

Hogan has admitted that his best position is just behind the front two,
although looks to have a bright future ahead of him. He admits, as he looks
forward to the possibility of securing a new contract that he faces a
'massive decision.`

Speaking yesterday, he said: "Hopefully I'll sort out my future when I sit
down with West Ham but there are two or three other clubs interested in me."

I've enjoyed my time at Colchester and I loved it there from day one."

He added: "It's a massive decision for me," before going on to lavish praise
onto Colchester United and the catching staff.

"The manager is the best man-manager I have worked under and him and Mick
Harford really look after their players.

"It's been a very good season but the last month was especially pleasing.

"They were big pressure games and I enjoyed playing in them.

"I felt I did myself justice and I was happy with the way I played.
"I was a bit disappointed that I didn't get one or two more goals.

"But it was a good experience at Colchester and I'm hoping it'll help me to
improve next season."

Words: Vital Colchester

Quotes sourced via the Colchester Evening Gazette.

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Curbishley to expel Pardew's class of 2006 - all3points
By Dan Halton

Now that Premiership football is secure for another season, Alan Curbishley
is looking to rebuild over the summer. Many will be shown the door including
an entire team predecessor Alan Pardew would have once been proud of.
Consider the following line-up: Carroll - Konchesky, Pantsil or Mears,
Dailly, Ferdinand - Etherington, Newton, Mullins, Reo-Coker - Harewood,
Sheringham. Quite conceivably an XI that Pardew would have sent out earlier
in the season to win a Premiership match. A few months on and in all reality
it's an XI that will be plying its trade elsewhere by the time West Ham
kicks off a new campaign in a few weeks time.
So what happened to them? There is no doubt complacency and arrogance set in
off the back of a successful first season in the Premiership. The likes of
Ferdinand, Harewood, Konchesky and Reo-Coker became too comfortable and
lacked the hunger and drive that saw each of them being tipped for an
England call-up. How the "mighty" have fallen.
Heading the exodus this summer will be our beloved captain Nigel Reo-Coker.
Having turned in his best performances against the bigger clubs this past
season it's only right that one of them will notice his prowess? Well my
guess is Tottenham, that lover (and waster) of central midfielders, will be
his likeliest destination. Not exactly Champions League material so expect
poor Nige to issue a disgruntled plea to the likes of Arsenal and Man United
sometime next year from the wilderness of the White Hart Lane bench. The
player we rescued from the obscurity of Milton Keynes and bestowed the
honour of captaincy on will command a fairly high transfer fee (naturally)
so an offer of £7m should suit all parties concerned.
A few weeks ago Anton Ferdinand was one name I expected to be booted out
this summer pronto. Attitude, lies and affray all culminated in seeinga
promising career nose-dive but his performances towards the end of the
season have convinced me he might be given another chance. Curbishley though
may have other ideas and a bid of £5m should prise him from Upton Park.
Glenn Roeder - not known for his subtlety when discussing potential
signings - made his feelings known about Ferdinand before he lost his job at
Newcastle so it looks like the London graveyard that is the Tottenham bench
may be where Rio's bruv ends up.
This season saw Marlon Harewood revert to the frustrating displays of his
early days in a West Ham shirt. Clumsy and wayward he lost confidence as the
season went on and in the end was restricted to the odd substitute
appearance. A transfer back to the arms of old boss Pardew at Charlton
wouldn't surprise me (as part of a Darren Bent deal?) with Curbishley
rejects Konchesky and Mullins following for a combined fee of a few million.
For Carroll, Etherington and Newton it was personal demons that affected
performances on the pitch and fuelled the media witch hunt that took great
delight in West Ham's mid-season woes. With Rob Green cementing his position
as number one keeper at the club, Carroll's days are numbered. The Northern
Irishman joined on a free two seasons ago so Curbishley will be keen to
reduce him from the wage bill and bring in a replacement that no doubt
prefers a good mineral water to a quadruple whiskey. Newton has re-found his
level on loan at Leicester and will be allowed to go on a free while
Etherington has already been linked to (of all places) Wigan in a £3m move
which was swiftly rebutted. Fulham or one of the promoted clubs will be keen
on his services.
For the out-of-contract Sheringham, the alleged ringleader of the infamous
card schools that Curbishley rooted out, a future in the backwaters of
American or Australian "soccer" beckons. His contribution since joining the
Hammers to an initially cautious reception three years ago has been immense,
belying his age. The adaptable Dailly, another old boy, has surely played
his last game for West Ham too but is bound for far less glamorous
surroundings in the Championship or SPL.
Two of Pardew's cheap summer flops Tyrone Mears and John Pantsil will be
shown the door. Both right-backs but both out of their depth in the
Premiership. Mears has already established himself on loan at Derby while
the appropriately-named Pantsil will be flogged to any team on the continent
willing to part with a million or so.
So there you have it. An entire team with Pardew's stamp all over it heading
for the exit door. How quickly football has moved on from the plaudits of
one good season and a Cup Final. An indictment on Pardew or the players
concerned? Probably a bit of both but the exodus will be worth it not only
in terms of revenue but in clearing the decks for the Curbishley era to
really begin.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 22nd May 2007

Young Hammers join England U21 squad - WHU Official Site

Young West Ham United stars Mark Noble, Nigel Reo-Coker and Anton Ferdinand
met up with their England Under-21 team-mates today ahead of next month's
UEFA Under-21 European Championships in Holland.
The 30-man squad is set to travel to Spain to take part in a training camp
before taking on Slovakia in their final warm-up game before the
Championships at Norwich's Carrow Road on 5 June.
Stuart Pearce is expected to name his 23-man squad for the tournament on May
30.

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Whitsun coaching courses starting soon - WHU Official Site

The Whitsun half-term holiday coaching courses, run by West Ham United in
the Community, begin next week at a number of local venues, and places are
still available.
If you would like to book places on a course please call 0207 473 7734 or
0207 473 7720. Alternatively, you can print out the attached PDF form on the
right and post it with your payment and a SAE to the following address:

West Ham United in the Community
60A Albatross Close
Off Woolwich Manor Way
Beckton
E6 5NX.
*Please note, due to vandalism of the changing facilities at Westland's
Playing field this course has now been transferred to The Broxhill Centre,
Broxhill Road, Romford, Essex.

For any enquiries on the courses please contact Jacqui Jones on 0870 112
5066 (Option 2).

*PLEASE NOTE THAT PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES MAY BE TAKEN AT THESE VENUES FOR
PROMOTIONAL OR TRAINING PURPOSES. IF YOU REQUIRE YOUR CHILD NOT TO
PHOTOGRAPHED/FILMED PLEASE MAKE IT CLEAR TO THE COACH BY SIGNING A
DECLARATION FORM.

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Chairman excited about new season - WHU Official Site

While the majority of those associated with West Ham United's nerves were
jangling going into the final do-or-die game of the season at Old Trafford,
Chairman Eggert Magnusson admitted feeling unusually calm.

"Obviously there were a lot of nerves over the weekend and coming into the
game but I felt after half an hour that it would be our day," he said. "It's
strange - sometimes you are so emotional in these games but you feel okay,
it's going to be our day and it was.

"When we came in at half-time Wigan had made it 2-1 with a penalty in about
the 50th minute of the first half, they played a lot of injury time. We had
to hold on, that was for sure.

"But I was very calm, I don't know why, I have no explanation but it happens
sometimes that you just get a feeling it will be okay."

Having beaten Manchester United to claim a seventh win in nine games and
guarantee Premiership status next season, Hammers still came in for plenty
of criticism. But Mr Magnusson says: "Who out there can say that West Ham
didn't do this on merit? We did the double over Arsenal and Manchester
United and I'm told we are the first team to do this in 30 years.

"So don't tell me that anybody can say we didn't do this on merit, we did it
on merit. I have been disappointed that Alan Curbishley, who for me is one
of the best managers in English football, and all the great players we have
here at West Ham United haven't had the credit they deserve, because this
finish was something spectacular and deserves a place in history. I feel
they deserved a lot more credit for the great achievement."

Mr Magnusson is already looking ahead to next season and planning the future
with Curbs. "We had a long meeting to start discussing next season, " he
said. "We are looking forward to next season. The team did very well this
year but we still want to strengthen our team.

"Alan has gone on holiday for a few days and I hope he doesn't think one
second about football, he needs to switch off! We will sit down next week
also and start preparing for next season.

"West Ham United are a sleeping giant and I want to awaken that giant slowly
but surely and, over the next year or two, achieve some positive things at
Upton Park."

To watch the full interview with the Chairman log on to WHUTV

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Gillette: The best a fan can get! - WHU Official Site

West Ham United have teamed up with Gillette to offer our supporters the
chance to win fantastic prizes and gadgets worth up to £20,000.
In an exclusive promotion with the famous grooming giants, fans will be
invited to enter a competition giving away everything from widescreen TVs to
iPods and digital cameras.
What's more, all correct entrants will be sent a free Gillette Mach razor.

To take part, simply click here

The closing date for this promotion is Friday 25th May 2007 at 12pm. Terms
and Conditions apply. Promotion is open to UK and ROI residents over 18
only.

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Yossi's 180 - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 22nd May 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel

Yossi Benayoun is set to pledge his future to West Ham United after he was
offered a lucrative new four-year deal.
The Israeli midfielder had looked set to leave the club this summer after he
was left out of the first team by Alan Curbishley. However his recent form -
he was pivotal in West Ham's 'great escape' - has caused both parties to
rethink, leading to the new offer.

Benayoun's agent, Ronen Katzav, told the Israeli media last night:

"West Ham made it clear to us that they very much want Yossi and therefore
offered him a much improved long term contract.

"They stated that they want to build a team around him and therefore he
received an offer never matched by any Israeli player previously.

"In any case, we have not yet decided and will not talk to any other club
until we have concluded with West Ham. A decision will be made by the end of
the week."

* West Ham are rumoured to be in the chase for Bolton's out of contract
full-back Tal Ben Haim.

The Hammers approached the Israeli defender in January but he opted to wait
until the summer before making a decision on his future. A deal with Chelsea
had been mooted but as of yet the Blues are still to approach Ben Haim, who
is also thought to be interesting Portsmouth.

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Tenorio out to impress - SkySports
By Graeme Bailey - Created on 22 May 2007

A host of Premiership clubs are tracking Ecuadorian Carlos Tenorio.
The 28-year-old is currently based in Qatar where he plies his trade with
Al-Sadd.
He has been in the Middle East since 2003, but he is now longing for a move
to Europe.
Tenorio was hugely impressive during the World Cup finals for Ecuador where
he bagged two goals.
He is under contract for a further three years with Al-Sadd, but the club
are aware he wants to try his luck in Europe and they are ready to let him
leave without demanding a huge fee.
Al-Sadd play the final game of their Asian Champions League group stage on
Wednesday when they face Iraq's Al Najaf and a number of scouts will be
present.
Amongst the English contingent expected in Kuwait are representatives of
Bolton, Portsmouth, Birmingham, Sunderland, West Ham and Wigan.

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Player Reviews 2006/07 - Part 1 - WHO
Vinny - Mon May 21 2007

For the fourth season running here are my player reviews. In a very eventful
season there have been some contrasting performances from certain players.
If they have kicked a ball even just for a few minutes they are included.

There are only ratings for players who have taken part in at least fifteen
games.

Goal Keepers

Roy Carroll
Last season Carroll only took part in 19 games in a season ravaged by
injury. This season he didn't even get to that many with injuries, personal
problems and a loss of form letting Robert Green take over as the clubs
number one goal keeper. His best game of the season was probably Newcastle
away where he had to make some good saves to keep us in the game. His last
game for the club came in early February against Aston Villa. His form
shortly before then had been called into question especially with the
mistake he made against Watford in the FA Cup. His kicking was poor and
seemed to buckle under the pressure of having Robert Green waiting to take
his place. Carroll's last involvement in the squad was a place on the bench
for the Arsenal away game. He hasn't been seen since and I do not expect him
to be at the club next season.
Apps : League 12 Cups 2 Euro 2
Bookings : 2
Grade: D (last season B)

Robert Green
Alan Pardew signed Green from Norwich in the summer replacing Shaka Hislop.
Unlike Shaka the England international was not going to be content at being
number 2 and was brought in to put pressure on Roy Carroll. Green made his
debut in defeat at White Hart Lane against Tottenham. He was the one bright
spark to come out of the defeat in the carling cup against Chesterfield,
pulling off a string of fine saves. Green would stay in the team up until
the 6-0 defeat at Reading where new manager Alan Curbishley seem to think
six goals was too many and Roy Carroll should be reinstated at the clubs
keeper. Green regained his place a month later in the home game against
Watford and from there he went on his best run of the season pulling off
some outstanding saves. His game of the season was undoubtedly the game at
the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal piled on the pressure with Green making a
few world class saves. Green has become a favourite of the fans and I am
fully in support of him being our number one keeper for many years to come.
Apps: League 26 Cup 1
Grade : A

Defenders

John Pantsil
There was confusion over his name and whether it was Pant or Paint. What we
would all agree on is that he was totally pants. Brought in last summer when
Alan Pardew was searching for a right back. Luke Young of Charlton was the
one Pardew wanted but when that deal fell through he went for both Pantsil
and Tyrone Mears. Pantsil had been brought in on the back of a decent world
cup for Ghana and I was optimistic that he would flourish in our side with
the attacking pacey football we had once played. Unfortunately Pantsil just
couldn't defend - in fact his defending was among some of the worst that we
have had from a defender and boy we have had some bad one. He was good at
getting forward though and maybe he could have been tried as an attacking
right winger instead of a defender. His last game for the club came in the
FA Cup against Watford where he played for most of the second half. Before
that he hadn't been seen since Alan Pardew's last game in charge at Bolton
where he played for the last half an hour. One of the many players who will
be gone in the summer and one which will be easily forgotten - if you haven't
forgot about him already.
Apps: League 4 Cup (2)
Bookings: 2

Tyrone Mears
Signed from Preston last summer and was hotly tipped to make a big impact on
the premiership and even force his way into the England set up. But it was
never to be for Mears who was like a reverse Pantsil - he could defend but
just couldn't get forward and his distribution was dreadful. We last saw him
in December against Manchester City at Upton Park where he came on for the
last five minutes. Before that he had not been involved since the home
defeat by Newcastle in September. For a player who was supposed to have bags
of pace I found him slow and never seemed to be able to do anything with the
ball. He looked nervous and never a premiership player. In the January
transfer window he was shipped out on loan to Derby County. When Lucas Neill
was signed he even lost his shirt number at the club and I think it is safe
to say he will never play for West Ham again.
Apps: League 3 (2) Euro 1
Bookings: 1

Lucas Neill
Signed from Blackburn in the January transfer window where he turned down
Liverpool to sign for the club. Of course it seemed as though money talked
as reports suggested that we had doubled what Liverpool were offering him.
People said he was a mercenary - but come on now, if someone offered you
double your current wages wouldn't you go and work for them? Since he has
been at the club he has been nothing short of a revelation. He is the answer
to our long running right back problem and shows leadership qualities that
have got us out of the trouble we were in. He made his debut against Watford
in the FA Cup but was taken off injured which threatened to keep him out for
much longer than it actually did. He came back against the same team in the
league fixture and got injured yet again. He returned two and half weeks
later against Spurs and played every game from then on. Some now consider
him as our 'real' captain. When he talks he says all the right things, he
goes for every 50/50 and his distribution is the best of any West Ham
defender for a long time. His performances against Arsenal, Everton and
Wigan were out of the top draw and I am so glad he will be part of our team
next season.
Apps: League 11 Cup 1
Bookings: 2

Christian Dailly
Our current longest serving player, Christian Dailly has been at the club
for 6 and half years. He has never been popular, and a lot of fans cannot
forgive him for being part of that backline which took us down. Other fans
like myself appreciate the amount of effort Christian Dailly has put in over
the years and this season has been no different. Yes, he is lacking in
quality (and always has done) but he is always willing to fight for the
cause. With Pantsil and Mears both having nightmare starts to the season
Dailly was thrown in at right back at the City of Manchester Stadium back in
September. It wasn't a good start to the season for the Scot as injury to
Gabbidon meant him having to switch to center half after only 22 minutes. He
was dreadful. But he was back in the team a few weeks later against Reading
where he was arguably our best player in a game which we lost 1-0. Was our
man of the match against Chesterfield and put in a solid performance against
Fulham at Craven Cottage. He didn't start another game until New Years Day.
That game of course was the 6-0 defeat at Reading. Enough said. But despite
that he went on five game run in the team which ended with the 2-1 home
defeat by Liverpool. He was in the starting line up for the 4-0 defeat at
Charlton. He would not start again for the remainder of the season. We also
got the Christian Dailly song this season which has proven very popular. I
think we will be singing that after he has left the club which is expected
this summer.
Apps: League 10 (4) Cup 1
Bookings: 1
Grade: C (Last season C+)

Jonathan Spector
Signed last summer from Manchester United where he had failed to make an
impact. The young American defender has played across the entire back line
this season filling it at right back, center half and left back. Jack of all
trades indeed but of course the master of none. I have found Spector a
strange player to work out as sometimes he looks a really strong defender
who knows what he is doing, and then others he looks as though he doesn't
know what day it is as he gets caught out of position and beaten for
strength and pace. He made his debut for the club in the Uefa Cup away tie
at Palermo. There he looked a solid player and with Pantsil, Mears and
Dailly all failing to impress at right back it was time for a run in the
team for Spector. The following games at home to Reading and away to
Portsmouth did not do much for his case to be our permanent right back. The
Arsenal home game was one where we took notice of his defending but just
like the whole team it was a false dawn. The home game against Pompey in
December saw him getting subbed at half time due to his poor performance and
the next game against Manchester City (h) would be his last in the starting
line up for a month. A two game run against Liverpool (h) and Aston Villa
(a) would be his last in the starting line up as he failed to get a start
for the remainder of the season. All in all, Spector is a hard working
defender with little quality.
Apps : League 17 (6) Cups 1 (1) Euro 1
Bookings: 5
Grade: D

Anton Ferdinand
Last season Anton Ferdinand was one of the main reasons we had such a good
season. But he is one of the main reasons why we have had such a bad one.
His attitude optimises everything that was wrong with West Ham during the
2007/07 campaign. Lazy, complacent and arrogant - Anton Ferdinand summed up.
He has had problems off the pitch which have effected his performances. His
brother worked to get where he is and Anton seemed to think it would all
come to him. I believe he has talent but this showing was not good enough
and he will be lucky to still be at the club next season - and even if he
is, a starting line up place looks unlikely. His worst game of the season of
course came against Sheffield United where his mistake cost us a free kick
which resulted in a goal. In fairness to Ferdinand I did not think he had it
in him to pick himself up but he went on to play out of his skin for the
remainder of the season and that deserves some praise. His best games came
in the games where the whole team played well - Arsenal and Manchester
United at home. Despite a few injuries, Anton figured constantly in the side
but when he looks back on the season he will not be satisfied with his
display. It is up to Alan Curbishley to determine whether his form since
Sheffield United away has made up for a poor season. I believe if Anton got
his head down, concentrated and worked on his distribution he could become a
top defender. But I don't know if he has the mental capacity to do so.
Apps: League 29 Cup 2 Euro 1
Bookings: 5
Grade: C- (last season A+)

Danny Gabbidon
Last seasons Hammer of the year has had a very frustrating season with
injuries, lack of match fitness when he did play and more mistake from him
than we are used to. The Hammer of the year curse strikes yet again. He
started the season in the starting line up and played every single game
until the end of November. During that time he looked quite shaky and not
the solid dependable force we noticed last season. This might have something
to do with him missing the entire pre-season, and with our lack of decent
cover at the back he had no choice but to play. Newcastle at home he made a
shocking mistake which gave us no chance of getting back into that game. He
was truly awful against Chesterfield but as the games went on he looked as
though he was lowly getting back to form, but injury struck him again in the
3-3 draw against Fulham. He didn't play again for the rest of the season. I
still think he has a future at the club - he is a very good defender as we
have seen, but he like many others seemed to lack concentration which is
vital in the premiership. If you make a mistake you will be punished and
Danny was too many times this season.
Apps: League 18 Cup 2 Euro 2
Bookings: 1
Grade: C (last season A+)

James Collins
Collins is another one who has had injury problems this season but has ended
this campaign in very good form and one of the reasons why we were able to
get out of the trouble we were in. His no nonsense defending became vital to
our survival campaign and he outshone Ferdinand in the latter parts of the
season. He is slow off the ground and his distribution is still poor but his
tacking and heading is top draw and has saved us on more than one occasion.
His first run in the first team this season started at Goodison Park in the
2-0 defeat. He stayed in the side over the next three games which produced
one clean sheet (Man Utd home). Injury stalled his season once again and he
returned in the 3-3 Fulham game which he got injured early on. He clearly
wasn't fit and his injury put us low on center halves yet again. With the
signing of Callum Davenport it seemed as though the future for Collins wasn't
going to be a bright one, but with loss of form and injuries to other
defenders Collins came into the side at Ewood Park and stayed in the
starting line up until the end of the season catching the eye of everyone
with his whole hearted and solid displays. I would go as far to say Collins
has saved his West Ham career with his performances from March. With the
money we are bound to spend and with Matthew Upson to return, Collins had to
make an impact and he certainly has.
Apps: League 15 Euro 1
Bookings: 3
Grade: B (last season B+)

Matthew Upson
Alan Curbishley brought him in the January transfer window from Birmingham
for big fee. The deal outraged Birmingham but we were just happy to have a
defender who would help us stop leaking goals. Although we stayed in the
league, Upson was not to have a part to play. He had the tag of 'injury
prone' when he arrived but no one could imagine how bad his injury problems
actually were. On his debut at Villa Park he only lasted half an hour
pulling up with what looked like a serious injury. It was then we thought he
would be out till the end of the season but he surprisingly returned a month
later in the home game against Spurs. Quite clearly not ready to return this
time he lasted only ten minutes before being replaced. And that was the last
we saw of the big money signing. Despite his lack of impact since he arrived
we know we have a very good defender in our ranks and if he can get over
these injury problems it will be like having a brand new signing come
August.
Apps: League 2
Callum Davenport
Davenport had been at the club two seasons ago in the championship on loan
from Tottenham. He made an instant impact with the fans during his time here
and we were sorry to see him go back. In January Alan Curbishley made a
somewhat surprise swoop for the out of favour Tottenham defender. His first
involvement was away at Newcastle where he put in a strong performance in
both defence and attack, having a goal disallowed for very little. Cup tied
against Watford he had his run in the side from Liverpool (h) till the
hammering at Charlton where he was all over the place. Since then we have
not seen him in the starting line up and has only been on the bench a
handful of times. With Upson returning, Collins developing rapidly it
remains to be seen what Alan Curbishley has in store with Davenport -
especially if Anton Ferdinand does stay at the club (and out of jail). The
player in the side to compare him to is Collins and on what I have seen I
know who my choice would be out of the two - and it isn't Davenport.
Apps: League 5 (1)
Bookings: 1

Paul Konchesky
This season has undoubtedly been a terrible one for Paul Konchesky. His
performances were extremely poor and his future looks very uncertain. I for
one would gladly show him the door as I believe he is simply not good enough
for our side. This isn't just this season - I thought he was shocking for
most of the previous campaign especially from January (2006) onwards. Hi s
goal in the FA Cup Final wiped a lot of peoples memories. The comparison to
Julian Dicks was and still is laughable. I think it must have been the skin
head. His distribution of the ball is truly woeful. He seems to avoid giving
the ball to anyone in a West Ham shirt. He was so bad against Newcastle (h)
it is hard to describe. It was like he had some sort of mental problem with
the amount of times he gave it to the opposition. Someone watching the game
for the first time would think he was meaning to do it. Another zero out of
ten was away at Manchester City where his performance was pure filth. Pompey
away and Tottenham away saw more poor performances as he was now in a real
slump. In fact looking through the fixtures he played in I cannot seem to
find one which you could say he was excellent. In January, George McCartney
started to challenge him for the left back slot, but with McCartney only
finding his match fitness there was a bit of rotation between the two. After
the Tottenham (h) game and after conceding eight goals in two games
(Charlton being the other) Konchesky was replaced on a permanent basis by
McCartney. Konchesky has history with Curbishley from their Charlton days
and it does not look as though we will be seeing Paul Konchesky much next
season. I for one think that is a great thing.
Apps: 21 Cup (1) Euro 2
Bookings: 7
Sent Off: 1 (vs. Fulham a)
Grade: E (last season - B)

George McCartney
Last seasons Sunderland player of the season was signed last summer in a
deal which saw Clive Clarke go the other way. It was known that McCartney
was injured when he signed so he did not feature in the first two and half
months. He made his debut for the club in the Carling Cup game against
Chesterfield. Obviously it was a bad night for the team and we did not see
much of him. His next game was when he replaced Anton Ferdinand just before
half time against Arsenal. This was the first showing of his versatility as
he had to play at center half. Over the next few months he made quite a few
sub appearances but didn't get another start in the side until the January
FA Cup game against Brighton. He battled with Konchesky for the left back
slot and was coming out the winner with him only missing two games from that
Brighton game until the end of the season.. Better than Konchesky he has
done well for the team especially in the last month of the season where he
excelled. I had questioned his ability during February but he came through
it with the rest of the side and fought for the cause as much as anyone. Is
he the answer at left back? I'm still not sure. I think we need another left
back at the club to challenge for that position. McCartney has shown
versatility which makes him an important player to have in the squad. For
the money we acquired him for he has done alright.
Apps: League 17 (6) Cup 3
Bookings: 4
Grade: B-

Part 2 will be up in a few days.

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Great news regarding Yossi - WHO
North Bank - Tue May 22 2007

I know some of you will have reservations but I don't care as you're know
nothing fools, this is great news as Yossi's the best footballer at the
Club.

Tottenham's pursuit of Yossi Benayoun looks doomed to fail with the
midfielder set to sign an improved deal at West Ham.

Israel international Benayoun was expected to hand in a transfer request and
be on his way out of Upton Park this summer.

However, despite a myriad of interest from the likes of Spurs, Portsmouth
and Newcastle, the Hammers have moved to entice him to stay put.

The fact they avoided relegation and the offer of a new improved five-year
deal in which Benayoun will be handed a weekly wage of £38,500 - an increase
of £15,500 from his current £23,000-a-week salary - looks like ensuring he
will be going nowhere.

West Ham boss Alan Curbishley is thought to be plotting a massive squad
overhaul but wants to keep Benayoun on board.

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Mascherano relishes his return to the big stage - Daily Telegraph
By Tim Rich
Last Updated: 3:31am BST 22/05/2007

For Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, the two men at the eye of the storm
that all but sank West Ham, there was a happy ending.
Having scored the goals that kept West Ham in the Premiership, Tevez can
look forward to a season with Real Madrid or, perhaps, Chelsea. He may even
remain at Upton Park. Mascherano, who always appeared the junior partner in
the deal, has the small matter of a European Cup final in the stadium where,
with Argentina, he won gold at the last Olympics.
"Athens is a special place for me," he said. "For a group of young players
who were all just starting our careers it was a very important moment, a
special time."
The Olympic gold is now locked away in his parents' home in San Lorenzo,
deep in the Argentine heartland beyond Buenos Aires, a city where
Mascherano, as a small-town boy, idolised Diego Maradona.
He was never especially happy at Upton Park. The story goes that on his
first day at training, the club had sent a car to Mascherano's hotel, which
for some reason he failed to spot. Not understanding the public transport
system, or the size of London, he attempted to walk to West Ham's training
ground at Chadwell Heath.
It says something for the transformation in his game, since Rafael Benitez
decided to bring him to Anfield, that West Ham lost all the games in which
Mascherano featured, without so much as scoring a goal.
By supreme contrast, he has yet to finish on the losing side for Liverpool
and tomorrow against AC Milan he may well be charged with the formidable
task of blunting Kaka, who despite the claims made for Cristiano Ronaldo, is
probably the best player in the world.
"I am very happy at Liverpool, but I wouldn't say I came here to get away
from West Ham. I only left because I had no opportunities to play football
there," he said.
"It was a breath of fresh air when Liverpool came in for me. I think I made
the right decision to come and in three months I have had more opportunities
to play than I had in five months at West Ham. For that reason alone, I know
I made the right choice.
"If it is my job to stop Kaka, then I would be very happy to take on the
responsibility. To live this moment now, when we are near the biggest club
game in the world, is something you dream about as a little boy.
"You don't want to let it pass you by; you want to seize the opportunity
and, after what has happened this season, I find it incredible to be
involved."

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West Ham Stars Give Generously. Unlike Wigan! - West Ham Till I Die
May 21st, 2007

Noreena Hertz has spent the last 2-3 months touring football clubs trying to
get as many players as possible to give a day's pay to maydayfornurses.com.
Needless to say, West Ham's entire squad coughed up - the only one I think
to do so man for man. Needless to say the tightfisted gits at Wigan refused
to contribute, bar one solitary member of their first team. Anyway, she's
raised £750,000. Rumour has it that the party leaders are making time to see
her personally about this.
There's an Early Day Motion (1422) which about 85 MPs have signed
congratulating the Mayday For Nurses campaign on their efforts. Noreena
Hertz has made a documentary for Channel 4 to be broadcast on 7 June about
her tours round the football grounds of Britain. Here's a message I had from
Noreena Hertz.
from Noreena: Please tell Iain i thought westham were wonderful and that the
first team all came on board and that nigel reo coker was one of the first
to support the campaign and has been a real support all way through. tell
him also that westham feature as heros in the channel 4 film coming out june
7th chronicling my adventures in world of football trying to pull this all
off. x

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Premiership Rumour Mill: Hammers look to Niemi - thisislondon.co.uk
22.05.07

Antti Niemi's sterling goalkeeping displays as Fulham avoided relegation
from the Premiership have alerted West Ham.
The Hammers already have England international Robert Green between the
posts but are looking to make a move for former Hearts and Southampton
shot-stopper Niemi.
Alan Curbishley is determined to perform a dramatic overhaul at Upton Park
during the close season and regards Niemi as one of the best keepers in the
business.
The Finland international does not fancy another scrap at the wrong end of
the top flight table and has revealed how staying up at Craven Cottage
finally banished the nightmare memories of the drop during his time on the
South Coast with Saints.
"Getting relegated with Southampton served as a motivation for me," he
said."On a personal level, I was enjoying the pressure because I knew that
if I could do well and help the team to get out of it I would feel
absolutely fantastic.
"I knew that it was the opportunity to bury a few demons from my footballing
past.
"After the Liverpool game, when we knew we were safe, I felt so empty and
relieved that it's hard to put into words. It was such a fantastic feeling."
The Hammers are also interested in buying Middlesbrough's former Derby
County central defender Chris Riggott.
Everton want to sign Manchester United full-back Phil Bardsley, who finished
the season on loan at Aston Villa and Gavin McCann could also be leaving the
Midlands club.
He has lost his first-team place to promising youngster Craig Gardner and is
set to be offered regular football at newly-promoted Sunderland.
Villa boss Martin O'Neill, meanwhile, has been linked with an ambitious move
for Ajax's 22-year-old star Wesley Sneijder.
Birmingham are keen on Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson, who has just
finished an eye-catching season on loan with Charlton Athletic even though
Colin Doyle impressed as they gained relegation from the Championship last
term.
And Chelsea are still considering whether to bid for Bolton defender Tal Ben
Haim, who is also wanted by West Ham and Portsmouth.
Rumour of the day: Arsenal have joined Tottenham and Manchester United in
the chase for Southampton left-back Gareth Bale.
No chance: Saints will not allow Nathan Dyer, another of their exciting
prospects to leave and are happy he has signed a new deal at the St Mary's
Stadium.

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"Forever Blowing Bubbles a night of West Ham Nostalgia"
with
Billy Bonds, Tony Gale,
and Tony Cottee
Friday June 1st 2007 7.30pm
The Brentwood Centre
Doddinghurst Road
Brentwood
CM15 9NN
Box office
01277 262616
online booking
www. online.brentwood-centre.co.uk
Tickets £15 and £17
There will be a chargeable autograph
session after the show
www.soccerbid.co.uk
for all memorabilia including West Ham and 1966 items
including Bobby Moore autographs.
. specials .
Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters signed replica 66 shirt £75
Geoff Hurst signed World Cup photo's £20
West Ham current signed shirts unframed £200
England multi signed current shirts unframed £250
Di Canio signed pictures from £75
Trevor Brooking Cup final goal £80
"Your face here" get your face (or your son/husband)into the West Ham line
up photo £20
Valuation (chargeable) service for trade/retail and insurance
01702 202036
email sales@soccerbid.co.uk

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Tribunal to rule on Tevez affair - BBC Sport

Tevez joined West Ham along with Javier Mascherano in August
The Premier League has agreed to set up an arbitration tribunal to rule on
Sheffield United's complaints over the registration of Carlos Tevez.
The Blades are challenging a decision to fine West Ham rather than dock them
points and cancel Tevez's registration.
The League admits that the Blades have the right to ask for an arbitration
panel, but have told the relegated club they are wasting their time and
money.
The relegated Blades want West Ham to take their place in the Championship.
Had West Ham been deducted points over the affair, they could have finished
below Sheffield United, who were relegated after their last-day loss to
Wigan.
An unnamed source close to Sheffield United said: "We received a letter from
the Premier League on Tuesday telling us they do not think we have any
grounds to request arbitration - but they accept it is our right to do so.
"They have said they will not appoint anyone until Friday to give us the
opportunity to withdraw the request - basically they are saying we are
wasting everybody's time.
"We still believe these matters need to be resolved so we will press ahead
and ask for arbitration and we hope that this process can be concluded
before the end of June."
The row is over an independent commission's decision to fine West Ham £5.5m
rather than dock the club points for signing third-party agreements in
contravention of league rules.
The Premier League say they are satisfied West Ham ended those agreements as
soon as they were ordered to so, and that the independent commission's
decision cannot be appealed against by anyone except West Ham.
The Premier League and United will nominate one member each of the tribunal.
These two members would then choose a chairman. The tribunal would
effectively have the powers of a court and the parties would agree in
advance to abide by any decision reached.
The club is also challenging the Premier League's "conduct in failing to
conduct an adequate investigation into the continued fielding of Tevez after
the 27 April decision, despite serious questions over his eligibility".

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Tribunal to look into Tevez affair - TeamTalk

The Premier League have agreed to set up an arbitration tribunal to rule on
Sheffield United's complaints over the Carlos Tevez affair.
The League have conceded that the Blades do have the right to call for an
arbitration panel - but have told the relegated club they are wasting their
time and money.
The Blades though are to insist on pursuing their claim that the independent
commission should have deducted points from West Ham and that the League
should have cancelled Tevez's registration.
A source close to Sheffield United said: "We received a letter from the
Premier League today telling us they do not think we have any grounds to
request arbitration - but they accept it is our right to do so.
"They have said they will not appoint anyone until Friday to give us the
opportunity to withdraw the request - basically they are saying we are
wasting everybody's time.
"We still believe these matters need to be resolved so we will press ahead
and ask for arbitration and we hope that this process can be concluded
before the end of June."
The row is over an independent commission's decision to fine West Ham
£5.5million rather than dock the club points for signing third-party
agreements in contravention of league rules.
The Premier League say they are satisfied West Ham ended those agreements as
soon as they were ordered to so, and that the independent commission's
decision cannot be appealed against by anyone except West Ham.

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West Ham to bid for Middlesbrough defender Riggott
tribalfooball.com - May 22, 2007

West Ham United are weighing up a move for Middlesbrough defender Chris
Riggott.
The former Derby man is behind Jonathan Woodgate and Robert Huth at Boro and
Hammers boss Alan Curbishley hopes to take him to London, says the Daily
Mail.

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International ace set for Bridge switch
20070522 10:28
Chelsea are in pole position to sign Bolton defender Tal Ben Haim ahead of
West Ham and Portsmouth, according to reports.
The Blues were interested in the Israel international during the January
transfer window but a move never materialised with boss Jose Mourinho
apparently at odds with board.
However, it appears Ben Haim is waiting for a contract offer from Stamford
Bridge which would see the Hammers and Pompey miss out on him.
Former Trotters boss Sam Allardyce has also been linked with a move for the
player but a switch to the FA Cup winners would be more appealing than
Newcastle.
Ben Haim is out of contract this summer and appears set to quit the Reebok
on a Bosman deal.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 21st May 2007

Day: Players deserve more credit - WHU Official Site

Mervyn Day has paid tribute to the efforts of the West Ham United players
and staff in working to instigate an impressive turnaround to stay in the
Premiership; an achievement he believes they have not received due credit
for.

The Hammers assistant manager says: "We were very mindful about things that
were being said about us as a Club, not so much about us as individuals, but
about what had gone on behind the scenes before we came and you can't
influence that.

"I think what has happened since we beat Man United in the final game has
been nothing short of scandalous and derogatory. The players have not been
given enough credit for the achievement of winning seven out of nine games.
Most people seem to have failed to grasp the fact that Tevez's registration
was always correct, that wasn't the issue.

"I feel sorry for the players for the fact that they haven't been the credit
for what was arguably an even better escape than Portsmouth managed to pull
off last season."

According to Merv, one vital ingredient in effecting the turnaround was to
ensure the Hammers took an early lead.

"I think a feature of the team over the last few games was that, when we did
have something to hang onto, they worked their socks off, made blocks and
made tackles.

"Yossi Benayoun made two goal line clearances in the last couple of games
and he's been enormous for us. It was a very committed, good team
performance. We showed lots of spirit and that's what we've got to hang onto
and build for next season.

"As Alan said, we went about our business very quietly and just came up on
the rails, in Lester Piggot-fashion. We just overtook the others right at
the finishing line."

Merv also admitted the inclusion of several key players in what became a
settled side gave the Hammers a distinct advantage.

"In the final run-in we usually fielded the same side," he said. "Players
were getting to know each other, getting confident with each other. I think
a big plus was Lucas Neill coming back in. Mark Noble's performance over the
last 10 games was enormous. James Collins came back in and his partnership
with Anton, apart from perhaps the Sheffield United game, was fabulous.

"Robert Green was excellent over the last couple of months. They were all
excellent, all the players were phenomenal. In the last nine games we had
five or six clean sheets. If you make sure things are good at the back we
always knew we had the ability to go forward and score one or two. That's
how it panned out."

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Learning Zone launches Blowing Bubbles scheme - WHU Official Site

West Ham United Learning Zone launched the Building Bubbles Education Pack
last week with an exciting event hosted by local historic figures spanning
the 110 years of the Club's History and celebrated the work produced by the
many young people, families and schools who have taken part.
Traditional Pie and Mash was served and the Education Packs were given out
to every school in Newham. Special guests include Historian Brian Belton,
ex-players and the Upton Pearly King and Queen.

Building Bubbles has been a year-long project run by the West Ham United
Learning Zone and has been made possible by a £50,000 grant from the
Heritage Lottery Fund. It has brought together young people and families
from Newham in a series of workshops to investigate the shared history
between the West Ham United Football Club and its Local Community.

'The project has been a great success and the launch provided a good
opportunity to thank all partners and schools involved in the project.
Hopefully schools can now continue to look at the rich heritage of our local
area though using our Education Pack as tool to help raise achievement and
motivation for their young people.' says Centre Manager Jamie McGachy

Participants, from many diverse groups, have documented their experiences
through recorded reminiscences, literature, photography, poetry and
animation and activities have aimed to raise attainment in Numeracy,
Literacy, Key Skills and ICT by engaging young people and families in a
positive experience of learning.

The project has also been filmed by students from NewVic Sixth form college
and Newham College who as part of the 'Building Bubbles' project have worked
together to produce a DVD and Education Pack which has then been used by
local schools within the borough to develop their own Heritage Projects.

West Ham United Learning Zone is a Playing for Success project which
operates within Learning Community Services, Extended Services, Children and
Young People's Services, Newham Council who provide funding in partnership
with the DfES and the Football Club. It aims to raise standards in Numeracy,
Literacy, ICT and Key Skills.

For further information about this project please contact Jamie McGachy at
the West Ham United Learning Zone. Jamie.mcgachy@whulearningzone.co.uk.

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2007-08 Pre-Season friendlies confirmed - WHU Official Site

can confirm that our pre-season friendly schedule prior to the 2007-08
Barclays Premier League campaign is almost complete.

After returning from their summer break on July 2, Alan Curbishley's men
will kick-off the pre-season preparations on Saturday, July 14 with a short
trip to local neighbours and the Football League's newest members, Dagenham
& Redbridge, for a testimonial in honour of former QPR and Wales goalkeeper
Tony Roberts.

The squad will then head off to an overseas destination - yet to be
finalised - for a week before returning to carry on their build-up on home
soil with another testimonial match at nearby rivals - this time for Leyton
Orient manager Martin Ling at Brisbane Road on Tuesday, July 25.

A mixture of senior and younger players will then be used the following
evening, Wednesday, July 25, for a match against MK Dons, now managed by
former Hammer Martin Allen.

On Saturday, July 28, Hammers will travel to Roots Hall for a friendly clash
against Southend United that will form part of the Essex club's Centenary
celebrations, before heading to East Anglia on Tuesday, July 31 to face
Norwich City - managed by our former Assistant Manager Peter Grant.

Following the trend of recent years, the Club will then round off its
pre-season preparations with a prestige friendly at Upton Park on the
weekend of Saturday, August 4 - seven days before the Premier League
campaign kicks off, with opposition yet to be confirmed.

For a list of the first team and reserve team pre-season friendlies already
confirmed, please see below.

Team Date Opponents H/A Kick-Off

First team Sat 14 Jul Dagenham & R A 3.00pm

First team Tue 24 Jul Leyton Orient A 7.45pm

First team Wed 25 Jul MK Dons A 7.45pm

First team Sat 28 Jul Southend Utd A 3.00pm

Reserves Sat 28 Jul Lewes A 3.00pm

First team Tue 31 Jul Norwich City A 7.45pm

Reserves Wed 1 Aug Thurrock A 7.45pm

First team Sat 4 Aug TBC H 3.00pm

WHU XI Tue 7 Aug Welling A 7.45pm

Please note, all fixtures are subject to change.

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Sign up for 2007-08 Club Membership - WHU Official Site
19/05/2007 17:00

Following the launch of two brand new Club Membership schemes for the
2007-08 campaign, supporters of all ages can now take advantage of exclusive
benefits tailored to their specific requirements.
The Academy is the new membership scheme for adult supporters, replacing the
Hammers Club.
For just £30 a year, you will receive some amazing benefits and an exclusive
insight into the Club.

All existing Hammers Club members will automatically receive details on how
they can enrol to their new-look Membership scheme. Alternatively, to
receive further information or apply, please contact 0870 112 2700 or visit
our online Ticket and Membership website by clicking here

Membership to The Academy includes:
. Welcome Pack
. 3-month WHUTV subscription
. Ticket priority
. Pre-match e-newsletter
. Exclusive website members area
. Amazing shop offers and discounts

The club are also pleased to announce that a new membership scheme has been
introduced specifically for supporters aged 16 to 21. Within The Academy
membership scheme will be a young adult category - this will replace the
previous scheme open to Students of all ages and will focus specifically on
this age group.

As well as receiving all the great benefits listed within The Academy, these
supporters will be entitled to reduced price match tickets for all home
fixtures.

Youth Academy is the new membership scheme for junior supporters aged
between six to 16, replacing the Junior Hammers Club.
For just £20, our young fans will receive some fantastic benefits and enjoy
superb savings on tickets - including one match free of charge!

All existing Junior Hammers members will automatically receive details on
how they can enrol to their new-look Membership scheme. Alternatively, to
receive further information, please contact 0870 112 2700.

Membership to The Youth Academy includes:
. Welcome Pack and Bag
. Ticket priority
. Chance to apply for a free match ticket
. Priority on Community coaching courses
. Pre-match e-newsletter
. Exclusive YA website members area
. Amazing shop offers and discounts
. Ticket discounts

PLUS, look out for our brand new exclusive online membership, Fan@tic,
enabling you to enjoy unique benefits, feel part of the team and follow the
Club from wherever you are, anywhere in the world. Details to be announced
on whufc.com soon.

For more information on any of the Club's new Membership schemes, simply
call 0870 112 2700.

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Bobby Moore Stadium petition - Hammers Mad
Story by Barney French
21 May 2007

Petition to name new stadium after Irons' legend

We currently have running a petition for our new stadium to be named The
Bobby Moore Stadium when we do inevitably move from Upton Park.

The petition can be found here:

http://www.petitiononline.com/whufcbms/petition.html

Due to an influx of false signatories over the last 24 hours signatures must
now be approved so you may not see your signature for a few hours.

Please sign it and pass it on to anyone who is likely to be interested.

Thanks.

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West Ham boss Curbishley draws up unwanted list
tribalfooball.com - May 20, 2007

West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley has drawn up a long list of senior
players he wants to offload this summer.
The People says the list includes skipper Nigel Reo-Coker, Anton Ferdinand,
Yossi Benayoun, Marlon Harewood, Matt Etherington, Roy Carroll and Teddy
Sheringham. Fringe players Paul Konchesky, Christian Dailly, Carlton Cole,
John Pantsil and Shaun Newton are also expected to go.

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West Ham want Chelsea target - all3points
By Staff Writer

West Ham are plotting a late bid for Chelsea target Steve Sidwell according
to reports over the weekend.
Sidwell looks likely to join Chelsea this week and is set to sign a £45,000
a week contract with the Blues.
The News of the World claims that West Ham manager Alan Curbishley has made
a late bid for Sidwell and offered to improve on the contract currently
being offered by Chelsea.
The paper claims that Curbishley has warned Sidwell that he will only be a
bit part player at Chelsea and instead should join West Ham where he will be
guaranteed first team football.

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Benayoun on brink of signing new deal - The Daily Mail
Last updated at 11:13am on 21st May 2007

Yossi Benayoun will decide this week whether to accept a new five-year
contract and stay at West Ham next season.
The Israeli international captain was believed to be ready to hand in a
transfer request, but has now had a change of heart.
Benayoun has two years left on his current deal but was offered improved
terms last Friday at a meeting with West Ham officials.
The midfielder and his agent, Ronen Katzav, will meet for talks again in the
coming days but several clubs, including Tottenham, Portsmouth and
Newcastle, are thought to be interested in signing Benayoun.
Meanwhile, West Ham have rejected an audacious £3million offer for Matthew
Etherington from Wigan.
Their chairman Dave Whelan has been most vociferous in his condemnation of
West Ham in the Carlos Tevez affair and has joined forces with relegated
Sheffield United in threatening legal action.
The Premier League have now referred the independent commission's ruling to
arbitration.
Whelan spoke to West Ham deputy chief executive officer Scott Duxbury about
Etherington who rejected the offer out of hand.
Despite this, Etherington looks certain to be one of a number of departures
from Upton Park over the next few weeks.
West Ham have confirmed several pre-season friendlies including visits to
newlypromoted League side Dagenham & Redbridge on 14 July, and Leyton Orient
on 24 July.

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West Ham reject Birmingham offer for Konchesky
tribalfooball.com - May 20, 2007

West Ham have rejected a bid from Birmingham City for left-back Paul
Konchesky.
The Sunday Mirror says the Hammers received an offer in the region of £3
million for the England cap.

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Duo in Hornets swoop link - Eat Sleep Sport.Com
Mon, May 21 2007 10:59

Defender Adrian Mariappa is reportedly being targeted by Premiership duo
West Ham and Portsmouth following Watford's relegation.
The 20-year-old Finnish stopper has impressed greatly for the Hornets in the
past season, despite them dropping out of the top-flight and back into the
Championship. And that has resulted in speculation linking both the Hammers
and Pompey to possible bids for the youngster.
However the fact that Mariappa has only recently signed a new two-year deal
at Vicarage Road suggests there is very little substance in this link. He
also admitted boss Aidy Boothroyd's decision to sign a new improved
three-year contract persuaded him to stay and help the club secure promotion
back to the Premiership at the first attempt.
On signing the deal earlier this month, he told the club's website: "I am
very excited to sign for another two years and I'm looking forward to next
season, getting out there and playing.
"Aidy Boothroyd is the one who's had the faith in me. He didn't have to put
me in the team but he's stuck with me and given me the opportunity of
another two years."

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Sidwell to seal Chelsea switch - ClubCall

Steve Sidwell is this week expected to wrap up his move to Chelsea - despite
late interest from West Ham.
Sidwell's free transfer from Reading to Stamford Bridge hit the buffers when
it was reported the highly-rated midfielder was uneasy about committing to a
long-term contract in case he failed to get a regular shirt.
That alerted the Hammers, with manager Alan Curbishley reportedly ready to
beat the £45,000-a-week salary Sidwell has been offered by Chelsea.

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Rangers in talks with West Ham's Konchesky
tribalfooball.com - May 21, 2007

Rangers are planning a cut-price bid for West Ham United fullback Paul
Konchesky.
The Daily Record says the Ibrox club are weighing up a £500,000 offer for
the England international as Walter Smith starts his rebuilding plans.
And Konchesky was in Glasgow at the end of last week to have a look around
the city.

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Duo stepping up bid for Hammers star - Clubcall

Chelsea and Real Madrid have reportedly stepped up their efforts to sign
West Ham's Argentinian forward Carlos Tevez this summer.
Hammers chairman Eggert Magnusson revealed over the weekend that they were
confident of keeping the former Corinthians man at Upton Park ahead of the
new Premiership campaign, despite Tevez confirming on Friday he wanted to
"join a European giant".

However, despite West Ham's confidence that, after staving off relegation
and promising a much more successful future in East London, a report in the
Independent has now revealed that Chelsea and Real Madrid are the two sides
who have made inquiries about the 23-year-old.
It appears that it could come down to a straight choice for Tevez between
staying put, moving across London to Stamford Bridge and continuing his
Premiership adventure or trying his hand in the Spanish Primera Liga.

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Blackburn, West Ham join Barnes battle
tribalfooball.com - May 21, 2007

Blackburn Rovers and West Ham are being linked with Derby County midfielder
Giles Barnes.
Barnes insists he's happy to stay at Pride Park next season, even if they
fail in their promotion playoff against West Brom this weekend.
Tottenham have been long-term suitors, but the News of the World says
Blackburn and West Ham are now battling for the youngster.
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Hammers wait on star's decision - Eat Sleep Sport.Com
Mon, May 21 2007 12:05
Israeli star Yossi Benayoun is set to decide whether to stay at West Ham,
while Wigan's bid for Matthew Etherington has been snubbed.
Midfielder, Benayoun, was widely tipped to be on his way out of Upton Park
this summer following an indifferent campaign under Alan Curbishley in which
the Hammers just about survived relegation to the Championship. However it
has been revealed in the Mail that he has been offered a new
five-year-contract to pledge his long-term future to the east Londoners.
Therefore the Israeli skipper will discuss his future with agent Ronen
Katzav this week and decide whether to stay put or make a move to pastures
new. Tottenham, Portsmouth and Newcastle are all reportedly interested in
signing him.
Meanwhile the Hammers have reportedly snubbed a £3million offer for
Etherington from Wigan.
Deputy chief executive officer Scott Duxbury has reportedly admitted that
Latics chairman Dave Whelan, who has condemned West Ham in the Carlos Tevez
affair and joined forces with relegated Sheffield United in threatening
legal action, made an enquiry about Etherington's availability.
However, despite turning down Whelan's offer, Etherington is still expected
to be offloaded by the club in the summer squad rebuilding programme.

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