07/06/2007 15:02
Scott Parker today enjoyed his first visit to Upton Park as a West Ham
United player and spoke for the first time about his £7 million move from
Newcastle. "I had some good times up at Newcastle and I thoroughly enjoyed
it," he said. "But once I knew there was interest from West Ham, I spoke to
the manager and the Chairman and my decision was made."
Scott expressed his excitement at joining the Hammers and linking up with
former boss Alan Curbishley, who was disappointed to see the talented
midfielder leave his charge when he was managing Charlton. "These things
happen," said Scott. "Now, when I look back, it obviously showed how much
the manager thought of me.
"There's no doubting that under Curbs it was probably the best football I've
played in my career. I'm really looking forward to playing under him again
and being at West Ham. "I think we're going to bring in some more signings.
There's a foundation here at the moment and the Club are going in the right
direction. You can see that from today with the new sponsorship deal. I
think we can really go and push on."
Curbs also expressed his delight at rekindling his successful working
relationship with the 26-year-old England international. "I think that
Scott brings so many qualities to the Club, one of them is leadership," said
Curbs. "He was captain at Newcastle. When he played for me at Charlton, even
as a young boy, he was captain out there. But he's got lots of qualities.
"His energy and enthusiasm are going to endear him to the West Ham fans.
Plus his other qualities, he can score goals, he can make goals. He sees the
pass as well. When we had a chance of trying to sign Scott we went for it
and we're really pleased that it's come through and we've got our man."
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Galey's Review of the Season: Part Two - WHUFC
07/06/2007 16:14
In the second part of our special end of season feature, former Upton Park
favourite and regular whufc.com columnist Tony Gale provides his own
personal look back at the unforgettable 2006-07 campaign, reflecting on a
period of momentous change at Upton Park halfway through the season…
The middle part of the season was really the time when Alan Pardew's fate as
manager was sealed. After breaking the successive wins record the previous
season, Pards went through a torrid time during which the Club endured one
of the worst runs in our history.
You really couldn't see where the next victory was going to come from.
Pardew's departure came after the two worst performances of the season up to
that point: Wigan at home, where we lost 2-0 and never looked like getting a
point, and Bolton away where we lost 4-0 and it could have been double
figures for them.
Personally, I think Pards's body language on the touchline at the time said
it all. Carlos Tevez started the Bolton game on the right wing and I don't
think Pards really trusted him to play in his best position just behind the
main striker.
Looking back on it, if Tevez had had more starts and more opportunities to
show his worth, then the upsurge in form might have arrived a lot sooner.
After the Bolton game the decision was made to dispense with Pards. It's
amazing how things change so quickly in football, as the year previous Pards
was everybody's hero after taking the Club up to 9th place in the
Premiership and to our first FA Cup final since 1980.
I believed at the time that it was the correct decision for everyone. It may
have seemed a bit harsh on Pards, but action had to be taken - and quickly.
As it turned out, it was in the nick of time.
Alan Curbishley was appointed as the new manager and he couldn't have
started any better when he won his first game in charge against Manchester
United and followed it up with a good away point at Fulham.
Little did we know, however, that some problems were fairly deep-rooted and
these two results had glossed over the cracks. Curbs was soon to find out
that he needed some new players if he wanted the Club to stay in the
Premiership.
The important thing about the new signings was that they had to be
experienced players as the youngsters in the squad were clearly not coping
with a poor run of results. The big question was who the Club was going to
sign….
The final part of Galey's review of the season will be appearing on
whufc.com soon.
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Tevez plus three, says Eggy - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 7th June 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Eggert Magnusson has revealed that he is extremely confident about keeping
Carlos Tevez at West Ham United next season. The United Chairman, speaking
to SkySports this lunchtime also revealed that he and Alan Curbishley were
looking to sign 'three quality players' during the summer. "It takes time to
build a side to reach the top six - it does not happen over night," he said.
"But we will do it within a few years. "Tevez has a contract with West Ham
for three more years and I am confident he will be here next season. "He's
a great player, a great lad, everyone loves him around the club - and I
think he'll be playing here next season. "We are also hoping to bring in
three more quality players. We want quality players, but for quality players
you have to pay a price."
Magnusson also touched on the forthcoming arbitration hearing in which
Sheffield United are due to challenge the Premer League's decision to fine
United £5.5m.
"It's not for me to discuss the arbitration right now," he added. "But I'll
have a lot to say after it has finished."
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No news on Reo - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 7th June 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Alan Curbishley insists that he has heard nothing from Aston Villa with
regard to a £7m bid for Nigel Reo-Coker. Some reports yesterday claimed that
a £7m bid had been knocked back by the Hammers, with the player's agent also
stating that the offer had been rejected by United. But Curbs revealed that
he is yet to speak to either party. "No one has gone out yet," he told this
morning's press conference at The Boleyn Ground. "Nigel is off with the
under-21s with two of our other boys, and we have heard nothing with respect
to activity. "There are lots of rumours about at the moment and we find it
very difficult in some respects. We can't go round answering it all. It is
par for the course. "He has indicated he wants to leave - but as of now he
is still a West Ham player."
Villa are expected to up their bid, with the Hammers thought to be looking
for around £8.5m for the 23-year-old.
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Parker: no problem with Curbs - KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 7th June 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Scott Parker says that he is looking forward to making his debut in claret
and blue - and that his rift with manager Alan Curbishley is a thing of the
past. The £7m signing from Newcastle was speaking to reporters at a press
conference this morning to announce both his signing and the club's tie-up
with XL Airlines, who will be sponsoring the club for the next three years.
And Parker - when asked about the fall-out he had with Curbs when both were
at Charlton - confirmed that any problems he had were all 'water under the
bridge'. "It was never a personal thing," he told the packed conference. "If
you go around holding grudges you get nowhere. "When I played under Curbs
[at Charlton] it was the best football of my career. If you had said a year
ago would Newcastle let me go, I'd have said no chance. But that's
football."
Curbishley was equally delighted at his new signing, with Parker being a
player he has known since his early teens. He too denied that the rift would
cause any problems. "I think what you have to realise is that there is a lot
exaggerated. We [Charlton] were doing well, going places. I had been at the
club for a long while. We both had frustrations. "I was a little
disappointed [he left as] we were fourth in the league at the time.
Obviously Chelsea came in. I appreciated what he had done for me at the
club. "But there has not been a problem between us. At the time, I was
speaking on behalf of everyone at Charlton, it was something we didn't want
to happen. But it was a great opportunity for Scott."
Looking ahead, and with the question of West Ham's future captain in mind,
he added: "Playing against him in recent seasons, I was always in fear every
time he got the ball. No disrespect to Nigel [Reo-Coker], but I have got
Lucas [Neill] as well who is a strong character. "One of the problems we
had last year was [a lack of] leadership. We went into a run of games we
couldn't get out of in terms of results. Scott has been though bad times and
come out of it. That's the sort of person I need at the club."
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Deano looking forward - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 7th June 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Dean Ashton says he is 'excited' about the prospect of returning to Premier
League football. Ashton - who has spent 10 months on the sidelines following
an injury sustained whilst training with England in preparation for his
international debut last August - told reporters that he was improving
rapidly and set to return to action in time for the new campaign, which
kicks off on August 11th. "My rehab is going well," he said. "I am more than
hopeful I will start the season well. "Last season was the hardest time of
my career, to see the club go through so many ups and downs. But I was
delighted it ended well. "It seems like a fresh start as I feel I have got
to prove myself again. But we have a Chairman willing to back the club and
new players like Scott Parker - so for me it is really exciting to be at the
club. "I want to prove I am not a forgotten man and show how good I am.
I've had a little break so I am more than happy to work all the way through
to pre-season and beyond. It is hard work but I am trying to get back to
full fitness. "I am enjoying it - and it is nice to be back."
Alan Curbishley is equally delighted at the prospect of Ashton's return; he
added: "I was hoping that Dean would be fit for the run-in. I don't want to
put any pressure on him but am hopeful that I will have him for pre-season.
"BUT both Dean and Scott [Parker] should be looking to England. They have
both had a taste of it."
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Sponsor unveiled today - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 7th June 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
West Ham United's new sponsor - XL Airlines - is set to be officially later
today. The travel company are set to succeed Jobserve as United's new
sponsor after signing a three-year-deal with the club thought to be worth
around £2.5m per year. As part of the deal, the company's giant logo is set
to cover the entire East Stand roof - an area of around 110 metres wide -
whilst United's new Umbro kit, set for release next weekend, will also
feature XL branding. An internal memo sent to all XL employees by CEO Phil
Wyatt this morning said: "I am delighted to announce to you all that today
XL will be officially announced as the principle sponsor of West Ham United
Football Club. "This represents a significant step towards developing XL as
a household travel brand in the UK. "All the players club shirts will carry
the XL.com logo, and we will also have a heavy presence in all West Ham
advertising. "We see this as a great opportunity for us to raise our
profile and feel that XL will only benefit from the kudos that being
associated with a Premiership club brings. "This is an exciting time for the
XL leisure Group, and we see this link-up as another important step towards
becoming one of the world's most well-know travel brands."
XL - who changed their names from Excel last winter - are the fifth largest
holiday company in the UK, and employ around 20,000 people worldwide. The
company has an annual turnover in excess of £2bn.
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Eggert hopeful of Tevez stay - Sky
By Lewis Rutledge - Created on 7 Jun 2007
Eggert Magnusson has reiterated that Carlos Tevez has a three-year contract
with West Ham. The Argentine was inspirational in keeping The Hammers in the
Premiership and, despite the controversy caused by his transfer to Upton
Park, Magnusson is confident he will stay. There is likely to be a great
deal of interest in Tevez but Magnusson believes the matter is quite
straightforward. He told Sky Sports News: "It's very simple. Carlos Tevez
has a contract at this club for the next three years. "He is a great player,
a great lad. Everybody loves him around the club."
West Ham captain Nigel Reo-Coker, meanwhile, admits he has no control over
whether he or not he will join Aston Villa. Reo-Coker, who will fly out to
Holland on Friday with the England Under 21 squad, submitted a transfer
request late last month. Villa have made an offer of £7million but Reo-Coker
remains in the dark about where his future lies. "There's been no
developments with that, I'm not really in control of the situation," he
said. "I did hand in a transfer request, and that's not something any player
would ever do lightly. "It was a difficult decision. "I've no control (over
Villa). At the end of the day a bid has been made and it's up to the
businessmen at the top to come to some sort of arrangement. "If I'm given
permission to go and speak then I'm given permission, but I've no control
over that."
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Curbishley: Parker move will reignite career - Soccernet
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley believes Scott Parker's move to Upton Park
could help reignite his England career. Parker, who has only won three caps
over the last four years, completed his £7million switch from Newcastle
yesterday after agreeing a five-year deal with the Hammers. Curbishley
targeted Parker as a potential captain and is confident the 26-year-old can
help bring success to West Ham and strengthen his own international
credentials. 'He's coming to the club knowing full well that we're trying to
push forward and he wants to be part of that,' he said. 'Firstly he wants to
improve our team, then he wants to improve his chances of forcing his way
back into the England scene. 'He has been captain of Newcastle and he is
exactly the type of player that I wanted to bring to the club. 'He's very
experienced but still young and I'm sure he's going to be a big asset to
West Ham.'
It is unlikely he will be the last big name recruit to sign for West Ham
this summer. Curbishley has been given in excess of £40million to spearhead
West Ham's challenge for Europe. Chairman Eggert Magnusson said: 'We are
seeking to take the club on to the next level as we prepare for next season.
This is an important time for the club. 'The board are working very hard
with Alan Curbishley to identify what we need to do to strengthen our squad
for next season.'
But Magnusson confirmed yesterday that West Ham have not tabled a bid for
Everton striker Andrew Johnson - at least, not yet. Everton manager David
Moyes reacted furiously to recent reports linking Johnson, Mikel Arteta and
Tim Cahill to Upton Park. Magnusson attempted to cool the rising
temperatures by confirming West Ham have not made offers for any
Evertonians, though he did not close the door completely. Magnusson said:
'I've had a very positive discussion with my good friend Bill Kenwright, the
Everton chairman, and can confirm that West Ham have not and are not bidding
for any Everton player at this time.'
Parker's arrival at Upton Park is likely to spark a midfield merry-go-round,
with Joey Barton now set to replace him at Newcastle. And West Ham's captain
Nigel Reo-Coker is closing in on a move to Aston Villa after handing in a
transfer request at the end of last season.
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Moving grounds - Crown Wharf - West Ham Online
Match Reporter - Thu Jun 7 2007
The study was carried out by Euro International Resources Ltd and the
objective of the project was to find a site within Newham for a new stadium.
The report recommended a site at Crown Wharf in Canning Town at the bottom
of the Barking Road and close to Canning Town and it's transport links on
the DLR and Tube.
The central theme of the project was to have been a 45,000 seater riverside
stadium.
Planning consultants were appointed by EIR to identify a 20 acre leisure
site at Crown Wharf with first class transport connections, fronting the
River Lee, and close to Canning Town. At the time Newham were aiming to
develop an ambitious regeneration program that included the lower Lee area.
At the core of the scheme was the proposal to relocate West Ham United
Football club to a new 45,000 seat riverside stadium.
The stadium was seen as being capable of acting as a catalyst, attracting
high quality and high value leisure and a hotel to Canning Town, thereby
creating the flagship development sought by Newham.
The location was seen as offering unrivaled connections to the new
development that included the major visitor attractions at the Excel
Exhibition Centre and the Millennium Dome. The continued expansion of
residential and commercial development in Docklands was seen to give the
club a new target market for the growth of new economic support.
The financing of the stadium construction would have be the responsibility
of the Club but EIR suggested these would be offset by;
Additional capacity and executive boxes
New target markets for the supporter base: Corporate support from Docklands
and the City and residential support from the developing Dockland area.
Potential for additional extension of the stadium capacity
Restaurant/bars/food outlets, including additional merchandising and
franchise facilities
The opportunity for equity stake in wider leisure scheme offering additional
revenue
The new stadium would offer;
A flagship location
A venue meeting the FA and FIFA criteria for domestic, European and World
Cup competitions
High profile location with potential benefits to sponsorship deals
Lucrative stadium naming rights
Avoiding loss of gate revenue during ground rebuilding at Upton Park
Single managed relocation of business to new ground
Potential direct connections to hotel and adjoining leisure facilities
It was also suggested that the having a new state of the art ground in
London would boost the FA bid for the 2006 World Cup.
The proposed location was in a triangle at the bottom of the Barking road
with the A13 to the South and beyond that Canning Town station and the River
Lee to the East and Manor Way to the West.
Newham was actively seeking to change the perception of the Borough and
believed that urban regeneration of this sort was the key to unlocking the
potential of the Borough and achieving its urban renaissance. The completion
of the International station at Stratford would provide an important gateway
to the UK and Europe.
The Boleyn Ground it stated had for many years been recognised as a centre
of football excellence and was unable to fully respond to the Taylor Report
demands because of the constraints imposed by the historic location of the
ground.
Located in the heart of Newham, and in the midst of primary retail and
residential development, the Boleyn is seen to generate significant adverse
impact on match days. In particular noise and local traffic congestion. The
thriving Green Street retail area, and local underground connections are
affected by the crowd movement on match days.
Whilst the 26,000 capacity ground was smaller then over the previous 20 or
30 years a shift in the way supporters traveled to games had reduced the
tolerance of the changing local community.
The concept of relocation, as a regenerative process, offered the club the
prospect of a flagship stadium, designed in a highly visible location on key
transport network in the East of London. The location would offer a
potentially dramatic riverside setting linked to the developing pedestrian
routes following the river from the north of the Borough to the River
Thames. Access to the new stadium on a range of public transport systems and
routes would be easier, and the range and quality of facilities provided for
supporters would be vastly improved.
From a historical point of view, the club would have been able to identify
its past links to Canning Town. The new stadium would be within 2km of the
old Thames Ironworks ground at Hermit Road and the Memorial ground site in
Bethell Avenue.
The ground would also be the biggest club stadium in London, bigger then any
of its rivals in the capital with only Wembley bigger.
The suggested leisure complex was to consist of
45,000 football stadium
100 apartments built over a health club facing the River Lee
6000 sqm Hotel
2800 sqm Restaurant and bars
Indoor sports with underground car parking
2000 sqm Casino
2000 sqm Nightclub
2000 sqm Bowling centre
The stadium was proposed to be 180m long and 150m wide with a 105m long and
68m pitch. The initial stadium plan was to have 45,000 and 100 executive
boxes with furth opportunity for further vertical expansion should success
create sufficient future demand.
The report stated that the downfall of staying at the Boleyn Ground were
The capacity was limited to no more then 40,000 with no further increase
possible
Franchising opportunities limited by the smaller East Stand
Stadium naming rights less attractive
Stadium location less visible, with possible reduction in advertising or
sponsorship revenue
Loss of cash flow and revenue from gate receipts during reconstruction
The cost of the new ground would be offset by the sale of the current
stadium site. The sale of the site for redevelopment could be in the region
of £10m.
EIR suggested The land at Crown Wharf that has been identified will not
remain undeveloped, even if the club decides to relocate.
EIR concluded that there are no other sites within Newham meeting planning
criteria and the club's needs at that time. It suggested it was probable
that an alternative site, with same key characteristics, may not have
presented itself in Newham for many years. It said it is conceivable that if
the club did not move at that time, the chance to relocate within Newham
could be actually lost.
Many thanks to Jaypet
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Ashton relishing fresh start - Sky
By Lewis Rutledge - Created on 7 Jun 2007
Dean Ashton is aiming to show he should not be a forgotten man when he
returns to action for West Ham. The striker has been sidelined for almost 12
months after breaking his ankle in training for England last summer.
However, he is on course to have a full pre-season and is excited about the
direction the club is headed in.
He told Sky Sports News: "My rehab's going well. I'm more than hopeful that
I'll start pre-season with all the other players so that is pleasing for me.
"It was the hardest time of my career (last season), especially to see the
ups and downs of the club all season. "But I was obviously delighted that it
ended well and it feels like a fresh start for me this season. "I've got to
prove myself again but its really exciting to be at this club at the moment.
"We've got a chairman who's willing to back the club to no end and fantastic
players coming in like Scott (Parker) and hopefully a few more to come, and
also a manager who's ambitious as well. "I want to prove to everyone I'm not
a forgotten man and that I'm still the player I was."
Ashton will work through the summer in a bid to get back into the perfect
condition, and he insists he is ready to put in the hard yards. He
explained: "I'm more than happy to work all the way through to pre-season.
Obviously it's hard work trying to get back to full fitness but I'm enjoying
it and it's nice just to be back outside and doing some work."
Alan Curbishley, who took charge of West Ham in December, has not yet been
able to select Ashton. And the manager concedes his return to fitness will
be equivalent to a new signing. "I must admit that when I came in at
Christmas I hoped Dean would be fit for the run-in, but now I'll have a new
player for this pre-season," said Curbishley.
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Parker happy to join Curbs - Sky
By Lewis Rutledge - Created on 7 Jun 2007
Scott Parker is targeting a return to top form after completing a move to
West Ham. The midfielder joined The Hammers from Newcastle for £7million
earlier this week and is relishing the chance to link up with former
Charlton manager Alan Curbishley again. Parker, who was criticised by
Curbishley when he left The Valley for Chelsea in 2004, believes the future
is bright for West Ham and is confident the move will reinvigorate his
career. He told Sky Sports News: "I think, when I look back, that it
(Curbishley's criticism) showed what the manager thought of me. "There is no
doubting that under Curbs it was the best football that I have played in my
career.
"I think there is a foundation at the club. We are heading the right way and
hopefully we can really push on now." Curbishley is delighted to have
secured Parker and feels his dynamism will help inspire The Hammers next
season. He explained: "He has lots of qualities, including his energy and
enthusiasm which are going to endear him to West Ham fans. "He can score
goals, he can make goals, he sees the pass. When we had the chance to sign
Scott, we went for it. We are pleased it went through and we got our man."
Curbishley admits Parker could be a potential captain for West Ham, with
current skipper Nigel Reo-Coker's future still uncertain. "He could be in
the make-up, no disrespect to Nigel," said Curbishley. "Scott brings so many
qualities and one of them is leadership. He was captain at Newcastle." Aston
Villa made a £7million bid for Reo-Coker earlier in the week but Curbishley
claims there have been no new developments. "He is away with the Under 21s
at the moment with two of our other boys. I have heard nothing in respect of
any activity. "It has been indicated but, as of now, he is still a West Ham
player."
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Magnusson confident Tevez will stay - TeamTalk
West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson remains hopeful Carlos Tevez will stay at
the club next season and beyond. Despite the Hammers being fined £5.5million
for the illegal registration of Tevez and his fellow Argentina international
Javier Mascherano, the striker's scintillating form helped the east London
club survive relegation and ensured his popularity with the fans. Some of
Europe's leading clubs are reported to be interested in signing Tevez, but
Magnusson told Sky Sports News: "It's very simple. Carlos Tevez has a
contract at this club for the next three years. "He is a great player, a
great lad. Everybody loves him around the club."
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Ashton 'fit for next season' - ViewLondon.co.uk
West Ham United striker Dean Ashton says he is ready to work "all summer" in
order to be fully fit for the start of next season. Ashton broke his ankle
while on international duty last summer – an injury which subsequently ruled
him out for the whole of the 2006/07 season. But the 23-year-old, who
described the experience of sitting on the sidelines as "the hardest time of
my career", said he intends to play a full part for the Hammers in 2007/08.
"My rehab is going well and I am more than hopeful I will start the season
well," Ashton said. "It was tough to watch the club going through so many
ups and downs last season I am delighted it ended well and we stayed in the
Premiership. "It seems like a fresh start for next year and I feel I have
got to prove myself all over again and show how good I can be. I am happy to
work all the way through the summer to pre-season and beyond to do that."
Ashton is also positive about the direction that the Upton Park outfit are
heading in. "We have a chairman [Eggert Magnusson] willing to back the club,
supportive sponsors and some new players like Scott Parker, and hopefully
one or two more, coming in so it is really exciting to be at the club at the
moment," he continued. "It is hard work for me personally with my rehab but
I am trying to get back to full fitness. I am enjoying it, though, and it is
nice to be back."
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Curbs lands Parker as rebuilding begins - Newham Recorder
07 June 2007
A LACK of leaders on the pitch was one of the biggest problems that West Ham
faced for much of last season. When the going got tough the likes of
captain Nigel Reo-Coker and the experienced Paul Konchesky and Teddy
Sheringham went missing, just when they were needed to rally the troops.
However, the arrival of Lucas Neill from Blackburn signalled a change of
direction for the team and with the £7million signing of Scott Parker from
Newcastle now complete, manager Alan Curbishley now has two potential
captains in his ranks. Neill, the Australia skipper, seems to be the hot
favourite to take the armband next season, but Parker was the Magpies
captain last term and will undoubtedly be another leader on the pitch for
the Hammers. Curbishley said: "One of the problems we had last year was
leadership. We went into a run of games we couldn't get out of in terms of
results. "Scott Parker has been through bad times and come out of it, that's
the sort of person I need at the club. No disrespect to Nigel Reo-Coker, but
I have also got Lucas Neill as well, who is a strong character."
Parker, of course, played under Curbishley at Charlton, leaving under
something of a cloud and causing a rift between the two, but that all seems
to have been forgiven. "It was never a personal thing," insisted Parker. "If
you go around holding grudges you get nowhere. "When I played under Curbs it
was the best football of my career. If you had said a year ago, would
Newcastle let me go? I would have said no chance, but that's football."
Curbishley certainly remembers the time when Parker left Charlton for
Chelsea for £10million: "I was a little disappointed as we were fourth in
the league at the time," recalled the manager. "But there has not been a
problem between us. At the time I was speaking on behalf of everyone at
Charlton, it was something we didn't want to happen, but it was a great
opportunity for Scott."
Hopefully, the move to West Ham will be another great opportunity for the
26-year-old midfield general and Curbishley can't wait to have Parker on
board. "He has lots of qualities, including his energy and enthusiasm which
are going to endear him to West Ham fans," said the boss. "He can score
goals, he can make goals and he can see the pass. When we had the chance to
sign Scott, we went for it. "We are pleased it went through and we have got
our man
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Hammers put their shirts on new sponsorship deal - Newham Recorder
07 June 2007
WEST HAM'S have signed a lucrative sponsorship deal with UK travel group XL
Leisure which will see their name emblazoned on to the roof of the East
Stand as well as on the club shirts for the next three years. Announcing the
deal at a press conference on Thursday morning, chairman Eggert Magnusson
said: "West Ham is delighted to announce XL.com as our new principal
partner. They are an organisation very similar to ours in their values and
aspirations for the future and a brand that we are proud to be associated
with." The group, founded in 2001, is the fifth largest travel firm in the
UK, employing over 2,500 staff with divisions also in France, Germany and
Australia. They distribute flights and holidays through its travel portal at
www.XL.com and through numerous travel operations including Aspire Holidays,
TravelCity Direct and Freedom Flights. Their website is one of the most
visited in the country, while they have 41 state of the art aircrafts.
Their CEO, Phil Wyatt, is also delighted with the deal: "The partnership
between XL and West Ham United represents our desire to become one of the
world's best-known travel brands. "The elevated status we will receive from
being associated with West Ham United, with their proud history and being
one of the most talked about clubs in the Premier League, is beneficial to
achieving our long-term goals." West Ham's deputy chief executive Scott
Duxbury added: "This is the beginning of a brand new era at Upton Park and
we are thrilled that XL.com will be an integral part of the club's future as
we look to grow on and off the pitch. "For some time now we have been
working hard to identify the right partner for West Ham United and, in
XL.com, we have the perfect match.
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Mullins move? - Off At Eleven
By OAE
Date: 7/6/2007
Hayden Mullins could be the Royals second summer signing, from West Ham, as
the club look for a replacement for Steve Sidwell. The midfielder is set to
be subject of a 1.5million pound bid. Mullins is beleived to be unwanted at
West Ham following their capture of Scott Parker from Newcastle yesterday,
and massive summer transfer budget. The midfielder was born in Reading and
stared for the Reading schools team before being snapped up as a youngster
by Crystal Palace before Alan Pardew bought him to West Ham. Mullins could
be wanted by Pardew again but wants to stay in the Premiership meaning a
move to the Royals would be perfect for him.
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Curbs cagey over Reo-Coker sale - TeamTalk
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley revealed he has "heard nothing" about Aston
Villa's £7million bid for midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker. Villa have apparently
tabled a £7million offer to the Hammers for the England Under-21 captain,
who is desperate to leave Upton Park after three and a half years. And
Reo-Coker's agent Tony Finnegan is adamant the player will make the switch
to Villa Park if and when a fee can be agreed between the two clubs.
However, Curbishley dismissed Finnegan's claims as "rumours" and refused to
be drawn on Reo-Coker's future. He said: "He is away with the (England)
under-21s at the moment with two of our other boys.
"I have heard nothing in respect of any activity. There are lots of rumours
about our club at the moment. We can't go around answering it all. It has
been indicated but, as of now, he is still a West Ham player."
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Parker hoping to kick-start career - Teamtalk
Scott Parker is hoping he can rediscover his best form after linking up with
Alan Curbishley at West Ham following his move from Newcastle. Curbishley
was critical of Parker when he opted to join Chelsea in a £10million deal
after spending seven successful years with him at Charlton. But Parker still
jumped at the chance to team up with Curbishley again and has signed a
five-year deal with the Hammers. Parker, who joined Newcastle in a £6.5m
deal in 2005 after first-team opportunities were limited at Stamford Bridge,
told Sky Sports News: "I think, when I look back, that it (Curbishley's
criticism) showed what the manager thought of me. "There is no doubting that
under Curbs it was the best football that I have played in my career."
Now Parker is hopeful that he can revive his fortunes at Upton Park with
Curbishley undergoing a summer rebuilding job backed by chairman Eggert
Magnusson's millions. "I think there is a foundation at the club. We are
heading the right way and hopefully we can really push on now," he added.
Curbishley admitted Parker could be a potential captain for West Ham,
saying: "Scott brings so many qualities one of them and one of them is
leadership, he was captain at Newcastle. He played for me at Charlton as a
young boy. "He has lots of qualities, including his energy and enthusiasm
which are going to endear him to West Ham fans. He can score goals, he can
make goals, he sees the pass. When we had the chance to sign Scott, we went
for it. We are pleased it went through and we got our man. "It's been a bit
busy. The transfer window is open so there's an opportunity for people to do
business. We are trying to bring players in. We've got one today and
hopefully we have got one coming back (Dean Ashton)."
Parker left Charlton under a cloud following his £10million move to Chelsea,
and Curbishley admitted: "I was a little bit disappointed - we were fourth
in the league and it was the best team Charlton had had. "I sent Scott a
letter straight after expressing how much I appreciated what he had done for
the club. At the time I was speaking for everyone on behalf of Charlton,
saying it was something we didn't want to happen and something we didn't
need to happen."
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Parker eyes Hammers joy - The Sun
By MIKE ANSTEAD
June 07, 2007
SCOTT PARKER is desperate to rediscover his best form at West Ham. The
England international completed his £7million switch from Newcastle
yesterday and has his sights on a big future at Upton Park.Parker, 26, wants
to regain the form he showed under Hammers boss Alan Curbishley during his
days at Charlton.He said: "There is no doubting that under Curbs it was the
best football I have played in my career."I think there is a foundation at
the club. We are heading the right way and hopefully we can really push on
now." Curbishley added: "Scott brings so many qualities and one of them is
leadership — he was captain at Newcastle. "He played for me at Charlton as a
young boy. He has lots of qualities, including his energy and enthusiasm
which are going to endear him to West Ham fans. "He can score goals, he can
make goals, he sees the pass. When we had the chance to sign Scott, we went
for it. We are pleased it went through and we got our man. "It's been a bit
busy so far. The transfer window is open so there's an opportunity for
people to do business. We are trying to bring players in."
Parker left Charlton under a cloud following his £10million move to Chelsea
in 2004 and Curbs admitted: "I was a little bit disappointed. "We were
fourth in the league and it was the best team Charlton had had. "I sent
Scott a letter straight after expressing how much I appreciated what he had
done for the club. "At the time I was speaking for everyone on behalf of
Charlton, saying it was something we didn't want to happen and something we
didn't need to happen."
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PARKER: CURBS FUED OVER - The Mirror
07/06/2007
SCOTT Parker today insisted he was back on good terms with Alan Curbishley
after linking up with his old boss again at West Ham. The midfield star was
speaking at a press conference at Upton Park this morning to mark the
completion of his £7m move from Newcastle to Upton Park. Curbishley was
critical of Parker when he opted to join Chelsea in a £10million deal after
spending seven successful years with him at Charlton. The pair fell out when
Parker went on strike after Curbishley tried to block his move to Stamford
Bridge. Speaking today, Parker was adamant that the pair had resolved their
differences and that he was relishing working with Curbishley again after
signing a five-year deal with the Hammers. Parker, who joined Newcastle in a
£6.5m deal in 2005 after first-team opportunities were limited at Stamford
Bridge, told Sky Sports News: "I think, when I look back, that it
(Curbishley's criticism) showed what the manager thought of me. "There is no
doubting that under Curbs it was the best football that I have played in my
career."
Now Parker is hopeful that he can revive his fortunes at Upton Park with
Curbishley undergoing a summer rebuilding job backed by chairman Eggert
Magnusson's millions. "I think there is a foundation at the club. We are
heading the right way and hopefully we can really push on now," he added.
News of the move has come as a shock to Parker's former Charlton team-mate
Jason Euell who was convinced the England star would never work with
Curbishley again. "Their working relationship ground to a halt so I'm
shocked Scott has gone from Newcastle to West Ham to work under Curbishley,"
said ex-Valley star Euell.
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Alan's joy over Scott
Jun 7 2007
By The Evening Chronicle
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley believes Scott Parker's move to Upton Park
could help reignite his England career. Parker, who has only won three caps
over the last four years, completed his £7m switch from Newcastle yesterday
after agreeing a five-year deal with the Hammers. Curbishley targeted Parker
as a potential captain and is confident the 26-year-old can help bring
success to West Ham and strengthen his own international credentials. "He's
coming to the club knowing full well that we're trying to push forward and
he wants to be part of that," he said. "Firstly he wants to improve our
team, then he wants to improve his chances of forcing his way back into the
England scene. "He has been captain of Newcastle and he is exactly the type
of player that I wanted to bring to the club. "He's very experienced but
still young and I'm sure he's going to be a big asset to West Ham."
It is unlikely he will be the last big-name recruit to sign for West Ham
this summer. Curbishley has been given in excess of £40m to spearhead West
Ham's challenge for Europe. Chairman Eggert Magnusson said: "We are seeking
to take the club on to the next level as we prepare for next season. This is
an important time for the club."
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Spurs in striker battle - SpursWeb
By Katie Wood
Tottenham and Celtic are locked in a battle to win the race for Hammers
forward Marlon Harewood. Martin Jol is keen to bolster his strike force as
he intends to ship out Egyptian striker, Mido. Hammers boss Alan Curbishley
has told Harewood he can leave the club for a fee in the region of £4
million and the striker has attracted attention from Portsmouth and Aston
Villal. The scottish champions do have the lure of Champions League
football, but Harewood may seize the chance to stay in London by joining
Tottenham Hotspur.
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Chelsea caught napping in Malouda bid - Telegraph
By Giles Mole
Last Updated: 11:14am BST 07/06/2007
It seems Chelsea have been caught napping by their Premiership rivals
following news that Liverpool and West Ham are set to beat them to potential
transfer targets.
In 'MALOUDA KOPS IT', the Daily Mirror reports that France international
Florent Malouda has opted for Anfield over Stamford Bridge. The paper says
that £10 million will be enough to sign the Lyon midfielder, with Sevilla's
Daniel Alves and Zaragoza's Gabriel Milito also high on Rafa Benitez's
shopping list. If that wasn't bad enough for Jose Mourinho, even London
rivals West Ham seem to be matching them for pulling power.
According to the Daily Star, Norwegian whizzkid Tarik Elyounoussi is keen on
a move to Upton Park, and is available for £3m, despite having had a trial
with money-bags Chelsea. West Ham have already signed Scott Parker for £7m
and the Sun says he is the first piece in the jigsaw: Darren Bent, Shaun
Wright-Phillips and Nicky Shorey are all targets for Alan Curbishley.
Staying in London, the Sun also reckons that Tottenham are going
head-to-head with Aston Villa for Ajax midfielder Wesley Sneijder and are
prepared to match Villa's £7m offer, while the Mirror believes that Spurs
hope to sign Marlon Harewood from West Ham and are prepared to outbid Celtic
for the £4m-rated striker.
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Parker's the top man for Hammers fans - SquareFootball.com
Colin Illingworth
When Scott Parker signed for Chelsea in 2004 he should have established
himself as a regular for England, but limited first team appearances, being
played out of position and a metatarsal injury put paid to his Stamford
Bridge career.
A move to St James' Park 18 months later started off brightly with some
heroic performances which led to an England recall, but his hopes of
becoming a staple fixture in the international squad were dashed when his
injury jinx struck again. And his spell on Tyneside ended on a sour note as
a section of the Toon Army turned on the former Charlton man after he made
the cardinal sin of criticising the fans' expectations, as he struggled to
recapture that early dynamic form.
However, Parker now has an excellent opportunity to get his career back on
track at Upton Park under his former mentor Alan Curbishley, and the
majority of West Ham fans believe it is a great bit of business.
"Personally I think it's a great signing, and from the sound of it, he'll be
good value at around £8m," said Upton Park season ticket holder Matthew
Beeby. "For an English player with his experience, and of his age, I think
it's a good bit of business. Add in the fact that he's a Londoner and will
be playing under the manager who previously got the best out of him, I think
it's a good signing. He won't need time to settle into his surroundings, or
the league, or to get used to the manager. I just hope that he leaves his
injuries up in Newcastle.
"He should fit nicely into our midfield, providing the bite that will allow
our more creative players to shine. He's also another leader both on and off
the pitch – I can't see a repeat of last season with players like him and
Lucas Neill in the side. They just won't stand for it."
Fellow West Ham fan Richard Dicken believes that Parker is a quality player
who will undoubtedly improve the team.
"He is a good tackler and will hold in midfield, in much the same way as
Reo-Coker did in the last half of the season. His passing is better than
Cokers, which will be a plus, he also pops up with more goals, which was
something we missed last season from midfield. I would expect his attitude
to be better as well. Again he is a good internationally capped player. He
improves the team and squad and I would like to see plenty more like him at
West Ham."
And lifelong Hammers fan Stephen Johnson believes it's time for Parker to
show his true potential.
"I think it could be a good signing. He has a lot of potential and a lot to
prove. I don't think his career has progressed as most pundits thought it
might so now it's time for him to really show his ability."
Scott Parker is widely regarded as the most under-rated English player in
the game and a number of people cannot understand why he is continually
overlooked by Steve McClaren. He is tenacious in the tackle, can break up
play and drives teams on, and when given the opportunity he can also score
special goals and set up his team-mates. However, Newcastle fan Paul
Atkinson believes that Parker's departure from St James' Park is no big
loss.
"Scott Parker leaving the club is no bad thing. He hasn't really shown
anything. He chokes on the big occasion, gets upset when rightly criticised
and comes out with rubbish about 'unreasonable expectations' so I won't be
shedding any tears at his departure. I hope he settles back in London at a
small club."
Sam Allardyce is set to replace Scott Parker with Manchester City's
controversial midfielder Joey Barton, but fellow Newcastle supporter Gavin
Nattrass was praying that Parker had a change of mind and decided to stay on
Tyneside.
"I'm gutted about losing Parker. I hope he stays and proves his point. He
could do what Beckham has done at Real Madrid. He is good enough. In fact he
is pure class. I don't think Barton is a better player than Scott Parker and
I will honestly feel massive despair if we sign him. I cannot believe we are
being linked with him. Big Sam seems to have all the talk about what he is
going to do and how he is going to re-establish NUFC, he's bringing in a
huge backroom team, his analysis models and his Tai Chi gurus. Yet, as he
takes his first steps towards re-branding the club in his own image, we get
Barton instead of our club captain. Parker is the one man amongst the
mediocrity we saw last season who always gave 100 per cent. I am honestly
hoping this deal falls through."
Unfortunately for Gavin it looks as though Joey Barton has his heart set on
a move to Tyneside and Scott Parker finally completed his move to West Ham
yesterday (June 6). It's thought that Parker's arrival at Upton Park will
signal the end of Nigel Reo-Coker's spell at the East End club, but despite
handing in a transfer request and being blamed by a number of fans for the
club's lacklustre performances last season, Stephen thinks it would be a
mistake to let the captain go.
"It seems as though Parker is a direct replacement for Nigel Reo-Coker,
which I think is a great shame as I would personally love to see him stay.
Lots of fans are split over him, but I feel his best is yet to come. He is
so powerful for a medium/small player and with a bit more composure in his
final ball and shooting he will become a top player. He has had lots of
negative press yet his attitude and character is always very positive. At 23
and to be captain of West Ham for the past three years is a great
achievement. I hope the reports of us not wanting him to stay are untrue. I
prefer to remember the good times with Nigel, especially after nearly
leading us to FA Cup glory and I really hope he stays and retains the
captaincy."
There's no question that on his day Nigel Reo-Coker is one of the best young
midfielders in the country, but Matthew believes that the former Wimbledon
player has simply talked himself out of Alan Curbishley's plans.
"I don't think that Reo-Coker can stay now. When he put in his transfer
request, I think quite a few Hammers wanted him to stay and agreed with him
that an England U21 captain shouldn't be allowed to leave the club. But the
more he lets his mouth flap and moans about the club, the harder it is for
him to stay. I do think that he's disillusioned about his future club though
– he still hasn't proved himself enough for a top four club to splash the
money on him, so he's likely to find himself no better off than he would
have been by staying at West Ham – or worse if he ends up at Villa."
Richard Dicken fully agrees with Matthew's assessment and cites the arrival
of Tevez and Mascherano as the moment that Reo-Coker changed. Richard is
also hoping that the imminent departure of Reo-Coker will allow Mark Noble
to get a decent run in the first team.
"The writing was on the wall for Reo-Coker as soon as the Argentinean pair
arrived. As usual we don't really know what went on behind the scenes but it
was obvious his form dipped dramatically after rumours of interest from
other clubs and the new arrivals. Truly ambitious players would have
welcomed a player like Mascherano to the squad, he seemed to sulk. The real
key was his reaction when he scored against Man Utd at home, cupping his ear
to the home crowd. A bit rich for someone who had scored their one and only
goal that season and was not playing well. Don't get me wrong, Reo-Coker is
a quality player, but he is still lacking in a few departments of his game.
His passing, scoring and attitude need to be improved if he wants to play
for one of the big boys, this seems to be the case as only teams like Villa
are interested. I am happy to see Reo-Coker go, he doesn't want to play for
us, let's get someone who does. I would like to see Noble given a run as he
was one of the reasons our season turned around so dramatically."
Eggart Magnusson has reportedly given Alan Curbishley a war chest of around
£30 million to spend on rebuilding the squad and the press has been linking
the Hammers with every half-decent player going. Darren Bent, Andrew
Johnson, Tim Cahill, Mikel Arteta, Jermaine Defoe, Craig Bellamy and Joey
Barton have all been linked with a move to the East End in the past couple
days and it's sure to be an exciting couple of months for West Ham fans. And
Matthew Beeby believes that if Alan Curbishley can sign more players of the
calibre of Scott Parker then there is no way that they will be involved in a
relegation battle next season.
"Like Luis Boa-Morte and Lucas Neill before him, in signing Parker we're
signing a club captain, and I think that shows that Curbs has recognised
some of our failings last year. We expected to be winning games, and when we
weren't we lacked the strength and leadership to cope. Hopefully Scotty will
be able to keep us moving in midfield if we concede an early goal this
season."
West Ham have a great tradition of playing good football, but every good
team needs someone who can stifle the opposition and get the team going. In
Scott Parker they have one of the best in the business. Now if only they can
keep hold of Tevez…
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Spurs enter the race for Hammers striker Harewood - Daily Mail
Last updated at 09:29am on 7th June 2007
Tottenham are considering a move for former West Ham striker Marlon Harewood
to bolster their strikeforce. He has been released by the Hammers and is
wanted by Portsmouth, Celtic and Wigan to provide goals next season. Spurs
have been linked with a move for him as a possible replacement for Mido, who
seems certain to exit White Hart Lane before the new term kicks-off in
August. Harewood would be able to understudy Dimitar Berbatov and would
provide an alternative to Jermain Defoe and Robbie Keane as Spurs expect to
face another heavy fixture schedule next term.
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