Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 13th June 2007

The new Dicky Dirt: Exclusively Revealed! - WHUFC

13/06/2007 07:41

West Ham United is delighted to reveal our brand new home kit for the
2007-08 Barclays Premier League campaign. Manufactured by new technical
partners Umbro and emblazoned with the logo of our new principal partners
XL.com, the new kit goes on sale exclusively through official outlets on
Saturday (June 16) but you can pre-order yours now simply by clicking here
to visit our brand new online megastore.

http://www.megastore.whufc.com/stores/westham/default.aspx?portal=AIIJQRI5

The new Dicky Dirt - what wouldn't you trade for it?

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Asians in Football coaching recruitment - WHUFC
12/06/2007 18:24

West Ham United's Asians in Football project is currently seeking to recruit
coaches for a number of their programmes...

TRAINEE PROGRAMME RECRUITMENT

West Ham United's Asians in Football Project is currently seeking to recruit
trainee coaches for our programmes in Newham, Tower Hamlets and Enfield.

Candidates should have experience of playing and/or coaching, and be looking
to gain their Level 1/2 Certificate. We expect our coaches to be
enthusiastic and motivated individuals who are willing to learn and improve
their own skills.

If you think you have what it takes to coach the next generation of young
players then please send a copy of an up to date CV along with a covering
letter to the following address:

Mick King
Asians in Football Project
West Ham United Football Club
Boleyn Ground
Green Street
Upton Park
London E13 9AZ

Alternatively, you can email your CV and covering letter to
ascott@westhamunited.co.uk

If you have any queries please call Andy Scott on 07983 968 048.

All applications will be considered. Candidates should hold an up to date
CRB check.

LEVEL 2 RECRUITMENT

West Ham United's Asians in Football Project is currently seeking to recruit
two Level 2 sessional coaches for our programmes in Newham, Tower Hamlets
and Enfield.

Candidates should be experienced coaches who are highly motivated and
enthusiastic, and who are capable of leading trainees. All our coaches are
expected to be extremely professional in appearance and outlook, and have
excellent leadership skills.

If you would like to apply for one of these positions then please send a
copy of an up to date CV along with a covering letter to the following
address.

Mick King
Asians in Football Project
West Ham United Football Club
Boleyn Ground
Green Street
Upton Park
London E13 9AZ

Alternatively, you can email your CV and covering letter to
ascott@westhamunited.co.uk

If you have any queries please call Andy Scott on 07983 968 048.

All applications will be considered. Candidates should hold an up to date
CRB check.

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Inter - nothing doing - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 12th June 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel

Carlos Tevez has no intention of moving to Inter, despite a flood of reports
suggesting otherwise. Tevez was interviewed last night for Argentinian TV in
an item about the forthcoming Copa America, in which he will be playing.
During the interview the 23-year-old striker was asked by a journalist about
the possibility of a summer move to the Italian giants, to which he replied
'I know they are interested - but I don't know anything else." Some media
sources decided that this comment equated to an admission by Tevez that he
was on his way to Serie A - well it is a quiet news day after all - and that
was subsequently carried by a number of media outlets and websites. However
at present there is still no fresh news on Tevez's immediate future,
although Kia Joorabchian is due to meet Eggert Magnusson for further talks
on the situation later this week.

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Inter confirm Tevez interest - Sky
By Graeme Bailey - Created on 12 Jun 2007

Italian champions Internazionale have confirmed their interest in signing
Carlos Tevez. The West Ham striker revealed on Tuesday that he would be keen
to move to Milan as he could link-up with a number of Argentines already
plying their trade with the Nerazzurri. Manchester United, Liverpool and
Chelsea all appear keen on giving Tevez the option of remaining in the
Premiership, with a move from West Ham looking highly likely this summer.
Inter supremo Massimo Moratti has now revealed that he would like to sign
Tevez - who is currently with Argentina preparing for the Copa America.
"It's true," Moratti said of Inter's interest in Tevez. "He's a player we
like a lot. "He has qualities and character. It's what we need."
Moratti also spoke about Inter's talks with Cagliari for Honduran striker
David Suazo. Cagliari supremo Massimo Cellino has criticised Inter for not
sealing the move, but Moratti feels they are still on course to land him.
"The negotiation is quite forward, we will see how it will continue,"
Moratti said.

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McCabe 'duty-bound' to fight club's case - Telegraph
By Rob Stewart
Last Updated: 1:05am BST 13/06/2007

Steve Gibson, the Middlesbrough chairman, last night expressed support for
Sheffield United's determined quest to be reinstated to the Premiership.
Gibson feels Kevin McCabe, the Sheffield United plc chairman, is
"duty-bound" to fight the Yorkshire club's corner to its ultimate conclusion
in the Carlos Tevez saga.
An arbitration panel in London will next week deliberate over the Yorkshire
club's challenge to the Premier League's decision to fine West Ham rather
than deduct points and cancel the registration of Tevez, the Argentina
forward, and Gibson feels McCabe is well within his rights to refuse to back
down. Gibson, whose club are close to signing Turkish international striker
Tuncay Sanli, said: "I don't know all the facts about Tevez but if I was
Sheffield United I'd take it as far as I possibly could because you are
duty-bound to your players, your manager, to your fans to do that."
McCabe has suggested the Premier League could be expanded to accommodate
both his club and West Ham, but Gibson stopped short of backing such a
measure. "The Premiership has been 20 clubs for a long, long time. It's
obviously the best formula," he added.

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Sheffield plan to quiz PM over points dispute - Telegraph
By Alistair Grant
Last Updated: 1:05am BST 13/06/2007

Sheffield United have drawn up a remarkable plot to question Prime Minister
Tony Blair over the Premier League's failure to dock West Ham points in the
Carlos Tevez affair. The relegated club, who want to replace the Hammers in
next season's top flight, take a delegation of 100 supporters, headed by
Hollywood star Sean Bean, to meet MPs at the House of Commons today. United
have invited the 49 MPs backing an anti-West Ham Early Day Motion, with MP
Clive Betts now set to table a Parliamentary question asking why the Hammers
escaped with a £5.5 million fine despite fielding an ineligible player. The
move would heap pressure on the Premier League ahead of Sheffield's
arbitration hearing on Monday and Tuesday, which will rule if the Premier
League were wrong not to deduct points from West Ham.
MPs have until tomorrow to table a question for Blair at next Wednesday's
Prime Minister's Questions session. The next opportunity to question sports
minister Richard Caborn would not be until June 25, in the next Department
of Culture, Media and Sport session. Sheffield Attercliffe MP Betts said: "I
will discuss it with Alan Keen MP and there may well be parliamentary
questions put down." A United source added: "A number of MPs have said
they'll lend support and we're exploring ways to do that."
Keen, who hosts today's Commons summit in his role as All Party Football
Group chairman, criticised West Ham for lying about Tevez's status as
part-owned by a third-party and also accused the Premier League of making
huge errors of judgment. "It seems West Ham made a serious breach of the
rules and didn't tell the truth, which was even worse than committing the
crime," he said. "They were let off - and there's no question about it if
you look at previous decisions about ineligible players. AFC Wimbledon were
deducted 18 points, reduced to three on appeal. "West Ham's £5 million fine
is nothing compared to the amount of money they get by avoiding relegation.
"The Premier League seem to have made a serious mistake."
Bean will speak for the Blades today. A club source said: "Sean thinks it's
a point of principle as football is about fairness - so the club that stuck
to the rules shouldn't be punished for that." The Premier League declined to
comment.

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Atletico ready to sell hitman Torres - TeamTalk

Atletico Madrid will spark a transfer scramble next week by confirming that
star striker Fernando Torres will be in the summer sales. Manchester
United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal have all been linked with moves for
Torres in the past and would be forced to offer at least £15million for his
services.
Tottenham, West Ham and Newcastle also have the funds to mount rival bids -
but the lure of Champions League football gives the big four a major
advantage. The 23-year-old has scored 82 goals in 212 league appearance for
Atletico, while his record for Spain is 14 in 42 games. His club's failure
to earn a UEFA Cup slot this season means they are expecting to lose their
star forward and the Premier League is the most likely destination.

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Gibson backs Blades' campaign over West Ham affair
Michael Walker
Wednesday June 13, 2007
The Guardian

Middlesbrough's chairman Steve Gibson yesterday offered Sheffield United his
vocal support in their quest for "fairness" over the Carlos Tevez-West Ham
issue but he has refused to become active on behalf of the Bramall Lane club
and said he is not persuaded by the idea of the Premiership being expanded
to 21 clubs next season.
Gibson, who hopes Middlesbrough make "one or two spectacular" signings this
summer, said: "I don't know all the facts about Tevez but if I were
Sheffield United I'd take it as far as I possibly could because you are duty
bound to your manager, players and your fans to do that. We get on very well
with Sheffield United and I wish them well."
With the Blades due to send representatives to Parliament today in their
"Campaign for Fairness" over Tevez, Gibson's backing is timely but he is
reluctant to become embroiled in an inter-club argument. His opinion has
weight given Boro's three-point deduction 10 years ago that led to the
club's relegation from the Premiership. "We don't think it's appropriate to
support one club against another club," Gibson said. "I think it's not right
this club should act as judge and jury, I think that's what the Premier
League and the FA are for. The Premiership has been 20 clubs for a long
time, it's obviously the best formula. To make it 21 is too easy a way out.
I think it's for the 20 clubs to comment on."
The Yorkshire club will discover their fate when the arbitration committee
meets on Monday and Tuesday. Fulham's owner Mohamed Al Fayed has also given
United strong backing. "What happened to us 10 years ago is buried," Gibson
added, "it still hurts and I'm still a bit bitter about it. But we move on."

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Inter keen on adding £25m Tevez to stable of Argentinians
Paolo Menicucci and Stuart James
Wednesday June 13, 2007
The Guardian

Internazionale's president Massimo Moratti has said he is interested in
signing Carlos Tevez from West Ham. "It's true, we really like the player,"
Moratti said yesterday of the Argentinian forward. "He has the qualities and
the character we need."

The 23-year-old joined West Ham from Corinthians last summer in a
controversial move but recently admitted he stopped learning English because
he did not know where he would play next season. Internazionale, the Italian
champions, could have money to invest from the likely departures of the
forwards Alvaro Recoba and Adriano. According to reports in Italy, the club
could be ready to offer a £25m deal and have already talked with Tevez's
representative, Kia Joorabchian.

Tevez admitted he would like to play in a team packed with Argentinians.
Eight are already playing at the San Siro. "It would be nice to play in
Italy, especially in a team that has so many Argentinians," he said. "I know
there will be some meetings and some discussions, but I really don't know if
there is anything official yet."

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Portsmouth go for West Ham's Harewood
tribalfooball.com - June 12, 2007

Portsmouth are planning a bid for West Ham United striker Marlon Harewood.
Harewood has been told he can leave Upton Park and Pompey boss Harry
Redknapp admits he's seeking two new strikers this summer.

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Inter Milan president Moratti: West Ham's Tevez on radar
tribalfooball.com - June 12, 2007

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has confirmed they're interested in
West Ham striker Carlos Tevez. "It's true, we really like the player,"
Moratti said yesterday of the Argentinian forward. "He has the qualities and
the character we need." Internazionale, the Italian champions, could have
money to invest from the likely departures of the forwards Alvaro Recoba and
Adriano. According to reports in Italy, the club could be ready to offer a
£25m deal and have already talked with Tevez's representative, Kia
Joorabchian.

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United face competition from Inter for Tévez's signature - The Times
Gary Jacob

Carlos Tévez's future is expected to be resolved within the week, with the
Argentina forward close to an agreement with Manchester United or Inter
Milan. Inter have made an offer for Tévez, who was largely responsible for
keeping West Ham United in the Premiership last season.

Sheffield United, who were relegated, are determined to see West Ham
punished further for breaching FA Premier League rules in the transfer of
Tévez and have found an unlikely ally. Kia Joorabchian, who owns the
economic rights to the Argentinian, is said to be seriously considering a
request to provide the evidence to support Sheffield United's case.

West Ham finished three points above the relegation zone after being fined a
record £5.5 million by an independent board, which decided not to deduct
points.

Joorabchian has been approached by Kevin McCabe, the Sheffield United
chairman, because it is believed that he has important information about the
contract that he agreed with West Ham for Tévez last summer. From Monday, a
three-man arbitration panel will consider whether the original disciplinary
process was carried out correctly. West Ham claimed that they ripped up the
third-party agreement with Joorabchian to the satisfaction of the Premier
League, clearing Tévez to play in the final three matches of the season. But
Joorabchian has said that he has not cancelled the agreement and that Tévez
played only with his permission.

To publicise the case further, Sheffield United will take a delegation of
100 supporters, headed by Sean Bean, the actor, to meet MPs at the House of
Commons today.

Tévez is one of the most sought-after players in the world, with Chelsea and
Real Madrid having also expressed an interest. His seven goals as the season
reached its climax inspired West Ham's recovery.

Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager, has been looking for another striker
and has proposed a loan deal for a season with the option of a permanent
move to Old Trafford. He has signalled his intent by committing more than
£50 million to new signings.

Owen Hargreaves the England midfield player, has been signed for £17 million
from Bayern Munich and United have signed Nani, the 20-year-old Sporting
Lisbon winger, and Anderson, the 19-year-old FC Porto playmaker, with the
two deals understood to be worth £17.3 million and £20.4 million
respectively.

While a move to United could be appealing for Tévez, Joorabchian has turned
down an offer for Tévez from Inter worth about £30 million. The businessman
might expect that Tévez would fetch £40 million when it is considered that
Andriy Shevchenko, at 29, was sold to Chelsea by AC Milan for £31 million
last summer. Tévez, at 23, has yet to reach his peak and is more proven than
Wayne Rooney when United paid Everton £23 million – rising to a possible £31
million – for him.

Tévez has said that Inter are attractive because of the eight Argentina
players at the San Siro. They include Hernán Crespo, Walter Samuel, Esteban
Cambiasso and Javier Zanetti. "I know Inter is interested in me," Tévez
said. "It would be nice to play in Italy, especially in a team that has so
many Argentinians. But I don't know anything official yet."

A deal cannot be concluded for Tévez, who is training with Argentina for the
Copa America that begins in Venezuela this month, until Joorabchian returns
from Buenos Aires this week.

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Gibson tells Sheffield United to go all the way for justice - The Times
George Caulkin

Steve Gibson, the Middlesbrough chairman, has urged Sheffield United to take
their quest for justice in the Carlos Tévez affair "as far as they can".
Next week, an arbitration panel will hear the Yorkshire club's case that the
FA Premier League should have docked West Ham United points over the
Argentina striker's controversial registration rather than issue them with a
£5.5 million fine.

While Middlesbrough's support for Sheffield United is purely moral, Gibson –
an independent and influential voice – articulated the feelings of many in
football yesterday. His club were relegated in 1997 after a controversial
points deduction for failing to fulfil a league fixture away to Blackburn
Rovers, although that memory does not motivate his present concerns.

"What happened ten years ago is buried – it still hurts and I'm still a bit
bitter about it, but we move on," he said. "I don't know all the facts about
Tévez, but if I was Sheffield United I'd take it as far as I possibly could
because you are duty bound to your players and your fans to do that. We get
on very well with Sheffield United and I wish them well."

While Middlesbrough officials have spoken to Sir Dave Richards, the Premier
League chairman, to highlight their unease at the West Ham verdict, Gibson
has refrained from direct participation in legal action because "we don't
think it's appropriate to support one club against another club".

"It's not right that this club should act as judge and jury," he said.
"That's what the Premier League and the FA are for."

Middlesbrough last night completed the free transfer of Tuncay Sanli from
Fenerbahçe. Keith Lamb, the club's chief executive, went to Turkey to
negotiate a four-year contract with the 25-year-old, beating off competition
for the player from Birmingham City and Villarreal.

Having secured the £1.5 million signing of Jérémie Aliadière from Arsenal,
subject to a medical, Gibson and Gareth Southgate, the Middlesbrough
manager, have moved swiftly to compensate for the loss of Mark Viduka, who
joined Newcastle United rather than extend his deal at the Riverside
Stadium. "We have four targets in our sights and one or two we hope will be
spectacular," Gibson said.

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Wednesday's gossip column - BBC

TRANSFER RUMOURS

Charlton striker Darren Bent will join West Ham for £18m in a deal that will
net the 28-year-old £80,000 a week. (Daily Star)

West Ham's Argentine forward Carlos Tevez will resolve his future in the
next week, with Manchester United and Inter Milan both keen to sign him.
(The Times)

AND FINALLY

Prime Minister Tony Blair may be asked a question in Parliament next
Wednesday over Sheffield United's controversial relegation from the Premier
League. (Daily Star)

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - II 12th June 2007

Behind The Scenes: Gudmundur Gislason - WHUFC
12/06/2007 09:00

In this week's Behind the Scenes feature, we catch up with West Ham United's
new Director of Retail and Merchandising, Gudmundur Gislason. With the
release of our brand new Umbro kit set for later this week and the relaunch
of the online megastore already in place, it has certainly been a busy
introduction for Gudmundur, who explains what his role at the Club entails:
"I'm responsible for our Club stores and all the products and everything
going on in that area.
"My aim is to introduce exciting new products to the fans and make our brand
stronger within this business. We're working on making our identity stronger
around the world also. There are a lot of opportunities for this Club. It's
just a question of what we can do with our brand and how we develop it."
The Icelandic Director may be new to Upton Park, but football has always
been his first love. "I started to play football when I was four or five
years-old in Iceland," he explains. "I got to a certain level in football,
not a professional level, but I played against a few Clubs in Europe with my
team in Iceland, for example Barcelona. "That was a big thing for me. I've
always loved football and it's always been a big part of my life. For me to
come to West Ham it's a dream come true. In Iceland we don't have
professional Clubs like in England. So, for me to join West Ham is a big
thing and I hope I can do some big things here. "I've never been involved in
working for a football club before, apart from being on the pitch! It has
been very good being here and the reason I'm here is because of the new
ownership, the new beginning. There are a lot of new ideas coming up and I'm
taking part in that, helping to build up the Club, making West Ham United a
much stronger identity as we move forward."
And Gudmundur believes there are exciting times ahead for everyone
associated with West Ham United. "I came directly from Iceland where I was
working for one of the biggest retailers," he says. "So, my background is
retail and it's a very exciting business because it's always changing. "No
two days are the same in retail. There is always something new happening and
that's very exciting. We can also put that element in the retail of West Ham
United. There are many good things at the Club now in retail but we can
improve. "I think with the new ownership and the new management team and all
of these great people working at West Ham United, there are a lot of great
times about to happen."

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Special opening times for kit launch - WHUFC
12/06/2007 12:08

You can get your hands on the brand new West Ham United kit as soon as it is
launched this Saturday, June 16. Our stores will be opening early to cope
with demand as the exciting new design is unveiled. The Club Megastore will
be open from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm on Saturday and from 10.30am to 5.00pm on
Sunday. The Lakeside store will be open from 8.00am to 7.30pm on Saturday
and from 11.00am to 5.00pm on Sunday.

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Galey's review of the season: part three - WHUFC
12/06/2007 13:57

In the third and final 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 finish to the 2006-07 campaign…

For the last third of the season Alan Curbishley delved into the transfer
market and bought Luis Boa Morte, Matty Upson, Lucas Neill, Nigel Quashie
and Calum Davenport. Fate was to conspire against him as every one of those
players suffered with injuries throughout the vital run-in. The worst miss
of all for me was Lucas Neill, who was not only a good player, but also a
good leader of men, which I think is vitally important, especially when
things are going against you. It was no fluke to me, that when Lucas was
fit, the Hammers strung together their best run of results. Luis struggled
to regain his full fitness after his injury. Matty was so unlucky it was
untrue. I think he is a victim of his own honesty as he tried to come back
too early from long term injury. Next season I feel he will be a key player.
Nigel Quashie started off well and seemed to give the team a real
competitive edge in the middle of the park, but again an unlucky injury
curtailed his season. Calum Davenport also seemed to be getting on well
until he got his injury. Although West Ham didn't get as many games as they
wanted out of those five players, it seemed to give the rest of the squad
the kick up the backside they needed. As with all new signings, it takes
time to settle, not only on the playing side, but also getting used to the
new environment of the Club. When it came to the crucial run-in, when we won
seven of the last nine games, it was clearly apparent that all the new boys
had integrated and there seemed a much better spirit around the Club.
The words spirit and confidence are commonly used in football and both can
only be achieved by initially being on the receiving end of a few lucky
breaks. Who can deny that we weren't the recipient of those, particularly in
the games against Blackburn away and Arsenal away - where Rob Green had an
absolute blinder. Still, they say you make your own luck and my belief is
that we had enough bad luck last season to last us 10 years. Because the
Tevez and Mascherano situation resurfaced, Curbs, his staff and the boys
never got the full credit they deserved for an outstanding achievement in
winning seven of the last nine Premiership games to keep us in the top
flight.
A big well done from me to everyone - and for anyone who's trying to put a
spanner in the works of our Premiership status…unlucky!

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Scraping the barrel - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 12th June 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel

Sheffield United have asked supporters of bitter rivals Sheffield Wednesday
to support their so-called 'campaign for justice'. Blades fans intend to
demonstrate against their relegation from the Premiership on the streets of
Sheffield tomorrow, after plans to march in London were shelved due to a
lack of interest.
But with minimal interest being registered by supporters even in their home
town, campaign organiser and Blades fan Richard Batho has turned to
followers of Sheffield's other Championship outfit - Sheffield Wednesday -
to support the (pointless) cause.
"Hopefully fans from both clubs - United and Wednesday - will turn out
because this has the power to affect everyone," Batho told the Sheffield
Star. "United supporters must attend in numbers but it would be great to
think that everyone from the region, whether they follow us, will also lend
us their backing."

Unsurprisingly perhaps the call for unity has tickled supporters of
Wednesday who were, on the whole, delighted when the Blades - known by
Wednesday fan as 'The Pigs' - were relegated from the Premiership thanks to
a final day home defeat to Wigan. Posters on popular Wednesday messageboard
Owls Online have reacted with humour to the call for unity. One poster
claimed that "there's more chance of Carlos Tevez turning up as a guest of
honour in a West Ham shirt", whilst another added that he "might go - and
point, laugh and sing songs such as '10 points and you fooked it up'".

Meanwhile a second smaller gathering is set to take place in London tomorrow
lunchtime when Blades fan Sean Bean is set to lead a handful of selected
Blades fans into Parliament for a meeting with a small group of MPs. That
group - estimates to be around 20 strong - includes the MP for Sheffield
Attercliffe, Clive Betts, who was recently suspended from the House for
doctoring offical papers thereby allowing his 'Brazilian rent-boy lover' to
remain in the UK. A photo-call has been set for 11.30am on Victoria
Embankment (close to Westminster Pier); TV and radio are both expected to
cover the event.

* Sheffield United claim that West Ham United should have been deducted
three points instead of being fined £5.5m as a result of being found guilty
of contravening Premier League rules with regard to Carlos Tevez's contract
- a figure that would have (conveniently) seen United relegated instead of
the Blades.

However Sheffield's case is undermined by the fact that there is no
precedent for such a punishment, and that when they beat West Ham United 3-0
in April, Carlos Tevez played on the opposing side. Coincidentally this was
overlooked by the Blades until their relegation was confirmed.

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Blades appeal to Owls fans - The Star - Sheffield

Wednesday fans were today urged to join Sheffield United's battle to
overturn their Premiership relegation.

As a delegation from Bramall Lane prepares to take their protest to the
Houses of Parliament, where nearly 50 MPs have signed an early-day motion
calling for Bryan Robson's side to be reinstated in the Premier League,
United have unveiled details of a city-centre rally designed to coincide
with tomorrow's visit to Westminster.

And Sheffield United fans leader Richard Batho wants to see Owls supporters
join them in a rare show of unity.

Tomorrow's event, which is scheduled to start around 1pm at Barkers Pool,
will enable those fans not travelling to London to protest loudly but
peacefully against the FAPL's failure to deduct West Ham points for a
serious breach of transfer regulations during the 'Carlos Tevez Affair' - a
decision which United argue cost them their top-flight place.

An independent arbitration panel is scheduled to begin investigating the
matter next week and ,as the media spotlight once again prepares to focus on
a matter which threatens to plunge English football into chaos, United know
that a big turnout would place even more pressure on the FAPL.

Batho, spokesman for influential fans group BIFA, says the issue bridges the
region's partisan divides.

"Hopefully fans from both clubs - United and Wednesday - will turn out
because this has the power to affect everyone," he said. "The more people
who turn out, the better. We need to get across the message that football
fans in general aren't prepared to stand by when something like this
happens.

"United supporters must attend in numbers but it would be great to think
that everyone from the region, whether they follow us, Wednesday,
Roth-erham, Barnsley, Doncaster or Chesterfield, will also lend us their
backing. It really is that important."

Earlier this month The Star delivered a dossier of complaints from readers
to the FAPL. Despite their refusal to accept the material in person, a
Blades supporter has received confirmation that FAPL chief executive Richard
Scudamore has taken possession of it.

Meanwhile, Mark Fenoughty, United's chief operating officer, has resigned
from the board of directors. He will be replaced by Simon Capper, finance
director of United Scarborough Estates.
Robbie Savage's £40,000-a-week wages will prevent United signing him from
Blackburn Rovers.

What do you think? Do the Blades need help from the Owls. Register and post
your comments below or click here to email the sports editor.
Please put the word FAIRNESS in the subject field.

12 June 2007

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You cannot be serious?? - Owl Online.com

See the Star are still game for a laugh...
Blades appeal to Owls fans
Join our protest: Blades supporters leader Richard Batho wants Owls fans to
join protest
By James Shield

Wednesday fans were today urged to join Sheffield United's battle to
overturn their Premiership relegation. As a delegation from Bramall Lane
prepares to take their protest to the Houses of Parliament, where nearly 50
MPs have signed an early-day motion calling for Bryan Robson's side to be
reinstated in the Premier League, United have unveiled details of a
city-centre rally designed to coincide with tomorrow's visit to Westminster.

And Sheffield United fans leader Richard Batho wants to see Owls supporters
join them in a rare show of unity.

Tomorrow's event, which is scheduled to start around 1pm at Barkers Pool,
will enable those fans not travelling to London to protest loudly but
peacefully against the FAPL's failure to deduct West Ham points for a
serious breach of transfer regulations during the 'Carlos Tevez Affair' - a
decision which United argue cost them their top-flight place.

An independent arbitration panel is scheduled to begin investigating the
matter next week and ,as the media spotlight once again prepares to focus on
a matter which threatens to plunge English football into chaos, United know
that a big turnout would place even more pressure on the FAPL.

Batho, spokesman for influential fans group BIFA, says the issue bridges the
region's partisan divides.

"Hopefully fans from both clubs - United and Wednesday - will turn out
because this has the power to affect everyone," he said. "The more people
who turn out, the better. We need to get across the message that football
fans in general aren't prepared to stand by when something like this
happens.

"United supporters must attend in numbers but it would be great to think
that everyone from the region, whether they follow us, Wednesday,
Roth-erham, Barnsley, Doncaster or Chesterfield, will also lend us their
backing. It really is that important."

Earlier this month The Star delivered a dossier of complaints from readers
to the FAPL. Despite their refusal to accept the material in person, a
Blades supporter has received confirmation that FAPL chief executive Richard
Scudamore has taken possession of it.

HA HA f**king HA....

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Keeper Carrizo is the Juan for Curbishley - Daily Mail
Last updated at 13:44pm on 12th June 2007

West Ham boss Alan Curbishley wants Argentinian goalkeeper Juam Pablo
Carrizo after a recommendation from striker Carlos Tevez. River Plate's
Carrizo, valued at £6m, is one of Argentina's best prospects and is also
wanted by Lazio and AC Milan, claims the Daily Mirror. Agent Kia Jorrabchian
is involved in taking the keeper to Europe and Curbishley has money to spend
thanks to owner Eggert Magnusson and wants competition for Robert Green.

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West Ham told to up bid for Benfica striker Gomes
tribalfooball.com - June 12, 2007

West Ham United have made a £3 million offer for Benfica striker Nuno Gomes.
Record says Benfica have informed the Hammers they're willing to sell the
Portugal international if they up their bid another £500,000.

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Al Fayed vows to fight on - Football.co.uk
Tuesday Jun 12 2007 11:40

Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed is determined to carry on the fight to
overturn the decision not to hand a points deduction to West Ham United
following their controversial purchase of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano
last August. Al Fayed will continue to back Sheffield United's 'fight for
justice' campaign even if an independent arbitration panel fails to rule
that the decision to fine rather deduct West Ham points for a serious breach
of transfer regulations was flawed. "If any club brings in players without
approval, how can they just want to fine them, because it affects other
clubs," he said. "We are going to arbitration to teach them a lesson. Why do
they make favours? "If the arbitration is fair and people who know about law
and about justice, we are on the right side. "If arbitration fails, we go to
court. I am a man of principle. "I just don't let people get away with
unfair and unjust practices, especially the Premier League." Sheffield
United finished in the bottom three after losing at home to Wigan Athletic
on the last day of the season while the Hammers were winning at Manchester
United.

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West Ham To Hijack Barton Deal? - newcastlemad.co.uk
By Nu Mad Tuesday 12th June 2007

Sam Allardyce is losing patience with Manchester City over their stalling in
the deal to sell Joey Barton to Newcastle. Manchester City are involved in a
cash wrangle which is delaying the move, and the Toon boss insists the
argument has nothing to do with Newcastle United and the deal should be done
and dusted without Newcastle's involvement. The 24-year-old agreed his
£5.5million move to St James' Park last week, but a row over a £300,000
pay-off to which he was contractually entitled if he was sold without asking
for a transfer has prevented the deal going through. City refuse to let the
deal go ahead until Barton waves the £300,000 pay-off the player believes he
is entitled to. Barton's agent Willie McKay has referred the matter to the
Professional Footballers' Association with City adamant that they will not
pay because he was not forced out of the club. Allardyce (talking to the
Manchester Evening News): "They are out of order. This is a private matter,
a confidential issue that should not have been made public. I'm
flabbergasted and want the situation resolved. "I am just trying as
Newcastle manager to secure a player of this kind and quality and the deal
has been held up. "I cannot understand it because City didn't pay anything
for this player as he came through the youth system and are selling him for
over £5million. "It's not really for me to comment. All I know is that this
is a matter for Joey to sort out and I hope it is resolved as it has stopped
him putting pen to paper."
Barton travelled to Tyneside last week and was so impressed with his meeting
with Allardyce and the stadium, that he cancelled his meeting to go and talk
to the Hammers. Even though West Ham are reported to have offered him
£10,000 per week MORE than Newcastle. However, City continue to hold things
up, and reports from London suggest West Ham could be set to come in with
another deal. Allardyce: "I found Joey a very bright person who wants to
develop his game. He is very positive, well-spoken and focused and wants to
win silverware with Newcastle and develop his international career."

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Tevez urges West Ham to go for Carizzo
tribalfooball.com - June 12, 2007

Carlos Tevez has urged West Ham boss Alan Curbishley to move for River Plate
goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carizzo. The Mirror says Curbishley wants Carrizo
after a recommendation from Tevez. River Plate's Carrizo, valued at
£6million, is one of Argentina's best prospects and is also wanted by Lazio
and AC Milan. Agent Kia Joorabchian is involved in taking the keeper to
Europe and Curbishley has money to spend, thanks to owner Eggert Magnusson,
and wants competition for Robert Green.

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Kia Joorabchian, Tevez, West Ham and third-party contracts - Soccerlens.com
Written by Ahmed Bilal.

A Soccerlens reader (thanks WP) mailed me a link to this article on Kia
Joorabchian and Carlos Tevez and pointed something out which I thought would
be interesting to talk about, despite the fact that it's almost a month old
now. It's interesting because I think Kia's right - that the MSI - West Ham
agreement over Tevez and Mascherano is quite similar to club - to - club
loan agreements, and as a result, there is no case to be made for West Ham
violating rule U18.

Basically, what caught me eye here was this passage:
It is a little bit like a loan deal between two clubs, except it is a loan
deal between the club and a third party. You buy the player outright, you
invest in the player and the clubs sign him from you; they take the
registration, the rights on any resale belong to you. It does not give you
any right to influence when he can play or where he should play. Unlike some
of the loan deals in England, where, for instance, Ben Foster or Tim Howard
cannot play against Manchester United. The loan bit made me think again
about what I had written earlier about the Tevez ruling - where I had said
that West Ham had broken both rules B13 and U18. In retrospect, the
conditions of a loan agreement between MSI and West Ham over Tevez seem very
similar to the loan agreements signed between two clubs over a particular
player. The more I look at it, the more it seems that technically, the
players ARE on loan to the clubs under the same circumstances as those of
club-to-club loans - that is, the original club owns the transfer rights,
could recall the player and trigger a transfer, etc.

What do you guys think?

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KEEPER CARRIZO JUAN FOR CURBS
By John Cross 12/06/2007

WEST HAM boss Alan Curbishley wants Argentinian goalkeeper Juan Pablo
Carrizo after a recommendation from striker Carlos Tevez. River Plate's
Carrizo, valued at £6million, is one of Argentina's best prospects and is
also wanted by Lazio and AC Milan. Agent Kia Joorabchian is involved in
taking the keeper to Europe and Curbishley has money to spend, thanks to
owner Eggert Magnusson, and wants competition for Robert Green.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 12th June 2007

England Under-21s held in opening clash - WHUFC
11/06/2007 22:23

England Under-21s kicked off their UEFA European Championship finals
campaign with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against the Czech Republic on Monday
evening. In their opening group B game, Stuart Pearce's team wasted a
glorious opportunity to get off to a winning start as Reading striker Leroy
Lita missed an 87th minute penalty after defender Roman Hubnik had handled
inside the box. While Hammers defender Anton Ferdinand was ruled out of the
encounter with a slight groin strain, his Upton Park colleagues Nigel
Reo-Coker and Mark Noble were involved, with the latter appearing as an 82nd
minute substitute to provide the late spark that almost earned England
victory. The Young Lions' next game is again in Arnhem, on Thursday against
tournament favourites Italy, who were the subject of an upset later on this
evening, as they lost their opening game 1-0 against Serbia in Nijmegen.

England Under-21s: Carson, Hoyte, Baines, Cahill, Reo-Coker (c), Richardson
(Routledge 57), Nugent, Young, Milner (Lita 64), Huddlestone (Noble 82),
Onuoha. Subs unused: Hart, Rosenior, Derbyshire, Vaughan, Alnwick,
Whittingham.

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Duo in action - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 11th June 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel

Two of West Ham United's three England under-21s played in the opening Group
B match in Holland tonight. Captain Nigel Reo-Coker started the game while
Mark Noble came on as a second half replacement for Tottenham's Tom
Huddlestone in England's 0-0 draw with the Czech Republic. The third Hammer
in the squad, Anton Ferdinand, was forced to sit out the game with a groin
injury. Leroy Lita could have given the young Lions the perfect start to the
tournament but fired an 88th minute penalty wide of the target. Next up for
Stuart Pearce's side are group favourites Italy.

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Gabbidon makes Bellamy plea - Sky
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 11 Jun 2007

Daniel Gabbidon has urged Craig Bellamy to quit Liverpool in favour of a
move to West Ham United. Bellamy is being tipped to leave the UEFA Champions
League finalists in the summer and has been linked with several Premiership
clubs. The Hammers are rumoured to be leading the chase for the striker,
who only moved to Anfield from Blackburn Rovers 12 months ago. As Bellamy
muses over his future at Liverpool his Wales team-mate Gabbidon feels
joining West Ham would be beneficial for all parties. "He would love it at
West Ham," said Gabbidon. "He would be an instant fans' favourite. "Craig is
a quality player, but what West Ham fans would love is that he never stops
running, even if the team are 3-0 down. "He is a defender's nightmare, like
a terrier snapping at your heels. I have never known him give less than 100
per cent. "Craig would be a great signing for us and would definitely
improve the squad. "The manager has a lot of money to spend and Craig is the
kind of player the club are trying to attract to improve the team so we do
not have any relegation troubles next season. "We have got Dean Ashton
returning after missing last season after suffering a broken ankle. "Dean
and Craig would make a great partnership. Dean is a tall and skilful front
man while Craig is a hard-working, quick striker with great movement."

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Tevez says no to United - Telegraph
By Charles Carrick
Last Updated: 1:34am BST 12/06/2007

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson looks like losing out to Italian
champions Inter Milan in the race to sign Carlos Tevez. The Premiership
champions have remained tight-lipped over whether or not the West Ham
striker is a genuine transfer target, though Ferguson is understood to be
keen to lure Tevez to Old Trafford.
Chief executive David Gill has admitted that Ferguson wants a new striker
and insists funds are available to bring someone in, though United look like
being outbid for the Argentine forward. Ferguson is keen to land Tevez on a
12-month loan deal with a view to signing him permanently for around £12
million once the issue of the player's ownership is resolved. Old Trafford
officials, including Gill, have reportedly discussed a deal with their
counterparts at Upton Park but Tevez, apparently, has told sources that he
is not keen on a temporary move to United and would prefer to join Inter
instead.
Kia Joorabchian, who was behind Tevez's transfer from Corinthians to West
Ham last summer, has already spoken to Inter, who are prepared to pay up to
£30 million for Tevez and offer him a four-year-deal worth around £75,000 a
week. Such a fee would virtually put United out of the chase. Ferguson has
already spent £50 million on two summer signings and knows there is a limit
to how much cash there is at his disposal. Real Madrid are also in the hunt
and hope to hold talks with Tevez's representatives this week, with another
interested team, Chelsea, monitoring the situation. Ferguson, who is on
holiday in France, could turn to Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen, while Dimitar
Berbatov, of Tottenham, and Atletico Madrid's Fernando Torres are also
possible targets.

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Like father, like son as Rob's boy wonders look the part - Daily Mail
By PAUL FIELDER - More by this author »
Last updated at 12:24pm on 4th June 2007

Just because a footballer has a famous dad it doesn't mean they're
guaranteed to reach the same heights. But if the evidence so far is anything
to go by, Rob Lee could be outdone by both his boys. Oliver, 15, and Elliot,
12, are making an impression at one of their dad's former clubs, West Ham,
with the elder having already played for the reserves at a younger age than
his footballing father. "He keeps telling me that I never did it, so he's
got one up on me," said Rob, who was capped 21 times by England. "He keeps
ribbing me about it. It's fantastic, he came on for the last 15 minutes. "I
spoke to Steve Brown, the West Ham reserve-team manager with whom I used to
play at Charlton, and he said he did very well and didn't look out of place.
He's only 15 so he's making good strides, but there's a long way to go yet."

Attacking midfielder Oliver has just signed a two-year scholarship at West
Ham, while Elliot, a centre-forward, has been with the club since he was
seven and is a natural finisher despite his tender years. Rob said:
"Elliot's been there a long time but Oliver was a late starter. He's about
to leave school, but he's got his scholarship so we're very pleased with
him. Ninety-nine per cent of young boys and girls these days want to be
footballers, but he's taking his first small step really. "West Ham are
really pleased with both of them. Oliver's a tall athletic midfielder
player. He passes well and can get about the pitch and score the odd goal
and, as a midfielder, he'll be the one that's compared to me the most."
Rob enjoyed his best period at Newcastle where he played in Kevin Keegan's
free-flowing side that thrived on the goals of Alan Shearer. The former
Newcastle team-mates are still great friends and Rob sees something of the
legendary England striker in his son. Rob said: "Elliot's doing very well.
He's just a natural goalscorer. He reminds me a lot of Alan Shearer. "Alan
gives both of them advice and rates Elliot highly, but Elliot's favourite
player is Wayne Rooney. "He plays similar to Rooney, in that he is strong
and holds the ball up and he's got a knack of being in the right place at
the right time, which is a very hard thing to do."If he runs into the box 10
times, then eight times out of 10 the ball's going to come to him. When I
used to do that it used to be two times out of 10!"
For all the talent the boys possess, both have a long way to go if they are
to avoid the trap of being another footballer's son to have failed to live
up to a famous name.
The list of those who have fallen short include Gavin Strachan, Darren
Ferguson, Alex Bruce, Kevin Bond, Paul Dalglish, Danny Greaves, Kaspar
Schmeichel, Stephen Clemence and Jonathan Gould. Rob is well aware of the
potential pitfalls ahead. He said: "It [sons emulating dads] doesn't happen
often. "There's very few, with Frank Lampard being the prime example. Jamie
Redknapp is another, but I can't remember his dad Harry as a player too much
— he'll probably dispute that. Harry will probably think that he's better
than Jamie. "But Frank's the obvious one who comes to mind, his dad was a
good player but Frank has turned himself into a world-class player."
I can testify to the ability of the brothers Lee, having played against both
Oliver and Elliot at our weekly five-a-side sessions in South Ockendon in
Essex on a Monday night. Unstoppable when in full flight, Oliver packs
plenty of power in both feet while having as many tricks as Manchester
United star Cristiano Ronaldo, while in 15 years of our regular
five-as-sides, no one has come close to matching Elliot's outstanding haul
of 17 goals in one game a couple of months ago. The following week, Rob was
due to turn out but he failed to show up. The relief of the bunch of thirty-
and fortysomethings that the former England international wasn't going to
torment us was short-lived, however, when Elliot stepped in to fill his
boots. "They love it, especially Oliver, because he's got the skill and
enjoys nut-megging people," said Rob.
"Elliot's not bothered about nutmegs and taking the mickey out of players,
all he's worried about is scoring goals. They love playing over there. They
enjoy it, I enjoy it and all the lads enjoy it." Rob had better watch out
as, in the not-too-distant future, despite his 21 England caps, he could be
just the third best player in his own home.

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Tevez keen on switch to Inter - TeamTalk

West Ham striker Argentina striker Carlos Tevez has revealed he is
"interested" in joining Italian champions Inter Milan. The 23-year-old, who
is currently preparing for this month's Copa America in Venezuela, moved to
Upton Park from Brazilian side Corinthians at the start of last season in
what later proved a hugely controversial switch. But after securing Premier
League survival for Alan Curbishley's side with the solitary strike during a
1-0 win over Manchester United on the final day of the season, speculation
has increased that he will leave the Londoners this summer. Liverpool,
Manchester United and Chelsea have all been linked with Tevez but, with
international team-mates Hernan Crespo, Julio Cruz, Walter Samuel, Esteban
Cambiasso, Javier Zanetti, Nicolas Burdisso, Mariano Gonzalez and Santiago
Solari already plying their trade at the San Siro, it seems Serie A may now
be his favoured destination. "I know Inter is interested in me," said Tevez.
"It would be nice to play in Italy, especially in a team that has so many
Argentinians. "There will be some meetings, some discussions, but I really
don't know anything official yet."

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Ferdinand to market players - newvision.co.ug
Monday, 11th June, 2007 E-mail article Print article
By Phillip Corry

PRO-LINE soccer academy is to open up links with premier league side West
Ham United to market and seek clubs for budding Ugandan soccer players
through Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand. The Premiership defender
together with his father Julian and cousin Maxine, who is a top soccer scout
will visit the country on June 16 to raise funds for Pro-Line academy to put
up its headquarters. "The academy is going to open up links with West Ham
United to market Pro-Line players and others from the country," Mujib
Kasule, director of the academy, said. "Ferdinand (Rio) and his cousin will
market our players and others in the English premier league and its sister
lower leagues." Ferdinand will be accompanied by television crews from BBC,
SkySports and Man United Television. The Lugogo-based academy needs sh900m
to build a home and have identified land on Entebbe road. West Ham United
has donated equipment worth 30,000 pounds (sh96m) to the academy and Nike
sports wear manufacturers have a five year deal to provide Pro-Line with
sports goods and Nike affiliated super star replicas.

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Sunderland rival West Ham for Man Utd's Richardson
tribalfooball.com - June 11, 2007

Sunderland boss Roy Keane is being linked with Manchester United midfielder
Kieran Richardson. The England international is wanted by Keane, says The
Sun, however he is also attracting interest from former club West Ham
United.

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Noble excited about West Ham prospects
tribalfooball.com - June 11, 2007

Mark Noble admits he's excited about West Ham's prospects next season. The
20-year-old has no plans to demand a move from Upton Park following the
arrival of midfield rival Scott Parker and hopes to figure prominently in
manager Alan Curbishley's thinking. "I don't think I'd ask to leave, it's a
fantastic club," Noble told Sky Sports News. "Now we stayed up last season,
the money and the people we've got there will be fantastic and I'm sure we
can push on. "The sky's the limit for West Ham. We've got a great chairman,
a good manager and some fantastic players. "I hope we keep the likes of Tev
(Carlos Tevez), obviously Yossi (Benayoun) has signed a new deal and it's
looking forward for the club. "I can't wait for next season, and I'll be
going into the gaffer and telling him I want to play and finish off from
last season, and I'm sure he'll be happy with me doing that."

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Man Utd finding Tevez price too steep
tribalfooball.com - June 11, 2007

Manchester United aren't expected to meet the asking price for West Ham
striker Carlos Tevez. The Daily Star says Sir Alex Ferguson's only chance to
capture the former Corinthians hotshot is to splash out nearly £40m in
transfer fees. It is the second time since the end of the season that United
have been rebuffed in their efforts to sign a five-star striker after being
told Dimitar Berbatov will not be leaving Tottenham. Kia Joorabchian, who
was behind Tevez's transfer from Corinthians to West Ham last summer, has
already spoken to officials at Inter. They are prepared to pay up to £30m
for Tevez and offer the player a four-year deal worth around £75,000-a-week
and United won't be drawn into an auction. Joorabchian said: "Of the English
clubs, United are favourites because Carlos would like to go there - but if
they want him, he will cost no less than £40m. "After what they paid for the
two Portuguese players and the price of Shevchenko a year ago, that has to
be his value. "He has proved himself in the Premiership - unlike Shevchenko
- and is better and more experienced than the Portuguese boys."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - II 11th June 2007

Under-21 Hammers ready for Czech clash - WHUFC
11/06/2007 09:00

England will be hoping that the inclusion of three West Ham United players
in their squad for a major international tournament this summer will again
lead to glory - as the Under-21s begin their European Championship finals
campaign in Holland this evening. Anton Ferdinand, Mark Noble and Nigel
Reo-Coker will all be hoping for a piece of the action tonight as Stuart
Pearce's men face their opening group game against the Czech Republic in
Arnhem. Following a 5-0 friendly win against Slovakia at Norwich last week,
in which Noble made his under-21 debut as a substitute and Reo-Coker scored
his first goal at this level, the young Hammers will be aiming to follow in
the footsteps of Moore, Hurst and Peters by leading their country to
success. Tonight's game kicks off at 5.15pm BST and is live on Sky Sports.

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Dagenham & Redbridge tickets on sale - WHUFC
11/06/2007 14:42

Be the first to book your place at the Hammers opening pre-season friendly
at Dagenham and Redbridge on July 14 as tickets for the fixture are on sale
now!

Seats - Adults £15 Concessions £10.00
Terrace - Adults £10 Concessions £7.50

Tickets are now on general sale from the WHUFC ticket office - call 0870 112
2700 for more information.

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Roma clash confirmed - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 11th June 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel

West Ham United have confirmed that they will face Italian Serie A outfit
Roma in their final pre-season friendly this summer. The Italian giants will
face the Hammers at The Boleyn Ground on Saturday, 4th August - a week ahead
of the 07/08 Premier League campaign kicks off. Roma - who made the quarter
finals of the Champions league this season before succumbing to Manchester
United - also won the Coppa Italia and finished runners-up to Inter (who
they beat in the Coppa Italia) in this season's Serie A. Some of their
best-known players include Francesco Totti, French inteernational Philippe
Mexes and recently capped Daniele De Rossi.
Perhaps more notorious that many Roma players however are the club's fans -
the Ultras - who were involved in violent scenes in Manchester ahead of last
season's Champions League quarter final second leg.

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Noble looks ahead - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 11th June 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel

United midfielder Mark Noble says he is looking forward to playing in the
European under-21 Championships, which kick off for England later today.
Stuart Pearce's young charges face the Czech Republic later this afternoon
in their first match of Group B, which also features Italy and Serbia. And
Noble - who is in the squad along with fellow Hammers Anton Ferdinand and
Nigel Reo-Coker - says he is delighted that a planned family holiday had to
be cancelled due to a call from former Hammer Pearce last month. "I had
booked a holiday to Mexico," he said, "but I got the phone call [from
Stuart] and was buzzing. The missus was buzzing too because I wasn't going
to Mexico! "All the people at West Ham had been saying 'don't book any
holidays because you could get called up'."
Noble - who only became a first team regular with the Hammers in March - has
represented England at all youth levels, and added the under-21s to his
portfolio last week when he made a debut appearance in the 5-0 friendly win
over Estonia at Carrow Road. The second-youngest member of Pearce's squad
has now represented England at all levels from under-16, and firmly believes
that that experience will hold him in good stead for the Euros. "I hope my
experience of playing tournament football and getting to the later rounds
can help," he said. "But the next step is to win one. Cesc Fábregas scored
the winning penalty against us in the [under 17s] semi-finals for Spain and
Abou Diaby was playing for France when we played them in the [under 19s]
final."
Reflecting on the 06/07 season - in which Noble played a vital role in West
Ham's remarkable escape from relegation - he added: "It was a mad last 10
games. no one could believe that we had done it - and nor could we really.
Everyone thought it was finished. We did, and I think the fans did as well.
"But Winning at Manchester United to stay up was unbelievable. They were
celebrating the Premier League that day and I felt like we had just won the
Premier League. "It has been a fantastic few months of my life." You can
see England's clash with the Czech Republic on SkySports this afternoon. The
game kicks-off at 5.15pm.

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Anton eyes big brother link-up - Sky
By Peter ORourke - Created on 11 Jun 2007

Anton Ferdinand has revealed he dreams of playing alongside brother Rio for
England. West Ham defender Anton is hoping to boost his chances of breaking
into the senior England side by helping the Under 21s to success in the
European Championship. England get their Under 21 campaign underway against
Czech Republic on Monday, live on Sky Sports 1, with Ferdinand doubtful for
the game because of a slight knock. Ferdinand is keen to join his older
brother in Steve McClaren's set-up, revealing it is a dream both players
hope to fulfil. "Playing alongside Rio for England is a dream of mine, a
dream of my family's and a dream of his," Ferdinand told The Mirror. "It is
down to me now to make that dream come true. It'd be fantastic. "Last summer
I was going to be brought into the World Cup squad on standby but I had a
double hernia operation. "That was really upsetting. But that's football for
you, and hopefully I will get another chance."

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Noble can't wait for new season - Sky
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 11 Jun 2007

Mark Noble is confident he will still have an important role to play at West
Ham United next season. The young midfielder was an influential figure at
the close of the last campaign, featuring in the final 10 games as The
Hammers avoided relegation. Noble is aware that Scott Parker could be the
first of many midfield signings for the club over the summer which could
lead to increased competition for places. But the 20-year-old has no plans
to demand a move from Upton Park and hopes to figure prominently in manager
Alan Curbishley's thinking. "I don't think I'd ask to leave, it's a
fantastic club," Noble told Sky Sports News. "Now we stayed up last season,
the money and the people we've got there will be fantastic and I'm sure we
can push on. "The sky's the limit for West Ham. We've got a great chairman,
a good manager and some fantastic players. "I hope we keep the likes of Tev
(Carlos Tevez), obviously Yossi (Benayoun) has signed a new deal and it's
looking forward for the club.
"I can't wait for next season, and I'll be going into the gaffer and telling
him I want to play and finish off from last season, and I'm sure he'll be
happy with me doing that." The Hammers won seven of their last nine games to
secure their Premiership status and Noble admits everything fell into place
during the closing weeks of the campaign. He added: "It was amazing times
when I was there - it seemed like we were playing like Real Madrid. "We were
passing it, we had Tevez scoring, Bobby (Zamora) was scoring and obviously
we were on fire - it seemed like we can beat anyone, and it just showed
because we beat Man U away and Arsenal away.
"We rode our luck a bit at times, but you need that when you're in the
bottom three. We just deserved to stay up at the end of it."

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Noble says it was like playing for Real Madrid - WestHamOnline.net
Pee-Wee - Mon Jun 11 2007

Mark Noble loves it doesn't he, his enthusiasm and love for the Club shines
through every time he speaks and rather than see his place under threat with
the arrival of Scott Parker, he's relishing the competition for places. "I
don't think I'd ask to leave, it's a fantastic club," Noble told Sky Sports
News. "Now we stayed up last season, the money and the people we've got
there will be fantastic and I'm sure we can push on. "The sky's the limit
for West Ham. We've got a great chairman, a good manager and some fantastic
players. "I hope we keep the likes of Tev (Carlos Tevez), obviously Yossi
(Benayoun) has signed a new deal and it's looking forward for the club. "I
can't wait for next season, and I'll be going into the gaffer and telling
him I want to play and finish off from last season, and I'm sure he'll be
happy with me doing that."
The Hammers won seven of their last nine games to secure their Premiership
status and Noble admits everything fell into place during the closing weeks
of the campaign. He added: "It was amazing times when I was there - it
seemed like we were playing like Real Madrid. "We were passing it, we had
Tevez scoring, Bobby (Zamora) was scoring and obviously we were on fire - it
seemed like we can beat anyone, and it just showed because we beat Man U
away and Arsenal away.
"We rode our luck a bit at times, but you need that when you're in the
bottom three. We just deserved to stay up at the end of it."

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Hammers linked with double swoop - TeamTalk

West Ham are reportedly preparing a double striker swoop for West Ham
forward Jermain Defoe and Liverpool hitman Craig Bellamy. Hammers boss Alan
Curbishley will be backed in the transfer market this summer by owner Eggert
Magnusson after a poor season in which the club were almost relegated from
the Premiership, and sees strengthening his forward line as a priority.
Defoe and Bellamy are Curbishley's top targets after he was told Everton's
Andrew Johnson is not for sale, according to the Daily Mirror. Tottenham
striker Defoe, a former Hammers player, is still largely unpopular at Upton
Park for his decision to quit the club for White Hart Lane in 2004, but
Curbishley still views him as one of the best finishers in the country.
Curbs is also a big fan of Bellamy who looks to be on his way out of
Liverpool, but he will face competition from a number of Premiership clubs.
The newspaper reports that Hammers midfielder Yossi Benayoun could move to
Liverpool as part of the Bellamy deal even though he has been offered a new
five-year contract at Upton Park.

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Bellamy urged to join West Ham by his Welsh team-mates - Daily Mail
Last updated at 16:33pm on 11th June 2007

Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy has been told to jump at the chance to join
his Wales team-mates at West Ham. Bellamy, recently named Wales captain in
the wake of Ryan Giggs' retirement from international football, is believed
to be a summer target for the Hammers with a £9m fee mooted. With Liverpool
boss Rafael Benitez needing to sell players to bolster his transfer kitty,
Bellamy and Harry Kewell could well be sacrificed. Bellamy, already a target
for Aston Villa, Blackburn and Newcastle, is wanted by West Ham boss Alan
Curbishley as a partner for Dean Ashton with a £70,000 a week wages package
on offer. And Bellamy's arrival at Upton Park would meet with the approval
of West Ham and Wales defenders Danny Gabbidon and James Collins. Gabbidon
said: He would love it at West Ham. He would be an instant fans' favourite.
Craig is a quality player but what West Ham fans would love is that he never
stops running, even if the team are 3-0 down. "He is a defender's nightmare,
like a terrier snapping at your heels. I have never known him give less than
100 per cent." He added: "Craig would be a great signing for us and would
definitely improve the squad. "The manager has a lot of money to spend and
Craig is the kind of player the club are trying to attract to improve the
team so we do not have any relegation troubles next season. "We have got
Dean Ashton returning after missing last season after suffering a broken
ankle. Dean and Craig would make a great partnership, Dean is a tall and
skilful front man while Craig is a hard-working, quick striker with great
movement."
Benitez needs to make a quick decision over Bellamy's future now he believes
the proposed major funding from the new US owners of the club, George
Gillett and Tom Hicks, will not be as much as he had expected. But
suggestions that he could walk away from the club this summer as the debate
over funding continues, is wide of the mark with Benitez having already told
friends he has no intention of taking that option. But it is clear he will
not have the sort of cash to buy the likes of Samuel Eto'o. However, with
Liverpool making £29m from their run to the Champions League final, plus the
Sky TV and Premiership prize money to come, Benitez can expect £40m plus to
spend this summer. With maybe £15m from the sale of fringe players,
including a possible fee from Marseille for Djibril Cisse, Benitez can
bolster his cash kitty considerably. Benitez is now being linked with Real
Zaragoza striker Diego Milito, who scored a stunning goal against Real
Madrid on Saturday while being watched by Liverpool scouts. Also linked with
the Anfield club is Villarreal's Diego Forlan, who is on the verge of
scoring 20 goals in a La Liga season for the third campaign on the trot.

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West Ham boss Curbishley determined to land Defoe
tribalfooball.com - June 11, 2007

West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley is determined to bring Tottenham
striker Jermain Defoe back to Upton Park. The Mirror says Curbishley has
made an inquiry for Defoe even though he is still unpopular among West Ham
fans for quitting the club three years ago. But Curbishley rates the England
striker as one of the best finishers in the country and is desperate to
strengthen his forward line. Curbishley has big money to spend but has
already been told by Everton that Andy Johnson is not for sale. That has
prompted the moves for Defoe and Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy.

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Barcelona to cash in on Man Utd, West Ham target Gudjohnsen
tribalfooball.com - June 11, 2007

Barcelona will make Eidur Gudjohnsen available after this weekend's final
round of the Primera Liga. DiarioSport says the Iceland international has
lost the confidence of Barca's football management, including coach Frank
Rijkaard. Manchester United, West Ham and Newcastle are waiting to bring
Gudjohnsen back to England over the summer.

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West Ham keen on Man Utd's Smith, Richardson
tribalfooball.com - June 11, 2007

West Ham United are keen on Manchester United winger Kieran Richardson and
striker Alan Smith. It's been suggested the pair could go to Upton Park in
exchange for Carlos Tevez, however any deal will have to be done
independently for the Argentine because of registration issues. Richardson
began his career at the Hammers before being lured to United as a teenager.

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West Ham's Tevez prefers Inter over Man Utd
tribalfooball.com - June 11, 2007

West Ham striker Carlos Tevez is cool on a move to Manchester United. The
Telegraph says United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to land Tevez on a
12-month loan deal with a view to signing him permanently for around £12
million once the issue of the player's ownership is resolved. Old Trafford
officials, including chief executive David Gill, have reportedly discussed a
deal with their counterparts at Upton Park but Tevez, apparently, has told
sources that he is not keen on a temporary move to United and would prefer
to join Inter instead. Kia Joorabchian, who was behind Tevez's transfer from
Corinthians to West Ham last summer, has already spoken to Inter, who are
prepared to pay up to £30 million for Tevez and offer him a four-year-deal
worth around £75,000 a week. Such a fee would virtually put United out of
the chase.

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Defoe seeks contract talks with Spurs as Hammers prepare £12m bid - Daily
Mail
Last updated at 09:17am on 11th June 2007

Jermain Defoe is believed to be willing to enter contract talks with
Tottenham in a bid to extend his stay at White Hart Lane. The England
international is ready to heed the advice offered by former Spurs striker
Les Ferdinand and turn down the chance to join either West Ham, Aston Villa
or Portsmouth because it would be moving a rung down the professional
ladder. Hammers boss Alan Curbishley is happy to splash out £12million to
take Defoe back to Upton Park while Aston Villa would love him to play
alongside John Carew. Harry Redknapp, who was in charge at West Ham when
Defoe was rising spectacularly through the ranks, wants to take him to
current club Portsmouth but does not have the financial muscle to make a
suitable bid. Spurs want to heat up the competition for places in their
strikeforce by signing England international Darren Bent from Charlton. But
Ferdinand told Sportsmail that Defoe would be foolish to leave N17 even
though he has to fight Robbie Keane for a place in Martin Jol's attack
because Tottenham are on the brink of enjoying major Premiership and cup
success. The 24-year-old forward, who scored 18 times last term and
impressed Jol with his professional approach, has two years left on his
current deal and may now sit down with Spurs to thrash out new terms. He
knows Tottenham may have to sell him if he does not start negotiations with
the club because his value will start to drop once the season starts and his
current deal begins to run down.
Meanwhile, fellow Spurs striker Mido could be on his way to Birmingham in a
£4m deal. The Egypt forward scored just five times last season after chances
were limited following the arrival of Dimitar Berbatov. But Mido fired home
11 Premiership goals when he led the Tottenham front line in 2005-06 and
Blues boss Steve Bruce believes that is the firepower needed to keep the
Midlands club in the top flight following their promotion from the
Premiership

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Reo-coker could stay - all3points.com
11th June 2007
By Staff Writer

Nigel Reo-Coker could be set to stay at West Ham next season after the club
priced him out of a potential move to Aston Villa. Villa were reportedly
ready to offer West Ham £7 million for Reo-Coker with the player happy to
move to the Midlands club but West Ham have told the player they will not
allow him to leave for that fee.
The News of the World claims that West Ham are now looking for £10 million
for Reo-Coker and will not allow him to leave until someone meets that
valuation.

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Hammers in for Bolton's Nolan - all3points.com
11th June 2007
By Staff Writer

West Ham have been alerted to the availability of Bolton midfielder Kevin
Nolan after it was revealed that the player would be allowed to leave the
Reebok. The Sunday People claims that Bolton will not stand in the way of
Nolan if a valuation of around £4.5 million is met by any potential suitors.
The paper goes on to claim that despite splashing out £7 million on Scott
Parker this week, Hammer's boss Alan Curbishley is also keen on Nolan.

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Striker snubs £12 million West Ham return - all3points.com
11th June 2007
By Staff Writer

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has turned his back on a £12 million return
to West Ham. The News of the World claims that West Ham moved for Defoe last
week after failing in a bid to sign Everton's Andy Johnson. The paper
claims that Defoe rejected a move to West Ham and also one to Portsmouth out
of hand and quotes a club insider as saying: "Jermain's just not interested.
"Remember Spurs finished fifth and with the right quality signings, could
well break into the Champions League positions next season. Why would he
want to walk away from that?"

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Tevez in £12 million exit - all3points.com
11th June 2007
By Staff Writer

Carlos Tevez will sign for Manchester United this week in a deal thought to
be worth around £12 million. That's the view of this weekend's People
newspaper who claim that United chief executive David Gill is currently
working to unpick the complicated details of Tevez's ownership with a view
to doing a deal. The paper goes on to claim that Gill is hopefully that a
successful outcome can be reached and is suggesting that a deal could be
done as early as this week for a fee close to £12 million.

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CURBS WANTS OLD BOY DEFOE - The Mirror
By John Cross 11/06/2007

WEST HAM boss Alan Curbishley has launched a bid to lure Jermain Defoe back
to Upton Park. And Curbishley is also chasing Liverpool's Craig Bellamy as
West Ham owner Eggert Magnusson prepares to break the bank this summer.
Curbishley has made an inquiry for Defoe even though he is still unpopular
among West Ham fans for quitting the club three years ago. But Curbishley
rates the England striker as one of the best finishers in the country and is
desperate to strengthen his forward line.
That has also prompted a move for Bellamy, who is also wanted by Aston Villa
and Blackburn. Midfielder Yossi Benayoun may be ready to quit Upton Park as
part of any deal for Bellamy - only days after being offered a new five-year
contract. Benayoun has yet to sign the deal but would be tempted by a move
to Liverpool, who will allow Bellamy to leave this summer. Curbishley has
big money to spend but has already been told by Everton that Andy Johnson is
not for sale. That has prompted the moves for Defoe and Bellamy. Liverpool
will step up their efforts to sign West Ham hero Carlos Tevez after learning
of Manchester United's interest in the £20million-rated striker. Hammers are
keen on United winger Kieran Richardson, and a player-plus-cash deal could
be done involving the England Under-21 star, as well as England striker Alan
Smith, whose Old Trafford future is also uncertain.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 11th June 2007

Reo-Coker keeps eyes on prize - TeamTAlk

England Under-21 captain Nigel Reo-Coker is fully focused on the European
Championships, despite facing an uncertain future at club level. Aston Villa
have made a bid for the West Ham midfielder, but the 23-year-old is trying
to concentrate on playing for his country before settling worrying about
anything else. "If I said it was easy I'd be lying," he said. "It's not easy
but at the end of the day it's about being professional and that's got to be
put to the back of my mind, which it is. "It's nothing to do with my
personal career, it's all about the under-21s."
Coach Stuart Pearce has been dealt a number of selection problems preparing
for the finals in Holland - starting with being unable to contact Gabriel
Agbonlahor then the withdrawal of David Bentley due to "fatigue" - but the
remaining 22 youngsters are raring to go. "It has hurt us but it's not down
to me to comment on that situation," admitted Reo-Coker. "As a squad we have
to get on with it and we're very excited about the tournament. "We're more
than equipped with the squad we have, every player here wants to be here and
wants to win. That's all we care about."
England start their finals campaign tonight against the Czech Republic at
the Gelredome in Arnhem, with Anton Ferdinand struggling with a groin
complaint. The tournament has been switched to odd years to fall between
major senior championships, raising its profile. Pearce believes it gives
his players the opportunity to put themselves in the limelight. "This is a
big tournament," said Pearce, whose side will face Italy and Serbia later in
the week. "There is great expectation for the tournament. It will get
greater and greater and be a good summer's football. "Every time you take to
the pitch you are putting yourself in the shop window and proving yourself
to your team-mates. We're all in the same boat. "From my point of view
losing a job (he was sacked by Manchester City at the end of the season) was
disappointing . "I know from my own history it will make me stronger. It is
experience telling me that and inner strength."
While Agbonlahor and Bentley chose not to play, Mark Noble cancelled a lads'
holiday to Mexico to be part of Pearce's squad in Holland. "All the masseurs
and physios at West Ham were saying don't book any holidays in case you get
called up and I was like 'No, no'," he said. "The missus was pleased because
I wasn't going to Mexico with the boys. "If we win it the Mexico trip will
be at the back of my mind."
Czech Republic striker Michal Papadopulos, who has previously had a spell at
Arsenal, is wary of Pearce's youngsters. "Of course you have to put England
among the favourites," he said. "But while we respect their quality, we are
not afraid of them."

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United to step up Tevez bid - Report - TeamTalk

Manchester United are reportedly planning a swoop for Carlos Tevez, but
could lose out to Inter Milan in the race for the West Ham striker.
According to several of Sunday's newspapers, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson
has asked chief executive David Gill to explore a move for the Argentina
striker, who seems certain to leave Upton Park this summer. According to The
Mail on Sunday, Old Trafford officials discussed a deal with connections of
Tevez last week and are keen to take the frontman on loan for a season while
the complicated issues surrounding his ownership are sorted out. However,
the News of the World claims businessman Kia Joorabchian, who was behind
Tevez's transfer from Corinthians to West Ham last summer, has since spoken
to officials at Inter Milan. It is thought the Italian champions would be
prepared to pay up to £34million for Tevez's services, eclipsing the
£12million that United are willing to pay for a permanent deal. Real Madrid
are also in the hunt and hope to hold talks with Tevez's representatives
this week, while Liverpool and Chelsea are also thought to be monitoring the
situation. But Ferguson, who is currently on holiday in the south of France,
appears keen to make sure United are involved in the scramble for his
signature. The Red Devils boss has admitted in the past that he was offered
Tevez and Javier Mascherano last summer, but turned down the move because of
uncertainty over the deal. United have also been strongly linked with Ajax
striker Klaas-Jan Hunterlaar, but appear set to lose out to Juventus in the
race for the £10million-rated hitman. They are also struggling to land other
striking targets, including Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov and Atletico
Madrid's Fernando Torres, which may explain why Ferguson has stepped up his
attempts to do a deal for Tevez.

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Prem duo chasing Irons ace Marlon - TeamTalk

Premiership rivals Derby and Fulham are reportedly battling it out for the
signature of West Ham striker Marlon Harewood this summer. The Hammers
frontman has been told he leave Upton Park by boss Alan Curbishley, having
scored just four goals last season after a haul of 16 during the previous
campaign. Derby are looking to bolster their attack following their return
to the Premiership, while new Fulham chief Lawrie Sanchez wants to freshen
up his squad after the Cottagers flirted with relegation last season. The
Sunday Mirror claims Harewood would be available for a fee in the region of
£2.5million, and with the 27-year-old said to be keen on remaining in London
it would appear that a switch to Craven Cottage could possibly be on the
cards.

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Trotters may cash in on star Nolan - Teamtalk

Everton, West Ham, Manchester City and Sunderland are on alert after it was
reported Bolton may be willing to sell midfielder Kevin Nolan. According to
The People, new Trotters boss Sammy Lee would be willing to part with the
influential Englishman as he bids to overhaul his squad this summer. Lee has
already strengthened his midfield with the signing of Aston Villa's Gavin
McCann and is thought to be prepared to cash in on Nolan, who has two years
left on his current contract and could command a fee in the region of
£4.5million. Everton boss David Moyes is considered the favourite in the
race for the Liverpool-born player, and is eager to strengthen his midfield
options after missing out on Manchester City's Joey Barton to Newcastle.
City are looking to fill the gap left by Barton at Eastlands and Nolan would
be seen as an ideal replacement. But while the 25-year-old would be keen to
stay in the North West, the uncertainty over the City managerial position
and the potential takeover at the club may prove a stumbling block. Hammers
boss Alan Curbishley would like to see Nolan alongside Scott Parker in a
new-look midfield at Upton Park if Nigel Reo-Coker leaves the club this
summer and is keeping an eye on the situation. And Sunderland manager Roy
Keane is also on the lookout for proven Premiership talent to bolster his
side's hopes of staying in the top-flight after winning promotion. Newcastle
boss Sam Allardyce has also been linked with Nolan after forming a good
relationship with him at Bolton, but has prioritised other areas in his
Tyneside squad rebuilding programme after strengthening his midfield with
the signing of Barton earlier this week.

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Man Utd join Tevez chase - The Sun
By MARTIN BLACKBURN
June 11, 2007

CARLOS TEVEZ is the new target for big-spending Manchester United. Alex
Ferguson's champs have already lashed out £47million this summer on Owen
Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson. Now they have joined the race for Argentine
hitman Tevez, who seems certain to quit West Ham. United chief executive
David Gill admitted last week the Old Trafford giants want a striker. And
they have received little encouragement while checking out the likes of
Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov and Spanish sensation Fernando Torres. Inter
Milan and Liverpool are also hot on the trail of 23-year-old Tevez, whose
goals kept West Ham in the Premiership. Fergie is on holiday in the South of
France but is aware Tevez's future is likely to be decided soon. United
turned down the opportunity to sign the striker last summer because they
were not convinced about the nature of the deal. Fergie said: "Tevez was
offered to everybody. We were offered both him and Javier Mascherano but, if
I remember it correctly, we weren't sure of the deal."

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Noble says adiós to Mexico after spring surge earns call-up
West Ham's late bloomer says past disappointments can help Under-21 side
thrive in Holland
Jeremy Wilson
Monday June 11, 2007
The Guardian

The past three months have left Mark Noble shocked and delighted in equal
measure. After a spell on loan at Ipswich Town, the midfielder made his
first league start of the season for West Ham in the dramatic 4-3 defeat by
Tottenham in March before becoming integral to the run of seven wins in nine
matches which guaranteed Premiership safety.
A summer holiday in Mexico beckoned but he now finds himself in Holland with
the England Under-21 team who are looking to emulate the European
Championship successes of 1982 and 1984.

"It was a mad last 10 games of the season; I think no one could believe that
we had done it and nor could we really," he said. "Everyone thought it was
finished. We did as well and I think the fans did.
"Winning at Manchester United to stay up was unbelievable. United were
celebrating [winning] the Premier League that day and I felt like we had
just won the Premier League. It has been a fantastic few months of my life.

"All the people at West Ham were saying 'don't book any holidays because you
could get called up [for England]' and I was 'of course not'. I had booked a
holiday to Mexico with friends. I got the phone call and I was obviously
buzzing about that and the missus was buzzing because I wasn't going to
Mexico."

With Nigel Reo-Coker and Anton Ferdinand, Noble is part of a trio of West
Ham players who will certainly bring a winning momentum to the squad. "I
feel much stronger, confidence-wise and belief-wise," said Noble. "We really
felt like no matter what game we were going into we were going to win."

A degree of uncertainty, however, surrounds the club future of his two
team-mates, particularly that of Reo-Coker, who has handed in a transfer
request and is the subject of a £7m bid from Aston Villa. "I've played a lot
with Nigel, he's a good friend of mine - he's a good player and a top
person," said Noble. "He's helped me out along the way, given me
encouragement because obviously he has been there. I just hope everything is
sorted out with him sooner or later and he is happy playing his football
again."

Noble has just turned 20 and is the second youngest member of Stuart
Pearce's Under-21 squad. He has played for England through every age group
from the Under-16s and was part of teams which reached the Uefa Under-17
Championships semi-final in 2004 and then the Under-19 final the following
year.

"The next step is to win one," he said. "[Cesc] Fábregas scored the winning
penalty against us in the semi-finals for Spain [in 2004] and [Abou] Diaby
was playing for France when we played them in the final.

"The top players come out of these competitions. I don't want losing in
finals to rub off but I hope my experience of playing tournament football
and getting to the later rounds can help."

Noble says that it is about time England won an international tournament and
he has vivid memories of watching Pearce as an England player, particularly
during Euro 96 when Terry Venables' side reached the semi-finals.

"He is a legend in his own right - I watched him play at West Ham and one
time he tried to play with a broken leg I think," said Noble. "That just
showed what a strong man and character he is. He's a credit to himself and
obviously to England. I've only known him three weeks. He seems
approachable, you can have a laugh when it suits him, he joins in training
and he's still got a bit about him in training."

Noble has not, however, experienced a 50-50 challenge with the manager.
"He's edging to tackle someone but I'm not sure it will come in this
tournament," he said. "I don't think he wants to risk one of the boys
getting injured."

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United consider move for Tevez - The Independent
By John Nisbet
Published: 11 June 2007

Manchester United are reportedly planning a move for Carlos Tevez, but could
lose out to Internazionale in the race to sign the West Ham striker.
United's manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, has asked the club's chief executive,
David Gill, to look at the possibility of a move for the Argentina striker.
It is thought, however, that the Italian champions would be prepared to pay
up to £34m for Tevez, bettering the £12m that United are willing to pay. The
United full-back Gabriel Heinze has said he would consider leaving for
Barcelona. The 29-year-old Argentine said he will not make a decision until
after this summer's Copa America, but would be tempted by a move to the Nou
Camp. "Barcelona is a super-club, like Manchester United. If a formal offer
is tabled, I'll need to study it calmly," he said. "Nobody at United has
told me I'm not wanted next season."

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Everton, West Ham keep tabs on Bolton's Nolan
tribalfooball.com - June 10, 2007

Everton, West Ham, Manchester City and Sunderland are on alert after it was
reported Bolton may be willing to sell midfielder Kevin Nolan. According to
The People, new Trotters boss Sammy Lee would be willing to part with the
influential Englishman as he bids to overhaul his squad this summer.
Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce has also been linked with the 25 year old after
forming a good relationship with him at Bolton, but has prioritised other
areas in his Tyneside squad rebuilding programme after strengthening his
midfield with the signing of Joey Barton last week.

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Noble hopes West Ham clinch Reo-Coker deal
tribalfooball.com - June 10, 2007

West Ham midfielder Mark Noble admits he hopes England U21 teammate Nigel
Reo-Coker joins him at Upton Park. "I've played a lot with Nigel, he's a
good friend of mine - he's a good player and a top person," said Noble.
"He's helped me out along the way, given me encouragement because obviously
he has been there. I just hope everything is sorted out with him sooner or
later and he is happy playing his football again."

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Derby, Fulham move for West Ham's Harewood
tribalfooball.com - June 10, 2007

Derby County and Fulham are chasing West Ham United striker Marlon Harewood.
The striker was told last week that he is surplus to requirements at West
Ham and can leave for £2.5million.

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Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 10th June 2007

Fredrikstad deny West Ham talks - BBC
By Paul Fletcher

Norwegian club Fredrikstad insist they have not had any contact with West Ham over teenager Tarik Elyounoussi. The Hammers have been strongly linked with a £3m move for the 19-year-old forward, who was invited to train with Chelsea's academy last November. But Fredrikstad director Morgan Andersen told BBC Sport: "There has been no contact at all with West Ham. "We really want to keep him and to sell him the offer must be so good that we cannot say no."
West Ham signed midfielder Scott Parker from Newcastle for £7m on 6 June and manager Alan Curbishley is expected to further strengthen his squad after narrowly avoiding relegation last season. Elyounoussi, born in Norway and of Moroccan descent, made his debut in the 2005 season and was a member of the Fredrikstad team that won the Norwegian cup in 2006. "Chelsea wanted to see him with their academy," added Andersen. "That was in November, the same week as we played in our cup final. "Firstly, he had to be with the squad and secondly why should he go to Chelsea's academy when he is one of the best players in Norway? "We would never send a player like that to train with an academy. "He was the best talent in Norway in 2006 and he is reckoned as one of the best young players in Europe. He is a great young player and will only get better." Elyounoussi, who has more than two years left on his current deal, was also invited to Portsmouth in 2006 - but again Fredrikstad decided their first-team requirements took priority.

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Juan more Argie on the way? - KUMB
Filed: Saturday, 9th June 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel

West Ham United have made a £6.5m bid for River Plate goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo, according to reports. News site ESPN Deportes claim that the Hammers are attempting to land the higly-rated 23-year-old stopper, who will almost certainly join Carlos Tevez in the Argentina squad for the forthcoming Copa America. According to the story, River Plate delegates - including club president José María Aguilar - met with Hammers officials last week during which the offer was lodged. The bid - which would constitute a record for an Argentinian goalkeeper - is thought likely to be accepted by River Plate, whose manager Daniel Passarella is said to be extremely disappointed at the prospect of losing the 6'2" Carrizo. The young keeper made his first team debut for River in January 2006, since when he has established himself as the club's number one. He made his international debut for Argentina in April of this year in a 0-0 draw against Chile. West Ham have been in the market for a new keeper since allowing Roy Carroll to leave on a free transfer.

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Addicks: Bent won't go on cheap - Sky
By Tom Adams - Created on 9 Jun 2007

Peter Varney insists Charlton will only sell Darren Bent if they receive a suitable offer for the in-demand striker. Bent has reportedly attracted a range of clubs following The Addicks' relegation, with Liverpool, West Ham, Tottenham and Valencia linked with the England man in Saturday's newspapers alone. Bent has proved his class in the Premiership over the past two seasons and figures as high as £18million have been mooted in the press in an attempt to put a value on the former Ipswich striker. Charlton have already compensated for his likely departure by wrapping up deals for Chris Iwelumo and Luke Varney, but the club's chief executive insists Bent will not be leaving unless a suitable offer is tabled. "Darren Bent will only leave Charlton if the price is right for Charlton," said Varney in The Mirror. "If it is not then he will be going nowhere."

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Reo-Coker focused on England - Sky
By James Pearson - Created on 9 Jun 2007

Nigel Reo-Coker is happy to put his club career on hold while he helps England win the European Under 21 Championship in Holland. Reo-Coker's West Ham stay is very much in doubt following a £7million bid from Aston Villa for his services last week. The 23-year-old midfielder is currently in Holland and is opting to focus on helping Stuart Pearce's men lift silverware rather than where he will be playing next season. Reo-Coker is thrilled at the talent in Pearce's squad and fully believes England's stars of the future can be successful this summer. "My main focus is on England's Under 21s," Reo-Coker told the Times. "We're going to try and win the tournament and that's all I'm thinking about at the moment. "Everything else that happens will take care of itself. "I've been in the Under 21s for a while and it's the best bunch of players I've been with. "Everyone has played at least half a season in the Premiership and we've got so many talented individuals."

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Curbishley: Shopping spree not over - Soccernet

West Ham United manager Alan Curbishley intends to supplement his squad rather than radically change it despite the club's narrow escape from relegation.
Curbishley has already brought in midfielder Scott Parker from Newcastle for £7million and the former Charlton boss is being linked with a host of other names. 'I am not saying I will sign 11 players and move everyone out. We have a strong squad here when they are all fit,' he said. 'Lucas Neill and Luis Boa Morte were the only players involved on the last day at Old Trafford who weren't here when I arrived. 'Danny Gabiddon was player of the year in 2006 and I missed him greatly. Matthew Upson and Dean Ashton have barely kicked a ball because of injury - that is £13million of talent. 'If there are players who can improve us, we will try to get them. If I can add to the squad I will but if nothing else happens until we kick off, I have a lot to work with.' There are certain to be more changes, however, as Hammers captain Nigel Reo-Coker handed in a transfer request at the end of the season and appears to be on his way to Aston Villa. 'He is a West Ham player at the moment but he has made clear his desire to leave. We responded to that request and we will see where we go,' said Curbishley, who added that no formal bid had yet been received.

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United swoop for Tevez: Sir Alex wants Argentine star on year's loan - This Is London
09.06.07

Manchester United have made a sensational bid to sign Carlos Tevez, the striker whose controversial move to West Ham cost the east London club a record £5.5 million fine for breaking transfer regulations. Discussions have taken place between high-ranking Old Trafford officials and connections of Tevez, 23. Hijacking the brilliant Argentina forward from under the nose of north-west rivals Liverpool would eclipse even United's recent £50m splash for Owen Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson. The deal, initially thought to be on a loan basis for at least a season,would depend on removing the complications which surrounded Tevez's arrival at Upton Park last August from Brazilian club Corinthians. The issues had deterred United manager Sir Alex Ferguson from taking up an option to sign the striker and his international team-mate, midfielder Javier Mascherano, when they were offered to United last summer. Tevez was offered to everybody,' said Ferguson. We were offered both him and Mascherano but, if I remember it correctly, we weren't sure of the deal.' The controversial disciplinary action against West Ham raised a furore because the Premier League's independent commission refused to impose a points penalty on the relegation-threatened club. Tevez built on that reprieve by scoring six goals in West Ham's amazing run of seven wins in their last nine matches as Alan Curbishley's team escaped the drop. It included the only goal of the game against champions United at Old Trafford when the issue was settled on the final day. Sheffield United were condemned to relegation instead and responded by threatening legal action. Ferguson has been unstinting in his admiration for the part Tevez played in West Ham's survival. He is the one who lifted their game,' Sir Alex said. He scored a couple of really good free-kicks and seems to have a lot of enthusiasm.'
West Ham broke Premier League rules when they signed Tevez and Mascherano because the players were part-owned by a third party. Mascherano has since joined Liverpool, whose manager Rafael Benitez is keen to reunite the pair at Anfield but who could be undone by United's audacious swoop. Tevez's registration is currently held by West Ham, with whom he signed a four-year deal. Technically that agreement still exists but the repercussions of the tribunal could mean Tevez is no longer bound by it and is, therefore, available on a free transfer. The player's future will be thrashed out at a meeting this week between his lawyer, Graham Shear, and West Ham's legal team. Kia Joorabchian, the Iranianborn British businessman whose company, MSI, own the economic rights to Tevez's transfer, has yet to meet West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson and is currently in Buenos Aires on business with the striker, who is preparing to play for Argentina in the Copa America. But Joorabchian has appointed Shears to negotiate on his company's behalf after a planned meeting with Magnusson was cancelled last week. MSI will demand that West Ham reinstate the now-notorious clauses in Tevez's contract which give the company rights over the striker's transfer. The Hammers claimed,following the disciplinary case against them, to have torn up that part of their original deal with Joorabchian, a move that prompted the Premier League to allow Tevez to play on during West Ham's controversial escape from relegation. West Ham want to discuss the possibility of keeping Tevez at Upton Park but that is an increasingly forlorn hope given United's interest. However, in order for negotiations to begin between the clubs, the West Ham issue will have to be resolved. est Ham's negotiations with Joorabchian and Tevez's lawyers may also impact on the forthcoming arbitration claim by Sheffield United, who requested a hearing over the player's continued eligibility. Joorabchian is likely to sue West Ham if the club do not reinstate his player's contract, which allowed the businessman to dictate where and when Tevez could move.

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No Bell prize for Pompey boss - TeamTalk

Harry Redknapp has admitted Portsmouth cannot compete with West Ham in the race to sign Craig Bellamy and has also given up on Jimmy Briand. The Pompey boss is keen to boost his striking options this summer with the futures of Svetoslav Todorov and Kanu in doubt and had identified Liverpool forward Bellamy as a major summer target. But Redknapp has now ruled out a move after discovering he would not be able to match the spending power of West Ham if Liverpool decide to part with the Welsh striker Redknapp told the Portsmouth News: "Craig Bellamy would do for us. But West Ham want him and would double his wages to £100,000-a-week. How do you compete with that? "We've got no chance of getting Bellamy." Redknapp has also ruled out a switch for French forward Briand, who is valued at £8million by his club Rennes, because several bigger clubs are also in the hunt. He added: "Jimmy Briand is very good - he's just been called up for France. "But again, I won't get him. Rennes don't want to sell him - and there are bigger fish than us trying. "You look at France, and Nicolas Anelka, who I tried to get here last summer, is centre-forward for his country again now. "What chance have we got of getting him? With Thierry Henry, he's the best French centre-forward."

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Spurs, West Ham battle for Charlton's Bent
tribalfooball.com - June 09, 2007

Tottenham and West Ham are locked in a battle for Charlton Athletic striker Darren Bent. The Mirror says the England hitman is the prime target of both clubs. But the Hammers are prepared to offer him £60,000 a week in wages - double the sum Spurs had banked on paying. Spanish giants Valencia - poised to lose marksman David Villa this summer - are also keen. But Charlton supremo Peter Varney warned all interested clubs that they won't land the south Londoners' prize asset unless they match the Addicks' valuation. Varney said: "Darren Bent will only leave Charlton if the price is right for Charlton. If it is not then he will be going nowhere."

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Man Utd open talks over stunning Tevez deal
tribalfooball.com - June 09, 2007

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is swooping for West Ham United strike-ace Carlos Tevez. The Mail on Sunday says discussions have taken place between high-ranking Old Trafford officials and connections of Tevez, 23. Hijacking the brilliant Argentina forward from under the nose of north-west rivals Liverpool would eclipse even United's recent �50m splash for Owen Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been unstinting in his admiration for the part Tevez played in West Ham's survival. "He is the one who lifted their game," Sir Alex said. "He scored a couple of really good free-kicks and seems to have a lot of enthusiasm."Tevez's registration is currently held by West Ham, with whom he signed a four-year deal. Kia Joorabchian, the Iranian born British businessman whose company, MSI, own the economic rights to Tevez's transfer, has yet to meet West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson and is currently in Buenos Aires on business with the striker, who is preparing to play for Argentina in the Copa America.

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est Ham's Ferdinand hopes for Rio reunion
tribalfooball.com - June 09, 2007

West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand hopes to use the U21 European Championships as a platform to join his brother Rio, of Manchester United, in the England senior team. Anton said: "That is a dream of mine, a dream of my family's and a dream of his. It is down to me now to make that dream come true. It would be fantastic."

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Tottenham's Defoe rejects £12M West Ham return
tribalfooball.com - June 09, 2007

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has rejected a £12 million move to West Ham. The News of the World says Hammers moved for Tottenham's England striker after being knocked back in a bid to sign Andy Johnson from Everton. But Defoe told his former club there was �zero chance' of him rejoining them. And the highly-rated 24-year-old, who hit 18 goals last season, has also rejected any move to Portsmouth. A Tottenham insider said: "Jermain's just not interested.
"Remember, Spurs finished fifth and, with the right quality signings, could well break into the Champions League positions next season. Why would he want to walk away from that?"

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Manchester United Nip In For Carlos Tevez On Loan - Soccerblog
Posted on Sunday, June 10th, 2007

In quite possibly one of the least substantiated rumour source ever, the football blog of the Orlando Sentinel is saying that they've gotten a sneak peak at the back pages of The Daily Mail (err…) which is claiming that Manchester United are looking to take Carlos Tevez away from West Ham on a one year loan deal.

Since beggar's can't really be choosers during silly season, we'll give this one a bit of thought. Tevez adapted very well to the Premiership towards the end of last season, scoring goals, dealing with the physicality and generally showing the kind of talent that made everyone sit up and take notice when the Hammers signed him in the first place. Given Sir Alex's fondness of strikers who can drop deep and help link play, this one makes sense from a purely footballing stance. Also, he is hideous and won't take attention off the more glamorous stars.

But, of course, there are potentially many non-footballing problems with signing Carlos Tevez. Is all the weirdness about his ownership really over? A club like Manchester United does not need to take a gamble on such a signing, and risk finding out the player is actually owned by a pair of monkeys in Cuba - leading to a points deduction. Then again, West Ham were eventually cleared of the worst charges so maybe all is well.

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