Filed: Wednesday, 1st August 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
The final instalment of our exclusive interview with United boss Alan
Curbishley is now online. In the final part of our three-part interview -
which you can read here - Curbs talks (amongst other things) about the
changes to his squad, his hopes for the forthcoming season and his feelings
on the proposed move to Canning Town.
Alan Curbishley: Part Three
Filed: Wednesday, 1st August 2007
By: Gary Jones and Colin Wells
Alan Curbishley took time out from the recent pre-season tour of Austria to
talk to Gary Jones and Colin Wells. In the final part of our exclusive
three-part interview, Curbs talks to KUMB.com about pre-season, his squad
and the plans to move away from Upton Park ...
KUMB.com: This is your team now?
Alan Curbishley: It's my backroom staff - and I feel all the players here
today want to be here.
At the end of the season I asked the players if they wanted to be here or if
they wanted to go. If they didn't want to be here we did something about it
- simple as that. There were no big bust ups; football is not that way now -
it's a totally different game altogether. The only one who was a
disappointment was Yossi, because he had agreed to stay. He agreed a five
year contract - I was on holiday when he agreed it and I was happy as could
be. Then Liverpool changed his mind, so that was a disappointing one. Nigel
[Reo-Coker] intimated [that he wanted to leave] at Christmas, after
Christmas and at the end of the season. So end of season was the time to
sort it out.
Paul Konchesky - contrary to what people might think I've never had a
bust-up with Paul. He felt he wanted to leave, I said, 'let's get to the end
of the season and we'll sort it out'. The same with Marlon, he was that way
inclined as well.
All I said to the club was, 'if you get the right money and they don't want
to be here, then the decision …' I want players that want to be here, but
they gave their lot in the run-in, all of them. Nigel played all the games
for me, Marlon played games and was on the fringe of it - and scored an
important goal up at Wigan. Yossi was totally committed.
But I've got 20-odd players now that want to be here, and if we can bring a
couple more in before the window closes I think I'll have players focused at
the right age with the right enthusiasm and the right ingredients for the
Premiership.
KUMB: What areas are you trying to fill now? Obviously the right-hand side
looks short?
AC: Yeah, we're a bit skinny in certain areas and I've got to make sure that
we don't get left a little bit bare when the window closes. But it's
difficult because we are looking for certain qualities.
KUMB: Is it the midfield you're focusing on?
AC: No, anything can happen - things change as you go along. I know the
areas where I think we're a bit skinny and we need to improve on that, so if
we can we will. But I've said to the club, 'this is what I think we need to
do, can they go and do it' - but we're not irresponsible. I think that a lot
of the press is negative, I don't know why.
KUMB: I'd like to speak about the youth team set-up. Obviously, Tony Carr
and his staff have done a fantastic job in recent times. Eggert said when he
came in that he wanted to rebuild the Academy - do you know what he meant by
that?
AC: I think he said he'd want to invest in it because it's renowned for the
players that've come through - like a lot of clubs. I had Bowyer, Parker and
other young players coming through regularly at Charlton, then we had a bit
of a void. But I think most clubs in London have had that, because the
players have got to be of such [high standard] to get in Premiership first
teams as the competition is so great.
You find that if a young English player gets in his team then within a
season or two he's being pushed for the full [national] squad because that
is the nature of it now. West Ham have had a little bit of a void but
they've not done too bad - Anton, Noble …
But first thing's first. Eggert's come in a month before me, the club is in
a relegation battle, that's gone now and we're looking to establish
ourselves as a decent Premiership side. I think that the next step is to
invest in the academy. I've spoke to Tony and I know everybody there - Jimmy
Anderson was my youth development officer at Charlton before he left to come
over to West Ham.
I've only been here for six months and I've been concentrating on the first
team, as we sit here now. I've got my staff [in place]. I'm happy, I think
the players are happy with the people we've got, the physics and fitness
people - and I hope they've enjoyed the pre-season.
KUMB: The buzz amongst the players and the staff … to compare this to before
…
A: Yeah, well I don't know what went on before. I don't know how things were
done except to say that once it all settles down is it up to you to impose
what you want. So we've had a little bit of a change around and the people
that have left - funnily enough - have gone to Charlton! I wrote to them all
personally thanking them for their efforts - I've got no problem there.
KUMB: Do you ever feel as if you've not been given enough credit for last
season?
A: No, I've got some good friends who are West Ham fans and they were
suffering as well, as I said earlier. I didn't realise how great the
responsibility of being West Ham manager was, but I do now. What I've said
to these players this year is that if you for West Ham you work for us - and
it means everything. It means on the field, off the field; it means signing
balls, signing shirts; it means doing all the things that mean a lot to
people. Whilst it may not count too much for them it counts for every fan
that gets something, or a fan who feels they've been treated right.
Perhaps the players have got to mend a few bridges? I don't think that is
the case because I think the fans, if they think their team is trying,
that's enough for them - but we got a lot of bad press last year and I
include off the field. I'm part of it, we got a lot of bad press for all
sorts of things and we've got to change that - we've got be talked about for
football. We [had that] near the end [of the season] and we have got to
carry on. As I say, with off the field activities they've got to be very
careful.
KUMB: One last question Alan. Moving away from Upton Park - is that
something that you are aware of?
AC: Yeah. I was brought up a mile from West Ham station, in Gainsborough
Road. I went to Gainsborough Road primary school, I then went to South West
Ham Tech on the Barking Road which was called Trinity, now it might be
something else …
KUMB: I'm not sure …
AC: And the piece of land that we're talking about is directly opposite the
house I lived in Gainsborough Road …
KUMB: Is that that Parcel Force?
AC: Parcel Force, yeah - it's exactly opposite where I used to walk over
Star Lane to go to school every day.
KUMB: By our original ground?
AC: Yeah. I lived in the flats that backed onto that, they're called
Kimberley Gardens now but they were called Manor Road Buildings when I lived
there. Things have changed. I said to Eggert, 'I can't believe the piece of
land you're being given, it's just half-a-mile from where I was brought up'.
I think he was quite impressed by that because although he thought I was a
West Ham boy I don't think he realised how [much of a] West Ham boy.
My brother has bought four season tickets; I get tickets, but he still
bought four - he wants to go and sit where he wants to sit and I've got a
lot of other pressure put on me. My wife comes from Wilshaw Road which is
down the side of the statue, all the family come from East Ham. It's a big
thing, every day is a West Ham day.
KUMB: I did my research on that because a friend of mine is Nick Hollings -
he used to support Charlton. I asked him 'what's Curbishley like?' and he
said 'he's proper West Ham.' Nick worked with you for years when he was at
Charlton, didn't he?
AC: Yeah. I always enjoyed going back to Upton Park - I had a good record
actually!
KUMB: Yeah you did when you were with Charlton - for a bit …
AC: Yeah, I loved it. It was great for me and Merv, we come from an era
which I think a lot of fans relate to - you know, the players that they talk
about now. People talk about the boys of '86 - fine, great, you know. But a
lot of them talk about the Brookings and the Bonds'.
KUMB: '75 onwards for us …
AC: The Lampards and the Hollands … David Cross is one of our scouts now. It
was my era. It's great that the Chairman's got Bonzo back , he's come to the
games near the end and felt at home so obviously he'll take it on. Trevor's
still around.
But there's a lot of fans now that don't remember that - we've got a lot of
fans wanting. We've got to give them something else now and I like to think
that the least we are going to give them is a competitive team. If everyone
stays fit, and we get off to the start I would like, we'll give them a
competitive team.
So we move on. We can't forget what happened to us - I don't think that
anyone should forget that you're one game away from going down, you know,
but the way I look at it is that a season starts now and ends there - and we
got 41 points. We may have got 41 points in a rather peculiar way but you
still need 41 points.
When I came in I knew we had to get over 38 - I looked at it and thought we
need 38 or more to stay up. So it needed eight or nine wins, and we ended up
doing it the wrong way - we ended up beating the top teams and lost to the
smaller ones. I'm saying to the players, 'sort out the little ones because I
know you can compete with the big ones'. I don't go overboard, I don't jump
up and down etc. etc. but I know what's going on and I do feel that the team
last year was very young and needed a bit of direction.
KUMB: But they learnt from it?
AC: I hope so. I think they've learnt from the last three years. At Old
Trafford, for the last game, I didn't see any nerves because they've been to
finals. They've been to a play-off final and lost, they've been to a
play-off final and won, they've been to an FA Cup Final and lost - so that
wasn't a problem. You know, we got a bit of luck - as you say, the Blackburn
game, [we had] a bit of luck there. But something happened in that game, as
it happened in the Spurs game.
I think we had a bit of a surge in that game - we were one down and had a
surge where for 20 minutes or so we were kicking down that end and got the
two goals and held on. I thought something came back to the team and it was
different from then on. So as far as I'm concerned, we start afresh and
everyone starts afresh - the people that wasn't in the side at the end, I've
not got any favourites, I've not picked a side. My immediate concern is to
get through tomorrow night.
KUMB: Are you going to ask that it goes back?
AC: I'm going to try - my idea was to play two separate teams so everyone
gets 90 minutes.
KUMB: Like at Dagenham?
AC: Well, no - one team will play for 90 minutes at Orient and one team will
play for 90 minutes at MK Dons. No favourites, because I think by then
they've all had three half games but then they get a full 90 minutes in and
we start pushing on.
After three weeks of work you need a 90 minute [run out]. I tend to work
hard in pre-season. We trained hard before the Dagenham game and we've
trained hard before the Sigma game. I must admit that the injury [to
Faubert] done us a little bit because we all knew what he'd done, and it was
a bit deflating in the end.
But we're looking to get fit, and I will know by Tuesday/Wednesday night if
we're on our way because I know what the fitness levels were at Charlton.
But I think we've got a fit bunch of boys. So we're looking forward to it. I
don't know if it's any different from last year, I don't know if anyone was
out pre-season.
Last year after the final there were three or four people who had to have
operations, so they had them during pre-season - I think that's the way it
went. Anton done his hamstring, Dean done his ankle and I think Etherington
done his knee. You couldn't say at any stage last year what that team was
going to be and that was a big problem. If Alan [Pardew] had been lucky
enough to have kept it like that he may still be at West Ham - but that's
what happens.
For me, I see it as a challenge. I'm looking forward to it and I want to do
well for all sorts of reasons. But I mainly want to do well because I'm a
West Ham boy. We'll go from there.
KUMB: Alan - thank you for your time.
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Spector admits surprise and delight! - WHUFC
01/08/2007 10:10
Jonathan Spector admits he was surprised but nonetheless delighted to score
his first goal for West Ham United on Tuesday night. The American defender
popped up to net a 27th minute opener to set Alan Curbishley's men on their
way to a 2-1 friendly win over Norwich City at Carrow Road, and was all
smiles afterwards. "I'm just glad that I was able to contribute to the
victory," he said, "although it's not typical of me to do that by scoring a
goal!" "It was a good move to set up the goal, a great pass from Luis (Boa
Morte) to play me in, and I was happy with the finish. "I thought we played
some excellent football in the first half - kept the ball really well and it
was a good work-out for us against decent opposition."
Jonathan began the game at left-back before switching to right-back for the
second half when George McCartney came on to replace Lucas Neill, and boss
Alan Curbishley will have made a mental note of the 22-year-old's
versatility in defensive positions. "I hope so," says the former Manchester
United youngster. "There is a lot of competition for places here now,
particularly in defensive areas, and it can only be good for the Club. "I'm
just happy to do a job for the team in whichever way I can, and hopefully I
can prove to the manager that I am worthy of a place in the starting
line-up."
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Dyer to hold talks with West Ham - BBC
Newcastle's Kieron Dyer has been given permission to speak to West Ham about
a move to Upton Park after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee.
The £6m-rated 28-year-old midfielder wants to leave the north-east club and
move south for "family reasons". Magpies boss Sam Allardyce said: "We've
agreed a deal so you would have thought he will end up where he needs to be
in order to solve his family problems. "From our point of view and from his
it's a satisfactory result." Allardyce was speaking after his side's 1-0
friendly loss at Hull and he added: "There was a need to do it as quickly as
we possibly could and we've worked all out to do that and we've finally
resolved the situation." The exit of former Ipswich player Dyer could lead
to Newcastle increasing their efforts to sign Manchester United striker Alan
Smith, who was left out of the Old Trafford side's 3-2 friendly defeat
against Inter Milan on Wednesday. Allardyce has already stated he needs to
improve the squad at his disposal and appears to have several targets in
mind. My job now is to replace Dyer, which shouldn't take too long I don't
think, and then move on to other players in other positions as quickly as I
can or at the same time," stated Allardyce.
"I think we'll be close by the end of the week to maybe one or two players,
I would hope. "Then after that I would look to get at least another two or
maybe three in because if Kieron goes, whoever comes in to replace him,
that's only one for one, so it's not actually improving the squad in terms
of strength in depth. "There's still three or four players need to be got on
top of whoever we replace Kieron with."
West Ham have been busy in the transfer market this summer and have already
signed central midfielder Scott Parker from Newcastle. Craig Bellamy and
Freddie Ljungberg are also new arrivals at Upton Park as manager Alan
Curbishley strengthens the side that narrowly avoided relegation last
season.
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Dyer here? - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 1st August 2007
By: Gordon Thrower
United have agreed a fee with Newcastle for Kieron Dyer. The 28 year-old
England international is believed to be on his way to London to discuss
personal terms after the clubs agreed an undisclosed fee for the midfielder.
Should the deal go through it would see Dyer reunited with his old sparring
partner Lee Bowyer, with whom he had a much-publicised bout of "handbags"
resulting in two red cards and a subsequent (and far-from-convincing) public
reconciliation in front of the cameras. Dyer also played alongside recent
signings Scott Parker and Craig Bellamy. Dyer has been linked with a move
South "for family reasons" for some time and has featured in Newcastle's
pre-season line-up only because, as Sam Allardyce put it: "we're short of
players.
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Dyer in talks with Hammers - Sky
By Mark Buckingham Last updated: 02nd August 2007
Newcastle United midfielder Kieron Dyer is holding talks with West Ham
United. The England international has been given permission to discuss a
move to Upton Park after the Premier League clubs agreed an undisclosed fee.
Reports had claimed that The Hammers were preparing a £4million offer for
the former Ipswich Town starlet. But Magpies boss Sam Allardyce revealed
such a figure was 'too low' and that he would not allow Dyer to leave on the
cheap. Dyer is looking to leave St James' Park due to family reasons and
Allardyce is happy to let him go for the right price. The 28-year-old is now
travelling south in order to negotiate personal terms over a move to Alan
Curbishley's men. If Dyer accepts a deal with The Hammers, he would be
reunited with former Newcastle team-mates Lee Bowyer, Craig Bellamy and
Scott Parker. Bowyer, who had an infamous on-pitch bust-up with Dyer, has
admitted he would welcome his old colleague into the West Ham squad.
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Green eyes Tevez stay - Sky
Hammers keeper would welcome back star
By Lewis Rutledge Last updated: 01st August 2007
Robert Green has said he would be delighted for Carlos Tevez to stay at West
Ham. Tevez looks set to at least start the season as a West Ham player as he
has not yet been able to complete a move to Manchester United. The Argentine
has expressed his desire to join United but Green insists he would be
welcomed back to Upton Park following his inspirational performances for the
club last term. Green said: "He might have to come back and if he does and
says to the lads he wants to give it 100 per cent then I would be pleased to
see him. "We are now into August and I'm still answering questions about it
so once it is sorted it will be time to move on and wherever Carlos is he
can play the wonderful stuff he was doing last season and we can get on with
our jobs as well."
Bellamy praise
Green believes Craig Bellamy, a summer signing from Liverpool, is capable of
filling the void if Tevez leaves. The goalkeeper has been impressed by
Bellamy in training, both in terms of his attitude and his ability. "He has
the get up and go that Carlos has and the fighting spirit too," he
explained. "He is one of those characters that you want on your side. If you
wrote down an 11 you would rather play with than against then he would be in
it. "He is a British-style player while Carlos is South American so in many
respects they are very different but there are also many similarities."
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Gudjohnsen left behind - Sky
Striker won't travel on Asian tour
By Graeme Bailey Last updated: 01st August 2007
Gudjohnsen is suffering with a knee problem and Barca have stressed that
this is the reason he will not be travelling. The Icelander missed the
pre-season trip to Scotland and he has not yet recovered enough to link-up
with the first-team squad, who face three games in Asia beginning on August
5. However, Spanish reports insist that West Ham, along with Newcastle and
Manchester City, will continue their bids to prise him away from Camp Nou
and it is the interest which has led to Barca's decision to leave him
behind. The player himself has always insisted that he is willing to fight
for his role with the Catalan giants. But the interested Premier League
clubs are looking to tempt him back to England and the chance of regular
first-team football could yet sway the former Bolton man.
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Pre-season players ratings so far - West Ham Online
Match Reporter - Wed Aug 1 2007
On first look at the pre-season fixtures I was worried that the program of
games didn't look what was need in the build up to the new season but I am
been proved wrong and Alan Curbishley has delivered not only a highly
enjoyable pre-season but also one that looks to have got the balance need
spot on. The loss of new signing £6m Julien Faubert is a big blow but
injuries bar that has been minimal and only knocks.
Rob Green 7 405 minutes
Without doubt the clear West Ham number one and is likely to go from
strength to strength this season and could well be challenging for the
England No1 shirt. A solid pre-season with just the odd hiccup.
Richard Wright 6 180 minutes
Brought in to challenge Green for the number 1 but is going to have to play
2nd fiddle this season. His pitch time however has been solid.
Jimmy Walker 6 45 minutes
Just a half of football for Jimmy, clearly the number 3 choice
John Paintsil 5 184 minutes
Paintsil's desire to show Curbishley what he can do wasn't helped by the
fact he missed the Austrian trip because he washed his passport. His pitch
time suggests he's behind Spector at right back as cover for Neill
Jonathon Spector 6 330 minutes
Never going to be your first choice but good flexible cover. His pre-season
form has been very hit and miss.
Lucas Neill 7 135 minutes
Put his Asia Cup disappointment behind him when returning early to the club
to be named captain. An impressive performance against Southend was followed
by a solid 1st half against Norwich
George McCartney 7 360 minutes
The only recognized left back, he is looking worthy of the number 3 shirt
James Collins 6 270 minutes
Nothing like the superb form of the end of last season from Ginge but it's
only pre-season and looks sure to play another vital role for West Ham in
the coming season.
Danny Gabbidon 6 315 minutes
Been used in the middle and on the left where he looks uncomfortable but
looks fit and ready to challenge for his place at the back
Anton Ferdinand 7 278 minutes
The pick of the centre backs on pre-season form. Lets hope his attitude from
most of last season is behind him and he can go on to become the player we
all hope.
Callum Davenport 6 270 minutes
More pitch time then I had expected from the player who is the weakest
ability wise of the 5 centre backs. He has had a pretty decent pre-season
and has offered a decent ariel threat.
Matthew Upson 6 315 minutes
Has struggled a little with fitness but that is improving by the game and
could be a star if he can keep himself fit.
Christian Dailly 5 165 minutes
The 100% effort is there for all to see only a bit part player
Hayden Mullins 6 341 minutes
A little surprised he is still at the club no doubt but has worked hard when
he has had his chances
Lee Bowyer 7 399 minutes
Not everyone cup of tea but has worked hard and his form has been good.
Should have snatched a goal or two but if he works those positions he will
get his reward
Matty Etherington 6 393 minutes
Looks very fit and sharp. Lets hope his problems are behind him and he can
find his form from the season before last.
Julien Faubert 7 80 minutes
I think we all liked what we see against Dagenham, sadly we will have to
wait to Christmas at the earliest to see him in action again.
Scott Parker 7 180 minutes
Pre-season cut short by an injury against Lazio but really looked the real
deal
Jake Collison 7 215 minutes
4 games would surely have been a dream this time last year but the youth
player has come on leaps and bounds and put in several excellent displays in
pre-season
Luis Boa Morte 7 315 minutes
Where the fat boy gone? Looks fit and sharp and has shown some excellent
form and been very dangerous.
Mark Noble 7 228 minutes
Fresh from a decent U21 European championship, fast becoming one of the
first names on the team sheet as he goes from strength to strength.
Tony Stokes 5 44 minutes
Not really going to be good enough to cut it in the first team
Freddy Ljungberg 8 138 minutes
What a signing, well if we can keep him fit. Looks full of running and his
ability to create and score is not in question
Kyle Reid 6 198 minutes
Not going to trouble Etherington or LBM on what he has shown pre-season
Zavon Hines 6 45 minutes
A lively half against Dagenham from the youngster
Carlton Cole 5 304 minutes
Just doesn't seem to be working for Carlton. Looked good enough against
Lazio when he was denied by some excellent keeping but has looked second
rate otherwise
Dean Ashton 7 319 minutes
2 goals from Deano and just how good is it to see him back? Improving his
match fitness all the time and could make a real impact this season
Craig Bellamy 7 324 minutes
A missed penalty aside, Craig's got his goal he was trying so hard for and
his work rate has been exceptional. Looks like he will be a major player for
us.
Bobby Zamora 8 155 minutes
Outstanding form from Bobby who has a goal for his trouble. A knock has
hindered him but his work rate and threat has been excellent. A man really
fighting for a place in the first 11
Hogan Ephraim 7 90 minutes
Just the 90 minutes against Milton Keynes to his name, I'm not sure why
because he scored and was excellent on the night
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West Ham agree fee for Newcastle's Dyer - Soccernet
Newcastle United midfielder Kieron Dyer has been given permission to speak
to West Ham United after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee for the
28-year-old. Magpies manager Sam Allardyce had earlier insisted a £4million
bid for the England international was well below Newcastle's valuation. The
Hammers have returned with an improved offer, nearer the £6m mark. The
player is understood to be keen to move south to be closer to his family.
Allardyce said: 'We've agreed a deal so you'd have thought that he will
finish up where he needs to finish up to solve his family problems. 'From
our point of view and from his point of view it's a satisfactory result.
There was a need to do it as quickly as we possibly could and we've worked
all out to do that and we've finally resolved the situation.' Although Dyer
has not officially left St James' Park, Allardyce has already turned his
attention to replacing the versatile 28-year-old.
He said: 'My job now is to replace him, which shouldn't take too long I
don't think, and then move on to other players in other positions as quickly
as I can or at the same time. 'I think we'll be close by the end of the week
to maybe one or two players, I would hope. 'Then after that I would look to
get at least another two or maybe three in because if Kieron goes, whoever
comes in to replace him, that's only one for one, so it's not actually
improving the squad in terms of strength in depth. 'There's still three or
four players need to be got on top of whoever we replace Kieron with.' and
it is now up to Dyer to thrash out personal terms.
Reports in Wednesday's media claimed Dyer has been subjected to abuse from
some Magpies fans since it became clear he was hoping to leave. Chairman
Chris Mort has expressed his concern at the effect that could have on
attempts to overhaul the squad. Dyer was booed during the weekend's friendly
win over Juventus and it has been alleged that his house has been targeted
by an egg-throwing mob. Mort warned: 'We have to make all our current
players and potential new signings see Newcastle as a great place to live.
'It would be disastrous for this sort of behaviour to be repeated.'
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Kieron Dyer given all-clear for West Ham talks - Telegraph
By Marc Isaacs
Last Updated: 12:46am BST 02/08/2007
Newcastle midfielder Kieron Dyer has been given permission to speak to West
Ham after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee. Manager Sam Allardyce had
earlier insisted a reported £4 million bid for the England international was
well below Newcastle's valuation. Dyer is understood to be keen to move
south to be closer to his family. Reports yesterday claimed Dyer had been
subjected to abuse from some Newcastle fans since it became clear he was
hoping to leave.
Chairman Chris Mort has expressed his concern at the effect that could have
on attempts to overhaul the squad. Dyer was booed during the weekend's
friendly win over Juventus and it has been alleged that his house has been
targeted by an egg-throwing mob. Mort warned: "We have to make all our
current players and potential new signings see Newcastle as a great place to
live. It would be disastrous for this sort of behaviour to be repeated."
Meanwhile, West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green believes Craig Bellamy, another
former Newcastle player, can follow in the footsteps of Carlos Tevez and
have a major impact on the club this season. The Argentine international is
expected to complete his controversial move to Manchester United before the
end of August and Green sees no reason why Bellamy cannot take over the
mantle left by his departure. Green said: "Craig is similar in that he has
the attitude, the get-up-and-go and the fighting spirit that Carlos had.
"He's one of those characters you want on your side. If you wrote down 11
players you wouldn't want to face then he would be in it. Although Tevez
took all the headlines for keeping West Ham in the top flight, Green was one
of the unsung heroes who also played his part in helping the club to beat
the drop. He is now hoping for a recall to the England squad for the
friendly against Germany at Wembley on Aug 22.
Meanwhile, Scott Parker could miss West Ham's opening Premiership game
against Manchester City on Aug 11 after picking up a knee injury.
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Carlos: My Shield agony - The Sun
By MARTIN BLACKBURN
August 02, 2007
CARLOS TEVEZ last night spoke of his pain at not being able to complete a
dream move to Manchester United. The Argie striker's transfer is being held
up by a dispute between West Ham and businessman Kia Joorabchian over who
owns him. Tevez said: "My hope was I'd be involved in the Community Shield
against Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday. That I'm not is very painful. "I
desire a swift solution and demand now that all parties arrive at an
agreement because I just want to play. "I am not responsible for all this
bureaucracy."
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Hammers land £6m Dyer - The Sun
By STEVE BRENNER
August 02, 2007
KIERON DYER will pocket a cool £12million after sealing his dream move to
West Ham. The England midfielder is to finalise a £6m switch from Newcastle
today that will net him £80,000 a week over the next three years. Dyer, 28,
has been keen to seal a return south to be nearer his two children. But the
move to Upton Park looked in doubt after the clubs were unable to agree a
fee. Last night, though, the Geordies dropped their £8m valuation and the
transfer was on. Dyer ends a hit-and-miss eight years at St James' Park,
where he often made the headlines for the wrong reasons — notably his
on-pitch brawl with team-mate Lee Bowyer in 2005. The pair will link up
again under boss Alan Curbishley but they insist they have long since buried
the hatchet. West Ham's initial bid was only £4m. Toon boss Sam Allardyce
said: "We're sad to see Kieron leave but I always said the best way to
resolve the situation was for someone to make an acceptable offer — £4m was
a gross under-valuation." Dyer split fans during his time on Tyneside.
For many, he failed to live up to his reputation after Ruud Gullit paid
Ipswich £6m for him in 1999. Injuries decimated his stay, with a long-term
hamstring problem playing havoc with his hopes of being an England regular.
His desire to end his Toon career saw him abused by sections of the club's
support, who surrounded his car after the recent friendly against Juventus.
Yobs also pelted his £2m home with eggs. Allardyce will use the cash to fund
a move for out-of-favour Manchester United star Alan Smith. Hammers hitman
Dean Ashton reckons he will be the hungriest player in the league this
season. The West Ham striker is raring to go again now he is over his
year-long broken ankle nightmare. The £7.25million star, 23, crocked
preparing for last August's England friendly with Greece, declared: "There
will be no hungrier player than me. I am desperate to get back out there and
enjoy my football once again. "I feel if I can get back to form with West
Ham I can put myself in the window and Steve McClaren will come and watch
me."
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United's no bed of roses - the Sun
By PAT SHEEHAN
August 02, 2007
JUAN VERON last night warned Carlos Tevez he could face flak and fear at
Manchester United rather than fame and fortune. Veron has told his fellow
Argie life at Old Trafford will be no bed of roses when he finally completes
his controversial move from West Ham. The former United midfielder said: "To
triumph at the club is not easy, even if you are a superstar. "Some players
leave because of the enormous and constant pressure. "Carlos will find that
United is not like West Ham in any aspect. "The change will be enormous and
if things do not go well he could suffer a mortal fall in fortune."
And Veron should know. He joined United from Lazio in July 2001 for
£28.1million — then the most expensive transfer in British football history.
But he flopped and was out on his ear after a couple of years. Veron, 32,
gave striker Tevez a few home truths about playing for the most famous club
in the world during the Copa America tournament. He admitted: "The people at
Old Trafford are very critical. "If a player has good fortune from the very
first day everyone is positive. But if problems appear it is not so easy to
triumph. "The only possible goal there is success. Second place is failure
and this burns deep into every player and can affect you. "During the Copa
America I spoke several times with Carlos about playing at Old Trafford and
told him that while he turned himself into an idol at West Ham, it will be
very difficult to do the same at United. "English football is not as easy
for Argentinian players. "Last season Tevez exploited his situation after a
number of months in the Premier League but he still needs to play and do it
more regularly. "Carlos will need help from Sir Alex Ferguson from the first
moment. "He must not be asked to perform wonders until he is well used to
training methods and tactics."
Veron arrived at Old Trafford in a blaze of glory six years ago — in stark
contrast to United's bid to land Tevez from West Ham, which is dragging on
through a legal minefield. But Veron managed only 51 games and seven goals
in his two-year stint. He moved to Chelsea for £15m but made just 14
appearances there and was loaned out to Inter Milan and Estudiantes. He
signed permanently for Inter in 2005. Veron admitted: "Neither at United nor
Chelsea was I comfortable. "I'm not sure that when Carlos and Javier
Mascherano arrived at West Ham it was the best club for them. At United,
Tevez will find it even harder. "But he is up for any challenge and very
excited about his chance to join United. I can tell that from all the
questions he asked me about Old Trafford, Alex Ferguson and the players."
West Ham will try again today to stop Kia Joorabchian's High Court action
against them over the Tevez saga. They came up with a compromise deal over
the sale and it was approved by the Premier League yesterday. But it is has
not been so easy to convince Joorabchian's lawyers to abandon their legal
action.
Joorabchian's Media Sports Investments firm own the Argentina forward's
economic rights. His legal team yesterday agreed with a request to delay
putting their claim for damages of up to £40m into the High Court in London.
But progress has been slow. And if agreement cannot be reached today, they
will press ahead with their court case against the Hammers, scheduled to
start on August 22 and last three days. While Old Trafford boss Ferguson
holds his breath over Tevez, two other United new-boys will make their
debuts at Peterborough on Saturday. Fergie is poised to play Brazilian
magician Anderson and Owen Hargreaves in a match which pitches him against
son Darren for the first time. Ferguson Jnr, manager of League Two Posh,
said: "My dad has told me both are in training this week and if they come
through unscathed they will be here."
The arrival of Hargreaves, Anderson and Nani will make it difficult for
Darren Fletcher to nail down a regular place at United. The versatile Scot
confessed: "It is going to be a challenge for me. "But you get that every
season at United and I just have to make sure I do what I can to get that
place."
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Transfer hold-up could destroy my season, says Tevez - This Is London
01.08.07
Carlos Tevez has pleaded for his move to Manchester United to be speeded up
to prevent his performances suffering in the early part of the season.
Argentina striker Tevez is waiting for the High Court to sort out his
controversial £30million switch as his former club West Ham argue over who
owns him with Iranian businessman Kia Joorabchian. The delay is beginning to
demoralise the 23-year-old striker, who said: "We need a solution quickly so
that I can get on with my career. "To play for a super club like Manchester
United without any preseason work behind me is going to be a real handicap."
United remain confident Tevez will be their player before the transfer
window closes on August 31 but last night the striker revealed the hold-up
has upset him. He added: "I am a fighter and am prepared for any challenge.
In my career I have demonstrated this many times. "But this is going to be
very difficult. "I desire a swift solution and demand now that all parties
arrive at an agreement because I just want to play. "I am not responsible
for all this bureaucracy. "Mentally I am prepared for to play for United at
any moment, but physically it may be more difficult the longer this goes on.
"My hope was I'd be involved in the Community Shield against Chelsea at
Wembley on Sunday. That I am not is very painful."
Tevez has been home from the Copa America tournament for almost three weeks
but his move to United continues to move painfully slowly. A court case to
decide the matter is scheduled for August 22. But Tevez said: "It has to be
sooner than that." The impasse could be broken today. Although talks between
Tevez's representatives and West Ham broke up without agreement last night,
a compromise must now be reached if Joorabchian and his company Media Sports
Investment are not to lodge all their papers with the High Court. That would
move the dispute to another phase, with court proceedings making a
settlement more unlikely.
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Newcastle fans turn on Dyer as Hammers close in - The Independent
By Simon Rushworth
Published: 02 August 2007
Kieron Dyer, the troubled Newcastle United midfielder, was on the verge of
completing a £6m transfer to West Ham United last night after the Magpies
granted their England midfielder permission to talk to the free-spending
London club.
The 28-year-old had made no secret of his burning desire to quit St James's
Park, citing family reasons for his wish to sever an eight-year bond with
the Tynesiders.
However, that admission sparked fury among a section of disaffected
Newcastle supporters who booed Dyer's every touch against the Italian club,
Juventus, on Sunday and later surrounded his car to further vent their
anger.
It later emerged that the former Ipswich player's home, on the outskirts of
Newcastle, had been pelted with eggs. Dyer confided in United's manager, Sam
Allardyce, that he could not pull on the black and white shirt again and
West Ham's improved offer would appear to have solved a growing crisis.
It is understood Newcastle will now move to reinvest the money they expect
to receive for Dyer in the Manchester United forward, Alan Smith. Allardyce
is also considering a bid for Fulham's £3m-rated midfielder Papa Bouba Diop.
Although Dyer wanted to quit the Magpies at the earliest opportunity he had
refused to consider a cut in his mooted £80,000 per week pay packet. That
stubborn stance meant genuine interest in one of Newcastle's greatest assets
was at a premium and there was the awkward prospect of an unhappy and
unpopular player remaining with United until January.
Now Dyer will be given the opportunity to reprise a fractious midfield
partnership with the former enfant terrible of St James' Park, Lee Bowyer.
The pair famously traded punches in April 2005, in front of a capacity
52,000 crowd, as Newcastle slumped to a dismal 3-0 home defeat against Aston
Villa. Club insiders always insisted the duo barely spoke a word to one
another again.
At least West Ham's latest acquisition will encounter one friendly face in
the Upton Park dressing room. Dyer was Craig Bellamy's closest friend during
their time at Newcastle and United's former manager, Sir Bobby Robson, often
insisted there was no better sight than the duo in tandem.
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Tevez hopes rise after talks begin
Matt Scott
Thursday August 2, 2007
The Guardian
Hopes were rising yesterday of a negotiated settlement to the Carlos Tevez
affair as West Ham executives met representatives from Media Sports
Investment and Just Sports Inc. The talks are thought to be the first held
in person between executives of the two sides since a writ was served on the
club by MSI-JSI last week.
Talks broke up last night without agreement and although the outlook is
positive a court confrontation would seem inevitable if a deal is not
secured today. After that MSI-JSI will have to lodge all their papers with
the high court, making it much less likely a settlement will be reached.
Eggert Magnusson, West Ham's chairman, was not involved in the talks because
he is expected to be called as a witness if the case reaches the high court
for a three-day hearing from August 22.
Legal proceedings were initiated by MSI-JSI in an effort to force the
forward's release and move to Manchester United before the end of the
transfer window on August 31. The offshore companies are alleging that a
contract drawn up by Magnusson, which required that Tevez move on July 1,
had been breached.
The Hammers have questioned the validity of that contract, since it was not
countersigned by the player, but MSI-JSI insist they possess an exchange of
emails supporting their position. It is hoped that a settlement can be
reached but West Ham are demanding a multimillion-pound fee to permit the
player's release.
Tevez wants a swift resolution. "To play for a super-club like Manchester
United without any pre-season work behind me is going to be a real
handicap," he said.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dyer gets wish of fresh start with £6m move to West Ham
Jason Mellor and Louise Taylor
Thursday August 2, 2007
The Guardian
Kieron Dyer will today seal a £6m move to West Ham to bring the curtain down
on a largely unfulfilled eight years at Newcastle United. The England
midfielder has been granted his wish to return to his native south-east to
be closer to his two children after the clubs reached a compromise on their
valuation of a player whose succession of injuries has prevented him from
reaching the heights his undoubted talent suggested he once might scale.
Dyer saw his position at Newcastle become virtually untenable when
disgruntled fans surrounded his car after Sunday's friendly against
Juventus, and the 28-year-old's house on the outskirts of the city has been
pelted with eggs.
It appeared he would have to remain in the north-east after Tottenham
Hotspur and Manchester City failed to follow up initial interest with an
offer. But Alan Curbishley, the West Ham manager, proved his determination
to offer Dyer a new start by increasing a £4m offer to meet Newcastle's £8m
asking price halfway.
"Kieron's talking to West Ham and he's agreed a deal so I would have thought
he'll finish up where he needs to finish up to sort out his family
problems," Allardyce said last night after a 1-0 friendly defeat at Hull.
"From our point of view and from his it's a satisfactory result. It's good
to get a swift resolution."
Question marks remain over the long-term fitness of Dyer, who for the past
three seasons has been plagued by a hamstring injury brought about by an
adverse reaction to medication. At Upton Park he will link up with his
former team-mate Lee Bowyer, with whom he has had a fractious relationship,
including their infamous on-pitch brawl while playing for Newcastle against
Aston Villa two years ago.
Allardyce wants to bring in three or four more players and Manchester
United's Alan Smith is among the targets. "There might be an interest in
Alan Smith now," he said. "Has there been a bid made for Alan from
Newcastle? There have been many bids made."
Michael Owen missed last night's game because of a thigh problem and is a
major doubt for the opening game of the season at Bolton Wanderers on August
11.
Craig Gordon's £9m move to Sunderland may happen after all. Provided he
received the anticipated permission from his employers, the Hearts
goalkeeper was scheduled to talk to club officials on Wearside last night
and is expected to meet Roy Keane when the team return from a tour of
Ireland this morning.
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Dyer poised for Hammers - The Mirror
Newcastle accept £6M Kieron bid from West Ham
By Darren Lewis 02/08/2007
Kieron Dyer will be reunited with his old sparring partner Lee Bowyer after
Newcastle last night accepted a £6m bid from West Ham for the midfielder.
Dyer is set to join Bowyer and former Liverpool bad boy Craig Bellamy at
Upton Park after agreeing a fouryear deal that will earn him close to
£80,000 a week. Dyer vowed never to play for Newcastle again after Sunday's
clash with Juventus when his car was attacked by angry fans. Dyer and Bowyer
famously came to blows in April 2005 in the 3-0 home defeat by Aston Villa
when they started fighting with each other after a pass went astray.
Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce said: "Kieron's talking to West Ham and he's
agreed a deal so I would have thought he'll finish up where he needs to
finish up to sort out his family problems. From our point of view, and from
his, it's a satisfactory result. "It's good to get a swift resolution to it
rather than it dragging on. My job now is to replace him, which shouldn't
take too long, and move on to other players." As well as Bowyer and Dyer,
the Hammers squad also now includes the fiery Bellamy who, when at Liverpool
last year, whacked team-mate John Arne Riise with a golf club after a late
night confrontation on a winter break in the Algarve. And another new
signing, Freddie Ljungberg, was involved in a punch-up with Swedish
team-mate Olof Mellberg in the 2002 World Cup.
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HAMMERS HAVE GOT A NEW TEVEZ - The Mirror
ROBERT GREEN UNDER CLARET AND BLUE SKIES Don't worry, it's Craig Bellamy!
Darren Lewis 02/08/2007
Robert GREEN believes Craig Bellamy will prove that West Ham can cope
without Carlos Tevez. The keeper insists Tevez would be welcome back at
Upton Park should the gifted Argentinian's controversial move to Manchester
United fall through. But Green is adamant that Bellamy, a £7.5million
capture from Liverpool, will be a more than capable replacement. He said:
"Craig is similar in that he has the attitude, the get-up-and-go and the
fighting spirit that Carlos had. "He's one of those players you want on your
side. If you wrote down an 11 of players you would not want to face as a
goalkeeper, then Craig would be in it."
Tevez's protracted move to Old Trafford cannot be concluded until later this
month, by which time the new Premiership campaign will have kicked off.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has already admitted that because of the
complexity of the issues surrounding the player's ownership, there are no
guarantees the stransfer will go through. Green believes that the Hammers'
family would be happy to welcome back a player who single-handedly inspired
the club to beat the drop last season. He added: "Carlos might have to come
back and if he does, and says to the lads he wants to give it 100 per cent,
then I would be pleased to see him. "We are now into August and I'm still
answering questions about it, so once it is sorted it will be time to move
on. "Wherever Carlos is he can play the wonderful stuff he was doing last
season and we can get on with our jobs as well."
Bellamy is just one of a host of big-name buys recently recruited by Hammers
boss Alan Curbishley, with the confrontational Welshman having spent just
one season with Liverpool. Green knows West Ham will be expected to perform
a lot better than last term, when relegation was only avoided on the final
day.
He said: "The lads are trying to put last season behind us. There has been
enough talk about it, but I think it will make us stronger as a club. The
chairman has backed the manager and it's looking like we have a strong squad
that can do something this year. "We are looking upwards. It is a team that
hopefully can go places, but we are aware that we were saying that at the
start of last season as well. Hopefully we have learned our lessons."
The former Norwich star is targeting a place in the next England squad to
face Germany with Manchester United starlet Ben Foster injured. Green
insists he intends to let his football do the talking, then wait as long as
it takes for his chance to shut out No.1 Paul Robinson. Speaking at the
launch of Sells Goalkeeping Products at Bisham Abbey, Green added: "People
say there is a dearth of quality English goalkeepers and yet it is hard to
get back in the international side. "It's just about patience. If I play
well for West Ham, then hopefully England will take care of itself. "It
isn't something I will lose sleep over. If I never play for England again it
won't be for the want of trying or for the passion to do it, it will just be
something that doesn't happen... but I'll live.
"Once you are in possession, it is up to the others to get it back."
Meanwhile, £7m Scott Parker believes he is set for a barnstorming season at
Upton Park - and reckons he can do Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard out of a
job for England. Parker said: "People say that playing in London for a
glamorous side helps your international ambitions, and I am coming to the
stage of my career now where my best years are ahead of me."
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Derby want £5M for West Ham, Spurs target Barnes
tribalfooball.com - August 01, 2007
Derby County boss Billy Davies wants £5 million for West Ham and Spurs
target Giles Barnes. Davies said: "There has been interest in him. But it's
so far away from any valuation we have that we've kicked it into touch."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham, Newcastle closer to landing Barcelona's Gudjohnsen
tribalfooball.com - August 01, 2007
Eidur Gudjohnsen's return to the Premiership is expected to accelerate after
he was left behind by Barcelona for their tour of Asia. Gudjohnsen is
suffering with a knee problem and Barca have stressed that this is the
reason he will not be travelling. The Icelander missed the pre-season trip
to Scotland and he has not yet recovered enough to link-up with the
first-team squad, who face three games in Asia beginning on August 5.
However, Spanish reports insist that West Ham, along with Newcastle and
Manchester City, will continue their bids to prise him away from the Nou
Camp and it is the interest which has led to Barca's decision to leave him
behind.
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West Ham move for Man Utd striker Smith
tribalfooball.com - August 01, 2007
West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley is chasing Manchester United striker
Alan Smith. Smith could go to Upton Park, ironically, just as Carlos Tevez's
protracted move to Old Trafford is completed. According to the Evening
Standard, Curbishley is particularly keen on Smith as he can play as either
a striker or in central midfield in the absence of Scott Parker. But
Curbishley must persuade Yorkshireman Smith to re-locate to London instead
of joining one of Middlesbrough, Newcastle or Everton.
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Dyer to earn mega £12M at West Ham
tribalfooball.com - August 01, 2007
Newcastle midfielder Kieron Dyer will earn a massive £12 million from his
move to West Ham. The Sun says the England midfielder is to finalise a £6m
switch from Newcastle today that will net him £80,000 a week over the next
three years. Dyer, 28, has been keen to seal a return south to be nearer his
two children. But the move to Upton Park looked in doubt after the clubs
were unable to agree a fee. Last night, though, the Geordies dropped their
£8m valuation and the transfer was on.
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West Ham put trio up for sale
tribalfooball.com - August 01, 2007
West Ham United have made three of their squad available. The Times says
West Ham have made Matthew Etherington, Hayden Mullins and Carlton Cole
available for transfer.
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Ashton hungry for West Ham action
tribalfooball.com - August 01, 2007
West Ham striker Dean Ashton is raring to go again now he is over his
year-long broken ankle nightmare. The £7.25million star, 23, crocked
preparing for last August's England friendly with Greece, declared: "There
will be no hungrier player than me. I am desperate to get back out there and
enjoy my football once again. "I feel if I can get back to form with West
Ham I can put myself in the window and Steve McClaren will come and watch
me."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green: Tevez still welcome at Hammers - TeamTalk
West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green insists he would be delighted if Carlos
Tevez ended up back at Upton Park. Tevez's protracted transfer to Manchester
United cannot be concluded until later in the month, by which time the
Premier League campaign will already have kicked off. Sir Alex Ferguson has
already made public his displeasure at not yet being able to call the
Argentinian his own and the complexity of the issues surrounding his
ownership mean there can be no guarantees it will go through. And Green
made it clear he would be happy for last season's final day saviour to pull
on a claret and blue shirt once again. He said: "He might have to come back
and if he does and says to the lads he wants to give it 100% then I would be
pleased to see him. "We are now into August and I'm still answering
questions about it so once it is sorted it will be time to move on and
wherever Carlos is he can play the wonderful stuff he was doing last season
and we can get on with our jobs as well."
But Green, who was speaking at the launch of Sells Goalkeeping Products' new
range launch at Bisham Abbey, was convinced his former Norwich team-mate,
Craig Bellamy, could excite the Upton Park faithful as much as Tevez had. He
said: "He has the get up and go that Carlos has and the fighting spirit too.
He is one of those characters that you want on your side. If you wrote down
an 11 you would rather play with than against then he would be in it. "He is
a British-style player while Carlos is South American so in many respects
they are very different but there are also many similarities."
Green, who also hopes to re-establish himself in the England squad following
a serious groin injury that wrecked his World Cup hopes last summer, knows
the Hammers will be expected to perform a lot better than last term, when
relegation was only avoided on the final day of the season. He said: "The
lads are trying to put last season behind us. There has been enough talk
about it but I think it will make us stronger as a club. The chairman has
backed the manager and it is looking like a a strong squad that can do
something this year. "We are looking upwards. It is a team that hopefully
can go places and do things.
"But we are aware that we were saying that at the start of last season as
well. Hopefully we have learnt the lessons from last season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SMITH IN HAMMERS TALKS? - Football365
Posted 01/08/07 14:05
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley has reportedly held talks with Alan Smith in
an attempt to lure him to Upton Park. According to the Evening Standard,
Curbishley is particularly keen on Smith as he can play as either a striker
or in central midfield in the absence of Scott Parker. But Curbishley must
persuade Yorkshireman Smith to re-locate to London instead of joining one of
Middlesbrough, Newcastle or Everton. Ironically, Smith could turn down West
Ham if their move for Kieron Dyer goes through, freeing up a squad place for
him at Newcastle. The Evening Chronicle suggests that Smith's move to St
James' Park hinges on Dyer's exit. The Hammers are the only club interested
in Dyer despite reported interest from Tottenham and Man City. Newcastle
boss Sam Allardyce has made it clear that Dyer will only move for the right
price, which is considerably more than the £4m that West Ham are willing to
pay.
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Nevermind top four, Spurs face a battle to hold onto fifth place - Sportigo
Wed, Aug 1, 07 12:36Jay Jarrahi
'Spurs are just not strong enough throughout to crack the top four and their
hopes are likely to lie again in a good UEFA Cup run as well as the other
domestic cup competitions' Are Tottenham good enough to take advantage of a
Henry-less Arsenal and break into the top four? Not in my opinion. In fact
they may find that their place as the fifth best side in the country is
challenged by a pack of clubs including Everton, Bolton, Portsmouth,
Blackburn, Newcastle and West Ham.
The good news for Spurs is that they kept hold of Dimitar Berbatov and added
Darren Bent to their mix of options in attack. However, Spurs are just not
strong enough throughout to crack the top four and their hopes are likely to
lie again in a good UEFA Cup run as well as the other domestic cup
competitions.
Everton finished last season in sixth place but I'm not convinced they will
be able to retain or improve on that position this season. Everton largely
stood still in the transfer market and in football, standing still often
means moving backwards. Sam Allardyce played a significant role in raising
the standards and expectations at Bolton and now Sammy Lee will have to
prove he can keep up the kind of results that Bolton fans have now become
accustomed to.
The difference between Bolton staying in the top six or seven of the league
or dropping down to mid-table or just below may be Nicolas Anelka. The club
have revealed they would be prepared to sell him to a Champions League club
if the price was right, and with a month still left of the transfer window,
it's not beyond the realms of possibility that the enigmatic French forward
is plying his trade elsewhere before the end of August.
Allardyce now finds himself trying to revive the proverbial sleeping giant -
Newcastle United. The Magpies certainly have options up front with the
return from injury of Michael Owen, the arrival of Mark Viduka adding to
Obafemi Martins and Shola Ameobi. Allardyce proved at Bolton he could get
the best out of a host of foreign players and he will try to work his magic
now with Albert Luque.
Keeping Owen fit will be key for Newcastle and the options they have going
forward may be much needed as Newcastle still lack quality and depth in
defence. Big Sam has already stated this publicly and it may well be that
Newcastle bring in another player or two in that area before the transfer
window closes. David Rozehnal has been brought in from PSG, but it will
require far more than just him for Newcastle to build a foundation at the
back to match the potential they have in forward areas.
Portsmouth and West Ham have both been active in the transfer market in an
effort to break into that top six. Harry Redknapp has brought in Sylvain
Distin, Sulley Muntari and David Nugent, all of whom will bolster the
quality of the first team. Having revealed plans to open a new stadium in
2011, Portsmouth are certainly a team on the up and qualifying for the UEFA
Cup next season is a realistic proposition for them.
Turmoil and controversy surrounded West Ham last season, and even when
Carlos Tevez scored the winner at Old Trafford to secure their Premier
League status the wrangling and conflict was not nearly at an end. Whatever
the rights and wrongs of West Ham's continued existence in the top tier of
English football, the fact is that the Hammers will take their place in the
Premier League this season and will hope to put last season's poor season
behind them.
For the first time in his managerial career, Alan Curbishley has had the
opportunity to prove he can not only do something with nothing (as he did
for much of his time at Charlton), but do a little more with a lot more at
West Ham. Funds have been readily available for Curbishley this summer and
he has taken that opportunity to bring in a number of new faces. Craig
Bellamy, Scott Parker and Freddie Ljungberg have been brought in, largely to
replace those who have made their exits in the form of Carlos Tevez, Nigel
Reo-Coker and Yossi Benayoun.
Another new signing West Ham made, but who won't be in action for six
months, is Julien Faubert. A ruptured Achilles tendon will rule the £6.1m
midfielder out for much of the season. Injury robbed West Ham of Dean Ashton
for the whole of last season and his recovery is almost like having a new
£15m forward inserted into the side. Despite the struggles of last season,
West Ham should fare a lot better this season and be looking up the table
rather than down.
Blackburn Rovers have just completed the signing of Roque Santa Cruz, and
teaming up with Benny McCarthy could help propel Mark Hughes's side into the
top six. Blackburn are currently involved in the Intertoto Cup competition
and will believe that they now have the make-up to qualify for the UEFA Cup
directly next season rather than having to fight for a place through the
Intertoto Cup again.
A new season promises much for a number of clubs, but only a few will finish
the season with their expectations achieved. Which those clubs will be only
time will tell. A season of ups and downs, triumphs and disappointments is
not far away for millions of fans across the country.
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Smith bid hinges on DyerAug 1 2007
by Alan Oliver, Evening Chronicle
NEWCASTLE will go for England international Alan Smith – once they sell
Kieron Dyer to West Ham United. And all that is stopping Dyer's move to
Upton Park is the fact that Sam Allardyce wants to squeeze more than £4m out
of the seemingly bottomless pit of money at Upton Park. Talks between United
and the Hammers were ongoing today, with Craig Bellamy apparently pushing
his boss Alan Curbishley to finalise the deal for his former Toon pal. Dyer
would have preferred to have joined his big mate Jermaine Jenas at Spurs,
but after a deal involving Didier Zokora fell through, White Hart Lane boss
Martin Jol has now lost interest. And with Sven-Goran Eriksson not following
up his initial inquiry at Manchester City for a player he rated so highly in
his England days, it's West Ham or bust for Dyer. Dyer will have no problems
agreeing personal terms with West Ham, who are likely to match the
near-£65,000 a week wages he picks up at St James' Park. United are one of
half-a-dozen clubs who are eyeing the 27-year-old Smith, who has been rather
brutally told that he has no future at Manchester United. The 17-times
capped England international does not have to hurry into a decision and the
hold-up with the Dyer move to West Ham will probably suit him. But Smith
knows that his former Leeds United colleagues James Milner and Mark Viduka
are at St James' Park and this could play a part in his decision. Smith is
more likely to fancy United than Middlesbrough, even though another of his
former Leeds pals Jonathan Woodgate is the defensive king-pin at the
Riverside Stadium.
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Another row over Tevez contract - Daily Mail
Last updated at 10:30am on 1st August 2007
West Ham are likely to escape fresh punishment from the Premier League over
the emergence of a second contract agreed with Carlos Tevez's
representatives.
The club are disputing the authenticity and relevance of the document which
suggests the Argentine signed a new deal at Upton Park on 1 December last
year. If proven to be valid, the contract could seriously damage their legal
fight with Kia Joorabchian, even though it would have averted any punishment
from the Premier League over the Tevez debacle. A High Court hearing has
been set for 22 August, when Joorabchian's lawyers will argue for an
injunction which allows Tevez to join Manchester United before the end of
the transfer window. But it is understood that the sides were still today
attempting to negotiate an out-of-court settlement. West Ham were fined
£5.5million by a Premier League commission in April for breaking rules on
third-party ownership.
But the commission's decision was based on the contract agreed with Tevez in
August 2006 as the existence of the second contract was not made public
until yesterday. West Ham had blamed their previous regime under ex-chairman
Terry Brown and managing director Paul Aldridge for the Tevez debacle, but
new chairman Eggert Magnusson had taken control of the club by 1 December.
It is understood Magnusson was unhappy with the third-party agreement
relating to Tevez and, on completion his £108m takeover in November, ordered
a new contract to be drawn up so that the 23-year-old would be contracted to
the club only until July and not until 2010 as stated in the August
agreement. West Ham, however, claim that the second contract was never
executed, even though it was signed by director Scott Duxbury and
subsequently forwarded to the Premier League prior to the independent
tribunal in April.
The club's lawyers have also questioned the validity of the second contract
because of doubts over whether Tevez signed it in December or at a later
date, possibly June. Ironically, had the second contract been executed, it
is possible that West Ham would have been found not guilty of breaking
Premier League rules and would have avoid the subsequent furore and the £5.5
million fine. In the preliminary hearing into at the High Court, West Ham's
barrister Michael Bowsher QC said: "The binding agreement is the first
agreement, the longer term contract. "There are doubts over the authenticity
of the second agreement. The signatures of these individuals other than
those signatures from West Ham were not made on the date purported and that
is relevant."
It was also suggested in court that handwriting experts may be called to
provide a view on when the contract was signed by Tevez. Sources close to
Joorabchian insist it was signed at the correct time. Joorabchian, whose
company Media Sport Investments claims to hold the "economic rights" to
Tevez, is suing West Ham for breach of contract and wants the High Court to
give the green light for the player to complete a proposed £20m transfer to
Manchester United. But West Ham hold Tevez's registration and have given an
pledge to the Premier League - following their fine - that they will only
sell him on for full "market value".
The Hammers claimed to have torn up the third-party agreement with
Joorabchian in April, thereby negating his companies' rights to take the
largest slice of any transfer fee.
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Eagles boss eyes Hogan swoop - Croydon Guardian
By Sami Mokbel
Crystal Palace boss Peter Taylor is eyeing a loan swoop for West Ham starlet
Hogan Ephraim as he looks to bolster his attacking options ahead of the new
season. The 19-year-old, who made 21 appearances on loan at Championship
rivals Colchester United last season, has been earmarked by Taylor as the
man to add some spark to his forward line. But the Eagles chief insists that
any potential deal is still a long way from fruition. Taylor said: "Hogan is
a player I like and on my list - but nothing is happening at the moment. As
far as I know, he is still playing and training with West Ham."
After the signings of defenders Jose Fonte - whose loan deal was completed
yesterday - Jeff Hughes and Tony Craig, Taylor has made no secret of his
desire to bring in an attacking player, particularly after the departure of
Jobi McAnuff to Watford. Taylor has been linked with a number of players,
including Chelsea starlets Scott Sinclair and Ben Sahar, who signed for QPR
last week, but wants to keep his options open. He said: "There's a chance I
can bring in one more player, but I'm still looking and talking."
Taylor has not ruled out a reunion with his former Hull City right-hand man
Colin Murphy, who has been linked with a move to Selhurst Park, but insists
there has been no contact between them. He said: "It could happen, but there
has not been any involvement from us and anything that has been said about
it has come from Hull City. I have not been back there recently."
The Eagles' pre-season preparations have been dealt a double blow with the
news that Carl Fletcher and Paul Ifill have picked up hamstring strains,
with the latter expected to miss the Championship opener against Southampton
on Saturday, August 11. Taylor said: "Paul could be out until the Leicester
game on August 18. "It'a a blow for us. He has come back looking very fit
and sharp."
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Derby on roam for Jerome - The Mirror
01/08/2007
Derby are ready to throw Charlton's Jerome Thomas a Premiership lifeline
with a £3m bid. Boss Billy Davies has targeted Thomas after efforts to sign
Matt Etherington from West Ham were frustrated.
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