Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 23rd May 2008

Sears expects with England - WHUFC
Freddie Sears is looking over the next week to fire the U19s to the European
Championship finals in July
16.05.2008

Freddie Sears has been training hard in preparation for the final qualifying
round of the European Under-19 Championship as he looks to fire the goals
that will take England to July's finals.

The 18-year-old academy graduate is one of two West Ham United players in
Brian Eastick's squad for the Elite round min-tournament in Belarus, with
James Tomkins an established figure at the heart of the defence. In contrast
to his more experienced 19-year-old club-mate, Sears has only made two
substitute appearances for his country but has impressed in both and has
been identified as a major talent by manager Brian Eastick.

The homegrown striker said: "I am really proud to play for my country and it
is great to be involved. It will finish off a great season for me. We are
going to Belarus with the aim of getting to the European Championships in
July." To do that, the Young Lions need to overcome the hosts, Serbia and
Poland to be one of eight nations competing in the final round in the Czech
Republic. England will play Poland first in Borisov on Monday, before
meeting Serbia two days later in the same venue. The qualifying campaign
will end against Belarus in Minsk on Saturday 31 May.

Sears also thinks the U19s can help bring much needed cheer to the country
this summer after the senior side missed out on a place at Euro 2008 in
Switzerland and Austria. "We didn't make it to the Euro so the fans should
get behind the U19s," he added. "Mme and Tomka are going to be doing our
best to get to the finals. Let's get the fans behind the U19s and help us
out. We will do our best to represent the club."

The final tournament will take place between 14 and 26 July, and should
England get there then fellow West Ham United players Jordan Spence, still
only 17, and Junior Stanislas will also fancy their chances of earning a
place in the final squad. Both have also figured for the U19s this season
and will only have just missed out on this qualifying round.

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Lanzafame: talks beckon - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 22nd May 2008
By: Staff Writer

Davide Lanzafame has revealed he is set for talks with Juventus later this
week regarding his immediate future. The Italian striker had been poised for
a move to West Ham but a potential spanner was thrown in the works earlier
this week when Palermo revealed that they too were interested in signing the
under-21 star. The Sicilian's interest came into play when it was revealed
that they were chasing Lanzafame in part exchange for Brazilian striker
Amauri, who is on his way to Juve. Now Lanzafame, who has previously
expressed a preference to move to England, is set to discuss his future with
Juve before making a firm decision. "I think both Palermo and West Ham could
be for me two positive experiences", he told Sky Italia. "They are two
important places, but the decision hasn't been taken yet. "In the next few
days I'll talk with Juventus and we will decide together the best solution -
because one day I want to come back to Bianconeri."

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Busy week for ex-Hammers - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 22nd May 2008
By: Staff Writer

Although West Ham United's season officially ended just over a week ago
there have been plenty of ex-Irons in actions since. Harry Redknapp, David
James and Glen Johnson were all on the winning side at the weekend as
Portsmouth beat Cardiff - featuring Trevor Sinclair - 1-0 in the FA Cup
Final.
The game was watched by another former Hammer in Jermain Defoe, who was
unable to play due to being cup-tied. Meanwhile last night's Champions
League final was graced by no less than six former Hammers - three from each
team - whilst the trophy was collected by Rio Ferdinand who, along with team
mates Carlos Tevez and Michael Carrick saw off the challenge of Chelsea
(featuring Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and John Terry) after a dramatic penalty
shootout. The season officially ends this weekend with what is often
referred to as football's most lucrative domestic fixture, the Championship
play-off final. Richard Garcia, who started his career with United is set to
feature for Hull, whilst David Noble - who enjoyed a brief spell at Upton
Park under Glenn Roeder - is likely to start for Bristol City. Also in
contention to play this weekend is former French winger Seb Carole who spent
three months on loan with the Hammers between February and May 2004. He now
plays for Leeds who face Doncaster in this weekend's League One play-off
final.

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Lanzafame - Hammers an option - SSN
Italian considering West Ham and Palermo
By Nadia Carminati Last updated: 22nd May 2008

Italian starlet Davide Lanzafame has revealed that he could still join West
Ham. The Juventus striker was lined up for a loan move to Upton Park next
season after he completed a successful campaign at Serie B side Bari.
However, Palermo have now requested that Lanzafame is included as part of
the deal which will take Amauri to Turin. Now the player is waiting on Juve
to decide on his fate - but the player admits West Ham or Palermo would be
good moves for him. "I think both Palermo and West Ham could be for me two
positive experiences", Lanzafame told Sky Italia. "They are two important
places, but the decision hasn't been taken yet. "In the next few days I'll
talk with Juventus and we will decide together the best solution, also
because one day I want to come back to Bianconeri."
Italian Under 21 international Lanzafame is rated as one of the best young
striking prospects in Serie A and it looked like new Hammers sporting
director Gianluca Nani had achieved somewhat of a coup by securing a deal.
But it now remains to be seen whether he will spend next season in South
London or Sicily.

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Curbs to Shore up defence? - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 22nd May 2008
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are keeping tabs on Reading full back Nicky Shorey after the player
was told he could leave, according to today's Sun. Alan Curbishley - who was
linked with the Romford-born defender both last summer and earlier this year
- is said to be ready to take a punt on Shorey after he was made available
for transfer following Reading's relegation from the Premier League last
weekend. With only George McCartney as a recognised left-back in his squad
Curbishley, say The Sun, is ready to prepare a bid to capture Shorey who
made his international debut for England last season. Rated at £5 million
last summer, the 27-year-old is likely to be available for around half that
following Reading's return to the Championship. Elsewhere United have been
linked with a move for AFG AArhus' Danish under-21 defender Michael Lumb.
The 20-year-old left-back was named 'Shooting Star' of the 07/08 season by
Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet, and has been linked with a string top clubs
- including Ajax and Hamburg - in recent weeks.

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Curb's clearing out trash at West Ham; Could Liverpool manager find
treasure? - caughtoffside.com
May 22, 2008

You know what they always say: one man's trash is another man's treasure.
Apparently Alan Curbishley has decided that some of the current regime at
West Ham have to go this summer, and he's hoping to pawn off overrated
striker Dean Ashton and defender Anton Ferdinand to interested parties.
The Daily Mirror is reporting that Curbishley will use the funds he gets
from selling both players to make a bid for Everton striker Andrew Johnson
and Newcastle defender Steven Taylor. "Striker Ashton has been offered a new
deal but, if he stalls, Hammers will put him up for sale. Centre-half
Ferdinand is available for about £3million." (Daily Mirror) Even though
Ferdinand failed miserably on almost every occasion this year, there is
still a certain goateed manager that believes he isn't totally worthless.
Enter Liverpool manager, Rafael Benitez. Rumors are swirling that Benitez
is interested in the defender, and could be keen on bringing him in next
season for the right price.

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West Ham set to sign £6m star: Fantastic player who could be a Hammers
legend - caughtoffside.com
May 22, 2008

For a long while now Alan Curbishley has been monitoring Reading full back
Nicky Shorey and by all accounts the deal to capture the England
international has almost been done. West Ham United will sign Reading
fullback Nicky Shorey. he £6million-rated left-back will leave relegated
Reading in the summer. (The Sun)

Shorey is a class act who will surely prove himself at Upton Park, he may be
just the kind of addition that takes the east London side from mid table to
a European spot. Equally impressive going forward as he is at the back, the
former O's man is apparently just one of a great many signings Curbs would
like to bring in over the summer. What do Hammers fans feel about this
potential signing? Is it a case of better late than never, or are there
better players the boss could have brought in?

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Hammers still in hunt for Italian Lanzafame - Echo News
By Rob Pritchard

WEST Ham target David Lanzafame has admitted he would relish the opportunity
to play outside his native Italy. The Irons are interested in bringing the
Juventus forward, who scored 10 goals while on loan at Serie B challengers
Palermo last season, to Upton Park on a one-year loan deal. However, the
move could be scuppered after Juventus proposed sending the Italy Under-21
international to Serie A rivals Palermo as part of their bid to sign
Brazilian strike Amauri. But Lanzafame has encouraged the Hammers by stating
that he would like to play abroad. "Palermo and West Ham are both huge
clubs," he said. "But at my age I think it would be beneficial to have an
experience abroad, which would enhance me not only as a footballer, but also
from a linguistic and lifestyle point of view."
Lanzafame, who is currently preparing to represent Italy at the Beijing
Olympic Games, admitted he would like to return to Juventus one day. "In the
next few days I'll talk with Juventus and we will decide together the best
solution, also because one day I want to come back to Bianconeri," he added.

Meanwhile, former Hammer Richard Garcia, 26, is getting ready to play in the
biggest game of his career as his Hull City side take on Bristol City in the
Championship Play-Off final at Wembley. Australian Garcia, who won the FA
Youth Cup alongside Joe Cole and Michael Carrick in 1999, is desperate to
secure a victory that would see him return to Upton Park with the Tigers
next season. "I am looking forward to it and it would be fantastic to come
and play at West Ham again," the midfielder, who made 21 appearances in five
years at the Boleyn Ground, told www.whufc.com "I only have good memories of
my time there. Sure it was disappointing not to have gone further there, but
I was certainly given the best start to my career in England. "I spent my
growing-up years at West Ham, a very important time in anyone's life, and I
won't ever forget it." Garcia will line-up against another former Iron,
David Noble, who should start in midfield for the Robins.

WEST Ham and Australia captain Lucas Neill will miss the Socceroos' friendly
against Ghana in Sydney tonight. The 30-year-old has remained in England to
look after pregnant partner Lyndsay, who is expecting twins in June. Neill
will also miss Australia's two vital World Cup 2010 qualifiers against Iraq
in Brisbane on June 2 and in Qatar on June 7. Ghana will field Irons
full-back John Pantsil in tonight's clash.

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No Way I'm Missing Euro, Insists Ljungberg - goal.com

West ham and Sweden midfielder Freddie Ljungberg has moved to calm concerns
that he may have to sit out Euro 2008 due to injury. Ljungberg cracked a rib
against Newcastle in the closing stages of the Premier League season and the
Swede was initially feared to be ruled out of his nation's Group D campaign.
However, the 31-year-old insisted that the injury is no longer as bad as is
made out and that he is more than prepared to play through the pain barrier.
"I might get a special protection for the rib and that is good," he said.
"It will protect me in case I get an elbow on the ribs."
National team boss Lar Lagerback obviously has confident over Ljungerg as he
has selected the ex Arsenal star in his Euro 2008 Sweden squad. Sweden face
Spain, Russia and Greece in the group stages and the selection of Ljungberg
provides a major boost for the squad's hopes of negotiating a path into the
quarter finals.

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Hammers tipped to win race for Reading full back - Guardian Series

ALAN Curbishley has been given the green light to make a bid for Reading's
Nicky Shorey. The West Ham boss has been unsuccessful in bringing the
Barking-born full back to Upton Park in the past. But Reading chief
executive Nigel Howe admits that the Royals are open to offers for several
players - including 27-year-old Shorey - following the club's relegation
from the Premier League. "Nicky Shorey and a few others will be looked at as
potential people to leave," Howe told the Reading Evening Post. "Nicky has
made it clear for a long time that he hasn't been too happy at the club.
"Well, let's hope that somebody comes in with a good offer." Shorey, who
would cost around £4 million, is keen to remain in the top flight and has
also attracted the attention of Aston Villa and Newcastle.

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Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 22nd May 2008

Spector in line to face England - WHUFC
West Ham United fans could see Jonathan Spector up against Dean Ashton at Wembley on 28 May
21.05.2008

Jonathan Spector has been named in the 22-man United States squad to play England in an international friendly at Wembley next Wednesday.

The young defender could be up against club-mate Dean Ashton who is in line for his England debut. The US are playing three friendlies - including a trip to Spain and a home match against Argentina - before taking on Barbados over two matches next month in the latest leg of their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign. Spector, 22, has played nine times for his country and is also due to represent them at the Beijing Olympics this August.

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Specs named - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 21st May 2008
By: Staff Writer

Jonathan Spector has been named in the USA squad to face England at Wembley next week. The 22-year-old full back is in the party to face Fabio Capello's England side and could come up against United team-mate Dean Ashton, who was selected in Capello's initial 30-man squad earlier this month.
Spector was signed by Alan Pardew from Manchester United in the summer of 2006 after making just two starts for the current Premier League champions. He made 28 appearances for the Hammers last season, scoring just the one goal - the third goal of a 5-0 thrashing of Derby County at Pride Park last November.

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Shorey set for Royals departure - SSN
Reading cannot afford to keep full-back
By Chris Burton Last updated: 21st May 2008

Reading have confirmed that they will listen to offers for wantaway full-back Nicky Shorey. The Royals have been forced to accept that relegation from the Premier League will make it impossible for them to persuade the England international to stay. West Ham, Aston Villa and Newcastle are all believed to be interested in acquiring the left-back, with the Hammers having chased his signature for some time. Reading's chief executive Nigel Howe admits that the club will be forced to slash their wage bill over the summer; a situation which will undoubtedly lead to the departure of some of their biggest assets. "Nicky Shorey and a few others will be looked at as potential people to leave," said Howe. "Nicky has made it clear for a long time that he hasn't been too happy at the club. "Well, let's hope that somebody comes in with a good offer."
Royals boss Steve Coppell, who reiterated his intention to remain at the club on Tuesday, has also been warned that he will be operating on a tight budget in the Championship next season. "What we have said to Steve is that if he trades well it should release enough funds to go forward," Howe told the Reading Evening Post. "But he won't have money unless he sells. At the moment we are just trying to balance the budget. "The concern is to keep as many of the core squad together. But Steve does want to reduce the squad so he is expecting to receive offers for players. "If Steve wants to keep all the players on the same salaries, there won't be the release of funds. If he reduces the wage bill, he will have funds. "Even though we get the £11million parachute we have still got very highly paid players - even with the reduction in wages - so I think we will have to budget for a small loss. "Salaries have to be at the middle range and some in the upper range for the Championship."

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Reading put Nicky Shorey up for sale - Times Online and Agencies

Reading will listen to offers for Nicky Shorey, the England full back, as they adapt their finances to the Coca-Cola Championship. Shorey, who has been with the club for seven years, has been linked with moves to West Ham United, Aston Villa and Newcastle United.

The £11 million parachute payment will ease the burden of Reading's relegation from the Premier League but Nigel Howe, the club's chief executive, said they need to cut the wage bill, too. "Nicky Shorey and a few others will be looked at as potential people to leave," Howe said. "Nicky has made it clear for a long time that he hasn't been too happy at the club. Well, let's hope that somebody comes in with a good offer."

Steve Coppell, the manager, is thought to have accepted a £500,000 pay-cut to remain at the club. "We have said to Steve that, if he trades well, it should release enough funds to go forward," Howe said. "But he won't have money unless he sells. At the moment we are just trying to balance the budget.

"The concern is to keep as many of the core squad together. But Steve does want to reduce the squad so he is expecting to receive offers for players. If Steve wants to keep all the players on the same salaries, there won't be the release of funds. If he reduces the wage bill, he will have funds.

"Even though we get the £11m parachute we have still got very highly paid players - even with the reduction in wages - so we will have to budget for a small loss. Salaries have to be at the middle range and some in the upper range for the Championship."

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Thursday's rumours - Shorey to West Ham?
Josh Widdicombe guardian.co.uk,
Thursday May 22 2008

Shorey to leave Reading? Yes, this really was the best we could do.

So, first up it is bad news for Reading fans, who will no longer get to see the silky skills of Ibrahima Sonko week-in week-out. It seems he has fallen out with Steve Coppell and will be seeking pastures new, specifically those of West Brom or Stoke for a cost of £3m. And on top of that Nicky Shorey won't be angling long balls down the left flank at the Madjeski next season, that is unless West Ham are drawn away to Reading in the Cup, after he makes his £5m move to Upton Park.

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Lanzafame: I Want West Ham, Not Palermo - goal.com

Amauri's proposed transfer to Juventus may be set for yet another hitch after one of the pawns in the deal, Davide Lanzafame, stated that he would prefer to join West Ham instead of Palermo. Amauri's supposed move to Turin has become something of an exhausting soap-opera, with almost every day their being a new twist and turn. Negotiations have been on-going for several weeks now, but it seemed earlier in the week that a deal had finally be agreed upon, which would have seen Juve pay €12 million as well as hand over Antonio Nocerino and half of Davide Lanzafame's contract. However the 21-year-old Lanzafame, who is regarded as one of Italy's brightest young talents, and has even been compared by some to Man Utd's Cristiano Ronaldo, has revealed that he would favour a season-long loan move to English side West Ham instead. "Palermo and West Ham are both huge clubs," stated the striker. "But at my age I think it would be beneficial to have an experience abroad, which would enhance me not only as a footballer, but also from a linguistic and lifestyle point of view." West Ham would like to have the youngster in their squad next season to offer competition to the likes of Dean Ashton, Bobby Zamora, and Carlton Cole.

Gianni Wilson

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Redknapp: No Northeast clubs wanted Man Utd's Carrick
tribalfootball.com - May 21, 2008

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has revealed how West Ham United managed to land Michael Carrick as a junior - because no club in the Northeast wanted to sign the Geordie! Carrick won the Champions League last night with Manchester United and Redknapp told the Daily Mail: "We brought him down to West Ham from the north east at an early age. The clubs up there didn't want him. "He grew beyond his strength in those early days. He suddenly went from 5ft 6ins to 6ft 1in. He was like a beanpole, no strength, growing pains, problems with his knees. "He knew what he wanted to do but couldn't get around the pitch to do it. It was a case of waiting for him to develop and fill out. Eventually he did and now he looks some player, a super passer of a ball."

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Sports experts deliver injury assessment report to West Ham
tribalfootball.com - May 21, 2008

Experts from Roehampton University's Sports Performance Assessment have handed West Ham United their recommendations after a study on the club's injury problems. The team investigated all aspects of the club, from diets to the training pitches. They also conducted medical tests and interviewed players, management and staff. SPARC director and physiologist Jackie Dabinett then presented the findings to the club's board last week. "We did a full audit of all sport science and sports medicine practices at the club as well as the training and match facilities," Dabinett told the Basildon Echo. "We interviewed 15 players and all of the coaching staff from the groundsman to the manager. We also did some on the spot checks of, for example, players' urine concentration prior to training on one of the days. "A presentation of the main findings was made to the board on the Friday of the week that we were there and a full report was sent to the club last Friday. "We are not in a position to disclose the findings but there are a number of recommendations, that if acted upon, should reduce the likelihood of injury in the future and also enhance performance."

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Sunderland go for West Ham's Boa Morte
tribalfootball.com - May 21, 2008

Sunderland are moving for unhappy West Ham winger Luis Boa Morte. Black Cats boss Roy Keane is said to be ready to throw the Portugal international a Premier League lifeline by taking him to the Stadium of Light.

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Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 21st May 2008

Club pays tribute to Ken Tucker - WHUFC
Former West Ham United winger, who passed away this week, is remembered for
ten years of loyal service
20.05.2008

Former West Ham United winger Ken Tucker sadly passed away this week at the
age of 85. Having played for the club between 1947-57, Tucker's Upton Park
career began in sparkling style. He scored a hat-trick on his debut against
Chesterfield at the Boleyn Ground in October 1947. A pacey and powerful
winger, signed from Finchley, he scored 73 goals in 191 reserve matches
before earning a regular spot in the first team in the 1955/56 season. He
duly switched from part-time to full-time training and scored 15 goals in 37
appearances before joining Notts County in March 1957. He leaves behind a
wife, Joan, two children, Lorraine and Raymond, and grandchildren.

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Hammers ready to launch bid for Johnson - Guardian Series

WEST Ham are set to test Everton's resolve with a renewed bid for Andy
Johnson, according to reports this morning. The Irons had a £15 million bid
for the pacy 27-year-old turned down by the Toffess last summer. But,
despite Johnson's recent claims that he is happy at Goodison Park, the
Guardian suggests that Hammers boss Alan Curbishley is ready to step up his
efforts to lure the former Crystal Palace star back to London. Johnson
regularly had to settle for a place on the bench at Everton last season, but
still managed to score ten goals.

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West Ham confident over deals for Ashton, Green
tribalfooball.com - May 20, 2008

West Ham United are confident of securing two of their top England stars to
new contracts. The Daily Express says West Ham are confident of agreeing new
deals with Rob Green and Dean Ashton.

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Hammers to join chase for Saha? - manutdweb.com
By Chris, May 21 2008

A barrage of bids from the capital could push Louis Saha's asking price up.
West Ham United are the latest club to be linked with a move for the
Frenchman – just days after Arsenal were linked with a shock move for the
Frenchman. Saha looks certain to leave Old Trafford over the summer and
United have reportedly slapped a £7million asking price on the unsettled
striker. Saha has, once again, struggled for games this season with another
injury-plagued campaign.

The 29-year-old is keen to leave Old Trafford and lease new life into his
career - and a host of clubs look set to make a move over the summer.

Arsenal have already been linked with a swoop for the former Fulham man's
services and Arsene Wenger is reportedly prepared to match United's
£7million asking price.

However, his valuation could increase with West Ham apparently poised to bid
for the French international with Hammers boss Alan Curbishley keen to
bolster his attacking ranks.

Saha has already suggested that Wednesday's European Cup final could be his
last as a United player - so don't be surprised to see a handful of other
clubs from across the continent linked with a move for the player over the
next couple of weeks.

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Transfer Silly Season Starts Early At West Ham - West Ham Fans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 20 May, 2008 - 18:26.

With the season only just over and most players enjoying a bit of a break,
those wonderful souls, referred to as 'agents', begin crawling out from
whence they came. The way some agents operate is simple, with a pet
newspaper ready to lap up their every tale they merely plant scurrilous
rumors here and there and suddenly you have an unsettled player. Last season
it was Liverpool who benefited from Yossi Benayoun being 'influenced', this
year Dean Ashton has become the next target to de-stabilise, the beneficiary
club could be Newcastle, Manchester United or heaven forbid Tottenham! Par
to the course of messing with a player is to plant stories about other
players potentially arriving at a club, so it is of no surprise to see 'sick
note' Saha and 'gobby' Diouf being linked with moves to the Boleyn. A move
for either of these players would be bordering on the insane, as would the
supposed move for Richard 'past his sell by date' Dunne, fact is that the
Hammers squad is massive, disproportionally so bearing in mind that an
average attendance of 34,500 odd was only the 11th highest this season in
the Premiership. Bringing in a couple of excellent loan signings would be a
better approach than scattering money at over priced 'established' players,
getting rid of one or two players will do no long term harm as it is
unlikely that there will be so many injuries next season, the Roehampton
Institute's findings make interesting reading for the powers that be, it is
to be hoped that their findings are taken on board, if they are fans might
even get to see some attractive football! - Ed

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Sunderland prepare £3million Hammers swoop - FansFC
18:15 May, 20, 2008

Sunderland Football Club are keen on Luis Boa Morte. The Portugal
international has been the subject of abuse from West Ham United fans for
the way their season fizzled out, and he admits he is unhappy with life at
Upton Park. "I've got two years left [on my contract] at West Ham but I
don't like the situation and we'll see what happens in the summer," said Boa
Morte. "I will sit down with the chairman and the manager and speak to them
about it."
The former Arsenal and Fulham man could get a Premier League lifeline handed
to him from Roy Keane, who is believed to be prepared to pay £3million to
take him to the Stadium of Light.

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Bolton's Diouf in West Ham sights
tribalfootball.com - May 20, 2008

Bolton Wanderers attacker El-Hadji Diouf is a target for West Ham United.
The Guardian says the Senegal ace is on Hammers boss Alan Curbishley's
shopping list, though Bolton manager Gary Megson refuses to give up on
persuading Diouf to stay next season.

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West Ham to bid for Man Utd striker Saha
tribalfootball.com - May 20, 2008

West Ham United are moving for Manchester United striker Louis Saha. Saha
has admitted he could be on his way from United in the summer and the
Guardian says Hammers boss Alan Curbishley wants to bring the ex-Fulham man
back to London.

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Juventus prospect Lanzafame favours West Ham over Palermo
tribalfootball.com - May 20, 2008

Juventus prospect Davide Lanzafame wants a move to West Ham United. Juve
want to include Lanzafame in their offer to Palermo for striker Amauri, but
the young forward is digging in his heels as he wants to move to Gianluca
Nani's West Ham United. Lanzafame is rated highly within Italian football
and was outstanding on-loan at Serie B Bari last season.

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Hammers set to miss out on Italian starlet - Guardian Series

WEST Ham look to have missed out on the signing of Juventus starlet Davide
Lanzafame. Mounting speculation has suggested that the Irons were close to
sealing a season-long move for the 21-year-old striker, who scored ten goals
in 33 games on loan at Serie B outfit Bari this season. But that looks to
have been thwarted by Juventus' bid to lure Palermo's Amauri to Turin.
Palermo are willing to part with the Brazilian-born forward, but are
reported to want £10 million cash, ownership of midfielder Antonio Nocerino
and 50 per cent ownership of Lanzafame as part of the deal. And, according
to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, the deal looks to be already done
with Amauri set to undergo a medical at Juventus today. Palermo are said to
have previously wanted Raffaele Palladino, Sebastian Giovinco or Vincenzo
Iaquinta in exchange for Amauri, but all were vetoed by Juventus. Now
Lanzafame admits that his future is in his club's hands. "I'm a Juve player
and my future depends on the Bianconeri," he told Corriere dello Sport.
"Palermo? They are a prestigious club and for me it will be a fascinating
and new experience."

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Saha & Diouf? You're 'Avin a Giraffe! - West Ham Till I Die

I'm not sure how far Paul Doyle's tongue was stuck in his cheek when he
wrote THIS in today's Guardian. He speculates that West Ham are interested
in signing Louis Saha and El Hadhi-Diouf. Saha is a good player but do we
really need yet another injury prone striker? I think not. We should have
signed him when we had the chance eight years ago. As for Diouf, all I can
say is Nooooooooooo!

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West Ham's Elite Boys to Conquer the World! - CmonYuIrons

Wednesday Night and 4 of West Ham's elite Academy will have 4 of its
children take to the World Stage, playing in the Eufa Champions League.
Watches by over 1 billion people worldwide, Manchester United's Rio
Ferdinand and Michael Carrick up against Chelsea's Frank Lampard and Joe
Cole will fight it out to win the greatest prize that any league club can
win.
West Ham Academy director Tony Carr said :- "They are our boys who have made
it all the way to the top and West Ham United fans should be proud of that.
We will have two as winners and two as runners-up, which isn't a bad
record."
Tony Carr is now in his 35th year of loyal service to West Ham said "Their
high-profile achievements are helping the club to attract new talent and
earn recognition around the world" "It is a great testament to us and you
often hear us mentioned when people are talking about these players, the
fact that they have come through the ranks here,"
Carr told the club programme. "For me it gives me goose pimples on the back
of my neck when I see the likes of Rio and Joe playing in the Champions
League which is the very top of this profession. We can even make a claim on
John Terry, because he spent five years here between the ages of nine and
14."
Frank Lampard was once a hated figure when arriving at Upton Park, which
hopefully will now be a thing of the past, he is a product and child from
the Academy and nobody can deny that, so he should be treated with respect,
which by now he rightfully deserves as does the other 3 Academy boys playing
Wednesday in Moscow.

The days are now over where we will part with academy boys that have grown
into 1st team football for West Ham, We have made mistakes in the past
mainly due to relegation and bad management, the new boys Fred sears, James
Tomkins, and Jack Collison, will be the new boys to conquer the worlds
stage, but this time with their mother club, West Ham United FC.

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Hammers handed recommendations to reduce worrying injury crisis - Guardian
Series

WEST Ham have been handed a "number of recommendations" from a team of
sports scientists who looked into ways of reducing the club's injury crisis.
A team of experts from Roehampton University's Sports Performance Assessment
and Rehabilitation Centre (SPARC) spent a week with the Irons last month in
a bid to get to the bottom of the unprecendented amount of injuries
sustained in the squad. The team investigated all aspects of the club, from
diets to the training pitches. They also conducted medical tests and
interviewed players, management and staff. SPARC director and physiologist
Jackie Dabinett then presented the findings to the club's board last week.
"We did a full audit of all sport science and sports medicine practices at
the club as well as the training and match facilities," Dabinett told the
Basildon Echo. advertisement"We interviewed 15 players and all of the
coaching staff from the groundsman to the manager. "We also did some on the
spot checks of, for example, players' urine concentration prior to training
on one of the days. "A presentation of the main findings was made to the
board on the Friday of the week that we were there and a full report was
sent to the club last Friday.
"We are not in a position to disclose the findings but there are a number of
recommendations, that if acted upon, should reduce the likelihood of injury
in the future and also enhance performance."

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Boffins plot cure to Irons' injury woe - Echo News
Exclusive By Rob Pritchard

A TEAM of sports scientists claim to have got to the bottom of West Ham's
crippling injury crisis. Four experts from Roehampton University's Sports
Performance Assessment and Rehabilitation Centre (SPARC) spent a week with
the Irons last month to try and work out why the club's players suffered
more than 50 injuries last season. During their time with the Hammers, SPARC
director and physiologist Jackie Dabinett and her team interviewed players,
management and staff, conducted medical tests and investigated everything
from diets to the state of the club's training pitches. Afterwards Dabinett,
who spent a decade working at the Football Association Human Performance
Centre at Lilleshall, presented the team's findings to the board, making a
host of recommendations to help clear the club's treatment room. "We did a
full audit of all sport science and sports medicine practices at the club as
well as the training and match facilities," she said. "We interviewed 15
players and all of the coaching staff from the groundsman to the manager.
"We also did some on the spot checks of, for example, players' urine
concentration prior to training on one of the days. "A presentation of the
main findings was made to the board on the Friday of the week that we were
there and a full report was sent to the club last Friday. "We are not in a
position to disclose the findings but there are a number of recommendations,
that if acted upon, should reduce the likelihood of injury in the future and
also enhance performance."
One player hoping to make a return from injury sooner rather than later is
Freddie Ljungberg, who is battling to recover from a broken rib in time to
captain Sweden at the Euro 2008 finals. "The pain has been quite extreme,"
said the 30-year-old, who was hurt during the Irons' Premier League clash
with Newcastle United on April 26. "It's been difficult taking deep breaths
and it hurts even when I just turn my body. I have been on painkillers,
however, and I'm getting better and better. "I have slowly started to try to
jog and have even cycled a little. "The healing process so far has been all
according to the prognosis by our medical staff which is encouraging. I am
very much looking forward to being fit for the tournament."
Ljungberg is currently recovering in his homeland, who take on Greece in
their opening Group D clash on June 10 before facing Spain and Russia.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 20th May 2008

'Productive meeting' over Ashton - WHUFC
More talks will take place the week after next with regard to Dean Ashton's
future
19.05.2008

West Ham United are due to meet again with Dean Ashton's representatives
after positive talks last Friday about securing the striker's long-term
future at the Boleyn Ground.

The 24-year-old is a firm part of Alan Curbishley's plans for next season
and the 16 May talks were aimed at extending the terms of his existing deal,
which still has two years left to run. A second meeting will be held the
week after next following the opening discussions. West Ham United Chief
Executive Scott Duxbury said: "We had a very productive meeting. Dean wants
to stay and we want him to stay. We are committed to finding agreement on a
new long-term contract."

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Carr's kids on biggest stage - WHUFC
Four graduates of the West Ham United academy will be on the biggest club
stage on Wednesday night
16.05.2008

"They are our boys who have made it all the way to the top and West Ham
United fans should be proud of that. We will have two as winners and two as
runners-up, which isn't a bad record."

So says academy director Tony Carr about Wednesday night's Champions League
final in Moscow which will pit Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand and Michael
Carrick up against Chelsea's Frank Lampard and Joe Cole. The foursome all
learned their trade under Carr's tutelage at Chadwell Heath and the man who
has just finished his 35th year of service said their high-profile
achievements are helping the club to attract new talent and earn recognition
around the world.

"It is a great testament to us and you often hear us mentioned when people
are talking about these players, the fact that they have come through the
ranks here," Carr told the club programme. "For me it gives me goose pimples
on the back of my neck when I see the likes of Rio and Joe playing in the
Champions League which is the very top of this profession. We can even make
a claim on John Terry, because he spent five years here between the ages of
nine and 14."

These days the club is firmly committed to fostering more young talent and
keeping them within the ranks. After a season that saw James Tomkins, Jack
Collison and Freddie Sears make it six homegrown players in the current
first-team picture, Carr is positive for the future. "Each year I have a new
team of players to work with and it's still exciting to see where the next
generation is coming from. The first team is about tomorrow and the next
result but youth football is all about next year and beyond that. For me, it
is a challenge I am still enjoying being part of."

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Pre-season update - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 19th May 2008
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United will face Ipswich Town in a pre-season friendly at the
beginning of August. It was confirmed this morning that United will face the
Championship side in what will be one of their final friendlies of
pre-season when the teams meet at Portman Road on Monday, 4th August.
Already confirmed in the pre-season calendar for the Hammers are trips to
Peterborough, Thurrock and Canada (to face an MLS AllStar XI) - whilst a
second date on the North American tour is yet to be confirmed. United's last
competitive fixture against the Blues was three years ago this week when a
Bobby Zamora brace sent the Irons through to the play-off final against
Preston (having drawn the first leg 2-2 at the Boleyn Ground).

Pre-Season programme (latest)

MLS AllStars XI (a): Thursday, 24th July
Thurrock (a): Saturday, 26th July
Peterborough (a): Tuesday, 29th July
Ipswich Town (a): Monday, 4th August

The 2008/09 Premier League season commences on Saturday, 16th August.

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Ashton impasse: no deal yet - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 19th May 2008
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United have scheduled a second set of talks with striker Dean
Ashton after failing to agree new contract terms. The two parties met last
Friday in order to open discussions with view to an extension of Ashton's
current contract, which is due to expire in 2010. However neither side were
able to provide an amicable solution on an extended deal, meaning
discussions will reconvene in a fortnight's time as both parties continue to
attempt to thrash out a deal. United CEO Scott Duxbury tried to put some
positive spin on the news when he told whufc.com: "We had a very productive
meeting. Dean wants to stay and we want him to stay. "We are committed to
finding agreement on a new long-term contract."

* News of Tottenham's interest in the 24-year-old hitman appears to have
been little more than rumour-mongering.

Despite stories appearing in the weekend's tabloids to that effect -
coincidentally on the same weekend as Ashton's contract talks took place -
Tottenham are not currently thought to be interested in the Swindon born
striker.

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Lanzafame hitch for Hammers - SSN
Palermo want starlet
By Nadia Carminati Last updated: 20th May 2008

West Ham's bid for Juventus starlet Davide Lanzafame could be set for
failure because of Amauri's impeding move to Turin. Juve are set to sign
Brazilian-born striker Amauri, but as part of the deal Palermo want 50 per
cent ownership of Lanzafame. Palermo are hoping to land half of Lanzafame,
as well as getting Antonio Nocerino and nearly £10million for Amauri.
Previously Palermo wanted Raffaele Palladino, Sebastian Giovinco or Vincenzo
Iaquinta - but they were all vetoed - but Lanzafame admits he will go where
Juve tell him. The Italian Under 21 international was on his way to Upton
Park on loan for the whole of next season, which Juve were more than happy
with. Lanzafame spent last season on loan at Bari where he scored ten-goals,
which attracted the interest of The Hammers and a deal was brokered by their
new sporting director - Italian Gianluca Nani. But now Palermo's request
could very well deny The Hammers what would have been a major coup, for one
of the most highly-rated young strikers in Europe. "I'm a Juve player and my
future depends on the Bianconeri," he told Corriere dello Sport. "Palermo?
They are a prestigious club and for me it will be a fascinating and new
experience. "Bari for me has been a really beautiful adventure. I'm sorry it
ended because I felt really good. I hope one day to be able to wear again
this jersey."

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Boa Morte not a happy Hammer - SSN
Portuguese ace to talk over future
Last updated: 19th May 2008

Luis Boa Morte has admitted he is not happy with his situation at West Ham.
The former Fulham forward has one of a number of Hammers' players singled
out for abuse from the club's own fans after their season tailed off after a
bright start. Boa Morte admits he is to have talks with manager Alan
Curbishley about his future at Upton Park. "I've got two years left [on my
contract] at West Ham but I don't like the situation and we'll see what
happens in the summer," said Boa Morte. "I will sit down with the chairman
and the manager and speak to them about it and find the best solution.
"Nobody likes to get booed every week when your name is read out and when
you touch the ball, so it is not a good situation."

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The Transfer 'Window Of Opportunity' - West Ham Online
Alex V - Mon May 19 2008

The silly season is upon us - plenty of nonsense spouted from all quarters
on who we are about to sign. And this Summer is expected to yield a bumper
crop of new players, with almost every club in the Premiership rumoured to
be about to undertake a ludicrous spending spree. So shopping trolleys at
the ready!

The first thing to note is that WE DON'T KNOW what the budget is for
transfers this Summer, and nor should we at this stage. If it was common
knowledge that we were about to throw money around, then every player's
price would mysteriously rise by a million or two on every enquiry.
Likewise, if we are short of cash it would reduce the prices offered by
those trying to buy our players, on the basis that we are more desperate for
a quick sale. I am happy with an air of mystery, and will be pleasantly
surprised if and when we buy anyone. That said, I will be disappointed if
the owners have used the current injury list as an excuse not to invest in
the squad at what could be a watershed moment for the club. If you've ever
owned a water shed, you will know what I mean.

My chief concern this Summer is that we invest in the long-term future of
the club, and not for the short-term benefit of a manager under pressure
from the fickle brigade among our fans. The problem clubs often have, I
feel, is that the manager is buying to save his job next season, and not
buying for the benefit of the club in a few years. Why is it Curbishley's
concern what the resale value of his purchases is? - given his current
reception from some of the support, he may have little confidence that he
will be here to see the long-term effect of his signings.

I hope and pray that the owners gave Curbishley a nice confidence boost in
their meetings, and assured him that his long-term future was safe, even if
they don't really mean it. Because that is the only way to build a
competitive club in the future - let us have a long-term plan for
progression, not a short-term one for survival. If I was in charge I would
be telling Curbishley that he is here for five years, and to buy players now
to improve the club over that period - I would even consider giving the man
a bear-hug.

The great thing about out current position is that we have a solid
Premiership squad to build on - we aren't forced to invest in the sort of
players the club brought in last Summer. Parker, Dyer, Bellamy and Ljungberg
were bought principally because of their proven qualities in this league -
they didn't need to be developed and they weren't unknown quantities. I
don't think we necessarily need any more of that sort of player - as long as
we keep the basis of the current squad we will be safe next season, whether
or not we develop the squad. On that basis, we don't actually NEED to sign
anyone this Summer - signings would only be needed to replace outgoing
members of the squad. A first 11 of Green, Upson, Ferdinand, Neill,
McCartney, Parker, Noble, Dyer, Ljungberg, Ashton and Bellamy is more than
good enough to ensure a mid-table finish - heck they might even reach the
dizzy heights of 9th.

The trouble, I fear, is that Curbishley might still want short-term
measures. Curbs, like any other Premiership manager, would prefer to only
bring in players of proven quality who are ready for the Premiership
campaign to come. Who can blame him for that? The trouble is that in doing
that you are competing for a small pool of players for whom you have to play
big money and pay a top wage to. And we already have a pool of players of
Premiership standing - is it worth Curbishley spending more money to improve
us ever-so-slightly next season? Of course he would argue that you cannot
stand still in this league, and he might well be right.

This is exactly why I am so positive about having a director of football at
the club - someone whose job it is in theory to tend to the long-term
football development of the club, and weigh up the footballing decisions
taken in terms of the bigger picture. I believe that had we had a proper
director of football at the club last Summer, we wouldn't have paid so much
in wages, nor bought as many aging players with no resale value. Much as I
respect Curbishley, I'm firmly of the belief that he needs a counter-balance
at the club, if only as an extra pair of eyes to see what is being done and
what needs doing. Because I get the ever-so-slight feeling that Mervyn Day
is a bit of a 'yes' man, don't you?

I want us to move away from such short-termism, and move towards buying raw
talent and developing it at the club. It's the classic Arsene Wenger model
of course, and perhaps that can't be emulated, but I think other clubs are
doing it now. Liverpool's most important player after Torres and Gerrard may
well be Lucas, the young Brazilian they bought and have quietly developed
over the last season - they are also in the process of replacing older
defenders (Riise, Finnan, Hyppia) with younger and possibly better young
players (Aurelio, Arbeloa, Agger). It's been a slow process at Liverpool,
and they have trodden water for a few years, but at least I can see the
logic behind what they have been doing. The ideal situation, as I see it, is
to have one experienced player for each position to be relied upon when
necessary, and one player of potential to be developing alongside them. And
under that an 8 year old with silky skills cleaning their boots while
learning to tie their own shoelaces.

Whoever we do sign, I would like them to be ideally under 25 and not have a
history of injuries - rocket science, I know. I do believe a crucial part of
Arsene Wenger's transfer policy is that he simply doesn't buy players who
have been seriously injured - I don't know if this is sheer superstition, or
educated gut feeling from Wenger, but it seems to stand him in very good
stead, and Arsenal manage to operate to a high standard with a relatively
small squad. And in terms of buying younger players, I think this is simple
logic in terms of modern football - players seem to be developing to a
higher standard both mentally and physically at a younger age, 7 of the
Premiership select team were 25 or under. And younger players cost less in
wages generally.

So, in terms of my policy at least, players like Shorey, Dunne, Bresciano,
O'Neil, Carr, Sidwell and many others would be ruled out on grounds that
they are just too old to give us enough long-term potential. I simply don't
see a real point in buying a player like Shorey, unless he is a whole lot
better than I think - I am pretty sure that he is better than McCartney, but
would be more expensive, so if it were a straight replacement then I might
just about agree with the idea, but I don't see the point of having two
similar 27-year-olds battle for a first team place. And of course I wouldn't
turn Richard Dunne away - I think he's an inspirational leader and is
exactly the type that we need at the club.

The signings I am interested in will be the young players - we surely want
to see a future team start to develop. The rumours that make my mouth water
are about Bruno Fornaroli, the young Uruguayan forward, or some of the other
South American youngsters linked with the club. I'm not foolish enough to
expect all or any young players to make the grade, but I would like to see
some proper investment on a risk/reward basis - ie if a small percentage of
them make the first team, they will compensate us financially for the ones
that fail. I would favour us plunging our entire transfer budget into these
young players, because I think it would bear more fruit in the long-term
than whatever we would spend on established Premiership performers.

It looks like the club are thinking along the same lines - there are far
more rumours surrounding young players of 17-20 than I ever remember seeing
before. It has been made fairly clear from the off that Nani's principal
function is to identify youth talent. It's undeniable logic on the face of
it - after all the one constant at the club in recent years has been the
abilities of Tony Carr and his team to develop youth players into
Premiership players. I also think the change to 7 subs next season cannot be
underestimated in terms of developing younger players - clearly managers
will be able to cover their first team and also put youngsters on the bench
at the same time.

I am extremely optimistic about this transfer window. I think lessons were
learned and fingers burned last Summer, and I expect a different policy this
time around. I expect a more guarded policy in terms of big signings, a
much-needed streamlining of the squad, and a significant investment in
talented young players. I think, despite frustration from some fans, that
this club is exactly on the right track and (hopefully) doing the right
things to progress.

And no, I'm not the new PR manager for the club.

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Sorry West Ham ... You Haven't A Hope! - NewcastleMad.co.uk
By Nu Mad Monday, 19th May 2008

Upton Park has been our "dumping ground" in recent seasons, taking all our
injury prone and "past it" players. But West Ham's hopes of signing defender
Steven Taylor are NIL. Allegedly: "Magpies billionaire owner Mike Ashley
wants to reduce the wage bill at St James' Park - and Taylor, 22, fears a
new deal will not arrive quickly or match his demands, says the News of the
World. "With just one year left on the defender's contract he signed before
becoming a first-team regular, the Hammers hope Newcastle will be open to
offers for the England Under-21 star."
Taylor is nowhere near being the biggest earner at Newcastle, and a deal
will be on the table sooner rather than later. As for West Ham? They can try
when he's as injury prone as Scott Parker; as old as Nobby Solano; as
troublesome as Lee Bowyer and Craig Bellamy; or as heartless as Kieron Dyer.

Try again in 2020.

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Nigel Reo-Coker slams West Ham for underachieving - The Mirror
By James Nursey 20/05/2008

Nigel Reo-Coker has risked the wrath of West Ham fans again - by insisting
the Hammers have underachieved this season. Midfielder Reo-Coker left Upton
Park for Aston Villa last summer in a £7.5million move after being made a
scapegoat for the club's brush with relegation in 2006-07. And the uncapped
England hopeful helped Martin O'Neill's men finish sixth to qualify for the
InterToto Cup. But Reo-Coker knows Villa's success is partly due to several
clubs like West Ham, who invested heavily 12 months ago, failing to live up
to expectations. Hammers boss Alan Curbishley spent nearly £30m on Craig
Bellamy, Kieron Dyer, Freddie Ljungberg, Julien Faubert and Scott Parker.
But the expensive stars have spent more time in the treatment room than on
the pitch as West Ham finished an underwhelming 10th. And the ex-Hammer
claims Curbishley's team cannot deem their campaign a success after missing
out on European qualification. "People must look at those clubs who are
supposedly top half," said Reo-Coker, booed on his return to east London in
Villa's 2-2 draw on the final day. "Spurs and Newcastle have spent massive
money and even my old club West Ham have spent a lot to get the right
players in and really push for that European spot. "I saw people tipping us
to finish in the bottom half of the table - but look at what we have
achieved. "I think people need to give us a lot more credit than we have
been getting."
Villa just missed out on fifth place on the final day despite their squad
being the smallest in the top flight - yet Reo-Coker remains confident they
can still earn a UEFA Cup spot via the InterToto. But he knows if Villa are
to challenge the Big Four, they must retain inspirational skipper Gareth
Barry, who is a prime target for Liverpool. "It is important to keep
Gareth," he said. "If we want to get to that fourth place, we wouldn't want
to lose our best players.
"I have always been a big fan of Gareth's even before I came here. He's
always been a top-class player for me and he's been fantastic for us this
season."
People must look at those clubs who are supposedly top half.. even my old
club West Ham spent a lot

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 19th May 2008

Tomka having a great time - WHUFC
The 2007/08 Young Hammer of the Year James Tomkins is still going from
strength to strength
16.05.2008

James Tomkins has spoken of his delight at being crowned Young Hammer of the
Year after a tremendous campaign for club and country.

The 19-year-old defender had perhaps the biggest impact of the three academy
debutants this season, making five starts and one substitute appearance as
he finished the season as a regular in the first team. Added to that, he
firmly established himself in the England U19 set-up and is set to be an
essential part of their bid to qualify for July's European Championship
finals with the Elite round later this month in Belarus.

It is at West Ham United, though, where Tomkins' impact has been most keenly
felt. To pick up that prestigious prize before the final game of the season
was just reward for his efforts in following the likes of past winners Anton
Ferdinand and Mark Noble into the side. "There are a lot of good players on
that list and to be among them is a great honour," he told WHUTV. "Nobes won
it before. There are a lot of big names and it feels good to be in the same
bracket as them."

Tomka, as he is known to his team-mates, will not feel he has achieved
anything yet. "Obviously I have ended the season playing regularly - that is
good and is going to hold me in good stead for next season but I am just
going to keep trying and learning. It has been a brilliant season." He was
also delighted to be able to take part in the end of season lap of the pitch
and thank the supporters for their contribution this campaign. "The fans
have been brilliant all season so it was good to show our respect to them
and how good they have been."

While many of his colleagues have begun their holidays, Tomkins has been
training hard with Freddie Sears for the England U19 trip to Belarus, where
they will play three qualifying matches for July's finals in quick
succession between 26 and 31 May. "I am concentrating now on England. Then I
will have a little break away and then come back ready to go. My objective
next season is to get into the team again. If that isn't right, and if I go
out on loan then so be it. My objective though is to make a mark on this
team."

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Sears hungry for more - WHUFC
Seven appearances in the Premier League has left Freddie Sears wanting more
next season
16.05.2008

Freddie Sears has pledged to come back stronger for the new season after
giving a taste of his potential in the 2007/08 run-in.

A winning goal five minutes into his debut against Blackburn Rovers back in
March was followed by five more substitute appearances and one start. He
also got to play against the champions-elect in front of 76,000 fans away to
Manchester United and ultimately had the satisfaction as a boyhood Hammers
fan of helping the team finish above old rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

"It has been a bit of a struggle at times but we got there in the end," he
said. "It was a good team effort. We all dug deep and it really meant a lot
to the boys. One of the aims for the end of the season was to be above Spurs
and come tenth and we did that." While the squad finished on a collective
high, Sears could not hide his individual happiness at making an impact
after 25 goals in 24 appearances for the youth and reserve teams.

The England Under-19 international said: "Looking back it has been a great
season for me personally. Coming into the team like that when I scored, then
making more appearances and I have got my first start. Everything this
season has just been a bonus for me. I have got lots of experience and
played at Old Trafford. I will come back stronger next season, hopefully
play more games and see where it takes me."

Having grown up watching on from the stands as players such as his hero
Paolo Di Canio ruled the Boleyn Ground roost , Sears relished the chance to
take to the pitch with the rest of the squad after the final game of the
season. "It was a really good atmosphere and nice to walk around the pitch
at the end and say thanks to the fans. It was good for everyone to finish
like that." While his team-mates prepare for holidays, Sears is getting
ready to join up with England U19s for a crucial qualifying tournament.
whufc.com will have more news on that to come.

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Positive news from Ljungberg - WHUFC
Although he is still returning to fitness, Freddie Ljungberg is focused on
making it to Euro 2008
16.05.2008

Freddie Ljungberg is working hard to be back playing for the start of the
2008 European Championship which gets under way in just under a month's
time.

The West Ham United midfielder has been recovering from a broken rib
suffered against Newcastle United on 26 April but despite the injury he is
determined to be ready by the time Sweden kick off their finals campaign. In
a vote of confidence, he was named this week in the 23-man squad. "The pain
has been quite extreme," said Ljungberg. "It's been difficult taking deep
breaths and it hurts even when I just turn my body. I have been on
painkillers however, and I'm getting better and better.

"I have slowly started to try to jog and have even cycled a little. The
healing process so far has been all according to the prognosis by our
medical staff which is encouraging. I am very much looking forward to being
fit for the tournament." As captain of his country, Ljungberg has extra
motivation to make it for his fifth major finals and, with strikers Zlatan
Ibrahimovic and Henrik Larsson to feed off his service, he believes there is
no reason why the country cannot aim high.

He said: "First our goal is to advance from the group. That itself will be a
challenge and then if we succeed we can set new goals. That will all depend
on how the draw works out. But I don't think it is unrealistic to say we
have a chance of winning the whole tournament. Greece showed in 2004 that
anything can happen." With the Scandinavian nation getting under way against
the champions from four years ago on 10 June, Ljungberg has extra incentive
to be raring to go as soon as possible.

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Guberti Set for West Ham Switch - Goal.com

West Ham United are set to swoop for Ascoli midfielder Stefano Guberti,
according to the player's agent. Guberti has enjoyed an impressive season
for the Serie A side, with the 23-year old linked with a number of Italian
clubs in recent months, but it now looks like Alan Curbishley will win the
race for the sturdy midfielder. The east London club had a solid season in
the top flight but have struggled for injuries in midfield, with Keiron
Dyer, Lee Bowyer and Freddie Ljungberg among others missing for large spells
of the season. "There is something real," Claudio di Nicola told Calcio
Mercato. "Gianluca Nani, West Ham's sporting director, likes Stefano very
much and could fight to have him "Stefano is much demanded and Ascoli
received offers from Fiorentina, and Torino and Napoli have shown their
interest. "This season he stayed with Ascoli but he deserves to move to a
better level next year. "La Viola (Fiorentina) continue to show they are
interested in him. "In the past they refused a concrete offer from
Fiorentina, but from now on they will not resist anymore. "It is an
important decision to make for his career and we will study every offer. I
am due to meet with Ascoli's directors in order to discuss it."
Should Guberti move to West Ham, it is expected Ascoli will command a fee of
around £5 million.

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Hammers striker Ashton is £15m target for Spurs - Daily Mail
Last updated at 23:08pm on 17th May 2008

Dean Ashton will get a fresh opportunity to leave his bitter-sweet FA Cup
final memories behind when he is expected to move across London to join
Tottenham this summer. The 24-year-old striker, valued at about £15 million,
scored for West Ham in the last final to be played in Cardiff but still
finished on the losing side when Liverpool won a dramatic penalty shoot-out
after Steven Gerrard's last-gasp equaliser. Now Ashton tops the Spurs
shopping list as they look for a replacement for Real Madrid-bound Dimitar
Berbatov. Meanwhile, the north London club are hoping to end their long
search for a goalkeeper by signing former Real Madrid youth team product
Diego Lopez from Villarreal.

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Hammers linked with swoop for Taylor - guardian Series

WEST Ham are ready to make a £5 million bid for Newcastle centre-back Steven
Taylor, according to media reports. The 22-year-old has just over a year to
run on his current contract at St James' Park and is eager for a new deal,
although Magpies owner Mike Ashley is apparently looking to reduce the clubs
wage bill. That could see Irons boss Alan Curbishley make a swoop for the
highly-rated England U21 defender. With Anton Ferdinand linked with a move
away from the east end, and Danny Gabbidon and James Collins out injured,
Curbishley could see Taylor as an ideal partner for England star Matthew
Upson.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers striker Ashton linked with a move to Spurs - Guardian Series

WEST Ham striker Dean Ashton is a £15 million target for bitter London
rivals Spurs, according to media reports over the weekend. Ashton - who was
expected to meet with the Hammers board to discuss the terms of a new
contract on Friday - finished as the Irons top scorer this season with 11
goals, and was called into Fabio Capello's 31-man England squad for the
friendlies against the USA and Trinidad and Tobago. However, the 24-year-old
has been strongly linked with a move away from Upton Park this summer, with
Manchester United amongst the clubs believed to be interested. Now the Daily
Mail suggests that Juande Ramos is ready to step in with a firm offer for
the former Norwich man. The Spurs boss is sure to be without striker Dimitar
Berbatov - a target for Barcelona and Real Madrid - while flop Darren Bent,
who was signed for £16.5 million from Charlton by ex-boss Martin Jol in the
summer, is also likely to leave White Hart Lane. Spurs could even offer Bent
in an exchange deal to land Ashton, although the Hammers would probably
prefer the cash.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Old boys' reunion will not prevent Cole from taking care of business
David Hytner
The Guardian, Monday May 19 2008

Joe Cole is searching for superlatives. Having dreamed the dream, he finds
the glorious reality is now upon him. "For a young lad to climb to the top
of the mountain is a fantastic achievement and something that takes the
breath away," chirps the Chelsea midfielder, a faraway look in his eyes.
"The Champions League final is the pinnacle."

Cole's achievement, though, will be glossed by an extraordinary sub-plot. It
is one thing to hit the heights as an individual; quite another to do so
alongside a handful of lifelong friends. Yet when Cole hears the Champions
League music in Moscow on Wednesday night, before the showdown with
Manchester United, he will exchange knowing glances with two players on
either team.

He is particularly close to the United midfielder Michael Carrick, the pair
having lived in the same Essex cul-de-sac as they made their way through the
West Ham academy. But he goes back with United's Rio Ferdinand and his
Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard, too, who are both three years older and
were ahead of him at West Ham. Cole even has boyhood previous with John
Terry, his captain at Chelsea. Terry, who is a year older than him, played
in the West Ham youth set-up between the ages of 10 and 14. Cole joined the
club at 12.

"I'm just happy to be able to go and play there with my mates, fantastic
lads who I've known for all of my life," said Cole. "To go and play in the
Champions League final with them and hopefully win it will be a cracking
night. I can't wait."

It will be an emotional night for Tony Carr, West Ham's youth academy
director of 35 years. He had Ferdinand and Lampard in the team that reached
the FA Youth Cup final in 1996 (they lost to Michael Owen's and Jamie
Carragher's Liverpool) and Cole and Carrick in the one that thrashed
Coventry City 9-0 in the 1999 final.

"I don't know who to support," said Carr, who travels to Hong Kong tomorrow
with West Ham's youth players and is desperate to catch the game at whatever
the time of night. "We'll all be very proud at West Ham because the boys
started out here and now they are at the top of their profession." Yet more
evidence of that came over the weekend, when Carrick signed a new £14.5m
four-year contract.

Carr remembers the "frenzy" that surrounded Cole even before he had kicked a
ball for the West Ham first team. Banner headlines had compared the prodigy
to Pele and Maradona, and the club's battle was as much with the hype.

"Joe was always destined to be a very good footballer but the expectations
were a big burden for him," said Carr. "When he was put in the team [at 17]
everybody expected him to set the world alight immediately but that is not
the reality for a young player. In a strange way, though, all the hype
surrounding Joe allowed Michael Carrick to develop. Michael had moved down
from the north-east and was very homesick at first. If it wasn't for Bob and
Val Rayson in our club house he might have gone home. But we felt the same
way about Michael as we did Joe."

Carr, who converted Ferdinand, "the joker of the group", from a midfielder
into a centre-half and who still marvels at the hard work that Lampard put
in to "make himself the player he is now", is regularly asked the 'What if
...' question about the club's famous old boys. "It's a nice dream to think
what might have happened if we could have kept them but it was never going
to be a reality," he said. "We couldn't turn down Leeds' [£18m] offer for
Rio; Frank's dad and uncle [Harry Redknapp] had just left the managerial
staff when the offer from Chelsea came in for him and the harshest of
relegations in 2003 meant that we had to sell our assets."

Cole and Carrick played in that ill-fated campaign; five years later they
have the ultimate club honour in their sights. "It's incredible and it goes
to show the ups and downs of football," said Cole. "When we were in the West
Ham youth team, it was just 'Can we get into the first team?' Then it was
'Can we get into the England squad? Can we play for huge clubs? Can we win
trophies?' The more successful you are, the greedier you get."

Ferdinand and Lampard, Cole and Carrick won the first trophy of their
careers together when, in August 1999, they were in the West Ham squad that
beat Metz to lift the Intertoto Cup. The stakes are somewhat higher now.

"Michael and Rio know I love them but Wednesday night will be war," said
Cole. "We'll be dignified in defeat or victory, we've already had a little
word about it. We meet up with England afterwards and you can't go running
round with a Champions League medal round your neck. But Wednesday night is
Wednesday night. There'll be no favours."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
How the Hammers can win the European Cup
The Guardian,
Monday May 19 2008

Michael Carrick Man Utd

Age 26 England Caps 14

Honours 3 (Premier League 2, Community Shield 1)

The midfielder rose to prominence as part of the Hammers' 1999 FA Youth
Cup-winning team, for whom he scored twice in a thumping 9-0 aggregate win
over Coventry City in the final. Carrick made his full first-team debut at
the start of the following season and stayed at Upton Park until 2004,
playing a full season in the second tier, before moving to Tottenham for
£2.75m in 2004 and then Manchester United for £18m two years later.

Joe Cole Chelsea

Age 26 England caps 48

Honours 6 (Premier League 2, FA Cup 1, Carling Cup 2, Community Shield 1)

Cole attracted instant attention when he broke into the Hammers' first team
in 1998-99 while also playing a starring role in the Youth Cup-winning side.
He stayed at Upton Park until 2003 when, unlike Carrick, he left when West
Ham were relegated, Chelsea signing him for £6.6m. The wide player has been
mostly consistent and impressive for the Blues ever since and was one of
England's few creditable performers in the 2006 World Cup.

Rio Ferdinand Man Utd

Age 29 England caps 65

Honours 6 (Premier League 3,

League Cup 1, Community Shield 2)

Ferdinand signed as a schoolboy for West Ham in 1992, making his first-team
debut four years later. The assured central defender quickly made his mark,
winning the club's player of the season award in 1997-98. He moved to Leeds
United in 2000 for £18m, a fee that made him the world's most expensive
defender, before moving on to Old Trafford for £30m two years later after an
excellent World Cup in 2002.

Frank Lampard Chelsea

Age 29 England caps 60

Honours 6 (Premier League 2, FA Cup 1, Carling Cup 2, Community Shield 1)

Lampard, the son of the former West Ham defender of the same name and the
then assistant manager, made his debut in 1996 and became part of a
promising young side. But he left for Chelsea for £11m in 2001 following the
departure of his uncle, the manager Harry Redknapp. Made his England debut
in 2001 and, though his displays for the national side have been
inconsistent, those for Chelsea have been frequently pivotal to their
successes.

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Hammers to face Tractor Boys - Echo News
By Rob Pritchard

WEST Ham will travel to Championship side Ipswich Town for a pre-season
friendly on Monday, August 4. The Tractor Boys finished the season in eighth
place in the table, losing just one of their 23 home league matches. The
last time the Irons visited Portman Road, in May 2005, a Bobby Zamora brace
secured the 2-0 victory that sent the Hammers through to the Championship
Play-Off final at the Millennium Stadium. There, another Zamora strike saw
off Preston North End and saw Alan Pardew's side promoted to the Premier
League. West Ham are unbeaten in their last seven trips to Ipswich. The
pre-season clash will kick-off at 7.45pm. The Irons are scheduled to travel
to North America to face the MLS All-Stars in Toronto, Canada on July 24. A
second game in the United States is expected to be confirmed soon.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle linked with West Ham winger Boa Morte
tribalfooball.com - May 18, 2008

Newcastle United are eyeing West Ham United winger Luis Boa Morte. The
30-year-old, who has two years left on his contract, admits he isn't
"completely happy" at West Ham and is now looking for the exit door. Toon
are being linked with a £3 million bid for the Portugal international.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham eyeing Newcastle defender Taylor
tribalfooball.com - May 18, 2008

West Ham United are eyeing Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor. Magpies
billionaire owner Mike Ashley wants to reduce the wage bill at St James'
Park - and Taylor, 22, fears a new deal will not arrive quickly or match his
demands, says the News of the World. With just one year left on the
defender's contract he signed before becoming a first-team regular, the
Hammers hope Newcastle will be open to offers for the England Under-21 star.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pantsil ponders West Ham future
tribalfooball.com - May 18, 2008

John Pantsil has cast doubt on his future at West Ham United. The Ghana
fullback said: "What I need is to play more than I am doing now so, if a
team comes along that guarantees that next season, I will sit down with the
manager and we will see. "I want to play more games so I am ready every time
for the national team. It is my most important consideration."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham in for Watford wideman - FansFC
10:27 May, 18, 2008

Jobi McAnuff is being linked with a move to Upton Park. The Hornets failure
to bounce back into the Premier League will lead to summer changes at
Vicarage Road with boss Aidy Boothroyd admitting: "I'll have to be a Del Boy
and do a bit of wheeling and dealing. "It may be a case of starting again
for us." West Ham are working under a tighter budget than last season and
see McAnuff as a realistic signing.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
£15million rated West Ham Striker Set to Join Tottenham - footballpools.com

West Ham's peroxide haired striker Dean Ashton is rumoured to be a summer
transfer target for Tottenham. As Dimitar Berbatov looks set to depart to a
side that would offer him Champions League football, Ashton could be a
realistic replacement for the Bulgarian sulker at the Lane.

The Hammers are reported to be looking to cut their high wage bill and the
former Norwich and Crewe forward is without a doubt their most marketable
asset. The only drawback may be his less than perfect injury record. The
hitman has only scored 11 goals this season but has maintained his growing
reputation as one of the best targetmen in the Premier League. What the
player lacks in mobility and pace he makes up for with his hold up skills
and aerial ability. He could offer Tottenham a more reliable yet less
glamorous proposition to Berbatov but whether West Ham will want to sell to
their rivals is debatable.

Do you think this story has any credence to it seeing that the Irons
finished higher than Spurs last season? Would Tottenham fans be pleased with
this acquisition and would Hammers fans see a move as good business for a
player signed for just £7.25million just over 2 years ago?

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Sears determined to build on Premiership breakthrough
tribalfootball.com - May 17, 2008

West Ham United striker Freddie Sears is aiming to build on this season's
Premiership breakthrough next term. The England Under-19 international told
whufc.com: "Looking back it has been a great season for me personally.
Coming into the team like that when I scored, then making more appearances
and I have got my first start. Everything this season has just been a bonus
for me. I have got lots of experience and played at Old Trafford. I will
come back stronger next season, hopefully play more games and see where it
takes me."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 16th May 2008

Bellamy back in Wales squad - WHUFC
Craig Bellamy is hoping to hit the ground running in pre-season by taking
part in two Wales friendlies.
15.05.2008

Craig Bellamy has been recalled by Wales for the friendlies away to Iceland
and the Netherlands on 28 May and 1 June respectively.

The international captain has not played competitively since 2 February with
an abdominal problem but has been training with Cardiff City since the end
of the season as he nears fitness. The striker's club-mate Jack Collison,
still only 19, has also been selected for the first time while Danny
Gabbidon (groin) and James Collins (knee) are still on the long-term injured
list at Chadwell Heath.

Speaking last week at a fans' forum at the Boleyn Ground, Bellamy revealed
his determination to be raring to go for the start of the 2008/09 campaign.
He said: "Wales have got a couple of games and hopefully I will be able to
play in them ... I can train off the back of that and come into pre-season
in really good shape. I am going to attack pre-season and really start off
next season in as good form as I can. By playing these games for Wales I
will be able to do that."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collison furthers Welsh experience - WHUFC
Reserve-team captain Jack Collison made another appearance for Brian Flynn's
side on Thursday
15.05.2008

Jack Collison was part of the Wales team that lost 2-0 to England in an
Under-21 friendly on Thursday night.

The 19-year-old midfielder, watched by club legend Sir Trevor Brooking who
was at the game in Wrexham in his FA capacity as director of football
development, played the whole 90 minutes. England scored both goals in the
first half, with a penalty from Tom Huddlestone being followed by a
deflected Theo Walcott effort. Huddlestone was only in the squad as a
replacement for Mark Noble, who was withdrawn earlier this week with back
and hamstring trouble.

Collison may have been on the losing side but he was cheered earlier in the
day by confirmation of his inclusion in the senior Wales squad for the first
time. The reserve-team captain, who made two appearances for West Ham United
this season, was named in a 35-man squad to face Iceland on 28 May and then
the might of the Netherlands on 1 June. Wales captain Craig Bellamy was also
included as he returns from an abdominal injury while both Danny Gabbidon
and James Collins remain sidelined.

With regard to the Under-21 set-up, Wales used the England game as a warm-up
for their final two 2009 Euro qualifiers at home to Romania on 20 August
before concluding their campaign with the return trip to the eastern
European nation on 10 September. The Welsh have a four-point advantage on
Romania, who have a game in hand, and France with only the section winners
progressing to October's play-offs for the finals. Collison has been capped
five times at that level, with two goals.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Call-up for United duo - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 15th May 2008
By: Staff Writer

Jack Collison has been named in the full Welsh squad for the first time -
whilst Craig Bellamy is named for the first time this year. Welsh boss John
Toshack named his latest squad - for the forthcoming friendlies against
Iceland and Holland - earlier this afternoon, and the two Hammers were both
included.
Collison - who is expected to start for the under 21s against their English
counterparts in tonight's friendly - is set to make his debut having made
just two appearances for United's first team. Meanwhile Bellamy has proved
his fitness by spending the last week trianing with FA Cup finalists Cardiff
City. Wales face Iceland in Reykjavik on Wednesday, 28th May (7:30pm kick
off local time). Four days later they face European Championship qualifiers
Holland in Rotterdam (3:00pm kick off local time). In other international
news, Freddie Ljungberg has - as expected - been named in the Swedish squad
for the forthcoming European Championships.

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Oh Sienna - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 15th May 2008
By: Staff Writer

Sienna chiarman Giovanni Lombardi Stronati has pleaded with Davide Lanzafame
to reject West Ham's overtures in order to remain in Italy. Stronarti is
attempting to lure the Juve striker to Serie A strugglers Sienna for next
season's campaign - although he believes that United remain the strong
favourites to capture the Italian under-21 on loan. Talking to Mediagol, he
said: "The real problem is that Lanzafame has received a resounding offer
from West Ham.
"It must be for the player to decide what is best for him – to remain in
Italy and grow gradually, as I believe Siena will allow, or to earn more
money immediately with major risks. "Young people in Italy perhaps are
convinced there will be more opportunities abroad, but that is not always
the case."
News of West Ham's interest in Lanzafame broke earlier this week. The deal
to bring him to the Boleyn Ground is understood to be the work of new
technical director Gianluca Nani, who officially takes up his post at the
beginning of June.

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Marked man? - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 15th May 2008
By: Staff Writer

Today's Daily Mail is linking the Hammers with a move for Palermo's Mark
Bresciano. The Australian midfielder played for the Italians against United
in the UEFA Cup last season, and is being linked with a £4m switch to East
London. Bresciano, 28, joined the Italians in 2006 having spent the previous
four years with Parma. He began his career in his home country before
moving to Italy nine years ago after he was plucked from obscurity by then
Serie B outfit Empoli. Bresciano has made more than 40 appearances for the
Socceroos, scoring 10 goals in the process.

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Bellamy set for milestone - SSN
Hammers striker handed Welsh call-up
By Chris Burton Last updated: 15th May 2008

Craig Bellamy is set to end a seven-month spell on the sidelines by winning
his 50th cap for Wales. The West Ham striker has managed just eight
appearances in the Premier League this season after struggling with stomach
and groin complaints. However, now back to full fitness, he has been
included in John Toshack's 35-man 'A' squad for upcoming friendlies against
Iceland on 28th May and Holland 1st June. Six uncapped players have also
been called up, with Bellamy's young team-mate at Upton Park Jack Collison
among them.

Wales 'A' squad in full:

Hennessey (Wolves), Myhill (Hull), Price (Ipswich), Blake (Cardiff), Eardley
(Oldham), Steve Evans (Wrexham), Gunter (Tottenham), Jacobson (Bristol
Rovers), Morgan (Peterborough), Nyatanga (Derby), Ricketts (Hull), Williams
(Stockport), Collison (West Ham), Crofts (Gillingham), Arron Davies
(Nottingham Forest), Simon Davies (Fulham), Edwards (Wolves), Fletcher
(Crystal Palace), Mark Jones (Wrexham), Owain Tudur Jones (Swansea), Koumas
(Wigan), Ledley (Cardiff), Parry (Cardiff), Ramsey (Cardiff), Robinson
(Toronto FC), Stock (Doncaster), Vaughan (Real Sociedad), Bellamy (West
Ham), Cotterill (Wigan), Craig Davies (Oldham), Easter (Plymouth), Eastwood
(Wolves), Ched Evans (Manchester City), Nardiello (QPR), Vokes
(Bournemouth).

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Hammers move in with £6m offer for Dunne - independent.ie
By Gary Jacob
Friday May 16 2008

WEST Ham United have tried to exploit the growing turmoil at Manchester City
by making an offer of up to £6m for Richard Dunne. Alan Curbishley's move to
strengthen the centre of his defence was not thought to be a priority for
the summer, but the West Ham manager appears to have lost patience with
Anton Ferdinand, who has been made available for transfer. West Ham have
been encouraged that Thaksin Shinawatra, the City owner, is planning a
clear-out of Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad. The Swede's possible departure as
manager and upheaval at the City of Manchester Stadium appears to have
angered Dunne, who has attracted attention from Newcastle United and
Tottenham Hotspur. The 28-year-old Ireland defender has a year left on his
contract, which makes City's £8m valuation inflated. West Ham refused
Ferdinand's request to leave Upton Park last summer, but they would be open
to offers, with teams such as Newcastle, Portsmouth and Tottenham
interested.City are a club in disarray as they continue their end-of-season
visit to Thailand and Hong Kong with Eriksson firmly expecting that he will
be dismissed when he meets the City owner. Thaksin is preparing to offload
not only the "dead wood" players such as Andreas Isaksson, Darius Vassell,
Georgios Samaras and Paul Dickov but also many of last summer's signings,
such as Rolando Bianchi -- who spent the second half of the season on loan
to Lazio -- Valeri Bojinov, Javier Garrido and Geovanni. Eriksson is already
looking for a new job, but is understood to be ready to turn down positions
with Benfica and Mexico, with a "much bigger job" believed to be in the
pipeline.

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Neill unlikely starter against Iraq - foxsports.com.au
By Marco Monteverde

May 16, 2008 AUSTRALIA defender Lucas Neill is at long odds to play in the
World Cup qualifier against Iraq at Suncorp Stadium on June 1, because of
the impending birth of his child. Mile Sterjovski, in a similar situation,
meanwhile remains confident the birth of his baby would not stop him playing
in Brisbane, but Neill is in serious doubt for the contest. Sterjovski is
all but certain to miss Australia's return clash against the Iraqis in Qatar
on June 7 and the match against Qatar in Doha a week later, but he is
desperate to play a leading role at Suncorp Stadium. The Derby County
striker hopes to take Australia to the verge of the next stage of the Asian
Football Confederation qualifying campaign with a strong performance in
Brisbane. "If we win that game we'll be high on confidence," Sterjovski
said. "We need another win after that to make sure it's secure. The home
games are really important because we know that away games are going to be
quite difficult."
Sterjovski has almost forgotten what it's like to win a match since joining
Derby - dubbed the worst team in the history of the Barclays Premier League
- from Turkish club Genclerbirligi in January. The relegated Rams won just
one of their 38 games. "It's always difficult when you're not winning. We've
done our best, and obviously there are a lot of things that need to be
changed," Sterjovski said. "But I don't regret it one bit. I love the club.
I would have loved to win some games in the premiership, but it just hasn't
happened."

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Alan Curbishley makes Richard Dunne his top target - The Times
Manchester City defender targeted as Alan Curbishley decides to put Anton
Ferdinand up for sale
Gary Jacob

West Ham United have tried to exploit the growing turmoil at Manchester City
by making an offer of up to £6 million for Richard Dunne. Alan Curbishley's
move to strengthen the centre of his defence was not thought to be a
priority for the summer, but the West Ham manager appears to have lost
patience with Anton Ferdinand, who has been made available for transfer.

West Ham have been encouraged that Thaksin Shinawatra, the City owner, is
planning an extensive clear-out of Sven-Göran Eriksson's squad. The Swede's
possible departure as manager and upheaval at the City of Manchester Stadium
appears to have angered Dunne, who has attracted attention from Newcastle
United and Tottenham Hotspur. The 28-year-old Ireland defender has a year
left on his contract, which makes City's £8 million valuation inflated.

West Ham refused Ferdinand's request to leave Upton Park last summer, but
they would be open to offers, with teams such as Newcastle, Portsmouth and
Tottenham interested.

Curbishley has been given a small transfer budget, but wants to sign two
full backs. Up to ten players could leave the East London club, including
Luís Boa Morte, the winger, who has been booed by supporters.

After some criticism from fans, Curbishley has received backing from the
board, which believes that he should be given the opportunity to show his
ability when he can choose from a full-strength squad. However, Gianluca
Nani, the club's Italian technical director, has earmarked Pierpaolo Bisoli
as a potential future manager of West Ham. Bisoli came to prominence for
taking Foligno, a little-known team, into the play-offs for promotion to
Serie B, the Italian second tier.

City are a club in disarray as they continue their end-of-season visit to
Thailand and Hong Kong with Eriksson firmly expecting that he will be
dismissed when he meets the City owner.

Thaksin is preparing to offload not only the "dead wood" - players such as
Andreas Isaksson, Darius Vassell, Georgios Samaras and Paul Dickov - but
also many of last summer's signings, such as Rolando Bianchi - who spent the
second half of the season on loan to Lazio - Valeri Bojinov, Javier Garrido
and Geovanni.

Eriksson is already looking for a new job, but is understood to be ready to
turn down positions with Benfica and Mexico, with a "much bigger job"
believed to be in the pipeline.

The former England head coach is eager to have his fate resolved in a
meeting that is planned to take place with Thaksin over the weekend after a
farcical press conference in Bangkok yesterday, when the Swede and his
players did not take questions from the floor owing to the sensitivity of
their futures. Thaksin is likely to tell Eriksson in the next 48 hours that
his services are no longer required - but even then he will be asked to lead
the team into their match in Hong Kong next Thursday.

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Still Eyeing Wright - Still Singing The Blues
By Aston May 15 2008

Town manager Jim Magilton says he would still sign former Town goalkeeper
Richard Wright if the West Ham 'keeper wanted to sign for Town again. Wright
snubbed Town last summer in favour of sitting on the bench at Upton park
behind Robert Green, only to get bored and join Southampton on-loan for the
final two months, Jim also confirmed he made a move for Aston Villa 'keeper
Thomas Sorensen. Jim: "Sorensen's agent told us he was not prepared to drop
down a division and wanted to stay in the Premier League. We are not a
Premier League side yet. "If he became available and wanted to come to us we
would speak to him. "Wrighty is another, and if he wants to come and play he
would be welcomed back. "A lot of players are prepared to sit in the
reserves and not drop down and it baffles me. "We need a keeper and Stephen
Bywater is still in that equation."

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Italian talent told to shun Hammers
by Tom Adams, 15 May 2008

Siena have urged West Ham target Davide Lanzafame to snub The Hammers and
continue his footballing education in Italy. The Juventus striker is
expected to move to The Premier League on loan for next season in the first
signing orchestrated by the club's new technical director Gianluca Nani.
Lanzafame has impressed on loan at Bari in Serie B, scoring ten goals, and
it is believed that West Ham currently head the race for his signature
despite interest from the likes of Lazio and Palermo. Siena are also hoping
to take the Italy Under-21 international on loan and Giovanni Lombardi
Stronati, managing director of the Tuscan club, has pleaded with Lanzafame
to ignore the riches on offer from the London side. "The real problem is
that Lanzafame has received a resounding offer from West Ham," Stronati told
Mediagol. "Here, it must be for the player to decide what is best for him –
to remain in Italy and grow gradually, as I believe Siena will allow, or to
earn more money immediately with major risks. "Young people in Italy perhaps
are convinced there will be more opportunities abroad, but that is not
always the case."

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West Ham join interest for Man City's Dunne
tribalfootball.com - May 15, 2008

West Ham United have joined the race for Manchester City captain Richard
Dunne. Arsenal and Newcastle United are eyeing Dunne, who is said to have
become disillusioned at Eastlands over the treatment of manager Sven Goran
Eriksson. The Telegraph says the Hammers are also keen, with Dunne likely to
become available for a knockdown fee if he rejects a new contract offer this
summer.

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Hammers chase £4million Mark Bresciano - The Mirror
15/05/2008

West Ham have made an enquiry for Palermo's £4m-rated midfielder Mark
Bresciano. The Australian saw a move to Manchester City fall through last
summer but is keen on switching to the Premier League. Palermo are willing
to let him leave if the Hammers make a bid.

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Hammers stars avoid United drubbing by enjoying a day at the races - Daily
Mail ( funnily enough eh!? )
Last updated at 10:18am on 15th May 2008

Rather than share the embarrassment of their team-mates' 4-1 thrashing at
Manchester United, three of the club's injured stars — Matthew Etherington,
James Collins and Danny Gabbidon — were spotted along with former team-mate
Teddy Sheringham at Newmarket races the same afternoon.
Racecourse officials helpfully showed the Old Trafford match on a giant
screen, but the pain of not playing was clearly too much for the Hammers
trio, who were stood with their backs to the action.

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Chalvedon lad Tomka loving life at the top - Echo News
By Rob Pritchard

SIX months ago, West Ham defender James Tomkins was unknown outside Upton
Park. A regular in the Irons' reserve team, the Basildon teenager was
already marked out for great things by the Hammers' coaching staff.
Half-a-year on and things are very different. The England Under-19
international has made six promising Premier League appearances, has been
modelling the club's new sky blue away kit and been named Young Hammer of
the Year.
Tomkins told the Echo he was still struggling to come to terms with his
rapid rise to national prominence. "It's hard to put the last couple of
months into words," said the 19-year-old former Chalvedon School pupil.
"When I got my chance it came as a surprise to me but I've had to take it as
it's come and I've kept improving every game and I've loved every minute of
it. "It was good to win the award before the game against Aston Villa. "I
had to keep my mind focused on the match but to win such an award,
particularly with the players who have won it in the past, is a great
honour."
Lifelong West Ham fan Tomkins, who featured against Everton, Sunderland,
Derby, Newcastle, Manchester United and Villa, was also delighted to see the
Irons end the season above local rivals Tottenham in 10th. The top-half
finish also secured bonuses for the entire first-team squad, but the
youngster insisted money was the last thing on his mind. "The fans and all
the players are delighted to have held on to that 10th place and finished
above Tottenham because that's what the supporters love, including myself,"
he added. "It's also an extra bit of money in our pay packets, but finishing
10th was by far the most important thing. "Now I want to keep learning and
come back fit and stronger next season."
Before then Tomkins is off to Belarus next week for the European Under-19
Championship elite qualifying round, where England will take on Poland,
Serbia and Belarus. Positive results will take the Young Lions through to
the finals in the Czech Republic. "There isn't any rest for me yet," he
joked. "We're off to Belarus with England and we've got to qualify for the
European Under-19 Championships in July. "I'm just going to keep trying to
improve and use the experience I've gained with West Ham when I play for
England."
MARK Noble and former Grays star Michael Kightly have pulled out of
tonight's England Under-21 friendly with Wales in Wrexham tonight through
injury.
However, West Ham's Jack Collison will be in the Welsh line-up and is
expected to receive his first full international call-up for next week's
friendlies in Iceland and the Netherlands.

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Ashton wants West Ham to keep word
tribalfootball.com - May 15, 2008

Dean Ashton is sweating on what sort of new contract offer West Ham are
willing to make after planned negotiations were confirmed by the club this
week. The Times says Ashton has asked the club to honour the undertaking
that they made in January to give him an improved contract if he performed
well this season. Portsmouth, Newcastle United and Manchester City are
interested in signing the 24-year-old, who has two years left on his
existing deal.
Ashton is paid about £25,000 a week, which is significantly lower than the
wages being paid to many of the players signed by the club in the past year
who earn in excess of £60,000.

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