Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 6th June 2008

Deano focused on future - WHUFC
After signing a new long-term deal, Dean Ashton wants to achieve more with
West Ham United and England
05.06.2008

Dean Ashton is targeting big things with club and country next season but
knows the hard work is only just beginning.

The 24-year-old striker has secured his long-term future at the Boleyn
Ground having finished the 2007/08 campaign on a high with five goals in his
last eight games for West Ham United and then won his first England cap.
After those successes, Ashton is already looking forward to reporting back
for pre-season training but knows the club will have extra attacking impetus
with Kieron Dyer, Julien Faubert and Craig Bellamy all hoping to prove their
form and fitness.

"I can't be complacent," Ashton said. "There is strong competition for
places and that can only be good for the squad. If everyone can stay fit,
the fans should be excited by the players we have got." Supporters had their
appetites whetted by Ashton's array of goals at the end of the season - a
deft shot against Blackburn Rovers, a powerful header away to Everton, a
neat finish against Newcastle United, an overhead kick to surprise
Manchester United and a fierce shot on the turn to end the season on a high
and frustrate Aston Villa - and he is looking to keeping that going come 16
August.

"That is how I would like to try and start the season," he said when asked
about maintaining his strong 'goals to games' ratio before recognising the
array of options likely to be at Alan Curbishley's disposal. "With the
forwards we have got it is going to be difficult to cement my place down but
it is really nice that I have ended the season that way and hopefully put
any doubters behind me now." That he was over any injury issues was
demonstrated by Fabio Capello giving him his first start in the final
England international of the season last Sunday.

Ashton said: "I have waited a long time for it, considering I should have
got my chance two years ago so to get back in contention and then start for
my country is something no one can ever take away from me. Obviously I am
really pleased." When it comes to proving he is good enough to stay in
Capello's thoughts, the No9 added: "It is a case of knuckling down, I
haven't proved anything yet. I have got to play well for West Ham next
season to earn my place in the next squad and then go from there really. I
would be lying if I said I didn't want to be in every squad which is my aim.

"You are playing with the top players in the country and it is only going to
help you. You only realise when you go away with England what a huge deal it
is. It is really important and it has really struck me that you are a part
of something unbelievable." The sentiments are the same for when he reports
back for duty at Chadwell Heath in early July with high hopes for the coming
club campaign. "We want to be up there right at the top half of the table.
We have got to have a bit more luck with injuries. I think if we can do that
it will be a really exciting season."

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Pre-season friendly schedule - WHUFC
It will not be long before West Ham United are back in action with a host of
summer fixtures lined up
05.06.2008

West Ham United can confirm the first team's away schedule for the 2008/09
pre-season campaign ahead of the traditional curtain-raiser at the Boleyn
Ground which has yet to be finalised.

The highlight of the summer programme will be the North American tour
between 18-25 July when the club will play in-form Major League Soccer side
Columbus Crew in Ohio, USA on Sunday 20 July before travelling across the
Canadian border to face the MLS All-Stars in Toronto in a prestige friendly
on Thursday 24 July. Before that trip, Alan Curbishley will put his players
through their paces for the first time with a visit to Alan Devonshire's
Hampton & Richmond Borough on Thursday 17 July.

Ticket information will follow for all games as and when available,
including for the two overseas fixtures, although the club can confirm
selling details for the Southampton away match on Friday 1 August. The
south-coast club have allocated 2,000 seats for away fans, priced at £15 for
adults, £10 for seniors and £5 for Under-16s. Further information can be
found in the ticket office section, with the ticket office open for a
general sale from 9am on Monday 9 June.

2008/09 pre-season schedule

Thursday 17 July, 7.30pm - Hampton & Richmond Borough v West Ham United

Sunday 20 July, 5pm - Columbus Crew v West Ham United (Columbus, USA)

Thursday 24 July, 7.20pm - MLS All-Stars v West Ham United (Toronto, Canada)

Tuesday 29 July, 7.45pm - Peterborough United v West Ham United

Wednesday 30 July, 7.45pm - Cambridge United v West Ham United XI

Friday 1 August, 7.45pm - Southampton v West Ham United

Monday 4 August, 7.45pm - Ipswich Town v West Ham United

Saturday 9 August, 3pm - West Ham United v TBC

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Window Watch: Bobby Zamora - the Times
Gary Jacob

West Ham United are willing to allow Bobby Zamora to leave. The forward
missed most of last season with a knee injury. Fulham, who narrowly avoided
relegation from the Barclays Premier League, have expressed an interest in
the past and will be looking to bolster their forward line after the
departure of Brian McBride. West Ham have released Nolberto Solano. The
midfield player joined from Newcastle United a year ago.

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England new boys can keep their Trinidad caps - Telegraph
By Henry Winter
Last Updated: 1:28am BST 06/06/2008

Fifa yesterday dismissed the Football Association's version of how England
came to use seven substitutes, rather than the permitted six, in Sunday's
friendly with Trinidad and Tobago but they will not strip the fixture of its
official status. Dean Ashton, Joe Hart, Phil Jagielka and Stephen Warnock
will keep their debut caps. Rather than continue an embarrassing dispute
with the FA, Fifa simply rejected FA claims that permission had been
granted, instead blaming the Surinam referee, Enrico Wijngaarde. "Fifa did
not give special dispensation to make up to seven substitutions," read their
statement. "The referee of this match confirmed to Fifa that he received no
instruction to allow for such a special dispensation, but that it had been a
mistake by the referee. As Fifa has received no official protest regarding
this match, it shall be considered as an official match."

Fifa's view contradicted that of the FA, who claimed "the opportunity to use
seven substitutes was cleared in advance by Fifa". It remains to be seen
whether the brief disagreement will have any long-term repercussions for the
FA's 2018 World Cup bid, although England will not now lose any Fifa ranking
points.

Hart's former club, Shrewsbury Town, will now receive £500,000 from
Manchester City for the keeper making his England debut. England failed to
qualify for Euro 2008 because of the proliferation of foreigners in the
Premier League, according to Fifa president Sepp Blatter. "In the strongest
English teams the best players are not always English," said Blatter. "So
where are the best English players coming from? They are coming from the
less strong teams, which is weakening the English national team. What is
happening in England is that the best teams are preparing the national team
players for England's opponents."

Meanwhile, the FA are trying to contain the fallout from their bust-up with
2018 World Cup bid consultants European Consultancy Network. Peter Hargitay,
the former adviser to Fifa president Blatter who runs ECN, has been asked to
a clear-the-air meeting with FA officials next week, although FA chairman
Lord Triesman, who took the decision to pull the plug on ECN's involvement
with the bid, will not be at the meeting. There looks to be little hope of
any rapprochement as ECN are furious with Triesman and already have two
offers from rival bidders on the table.

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Kevin is eyeing a Gud time - The Sun

NEWCASTLE and West Ham are on alert after Eidur Gudjohnsen was told he can
leave Barcelona. The former Chelsea striker is up for grabs at around
£4million and fancies a move back to the Premier League. Iceland ace
Gudjohnsen, 29, has made just over 60 appearances in two years at the Nou
Camp but has struggled lately to make an impact. West Ham tried in vain to
sign him last year. Hammers boss Alan Curbishley will have money to spend
this summer as long as he can offload some dead wood. Midfielder Nobby
Solano has already been released to help cut the wage bill. Toon boss Kevin
Keegan wants Gudjohnsen to replace Obafemi Martins, who is surplus to
requirements.

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I'll nail England spot, says West Ham's Dean Ashton - The Mirror
By Darren Lewis 6/06/2008

Dean Ashton last night insisted he is targeting a return to the England team
now that he has signed a new deal at West Ham. The Hammers striker was a
flop in the first half of the ill - fated game against Trinidad last Sunday
which Fabio Capello's men won 3-0. Ashton was upstaged by Portsmouth's
Jermain Defoe, who grabbed a brace. But the West Ham man received a boost
three days later with his new five-year contract. Ashton, 24, said: "I
waited a long time to play for England, considering I should have got my
chance two years ago. Now it is a case of knuckling down. I haven't proved
anything yet. "I have got to play well for West Ham next season to earn my
place in the next squad and then go from there really. "You only realise
when you go away with England what a huge deal it is. It really struck me
that you are a part of something unbelievable."

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United and Hammers linked with Barcelona star - Shields Gazette

NEWCASTLE United are today reported to have revived their interest in
Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen. The Magpies and West Ham are said by The Sun
to be on the alert after the Icelandic striker after was told he can leave
the Nou Camp. Gudjohnsen, 29, is a proven Premier league performer with
Bolton Wanderers and Chelsea, He has 14 goals in 66 games for Barca, who je
joined two years ago, but has failed to win a regular place in their
line-up. Barcelona's new coach, Pep Guardiola, is widely thought to be ready
to off-load a host of players, including Gudjohnsen

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West Ham, Newcastle, Middlesbrough chasing Linz tribalfootball.com - June
05, 2008

A host of Premiership clubs are chasing Sporting Braga striker Rolando Linz.
West Ham United, Middlesbrough, Newcastle United and Fulham are all
interested in signing Austria international Linz, says The Times

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Joorabchian becomes West Ham consultant tribalfooball.com - June 05, 2008

West Ham United have agreed an out-of-court settlement with Kia Joorabchian
over outstanding payments worth £7.1 million. The agent has withdrawn his
High Court claim against the club and will act as a consultant for them on
future transfers, for which he will be paid a fee. The club have said that
the agreement had been lodged with the Premier League, but declined to
reveal the length or structure of the deal, says The Times.

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Hammers forward will get his England cap after all - Guardian Series

WEST Ham striker Dean Ashton will keep his first senior international cap
after Fifa allowed England's clash with Trinidad and Tobago to stand.
Football's governing body were threatening to wipe the match from record as
England used one more substitute than the six alloted for a non-competitive
international. The English Football Association believed that the special
dispensation had been cleared by Fifa vice-president Jack Warner, special
adviser to the Trinidad and Tobago FA. However, Fifa - while insisting they
made no such allowance - will let the game to stand as an A international,
saying that the match referee had made a mistake. A Fifa statement read:
"Fifa can confirm it did not give special dispensation to make up to seven
substitutions at the Trinidad and Tobago versus England friendly match. "The
referee of this match confirmed to Fifa that he received no instruction to
allow for such a special dispensation, but that it had been a mistake by the
referee. "As Fifa has received no official protest regarding this match, it
shall be considered as an official match."
That will see Hammers forward Ashton, as well as fellow debutants Joe Hart,
Phil Jagielka and Stephen Warnock, all keeping their first caps. An FA
spokesman said: "The fact of the matter is the opportunity to use seven
substitutes was cleared in advance of the game by Fifa, Trinidad and Tobago
representative Jack Warner, the Fifa delegate for the game and the match
referee. "Trinidad had the same option to use seven subs. There is no way we
would have gone ahead with using seven subs without the approval that we
were given."

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Dunne deal looks off - ESS
Last Updated: Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:57

West Ham target Richard Dunne looks set to run his contract down and stay at
Eastlands for at least one further season. The Republic of Ireland
international has 12 months to go on his deal but talks appeared to have
stalled as soon as it became clear Sven-Goran Eriksson was set to leave the
club.
Portsmouth, Newcastle, West Ham, Sunderland and Spurs were all credited with
an interest but now the 28-year-old is ready to give new boss Mark Hughes a
boost. "Premier League experience does count for a lot and he [Hughes] has
proved that he can mix it with the best over the last few seasons," he told
the MEN. "No team ever relished going to Ewood Park when he was in charge.
They established themselves as a top-10 side and did well in the cups too.
"I will have to wait and see now which way the club is going to go. There is
certainly the need for some stability."

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BG, You Clever Little Banker!! - Cmon Yu Irons
05 Jun
Written & Posted by Joe

We all know about the Tevez saga, and how Kia wanted more money from West
Ham for the loan of Tevez during the final few games that kept us in the
Premiership. We obviously agreed to some sort of deal, the deal made between
BG and Kia, i guess we as fans we will never know of, but if it was £7m,
then it was worth every penny.
BG, being the clever banker that he is, has agreed to pay back the so called
£7m, but in installments and as an agents fee over the next few years, now
this is a clever business strategy by BG, he certainly knows he could use
Kia to bring in more exiting young talent that he owns rights too from South
American clubs.
I know i would love to see a mixture of South American talent as well as our
homegrown boys playing at Upton Park next season, wouldnt you?

Take a look at what influences Kia is having on Man City! Forget the past,
lets use Kia as well as Nani and not only fight for 5th or 6th place next
season, lets go for Champions League, or the likes of Man City will leave us
behind with Stoke and Hull City!

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Ashton keen to get cracking - Sunday Sun Jun 5 2008

West Ham striker Dean Ashton is eager to return for the new season and leave
his injury troubles behind him, after signing a new five-year contract to
keep him at Upton Park until 2013. The 24-year-old, who who made his England
debut against Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday, started discussions with the
club when the Barclays Premier League season finished and signed the deal on
Wednesday night. Ashton told his club's website: "I am delighted. I said all
along that I wanted to sign. I feel I have still got a lot to show the
football club and the fans. I am really happy that I have signed - and now I
can look forward to next season." He added: "It is a fantastic way to end
the season for me. "It is not going to be on my mind now - and with a
five-year contract, the future is here. "I said I wanted to stay at the end
of the season and I am really glad it has been done so professionally and
sorted now."
Ashton - who had two years left on his existing deal - missed much of last
season through injury, and is keen to feature more prominently. I didn't
play as many games as I wish I could - and obviously I missed the season
before," he said. "I am really excited about next season. I feel I can only
get better, so I am really glad that I have signed and can look forward to
the future. "I think after the injury I had as well, it is nice the club
have managed to agree with me on a new deal. We are really looking to the
future."

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New dad Neill ready to boost Socceroos- Echo News

WEST Ham captain and proud new father Lucas Neill will fly out to join the
Australia squad after long-term partner Lindsey Morris gave birth to healthy
twins. The 30-year-old missed the Socceroos' 1-0 World Cup 2010 qualifying
win over Iraq in Brisbane on Sunday to stay with a heavily pregant Morris,
and will arrive in Dubai too late to take part in Saturday's return fixture.
However, coach Pim Verbeek is expecting the full-back to be available for
Australia's final two group stage fixtures against Qatar in Doha on June 14
and China in Sydney on June 22. "Lucas will be with us from Sunday - we're
planning to let him come then," said the Dutchman. "If he arrives on June 8,
he will have a week to prepare for the Qatar game and then the China game."
Australia are currently three points clear at the top of their group, with
the top two sides going forward to the final stage of the Asian qualifying
competition.
For now, however, Neill's agent Paddy Dominguez said the player was enjoying
life as a father. "Anybody who knows Lucas knows how much he loves kids so
you can imagine it's a dream come true for him," Dominguez told The Manly
Daily. "Both the mother and the children are extremely healthy and doing
very well. "He's absolutely ecstatic at the moment and is your typical,
gushing dad. As you would expect, they are two good-lookers."

>IRONS supporters are reminded that they have until July 1 to renew
>their
season tickets. After that date, fans on the waiting list will receive
information from the club on how to apply.

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A Hammers starlet with his feet nailed to the floor - Guardian Series

IT is some compliment to be likened to Tony Adams, but West Ham's latest
fledgling star James Tomkins is a level-headed youngster who refuses to get
carried away, writes Nuno Assuncao. In the last few months the 19-year-old
has enjoyed a rapid rise in his promising football career. A senior Irons
debut in March and five subsequent appearances, playing a key role in
England's progression to next month's European U19 Championship finals in
Czech Republic, and modelling the club's new away kit for the 2008-9 season
have all fallen the defender's way. To top it all, Tomkins' composed but
no-nonense style of play has seen him compared to Arsenal and England legend
Adams. Not that the Basildon-born centre back will have a word of it. "Some
say I play a bit like Tony Adams but I reckon he was a lot harder than I
am," Tomkins told this month's FourFourTwo magazine. "Others have said that
I play like Jonathan Wooodgate which is a massive compliment. "As a defender
you need great heading ability and I think that's a big strength of my game.
"I also like to think I'm more than just a defender - I'm composed with the
ball at my feet and can play it on the floor too."
However, while content with his strengths, Tomkins is well aware of the
areas of his game that are not quite up to scratch. "My left (foot) can
always do with improving and strength-wise I'm not quite there yet,"
admitted Tomkins, who has already come up against the likes of Yakubu,
Kenwyne Jones, Obafemi Martins and Carlos Tevez in his short Hammers career.
"But I'm still a teenager playing against guys who have been around for
years - so the more I play in the Premier League the stronger I'll become."
While a regular first team spot at Upton Park is the immediate goal for
'Tonker', the lifelong Hammers fan still has an eye on what he would hope to
achieve in the future. "I would like to be the captain of West Ham," he
said. "That would be a dream come true." Having experienced such progress in
a short space of time, it'd be no surprise to see Tomkins fufilling that
goal.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 5th June 2008

Charity day honours Bobby Moore - WHUFC
The climax of the Bobby Moore Fund Championship at the Boleyn Ground did
much for the charity's profile
04.06.2008

The Liberty five-a-side team have claimed the first Bobby Moore Fund
Championship but the real winner on the day was the charity itself with
vital funds and awareness raised in the fight against bowel cancer.

The finals at the Boleyn Ground this week followed regional heats across the
country with scores of five-a-side teams taking part in the nationwide
competition. Liberty had won the Southampton event and then emerged
victorious on a day when the wet weather in east London failed to dampen the
enthusiasm of all taking part. The West Ham United legend's widow Stephanie
Moore and his World Cup-winning team-mate George Cohen were on hand to
present the trophies to the victorious team and plans are already afoot for
the 2009 event.

"It has been terrific," said Stephanie after the trophy ceremony. "There has
been a marvellous atmosphere and very good quality of football. We hope to
have raised £15,000 for Bobby Moore Research for Cancer UK so football is a
winner and Cancer Research has raised this money. To be able to play here at
West Ham is most mens' dream so once again the charity is very grateful to
West Ham and the board for allowing us to have this final here.

"It really is a tremendous draw for the teams to be able to come and play
here. We are building and building our relationship with West Ham and it is
going from strength to strength. This is absolutely integral to our
success." Stephanie set the Bobby Moore Fund up with the support of Cancer
Research UK after his tragic death at the age of just 51 in 1993. The club
has been fully committed to supporting the campaign and has backed many
fundraising initiatives - particularly in this past season.

"If we can make bowel cancer glamorous by being involved with West Ham we
can save lives on many different levels. It is very important for the
charity. Of course on a personal level, it was Bobby's home and he played
here his entire career bar just a bit at the end." As well as the club's
backing, Stephanie had special words for the encouragement she gets whenever
she meets fans. "It is marvellous. I am totally indebted to the supporters
at West Ham. They have always supported the charity. I can't say thank you
enough."

She added: "One in three people will have cancer at some point in their
lives and one in four of us will die from cancer so there is no family that
is not touched by cancer. So it is very important that we all do our bit to
raise funds for research." It is clear to Stephanie that the money being
raised is making a difference. "We are making headway. I have seen
incredible changes in the 15 years since Bobby died and I think Bobby would
be really touched to see West Ham get behind the charity in his memory."

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Delighted dad Neill on a high - WHUFC
Lucas Neill may still get the chance to play for Australia this month after
two new arrivals in his family
04.06.2008

Lucas Neill could feature for Australia in their final two 2010 World Cup
qualifiers later this month after becoming the proud father of twins.

The West Ham United captain, who is also skipper of the national side, had
remained in England to be with his partner - ruling him out of last Sunday's
1-0 win against Iraq in Brisbane and the return match against the same
opposition to be played in Dubai this Saturday. Austraila then conclude
their Group 1 campaign in the first stage of Asian zone qualifying with a 14
June game in Qatar before taking on China seven days later in Sydney.

Speaking earlier this week, Australia coach Pim Verbeek said: "Lucas will be
with us from Sunday - we're planning to let him come then. They expect the
babies to come this week, but we don't want to put pressure on him and his
wife. If he arrives on 8 June, he will have a week to prepare for the Qatar
game and then the China game." The Socceroos are three points clear at the
top of the four-nation section with the top two advancing to the final stage
of qualifying later this year for the finals in South Africa.

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Ashton signs for five years - WHUFC
Dean Ashton has committed his future to West Ham United and revealed he
cannot wait for next season
04.06.2008

West Ham United are happy to confirm that Dean Ashton has signed a new
contract with the club that will keep him at the Boleyn Ground until June
2013.

The England striker put pen to paper on the new deal on Wednesday evening,
bringing to an end the negotiations that had begun as soon as the curtain
fell on the 2007/08 season. Speaking exclusively to whufc.com, Ashton said:
"I am delighted. I said all along that I wanted to sign. I feel I have still
got a lot to show the football club and the fans. I am really happy that I
have signed and now I can look forward to next season."

Having just made his international breakthrough last Sunday away to Trinidad
and Tobago and scored five goals in his last eight appearances for the club,
Ashton was particularly pleased the deal was struck so swiftly in the
close-season. "It is a fantastic way to end the season for me. It is not
going to be on my mind and now with a five-year contract, the future is
here. I said I wanted to stay at the end of the season and I am really glad
it has been done so professionally and sorted now."

West Ham United Chief Executive Scott Duxbury said: "I am delighted that we
have agreed this new contract with Dean. It underlines the ambition of the
club to progress and challenge at the top end of the Premier League. Dean is
an important part of our plans for the new season and beyond. We are looking
forward to seeing him scoring plenty of goals for West Ham United in the
future."

Ashton has been at the Boleyn Ground since signing from Norwich City in
January 2006 and played a key role in the run to that season's FA Cup final,
when he scored at the Millennium Stadium. However, an ankle injury the
following August cost him the entire 2006/07 campaign. Upon regaining form
and fitness, Ashton established himself back in the side - ultimately
scoring ten Premier League goals in 20 starts and eleven substitute
appearances. The 24-year-old is determined to do even better next time
around.

"I didn't play as many games as I wish I could and obviously I missed the
season before," said the forward, who had two years left to run on his
previous deal at the Boleyn Ground. "I am really excited about next season.
I feel I can only get better so I am really glad that I have signed and can
look forward to the future. I think after the injury I had as well, it is
nice the club have managed to agree with me on a new deal. We are really
looking to the future.

"At the start of the season the fans didn't see the best of me. Towards the
end, they hopefully saw that I was back to what they expect. I know I had a
few fans who were perhaps weren't sure that I would get back to my best but
I feel like I am only going to get better. Hopefully I can again play even
better next season, score more goals and play more games."

He added that he also could not wait to see the return to fitness of key men
such as Kieron Dyer and Craig Bellamy, and the increased attacking options
that will bring, although he recognises competition for places will be
fierce. "I am really excited about that. I am sure there are quite a few of
the players at the club that have missed more games than they would have
liked - especially the new signings. Again, it is going to be an exciting
pre-season and we will look to challenge."

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Ashton signs long-term contract - BBC

West Ham striker Dean Ashton has pledged his future to the club by signing a
new five-year deal. The 24-year-old, who had been linked with Manchester
United, Portsmouth and Newcastle won his first England cap in the friendly
against Trinidad & Tobago. "I said all along I wanted to sign, I feel I have
still got a lot the club and the fans," the former Norwich striker told the
club website. "I am really happy that I have signed, now I can look forward
to next season."
Ashton, who scored 11 goals last season, joined West Ham from Norwich for
£7.25m in January 2006 and helped the club to the FA Cup final, where they
lost on penalties to Liverpool. His performances that season earned him an
England call-up for the friendly with Greece in August 2006. But he broke
his ankle in training for that game and missed the whole of the 2006-07
season, and also suffered injuries in the 2007-08 season. "I didn't play as
many games as I wish I could and obviously I missed the season before," he
said. "I am really excited about next season. I feel I can only get better
so I am really glad that I have signed and can look forward to the future.
"I think after the injury I had as well, it is nice the club have managed to
agree with me on a new deal. "We are really looking to the future."
Hammers chief executive Scott Duxbury said: "I am delighted that we have
agreed this new contract with Dean. It underlines the ambition of the club
to progress and challenge at the top end of the Premier League."

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A good day to bury bad news? - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 4th June 2008
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United are reported to have reached an out-of-court settlement with
Kia Joorabchian - on the day the club announced that fans favourite Dean
Ashton had signed a new five-year deal.

According to The Times, Joorabchian has instructed his legal team to
withdraw a High Court claim made against the club for fees totalling £7.1
million, which the Iranian had insisted he was owed by United for his
involvement in the Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano transfers.

And in a bizarre turn of events, Joorabchian will now act on behalf of the
club as a consultant in future transfers. The paper claims that it is from
these deals that he will receive fees to settle the figure agreed out of
court; additionally he will benefit from deals involving players moving to
West Ham United that he maintains financial interest in.

It is thought that the club wanted to have Joorabchian 'on board' ahead of
further damaging litigation involving Sheffield United - on which
arbitration proceedings begin next Monday - and former club Chairman Terry
Brown, who is sueing West Ham for over £5 million that he claims he is owed
by the club.

The surprise move to bring Joorabchian - who was voted runner-up 'Hackett of
the Year' in KUMB's 2007/08 Awards with 22% of the vote - closer to the club
could prove to be a smart one, for he was likely to be a key witness in
Sheffield United's case against the Hammers.

And the Iranian still maintains a healthy interest in Carlos Tevez who is
currently on loan at Manchester United, leading to the possibility that he
may return to West Ham one day.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Deano deal confirmed - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 4th June 2008
By: Staff Writer

Dean Ashton has committed his future to West Ham United by signing a new
five-year deal. As revealed on KUMB.com last night, Ashton has ended weeks
of negotiations by putting pen to paper on a contract that ties him to the
club until 2013. Talking to whufc.com tonight, the 24-year-old striker
revealed that he was 'delighted' to commit himself to the club. "I said all
along that I wanted to sign," he said. "I feel I have still got a lot to
show the football club and the fans. I am really happy that I have signed
and now I can look forward to next season. I feel I can only get better so I
am really glad that I have signed and can look forward to the future. I
think after the injury I had as well, it is nice the club have managed to
agree with me on a new deal. "At the start of the season the fans didn't
see the best of me. Towards the end, they hopefully saw that I was back to
what they expect. I know I had a few fans who were perhaps weren't sure that
I would get back to my best but I feel like I am only going to get better.
"Hopefully I can again play even better next season, score more goals and
play more games."
Hammers CEO Scott Duxbury welcomed the news by stating: "I am delighted that
we have agreed this new contract with Dean. It underlines the ambition of
the club to progress and challenge at the top end of the Premier League.
"Dean is an important part of our plans for the new season and beyond. We
are looking forward to seeing him scoring plenty of goals for West Ham
United in the future."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashton commits to Hammers - SSN
New five-year deal for England cap
Last updated: 4th June 2008

Dean Ashton has ended speculation over his long-term future by signing a new
five-year deal at West Ham. The talented striker won his first England cap
against Trinidad & Tobago on Sunday and has now capped a good week by
agreeing fresh terms at Upton Park. It had been suggested the likes of
Manchester United and Newcastle were weighing up an approach for the
24-year-old. However, having committed to the East End club until 2013,
Ashton has spoken of how his first choice was always to stay at The Hammers.
"I am delighted. I said all along that I wanted to sign," he told the club's
official website. "I feel I have still got a lot to show the football club
and the fans. I am really happy that I have signed and now I can look
forward to next season.
"It is a fantastic way to end the season for me. "It is not going to be on
my mind now and with a five-year contract, the future is here. "I said I
wanted to stay at the end of the season and I am really glad it has been
done so professionally and sorted now."
Hammers chief executive Scott Duxbury said: "I am delighted that we have
agreed this new contract with Dean. It underlines the ambition of the club
to progress and challenge at the top end of the Premier League. "Dean is an
important part of our plans for the for the new season and beyond. "We are
looking forward to seeing him scoring plenty of goals for West Ham United in
the future."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ljungberg denies Wenger attack - SSN
Midfielder had excellent relationship with Wenger
By Lewis Rutledge Last updated: 4th June 2008

Freddie Ljungberg has insisted he enjoyed an excellent relationship with
Arsene Wenger and has denied leaving Arsenal on bad terms. Ljungberg was
quoted on Wednesday as saying that he was unhappy with certain aspects of
his time at Arsenal and joined West Ham to prove to his former employers
that he still had a lot to offer. However, the Swedish midfielder has now
rubbished the story and stressed that he never had any problems with Wenger.

A statement read: "Freddie Ljungberg wishes to make it clear that he
absolutely refutes suggestions made by Russian Daily Sport paper Den Za Dnem
that he enjoyed anything but an excellent relationship with Arsene Wenger
during his time at Arsenal. "His move to West Ham was inspired by the vision
for the club and the strong interest from Alan Curbishley.
"The suggestion that Freddie left Arsenal in order to stay in the
Premiership and play against them is not only utter rubbish but is a
complete falsehood."
Ljungberg also emphasised his good relationship with the Gunners, adding: "I
get on very well with everyone from Arsenal and enjoyed my visit to the
Emirates Stadium recently when Sweden played Brazil and I saw a lot of old
friends.. "I haven't done an interview with this Russian newspaper and none
of the quotes have any substance, I certainly didn't make those comments."
Ljungberg is currently gearing up for Euro 2008 and will be fit to face
Greece next Tuesday.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
What positive change has been evidenced since Brown was finally outed? -
WestHamOnline
Admiral Lard - Wed Jun 4 2008

It's been 2 years now and I'm still glad to have seen the back of Brown and
his appalling regime, however what we have now has not, in my opinion, made
a shred of difference to the infrastructure of the club or the standard of
football. Let's be clear "I DONT WANT BROWN BACK!" or anyone remotely like
him, however I do feel very underwhelmed by the new regime and our somewhat
anonymous Chairman. A big man in many ways but not the charismatic man I'd
hoped for. At least the last regime did their average best to improve UP,
nothing further has been decided on either a new ground or the completion of
UP under the original scheme. The training facilities are in the process of
being upgraded. What difference will that make, if any, to our injury list?
Our medical staff had a dreadful year. Is it their fault, the players, the
way we train or Curbs for bringing in a load of crocks? We have finished
15th and 10th under the new regime though it should be noted that form over
the last 3 months would have seen us relegated had that been the form for
the season, we finished the season very, very weakly.
There is little or no money for transfers it would seem and if the money was
available who would come? Could we attract a berbatov or Michael Owen?
We'd most likely end up with another expensive, injury prone signing.

I want the best for West Ham and thought with some optimism, this could be
it, when Brown and co left. I am struggling to see any tangible benefit to
the new regime taking over and I restate the point, it's been 2 Years – Not
6 months or a year these guys have had time to show us what they can do.

I would like to see a plan, a road map in "corporate" terms. I'd like to see
this road map include the Playing standard, the club infrastructure and the
expansion and development of West Ham United as a brand and a business.

This is not too much to ask from a PLC business, in fact it's a right of
customers and shareholders alike. For the avvoidance of doubt West Ham
United PLC is a PLC - last years report and accounts
http://www.whufc.com/staticFiles/26/cf/0,,12562~118566,00.pdf

The club's PR is worse than ever, very little news is given to the press or
to it's customers. If I were to make a choice to part with £650 for a season
ticket I'd want to know whether I have a season of West Ham V Pompey's to
look forward to or West Ham V Man United's? (Worst and Best games of last
season IMHO)

It maybe things are in place or being put in place, wouldn't it be great to
know about them and get behind them – Unlike the bond scheme!!

Nothing appears to have improved, but then I maybe wrong, the problem is a
lack of information from which to make an informed opinion. What I do know
is many more performances like the last 3 months of last season and whatever
good will is there with BG is bound to start eroding

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dean Ashton signs five-year deal at West Ham - Telegraph
By Richard Bright
Last Updated: 1:39am BST 05/06/2008

West Ham striker Dean Ashton last night signed a new five-year contract to
keep him at Upton Park until 2013. The 24-year-old England forward, who made
his debut against Trinidad and Tobago last Sunday, started discussions with
the club as soon as the season finished last month. Ashton told the club's
website, whufc.com: "I am delighted. I said all along that I wanted to sign.
I feel I have still got a lot to show the football club and the fans. I am
really happy that I have signed and now I can look forward to next season."
He added: "It is a fantastic way to end the season for me. "It is not going
to be on my mind now and with a five-year contract, the future is here. I
said I wanted to stay at the end of the season and I am really glad it has
been done so professionally and sorted now."
Ashton - who had two years left on his existing deal - missed much of last
season through injury and is keen to feature more prominently. West Ham
chief executive Scott Duxbury said: "I am delighted that we have agreed this
new contract with Dean. It underlines the ambition of the club to progress
and challenge at the top end of the Premier League. Dean is an important
part of our plans for the new season and beyond. "We are looking forward to
seeing him scoring plenty of goals for West Ham United in the future."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
No One Hates us, We Don't Care - West Ham Till I Die

Well, apart from Millwall. The Evening Standard has polled fans from all
London;s football clubs and asked which other London clubs they hate most.
We don't figure in any of the lists, amazingly enough, apart from
Millwall's. As if we care.

Our top three hates are Tottenham, Chelsea and Millwall.

Mine are Fulham, Chelsea and Arsenal. For some reason I have never been able
to bring myself to hate Tottenham, although my one and only visit to White
Hart Lane eighteen months ago brought me very close.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham agree settlement with Kia Joorabchian - the Times
Gary Jacob

West Ham United's protracted dispute with Kia Joorabchian ended last night
when the parties reached an out-of-court settlement. Joorabchian took legal
action against the Barclays Premier League club in March, claiming that he
was owed payments totalling £7.1millon. The agent has withdrawn his High
Court claim against the club and will act as a consultant for them on future
transfers, for which he will be paid a fee. The club have said that the
agreement had been lodged with the Premier League, but declined to reveal
the length or structure of the deal.

It is likely, however, that Joorabchian will recover the £7.1million, which
he claimed he was owed, in transfer dealings over the next few years. An
agent can expect to receive commission of 5 per cent of the transfer fee.
Joorabchian will receive a fee from West Ham in two ways: when the club buy
a player he "owns" or is the agent of, or if he acts on behalf of the club
in the sale of players. West Ham, who were tenth in the Premier League, are
expected to sell between six and ten players this summer.

West Ham described the settlement as "amicable". It is beneficial for them
to have Joorabchian "on their side" before separate legal claims from
Sheffield United and Terence Brown, West Ham's former chairman. The
Yorkshire club believe that they were relegated at the end of the 2006-07
season as a result of West Ham's admitted breach of Premier League rules in
the transfer of Carlos Tévez from Corinthians, the Brazilian club. The
arbitration proceedings, which come under FA rules, begin on Monday.

Brown is claiming that he is owed £5million in wages and other proceeds
after he was asked to leave as director last year. West Ham are considering
a countersuit because they are upset that they were fined £5.5million for
breaching league rules in the signing of Tévez, which Brown had overseen.
West Ham have said that their arguments in both disputes were not affected
by the previous disagreement with Joorabchian.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Youngsters shine on Italian job - Newham Recorder
04 June 2008

WHILE England under-19 stars James Tomkins and Freddie Sears were booking
their countries place in the finals of the European Championships with a 0-0
draw in Belarus, there were another group of youngsters showing that West
Ham have a rosy future. The West Ham under-14s travelled to Italy for the
prestigious Citta di Cairo Montenotte where they were the only English
representatives. Their group games proved a walk in the park as they
hammered Cairese 95 15-0 and then followed it up with a 5-0 win over CSKA
Moscow and a 3-0 triumph against Chisola to ease into the quarter-finals.
There they beat Torino 2-0 to put them into a three-team semi-final group,
where they lost their first match - 2-0 against AC Milan. They bounced back
with a 1-0 win over Sampdoria, but it was no quite enough as Sampdoria made
the final where they lost out to Inter Milan. West Ham went into a play-off
for fifth place with CSKA Moscow, where Elliott Lee, brother of Academy
player Oliver and son of former West Ham star Robert, struck both goals in a
2-0 win.

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Devonshire signs up for the Derby! - Newham Recorder
04 June 2008

NO, the great West Ham winger is not making a comeback after all these
years, though no doubt he could still do a job. Instead it will be Epsom
that will play host to Alan Devonshire when a horse of the same name takes
part in The Derby this Saturday. The owners of the horse received permission
from the great man to name the horse after him, and they are likely to get
the West Ham fans' money went it comes to a little flutter. It could be a
nice little earner as Alan Devonshire is currently 200-1 in the betting!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dean Ashton factfile - TeamTalk

TEAMtalk looks at the career so far of England striker Dean Ashton after he
signed a new five-year contract to stay with West Ham.

1983: Born in Crewe on November 24.

2000: October 28 - Makes his competitive debut for Alex in a 1-0 league win
over Gillingham.

2001: February 2 - Given full professional status by Crewe.

February 3 - Scores his first senior goal in a 4-2 win over Burnley at
Gresty Road.

2003: May - Finishes the 2002-03 campaign with 16 goals as Crewe win
automatic promotion back to English football's second tier.

2004: February 17 - Makes a goalscoring debut for England Under-21s in a 3-2
win over Holland in Hull.

January 11 - Completes a £3million move to Norwich.

January 22 - Scores on his home debut for the Canaries in 4-4 draw with
Middlesbrough.

May - Scores seven goals for Norwich in 16 games, finishing the season with
27 goals in all competitions, but the East Anglian side are relegated to the
Championship.

2006: January 22 - Joins West Ham in a £7.25million deal.

February 4 - Scores first goal for the Hammers as they beat Sunderland 2-0
at Upton Park.

May 13 - Scores West Ham's second goal in FA Cup final against Liverpool,
but after the match ends 3-3 following extra-time the Reds win 3-1 on
penalties.

August 11 - Called up to England squad for friendly international with
Greece.

August 15 - Breaks ankle in training the day before the match at Old
Trafford.

December 18 - Hammers manager Alan Curbishley admits he fears it will be
February before the striker returns.

2007: July 14 - The wait proves longer and Ashton finally makes his
long-awaited return in a pre-season friendly against Dagenham & Redbridge.

August 11 - Makes first Premier League appearance against Manchester City,
coming on as a substitute for George McCartney in the second half.

September 15 - Scores first goal of the season in 3-0 victory over
Middlesbrough at Upton Park.

October 5 - Ashton is named in England's squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers
with Estonia and Russia.

2008: June 1 - Makes England debut in friendly victory over Trinidad and
Tobago.

June 4 - Signs new five-year contract.

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Ashton excited by potential of full-strength West Ham team
tribalfooball.com - June 04, 2008

After inking his new five-year contract, West Ham striker Dean Ashton is
excited about taking part in a full-strength team next season. Ashton says
he could not wait to see the return to fitness of key men such as Kieron
Dyer and Craig Bellamy, and the increased attacking options that will bring,
although he recognises competition for places will be fierce. He told
whufc.com: "I am really excited about that. I am sure there are quite a few
of the players at the club that have missed more games than they would have
liked - especially the new signings. Again, it is going to be an exciting
pre-season and we will look to challenge."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Brom to land West Ham keeper Wright
tribalfooball.com - June 04, 2008

West Ham goalkeeper Richard Wright is set for a move to West Brom. The Sun
says the Baggies are about to capture the former England international.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers on the trail of Austrian stopper - Guardian Series

WEST HAM are reported to be interested in Austrian striker Roland Linz.
According to Sky Sports, the Hammers had the player watched in recent months
and will be keeping a keen eye on his progress for Austria in the upcoming
European Championships. Linz, who notched 11 goals for Portuguese side
Sporting Braga last season, will lead the line for his country in
Switzerland and Austria. And the likes of Middlesbrough, Newcastle and
Fulham will also be seeing how he fares against some of the world's top
defenders with top sides Germany and Croatia both in Austria's group. The
26-year-old impressed under the gaze of various clubs in his country's
recent match with Malta, as he scored two goals in a 5-1 victory. A
spokesman for agency FN Sports spoke on behalf of the player: "There has
been interest in Roland from the Premiership and a number of clubs were
watching him again at the Malta game," they told Sky Sports. "But he is
focused on the Euros at the moment and we will see what happens after the
tournament."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers hit back at suggestions season-ticket sales could take a hit -
Guardian Series

Season-ticket renewals at Upton Park are already up on last season,
according to the club (E4746-535) WEST HAM have refuted claims that season
ticket sales could take a hit by insisting that renewals have already shown
an increase on last year. A poll by Virgin Money suggested up to 25 per cent
of Hammers fans would not be renewing their season tickets after the club
announced an average four per cent rise in prices for the upcoming campaign.
The survey, which questioned 3,567 football fans, found that more Irons
supporters had threatened action than any other Premier League club.
But the club have dismissed the reports as inaccurate, citing improved
online services which give fans more flexibility when booking tickets as one
reason they have enjoyed improved sales on last year. "Season ticket
renewals are going well and we are already ahead of where we were at this
time last season," said a West Ham spokesman. "We have also implemented a
new online ticketing service as part of our ongoing commitment to offer
supporters as high a level of service as possible. "This includes reduced
booking fees, a ticket trade-in service and the chance for fans to view
available seats."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham, Chelsea battle for Bursaspor prospect Demir
tribalfooball.com - June 04, 2008

West Ham United and Chelsea are battling for Turkey youth international
Muhammet Demir. The Turkey U17 international striker is currently tied to
Bursaspor and has already attracted a firm offer from West Ham for his
services. Chelsea are also keen, who was part of Turkey's squad for last
month's U17 European Championships.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
England striker rejects Newcastle's advances, and signs new £13m deal with
West Ham - CaughtOffside.com
June 4, 2008

The Sun reports that 24 year-old West Ham United striker Dean Ashton will
sign a new 5-year deal worth £13 million (£50,000 per week). "The striker is
expected to OK a five-year deal worth around £50,000 a week. Ashton, 24, is
finally ready to commit himself after lengthy negotiations and it will
confirm he has settled his differences with boss Alan Curbishley. The
player, who has battled back from a serious broken ankle, had two years left
on his current deal — worth around £13,000 a week."

Though he may not be the most exciting striker in the league to watch, he
had quite an effective season for the Hammers. He netted an average of about
1 goal per 3 matches, highlighted by that fantastic overhead kick against
Man United. Rumours were swirling around Ashton this summer, and many papers
fancied an £11 million switch to Newcastle for the promising player. He was
clearly unhappy with the deal he had, which had players such as super-flop
Freddie Ljungberg earning substantially more money. There were also stories
that he was not seeing eye-to-eye with boss Alan Curbishley. This report
surely puts all those rumours to bed.

The more interesting question is whether he is worth the money he is making.
With the way that footballers get paid today, I think this is a decent deal
for West Ham. When compared to the £80,000 that Portsmouth are reportedly
prepared to pay Liverpool benchwarmer Peter Crouch, some might even call
this a bargain. I would not go that far. So, what's the word on Ashton? Good
signing? Overpaid? Bargain?

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Item [ West Ham United ] -Dean Ashton

Ashton signs for five years - WHUFC
Dean Ashton has committed his future to West Ham United and revealed he
cannot wait for next season
04.06.2008

West Ham United are happy to confirm that Dean Ashton has signed a new
contract with the club that will keep him at the Boleyn Ground until June
2013.

The England striker put pen to paper on the new deal on Wednesday evening,
bringing to an end the negotiations that had begun as soon as the curtain
fell on the 2007/08 season. Speaking exclusively to whufc.com, Ashton said:
"I am delighted. I said all along that I wanted to sign. I feel I have still
got a lot to show the football club and the fans. I am really happy that I
have signed and now I can look forward to next season."

Having just made his international breakthrough last Sunday away to Trinidad
and Tobago and scored five goals in his last eight appearances for the club,
Ashton was particularly pleased the deal was struck so swiftly in the
close-season. "It is a fantastic way to end the season for me. It is not
going to be on my mind and now with a five-year contract, the future is
here. I said I wanted to stay at the end of the season and I am really glad
it has been done so professionally and sorted now."

West Ham United Chief Executive Scott Duxbury said: "I am delighted that we
have agreed this new contract with Dean. It underlines the ambition of the
club to progress and challenge at the top end of the Premier League. Dean is
an important part of our plans for the new season and beyond. We are looking
forward to seeing him scoring plenty of goals for West Ham United in the
future."

Ashton has been at the Boleyn Ground since signing from Norwich City in
January 2006 and played a key role in the run to that season's FA Cup final,
when he scored at the Millennium Stadium. However, an ankle injury the
following August cost him the entire 2006/07 campaign. Upon regaining form
and fitness, Ashton established himself back in the side - ultimately
scoring ten Premier League goals in 20 starts and eleven substitute
appearances. The 24-year-old is determined to do even better next time
around.

"I didn't play as many games as I wish I could and obviously I missed the
season before," said the forward, who had two years left to run on his
previous deal at the Boleyn Ground. "I am really excited about next season.
I feel I can only get better so I am really glad that I have signed and can
look forward to the future. I think after the injury I had as well, it is
nice the club have managed to agree with me on a new deal. We are really
looking to the future.

"At the start of the season the fans didn't see the best of me. Towards the
end, they hopefully saw that I was back to what they expect. I know I had a
few fans who were perhaps weren't sure that I would get back to my best but
I feel like I am only going to get better. Hopefully I can again play even
better next season, score more goals and play more games."

He added that he also could not wait to see the return to fitness of key men
such as Kieron Dyer and Craig Bellamy, and the increased attacking options
that will bring, although he recognises competition for places will be
fierce. "I am really excited about that. I am sure there are quite a few of
the players at the club that have missed more games than they would have
liked - especially the new signings. Again, it is going to be an exciting
pre-season and we will look to challenge."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 4th June 2008

Collison on top of the world - WHUFC
Jack Collison has spoken of his duel with Wesley Sneijder as he relived a
memorable day with Wales
03.06.2008

Jack Collison is off on a well-deserved holiday after yet another week to
remember in a fantastic breakthrough season for club and country.

The 19-year-old midfielder signed off the 2007/08 season with a second-half
appearance for Wales in the 2-0 defeat by the Netherlands on Sunday
afternoon and found himself up against some of the world's best players
including Real Madrid trio Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben and Ruud van
Nistelrooy. Collison, 19, had already been "surprised" by making his senior
bow the previous Wednesday in the 1-0 win in Iceland but could not believe
it when manager John Toshack told him to get ready for a run-out in
Rotterdam.

"He told me after about half an hour that I was going on," said Collison,
who only made his first-team bow for West Ham United back on 1 January and
has also just a handful of Under-21 caps to his name. "He said 'have a
proper warm-up because you're going on at half-time' and made me watch Carl
Robinson in the first half to see what position he was playing as I was
going to replace him. He said 'just go on and do your best'."

Collison had been on cloud nine since arriving at the legendary De Kuip
stadium for a match which Marco van Basten's men were using to sign off on
their Euro 2008 preparations. "It was a great atmosphere. Walking out of the
tunnel and to see all the Dutch fans dressed in orange was something. It is
a lovely stadium. The pitch was top quality as well, a great surface for
playing football and it was a proper game. They have world-class players
throughout the team and it was really special experience."

It certainly was a true test of Toshack's youthful Wales team, with Collison
getting a close-up view of one of Europe's top players in their dynamic No10
Sneijder. "He's not a bad player, is he?," said Collison with a smile. "He
was playing in the hole and I was in a defensive midfield role and I was
just trying to get in and around him but he is such a clever player. I
probably learned as much in that 45 minutes playing up against him as I have
all season." He added that he did not get a chance to talk much with
club-mate Craig Bellamy as "I was so busy trying to get the ball back!

"To play against someone like that can only help me progress," Collison
continued, before going on to describe his first two caps as "what I have
been working hard for all season". He was also pleased to get time on the
pitch alongside Wales captain Bellamy, with his "inspiring" club-mate coming
on later in the half. The two both featured in Reykjavik last week but were
not on the pitch at the same time. "It was a bit of a shame I didn't get to
play with him on Wednesday especially as he got his 50th cap. That is
something I am going to be looking to myself one day. It was nice to play
alongside him and I am looking forward to doing it again in future for West
Ham and Wales."

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Season ticket renewal reminder - WHUFC
The ticket office has reported renewals are going well with a month left for
season ticket holders to renew
03.06.2008

The West Ham United ticket office can confirm that season ticket renewals
are going well and ahead of schedule for the 2008/09 season.

With exactly a month left until the Tuesday 1 July renewal deadline,
supporters have been making use of the new West Ham United Box Office
website for online applications and the ticket office has reported more
people renewing than at this time last season. Supporters can also ensure
their seat again for the next campaign by using the renewal pack received
through the post or by ringing the ticket office on 0871 222 2700.

As the maximum number of 26,000 season tickets was sold in the 2007/08
season, until the 1 July renewal date has passed the club are unable to give
any information on availability for next season. Those already on the season
ticket waiting list will automatically receive information on how they can
apply for any seats that may become available.

Any seats not renewed for 2008/09 will be allocated in the following order:

* Existing season ticket holders wishing to change seat

* Supporters registered on the season ticket waiting list

Any possible information relating to a season ticket general sale will be
announced via whufc.com around 14 July after the above have been processed.

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Spector faces spell on sidelines - BBC

West Ham United defender Jonathan Spector faces up to six months on the
sidelines because of a hip injury. The American international was diagnosed
with a torn labrum while training with the US team and is likely to require
surgery. The 22-year-old is now almost certain to miss the Olympics as well
as the start of the Premier League season. Spector played 28 games for the
Hammers last season, scoring his first goal in the 5-0 rout of Derby County.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dean Cash-ton - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 4th June 2008
By: Staff Writer

Morning editions of Wednesday's Sun newspaper are reporting that Dean Ashton
is ready to sign a new five-year deal with West Ham United. Ashton, who has
been negotiating a new deal with the club is said to have agreed a new
contract worth around £2.5 million per year - putting him in line with the
club's tops earners. Initial talks between the club and Ashton had stalled,
but both parties were confident of reaching an agreement following a second
round of negotiations last week. Recent speculation had linked the
24-year-old striker with Manchester United and Newcastle United, both of
whom were said to be monitoring the situation closely. Ashton , who began
his career at Crewe under the tutelage of Dario Grady made his full England
debut in Sunday evening's 3-0 win against Trinidad & Tobago. Despite not
hitting the target he produced a solid if unspectacular performance.
Speaking after the game, he said: "It would have been nice to score. But
hopefully I've done enough to impress and get in the next squad."

* Congratulations to Hammers captain Lucas Neill and partner Lyndsay who are
the proud new parents of twins.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Virgin on the ridiculous - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd June 2008
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United supporters have topped a survey of fans who have said they
will not be renewing their season ticket next season. According to the poll,
conducted by Virgin Money, up to one in four United season ticket holders do
not intent to renew for the forthcoming 2008/09 season. With West Ham
having sold around 26,000 annual tickets last season, that figure represents
around 6,500 supporters - and with the average season ticket costing around
£700 next year the club could stand to lose up to £5 million in lost
revenue. Season tickets for the Boleyn Ground rose by an average of 4% this
year despite supporters, already struggling to meet existing sky high prices
pleading with the club to defer price hikes during Fans Forums at the end of
last season. Although that figure is lower than the average rise of 7.2%
across all Premier League clubs it is significantly higher than London
rivals Chelsea who froze rises this term. However a few miles North at
Tottenham and prices have risen by an incredible 10% on average. A number of
supporters have backed the results of the survey; talking on KUMB.com's
forum this morning, one said: "We warned them that there was an undercurrent
running against renewal. That is why I, and others, suggested a freeze on
prices. I am not that surprised if there are 25% non-renewals as I have
never known such disillusion. "It is inevitable that eventually the Premier
League's bubble will burst as the level of price increase has run beyond
reason."

Whilst another added: "I'm beginning to find this whole situation loathsome
and I don't think fans should just accept this situation. I'm resigned to
being an armchair fan as a season ticket is completely out of the question."

The Virgin Money poll canvassed opinion from approximately 3,500 supporters
from all football league clubs. The top of the table, or those clubs likely
to be worst hit, was as follows:

1. West Ham Utd 25%
2. Reading 22%
3. Portsmouth 21%
4. Manchester City 20%
5. Manchester Utd 19%
6. Fulham 18%
7. Bolton 17%
8. Birmingham 16%
9. Everton 14%
10. Tottenham 12%

Responding to the results, Virgin Money's Scott Mowbray said: "The majority
of regular football fans are suffering and many are starting to vote with
their feet. Not only are they suffering as the economy takes a hit but
they're also suffering as their clubs put up prices."

Whilst Chairman of the Football Supporters Federation, Malcolm Clarke,
added: In the difficult financial climate we all face the football industry
must wake up and smell the coffee. The huge amount of money pouring into the
Premier League means there is absolutely no justification for any price
rises at all at the top of the game. For too long some Premier League clubs
have believed there is no limit to the extent to which they can exploit the
brand loyalty of their supporters. They may now find this greed will come
back to bite them on the backside."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Club dismiss report findings - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 4th June 2008
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United have reported that season tickets sales are going well,
despite a survey claiming that up to 25% of season ticket holders would not
renew for the forthcoming season. The club, in a message posted on their
website on Tuesday afternoon said that 'season ticket renewals are going
well and ahead of schedule for the 2008/09 season'. The message followed a
Virgin survey, published on Tuesday morning that claimed a quarter of
United's 26,000 season ticket holders will not be renewing. The message
added further that 'the ticket office has reported more people renewing than
at this time last season', casting doubt on the report's claims which saw
the Hammers top a list of expected shortfalls in renewals. However a members
poll on KUMB.com has backed the reports findings. Of 120 supporters
surveyed so far 35 - or 29% - said that they would not be renewing next
season, whilst a further 17 (14%) were yet to make their minds up. That left
just 68 - or 56% - who said they either had or intended to renew their
season ticket ahead of the July 1 deadline.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashton sweating over England - SSN
West Ham striker hopes to have impressed, while Defoe admits delight
Last updated: 3rd June 2008

Dean Ashton admits he faces an anxious wait to discover if he has done
enough to impress England manager Fabio Capello. The West Ham striker made
his long awaited international debut in Sunday's 3-0 victory over Trinidad &
Tobago as he was named in Capello's first XI in Port of Spain. Ashton was
robbed of his England debut in 2006 when he broke his ankle in training
ahead of a friendly with Greece, but having finally earned his first
international cap he admits he could have done better. The 24-year-old
failed to score and was replaced by Peter Crouch at half-time and he is now
living in hope that he did enough to earn another chance under Capello when
England take on Czech Republic at Wembley on 20th August. "I could have done
better," Ashton said in The Sun. "It would have been nice to score. "But
hopefully I've done enough to impress and get in the next squad."
However, Ashton faces competition from the likes of Crouch, Michael Owen and
Jermain Defoe in the battle to partner England's star forward Wayne Rooney.
And after scoring twice against Trinidad & Tobago in his second successive
start following his run-out against USA last Wednesday, Defoe believes he
should be England's first choice. "When a new manager comes in everyone is
equal and fights for their places. Players come in and fight for their
futures," the Portsmouth striker said in the Daily Star. "When you play
games you feel so much sharper. Obviously I hope I have done enough to keep
my place."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Veteran midfielder Solano released by West Ham - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 10:36 PM on 03rd June 2008

Nolberto Solano will leave West Ham this summer after the club decided
against renewing his contract. The Peru midfielder, who arrived at Upton
Park from Newcastle last summer, made 23 appearances and scored four times.
Meanwhile, American defender Jonathan Spector faces up to six months out
with a hip injury.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashton Lands 5 Year Deal - The Sun

DEAN ASHTON is set to sign a new £13million contract with West Ham. The
striker is expected to OK a five-year deal worth around £50,000 a week.
It will help him get over a disappointing England debut in Trinidad and
catapult him into the ranks of Upton Park's top earners. Ashton, 24, is
finally ready to commit himself after lengthy negotiations and it will
confirm he has settled his differences with boss Alan Curbishley. The
player, who has battled back from a serious broken ankle, had two years left
on his current deal — worth around £13,000 a week. But that is being torn up
to make way for his new agreement. Curbishley got another major boost this
week with the return to action of club-record signing Craig Bellamy. The
£7.25m forward insists he will be fit for the start of pre-season training,
after making two recent sub appearances for Wales. Bellamy has not played
for the Hammers since February, in the wake of abdominal surgery. The former
Liverpool star said: "I am feeling great. I'll be keeping up with my fitness
and training regime during the summer and I'm looking forward to a full
pre-season." On the way out of Upton Park is 33-year-old Peru winger
Nolberto Solano. West Ham have decided against renewing his contract, after
he arrived on a short-term deal from Newcastle last summer.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Villa must pay big to land Sidwell - teamTalk

Aston Villa will have to pay around £6million if they want to beat eight
Premier League rivals to sign Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell. Sidwell is
one of Martin O'Neill's main summer targets and is a possible replacement
for Gareth Barry should he decide to move to Liverpool. But Chelsea are not
prepared to let Sidwell go on the cheap despite signing the 25-year-old on a
free transfer from Reading last summer. Several Premier League clubs are
thought to be expressing an interest in Sidwell including Middlesbrough,
Sunderland, Newcastle, West Ham, Fulham, Manchester City, Everton and
Blackburn. O'Neill is understood to want pay only around £4million for
Sidwell who made only 15 Premier League appearances during the 2007-2008
campaign - and none since January. The former Celtic boss is keen to add to
an already small squad which could be further depleted if Barry goes through
with his desire to play Champions League football via a switch to Anfield.
Villa have rejected a £10million players-plus-cash bid for the 27-year-old
who skippered England during the second half of Sunday's friendly
international with Trinidad and Tobago. But Reds boss Rafael Benitez is
expected to increase his bid for Barry who has been a Villa first team
regular for the past 10 years and clocked up nearly 400 appearances. And
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has admitted he is "desperate" for the
Merseysiders to sign his close friend and England midfield partner Barry.
O'Neill is thought to be keen to bring former Villa striker Peter Crouch
back to the Midlands club as part of what would effectively be a swap deal
involving Barry. But weekend reports claimed Crouch was prepared to see out
the final year of his Liverpool contract.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Farewell Nobby - West Ham Till I Die

I was sceptical about the signing of Nobby Solano last year, but he totally
won me over. His effort was tremendous and his deadball skills were
something we desperately needed after Tevez went to Man U. So I am sorry to
see the club let him go. However, I can see why. Assuming Dyer and Faubert
are fit, they would be the first choice down the right. There's also Lee
Bowyer who can play there too.

The Sun also reports that Dean Ashton will sign a five year deal this week.
I just hope that's true.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham fans unhappy with ticket price hike
tribalfooball.com - June 03, 2008

A quarter of disgruntled West Ham fans are refusing to renew their season
tickets after a hike in prices, a recent survey by Virgin Money revealed.
Of all the Hammers fans polled from a total of 3,567 supporters, one in four
said they would not be renewing their tickets for the upcoming season after
the club announced an average four per cent increase on last year's prices.
If the survey is to be believed, West Ham could stand to lose up to
£5million in revenue as the figures suggest 6,500 of the 26,000 current
season ticket holders may not be coming back to Upton Park next season.
Ironically, the Irons' prices - currently at around £700 for the next
campaign - compare favourably with some of their Premier League
counterparts, with local rivals Tottenham announcing an astonishing 10 per
cent average climb. The average top flight team have increased their prices
by 7.2 per cent but it is the Hammers fans who have threatened the biggest
backlash.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Solano leaving West Ham
tribalfooball.com - June 03, 2008

Nobby Solano is leaving West Ham United. The Daily Mail says Solano will
leave West Ham this summer after the club decided against renewing his
contract. The Peru midfielder, who arrived at Upton Park from Newcastle last
summer, made 23 appearances and scored four times.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle ready to bid for West Ham striker Ashton
tribalfooball.com - June 03, 2008

Newcastle United have made contact with West Ham for striker Dean Ashton.
The 24-year-old is unsettled at Upton Park despite having two years left to
run on the contract he signed two summers ago for the east Londoners. A
source close to the East End club told the Evening Chronicle: "We know that
Newcastle are interested in signing Dean. "And Alan Curbishley is aware of
this. "There have already been a couple of rounds of contract talks with
Dean before he went on international duty with England, but nothing is
decided. "We think that deep down Dean might want to stay but, like any
player, he wants to have a contract that reflects his performances."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Ljungberg slates Arsenal boss Wenger
tribalfooball.com - June 03, 2008

West Ham United midfielder Freddie Ljungberg has slammed Arsenal boss Arsene
Wenger. In an interview with Russian newspaper Sport Den Za Dnem, the Sweden
captain told of his frustration at Wenger's approach. He said: "It's all
about my injuries. Wenger simply doesn't like those who show a weakness.
With him, you generally feel as if you were in the army - it's only in
public that he may appear to be some sort of man of liberal views. In
reality, his belief is natural selection. The truth is I picked up a knock
doing my job and following Wenger's instructions. I always played like this
and, at some point, ran out of luck. "So while I was being treated for the
injury, they went out and found a different player for my position. "After I
recovered, I was given a chance in the typical Wenger way: I was expected to
run and intercept and score just the same as before. He just didn't give me
enough time to do it properly. I had no time."
Once Wenger had made up his mind, Ljungberg says he was put on the transfer
list without being told. He said: "I was offended when all of a sudden I
learned from the papers that Wenger was ready to consider offers for me from
other clubs. No-one had talked to me about that. "And also I still feel a
bit offended about Arsenal. They showed the door to too many people. Why did
they let Thierry Henry go? When I found out about his move, I realised that
the Arsenal I used to play for was finished. "So I went to West Ham in order
to play against Arsenal as often as possible. "I wanted to prove that
Freddie Ljungberg hadn't had his last word as a player. "And at West Ham, no
one gives you a puzzled look if you get called up for your national team and
players are never asked to play on injections. "I would like to stay there -
if they offer of course."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Man Utd keep tabs on West Ham's Ashton talks
tribalfootball.com - June 03, 2008

Manchester United are keeping tabs on West Ham's new contract talks with
Dean Ashton. The Evening Chronicle says United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has
Ashton on his wish-list should other targets fall through. Fergie has been
eyeing Lyon ace Karim Benzema and today was reportedly keen on signing
Blackburn's £15m-rated star Roque Santa Cruz.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nobbled – Midfielder Solano on way out - Guardian Series
By Rob Pritchard

WEST Ham will release Peruvian playmaker Nobby Solano at the end of his
contract this month. The 33-year-old, who arrived on a short-term deal from
Newcastle United last August, will not be offered a new deal and will leave
Upton Park this summer. Solano, who has also played for Aston Villa during a
10-year stay in England, made 23 appearances for the Hammers, scoring four
times. The Callao-born midfielder signed off with a fine free-kick in what
turned out to be his final game for the club, ironically against former club
Villa, on the last day of the season. While Peru captain Solano, who played
in his country's 2-1 defeat to Spain in Madrid on Saturday, will leave,
newly-capped England striker Dean Ashton is expected to sign long-term deal
with the Irons this week. Ashton's representatives have held two rounds of
talks with chief executive Scott Duxbury and club officials and hope to
complete a deal once the 24-year-old has returned from international duty in
Trinidad and Tobago, where he made his debut on Sunday.
JAMES Tomkins and Freddie Sears could come up against West Ham team-mate
Marek Stech at this summer's European Under-19 Championship. Basildon-based
defender Tom-kins and striker Sears will hope to be part of the England side
drawn to take on goalkeeper Stech's Czech Republic in Liberec next month.
Brian Eastick's side, who qualified for the eight-team finals in Belarus on
Saturday, will also take on Italy and Greece in their group. The other group
will contain Germany, Spain, Bulgaria and Hungary, with the tournament
getting under way on July 14.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
No Ashton cash just yet
DAVID CUFFLEY, EVENING NEWS SPORT
03 June 2008 11:02

Norwich City will have to wait to cash in on Dean Ashton's call-up to the
full England side. The West Ham striker made his international debut in the
3-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday. As part of the terms of his
£7.25m move to Upton Park in 2006, the Canaries negotiated a £125,000
payment if Ashton plays for England while he is still with the Hammers - but
the agreement applied only to a competitive fixture, not to friendlies.
England's World Cup qualifying campaign starts in September.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers star eager for another England chance - Guardian Series

DEAN Ashton believes he "could have done better" after making his
long-awaited debut for England in their 3-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago on
Sunday.
The West Ham striker started the friendly match in Port of Spain and
partnered former Hammer Jermain Defoe in the first half before being
replaced for Liverpool's Peter Crouch. Ashton enjoyed some intricate link-up
play with Defoe, but in terms of goalscoring chances he was restricted to
just two long-range efforts - both of which flew over the crossbar - while
his strike partner seized his chance with two well-taken goals. But, while
24-year-old was critical of his first appearance for his country, he hoped
that he had done enough to warrant a place in Fabio Capello's next squad,
which will be compiled for August's home friendly with the Czech Republic.
"Personally I probably could have done a little bit better," reflected
Ashton. "It would have been nice to get a goal, but it wasn't to be. I was
pleased with how it went and happy to get 45 minutes."
Ashton was due to earn his first cap two years ago under the management of
Steve McClaren, but the forward broke his ankle on the eve of the match
against Greece. And he admitted he was delighted to have won over Italian
Capello and finally made his debut. "It's been a long wait to get that first
cap and it feels brilliant," he added. "Nobody can take it away from me, but
hopefully I've done enough to impress for the next squad." Meanwhile, Ashton
is optimistic of putting pen to paper on a new deal that will keep him at
Upton Park on a long-term contract. The powerful forward has been heavily
linked with a move to Manchester United, Newcastle and Portsmouth in recent
months, but negotiations with the Hammers have gone well and Ashton is
hopeful the deal can be "sorted out soon".

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Canaries wait on Ashton bonus - teamTalk

Norwich have confirmed they will not receive a cash bonus after former
striker Dean Ashton's England debut on Sunday. Ashton - who moved to Premier
League side West Ham for £7.25million in 2006 - played the opening 45
minutes of the 3-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago before being replaced by
Peter Crouch. As part of the terms of his transfer the Canaries are
entitled to a £125,000 payment if Ashton plays for England while he is still
with the Hammers - but the agreement applies only to a competitive fixture,
not to friendlies. The next opportunity will come when England's World Cup
qualifying campaign starts in September.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Star players' lack of respect towards referees and ever-rising ticket prices
are what bug fans most - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 11:54 AM on 03rd June 2008

Shock new figures today highlight the lack of respect London's footballers
are showing towards referees. At a time when on-pitch behaviour has never
been so scrutinised, the 2008 London Football Report reveals that 67 per
cent of the capital's fans witnessed a player from their club confronting an
official in an "unacceptable manner" last season. The figures appear to
justify the Football Association's "Respect" campaign, which was launched
earlier this year to target the shameful abuse of referees.
Standard Sport's fourth annual survey also highlights fans' concerns about
players cheating and the rising cost of going to matches. More than 2,800
fans took part in last month's poll - undertaken by research company
Football Fans Census - with a minimum representation of 100 from each of the
capital's 14 professional clubs. The results will be published in two parts,
starting today with the fans' verdict on four major talking points - player
behaviour, pricing, racism and hooliganism. Tomorrow, part two features
approval ratings for London's managers and chairmen, plus an in-depth look
at the clubs the fans love to hate.
Ashley Cole's petulant refusal to be booked by Mike Riley during Chelsea's
clash with Tottenham in March was one of the enduring images of last season.

The incident spoke volumes about the arrogant attitudes of the modern-day
players, according to many commentators who warned of such behaviour being
replicated on park pitches around the country. The FA launched their
"Respect" campaign shortly before the Cole-Riley encounter but that did not
stop Liverpool's Javier Mascherano sparking more controversy by embarking on
a running battle with Steve Bennett to earn a red card against Manchester
United.
London fans are clearly fed up with such antics. Deliberately asked about
their own team to get a more accurate result, 67% recalled "a player from
their club protesting to a match official in a manner they believed was
unacceptable". A staggering 18% confessed to seeing such clashes more than
10 times last season. When broken down by club, 91% of Chelsea fans admitted
their players were guilty at least once. That was the highest score in
London ahead of Arsenal (74%) and Leyton Orient (69%). Some 76% of fans
recalled an incident "where a player from their club deliberately dived to
win a free-kick or penalty". This is a one per cent increase on last year
and the highest since the survey began. Diving was most apparent at Spurs
(88%), Arsenal (87%) and Chelsea (85%) while the best-behaved players were
at Dagenham & Redbridge and Barnet (both 50%).

Pricing

Given the millions generated from TV contracts, pressure has been mounting
on clubs to cut the cost of watching football but to little effect,
according to the report. Taking into account ticket prices and other key
expenses such as transport, merchandise and refreshments, the average cost
for adults went up at every London club last season. It equated to an
overall rise of 5.5%. On the face of it, this figure doesn't sound too
outlandish but, when last year's astonishing 22% hike is taken into account,
it is clear fans are still being hit hard in the pocket. Chelsea is the
most expensive day out, with a trip to Stamford Bridge breaking through the
£100 barrier. It now costs adult Blues an average of £102 per match.
Despite freezing ticket prices for a second successive season at Emirates
Stadium, the cost of going to Arsenal has risen from £89 to £92 a match.
Upward spiral: the cost of match tickets have gone through the roof since
this fan watched a top FA Cup tie in 1998 for "only" £22
Spurs and West Ham were also more expensive for fans after both raised
admission prices for the start of 2007-08 campaign, but the biggest Premier
League hike in London was at Fulham where fans reported a 9.8% increase.
Queens Park Rangers fans were hit with a 15.6% rise which is set to be
higher next season after the club's new owners, Flavio Briatore and Bernie
Ecclestone, announced season tickets are going up by as much as 36%.
As Standard Sport reported last week, Rangers are one of seven London clubs
raising prices for their most loyal followers. The report also asked fans if
the cost of tickets would put them off going to games or renewing their
season tickets. Six per cent revealed they would not be renewing and 15%
claimed they would be attending fewer games. In total, 73% said ticket
prices were too high. Broken down by club, West Ham (10%) and Fulham (9%)
are threatened with the largest exodus of season-ticket holders due to
prohibitive costs. A further 24% of Hammers fans said cost meant they
planned to attend fewer games next season, the largest figure in that
category ahead of Chelsea (20%), Spurs (18%) and Arsenal (16%).

Racism and hooliganism

Twelve per cent of fans said they had witnessed football-related racism last
season. The clubs whose fans experienced the highest number of incidents
were Spurs (19%), Millwall and Barnet (both 16%). The problem of
hooliganism in London has also not gone away. Reports of trouble in and
around grounds rose from 17% to 23% this year. For the third year in a row,
QPR were the worst club for hooligan incidents (48% from 30% last year),
followed by Orient (46%) and Palace (42%).

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Worrying Comments from Kightly - Rivals.et
By wolvescentral - 03/06/2008 00:12

Michael Kightly set the rumour mill going again after he said "There are a
few things we are not happy about" on relation to his NEW contract. This
will alert Blackburn Rovers, West Ham , Everton and Middlesbrough who have
all been linked to a possible move for Kightly Speaking in the E&S today
Kightly said "My agent is going to have a meeting with Jez in a couple of
weeks. There are a few things we are not happy about. Hopefully, after that
meeting, they can be sorted."
Which reading between the lines means 'my agent thinks that the contract I
signed last year is not good enough anymore'. What Kightly should be saying
is ' Thanks to Wolves I am no longer a non league footballer, I am an u21
international as well. OH and thanks Wolves for paying my wages all last
season when I was injured' !!
On Monday some non league chairman from Grays athletic said "I Know Everton,
West Ham and Blackburn have come in for him. A club has put a £4million bid
in already. People will see who they can get rid of first. West Ham are
going to have a good clear out because they've got too many 'Big-Time
Charlies.' They want players who are hungry. Kightly fits that bill
perfectly."

Lord Moxey countered on the official site "I was very surprised by Mick's
comments. We have received no enquiries or bids for Michael. Our chairman
Steve Morgan went on the record at the end of April with a clear and
unequivocal message: Our best young players are not for sale. We have got an
exciting young team here and we are building something special. Michael
wants to be a of that. We will not allow this kind of rumour and speculation
to disrupt our plans."

These are worrying times for Wolves fans as the Vultures from the
Premiership are circling trying to nick the crown jewels in Wolves crown.
There has already been intense speculation about Wayne Hennessey. As a
poster said on the E&S comment board if Wolves sell Hennessey and Kightly
they might as well put up signs on the turnstiles saying "NO Ambition".
Hopefully Wolves will remain strong and repel all offers but I suppose every
player has his price

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Is it over for Deano - Cmon Yu Irons
03 Jun
Written & Posted by Big Sauze

The Daily Mirror today suggests that Fabio Capello will not pick Dean Ashton
again for England and that he will join the ranks of those that have won 1
England cap. They go on to suggest that Michael Owen will also be scrapped.
Personally I think that the English game very much depends on having a
'target man' up front who brings others into play, and is a threat in the
air, history dictates that we have always played this way, and I don't see
any reason to change it. It's what makes other international teams wary of
us as a team, why should we change, Wayne Rooney cannot fulfill this role
and there are few others in the premiership that can.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers face backlash over season-ticket prices - Guardian Series

A QUARTER of disgruntled West Ham fans are refusing to renew their season
tickets after a hike in prices, a recent survey by Virgin Money revealed.
Of all the Hammers fans polled from a total of 3,567 supporters, one in four
said they would not be renewing their tickets for the upcoming season after
the club announced an average four per cent increase on last year's prices.
If the survey is to be believed, West Ham could stand to lose up to
£5million in revenue as the figures suggest 6,500 of the 26,000 current
season ticket holders may not be coming back to Upton Park next season.
Ironically, the Irons' prices - currently at around £700 for the next
campaign - compare favourably with some of their Premier League
counterparts, with local rivals Tottenham announcing an astonishing 10 per
cent average climb. The average top flight team have increased their prices
by 7.2 per cent but it is the Hammers fans who have threatened the biggest
backlash.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers youngster's brush with a Dutch of class - Guardian Series

WEST HAM youngster Jack Collison believes he learnt as much in 45 minutes
marking Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder as he has done all season with the
Hammers. Collison replaced Carl Robinson at half-time to make only his
second appearance for Wales in the team's 2-0 friendly defeat to Holland on
Sunday. And, after being asked to protect the back four and keep tabs on
Real Madrid's Sneijder, the 19-year-old admitted it was one of the toughest
challenges of his career to-date. "He was playing in the hole and I was
playing in a defensive midfield role," Collison told the club's offical
website. "I was just trying to get in and around him but he is such a clever
player. "I probably learned as much in that 45 minutes playing up against
him as I have all season. To play against someone like that can only help me
progress." Collison has made just two appearances for the Irons first team
but is highly-rated by the West Ham staff and is likely to feature more
heavily next season.

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