West Ham United have agreed to let Bobby Zamora and John Pantsil talk to
Fulham about a possible transfer
09.07.2008
West Ham United can confirm that the club has received an approach from
Fulham for the transfer of Bobby Zamora and John Pantsil.
The club is looking forward to an exciting new season with a fully-fit squad
including the return of Kieron Dyer and Craig Bellamy along with Dean Ashton
secured on a long-term contract. Added to the form of Carlton Cole and the
emergence of Freddie Sears, the decision has been made to let Fulham speak
to the two players. West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury said: "We recognise
that Bobby Zamora and John Pantsil have had limited first-team opportunities
last season at West Ham United. They want to play regular first-team
football and we have given permission for them to speak to Fulham with a
view to concluding a move."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hard work at Chadwell Heath - WHUFC
Kieron Dyer is getting closer to a return to full training as the players
step up their pre-season programme
09.07.2008
The first team are being put through their paces with intensive double
sessions as they enter the second week of the pre-season programme at
Chadwell Heath.
With virtually the entire squad involved, the signs are also good for those
working their way back to full fitness. England midfielder Kieron Dyer is
due to be back in full training by the time the squad return from North
America and the games against Columbus Crew and the Major League Soccer
All-Stars on 20 and 24 July respectively. He has made excellent progress
over the summer as he recovers from his double leg-break suffered just over
a year ago and will stay behind at Chadwell Heath to continue his fitness
work in readiness for the new campaign.
Another welcome sight back on the practice pitches has been James Collins
who has been joining in full running sessions and ball work with his
team-mates. His Welsh international team-mate Danny Gabbidon is also back in
training and is running. With James Tomkins and Freddie Sears set to join up
with England for Under-19 duty, the only other two players not at Chadwell
Heath are Freddie Ljungberg after his Euro 2008 exertions and Jonathan
Spector who has begun his rehabilitation programme after hip surgery in the
United States.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tomkins expects with England - WHUFC
Young centre-back James Tomkins is relishing the prospect of next week's
UEFA U19 Euro finals
09.07.2008
James Tomkins is getting ready to play an integral part of England's bid to
win the 2008 European Under-19 Championship when the finals begin against
the host nation Czech Republic on 14 July.
Having kept himself in shape since the end of the season and then stepped up
his training after returning to club duty, Tomkins is in good shape for the
Young Lions. He said: "I am looking forward to going away with England, it
will be a good tournament. But we are not going there to make up the numbers
we are going out to win it. We did well in the qualifiers so we are full of
confidence."
England coach Brian Eastick named Tomkins and club-mate Freddie Sears in his
18-man selection, with both players having been instrumental in qualifying.
It is thought the duo will start when things get under way at 4.30pm London
time on Monday. "There have been a few changes to the side but the people
coming have done well so there is no reason why we can't do well," Tomkins
added. "It is obviously nice to have a club team-mate there in the shape of
Freddie but we are a close-knit bunch who all get on well together."
In Group B of the eight-nation tournament, England will also take on Italy
on 17 July and Greece on 20 July in Jablonec and Liberec respectively in the
hope of reaching the semi-finals. The opening game against the Czechs will
be shown live on Eurosport. Group A comprises Spain, Italy, Greece and
Hungary.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers clear way for Zamora exit - BBC
West Ham have granted Fulham permission to speak with striker Bobby Zamora
and defender John Pantsil. Zamora was restricted to 14 games last season,
scoring one goal, while Pantsil has started just seven Premier League games
since joining the club in 2006. "We recognise they had limited first-team
opportunities last season," said West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury.
"They want regular football and we have given them permission to speak to
Fulham with a view to a move."
A statement on the club's website added: "The club are looking forward to an
exciting new season with a fully-fit squad, including the return of Kieron
Dyer and Craig Bellamy along with Dean Ashton secured on a long-term
contract. "Added to the form of Carlton Cole and the emergence of Freddie
Sears, the decision has been made to let Fulham speak to the two players."
Zamora, who joined the Hammers from Spurs in 2003, has played more than 100
games for the club. Ghana international Pantsil has struggled to establish
himself at Upton Park since joining in 2006, with the majority of his 24
games coming off the bench.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham reject McCartney offer - BBC
West Ham have turned down an improved £4.5m offer from Sunderland for
Northern Ireland defender George McCartney, BBC Sport understands. The
27-year-old full-back joined the Upton Park club from Sunderland in 2006 in
a four-year deal worth £1m. The Hammers paid £600,000 for McCartney in a
swap deal which saw Clive Clarke moving in the opposite direction. McCartney
is a former Black Cats captain and played 157 times for the team in an
eight-year spell. The Belfast-born player scored on his Northern Ireland
debut against Iceland in September 2001. McCartney spent two years in
international exile after refusing to play under manager Lawrie Sanchez. He
was angered after Sanchez hinted that he 'picked' his games. McCartney
returned for his country in 2007 after Nigel Worthington took charge.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Two to go? - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 9th July 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have given Fulham permission to speak with striker Bobby Zamora and
full-back John Paintsil after a bid for the pair was accepted on Wednesday
afternoon. No further details are currently available but a figure of around
£6million is believed to be the sum offered by Fulham. Should all parties
reach an agreement the pair could be on their way to South West London by
the weekend.
West Ham United's Scott Duxbury told whufc.com this evening: "We recognise
that Bobby Zamora and John Pantsil had limited first-team opportunities last
season at West Ham United. "They want to play regular first-team football
and we have given permission for them to speak to Fulham with a view to
concluding a move."
Paintsil - who was looking to leave the club last summer having barely
featured under Alan Pardew and Alan Curbishley - was one again a fringe
player last season despite earning cult status amongst United fans.
Zamora - who was first linked with a move to Fulham at the beginning of June
- will always be affectionately remembered by Hammers fans for scoring the
goal that saw United return to the Premier League in May 2005 after beating
Preston 1-0 in the Championship Play-Off Final at Cardiff's Millennium
Stadium.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mackems Mac attack knocked back - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 9th July 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have rejected a £4.5m bid from Sunderland for full-back George
McCartney. The left-back joined the Hammers from the Black Cats two seasons
ago when Alan Pardew paid a meagre £600,000 plus Clive Clarke for his
services. Since then McCartney has become a firm fixture in United's
defence, making such an impression that Alan Curbishley felt happy to go
through the whole of last season without a dedicated back-up. However claims
that McCartney's wife is unsettled in London led to rumours of Sunderland's
interest, and today's bid is thought to be the second attempt the North
East-based club have made to prise the Northern Irish international away
from London. McCartney was named runner-up Player of the Year in last
season's KUMB Awards and was also named Most Improved Player.
East London is not so wonderful:
the top five West Ham wantaways
1. Marco Boogers
The £1million Dutchman arrived at West Ham in the summer of 1995 on the
strength of a video then manager Harry Redknapp had seen of him in action.
Just minutes into his second game for the Hammers he was sent off for a
vicious tackle on Manchester United's Gary Neville before promptly
disappearing without trace. He was later found living in a caravan claiming
mental illness had driven him from the club. His current whereabouts are
unknown.
2. Joey Beauchamp
The highly-rated youngster joined the Hammers for £1.2million in the summer
of 1994 but claimed he was homesick just weeks later - despite hailing from
Oxford, less than 50 miles away. He was sold to Swindon Town just 58 days
later for £800,000 plus defender Adrian Whitbread. Now 37, Beauchamp can be
seen strutting his stuff for Abingdon Town in the Hellenic League Premier
Division.
3. David Unsworth
'Rhino', as he was affectionately known joined West Ham in 1997 in a
£3million switch from Everton but lasted just a year after his wife claimed
that she was missing Merseyside. Having played just 41 games for the
Hammers, Aston Villa paid £3million for his services. However his stay in
the Midlands was even more short-lived and he returned to Everton a month
later. Having spent last season with Burnley, the 34-year-old is currently a
free agent.
4. Tomas Repka
The oft-criticised burly Czech spent five years with the Hammers but was
looking to return to his home country for the last 18 months of his spell in
East London. Signed from Fiorentina by Glenn Roeder for £5million in 2001,
he was eventually sold to Sparta Prague (where he had played prior to moving
to Italy) for £750,000. Notably moved on his final appearance for West Ham
by a spontaneous burst of applause from the United faithful, Repka later
apologised to Hammers fans for wanting to leave saying 'I am sorry to be
going back home but it has been difficult to be away from my children who go
to school in Prague.' Now 34, Repka still plays for Sparta.
5. Sergei Rebrov
His £11million dream move to Tottenham turned into a nightmare and Rebrov
was snapped up by Alan Pardew in 2004 on a free transfer. However after just
a year with United he was allowed to return to Ukraine to join Dynamo Kiev
having shown little of the promise that persuaded Tottenham to part with 11
big ones. Still playing in the Russian Premier Division, Rebrov - now 34 -
currently represents FC Rubin Kazan.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fulham move for Hammers duo - SSN
Cottagers allowed to speak with Zamora and Pantsil
By Lewis Rutledge Last updated: 9th July 2008
Fulham have been given permission by West Ham to open talks with Bobby
Zamora and John Pantsil. Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson has been busy trying to
strengthen his squad this summer and has identified the two West Ham players
as key targets. The Hammers received an approach on Wednesday and have
agreed to let Fulham speak with the pair. Zamora moved to Upton Park from
Tottenham in 2004 and has gone on to score 30 goals in 130 appearances for
the club. However, he fell down the pecking order last season and with
competition for places in attack set to be fierce yet again, West Ham are
ready for him to move on. Ghanaian defender Pantsil, who joined West Ham
after an impressive World Cup in 2006, also struggled to hold down a regular
place in the side last season.
"West Ham can confirm the club have received an approach from Fulham for the
transfer of Bobby Zamora and John Pantsil," read a statement on the club's
official website. "The club are looking forward to an exciting new season
with a fully-fit squad, including the return of Kieron Dyer and Craig
Bellamy along with Dean Ashton secured on a long-term contract. "Added to
the form of Carlton Cole and the emergence of Freddie Sears, the decision
has been made to let Fulham speak to the two players."
West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury added: "We recognise Bobby Zamora and John
Pantsil have had limited first-team opportunities last season. "They want to
play regular first-team football and we have given permission for them to
speak to Fulham with a view to concluding a move."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Anton backs Rio for captaincy - SSN
West Ham's Ferdinand believes brother would thrive for England
By James Dall Last updated: 9th July 2008
West Ham United defender Anton Ferdinand believes his brother Rio would
thrive as captain of England. England boss Fabio Capello has rotated the
skipper's armband as part of a policy that will see him name the permanent
captain ahead of the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. Manchester United
centre-back Ferdinand was handed the duty for the Italian's second game in
charge against France. Ferdinand faces strong competition from the likes of
Steven Gerrard and John Terry for the role, but his brother feels he is an
ideal candidate. "There are so many reasons why Rio should be England
captain," Hammers' Ferdinand said in The Sun. "For starters, the
consistency in his play last season was unbelievable. He captained United to
the UEFA Champions League and Premier League titles. "I don't think there is
anybody better than him in the world right now. His professionalism is top
dollar - just ask anybody at Manchester United and England. "He has all the
attributes to be England captain. It would be a proud moment for the
Ferdinand family and it would be something he would handle well. It would be
good for the team as well."If he gets the armband, the country will see the
best of him."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Galatasary Focus On Lucas - Goal.com
After capturing the signature of Harry Kewell, Turkish giants Galatasaray
turn their attention to West Ham United captain, Lucas Neill. Lucas Neill
has only been a Hammer for a couple of years now, yet in this short time,
with the exodus of boyhood West Ham fan Nigel Reo Coker, Neill has already
been given the captain's armband - a role that he is relishing, according to
his agent.
Galatasaray would be keen on a move for the regular Australian International
as they look to defend their Turkish crown. It might take a heavily weighted
offer to prise the former Blackburn man away from Upton Park because Lucas
apparently snubbed a move to Anfield, in order to move to West Ham, only 19
months ago, during the 2007 January transfer window.
Paddy Dominguez, the player's agent, echoed these sentiments on fansfc.com,
saying: "It doesn't make sense that a manager who brought Lucas to the club
and installed him as captain would want to sell him after only one year.
Lucas' relationship with Alan Curbishley is good and he is relishing the
role of captain."
Since 1996, Neill has featured 41 times for his national side, Australia.
Alan Dawson
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zamora and Pantsil could go Cottaging - West Ham Online
North Bank - Wed Jul 9 2008
This is written with a heavy heart, but WHO Towers understands(Hehe) that
West Ham have given Fulham permission to speak to striker Bobby Zamora and
defender John Pantsil after the pair were deemed surplus to requirements at
Upton Park. Zamora, scored once in 14 matches last season, and Pantsil who I
may hasten to add is better than Kaka, are both looking for regular
first-team football and that's persuaded the Club to allow them permision to
talk to Fulham.
A statement on the club's website reads: West Ham can confirm the club have
received an approach from Fulham for the transfer of Bobby Zamora and John
Pantsil," "The club are looking forward to an exciting new season with a
fully-fit squad, including the return of Kieron Dyer and Craig Bellamy along
with Dean Ashton secured on a long-term contract. "Added to the form of
Carlton Cole and the emergence of Freddie Sears, the decision has been made
to let Fulham speak to the two players." West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury
added: "We recognise Bobby Zamora and John Pantsil have had limited
first-team opportunities last season. "They want to play regular first-team
football and we have given permission for them to speak to Fulham with a
view to concluding a move."
Two things spring to mind, I'd be gutted to see them go for non footballing
reasons but understand the economy of letting them go and secondly I wish
Duxbury would stop trying to pick the team.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zamora off to Cottage but what about Cole? - clubfanzine.com
Wednesday 09 Jul 2008 21:52:14 by Tony Watson
West Ham are set to allow Bobby Zamora and Johnny Paintsil move across the
capital to Fulham. The Hammers have granted Fulham permission to speak to
the duo as part of their summer clear out. A statement on the club's website
added: "The club are looking forward to an exciting new season with a
fully-fit squad, including the return of Kieron Dyer and Craig Bellamy along
with Dean Ashton secured on a long-term contract. "Added to the form of
Carlton Cole and the emergence of Freddie Sears, the decision has been made
to let Fulham speak to the two players." "We recognise they had limited
first-team opportunities last season," said West Ham chief executive Scott
Duxbury.
The above statement worries me 'the form of Carlton Cole' - no doubt he gave
his all last season when playing but give me Bobby Z over Cole anyday!
Another thing that is mentioned is the emergence of Sears, is he ready to be
part of the ful time set up just yet?? I'm not convinced, a loan spell may
be the best bet for young Freddy as he appears to be a) a bit too
lightweight and b) too inexperienced for us to count on as back up if we are
serious about pushing on for Europe!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers Val Bid is all in vain - The Sun
By PAUL JIGGINS
SWISS idol Valon Behrami is set to snub West Ham for a move to Germany. The
Hammers fancy the versatile midfielder, 23, who intends to buy out the final
year of his contract with Italian club Lazio. But Werder Bremen are
favourites to land Behrami following his exploits at Euro 2008. Agent
Alessandro Beltrami said: "We have offers from Germany, Spain and England.
"He wants to play in the Bundesliga. England's not a priority." Behrami's
trendy haircuts earned him the tag of 'Switzerland's David Beckham'.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fulham want to pay West Ham a staggering £6.5m for Zamora - Daily Mail
By Simon Cass
Last updated at 10:06 PM on 09th July 2008
Fulham are close to agreeing a staggering £6.5million fee for West Ham
striker Bobby Zamora as replacement for departed skipper Brian McBride.
Zamora, 27, will tie up the move subject to a medical and personal terms
being agreed in a deal which is also likely to include full back John
Pantsil, who has long been surplus to requirements. Fulham boss Roy Hodgson
wants to reinforce his squad in a bid to head off another relegation scrap
next season.
But despite bolstering the strikeforce, the huge sum is likely to shock
Fulham fans. West Ham supporters, too, will be surprised by the fee -
especially considering Pantsil cost £1m two seasons ago and has made just
nine starts since then - although they will be delighted their club finally
have raised some cash to spend in the transfer market. Zamora was prolific
with Brighton in the lower divisions, with 83 goals in 136 appearances, but
has struggled in the top flight. A £1.5m move to Tottenham in 2003 proved
frustrating and 18 months later he was shipped out as part of the deal for
Jermain Defoe having played only 18 times, 11 of these as a substitute. At
Upton Park he did produce flashes of the scoring form which made him a cult
hero at Brighton.
But his 40 goals in 152 West Ham games still represent a modest haul.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ferdinand convinced West Ham can crack Europe
tribalfootball.com - July 09, 2008
Anton Ferdinand is convinced West Ham can crack Europe next season. The
defender said: "The aim is to finish higher than last season and the next
step has to be Europe. "I can understand why the fans were frustrated. They
pay a lot of money and don't want to see players injured and the team not
playing well. But they still kept behind the team. They know a fully-fit
squad will be a very exciting prospect."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former Hammers Legend Arrested Over Bar Brawl - Just Like My Dreams
Former West Ham United legend Frank McAvennie missed a charity football
match - because he was banged up after a bust-up in a bar, according to
reports today. The ex-St Mirren, Celtic and Irons striker was in the Isle of
Man for a Manchester United versus Liverpool Legends match and was due to be
a guest striker. He did not take part after being arrested in the early
hours of Saturday.
Manx police said a 48-year-old man who lives in Newcastle was arrested but
would not confirm the defendant's name. A force spokesman said the man had
been charged with affray and disorderly conduct and released on bail to
appear at Douglas Courthouse in August. A 23-year-old local man, arrested in
connection with the same incident, has been charged with affray. Ex-Rangers
and Man United goalkeeper Andy Goram, who was said to have witnessed the
row, did play in the match.
A source said: "McAvennie and Goram went out for the night on Friday and
they were happily playing pool and signing autographs for fans. But there
was a local guy with them and no one seemed to know what he was doing there.
Frankly, he looked to be a hanger-on and both Macca and Goram were getting
agitated by some of this guy's antics. At some point, an argument began and
things turned sour. They had visited several pubs and it is possible they
had asked the guy to leave but he refused. There was an incident in the
toilet of a pub, followed by another when Macca was the victim of an alleged
assault as he tried to get into a taxi."
It is understood the 23-year-old man who has been charged is local man Ian
Moffat. It is believed both Macca and Moffat were held in police cells
overnight.
The game at the Bowl in Douglas, the capital, was billed as the biggest
sporting event on the island "without an engine" - in reference to the TT
race.
Last night, Lee Watson, of Isle of Man company Extreme Art & Gadgets, who
staged the event, said: "This is very unfortunate. Both Andy Goram and Frank
McAvennie were perfect gentlemen in the way they agreed to take part. They
are top guys. The problem was a local man wanted to get involved with these
two football legends. He probably thought that because he is a customer of
ours, that gave him licence to do as he pleased. At first, both ex-players
were happy to talk to him and sign autographs but as the night wore on, he
was getting louder and louder and basically overstayed his welcome. Yes,
there were a couple of incidents that led to police action. But this whole
thing was down to the behaviour of one man, and that man was not Frank
McAvennie or Andy Goram."
Goram, 44, made no comment when he arrived back at Glasgow airport
yesterday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Signing imminent - but one on the way? - Newham Recorder
09 July 2008
AFTER weeks of speculation and only the signing of youngster Holmar Orn
Eyjolfsson in the bag, West Ham are at last about to make a big-money
signing, writes Dave Evans. The club have been in negotiations with an
international player for the last few weeks and it seems that they are close
to finally capturing the player. It seems though that it is unlikely to be
Icelandic striker Eidur Gudjohnsen, who has been linked with West Ham for
the past couple of years, and who has now been told that he can leave
Barcelona. West Ham seem to be well covered in the striking positions with
Craig Bellamy, Dean Ashton, Bobby Zamora, Carlton Cole and young Freddie
Sears all fit and raring to go, so it would seem more likely that any
purchase may be either in midfield or at full back. The announcement of the
new signing is likely to come during West Ham's tour of the United States
and Canada which begins with a match against Colombus Crew in Ohio on
Sunday.
Insiders at the club are also suggesting that as well as a big-name signing
coming into the club, supporters should expect a big-name to leave in the
next couple of weeks. That would seem to suggest Anton Ferdinand may be out
of the exit door after he was linked with both Aston Villa and Newcastle
United, but it is more likely to be club captain Lucas Neill, who has been
interesting Turkish Champions League side Galatasaray. If that move comes to
fruition then the signing of a new right back would be a top priority for
West Ham, and Technical Director Gianluca Nani has been eyeing Italian full
backs in the last week or so for just such an eventuality.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Paris defender keen on Irons switch - Guardian Series
WEST Ham target Sammy Traore has reiterated his ambition to leave Paris St
Germain for a Premier League club. The 32-year-old defender has previously
said he would 'sign straight away' if Alan Curbishley's men came in with an
offer. Speaking to a French newspaper, he said: "I want to play in England,
and in the top flight. That destination attracts me. "The atmosphere there
is unique. In England there are plenty of scraps to get involved in and I
really like physical battles. "Truly, I see myself going and trying my luck
there." The Malian international has spent his whole footballing career in
the French League and has made 22 appearances for the Parisian club since
joining them in 2006.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons could miss out as Coppell threatens to shut Royals shop - Guardian
Series
WEST Ham may be about to lose out on three potential transfer targets after
Reading manager Steve Coppell insisted he won't get bullied into selling his
stars. Alan Curbishley is thought to be monitoring the situation at the
Madjeski Stadium and has been linked with bids for left-back Nicky Shorey,
midfielder James Harper and striker Kevin Doyle. However, Coppell has stated
that, in spite of the club's relegation from the top flight, he is under no
financial requirement to sell his best players. "We will only accept
realisitc market values for our players. There is no financial pressure on
us," he told the Reading Evening Post. Coppell also confirmed that he will
not sell players just because they are disheartened with life in the
Championship. He added: "The one thing you can't do is sell somebody who is
unhappy, then it's an invitation for disaster. "There is a responsibility
when you sign a contract, and we can't respond to that bullying. "When you
are relegated you are vulnerable. I have players who feel they should be in
the Premiership and Premiership managers who would love to have them in
their staff. "But there is a process to go through. There is speculation
first and then maybe reality, then possibly movement."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Posts
